Chapter 154

Chapter 154 \n154. Search Operation 2\n

“Datum of target, on-top, standby…, mark-on-top! Transition to expanding square pattern, proceed with the visual search!” (Tacco-san)

Under the Tactical Coordinator’s edict, not only using the surface search radar, but all crew members adjacent to the windows also doing the visual search. …of course, we already start scanning long before we reach the search center point. Well, it seems to be a boilerplate to tighten our sense.

(Note: Tactical Coordinator, abbr. > Tacco)

By the way, in the ASW patrol plane, the pilot and the tacco seem to have a higher rank than a captain. In the Imperial Navy, scouts were sometimes captains, so this is probably normal.

Well, they usually able to find submarine periscopes and snorkels, there’s no way they would overlook a big sailing ship, although without its mast or sail, so I can leave the visual search to them.

“Radar contact, 326 degrees, 63 miles” (Radar operator)

“Homing!” (Tacco-san)

“Turn right, 326 degrees!” (Pilot-san)

The radar has detected something. Immediately, the tacco marked the target on the screen to make the target visible on the pilot’s display.

However, that doesn’t mean the ship has been discovered. There are many boats sailing, drifting objects, whales, and many more things at sea…

“Target in sight! It looks like a large wooden boat, but I can’t see anything that looks like a sail!” (the lookout)

How convenient…

“It seems to be the 40-guns boat mentioned in the datum. There’s no mast.” (the lookout)

The location is quite close to the search center point.

And the ship is adrift, or in other words it has zero water velocity, but still flowing with the ocean current.

Anyway, looks like it is the correct target.\n

… If you think about it, there shouldn’t be much ship that leaves the coast and sails alone in the open sea in this era. And with such a large target, there’s only whale that can be mistaken for anything other than a ship.

Alright, let’s get on board!

“Proceed to phase 2! Prepare for emergency evacuation as well as emergency return!” (Mitsuha)

I warned the crews to prepare for two things. Emergency evacuation is when I return to the cabin immediately and emergency return is when I transfer them to Earth without me returning to the cabin.

Right, if I couldn’t transfer to a fast-moving aircraft, I would have to transfer it with me without getting on the cabin.

In both cases, there’s no danger and no preparation needed, but I need to alert them to avoid surprises and panic.

The garment, fluttering dress, good! …this time, I’m not wearing a flight suit. For the sake of convenience after this.

The disguise, Blond wig, good!

The radio, good!

Shoulder Type Megaphone, good! …there’s no way my voice could reach everyone on the deck where there are loud wind noises.

“I’m going!” (Mitsuha)

I said that and then took off my headset.

“Transfer!” (Mitsuha)

I already took off the aviation headset, so probably it can only be heard by the people nearby.

Huh?

I transferred to the deck, but there’s no one here.

…well, I guess that’s obvious.\nThe ship had lost its sail, so there’s nothing to do on the deck. And to preserve water and food, it’s better to stay inside and avoid exposure to the direct sunlight and the winds.

Well then, let’s call them.

I climbed to a little higher spot and grabbed the megaphone…

[Royal Navy of Vanel Kingdom, the 40-guns ship [Eras]! I came here as the goddess’ envoy! Can you listen to me?] (Mitsuha)

Eh? There’s no reaction. Don’t tell me, they’re already annihilated…

Baam!! (Loud crash SFX)

Dotadotadota! (Footsteps SFX)

Ah, the doors and hatches are opening up. I guess they’re coming here…

[There’s a message from the goddess for you guys…] (Mitsuha)

“ “ “ “ “Finally! The pick-up has comeee!!!!” “ “ “ “ (sailors)

No, indeed, their pick-up is coming soon, but that’s not what I mean…

“No, wait, If the goddess’ envoy is here then isn’t that mean we’re going to the heaven!? We’re in heaven, Heaven!! There’s the heavenly goddess as well as the beautiful angels… Despite all the sins we’ve done, the goddess didn’t abandon us!!” (sailor 1)

“ “ “ “ “Aaaaaaah~~~” “ “ “ “ (sailors)

No, wait a minute. Listen to me, will you!?

“ “ “ “ “Banzai! Banzai! The Goddess, Banzai!!” “ “ “ “ (sailors)

[Oi! You lots, listen to what I have to say!!] (Mitsuha)

Kiiiiiiin…. (Megaphone feedback SFX)\n\nI exchanged necessary information with the captain from a considerable distance.

I have the megaphone with me, but the other side is speaking with his bare voice, so it may be difficult.

His voice is hoarse… tte, I guess he used to use loud voice. He’s been a seaman for decades.

Surely, there must be [command adjustment] where he shouts from the deck toward the sea or during the squad training!

Yeah, I saw it in the JSDF’s PR video!

[Well then, I’m going to tell the rescue fleet about your location. Don’t slacken, act as a proper seaman, don’t show shameful behavior, and stay disciplined. Farewell then!!] (Mitsuha)

Focus on the ASW patrol plane up in the sky… and Transfer!

“Mugu!!” (Mitsuha)

Suddenly something was thrusted into my mouth.

“Agu! Gugugu!” (Mitsuha)

As I become confused, the scholar hurriedly pulled it out of my mouth.

“I-I’m sorry! I was wondering if there is any special reaction in the place where the transfer had occurred…” (Scholar-san)

Oh, he was looking for traces of radiation, gravitational waves distortion, or something like that, so he was examining the seat I was sitting on with various detectors after I transferred.

And then, I appeared in the seat where I was sitting and had the protruding part of the sensor thrusted into my mouth…

No, you don’t have to apologize so desperately. You can’t help it because it’s your job. I’m pretty forgiving to those who work seriously. No, I’m serious.

… That’s why he removed the tip of the detector that was stuck into my mouth, put it in a plastic bag, and put it in the small refrigerator inside the aircraft. I wonder if the precision parts were ruined.

Sorry…