The central command compound lay several levels above the preservation halls, connected to the lower sectors by old service corridors that had been widened and reinforced after the Drael Compact took control of Sanctuary Ardent.
Aurelian moved quickly through the eastern passage with Astra and Rhoswen beside him, while Lysara remained behind to help Vaela organize the medical teams and begin checking the first preservation chambers.
Eirenne guided them through the sanctuary network, closing doors behind them and opening alternate routes ahead whenever Compact security tried to block their path.
The enemy had already realized that the intruders were not moving blindly.
That made them nervous.
It also made them dangerous.
"They are concentrating around the central command level," Eirenne reported. "At least one hundred and forty soldiers, six combat frames, and several fixed defense positions."
Rhoswen adjusted her grip on the shield.
