Chapter 166 — A paragraph concludes

The pirates defeated the space navy.

This information spread rapidly throughout the Orion Arm, triggering intense reactions in various locations.

First, the SU government issued a statement through official channels.

"The claim that our military lost to the pirates is false. The space navy did not lose. It has temporarily returned to base to recover from prolonged combat operations."

Immediately after this statement, the pirates released footage of the final battle, disseminating the information that "the space navy was truly defeated."

The SU government responded to this information without delay.

"This is a fabricated video created by the pirates. It is impossible for the pirate faction to possess three battleships equipped with battle cannons. If they had the financial resources for such a fleet, they would not need to commit crimes — they could live in luxury instead."

Government propaganda and pirate footage.

The people living in the Orion Arm were divided, depending on which they chose to believe.

TR and independent corporate entities, which had already severed ties with SU, fully trusted the pirate information.

Not that they believed it outright — rather, they had planted spies within the pirate organizations and trusted the intelligence gathered by those agents.

TR moved.

"SU's fleet strength has been halved. This is the optimal opportunity for territorial expansion!"

TR deployed all its vessels to dismantle SU's controlled space.

Previously, through the efforts of Dawson and Major Miko, TR had gradually seized small portions of SU's space, like scooping with a spoon. Now, it aggressively claimed large sections, as if scraping with a hand.

The SU Navy attempts to halt the occupation of orbital space, but reinforcement is delayed due to a reduced fleet undergoing production at factories. Local forces must respond without external support.

As a result, the disparity in combat capability between the TR full force and the SU local units leads to a TR victory and the securing of significant orbital territory.

Independent corporate entities, separate from SU, enter the contest for SU's orbital space and capital assets.

This is an invasion not by military force, but by economic power, unlike the TR.

They absorb nearby orbital regions one by one, using capital investment and material aid as leverage.

They promise further assistance to any region that disengages from SU and joins their sphere of influence.

With this alone, star systems previously unimportant to the SU government consent to come under corporate control.

The regions previously protected by the SU government had no choice but to seek shelter under the SU’s authority after corporations withdrew aid and offered pirate forces—armed with their own military capabilities—as bargaining chips in negotiations.

As the SU’s controlled space gradually diminished over time, pirate forces also made significant moves.

They broadcast the establishment of a pirate state across the Orion Arm.

——"We possess the force capable of overthrowing the space fleet. We are no longer outlaws dwelling in the shadows. We are a force of violence capable of asserting dominance across the cosmos. And if such a force exists, then establishing a government for pirates, by pirates, is possible. It can receive refugees and repel attacks from others. There is no reason not to establish it."

Goudo delivered the speech broadcast while concealing his face behind a mask.

Corry handled the drafting of the speech and the performance coaching. She was visibly excited. 'That, the video production—can be reproduced. I'm looking forward to it.'

Regardless, the pirate state declared its establishment, designating Big Cock as its central base.

Why Big Cock, rather than Chicken Ball—the former battlefield of the decisive conflict?

Because within the pirate ranks, Big Cock was seen as a place of aspiration, its pleasure district a symbol of desire. The belief held that whoever controlled this location would be the true leader of the pirates.

Dawson also saw significance in reestablishing Big Cock as the pirate stronghold.

'The operation was part of a larger plan. But it was a place where pirates had lost to the space fleet. To reclaim it ourselves—this would restore our wounded pride.'

'Was that pride really something Dawson possessed?'

"Not mine. Their pride in venerating the Big Cock."

As Dawson had predicted, the pirates cheered as loudly upon reclaiming the Big Cock after destroying the space fleet's defense vessels as they had during their previous victory.

Afterward, the pirates flooded into the pleasure districts of the Big Cock and indulged in sexual pleasure without restraint.

Lord Ron had remained as overseer of the Big Cock by ingratiating himself with the space fleet, but was denounced as a traitor by the pirates and exiled alone aboard a small vessel into space. Enough food and air had been provided, so unless misfortune compounded, he could reach some planet or moon.

Thus, the pirate state was established.

"Things get difficult from here on."

The fortification of the <> stronghold. The coordination of pirates gathering at the site. The alliance with anti-SU forces. The backroom deal to halt the SU government's advance into Amato Star. So much to do.

Fortunately, none of it requires my personal involvement.

The pirate state's leader has, for now, assigned the tasks to Goud.

Among the Amato Imperial Japan personnel stationed within the Orion Arm, Goud is the most capable and holds the highest rank.

After the SU government is stopped from advancing, any future involvement by Amato Imperial Japan in the Orion Arm will proceed more smoothly through Goud, rather than through me.

There are reportedly movements within the Amato Star Navy to recall Dawson from the Orion Arm.

He had risen too quickly through the ranks after graduating from the Officer Academy. Given the need to maintain balance with other units, recalling him was logical.

In the Amato Imperial Japan, there was no warfare resembling actual combat except against space pirates. Advancement in rank was therefore typically determined by years of service.

Dawson, however, had earned the right to advance beyond his age due to his accomplishments in the Orion Arm.

Beyond his prior successes as a pirate hunter, he had completed difficult missions. He had also created a suitable cover—a front office for a pirate state that functioned as an extension of the Amato Imperial Japan.

Considering these achievements, a promotion to Captain was certain. A direct promotion to Lieutenant Colonel was a realistic possibility.

A newly graduated officer, without any patronage, advancing to a staff officer rank was unprecedented.

Moreover, if Dawson continues his operations in the Orion Arm unchecked, signs of further achievements are evident.

Should those achievements accumulate, promotion to Major or Colonel would become unavoidable.

That would widen the gap between Dawson and other officers whose advancement depends solely on age.

Thus, it would not be surprising if the upper echelons of the Amato Imperial Japan Navy sought to prevent further rank advancement by recalling Dawson to Amato Imperial Japan and removing his operational role.

"If I’m recalled to Amato Imperial Japan, I’ll likely be reassigned to a desk job."

"For Dawson, taking a desk job would be exactly what he desires."

"Of course. He’d receive the pay of a Captain or Lieutenant Colonel while doing nothing. For someone who joined the military to earn money, that wouldn’t be unwelcome."

“You’re saying that, but you’re the kind who’d cause trouble even in a闲職, Dawson.”

“Rude. If nothing happens, I won’t do anything.”

“So you’re saying you’ll stay quiet unless it’s a situation that provokes your defiance? That’s it?”

Dawson avoided a direct answer. Instead, he turned his attention to imagining what he would do upon returning to Amato Imperial Japan.

The story ends here, in its current state.

It’s not that the plot has stalled. It’s that the author cannot imagine a compelling continuation—any attempt to force a resolution would only prompt Dawson’s predictable rebuttal: “I wouldn’t do something like that!”

It’s become too unwieldy to continue. So, for now, this concludes.

If Dawson and the future plot ever align, it may be revived. But don’t expect it.

Apologies.

Additionally, beginning a new story.

Scientists from a secret criminal organization attempt return from a different world.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n2543hx/

A tale of a villainous scientist from a tokusatsu universe transferring to Naroppa.

Please enjoy.