“Zetes, has stopped. Telemetry data analysis in progress.”
“No critical failures detected. No flooding confirmed in vital compartments.”
Receiving this information, Eve sighed and sank into her command chair.
“If the power reactor and Computer Room are undamaged, that’s a relief for now… What about the enemy?”
“Search is ongoing. No underwater contacts. Nothing detected in the air for now, either.”
It seems
It appeared to have reallocated some of its processing power, previously assigned to combat operations, to resources for maintaining its current state.
“Zetes, deploying hull anchoring cables. Commencing preparations to launch Drones for peripheral surveillance.”
“Telemetry data analysis complete. Updating current position. Estimated to be approximately 540m from Point 4. Current distance from the coastline is about 80m. Water depth is 3m, but due to the current low tide, it’s expected to drop to around 2.5m in about 4 hours.”
“The Surveillance Satellite will be able to capture images in 23 minutes. A more precise position can be estimated then.”
The assault by large fish, acting like torpedoes or missiles, had been weathered for now.
However, the damage was by no means light.
Fortunately, all aerial attacks were shot down, so there was no damage to the superstructure.
Nevertheless, it would likely be impossible for Zetes to move from this grounded position for the foreseeable future.
Having rammed into the coast at full speed, the hull had wedged itself in so far that even at high tide, there wouldn’t be enough depth for Zetes to refloat.
No, perhaps, if all cargo was unloaded and there was a spring tide influenced by the two moons, it might be able to break free.
But unloading all the cargo in this location, devoid of any facilities, would be difficult in itself.
“The hull is listing approximately 1.3m to starboard compared to port. This may change with the ebb and flow of the tide.”
“It seems Zetes will prioritize conducting reconnaissance on land. It’s considering the option of constructing a land base in case preserving the hull becomes difficult.”
“I see.”
Point 4, where Zetes had arrived, was the furthest point from
Argo-class ships had arrived safely at the other reconnaissance points.
In other words, this Point 4 was in the most difficult situation.
“Retreat, abandonment, or reinforcements. What about those options?”
“Yes, Onee-sama. I will answer. Regarding retreat, it’s currently unfeasible due to the difficulty of escape. Abandonment is also not an option, as over 80% of Zetes’ functions are still sound. Reinforcements are under consideration, but sending a significant force is deemed too risky given the current lack of detailed information about the external enemy.”
“Hmm… Well, that sounds reasonable. Alright, Zetes can continue as is. If the situation seems likely to change, we’ll consider additional responses. Besides, if the
Eve murmured this while looking over Zetes’ status.
The Battleship
Of course, a single ship has its limits, but by forming a fleet with these battleships and carriers at its core, they would be able to exert tremendous suppressive power.
The
Of course, without supplies, they would eventually run dry, but if they could gain sea control, even temporarily, a supply route could be established.
However, that’s only if there’s a merit to continuing to do so.
“At the very least, if we assume the attacking fish were like the ones this time, high-speed boats would be effective. If they’re faster than the fish’s swimming speed, attacks can be avoided.”
“Ah, I see… If we can detect the underwater contacts in advance, we can evade them.”
And so, Zetes would have to construct a base while isolated.
If possible, it’s only natural to want to deliver additional high-performance materials and advanced electronic components to aid in its construction.
In that case, one could consider using something like a hydrofoil, which has a somewhat small payload but can achieve speeds of over 100 km/h, to dash through.
Of course, dispatching an aircraft carrier to nearby waters and conducting air transport with Rotorcraft or similar aircraft is also an option.
Either way, due to range limitations, they would need to get within about 800km.
“In situations like this, you really understand how convenient Gigantia is…”
“Indeed. Being conspicuous is its only drawback.”
Eve grumbled, and Akane agreed.
The sky giants
But, naturally, if such enormous vessels were to fly, they would be incredibly conspicuous.
It would be an act tantamount to crumpling up and discarding the entire reconnaissance mission.
“Maybe a spaceship capable of ballistic flight could be a long shot…? No, but atmospheric re-entry would be too conspicuous…”
Setting aside the issue that if they could operate spaceships, there would be no need to stick to the ground in the first place.
In any case, the point was that it’s difficult to hide when using transport that passes through high altitudes.
Even with aircraft, if they flew low, below 1,000m, they might be dispatched without being too conspicuous.
However, for Gigantia at least, flying at such low altitudes would be difficult.
Just tilting the hull to change course would require caution against colliding with the ground or water. Especially if it stalled even slightly, there’s a possibility it could be instantly slammed into the ground or water.
Furthermore, there’s also the issue of engine noise, so Gigantia really couldn’t be dispatched.
“For the time being, I suppose Zetes will have to be self-sufficient using its onboard facilities. In about half a year, we might be able to dispatch a
“If some promising resources are discovered. It also depends on the surrounding ecosystem. If Threat Creatures that are difficult to deal with are confirmed, the option of abandonment could arise.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true. Then, we’ll just have to count on Zetes to do its best…”
For now, they had overcome the immediate crisis. Zetes’ condition was worrying, but various investigations would likely begin from now on.
“Investigations are progressing at other points as well. Zetes is a special case, but since the situation is considered to have stabilized for now, I shall take over control.”
“You’re right. I’m curious about the other points too, and everyone has their own work to do. Well then,
“Yes, Ma’am.”
◇◇◇◇
The Argo-class Reconnaissance Mothership
Specifically, it would drive piles into the seabed, attach wires, and winch them in.
It was desirable to perform the work at high tide, preferably on a day with a spring tide when the tidal level is highest.
However, since the next spring tide was 10 days away, it was decided to carry out the work at the next high tide, and the construction machines plunged into the sea to drive the piles.
We’ve dispatched reconnaissance fleets to 6 locations, so it’s very busy.
Basically, Ringo-chan is handling control, but it feels like the sisters intervene at key points.
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