Unexpected Meeting

"Captain, we have reports of merchants seeing a squadron of Alliance ships across the border." Viktor stated.

"Where were they spotted?" Bernard asked as he walked over to Viktor.

"Near the business colony in sector E-32." Viktor replied.

"We'll keep pursuing them. We have to confiscate that machine." Bernard ordered.

"The colony in sector E-32 is neutral. It's a strict 'no combat' zone." Viktor commented.

"We protect their trading routes. We have authority over them. I'd hate to use my position but we can't let them slip past the asteroid belt." Bernard added.

Viktor organized the fleet and they immediately departed for the business colony. Meanwhile, inside the White Whale, the crew were debriefed and they started doing their tasks. The pilots, for the majority of the trip were doing nothing. They would sometimes help with other tasks in the ship but they would mainly be spending their free time resting. All but Kjēl and Veronica, that is. Kjēl would insist on training with Veronica, even when Veronica would decline. She hasn't won a single simulated battle against the ace but Veronica can't deny that she has improved a lot over the few days they've been training together.

"This kid just won't stop. She's so stubborn." Veronica complained before groaning.

"At least you're skills aren't put to waste." Charles commented.

"I'd rather fight Brook. He sounds hilarious when he loses, unlike Kjēl. She sounds so cold and weird." Veronica mumbled.

"Give the kid some time. She's only been with us for a week, she's still trying to adjust. Especially with the crew mainly being guys and all." Charles added.

"Hey. Let's train." Kjēl said coldly.

"Uuhh...Damien asked me to do something so I can't right now." Veronica replied.

"No he didn't. Now let's go." Kjēl ordered.

"That's- Fine...give me a second." Veronica answered before letting out a sigh.

Charles chuckled before watching Kjēl drag Veronica to her ship. It was like this for Kjēl, her daily schedule would be training with Veronica and studying the stored data in Asterion's software. Once they reached the nearby colony, they were all excited to see how different the colonies in XenoMars are. Damien told them to be cautious but still gave them some time for themselves while waiting for the resupplying to finish.

"You must be Stuart Verte. It's a pleasure to meet you." Damien said as he offered his hand.

"The honor is mine. You must be Damien. I've heard of you before." Stuart replied before shaking Damien's hand.

"I wasn't expecting such a big and influencial company would have connections with the Alliance." Damien stated.

"When Jupiter-Astra left, some of their supporters stayed behind. We became neutral for a majority of the time being up until the reform of XenoMars. We witnessed many atrocities and wrongdoings on their part and have began working with the Alliance in secret." Stuart added.

"We'll be in your care while we resupply." Damien replied.

Veronica was excited to explore the colony. She could finally have some time for herself and maybe treat herself while she's at it. Then Kjēl walked up to Veronica and told her that Brook wanted her to go with Veronica. This gave Veronica an idea so she agreed to what Brook said.

"You've been wearing the same three pairs of clothes for a month now. I'm gonna buy you some clothes so you'd look more fashionable." Veronica stated.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" Kjēl asked.

"Everything, now come on." Veronica replied as she dragged Kjēl out of the ship.

On a different port of the colony, Bernard's fleet docked to monitor the surrounding area while resupplying. He sent out small patrols that would switch shifts every few hours around the colony. For the other crew, he gave them permission to wander around the colony and relax for a while. Viktor took this opportunity to buy a gift for his little sister back on Mars.

"Sir, I'll be heading into the plaza for a bit." Viktor informed Bernard.

"You don't really have to tell me. I gave everyone permission so just go ahead." Bernard replied before chuckling.

"Thank you so much, sir." Viktor added before saluting.

"I told you, call me Bernard. You don't have to keep addressing me so highly." Bernard stated.

Viktor nodded before heading out of the bridge and out of the ship. He made his way to where the shops were and kept a close eye for small pendants or trinkets. A special one caught his eyes, it was a ring with a revolving small globe of Mars. It was a perfect gift for his sister.

"Vanessa will surely love this." Viktor mumbled to himself.

"What else do you want? I'll buy you anything." Veronica asked.

"This and that one too." Kjēl replied as she pointed to different food stalls.

"Okay, after this we'll go back. You still have to try these clothes on." Veronica added as she paid for the food.

Kjēl nodded as she continued to munch on her food. Veronica walked ahead and Kjēl followed shortly behind. Veronica glanced behind her for a moment to check on Kjēl when she didn't notice Viktor heading towards her. They bumped into each other and dropped what they were holding. Viktor hurriedly helped pick up Veronica's bags and apologized. Veronica also apologized and picked up the pendant before handing it to Viktor. They met eye to eye and Viktor was struck. He couldn't understand what was going on but his heart felt like it could jump.

"T-thank you so much." Viktor shyly said as he took the pendant.

"It was also my fault for not looking where I was going. Are you okay?" Veronica asked as she realized the uniform Viktor was wearing.

"Let me help you carry these as an apology." Viktor offered.

"It's fine, I can carry all of this without trouble." Veronica kindly declined before smiling.

"Miss, I Insist. Please, let me." Viktor added.

"I guess it can't be helped." Veronica said before chuckling.

Kjēl watched nearby as she continued on eating. She also recognized the uniform Viktor was wearing to be a XenoMarsian Officer uniform. She didn't want to interfere because Veronica looked like she had it under control.

"Hey kid, are you lost?" Bernard asked as he walked up to Kjēl.

"No." Kjēl replied with her mouth full.

"My, you must be starving. Is that your mother over there?" Bernard asked once more as he pointed to Veronica.

"She's my sister. Are you going to buy me food too?" Kjēl responded.

"Oh...well, take a pick and I'll buy you some." Bernard replied before smiling.

"I want some of that." Kjēl stated as she pointed towards a stall selling bread.

"Stay right here. I'll buy you some." Bernard added.

"Kjēl, come on. We have to go back now." Veronica called out to Kjēl.

"Hold on." Kjēl replied.

Veronica and Viktor watched as Bernard approached Kjēl and handed her a small bag. Kjēl thanked him and walked towards Veronica. She immediately began eating the bread that Bernard bought her.

"Captain, what are you doing here?" Viktor asked.

"Well, I thought I'd meet some of the people and take a look around the place." Bernard replied as he walked up to them.

"I'll just escort them and be back with you in a bit, sir." Viktor added.

"Well, if they won't mind. We can both escort them." Bernard suggested.

"I don't think it would be a problem. More hands to carry bags with." Veronica joked.

"More people to buy me food." Kjēl mumbled before looking at the other three.