"Routine check, that's what they said."
Olympia's First Officer Anthony cautiously looked around, lowering his voice to say:
"I don't think it's that simple."
"Of course it's not that simple. Otherwise, why would such a big 'cow' (Albion's nickname for imperial submarines) come out to inspect a passenger ship, even if it is Albion's newest and largest ocean liner."
Captain Bruce pressed an ice pack against his cheek, making a gurgling sound from his mouth.
Logically, it should have been Captain Bruce who met with Lieutenant Colonel Brandi who boarded the ship, but just at this time, Captain Bruce had an old case of toothache (tooth disease is a common ailment among sailors, and well-equipped ships will always have a dentist on board). To avoid being rude (and more likely not wanting to face the situation), Captain Bruce was resting in the command cabin, leaving all the negotiations to the first officer.
