“I hate those.” Says Cass. “Tell me about it later ok.”
“Yeah sure.”
Brian’s phone rings.
“Yes Private Dalton.”
“Sir, Commander Atherton requests yours and Corporal Tanis’s presents at the Mech Control Center stat!”
“We’ll be there in 20.”
“Understood Sir.”
“Techy, we gotta go. Sorry Cass, duty calls.”
“You guys go. I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Says Brian.
“Take Care Sis. See you soon.”
XVI
Meanwhile, The Commonwealth sends a mercenary, Ryann Carrera, to assassinate Gordon Jenkins who has incriminating information on the east and its illegal weapons program, among other things.
Ryann has his own aircraft, The Osprey, ‘VH-403’ re-built from previous and current fighter jet components and technology. His military service during the One Nation era allows him special flight clearance to operate his lucrative and questionable dealings across both countries.
Commodore Peter Nelson is waiting for Carrera at a secret location in southern Kakadu…
“You’re late.” Says Peter.
“It was unavoidable.” Says Ryann. “You’re little war is causing all sorts of problems getting flight clearance to cross the border.”
“In future input this code with your flight plan, it should expedite your journey.” Peter passes Ryann a flash-drive. “We have a problem that needs to be dealt with.”
“I’m listening.”
“Jenkins has information other than what’s been leaked all over the media.”
“What sort of information?” Ryann Asks.
“That’s not you’re concern. I need him taken out of the picture… permanently!” Peter hands Ryann a black brief case. “He’s being held at Supermax in Broome. The floor plans are on that Holo-drive.”
“What’s this?” Asks Ryann.
“One of two prototype plasma sniper rifles. Get some practice. I need this done before the end of the week. You have three days left.”
“And my fee?”
“Five million.”
“Make it ten!” Says Ryann. “I’ll need half up front in my account. The other half in gold bullion.”
“You’ll get your gold when the job’s done.”
“I’d better!”
XVII
Commonwealth and Republic ground forces engage in battle at Trivett City which is now 10% destroyed. Both sides hold territory on each side of Main Street which runs north to south through the center of the City.
Troop Commander Jeremy Atherton watches the Mech-1’s fall in rapid succession as he oversees the battle from a nearby Mech Control Center (M.C.C.), while CEA ground forces advance…
“Jesus H Christ.” Yells Jeremy. “And we were supposed to hold off an invasion with these things in ‘2025’! They’re fucking useless! Private…! Where the hell is Reynolds?”
“I’m not sure Sir.” Says Private Dalton. “We called him in 30 minutes ago.”
“Right here Sir.” Brian shouts as he enters the M.C.C. “I have Corporal Tanis with me too.”
“Good, we could do with his help. Tanis! What do we know? Any weaknesses?”
“Yes Commander.” Says Techy. “According to our data, their laser guns only have an effective range of about 800 meters.”
“And then what?” Asks Jeremy.
“Any further than that and the plasma discharge starts to disintegrate as it hits dust and pollution particles in the air.” Says Techy. “It seems they weren’t designed with ‘range’ in mind.”
“Net result?”
“At 1500 meters it would be like being punched… by a hot cattle prod. You’d be lucky to light your cigar from the blast Sir.”
“Any recommendations?”
“Sir I hardly feel I’m in a position to offer advice. Strategic or otherwise.”
“Garbage Jason!” Says Jeremy. “I’ve been your mentor for nearly three years now. You know as much about strategy if not more than I do. You’re as ready as you can be given the circumstances.”
“I do have an idea or two Sir.”
“Fire away Corporal!”
“I suggest we take up sniper positions 1800 meters from Main Street over on 7th. If we can hold that line we can send the clunkers in as bait while we pick off their troops. And at least we might gain some ground back.”
“They have 20,000 boots on the ground, and I wanna be home for dinner! Any better ideas?”
“No Sir sorry.” Says Techy. “Not at the moment.”
“Well… It’s a shit plan… but I like shit plans! Reynolds, get on it!”
“Roger that Sir.” Says Brian. “Squad… form up!”
“Corporal before you go,” Says Jeremy. “I heard your sister was injured over at the pumping station. She doin ok?
“I just came from the hospital, she’s gonna be fine Sir.” He replies. “Thanks for your concern.”
“Good to hear. Oh, I almost forgot… take this with you.”
“What is it?”
“A present for Sargent Reynolds from your mate Captain Ross.” Says Jeremy as he hands Techy a black brief case. “As you were soldier, and Techy… good luck!”
“Thank you Sir.”
“Radio when you’re in position and we’ll send in the reinforcements.”
“Roger that Sir.”
The West is slowly losing a large contingency of Mech-1’s due to their poor condition and the CEA’s laser weaponry, while the East suffers very negligible losses during urban warfare.
Brian orders squads of sniper troops into various positions along 7th Street while Techy analyzes a holographic battlefield of the city…
“Brian!” Says Techy. “Commander Carter said to give this to you. It’s a present from Cory apparently.”
“What is it?” Asks Brian.
“I dunno. Shit…! I didn’t think to ask for the code to unlock it.”
“No need.” Says Brian as he flicks the latches up. “It’s not locked.”
“Oh... So what is it?”
“Holy crap! Number 3 on my bucket list! Brian says with a huge grin. “It’s a plasma sniper rifle by the look of it!”
“Oh… that’s what we retrieved from Hobart. While you’re getting all excited, we got troops advancing over Main Street. Its time!”
“Roger that.” Brian says. “I’m gonna assemble this baby and line the scope up on that tree over there. Call in the reinforcements.”
“Command, this is Corporal Tanis. We are in position. Send in the clankers.”
“Mech’s inbound to designated coordinates. ETA three minutes!”
Brian and Techy take up snipe position under an abandoned truck. He searches for a target through his scope while Techy watches on through binoculars…
“Ok Mr ‘first in my class at sniper school’ what ya got?”
“Trooper by the Shell service station.” Brian says as he adjusts the zoom.
BANG!
“You missed!” Says Techy.
“No I didn’t.” Brian says. “I took out his radio. I don’t think he even noticed.”
“Oh… nice shot!”
CLICK!
“What… it’s not working?”
“No.” Says Brian. As he scans the gun. “There’s a three second recharge delay.”
“How do you know that?”
“It says here on the side of the grip.”
“Right.” Techy says.
BANG!
“Got him!”
The Mech’s slowly advance toward Main Street in multiple squads while the CEA troops that infiltrated western Trivett City retreat as high caliber sniper rounds wiz past their heads.
With the Eastern forces slowly withdrawing and the R.W.A. advancing, suddenly it starts to rain…
“Hey!” Says Techy. “What’s going on with the clankers?”
“Oh fuck… it’s raining!�
� Says Brian. “They’re shorting out.”
“Oh crap.” Techy says as he switches his comms on. “Command, we have a situation!”
“Roger that. We can see from here.”
“I recommend a full retreat.” Says Techy. “We’re gonna lose them all if it keeps raining like this!”
“Understood. Mech recall in progress but the snipers stay! We’re sending in infantry for support. Report back to M.C.C. at Uluru.”
“We’re on our way.”
The Mech-1’s retreat back to Uluru where they hold ground with the infantry while Techy and Brian are given new orders from General Ross.
“Boys, you’re going on a mission!”
“What about Trivett City Sir?” Says Brian.
“We can’t hold it.” Says General Ross. “We’ve lost over 5,000 Mech’s in the last six hours. We can’t sustain losses on that scale, especially if it keeps raining.”
“So what are our orders Sir?” Says Techy.
“You’re both to report to Captain Ross and Captain Callaway in hanger Delta at 09:00. You’re gonna take out that levitating train line to Brisbane.”
“Wow!” Says Brian. “Ballsy.”
“Fuck…! I hate flying.” Says Techy.
XVIII
Cory, Ben, Techy and Brian are sent to cripple the ‘Central-East’ levitating rail line. On board are four ‘unguided’ Corbenthium/Mercury tipped bombs.
With the help of the newly installed camouflage system they approach Commonwealth airspace, but it suffers sporadic failures after they cross the border on approach to their target…
‘Ok Techy.” Says Cory. “We’re 20ks out from the border. Time to engage that camo.”
“You sure this is gonna work Techy?” Asks Brian.
“Yep… Pretty sure.” He says as he initiates the cloaking procedure on the computer. “Camo engaged… We should have full cloak.”
“How’s it looking Ben?” Cory asks.
“Looks good actually. All I can see is the ground.” He replies as he looks out the window where the wing should be. “I’ll never doubt you again Techy. Nice job.”
“I’ll keep us at 1200kph.” Says Cory. “I don’t want any Con-trails giving away our position.
The Phoenix crosses the border into the CEA in full cloak and stealth mode, while the cockpit becomes eerily quiet.
“Turrets below Cory.” Says Ben.
“Yep I see em.” He replies. “So far so good. Let’s just hope it stays that way.”
“Start a bank left to 350 on my mark in 3, 2, 1.”
“Roger that. Heading change 350.”
As Cory banks left to line up with the target, suddenly the cloak failure alarm sounds.
“Shit...! What’s going on Techy?” Cory asks.
“I dunno. There’s nothing on the diagnostics screen.” He replies as the warning switches off.
“Ok, that was weird. Is it meant to do that Techy?” Asks Brian.
“No it’s not meant to bloody do that!” Techy replies. “You just get your bombs ready Mr!”
“Well I don’t think they’ve spotted us.” Says Ben. “I got nothing on the radar.”
“Ok, we’re on mission still.” Cory says. “Brian, we’re closing in on the target. Get those bombs ready mate.”
“Roger that.” He replies. “Opening bomb bay doors. Stay on this altitude Cory.”
“Understood. Ben… how we looking.”
“All clear on radar.” Says Ben. “30 seconds from target.”
“Brian… we’re in range in 10… 3, 2, 1. At your leisure mate.”
“Target in sight.” Brian replies. “Bombs in 3, 2, 1, bombs out.”
The phoenix flies parallel 5,000ft overhead of the railway line at 1200kph as the four Corbenthium/Mercury tipped bombs are dropped from her underside.
The bombs hit the rail line at the speed of sound and obliterate 500 meters of earth in a red cloud of lightning. A 10 meter deep channel is left behind where the track should be, halting the deployment of CEA forces from Brisbane.
“Oooow, That shits been owned!” Says Brian.
“Roger that. Brian, code in. Let command know the package has been delivered.” Cory says.
“On it.”
“New heading Cory 290.” Says Ben. “Left bank in 10… 3, 2, 1… ”
“290.”
Suddenly the camo failure warning sounds again.
“What, the camo again?” Asks Ben.
“All systems are showing normal operation.” Says Techy. “I dunno what’s wrong with it.”
“This is totally not what we need right now!” Says Cory.
“We’re five kilometers out from those turrets.’ Says Ben. “We gotta get us some altitude so we can out range the ordinance.”
“Hang on guys!” Says Cory. “We’re going up hard!”
Cory pulls back hard on the stick while he slams the engines to 100%. A warning sounds enemy aircraft in the vicinity.
“We got movement Cory.” Says Ben. “Looks like six incoming from the south east.”
The CEA defensive turrets have a part lock on the Phoenix as it passes overhead at 7,000ft in a sharp climb. Six plasma shots pass without impact but two 90 caliber rounds smash the left wing to bits.
“We got impact Cory.” Says Ben as more warning buzzers sound. “We’ve lost the outside left aileron.”
“Yeah I can tell.” Says Cory. “She’s feeling pretty sloppy, but we’re under control and more importantly, over the border.”
“That’s awesome…” Says Ben. “But they’re still chasing us.”
“Crap, how far to the Orion defence perimeter.”
“30 clicks. We’re losing air speed but we should make it.”
“C’mon baby, you can make it.” Cory says to the Phoenix.
“I got incoming from in front.” Says Ben. “Our guys are en-route. The JSF’s are breaking off.”
“Just in time too.” Says Cory. “I know what you’re doing this weekend Techy.”
“This is bull shit! I can’t find anything wrong with it.” Says Techy. “It’s receiving interference from somewhere but I can’t work out what or why.”
“You’ll figure it out”
“I gotta get out with you guys more often.” Says Brian.
As the crew head back to base, Ryann Carrera calls in to confirm the hit on Jenkins, but Commodore Nelson has other plans for him while he’s in Broome.
“The job is done.”
“You have done well Carrera. The gold will be waiting for you in Canberra, however… I have another assignment for you.”
“Go ahead.”
“You are to go to Cable Beach while you’re there in Broome. I’m sending you coordinates now.”
“Keep talking.”
“There you will find a one of our agents who has developed Corbenthium based EMP grenades. These grenades will tip the balance in our favour. You will bring them back to the Alice Springs Air force base.”
“This will cost you $500,000.”
“Very well. I’ll be expecting delivery tomorrow.”
“Anything else?”
“I have acquired some new ‘armaments’ for you to install on the Osprey. Make good use of them.”
“What sort of armaments?”
“Trust me. You won’t be disappointed!”
XIX
15,000 Mech-II’s are sent to Trivett City for reinforcement but they still suffer heavy losses. The units sitting in backup are fitted with newly developed Corbenthium powered plasma shielding.
Over at the Energy, Technology and Science building in Orion, General Harrison Ross and Commander Jeremy Atherton are watching the first shielded units come off the production line, and go online…
“So how exactly do the shields absorb Ion particles?” Asks General Ross.
“To be honest Sir, I have absolutely no idea. All I know is it works.”
“Why didn’t they just make one big shield to protect the whole unit?”
“It’s too impractical. We thought a smaller shield over each 11 major components would give the Mech more maneuverability. Here comes the first unit now General.”
Commander Atherton activates the upgrade on the Mech unit. Two shields per leg and arm, one midsection, one chest and one head. The Mech stands like a red glowing sentinel.
“I take it there will be a demonstration.”
“Of course General.” Says Jeremy as he passes Harrison a plasma rifle. Let me introduce you to the IPR-290 prototype.”
“What’s the 290 for?”
“Shots per minute.”
“Outstanding!” Harrison replies. “So I just shoot at the shields?”
“Anyone you like Sir.”
General Ross takes aim and fires at the head of the Mech unit. Despite a tiny amount of whiplash, the unit stands its ground seemingly unharmed.
“That’s Impressive Commander. I take it we can send these units into battle as soon as possible?”
“This automated assembly line can add the shielding to each unit in under 20 seconds. I can have a platoon of 180 units to send in every hour.”
“Outstanding. Our losses are rapidly approaching 20,000. We can’t afford to lose them at that rate. Build up a 1,000 unit battalion and send them in.”
“I like how you think General.”
PM Garrett Cameron contacts Commodore Peter Nelson to discuss the battle. Garrett is unaware the Commodore had sent a team to destroy the West pipe Pump station, and Nelson isn’t about to tell him.
Over a secure video connection a clearly worried Garrett demands a situation report from Nelson…
“Commodore, where do we stand?”
“Our forces are pushing the Mech’s back over Main Street. The city will be ours again in under Six hours.”
“And what of the Lev-Rail?” Asks Garrett.
“The Bombing has halted our force recall by 36 hours. Our men are working as fast as they can to repair the destroyed section.”
“They had no cause to attack our infrastructure. They must pay for this outrage!”
Suddenly Brigadier Hallam enters Nelsons office.
“Sir, the R.W.A. has deployed a battalion of Mech-II’s from Ayres Rock. It looks like they have some new type of shielding Sir.”
Red Gold: The Australian Civil War Page 6