Chapter 38: Exploring the Ghost Ship
“…A ghost ship?”
“Well, Akane said so. A dilapidated, unmanned vessel is drifting out there, and Ringo informed us about it. So, we all watched the footage together.”
“Ringo?”
When she turned around, Ringo nodded.
“There doesn’t seem to be any particular danger, so I provided it as educational material.”
“Hm.”
It was a bit unsettling that there hadn’t been a report made to her, but it was likely that this was included in the material meant for the Commander (Eve). Judging by Ichigo’s attitude, it seemed more like a casual “story” rather than a formal report.
“So, since we have the chance, we thought we’d board it. Um, I want to go too, and, um, I’d like my big sister to come along, so we can all go together…”
She fidgeted and glanced around.
Seeing Ichigo’s shy demeanor, the girl nodded enthusiastically and stood up. Who could possibly express anything other than agreement when faced with such an adorable sight? No one!!
“That sounds like so much fun, Ichigo! Ringo, prepare everything!”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). The Alpha-class Destroyer #8, Hotel, is ready for deployment.”
“Hotel, huh? That sounds extravagant.”
“We’re also prepared for an overnight stay. Leave it to me.”
It was irrelevant, but she had never actually stayed in a hotel, nor had she ever gone on a trip, but as long as she had the knowledge, she could manage. While bantering with Ringo, she began walking toward the open sea dock. Ichigo happily followed, and she took her hand.
By the way, when she held someone’s hand, it usually ended up with everyone doing the same, resulting in a chaotic scene. But as long as the Commander (Ma’am) was happy, that was all that mattered, Ringo thought. Naturally, Ringo would participate as well.
“Upon arrival, I will deploy work drones to scout ahead. We’ve conducted a preliminary scan from the air, but we haven’t been able to check everything.”
“Right. It would be troublesome if there were any survivors who might attack us…”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). Additionally, we will need to conduct a quarantine, so it may take a little time.”
Since their transfer to this world, Ringo had been continuously monitoring her body. So far, no significant issues had been discovered. Her immune system was functioning normally, and it appeared to be several times stronger than that of the humans in Ringo’s knowledge base. The concern was that if she were to contract unknown bacteria or viruses in a place without a major hospital, it could be problematic. However, she had remained healthy, and her sisters, cultivated from her genetic material, were the same.
“Decomposing bodies pose a very high risk of infection, so please avoid getting too close.”
“…Is it really likely?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). That is a wrecked ship. We’ve confirmed it on the deck, and it’s likely inside as well. We don’t know how long it has been adrift, but since it hasn’t been skeletonized, it’s probably been only a few months. Pathogens are likely to be present.”
Bacteria derived from humans are, of course, easily transmissible to other humans. Even though they possessed genetically robust immune systems, exposure to a bacterial load that exceeded their processing capacity could be extremely dangerous.
“Should we wear protective suits?”
“If possible. Yes, training for such situations is necessary, so let’s prepare them. They may be a bit cumbersome, but they come equipped with joint assist functions. I can provide support as needed. I will ensure everyone is equipped.”
When it came to exploration, she wanted to do it herself. Anticipating this, Ringo pondered how to get them aboard the wrecked ship. If they were going to wear protective suits, the options would expand significantly. This way, neither the Commander (Ma’am) nor her five sisters would be disappointed. She immediately fed the design plans into the Printer and began manufacturing the protective suits. They should be ready in about an hour.
“By the way, this will be my first time on an Alpha-class ship…”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). It’s actually the first time we’re leaving The Tree.”
“…Is that so?”
Since their transfer to this world, she had been cooped up in The Tree. The most she had done was go for a swim, and even then, it was only on the wooden platform that Ringo had constructed. Given the rocky waters, it was too dangerous to swim otherwise.
“It’s my first outing~”
“Sister, is this our first outing too?”
“Well, yes. Let’s all go together.”
“Yes!”
And so, the sisters excitedly boarded the ship and set sail. Accompanied by the Alpha-class Destroyers #9, India, and #10, Juliet, they headed toward the wrecked ship.
“The blue sea!”
“The white clouds!”
Standing at the bow, Utsugi and Erika alternated their shouts.
“A big ship!”
“A ghost ship!”
“I don’t think it’s a ghost ship.”
The Commander (Eve) muttered under her breath, but no one heard her. After departing from The Tree and spending a night on the ship, they were now approaching the wrecked vessel.
“Sister, when can we board that ship?”
“Hmm? Well, probably in about an hour. Shall we deploy a Cutter to board it? I didn’t expect Akane to be so eager…”
“I studied about ghost ships in advance. I’m fully prepared!”
“It doesn’t seem like studying about ghost ships would be very useful…”
Akane seemed too excited to hear the Commander’s (big sister’s) retort. Snorting with enthusiasm, she gazed intently at the wrecked ship. The Commander (Eve) chuckled softly, patted Akane’s head, and began to walk away.
Right now, the drones operated by Ringo were conducting an internal investigation of the wrecked ship. It appeared to be a military vessel, with watertight compartments well constructed. They were moving carefully through the ship to avoid causing any damage. So far, no survivors had been confirmed.
Glancing at the Communicator Android (the humanoid robot) releasing the Cutter from its moorings, she entered the ship. She walked down a narrow corridor and climbed a steep staircase. After passing through a hatch and climbing another ladder-like staircase, she arrived at the bridge. There, she found Ringo seated at the navigator’s station and Ichigo seriously gripping the helm. Olive was nowhere to be seen.
“Ringo, where’s Olive?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). She’s checking the protective suits in the cargo hold.”
“Oh, how diligent of her.”
She murmured, truly unique, and approached the window. Looking down, she could see Utsugi and Erika making a ruckus at the bow, along with Akane. These three were surprisingly lively and carefree. Akane, who one might think was a bookish girl, was acting like this. Meanwhile, Ichigo was diligently fulfilling her responsibilities. Although she had communicated that it was fine to leave it to Ringo, it seemed she was determined to steer the ship herself. How earnest of her.
And Olive was inspecting the equipment. This seemed less about diligence and more like a hobby. She had shown a great interest in the joint assist mechanisms. It was likely that she was experimenting with the Communicator Android (the humanoid robot) that Ringo controlled.
“Ichigo, let’s prepare to board soon. Can you hand over the controls to Ringo?”
“Yes, Commander (big sister). Ringo, I transfer the helm to you.”
“All functions are under my control. Hotel is now under Ringo’s remote operation. All systems are green.”
Ichigo let out a sigh of relief. The eldest sister (Eve) approached her and gently patted her head.
“Good job, Ichigo. You managed to do it until the end.”
“Yes…! Ehehe…”
After giving Ichigo’s head a thorough pat, she ignored Ringo, who was looking at her with a longing expression, and decided to head to the deck. She would deal with Ringo later. It was alright; she would hug her properly.
“Now, let’s gather everyone and head to the cargo hold. We’ll put on our protective suits and board the Cutter. Ringo will give the instructions, so make sure to listen carefully.”
“Yes, big sister!”