Seikai no Senki Vol 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Imperial Order

"Number one space-time fusion (Gor Putarloth), enemy 907 destroyed. Number two space-time fusion, enemy 632 destroyed. Number six and seven space-time fusion ......" a stream of monotonous reports from the communication officer (Drokia) echoes through the bridge (Gahorl) of the battleship of the line (Alaicec) ‘Kaisof’. 

On this warship, the current reporting communication officer was Duhir.

 

 

 

 

 

Mines (Hoksath) destroy enemies and disperse them as space-time particle (Supflasath) ripples going through plane-space (Fath). The majority of enemies are also mines.

 

 

The flight officer (Lodair) on the bridge reported no abnormalities at his station.

"Very well. Ready the next wave of mines. Have we received any target yet?"

Usually, a battleship of the line cannot choose its target. Squadron headquarters will determine the targets beforehand, and the ship just fires according to the instructions.

Senior communications officer (Alm Drokia) Vonyu answered, "Not yet."

"What is the senior officer doing? Can't we occasionally fire at will?"

"Please do not say 'cannot do it' just because everybody expects something else," lectured Vonyu.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, the order was given and one after another began space-time separation (Gor Lyutcoth).
 

"Number 21 space-time separation (Gor Lyutcoth), number 22nd, space-time separation." Duhir read it aloud while the ‘Kaisof’ shot all munitions until exhaustion as time went by.

Duhir returns to gaze once again at the plane-space projection map (Ja Fad).

Mines (Hoksath) were also released from the enemy Fleet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Are we leaving the battlefield just like that?" Duhir blurbed out carelessly.

"Do you think a battleship of the line (Alaicec) without mines (Hoksath) has a chance?" Bersot asks surprisingly gently.

"No." replied Duhir.

A fierce battle continues far at the front.

And the Star Force (Laburéc) was not desperate yet to have to use them as decoy.

Above all, since an order was given by the squadron flagship, the Captain (Salerl) has no choice.

Duhir felt ashamed. He seemed to have accused unjustly.

There is reason to believe his superior may take it wrongly because it comes from a member of the Imperial family (Fasanzoerl).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He did not depend on his birthright, but no matter what he cannot show a behavior of opposing the order of the armed forces or denying his right to the Royal Throne.

The Star Forces (Laburéc) does not regard hiding one's talent to be a virtue.

"In fact," Bersot said proudly, "we who are assigned to you are special."

"No," said Duhir reflexively.

 

 

"It is truly so." Duhir added immediately.

"Is it so?" Bersot's confidence became uncertain.

"I think." replied Duhir feeling his confidence fading away.

"What does it matter?" Vonyu inserted.

"Whether or not you are special is not important to you?" Bersot asked mysteriously.

"Everyone is unique, don't you think so?" Vonyu replied and as if to end it, "There is no need to assert this every time."

"You are avoiding the topic."

"That is not my intention, but," said Vonyu unexpectedly.

"In other words the Captain (Salerl) is interested if you will have an outstanding career" summarized Vonyu her conclusion.
 

With a look of a well-mannered cat Bersot asked, "Are you not interested in an outstanding career?"

"I could be," Vonyu asserted flatly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Further even if the army officer (Bosnal) starts thinking about the meaning of the war, I don't think that it has any influence.

"What is it?"
 

"It's alright. It would have been an impolite speech to the senior officer."

"Brilliant turn around."

"In fact the dream of becoming a squadron commander (Lesh Sov) is a lofty aspiration for a small man." Vonyu whispered.

But it was enough to reach Bersot's ear.

"This may not be the dream. I mean it is 'the least' rank I hope to serve with. It certainly comes true if I do not die. It is not a dream."

"Please do not think aloud. And……" Vonyu suddently gazes directly at Duhir.

 

"It is wrong to talk about a career in front of the boy who may sit down on the Jade Imperial Throne (Skemsorl Roen)"

Imperial throne (Skemsorl)…….

Whenever he thought of the Alpha (almfac) with Gaftonosh (Gaftonosh) which is a symbol of the Emperor (Spunej) he inevitably sees his older sister Lafiel connected to them.

Lafiel is not the first female candidate for the next Empress.

 

Besides, there was no clear intention to want to become Emperor (Spunej).

However, to become Emperor (Spunej) is not included.

When he heard the words, Duhir did not feel any emotion in particular.

He thought he understood it after this long, but he is still insecure.

The people seem always to expect someone from the Imperial family to become Emperor (Spunej) even if you are not.

Duhir fell silent.

 

 

 

 

"Is the message from that space-time bubble (Flasath)?" Bersot asked pointing his command stick (Greu) at the plane-space projection map (Ja Fad).

There was a space-time bubble of a friend. The space-time bubble of a communications ship.

 

 

And snorted "Senior communications officer (Alm Drokia), inter-bubble communication (Drosh Flaktedal) to squadron flagship (Glaga Sov)"

"Contents, please" replied Vonyu.

"With permission from fleet headquarters, this warship takes individual action."

Vonyu carried out the order promptly. "Communication completed."

"Now, does Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) Abriel know where we will be going to?" Bersot asked out of the blue.

"No, I don't" replied Duhir without emotions.

 

"It says, permission for individual action granted."

"Very well." Bersot began ordering, "senior navigator (Alm Rilbiga) perform space-time fusion (Gor Putarloth) immediately with communications ship ‘Tokrool’."
 

‘Tokrool’ was the warship which sent the inter-bubble communication (Drosh Flaktedal).

 

 

 

 

 

"What words did you probably have to say?"

"May I say it out loud?” Asked Vonuy quietly.

"If I'm not around" the Captain allowed this liberty.

"But where there are more people around?"

"Do not ask for permission to talk dirty behind someone."

"You don't think so? Great, then I won't ask for permission."

"I do not understand how it's like for you to keep a secret," Bersot sat down into the captain's seat.

 

"Me?" Duhir was surprised.

"So it is," Bersot noded to him, "you have been summon by fleet headquarters."

"It is a summoning?" he asked again thinking it was stupid to do so.

"Do you know why?"

"No, no" Duhir shook his head.

"You are being modest. As a young one you are being spared."

"I'm not polite" Duhir felt he understood nothing.

"It is impossible to tell what will happen if I let you say what you want."

"The military academy (Kenru) does not teach such etiquette."

"I know. Even I graduated from there."

Duhir let loose a deep sigh from his heart while keeping a serious appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, Duhir never heard of a case before in which a lowly Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) was called to fleet headquarters (Glagaf Byral) even if he is part of the Imperial family (Fasanzoerl).

"Although, fleet headquarters may have given some thought about the Imperial family (Fasanzoerl), but I did not think that the senior officers would give special treatment."

 

 

Rather it would have been an insult to the Abriel.

"Alright. I don't have the slightest idea what it's about." Duhir said honestly.

"Hm." Bersot pondered with his hand to his chin

 

 

 

13th Twin Thorns Fleet Flagship (Byr Lobina Bolpel Glaga) ‘Shykau’ made a sortie from the Elkon gate, but it had been located at the rear of the front. A few warships are accompanying it, making it difficult to think of as the fleet headquarters' warship.

The communications ship ‘Tokrool’ is alongside the ‘Shykau’.

As a squadron flagship must participate in a battle as well as their limited number there is no distinction between itself and other warships.

However, when a Half-Fleet Flagship (Glaga Yadobyral) like the ‘Shykau’ becomes the fleet headquarters warship it does not have all the required equipment.

This includes carrying six communications boat (Peria), a conference room, various department offices, and provide living quarters for the necessary headquarters personnel.

Even this is not enough. Therefore, the inside of the ‘Shykau’, is the answer to the challenge to put the many functions into such limited space.
 

Duhir walked the complicated passageway.

There are probably many outside visitors when it becomes a fleet headquarters.

Here and there guards (Sash Leitofec) are posted.

Rather than patrolling, it is probably in order to kill time to stand guard.

Before long he arrived in front of the entrance to the bridge command seat (Gahorl Gral).

They are security experts traditionally selected from the guards or paratrooper (Sash Wakerol).

They seem to have known of Duhir's visit beforehand. Certainly, they knew about his standing.

"Line Wing Officer (Fektodai), I regret to inform you, that it is my duty to make a body inspection." said one of the honor guard.

"I respect your duty." replied Duhir from the service platform. Duhir is being searched to the skin.
 

The physical examination was over.

 

The honor guard (Sash Idar) led Duhir with their peculiar unique walking methods.

 

 

Most of the people here should have been in military service since before Duhir was born.

 

 

 

 

 

Disappointed at the thought, Duhir saluted and left.

 

The floor was laid with a long and thick carpet, a conference desk made of ebony wood was installed which seem to fit a modest family.

The guards who accompanied him stand firmly at attention across the door.

Duhir put both hands on a knee and kept still.

His father used to say, that the most important quality for a person born into the Imperial family is to have strength in patience.

There is little public attention here which is better. He was confident to maintain such a posture for one or two seconds.

On the other side of a large desk was the chair of the Commander in Chief.

the imperial headquarters (Rue Gla) with the Gaftonosh (Gaftonosh), two crossing-over spines and the stylized figure of 13 combines with fleet headquarters (Gla Byral) design.

 

The Kotoponi family coat of arms is known to be the most simple among the 29 Abh founding families.

Kotoponi's reputation is not to take time for decisions.

It was a crest Duhir was used to see but the cross always raised uneasiness he thought.

 

He was criticizing the crest of another house; this rudeness cannot be forgiven even for an Abriel.

That is why nobody says anything, but if there is a brave man to break the taboo or if a Kotoponi is born with proper aesthetic sense won't they agree with him?

"His Highness the Commander in Chief (Lonyu Glaharerl)" the guard shouted.

Duhir stood up and saluted toward the chair.
 

The commander in Chief was alone. She returned the salute lightly, and took a seat.

 

But the words were meant for the crew member (Sash) behind her.

"Yes" he heard an answer immediately from the back.

"Let nobody in" Kotoponi added an order.

The crew member left, Duhir and Kotoponi were the only two left.

His imperial prince (Rue Kler) is his status in the Imperial palace (Ruebei) should be respected, but Duhir is also a prince (Lars) and the grandson of the master of the Imperial palace.

As a Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) he cannot look straight at a Star Force Field Marshal (Spainec Laburar).

"An Imperial Decree (Bisozerl Kimna) was send out", the Commander in Chief (Glaharerl) said without any introduction.

 

 

The contents are encoded within the wrist computer (Kryuno) of the Emperor (Spunej), and except for special cases, never sent with an electromagnetic wave;

The memory piece is put in a box, and a seal is made by the Emperor himself, too.
 

Only a limited number of wrist computer (Kryuno) can remove the encryption on the Imperial Decree. Their number is not a 100 within the Milky Way.

Kotoponi inserted the memory sheet (Jesh) into the slid.

"It is in. Your status should be able to decipher it."

"Yes", that ability is surely given to a flight officer (Lodair) from the Imperial family (Fasanzoerl) to decode a code exclusively used by the Emperor.

Of course, Duhir's wrist computer had that ability.

"How does it go? Are you afraid that I would ask about the secret content?" Kotoponi asked.

"No. It's not so."

"Finish it quickly. I am busy."

For a person with the family name Kotoponi the most unbearable thing will be a human being who spends wasteful time on conduct.

 

 

"The permission to this information was granted because Your Highness (Feia) are an officer with the title (Traiga) suitable for the Royal throne" explained Kotoponi in one breath.

 

As Kotoponi says, there is surely both the qualification and the ability to read an Imperial Decree.

But should he press on with one question after another.

 

 

 

As the Commander in Chief wishes to discuss an order, the conclusion is that Duhir has to know the contents of the order beforehand.

 

 

 

 

"Yes," a more serious task than the present combat operations — Duhir could not imagine what.

"As a result, depending on the state of things, my Fleet may stand alone from the Empire mainland."

This wasn't particularly surprising. In addition, it is not worrisome if the isolation is temporary.

Sometimes, contact was impossible to reestablish even when it was there.

 

 

 

He will have to be at least a graduate from Military University (Voskura) or the army officer (Bosnal) of the Fleet will be annoyed.

"Hypothetically, if I transfer command authority to your noble officer then it will be so. But it is perhaps a symbolic position to be filled.

 

 

Even if Duhir became Star Force Field Marshal (Spainec Laburar) by that time she will already be killed in action or have retired.
 

He could not but be upset now that the day of reversed roles has arrived.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You will understand when you finished reading the order. If you don't then I have nothing to say."

So that's how it is. By that time I will be revealed to be an idiot — Duhir thought to himself.

 

 

 

"There may be more or no Royalty (Fasanzoerl) available. As said, as an officer I will assume authority on behalf of Her Majesty (Erumiton). But not considering a better way, it cannot be said to be wise."

"Placing me as representative is a better way?"

"That depends on your qualification as an officer. I do not know my insect shellfish[2] officer well.

If you are not suitable for the position, and judged as such, then I will drag you down without hesitation."

"I'm relieved I asked you about that."

"As an Abrial you lack ambition" Kotoponi glared slightly at him.

"I'm failing because of my response?"
 

"No. It is too early for a conclusion."

This was the biggest surprise. Kotoponi was withholding a decision.

"You have no questions anymore?"

"No, you want another question?"

"You can ask until you don't have any more, but I don't mind if you don't have one. I am taking the time to do so."

Indeed, a Commander in Chief (Glaharerl)'s time is as precious as the water on a rocky planet.

"Where is the meaning in telling me beforehand the strategic content?"

"To prevent confusion in time," Kotoponi paused a moment and added, "even if you are not, a time of great confusion will probably come. I want to get things done quickly.

 

 

Submit it to your immediate commander at the time you can contact.

 

 

"So it is. I emphasize that it is not rhetoric. It is a priority to bring your Highness in even if the Fleet is close to be pulverized."

"Now" Duhir stood up bewildered. "It seems to me I'm guarded or is it not!"

"This is exactly the order given to guard your Highness."

"I cannot accept that!" Duhir got enraged.

Abrials are soldiers. They felt that to fall on the battlefield is a good way to end one's life.

Of course, there is always the personal guard; when the imperial state ship (Rue Ruhorl) is moving out a number of warships on guard duty will escort it.

In a manner of speaking they are the same in terms of health care.

 

Besides, Duhir is a mere Royalty (Fasanzoerl), not even an Emperor.

Being guarded by a Fleet only calls feelings of humiliation for Duhir.
 

Even if it's a Star Force Field Marshal (Spainec Laburar), where does he even have the right to force a humiliation?

"Dissatisfied?" asked Kotoponi.

"Yes." Duhir replied calmly.

"Sit down, Line Wing Officer (Fektodai)"

"However, fleet commander (Glaharerl)"

"Hold on chick. You are still a Line Wing Officer (Fektodai). This here is my flagship (Glaga).

 

 

 

I order you, and you will accept it whether you like it or not.

 

 

If you cannot then you cannot even be called a chick.

As it is possible to return you along the sick and wounded back to the capital (Arosh), you can take care of the hatched, at least you can provide warmth."
 

Yes. He disregarded the pride and courage to protect someone.

 

 

Most of all he was unhappy with his 'superior act', but he decided to keep quiet for now.

 

 

Even if I know, it may cause unnecessary confusion to discuss it now."

"I understand."

"Any more questions?"

"Frankly, I still cannot accept Your Honor's idea. However, knowing the imperial order might clear my doubts, therefore, I'm going to hold my questions back."

"Very well. Then start decoding."
 

Decoding and reading were over in no time.

"This is……"

"Your impressions?" Kotoponi smiled poisonously with her red lips.

He was still unable to express well in words.

 

 

Prepare a study for the Fleet to enter into ‘Hania Federation〉 space, to disarm Federation Forces, and to be stationed there.

In other words, make studies and preparations for the decision, but whether it is going to be given is unclear.

"Her Majesty (Erumiton) really likes to give unreasonable requests.

 

"The Chief of Staff (Was Kasaler) should know this."

"Yes. I appreciate the note." Kotoponi smiled, "magic acts are exclusively her work."
 

"Are you telling me now that this jam-packed......that the fleet commander thinks that it's not for nothing?"

"I don't know. I'm just a front line commander. This is beyond my area of responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He saw Kotoponi returning a suspicious look.

 

 

"No, nothing. Excuse me. With your permission." Duhir saluted again, and was going to leave this time.

"Line Wing Officer (Fektodai)!" However, Kotoponi hailed.

I do not wish my flagship (Glaga) to have a temporary Imperial throne.

I do not wish to meet you again before the end of the operation."

"So am I" agreed Duhir, and corrected himself in a hurry.

 
"As you say." Kotoponi joined in. "Once the chick has grown, it would be my pleasure to meet it again."

 

Translator's Notes Jump up↑ “go down” a naval jargon for “stand down” from Earth. Jump up↑ 虫貝=insect shellfish, shall not be changed or removed, it is explicitly used, it is not a real lifeform as in "hermit crab".

Chapter end