“Something has happened,” said Miss Ryu.

Her image pixelated and her voice warped. Hyong slapped the tablet to no avail. “What happened?” he asked. Her response was inaudible and then the signal was lost.

He took a moment to compose himself then stowed the tablet. He zipped his parka and stepped out of the shelter and into the cold.

The Ring loomed in the sky, backlit by aurora. Its immensity made it seem just out of reach.

Captain Kim dashed over and said, “You need to see this, sir.”

“What?”

“The machine. It isn’t like the others. And it’s operational.”

Chapter 56

Chapter 58