Escort Mission 3

The escort squadron led by Shinnosuke, having entered the territory of the Damura Constellation Kingdom, has intercepted both the refugee convoy they were protecting and an unidentified vessel attacking the convoy.

"Prepare all ships for combat! Pirate Killer, launch immediately!"

"Understood!"

Shinosuke establishes a communication link with the escort vessels of the Damura Constellation Kingdom.

This is the escort vessel Kerberos, assigned to the Cyraus Stellar Province of the Akneria Galactic Federation. I will now assume convoy escort duties. Please send me the current situation and detailed information on the enemy vessels.

...This is the escort vessel Typhoon II, affiliated with the Damura Stellar Cluster Commonwealth. We are currently under attack by fifteen enemy ships, resulting in the sinking of three escort vessels and one refugee ship. The enemy's affiliation is unknown, but they are using outdated vessels from the Rimlian Fleet. The enemy force consists of one heavy cruiser, three cruisers, and fifteen destroyers or frigates.

Shin nosuke's expression grows grim upon hearing the reply from Typhoon II.

"Sink even refugee ships? Not pirates then. Either a Rimlian military ghost unit or some subcontracted thugs..."

It was common for the Rimlian military to arm irregular ghost units or remnants of space pirates with outdated vessels and send them to conduct irregular warfare.

Especially in cases like this, where they'd assign them brutal, inhumane operations such as attacking civilian vessels.

Although they only operate outdated military vessels, the Ghost Units are highly trained, and even former pirate scum can handle military ships—so we can't afford to let our guard down.

"Understood. Given the situation, I'll take command of the entire fleet from here."

"Roger. I'm counting on you."

He then opened all communication channels.

To the unidentified vessel attacking civilian ships: We are a护卫 ship of the Aknelia Galactic Federation Free Merchant Fleet Consortium. We have been entrusted with escorting a refugee convoy from the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, and the convoy is now under our protection. If you attack any civilian vessels under our protection, we will take all necessary and maximum measures to repel the assault!

In response to Shinosuke's warning, the suspicious vessel replied with silent gunfire.

"Enemy attack confirmed! The main force will now commence escort combat. From this point forward, fleet command will be under Marks, and communications control will be under Sera."

"Understood."

Having declared this, Shinosuke transferred fleet command to Marks and communications control to Sera.

Marks selected the most appropriate strategy based on Shinosuke's instructions, sending commands and information to each ship via the data link system, while Sera relayed instructions through communications based on that information.

Since Ayla and the others were operating the escort vessels independently, they found it easier to move when receiving both visual information displays through the data link system and verbal instructions via voice communication.

This ship, A884, and Pirate Killer will hold off the enemy vessels. Shield Ship, take position at the rear of the convoy. Gorgon, provide protection for the entire convoy. Damra Clan frigates of Typhoon II and below, maintain formation and continue convoy escort. It's acceptable if speed decreases slightly, but do not break formation. All weapons are now authorized for use!

Through experience and repeated self-training, Seira's skills as a communications officer have greatly improved, allowing her to conduct seamless and confident communications control.

She is completely different from her usual quiet self, her growth truly remarkable.

The three ships—Cerberus, A884, and Pirate Killer—slipped between the convoy and the enemy vessels.

From the enemy heavy cruiser, some kind of information was being continuously transmitted to the other enemy ships.

In short, this heavy cruiser is presumed to be leading the enemy forces, making it the top priority target for elimination.

"Make the heavy cruiser the primary target!"

In response to Shinosuke's order, Marks selected an attack on the heavy cruiser using the Pirate Killer.

"Use Pirate Killer to attack the enemy heavy cruiser. Cerberus and A884 will provide cover support."

Understood! I'll take that big target without hesitation. I'll sink it first and shatter their command structure and morale!

As Cerberus and A884 began their covering fire, Zany's Pirate Killer roared forward at maximum speed, unleashing rapid-fire cannon fire.

However, despite being an old vessel, the heavy cruiser boasted battleship-level armor. The rapid-fire cannons aboard the Pirate Killer couldn't penetrate its shield.

"My ship's a missile boat—main armament's not rapid-fire cannons, you know!"

Zany skillfully dodged the enemy ship's gunfire, closing in to just before the heavy cruiser.

The heavy cruiser filled the targeting monitor of the Pirate Killer.

At this range, there's no way to dodge—dead-on range.

"Though it's a luxury to let you have it, I'm giving you a generous gift."

Zany pressed the launch button for the anti-ship missile aimed at the heavy cruiser.

Two anti-ship missiles shot out from the launch tubes at the bow of the Pirate Killer, streaking toward their target at hypersonic speed.

Though short-ranged, the anti-ship missiles fired by the Pirate Killer were powerful enough to sink even a battleship.

Using the Pirate Killer's speed, it dove into the enemy ship's vicinity, and the launched missiles easily pierced through the heavy cruiser's shields and armor.

Two anti-ship missiles, having breached the armor, exploded inside the ship's hull.

It wasn't just the missiles' power—their impact point was also disastrous.

One missile struck near the heavy cruiser's forward missile launcher, triggering a chain reaction explosion that completely obliterated the front section of the ship's hull.

As surrounding enemy vessels attempted to bombard the Pirate Killer into submission, the Pirate Killer had already cut through the enemy fleet and swung around behind them.

Zany's signature one-hit, then disengage tactic.

An oblivious enemy ship attempts to turn around and pursue the Pirate Killer, only to become food for Aila's A884 main cannon.

"Such a dull opponent. Aren't these just common fodder?"

Aila quips lightly, but never lets her guard down.

Though she's sunk a heavy cruiser and a destroyer, securing the element of surprise, the situation remains disadvantageous.

Even if we sink their command ship, a ghost unit will quickly recover, and a gang of thugs won't be properly coordinated. Stay alert. Use the enemy's temporary confusion to create distance."

Marks immediately sent the next transmission.

"Proceed forward with the convoy and escort as planned. Our ship and A884 will hold the enemy in place while retreating. Pirate Killer, maneuver around and secure the enemy's right flank."

Understood. Let me know when to strike from the side—I'll charge in right away.

Understood. Please hold position for now.

Seyla gives precise instructions based on Marks' data.

Her coordination with Marks is truly impressive.

"Milena, temporarily transfer control of Cerberus to you. Keep up the speed and continue retreating. I'll leave avoiding the enemy's attacks to you."

"Y-yes, understood. Please leave it to me."

"Please, you have control."

"I have control."

A third eye opens on Milena's forehead.

Shin nosuke locks his aim on the enemy cruiser displayed on the glass monitor.

"You may think you're skilled, but don't underestimate the escort pilots of free traders."