The universe is filled with numerous dangers. Asteroid fields that one encounters frequently, comets passing through the flight path of a spaceship, space pirates, and alien life forms, among others—all pose unpredictable threats at any time or place.
Therefore, there are positions that only engage in routine work under normal circumstances, while other positions function just as they would during wartime even under normal conditions.
One such position was that of an engineer, responsible for maintaining and managing equipment.
They must ensure that the equipment is always ready for immediate deployment when unexpected situations arise.
Of course, most situations do not come unexpectedly. The spaceship continuously scans a wide area to identify potential hazards and prepares countermeasures in advance.
However, even if one has some idea of the situation, it does not mean it won’t be urgent when it happens. Although asteroids and comets may pose minimal danger, natural phenomena aside, biological entities always introduce variables.
The universe is vast and filled with diverse life forms, some of which can be harmful to other life forms. Enormous creatures may house smaller ones, leading to near-disastrous battles when encountered.
Moreover, humans themselves present another problem. Space pirates, like the Spacystro, engage in invasion activities. While smaller in scale than the Spacystro, these space pirates are far more malicious and exist in countless numbers in this vast universe.
Particularly, space stations used by multiple civilizations that have formed interstellar civilizations, and various spaceships navigating the universe, are always targets for them.
Since the universe, except for artificial constructs, follows predictable patterns, it is easier for space pirates to find ships moving irregularly in space rather than searching for inhabited planets.
Regardless of the reason, engineers were always on duty shifts and maintained a state of constant alertness, making sensitivity a daily part of their work.
“…”
Ati, who was focusing on programming the new bipedal robot aboard the biroid, was doing so as usual. Even after inputting the program, they needed to verify security aspects through simulation tests, so the process was not over simply by entering the code.
In front of Ati, seated in the cockpit, stood Etii, diligently observing Ati’s programming efforts.
“There’s nothing to do right now.”
“Yes. That’s why I’m on standby.”
Unaccustomed to being observed, Ati felt uneasy about Etii watching them.
As Etii’s supervisor, Ati couldn’t ask them to leave. Thus, Ati continued programming while conscious of Etii’s gaze, and Etii watched intently.
“This is your job.”
“Yes, it is.”
The arrival of the new biroid model in the hangar meant it was being used by the biroid currently in the hangar. The biroid that entered Hangar 1, where Ati belonged, was Etii.
Currently, the robot Ati was adjusting was the one Etii would use in case of emergency.
“Can’t you handle the basic settings?”
“Yes.”
Seeing Etii respond calmly, Ati furrowed their brow slightly.
There was no need for Ati to do the job since the pilot was right in front of them. Etii had come to learn through regular life but that didn’t negate the pilot’s role.
After hours of programming, Etii said they could take over, making Ati feel they had wasted time unnecessarily.
While Ati’s skills were not lacking, Etii was likely more adept at setting up the robot given their experience with previous models.
“Why did you just stand there?”
“I waited because my senior didn’t say anything.”
Hearing Etii’s confident response, Ati realized this was partly their own fault. It was an issue they should have addressed from the start.
“Then, let me set the basic settings. Wait for me.”
Reversing the programming steps, Ati began restoring the initial default values. Modifying defaults was necessary to align with each unit’s standard methods.
Additionally, they needed to configure various performance programs for the pilot’s ease of use…
“It’s just wasting time.”
Muttering to themselves, Ati quickly typed on the holographic keyboard. After some time, Ati stood up from the pilot’s seat.
“Come in and sit down.”
Ati made room for Etii to sit beside them. Upon hearing Ati’s words, Etii entered the cockpit and took the pilot’s seat.
“Check the basic settings and input what you need.”
“Understood.”
Etii started working on the holographic keyboard, and Ati watched the input, verifying the settings.
“Biroids truly excel in their minds.”
Impressed by the flawless input, Ati marveled sincerely. Observing Etii’s work for a while, Ati asked questions immediately upon becoming curious.
Etii answered each question in detail, and the two worked together to finalize the robot’s setup over a considerable period.
What once seemed endless and time-consuming under Ati’s hand became much quicker under Etii’s control, leaving Ati feeling a bit envious.
“From now on, do what you can.”
“Isn’t it forbidden to touch anything randomly in the hangar?”
“…It’s fine if I say so.”
Only now did Ati understand why Etii hadn’t volunteered to help, remembering Etii’s adherence to rules.
“Next time, do what you can.”
An emergency alarm blared in the hangar. After the second warning, a broadcast informed of an unidentified flying object near the fleet’s flank. The 48th, 54th, and 60th air units were ordered to mobilize immediately.
“Come out here!”
Having experienced this many times, Ati rushed out of the hangar. Engineers prepared to exit immediately at the team leader’s call.
“This is Team Leader Ati from Hangar 1 of the 54th Air Unit. I’ll close the barrier.”
Pressing the emergency switch allowed Ati to close the hangar doors, blocking access to all connected areas.
Ati ascended to the control room to monitor the launch of combat aircraft and robots.
Through the ship’s external optical camera, multiple space pirates were visible. Soon, Siera’s combat aircraft emerged from the ship.
“This is Pilot Leader Siera from Hangar 1 of the 54th Air Unit. Maintain formation, pilots.”
Before Siera’s order finished, attacks from approaching space pirates began. Bright beams illuminated the dark space as Siera used the aircraft’s thrust to evade incoming attacks.
Laser hits collided with the ship’s shield and dissipated. Siera’s robot, the first to deploy from the 54th Air Unit, waited for Siera’s commands while evading lasers.
“What are you doing? Why are you standing still?”
“Sieria told me to follow your orders.”
Siera frowned at Etii’s dismissive tone, recognizing the attitude as disrespectful. Despite the ongoing battle, Siera decided to prioritize the situation.
“We don’t know the capabilities of your new robot yet, nor have we conducted simulations. Destroy enemy aircraft approaching the ship to avoid our allies’ attacks. If necessary, we’ll assist from here.”
“Got it.”
Etii responded briefly and ended the communication.
“That girl has no manners.”
Though not expecting special treatment, Siera cursed Etii’s lack of courtesy and led the team toward the enemy.
Across the battlefield, skirmishes erupted between the 1st ship’s air units and the enemy. Etii followed Siera’s instructions, waiting near the ship to engage approaching enemies.
Multiple fighters awaited nearby to intercept the enemy, and Etii began assessing the situation.
“Inefficient.”
Watching allies engage the enemy, Etii initiated combat operations. Etii’s new robot wielded two guns mounted on its waist.
Upon spotting an enemy approaching the ship, Etii fired without hesitation.
Accurate laser shots caused circular explosions in space, and Etii swiftly assessed and moved forward.
With superior speed compared to old fighters, Etii’s robot engaged in intense combat. Siera was surprised to see Etii approach the battlefield despite her orders.
“Why are you here?! Protect the ship!”
“Your orders are inefficient. This approach is better.”
Etii’s robot darted through space, and every shot hit the enemy. The battlefield rapidly turned into a slaughter.
Evading enemy attacks, Etii fired at targeting fighters, sometimes causing widespread destruction and other times destroying multiple fighters simultaneously.
Biroids, being artificial life forms, often excelled in combat and various fields. Pilots of the 54th Air Unit marveled at Etii’s overwhelming skill.
“What is this…?”
Monitoring the battle, Ati was amazed by the rapid defeat of the enemy.
Currently an engineer, Ati had been a combat pilot when first joining the 54th Air Unit. Though reassigned, Ati still understood combat operations.
Etii’s exceptional piloting skills swiftly concluded the battle, and pilots returned to the hangar.
As the robot and fighters entered the hangar, the door opened, and Ati went inside.
“Inspect combat aircraft status and report immediately!”
Approaching Etii’s robot, Ati spoke loudly. Etii descended via the elevator from the cockpit.
“Who are you?”
“? Etii.”
Still impressed by Etii’s skills, Ati questioned their purpose, and Etii replied with their name alone.
“Why send someone like you here for training?”
Impressive enough to warrant no further training, Ati was surprised when Siera approached, having just exited the combat aircraft.
Intending to ask about the aircraft’s status, Ati noticed something amiss in Siera’s expression. Confirming the issue lay with Etii, Ati intervened.
“Move aside.”
“Let’s talk first. Talk.”
Ati and Siera understood each other well, sensing each other’s emotions through subtle changes. Seeing Siera’s anger, Ati aimed to calm them.
“Why didn’t you follow orders? Even if skilled, on-site commands take precedence!”
Seeing Etii’s robot move before receiving orders, Ati realized their mistake.
Despite Etii’s skill, Siera grew angrier seeing their nonchalant attitude.
“Would you say the same if someone died?!”
“…This is more efficient.”
“What?”
Anger reaching its peak, Siera calmed down.
“Hey…”
Surprised by Etii’s lack of flexibility, Ati called out.
Etii’s statement implied that acting independently was more efficient. However, this disregarded the importance of following team leaders’ directives.
Ignoring orders could lead to significant issues, especially in critical situations.
“Do you think my orders are wrong?!”
“No.”
Etii’s answer remained clear and concise. Siera and Ati, however, remained silent, staring at Etii.
“No” indicated Etii’s actions were not intended to defy Siera’s authority.
Understanding Etii’s reasoning came afterward.
“The orders were clear. As the first to deploy from the 54th Air Unit, I hadn’t communicated with other pilots yet. Protecting the ship was more crucial than immediate engagement.”
“Then why?”
“I am a biroid.”
Ati and Siera paused, taken aback by the mention of “biroid.”
“In assessing the situation, victory was almost certain, but casualties were inevitable. By deploying, I could minimize damage while maintaining victory chances.”
Acting independently was clearly wrong, but reporting it immediately was also necessary. Hearing Etii’s response, Siera hesitated, unsure what to say, then looked at Ati.
Ati, too, was shocked by Etii’s answer.
Both had previously handled biroid education twice. Unlike now, where Ati managed individually, they had dealt with teams back then.
Previous biroids understood their roles, but self-replacing biroids like Etii were unprecedented.
This new understanding brought a sense of unfamiliarity and challenge.
