Episode 58: Purchasing Souvenirs

While Oine changed into the clothes bought in the fitting room, Dawson received the dress she had been wearing and the second dress won at the shop, both placed in a paper bag.

Dawson held the paper bag. After Oine exited the fitting room, he remarked, 'You look very much like her,' then left the store accompanied by the clerk's gaze.

"Next, we must secure the items requested by Ida and the others."

"I expected as much. I obtained a catalog from the previous shop earlier, stored on a data stick. This fabric was not listed in the Orion Arm collection we gathered, so I believe she will appreciate it."

"I had forgotten. Thank you, Oine."

Without conscious thought, Dawson brushed his hand across the top of Oine’s black hair. Then, as if surprised by his own action, he withdrew his hand.

"Apologies. I must have slipped into an old habit from childhood."

There’s no need to apologize, but you’re saying this habit dates back to when Dawson was in the orphanage?

Yes. It was standard for older children to care for younger ones. I used to pat their heads when I praised them.

Oine confirmed the details by checking her own body and nodded in understanding.

So you kept touching the head of a girl who looked just like this one, because it was a habit?

There’s an edge to your phrasing. I did pat heads, but only during the time I was still a child—before I left the orphanage and entered the military academy.

No need to explain in such detail. I understand perfectly. Yes.

Dawson concealed his discomfort by clenching his fist, as Oine wore a self-satisfied expression.

My childhood is less important than finding a gift for Ida and the others.

Dawson’s interest in childhood stories is understandable, but that can wait.

Dawson lowers his shoulders at Oine’s refusal to let the topic drop.

Oine’s smile deepens as she sees Dawson’s reaction.

“If you stroke my head again, I might forget about your childhood entirely.”

“…If you want to be stroked, say so directly.”

Dawson, conscious of the surrounding eyes, decides it is better to avoid revisiting the past. He gently strokes Oine’s head.

Shopping at the commercial complex proceeds smoothly.

Catalogs for Vera’s clothing are collected in large quantities, as most stores offer them free of charge. A few select items from the high-end brand stores are purchased at cost.

Dawson searched only within completed complete box sets for Corry's video works, selecting high-rated titles from a broad range of years. A dedicated video playback device was also purchased, as compatibility issues would prevent projection.

Attempting to purchase combat-grade android weaponry for Ida encountered a minor obstacle.

"Standard civilian specifications might leave Ida dissatisfied."

"Military surplus is available, but all units have been detuned to match civilian-grade specifications."

"An android for personal use—no, for security purposes—this level of capability should suffice."

Dawson rubbed his head, unsure what to do.

The clerk’s response, consistent across all stores, confirmed no variation in specifications. Purchasing in-store was not an option.

If in-store purchases are not possible, there are two ways to acquire military-spec weapons.

Dawson is a military officer in the Amato Imperial Japan Star Navy, so he can submit a requisition request for purchase.

Alternatively, he can buy military surplus from suspicious vendors at the black market.

The requisition is safer and guarantees quality, but verification takes time, and requests may be denied if the item is deemed unrelated to military duties.

The black market option offers no guarantee of quality, but he can inspect the item in person and purchase it immediately upon payment.

Each method has trade-offs. Dawson made his decision.

"First, the requisition. If that fails, I'll go to the black market."

"Black market? Wouldn't handling military equipment illegally result in enforcement actions?"

"Enforcement actions will occur, but the locations shift continuously. There is no shortage of enthusiasts wanting military equipment. Possession alone is not illegal, so buyers face low risk, making transactions appealing."

"From the seller's perspective, meeting demand generates revenue. That is why they are willing to sell despite legal violations."

"Discovering illegal sales leads to investigations tracing the source. This results in a chain of arrests. It is not a commendable business, but the risk is worth it."

The demand from enthusiasts is substantial enough to justify such risk. For rare items with no presence in civilian markets, budgets become unbounded.

Given the opportunity to gain large sums with only minor risk, it is understandable that some merchants are tempted into illegal sales.

"I've heard the black market locations are far away. If the request is approved, that would be ideal."

"Doesn't Imperial Amato have black markets on its home planet?"

"The Officer Academy is located there. The relationship between the home planet and the military is close. The military cannot afford to allow cracks in that relationship. It will not overlook incidents involving the leakage of military supplies."

"If a scandal involving leaked military equipment were to occur on the home planet, the military's reputation would be completely ruined."

"The next most strictly monitored region after the home planet is the frontier expansion zone. Military ships and personnel are heavily deployed for maintaining order on colonized planets. Supply shipments are not easily delivered there. There are rumors that fleet commanders and captains are closely monitoring the handling of military supplies."

"Then where are the black markets located?"

Located in a well-developed region neither from the home planet nor from the outer orbital zones. There were several black markets near the orphanage where I grew up. One of them opened irregularly in an abandoned factory close to the orphanage.

Because the black markets were near the environment where he grew up, Dawson knew them well. Were you actually using them?

To a male observer, goods not available through regular channels appeared highly desirable. I would go to the black markets on days when my schedule was open, simply look at the goods, and leave without buying. I was not a good customer.

Dawson spoke of nostalgic memories, but his familiarity made him reluctant to use the black markets.

Using black markets is a last resort. If my request is denied, I would have it submitted under the name of the rear operations chamber.

Does changing the name make it work?

The rear operations chamber is developing a new battleship—a prototype battleship. If you cite the need for internal equipment, they will likely accommodate the request.

Still, Dawson could not shake the feeling that he would end up going to the black market.