Escort the convoy to the 6325 Stellar Federation

The convoy consists of Fubuki, Tsukikage, the Langlord Company's fleet, and Ira's A884 and Leg's Javelin.

This convoy heading to the 6325 Stellar Federation comprises four escort vessels and four cargo ships under protection, totaling eight ships in the escort formation.

Having an equal number of escort and escorted vessels may seem like unusually tight security, but this is actually not particularly uncommon.

When transporting particularly valuable cargo, it's common for multiple escort vessels to guard a single cargo ship, and sometimes a single escort vessel will guard multiple cargo convoys.

Conversely, having multiple escort vessels can draw the attention of space pirates, so in some cases, valuable cargo is protected by only a small number of escort vessels to avoid attracting notice.

In a sense, it's a psychological battle between free traders and space pirates.

The cargo aboard the current Ranglud Consortium freighter appears to be extraordinarily valuable, though only the Ranglud Consortium and the Free Traders' Guild know exactly what it is—its contents remain secret even from the escort team, including Shinosuke.

Incidentally, officially it's listed as rare metals and precision machinery, and Shinosuke and the others refrain from asking unnecessary questions.

"I have a request for Shinosuke before we depart..."

Ira spoke again, her tone ominous just before departure.

"What is it?"

Shinosuke asked, though he already had a pretty good idea of what she was getting at.

"I'd like you to take command of the escort team."

"Figures."

Though it's a hassle having to join the escort mission at Ira's request and then be put in charge, there's nothing really to be done about it.

『I know it's a burden to ask you, Shinnosuke, but among all of us, your Fuuki has the best reconnaissance capabilities. Plus, your ship already has Marks, Seira, and Milena—compared to me or Leg, that means less strain on your crew.』

Fubuki is capable of serving as a sniper vessel, and her reconnaissance capabilities are the highest among the four ships.

Considering that Ira operates the A884 single-handedly, and even Javelin on Leg requires only three crew members, it's clear that assigning Shinosuke to command is reasonable both from a hardware and software standpoint, just as Ira said.

"I understand. I'll take command, but is that alright with you, Leg?"

"There are no issues from our side. We'll come under Kasimura's command, so please take care of us."

Since Leg had agreed, it was decided, as Ira had said, that Shinnosuke would take command of the escort mission.

Five days after departing toward the 6325 Stellar Federation, the fleet was advancing through international space.

Leading the way was Ira's A884 frigate, followed by four cargo ships.

Rei's Javelin was positioned in the center of the convoy, Fubuki above it, and Tsukikage bringing up the rear.

"There's something... Shinnosuke, there's a vessel matching our course and staying just at the edge of our detection range on the starboard side. At this distance, they shouldn't be able to see us, yet they keep approaching and then pulling away at intervals. They're probably a pirate scout."

Checking the navigation data Seyla indicated, there is indeed a vessel navigating right at the edge of detection range.

Judging by its repeated approach and retreat, it's likely trying to monitor the convoy without being noticed.

"From Fubuki, all ships: potential reconnaissance contact on the starboard side. Possible targeting by space pirates. Be on alert."

As Shinosuke issued the alert, Serah transmitted information to each ship via the data-link system.

『A884, confirm data』

『Tukikage confirms as well』

『Javelin confirmed. With Fubuki's data-link, we can target it with anti-ship missiles—what are your orders?』

Indeed, the Javelin's long-range anti-ship missiles could reach the target if linked to Fubuki's data.

Judging by the distance at which we approached to confirm the convoy's position, long-range anti-ship missiles could certainly sink it without any chance to evade.

However, since the vessel hasn't yet been confirmed as a space pirate, we can't launch a preemptive strike.

We need to approach it ourselves or otherwise confirm its identity as a space pirate before taking action.

"Indeed, disrupting the enemy's initial momentum by striking first is a valid tactic. However, since we don't know the true scale of the space pirate force, it's still too early for us to move. We'll maintain our alert status and proceed with our planned course. Don't worry—we won't be caught off guard, as long as the enemy doesn't possess exceptionally advanced detection capabilities."

"Javelin, understood. Following Kasimura's orders."

"A884, understood."

"Tsukikage, understood."

Shin nosuke displayed the wide-area route data on the monitor.

"Based on our estimates, they'll move the day after tomorrow. Keep watch, but allow crew members to rest as needed, and maintain their physical and mental stamina. Especially you, Ira—since you're operating solo, please don't push yourself too hard."

"I'm fine. My ship is equipped with an autonomous vessel operation system, so I can entrust it with everything from navigation and surveillance to combat. It may be a bit quiet—unlike Marks from Shinosuke, who's always talking—but it's a remarkably capable partner."

Ira seems to be in good shape, and the other three ships can be operated collectively, so I'll leave their operation to each vessel.

Shin nosuke looked at Miriena seated in the co-pilot's seat.

"Miriena, I'm going to take a short nap—can you handle things here for about three hours?"

"Of course. Please hand over the controls to this station?"

Miriena placed her hands on the steering wheel in the co-pilot's seat, but Shin nosuke, having risen from the captain's chair, pointed to the seat he had just vacated.

"No, I'm entrusting you with Fuuki's authority, so please take the seat here as acting captain."

Milena's eyes sparkled at the unexpected turn.

"Acting captain! Is that really acceptable?"

"Yes, I need Milena to gain experience as captain going forward. However, I'm only entrusting you with Fuuki's operations—not command of the escort fleet. If anything comes up, wake me immediately."

With that, Shinosuke lay down on the makeshift bed tucked into the corner of the bridge.

It's helpful to have excellent crew members when moments like this arise.