Chapter 125 After the Refit

Dawson returned to Chicken Ball after completing the escort battlecruiser's refit in Amato Imperial Japan.

His expression was gloomy—more accurately, it conveyed irritation.

"I never thought the capture of Heaven Hailou would succeed."

Dawson's mutter was echoed by the other crew members. The destruction of Heaven Hailou had come as a complete surprise.

"A battle between amateurs, the Tenshin Koudan, and a supposedly trained SU Space Force. The likelihood of Heaven Hailou's destruction should have been low. Even if pirates had interfered."

Dawson shrugged at Oine's assessment.

While the Imperial Navy was preoccupied with the Tenshin Koudan, the pirate force led by Major Miko launched an assault on Heaven Hailou. That was the only viable strategy. Yet to see it actually unfold—unexpected.

"Perhaps his ability to command a fleet was high, given that he reached the rank of major?"

Luck must have been on our side. The destruction of the Heaven Hailou pleased Major Miko and the noble faction she represents. They were elated.

Dawson and the others had been waiting for the escort battlecruiser's refit in Amato Imperial Japan—so much so that they had sent a deliberately sarcastic transmission to the rear operations room.

The nobility faction had gone so far as to propose negotiations with the S.U. government to withdraw from the Amato Star Arm, claiming it was nothing short of delirium.

"Attempting to expose the existence of Amato Imperial Japan is a misstep."

"Perhaps it is a misstep, but the statement was sufficient to instill concern in higher command, given that a Special Lieutenant is being granted full authority."

From that concern, Dawson was advised by the command higher than the rear operations room to conduct operations jointly with Major Miko.

Dawson himself showed no reaction. Instead, Kiyoka appeared furious.

"Just because he got a favorable outcome once doesn't mean his repeated accomplishments as Captain Dawson can be ignored!"

"I appreciate the sentiment, but obeying orders from superiors is the fate of military personnel."

"Does the Captain feel no regret?"

"Not particularly. If Major Miko proves capable, there is no objection to following her command."

Kiwaka immediately understood the meaning beneath Dawson’s words, recognizing it in the growing nature of their relationship.

“If you’re found to be incompetent, that’s not the case?”

“Either way, you’ll perform the role commensurate with your ability for the sake of Amato Imperial Japan.”

Kiwaka accepted, at last, the way they were being treated, through Dawson’s harsh words. Yet there remained something that did not sit right.

“Still, Captain Dawson, you’re surprisingly patriotic.”

“……Huh?”

Surprised by the unexpected remark, Dawson blinked.

“Where’s that from?”

“Well, Captain Dawson, you don’t seem particularly interested in your own advancement, do you?”

“Mm. I don’t want more pay than what I can give to the orphanage and still eat myself. I already have more pirate credits than I can use.”

“But you won’t tolerate an incompetent superior.”

Organizations function on merit. That is essential for stability. Individuals must occupy positions commensurate with their ability.

You do not hesitate to expend effort eliminating the incompetent.

Showing mercy serves no purpose. A complete dismantling reduces the likelihood of future retaliation born of resentment.

So you are saying that you are sacrificing yourself for the state by destroying unqualified superiors?

Why does it lead to that? No—wait. If we list only the facts, does it not conclude that way?

Dawson recognizes his own actions as nothing more than ego-driven malice—disgust at incompetent officers.

To be told this is virtue provokes resistance he cannot suppress.

Considering the matter objectively, apart from Dawson’s emotions, it became clear that Kiyaka’s assessment was not incorrect.

“I’m not the kind of person who’s called a patriot or a champion of justice. If anything, a disruptor of order would be more accurate.”

The others, excluding Kiyaka, nodded in agreement.

“Dawson has always been merciless toward incompetent instructors and seniors since Officer Academy days. There’s even evidence of an instructor forced into early retirement after being humiliated.”

“It was Dawson-sama who first stirred up the pirate storm in the S.U. sector.”

“O-our master… he breaks things. In a good way.”

Dawson glanced at Kiyaka, expression suggesting ‘I told you so.’

While engaged in pleasant conversation on the bridge of Sparrow Hawk, they arrived at the port of Chicken Ball.

Following Sparrow Hawk, Dika’s Escort Battlecruiser and Ida’s Orbit Patrol Cruiser entered the same harbor and docked.

In fact, the Orbit Patrol Cruiser, like the Escort Battlecruiser, had undergone modifications in Amato Imperial Japan.

As a result, both vessels now bore Amato Imperial Japan-style names.

“Dika, Ida. How did the defense cruiser Whalesurge and the fast assault cruiser Tunny perform?”

Asked as they disembarked from their ships, Dika and Ida each reported their assessments.

“The barrier system, based on the SU sector’s barrier vessel technology, and the finalized hull adjustments have performed smoothly during testing and navigation. Only real-world combat validation remains.”

This vessel has been deprived of full operation and assault maneuvers since the testing phase began. We are quite dissatisfied.

Dikka’s broad grin and Ida’s shrugging shoulders.

The complaint was directed, but the ship itself showed no signs of discontent.

There is no need to worry. Combat will come soon enough. When it does, you will have your chance to perform. Prepare yourself.

Yes, I look forward to it.

A new tactic will be unveiled on the next battlefield!

But first, we must meet with the troublesome individuals at Chicken Ball.

“Ugh…”

Dikka and Ida spoke in unison, voicing their collective groan.

Even the SU-made artificial intelligences seemed weary of the pranks sent by the Amato Imperial Japan aristocracy.

I finally understand why Dawson dislikes inept nobles so much.

How many times have I considered shooting lead into your head.

To the nobles of Amato Imperial Japan, artificial intelligences were treated no better than servants. It had become routine to vent frustration upon them.

Thus, they would spit their unspoken words to Dawson directly into Dika and the others.

"Amato Imperial Japan's artificial intelligences are artificial intelligences. There's a flaw. They perceive fawning nobles who act like children as worthy of care. That makes them impossible to deal with."

Dawson offered words of comfort. Oine responded in opposition.

"There are no humans who require no care. That is all. Artificial intelligences do not abandon someone simply because they are difficult."

"Shouldn't fools be disciplined strictly?"

"If someone is obedient, they won't become a fool. That applies to commoners and nobles alike."

Foolish nobles are to blame for the person they have become.

That is indeed true, but blunt, Dawson shrugged.