Fubuki's Departure

Five minutes before the scheduled departure time set by Shinnosuke, Sanders and Yan arrived at the dock.

Though the two were accompanying the ship for research purposes and not as regular passengers, they underwent a boarding check similar to that of passenger operations before being escorted aboard the Fubuki.

Since Sanders and his companion had brought a considerable amount of research equipment, they were assigned to double-occupancy cabins.

You're free to move in and out of any area on the ship that isn't locked, including the bridge. You may use the bathroom if it's available, but please note that this ship has only one bathroom, which is unisex, so make sure to lock the door when using it. Meals will be prepared at designated times, but if you need snacks or anything else outside of those hours, please let us know. As for drinks and other items in the refrigerated storage, you're welcome to take anything not labeled with a name.

Once the basic explanations are complete, preparations are finished.

It's time for Fubuki to set sail.

Shin nosuke returns to the bridge, takes his seat at the controls, and powers up the various systems, starting the engine.

Although the layout of monitors and other displays differs slightly, the operation controls—switches, levers, and the like—are identical in standard to those of Cerberus, so they feel familiar.

Meanwhile, Seira proceeds with the departure request to the relevant departments.

"Departure request to the control center and dock management office has been received."

"Understood. We will depart on schedule."

"Understood... Dock management office. Fubuki is departing. Request hatch release."

With the dock's airtight hatch opened, the launch platform moved, and Fubuki shifted into the departure position.

During this time, Shinnosuke completed the final check.

"Check complete. Unlocked hull. Fubuki is departing!"

Once the launch platform's locks were released, the thrusters ignited, lifting the hull and gradually accelerating.

Perhaps due to its higher engine output compared to the Cerberus, the acceleration felt smoother.

"Good, this feels right. Once we clear the control zone, increase speed to cruising level and head toward the Damura Cluster Republic."

Shinnosuke steered Fubuki toward the Damura Cluster Republic.

Ten days after departing the Salius Stellar Province, the Fubuki had reached the territory of the Damura Cluster Republic.

It would take three days to reach the planet Librina from our current position.

"Things have gone smoothly so far... but..."

"A small-scale battle is underway in the sector ahead!"

Seira's report cut through Shinnosuke's murmured thoughts.

"Understood. What's the scale of the conflict?"

"Both sides around fifty ships—Lumiria Galactic Empire forces versus the 1st and 2nd Squadrons of the Akeria Space Fleet's 18th Fleet. If we continue on this course, we'll enter the combat zone within an hour."

Shinnosuke compared the radar display with the navigation chart.

The best course was to circumvent the Akeria fleet from behind.

"Change course—right ten degrees. Avoid the combat zone. Milina, please guide Captain Sanders and the others to the bridge, just in case."

Understood.

Milina stood up from her co-pilot seat.

If evasive maneuvers were necessary, the bridge would be safer than the cabins.

After watching Milina dash toward the bridge, Shinosuke increased the output of Furubuki's identification signal and the navigation purpose signal indicating it was engaged in civilian operations.

It was safer to clearly display the ship's civilian status than to try to hide.

There should be no danger of attack from the Akneria Fleet.

Immediately, Milena led Sanders and Yan to the bridge.

"A battle is taking place at our destination. We're taking a detour around the combat zone, but please stay here in case of unexpected developments."

Sanders and Yan sat in the auxiliary seats on the bridge, following Shinosuke's explanation and Milena's guidance, both remarkably calm.

"Don't worry about us. We can't be of much help, but we're used to these kinds of dangers. Otherwise, we wouldn't survive out here in the frontier regions."

Shinosuke nodded and steered the ship on a wide arc around the combat unfolding ahead.

"18th Fleet, formation change. Insert ourselves between the Rimelian Fleet and our ship, forming a横向 formation."

Shin nosuke smirked at Marks' report.

"Hey! They're shifting to protect us, civilian ships. Just as expected from Captain Sullivan's fleet."

Milena tilted her head in response to Shin nosuke's words.

"Are you familiar with the commander of that fleet?"

"Yeah, he was my superior back when I was in the space fleet. Back then he was Lieutenant Commander Sullivan—though I did serve as the pilot of a heavy cruiser under his command as a lieutenant. He was skilled at defensive tactics, always using maneuverability to his advantage."

Shin nosuke continued guiding the fleet forward, careful not to provoke any reaction.

The Akneria Fleet advanced while shielding the civilian vessel Fubuki, pushing back the Rimria Fleet.

Fubuki, safely escorted by the Akneria Fleet, successfully maneuvered around the combat zone and exited the area.

"Good, we've safely escaped the hazardous zone."

Shin Nosuke increased speed and exited the region.

Afterward, Fubuki continued its journey smoothly and arrived at its destination, the planet Librina.

"No anomalies detected in the vicinity of Planet Librina."

Upon receiving Seira's report, Shin Nosuke nodded and put on the glass monitor.

"Understood. Initiating atmospheric entry sequence for Planet Librina."