(Do you all have any suggestions for the new unit's name?)
Captain Daitetsu neither agreed nor disagreed with Xiao Ran's proposal to upgrade and improve the battleships, but deep down, he too hoped that the Steel Dragon Squad's four battleships could undergo a comprehensive upgrade.
The Steel Dragon Squad's battleships were already quite good. Their performance and usefulness depended on what they were compared against. Compared with MACROSS-class ships of various sizes, the Steel Dragon Squad's four vessels naturally did not measure up. But aside from lacking certain specialized equipment, they would not be inferior even to Zovok battleships.
Daitetsu did not expect to transform or equip MACORSS-class battleships. He could tell that Xiao Ran treated those MACROSS-class battleships as treasures. Aside from being assigned to a few commanders under his command, not a single one would ever be released to outsiders.
But if their firepower could be strengthened, their performance improved, and jump devices installed, Daitetsu would be satisfied. After all, the Steel Dragon Squad was a special independent force. Its combat strength was not embodied by these four battleships. As long as they were fast enough, had sufficient firepower, and sturdy enough armor, that was enough. They did not need to stand guard like the fleets in space and engage in fleet-versus-fleet battles.
Daitetsu nodded and loudly ordered below, "Begin the launch procedures for Berserk, Black Astray, Susanoo, and Red Dragon."
"Understood. Orders have been issued. Berserk and Providence will launch first. Launch procedures beginning."
"Berserk and Black Astray have arrived at their designated positions. Passage seal commencing... Passage sealed. Electromagnetic catapult disengaged. Water injection commencing. Injection complete, hatch opening. All launch procedures ready. Lines cleared. You may launch."
As the CIC reported, Berserk and Black Astray slowly activated their thrusters and flew out through the launch passage,