Episode 214: Base Infiltration Operation
“Successful orbital insertion of the supply satellite. 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 deployment of additional satellites from the Command Room.
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.
“Starting orbital adjustments.”
In the magnified image, the second-stage rocket began firing 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 the satellite launched this time is to replenish the fuel for this rocket.
Incidentally, the second-stage propulsion rocket has also been replaced with a new model.
A huge fuel tank was installed in the payload, filled with fuel, and is scheduled to move around the platform to refuel each component module, before finally connecting to the designated position.
Currently, no particular role has been assigned to this low-Earth orbit platform.
At most, it is being used for various experiments in orbit.
However, this is the first time operating in outer space in this world, and there is a lack of various knowledge. Even with a robotic arm, the effect of gravity differences on existing machines is 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, going smoothly.”
“Next, we will begin launching the Gravity Measurement Satellite.”
Orbital Insertion Machine Booby One, Unit 2 and Unit 3 are already on standby at the launch pad. After this, reusing the returned Units 1, 2, and 3, a total of five Gravity Measurement Satellites will be launched as a set.
The Gravity Measurement Satellites are a group of satellites intended to precisely measure the gravity distribution of this planet.
By orbiting the planet while precisely measuring each other with laser rangefinders, 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.
“Starting the launch sequence for Unit 2 and Unit 3.”
Unit 1 has successfully completed its launch, and the first-stage rocket has also returned to Earth without any major problems being discovered.
＜Ringo＞ determined that there were no problems and started launching the subsequent rockets.
◇◇◇◇
In the darkness of the night, a huge ship navigates, cutting through the waves with its bow.
Today is a solitary moon, a half-moon, so there is almost no light. Even for those whose eyes are accustomed to the darkness, it would be difficult to see ahead.
“Come to think of it, this planet has three satellites, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Three satellites on the same orbit. They orbit in a Y-shaped configuration. The total mass is 0.8 times that of Earth’s satellite, the Moon. It is estimated that the two approaching satellites will collide in a few thousand years.”
“Oh, really? They’re going to collide…”
A few thousand years later.
From her perspective, it would be an incredibly distant future event.
“Technically, with our scientific capabilities, we can do anything about it. In that case, we would need to ask for instructions.”
“Ah… I see. When that time comes.”
Commander (Eve) replied, perplexed by the completely different sense of time.
That’s right.
Apparently, she has no lifespan.
If so, she might actually observe the celestial show of satellites colliding.
Well, that’s something that can’t be helped even if she worries about it.
“Is the approach going smoothly?”
“Yes, Ma’am. 3km remaining to the target point. Using only passive exploration, no artificial objects have been confirmed in the vicinity. Securing the landing point is also complete.”
Currently, although it is the middle of the night, they are in the middle of an operation.
A work vessel was sent to build a secret base in the inland part of the Prawa Theocracy, which will be the focus of future discussions.
The work vessel is a huge ship about 300m in length.
To reduce visibility, the draft is quite deep, with only a few meters above the sea.
In addition, it is covered with active camouflage, so even if viewed under the sun, it would completely blend into the background from a few kilometers away.
The cargo includes various equipment and materials, as well as numerous Multi-legged Machines for mobile defense.
These will be landed on a remote coast, and a surveillance base will be built on a mountain peak inland.
“By the way, is the Prawa Theocracy quite large?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It is believed to be even larger than the combined land area of the Afrasia United Kingdom, the Forest Country (Lebresta), and the Repuytari Kingdom.”
The Prawa Theocracy, located west of the Repuytari Kingdom across the Lafret Sea.
As a religious nation, it is a major power that has expanded its influence by proselytizing the surrounding areas.
That major power is currently invading eastern countries 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 Prawa Theocracy.
“Reached the designated distance. Starting to secure the hull.”
Hundreds of meters from the coast, the work vessel dropped anchor and began to secure the hull.
The landing point chosen was a sandy beach. The forest extends right up to the coast, minimizing the exposure of the unloading work on the ground.
If a marine vessel approaches, the work vessel plans to submerge and hide.
Unloading will be carried out by laying a simple monorail. A concentration base will be built in the forest, materials will be unloaded all at once, and the work vessel will retreat.
This will minimize the exposure of ＜The Tree＞’s forces.
“Releasing Multi-legged Heavy Machines. Starting construction of the material accumulation site.”
The deck of the work vessel opened up, and Multi-legged Heavy Machines rose from it. The heavy machines jumped straight into the sea and began swimming towards the coast.
The heavy machines will level the target site, screw in foundation piles, fix temporary flooring, and construct a material accumulation site.
Most of the work is scheduled to be completed before dawn.
“It looks like fast-forward…”
Eve muttered while watching the display showing such work.
Because the movements of the Multi-legged Heavy Machines are precise and fast, it would indeed look like fast-forward to someone who didn’t know anything about it.
If a floating monorail pier is connected here, it will be a fully automated factory.
Even as Eve watched, work machines were being deployed one after another from the work vessel, and the monorail was extending towards the shore.
“Launching reconnaissance aircraft.”
The target point and the route leading to it have been determined by observation satellites.
However, that is from a height of 200km. If you actually go to the site, unexpected problems may occur.
Therefore, it is necessary to first send a drone ahead in the sky, and then develop the ground with reconnaissance aircraft.
A silent model reconnaissance drone is launched by catapult.
It is a type that combines a magnetically levitated motor, a silent propeller design, and a noise canceling device that collides sound waves with opposite phases, allowing it to fly with almost no sound.
The surface is coated with an active camouflage that can control colors, making it almost invisible from a distance.
The Multi-legged Reconnaissance Vehicle has also been stealth-optimized with a similar configuration, so even if there are people in the forest, they will not notice it.
“I wonder if we can find a lode 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.
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