He pulled the hood over his face, his breath steaming on the plastic visor. The synthetic fabric felt too thin to protect him, but thick enough to suffocate him. Repressing his nerves, he moved in between the portals separating the fusion core from the rest of the ship. Warnings beeped at him. A recorded voice spoke on the intercom. Caution: Must wear protective gear at all times beyond this portal. He suppressed the urge to hold his breath as the second to last portal closed behind him and the chamber sealed before initiating the final portal sequence. His logical mind told him it would do no good. Besides, he knew his breath capacity limits from his races on swim team. Although he’d always come in the top three, he couldn’t hold his breath long enough to find the supervisor, walk back to the portals, and wait until the defensive sequence of portal panels played out. Men and women in protective gear scattered on the circular walkway. Some recorded readings on the coolants and pressure gauges while others dragged hoses and wires over their shoulders.
