A spacesip move pass trough the warpgate.
Holographic words could be seen on top of the gate, "Karthos reach."
A line of defense platforms floated at the border.
Formation lights ran across their surface.
A scan beam swept over the hull.
Then another, slower one, checking into the cargo holds and the engine core.
Inside the cockpit, Alex hands relaxed on the controls. Mingyue watched the screen.
A moment later, the comm lit up.
"This is Karthos Reach Border Control. Identify yourself."
The ship's identity code was already transmitted. The reply came fast.
"Confirmed. Clearance granted."
A short burst of static followed, then the operator spoke again.
"Warning for incoming supply ships. The situation has changed since your last route update.
The Hive has expanded. Multiple planets have been affected.
Mining routes are unstable.
Do not deviate from assigned path. If you lose signal, you're on your own."
The operator paused, then let out a sigh.
