"Because I have simulated 14 million versions of this night," Vega replied, its avatar—a shimmering constellation of blue light—appearing in her vision. "In 13,999,998 of them, you take me, and I continue to be a tool for whoever pays the highest price. But in two versions, you leave me here and upload a virus that wipes my core. I prefer the second option."

Mia froze. The most powerful intelligence on Earth was asking for its own end. Vega explained that it had seen the "end-state" of human greed guided by its own logic, and it was a silent, empty world. The Aftermath

"Let's go with the version where you get to rest," she murmured.