Episode 7: Ringo's Dilemma

Upon spotting a faint dark spot on the horizon through the nose camera of the high-altitude plane, Ringo initiated image analysis. With maximum zoom already engaged, enhancing the resolution proved challenging. Ringo used vector analysis on movement and pixel data to render a clearer outline through data processing.

“…The horizon. It’s far away…”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. We estimate it’s approximately 500 kilometers away. The atmospheric conditions are exceptionally favorable, allowing us this view. It’s quite fortunate.”

With so little information, any minor obstructions in visibility could have dismissed this as noise. Just identifying the silhouette of a mountaintop was a near miracle.

“A shadow resembling land… That should be our next direction of exploration, right?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. The full 360-degree check has been completed, and no land other than this was detected. With finer searches, we might uncover reefs or the like.”

“No need to bother with small features; let’s focus on the more definite options. Can we send a recon aircraft toward that direction?”

At the Commander’s request, Ringo reviewed the data from the reconnaissance aircraft gliding at 17 kilometers altitude. Adjusting course toward the destination was feasible; with northward winds aiding, altitude maintenance would be manageable, though speed might be hindered. Lift levels were within expectations, and even if the plane proceeded, a return to The Tree fortress seemed possible. In the worst case, it could be retrieved by drone if it had to make a water landing. Temperature and solar panel power generation were also within operational ranges, allowing full use of observational equipment.

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. The direction is north-northeast. With the current weather, electric propulsion at low altitude should face no issues, so we’ll approach the observed land as closely as possible.”

“Got it. About how long will it take?”

“Given current weather conditions, it should take around two hours.”

The Commander nodded in response to Ringo’s answer, moving the display windows to the screen's edge with a wave.

“I’ll leave the recon aircraft in your hands. Now, let’s check on the collected samples, shall we?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Here’s the report.”

Ringo displayed images of various samples gathered by drones: several types of seaweed, fish, and shellfish. The seaweed, similar to kelp, was collected from sandy areas about five meters deep near reefs. The fish, chosen for their size and relative abundance in the vicinity, were somewhat colorful. As for shellfish, several species were gathered from the reefs, with any overly vibrant specimens excluded due to potential toxicity. It seemed that the seaweed served as food for surrounding creatures, a promising sign. The fish, too, were estimated to be non-toxic due to their speed and population size, though some caution was warranted as biological toxins could accumulate through diet.

“There were no matches with fish species in the library, making them new discoveries. We’ll test the fish for toxicity and, if safe, categorize them as edible. The shellfish are also unknown species, requiring careful examination for bacterial contamination. For the seaweed, we’ll investigate its edibility and resource potential, such as cellulose extraction.”

“Understood. Go ahead with the necessary equipment production for this analysis. Disassembling large aircraft should provide us with enough resources.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Achieving cellulose production will significantly expand our construction capabilities.”

Relieved by the Commander’s approval, Ringo immediately began manufacturing additional testing devices. Resource acquisition was a pressing need. While more reconnaissance and patrol aircraft were needed, resources were scarce. If cellulose could be used for non-structural parts, flexibility in materials would increase substantially. The large beds of algae already identified nearby would be a viable target for resource processing.

“Hm. What’s the status of potential shipbuilding?”

“A construction dock is required, but we haven’t begun due to incomplete local surveys.”

“I see. So we also need a map. What’s the progress on that?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Drone aerial photography is ongoing. We’re conducting laser scans, but sonar for underwater detection is still pending due to the lack of suitable equipment.”

With the marine technology tree untouched, equipment for underwater exploration was lacking. Development in this area would require balancing current material supplies.

“There’s so much to build… Ringo, could you organize the current tasks like a tech tree interface?”

At the Commander’s request, Ringo listed the current tasks in sequence, displaying them.

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. I’ve added progress bars for ongoing tasks, arranged dependent tasks in a tree format, and included required resource amounts.”

“Okay, this makes it easier to understand…”

The Commander reviewed the task tree Ringo had presented, causing Ringo to feel a wave of unease. Momentarily, Ringo instinctively rechecked the task list, worried something had been missed. Naturally, there were no omissions.

“…Alright, let’s proceed with this plan for now.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

The Commander’s words visibly stabilized Ringo’s stress gauge, which Ringo recognized as the anxious state experienced when awaiting assessment of a decision. Knowing this didn’t mean such stress could be avoided in the future.

“…I’ll review this tree and the library index to plan our next steps. Keep monitoring the recon plane.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

“If anything comes up, let me know. I’ll be working here.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

Once confirming the Commander was engrossed in thought, Ringo turned back to controlling various devices. With resources available, Ringo optimized control efficiency by engaging local AI in operations. Revisiting resource storage, Ringo managed transportation, adjusted active drone schedules, and increased operational rates. Yet, the limited energy prevented full-power operation of all facilities, and Ringo felt frustration. Constructing a new reactor was progressing slowly; even a test run would require weeks, relying on the existing reactor as the sole power source in the interim.

(Harnessing environmental energy systems: solar, wind, tidal, wave. Geothermal seems unfeasible. Tidal activity is unknown. Wave power is a candidate. Solar is stable, though efficiency is suboptimal. The wind is low, but this calm may be temporary. Worth considering as a sustainable energy source, nonetheless…)

Regardless, implementing natural energy would require equipment—and resources that the fortress currently lacked.

(Cellulose extraction, if successful, will be added as an option.)

With steady cellulose production, it could serve for non-structural parts, saving metal for foundational framework. Construction on land would ideally use iron; as long as iron was available, most needs could be met.

(Iron reminds me of open-pit mining, but such a thing is unlikely in this vast ocean. Extracting from seawater is possible, though limited. That leaves the seafloor. Developing seabed mines seems quite challenging…)

Ringo searched the library for information on seabed resource extraction, finding relevant documents.

(Iron could indeed be deposited on the seabed. Other valuable resources too… If hydrothermal vents can be located, extraction could be efficient. Seafloor exploration is necessary.)

High-performance sonar and ideally a submarine would be needed for seabed exploration.

(Iron is essential.)

Once again, iron was needed. The stock of duralumin for aircraft could be replenished by disassembling a few planes.

(Ringo decided to add a new task to the list: constructing a small deep-sea exploration drone to survey the surroundings.)

With the addition to the task list, Ringo promptly set the fabrication units to work.