I Reincarnated as the Captain of a Battleship in a Robot Anime, but at This Rate, I’m Going to Be Assassinated – Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Even if foreshadowing is scattered, it is difficult for the reader to decipher
[space_man][space_man]The idea of self-proliferation through nanomachines is a common setting in science fiction. In this world, it doesn’t seem to be that explosive of a proliferation, but the fact remains that this function is terrifying.
[space_man][space_man]There’s a general understanding that super-spec machines are basically one-offs, or even if there are multiple, there are only a few. Of course, this isn’t absolute.
[space_man][space_man]Besides, this is kind of like talking about anime, but even if you think about it seriously, you wouldn’t try to mass-produce something you don’t really understand.
[space_man][space_man]Especially since maintenance and operating rates for those kinds of machines would be difficult and demanding.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, this Trismegistus has solved that problem in a rather practical, or rather physical, way. The nanomachines don’t proliferate like cell division. They create autonomous machines that copy their own design data, which in turn create more copies, eventually creating themselves.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’This is probably what Phoenix tried to keep secret…… It certainly is a dangerous thing.’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Moreover, the autonomous machine in question, the puppet machine Thoth, apparently appeared one day out of the blue.
[space_man][space_man]In the anime, it’s true that it was there before you knew it, and it was treated as just a pet robot and left alone for the most part. Whether there was any foreshadowing for that is debatable.
[space_man][space_man]There were a few scenes where it was just moving around a little in the background when the scene changed.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’Come to think of it, that robot called Trismegistus was a mysterious existence. While its performance as a standalone mobile weapon is high, it’s often on the verge of being shot down. It might have terrifying specs if its full potential is unleashed, but normally it has a limiter for some reason. It’s only been released a few times. Hmm…… I don’t get it.’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]I still can’t grasp the whole picture.
[space_man][space_man]That being said, it’s also safe to say that we have enough information. Now, let’s move on to the next topic.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I understand the specs of the Trismegistus to some extent. The fact is that it has terrifying capabilities. And it can be mass-produced if we have the data. I see, it’s a troublesome thing. But, Doctor, to give such a thing to the Rebel Army, did you intend to use it as a counter against New Balance?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]I tried asking that question, but in the anime, there is a reason given, at least.
[space_man][space_man]It’s true that the plan was to give the Trismegistus data to the Rebel Army, but it was originally supposed to be dismantled and disposed of.
[space_man][space_man]In the anime, there’s a sequence where they’re forced to activate it to escape New Balance’s pursuit, and then they engage in battle. More than anything, most of the Rebel Army’s regular soldiers were dead, and only a few people, including the protagonist, could still move.
[space_man][space_man]So, Shougo’s question is a bit of a bluff.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”No. This must not fall into their hands.”
[space_man][space_man]”Its very existence is dangerous. The power balance is too skewed. It’s a double-edged sword.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Both Dr. Phoenix and Percy agree.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Hmm?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, Shougo couldn’t shake off a sense of discomfort.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’……We have to destroy it, don’t we?’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]That’s right, the ultimate goal should be to destroy it.
[space_man][space_man]In the main anime story, there were circumstances that prevented that.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Lieutenant Commander, let’s continue this conversation in a room with air conditioning. It’s too hot and humid out here.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was Lieutenant Mark who interrupted Shougo’s thoughts.
[space_man][space_man]It seemed that the others also agreed with his opinion.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”That’s true, but……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo also had a desire to wrap up the conversation quickly.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”It’s impossible to think in such a sweltering place. I’m just saying we should prepare the environment for a better discussion.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]When he put it that way, Shougo couldn’t just brush it off.
[space_man][space_man]More than anything, Shougo felt a bit reserved, or perhaps even a slight sense of awkwardness, towards Lieutenant Mark. He didn’t really want to go against him.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”You’re right, Lieutenant. My apologies. So, if you would be kind enough to guide us, I would be grateful.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]When Shougo bowed his head slightly, Adamant and the others couldn’t help but nod.
[space_man][space_man]Another jeep was prepared, and Shougo and his group got in. A member of the Byblos security force took the wheel, with Adamant and the others in front. Behind them were Lopes and her group, and for some reason, the protagonist and heroine duo. Further behind them were Dr. Phoenix and his group, and the procession made its way into the international airport.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”He looks like he’s got something on his mind.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]This happened on the way.
[space_man][space_man]Mark muttered.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I think so too. That old man isn’t telling us everything.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo answered, knowing that it was directed at him.
[space_man][space_man]Mark is a man who has survived by relying on his wild instincts. He must have sensed something. He’s not a psychic or anything.
[space_man][space_man]It’s more like he has an exceptional amount of experience and the ability to read people.
[space_man][space_man]That’s his assessment. We might need to keep an eye on Dr. Phoenix’s movements.
[space_man][space_man]He was a shady character in the original anime as well.
[space_man][space_man]However, it’s not like he’s a spy. If he were a spy, the risk of defecting to the Rebel Army, where his life is in danger, and even bringing the machine with him, would be too great.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Besides, the Doctor and that man Percy said they wanted to destroy and dismantle the Trismegistus, but the Rebel Army probably doesn’t think that way. With a weapon like that, they’ll want to use it as their trump card against New Balance.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]I doubt the Rebel Army would risk their necks to protect something that’s going to be dismantled anyway. They’ll intend to use the data or something.
[space_man][space_man]Being able to neutralize a weapon of mass destruction is valuable to the Rebel Army, which has limited forces.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”What do you think, Lieutenant Commander?”
[space_man][space_man]”We use what we can. That’s all. In fact, the Trismegistus can be a barrier.”
[space_man][space_man]”A barrier?”
[space_man][space_man]”It neutralizes things like Planet Killers. If we know that, we can hold back the enemy’s attacks. Well, that’s not my only idea.”
[space_man][space_man]”Do you have any other ideas?”
[space_man][space_man]”They said it can manipulate electronics and such. If that’s the case…… there are a few things. Some ideas come to mind. Lieutenant Mark, do you know the expression ‘flame war’?”
[space_man][space_man]”Huh?”
[space_man][space_man]”No, not in the literal sense. It’s a figure of speech. It might be an old expression in this era, though?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Scheming is fun. I want to keep thinking about this forever.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Well, that aside…… I still have a bad feeling about this. They want to destroy it, right? Those two. Why did they bring it?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Something’s up.
[space_man][space_man]But I don’t know what that something is.
[space_man][space_man]It was a frustrating conversation.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo was thinking of using the Trismegistus, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but wonder why it still existed. The contradiction of saying they want to destroy it while it remains here.
[space_man][space_man]Perhaps there’s something there that connects to the final episode of the anime. If I could figure that out, it would make things easier for us to move forward.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Percy seems to be serious about disposing of the Trismegistus…… No, that’s not it.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo had a thought that was almost a conviction.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”He’s the only one who’s afraid. Afraid of activating the Trismegistus. Is that why he doesn’t want to ride it?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]That being said, the way he died in the first episode of the anime also feels strange.
[space_man][space_man]No, wait, maybe it makes sense if you think he fought so it wouldn’t be taken by New Balance.
[space_man][space_man]Either way, there were a lot of things that gave me a headache.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”It bothers me. Once I start thinking about it, I can’t stop. Dr. Phoenix…… I don’t know the details because it’s not my field, but he’s the man who developed the Trismegistus, the thing Anferu is so desperate to get his hands on……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]That’s not all.
[space_man][space_man]We also have negotiations with the Rebel Army coming up. There was a lot to think about.
[space_man][space_man]More than anything, I wanted to ensure the safety of the subordinates who would be disembarking, and I wanted to prepare for the enemy’s actions quickly.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I’d rather have those two mass-produce the Trismegistus as soon as possible and throw it at New Balance, it would be quicker for us…… Well, before we do that, we’ll need their cooperation with our preparations.”