The ship rumbled slightly as it exited hyperspace, Machina Prime’s sprawling mechanical landscape coming into view. The planet gleamed with towering skyscrapers of steel and glass, neon-lit streets weaving through the industrial sprawl like veins of electricity. Massive robotic cranes moved parts across assembly lines, and ships of all sizes buzzed through the sky like a well-coordinated swarm of worker bees.
Levi let out a low whistle. “Now that’s a damn city.”
B-7T3’s glowing blue eyes flickered. “Machina Prime Control has received our approach signal. Landing clearance granted at Dock 47-B.”
Levi grabbed the controls. “Good. Let’s bring her in nice and easy—”
“OR CRASH IT!” Glitch suddenly shouted.
Levi’s fur bristled. “NO! We are NOT crashing the ship!”
Glitch giggled, her robotic half glitching slightly. “I mean, not on purpose!”
Levi shot a glare at Luna. “Can you do something about your chaotic cat?”
Luna smirked. “Oh no, this is way too fun to stop.”
Levi let out a growl of frustration and focused back on piloting, guiding the ship carefully into the dock. The metal platforms hissed as their ship settled, clamps locking into place. A mechanical voice rang out through the comms:
“Welcome to Machina Prime. Please follow all planetary regulations and refrain from unauthorized modifications. Enjoy your stay.”
‘Twilight’ stretched, cracking his neck. “Well, that was painless.”
B-7T3 stepped forward. “Reminder: Machina Prime security is highly advanced. Criminal activity is ill-advised.”
‘Twilight’ smirked to himself. Highly advanced security? Now that sounds like a challenge.
Levi sighed. “Let’s just get moving before I regret landing here.”
The doors to the ship opened and the crew was immediately greeted by protogens carrying tools and tablets.
One of the protogens, a sleek black-and-gold model with a glowing green visor, stepped forward. His face screen flickered to display a friendly, pixelated smile.
“Welcome to Machina Prime! I am AX-L5, your designated docking assistant. Please state your repair needs, and we will assess your vessel.”
Levi crossed his arms. “Hull reinforcements, engine recalibration, and a diagnostic on the thruster output. Also, make sure nothing’s been tampered with.” His eyes flicked toward Glitch and ‘Twilight’ as he said that.
Glitch gasped, pressing her paws against the protogen’s visor to examine it up close. “Hiii! You’re so cool! Your screen is so shiny!”
AX-L5’s visor flashed a surprised expression before beeping in mild confusion. “Personal space not detected.”
Luna chuckled, pulling Glitch back by the collar. “Sorry about her. She gets excited.”
The protogen recalibrated, then gestured to the ship. “Understood. Our mechanics will begin assessments immediately. Estimated time to completion: Five hours.”
Levi groaned. “Great. Five hours stuck in a city full of nerds.”
‘Twilight’ grinned. “Sounds like the perfect opportunity for some fun.”
Levi narrowed his eyes. “No.”
Glitch’s robotic eye flickered excitedly. “Shopping? Exploring? H-hacking into top-secret databases?”
“No!” Levi snapped.
Another protogen, a silver model with a glowing yellow visor, approached Levi with a small device. "This will alert you when your ship's repairs are complete. Until then, you are free to explore the city. Please adhere to Machina Prime’s regulations and refrain from unauthorized modifications or access to restricted zones.”
Levi stared at the device for a moment. "Yeah. Sure."
Glitch immediately reached for the device. “Ooooh, c-can I h-h-hold it? I wanna s-see if it has an-any fun liiittle—”
Levi yanked it away before she could get her paws on it. “No.”
Glitch pouted dramatically. “You never let me have fun.”
Luna smirked. “You mean illegal fun?”
Glitch waved a paw dismissively. “Fun is fun, legal or not.”
Levi let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. “Alright, listen up. We’re not here to cause trouble. We’re here to get the ship fixed and leave. That means no hacking, no sneaking into restricted areas, no pissing off the locals—” He pointed at Glitch. “Especially you.”
Glitch gasped, pressing a paw to her chest. “Levi! I am offended!”
Levi deadpanned. “You tried to hijack the ship’s navigation last week because you were ‘bored.’”
Glitch tapped her fingers together. “Okay, fair point, but—”
“No buts,” Levi growled. “We keep a low profile, got it?”
‘Twilight’ smirked, adjusting his coat. “Of course, captain. Wouldn’t dream of stirring up trouble.”
Levi didn’t believe him for a second.
B-7T3, still standing patiently beside them, tilted its head. “Recommended course of action: Explore designated public areas and engage in non-disruptive activities.”
Luna chuckled. “Hear that, Glitch? No crime sprees today.”
Glitch huffed. “Fiiiine.”
Levi exhaled. “Good. Now let’s get moving before I regret letting any of you off this ship.”
As they stepped off the docking platform, the neon-lit streets of Machina Prime stretched before them, humming with the energy of a city that never slept. Holographic advertisements flickered in the air and towering skyscrapers loomed above, their glass facades reflecting the endless movement of machinery.
‘Twilight’ slipped his hands into his coat pockets, a mischievous glint in his red eyes. Oh yeah. This place is gonna be fun.
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