Executive Intent

“If we’re being attacked by more than eighteen enemy missiles-especially nuclear ones-we have a serious problem that wouldn’t be solved by twice as many interceptors, General,” Ann said with a wry smile. “The antiballistic-missile portion of the system is, of course, part of a layered system that includes boost-phase and terminal defenses.”

She turned to Secretary Banderas. “Sir, you’ve said it yourself many times: the Air Force has to do more with less; we have to field multi-role systems. The platforms are much more than just for space-based weapons. The sensors on board each platform and the integration of their data with other space assets through Armstrong Space Station will be invaluable to operators around the world. This network will provide real-time infrared, radar, and optical imagery to all users-even the Navy.” She leaned forward and opened her hands. “That’s the way we sell it to Secretary Turner and the White House.”

“This is a benefit for the Navy? That’s how we sell it?”

“The president is an unabashed Navy advocate,” Ann said. “He and SECDEF both believe that the Navy is the preeminent military power of the United States of America, and that every other service, especially the Air Force, is a support service. If that’s the way they want to see us, that’s fine. But let’s design a support mission that suits us, not fit in with how they see us.”

Secretary Banderas thought for a moment, then, as Ann breathed a sigh of relief, nodded. “I like it, Ann,” he said. “Global look, global persistence, global availability, with self-protection and antiballistic-missile capabilities-and run by the Air Force.”

“I think we’ll have real problems with the land-attack option, sir,” Chief of Staff Huffman said. “Even though these Mjollnir space weapons don’t technically violate any treaties, the whole idea of weapons raining down on top of you from space will spook a lot of people, possibly including the president.”

“Then we’ll downplay the land-attack thing at first,” Banderas said. “The missiles-”

“We call them ‘orbital maneuvering vehicles,’ sir,” Ann said.

The secretary of the Air Force nodded approvingly. “I like that,” he said. “Not ‘kill vehicles,’ not ‘missiles’-‘orbital maneuvering vehicles.’ OMVs. Okay, the OMVs are on board for self-protection and for ballistic-missile defense. The land-attack weapons are possible future development spirals. When can I get platforms upstairs, Ann?”

“The sensor packages and network integration was completed some time ago-the weapon interfaces have just completed R and D,” Ann replied. “We can build and launch one, perhaps two spacecraft a month. Within a year we can have sixty percent coverage and one hundred percent coverage within two years.”

Banderas nodded. “Excellent. We’ll meet to discuss where the money will come from, but because we’ll pitch this as a naval support system, we might be able to siphon some bucks out of the Navy. So what are you going to call it, Ann?”

“I thought of several names, sir,” Ann said, “but given the way we’re going to pitch this to the National Command Authority and Congress as a naval support system, I’ve narrowed it down to one: Kingfisher. The Navy won’t be as intimidated by a more globe-dominating name. Cute brightly colored little birds-the marine variety dive below the surface after fish.”

Banderas shook his head and got to his feet. “You learn something new every damn day, I guess,” he said with a smile. He held out a hand to Ann, and she shook it. “Thank you, Dr. Page. You’ve done some incredible work. We’ll see about selling this to the powers that be and get a supplemental authorization. After what happened to the Bush, I think they’ll be responsive to a system that puts more eyes out there over the horizon.”

“Thank you, sir,” Ann said. “Another question: standing up the Space Defense Force-”

“Don’t even go there, Ann,” Banderas said. “This sell is going to be tough enough without recommending forming an entire new military entity. We’ll be lucky if it doesn’t turn into a Navy program after all. Let’s get the thing built and in orbit before deciding what color to paint it, okay?” He shrugged his shoulders and added, “And the way the Air Force is faring these days, that color will probably be battleship gray.”

TWO

Beaten paths are for beaten men.

– ERIC JOHNSTON

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

JANUARY 2012

“You have the mind of a twenty-year-old, the bod of a thirty-year-old-but the eyes of an eighty-year-old?” Air Force Colonel Gia “Boxer” Cazzotto said, giving Patrick McLanahan a kiss on the cheek. Gia was tall, with straight dark hair, mischievous brown eyes, and a disarmingly shy smile-all of which disguised a woman who commanded one of America ’s few remaining heavy bomber wings. “Cataract surgery, intraocular implants-you?”