Table of Contents:
Prologue: The Memorandum
Chapter 1: The Event
Chapter 2: The National Space...
Prologue: The Memorandum
Chapter 1: The Event
Chapter 2: The National Space...
Case STARSHOT (Battlezone/Eclipse Phase ISOT)
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Really in the mood for ribs.
Prologue: The Memorandum
June 3rd, 1958 Anno Domini
It was a hot day in Washington that day, but inside the Oval Office, the blood of President Dwight D. Eisenhower might as well have been made of ice as he studied the document in front of him while his Joint Chiefs, the Directors of the CIA and the Director of the NSA studied their own copies, before the Chief of Staff of the Air Force looked up from the photos, "So we have confirmation that the Ruskies are way ahead of us in regards to the material from Bering?"
The Director of the CIA nodded, "These images were the latest from the U2 deep-penetration overflight into Siberia. As you all can see from these images, the Soviets are clearly using the material recovered in the Bering Strait to advance their space program beyond what we currently have. We believe that Sputnik was a diversion from this larger project, which we believe to be related to the Luna and Zond projects." He turned to face Eisenhower, "I believe that the flashes that were observed on the moon were not meteorite impacts, but covert insertions of Soviet troops, and possibly colonists."
"Colonists?" The Commandant of the Marine Corps spoke up, eyes drawn in confusion, "You mean to tell me that the Soviets are actually trying to build cities up there?"
"Not cities," The CIA Director replied, "not as we would call them, but yes. If they make any kind of self-sustaining settlements on the moon, they could very well have access to a mother-lode of material. Mister President, we need to regain parity with the Soviets before it's too late, otherwise we could very well have a Soviet invasion coming not just by air and sea, but by space as well."
"Now hold on just a cotton-picking minute here!" The Chief Of The Army spoke up, "At what point should we be assuming that the Soviets have the lead on us? For all we know, they're barely able to get anything start up there and we have more than enough time to catch up to them."
"And what if they are more advanced than we are currently aware of?" The Chief Of Naval Operations countered, "For all we know, they have bases on Mars and elsewhere. We need to get our own troops up on the Moon pronto, so we can at least get an idea of what the Soviets are planning up there."
Everyone in the room save for Eisenhower nodded, and the President considered his options, before making a decision, "As of now, we are enacting Case STARSHOT. All information is to be classified 'Eyes Only' and I want the preparations to go ahead for the construction of the initial landing forces."
"And who's going to be placed in charge of this force?" The Chief Of Staff For The Air Force questioned, curiosity colouring his tone of voice.
All eyes focused on Eisenhower, who smiled thinly, "I believe I know just the man."
***
Three Star General George Collins sat at his desk feeling as though something momentous was going to happen as he went about his day, filing the paperwork associated with his duties, when his secretary opened the door and poked her head into his office, "General, there's a letter here for you, Presidential Seal."
"Let's take a look at it," Collins motioned for the woman to come in, and he took the large envelope with a smile, "Thanks. Keep me informed of any calls?"
"Yes sir." As his secretary went to back her own work, Collins undid the string on the back of the envelope and carefully removed a folder containing a series of documents, and a memorandum from Ike. Leaning back in his chair, he began reading the memo.
From: President Dwight D. Eisenhower
To: General George Collins
Re: Establishment of the National Space Defence Force (NSDF)
Security Status: EYES ONLY
Date: June 3, 1958
After all that we've been through together, I hold you as one of the few men that I trust implicitly. I can't fully express the important of maintaining the highest level of discretion regarding the information contained within this memorandum. Much has changed since we've spent time together. As Commanders in the Armed Forces, we took for granted that we held many secrets nobody should know, but now my life as President is very different. Many people know more than they should, and it is putting the future of our nation in grave jeopardy.
The news of my health problems are widely known, and I have no idea what become of me. My gut tells me that it is time to plan for the future, and I'm counting on you to carry forward the defence of our nation. You may feel that you are too old to do what I'm about to ask you to do, but I need someone that I can trust, and I have complete confidence that you are up to the task. That aside, I can only promise that you will see action like you've never seen before. In fact, I wish that I could personally take charge of this operation.
You may recall brief mentions of a meteor shower that struck the Bering Strait six years ago. The seemingly inconsequential phenomena was overshadowed by events on the Korean Peninsula, but in actuality the debris that fell from space will have a much more enduring impact on the future of our nation than the outcome of the conflict in Korea.
Soviet and American scientists simultaneously discovered an odd metal with unknown biological properties amongst the rocks that fell to Earth. We both rushed to gather as much of the material as possible and all known reserves have now been collected.
We've established a research facility in Nevada in order to investigate this 'bio-metal'. The results of these efforts are astounding. The material itself remains a complete mystery, but we have managed to fabricate some promising munitions from it. It seems that the biological element of the metal contains some sort of memory that allows it to reshape itself into it's previous form. Later in this report you will see some of the engineering specifications of what we know the material can do. The bottom line is clear, however. Whoever controls these materials will win the Cold War.
Next month I will publicly establish the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Pending your acceptance of this post, I will also secretly endow the National Space Defence Force (NSDF). No one will know about the NSDF... everyone will know about NASA.
Let me explain why this is so important.
As you may know, the Soviets have two distinct advantages over us. Their system easily allows them to keep secrets, whereas it seems that I cannot even sneeze without the world knowing. Every last secret from our weapons program has slipped into Soviet hands. By comparison, their Sputnik caught us by surprise, and our intelligence on their Luna and Zond programs remains limited. We can only assume that they too are trying to gather more of the bio-metal.
Their second advantage is one in terms of sheer manpower. The Red Army can draw upon millions of men and women from across their territory, all of them loyal to a fault for their Motherland. We on the other hand, must ensure that all possible candidates are carefully screened for any kind of Communist or lingering Nazi sympathies, which dramatically slows down recruitment and training.
Therefore, as the presiding General of the NSDF, you will be responsible for recruiting an elite force of engineers and combat personnel that will secretly venture into space in order to gather more of the bio-metal and oppose Soviet aggression. Your organisation will be funded through the NSA and you will report to nobody, not the NSA, not the CIA, not the Joint Chiefs, not even me. I fully expect that the NSDF will continue on past my term as President thanks to certain legislation. Subsequent administrations will have no knowledge of the NSDF.
You may recruit under the auspices of NASA. Choose your personnel carefully and do not allow your numbers to exceed one thousand unless the situation demands revealing the NSDF. You should quickly establish a base on the dark side of the moon. Once you have a space foothold, you may begin to recruit a broader force, including civilians.
Please include this memo in your briefing pack but only distribute it on the moon. I want everyone of the people who serve under your command to know that I personally thank them for risking their lives in the service of their country. May God be with you and may you further legacy of our great nation.
God bless,
Ike
Smiling grimly, George Collins set down the memo, "You're right Ike, I do think I'm too old for this kind of action, but you're also right that I'm not about to let myself be put out to pasture just yet." Picking up the phone, he called his secretary, "Hannah? Get me my command staff, on the double."
"Yes sir."
***
On July 29th, 1958, President Eisenhower announced the formation of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration in response to the Soviet 'Sputnik' satellite. At the same time this was occurring and Werner Von Braun continued his work on space rockets, experimental and highly advanced spacecraft were being readied for a select battalion of 1000 men, specially selected and trained under the auspices of NASA.
By the time the first secret launches took place, ground-based observatories noticed strange lights on the Moon, and past it in the blackness of space. This was assumed to be Communist activity and the newly formed NSDF prepared to face anything up there.
They had no inkling of what they would encounter.
June 3rd, 1958 Anno Domini
It was a hot day in Washington that day, but inside the Oval Office, the blood of President Dwight D. Eisenhower might as well have been made of ice as he studied the document in front of him while his Joint Chiefs, the Directors of the CIA and the Director of the NSA studied their own copies, before the Chief of Staff of the Air Force looked up from the photos, "So we have confirmation that the Ruskies are way ahead of us in regards to the material from Bering?"
The Director of the CIA nodded, "These images were the latest from the U2 deep-penetration overflight into Siberia. As you all can see from these images, the Soviets are clearly using the material recovered in the Bering Strait to advance their space program beyond what we currently have. We believe that Sputnik was a diversion from this larger project, which we believe to be related to the Luna and Zond projects." He turned to face Eisenhower, "I believe that the flashes that were observed on the moon were not meteorite impacts, but covert insertions of Soviet troops, and possibly colonists."
"Colonists?" The Commandant of the Marine Corps spoke up, eyes drawn in confusion, "You mean to tell me that the Soviets are actually trying to build cities up there?"
"Not cities," The CIA Director replied, "not as we would call them, but yes. If they make any kind of self-sustaining settlements on the moon, they could very well have access to a mother-lode of material. Mister President, we need to regain parity with the Soviets before it's too late, otherwise we could very well have a Soviet invasion coming not just by air and sea, but by space as well."
"Now hold on just a cotton-picking minute here!" The Chief Of The Army spoke up, "At what point should we be assuming that the Soviets have the lead on us? For all we know, they're barely able to get anything start up there and we have more than enough time to catch up to them."
"And what if they are more advanced than we are currently aware of?" The Chief Of Naval Operations countered, "For all we know, they have bases on Mars and elsewhere. We need to get our own troops up on the Moon pronto, so we can at least get an idea of what the Soviets are planning up there."
Everyone in the room save for Eisenhower nodded, and the President considered his options, before making a decision, "As of now, we are enacting Case STARSHOT. All information is to be classified 'Eyes Only' and I want the preparations to go ahead for the construction of the initial landing forces."
"And who's going to be placed in charge of this force?" The Chief Of Staff For The Air Force questioned, curiosity colouring his tone of voice.
All eyes focused on Eisenhower, who smiled thinly, "I believe I know just the man."
***
Three Star General George Collins sat at his desk feeling as though something momentous was going to happen as he went about his day, filing the paperwork associated with his duties, when his secretary opened the door and poked her head into his office, "General, there's a letter here for you, Presidential Seal."
"Let's take a look at it," Collins motioned for the woman to come in, and he took the large envelope with a smile, "Thanks. Keep me informed of any calls?"
"Yes sir." As his secretary went to back her own work, Collins undid the string on the back of the envelope and carefully removed a folder containing a series of documents, and a memorandum from Ike. Leaning back in his chair, he began reading the memo.
From: President Dwight D. Eisenhower
To: General George Collins
Re: Establishment of the National Space Defence Force (NSDF)
Security Status: EYES ONLY
Date: June 3, 1958
After all that we've been through together, I hold you as one of the few men that I trust implicitly. I can't fully express the important of maintaining the highest level of discretion regarding the information contained within this memorandum. Much has changed since we've spent time together. As Commanders in the Armed Forces, we took for granted that we held many secrets nobody should know, but now my life as President is very different. Many people know more than they should, and it is putting the future of our nation in grave jeopardy.
The news of my health problems are widely known, and I have no idea what become of me. My gut tells me that it is time to plan for the future, and I'm counting on you to carry forward the defence of our nation. You may feel that you are too old to do what I'm about to ask you to do, but I need someone that I can trust, and I have complete confidence that you are up to the task. That aside, I can only promise that you will see action like you've never seen before. In fact, I wish that I could personally take charge of this operation.
You may recall brief mentions of a meteor shower that struck the Bering Strait six years ago. The seemingly inconsequential phenomena was overshadowed by events on the Korean Peninsula, but in actuality the debris that fell from space will have a much more enduring impact on the future of our nation than the outcome of the conflict in Korea.
Soviet and American scientists simultaneously discovered an odd metal with unknown biological properties amongst the rocks that fell to Earth. We both rushed to gather as much of the material as possible and all known reserves have now been collected.
We've established a research facility in Nevada in order to investigate this 'bio-metal'. The results of these efforts are astounding. The material itself remains a complete mystery, but we have managed to fabricate some promising munitions from it. It seems that the biological element of the metal contains some sort of memory that allows it to reshape itself into it's previous form. Later in this report you will see some of the engineering specifications of what we know the material can do. The bottom line is clear, however. Whoever controls these materials will win the Cold War.
Next month I will publicly establish the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Pending your acceptance of this post, I will also secretly endow the National Space Defence Force (NSDF). No one will know about the NSDF... everyone will know about NASA.
Let me explain why this is so important.
As you may know, the Soviets have two distinct advantages over us. Their system easily allows them to keep secrets, whereas it seems that I cannot even sneeze without the world knowing. Every last secret from our weapons program has slipped into Soviet hands. By comparison, their Sputnik caught us by surprise, and our intelligence on their Luna and Zond programs remains limited. We can only assume that they too are trying to gather more of the bio-metal.
Their second advantage is one in terms of sheer manpower. The Red Army can draw upon millions of men and women from across their territory, all of them loyal to a fault for their Motherland. We on the other hand, must ensure that all possible candidates are carefully screened for any kind of Communist or lingering Nazi sympathies, which dramatically slows down recruitment and training.
Therefore, as the presiding General of the NSDF, you will be responsible for recruiting an elite force of engineers and combat personnel that will secretly venture into space in order to gather more of the bio-metal and oppose Soviet aggression. Your organisation will be funded through the NSA and you will report to nobody, not the NSA, not the CIA, not the Joint Chiefs, not even me. I fully expect that the NSDF will continue on past my term as President thanks to certain legislation. Subsequent administrations will have no knowledge of the NSDF.
You may recruit under the auspices of NASA. Choose your personnel carefully and do not allow your numbers to exceed one thousand unless the situation demands revealing the NSDF. You should quickly establish a base on the dark side of the moon. Once you have a space foothold, you may begin to recruit a broader force, including civilians.
Please include this memo in your briefing pack but only distribute it on the moon. I want everyone of the people who serve under your command to know that I personally thank them for risking their lives in the service of their country. May God be with you and may you further legacy of our great nation.
God bless,
Ike
Smiling grimly, George Collins set down the memo, "You're right Ike, I do think I'm too old for this kind of action, but you're also right that I'm not about to let myself be put out to pasture just yet." Picking up the phone, he called his secretary, "Hannah? Get me my command staff, on the double."
"Yes sir."
***
On July 29th, 1958, President Eisenhower announced the formation of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration in response to the Soviet 'Sputnik' satellite. At the same time this was occurring and Werner Von Braun continued his work on space rockets, experimental and highly advanced spacecraft were being readied for a select battalion of 1000 men, specially selected and trained under the auspices of NASA.
By the time the first secret launches took place, ground-based observatories noticed strange lights on the Moon, and past it in the blackness of space. This was assumed to be Communist activity and the newly formed NSDF prepared to face anything up there.
They had no inkling of what they would encounter.
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