"What about Drann?" Astra asked.
Eirenne immediately opened the captured captain's final statement and brought the relevant part onto the main display.
"He believes Drann is preparing to abandon several outer Compact positions."
Aurelian looked up from the map.
"Why?"
"Because he expects a Human counterattack."
Rhoswen smiled at that.
"Finally, someone gives us proper credit."
Aurelian ignored her and focused on the useful part.
"Which positions?"
Several markers appeared across the map.
Three small supply stations.
One research outpost.
Two mining settlements.
And a military depot near the route Taran had used while retreating.
Aurelian understood the situation almost immediately.
Drann was pulling useful people, ships, and supplies farther inward because he expected the Crownward March to strike back.
That meant the outer positions would probably be weakened first, then stripped of anything important once the withdrawal started properly.
