The automated unit stopped.
Several lights across its frontal plating changed while the speaker above the approach remained active.
"Local personnel override acknowledged."
"Withdrawal advisory suspended."
"Maintain current position."
Matilda lowered the hand she had raised toward Specter Squad.
The machine remained several meters ahead of them. Its weapon assembly stayed elevated, although the barrel no longer followed every movement as closely as before.
The woman returned through the speaker.
"Hello? Can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear."
"Oh thank goodness. It's been a while since I've seen... humans like you around."
The rest of the DASFs exchanged glances. Specter spoke through his communicator.
"Something's not right here, Fairy. Be careful."
"Excuse my rashness. May I know who am I speaking to?"
"Callsign Fairy. I'm leading the group outside your gate."
"Code names, huh? Haven't heard that for a while. I'm Overseer Kordula Weissenberg."
