I pulled the needle free from the bronze figurine with steady precision. Dr. Finch and Dr. Graves stood transfixed, their eyes wide with wonder.
"The eighth needle," I continued, moving to another position on the figurine, "must be placed within three seconds of the seventh, or the entire sequence fails."
My hand moved with practiced fluidity to a point just below the ribcage. The needle slid in at a perfect angle, completing another crucial connection in the energy network.
"Master," Dr. Finch whispered reverently, "I can actually feel the energy flowing through the bronze. How is that possible?"
"The figurine was crafted by masters who understood these principles," I explained while positioning for the final needle. "Even a replica carries some of that knowledge if it's made correctly."
I paused at the ninth and final position, a point at the base of the figurine's throat. This was the most delicate insertion of all.
