Chapter 62: I Didn’t Intend to Become a Gambler, But When You’re Constantly Doing Improvised Operations and Charges, It Becomes a Habit
[space_man][space_man]The Teurugias acting as Goetia’s wall seemed to be increasing in number. At the same time, it seemed that the enemy units, clearly sensing the abnormality of the battlefield, were trying to retreat. However, once they reached a certain distance, they would return as if rewinding time.
[space_man][space_man]Gradually, the interval of control was narrowing. Even if we showed mercy and only destroyed their weapons and propulsion systems, Goetia would discard them as obstacles and take control of the next unit.
[space_man][space_man]It would become a sporadic attack, but at the same time, to escape his control, we needed to either physically distance ourselves or strip off the latest equipment and reduce the machine specs to the level of the old century, even temporarily.
[space_man][space_man]If we did that, at least we wouldn’t be subject to machine control.
[space_man][space_man]Or, shut down the main engine and go completely offline……
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Why can it control other machines so easily?! Even Trismegistus has its limits!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo shouted on the Mirandora’s bridge. At the same time, an enemy destroyer, likely under its control, exploded ten kilometers away. He instinctively averted his gaze from the blast’s impact and reflection.
[space_man][space_man]It wasn’t pleasant to have things go this way. Besides, a battle influenced by the intentions of a third party wasn’t enjoyable.
[space_man][space_man]They didn’t seem to have any intention of fighting now.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Unless that old geezer Phoenix did something, there’s no way it could control machines so perfectly. But how can it control such a large number? It can’t be that the old geezer maintained all of them himself.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Or, were there many sympathizers of Phoenix, Fauden, or both within the military who were tampering with the machines?
[space_man][space_man]It wasn’t impossible, but it wasn’t realistic either. In fact, he even wondered if there might be a simpler method.
[space_man][space_man]There was no doubt that the New Balance units were seized in an instant.
[space_man][space_man]Next, the control extended to Janet’s fleet, which until recently had been Earth’s fleet. However, they were relatively resistant. Still, because of that, most of Janet’s fleet’s internal functions were offline, and they weren’t in a state to fight properly.
[space_man][space_man]’What’s the difference between Janet’s fleet and the Rebel Army? They were just part of the Earth forces until recently. They’re close to New Balance, but their jurisdiction is separate. Their warship signals must have been erased from the registry……! ‘
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Even so, the questions were endless.
[space_man][space_man]Normally, to control over a hundred machines, you would need a corresponding processing capacity. Even with a supercomputer, you would need a physical number of units to handle the simple labor. Whether it was parallel processing or whatever, a single machine had its limits.
[space_man][space_man]Something that could be entrusted with the power to control even ships under different jurisdictions.
[space_man][space_man]There had to be some other device that could supplement that……
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”……The Big Cannon!?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Why hadn’t he thought of that before?
[space_man][space_man]There it was. Something that could perfectly overlook this battlefield and where a commander could be stationed. The most important defense facility. A super-giant castle with overwhelming mass, still floating without significant damage.
[space_man][space_man]Babel. It was still undergoing a suspicious energy charge, but come to think of it, would that giant structure only be equipped with a particle acceleration cannon?
[space_man][space_man]His knowledge as Jowain whispered.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]’That thing should be able to serve as a command tower as well as a strategic weapon. A symbol of power, that’s why it’s a castle, a symbol.’
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]If it had a warp system built into it and could navigate, albeit slowly, then Babel could be considered a giant battleship.
[space_man][space_man]No, rather, it couldn’t have only the role of a giant cannon.
[space_man][space_man]If he recalled the Al Minar Sector incident, Anferu and Fauden were at that Big Cannon. They must have been commanding from there.
[space_man][space_man]In other words, it wouldn’t be strange for that giant entity to have the functionality to do such a thing.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Kes! For example, if that Big Cannon has some kind of system to assist the command system, would it be possible to transmit some kind of information to the entire fleet through it!?”
[space_man][space_man]”Huh? Uh, probably. In theory, data links between ships can be established for Teurugia support. Ah, I see…… If it’s the commander-in-chief……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It seemed Kes had also realized it.
[space_man][space_man]In the end, it was a simple story. Teurugia relies on its mothership for support on the battlefield. The mothership acts as the mother computer, sharing the burden through the pilot and operator.
[space_man][space_man]If that’s the case, the same could be done with warships. A base could play that role.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”And such data links use a certain predetermined frequency to avoid interference. The enemy was mixing hacking data into that?”
[space_man][space_man]”It seems we’ve figured out the trick.”
[space_man][space_man]”Yes, but we can’t completely prevent it. The Mirandora has the protection of Trismegistus, but that only strongly affects our ship and our unit. We can’t take care of Janet’s fleet or Lopes’s fleet, and if we carelessly establish a data link, we’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of data.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]However, it was also true that they had found a breakthrough.
[space_man][space_man]If they could destroy or interfere with the enemy’s control center, this chaos might subside, even temporarily.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo gave instructions to Clart and the others and relayed this information to the fleet.
[space_man][space_man]”The moment Goetia seized the Earth’s lifelines, we should have anticipated this first……!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Once the master system was seized, all that remained was simple work.
[space_man][space_man]If you wanted to control communication devices, it would be quickest to target relay devices and the companies that manage them. Normally, such facilities and equipment would have strict firewalls in place, but it seemed that Goetia was unaffected by them.
[space_man][space_man]How does a computer virus steal personal information or destroy systems? In a way, it was that simple.
[space_man][space_man]The frightening thing was Goetia’s ability to accomplish this in just about 24 hours.
[space_man][space_man]Given enough time, there was a possibility that all the machines in this sector could be placed under its control.
[space_man][space_man]”In that case, if we don’t attack that Big Cannon by any means necessary, this chaos won’t subside. But if that happens, Janet’s fleet……”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Kes spoke anxiously.
[space_man][space_man]If they abandoned the support of Janet’s fleet, which wasn’t in perfect condition, they would be annihilated in an instant. He wanted to avoid that at all costs.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『This is Janet. Jowain, can you hear me?』
[space_man][space_man]『This is Lopes too. I understand the situation.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]At that moment, it was Janet and Lopes who sent a communication.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『We’ll turn off all fire control and focus on defense. If you deploy your barrier and transfer energy to us, we can use the impact and inertia to break away from the front lines on our own.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The method Janet proposed was extremely dangerous.
[space_man][space_man]To put it simply, it meant covering the entire ship with a beam barrier and leaving the rest to chance.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『Then, we’ll have the old destroyers tow us at the right time. Otherwise, we’ll all go down together. If you can destroy the central hub during that time, we can counterattack. Besides, there should be someone there you want to punch, right?』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo nodded at Lopes’s words.
[space_man][space_man]Yes, that was one of his goals. One of the masterminds behind this incident. Anferu should be there.
[space_man][space_man]It was intuition. He didn’t think that the man had warped to Babel and was pulling the trigger there.
[space_man][space_man]But he had the feeling that he could destroy the man’s proud creation, and that would eventually lead to him punching Anferu. That was the logic.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”So, that means we can’t afford to hesitate here?”
[space_man][space_man]『If you’re going to do it, do it decisively. On the battlefield, those who can act quickly are strong. If you understand, get going quickly. Otherwise, we’ll really die too. I don’t want to die in a stupid battle like this.』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Even though they spoke such words, he could tell that both Lopes and Janet were determined.
[space_man][space_man]If that was the case, he had to accept it, shoulder the responsibility, and see it through, or he wouldn’t be a man.
[space_man][space_man]Besides, if he succeeded in this move, it should also lead to support for Trismegistus.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『I’m sorry for the resolve of the suicide squad, but don’t forget about us!』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was Coulson who interrupted the communication.
[space_man][space_man]They had been commanding the upper fleet, and because the Anferu fleet they were facing suddenly warped, they were able to minimize the damage.
[space_man][space_man]Moreover, they were the ones who could reach this area first.
[space_man][space_man]The fleet led by Coulson was interfering with the beams, causing the particles to disperse. At the same time, the warships capable of deploying barriers were acting as shields, supporting their colleagues who were malfunctioning.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『With this, there’s no need to worry about the rear! But in the end, it’s the same. If you don’t hurry, this defense fleet might turn on its own!』
[space_man][space_man]”Tch……! Understood!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Their determination seemed like the way of life of a warrior.
[space_man][space_man]No one could see such a sight and not be inspired.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo gave the order.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Mirandora will break through the enemy lines at full power! Maximum barrier deployment, target the Big Cannon! We’ll strike this central hub!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]There was no guarantee that this would turn out well.
[space_man][space_man]But there were no other possibilities.
[space_man][space_man]It was another gamble.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Just you wait, Anferu. I’ll destroy the toy you made.”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Complete destruction would probably be impossible.
[space_man][space_man]He would leave that to the fortress base they were going to ram. What they had to do was destroy the control tower.
[space_man][space_man]Besides, if his prediction was correct, there should be some movement from Goetia’s side the moment they launched the attack.
[space_man][space_man]If that happened, it would eventually lead to support, so he wanted to believe it wasn’t a wasted effort.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”That’s right! Don’t even look at the surrounding enemies! That’s what the barrier and heavy armor are for!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]If the Mirandora charged forward, the enemy forces would concentrate their fire to intercept it. Even if they were subjected to such an attack, the Mirandora, protected by a double barrier, would be unharmed. However, the barrier output wasn’t infinite. If they continued to be attacked, it would decay and be strained.
[space_man][space_man]That’s why they would cut off all energy except for the engine and barrier and divert the surplus.
[space_man][space_man]At the same time, a ship of the same type as the Mirandora before its refit jumped in front of them to stop the Mirandora’s movement. He could guess that it was a controlled ship, but he didn’t have the luxury of avoiding it now.
[space_man][space_man]Shougo didn’t bother apologizing to those who would be sacrificed there.
[space_man][space_man]”Break through! The extra armor will protect us!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Since the barrier was a beam, it worked on a similar principle to high-power beam irradiation. If they rammed the enemy ship’s hull, the beam would burn the enemy ship’s armor, melt it away, and crush it.
[space_man][space_man]For a few seconds, the Mirandora forcibly accelerated and moved forward while pushing the enemy ship, which somehow maintained its shape, but eventually, the enemy ship’s armor couldn’t hold and it split in two. Pushing them aside, the wreckage of the bisected enemy ship scraped against the Mirandora’s sides, causing minor damage, but that was all.
[space_man][space_man]However, this reckless charge damaged the right side of the barrier unit.
[space_man][space_man]This significantly reduced their defensive capabilities, but it was a small price to pay if they could break through the enemy lines.
[space_man][space_man]In the first place, it wasn’t the Mirandora’s main body that was damaged.