She studied her own fleet display.
"One cruiser group, six destroyers, and a carrier support detachment. More if the Arcturus convoy temporarily reinforces the sanctuary perimeter."
Meriel raised an eyebrow.
"You are considering asking an official Alliance survey vessel to remain in a possible combat zone."
"No," Aurelian said. "I am considering asking the Arcturus convoy to cover the sanctuary while my own fleet moves."
"Good."
Rhoswen looked disappointed.
"You should have asked her ship."
Meriel gave her a flat look.
"My survey cruiser has excellent scanners and almost no useful combat armor."
"Then probably not."
Aurelian opened a secure channel to Chief Engineer Maren Dast and the convoy commander.
Neither objected to leaving the support vessels near Sanctuary Ardent for several hours, especially since Solenne would not be taking the whole fleet.
That solved the military problem.
The political problem was different.
Aurelian turned toward the civilian council.
