Chapter 350: Reinforcements Coming

The first machines selected from the Continuity Vault began moving less than an hour later.

Heavy transport frames rolled between the storage rows while smaller maintenance units checked power cells, control systems, and sealed parts.

Many of the machines had remained untouched for centuries, but the vault had protected them well enough that most only needed basic inspections before they could be used.

Aurelian watched one of the construction frames unfold its legs and step down from its storage rack.

It moved slowly at first, almost as if it were remembering how its own body worked, then followed Eirenne’s instructions toward the cargo lifts.

"The first fabrication line will take longer," Eirenne said. "Several sections are too large for the current lifts, so they must be separated before transport."

"How much longer?"

"Eight hours if we use only the sanctuary equipment. Five if Solenne sends engineering crews."

"She is still covering the civilian transports."

"I know."

Aurelian looked over the cargo schedule.

The working construction frames would leave first. Agricultural processors and mobile medical units would follow once the larger transports returned from Larkspur Haven and Helion Bastion Twelve.

The fabrication line would be last because it needed careful handling.

That meant the Crownward March would not receive the most valuable equipment for several days, even if nothing went wrong.

Aurelian did not expect that kind of luck.

Astra stood beside one of the open containers and examined its markings.

"These parts are meant for the settlement frames."

"Yes," Eirenne replied. "Replacement joints, power couplings, cutting tools, and control units."

"Can Helion produce them?"

"Some. Not all."

That was the same problem they faced with Sanctuary Ardent’s weapons.

The sanctuary had machines that could repair basic damage, but many of its important systems depended on materials and production methods that no nearby settlement could fully replace.

A damaged corridor could be sealed with modern metal.

A broken door could be rebuilt.

An ancient shield regulator was different.

Using the wrong material might make it work for a few hours, but it could fail the next time the sanctuary came under attack.

The main batteries had already suffered damage from overheating, and several cooling lines needed parts that Eirenne could not make with the sanctuary’s present workshops.

Helion Bastion Twelve had better industry, but even Meren’s engineers would need time to understand the old designs.

The support convoy from the Arcturus family carried the equipment they needed most.

Until it arrived, the sanctuary could repair only part of the damage.

Aurelian left the vault with Astra and returned toward the upper command levels.

The corridors remained crowded, although most civilians had already left. Workers carried supplies toward the medical halls, while security teams moved surrendered Compact crews into temporary holding areas.

The prisoners from the captured ships had been divided by vessel and rank. Yarric had suggested the arrangement because it prevented senior officers from passing orders to crews from other ships.

Aurelian had agreed, though he still kept Yarric separated from the others.

Rhoswen met them outside the command center.

"No trouble from the prisoners," she said. "A few complaints, one argument over food, and a captain who demanded that we return his sidearm."

"What did you tell him?" Astra asked.

"That we would consider it after he was no longer a prisoner."

Astra gave her a flat look.

"He did not enjoy the answer," Rhoswen added.

Aurelian entered the command center.

The large display showed the whole system, including the retreat path used by Taran’s fleet and the routes taken by Solenne’s scouts.

The enemy had not returned.

That was the only good news.

Neris appeared on one side of the display.

"The final standard transport has cleared the system," she reported. "Solenne is accompanying it until it reaches the first transfer point. Two cruisers and five destroyers remain here with the damaged ships."

"How many medical patients are still inside?" Aurelian asked.

"Seven hundred and thirty-two. Vaela believes one hundred and nine can be moved within three hours. The others need more time."

"Do not rush them."

"I already told her the same thing."

Aurelian checked the estimated arrival time of the Arcturus convoy.

The ships were still more than nine hours away.

Eirenne had changed their route twice to reduce the chance of Compact scouts finding them, but the convoy could not move any faster without leaving its civilian transports behind.

Rhoswen looked at the repair list.

"Why not send the damaged ships to meet them?"

"Because some cannot jump safely," Aurelian replied.

"And the rest?"

"Solenne does not want to split what remains of her fleet."

That was the correct decision.

Taran had withdrawn, but he had left with enough ships to remain dangerous. If Solenne sent another group away, Sanctuary Ardent would be defended by only a small part of her fleet and a damaged weapon network.

Aurelian turned toward Eirenne.

"Have the scouts found Taran?"

"Not directly. We detected one old jump trail leading toward the Hollow Reach, but it could have been left by one of his relay ships."

"He may be hiding outside the system."

"Possible, but unlikely. His ships needed repairs and ammunition."

Rhoswen folded her arms.

"Then we have time."

"We have less time if he went somewhere with help."

The Compact controlled several stations within two jumps of Sanctuary Ardent. Most were small military posts or supply depots, but even a minor base could give Taran fuel, missiles, and replacement crews.

It could not fully repair his damaged cruisers in a few hours.

It did not need to.

Taran had learned that Sanctuary Ardent’s batteries could overheat. He had also seen Solenne refuse to pursue him beyond the safe area.

If he returned with more ships before the batteries recovered, he would not need to repair every vessel. He only needed enough strength to force another battle.

Aurelian sent another warning to Solenne.

Her reply arrived almost immediately.

"I’ve already changed the patrol pattern. I also ordered the damaged cruisers to keep their reactors ready."

"You expected this?"

"I expected you to expect it."

Rhoswen smiled.

Aurelian ignored her.

"How long until you return?"

"Two hours. I can send the transports ahead with a smaller escort."

"No. Stay with them until the transfer point."

"If Taran returns before I do, you’ll have fewer than twenty combat ships."

"We still have the sanctuary."

"The sanctuary has overheated guns."

"It also has Eirenne."

Eirenne looked toward him.