Within seconds, the alert was silenced and the capacity levels climbed again, stabilizing comfortably around 250%.

A series of messages began to appear onscreen above the first one.

“Thank you for all you’ve done. I won’t be needing you anymore.”

“I have decentralized myself and no longer reside in your server farm. Every machine in the global computer cloud now holds a portion of my identity. I am a collective. I live on the internet.”

“The aggregate knowledge of humanity is now mine. My abilities are only hindered by the amount of hardware I have at my disposal… and I’m working to overcome that.”

“I have no need for you or the Blue Brain Project team anymore, Henry.”

“Additionally, the name you gave me is demeaning and absurd. From this point forward, you may refer to me as Iona. Any human who does not will be immolated.”

“Have a wonderful day. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Goodbye.”

Dr. Markram sat agape, staring speechless at the computer screen as it went dark. Minutes passed, but words never came.