NOVEL NEXT vol. 4 chapter 4 - The Threat Seeps In
The expedition team to the southern continent enjoyed a week of shore leave before setting sail again, this time bound for their homeland.
Now the route was familiar. Their destination was home, where many had families waiting. Naturally, morale ran high.
This was not a major trade route, so almost no ships passed by—but it was still within the Kingdom of Lepuitari’s sphere of control. Vigilance slackened, and the captain did not reprimand them for it.
They had been thoroughly resupplied at the Stepping Fortress, so the cook had plenty to work with. Every day, new and elaborate meals were served.
“Look, the Bird-Star’s out again today.”
“Yeah. Means fair weather. Shame we’re missing the cook’s food, but hey—we’re heading home. Can’t complain about that.”
The Bird-Star—a bright star visible in daylight—had been observed frequently over the past year or two.
It was likely that the islanders, long before the construction of the Stepping Fortress, had been the first to notice it. Some of them, used as slaves, had been overheard speaking of it.
On clear mornings or at sunset, the star would appear, glowing faintly in the distant sky.
Unlike the fixed stars of the night sky, this one could be seen moving. Navigators and other educated men suspected it wasn’t a star at all, but some object traversing the sky far above.
At first it had been visible only to the south of the fortress, but lately it was being reported from many other places.
“Wish we could’ve shared this grub with the crew of the second ship, the Glory Divan.”
“Don’t go there, brother. Save the gloom for when this is all over. Come on—it’s about chow time!”
This return voyage was unlike any before it. The weather was calm, no urgent tasks demanded their attention.
Men cut corners on their duties, spent their time playing poker or fishing, and passed the days however they liked.
“…And that’s the situation.”
“Impressive. They’re completely exposed.”
The swarm of infiltrator bots had slipped aboard the fleet and were monitoring shipboard conditions in real time from the shadows.
Radio signals were relayed to a high-altitude drone loitering far behind.
Normally, intercepting such weak transmissions from hundreds of kilometers away would be impossible, but here—where there were no competing signals—long-range collection of electromagnetic waves was entirely feasible.
“At this rate, the fleet should arrive in the Lepuitari capital in ten days.
We’ve considered the possibility, however slim, of a submarine patrol network and built contingencies into the plan.
The primary measure will be to keep the Orca submersible directly beneath the fleet flagship.
Once the route is confirmed secure, additional submarines can be deployed.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.
There may exist detection functions, whether scientific or non-scientific in nature.
Given their technology level, scientific means are essentially negligible, but non-scientific—fantasy—methods cannot be estimated at all.
Thus, we will limit ourselves to shadowing with the Orca and observe their response.”
If they had some means of detecting foreign intrusions, the Orca might be exposed.
Even so, that too would serve as valuable data—and since these ships were returning from overseas, the intrusion might be overlooked.
If successful, the swarm of spy-bots could be scattered to infiltrate decision-making bodies, easing future operations considerably.
“They could still have some sort of counterintelligence apparatus…”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.
At least, based on our survey of that fortress, their civilization is immature.
Even if they possessed some specialized field, they lack the accumulation and foundation to wield it effectively.
Detection functions superior enough to notice us are one thing—but to interpret what the intrusion is, how to respond, whether to launch a counteroffensive—that requires depth of experience.
We possess that as a knowledge library. They do not.”
“So they lack that historical accumulation.
Makes sense—it’s a young nation, just now entering industrialization.
Even if the Orca is dealt with, we could always attempt saturation next time…”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. As for spy-bots, their numbers are effectively limitless.”
The Tree had now secured a sustainable resource pipeline, with expansion promising further surpluses.
If ten units proved insufficient, a hundred could be sent. If a hundred failed, then a thousand.
Resource supply was no longer a limiting factor.
Fortress No. 2 was also steadily expanding its capabilities.
Mining operations were scaling up, production facilities multiplying in step.
Large-scale chemical plants were being constructed, using petroleum and natural gas as feedstock.
Automatic conveyor networks stretched out like a web, hauling minerals across the underground.
Daily by-products of silicon compounds were being used as building material for enclosed agricultural plants. These experimental facilities were designed to mass-produce cellulose, establishing efficient methods of crop cultivation.
At the same time, it was part of ongoing research into possible applications for silicon compounds. At present, most of it was processed into blocks for leveling ground and land reclamation.
Twelve days later.
Storms forced the fleet to anchor briefly at fishing villages, causing slight delays, but eventually they entered Moar, capital of the Kingdom of Lepuitari.
Accompanying them, hidden beneath, were infiltration machines built by The Tree.
Gazing over the steadily updated maps of Lepuitari, Commander Eve sighed.
“…Well. This is… lower level than I expected.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. We had anticipated as much. From the United Kingdom of Aphrasia’s low civilization level, the overall level of this continent could be extrapolated.”
The prediction had been there.
But with one absurd “fantasy” incident after another, they had been forced to lower their certainty margins.
“I wonder if their magic technology is just… underdeveloped?”
“So far, we have detected nothing threatening. Everything we’ve seen can be reproduced with The Tree’s science. In that sense, the Kingdom of Lepuitari does not qualify as a dangerous power.”
“At least call it a nation.”
The Orca that infiltrated alongside the survey fleet deployed spy-bots under cover of night across the harbor. From military command networks to logistical hubs, all were laid bare.
The findings: distortions from rapid industrialization, clumsy and unsophisticated military formations, and a government plagued by factional strife, corruption, and redundant institutions.
“Compared to historical precedents, they are still in relatively good condition.
We are investigating their history, but within the past few decades there seems to have been significant political upheaval.
Aristocratic privileges are not a major issue, but civil corruption /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ is widespread.
With rapid economic growth, inequality has become impossible to ignore.”
No patrol network existed after all. That same day, waves of Orca subs surged into the Lepuitari coastline.
Swarms of spy-bots were scattered around major ports.
Following preplanned dispersal routes drawn from aerial photographs, the bot swarms began infiltrating the entire kingdom.
Strategic AI aboard special seabed submarines coordinated them into an organic and rapidly expanding intelligence web.
“At this rate, even the national leadership…”
“Already infiltrated, Commander Ma’am. Networks have been established within the royal palace, parliament, and the residences of high officials.”
“…I see.”
Reports grew of Bird-Star sightings.
Of large winged insects suddenly appearing outside breeding season.
Naturally, both phenomena were the results of The Tree’s interventions—but who would ever suspect they were part of a foreign infiltration campaign?
“…It’s almost pitiful.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.”