\
The decision to receive every interested party at Atlas Base created problems almost immediately.
Elaina discovered the first one before breakfast.
There were too many of them.
By the time Marcus entered the administrative office, she had arranged seventeen letters across the conference table, each one sealed with wax, ribbon, or some other decoration meant to make the sender appear more important than everyone else. Merchants had written in careful, flattering language about convoy protection and western trade routes. Minor nobles offered cooperation, land access, and formal introductions to larger houses. Two town councils requested permanent Atlas patrols, while one letter from Berm asked whether the company would consider opening a public office inside the city.
Marcus stood at the edge of the table and stared at the collection.
"This happened in one day?"
"One morning," Elaina corrected. "Rose says more may arrive before noon."
