After finishing his hot sandwich, Professor Stein elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin and straightened his posture.
"Now then, Akito-kun. The outline of the plan is set... but don't get the wrong idea, alright? This isn't some amateur DIY project that can be finished in a weekend."
"I know. We're talking about integrating an energy control system equivalent to that of an entire city, aren't we? If we do a rush job, the ship will explode."
"Umu. The technical challenges are indeed piled high. However, there is a certain 'time-consuming procedure' that should be handled while we proceed with the fabrication here—one that is quite opportune for our needs."
The Professor shrugged his shoulders with an expression of annoyance, yet he seemed to be enjoying himself.
"What we are installing this time is essentially a system that exploits a loophole in the law. Even if it were finished, simply installing it would result in the ship being immediately seized at the next checkpoint. To prevent that, this ship needs an 'absolute justification.'"
"A justification?"
"We will register the Sperm Whale as an 'Official Experimental Ship' directly under the jurisdiction of Techne Prime."
The Professor expanded a window in mid-air, displaying a series of complex application forms.
"The pretext will be the 'Operational Testing of a Next-generation Bio-plant Carrier.' I will be the person in charge, applying for this ship to serve as a testbed contributing to the Empire’s technological development. By doing so, even somewhat abnormal energy reactions or non-standard equipment can be pushed through using the ultimate shield: 'for the purpose of experimental data collection.'"
"I see... It’s like how a military test craft can get away with a bit of excess power output on a civilian route by claiming it’s for 'data collection.'"
"Exactly. And while we’re at it, I shall proceed with the procedures to register you all as 'External Researchers.'"
The Professor casually dropped that bombshell like it was nothing.
"External Researchers?"
"It cannot be compared to official status, of course, but it will serve as an ID that allows you to bypass several quarantine and embargo measures. The 'Genuine Food' and 'Genuine Fresh Food' you favor are sometimes treated as biohazard risks during general inspections and are liable to be incinerated."
"That would be a huge help. I’d hate to have the ingredients I finally tracked down treated like trash."
"Wouldn't you? Besides, regarding that freezer I gave you before—I never filed the paperwork for its disposal. In other words, on paper, this ship maintains the appearance of being a 'Research Ship carrying official experimental equipment from Techne Prime.' Put it to good use."
I see. That freezer wasn't just a piece of cleared-out stock; it was an alibi to let us insist that this ship was an experimental vessel, even if only temporarily. I couldn't help but be impressed by the wily Professor’s foresight.
"Now, to be recognized as an 'Official Experimental Ship,' we need the approval of the Sage Council headquarters in the Imperial Capital and official registration. My authority here on Techne Prime is insufficient for that. In short, you have a long journey ahead of you to the Imperial Capital."
"Understood. But Professor, you’re supposed to be stuck here developing the unit. You won't have time to go back and forth to the Imperial Capital yourself."
"That is correct. I shall remain here." The Professor nodded. "Along with Varna-kun, I will be fully occupied with the design and production of the Farm Unit. It is a task that may take months. I cannot leave this place."
"Then who is going to handle the paperwork?"
"That is where my proxy comes in. I shall have an 'Official Attendant' accompany you—Emulgand-kun."
The Professor operated his terminal, bringing up data for several star systems.
"Counting on your excellence, I have provided coordinates for several high-risk zones along the way. These are areas I cannot permit myself to visit for fieldwork, but they contain information on organisms that might serve as excellent food ingredients."
"Heh, so you’re telling me to go to the places that are too dangerous for you?"
"You should be able to handle it, shouldn't you? And for the investigation, you need a partner with a keen nose. With Emulgand there, achieving the objective shouldn't be difficult."
I furrowed my brow. I didn't think for a moment that that timid assistant would be of any use in a high-risk zone.
"She is my assistant, after all. She possesses an incredible intuition when it comes to planetary fieldwork. She is a natural-born investigator who can avoid danger and sniff out safe edibles. Though, apparently, she thinks she is simply 'running away because she's scared.'"
"Hiiiiii... Again? Am I really going to board that ship again!?"
A few minutes later, Emulgand let out a scream that sounded like the end of the world after being summoned to Varna's Workshop. She had apparently been under the impression that her job was a safe one, merely assisting the Professor with his research here.
Reality, however, was cruel.
"Give it up, Emulgand-kun. As my representative, you must handle the application procedures at the Imperial Capital and, furthermore, conduct fieldwork on unknown planets."
"N-no way... That place... it shakes, and it’s scary, and I feel like something terrible is going to happen whenever I’m with the Captain!"
That was a dishonorable evaluation. For the record, I always intend to strive for peaceful and safe voyages. The shaking was just because the cargo I was carrying was a little... volatile.
"However, you will be able to eat the Captain’s cooking every day. If I could switch places with you, I would."
"..."
Emulgand gulped. It seemed she, too, was unable to resist the siren call of good food.
"I-I understand... I’ll go. I’ll goooo..."
As I watched the assistant accept her fate with teary eyes, Varna chuckled.
"Fufu, don't worry. I’ll prepare the necessary protective measures for your planetary investigation here."
"T-thank you very much... Witch-sama..." Emulgand whimpered, clinging to Varna.
Now that the matter was settled, I raised my voice toward the adjacent experimental sector.
"Hey, Mina! We’re leaving! How long are you going to keep loafing around?"
"Understood. Coming now."
With the sound of pitter-pattering footsteps, Mina came flying out. Rather than loafing around, she was covered in oil. I had no idea what she’d been up to.
"Excuse me. Master, Professor."
Lucia appeared then, her voice quiet as ever. She was cradling several data slates in her hands.
"The spatial survey of the ship's cargo room and the area around the engine room is complete. The piping layout and surplus output values for the energy lines have all been measured."
Lucia bowed and held out the slates to Professor Stein. While we had been enjoying our tea, she had been diligently collecting the design data the Professor had requested for the Farm Unit.
"Umu, good work. Perfect, in fact. Development is a task that will take a considerable amount of time. You all should take your time and enjoy the detours without rushing."
The Professor confirmed the data with a satisfied look.
"Well then. The plan is set."
I stood up and looked over at Emulgand, our new companion(?), and my crew.
"Our destination is the Imperial Capital. The objectives are 'Registration as an experimental ship' and 'Collection of food ingredient data from various regions.'"
The official pretext was grand, but in short, it was a casual, galactic foodie tour. A new and long journey for the Sperm Whale had been decided.
Our goal: the center of the galaxy, the Imperial Capital.