An automated system that had lain dormant for millenia activated. Subroutines executed, determining what triggered the response. It quickly identified an unauthenticated vessel approaching the planet. It scanned the vessel, determining it to be a small shuttle of some sort with no weaponry. Its simplistic programming couldn’t extrapolate the strangeness of this event, so it engaged default protocols.

  First, it sent appropriate hails requesting identification. When those failed, it sent a warning to stand down and wait for a response. When those were ignored, it flagged the vessel as “potentially hostile” and ordered automated fighters to be ready.

  After a standard waiting period, the shuttle still continued its approach, which triggered the defense protocols, releasing the fighters.

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  As the fighters approached, the shuttle attempted to turn around, but it was too late for that. The fighters surrounded the shuttle in a loose sphere, leaving only a single opening. At first, the shuttle stopped moving, but after a short while, the vessel moved toward the opening. The fighters moved along with the shuttle, herding it to the planet.

  Being designed for both the atmosphere and the void, the fighters were able to guide the shuttle down to the surface, landing on a secluded shuttle pad surrounded by high walls and located near to a military base. With their job done, the fighters began to retreat, only hovering above the pad long enough for the roof to close, sealing the shuttle inside.

  Once the fighters returned to the station, the automated system determined that its job was done and went back to sleep.