Save the Space Whale 2

"That's a standard anti-ship missile used by the Rimulian Imperial Fleet."

The report from Marks caused everyone on the bridge to stiffen in shock.

"But why is this happening? Why is a Rimulian Imperial Fleet missile targeting the Space Whale?"

Milena's furious question was echoed by Sanders and Yan.

"Indeed, why would an anti-ship missile be used at all?"

Moreover, two military missiles failing to detonate—this is unnatural...

It's Shinnosuke who answers Milena and the others' questions.

"Probably, the Rimelian Empire's warship either tried to capture a cosmic whale's offspring or fired at it out of curiosity. Normally, missiles would pierce the cosmic whale's outer skin, embed themselves in its body, and explode, shattering the creature completely. So they likely tried to adjust the missile's speed and firing timing to avoid killing it in one hit—but failed."

"Such a reason... really?"

"Of course, this is just my imagination—damn, distasteful imagination—but I'm pretty sure this is the truth. The people of the Limerian Empire should have focused on the war instead of getting distracted by such nonsense!"

Shinosuke spat out the words as if he were spitting out something vile.

"…Shinosuke-san, we should focus on saving that girl instead!"

Seira, stunned by the horrifying scene before her, snapped back to reality, and her words brought the others back to their senses.

"You're right, Seira. Alright, first let's assess the situation. Yan and Seira, continue your investigation while keeping a close eye on the adult whale's movements, Miriena."

"Understood."

"Sanders and Marks, gather information about the small asteroid believed to be a young whale... or rather, assuming that thing is a space whale, is it alive? Marks, can you tell?"

"It's impossible. When a space whale mimics, it becomes indistinguishable from an asteroid. No matter what detection system you use, it will only respond as an asteroid."

Shin nosuke fell silent upon Marks' reply.

"…Well, since the mother whale is apparently seeking our help, we have to treat it as alive. But with no knowledge of space whale biology or body structure, this is going to be difficult."

Hibuki circled around the calf while maintaining a safe distance, assessing the situation.

Two anti-ship missiles were lodged into the calf's body.

Even though they were duds, there was no telling when they might explode.

"The missiles are embedded from the tip to the middle section. That's somewhat fortunate, Markes."

"Yes, that's right."

In reality, though the exact time of detonation for these unexploded missiles was unpredictable, Shinosuke and Markes didn't view their handling as particularly problematic.

In fact, dealing with unexploded anti-ship missiles wasn't especially difficult.

Standard anti-ship missiles are designed so that their warhead can be disabled simply by manipulating a switch located at the rear section of the body.

That's because, unlike space mines or time bombs, high-speed missiles aren't designed to be dismantled; instead, they're built to be easily rendered inert if they fail to detonate or if an accident occurs.

"For now, both missiles have their function stop switches exposed. Now it's just a matter of figuring out how to operate them... Marks, can we handle this using the internal fireboat?"

"Yes, the work arm on this vessel's internal fireboat is capable of precise operations. If Master Marks isn't operating the work arm, I can handle it without issue."

For Shinosuke and Marks, defusing the bomb itself was no problem—but the aftermath presented numerous complications.

Thus, Shinosuke carefully and cautiously planned the Cosmic Whale rescue operation after consulting with Sanders and others.

All preparations complete, the rescue operation finally begins.

Shinosuke, Marks, and Yan board the internal combustion craft, leaving Seira, Millena, and Sanders behind on the Fubuki.

Although Shinosuke and Marks must leave the Fubuki to operate the internal combustion craft, fortunately Sanders—qualified to pilot large vessels—is present, so Millena sits at the controls under the guise of being guided by Sanders.

The internal combustion craft carried by Fubuki can accommodate three people in the cockpit and four in the rear cabin, allowing for forced boarding of enemy vessels. However, it is only armed with two defensive anti-aircraft machine guns, so it is primarily used for emergency evacuation from the main vessel or transferring to other ships. It is also a versatile, small craft capable of performing extravehicular tasks using its work arms.

Shin nosuke took his seat in the cockpit and activated the internal combustion craft's various systems.

"Alright, ready. Launching now. Milena, bring the internal combustion craft outside the ship."

"Understood."

The hatch beneath the Fubuki's bow opened, and the internal combustion craft, suspended by a latch, was lowered outside the vessel.

"Engine start. Unlocking."

"Understood. Unlocking the latch now."

...Thud...

With a gentle jolt as it detached from the latch, the internal combustion craft drifted away from the Fubuki.

Shin nosuke slowly pushed the throttle lever forward, guiding the craft ahead toward the asteroid disguised as a space whale.

"Alright, let's proceed with caution."

The space whale rescue operation had begun.