Chapter 129: The Path Forward
Major Miiho had accepted Dawson's command.
Goudo was the administrator of the Chicken Ball, but he would not hesitate to cooperate if Dawson made a request.
This made Dawson, despite being a Special Lieutenant, the de facto commander of the Amato Imperial Japan Star Navy's Orion Arm sector.
Yet Dawson wore a bitter expression, as though he regretted being drawn into complications.
Oine found this strange and decided to ask about it.
"Isn't it better now that the unnecessary interference is gone? Are you dissatisfied?"
"I'm just a young man, barely a year out of the Officer Academy, and a Special Lieutenant at that. Having to deal with someone older and higher in rank requires constant caution. And Major Miiho is from the noble faction—someone from a different faction than me. That makes it even more difficult."
"In Amato Imperial Japan, information indicates there is an atmosphere welcoming those capable to rise to positions of authority?"
"That part is accurate. If that atmosphere did not exist, Major Miiho would not have chosen to serve under me."
It was precisely because of Amato Imperial Japan’s unique perspective that Major Miiho made the decision to serve under Dawson. She knew this decision would be understood within Amato Imperial Japan.
"In the SU Space Fleet, such a reversal of seniority and rank hierarchy does not seem to occur. If someone like Major Miiho tried that in the SU Space Fleet, they would be considered insane."
"In the SU Space Fleet, it appears the pattern is for a superior to claim credit for a capable subordinate’s achievements in order to advance, and in return elevate that capable subordinate."
"Without favor from above, one might simply have their achievements taken and be left behind."
Evaluation determined by superior's mood undermines organizational integrity.
A world where advancement depends not on practical ability but on drumming talent causes diligent workers to decrease, since effort goes unacknowledged.
When the undiligent rise to leadership, they pursue only personal gain, and corruption and bribery spread.
If such corruption continues, the organization decays from within and eventually spreads to society at large.
Eventually, those in higher positions oppress those below, and this becomes routine. Society stiffens and loses capacity for development.
This final stage describes the current state of the SU government in the Orion Arm.
Yet the Amato Imperial Japan principle of "those with ability should rise to leadership" is not without its own flaws.
Those with ability rise quickly. Those with lesser ability never rise.
If advancement remains impossible no matter how much one hones their skill, people cease effort and turn to easier methods. They begin to sabotage capable individuals, causing failure to prevent advancement.
Such sabotage only blocks opportunities for capable people and hinders personal growth. It produces no benefit to society.
If such unproductive behavior spreads, it causes societal rigidity.
Amato Imperial Japan officially recognizes "resisting obstruction" as a necessary skill. Only truly capable individuals can advance easily. This mechanism prevents rigidity, to some extent.
Regardless, I must show the aristocracy that I am capable—through Major Miko. Otherwise, they will obstruct our operations using their usual backdoor negotiations.
The aristocracy is currently securing leverage in the rear operations chamber. They probably won’t do anything reckless.
Not necessarily. The aristocracy has extensive experience in eliminating rivals. They might resort to tactics I can’t anticipate.
If Dawson can’t foresee it, then it’s likely outside the realm of military operations.
Exactly. I am only a soldier and officer by training. My knowledge of politics, economics, and commerce is limited. If they attack from that direction, I might not be able to respond effectively.
It was precisely because such a future could be foreseen that Dawson wore an expression suggesting annoyance.
But what concerned Oine was something else.
"You don't say 'can't handle it'—you're quite confident, Dawson."
"Ultimately, your only ally is yourself. So what else can you do but trust yourself?"
With Dawson's mindset briefly revealed, Oine turned to asking about specific future strategy.
"SU side lost the Heaven Hailou, but they're constructing a new model. Meanwhile, the anti-SU forces have seen a drop in funding and supporters after the Tenshin Koudan suffered a major defeat. It feels like quite an unequal exchange, doesn't it?"
This incident is, at most, an uprising within SU’s space domain. While dissatisfaction toward SU’s government has declined, TR and corporations have not suffered damage. On the contrary, observing the conflict allowed assessment of SU’s space fleet’s limits. This is valuable information.
What about the pirates? SU’s space fleet has announced increased efforts against piracy.
Partially serious, but mostly intended to deter pirate activity through intimidation. SU’s space fleet has endured consecutive setbacks—defense against the Hamano Onna, the war with TR, and the defense of Heaven Hailou. Now they are also guarding the successor model under construction. Their capacity to suppress piracy must be severely strained.
If pirate raids occur again on habitable planets or moons here, discontent could arise once more. Therefore, Dawson sees SU’s strong statement against piracy as a deterrent.
If SU’s intentions are visible, then Dawson knows what must be done next.
They will raid SU’s habitable planets and moons once more. And then, one additional step.
What method?
Nothing significant. A new resistance organization to replace the Tenshin Koudan. Plant the seeds across the network.
Dawson’s expression turned calculating. His earlier displeasure vanished. He walked with lighter steps toward the harbor where the Sparrow Hawk was moored.