The Normandy slipped gracefully through the final approach corridor.
The Grand Relay loomed before them, a colossal and divine masterpiece of technological engineering and cosmic authority. Its primary gateway pulsed like a sonar, silver-gold rings orbiting a gravitational singularity wrapped in stabilized chaos.
Around the central sphere were ten crescent-shaped arms, each housing a Relay Embassy, Transit Authority, and Race Supervisor Wing. Thousands of ships drifted in layers around it, forming orderly stacks or spiraling patterns as clearance codes transmitted back and forth.
On the Normandy's bridge, Damon gave a brief nod.
"Felicia, broadcast our credentials. Clearance Class 1-A: Prime Representative of the Human Race."
Felicia tapped the interface. "Sending… confirmed. Priority lane unlocked. Looks like they're rolling out the celestial carpet."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Hope it's not the kind of carpet that eats people."
