Delivery to the Battlefield

When Shinosuke and the others arrived at their designated region of space, they found themselves in the midst of a battlefield.

In addition to the cruiser fleet scheduled to deliver supplies, other fleets retreating from the front lines had gathered, locked in the thick of battle with the Rimlarian Galactic Empire fleet.

A large-scale combat involving over 100 warships from both sides was underway.

"This is... a large-scale fleet battle in a remote region like this? That's just absurd, even by any stretch of the imagination."

Although the Akneria Galactic Federation Space Force had intervened in the war between the Rimlarian Galactic Empire and the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, their involvement was supposed to be limited.

Yet here we are—Rimlarian fleet versus Akneria fleet.

Even though the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth is at a disadvantage, the fact that such a large number of Imperial fleets have been deployed in this remote sector indicates that the tide of battle is turning in favor of the Empire—and that the situation is rapidly shifting.

"Command vessel and Tsukikage have been detected by the Imperial fleet. We may come under attack. Should we disengage for now?"

Seyra's voice is tense.

No one's going to complain about Shinnosuke's breach of military protocol under these circumstances.

Sinnosuke confirmed the alarm displayed on the monitor.

"No, it's impossible. We've already been classified as enemies by the Rimurian fleet. While disengaging isn't out of the question, we'll surely be pursued, and we won't be able to surrender our supplies... Serah, establish communication with the flagship of the Second Cruiser Fleet."

Understood... Proceeding.

Shinonsuke establishes contact with the flagship of the 2nd Cruiser Fleet of the 18th Fleet, the designated delivery point for the supplies.

"This is the escort vessel Yatagarasu and Tsukikage, affiliated with the Salius Stellar District Free Merchant Fleet. We have arrived with the supply cargo. It appears you are currently in the process of receiving, but we would like to confirm the handover of the supplies."

"This is Cruiser Fleet 2 flagship Crusader. Our main force is critically short on supplies, especially medical supplies. We apologize, but we urgently request the transfer of provisions. The supply vessel Titan is awaiting us in the rear of the formation. Though it's in the middle of the battlefield, if possible, please transfer the supplies to Titan."

"Understood. We'll assess the feasibility—please wait a moment."

Shinonsuke confirmed the position of the supply vessel Titan.

Though it's behind the front lines, it's far from safe.

"Yatagarasu to Tsukikage. Andy, is it possible to transfer supplies to the supply vessel during this battle?"

Tsukikage is actually loading the supplies, while Andy is in charge of the resupply operation.

"This is Tsukikage... It's fine, I'll handle it!"

Slightly hesitant in tone, likely due to nervousness, but I'll respect Andy's judgment.

"Yatagarasu to Crusader. Commencing emergency resupply now."

"Understood. Assign two heavy cruisers to escort duty during resupply. Please handle it."

"Understood."

Yatagarasu and Tsukikage approached the supply ship Titan.

"Andy, I'm leaving the rest to you. Just stay safe—I'll make sure you're protected!"

"Tsukikage confirmed. Docking with supply ship Titan for direct cargo transfer."

Shin nosuke moved in front of Tsukikage, maximizing the Yamatagarasu's shield output.

Two heavy cruisers deployed on either side of the Yamatagarasu, reinforcing its defense.

On Tsukikage's bridge, Andy trembled from extreme tension.

Docking with other ships to transfer cargo required advanced piloting skills, but he had the experience and confidence to do it.

But that was in normal space— he had no experience with resupplying in the middle of a battlefield.

"Hey, Andy, are you okay?"

Ellen was visibly worried.

"I-I'm fine... I think. No, I'm fine!"

Andy struggled to calm himself as he manipulated the control yoke and throttle lever.

His ship handling was precise, thanks to his skill, but his nerves weren't keeping up.

"Approaching the port side of Titan at designated position. Please slide the vessel into docking."

Under Madelia's guidance, the Tsukikage approached Titan, but from here to final docking required extremely precise ship handling.

With trembling hands, that would be difficult.

Determined, Andy looked at Madelia seated in the co-pilot's seat.

"Madelia, I need a favor!"

"Huh?"

It was Andy's secret tactic to regain his composure.

While Tsukikage attempted to resupply Titan, Yatagarasu and the heavy cruiser deflected the artillery fire from the Rimlia fleet, literally serving as shields for Tsukikage and Titan.

"Enemy fire is being directed at us too, but it's sporadic."

Shin nosuke nodded in agreement with Marks' report.

For now, the attacks were at a level we could deflect with our shields.

Understood. But for now, it's just a feint. The enemy is waiting for the right moment. The main attack will come right after Tsukikage docks. Marks, get ready.

Understood.

Milena, study Yatagarasu's systems by observing Marks' operations.

Got it.

Marks and Milena move to the electronic warfare operator stations.

Then, Sera, I'll entrust you with overall operator duties, including weapon control.

"Wha—yes, of course!"

"It's fine. I'll handle weapon control, so just focus on your duties and give it a try."

"I understand."

Seyla takes over the general operator station, replacing Marks.

The weapon control system is already unlocked, and all armaments are powered up, but there's no intention to launch an aggressive attack from our side.

We're here solely to support Tsukikage.

Almost at the same time Seira arrived at the central operator station, Tsukikage docked with Titan.

Typical of Andy—brilliantly executed docking.

Multiple flying objects launched from the enemy vessel! Eight in total—six anti-ship missiles and two carrier-based aircraft.

Ceyla reports.

At the moment Tsukikage docked, Shinnosuke had predicted it exactly.

"Understood. Relay electronic warfare defense protocols to the Acalia Fleet. From now on, we'll initiate stronger electromagnetic interference. Marks, leave it to you."

"Understood."

"Yura, take control of the forward Gatling gun and anti-aircraft turrets. No need to shoot them down aggressively—just keep the carrier aircraft in check."

"O-oh, got it!"

The Yatagarasu initiated electronic warfare.