The Captain’s Ground Office
 

 
As I was told, I opened the door at the back, revealing a large desk placed in front of a window, with a simple reception area in front.
 
This is more impressive than the fleet commander’s room I was shown when I was guided to the Third Patrol Fleet’s office.
 
Isn’t this a bit much?
 
“Nao, I can see the worry written all over your face. But don’t worry. This is Her Highness’s castle, and outsiders don’t come this far. You won’t hear any complaints from others. Feel free to use it.”
 
During our conversation, … Read the rest

The Captain’s Cooking
 

 
“Welcome back, Captain, and well done, Captain Ford and Chief Sardar. How did it go? May I hear your report here?”
 
“Yes, Your Highness. The inspection we had planned has been completed. I will submit a detailed report later, but the results were better than expected. In the speed test, we confirmed up to Level 10 in interdimensional travel. This means we can consistently achieve Level 8 in normal operations.”
 
“That’s impressive. Level 8, you say? Captain, what does this mean exactly?”
 
Captain Ford then carefully explained to Her Highness the significance of Level 8.
 
“I … Read the rest

The Transformed Office
 

 
“That’s reassuring. Shall we continue with the test then? Excecutive Officer, are you ready?”
 
“Yes, Captain. We’re ready at any time.”
 
“Then let’s proceed with the dimensional navigation. Please make the ship-wide announcement and start immediately after.”
 
“Yes, understood.”
 
With that, Sister Meyrica took out the microphone for the ship-wide announcement and informed everyone on board about the dimensional navigation test.
 
Although we were already navigating at Level 2, we didn’t know what lay ahead, so we made the announcement just in case. Once the test was over, we wouldn’t need to make such announcements every … Read the rest

The Remaining Evaluation Test
 

Personnel matters on board can be handled at the captain’s discretion, and they have the decision-making authority.
 
However, like in any organization, the decided personnel changes must be reported to headquarters.
 
Well, I’ve heard that captains rarely make these decisions themselves, and more often approve what the grand crew or headquarters personnel have decided.
 
This is the same for both the military and the Coast Guard. Even my first assignment seems to have been decided by the personnel department at headquarters.
 
However, in this case, we have to make the decision … Read the rest

Determining the Crew Roles
 

“I’ve requested it, but it seems it will take some time to confirm.”
 
“In that case, let’s wait. But since just waiting would be boring, I’ll introduce you to my crew. Meyrica, could you call Kate and Maria here?”
 
“Understood, Acting Captain.”
 
“Acting Captain? Isn’t Lieutenant Bruce the Captain?”
 
“Yes, I received my appointment from Her Highness earlier, so I became the Captain. However, they haven’t seen me until just now, so they probably don’t know.”
 
“I see… Could this be the reason for the delay here?”
 
“Ha! That might be it. If even they … Read the rest

Reassigned as Captain
 

 
Afterward, I headed to the high-rise government building where I had previously received a medal, using the memo given to me by the general affairs department as a guide.
 
It was near the royal palace, a bit of a distance from the government district I was in earlier.
 
Even so, it wasn’t like being in outer space – it only took about ten minutes on foot to reach it.
 
Upon arriving at the building, I immediately looked for the reception in the spacious lobby.
 
Suddenly, someone called out to me from behind.
 
To my surprise, it … Read the rest

The Shortest Record of a Temporary Transfer
 

 
Is it really something to be happy about? People tend to feel joy when they’re properly evaluated by others.
 
Especially for me, as my life keeps drifting further from what I had hoped for due to my background, I’m honestly happy to be evaluated for who I am here.
 
…
 
…
 
…
 
Wait a minute, Her Highness’s evaluation was based on my performance against those pirates earlier.
 
If that’s the case, it’s an incorrect assessment.
 
I was just stretching myself at that time.
 
Now that I remember that, well, I’m feeling conflicted.… Read the rest

Scout
 

I sat down across from Her Highness, along with Lieutenant Meyrica.
 
After we were seated, Her Highness began to speak.
 
First, she praised the appearance of our ship.
 
“I had heard reports about this ship, but I was surprised by its exterior.”
 
“The exterior? Ah, we painted it in the Coast Guard’s symbol colors of red and white, so it stands out.”
 
“Yes, but it’s not intimidating, yet it has a sufficient presence. When I first saw it, I thought it was truly a beautiful ship. But your other ships aren’t painted like this, are they?”
 
“No, the … Read the rest

The Arrival of Her Highness
 

Almost immediately after the impact of the tube, Sister Meyrica brought in people in suits.
 
Five tough-looking men and women in suits, who were behind Sister Meyrica, lined up in front of me. The man on the far right, who seemed to be the oldest among them, saluted and then greeted me.
 
“Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant Bruce. I am Shinome, the chief of the fifth division of the Royal Guard. We are grateful that you have kindly agreed to our request today.”
 
“Chief Shinome. I’m Bruce. I’m currently acting as … Read the rest

An Unbelievable Treatment
 

Five hours later, the space destroyer [Shunmin] entered the control zone of planet Diamond as scheduled.
 
“Acting Captain, we’ve entered Diamond’s control zone.”
 
“Contact the control tower immediately.”
 
“Understood.”
 
Kaori operated the radio to contact the space control bureau on planet Diamond.
 
“This is KSS9999 space destroyer [Shunmin]. Control tower, please respond.”
 
“This is planet Diamond control. We’ve been informed about your [Shunmin]. We’ll open a flight path immediately, so please follow our instructions.”
 
“Thank you very much.”
 
Right after the radio communication, data was sent to [Shunmin].
 
“Acting Captain, we’ve received the flight path data. … Read the rest