Red Gold: The Australian Civil War

by Trent O'Donnell

  “I’ll bring you the plans tomorrow Sir.”

  “I’d like 50% more Military staff on the ground at the Vault as well.”

  “Right away Prime Minister.”

  Meanwhile, Robert Pierce and General Harrison Ross hold a meeting to discuss options. Clearly the C.E.A. has acted in direct violation of the Non-military Agreement and aggressive action must be taken.

  Harrison enters the President’s office in the Citizens Republic Senate building in Perth …

  “Hey Harrison. Take a seat.”

  “Thank you Mr. President.”

  “Robert is fine old friend. We’ve had confirmation from the External Affairs Office. They’ve been constructing Corbenthium based weapons.”

  “I’ve just been informed Sir. It appears the Commodore just couldn’t wait.”

  “It’s funny how one man’s decision can change the course of history.”

  “I know Sir.” Harrison Says. “Nelson has always been a loose cannon. And as a foot note, I’m pretty sure he’s still pissed at me about my promotion over him all those years ago.”

  “I’m just glad it was them and not us.” Says Robert. “I want them both prosecuted. Him and Jenkins. We can’t let them get away with this. If they won’t hand themselves over I’d like to send in a team for extraction.”

  “I can assemble a squad and a plan in 3 hours.” Says Harrison. “Sir Despite the ‘Agreement’, we’ve received some very plausible and producible weapon and shielding designs. Perhaps we should start solid research and production.”

  “Do we have a choice! Make it happen. Any other suggestions?”

  “There is still the possibility of an ICBM launch from the Airforce base in Amberley. I highly recommend we task the Aus-Watch Satellite Array to the base for ongoing reconnaissance.”

  “Are we sure that instillation even exists?”

  “All our intel to date points towards it existence despite rock hard evidence. We’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Ok. What else do we have?”

  “Sir ‘Itus’ is almost complete. A couple more weeks and we’ll be ready to activate.”

  “I sure hope it works. Any other recommendations?”

  “We raise the threat level to DefCon 4, plus I strongly recommend having the Mech-II’s power supply upgraded.”

  “Agreed… on both counts. How the hell did it come to this?”

  “Sir… we still might have to enact the ‘Final Option’ Protocol.”

  “I’ve just scheduled a meeting with yourself, Commanders Carter and Atherton later today to discuss exactly that. Cancel you’re other arrangements.”

  “Of course Mr President.”

  “I hate to say this Harry, but we might need Cory and Ben back in the ranks.”

  “I know.”

  In a reluctant effort to appease the West, the C.E.A. sends its Foreign Affairs Minister, Martin Slattery to hold meetings in Orion with the R.W.A.’s Director of External Affairs, Senator Damon Brett and General Ross.

  “Minister Slattery!” Says Damon. “This is outrageous. The Commodore and Gordon Jenkins must be handed over to be dealt with by the law.”

  “Your law.”

  “Yes our law. Either way you look at it, your officials broke a binding agreement. They must both stand trial, and possibly Prime Minister Cameron as well.”

  “Senator Brett… you cannot seriously think that we are…”

  Just then President Robert Pierce makes a video call over the internet.

  “Minister Slattery… I strongly recommend that you hand over the Commodore and Jenkins for prosecution or face the consequences.”

  “With all due respect President Ross, neither the Commodore, Jenkins or the PM will not be handed over today, tomorrow or any other day until the charges can be proven.”

  “Minister Slattery, this is not the time to play politics. At the very least both Nelson and Jenkins will be tried in a court of law one way or the other. If neither of them will comply with the extradition order, the Republic will exercise its legal right to extract both of them and bring them to trial.”

  “President Ross, surely you don’t think at a time of heightened tensions between our two countries, we would hand over our top military official?”

  “You do have a choice Minister. Hand him over, or we’ll come and get him.”

  The internet connection is closed.

  “Minister Slattery.” Says General Ross. “If your PM is unwilling to comply, I have the honor to inform you that you risk an invasion and military occupancy of Uluru and Trivett City. You’re government has 48 hours to comply, and I do suggest you take this extremely seriously.”

  “I’ll inform the Prime Minister. Good day gentlemen.”

  Harrison calls Cory.

  “Hey son.”

  “Hi dad. I just heard the news. Is it true?”

  “I’m afraid it is.”

  “So what next?”

  “The Commonwealth has 48 hours to hand over Commodore Nelson or we are sending in a team to retrieve him. Minister Jenkins as well.”

  “And so we should.”

  “Son… the President has requested that you and Ben re-enlist on a completely voluntary and temporary basis, but only if both of you agree.”

  “Dad, I can’t speak for Ben but you can count me in, and if I know Ben, he’ll be in too. To be honest we both miss the action.”

  “I hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but it has. I’ll call you in the morning. Can you give Ben a heads up in the mean time?”

  “Sure thing dad. Speak to you tomorrow.”

  X

  The corrupt Trad official Gordon Jenkins clearly shaken and weighing up his options pleads with Commodore Nelson for protection. Sonny Vasallo, Premier of Trivett city also looks to the Commonwealth for support, but little is offered.

  Over the phone from his office, Jenkins and Vasallo call Nelson in a bid to somehow escape prosecution, but Nelson isn’t as empathetic as they would both like…

  “We’re fucked!” Says Jenkins.

  “Compose yourself minister.” Replies Nelson. “Your involvement is purely speculation.”

  “Purely speculation…! This is all over the fucking media! It won’t take long for the public to join the dots.”

  “The Commonwealth will block all attempts at extradition or any other claims via the judicial system and all other diplomatic channels.” Says Nelson. “You need not concern yourself.”

  “Sir.” Says Sonny. “We just need to know you are taking steps to ensure our safety and protection.”

  “You have your own security detail do you not?”

  “Well yes but…”

  “Then I trust your men are more than capable of doing their job!”

  “Commodore…!” Says Nelson. “This is hardly acceptable considering…”

  “Minister! You will persist in bothering me with your petty concerns! Keep your mouth shut, stay away from the media and do not initiate contact with me unless requested! Is that understood?”

  “Yes… understood.” Replies Nelson as the connection cuts out. “Bastard arsehole!” Yells Nelson as he throws the phone off his desk.

  “You’re right.” Says Sonny. “We’re fucked!”

  Several hours later, operation ‘CJ’, or ‘Capture Jenkins’ is activated. Techy and Cass are sent with four marines to capture Jenkins at his guarded residence in Trivett City.

  Under the cover of night in the gardens of his estate, ‘Oscar’ squad is in position for capture and extraction…

  “He still loves you.” Says Techy.

  “What?” Asks Cass

  “Brian still loves you.”

  “For fucks sake Jason.”

  “You sound just like mum when you call me Jason.”

  “Are we really gonna do this now?”

  “I can’t think of a better time. Why? You busy?”

  “The guys will be in position shortly.” Cass says. “Get to the point!”

  “
I just think you should cut him some slack is all.”

  “And why would I do that?”

  “C’mon Sis. You guys are meant to be together. You know it and I know it.”

  “Maybe someone forgot to tell him that.”

  “Regardless, I know you still have feelings for him. We’re twins remember.”

  “Maybe… It shits me that you know me so well.”

  Suddenly over the comms.

  “Oscar lead this is Oscar three, over.”

  “Go ahead three.” Says Cass.

  “Guards are incapacitated. Proceeding to mission target, over.”

  “Proceed as planned Oscar three, over.” Says Cass.

  “He knows he fucked up.” Says Techy.

  “Ok, here’s the thing… maybe I still have feelings for him, but a small part of me wants him to suffer for a while yet. Do you get that?”

  “Yeah I get that.”

  “Good! So can we wrap this up now? We still have work to do.”

  “I suppose.” Says Techy as he waves his hand. “But promise me you’ll consider taking him back.”

  “You’re not a fucking Jedi Jason.” Says Cass as she rolls her eyes.

  “It was worth a try.”

  “Lead we have the package over.”

  “Roger that three.” Says Cass. “Rendezvous for extraction, over.”

  Gordon Jenkins has been taken to a secure location in Broome before going to trial, while Commodore Nelson is given total immunity against prosecution by the Commonwealth who refuse to hand him over to the West citing ‘Public interest’ and ‘Classified Security’ Reasons.

  Over an encrypted satellite connection, President Pierce and Prime Minister Cameron discuss the delicate matters at hand…

  “Prime Minister Cameron.” Says Pearce. “This situation is totally unacceptable. The Republic and the rest of the world entered an agreement in good faith and you broke that agreement!”

  “You may look at it that way Robert, and I agree somewhat, but at the end of the day, both of our countries need to protect that deposit. And if we have the opportunity to upgrade our armaments in order to do that, then so be it!”

  “We need a head to roll. We can’t just stand by and pretend we’re ok with this.”

  “You already have Jenkins, so what do you propose?” Asks Garrett. “I just give you Nelson as well and we’re back to square one? Not gonna happen!”

  “If you don’t… you should prepare yourself!”

  “We are prepared, because we had the foresight to protect ourselves and the deposit!”

  “You’re making a grave error Mr. Prime Minister!”

  “And so are you, by not taking the opportunity while it’s staring you in the face!” Says Cameron as he cuts the connection.

  “Mother fu...!” Says Robert as he buzzes his secretary. “Karen, get me Senator Brett please.”

  “Right away Sir.”

  The R.W.A. is about to offer the Trads a deal for their part in the betrayal. Side with the Republic and the West will protect the deposit and Trivett City.

  Senator Damon Brett is meeting with Trivett City Premier Sonny Vasallo in the Simpson Casino conference room…

  “You really don’t have much choice Premier.” Says Damon. “Your city has too much strategic advantage for us to ignore. In less than 24 hours we will have an invasion force on your doorstep.

  “You do realize you’re about to enter Commonwealth territory.”

  “Of course we do. We’re fully aware of the consequences, but your man and the Commonwealth have left us little choice.”

  “Speaking of which,” Asks Sonny. “Exactly where is Jenkins?”

  “At a secure facility.”

  “I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me where that is?”

  “No, I’m not, but you have my word he’ll be treated fairly.”

  Sonny hangs his head and takes a second to think.

  “You have a chance to save the city from destruction Sonny.” Says Damon. “So I suggest you think real hard about where your loyalty lies… with your city and its citizens, or with the government that betrayed us and the rest of the world.”

  “You make a compelling argument, but what assurance do I have that my people won’t be adversely affected?”

  “I can make no assurances, but we will attempt to keep disruption to an absolute minimum during the conflict. We are just as eager as you to see this issue resolved as quickly as possible.”

  “Then I guess I have little choice.” Says Sonny. “You have my full cooperation.”

  “I’m glad to hear that Premier. I’ll be in touch.”

  The R.W.A. cabinet has signed a majority agreement to enact the ‘Final Option’ Protocol. Annexation and total control of Uluru and military occupation of Trivett City.

  They swiftly deploy half of their military assets to Uluru from where they will launch an incursion into Trivett City. The remaining half stays in Orion.

  The Commonwealth sees this as an act of Sovereign Incursion by the R.W.A. and high treason from Premier Vasallo and recalls half of its infantry, artillery and air units to its base in Alice Springs in preparation for the coming enemy invasion.

  War has begun.

  XI

  General Harrison Ross wants all Mech-II units fitted with Corbenthium power cells giving them 15 times more longevity and twice the firepower now that the ‘Non-military Application’ agreement has been broken.

  Troop Commander Jeremy Atherton enters General Ross’s office at the R.W.A. Defence Center in Perth…

  “Commander, take a seat.”

  “Thank you Sir.”

  “I’m worried Jeremy. Those clankers have been sitting in storage for the past 10 years. Do you think they’ll be capable of staying the distance?”

  “I’m honestly not sure Sir.” Says Jeremy. “There are signs of corrosion and the seals have perished to some extent.”

  “That’s a problem.”

  “We’ll try to get them battle ready as quickly as possible. We have a large team of technicians working on them as we speak.”

  “Jeremy,” Says Harrison. “I want the Mech-II’s Lithium-ion batteries replaced with these new Corbenthium power cells. How long will it take?”

  “But what about the non-military agreement Sir?”

  “That’s well and truly out the window now. We have orders from the President to get those units ready to march double time.”

  “It may take a while Sir. The circuits will probably need to be upgraded as well to cope with the extra power loading.”

  “So be it. We’re sending a battalion of Mech-1’s into Trivett City in under 18 hours, and I want reinforcements ready to roll.”

  “Of course General.” Says Jeremy. “On the plus side, with the extra power supply this could give us the opportunity to fit other non-Corbenthium weaponry that we wanted to install at the same time.”

  “As long as it doesn’t prolong the deployment, then by all means. We need all the firepower we can get.”

  “Sir. I didn’t tell you at the time, but we have been researching designs for some far more advanced Corbenthium based weapons and shielding. Should we initiate prototype construction?”

  “Without delay Commander. What exactly are we talking about?

  Over at Parliament House in Canberra, PM Garrett Cameron is discussing deployment plans with Commodore Nelson and Foreign Affairs Minister Martin Slattery…

  “Prime Minister.” Says Nelson. “Our forces are loosely spread across the eastern sea board. We have recalled approximately 50% to Alice Springs in preparation for advancement to Trivett City.”

  “We’re taking an awful big risk here leaving our coastline unprotected Commodore. You had better make sure you have all you’re ducks in a row!”

  “Sir we can’t afford to lose the city. It has major strategic value!”

  “And what about the Rock?” Asks Garrett. “I’d say it holds way more value wouldn’t you!”

 
“Of course Prime Minister.” Nelson replies. “But we need a location from which to launch our takeover.”

  An awkward silence falls over the room as PM Cameron taps his pen on his desk.

  “Slattery!” Says Garrett. “Any news from over the border?”

  “Sir we can confirm the Republic has deployed forces to Uluru. I’ll provide numbers when they are available.”

  “Damn it! This is getting worse by the minute. What else?”

  “Aus-Watch shows the defence perimeter around Orion is almost near completion.” Says Slattery as he hands Garrett a tablet with Itus blueprints. “The platforms are numbered clockwise from one to six as you can see.”

  “I take it that there will be little chance of invading Orion, if it ever came to that?”

  “When it’s operational,” Replies Slattery. “Very little Sir.”

  “Gentlemen!” Says Garrett. “This situation is getting way out of hand. If the Republic take control of the Rock, we lose our most valuable asset, and we’ll be paying them for the privilege of powering our own country. Get it under control!”

  XII

  The R.W.A. has completed construction of the ‘Itus’ Defence System. Ion Laser Cannons (I.L.C’s) have now been mounted onto its defensive platforms to compliment the 80 caliber Anti-Air machine guns and Rocket barrage.

  At the Orion Tactical Defence Facility, (O.T.D.F.) General Ross and Commander Carter are overseeing proceedings as the system goes online. Major Callan is ready to activate the installations and prepare for the first incoming missile test, while a mobile launcher is at the ready 100kms west of Orion…

  “General.” Says Major Callan. “The mobile launcher is in position. We just need you to give the word Sir.”

  “Carter.” Says General Ross. “Are you confident this is going to work?”

  “Very confident Sir. Every simulation we ran ended with the missile shot down at around 30 kilometers from the nearest platform. Should the system fail the missile will fall smack in the middle of the test firing range eight km’s west of our current position. There is no ordinance onboard anyway.”