“I don’t like what I’m hearing Commodore!” Says Garrett.
“Oh excuse me Prime minister!” Says Hallam. “I didn’t realize you were there.”
“Relax Brigadier.” Says Garrett.
“Prime Minister, I have new ordinance on the way as we speak.” Says Nelson. “They won’t advance far, believe me.”
“They had better not!”
XX
The R.W.A. has re-tasked Aus-Watch to survey the Air Force base at Alice Springs, but they can’t determine their air capabilities. ‘Charlie squad’, Brian and Cass are sent in for reconnaissance…
“You were snoring.” Says Brian.
“What!”
“While you were out… you were snoring.”
“Shut the hell up!”
“I’m just saying.”
“Keep your eyes on the target Mr!”
“Command!” Brian calls over the comms. “We have at least five aircraft per hanger, six tops.”
“Roger that Charlie. We can see seven hangers in total. Please confirm.”
“Confirmed seven hangers in total. That makes approximately 35 to 40 aircraft.”
“Understood. Fall back to rendezvous point ‘Delta’ and wait for extraction.”
“Ummm, command we have vehicle movement inbound from the south. Two Magnums at 500 meters.” Brian says as he looks through his scope. “Shit, it’s Carrera!”
“Engage target… Repeat, engage high priority target!”
“Understood command. Engaging target!”
Brian shoots out the tire on the front Magnum followed by the driver. He then shoots out the rear tire on the second Magnum as Carrera exits the vehicle and takes up snipe position. Both men are in snipe position while Brian has Carrera in his sight, but Carrera shoots first…
BANG!
The incoming shot just misses Cass.
“What the fuck!” Says Brian. “He’s got one of these too?”
Brian returns fire.
BANG!
“Fuck him! I just shot his rifle!”
“Nice one.” Says Cass.
Carrera runs to the first Magnum with his disabled rifle and tries to make his escape while Brian lines him up again.
BANG!
“Got him!”
“In the leg. He’s getting away!”
“Fucking re-load time on this thing! Move in, I want him alive!”
Cass and Brian both advance and try to capture Carrera, but he escapes in the first vehicle with a flat tire and 10 cases of grenades.
“Command… the target has escaped.” Says Cass. “Repeat, the target has escaped.”
“Roger that Charlie. Fall back to Delta extraction point as confirmed”
“Wait command!” Says Brian. “I wanna recon the remaining vehicle.”
“Understood. Recon as requested, but make it quick!”
As Brian and Cass approach the second vehicle they discover 10 more cases of Corbenthium grenades in the back of the second Magnum.
“What the hell are these?” Brian asks.
“I’m not sure.” Says Cass. “But I bet command would be interested.”
“Command.” Says Ben. “We have ten cases of what looks like some sort of grenades, possibly Corbenthium based. Six per case, 60 in total. Please advise!”
“Understood Charlie. Recover contraband and return to extraction point Delta as requested.”
“Roger that command. Charlie squad En-route.”
30 minutes later the new shielded Mech-II’s are sent to the front line and start to push back the CEA troops. The Republic forces advance forward into Trivett City with the Commonwealth suffering heavy losses in retreat.
Commander Jeremy Atherton and Techy are overseeing the battle progressing in front of them on a holographic battle field display. Sargent Daniels makes a report from his station in the forward command center…
“You’ve done an exceptional Job so far Corporal.” Says Jeremy. “I’m proud of you.”
“Only because of your training Sir.”
“Come on Techy.” Jeremy replies. “We both know you’ll be teaching me things I never knew I didn’t even know. You guys are the generation to take us into the future.”
“We still need wisdom and vision Sir.”
“Commander Atherton!” Says Daniels. “The Mech-II’s are gaining ground. The new shielding is making a huge difference!”
“Understood Sargent. Tanis, looks like we might make it home for dinner after all.”
“It certainly looks that way Sir, but I wouldn’t count my chickens just yet. Remember the Mech-1’s and the rain.”
Just as techy finishes his sentence several bright red flashes appear on the battle field.
“What the hell was that?” Asks Jeremy.
“I’m not sure Sir.” Says Techy.
“Commander Atherton, this is Sargent Reynolds. Come in!”
“Go ahead Reynolds.”
“Commander, we have taken position of several cases of what we think are Corbenthium based grenades.”
“Are you sure?”
“Not entirely Sir, that’s just our best guess.”
“How many units Sargent.”
“We count 60, but we think we may have only retrieved half the shipment. Sir there is a good chance the Commonwealth will have some of these bad boys in their possession as well.”
“Understood Sargent. Tanis, you agree that’s what we are seeing right now?”
“I’m thinking so Sir.”
The Holograph shows multiple red implosions east of Main Street.
“Daniels, what are our losses looking like?”
“Sir we have 85 units offline so far.”
“Damn it.” Says Jeremy.
“Sir!” Replies Daniels. “Several of our infantry have been in the direct vicinity of the implosions. They have reported minor blindness and some nausea, but that’s it.”
“Sir, if I might make an assumption?” Says Techy.
“Go ahead Corporal.”
“If they only have half the grenade shipment they won’t last much longer, I suggest we pull back the Mech-II’s and send in a few platoons of Mech-1’s as bait with infantry as backup behind them.”
“And exhaust their supply. My thoughts exactly. Sargent Daniels, send them in!”
“Right away Commander!”
The Mech-II units are recalled back to the western urban boundary while the Mech-1’s and infantry ingress toward Main Street. As the Corbenthium grenades become fewer in number, the CEA troops withdraw from their positions in the west of Trivett City.
Several platoons of Mech-II’s are sent in to reinforce defensive and attacking positions while the R.W.A. advances on the retreating Commonwealth troops. Four hours later the Republic has control once again.
XXI
Later that evening at the O.T.D.F. Commander Jeremy Atherton and General Harrison Ross discuss the day’s results with President Robert Pierce over a video connection from Perth.
Jeremy has requested Techy, Cass and Brian attend a meeting in his office …
“It’s Been a very encouraging campaign gentlemen.” Says Robert.
“I couldn’t agree more Mr. President.” Says Harrison.
“And our losses?” Robert asks.
“22,500 units and 17 infantry Mr. President.” Says Jeremy.
“I’ll start writing the condolence letters up.” Says Robert. “Otherwise, that’s good work.”
Brian knocks on the door.
“You requested our presents Commander.” Says Brian.
“At ease soldiers.” Says General Ross. “Lieutenant Brian Reynolds, Sargent Cassandra Tanis, Sargent Jason Tanis… meet the President of The Republic of Western Australia.”
Looking a little bewildered, Brian, Techy and Cass are surprised to see President Pierce on screen behind them.
“Mr. President Sir! Says Brian. “It’s an honor Sir!”
“Mr. President!” Says Techy and Cass as they jump t
o attention.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you three.” Says Robert. “You’re service to our country has not gone unnoticed. It is with the greatest of pleasure I award you with the Medal of Leadership and the medal of Bravery for your contributions.”
“Thank you Sir!” Says Techy.
“But Mr. President,” Says Cass. “I think someone got our ranks incorrect.”
“Your new ranks are correct Sargent Tanis. Congratulations on your promotions. And keep up the great work.”
“Thank you Sir!” The guys reply.
“Harrison I believe we can wrap things up from here.” Says Robert. “I’ll be in touch in the morning. Good night.”
“Thank you Sir.” Says Harrison. “Sergeants Tanis, as you were… Lieutenant Reynolds take a seat.”
“Yes General.”
“I believe you have armaments ready for our airborne division?”
“That’s correct Sir.” Brian replies.
“Good work Reynolds.” Says Harrison as he walks to the door. “I look forward to hearing about it. In the meantime, you’re promotion has made you privy to… certain information. Commander Atherton will fill you in.”
“Our information hierarchy clears you for highly classified intelligence.” Says Jeremy as he passes Brian a tablet. “Our strategy and the required outcome, the ‘Final Option’ Protocol. For your eyes only!”
“Naturally!” Says Brian.
Meanwhile, the production facility where the Corbenthium grenades are being manufactured is discovered. Commander Atherton is in his office when his secretary calls on the intercom…
“Sir I have Corporal Peterson to see you.”
“Thank you Sarah, send him in.”
“Sir. I have good news.”
“What is it Corporal?”
“We’ve located the Corbenthium grenade facility, but you’re not gonna like it.”
“I’m confused Corporal… do you have good news or bad?”
“Well Sir, we’ve located the facility. It’s in Broome Sir. Cable Beach to be exact.”
“On our own soil. Very well Corporal. I’ll be down to the War Room shortly. As you were.”
Jeremy calls General Ross.
“Sir. We’ve located the grenade facility. It’s in Broome.”
“You’re kidding me. Ok, take care of it Commander. I’ll inform the President.”
“Understood Sir.” Says Jeremy as he hangs up the phone. “Sarah, cancel my appointments and get me Sargent Reynolds.”
“Yes Sir.”
XXII
Orion Aviation’s Weapons Division has completed testing and started production of its Corbenthium/Mercury guided airborne weaponry. The ‘Sky Reaper’ Air-to-Air missile and the British designed ‘Brimstone’ Air-to-Ground missile, and one more surprise.
At hanger ‘Delta’ Cory and Ben find Brian retrofitting the new armaments to the K-18’s and the Phoenix…
“Hey Bri.” Says Cory.
“Hey Guys.” Brian replies.
“Hey Lieutenant!” Ben says. “Congrats mate. Techy just told me.”
“You both deserve it.” Cory says.
“Thanks mate.” Says Brian.
“So where’s the new merchandise?” Asks Ben.
“Right here.” Says Brian as he hands Ben a Sky-reaper missile no bigger than a bike pump.
“You’re kidding right!” Says Ben.
“No. Why?” Asks Brian.
“Well… it’s kinda… small, isn’t it?” Asks Ben.
“Hey be careful with that mate. You’re holding the equivalent of three hundred kilotons right there.”
“No shit!” Says Cory. “Huh.”
“Here!” Says Ben as he passes the missile to Brian. “Have it back.”
“So how many can we fit to the Phoenix?” Asks Cory.
“12 per wing at this stage.” Says Brian. “You’re looking at a weight increase of about 8kg’s.”
“Ok, I can live with that.” Says Cory. “And what about the Brimstone missiles?”
“Well…” Says Brian. “At 23 kilo each, I recon it’s best to stick to six at the most… but that’s not the best part.”
“I’m pretty impressed so far.” Says Cory.
“Check out these ladies.” Says Brian as he uncovers four shoebox sized metallic objects. “Plasma incendiary launchers.”
“Fuck… me!” Says Ben.
“These babies will fry the circuits off anything you fire at within 2 kilometers, but…”
“But what?” Asks Cory.
“There’s around a 30 second recharge time under normal power loading… and 60 seconds under extreme power load… give or take.”
“Demo… Demo!” Says Ben.
“I hoped you were gonna say that.” Replies Brian. “Grab those binoculars and follow me.”
Brian, Cory and Ben head to the indoor test fire range.
“See that Mech unit down there.” Says Brian as he taps commands into his laptop.
“Yeah.” Says Cory. “What’s the range?”
“250 meters. The launcher is secured to the floor over there.”
“Ok.” Says Cory. “When you’re ready.”
“Eyes on the target.” Says Brian as he hits the enter button.
A bright red ball of plasma the size of an orange shoots out of the launcher at 100kph hurtling down the range toward the active and panicked Mech unit.
Cory and Ben look on in awe through their binoculars as the plasma ball impacts the Mech in a red lightning ball, sending sparks, smoke and body parts in all directions.
“Holy shit!” Says Cory. “Can this thing disable an aircraft like that?”
“It sure can.” Replies Brian.
“When the hell did you find time to build these?” Asks Ben.
“What do you think I do in my spare time?”
“I dunno. Shoot things… blow stuff up!” Says Ben.
“Well yeah… pretty much.”
Suddenly Brian’s phone rings.
“Sorry guys, its Commander Atherton. I gotta take this. Yes Commander…?”
A few hours later, Brian, Cass, Techy and a squad are sent to Cable Beach on a recon and capture mission.
On a hill overlooking the Corbenthium grenade facility with the sun behind them, ‘Zulu’ squad is preparing for their attack from a safe distance…
“So who wants to hear a joke?” Asks Brian.
“No!” Says Cass.
“Not really.” Says Techy.
“I wouldn’t mind hearing it.” Says one of the team.
“Shut up Corporal.” Says Cass. “Put a sock in it. Brian, get on task!”
“Ok.” Says Brian. “I got two armed hostiles on the roof and two on the ground. Techy confirm.”
“Roger that super sniper. Wait… there’s another one on the south west corner.”
“Yep, I see him. I’ll take him out first. Ok here we go.”
BANG...! BANG...! BANG...! “Oh fuck!” Yells Brian.
“What!” Says Cass.
“What’s wrong?” Asks Techy.
“A fucking bug just flew into my eye!” Says Brian. “Pass me the water.”
“Jeez harden up princess.” Says Cass.
“Give me a sec… wait… wait… ok, back in business.”
BANG...! BANG...! “Five from five.” Says Brian. “Thanks for coming.”
“Huh!” Says techy. “That roof guy fell onto the other guy. Nice.”
“Ok squad.” Says Cass. “Let’s mop up. You two stay with the Lieutenant, Techy and the rest of you follow me!”
“Techy.” Calls Brian.
“Yeah.”
“Your gun mate.”
“Oh yeah. Thanks.”
As the squad moves in, bursts of machine gun rounds can be heard as a short fire fight ensues. Cass radios in.
“Zulu One, we have secured the facility. I repeat, we have secured the facility. All combatants neutralized over.”
“Roger that Zulu Two. Security te
am is inbound. Let’s wrap it up.”
“Brian.” Says Cass. ‘We’re gonna need at least two trucks. There’s a shit ton of CBT grenades in here.
“Understood. I’ll inform command. One out!”
XXIII
A strike team comprising the Phoenix and seven K-18’s are about to be deployed to attack Alice Springs Air-force base. The ten best pilots in the Republic attend the flight briefing room at the O.T.D.F. along with Cory, Ben and Techy.
A holographic projection of Alice Springs and the Air-base beams directly above the holo-table where Commander Dany Carter is about to outline the plan…
“Techy!” Says Cory. “I just heard about your mission to Cable Beach and something about Brian killing a giant bug or some shit?”
“Ben!” Says Techy. “I told you not to over exaggerate all the time.”
“Pay attention Techy.” Says Ben.
“Squad!” Says Dany. “Form up! You all have you’re orders, now we’re going over the plan one last time. Captain Ross and Captain Calloway will lead the attack and take out as many defensive installations as possible.”
“We’ll try our best to clear the path for your approach.” Ads Cory.
“Fox One and Fox Two will target the runway while Fox Three will target the control tower. Delta One, Two, Three and Four will take out two hangers each.”
“So… it was a small bug?” Asks Cory.
“Tiny!” Ben giggles.
“Shut up you two!” Says Techy.
“And what about the border defences?” Asks Delta One.
“You are to cross the border at 30,000 feet well clear of the turrets then make a rapid descent to engage your targets. We need to make this quick and destructive gentlemen. Any questions?”
“Commander.” Says Fox Two. “Exactly how many defensive installations are there?”
“Five in total.” Jeremy replies.
“Captain Ross.” Says Delta Four. “Are you sure you can take them all out.”
“We’ll try our best,” Replies Cory. “But we’re still having intermittent problems with the cloak system. Just keep your head up and watch for any turrets that we might miss.”
“Commander, surely they’ll track us crossing the border.”
“I’d be shocked if they didn’t.” Replies Dany. “This is a rapid strike mission guys. We’re counting on the element of surprise.”
Red Gold: The Australian Civil War Page 7