They inspect a new rocket‑launcher design: a hydraulic lift, a twelve‑barrel launch box with quick‑swap calibers and a claimed 150‑mile range. Engineers doubt it's artillery and say current materials can't build it. One man proposes upgrading an existing machine to make it possible, but the refit costs two years of his life in exchange for repair and mod skills. He asks Carolyn to run the truck while he redeems that time. He confesses he never married her in his last lifetime and vows, "I'll keep you safe," starting the upgrade and risking his life.