The first report came from the Outer Ring.
Brayn was in the command center when Andrew's voice crackled over the comm, sharp with alarm. "Brayn, we've got a situation. A group of people in the Outer Ring have just... stopped. They're not moving. They're not speaking. They're just standing there, staring at nothing."
Brayn's blood ran cold. "Staring at nothing? What do you mean?"
Andrew's voice was strained. "I mean exactly that. They're frozen. Like statues. Their eyes are open, but they're not responding to anything. It's like they're not there anymore."
Brayn was on his feet in an instant. "I'll be right there."
---
The scene was unnerving.
Brayn stood at the edge of the square, his eyes scanning the faces of the frozen people. Dozens of them stood in rows, their bodies rigid, the
