Boert Star: temperature 28 degrees Celsius, atmospheric composition deviating less than 3% from Earth's, gravitational acceleration 1.1g. By every measure, it was a highly habitable planet.
Another habitable world, and one without advanced intelligent life—a land without an owner.
"Relevant data has been stored in the Habitable Planet Exploration Plan. The company thanks you for your contribution. Credit Points have been deposited into your personal account."
Although the Earth Alliance was arguing itself hoarse over this matter, that was largely because its complex systems and enormous scale made action sluggish.
As for the Osborn Group, naturally, they had to pursue both fronts. By the time the Earth Alliance completed its integration, it ought to have become, in practical terms, a vassal of the Osborn Group. There was no such thing as a vassal holding back its overlord.
But Borngaja had not come here to explore alien planets.
"Report the situation."
On the ground, an entire platoon of Riflemen had surrounded the crashed Milano. It looked as though the ship was nearly repaired. At the very least, the scattered components around it had been cleared away, and everything usable had already been recovered.
Classic Earth music drifted from the ship, making several Riflemen unconsciously hum along.
"What are you shaking for?"
The man leading the unit was Jean Razak, a veteran who had fought in Tokyo. He had just completed Ironclad training and was the commanding officer of this operation.
When he saw one of the Riflemen beside him changing his stance, he demanded an explanation.
The questioned Rifleman hurriedly said, "It's 'Surrender' by Cheap Trick. My father loved listening to it..."
Lazak shot him a fierce glare—he was not asking for the song's name!
The Rifleman realized it too. This was far too unprofessional. What the hell had gotten