Ferra lifted the shared retaining pin by less than a fingernail's breadth while Vella monitored the shifting pulse along the maintenance rail.
All three active constructs turned their crowned visors toward her fingers before the retaining collar ceased its upward movement.
"The core is crossing toward the coronation breastplate," Vella warned, tracking the golden frequency through the metallic fitting.
"The northern and western shells remain fully primed to receive the transfer the instant it breaks contact!"
"Do not lose your grip on that collar!" Juna called out from her defensive post, sweeping her spear in a wide protective arc.
"The western shell is twitching like it wants to crush that display case into splinters!"
"I have the retaining collar locked between my wedges!" Ferra shouted back through gritted teeth.
"Just keep those constructs off my back while we pry this ancient fitting loose!"
