I suspect the Joint Chiefs expect this opponent to be extremely
difficult. If the target is truly an existence along the lines our
predictions, then that would make them a dangerous opponent with
the firepower to exceed a tactical nuke. Furthermore, we are still in the
dark regarding their identity. This way, it's not hard to sympathize with
the Joint Chiefs using pure combat ability rather than training as a
criterion when selecting the intelligence officer for this op."
"I get that."
"Since our suspected target is a high school student, establishing
contact as a student from the same school would be much easier, so
the only person who could possibly accomplish this investigation
would be you, High Commander."
Although this was a matter of fact, in reality, there was a host of
support personnel working in the shadows to help Major Sirius make
contact with the target. Stars was also sending a planet-class Magician
to support the major. There was no way that she could be oblivious to
all that.
"I understand that as well."
Hence Major Sirius's response took this all in stride.
"Why don't you think about it like this. The High Commander's
mission is to make contact with the suspicious target and cause him or
her to waver."
"Hm...... That's a much better way to approach this. After all, I'm
completely inept at intel work."
"In that case, go ahead and relax a little. There's nothing wrong in
being a little more cheerful. This will likely make it easier to find our
opponent's weakness as well."
"Ha...... That's true. Hopefully it'll turn out just like you say, Ben."
After letting out a heavy sigh, Major Sirius set the mug back onto the
table and stood up in front of Major Canopus.
"Ben, I will leave the defenses up to you. The rest of the deserters
haven't been dealt with yet, so the task that was originally my
responsibility will have to fall to you...... However, the only person I
can count on is you."
"Be at ease, High Commander. This is a little early, but I wish you
godspeed."
At Major Canopus's affectionate smile and salute, the young lady
returned a heartfelt smile of gratitude.