Large Convoy

The convoy was sailing through interstellar space, departing the Akneria Galactic Federation's territory in formation.

Sixteen cargo ships formed a two-column column formation, guarded on all sides by seven escort vessels.

Shin nosuke's Yatagarasu took the lead slightly ahead of the convoy, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance of the surrounding space, with Andy's Holy Bell at the front of the formation and Reg's Javelin—equipped with hundreds of missiles like a porcupine—positioned in the central section.

At the rear, Fubuki held position, while Phantom, Hammerhead, and Kuron formed a mobile defensive perimeter around the convoy.

"No abnormalities detected in the surrounding space."

"Maintaining electronic jamming output at twenty-five percent. We're successfully masking the convoy's presence."

On the bridge of Yatagarasu, Seira and Miliena took their stations as navigation controllers and communication and electronic warfare operators, keeping watch.

The Yatagarasu emits faint jamming signals, making detection of vessels navigating nearby—or hiding in the vicinity—difficult. But they can't afford to let their guard down.

Milena, seated at the electronic warfare operator station, is carefully monitoring the output of the jamming signals.

Although the Yatagarasu is specialized for electronic warfare, its electronic warfare system—originally developed for a test vessel—is powerful, and a misstep in control could inadvertently disrupt friendly radar, communications, and navigation systems in the surrounding area.

Maintaining the delicate balance between effectiveness and collateral interference is proving remarkably difficult.

Still, in reality, even Shinosuke, as well as Ash, Aria, Reg, and the other experienced escort commanders, are not letting their guard down, but they believe the likelihood of being attacked in international space is low.

A typical space pirate would find it too risky to attack a large convoy escorted by seven escort vessels, and even the Holy Lemurian Empire's forces, though they succeeded in slowing down the Acnelia Army's advance, are clearly at a strategic disadvantage. They wouldn't have the luxury of maneuvering all the way into international space to target the Acnelia Army's rear.

Even if they had the luxury, there would be no need to risk drawing attention by attacking a mere civilian convoy just to feign a maneuver into the enemy's rear.

The real danger would begin only after entering the liberated Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth territory—and even then, likely only once they got close to the target planet.

"Approaching the first space jump point."

Shinnosuke nodded upon hearing Seira's report.

"Good. Then, the flagship and Holybell will proceed first to perform the space jump and secure the destination point. Ten minutes later, the eight cargo ships, Hammerhead, the remaining cargo ships, and the escort vessels will follow in sequence."

Under Shinnosuke's command, Yatagarasu and Holybell initiated the space jump first.

"Coordinate calculations complete. Shinnosuke, you can proceed anytime."

"Understood. Accelerating to jump speed."

Shinnosuke accelerates the Yatagarasu by pushing forward the throttle lever.

Holybell is keeping up well too.

"Battlecruiser and Holybell have reached jump-in velocity. Jump point approaching, countdown. Five, four, three, two, one..."

Alright, wow...

'Holy Bell continues! Warp!'

Yatagarasu and Holy Bell performed a spatial leap.

As usual, the fleet safely completed the spatial leap, carried out the second spatial leap 'just like normal,' and finally entered the territory of the Damura Stellar Federation. But here, truly dangerous space began.

Although this area had been liberated by the Akneria forces, it was still an immense expanse of space, meaning enemy units could easily slip through gaps in the defensive lines.

If those enemy forces spot them, even civilian convoys would become targets.

Moreover, we can't proceed ahead while emitting Yatagarasu's interference waves.

Attempting to hide too obviously might lead to suspicion not only from enemy units but also from our own allies.

From here on, we change formation. The convoy maintains a two-column column formation, with Fubuki and Holybell leading, our flagship positioned in the upper center of the convoy, Phantom on the right wing, Coulon on the left wing, Hammerhead at the rear of the convoy, and Javelin bringing up the rear.

In case of emergency, Yatagarasu is prepared to immediately switch to electronic warfare, with maneuverable Phantom, Coulon, and Hammerhead securing the flanks, while the high-firepower Javelin covers the entire convoy from the rear.

"Route to target planet Moldabite has been set. Sharing with all ships in the convoy."

The route set by Seira was within the controlled space of the Akneria Fleet, an area with tight patrols, making it an extremely effective and safety-conscious path.

Even Shinosuke couldn't find any issues with the route Seira had plotted.

"Given these conditions, being able to set such a meticulous course makes you a competent navigation officer. There's no need for adjustments—let's proceed with Seira's route."

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Seira smiles at Shinnosuke, praised by him.

Yet, sitting beside Seira, Milena gives Shinnosuke a mischievous smirk.

"Master Shinnosuke, may I ask you something?"

"Huh?"

"If you were the enemy commander, you wouldn't overlook us, would you?"

"...Well, that's true."

Milena remembered the assessment Allenbal had once made about Shinnosuke.

How he was renowned for his tenacity when cornered, excelling at guerrilla tactics and striking at enemy weaknesses whenever the chance arose, even in disadvantageous situations.

"How would you, Master Shinnosuke, go about capturing us?"

Shinnosuke answered without hesitation to Milena's question.

"First, keep a close watch without rashly making moves, and determine our destination. Then, get ahead of us and strike at the most inconvenient moment. Attacking civilian ships may be morally questionable, but it's effective. Repeated attacks on civilian vessels will cause free traders to avoid the front lines, forcing the Akneria forces to strengthen their patrols in liberated space and maintain supply lines for civilians. Especially now, since the Akneria forces are using the liberation of the Damura Star Cluster Republic as their banner, we can't afford to alienate the people in the liberated regions—so that would create serious complications. Still, it's just a subtle form of harassment, really."

Hearing Shinosuke's plan, not only Seira but even Milena, who had asked the question, was taken aback.

"Coming from me, it's hard to say, but... that's utterly ruthless."

"Right? That's exactly why it works. Though, I suppose there might be commanders on the enemy side who'd resort to such tactics—though if there were, they'd have to be quite unusual."

Shinosuke, who conveniently ignored his own hypocrisy, hadn't foreseen the situation awaiting them ahead.