In the Brooklyn laboratory, tension crackles as a doctor monitors the screens, his voice steady. “Vital signs are normal.”

Howard Stark, eyes fixed on the control panel, calls out the rising levels. “That’s fifty percent. Sixty. Seventy.”

A piercing scream from Steve Rogers echoes from within the sealed chamber, cutting through the hum of machinery.

Dr. Abraham Erskine’s face tightens with alarm. “Steven! Steven!” he shouts, pressing closer to the chamber.

Peggy Carter, her composure fraying, steps forward, her voice urgent. “Shut it down!”

Erskine’s eyes dart to her, then back to the chamber. “Steven!” he calls again, his tone desperate.

“Shut it down!” Peggy repeats, her command sharp.

Erskine turns to Stark, his voice rising. “Kill the reactor, Mr. Stark! Turn it off! Kill it! Kill the reactor!”

From inside, Steve’s strained voice breaks through, resolute despite the pain. “No! Don’t! I can do this!”

Stark, unwavering, continues the count. “Eighty. Ninety. That’s one hundred percent.” Sparks fly from the electronics, and the device powers down with a low whine, the chamber’s glow fading.