The resolution of a long-standing conflict

After forcing the suspicious vessel that launched a kamikaze attack into a sinking state, Shinosuke was rescued by a military transport ship from space forces and safely returned, having been adrift on the disabled SRF-102.

Of course, the transport ship returning to the central colony docked at a military spaceport. However, upon disembarking, Shinosuke was immediately led to a separate room within the military facility and left waiting there, still wearing his pilot suit.

He was told he would have to wait for someone to come for him, but it seemed there was more to it than that.

As the soldier who had escorted him exited, he locked the door without offering tea.

Shinnosuke wasn't planning to wander freely through the military facility, but this was tantamount to house arrest, and such blatant treatment was anything but enjoyable.

After waiting in a separate room for several minutes, his mood growing increasingly sour, Captain Serika Kruze of the Intelligence Division entered, as if timing her arrival perfectly.

"Captain... you've been promoted, I see."

Shinnosuke muttered, glancing briefly at the rank insignia on her uniform collar.

"Yes, thanks to your kindness."

Shinnosuke hadn't meant to sound sarcastic, but Cruise responded with an overly smug smile and a condescending tone.

"Would you like to go home soon? Is there any problem with that?"

"No, I just need to speak with Kasimura briefly... Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't even offered you tea yet."

With that, Cruise arranged over the intercom for two coffees to be brought in.

It seemed the guide soldier simply lacked foresight.

Immediately afterward, the same soldier arrived, looking embarrassed, carrying coffee and pastries, bowed deeply to Shinosuke, and then exited.

"He might have misunderstood things, given our Intelligence Division's instructions."

"But you didn't explain things in detail to him, Captain?"

Probably that's exactly how it was intended to be.

That was meant to be sarcastic, but Cruise was completely indifferent.

"No, I just left it to my subordinates..."

There was no point in continuing this fruitless, evasive exchange.

"So? What was it you wanted to tell me?"

Shinosuke, eager to go home, cut in.

"As for this incident, the investigation has revealed that the vessel entered our territory from the Rimulian Galactic Empire's airspace. Furthermore, malware had been implanted into the systems of two unmanned observation posts located in that region, designed to create a gap in the defense network under specific conditions."

"That's quite a swift investigation."

It hasn't even been a full day since we sank the kamikaze ship.

Such a rapid investigation indeed.

"With regard to that, you see, the unit that had breached our defense line and couldn't even pursue the enemy was positioned right at the front line. We immediately assigned them to the investigation. If we waited until after the second and third attacks, it would be too late."

"Does that mean the plan to force the Holy Rimulia Empire into a two-front war, as intended by the Rimulia Galactic Empire, has failed?"

Cruze shook his head in response to Shinosuke's words.

"No, we don't have concrete proof, but we believe it's a deceptive maneuver designed to make us think that. We'll have the results of our investigation shortly. It's not a complicated matter."

As he spoke, Cruze picked up a sweet from the table and brought it to his mouth.

"Is this what you wanted to delay me for—just this?"

Cruze's words so far hadn't amounted to much.

"No, this is what I intended to explain to the free merchants who responded to this incident. What I wish to share with Kasimura alone is a more detailed account."

"What do you mean?"

"The virus at the observatory was orchestrated by former Lieutenant Colonel Langlitt."

"Langlitt, the lieutenant colonel?"

Though it was said that Langlitt had tried to frame Shinosuke and eliminate him, Langlitt should already have been arrested.

"Still, it was the former major who had planted it. The virus appears to have been set up at least five years ago."

"I see, so they were using the observatory to illegally allow the criminal vessel to pass from outside..."

"That's correct."

And apparently, this scheme became the root of the long-standing rivalry with the Frontier Patrol Commander Shinnosuke, which ultimately led Shinnosuke to become a free trader, setting off a chain of events that shaped his subsequent fate.

"Really, it's always been such a hassle—no end in sight."

Shinosuke was finally fed up with it all.

"Well, that's true. You don't need to worry about Colonel Langlitt, Mr. Kashimura. The former colonel is already dead."

"Wait—haven't the court-martial or trial even started yet?"

"Yes. Although the military police were conducting investigations into his crimes, he suddenly passed away at the detention facility."

Cruising through the details with casual indifference.

"Cause of death?"

He probably wouldn’t answer, but Shinosuke deliberately asks anyway.

“Who knows? It was already outside our jurisdiction. Besides, there was neither need nor reason for us to act directly... Various circumstances led to his death, and that brought everything to a close. That’s about it.”

This response was likely the utmost concession and disclosure possible from Cruise.

Langlitt was assassinated by someone, yet the military, including intelligence, made no effort to prevent it.

Likely, at a higher level, some kind of agreement was reached.

Regardless of who the party involved was, it's no secret that such backroom deals do exist even between opposing nations.

"A dull ending, really. I wish I hadn't asked unnecessary questions..."

Cruise shrugged in response to Shinnosuke's sigh.

"It's not just about trivial matters. Thanks to cooperation from various sources, some of the victims who had gone missing domestically have been confirmed safe, and arrangements are in place for them to be secretly protected and repatriated. This is truly an indirect achievement—entirely due to Mr. Kashimura's efforts."

That's fine, but it's nothing of interest or concern to me....So, is that all you had to say to me?

Shinosuke stands up from his seat.

"Yes, you may go now. It seems your escort has arrived, so there's no need to send you off."

"I see. Then I'll be on my way."

Shinosuke walks away from the cruise, but Cruise calls out to his back.

"By the way, regarding later matters, it seems the military has something they'd like to ask of Kasimura."

"Can that request be refused?"

Shinosuke stops without turning around.

"Who knows? It's not anything related to the Intelligence Division, after all. Find out when the time comes."

Though the atmosphere remains tense, at least the matter concerning Langlitt appears to have been settled.