Episode 89 A New Figure

The SU Space Fleet, engaged in combat with <>.

As the fleet concluded the initial phase of preparation to attack, lightning erupted in the space near <>.

Lightning flashes gradually formed a circle. The interior of the circle bent, as if transformed into a lens, then returned to ordinary appearance.

Yet the appearance was only superficial. The inside and outside of the circle were connected to separate spaces.

Yes, this ring of lightning was a massive jump device based on spatial distortion — a transfer gate known as the Spatial Leap Ring <>.

Three vessels passed through this transfer gate and emerged in the vicinity of <>.

One was a small (pocket) battleship shaped like <>. The other two were heavy cruisers modeled after SU Space Fleet vessels.

From the bridge of the Sparrow Hawk, which had come out to meet them, Dawson watched the three vessels. He restrained a sigh that had risen in his throat.

"Three vessels of a costly class. The rear operations office has tight budget constraints. They must be from another unit."

"Assuming the heavy cruisers are standard, that means they've sent a significant number of personnel."

"Normally, a heavy cruiser captain holds at least a senior officer rank. If all three captains are higher in rank than me..."

"The chain of command could become complicated."

He disliked the idea, yet Dawson sent a transmission toward the three arriving vessels.

Immediately, three spatial projection monitors unfolded before his eyes.

This is Special Lieutenant Dawson Ida. Captain of the battleship Sparrow Hawk, and assigned to a special mission within the SU-controlled space domain.

Dawson saluted while introducing himself, observing the three captains appearing on the monitors.

One was a middle-aged man with a thick build, his hair neatly styled with hair product, a well-trimmed beard, and a crisp military uniform. Gold thread was woven into the fabric at multiple locations, not violating uniform regulations but clearly indicating wealth. He appeared unmistakably noble.

The other was a woman approaching old age, her brown hair streaked with white, her face lined with deep wrinkles. She wore her uniform tightly, yet carried a gentle smile that suggested upbringing and kindness. Her composed posture exuded a refined elegance, making her seem like a high-ranking noblewoman.

The final man appeared somewhat coarse in comparison to the other two, a middle-aged man. His hair was closely cropped, clean-shaven, with thick eyebrows and deep wrinkles between them. His well-muscled frame, pushing against the uniform, suggested a man shaped by honesty and diligence. He did not look like a noble by birth, but like a captain forged in the field.

These three, following Dawson in sequence, introduced themselves.

‘I am Lord Taero Urolji, Captain of the Heavy Cruiser Sparrow Hawk. I have come to support operations in this sector.’

‘Major Miko Neikoji, Captain of the Heavy Cruiser Afecto. I have also been assigned to support operations here.’

‘Captain of the second vessel of the new Battleship Sparrow Hawk class, the Mozu. Lieutenant Colonel Jinku Jekan.’

Their introductions concluded, all present lowered their salutes simultaneously.

Immediately after, the man who introduced himself as Baron Urolji spoke.

‘Now then, Dawson, lieutenant. I wish to place you under my command. Any objection?’

A procedural inquiry, yet unmistakably an order.

Normally, only a ‘Yes’ could be given. Dawson understood, however, that the current situation was exceptional.

‘Regrettably, that request cannot be accepted. I have been granted independent operational authority. I am currently engaged in active operations. Without a formal directive from the rear operations center or its superior authority, I will continue operating as originally authorized.’

Urolji widened his eyes at Dawson’s firm refusal, then began to rage.

‘What are you talking about! A soldier should obey his superior’s command, by all logic!’

Unfortunately, within the Orion Arm, my status is not that of a soldier, but rather that of a pirate holding a privateering license from TR. If you wish for me to abandon piracy and return to military service, then you would need a directive from the Rear Operations Room. Do you possess such a document?

What is this! What kind of tone is that! It doesn’t sound like respect toward a superior at all!

You heard me. I’m a pirate now. Don’t you think it’s wrong to expect manners or proper speech from a pirate?

Uolji repeated the order in a stricter tone, demanding compliance.

However many times it was said, Dawson did not affirm it.

After ten minutes of argument, Major Neikoji cut in from the side.

Both sides must cease here. To persuade Lieutenant Dawson to reconsider, a formal order is truly required. If such an order is not prepared, we have no choice but to relinquish command over him.

What are you saying so lightly! A mere boy like that!

You should not speak so dismissively. Lieutenant Dawson—no, Captain Dawson—is a pirate. If you find that unpleasant, he may fire the Main Cannon at you.

Neikoji spoke with a tone that suggested a joke, yet carried the weight of a real possibility.

Uolji, clearly not expecting the Main Cannon to be fired, turned back to Dawson with shock and urgency.

Surely, he would not actually fire!

Now, what should I do? I have fifty vessels under my command. Losing one heavy cruiser is not a significant loss in terms of combat capability.

— Are you actually going to fire on your own side?

You are a member of the Amato Imperial Japan Stellar Navy, but you are not my ally.

Dawson's words carried a hint of hostility. Uolji responded with stubborn defiance.

— If you are serious about that, I will sink you in combat—

Before Uolji finished speaking, the Main Cannon of Sparrow Hawk fired. A beam of charged particles passed just beside the heavy cruiser Tempalus.

The unannounced shot caused Uolji's blood to run cold. His face shifted from red to pale blue.

Dawson then issued a threat.

"You should know the enemy vessel is already within Sparrow Hawk’s effective range. I have no intention of showing mercy to any opponent. Not even to fools who drag down the fleet with their power struggles or factional bickering."

Dawson spoke coldly. A warning message arrived from Oine.

『The other two turrets have moved. They are now targeting us.』

Dawson acknowledged with a shift in gaze. He quietly prepared for combat with the three opposing vessels, mentally bracing for engagement.

Externally, he maintained composure.

"Then you understand our position. Still, do you intend to continue issuing foolish orders?"

Dawson awaited response.

Uolji seemed to prepare a retort, then froze, remembering he was under fire from the Main Cannon.

Instead of Uolji, who had fallen silent, Neikoji approached with a smile and an apology.

"I'm sorry. Dawson lieutenant has accomplished nearly everything here alone. It's only natural to feel displeased when someone unexpected suddenly demands credit."

"……I see you understand. So, are you prepared to retract your statement? Or not?"

Dawson repeated the question. Neikoji responded with a faint, troubled smile.

"I won't ask to be placed under your command. But I am unfamiliar with the Orion Arm. I would appreciate your assistance, in that sense."

"Are you saying I should prepare the field for your actions?"

"I didn't say that. But as fellow natives of the same arm, wouldn't you consider helping?"

Dawson felt the area was a suitable compromise, speaking with a tone of goodwill. Yet he also felt that accepting the request here with a lenient expression might leave room for future exploitation.

"Earlier I said my fleet and I are engaged in operational deployment. If you're under my command, I welcome you. But?"

『An appealing offer, but I still think it's impractical for a major officer to serve under a lieutenant.』

"Then you should seek help from someone else. Conveniently, a brigadier general is currently within Chicken Ball."

Dawson's proposal: if not under a lieutenant, then under a brigadier general.

Neikoji did not nod immediately.

『I've heard your name is Dawson, lieutenant. Your assistance would be far more valuable.』

"Operation is underway. I'm busy. You may propose your request after the operation concludes. Until then, join Major Goode—either under his command, or operate independently."

Neikoji finally yielded to Dawson's cold dismissal.

"Let us first meet with Major Goode Muko. There is a base. We shall rest there. Lieutenant Dawson, is that acceptable?"

"I am not the one who grants permission. Do as you wish."

"True enough. Then, Lieutenant Dawson, we shall speak again later."

Neikoji ended the transmission. Uuroji followed immediately. Two heavy cruisers, their respective vessels, advanced toward Chicken Ball.

After confirming the heavy cruiser’s Main Cannon was not aligned with Sparrow Hawk, Dawson turned his gaze toward Jinku Zekeen Major, whose communication link remained active.

"Must I repeat what I said to those two?"

A nod from beside him answered Dawson’s dismissive question.

‘You said it yourself a moment ago. If you fall under our command, we welcome you. Is that not correct?’

“Correct. So, are you willing to join?”

‘Yes. Originally, I intended to part ways with those two when we arrived at this Orion Arm. I am a field operative—disdainful of nobility.’

Field operatives were a collective of military officers who valued practical experience and proven results above titles or noble lineage.

And as expected of a meritocratic faction, it harbored a strong aversion to nobles who lacked ability but acted superior.

Dawson fell into this faction by classification of background and temperament. He had no memory of joining, but still belonged.

“If you wish to join, we will accept. But are you certain it is wise?”

“Unnecessary concern. Rather, this request originated from the rear operations chamber.”

“What request?”

“Verify the performance of Special Lieutenant Dawson. Also, mold the rookie officer who recently graduated from the Officer Academy into Dawson’s second guppy.”

Jinku gestured off-screen. Someone stepped into view.

The figure was a young woman in a brand-new officer’s uniform, her expression tense and inexperienced. She clearly had just graduated from the Officer Academy. She saluted Dawson.

'Lieutenant Dawson—no, Special Lieutenant! This is Lieutenant Makoto Momona!'

Dawson looked at the young female lieutenant and felt a sense of familiarity. He searched his memory and recalled.

'Ah. The commoner who was bullied by nobles at the Officer Academy for being incompetent. I taught him how to retaliate, didn't I?'

'Yes. I was deeply grateful for your help back then!'

'No need for thanks. I only taught him how to study. Advised him to beat them with grades.'

'Having you as an ally back then—words cannot express how much I was saved!'

Dawson felt uneasy about being so warmly regarded. He thought, *I didn't do that much.*

Yet, the fact that he recognized her from the past was convenient.

"So, you're introducing Lieutenant Makoto to me because you intend to use her as the link between us?"

"That is correct. The role of a newly graduated lieutenant from the Officer Academy is predetermined: menial duties. Serving as your联络 officer is an appropriate assignment."

"Unfortunately, I became a pirate captain before I could perform menial tasks. I am unfamiliar with your protocols. I'll leave it to you."

Dawson accepted Jinku's assignment to the command of the Sparrow Hawk and agreed to Makoto's role.