Fate's Vortex

The message arrived on a certain day, just as the vacation was coming to an end.

Seeing the notification on his personal mobile terminal—not on the merchant's terminal—Sinnosuke's expression grew grim.

"……"

After reading the contents, Sinnosuke sighed and stood up.

Fortunately, Miriena was scheduled to return from her exam the day after tomorrow, and Seira and the other crew members were out.

Coincidentally, the only one left behind was Marks.

He had been summoned to appear, but nothing was written stating he had to come alone.

"Markus, come with me for a bit."

"...Understood."

Markus stood up upon seeing the terminal shown by Shinnosuke and followed behind him.

After exiting the dock and walking toward their destination, they were immediately greeted by someone waiting ahead.

"No need to come greet me—I'm not going to run away, Captain."

The one waiting was Lieutenant Commander Serika Cruiser from the Space Force Intelligence Division.

Unusually, she arrived in a Space Force uniform, riding in a Space Force official vehicle.

"I'm not here to flee—simply to come and meet you, former Lieutenant Commander Kashimura."

Sinno's expression grew even more tense at the sight and words of the Major.

"Is this not related to your duties in Intelligence this time?"

"Yes. This matter is entirely unrelated to our Intelligence Division. I came here only because I had some prior connection with the former captain—I figured I might as well take on the task of escorting him, nothing more."

At this point, Major couldn't be lying, so her words must be true—this time, the Intelligence Division really had nothing to do with it.

On the way to the Second Fleet Headquarters—their destination—Captain responded to casual conversation but said nothing at all about the reason for the summons, despite clearly knowing what it was.

Upon arrival, Shinnosuke and Marks were led into a conference room within the Second Fleet Operations Command, where they were greeted by the Second Fleet Space Force Rear Operations Advisor, the Personnel Division Chief, and several other senior officers.

And for some reason, Hankus, the head of the first sales department at Psycho-J Industry, was also present.

"Apologies for the sudden summons, former Lieutenant Kasimura."

Although no longer on active duty and thus not required to salute the senior officers, Shinnosuke still saluted—out of mature decorum and the courtesy expected of a sailor.

When offered a seat, Shinnosuke sat down (Markus was also offered one, but remained standing behind Shinnosuke), and the rear operations staff officer began to speak.

"In fact, we've asked Lieutenant Colonel Kashimura to join us. Of course, we're not forcing anything, but we'd like to request your cooperation in the ongoing Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth liberation operation."

The staff officer, wearing a major general's insignia, began speaking with a gentle expression.

Though he said not to take it as an unreasonable request, it turned out to be exactly that when actually asked.

In short, they wanted to deploy the Yatagarasu to break the deadlock on the front lines.

True, the Yatagarasu was specialized in electronic warfare, but the space force also had its own electronic warfare units, fully equipped and ready.

Yet, the reason the Yatagarasu was necessary is that it was an experimental vessel that brought together the cutting-edge technology of Psycoji Industry.

Apparently, the plan was to break the deadlock in combat by deploying the Yatagarasu—equipped with unconventional capabilities beyond the traditional characteristics and frequencies of electronic warfare systems—as a testbed for new weapons.

For this purpose, preparations to enhance the Yatagarasu's performance are already underway.

Of course, since the current Yatagarasu is Shinnosuke's personal vessel, even if the military makes a request, Psychoj Industries would never tamper with the Yatagarasu without Shinnosuke's approval.

That's why Hank is present here.

To that end, Shinnosuke was presented with three options.

One was to lend the Yatagarasu to the Space Force on a paid basis, allowing the Space Force to operate it.

However, in this case, since the Space Force is urgently seeking to break the deadlock, temporarily assigned personnel are deployed into combat without having time for familiarization training.

The second option is to temporarily assign Shinosuke to the Space Force on reserve status, serving as captain of the Yatagarasu for a limited period.

The third option is for Shinosuke to be formally reinstated into active military service and have the Yatagarasu deployed as a regular combat vessel.

Although choices are presented, in reality Shinosuke has no real option to choose from.

It may seem utterly unjust, but that is precisely the nature of the military.

At times, the ends justify the means, and that is by no means uncommon.

Shin nosuke, having served in the military, understood this darker side of it.

After listening to the explanation, Shin nosuke avoided giving an immediate answer, instead informing headquarters that he would reply again later, then departed.

Although Lieutenant Cruise offered to escort him, Shin nosuke declined, not intending to go straight home. Instead, he and Marks stopped by a nearby park.

"...."

Shinosuke sits on a bench, deep in thought.

Are you hesitating?

Shaking his head at Marx's question.

No, I'm not lost.

Is that so?

Hey, Marks

Yes?

Shin nosuke saw Marks standing straight ahead.

Will you come with me?

...I feel a bit indignant.

"?"

"Why are you asking me this? All my master needs to say is 'Come with me!'—just that one command."

"But... you might die. I can't just drag you into something like that..."

"Isn't that too late now? You yourself once told me, 'You'll accompany me to the depths of the underworld,' didn't you?"

Shin Nosuke smiled faintly.

"Did I really say that? I've already forgotten."

Moreover, if Mistress Emilia finds out I sent Master to his death, she’ll literally tear me apart. I don’t want to die yet, so please—following Master will at least let me live another one or two months, rather than being dismantled by Emilia-sama.

Shinnosuke nodded with a smile, then looked at Marks again.

Mark, this is an order. I'm taking you to hell with me!

"Understood! This is precisely what I desire."

Marks saluted with a grin, appearing oddly pleased and proud.