Chapter 92: The Watching Commander (Unemployed)
In order to facilitate rapid transport of supplies and troop deployment, a runway was to be constructed at the Oil Port. Initially, the construction of the runway was postponed due to defense concerns, but the occupation was progressing more smoothly than anticipated. Moreover, launching operations from the Second Fortress was proving to be time-consuming, so it was decided to incorporate airbase functions alongside defensive installations.
Given the scale of the runway construction, the Walker units were not efficient for the task. Therefore, it was necessary to transport wheeled and tracked vehicles from the Second Fortress. If operations could commence swiftly, cargo planes would be able to take off and land, allowing various equipment to be air-dropped instead of relying on shipping routes. A cargo ship would take too long, with its return to the Second Fortress scheduled for three days later.
Thus, another cargo plane, laden with supplies, along with escort aircraft, took off from the runway of the Second Fortress.
“Eventually, I want to replace these with jet engines. Propellers are nice, but they just don’t provide the speed we need,” the Commander remarked.
“Yes, Ma’am. If the Oil Port and extraction plants operate as planned, we can transition to jets soon. The speed of jet aircraft is indeed appealing,” replied her aide.
While turboprop engines could achieve subsonic speeds, supersonic flight required jet engines. If they could secure a stable supply of oil, the replacement of aircraft would be pursued actively.
Currently, the Walker units that had arrived at the oil field were gathering detailed information from underground. As she gazed at the gradually expanding area of exploration, she sighed.
“I want to do something, but there’s nothing to do,” she mused.
“I sincerely apologize, Ma’am. This is for the growth of the sisters, so it cannot be helped…” Ringo, the AI Commander, bowed her head apologetically, prompting the Commander to smile and pat her head.
“I understand. It’s just that I can’t bring myself to do anything unrelated in this situation… Hmm…”
She continued to observe the work of her five sisters from her command room. Since she had decided to separate their sleeping quarters, they only met during meal times and breaks, which were not long enough for meaningful interaction. Consequently, physical contact had significantly decreased.
Well, considering the original purpose of their existence, this was likely the correct approach.
As her sisters worked diligently, the Commander found herself in a state of restlessness, unable to do anything. She could have resolved to start something entirely different, but her anxious nature prevented her from doing so.
Monitoring the Commander’s situation, Ringo contemplated whether any intervention was necessary. Despite everything, the Commander’s appetite hadn’t diminished, nor was she unable to sleep at night. Based on heart rate and brainwave data, her stress levels were not particularly high, so Ringo decided to maintain the current state for now.
“Ma’am, let’s plan the meals and snacks for the sisters. I believe they would be pleased to know the menu was devised by you.”
Thus, during the operation period, the dining table at The Tree was filled with meals conceived by Commander Eve. This not only expanded her culinary repertoire but also alleviated some of Ringo’s burden in menu planning.
“Erika, how’s the unloading situation?”
“Report—The stern opening is 80% complete, and the side opening is 50% complete. The work is on schedule!”
“Okay.”
“Utsugi, what’s the status of the runway construction?”
“Report—Excavation has progressed to 60%, and crushed stone production is on track. We should start the filling process after 5 PM (second shift).”
Currently, Utsugi and Erika were stationed in the command room of the Continental Oil Field Development Headquarters, which had been named by Ichigo. The day was divided into three shifts of 24 hours (planetary standard), ensuring that someone was always present. While it was usually one person, Utsugi and Erika were assigned as a pair to manage the Oil Port, so they often worked together.
“The ground improvement materials have been placed as well. Today is going smoothly!”
The runway was being excavated to a depth of 2,000 meters, with crushed stone laid in softer areas and ground improvement materials filled in to ensure foundational strength. Thanks to Ringo’s specially formulated quick-drying solidifier, they were aiming to achieve rock-like strength, constructing a runway with sufficient structural integrity and length in just seven days, and the plan was progressing well.
“Let’s see… Tomorrow we’ll start on the control tower construction.”
“Oh, the materials are ready! Yes, yes, the command AI is doing a great job!”
Utsugi and Erika’s tasks involved throwing project schedules to the local strategic AI and managing progress. No matter how well a schedule was set, minor issues would inevitably cause slight deviations. While they had built in some margin, flexible thinking was necessary for problem-solving, requiring the judgment of an AI equipped with a Brain Unit like theirs.
“Today’s only event was the additional reinforcement of that massive rock formation.”
The issue that arose in Utsugi’s area of responsibility was related to cracks and insufficient strength caused by the geological structure, discovered during a detailed scan of the underground rock. The cause was still under analysis, but it was a defect that had not been detected during prior acoustic and electromagnetic surveys. It was speculated that the complex reflections of ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves within the rock had inadvertently allowed the cracks to go unnoticed.
They couldn’t proceed with construction on top of an insufficiently strong base, so additional work was required to drill into the rock and inject core and reinforcement materials.
“Nothing happened on my end. Peace is a good thing!”
“Peace is the best!”
As they continued their conversation, they processed various information via radio communication.
While they referred to issues as “events,” a multitude of minor problems had arisen. These included equipment malfunctions, discrepancies in geological information, and material deformation caused by sunlight in the desert.
Ideally, such trivial matters would be handled by the local strategic AI, but the AI installed at the Oil Port was a brand-new Brain Unit created specifically for this operation. While it would have been preferable to have a more experienced Brain Unit, the ongoing construction at the Second Fortress prevented them from reallocating one.
In time, the local AI would likely become capable of handling these minor adjustments. Until then, it was up to the sisters to make the necessary course corrections.
Suddenly, many creatures were startled and fled from the area.
They surged forth in droves, quickly occupying the space. Moving without regard for day or night, they instilled fear in the others, who fled in a panic. Fortunately, those that escaped did not pursue them.
However, the impact was undoubtedly spreading throughout the surroundings.
Coincidentally, this occurred after a heavy rainstorm.
While the rainwater itself evaporated under the scorching sun and the parched earth could not retain it, the sprouting greenery seized the opportunity to grow, providing shelter and food for many creatures. Displaced from their territories, they spread out without concern for food, drastically altering the local ecosystem.
And then, as the sun set and temperatures began to drop, the monsters stirred in search of prey.
Delighted by the sudden abundance of food, the monsters eagerly began to hunt.
With an abundance of prey, carnivorous creatures flocked to the area. As regions became vacant due to movement, more creatures flowed in from the outside.
The anomalies in the desert were undoubtedly spreading throughout the surroundings.