Tension

It was a foregone conclusion that Velvet and the others would be handed over to the Coast Guard, but Fubuki couldn't move because the hull of Black Rose II was lodged into her.

Fortunately, the other pirates under Velvet had already been repelled by Zany and Doug, with most sunk and the remainder having fled. However, since the surrounding space isn't guaranteed to be safe, Zany's Pirate Killer and Doug's Shield Ship will guard Fubuki until the Coast Guard arrives.

Meanwhile, since the Velvet group is noisy and disruptive, they are confined to Fubuki's storage bay (equipped with climate control and usable as a passenger room) under Marks's supervision.

Though the Velvet group continues trying to sway them, their efforts are completely futile against Marks.

I have no ears to listen with—more precisely, I literally have no ears, so any words you speak would be pointless. My head was destroyed during the battle with the dolls, and if forced into unnecessary decisions, I might malfunction. Although the battle has ended, damage to my processing functions could cause me to misidentify you as enemies and restart combat. If you don’t want to be shot by me in a malfunction, please refrain from speaking to me.

As if stranded with no place to go, and with half its head damaged, missing one arm.

Its appearance aside, it silenced Velvet and the others with emotionless (naturally) words.

After entrusting Velvet's disposition to Marks, Shinnosuke checked on Fuuki's condition on the bridge.

There were no particular abnormalities, and the area where it collided with Black Rose II didn't seem to have suffered serious damage.

Although Shinosuke's injuries are more serious than Fuuki's, they're still not critical and won't worsen immediately.

"We can't navigate without detaching Black Rose II, but otherwise there are no other issues... Wait?"

At that moment, two approaching ships appeared on the radar monitor.

"Shinosuke, two destroyers from the Akneria Space Fleet are approaching. Shouldn't it have been the coastal patrol fleet?"

A communication comes in from Zany, who is guarding Fubuki.

The two approaching vessels indeed emit identification signals indicating they belong to the Akneria Galactic Federation Space Force, but they are not transmitting signals indicating their specific unit.

"Strange... Zany, Dag, please stay on high alert just in case."

『Understood』

"Marks, return to the bridge. I have a bad feeling about this."

『Understood』

The approaching vessels were undoubtedly military ships from the space fleet, but precautions had to be taken for any unforeseen circumstances.

Shinonsuke unlocked the weapons systems on Fubuki.

Though movement was restricted, all weapon systems remained operational.

Eventually, once within communication range, a transmission was received from the destroyer.

This is a destroyer belonging to the Acneria Space Military Intelligence Division. Due to circumstances, I cannot disclose its name, but it was on patrol in the surrounding space sector under orders from Lieutenant Commander Cruise when it detected your distress signal and rushed to your aid. It seems you've successfully captured Velvet's gang.

It's true that there are fleets belonging to the intelligence division within the space navy.

Around fifty vessels, primarily for intelligence gathering, include not only intelligence ships but also combat vessels such as destroyers and frigates. Due to their affiliation with the intelligence division, they often do not transmit identification signals indicating their unit, or if they do, they frequently broadcast signals belonging to other units or fictional ones.

The two vessels approaching are acting under the orders of Lieutenant Selica Cruze, an intelligence officer providing information to Shinnosuke.

The Pirate Killer and the Shield Ship yielded their course to the destroyer, and the two vessels came to a halt directly in front of Fubuki.

"Hand over the members of the Velvet gang. We in Intelligence will conduct the interrogation. We'll arrange for any rewards, such as bounties, to be paid to the Merchant Fleet Association. As for the contents of Velvet's ship, you're free to take whatever you like. Lieutenant Colonel Cruise has instructed us to grant you every possible convenience, and since we don't need these items, we'll treat them as authorized for disposal. There's no legal liability, so you can rest assured."

Originally, crew members of escort vessels are prohibited from keeping cash, jewels, and other valuables seized from space pirates they apprehend.

While some leniency is allowed due to the risks involved in confronting space pirates, there are limits to this tolerance. If the behavior crosses the line, it can result in the cancellation of permission to hunt down pirates, demotion in union rank, or even revocation of membership status.

To be allowed to act freely with the military's seal of approval—truly, the military intelligence department goes above and beyond.

Shin nosuke decides immediately.

"I decline. The members of the Velvet gang will be handed over to the Coast Guard according to law and regulations."

A tense silence spread at Shin nosuke's response.