The vibration from the base layer did not spread like ordinary waves. It pressed inward, as if the entire system had taken a breath and held it for far too long.
Sophia stood motionless, her eyes locked on the point they had just touched, sensing something different from all the reactions before.
"This is not a response," she said softly. "This is a decision."
Beside her, Adrian Blackwood narrowed his eyes. "The system is choosing."
Daniel stared at the screen, holding his breath. "Our command has been entered," he said. "But it is not fully active yet."
Leonard Graves's voice came through the comms, low and deep. "What is it waiting for."
Sophia did not answer immediately. She observed the layer more deeply, trying to read the invisible direction. "Integration," she said finally. "The command must merge with the foundation."
Silence fell.
But this time, it did not feel empty.
It was like the pause before something immense occurred.
