A Strange Request

According to Sanders and Yan, there's been an anomaly in the remote space near the border between the Acneria Galactic Federation and the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, and they're asking for our help in investigating it.

"What kind of anomaly in space? And just what exactly do you want us to help with?"

Yan responds to Shinosuke's question.

After the Rimurian Galactic Empire invaded the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth and our fleet intervened, reports have been increasing of sightings of cosmic whales in the region near our side of the border. As you know, encountering a cosmic whale is extremely rare—there are only about two or three such incidents across the entire Akneria Galactic Federation each year. The most recent case was when Mr. Kashimura himself encountered one.

As Yan said, it's true that Shinosuke did encounter a space whale on his return from the Garra Stellar Province, and he did report it to the union.

Shinosuke has encountered space whales twice in total, including during his time in the Space Navy, but such an experience is extremely rare.

"How significant is the increase in sighting reports, really?"

"Seven sighting reports in just the past month, all concentrated in nearly the same region of space."

"That is indeed a peculiar report."

The cosmic whales are known as elusive, mysterious beings with extremely low encounter rates, and their ecology has never been studied.

The fact that these cosmic whales have been sighted multiple times in the same region suggests they may be lingering there for some reason. However, cosmic whales are generally believed to roam areas where spacecraft cannot navigate or regions far off established routes. Shinosuke has never heard of such repeated sightings in a specific area, and apparently, the Cosmic Environment Bureau has no prior record of this occurrence either.

The Cosmic Environment Bureau, considering the possibility of anomalies occurring in that region of space, decided to launch an investigation. However, as is typical of government agencies with limited budgets, the number of research vessels they can deploy is restricted.

All of our research vessels are currently deployed, and even under the best circumstances, they won’t be back for at least three months. As a result, we decided to request assistance from the Free Merchant Consortium. We asked them to recommend any free merchants who possess the necessary capabilities for our investigation, and they suggested Mr. Kashimura. However, he had just coincidentally accepted a job assignment toward the Damura Nebula Commonwealth. Fortunately, a Consortium staff member suggested, “Since Mr. Kashimura is heading to the Damura Nebula Commonwealth anyway, why not ask him to assist with our investigation as well?” That’s how we ended up contacting him and requesting his help.

When Shinnosuke suddenly realized what Yann had just explained, he turned around to see Lina peering in from the entrance of the café.

Lina noticed Shinosuke had turned around and brought her hands together in front of her face, looking embarrassed.

You can't let your guard down, after all.

Milina muttered something, and Shinnosuke let out a big sigh.

"I understand the situation. I'm willing to take on the request, but as I said before, the prior job takes precedence. Your request will come afterward."

Sanderson nodded in response to Shinnosuke's words.

"That's perfectly fine. I appreciate your cooperation."

"Then, what exactly am I supposed to do for this investigation? You're not seriously going to tell me to 'catch a space whale,' are you?"

"Not at all. We'll be conducting the investigation ourselves. What we're asking is for you to take us to the investigation zone and assist with the research using your ship's radar and other equipment."

So you're asking me to join your ship? I don't mind, but I won't be back for at least a month. Plus, traveling to the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth during wartime carries considerable danger. If anything happens to you, I won't be held responsible—I mean, by then we'll all be scattered dust in space anyway."

"We understand all of that. Of course, we'll include your food and other necessary expenses as part of your compensation."

After confirming the offered reward amount, she looked at Milena, who was nodding in agreement.

"Understood. We'll accept the request. Departure is the day after tomorrow, scheduled for 3 PM, so please come to my dock by 2 PM."

"Thank you very much."

Shin nosuke and Milena stood up and headed toward Rina to complete the official acceptance procedure for the mission at the Space Environment Agency.

"Shin nosuke-san, I'm sorry!"

When Shin nosuke arrived at Rina's counter, Rina once again clasped her hands together in front of her face.

Apparently, just as Shin nosuke had accepted the request, Sanders and the others had arrived.

"We checked the request from the Space Environment Agency and determined that Shin nosuke-san's ship, Fubuki, was the most suitable. So I just ended up blurting out, 'Why don't we ask Shin nosuke-san and the others?'"

Seeing Rina looking apologetic, Shin nosuke and Milliena exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders.

"No, not at all a problem. In fact, it's actually helpful—we can complete two jobs in one voyage and collect the reward, so it's a bonus for us."

Seeing Shin nosuke's words, Rina seemed relieved and continued with the procedures.

Thus, Shin nosuke ended up taking on an unusual request—investigating cosmic whales—alongside his first job for Fubuki, which involved transporting goods requiring atmospheric re-entry.