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Phase 17:Unintended consequences
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Part 3
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Despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the power grid in multiple Southern states is on the edge of failing due to a combination of unexpectedly high temperatures and parts of the grid being too old to handle the strain.
USA Today
President Obama signed an executive order forming an Energy Commission tasked with investigating the state of the power grid across the United States. In a brief statement, the White House's Press Secretary explicitly stated the President's belief that the energy grid is vital infrastructure for national security. Further, the President promises that the United States government will do its utmost to preserve and maintain the power grid.CNNUN Ambassadors from multiple African states cited grave concern over food security. Africa, as a whole, imports nearly 85% of the food needed to feed the continent's population. Wakanda's new attacks on shipping off the coasts of Africa are a grave threat to the food supply required for the survival of hundreds of millions.
Associated Press
As of last night, the Ambassadors of fifteen African countries pledged full and unconditional support for any United Nations mandate to deal with Wakanda's aggression.
BBC World News
Ambassadors representing various African countries will meet with EU and NATO representatives in Brussels later this week.
Euronews
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SHIELD facility X
a former Canadian military research site
Northern Canada
A week of tests against all kinds of weather and military radars told us even more about the capabilities of the Wakandan Talon, and none of it was good.
Standard weather radars were out – they used 'broad' waves that simply went around most planes. That was even truer for Wakandan fighters, no matter if they had their cloaking field online or used just passive stealth. In the latter case, they made the newest F-35 and F-22 models look like huge transport planes, with their transponders screaming so no one could miss them.
Now, some experimental devices the US military toyed in, afraid that the USSR, or later, China, might get on the stealth game effectively, had a bit more promise. Unfortunately, even the best radars could not detect and track the Talon at long range, even when not cloaked.
At high subsonic speeds and relatively short range, getting a rough track of a cloaked Talon through sensor fusion from multiple state-of-the-art weather radars was possible. However, there were a few significant issues with that approach. The sensitivity required to get the job done threw so many false positives that it wasn't funny. Even with Jarvis helping, it only worked sometimes, at a place saturated with all kinds of experimental meteorological radars for apparent reasons, and no one else flying around save a few birds.
In most of North America or Europe, the saturation of the suitable radar types in any single area wasn't there. Most older weather radars were practically useless even for sensor fusion – adding their input only complicated the equation for no tangible gain.
"The radar density needed is simply ridiculous!" von Doom shook his head after he saw Jarvis' latest estimate of what would be needed to make the idea feasible.
It wasn't entirely covering most of the US with advanced radar stations. Still, it was close enough to make the idea dead on arrival due to the side effects of all that energy the sites would have to radiate all the time. The price tag was astronomical, not to mention the opportunity costs and side effects of that many radar stations being active all the damn time.
The deciding factor was that such an investment could be easily defeated by Wakandan fighters flying slowly, roughly at the speed of a fast bird. Doing so would make them invisible to weather radars beyond point-blank range, even without cloaks.
Weather radar wasn't the answer for defeating active cloaking.
Magnetic or energy sensors, the kind we lack on Earth, might do it.
"We're going to need a different solution," I said.
The other people gathered in the cafeteria for a brainstorming session reluctantly agreed, often cursing Wakanda's bullshit magical technology for good measure.
Gravity sensors could work, but only away from gravity wells. Otherwise, a planet's gravity could mask the distortion caused by anything smaller than a capital ship at close range. The exception was the crystal gra
vfield trap, which used very expensive synthetic crystals and state-of-the-art computers to detect gravity distortions created by cloaked craft. Sadly, while I knew a bit about the tech, I had no way of replicating it without decades of research. The first step in that direction was bringing Earth's understanding of how gravity worked on par with what I consider modern theories. Sadly, in that regard, I only had basic theoretical knowledge, which many others would have to make good use of over a long period. CGTs were advanced and expensive technology for an ancient interstellar civilization and sadly out of reach for us. Vibranium was of no help there, either. To get anything like the synthetic crystals needed, we would need a mature and advanced orbital infrastructure far beyond the next steps of the planned uplift program.
"Sensor fusion is going to be key because I doubt we will be able to create a brand new sensor type in the next few months, then get it ready for field use before this was over one way or another," I continued.
The more we brainstormed about defeating Wakanda's stealth systems, the clearer it became that, for the time being, the best way to do it was to avoid it altogether and take out their fighters when on the ground or forced to reveal themselves. That is why I suggested using the Talon in our custody to steal more of their fighters – doing so would both give us more assets to work with and, at the same time, diminish Wakanda's capabilities.
A sufficient number of military and weather radars, combined with enough processing power and AIs doing the data crunching, might get us a solution. The issues were the number of radars needed for a reliable defense, the sheer processing power, and the tons of data required to get a helpful result in a reasonable time frame. Even then, that would give us a track to follow, not functional targeting solutions. All that would be of little help as far as any expeditionary force going for Wakanda was concerned. We were talking about large fixed installations as far as the weather radar component went.
The answer for dealing with Wakanda's passive stealth was more straightforward yet similar: better sensors, sensor fusion again, and better computers with possibly AIs in each plane or radar station handling the data processing.
In theory, that could work; however, making such a solution useful in practice with what we had available would not be easy or cheap. The core of the issue was simple - outside of thermal or visual guidance, all useful targeting sensors relied on reflection - no matter if it was light for LIDAR or radio waves for radar. Vibranium, the literal bullshit created to frustrate any self-respecting scientist, was practically tailor-made to defeat modern sensors by simply existing. Add some good design the Wakandan engineers had stumbled upon as far as their Talons and Dragons were concerned, and even the best targeting sensors couldn't track and keep a lock on the damn things beyond visual range, usually much closer.
Thermal tracking was an option. However, it had a similar issue - beyond point-blank range used by SAMs like Stingers, fighters usually guided missiles close to the target using radar before the thermal imaging could lock on. That had obvious issues with Wakandan aircraft because you couldn't track them with radar beyond visual range. In practice, the same would be true for image guidance - the missile would have to get close enough to the target for it to kick in and be useful, and that was the core of the issue in the first place, finding the enemy and getting close enough to engage them.
The feeling of bashing my head against a solid wall without going anywhere was extremely frustrating. The atmosphere in the compound didn't help either – practically everyone but the support personnel shared my feelings, combined with what was becoming an unhealthy dose of resentment towards the task at hand.
Something odd rippled in the air beside me. It sent my senses tingling. I surged to my feed, making my bodyguards stir from their positions around me. The air rippled again, in full view of everyone in the cafeteria, twisting in all rainbow colors. Observing what was happening through the Force told me little. There was a lot of odd energy gathering and trying to form a pattern, yet I could sense no danger.
My bodyguards were already on the move, ready to drag me out of the room, when the rippling stilled, then rapidly formed into the transparent form of a tall,
bearded old man wearing silver armor. He looked around; then his dark eyes stared at me.
"Lord Stark, I presume?" He asked in an accent that was similar to Thor's. "I am General Tyr, the Commander of Asgard's military. We have much to discuss."
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Part 4
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SHIELD facility X
a former Canadian military research site
Northern Canada
In whatever afterlife Obi-Wan was, he would be laughing his ass off right now. Satine too, for that matter. Did they feel this way when dealing with my antics all the time?
I looked at General Tyr's projection, trying to find the best words to respond with. It was proving quite hard, given the sheer insanity of the situation.
"You want me to advice Prince Thor, and when she arrives, his long exiled sister on how to be proper heirs to the throne?" I was sure I wasn't able to quite keep the incredulity out of my voice.
"For some odd reason, Prince Thor is listening to you, Lord Stark, when he failed to do so with many on Asgard who tried to impart on him similar lessons. It doesn't really matter if it is you, or the timing your meeting. The Prince is willing to listen and better himself, and that is all that matters. As far as General Hela is concerned, let us just say that there is too much bad blood between her and those she should or would listen to. Besides, you should find her presence and ideas potentially very useful because before her exile, the Princess did plan to uplift many of Asgard's protectorates," Tyr calmly explained.
"I am honored, General Tyr. However, as you might have noticed, we are a bit busy here on Earth. And we can not guarantee the security of either Prince Thor or any other Asgard Royals who decide to visit for the time being. We are preoccupied fighting a technologically advanced opponent, who might have off world backing," I noted, in no small part, playing for time to figure out how to best play this.
I could sense through the Force more security gathering out of sight just outside of the caffeteria, while my bodyguards were quietly, and not so gently ushering everyone else inside out of the room. This wasn't the time or place for the kind of negotiations I found myself holding with Tyr. I was sure that the very idea would drive people in the State Department into apoplexy.
Tyr didn't seem to care one bit. After briefly looking around, he dismissed the room as inconsequential, and kept his attention focused on me.
"We are aware that the situation on Midgard is not ideal at this time. Thus, we do not expect that you will aid us in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela of the goodness of your heart, Lord Stark. We are also aware that accepting such a request will reflect not only on you but your people. We are prepared to offer reasonable concessions both to you in person, and to Midgard in exchange," Tyr noted.
Wasn't this interesting? What was the catch here?
"I will need to consult both with my government and likely with many others on Earth before I can accept your gracious offer, General Tyr. That said, right now I can negotiate for myself. Negotiating for the rest of Earth will have to happen on another occasion."
"That is acceptable. Due to the sheer distance involved, we can't maintain this type of communication for long. I will contact you tomorrow at the same time, to for further discussion when you will continue to represent Midgard, like during your first meeting with Prince Thor. Right now, let us discuss what we can offer you, Lord Stark. First, let me assure you, that because of your deeds in facing the Destroyer and protecting Prince Thor, when the ship arrives to bring him home, we will offer you medical care for the issue with your chest. This offer is due to what you've done for Asgard so far, and is not conditional on the negotiations we will now hold," Tyr explained.
"I appreciate the gesture, General Tyr," I slowly nodded at him and tapped my chest, trying to buy myself as much time as I could to think things through. The offer of healing was nice, though not something I would necessarily accept when the time came. Who knew what "accidental" additions I might end up with.
"While keeping an eye on Prince Thor and you as of late, we couldn't fail but notice that you tend to find yourself into dangerous situations without adequate protection," Tyr continued. "As a craftsman and a warrior both, I don't believe that a custom made armor as a gift would be the best way to approach you, Lord Stark. However, giving you the tools and items needed to build yourself one? Would that be something you would appreciate?"
He got me there, the bastard.
"You do have my attention, General Tyr," I nodded slowly.
I must admit, it took me a damn long time to notice how the bastard took charge of the conversation from the moment his projection appeared, and effortlessly kept me off-balance.
"Nevertheless," I continued, "it would be a dereliction of my duties as a part of SWORD not to ask a few necessary questions before I even think about negotiation personally with you, General."
"Is that so?" Tyr's spectacular graying beard twitched, perhaps hiding a smile.
"First, the attack by the autonomous weapon designated the Destroyer. We, as in Midgard, would like an official explanation," I stated.
"Loki Odinson, our King's adopted son, wasn't content with his place on Asgard and executed a coup that came too close for comfort to being successful. Prince Thor's antics did contribute to the issue, which is why we want him to learn under your wise guidance, Lord Stark. Asgard is reasonably safe. I personally saw to it that the Jotun won't be attacking anyone, anytime soon. Sadly, Loki the Liesmith, managed to escape and is now Asgard's most wanted creature. If that is your concern, Midgardian, your realm is safe from invasion from a subborned Asgard. You are and remain a protectorate of ours," Tyr patiently explained.
"That is indeed good to know. Can we expect any form of reparation over the dead and destruction caused by your suborned weapon?" I pressed.
"That is something to discuss when you negotiate for the rest of Midgard, Lord Stark. Some payback for the caused destruction and death is indeed in order, for they were caused because Asgardian oversights and failures," Tyr grimly nodded. "I officially apologize over the strife and pain caused by Loki the Liesmith's actions on Midagard," He offered me a respectful bow.
"Finally, do you have any indications that our ongoing war with Wakanda has alien involvement?" I pressed.
"Not to the best of our understanding. If you are wondering if the war you fight was orchestrated by one of the major powers to keep Midgard weak? We have no indications to back such a conclusion, yet we can't be certain. Midgard is a long way from Asgard in real space, and your realm is the only place that interests us in your corner of the galaxy, Lord Stark. Your status as our Protectorate should keep you safe from such overt actions. When our ship carrying Princess Hela arrives, it will impress to the local Skrull and Kree naval elements that you are and remain under Asgard's aegis."
"Thank you, General Tyr," I matched his respectful bow. "With these pressing questions out of the way, we can indeed begin negotiating for my personal assistance in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela how to be better rulers…." I trailed off. Now, what did I need at a minimum to build myself a functional and practical power armor? Ideally I would want a few operational suits, and have my bodyguards wear most of them, with a personal one left for emergencies. "If I am to be honest, a modern fabricator and feedstock of advanced materials and alloys would be really nice to have."
"Not without heavy restrictions. Resources for a proper personal armor, and perhaps that of your personal retinue, are of no consequence. What we consider modern industrial equipment on the other hand…" Tyr trailed off, and finally it was his turn to be thoughtful. "I will have to check what we have that it might be appropriate to offer you as payment that you can safely use."
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Breaking news! Second peaceful contact with Asgard! The United States State Department just offered a statement that Asgard contacted Tony Stark, confirming many of the suppositions over the incursion in New Mexico We have an official confrimation that the events in New Mexico were the direct consequences of a coup attempt on Asgard led by a now disgraced Prince Loki of Asgard. The coup failed, and we have official assurance from General Tyr, the commander of Asgard's fleets, that no further hostile incursions will follow as a fallout from the coup attempt. Further negotiations will continue tomorrow, when an Asgardian representative will once again contact Tony Stark, as SWORD and Earth's representative for further negotiations over the events in New Mexico.
This is the first piece of good news for the whole world since the Wakanda war began….
CNN