the line "it lies between future and past" suggests to me it is on the physical platform you shoot Atheon from, literally between the 2 portals (future and past).....its just a question of how you open it, we know there are 5 sync plates (3 outside and 2 inside) has anyone had all 5 open at once (would require 3 manning VOG with 3 still outside)
English
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3-manning Atheon is nigh impossible by design; I don't think Bungie intended anyone to try it.
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Maybe there is a way to get back out??
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But the line "but not in the present" means that it is stuck in time somewhere. The reference of "future and past" is just a description for the gates because they are the gates of future and past.