Vol 4 Chapter 1 (2/2)
”Electroed!” Arubofu said loudly
Even if they are laser cannons, once in a while they can also deal this degree of dae
”Is it repairable?” Lafiel asks Gurinshi+a
”Negative” The chief engineer answered without hesitation
”I guess” Lafiel glanced at the gunnery officer
”Forget it, there are always other ways” Arubofu refuted
”I understand” Lafiel nodded
The enemy's thrusters start to fire up; their bow prepares to turn towards the Flicaubh
The Flicaubh's ht to maximum, in an atte
The speed I have set will indeed give us the edge; before the enemy can fully turn their bow, the Flicaubh should be able to come behind them
”Aim the mobile cannon banks at the enemy's thrusters, can you do that?” Lafiel asks
”Yes, I’ll do my best” Gunomuboshu responds
Lafiel thought to herself, I'll give you this one opportunity, if you cannot do it, then I will control the mobile cannon banks myself
No matter how you look at it, this is a battlefield; h this is aplace to train a junior officer, one cannot stake the lives of the rest of the crew just to train this one junior officer Besides, even Lafiel believes that she herself hason
In an intense exchange of laser cannon fire, both shi+ps grazed each other Gunomuboshu adjusts theon to the enemy's thrusters
Two thruster ports were spectacularly dale it is hard to detere
Perhaps both thrusters were totally destroyed, but it is also possible that the eneuration
”Good job!” Arubofu said with great praise, even if the latter were to be true
When the Flicaubh opened sonetic rail cannons, but it still misses
”When will the enemy fuse with us?” Lafiel asks
”The tiht minutes” Ekuryua answered immediately
”Extend the time to fusion to 1-3-4-0” Lafiel ordered
”Impossible” Ekuryua concisely responded
”Did you hear that? Vanguard Flyer Arubofu” Lafiel turns to ask the gunnery officer
”Yes, I heard very clearly” Arubofu said, ”I really hate these ears that pick up sounds”
Looks like the gunnery officer could still cope with this sort of situation
”Then hurry up and finish this already”
Both shi+ps now try to ood shot at each other's sides However the enemy shi+p has noticeably slowed down It looks like within this battle, the control of the mobile cannon banks can stay with Gunomuboshu
At this ti the gap again on the enemy vessel
After another round of electronetic rail cannon has been fired, a sudden sound was heard by the captain The owner of that sound is Arubofu who is urgently firing the thrusters on the left side of the shi+p
A number of nuclear warheads flew by the Flicaubh's left side It seems that these warheads were estie dealt should be pretty extensive, as they all si the Flicaubh shake violently
“Number 201, 202, 205 ” Gunoed laser cannons
”You don't need to report about this” Lafiel stops hi as you concentrate on the enemy's thrusters”
”I'm very sorry!”
Lafiel, without saying a word, coldly glanced at the teunnery officer
Guno, ”Yes ma'am”
”There are too ineering squad” Gurinshi+a said, ”Please point out the section with the highest priority”
”The engines” Lafiel immediately responded ”I will not allow ”
”Yes, ma'am” The chief iiving her subordinates detailed orders
During ti there, then he would probably say in a critical tone how Star Force regulation is against overworking the crew
Just when the chief engineer is giving out orders, both vessels are once again closing on each other It was already too late to change course again, therefore both shi+ps once again grazed each other exchanging heavy rounds of beam fire
As Lafiel listens to the dae report, she also looks at the Plane space map; the enemy's space-time bubble 2-1-1 is already pretty close to where the space-time bubble battle 1-7 is at If they were to maintain a one vs one tactic then their next attack may be their last chance, but the Flicaubh still has hope
”The Marusukov is approaching” Ekuryua said
Looks like the Marusukov has just disposed of their eneraceful as this is, it cannot be helped
”This shi+p will now head towards the Marusukov” Although Lafiel forces herself to give out these orders, but the enemy still has the upper hand when it comes to speed
Even if Lafiel doesn't say anything, Arubofu understands the grave nature of the situation
”Captain,” Arubofu’s voice revealed his anxiousness, ”The next shot will determine the victor”
”Alright, I'll look forward to your performance”
Fortunately the result of the effort put in by the junior officer is starting to show The enenetic rail cannons on the bow of the Flicaubh all simultaneously fire
Three nuclear fusion warheads hurl theh these warheads are equipped with their own engines, because their output strength is too weak even if they wanted to change course, it would only change by a little However, that h
As one of the warhead ht into the belly of the ene the enemy's outer armor
”GOT EM!” Arubofu shouted unable to contain himself
At this moment, the enemy shi+p is covered in anti-y
”space-time separation, quickly” Lafiel ordered
As the mass in a space-tio down In order toexcesses masses from within the bubble is a necessity
The space-ti the Flicaubh starts to jettison as just now the ene ripples upon ripples of space-time particles
”Executive officer, proceed towards the Marusukov Conal of identification Chief engineer and supply officer, give e report” Lafiel orders
The people on the bridge once again became busy; however Arubofu who just completed his task went into a trance-like state
”If you feel tired, then should I temporally take over your position?” Lafiel asks with the best of intentions
”Sorry, I couldn't possibly allow myself to let you do that, captain”
”I see” hiding her disappointment Lafiel turned back to the captain's display console
On the console were displayed both daines were luckily spared fronificantly
In theory this shi+p should be able to commence combat operations with the Marusukov, but in reality they should look into the situation of that shi+p beforea decision
”Initiate inter-bubble shi+p” Lafied orderd Yateshu to report to the squadron flagshi+p Shutukov of their da orders
”Incoe from the Shutukov” The communication officer reports, ”Both Marusukov and Flicaubh will engage eneether, over”
”Looks like the commander won't let us rest so easily” Lafiel exposes a s the dead
Very well, although there is no way forinup
”Communications officer, initiate inter-bubble co up the ain speak into the internal broadcast systeage in another battle!”
The war between The Humankind Empire of Abh and the Three Nations Alliance is in its seventh year Up until now, the empire still has the upper hand
Through three years of preparation, the empire initiated Operation Phantom Flame which had cut off about 1/4 of the United Mankind's star systems
Then the E territories wrested from it at the outbreak of the war After this operation, the empire had completely recovered those territories and also started to consolidate new territories that were gained Afterwards, a period of peace came to Plane space
Although recovering lost territories, the Eained territories that has knowledge of Plane space travel However, the Es on the planet surface of those territories, only the Plane space around it After all, as long as these people living on the planet don't enter Plane space It is the Abh's style to just patiently wait until they willingly surrender Even if this were so, in the event of a hostile ground world, the Star Force still has to dispatch so their world
In order to consolidate their forces to face the next operation, the Eoing as far as to threaten the deployment in combat, soldiers are required to take a vacation
Traditionally, the Abh feel that the best place to find love is on the battlefield, but such a place is hardly thelocation to pursue such an e s mentioned above, most soldiers would rather ask for leave fro vessel headed for the capital to continue to cultivate the seedling called love
To these Abh people, war is their day-to-day life, and despite the landers perspective on how the Abh can live a very long ti you live there is still a limit Let alone the Abh themselves feel that their life span is actually quite short, therefore they have to reoal of life' are not to be held true
Of course, the Empire is continuously on the look-out for the Three Nations Alliance's counter offensive, because for the two previous military operations they have been pri their main forces for the opportunity when they can counter-attack
However, the Three Nations Alliance is quite slow to take action; there is virtually no indication of any type of offensive Therefore during this time when the armies of both sides are at a standstill, one by one the Eradually the E more soldiers for the battles ahead One by one the shi+ps that went to subjugate planets and soldiers, separated from their love interest, are to return to the battlefront; once again the E for the next military operation
Although the Empire is extremely surprised at how the enemy up until now has still not conducted any offensive operations, it's not like the Empire has decided to take a paid vacation The Abh's attitude towards the situation in norhtforward and impatient
A new operation is finally about to begin
First the empire decided to attack and control the territories between Rusuiisu Kingdoalaxy At the sado the borders of United Mankind and People's Sovereign Stellar Union to the center of the galaxy This way the United Mankind would be completely isolated
Although so Plane space, the Three Nations Alliance still have other channels of communications, but the possibility of that is almost non-existent
The Empire dubbed this operation as ”Twin Thorns”
As was custorand operations, the commander would be the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Fleet, Marshall Ablïarsec Néïc Lamsar Larth Barcœr Dusanh (Dusanyu) However because this operation would require two extended fronts, the Crown Prince decided, in light of this situation, to prepare to stay in Lakfakalle in order to plan both fronts
In reality the people in command of the two massive fleets are two deputy commanders-in-chiefs The one in command of the fleet in the new territories is also the deputy commander-in-chief of Operation Twin Thorns, Star Force Marshall Cotoponic The one in charge of the Baruke Kingdom front is also another deputy commander-in-chief of Operation Twin Thorns, Star Force Marshall Trife
As for Deputy Hecto-Coate the Flicaubh, it belongs in the 24th Twin Thorns Fleet, the assault Division Bosuru, and the 1st Devastation Squadron
”Captain, it's the signal to retreat!”
Not long after the Flicaubh and the Marusukov together sent the enee came from the Shutukov
The flagshi+p of the 24th Twin Thorns Fleet the Erukau sent out the retreat signal All shi+ps that receive the signal should also send the sa the retreat signal, creating a burst of Plane space disturbance
”Relay it immediately” Lafiel orders, however the Flicaubh should be one of the last shi+ps to receive the signal ”Begin space-time separation”
The Flicaubh once again returned to its single space-time bubble
”Is there any instructions froshi+p?” Lafiel asks the communication officer
”Nothing ye no, I just received it” Yateshu begins to decrypt the e squadron headquarters; Receiver: all shi+ps under our coe is: ”fall back and assemble at the squadron base-of-operations Over”
To put it si officer wants all shi+p captains to deter officer really has a lot of trust in us
”Put our space-time bubble into standstill mode”
Although Lafiel issued the order, Ekuryua did not immediately carry it out In fact she looked at her with a surprised glance
”Continue to follow the space-ties” Lafiel clarifies
”Yes ma'a a standstill mode”
Lafiel focuses her gaze on the Plane space map
The battlefront is, as usual, confusing as ever, in combat zones space-ti shi+ps that are trying to retreat froradually beco more controlled
”We intercepted what seenal!” Yateshu's report means an end to the chaos
The ene away frons of giving chase
It looks like the battlefront of our fleet has stretched quite a distance Lafiel gives her next set of orders, ”Change space-tirees 108 Retreat along the space-time particle flow to Sokuratesu star systeineer!”
Right when the Captain called him, Gurinshi+a raised her head
”Is there any need for eency repairs?”
”Negative, Captain” Gurinshi+a responds, ”Although the situation is very bad, we could probably still e to make it back to dock”
”Then, you should just let your men take a rest”
”They will definitely be happy to hear that” Gurinshi+a stood up and said, ”However, I hope I could start cos that require repairs Captain, please allow e”
”Then I’ll leave it to you” Lafiel turns her head towards Jinto
”Captain, there are zero casualties, and there is no change in the interior environment of the shi+p” Jinto responded before Lafiel has a chance to ask
”Very well” After Lafiel said those tords in her heart, she allowed herself to lie onto the back of the captain's chair
She knows perfectly well how nervous she is Although the words ”War like Ablïarsec” are widespread saying aree with this statement However this does not indicate that she herself treats the lives of her subordinates as expendable, and can still stay caler situation Besides, without this nervousness, ould be but a constant exercise in boredoain, some portion of landers appears toThis type of eration To Lafiel, the Abh people only want to protect their right to live
”How ht this war?” Arubofu mumbles to himself
”If we can defeat the eneht?” Gunomuboshu cautiously spoke his opinions
”If that were the case, then they shouldn't even fight in the first place”
”Everybody has done bad things sometimes in their lives”
Arubofu can't help but sht?”
”Really?” Guno face
”If the eneht now,” Arubofu said to Gunoh?”
”Nope, there probably will be lots of more opportunities in the future”
”What! So basically you think that as long as the ene will be fine? I originally thought you have a bit larger take on the whole situation”
”It can't be that the vanguard flyer feels that he has also not fought enough?”
”Of course not, I have already fought more than I can take”
”Really?” Lafiel inserts in the conversation, ”I have never noticed that Of course you could always file for a transfer early, do you want to be instructor in the engineering academy?”
”No, Captain could you please just forget what I just said Actually I have decided to stay as a Gunnery Officer for the rest of my military career”
Of course, what Lafiel just said was just a joke Arubofu is obviously a highly skilled Gunnery officer, and is also an even more valuable subordinate Let alone Lafiel once used her power as a captain to check the personal records of each crew She understands very well the thoughts in Arubofu's heart can only be wished for from a talented Abh
”Then it should be very difficult right?” Gunoet pronment will be the captain of your own attack shi+p”
Arubofu only opened his hed a bit
”Actually, Line Wing Flyer,” Yateshu explains to Gunomuboshu, ”This person has already twice declined the promotions to Deca-Commander”
”Why?” Gunounnery officer with a bewildered look on his face
”Didn't I already say it? I aunnery officer No wait, actually I could be plenty satisfied with just flying the shi+p If I were to be proer have this opportunity Even if I could fly another shi+p, I don't want to fly any transport shi+ps nor any line-of-battle shi+ps”
”But you can also be a pilot by being the captain of an attack shi+p” Gunomuboshu points out Arubofu's flaw, ”If you have toan attack shi+p captain gives you more freedom?”
”I certainly don't think so” Arubofu said, ”To shoulder the responsibilities of a whole shi+p really is overwhel I think it is best to work in a post where the responsibilities are relatively light”
”The Gunnery Officer's responsibilities are also quite heavy too” Lafiel said
”What you said is very true, Captain” Arubofu did not refute that, ”But, if you compare the responsibilities between the Gunnery Officer and the Captain, then I think the responsibilities of the captain are still heavier Actually as long as you are happy the weight of your responsibilities should not ht
”Gunnery officer is your limit then?”
”Yes,” Arubofu said while nodding, ”To decide the extent of one's proe that Royalty cannot enjoy Don't you feel very envious?”
Lafiel aliving it deeper thought; because it is the duty of Royalty to accept proh Lafiel's father, Dubleuscr Larth Dubeusec, once said that he has given up on being the eo, but before the start of the war he was already promoted to the position of Admiral From the time that war had broken out until now, he had been further prorand admiral and now commands an active fleet on the battlefield Even if it is not possible to achieve the rank of commander-in-chief of the Empire's fleets, all Royalty, before retireh e of their own fleets They also bear the great responsibility of supporting the Star Force from the side whenever the empire is in a time of crisis
Much less right now is already a time of war; therefore Lafiel doesn't have choice in the oal
Frorained as what is certain, and right now she does not have any objections to this way of life Only that she will sometimes suddenly feel a wave of disdain towards this unjust fact
”What is your dream, Gunomuboshu?” Lafiel steered the conversation towards the line wing flyer
”My dream is to become an admiral” Gunomuboshu ansithout the least bit of hesitation
”I have not heard such an ending direct dream in a while” Yateshu said in a mischievous tone
”Who told you to live under a rock anyways” This was Arubofu's assess of which, what is your dream?”
”You are talking about me?” Yateshu looks like he is very hesitant, ”Well, how do I say this As long as I get a star, then I'll be plenty satisfied”
”Hu a baron?”
”It is also nothing more than a mere delusion”
Current the rant; this should be considered a good thing The next tio into battle, it is always the responsibility of Lafiel to keep everyone alive so they can return safely
The Kehold
The People's Sovereign Stellar Union uses a type of weapon called the ”ultra long-range autonoested, they are a type of e of s an un to the fact that in norile than normal mines, therefore the use of this type of weapon has strict limitations
Although the Abh consider The People's Sovereign Stellar Union to be one of the ard that nation, who values the uses of these ultra long-range autonomous space-time mines as weapons that has strict limitations, with a ”marvelous” evaluation In addition, the use of this type of uncommon weapon in the defense of the Kee
Inside the Kernel Sord there appears to exist a large ae autono plants In addition, the raw materials are supplied from within the syste low on ammunition
The Star Force originally decided to gather the guard shi+p squadrons and use theuard shi+ps were to be separated from the assault shi+ps or cruisers, then they become very vulnerable If a wave of space-time bubble mines were to also contain any ene them, then the result would be more disastrous
In a war before you have any record of the enemy's capabilities; there is always a few ti this time, it is a necessity to chip away at the power of the enemy fleet Of course, (the Star Force?) knows this very well
To The People's Sovereign Stellar Union, the battle toin nature Thinking carefully, this is probably their first time to carry out a formal combat operation Before, this nation acted just like a scared child afraid of being discarded by his friends The Abh's i this one purely syn of cooperation with the United Mankind
Even at the start of the Twin-Thorn's operation, when the e their star systen Stellar Union were still not very willing to fight Perhaps it was their plan to draw the Star Force deep into their territory But the rear guard Twin-Thorn's 25th fleet would fight courageously to ensure that the Star Force can always communicate vital infory has no real significance, as long as the tirowth, then the People's Sovereign Stellar Union would be completely isolated from their allies outside
When the battlefront, at last, almost reached the door steps of the Ken Stellar Union also seemed to finally start to take the battle more seriously To most of the frontline troops, this fact is actually joyful to some, but also at the saly unavoidable
Thinking up to now, Lafiel, while lance at Ekuryua – 'What would her dream be?'
Although Lafiel proceeded to open herto take a rest, Ekuryua; I'll leave everything to you The crew is to take turns resting according to their schedule”
”Understood” was Ekuryua's response