"They do," Eirenne agreed. "If the ambush only damages Varensk, they will eventually lose the longer war. Their industrial base is smaller."
Astra looked at the projected fleet numbers. "Varensk is becoming impatient."
"Yes. Their patrol commanders are moving more aggressively, and several have entered systems the Compact cannot abandon without losing civilian support."
"So the Compact will have to act soon," Aurelian said.
"Very soon."
That was useful.
If Varensk suffered a major defeat, Virell's Reach might receive fewer reinforcements. Some of its local ships could even be pulled inward to replace losses.
On the other hand, a Compact victory might make Varensk desperate enough to attack the outer chain simply to prove it had not lost control.
Either way, the March needed to be ready.
Aurelian was about to ask Eirenne to send the report to Cassian when he noticed that she had not closed the deeper data files.
"There is something else."
Eirenne paused for a moment.
