Chapter 16

After a brief nap and breakfast, I finished preparing and refueling the ship, and was cleaning the interior when the emergency alarm blared.

"Emergency alert! Emergency alert! An unidentified fleet is approaching. They are considered pirates as they have refused to confirm their ship codes. Combat personnel, prepare for immediate action. Non-combatants, evacuate and prepare for escape. I repeat..."

"Huh? Why here, in such a remote gate?"

Moreover, there’s no valuable ship here while we’re in the middle of refitting!

Anyway, I interrupted the cleaning, launched the ship, and prepared for interception.

Just as all the mercenaries’ ships had gathered, the enemy fleet came into view.

There were about a hundred ships of various sizes, each bearing the pirate flag with a skull and crossed scythes.

That mark is definitely the emblem of the Grim Reap Pirate Gang.

They are notorious for being particularly vicious and tenacious.

Why would such a group be here?

Their territory is supposed to be much further away.

While pondering this, I overheard a shocking monologue on the open channel.

"Damn! I thought there were only two weak pirate ships that could only run away, but why are there so many?"

Hey, what did that guy just say?

The Grim Reap Pirate Gang, like the Kaides Pirate Gang, which we destroyed last time, is so large that the military has to get involved.

And their base hasn’t been discovered yet.

So, unless they are attacked or caught in the act of plundering, they are left alone to be reported and possibly tailed, according to the mercenary guild’s rules.

Moreover, it seems he chased around what appeared to be their scouting unit.

"Well, they’re probably all cowards, so I’ll turn them into beautiful fireworks and scatter them into the dust of the universe, just like the ones from yesterday!"

Furthermore, it doesn’t seem like he stopped the ships to capture the pirates alive or sell them.

Most likely, he blew up their engines with high-output lasers, causing massive explosions.

While such a situation can sometimes be unavoidable, it’s not a good judgment call in this case.

By the way, the reason he’s still here is that a girl asked him to stay and help with security and debris cleanup, and requested fuel, food, and accommodation fees.

I overheard this during breakfast.

From this, it seems the Grim Reap Pirate Gang has come here to take revenge on that guy.

He doesn’t realize it, but the others seem to understand and have started cursing him, leading to a full-blown argument.

I want to curse him too, but first, I should request backup from the guild.

"Hello, Mr. Loanz?"

"Yeah, Uzos. You need backup at the Sardal sector gate, right?"

Mr. Loanz sounded smug as he responded.

"Right, but how did you know?"

"Someone spotted and reported the Grim Reap Pirate Gang. They also reported the attack and the attacker, though I don’t know who it was."

I don’t know who it was, but it’s a relief.

"So, what’s the situation?"

"Others have reported it too, and the military has been notified. They’ll be here in an hour."

His immediate and helpful response made me realize how long we’ve known each other.

However, our disadvantage is overwhelming.

"Tough... We might have to sacrifice that guy."

"Hopefully, that will make them back off."

Frankly, that’s unlikely.

Anyway, we need to survive the next hour until the backup arrives.

I want to fire at that guy’s ship, but I can’t because of that girl, Fino.

Is he using her as a combatant?

If so, that’s really the lowest.

While thinking about this, a communication came in.

I answered, wondering who it was, and heard:

"It’s been a while since I’ve gone out on a mission."

"Ms. Nosuair?"

The person on the other end was none other than Ms. Nosuair!

She was wearing an orange pilot suit and sitting in what looked like a cockpit.

Then she said something shocking.

"I’m joining the battle."

I was momentarily stunned.

"No, no, no! You’re not a mercenary, so please don’t go out on a mission!"

"Planet races allow interference. It’s not like there’s no combat. Besides, I have combat experience."

"But there’s a gap, right?"

"An ordinary civilian defending themselves is not a problem."

She’s not going to listen to me.

Moreover, the combat craft she’s in is the latest model from TryAir, the 'Storm Zero,' which far surpasses my 'Patchwork' in firepower, speed, defense, and maneuverability.

Combined with her piloting skills, she would be a formidable opponent for most.

But the problem is, if she gets hurt or, worse, shot down, I’ll be held responsible and hunted down by her fans across the empire, no, the entire universe!

So, I immediately confirmed.

"Have you told the team?"

"If we lose, we’ll definitely be treated as war trophies. They understand that contributing to victory is better. I’m the only one here because the other ships are in maintenance."

I’m very skeptical, but it’s hard to press further.

"Anyway, please don’t do anything reckless..."

I really mean it.

For my own sake.

Then, the pirates called out on the open channel.

"Found you, you bastard! How dare you kill our men!"

The leader of the Grim Reap Pirate Gang appeared on the screen. He looked to be in his 40s, wearing a dress shirt, eye patch, a beard covering his face, and a captain’s hat, the quintessential pirate look.

This kind of pirate hasn’t existed for a long time, but he probably does it to make an impression and hide his identity.

Incidentally, he is known as 'Blackbeard' because of his appearance.

In response to this dangerous character, the guy was undaunted and boldly confronted him.

"Hah! Don’t talk big, you weak pirates! I’ll turn you and your men into space trash!"

Hey, hey.

Don’t take advantage of the confusion to say convenient things.

"Don’t mess with us, newbie! Who are your men?"

"You’ve brought trouble here!"

"You’re being too cocky! We’ll kill you!"

Of course, the other mercenaries exploded and rebutted him harshly.

The pirate leader, amused by the situation, warned him:

"I see. You’re just a cocky newbie. If you want to hand over the fool, we might back off."

He offered a deal.

Of course, he has no intention of backing off.

He probably wants to sell all the ships for money and take advantage of the famous and beautiful Planet Race team, either by selling them, making them his mistresses, or entering them in races to win prizes and other benefits.

The other mercenaries understand this.

However,

"Sure, take him! No returns!"

"Take responsibility for it yourself!"

"Drop the girl at the colony first!"

The mercenaries bombarded the pirate and the guy with these statements, like a solar wind.

"...You... You should reconsider your actions..."

The pirate leader, taken aback by the onslaught, even gave him a warning.

"Shut up! Don’t talk big, you weak pirate!"

The guy, with a slightly tearful voice, went full throttle and blew up several small ships and drones.

"You did it, you bastards! Show them our fear!"

With that, the battle began!

The name 'Blackbeard' is based on the real pirate Edward Teach.

The iconic pirate look is said to be modeled after him.

There was even a 'Blackbeard' in One Piece.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or report any typos.