Ms. Scott, introduced as the daughter of chairman Mr. Scott, storms into the worksite with others and declares Hans, the chief engineer, fired. Walter Zeal and supervisors scramble as management tries to eject Hans and workers protest his removal. Colleagues defend Hans, saying he solved critical problems and threaten to quit if he leaves. The dispute abruptly shifts to crisis: tunnel walls show red streaks and seepage has ruined a coal pillar, risking collapse. Hans moves to check the damage, but someone shouts, "Hey, stop right there!" leaving the inspection and the mine's safety unresolved.