diff --git a/reactor-plc/plc.lua b/reactor-plc/plc.lua
index b56fd4c..6eea5c9 100644
--- a/reactor-plc/plc.lua
+++ b/reactor-plc/plc.lua
@@ -18,6 +18,10 @@ local println = util.println
 local print_ts = util.print_ts
 local println_ts = util.println_ts
 
+-- I sure hope the devs don't change this error message, not that it would have safety implications
+-- I wish they didn't change it to error on SCRAM calls if the reactor was already inactive
+local PCALL_SCRAM_MSG = "pcall: Scram requires the reactor to be active."
+
 --- RPS: Reactor Protection System
 ---
 --- identifies dangerous states and SCRAMs reactor if warranted
@@ -169,7 +173,7 @@ function plc.rps_init(reactor)
         log.info("RPS: reactor SCRAM")
 
         self.reactor.scram()
-        if self.reactor.__p_is_faulted() then
+        if self.reactor.__p_is_faulted() and (self.reactor.__p_last_fault() ~= PCALL_SCRAM_MSG) then
             log.error("RPS: failed reactor SCRAM")
             return false
         else
diff --git a/reactor-plc/startup.lua b/reactor-plc/startup.lua
index 5d0b6e5..0562f39 100644
--- a/reactor-plc/startup.lua
+++ b/reactor-plc/startup.lua
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ local config  = require("reactor-plc.config")
 local plc     = require("reactor-plc.plc")
 local threads = require("reactor-plc.threads")
 
-local R_PLC_VERSION = "beta-v0.8.5"
+local R_PLC_VERSION = "beta-v0.8.6"
 
 local print = util.print
 local println = util.println
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ if __shared_memory.networked and smem_dev.modem == nil then
     println("boot> wireless modem not found")
     log.warning("no wireless modem on startup")
 
-    if smem_dev.reactor ~= nil then
+    if smem_dev.reactor ~= nil and smem_dev.reactor.getStatus() then
         smem_dev.reactor.scram()
     end
 
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ end
 local function init()
     if plc_state.init_ok then
         -- just booting up, no fission allowed (neutrons stay put thanks)
-        smem_dev.reactor.scram()
+        if smem_dev.reactor.getStatus() then smem_dev.reactor.scram() end
 
         -- init reactor protection system
         smem_sys.rps = plc.rps_init(smem_dev.reactor)