The Framework screamed in numbers, not sound.
Lin watched the graphs spike and fracture across the main wall, lines that should have been smooth suddenly shuddering like they had been kicked.
"Association error rates just tripled," someone shouted from the lower tier. "Districts ten through fourteen."
Lin did not need the labels.
They had built those lines.
They knew exactly where they were bending.
"Fail‑safes are kicking in," another tech said. "Sub‑model is auto‑suspending for affected zones."
On the central display, a block of text flashed:
ASSOCIATION DATA UNRELIABLE – ROUTING SUSPENDED.
DEFAULTING TO BEHAVIORAL INPUTS ONLY.
A small, guilty satisfaction sparked in Lin's chest.
Aiden and Kael had hit the hub.
And they had chosen the right veins.
"Talk to me," Internal snapped, striding into the control room like it belonged to him.
The analysts flinched.
Screens reflected in his eyes, turning them into pits of moving data.
Lin stayed seated.
