Wanda

by carl smothers

  I had better call, Oganda and give him our status.

  Oganda and Yasaid were having tea when the Sone called in over the video link.

  “I didn’t expect a call this early. What’s wrong?” the sheik asked.

  “Your Highness, we were attacked with an RFG kinetic energy weapon.”

  The sheik jumped to his feet. His eyes had a wild look and his nostrils flared with rage. “Is the system okay? Can we proceed as planned?” he screamed.

  “Yes to all, Your Highness. Fortunately, our facility and system is shock mounted and naturally shielded from kinetic weapons. Our attackers obviously did not know our exact location, so it was not a direct hit. We can proceed with the attack as planned.”

  “Your Highness, I’m concerned. When we attack China, do you think the Russians or the U.S. will attack us again, or invade Pakistan? It had to be China, the U.S. or Russia who launched the RFG attack — most likely the Americans.”

  The sheik took a sip of his tea. “Yasaid, your attack assessment is correct. Our Intel network should give us that information tomorrow. I think the Russians will be pleased that Beijing is out of the economic picture. They’ve been in a fierce trade war with China for several years and will probably be happy we’ve eliminated their chief rival. Further, when Moscow sees how we destroyed China, they will play a wait and see game. The U.S. is a different issue. They’re a major trading partner with China and will be extremely concerned. Their response is hard to judge.”

  “They will crawl off and whimper like whipped curs,” the general added.

  “I hope so. Obviously, the infidels haven’t learned their lesson. Very well, General, school’s now in session. Call me when the strike is complete.”

  Lieu completed the final system checks as General Sone walked into the command and control room to observe the attack on the big board.

  Lieu faced Sone. “The system’s on-line and all targets programmed in and prioritized. We’re ready to start the attack.”

  “Very well … proceed.”

  “Computer, initiate the weapon system,” Lieu ordered.

  “Working. Design simulation is complete. Accessing WNS for final coordinate and time update. The field and matter synthesizer data transfer is complete and the weapon system is on–line. All systems are go.”

  Sone lovingly rubbed the handle of his sword as he awaited the first strike.

  Lieu scanned the metrics board. “We’re ready, sir.”

  The general was delighted to give the attack order. “Proceed,” he said with a smile. To him, the real war had finally started.

  I wonder how many millions we’ll be able to kill before the idiots realize who their masters are and capitulate. I really enjoy eliminating the infidel dogs.

  “Computer, initiate the targeting sequences,” Lieu commanded.

  “The black hole is stable and the navigation computers are in command of the field synthesizers. Time of first target strike is one minute.”

  The world targeting display flashed with system status information and showed fifteen high-value prioritized targets, starting with the Dong Shawn Missile Base. All missile complexes, nuclear, antimatter, command and control sites, major air bases and key Army and Naval bases were lit up with coordinate information and priority designations.

  The black hole appeared on the main weapons system display with its targeting tracks projected to the designated sites. The target trajectory for the missile base flashed, indicating the first strike.

  Slowly and deliberately, the navigation system moved the black hole towards the target. It would only take two hours to destroy most of the military facilities, then Beijing.

  China’s role as a player in world affairs will soon be over, Sone thought. Destroying China will position us as a major power broker. Killing President Chow will be almost as great a thrill as Wahab.

  The black hole struck the Dong Shawn Missile Complex with a fury. It consumed the missile silos, all base facilities and all personnel so rapidly the base commander could not react fast enough — everything was reduced to atomic particles. Nothing and no one escaped.

  Chapter 69

  National Command Center

  Hun Chi Air Base

  China

  Five Star General, Matsu Kang, Commander of Homeland Defense, was about to leave his command center for the weekend when the alarms sounded. What the fuck’s going on? He scanned the big board. There must be a glitch in the computer systems.

  A red alert indication flashed over the Dong Shawn Missile Base. The general picked up his vid phone and called the base — no answer.

  The computer announced:

  “Dong Shawn missile base has been destroyed.”

  The general fought to control his emotions as he ran all the what-if scenarios through his mind. None of them made sense. His stress level accelerated. “Computer, was this a ballistic missile or airborne attack?” he asked, the slight quavering of his voice betraying his concern.

  “No ASF or missiles have been detected.”

  “What is going on? We’re not at war with anyone. This has to be some type of system error.” He turned to his deputy, Major General Hong, who sat at the command and control console. “Patch into recon satellites X34 and A26. Do it now!”

  “It’s coming up on screen four, General.”

  The missile base at Dong Shawn did not register. Only a few holes in the ground that were once missile silos remained. There were no signs of an explosion and the satellite sensors had not detected any radiation, photon residue or antimatter particles.

  This makes no sense. It’s time to flush the fighters. He picked up his red vid phone.

  “General Ming, scramble all available ASFs to the Dong Shawn Missile Base. Order your wing commander to report to you and I as soon as he gets a visual. The base has been attacked and destroyed. I don’t have any idea of who or what did it.”

  “Immediately, General.” Four Star General, Chow Ming, the Chinese Air Force Commanding General, entered the attack coordinates and pressed the AFS scramble alert to all air bases. He then announced. “All AFS squadrons are directed to proceed to the designated attack location. We’ve downloaded the convergence point for all squadrons to your flight computers. This is not a drill.”

  Who would dare attack us? Kang thought. The bastards will be sorry they fucked with us. I don’t believe this is happening. I hope not, but it could be the start of a major war. Who in the hell are we fighting?

  Kang scanned the display board as the alert siren sounded at the Chang Ki Jong Air Base adjacent to the Dong Shawn Missile Complex. Satellite recon showed the same devastating results as the missile complex. Kang became more nervous by the second. His mind was swirling with confusion and doubt. The unknown aspect of the attack drove him nuts. He fought to keep his cool so his men wouldn’t panic. His pulse pounded like hammers in his temples, and small beads of sweat trickled down his face. He immediately contacted Ming. “General, Chang Ki Jong has also been hit.”

  “I’ll take care of it,” Ming replied.

  “Computer, are you sure we have not suffered a ballistic missile or RFG attack?” Kang demanded.

  “No missiles, satellite based weapons or ASFs have been detected.”

  We have good relations worldwide. We’re trading partners with almost all countries — except the Russians, and they wouldn’t dare launch a preemptive strike. The Defense Minister will be on my ass like a fly on shit, Kang thought. I need to get an answer fast. Who or what would do such a thing? This is driving me crazy! It must be that MOA black hole weapon system. We’ve never had any conflict with their leadership. If it is them, they won’t have any balls left when we get through stomping their ass.

  “Attention, run a system wide check, then patch in all radar and recon satellites to the main display screen in a matrix pattern,” he ordered. “I want to see all major defense installations. Look for anything that might resemble a weapon platform. Do it now!”

  The noise
level in the command center increased as people feverishly worked to obtain information.

  Calling the Defense Minister without specific information was risky, but there was no choice. The senior political leadership had to be informed.

  “Sir,” he reported, “The Chang Ki Jong ASF Base and the Dong Shawn Missile Complex have been totally destroyed. I’ve uplinked the information and recon photos to you.”

  “What? Who attacked us?” the minister yelled in his ear.

  He wiped the sweat from his forehead before speaking. “We don’t know for sure. Satellite recon and surveillance radar has not detected any missiles, ASFs or other attack systems. I believe it is the MOA black hole weapon system. I don’t understand why they would attack us. We’ve never had any disagreements with them. I recommend you get the president and other senior people to shelter until we get this sorted out. I’ve already scrambled the ASFs.”

  “General, inform me of any new information immediately! I authorize you to use all weapons and military forces at your disposal. We must protect the homeland. I want to know who attacked us. This atrocity must not go unanswered.”

  For the first time Kang saw the demon on the big board, headed for the missile base at Tow Kam Sang. He stared at the monster. This is the MOA weapon system. I’m not sure anything can kill it. I’ve never in my thirty years experienced anything like this, Kang thought. I better let Ming know the new target coordinates. He watched the big tactical display as the ASFs flew at top speed to intercept the target.

  ASF Attack Force

  Colonel Chun, a twenty-year Chinese Air Force veteran, was in command of three hundred ASFs traveling at Mach 6 towards the attack site. As they approached the base, he gasped when he saw the black hole. In as steady a voice as he could manage, he reported. “General Kang, we have the target in sight, but I don’t know what it is. I’ve never seen such a horrible thing. It looks like a black hole in the sky. I’m going to start the attack now, but I don’t know what we’re fighting.”

  “Very good. Attack immediately,” Kang ordered.

  Chun armed his weapons computer and announced, “All squadron leaders converge on my position and follow me to target. Conduct the attack in five waves, using a simultaneous firing solution. I’ll lead the first wave, and then Colonels Tung, Tau, Hunjow and Kong will follow in rapid succession. After the last wave, proceed with a random attack pattern. Computer, arm photon missiles, maximum intensity, and set to detonate on centroid of the target. Give me a two degree spread and detonation three seconds after entry coordinates.”

  “All missiles armed. Ready to launch.”

  “Wing leaders, I’m going in. Follow my lead.” Chun led the first wave firing missiles and his laser cannons. The monster had taken his wife, a captain at the Dong Shawn Missile Complex, and he was determined to kill the beast to avenge her death. What in the world is this thing? It looks like a black hole into hell. His heart raced so fast, he felt like it would explode. He gulped the pure oxygen as his stress increased. Got to slow down, or I’ll hyperventilate.

  As he flew his ASF into the black hole, the enormous “G” load grabbed him, and he knew he could not pull out. The great dragon had him in its jaws. There was no escape. You will eat me, but I have a present for you. The forces acting on his body made it very difficult to move his arms. With great effort, he pushed his quantum prolusion system into overload.

  The avionics computer warned:

  “The system will destruct in three seconds. Reduce power demand immediately.”

  Chun screamed at the top of his lungs as the black hole pulled his ASF in. The enormous gravity stretched his body like a piece of flimsy plastic spaghetti. His last sensations were his eyes popping out of his skull and the atoms of his body flying apart.

  The propulsion system exploded, and the monster sucked the energy up like a kid slurping the last bit of a milk shake.

  National Command Center

  Hun Chi Air Base

  China

  “Colonel Hong, I want to view the attack on the central holographic display,” Kang ordered. “Switch in recon satellites HV14 and MTO6, and set the imaging to high definition.”

  “Satellites now patched in,” Hong replied. “You should see the display details now,”

  Kang watched as hundreds of ASFs attacked the monster. The ASFs screamed into the monsters mouth, firing every weapon, using every tactical maneuver, but nothing worked. They were as a swarm of flies buzzing around a big bull grazing in a pasture. A nuisance, but no threat. As they approached the black hole event horizon, it pulled them into its mouth. There was no escape from the powerful gravity.

  I’ve never seen such carnage. Missiles, lasers — nothing fazes this demon from hell. It simply feeds off the energy of the weapons and becomes stronger — extending its reach. Can nothing kill this thing?

  Not one ASF survived the attack. Destruction of the entire Chinese Air Force took only minutes.

  “All ASFs have been destroyed.”

  Buddha protect us, it’s decimated our entire Air Force. Bombs, missiles, exploding propulsion systems, nothing affects this monster. I have to call the Defense Minister. We only have one option left. If this doesn’t work, we’re doomed to hell.

  Hands shaking, he took a deep breath before he picked up the red video link and called the Defense Minister. “Sir, all of our ASFs have been destroyed. Not one is left.”

  “What are you talking about? I don’t believe we’ve lost all of our ASFs. You’re making no sense, General!”

  “I’m sorry, but it’s true. Our weapons were like peashooters against the monster. It actually feeds off the energy of our weapons when they explode! Sir, I’m convinced this is the MOA black hole weapon system our UN Ambassador briefed us on — the same one that destroyed Cairo. It looks like a black hole in the sky. Nothing we do has any effect on it. We attack and it just gets stronger. It has annihilated most of our military installations and ASF bases. We have no conventional weapons left to defend ourselves. In fact, we don’t have much left to fight with, period.”

  “General, launch a nuclear, antimatter and photon bomb missile strike. Maybe one of those will cause it to overload and destroy itself.”

  “Yes, sir, immediately!”

  The general picked up his phone gave the order to the remaining missile base commander to fire five nuclear, five antimatter and five photon bomb missiles at the black hole. There wasn’t much time left. The monster was destroying every military capability they had, and it appeared to be heading towards their last missile complex.

  Fifteen ballistic missiles erupted out of their silos and headed towards the black hole at Mach 15. Kang studied the progress of the missiles as the tracks of the birds were updated on the War Room Displays. How can we fight this dragon from hell?

  The command and control computer announced:

  “Ten seconds to target.”

  Weapon Facility

  Waziristan Valley, Pakistan

  Sone studied the action on the recon screens at the Waziristan Complex. As the missiles approached the black hole, the event horizon sucked them into its mouth just as the warheads exploded. The enormous energy released strengthened the black hole even further.

  Lieu’s concerned grew. The system was straining to maintain control of the black hole. Yellow warning lights flashed.

  “Lieu, take corrective action,” the general screamed.

  “I’m trying, General. The energy feed has invigorated it to a state almost uncontrollable. If it becomes self-regenerating, there will no way to restrain it. It will break free and destroy the Earth.”

  “Don’t give me excuses,” Sone screamed.

  The warning horns sounded, and red warning lights flashed as the computer announced:

  “Attention. System control is marginal. Take corrective action immediately.”

  “Increase the synthesizer coil voltages!” Lieu yelled.

  “Doctor, it’s already red-lined at 100 percent,” Sinbad
reported.

  If they failed to take corrective action, the black hole would destroy them. “Take it to 120 percent!” Lieu demanded.

  The power systems teetered on the brink of collapse as Sinbad made adjustments. The facility lights dimmed and the main power sources glowed red from the heat due to the excessive power drain. Smoke and sparks spat from junction panel boxes as the synthesizers demanded more energy. The monster was growing stronger, about to break loose.

  The warning horns wailed as the computer announced:

  “Warning. Power system meltdown will occur in one minute.”

  Lieu’s hands shook; his breathing ran rapid and shallow. He stared at the metric board, hoping it would not turn against them. The warning horns screamed so loud they hurt his ears, and the flashing alert lights confused him. He realized it would only be a few minutes before the monster killed them all.

  Slowly the power system gave up its last reserves. The facility lights dimmed, starved for power.

  The main power sources glowed, oscillating color between orange and red — surface paint and coating metals were beginning to sweat. Intense heat waves emanated so strong it was impossible to enter the power control room. The seconds dragged like hours as he scanned the metric board for some sign of control.