Reasonable.
Also politically cautious.
Aurelian did not object to that.
"Who attacked the patrol group?" he asked.
"Unknown."
"Any survivors?"
"Three."
"Can I speak to them?"
"One is medically stable enough for a formal interview. The other two are still recovering."
Aurelian thought for a moment.
He was not going to commit ships just because another region had experienced several attacks.
That was how small responsibilities turned into permanent ones before anyone noticed.
Still, ignoring the problem could be worse.
If someone was deliberately attacking independent Human settlements near the outer Crownward routes, the threat might eventually reach the March anyway.
"I'll investigate," Aurelian said.
Cassian nodded.
"I expected that."
"I did not say we are taking them under protection."
"I know."
"I want the survivor's report, route records, damage scans, and everything the Alliance has collected."
"I'll send it."
Rhoswen leaned forward.
"Can I go?"
