Vol 3. Chapter 18: The Unemployed Commander Watches Over
To ensure swift transport of supplies and deployment of forces, a runway was ordered to be constructed at Oil Port.
Initially, they’d planned to skip a runway due to security concerns. But the occupation of the area had gone more smoothly than expected—and launching operations from Fortress No. 2 was taking too long. So, they decided to upgrade Oil Port into a full-fledged air base, complete with defense infrastructure.
Runway construction, however, was a different beast. Multi-legged construction mechs weren’t ideal for that job—too inefficient. They’d need to bring in wheeled and tracked units from Fortress No. 2.
Since a functional runway would allow cargo planes to land and take off immediately, they opted for an aerial drop rather than waiting for sea delivery. The cargo ship was still en route and wouldn’t return to Fortress No. 2 for another three days.
And so, another wave of cargo planes, loaded to the brim, roared down the runway of Fortress No. 2, accompanied by escort aircraft.
"Eventually, I’d like to replace all of this with jet engines. Propeller planes are stylish, sure, but they’re just too slow."
"Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. If Oil Port and the extraction plant operate as planned, we can begin replacements immediately. Jet aircraft do offer far more rapid deployment."
With turboprop engines, a prop plane could still reach subsonic speeds—but supersonic? That needed jets.
If they could secure a stable oil supply, aircraft upgrades would be pushed aggressively.
Out at the oil field, the multi-legged machines had arrived and were gathering detailed data on the subsurface layers. As the scanned region steadily expanded, Eve watched the map and let out a sigh.
"I want to do something... but there’s nothing for me to do."
"I deeply apologize, Commander Ma’am. But this is important for the growth of your sisters."