Orion was preparing to receive Selphira with the methodical calm of someone who had planned every aspect of confrontation during months of careful preparation.
He'd received several messages during the last hour, birds arriving at regular intervals with updates about Selphira's group's progress as they approached Goldcrest territory. Everything was unfolding exactly as he'd anticipated, perfect timing confirming his predictions about how they would react had been accurate.
Message at hour 0: Selphira and Arturo departed with 35 companions. Speed approximately 80 kilometers per hour.
Message at hour 1: Group passed checkpoint 1... Still 37 members. No additional forces detected.
Message at hour 2: Approaching outer perimeter of Goldcrest territory. Maintaining 'cautious' pace.
Every update confirmed the pattern. Small group, cautious approach and no big military backup because none more could be spared.
Everything according to plan.
