Episode 20: Looking Ahead

The joint operations between the Sky Eater and the Heavy Hammer faction continued. The total number of cargo transport vessels seized reached ten, following the earlier pirate activity.

The Sky Eater remained unchanged. The types and armaments of the Heavy Hammer faction's ships had changed.

Before Dawson joined, the targets had mostly been transport ships under large size and mercenary-armed vessels. The ships and armaments were suited almost entirely for medium to short-range combat.

However, after targeting massive cargo transport vessels in the Star Arm Nebula, the weakness of their armaments became apparent. They could no longer disable transport vessels with a single hit.

As a result, the Heavy Hammer faction modified some of their vessels and installed the Sky Sweeper's armaments. Rapid-fire steel shell cannons and space torpedoes designed for large ships were added.

Rapid-fire steel shell cannons are solid projectiles that detonate upon impact. They lack extended range but possess sufficient force to destroy an orbit patrol cruiser when hit.

Space torpedoes are missiles propelled through space by thrusters, equipped with electronic deception devices. Their destructive power is substantial. A well-placed strike can sink a battleship. The deception devices make detection difficult. Upon learning a torpedo has been launched, enemy vessels are said to deploy barrage fire across their surroundings, hoping to avoid a random hit.

Equipped with such high-impact armaments, the Heavy Hammer faction has become more effective at attacking merchant convoys and has achieved continuous victories in successive engagements.

Rumors spread through Hamano Onna that whenever the Heavy Hammer faction goes on a mission, they always return with high-value prizes.

Smugglers who trade with pirates greet and see off the Heavy Hammer like official merchants, marking their departure and return.

This time, after returning with two cargo transport ships, a smuggler approached the Heavy Hammer with an offer to purchase one of the ships in full.

'Full payment upfront. I kindly request your cooperation.'

The submissive demeanor was the role of the rat-faced man.

'Not a bad offer, but selling to Hamano Onna and auctioning it off might bring in more credits.'

'That is true, but there is no guarantee the price won't drop below this amount.'

Sell at a confirmed good price, or enter an auction where victory or defeat is uncertain—this is a matter for consideration...

As the rat-faced man attempts to prolong the negotiation, Captain Heavy Hammer cuts it short with a single statement.

"Troublesome. If you want it, sell it to a merchant."

"Yeah! Dad, that's not how it works!"

Efficiently handling a faction—just as expected of a captain. Your speed is helpful.

The merchant, usually grinning, showed a flicker of unease upon learning he was being stared down via screen by the captain of the Heavy Hammer.

The captain of the Heavy Hammer spoke in a grave voice, as if noticing the merchant’s fear.

You think you can dismiss us and get away with it? No matter who you’re connected to, we’ll make sure you pay. Don’t forget that. You understand?

'No, no. A merchant who doesn't understand trading with pirates doesn't exist.'

'You think you can manipulate a fool pirate who doesn't know value? Then you better know your head will physically vanish. Got it, huh?'

The dark merchant's expression stiffened for a moment at the captain's words. Likely he had heard warnings like that before.

He forced his expression into motion, maintaining a normal smile.

'Understood completely. This transaction is not harmful to the crew of the Heavy Hammer. I guarantee it with my soul as a merchant.'

'...Fine. If you say so, I'll believe you. I'm looking forward to the day you're caught lying.'

'Haha, no, no. I don't deceive anyone, really.'

The merchant's face paled slightly as the negotiation with the Heavy Hammer concluded.

Dawson observed the exchange on the physical monitor of the Big Jaw, then spoke to Oine.

"Is the merchant's offer within a reasonable price range?"

"It is not strictly fair, but not excessively high either. A delicate balance. If the cocoon's contents are above average, it is a great profit. If below, it is a loss."

Dawson nodded, accepting the assessment. The feeling he had held recently solidified.

"The region with Hamano Onna should be left to the Heavy Hammer. I should go to another region with a pirate base."

"Why all of a sudden?"

Dawson leaned back into the chair and answered.

The Heavy Hammer faction has established a method for hunting supply transport vessels. It will continue without me. Leaving them in charge, the chaos in this region of the Star Arm Nebula will persist.

Is Dawson concluding his role here is complete?

The Star Arm Nebula is vast. The area influenced by Hamano Onna and her pirates constitutes less than one-tenth of SU-controlled territory. If greater economic disruption is desired, we should operate in another sector where a different mobile fleet is stationed.

That is correct. Carrying this reputation to a new assignment will ensure favorable treatment. Shall we proceed immediately?

We’ll handle the Heavy Hammer one last time before moving on. The pirate accounts are tied to the privateer license, so they remain usable under TR (True Lights) and pirate control. More credits never hurt.

The total earnings are substantial. We could probably acquire and repair a derelict warship.

A vessel that large would be impractical. My mission doesn’t allow me to keep pirate allies or subordinates for long.

Dawson conveyed this decision to the Heavy Hammer captain during the celebration. Publicly, he established the pretense that the Big Jaw’s strength was no longer needed by the Heavy Hammer.

The Heavy Hammer captain slightly narrowed his brows at Dawson’s explanation.

There are voices among the subordinates saying the strength of the Big Jaw is no longer needed. Some argue it would be better to distribute the spoils among our own than to give them to outsiders.

That is a correct opinion. We have earned our share. With that money, we will strive in our new territory.

Dawson says not to worry, while glancing around the Heavy Hammer captain.

The banquet includes subordinates from the Heavy Hammer faction. But some are absent. The faces of the captains from each vessel—starting with the rat-faced man—are missing.

When Dawson shows surprise, the Heavy Hammer captain explains.

They are at the harbor tavern. By now, they are likely spending their earnings, drowning in good women and good liquor.

A bitter tone, but nothing wrong with that.

It is not wrong. If the scene of pirates who began using that establishment inevitably meeting ruin were not repeated over time.

Dawson finally understood here that the captain of the Heavy Hammer was using a place like this—a gathering spot for low-level pirates. The reason was the pirates' refusal to frequent high-end establishments, having already ruined themselves through excess.

This judgment is correct. There is no doubt that those who became pirates were lacking in upbringing and intellect. With the skill of a seasoned courtesan, it is not difficult to extract money far beyond their means.

If a pirate continues spending more than they earn, the future awaiting them is nothing but the end of a familiar path through the alleys of the tavern district.

Does he not warn them?

There is no need. The preparation for what comes next was not the exclusive work of the Big Jaw alone.

"...Are you abandoning them?"

"No. Splitting the faction. You handle the supply ship raid. I return to the original work—piracy along the Interstellar Side Route."

Dawson's brow rises at the unexpected declaration.

"Why now? It's working."

"Exactly because it's working. Funds are sufficient. The time is right to gather new recruits and begin operations along the Interstellar Side Route."

"I see. The Heavy Hammer. Your purpose isn't just to earn money for indulgence. It's to work alongside the crew you've gathered."

"Exactly. The joy is in hosting feasts here, sharing profits and losses with the crew."

"You understand this. Then why call me? Why plan the raid on the supply ship? You know this split is the choice you've made."

Knew it. But there was no other way. Had to make it look like I was in charge. Let the subordinates get used to attacking supply ships.

Dawson tilted his head, uncomprehending.

"Why go to such lengths?"

"Some of the subordinates have strong ambitions. They would not accept the status quo. If kept dissatisfied, they might explode. But hunting results on the Interstellar Side Route had plateaued. Needed another path to satisfy that subordinate."

"So you laid out a clear path for ambition."

"Big game hunting in the Star Arm Nebula. No better job in piracy. I consider it a reliable route."

Dawson’s expression twisted in discomfort beneath his mask, listening to the captain’s explanation.

He expected the faction led by Heavy Hammer to continue raiding the Star Arm Nebula. To hear that the faction had split was enough to produce this expression.

Yet, viewed another way, it meant a powerful pirate group operating in both the Star Arm Nebula and the Interstellar Side Route. A favorable condition, consistent with the goal of economic disruption.

Dawson had no reason to object to Heavy Hammer’s choice. The Mandible was an outsider. It was not one of Heavy Hammer’s subordinates.