Chapter 265: Family Meeting 2
They would build first.
Then prepare.
Then move.
That was the plan.
Near the end of the meeting, a communications officer reported that the first landing groups had begun transferring to Larkspur Haven’s starport.
Engineers were already entering assigned work sectors. Medical staff had begun processing the first civilian specialists. No major problems had appeared.
Astercourt sent one message into the command channel.
Anyone who changes the landing order without approval will be reassigned to waste processing.
There was a brief silence.
Then Cassian said, "That is a good way to get things done."
Aurelian tapped his forehead once, but didn’t think much about it.
Orvain looked amused. "I like her."
"You haven’t had to argue with her yet," Aurelian said.
"That may change my view."
"It will."
Once the meeting ended, the branch representatives left with their assignments. Some looked satisfied.
Some looked thoughtful. A few were clearly already planning three steps ahead, which was normal for the Arcturus family.
Cassian remained by the star map, and Aurelian stayed with him for a moment while Astra waited nearby.
"You handled the priority choice well," Cassian said.
"I assumed taking the richest planet would work, but I am not at a stage where I can fully control it, so why go overboard on these things?"
"Good that you understand, but even if u had picked the most liked planet, no one will think too much as you are the one who found this part of the universe, so it is your right to get the first spoils."
"Although you are right, I think you like that I didn’t pick the most liked planet."
Cassian gave him a faint smile. "Yes, because although the planet has enough resources, you still have to mine them; compared to that, you can earn more in other places."
"I thought so."
"Good that you get where I am going at."
Aurelian didn’t think much about it.
He looked back at the map, where Larkspur Haven glowed at the center of the March’s current holdings, while Virell’s Reach waited beyond it as a possible future mark.
March had begun with survival.
Now it was being asked to think in generations.
That was the true difference family support made. Ships and supplies were useful, but plans like this changed the scale of thought itself.
Cassian turned away from the map. "For now, return to Haven. Your people need to see you receiving the first arrivals. The family commanders have heard my words, but the new settlers and support teams will judge the March by what they see in the next few days."
Aurelian nodded. "I’ll go down personally."
"Good. Take Astra. Rhoswen can remain in orbit unless you want the first arrivals to think the March greets everyone by threatening to duel them."
Aurelian smiled. "I’ll keep her in reserve."
"A wise deployment."
After leaving Cassian’s flagship, Aurelian returned to the Black Crown and took it down into Larkspur Haven’s orbital approach.
The planet below looked different now. Not because its surface had changed since morning, but because the orbit above it had become alive with new movement.
Landing craft descended in controlled lines. Cargo haulers carried station modules toward unfinished berths.
Medical shuttles moved with clean priority signals. Military transports waited patiently, their soldiers still aboard until Astercourt’s schedule allowed them to move.
March had never looked this busy.
Aurelian contacted Eirenne as the Black Crown settled into a high orbit over the starport.
"Where do you need me?"
"The first reception hall," Eirenne said. "The arrivals are disciplined, but they are stepping into an unknown frontier. Seeing you there will help."
"Then I’ll be there."
Astra accompanied him by shuttle to the starport. Rhoswen complained, as expected, but accepted her orbital assignment when Aurelian reminded her that someone needed to keep watch for trouble.
The first reception hall was large, newly repaired, and still faintly unfinished around the upper supports.
That did not matter. It was clean, secure, and organized. Rows of arriving engineers, medical workers, administrators, security personnel, and family settlers moved through screening stations under the watchful eyes of March officers and Arcturus family guards.
Astercourt stood near the central platform with a terminal in each hand and the expression of a woman holding civilization together through sheer irritation.
"You’re late," she said when Aurelian approached.
"I was in a meeting."
"Everyone is always in a meeting. Somehow, the work still comes here."
Aurelian smiled. "Good to see you too."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but he thought she looked relieved.
Eirenne appeared beside them, calm as ever. "The first group is ready for your address."
Aurelian looked across the hall.
Hundreds of faces turned toward him. Some were older specialists. Some were young officers. Some were branch personnel from Orvain’s side.
Others were families who had volunteered for a long assignment without knowing the full truth until the convoy crossed Mournveil.
They looked nervous.
Curious.
Excited.
Aurelian stepped onto the platform.
He did not give them a grand speech.
That was not what they needed.
"You have come a long way," he said, his voice carrying clearly through the hall. "Most of you learned the full truth only after crossing Mournveil. That was necessary, but I understand that it is not easy."
The hall stayed quiet.
"This is Larkspur Haven. It is not safe in the way inner territories are safe. It is still recovering. It needs work, patience, discipline, and people who understand that building something real takes time."
He looked over them slowly.
"The Crownward March will give you opportunity, but it will not give anyone comfort for free. Engineers will build. Administrators will organize. Security personnel will protect. Commanders will learn restraint before they learn glory. Those who do their work well will have a future here."
A few people straightened.
Aurelian’s tone remained steady.
"Those who break secrecy, ignore orders, exploit locals, or treat this place as a playground for ambition will be sent back if they are lucky."
Astercourt looked approving.
That probably meant he had said it correctly.
He finished more quietly. "The March is young, but it is real. Help us build it properly, and one day you will be able to say you were here at the beginning."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Orvain’s first engineers began clapping.
Others followed.
The sound grew through the hall, not wild or uncontrolled, but steady enough to fill the space.
Aurelian accepted it without looking away this time.
Behind him, Astra stood calm and silent, and Eirenne’s projection watched the arrivals with measured interest.
Astercourt was already checking the next transfer group, because sentiment had its place, but the landing schedule apparently did not care.
Aurelian stepped down from the platform and looked toward the open corridor beyond the hall, where more people, supplies, and ships were still arriving.
