"Mr. Li De? Hmm..."
The security personnel at the checkpoint remained silent for a moment, then noticed the 'Orbital Aviation VIP Direct Access' prompt on the screen. Smiling, the officer promptly stood up and said, "Your security check is clear, please proceed through the VIP passage over here."
Li De, more accurately Mercer using a behavior pattern sync face module, simply nodded indifferently and then directly entered the lounge through the VIP passage.
Following right after were V and Lark in casual clothes.
Similarly, the security personnel smiled approvingly and let them pass upon seeing the prompt on the computer while checking IDs, without strictly following security check procedures.
V glanced around and walked over to Mercer, who was disguised as Li De, initially a bit unaccustomed to see Mercer in the form of a strapping black man. He whispered:
"Is it necessary? Didn't you make things clear with Miles? What's the point of using Li De's face to go to the Moon?"
"It's for outsiders to see—once something happens on the Moon, others will naturally trace it to the lunar passengers of this flight..." Mercer explained, while V frowned, "Should I disguise myself too?"
"You? No need, everyone knows you're just a bodyguard hitman..." Mercer's words made V grumble and glare at him.
Lark then approached Mercer and thoughtfully said, "So, the aim of disguising as Li De is to totally shove the blame onto Military Science?"
"Yes, it's also to ensure you can reasonably return to Earth..." Mercer didn't elaborate further, and after speaking, he and the two of them proceeded through the VIP passage into the VIP lounge.
The VIP lounge, besides the common rest area, was equipped with high-end facilities like massage rooms and suites for relaxation, truly opening V's eyes.
Mercer simply led them to sit in the rest area, leisurely drinking a Coke, while Lark chose a cup of coffee, and V picked up a bottle of champagne.
"These rich folks surely know how to enjoy themselves, having free drinks before a flight?" V clicked his tongue in wonder.
"First class ticket prices easily are tens of thousands of Euros each, and for Orbital Aviation VIP clients, each flight starts at 200,000 Euros, what does your champagne cost?"
Mercer spoke lightly, while Lark eyed Mercer sipping her coffee and suddenly remarked, "It feels like you're more relaxed than before departing..."
"We're here already... It's not like we haven't risked our lives before." V pointed out, then glanced at Mercer, "But what about our stuff? Didn't you bring it ahead of time?"
Mercer gestured with his chin, and they then noticed the airport's luggage robot towing several oversized suitcases toward them.
"Honored VIP clients, here's your luggage for shipment, would you like me to place it in the cargo area in advance?" The robot's voice was gentle.
"Let me check it first."
After Mercer spoke, the robot began unloading the items.
Mercer inspected them one by one, each large suitcase was incredibly heavy, and Lark cast a glance: "How much stuff did you bring?"
"You wouldn't think you're fully prepared with just a set of armor, would you?" Mercer retorted, quickly examining the pile of weapon equipment disguised as luggage.
After finishing the inspection, Mercer directly commanded, "Standby here. Help me load onto the station's tram later."
The rocket launch site was actually some distance from the airport, requiring a ride on the station's rail tram.
The freight robot complied and repacked the large luggage onto the transport cart, awkwardly reminding them, "Considering the crowded manned rocket cabin, I remind you again that you should place these items in the cargo area of the manned rocket in advance..."
Mercer couldn't be bothered to reply, the robot's prosthetic eye flickered briefly before suddenly becoming agile.
"Master, everything is normal at present."
"Home is in your hands."
Mercer said softly, while the robot, or rather, Venus who had taken control of it, responded warmly, "I will ensure everyone's safety and await your victorious return."
"Okay." Mercer nodded, and Venus then controlled the robot to wait off to the side until boarding time.
Lark clicked her tongue in admiration, "High intelligence level..."
"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask—unless you plan to get involved in these troublesome affairs in the future."
Mercer advised, while Lark quickly shook her head.
She extended her hand, glanced at her palm, and then somewhat ruefully said, "I feel like I'm dreaming, Mercer, this feeling... It's not very real."
"Ha, there's still a long road ahead to real freedom, no need to be sentimental too soon." Mercer replied.
Lark shook her head again, yet her mood remained both anxious and excited like a school kid going on a field trip, longing, "But aren't we already on the way?"
"Only you can be free, I don't know how long until I can retire." V interjected, glaring at Mercer, "With this guy's spontaneous nature, I feel like I might not live to see retirement."
Mercer shrugged, speaking lightly, "You're kidding, I'm not planning to retire, I'm planning to retire, once I've dealt with the bunch of idiots eagerly trying to destroy the world, I'll definitely make a fast getaway!
Then, I'll have a great time living a wealthy lifestyle, traveling and indulging, and bringing along a bunch of beauties... Hmm, I mean, like you, Rebecca, Lucy, Kiwi Sasha, we'll all go together..."