Rhoswen asked about Vaelith's forward accelerator less than an hour after Aurelian woke the next morning.
Aurelian was still eating when her message arrived from Valeris Reach.
He read it once, looked at Astra, then turned the screen so she could see it.
Rhoswen had written:
Can it destroy a cruiser in one shot?
Astra read the message without changing expression.
"At least she waited until morning."
"That is your positive interpretation?"
"Yes."
Aurelian typed a short reply.
It is damaged.
Rhoswen answered almost immediately.
I know. When will it be repaired?
Aurelian closed the message.
He had no intention of encouraging this conversation before breakfast.
The real reason he was still at Helion was more useful.
Meridian had already started the inspection he requested the previous night, going through sealed military hulls and dormant command structures that had not been touched since Helion awakened.
