Chapter 1297: Returning to the Daikong Star Alliance (1)

The captain looked at Aolana.

Aolana nodded, signaling understanding.

Ten minutes later, a small shuttle flew out from the checkpoint and approached the transport ship.

The shuttle's hull was painted with the emblem of the Imperial Fists.

A clenched fist.

The docking hatch opened, and three Space Marines wearing yellow Power Armor walked in.

Leading them was a Sergeant, who swept a glance over everyone on the Bridge before speaking.

"Who is in charge?"

The captain stepped forward.

"I am the captain."

The Sergeant looked at him.

"Captain, your ship needs to undergo a comprehensive inspection. All personnel must undergo identity verification. This is the order of Lord Dorn."

The captain nodded.

"Understood. Please, go ahead."

The Sergeant waved his hand, and the two warriors behind him began to inspect the various compartments of the ship.

He himself walked up to Aolana.

"Are you the person in charge of the Daikong delegation?"

Aolana nodded.

"I am Aolana, a senior Diplomat of the Daikong Star Alliance. These are my credentials."

She handed over a holographic identity proof.

The Sergeant took it and examined it carefully.

His gaze lingered on every line of data, and only after confirming it was correct did he return it to Aolana.

"Ms. Aolana, please have all members of your delegation assemble on the Bridge. We need to conduct identity verification."

Aolana nodded, turned, and said to Tuowake behind her.

"Call everyone over."

A few minutes later, twenty-three "Daikong Diplomats" stood in formation on the Bridge.

The Imperial Fists warriors used scanners to verify their biological characteristics one by one.

Every piece of data matched the identity information provided by the Daikong Star Alliance perfectly.

The Sergeant looked at the scan results.

"No issues."

He said to Aolana.

"You may proceed. But there is one rule: while passing through the southern border, you are not permitted to leave the ship, you may not conduct any communications, and you may not do anything extraneous. Otherwise, we have the right to detain you."

Aolana nodded.

"Understood. We are just passing through."

The Sergeant did not speak again and left with the two warriors.

The transport ship restarted and slowly sailed into the checkpoint's passage.

In the core control room of the checkpoint, Rogal Dorn stood before a holographic screen, watching the transport ship slowly pass through the passage.

He wore the golden Power Armor of the Imperial Fists, his face as stern as rock, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Father."

The Adjutant walked over.

"The inspection results are out. The identities of all twenty-three Daikong people have been verified; there are no issues. The ship is also not carrying any contraband."

Dorn did not turn around.

"What does Guilliman say?"

The Adjutant said.

"Lord Guilliman confirms that these Daikong Diplomats were released according to the results of the negotiations. The Emperor personally approved it."

Dorn was silent for a few seconds before nodding.

"If Father approved it, then let them pass."

The transport ship passed the checkpoint and entered the no-man's-land of the southern border.

From here to the border of the Daikong Star Alliance, there was still half a day's journey.

On the Bridge, Aolana stood before the viewing window, looking at the unfamiliar starry sky outside.

Her expression was calm, but she was calculating rapidly in her mind.

The defenses of the Imperial Fists were even tighter than she had anticipated.

The fortifications on that fortress star were only the tip of the iceberg. At every key node along the border line, there were similar fortresses and checkpoints.

Dorn had turned the entire southern border into a Great Wall of Steel; any force attempting to break through would pay a heavy price.

"Aolana."

Tuowake's voice came from behind.

Aolana turned around.

"What is it?"

Tuowake walked to her side and lowered his voice.

"That Sergeant just now—the way he looked at us was not quite right."

"Aolana," she asked.

"What is wrong?"

Tuowake thought for a moment.

"He is not doubting our identities. He is... scrutinizing us. As if judging whether we will become a threat."

Aolana was in Silence for a second.

"That is not scrutiny. That is the result of Lord Dorn's training. Space Marines of the Imperial Fists look at any Alien with that gaze. It is not because of doubt, but because of duty."

Tuowake nodded.

"Perhaps."

He looked at the starry sky outside the window.

"Past the border, it will be the reception fleet of the Daikong Star Alliance. Once we reach there, the real Task will begin."

Aolana nodded.

"Yes."

She turned around and walked back to her seat.

"Notify everyone to get ready. Once we reach the Daikong Star Alliance, play your roles well."

Tuowake nodded, turned, and left.

Half a day later, the Transport Ship arrived at the outermost edge of the southern border.

In the distance, three ships of the Daikong Star Alliance were waiting.

They were not large, all Light Cruisers, painted in the Daikong Star Alliance's signature silver livery.

The ships were arranged neatly, with their cannons pointed downward, indicating no hostility.

A voice came through the Communication Device, carrying the unique accent of the Daikong Star Alliance.

"Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Transport Ship, this is the Daikong Star Alliance reception fleet. Please confirm your identity."

The captain pressed the communication button.

"This is Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance Transport Ship T-347, carrying the Daikong Star Alliance diplomatic mission, cleared for passage by the Emperor. Requesting docking."

"Confirmed. Please steer your ship into the designated berth."

The Transport Ship slowly approached the Daikong fleet and docked with the slightly larger ship in the center.

The docking hatch opened.

Opposite, a group of Daikong people stood there.

Leading them was a middle-aged male wearing the diplomatic attire of the Daikong Star Alliance, his three eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness.

"Ms. Aolana!"

He stepped forward quickly.

"Welcome back! I am Latin from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent by the order of Commissioner Kewake to receive you."

Aolana walked out of the hatch and bowed slightly.

"Lord Latin, thank you for coming to receive us."

Latin looked at her, a flash of relief passing through his three eyes.

"You have suffered. The Commissioner said, as long as you are back, that is enough. Everything else can be discussed later."

Aolana nodded.

"Please tell the Commissioner that we are all well."

Latin looked at Tuowake and the others behind her.

"Are you all here?"

Aolana nodded.

"All here. Twenty-three people, not one missing."

Latin breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good. Good. Then let us return. The Commissioner is waiting for you."

He stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation.

Aolana stepped into the Daikong ship.

Behind her, twenty-two "Daikong Diplomats" filed in one after another.

The docking hatch closed.

The Transport Ship detached and slowly returned in the direction of the Xiuluo Holy Star.

The Daikong ship started its engines and sailed toward the Capital Star of the Daikong Star Alliance.