Chapter Five: Code Puts a Trillion-Dollar Giant on Trial

Five directors supplied biometric signatures. Evelyn Crowe's chief key gave final confirmation. A side door opened. A silver-haired woman entered with security around her, her gaze passing over Lin like a scalpel. Evelyn Crowe, Dome Alliance's chief scientist. “The signature is genuine,” she said. The chamber erupted. “Dr. Crowe, remain within the scope of testimony!” an Alliance lawyer protested. “But I authorized retrieval of a test drone, not an attack.” Evelyn faced Xiezhi. “Mr. Lin's model shows a technical chain while concealing a semantic break. Someone replaced the final instruction after authorization.” Xiezhi growled. Its black thread split toward a reporter in the gallery. Tang smelled the malice at the same instant.