Hendra's hand reached for the mask. Fingers inches away from exposing Rama's face to a thousand witnesses and dozens of cameras.
Now.
Rama executed a technique he'd learned dying three times in Timeline 1. A counter-grapple that required perfect timing and acceptance of massive pain. The kind of move you only used when losing anyway.
He let Hendra's grabbing hand connect with the mask. Then twisted violently, using the grip as anchor point. Rotated his entire body against the hold. Wrenched his head sideways while simultaneously striking Hendra's extended elbow joint.
The biomechanics were brutal. Rama's broken ribs screamed as he torqued his torso. Vision went white from pain. But the technique worked.
Hendra's elbow hyperextended. Not broken but damaged. His grip on the mask released reflexively as joint pain overrode intent.
Rama followed through. Used the momentum from his twist to create distance. Stumbled back five meters. Mask still intact. Identity still hidden.
