Episode 344: I Want to Build a Great Battleship
Eve, Commander of Fortress ＜The Tree＞, stood before ＜Ringo＞, the integrated management AI, and the six sisters who managed the current forces.
“We will begin a full-scale survey of this planet!”
“Ooh!”
As applause echoed, Eve swiftly raised her right hand.
In response, the projection display showed a world map.
“Currently, we are expanding our forces on this continent. In addition, we have confirmed five other continents and two large island chains!”
Displayed was one continent outlined, along with five other massive landmasses. There was also an island chain in the middle of the ocean and another stretching from the edge of one of the continents.
“Six continents, two island chains. We know that all of them have some form of civilization. But, conversely, that’s about all the information we have.”
What Eve was saying was understood by every Sentient Entity belonging to ＜The Tree＞. However, just because everyone knew it didn’t mean they could proceed haphazardly.
Giving a speech like this would motivate everyone. It should. Right?
“Our goal, of course, is to expand our power. Therefore, we need to understand other forces that could become obstacles, and we must confront them as necessary. But we lack information.”
Frankly, the Northern Continent, which they were using as a foothold, was too chaotic, and they hadn’t had the resources to spare for anything else until now.
Also, if it weren’t for the Threat Creature problem, they could have deployed far more automatons onto the planet.
On this planet, where even operating satellites was risky, they had been focusing on solidifying their base rather than taking that risk.
“As you all know, our resource production is steadily increasing. There are still threats on the Northern Continent, but we are in a situation where we can allocate surplus resources to planetary exploration without any problems. If so, there’s no reason not to do it!”
Eve clenched her fist with a determined look.
“Now, Ichigo, what preparations will we be making?”
“Yes, Onee-sama. The construction and organization of an expeditionary force.”
Ichigo, who had been sitting quietly in her chair, answered precisely and added information to the display.
“Dispatching aircraft is the most efficient in terms of both time and resources. However, it is too conspicuous, vulnerable to anti-air attacks, and lacks suppressive power.”
Eve had immediately rejected the plan to dispatch an air force centered on Gigantia-class units.
They were too conspicuous and had paper-thin armor. If they encountered multiple Wyvern-class Threat Creatures, annihilation was inevitable.
It wasn’t impossible to consider that the annihilation itself would become information, but well, it would be a waste. This wasn’t wartime.
“Therefore, I have formulated a plan to dispatch a fleet centered on a Great Battleship. By using large warships, we can transport a large amount of supplies and forces. If we can secure a base, we can construct a fortress there. By landing large automatons, securing the surrounding area will be easy.”
The proposed plan was to dispatch a large fleet.
It was a plan to dispatch a large fleet with enough power to crush any small force with ease, capable of autonomous operation for a long period of time, and quickly establish a base.
“Along with this, we will expand the scale of the satellites we operate. We will move the GPS satellites from provisional to full operation. We will newly set up a quasi-synchronous orbit and launch 44 satellites. In addition, we will further increase the number of ground observation optical satellites so that we can observe the entire globe without interruption. We will also further expand data communication satellites to enhance the communication network.”
And they would begin to seriously overhaul the satellites, which had only been operated passively until now.
Currently, they were operating large production facilities in orbit, but no particular problems had occurred even after several months. Therefore, they could judge that there was no short-term danger in space.
Perhaps, introducing a large number of satellites could cause problems, but frankly, even if all the satellites were destroyed, it wouldn’t be a significant loss of resources.
“We will also increase the number of gravity distribution observation satellites to conduct a more detailed geological survey of the entire planet. For the time being, we will collect data with optical observation satellites and gravity distribution observation satellites to analyze resource distribution.”
If they could understand the resource distribution to some extent, they could select a candidate site for a fake base or a place to actually relocate.
They would narrow down the candidates to some extent and then send a fleet there.
“Thank you, Ichigo. Akane, Olive, I’m leaving the satellites to you?”
“Understood, Onee-sama.”
“Okay, Onee-chan…”
After entrusting the production and launch operation of the satellites to Akane and Olive, Eve confirmed the remaining plans.
“Utsugi and Erika will handle the Great Battleship. Ichigo, cooperate with the strategy. I’ll leave the tactical-level planning to the two of you.”
“Okay, Onee-chan!”
“Understood, Onee-chan!”
“Yes, Onee-sama.”
Great Battleship.
It was an even larger ship than the currently operated Hringhorni-class Battleship.
This would be used as the flagship to advance to another continent.
It was a true Great Battleship, housing a large energy furnace and a large amount of ammunition, all controlled by a Supercomputer, further expanding the functions of the current battleship.
The design of the prototype first ship had already begun and was taking shape to some extent.
Also, since the Great Battleship alone would be strategically insufficient, they were planning to operate a huge aircraft carrier at the same time. This would be a super-giant ship that could operate various automatons, and even manufacture them on-site if necessary, rather than just an aircraft carrier. It was like a combination of an aircraft carrier, a landing craft, and a repair ship, an object that was almost a mobile fortress.
“Akane and Olive will handle data collection and analysis. Utsugi and Erika will prepare the dispatch fleet. Ichigo will manage the whole thing and help with fleet operations. Everyone, are you okay with that?”
“Yes!”
After assigning tasks to the Five Sisters, Eve finally turned her eyes to Asahi.
“Asahi, you’re in charge of data analysis. I heard a little while ago that there are some suspicious terrains, right? You’re in charge of finding those and instructing detailed analysis. Okay?”
“Leave it to me, Onee-sama!”
Designated by Eve, Asahi raised her hand and replied energetically.
“What I’m curious about is that! The mysterious plateau on the eastern continent!”
“That’s right. I want you to investigate anything that seems suspicious like that. In some cases, we may need to adjust the satellite’s orbit, so discuss it thoroughly.”
“Got it! Also, I’m curious about the area covered in clouds on the back continent, and the big islands next to it. There seems to be quite a bit of strange climate, and I’d like to take a closer look with the gravity distribution observation satellites!”
They had obtained satellite photos of the entire planet, but since the number of satellites was limited, they hadn’t been able to confirm much change over time. They really wanted to obtain detailed information with radar satellites, but they planned to be cautious and stick to passive observation for the time being.
“We’re starting to be able to leave the Northern Continent to the locals. We should always be working towards the future!”
A cheer went up in response to Eve’s declaration.
Certainly, the independent AI of the home base didn’t need to directly govern the local area. The lower levels should be increasingly left to other AIs, and the experienced headquarters AI should always look at the whole picture.
“I’m a little worried, but I think the Northern Continent will be almost fine if we have Amadio-san as an advisor.”
“Yes, Ma’am. With the cooperation of Amadio Silverhead, I believe there will be no problems.”
＜Ringo＞ agreed with Eve’s words. It was a great help to have a heavyweight with unparalleled experience rooted in the Northern Continent. The project currently underway was also to reach Amadio’s base, Trout Nursery.
Even if they didn’t ask, he should cooperate firmly.
Well, he was completely freaked out after watching the battle with ＜The Reflector＞. But he should do it.
It’s time to expand our power.
There are still various problems, but they are no longer something that can’t be solved unless we do our best, so we will gradually expand outward from now on.
By the way, building the Great Battleship will make resources tight again.
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Happy New Year!
I’m secretly updating the setting materials collection as well, so please take a look.
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