Episode 77 Situation Update
The battle between SU Space Force and <> progressed slowly, step by step.
SU Space Force attempted to destroy the defense weapons located on <>'s surface. Long-range artillery from <>, along with fire from the Sparrow Hawk and the Escort Battlecruiser, inflicted damage on SU Space Force vessels.
The effect of either side's attacks was negligible. Minor damage accrued on both sides.
A stalemate. Dawson showed no sign of urgency.
"Here we have a base. They are the ones who came out. If both sides suffer equal damage, then we have the advantage. We possess repair systems."
He explained this to the crew. But the issue was not nonexistent.
It was fatigue accumulating over a prolonged engagement.
"Hitokane and Kiwaka, go to rest first. Then it will be Bera and Cori."
Dawson's order elicited a questioning look from Kiwaka.
"Even the artificial intelligences, Bera-san and the others?"
"Artificial intelligences experience fatigue too. They require time for memory consolidation. Besides, these two are S.U.-made AIs. Since they are based on developing technology, they must be properly rested and their condition verified."
"I see. And you, Captain Dawson and Oine, won't be resting?"
"I can take a nap from the captain's chair. Oine—would you like to return to your quarters?"
"No. I've done little work and feel no fatigue. I can continue as is."
Upon hearing this reply, Hitokane and Kiwaka withdrew to their quarters.
The two-hour rest period ended without any change in conditions. This time, Beira and Corry returned to their quarters.
During this time, Dawson periodically closed his eyes for brief naps, then reopened them to verify the current status.
"Ugh... the enemy is putting in real effort..."
A muffled remark, barely suppressing a yawn, but accurate nonetheless.
The SU Fleet had remained operational without interruption since the start of the conflict.
The SU Fleet lacked artificial intelligence. It operated through human personnel and electronic support systems. The accumulation of fatigue among its crew should be incomparable to that of the Sparrow Hawk's crew.
Yet the SU Fleet's vessels continued evasive maneuvers and sustained fire.
There's no function for exiting planetary orbit in Chicken Ball, so it would make sense to maintain distance and take a break.
Oine smiles in response to Dawson's complaint.
"You say that, yet you'd move to exploit any such attempt by the enemy fleet?"
"Of course. Swap positions with the friendly fleet stationed at the poles and the pirate ships still holding position. Then advance rapidly along the planetary orbit with the friendly fleet and attack from behind the enemy fleet."
"Perhaps you're hoping to push the enemy fleet into Chicken Ball's critical range?"
"It's the quickest way to end the engagement."
Dawson falls silent, lost in thought.
"...Oine. Contact Chicken Ball. Ask if there are any directives from the corporations."
"Yes. I'll check—apparently they haven't arrived."
"Hm."
Dawson considered further, then relayed orders through General Kernel at Chicken Ball to several pirate vessels.
"Confirm the orbital zone Chicken Ball is traversing."
The request, unusually high in credits for a simple patrol, prompted the pirate ships to move quickly.
The other crew members regarded Dawson’s actions with suspicion.
Oine, speaking for them, asked.
"Since there's no role for the pirate ships in combat, you're assigning them other tasks to divert their dissatisfaction?"
"Partly. But the enemy fleet's movements are inconsistent."
"Movement?"
"They should know they can't seize Chicken Ball with that fleet. Yet they keep attacking, slowly and repeatedly. Even if we assume the enemy commander is incompetent, the pattern doesn't make sense."
"Even if incompetent?"
"If they were incompetent, they would either panic and launch a full assault in a static situation, or try various tactics one after another if results don't appear. But those forces keep conducting prolonged long-range attacks. It makes more sense to assume they are doing so with intent."
"Could it be Dawson’s overthinking?"
"Of course, that’s possible. If he’s overthinking, then fine. But considering the remote chance, it seemed better to assign idle pirates to patrol with our available forces."
"What kind of remote chance?"
"The worst possibility is that a separate unit of the S.U. Space Fleet is positioned ahead of the Chicken Ball’s orbit around the planet. Next most likely is that reinforcements are arriving and will join them."
"So you moved the pirates to eliminate that worst possibility."
Indeed, Dawson’s caution proved correct. The pirates’ communication response came immediately.
Chicken Ball’s forces are gathering on the opposite side of the planet—S.U. Space Force units. A significant number. More than the ones currently fighting Chicken Ball—Damn it, they’ve been spotted!
“Tch, stupid pirates.”
Dawson muttered the insult before he could stop himself.
It was not just that the pirates had been found by the S.U. Space Force’s reconnaissance unit. It was also the fact that they had transmitted at full power despite the distance.
This was equivalent to announcing to the entire planetary sector that the reconnaissance unit had been located.
Indeed, the S.U. Space Force vessels currently attacking Chicken Ball began moving. They formed groups of approximately one hundred and started approaching the north and south poles.
The target is clear. Hold back the AI fleet led by Sparrow Hawk and the fleet including the Escort Battlecruisers. Then approach with a strike group from the orbital direction and encircle them.
One foolish move by the pirates tilted the situation decisively against them.
Dawson considered multiple options and made a decision.
"Leave the polar orbital zones to the pirates. Concentrate Sparrow Hawk and the Escort Battlecruisers. Use fifty vessels to engage the strike group."
"Are you sure that will work, Dawson?"
Dawson returned a smile to Oine's confirmation.
"There are ways. It won't be without losses, though."
Dawson quickly compiled a tactic in his mind and began preparations to destroy the enemy strike group.