Cerberus, battered and broken

Cerberus had returned to the territory of the Acnelia Galactic Federation's Salius Stellar Province.

Having come this far, it was as good as arrived, and a relaxed atmosphere now filled the bridge of Cerberus.

"Wait? Isn't Millina's third eye always open?"

Seira, utterly fascinated by Millina's third eye.

Indeed, as Seira mentioned, Millina's third eye on her forehead is currently closed.

"Yes, it stays closed when I'm not actively using its power. It opens when I consciously intend to use it, and naturally opens when I sense danger approaching."

"Really? Um, how exactly does the third eye... appear?"

"When the third eye opens, the vision of the other eyes weakens, and the field of view from the eye on the forehead becomes central. The third eye's vision has a reddish tint overall. Even though the left and right eyes also lose some clarity, they still function, which makes things complicated. There's a noticeable difference in depth perception between seeing with two eyes versus three. It was quite difficult to get used to at first."

Seyla and Milina seemed to hit it off, chatting enthusiastically together.

It's unclear whether it's appropriate to speak so casually about the third eye unique to the Lemurians, but since Milina is chatting freely and Marcelus isn't reprimanding her, it seems there's no issue.

While thinking this, Shinnosuke continued navigating, and the Cerberus arrived at the central colony of the Salius Stellar Province.

"Salus Stellar Province Central Colony Harbor Management Center, this is escort vessel Cerberus. Requesting permission to dock."

Seyla, having ended her conversation with Milena, sent a transmission to the harbor management center.

"Harbor Management Center, this is you. Follow the guide beacon and dock at Dock 125."

In the Salus Stellar Province Central Colony's spaceport, the three-digit docks in the 100s range are reserved for government-exclusive use.

"Understood. Docking at Dock 125... Shinnosuke, please proceed."

"Got it. I've locked onto the guide beacon. Docking at Dock 125. Well then, Milina. We've managed to reach the Akneria Galactic Federation safely. Our mission here is complete."

Milina bowed deeply in response to Shinnosuke's words.

"Thank you so much. Shinnosuke-sama, Marks-san, and Sera-san—you three are our saviors."

"No, we merely fulfilled the request we were given, so there's no need to feel gratitude toward us. If you truly wish to express thanks, direct those feelings toward the officials of the 6325 Stellar Federation and the Sirius Stellar Province. Without their mediation, we would never have been able to help Miss Milina and the others."

"That's right. I should be grateful to everyone who helped me during my escape."

Shinnosuke silently nodded.

Eventually, when Cerberus docked at the government pier, Milina and the others were led off the ship by officials from the Aclenia Galactic Federation government.

"Until next time... I'll come back to repay you, Shinnosuke-sama."

Milina looked back up at Cerberus, murmuring to herself.

Her words never reached Shinnosuke, who stood on the gangway watching her and the others depart.

Shinnosuke, having parted ways with Milina and the others, looked again at Cerberus.

"Looks thoroughly wrecked. The second engine seems beyond repair..."

As Shinnosuke inspected the battered Cerberus, Lina arrived in a rush upon hearing the news of Cerberus's return.

"Shinnosuke-san! Welcome back. I'm truly sorry for asking you to take on such a sudden and demanding task. And thank you so much for seeing it through to completion."

Lina bowed her head, her gesture filled with gratitude and remorse.

"It's fine. I accepted the job, so I had to see it through—business is business... However."

"Yes?"

Shinnosuke pointed at Cerberus's second engine.

"We sustained considerable damage on this job. Since it was a mandatory task imposed by the union, couldn't we get compensation as a necessary expense?"

Looking where Shinnosuke's finger pointed, there was a large hole in the engine.

Upon circling to the opposite side, damage to the engine on that side was also evident.

Um, since this is a mandatory request from the union, I believe we can provide some compensation, even if not the full amount. I'll speak with my supervisor. Could you please provide a detailed estimate?

Since Rinna, who is capable at her work, has joined our side, there's at least a glimmer of hope now.

Understood. I will promptly submit an estimate regarding the damages from this project.

Just as we were talking, a staff member from the harbor management center immediately instructed us to move the ship out of the dock.

It seemed that Cerberus had served its purpose and was no longer needed.

Shinnosuke climbed aboard Cerberus to move it to his own dock.

Since he was already at it, he invited Rinna as well, and she joined him aboard Cerberus.

It took a considerable amount of time to get from the government dock to the merchant fleet association, even with the orbital transit system, but Cerberus made short work of it.

Rinna, thrilled to be aboard Cerberus for the first time, was buzzing with excitement, peppering Marks and Seyra with questions.

While glancing at her antics, Shinnosuke guided Cerberus out from the government dock.

"Alright, first things first—let's get a quote from Sai Kou Ji Industry..."

It's impossible to take on new work while Cerberus is still being repaired.