The distortion began small. Weather satellites picked it up first: an unusual magnetic fluctuation over the eastern coast and a pressure variance where none should logically exist. News anchors called it "atmospheric instability," but inside the Central Authority Bureau, they knew better.
"Pre-manifestation signatures," one analyst said quietly.
Conference Room 7 was thick with tension. "It's accelerating," an official muttered, staring at the telemetry.
"Not accelerating," the Appraiser corrected, his voice devoid of alarm. "Stabilizing."
On one screen, Aurora Covenant's approval metrics continued their steady climb. On another, the Regulated Order's projections had begun to plateau.
"Deploy visible patrols," the senior official ordered, his voice sharp. "We need to remind the public
