Establishment of the Trade Guild

The CA-21 Gekkou-class transport ship was a small transport vessel operated by the Akneria Galactic Federation Space Force, but Hankus proposed the second vessel, Tsukikage, to Shinnosuke.

The Gekkou-class transport ships were all retired five years ago, but this Tsukikage was retained by our company for data collection purposes. Now that its data collection mission has been completed, it is scheduled to either be sold for civilian use after removing its engine and armaments, or scrapped.

Shinnosuke confirms the ship's history presented by Tsukikage.

It served for about ten years as part of the Aclenia Galactic Federation Space Fleet's 24th Fleet Transport Unit, transporting supplies and personnel. Afterward, it was reassigned to the 3rd Training Fleet and remained in service as a training vessel for transport units until retirement. It has only minor repair history, with no battle damage sustained in actual combat.

"This is ideal,"

The budget is slightly over, but considering it comes fully equipped as a military transport vessel, it's still a good deal.

Millina peeks over Shinnosuke's shoulder at the terminal screen, verifying Tsukikage's specifications.

Length: 150 meters, payload capacity: 800 tons.

Though small for a transport vessel, it has sacrificed payload capacity to install high-output engines, giving it speed and maneuverability that far surpass those of active medium and large transport ships.

The boost function, specifically designed to evade enemy ship pursuit, proves extremely useful in emergencies.

It comes standard with two rapid-fire laser cannons, two small missile launchers, and four anti-aircraft guns, plus four additional weapon mounting points, offering ample room for expansion.

While not matching the combat capabilities of a dedicated warship, it is sufficiently equipped for independent cargo transport or service as an escort vessel.

"You're absolutely right—this ship would be perfect for those two to operate. And budget-wise, with just Fukuki and Tsukikage as a two-ship unit, we could recoup the cost quickly. I think it's a great purchase."

Although the CA-21 Tsukikage had firmly captured Shinnosuke's heart, with Miliena's encouragement, he finally made up his mind.

"I've decided! I'll buy Tsukikage!"

"Thank you so much, every time!"

The preparations for establishing the new trading company were finally coming together, with personnel and equipment both in place.

Although Shinnosuke had decided to purchase Tsukikage, he was told it would still take time to complete all the necessary arrangements before the transfer could be made.

In the end, Andy and Ellen's official hiring, along with Miliena completing all the paperwork and officially joining the Free Merchant Fleet Association as a trading company, was finalized first.

In addition, even when transferring from Cerberus to Fubuki, you still need to move from the previously used sealed dock.

Previously, Dock 11 was a small dock capable of housing only one escort vessel. However, the newly introduced Tsukikage, though originally a transport ship, is equipped with escort vessel-level armament and can be operated as an escort vessel. Therefore, a medium-sized dock capable of accommodating both Fubuki and Tsukikage was required, and an application was submitted to the fleet to relocate to Dock 8, a medium dock.

Of course, the docking fee nearly doubled, and whereas it had previously taken only about ten minutes on foot from the union, the new dock now takes fifteen minutes via the orbital transit system—slightly farther, but there was nothing to be done about it.

Incidentally, the distance from Milena's mansion has actually decreased.

Thus, Shinnosuke and the others steadily advanced their preparations for the new developments, though one matter remained stuck in limbo.

"I think Shinnozuke Company would be good."

"No, why are you using my first name?"

"We're galactic convoy escorts, so how about Galaxy Guard—"

"No, that name feels a bit off. Maybe Marks Company would be better?"

"Why am I being brought up at a time like this?"

They still hadn't decided on a name for the newly established company.

Although it could be said that the business association had been established, it remained essentially Shinosuke's personal venture, and there was no real need to set a shop name or designation. However, Seira and Miliena refused to accept that.

Thus, they decided to set a shop name for the time being, but coming to a decision proved surprisingly difficult.

While Shinosuke, Marks, Seyla, and Miliena engaged in fruitless banter, the newcomers Andy and Elen remained silent, unable to interject. Watching nothing but meaningless exchanges, the two simultaneously muttered:

"Perhaps the safest temporary name would be Kashimura Trading Company."

"……………………………………"

As no suitable name had been proposed, it was decided that for the time being, they would simply call themselves "Kashimura Trading Company (Provisional)," trusting that someone would come up with a better idea before they expanded their operations further.

A new route opened up before Shinosuke and the others.