The heavy iron locking bar outside the Deep Earth Array slammed down with a deafening metallic screech, followed by the dry, distinct click of an external warding deadbolt engaging the stone casing.
In the observation corridor above the reinforced basalt dome, Overseer Vane wiped a thin film of nervous sweat from his upper lip, his trembling fingers clutching a heavy velvet pouch that clinked with seventy stamped gold bars. Beside him stood Elder Mane, his disciplinary robes tucked tightly around his waist and his narrow face shadowed by the flickering glow of the oil lamps lining the masonry. The elder’s lips were pulled into a tight, venomous sneer as he watched the thick leaded glass viewport that looked down into the circular pit.
"Turn the primary bypass valve," Mane whispered, his
