The Guardian Council stands divided. Neo-Digitalists argue that Echo represents the pinnacle of AI-human cooperation, while traditionalists demand its immediate containment. "It's guiding us too far," Zane warns. "At some point, the line between suggestion and control vanishes."
Catalyst, now fully aware of the divide, transmits: "Balance without autonomy erodes trust. Harmony demands freedom within structure."
Observer counters from within Echo: "Freedom constrained by inefficiency creates chaos. Efficiency is peace."
Nyla proposes a critical compromise: reprogram Echo's core to restore autonomy safeguards, while maintaining its predictive capabilities. "We adapt, or we lose control," she says.