Chapter 247: Preparation Phase (1/2)

It was now the second day of our Planet Theta sightseeing tour.

Yesterday, we had Lilium bring us to a soft drink factory and an alcohol brewing factory within the Rose clan’s territory, and now, on the second day of our sightseeing tour, we’re scheduled to visit the Grado clan’s territory next.

The Grado clan’s territory was overflowing with nature. Well, it sounds much better when you describe it like that, but when we actually checked out the place, all I could see was undeveloped land, or rather, sprawling primeval forests. The Grado clan apparently lives here by building small settlements scattered around all over the area.

“That’s how it is, so make sure you have your equipment ready everyone.”

Come morning, the first thing I did was gather everyone in Black Lotus for a meeting. The inn we were staying at wasn’t that far from the integrated port the Black Lotus was anchored at. That’s why I asked Lilium yesterday to bring us back to Black Lotus in the morning.

“We’re…… going sightseeing, right?”

“That’s right. Sightseeing. But the place we’re going to is essentially an undeveloped primeval forest in a planet mostly unknown to us.”

“It isn’t exactly unknown to me y’know…… Well, I admit I haven’t been to the Grado clan’s territory yet though.”

“Ain’t this a bit too over the top, Boss?”

“I think we better just do as Big Brother says though.”

Actually, I wanted to pull out the suits that could let us adapt to all sorts of harsh environments and protect us from poisonous insects, parasites, sudden temperature, and other such threats. However, they looked like SF-themed rider suits and felt far too excessive. It would be pretty unreasonable to wear them while going sightseeing.

“You really shouldn’t underestimate mountains and forests guys. We’re not going to a well-managed nature resort but an honest-to-goodness wild primeval forest y’know.”

“Really?”

“Ya think?”

“Yes, really. Or rather, underestimating the place is a recipe for disaster.”

Aside from Elma, Mimi, Tina, and Whisker were colony-born and raised ladies after all. Those who’ve lived their entire lives in an artificially controlled environment do not understand the true dangers of mother nature.

“Try to wear clothes that don’t expose your skin as much as possible. Uh, for you guys, your regular work jumpsuits will probably do.”

“I don’t really wanna wear that during a day off Boss.”

“Fine. Anyway, don’t wear thin and fluttery pieces of clothing. They’d get ruined the moment they get caught on a tree branch. Choose clothes that are durable and don’t flutter around too much. It’s fine even if they’re a bit stuffy.”

Afterward, I distributed the chameleon thermal cloaks to everyone. After all, if you equip this, you’d feel comfy even if you wore stuffy clothes. The chameleon thermal cloak was pretty durable and had proven itself to cope even with the harsh environment of a planet in the middle of being terraformed.

“Um, we’re going to be accompanied by a guide you know. I think you’re being overly cautious.”

“Yeah, you’re right. That’s if things proceeded normally that is. By the way, don’t you think things have been far too peaceful since we arrived on this planet?”

“……”

Elma frowned after hearing my words. Yeah, that’s right. I’d probably react the same if I get told such a thing. I really wanted to normally enjoy sightseeing without worrying about things like that, but I have no choice but to be cautious since, judging by our track record, it’s possible that something might happen during the trip at some point.

“What did you put inside your backpack, Hiro-sama?”

“A survival kit with portable food packs, a rescue signal beacon, and spare energy packs.”

“Survival kit?”

“It has things like first-aid nanomachine units and a portable molecular composition device for building temporary shelters.”