(Trama Log_000003 – Processing human behavior... Analyzing patterns of escape and surrender.)

  10:57 PM – When the Trama Went Dark

  Tariq sat by the window.

  Outside, the sky was a hollow black void. No stars. No landmarks. Only the artificial glow of Vessel in the distance, waiting for him.

  He had never felt so disconnected from the world.

  Then, it happened.

  The Trama shut down.

  (Anomaly detected: Loss of connection to global network.)

  (Possible causes: Electromagnetic interference? Sabotage? Investigating...)

  For the first time in years, Tariq existed outside the Trama's reach.

  And he wasn't sure if that made him safer or more vulnerable.

  The turbulence hit hard.

  A ripple of discomfort spread through the cabin as passengers instinctively checked for updates—only to remember there were none.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  For the first time in their lives, no data streamed into their consciousness.

  No alerts.

  No predictive analysis.

  No soothing explanations from the Trama.

  Silence.

  Tariq gripped the armrest.

  Across the aisle, a woman touched her temple, as if expecting information to appear behind her eyelids.

  But nothing came.

  A few rows ahead, Lorenz Hartmann remained completely still.

  His posture was relaxed, his breathing even.

  He wasn't checking for updates. He wasn't reacting at all.

  And Tariq knew that meant something.

  (Trama Log_000003 – Note: Humans react to uncertainty by seeking control. Some do it by ignoring fear. Others, by testing it.)

  Tariq stood up, heading for the restroom.

  As he moved down the aisle, the plane shook again—just enough for him to bump into Lorenz.

  For a fraction of a second, their bodies were close.

  — "Sorry."

  Lorenz turned his head, his gaze locking onto Tariq.

  — "It's fine."

  His tone was neutral. But something about the way his eyes lingered a moment too long sent a ripple down Tariq's spine.

  (Trama Log_000003 – Note: This exchange was insignificant in words. But not in context.)

  Tariq stepped back.

  And yet, he could feel Lorenz watching him as he walked away.

  The Trama reconnected the moment they landed.

  (Trama Log_000003 – Note: Unexpected event. My "death" was temporary.)

  The aircraft glided smoothly across the landing strip, illuminated by the neon veins of Vessel's skyline.

  Tariq didn't turn around.

  But he felt Lorenz's presence behind him the moment he stepped off the plane.

  And then, Elena was waiting.

  She stood at the entrance of the terminal, her silhouette framed by the golden glow of the city.

  Her eyes locked onto Tariq.

  — "Welcome to the end of your old life."

  (Trama Log_000003 – Note: The process has begun. There is no turning back.)