The laser hits Hall in the wrist. For a moment, it looks like he dropped the nuclear key, but the strap is wrapped around his arm. The key dangles above the mist from two floors below.
Another shot hits the rung of the ladder. Hall struggles to climb.
“THERE IS NOW ONE MINUTE AND FORTY-FIVE SECONDS TO SELF-DESTRUCT,” says the announcer.
Hall climbs onto the Level Three landing and rushes for the airlock, stumbling from the laser wounds.
“THERE IS NOW ONE MINUTE AND THIRTY SECONDS TO SELF-DESTRUCT,” says the announcer.
Hall turns the airlock wheel. This time the door opens.
“THERE IS NOW ONE MINUTE AND FIFTEEN SECONDS TO SELF-DESTRUCT,” says the announcer.
“The wheel – turn it!” shouts Stone, watching on a monitor. Hall reaches for the wrong wheel. “No, no! Not that one!” says Stone. “The one near the door!” Stone looks at the countdown clock, which is approaching the final minute.
Hall struggles with the wheel.
“THERE ARE NOW SIXTY SECONDS TO SELF-DESTRUCT,” says the announcer.
The door opens. Hall is in a corridor of Level Three. His vision is becoming blurry and distorted.
“THERE ARE NOW FIFTY-FIVE SECONDS TO SELF-DESTRUCT,” says the announcer.
Hall shuffles down the corridor. He winces and looks around.