Episode 39 No Prey

Dawson worked hard on pirate operations with three artificial intelligences.

The result of working hard was an awkward situation.

……No prey.

That was correct. The targets for pirate operations had disappeared.

Of course, ships traveling through space had not vanished.

Yet the information stated that all ships currently traveling within the operational range centered on Chicken Ball bore attack prohibition markers.

'Dawson was too eager in hunting. Everyone now knows that ships without markers are targeted first by powerful pirates. Both the space navy and civilian vessels have marked their ships accordingly.'

'Civilian vessels are acceptable. But the space navy's ships marking themselves out of fear of pirates? That's not something that usually happens.'

'SU Space Navy and the government seem to have their own calculations. Losing vessels recklessly is clearly not an option.'

'In other words, preserving combat capability is a given. But surrendering temporarily to pirates? That’s not normal.'

'Indeed. If losing even a single vessel causes such concern, the only possibility is war.'

Dawson raises one eyebrow at Oine’s unexpected prediction.

'SU preparing for war? Against whom? The fleet destined for Amato Imperial Japan was disbanded, wasn’t it?'

'Not likely headed for Amato Imperial Japan’s Amato Star Arm. Either TR or the pirate group . One of the two.'

'SU opposing TR makes sense. But —why them?'

Chicken Ball is sending destroyers and Sky Sweepers to Hamano Onna in increasing numbers. If all of these vessels are acting erratically, it is not unreasonable for the space fleet to dispatch a large formation.

Oine displays the news on the monitor as expected.

The article reports widespread damage to merchant ships in the sector where Hamano Onna's pirates operate. Among newer reports, one details the capture of a luxury passenger liner carrying wealthy individuals, demanding a substantial ransom from the SU government.

"Making a show of it, aren't they. With so many destroyers and Sky Sweepers at their disposal, this kind of activity is to be expected."

They’re doing well, considering they’re operating from a pirate vessel. That said, with so many destroyers and Sky Sweepers available, it’s natural to suggest they form a larger fleet and conduct operations accordingly.

“Forming a destroyer formation is more difficult than it seems. I’ve only done it in simulations at the Officer Academy. Even with identical ships, synchronizing their speeds is challenging.”

“Energy output from fusion generators and propulsion system output vary between vessels. That’s precisely why the Amato Imperial Japan’s tradition of perfectly synchronized fleet maneuvers is such a difficult skill.”

“I’ve heard it’s easier now than in ancient times, thanks to AI assistants like Oine.”

Artificial intelligence operating the ships directly still struggles to synchronize fleet maneuvers precisely. Despite strictly following the movement schedule and speed calculations, there is always a slight misalignment. Some joke that it's because artificial intelligence does not breathe, and thus cannot synchronize its rhythm.

So the fleet maneuvers are flawless when human judgment supplements artificial intelligence.

Dawson recognized the difference between humans and artificial intelligence, but recalled he had not meant to discuss that topic.

Without vessels to attack, piracy is impossible. Fortunately, the security situation in the operational zone of Chicken Ball has deteriorated, so his duties as a special lieutenant are fulfilled—though that is fortunate only in a narrow sense.

Artificial intelligence delivers mission results without effort. Why not take a long leave instead?

Leave, then... Well, that’s all we can do.

Dawson donned his mask and connected to the three artificial intelligences.

After reporting the current state—prey no longer present—he announced his intention to take extended leave.

"Thus, you three should take leave as well."

The three artificial intelligences appeared confused at Dawson’s words.

‘Um, Captain Dawson. We do not have much to do even if we were granted leave.’

“There’s plenty to do. Ida, you’re interested in military matters. Bera, you’re interested in entertainment. Cori, you’re interested in subculture. You’ll have time to gather information without interruption.”

‘Eh, how do you know about my hobbies?’

‘Oh, Captain Dawson. It’s not proper to pry into personal interests~?’

‘Um, well, I don’t so much like subculture as find it interesting, or enjoyable to observe, or—um, that is—well, you see—’

Dawson finally realizes he has stepped on three landmines of artificial intelligence.

"Oops. I only just learned that I was monitoring personality formation. I shouldn't have spoken aloud."

"Actually, it's fine. Depending on perspective, we now have the freedom to gather information openly."

"True. I've always wanted to use idle time—like during towing—on personal interests. It's not ideal when ambushing a vessel, but otherwise..."

"We'll still do our duties. But now we can finally go through the recorded media we've been saving..."

Dawson lets out a dry laugh and returns to the original topic.

"So about the leave request..."

"Yes. We'll use the time for personal interests!"

Orion Arm hosts countless stars, each with its own distinct culture. Trends shift daily. Entertainment and beauty content never stop coming—keeping up is impossible.

I was planning to watch the entire 264-episode series in one sitting, once I had time.

Dawson seemed reassured. A meaningful use of leave had been proposed.

Then, upon hearing Cori’s next statement, Dawson’s eyes widened.

I’ll project the video onto the monitor and experience it through the android’s eyes and auditory receptors. I’m looking forward to it.

...You’re going to watch video that way on purpose? You’re not human or android. If you want to know the content, you can access the data directly.

Dawson spoke as if an AI should be capable of that. But Cori reacted with an unusually angry tone.

You don’t understand at all. Visual works are designed to be experienced through human eyes and ears. To truly enjoy visual media, one must engage with it the same way a human does. Saying you can just read the data or watch at double speed—those are insults to the creators.

"Y-yes, I see. My apologies for my ignorance."

"Understanding is sufficient."

Cori’s voice carried a tone of satisfaction, as if her argument had prevailed.

Dawson, aware of Cori’s particular stance, thought of something.

"You mentioned 'android eyes and auditory sensors.' Did you purchase a full android to inhabit?"

"Um, literally just the eyes and hearing sensors. I didn’t buy the body."

"Why not? You have enough credit in your dedicated account to purchase a complete unit."

When Dawson asked for an explanation, Cory hesitantly handed over a data file. It was an android catalog.

"Some visual works are designed for tactile enjoyment. Androids with skin sensation are very expensive."

Dawson checked the catalog. The models with full-body tactile sensors cost about three times more than those without.

The artificial skin contains a large number of microscopic sensory elements. The labor required makes the high price unavoidable.

"So you're saving money to buy an android with skin sensation. That's why you're making do with only eyes and hearing."

"Visual works that don't emphasize audio can be enjoyed fully with eyes and ears alone. Everything else is unnecessary expenditure."

"Ah, I see."

Dawson reviewed the catalog, then checked the credit balances of the artificial intelligences, and finally verified the credit on Dawson's pirate account.

Good. I understand. You've been working well. I'll give you an android with skin sensation as a reward.

"Eh, um, really?"

"What? You don't want it?"

"I do! I do want it! But—really?"

"Stop lying. So which android do you prefer? What appearance?"

"Then, um, I was thinking I'd like to buy this one."

The android Corry requested was a fully customized, high-end model.

Dawson stared at the price. His mask twitched. He nearly calculated how many bowls of ramen he could buy with that amount at Hamano Onna, then stopped himself abruptly.

He reminded himself that the credit balance in his account could easily cover it. It was cheaper than purchasing a new ship. That was acceptable.

Understood. I’ll buy it. Since it’s a full-order model, make sure the appearance is exact.

Yes, thank you! I’ll treat it with care!

Dawson transferred the credit needed to purchase a full-order android to the artificial intelligence account.

Then Ada and Bera both objected.

Cori’s getting special treatment!

That’s right. We can’t give special treatment!

...What? Do you two want androids too?

I’ve been wanting a combat android! One with heavy armor and internal weapons!

I want a fashion show android that can change face and body shape somewhat. It’s a bit expensive though.

Ida produced a military android from the S.U. The unit stands two meters tall, its entire surface covered in armor resembling plate mail. It bears a resemblance to the image of a lone, heroic cyborg from the tokusatsu shows Dawson saw as a child—fighting evil in solitude.

The android Veela desired appeared at first glance like a smooth, featureless mannequin. Yet the images illustrating its transformations were so diverse that they made one question how such a form could change at all. The product description claimed it could recreate any celebrity of choice, right before one’s eyes.

Both androids had manufacturing costs that were not high, being mass-produced units. However, their limited availability outside the industry resulted in premium pricing.

Curiously, the price was nearly identical to that of a fully customized android.

Dawson transferred the credit equivalent to the android to the artificial intelligence account, as he could not say it was unobtainable elsewhere.

The credits in Dawson’s account, accumulated largely from pirate work since the改造 of the <> vessel, had now mostly disappeared.