Even though the route was calm...

Having accepted the transport request, Shinnosuke and the others loaded supplies onto Fubuki and Tsukikage, then departed toward the central colony of the Damura Star Cluster Kingdom's planet, Wesley.

As before, Marks boarded Tsukikage, forming two teams: Shinnosuke, Seira, and Miriena, and Andy, Ellen, and Marks.

"Guess we really don't have enough people. Maybe it'd be better if there was one more person on Tsukikage's crew..."

Leaving the autopilot management of Fubuki to Millena, Shinosuke mutters while gazing at the monitor from the pilot's seat.

Fubuki and Tsukikage are currently enjoying an unusually smooth voyage, encountering no space pirates or other disturbances.

There was no concrete reason for this smooth voyage, yet Seira and Milena's unseen contributions had played a part.

"That's right. It's not feasible for Tsukikage's main crew to consist solely of Andy and Ellen."

"We'll continue to grow, so maintaining a strong crew—though the ship itself is secondary—is an urgent priority."

"Yeah, that's true... By the way, this journey feels different from usual..."

"Shinnosuke! Aren't you hungry?"

Shall I make you some coffee?

The reason was that whenever Shinnosuke started making unsettling remarks, Seyla and Miliena would forcibly change the subject, making sure not to trigger any unnecessary reactions from Shinnosuke.

Thanks to the efforts of the two individuals, Shinosuke's group had been making steady progress on their journey, but as they approached their destination, the planet Wesley, the situation suddenly changed.

"Entering the control zone around Planet Wesley shortly. There appears to be combat occurring near the Wesley Central Colony!"

Seyla's report indicated that fighting was taking place in the space region ahead of Shinosuke's group.

"What's the scale of the battle?"

"Details are unclear, but it's large-scale."

Shinosuke placed his hands on the control yoke and throttle lever.

"Milena, take over the controls for Fubuki."

Understood. Disabling autopilot. You hub control.

I hub control. Confirm the combat zone status for the two of you. Sera, send updates to Tsukikage as well.

"Understood."

Shinosuke checked the long-range radar data while gradually reducing Fubuki's speed.

The conflict ahead likely involves the Rimlia Galactic Empire Fleet advancing toward planets and colonies, facing off against the Damra Star Alliance Commonwealth Fleet trying to resist them.

"The combat zone is vast... The Empire has around a thousand ships, while the Commonwealth has several hundred. If we keep going, we'll end up charging straight into the heart of the battlefield..."

"Master Shinosuke, what shall we do? Should we disengage temporarily and observe the situation?"

Milena asked, as Shinosuke pondered.

Indeed, while returning to Akneria wasn't necessary, temporarily disengaging and waiting for the battle to subside was a viable option. However, given the scale of this conflict, it would likely take considerable time before a decisive outcome was reached.

Moreover, if the Empire broke through the duchy's defenses and occupied the colony, the Imperial forces would probably restrict civilian ships from docking.

Shinnosuke made his decision.

"There's no time to waste here. I'm going to the colony, regardless of the danger! Sera, transmit our navigation identification signal at maximum power, open a channel to Wesley's Central Colony, the Damra Fleet, and the Rimlia Fleet, and repeatedly broadcast that we are a free merchant vessel transporting civilian supplies."

"Understood."

"Millena will handle radar control. We'll make a wide detour to the right as we move through the combat zone. Given the size of that fleet, there might be enemies watching us. Establish a data link between us and Tsukikage, and ensure both sides can share information. I'm counting on you to maintain maximum vigilance."

"Understood. Leave it to me."

Shin nosuke connected to Admiral Andy of the Tsukikage via a dedicated channel.

"Fubuki to Tsukikage. We will bypass the battlefield ahead and proceed toward our destination colony. As a civilian freighter accepting non-military contracts, we are prohibited from using weapons to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. However, in cases of legitimate self-defense or emergency evasion, the captain’s judgment will apply."

『Y-yes, understood!』

What Shinosuke places utmost trust in is Marks, who is supporting from aboard Tsukikage, but the captain of Tsukikage remains undeniably Andy.

Orders are given solely to Andy, who holds full responsibility for all operations aboard the ship, and Andy, aware of this duty, tenses up but steadies himself.

"Alright, then let's go. Fukubiki will move ahead, so Tsukikage, follow behind!"

Understood.

Shin nosuke turned Fukubiki toward the starboard side.

"This is the Akunelia Galactic Federation, Free Merchant Ship Fukubiki and Tsukikage, registered under the Salius Province Free Merchant Ship Association, registration numbers AS1480G and AS1851GC. Our vessel is currently engaged in civilian cargo transport. We request permission to dock at Wesley Central Colony. Repeating: This is the Akunelia Galactic Federation..."

At the same time, Seira began transmitting communications in all directions.

To encourage adherence to international law, which prohibits attacks on civilian vessels even during wartime, she transmitted this message to both sides engaged in combat.

Although such rules are often ignored in practice, it was still necessary to clearly establish the legitimacy of their own mission.

The two ships, Fubuki and Tsukikage, approached the space region where intense combat was ongoing.