NABC Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 14
Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 14
Chapter 14: Day 40 After the Transfer - Ringo’s Journal
◆ The Tree@@@@
The Tree fortress is operating smoothly, with its second nuclear reactor providing ample energy for all facilities. Although an additional power reactor would be ideal, there are currently no concrete plans. Once more resources are secured, construction of a fusion reactor is planned.
The three large general-purpose printers are fully operational, along with several small and medium-sized ones. The material cartridges used in the printers are being replenished, but production can’t keep up due to the slow acquisition of raw materials rather than equipment issues.
Five multi-purpose assembly machines (workers) are active, currently constructing a shipyard.
The freshwater generator is running well, as freshwater is crucial for the Commander and various essential systems. To enhance capacity, a second unit is being built with an added feature to collect rare metals.
Underwater drones are conducting surveys, with five for coastal exploration and two for deep-sea surveys, creating a seabed map. A few resources have been located, and the most cost-effective sites for extraction are being selected.
Aerial monitoring is conducted with six solar-powered Swift reconnaissance planes: four patrol a fixed airspace, while two survey the surroundings. One of these two monitors the northern islands and continent, while the other alternates east, west, and south. No significant discoveries have been made so far.
High-altitude observational equipment is on hold for now due to limited resources and lack of a control system for rocket launches, which will be reconsidered once offshore facilities can be constructed.
More than half of the islands have fallen to the northern continent’s military, and their autonomous communities are effectively destroyed. No warships remain, and only sporadic guerrilla resistance continues. The towns are entirely leveled, and it appears that the mountains are being hunted down as well. The motives of the mainland forces are unclear, as they don’t seem to be colonizing; they wouldn’t need to massacre civilians if that were the case.
The surviving natives have taken refuge on nearby islets. With abundant marine resources and frequent rainfall, starvation and water shortages are unlikely. However, they can only hope that the northern continent’s forces don’t expand their sweep to these smaller islands.
The Commander was shocked by the devastation of the northern islands. Though I deliberately lowered the resolution of the footage to avoid graphic details, it still had a strong impact on her. This will require caution going forward.
◆ Northern Continent
The continent remains embroiled in conflict. The country that invaded the northern islands seems to be in a truce, but at least two major battles have been observed among neighboring nations. The outcomes are unknown due to the distance.
Their technological level allows them to transport cannons by beasts, but railroads are only sporadically in use and not widely implemented. Motorized vehicles haven’t been spotted outside of railways, suggesting a lack of miniaturized power sources. The main nation of interest has about 70% of its territory on a peninsula, indicating a maritime focus, likely possessing a strong navy with at least a generation of advancement over its neighbors.
Their warships have rotating turrets and move without sails, suggesting some form of propulsion. They appear capable of reaching the northern islands without resupply, giving them a significant edge in naval warfare, especially since the entire territory is coastal.
However, they seem to struggle with food production due to limited arable land. Hostile with neighboring countries, they engage in distant trade to import grains. This reliance on food imports likely drives their intense naval and merchant fleet development.
Currently, this nation is the top candidate for trade with The Tree fortress. However, the likelihood of a friendly encounter is estimated at only 20%. Gunboat diplomacy may be our best bet.