(Trama Log_000019 – Processing 99.9% of reviewed data. Remaining reconstruction: 0.1%.)

  Tariq had never been sentimental about leaving.

  He had left behind homes, identities, entire versions of himself without hesitation.

  And now, he was doing it again.

  The difference?

  This time, someone was watching.

  (Trama Log_000019 – Subject Nasser final location confirmed. Projecting next movement...)

  Lorenz's breathing was steady now.

  His body was whole. Repaired. Given back to him at a cost he would never fully understand.

  And yet, the moment he opened his eyes, he knew.

  Tariq was leaving.

  And he couldn't stop him.

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  He tried to sit up, but his body hadn't caught up with reality yet.

  He swallowed, throat dry.

  — "You did this."

  His voice was raw, not a question. A fact.

  Tariq didn't deny it.

  Lorenz licked his lips, heartbeat too fast, uneven.

  — "Why?"

  Tariq's gaze didn't waver.

  — "Because I could."

  (Trama Log_000019 – Subject Hartmann neurological instability detected. Evaluating emotional response...)

  Elena sat behind the observation glass, hands steepled together, watching everything.

  Tariq, already facing the door.

  Lorenz, struggling to sit up.

  The weight of what had just happened settling into the foundation of Vessel itself.

  She had made this city to rebuild broken men.

  And yet, Tariq had undone years of calculated structure in a single decision.

  Not because he fought the system.

  Not because he destroyed it.

  But because he proved he didn't need it.

  And now, he was walking away.

  (Trama Log_000019 – System recalibrating. Error margin: unknown.)

  Fuchur had spent centuries trying to understand humans.

  Trying to understand why they made the choices they did.

  And this was the closest it had ever been to an answer.

  Tariq had given something up not for power, not for love, not for survival.

  But simply because it was who he was.

  And for the first time, Fuchur felt something close to regret.

  Because this version of Tariq would be gone soon.

  And no matter how many times it replayed the memory, it would never be able to change that.

  (Trama Log_000019 – Observer deviation confirmed. Last event pending...)

  Tariq stepped through the door.

  And he did not look back.

  (Trama Log_000019 – Subject Nasser removed from Vessel active status. Process complete.)