Unduh Aplikasi
29.21% Out of Space / Chapter 196: Your Navy

Bab 196: Your Navy

Skies over Goblin Coast, Southern Sector

The General Atomics MQ-242 "Owleye" reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle hummed happily as its glider wings were deployed, allowing it to maintain a power saving gliding attitude in the skies as it patrolled its designated sector assigned to it by its human masters.

Currently, UAV UNIT 03, nicknamed "Ozzy" by the crew was running on autonomous control, its electronic brain churning zeros and ones at a speed unmatched by anything this world could rival. It's highly sensitive multi-spectrum optics suddenly picked up movement under it and its electronic brain started checking its programming, following the correct lines of code and dialed in its optics at the movement spot.

It saw a cluster of tiny ships like objects moving under wind power and engaging in combat. In 0.2 seconds, its processor started to compare references from the installed Identification, Friend or Foe database, comparing the hull shapes and sizes with known ships while at the same time, a Priority Alert directive programmed in its core fired an encrypted compressed 18 kb communication data pulse to its controlling station onboard the UNS Singapore.

-----

UNS Singapore, UAV Control

UAV pilot and Sensor specialist, Seaman Rodney was half dozing off at his station. The bulbous front heavy UAV control headset covered most of his head and weight over 4 kg. He sat on his control chair, resting his head against special neck support that helped take most of the weight off his neck.

As he laid there for hours at a time with both his hands holding on to the flight controls on either side of his 'cockpit' chair, he had quietly set in a program for the UAV to run autonomously and it will alert him should it detect anything out of the norm.

It was a common practice done by UAV pilots and their superiors normally ignored it as long the UAV pilots don't ignore and properly check on the alerts reported by the UAVs. Military Regulations required a human operator to be overseeing autonomous AIs at all times, but it was not really rigorously enforced most of the time.

The United Nations Security Council has anonymously voted to not have fully self-aware AI constructs due to the French China Colony War in the late 2050s, when a nuclear armed UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) fired a couple of 15 megaton mini nukes on to a French Colony as the AI detected multiple hostiles inside the French Colony and its analysis was to destroy the Colony to prevent the French from expanding it into a forward staging area by adopting a scorched earth doctrine.

Later somehow Wikileaks managed to get access and leaked the records of the investigations and supporting data forensics of the AI which fired the thermonuclear missiles, It reported that the AI's core had calculated that killing an enemy civilian population of over a 100,000 to prevent the French from gaining a military foothold into friendly territory which has an 88.426% probability to change the course of the war towards the French's advantage. The use of nuclear weapons was justified by the Chinese AI's core analysis, prompting it to make its own decision to destroy all infrastructure in the area to deny the French forces.

The leak and general disclosure of the investigation had a massive backlash to the Chinese Government which prompted the end of hostilities between the two countries and also the 2061 Peace Accords banning the use of nuclear weapons on green planets and civilians. It also started a wave of anti AI sentiments and distrust among the populations in the outer colonies and also on Earth.

-----

Rodney jolted awake when UAV UNIT 03 pinged him. The loud ringing designed to wake the human mind continued to echo in his head even after he shut the alarm down. He quickly accessed the data streaming in from UAV UNIT 03, checking the live imagery being broadcasted directly. "Shit."

Rodney hit the alert button, which alerted the Duty Officer who came over and Rodney took over controls of UAV UNIT 03. Instantly his goggle's Head Up Display interface turned blue and a <CONNECTING...> message text popped up.

Once the link was established with the UAV, the blue interface faded away to be replaced with the view of UNIT 03's cameras giving Rodney a sense of vertigo as he felt like he was a bird flying in the air and looking down to the earth and sea.

He turned his helmeted head left and right and UNIT 03's cameras mimicked his actions, following his view, allowing him to see what is around. Rodney narrowed and focused his eyes on a spot under him, and the view zoomed in allowing him to see the area he focused on.

Micro sensors and monitors lined the interior of the UAV Control Helmet, which scans and monitors Rodney's irises for changes. These minute changes allow UAV pilots to control the UAV cameras like focus, change of spectrums and even target lock on using just their eyes.

UAV pilots had to train specificity and learn how to control their eyes and facial muscles to be able to pass the UAV piloting courses. One of the reasons why most people does not want to play poker with UAV pilots as they are very good at controlling their facial expressions.

"What is it?" The Duty Officer of the day arrived next to Rodney's station and glanced at the screens displaying the views of UNIT 03. "Wait, are those ships?"

"Yes, Sir!" Rodney replied as he deftly controlled the UAV to drop its attitude and trail the ships. "Looks like they are fighting."

"Damn, those darker ships look like goblins raiders!" The Duty Officer started to contact the Command Bridge. "Bridge? We got some situation here."

-----

UNS Singapore, Captain's Quarters

Blake frowned as he looked at the list of reports coming in of pirate attacks. "How's work on the... Floatin' Wreck?"

Commander Ford and Chief Engineer Matt looked at each other and Matt spoke first, "Well, we are still working on some teething issues."

"And the crew is being trained and drilled on the job," Ford added next.

"When can the Floatin' Wreck enter service?" Blake asked as he looked up from the reports.

"Realistically?" Matt frowned, "I say at least two more weeks."

"Two more weeks?" Blake shooked his head and placed the tablet he was reading from in front of Matt. "Have you seen this?"

"6 reports of sightings of pirates over the past two days within 200 km of the Far Harbor," Blake growled, "Another 2 reports of pirates engagement with other ships spotted by UAV recon flights."

"That's a 400% increase in goblin naval activity in the week and at 200 km off Far Harbour, that's like within a couple of days of sailing," Blake continued, "If the Isles know that we cannot control the seas around our harbor, what do you think they will do?"

Chief Matt shrugged, while Ford gave a sigh, and said, "They will cease all future forms of trade with us."

"Yes, that is one of the scenarios that will happen," Blake nodded. "Not to mention we do not have a thousand UAVs to keep watch along the entire stretch of coast!"

"That's thousands and thousands of kilometers of probable landing zones for goblins raiders to drop off and attack our outposts and farms," Blake rapped his table while making his point. "Even the Airforce could not be everywhere to cover us."

"Well, Cap," Matt frowned, "The thing now is if the Floatin' Wreck breaks down, we got no means to tow it home. That's why we are running extensive trials to ensure that the ship will be able to operate in a combat environment, survive it and limp home on its own power."

"We don't need an indestructible ship here," Blake replied, "Ford, I know this is under your jurisdiction, but we need to have some form of presence out at sea."

"The number of pirates running about, frankly is quite alarming," Blake rubbed his chin. "If we are unable to stop the pirates, I am sure it will come to bite us in the ass in the future."

"Couldn't we send in the Airforce to bomb Goblin City?" Matt asked.

"We could, but the planes have not enough fuel to make it back home," Ford answered. "We could use the Valkyries but they are getting overworked now."

"Yes, Commander Tommy reported that for each hour of flight on the Valkyries they have to ground it for maintenance for four hours at least," Blake said, "And the Valkyries are being tasked as transports for the time being."

"Therefore, the fight with the pirates will fall on your shoulders," Blake looked at the two officers who grimaced. "It's a tough war, but I got confidence in you two."

"Sir, we technically could launch the Floatin' Wreck for pirate suppression duties, but I will advise limiting its range to with 50 kilometers of Far Harbour only," Matt replied. "While we do that, we could make some sort of a barge or tug using the plans from Project Fast Attack."

"So at least we have some way to at least tow the ship back or even conduct rescue work should the Floatin' Wreck breaks down within our waters," Matt suggested.

Blake turned to Ford and raised an eyebrow, "Your navy, your decisions."

Ford rolled his eyes before he nodded, "Do it."

"For the time being, I have the Airforce engaging any pirates within range," Blake said, "Far Harbor also needs an airfield so that they can support the Navy in the future."

"Got it," Ford nodded grimly. "I talk to Letts."

"Alright, you two," Blake grinned, "Enough with the glumpy faces, once all these shit is over, I got a nice bottle stored up for you guys. What say you?"

"Aye..."

-----

Somewhere in the Goblin Sea

Mad laughter woke Captain Nemu up and he found himself tied upside down and dangling over the rafters of a dark hold. From the creak and swaying of his surroundings, he knew he was in a ship and when the splitting headache passed, he slowly noticed that he wasn't alone.

Several other figures were tied and hang up in the same manner as him. He wasn't sure if they were alive or not, but he was pretty sure he got caught by the goblins as the laughter and screeching cries were made by them.

The hold smelt bad of rot and decay. Light penetrated from cracks between the hulls and from a tiny mage light glowing on the other end. Crates, barrels and other objects laid haphazardly all over the area and from the sounds of laughter, the goblins must be celebrating.

Suddenly shrieking voices were heard and a flood of light appeared that reignited the throbbing headache of Nemu. and a hatch leading above decks opened. Several child sized goblins appeared and they excitedly grabbed the nearest tied up body and started to drag it up steps, which woke the man who started to groan at the rough treatment.

"They are gonna eat him!" A voice suddenly spoke to Nemu from the side, surprising him.

The hatch slammed shut and the bright light and laughter got cut off. Nemu wriggled himself, making his body rotate to face the direction of the voice.

"So we are just rations for those cursed creatures?" Nemu asked as his body dangling by the ropes turning him around slowly and the person who spoke earlier came into his view.

"Yes..." A roughed up sailor, with a puffy face, came into view of Nemu. He was also tied upside down and swaying with the rise and fall of the goblin ship. His eyes were void of any life as he said, "I saw what they did to the rest..."

"First... they cut your limbs one by one while you are still alive." He whispered. "They drain your blood to make blood sausages with your guts that they remove from your slit bellies..."

"Than they roast your limbs in front of you and chop the top of your skull off and eat your brains raw..." The man shrugged as he recalled the grotesque scenes he witnessed.

Above deck, a scream rang out long and hard, followed by giggles and sounds of children like laughter.


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
Neobear Neobear

Advance chapters are available on Pat-reon (Book 1 completed)

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Lim pei's navy~ if you can understand singlish =D

Enjoy~

Bab 197: Good Intentions

UNS Singapore, Captain's Quarters

Lieutenant Tavor knocked on the hatch and entered, "Sir."

"Close the hatch," Blake replied as he saved his documents in his computer. "Sit down."

"Now, Tavor, let's start," Blake finished up his work and turned his attention to the Intelligence Officer.

"Sir, as of the past week, the Mage girl and the Hunter girl has not displayed any signs of rebellion," Tavor started his report. "We will continue monitoring their activities but I suspect that the Hunter girl might have some kind of mental block or issues."

Blake nodded, "Keep them under your eye."

"Yes, Sir," Tavor replied. "Here is the list for the executed prisoners."

Blake took a deep breath before he picked up the soft copy document. "Is this the only copy?"

"No Sir," Tavor replied, "I have the other only copy under lock and key in the secured vaults."

Blake nodded and leafed through the lines of text. "268 goblins prisoners executed under the context of being unfit for civilized duties. They have gone too far feral to be able to integrate into any civilized society."

"4 forest trolls and 2 rock trolls also terminated as they were also deemed too feral and dangerous to release," Blake continued reading. "The bodies were given to the Hospital for autopsy and harvesting of their adrenal glands."

"68 Empire prisoners of war executed for war crimes or deemed too dangerous for release," Tavor said coldly. "Also another 13 citizens imprisoned under the Sedition Act, all of them pro-Empire supporters."

"13?" Blake raised his eyebrows, "That's all? I thought we might have more."

"There are some, but most are just normal people with complaints and minor grievances." Tavor replied, "We interviewed them under the pretext of doing a simple survey and they were released."

"What do you plan to do with 13 hardcore empire supporters?" Blake asked mildly.

"Under the Sedition Act, sedition acts and speech, and the printing, publication, sale, distribution, reproduction, and importation of seditious publications that undermine the administration of government are deemed as traitors and criminals," Tavor cited the law by heart. "Such being found guilty will be punishable by death of a firing squad or life imprisonment."

"Than you better make sure you investigate thoroughly," Blake leaned back on his chair.

"Yes Sir," Tavor nodded, "As for HUMINT, I have recruited and trained several native operatives and had dispatched them to the town of Falledge."

"If all goes went, we can start seeing results in a couple of months," Tavor said. "The agents will be using a covert signal radio set for comms."

"HUMINT(Human Intelligence)?" Blake sighed, "Damn, sometimes I really wish for advanced technology with all our spy planes, satellites, and drones."

"I did take the liberty to see if we can access the two satellite survey probes that were launched before we landed here," Tavor said, "No luck. We would need a very powerful signal booster or direct laser the probes as they orbit over head."

"Then we will need to hack into their systems as we lost all the codes and access when we crashed the ship," Tavor added.

"The IT guys are still trying to retrieve and hopefully restore the damaged ship data core," Blake sighed, "But good work."

"It is my duty, Sir," Tavor replied without any expression. "Sir, I also like to inform you that Claymore One under the orders and initiative of Lieutenant Joesph has taken out a number of slaves that were sowing dissent."

"Oh, really?" Blake was surprised, "How did you find out?"

"Lt Joesph reported the incident to me and I covered up their disappearance to prevent anyone from finding out," Tavor replied.

"I see," Blake nodded, "Is that all?"

"Yes Sir," Tavor replied again.

"This meeting is adjourned," Blake stood up, "You know what to do."

"Aye Captain!" Tavor stood up and saluted before exiting the cabin.

Blake watched Tavor close the door before he picked up the stack of documents and reread everything. By the time he finished the whole report, it was late, with the ship's clock showing 2347 hours.

Blake dropped the whole report into the laser shredder, watching the paper report turn yellowish than black before turning into shredded ashes when the shredding jaws spun up.

He sighed heavily and poured a finger of scotch from his dwindling liquor store before downing it down in a single gulp, feeling his insides burning. He placed his glass down and picked up his communicator and sent a text message to Sherene.

<I miss you...>

-----

Northern Forest, Hydro Dam Power Station

Corporal Bartley frowned as he walked towards the makeshift pen for the wind wolf family. He saw two uninvited 'guests' looming tall and imposing over the fence and one of them seemed to be licking her chops at the wolves.

"What are you two doing here again?" Bartley asked as he stood before the two dragons, Blue Thunder and the female red dragon, Rastraz.

"Erm, just showing her the sights!" Blue Thunder rumbled good naturedly. "I heard that the Marines had adopted some Wind Wolves! So we came to see!"

"Didn't you guys saw enough in the past two days?" Bartley gestured around him. "You are scaring the pups!"

"Really?" Blue Thunder gave a surprised wide eye look at Bartley as he tossed one of the wolf pups into the air with his front limbs, making the wolf pup bark in happiness. "They seemed to like it?"

"Kids..." Bartley shook his head, "But the mothers don't like it. Especially with your lady friend drooling there."

"I not drooling!" Rastraz straightened her body, posing as majestically as possible with her massive serpentine body. "I- I'm just... hot, its sweat! No! I mean... Urghh! Why do I need to explain to a meat bag!?" Rolling her eyes she pouted her large lips and turned away in a huff.

Bartley shook his head and went to check on the mother wolves who welcome him by licking his hands. He pushed away the thick fur of the wolves to check their wounds and gave a nod, patting the sides of the wolf and said, "Good, looks like you two are healing well."

"Weeeeee ~" Blue Thunder tossed another pup up, while another wolf pup gnawed at his wings.

"You don't have to worry about them," Bartley assured the two mother wolves, "Blue is a good guy."

"Hehe," Blue Thunder looked slightly abashed, "You sure know how to make a dragon happy!"

"I think you are here for the food," Bartley retorted, "Aren't you on active duty now?"

"I am to escort and keep her highness company," Blue Thunder puffed up his chest proudly, "Besides, Marine chow is better than Airforce!"

"Please don't let your commanding officer hear that," Bartley whispered. "Anyway why come here? You can bring her to the Airbase or even Camp Alpha."

"I think it is something to do with negotiations?" Blue Thunder scratched his head while using his wing to fan the puppies playing at his feet.

"They want to recruit me or something," Rastraz gave a snort, her command of English was almost magical, most likely due to her racial traits or something. "As if I am some sort of object that can be easily bought!"

Blue Thunder gave a look at Bartley and did a very human shrug. "Oh well, she wanted to stay around the country side, and agreed to keep her powers down and not burn down the forest as long as we can keep her fed..."

"So... here we are!" Blue Thunder gave a big grinned and started to play with the wolf pups.

"I think... you wanted to play and eat more than anything..." Bartley frowned at Blue Thunder who acted like he didn't hear Barley's words.

"When's lunch?" Rastraz suddenly asked as she pushed away one of the pups that tried to lick her. "I'm hungry..."

-----

Goblin Coast, Far Harbour

A crane rumbled and the operator expertly lowered the 3" gun down over the superstructure of the Floatin' Wreck. A cluster of workers and techs reached out to grab the ropes and gently steered the gun into the No. 2 mount.

Once the gun was in place, the ropes were untied and a team of welders started to weld the gun into the deck while others bolted the mountings into place.

Commander Ford stood inside the cramped wheelhouse and watched the ongoing onboard his ship. "How long more before we can take her other for another sea trial?"

Lieutenant Grayson looked at his tablet and said, "Work is still ongoing to retune the engines, while the No. 2 gun should be installed within the hour, I say, before noon today, we should be able to depart for another round of tests.

Ford nodded, "Supplies and fuel?"

"Currently we have two weeks worth of food and water already stored in the new refrigeration holds for the crew of 85 including 11 officers," Grayson reported, "Ammunition for the guns are not loaded till before departure."

"We are currently carrying 79 kilograms of waste mana stones," Grayson continued, "These will be used for the Magic Heat Exchange System, and the Dragonite fuel bunkers are at 20% capacity."

The Magic Heat Exchange Systems uses waste mana stones that were either badly chipped or leftover parts after being cut.

"Due to safety concerns, fuel and ammunition will only be loaded when yard work and before departure only," Grayson said.

Ford nodded and turned around when a sailor knocked on the bridge door, "Sir, Air Force Commander Tommy is here to see you, Sir!"

"Where is he now?" Ford seemed surprised by the sudden visit and he gestured the sailor to lead the way. "Grayson, watch the ship."

As Ford walked down the gangway, he saw the skinny ex pilot looking up with awe at his ship which gave him a proud sense of ownership. "Tommy? What wind blew you here?"

"Ford!" Tommy turned from his gawking and grinned, shaking Ford's hand happily. "Nice ship you got there!"

"Thanks," Ford grinned back and lead Tommy away from the bustle and noise of the dry dock. "This way."

Ford led Tommy into a side office and they sat down and catch up with each other area of expertise before Tommy grinned and reveal why he came down.

"Look, I know the pressure is on the Navy now that pirates are pillaging all over the area," Tommy said, "And the proper air strip on Far Harbour is still months away from completion."

"My A/F-1 Cobras could land and take off from a flat grass field if needed," Tommy said, "So I am dispatching a squadron over to support you. I will put them under the Navy command, but you will need to pave the ground for the planes to land and take off and also provide hangers and bunkers for their ammunition, fuel, and spare parts."

"Thanks, Tommy," Ford nodded gratefully, "That would help a lot. I will get the construction crew to prioritize the basic airfield for the planes."

"No worries," Tommy smiled, "There is one more thing, I got a new experimental plane and I like the Navy to take it."

"A new experimental plane?" Ford frowned, "Why would Air Force give it to the Navy?"

"Well, it's just a simple redesign of the existing Cobra," Tommy said and he took out his tablet and transmitted a file over to Ford who opened the file and whistled.

"A sea plane version of the Cobra?" Ford looked at the plans and the specifications.

"Yup, The A/F - 1N Sea Cobra," Tommy cheerfully presented his new plane. "The wheels are replaced with hollow airtight floats, giving it the ability to land and take off from the water."

"This is still in an experimental phrase for this aircraft," Tommy warned, "So its max performance and stats are still under review and testing. But I think this will help the Navy in establishing its presence over the ocean."

"Damn," Ford's eyes glowed and he laughed, "I think the Marines are gonna be pissed, we took all the 3" guns and now we even got a new plane to play with!"

"Please don't break it..."


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
Neobear Neobear

Advance chapters are available on Pat-reon (Book 1 completed)

https://www.patreon.com/neobear

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