“Fusion reactor, stable operation. Reached rated voltage. Capacitor, input/output stable.”
“Here we go…”
We’re starting full-scale operation of the Microwave Power Supply System installed at the zenith of ＜The Tree＞.
This has more of a test machine nature, and the main purpose is to identify problems.
After gaining operational experience, we plan to build a large-scale power transmission facility on the Northern Continent fortress site.
“Microwave power supply, commencing.”
The power supply target this time is the Alpha-Class Destroyer deployed around the area. We will load a microwave receiver and investigate whether power can be supplied normally, and whether there are any effects on the surrounding environment.
“Transmitter voltage, reached regulation.”
“Commander (Onee-sama). The sea surface…”
“Oh…”
Akane (older sister) found that the temperature of the sea surface around Romeo (18th ship of the Alpha-Class Destroyer), the target of microwave power transmission, was starting to rise slightly.
“The sea surface is being heated by diffused microwaves.”
“Is the convergence rate bad?”
While we were continuing such small talk, the receiving system on Romeo’s side seemed to be ready.
“Romeo, receiver voltage, reached regulation. Starting equipment power supply.”
At the same time as disconnecting the gas turbine generator from the ship’s power grid, the microwave receiver is connected. In theory, power transmission should be strong enough to fully cover the ship’s power.
“Ship voltage, maintaining regulation. Power receiving equipment is operating without problems.”
“I guess it’s a success for now.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
There is a problem that the coherence of the transmitted microwaves is low, but the microwave power supply itself is a success. With this, theoretically, indirect power supply from ＜The Tree＞ is possible for about 10 km around.
However, scattering such powerful microwaves that the sea surface temperature rises is not good environmentally or efficiently.
“It may be something like this for the power transmission equipment of the basic Tech Tree.”
“Olive (younger sister) is improving it, right? The microwave power supply system?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We are in the final verification stage for a technology that enables power supply to arbitrary points by synchronizing multiple transmitters. The equipment at the zenith of ＜The Tree＞ transmits power linearly, but the new technology uses spatial coherence to supply power to any point within the range. If the power transmission equipment is deployed well, it is possible to transmit power ignoring obstacles.”
One of the problems with microwave power supply was that power supply would be interrupted if there were obstacles between the transmitter and receiver. Therefore, it was difficult to use on the ground where there are many obstacles, and it was limited to use in the air or at sea.
However, if the technology currently under research can be put to practical use, there will be no need to worry about obstacles. Olive, a Humanoid Machine (Android) who loves manufacturing, is conducting the basic research.
The results seem to be stable at the laboratory level, and it seems that she will build experimental equipment outside from now on.
“We have also established prospects for securing resources, so we have started releasing inventory. I believe that we will be able to report on the results soon.”
“That’s something to look forward to. You also have relay drones, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We are also manufacturing microwave relay drones that can operate for several years, with an operating range of 20 km to 30 km above the ground. There are currently no obstacles in the sky, so we can cover a long distance with a small number of units. If this starts operating normally, the operating range of various machines will be greatly expanded.”
The current bottleneck of ＜The Tree＞ is fuel consumption.
Resources can be continuously secured through trade with Telek Port City, albeit in small quantities. If the fortress under construction starts operating, it will be possible to excavate on our own.
However, so far, no fuel candidate has been found to replace oil.
Of course, oil itself has not been found either. Although there is still some leeway, I don’t want to see the resource management table that is only decreasing.
“Oh well, huh. I want you to continue exploring for oil itself, but we can use electricity from now on. Microwave power supply has difficulty with cruising range, so we’ll rely on oil for that for the time being.”
“Yes, Ma’am. If we can secure rare metals, we will be able to manufacture high-performance batteries, but for the time being, we have no choice but to consume oil.”
The survey area by Albatross is gradually expanding.
However, the wider the range, the more time it takes.
There is no way that a place where oil gushes out on the ground will be found conveniently, and we have no choice but to predict the buried area while creating a topographic map. There was information in the library about underground structures that are likely to accumulate oil, so we are continuing to explore based on that.
“If it is within the power supply range, oil will not be needed. For the time being, between ＜The Tree＞ and Fortress Two, Telek Port City, and around Iron Town. Most of the activities will be here, so it is possible to greatly reduce oil consumption. We can allocate resources to remote exploration.”
“Yes, Ma’am. However, we need to start worrying about the movements of other countries soon. Expanding the exploration range will eventually violate national borders.”
“Come to think of it, there was such a problem…”
“…Ah. That arrow message…”
Akane muttered. She had shown interest in the multiple languages written on the arrow message, so she had it deciphered.
However, since it was a sentence in which the already acquired Affrasian language was also written, it seems that it was more of a classification than a decipherment.
“That’s right, Akane. The Forest Country (Lebresta) that something that shot that arrow message belongs to. If you believe the content, it seems to be a border garrison.”
“Commander (Onee-sama). I am interested in negotiations with other countries (Lebresta).”
Akane rarely makes such a request. She is basically only actively interested in books, but the Forest Country (Lebresta) seems to have touched something in her heart.
“Hmm… It’s difficult to do anything right away…”
She also wants to fulfill the wishes of her cute younger sister. Of course, she can’t dispatch Akane, and even if she sends robots, the distance is a bottleneck. It’s too far away to communicate, and it’s difficult to secure power.
“Ma’am. If relay drones can be deployed appropriately, it will be possible to deploy machines to the Forest Country (Lebresta) in the future. If only communication is needed, it is possible to further expand the range.”
And that problem was something that ＜Ringo＞ has been thinking about. If a power transmission network using a microwave power supply system and relay drones can be constructed, it will be possible to organize and dispatch a machine unit belonging to ＜The Tree＞.
For the time being, only a reconnaissance unit will be sent to determine the danger, but it is much better than the current situation where nothing can be done. If anything, we can secure a base inland. If power generation equipment and a power supply system can be installed, the range of activities will be dramatically improved.
“The amount of materials consumed will be enormous, though…”
She sighed while looking at the plan presented by ＜Ringo＞. Of course, the resources currently held are not enough at all, so it is necessary to explore and excavate resources in parallel.
“If we are going to get this many resources, should we allocate some of them to space development?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We are also formulating that plan.”
Relay drones are low-cost and easy to deploy, but they are just atmospheric flight machines. The altitude is at most 20 km, and the range that can be covered is narrow.
If equipment can be deployed in satellite orbit, a wide range can be observed without having to worry about arrow messages.
Specifically, we want an altitude of 400 km.
If we can advance into space, we will be able to install solar power generation facilities at Lagrange points.
It will be possible to produce large amounts of energy safely and inexpensively.
“Well, it’s still a pipe dream to go that far…”
There are many problems to be solved in order to advance into space. For the time being, we will have to build a rocket launch platform at sea.
A large amount of Concrete and Iron is needed.
After that, rocket development and rocket fuel production. If possible, we want a space shuttle. Once that area stabilizes, we will build a space elevator or a mass driver.
“Ma’am. First, the construction of Fortress Two and the surrounding mining. That Tech Tree is for later.”
“…Ha!”
＜Ringo＞ gently corrected her, who had deviated from the path while scrolling through the Tech Tree. What I want you to confirm now is Fortress Two-related and the microwave power supply system.
“…That’s right, for the time being, we have no choice but to aim for level up. Hmm, for the time being, the goal is to secure a large amount of resources.”