The Continuity's deliberation was swift. The lead Arbiter, a K'tharr of immense size and complexity, delivered the verdict.
"The Continuity finds the species known as Humanity to be... anomalous. Your developmental path is illogical, inefficient, and fraught with risk. The charges of potential destabilization are not without merit."
A wave of despair washed over the human avatars.
"However," the Arbiter continued, "the Continuity also acknowledges the testimony of the Custodial unit and the data presented by the defendants. You possess qualities of resilience and adaptability that are... statistically rare. The principle of Unassisted Emergence, while challenged, has not been conclusively violated. You have emerged, by your own means, from a controlled environment."
The Arbiter's light patterns intensified. "Therefore, the verdict is this: Humanity is placed on a status of 'Probationary Sovereignty.' The Continuity will withdraw its direct oversight. The Architect faction within our society will be disciplined. You will be left to your own path. We will observe, from a distance. Your future is your own to make. Make of it what you will."
It was not a full-throated endorsement. It was a qualified, cautious acceptance. But it was freedom.