“He was taken to the hospital about 10 minutes ago.”
“How was he?”
“He was pretty shaken. Only minor injuries though. Hey you guys need to leave. We got a lot of work to do.”
“Thank god.” Says Ben.
“Dad.” Says Cory. “Let’s get you to hospital.
“Wait!” Says Harrison. “The Major, how is he?”
“Sorry.” Says the paramedic. “I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do for him. We got here too late.”
Shortly after, Ben arrives at the Orion Southern Hospital, room 202 where Techy is laid out, bandaged and on a bit of morphine…
“Baby I came as soon as I could. How are you? Are you ok?”
“Hey Benny, yeah I’m fine, just a little… drowsy and stuff and fine and stuff. How are you?”
“Thank god you’re ok. I was fully freaking out. What happened?”
“Hmmm, there were missiles and... one hit us but I think we shot the rest down.”
“You haven’t heard?” Asks Ben.
“Heard?”
“Darwin Street was hit too.”
“What are you saying?” Asks Techy. “Itus missed another one?”
“Don’t worry about that now. Just concentrate on getting better young man.”
“We missed another one.”
“So let’s have a look at your chart.” Says Ben. “Oh wow, scratches, bruising, swelling, cuts. Nothing too serious. The doc said you’ll need to spend the night for observation but I’ll be here too.”
“How bad is the damage?”
“Nothing that won’t heal in a couple of days.” Says Ben.
“No… Darwin Street.”
“Oh, well, several buildings in the financial district have been leveled. It’s a bit of a mess.”
“And casualties?” Techy asks.
“They’re not sure yet.”
“We missed another one.”
“Try not to think about it. Just put it out of your mind for now.”
“I think I might get some sleep.” Says Techy. “I can barely keep my eyes open.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
“You’re the best.”
“Just doin my job.” Ben smiles.
Just then General Ross knocks on the door.
“General.”
“At ease Ben. How is he?”
“He’s gonna be fine Sir. He’s just getting some sleep.”
“I’m glad. He’s in good hands.”
“How are you Sir?” Asks Ben.
“I’ll be ok. Broken wrist and a few bruises. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Cory and Cass enter the room.
“Hey dad.” Says Cory. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better thanks son.” Replies Harrison.
“Jason!” Says Cass. “Are you ok?”
“Is that you mum?”
“It’s me, Cass.”
“Oh hey sis.”
“He’s a bit out of it Cass.” Says Ben. “But he’s gonna be fine.”
“Has anyone heard from Brian?” Asks Cass.
“I thought he was with you.” Says Ben.
Suddenly Harrisons phone rings.
“Yes Commander.” He replies as he leaves the room.
“We thought he was here with you guys.” Says Cory.
“I’ve been trying to call him for the last hour but his phone’s switched off.” Says Cass.
Harrison re-enters the room.
“That was Commander Atherton.” He says. “I’m sorry guys.”
“What’s happened?” Asks Ben.
“Lieutenant Reynolds was in Darwin Street when it was attacked.”
“What are you saying General?” Asks Cass.
“They’ve just identified his body.”
Tears run down Cass’s cheeks as she realizes she’s lost Brian, again.
“That can’t be right.” Says Cory. “He was supposed to be doing training at the base.”
“All training was cancelled this morning.” Says Harrison. “Cassandra, you’re effectively on a week’s leave from now. If there is anything you need let me know.”
“Those bastards!” Says Ben as Cory hugs Cass.
“I can’t believe it!” Says Cory. “Cass I’m so sorry.”
“Put an end to this!” Says Cass. “Enough lives have been lost already!”
“We will.” Says Cory. “Right Ben!”
“Damn straight!”
“What’s going on?” Asks techy, half asleep still.
“Brian.” Ben replies. “He’s gone.”
“What do you mean gone?”
“He was on Darwin Street during the air strike.”
“No he wasn’t! He’s training at the O.T.D.F!”
“I’m sorry Techy.” Says Ben. “Training was cancelled.”
“Cass… is it true?” Asks Techy.
“I wish it wasn’t.” Says Cass as she strokes Techy’s forehead.
“That can’t be right.” Says Techy. “It can’t be!”
“General, what happens next?” Asks Ben.
“The President has scheduled a meeting tomorrow afternoon in Perth. If you haven’t heard about it yet, expect a call.”
“Payback?”
“You bet! See you then.”
XXV
The next afternoon at the R.W.A. Defence Center in Perth, President Pierce is holding top level meetings to discuss plans to end the war. In attendance is Air Commander Dany Carter and Troop Commander Jeremy Atherton.
“Gentlemen thank you for making the time. Senator Brett will be along shortly. Please take a seat.”
“Thank you Mr. President.” Says Dany.
“The attack on Orion has shown us how low the Commonwealth is prepared to go by striking civilian and military targets. We on the other hand, will not allow ourselves to sink to the same barbaric tactics.”
Senator Damon Brett enters the War Room with encouraging news.
“Gentlemen, excuse the interruption.”
“That’s fine Damon. Do you have an update for us?”
“I do Mr. President. I’m please to inform you that General Ross and Corporal Tanis have both managed to get through the attack with only minor injuries. The general will be along shortly.”
“What level of damage are we looking at Damon?”
“Sir, as you are aware two missiles penetrated the Itus defence system. The O.T.D.F. is 20% destroyed. Injuries are estimated to be around 50 personnel… deaths at this stage are 7 confirmed.”
“And Orion?”
“Darwin Street in the City took a direct hit. Injuries there are estimated at around 230... Deaths at last count… 92.”
“God help us. Thank you Damon.” Says President Ross as he sinks into his chair. At that moment General Ross, Cory and Ben enter the room.
“Harrison my old friend. You don’t know how good it is to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too Sir.”
“How are you holding up?”
“I’m ok Mr. President. Nothing serious.”
“That’s good news Harrison. Very good news. Captain Ross, Captain Callaway, thanks for joining us, and your country owes you much gratitude for your efforts so far.”
“It’s an honor Mr. President.” Says Cory.
“Glad we could contribute Mr. President.” Says Ben.
“Ok gentlemen, down to business.” Says President Pierce. “As you should be aware by now, Aus-Watch has confirmed the existence of the underground ICBM silo located at the Amberley RAAF base just outside Brisbane.”
“Mr. President.” Says Damon “We can confirm the location has been highly active in the last 24 hours.”
“Commander Carter!” Says President Pierce. “We need to disable that facility as priority one. What do you suggest?”
“Mr. President, I recommend we send the Phoenix in undercover. They should be able to disable the silo and leave the area undetected and without de
tonation. That is, if you guys are up to it?”
“What do you men think?” Asks President Pierce.
“Mr. President.” Says Cory. “We’ve fixed the camouflage on the Phoenix so I don’t foresee any problem. Ben?”
“Mr. President Sir, you can count on us.”
“That’s a good start, but we need more of an impact to end this war. What other options are available?”
“I recommend we make more of a dent in the capital Sir.” Replies General Ross. “The Vault and the Department of Defence would both make excellent targets.”
“Let’s not forget the new armaments installed at both sites.” Says Senator Brett.
“We’ve gathered technical data on the defences.” Says Commander Atherton. “They’re designed mainly to repel a ground invasion, not so much an air strike.”
“After they both fall.” General Ross continues. “We target Parliament House itself. It’s highly defended as well but the odds are in our favor Sir. I suggest we take the advantage while it there.”
“What would our losses look like?”
“Minimal Sir.”
“Let’s work with that, unless anyone has a better idea.”
A short time later in the cockpit of the Phoenix, Cory has a ‘Deep and Meaningful’ conversation with his dad General Ross on the way back to Orion…
“Ben, swap places.”
“Of course General.”
“Cory, I wish you’re mum was around to see how you’ve grown up. You’ve exceeded my expectations in every way.”
“Dad, we don’t need to have this conversation now.”
“I know son, I know… but it’s long overdue. Whatever happens from this point on, I want you to know that I am extremely proud of you, and I know if you’re mum was still here she would be too.”
“Dad… I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree huh?”
“Son, you’ve accomplished more at your age than I could have ever dreamed of. That goes for you two back there as well.”
“Thank you General.” Says Techy.
“Thank you Sir.” Says Ben.
“For now Ben,” Says General Ross. “Just call me uncle Harry like you did when you were a kid.”
“I will Sir, ah, uncle Harry Sir.”
“It’s not the same without Brian.” Says Cory.
“I watched you guys grow up together since high school.” Says Harrison. “I know he was a good friend, and he was an exceptional soldier. He’ll be sorely missed.”
“One of the best.” Says Cory “I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
“I can sense he’s looking out for us.” Says Techy.
“Babe.” Says Ben. “You’re not a Jedi!”
“I’m just saying.” Techy replies.
“I really feel for Cass.” Says Cory. “She’s been through a lot with Brian, and now this.”
“She’ll be taken good care of.” Says Harrison. “She just needs time and good friends at her side.”
“Thanks dad. Hey… you wanna take the controls for a while?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
XXVI
Back at Orion, General Ross, Commander Carter and Major Callan hold a meeting with Cory, Ben, Brian, Techy and 20 of the R.W.A.’s best pilots to discuss how to best cripple the Commonwealth.
In the undamaged ‘Flight Planning Room’ at the O.T.D.F. a plan is outlined. General Ross is about to take the floor…
“I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Says Techy. “He was like a brother to me.”
“Neither can I mate.” Says Cory. “He was a brother to all of us.”
“Hey, you still have us.” Says Ben.
“Yeah I know, it’s just… fucked is all.”
“Here’s the General.” Says Ben. “Listen up.”
“Men, you have been selected for a mission of utmost importance to our country. You are the finest pilots in the republic and what I’m about to ask of you could be the solution to end this war.”
“Here, here!” Yells the room.
“I’m requesting volunteers for a mission that will possibly be one way. Therefore I ask that men without families or loved ones volunteer first. Commander Carter will outline the plan.”
“Thank you General. A strike team of 4 aircraft will cross the border and infiltrate ACT air space with the help of the Tanis Camouflage System. Corporal Tanis has assured me it will be 90% effective.”
“Sorry Sir!” Says one of the pilots. “90% effective?”
“We can’t do any better than that sorry guys.” Says Techy. “You’re turbine engines create their own flux vortex around the aircraft which causes interference in the cloak unit circuits.”
“It’s a lot better than nothing.” Says another.
“Once over the border,” Dany continues. “Team ‘Sierra’ will target and destroy the D.O.D. building while team ‘Romeo’ will target the National Gold Vault.”
“But sir the K-18 doesn’t have the fuel capacity to go that far and back.”
“You will only have enough fuel to complete the mission and turn back… then if you’re lucky, you should make it back over the ACT border where you will eject at the rendezvous point on Webb’s Ridge in the Brindabella Ranges, located here approximately 35 kilometers west north west of the capital.”
“So we just ditch a $50 million dollar jet?”
“You are more important to us than the aircraft so don’t lose any sleep over it. From here the Phoenix will extract both teams before moving onto its next target.”
“Sir why not send the Phoenix to destroy all 3 targets?” Asks one of the pilots.
“It’s too risky. Plus we have another assignment for it to complete before we send it to Webb’s Ridge for extraction. If we lose the Phoenix in the first stages of the campaign, we have little to no chance of forcing a surrender.”
“Commander, how do you propose we get past the border turrets?”
“Hopefully the camouflage will keep you hidden. The Machine guns can’t keep pace with your aircraft and the anti-air rockets can’t be launched until you pass overhead. The rockets are around 20% faster than the K-18, but as long as you keep to top speed they should run out of fuel before impact. The real concern is the plasma cannons. If you get hit, the impact will fry your avionics.”
Murmurs of hesitation can be heard across the room, but several of the pilots display a sense of enthusiasm.
“I’ll be taking names of volunteers.” Says Major Callan. “In my office in 20 minutes. Take off will be at 10:00 hours tomorrow morning.”
“Sir!” Says one of the pilots. “You can count me in.”
“Me too!” Call several others.
“Ben, Techy.” Says Cory. “Let’s get some sleep. We got a big day ahead of us.”
At the same time in Canberra, Commodore Nelson is becoming increasingly frustrated with the inability of his forces to destroy the Phoenix.
From his office at the D.O.D. he contacts Carrera with yet another offer of hardware…
“The Phoenix has been pivotal in their strategy so far.” Says Nelson. “With that aircraft destroyed it will put an end to its constant interference and bring certain victory to us.”
“That aircraft is virtually undetectable.” Says Carrera. “Not to mention the armaments. And how am I supposed to locate it?”
“You will fly to Melbourne tonight and have more hardware fitted to the Osprey. I have a thermal imaging camera that will enable you to track the heat signature from the Phoenix’s engines and a radar scrambler to help you avoid detection.”
“I’m already here.”
“What?”
“I’m already in Melbourne.”
“Excellent.” Says Nelson. “Make contact with Air Marshal Peterson at the Point Cook RAAF base. He’ll take care of you.”
“Understood. And the Phoenix?”
“We’ve intercepted part of an encrypted flight plan. It will be on its way to Brisbane in the morning. ETA is aroun
d 10am. Make sure you bring it down by any means necessary!”
“$20,000,000… and this is the last job I’m doing!”
“Get it right and this is the last job I’ll ask you to do!”
XXVII
Later the next morning, hovering in hanger ‘Bravo’ at the Orion Air Force base, the Phoenix rests fully armed and ready for its critical mission to Brisbane.
Cory runs through the flight plan one last time as Ben and Techy make final preparations for take-off…
“Ok, so… it’s now 08:52. Eta to Amberley in 74 minutes plus turn around, then another 42 minutes to Webb’s Ridge, which gives us 25 minutes to spare before we retrieve ‘Sierra’ and ‘Romeo’. Any questions?”
“Yeah I got one.” Says Techy. “Won’t they see our con-trails?”
“I got it covered.” Says Ben. “The ‘Friend or Foe’ transponder will send a decoy signal. They’ll think we’re just another commercial airliner.”
“Ok… I guess I’ll just sit here and shut up then.”
“Techy…” Says Cory. “Relax mate. A few hours from now and this will all be over.”
“I wish I had your optimism.” Replies Techy.
“I can’t help thinking we’re gonna regret this one day.” Says Cory.
“Yeah… I get that feeling too.” Says Ben.
“Ok guys, it’s now or never.” Says Cory. “Ben do the honors please mate.”
“Orion traffic! This is aircraft VH-771 taxiing to runway 095, Orion traffic.”
“How we looking Techy?” Asks Cory as the Phoenix maneuvers to the runway threshold.
“All systems confirm normal operation. Anytime you’re ready.”
“Call it Ben.” Says Cory.
“Orion tower!” Ben calls over the comms. “VH-771 requesting clearance for take-off from runway 095, departure to the east and climb to 30,000 feet.”
“VH-771 this is Orion tower. You are clear for take-off from runway 095, depart to the east and climb to 30,000 feet. Report when over ‘Williams Cattle Station’. Good luck guys!”
“Roger that tower.” Replies Ben. “Williams Cattle Station. VH-771 out.”
“Let’s go put an end to this.” Says Cory.
As the Phoenix leaves R.W.A. airspace, Prime Minister Garrett Cameron has summoned Commodore Peter Nelson and Minister for Foreign Affairs Martin Slattery to his office for a briefing.
Red Gold: The Australian Civil War Page 9