Episode 112: Fleet Maneuvers, in Training

With two leaders designated, the mercenaries would now be drilled in fleet maneuvers centered around them.

Before beginning the activity, I received another directive from General Kernel.

'Please master the artificial intelligence fleet produced by the corporation. Since Ida and the others have experience, it should be simple.'

Dawson felt the task was burdensome, but accepted it on account of its utility in training the mercenaries.

Thus, a simulated combat exercise would be conducted between the mercenary fleet and the corporation's artificial intelligence fleet.

'Well, let's start by thoroughly defeating them.'

Dawson boarded the flagship of the artificial intelligence fleet with Oine and Makoto, taking command.

This vessel appeared to be a direct reuse of an SU Space Force ship, unlike the Amato Imperial Japan-made AI warships, retaining essential life-support systems.

Dawson and the others wore space suits, but they could speak with their helmet visors raised.

"Kotenpan," Makoto said, "the mercenaries have mastered the strategy board. They must have some grasp of fleet combat tactics?"

Dawson shook his head.

"Ships controlled on the strategy board move exactly as instructed—either beneficially or detrimentally. Real fleet operations do not work that way. The mercenaries must learn the gap between electronics and reality."

At that moment, the simulated fleet battle began.

The AI fleet under Dawson's command exchanges simulated fire with the mercenary fleet.

Low-yield Charged Particle Beams are exchanged. Torpedoes with inert warheads fly past each other.

"Idiots! Don't just launch on your own! Don't just run away on your own!"

The voice of the male mercenary leader, now in charge, echoes over the comms.

"Seems the mercenaries are already giving the one who doesn't listen a hard time."

"But the movements of the mercenary fleet appear effective, given the content of the communications."

Dawson nods in response to Oine's question.

"The voice over comms is that of the mercenary who first conquered the tactical board. The other mercenary, the one with the hidden affiliation from the corporation, is not speaking."

"Actually, the older mercenary is the one giving the real orders."

This transmission is likely broadcasting urgency on purpose to provoke our carelessness.

But it's not full-spectrum communication—there is at least some encryption.

Encryption, yes—but the same pattern used by the Chicken Ball pirates. Not a cipher meant for me, a fellow pirate.

I see. So it's encrypted in form, but effectively just full-spectrum communication.

If Dawson's prediction is correct, then the mercenary in question is unusually shrewd.

What was that mercenary's name again?

Registered name as a mercenary? Or the one used by the corporation?

We've only dealt with each other as mercenaries. Use the corporate one.

“That would be Filde Espine. Born in a poor household within the SU-controlled space, employed by a merchant vessel, captured during a pirate raid, and subsequently joined the pirates. From there, when the corporation’s SU branch declared independence, he left piracy and became a mercenary.”

“In reality, he came from a wealthy family, served in the corporation’s combat division, and was recruited into Coaster as an infiltrator based on his combat skills.”

“The goal of embedding corporate influence within Coaster’s mercenary ranks is being achieved.”

In truth, thanks to the mercenary known as Filde, the mercenary fleet operates effectively, making him an indispensable asset.

“The other coordinator—name was Passer, I believe. Hope to see his efforts bear results.”

"Judging by the communication content, you only have the capability of a rookie officer at best."

Makoto responded with a sharp tone, though the reason remained unclear.

"Please don’t compare a rookie officer to that. Anyone who graduated from the Officer Academy is far superior to that."

"Ah, my apologies, Makoto. The standard I’m referring to isn’t an officer from Amato Imperial Japan. It’s an SU Space Fleet standard. Within the SU Space Fleet, a rookie officer is capable of matching that level."

Makoto lowered his weapon, accepting the clarification.

Dawson smiled faintly, continuing his work without looking up.

Makoto glanced sideways at the task.

"Still, senior officer—you’re quite skilled. Directing fleet movements through screen commands like that."

"Nothing different from using a tactical board."

"True, but still—no, I mean, even so—"

As Makoto said, Dawson ran a hand across the spatial projection monitor at his station, issuing commands to the AI fleet.

His posture resembled that of someone playing a game.

In reality, the AI fleet was pushing back the mercenary fleet, confirming that Dawson's commands were precise.

"These are artificial intelligences I'm managing. Directing them this way is faster than using verbal instructions."

"But wouldn't verbal commands allow for more precise movements?"

"That's correct. But if they don't require such precision, then it's better to just operate them that way."

Makoto fell silent, struck by Dawson's casual reply. The fact that Dawson could do this so effortlessly was rare.

Still nearly lost in thought, Makoto shifted the topic.

“How do you assess the mercenary fleet’s movements, senior?”

“Hmm. They’re performing adequately. But they’re not fully leveraging the mercenaries’ strengths. That’s a drawback.”

“Their strengths?”

Makoto tilted his head, unable to recall. Dawson began explaining without emotion.

“Mercenaries excel in individual combat capability. They were pirates originally. They’re better at ambushing and evading than most fleets.”

“You mean they’re not making full use of those strengths?”

“Exactly. If I were commanding the mercenary fleet, I’d divide it into attack units and support units. The attack units would operate freely, and I’d focus on cleaning up behind them with the support fleet. That approach would allow more fluid and dynamic fleet operations.”

“…Easy to say, but that requires a high level of adaptability.”

"Actually, I think situations where fleet commanders don’t need adaptability are fewer than the opposite?"

Hearing Dawson’s assessment, Makoto lowered his shoulders.

"Realizing again that you’re a cadet who graduated second in your class from the Officer Academy, despite coming up through the juvenile school."

"Hmph. The top spot was snatched from me by that idiot prince."

"Comparing yourself to that top graduate already puts you in a different league."

Makoto sighed in resignation when, unfortunately, the flagship of the mercenary fleet was struck directly by artillery fire. The mercenary side’s defeat was now certain.