Dr Elune clambered out of the mag pod with a groan, stretching out, "About time. Good thing we picked up speed on the outskirts, or we would have taken another hour!"

Ren eased out of the pod behind them, chuckling as he closed the door, "Possibly. But, now we are here... And I gotta say, Greg has made some improvements since I last swung by."

As the pod whirred into the garage, the doctor looked up at the imposing mansion. A few small spires rose from the top floor, one of them likely a satelite array, the rest looking more domestic. "Sheesh, I wasn't expecting a castle. Not that I am complaining."

Ren nodded as he pproached the front door, ringing the bell, "Yeah, that's Greg. Always one for the... Dramatic side, if you will. You two will get along famously."

The door opened, revealing a grinning Hope awaiting them, "Hey you two! This place is crazy awesome. He has humanoid drones in suits of armour!"

Dr Elune raised an eyebrow, stepping inside to llook around with an impressed nod, "You were right... We will get along well~ Where is Alex? Or, uh, the closest one?"

"Hmm? Oh, just over there, in the study. Laura is out by the dock for our ship, making sure it is set up right... And I will be going back to the kickass armoury I found."

Dr Elune mouth to Ren, "Armoury?" Shrugging it off for later, the pair walked over to the study as Hope wandered off, whistling merrily. They slipped inside quietly, closing the door behind them.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Alex looked up wearily from the armchair, waving feebly, "H... Hello. Sorry if... I am not responsive."

Ren glanced around, puzzled as they shuffled to the empty seats. Dr Elune smiled softly, easing themself down, "Not as easy away from home, huh?"

Alex nodded faintly, "I am going undetected fairly easily... But I do not have prority here... My connection is... Thin... And I have to think just to make sure the right dat gets sent... And encrypted..."

Ren smiled, "Ahh, I see. As this unit is controlled from the ship, Alex needs to connect over the main grid. I'm surprised you are going unnoticed."

"... Splitting the data. Video... Audio... And commands. Other senses turned off.. I am safe in the chair, for now." Alex slumped with a pout, "I can't wait... For our ship to get here..."

Dr Elune leant back with a content sigh, "Speaking of, how is the inspection?"

"Done... Deactivated my unit in time... Francis is fine... Ship can't leave till the paperwork is clear... Should dock here tonight."

Dr Elune nodded, then smiled softly, Thank you. Now, get some rest... I am sure we have plenty of questions waiting for us."

As Alex nodded off, Ren coughed, "Ah, not today thankfully. Greg has a long shift at work, and his family is elsewhere."

"Cool. More play for me, then."

"... To the armoury?"

"To the armoury."