Some looked terrified of the Arcturus forces, likely because to them, one armed power replacing another did not yet mean safety.
Aurelian understood that, too.
Trust would not arrive with the first landing craft.
It had to be built.
A priority report came in from the captured Kharov flagship twenty minutes later. The boarding team had secured the command deck, but the fleet commander was still alive.
He had been injured when Astra disabled the engines, but had refused treatment until his surviving crew was stabilized.
That detail made Aurelian pause.
"He refused treatment for his crew?" he asked.
Eirenne confirmed it. "According to the boarding team audio, yes."
Astra looked thoughtful. "A disciplined commander."
"Enemy," Rhoswen said, though her tone had less bite than usual.
"Still disciplined," Astra replied.
Aurelian considered the report. "Keep him alive. I want him questioned properly."
