Landing On The Keynote (Book 2) (Page 171)

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

~~~(Location: Immortalitas, Landing on The Keynote)~~~

"Is the attempts to scan The Keynote working any better the closer we get, or is the interference still strong?"

Aurora is doing the right thing by bringing us in with caution. I'm hoping whatever is interfering with the scans could clear up as we get closer. If it doesn't, we'll have to find a way to access the local network, as Aurora said.

"Negative. The few responses I'm getting back from the scans are just feedback loops of data. It's a security measure to ensure anyone looking for The Keynote from deep space can't detect or see it with their technology."

It makes sense.

While I can't do the calculations in my debuffed state, I know that wanting to keep this place from being found was one of the biggest priorities for The Primordium.

As we're getting closer, my heart rate rises at the approach. I've been on Primordium Prime, and I can't say it felt as exciting as this. I can't explain it in words all that well, but the best I can describe it is following an old map and finding treasure where it leads.

"Is it just me, or is anyone he's shitting their pants?"

Way to make it romantic, Durado...

"I wouldn't exactly put it in those specific words. But I'd definitely say that I'm anxious. Who knows what secrets are hidden in The Keynote... It's so much more than just a command station for The Coda Arrey..."

There are secrets The Keynote holds, and I could probably spend many years learning them all. Who knows the true scale of the repository of knowledge in this place... When my debuffs lift, I'm going to have a field day figuring out all The Keynote has to offer.

"We'll be breaking through the atmosphere soon, and I'll run the approach. Let's just hope The Keynotes defenses recognize Immortalitas as a friendly ship. But since this is a secret site, I doubt it."

Oh, God! I forgot about the defense systems! All the damn debuffs I've got on me have made my mental faculties shit ordinary.

"Isn't that something we should've discussed before making the decision to land!? I don't want to die in empty space trying to get on an old as shit Primordium Structure!!"

Durado has the right energy but not the right approach to what might happen.

We break through the atmosphere, and Immortalitas isn't indicating that we're getting targetted. Aurora brings Immortalitas down to a forested beach off an ocean on the largest continent she could eyeball.

The landing was no problem, and Durado unclips his belt and makes for the exit. I stand up myself and head for Aurora. Placing her in Aurora Holder MK.1 and carrying her in my palm as we follow Durado.

"Do we know where we can get access to the local network from where we landed?"

After we catch up to Durado, he asks a good question. And before I can answer, Aurora says something that makes me mad.

"Before we discuss anything, I think we need to make sure Scott doesn't leave the Dreadnaught. Not until his debuffs have expired and he's back to normal."

I'm about to refute, but what happens next surprises me even further.

"I agree. I'll take Aurora with me off the ship, and you can log off and wait for the debuffs to go away. When they do, you can come back, and we'll already have most of the work done."

I look down at Aurora in my palm, and she's cringing at the thought of having to work with Durado without me.

"Wait, who says I don't get a say in this?"

I can't really argue with them. I don't bring anything to the table, and nothing I say now can refute that.

"Look, it's not that we don't want you. Trust me."

The two share an annoyed look before Aurora continues.

"But at this point, it's better if you just recover and let us handle things. We're just fine without your help. You know that."

This is the worst!!

Right when things are getting great, I have to leave to fucking recover or some bullshit like that!!

But the rational and wise part of me agrees... I'm no use as I am, and I'd get in the way.

"Fine, I'll get off."

I hand Durado Aurora Holder MK.1 with Aurora in it and in her holograph form.

"But you can be sure I'll be back as soon as my debuff timer is out."

This blows!!