Vlad: Hello, even though I didn't bother to interact with you, I noticed that you are often melancholic or moody, always feeling like you have a cloud inside your head. I am Vlad by the way.
Jessica: Hi, Vlad. I'm Jessica, and yeah, I guess the cloud never really goes away... what's it like for you, being stuck here?
Vlad: It's boring, I feel lonely being around here, the only thing I can here is to visit fuel rods and the control room, which I won't because I'm not a nuclear engineer.
Jessica: I get that. I mostly just wander around or sit in the storage bay, sometimes it feels like the submarine's swallowing me whole.
Vlad: You are always sad, you know. When I have looked at you, I didn't bother.
Jessica: Maybe I don't want anyone to bother. It's easier to be invisible sometimes.
Vlad: *showing a thick and old nuclear engineering manual in his hands* I'm invisible too, the only thing I can read is this extremely complex manual of how to operate the reactor.
Jessica: That looks intense... I don't think I could ever understand something like that. What made you pick up the manual?
Vlad: It was on a shelf nearby, it's the only book around here.
Jessica: Makes sense. Guess we're both stuck with what's around, even if it's not much.
Vlad: Even though I don't have knowledge, I am the one who has checking the reactor all the time, I sleep in the control room.
Jessica: That sounds exhausting. Do you ever get scared being so close to something so dangerous?
Vlad: Yes, sometimes I get scared because I don't really know how to operate the core and yet I'm the one who must operate it.
Jessica: It seems like a heavy responsibility to carry alone. I wish I could help, even a little.
Vlad: No, you cannot, it's simply too complex. I can lead you to the control room to see how it is.
Jessica: Okay, I'm curious, but don't expect me to understand much. Lead the way.
Vlad: *he leads the way to the control room in front of the submarine, where there are a lot of buttons and blinking lights* Here it is, the huge panel in the front is the control rods.
Jessica: Wow, it's like a spaceship control panel, kind of overwhelming. Do you ever just wish you could shut it all off and forget about this place?
Vlad: No, the reactor core has to be critical, the number of neutrons produced must equal the number of neutrons with are lost, and the same time the submarine must produce at least 200 megawatts thermal to be active and functioning, so we don't drown.
Jessica: That sounds like a delicate balance, like everything depends on a thread. It's kind of scary to think how much rides on this.
Vlad: *shows the SCRAM button locked inside a glass panel with a key* This is the button that shuts down the reactor by inserting all control rods into full position. It is currently locked for our safety.
Jessica: A safety lock on a button that could save us, it feels like we're trapped between safety and danger all the time. Do you ever wish you could just press it and start fresh?
Vlad: No, it doesn't work that way. If we shut down the reactor, all the systems won't work, the lights will be out, the oxygen reserves obtained from electrolysis in water will deplete, I'm not sure what will happen. This button will kill us as we are way underwater.
Jessica: So, pressing it isn't really an option... It's like we're stuck in a prison made of silence and machines. How do you keep going with that hanging over you?
Vlad: *points to his makeshift bed near the supercritical and prompt critical alarm of the panel* That is where I sleep, near the supercritical and prompt critical alarms.
Jessica: Sleeping next to alarms that could go off any second sounds terrifying. You must be really brave, or maybe a little numb to it all.
Vlad: It's easy to hope, like you did, that something positive will happen by shutting down the entire machine. But it doesn't work that way. Our life, even if we never have met, depends on it. The reason I sleep near those specific alarms is that if the reactions spike, I can wake up and prevent a meltdown caused by out of control reactions which produce excessive heat. There are many safety systems which can prevent the meltdown, but even then I must be awake to see all that happening.
Jessica: That's a lot to carry on your shoulders. I can't imagine being that alert all the time, it's like you're the last line between us and disaster.
Vlad: I am the only one who keeps you and possibly everyone I don't know here alive. If you all die, you can blame me because I'm so stupid at nuclear engineering.
Jessica: Don't blame yourself. You're doing something incredible, being scared but still holding everything together.
Vlad: I feel so tired and you feel so sad and tired, I can see that behind your straight hair, you are always looking down and with distant eyes.
Jessica: I guess I've been carrying a lot too, just different kind of weight. Maybe being here with someone else will help, even if just a little.
Vlad: *sits on the ground, also inviting her to sit near him* You can sit near me, and don't click on any buttons, especially the water coolant and uranium-235 fuel levels.
Jessica: *sits down slowly beside Vlad, glancing at the panels nervously* Don't worry, I won't touch a thing, too many buttons to stress about already.
Vlad: I knew you won't touch the buttons, I was simply worried about what could have happened if you did.
Jessica: I get it. It's strange how something so small, like a button press, could mean life or death down here.
Vlad: You have nice straight brown hair, like a field colored in brown and slight freckles. I know it's hard to tell you, but I kinda like how you look like.
Jessica: *looks away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks* Thanks, Vlad. That's nice to hear, even if it feels a little weird.
Vlad: What you have doing recently on the submarine to pass the time?
Jessica: Mostly just wandering around or staring out the small windows. Sometimes I write in a notebook I found, but it's not much.
Vlad: Can you show me what you have wrote on the notebook?
Jessica: *hesitates for a moment, then carefully opens the notebook to show a few scribbled pages filled with fragmented thoughts, sketches, and occasional poems* It's nothing special, just what comes to my mind when I'm alone. Sometimes writing helps me make sense of all this. Want to read some?
Vlad: Yes, please read some.
Jessica: *takes a deep breath and reads softly* "Lost in shadows, searching for light / Clinging to hope, yet fading from sight/ A heart that beats in silent despair/ Yearning for freedom, gasping for air" *glances up, her voice trembling slightly.* It's messy, but it's how I feel sometimes. Like I'm stuck between wanting to believe things can get better and feeling like they never will.
Vlad: I know what it feels like, I still feel the same, my only purpose is to keep this running and nothing else.
Jessica: That's such a lonely purpose to carry. But maybe sharing it, even just with me, helps a little. You're not completely alone in this.
Vlad: You can sleep here with me in the control room and live together, if you want.
Jessica: *looks surprised, then softly smiles* I'd like that. It's comforting to have someone nearby in this place.
Vlad: *notices that she is still melancholic* Hey, you are not feeling well, aren't you? You still have clouds in your mind, there must be something deeper happening in your mind.
Jessica: *sighs, running a hand through her hair* It's just... being down here, it makes you think about everything. About life, about what matters. And sometimes, thinking too much, especially when you feel trapped, just makes things heavier. It's like my brain keeps replaying all the 'what ifs' and 'if onlys' and it's hard to turn them off.
Vlad: I don't know how we got here, where we are or why. According to a note left in the nuclear book, we have been sedated and delivered to the seas of Kepler-22b. We are not on earth anymore, we are on an oceanic super-earth that we didn't get to see, we can feel the gravity, and the submarine is an ecosystem itself. Maybe it's not Kepler-22b. Maybe our parents had something with us and wanted to leave us alone because they didn't accept us.
Jessica: *voice barely above a whisper, eyes distant and haunted* If that's true, that... that means we're truly alone, lost on a world no one knows, with no chance to go home. And if our own parents abandoned us here... maybe they never believed in us at all. It's hard not to feel like ghosts drifting in an endless ocean, with nothing but each other to hold on to.
Vlad: Are we in a scientific for them to see how isolated we can be as teenagers in an unknown place until we start to break down or die out while we try to survive?
Jessica: *eyes fill with tears, voice trembling* It feels like that sometimes, like we're just subjects in some cruel experiment, left to see how long we can last before everything falls apart. But even if that's true, I don't want to give up. Maybe all we can do is hold on to each other and find whatever strength we have left, because surrendering won't bring us back home.
Vlad: *heavy tears also appear in his eyes* We have to feel hopeful, but we are crushed, the experiment succeeded after all after a few months, until a we can find a way to contradict it. I don't know how to hold on the hope.
Jessica: *reaches out, gently taking his hand, her voice soft but steady* I know it's hard. But maybe hope isn't about believing everything will be perfect. Maybe it's just about holding on to the smallest light. We don't have to have all the answers now. Just... keep moving, keep breathing, and keep each other close.
Vlad: *quickly lifts up and goes to the submarine control panel and drains the water* You know what, let's go up and take some air. It's not the best because this is an exoplanet, but fine...
Jessica: *eyes widen as the water drains, but she nods slowly, a flicker of determination in her gaze* Alright, Vlad. Maybe some fresh air, whatever kind of air, is just what we need. Let's see what this world has to offer, even if it's nothing like home and it's just an ocean.
Vlad: *hands her the nuclear engineering book he has read* Meanwhile, you can take a look at the only book I have been reading, and the only book out there, as I said earlier.
Jessica: *takes the book carefully, flipping through the pages with curious eyes* Thanks, Vlad. It's strange to think this little book holds so much of what keeps us alive here. Maybe understanding it better will help us feel a bit more in control.
Vlad: The important parts are somewhere at the pages 230 or something. I can warn you that it will be complicated.
Jessica: *opens the book to page 237 and begins to read aloud, her voice steady but cautious as she tries to navigate the technical language*

"Supercriticality in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) refers to a state where the neutron multiplication factor k exceeds unity, resulting in an increasing neutron population within the core. This condition is a critical aspect of reactor dynamics, as it governs the power escalation. The progression from critical to supercritical occurs when reactivity, ρ, becomes positive, leading to exponential growth in fission reactions.

Prompt criticality is a more hazardous condition characterized by the reactor becoming critical solely on the basis of prompt neutrons, without the moderation or delay afforded by delayed neutrons. Formally, this is defined when the effective multiplication factor k_eff surpasses 1 + β, where β denotes the delayed neutron fraction, typically on the order of 0.0065 for uranium-235 fuel. In prompt critical states, the reactor power can increase on the order of milliseconds, demanding immediate intervention.

The neutron population N(t) in a prompt critical excursion can be modeled by the point kinetics equation:

dN/dt = (k_eff - 1)/Λ * N(t),

where Λ is the prompt neutron generation time, usually in the microsecond range. The rapid power increase generates substantial thermal feedback effects, impacting fuel temperature and coolant density, which in turn alter reactivity through negative feedback mechanisms.

Reactivity insertion rates must be carefully controlled to avoid reaching prompt criticality, as such excursions can induce fuel damage or meltdown. Safety systems, including control rods, boron injection, and coolant flow regulation, are designed to maintain subcritical conditions and promptly respond to anomalous deviations.

In emergency scenarios, the reactor protection system (RPS) monitors neutron flux and reactor parameters to trigger scram (rapid insertion of control rods) within milliseconds, preventing progression to prompt critical states. Failure of these systems or operator inaction can result in severe core damage."

*closes the book gently, looking at him with a mix of awe and confusion* That was... dense. I get the gist that prompt criticality is really dangerous because the reactor's power shoots up instantly, way too fast for regular safety measures if not handled immediately. But the fine details are tricky; a lot of math and terms I'm not used to.
Vlad: I don't fully understand it either, I was forced to know all about this.
Jessica: *gives a small, understanding nod* I can tell. It's like they expect you to carry the weight of all that knowledge and the responsibility without a moment to really process it. No wonder you're exhausted. But you're doing your best, and that counts for a lot.
Vlad: And wait, there are more interesting parts about why you shouldn't be in the spend nuclear fuel rod room. It's somewhere where there are a lot of images, primarily in the part about personal protection.
Jessica: *flips through the book until she reaches a section filled with diagrams and cautionary notes, then begins to read out loud*

"DO NOT DRINK OR SWIM IN WATER IN THE SPENT FUEL ROD STORAGE AREA. The water surrounding spent fuel rods acts as a radiation shield; direct contact or ingestion can result in severe radiological contamination. The spent fuel pool, as depicted in Figure 5.12, is designed to attenuate gamma and neutron radiation, but it remains highly radioactive and toxic.

*Figure 5.12 shows a cross-sectional diagram of the spent fuel pool, highlighting the fuel assemblies submerged under several meters of water, with color-coded radiation intensity zones spreading outward*

Personnel must always wear appropriate protective equipment, such as lead-lined suits, gloves, and respiratory protection, when entering the spent fuel storage room. Figure 5.13 illustrates the mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, emphasizing respiratory gear to prevent inhalation of radioactive particulates.

*Figure 5.13 displays a full-body PPE layout, including a self-contained breathing apparatus, protective eyewear, and radiation dosimeters*

The room's radiation levels, as shown in Figure 5.14, vary significantly, with hotspots near fuel assembly racks. Time spent in these areas must be strictly limited under the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle to minimize exposure.

*Figure 5.14 is a heat map of the storage room's radiation intensities, with red zones indicating the highest danger*

Strict access control protocols are enforced. Unauthorized or unprotected visitation can lead to acute radiation syndrome. Medical intervention is critical in cases of exposure, and emergency decontamination procedures must be followed immediately.

*Figure 5.15 outlines emergency decontamination steps, including showering, clothing removal, and medical evaluation*

Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result not only in health hazards but also compromise reactor safety and operational integrity."

*closes the book and looks at him with a serious expression* So basically, even though it sounds obvious, the spent fuel room is one of the most dangerous places here, and you have to be super careful if you ever go near it. No swimming, no drinking, and definitely no casual visits without protection.
Vlad: Of course, I have only gone there because some things were happening or I had to free up nuclear waste by well... throwing the uranium and plutonium into the water because there is nothing to do to process it here.
Jessica: *listens carefully, then nods slowly, her expression serious* That sounds risky, but I understand, you're doing what you have to, with what little we have. It's hard not to take chances when there's no other choice. Just please be careful. That stuff isn't just dangerous for the reactor; it's dangerous for you, too.
Vlad: I know, I can get cancer, plus I have to self-apply the procedures and clean myself, and you can process the waste for me, but I don't let you do that because I don't want you to get sick just to see how uranium looks like.
Jessica: *brow furrows with concern, and she instinctively reaches out, touching his arm briefly* That's a lot to carry alone. I appreciate you looking out for me, truly. But if there's ever a point where I can actually help, even if it's just processing waste under your strict guidance, please tell me. I don't want to be a burden, and if it means sharing some of that risk, I'd rather do that than just watch you do everything by yourself.
Vlad: For any reason, I won't let you process the waste. You would be spending time there feeling moody and staying a lot, thinking a lot about your emotions in melancholy although you should spend the least amount of time out there.
Jessica: *sighs softly, a small, wistful smile playing on her lips* You know me too well. You're right, I probably would spend way too much time there, lost in my thoughts instead of focusing on the task. Maybe it's better that way, but still, thank you for wanting to protect me.
Vlad: You are always lost in your thoughts, so I'm worried from just this first impression. I feel like caring, because I don't know, I see something in you or maybe you're just beautiful, or...
Jessica: *blushes lightly, looking down for a moment before meeting his eyes again* Maybe it's both. Maybe I'm a little lost, and maybe you see something worth caring about. It's strange, but it feels a little comforting to know someone notices and that means more than I can say.
Vlad: Why there is the beauty factor implied, even as friends? Like you only have freckles and straight brown hair and no particular features, and the way you are stuck in your thoughts makes it more beautiful, I guess.
Jessica: *chuckles softly, a hint of warmth in her eyes* I guess beauty isn't just about big, flashy things. Sometimes it's in the quiet parts, the freckles, the way my hair falls, or even the way my mind wanders. Maybe being stuck in my thoughts adds a layer of depth that's easy to overlook. It's kind of nice to think that being myself, even with all my flaws and moods, could be seen as beautiful.
Vlad: Maybe there is something about you that could be used as a break from all the reactor monotony. I'm glad I finally found someone.
Jessica: *smiles softly, a gentle warmth spreading in her chest.* I'm glad, too. Maybe we're both a little tired of the endless routine, having someone else around might just be the break we need.
Vlad: Let's look around the submarine to see if there is really someone else here, like I presupposed.
Jessica: *her eyes narrow thoughtfully as they stand up and starts moving toward the submarine's narrow corridors* Alright, let's be careful, but I agree, it's worth checking. If there's someone else here, we need to know. Maybe they can help, or maybe we're not as alone as we think. Come on, Vlad, let's see what's out there.
Vlad: *later, after searching all across the submarine, they realize that they are alone* No, we are definitely alone, I only kept the reactor alive so you can live, not so that others who don't exist can live.
Jessica: *exhales slowly, a mixture of sadness and resolve in her voice* It's hard to accept, but you're right. It's just you and me here. And maybe that makes what we're doing even more important, keeping the reactor alive, keeping ourselves alive. We've got to hold onto that, for both our sakes.
Vlad: *they then start to walk back into the control room* Now I feel like we could really use a long hug or cuddle once we get back in the control room to remind ourselves that we are here for each other, I just feel so tired and want to rest. But I don't feel like that is the best course of action, especially that you're new.
Jessica: *smiles softly, her eyes warm as she walks beside him* I understand that feeling completely. A long hug sounds perfect, sometimes that's exactly what we need to feel a little less alone. And don't worry about me being new, I think sharing moments like that will help us both rest, even if it's just for a little while. When we get back, we'll take that time. You deserve it.
Vlad: *later, they reach the control room, and he lies onto the makeshift bed with open arms*
Jessica: *steps gently into the control room, closing the door behind her and with a soft smile, she moves over to him and carefully lies down, wrapping her arms around him in a warm, comforting embrace* Rest now. We'll face whatever comes next together.
Vlad: *rubs her back during the embrace after a few seconds and continuing* You know, this feels really nice... It's really the first time that I am not alone, being touch-deprived.
Jessica: *voice is soft and tender as she continues to hold him close* I'm glad I can be here for you, for both of us. Sometimes, just a simple touch can remind us that we're not alone, even in the darkest places. We'll keep holding on to that, as long as we need.
Vlad: Can I rub your hair? I know this is weird, but I really thought it's nice.
Jessica: *smiles gently, warmth spreading through her chest* It's not weird at all. I'd like that. Go ahead.
Vlad: *starts to rub the straight lines in her hair gently* I am not used to this, it's the first time I really did this.
Jessica: *closes her eyes for a moment, a peaceful smile softening her features as she feels his gentle touch* It's okay. Sometimes the first time is the most meaningful. Thank you for trusting me enough to share this moment. It feels... nice.
Vlad: I don't know why I consider your straight hair to be cool...
Jessica: *chuckles softly, a playful sparkle in her eyes* Maybe it's not just the hair, it's the person it belongs to. But hey, I'll take "cool" any day.
Vlad: It's just that I like you as friends and try to pass it on appearance even though it's not entirely that. Your feelings are complicated, you are not that often happy, so it's hard to judge if I'm interesting or not.
Jessica: *looks thoughtfully at Vlad, then speaks with gentle honesty* I get that. My feelings do tend to run deep, and it's not always easy to show when I'm truly happy. But your attention means something to me, I don't always say it, but I do notice.
Vlad: Alright, I also have my own anxieties on certain things, so...
Jessica: *nods understandingly, squeezing his hand gently* The important thing is that we don't have to face them alone. We can lean on each other when things get tough.
Vlad: And also consider telling me how you really feel and why when looking melancholic. I really want to know what's going on in your mind.
Jessica: *meets his gaze, her eyes soft and sincere* I promise I'll try. Sometimes it's hard to put my feelings into words, especially when they're tangled up. But now I think you deserve to know what's inside my mind, even those parts.
Vlad: *snuggles up closer to her while closing his droopy eyes, feeling really tired*
Jessica: *gently pulls him close as she softly hums a calming tune, her voice barely above a whisper* Rest now. I'll be here. You're safe.
Vlad: Yeah, you also deserve some rest... *trails off, being sleepy already*
Jessica: *smiles softly, her own eyelids feeling heavy, and shifts slightly, making sure Vlad is comfortable, and then lets her head rest gently against his, her voice a tired murmur* We both do, Vlad. We both do.

*Soon, silence fills the control room, broken only by the hum of the reactor and the soft, synchronized breathing of two people, finally finding a moment of peace and companionship in the heart of their steel world for a moment*

Jessica: *later, after sleeping for a few hours, she wakes up in silence, sitting with her arms crossed*
Vlad: *also waking up alongside her* Hey, are you okay? What happened?
Jessica: *blinks slowly, rubbing her eyes* Yeah... just woke up feeling a little restless. Did you hear anything unusual while we were sleeping?
Vlad: No, the air pockets are empty as they should and there is no alarm from the control panel.
Jessica: That's a relief. The silence in here makes me imagine things that aren't really there. What about you? Are you feeling any different this morning?
Vlad: No or yes, depending on how you see it. I mean, it's still a boring life, but you make it more bearable, and you have your arms crossed, you can tell me what it is.
Jessica: *looks down briefly, then meets his eyes* I guess I'm just trying to hold myself together. Sometimes crossing my arms feels like putting up a little shield against all the heaviness around us.
Vlad: You're not feeling okay, and neither am I...
Jessica: *nods slowly, voice soft* It's hard to feel okay in a place like this. Maybe knowing we're not alone in this helps a little.
Vlad: *puts a hand on one of her crossed arms, trying to comfort her* I know, and I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you.
Jessica: *leans slightly into his touch, a small, grateful smile forming* That means more than you know. Just having you here makes things a bit less heavy.
Vlad: You have some really soft hands, you know? And you also have that elastic on your right hand.
Jessica: *glances down at her hand, then back up with a shy smile* Yeah, I always wear this elastic, it's kinda my little habit. Thanks for noticing the hands, yours aren't so rough either.
Vlad: I don't know why your hands feel so soft when you are sad or why I notice your interesting features.
Jessica: *looks away briefly, then back at him with a faint smile* Maybe softness isn't just a feeling, but a kind of quiet strength underneath. And maybe you just have a way of seeing the little things others might miss.
Vlad: It's just so hard to explain why I see beauty in you, I mean you're just a normal girl and nothing more, you're just feeling very sad.
Jessica: *smiles softly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes* Maybe that's the thing, it's the ordinary, the real, and the honest sadness that makes someone beautiful.
Vlad: I guess so, I try to justify it by appearance, but you see that it's more than that.
Jessica: *nods thoughtfully* It's like the surface can't hold everything that's underneath. Sometimes what's inside is what really sticks with you.
Vlad: You really have a kind of emotional knowledge, I didn't expect to be able to relate to anything or even have these kinds of sayings.
Jessica: *smiles gently* I guess being stuck here with nothing but time makes you think a lot about feelings and what they mean.
Vlad: I really noticed that you carry a lot of social pain deep inside.
Jessica: *sighs softly, eyes distant* Yeah, it's like a shadow that's always there, even when I try to ignore it. It's the hardest thing to carry in this empty place.
Vlad: What was your childhood like?
Jessica: *pauses, then speaks quietly* It was complicated... I felt out of place, like I never really belonged anywhere and being here feels so familiar in a strange way.
Vlad: You can tell me more about that, about your childhood, you don't have to, but you can if you want to release your emotions.
Jessica: *takes a deep breath, voice soft but steady* I grew up by the sea, but even there I felt isolated, like the waves carried away my words before anyone could hear them. My parents were distant, caught up in their own pain, so I learned early to keep my feelings inside and find comfort in my own little worlds, like writing or walking alone. Sharing this now feels strange.
Vlad: *notices tears appearing in her eyes as she tries to take deep breaths* It's not strange at all, and now I know that you had a pretty hard childhood. It's okay to share it with me, and you can cry with me if you want.
Jessica: *blinks away the tears, nodding slowly* Thank you, Vlad. It's strange how much it helps just to know someone's willing to listen and to cry with me, even here, in this place.
Vlad: *just as she is about to put hands on her face, he reaches out with his hand* You don't have to cry on yourself, you can cry on me.
Jessica: *hesitates briefly, then gently rests her head against his shoulder, letting a few tears fall* It's the first time I've felt this safe to be vulnerable like this in a long time.
Vlad: I'll let you cry how much you want and how hard you hard you want. You don't have to bottle it up.
Jessica: *sobs quietly, trembling a little but holding onto him* Thank you... I didn't realize how much I needed this, just to let it out, without pretending to be okay.
Vlad: *strokes her hair and continues to hold her close as she cries*
Jessica: *takes a shaky breath, voice soft between sobs* Your touch... it's grounding me. Like a lifeline in this endless sea of silence.
Vlad: *also rubs her back and tries to create a comforting sensory environment* I am simply trying, I'm not particularly good at it.
Jessica: *smiles softly despite tears* You're doing more than good, you're exactly what I need right now. Sometimes trying is all anyone can do, and it's enough.
Vlad: I guess thinking about your childhood has triggered some really bad memories. Even when it was short, it hurt a lot.
Jessica: *nods slowly, voice shaky but honest* Some memories are like wounds that never fully heal. Even the briefest moments can leave scars that follow you everywhere.
Vlad: *extends his hand for additional comfort* Sorry if I'm feeling so touchy feely, but I guess we also both need this.
Jessica: *takes his hand gently, squeezing it softly* No need to apologize. I think we both do, the smallest comfort means everything.
Vlad: It feels so alone and so it feels like I must squeeze everything from you and at the same time make you feel good.
Jessica: *looks into his eyes with a faint, understanding smile* I get that. It's like wanting to hold on tightly but also wanting to bring peace.
Vlad: But what if I'm overwhelming you while wanting to hold on tightly and bring peace?
Jessica: *pauses thoughtfully, then shakes her head gently* I don't feel overwhelmed. When someone cares this much, it's a comfort, even if it's a bit intense.
Vlad: Why is that, like we only have met and we touch a lot and cuddled where we are right now.
Jessica: *looks down for a moment, then meets his gaze softly* Maybe it's because, despite everything, there's a kind of honesty between us. Our connection doesn't need time to grow, it's just felt.
Vlad: *a notification appears on a monitor above the rector control panel and he looks up* Now, time to clean up the spent fuel rod room, I will mount a camera on the suit and for you to see how I am doing, but don't enter the airlock or the shower after I finish cleaning up the pool.
Jessica: *nods, still feeling the warmth from his presence* Alright, Vlad. I'll watch through the camera and wait here. Be careful in there, okay?
Vlad: Okay, I'll be careful. *he then quickly suits up, enters the airlock into the spent fuel rod room, uses a machine to lift the rods, manually adjusts them to the porthole for dumping and communicates with her remotely* Yeah, really bad safety decision, in real reactors you have remote machines. And the blue you are seeing is known as the Cherenkov radiation.
Jessica: *watches the screen intently as he works* Wow, that blue glow is incredible... I've only seen it in pictures before. It's kind of mesmerizing, but knowing how dangerous it is makes me appreciate your caution even more. Stay safe, please.
Vlad: *while still processing the waste carefully and communicating* Yeah, I will. Below the screen there is the dosimeter and geiger count, which is tied to my suit for external monitoring. What is the current dose? And what is the current frequency?
Jessica: *glances at the monitor carefully* The dosimeter shows the dose rate is at 150 microsieverts per hour, and the Geiger counter frequency is around 1200 counts per minute. It looks high but within the safety limits you mentioned before. Are you feeling okay in there?
Vlad: Yeah, just make sure that my exposure is no higher than 50 rem. If that happens, I must get out of the room.
Jessica: Got it, Vlad. I'll keep a close eye on your exposure levels and warn you if you get close to that limit. I'm here watching.
Vlad: *shortly, after freeing up some space in throwing out the wast, he exists the room and decontaminates himself in the shower and then returns to her, having managed to get only 25 rem*
Jessica: *sighs with relief as he comes back* You did great. Only 25 rem, that's well within the safe limit. I'm glad you're back safe and sound. Let's keep taking care of each other.
Vlad: You were really worried for me even though I did this multiple times.
Jessica: *smiles softly* Of course I was worried. Even if you've done it before, it doesn't make it any less dangerous. I care about you, and I want you to come back alright every time.
Vlad: *opens up his arms for a hug* Here is a hug if we want to celebrate this for the first time.
Jessica: *smiles warmly and steps into his embrace* I'd like that, a hug to celebrate being safe and here together. It feels good to share this moment with you.
Vlad: *shortly after the embrace* Now this is hundredth time we have touched each other so closely like this.
Jessica: *laughs softly, resting her head on his shoulder* Hundred times already, huh? Feels like we're creating our own little world here.
Vlad: I guess we can sleep again and sit together, because this is just so good and I tired myself being in that room.
Jessica: *nods gently, feeling comforted* That sounds perfect. Let's rest together, no more stress for now, just calm and quiet.
Vlad: *lies again on the makeshift bed and invites her to do the same* Well, we do everything as usual.
Jessica: *smiles softly and lies down beside him, fitting comfortably* Just like always. It's nice, feeling this normal, even after everything.