Chapter 14: Day 40 After the Transfer - Ringo’s Journal

◆ The Tree

The Tree fortress is operating smoothly, with its second nuclear reactor providing ample energy for all facilities. Although an additional power reactor would be ideal, there are currently no concrete plans. Once more resources are secured, construction of a fusion reactor is planned.

The three large general-purpose printers are fully operational, along with several small and medium-sized ones. The material cartridges used in the printers are being replenished, but production can’t keep up due to the slow acquisition of raw materials rather than equipment issues.

Five multi-purpose assembly machines (workers) are active, currently constructing a shipyard.

The freshwater generator is running well, as freshwater is crucial for the Commander and various essential systems. To enhance capacity, a second unit is being built with an added feature to collect rare metals.

Underwater drones are conducting surveys, with five for coastal exploration and two for deep-sea surveys, creating a seabed map. A few resources have been located, and the most cost-effective sites for extraction are being selected.

Aerial monitoring is conducted with six solar-powered Swift reconnaissance planes: four patrol a fixed airspace, while two survey the surroundings. One of these two monitors the northern islands and continent, while the other alternates east, west, and south. No significant discoveries have been made so far.

High-altitude observational equipment is on hold for now due to limited resources and lack of a control system for rocket launches, which will be reconsidered once offshore facilities can be constructed.

Naval forces are finally under construction. To maximize current resources, a high-speed boat equipped with missiles is being designed. Parts are manufactured by large printers and assembled in the dock. The Tree’s armory holds a significant stockpile of missiles initially intended for fighters and attack planes, which have mostly been dismantled, so they are now adapted for sea launches. Minor adjustments to the launch mechanisms and reprogramming made this feasible.

Machine guns recovered from dismantled aircraft will also be mounted on the high-speed boats. Additionally, since the Tree is equipped with 150mm smoothbore guns as standard, there is dedicated equipment for manufacturing them. A turret is being designed to make this gun the main cannon, aiming to penetrate wooden or iron-armored ships from as far as 30 kilometers. Although no aerial forces have been detected yet, judging by the warship technology, the enemy may only possess biplanes, which could be easily targeted with machine guns or the main cannon.

◆ The Commander

After multiple taste tests, she has acquired enough variety to be satisfied with her daily meals.

In-depth analysis of her fox beastkin form reveals a high ability to derive calories from fats and proteins, allowing her to meet energy needs without staple grains.

Efforts to safely consume raw seafood are underway, with radiation sterilization before preparation being the top candidate. Although radiation risks are considered, any cancerous cells can be immediately excised in the medical pod, so daily checkups are deemed sufficient.

She mused while eating raw fish, “This is what being wild must be like…” Though wild foxes wouldn’t eat ocean fish, nor would they have completely sterilized meals. She seems to equate saltiness with “wild,” even though salt isn’t typically part of a wild diet.

Currently, the menu includes sautéed or steamed fish, sashimi with seaweed salad, and seaweed soup. Different fish provide diverse flavors, and poor combinations can result in unpleasant tastes. Ongoing ingredient analysis will help avoid repeated failures. Upgrading the sensory array for smell and taste is a priority.

To maintain interest in meals, the production of fermented condiments is also under consideration, with fish sauce being an initial project. Food is a fundamental human desire, and neglecting it could cause stress, so it’s a priority for development.

◆ Northern Islands

More than half of the islands have fallen to the northern continent’s military, and their autonomous communities are effectively destroyed. No warships remain, and only sporadic guerrilla resistance continues. The towns are entirely leveled, and it appears that the mountains are being hunted down as well. The motives of the mainland forces are unclear, as they don’t seem to be colonizing; they wouldn’t need to massacre civilians if that were the case.

The surviving natives have taken refuge on nearby islets. With abundant marine resources and frequent rainfall, starvation and water shortages are unlikely. However, they can only hope that the northern continent’s forces don’t expand their sweep to these smaller islands.

The Commander was shocked by the devastation of the northern islands. Though I deliberately lowered the resolution of the footage to avoid graphic details, it still had a strong impact on her. This will require caution going forward.

◆ Northern Continent

The continent remains embroiled in conflict. The country that invaded the northern islands seems to be in a truce, but at least two major battles have been observed among neighboring nations. The outcomes are unknown due to the distance.

Their technological level allows them to transport cannons by beasts, but railroads are only sporadically in use and not widely implemented. Motorized vehicles haven’t been spotted outside of railways, suggesting a lack of miniaturized power sources. The main nation of interest has about 70% of its territory on a peninsula, indicating a maritime focus, likely possessing a strong navy with at least a generation of advancement over its neighbors.

Their warships have rotating turrets and move without sails, suggesting some form of propulsion. They appear capable of reaching the northern islands without resupply, giving them a significant edge in naval warfare, especially since the entire territory is coastal.

However, they seem to struggle with food production due to limited arable land. Hostile with neighboring countries, they engage in distant trade to import grains. This reliance on food imports likely drives their intense naval and merchant fleet development.

Currently, this nation is the top candidate for trade with The Tree fortress. However, the likelihood of a friendly encounter is estimated at only 20%. Gunboat diplomacy may be our best bet.