The automated unit stopped.
Matilda halted with it. Both squads followed without needing the order repeated.
Several seconds passed before the machine spoke again.
"Route verification failed."
"Current external-personnel authorization does not permit access beyond this maintenance sector."
A new row of white lights appeared along the floor behind them.
"Please return to the previous checkpoint."
Nobody moved. Kordula came through the nearest speaker almost immediately.
"Supervisory override. Extend temporary maintenance access through the next service sector."
The machine remained still.
"Confirm override."
"Confirmed."
A longer pause followed.
"Supervisory credential verified. Overseer Kordula Weissenberg. Override recorded."
The lights behind the DASFs disappeared. Another line illuminated ahead.
"Temporary route extension approved."
Kordula released an audible breath through the speaker.
"Keep going."
The two squads moved.
