Volume 26 - CH 1(2/2)
Canopus decided to disable Vega first, as she is the more troublesome opponent.
He released diversion magic towards Spica, then slashed Vega with ‘Molecular Divider’, or pretended to, releasing ionized air bullets instead.
Vega, who was cautious of the ‘Molecular Divider’, was unprepared to receive the direct blow from the plasma bullets. Canopus didn’t raise the density of the plasma much to avoid fatal wounds, but it was still enough power to paralyze the whole body temporarily.
Vega fell on her back. Maybe she hasn’t completely fainted, but it doesn’t look like she has freedom in her limbs.
Canopus looks back to Spica. He was going to settle things with Spica to bring it to a one-on-one.
But in Canopus line of sight was not only Spica’s slender silhouette but also Arcturus’ thick body.
“Major Canopus, I want you to stop resisting.”
The silhouette of new people entered his vision.
Second Lieutenant Ian Bellatrix and Second Lieutenant Samuel Alnilam.
The two members of the Stars’ 6th Unit who had parasitized in the micro-black hole experiment a few days before were dragging an unconscious and badly wounded Algol by both his arms.
Spica’s eyes were wide open. To her, reinforcements were unexpected.
“...Is that a hostage?”
While addressing Arcturus, Canopus’ tone did not conceal his disgust.
“I secured Second Lieutenant Shaula not long ago.”
Without answering Canopus’ question, Arcturus played his cards.
“Major Canopus. Your goal was to let Major Sirius escape. This goal has been achieved. Do you not think extending this fight and increasing injuries is meaningless?”
“It is you who started this senseless rebellion.”
To Canopus’ accusation, Arcturus responded with silence.
This kind of logic does not work against parasitized opponents, but Canopus also knew that from the start.
Canopus dropped his katana-like armed device.
“...surrender.”
“I guarantee your physical safety.”
“Only the body?”
To Canopus’ ironic remark,
“I do not intend to make you a comrade.”
Arcturus replied, showing no interest in his countenance.
Contrary to his expectations, Canopus was not accompanied to a solitary confinement cell, but to the private room used by a senior officer from another department whenever they visited the base.
Of course weapons, including the armed device, were taken, but it seems like breaking out isn’t too hard. Right now, it can be said that CADs are an indispensable tool for a user of modern magic, but it’s not absolutely essential for the use of magic. Even if there are ways to make using magic more difficult, general techniques that make magic completely unusable still haven’t been developed. Canopus also heard discussions about the potential to obstruct other people’s magic invocations using special Mental Interference Type techniques, but at least no members of the Stars can use magic like this.
But Canopus did not leave the room let alone escape. Food was not taken to him for many hours, so until evening arrived he only had the mineral water that was in the provisions refrigerator.
It was past 21:00 when he was summoned by a messenger.
He came to the Commander’s room and stood between Second Lieutenant Bellatrix and Second Lieutenant Alnilam.
In front of the Commander’s desk there was one chair.
Arcturus and Vega were seated in a similar chair near one wall, and Major Capella of the 5th Unit sat near the wall on the other side with a stern expression.
“Major Canopus, take a sit.”
Following Base Commander Walker’s words, Canopus saluted and sat on the chair in front of the desk.
“Now. Major Canopus, you assisted in Second Lieutenant Ralph Hardy Mirfak’s desertion, and are suspected of inflicting injuries.”
Feelings of surprise were shown on Canopus’ face.
Walker expected this reaction.
“Concerning Major Sirius’ trip, official military documents are being prepared. As expected, Colonel Balance really is great.”
In other words, it appears that there is no chance Lina will be blamed for the crime.
The feelings of surprised disappeared from Canopus’ face, returning to his poker face.
“I think you too are aware of the higher-up’s split opinion regarding Japan’s Strategic-Class magician, Shiba Tatsuya.”
“I am aware of it.”
To eliminate Tatsuya as a threat, or to use this threat and incorporate it into USNA’s global strategy? The higher-ups of the USNA army held both of these opinions in equal numbers. The assassination faction roughly matches those who consider Japan as a competitor in the western Pacific Ocean, and the use faction almost overlaps with those who consider the alliance with Japan and Japan’s influence as a gateway to expand in the Pacific and obstruct the Great Union and the New Soviet Union.
“But you should be able to understand that the Strategic-Class Magic is excessively powerful and that it is impossible to use.”
“......”
Canopus could only respond to Walker’s speech with silence.
Walker scowled lightly and immediately returned to his original administrative expression and continued the speech.
“I also think Shiba Tatsuya should be eliminated. Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega also share this opinion.”
“Commander, there are serious concerns regarding their health.”
Arcturus himself responded to Canopus’ indirect complaint.
“Major Canopus. It is correct that this body has been promoted to a parasite, but our loyalty towards our country has not changed. That spirit will always be my core.”
On the other side of Arcturus, Capella visibly displayed a grimace.
“Regarding the treatment of Captain Arcturus, it is currently under consideration.”
Walker did not listen to Canopus’ warning.
At this point, Canopus was convinced that Walker is under the parasite’s mental interference. Thought suggestion, and not mind interference that turns one into a puppet. By paralyzing his reasoning, the person is encouraged to embrace their original desires and sense of danger, Walker fell into a daze, and was tricked into being controlled exactly as one wants without realizing he is being manipulated. - Such was Canopus guess.
“Major. It seems you can’t approve the assassination of Shiba Tatsuya.”
“Even if hostility is inevitable, measures like assassination is something we shouldn’t do.”
“...Such lip service is unacceptable in this world, I think you know that well?”
“I must deny that this is a case of lip service.”
Canopus didn’t deny the dirty means themselves. There are things that can’t be resolved in accordance following official stances.
To that extent, Canopus knew from experience without being told.
But brakes are necessary. If you pamper yourself by limitlessly applying the excuse “necessary”, the army will immediately degenerate into a mere violent group. This was also Canopus’ self-admonishment.
“...Major Canopus. Do you want a deal?”
Walker gave up on persuading Canopus and changed the topic.
“A plea bargain?”
“Exactly.”
Canopus’ interrogation was a lifeline [6]? to avoid an illegal bargain. But with Walker’s quick declaration, Canopus’ tension was unconsciously relaxed.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Walker set the pace of the deal.
“If it becomes a court-martial, the General Staff Headquarters will intervene. This is inevitable given the special circumstances of our force. If a trial is started with Major’s current state of affairs, the courtroom will be a place for arguments between the Shiba Tatsuya elimination and use factions, and it will certainly amplify the antagonism from both sides. It is concerning that this may have a serious negative effect on army operations.”
Canopus spoke no differing opinion than that of Walker’s conjecture.
The situation is certainly likely to develop. But the possibility that the conflict will lead to army malfunction is extremely low. The higher-ups are not that foolish.
Usually, Canopus would have offered a rebuttal. But once the superior officer took hold of the initiative, even if you know they are insane, it was hard to present opposing opinions.
“If you confess to the accidental injury of Second Lieutenant Regulus, Second Lieutenant Mirfak will be deemed as missing in action rather than a deserter. Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Shaula will also get a reduced punishment.”
“—Exactly what kind of punishment is this?”
Canopus had already understood any protest would have no effect.
“Imprisonment for one year.”
A prison sentence is quite heavy for a plea bargain. But taking into consideration the fact that he is nothing but a nuisance to the parasites, Canopus thought using the imprisonment to physically distance himself from them might be convenient.
“Also, the duration of the punishment will be processed as an infiltration mission. Your military record will not be stained, and we will give consideration for your family’s worries as well”
“...I understand. But I have two more conditions.”
“Name them, we will try to respond to them as much as possible.”
Walker’s stance was unexpectedly soft. Is the subconscious resisting the thought suggestion, or is he recognizing Canopus’ value as a military asset to try to avoid communication breakdown?
Both were likely stories.
“I want my prison sentence to be carried out in Midway Prison.”
“...Is that okay?”
Walker examined Canopus’ expression looking for his true intentions. The military prison on Midway Atoll was extremely unpopular and isolated from society – in other words, it was a place for the imprisonment of felons.
“Is that not more convenient for the Commander as well?
You’ll live without worrying about a nuisance such as myself, Canopus spoke with irony.
Walker’s face scowled for a moment, but he immediately erased the displeasure from his face.
“I understand. We’ll take care of the arrangements. And what is the other condition?”
“Please give Second Lieutenant Algol and Second Lieutenant Shaula identical measures.”
“Will they protect Midway’s military prison as well?”
“They’re being given sentences as well, aren’t they?”
Canopus was completely unfazed by Walker’s tasteless remark.
“—The deal is settled. Major Capella will escort you to Midway.”
Erasing his facial expression, Walker announced.
Seating close to the wall, Captain Arcturus and Captain Vega displayed satisfied smiles. On the other side, Major Capella showed his displeasure from start to end.
The imprisonment of Canopus, Algol and Shaula was officially decided the following day.
Many people in the Pentagon expressed suspicion at the strangely quickly process.
But people who contested the decision, including Colonel Balance, did not exist.