ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (1)

Battle of Glenkia Peninsula 3

This time it is short.

- Bokutotsu Zen'u

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Flagship Shimakaze CIC

"The bridge is hit!"

At last, the ship was hit by the enemy who came close to the ship. The report that the bridge had been hit sent a tremor through the ship.

"We have visual confirmation of one remaining dragon shot down... We have now shot down all enemy air power confirmed by radar."

A report is delivered that the 20 mm CIWS shot down the dragon, which had sprayed fire on the bridge. This means that all the dragon riders that were sent out by the Crossnellyard Combined Fleet have been shot down.

"What is the damage to the bridge!?"

Captain Oura demanded for details of the damage done to the Shimakaze by the flames.

"The window glass was partially broken, which allowed the flames to reach the bridge. Two crewmen were injured by burns from the flames, one of whom is the chief navigator, Lieutenant Commander Tasuke Ito, and they have been taken to the infirmary for first aid treatment."

Oura's eyes widened when she heard the details of the damage, which was by no means small.

'Was it the price for not using the Shimakaze's guns...? I thought that this would be more than enough to shoot down eleven riders at that distance...! Tch...!'

Oura bit her lower lip at the damage caused by her own misjudgment, and at the fact that she had even caused injuries that could have been avoided. A few seconds later, she pulled herself together amidst the regret that lingered in her heart, and issued an order to get through this situation with no navigating officer present.

"In place of Ito, I am leaving the command of the bridge to you, Commander Ueno, is that clear?"

"...! Yes, ma'am."

After replying to the commander's order, Shimakaze's captain, Ueno, left the CIC immediately and headed for the bridge.

Bridge

The members of the navigation department, who had temporarily retreated outside the bridge to escape from the silver dragon's flames, were working under the instructions of the acting chief navigator, Commander Ueno. With "foolhardiness on the fire," one of the members was able to pry open the door to the bridge, which had been closed more tightly than necessary and was not in a good position.

"Let's go! ...One, two, three!"

The door opened with a loud bang. The three navigators, who had been weighted down by the door at once in response to Ueno's order, collapsed into the bridge with the same force as before. Immediately thereafter, they were hit by a cloud of heat and smoke.

"Gah...! It smells like burnt metal..."

Ueno coughed involuntarily as the smoke hit his throat. The smoke that had been drifting around the bridge gradually cleared as the door was opened. What appeared before their eyes was the bridge, with scorch marks all over the instruments and machinery.

"Can you use the rudder!?"

One of the crewmen rushed toward the rudder to see if it was working.

"The rudder is burnt, but... there is no problem in operating it. The rudder is operational!"

"...!"

Ueno was relieved to hear the crewman's report. Later, another crew member also reported.

"The compass is no good."