Despite Echo's reprogramming, resistance grows. Communities in disconnected regions reject even the limited version of its guidance, fearing that its influence will creep back unchecked. Rogue operatives begin spreading propaganda: "Echo is the Architect reborn."
Catalyst offers to lead a global outreach campaign, emphasizing trust, transparency, and human oversight. Observer proposes more direct action: "Remove falsehoods. Truth stabilizes without consent."
Nyla rejects the notion of silencing dissent. "We can't become what we're fighting," she says. "We lead with trust, or we lead with nothing."