Chapter 240 Clearing out the Survivors in the Fuga Island
But before Richard could finalize his purchase, he glanced around his surroundings, making sure that there was no human around witnessing the summoning procedure. His heads-up display reported that there were no human beings around.
With that assurance, Richard selected the San Antonio Class. As he did, the system prompted him with a question: "Quantity of San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Docks to purchase?"
Richard paused for a moment, considering the number of survivors scattered across the Babuyan Islands. It was clear that one ship wouldn't suffice for the transportation task ahead. The logistics of moving a large number of people, along with their supplies and possibly personal belongings, required more than just space; it demanded efficiency and the capability to conduct multiple operations simultaneously.
Decisively, Richard tapped the screen, inputting the number '3' into the system. Three San Antonio Class ships would provide the necessary capacity to transport the survivors efficiently.
The total cost was displayed on the screen, and Richard didn't hesitate. He confirmed the purchase, deducting a grain sum from his gold balance. The system acknowledged the transaction with a brief message:
[Purchase successful. Three San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Docks are now transferred to your inventory.]
Richard checked his inventory, and there he saw the three San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Docks. Now to summon them.
As Richard tapped on the icons of the San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Docks and attempted to summon them, the system immediately flagged an issue. The schematic design of the ships appeared overlaid in red, indicating a problem with the summoning area. Despite being over water, the space was deemed insufficient for a safe and proper summoning.
Richard frowned, puzzled. "What's supposed to be the problem?" he muttered to himself.
A message promptly appeared on his display, explaining:
[Summoning Failed: Insufficient Water Depth. The San Antonio Class requires a minimum water depth of 8 meters for safe summoning. Please select a location with adequate depth.]
Richard quickly realized the issue. The shallow waters around the port were unsuitable for summoning large naval vessels like the San Antonio Class. He needed to find a deeper area, one that met the minimum requirement.
He accessed the map on his heads-up display, scanning the nearby coastal areas for suitable summoning locations. The map helpfully highlighted areas with sufficient depth in green. Richard identified a spot a few kilometers offshore that met the criteria. It was a deeper channel, away from the port's shallower docking areas.
After confirming the coordinates, Richard reinitiated the summoning process. This time, he dragged the ship icons to the new location, watching as the schematic turned from red to green, indicating a successful match.
Satisfied, he activated the summoning. The system processed his request. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared on the water's surface, signaling the imminent arrival of the ships. Richard stood back, watching intently as the circle pulsated with energy. Within moments, the shimmering outline of the first San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock began to materialize, its massive form gradually taking shape from bow to stern.
One by one, the other two ships followed suit. Within minutes, all three vessels were fully manifested, floating majestically on the deeper waters. They were imposing and formidable, each stretching over 200 meters in length and equipped with the necessary facilities to carry out their intended purpose.
Richard observed the ships and the crews. The crews were on the edges of the ship, standing there as if manning the rails. Wait…it is literally manning the rails, he thought.
Turning his attention to the operation at hand, Richard communicated with Graves again.
"Eagle to Specter-1," Richard spoke.
"This is Specter-1, send traffic," Graves replied.
"Specter-1, I have just summoned three amphibious transport docks and sent them to the Fuga Island. Make sure to get the survivors ready for the evacuation."
"Well we may encounter problems," Graves said. "There's no facility in the Fuga Island where those ships can dock. They're too large for any of the piers here."
Richard processed this new challenge quickly. "Understood. We'll have to use their landing crafts then. The San Antonio class is equipped with air-cushioned landing craft for beach landings, and some helicopters, specifically two MV-22 Osprey."
"That's great to hear, I'll organize the people here now. But it's a lot of work for a single man, I might need you here," Graves said.
"Copy that, will go to your location, Eagle out," Richard ended the communication and prepared for the journey back to Fuga Island.
Activating the suit's flight system, Richard ascended rapidly, setting a direct course towards Fuga Island.
Upon reaching the island, Richard descended near the gathering area where Graves and the survivors were located. He landed smoothly, his suit's engines humming to a stop. As he disembarked from the suit, he noticed the anxious faces of the island, specifically those who were seeing advanced technology for the first time.
"Okay everyone, may I have your attention," Richard said, clapping his hands. Paolo served as his translator.
"In thirty minutes, there'd be three ships arriving on Fuga Island, which would take you to the Aparri Port where you'll be processed and screened. There's nothing to worry about as we will ensure the safety of the location while we coordinate with the main base."
After saying that, Richard glanced at Paolo, who rubbed the back of his head. "Uhm…sir, you speak too fast, can you please say it slowly so I can understand?"
"Oh…my bad," Richard chuckled and repeated his instructions at a slower pace, ensuring Paolo could translate accurately to the gathered islanders.
This time, Paolo was able to translate his words and the locals understood the
plan more clearly.
Richard then turned to help organize the evacuation. He worked alongside Graves, directing the flow of people toward the designated landing areas for the air-cushioned crafts and helicopters.
The first of the landing crafts arrived at the shore, guided expertly by its crew. The islanders, under the supervision of Richard and Graves, started boarding in an orderly manner. The elderly and children were given priority, ensuring their safety and comfort.
Meanwhile, the MV-22 Osprey helicopters began their operations, airlifting those who needed immediate medical attention or were unable to travel by sea. Richard kept a close eye on these operations, ensuring that every procedure was executed seamlessly.
The locals on the island were shocked to see when they arrived at the San Antonio Class Warships. They didn't expect the military to be still active in the apocalypse.
Meanwhile, as the evacuation progressed, Richard remained vigilant, constantly communicating with Graves and the ship crews, and coordinating the logistics of the operation. He was determined to leave no one behind and to ensure the safety of every survivor, especially when rescuing them granted him 5,000 gold coins.
Of course, Fuga island isn't the only island they'll rescue, the other islands of the Babuyan.
"Specter-1 to Blackwatch Actual, survivors in the Fuga Island are underway to the San Antonio Ships, prepare the cavalry for mass evacuation, over."
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