The damaged security unit had started moving again.
Matilda heard it scraping along the corridor behind them, but the sound faded as her squad entered the center passage.
The red lights continued overhead.
"Security escalation authorized."
"Protected infrastructure breach in progress."
"Nuclear power plant facility in full lockdown while hostile entities are present."
"Please remain in your designated quarters."
A heavier mechanical sound answered from somewhere ahead.
Bar looked forward.
"Here come the big guns, squad leader!"
The passage opened into a wider service bay.
Two armored shutters were already rising from recessed positions along the opposite wall. The first machine emerged underneath one of them.
It stood nearly twice as high as the security units they had encountered outside, carried on six articulated legs beneath a broad armored body. Its frontal plating covered most of the sensor assembly while a heavier weapon mount unfolded from the upper section.
