Episode 145: As Expected

The battle between the pirates and the SU Space Fleet began at the expected battlefield.

The initial engagement unexpectedly resulted in a standoff between both sides.

"The SU Space Fleet is deploying outdated vessels. The pirate ships and vessels can match their performance, that's likely why the balance is even."

Dawson spoke in a calm voice, the volume carrying clearly to those on the bridge.

Dawson's composure stemmed from the fact that Dawson and the pirate fleet he commanded were positioned away from the main battlefield. Enemy fire did not reach them.

This arrangement followed prior agreement. Still, there were rumors among the pirate subordinates that they had complained about being denied the spoils, and it had taken considerable effort to suppress their dissatisfaction.

Regardless, the commentary continued with the detachment of an observer.

The fleet should be committing serious force soon. They will press forward by sheer numbers.

Use the expendable units to gauge enemy strength, then deploy the main force with effective tactics based on that data.

As expected, and in accordance with orthodox doctrine, the SU Space Fleet moves accordingly.

The fire from the SU Space Fleet intensifies. Gradually, the pirates are pushed back.

Just as the pirates' situation begins to deteriorate, they deploy their new weapon.

A vessel bearing Lord Ron's identification signal advances. Two other vessels, likely supporting units, follow in formation.

Based on Kiyaka's radar readings, footage from that direction is acquired.

The maximum zoom shows three massive vessels.

Three vessels, each approximately three times the size of the Sparrow Hawk. The one resembling the flagship of Lord Ron appears significantly modified in exterior design, yet the hulls of all three are identical. Five turrets and numerous machine guns—visually imposing.

"Super Large Battleships. How did pirates of their status acquire such vessels?"

Dawson spoke in disbelief. Immediately after, dazzling beams erupted from the three Super Large Battleships.

High-intensity battle laser, intended to strike planetary surfaces or obliterate enemy space installations.

The beams traveled straight through space, impacting the SU Fleet formation. All vessels in orbit were melted and destroyed.

Three large gaps appeared in the SU Fleet formation—complete overkill.

Dawson observed the scene. He understood.

Was it the confidence of possessing three Super Large Battleships that allowed Lord Ron to face the SU Fleet with such composure?

The pirates’ cheers, carried over the comm, seemed to mirror Lord Ron’s mood.

The dazzling appearance of the决战炮, combined with the three large gaps now visible in the SU Fleet’s formation, had the entire pirate force elated.

Yet Dawson’s expression turned grim.

If one believed there was a surefire tactic, then relying solely on the决战炮’s power was unexpected. This may mean the pirates will collapse sooner than anticipated.

The决战炮 on the Super Large Battleships, as previously demonstrated, possesses considerable destructive capability.

Yet this power comes with drawbacks.

It cannot be fired in rapid succession, and after each shot, a prolonged reload period is required.

The weapon's power is great and threatening, but a heavy cannon incapable of rapid fire cannot hold an enemy's advance.

The SU Space Fleet, despite having taken a critical hit, quickly reformed its formation and continued advancing.

Observing the reliance on Ron-sama's heavy cannon and the speed with which the SU Space Fleet recovered, Dawson felt urgency and tightened control over his pirate subordinates.

To Dawson, the pirates were expendable, but even so, losing a piece he had grown accustomed to due to Ron-sama's mistake was regrettable.

"Calculate the escape route immediately. If Ron-sama is aboard the Super Large Battleship, assume he is also dead and reconsider the withdrawal strategy."

The Super Large Battleship, burdened by its massive frame and决战 cannon, cannot achieve high speed.

Dawson had no desire to retreat from the SU Fleet’s main force while carrying such a heavy burden.

Rohn was the flag commander in this engagement. Dawson considered safe withdrawal, even at the cost of losing that command, to be the highest priority.

Immediately after making that decision, a new movement emerged from the SU Fleet side.

"Enemy fleet, opening fire arcs. Five locations."

As Kiwaka reported, the enemy fleet opened new gaps once more. Dawson zoomed in on the central image of one gap, and a chill ran down his spine.

"Bera. Warn the other pirates. The enemy will fire their决战 cannon too!"

"Got it. Sending alert with damage estimate."

Bera’s transmission reached the pirates. The pirates scrambled to withdraw from the axis of the SU Fleet’s决战 cannon.

The SU Fleet also noticed the pirates' movements and fired their决战 cannon at less than full charge.

Five bright beams reached the pirate side.

The pirate vessels had been retreating hastily, so damage was minimal.

However, it was revealed that one of the pirate Super Large Battleships had been among the damaged vessels.

"Of the three, one appears to have been destroyed by the previous barrage. One of their trump cards is lost. The pirates are showing signs of disorder."

Dawson understood, belatedly, the SU Fleet's intent—elimination of the Super Large Battleships—through Oine’s calm report.

"Throwing a决战 cannon at another决战 cannon—only the SU Fleet, with ample supplies, could afford such a maneuver."

Not within the current capabilities of Dawson’s available forces.

And Dawson had no time to consider the merits of SU Fleet countermeasures.

The loss of one of his key assets, combined with the SU Fleet’s aggressive advance, had destabilized the pirate command structure.

In plain terms, the pirates had lost their resolve.

“Once the SU Fleet launches a full-scale offensive, or the决战 cannon fires again, the entire force will collapse.”

Dawson made this assessment and began preparing to withdraw from the battlefield.

The plan took shape. After a brief delay, the SU Fleet launched its full-scale offensive. The order came simultaneously with a coordinated barrage from the决战 cannon.

At that moment, the pirates’ morale collapsed. They turned and fled in panic.

"Bela. Relay this to the pirates nearby. Tell them to flee to our side. For those not near, give them another evacuation point."

"Understood~"

Bela executed the order immediately. A sufficient number of pirates hurried toward the location of the Sparrow Hawk.

"All ships. Fire suppression rounds toward the SU Space Force. Keep the fleeing ones calm."

The pirate fleet, led by the Sparrow Hawk, fired in rapid succession.

The SU Space Force remained at a distance. Hitting them was unlikely.

The purpose of the barrage was to demonstrate to the pirates that Dawson’s forces could resist.

Indeed, the pirates who had fled managed, for a brief moment, to overcome their panic. They now organized themselves under Dawson’s command and began orderly evacuation preparations.

Meanwhile, at the alternate evacuation point that Veira had instructed the pirates, the pirate vessels were entangled in chaos.

Dawson had no intention of rescuing anyone from that side.

"Right. Evacuation. No communication from Lord Ron. We proceed via the pre-arranged route. If we can draw them in, we'll engage the S.U. Fleet at a favorable position."

Under Dawson’s evacuation order, the original pirate fleet and the fleeing pirates departed the sector together.

While Dawson’s group moved in orderly retreat, the pirates at the other location fled in disarray, their retreat resembling nothing so much as a rout.