The bunker suddenly booms violently somewhere beneath the floor.
A deeper sound this time.
The reactor core destabilizing.
Steam erupts from vents down the corridor.
Emergency systems failing fast now.
Wu’s voice returns softer than before.
Almost disappointed.
“You could have ruled beside me, Hannah.”
I physically feel her anger beside me.
“No.”
A pause.
“You wanted control. Not salvation.”
Wu’s calm slips for the first time.
Barely.
But enough.
“You misunderstand humanity.”
“No,” Hannah whispers.
“You do.”
Silence.
Then—
“All emotional systems eventually collapse.”
The teenage girl suddenly speaks toward the speakers.
Quiet but firm.
“You lied to us.”
Everything stops.
Wu goes silent.
Completely silent.
The girl’s hands tremble around her rifle now.
But she keeps going.
“You said nobody would come for us.”
