"Commander Arcturus," he said, clearly aware of who Aurelian was. "You have already taken the transport. There is no need to attack the station."
"That depends on what you do next."
The officer's expression tightened.
"My name is Director Ovar Kel. I am responsible for Veyra Nine's research operations."
"Then you know why I am here."
"I know you found the transfer records."
"How many Sanctuary Ardent prisoners remain on your station?"
Kel hesitated.
That was answer enough to show there were still some.
Aurelian waited.
Finally, Kel spoke.
"Forty-six."
Aurelian looked toward Eirenne.
She was already checking.
"That number is possible," she said privately. "One hundred and seventy-one recovered from the transport, forty-one confirmed dead, thirty-eight transferred elsewhere, and forty-six on the station would account for two hundred and ninety-six. Sixteen remain unexplained."
Aurelian looked back at Kel.
