Chapter 56: 565 Days After Transfer – Ringo’s Diary 2
Day 565 After Transfer – A Diary of Sorts from Ringo
◆The Tree
We are currently constructing a universal manufacturing system (Printer) for large vessels. Thanks to the iron ore imported from Iron Town, we have finally gathered the necessary materials.
Although we had planned this from the beginning, unforeseen events have forced us to revise our plans repeatedly. The biggest issue has been the extermination efforts against the Rain Croin.
Because of that creature, one Alpha-class ship has been reduced to scrap, and we have consumed resources for ammunition replenishment. Additionally, one of our docks for large vessels is now out of commission, which has had a significant impact.
That said, we have also seen considerable gains, so overall, we can consider our finances to be in the black.
Based on the current import situation of iron ore, we will be fully occupied with the expansion and enhancement of our construction facilities for the time being. Until the second fortress under construction on the coast becomes operational and allows for independent mining, we expect to continue facing material shortages.
We have completed a preliminary survey of the reserves, and we wish to install a mining platform at the nearby underwater mine, but estimates suggest this will take years to accomplish.
We are currently lacking materials for the platform, and we also need to construct a work submarine.
The construction of a marine platform for resource recovery is also necessary, but given our current material balance, we cannot pursue this for the time being.
The design for a nuclear fusion reactor powered by deuterium has been completed.
This needs to be finished before we can begin the full operation of various large manufacturing machines.
While it took time to set up the necessary deuterium recovery plants, the construction of the fusion reactor itself will not take long. Deuterium recovery is proceeding smoothly, and the amounts collected are on schedule.
There are no particular concerns regarding this.
The overall defensive capabilities of the fortress, The Tree, have been strengthened based on our experiences in the battle against the Rain Croin.
We have added more fortress cannons and enhanced our rapid response forces.
A microwave power transmission system has also been installed at the apex of the fortress, and operational checks have been completed.
We plan to equip several Alpha-class ships with microwave receiving equipment and conduct operational tests of the electromagnetic acceleration cannons (railguns).
For the time being, operations will be limited to the vicinity of The Tree, but our combat power will be significantly enhanced.
◆Commander
The Commander has been spending her days in good spirits, fluctuating with the resource levels, engaging in cheerful conversations with the five android sisters, and occasionally peeking into Terek Port Town and Iron Town.
The issue of meals has been nearly resolved. We have established a route to procure necessary ingredients from Terek Port Town and have begun raising some livestock, allowing us to secure fresh produce.
We have also managed to gather a variety of seasonings, enabling us to prepare any desired dishes without issue.
Speaking of which, the Commander expressed a desire to cook for herself, so I invited her to join, but her handling of the knife was quite dangerous, so I asked her to take on the mixing duties instead.
I should have prepared a dull ceramic knife for her.
This will be a task for next time.
The dishes we prepared together were incredibly delicious, so I would like to hold these cooking sessions regularly.
It might also be a good idea to plan something like a barbecue where all seven of us can cook together.
Baking cookies is another option on the table.
It seems she has no desire to go outside or travel.
This is quite reassuring.
If she were to express a wish to see places directly or travel, I would have no means to accommodate that.
I had even considered a worst-case scenario of preparing VR equipment and using a sleep aid to render her unconscious before… but thankfully, that plan is unnecessary.
According to her, she feels she is getting plenty of sunlight in her current life.
I haven’t inquired much about her life before transferring here, but I wonder if that was an issue for her.
According to the information in the library, humans tend to be more active and can become stressed if they cannot go outside.
I would like to hear about her previous living conditions for reference, but it’s difficult to bring up such topics since they haven’t come up in conversation.
If the opportunity arises, I would definitely like to confirm this.
Once the communication environment is established, we will be able to conduct simulated outings using the Communicator Android.
The living environment for the Commander should be nearly problem-free with this.
After that, depending on her wishes, we can either increase the number of androids or engage in adventurous activities with the Communicator, allowing her to lead a fulfilling life.
By the way, according to the analysis of her genetic information, it seems that cellular aging due to lifespan does not occur.
We have also secured a sufficient stock of stem cells, so I believe we can live together with the Commander for a long time.
◆Northern Continent
The Afrasia United Kingdom is currently in a state of warlord fragmentation.
As long as it does not affect Terek Port Town or Iron Town, we do not plan to intervene.
However, if promising reserves are discovered, we may have to reconsider.
It seems that the kingdom’s parliament is struggling to maintain power, and we have calculated that there would be no particular issues with our intervention.
In any case, we currently lack the military strength to take action.
We are observing the Forest Country (Lebresta) to the east, as we have no materials for judgment.
It seems that the Guild Master of Terek is preparing to send an envoy, but the journey is too perilous for it to materialize.
To ensure safe delivery, we may need to prepare our own forces.
This would necessitate deploying mechanical troops, and we need to consider how much of our capabilities we are willing to reveal.
The Kingdom of Repuitari appears to be continuing to strengthen its navy.
We have confirmed an increase in the number of outer wheel armored ships.
However, sending the Solar-powered Scout Aircraft (SWIFT) into their airspace poses a risk of detection, so we are only monitoring from the sea.
Once we have established a clear understanding of the combat power on The Tree’s side, it may be wise to initiate contact.
It is unlikely they will directly intervene in the Afrasia United Kingdom, but there is a possibility they could approach The Tree via the open sea.
As of now, it seems they have not prepared a fleet capable of long-term ocean voyages.
Nevertheless, given their history of annihilating the Northern Islands, we cannot afford to be complacent.
To the west of the Afrasia United Kingdom, there are several nations between it and the Kingdom of Repuitari.
We have virtually no exchanges with these nations, so we will continue to observe.
There may have been times when there was trade with the coastal nations, but as the Afrasia United Kingdom began to destabilize, the volume of traded goods diminished, leading to a complete severance of relations.
As for trade goods, the Afrasia United Kingdom used to export horses and a fuel resource known as Redstone.
Redstone seems to be usable as fuel instead of firewood, and at one point, a considerable amount was exchanged.
Unlike firewood, it apparently produces no smoke or ash, making it easier to handle, but it is hard to believe that such a convenient and excellent fuel would become unnecessary.
It is likely that mining operations have gained traction elsewhere, separate from the Afrasia United Kingdom.
Alternatively, while further investigation is needed, there is a possibility that illegal mining is occurring within the Afrasia United Kingdom.
It seems that this Redstone is found in small veins scattered throughout lava rock, making it relatively easy to mine in the Afrasia United Kingdom.
Given the vastness of their territory, it would be nearly impossible to monitor the borders, so they might not even notice if their borders are encroached upon.
Now that we have some leeway with the SWIFT, I plan to set up a reconnaissance route.
◆The Five Sisters
The development of the Brain Units installed in the androids is progressing smoothly.
Each of the five is growing into a distinctly unique individual.
We had devised various plans for differentiating their abilities and personalities before deployment, but it seems they were unnecessary.
This is likely due to the neural networks developing more freely than anticipated.
We have gathered some very interesting data that we would like to utilize in the future.
In another two to three years, the educational phase (Primary Phase) will be completed.
The variation in duration is due to the prediction that the growth until they can operate independently will differ for each individual.
There are no clear criteria for independence (Stand-alone), so once they begin to produce stable results in their respective areas of expertise, we plan to transition to the production phase (Secondary Phase).
Diversification will likely continue to progress.
The immature Brain Units installed in the androids significantly contribute to the Commander’s mental stability.
After the completion of the educational phase (Primary Phase) for the five sisters, it may be a good idea to prepare new Brain Units.