Episode 31: Request for Destruction

Dawson's Orbit Patrol Cruiser, the Chewing Jaw, completed its final training cycle. It was time to resume piracy operations—when a communication was received within the port of Chicken Ball.

『The caller is that "General Kernel." Shall I connect?』

Dawson hesitated, a bad feeling rising, but authorized the connection.

『This is the Chewing Jaw. Captain Dawson speaking. What is it?』

General Kernel, still in the pose of delivering a recruitment speech for the Orbit Patrol Cruiser, smiled from behind a black-and-white mask.

『Hello, Captain Dawson. Your actions have been of great assistance. I decided to send this message as a token of thanks.』

Dawson narrowed his eyes beneath the mask. The voice carried no trace of emotion.

『I’ve received your thanks. That’s all.』

Dawson began to terminate the transmission when General Kernel hastily stopped him.

‘Wait a moment. You’re more impatient than I expected? Or do you dislike small talk?’

‘…You heard me. I said to state the matter. No preamble is necessary.’

‘If that’s your stance, I’ll follow suit. Now then, the matter. Where should I begin?’

Dawson felt irritation at the thoughtful silence.

‘I was about to begin a pirate operation. If the topic is difficult to discuss, wait until after. I’ll listen at length then.’

‘No, no, wait. It’s about that pirate operation.’

Dawson, frustrated, gestured sharply to hurry the words.

‘Let me be direct. I’m requesting that you capture a destroyer-class vessel or larger. If you bring me such a warship, I’ll pay you a destruction bonus, the purchase price of the vessel, and an additional achievement reward in credits.’

‘You’re saying that based on the equipment aboard the *Mandible*?’

‘Exactly. I’m making this request because I’ve seen your capability. I expect you to capture an Orbit Patrol Cruiser.’

‘That wasn’t a capture. I recovered a sunken vessel. The fact that the hull was repairable was just luck.’

‘Then let me rephrase. Destroy a warship larger than a destroyer. Bring back its wreckage. No problem—just reconstruct the vessel from the wreckage using two units of salvage.’

That offer is acceptable. But questions remain.

Use your prized Orbit Patrol Cruiser. That vessel would make towing the wreck far easier than the *Mandible*.

Unfortunately, that ship is already assigned. To you, specifically. To the pirate mothership *Hamano Onna*.

Unexpected. Why?

It is undergoing force reorganization. The SU Space Navy is actively pursuing pirates with great urgency. In such circumstances, having a guardian vessel stationed at the pirate mothership may encourage the pirates to gather more freely.

You’re also aiming to use the Orbit Patrol Cruiser effectively there, to destroy enemy ships in pairs and acquire new combat assets.

Perceptive. The SU government is already preoccupied with instability in the Star Arm Nebula. Why not increase their burden?

An inconvenient truth, but a wind at Dawson’s back. No choice remains but to accept.

"I’ll take the job. But if possible, I’d like towing support for the crippled vessel. The *Mandible* can manage only one at a time."

"Leave that to me. I’ll dispatch my loyal subordinates. I may not fight well, but my piloting skills are top-tier."

"Being unfit for combat is unbecoming of a pirate."

"Hah hah. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. That’s why I’m the manager of *Chicken Ball*—putting each man in his proper place. Then, I’ll leave it to you. I’ll send my ships right away."

General Kernel gave a single, gruff wink and ended the transmission.

Moments later, a short message arrived from somewhere.

The destination is three vessels: <>, <>, <>. Only a brief message from each: 'Entering command. Please cooperate.'

'Just a brief message? That's dull. You don't want to cooperate, is that it?'

'Perhaps... wait, oh my, no communication channels open beyond message exchange. That doesn't seem like friendly intent at all.'

'If you've already assessed their communication status that way. Oine, you tried to hack them, didn't you?'

'Ah. No, I just couldn't help but wonder what kind of face someone sending only such short messages would make.'

'You've done it now. From now on, stop. No need to stir up unnecessary trouble.'

'I will. Closing communication channels like this—likely a precaution knowing <> has hacking equipment. Better not reveal our own methods unnecessarily.'

Dawson launched the *Mandible* from port and waited for the three ships that had sent the message.

Shortly thereafter, a cube-shaped spacecraft appeared—uncommon in design.

"Oine, does that vessel's form match any data?"

"Please wait—yes, it matches. The vessel's appearance corresponds to ships designed and built during the transitional period when settlers were dispersed throughout the Orion Arm. No new units have been manufactured since. If the interior has not been modified, it is an extremely aged vessel."

"Given that background, it's an emigration ship, then?"

"Technically classified as such, but essentially a transport vessel. Built solely for carrying large numbers of people to new settlements."

"Your tone makes it sound like a slave ship."

"Given the semi-compulsory nature of the settlement process, that assessment is not inaccurate."

Dawson felt the urge to complain to General Kernel about the ship’s troubling history.