Darlene and Joan looked at each other with a concerned look. To them, the fact that SIMPOC was changing had a larger effect on them personally. Now that both had alien computer material which SIMPOC had implanted in them, would they also continue changing?
“Darlene looked around the room wondering if there be any questions, and there weren’t. So, she responded, “That’s all that I have.”
The president looked towards Secretary of Defense Monson to add his thoughts. Monson finished chewing on a donut, took a sip of coffee and put the coffee on the table.
“Okay it’s my turn, first off I want to thank both Captain Drummond and Captain Herl for the chances they took and going to those alien solar systems. None of us knew what 0would happen and I feel that they both show tremendous courage and I want to acknowledge the success.”
“Absolutely, I know it was sticking your neck out to go there, but it had to be done,” Said the President.
“While you were gone, we made a lot of progress developing tactics for our modified supply ships and our capital ships. As you probably saw in my reports, we now have ten capital ships each leading squadrons of modified supply ships. And in turn, each of those supply ships has platoons of the smaller supply ships. That leaves us with four levels of command. We’ve broken the primary supply ships down into both frigate and battleship type configurations. Each of the secondary supply ships assigned to them will act like the old PT Boats. You can see the differences in capabilities by looking at the reports we published. We have also made significant progress in converting one of the capital ships to a laser platform using the Cow-Robots on Mars. We felt that it was important to have a big gun, so to say, in case we need it. Its range is limited, but if they can get close enough, it can do a great deal of damage.
We’ve also begun installing 250 hypersonic nuclear missiles on the moon. The Cow-Robots were easy to program per the instructions that SIMPOC left. We were lucky to have the hypersonic missiles. They were designed for ground to ground attacks within our lower and upper atmospheres. They had a lot of thrust, and when used in space they should be able to accelerate to in excess of 50,000 mph. Again, in a space battle encompassing large portions of our solar system their ranges are relatively limited, but if parts the battle occurs near the moon or earth orbit, we should be able to throw a lot of distracting armaments at them.”
“Sir I have looked at the capabilities of those hypersonic missiles,” interrupted SIMPOC. “I would like to put out one limitation. If many multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles are launched in orbit around the earth a large number of them might impact the earth or our maneuvering ships?”
“Yes SIMPOC, you’re correct, but we were able to reprogram each of the MERVs with proximity or timing fuses. Depending upon when they are released from the hypersonic missile, they will have a limited window of space and time to detonate. If they exceed that window for some reason they may burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, and that will disperse some radiation, but it should be limited. We have been able to program them to launch only within certain trajectories. Those windows will allow the individual warheads to pass out of earth’s orbit into a path leading to the sun. Does that sound adequate,” Secretary Monson said as he looked around the table.
The meeting participants each nodded agreeing that that seemed like a reasonable solution.
“We have also decided to re-designate the capital ships so that we can improve communication and solidify our battle plan. The president agrees that we will leave the Chevesky and Burlington named as they are in deference to the captains. I will be spending most of my time on board my capital ship, and it will be designated EDF. We have decided to name the remaining capital ships with names representing the continents of the earth. We wanted to have names that represented the planet not just names to represent the United States. Going with Joan’s suggestion to have a get together on the Chevesky, that would be a great time for a naming ceremony and for all of the captains to socialize.”
“Sounds like we’ll have a great time,” Joan said, showing a mixture of enthusiasm and optimism.
Admiral Monson continued, “I have also been working with representatives from the new European states, and we will be bringing up some of their technical people to support you and man the supply frigates and battleships.”
“Admiral, may I ask a dumb question?” asked the president.
“Absolutely, … sir,” he responded with a wry smile.
“Maybe I’ve seen too many Sci-Fi movies where the big computer is taken down, and all of the little ones go offline, and the heroes win. In the unlikely event that one of the capital ships is taken out of commission, what will the modified supply ships do?”
Admiral Monson smiled and responded, “Sir, that is an excellent question. Unlike Sci-Fi movies, we aren’t dependent on one supercomputer to control everything. Each of our attack ships and their drone supply ships is pre-programmed with the battle plan. If any ship, including the capital ships, are taken offline, the daughter ships will either revert to their neighbor’s control or the nearest capital ship. They will continue the battle that they are in until relieved.
“I guess it’s my turn,” said Vice President Hagerly with a slight smile. “After 32 years in the Navy, it’s taking a little time for me to think like a civilian, but I’m doing my best. I have all the trust in Secretary of Defense Monson and our Earth Defense Force. I know that we're facing situations that none of us are prepared for, but we have to take chances and do the best we can. I applaud each of you for what you’ve done for the Earth and the United States. We have also made a great deal of progress in spreading our influence out across the United States. I used our one C-130 and its crew to fly to some of the major metropolitan areas on the East Coast to establish contact. We have found other transport pilots and were able to bring back another six C-130s from the various bases. We haven’t taken control of those cities yet, but we at least have points of contact and told them that we would eventually be able to help. Many of them are still working under individual governments, some of them are doing a good job, and some of them aren’t. But we can do much about with that yet. I expect to find more technical people, and if we do, we’ll flow them into our pipeline and try to get them on ships as soon as we can.”
“Our power systems are becoming more isolated. Some are staying online better than others. In the areas where we have mobile units under control, we’ve been able to keep the power stable. I think that will last, but we aren’t sure.”
“We still have some gang issues. Barbour in San Diego has made contact with some local gangs, and Colonel Chester in Chicago seems to have things under control. We are hearing some disturbing rumors about New York City, and we’re trying to understand its situation better.”
“Aside from that, that’s all that I have,” concluded the Vice President.
“Anyone else have anything?” President Patterson asked.
“Sir, there is one other thing,” asked Joan.
“What is it?” responded the president.
“With the Terest and Izod asking about mining rare elements and chemicals from Uranus. Just in case one of them actually asks to set up some kind of trading agreement, I think that we need to test it out. SIMPOC says that he has looked at the capital and secondary supply ship’s capabilities and apparently the supply ships might already be able to do it for us. But we need to go there and test it. I’m asking if I can borrow one of them, ferry it out there and see what it can do,” she asked.
“Admiral, can you spare one of those ships?” the president asked Admiral Monson.
“Sir, I’ll have to check on it, but I think so. We haven’t modified all of them yet. We’re waiting for material and parts from the capital ship manufacturing systems. Can’t do much with them, until we have the parts. As long as they bring it back when they’re done. I can’t afford to lose any of them,” Admiral Monson answered.
“Joan sounds like a go-ahead. But, as t
he admiral says, make sure that you bring it back,” said the president.
“Sir, I’d like to review other strategies that we’ve developed for the Earth Defense Force,” said Admiral Monson.
“Go ahead Admiral, I’m anxious to hear what you have,” responded the president.
“I think that we’ve found ways to maximize the robots that we have. First off you may remember that the Cow-Robots fell into two categories, there were the ones that landed and just walked around, but there were also ones that could travel into space. We found that it was an easy conversion to make with the manufacturing abilities of the capital ships. So, we’ve been modifying all the units that are on those ships. If or when we have another encounter, we’ll be able to use them. Each one of them has been outfitted with a smaller, but very high-speed rail gun. It won’t have much of penetrator, but the velocity should do a ton of damage.”
“Great, what else do you have?” asked the president.
“Sir, it’s obvious that we’re hardware rich and personnel poor. We don’t have enough people, and we can’t train them fast enough to man the ships. The ships are too complicated for them to maintain, so we’re finding ways to maximize the use of the computers.”
“Sounds, interesting,” responded the president.
“It might be a little risky, but we’re automating some of our attack plans.”
“Automating?”
“Yes, sir. The smaller Cow-Robots can swarm to an attacker and fire their weapons. So, we’ve programmed them to attack, fire, then move to a set location, then fire again. They continue that pattern until either the attacker is dealt with, or the cow-robot is lost.”
“Sounds reasonable, but I have one question. I hope that you’ve programmed some variability in all of that?” asked the president.
“Yes, sir. The first Cow-Robots that reach the target will attack from a random position then as each of the others arrives, they’ll take positions based on the first. Won’t be totally random but should be complicated enough that no one will be able to figure it out. That’s the only way that we can use the robots. There are too many of them for any human to coordinate all of them.”
President Patterson sat with a thoughtful look and didn’t say anything.
“Then, as the Cow-Robots are attacking we’ll send in the modified supply ships with the heavier rail gun and lower power lasers. If the attackers are busy with the swarm of Cow-Robots, then the supply ships or frigates will be able to get closer and hopefully do more damage.”
“What happens if they come in with something bigger than the ships that we’ve seen so far?” asked the president as he put his hands on the desk and reached for a Diet Coke.
“Beyond that, we have two additional layers of defense. Remember we’ve got the hypersonic missiles from the moon, that might be in a position to be effective.”
“Might?” the president emphasized.
“True, but they might at least cause some confusion. We also have the weapons on the capital ships. We don’t want to bring them into the conflict until all else fails. They’re too much to lose, so we don’t want to take the chance. Also, sir, remember we have the Laser Ship from Mars that packs a huge wallop. At the point that we’re forced to use the capital ships, we’ll have the Laser Ship as a reserve.”
Both men just sat for a minute thinking about the plan. It was a huge risk, but one they had to take. The fate of the entire Earth and remaining humans might rest upon their plans.”
“Admiral, I can’t think of anything else. I know that you’ve manned most of the modified supply ships with people. Do they know the risk they’ll be under as they attack?”
“Mr. President we’ve all been under a similar risk, and they have been briefed. I’ve spoken almost all of them, and there is no hesitation. They know the risk, and they also know the dangers to Earth and the few people we have left.”
“While you’re all here, let me give you a little update on something that’s happening here at the home front,” said the President.
“I’ve sent the team to scope out the Capitol, and I’m hoping that we can move there pretty quickly. I know we had to destroy the White House, but Washington DC still has all the information systems and communication links that we need. As of the last count, we have over a thousand people here in the Hampton Roads area. We’ve talked to a lot of them, and most of them will move to Washington with us. I’m encouraged, we’re slowly getting our act together,” said the President
“Mr. President,” asked Captain Drummond.
“Yes Darlene,” responded the President
“Sir we had an alien attack that we were able to repulse here at Hampton Roads. I hope you can move most of the carriers and ships that we’ve been using as our defense to the Washington DC area?” Captain Drummond asked.
“Yes Darlene, we’ve thought about that. The ships that we had protecting us are no longer considered seaworthy vessels. We don’t have the crews, and we don’t have the expertise to keep them at full battle readiness. But we will be able to move them up the Chesapeake and Potomac close enough to Washington DC so that they’ll be able to provide the same cover that was provided here in Virginia. Let’s hope that we don’t have any other alien attacks and that moving the ships around will be only for added safety. But I agree we get to take care of ourselves,” said the President
“We’ve also been contacted by what appears to be a governing body in Europe. I think they are getting organized a little, and it encourages me. They have offered technically skilled people who could help the earth defense force. I’ve asked Admiral Monson to begin a training program and to set up a vetting process so that we can use the skills as best as possible,” said the President
“Admiral, we have humans on each of the supply vessels?” Joan asked.
“Yes Joan, each vessel has a human Captain We have enough people now that I’m starting to double up and provide human backup to the Beta units. They have a lot to learn, so they are going to be in the background until they’re able. But at least having them on board the ship will help the captain and it will be as lonely,” said Admiral Monson.
“Okay, any more questions?” Asked the President There was no response, so he added, “Then let’s spread the word go blow some things up,” he said with a smile.
“Before we break up this meeting there is something that I need to tell you,” Joan said with a quiet voice.
The president and his staff were caught a little off guard and looked at each as they turned to look at Joan.
Joan began. “I don’t want this to change anything but, … I’m pregnant.”
It took everyone in the room by surprise except Darlene. There was something about transitioning between the horrors of what they had been talking about and moving to something as personal and important as what Joan just said.
Once the transition was made, the room erupted with congratulations and cheers. After a few moments of congratulations, the president asked in a sensitive voice, “Did Tom know?”
“No,” was all she needed to say to put the room in a quiet mood.
“Well then, I guess we have a short to time bring him home,” the president said with an air of confidence and a general agreement from the others.
Tuesday, November 7, 2051
New Capital Ship Captains.
Captain Herl had to make some minor adjustments to the Chevesky before her guests arrived. There wasn’t enough room in the command section, or the small conference room/dining area, so she had the area between the command section and Dr. Shappel’s area modified for the meeting. It was simple for SIMPOC to manufacture enough comfortable chairs and tables for all the guests and they were arranged in a comfortable manner around the space. There was one large table in the middle with enough chairs for everyone to sit and there were couches and soft chairs around the periphery so that they could have friendly discussions and sit and get to know each other.
It was also an opportunity for the Beta-Prime
to explore his skills. He had downloaded all the recipes that were available on the Internet. He was able to select from tens of thousands of options and create a menu he was sure the guests would enjoy.
SIMPOC and Beta-Prime were both learning computers, so it was natural to experiment to measure the results. One of their experiments would surely be a surprise for the guests.
The shuttle Bay just off the command section on the other side was large enough to accommodate six shuttles. So, Admiral Monson came from his capital ship named the EDF, and the other ship’s captains had to double up by picking up their neighbors and bringing them to the meeting.
After an appropriate ‘social hour,’ Joan Herl thought it was time to welcome her guests. She ‘clinked’ her glass to get everyone’s attention, “I want to welcome all of you on board the Chevesky,” she announced to her small gathering of friends. “First order of business is a meal which SIMPOC and my Beta-Prime unit have prepared for you. They assure me that the food is all excellent, and they have admitted that they have a surprise for us when we’re done. So, please, all of you be seated, and that’s have a good time before we get down to business.”
Joan had spent enough time with Admiral Monson, so he was the last person she wanted to sit next to. Now was the time for her to meet the new members of the group. As the small group of people maneuvered to find their seats Joan made sure that she inserted herself between two young captains.
“Hi, my name is Joan,” she said as she smiled and reached for the hand of the young man on her right.
“Hi, I’m Jerry. Or I guess Captain Adams,” the man said with a little bit of shyness. After all, he was going to sit next to the legendary Joan Herl, the woman that had saved the earth.
Joan turned her left and put her hand out to the man to her left. “Hi, I’m Joan Herl,” she said to him.
The Captain hesitated for a moment and smiled then put out a hand that was much larger than Joan’s. “Hi, my name is Fred, Captain,” He said as his hand closed on Joan’s with a firm grip.
Earth II - Emergence Page 21