Aurelian did not rush down to Nhalis immediately.
That had been his first instinct after Eirenne found the sealed storage complex, but Karven Spire had taught him a useful lesson.
A planet could look quiet from orbit while hiding a disaster beneath one city, one fortress, or one frightened commander with access to something he did not understand.
So he waited for the first reports.
The starport was secured first. Darian's blockade group held the outer gates while March marines, Arcturus family security teams, and remote-controlled mechs moved through the docking levels in careful waves.
They met some resistance, but not much. Most of Targan Rell's soldiers had already seen the fleet collapse outside the port, and once his flagship was disabled before it could reach the atmosphere, the heart went out of them.
A few fought.
More surrendered.
Some simply hid.
