DE: Chapter 1 Part 8 – Improvised Alliance

The Zador Star system. A place where some parts, especially the ones centered around the planet Damraka, have disappeared on a large scale. Although the entire star system was not completely sealed off, the economic value of the area has decreased due to a blockage order from the Unified Earth Government.

Furthermore, due to the fact that mercenaries and rough thugs were originally gathered there for the purpose of war, the situation has deteriorated rapidly. Now, most of the people who could be considered ordinary citizens have left the Zardor Star system, and those who remained were either from the impoverished lower classes or merchants and companies engaged in activities for profit.

And also the private soldiers, centered around the planet Damraka, who have lost their homeland to return to.

About fifty years have passed since then, and the area has transformed from a space pirate to a dangerous area where the mafia has taken up residence. Furthermore, the impoverished lower class citizens joined pirates or the mafia to survive, contributing to the further deterioration of law and order.

“We’ve finally arrived at the Zador Star system. If I had to sum up how I feel right now in one word, it’s that my heart is pounding with excitement.”

In other words, I’m brimming with energy. It’s obvious that there will be fierce fighting from now on.

The Elf fleet, centered around the battleship Albireo, maintained its formation as six cruisers surrounded it, heading toward the Harmar space station. They said they would start by gathering information there.

This is a bit of a different story, but the truth is, the destroyers and the frigates were not officially counted as part of the main military forces by the three major nations. The reason is that the three major nations possess immense military power.

In other words, they already possess an overwhelming number of cruisers and battleships. Furthermore, they possess everything from super-class to dreadnought-class and even fortress-class ships, so there is no need for destroyers. Of course, destroyers can still be used for anti-AW purposes or reconnaissance, but since they also have their own AW capabilities and dedicated scout ships for reconnaissance, those aren’t necessary.

In conclusion, these two types are honestly not considered part of the military forces. Their firepower is low, and their damage control capabilities are subpar. While they do have mobility, both cruisers and battleships are still sufficiently fast.

If I had to say one good thing, it would be that they’re cheap. Taking all of that into consideration, we can conclude that destroyers and frigates are not necessary.

However, when it comes to border deployments or places like the Zador Star system, it’s a different story. It’s a waste to use regular forces on the border because it is not cost-effective and would be a waste. In the first place, regular forces are forces that should be used against major nations.

That’s where the destroyers come into play. And military destroyers can handle old pirate-style cruisers very well. After all, they’re armies fighting for hegemony over galactic supremacy. It’s inevitable that destroyers and frigates will have high performance.

“Well, if there’s a destroyer around, it means it’s a remote or dangerous area.”

I just passed a patrol fleet centered around a destroyer of the United Earth Federation of Unified Forces from where I could see through the window. This meant that I had already entered the battlefield.

“Well, my job is coming. Let’s finish my job and have money.”

Even now, in some unknown places, someone is dying. Whether by beam or bullet, or perhaps even by dying in bed from a heart attack. I continued to gaze at the endless cosmos, pondering such trivial thoughts, never growing tired.

A few hours later, the ship’s alarm rang.

Inside the ship, the combatants hurriedly took their positions. It was the same for us mercenaries. I put on my pilot suit and went to the hangar, and boarded my aircraft, the Zargan.

“I think I’ll go with the D equipment for armaments. I need to do some anti-ship attacks every once in a while, otherwise my skills will get dull.”

The D equipment is the anti-large unit gear for AW. It varies slightly depending on the faction, but it often has a more dramatic or ‘romantic’ design.

And the highlight of this setup is the handheld anti-ship beam cannon. It’s equipped with a cooling system and a plasma generator for the anti-ship beam cannon on its back. Additionally, I’ve installed extra boosters to ensure mobility, but it’s still less agile than a standard unit. The armament consists only of the anti-ship beam cannon, a 12.5mm anti-personnel gun, and a close-combat saber.

『Understood. Sergeant Kisaragi will sortie with the D equipment. The enemy fleet is mainly composed of ships that have been converted from civilian aircrafts. There are about twenty of them, which is a considerable number. Additionally, we were able to confirm a cruiser, which is presumed to be the flagship.』

“In other words, your Princess is the main dish of the course. In that case, I’ll have the appetizer.”

『Either way is fine. Sergeant Kisaragi’s call sign is Trigger-5.』

“Trigger? You mean like a trigger? Is this a riposte to us mercenaries?”

The various boosters, additional armor, and armaments were equipped onto the aircraft. Then, it moved in front of the catapult.

『That’s not exactly what I meant. However, this is a final decision.』

“I’m not angry or anything. I don’t know who decided it, but it actually sounds pretty cool.”

The catapult connection display appeared on the monitor. Then, the hatch opened, and the pitch-black expanse of space stretched out before my eyes.

“Sergeant Shu Kisaragi. Trigger-5, the Zargan is on the move.”

『Good luck.』

The red light turned green. Immediately after that, a tremendous G-force was applied, but I didn’t mind. In fact, I absolutely love this feeling. And the other Elves and mercenaries gradually caught up.

『Notify the status of each unit’s equipment from the Trigger-1 onward.』

It seemed that the Trigger-1 was Jumbo. However, there was something odd about the Jumbo’s assigned unit. For some reason, a white lightweight aircraft was showing up under the Trigger-1’s display.

“Jumbo, why are you in a lightweight aircraft? With your build, you should be in a heavyweight or large aircraft! It doesn’t fit the image! And how are you going to get in the cockpit?”

『Shut up! How long are you going to keep calling me Jumbo, you little brat! I’m Captain Aaron Lascar! And the cockpit is custom-made!』

Jumbo answered the question with his usual sincerity. But a custom-made cockpit? I’ve never heard of it before.

“Captain Aaron, huh? It’s not a bad name. It fits the image pretty well.”

『Why do you have to nitpick about my name? Stop fooling around, you brat.』

“Sorry, tee hee.”

I lightly clenched my right hand and tapped his aircraft’s head. In that instant, lock-on alerts rang from all directions.

“Oh, that was a no-no? I’m really sorry.”

『I don’t have time for nonsense. Besides, we don’t have much time to spare, so I’ll get this done quickly. Trigger-3, no abnormalities.』

『Trigger-2, no abnormalities. I’m specialized in snipping so I’ll move to the rear.』

『Trigger-4. No abnormalities. I’d like to move in the middle.』

“Trigger-5, no abnormalities. I’ll be focusing on anti-ship attacks, so I’ll be on inertial navigation for a while. Alright, I’ll leave the front lines to you.”

After saying that, I moved upwards. After all, when it comes to anti-ship attacks, it has to be from directly above. I mean, ‘Enemy aircraft attacking from directly above!’ who wouldn’t want to brag about that.

By the way, Lieutenant Burgess was piloting a sniper-spec Madoc. Second Lieutenant Mikuni was in a tricky-spec Madoc. And Lieutenant Churi was riding the rare 【FA-14 Fortnight】, a variable aircraft of the Guardia Empire’s military, which is rare around here.

『Don’t act rashly on your own, Trigger-5. First, make a formation.』

『What are you talking about? You expect us to work together? That’s nonsense, Trigger-1. Every single one of us is a strong-willed bunch.』

『Oh, you’re saying that, Trigger-5. But are you a strong-willed bunch too?』

“Yeah. If we were going to work together, we wouldn’t have come out in anti-ship configuration in the first place.”

Moreover, most of the enemy aircraft were based on civilian aircrafts. It’s inevitable that the prey will be a first-come, first-served battle.

“Well, I’ll move first. I wish you luck, everyone.”

With that said, I accelerated the Zargan upwards and started moving it. Now, all that’s left was to pray that the enemy wouldn’t notice and wait for an opportunity.

“Cooling system activated. If we blend in with the debris, we won’t be easily noticed.”

In the meantime, the battleship Albereo and the cruiser began their bombardment. The space pirate fleet seemed to have many fast ships, so they were desperately trying to close the gap with our fleet by using their maneuverability.

Then, the space pirate aircraft, whose shield was significantly reduced by the cruiser’s bombardment, retreated to recover its shields. Furthermore, at this point, combat between the AW teams of both sides has begun.

【Crush them with numbers! If there’s an Elf aboard, it’s a treasure trove! It’s worth risking our lives for!】

【If we hold out here, reinforcements will come. It’ll be fun after that】

【It looks like they have mercenaries on the other side too. But there’s a huge difference between our numbers!】

The AW squad of the space pirates outnumbered us. However, unfortunately, most of their AW units were simple, space combat versions.

Indeed, the performance of AW units in space combat can be somewhat compensated by retrofitted equipment. However, when it comes to the simplified models, high-speed maneuverability becomes impossible. In that case, it would be better to ride a fighter jet instead.

As a result, the AW squad of the Elves and us mercenaries ended up overwhelming the space pirate AW squad.

【It’s the Empire’s Fortnight! Damn, why is there a machine like that?】

【Shoot first, and stop complaining! If we lay down a barrage of bullets, they won’t be able to get close easily!】

The AW of the space pirates laid a barrage of bullets with their handheld submachine guns and assault rifles. However, Lieutenant Churi skillfully maneuvered the Fortnight and toyed with the space pirates.

『Don’t put all the burden on Lieutenant Churi. Be on the move, Trigger-1.』

Then, Trigger-1, Jumbo, piloting the white lightweight AW, the【XBM-001A】Raptor, charged toward the enemy. With a 45mm submachine gun in one hand, he swiftly closed the distance with the enemy.

The enemy noticed Trigger-1 and also began their attack. However, the bullets missed. The Raptor closed the distance in an instant with minimal evasive maneuvers. Then, from close range, the 45mm submachine gun unleashed a barrage on the enemy.

【Is this guy an Ace?】

【Keep your distance! Keep your distance! You’ll hit your allies!】

【Ah, ah, aaah! Don’t come, don’t come, don’t come!】

【Three aircrafts were taken out in an instant. Damn it, do we look like a joke to it?!】

Additionally, Lieutenant Churi charged at the enemy aircraft in flight mode. Without hesitation, she destroyed the enemy aircraft in a swift flowing motion. She then transformed her aircraft into humanoid form, activated her plasma saber, and sliced through the enemy aircraft to pieces.

『Good job, Trigger-1』

『You too, Trigger-3. Let’s go hunt down the next one.』

『All right. Trigger-3, on the move』.

『Leave the rear to me. I’ll cover you guys.』

Making a somewhat impromptu alliance, the AWs of the space pirates were swiftly destroyed one after another.

Meanwhile, on another battlefield, Lieutenant Burgess and Second Lieutenant Mikuni were fighting valiantly against the space pirates.

【It’s a sniper. Where the hell are they hiding?】

【More importantly, what the hell is this guy doing? Using wires and nets and all that. Are you some kind of magician or what?!】

【Even a custom-made aircraft? Just go to hell! 】

Amidst the wreckage of numerous AWs floating in space, Second Lieutenant Mikuni launched an attack on the enemy aircraft. Of course, the enemy craft evaded and counterattacked, but the aiming was unstable. Even when trying to lock on the target, it took a few extra seconds compared to usual. However, in those few seconds, several of their comrades were taken down by Lieutenant Mikuni.

『Trigger-2, then Trigger-4. Next, I’ll take down the one on the left』

『Trigger-4, Roger. I’ll hinder their movements』

Second Lieutenant Mikuni closed in on the enemy aircraft. Of course, the enemy wouldn’t allow him to approach easily. However, if they focused solely on Mikuni, they would be sniped from somewhere unexpectedly.

『ECM device is functioning properly. I will continue to cause confusion like this』

Second Lieutenant Mikuni’s aircraft was equipped with an ECM device on its back. It was highly effective against the surrounding enemies.

Not only did it delay the enemy aircraft’s systems, but the communication disruption also prevented reinforcements from arriving. Furthermore, Second Lieutenant Mikuni’s aircraft was equipped with various gimmicks that continued to keep the enemy aircraft at bay.

『Impressive. We’ve got them locked on as well.』

Furthermore, Lieutenant Burgess’ precise sniping was instilling great fear in the enemy. In particular, since their radar had become critically unusable, they were unable to calculate backwards and pinpoint the sniper’s location.

【I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die! I’m running away!】

【You idiot! If you turn your back to the enemy, you will die in vain. You useless bastard.】

【Let’s just kill the guy in front of us. That will restore communications. Should we attack all at once!?】

【Another sniper shot. Hide behind the debris. We’ll have to take down the enemy when we find an opening.】

The space pirates were forced to engage in a desperate battle with only two ships. The difference between superior weapons and ordinary ones became glaringly evident in the battle, which ultimately turned into a struggle where sheer numbers alone couldn’t make up for the disparity.

Footnotes:

FA-14 Fortnight

The FA-14 Fortnight is the main variable-type AW (Armed Walker) used by the Guardia Empire’s military.

As a variable-type machine, it has a complex structure, but the Fortnight was designed with bold choices. First, the head part was completely eliminated. Additionally, the aircraft’s machine guns, which were traditionally used in air combat mode, were also removed. In place of the guns, various sensors and other equipment were installed. The space previously occupied by the head was used to mount a medium-sized plasma generator, which enabled the use of beam and plasma weapons.

Moreover, the changes to the variable mechanism allowed for smoother transformations. With the increase in output, the aircraft’s payload capacity also increased, allowing for the attachment of a variety of weapons.

At first glance, the machine appears to be nearly perfect, but its vulnerability when hit remains unchanged. Additionally, the removal of the head resulted in the cockpit being almost completely exposed, increasing the risk to the pilot. To ensure maneuverability in air combat, the armor was also made thinner. As a result, new recruits are given older models, while the Fortnight is mainly assigned to veteran soldiers or Ace pilots.

Height: 11.5 meters

Length: 18.5 meters

Weight: 29.9 tons

Armor Material: Special Multi-Ceramic Composite Alloy

Power Source: Medium-sized Plasma Generator

Armament:

Plasma Saber

Plasma Gun

Beam Gun

Beam Machine Gun

45mm Submachine Gun

Various types of Missiles

Lieutenant Aaron Lascar’s Custom-made XBM-001A Raptor

The XBM-001A Raptor is a custom version of the prototype XBM-001 Lenin.

The Lenin is an older model compared to the ZC-04 Zargan and ZM-05 Madoc. However, its maneuverability and stealth capabilities are exceptional, and when equipped with stealth modifications, it can carry out covert operations effectively. As a result, this lightweight machine is used by military special forces units.

Due to its lightweight, the Lenin has low endurance and poor survivability when taking hits, which makes it unpopular among mercenaries and local military forces. However, when piloted by an Ace pilot, it transforms into an almost unbeatable machine.

For this reason, it remains highly popular among experienced soldiers and Ace pilots, and has become a symbol of status within military circles.

Length: 10.5 meters

Weight: 30 tons

Armor Material: Special Multi-Ceramic Composite Alloy

Power Source: Enhanced Plasma Generator

Armament:

Plasma Saber

45mm Submachine Gun

45mm Assault Rifle

55mm Rifle