Chapter 108: The Fleet’s Maiden Voyage
“The fleet is fully assembled as scheduled.”
“Well done!”
The last destroyer was launched into the water. While production would continue for reserve ships, the construction of the fleet, with the cruiser as its flagship, was now complete.
“The eight Hedgehog-class destroyers and the flagship Panas, a Panas-class nuclear cruiser, are now combat-ready. All inspections in the dock have been completed. Only the trial voyage remains.”
“Ah, what a magnificent sight…”
For the moment, the cruiser and the eight destroyers were arranged in a circular formation. Watching the scene through drone footage, Commander Eve was positively bubbling with excitement.
“Having a flagship makes all the difference! The fleet suddenly looks so much more impressive!”
“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you.”
In the center was the flagship Panas, surrounded by six destroyers, with two more positioned ahead in the direction of travel. This was the circular formation adopted for this mission. Additionally, wide-area surveillance drones were stationed above, ensuring constant visibility. The drones flew at an altitude of approximately 20 kilometers, providing a calculated line of sight exceeding 600 kilometers. To avoid direct association, they were positioned behind or to the side rather than directly overhead. Similarly, power supply drones were placed at a distance to minimize visibility. Although this would reduce power supply efficiency, the Panas was capable of generating sufficient energy on its own, so it posed no significant issue.
“The trial voyage will commence from The Tree to the Second Fortress. After that, we will resupply at the Second Fortress and head to Port Town of Terek. If all goes well, we plan to load Redstone into the cargo hold and set sail for the Kingdom of Repuitari.”
“Indeed. I hear there’s talk of deploying forces to Port Town of Terek. If they take the initiative, it could become troublesome, so we need to set a firm precedent.”
“Yes, Ma’am. While we anticipate that the stationed forces in Port Town of Terek will be sufficient to repel any threats, it would be best to prevent any incursions altogether. This will also serve as a model case for our diplomatic efforts with other nations. That country seems to be a step ahead of its neighbors, so it could serve as a good test.”
The bots infiltrating the Kingdom of Repuitari were steadily gathering information. The current objective of the Kingdom was to seize control of Port Town of Terek and secure Redstone. As a hegemonic nation, this strategy was understandable. Currently, the primary power source for the Kingdom of Repuitari was steam engines fueled by Redstone, which reportedly was not produced within their territory. The main producer of Redstone was none other than the Afrasia United Kingdom. In another era, the Afrasia United Kingdom might have claimed dominance as an energy-producing nation.
“We will establish diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Repuitari and subsequently keep an eye on the surrounding nations. By demonstrating our strength, we can manipulate the situation to our advantage. I recommend a well-prepared plan to advance into the interior of the Afrasia United Kingdom.”
The Tree, or rather, externally known as Paraiso, would intervene in the civil war of the Afrasia United Kingdom. This bold plan aimed to secure domestic resources and establish a colonial presence. This was not merely a suggestion from RINGO.
The territories of the Afrasia United Kingdom were being encroached upon by neighboring nations.
This was the fact revealed by the extensive optical scanning conducted across the Northern Continent.
The invading nations sought to claim the Redstone produced from the lands of the Afrasia United Kingdom. Redstone was a mineral known for its stable heat emission properties. Currently, it was recognized primarily for its convenience in cooking, with some usage in metallurgy. Until now, its production had been limited, making charcoal more in demand, but there seemed to be a gradual shift towards its practicality. However, the Kingdom of Repuitari was currently hoarding it at a relatively high price, preventing widespread adoption by other nations. Yet, with the Kingdom of Repuitari beginning to use it extensively, its market value had surged.
“At this rate, the Afrasia United Kingdom will collapse within ten years if left unchecked. So, if we can seize it first, there’s no harm done.”
This was Commander Eve’s conclusion.
With the current strength of The Tree, it would be possible to take control of the entire Afrasia United Kingdom with minimal bloodshed. This would certainly result in fewer casualties than allowing internal strife and foreign encroachments to continue. Fortunately, the staple food in this continent was a grain similar to wheat. By preparing arable land and applying ample chemical fertilizers, food supply would be adequately secured. Supplying thread and cloth, along with construction materials, would make it feasible to win over 90% of the populace. Few would dare to oppose a leader who provided ample clothing, food, and shelter.
“We will seize control of the entire Afrasia United Kingdom and secure the mineral veins expected to be abundant in the north.”
In the central part of the Northern Continent, there existed a massive mountain range running east to west. The southern side, which constituted the territory of the Afrasia United Kingdom, was covered in land believed to have been formed by lava flowing from the mountains. Many lava deposits, or mineral veins, were expected to be found in the north.
“The area around the Second Fortress is near the forefront of the lava flow. The amount of lava that has reached here is relatively small. As we move northward, the volume of lava increases. Where there are depressions or valleys, mineral veins likely form from the accumulated lava. We should swiftly take control of the entire territory and conduct thorough investigations.”
Then, we would elevate the status of the Afrasia United Kingdom as a nation and import various resources from foreign countries. If we could achieve this, the resource balance would stabilize significantly.
“Well, it’s all just theoretical for now. First, we need to silence the Kingdom of Repuitari, which poses the greatest threat among the surrounding nations.”
Commander Eve’s strategy was to compel compliance without engaging in battle. For now, a swift occupation by overwhelming force was the optimal solution for the Afrasia United Kingdom. And against the Kingdom of Repuitari, they would employ gunboat diplomacy with their massive flagship. Resources were still insufficient to fully assemble their military strength, so they decided to place the Kingdom of Repuitari and its neighboring nations under the influence of Paraiso first.
“I hadn’t intended to rush things this much.”
“Yes, Ma’am. It was fortunate that we were able to learn about the internal situation of the Kingdom of Repuitari at this stage. We can approach them before the expeditionary fleet sets sail. If we had encountered them at sea, the likelihood of combat would have been high.”
“To make them submit without a fight. That would leave no lingering grudges, wouldn’t it? Probably.”
“Yes, Ma’am. It’s best to keep casualties to a minimum.”
The ideal was to gather strength slowly and then seize everything in one decisive blow. However, it had become increasingly clear that they would clash with the Kingdom of Repuitari before they were fully prepared. In reality, it would be impossible for the expeditionary fleet alone to ravage the entire territory of the Kingdom of Repuitari. Yet, RINGO assessed that it would be sufficient for diplomatic purposes. At the very least, they had enough firepower to turn the capital, Moar, into scorched earth. This would serve as a significant deterrent.
“Moreover, if we can directly negotiate the trade of Redstone, it would be difficult for them to refuse.”
The Kingdom of Repuitari was particularly concerned about the supply routes for Redstone. Although they were engaged in trade with multiple nations, they were somewhat at a disadvantage and faced high transportation costs. If they could import it in large quantities via sea routes, they would likely welcome it rather than attempt to drive them away.
That said, the upper echelons of the Kingdom of Repuitari were likely aware of the risks of having their supply routes monopolized, which would necessitate careful maneuvering on their part.
“Now, are we ready for departure?”
“Yes, Ma’am. All is in order.”
“Excellent. Then let’s head out to see them off. This marks the historic maiden voyage of The Tree’s first strike fleet!”