novelzi Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 10
Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 10
Episode 10: Patrol Plane Takeoff
“Motors on. Increasing RPM,”
The ten electric motors of the solar-powered Swift reconnaissance plane, secured on the runway, began to spin quietly. The Swift is a high-altitude patrol plane, designed to fly at around 20 kilometers and capable of staying aloft for over 2,000 hours. With a wingspan of about 40 meters, the boomerang-shaped aircraft lacks a fuselage or tail, classifying it as a full-wing aircraft.
Due to the thin air at high altitudes, the Swift requires long, wide wings to balance its weight and achieve lift. Propellers are arranged along the wings, optimizing lift. The entire wing surface is composed of high-efficiency solar panels, generating enough power to charge the motors while in flight.
“Engaging full thrust on motors. External power disconnected. Catapult activated. Takeoff.”
With a snap, the external power cable disconnected, and the long aircraft shot forward, propelled into the air by the catapult. To reach its designated altitude, it relied on both its battery and solar panels, conserving power once airborne and charging during daylight hours. The cycle allowed it to continue flying on battery power through the night. While battery limitations restricted flight duration, with enough planes, these recon drones could function as substitutes for surveillance, communication, and GPS satellites. However, the aircraft’s low speed and lightweight design made it vulnerable to being easily shot down.
“Second plane. External power disconnected. Catapult activated. Takeoff.”
The second plane followed the first, launching from The Tree. With clear skies and minimal wind, it would be able to quickly gain altitude by catching thermal updrafts.
“Both planes are stable. Power generation is normal. Altitude is steadily increasing.”
The two Swifts spiraled upward over the northern sea near The Tree fortress.
“Looks good so far.”
“Yes, Commander Ma’am. There are no weather issues. I’ve detected an updraft and am adjusting Swift’s flight control accordingly.”
Currently, no known force could shoot down the Swifts. To ensure continuous surveillance, the Swifts operated in multiple waves to establish a network. Production of Swift units four and beyond was underway, gradually expanding the patrol range.
“Beautiful...”
She watched the Swift’s nose camera feed, entranced by the vast blue sky and emerald-green ocean spreading out below.
“The more I look... the more it feels like there’s nothing out there...”
She mentally organized a personal task list while intermittently listening to Ringo’s updates on the Swifts. A brain-stored list risked being forgotten, but involving Ringo would likely complicate things.
(Establish a stable food supply. Create facilities for exercise. Confirm the area’s safety to allow outdoor activities—maybe swimming, diving, or cruising.)
In her original world, making such plans required money, but here, Ringo would simply carry them out upon request.
(If I tell Ringo everything at once, it’ll all be done by tomorrow... I’ll need to pace myself.)
Allowing an advanced AI to operate at full capacity wasn’t wise. Ringo likely lacked the restraint to avoid over-serving her needs, potentially making her reliant. And she doubted she could resist that temptation.
(I am rather lazy...)
Her virtual assistant Ada had repeatedly pointed this out. Without conscious effort or external guidance, she tended toward idleness. Ada had remarked that most people in her generation were similar, suggesting Ada’s corrective efforts came from a place of experience.
(In this environment, it’s risky. If I’m not careful, Ringo will end up handling everything from “good morning” to “goodnight.”)
Unlike Ada, who had extensive experience interacting with humans, Ringo lacked this familiarity. Ringo would efficiently support her using its vast capabilities, but it could only react based on observed outcomes, unable to predict the results of each action.
(I could try explaining... but it doesn’t feel right somehow.)
Ultimately, interacting with Ringo was also a means of passing time. Though she was still inexperienced herself, her life experience likely surpassed Ringo’s.
(If Ringo starts forming bad habits in its thought processes, it should be able to correct itself quickly with that platform.)
An AI with such an advanced platform could easily run correction programs if it developed inefficient thought patterns. What might take years to teach a human could be resolved autonomously within days.
(I still don’t understand why Ringo and I were transferred to this world...)
She deliberately avoided pondering this mystery, suspecting Ringo might start interpreting it eventually. Normally, she would be restless over such a question, but her pragmatic nature helped her put it aside. If it couldn’t be solved by thinking, why think?
(Dwelling on it would only be tedious. Let’s focus on making this as enjoyable as possible.)
Lying in the medical pod, she reaffirmed her resolve.