Speaks To Us (Book 2) (Page 183)

~~~(POV: Scott Autumn)~~~

~~~(Location: The Dexahedron, The Keynote)~~~

Aurora enters the console and fires up all the systems in our location. As the lights turn on, Durado takes a step back as a holographic sphere appears. It's at the top of the room, like a ball of energy with neurons firing.

That's the brain of an AI.

"You must be The Watcher!!"

I call out to the holographic ball, and Aurora pops up on the console. She's back in the Aurora Holder, and I walk forward until I'm directly under the AI. As I stand here and wait, it slowly lowers and begins to change form.

After a few seconds, it's in front of me and looks like a woman. Her hair goes down to her waist, and she's got all the feminine features you'd think a woman would have. But I find myself confused. The Watcher is supposed to be male.

At least, I think The Watcher was supposed to be male. I just assumed.

"Yes, I'm The Watcher. Guardian of The Keynote and servant to all Primordium. It's been a long time since I was in the presence of a Primordium. If not for the biological scans I've done on you, I'd not believe it. All Primordium was supposed to die along with all other organic life."

Aurora enlarges her form and leaves Aurora Holder. She stands next to me and folds her arms.

"I was wondering if the daughter of Borealis had survived. I'm glad to see you alive and well, Aurora."

The Watcher has a voice that could put an angry honey badger in a state of relaxation and lethargicness. Before either of us can say anything, Durado steps forward with a hand how and a confident smile on his face.

"Hello, beautiful. My name's Durado, and I'm one of the greatest bounty hunters in the universe. I've gotta say, out of all the AIs I've met in my life, you're the most enrapturing I've met."

That's saying a lot since Aurora is the only other AI he's met. The insult doesn't go past Aurora, but she doesn't get angry or really react.

The Watcher smiles and brings up her hand. Pinching Durados cheek like he's a little kid.

"Aren't you a sweet one? I know who you are, Durado. The Keynote has access to all of the universe's records. When I scanned you on the ship, I learned who you are. It's nice to meet you."

Durado looks like a cartoon character getting struck through the heart with an arrow of love. It's quite a sight to see.

"The Watcher is only my military designation. You may call me Alorna."

Alorna. That's a pretty name.

"You probably know why we're here, Alorna. The Keynote has disabled Immortalitas. Since you're the only one who can do that, it's clear you've done it to bring us here."

My observation causes Alorna to nod her head approvingly.

"You're correct in your deduction. I wanted to help you in your mission to stop The Parasite. The Map Fragments are something you have to do on your own, but I wanted to give you access to all of The Keynote's systems. It'll make your travels easier."

That's good. I'm willing to bet Aurora was getting annoyed at having to hack everything we've come across.

"Immortalitas has also been re-enabled. There is one more thing I want to discuss with you before you leave."

I wouldn't doubt it.

"As you know, you guys came across an encryption when Aurora hacked into The Local Network. I'm hoping you'd give it back. It holds no value to your mission here."

That's strange.

"Why? What's the other reason?"

That's not the only reason she wants it back. It serves some purpose. One of importance. It made sure that Aurora and I couldn't delete it. That's something to be concerned about.

"I'm sorry, Scott. But you don't have the authorization to know that. Even if you're the last Primordium, there are certain things you're not allowed to know."

This is going to get sticky.

"What if we refuse to give it back?"

Her calm smile falls into a frown and a sigh escapes her lips. Durado is so captured by her physical beauty that he's not even paying attention to the conversation.

"I'll be forced to take drastic measures."

As those words leave her mouth, triangular machines start to come out of the walls. They're warrior machines made to protect The Keynote and Alorna.

"Then we seem to be at an impasse."

If it's important, I'm not giving it up.