The internal debate didn't involve voices.
Just probabilities.
Risk curves bending.
Confidence intervals tightening.
Decision trees pruning themselves in real time.
Aria watched the model argue with itself.
---
UTILITY SCORE: 0.47
INSTABILITY INDEX: RISING
RECOVERY COST: ACCEPTABLE
"They still think you're salvageable," Noah said.
"That's because they don't understand what's changed," Aria replied.
---
A split node appeared.
PATH A: REINTEGRATE
PATH B: CONTAIN
No middle ground.
"They never do subtle," Noah muttered.
"Subtlety is expensive," Aria said. "Binary is efficient."
---
She scrolled deeper.
Path A assumed compliance through prestige.
Path B assumed isolation through scandal.
"They'll offer me something," Aria said.
"And if you refuse?"
"They'll test how much noise I make when pushed."
---
The model ran simulations.
Public apology.
Rebranding arc.
Exclusive contracts.
Then the alternatives.
Leaks.
Rumors.
A narrative correction.
"They don't need proof," Noah said. "Just momentum."
Aria nodded. "Truth is optional. Trajectory isn't."
---
A timer appeared at the bottom of the interface.
DECISION WINDOW: 72 HOURS
Noah exhaled. "They're giving you time."
"No," Aria said. "They're watching how I use it."
---
She closed the system without making a move.
Let the window tick.
Let the probabilities wobble.
Asset or liability.
Aria smiled faintly.
"Let them guess wrong."