NOVEL SIMPLE V3 Ch 69. The first counterattack
After we returned from the dragonslaying, we had some time to rest.
According to Emmanuel, the Western fleet should arrive within one week. Until then we might as well do something.
I only needed to convince Alba that it is going to be useful.
“… and so you propose to start acting? The enemy had a lot of time to prepare and regroup their forces. I still need someone to protect our last base.” (A)
“I understand that you need some help but what stops me from leaving a ship to protect, while the rest of us goes to cause some trouble? I’m sure the enemy will be drawn to us.”
“Funny thing is, Mother, unless we start attacking, the Doge will be sending waves after waves. I am sure the next batch of battleships will be finished soon. We might as well strike one of the shipyards, and capture the unfinished vessels.” Suddenly, Patricia supported my suggestion.
“Even if you capture those unfinished ships, they are unfinished, and would lack most of the rigging. You already lack the guns and other equipment. What is the use of exchanging the secure location for a handful of useless driftwood?” On the other hand, Emmanuel was against it.
Now the question was, would Alba will side with me.
“Don’t look at me like this. I am not sure if this is a good idea. You may scout what is going on but don’t take all of the ships. Do not attack, unless necessary.” (A)
“Can we take some sailors with us? In case we find an unprotected shipyard.” Alba groaned, and waved her hand to show that we should go.
In this operation I will have only two ships. Aside from my destroyer, I will take Aotsuki.
On the two ships there was enough space for a few hundreds of sailors. They will be the skeleton crews of the possibly captured battleships.
The next night we were ready to set sail.
With all of the lights turned off, the two destroyer leaders set sail towards the closest Benezian colony.
We left the defense perimeter without being spotted by anybody.
Until the morning we did not encounter enemies.
“It is weirdly silent. Are they not patrolling?”
“There is a small chance they decided we are in no shape to harass the shipping. How about…?” I shook my head before Patricia finished.
“We better stick to Alba’s order, this time. Imagine yourself, we arrive to the colony, and there are rows of newly finished battleships, all waiting for us to claim.” We both grinned.
‘Ping’
“Here we go… Let’s sink a sub.”
‘Ping’
POM
I fired the ASW mortar.
After the first strike, the sub went silent.
As we passed over its last known location, I noticed that there are no traces of destruction.
Even if it was a monster, there would be something, even after its body sinks.
‘Splash’
I dropped the depth charges.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Now the scraps started rising from the deep.
The new proximity fuses proved themselves a formidable enemy for any sub.
As the ships passed the first archipelago, we entered a trade route. It was unpatrolled.
And it was empty.
My Jolly Roger was idling, without any victims in the visible range.
When we were one day away from the colony, my surface detection radar found a small group of ships.
As we approached, I saw that they are two battleships with several frigates.
[As long as they give us the money.]
“Second pennant, full readiness.”
[“Orders confirmed.”]
BANG BANG BANG
My range estimations were off, so the shots splashed in front of the ships. By that time, we were already seen. The next salvo was avoided too.
BANG BANG BANG
With the luck not on our side, the squadrons started closing the distance.
BANG BANG BANG
We were still far enough to be safe from any gunfire.
BANG BANG BANG
Five salvos. All missed.
“Don’t cry, Kuronami. You will surely hit them…” (P)
“Not everything goes as you wish.” (Y)
BANG BANG BANG
After I let the Benezian ships approach closer, I scored 2 hits on a frigate. Meanwhile, Aotsuki already sunk a battleship purely with her gunfire.
BANG BANG BANG
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
90 (!) shots later, I scored entire 4 hits.
It was enough to finish off the poor frigate. Meanwhile, Aotsuki turned the second battleship into a colander.
I was filled with righteous fury, and opened fire at the other frigates.
BANG BANG BANG
BANG BANG BANG
KABOOM
BANG BANG BANG
KABOOM
After a bunch of misses, I scored two consecutive kills.
“Second pennant, full speed ahead.”
[It is the time to strike.]
[“Orders confirmed.”]