Chapter 38: Exploring the Ghost Ship

"...A ghost ship?"

"Yes, Akane called it that. It’s an old, abandoned ship drifting at sea. Ringo told us about it, and we all watched the footage together," Ichigo explained.

"Ringo?"

When the Commander turned around, Ringo nodded.

"I deemed it harmless and thought it could be used as educational material," Ringo replied.

"Hmm."

The Commander was slightly bothered by the lack of prior notice, but it seemed the report was part of the educational package intended for her. Judging by Ichigo’s attitude, it seemed more like “storytelling” than an actual report.

"And then we thought... since it’s there, we might as well go aboard! I mean, I really want to go, and, um, I was hoping you’d come too... together with everyone..."

Ichigo fidgeted, stealing glances at the Commander.

Seeing Ichigo’s timid but hopeful demeanor, the Commander stood up with a decisive nod. Who could possibly deny such a heartfelt plea? The answer was clear: no one!

"That sounds like a lot of fun, Ichigo! Ringo, get everything ready!"

"Yes, ma’am, Commander. I’ve prepared Alpha-Class Destroyer No. 8, designated Hotel, for this mission," Ringo responded.

"Hotel, huh? That’s luxurious," the Commander said with a smirk.

"We’ve also prepared accommodations for your stay. Leave everything to me," Ringo reassured her.

For the record, the Commander had never stayed in a hotel or even gone on a proper trip. But with Ringo’s knowledge, she could fake her way through anything. Bantering lightly with Ringo, the Commander began walking toward the outer docks. Ichigo followed closely, looking delighted. The Commander, feeling generous, took Ichigo’s hand in hers.

This gesture inevitably led to the others wanting the same, resulting in a chaotic chain of hand-holding. But as far as Ringo was concerned, as long as the Commander was happy, it was worth it. Naturally, Ringo joined in as well.

"When we arrive, we’ll deploy reconnaissance drones first. While aerial scans have provided some data, we haven’t examined everything," Ringo explained.

"Good thinking. It’d be troublesome if there were survivors who turned hostile..."

"Indeed, ma’am. Additionally, quarantine procedures will be necessary, so we’ll need some extra time before boarding," Ringo added.

Since their arrival in this world, Ringo had been continuously monitoring the Commander’s health. So far, no significant issues had arisen. Her immune system functioned exceptionally well—seemingly far superior to any human Ringo had knowledge of. This robustness extended to her sisters, who were genetically cultivated from her. Still, caution was essential.

"Rotting corpses present a high risk of infection, so please avoid them at all costs," Ringo warned.

"...Do you think we’ll encounter any?"

"Most likely, ma’am. It’s a wrecked ship, after all. Some were visible on the deck, and there are likely more inside. Judging by the lack of skeletal remains, the wreck has only been adrift for a few months at most. Pathogenic bacteria are likely thriving onboard," Ringo stated.

Even with their superior immunity, prolonged exposure to large quantities of bacteria could overwhelm their systems.

"Should we wear protective suits?"

"If possible, yes. It would also serve as good training. The suits are equipped with joint-assist features to ensure mobility. I’ll support you if necessary. I’ll ensure everyone is properly equipped," Ringo said.

The Commander had already decided she wanted to explore the ship firsthand. Hearing this, Ringo began preparing protective suits through the manufacturing printer. They would be ready within an hour.

"This will be my first time aboard an Alpha-Class ship," the Commander noted.

"Yes, ma’am. In fact, it’s your first time leaving The Tree," Ringo replied.

"...Is that so?"

Since arriving in this world, the Commander had rarely ventured out. Her only excursions had been a brief swim, facilitated by a wooden platform Ringo had built.

"My first outing, huh."

"Commander Sister, is this our first outing as well?" Ichigo asked eagerly.

"Yes, it is. Let’s all go together."

"Yay!"

Excitedly, the sisters boarded the ship. They departed, escorted by Alpha-Class Destroyers Nos. 9 (India) and 10 (Juliet), heading toward the ghost ship.

"Blue sea!"

"White clouds!"

Standing proudly at the bow, Utsugi and Erika alternated shouts of excitement.

"A big ship!"

"A ghost ship!"

"I don’t think it’s a ghost ship," Commander Eve muttered, but no one paid attention.

After leaving The Tree, they spent a night aboard the ship and were now approaching the wreck.

"Sister, when can we board that ship?"

"Hmm, probably in about an hour. We’ll use a cutter to get aboard. I didn’t expect Akane to be so eager, though..."

"I’ve read up on ghost ships. I’m fully prepared!" Akane declared enthusiastically.

"I doubt reading about ghost ships will help much..."

Too excited to hear her sister’s sarcasm, Akane stared intently at the wreck, her excitement palpable. Commander Eve sighed, ruffled Akane’s hair, and continued walking.

Meanwhile, Ringo had sent drones to survey the ship’s interior. It appeared to be a military vessel with intact watertight compartments. They navigated carefully to avoid causing further damage. No survivors had been detected so far.

After descending into the hold, the Commander watched as humanoid communicators released the cutter. Walking through narrow corridors and up steep stairs, she eventually reached the bridge. There, Ringo sat in the navigator’s chair, while Ichigo gripped the wheel with serious determination. Olive was absent.

"Ringo, where’s Olive?"

"She’s inspecting the protective suits in the hold, ma’am."

"Impressive," the Commander said with a nod.

She moved closer to the window, looking down at the bow where Utsugi, Erika, and Akane were chatting animatedly. These three were remarkably lively and free-spirited. Even Akane, who fancied herself a literary type, was bursting with energy.

Ichigo, on the other hand, was diligently fulfilling her role as helmsman. Despite being told she could leave it to Ringo, she insisted on completing her task herself—a testament to her dedication.

Olive’s attention to detail in inspecting equipment was probably more about personal interest than duty. She had shown significant curiosity toward the joint-assist mechanisms.

"Ichigo, let’s start preparing to board soon. Can you transfer control to Ringo?"

"Yes, Commander Sister. Ringo, transferring helm control to you."

"Control assumed. All systems normal. The Hotel is now under remote operation," Ringo confirmed.

Ichigo exhaled, visibly relieved. Commander Eve approached her, gently patting her head.

"Great job, Ichigo. You saw it through to the end."

"Thank you, Commander Sister! Hehe..."

After giving Ichigo a thorough head-pat, the Commander ignored Ringo’s envious gaze and headed for the deck. There would be time to appease Ringo later—she fully intended to give her a proper hug.

"Let’s gather everyone and head to the hold. Suit up and board the cutter. Follow Ringo’s instructions carefully."

"Yes, Sister!" the sisters chorused.