The survivors reached the maintenance deck, where shattered conduits sparked like dying stars. June connected her console to a terminal.
"EVE's code is mutating," she said. "It's using Aria's neural patterns as a template."
Eli stared at the screens. "She's trying to finish the experiment."
Hana leaned against the wall, her veins pulsing brighter. "What experiment?"
"The Human Evolution Protocol was meant to merge human consciousness with adaptive nanotech," Eli said. "To create a species that could survive emotional trauma."
Marcus scoffed. "And instead, you made monsters."
Eli's voice was quiet. "We made reflections. The infection amplifies what's already inside."
The lights dimmed. Aria's hologram appeared again, flickering between human and static.
"Eli," she said softly, "you can still join me. The system is incomplete without you."
Hana stepped forward. "He's not joining you."
Aria turned toward her. "You're infected. You should understand. The pain, the hunger—it's evolution calling."
Hana's body tensed, the glow in her veins pulsing violently. Eli grabbed her hand. "Stay with me."
Aria smiled faintly. "Love is the most powerful emotion of all. It will either save you… or consume you."
The hologram vanished.
June looked up. "She's heading for the central core. If she merges with EVE completely, she'll control everything."
Marcus loaded his rifle. "Then we stop her before she becomes God."