More unstable.
Closer to rupture.
Gabriel’s face is pale as he studies the terminal.
“The coolant rods have to be manually realigned.”
Russ checks the timer.
00:03:02
Three minutes.
Clay steps directly in front of me.
“I’ll do it.”
“No,” Gabriel snaps immediately.
“The system’s damaged. Whoever goes down there needs reactor access knowledge.”
My stomach drops.
Because I understand now.
The layout.
The override sequence.
The emergency stabilizers.
Memory kept pieces buried inside me for years.
But Ascension trained me to survive this place.
Wu smiles weakly from the floor through blood and pain.
“She finally understands her purpose.”
I turn toward him slowly.
“No.”
A step closer.
“I’m ending yours.”
The reactor chamber trembles again.
Hard enough now the railing splits near the lower access platform.
Gabriel’s voice sharpens:
“Hannah, listen to me carefully.”
He pulls up the failing reactor schematics.
“The manual stabilizer must be engaged in this order—”
