Page 39 of Alien Hunter's Prize

I analyzed the energy cycle patterns I'd glimpsed through the terminal interface, calculating the likely duration of the disruption.

"Twelve seconds," I estimated, the number feeling terrifyingly small. "Maybe fifteen, if the stones resonate strongly enough. That's the window. I have to initiate the full counter-harmonic sequence within that time, before the feedback loop re-establishes itself."

Iros nodded grimly, accepting the near-impossible timeline.

"Nirako, Pravoka," he called back to the Aerie warriors. "We have a plan. We need to place these resonance stones," he indicated the three points I had identified along the overloaded conduit. "It will require speed and precise timing. You will assist me. The heat will be intense; use your protective gear to its fullest."

The two Aerie Kin exchanged glances, then nodded their assent without hesitation. Their fear was palpable, but their loyalty, their determination to save their home, overrode it.

"While we place the stones," Iros continued, turning back to me, his voice low but intense, "you must be ready at the core interface. The moment the harmonic field engages—you will feel it, the dissonance will lessen fractionally—you must initiate the sequence immediately. There will be no second chance."

"I understand," I said, my throat tight. Twelve seconds to input a complex harmonic sequence while interfacing with a catastrophically failing, potentially hostile ancient technology.

"Jen," Iros stepped closer, his hands finding my shoulders, his golden eyes boring into mine. The heat coming from the core chamber washed over us, but all I felt was the intensity of his gaze, the strength in his grip. "Focus on the harmony. Visualize the stable pattern. I will create the window for you. Do not hesitate."

"I won't," I promised, drawing strength from his certainty, his absolute trust in me.

He searched my face for another long moment, a universe of unspoken emotion passing between us—fear for my safety, fierce pride, unwavering commitment, and the deep connection forged in intimacy and shared danger. Then, he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine, a hard, brief kiss that conveyed everything words could not. It tasted of desperation, determination, and a promise of 'later' that both of us desperately needed to believe in.

"Harmony," he murmured against my lips, then stepped back, his expression settling into the focused mask of a warrior preparing for battle.

He turned to Nirako and Pravoka, quickly distributing the harmony stones, issuing final instructions. I took several deep breaths, centering myself, pushing down the fear, focusing my mind on the counter-harmonic sequence, visualizing the flowing blue-green patterns of stability. I approached the core interface platform, the heat intensifying with every step, the roar of power deafening.

The crystalline hemisphere pulsed with angry red light, radiating waves of chaotic energy that buffeted my senses, making my markings burn. This was it. The heart of the storm.

I looked back towards Iros and the others as they moved cautiously towards the overloaded conduit, crystals held ready. I saw Iros glance back at me one last time, his golden eyes meeting mine across the chaotic chamber. A silent message—Now.

Taking one final, shuddering breath, I placed my hands firmly on the cool surface of the core interface.

IROS

Entering the core chamber approach, the heat slammed into me like a physical blow, pressing against the protective gear, searing my exposed skin. The roar of uncontrolled energy filled the vast space, a deafening cacophony that vibrated through the floor and deep into my bones, making my lifelines protest against the dissonance. Before us, the fractured crystalline heart of the ancient machine pulsed with angry, unstable red light, suspended in a web of conduits, one of which—the primary feeder—glowed cherry-red, visibly strained, threatening rupture.

Beside me, Nirako and Pravoka stood ready, their faces grim but resolute. We each held two harmony stones retrieved from the Crystal Depths, their cool surfaces contrasting with the oppressive heat of the chamber. Their gentle hum felt pitifully small against the failing core's raging power.

My gaze locked onto Jen. She stood poised before the core interface platform, a small, determined figure facing the heart of the storm. Her back was to me, but I sensed her fear overlaid with fierce concentration. Her markings glowed with a steady silver light, already resonating with the ambient energy, preparing for the immense task ahead. The memory of thenight before—her warmth, her scent, her body yielding beneath mine—flashed through my mind, a stark counterpoint to this moment of extreme peril. The need to protect her warred with the knowledge that only she could do this, that I had to trust her, enable her, even if it meant exposing her to unimaginable danger.

"The placement must be simultaneous," I reminded Nirako and Pravoka, pitching my voice low but sharp to cut through the roar. I pointed to the three critical junctions Jen had identified along the overloaded conduit—points where the chaotic energy feedback seemed most concentrated. "Two stones at each point. The moment they are placed, the harmonic field should engage, creating the window Jen needs. We hold position only as long as necessary to ensure placement, then withdraw immediately. The energy backlash when the core stabilizes could be... significant."

They both gave curt nods, their eyes fixed on the glowing conduit, assessing the risks. The heat radiating from it was intense enough to make the air shimmer. Approaching it, let alone touching the junctions to place the crystals, would require immense fortitude and would undoubtedly cause burns despite our protective gear.

"Jen," I called, ensuring I had her attention before we moved.

She turned slightly, her profile illuminated by the core's angry red glow. Her eyes met mine, wide but focused. I sensed her readiness, her fear held tightly in check by sheer force of will.

"We move now," I said. "Be ready."

She nodded once, then turned back to the interface, placing her hands lightly on the crystalline hemisphere, bracing herself.

"Now!" I commanded Nirako and Pravoka.

We moved as one, darting forward into the oppressive heat radiating from the conduit. Speed and precision were essential. We reached the first designated junction point. The metal casing of the conduit glowed, radiating heat that scorched through mygloves even before direct contact. Ignoring the searing pain, Nirako and I slammed our harmony stones against the junction point simultaneously.

A brief, intense pulse of pure, cool energy flowed from the crystals, creating a localized field of shimmering blue light that pushed back against the conduit's angry red glow. The discordant hum lessened fractionally in this immediate area.

"Next point!" I yelled, moving quickly along the conduit's length, ignoring the pain blossoming in my hands.

Pravoka met me at the second junction. Again, we placed the stones simultaneously. Another pulse of blue light, another localized dampening of the chaotic energy. The air around the conduit seemed to stabilize slightly, the violent energy fluctuations momentarily smoothed by the crystals' harmonizing influence.

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