The bay panels parted, with a controlled gap opening in the sealed ceiling, just wide enough for the shuttles to descend through and nothing more.
Both shuttles dropped through simultaneously. And the moment they cleared the threshold the panels drew back together and sealed. The section above the landing platform, which was isolated from the rest of the bay by the platform itself, began repressurizing. The sound of it filled the small space between platform and panel, with a familiar rush, and then it was done.
The landing platform began its descent.
It lowered slowly, carrying both shuttles. Below, the main bay waited, still pressurized, with active gravity and lit in the steady white light.
The staff were already in position.
