The warship crosses the geometric aperture and meets a massive armored inspection structure. Its docking collar seals around the hull, automated clamps halting the vessel without a jolt or scrape.
On the bridge, Nemesis Prime remains with the Vehicon commander while Ilex-9 stays confined in the brig. Across the berth, weapons remain dark as a security lattice threads through the ship.
A broad-shouldered masculine mech enters through the collar, a middle-aged figure in layered charcoal armor with amber optics, a sealed respirator, and bright inspection bands along his limbs.
Warden Silex
I am Warden Silex, zone enforcement. Marshal Orin Vey authorized your invitation under restraint terms. Your armed posture violates them.
The berth’s lattice intensifies, dividing navigation, weapons, engines, and communications into glowing isolated sectors. No system is damaged, but command pathways narrow with deliberate precision.
Vehicon commander
Commander, weapons remain dormant, but the inspection structure is partitioning our systems. It has begun enforcing local control without requesting access.
Warden Silex
Stand down every active defense layer and present your command authority. Marshal Vey will determine whether this invitation remains valid.
✓ Quest Accepted
Preserve unified command of the warship