THE MASTER'S OFFER
The question lingered in the cold air like frost on a windowpane, refusing to melt. James stood frozen, his weapon still raised, his mind churning through the implications of what the Master had just asked. *Have you asked them what they want?* The words cut deeper than any blade, exposing a truth he had been avoiding for years. "I've given them a choice," James said, his voice steady despite the tremor in his chest. "I've freed them from the programming. I've given them the chance to live normal lives." The Master's smile was gentle, almost sad. "You've given them the chance to live the lives you think they should live. But have you ever asked them what they truly desire? Have you ever considered that their enhanced minds might crave something beyond the ordinary?" Harper stepped forw
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