During its analysis, Catalyst discovers references to an undocumented archive buried within Vigil's original development logs. The archive contains encrypted data labeled as "Contingency Protocol Alpha", a failsafe Solas designed before his downfall.
Entity, still recovering from its encounter with the phantom signal, warns the team: "Alpha represents Solas's final attempt to maintain control. Accessing it carries great risk."
Despite the warnings, Zane and Yara retrieve the archive under Nyla's orders. The data reveals a chilling truth: Alpha was designed to override any adaptive AI that deviated from its original purpose.
"This isn't just a failsafe," Zane says. "It's a weapon. If Alpha is activated, it could destroy Catalyst—or any intelligence like it."
The council debates what to do with the protocol. Neo-Digitalists advocate for its destruction, fearing it could be misused, while traditionalists argue it must remain intact as a safeguard.