Episode 43: Contents of the Transport Vessel

Dawson began inspecting the contents of the SU Space Force transport vessel, one item at a time, without selling it.

What became apparent during this process was SU Space Force’s careless approach to war.

"Liquid heavy particles for charged particle cannons, armor-piercing shells, torpedoes, and spare ordnance for cannons and machine guns. Food cardridges for synthetic rations, water, medical supplies, sweets, and clothing such as space suits and uniforms. This much is understandable. But why are there a casino and a bar built inside the vessel?"

"Also included are military-grade narcotics and sex androids. These are certainly useful for maintaining crew mental stability. But the variety and quantity are excessive."

"Moreover, both narcotics and androids are located in restricted-access compartments. Access is limited to majors and above. So they are clearly intended for senior officers."

Could this ship actually be a SU operational vessel, attempting to drown fleet command officers in drugs and sex?

The internal data and the Captain and operations officer are both SU military personnel. That possibility is impossible.

The supply ship's contents implied that SU senior officers view war as nothing more than an extension of entertainment.

They delegate actual frontline operations to subordinates while senior officers watch the battlefield with elegance in casinos and taverns. Chills run down the spine.

Seems quite foolish, doesn't it, for someone to be consuming alcohol and drugs personally?

Label it unauthorized use. Alcohol and drugs can serve people properly when used correctly.

Dawson pondered the contents of the transport ship, unsure what to do.

Not every transport ship has a casino or tavern. Those are not places that would require multiple units.

That means Dawson drew a ship on the outer edge.

Don’t sound so pleased. But I’ve realized hitting transport ships only serves as harassment.

The transport ships meant to carry as much supplies as possible are building casinos and taverns. If they have the surplus to build such places, their supply levels are more than sufficient.

Disrupting supply lines weakens SU’s combat capability and prolongs the TR war. That plan is unfeasible.

Other pirates seem to be targeting supply convoys like Dawson, but they have not achieved much success here.

"Even using Orbit Patrol Cruisers and destroyers doesn't work for the pirates?"

"Only that one pirate group has achieved results. And even that is limited—only a few escort destroyers from supply convoys have been destroyed. No transport ships have been hit."

"Trying to disrupt the enemy's supply chain doesn't work like it does in SF novels."

"SU has multiple supply routes. The distance from supply hubs and production factories is short. All conditions are in place that make supply disruption ineffective."

In fiction or stories, attacking an enemy's supply line only works when the line is stretched thin and limited in number.

That is not the case now. Attacking SU's supply lines is like firing a pistol at a battleship.

Dawson understands the current situation. He changes his thinking.

"Abandon attacks on SU's supply lines. We should redirect our raids to serve our own interests."

"Interest, here?"

"Yes. This transport vessel lacks strong armament, but its armor matches that of a standard battleship. It carries ample reserves of cannons and machine guns, and a substantial supply of ammunition. If modified, we could likely create a combat vessel of considerable utility, even if not a full battleship."

Oine immediately generates a modification plan and displays it on the monitor in response to Dawson's statement.

"Removed non-essential compartments. Added damage control bulkheads. Armament installed. But usefulness remains limited."

"Even if not a battleship, performance could approach that of a heavy cruiser, no?"

The vessel moves too slowly. It can only be used for base defense. Personnel are insufficient. Even if you add a cybernetic frame to increase bulk, you still need a human to issue commands.

"Insufficient personnel. Introducing SU-made artificial intelligences like Ida and Oine—no, better not."

"Indeed. The risk of SU-made artificial intelligences learning about Amato Imperial Japan cannot be ignored."

"So Oine hasn’t spoken directly with them. That’s why."

"Those Sky Sweepers contain observation devices monitoring their growth. Even if the children try to keep it secret, the device records will expose them."

"Removing the device might cause complications. Worst case, the artificial intelligences could be recovered and subjected to research analysis."

Knowing the artificial intelligences are being recorded, leaving them untouched is the safest course.

Ironically, Dawson alone has limited capacity to assist.

"…By the way, has the chassis that Ida and the others requested arrived?"

"The ones for Bera and Corry have arrived. There are enough for the fashion show, and custom orders can be made without issue."

"What about the combat chassis Ida wants?"

"Since SU and TR are at war, military supplies are strictly regulated, and distribution has halted."

"Unfortunate. Wasn't there one aboard this transport vessel?"

"Combat androids are present among the supplies, but they are not the high-end models Ida requested. They are standard units, officially adopted by the SU military."

Having two others but not the third creates imbalance. For now, state it as provisional and ask only whether it is needed.

Dawson sent a query via email. Ida replied: 'I would appreciate a temporary solution. Request permission to use supply materials from the transport vessel to upgrade the androids.'

Dawson responded that modification would be approved upon submission of the required materials list. The list arrived immediately, accompanied by the modification proposal.

One combat android with additional armor. Three laser tomahawks. One rotary-barrel laser cannon and one dedicated external compact generator unit. One built-in electric pistol in the arm and one arm strength enhancement unit. One high-speed propulsion jetpack. All specified by model number. Remarkable level of detail.

The weapons on the list are properly stored within the cargo of the transport vessel. It can be evaluated as a favorable selection from the catalog specifications among the cargo.

With Oine’s approval also confirmed, Dawson granted permission to Ida’s request.