by Don Foxe
Critical surface, and orbital platform command and communication centers received Solid-State Tachyon Operations and Retrieval Monitor (STORM) displays. These solid material displays contained a captured tachyon particle to imprint information for transmission, or download distortion-free data received. Space Fleet incorporated STORM displays, built and married to HATCH units, to both PT boats, EMS2, MSD, the Martian habitat and one more at the Martian hangar.
The light cutters from Rys instructed gem cutters on Mars how to take larger crystals and shatter them into sizes easier to manipulate. They demonstrated the proper cuts, and polishing to produce crystal power emitters. The smallest crystals, shaped shards, were usable in small devises, like the translator/communicator bracelets now manufactured in Vietnam. Slightly larger crystals provided the power source for the STORM-HATCH systems.
“We’ve been at this for two months,” Cooper said to Manny, as they sat for a late dinner.
“And in two months we created a squadron of space fighters,” Manny replied. “Space Wing; Angel Team 1.”
“SWAT,” Coop said. “HQ cannot get enough acronyms.”
“Hey, they started with Space Wing Earth Retaliation Squadron. SWINGERS,” Manny told him. “The ships are as ready as possible. What are your plans regarding crews?”
“Elie and Mags have Demon 1. I was considering assigning Folly as the com-tac,” Coop said. “She’s proven she can handle the job. Angel 7 will consist of Sky, Storm, and me.”
“Of course,” Manny replied, enjoying a cheeseburger. “You will be leaving the PT-109 without a captain.”
“I’m suggesting Genna sit the chair. She’s young, and not exactly military, but she is essentially an extension of the ship, and the crew trusts her.”
Manny made no comment. He was unfamiliar with Space Fleet protocols relative to an avatar assuming command of a fleet ship.
“Angel 4 will have Rachelle Paré, pilot, Jon-Jon in the second seat, and Lt. Dominczyk as com-tac. Angel 5 will need a pilot. ENS Leigh can handle the second seat. I’ll need to arrange a promotion for her. Then move Lt. Nasser to com-tac. I’ll need a full crew for Angel 6. I’m studying profiles now. I should complete assignments for the open spots within the week.
“Noa Tal has her crew for Demon 2, and they volunteered to join us,” Coop said. “It does leave the SF PT-99 without a fighter.”
“Speaking of the 99, what are your plans for Sam Harrington?” Manny asked. “I can’t see him sitting this one out on the Roosevelt, while every other Space Ranger is off kicking ass.”
“Patterson keeps Sam close. With me not in command of the 109, she needs the only other PT-class captain remaining in the system,” Coop admitted. “He isn’t the only Space Ranger not joining the mission. Benny Claflin is assuming command of security for both platforms and the Martian facilities.”
“You’ll have to replace a lot of important positions on the Kennedy,” Manny said. “You’re tapping a lot of talent.”
“I need to siphon even more,” Coop said. “I’ll expect Anton to command ground units, and any Space Marines willing to volunteer, which will mean all of them. I’ll assign Kebede to handle communications between the air group and the ground forces. I want Hiro to lead special operations.
“I’ll also need a crew for the Star Gazer, which means Commander Cornitsch and Lt. Commander Sonoritsch reassigned to their previous ship. Most, if not all, of the Osperantue on the 109 and 99 crews will want to join them. We can fill in with civilian techs and engineers qualified on her systems.”
“I have a Pagoran engineer aboard the 109, Kaifer Hollisvey. He can help with the Parrian cargo ship,” Coop said.
Manny finished his dinner, and stood to shake Coop’s hand. “It has been one interesting adventure. I look forward to what may come,” Manny said. “I wish you luck, Coop, not only in getting the final approval of the UEC, but the mission itself.”
“Thanks, Manny. We only made it this far because of you, Nathan, and your teams. Your support will represent a major reason we succeed,” Coop replied, honestly.
CHAPTER 40
Fleet Admiral Patterson sat behind her desk in Toronto. Captain Cooper sat on the other side.
“The UEC approved the basic mission plan,” Patterson said. “The fact you delivered six capable fighters, with real-time interstellar communications, and volunteer crews in three months proved quite impressive.
“The Star Gazer is repaired and ready for space flight, thanks to the engineers on MSD, with assistance from two thousand Osperantue volunteers. The ship is now equipped with a space-fold array, STORM-HATCH system, and two tachyon-plasma cannons. Her availability increased their estimation of success for the mission. The Parrian cargo vessel’s refits are complete. Weapons and small arms transported by the Star Gazer and the cargo hauler will supply enough Fellen resistance fighters to carry the battle to the Zenge.” The Admiral set her data pad aside. She was aware of the facts.
“Seven of nine Space Rangers have volunteered for the mission. The other two ordered to remain on station, or they would have joined as well. Space Fleet requested every UEC military branch, as well as affiliated military and para-military groups pass along our request for volunteers. We informed them we needed 50,000 combat specialists for a counter-insertion mission. We requested another 50,000 support personnel. We told them to explain the job could last months, on a planet trillions of miles from Earth. The mission’s objective; to save an alien species, from an alien invasion force numbering nearly a half-million soldiers. We received a quarter-million positive responses,” she said. Pride echoed in her voice.
“When those numbers came in, and the UEC saw the majority of the planet’s population supported a mission to free the Fellen, the approval to proceed passed by sixty-eight percent.”
“Now?” Cooper asked.
“We painted the broad strokes for a mission strategy. We now have the personnel, the materials, and the blessing of the planet. I’m not giving the final approval for deployment until you complete training of your air and ground forces. Following training, present a mission plan with a lot more detail than broad strokes. I’m not a politician, Captain Cooper. I’m the Fleet Admiral you are asking to send over 100,000 people to war. I will not waste a single life foolishly. When you can lay it out, step by step, contingency on contingency, plus provide exit strategies for success, partial success, or failure, then I decide yes or no.
“Your request Genna advance to command the 109 was met with a great deal of resistance,” she informed her mission commander. “Captain Falkner Sligh will be assigned command until your return.”
Cooper surprised her by not questioning the decision. He knew suggesting Genna, a non-military, not entirely human asset, command the 109 a long shot. He simply said, “Captain Sligh's command experience of Space Fleet shuttles and crews makes him qualified. I do not know the man personally. I’ve heard only good reports. I’m sure you selected him because he’s competent and capable.”
“I did,” she confirmed. When Coop did not add anything, she returned to the mission.
“I need a realistic expectation of success, with casualties, and collateral damage limited. I want to see rules of engagement for air and ground forces.
“As commander of the mission, your current priority is preparing your personnel for war. We are preparing garrisons and training centers outside of Tatouine, Tunisia. The Hafsid Proving Grounds have been used as a military storage facility for the past two decades. The original training facilities are still there. A month ago, work-crews began preparing it to for reopening. Delivery of your military assets, people and equipment begins now, and will take four to six days. Colonel Gregory and his trainers, selected the 50,000 combat soldiers. Space Fleet HR chose the support personnel. Support troops will arrive within twenty-four hours, followed by supplies. Equipment follows, with everyone and everything on site before the week is out.”
“The fighter squadron will station at the Nevada fligh
t-operations base. You, Hiro Kimura, and Major Shah will select the special operation teams from the volunteer pool.”
Patterson placed her elbows on the desk, clasped her hands, index fingers raised together, then pointed at Cooper. “You will drill your fighters, air and ground, until you are personally and professionally satisfied they can do the job. The you will have to demonstrate their readiness to me. Do you understand, Captain?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Then I suggest you grab your shit, and get to North Africa, Captain Cooper.”
CHAPTER 41
Following the Eastern Pandemic, the subsequent attempt to unify the world under a single governing body required diplomatic and military actions. Northern Africa and the Middle East proved difficult regions to incorporate into a unified planet. Not a surprising situation, when you consider the region’s history.
Hafsid Proving Grounds, twenty miles south of Tatouine, Tunisia served as a training and operations staging facility for the Can-AM Army’s North African Divisions during the unification years. Hafsid remained open following the formation of the United Earth Council. The fort maintained a military presence, and provided training for regional military and paramilitary units. Military specialists tested a variety of high-tech weapons, vehicles, and tactical warfare maneuvers in the sparsely populated southern Tunisian desert.
After closing the installation as a proving ground, the UE military maintained a minimal presence, using the facilities to house equipment. The low humidity, low rainfall, and desert conditions provided an excellent environment for preserving military hardware.
“The shoulder-fired laser rifles are heavy, inaccurate, and a general pain in the ass,” Master Sergeant Radley Byrne said. The Irishman exhibited no qualms reporting good or bad news to his commander-in-chief, Captain Cooper. Byrne, a career soldier in the UE Rangers, never met Cooper before Tunisia, but knew of his history with the US Army Rangers, the Can-Am Rangers, conversion to Space Ranger, Navy pilot and current assignment to Space Fleet. His demonstrated respect in the direct way he spoke to his superior officer. “But they do a lot more damage than a bloody projectile whenever they actually hit something. They also provide greater range, and the grunts don’t have to lug ammo.”
“I miss old-fashion rifles and pistils, too, Master Sergeant,” Coop replied. The two stood on a platform hovering above the firing range. One-hundred fifty experienced special operations agents, volunteers, practiced controlling the laser-fire weapons. “We’ll need to include the older armaments in our stores, but laser-fire pistols, rifles, shoulder-fired missiles and portable cannons are the primary personal arms. How are the hover craft performing?”
“To specs, and then some. They go anywhere, and over anything. UE Vehicle Management loaned us a bit of everything in their garage. Two-person speeders, jeep-sized to bus-sized transports. Drivers, on-board gun operators, maintenance staff and mechanics are getting familiar operating them. One issue, Captain.”
“We’re training in a desert for a fight taking place on a planet, which is primarily one-big rain forest,” Coop answered, before the NCO voiced his concern.
Radley displayed no surprise. In the month working with Cooper, he repeatedly observed the man possessed an innate tactical awareness. Serving someone who recognized dangers, immediate and potential, and adjusted on the move, pleased the Master Sergeant. It also made his job easier. He did not worry his soldiers would be placed in harm’s way due to a failure in planning. All he need worry about concerned training them to work together, operate in teams, communicate and come home after the mission’s completion.
“Correct, Sir. Why aren’t we in South America?”
“Major Shah and Hiro Kimura con-currently train several special operators with jungle experiences in the Amazon.” The information classified, but the NCO deserved answers.
“Admiral Patterson wanted everyone else force-trained first,” Cooper replied. “We have over 100,000 people from around the world. They need to work together, understand the strengths and weaknesses of every unit, know when to follow an order without hesitation, and know when to go rogue. They must display proficiency with the equipment.” This last part said as the two watched multiple laser bursts sail by targets without a single hit.
“When we pass inspection, we’ll spend time in the jungle preparing for Fell. The sooner you have these soldiers ready, the quicker we move to phase two. Where is Col. Gregory?”
“In the desert,” the Irishman replied. “He and Col. Kebede deployed with several thousand for war games. Him against her. Not sure who I’d put my money on.”
Before Coop could respond, his bracelet trans/com interrupted. “Coop, it’s Nathan.”
“Copy, Nathan. Where you calling from?”
“Hafsid. If you land the floating dock, I have something to discuss. Nathan, out.”
The Master Sergeant brought the hover to the surface. Trent made sure the platform securely settled on the ground before stepping forward. Coop shook his friend’s hand, and introduced Space Fleet’s Head of Sciences to Byrne. “If you will excuse us, Sergeant Byrne, I need Captain Cooper.”
The two moved away, allowing the NCO to return to the laser-fire training. Trent’s hover-craft and driver waited. The older man discouraged any talk until they entered the vehicle. It came equipped with the latest security features, including a privacy wall between the rear seat and the driver’s compartment.
“The critical problem we need to address is the numbers,” Trent said. The craft moved away, the driver pre-informed of their destination. “You have 50,000 assault troops. There is no reliable intel on the current number of Zenge and Mischene on Fell. Best estimate is your forces will be outnumbered five-to-one.”
“Clearly why we need the Fellen’s assistance,” Coop replied. “Major parts of the overall strategy are arming the population, providing basic training, and adding them to the mix.”
“Components that will not, cannot, occur early in the confrontation,” Trent reminded Cooper. “In the beginning, our forces will face the enemy alone. We need to win the initial battles, retake a few strategic locations, and disrupt the enemy forces on the surface. This is assuming Angel-Demon Squadron is able to clear space, and command the skies over the planet.”
“I know the weaknesses in the mission plan,” Coop responded. “The UE Council will only give us 50,000 volunteer assault personnel, and another 50,000 support personnel. We have to pick our fights carefully, especially in the first few days of the ground assault. Anton is working to establish squads, teams, and companies capable of engaging and defeating a larger force. Shah and Hiro are training special operators for infiltration, disruption, and assassination.”
“I may have an additional solution,” Trent said. “Pam had another reason to select Hafsid. What do you think about AWS?”
“Autonomous Weapons,” Coop responded. “Great for defense. Commonly used against incoming missiles or mortars. Set them up, set the parameters, and they defend against intrusions, without the need for personnel. You need to be damn sure your people, or civilians don’t wander into the field of operation without proper identification. AWS systems cannot tell good from bad. You either ping safe, or you get killed. We already have several systems assigned to the mission. Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface. I plan to utilize them to guard and protect camps and strategic sites, allowing soldiers more down time, and time spent in actual battle.”
“Correct on all counts,” Trent replied. “Every single person and vehicle will receive friend-tags. If they come into an AWS protection zone, they will not be fired on. Thousands more are available for you to distribute to the Fellen. What about LAWS?”
“I assume you are not asking about the laws regulating military actions.”
Trent shook his head.
“LAWS, or Lethal Autonomous Weapons, are Illegal. Made so under the Tehran Agreement. Signed by every regional representative, shortly after the UE Council’s establishment.”
“And a couple of Asian-Pacific players did the same,” Coop reminded him.
Trent nodded. “The systems were programmed by techs more interested in the annihilation of their enemies, than concern about parameters. Many of the LAWS became rogues. Because they were not under control of a human, they were impossible to shut down. Thousands of innocents died. The nation states and the independent operators deploying LAWS did not care. Until a few of the units turned back on them.”
“We had a hell of a time taking them out,” Cooper said, reminding his friend he served in the army when LAWS were legal. “Even aircraft were targeted and brought down by specially equipped systems. A large number of LAWS units avoided air-to-surface strikes, displaying awareness, and sufficient mobility to hide when threatened. The rampage by LAWS relegated artificial intelligence systems to a dark place for a long time.”
“Autonomous Weapons became the nuclear weapons of our era,” Trent said. “Countries banned heavy nuclear weapons over a century ago. Only tactical nuclear weapons below a certain yield were allowed following the Hanoi Agreements. The Tehran Agreement allowed for AWS defensive systems, but banned LAWS programs.”
“The UEC destroyed every LAWS unit on the planet,” Coop added.
“Except a number retained for scientific study and forensic examination to determine why the AI units rouged,” Trent corrected.
The hover-car stopped in front of a once-gray storage facility, burned splotchy white by the North African sun. The two men exited. Trent approached the building. At an entrance, he tapped the wall adjacent the door. A panel slid sideways. He placed his head in front of the exposed section. A scanning beam crossed his face, and the door unlocked.
