Escort Mission 2

After departing from the central colony of the Salius Stellar Province, the Kerberos headed toward the rendezvous zone for the escort fleet.

For this escort mission, the Kerberos was assigned to the third squadron of the escort force.

It would be responsible for guarding one of five convoys arriving from the Damra Star Cluster Commonwealth, the first wave of which had just arrived.

Naturally, the first wave of refugees attempting to flee during the military intervention of the Acheronian Fleet would be highly vulnerable to attacks by the Rimelian Galactic Empire Fleet and space pirates, making it an extremely dangerous assignment.

In addition to Cerberus, the third squad included Ira's A884-class frigate, Zanny and Dag's Pirate Killer, a shield ship, and the escort pilots, twin siblings Alex and Cynthia.

The double-hulled escort vessel Gorgon, piloted by Alex and Cynthia, was originally a corvette experimentally deployed in the Akreria Space Fleet.

Designed to reduce pilot workload and improve operational efficiency, the Gorgon—a vessel with two hulls and a symmetrical, dual-body structure—possesses the unique capability of separating its two hulls to operate independently. However, it lacked notable practicality, leading to only a small number of ships being deployed briefly before being retired.

Retired vessels were either repurposed as experimental data collection ships or scrapped, though a few were converted for civilian use.

Regardless, these are well-known ships that retired over thirty years ago, regarded by some naval enthusiasts as rare and unusual weapons.

When Gorgon split apart, Alex, the elder sibling, took command of the lead vessel, the Stenno, while his younger sister Cynthia commanded the second vessel, the Eurylee.

Though both have only recently been promoted to C-class escort vessel crew members and have no prior acquaintance with Shinnosuke, they are said to have previously collaborated with Ira and Zany.

Thus, the escort unit for this mission was assembled with coordination in mind.

"Looks like we're all here. We'll be going to meet the refugee convoy bound for the Damura Star Cluster Republic, but there's one thing I need to clarify."

Shinnosuke nodded in response to Ira's transmission.

"Who'll be in charge of this unit, right?"

"That's correct. For this operation, most of the B-rank and above personnel are being held back as mobile reserves and reinforcements, so we C-rank members will mostly be on the front lines. Naturally, we're all C-rank. We need to decide who'll be in command."

Ira's point was valid.

With five (or six?) battle vessels involved in the operation, someone needs to be in charge.

You're right, but my sister and I have only just been promoted to C-rank, so we're still lacking experience...

I'm fine— I wasn't planning to leave this to you. Besides, the commander has already been decided.

Ira laughs at Alex's words, visible through the monitor.

Well, I'm the one charging straight into the front lines, so that's out of the question.

We're basically steering the ship all by ourselves, you know...

Shin nosuke felt a bad premonition as Zany and Doug spoke.

"Then, take care of it, Shin nosuke."

As expected, despite being on the monitor, everyone's eyes turned to Shin nosuke.

"Me?"

"That's right. You're the only one who's managing the ship with multiple crew members. We're busy enough just handling our own ship."

"That's right. With Shin nosuke's ship markings, coordinating the fleet should be a breeze, right? We've got an excellent communications officer, and even a trainee副操縦士. Who else could possibly be the captain but Shin nosuke?"

Shin nosuke speechless in the face of Zany's remarks.

"I'm fine, Master."

"I'll do my best too."

"Please assign me any task—any errands at all."

To be betrayed even by Marks and the others? With no choice left, Shinnosuke was forced to take command of the Third Division.

Under Shinnosuke's leadership, the Third Division set out toward the Damura Stellar Federation.

According to plan, they were to wait in the international space zone near the Damura Stellar Federation side, between the Akeria Galactic Federation and the Damura Stellar Federation, guarded by the Federation's escort ships, and join up with the refugee convoys fleeing through the region.

However, the situation wouldn't allow it.

"Radar has detected the refugee convoy from the Damura Stellar Federation... It's dire—engaged in combat. The convoy was expected to consist of 15 ships and 5 escort vessels from the Federation, but only 16 ships are responding with identification signals! There are already casualties! Additional radar contacts without identification signals are increasing—8, 9... and rising further!"

Both sides have yet to reach their designated airspace, and the refugee convoy is still navigating through the Damlar Star Cluster Commonwealth's territory, but having been attacked, the convoy is now fleeing at maximum speed, desperate to escape.

The radar contacts are no longer in formation, scattered in a long line, with unidentified vessels pursuing from behind in a partial encirclement.

"Looks like we couldn't welcome you as planned. Marks, Sera, I'll now assume command of the squadron."

"Understood."

Shin nosuke issued commands to each ship.

The refugee convoy appears to be under attack. The main force will immediately enter the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth territory to begin escort duties. Once we rendezvous with the convoy, combat will commence immediately, so prepare for battle. I will now take command of the squadron.

『『『『Understood!』』』』

Shin Nosuke and the others increased their speed and entered the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth territory.

"Shin nosuke, with my pirate killer's speed, I can strike the enemy first. Let's go?"

Zany looks eager to go, but Shinnosuke shakes his head.

It's still too early. We haven't confirmed the enemy's identity. Even if the swift Pirates Killer strikes first, we can't guarantee they'll be able to follow through. For now, assessing the situation takes priority.

Understood. I'll follow your orders. But don't hold back on your forces. This operation is a big-budget affair—energy, weapons, ammunition, all provided by the union. Don't hold back, let's go!

Got it. I'll count on you when the fighting starts.

You got it! Leave it to me!

In the meantime, the distance between both sides closed, and the situation became clearer.

The number of enemy ships attacking the refugee convoy had reached fifteen.