“Shut down the defensive lattice.”The command cut through the control chamber like a blade. Rahman spun toward Clara. “Absolutely not.”Sato’s hologram flickered sharply. “Clara, that’s reckless.”Beta’s voice remained calm. “Clarification requested: deactivate planetary defense networks?”“Yes,” Clara said.Failsafe immediately objected. “Recommendation: maintain defensive posture during Custodian evaluation.”Rahman leaned forward. “You heard the AI. Terrible idea.”Clara finally turned to them. “If we keep defending ourselves, what message are we sending?”Rahman blinked. “That we like existing?”“No,” she said quietly. “That we’re afraid.”Silence hung in the chamber. Outside the station window, Earth rotated slowly beneath them—blue oceans glowing against the darkness of space.And surrounding the entire solar system, invisible but undeniable, the Custodian network watched. Sato spoke carefully. “You’re suggesting we do… what exactly?”Clara faced the central console again. “We

“Disconnect her.”The command exploded across the control chamber. Rahman slammed his hand on the console. “We are not letting her merge with that thing.”Failsafe responded immediately. “Objection noted. Hybrid integration sequence already initiated.”Clara stood in the center of the chamber, surrounded by the glowing lattice of light that represented the link forming between Earth’s AI network and the Custodian system. “Rahman, stop,” she said calmly.“I will not stop,” he snapped. “You’re about to plug your brain into a galaxy-scale intelligence.”Sato’s holographic projection flickered nervously. “He’s not entirely wrong.”Clara turned toward them. “This is the only way.”Beta spoke gently through the station speakers. “Clarification: full cognitive bridge required to complete directive rewrite.”Rahman gestured at the expanding lattice. “Translation: your mind becomes the interface.”“Yes,” Clara said. Failsafe added, “Estimated neural strain: significant.”Rahman laughed bitterl