Ramping Reactors

"Alright, James. I'm initiating the reactor startup sequence. Are you ready?" asked Aaron, as he stood in front of the reactor control panel.

"Ready as I'll ever be, boss. Just make sure you don't blow us all up," replied James over the intercom, his voice slightly shaky.

Aaron took a deep breath, and pressed the button to start the reactor startup sequence.

The control panel lit up, and the reactor core began to hum as it came to life.

The hum changed to a low rumble that gradually increased in intensity as the reactor reached operational temperature.

"Voltage is at 11 kilovolts. Holy shit! We're at 100 megawatts already?" came James' incredulous voice over the intercom.

"Reactor is at 25% power right now," said Aaron.

"No. No. No. This is supposed to be a small modular reactor! Not some 400 megawatt behemoth!" James exclaimed, panic rising in his voice.