XD-F00 Cerberus

The next day, Shinnosuke visited SAIKOUJI INDUSTRY to receive the transfer of the ship inherited from his father-in-law.

The ship, "XD-F00 Cerberus," was originally a prototype light destroyer developed and built by SAIKOUJI INDUSTRY for participation in a military new destroyer deployment program competition.

However, since its performance failed to meet the operational standards required for a destroyer, it was reclassified as a corvette.

Although reclassified as a corvette, its construction cost was considered too high for a corvette, leading the military to conclude it was unlikely to be adopted, and development was subsequently canceled.

Nevertheless, its performance was high—capable of commanding around twenty ships as a flagship—leading to its intended use for convoy escort duties within the Sykouji Company. Just before the previous company chairman transferred the vessel’s registry to his personal ownership, he passed away, and Shinnosuke inherited it.

In a room at Sykouji Industry, an attendant seated across from Shinnosuke is conducting the final confirmation of the procedures.

Confirmed. With Captain Kasimura in command, all necessary legal procedures, in addition to approval from the Space Security Bureau, have been completed for the armed configuration of the XD-F00 as an escort vessel. The ship can now be deployed for various operations upon registration with the Merchant Ship Consortium. Note that the physical projectile space torpedoes and missile launchers are fully loaded.

An attendant transferring data to Shinosuke's terminal while explaining.

Handing over the ship fully equipped, from procedures to weapons and energy—quite the generous treatment.

"Such excellent service. Was this your sister-in-law's doing?"

"That's part of it, but more so, it reflects our company's own intentions. We're getting valuable operational data just by paying the contractual fee—quite a profitable deal for us. It's our way of showing consideration to a valued client. Also, for future maintenance and repairs, we have our own maintenance facility in the Salius colony, so please contact them. We're also collecting data through this, so we'll handle it at a very low cost."

Indeed, when ships built by manufacturers are adopted for military use, their combat data becomes classified military information, limiting even the manufacturers to only minimal feedback.

However, combat data from free merchants with escort vessel qualifications unbound by military regulations is不受 these restrictions, allowing us to acquire valuable data through monetary contracts.

"I see. In that case, I'll gladly accept it."

Shinosuke nodded and sent back the ship's acceptance confirmation data.

Once all procedures were completed and the staff member exited, Emilia stepped inside in their place.

"The formalities are done, then. I'll give you two farewell gifts of my own."

"No, that's quite enough. Let me handle the rest on my own,轻松ly."

Syunosuke hesitates at Emilia's offer, but Emilia shakes her head.

"It's precisely because it's one person that's the issue. True, Cerberus is a vessel capable of being operated solo, but that won't allow it to fully realize its potential. Still, without a clear outlook on the venture, hiring a crew isn't feasible. So, as a farewell gift, I'll provide you with one doll dedicated to operational support."

Syunosuke tenses slightly at the words.

A doll is an android designed to assist with various human tasks and daily life, and as an operational support model for ships, it can perform a wide range of functions—from navigation and communications to weapons control. Naturally, such advanced units are extremely expensive, sometimes costing as much as a civilian-sized cruiser.

It's utterly out of reach for Syunosuke's savings.

To be honest, Syunosuke had also been longing for a ship operation support-type doll, almost willing to go to any lengths to get one, so Emilia's offer was truly welcome.

"Are you sure it's alright to accept something so expensive?"

"It's perfectly fine. Originally, it was entrusted to my father for operation, but after his passing, I've had nothing much to do with it. It would be far more meaningful if Shinosuke takes it over, and in fact, the ship itself desires this very much."

That the doll itself desires it suggests that the doll Emilia mentioned is indeed a self-aware, autonomous model.

There are two types of dolls: passive dolls that act only in response to the administrator's commands, and autonomous dolls that generally follow the administrator's instructions but can also act based on their own judgment as long as they do not contradict those commands.

Passive dolls must always act in tandem with their administrator, but autonomous dolls can act independently. If their administrator applies to the bureau, they can be granted legitimate rights and recognized as individuals, acquiring both the duties and rights of a person.

Moreover, if equipped with a biological tissue exterior and designed in a female form, the appearance becomes remarkably beautiful—so lifelike that, without the sensors and antennas installed on the side of the head, it would be indistinguishable from a human. Depending on the model, some even possess functions and emotions akin to humans in every sense.

In other words, autonomous dolls can make their own decisions as long as their fundamental principles are established, becoming reliable companions across all fields.

In that case, there's no denying it—Shinnosuke has no choice but to accept it.

Moreover, even if he doesn't harbor ill intentions, Shinnosuke is still a man, and can't help but feel a little hopeful.

"I understand. I'll gladly accept this."

Upon Shinnosuke's agreement, Emilia nodded contentedly.

"Very well. That eases my mind."

As she spoke, Emilia clapped her hands, signaling someone outside the room.

Following the signal, the door opened.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Support-type Doll S-21 model, designated Markus."

Shin nosuke's expression froze as he looked up at the doll entering the room.

Before Shin nosuke stood an android with no visible biological tissue casing, its appearance starkly mechanical.

Over two meters tall, clad in a work uniform, military boots, and a military jacket, this is unmistakably a rigid, no-nonsense military doll—its appearance, aside from having limbs and a head, bears no resemblance to a human, clearly prioritizing function over form at a glance.

The S-21 dolls are operated by certain units of the Space Navy Marine Corps, serving as crew members and squad leaders—Shinonsuke has even seen them in action.

"Shinonsuke Kashimura. Pleasure to meet you."

Markus hesitated for just a moment before taking Shinonsuke's outstretched hand and shaking it firmly.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Shinonsuke."

Shinonsuke did his best to conceal his inner disappointment, maintaining a calm exterior, but Markus might not have noticed, though Emilias mischievous, smug smile seemed to pierce right through Shinonsukes thoughts.

Laughing, Emilias clapped her hands once more to signal.

Next to enter the room was Emilias secretary.

Holding a large case, she arranged its contents on the table in front of Shinonsuke.

It was a complete set of sailor's uniform.

Those assigned to escort duties on free merchant ships were required to uphold high ethical standards and discipline, and as proof of this, the captain's uniform was mandated for wear by the ship's captain.

While there are no strict regulations regarding the design, the uniform must be neat and formal, similar to those worn by military officers or cruise ship captains. Emilia's design is neat yet not stiff, practical for everyday wear, and stylishly features black as the primary color—matching Shinnosuke's preference—while incorporating red piping as a subtle accent throughout.

Fortunately, there are two versions available: full dress and semi-formal, and both formal and informal hats are provided.

This is the uniform Emilia kindly prepared for me.

After quickly changing into it, it fits perfectly—as if custom-made (and in fact, it was).

"Yeah, the size seems just right."

Emilia proudly admires Shinosuke's appearance in the uniform.

"How did you manage to figure out my size after not seeing me for so many years?"

Emilia proudly puffs out her chest in response to Shinosuke's question.

"It's simple. I have a friend who works in the military's equipment division, so I obtained the size data for Shinosuke's uniform from her."

Shinosuke looked utterly exasperated at Emilia's reply.

"Isn't that military information?"

"Even if it is military data, it's not classified, is it? I asked as a family member, and she provided the information willingly."

Shinosuke sighed, watching Emilia speak as though it were nothing at all.

Indeed, the information from Shinosuke, who's already been discharged, isn't worth much.

Any further inquiry would be pointless.

Still, preparations for departure are complete.

"Then, Shinosuke. My assistance ends here. From now on, you're just one of countless contractual business partners to Psycho-J Company. Now, show me what you can do on your own!"

"Yes. I've been greatly helped by you."

Shin nosuke saluted Emilia, then boarded Cerberus with Marks.

Shin nosuke sat in the bridge's pilot seat, activating the ship's systems. The large monitor occupying most of the bridge's front displayed the ship's forward view.

Three monitors were mounted at the pilot seat, aggregating all necessary information for operating the vessel.

Navigation is performed using the steering wheel, throttle lever, and foot pedals installed at the pilot seat, allowing a single person to carry out routine operations and combat maneuvers.

While Shinosuke conducts system checks, Marks inputs the route to the destination at the integrated operator station.

Once all preparations are complete, Shinosuke establishes communication with the construction dock's control room.

"XD-F00 Cerberus, launch preparations complete! Requesting clearance to depart!"

Upon receiving Shinosuke's launch request, workers stationed around the ship retreated, the air was released from the dock where Cerberus was moored, and the massive front gate was unlocked.

Beyond the gate lay open space—outer space.

"XD-F00 Cerberus, this is the control room. We will now move the ship to launch position."

Following instructions from the control room, the docking platform holding Cerberus began to move, pushing the ship out onto the colony's external deck.

"Movement to launch position confirmed. No abnormalities detected in any systems. Requesting release of docking platform locks."

"Understood. Docking platform locks are being released. XD-F00 Cerberus, you are cleared for departure!"

"Understood."

With departure cleared, Shinnosuke ignited the lower thrusters, lifting the ship off the platform and detaching it from the dock.

The mooring lines, which had remained connected until the very end, were finally severed—now was truly the time to set sail.

Shinnosuke placed his hand on the throttle lever and slowly pushed it forward.

"Engaging slow forward, Cerberus, departing!"

The ship began to move forward.

"Alright, let's go, Marks!"

"Understood."

Shin nosuke and Marks set off into the vast expanse of space.