Chapter 103: Improper Request

Dawson and the others returned to Chicken Ball.

They expected to rest at a base—what could be called a home—but the atmosphere of trouble arrived immediately.

"Commander Goud wants me to come to the Administrator's Office?"

Dawson asked, puzzled. Beela, the communications officer, nodded.

"That's right~. Something urgent~."

"...Oine. Any information about issues related to Chicken Ball or corporate matters?"

"There's no such report. Since the separation from S.U., the corporations and their controlled regions appear stable."

Oine, too, did not understand why she had been summoned, deepening Dawson's confusion.

"If I was called, I must go."

If the reason was unknown, the only option was to ask directly.

Dawson made up his mind and headed toward the Administrator's Office, where Goud was waiting.

Chicken Ball Administrator's Office.

Dawson entered and saw Goud seated across the desk. At Goud's side stood Aifo.

That the two were present was within Dawson's expectations.

An unexpected detail was the presence of two other Captains—Tairo and Miiko—who had arrived with Jinku from Amato Imperial Japan.

Dawson questioned the presence of Taiko and Miiko, but focused his attention on Goud, the one who had summoned him.

"You said you called me. Is there an issue? Or something you want done?"

Dawson spoke without formal address. Goud responded with a faintly pale, half-smile.

"No, no issue, no task. I simply thought I'd like to discuss your recent performance. You've been doing quite well."

Dawson tilts his head, as if something were caught between his teeth.

"My activities should have been reported in the official document."

Dawson reviews the report created by Oine, adds the title 'Special Lieutenant, Amato Imperial Japan,' and sends it to Amato Imperial Japan via routine transmission. He also includes a supplementary update for Goudo at the same time.

Goudo should have known Dawson's current status.

Yet Goudo's intent seemed not to be about that.

"I am aware of your accomplishments. Still, some believe your actions have been overly unilateral."

Goudo speaks with an accusatory tone, yet his expression and voice tremble as if afraid of losing Dawson’s trust.

His demeanor suggests he is speaking against his will.

When considering who might be giving orders, the answer lies in the two individuals present here whose presence is unnatural.

"Indeed. You find it unacceptable that a youth, newly graduated from the Officer Academy and only a year into service, is achieving results one after another?"

As Dawson directs his gaze toward Tyro and Miko, Goudo’s complexion turns even paler.

"I-I don’t mean that exactly, but still... hoarding credit is something that’s universally disliked in the military."

"I’m not hoarding anything. I brought the aircraft, the Mozu, properly assigned to Major Jinku and Lieutenant Makoto."

"But you didn’t speak to the two of them, did you? That’s true, isn’t it?"

"I didn’t see the need. People of higher rank don’t usually engage in piracy, do they?"

Dawson showed no sign of yielding, and Goud’s pallor deepened.

Concerned by the worsening hue, Ifo, stationed beside Goud, interjected.

“Special Lieutenant Dawson. Direct question. The speech that unsettled the SU government and the Space Fleet. Are you willing to transfer credit for that achievement to us?”

Dawson found amusement in the blunt, unfeeling demand.

“So you want it claimed that you orchestrated that speech?”

“Precisely. That speech has already caused significant disruption within the SU government and the Space Fleet. The effects are expected to persist. Therefore, we have judged the achievement to be substantial.”

“You recognize the achievement is substantial. And yet you demand it be handed over?”

It is not an unfavorable arrangement. Dawson Special Lieutenant has secured promotion to Captain through the destruction of numerous S.U. Navy vessels. Adding the merit of the speech does not permit advancement to staff officer rank.

A newly graduated officer advancing two ranks consecutively within two years is already exceptional. Advancing two ranks at once—except in the case of death—is not feasible.

The merit from the speech will be discarded upon promotion to Captain. We transfer that discarded merit to you as a loan. This is not an unfavorable arrangement.

Dawson’s primary objective as a military officer is to survive, continue receiving pay from the Star Navy, and remit it to the orphanage.

Given that objective, it makes no difference to promotion if he relinquishes merit that would not affect advancement. It is acceptable to give it up.

Yet as a personal principle, Dawson could not accept the behavior of an incompetent individual claiming credit as if it were their own.

"Does it not embarrass you to desire the achievements of someone from a lower rank? If you want credit, earn it through action."

"Your opinion is entirely valid. So, hand over the credit for the speech, then?"

Regardless of the circumstances, Dawson began to doubt whether his words were reaching the other person.

"If you truly desire it so much, there is a proper way to ask. If politeness is maintained even among acquaintances, then you should show proper respect even when demanding something unreasonable from someone junior and of lower rank."

"Show proper respect, and I will give you the speech credit?"

"Good? No. But I am still human. If asked properly, I might feel obligated in return."

Dawson disliked people who acted superior simply because of age or rank, despite lacking ability.

Conversely, he found such people somewhat admirable if they showed proper respect to those of lower age or rank, regardless of what they thought internally.

The intention behind this preference seemed to have been understood. Ifo quietly stepped away from Goudo and approached Dawson.

Then, without hesitation, he knelt on the floor, settled into a neat seiza, and bowed deeply, forehead touching the ground.

"Special Lieutenant Dawson. Please accept the credit for the speech. I beg you, in humble submission."

Dawson stared, taken aback. He had not expected such a gesture.

"Is it really necessary to go this far?"

"There is no other way I can properly show my gratitude. Please."

Dawson knelt in submission. Emotions wavered between acceptance and refusal. Eventually, he inclined toward yielding his achievement.

Understood. I yield the merit—

Dawson had made the decision, but the presence of Tylor and Miiko, lingering in spectator mode, was still irksome.

The credit for the speech would inevitably become a shared possession of Goud, Tyro, and Miko the moment it was handed over.

Dawson’s rebellious spirit rose at the thought of such men being credited with accomplishments.

— I will yield, but only to Major Aifo. What happens after is up to Major Aifo. If it is passed on to someone else, then a return equivalent to the prostration will be demanded.

Thank you for the advice.

Dawson kept his gaze on Aifo, still kneeling, and exhaled faintly as he turned toward Goud. He looked to ask with his eyes if the matter was concluded. A gesture replied that there was nothing else.

Then, Dawson decided to make one thing clear.

“The credit for the speech has been transferred. The responsibility for the speech is now Aifo’s. Keep that in mind. If you come crying later, claiming the speech caused serious consequences, I will have no connection to it.”

How did the others receive Dawson’s words?

Aifo’s expression remained hidden, still kneeling.

Goud watched Aifo with concern, seemingly not listening.

Tairo and Miko wore expressions as if Dawson’s words were the distant howl of a defeated dog losing its prize.

Dawson convinced himself he had delivered the warning, despite the dissatisfaction he felt, and exited the manager's office.