The Ghost in the Machine's Eye

Previously

…Detective Rossi approached me, her skepticism replaced by a steely resolve. “Wang,” she said, her voice low, “you’ve just started a war. But for the first time, I believe you.” I managed a weary smile. “It’s been a long war, Detective. But I think, finally, I’ve found my checkmate.” The fight wasn’t over, not entirely. But the machine had been challenged, its eye had been met, and the ghost was beginning to fade, revealing the truth in the stark, unforgiving light of day. The long, dark night of manipulation was finally giving way to the dawn of my reclaimed reality.