Synchronicity War Part 1, The by Dietmar Wehr Page B

missiles, armed with x-ray lasers that will accelerate at
high speed and detonate close to the target. The high-energy x-ray laser blast
will slice through enemy armor like a hot knife through butter. The gunboats – that’s
what we’re calling them – will be maneuvered in groups. In addition to the
combat version, we’ve also looked at specialized versions like electronic counter
measures, and refueling and resupply models. Each gunboat can be produced in
about four weeks.
     
    “We also came up with a whole range of ships types. Long
range reconnaissance ships, battle cruisers, million ton dreadnoughts, carriers
that can carry a combination of gunboats and AFPs, support ships and
mine/satellite layers.”
     
    “My, oh my. You folks HAVE been busy! Do you have any idea
of what they’ll go with first?”
     
    Shiloh nodded. “We unanimously recommended that the very
first thing that should be put into production is an attack drone. Our drones
are basically a standard body with power unit, maneuvering engine, fuel, and a guidance
system with room for a modular payload, which up till now has been either a
sensor package for reconnaissance/survey work or a data unit for relaying
information. There shouldn’t be much problem designing a payload that has
either a kinetic energy penetrator or a tactical nuke. Now making the attack
version harder to detect, and more able to withstand combat damage, will be a
bigger challenge and take longer to accomplish, but that can be phases II and
III. The x-ray laser version will also take longer to perfect. The main problem
we foresee getting combat drones into the field is quantity. The manufacturer
wasn’t expecting to have to build large numbers of these drones quickly, so it
isn’t geared up for that. It will take time to change, but I wouldn’t be
surprised if a few prototypes were ready for field testing by the time the 344
is ready to be taken out again.”
     
    The two continued discussing ideas and thoughts for a couple
of hours before calling it a night.
     
    It was four days later that Johansen told Shiloh the bad
news while they were on their way to HQ for another meeting with Admiral
Howard.
     
    “I hear that the call for volunteers for the recon mission
has gone out,” Shiloh said.
     
    Johansen looked away and nodded. After a few seconds she
turned back to Shiloh.
     
    “Yes, I know. I’ve volunteered.”
     
    Shiloh was shocked, and it showed in his voice. “Why did you
do that? You know it’s practically a suicide mission, don’t you?”
     
    Johansen’s voice was calm as she replied, “I know that the
mission is dangerous, but perhaps not as dangerous as you seem to think it is.
First let me explain why. The call made it clear that anyone who volunteers for
and survives one of these recon missions will automatically be promoted upon
returning to base. That means I’d be promoted to a full Commander, and I’d almost
certainly get a ship of my own, which is something I want very badly. How much
longer they’ll continue to offer that incentive, no one knows, so if I’m going
to take advantage of it, it may as well be now.
     
    “Second, as far as the danger is concerned, here’s how I see
it. The mission profile is to find alien infrastructure, bases or colonies.
Maybe even their home world, if we’re lucky. We’ll be able to scan for energy
and electro-magnetic emissions from the edge of each star system we enter. The
only time we have to maneuver close to planetary bodies is if we have to move
in from the outer system in order to refuel from a gas giant. Some of the
internal space that’s normally used to carry refueling shuttles will be used to
carry recon drones, instead. I hear that they’re not exactly known for being
comfortable ships, either. ”
     
    Shiloh was silent for about twenty seconds and then said, “Okay.
I see your point. I guess if I was in your shoes, I might be tempted to do the
same thing, but I’m going to be selfish