Ethan leaned his head against the headrest, staring into the distance with eyes that felt heavier than they had in years. The silence of the cabin was absolute, until a voice vibrated directly within his mind.
[ Sometimes, the true weight of power is not the lives you take, but the space you create between yourself and the rest of the world, ] Crul said.
Ethan's eyes flickered with surprise. Unlike his previous AI, which had been a constant, buzzing irritation of commentary and sarcasm, Crul was a silent sentinel. She rarely spoke unless prompted.
"You're becoming philosophical, Crul," Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the tires.
