New Assignment

"...In short, while I'll be serving as captain of the Fubuki, we'll be unable to take on cargo transport or escort missions for the foreseeable future. However, thanks to Andy's Tsukikage, we've been granted permission to continue cargo transport and other duties—on the condition that it doesn't operate alongside the Fubuki."

Returning to the dock, Shinnosuke explains the future plans to the guild's crew.

But isn't Tsukikage also Shinnosuke's ship? Wouldn't that make it a likely target? It's surprising the union approved it so easily.

Andy raises his hand earnestly, asking a question.

Regarding the danger, I don't see it as a problem. The ones targeting me—let's call them enemies—have another enemy lurking behind them, aiming at their back. And that other enemy... to be blunt, the military intelligence department plans to use me as bait to eliminate dissidents. If that's the case, the enemy won't be able to make any reckless moves. They'll surely avoid attacking me directly or trying to undermine me from the ground.

In other words, if they harm anyone around Shinosuke, military intelligence surveillance will only tighten, and even the slightest clue left behind will result in them being swiftly eliminated.

That would be completely counterproductive.

"Um, in that case, what should we do from now on?"

Seira raises her hand modestly, following Andy's example.

Shinosuke looks around at everyone.

"I don't want this situation to drag on either. To avoid wasting time running around or hiding unnecessarily, we should just continue working as usual and keep an eye out for the enemy's moves."

"That would indeed be the quickest approach."

Milena nods in agreement.

"Therefore, until the situation is resolved, we’ll reorganize the ship assignments. First, Fusuki will be operated by just me and Marks, handling tasks like trade and other solo operations to lure out enemy movements and deal with them. The remaining four will focus primarily on cargo transport duties aboard Tsukikage."

Saila and Milena stood up upon hearing Shinosuke's words.

"Wait a moment!"

"I'm the navigation control and communications officer aboard Fukubuki. I can't accept being removed just because it's considered dangerous!"

"I feel the same way! My abilities are essential to the current Shinosuke-sama! I promise I won't push myself too hard—please don't remove me from Fukubuki!"

Pressed by the two women's determined demeanor (Seira's voice being the louder of the two), Shinosuke calmly continued his explanation.

It's not just because sending the two of them to Tsukikage would be dangerous. There's a performance difference between Fukubuki and Tsukikage, and while Andy and Ellen are experienced escort vessel crew, they still lack sufficient experience. I'd like Seira and Milena to board Tsukikage to support Andy and Ellen. Meanwhile, Andy should gain experience commanding crew members other than Ellen, as the ship's captain. Additionally, Milena should gain experience operating other vessels, not just Fukubuki, to fulfill her professional certification requirements. Likewise, Seira would benefit from gaining experience on different ships. In the future, we might acquire new vessels, or circumstances may force us to transfer from Fukubuki to another ship. To prepare for such possibilities, it's essential that everyone build up substantial experience and proven track records.

Having heard that, neither Ciel nor Milena could stubbornly resist, and reluctantly accepted Shinnosuke's proposal.

Thus, the new formation was decided upon.

The following week, after the new formation of Kasimura Corporation was settled, the Fukubuki, carrying Shinnosuke and Marks, set sail from Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth to conduct a transaction with Layered Corporation.

Incidentally, Andy's ship, the Akunelia, is scheduled to head toward the Gala Stellar Province within the Akunelia Galactic Federation five days after the Fukubuki's departure, with the dual purpose of handling cargo transport and having uniforms made for Andy and Ellen at Psychoj Designers.

Though Andy and the others watch the Fukubuki depart, their expressions—especially those of Seira and Milena—are visibly dark, clearly visible even on the bridge monitors.

"What’s with those two? Why are they looking like that?"

"I'm worried about the master. It's unsettling knowing he's going places where they can't reach him."

"Is that so?"

"The master should learn a bit more about women's hearts. Otherwise, he'll be caught in a tight squeeze from three directions."

"Then let Marks teach him."

"Why ask a mechanical engineer like me? In general, seeking advice from others on matters like this rarely ends well."

"Yeah, you're right... Well, whatever. Come on, let's go!"

Still wearing a grim expression, Shinnosuke launched the Fubuki out of port.

Though there'd be little trouble in the colony's controlled airspace, Shinnosuke remained vigilant.

"Markus, we don't know what could happen, so keep the detection radar at maximum output. With Fubuki's detection capabilities, we should spot any threat before most ships. I'll leave detection to you, Markus."

Understood, leave it to me.

"Most likely, the target would be space... probably after we exit the controlled airspace..."

Shinosuke mutters to himself.

"Master, I just need to confirm something—back there, we put on a brave front in front of everyone, but inside, it's different, right?"

"Of course it is. I'm absolutely terrified. What kind of thing is this—being targeted for my life? Even a major, no, a lieutenant commander, is getting way too persistent. Just leave me alone and go ahead and advance your career or whatever you want—I'm done with all this."

"So it was as I thought."

"But Mark, feeling fear in a situation like this is natural for a human. Those who dismiss fear won't live long. The truth I've carried in my heart since my days in the Space Navy is to recognize fear, control it, and respond appropriately to the threats looming ahead."

"That's why you put on a brave face in front of everyone else..."

"Of course. If my subordinates sense my fear, it'll hurt morale. That's why I'm putting on a bold front, Markes."

"Do I not need to put on a bold front in front of you?"

"Of course not. You're not a subordinate or a comrade—you're my partner."

"I see. That's very reassuring."

Listening to Markes' reply, Shinosuke sighed.

"You're not showing any emotion at all."

"Of course. I possess no such thing as emotion. I merely selected the response I deemed most appropriate to my master's words."

"Liar."

As they exchanged pointless words, Shinosuke and Markes began their journey together once again—something they hadn't done in a long time.