A New Horizon

After returning from Seira's training, Shinnosuke gathered the members of the trading company to discuss future prospects and plans.

First, the formation of three ships—Yatagarasu, Fubuki, and Tsukikage—was already decided.

While the Yatagarasu, equipped with powerful radar and electronic warfare systems and armed with destroyer-level weaponry, was provided by Psycho-J Industries under favorable terms, it is subject to the restriction that it is essentially to be operated by Shinnosuke.

This is due to confidentiality concerns, as well as the fact that operating such advanced electronic warfare systems requires expertise only those with space military experience can provide—making Andy, who has only ever served as a mercenary escort, and Ash, who comes from a coastal patrol background, unsuitable for the role.

As for Fukubuki, being a prototype military vessel, she was second only to Yatagarasu in performance. Although she had considerable experience as a sailor, we initially considered having Andy—the senior figure at Kasimura Corporation—serve as her captain. However, as previously confirmed with Andy, he strongly wished to continue serving as captain of the used transport ship Tsukikage. Consequently, Fukubuki's command naturally fell to Ash.

Thus, the basic formation going forward will be: the captain of the first fleet ship, Yatagarasu, is Shinonosuke, with the first fleet crew consisting of Marks, Milena, and Seira.

The captain of the second fleet ship, Fukubuki, is Ash, with the second fleet crew composed of Méthys and Shion.

And the captain of the third fleet ship, Tsukikage, is Andy, with the third fleet crew made up of Elen and Madelia.

With at least two crew members qualified to operate each ship, the formation is well-balanced.

Of course, adjustments can be made flexibly when ships are unavailable for operation due to inspections, maintenance, repairs, or data collection required by contract, but the basic formation remains fixed.

Now that the new formation has been decided, the next matter is Glen's compensation for the loss of the internal combustion vessels. Since we've decided to entrust the operation of Fubuki to Ash from now on, I'll inform her of the budget amount and then ask for her input.

"Yeah, we're a three-person team, so if there's another escape shuttle available, having an internal combustion vessel would just be overkill. In that case, I'd prefer converting the internal combustion vessel hangar into medical facilities. As you know, I'm certified as a ship's doctor and can perform surgeries too. While fully automated medical units are too expensive, I believe having basic equipment that doubles as a small operating room would allow me to make good use of my skills. Besides, if things get serious, we've got Millena, who holds medical qualifications, and Madelia, who's equipped for general medical response. So, upgrading our medical facilities would definitely be worthwhile."

True, a fully automated medical unit would be expensive and exceed our budget, but the equipment Ash mentioned would stay within budget.

While the likelihood of injuries during space combat between ships is low, it's not impossible. We can't rule out sudden illnesses or injuries from accidents.

Medical pods are mandatory on spacecraft, and cryopreservation is available as a backup option if needed.

Still, having a physician with specialized knowledge and proper medical equipment provides great reassurance.

With unanimous agreement, it was decided to equip Fukubuki with a medical facility including an operating room.

Even though we're using the compensation money from Mr. Glenn, this is still a significant investment in equipment. It's best not to use it at all, but once we've invested, it had better serve its purpose well."

Ash gave a wink in response to Shinosuke's joke.

"Leave it to me. Even if there are no sick or injured crew members, monitoring their health is the ship’s doctor’s duty. Besides, being entrusted with such a fine vessel and being able to install the medical equipment I’ve been hoping for—well, I’ll never want to leave the Fukuki. If I ever do run away, I’ll take the Fukuki with me, so don’t you worry."

Ash’s playful reply made everyone laugh.

As for the company's future direction, it was decided to continue regular security and transport operations while also strengthening their focus on trade.

Although a proposal for passenger services was raised, it was determined that providing comfortable space travel would be difficult due to personnel and equipment limitations. Therefore, for the time being, passenger operations would remain limited to emergency personnel transport, with no expansion into full-scale passenger services.

It was decided to upgrade the Fukubuki with additional medical equipment, but there was no established channel to purchase such equipment in the first place.

I reached out to Hankus at Syokouji Industry, but received no favorable response.

"Unfortunately, there is no Syokouji Medical branch here in this colony, and Syokouji Medical primarily focuses on conventional hospitals and clinics. Their medical equipment for spacecraft isn't particularly well-developed. While there are specialized units available, they're designed specifically for spacecraft that already have medical facilities installed, so retrofitting them into Fubuki's storage bay might prove difficult."

Ideally, I'd have preferred a Psykouji-brand unit that fits the specifications, but that seems rather difficult.

"Then we'll have to look elsewhere, at other manufacturers."

Hanks, visible on the communication monitor, nods with a grim expression.

"I don't really have a preference—any manufacturer will do."

Hanks, having heard Ash's comment from beside Shinosuke, operates the terminal in his hand.

"That's true... Although not under the SAIKOU JIKAN Company group, I believe we can adjust units from HORIZ MEDICAL SYSTEM."

Shinosuke and Ash reviewing the data sent by Hanks.

"I've never heard of HORIZ MEDICAL SYSTEM..."

"A relatively new manufacturer established five years ago, primarily focused on medical equipment for ships, and they already have transaction history with us. They don't have any standout selling points, but they're a solid, cautious company that doesn't take unnecessary risks."

Shinosuke couldn't understand the unit's performance or equipment specifications, but Ash was carefully reviewing the data with a serious expression.

"You're right... The various inspection equipment is at a minimum necessary level, and the surgical facilities are quite well-equipped. I can't make a final decision without seeing it in person, but based on the data alone, it doesn't seem bad."

Ultimately, since an on-site inspection was necessary, it was decided that Hank and Ash would visit Holie's Medical Systems tomorrow to verify the equipment in person.

There won't be time to rest once the new strategy is decided.

Shin nosuke headed toward the Free Merchant Guild.