The demolition charges could no longer be triggered.
The old command systems recognized Human authority again.
The reserve population was still sleeping.
People they knew were waiting for them.
That last part broke through better than anything else.
One prisoner asked for his sister.
Eirenne found her among the awakened survivors at Sanctuary Ardent.
Another asked about a former medical worker.
Alive.
Another name came back dead.
Vaela did not hide that either.
Aurelian stood farther back with Astra and Rhoswen while the reunions were organized through communication links.
For once, Rhoswen did not complain about standing still.
Eventually, Eirenne approached Aurelian with another report.
"We accounted for sixteen of the previously unexplained prisoners."
"Where?"
"Veyra Nine transferred them to private Compact research contractors years ago."
"Locations?"
"Three facilities."
Aurelian looked at the new markers.
None were close.
