The scan was announced as an answer to the danger of entering.
No hunter would cross the boundary. No recovery crew would approach the visible entrance. Aegis researchers had equipment that could interrogate the coastal gate remotely, and the harbor authority had permitted one bounded trial from the cleared exterior station. The operator would send a measured signal and collect the returning response.
Juno read the posted scope beside the perimeter officer. It specified an input ceiling and an immediate stop for a pressure rise beyond the trial threshold. It did not contain the full calibration record. She asked where that record could be inspected.
“The equipment team retains it,” the officer said.
“Before a second trial, we need it in the safety packet.”
“There isn’t a second trial authorized.”
“Good. Make sure that remains visible.”
The fitting-crate appointment had been postponed while the station was cleared for the scan. The custodian notified them through the agreed office contact and retained the receiving reference. Mira received that message as evidence of another narrowing chance. Juno made herself treat it as a real scheduling cost rather than proof that someone had designed the delay to frustrate them.
