If it drew back from his extended hand, the action was more in an automatic defense.

His automatic defenses had been triggered, but there was something wrong.

Whatever automatic defenses lived here must be temporarily disabled.

But he'd already pulled her close and in automatic defense, her arms locked around him.

"Identify yourself or you will trigger automatic defenses that could destroy your vehicle."

I intend merely to give you some automatic defenses.

Then he had continued to do so in automatic defense.

"Our automatic defenses are capable, and do not require our attention."

And the third clue, why didn't they have a repair system available, or at least some sort of automatic antiaircraft defense?

Alternatively, it may be that our investigation of the wreck set in motion some automatic defense.