Chapter 157: Brief Rest

At the jump point, replacing allies with untrained personnel, he attacked the S.U. Fleet again, then led the fleeing force to another escape destination.

By the time this sequence had been repeated five times, exhaustion had visibly settled into Dawson’s expression.

Dawson was not the only one fatigued. Kiwaka and Hitokane, both human crew members of the Sparrow Hawk, showed signs of strain. These two had been assigned to essential combat roles—radar observer and generator monitor—leaving them no time to rest except during the brief personnel swaps at each escape point.

Dawson assessed his own condition and that of the two others. He judged it time to stop.

"Oine. Next jump will be without combat. We will proceed directly to the next location. We must rest here, or we risk serious consequences."

"Thank you, Dawson. I will handle the ship's navigation."

"Ah, I'm counting on you. Kiwaka, Hitokane — go to your quarters and rest."

Kiwaka's face brightened with relief and joy. Hitokane's deep fatigue, previously concealed, now showed plainly.

The two left the bridge and moved toward their quarters.

Dawson did not go to his quarters. He reclined slightly in the Captain's chair and donned a mask.

Oine watched, curious.

"Are you not resting in the Captain's quarters?"

"Sleeping here, in case of emergencies. If anything happens, wake me immediately."

Dawson closed his eyes, his vision darkened by the mask.

Instantly, drowsiness overwhelmed him. He fell asleep without delay.

The tension of fleeing from the S.U. Fleet likely remained, yet fragments of conversation from the bridge reached him even as he slept.

"Completely, Dawson is—evacuation order, complete. Proceed to next location—"

"Captain Dawson is surprisingly—no issues with surrounding conditions~"

"His snoring is precious—no rebels present—"

Oine, Beira, and Cori’s voices lingered in Dawson’s drowsy mind, their timing disordered.

Later, Dawson opened his eyes as he became aware of the fatigue leaving his body. He checked the time using the spatial display monitor. Five hours had passed—longer than expected for a nap.

"Apologies. What is the current status?"

As Dawson adjusted the recline of the captain’s chair, Oine responded immediately.

We thought it was a bit premature, but we’ve terminated the operation and are proceeding to the designated orbit where the main force is waiting.

...Did something go wrong?

No. Dawson judged that the objective of this operation had been achieved.

Dawson’s purpose in leading the SU Fleet on a simulated retreat was to provide combat experience to personnel without prior combat exposure, and to draw the SU Fleet to the intended location.

Recalling that objective, Dawson rechecked the monitor and agreed with Oine’s assessment.

That’s right. The AI vessels and most of the cowardly pirates have now experienced combat. If we’ve brought the fleet this far, the route should lead us to the target destination.

Oine appeared relieved by the conclusion.

We're currently navigating through the jump space, so Dawson can stay asleep if he wants.

No. I'm not tired. I don't feel drowsy. I'll stay awake.

Dawson shook his head to clear the lingering fatigue, then deliberately directed his thoughts.

Oine. What is the status of the pirate fleet's main force at the expected location?

They've already deployed. They're waiting only for the space fleet to arrive.

Bera. What is the morale of the pirates?

Hmm. Fairly decent. They're afraid of the sheer number of SU space forces, but they're determined to fight.

Corry. Have we measured the firepower of the SU space forces' cannons?

Of course. The power and range are nearly identical to ours.

Morale is not low. Ship equipment is evenly matched. The only difference is the number of vessels.

"Disadvantaged, but favorable conditions. We can recover from this."

Dawson speaks with confidence. Oine expresses unease.

"But Dawson, you've never commanded a fleet of one hundred thousand vessels. Are you certain you're capable?"

"True. I've never operated a fleet of this scale in combat. Only on the electronic strategy board."

"Is that not what 'amateur virgin' means?"

"I detect malice in your choice of words—but do not worry. I will manage. If I've surpassed the ability to control a fleet alone, then hesitation in relying on others is unnecessary."

"Others? Who exactly?"

"Major Miko and Lieutenant General Alma, along with the captains of the heavy battleships. They should possess experience commensurate with their rank—experience commanding large fleets."

"So, assign a fraction of the one hundred thousand pirate vessels to each?"

"Not just her and them. Ida and Dika will also be entrusted with a certain number of ships. In a specific field, they are my equal."

The restraint in not saying they surpass him reveals Dawson's character.

"So, Dawson will oversee overall command, and the detailed responses will be left to the people I mentioned?"

"Because it is the most effective method to win the next engagement."

"What about the merits we would otherwise assign to Major Miiko and the captains of the battleships?"

"My objective is mission completion. Other considerations are irrelevant."

"Unwavering, Dawson."

He does not concern himself with immediate gains or minor achievements. He consistently acts with the goal in view.

Oine could not help but be impressed. For Dawson, this was ordinary. But how many humans or artificial intelligences could truly maintain such focus?