Several hours later, Orison accepted Aurelian's suggestion.
A civilian investigation vessel would travel toward Harrow's Rest, accompanied by a single patrol ship that would remain outside the settlement's immediate space.
Valeris sent two observers, while the Outer Recovery Cooperative requested permission to send one of its own.
Harrow's Rest accepted the arrangement after some argument.
Rhoswen was considerably less happy when Aurelian informed her that she would remain at Valeris.
Again.
She stared at him through the communication screen, her expression immediately telling him that the conversation would not be easy. "You know I'm good at this kind of thing."
"You're good at arriving with a battleship," Aurelian replied calmly.
"That too," Rhoswen admitted without hesitation.
"The point is to avoid making them think we're invading."
Rhoswen frowned at that. "Crimson Bulwark doesn't look that threatening."
