within a large cave in the middle of the forest, a young man sat his back against the cave’s frigid walls, barely reacting to the cave’s coldness. Before his legs was a small bonfire— It wasn’t exactly large to heat and light up the whole cave, but it was enough for the young man to get by.
“Lisa, report…” Kliest said as he watched the bonfire’s flames dance, whilst eating his rations of canned goods.
“Commodore, our warships have yet to be fully repaired, though their fighting capabilities are still active, their propulsion systems are completely disabled, by how things are going, Commodore, we, the caretakers, could clearly determine that we can repair our fighting capabilities and short-range propulsions to a decent status but Long-range or faster than light travel is completely impossible.”
“Communications?”
“We are unable to establish contact with the Federation’s headquarters or any nearby fleets, the best we could calculate any possible rescue operations is roughly 100 to 1,200 years. And elements such as the fleet’s speed or any obstruction aren’t even included in the calculation.”
Kleist continued to chow down on his rations, before subsequently drinking a bottle of water, “What about the planet? its star system? Before I fell you’ve determined that there are 6 planets, all of which possess several moons that may be full of rich minerals, but this is an unregistered system, correct?”
“Yes, Commodore, based on the Federation’s space sector survey determination algorithm, this star system and space sector has yet to be identified or even be recorded in the Federation’s archive of Space sectors.”
“reason?” Kliest lifted is left leg atop his right leg, still watching the flames of his bonfire dance gracefully, “Obviously, Unless the Ministry of Public Intelligence are incompetent buffoons, they should’ve at least surveyed or updated the algorithm.”
“… The space sector determination algorithm… was only updated about 500 years ago right before the battle of the Borbugan Star System.”
“Tsk…” Kliest clicked his tongue in the cave’s confines, “—Their budget was probably dropped.”
Kliest then stood up from the cave’s ground, taking the PWLPB near his thighs and walking out of the cave’s safe haven. Upon reaching the cave’s only opening, Kliest was immediately greeted by the calm breeze of the wind and the pleasant temperature of the outside world. Unlike his current base of operations which was as cold as the frigid planet called Aplas, whose temperature could basically kill a person almost immediately if they lacked proper equipment.
“Alright, Lisa, continue your job there and as soon as something worthwhile happens over there, immediately report it to me. Since I am now the overall Commander of the 319th Fleet, I order you to always gather all information from the other AI caretakers and their current conditions, and appropriately inform me of the situation.”
“understood, Once I’ve gathered any information worth of importance, I’ll immediately pass the reports to you.”
“Dismiss.”
Kliest ordered Lisa before cautiously descending on the cave’s elevated opening. Soon after, thanks to Kleist’s athletic capabilities, he reached the ground smoothly.
Supply’s dwindling… gotta hunt… Kliest maintained a strict diet, he only ate a total of 2 canned provisions and 1 bottle for the entire day. While the canned provisions lacked nutrients, it was enough to get by.
In actuality, Kliest actually hated the canned provisions of the military, as they valued the date rather than the contents. Resulting in a provision that could last for several years at the expense of a pleasant taste.
If only those fuckers at the top valued the quality than quantity, I could still remember a munity due to the food being too ‘inedible’, Kliest shook his head, trying to clear his mind whilst vigilantly patrolling his cave’s surroundings.
Whilst patrolling, cautiously maintain discretion, hiding behind trees with an angle, creating his own blind zones. Kliest was armed with a PWLPB plasma blaster, while it was seen as a pistol for the navy and the overall Military of the federation. Sometimes, depending on what type of opponent they fought and the way they used it, it could be more than a mere pistol, it was sometimes classified as a rifle due to its firepower.
Loaded with 50 possible shots within just one energy pack, the PWLPB could also shoot in rapid fire and burst— burst was a special type of munition— in other words it was like both an incendiary round or explosive round, though it costed 5 shots within the energy pack making it used only for important, life-threatening situations.
Grrrr…
Kliest heard a low growl in the distance, it wasn’t loud to attract another individual, but it was just enough to be heard at close distances. Upon hearing the growl, Kliest maintained his distance and hid behind the rough bark of the trees, concealing himself.
Taking a peek from his location, he could clearly notice a fat pig-like creature casually chowing down on what appeared to be a quad pedal monster. Kliest couldn’t exactly describe it, but he could notice that the pig-like creature possessed a body of fur, three horns on its head, short legs and a tail.
What the fuck is that? I don’t remember the last time I entered a zoo, but as far as I remember, Pigs don’t get horns… maybe I saw one… but it only possessed 1 horn— and it was only on its forehead!
Kliest seeing that his prey was casually chowing down on its food, with barely any attention to its surroundings. He began to aim his plasma blaster towards the pig, upon seeing a perfect combination of both the rear and front sights— he pressed the trigger.
Bang!
A slightly loud explosion echoed on their surroundings. Immediately, when the plasma blaster gave of its first shot, the monster instantly fell on the ground like its prey. Without even giving a proper fight.
But unlike normal hunters that would immediately check their hunted prey. Kliest stopped in his tracks and maintained his vigilance with his surroundings.
“Micron, what can you tell…”
“…I’ve determined that the target is still alive, but within an estimated 4 minutes, it will die of blood loss.”
“Alright.”
Still maintaining his distance and caution, Kliest slowly treaded towards the dying pig-like creature. Still pointing his plasma blaster towards the dying pig.
“Keuggghh—! Squeeee!”
The intense and helpless squeals of the creature echoed through the forest, it was loud enough to gather more prey towards Kliest’s location, something he didn’t want.
“Squueeee! Squu!”
“Shss… Silence, don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.” Kliest comforted the dying creature, even though he knew it was unable to understand him. The result of the plasma shot through the creature’s neck, which agonizingly continued to bleed an amount something Kliest didn’t expect— It was almost like a river of blood.
Seeing the creature’s state, which Kliest could determine was now unable to retaliate, he immediately returned his Plasma blaster on his thigh holster. Exchanging it with an electromagnetic knife that was sheathed with a leather scabbard on his back hip.
“Shsss…” Kliest held the creature’s nape with one hand, and pushed his electromagnetic knife right before the creature’s front neck. “It’s going to be fine…”
And without a moment’s notice, Kliest immediately pulled his electromagnetic knife through the creature’s neck, slitting its throat with barely any opposition. Consequentially, a tsunami of red blood left the creature’s neck. It was like a dam breaking open, causing its content to gush open like it was about to swallow a city.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
“That’s a good hunt…” Kliest smirked as he caressed the skin of the pig-creature, “Its meat seems decent, thigh’s excellent, breast’s juicy, while the blood and fur may be problem, if properly prepare, this can rival my provisions.”
Kliest smiled on his successful hunt and with a celebratory smile, “That’s good enough.”
***
Meanwhile... right above the planet. The 319th fleet’s remaining ships were still in the middle of repairing theirselves. Fortunately, most of the ship’s engineering bays that stored their engineering drones and droids were barely damage due to its enclosed location. Thanks to this, they possessed a considerable amount of manpower for repairs.
Galaxy-Class Dreadnought, Blue Nebulae, Officer’s meeting chamber.
Within the enclosed room veiled by darkness, a round table made of remarkable craftmanship’s was at the center. The room was lighted only by a small lamp at the center of the table, enough to only light the round table’s top.
“Welcome, Caretakers of the 319th fleet… or what remains of it…” Lisa introduced herself, as she sat right before what seemed to be a wall-hanging flat screen. “I’m the caretaker of the Galaxy-Class dreadnought, Lisa Valline, I’ve called for all you for this reason, given that Commodore Arthur Kliest needs to be promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral or Rear Admiral of the Upper Nebulae.”
Lisa then presented the Military Codex of the Federation through a holographic phone, “As part of the Naval Codex in the Fleet’s Line of Succession, normally the Vice admiral or a Rear Admiral of the upper nebulae must take command of the fleet if the Admiral is officially listed as incapable or in the event of their death. Yet we’ve only possessed a commodore of the upper stars as the acting admiral of the fleet.”
She added, “Therefore, citing Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Naval codex’s line of succession for the fleet chapter, Commodore Arthur Kliest must be promoted to the official rank of Rear Admiral of the Upper Nebulae…”
Suddenly, another voice rang out, a male one, “That means there are two ways for promotion, a unanimous or a majority vote by the fleet’s caretakers or a letter of promotion from the Federation’s office of the High Admiralty, Correct? Caretaker Lisa.”
“That is correct, Malos Dapor…” She replied to the male AI, Malos Dapor, AI Caretaker of one of the fleet’s Heavy cruiser 'Valkon', “Therefor, I supposed you all know the main reason for this sudden gathering.”
“Since we already know of Commodore Kliest’s merit and naval records, I suppose we should already initiate the vote.” Another female voice rang inside the room.
“Alri—” Suddenly, as Lisa was about to start the voting process for the caretakers, she saw somebody’s hand being raised, intending for her to notice it and call it out.
“Yes?” She asked upon noticing the hand.
As the AI was picked, his voice immediately echoed in the meeting chamber, “Are we really sure about this Commodore?”, the AI added, “I don’t know much about his character, while we indeed judge abilities and merit as the primary criteria in the election, the secondary criteria is character, whether he is humble or an arrogant individual— it will decide the fate of this fleet.”
Lisa, upon hearing this, was unfazed by the question, responding with, “Caretaker Mantelo, I understand your objection, but do you exactly know who the commodore exactly is?”
Mantelo, AI Caretaker of the Battleship “Roslin” gave an expected reply, “No… but I’ve read his military records when he joined, he first joined the Army of the Federation before transferring to the Federation’s Navy. Since I’ve read his records from the start up, I indeed see his talent and abilities as an experienced High-ranking flag officer, but his character is the problem— too carefree, too lax, and acts more of a drunkard enlistee than a veteran officer.”
“I understand, Caretaker Mantelo, but have you exactly seen the Commodore in action? Or in combat?”
“Not yet, Caretaker Lisa, before my ship was chosen to be a member of the 319th fleet, I was part of the 289th fleet, whilst the commodore and yourself was part of the 301st Fleet.”
“Then… did you solely rely on the records than eyes? Did you think who he exactly was before seeing him first hand?”
Mantelo reminded Lisa, “Like I said, I have yet to see his ability and adaptability in combat and emergency situations.”
Lisa then finally countered Mantelo’s objection about Kliest’s character, “…I admit, Commodore Kleist is a bit problematic and childish in some situations, but when the situations come to him—he can also become a veteran, professional and experienced individual.”
“May I see the proof?”
From Mantelo’s point of view, since an AI caretaker was the right hand of a ship’s captain, it was only right that the AI caretaker would defend their captain. Even if they were an AI, a connection needed to be established between them and their captains, sometimes those connection evolves into a type of stronger bond.
“The Siege of the planet of Karlsso, FC 2261, was a tactical victory under the Federation’s Grand Admiral Joval and Marine General Agust.” Lisa Added as the television screen behind her brightly lit up and showed several classified information of the battle, “The battle required the military to destroy a Myrophix’s Hive fortress.”
For the Federation, the victory at Karlsso was recorded as one of the greatest victories in the entire Human-Myrophix war. Almost every single citizen within the Federation knew of the siege— that was how famous it was.
Mantelo hearing this, inclined his body towards Lisa with the pure intent of listening. The other AI caretakers did the same, while they’ve already knew of Kliest’s achievements. They were still at awe and astonishment with some of his decisive feats. Even as AI’s, they clearly wanted to hear the stories again— Like children being told a story by their parents— even if they were repeated again and again. The AI’s were still unable to get used to it, no matter how many times they hear the stories— it was always like it was their first time being told the story.
For the military, taking down a Myrophix Hive fortress was no easy feat for even the talented officers and soldiers— resembling an insect hive or an ant colony, it was several meters tall, sometimes reaching the planet’s stratosphere and was built with very durable materials, making artillery and orbital bombardment make barely any progress on it.
Its internal structure was also complex due to how tall it was, it possessed several floors sometimes possessing powerful artillery to counter any aerial and land attacks. Meanwhile, its underground structure was also complex like a puzzle— like an ant hill— it had several corridors and hallways, sometimes leaving nothing more than a dead end, sometimes it even had traps. Due to how complex its pathways were. The soldiers that were sent to enter it would sometimes forget it was a Myrophix-held Hive fortress, causing them to die by the hands of the Myrophix whom created and memorized its structure from the up down.
“During this time, Commodore Kliest was just a young officer who was promoted to Major on the spot due to lack of manpower and qualified officers on the planet. After 7 months of waiting in nothing but mud-flooded trenches, dying of hunger due to lack of supplies. He requested his commanding officer for a strike company of 175 men and a Reactor bomb.”
“A reactor bomb?” one of the AI caretakers exclaimed.
Normally, Reactor bombs were used as orbital bombs by the Federation’s starfighter corps. It was powerful enough to decimate the radius of 60 kilometers and sometimes gave an 80+ kilometer tall mushroom cloud that was visible from space.
“Yes, He requested a reactor bomb, Now I know that it is very physically large, sometimes requiring a team of 20 to carry it.” Lisa commented, “If I was Kliest’s commanding Officer, I’d say, is this officer dumb? Or does he just want a death wish? But since the federation’s military was on their lowest morale and was on the verge of collapsing at Karlsso, the commanding officer accepted Kliest’s request.”
Lisa continued the story, “—I don’t know much about the story or what happened inside the hive fortress, but eyewitness reports stated that after 59 hours during Kliest’s and his company’s initial entrance, they were seen retreating towards the trenches, being followed by a large number of Myrophixes.”
“Then their chasers— the Myrophix was decimated by the federation’s defenses?” A male voice, from another AI caretaker added into the story.
“Of course, when Kliest reached the trenches, he ordered their overall supreme commander of the ground forces to retreat all their forces 110 kilometers away from the fortress leaving their defenses. Since the Supreme commander of the ground forces noticed who Kliest was from the reports, he ordered the retreat without a moment’s notice.”
“and… boom…” Mantelo added into the story, his eyes were fully invested. He didn’t act like an intelligent AI but like a child being told by his mother an astonishing fantasy story.
“—Boom!” Lisa surprised the group of caretakers, a grin on her face, “—The Entire Hive fortress collapsed in under a minute, the atmosphere’s air was soon mixed with the malodorous smell of the several different species of Myrophix whose blood and organs were scattered under the collapsed fortress.”
Mantelo finally folded his objections and accepted Kliest’s promotion, upon reaching what he presumed to be the conclusion, “I See… th—"
But before he could continue, Lisa continued to interpret the story, like Mantelo during the start, her eyes were as bright like the stars as she continued. It almost seemed like she wouldn’t stop any time soon. Even though she was an AI, her emotions were clearly overflowing from her face and her mind was pre-occupied with the story rather than her duties.
“—and what’s remarkable about this feat, was that Kliest only received 5 deaths, whilst 100+ receiving minor types of injuries on the rest of his troops.” Finally reaching the ending of the story, “—The Aftermath left Kliest into the Emperor and the Grand Chancellor’s presence, where he was granted 3 wishes for his contributions in the battle.”
Upon finishing the story, Lisa’s grin still couldn’t leave her face. Almost making some of AI caretakers question Lisa’s current mental state.
“O-o-okay, Caretaker Lisa,” Mantelo folded, finally agreeing to Lisa’s request to promote the commodore, “I have no more objections about Commodore Kliest, I will vote for his promotion to Rear admiral of the Lower Nebulae— Though my doubts still linger, I will give my full trust to Kliest and his judgement.”
Due to the federation’s promotion system, even though many of the AI caretakers considered to promote Commodore Kliest immediately to the rank of Vice Admiral. They couldn’t disregard the Federation’s Military regulations and Codex.
But even then, after the meeting, Kliest obtained a landslide victory of 9/9 votes from the AI caretakers. Officially promoting him to the Naval rank of Rear Admiral of the Lower Nebulae. With another promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral of the Upper Nebulae on the way.