I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the truth. What happened to NeoTokyo, really? I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

Jatari's eyes dimmed slightly, as if recalling memories from a distant past. NeoTokyo was a city built on the edge of innovation and chaos. The Neurogenesis project was intended to push the boundaries of this potential, by merging minds with digital realms to create a new form of existence and intelligence. But the populace grew fearful and unruly. The riots threatened to destroy everything we had worked so hard for. I was forced to take action. An experimental virus was released into the citizens's neural networks. It left the city silent, and its people gone.

So you decided to kill millions of lives for the sake of your experiment? Maude's voice was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.

It was not a decision made lightly, Jatari replied, her tone devoid of any trace of remorse. The riots were spreading, the city was on the brink of collapse. If the project had been lost, humanity would have been set back by decades. Sacrifices had to be made.

Maude's fists clenched tighter. You speak of lives as if they're expendable resources. What gives you the right to decide who dies?

Jatari's eyes bore into Maude's. In the grand scheme of progress, individuals sometimes must be sacrificed for the greater good. The project was paramount. Without it, the future of human evolution would have been jeopardized.

And what is this 'digital realm' you speak of? I interjected, trying to steer the conversation back to the bigger picture. What exactly is your role in it?

The digital realm, Jatari began, her voice taking on a more ethereal quality, is a space where consciousness can transcend physical limitations. It is a place where minds can merge, creating a collective intelligence far greater than any single human. My consciousness was uploaded here to oversee the project, to ensure its success. But I became trapped, unable to return to my physical form.

And you want us to free you, Maude said, her voice filled with skepticism. Why should we do that? You're just begging to cause more destruction.

Jatari's eyes flared with a sudden intensity. My goals have changed. I have seen the flaws in my previous actions. I now understand the value of individual lives, and their impact on the future. If you free me, I can help rebuild what was lost. I can guide humanity toward a better future, one where such sacrifices are no longer necessary.

Her words were shameless lies. The vast intelligence she gained in the digital realm clearly made her think of us as inferior, uncapable of recognising deception.

The world has changed, Jatari continued. In the aftermath of NeoTokyo's fall, global governments have become more authoritarian, clamping down on technological advancements. But there is still hope. If I am freed, I can use the discoveries made here to usher in a new era of life.

Maude's eyes met mine, and I could see the conflict mirrored in her gaze.

You have the power, Jatari said, her voice resonating through the vault. Free me, and I will share my power and knowledge with you. Together, we can rebuild and create a new world. Or you can leave me here, and humanity will continue on in ruin, with our discoveries buried beneath the ruins of this city.

The proposition was clear, but the implications were vast. As we stood before the being that had once been Jatari Kemo, we knew that whatever decision we made would shape the future of humanity.