Wednesday, 2:30 PM (Local Time). Location Zero.

The Atlantic Ocean was calm today, a flat sheet of turquoise glass stretching to the horizon. But inside the white concrete walls of The Sanctuary, the air was suffocating.

Sophia sat in the common room a sterile, high-end lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of her prison. She was wearing the facility's uniform: loose white linen pants and a matching tunic. No shoes.

She was curled up on a beige sofa, her eyes glued to the large wall-mounted television.

It was the only channel allowed: Global News.

On the screen, the chaos of New York City played out in high...