3: Sata Sekteks

This is the third entry for today.

"It's fine. So, um, customer is okay, right?"

"Yes, that should be correct."

I approached the three people standing at the entrance of the tube and stopped at a slight distance.

Keeping a safe distance is necessary because neither of us can be certain whether the other is truly a safe presence.

In fact, it's better to stay alert around people who recklessly close the distance during situations like this.

At worst, it's not just pickpockets or scams—there was one time I was shot point-blank with a blaster at zero range.

That was a really rough experience.

"Then, please present your name and identification first."

"Understood. My name is Sata Seeteks. Here is my identification."

Anyway, that's aside from the point—this is the procedure for boarding the 'Tsumebakei No.'

After reciting my name as instructed by the colony staff member, I handed over my identification—specifically, the standard adult qualification certificate used throughout the Vanilla Space Empire—to the approaching support android.

This adult qualification certificate... well, to put it simply, it's proof that one possesses the proper level of responsibility expected of an adult, an irrefutable document valid across the entire human habitable zone.

Well, personally, I see it as just a convenient card—one that lets me do various things and serves as proof, nothing more.

"Confirmed. You are indeed Satu Seeteks, the passenger boarding the 'Tsumebakei' today."

Thank you.

The android finished reading the information and returned my ID card to me.

"Then, I have a few questions for you. Please answer them honestly."

Understood.

Now that my identity has been confirmed, the next step begins.

The android started shining a green light toward various parts of my body.

This is the scan beam from the inspection module, checking for any prohibited or illegal items not previously reported.

There's no harm to my body, no reason to refuse, and it's not something that could hide my secrets, so I accept it without hesitation.

At the same time, it's the questioning and verification period by the colony staff and the crew of the *Tsumebakei*.

"Destination?"

"Primeval Colony in the Grogrobeta star system."

"Purpose of travel?"

"Reporting. I'm a freelance writer, so that's my reason."

The colony staff's questions were routine, nothing out of the ordinary.

Just answer honestly.

"Our ship's purpose? If you're just going to the Grogrobeta star system, there are plenty of options—fast ships, luxury passenger liners that carry only people, not cargo like us."

"Price, first and foremost. We're not exactly making huge profits."

The issue is the question from the crew of the *Tsumebakei*.

The ship's owner undoubtedly has the right to refuse suspicious passengers, and even the right to throw them overboard if necessary.

In other words, giving an answer that might upset them is strictly off-limits.

That's why it's wise to use ships with verified identities—otherwise, you might end up having your luggage stolen and tossed overboard if you're on a truly dangerous vessel.

Of course, such extreme cases are rare.

Just a side note: high-speed ferries reach their destination much faster than passenger ships, but they cost significantly more.

Passenger ships have the same speed as cargo ships and passenger-cargo ships, but offer better service and accordingly higher prices.

In terms of affordability, sharing a ride on a cargo ship or a passenger-cargo ship is the cheapest option.

"Price... well..."

"There's also the fact that I'd like to write an article aimed at people who've never left their home system, and if we're going to do it, I'd really like to take the time to thoroughly explore what interstellar travel is actually like."

"I see. So my ship is also part of the reporting scope, huh? Well, I suppose I should ask the captain for permission to conduct the interview."

"Isn't that necessary if you're going to do the reporting?"

"It's necessary, but a lot of people still sneak around without permission. Of course, I make sure to collect plenty of money from those kinds of people later."

"Haha, that's only natural."

The crew member made a money sign with his hand and smiled, and I smiled too.

Sure, if it's just a personal souvenir photo, that's one thing—but if you're making money off it, then it's your fault for not getting proper permission.

Accepting payment alone for retroactive permission falls within the white category.

"Scan complete. No hazardous materials detected, as previously declared. No illegal items found."

" hazardous materials... not a blaster, but a titanium rod with a telescopic mod, correct?"

"Yes, exactly."

The scan finally appears to have concluded.

No issues whatsoever.

"Unusual. I'm the same, but most people usually carry a sidearm blaster for self-defense."

"Hey... I was told absolutely not to use the blaster, straight from the manufacturer. Me."

"Hmm. That's unusual. I mean, you're not from a lab, are you? I couldn't tell from your mannerisms."

"Heh heh, that's what we call an irregularity. Thanks to that, my employment period wasn't risky at all, so it wasn't all bad."

"Yeah, that makes sense. At least it's not like I'm gonna die just 'cause I can't handle a blaster."

I continued checking off the minor details.

As expected, everything was fine.

Just as I'd researched beforehand.

"Still, one was supposed to be an ordinary customer, but in a way, neither of them were ordinary customers after all."

Well, with that, the procedures before boarding the ship were complete.

Just as I thought, a crew member suddenly mentioned something concerning.

"Both of them?"

"Oh."

The crew member beckoned me closer, leaned in close to my ear, while the colony staff and the android discreetly concealed our forms in the shadows, scanning the surroundings cautiously.

It seemed to be something they didn't want to discuss openly.

"Low-key (I don’t like it, but the captain just told me there’s another group of passengers joining us, suddenly this morning. They’re paying an exorbitant fee, even for express rates—so much that it’s equivalent to five round trips on a high-speed ferry.)"

(Muttering... That's not normal, is it?)

"Whispering... You know, that's why both the crew and staff are on high alert, wondering if we're being asked to carry something dangerous. They should be arriving any moment now... But if you sense anything suspicious, please let me know. You don't look like a bad guy, and I'd appreciate any help you can give. In the worst case, if you see someone coming who seems off, you can cancel your boarding and I'll refund your money."

(Muttering) (I doubt anyone would come and not board... but I'll stay alert and share the info.)

(Muttering) (I'm counting on you.)

Indeed, this passenger is certainly suspicious.

Being cautious about unusually high fares is a universal rule across the Empire.

And if that's the case, I'll just pretend to chat for a bit longer... or better yet, go ahead and promote my article normally.

Having thought it through, I subtly showed my tablet—my information terminal—while glancing at the crew, then stepped slightly aside.

"Yeah, I'm glad you know about this... I wrote an article like this..."

"Oh, promotion? Nice... you're finally here."

Just as I casually showed them the page of my article, the two appeared at the edge of my vision...

"..."

I was completely taken aback.

They were two women.

The woman walking ahead had golden hair and wore clothing clearly of high quality.

Around her golden eyes, faint greenish-blue phosphorescence flickered in and out, as if a physical enhancement mod were active. Even her other accessories seemed to be of remarkably high quality, far beyond typical civilian-grade items.

Even just walking, she maintained perfect posture, exuding an air of refined elegance—undoubtedly a member of the noble class.

The maid in a dress who walks behind me is a girl—no, slightly smaller than me by about two heads.

But once you notice her ears are mechanical, it's clear she's a cyborg or some similar synthetic being; her appearance is just that—mere appearance.

She carries a large travel suitcase, and judging by her attire and situation, she's likely a personal maid robot assigned solely to the woman walking ahead.

No, if my eyes aren't deceiving me... I should probably just keep quiet, though I suppose they'll ask how I figured it out.

For now, all I can say is this:

"Shipmate. It's trouble, sure, but it might turn out to be the lesser of two evils."

"Right. Some noble's princess just threw money at the problem. Honestly, I'm relieved. I mean, really."

"Totally agree."

Our guard can be lowered now.

After all, anyone boarding a cargo passenger ship would already have adult certification, so they wouldn't be likely to make extremely foolish demands.

If they were nobles from the Vanilla Space Empire—those shrewd types—they'd probably avoid such cargo ships altogether and arrange their own vessel instead.

If they're using a cargo ship anyway, they're likely just indulging a whim, nothing more.

They might have a few unreasonable requests, but they'll also be willing to pay for it.

But what if they're carrying illegal goods?

At that time, the colony side was probably sealed so tightly that it wouldn't even show up during scans, so carrying such items... the ship could honestly claim ignorance.

Even if there's mystery behind why a passenger ship was used, it's fine—it just needs to be a passenger vessel.

Should be treated as just a regular customer.

That's what I mean.

And as for me... well, no matter what problems arise, I'll probably manage to get through them.

That's why I'm saying it.

Hello. Staff, crew members.

And then, that girl came all the way to us.