Unparalleled Path ~ Reincarnated as the AI for a space battleship ~

Chapter 6 – Covert Strategy

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Translator’s Notes:

I was given a correction to Sohara’s name which is now Sohaira. Also, whenever “Asagaya” was mentioned they were actually saying “Asagaya Shin”. So I’m a.s.suming he said his full name at the start and they’ve been calling him that since.

Chapter 6 – Covert Strategy

5 bullets approached at a very short distance.

The procedure is the same as before. I induce a field to guide the bullets, then fire a projectile of the same speed into each bullet. However, in order to intercept five shots at once, it was necessary to do 153 times more calculations than with 1 shot.

As my concentration lessened, time returned to a normal flow.

A loud noise sounded near the bridge. Of course sound does not travel in s.p.a.ce. Instead, there is a tremendous number of sh.e.l.ls falling onto the hull.

In general, the armor managed to stop most of the bullets, however some managed to penetrate the body. One shot pierced through the bow and destroyed restroom no. 21, ripped pipes spewed out filthy water. I felt disgusting.

The bridge was engulfed in darkness. Only the red light of the emergency light was flashing. The collapsed crew used chairs and control panels to support themselves as they stood up. Captain Madiro held his head and sat down on the captain’s chair. A red line was separating his hairline. It was a considerable gash.

Vega helped up Sohaira whom had stumbled.

Madiro spoke up.
「AI, what did you do?」

「Just like before. I cancelled the momentum of the enemy bullets by firing my own at them」

「That’s stupid. Such a thing is not possible」

Vega covers her mouth with her hand.
「Captain, it is possible. I saw the battle logs. He induced a field to guide the bullets and then shot them」

「That’s impossible even for an Imperial gunnery officer」

「In that case, how are we alive?」 Vega said.

Madiro, who had been silent for a while, opened his mouth.
「AI, return to the battle screen」

「I cannot」 I responded.

「Why? Even if you don’t obey our orders, wouldn’t it be useful to see the state of the battle?」

「For my strategy, I need to keep the energy consumption of the ship to a minimum」

「Strategy?」

After hearing my explanation. Madiro punches a nearby monitor, blood flies.
「I’ve never heard of such a thing! Isn’t that just mocking the idea of an Imperial soldier!? Are you not ashamed? Have you no pride!?」

Looking around, the crew looked rough. My night vision camera could see their shoddy faces, much like Madiro’s.

Madiro suddenly grabbed Vega.
「What are you doing AI officer!? Even if Ajax is gone, why did we get him as a replacement!?」

Sohaira stepped forward.
「Captain, she is doing her best」

「Princess, you may be related to the Emperor, but Lieutenant Vega is a member of my crew. Know your place」

Vega put her hands on Sohaira’s shoulders.
「The Captain is right, it is my responsibility for what remarks the AI makes」

What’s with that reaction? Why would she go so far?

You cannot apply our era’s thoughts on common sense to these people. Imperial soldiers respect chivalry, acting on something similar to the bushido code. Even decisive battles are simply pitiful clashes from the front. A simple strike to gauge each others power and maneuverability.

Sohaira spoke up.
「You take responsibility for his remarks? In the first place, I think his idea is worth considering」

「Idiot!」 Madiro screamed. 「How can someone descended from the Emperor support such tactics!?」

「In checkers, isn’t it a usual thing to outsmart ones enemies?」

「Checkers?」

To Madiro’s confusion, Vega answered.
「It’s a traditional game for royalty. You use a limited number of pieces on a 16 square board」

Madiro sighed.
「Princess, war is not a game」

「It’s worse than a game」 I replied. 「In war you die if you lose. I do not want to die and if possible, I want to save everyone else too」

「What’s the probability of this strategy succeeding? 5 percent? 6 percent? We should fight them fairly and die honorably! I will not help you! I refuse to sully my position as Captain!」
Saying so, Madiro stood up quickly. However he immediately fell down to the floor, bleeding from his head.

「Medic!」
Two soldiers rushed in on the call of Sohaira. Madiro was put on a stretcher and taken off the bridge to the medical bay.

The crew left behind looked at each other anxiously. Who will be the next captain? The officer with the most battle experience aside from Madiro is commander Dara, a jump navigation officer. However, she has no experience leading a ship.

Sohaira sat quietly on the captain’s seat. She picked up the earpiece dropped by Madiro and put it on.
「With the Captain’s absence I will take over command. Is anyone dissatisfied with that?」

No-one dared to raise there hand. Sohaira is a girl, but she is strong and dignified. She possesses leadership qualities.

Suddenly, she spoke up.
「Asagaya Shin, carry out your strategy」

With her words, I begin. From my calculation, there’s a 67% possibility of success. Because the possibility using the Imperial tactic of blindly charging in is less than 1%, this way is much better. With the added approval of the Captain I can feel my mental stress drastically reducing. Perhaps this is the burden or ignoring the AI model?

I stared into the black eyes of Sohaira and turned off the life support system for the whole ship.

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