Episode 102: Crossed Intentions

After concluding his conversation with the TR personnel officer, Dawson removed the black-and-white mask he had been wearing.

"Maintaining the form of a request for support—TR clearly doesn’t like relying on pirates."

Dawson gave a wry smile. Oine, meanwhile, wore a look of disbelief at the personnel officer’s attitude.

"If they’d simply said the situation was dire and asked for help, we might have considered assisting. All along, they spoke as if TR forces were still dominant."

"Considering the negotiation was with pirates, that wasn’t bad. Pirates are generally criminals—by nature, they prefer riding the winning side rather than fighting losing battles."

"You can’t seriously believe even foolish pirates would swallow TR forces being dominant?"

Believing the nonsense isn’t necessary. Someone will still be tempted by the offered reward. Still, most pirates would reject such a credit offer as unbalanced, as they did just now.

The negotiation ended without agreement, but neither Dawson nor the recruitment officer left empty-handed.

I’m satisfied that I’ve received permission to return to Chicken Ball. On their side, they can now plan operations that respond to our movements. Not a bad discussion.

Even so. Won’t TR relay information about our fleet movements to SU?

That was factored in. In fact, we’d be troubled if they didn’t pass along some information. At minimum, they must deploy at least one unit against us.

Do you want a fight?

"Idiot. I want the new warship from S.U. Especially that barrier ship—I want it captured and analyzed."

"True, that vessel is rare even in Amato Imperial Japan. But is it worth the risk?"

"Within reason, the risk is worth taking. That ship would expand our tactical options."

Dawson mentally calculated as he issued departure orders to the Sparrow Hawk crew and subordinate fleet.

Dawson's fleet had been damaged during the escape from Hamano Onna, but emergency repairs had been completed during the TR stay.

Not at full readiness, but the current state still ensured operational capability for mission deployment.

"Departing from TR territory soon. Be alert for S.U. Fleet presence."

Kiwaka, the radar operator, nodded with a tense expression in response to Oine’s warning.

Meanwhile, Dawson in the captain’s chair studied the battlefield diagram provided by TR.

The SU and TR fleets were spread across the vastness of space. Areas of intense confrontation alternated with zones of mutual standoff, shifting constantly.

The cycle of rest and combat was dominated by the greater number of SU forces. TR appeared to be reacting, following suit.

The SU strategy was believed to be a time-consuming approach: to exert pressure on the numerically inferior TR through sustainable means, forcing the line to fracture under accumulated strain.

A method of overwhelming force based on numerical superiority.

Dawson identified a point of vulnerability in this approach.

TR held its ground by concentrating its smaller fleet against the numerically superior SU forces.

As a result, fleet density within the SU formation inevitably varied. Denser where the TR fleet was present, sparser where it was not.

Dawson intended to break through at the point of lowest density.

He reasoned that locations distant from combat were more likely to host SU high-ranking personnel—possibly where the new vessels were positioned.

Just as he neared the targeted location, a warning arrived from Kiwaka.

"Enemy contact ahead. Number of vessels approximately equal to ours."

Hearing "equal," Dawson judged the situation optimal.

The SU side possessed numerous vessels. The fleet he commanded was negligible in number when viewed across the entire SU space navy.

Sparrow Hawk and Escort Battlecruisers to the front! Two-line column formation! Accelerate to combat speed! Break through the enemy fleet!

Dawson issued the command. The fleet reformed. Battleships, superior in turret power and armor thickness, served as spear and shield. The column charge formation.

All vessels accelerated. They charged toward the SU space navy vessels detected ahead.

Just as they reached combat range, a communication signal arrived from the SU space navy.

"Dawson. Inquiry received: 'Is Muraga Funsar with your fleet?' How shall we respond?"

Dawson considered why Muraga Funsar was being asked about. Yet he decided against delaying action to satisfy curiosity. The opportunity cost of hesitation was too great.

"Reply with 'There is no such person.' Close to engagement range. Prepare for broadside combat!"

The S.U. side altered formation, having recognized Dawson’s intent to attack without negotiation.

Through the maximum magnification of the sniper observation system, the enemy fleet finally became visible.

Seeing the ships engaged in combat within the enemy fleet, Dawson felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Good fortune. One barrier vessel is present."

The enemy fleet had positioned the usual barrier vessel at the front, shielding the rest behind it.

With the barrier vessel's defensive capability, they could absorb enemy attacks while delivering one-sided counterfire.

An unorthodox formation for the S.U. space fleet.

Yet Dawson had already assumed the enemy possessed a barrier vessel and maintained a two-column line formation.

Fire at will. Maintain relative velocity while gradually increasing separation between the columns.

As Dawson instructed, the distance between the lead Sparrow Hawks and the Escort Battlecruisers in the two columns slowly increased.

Meanwhile, the enemy fired shots from behind the barrier vessel—clearly a feint. The precision and power of the fire suggested a high-caliber unit, approaching that of a Battleship.

Do not falter. Continue the assault. Target the barrier vessel, but also engage the ships hidden behind it.

The distance between Dawson’s fleet and the enemy fleet decreased.

Both sides entered the critical range for Charged Particle Beam fire.

Do not reduce fire. Form a barrage. Maintain formation while executing evasive maneuvers.

The following friendly ships adjusted their movements in coordination with the Sparrow Hawk. Enemy fire passed just beside the vessel.

The escort battlecruiser performed evasive maneuvers and fired in parallel.

The enemy fleet appeared to struggle with Dawson’s fleet's tactics.

From the SU fleet’s perspective, Dawson’s fleet approached in two columns, right and left. Yet only one barrier ship existed. Even if the barrier ship countered one column, the other would deliver heavy fire.

But standing idle was not an option. The outcome was clear: Dawson’s fleet would pass through the SU fleet’s flanks, executing a pincer attack.

The SU fleet made its decision.

To use the barrier ship to block the column leading with the escort battlecruiser.

The choice was within Dawson’s expectations.

“The Escort Battlecruiser has the size of a Battleship. Conversely, the Sparrow Hawk appears only slightly larger than an Orbit Patrol Cruiser. Judging by appearance, it is logical that the larger vessel would lead the formation.”

Dawson had prepared a trap, anticipating the enemy’s selection to defend against the Escort Battlecruiser.

Hidden within the center of the Sparrow Hawk formation was a Battleship of the Sparrow Hawk class—the Mozu. Two Battleships would tear the enemy fleet apart.

“Sparrow Hawk formation, maximum speed. Close with the enemy immediately and destroy the vessels concealed behind the barrier ship with gunfire.”

Speed adjusted to maximum, synchronized with the Escort Battlecruiser. All vessels in formation surged forward as if struck.

The enemy fleet misjudged the sudden change in velocity, and fire lanced out in incorrect directions.

Taking advantage of the lack of dangerous incoming fire, the Sparrow Hawk and Mozu closed to optimal targeting range on the enemy vessels hidden behind the barrier ship.

"Begin fire. Scatter the gun emplacement's laser beams. But avoid the barrier ship. We need it captured for analysis."

Targeted fire erupted from the Sparrow Hawk, Mozu, and other AI-controlled vessels.

Ten S.U. ships were destroyed in a single volley, most disabled by a single hit.

The coordinated assault among the S.U. fleet collapses abruptly under the sustained attack. The shock of witnessing nearby comrades destroyed is evident.

Dawson nearly smiles at the thought of total annihilation when a warning arrives from Kiwaka.

"Jump signature detected at a distance from the combat zone. Likely enemy reinforcements."

"Damn. I expected the T.R. to deliberately relay our movements, but the enemy is moving fast."

Dawson abandons the goal of destroying the entire enemy fleet. Instead, he decides to seize the barrier vessel.

"Target the gap between the enemy fleet and the barrier vessel. Destroy the propulsion system of the barrier vessel as well. Escort Battlecruisers and their formation vessels, attach 'Carryshu' to the disabled barrier vessel. Evacuate from the combat zone immediately."

The order was executed. The enemy fleet was scattered by the fire of the Sparrow Hawk and Mozu. The barrier vessel’s propulsion system was destroyed from behind. The 'Carryshu'—a chain equipped with propulsion and jump systems—was launched from the Escort Battlecruisers and other AI vessels, wrapping around the immobilized barrier vessel in multiple layers.

Immediately afterward, the Carryshu activated. The barrier vessel was seized without hesitation.

The barrier vessel moved despite lacking command input. The SU fleet appeared agitated, attempting to stop it.

But as soon as they approached, they became targets of battleship-grade fire from the Sparrow Hawk and Mozu. Their efforts to halt the barrier vessel slowed.

In the meantime, escape pods began ejecting from the barrier vessel. The crew had likely abandoned ship out of self-preservation.

Concerned about whether the barrier vessel’s critical components remain intact, but no choice but to address that later.

Dawson murmured, entering jump preparation alongside the fleet and the barrier vessel.

First, the barrier vessel wrapped in 'Carrier' initiated the jump, followed by the AI vessel adjusting to emerge at the same location. Sparrow Hawk and Mozu unleashed their destructive capability, jumping last.

Five minutes after Dawson’s group initiated the jump.

The SU fleet arrived at the battlefield, beginning rescue operations for survivors in the destroyed vessels and escape pods. Simultaneously, tracking devices were activated to investigate the direction Dawson’s group had jumped toward.