As Xie Ruolan powered down her personal console, Li Fang led her to a shadowed alcove behind a massive, rusted turbine, pressing themselves against the cold metal, trying to minimize their own Qi signatures and hide from a visual scan.
Meanwhile, the QFS that was also temporarily disconnected from the Lilypad-01 continued updating Li Fang through his optical implant.
[Entity has arrived at Node Entrance Delta-7.]
[Currently breaching corroded outer seal.]
[Physical entry imminent.]
Li Fang held his breath. He could almost feel the Auditor's presence, like a surgeon's probe gently exploring a wound.
He focused on maintaining a calm exterior as he shifted at their hiding place, projecting an aura of simple, non-threatening existence. However, the loud hammering of his heart couldn't be silenced.
Next to him, Xie Ruolan pressed down on his shoulder. Either to calm him down or to remind him not to make too much noise.
And he did. He closed his mouth and held his breath.
