“Don’t die in there,” Leah says, and her fingers grip Jason’s hard. “Because I’m coming in after you.”

“I’m not planning on dying,” Jason says. “I’m planning on bringing him home.”

“Both of you,” Ben says. “Preferably conscious.”

“Flip the switch,” Jason says. “Before I think too hard about this.”

“You’re sure?” Leah says.

“I’m sure.” He looks at Ghost on the adjacent bed. “Hey, buddy. Hold on.”

“Clock starts now,” Ben says. “Mini Core live in three… two… one—”

The room hums. The lights jump. The small Neural Nexus Core glows like a trapped star.

“Vitals steady,” Ben says. “Neural sync forming. Handshake good. Leah, I see your anchor...