Lieutenant Serika Cruise

"Lieutenant Cruise. From your tone just now, it sounds like the objectives of that man and yourself are different, is that correct?"

Lieutenant Cruise shrugged in response to Shinosuke's question.

"I'd like to ask Kasimura-san something. In that regard, our goals are the same. However, my team and those four individuals are operating under separate missions. So, I'd appreciate it if you could understand that the earlier rudeness came solely from those four individuals."

So, he's saying that since he's different from those men, he shouldn't be blamed, is that it?

If that's the case, that's quite a convenient excuse.

"Does that mean they weren't intelligence operatives, then?"

Lieutenant Cruiser smiled faintly.

"No, even if they were on an unofficial assignment, they couldn't pretend to belong to another unit. As they themselves claimed, they are undeniably intelligence operatives. At the very least, they weren't in intelligence last week, and I expect they won't be by next week. I don't know their true objective—my mission doesn't involve that. We simply happened to have the same goal of speaking with Mr. Kasimura, so we happened to act together."

"So, Lieutenant Cruz and those others are entirely different people?"

"Yes, they share the commonality of being members of the Acreria Space Force and currently being part of the same intelligence division, but they operate under entirely separate command structures."

It seemed unlikely that anything further could be learned about the others without Lieutenant Cruz himself speaking.

"I understand. If you have something to ask me, please make it brief."

In that case, there was no need to waste additional time.

I'll quickly finish the interview and leave.

"I'm glad you understand. What I'd like to ask you is..."

In summary, Lieutenant Commander Cruze's testimony concerned combat records against the Lemurian vessels, identical to those previously reported by the earlier men. However, neither handing over the navigation data to Psykouji Industries nor submitting it to the Merchant Guild was considered problematic. The sole purpose was to gather an assessment of the Lemurian Galactic Empire's advanced warships from the perspective of a former military officer and current captain of a combat vessel. The formal procedures to obtain the navigation data through legitimate channels from Psykouji Industries and the Merchant Guild had already been initiated.

"So, according to Kasimura's assessment, there are no notable features regarding the Rimlia Galactic Empire's cruisers and destroyers?"

It's not that there were no noteworthy aspects, but rather that we couldn't obtain any significant information. We don't know what they were targeting by capturing the passenger ship Blue Whale, but their actions appeared restricted, and they didn't seem to be fully utilizing their ships' capabilities. Otherwise, they wouldn't have survived an encounter with such advanced cruisers and destroyers.

I see. Even though it's comparable to a light destroyer, it's quite humble of you to have defended a civilian vessel against three imperial ships with just a single corvette and still survived.

Shin nosuke shrugged at the overrated praise from Captain Cruze.

Low self-esteem and cowardice are my virtues—they're the secret to surviving on the battlefield.

Captain Cruze chuckled at Shin Nosuke's words, but Shin Nosuke remained utterly serious.

"I understand. There's one more thing I'd like to ask about..."

Captain Cruze's next question concerned the long-range cannon used by the space pirate leader who had damaged Cerberus.

"We've also received navigation data from the time Cerberus was attacked, but that doesn't match the equipment typical of space pirates. Mr. Kashimura, could you share your thoughts on this?"

"Indeed, that was a beam cannon comparable to a battleship's, and it's simply impractical to mount such a weapon on a vessel of that class. The strain would be too great, I believe. In a single battle, firing two or three times would likely be the absolute limit."

"How do you suppose they obtained that beam cannon?"

"I don't know for sure. But one thing is certain—whether legally or not, that beam cannon isn't something easily acquired, and it's far too powerful to be something pirates would typically prefer."

Lieutenant Cruise nodded in agreement with Shinosuke's reply.

Thank you. I've learned far more than I intended to ask. Thank you for your cooperation today. I expect we'll need your assistance again in the future, so I hope you'll continue to support us."

As Shinosuke had suspected, Lieutenant Cruise seemed intent on building a working relationship with him going forward.

Though Shinosuke wasn't enthusiastic about it, stubbornly refusing would likely cause trouble down the line.

"Well, I don't mind cooperating to a degree that won't interfere with my duties."

"That'll be sufficient. I'm quite busy myself, so I won't be asking for your help often."

"I understand. Then I'll take my leave."

Shinosuke and Miliena stood up, turning their backs to Captain Cruise as they prepared to exit.

From behind Shinosuke, Captain Cruise called out to him.

"Speaking of which, I personally don't find it interesting, but Captain Kasimura seems to be quite disliked by some military officers—so much so that it wouldn't be surprising if someone tried to take his life..."

Shinosuke didn't turn around as he replied to Lieutenant Cruise's words.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Please don't be modest.... As a token of gratitude for today, there was a wave of disciplinary reforms sweeping through the Second Fleet shortly after the new commander took office. But as they say, every rule has its exception—there are stubborn individuals who, even when relegated to a minor post, still wield considerable influence within the military. That may be why the temporary personnel changes in the Intelligence Division ended up being affected as well."

"That's something you should resolve within the military itself."

"I understand your words, but that's outside my duties, and I'm quite busy as it is. At the very least, I can guarantee your safety for today."

Shin nosuke shrugged and stepped out of the interrogation room.

Just as Lieutenant Cruise had said, outside the interrogation room and within the intelligence office, there was no sign of the men.