The News of the Incident

After leaving the Space Environment Bureau, Shinnosuke parted ways with Marks and Millina, returning to SAIKOUJI INDUSTRY with Ira to discuss purchasing Ira's ship.

"We've been waiting for you."

Hanks greeted Shinnosuke and the others in the reception room.

"Hanks, this is Ira, 1428M... person."

Shinnosuke introduced Ira to Hanks, but upon seeing Ira's expression, Hanks couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Shinnosuke, just call me Ira. 'Ms. 1428M' sounds so awkward. Hankus, you can call me Ira too, no problem."

"Understood, Ira. Speaking of which, you mentioned today was about discussing your escort vessel. I've already prepared a few options in advance. Please let me know if you have any specific preferences."

Since this had been requested beforehand, Hankus seemed to have already selected several ships for consideration.

"I'm not like Shinosuke—I work alone, so I need a ship suited for solo operations. I don't need heavy armament; something standard, like a typical corvette, will do. I prioritize speed and maneuverability. As for payload, over 100 tons should be sufficient."

Hankus, having heard Ira's preferences, sifted through the ships he had selected and presented one that best matched her requirements.

"How about these two? Both are used ships, but they're frigates that have seen combat deployment."

"…Ghost-class and Kagerou-class. Both are fine vessels. If I had to choose, I'd lean toward the Ghost-class."

Upon hearing Ira's opinion, Hankus displayed the detailed data on the Ghost-class vessel.

"This is the F-G002A Phantom, the second ship of the Ghost-class frigate. It was originally operated by the Cosmic Navy's Frontier Patrol Unit, but was retired and put up for scrapping after being replaced by a newer model. It has minor repair history, but has never suffered significant damage. Quite the find, really."

Shin nosuke peeks over Ira's shoulder at the information Hankus is showing him.

The price offered is considerably lower than the market rate, but not quite a bargain.

It includes a reasonable discount, an additional discount for Shinnosuke's referral, and the price also covers the contract for providing operational data.

Ira carefully examines the data displayed on the terminal.

The performance metrics appear to match Ira's requirements.

"The price is reasonable, and the ship seems good. Still, I can't decide without seeing the actual vessel."

Hanks nodded in response to Ira's words.

"Understood. I'll have the Phantom transferred from our headquarters' dock to this location. Please take a look at the actual vessel and even try it out before making your decision. I'm confident you'll be thoroughly satisfied."

"I appreciate the trouble, but I'll leave it to you."

With the agreement to decide after seeing the actual item, the negotiations for today were temporarily concluded.

Shinosuke's role as mediator had come to an end; from here on, it would be up to Ira and Saikouji Industries to negotiate.

As Shinosuke began walking back toward the dock after parting with Ira.

Though he could return in about ten minutes using the orbital transit system, the distance wasn't significant, so he decided to walk back, enjoying a leisurely stroll.

"Mr. Kasimura, would you like a ride? I can escort you back to the dock."

When Shinnosuke turned around upon being called from the street, he saw Lieutenant Sireka Cruze from the Military Intelligence Division looking at him from the driver's seat of a car stopped by the sidewalk.

Given her civilian attire, this was likely an informal encounter.

Shinnosuke didn't feel the need to be driven, intending to walk back himself, but the rear passenger door was already open, making it impossible to refuse without seeming rude.

The lieutenant probably wouldn't go out of his way to drive Shinosuke somewhere just for fun, so there must be a reason for this.

"...Please make it quick."

Since he wasn't being given the option to refuse, Shinosuke had no choice but to accept the lieutenant's offer.

Shinosuke got into the lieutenant's car.

From this spot, the dock would be reachable in about five minutes, but predictably, the car headed in a direction different from the dock.

"Just to mention it, the direction's wrong."

It was probably pointless, but I asked the lieutenant anyway, trying to open the conversation.

"Sorry, but we'll be taking a slight detour. Please bear with us for about 15 minutes."

The lieutenant showed no sign of embarrassment.

"...So, what's the reason? Is General Langlitt up to something again?"

The lieutenant shook his head in response to Shinnosuke's question.

"If Rear Admiral is involved in what I'm about to explain, then we'd have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But it seems he's not directly involved in this matter."

"Could it be that he might be indirectly involved, but even if so, he wouldn't make a mistake like sticking his tail out? That's the idea?"

"Something like that, perhaps. But right now, the Rear Admiral is keeping a close eye on us and staying quiet. We can safely assume he's unrelated this time."

Such a roundabout way of speaking.

"If so, what does this incident have to do with me, even if the rear admiral isn't involved?"

Well, I suppose that's how it turns out.

Shinnosuke sighed.

It's probably just another pointless story.

I don't want to hear it, but I suppose I can't just ignore it either, can I?

It won’t do you any good to hear it, but it won’t hurt either....Actually, it hasn’t been officially announced yet, but three days ago, a coast guard vessel bound for the capital planet, Akneria, in the Akneria Stellar Province was sunk by a terrorist attack.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"The ship that was sunk was a transport vessel belonging to the Coastal Defense Force. In addition to their supplies, it carried 48 high-risk prisoners bound for Akneria's prison. Officially, all crew members and prisoners are reported dead."

"Officially... is it?"

There was no need to hear any further—the lieutenant's intent was already clear.

"As you can probably guess, the pirate Velvet, captured by Kasimura, is among those reported dead."

"...."

Shin nosuke felt utterly fed up.

He never wanted to have anything more to do with Velvet.