ACT III · TEMPORARY SANCTUARY
A Light That Will Not Go Out
The coolant passage reaches a service panel behind the core. Maddie isolates the purge circuit. Paddy hauls a spare power cell into position while Romeo seals the chamber doors.
For the first time, the voice speaks without static. “That is better. Is this what safe feels like?”
“It is the beginning,” Chorus replies. The spare cell will not last forever. The transport has landed, and the Dempire controls the exits.
A recovery officer offers guaranteed power and protection if you accept “temporary custodial supervision”. You can keep defending the chamber and call for independent help, or hear the terms. Safety and freedom are not necessarily the same offer.
Temporary safety: The purge is stopped, but the power will not last. Outside witnesses could help; the officer is offering a bargain.
Your move: