CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility and Contribution

 

Several silhouettes were handed over to the Therianthropes of the L451 Defense Dome’s Defense Force.

What they received was astounding—three Epos and six Quattro Workers. A staggering level of support.

「To think we’d be granted so much assistance… I heard Quattro Silhouettes still have a global production backlog.」

「It’s only right that we help our fellow strugglers. May Outis-sama’s blessing be upon you.」

A girl with tanuki ears—Zola—closed her eyes and murmured as though in prayer.

「Outis…? Are you with the Epona Church, then?」

「Not at all. We are not part of any church. The new president of Gallop Corporation is just an enthusiastic Outis-sama devotee. He once fought side by side with Outis-sama to save Asia-sama, you see.」

「Oh…」

That alone was enough to deeply move the Therianthropes of L451.

「Just between us, I’ll let you in on a little secret. No telling the humans, alright?」

She winked, placing a finger to her lips.

「Y-Yes!」

「Take a look at the Epos being unloaded.」

「That’s the one that finished off the Enyo!」

「Exactly. And though it’s been disguised, that unit is none other than the Epona—the very first Silhouette bestowed to us by Outis-sama.」

「……！」

The Therianthropes were speechless.

「We consider the Epona a kind of symbol. Rightly so—once, we weren’t even permitted to pilot Silhouettes. That Silhouette is our beacon of hope. Outis-sama personally pleaded with the Dimensional Overseer super AI, Prometheus-sama, and was granted this unit.」

「Prometheus-sama!?」

The legendary Dimensional Overseer super AI—who had appeared only briefly during the Dignity War. It was said that all Silhouettes were based on his designs.

「That’s right. Why? Because he empathized with us. He said, ‘To be forbidden from piloting a Silhouette in the Nemesis System must be unbearable. I want to do something.’ That resolve moved even Prometheus-sama.」

「Ooooh…」

「And the machine born from that desire was the Epona. Its pilots are Outis’ shrine maidens, Nyanta and Aki. That Epona over there is the one granted to Aki. Not even a replica. It’s the first-ever Quattro Silhouette!」

Zola’s voice brimmed with pride. The Therianthropes behind her closed their eyes in reverence—gestures that had been forbidden by Kou himself.

They were so overcome they couldn’t even speak.

「S-So, your goal is…?」

「Outis-sama boldly declared the rights of Artifact Consciousnesses and started the Dignity War for our sake. Do you intend to repay such a profound debt with mere words of thanks? We don’t. We’ve chosen to walk alongside him—we will fight together with that person for the dignity of the soul.」

「As you should.」

「And he even saved Asia-sama! Listen to me—you were never abandoned by her. We are living proof.」

「Yes…」

「We simply walk the same path as Asia-sama and Outis-sama. This is a corporate initiative, not some religious affair. So please, don’t worry.」

Zola smiled reassuringly, and the Therianthropes at the L451 Defense Dome relaxed, comforted by her cheerful expression.

「Even though we never joined Trireme, we’ve received such immense kindness. We want to join as well!」

Another Therianthrope stepped forward.

「Becoming our companion is easy. No preaching, no gatherings required. Just show your convictions the way we do. And when the time comes and you have strength of your own, all we ask is that you support a few fellow Therianthropes and their human companions, just a little.」

「Yes!」

「Still, in case anything comes up, I’ll share the contact for Gallop Corporation’s CSR department—our de facto headquarters.」

「Please do! What kind of department is CSR, exactly?」

「It’s a concept from Earth’s corporate culture. CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. It refers to a company’s duties and contributions to society. At Gallop Corporation, it’s the department that bears social responsibility toward all stakeholders. Our support today is part of that initiative.」

「So that means…?」

「This time, we have come to do what on Earth was called SRI—Socially Responsible Investment. Specifically, community investment. We’re aiding the Therianthropes here on Planet Asia, who are not exactly in an enviable position. The Epos are on loan. And the Quattro Workers—we’ll let you have them at the same price as any regular Worker. Payment can be deferred.」

「Wha… That’s…」

「It’s fine. You know the market value of a Quattro Silhouette. This is Gallop Corporation’s contribution to society—and our responsibility to our fellow Therianthropes. It’s all thanks to our new president, Palm, who was inspired by the Earth’s old corporate ideals.」

The price was technically not free, but it was so generous it almost felt suspicious. Closer to symbolic than transactional.

「The new president of Gallop Corporation…」

「Yes. He said this very initiative was the reason he took the position in the first place.」

No one at the company objected to Palm’s leadership—after all, most employees were either Therianthropes or Familias.

「Thank you. No amount of gratitude could ever be enough.」

「Your thanks should go not to us, but to Asia-sama and Outis-sama. Gallop Corporation itself was founded by them.」

「I… see…」

「He is the one who declared the dignity of Artifact Consciousness—how could that be surprising? It is only our regret that we lack the strength to reach all our fellow Therianthropes across Planet Asia. Forgive us…」

Zola gave a slight bow. Her wish to deliver Quattro Silhouettes to as many Therianthropes as possible was genuine.

「Please, raise your head! We’re the ones who failed Asia-sama. We know the legend—how Outis-sama rescued her. Though… there are some who say Outis-sama doesn’t even exist…」

Even they were now referring to Kou and Asia with reverence.

「It’s not legend. It’s fact. And he’s no mere idol. Our captain, as you well know, is Admiral Aimer. And here stands Epona—along with her shrine maiden-pilot. Reflect on what that means.」

Zola gave a knowing smile, leaving the Therianthropes stunned.

「Outis-sama is here? That’s…」

「That incredible pilot—the one who saved Fran, Unit 5’s pilot!」

「I mustn’t say it. No, not a word. I swore upon the dignity of my soul that I’d keep it secret. A promise made with Outis-sama himself.」

It was as good as saying it aloud. Then, discreetly, she revealed the armband of Gallop’s CSR department—emblazoned with the symbols of Epona and a shrike, the Lanius.

The Therianthropes could no longer deny it.

「Asia-sama has not abandoned you. We are the proof of that.」

They nodded furiously. To think that the guardian of the super AI Asia had personally come here, to their remote Defense Dome, to help them…

And they’d even destroyed an Enyo. What greater proof could there be?

「We will spare no aid for our fellow Therianthropes. But if you would walk this path with us… there is no greater joy.」

「We will! I can’t believe Asia-sama herself was involved with Gallop Corporation… Her guardian even protected this Defense Dome with his own hands… he even protected Fran… We misunderstood everything. What have we done…」

Some began to weep quietly.

Zola had told no lies—though her delivery was perhaps… embellished. If Kou were listening, he’d probably pass out on the spot.

◆　　◆　　◆　　◆　　◆

At that time, Kou was aboard the Eustitia, discussing the current state of affairs with Fuyuki. Aimer and the others were present too.

「Greisen and the Argo Army, huh. The former’s manageable, but the latter’s trouble.」

「If Trireme gets involved, the Pyrochlore Continent will be the next battleground.」

「But can we really allow this region to become the site of a proxy war? I remember this from history class…」

「The Cold War era. The U.S. and Soviet Union glared at each other while sparking numerous crises and conflicts in the shadows. Though, to be fair, those local nations had their own roles too. They weren’t mere victims.」

「Ugh. Politics makes my head hurt.」

「Even you, Outis-sama, would say that?」

Fuyuki teased with a grin.

「Cut it out!」

Kou covered his ears, drawing laughter from everyone.

「Even if we support them, just helping defend one Defense Dome won’t be enough.」

「Right. And the fact that they’re unaffiliated is a big issue. L451 is right on the front line against Greisen. No other Defense Dome wants to get involved. They’re afraid they’ll be the next target.」

「Is that kind of indifference unique to Planet Asia?」

That very indifference had once allowed the corruption of the Mercenary Association Headquarters, dividing Asia’s people.

「Here is probably even worse than on Earth, but not by much. Even in Japan, it’s not like the whole country cared about the Middle East, Eastern Europe, or Africa. Most news focused on Northeast Asia, the West, or the Pacific. On Planet Asia, everyone lives in neatly segmented Defense Domes. Until the fire reaches them, it’s someone else’s problem.」

「I see…」

It was ironic. Living on Planet Asia made Kou more aware of Earth’s issues than when he was living on Earth.

「They’ve probably had offers from other Defense Domes to join up, right?」

「As of now, no Defense Dome or Fortress Area has enough clout to make serious overtures. Call it a lack of negotiating power.」

「You need negotiating power.」

「Nate’s a strong candidate. Keen grasp of the situation, unshakable negotiation skills. And he knows full well L451 has nothing. That clarity is powerful. He has no greed. He’s not looking to unite the neighboring Defense Domes.」

Fuyuki gave Nate high marks.

「Trying to unify the others sounds like a nightmare.」

「He seems like someone with a strong sense of duty. Apparently, he and his wife even take care of orphans. Fran—the pilot of Unit 6—was raised by them.」

「A kind and selfless man, raising orphans… If he has the trust of the people, why not convince him to become a king or something? Give him a reason.」

Aimer muttered. The other two went still.

Kou and Fuyuki locked eyes. A path was beginning to form—a solution to their mounting challenges.