Seikai no Senki Vol 4 Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The shore of the lake[1] (Gurnil Biteym)

The battle for the Kemal star system has ended.

However, the enemy is not yet driven out of the whole star system. The enemy Fleet is scattered throughout the system waiting for the opportunity for a counterattack.

It is believed that Akaddo has the greatest military force in the system.

The existence of the satellite group is what makes the Kemal star system a munitions production site.

 

A Star Force (Laburéc) unit is holding the inner planets in check.

Addionally, construction ship (Dausiya), store ship (Rebbonia), and hygienic warship (Garyumiac)[2] are sent into orbit of a secured planet.

The warships belonging to the 1st Devastation Squadron (Sov Direr Kasna) are alongside a construction ship and are undergoing repairs.

Although the battle is said to be over, it is not safe to build a mobile city (Laknebh Hoka).

These specific transport ships have instead of their cargo a restaurant, a bar, exercise facilities, recreation halls, theatres and aquariums.

 

It is a highly mobile transport ship, originally this small transport ship was intended to be part of a reconnaissance half-fleet during operations.

When under enemy attack the ship can retreat from the battlefield even if the army officer (Bosnal) is away or inexperienced.

The ‘Batoktel’ is among the first vessels to receive special internal changes. It has become a park.

Three of the decks are further divided into several sections. However, two decks have no sections.
 

One of them, the 4th park deck (Zok Der Gona), known as ‘Lake shore park (Wabes Gurnil Biteym)’ has been reserved today for the 1st Devastation Squadron.

"First, let us pay silent tribute to our allies and enemies who fell on the battlefield." said Kilo-Commander (Cheüass) Atosuryua, the Commander (Leshiek).

Atosuryua is standing on a little elevated place. To be more specific, she is standing on a little hill.

It is a genetically created cross of short grass and small flower bloom. It won't wither even when being trampled on.

In fact, army officers were lining up on the same grass.

The 4th park deck is divided into a part covered by the carpet grass and the pond. Trees were sparsely planted in the grass.

The creatures are real. Most noticeably is the little screaming sound of birds.

 

"The silence is over." Said Atosuryua in a slightly resentful tone, and gave next a solemn order.

Army officer (Bosnal) lined up among the more than several dozen tables between one place and the pond; everything was prepared from the cups up to 88 different kinds of liquors.

Aside from Atosuryua, the executive officers of the squadron (Sov) had tables prepared for themselves.

Jinto took a glass, and poured rosy grape wine (Lortek) for himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Jinto's constitution it's very bad to drink.

It looks like drinking this carefree will make me bad. Besides she doesn't get drunk.
 

If it's Samson, he would say it's a curse. The question had certainly come to mind; I wonder, why would they be drinking it?

 

"Not like that" Lafiel stopped him. "honey wine (Ketek) is too sticky."

"Is it?"

"You have to stir the drink evenly with the stick. That's common sense."

"That's it?" Although, he thought he had been familiarized with the Abh society, he still seems to be lacking.

 

 

He made the drink according to the instructions and handed it over.

There appears to be many preferences in taste for liquor.

 

"Toast preparation is completed, Commander." Sobash informed. He, himself, held something green in his hand.

"Now, my brave army officer (Bosnal)" Atosuryua began the speech.

In any case, it is good to be brave.

Therefore, it is our duty and right to make one.

 

 

First, when the 1st Devastation Squadron (Sov Direr Kasna) parties saluting is prohibited.

Someone who is especially rude, I will invite him to my territory.

 

 

That section has been converted for confinement. A lonesome place. If the person likes to be lonely, it might be very pleasing there."
 

Moaning could be heard. But, it seemed to be rather pleasant.

"By the way, the next tradition forbids wasting food.

Depending on the culture, for some people filled fat milk biscuit (Bazor) may have an important meaning.

Of course it is not bad taste because I cannot understand the different cultures.

If you can't because of faith then hide it, understand? Good."

Voices of protest did not rise for this.

"Now, the new tradition tonight is very simple.

I will make sure of this beautiful tradition."

Cheers roared.

At the moment there is only one landed nobility in the 1st Devastation Squadron (Sov Direr Kasna).

If this expands to noble (Sif) then there are some more. For example, Atosuryua is Baron Febdash (Lyuf Febdak)

You are not called landed nobility if you don't have an inhabitated planet in your star system.
 

Incidentally, the creation of this new tradition did not include Jinto's opinion.

Jinto was irritated.

The revenue from Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) was enormous.

If it's having this kind of party every week then he can afford it.

As ship's clerk (Wiig) and supervisor/controller (Bynkerl) he is busy when the ship isn't underway.

Actually, a park deck has a bad impression for someone from a land world (Nahen).

Furthermore, emphasizing artificial environment could be taken as natural for the people above the ground; this upsets the people from the ground.

After having these thoughts, the arrangement of the party didn't feel so painful anymore.
 

However, it is still unreasonable.

"Let me introduce tonight's sponsor. Everyone, give him a big applause."

Jinto went up the hill reluctantly while the applause increased.

You must pretend to hold a party of your own volition because you have to no matter how much you don't like it.

 

"Today, we are having this modest banquet for our services.

Please be proud.

I'm sorry if this sounds like pride, but, fortunately, the Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) management is popular.

 

 

 

I couldn't get it in time this time, but the special liquor from the Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) will be available at the next opportunity, and I want you all to taste it.

 

"Thank you for the delicious feast, Your Highness the Count (Lonyu Dreur)!" army officer (Bosnal) sang in a chorus.

 

 

 

Army officers clapped their hands obediently.

He has no command.

 

"Did I say strange things?" Jinto was worried.

"I don't think so. You were human trash, though."

"What?" Jinto twisted his neck to the unexpected criticism.

"How could you leave this place to such a child?"

"The chairmanship is not commanding, and he is not a child.

 

"What?"

"I guess I'm used to treating others as children who don't age, Lafiel."

"Idiot."

But actually, as for Gnombosh and Lafiel - Jinto appears five years older.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lafiel's territory, Viscountess Paryun's territory (Berskor Paryun) has no inhabitable planet.

It will take a long time.

 

In other words, after she finishes her obligation as a Imperial family/Royalty (Fasanzoerl).

Of course, this is also true if the war is not over yet.

 

"Well, bring in the dishes. All hands, attention please."

"Please, get out of the way. Crew members (Sash) over there, step a bit aside. Crew members (Sash) over there, don't touch the dishes with your hands until the tables stop.

 

Army officer (Bosnal) have been busy criticizing the dishes.

"Understood, it will do like this." Gnombosh said.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides, I don't think I can greet as funny like that."

"Really. Then I supposed, I will try this at the next party." Jinto proposed.

 

 

 

Besides, I cannot just turn an army officer (Bosnal) into a practice partner." 

"Well, then don't complain to me."

"I didn't complain. I just expressed my impression." Lafiel raised one eyebrow.

 

 

 

Gnombosh's effort finally bored fruit, and the tables were set at their proper place.

Enjoy the food and pleasant chats for a while." Gnombosh said in a relieved voice, and went down the hill.

"Thank you, Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) Gnombosh." Jinto raised his glass to show his appreciation.

"Thank you." Gnombosh said with a tired look. "I was tense."

"I will be counting on you later."

"Yes." with a tired face, Gnombosh left.

"What do you want to drink?" he asked.

"Give me the grape fruit juice(Tyl Murem). I still have to preside."

"There is no need to tense up, just enjoy it." Jinto smiled, and was about to grab the glass.

However, in a flash, someone handed the trophy to Gnombosh.

Gnombosh received it in a surprised manner, while Ekuryua poured the drink in silence.

 

 

 

Did she intend to apologize?

 

 

Fortunately, he was holding a glass. He raised it lightly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The losses were greater than I thought. I wished more would have been here. I wanted to spend some more money in Lakfakalle."
 

"As we have been able to predict in advance." Sobash came over.

"Was it so? However, I expected it to be a little easier fight, though." Atosuryua sipped her apple wine. "Further, the result from this."

"And that would be?" Lafiel seemed to be interested. The glass in her hand was already empty.

"Would you like the same drink?" Jinto received the glass.

"Yes." Lafiel passed the glass.

Jinto mixed the honey wine (Ketek) with a stick.

 

 

I did not particularly eavesdrop."

"I think, we would like to know your reasoning for the presumption." Sobash said doubtfully.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Chief of Staff (Alm Kasalia)" Atosuryua went on.

 

 

As you know, it is fortified by satellites. As Commander in Chief (Glaharerl) I would use attack ship (Sopaïc).

 

 

 

 

 

 

This must be a joke.

 

 

 

 

 

"That's right," Atosuryua nodded. "Even if it goes on forever we will go against enemy ships.

 

"Mankind has not developed the technology for a safe war yet."

"Yes," Atosuryua insisted. "but there is a difference between attacking and sinking a ship which results in killing people, and killing people by attacking and sinking a ship."

"You have a unique view." the Captain (Salerl) of the ‘Nacaubh’ expressed his impression.

"Don't you think so?"

"I have to disagree. Don't you believe that the different views will result in a different way in how combat is being fought?"

"Certainly," Atosuryua said with a reserved praise, "but somehow it surely doesn't feel right."

Jinto understood her feelings.

Jinto was unable to have this sense of the Abh.

 

 

 

 

"No, I should say that it's the only military star system. The Union has concentrated almost all the production capacity in this star system.

I wonder if the ‘Four Nations Alliance Treaty’ have not forgotten, that the Empire (Frybar) is their enemy.

"I think it's a historical issue" said the Captain (Salerl) of the ‘Nacaubh’.

 

 

 

"isn't it thanks to the lack of common sense that we are able to see the end of the war?"

"What do you mean?" tilting her head, Atosuryua asked.

"Since the star system lost the means to contact the outside, the ‘People's Sovereign Stellar Union star system’ has already lost its ability to sustain successive operations." Sobash stated his thoughts.

They can't request help from their allies either.

 

 

"It cannot be anything other than this."
 

"It would be good if it were true." Atosuryua said seemingly a bit disappointed.

"I think that's very regrettable." said the Captain (Salerl) of the ‘Marscaubh’.

"You don't have enough with fighting?" Atosuryua asked.

"Yes."

"That's alright." said the Captain of the ‘Nacaubh’. "The ‘United Mankind’ is surely giving its all."

"How so?" said the Captain (Salerl) of the ‘Marscaubh’ skeptically. "That nation is in fact very much in pieces."

"No, but we hope the ‘Greater Alkont Republic’ will." said the Captain of the ‘Shutoucaubh’.

The ‘United Mankind’and the ‘People's Sovereign Stellar Union star system’ are federal systems, therefore, they are unlike anything we know.

Anyhow, the same language is used in all star systems, something that's unthinkable in the Empire.

However, this is inferior to the uniformity of the ‘Greater Alkont Republic’.

It has the most prosperous interstellar ship trade and a strong bureaucracy binding the star systems together.
 

Therefore, their resistance will be tough.

"How about you, Chief of Staff?" Atosuryua asked.

"I consider myself to be a trader anytime, and put my heart and soul into it." answered Sobash.

 

"I also hope to quickly return back to the core business."

"How do you plan to manage your territory (Skor)?" asked the Captain of the ‘Shutoucaubh’.

"After the war, I will be left to be a good magistrate (Tosairh)." said Baron Febdash (Lyuf Febdak) casually.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through Jinto's eyes it seemed as if he was asking himself what he did want to do.

"Oh, we shouldn't do this." said Atosuryua after glancing at Jinto. "This is not the place for a council of war. Now, everyone scatter.

Perhaps, it is also good to talk to army officer (Bosnal) from another warship."

The Captains smiled wryly and moved on.

"Well, Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) Gnombosh." Jinto patted the shoulder of ‘Flicaubh’'s messenger (Kleria).

 

 

 

Somehow, it seemed there are two opposing voices.

Jinto began to think that the facility for the banquet was a success.

A normal storage wouldn't have made this possible.

"Your Highness the Count (Lonyu Dreur)." was suddenly called out.

 

After all, taking care of their food and their health situation is Jinto's responsibility.

They would call him 'ship's clerk (Wiig)' or 'Front Flyer (Lekle) Lin'.
 

"What is it?" Jinto asked.

"Is there no accompaniment platform (Derbonyu) here?"

"You mean, the wrist computer (Kryuno) doesn't work?" Jinto asked.

Any kind of functions that can be thought of has been integrated.

Anyway, if you need company a wrist computer will do.

 

 

He would like to make the air on the deck vibrate with an electrically amplified voice.

"All right," Jinto said. "I'll arrange it now."

Another crew member arrived panting.

 

 

The two crew members (Sash) began to make claims.

It seemed they have been competing with a song.

 

Unless I have equal firepower, I will lose."

"You're too self-conscious" said the representative from the ‘Kercaubh’.

 

 

 

Perhaps it was amusing, when they also began to demand accompaniment platforms.

But he soon shook off the idea.

The fight would be far better if they would just compete singing with each other with their amplified natural voice.

 

 

"The order will be decided by Line Wing Officer (Fektodai) Gnombosh from the ‘Flicaubh’."

"You mean the boy who did the chairmanship, the flight officer (Lodair)?"

Jinto nodded and arranged the accompaniment platform. While apologizing to Gnombosh in his mind.

For a few seconds he was troubled with where to place it. As a result, he placed the platform at one end of the edge of the pond.

First, crew member (Sash) climbed on the accompaniment platform, and begun to sing passionately a song from some land world (Nahen).

 

 

 

"It's alright. This is your party, right? To be frank, I don't understand well what crew members (Sash) do for enjoyment. Perhaps this is good too."
 

"I am most obliged."

"But, you know, not all crew members (Sash) are enjoying it."

Indeed there was certainly one group that separated from the accompaniment platform.

"Therefore, I put it close to the corner." said Jinto proudly.

"Your idea was good." said Atosuryua while shrinking back her posture.

 
"I will humbly comply with it." Jinto sighed.

 

Translator's Note Jump up↑ I had a hard time dealing with the chapter title. The title in original can be simply translated as Lakeside. Obviously it had a secondary meaning, a romantic analogy to past time Jump up↑ I don't know the exact designation for a hospital ship in Japanese but there are two types of ships in this category here. Simply translated they are called health- and hygenic-ships. To prevent false assumptions I have decided to leave them as is, but my ideas are: recreational/recovery-, hospital-ships.

Chapter end