From Surgipelago, the Beach Surgery encyclopedia
The Pressure Behind the Blades
Driving through the night, Leif feels a pressure building in his shoulders. Not pain—pressure, as though something presses outward from within. He touches his back. Katita glances over but does not ask. Leif: “"What are you not telling me?"” Katita: “"That you already know."” The pressure intensifies like a second heartbeat between his shoulder blades. His shirt tears along the seams. Underneath, his skin ripples. Leif: “"It's happening again."” Katita: “"It always does. But this time—"” She does not finish. The pressure peaks. Leif's back arches. The rocket cart swerves. In the breaking dawn, something white catches the light—not yet emerged, but pressing, pressing, pressing. Katita grips the controls with white knuckles. Katita: “"Hold on."” The sky turns crimson.