Chapter 119: Chaos, Proceeding Smoothly

Dawson leads the fleet in continuing attacks on the inhabited satellites.

By the fourth location, the satellite's personnel cease unnecessary resistance, allowing for swift seizure of supplies.

"Too bad. Next time, station more fleet units or hire stronger mercenaries."

Dawson sends a pirate-style message to the satellite's administrator, then initiates movement with the fleet fully loaded with seized supplies.

During the return journey to Chicken Ball, Dawson uploads information about this raid to the network. He publicly broadcasts the incompetence of the SU Fleet.

For the foreseeable future, the SU Fleet remains a target of criticism.

"Given the level of disruption we've caused, the SU government should no longer be sending settlers to Amato Sector for several years."

"Across various regions, protests have been demanding that resources allocated for sending settlers to other sectors be redirected toward strengthening defense forces."

On the spatial projection monitor Oine had deployed, large-scale demonstrations were being broadcast from multiple locations across the SU space.

The locations of these demonstrations were mostly remote, habitable artificial satellites or planets.

Yet, demonstrations were also occurring on a few major planets.

"Why are people in secure, affluent positions—government and military officials—participating in these protests?"

Kiwaka asked, curious. Dawson already knew the answer.

"Because they're involved. And because they have time."

"What do you mean by that?"

Because they hold key positions, they can demonstrate solidarity with residents and gain support more easily. If they gain support, they can increase their influence within the key positions' organization. Additionally, if security deteriorates too much, even key personnel may be deployed to the front lines. There may be an intention to attract mercenaries by showing they understand the risk and declaring they will protect themselves—people willing to die without hesitation.

So they're doing this for entertainment?

This is a public demonstration with clear pre-approval from the government or the space fleet. The content of the signs and speeches is predetermined. It is merely a performance to gain visibility. If they can gain visibility during idle time, it is a profitable use of time.

Dawson activated a new monitor and performed a search using a specific keyword. He then transmitted the results to Kiwaka.

Upon reviewing the content, Kiwaka found comments about the impression of senior officials conducting a demonstration.

'Good to know there are human rights advocates among government officials.' 'Not all of government is corrupt.' 'The弃民 policy must be the result of a few individuals acting on their own.'

Positive remarks lined up. Kiwaka sensed deliberate manipulation.

"Are you using this for impression management operations?"

"An effective way to reduce dissatisfaction. People are easily influenced by others' opinions."

Even if one believes oneself to be white, if the majority claims black, human nature inclines toward concealing one's own opinion and conforming to the majority view.

If footage of high-ranking officials participating in the demonstration is disseminated, and the government and space forces issue numerous statements claiming they are not at fault, it is expected that observers at this location will refrain from criticizing the government and space forces.

This method requires minimal operational cost yet promises significant effect. There is no reason not to implement it.

"However. The fact that they resort to such tactics proves they are desperate. If they had a means to overthrow us, they would publicize it openly. That would directly stabilize order and alleviate public anxiety."

"Are they resorting to improvisation because they lack sufficient material for public relations?"

"Band-aid solutions are ultimately temporary. If we continue attacks on inhabited satellites or inhabited planets, their measures will become insufficient. The real test comes after that."

"Is that so?"

Dawson held up three fingers in response to Kiyoka’s questioning tone.

“Three measures available to SU side. First, locate our position and eliminate us. Remove the cause, and order in SU space will be restored. Second, increase defensive capabilities across all space sectors to prevent further raids. Without raids, public anxiety will subside. Third, isolate locations where dissenters exist from the social system. Treat them as nonexistent. This limits impact on others.”

Kiyoka frowned, displeased by the third option.

“First and second, I understand. But third doesn’t resolve anything.”

“Cost effectiveness is highest for the third. The government only needs to exclude them from the system. A few system engineers can implement it within one or two days.”

The other two require moving fleets, which demands substantial funding.

Moreover, if the dispatched fleet were to lose to pirates, restoring order would be hopeless.

Given the high risk involved, it is more effective to abandon unnecessary satellites or planets and isolate them from the system for ideological control. Limiting information will cause people to mistakenly believe the problem has vanished, thus ceasing criticism of the government.

This method, requiring minimal effort and funds, is logically sound for restoring order.

It does not, however, resolve the underlying issue.

"That kind of deception cannot be tolerated."

Kiwaka speaks with anger. Dawson responds with a faint smile.

"The upper echelons of the S.U. government and the space navy likely believe that if it benefits them, that is sufficient. As long as their rights and authority are not threatened, they care little."

Dawson adjusted the course after the discussion veered off-topic.

"Regardless, the government has only three active options. There is one additional possibility, if one considers unconventional methods."

"What is it?"

"Forming a secret alliance with pirates. Offer them payment in advance, and ask them not to attack inhabited satellites or planets. Alternatively, request that they may raid one star system, but not another."

Immediately after Dawson explained this, Beila reported a communication.

"Dawson-sama~. A message has come from Goudo, the manager of Chicken Ball~."

"Did they specify the purpose?"

"Seems like they're being approached by the S.U. government for negotiations. They want to consult~."

"...Is there flexibility on the response deadline?"

"Um, about ten days, apparently~?"

Dawson remained silent for a moment. Then he relayed the reply to Beila.

Talk after returning to Chicken Ball. Communications could be cut off abruptly on one side.

All bridge crew except Dawson wondered why there was a risk of losing communications.