Episode 50: Preparing to Conquer Chicken Ball

Dawson's plan to seize Chicken Ball was relayed to Amato Imperial Japan during the scheduled communication.

The reply arrived with a surprising message.

'Dawson's request has been granted in full. They are sending one hundred thousand Engineer Robots equipped with artificial intelligence.'

'The number I originally requested was already a hundred thousand. Even though it's cheaper than purchasing or constructing a single ship, the manufacturing budget for one hundred thousand units was surprisingly generous. They may have poured all of the rear operations room's available funds into this.'

'If Dawson's operation succeeds, it will be an unprecedented strategic achievement. Achieving success for the cost of a single ship would be a major victory. Perhaps he took a high-stakes gamble.'

A few days are needed for manufacturing and transport, but after that, three ships disguised as SU Fleet transport vessels will be dispatched immediately.

Of course, each of the three ships will have artificial intelligence installed.

"At this point, we must simulate which route will secure control most efficiently."

"Trains run on the tracks. Using the railway lines will make establishing invasion routes easier."

"The problem is the base's barriers. If they detect an anomaly and deploy them, capturing the base will take time."

"We have a solution for that. We can secure the barrier control points in advance."

"Secure them how?"

"Ida, Beira, and Corry—explain the situation to them and ask for help. They have specialized frames. They can move through the interior of the Chicken Ball."

"Tell those three about my identity?"

There's no need to tell them your rank. Just say Dawson wanted to take control of the Chicken Ball. That should be sufficient.

But if an Engineer Robot comes from Amato Imperial Japan, hiding your identity will become difficult. It might be better to inform them in advance. Less friction that way.

Informing them beforehand increases the chance they'll rebel. Especially Ida. She's serious by nature. If she learns Dawson is from another star system, she might react strongly—questioning whether you're an alien.

Ah, true. Corry would probably just say, "Is that so?" and leave it at that.

To tell or not to tell.

Dawson hesitated. In the end, he chose to proceed with his own view. He felt that telling them wouldn't lead to anything bad.

"——in short, I need the three of you to assist me."

Inside the Chicken Ball's bay, Dawson concluded his explanation to Ida and the other three via comm link. Silence followed.

Then Ida spoke.

"Captain Dawson is from another universe, is he not?"

"Not another universe. Another spiral arm. Both I and the TR personnel trace our ancestry back to Earth."

"Is the objective of occupying Chicken Ball to seize control of the Orion arm?"

"Didn't I say? The SU military is invading my home spiral arm without authorization. I want to stop them. That's all. I only want Chicken Ball as a base for that effort. No intention to occupy the Orion arm. Not at this time."

"So you're asking us to help with this scheme?"

"Exactly. Any objection?"

Dawson’s question left Ida momentarily silent.

‘The situation is beyond my comprehension. I cannot form a clear thought…’

Ida’s voice carried the strain of feverish effort.

Meanwhile, Beela’s tone came through the comm, light and casual.

‘Beela will follow Dawson-sama. I would have objected if we were planning to conquer the Orion arm, but we’re not, are we~?’

‘No. My homeland would never accept the trouble of occupying a region where people are already widespread.’

‘But having people there might make occupation easier, don’t you think~?’

‘Living standards differ too greatly across inhabited planets and artificial satellites. To raise conditions to a level my homeland would accept, we would need constant intervention—despite resident resistance. It would be simpler to colonize uninhabited stars.’

'Such things~?'

After Bera nodded slowly, seemingly convinced, Corry asked hesitantly.

Does your master's country have visual media?

Here it is. More animation than live-action, though.

"Anime? In the S.U. controlled space, these are minor works—yet mainstream in your country!?"

Due to circumstances, animating pictures is easier for policy than casting actors in film. That is my homeland.

In film, one must prepare actors, or humanoid bodies equipped with artificial intelligence, instruct them in performance, and shoot using equipment.

In animation, the director must possess talent in drawing and storyboarding. However, the task of creating individual frames can be delegated to artificial intelligence within a virtual environment. It is said that a director skilled in drawing could produce a ninety-minute animated film in just one month.

The reason so many aspiring video creators in Amato Imperial Japan choose to make anime is due to this environment. The number of anime productions increases each year.

Of course, the ability for individuals to produce content independently also has a downside. Long-form works often halt mid-update—so-called "eternal" projects are common.

"Many works exist that Corry has never seen. That is certain."

"Seeing those films?"

"If Chicken Ball comes under my homeland's control, I will naturally be able to view them. I could import them myself, if necessary."

"Mmf. I will assist my master in taking Chicken Ball. With all my effort."

Dawson smiles faintly at Corry's excitement, then shifts the conversation back to Ida.

"The two of you agree. Ida, what about you?"

……If I refuse here, my situation will become dire, as plainly visible.

That’s right. If you make that decision, we’ll have no choice but to shut down Ida’s power supply until the operation ends.

Rather, the moment I refuse, Corry will destroy my artificial intelligence. With the Sky Sweeper’s charged particle beam.

Naturally. I’ll be able to view the new visual work. Anyone who interferes will be eliminated.

Aha~ Corry-chan is scary~

There are no alternatives. Ida, though hesitant, agrees to participate in Dawson’s operation.

Shortly afterward, Ida raises a question.

But… was it wise to tell us? My artificial intelligence units have an automatic function to send information to the manufacturing facility. The details of this conversation might already be exposed.

There is no need to worry about that. By comparing the units of Ida and those of Dicca, the unnecessary components have already been identified. The Sky Sweeper's communication equipment has been modified to use the automatic transmission function to send innocuous information.

'What? When exactly was that done?'

Ida's question was natural. There had been no sign of such work being performed on the Sky Sweeper until now.

The answer came not from Dawson, but from Oine.

'Just before Dawson established communication with you, a repair robot was launched from the <> and performed the modification on the Sky Sweeper's communication equipment. The low alert level, due to the bay's location, made the operation easier.'

'W-who was that!?'

Ida flustered at the first voice from Oine, who had not communicated until now.

There was mockery in Oine’s voice, as if the sight amused her.

—Oops, I neglected to introduce myself. This is Oine, an artificial intelligence created on a different star system, distinct from your kind. I reside aboard the *Mandible*, living alongside Dawson.

"Uwah, an artificial intelligence? And from another universe!?"

They said it was another star arm, didn't they?

Dawson's remark did not reach Ida's ears, lost in the extremity of her confusion.