I Reincarnated as the Captain of a Battleship in a Robot Anime, but at This Rate, I’m Going to Be Assassinated – Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Forget the Extra Stuff, Join Forces, and We Might Win. Let’s Give It Our All
[space_man][space_man]A few hours later. At the same time that numerous warp reactions were detected, a signal indicated that it was the entire Rebel force.
[space_man][space_man]The fleet that gathered one after another easily exceeded eighty ships, but it was a negligible number compared to the total strength of the Earth forces.
[space_man][space_man]Moreover, most of these fleets were older than the regular army’s, and even with black market deals and looting, how many of them would actually be state-of-the-art?
[space_man][space_man]Even an old spaceship could sink a state-of-the-art one if its main armament beam hit, but that didn’t mean they were on the same level.
[space_man][space_man]Rather, they were far behind at the starting line. They were losing in terms of both range and mobility.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『So, you’re the defector, are you?』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]When the only battleship among the Rebel fleet that, while inferior to the Mirandora, was still the same type as the Earth forces’ main force, emerged with a light signal, Shougo also went out to meet them on the Mirandora.
[space_man][space_man]And when the video communication opened, there were four veteran soldiers there.
[space_man][space_man]Of these, the man in the center was scrutinizing Shougo with narrowed eyes.
[space_man][space_man]Due to the circumstances, they ended up greeting each other online.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”I am Jowain. Please forgive me for having to meet you like this, through a screen.”
[space_man][space_man]『Hmm. I am Calamus. It’s an emergency. There’s no need for formalities. Besides, we’re a little different from the military. You don’t have to be so stiff.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, that was just for convenience.
[space_man][space_man]If Shougo were to speak casually here, the other party would be suspicious of him.
[space_man][space_man]Besides……
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’Now, I’d like to get a grasp of what kind of characters these old men are, but honestly, I don’t have time for that right now.’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]New characters appearing at this point…… or rather, beings that should have been there from the start but weren’t depicted due to the cancellation – the representatives of the Rebel army.
[space_man][space_man]Naturally, there was no way to know what their personalities were like or what their goals were.
[space_man][space_man]However, the same was true for Yuri, Franny, and Janet.
[space_man][space_man]But the difference between them and these men was that they were in positions of considerable responsibility, leaders of an organization, even if it was a Rebel army. They were likely to be cunning and experienced.
[space_man][space_man]However, there was no time to worry about that and analyze them now.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”First of all, sir. Even from the perspective of a military officer, Fauden’s rampage is atrocious. Furthermore, the fact that he created such a machine is also astonishing. This has gone beyond the scope of war. That man has crossed a line that should never be crossed.”
[space_man][space_man]『We’ve confirmed that as well. I don’t know the current situation on Earth, but the damage must be immense. I don’t think humanity will die out immediately, but things like life support systems must be completely wiped out, and accidents must be occurring frequently.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He spoke as if it were someone else’s problem, but Shougo thought that it was because an unimaginable situation was occurring.
[space_man][space_man]After all, even though he could be angry that the destruction of the Al Minar’s converging lens in front of him and the stars left to await death was the worst act in history, he couldn’t imagine what would happen to the people living in that sector.
[space_man][space_man]Would they die in agony, or……?
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『Fauden, I can’t believe he’d go this far.』
[space_man][space_man]『There’s no time to waste. If we don’t kill him now, other planets will suffer the same fate.』
[space_man][space_man]『If that happens, stabilization measures like establishing a new government will be useless.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Calamus and the other representatives also seem determined to avenge their fallen comrades.
[space_man][space_man]If there was time, I would have liked to get to know their personalities.
[space_man][space_man]With that in mind, Shougo immediately made a suggestion.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”The enemy demonstrated incredible power, warping a large fleet and a cannon back to Earth. However, fortunately, we also have a machine with the same origins as that one. It has saved my life many times. It’s the Trismegistus that you were trying to capture.”
[space_man][space_man]『Hmm…… I knew it was a new model, but now I think it’s a fearsome power.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was unclear how much they knew about the Trismegistus’s performance data.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『But is long-distance warp really possible?』
[space_man][space_man]『Considering the risk of failure, wouldn’t it be better to attack with a normal warp?』
[space_man][space_man]『It wouldn’t be too late to rendezvous with the advance party.』
[space_man][space_man]”But that would be too late.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The old men were hesitant now, even after coming this far.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo found it frustrating, but he also thought it was unavoidable. Yes, he just had to accept it.
[space_man][space_man]Still, he was anxious because he felt uneasy about Fauden’s crazy ideas swirling around at this very moment.
[space_man][space_man]And what’s worse is the fact that if you understand Goetia’s capabilities, you’ll realize that humans are unnecessary.
[space_man][space_man]It manipulates machines. In that respect, it’s probably superior to the Trismegistus. Perhaps it was specifically designed for that purpose.
[space_man][space_man]In the worst case, it could even take control of the entire fleet. And it’s the Trismegistus’s job to somehow prevent that.
[space_man][space_man]In any case, there was no denying that it was a bad bet.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Our objective is simple. Destroy the machine called Goetia. And destroy the cannon called Babel. If we can do just these two things, the balance of power between us will likely become even. That’s why we’re going to use this fortress base.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The fortress base is equipped with engines for movement. It’s quite slow and doesn’t accelerate well, but its large mass is its weapon.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”By crashing this into Babel like a giant meteorite, we can destroy the cannon. We might also be able to take out a large part of the fleet at the same time. Above all, even if it’s hacked, it’s impossible to stop the acceleration of a supermassive object.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]At the same time, the fortress will become a giant shield. No matter how large the enemy fleet is, it’s impossible to pulverize this fortress base with fleet weaponry.
[space_man][space_man]But even if it takes a direct hit from Babel, the wreckage will remain. Besides, he realized that Babel cannot fire continuously.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”It’s a matter of doing it now or not. If we leave it as it is, we don’t know which planet will be sent back to the primitive age next, do we?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo’s words were extreme, but they were also true.
[space_man][space_man]Civilization, which relies on electronic devices, is on the verge of collapse due to Goetia’s abilities. Will they do the same to other planets? Will they create more Goetias with the same capabilities and reign as beings that cannot be resisted?
[space_man][space_man]That would be terrifying.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo wasn’t going to mince words. He wasn’t going to hold back, even if he was a newcomer.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『……To put it in a vulgar way, there’s no point in establishing a new government after eliminating New Balance if Earth becomes a dead planet. Earth must remain as an interplanetary unified organization.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Calamus seemed to have deliberately chosen vulgar words.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo understood what he meant. Even if they abandoned Earth and each colony planet became independent, he didn’t think they could maintain themselves. Conflicts would surely arise somewhere.
[space_man][space_man]In a sense, it was true that New Balance’s existence was a necessary evil.
[space_man][space_man]Because human consciousness was still involved, there was a certain degree of restraint. However, if things continued like this, something completely unrelated to that would take control.
[space_man][space_man]That future was not good.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”That’s why we have to launch a surprise attack using warp and fight right now. There’s no point if we don’t win. Procrastinating and delaying the problem won’t produce any decent results.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]To do that, he needed to appease Thoth, more than the Trismegistus, but he had thought of a way to deal with that. All he had to do was make it work.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’If that Thoth empathizes with Goetia, that’s the end of us, but I want to believe that won’t happen. Also, I’m worried about Fauden’s movements, but what are Dr. Phoenix and his cronies planning?’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Since that incident, there had been no sign of the doctor and the others.
[space_man][space_man]They were probably plotting something wicked, but he had a headache thinking about how to deal with it.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’Leaving it to fate…… is not an option. We need to take them down for sure.’
[space_man][space_man]『Certainly, a battle that doesn’t yield decent results is meaningless. Then, Jowain-kun, let’s hear your plan. I know every second counts, but we can’t fight without understanding the operation. That’s how fleet battles are.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The situation was in motion.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo nodded and explained the operation.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]***
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Around the same time, the combat unit was also moving busily.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Captain!? Are you sure about that bomb-laden fighter?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]One of the mechanics cried out as he adjusted the fighter that Mark had pulled out of the warehouse.
[space_man][space_man]The fighter was characterized by its delta wings. There were rumors that European airlines from the old century were involved in its development, but they weren’t interested in such old stories.
[space_man][space_man]Rather, the only important thing was that it could be used in space. Of course, the shape of fighter jets remained similar across eras, following the principle that they should perform equally well in the atmosphere.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]But it seemed that technological advancements allowed for some reckless modifications. This aircraft could achieve high propulsion by concentrating boosters and thrusters at the rear.
[space_man][space_man]This technology was also used in the Georg, an older type of Teurugia. In fact, the older Teurugia models were superior in terms of speed.
[space_man][space_man]However, the Rabi Reivu rose to prominence not only because of its ease of handling but also its high expandability, versatility, and flexible maneuverability. In terms of acceleration, it could simply be equipped with a dedicated booster, and it also had enhanced defenses such as shields.
[space_man][space_man]But it wasn’t just specs that made humanoid machines flourish.
[space_man][space_man]It was perhaps human psychology, or the fact that the form that humans felt the most power from was, after all, human. That was all.
[space_man][space_man]For that reason alone, humanoid machines were mass-produced.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Humanoid machines are an extension of the giant human body. Just like we move our limbs, Teurugia also moves its limbs, and in the form of a human, it can perform like fighter jets and tanks, enabling tactics and strategy. Humph, it’s a plausible reason. I don’t hate it either. But the price was high performance, and now that’s been turned against us.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Teurugia are also giant information terminals.
[space_man][space_man]It was only natural that they would be doomed if they were hacked.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Hey, can we gather up the former fighter pilots?”
[space_man][space_man]”Yes, Lieutenant Commander Jowain is going to gather members from the Rebel Army and others through Captain Lopes.”
[space_man][space_man]”I want at least ten…… It’s too few, but……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was better than nothing.
[space_man][space_man]He would use outdated models to outsmart the state-of-the-art. He didn’t know if it would work, but at least they wouldn’t be controlled.
[space_man][space_man]It should work if it’s something with intelligence.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Load it up with missiles. We’ll use them all up anyway. Adjust the machine gun’s sway. Unlike humanoids, it’s difficult to make fine adjustments later.”
[space_man][space_man]”Understood.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Seeing the mechanic’s back as he returned to work, Mark looked at his original beloved machine. He wasn’t planning to use it in this battle…… or not exactly.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Hey, little girl. Have your tears dried up?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Mark called out to Anish, who was still facing away.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Damn it, don’t cry just because your machine is gone. Be glad you’re alive, right?”
[space_man][space_man]”That’s true, but……”
[space_man][space_man]”Humph, I bet you’re worried about losing your machine and shooting your boyfriend…… Well, don’t worry about it. If the situation were different, it might have been us shooting him. Well, I guess a naive kid like you wouldn’t be convinced.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Anish was still sulking.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Good grief. Hey, little girl, Anish, was it? I’m entrusting you with my machine. Just adjust the data link with the Trismegistus. That way, at least you won’t be the only one being controlled, right?”
[space_man][space_man]”Me, with the Captain’s?”
[space_man][space_man]”We have to use what we can, right? The only one who can stand up to that monster is the Trismegistus. It wasn’t controlled. If we focus its power on one machine instead of spreading it out, the defense will be better.”
[space_man][space_man]”Then, if the Captain were to ride it……”
[space_man][space_man]”Who can fly a fighter jet? Huh? Can you?”
[space_man][space_man]”That’s……”
[space_man][space_man]”I’m sorry, but we don’t have the luxury of letting pilots sit around. We’ve lost three people here. And if there’s a chance of winning, we’ll use any method. Got it?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Mark didn’t bother waiting for a reply.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’Seriously. Following the Captain’s betrayal for fun, and to top it off, going back to a fighter jet. This is a masterpiece. Hilarious. What a funny story.’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The man, also known as the Wild Boar, was indulging in the excitement of battle, albeit irreverently.
[space_man][space_man]This feeling was Mark’s pleasure.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’Challenging a state-of-the-art monster with a fighter jet. It’d be impossible not to enjoy this.’