Episode 113: Training Continues
One week into simulated combat between the mercenary fleet and the artificial intelligence fleet.
Dawson remained aboard the AI fleet’s flagship, conducting tasks unrelated to the simulation.
Who currently commanded the artificial intelligence fleet?
That was Makoto, assisted by Oine.
"Suppress the enemy main force while weakening them with a diversionary unit! Destroyer fleet, advance!"
Makoto’s fleet operations consistently seized initiative through immediate decisions, favoring decisive, rapid assaults when opportunity arose.
Though occasionally prone to misjudgment due to inexperience, Makoto corrected errors swiftly, resulting in remarkably low casualties—a rare characteristic.
In contrast, the mercenary fleet is thrown into disarray by Makoto’s sudden, relentless advances.
The ability to disrupt enemy formations is clearly a skill learned during Officer Academy under Dawson’s instruction.
“Destroyer squadron, withdraw. If the enemy pursues, repel with fire. If they do not follow, increase pressure on the main force!”
Oine complies with a faintly dissatisfied expression, responding to Makoto’s energetic commands.
It appears Oine is transmitting Makoto’s orders to the AI fleet only because Dawson requested it.
As an artificial intelligence, Oine normally finds fulfillment in serving humans. The reluctance in Oine’s demeanor toward Makoto’s directives feels incongruous.
This may be due to Oine's recognition of Dawson as her owner, or perhaps an attempt to deter Makoto from issuing orders as casually in the future.
Regardless of attitude, Makoto's AI fleet gradually, steadily presses the mercenary fleet into retreat.
"Either make a decisive move now, or issue a withdrawal order—the mercenaries must choose."
As Dawson speaks while working, the mercenary fleet appears to respond, attempting to increase distance from the AI fleet.
Withdrawal, however, falls into the more difficult categories of fleet operations.
An unguarded retreat triggers a full-scale assault from the AI fleet.
"War cry! War cry! Full-scale attack!"
Makoto advanced the entire AI fleet at full speed with unbridled enthusiasm. Destroyers and fast Orbit Patrol Cruisers led the charge, while heavily armed vessels provided supporting fire to clear the path.
The mercenary fleet scrambled to respond, but their poor fleet management became evident, resulting in a decisive defeat.
With the simulated battle between Makoto and the mercenaries concluded, Dawson’s work reached a temporary completion.
"Good. Unit assignments are finalized."
Displayed on Dawson’s spatial projection monitor was a combination of mercenaries and AI ships.
Each mercenary had a rank assigned by ability, along with a recommended ship type. The AI ships also had reference data based on differences in manufacturing and training.
Dawson had been adjusting the fleet reorganization plan since earlier, aiming for a balanced distribution between the two groups.
Based on this list, Dawson issued orders dividing the mercenaries into two fleets.
The result was a fleet led by the corporate mercenary Federe, and another led by the former pirate mercenary Passer. Within each fleet, specific mercenaries were permanently paired with AI-controlled ships.
"From now on, operations will proceed under these two fleets. For tasks that do not require full fleet deployment, I will assign individual squads."
There was no objection from Federe or Passer. But complaints arose from the other mercenaries.
Numerous complaints, transmitted via full-bandwidth comms, all centered on Dawson's interference in personnel assignments.
Dawson suppressed a sigh and chose to roar in a rough, piratical tone.
"Shut up! You lot haven't even learned the basics of fleet operations—how could you possibly manage ship assignments properly? Or what? You want to pair off with your favorites? If you're so eager to play nice, then quit being mercenaries and go back to elementary school right now!"
To everyone's surprise, Federé stepped in to support Dawson's position.
"That's right. The fleet arrangement proposed by pirate Dawson is well thought out. Let's try it for now. If it fails, we can adjust assignments later. That's acceptable, isn't it?"
Dawson nodded in response to the final question.
My role is one month—two weeks remaining. After that, you are disposable. Beyond that, your actions no longer matter. Do as you please.
Then, two weeks remain. We will follow your instructions.
Fidera asked the mercenaries for agreement. Nearly all accepted, reasoning that if Fidera said so, it was acceptable.
Those who hesitated were persuaded by Passer, the other fleet’s commander. Ultimately, all mercenaries agreed to follow Dawson’s orders.
No further complaints. We will conduct a simulated battle with the two divided fleets. Forces are evenly distributed. If one side loses repeatedly, that side will receive penalties. If any sign of deliberate restraint is observed, all mercenaries will receive penalties. Be prepared for that.
Dawson ended his statement and terminated the communication.
He maneuvered the boarding vessel and returned to the Coaster's artificial satellite.
Once Dawson had left the combat zone, the mercenaries split into two fleets and began exchanging simulated fire in the drill exercise.
The mercenaries appeared to be taking the drill seriously, as if they felt a dread toward Dawson's failure to elaborate on the penalties.