The Stellar Odyssey - A PAW Patrol Fanfic

🪐 13 - Pre-Wormhole preparations pt. 3🪐

The vibration of the simulation room grows louder as Dr. Sinclair adjusts the settings on the control panel. Angela Brooks stands beside him, her expression sharp and focused. Chase and Everest exchange a glance, both aware that today's session is pushing them one step closer to the high-stakes reality awaiting on the other side of the wormhole.

"Alright," Dr. Sinclair announces, his voice calm but carrying a note of intensity. "Today, we're going to simulate a life-support failure. As you know, if the automated systems fail, it's up to you to reroute power manually to keep the air flowing." He turns to Chase, his warm smile encouraging but serious. "This is no simple fix, and under pressure, it can be difficult to keep your head clear. Are you both ready?"

Chase nods, trying to ignore the tightening in his chest. "Yes, sir."
Everest secures her gloves, a steady calm radiating from her that Chase finds reassuring. "Ready."

Angela steps forward, eyes bright with excitement. "Remember, you're not just fixing systems. In a real situation, your life, and the lives of your crew, depend on your ability to stay calm." Her gaze locks onto Chase, as though sensing his underlying tension. "If things go wrong, remember that leadership isn't about never feeling fear. It's about finding your focus in the chaos. You've got more in you than you realize, Chase. Sometimes it takes the darkest moment to see what you're made of."

Chase feels the words settle over him like a quiet weight, both comforting and heavy. He nods, glancing at Everest, who gives him a small, encouraging smile. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself.

Dr. Sinclair flips a switch, and the simulation begins. Suddenly, the lights dim, and an alarm blares, red lights flashing across the console. Chase's heart pounds as the screen shows a sharp drop in oxygen levels. He stares at the display, momentarily frozen.

"Chase, we're losing air pressure," Everest's voice cuts through, calm and clear. "We need to reroute the power manually. You take the control panel; I'll handle the bypass system."
Chase nods, fingers moving to the controls, but his paws tremble slightly. He starts entering commands, but each beeping error notification shakes his focus. His breath quickens as the oxygen percentage dips lower, the pressure of responsibility weighing heavily on him.

"Chase, focus," Everest's voice is firm but gentle, a grounding presence in the rising tension. "Slow down and read each step carefully. We need precision here."

Chase swallows, nodding again. He shifts his attention to each individual command, willing his paws to stop shaking as he moves through the rerouting steps one at a time. He tries to ignore the racing of his heart, the alarm's shrill tone filling his ears.

Angela watches him closely, her sharp gaze noticing every flicker of anxiety in his movements. As she steps closer, her tone shifts to something softer yet encouraging. "You're doing fine, Chase. Leadership isn't about doing everything perfectly the first time. It's about keeping your head in the storm. Trust yourself, and trust Everest's lead here. You've got this."

He takes a shaky breath, her words guiding him back to the task at hand. In the corner of his eye, he watches Everest, her movements controlled and steady. Her calmness steadies him, a quiet reminder that he's not alone in this.

"Alright, bypass systems stabilized," Everest says, glancing over to him. "Chase, we need to activate the auxiliary oxygen intake now. Your panel."

He nods, feeling a surge of renewed focus as he types in the final commands. The oxygen levels slowly begin to rise, the shrill alarm fading as the air returns to normal. Chase exhales, relief flooding through him as the simulation shuts down, the room's lights returning to their usual brightness.

Dr. Sinclair steps forward, his expression approving. "Well done, both of you. Chase, I know it's not easy to stay calm under pressure, but you held it together. That's what matters."