"The Compact will not accept this loss, and other Alliance families may see the sanctuary as abandoned Human property rather than territory under your command. Secure the legal records before anyone arrives. Do not allow the population registry or Continuity Vault to leave your control."
The message ended with delivery coordinates for the support ships.
Aurelian closed the recording.
"He thinks the Alliance may cause trouble," Rhoswen said.
"He thinks everyone may cause trouble," Aurelian replied.
"That sounds exhausting."
"It usually is."
Astra looked at the archive indicator.
"The legal records are still sealed inside the Continuity Vault."
"Yes."
Aurelian had planned to wait until the battle was fully over before entering it.
Taran had left the system, the evacuation was nearly complete, and the sanctuary was under control. That meant the time had come.
"We open the vault," he said.
Rhoswen pushed away from the table.
"Now?"
"Now."
"What about the prisoners?"
