Chapter 16: The Pax Atomica
The year was 2020, and the world stood divided among three global superpowers: the Greater Russian Empire, the Franco-British Union (FBU), and the United States of America. It was an era filled with tension and power struggles as each nation sought to assert its dominance over the others. Suddenly, the world was shaken to its core when seven mysterious portals materialized across the globe. From these otherworldly gateways emerged towering monsters, wreaking havoc and terrorizing the people. Chaos reigned as the nations struggled to comprehend the nature of this inexplicable event.
Two of the portals appeared in the heart of Russia, and after meticulous investigations, it was discovered that these gateways led to a massive superearth, which the locals named Falmart. The discovery fired the imagination of Tsar Charles I, who saw the limitless potential this new world held.
Recognizing the transformative possibilities of Falmart, Tsar Charles I wasted no time and ordered the invasion of this mysterious realm. Word of Russia's intentions spread rapidly, compelling other world powers like the FBU, the United States, the Brazilian Empire, and the Islamic State of Indonesia to mobilize their forces through their respective portals in New York, London, Bombay, Rio de Janeiro, and the Java Sea.
Amidst the chaos and escalating tensions, many people around the world sensed the urgent need for cooperation. They believed an international committee should be formed to share information, coordinate efforts, and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Ultimately, it was decided that Ireland, the only remaining neutral nation, would host an international conference on the Falmart issue in December 2020.
Ireland, a country with a rich history and a vibrant culture, often boasts its picturesque landscapes and ancient Celtic traditions. But beneath the surface of this revered land lies a contradictory reality, a hidden world where the line between legality and illegality becomes blurred. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Russian Empire extended its control across mainland Europe, dominating nations with its military might. Europe was divided between two ideological powerhouses: the Russian-dominated Eurasian Community and the Franco-British Union. The Eurasian Community sought to suffocate opposing powers, namely the United States and the Franco-British Union, through an economic boycott. Amidst this tumultuous landscape, Ireland stood as the last bastion of neutrality in Europe. While most European nations aligned with one side or the other, Ireland chose a different path. With its neutral stance, it became a refuge for those seeking to exploit the chaos and profit from the power struggle between the Eurasian Community and its enemies. The Irish government, recognizing the vast potential for profit, turned a blind eye to the influx of contraband goods and money flowing through its borders. Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, became the epicenter of this clandestine world. Nestled on the banks of the River Liffey, it was a melting pot of cultures, ambitions, and desires. With the establishment of the Konstantinopol Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Community, which aimed to control European countries, Dublin became an oasis of opportunity for those who understood how to play the game. From the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar to the towering edifices of its financial district, the city pulsed with an air of secrecy and opportunity.
The International Conference held in Dublin, Ireland was a pivotal moment in human history. It was a desperate attempt to find common ground among the world powers and address the menacing threat posed by the mysterious portals and the monstrous creatures from the other side.
Among the significant participants were the Greater Russian Empire and their allies in the Konstantinopol Treaty Organization (KTO): the Kingdom of France, the Italian Empire, the Iberian Union, the Principalities of the German Confederation, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Jewish State of Israel. The FBU also sent representatives from the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Brittany, and Northern Ireland along with its 11 dominions: India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Equatorial Africa, East Africa, Upper West Africa, Lower West Africa, Malaya, and South China. The US arrived with its Coalition of Nations, while the Brazilian Empire and the Plata Pact attended as well. Lastly, the Islamic State of Indonesia made its presence known.
The grand hall of the conference venue was filled with an air of tension and intrigue as the leaders from the various nations took their seats. The room was adorned with elaborate decorations depicting the global powers and their intricate alliances. The concentric arrangement of the seating created an aura of unity mixed with underlying distrust among the participants. Each leader had their own agenda, driven by ambition, ideology, and a sense of survival.
President McConnell, a seasoned diplomat known for his neutrality and impartiality, approached the central platform to address the gathering. With a solemn expression, he cleared his throat and began, "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed representatives from across the world, I welcome you to the International Conference on the Falmart issue. Today, we stand on the precipice of a new era, one that demands cooperation and understanding."
His words hung in the air as the room fell into silence. McConnell continued, "We are faced with an unprecedented challenge, the emergence of mysterious portals and the subsequent invasion of giant monsters from the realm beyond. The fate of Falmart, this alternate world, now lies in our hands. The Conference will now begin," he declared, his voice echoing through the grand hall.
The first to step forward and address the assembly was President Dirrel B. Johnson of the United States. With a resolute stance, he spoke passionately about the need for an Open Door Policy regarding Falmart. "We must establish a system of equal trade and investment, guaranteeing all nations equal access to the portals," President Johnson stated firmly. "The potential of Falmart should not be monopolized by a select few. It belongs to humanity as a whole."
A smirk crept across Tsar Charles I's face as he listened to President Johnson's speech. Slowly rising from his seat, he interrupted the American leader with a boisterous laugh.
"Open doors, you say?" Charles scoffed. "Your words on equal access and free trade are mere façades, hiding America's true intentions. Don't think we are blind to your ambitions in Falmart. It's quite obvious why you advocate for an Open Door Policy – because you only possess a single portal in New York. You fear the advantages other nations might gain through multiple entry points."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the delegates absorbed the weight of Charles' words. Many of them had suspected the United States of harboring ulterior motives, but hearing it voiced so brazenly sent shockwaves through the conference.
President Johnson's expression hardened, his voice unwavering. "Our proposal is about fairness and cooperation, not fear. We seek to prevent unnecessary conflict and ensure the collective benefit of all nations."
Charles raised an eyebrow, a cunning glint in his eyes. "Fairness? Cooperation? Those are luxuries meant for weaker nations. Falmart, my friends, belongs to those brave enough to conquer it. And I assure you, the Greater Russian Empire and our allies in the KTO are more than prepared to do just that."
A ripple of unease spread throughout the assembly, and various leaders exchanged wary glances. Charles' bold declaration had unsettled them, hinting at a darker path ahead.
Suddenly, another voice broke through the tension. Queen-Empress Victoria II, representing the Franco-British Union (FBU), stepped forward. Her presence commanded attention, a symbol of strength and power. "I must remind everyone that the FBU and its Dominions also have a stake in this matter," Victoria II declared, her voice steady. "We share President Johnson's concerns about fairness. Together, we must ensure a balanced approach that benefits all parties involved."
"Let's not pretend that the Franco-British Union is driven by altruistic motives. Your interest lies solely in securing your own advantage. The Open Door Policy is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to gain a monopoly on the resources and power in Falmart."
The tension in the room escalated, and whispers of resentment reverberated across the delegates. Charles reveled in the chaos he had ignited, relishing the growing unease among the representatives of the global powers.
"But let us move on from this facade," Charles declared, his voice growing stronger with each word. "I have an important announcement to made to you all today. An announcement that will change the course of history and reshape the destiny of Falmart."
The delegates leaned forward, their curiosity piqued. Charles smirked and delivered his bombshell with a calculated flourish.
"Russian Empire and the Konstantinopol Treaty Organization," he pronounced, "shall hereby withdraw from the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty."
A collective gasp swept through the hall, followed by protests and agitated murmurs. The SALT agreement had been a cornerstone of international security, preventing the unchecked production of devastating Fusion weapons using Antimatter Catalyzed Micro Fission/Fusion technology. The withdrawal of Russia and its allies sent shockwaves through the conference, sending a message of both defiance and ambition.
Charles, basking in the chaos he had sown, relished the stunned silence that soon followed. He stepped forward, standing tall and proud, his eyes gleaming with a fevered determination.
"Falmart belongs to those who possess the courage and the will to conquer it," he declared, his voice resonating with bloodthirsty conviction. "We shall not be shackled by the limitations imposed upon us by weak treaties. We shall forge our own path, our own destiny, in that land of limitless potential."
The conference hall fell into a stunned silence as Tsar Charles I's words reverberated through the air. The leaders from various nations exchanged worried glances, realizing the implication of such a bold statement. President Dirrel B. Johnson of the United States, who had just finished his passionate speech on the Open Door Policy, stared at Charles in disbelief. As the tension in the room grew, Tsar Charles leaned back in his seat, a malicious grin spreading across his face. He took pleasure in the shock and confusion that his declaration had caused. The Russian leader, known for his bloodthirsty demeanor and relentless pursuit of power, was not one to shy away from making bold moves.
"Your Majesty," President Johnson addressed Tsar Charles with a calm determination. "The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty stands as a testament to our collective commitment towards global peace and security. It is not a tool to aid conquest but a safeguard to prevent catastrophic destruction. Withdrawing from this treaty would only plunge us into a dark and perilous future."
Tsar Charles leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and ambition. "President Johnson, your words hold little sway over me. Falmart represents an unprecedented opportunity, a realm ripe for the taking. The weak shall be crushed, and the strong shall prevail. It is the law of nature."
The delegates from KTO looked on with mixed feelings. Israel Prime Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent advocate of expansionism, entertained the Tsar's words. "Your Majesty, the Jewish State of Israel stands ready to support your endeavor. Together, we shall establish dominion over Falmart and unlock its untold riches."
Not far off, Emperor Pedro IV of the Brazilian Empire surveyed the scene, her piercing eyes capturing every subtle movement. "Tsar Charles, I appreciate your audacity, but rest assured, the Plata Pact will not bow to your whims. Falmart may hold great potential, but it also carries great risks. We must proceed with caution."
Suddenly, a harsh voice cut through the chamber. It was Yahya Sinwar, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic State of Indonesia. "Infidels and oppressors! You speak of conquering and exploiting, yet you forget the souls that inhabit Falmart. They, too, deserve a say in their own fate!"
Tsar Charles turned his gaze towards Sinwar, a hint of disdain coloring his expression. "Ah, the voice of the weak that hides behind false piety. We are not here to coddle them, but to assert our dominance and secure the future of our own nations. Survival, Sinwar, requires strength, not empty rhetoric."
"How Dare You!"
The tension escalated as leaders from different nations exchanged heated glances. It was becoming clear that this conference would not be as diplomatic and cooperative as initially hoped. The power struggle for control over Falmart had ignited a fire within each nation's leader, consumed by their desire for supremacy.
Upon witnessing the escalating tension, President McConnell of Ireland, the host nation, stood from the assembly's platform. His voice carried authority as he intervened to calm the storm brewing within the conference hall. "Gentlemen, we must remember why we are here today. We seek a peaceful solution to the Falmart crisis, not an escalation of conflicts."
President McConnell's words managed to temporarily diffuse the tension, allowing a moment of respite amidst the chaos. The delegates reluctantly settled back into their seats, temporarily diverting their attention from the growing rift between the Islamic State of Indonesia and the Greater Russian Empire.
Tsar Charles, however, remained undeterred. He leaned forward, his voice dripping with a sinister tone. "Let it be known that the Greater Russian Empire will not be restrained by international treaties that hinder our ambitions. We will not let feeble agreements limit our reach and suppress our progress."
The conference hall descended into an eerie silence as the reality of Charles' declaration sunk in. As the conference continued, discussions became heated, and bloodthirsty rants filled the air. Each faction defended its own interests, striving to secure a place in the new world that lay beyond the portals. The once-hopeful vision of an international committee for cooperation now seemed like a distant dream, overshadowed by the rise of imperial ambitions and ruthless power plays. With Russia's withdrawal from SALT, the world would have to brace itself for the inevitable consequences of their brazen ambition.
Little did they know that the true horrors and revelations of Falmart awaited them, far beyond their wildest imaginations. As the giants monsters unleashed their wrath upon the world, the leaders would soon realize the true nature of the challenges before them, and the sacrifices required to secure their nations' futures.
Elin Delta, Aegyptus, Afrykania.
Tsar Charles I, fueled by greed and ambition, ordered the invasion of Falmart. Among those tasked with leading the invasion force was Prince Michael Charlevich Romanov, the Russian ruler of the Grand Principality of Egypt. His mission was to lead his troops through the Cairo Portal and establish a massive Forward Operation Base for future conquest.
As the United States and the Franco-British Union also mobilized their troops through portals in New York, London, and Bombay, competition intensified. The Tsar, realizing the need for speed, commanded Prince Michael to accelerate his conquest. Eager to please his father, Michael resorted to capturing tens of thousands of Falmart natives as slave labor, utilizing them to fortify his forces.
On this day, Prince Michael found himself in the newly constructed Alexei Launch Control Center. Dr. Anatoly Zhang, the General Director of the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos), stood beside him, overseeing the operation. The center hummed with activity as technicians and scientists worked tirelessly to prepare the colossal 10,000-ton launch vehicle.
Michael glanced at the massive screen displaying the behemoth before them, as he voiced his concerns to Director Zhang. "Are you sure using a nuclear pulse spaceship is the only viable option?"
Director Zhang let out an exasperated sigh, fatigue etched on his face. "Unfortunately, Your Highness, there is no other conceivable method. Falmart is a super-earth with more than double Earth's escape velocity and an atmosphere ten times thicker. Conventional propulsion systems simply lack the necessary specific impulse to transport a payload of this magnitude into Falmart's orbit. Nuclear pulse launch vehicles are the only means capable of achieving this."
Michael understood the weight of his father's demands. Tsar Charles I had tasked him with placing 12,000 Wechat satellites into Falmart's orbit within a mere six months. This ambitious satellite constellation would provide instant communication anywhere on Falmart, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the Russian military's operations. The satellites alone weighed up to 2,400 metric tons, an astronomical mass to launch in such a restricted timeframe. A nuclear pulse launch vehicle was the only means capable of delivering such a colossal payload to orbit promptly. So, they commissioned the construction of the nuclear pulse spaceship the Novaya Rossiya.
Boasting unprecedented capabilities, the Novaya Rossiya consisted of three main components: the Sakharov Drive propulsion module, stacks of nuclear pulse units and the Payload Stack.
The nuclear pulse units employed were called Antimatter Catalyzed Micro Fission/Fusion bombs, compact yet immensely powerful. The name "Antimatter Catalyzed Micro Fission/Fusion" itself was somewhat misleading, as antimatter did not function as a catalyst in the traditional sense. Rather, it served as the wellspring for the extraordinary energy required to trigger the desired nuclear reactions. The bomb core made of Deuterium, Tritium, and Uranium-238 (nine parts D-T for every one part U-238) is compressed using ion particle beams, then irradiated with a 2 nanoseconds burst of antiprotons. The antiprotons annihilate some of the core, producing enough energy to cause the U-238 to fission. In turn, the fission reaction ignites a fusion reaction within the Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) core
Measuring in at a mere 0.8 meters tall and weighing 1,150 kilograms, each Antimatter Catalyzed Pure Fusion unit unleashed a devastating nuclear explosion of 250 kilotons, generating a remarkable force of 5.0×10^8 Newtons per pulse unit. What set these units apart was their efficient design, with 88% of the blast's energy focused on the pusher plate, minimizing aimless dissipation. Due to Falmart's formidable gravity, it would take a staggering 800 pulse units, amounting to 200 megatons, to reach the desired low orbit.
The Propulsion Module containes the cannon firing the nuclear pulse charges. It also has the massive array of shock absorbers allowing the spacecraft to absorb the nuclear explosion without being crushed like a bug. It also contains 138 "starter" nuclear pulse units. These are half strength units used to initiate a period of acceleration. The Magazine Stack holds the (full-strength) nuclear pulse units. Each magazine holds 60 units. There are six magazines in a layer, holding 360 units. This design can hold up to ten layers depending upon how much delta V it needs, but if it has an odd number of magazines they must be balanced around the thrust axis. A full load of ten layers contains 3,600 pulse units.
The Payload stack has 12,000 Wechat satellites.
Michael's mind was engulfed with the realization that they would essentially ride upon nuclear explosions to reach space. It was a dark and dangerous path they had chosen, but the ends justified the means in the Tsar's mind.
Director Zhang, recognizing the prince's unease, attempted to assuage his worries. "Your Highness, I understand your reservations. The potential devastation caused by nuclear pulse launches is undeniable, but rest assured, we have taken extensive precautions. The locations for the launch sites have been chosen with the utmost care, ensuring minimal impact on inhabited areas. Additionally, safety protocols and advanced shielding mechanisms have been designed to protect the launch personnel and the surrounding environment."
An advantage of this design is far more maintainable enroute than other spacecraft. Especially other nuclear ones. Novaya Rossiya has very low residual radioactivity, even after a large delta-V maneuver. The nuclear pulse units use beryllium oxide as a channel filler plus tungsten as propellant in order to sop up the neutrons heading for the spacecraft.
The idea is it is better to use the neutron energy to accelerate the propellant instead of wasting them and allowing them to turn the butt-end of the ship radioactive. It is safe for the crew to exit the storm cellar surrounding the flight station immediately upon propulsion shutdown. And only a short delay is needed for the neutron activation levels to die down to a safe level, allown crew access to the entire spacecraft. Even the pusher plate. Nuclear thermal rockets, on the other hand, are neutron activation machines. Once the engine has been used it will be dangerously radioactive for decades to come. Novaya Rossiya have no cryogentic components (except for maybe the RCS) so all the ship components are easily accessable at temperatures normal for the space environment.
This also means the structural members can be composed of ordinary steels, aluminum alloys and titanium instead of exotic hard-to-fix stuff. To take advantage of this easy access the Novaya Rossiya is designed with a large well-equipped repair bay and spare parts storage area. The ship can be worked on during coasting periods. But the most significant economic advantage is designing mission subsystems while being free of the tyranny of Every Gram Counts. Instead of spending tons of money and time trying to make featherweight (yet reliable) versions of all systems, you can just slap them together out of boilerplate. When an additional 100 kg can be carried by simply loading an extra 148 kg of propellant, many subsystem problems become easier to solve.
Prince Michael took in the magnitude of the task before him, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he understood the necessity of such measures in the face of the formidable challenges posed by Falmart. Yet, his heart ached at the thought of using slave labor to achieve their goals. The Grand Principality Egypt had become a center for capturing Falmart natives, forcibly conscripting them into a life of back-breaking labor. Images flashed before Prince Michael's eyes, the harrowing scenes of exhausted and broken individuals striving to fulfill their captors' demands. The moral implications weighed heavily upon him, tugging at his conscience.
Deep in his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that there must be another way, a solution that didn't hinge on the suffering of innocent beings. Prince Michael's voice trembled slightly as he addressed Director Zhang, his voice laced with a mixture of determination and doubt. "Director Zhang, I understand the urgency, the necessity of our mission. But I can't help but question the cost, the toll it takes on these enslaved people. Is there truly no alternative?"
Director Zhang, too, had been wrestling with the moral implications of their actions. He sighed heavily before responding. "Prince Michael, we find ourselves in desperate times, compelled to make unthinkable choices. The weight of conquest and dominance has its price, and sadly, it is often paid by those caught in the crossfire. But let us not forget, it is our duty to ensure the survival and prosperity of our empire."
Michael's brows furrowed, his voice heavy with remorse. "How can we claim prosperity through the suffering of others? Is this the path we must tread to achieve our goals?"
The director's eyes met Michael's, displaying the weight of their shared burden. "Your Highness, the world we find ourselves in is rife with darkness and uncertainty. It is our duty to navigate through it, even if it means sacrificing our moral compass along the way. Remember, our empire's aims are not just for domination but to secure a future where our people prosper, safe from the perils that lurk beyond our borders."
Their conversation fell silent as the ground rumbled beneath their feet, signaling the impending launch. The oppressive atmosphere was suffused with a solemn air as technicians finalized the preparations. The countdown began, and each passing second intensified the weight of their choices.
Prince Michael couldn't help but search his soul for answers, questioning the path they had chosen. Amidst the clamor of machinery and the cries of the subjugated, the launch vehicle rose triumphantly, proudly carrying the burden of their ambitions and the heavy toll on their humanity.
As the colossal, nuclear-powered ship broke through Falmart's atmosphere, leaving a trail of fire and smoke in its wake, Prince Michael and Director Zhang watched the event with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The fate of Falmart now lay precariously in their hands, intertwined with the sacrifices made and the ethically shrouded decisions undertaken thus far.
