Episode 87 Future Strategy

There was one issue that needed resolution before establishing the Private Military Company.

"Who will serve as the CEO of the company?"

There was only one candidate.

"General Kernel. Will you do it?"

"Appropriate. I will accept the responsibility."

The Private Military Company and the pirates were officially unrelated. General Kernel could not simultaneously serve as both CEO and the leader of Chicken Ball.

That meant a new leader for Chicken Ball was required.

A new artificial intelligence could be installed, but Chicken Ball was an outpost of Amato Imperial Japan. The leader must be someone familiar with Amato Imperial Japan.

There was only one possible candidate.

"Goudu Colonel. I would like you to become the leader of Chicken Ball."

"M-me? I'm supposed to?"

Goudu was bewildered by the sudden proposal.

"Ah. If you have experience commanding a base, you're the right person for this role."

"With your work in the food district and your performance during the base defense, the pirates won't ignore you. Will you take the position?"

Goudu appeared encouraged by Dawson and General Kernel's words.

"Hmph. If you put it that way, I can't refuse. Very well, leave it to me. I'll ensure Chicken Ball operates without flaw."

Goudu accepted the role of manager. General Kernel was confirmed as the new company's president.

Dawson now resolved to advance one step toward completing his mission.

Returning to Sparrow Hawk, Dawson informed the crew of the new direction.

"Lead a fleet of fifty ships against the SU Space Force. Display the victory as a banner. Forge a new resistance within the SU-controlled space."

Dawson’s sudden declaration prompted Kiwaka to raise a hesitant hand.

"Um, Captain Dawson. It sounds simple, but can it really be done that easily?"

"Striking the SU Space Force is simple. It is an extension of piracy—there is operational precedent. Establishing a new resistance is more speculative. But there is no lack of material for rebellion."

"What material?"

"The SU government and Space Force claim war and colonization, but their true purpose is discarding unnecessary people and obsolete ships. Knowing this fact will inevitably create distrust toward the SU government. People value their lives above all."

Those deemed expendable by the government, upon learning the truth beneath the pretense, will begin to protest.

To quell such protests, there are two methods.

Cease the abandonment policy, or suppress those who protest.

Ceasing abandonment means the SU government must halt colonization of Amato Arm. After all, Amato Arm has long served as a disposal site for people. Even if actual settlers were sent, the recipients would develop the perception of being discarded. The result would be renewed unrest, rendering the cessation of abandonment meaningless.

Suppression risks provoking further unrest. Spreading the claim that suppression is the truth gathers those dissatisfied with the SU government and organizes them into a new resistance group. The group may coordinate with pirates, or receive support from corporations or star systems seeking independence from SU. The applications are limitless. If resistance groups proliferate, the SU government must focus on securing its foundations. As casualties mount in conflict with resistance forces, the justification for abandoning populations diminishes. Interest in the Amato Arm will wane.

In either case, Dawson’s mission benefits.

To advance toward one of these futures, proof of sufficient strength to confront the SU Navy is required.

If they cannot match the strength of the SU government’s military forces, people will raise voices of resistance but ultimately silence themselves out of self-preservation.

"Which is why we must first demonstrate sufficient strength to confront the SU Navy. Then we proceed with information dissemination."

Kiwaka accepted Dawson’s explanation.

At this point, Oine interjected.

"Dawson’s target is currently the SU Navy fleet engaged in war with TR. Are you considering cooperation with the pirates known as Hamano Onna?"

"Acquiring the 'Carryshu' from corporations turns pirate vessels into salvage units for destroyed ships. There is no reason not to use them."

"That may be true. But it would be better to hold back."

Oine projected a new monitor into space and tossed it toward Dawson. Dawson caught it and checked the contents—report from HAMANO ONNA.

"When did you get this report?"

"I made a small adjustment during the time we were active in HAMANO ONNA. To gain access to basic information from that region."

Dawson read through Oine's report, frowning.

"Bad. Security remains stable within the asteroid zone where HAMANO ONNA is hidden. But as soon as they move beyond that zone, pirate destruction rates spike immediately."

The SU Fleet continues its standoff and minor engagements with the TR, steadily reducing the forces of the HAMANO ONNA. The conflict originated when the SU Fleet moved its fleet to expel the HAMANO ONNA, so it is logical that the HAMANO ONNA and the pirates are being targeted with persistence.

They are being hit the moment they exit the sector. Trying to draw them out only accumulates damage without benefit.

Exactly. Therefore, abandoning the idea of using pirates as retrieval assets and focusing solely on destroying the SU Fleet would be more effective.

Dawson considers Oine’s assessment. Corry raises her hand hesitantly.

"Corry. Do you have something to add?"

"Not about pirates. About people dissatisfied with the SU."

"You plan to create something after striking the SU Fleet?"

"Ah, well, if we're going to do it, why not capture those people currently in the SU Fleet deemed unnecessary, and put them to use?"

Dawson considers Corry's hesitant explanation.

"Those who suffered in the war with TR or the pirate conflicts are likely those the SU government has deemed unnecessary. Capture them alive, teach them our objective. They would certainly defect to our side."

"Also, if we make them leaders of the resistance, you wouldn't need to appear in front."

"Reducing the risk of exposing Amato Imperial Japan."

Dawson scratches the back of his head after listening to Corry.

Good suggestion, but now that we’ve eliminated every last one of the attackers from Chicken Ball, that was a mistake.

Eliminating pirates was dirty work. The fleet assigned to it had long been considered expendable by the SU government.

If we’d thought ahead to use those people, we could have saved ourselves one complication at this stage.

“Well, no point dwelling on what’s already happened.”

Dawson lets out a sigh, mutters to himself, then begins formulating a plan combining Oine’s and Corry’s input.