Nathan stepped forward. He gently touched the large man’s arm and moved to stand between him and the edge of the platform. Reaching with one hand toward the core, the young man narrowed his eyes and let out a long steady breath. A soft blue light, similar to those that streamed out of the dead Warped, surrounded the damaged casing. A rapid chain of snapping sounded as brackets that fit seamlessly with the old casing popped open. A long hiss followed and the damaged unit slowly lifted into the air on its own, revealing the core’s interior. Colorful light pulsed rhythmically like a beating heart. The damaged casing floated toward the gaping Engineer and landed softly on the floor next to him. Nathan motioned them to let go of the replacement, and once they did, it remained suspended in the air, and floated to the waiting, beating core.

Bulco stared as the heavy piece of metal snapped into place and was locked in by the clasps. He looked back at Nathan, his mouth opening and closing without making a sound.

Then the ship came to life.

Bright lights shone all around them, filling the previously gloomy ship with an intense white light. A massive tremor ran through the ship and vibrated through their legs until the rhythm synchronized, replaced by a steady gentle hum.

Engine charts and complex holographic diagrams popped into life on the previously barren walls.

“Oh my god, you did it!” Lana ran into the engine room, beaming. “Everything just turned back on. How did you manage it so fast?”

“Ask him.” Bulco finally managed to find his voice and gave Nathan a piercing look. “How did you do it, kid?”

Nathan shrugged and made a motion with his hand, like a car snaking on a course.

Bulco frowned. “You used an invisible car?”

“No, silly,” Lana chuckled. “He used his Path. Isn’t it obvious?”

“Nathan,” Nori looked at the young man intently. “Can you tell us what Path you took?”

The man scratched his head for a few seconds, then smiled and shrugged at her.

“Can you at least tell me what it lets you do?”

He pondered the question then pointed all around him. Nori looked at Lana with a raised eyebrow.

“Um, I think he can control machines? Maybe even more than that? I’m not sure, it's very vague.”

Nathan sighed, smiled at Lana, then shrugged again. He himself wasn’t sure what his Path was capable of, as its description was a little vague, and he was mostly working on instinct. He glanced at his status and focused on his Path.

Technomancer: Interact and control all types of technological systems

“Anyway, that’s not even the best part.” Lana beamed at them. “Come, I have something to show you.”

Bulco exchanged a look with Nori. She shrugged at him and followed the excited young woman through the supply room and onto the bridge. The chamber, which was just an empty room with displays on the front walls, now looked different. Light consoles glowed in neat rows across the walls and intricate holographic displays were everywhere.