In the end, they succeeded in launching sixteen low-orbit satellites and six geostationary GPS satellites.

All satellites were inserted into their planned orbits without issue.

Additionally, ten second-stage rockets for the low-orbit platforms had been placed in orbit. These, too, were circling without any problems.

“The low-orbit platforms will dock with one another in sequence. For the time being, these satellite groups will monitor the surrounding orbital space. We will scan for any possible threats.”

“Having to watch out for outer space too—this unreasonable fantasy world ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) really goes overboard, doesn’t it.”

They had been warned by a certain fantasy fanatic: even in outer space, one must never let down one’s guard.

Supposedly, if someone used magic that manipulated space, they could act in outer space without any trouble at all.

Spatial jumps, gravity manipulation, and possibly even aerial castles might exist.

Fortunately, Commander Ma’am understood such works of fiction.

She judged that no matter how absurd it sounded, the danger could not be ignored.

“When it comes down to it, we’ve only ever been able to observe this one side of outer space. We never could see what was happening on the opposite side.”

“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. Once calibration of the high-resolution cameras and communication devices is complete, we will begin information analysis.”

The low-orbit satellites had already circled the planet many times. However, because they were still performing fine-tuning and calibration of attitude control, observation equipment, and communication devices, they had yet to collect any information.

At most, they had learned that simply orbiting at satellite altitude did not result in immediate destruction.

“We will adjust the orbital paths and position the satellites so that constant communication will be possible.

“Once we accumulate operational knowledge, we will launch other satellites in sequence.”

“Okay. And the condition of Orbital Insertion Vehicle No.1, Booby 1, is fine, right?”

All three Booby 1 units that had been used for the launches were currently undergoing overhauls.

Although the back-to-back launches had succeeded, they were conducting detailed inspections to ensure no problems had arisen in the rocket bodies themselves.

“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. So far, we have found no issues. The same applies to Orbital Insertion Vehicle No.2, Booby 2—no problems beyond predicted ranges.”

Operations of the orbital insertion vehicles were progressing smoothly.

Though each launch could carry only a small mass, the ability to use them repeatedly meant that cost performance was not bad.

Once the safety of satellite orbit had been confirmed, they could implement further improvements and increase production.

“In about fifty-one hours, the geostationary satellites will begin operations at their assigned positions. Once GPS becomes available, our air power will improve significantly.”

“It’ll be much easier to run autonomous flight on missiles.”

Without GPS, terminal guidance for cruise missiles had to rely on imaging or onboard radar. In that case, the low resolution and limited computing power caused a significant drop in accuracy.

With GPS guidance, unnecessary sensors and processors could be eliminated, allowing corresponding improvements in missile performance.

“Hmm, but sixty-three thousand kilometers altitude... that’s quite a distance...”

“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.

“Earth’s geostationary orbit is about 35,600 km, so this is over 27,400 km farther out.

“The library data could not be applied as-is, so all the values were calculated through simulations.

“Whether real-world operation will present any issues will remain unknown until the satellites go active.”

Normally, they would have tested with experimental satellites first to avoid failure.

However, because satellite launches with the reusable vehicles had been relatively simple to perform, and because The Core’s calculations cleared most problems, they proceeded with a real launch right away.

This planet had a larger diameter and mass than Earth, and its gravitational acceleration was correspondingly stronger.

Thus its geostationary orbit was nearly twice as distant as Earth’s, making existing library data unusable.

Also, greater distance meant the need for stronger and more precise radio signals. The orbital insertion vehicles, the satellites they carried, and the GPS units themselves were all designed from scratch, and none had been tested operating in space.

“Once we gather enough operational data, we will launch a set of improved satellites.”

“Right. We have resources to spare, so let’s keep updating everything.”

◇◇◇◇

Asahi’s mornings began early.

Or rather, she simply wasn’t sleeping.

“Now then, I’m in perfect condition today! Okay—breakfast, check!”

The facility prepared for Asahi was built inside the Paraíso leased district of Telek Port City.

Because only emergency generators were available on-site, power lines had been run from the suburban base.

Microwave power transmission would have been acceptable, but the loss was a bit too large for supplying fixed facilities.

Thus they used the primitive method of erecting poles and stringing power lines.

Asahi put the tube-type nutritional gel from the provisioning device to her lips and sucked it down with gusto.

Most of Asahi’s body was machine-made, requiring only regular maintenance and electricity to operate.

However, her brain unit was a pseudo-biological machine that required various nutrients and sugar as an energy source.

Therefore, she needed periodic intake of liquid food.

“It sure has no taste at all! It doesn’t bother me for now, but someday I’d like to replenish nutrients with normal food like a human!”

As she prepared herself, Asahi grumbled.

Because of Commander Sis and Ringo’s overprotective measures, unlike the older five sisters, Asahi had almost all of her so-called biological parts replaced with machines.

The functions needed for eating fell under that category.

Although her sense of taste and smell worked perfectly well, she had almost no internal organs for digestion. She could only process liquid food or small amounts of sweets.

Thus, for the maintenance of her pseudo-biological machinery, she needed to take liquid meals several times a day.

“Speaking of which, I heard little birds die if they don’t eat for a day. That means Asahi is a little bird!”

Stop talking nonsense and get to the site already, Ringo scolded via transmission.

Asahi received the backpack that the doll-machine communicators had prepared and slung it over her tiny back.

“Good morning, Asahi-chan. You’re early again today.”

“Good morning, Granny! Asahi is early every day!”

Responding to greetings from passersby, Asahi headed to her workplace.

Or rather, perhaps it was more like her playground.

Ringo had not assigned her any work tasks. According to Commander Sis, this was a hobby.

“Since this is for uncovering the mechanisms of magic, calling it a hobby is rude!”

“Haa... a hobby... is it.”

The one who responded to Asahi’s muttering was a woman introduced as her guide by Kuravia Telek.

She generally accompanied Asahi, managing coordination and communication with various parties, and covering local customs and unwritten rules within Telek Port City.

“It is not a hobby. It is proper work. Asahi has to study magic for the Commander’s sake!”

“I–I see... Understood.

“For today as well, I have already submitted your application for observation at the training grounds.

“And we will assign a mage employed by the Telek Trading Company. If you have questions, please use this opportunity.”

“Oho! A company mage! That’s quite promising—very good, as expected of Linna-Lin-chan!”

The girl—small of stature and childlike in manner—was visibly younger and more whimsical than her guide.

Yet Linna-Lin Katatsu knew very well that Asahi the Tree was no ordinary child.

Above all, she was a figure who could even order around Zwei = Ringo, representative of the Paraíso Fleet. One would naturally be cautious in dealing with her.

Even now, Asahi strode proudly down the main avenue with two girl-type communicators in tow.

And the fact that this powerful figure was needlessly approachable was another source of headaches for Linna-Lin.

“Truthfully, it would be better to escort you by carriage.”

“I got bored of the carriage in one day! Walking gives me fresh experiences—it’s great!”

For security reasons, she would have preferred Asahi not walk.

Linna-Lin’s hardships continued.