-ATLANTIS ASV-
EPISODE I
The year is 2040,
And mankind is once again at war.
Against all odds, and in a brave new world;
Beneath the surface.
On our last great frontier,
We defend the future...
The Cast.
The United Earth Oceans.
Arthur Dallinsley (Secretary General of the UEO)
Captain Lauren Hornsby (Captain of the UEO Aquarius)
Admiral Nathan Bridger
Captain Oliver Hudson
Captain Arnold Randbrough.
Commander Ben Adler
Admiral Timothy Locke
Commander Allison Jamieson
Crew of the UEO Atlantis ASV 8100.
Captain Mark Ainsley
Commander James Banick
Lieutenant Commander Natalie Canebride
Lieutenant Commander Madeline Hayes
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Jack Phillips
Lieutenant Commander Ryan Callaghan
Chief Petty Officer Edward Stevens
UEO Atlantis Raptor Squadron Alpha. (VF-107 Rapiers)
Commander Gabriel Hitchcock (Squadron Leader)
Lieutenant Jane Roberts. (Squadron XO)
Lieutenant Tom Reynolds (Rapier 3)
The Macronesian Alliance.
President Alexander Bourne
General Henry Adamson
Captain Lance Raymond
I
Sleeping Giants
United Earth Oceans Headquarters. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
October 28th, 2040…
The bay of Pearl Harbor had changed little in over a century. It had been the Headquarters of countless fleets, the center of many conflicts, and the most strategically important location in the entire Pacific Ocean. Today, it was the headquarters of a new 'United Nations' - The United Earth Oceans organization, but it was upon that very note that the UEO was uneasy, and torn by debate.
For nearly 20 years, the UEO had fought to maintain peace across the Pacific while competing with what used to be known as the New Australian Confederation.
Following a major economic summit held in the wake of major political dissolution in 2026, the United Earth Oceans had decided to lift the ban on Colonial deregulation... putting more than a hundred thousand square miles of undeveloped basins back on the economic market. Overnight, hundreds of new colonies ranging from mining prospects to sprawling civilian metropolises and even military bases sprang from the seafloor. Unfortunately, the UEO had been unable to control an explosion of commerce or the subsequent fallout of wealth, power and greed by countless national confederations.
Simply put, the UEO found itself outgunned and outmanned. The Alliance of Macronesia – formerly known as the New Australian Confederation – was one of many powers that had vested huge resources in to colonizing the unclaimed territories across the Pacific. Within a decade, they were one of the richest and most powerful alliances in not only the Pacific, but the entire planet. Australia and many of her allies had been under the pressure of UEO trade embargos for years since they resigned their memberships to the UEO, and did everything in their power to protect their national interests… even if it meant taking control of the hundreds of resource-rich neutral colonies and industrial centers throughout the Pacific.
For nearly 20 years, the UEO had sought a diplomatic solution to the rising conflicts beneath the sea. But with hundreds, if not thousands of UEO Peacekeepers stationed in the Pacific, they had only two choices; pull out and let the colonists fight for themselves, or commit the world to an unbelievably bloody war. On many occasions, UEO Subfighter Carrier Battlegroups had been deployed to subdue crises that had arisen, but never had they directly struck out against Macronesia herself. It was a new cold war, but this one only seemed to be getting hotter.
The United Earth Oceans organization – formed for the purposes of political stability, peacekeeping and exploration of the seas - was dying.
There was one possible cure to this ailment… and that was the whole reason that Captain Mark Ainsley was now in Pearl Harbor.
Shortly after its formation in 2025, Macronesia had begun a dangerous military build up that had since made them one of the most powerful nations on Earth. Their navy was a force that rivalled the UEO in almost every regard – size, manpower, resources and flexibility. If there was one area the UEO had managed to maintain an edge with, it was technology.
There was perhaps only one thing had kept the Alliance from crossing the line of war; the UEO's flagship - the Deep Submergence Vehicle; seaQuest.
When the first seaQuest was designed and built in 2015, it represented the cutting edge of naval technology. She was over 1000 feet long and was built at a construction cost of 9 Billion US Dollars. Unfortunately, she was destroyed a mere 12 months after she had been placed in UEO hands. Her loss at the time had been too much to bear.
In 2021; the UEO seaQuest DSV 4600 II was launched and commissioned to replace her.
Ainsley was one of a rare few officers in the UEO who knew exactly what was going on along the sprawling shipyards of Ford Island in recent days. seaQuest was rapidly approaching her 22nd year of service to the fleet, and she was losing her edge. The UEO needed something new… something that would ensure its continued edge in the cold war against the Alliance.
Captain Ainsley was to be the commander of that replacement - the first of the "Advanced Submergence Vehicles."
Walking down Pier 75 of the UEO docks, Ainsley looked across the bay at Ford Island and the construction facility that lay upon it.
The Aries fleet yards had been completed only a few years earlier and were already churning out the first of the new ASVs. The Captain smiled as he walked: those new subs were his reason for being there, the first of the class, the Atlantis, designated Advanced Submergence Vehicle 8100, was the largest, most advanced submarine ever designed, and also the most secretive.
The Atlantis program was classified to the point that only several people in command, and he himself, knew about it. (The many hundreds of workers who were building the submarines were hand picked from the best minds across the UEO. Engineers from Lockheed Martin, Vickers Shipbuilding and even NASA had been called in to work on the project.)
Beside him, the UEO headquarters towered above the bay. The headquarters of the UEO had been relocated so many times that Ainsley had difficulty keeping track. Firstly; it had been established in Pearl Harbor in 2016, and then had been moved to New Cape Quest in Florida, and then to the Ballard Institute on San Diego Island.
Finally, the UEO HQ was moved back to Pearl Harbor in 2036 – an extremely controversial decision that did not sit well with some people in the UEO… even him.
The problem with its current location was its extremely close proximity to the UEO-Macronesian Demilitarized Zone. It was the most obvious target in the entire Pacific, and should a war actually break out, Hawaii would be a primary target of the opening shots. Passing a Marine who snapped to attention, Ainsley saluted before beginning to walk up the path leading to the massive headquarters tower. Footsteps approaching quickly from behind made him frown and he turned to see who it was. He recognised the man almost instantly, and his face beamed.
"Damn it Oliver, how the hell are you!"
Captain Oliver Hudson was a long-time friend of Ainsley, and also the commanding officer of the aging seaQuest. Hudson walked up with a grin that matched his own and put out his hand. "Damn, you look old. How long's it been Mark?"
"Must be at lest 5 years," said Ainsley with a grin that did not dull as he took the offered hand.
"How're Samantha and the kids?"
"Really good. Last I heard you were out with the seaQuest. What brings you back here?"
The balding Hudson began walking with Ainsley towards the command building and clasped his hands behind his back. "Well, I was. Command called me back here regarding the things-that-shall-not-be-named. They sent out a Helojet to pick me up. We were about 400 miles from Japan at the time."
Ainsley turned his head to face Hudson with surprise as they continued to walk. "…What do you mean 'things-that-shall-not-be-named?"
Hudson smiled wryly. "Oh come on, Mark. You didn't think they'd leave me out of the loop did you? Bridger brought me in as a so-called 'technical advisor'."
Ainsley blinked several times as he gathered his thoughts. He didn't realise that Hudson had been told about the ASVs, and was more than a little surprised. "Nathan Bridger… well, that explains a few things."
Walking up the flight of stairs inside the foyer of the UEO command building, they came to the first security checkpoint – one of many throughout the complex. One of several Marines at the station held up a hand. "Sirs, if you will raise your arms please."
Obediently, Hudson and Ainsley held out their arms as the marine ran a scanner over them, checking for firearms, or other items not permitted with the high-security building. He finished his work in short order, and saluted quickly once he was satisfied. "You're clear sirs, go on in."
Nodding curtly with thanks, Ainsley lead Hudson through the check station and into the reception.
As usual, the headquarters of the United Earth Oceans was bustling with activity. Junior officers, Captains and Admirals alike walked through the corridors of the facility as equals, each one treating another with respect and dignity. Of course, it could be argued that in the military, that would have been expected anyway. But there was a certain air of difference about this place. It was not the mutual patriotism shared by the officers that created it, but rather the diversity of those officers. The UEO drew officers from all over the world; the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Germany, Russia… and many other nations that had formed in the wake of the oceanic boom of the 21st century. There was a common purpose here, one that went beyond 'duty' and national pride.
Walking through the reception, the two Captains crossed the massive marble seal of the UEO on the lobby's floor. The symbol represented everything the UEO stood for; with a globe of cloud-swirled water providing the dramatic backdrop for the 3-pronged Trident in the centre of the circular seal – each point representing one of the foundations which the organization was built one; strength, diversity and unity.
Outside the seal, a wreath of gold leaves represented the founding traditions of almost every navy in the world. Or at least… it did.
Walking down the main east-wing corridor of the building, Ainsley and Hudson stepped into the elevator. Almost immediately, a pleasant female voice greeted them. "Welcome to UEO headquarters. Please specify location."
Ainsley cleared his throat. "Computer, deck-"…he paused as he realised he was not on a submarine. "-Level 9."
With an affirming beep, the doors slid closed and the elevator proceeded upward.
Secretary General Arthur Dallinsley sat in his office in the upper levels of the UEO headquarters busily talking to Admiral Bridger over his computer. Dallinsley had been the C-in-C of the UEO Navy for nearly 4 years after replacing the UEO's former Secretary General Thomas McGath at the compulsory end of his 8th year in office. (In fact, McGath had served as secretary-general of the UEO for closer to 15 years – his term had been extended under the advice of the Security Council in the wake of the deepening crisis with Macronesia.)
The man in the hologram before him was well known. Greying and definitely out of place in his Admiral's uniform, Nathan Bridger was the United Earth Ocean's most celebrated commander. He had designed and subsequently commanded the first two seaQuests, and was perhaps one of only a few men in the UEO military who wasn't seen as being a 'jar head'. Bridger was a level-headed veteran of both science and the navy, and this gave him a very unique view on the world.
The Secretary General couldn't help but smile at Bridger; the man looked his age, just as Dallinsley did, and he knew Bridger should have retired years ago. They were both products of a generation gone by, but as always… something kept them both exactly where they were.
"Listen, Nathan," said Dallinsley. "I won't pretend to understand the technical stuff you and your people have to deal with, but I'm getting a lot of pressure from the Security Council to see the Atlantis ready for deployment by next week."
Bridger, a salted sailor and patient man shook his head with amusement. "Don't worry, mister Secretary. The engineers at Aries have already given the go ahead for the final upload of the computer software. I've seen the boats, and they are practically finished. We just need time to tidy a few things up."
"As far as I understood, they have been 'tidied up' for the last 3 months."
"Yes, but do you realise just how long it takes to make a boat of this size sea-worthy?"
"The media is beginning to ask questions," countered Dallinsley. "Do you know how hard it is to keep three boats of this size a secret?"
Bridger paused for a minute. The secretary general had made his point, and there was no reason to argue it. "Alright. I'll keep you posted… Just try and keep those cameras off Ford Island."
The hologram faded to nothing, and was quickly replaced by a slowly-rotating image of the UEO crest. Sitting back in his chair, Dallinsley looked up to see his secretary standing at the door. Her fine drawn features and formal suit suggested a news presenter, not a military liaison. "Excuse me, Mister Secretary. Captains Ainsley and Hudson are here."
The C-in-C nodded as he put several papers in to the top desk of his drawer. Many of them marked with the letterhead of 'Section Seven'. He locked the drawer quickly. "Thankyou, Melanie. Send them in."
A few moments later, Captains Mark Ainsley and Oliver Hudson walked through the door and Hudson closed it behind him. They both came to attention and saluted. "At ease, gentlemen," said the Secretary General dismissively. "I'm not in the military any more. You don't need to salute me every time you walk in to a room."
Both men came to a less formal stance and Hudson removed his hat before putting it beneath his arm. Ainsley however did not remove his. "You asked to see us, mister Secretary?"
Dallinsley nodded and extended a hand towards the two seats on the opposite side of his desk. "Have a seat. I'll start off by saying that this conversation is now being recorded due to its nature."
"Yes sir."
The Secretary General nodded, glad that there would be no further discussion on that point and then dimmed the lights of the office before activating a large holographic display at the front of his office. The display showed several sets of 3D schematics for a Submarine that resembled more of an Aircraft – the wide, graceful wings and sweeping lines did not belong to the sea. "As you know, the Atlantis is about a week from launching. I've just been confirming the final plans for the installation of the new computer software that is to go in the sub's computer cores later this week with Admiral Bridger. He says he is… 'tidying up' the loose ends."
The two Captains did not move as Dallinsley continued casually. "However, the reason I've called you both here today is to discuss these..."
Dallinsley reached to the side of his desk to retrieve two letters before placing them in front of the officers. "Your new orders; cleared this afternoon by the office of Fleet Admiral Jefferson, CINCPAC."
Hudson frowned and folded his arms. "Sir, I was under the impression that I was headed back to the seaQuest?"
The Secretary General nodded affirmatively. "You will be, but these orders apply to you both."
Hudson worked his jaw a moment as he thought about it and then settled in to the chair. Dallinsley turned back to the holographic display and hit a small button on his desk. The image resolved into a 3D globe of the world that zoomed in on the Pacific Ocean and the approaches to Pearl Harbor. "The seaQuest is to accompany the Atlantis on her first shakedown run. Over the past few months, numerous UEO attack subs have vanished without a trace upon their first sea trials. We have received no word from them and found no wreckage. Intelligence would suggest sabotage, and even with the secrecy of the Atlantis, command is taking no chances."
This time it was Ainsley's turn to ask questions. "Wise, but assuming the Atlantis does fall in to a trap, how can we be sure that the seaQuest won't do the same?"
Hudson turned and gave Ainsley a disgusted look. Clearly he was unhappy with the thought of the seaQuest being considered 'inferior' in any way, shape or form. Dallinsley turned back to the 2 captains and leaned back in his chair. The Secretary General looked worried; a bad sign. There were clearly parts of this operation that had not been fully considered. "That's a valid concern, Captain. And it's something I've already brought it to the Joint Chief's attention. The seaQuest will not be in direct company with Atlantis on shakedown. Captain Hudson will shadow you at a distance of 100 kilometres and monitor the Atlantis for any mishaps."
Hudson grinned with an all-to-sinister smile directed at Ainsley. "Don't screw up, that's a long way ahead to call in the cavalry."
"Thanks."
Dallinsley ignored Hudson's remark and continued. "The exact details of your mission are being withheld until the last minute. The UEO has invested too much to let this fall apart."
Ainsley nodded and tapped his fingers lightly on the desk in front of him. There was a lot to think about here, and the biggest concern that didn't even need to be mentioned was what Macronesia's reaction would be as soon as they found out about the ASVs. "I understand sir."
The Secretary General slowly leaned forward and finished up the meeting by bringing the lights in the office back up. "Good, if there are no further questions on your part, I will get you to sign these non-disclosure forms."
Opening a desk drawer, the Secretary General of the UEO pulled out 2 pieces of paper and placed each one in front of Ainsley and Hudson along with a pen. "We will meet again at the Aries yards on Wednesday. I'll have details sent to you both soon. Until then, consider yourselves at liberty."
Getting up from the table, Hudson and Ainsley saluted the Commander-in-Chief somewhat casually and then straightened their uniforms. "Thank you, mister secretary."
"You're dismissed."
Honolulu City, Hawaii. November 2nd, 2040…
Standing over a billiards table in a local bar, dressed in civilian attire, Commander James Banick – age 30 – watched as the white ball smacked up against another on the table, and sank it; the eight ball. Normally, this would be a good thing… except right then he wasn't supposed to sink it.
"Hmmm," said Lieutenant Commander Natalie Canebride thoughtfully as she examined her own cue. "And you play… how often, Commander?"
Banick sighed in frustration. Today was not his day, and he replaced the cue on its rack before facing the young woman. She'd beaten him… again… and he doubted he would hear the end of it any time soon. "Hey, I sank more balls than you… and besides, I have better things to do than play pool all day."
Canebride laughed lightly as she began walking over to the bar. Banick followed close behind, not being able to help but admire the way she strolled across the floor with an effortless grace. "2 beers, thanks," said Canebride, sitting down at the bar.
Banick sat down beside her and leaned back in the bar stool, quietly casting an eye over her tight-fitting jeans and delicate frame, just subtly enough not to be noticed. "What's so funny, just out of idle curiosity?"
She looked at him playfully. "You are. You're not very good at covering for losing."
Banick shrugged with a wry grin as he thanked the bar tender for the beer. "Ouch. Do you always devour men like this?"
She laughed again before picking up the mug in front of her. "Only the ones with attitude problems."
Canebride nearly dropped her mug as her PAL (Personal Access Link) beeped in her back pocket. She removed it and opened it to see the face of Captain Mark Ainsley on the screen. "Lieutenant Commander… is Commander Banick with you?"
She nodded affirmatively, looking quickly to Banick next to her with an inquisitive smile. "Yes, Captain."
"Good, we need you out at Ford Island in 1 hour."
Canebride frowned, unsure of what was going on. "Is something wrong, sir?"
"No, not at all. We're going to have a look at the new boat."
"Ah, understood. Aye sir, we'll be there."
Closing the link, she sighed and got up before turning to Banick and looking at him apologetically. "Time to go."
Ford Island "Aries" Construction Yards. Pearl Harbor. Atlantis Design and Development Facility. November 2nd, 2041…
Captain Ainsley rode in the front seat of the Hummer as it crossed the Ford Island Bridge on the way to the UEO Construction facility situated on the Island itself. A good deal of the base known as "Aries" was submerged in the Central Loch of Pearl Harbor, after a massive construction effort had cut out huge sections of the Island to accommodate the big submarine docks on the island. Several construction-dry-docks and piers did exist on the surface, but the primary purpose for the Aries facility was the completion of the new Submarines.
The submarines of the Atlantis class were the largest ever designed at 488 meters long each and weighing over 200,000 tonnes. Ainsley himself knew very little about them… and in a week he was expected to command one of them. The UEO had wrapped the vessels in so much secrecy that even those who were expected to be directly involved knew just what they needed to, and not a word more.
The Hummer came to a stop at the UEO security checkpoint at the Island's edge, and the marine on duty asked for their IDs.
Pulling out his wallet, Ainsley showed his security pass to the soldier and he waved them through without much hesitation. Despite being kept in the dark about much of the project, Ainsley did have full security clearance to access every facility in Pearl Harbor.
Ford Island had held many purposes over the decades. First it served as a US naval air station during World War 2, and then a SEAL training base. Today, it was one of the United Earth Ocean's biggest Submarine docks. Piers and repair facilities were scattered everywhere around the island, but the only one that was of any interest to Ainsley on that day was the one at the very end, sitting imposingly above every other complex around it.
The Hummer stopped again outside the UEO Administration building and Ainsley opened the door and got out, taking his sunglasses off as he walked in to the shadow of the big building. He thanked the driver before walking up to the building's entrance. He noticed that Hudson and Dallinsley were already waiting for him, with a group of other Admirals standing off further away. The Marine at the door snapped to attention and Ainsley threw him a leisurely salute as he passed.
"Captain, Admiral," said Ainsley, greeting the 2 other officers as he entered the Building, following the lead of the Secretary General and Hudson.
Arthur Dallinsley, a retired UEO Admiral-gone-politician seemed impassive. "Good to see you made it, Mark; this way."
Motioning for Hudson and Ainsley to follow, Dallinsley began walking through the facility. "Admiral Bridger has informed me that the last of the computer software went in without a hitch. Atlantis is practically operational. We feel confident that Aquarius will be in the same state in a few days."
Hudson listened attentively as he looked around the gleaming, modern interior of the shipyard's foyer. The Aquarius was the Atlantis' sister ship and had been laid down only a few days after work had begun on Atlantis on April 4th, 2038 – 2 years previously. "Any word on who is going to command the Aquarius yet?" he asked casually.
Dallinsley nodded as he swiped his ID through the security panel on the door leading to the Atlantis Design Centre. "Yes there is, Captain. I believe you both know of her; Captain Lauren Hornsby."
That stopped Ainsley, making him blink in amazement. He did infact know Hornsby, and to find out that she was taking command of the Aquarius was nothing short of stunning... for several good reasons. "Are you joking? I served with her on the Aegis for 5 years."
"She is a very fine officer, Captain Ainsley; that I don't doubt. She made Captain only a few months ago - very young for that kind of position. Quite remarkable she got command of such a large boat so soon if you ask me."
"Remarkable?" repeated Ainsley. "It's unheard of. She's not a day over 35!"
"Technically speaking, she's almost month over 35," corrected Dallinsley as they headed further down the corridor.
It was a new voice from behind that made the three men stop. "Ahem…"
Turning around, they met the gaze of a woman wearing a uniform bearing the wreath-framed trident insignia of a Captain. She was quite attractive, and definitely appeared too young to be wearing insignia of that rank. Ainsley's expression was one of mixed surprise and awkwardness. "…What a… What an unexpected surprise, Captain Hornsby."
She looked at him inquisitively, betraying nothing from her otherwise cold, hazel eyes. "So it would seem," she replied.
Secretary General Dallinsley seemed a little amused by the exchange between the two Captains, and did his best to hide a smug grin. "I asked Captain Hornsby to accompany us on the tour so she could get acquainted with the new boats," he confessed finally. "I didn't think you would mind."
Dallinsley may have been able to hide his amusement, but Ainsley couldn't as he simply smiled stupidly, a little stunned that he had been caught out so easily. The Secretary General's PAL chirped from his pocket, and Dallinsley excused himself as he took a few steps further down the hall to take the call. "It's good to see you again Lauren," managed Ainsley finally.
"You too, Mark. I can't say I was surprised when I heard you had command of the Atlantis. How many promotions is that which you've turned down now? Two?"
Ainsley held up three fingers, biting his lip as he did so. "Three," he corrected. "I guess I'm just not ready for a desk job just yet."
The last time Ainsley had seen Hornsby, he had been a Commander, and she had only been a Lieutenant – a difference of a full two ranks apart. For a moment, he found himself wondering just how many other officers he knew that had pushed their way ahead in the chain of command. Dallinsley finally finished with the call, and walked back looking at Ainsley. "Excuse me. Captain? Two of your senior officers just arrived. They're waiting for us at the moorings."
Commander James Banick whistled at the sight before him. Standing on the submerged observation deck of the Aries fleet yards, and staring out through the glass view ports at what lay beyond, he was in complete awe. Sitting in the submerged construction area, surrounded by many and various pieces of scaffolding and docking arms, was the largest warship he had ever seen. Her smooth, sweeping lines and broad wings suggested a bird, not a submarine.
The UEO Atlantis ASV 8100 would be the new flagship of the UEO Navy, and was every inch the warship she was built to be. Bristling with torpedo tubes, particle cannons and missiles, it would be the bane of any Alliance submariner who dared to cross swords with her… or at least, that was the UEO's plan.
Traditionally, Submarines were always called 'boats', but the word seemed to do the vessel before him a great injustice.
Beside him, Lieutenant Commander Natalie Canebride was in equal awe. "So… which one is ours?" she asked with numb amazement.
Banick cast his eyes back and forth over the two submarines that completely filled the dock; both almost identical in shape and form. "Well… to be honest… I have no idea which one is the Atlantis."
"Impressive, aren't they Commander?" said Captain Ainsley rhetorically from behind them. Stepping out of the corridor, Hornsby, Ainsley, Hudson and Dallinsley came to stand by Banick and Canebride to look out at the huge boats; Aquarius and Atlantis, side by side, and being all but indistinguishable from one another.
Banick simply shook his head in disbelief. Each ASV was a full 180 meters longer than the previous seaQuest class and easily four or even five times the volume. "I'll say, sir. Are they finished?"
Ainsley nodded slowly, looking at his new boat through the glass. "Yes. Right down to the last torpedo tube."
The Secretary General nodded in approval at the two submarines, marvelling their lines and sheer size. "They cost an absolute fortune. The new hull design took months of refinement to get right. The total construction cost for each boat came to about 36 Billion US dollars."
Captain Hudson gawked at Dallinsley. "36…Billion?"
"That's right. That excludes the cost of R&D. If we were to factor that in… well, let's just say the Security Council probably passed this off in the budget as a very expensive hammer." Dallinsley let the comment hang for a moment, and then smiled as he looked away to the boarding towers, hidden away behind heavy sets of clamshell pressure doors. "Shall we?"
To describe the interior of the submarine as 'impressive' was a gross understatement. The small group of officers entered the submarine through the port side EVA docking bays, and found themselves in a very large arrivals foyer that was gleaming from ceiling to floor. "The Extra-Vehicular Activity" area of the submarine was bustling with activity as workmen did the final clean up of the Submarine before its launch, scheduled for the following week.
Everything was very modern, and immediately in front of the big pressure doors through which they had boarded, engraved in to the wall, was a large 3-pronged trident; set proudly above the words "Atlantis ASV". The metal grates that made up the deck beneath the officer's feet gleamed with a metallic shine that was never seen on anything but the newest vessels. The boldest of the changes in appearance that they all noted was that - unlike the seaQuest - all the ship's power conduits and systems were concealed beneath pristine bulkheads with fine curves that matched the boat's sleek exterior.
Hudson let out a long, drawn breath as he looked around the immaculate interior with humbled disbelief. "Ok, I'm impressed," Hudson confessed with a degree of jealousy as he began walking around the EVA foyer. Rounding the first, wide corridor's corner, they came to a junction. Directly ahead of them, a pair of extremely heavy 'clamshell' doors sealed off the hangar area while two other corridors at the cross junction stretched down towards the bow and stern.
The Secretary General stopped for a moment. "This is the forward Hangar. As most of you are probably aware, the Atlantis class was designed to carry large amounts of sub-fighters. Therefore, the amount of space that has been allowed for the purpose is quite generous."
Hudson rubbed his forehead as he took in all the information. "How many EVA assets?"
The Secretary General moved towards the two clamshell doors and pulled out his ID before swiping it through the access terminal. "Fully loaded? About 90."
Moments after Dallinsley had swiped his ID through the control panel, the Clamshell doors hissed for a moment, causing warning bells to ring through the hall, and with the audible "thunk" of the magnetic locks disengaging, the huge, solid-titanium doors swung inward to reveal the cavernous hangars within…
Looking around the vast chamber, all those present had their mouths open in shock, and totally unsure of what surprises would be thrown at them next. The huge hangar stretched out for a distance of over 300 meters before them. It covered the entire area of no less than 4 decks. Lining the sides of each level of the hangar and being illuminated eerily by the shimmering moonpools below, were rank upon rank of Raptor class Subfighters. Hanging from the ceilings high above, dramatically framed by the rows of fighters below, were two flags – one; the blue flag of the United Earth Oceans, the second; the flag of the Atlantis herself; a gold delta overlayed with a trident and the ship's name in bold blue lettering.
The moonpools below were the entry and exit points for the submarine's many smaller craft. Effectively, it was a large water-filled section of the Atlantis that was open to the sea via a system of tunnels and then finally a set of large pressure doors that shielded the hangars from the crushing depths of the sea beyond.
The Admiral clasped his hands behind his back as he continued the tour, his voice echoing throughout the otherwise empty chambers. "Right now, she's carrying 6 squadrons of 12 Raptors each. That makes 72 combat-ready EVA assets if I'm not mistaken. She can carry more, but this is the standard compliment."
So taken by the sight in front of them, the officers didn't notice the other man on the level above them. "And that, my friends, is more than 4 Macronesian sub fighter carriers," came the observation from the upper deck. Ainsley and his companions craned their necks up to see an enlisted man (a non-commissioned officer, to be exact) looking down at them with a smug grin.
Secretary General Dallinsley sighed and shook his head. He didn't look too surprised that the NCO had chosen to interrupt. "Captain Ainsley…" he said quietly as the young enlisted man above vaulted himself off the ledge to land with a skilful grace on the deck below. "…I'd like you to meet your chief engineer. Chief Petty Officer Edward Stevens."
The Chief saluted, but Ainsley opted instead to counter by offering his hand. He dared not admit it, but he liked the man's attitude. "How long you been working on this boat, Chief?" asked Ainsley.
"What makes you think I've been working on her, sir?" asked the Chief with a slight frown, taking Ainsley's hand with a firm, strong grip.
"Well, for one thing, I can't think of another reason for an officer as junior as yourself to be given access to this submarine. So, either you're a spy, or you're involved in building my boat somehow."
Stevens smiled lopsidedly. The Captain had a point. "I've been here since she was laid-out on the docks in '38, sir. I know her inside and out."
"And what's your opinion of her?" asked Ainsley with a cautious gaze.
"We've built you a hell of a boat, Captain. I doubt there's much that could stand up to her in a fair fight and expect to come away without a bloody nose."
Ainsley smiled inwardly and nodded slowly. Dallinsley raised an eyebrow, taking careful note of the exchange between the two officers, and then decided he'd best move on. "Chief Stevens, I'd like you to meet Captain Lauren Hornsby - Commander of the Aquarius, Commander James Banick - the Atlantis exec, Lieutenant commander Natalie Canebride, 3rd officer and helmsman, and this is Captain-"
"-Oliver Hudson," interrupted Stevens. "Captain of the seaQuest - Sir, it's an honour."
Hudson looked at Stevens with considerably less accommodation than Ainsley had done, and merely nodded with a frown; perhaps a passing recognition but certainly nothing more. Ainsley and Hornsby exchanged a wary glance with each other, noticing Hudson's tension, and the Chief worked his jaw and cleared his throat in the following silence. "Well… I should… umm. Probably get back to work."
"Probably not a bad idea," said Hudson with a cold and unimpressed edge to his voice.
As Stevens disappeared quickly, leaving Ainsley and Hornsby to look at Hudson with pity. Hudson was quite a personable man for those who knew him, but he had an infamous reputation when it came to officers like Stevens. Dallinsley cleared his throat, motioning to the hangar doors once again. "Shall we continue to the bridge?"
...The big clam-doors that shielded the bridge of the Atlantis were a new design from those on the seaQuest. For one thing, they were dark blue; a contrast to the ship's otherwise-gleaming corridors, and a change from the polished metallic doors of the seaQuest. Secondly, the doors were much larger than those of the seaQuest, and instead of the standard "pressure seal" that was common to all past designs, these doors had interlocking joints which would, if necessary, enable the entire command centre to be magnetically sealed and pressurised; sealing it off from the rest of the boat entirely. The big doors swung outward with a hiss, and the usual accompaniment of caution bells, and the group of officers stood on the threshold of the nerve centre of the Atlantis - the Bridge.
There was only one thing wrong, it was dark. The bridge was completely shut down.
The Secretary General looked at Ainsley in the dim light from the corridor outside. "Captain Ainsley, she's your boat. Why don't you do the honours?"
The Captain looked at Dallinsley in bafflement. "Sir?"
The Admiral shrugged. "Well…lights would be a good start."
Captain Ainsley had no idea what the Secretary General was talking about. Dallinsley was not normally one who liked being cryptic, but Hudson and Lauren Hornsby could tell that the Secretary General was enjoying himself in that moment.
Ainsley said nothing as he cautiously stepped forward, through the doors and on to the Bridge deck.
What happened next nearly made him jump out of his skin. The bridge suddenly came to life; lights snapping on the moment he stepped on to the command deck. As diagnostics screens lit up dead monitors, and the hum of machinery brought a soft throbbing to the deck beneath his feet, a pleasant female voice echoed throughout the cavernous bridge chambers. "Authorized Personnel detected. Captain Mark A. Ainsley. Commencing first time systems start up."
Ainsley stopped, looking around in bewilderment. "What the hell…"
"Primary fusion core: online. Engine systems: standby. Tactical and EVA systems: offline. Helm: offline. Sensor systems: offline. Command systems: online. All major systems functioning at optimal levels."
Hudson, Hornsby, Canebride and Banick were clearly impressed. Never had a submarine shown such a degree of self-awareness as the Atlantis had just done. Dallinsley however bore nothing but a huge grin. "It looks like Admiral Bridger got that computer software working after all…"
The bridge was massive. Stretching for nearly 50 meters in length and about 30 meters in width. It was spread over 3 ringed decks, each with its own stations and within clear view of the Command stations at the Bridge's rear and the view screen at the foremost deck of the bridge. It was by far the most advanced command centre Ainsley had ever seen on a warship. "Well I'll be damned…"
Admiral Dallinsley smiled. "Welcome aboard the Atlantis, Mark. She's your boat now."
Melbourne, Australia. Macronesian Alliance Capital Territory. Presidential Residence. November 3rd, 2040…
Alexander Bourne – President of the Macronesian Alliance - was in a very bad mood. He slammed his fist down on his desk as he looked at the photos in front of him. His military chief, General Henry Adamson, stood in front of the desk waiting patiently. He disliked having to deliver this kind of news to the President, because in most cases, Bourne did not take it well. "How long has the UEO been building these boats?"
Adamson paused before answering. He needed to choose his words carefully. It didn't take much to push the President over the edge. "Sir, our agent says that they have been in development for quite some time. By the looks of things, they were designed to replace the sea…"
Bourne looked at the General with blazing, furious eyes. "I know what they were designed for. That much is obvious!" Bourne stopped. Taking a breath and a moment to compose himself. "…How long?"
"3 Years, Mr. President."
Bourne sank into his chair and sighed. "3 years?"
"Yes, sir."
Bourne decided in quick order that he was in no mood to sit down, and got up from his chair to walk to the window… gazing out over the western hills of Victoria over the bay of Port Phillip below. It was a dramatic and breathtaking view, and Adamson knew that Bourne often used it to sooth his nerves. After 15 years of being the head of the Macronesian Alliance, the stress of work was finally beginning to take its toll. He cleared his throat and clasped his hands behind his back, allowing a long, drawn-out sigh. "When are they due to be launched?"
Adamson did not move from where he stood. His chiselled features remaining devoid of all expression. "The Atlantis is due to be commissioned within the week Mister President. To the best of our knowledge, it will be leaving Pearl Harbor on its first sea trials on the 8th of this month."
Bourne turned. His face looked worn from a lack of sleep. "How does the UEO manage to build submarines of this scale without the world knowing, Henry?" he asked rhetorically, and with exhaustion. "First in 2032, seaQuest appeared out of thin air… and now… Now this."
Adamson joined the President by the window, looking out over Port Phillip Bay and the streets of Melbourne below. "There's more, sir. I did not include it in the report, as I felt it was something that needed… special consideration"
Surprisingly, Bourne remained calm, turning a curious eyebrow up at the comment. "Oh?"
General Adamson straightened. "seaQuest is accompanying Atlantis on her shakedown cruise. It… does present us with a somewhat unique opportunity, sir."
The Alliance President worked his jaw unhappily. "seaQuest", he repeated with venom. "How can one boat vex us so greatly? We have over 3 times the forces of the UEO, and yet that one submarine has stood in our path at every turn. Then they give us these… monstrosities… to contend with."
General Adamson was silent. He waited for the President to formulate his thoughts. Another of Bourne's traits, he had learned, was that he hated being interrupted. "General…"
Adamson took a step forward. "Sir?"
Bourne clasped his hands on the desk as he sat down and thought for a moment. "You are right. This does give us a unique opportunity. We can kill two birds with one stone."
General Adamson couldn't suppress the stab of dread that picked away at his insides. "You do realise that this would likely drive us to war, sir. Certainly, this was inevitable at some point or another down the path, but we should still make sure we are ready to deal with the ramifications of this before making any decisions."
Bourne nodded slowly. "I'm well aware of that, General Adamson."
The ticking of a time piece on the President's mantle piece seemed to make the time pass like an eternity. Bourne smiled again. "But we will not be the ones to light the fuse."
Bourne got up from his desk and moved over to a large chart of the Pacific Ocean sitting on a plotting table in the far corner of the room. Looking at the map for a few moments, he turned to the General. "Where is the Atlantis shakedown going to take her?"
The Chief of the Macronesian armed forces leaned over the table and looked at the map. He pointed to the Emperor Trough, just south of Aleutian Trench near the coast of Alaska. "Intelligence suggested to me that they are going to be headed here - south of the Bering Sea."
Bourne narrowed his eyes, examining the mp carefully – a predator, searching for his prey. In his first few years a President, he had left these decisions to his Generals, Admirals and strategists. But he learned his lessons the hard way; if you wanted something done correctly, you had to do it yourself. "Good. That would mean we need to draw them out…here."
Adamson, a man of military up bringing and a scholar of warfare, looked at the President in shock. "Mister President, that's just a mining community – they are civilians."
Bourne nodded. "For that matter, it's a neutral colony. The UEO holds no claim to it, nor do they defend it. They ceded it in 2035 after the colony declared independence"
"Attacking the colony will not necessarily draw out the Atlantis the way you intend, sir. Even if we did send a force of sufficient size to meet her, that alone would be enough to raise their suspicions to any possible attack. We can't expect to stand toe-to-toe with this 'ASV' and expect to win."
"Maybe not," said Bourne slowly. "But we don't have to win."
The President traced his finger back along the Atlantis' projected path, and stopped; tapping his finger slowly, and threateningly, against the map.
Adamson realised what was being implied and nodded slowly, again, he said nothing, and let Bourne continue. "We've been looking for a way to kill the UEO for over 10 years, Henry… and now we have the chance. In a few days, seaQuest and this new toy of theirs will be nothing more than bad memories… and we will give the UEO that war that they want so very badly."