Episode 67: Operations Resumed

Boarding the Battleship Sparrow Hawk and accompanied by an Escort Battlecruiser, Dawson launched an attack on an SU Space Fleet squadron.

The objective was to gain combat experience aboard the Sparrow Hawk. And to secure the Orbit Patrol Cruiser that Ida had declared she would not board.

Eliminating the SU Space Fleet squadron was completed without significant difficulty.

There were no issues with the Sparrow Hawk's operation. The Escort Battlecruiser fought more effectively. The Orbit Patrol Cruiser for Ida was captured.

The only point of concern, if one sought to find a problem, was the power of the Sparrow Hawk's Main Cannon.

"An actual battleship-grade Heavy Cannon produces this much power."

Attempting to capture the target with a low-convergence Charged Particle Beam resulted in the complete destruction of one Orbit Patrol Cruiser.

Dawson's murmured observation prompted Oine to shift the expression on her physical form into a wry smile.

Yes, the Charged Particle Beam fired from the Sparrow Hawk's Main Cannon spread outward in a widening conical pattern immediately after launch, piercing through space and directly striking one Orbit Patrol Cruiser. A cannon of lesser caliber would have only scorched the surface of an enemy vessel. The Amato Imperial Japan battleship-grade weapon, however, delivered a destructive force orders of magnitude greater, melting the Orbit Patrol Cruiser into incandescent slag.

Witnessing this outcome, Dawson relinquished the task of securing the Orbit Patrol Cruiser to the Escort Battlecruiser and instead directed the Sparrow Hawk to eliminate the remaining enemy vessels.

The remaining enemy vessels, aside from the secured Orbit Patrol Cruiser, were reduced to cosmic debris by the Sparrow Hawk’s absurdly powerful Main Cannon.

“Battleships are optimal for destroying enemies, but become impractical when capture is required.”

“Precisely as their designation implies—warships designed for combat with enemy vessels. Inability to capture is inherent.”

“Then it was fortunate that Ida declared her intent to board the Orbit Patrol Cruiser. Combined with the Escort Battlecruiser, two vessels capable of capture now exist.”

Dawson made a remark that sounded like praise. At his side, Ida stood in the form of a combat android, her chest rising slightly.

“When forming combat units, single-type configurations are not ineffective. However, combining different types enhances versatility.”

"Combat units are never formed from a single ship type. Whether it's destroyers with sky sweepers, orbit patrol cruisers with destroyers, or heavy cruisers with orbit patrol cruisers, mixed configurations are standard."

"Should I board the captured orbit patrol cruiser, I would have one light battleship, one escort battlecruiser, and one orbit patrol cruiser. That would provide balanced deployment."

Dawson was impressed. He considered Ida’s choice of the orbit patrol cruiser a sign of tactical foresight.

The impression did not last.

Corry spoke up, clearly displeased that Ida had received praise from Dawson alone.

"Master. Ida wanted her own ship. For her hobby weapons."

"For her weapons?"

"Her quarters are too small. She cannot store many weapons otherwise."

"Understood. Having her own vessel means she can stock it with whatever weapons she prefers. Even android-specific arms—she could stock them in bulk, simply because they're required for the ship's armament."

Ida's expression faltered as Dawson correctly identified her intent.

"I didn't say I hadn't considered it—but is it forbidden?"

"No, it isn't. It's your ship. If it becomes a pirate vessel, you may modify it as you like. But any modifications after the Orbit Patrol Cruiser is repaired will be paid from your account."

"I understand that. In fact, using my own funds to purchase or modify the ship to my liking is part of what makes the hobby enjoyable."

Bela smiled knowingly at Ida, who was visibly excited.

"If you're going to use the ship as a storage unit, can I have one room converted into a closet for my clothes?"

"Wait—? You're going to store Vera's clothes?"

"Would that be a problem?"

"Storing them is acceptable. But just as outdated weapons are ignored, out-of-style clothing becomes unwearable."

"Fashions always return in cycles. If you keep them properly, you'll be at the forefront when they come back."

"...If I have to store them until that time arrives, one room might not be enough."

Dawson and the others continued their usual exchange when suddenly laughter broke out.

The source was Kiwaka.

"Forgive me. But you all seemed so cheerful, I couldn't help it."

"Exactly. There's no bridge where conversation is this enjoyable."

Hikane, who had walked the ship many times, nodded in agreement. Dawson noticed.

"Other ships don't have conversations like this, do they?"

Conversations existed, but most were operational. Some ships also enforced strict silence during duty hours.

Some captains criticized their subordinates' conversation content and used the opportunity to harass them sexually.

It seems military service on a warship is rather dull.

Work is supposed to be dull. That's normal.

Ah~. There are plenty of enjoyable things even at work~

After the combat engagement, their relationship had slightly improved. Dawson and the others continued their conversation.

Listening to this exchange through communications, the Escort Battlecruiser—its Captain, Dicka—performed the task of securing the captured Orbit Patrol Cruiser with 'Carryshu' in silence, feeling isolated.

On the way back to Chicken Ball, Dawson walked with Dicka, the Captain of the Escort Battlecruiser, exchanging words.

When they reached the vicinity of Chicken Ball, Dicka raised a question.

'What? That’s odd.'

Dawson turns his gaze toward Kiwaka, who is monitoring the radar. A shake of the head is the reply.

'Is there an anomaly? We’re detecting nothing here.'

'No. It’s about the AI personnel stationed at Chicken Ball. They’ve sent a consultation.'

'A consultation? From them?'

'Yes. The number of consultations is lower than usual. Upon investigation, we found that only the AIs assigned to a specific location are not submitting reports.'

'Fewer consultations should be positive. But the fact that only one location is affected is concerning.'

'Precisely. And that location is the food court. It’s a place that should constantly receive consultations, given its frequent contact with pirate units.'

'Interesting. Can we establish communication with the AIs stationed there?'

It connects, but each one only replies with 'No issues.'

Dawson felt the need to verify the situation.

"Upon return from the Chicken Ball, head immediately to the dining district. Ida will accompany as guard. The rest will remain on standby via Sparrow Hawk—"

As Dawson issued the order, Kiwaka raised a hand.

"Is there an objection?"

"Yes. I wish to come along."

Dawson momentarily stared at Kiwaka’s physique.

Kiwaka’s slender face gave them a distinctly youthful appearance. They did not look capable of entering combat.

"...I will allow it. But can you fight?"

"Of course. Since that day, I have trained to protect myself!"

Dawson had no choice but to accept the words—Kiwaka had become capable because of the harassment incident.

Dawson felt the likelihood of trouble in the food district was low.

The food district's artificial intelligences reported 'no issues,' and Dika had not mentioned any incidents involving unrest in the reports she had compiled.

Thus, Dawson concluded that taking Kiwaka along posed no risk.

"Right. I'll take Ida and Kiwaka to the food district."

Dawson and Kiwaka donned masks. Ida checked her handheld weapon.

When Sparrow Hawk reached the dock, the three of them ran toward the food district.

They boarded a Train and exited at the station near the food district's entrance. One Engineer Robot approached.

'Dawson-san. I will also observe the situation through this robot’s sensors.'

The Engineer Robot is being operated by Dikka. The Escort Battlecruiser entered the port after the Sparrow Hawk, and an explanation was given that it had delayed its arrival to verify the food district.

Four of them entered the food district. An abnormal situation was expected. Yet, a remarkably peaceful scene unfolded.

Pirates gathered in the food district were enjoying meals from well-known chain restaurants, laughing over trivial conversation.

When floors became soiled by spilled food or drink, cleaning robots arrived immediately. Mechanical voices issued warnings to the pirates who had made the mess.

No shortages in provided food or drink. No one was causing disturbances. No attempts to hack the artificial intelligences disguised as robots.

A very calm daily routine had settled over the food district.

This is certainly a scene with no issues, but whether it leads to a reduction in the concerns from those children...

The moment Dawson’s ear caught Dika’s question, a voice called from a direction opposite to where Dika was.

Oh! Special Agent Dawson— isn't that you, Dawson? Come to eat? Or are you picking up a takeout to consume aboard the vessel?

The voice was Goard's—last heard at the dock, never to be heard again.

Dawson turned his eyes toward the source of the voice. There, indeed, was Goud. But the clothing he wore was that of a sanitation worker. And it suited him unusually well.

"Goud, sir. Why are you here?"

"Ah? Of course it's work. I'm employed as the manager and sanitation coordinator for this food district."

Dawson stared, uncomprehending, at Goard's words.

Goard should have been acting as the administrator of Chicken Ball, yet he was the head of this food district. Dawson did not understand.

Yet Dika seemed to accept it. She nodded.

"Since Goard-san is available for consultation, I no longer receive such requests."

"Oh? So you were the previous head of this district? Yes. You were consulted on many matters. You resolved each one in turn. Hahahah!"

Goard laughed. From behind him, a figure stepped forward.

Dawson turned, alert. It was Aifo, Goard's trusted aide. His clothing resembled military uniform—more precisely, the garb of a security officer.

"Goard-sama. Work orders are delayed."

"Ah, Aifo. My apologies, my apologies. I'll tell Dawson too—Aifo is now the security supervisor here. He works primarily at locations where alcohol is served. The ZEi's man became a mechanic at a port without cybernetic systems. Keep that in mind."

"Returning to work, Goard-sama."

"Understood. Then, farewell!"

Goard walked off, amused. Aifo returned to his usual demeanor. Both resumed their duties in the dining district.

Dawson watched the two depart, shrugging his shoulders.

"Ah. Nothing seems to be wrong. I sent Ida and Kiwaka on assignment, but there was nothing for them to do. I'm sorry about that."

"I was hoping to test the equipment, but that wasn't possible."

"Haha. If nothing happened, then it's fine."

The effort had ended in complete futility, but since they had come this far to the dining district, they decided to carry food purchased from a well-known chain store to the Sparrow Hawk's mess hall.