rescue team

In the dim light of the laboratory, the air sparkled with tension. Raya-Prime, in her new metal automaton body, creaked dully as her hinges tested the sensors.

"Listen to me, you narcissistic turkey!" Oketra slammed the table, causing the test tubes to clink pitifully. "We're here to save Lololoshka, not for your ego! Your calculations nearly burned down the entire power grid!"

John leaned back in his chair, adjusted his orange glasses and smiled cloyingly:

"Dear lady, calm your ardor. My calculations are impeccable. The fact that your antediluvian cables can't handle the synergy of magic and technology is a problem of your backwardness. You should be grateful that I even deigned to help our little friend."

"You used him! You locked him in the simulation for experiments with the Spark!" Oketra's face burned with anger.

"Friends, please reduce the volume by eighty decibels," Raya's soft but distinct mechanical voice rang out. She stepped between them, her metal feet heavy on the concrete floor. The indicators on her chest flickered a soothing blue. "Lady Oketra, high blood pressure is harmful to you. John, your cynicism is beyond the pale. If we quarrel, the success rate drops to twelve percent. Let's get to the calibration."

John snorted, turning away from the monitor, and Oketra sighed heavily, crossing her arms over her chest.

A little further away, in the shadow of the server racks, sat Jodah. The enormous wings of the God of Time and Space were folded behind his back. He remained deaf to the uproar, intently examining the blueprints for the Departure portal. Jodah slowly ran his claw over the intertwined runic lines and John's digital codes, matching the magic with the coordinates of the Multiverse. His violet eyes glowed coldly.

The scandal flared up again - John made another caustic joke, Raya took a step forward, raising her metal hands in reconciliation...

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A measured knock on the armored door made everyone freeze instantly. There shouldn't have been anyone behind the door, which was locked tight.