Impending Crisis

After seizing control of the criminal vessel Angel V, Shinnosuke and his team met up with Andy's Tskikage, Dag's shield ship, and the coast guard unit accompanying Andy, handing over the captured crew members, Angel V and other evidence, as well as the victims, to the coast guard.

"Then, we will take over from here and handle everything properly according to the law. The cooperation reward for apprehending the criminal vessel will be paid through the Free Merchant Fleet Union."

"Understood, thank you."

"Additionally, the legitimacy of what Tsukikage and the Shield Fleet did en route here is guaranteed under the responsibility of the 32nd Coastal Defense Squadron Commander. I will send the proof data to the Union along with the reward."

"Thank you very much."

After completing the handover at the site, Shinosuke and the others began their return journey.

The return journey to the Sirius Stellar Province will be conducted by three ships: Fubuki, Tsukikage, and the Shield Ship (carrying the Pirate Killer). However, Tsukikage needs to make a detour, and since Shinosuke has some thoughts about what lies ahead after their return, he has transferred Marks to Tsukikage along with Ash, Shion, and Madelia. Fubuki will return with just Shinosuke, Milena, and Seira aboard.

"Then, we just need to stop by Psychoji Industry before returning to the dock to take care of those formalities, right?"

"Yeah, I've got a bad feeling about this, so I'd rather leave that matter to Andy and the others."

"Understood. We'll handle our part."

"Count on us—ask Marks for the details."

"Got it."

Mireena and Seira, who had been listening to the conversation with Andy, looked at Shinnosuke with puzzled expressions.

"Shinosuke-san, what kind of bad feeling is this?"

"...."

Seira asked Shinnosuke, but Mireena simply stared at him in silence.

"Hmm? Ah, well, it's just a bit like that. It's my responsibility as captain, and considering what lies ahead, I can't go into detail with the two of you."

Milena narrowed her eyes even more sharply at Shinosuke, clearly seeing through his evasiveness.

The situation was serious enough that she had to separate from Marks, her usual partner who always acted alongside Shinosuke.

Though sharp-witted and perceptive, Milena could sense the truth without needing mind-reading abilities. Yet precisely because of this, she refrained from directly questioning Shinosuke’s loyalty.

Eventually, the three ships entered the control zone of the Salius Stellar Province planet Pelerene's central colony.

At this point, the three ships separated, each heading toward their respective destinations.

Tsukikage proceeded directly to Saikouji Industry, while Fubuki and the shield vessel returned to their respective bases and docks.

"See you later, Shinosuke. We'll be sure to report this incident thoroughly to the Union from our side. Take care."

"Understood. Thank you for your hard work."

Though flying alone within the controlled airspace, Fubuki had, by this point, made Seira notice an unusual atmosphere.

"What is this... are we being watched?"

Since entering the controlled airspace, two military vessels from the Space Force had been tailing Fubuki closely, never straying far.

In truth, they had been under surveillance since entering Akneria's territory, but now, once inside the controlled airspace, their pursuit had become blatantly obvious.

"Don't worry about it. As long as we don't make a move, they shouldn't try anything while we're inside controlled airspace."

Ignoring the two pursuing ships, he docked as usual. At that moment, Shinnosuke sent a complete rundown of the data from this job to Rina of the guild.

This was something he normally wouldn't do, but now he was prepared for whatever might come next.

After completing the system check, Shinnosuke and the other two disembarked from Fubuki.

Just as if timing it perfectly, the dock's intercom rang.

(They've come after all. Sooner than I expected.)

Shinnosuke glanced back at Milena and Seira, who followed closely behind, as if he had already realized everything.

"Guests have arrived. Uninvited ones, but both of you—stay out of it, no matter what happens. Leave everything to me."

"Shinnosuke-san, what are you talking about?"

"..."

Shinnosuke said no more, opening the dock's door.

Beyond the door stood five men in dark suits.

"Space Military Police. We're arresting you, free trader Shinnosuke Kasimura. Please come with us."

The men claiming to be military police pointed their blasters at Shinnosuke.

"Shinnosuke-sama!"

"...Shinnosuke-san!"

Milena instantly reaches for her saber, while Ceyla barely a moment later grasps her blaster at her waist.

"Both of you, wait! Don't draw your weapons!"

Shinnosuke's sharp command stops them both in their tracks.

Having confirmed with relief that the two had not actually drawn their weapons, Shinnosuke turned to face the men.

"I demand a detailed explanation of the charges against me."

Let me inform you of one thing.

Until now, I've mostly focused on a single novel at a time, but I plan to start posting another novel soon.

The reason is that although I'm not known for fast posting, I've solidified the concept for my next work—the "Freedom of Career Choice" series—and have gradually begun writing it little by little to avoid forgetting the idea. As it's starting to take shape, I decided to begin posting it slightly earlier, alongside this current work, in parallel.

That said, I don't think I'm skilled enough to consistently work on two novels at the same time, so I'll mainly focus on this current work, maintaining a posting schedule of once or twice a week, while gradually progressing with the new novel.

I'll make another announcement when I actually start posting the new work.