Elias didn't move toward the ladder. Instead, he unclipped his high-intensity flashlight and pointed it at the circumferential weld near the nozzle attachment. "We had a repair on this weld yesterday. Weld map shows it was a slag inclusion removal."

"So what?" Ray spat. "We’re done?"

The plant was silent except for the low, rhythmic hum of the generator. It was 2:00 AM, and a misting rain coated the scaffolding surrounding Pressure Vessel 4-C.

Elias walked toward his truck. The job was done. The vessel was safe. The Code had been served.