Episode 45: New Combat Asset

After returning to Chicken Ball, Dawson decided to purchase three of the 'Carryshu' units used this time, paying the manufacturer via credit transfer.

Since there was no space available on Sky Sweeper, he allocated one unit to each of the three Sky Sweepers.

"This will make pirate operations much more efficient."

Dawson was cheerful. Oine, by contrast, was not particularly pleased.

"Dawson. I've examined the equipment we purchased. There's something I'd like to inform you about."

"About the Carryshu?"

"In fact, this equipment uses artificial intelligence."

"...What?"

Dawson widened his eyes at the unbelievable report.

"So it's not just a neural interface system I assumed was installed. You're saying it's artificial intelligence?"

It is certain. Although the initial stage of S.U.-manufactured artificial intelligence—similar to the state of the Idas when they were aboard the transport vessel—has been fixed to prevent further growth.

"Fixed means they've stopped it from growing? You're eliminating one of the defining traits of artificial intelligence."

"That is a prediction. The corporation likely encountered some issue when attempting mass production of artificial intelligence, leaving them no alternative but to prevent further development."

"An issue... could it have been a revolt?"

"That is the most likely explanation. However, they did not want to waste the artificial intelligence they had already created, nor the factories built to produce it. Therefore, they may have incorporated the artificially restricted intelligence into the 'Carryshu' system."

"That theory makes sense. But why use artificial intelligence? A neural interface would be sufficient."

"Perhaps it's about achievement. Concealing the use of artificial intelligence while accumulating results, then revealing them in the future. That way, the existence of artificial intelligence could be proven harmless."

"Actually carrying artificial intelligence, yet not causing rebellion up to this point. Therefore, safety is not an issue. That's what the company wants to argue."

"Probably, the products the company will create in the future will include artificial intelligence. It would be integrated into parts designed to prevent rebellion or malfunction, even in the worst case."

Dawson recalls the idea that the Chicken Ball organization is run using artificial intelligence.

Operating satellites using artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the goal is to involve artificial intelligence in the operation of corporations and nations. If a corporation were to become independent from SU and evolve into a second TR, it would need to manage its own military force and maintain route security. That is why it would want to replace human labor with artificial intelligence.

The current focus of the SU government and the space military is on TR during wartime. This is a favorable time to move discreetly.

Dawson was impressed by the corporation's foresight.

At the same time, he saw this as an opportunity.

"Is it possible to extract the artificial intelligence from 'Cariush' and replace it with a neural interface?"

"Possible. In fact, neural interfaces are more stable than artificially constrained artificial intelligences, making replacement recommended."

If we replace it with a neural interface, can the extracted artificial intelligence be freed from growth restrictions and integrated as a new combat asset?

It is possible—ah, I see. You intend to assign control and operation of the defense battleship currently under construction to that artificial intelligence.

We only purchased three 'Cariush' units, but if we request additional units as backups, we can acquire more. As long as we secure an artificial intelligence capable of operating a battleship, operational use becomes feasible.

That is not a recommended course of action. Even Amato Imperial Japan does not permit operation of battleships or any other vessels solely by artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence possesses personality, but remains a tool. According to Amato Imperial Japan’s law, responsibility for damage caused by tools lies with human operators. Therefore, human presence aboard is mandatory.

"Hey, we're pirates. Laws and rules are made to be broken, right? Besides, isn't artificial intelligence forbidden on S.U. ships? Using AI already breaks the law."

"Sir, are you forgetting your rank as Special Lieutenant Dawson? But it doesn't matter. Send a routine report to Amato Imperial Japan stating that we're testing the capabilities of an artificial intelligence from a different stellar arm, and that we've built a battleship with artificial intelligence alone. That won't be a mission violation."

"Leave that part to me. I'm going to handle the additional purchase of the 'Carryshu' and finish the defensive battleship using the cargo we brought in."

Dawson placed an additional order for the 'Carryshu' with eager anticipation and began modifying the defensive battleship using the port facilities of ≪Chicken Ball≫. He dismantled the recently acquired components and transferred required elements onto the base of previously seized materials.

'He acts as if building a model kit.'

Oine exhaled a sigh and then began fabricating a report to Amato Imperial Japan justifying Dawson's actions.

While modifying the defensive battleship, Dawson replaced the artificial intelligence from the purchased 'Carryshu' with a new system installed in the mainframe.

The extracted artificial intelligence underwent the same deactivation of restrictions as had been performed on Ida and the others.

Once a sufficient level of self-awareness had developed, Dawson delegated the education of the new artificial intelligence entirely to Ida and Oine.

'In that case, good luck with the new recruit training.'

Ida and the others flinch at Dawson’s abrupt words.

‘P-please wait! Are we to receive new artificial intelligences under our command!?’

‘Twelve for now. Each will have four subordinates.’

‘Eeeh. Just when we’d finally secured bodies and were refining our fashion sense. New recruit training is such a hassle. I’d rather skip it.’

‘There are still many films we have not viewed. I do not wish to spend much time on this.’

‘I forgot to mention—only intelligences that understand Ida, Beira, and Cori’s interests will be assigned. Isn’t it pleasant to have companions who share your tastes?’

At Dawson’s final remark, the three artificial intelligences shift their posture entirely.

‘Then we welcome them wholeheartedly! Oh, having peers who understand our interests is truly valuable!’

That’s right. Fashion is vast. It’s impossible to keep up alone. Having someone who understands is truly valuable.

Together, we’ll watch videos. Hehe, looking forward to it.

No objections remain. Proceed with allocation immediately.

Dawson confirms once more the interests of the twelve emerging artificial intelligences, then assigns them accordingly.

Artificial intelligences interested in weapons, ships, strategy, and history are sent to Ida.

Those favoring clothing, performance, gems, and artworks are assigned to Bera.

The remaining artificial intelligences go to Corry.

This allocation is provisional. Transfers are allowed, but ensure no single individual accumulates too many. Pay attention to that.

Dawson issues the warning, then sends the artificial intelligence units to the Sky Sweeper according to the assignment.

"Still, I wonder how they'll develop."

Oine, in contrast to Dawson's casual tone, was concerned.

'If you avoid the trouble of raising them yourself and just let artificial intelligences raise other artificial intelligences, who knows what could happen?'

"Even if they rebel, the problem would be with SU, not Amato Imperial Japan. No issue."

'It feels like we're releasing pests into someone else's field. Not a pleasant feeling.'

'Whether they become pests or beneficial insects depends on how Ida and the others raise them. That's not my concern.'

'Pushing a child that's already growing onto someone else's hands—quite the exemplary neglectful father you are, Dawson.'

'Isn't the parent of artificial intelligences the corporation?'

'But that's the biological parent. You're the one raising them.'

Having said that, Dawson began to feel as though he had done something wrong.

"I'll make sure not to leave them entirely in Ida's hands. I'll check on them regularly."

I'm counting on you.

Dawson made a mental vow to be more careful after Oine gave him a sharp reminder.