Page 20 of Nebula Hearts
“Agreed.”
More silence.
“Although,” I say. “I did notice your markings stabilized while you were sleeping. They haven’t been that calm since before the ruins.”
“I noticed that as well.”
“Which might be significant. Scientifically.”
“It might.”
We look at each other. Both thinking the same thing. Both not saying it.
Finally, Tynrax stands. “We should prepare. Gather the equipment. Attempt the repair.”
“Right. Yes. And hope that nothing else happens.” I stand too. “It’s all we’ve got.”
TYNRAX
We set up two kilometers from the ruins. That puts us one and a half kilometers past the relay station, as far as we can get while still having access to the equipment. The equipment sprawls across portable tables. Power conduits. Diagnostic scanners. Fabrication tools. Everything we need to repair the coupling system.
Everything except certainty that I can maintain control long enough to complete the work.
“Ready?” Aris asks. She’s standing next to me, scanner in hand. Watching me instead of the equipment.
“As ready as I’ll be.”
I can already feel the pull. Faint but present. Like a frequency just at the edge of hearing that grows louder the more I focus on it.
“Talk to me if you start feeling it,” Aris says. “Don’t wait until it’s bad. Tell me immediately.”
“I will.”
“Promise me.”
I look at her. She’s serious. Eyes locked on mine. Determined. “I promise.”
She nods. Steps back to give me space. “Okay. Let’s see if distance helps.”
I focused on the relay diagnostics, pulling up the schematics on my datapad. The primary coupling needs complete replacement. Secondary coupling requires reinforcement. Three support struts need stabilization before we can safely channel power through the system.
Standard repair work. I’ve done more complex tasks in worse conditions.
But never while fighting an amplification field that wants to tear my consciousness apart.
I start with the diagnostic assessment, my hands moving with practiced familiarity over the controls. The work is a comfortable rhythm, a shield against the low hum building in the back of my skull. But the shield is thin.
Before long, my hands begin to shake. Just slightly at first, but it’s enough. The pressure behind my eyes intensifies, a physical weight pushing against the inside of my skull.
“Tynrax.” Aris is suddenly closer, her voice sharp. “Your markings are pulsing irregularly.”
I glance at my hands. She’s right. Violet traces snake across my skin, brighter than they should be. “I’m managing it.”
“Talk to me. What are you feeling?”
“Pressure,” I force out, my focus locked on the fabrication readings. The coupling is nearing completion, and I can’t stop now. “Like something’s trying to push into my head.”
My hands shake harder. I grip the edge of my tablet to steady them as the pressure spikes, sharp enough that I flinch. My markings flare, a burning heat along my temples.
