With their departure from the colonies a few months ago, they were only a few days away from reaching the inspection line. On their way, they ran into several trading ships going in and out of XenoMars, all with varying sizes and company markings.
"How are the preparations going?" Damien asked.
"I'd say we're already at eighty percent complete. Everything should be ready before we get to the inspection line." Leesa replied.
"Good work, make sure to remind the crew to swap out their uniforms before the inspection." Damien ordered before walking out of the bridge.
"Have you already told Veronica about your cover story?" Brook asked.
"I'm just about to. I'm expecting you to be there to morally support me." Damien replied before chuckling.
"Well, I'll definitely be there to cheer you on. From a distance, that is." Brook joked.
The two of them headed down to the hangar and spotted Veronica and Kjēl talking.
"Oh, Damien, Brook. What brings you guys here?" Veronica asked.
"It's our cover story for the inspection and interview." Damien replied.
"Well, let's hear it then." Veronica added.
"We'll be cousins and Kjēl will be your sister. Brook here will be the head of security hence why only his squadron has weapons on their ships. Is that all clear?" Damien explained.
"I think we're already ahead of you with that." Kjēl mumbled.
Veronica and Kjēl looked at each other and smirked which was strange. Brook and Damien were puzzled but Charles who just happened to walk by only gave them a smile.
"Oi. What's happening? You guys got Charles in on this?" Brook asked before scratching his head.
"We're approaching the inspection line. The Inspection Bureau is requesting to board our ship upon docking." Leesa announced over the PA.
"That's the signal. Everyone, get to your positions!" Damien ordered to the crew.
"We'll meet you at the bridge." Veronica stated before leaving the hangar with Kjēl.
Brook nodded and waved his hand before going to Damien and helping him. When the time came for the inspection team to enter the ship, everything was already ready and in place.
"We would like the details on your shipment and information on the crew." The agent ordered.
"I have it ready for you in the bridge. You can begin the inspection as soon as you're ready." Damien replied.
"I'll read the details first. Please lead the way to the bridge." The agent added.
Damien and the agent in charge made their way to the ship's bridge. Damien explained to the agent their family's business and what kind of shipments they carry. Once they arrived at the bridge, Veronica was already holding the data sheets and records while Kjēl was sitting by the helm.
"These are the data you requested, yes?" Veronica asked as she handed the records.
"It all seems to be good. There's nothing illegal within your cargo from your records. We just have to wait for the report of the inspection team." The agent explained.
"How much longer until we get back home?" Kjēl asked.
"Don't worry, this won't take long. You can go help the others in the mess hall while you wait." Veronica stated.
"I'm sorry, she gets lonely at home so we decided to bring her along for our deliveries." Damien apologized as he scratched his nape.
"It's fine, I don't mind kids. I actually have a daughter back at Mars, she should be around the same age as her." The agent smiled.
"Sir, the inspection is complete. We didn't detect any restricted items within the shipment. The only weapons on board only seem to be from their security team." Another agent reported.
The agent in command nodded and thanked Damien for their hospitality. The inspection team soon left their ship and the were given permission to pass through the inspection line.
"That was quicker than I thought. I got nervous over nothing." Brook chuckled.
"I guess the Inspection Bureau is all just for show. This is advantageous for us so let's be thankful." Damien stated.
"What's the situation with the Titan fleet?" Veronica asked.
"It seems they departed about a month ago. Once we make distance between us and the inspection line, we will initiate the second phase." Damien replied before sitting by the helm.
"I'll have Asterion ready by then. Charles suggested a load out and I'd like to try it out." Kjēl stated before leaving the bridge.
Back at the inspection line, the Catalyst has just arrived in one of the special docks. Bernard and Viktor quickly made their way out into the dock after receiving news of Gerard's fleet linking up with theirs.
"Brother, what brings you here?" Bernard asked as he stopped in front of Gerard.
"I was sent by father. He wanted to make sure that you return safe." Gerard replied as he took off his coat and handed it to the soldier next to him.
"You didn't have to. I'm sure you had other assignments back on Mars. You're too soft when it comes to father's wishes." Bernard stated before flashing a smile.
"My duty is where the supreme leader orders me to be. I'm simply serving XenoMars and her endeavors." Gerard replied before giving Bernard a cold look.
"There's no denying that you're the most devoted soldier I know. XenoMars needs more people like you within their ranks. A symbol for others to look up to." Bernard slightly bowed his head.
"Bernard, this isn't the place for touchy words. Save them for when we're not working, it would be best to act professional in the eyes of the public." Gerard ordered before turning around and walking ahead.
Bernard looked up and smiled before giving a slight giggle. Viktor stood from behind and was confused at what he just witnessed.
"Captain, was the commander blushing just now?" Viktor whispered quietly.
"I believe he was. He acts tough but he's actually a very kind man. I don't know how to tell him how much I admire him." Bernard stated.
"I don't mean to intrude in your family matters but I think you should be honest with him. He's your brother and all." Viktor suggested.
"You're right, I should. I'll keep note of that. Thank you, Viktor." Bernard replied before running after Gerard.