That matched what Vaela had told them earlier. The Compact did not allow its soldiers to wear heavy armor through the sanctuary's older sections unless there was an emergency. They had feared damaging the preserved systems.
That decision now worked against them.
Aurelian looked at the door controls.
"Open all entrances."
The main doors slid apart.
At the same time, Astra and Rhoswen entered through the side passages while support frames emerged behind them.
The soldiers inside turned in confusion.
For one brief moment, nobody understood what was happening.
Then the support frames deactivated their camouflage.
Dozens of armored machines appeared around the training hall, weapons raised and positioned along every wall.
Several Compact soldiers reached for their rifles.
Rhoswen struck the floor with the bottom of her shield.
The sound echoed through the entire room.
"Do not."
Most froze.
Aurelian stepped into the hall with his weapon lowered but ready.
