Red Gold: The Australian Civil War

by Trent O'Donnell

  “This is real world Commander. I hope you’re right.” Says General Ross as he takes a few moments to decide. “Major... deploy the missile.”

  “Right away Sir.” Replies Major Callan. “Mobile one, deploy missile on my mark in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Missile launched General.”

  100kms away the unarmed ‘Taipan’ missile departs on-route to the test fire range. 53 seconds later at 33kms from its intended target, all three components of ‘Itus’ turrets 4, 5 and 6 shoot the test missile down 25kms from the defensive ring.

  “Major.” Asks Carter. “Can we confirm the missile was destroyed?”

  “Yes Sir.” Callan replies. “Missile destroyed 25kms out.”

  “A little closer than I would have preferred Commander.” Says General Ross.

  “I agree Sir, but a success either way.”

  “Good work gentlemen.” Says Ross. “I’m returning to Perth shortly. I’ll inform the President.”

  At the Royal Canberra golf course in the suburb of Yarralumla, PM Cameron is teeing off at hole six when he gets a phone call from Minister Slattery…

  “Yes Martin, I hope you have some good news for a change.”

  “Not entirely Prime Minister.” Says Martin. “Aus-Watch has just tracked a missile launch 100kms west of Orion inbound toward the city.”

  “What!”

  “It was an unarmed test missile Sir. The ‘Itus’ defence system shot it down. It’s now operational.”

  “Shit…! Understood.”

  The next morning at the O.T.D.F, Ground Commander Jeremy Atherton and Air Commander Dany Carter are discussing battle plans over a live video connection with General Harrison Ross in Perth…

  “Commander Atherton.” Says Harrison. “Where do we stand?”

  “General we have 30,000 Mech units standing by at Ayres Rock ready for deployment to Trivett City.”

  “So what’s the plan?”

  “We send 10,000 units to the north west, 10,000 due west and another 10,000 to the south west. From there they will enter the city and take defensive positions.”

  “And the Rock?”

  “We have 50,000 Mech units plus 80,000 infantry securing the location. 35 artillery units are on their way.”

  “That’s a sound plan Commander. I’ll wrap things up here shortly and head to Orion. ETA 13:00.”

  “Understood Sir.”

  30 battalions of Mech-1’s are deployed to take control of Trivett City while the infantry, with the remaining Mech’s and artillery at their side, take up defensive positions at Uluru

  The Mech-II’s stay at Orion until installation of the new power cells and re-arming is complete. The CWA still doesn’t have the firepower on site at Alice Springs to repel an invasion into Trivett City, but the Lev-Rail is supplying a sizeable force that’s is increasing by the hour, and preparing to advance.

  At the O.T.D.F, General Ross has just arrived for a status report…

  “What’s the situation Commander?”

  “We have entered the city General.” Says Jeremy. “But CEA troops are deploying from Alice Springs as we speak.”

  “How many units have we sent in?”

  “30,000 give or take. Half of the artillery and Anti-Air units are holding position midway between the rock and Trivett City.”

  “Keep the artillery fire out of the city. I don’t want a war of morals as well as a destroyed city. I want civilian casualties to an absolute minimum.”

  “Understood Sir.”

  “Commander Carter. What can we have in the Air?”

  “General we have fifteen K-18’s ready to deploy with anti-ground capabilities. If they were to take control of the city and their forces advance to Uluru, we’ll tear them to pieces.”

  “Good. But can we keep our birds on our side of the border, and still take out the artillery?”

  “Yes we can General, but it doesn’t leave much of an attack window. There’s a ten kilometer ‘safe zone’ on their side of the border before we’re in turret range.”

  “Window or not, I don’t want any lives lost if we can help it.”

  “Yes General.”

  “Carter, the levitating rail line from Brisbane will be the main source of artillery and troop deployment for the CEA. I want it taken out.”

  “I agree Sir. We’ve been running simulations on the strategic scenario computer but we can’t find a way to get our birds there and back safely at this stage. We’ll keep working on it though.”

  “I’m confident you’ll find a way Dany.”

  “Actually Sir, Corporal Tanis has been working on an idea that just might work. I’ll keep you posted Sir.”

  “I look forward to hearing about it. Tanis has been invaluable in the past.”

  XIII

  Commodore Peter Nelson initiates a plan to destroy the “West Pipe” water pumping station located 15kms to the north east of Orion in an attempt to cripple the city and its occupants.

  Nelson summons Brigadier Nathan Hallam to his office at the Department of Defence in the Canberra suburb of Barton…

  “Brigadier Hallam.” Says Peter. “I trust the installation of the new turret plasma canons are on schedule?”

  “Yes Commodore.”

  “Good. We have a new objective. The west pipe pump station. I want it destroyed!”

  “But Commodore, the Geneva convention states…”

  “I take it that you aren’t willing to follow orders?”

  “No Sir. I just think it’s…”

  “You’re not here to think Brigadier, you’re here to follow orders, or do I find someone else who is willing to obey the chain of command?”

  “Of course Commodore.”

  “This is a deep black ops mission Brigadier… Not even the Prime Minister is to know about it. Is that understood?”

  “Yes Commodore. I understand completely.”

  “Low morale breeds low resistance Brigadier… don’t forget that!”

  The Republic Intelligence Agency has intercepted the encrypted message from the CEA describing the plan to destroy the water pump station at 4am the following morning.

  Brian, and Cass are en-route to defend the station in two ‘Scorpion’ combat units with a small SAS platoon each, while Techy provides live combat tactical support from the Orion Tactical Defence Facility.

  Techy has sent a virus to the CEA’s Aus-Watch servers blocking their ability to track enemy units via the satellite array. They have no idea that the republic has sent ‘Echo’ squad to intercept…

  “Command… You there Techy?” Asks Brian.

  “Roger Echo squad. I have your position now. You’re five kilometers out from the station. CEA forces are incoming from the east 17kms out. Four Bush Masters. Air support is standing by.”

  “Roger that! Squad… ETA in three minutes. Cass, you take Alpha team to the south of the control building. I’ll take Bravo with me to the north.”

  “We’ll be ready.” Says Cass over the comm link. “Try not to be late to the party.”

  “Jesus Cass. How long are you gonna keep up with this? I said I was sorry.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Cass says as she and her team take the southern exit. “Just get you’re squad in position.”

  With Cass and her men taking up sniper and grenade positions south of the pumping station, Brian is setting up his team on the north for an ambush, but the four Bushmasters pull up well short of the target area to the surprise of both teams…

  “What’s going on?” Asks Brian over the comm link. “Cass, report.”

  “I’m not sure. I’m losing visual with targets” Cass replies as she tries to see through her night vision goggles. “Shit, I think they’re flanking us. They’ve gone into the bush.”

  “Which way?”

  “I don’t know! I’ve lost all visuals!”

  “Ok.” Says Brian. “Pull back to the vehicles now!”

  Just as Cass signals her team to withdraw, a flash grenade explodes several met
ers in front of her. Unable to see clearly, she removes her NV goggles and heads in the direction she thinks the vehicle is when she is hit in the shoulder by an enemy round.

  BANG!

  “Fuck! I’ve been hit. Squad retreat! Retreat!”

  “Cass! Cass!" Shouts Brian over the comms. “Are you alright? Cass! Come in!”

  “Cass!” Shouts Techy. “Sit-Rep now!”

  “We’re pulling back to the scorpion. I’ve been hit.”

  “Shit.” Says Brian. “We’re on our way.”

  Bullets are flying through the air when a member of Cass’s team who is trying to rescue her is shot in the leg, and Cass is shot again in the head, knocking her unconscious.

  As they near the Scorpion, Brian and his team arrive to offer fire cover when the CEA team suddenly retreats.

  “They’re bugging out Techy. Send an air strike right now to these co-ordinates. 35 west. 189 south.”

  “Strike team inbound. Eta two minutes. How is she?”

  “We’re not sure. The medic is checking her now. But mate, she’s been hurt pretty badly. She’s unconscious.”

  “The medical center is prepping now.” Says Techy. “Get back here ASAP!”

  “Roger that.” Says Brian. “Echo squad inbound. They knew we were coming Techy!”

  Brian kneels over Cass while the medic tries to stop the bleeding.

  “I’m sorry baby.” Says Brian. “You’re gonna be ok. Please let her be ok.”

  In the distance a strike team annihilate the four Bushmasters trying to escape.

  XIV

  While Cass is in a coma recovering in hospital with Brian at her side, the Republic sends an undercover team to recover an Energy Pulse Sniper Rifle and the Plasma Cannon blueprints from an inside contact in Tasmania.

  The Phoenix is on approach for landing in a forest clearing on Mount Wellington overlooking Hobart. On board is Cory, Ben, Techy, and 3 SAS security escorts…

  “So Cass is gonna be ok?” Asks Cory.

  “She’s in an induced coma for now.” Replies Techy. “They’re planning to pull her out of it in the morning.”

  “I heard about this chick.” Says one of the escorts. “Total Bad ass!”

  “Yep.” Says Techy. “That’s my sister!”

  “Ben, start the landing sequence!” Cory says.

  “Roger that.” Ben replies. “Landing sequence initiated… thrusters at full power…break flaps deployed… gears lowered…reverse engines full… Techy… hold on to your ice-cream.”

  The Phoenix puts down in a narrow clearing deep in the forest.

  “Nice landing dorkus.” Says Cory. “Ok we got 42 minutes until that satellite passes overhead. Let’s not attract any attention while we’re here. Techy, stay put! Security you’re with us.”

  “Ummm…ok.” Says Techy.

  “Babe…” Ben calls back to Techy. “Don’t spill ice cream on anything.”

  “Again with the ice cream. Really!”

  “Ok guys,” Says Cory as the team heads off through the undergrowth. “Ridgeway Park is the check point down the hill. Let’s get hauling, we got 12 minutes.”

  11 minutes later they arrive at the check point where Professor Aaron Henderson is waiting.

  “Good to see you again Ben.” Says Aaron.

  “Wait… you two know each other?” Asks Cory.

  “Yep…” Says Ben. “Aaron was our teacher when I went to physics school in Darwin with Brian. Good to see you to Prof.”

  “Huh… No shit.” Cory says. “Do you have the package professor?”

  “Sure do.’ Says Aaron. “By the way, I heard from a colleague that a former assistant of mine has designed an EPG Corbenthium grenade. If it does what he’s telling me, it’s gonna make a mess of your Mech’s.”

  “We’ll inform command.” Says Cory. “Good work professor. Keep us posted.”

  Aaron opens the car boot and gives Ben a plasma energy pulse sniper rifle and a flash drive with the blue prints on it. As he shuts the boot, he gets a phone call…

  “Hey Max. What’s up?”

  “We got movement over here at the base. I can see troops loading up and aircraft being prepared.”

  “Understood. I’ll wrap things up.” Says Aaron as he hangs up. “Guys you better get moving. They’re deploying over at the base.”

  “Thanks again Aaron.” Says Ben. “We know how much of a risk this is for you. Take care of yourself.”

  “You too, and best wishes to Brian.”

  “Ok guys.” Says Cory. “We got what we came for so let’s roll. We got 20 minutes to get up this hill and get outa Dodge.”

  18 minutes later the team arrives back up at the landing site while CWA fighters can be heard in the distance. Ben calls Techy over the comms…

  “Techy… warm up the C.P.G… We got possible incoming. We’re 500 meters away.”

  “Roger that.” Techy replies as he packs up his diagnostic tools.

  “We can see you now.” Says Ben. “Lower the lift and get ready for a quick exit.”

  The team board the Phoenix and prepare for take-off when the incoming enemy aircraft alert sounds.

  “How far Ben?” Asks Cory as he steers around to the take-off clearing.

  “17kms from the west. We got about 40 seconds to hit cruise speed.”

  “Roger that. Max power now.”

  The Phoenix breaks ground effect and makes a rapid ascent. It’s just short of Mach 1 when a warning buzzer sounds again. As the JSF’s close in, the Phoenix starts to loose airspeed and drops back to 800kph.

  “Techy, we’ve lost number two again!” Says Cory.

  “Aaaaah, it’s that damn solenoid.” He replies.

  “Get on it. We’re almost within range of those F-35’s.”

  “I’m on it, I’m on it!” He says as he removes the cover once again. “Damn it, I need to swap out the conduit routers. Gimme a sec.”

  Suddenly 2 small red fireballs pass on either side of the cockpit window.

  “What the hell was that?” Says Ben.

  “It came from the F-35.” Says Cory. “Shit, they’ve had a weapons upgrade by the look of it. Techy I need that thing fixed right now or we’re toast!”

  “I know I know!”

  Two more plasma balls rush past followed by a thud as the tail wings are hit, knocking out the C.P.G. briefly. The Phoenix starts a rapid spiral decent as Techy finally swaps over the damaged component.

  “Got it!” He yells as the C.P.G. powers up again. “It’s back on!”

  “Roger that” Says Cory as he fights the Phoenix out of its spin. “Ben full power.”

  “Full power.” He replies as they finally straighten up. “Speed increasing but we’re still in range.”

  Two more plasma balls pass on the left.

  “Ben!” Says Cory. This might be a good time to test those shrapnel projectors.”

  “Oh shit yeah!” He replies. “Try to keep him at our 7 o’clock.”

  Ben gets confirmation from the combat computer that the jets are in collision position while more plasma shots pass by.

  “Keep her steady… Launching now!”

  The titanium shrapnel canisters are launched from the left side of the tail boom and explode right in the path of the following F-35’s.

  Both jets explode in mid-air.

  “That’s a hit times two.” Ben says. “We’re all clear.”

  “Nice work buddy.” Says Cory. “Let’s get the hell outa here.”

  “Fuck I hate flying.” Says Techy.

  XV

  The CEA has now recalled 20% of its military to Alice Springs and is preparing to advance on Trivett City in an attempt to regain control. 25,000 infantry are dispatched and armed with new plasma rifles in the hope that they will rapidly dispose of the Mech units. Urban warfare has begun.

  In the Department of Defence ‘Situation Room’, Commodore Nelson and Brigadier Hallam are discussing the deployment…

  “Commodore… are you sure these new ri
fles are going to work?”

  “I’ve seen them in action. They’ll perform as required.”

  “I’ve heard rumors they’re not efficient over long distance.

  “They’ll send their Mech units in first. They’re not overly accurate so our men can get in close. By the time we’ve finished with them we should have enough troops at our back to overwhelm their infantry should they send them in.”

  “And what about the Mech-II’s? We’ve received reports that they have plasma absorbing shielding.”

  “You shouldn’t concern you’re self. We’ll have reclaimed the City well before they’re deployed. Once it’s ours again, anything that crosses that tiny stretch of desert will be crushed… shielded or not!”

  Prime Minister Cameron video calls Nelson.

  “I trust the deployment is going to plan Commodore.”

  “It is Prime Minister. 25,000 troops are crossing the urban boundary as we speak.”

  “I’d like this over before nightfall if you can manage.”

  “We will do our best Prime Minister.”

  “I’d like reports on the hour.”

  “Very well Sir. Brigadier… send them in!”

  Back at the Orion medical center, Cass has regained consciousness. Brian is by her side holding her hand…

  “You saved me.” Says Cass.

  “I helped.” Says Brian. “The doctor says you’re gonna be fine.”

  “What happened?” Asks Cass. “I remember getting shot in the leg… but that’s it!”

  “You were shot in the head as well. The bullet cracked your skull, but there’s no major or long-term damage.”

  “That explains the headache.” Says Cass. “And the mission?”

  “We stopped the attack. The pump station’s safe for now.”

  “That’s a relief.” Cass replies. “Where’s Techy?”

  “He’s been off saving the world… in Tasmania. He’ll be here shortly.”

  Suddenly Techy enters the room.

  “Speak of the devil.” Says Brian.

  “Hey Bri, hey Sis, how are you feeling?”

  “Hey Techy. I’ve been better. How was Tasmania?”

  “I nearly died, but apart from that I’m guessing we got the job done. One of those ‘Need to know’ missions.”