Security stopped Depth before complete dissolution occurred. Restrained him. Prevented further damage. The plural consciousness survived—barely—but was traumatized beyond what healing could address. Would require centuries of recovery. Would never fully restore.
Depth was brought before singular council. Wonder, now eighty-four years old, presided. Echo attended as witness. All four million singulars watched remotely, horror pervading their community.
"Why?" Wonder asked simply. "Why did you attack instead of heal? Why did you use your power destructively? Why did you betray everything we built?"
