Chapter 60: Military Tour
On the 4th of July...
"I'm so excited for this day dad!" Van spoke with his father.
"Yes. We're be getting supplies for tonight's BBQ. But first, we're going to visit some place under the orders of the WNA." Max told his son and he's driving to a new location. It's beside Eagle City, heavily guarded and it houses USK's finest military force.
Yup, a military base it is as the car soon arrived as at the gate, a USK soldier wearing some powered armour and armed with an advanced weapon went out of the guardhouse to see them. He approached the car and tapped the window gently. Lowering it, Max spoke to him. "I've been sent by the WNA to pay this location a visit."
"Are you Max? I was told that you are the one coming here."
He showed him his ID and then, "Open the gate!" He called out as the gate slid aside opening a way as Max thanked him and he drove in. He found a parking slot and parked the car. As he and his son got out. "So this is the place..." Max observed the base with Van as he looked amazed seeing soldier patrolling, training and doing their duties. He also saw various vehicles driving by and some appeared to be walking on 2 legs. He then noticed a VTOL aircraft landing in.
As they looked around, a man suited in a camo green power armour approached them and from the looks of it, he's the general via the rank pinned on his armour. "Welcome! You must be Max right?"
"Of course sir. The WNA sent me to have a nice look around at this military base constructed this year." He told him.
"And I happen to meet up with you and bring you around. For I'm in command of this name and I am known as General Warzone."
"A pleasure to meet you. And here's my son, Van." Max introduced his son as, "Hi there!" Van greeted the general and, "Cool armour."
"Thanks kid! We used to wear the standard uniform but now, we get these fitted and it's durable enough to at least shrug off light attacks. Anyway, let's get the tour started shall we?" General Warzone then begab,
First, "Our power generators power up the base, the defense systems and the other military production structures." General Warzone explained.
"Base defenses?" Van asked.
"Yes. Essential to defend from any hostile attacks. We have laser minigun turrets, AP railgun turrets and AA quad laser cannons all on high alert." General Warzone showed them their appearances and they're all on high alert for any attack.
"First, combat armour and now, laser technology? It's like the army is entering a sci-fi breakthrough." Van exclaimed.
"Something like that..." General Warzone then pointed at a base structure. "Over there is the barracks. Soldiers of all class rest in there and deploy from there." He brought them to the facility and there inside, soldiers are seen resting in their bunks, practicing close combat moves in the training room, eating and drinking in the mess hall and doing maintenance on their weapons and body armour in the armory. "Are those recently developed?" Van asked.
"Yes. This is the power armor that they officially wear in battle. We got many types. Come, there's a control room where you can view the information." He led them here as he went straight to work doing some inputting on the main computer. A list then popped up.
Combat Marine-Foot solider of the USK military. Equipped with powered combat armor and armed with a laser rifle and combat shield
Combat Medic-Female medic equipped with the same armour as the marines and armed with a wrist-mounted energizing stabilizers for healing and a laser handgun for self-defense.
Fireblaster-Armoured heavy infantry armed with twin heavy laser cannons on both gauntlets that deal armor piercing damage on vehicles
Punisher-Armoured heavy infantry armed with pulse grenade launchers on both gauntlets. Deals AOE damage on infantry, clear garrisons with little effort
Assault Jumper-Marine equipped with jetpacks and armed with power swords and laser handguns. Designed for assault jumps, ambushes and close combat. Also carries explosives which are effective against vehicles and structures
Demolisher-Marine armed with a devastating laser minigun. Deals massive damage to infantry and surpasses them as well. Can also switch the weapon to cannon mode allowing heavy laser fire which is effective against vehicles
Stealth Sniper-Cloaked marine armed with a laser sniper rifle for long range combat. Also armed with a laser pistol for close range and explosives to destroy enemy structures
Drone Specialist-Weaponless support Marine equipped with only a controller and 2 drones for field operations. The drones operated are aerial and can act as scouts, detect hidden enemies and drop explosives on any ground target. If destroyed, drones can respawn automatically via teleportation to the current position of the specialist
"How do they suit up and remove the armour?" Max asked.
"Through science and technology, we took a page from a few sci-fi movies and they invented this!" General Warzone pressed a button on his belt and the armour he's wearing collapsed out and he's out of the armour only wearing the belt and a full bodysuit. "This, is the key to suiting up for any conflict. And everyone has one and it depends on what role they perform in the army." He then pressed the button on his belt and the armour materialize around him with the helmet covering his head and the visor of it lifted up.
"Impressive..." Max exclaimed as he led them out of the barracks.
Outside, "This here is the Machine Assembly. A factory that designs and produces our military hardware. Mostly vehicles and the newly developed mechanized walkers." They entered the facility to see assembly cranes doing their work as a tank is in the midst of assembly. Engineers are seen carrying the materials, discussing the blueprints and using their tools on the various machine-related tasks like repairing the vehicles, installing new combat computer systems and painting the army colours.
"We've manufactured various war machines and I shall show the list to you in the main office." General Warzone then brought the guests to the office located on top and there, he went to a computer and did some keying. The list and images of the vehicles and the descriptions appeared on screen.
Light Strike Buggy-Scout vehicle armed with an anti-infantry laser gun. Effective at scouting, hit-and-runs and eliminating infantry patrols
Bushmaster-Light skimmer tank armed with twin armor piercing railguns. Fast and effective against vehicles and can also do hit-and-runs
Shredder-Armoured transport tank armed with a heavy twin laser cannon. Effective against infantry, suppresses them as well and can transport up to 20 Combat Marines
Minotaur-Light walker armed with dual laser cannons and AA missiles. Effective against infantry and aircraft
Vapourizer-AA hovertank armed with quad laser cannons. Fast, lightly armoured and effective against aircraft
Groundsmasher-Heavy melee walker armed with iron claws for smashing, can take plenty of punishment and inflict devastating damage against any of the ground forces
Groundblitzer-Heavy ranged walker armed with a laser gatling cannon and twin laser cannons. Effective against ground forces
Warmaster-Medium walker armed with a railgun and a rectangular combat shield for defense and with the ability to generate force fields through it. Effective against vehicles
Hedgehog-MLRS artillery tank equipped with 24 rocket pods for ground bombardment. Effective against vehicles
Warpath-Heavy battle tank equipped with twin heavy laser cannons and an anti-infantry laser gun mounted on top of the turret. Known to be the MBT of the USK Military
Ballista-Advanced heavy battle tank with powerful twin cannons. Can use it's treads to deploy into a stationary base defense with the cannons entering artillery mode for heavy bombardment
Ares-Heavy assault walker with plenty of firepower and durasteel armor. Armed with twin laser cannons on both arms, anti-air rocket pods on both sides and 2 heavy railguns mounted on the back which can be fold up onto the shoulders and deal heavy bombardment
"Most of scientists and researchers working for me are fans of RTS gaming." General Warzone explained.
"RTS? Does it stand for Real-Time Shooting?" Van asked.
"Real-Time Strategy." Max told his son.
"Exactly. Their years of gaming and learning the mechanism and designs have inspired and innovated them. I came across them at an internet cafe once and overheard an important discussion which relates to the USK military. It piqued my interests and I spoke with them." General Warzone explained. "And today, they continue to work in the field to harness and master the technology level."
"How spectacular." Max described as they left the facility.
Outside again and walking to the next stop, "And this, is the airfield. All kinds of aircraft are produced and stored. Sometimes, we do some refueling and maintenance." They went inside the control tower and from the top level, they can see various aircrafts in the hangars with some undergoing maintenance and others having their payloads loaded. "You have a list right?" Van asked and the general keyed on the computer with the info popping on screen.
Sky Phantom-Agile strike craft with dual forms. Aircraft form effective against aircraft and equipped with twin rocket pods and Walker form effective against infantry and equipped with twin laser gatling cannons
Eclipsor-VTOL aircraft permanently cloaked and equipped with rocket pods. Can fire while cloaked and effective against armored targets.
Medicraft-Support aircraft piloted by medics and equipped with energizing stabilizers for healing. Also can transport up to 8 Combat Marines and detects hidden enemies
Corvus-Support aircraft that detects stealth, deploys turrets and launches homing mines
Albatross-Fire support aircraft with two modes. Aircraft mode engages aircraft with missile pods and Fire Support mode switches it to stationary position unfolding a railgun for heavy bombardment on ground targets
Thunderaptor-VTOL Bomber aircraft designed for heavy bombardment. Known to do precision bombing and carpet bombing
Moon Cruiser-Massive aerial transport cruiser that can carry infantry and vehicles. Heavily armored enough to withstand heavy attacks
Star Cruiser-Aerial heavy battlecruiser designed for ground and air combat. Equipped with multiple laser cannon turrets and an energy bombardment cannon that deals massive damage onto single targets.
"Everything in the military is truly advanced." Max stated.
"Correct. Years of research and development of all the cutting edge technology you have seen in this tour is the breakthrough of everything!" General Warzone explained as he led them out. "Until now, we still continue with the improvements. Starting from last year, we decommissioned half of the USK military hardware through weapons, vehicles and aircraft to pave way for the technological advancements. We salvaged the materials to reuse in the production and development of the new hardware. We also did field-testing to test the safeties, capabilities and the firepower."
"Anything else?" Van asked.
"Well...today is a holiday and the military here will be showcased in the upcoming parade which will be live on TV." He replied.
"Worth watching." said Max as they left the area with the tour continuing on.
"Over there is the Technology Bureau. The people I mentioned just now all work there doing their nerd jobs. Beside it is the Arsenal. All weapons and munitions are manufactured and stored in there. And finally over there, is the Command Centre. The main hub of everything in the base." He brought them in, showed them around and finally, they entered his office and there, 2 individuals are waiting for him. Both are wearing combat armor and equipped with different weapons. "Good to see you general!"
"Yes good to see you." He replied as they collapse their armour and then, Max noticed something. "Your eyes..."
"You saw it did you Max? Yes, we are ninjas and also, high ranking members of the USK military. It was my idea to contact the WNA and they have sent you here so that all of us can talk." The commando who's a male then shook his hand followed by the other who's a female.
"I'm Takato. Male commando of the USK military. My awakened power allows me to mentally blast the minds of the enemies stunning and distorting them for 10 seconds. I call it, Mindblast."
"And I'm Tara. Female commando of the USK military. My awakened power allows me to dominate the minds of any individual permanently. I can choose to cancel the control and dominate another individual. I call it, Domination."
"Those 2 are the first ninjas to join the military and they've the first commandos. Takato's weaponry and gear consists of a laser shotgun, a heavy plasma cannon and pulse grenades. The male commando suit he wore is lightly armored, allows him to be cloaked and it enables him to project a personal force shield. Tara's weaponry consists of a laser sniper rifle, a power katana and flashbang grenades. Her suit is also lightly armored, allows permanent cloaking and enables her to phase through obstacles."
"Interesting. And what is the reason to have the WNA meet up with the USK military faction under your general?" Max asked the 2 commandos.
"Well...how should we say this...we had this thought of...wanting to give the soldiers here our training." Tara began.
"In a way that the ninjas can teach them the various martial arts that we've been learning and honing for as long as we remember." said Takato.
"It could benefit the military to learn close quarters combat via the martial arts. Even so, our organizations can work together should a global threat arise." General Warzone added in support for them.
Max is in deep thought about this with Van looking at him. Sure, the WNA and the military aren't associated yet but also, ninjas could use some backup outside of the WNA. "I will discuss with the chairman and he'll give you the answer."
"Very well. We will wait then. And that also concludes the tour." General Warzone then offered to escort them out as Max nodded and he and Van left with him and the 2 commandos joined them.
At the carpark, "Thank you for taking the time to visit our place." General Warzone thanked Max. "It's an honor to meet you in person and likewise, you 2. You did both the military and the WNA proud." Max thanked them.
"No problem. Till we meet again." Takato replied as he and Tara shook his hand followed by the general.
In the car, Max started the engine as he and Van waved to the military individuals as the car departed from the base. "After we get the supplies, I need to write the report about the USK military and their breakthroughs to Genryusai. That also includes the offer to give the soldiers the training." Max thought as Van whipped his phone out and started playing some basketball mobile game.
That night...
At the patio, everyone had fun partying as at the hot tub, Kappei and Emma soaked in there and made out with each other. Damien and Elena then joined in and they too made out with each other as well.
At the BBQ pit, Van's mom along Lucy's parents who are invited are grilling all the succulent meat and other food. In the pool, a chicken fight took place with Naomi on Keith's shoulders and May on Dan's shoulders as they try to push each other as they had fun while laughing. Lucy then disrupted their fight by doing a cannonball sending the girls out and into the water. In response, they engaged in a splash fight as the boys laughed and joined the fun.
At one of the tables, Billy and Heart are in the midst of a hotdog eating contest but to their surprise, Gumchi devoured 30 hotdogs in a go. "Hee! Hee! Hee!" The gum alien giggled as Dia served him some fried chicken.
At another one, Tyler and Cluv are arm wrestling when Alec and Hongfa sprayed them with water guns as they laughed. However, the 2 boys stood up and they have bigger water guns as they returned
Inside the living room, Max and Van watched the military parade. All that they've seen in the military base is being showcased. "Who would have guessed that the USK military wants to work with the WNA?" Van spoke up.
"It's no surprise that they want to. As of now, I have already submitted the report to Genryusai about the tour we went through." said Max when he received a text message from him. "Excellent! He has agreed to give the soldiers the combat training they need!"
"Awesome! Now the WNA ninjas can train the soldiers on the martial art moves and fight by their side!" Van cheered.
"It will come in handy for them." He added when his wife appeared. "The BBQ's ready!"
"C'mon along son. Let's enjoy this holiday together." Max told him as he turned off the TV and they went outside. There, everyone ate and drank and even the fireworks are set off by some of the teens as various, colourful lights exploded in the air as everyone cheered. Summer break was worth it.
The USK Military will soon play a vital role in the future. Under the general, he's willing to fight with the WNA and pledge his own forces to do so. Yes, technology is advanced and I'm inspired to work on it. All infatry, vehicles and aircraft introduced in this chapter are based on the StarCraft 2, Warhammer 40K and the upcoming Tempest Rising games.
Did I not mention that I'm a huge fan of RTS gaming? Because it was so much fun constructing the base, building an army and commanding them to fight in skirmishes!
And now, School will start in the next chapter for those entering their second year. It is there that things will get interesting...