The Voice of Reason

"In order to counteract the leak, we have taken out some control rods one after another. The power of the reactor increased to 200 megawatts."

"How many?"

"What?"

"How many control rods have you taken out?" Besnova asked.

"I don't remember very clearly. The specific operation was completed by Toptunov." Akimov gulped hard. He looked very nervous, and his breathing was rapid as if he was about to drown.

Besnova had to find a pack of cigarettes and lit one for him. Akimov took a puff and began to cough non-stop. The hand holding the cigarette was trembling. However, half a minute later, he took two deep puffs, and his emotions calmed slightly.