The answer came without excuse.
Aurelian respected that more than a weak denial.
"What do you expect me to offer?"
"A surrender channel. Not to Taran. To individual ships."
Astra spoke from beside the wall.
"That could also be used to spread false signals through our fleet."
Yarric looked toward her.
"Then control the channel yourself."
Aurelian remained quiet for a moment.
Offering surrender in the middle of a battle carried risks. It could create confusion, and Taran would likely threaten any captain who even considered accepting.
Still, the enemy fleet was damaged. Many of its officers now knew the sanctuary could not be recovered easily.
Some had watched their own commanders send them into hidden weapons and a failed close-range assault.
A few might choose survival.
"Eirenne," Aurelian said.
Her projection appeared on the table.
"I heard."
