The report on Dunmere reached the surrounding settlements two days later, and the response was much stronger than Aurelian had expected.
Most of the interest came from independent freight operators and recovery crews. With three navigation beacons restored, several old shipping routes could be used again, cutting travel times and making it easier to reach wreck fields that had been difficult to access for decades.
However, the initial excitement quickly turned into concern when people learned that the detailed navigation data was restricted to companies with approved access codes.
Dalia contacted Aurelian that afternoon, looking considerably more tired than usual.
"I've received fourteen messages asking whether Crownward intends to take control of those beacons," she said, rubbing her forehead.
Aurelian frowned. "Why would we?"
"Because people hear you've sent warships to investigate an old station, and they start making assumptions."
