Episode 72 SU Space Force, to ≪Chicken Ball≫

General Kernel proposed the idea of 'warships equipped with artificial intelligence,' but the corporation's response was indifferent.

They scrutinized the presented data for falsification and went so far as to demand, 'Provide combat proof.'

From the corporation's perspective, independence from SU was a high-stakes gamble.

Proof that the force in question was capable of such a gamble would never be sufficient.

Before Dawson could consider leading an artificial intelligence fleet to gain experience, the corporation unilaterally announced:

'SU Space Force has requested that we destroy the pirates stationed at ≪Chicken Ball≫ with a fleet. Defeat that fleet and present it as combat proof.'

Dawson attempted to protest General Kernel’s abrupt directive, but it was too late—request had already been sent to the SU Space Force.

The SU Space Force had identified the pirate stronghold that had plagued them recently and was eager to assault and destroy it.

At this point, there was no alternative but to prepare for battle against the SU Space Force from Chicken Ball.

The SU Space Force launched its attack on Chicken Ball.

The news reached all pirates stationed at Chicken Ball immediately after transmission from the corporation.

Under the name General Kernel, the pirates were given a choice: flee to a secondary base or remain and fight at Chicken Ball. Those who stayed were promised a bonus payment, above standard rates, for destroying SU Space Force vessels.

Weighing the credits against the danger of fighting the SU Space Force, pirates without sufficient equipment to engage the enemy left Chicken Ball.

Those who remained now possessed ships equipped with powerful weapons.

Yet most of these ships could only manage to defeat Sky Sweepers, barely capable of engaging destroyers.

"Would it be acceptable to release equipment upgrades to enable proper combat?"

Dawson replied to General Kernel with, "If there is surplus, then yes."

With permission granted, General Kernel distributed the remaining turrets and gun mounts—leftover from the SU Navy vessels Dawson had destroyed and captured—among the pirates who remained.

Most pirate ships were modified civilian vessels. Their generators could not support powerful turrets. Still, weapons at the maximum allowable capacity were installed onto each ship.

While equipping the pirates, education in artificial intelligence proceeded at high speed within Chicken Ball.

Goud was assigned as instructor and worked with determination.

"Ask me if you have questions. Yes, ask one at a time."

"Leave the simulated combat opponent to me. Now, let us teach reality to these fledglings, newly born."

Goud, with his trusted aide Ida, trained artificial intelligences into capable starship crew members.

As for Ida, she commanded operations from the front line, repairing captured vessels and converting pirate ships, driven by a desire for even a single ship. She had no time to rest, let alone connect with others to vent complaints.

While all other sectors were in turmoil, Dawson and the crew of Sparrow Hawk, along with Ida, analyzed how the S.U. Space Force might attack Chicken Ball.

"Chicken Ball is a small natural satellite orbiting a planet, nearly zero-gravity. It has been modified and fortified into a fortress base."

"Attacking a satellite like Chicken Ball requires two primary methods. Either maintain orbital pursuit, or position oneself to intercept its orbit."

Oine deployed two diagrams using a spatial projection monitor.

One showed a spherical model moving sideways, pursued by a triangular model.

The other showed the triangular model blocking the spherical model’s path.

The sphere represented Chicken Ball. The triangle represented a simplified model of an SU space fleet vessel.

Dawson repeated his explanation while observing the diagrams.

"This method has advantages and disadvantages. Pursuing allows prolonged engagement with Chicken Ball, but closing the distance remains difficult. Blocking allows Chicken Ball to approach automatically, but the window for attack is shorter."

"Whether it's a prolonged engagement or a short ambush—this is the situation."

The explanation from Dawson and Oine ended, and Kiwaka raised a hand.

"May I ask? Captain Dawson, what do you think the SU Space Force will choose—long-term pursuit or a short ambush?"

A question, tense in the face of a girl's features.

Dawson folded his arms and considered.

"The origin of this battle was a corporate request that prompted the SU Space Force to act. Given that background, if I were the fleet's commander, I would expect a short engagement."

"Why?"

"Enemy is pirates. If the battle drags on, SU Space Force will appear weak. If the military is seen as weak, factions kept in check by force may rise. To prevent that, we must finish quickly. Show the strength of the Space Force remains intact."

"Then, a short engagement. SU Space Force aims to destroy or occupy Chicken Ball within that brief time. Pirates must survive the short duration?"

"Not quite. SU Space Force cannot afford to lose to pirates. If the short engagement fails, shame or reputation will not matter. We will shift to a prolonged conflict."

"So SU Space Force will first set an ambush. Success is good. Failure means pursuit becomes inevitable."

"Uncertain. Chicken Ball is in orbit. An ambush could continue, with attacks launched each time Chicken Ball passes. A boarding assault on the orbiting Chicken Ball is also possible. Which strategy is chosen depends on the personality of the SU Space Force commander."

"Personality?"

"A cautious commander would opt to pursue Chicken Ball. It would take time, but the outcome would be predictable. A confident commander would choose repeated ambushes. If the plan succeeds, combat time would be short, minimizing friendly casualties. If impatient or driven by reputation, a fleet assault would be chosen—quick results, at the cost of friendly casualties."

"By the way, Captain Dawson, which strategy would you choose?"

I’d take down Chicken Ball during the first ambush—just watch me.

...I see. Quite the confidence you have there.

Kiwaka lets a shadowed smile rise, as if the confidence were something to envy.

Dawson waves a hand, correcting the misunderstanding.

"Because I came up through the orphanage school to the Officer Academy, people kept finding fault with me. I just had to believe in myself."

"Believe in yourself?"

"Isn’t that what they say? That as long as there’s one ally, a person can carry on. So long as I stay my own ally, there’s nothing to fear."

A reckless argument, yet it fit Dawson perfectly.

Hikane, whose long military career had spanned decades, watches the young officers’ conversation with a gaze tinged with nostalgia.

Oine, Beira, and Cori observe the scene with quiet contemplation, as if witnessing a form of human youth.

Ida, meanwhile, focused on another matter.

"Dawson Captain. The enemy will launch a close-combat assault, yes? Then it is my turn to act."

Dawson, caught off guard by the spontaneous offer, hesitated.

"An assault on the Chicken Ball is only one possibility. We do not know if they will actually come."

"Preparedness prevents harm. Constructing defensive positions at key points on the Chicken Ball would be no loss, I believe."

"Such matters are managed by General Kernel, I assume."

It is not acceptable. General Kernel is skilled in managing the Chicken Ball, but lacks experience in combat. If defensive positions are built in the wrong places, the results would be unacceptable.

Ida's assessment was accurate. Dawson understood the intent behind her words.

"You're planning to take advantage of the enemy's advance and fire without restraint."

"Ugh—w-was that unacceptable?"

"No. If the enemy initiates close combat, I have no objection as long as you hold the line. If Ida wishes to oversee internal defense of the Chicken Ball, she may coordinate with General Kernel to construct defensive positions."

"Understood! This is where my skills shine!"

Ida's enthusiasm stood in contrast to Corry, who hesitantly raised a hand.

"A-ah, what about the Sparrow Hawk?"

Engage the S.U. space fleet outside the Chicken Ball with the Escort Battlecruiser. Currently, the Chicken Ball's most potent combat vessel. It must be used effectively.

Who will issue the defensive commands for the Chicken Ball?

General Kernel—wait, just now Ida called you a combat novice.

You seem uncertain about your capability.

Then there is only one option. Oine. Have you reviewed Colonel Goudo's military record and combat achievements?

Of course. I've even retrieved his Academy performance records.

Oine presented Colonel Goudo's military capabilities to Dawson.

Dawson reviewed the information thoroughly. Made a decision.

If hostilities with the S.U. Space Force begin, Colonel Goudo will assume command of the Chicken Ball defense. His capabilities appear sufficient for that task.

Shouldn’t we inform him in advance?

Colonel Goudo is currently occupied with artificial intelligence instruction. There must be no distraction that compromises the quality of the training.

For this reason, Dawson blocked all communication with Goudo.

Seeing the evaluation of Goudo stating he was weak in complex situations and improvisation, Dawson feared that assigning him additional tasks might result in subpar outcomes for both the AI education and the Chicken Ball defense.

At this time, Dawson felt the most effective strategy was to focus on enhancing the artificial intelligence education, the most critical resource, and only afterward redirect efforts to the defense of the Chicken Ball.

"Besides, he’s said to be proficient in following established procedures. Personnel like that perform best in fixed, isolated defense positions. Even if communication is delayed, providing the manual would enable immediate response."

Dawson revised his assessment of Goudo and continued implementing measures necessary for the defense of the Chicken Ball.