I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship, so I Became a Space Mercenary - Chapter 431

Chapter 431: Status Report

Imperial Space Force Creon Star System Supply Depot. Based on the place’s name, you’d think it was a relatively peaceful base with lots of supply containers piled up within. However, it was actually a fully functional fortress. That’s right. A space fortress.

This supply depot was the only space station within the Creon system and was an integral base responsible for supplying the Imperial Space Force and the private armies of the noble lords deployed in the surrounding star systems. Naturally, in the eyes of the higher-ups of the Vereverem Federation, it was a crucial high-priority target. In order to deal with this, the place was equipped with extremely powerful weapon systems.

Well, it’s not like this was the only supply depot in the front lines, and more were scattered around the surrounding star systems, so the target wasn’t just the Creon system base.

“How should I put this? It’s quite imposing, isn’t it?”

Mimi, who was looking out through the window of the vehicle we were currently riding in, gave an honest impression of the place.

As soon as we arrived at the supply depot, we were immediately greeted by Captain Serena, and we were now heading to her ship, the Restalias, inside a vehicle she prepared for us.

“It’s a bona-fide military base after all. There are hardly any civilians, right?”

Elma glanced outside the car as well and responded to Mimi’s comment.

There were almost no shops and establishments that catered to military personnel coming to port in order to resupply and take a break. There were quite a lot of civilians present aboard the large supply carrier Dauntless that we stayed at when we went to the Edgeworld last time, and there were also many stores and recreational establishments to accommodate them, but...... it seemed that there weren’t many of that stuff at this supply base.

“This place is close to the front lines after all. If they allowed civilians in, there’s a chance of some unwanted ‘rats’ sneaking inside among them as well.”

Captain Serena, who was sitting across from us, shrugged her shoulders as she gave her two cents. It’s indeed as she said. If civilians could easily come and go, agents of the Vereverem Federation were likely to take advantage of that in order to infiltrate the base. It would be a big problem if a supply base within the front lines were to be compromised. For example, they might include BC (chemical) weapons or explosives among the supplies.

“So, what’s your reason for going out of your way to personally escort us?”

“Let’s discuss it once we arrive at the ship. So, your crew members increased in number again, haven’t they?”

“Why are you asking that all of a sudden......? It’s not that exaggerated. I have no intention of recruiting new crew members left and right.”

“But there’s a potential crew member scheduled to join us after three years though.”

“After three years? What do you mean by that?”

“It’s a promise he made to a twelve-year-old girl.”

“Whoah......”

Captain Serena sent me a condescending gaze. I’m relatively mild-mannered, but I’ll snap at this rate y’know?

“It’s just a method of polite refusal because I couldn’t possibly allow an underaged kid to join us. Or rather, she’s at an impressionable age, so she’ll probably find something else she wants to do after three years, right? I was counting on that when I made that promise.”

“Even so, you’ll still go and pick her up after three years, right?”

“Even if it’s just a verbal promise, I always keep my word. It’s only natural for me to go and check on how she’s doing. Linda did put her body on the line for us after all.”

“By the way, what’s the atmosphere like on the front lines and within this base? I sure hope no weirdos are throwing their weight around.”

I was just bringing up the topic casually, but the moment Captain Serena heard my words, her expression instantly clouded over. How scary. It sure gave me the shivers.

“That’s exactly what I was going to talk to you about once we’re inside the ship.”

“I see. In other words, the atmosphere isn’t that promising.”

“Well, that’s not exactly the case...... Err, but maybe...... Hmm.”

Captain Serena minced her words while sporting a conflicted expression. Oh boy. This seemed like a pretty complicated situation. In other words, this matter will be the source of our troubles this time around. I forgot her name, but the female officer who appeared to be Captain Serena’s adjutant was displaying a wry smile on her face. I remembered Lieutenant Robbitson quite well, but I wonder what this lady’s name was.

“Actually, a nobleman who has a bit of a relationship with us is currently in charge of defending the star system, including this base. To put it bluntly, he’s actually set up for failure.”

“What do you mean by that......? Do you mean he and his men are supposed to get crushed on the front lines? Similar to a penal unit?”

“Oh, that description sounds quite fitting. That’s exactly how it is. The nobleman in question is Earl Ixamal.”

“Hee–......? Who the heck is he?”

The moment I asked, Captain Serena burst into laughter. Elma let out a deep sigh, and Mimi and the female officer smiled bitterly. Moreover, the female officer’s cheeks were actually twitching.

“You really don’t remember him?”

“No. Not at all. The name does sound kinda familiar though......?”

“That means you really don’t remember him huh...... We fought against biological weapons in the Comatt star system, right? Don’t tell me you forgot even that?”

“Oh, you’re talking about the time you forced me to land on a planet in the middle of being terraformed even though I didn’t want to. I haven’t forgotten the grudge from that time.”

“Stop dwelling on such insignificant matters. Anyway, the target we were chasing after at the time was a part of House Ixamal, remember?”

It wasn’t insignificant, okay? Due to that experience, I even decided to buy my Ninja power armor y’know? Well, I do admit that it isn’t that important right now.

“Come to think of it, I remember you laughing like a villain while saying that you’re gonna drive some delinquent nobleman into a corner back then.”

“I definitely did not laugh in such a vulgar way!”

“Really? My memories of that time ain’t that clear.”

Fushaa–! I looked away from Captain Serena who was bristling like an angry cat. I believe it went something like that, but I don’t remember very well because I simply wasn’t interested and didn’t think I’d get involved with those guys again in the future.

However, if that’s the case, then the noble house that was berated by the emperor due to Captain Serena and my actions back then was now throwing its weight around at this place. Well, that certainly sounded troublesome. And I seriously resented the emperor even more for throwing Captain Serena and me into a place like this.