The three unidentified ships remained at the Valeris outer checkpoint while the local patrols carried out Aurelian's instructions.
Their captains had agreed to stop, but they were taking their time answering the identification request.
Rhoswen kept Crimson Bulwark behind the Valeris patrol line and watched them through the shared tactical display.
Aurelian remained in Helion's command room with Astra and Eirenne.
"Any change?" he asked.
"None," Rhoswen replied. "Their weapons are still inactive, and they've maintained the distance we ordered. The lead ship has finally sent its registration."
Eirenne opened the document.
The registration was old, but it was not obviously false. It identified the lead vessel as a civilian survey transport belonging to an organization called the Outer Recovery Cooperative.
Aurelian had never heard of it.
Neither had Eirenne.
"Check the Alliance records," he said.
