The workshop smelled of solder and ozone.
It was a new space. Converted from an old storage wing on the north side of the estate. Benches lined the walls. Tools were organized by size and function. Screens mounted on adjustable arms displayed real-time data feeds.
Yuki stood at the central bench. She was holding a small device in her hand. It looked like a compass, but the needle was made of glass. Inside the glass, a faint blue light pulsed.
"Frequency lock is stable," she said.
She was speaking to Ash.
He stood on the other side of the bench. He was not holding tools. He was holding his hands out, palms up. His eyes were closed.
"Match the pulse," Yuki said.
Ash nodded.
The blue light in the glass needle shifted. It sped up. Then slowed. Then matched the rhythm Ash was humming so
