Red Gold: The Australian Civil War
Page 3
“Right.” Techy says. “Hey so I built this current oscillator to stabilize the CBT power output. Just plug it in and away ya go.”
“Oh nice work Techy.” Says Cory. “Ben, all yours.”
“Good one babe. I’ll install it later today.”
“So anyways… I gotta go get that F-18 shell.” Says Techy. “Catch you guys later.”
“See ya mate.” Says Cory.
“See ya at home.” Says Ben.
“So… beer?” Asks Cory.
“Yep. Done deal.”
Later that day over at the Orion Defence Weapon Facility, Techy is showing Brian and Cass his new camouflage prototype on an old F-18 shell in hanger ‘Echo’, Techy’s ‘unofficial’ second home…
“So there’s a tiny camera facing outward on that wing tip.” He points. “The computer splits that image and sends a picture to each of the 64 photo active graphene sheets down the length of the opposite side of the fuselage.”
“So you’re just seeing what’s behind it?” Cass Says.
“That’s right. And there’s a camera on the top and belly. Same deal.”
“What about where the camera frames and sheets join up?” Brian asks.
“The software’s instantaneous CGI alters the image on the join tiles for a smooth, almost seamless transition.”
“How much extra weight is in all these sheets?” Asks Cass.
“Only 36 grams each.” Says Techy. “This whole aircraft can be covered with only a 12 kilo increase in weight.”
“And the wiring?” Asks Brian.
“Bluetooth!” Techy replies.
“No shit!” Replies Brian.
“I can’t wait to see it in action.” Says Cass.
“Yeah me too.” Says Brian.
“Pull up a seat.” Says Techy as he enters a few commands into his laptop. “See the brick wall behind the shell?”
“Yep.” Says Cass.
“Now watch the shell.” Says Techy as he hits the enter key.
The left side of the shell matches the appearance of the brick wall behind it.
“Holy crap!” Says Brian.
“Wow… that’s amazing.” Says Cass.
“It’s still not as clean as I’d like.” Says Techy. “But a few more lines of code in the program should iron out the bugs.”
“Well I’m totally impressed mate. That’s Dope.” Says Brian.
“That’s awesome little brother.” Says Cass as she hugs and kisses Techy. “You’re by far the smartest person I know.”
“Kudo’s mate.” Says Brian. “It’s brilliant.”
“Please … it’s just simple photography… more or less. When all the testing and refinements are done I’ll start installation on the Phoenix.”
“So anyway guys.” Says Cass. “I gotta go. See ya Friday for dinner Techy. Bye Brian.”
“Hey Cass.” Says Brian. “Wanna grab a coffee later?”
“I’m pretty busy today sorry.” Says Cass as she exits the room. “Maybe some other time. See ya.”
“She hates me Techy.” Says Brian.
“No she doesn’t. She’s just a little pissed at you still is all.”
“I don’t think we’ll ever get back together. It’s all my fault.”
“Well no-one is gonna argue with you there!” Says Techy. “You said you were going for six months… not five years. How long did you expect here to wait?”
“I’m not sure what I was thinking at the time. I guess we just had different priorities.”
“It happens mate.” Says Techy. “Give her time. Keep in mind though, even if you win her back, military relationships can be hard work.”
“You and Ben seem to be doing ok.”
“It hasn’t been easy, and it can get kinda lonely at times. And let’s face it, Ben can be a major pain.”
“You’re not exactly selling it champ.”
“Hey… hang in there mate. I’m not giving up on you guys, I still want you as my brother in-law.”
“Ha ha ha…” Brian laughs as he hugs Techy. “Me too mate!”
“Let’s go get that coffee.”
VII
2041
In the interim the CEA has engaged in secret corrupt deals with Trivett Cities Minister for Mining and Transport named Gordon Jenkins.
Commodore Peter Nelson has bribed Jenkins for several ‘Off the books’ shipments of Corbenthium to develop Plasma based weaponry at a secret research compound in Tasmania.
Over a secure internet connection, Nelson hold a face to face meeting with the lead researcher, Elias Hunt…
“I’m taking an awful big risk here Commodore!” Says Elias. “What assurance can you give me that this won’t bite me on the arse one day?”
“No-one at your facility will talk.” Says Nelson. “I’ve taken… steps to insure complete secrecy!”
“And what about Jenkins?” Elias asks.
“You let me worry about Jenkins.” Says Nelson. “He’s up to his neck in this. I can assure you he won’t be talking to anyone.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Don’t concern yourself Mr. Hunt. Now to the matter at hand.”
“Well… we’ve managed to contain the plasma charge and control the discharge. We have several units already constructed for you to inspect.”
“What exactly are we talking about?”
“Well, we have this rifle.” Says Elias as he hold it up to screen. “It can fire up to 160 shots per minute, but it needs to cool down every 20 seconds or so.”
“Impressive.” Says Jenkins. “What else?”
“This hand gun can fire off three shots every ten seconds. No cooldown is required. It just needs to recharge.”
“I can see I’ve chosen the right man for the job Mr. Hunt. Continue.”
“I’ve saved the best for last.” Says Elias. “This plasma rifle will burn a hole through just about anything organic within one kilometer. I call it the Red Widow!”
“Very handy indeed.”
“Thank you Commodore.” Says Ethan. “We take pride in our work.”
“There is one more thing… I’d like a larger unit built. Something large enough to take down an aircraft! I trust that’s within your capabilities?”
“It may take several months but I’m sure we can provide you with the right tool for the job.”
“Your cooperation won’t go un-rewarded Mr. Hunt. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you Commodore.”
In anticipation of future conflict, Commodore Nelson has plans to build Anti-Air platforms along the border using Surface-to-Air missile barrages.
In his office at the Department of Defence (D.O.D.), Nelson is intending to persuade Prime Minister Garrett Cameron of the need to install defensive turrets along the border…
“I’m hesitant to construct these installations Peter.” Says Garrett. “They might seem an affront to our efforts to maintain piece with the republic.”
“Prime Minister, I was given this position to advise you on matters of defence and national security.” Says Nelson. “It’s my opinion that these platforms are a necessary part of our border protection strategy.”
“What precisely are you proposing Peter.”
“10 installations in total with a range of 100 kilometers each.” Nelson replies. “We can stage them 200 kilometers apart and 10 kilometers within our territory.”
“The Republic will never stand for these platforms being constructed within range of Orion, or any other metropolitan area!”
“Under the treaty signed when the Republic was formed, there was an inclusion that allowed us to position Air-borne defensive measures along our border provided there were no offensive weapons incorporated in the design.”
“You’re pushing the envelope here Peter!” Says Garrett as he pauses to think. “How soon can these installations be constructed?”
“We can complete each one in under six months. We just need you to give the go-ahead.”
“I hope you’re not
taking advantage of our friendship here Peter.”
“Certainly not Prime Minister. I’m just doing what’s right for the Commonwealth.”
“Very well. Bring the proposal to my office this afternoon.”
Several months later, the southern section of the defensive platforms are close to being finished while the northern section is just starting to be built.
Nelson has plans to add Corbenthium based offensive weapons to the installations when development is complete, and when the time is right.
Meanwhile, the West, in reaction to heated and stalling negotiations regarding ownership and the military build-up on the border, realize that armed confrontation is a real and present threat and starts to ramp up its own military asset production.
The Republic is unaware of the newly developed plasma weaponry but they feel it’s better to be over prepared than out armed.
The ‘Mech-1’ was a Mechanical Infantry unit built 16 years earlier during the closely averted Indonesian invasion. Although they are still functional, the 150,000 mostly tin and alloy composite units have deteriorated markedly.
President Robert Pierce is holding a face to face meeting from Perth with General Harrison Ross and Troop Commander Jeremy Atherton over a secure military internet connection…
“I don’t like what’s happening along the border gentlemen. I’m worried about the defensive capabilities over there at Orion. What are our options?”
“Sir.” Says Harrison. “We have design plans for defensive platforms positioned in a perimeter around Orion, code named ‘Itus’. There are six installations in total with both Anti-Air and Anti-Ground capabilities.”
“Where are they to be built in relation to the city?”
“20kms from the urban boundary Mr President. I’m sending you the holo-schematics and ground plan now.”
“So how soon can we begin construction?”
“We only need you to sign off Sir so we can get started.”
“You have my full approval Harrison. Consider it signed already. What else do we have?”
“Mr President.” Says Jeremy. “You may recall authorizing the Mech-II project 18 months ago.”
“Yes Commander… that was my next question.”
“We’ve gotten off to a much slower start than I would have liked Sir, but we have 230,000 units built already with 270,000 remaining.”
“I hope they are an improvement over the Mech-1’s.”
“They’re powered by Lithium-ion power cells, and the Tungsten and Titanium chassis are far more durable than the Mech-1’s.” Says Jeremy. “We’re achieving much better results than we expected.”
“That’s great news Jeremy. What about the Mech-1’s?”
“They are on stand-by Sir.”
“Good work. Let’s hope we never have to use either of them.”
“Sir.” Says Harrison. “About the ‘Final Option’ Protocol?”
“We’ll discuss that in person General.”
“Yes Mr President.”
“General… what’s our current Defence Condition?”
“DefCon 2 Sir.”
“Perhaps we should raise it to DefCon 3.”
“I agree Mr President.”
“Thank you gentlemen. May piece prevail.”
VIII
Orion Aviation has just completed construction of the Phoenix and prepares for its maiden test flight. The goal, Mach 2 or 2380kph.
Its menacing gun-metal grey body hover taxies to runway 020 at the Orion Air Force base. It sits on the runway threshold waiting for clearance…
“Ok guys.” Says Cory. “Ready to make history.”
“I’m a little scared to be honest.” Techy replies. “And Cory… no funny stuff!”
Cory and Ben look at each other and roll eyes as a voice comes over the comms.
“Aircraft ‘VH-771’. You are clear for takeoff and climb to 18 thousand feet. Confirm departure to the north, report when over check marker 15.”
“Roger that tower.” Says Cory.” Departure to the north, climb 18 thousand feet, report at 15… Ready Ben?”
“As ready as I’m ever gonna be.”
“Make the call.”
Ben flicks channels to alert any aircraft in the area. “Orion traffic! Aircraft VH-771 rolling runway 020 for a departure to the north and climb to 18,000 feet, Orion!”
“All good Techy?” Says Cory.
“All good.” He replies.
“Then let’s do this.”
Cory pushes the thrust levers to 100%, when suddenly a warning buzzer sounds and the Phoenix starts to yaw hard to the left…
“Wait! Wait!” Yells Techy as Cory slams the leavers back to idle.
“Holy shit Techy! Brian yells. “What happened?”
“I’m not sure. Checking now.” He replies as he scans the ElMag wiring diagram on the HUD swipe screen.
“VH-771, this is Orion tower. Is everything ok out there?”
“Minor technical problem tower.” Says Ben. “Will advise shortly.”
“Roger that. Take all the time you need.”
“Looks like number two’s servo is playing up.” Techy says as he kicks the panel that houses the solenoid and the warning buzzer switches off.
“Ummm, we good now Techy?” Cory asks.
“Gimme a sec.” Techy says as he removes the cover. “We got a loose connection… Yep, all good.”
“Ok, let’s try that again.” Says Cory. “Make the call Ben.”
“Making call.”
The ElMags roar to life as the Phoenix starts to head down the runway gaining increasing speed. It leaves the earth well short of the ‘Minimum Take-off’ distance.
“Woo hoooo.” Cory yells as they climb toward cruise altitude.
Techy runs diagnostics and makes adjustment to various parts of the aircraft while Ben closes the vertical thruster covers and raises the landing gear.
“I’m gonna use 80% climb power Ben.” Says Cory. “How’s our speed?”
“900kph… 1000…1100…1190, we have Mach 1.”
“Techy, what’s going on?”
“All systems normal.” He replies. “Just making some small adjustments.”
“Call us in Ben.” Says Cory. “Approaching marker 15 now.”
“Wilco.” Says Ben as he radios the tower. “Orion tower, VH-771 reporting at marker 15, Request to leave controlled airspace!”
“What?” Comes the reply over the radio. “You only left 2 minutes ago!”
“Ha ha ha, I know right!” Says Ben.
“Roger that VH-771. You’re cleared to leave controlled airspace. Have a good test flight guys.”
“Thanks tower. Out. 1600kph.” Ben replies as the Phoenix nears cruising altitude.
“Closing on 18,000 feet Ben. Says Cory. Let’s see what she can do. Techy, report?”
“Systems still normal… whenever you’re ready.”
“Roger that.” Says Cory. “Leveling out… Ben, punch it”
Ben throws the thrusters forward to max power as the Phoenix increases air speed leaving thick condensation trails in its wake as it nears Mach 2. The ElMags suddenly go near silent while the airflow roars through the rear of the turbines.
“1900kph.” Says Ben as he scans the instruments. “2000… 2100… 2200… 2300… 2380, Mach 2... Woooooohoooooooo we did it!”
“Fucking awesome!” Says Cory as he pulls the leavers back to 90% power. “Techy how we looking?”
“All systems operating normally. Nice work boys.”
“We couldn’t have done it without ya mate.” Says Cory.
Suddenly a faint orange glow appears on the nose of the Phoenix as dust particles are smashed and burned by the friction.
“Cory… we got St Elmo’s fire.” Says Ben.
“Yeah I see it. Let’s not push it any harder. What’s our speed?”
“2420kph. Yeah I think that’ll do. Let’s do a few laps and head back.”
“Barrel roll?” Asks Cory.
; “Don’t you fucking dare Cory!” Yells Techy.
“Ha ha ha. Roger that.”
The Phoenix test flights have recorded a top speed of just over Mach 2, while the Black Raptor K-18 project is moving along rapidly with 15 units already built.
Cory, Ben, Techy, Brian and Cass take leave and go to Broome in the Phoenix for some long needed time off, but their holiday is about to be cut short when they are called back to active duty.
IX
2042 “TODAY”
With only 1 month to go before the Trads relinquish their custodianship, the world is made aware of the CEA’s illegal Corbenthium shipments and weapons research. Reports are breaking out over network TV and the internet.
Commodore Peter Nelson enters Prime Minister Garrett Cameron’s office in Parliament House, Canberra…
“What the hell were you thinking Peter?” Says Garret. “Do you know how bad this looks?”
“I did it for the Commonwealth Mr. Prime Minister. We need to be prepared. The threat isn’t just coming from over the border, but across the oceans as well. They all think it should be free.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? You’ve done this on my watch and the buck stops with me!”
“If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t have to lie or cover it up.” Says Peter. “War is coming Sir whether we like it or not. We need a bigger stick. Now we have one.”
“And exactly what do we have?”
“440 hand guns, 280 rifles and two sniper rifles. These are prototypes but they work. Automated production is scheduled to start in 3 weeks. We can produce over 500 units per day.”
“God help us Peter. We will both burn for this.” Says Garrett as he rubs the back of his neck. “This discovery was meant to be the savior of mankind, now it’s the bringer of destruction.”
“Prime minister, would you rather have these weapons and not need them? Or need them and not have them?”
“You have a point, and I don’t want us out gunned.” Garrett sinks back into his chair and takes a moment to think. “Fuck…! Start production as scheduled.”
“Yes sir. Also the treasurer asked me to ramp up airspace security around the National Library gold vault. I recommend defensive structures be put in place as well.”
“I spoke to him a short time ago. Very well, prepare the paperwork. We probably should have done it a long time ago considering a couple more years from now it’ll be full to the rafters.”