NoveLight ™
Chapter 22: Departure of the Fox Maidens (45 Units)
The first voyage of the First Trade Fleet was about to begin.
Naming each vessel was considered, but with plans to dismantle them once the full fleet was assembled, simple numbering sufficed. Since the Northern Continent wouldn’t recognize these alphabetic designations, it was deemed acceptable.
“Even with just three ships, they look so majestic in a single column!”
Watching aerial footage from the drones, she sat proudly in the command seat, clearly pleased, and Ringo, observing her, was equally content.
“For enhanced defense, I’ve added attack drones. They aren’t particularly fast, but should be effective in combat,” Ringo noted.
“Oh? …Well, I think the humanoid machine communicators alone are enough,” she replied.
“Considering the cost, repairing a humanoid machine communicator versus replacing a destroyed drone is more economical. With a stable iron supply, we can mass-produce drones, so preserving the communicators is our priority.”
“True… In case of injury, it’d be quite a hassle…”
This time, 36 newly produced humanoid machine communicators were prepared. Together with the existing units, a total of 45 communicators were set to embark on the First Trade Fleet’s journey to the harbor town. This was more than enough to seize control of the town if necessary, but with the addition of drone weaponry, it was probably excessive.
However, the town’s peaceful state couldn’t be guaranteed indefinitely. By the time they returned, a new faction could have taken control, potentially launching an attack. To anticipate any changes, numerous reconnaissance bots had already infiltrated the area.
“We’ll continue producing humanoid machine communicators, gradually installing independent AI. It’s crucial to avoid unnecessary losses to these units.”
“Oh, that’s right. How’s progress on the brain unit?”
“It’s on track. The current batch of communicators will undergo experimental installation, and if successful, we’ll proceed to the primary education phase.”
With the brain unit, the communicators could exhibit autonomy comparable to an adult, allowing two-way communication with Ringo, thus creating uniquely capable androids.
Incidentally, in World of Space, wireless communication was easily disrupted and thus seldom used beyond the earliest stages. But in this world, devoid of such wireless interference, the technology was feasible.
“By the way, aren’t you planning to alter the genetic base? You’ve collected enough local DNA by now, haven’t you?”
Ringo fell silent at her casual question. Currently, all humanoid machine communicators were manufactured based on her genetic data, resulting in nearly identical appearances. Each one resembled her so closely that they could pass as twins.
“…There’s something I find…unacceptable about it…”
“…?”
Puzzled, she watched as Ringo hesitantly admitted a reluctance (perhaps emotional) to mix her DNA with others’.
“Oh?”
With a gentle smile, she pulled Ringo into a hug.
“It’s fine, Ringo. If you don’t like it, we’ll find another way.”
“But it’s not the most efficient…”
“Efficiency isn’t everything,” she said with finality. “Sometimes, it’s okay not to prioritize it.”
Ringo understood that increasing genetic diversity, including varying appearances and genders, would be the most efficient approach. Yet, despite recognizing the rationale, Ringo found it difficult to choose this option.
She saw Ringo’s inner conflict and offered comfort.
“If we’re talking efficiency, I’m the least efficient one here, wouldn’t you say?”
“That’s not—”
“Oh, but it is. I think you know it.”
She embraced Ringo and gently patted his head.
“Do what you want. If you ever doubt yourself, remember your raison d’être. Efficiency doesn’t matter as long as you stay true to it.”
“Yes…”
With that, she glanced at the genetic data Ringo had collected.
“Well, even if mixing my DNA is out, it’s fine to create entirely new ones, isn’t it?”
“…Yes, you’re right. I’ll try producing a few experimental models.”
Noting this addition to Ringo’s task list, she returned to her main duty: overseeing the departure ceremony of the First Trade Fleet.
“All hands, port side. Salute.”
Though silent, the movement was so synchronized it almost felt audible. The fully armed 45 humanoid machine communicators lined up along the port side, saluting the drone.
“Impressive precision,” she remarked.
“Thank you.”
The proximity to The Tree fortress allowed Ringo to control all the communicators directly, fine-tuning muscle output to a millimeter. Even as the ship rocked, they maintained perfect coordination. However, once they reached their destination, slight delays would be inevitable. At that point, each communicator would rely on its own hardware and neural responses, leading to minor variations.
“After this, we’ll conduct full-speed trials and test each turret. Please relax until preparations are complete.”
“Got it. Thank you.”
She reclined in her command seat and took the tea Ringo prepared, brewed with leaves from their recent trade haul. Making tea from seaweed had been impractical, though they’d managed a kelp-based version.
“The taste of civilization…”
Compared to the distilled water or electrolyte-infused solutions they’d relied on, this was a significant improvement. While her refined water was more complex to produce, Ringo humored her perspective, knowing she’d say the same with each new ingredient.
“The wheat flour is ready, so I made some cookies. They’re a bit bland without dairy, though.”
“Let’s try!”
She eagerly sampled the cookie, smiling as she tasted the sweetness.
Watching her, Ringo allowed a satisfied smile to surface. Collecting plant-based oils had been a challenge, but it was worth it. The limited supply, which couldn’t keep long, was stored in airtight containers aboard for safe transport. Likely derived from an olive-like tree, it was far preferable to fish oils, which had an unpleasant odor unsuitable for desserts.
“With the large transport ship, we might soon be able to trade for livestock.”
“Livestock? For meat and dairy?”
“Yes. It would expand our culinary options.”
“Yes, definitely!”
Ringo felt satisfaction at her enthusiastic response.
“This means…well, it may take a while, but we’ll need a base on land.”
“Indeed. Once we secure enough iron, we can establish a base.”
“Preferably near an iron mine.”
“Currently under investigation. We’re expanding the search area using Swift reconnaissance planes equipped with magnetic sensors.”
With the iron supply secured, some reserved duralumin could now be used in production. Swift’s low material requirements kept the assembly line running at full capacity.
“The Northern Continent map is expanding nicely.”
“Yes, Commander Mom. We’re extending coverage from the southeastern coastline. The area has few port towns, given the sandy terrain.”
Bypassing peninsula nations, they continued exploring eastward but had yet to find mines. Ringo’s current mission was to secure resources through trade until local production could be established.