Episode 30: Trial Run / Speech

Dawson conducted a test run aboard the newly commissioned Star Arm Nebula.

The location was the asteroid belt, situated outside both the Star Arm Nebula (main route) and the Interstellar Side Route (sub-route). No travelers or pirates passed through. There was no need to restrain maneuvers during training. The numerous drifting asteroids provided convenient obstacles and targets for testing the newly installed cannon barrels.

"Alright, let's begin."

Dawson gripped the control stick with resolve and initiated the obstacle course.

He advanced while maintaining maximum ship speed, avoiding asteroids on unpredictable trajectories.

"Alright, here is the route we've generated. Since this isn't a time trial, please don't push the ship beyond its limits."

"Yet the route is quite demanding. You're telling me not to push it, but then you give me this?"

"I trust you, Dawson. You'll manage.♪"

Dawson proceeded through the asteroid field, reluctantly following Oine’s instruction to take the high-difficulty route.

"The cannon and charged particle emitter have added mass. The ship’s maneuverability has degraded. There is also a slight delay in response during sudden maneuvers."

"Ship speed cannot be helped. But the control response can be adjusted in software to match previous settings. Shall I do it?"

"No. If everything cannot return to exactly as before, then leave it as is. The handling is not drastically different. I will adapt quickly."

As Dawson had declared, after a period of continued obstacle navigation, he had fully mastered the altered handling of the modified *Mandibular*.

"Now, finally, it is time for the newly installed cannon."

"Target acquisition. This asteroid is on sale—discounted."

Dawson aimed the Charge Particle Beam at the asteroid Oine had jokingly designated.

"Target confirmed. First shot, firing."

Dawson squeezed the trigger on the control stick. The newly installed Charged Particle Beam fired, extending as a bright white rod toward the asteroid.

Fired at maximum convergence rate, the beam was visibly two times wider in diameter than when it had been mounted on the destroyer, despite being the same weapon.

The beam’s width seemed to match its power. It pierced the first asteroid, melted most of the subsequent asteroids behind it, then ceased emitting light.

"This is the kind of performance that makes one believe in the might of the Orbit Patrol Cruiser’s main gun. Now, checking the ship’s structure immediately after firing."

The barrel heating is within specified limits. No hull distortion from recoil has occurred. As expected, the destroyer-class energy replenishment unit is insufficient to fire the second shot at full power.

"How insufficient is it?"

"Approximately twenty percent short. An additional ten seconds of power supply from the generator is required to reach full capacity."

"Ten seconds. Whether that is short or long depends on perspective."

Most would consider that fast.

Yet ten seconds is sufficient for a military vessel to assume emergency readiness.

The *Mandibular*’s combat style relies on long-range surprise attacks. This ten-second interval constitutes a significant vulnerability during offensive operations.

There is only one way to close this gap.

"Either the first or second shot must be fired at eighty percent energy expenditure."

It is a favorable characteristic of the Charged Particle Beam that energy consumption can be adjusted to a certain extent. Previously, we could always reach 100% with the charging apparatus, so this feature was unnecessary.

There was another reason why Dawson had always fired the Charged Particle Beam at 100%.

"But at 80% output, the beam's power is slightly less than a destroyer's weapon at 100%."

That is correct. Reducing energy consumption lowers the Charged Particle Beam's output. The decrease follows an exponential decay pattern.

Dawson understood this point.

"I know. Even at 80%, it should still have sufficient power to disable a Sky Sweeper."

"It does. But there remains a possibility it will not fully disable a destroyer."

"In that case, deliver energy from the generator for five seconds, and discharge at ninety percent. The output should be sufficient."

"Calculated accordingly, that is correct. Five seconds will not allow the SU Space Fleet vessel to fully recover from confusion. A good solution."

"Then we proceed with the test firing. We will measure the strain on the barrel and hull through continuous and sustained firing."

"Understood. Measurement systems ready. Proceed with test fire."

Dawson continued the Charged Particle Beam fire, destroying numerous asteroids, and thoroughly enjoyed the test run on the newly upgraded *Chinook*.

When Dawson returned from the test run to the vicinity near *Chicken Ball*, a ceremonial transmission arrived.

On the physical monitor, a figure with 'General Kernel' displayed across the chest delivered an elaborate speech.

——And now, at last, we have acquired the capability to strike down the SU Space Navy with our own hands. You all know this. The recent acquisition of an SU Space Navy Orbit Patrol Cruiser is proof of that!

It appeared that the leader of Chicken Ball himself was using every possible word to inspire the pirates.

The figure resembling General Kernel had a deep-set face, thin wrinkles, and a mid-thirties appearance, with white hair combed back and stiffened with hair product, wearing a uniform adorned with several medals on the chest.

"Surprisingly young. And the uniform means he's likely an SU or TR military officer."

The data from the SU fleet that arrived in Amato Imperial Japan was cross-referenced. The uniform and medals do not match SU records. Possibly TR, or perhaps someone dressed as 'General Kernel' for cosplay.

The likelihood of a TR military officer being the pirate base's commander is low. We'll treat him as a cosplay pirate.

Dawson, frankly, has no particular interest in whether 'General Kernel' is a TR officer or a cosplay pirate.

It is too early to establish contact with TR military personnel. If he is merely cosplaying, the response remains the same as with previous pirates.

While Dawson and Oine offered their observations, the speech continued.

The Orbit Patrol Cruiser was purchased by Chicken Ball, repaired, and maintained to full operational status. All that remains is a crew. With that firepower, it can rampage through the SU-controlled space. Yes, what is needed now is a crew! To all pirates gathered here at Chicken Ball, if any of you consider joining the crew of this cruiser, contact me directly. Address is below!

The caption 'General Kernel' flipped on screen, and the contact address appeared.

This self, General Kernel, awaits the participation of brave individuals!

A sharp pointing gesture toward the screen, as if to emphasize the effect, concluded General Kernel's speech.

Before the silent monitor, Oine was the first to speak.

Orbit Patrol Cruiser crew recruitment is underway. Dawson, what are your plans?

"What are you talking about, what do you mean?"

You might become captain of that ship if you navigate the situation carefully. No one has become captain of an Orbit Patrol Cruiser within a year of graduating from the Officer Academy. This is your chance to achieve a feat never before accomplished!

Dawson waved a hand in the air, dismissing Oine's proposal.

Operating an Orbit Patrol Cruiser with pirates indistinguishable from horse bones—this is no joke. A warship is not a gentle thing where amateurs can thrive.

"Really. You're giving up the chance to become Captain of an Orbit Patrol Cruiser?"

I might have considered that option before mounting the cannon of an Orbit Patrol Cruiser onto the *Mandible*. But now, remaining Captain of the *Mandible* holds greater appeal. I can’t take Oine to an Orbit Patrol Cruiser’s Captain position anyway.

“So… you’re saying you’re stepping down from Captain of an Orbit Patrol Cruiser… for Oine!?”

“Don’t get carried away. That was just idle talk. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Eeeh? Really? Really? Really?!”

“Stop with that annoying anime voice! Stop it!”

Oine continued with mocking remarks, prompting Dawson to reflect that even jests should not include unnecessary statements.