Part of a series on TritonAerospace's lore. | Separated from Main Post to keep simplicity.
As ANNA DLN continues to grow in systems and numbers, Rokugou Systems figured their standard Skybolt missiles should receive an upgrade. These matured very nicely.
The first on the list was the AAM-33C-1, an updated version of the AAM-33A-3 with a longer burntime, as well as datalink integration. Most of the changes, however, were only software-based, and not much changed externally except for a more high-altitude tuned system.
Where the real fun begins, however, is at the AAM-33B-1. This is a complete redesign of the Skybolt doctrine, rewriting how it can be used, when it should be used, and who it should be used by.
It starts with FOBs. The Air Guard wants smaller, lighter aircraft to be able to bounce between FOBs and makeshift runways (“Bouncepoints”, collectively). Larger, heavier aircraft like the F-9C, could of course fly higher and faster, but were harder to maintain, store, and field in makeshift environments. Because of this, The air guard is shifting to reviving some dormant squadrons using lesser-known aircraft in storage.
However, being lighter and smaller also means not being able to go as high or as fast, especially in a close air support or strike mission setting. The 45th Light Attack and Testing Special Squadron (The Honeybees), an AT-2B “Leapfrog” squadron, had reported somewhat menial range when flying nap-of-the-earth with the Skybolt missiles, being unable to hit fast-and-maneuvering targets at more than 40km of range. This was backed up by VMFC-88 (The Warlords), an F-8B “Skipper” Squadron. When flying low and slow, especially during VTOL operations, skybolt didn’t have too much reach.
To combat this, Rokugou Systems turned from one fast burn to a longer, sustained one. But, during the development process, an intern named Izabella Hawkins happened to suggest an idea: ”Why not use a liquid RAMJet instead of a solid sustained motor?”
Around this time, Rokugou Systems was testing a new computer program called the “Chain of Knowledge”. In essence, it’s a suggestion box that anyone can add to and forward to someone else in another department for review. If it’s a good idea, it’s pushed up the chain of knowledge to someone with more experience. If not, it’s pushed back down with points of error shown.
Hawkins had used this system to suggest to the Research and Development Division, who all thought it was a good idea. The first prototype was then greenlit and produced by the assembly line.
The test went well. After some new software updates and fuel ratio changes, the team had something they were happy with: a fast, air-breathing missile that had the luxury of throttling its fuel consumption.
When given to squadrons for combat testing, pilots were blown away by its performance. Range damn near tripled, time-to-impact was cut in half, and the new ANNA Datalink system was revolutionary for keeping the missile on track without exposing yourself to the enemy.
After a long day of working, however, the company’s command structure heads home. Let’s see what the CEO is doing.
The door opens, he steps inside, then closes it behind him. What follows is an eerie silence. He looks around his apartment. It’s clean, almost brand new. As if nobody had ever been here before. As if nobody had ever been here before…
To the left are two large couches, a coffee table, and a 57” Flatscreen TV. a nice place to sit down and unwind. Straight ahead is a hallway of 3 doors. A storage room, a bedroom, and a bathroom. To the right is a kitchen. Cabinets, an oven, a few knives, forks, and spoons, a dishwasher, and a sink full of dishes.
He decides that he’ll do that first, just to get his mind off of…
…
He elects to manually clean each of the various cooking and eating utensils. Soap, sponge, rinse, rack. Soap, sponge, rinse, rack. Soap, sponge, rinse, rack. Over and over until none are left. Again, he’s left with a clean apartment.
He slowly walks towards the bedroom. Before entering, he takes off his shoes. New Balance tennis shoes. The same New Balance shoes he wears every day. Every day, for the past year. He puts them next to the bedroom door, then slowly opens it and walks in.
To the left is a closet, full of clothes. Clothes that he never wears. Straight ahead is a desk. A desk with a computer and a monitor. He uses it for work a lot. Work like research, emails, and keeping up with the news. To the right, is a bed. A King-sized bed. A King-sized bed, big enough to fit him 5 times over. He only ever sleeps on one side, though. He only ever sleeps on the left side. Everywhere else on the bed, he never lays on.
He sits down on the left side of the king-sized bed. He then falls back onto it, staring at the ceiling. He maps the pattern in his mind, mapping his thoughts as well. His family, his meetings, his emails, his company… then he thinks deeper. Deeper, to a time when things were simpler. When everything didn’t sting. When simple things didn’t take all of his energy away. Before-
His phone buzzes.
He takes his phone out of his pocket. A USG Model 39 smartphone.
It’s a text. A text from Adam Adde.
Security Chief of Droo Space Center and Aerodrome, Adam Adde.
”We have an important contract for you next week. Bring your best engineers to hangar 23 on the 2nd.”