[] Communications Mission: You are to infiltrate an Australian facility in the city of Launceston and deliver highly confidential information to a Blue Steel Spy, then return with their report (or exfiltrate them, if needed). You are being sent because of the technologically advanced secure facility where the spy is planted--getting in and out will require a Fog Ship's hacking abilities.
Gunzou raised an eyebrow at your chosen mission before stepping aside, "So you've chosen that one, huh? With your specs and track record you should be able to manage it with little trouble."
"I hope you remember who you're talking to here," you replied as you met his gaze, "I worked hard for my reputation."
"And I'm sure you can build it up again in this new world. Not in our expenses I hope. In ay case I'll brief you on the details," Gunzou said as he let the projector screen behind him light up with the data for your mission, some images of a city and a photograph of a male Blue Steel Operative.
He crossed his arms and began speaking, "A year ago we deployed a few agents into the Australian City Launceston in order to keep a close eye on the manufacturing of Fog based technology. This was to monitor the progress of humanity on their usage of your technology as well as their distribution around the world. Australia is a hotbed for black market deals of weapons, ships, and information. Fog technology or their replicas are concentrated in being tinkered and sold here."
"Let me guess, if they overstep their bounds into more destructive ways, your team would initiate a sabotage?" You figured as you crossed your arms.
"It's one of the necessary things we must do. Weapons that come and go here are unregulated by any of the split factions around the world and Australia has become important enough to be autonomous compared to the past," Gunzou continued before pointing at the emblems of various megacorps, "The whole place is sponsored by corporations with access to the latest in cutting edge technology in all fields. Greater than even our own techs. I want you to be wary of several of these guys and stay clear."
"Surcouf isn't exactly in top shape despite the full repair," Mary pointed out from your side, "It will be difficult to do battle with outside forces especially those geared for battle."
"Thank you dear," you sighed as you shook your head.
"However it should be noted that they will only respond once you're detected. Which means that your hacking capabilities will be put to the test in either bypassing their defenses or floating by as one of their allies," Gunzou went on as you were greeted by the sight of floating metallic antennas, "Great their technology may be, they're still one step behind a Fog Ship's full capabilities. Avoid the Mercenary Forces as much as you can."
"Noted," you nodded as you watched the screen project a the sea you were going to pass through.
"Your mission is to deliver highly confidential information to our operative. They will have instructions on what their next mission will be. You're to return with their report or exfiltrate with them should the situation calls for it," Gunzou explained as he turned to you, "It should be an easy trip for you but it's an important undertaking all the same. Go out there and see the world, Surcouf."
.....
....
...
It was early in the evening when you set out and it soon became night by the time you arrived close to the mission area. You had integrated yourself into your hull to get a better feel for your newly repaired body and it was working out pretty well.
Mary was also in the captain seat doing the job of five people on her own. It had been a smooth journey so far and you were quite pleased with just that. You let your mind wander as you entered the zone before you heard a radio scratch.
"Surcouf. This is Mary. I'm making last minute equipment checks before we enter the enemy territory. I want you to respond so I can make sure this is working. Can you hear me?"
"I can hear you, dear. Don't worry."
"Oh that's good. I would have been quite lonely in here. But I understand that this is the first time you've been in top form. I don't want to disturb you."
"It's fine, really. What about you? You're probably the youngest person to be sent out here like this. Gunzou had his reservations but he can't really make you budge."
"I'm staying with you no matter what happens. It doesn't matter if I'm just a child. I want to help you, Surcouf!"
That made you feel better at the very least. You consciousness took form within your hull and you opened your eyes to find yourself sitting at the bridge. Mary was sitting on the captain's chair with numerous monitors glaring down on her while her hands moved to adjust your output to the optimal levels.
You walked to her side and placed a hand on her head, "Thanks, Mary."
"Ah... R-Right," the girl meekly replied before raising her head, "I'm going to send out a pulse in order to begin our scan of the sea's terrain."
"Got it. Keep at it," you nodded as Mary split apart the screen before her and moved them aside, giving her a view of the screen on the far end of the room.
It showed a video feed made by your external cameras before a scarlet light ran through the area, highlighting shallow coral reefs and sunken debris. There was a huge formation of natural rocks which acted as huge obstacles for underwater crafts of your size.
This place was tactically advantageous. It's probably partly why a facility was made here. There's still a stretch of open sea but these rocks can either halt enemy infiltration or escape from both sides. Mary guided your hull to move away once she plotted out a safer route.
"No signs of hostiles and we're under enough water to escape satellite detection," Mary reported as the screens in front of her reflected in her eyes, "We should be safe for now. ETA to our target would be in 15 minutes."
"Do you know what's ahead of us?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.
"It's the electronic screen Gunzou warned us about. I'll defer to you there so we can pass through safely," Mary sighed as she leaned back on her chair. She let out a soft yawn before blinking, "Ugh, can't fall asleep now..."
"Maybe Gunzou was thinking about this when trying to make you stay behind," You pointed out as you ruffled her hair.
"Sleep won't defeat me!" Mary huffed as she kept on working, "I... Once stayed all the way to 1am!"
Maybe you should have made her go to bed. You looked at the scans before 3D projection of your route was made. You frowned before noticing that upon hitting the screen you had two paths to take. One would be through a network of rocky spires and detection buoys and another would be through the patrol line of the mercenary ships.
Leaning forward, you then asked, "Mary, along the patrol routes, how many are out there right now?"
"Huh? Well I have the data right here from our last scan. They're using some advanced equipment but there should be 4 ships in total. Unmanned, autonomous drones... Hunting Dogs," Mary replied as she showed you the specifications of the ships.
"I see. They must be equipped for ASW. I might try to hack them but we could always just pass through more dangerous terrain," You murmured as you leaned on your companion's seat.
"What's your decision, Surcouf?" Mary asked as if hoping you'd pick a reasonable path.
[Major Action]
[] Go through the Drone Patrol Route. You'll disable them as you pass by. You're not going to risk scratching your hull or exploding a mine.
[] Go through the rough Terrain. There may be detection Buoys and a whole lot of rocks but they won't shoot at you at least.
