Chương 45: Chapter 44: Tactical Impression
Arwen Ronova
I glanced around at the table, taking in the emotions evident on each man's face, save the commander's. I had yet to understand his minute facial expressions or the lack thereof.
When I'd been woken from my engram and inserted into my ENTT, I was nervous about why my new commander had chosen me. I'd been a last addition to the Ark Protocol's Engram Storage. I remembered applying to be in the program, but for some reason, I couldn't recall its purpose.
My [Attribute], Drone Pilot, was lackluster compared to the others I knew about. I pulled up my interface, reading the description with a thoughtful expression.
**
Captain Arwen Ronova - "She's never alone when she's got her Lances."
- This Marine implements the extensive use of Drones in her tactics, using every variation to her obvious advantage.
Attribute: Drone - Provides Each Squad with 1x Lance Drone (Type 1-4)
(Lance Drone - A small autonomous drone platform that can be paired with a qualified marine. The Lance has four types:
- Type 1: Search and Destroy - hunts down enemy combatants using limited AI.
- Special Tool - Striker Automatic Turret (D.A.R.T. Rounds)
- Type 2: Overwatch - uses broad-spectrum pulses to identify combatants.
- Special Tool - Watcher Sensor (Model X-368)
- Type 3: Hacker - links with opposition technology to gain access to main systems.
- Special Tool - R2-D3 Modifiable (USB-C6K)
- Type 4: Concealment - Projects active camouflage over a selected target.
- Special Tool - Chameleon Projector (Model X-420)
**
I had memories of pitching the use of drones in active combat for years before my admission to the Ark Protocol, but I never expected it to gain traction in such a way. When I'd first met Commander Venata, he'd instructed me to run almost 25 simulations in the Tactical Scenario Room, throwing various out-of-pocket situations at me and whatever squad he paired me with.
At first, I'd thought he was crazy for sinking so many hours into the simulations, but finally, my eyes had been truly opened. The Commander encouraged me to use my drones in ways I hadn't considered before. When I had first pitched the idea to the Department of Weapons director at Marine headquarters, I'd used the Lances in a very limited capacity. Only after training with the Commander and a quick re-engineering by SAI's fabricators did the lances show their true potential.
For weeks after being woken up, I trained each platoon at the squad level to use the drones, and I was excited to use them in real combat.
"Captain Ronova?" The Commander's voice reached my ears, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked around to see everyone looking at me, and my holographic Projection blushed.
"Sorry, Sir. I was considering the tactical situation. It won't happen again."
He nodded to me in understanding before repeating the question.
"What impact does the Battlecruiser have on your plan, Captain?" His voice was hard, but I detected a slight edge of humor. I looked at the display, taking in the Battlecruiser and her companions.
"Sir, the original plan, as you recall, had 1st and 2nd Platoon leading the assault on the Station, with 3rd and 4th in reserve for boarding the Heavy cruisers or joining 1st and 2nd on the station. The plan doesn't change much from my end, sir, but rather puts more pressure on the Venator. My only suggestion would be to hold three platoons in reserve, sending only one to the station. If the warships overwhelm you, you can send the rest of the company to board the Battlecruiser to weaken its advantage. However, I'm only a Marine, Sir. If you point the way, I'll pave it for you."
Sounds of assent came from her Lieutenants, and Lt. Lincoln smiled at me. The Commander held my gaze for a moment, searching for something. When he found it, he leaned away, gazing at the display.
"In light of Cpt. Ronova's suggestions, we'll move ahead as planned. First,..."
He manipulated the display, pushing the station and the two Heavies aside, blowing up the image of the Battlecruiser. Data streamed down the sides, and my new, improved digital brain easily absorbed it. As the Data was compiled, a list of the warships systems began to grow in my vision.
**
[Deimon-Class Battlecruiser: Lusiphur]
[Armor: 100,000]
[Weapons: 4x Impe Rail Guns, 4x Sukubuz Missile Launcher]
[Commander: Rycter Baz]
[Mass: 25 million tonnes]
**
The data kept growing, analyzing every facet of the ship. Finally, after what seemed to be hours, the data stream stopped. I would have been impressed if I didn't know the capabilities of our ship. Despite being a Light Cruiser, I was confident that the Venator could stand up to the Lusiphur without much trouble. The real question was the two Linkols.
"Alright, here's what we'll do." The Commander's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Captain, you will take 1st and 2nd and board the station. I'll have SAI compile a report of its structure for you to share with your sergeants. You'll be flying one of the shuttles under stealth to approach the station from the Solar side. After you confirm that you're in a position to be on the board, I'll drop stealth. Hopefully, whoever is in command of the defenses over there will underestimate the Venator and send only 1 one or both of the Heavies. Once I become decisively engaged, you'll board the station. Once inside, neutralize any resistance without killing the scientists or administrators. You're objective will be the Reactor Room, The Command Center, and the Main Research Facility."
I nodded to him, already working on the problem from my end. One of the things I admired about the Commander was his willingness to delegate. He was clear that his expertise lay in ship-to-ship combat, and he'd leave the ground combat to me. The group stayed in the Strategic Center for a few hours, tossing ideas back and forth with little input from the Commander.
Finally, I turned to him.
"Sir, I believe my Lieutenants and I have a solid plan." My voice was confident, although I knew that no plan survives contact with the enemy. There were redundancies for unexpected gaps in command or sudden separation between the units, but the plan was set. The Commander looked at each of us, taking in the confidence and eagerness of each person. He nodded, waving a hand at us.
"Alright, if you're confident, head down to the Barracks. We'll begin in 24 hours; run a few sims to shake out any dust."
I nodded to him, leaving the SC with my Lieutenants in tow.
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