ES:AU Speeds Determination

The air in the forest was thick with the scent of damp earth and distant storm. "Hey, Trace, aren't you going to see your dad?" I asked, nudging my friend. Trace just sighed, kicking at a loose pebble. "I don't want to. I'm still mad at him. I just don't want to be a scientist. It's not who I really want to be—"
BOOM
The ground shook violently, cutting him off. "What was that?!" I yelped, my fur bristling. Trace was already on his feet, his ears swiveling. "You think I know!? Come on, let's go!" he yelled, already sprinting towards the sound. "(Please don't be there...)" I heard him mumble under his breath.
"Right!" I called, following close behind. But then, a strange light caught my eye—a small, shimmering, spinning star, pulsing with an otherworldly glow. It was just like the one I'd seen years ago. Without thinking, I reached out a paw. The familiar options appeared: SAVE, LOAD, and RESET. A shiver ran down my spine. "(I'll just save this time...)"
"Speed! What are you waiting for?! Come on, we need to go!" Trace's voice cut through my thoughts. "Oh, sorry! Hold on, I'm coming!"
