Episode 214: Base Infiltration Operation
“Successful insertion of the supply satellite into orbit. Transitioning to the docking phase with the low-Earth orbit platform.”
“It’s great that we can get footage from other satellites!”
Currently, Commander (Eve) was observing the launch of additional satellites from the command center.
Since multiple surveillance satellites were already in operation in orbit, it was possible to observe the satellite launch from above.
In addition to ground footage and cameras mounted on the launch rocket, the launch was being filmed from a higher vantage point. This footage was displayed prominently on the front screen, much to Eve’s delight.
“Initiating orbital adjustments.”
In the magnified image, the second-stage rocket began firing its thrusters from various points.
The satellite launched this time was intended to refuel the second-stage rocket group that constitutes the already operational low-Earth orbit platform.
At an altitude of 300km, there is a thin atmosphere, causing the flight speed and altitude to gradually decrease. To compensate for this, it is necessary to periodically activate the engines.
Naturally, repeating orbital corrections will deplete the onboard fuel.
The purpose of this satellite launch is to replenish the fuel of this rocket.
Incidentally, the second-stage propulsion rocket has also been replaced with a new model.
A huge fuel tank is installed in the payload, filled with fuel, and it is planned to move around the platform, refueling each component module, and finally connect to the designated position.
Currently, no specific role has been assigned to this low-Earth orbit platform.
At most, it is conducting various experiments in orbit.
However, this is the first operation in outer space in this world, and there is a lack of various knowledge. Even with a robotic arm, the effects of gravity differences on existing machinery are unclear.
In the future, adding experimental equipment to turn it into a research platform is a strong candidate.
“Docking orbit adjustment complete. Docking operations will begin in approximately 5 hours.”
“Yes, yes, everything is going smoothly.”
“Continuing with the launch of the gravity measurement satellite.”
Orbital Insertion Vehicle No. 1 (Booby 1), Units 2 and 3, are already on standby at the launch pad. After this, the returned Units 1, 2, and 3 will be reused to launch a total of five gravity measurement satellites as a set.
The gravity measurement satellites are a group of satellites intended to precisely measure the gravity distribution of this planet.
By precisely measuring each other with laser rangefinders while orbiting the planet, they will quantify the strength of gravity. Furthermore, when flying over ＜The Tree＞, ground-based laser rangefinders will be used to compensate for errors.
According to ＜Ringo＞, precise measurements are possible to the point where computational errors can be ignored.
“Initiating launch sequence for Units 2 and 3.”
Unit 1 has successfully completed its launch, and the first-stage rocket has returned to Earth without any major issues.
＜Ringo＞ determined that there were no problems and initiated the launch of the subsequent rockets.
◇◇◇◇
In the darkness of the night, a massive ship sailed, cutting through the waves with its bow.
Today was a solitary moon (a day with only a half-moon), so there was almost no light. Even for those accustomed to the dark, it would be difficult to see ahead.
“Come to think of it, this planet has three satellites, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Three satellites in the same orbit. They orbit in a Y-shaped configuration. Their total mass is 0.8 times that of Earth’s satellite, the Moon. It is estimated that the two approaching satellites will collide in several thousand years.”
“Oh, really? They’re going to collide…”
Several thousand years in the future.
From her perspective, it would be an unimaginably distant event.
“Technically, with our scientific capabilities, we can handle it in any way. In that case, we would need your instructions.”
“Ah… I see. When the time comes.”
Commander (Eve) replied, perplexed by the completely different sense of time.
That’s right.
Apparently, she has no lifespan.
In that case, she might actually observe the celestial show of satellites colliding.
Well, that’s something that can’t be helped by worrying about it.
“Is the approach going smoothly?”
“Yes, Ma’am. 3km remaining to the target point. Using passive exploration only, no artificial structures have been confirmed in the vicinity. Securing the landing point is also complete.”
Currently, although it was the middle of the night, they were in the middle of an operation.
A work vessel was sent to build a secret base in the inland of the Prahva Theocracy, which would be the center of future discussions.
The work vessel was a massive ship about 300m in length.
To reduce visibility, the draft was quite deep, with only a few meters above the sea.
In addition, it was covered in active camouflage, so even under the sun, it would completely blend into the background from a few kilometers away.
The cargo consisted of various equipment and materials, as well as numerous multi-legged machines for mobile defense.
These would be landed on a remote coast, and a surveillance base would be built on a mountaintop inland.
“By the way, is the Prahva Theocracy quite large?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It is believed to be larger than the combined land area of the Aphrasian Union, the Forest Country (Lebresta), and the Repuytari Kingdom.”
The Prahva Theocracy, located west of the Repuytari Kingdom across the Lafret Sea.
It is a large religious nation that has expanded its power by proselytizing the surrounding areas.
That great power is currently invading the eastern nations with undisguised ambition.
Its rate of expansion is extraordinarily fast, and it was predicted that it could invade the Repuytari Kingdom within a year.
Therefore, it is necessary to quickly gather information about the Prahva Theocracy.
“Reached the specified distance. Commencing hull stabilization.”
Hundreds of meters offshore, the work vessel dropped anchor and began to stabilize its hull.
The landing point chosen was a sandy beach. The forest extended close to the shore, minimizing the exposure of the unloading operations on the ground.
If a marine vessel approached, the work vessel was planned to submerge and hide.
Unloading was carried out by laying a simple monorail. A storage base was built in the forest, materials were unloaded all at once, and the work vessel retreated.
This would minimize the exposure of ＜The Tree＞’s forces.
“Releasing multi-legged heavy machinery. Commencing construction of the material storage area.”
The deck of the work vessel opened up, and multi-legged heavy machinery rose from it. The heavy machinery jumped into the sea and began swimming towards the shore.
The heavy machinery leveled the target area, screwed in foundation piles, fixed temporary flooring, and constructed a material storage area.
Most of the work was scheduled to be completed before dawn.
“It looks like fast-forward…”
Eve muttered while watching the display showing the work.
Because the movements of the multi-legged heavy machinery were precise and fast, it would indeed look like fast-forward to someone who didn’t know better.
If a floating monorail bridge pier was connected here, it would be a fully automated factory.
Even as Eve watched, work machines were deployed one after another from the work vessel, and the monorail extended towards the shore.
“Launching reconnaissance aircraft.”
The target point and the route to it had been determined by observation satellites.
However, that was from a height of 200km. Actually going to the site could reveal unexpected problems.
Therefore, it was necessary to first send drones ahead in the sky, and then explore the ground with reconnaissance aircraft.
A silent model reconnaissance drone was launched by catapult.
It was a type that combined a magnetic levitation motor, a silent propeller design, and a noise canceling device that collided sound waves with reverse phases, allowing it to fly almost silently.
The surface was coated with a color-controllable active camouflage, making it almost invisible from a distance.
The multi-legged reconnaissance aircraft had a similar configuration and was also stealthy, so even if there were people in the forest, they would not notice it.
“I wonder if we can find any mineral veins while we’re at it…”
While infiltrating reconnaissance forces into another country, Commander (Eve) muttered a luxurious wish.
As part of rehabilitation, I will resume with irregular updates about once a week.
There are also activity reports and setting materials collections, so please check my page if you are interested.