I Reincarnated as the Captain of a Battleship in a Robot Anime, but at This Rate, I’m Going to Be Assassinated – Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Let’s Do Something Pirate-Like, to Blow the Minds of Those Arrogant Fellows
[space_man][space_man]The enemy still occupied the Al Minar Sector. Shougo and the others all shared the same sentiment of wanting to launch an attack immediately. However, they held back and prioritized rendezvousing with the Rebel Army’s main fleet.
[space_man][space_man]Originally, they could have acted independently, but the cooperation of an organization was still hard to discard. Or rather, it was necessary for the Space Pirates Hermes, led by Shougo, to show a stance of not being hostile to the Rebel Army, but rather wanting to build a cooperative relationship.
[space_man][space_man]This couldn’t be achieved solely through their relationship with Lopes’ squad. It was a hassle, but negotiations with someone holding a certain degree of authority within the organization were necessary.
[space_man][space_man]Therefore, Shougo and his crew turned their backs on the tragic state of Al Minar and deliberately retreated.
[space_man][space_man]And then, they successfully joined forces.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I find it hard to believe that a man like you wouldn’t know about the existence of such a weapon of mass destruction.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, this is what happened as soon as they joined up. Shougo boarded the other side’s ship and finally managed to have a proper meeting, but……
[space_man][space_man]The one spitting out those words with such intensity was a man named Coulson.
[space_man][space_man]He was a general who led the Rebel Army and one of its representatives. With his crew cut and a short mustache, he had the appearance of a typical old-fashioned military man. He was the type to button up his uniform collar all the way to the top.
[space_man][space_man]And because of his tone, Shougo’s first impression was that of a belligerent man, which seemed to be accurate.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”That Big Cannon is top secret, a personal project of Colonel Anferu’s. I was more of an errand boy, going back and forth between the front lines. So even though I knew that that man was secretly developing a new weapon, I couldn’t know the full picture.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo could explain this part based on Jowain’s knowledge.
[space_man][space_man]His knowledge only went that far. Even if he was called Anferu’s right-hand man or a hanger-on, it only meant that their relationship wasn’t deeply rooted.
[space_man][space_man]Jowain simply had the right rank and personality for Anferu to carry out his atrocities without getting his own hands dirty.
[space_man][space_man]To put it bluntly, Anferu had many subordinates in positions like Jowain’s. He was that kind of capable man.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Regarding the Trismegistus, I was only told it was a new model until the order was given. You all know how secretive that organization is.”
[space_man][space_man]”About that machine too. I’ve read Lopes’s report. But does that Teurugia really have that much power? Dealing with a Planet Killer all by itself, manipulating energy on a planetary scale……”
[space_man][space_man]”I’m here because I saw it with my own eyes and experienced it. Besides, if the reason the enemy is desperately trying to retrieve or destroy it is its capabilities, then that explains everything.”
[space_man][space_man]”Hmm…… But if that’s true, wouldn’t it be easy to use that machine to deal a major blow to such a large force?”
[space_man][space_man]”Yes, theoretically it’s possible.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo could sense impatience from Coulson.
[space_man][space_man]Since Fauden had committed such an atrocity, Coulson felt they had to strike back no matter what. That impatience was driving him to launch an all-out attack with the entire force immediately.
[space_man][space_man]That was dangerous.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Then it’s decided. All ships must begin their sortie to defeat the evil dictator Fauden. Otherwise, who knows what will happen not only to the colony planets but even to Earth?”
[space_man][space_man]”I understand that sentiment. However, the Trismegistus is extremely unstable. It’s a weapon that makes me a bit uneasy about entrusting the lives of hundreds of ships to it. Besides, I doubt the enemy, who are so openly deployed, wouldn’t anticipate a surprise attack from a large fleet. There’s no guarantee that the Big Cannon can’t fire a second shot.”
[space_man][space_man]”We don’t have time to be so leisurely!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Coulson slammed his fist on the table.
[space_man][space_man]The officers under him seemed to share the same opinion.
[space_man][space_man]On the other hand, only Major Kes was on Shougo’s side.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”That’s right.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo deliberately said the opposite of what he had said earlier.
[space_man][space_man]Coulson was caught off guard, or rather, he seemed unable to understand Shougo’s thinking and was at a loss for words.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”We have to strike back at the enemy. But if we launch a frontal attack, we’ll just end up being crushed. Besides, I don’t want to think that the Big Cannon is their only hidden card. There’s a high possibility that Dr. Phoenix, the developer of the Trismegistus, has joined forces with the enemy. We’ve already had our hands full with his inventions twice. So, we’re going to fight back accordingly.”
[space_man][space_man]”What are you going to do?”
[space_man][space_man]”We’re going to mess with them.”
[space_man][space_man]”What?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo deliberately spoke in a playful tone.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”A fleet battle will be necessary somewhere down the line. But not now. Besides, we were originally a surprise attack force, weren’t we? The enemy’s actions are outrageous and atrocious, and they should be crushed immediately. But now is not the time to act solely on emotions. At the same time, we also need to take action from our side before the enemy’s momentum builds up…… So, the best thing to do is to make fun of them.”
[space_man][space_man]”Specifically, what are you planning to do?”
[space_man][space_man]”It’s simple. We’ll still launch a surprise attack. But only our ship will attack. I’d like you, General Coulson, and the others to hold your ground as the main force.”
[space_man][space_man]”……? What do you mean, and what’s the point of that?”
[space_man][space_man]”No, there’s a point to it precisely because it’s just our ship. In fact, the main force is you, the Rebel Army.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo explained.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”We’ve called ourselves space pirates. That’s the key. And our ship, due to various circumstances, performs better when acting independently. Besides, we’re not planning to launch a reckless suicide attack. My goal is to taunt them.”
[space_man][space_man]”Taunt them……?”
[space_man][space_man]”Yes, launch a random attack, create some confusion, and then quickly escape. I don’t know what Fauden will think if we do this, but Anferu will be furious.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]A reckless attack by a single ship could also induce carelessness.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”But that’s fine. Right now, there are two commanders with completely opposite personalities over there. This is good. If we face them head-on, both Fauden and Anferu will agree to intercept. But after being taunted like that, Anferu will rise to the provocation. I honestly don’t know what Fauden is thinking, but if he knows there won’t be any damage, he won’t make unnecessary moves. Besides…… the enemy soldiers must be shaken by such actions. The enemy may be trying to control them with fear, but the knots must still be fragile.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Of course, Shougo had his own sensible reasons for this.
[space_man][space_man]First, it was a provocation, but it also meant to show our quick-strike capability and, of course, to demonstrate our will to resist.
[space_man][space_man]In addition, it went without saying that we wouldn’t be sunk, but if those who used such destructive weapons to bring death to a planetary sector couldn’t even sink a single space pirate ship, let alone be toyed with, it would make them look pathetic in light of their previous actions.
[space_man][space_man]That was the main goal. This would undoubtedly get Anferu to take the bait.
[space_man][space_man]Even after thinking this far, Fauden’s movements and objectives were still shrouded in mystery, but that could be put aside for now.
[space_man][space_man]What was needed now was action and results.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”There’s no guarantee you won’t betray us.”
[space_man][space_man]”If we were going to betray you, we wouldn’t have come this far. And we wouldn’t be launching a solo attack. There’s no reason for us to give you a fortress as a parting gift.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]All of these were sufficient grounds.
[space_man][space_man]However, Coulson hesitated. It wasn’t that he doubted Shougo, but rather that the plan of action was too outlandish and he couldn’t see the point.
[space_man][space_man]Coulson believed that victory in war only came after annihilating the enemy, but he also understood the importance of diversionary tactics.
[space_man][space_man]That’s why the danger of acting alone was terrifying.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”There’s one more reason. The upcoming battle depends on whether we can bring out the full potential of the Trismegistus. But we haven’t been able to fully control that machine. That machine is a bit of a twisted one, and it doesn’t seem to perform properly unless it’s thrown into this kind of battle. It’s laughable, isn’t it? There’s no need to use such a half-baked weapon in organized operations. It’s better to let space pirates, who can sever ties at any time, test it out…… Don’t you agree?”
[space_man][space_man]”Hmm, hmm……”
[space_man][space_man]”Besides, as I said earlier, you are the main force. I have a favor to ask of you.”
[space_man][space_man]”What is it?”
[space_man][space_man]”Head for Earth. They’ll definitely head there too. No, they’ll have to go back. If you, the Rebel Army, ambush them there, it will be a true surprise attack. The enemy won’t expect you to head for Earth. They’ll think you’re coming straight for them…… We’ll outsmart them.”
[space_man][space_man]”……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The plan appealed to Coulson.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo felt he needed one more push.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”……The enemy traveled a warp distance that normally takes several days in an instant. That means that that ridiculous Big Cannon can target any colony planet in no time. In fact, we should immediately launch the entire Rebel force towards Earth and deal with it. What I’m trying to do is buy time for that.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]At the same time, it was also a drastic measure to gain complete control of the Trismegistus’s capabilities. In the end, the only way to influence the war situation was to rely on an overpowered super machine. Shougo believed the Trismegistus could do it.
[space_man][space_man]Entrusting everything to a single machine was normally a terrifying thing to do, but Shougo deliberately chose to see it in a positive light.
[space_man][space_man]In the end, it was another gamble.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”This is a two-pronged strategy. Our diversion and provocation are the first blow. You all will deliver the main second blow. You don’t have to trust us. We’re going to attack the enemy either way.”
[space_man][space_man]”Wait.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Coulson seemed to have made up his mind.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I’ll attach two destroyers. Consider it surveillance and support for you. Acting alone can be risky. I don’t intend to just sit back and watch such atrocities either.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Coulson said this without changing his expression.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo took it as the compromise he could offer.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Then……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo felt that this meeting hadn’t been in vain and returned to the Mirandora.
[space_man][space_man]He then reported the plan again on board the ship. And he concluded with these words:
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”If you’re going to leave, now’s the time.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]But no one followed that order.
[space_man][space_man]Thus, the Mirandora, along with two destroyers, one of which was, of course, the Savona, detached from the Rebel fleet.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Captain, since we’re space pirates, shouldn’t we have some pirate-like commands?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Clart-kun said jokingly along the way.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Should I say something like, ‘Alright lads, weigh anchor!’?”
[space_man][space_man]”As you wish.”
[space_man][space_man]”Alright then, ‘Yo ho ho!’?”
[space_man][space_man]”That’s not a pirate-exclusive phrase, is it?”
[space_man][space_man]”Unfortunately, I’ve only seen a few pirate movies.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, this relaxed atmosphere might indeed be pirate-like.
[space_man][space_man]He couldn’t explain exactly how, but it wasn’t a bad thing.
[space_man][space_man]They were about to embark on the most dangerous mission yet.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Well, anyway. What we have to do is attack randomly and escape randomly. It’s easy. Don’t risk your lives for this. Just make those arrogant bastards foam at the mouth. Hangar, how’s the Trismegistus’s mood?”
[space_man][space_man]『──It’s excited.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was Yuuki who answered.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Is it still saying that?”
[space_man][space_man]『Goetia. That’s what it’s saying. It’s quite wary.』
[space_man][space_man]”Then that’s fine. Thoth, the Trismegistus, should lead us under that Goetia. We’re going to warp. I don’t think we’ll succeed on the first or second try, but tell Thoth to do it.”
[space_man][space_man]『Yes.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was a reckless plan, but there was nothing they could do since the first step was based on luck.
[space_man][space_man]And then……
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Are you really coming with us?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo turned his gaze to Franny.
[space_man][space_man]Franny was there, and Yuri was beside her. He had originally wanted them to stay behind as figureheads, but apparently, Franny had made some kind of promise with Yuuki, and Yuri seemed determined not to leave his side.
[space_man][space_man]That made it even harder to die. It also boosted his motivation.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”It’s a child’s duty to stop a foolish father. Besides, I can’t live without being a pirate now.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Franny had already made up her mind.
[space_man][space_man]He thought there was no need to worry about her anymore.
[space_man][space_man]The same went for Yuri. However, she still had a nervous expression on her face.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I’ll be anxious if I’m not by your side, Danna-sama.”
[space_man][space_man]”Then I have to work even harder, don’t I?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo nodded and gave the order.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Warp!”