Luke didn't run for the metal stairs.
He veered off at the last second—straight toward the base of the main holding tank.
Under the tall silver silo sat the main mechanical override—a massive, thick steel wheel connected to the automatic purge valve.
Next to it, a heavy industrial motor whined with deep, vibrating power. Thick pistons hissed loudly as they forced the steel wheel to turn, opening the floodgates wider with every second.
Gallons of expensive cosmetic oil were moments away from pouring into the underground waste drains.
"Hey! Get away from there!"
The frantic shout came from an older, gray-haired factory worker in dirty overalls. The old man waved his arms wildly, his eyes wide with panic.
"Boy, step back!" the elder worker screamed over the sirens. "That motor has ten
