Episode 44: New Equipment

The war between SU and TR remains at a standstill. This is the report being aired on SU's news program.

Dawson observed that this stalemate results from differing strategic objectives between SU and TR.

"SU's space force wants only to eliminate the Hamano Onna and pirates. They do not wish for a full-scale war with TR."

"TR's position is also reactive. They responded only because SU took action. They are not prepared to defeat SU's space force."

"In short, neither side wishes to reduce their combat strength, yet neither has achieved their objective. Therefore, neither can propose a truce. The stalemate continues."

Dawson's assigned mission is precisely this stalemate.

The longer the war continues, the more the SU fleet will lose opportunities to reach the Amato Star Arm Nebula.

But Dawson, from his position as a special lieutenant, considered that a decisive move favoring the Amato Imperial Japan was needed here.

"I still can't cause economic disruption in the SU alone. Whether I bring in reinforcements—gather pirates—or call for support from Amato Imperial Japan, I need a base."

"Something like the HAMANO ONNA or Chicken Ball?"

"Something that grand is hard to prepare. But at least I'd like a rest satellite along the route of the Star Arm Nebula."

"A temporary rest and resupply location, you mean."

A temporary rest stop would attract people. If those people were pirates, they would degrade security in the surrounding space. Deteriorated security would negatively impact the SU economy.

Dawson’s reasoning was sound, but one point could not be ignored.

Oine pointed it out.

‘Even if we establish a base, we must secure personnel to operate it first. But we are considering building a base precisely because we lack personnel. Isn’t that contradictory?’

‘…Now that you mention it, yes. Hmm, it won’t work out well.’

‘Shall we request reinforcements from the Amato Imperial Japan?’

‘They’d send only one rookie officer like me. Requesting help won’t bring anyone.’

‘Then we have no choice but to gather pirates?’

‘We already have three artificial intelligences. SU and TR both prohibit artificial intelligence. It can’t be known by the pirates.’

Eight-way dead end, isn’t it.

"That’s right. Not going to go smoothly. Might as well focus on pirate work."

Dawson called up data and began selecting the next target.

"Next target—another transport vessel?"

"Battle ships require many materials. Attacking a transport vessel would cover a significant portion."

"You’re serious about that plan?"

"Nothing else to do while waiting for the next move. A practical hobby."

"True, having one battleship would be reassuring—but if you’re planning to seize a transport vessel, why not hire transport pirates? Last raid left too many ships abandoned. Wasted opportunity."

"Valid point—but no choice. I’ll contact the leader of Chicken Ball. Honestly, I don’t expect pirates to gather just from my call."

Is that so? Dawson’s pirates have proven effective. I think they’d gather willingly if you called them.

As I said earlier, there are three artificial intelligences involved. A manager who understands the situation should be able to arrange flexible personnel.

That’s true. But will the pirates actually come?

The manager is connected to the corporation. Personnel might be dispatched from the corporation. If they bring back the destroyed SU vessels, it doesn’t matter whether they’re pirates or not.

If Dawson approves, then it’s fine…

Oine seems to have some concern. But not warning Dawson suggests the concern is unlikely to materialize.

Dawson reconsidered whether he had overlooked anything. Nothing urgent came to mind.

Dawson consulted the leader of Chicken Ball. A contingent for transport was dispatched immediately.

But since the leader was not present within Chicken Ball, the meeting was set for the location.

"Oine predicted it. The vessel sent is one affiliated with a corporation."

"Privateers would return to Chicken Ball eventually, regardless of whether they were there when the consultation occurred. There is no reason to require a location meeting."

As Dawson and Oine spoke, a fleet jumped into the nearby space.

Ten vessels. Two large transport ships and eight small workboats. An unusual formation.

Dawson narrowed his eyes at the fleet. He donned his mask and sent a communication to the fleet.

The connection established immediately. On the physical monitor of the *Mandible*, a man in a suit, his silver-streaked hair neatly combed, appeared.

Dawson felt a faint irritation at the man’s unhidden corporate demeanor.

"Ah, this is Captain Dawson of the privateer *Mandible*. You’re here to assist me, correct? If not, I’ll treat you as prey."

"Yes. This is the transport vessel *Makemaney*. We have been dispatched here at the request of the Overseer of *Chicken Ball* to provide assistance to your ship."

"I requested personnel for transporting S.U. military vessels. Is your fleet really capable of that?"

The corporate man denied the implication with a business smile.

"No, no. This is sufficient. Our new product achieves its full capability only within this fleet."

"New product?"

"Yes. Our company wishes to maintain a favorable relationship with your crew. We have launched a new venture focused on creating tools to assist your operations. This item we have brought is the core of that initiative."

"Confident, aren't you. What exactly is it for?"

"Simply put, it enables a pirate group without large vessels to transport a super-sized cargo vessel—what we call a 'Cocoon'—to their base."

Dawson found the product description intriguing and wanted further details.

"So, judging by your fleet, this device is designed for large ships or small work vessels?"

"No. This product is a rope-like apparatus that wraps around ships. It includes propulsion and jump systems. The transport vessel carries the device. The work vessel handles the wrapping operation."

Understood. If the product itself is wrapped around the target vessel, then even if the prey’s propulsion systems or generators are destroyed, there will be no need to tow it with a ship.

The product possesses its own transport capability, eliminating the need for auxiliary personnel to perform the towing operation.

Dawson becomes increasingly interested in the product.

It sounds usable, based on what you’ve said. But it’s expensive, isn’t it?

That is to say, it carries a price, but it is vastly cheaper than purchasing a large vessel, and it is not a disposable device. We are confident it is a significant value.

Demonstrate the product’s performance in actual use. If it comes with combat verification, pirates will not overlook it.

Indeed. However, that requires reliance on your skill level.

Don't worry. The prey will be secured properly. Since there are guests this time, I've chosen an easier target. It will end quickly.

As Dawson had declared, Dawson and the three artificial intelligences swiftly disabled the SU military transport fleet squadron that had jumped into the nearby sector.

If the surprise attack succeeds, destroyers three and a transport vessel one are nothing more than simple targets for Dawson and his team.

Then transport it. Destination is Chicken Ball. You understand?

Yes, sir. I'll take care of it.

The businessman's face turned pale at the sight of Dawson's sharp skill.

His fear had spread to the other vessels. The convoy's operations proceeded with brisk efficiency.

From the hull of the transport vessel, a work vessel extracts a combat aircraft-sized object—enormous, resembling either a lotus root or a floating buoy used as a pool divider.

"That is our new product. For convenience, we call it 'Carryshu.' A portmanteau of 'carry' and 'leash,' as in the chain used to transport it."

The work vessel maintains its grip on the 'Carryshu' and moves toward the transport vessel that Dawson's group has destroyed, wrapping the structure around it.

The 'Carryshu' is long—wrapped around the transport vessel more than once. Judging from the three full wraps around the destroyer, the procedure follows standard protocol.

Once the 'Carryshu' is fully wrapped, the work vessel begins to retreat.

When no other vessels remain nearby, propulsion beams emerge from the buoy-like sections of the 'Carryshu' wrapped around the transport and destroyer.

The thrust from each propulsion unit is modest, but with numerous units integrated into a single Carryshu assembly, speed increases rapidly.

The ship’s bow turned toward the distant Chicken Ball. Then it jumped immediately.

“Hmph. It actually works.”

“That’s to be expected. It’s our flagship product.”

“But judging from the current situation, the Carryshu appears to be a compact device combining propulsion, energy refilling, and jump systems. Considering energy consumption, though, jumping once should be the limit, wouldn’t you agree?”

Dawson’s observation caused the businessman’s expression to stiffen.

“However, if refilled, it can be used again.”

“So essentially, it can only jump a distance equivalent to one jump from the Chicken Ball?”

“That is… precisely correct…”

The manager deflated under the criticism, but Dawson, despite his tone, held the item in high regard.

The convenience of transport simply by wrapping it, despite minor flaws, was compelling.

"If this product is sold, it will find buyers among pirates. In fact, I want one myself. Carrying it was a constant hassle."

"Y-yes! Thank you very much!"

"Consider selling it to the HAMANO ONNA. They operate in the meteor belt. The Carrysh could transport meteor fragments too. It would sell well."

"I see! Thank you for the information. I'll consider it."

Dawson agreed to purchase the Carrysh from the Chicken Ball and, at that moment, dissolved the corporate fleet. Each vessel jumped in a separate direction.

The decision to scatter the vessels in different directions was made not only to conceal ties between pirates and corporations, but also to disrupt the jump signatures of the transport and destroyer ships aboard the Carrysh. The more ships that jumped in separate directions, the better.