NOVEL NEXT 12 – Let’s take a quest
“What the hell have you girls been doing?”
The reason why I was shouting towards them was because when I returned to the ship, I couldn’t help but notice there was a tied up man that was being tortured by Lisa.
“Allow me to explain, ojou-sama.”
Alisha took a step forward. Apparently until I was out, the girls also realized that our main objective should be figuring out how to return to Eleanor, my planet. Technically that should be the place where my main base should be located. However, I didn’t quite finish the design on that one, so I can’t know what to expect.
Leaving that aside, what does that have to do with the tortured man? Well I say man, but he’s in fact something that resembles a drowzee.
“Go on, tell ojou-sama what you told us!” (Lisa)
Lisa had a sadistic look on her face and licked her lips in a vile manner.
“Eeeh! Just don’t hurt me anymore… 1 month ago on the planet called Jewel Resort, I met a very influential guy at a poker game. He said his men uncovered some coordinates to an uncharted part of the galaxy. The position you girls are describing, matches with his data…”
“If I may, ojou-sama, I have already interrogated an info-bot terminal. We acquired a great deal of information, including a star map.” (Stella)
“Well, I’ll praise you for that. We no longer have to move around blind but…
Have you thought about the consequences? If someone finds out you kidnapped a person, we are going to get in trouble.”
“Ara? There’s really no problem, ojou-sama. I have already told this man about the depths of your mercy. He shall be allowed to keep his life in exchange for never talking about this encounter. Isn’t that right, filth?” (Lisa)
“Yes, yes!! I swear, just don’t hurt me anymore.”
Just what exactly did Lisa do to this guy? I think it’s better not to think about it. Eventually the man was released and he ran away like nuts. But Jewel Resort? That’s basically a casino planet. I am well aware of it from the game. People sure go there in hopes of multiplying credits fast. I would lie if I said I didn’t give it a try myself, but you usually end up losing more than you win.
Besides, the system implemented there… lore wise… let’s just say from a real life point of view, it’s extremely harsh. I would rather avoid going there but… if that’s the best bet to reach Eleanor, it’s the only logical choice.
"Molly, is the maintenance done? How soon can we leave this place?"
"Maintenance has finished, the only thing left is fueling, which will take roughly another 30 minutes."
"Okay. We'll leave as soon as it's over."
"Ojou-sama, I'm afraid that's not possible." (Alisha)
"What do you mean?"
"This video message was delivered to all ships."
Alisha pushed a few buttons and recording was displayed on the main monitor.
"Well then, let me start the briefing. I am Captain Franz Rudenberg, the designated commander of this entire operation. Please address me as Captain Franz.
I will now explain the overall outline of this operation. That said, it’s actually not that complicated.
A large fleet of pirates is using an asteroid as their base in gamma sector. Without a doubt they are going to assault us.
We request the aid of all available ships and captains, mercenaries as well. The strategy for this operation is simple. Our System Armed Forces’ starship fleet will sortie first and then proceed to destroy their base through naval bombardment.
Even if it’s their main base, the ones manning it are only mere pirates after all. I assume they’ll get routed without putting up much of a fight.
The rest of you I request to protect the colony from their attack. You will be handsomely rewarded. That is all. I expect everyone will play their part."
So that's the drill? Well it makes sense we aren't allowed to leave in that case. If I would make a quick summary from the game, a mercenary starships may be able to take on a military warship under certain conditions. But it’s not usually something that can be done using a single unit. In addition, the military has both the numbers and a superior level of training to their advantage.
In other words, if you were forced to go head to head with a proper military interstellar naval fleet, it wouldn’t even be a battle. You’d get your ass handed to you without a doubt.
But… these guys can't be called a proper military. They might be able to handle pirate ships, but even the local forces here are no match for my Ava. Now then, the actual question is…
"What do you wish to do, ojou-sama? We have no obligation of answering this call."(Stella)
True. Kizuna would never bother to save some insignificant colony. But I am not Kizuna. Although I based her on my personality I am not cold hearted.
“Well, true, we have no obligation, but let’s give them a hand.”
“Oh! I understand! It’s so obvious!” (Alisha)
“Question: I am not able to compute your words.” (Shiro)
“It’s clear that a major problem we are facing is that nobody is treating lady Kizuna with the respect she deserves. That is mostly because people are ignorant towards her power. Sure, we could leave this colony as it is, but if we display our superiority, the people will finally have to acknowledge that our Queen speaks the truth.
Ojou-sama, as in a chess game, has thought of many moves ahead. This is all to spread her fame across the galaxy. Ojou-sama, I am very impressed by your deep insight.” (Alisha)
“Fueeh!? My brain can barely keep up. But indeed, that is most impressive.” (Mio)
“Marvelous! Simply marvelous. Ojou-sama knows no limits. Scattering pirate screams amongst the stars is a good way to gain reputation.” (Lisa)
Gaah! Don’t lift me on such a high pedestal. That was not what I was thinking. Not even close. I simply just wanted to show them my good will. Regardless, it seems these girls formed a certain picture of me. I better live up to that expectation.