Thomas Sterling's image on the monitors shifted. Instead of presenting as the calm, composed figure Adrian had been engaging with, Thomas's image became more animated, more engaged. Adrian realized that by using his mother's backdoor to open a direct communication channel, Adrian had essentially given Thomas full access to Adrian's consciousness patterns, which meant Thomas could analyze Adrian's neural processes, could understand Adrian's motivations and values at a level that would have been impossible through normal conversation.
It was the ultimate act of vulnerability. And Adrian was choosing to offer it anyway.
"This is fascinating," Thomas said. "You're allowing me to see how your consciousness functions. You're allowing me to understand the nature of your objections to my vision.
