Chapter 132: Reconfiguration
After ravaging the area near TR within S.U. space, the Dawson fleet made a temporary return to Chicken Ball.
Dawson had returned multiple times during this operation, selling stolen supplies. This return was different in meaning.
Return for reconfiguration to advance to the next phase.
"Major Miko. Handle the coordination with TR smoothly."
Special Lieutenant Dawson. The SU Space Fleet is beginning to take the pirate suppression seriously. Are you certain you are prepared?
No need to worry—no, worrying would be problematic.
Fufu, that's right. Then, good fortune to you.
Major Miiко absorbed the AI vessels led by Dawson into the fleet and departed for the region located between SU and TR.
With this, Dawson's fleet consisted of four squadrons: the Sparrow Hawk, Mozu, the Whale Wave, and the Tunny Bird.
Of course, these four ships could not fight against the SU Navy. Even Dawson, despite his skill, faced a gap in combat capability so vast that no viable countermeasure came to mind.
How, then, would the reduced combat strength be replenished?
That matter had already been resolved.
"Colonel Goudo. The arrangements are complete, correct?"
Dawson contacted via comms. Immediately, a reply came from Goudo.
"Of course. I've leased warship-class vessels acquired from corporations to pirates, under the condition they serve under Special Lieutenant Dawson."
"Did any pirates object to serving under me?"
"Few did. You've earned substantial gains. Most prefer to benefit from your success."
Data arrives from Goud. Dawson reviews it.
One hundred vessels, small crew, equipped with artificial intelligence disguised as high-performance brains—seventy destroyers, twenty-five Orbit Patrol Cruisers, five heavy cruisers.
Frankly, considering Dawson had previously commanded fifty ships composed of a mix of Orbit Patrol Cruisers and heavy cruisers, the number has doubled. But when factoring in ship type and pirate capability, overall combat strength is roughly equal.
The quality of the pirates listed varies widely. Most are essentially unusable.
Yet among the few heavy cruisers, Goud has concentrated promising candidates—evidence of Goud’s rear-support expertise fully realized.
"There are enough ships. And an officer must make use of any available talent. We can face the S.U. Navy with confidence."
‘...Special Lieutenant Dawson. You’re really going through with this operation, aren’t you?’
Dawson rested his cheek on his elbow, responding to Goud’s concerned expression.
‘Its utility has been proven, hasn’t it?’
‘Still, fighting the SU Navy—regular forces—with pirates as allies? That’s not suicide?’
‘Unfortunately, I have no intention of wasting my life. That’s why I want to eliminate the possibility of having to risk it under unfavorable conditions in the future.’
‘You can’t eliminate that future without involving pirates?’
‘At least, that’s what I believe. I’m sorry, but my subordinates will have to face the danger.’
‘Pirates are expected to die in large numbers. Are they not included in that?’
‘They’re not. They chose to become pirates. They can choose to die as criminals.’
Dawson’s cold words were those of a soldier who had accepted death in large numbers.
Goudo, hearing those words, shook his head slightly, as if unable to accept such a resolve.
‘I wish you wouldn’t reduce it unnecessarily.’
‘Relax. We learned that only by conserving personnel, supplies, and vessels can we win.’
‘Is that lesson from the electronic strategy exam with Prince Akatsuki, as the rumors claim?’
Goudo’s words were unexpected. Dawson narrowed his brows.
‘Is it that well known? You hear about it too?’
Initially, it was said to be a setup for the prince’s graduation thesis. But the prince himself praised Special Lieutenant Dawson extensively—both aboard the training battleship and at the destroyer assignment. Now, the direct confrontation between the prince and you has become the focal point of the graduation exam strategy board.
“From my perspective, losing means unwanted attention.”
"Hah hah. No need to belittle yourself. The nobility faction uses it as leverage to elevate the prince. Others, though, treat it as a strategic study case."
"...If it's being studied that much, then the fight in there wasn’t anything significant."
"Is that so? I’ve heard the retreat maneuver in the final phase sparked widespread debate—both praise and criticism."
“That’s just a final desperate move—though you seem to know quite a bit about it.”
“I’m listed on the periphery of the strategy board research group. Just a casual interest, really.”
With Dawson’s unexpected hobby revealed, there was no time left for idle talk.
“Then we proceed with the operation. I’ll take the pirates. Defense of Chicken Ball is yours.”
“If the S.U. military attacks, we’ll stand together with the corporation and Coaster. I promise not to let Chicken Ball fall.”
Dawson spoke with a face that now perfectly suited his role. The transmission ended.