Enemy Detected
 

I give orders to Kaori, our communications officer.
 
“Provide all the route information we’ve gathered so far to the 1st Patrol Squadron that came to assist us. Hold nothing back.”
 
“Understood. Should I use the standard military format?”
 
“Yeah. Just make sure it’s properly adjusted. The important thing is sharing the information.”
 
From the point where we captured the pirate ship to here, we traveled at Shunmin’s cruising speed—eight cosmic velocity. But now, we have to match the Coast Guard’s pace, so we slow down to half that—four cosmic velocity, the standard fleet speed.
 
Even at half … Read the rest

Convergence
 

 
Well, even if we don’t actually get reinforcements, if it’s impossible for just us to handle things alone, we can always just gather intel and leave the cleanup to the kingdom. That’s what I figured.
 
With that mindset, we leisurely enjoyed our meal while grumbling about the mistreatment we’ve endured from the kingdom’s nobles and upper echelons up until now.
 
Since we weren’t at a tavern, we didn’t serve any alcohol—and this time, that was probably for the best.
 
If we’d been drinking, we might’ve gone on and on, ranting loudly about things that … Read the rest

A Named Asteroid
 

“Captain. A space colony has entered our radar’s detectable range.”
 
“So this really is the route the pirates were using, huh?”
 
Thomson, the chief investigator, voiced his thoughts.
 
“But if that’s the case, why couldn’t even the military detect this place before now?”
 
The Executive Officer raised a perfectly reasonable question.
 
The answer came quickly.
 
“Captain. There’s an asteroid ahead.”
 
“That thing? Though, for an asteroid, it’s not exactly small, is it?”
 
“Yes, it’s likely one of the largest asteroids in terms of size. It’s at the minimum … Read the rest

Discovery of an Alternate Route
 

Before long, the executive officer and Mr. Thomson returned to the bridge.
 
“Captain. Thank you for all your consideration.”
 
“Mr. Thomson, what’s with the sudden gratitude? I just had them guide you, but was that arrangement acceptable?”
 
“Yes, more than enough.”
 
“From here, it’ll be easy to contact any of your scattered investigators, so don’t hesitate to ask. Also, Director, feel free to use that chair over there. …Ah, don’t worry. That one really is just a spare—Her Highness uses this chair here.”
 
“Ah, thank you.”
 
Seeing Mr. Thomson looking somewhat apologetic, the executive … Read the rest

The Latest on the Old Coast Guard Unit
 

 
I’ve come to quite like this moment of departure.
 
For some reason, I’ve grown fond of this fleeting instant—a mix of slight tension and a tiny bit of excitement.
 
Originally, I never had any particular desire to board a starship. Whether by fate or coincidence, I enlisted in the Space Force, was promptly reassigned to the Coast Guard, and was tossed out into space without ever having any attachment to it.
 
But after spending most of my time out here, I’ve recently realized that I’m starting to … Read the rest

Chapter 8: Fierce Battle with the Sicily Family
 

 
The Thoughts of the Investigation Division Chief
 

 
I ended up bringing the members of the Investigation Division back with me.
 
Aside from the military personnel, there were also officials from the royal palace stationed at the space colony, but it seemed they still had work left to do.
 
“A new assignment has come up, so unfortunately, we won’t be able to accompany the Interstellar Criminal Police Organization .” Inspector Charlie, who had come to see us off, politely declined on behalf of the officials.
 
Apparently, our actions had added … Read the rest

The Musings of a Military Police Officer
 

 
My name is Shachiku, a man with a wife and one child.
 
I work for the Space Force, though my assignment is a bit… unusual.
 
You see, ever since my days at the officer academy, my current post is one that my classmates despise as if I were venomous snakes and scorpions.
 
That’s right—I’m a military police officer in the Space Force.
 
Though we belong to the same Space Force, once assigned to the military police, you can never transfer out. From that moment on, we’re set apart from ordinary soldiers.
 
After … Read the rest

Attempted Rebellion
 

There was no way I could kill time in that cafeteria alone, and people from headquarters didn’t arrive until early the next morning.
 
Well, thanks to lingering in the cafeteria to kill time, I was able to become quite friendly with Director Thomson and Inspector Charlie, which was a pleasant bonus.
 
After killing time in the cafeteria, I returned to [Shunmin] and went straight to bed.
 
Early the next morning, I was awakened by Maria, who was on night duty… Who was it that left Maria to handle the night watch alone?
 
Fortunately, nothing happened, so it … Read the rest

Not House Arrest, but Full-Fledged Imprisonment
 

After safely towing the pirate ship, we docked at the space colony’s port.
 
As soon as [Shunmin] entered the port, I was taken away by waiting military personnel.
 
At least they didn’t treat me like a prisoner outright, so I had Executive Officer Meyrica-nee accompany me.
 
This was my own decision.
 
Meyrica-nee is also on detached assignment—but not from the military.
 
Under martial law during wartime, things would be different, but since that’s not the case here, even if I might be at their mercy, they can’t force … Read the rest

Boarding
 

As I was lost in thought, Kasumi reported in.
 
“Captain, it seems the pirate ship has been abandoned.”
 
“What?!”
 
“We’ve detected a large hole in the propulsion system. Their main engine is inoperable.”
 
“What happened?”
 
“Perhaps our main guns just happened to hit it?”
 
“That must be the case. There’s no other explanation.”
 
“Wait, but weren’t this ship’s main guns mocked as peashooters?”
 
“Captain. Their ship is civilian-grade. They might as well have no armor.”
 
“That’s right. civilian-grade is so vulnerable to energy attacks that people even call them … Read the rest