Vynthalith slammed the lid shut. The locks engaged with a pneumatic hiss, and the heavy lead shell dampened the radiation. The oppressive pressure in the room vanished instantly. The lights flickered back on.

"Ready to roast," Elara said. She picked up the heavy portable coil-drill. "Let’s see what’s so hot about the basement."

"Damn it, Kael," she hissed. "That’s not hot. That’s critical mass. Where did you pull this from?"