The 500mm heavy ground attack railgun was among the largest deployable on the ground—any larger and it could potentially affect the Earth’s axis. Even a straightforward “compressed mass accelerator cannon,” without intricate mechanisms, could blow away a radius of 200 meters effortlessly with sheer kinetic energy alone, leaving a crater nearly 10 meters deep.
It’s because of weapons like this that the various nations abandoned their existing permanent base plans and began focusing on creating mobile military outposts.
Had we been just a little slower, we would have vanished along with “Themis 11,” leaving behind nothing but metal dust embedded in the gouged-out earth.
“Damn, that was close!!”
“Near miss! Fragment from the explosion has severely damaged the rear sluster number one! Are you alright, Lieutenant?!”
“I’m holding on!”
In the violently shaking ship, I manage to maintain my stance while dodging allies tumbling around, striving to keep my balance. Galatea flies toward me, and I catch her with my left hand, pulling her into an embrace, but the problem is still unresolved.
“Warning. We’re under attack from an unknown source.”
You’re telling me! She’s under the control of a Gear Priest so she must be sleepwalking or something!
“Initiate random maneuver evasive actions! Report damages!”
“Debris struck the rear armor plating. Fires have ignited in blocks 2 through 7 of the stern. We have lost twenty-one biological responses. Additionally, fragments have penetrated sluster number one, causing a fire. Automatic fire suppression systems have been activated. Notified Damage Control Team…no response.”
“Focus solely on maintaining the ship’s integrity! Hasten the injection of rapid-drying hardening agent into the damaged sections!”
Damn, no wonder large caliber main guns are said to be the second most effective weapons after satellite attacks. Even without a direct hit, just within the harm range, we’re still breaching the armor.
However, if we manage to escape from the location where the enemy knows where we are from the start, we should be fine. If the gun was firing based on satellite data linkage, the main gun of the Aigaion Class has broken-level precision capable of individually taking out vehicles traveling at over 200 km/h. But if it’s just firing at us from a distance with calculated trajectories, random evasive movements should suffice.
After all, the Kottos Class minesweepers are high-mobility ground vessels designed specifically to operate under satellite attack while maintaining front-line operations. Our armor might be thin, but even during high-mobility combat, we are far from sluggish enough to be penetrated by such unreliable targeting systems.
“Lieutenant, should we disengage?”
“Not yet! Silence that ‘Target I’ and stall the enemy’s offensive! Main gun targeting!”
Frankly, I’d love to retreat right now, but we can’t afford to retreat just yet. If we leave ‘Target I’ so close behind, we risk losing mobility by getting hit and losing our thrusters from behind. Then, we’d be repeatedly repositioning while getting pummeled by a 500mm gun and be pulverized into debris.
Hence, if we want to withdraw safely from this battlefield, we need to, at the least, suppress the attack capability of ‘Target I.’
“Error, that order cannot be accepted, Temporary Captain. That is our allied vessel, ‘Tethys 7.'”
Ah, this is why pseudo-intelligences are so hard to deal with. If Selene were directly controlling it, she’d have already ignored the friend-or-foe identification code and started firing.
“Nozu! This is… uh, a bit embarrassing! Aren’t you heavy!?”
“Hold still! We’re fine. Ridelberdy! Peter! Are you alive out there?!”
[■■■■! I can’t stand up! What’s happening?!]
[Clattering sounds! Falling! Whoa?!]
Our random evasive maneuvers are so intense that it feels like we’re inside a jar being shaken to make butter. But compared to getting bombarded randomly across a 1km radius with a mortar, enduring this is the lesser of two evils. The enemies likely caught in the bulkhead must be in a worse state by now.
“Everyone, either lie flat on the ground or find something to hold onto and bear with it. This will continue for a while!”
We need to keep dodging while staying cautious of “Target I,” the “Tethys 7.” It’s a far too hectic situation.
Primarily, I need to reason with this rigid pseudo-intelligence.
But come on, while it was under Gear Priest control, it happily followed orders that ordinary AI would normally reject, and now that it’s functioning properly, it’s suddenly unyielding. It’s awfully unequal.
“Do you understand there is currently an insurrection happening on the ship!?”
“I’m aware of the presence of unauthorized access.”
“The ‘Tethys 7’ has been seized by that insurgent force. Can you patch me through to their captain!?”
“Understood, connecting to Colonel Edgar Dron…”
I have to go through the motions of persuading it each time, preparing formal phrases while giving commands, while the chain of command onboard consists only of me, in temporary command. After identifying that someone without proper identification codes is directly operating the system, I finally succeeded in bypassing the friend-or-foe identification using my acting authority.
“Error. No response. Radar lock from friendly vessels detected. Based on Protocol R, temporarily excluding Tethys 7 as an allied vessel. It will be considered an enemy target until hostile actions cease.”
Too late, however. The ‘Tethys 7′ seemed to have realized it had become our adversary, as the Aigaion Class was trying to sink us. The cannon now turned towards us.
Essentially, main armaments of mass-produced weapons are designed with the capacity to destroy counterparts of equivalent class. Hence, the rapid fire cannons of Tethys 7, being in the same Kottos Class, could penetrate the armor of Themis 11.
Fortunately, since we’re this close, it can’t use its anti-ship guided missiles. The fuze of the missile is designed to prevent accidental detonations, and at this proximity, it wouldn’t be authorized to launch. Even if magically fired, the warhead would remain inactive and fail to detonate.
On the other hand, avoiding rapid fire cannons at such close range with random maneuvers is nearly impossible. All we can do is hope for the high-tier designed layout of the armor and the resilient design that allows movement even after damage.
“Target locking on enemy’s rapid fire cannon!”
“Target lock confirmed. Cannon ready to fire.”
“Start firing!!”
The cannon fire from Tethys 7 came a few seconds ahead of my command.
Our starboard was mercilessly struck by the rapid fire cannon, which then raked across the bridge. Simultaneously, our close-range counterweapons respond by pounding the side of the ship, but as they’re not proper anti-ship weaponry, it’s not a threat.
“Bridge heavily damaged. Thirty-seven percent sensor functionality lost.”
“Don’t try to save the lost sensors. Keep firing using the ranging data from the data link!!!”
Meanwhile, our aim was the enemy’s rapid fire cannons. If we could destroy these first, the enemy ship would lose all options to sink us.
At this point, the difference in proficiency becomes apparent. You fool, while smashing an opponent’s head with one blow to immediately disable them might sound attractive in such a situation, when two evenly matched combatants strike each other, the one who gets their main armament destroyed first will be at an overwhelming disadvantage.
“Minimal direct hits from our side. Given our floating state and during random evasive maneuvers, our aiming is very unstable.”
In contrast to our ship, which with its anti-gravity units and thrusters is struggling with stance control, the enemy appears stable and can shoot without issue. The swaying base means swaying cannons. At such high speeds, aiming suffers significantly, especially since we’re also dodging to avoid the Aigaion Class.
Moreover, unlike other short-range defense weapons, rapid fire cannons are constantly exposed on the upper ship deck, making them heavily armored. A couple of hits won’t stop them. Continuous hits are necessary.
“Keep firing continuously! Simultaneously change course! Nine o’clock direction!”
“Course change confirmed, turning rudder to nine o’clock.”
So, we’ll take a slightly forceful approach to leverage the situation to our advantage.
Our current predicament involves both suppressive firing from a distance and cannon firing from Tethys 7.
However, there is a brute force way to silence the former.
“Warning. If we continue, we will collide with Tethys 7 in 32 seconds.”
“Charge at them as if you’re about to tear their bellies open!”
“Negative. Not recommended based on ship integrity protocols. This vessel is not equipped with ramming capability.”
We don’t actually need a collision. I’m not asking for a complete breach of ship rigidity. Just head toward them as if intending to charge; no real collision required. Although the original Tsumuha Class Mine Sweeper, which the Cottus Class originated from had ramming capabilities—I would question the designer if I thought about it calmly—, the Cottus Class, meant to guard the Kushanagi Class, had wisely omitted this feature in design.
In any case, just getting closer is enough for now.
Five seconds later, the super-long-range firing from the Aigaion Class stopped. It must have realized that continuing would endanger the still-ally Tethys 7.
Great. One lethal threat gone. Now we don’t need random evasive maneuvers anymore, which increases our accuracy. We can start hitting the relatively small target of the rapid fire cannon, seeing plates of armor blow off.
At this point, the enemy also realized that if they don’t disable our attack options first, they’d be defeated. They’re shifting aim towards our rapid fire cannons. They’ve been concentrating on attacking what looks like our weak points—the bridge so far, but now it appears they’re changing targets.
Ah, I see. The commander on the other side must be on the bridge. If this is someone from the old humanity group, who’s unskilled in mechanical enhancements, it makes sense psychologically to stay in a position where they can visually confirm the situation.
The opponent’s moves were clumsy. Without experience, their responses are slow, offering a window of survival. The short-range Earth-targeting automatic propulsion missiles equipped at the rear of the ship wouldn’t even fire due to the risk of hitting their side. Victory was slowly coming into sight.
“Enemy rapid fire cannon, armor peeling off. Only a little more to complete functional shutdown.”
“Fire as much as you can! Don’t worry about what happens afterward…”
“Lieutenant! Look!”
Busy much? As I glance at the information sent by Selene, an odd noise threatens to escape from me.
The bombardment from the Aigaion Class has ceased, and the pressure from the Tethys 7 we were trading blows with has vanished. Seizing this prime opportunity, the Tupiariuses emerged en masse from the forest.
More than a hundred, nearing a thousand, were coming out in a last-ditch charge.
No good! They have no grasp of the current situation here. If they come in here, a big disaster will occur! We must quickly silence Tethys 7 and explain the situation to them before they mistake us as part of the target! Even with our heat-resistant armor plating, we’re not strong enough to survive their plasma attacks.
“Warning! Radar detects faint presence. Likely enemy infantry using penetration equipment.”
“Disable automatic counterattack protocols! Under no circumstances should they be attacked!”
“However, temporary captain, unidentified forces are approaching the ship.”
“Doesn’t matter. Don’t attack!”
Ah, of course! If they don’t know what’s going on, they’re bound to attack everything in sight. Attempting to help without being understood and retaliated against isn’t exactly amusing.
“Should we do something, lieutenant? Shall we implement suppressive artillery fire from the tank squad?”
“No! If we initiate hostilities, we’ll make it impossible to intervene! Themis 11, ban any firing against approaching infantry!”
“Compliance with cease fire command… Temporary captain, enemy rapid fire cannon number one silenced.”
“Destroy the second as well!”
The forward-mounted rapid-fire cannons had fallen silent earlier because we had attacked them earlier. The cannons had taken multiple impacts, the armor plates peeled off, and the debris penetrated inside to render the operations useless. Thanks to the automatic damage control, there was no explosion, but it started to smoke and stopped—acceptable results.
“Enemy rapid fire cannon number two is firing back. Number one function degraded. Ship damage increasing. Evacuate recommended.”
“Will perish if spacing out! Hold on! Approach while turning left, and open up the rear cannons’ firing line!”
Currently, our ship is heading directly toward the enemy’s starboard. As a result, the exposed area is reduced, but the only operable rapid-fire cannons are the forward ones. In contrast, the enemy, facing sideways can utilize both cannons, concentrating its firepower on us.
As a result, the destruction of their number one cannon and our number one cannon’s moderate damage were almost simultaneous.
The focus on the front cannons meant the back was untouched, but since our armor plates are starting to peel off, even regular close combat weapons might start to penetrate through.
If we don’t rush past, showing our vulnerable side, and knock out the rear cannons while passing through from the side, we’re done for.
“Number one rapid fire cannon, severely damaged. Risk of explosion, self-destructing.”
“Lock sights on number two! Fire as soon as you capture it!”
A desperate effort, knowing destruction was imminent, but for a few seconds we managed to fire forward cannons at the enemy’s rear despite being fired upon by close-range weapons and rapid fire cannons. Unfortunately, right after the explosion directly hit the forward cannon, including the turret base, probably striking the battery unit.
The exposed and severely damaged ship’s hull is now filled with the quick-drying special hardening agent while damage control efforts are underway—it might not be enough. If another shell strikes here, a chain reaction could damage the weakened area.
Time feels excruciatingly slow as the ship groans while sliding sideways. I anxiously wait for Themis 11’s rapid fire cannons, previously hidden by the bridge, to come into firing position.
Quicker, quicker…
“Fire line confirmed. Target locked.”
“Commence full firepower firing!!”
“Understood, firing rate at maximum allowable limit.”
It feels like an eternity in the expanded cognitive clock, but in mere seconds, the gun finally points toward the enemy.
Even if it lacks flexibility, the capabilities deserve respect. With the distance being under 100m, the rapid-fire cannons’ shells started striking their mark in perfect sequence.
The armor peeled off in just a few seconds, and in about four seconds, the internal mechanisms were exposed. Finally, the shells penetrated inside, causing a fire to erupt.
Excellent! Both enemy main cannons are down! Now the Tethys 7 won’t have the capability to destroy the Themis 11.
“Hey, wait, no good! Tupiariuses are boarding!”
“Not good, sir! If the Aigaion Class launches an attack, both boarding and defenders will be blown away!”
While they have a few minute delays, the enemy can still gather front-line information. Once the possibility of losing both ships emerges, to minimize damage, they might decide to destroy them before they get captured.
We need to warn them somehow of the impending danger. But none of us can manipulate the mixed trinary and quinary random language… Hold on, that’s it.
Among the partially dead sensors, there’s a key trap embedded on the enemy ship—how are the anti-climbing coatings?—I spotted Hyunf among the gardeners.
She survived this catastrophe! Though the originally pristine silver hair is mostly burnt due to incendiary attacks, spotting her intact amidst this chaos is a stroke of luck, but we must intervene promptly here.
If she gets blown away, we’ll lose our translator!
“Themis 11! Are the external speakers still functional?!”
“Sixty percent destroyed, but partial functionality remains.”
I need to call them back. For now, with the inability to remotely hack the Tethys 7, we can’t stop their attacks and must get them to transfer to our side before everything is lost.
“Hyunf! Can you hear me? It’s me! Cease attacks immediately and transfer to our side right away!!”
Whether this warning would reach through in the midst of the cannon fire and violent battle is uncertain, but I hurriedly sounded the warning to my only acquaintance…
【Planetary Exploration Log】Though battles between minesweepers using cannon bombardments are not anticipated, the integrated military considers all possible contingencies and conducts simulations to provide soldiers with experience under scenarios that “could unlikely happen” in reality.
The next update is planned for around 18:00 tomorrow.
