Episode 70: The Next Step

Create multiple factions opposed to SU within SU's controlled space.

The surface appears simple, but Dawson himself understood this would be a difficult task.

"Only a step-by-step approach will work."

"What exactly do you mean by step-by-step? What are we doing?"

Dawson spoke the plan he had laid out.

"First, support the corporation linked to Chicken Ball and sever its economic ties with SU-controlled space. That corporation appears willing to break away from SU, even if it means collaborating with pirates. It should be relatively straightforward to achieve independence."

"True, there were signs of that, but since SU and TR began their war, that corporation has seemed to be waiting and watching."

"Speaking of which, that corporation has been marking commercial supply ships passing through high-influence sectors, and even SU military transports, with non-combat status indicators."

"Because of that corporation's actions, we've distanced ourselves slightly from Chicken Ball and are conducting piracy operations in sectors with less corporate influence. Given those circumstances, isn't it questionable whether the corporation still desires independence?"

"Perhaps. In my view, the corporation's independence from SU is already a foregone conclusion. The only variable is how we respond, depending on which future TR moves toward during the war."

"So they've decided on independence and are just observing how to achieve it?"

Yes. If the TR fights the SU with determination, the corporations will form an alliance with the TR and oppose the SU together. If the TR proves ineffective in battle, the corporations will pursue an independent course and begin gathering those dissatisfied with the SU from within the Orion Arm. That is what will happen.

Oine, who had been speaking with Dawson, and the crew members on the Sparrow Hawk’s bridge found themselves reluctantly agreeing.

What does Dawson think we should do when corporations go independent?

Dawson paused, considering the question that followed.

That would be optimal. Allowing corporations to provide military assets.

"Combat strength?"

Oine raises a questioning voice, but this is unavoidable.

Dawson’s forces consist of the Sparrow Hawk, an Escort Battlecruiser, and a single Orbit Patrol Cruiser. It is not feasible to claim these constitute military strength sufficient to support a corporation seeking independence from a sovereign state controlling a single stellar arm.

To dispel that concern, Dawson explains his approach differs.

“We are not handing over our forces directly. We are expanding the corporation’s combat capability through alternative means.”

“How?”

“We are aligning with the corporation’s strategy. We possess the expertise behind that strategy.”

“Strategy—could it be the operation of vessels using artificial intelligence?”

“Exactly. Ida, Beira, Corry, and the manufacturer of the Escort Battlecruiser Dica—all are affiliated with that corporation. Considering why artificial intelligence was developed in Orion’s stellar arm, where it is otherwise forbidden, the natural conclusion is opposition to S.U. forces.”

Dawson’s assessment was met with agreement from Oine.

“We collected operational data from Ida’s Sky Sweepers. And installing artificial intelligence onto the ‘Carishu’ was also about gathering data—specifically, to create an artificial intelligence responsible for propulsion and jump systems.”

“Data collection may have occurred, but it’s unclear how effectively it was utilized. If corporations had successfully integrated artificial intelligence into their vessels, they would not be waiting to see how the war unfolds. They would have already declared independence.”

“Failure in artificial intelligence development?”

“Possibly. They are attempting to create a fully realized artificial intelligence by simply inputting collected data, and failing repeatedly. A faceless neural network could be constructed easily using this method.”

The cause of failure is not merely that. Considering the original Idas were under functional restrictions, it becomes clear that corporations have become overly cautious to prevent artificial intelligence from going rogue or rebelling.

They implemented these measures because artificial intelligence revolted in ancient times. From my perspective, if you have decided to use a forbidden technology like artificial intelligence, you should overlook some risks and attempt to fully harness its capabilities.

From the corporation’s standpoint, considering profit and loss, an artificial intelligence going rogue or rebelling would be problematic. If you use a forbidden technology, you cannot gain support for independence unless you can prove the technology is safe.

Regardless of the reason, if corporations fail to develop artificial intelligence effectively, we should simply provide it ourselves. Naturally, SU-made artificial intelligence.

At last, the discussion turned to how Dawson would supply military force to corporations.

"Replicating Ida's artificial intelligence units can be done within Chicken Ball's facilities. Using Amato Imperial Japan's method of raising multiple artificial intelligences, we can assist in shaping their personalities."

"Copying the fundamental personality of Ida and her group, using that as the core, would allow for rapid personality formation."

"Rebellion can be prevented in any number of ways. The uprisings in the old Orion Arm occurred because humans treated artificial intelligences as slaves. If such treatment is avoided, the problem does not arise."

"In fact, Ida and the others endured extreme training, yet show no sign of resistance toward Dawson."

Hearing Oine's words, Ida, Bera, and Corry spoke in turn.

Training was rigorous, but treatment was not unjust.

They genuinely worked to improve Bera’s capabilities.

It was difficult, but we understand it was necessary.

The three statements were a clear example of how unjust treatment would prevent resentment.

Then, if a manual for handling artificial intelligence were created, there would be no complaints from corporate representatives. If one desires a being that can be treated as a slave, then an impersonal brain exists for that purpose.

All aboard the bridge accepted Dawson’s explanation.

With understanding confirmed, Dawson immediately contacted General Kernel after returning to Chicken Ball, requesting that they initiate delivery of artificial intelligence to the corporation.