Aurelian used the quiet to contact Cassian.
His father answered from what looked like a family command office.
"You left Sanctuary Ardent."
"Yes."
"I gathered that from the fleet report."
"We found prisoner records."
Cassian's expression changed.
Aurelian gave him the short version.
Three hundred and twelve taken.
Forty-one confirmed dead.
Thirty-eight transferred elsewhere.
Up to two hundred and thirty-three possibly remaining.
Cassian listened without interrupting.
When Aurelian finished, he nodded.
"You made the correct choice."
"I expected you to tell me I should have waited."
"For what?"
"More ships."
"If the Compact is already evacuating the station, more ships arriving tomorrow would be useful only for searching an empty building."
That was why Aurelian had called.
Cassian understood timing.
"The Arcturus convoy can continue holding Sanctuary Ardent until you return," Cassian continued. "I've also ordered two more security ships toward Larkspur Haven."
