I can't trust someone who won't reveal their name.

"We decline. The custody of the Velvet Gang will be handed over to the Coastal Guard according to law and regulations."

Shinosuke refuses, but the other party shows no sign of hesitation.

"Even if you refuse, we cannot retreat now—we have received direct orders from Captain Cruze. Due to the nature of our department, we cannot disclose our identities. Can you at least trust us?"

Though it may sound like we're being overly submissive, the two destroyers have moved into position to attack the Fukuki.

"There's no way I can trust you when you won't even reveal your ranks or names. Do you really think claiming to be from Intelligence will silence us? First of all, even if you mention Lieutenant Cruze—someone I barely know—I can't possibly believe you."

Your relationship with Lieutenant Cruze isn't that distant. We don't wish to resort to harsh measures. We insist once again on the handover of the individual.

I should have made it clear I refuse. In the first place, there is no legal basis for the Intelligence Division to investigate a mere criminal like a space pirate. The Intelligence Division surely doesn't possess even the authority to arrest suspects of ordinary crimes, let alone the power to conduct criminal investigations. The space pirate who was arrested will be dealt with under my responsibility.

"Yes, I see. That's unfortunate..."

At the moment the destroyer's cannon turned toward Fujiki, a shield ship cut in between Fujiki and the destroyer.

"Hey, stop! If you so much as lay a finger on Fuuki, you won't get off easy! First off, don't underestimate my partner's shield ship armor. Even at zero distance, it can take two or three hits from a destroyer's cannon! Sure, I'm not planning on letting you fire more than one shot, but if you do, you'll be nothing but dust in space!"

The Pirate Killer has circled behind the destroyer, locking onto its position.

"What do you think you're doing? Attacking a military vessel means you can't complain if you get destroyed."

"I've got no complaints. You were the ones who tried to attack first! We're three ships in a convoy. If so much as one of us is attacked, all three of us can claim legitimate self-defense and emergency evasion. Want to try it?"

Although these civilian ship operators are equipped with escort duties, combat capabilities, and even authority to enforce laws and make arrests depending on the situation, they face higher legal hurdles than military forces or coast guard agencies, making it impossible to perform their duties without thorough knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

It's essential to clearly communicate that we will not comply with anyone who disregards regulations and tries to force their will, and if that fails, to demonstrate our resolve by being ready to fight and showing that we mean business.

"Frankly, Captain Cruise couldn't possibly be worried about us. He's merely using me as bait to expose the troublemakers. If exposing troublemakers is the goal, then your actions might be exactly what the captain had in mind. For that purpose, he'd calmly discard me without hesitation."

"Trying to unsettle me with such words is pointless."

Though the other party couldn't see him, since it was only audio communication, Shinosuke smirked.

"I'm not trying to unsettle you. I'm simply buying time. And... you've fallen right into the trap—time's up."

As they glared at each other, time ran out exactly as Shinosuke had planned.

Multiple approaching vessels appeared on the radar.

The coast guard had arrived.

Moreover, not only the coast guard, but also the Space Navy Frontier Patrol Squadron was accompanying them.

"Then, if you're still demanding the handover of the space pirate, please negotiate with the coast guard, not with me."

Without responding to Shinosuke's words, the two destroyers swiftly disengaged and departed from the area.

Three ships from the Cosmo Military Frontier Patrol Unit began tracking the departing destroyers, though catching up will likely prove difficult.

A communication comes in from the approaching Coast Guard.

"This is the 65th Patrol Squadron of the Aknelia Galactic Federation Coast Guard. We've responded upon receiving a signal from the escort vessel Fukubuki. Please provide a detailed status report."

This is escort vessel Fukubuki. Thank you for the rescue. Our vessel was attacked by the Velvet pirate gang, but we repelled them together with our sister ship and arrested Velvet and his subordinates. We request the handover of Velvet and his five accomplices.

Understood. We would like to transfer one security detachment and the personnel from the accompanying Frontier Patrol Unit of the Space Forces to your vessel. May we have your permission?

"Please take care of them."

As soon as Shinosuke gave his permission, the coast guard's infantry unit boarded the vessel, so Marks was asked to take custody of Velvet and the others.

Shinosuke considered staying to oversee the transfer, but he couldn't leave the bridge, and he had no idea what Velvet might say next, so he decided against it.

Once Velvet and the others had been safely handed over, things could finally settle down.

Once the formalities had been completed smoothly, officers from the Coast Guard and the Frontier Patrol requested an audience with Shinosuke, so Marks asked him to guide them to the bridge.

Now that he thought about it, Marks realized he had a damaged head and arms, yet he’d still asked such a broken-down Marks to serve as guide.

(Did that seem odd to them?)

While pondering this, Marks arrived with the four visitors.

Four people salute toward Shinosuke as they enter the bridge.

Two coast guard personnel and two frontier patrol officers, with the two frontier patrol officers being individuals well known to Shinnosuke.

"Long time no see, Captain Kasimura."

Captain Cassim Cridler and Sergeant Claire Arnes, former subordinates of Shinosuke.

Each has been promoted to captain and first lieutenant, respectively.

"It's been a while, you two. By the way, I'm no longer a lieutenant. Just an ordinary merchant now."

Shinosuke replied with a smile, bowing in the manner he used to.