Corrupted System
"I've heard news of Bernard returning from the outer-sphere." Lance stated.
"That is correct. Father has tasked my unit to meet him at the inspection line. My men already went ahead." Gerard replied.
"He asked you to do that? I see that he's still daddy's favorite." Lance added before chuckling.
"I'm only following a superior officer's orders. Besides, wasn't it your responsibility to watch over Bernard?" Gerard asked.
"It is, but I'm preoccupied with political matters. My schedule for the next three or so months is booked. We can't possibly bother Arthur so the responsibility falls on your shoulders." Lance explains.
"I understand, I'll take care of our dear brother. I'll send you an update once I meet him." Gerard stated before turning off the monitor.
Gerard closed the visor of his helmet before launching his ship from the port of a XenoMarsian station near the inspection line. His ship's upgrades were just finished and his new XM-2 custom is now fine tuned to his degree of piloting. His XM-2 custom is fitted with a thicker hull and stronger thrusters for ramming small and big ships alike. Other than that, his ship is also equiped with prototype EMP darts that can knock out a ship's entire system without endangering the pilot. He is the third son of the Hilt family and the Commander of the XenoMarsian Inspection Bureau. He has taken down several smuggling rings within the Mars-sphere and is known to even go after high-ranking officials who are involved in malicious act against XenoMars.
"He's too dedicated as a soldier. This will be a problem for us in the future, mister ambassador." A man in a suit stated.
"Don't worry, I have him around a leash. Why do you think he's caught so many corrupt officials within XenoMars?" Lance replied.
"You've been luring him away from us. I must say that I'm impressed. You're even prepared to trample your brothers just to get what you want." The man in the suit added before laughing.
"The path I've chosen does not require me to empathize for my brothers. Once I become the new leader of XenoMars, I'll make sure none of them will take my throne away." Lance explained before smirking.
Lance is the second son of the Hilt family. He's an ambassador of XenoMars who handles the political scene. Lance is a man driven by a hunger for power and authority. Because of this, he's often seen as an egotistical man with an inferiority complex. Despite his older brother, Arthur, paying his competition as the heir of XenoMars no attention, he still insists in proving he's the superior son. Using his status, he's bought several officials within the ranks of the military and provides protection to several weapons smuggling rings in the Mars-sphere. He's been orchestrating a puppet show on a massive scale, making himself the god in his own story.
"I'll return to the outer-sphere for now. It's a pleasure doing business with you, ambassador." The man in the suit stated and shook Lance's hand.
"The pleasure is mine. Rest assured that your business is under my care." Lance replied before smiling.
Back at the main branch of the Alliance in the Jupiter-sphere, the higher-ups have received the recorded transmission from Damien's group. With the plan closing in on it's second phase, they have sent the order to mobilize the Alliance's main fleet.
"Our sponsor has really outdid himself. With the weapons he's sent, we'll be the heroes to take down the dictatorship of XenoMars." A general stated.
"With all the preparations set. Send the orders to our main fleet. We must strike while the iron's hot." Another general stated.
"We've traced the White Whale from its last transmission point. It's almost at the inspection line. All units, prepare for launch." A voice announced in the space port.
"There's our cue. Tell the others that my XM-1 squadron has launch priority." Klaus ordered.
"Lieutenant Friëg, the General wants you up on the bridge." A man stated.
Klaus climbed out of his ship and quickly made his way out of the hangar. He took several turns through corridor before reaching an elevator that took him to the upper deck.
"General, you wanted to speak with me?" Klaus asked as he entered the bridge.
"Klaus, make sure you give me a good show out there. We're not the elite unit for nothing." Flint ordered.
"Sir, when did I ever disappoint you?" Klaus asked.
"You wouldn't be our ace pilot if you did. That's what I like about you, you stay true to our motto." Flint smirked.
"Swift and Merciless. That's the Black Skulls." Klaus added.
Klaus Friëg, falling second to Veronica yet is still a very deadly foe to face in combat. He's known for his precision attacks which always land the killing blow. His preferred ship is the late XM-1 model that he personally captured and customized to his own liking. His custom XM-1 Reaper features higher output thrusters and a large caliber rail gun that can pierce the thick hull of a destroyer. He prefers to strike from a distance to break the enemy's formation before charging in destroying the enemy flagships and transports. He's a predator who sinks his teeth deep into his prey so there'll be no escape.
"I'll show them why I'm an ace pilot. Just that Veronica wait, I'll surpass her." Klaus mumbled.
"Achoo! Damn it, I can't catch a cold now." Veronica groaned out.
"You should check in with the medical staff just in case." Charles suggested.
"No need to, I probably just need to rest." Veronica replied before wiping her nose.
"No worries, I'll ask Brook to take care of Kjēl's training today." Charles added before sipping from his bowl of soup.
"Thanks so much, Charles. I'll be in my room if anyone looks for me." Veronica replied before walking out of the mess hall.
Veronica shut herself inside her room and continued to feel uneasy. It was like someone was cursing her behind her back.
"I have a bad feeling crawling up my back. This always happens when I'm about to go on a major mission." Veronica mumbled to herself before sneezing again.