Chapter 16: Ringo, Embodied. Three-Second Instant Drop

“How does this look, Commander Ma’am?”

“…Hmm. Well, I suppose it doesn’t feel too strange…”

In front of her were 10 humanoid machine communicators, lined up neatly. Functionally, they were nearly indistinguishable from humans, so it might be fairer to refer to them as "ten people."

These biological androids had been cultured using her DNA as a base, so they all bore a strong resemblance to her. However, adjustments were made to their skeletal structures where possible, so they didn’t all look exactly the same.

“…Guess we’ll just say we’re a race that looks alike and push through…”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am, that seems appropriate.”

With this group of 10, they would make their first contact attempt. The ship they’d be using was a 25-meter vessel, relatively small, though a 50-meter ship was also in design for more extensive trading. The ship was built with a modular block system that was attached to the keel and then shaped into a streamlined form. It was expected to be at least as sturdy as a wooden ship, with even better buoyancy due to compartmentalized watertight construction. It was also lighter than wood, equipped with ballast tanks for stability. However, given its focus on aesthetics, it lacked wave-resistance features, and the maximum speed was estimated to be around 40 km/h.

Ordinarily, a vessel of this size would require a crew of 30 or more, but they were proceeding with just 10. Technically, it was powered by a diesel generator with fully automated electric control, remotely operated by Ringo, so no crew was actually needed. By limiting the number of people who disembarked, they hoped to mask the crew shortage.

“So, when will the brain unit be ready for use?”

“It should be available in about a month, though complete autonomy will take a few more years.”

“…Well, I guess that can’t be helped. But with your support, Ringo, it should be manageable, right?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

She nodded, stepping closer to the humanoid communicator Ringo had been using to converse.

“The five senses are all connected, right?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

After confirming the answer, she suddenly hugged the communicator.

“Thank you for everything, Ringo.”

“…Yes.”

Noticing a slight delay in Ringo’s response, she patted the communicator’s head.

“How’s that? They say physical contact is more beneficial than you’d think. It’s supposed to be especially effective for brain units with neural networks.”

“Yes… it’s… effective.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

(Hopefully, this will improve Ringo’s emotional stability.)

Judging by the response, perhaps the gesture was a bit overwhelming. She found herself pleased to see Ringo—a system designed to answer any question instantly—hesitate, even if just for a second.

What effect this would ultimately have on Ringo was unknown, but she was confident it wouldn’t be harmful.

“Yes… indeed. It might be a good idea to practice some facial expressions.”

When she smiled, the communicator in front of her attempted a stiff smile in return.

“…Ringo, if all of them make the exact same face, it’s going to be a bit scary… Maybe this approach isn’t going to work just yet.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. I’ll add more variations.”

Practicing conversation would likely be useful, too.

Ringo could easily create patterned expressions, but aligning them with conversational cues would take practice. With only her to practice with, there were limitations, and some adjustments would have to wait until they could learn on-site.

After that, Ringo rather awkwardly and indirectly began requesting hugs several times a day. The experience seemed to have left quite an impression.

Of course, she happily obliged, embracing the humanoid machine communicator Ringo was operating.

◇◇◇◇

“Now…”

Day 55 post-transfer.

At the newly completed shipyard, she observed the first decoy sailing ship, floating in the sea.

“Finally, we’re ready to set sail.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”

The keel and other main components were crafted from reinforced steel, while most of the other parts were cellulose-based. Equipped with a diesel generator, it operated with paddle propulsion but was also sail-capable. Its maiden voyage would take it straight to the northern continent. Simulation results showed no issues, so they decided to launch.

“So, it’s just nine heading out, right?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. One will stay behind.”

Of the 10 communicators prepared for trading, one would stay at her side, functioning as a dedicated terminal for Ringo. Ringo had made an unusually strong case for this, so she easily agreed. Most likely, Ringo just wanted the opportunity for more physical contact.

“Alright… Should I give the ship a name?”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. We could use a number internally, but a proper name would be advisable for external interactions.”

“Hmm… a name, huh?”

Naming it seemed unnecessary for a ship of this size, but it would indeed be awkward to introduce it as “Prototype One” to the locals.

“Let’s go with Paraiso. Trade ship Paraiso. It’ll serve as the flagship name for the fleet.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Registered as Paraiso.”

The machinery flew over to etch the name onto the bow. After verifying the name [PARAISO] on the hull, she nodded.

“Well then, Paraiso, set sail!”

“Acknowledged. Trade ship Paraiso, setting sail.”

The Paraiso initially moved under paddle power, then gradually hoisted its sails. With the help of nine biological androids and winches, the sails were swiftly raised on the three masts. The wind was gentle, but enough to move the ship forward. With the sails catching the breeze, the vessel slowly began to move.

“…A sailing ship in this era, huh.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Larger vessels will follow.”

Indeed, a sail-driven vessel, without the need for fuel, was a practical choice for the resource-hungry fortress. Future ships would have emergency waterjet engines, but until they secured an alternative energy source, sailing ships would be the mainstay.

“Guess that’s inevitable… By the way, we still don’t know what powers those paddle ships operating in the northern continent, do we?”

“No, Commander Ma’am. The source remains unclear from external observation. Investigating it is advisable.”

The paddle ships observed in the northern continent didn’t appear to have visible power sources. Fossil fuel engines would require smokestacks, yet none were visible, leading Ringo to hypothesize that an unknown technology might be at play. The mysterious flame-based weapons observed during the island occupation suggested that a similar technology could be in use.

Currently, however, there was no progress on gathering more information. The observed battles were too far away, making detailed observation impossible.

“It would be great if we could gather intel on that in the port city we’re headed for.”

The target city was expected to be relatively lively, with other sailing ships of similar size. The Paraiso, with its paddle propulsion, would appear formidable. While no ships with rotating turrets had been observed in the area, her ship’s design would likely be recognized as a threat.

“I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you.”

And so, the trade ship Paraiso, after a five-day journey from The Tree fortress, prepared to dock in the target port city.