Build Gundams Ch 30

"Boss, in three hours, we will reach our destination," a communication came through Ryuuichi's tablet from the Albion's command room.

"Understood," Ryuuichi responded from his bed.

He rose, performed his ablutions, and donned a set of formal attire—a purple and black trench coat.

Ryuuichi made his way to the command room.

"Good day, Boss!" The assembled personnel greeted him in unison.

Ryuuichi gazed out the viewport. He observed the outline of Colony Satellite 12. In just over an hour, they would be docking.

The fleet attracted the attention of the Philipp Republic's National Defense Force. A fleet was dispatched to investigate. The Albion's communication officer transmitted the appropriate authorization documents to the flagship of the investigating fleet.

After reviewing the documents, the captain of the flagship granted passage.

"Captain, whose fleet is this? I have never seen a Mobile Suit carrier of this design before," the adjutant inquired.

"This is not a national military. It is a mercenary group," the captain responded.

A murmur spread through the command room.

"Surely, this cannot be," one of the soldiers stated.

"You have heard of the Sea Wolf Pirates, the notorious pirate organization? They were eliminated by this mercenary group. This organization is the Antares Mercenary Group," the captain explained.

"Captain, I recall hearing about the Antares Mercenary Group. They possess a Mobile Suit called a Gundam, correct? I heard that they annihilated the Sea Wolf Pirates using these Mobile Suits," another soldier said.

"That is correct. The Gundam is rumored to possess the combat capability of a hundred Mobile Suits. That white Mobile Suit carrier likely carries these Gundams," the captain confirmed.

The National Defense Force personnel watched as the Antares Mercenary Group fleet entered the Colony Satellite's port.

Ryuuichi was transported in his personal luxury vehicle.

Commander Kenji Takeshi traveled in a separate luxury vehicle.

Both vehicles were escorted by armored vehicles for security.

The procession attracted attention from the inhabitants of the colony.

Colony Satellite 12 featured an artificial ocean. The seventh sub-base of the Antares Mercenary Group was located along the coast.

Ryuuichi observed the ocean and the sub-base. At the dock, several Universal Ships, warships designed for operation in space, air, and sea, were moored.

At the seventh sub-base, a formation of Antares Mercenaries and GM Mobile Suits awaited Ryuuichi and Commander Takeshi.

The mercenaries in the front ranks wore formal military uniforms, while the rest wore combat suits and carried rifles.

As Ryuuichi, Princess Robina, and Commander Takeshi disembarked, the assembled personnel saluted in unison.

"Welcome, Boss and Commander Takeshi!"

Ryuuichi raised his hand in acknowledgment. The personnel lowered their arms and stood at ease.

Colonel Omni, the officer in charge of the sub-base, greeted Ryuuichi and Commander Takeshi.

"Colonel, please dismiss the assembled personnel. Such formalities are unnecessary," Ryuuichi instructed.

Colonel Omni gestured to the personnel, who dispersed to their respective posts.

As they proceeded through the base, Colonel Omni briefed Ryuuichi and Commander Takeshi on upcoming operational policies.

"Boss, Commander Takeshi, I must also inform you that representatives from the Mercenary Guild are awaiting your presence in the reception room," Colonel Omni reported.

"The Mercenary Guild's intelligence network is quite efficient. They are aware of my arrival," Ryuuichi remarked.

"There is another matter that requires your attention, Boss," Colonel Omni said, his expression indicating unease.

"Proceed," Ryuuichi directed.

"Representatives from the Long Corporation are present. They claim familial ties to you, Boss, and wish to discuss a matter. They have arranged a dinner for this evening and insist on your attendance," Colonel Omni explained.

Ryuuichi frowned. The Kaneshiro family's intelligence network was indeed extensive. They were aware of his presence on this colony. Ryuuichi surmised that their interest was likely centered on the Gundam technology.

"Disregard the Long Corporation's request," Ryuuichi stated.

Commander Takeshi glanced at Ryuuichi. He was aware of Ryuuichi's strained relationship with the Kaneshiro family.

"Colonel, please lead the way. I am interested in the Mercenary Guild's purpose," Ryuuichi said, glancing at Commander Takeshi.

The commander understood. He discreetly retrieved his communication device and sent a coded message.

Along the route to the reception room, Ryuuichi observed the base's reception area, where staff were engaged with clients discussing potential contracts.

"Colonel, on the first day of operation, the seventh sub-base is already attracting numerous clients seeking escort services," Ryuuichi commented.

"Thanks to your leadership and Commander Takeshi's management, the Antares Mercenary Group has established a strong reputation among the colony nations. Pirate groups are hesitant to engage our escorted convoys. Many will reroute upon sighting our insignia. During the establishment of this base, several merchants specifically requested our services," Colonel Omni replied.

Inside the reception room, the Mercenary Guild representatives were assembled. Most were dressed in black suits. Three individuals, presumably the senior members, were attired in expensive clothing. Taiga, a young man with blue hair, was seated on the left. Guder, a young man with short red hair, occupied the right. Jacob, a middle-aged man with graying hair, sat in the center.

Despite their youthful appearances, Taiga and Guder were both over fifty years of age.

"The Antares Mercenary Group possesses high-performance Gundam Mobile Suits, enabling their rapid ascent and the acquisition of business from several of our members," Taiga stated, observing the room.

"More importantly, the Antares Mercenary Group's military equipment originates from a manufacturing company with the same name, and it is under the same leadership," Guder added, glancing at Jacob.

Jacob's eyes were closed, his expression neutral.

"Did you review the data sent to your devices?" Taiga asked.

Jacob slowly opened his eyes and nodded.

"Taiga, please proceed directly," Jacob instructed.

"I refer to the Antares Mercenary Group's intelligence. We have acquired significant information. Their newly developed warships, particularly the white Mobile Suit carrier, utilize energy-based weaponry with the exception of missiles. According to my sources, a pirate group, in a display of poor judgment, attempted to seize an escorted convoy. The Albion obliterated them with a long-range beam cannon shot, penetrating two modified spacecraft," Taiga reported.

Guder appeared surprised. Jacob's eyebrows raised slightly.

Although Jacob's external composure remained unchanged, he was reassessing the situation.

He knew that the white Mobile Suit carrier was designated the Albion. Based on Taiga's description of the beam cannon's firepower, it rivaled that of a battleship. He was unaware of any fighter carrier or Mobile Suit carrier possessing such capabilities.

Jacob reevaluated his strategy for dealing with the Antares Mercenary Group.

At that moment, the door to the reception room opened.