Countdown

Glorious’ participation had a greater impact on Settsu and the others than they had expected.

Pirates who have been pirates for a long time are sensitive to the situation. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to fly between the independent nations. Most of the veterans had predicted the consequences of the alliance between the Kingdom and the Federation, and the possibility that it would lead to the collapse of the pirate industry itself.

However, it is also dangerous to follow the lead of an unknown fortress.

For the opportunistic pirates, Glorious’ participation was enough to push the fortress from “unknown” to “possible.

Ten or twenty pirate ships a day came to the Ossicle system.

When Setsuto was almost too busy to deal with the situation, Glorious offered to organize the pirates.

“The Settlers will have the job of figuring out how to use these troops.”

This gave Settsu more time, but it was time that was synonymous with having to worry about the future.

The ships are gathering.

So far, there are 400 pirates and 3,000 surrounding nations’ armies. Once we finish refitting our guns and shields, our fleet alone will be able to fight a fleet of about 5000 ships on even terms.

How many Federation ships will be approaching and when?

It’s a race against time.

It was expected that the Federation fleet would gather and base itself in the Artlante system, near the territory of the independent nations. The Artlante system was originally equipped as a base to dispatch fleets in case something happened to the independent nations. There was no other place to maintain a supply line for the fleet that would invade the independent nations.

From there to the vicinity of the Ossicle system, 20 days of non-stop continuous interstellar warp. However, this is the number of days for a single warship, not including the time required to adjust the line of ships that have been disrupted by warp-out errors.

The Federation fleet will be coming with the disarmament of the independent nations in its path, so it will take many more days.

Glorious estimates 50 days. Mitski’s estimate is 45 days at the earliest.

Some of the ships under Glorious’ command are currently on a reconnaissance mission to ascertain the size and number of days.

Imperial movement is also a problem.

I called out to the nearby imperialist countries and asked them about it, and they told me that they had received word that an interceptor fleet was being sent. He also apologized for not being able to join the fortress because he had been asked to join the interceptor fleet.

“If the Empire is sane, it will surely call on us. Let’s wait.”

Which one of us approached the other may have an impact on the situation afterwards.

I want to take the form of the empire asking us to cooperate with them, rather than Settsu and the others seeking out the imperial army and asking them.

It was Mitsuki who found them.

“Sir, we’ve detected an interstellar warp-out of one of the Dragoon class ships in the system. We are currently synchronizing our velocity with the main fortress and expect to enter the warp control area in three hours.”

Mitsuki is currently in charge of controlling all the spaceships around the fortress. She does not need to speak out loud to make voice communications, but she can handle hundreds of communications at the same time and guide the spaceships accurately.

One bored pirate counted and said that there were 542 Mitsuki at the same time.

“Do you know which country it’s from?”

Only the Empire or the Kingdom operates the Dragoon. Either.

“Yes, sir. Immediately after warping out, he sent a transmission identifying himself as the Imperial Viscount Alk-Drag-Lich. He wishes His Excellency Sia-Azna to see him through. How can I help you?”
“Of course I’ll see you.”
“Which way for guidance?”
“To the fortress. And get Vee and Admiral Vetsia over here.”

There are many who suspect a connection between Settsu and the Empire. Under the current circumstances, even if that were the case, it would not be a problem, but it would be better to have the two of them present to avoid spreading any unwarranted suspicion.

“Yes, sir, we’re due in port in six hours. Why don’t you go get some sleep?”
“Today?”

It was still early afternoon in the fortress.

“Your Excellency has not been getting enough sleep lately. Naps are important. It restores the brain and reenergizes the spirit.”
“All right.”

Settsu followed Mitsuki’s suggestion and went back to his room. As soon as he laid down, he felt sleepy.

He had fallen asleep for about an hour.

After waking up, he adjusted himself and went back to the command center where Mitsuki was.

Nothing in particular had occurred that Setsu needed to decide.

Viscount Lich’s dragoon arrived in port as scheduled.

Settsu let Viscount Lich into the parlor of the fortress and exchanged names with him. Viscount Lich was an intelligent young man in his twenties.

“So, what can I do for you?”

Settsu asked.

“Yes, sir. Our fleet is currently on its way here under the command of Count Vaile. The total number is 50,000. We’ve come to ask for your assistance in fighting the Federation forces.”

I’d say it was a blessing in disguise, and the request came as expected.

“You want to help?”
“Yes, sir. From what I’ve seen in the system, His Excellency is preparing to fight. I think it would be a good idea for us to work together to fight the Federation forces.”
“How does the Empire anticipate the Federation’s movements?”

Settsu returned with a question.

“The Count has asked me to tell you what I know, so I will tell you what I know. The Federation forces have mobilized approximately 70,000 to 100,000 ships. We believe that they will assemble in the Artlante system and then attack the independent nations. I estimate that the sortie from Artlante should have been made by now.”

Settsu nodded. 70,000 to 100,000. That’s an awful lot.

“General Drad Sarko is in charge of the operation. We have confirmed the participation of Lieutenant-General Ariech-Reise, Major-General Schenz-Falange, and Major-General Sey-Riek as the principal generals.”

Settsu heard the general’s name, but had no knowledge of the person.

“Federal All-Stars. I’m picking four of the best of the best, of all people.”

Vetsia was growling.

“How dreadful. To bring out the most beautiful woman in the Union army.”

Glorious has a different perspective.

Judging from Vetsia’s reaction, it seems that she is a tricky opponent.

“The Count is planning to challenge the Federation forces to war. The Count’s plan is this.”

Viscount Lich began to explain the proposed strategy.