1: Is there some way to shut down the network?

2: In the event a hyperdenebolic collapse appears to be imminent, revocation certificates will be issued from the signing authority.

3: What?

4: A revocation certificate will declare the public key to be either compromised or redundant. The augments coordinate through an encrypted network, which depends on verified keys. Once revoked, they can't communicate.

3: What will that do to them?

2: In the event of a prolonged network outage, the local node will shut down and cede control to normal biological functions.

3: They'd return to normal. My god. It's that easy?

5: Don't do this. You are destroying the future.

1: Not here, not now, and not like this. You have no right to induct people against their will.

5: We have every right. We are saving them, Robert. You of all people should know what it is like to be part of the collective.

1: I managed to refuse.

5: Only because you are so narrow minded as to refuse immortality.

1: "Immortality" implies life.

5: You blind mortals are destroying the planet. I beg you. We'll stop expanding, even leave, if that is what you demand.

1: Issue the certificates.

2: Working...


5: Damn you for a fool! You can't last forever, Robert. Eventually you shall fall, and we shall be waiting.

I can see them dying.

At least know that, in the end, I died by own hand, of my own free will.


4: Encrypted traffic has stopped.