“50% of the market rate Nicholas.” Says Robert. “Take it or leave it.”
“We look forward to the first shipment President Pierce, and I do hope you accept my apologies on behalf of the Commonwealth.”
“Apology accepted Nicholas.” Replies Robert. “Let’s hope nothing like this ever happens again!”
XXX
Later that day in Perth at the Republican Citizens Building foyer, Cory, Ben, Techy and Cass are about to accept medals for their efforts during the war. General Ross is in position to hand out medals, and promotions.
“To Major Cory Ross. I’m pleased to present you the medal of valor and bravery for actions in the face of adversity. Well done son! I couldn’t be prouder!”
“Thanks dad.” Cory replies.
“To Major Ben Calloway. I’m pleased to present you with the medal of valor and bravery for actions in the face of adversity. Ben, I couldn’t be happier with you as well!”
“Uncle Harry Sir, General Sir… I accept.” Says Ben.
“Congratulations Major!” Says Cory.
“And congratulations to you Major!” Says Ben.
“Sargent Jason Tanis. I am pleased to present you with the medal of valor and bravery in the face of adversity. Outstanding job Techy.”
“Thank you General!” Says Techy as he turns to Cory and Ben. “Congratulations Majors.”
“Sargent Cassandra Tanis. I am pleased to present you with the medal of valor and bravery in the face of adversity. Great work Sargent, and please accept my condolences on behalf of the Republic for your loss.”
“Thank you General.” Says Cass.
“To Lieutenant Brian Reynolds, who I am deeply honored to posthumously award the medal of valor and bravery in the face of adversity, and the Medal of Honor, Sargent Cassandra Tanis will accept the medals on his behalf.”
“Thank you again General.”
“To all of our serving members, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve by your side under these extreme circumstances. Let us pray that peace and stability will prevail in the long run. At ease soldiers.”
As the medal ceremony draws to a close, the crew have one more mission to complete…
“Well.” Says Cory. “If I was Brian… what do you think I would be doing right about now?”
“Having a beer or three and recounting the good times.” Says Cass.
“Yep.” Says Ben. “Beer time.”
“Definitely.” Says Techy. “Let’s go.”
“Techy!” Says Cory.
“Yeah”
“Your hat mate.”
“Right.”
The next morning from the top of Ayres Rock, Brian’s ashes are about to be scattered to the winds. Techy is first to speak.
“To our brother Brian, you will be dearly missed now and forever. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts and minds. I’ll see you on the other side.”
“To Brian.” Says Ben. “Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing… try not to blow everything up! At least not until I get there. And by the way… I’ve kept your plasma rifle.”
“Brian.” Says Cory. “I’ll always miss you’re witty commentary and cocky attitude. Happy trails brother… we miss you already.”
“Brian.” Says Cass. “I’ll miss you more than you will ever know. Please forgive me and know you will always be in my heart.”
Cass hoists the urn containing Brian’s ashes into the air as his remains are carried away by the wind and across the desert.
“So long brother.” Says Techy as he hugs Cass.
“So long my man!” Cass yells.
Three months later, an underwater mining survey team recovers drill core samples from a location near the Yucatan Peninsula off the coast of Mexico. Amongst the rock, sand and mud, a soft shiny red metal is re-discovered!
THE END!
CHARACTERS.
R.W.A.
Captain Cory Ross: 28, 6’1”, muscular build, Dark brown hair, blue eyes. R.W.A. Fighter pilot and Propulsion Engineer. Soon to co-head the company Orion Aviation with his cousin Ben.
Captain Ben Callaway: 30, 6’, athletic build, light brown hair, blue eyes, and a scar across right eyebrow. R.W.A. Air force Aviation Aerodynamics Engineer. Soon to co-head Orion Aviation with his cousin Cory. Ben’s partner is Techy.
Corporal Jason “Techy” Tanis: 26, 5’11”, athletic build, blond hair, brown eyes. R.W.A. Military Strategy and Avionics technical specialist for the Homeland Defence Agency. Techy’s partner is Ben and he’s the twin brother to Cass.
Corporal Cassandra “Cass” Tanis: 26, 5’11”, slim build, brown hair, brown eyes. R.W.A. Army career soldier- rank, specializes in Communications and Logistics. Cass is Techy’s twin sister.
Sargent Brian Reynolds: 26, 6’2”, brown hair, green eyes. R.W.A. Army career soldier. Specializes in explosives, weaponry and sniper ops.
Robert Pierce: President of the R.W.A. Robert is an ex veteran and in his second term of office after another landslide election win.
General Harrison Ross: Heads the R.W.A. Defence force. Harrison is Cory’s father and Ben’s uncle.
Troop Commander Jeremy Atherton: Chief of the R.W.A. Ground forces. Jeremy is Techy’s mentor.
Air Commander Dany Carter: Chief of the R.W.A. Air Force.
Dany trained Cory and Ben during their flight training.
Major Callan: Officer In Charge of the O.T.D.F.
Senator Damon Brett: R.W.A. Director of External affairs.
C.E.A.
Garrett Cameron: Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Eastern Australia.
Commodore Peter Nelson: Head of the C.E.A. Armed Forces.
Brigadier Hallam: Head of the CEA’s Ground Forces.
Martin Slattery. C.E.A. Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Governor Blake Travers: Governor of Orion and the Central Western Territory.
Sonny Vasallo: Premier of Trivett City and its territory.
Gordon Jenkins: Minister of Transport and Mining in Trivett City.
Retired Captain Ryann Carrera: Mercenary, transporter and assassin. No allegiance to either side. He’ll work for the highest bidder. Ryann has his own aircraft the Osprey ‘VH-403’.
ACRONYMS
A.C.I.U. Air Crash Investigation Unit
CBT: Corbenthium
C.E.A: Commonwealth of Eastern Australia.
C.P.G: Corbenthium Power Generator.
D.O.D: Department of Defence.
EL-MAG: Electromagnetic engine.
F.C.C: Forward Command Center.
M.C.C: Mech Control Center.
ORAV: Orion Aviation.
O.T.D.F: Orion Tactical Defence Facility.
R.W.A: Republic of Western Australia.
Red Gold: The Australian Civil War Page 11