As Ves followed the MTA mech officer to the end of the huge but barren underground hall, the woman started to explain the nature of the Pit.
"I am Lieutenant Rezzie Ferct. You can call me Lieutenant Ferct." She began. "As for the Pit, the simplest way to put it is that you've an informal trial ground." She began.
"What makes it informal?"
"Because the MTA isn't officially involved in the running of this place. It's actually established by the Rim Guardians, which is a fraternity within the Compliance Department. Pilot Hoffmeister who issued your invitation card is a new member. She received a card immediately upon entering our ranks."
Ves scratched his head. All of this was completely new to him. "What's the deal with the teleportation portal? Couldn't you have just allowed people to enter the Pit through an old-fashioned tunnel?"