Metroid: The Last Aurealian *REWRITE*

The Aurora's Assignment

My stomach bubbled like the pits of Tourian and my nerves twinge with anxiety. It had been a crazy set of events from the last 24 hours now this will top it all off. I was going to meet the Galactic Federation headquarters' Aurora Unit.

I don't know why I'm so nervous, maybe the past twists and turns from this week have already unsettled me and I'm more jittery than I'd usually be. Or maybe it's because I'm about to meet the most knowledgeable organism in the Galactic Federation. True I've talked to 301 countless times, but I knew her for many years and understood her subtle personality. This was the first time I would talk to an Aurora Unit in person and I had no idea what to expect. 

"Don't worry Champ." Skye reassured. "It's not gonna bite, unlike some fellas." He glared at Pyonchi who pattered innocently at my feet. "It just wants to talk to you, and after the craziness we've been through, it should be nothing. Bedside's some friendly chatter never hurt anyone."

 "True, you should be very excited. It is a great honor. Not just anyone is given the chance being presented to an Aurora Unit and you are the first civilian to do so." Ziir added optimistically. "I thought she was part of the GF." Skye said. "She is, but she is not in active military duty, she can never be. Nor is she a representative in the Federation's many divisions. She lives as a civilian under the GF protection."

I pressed my anxiety deep within me and took a deep breath. Yeah, this would be interesting. I just hope I start off on the right foot with it. I wished Skye would be inside the chamber with me as reassurance. The Aurora Unit was stationed deep within the bowls of the Headquarters, eight miles below ground where no tourist was permitted access. Taking the service elevator down into the depths, ears popping and heart racing, I was reminded of the descent into Tourian's caverns where mortal enemies lay. At least the giant brain waiting down below didn't want to kill me.

The elevator opened to a small room with a glass chamber and a bulky machine that appeared to be a laser. "Nothing to be afraid of, it is a security check. It scans for biohazards and weaponry." Ziir reassures, noticing my nervous gulp as I stared at the machine. A GF worker in a low armor greets me. "Welcome Zailania, the Aurora chamber is just ahead. We need to give you a security scan. Please remove all baggage and step into the containment unit." I give Skye my shoulder bag and step in. The doors slide with a hiss. There is some sort of lever and monitor hanging from the ceiling and I'm told to hold it. I grab the lever as a series of orange beams appear in the unit. I'm startled but they do nothing to harm me. "Biohazard and weapon scan complete. You're good to go." The trooper said in approval.

I step out into the other side of the room, looking back at Skye. "Wait what about you?" Ziir shook his head. "This is as far as we go. Good luck we'll meet you in Celebration Hall." Skye winked giving thumbs up. "Go get 'em Champ you'll be great!" I smiled trying to hide the nervous butterflies fluttering in my gut.

I slowly walked through the giant sliding doors. In front of me was an elevator lift on a diagonal chain. A hologram floated in the center of it. I stepped onto the elevator lift and touch the hologram, a jarring lurch rumbled under my feet as I grabbed onto the railing. The elevator lift made its way up with the small chain clicking underneath me. A voice called onto the loudspeaker "Zailania Aurealian entering Aurora Unit lift area. Clearance granted."

"Clearance confirmed. Now opening chamber doors." responded a trooper above. The feeling of excitement washes away any sense of nervousness. I smiled eagerly looking up the lift's path. I've always heard about the significance of Aurora Units and how vital they are to the Federation. Now I finally get to meet one, the most important AU of them all.

I will be the first civilian in history to do so. This'll be something to tell at the next Gathering, wonder if anyone will believe me.

The lift comes to a stop as I set off the platform. A GF trooper stands to the side of immense steel doors. "The Aurora Unit is expecting you. Step onto the platform and touch the middle panel to communicate with 249." The immense doors slide open with a sharp hiss as a gust of air blasts into my face. I trot through with an eager heart. The door slams behind me and I let my eyes wander.