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Jeffrey Jeffrey briefs Nomad on Beacon’s makeshift controls, including rotation, throttle, and water-ship jettisoning. With the city sealed and windows plated, Nomad takes the command cab atop the hub, while Elegy remains chained in the main chamber. He launches the fleet upward in darkness, relying on radar to clear the rising terrain.

As air thins, Nomad orders all cabins sealed, starting a limited oxygen clock. Elegy recognizes he hears a voice and presses him on why he doesn’t fight. Nomad explains Auxiliary’s presence and counsels Elegy to choose battles by finding a purpose beyond violence. He admits his own current purpose is simply running, a confession that resonates with Elegy.

Switching to the new engines, Beacon lurches but continues climbing. However, projected ascent rates slip; despite full power, acceleration tapers. Nomad suspects leaks, overheating, or other untested issues. With sunrise creeping behind them, he initiates the failsafe and successfully jettisons the first empty water carrier, boosting speed slightly.

The second carrier is also empty, but its release mechanism jams. With the fleet still too slow to clear the summit before water and air run out, Nomad concludes he cannot fix it from the cab. He decides to go outside and free the jammed ship manually, accepting the immediate risk to save Beacon before the sun arrives.