Instead of breaking or running, the remaining ships slowed in a way that felt wrong. They turned without direction and raised weak defenses, like they were still following orders that no longer matched what was happening around them.
A few tried to lock targets, but it was slow and disorganized, and far too late to make any difference.
Aurelian watched for a moment, already knowing how it would end.
Then Neris spoke.
"Commander."
He looked at her.
"We have an incoming communication request."
Rhoswen frowned. "From who?"
Aurelian didn't answer right away. He was already looking at the signal, and there was a look of surprise as he saw the location of the communication request.
"Oh?" he said, "Looks like it is finally here."
Rhoswen, who heard her commander say this, was confused but didn't interrupt. She could tell this wasn't random.
And she was right because the request came through a special network, and it was from his family.
