Sample 1
"Mr. President, their diminutive size does not limit their performance it enhances it. Because we do not need an onboard pilot and we are not carrying heavy munitions, the airplanes are smaller, lighter, faster, and have an extended range."
"The concept of flying with a remote pilot is still difficult for me to accept."
"Because the pilots are ground based, we do not require life support design features and the planes can accelerate and turn quickly without worrying about the G-force stress on humans. This is only one of the advantages our aircraft have over other military planes. Of course the other is the ultra-high speed we can obtain with the magneto-hydrodynamic drive capability that lets these planes cruise at Mach 12.5 and even reach Mach 15 if needed."
"Just how fast is that anyway?" The president asked.
"Between nine-thousand three hundred and eleven thousand two hundred miles per hour."
"Incredible!"
The commander smiled. "It is incredible when you think you can fly up to five thousand miles at that speed without refueling." Commander Jaibo walked over to the nearest airplane, Rising Star-1. "Mr. President, each of these aircraft has six high-energy laser cannons. There is one on the front, one on the back, and four spaced on a ring that wraps around the fuselage. This arrangement provides a complete sphere of attack or protection capability. Simply put, the aircraft doesn't have to turn at all to strike a target."
"What you are telling me is that we have an invincible airplane."
"I'd say nearly invincible, Mr. President. With the radar absorption capability we built in the airplane they're nearly invisible as they approach, so there is minimal risk of a successful enemy attack."
"Again, I've read about the design features, commander, I just find it difficult that we can control multiple aircraft from a remote location."
"Advanced communication makes it possible. It's similar to a cell phone network. When these planes fly within China, we rely on local ground-based communications to receive flight information and video. For flights outside China, we use a geosynchronous satellite to relay the same information. Believe me, it not only works, it's flawless."
"What happens if there is a failure or our land-based pilots make an error?" The president asked. "I wouldn't want our adversaries to capture a plane and steal our technology."
The commander shook his head. "We thought of that and designed onboard Trojans."
"Trojans?"
"Yes, sir. We can de-energize or destroy the airplane remotely and just let it crash. We have the same system for those planes that we might sell to foreign governments. That ensures they will never use our advanced aircraft against us.
Satisfied with the explanation, President Hongru nodded in approval.
Mr. President, you are responsible for all of this. Without your insight and drive, our engineers would not have the freedom to excel. The airplanes should be named after you."
"I appreciate your sincere compliment, but I am not like my predecessors. I only care about protecting China and expanding our country's respect in the eyes of the world. May we proceed with the tour? I'm really interested in seeing all of this in operation."
"Of course, Mr. President," Commander Jaibo said, as he slid into the transport cart again. "The facilities control room and pilot flight decks are on the other side of the runway.
After a short ride, the commander directed President Hongru to a glassed-enclosed observation room. "This is the Main Control Room, Mr. President. The three men in the control room have multiple job functions. One operates the facility ramp covers and partitions and serves as ground control, another controls inbound and departing aircraft and the facility's defense system. The third man is the Watch Officer in Charge. He monitors Rising Star crew performance, the overall tactical situation, and the operation of the entire weapons system."
The president nodded again and waited while the commander issued an order that echoed throughout the facility's loudspeaker system.
"If you'll come this way, Mr. President, I'll show you the pilot flight deck area and you can meet the crew members for our new aircraft."
President Hongru walked through the door held open for him by the commander and entered a long broad hallway that gradually filled with people emerging from doors on each side. "These are the flight crews?" he asked.
"Yes, Mr. President, there is one crew for each of the twenty-six airplanes and we have three different shifts available for operation. Each crew consists of a pilot, a targeting officer, and an officer who has the joint responsibility of navigation and reviewing the local tactical situation. Each member of the team completed the required training and excels in their respective crew assignment," Commander Jaibo said. "They each have separate computer-driven workstations that support their respective tasks and communications with other aircraft and this facility. The effect is similar to actual flying without the motion, G-forces, and risk of injury or death."
"Most enlightening," President Hongru said and walked past each of the flight crews shaking hands with every member until he reached the far end of the hallway. He turned to speak to everyone. "This marvelous facility, innovative aircraft, and your dedication in serving your country bring great joy and satisfaction to your elected president. China's citizens work side by side, elevating our great country to its rightful place in the world. Together we face a bright future—a future where every man, woman, and child will hold their head high. I have no doubt that the new facility, airplanes, and your skill will perform these tasks to perfection. Thank you for the hard work and dedication."
"Thank you, Mr. President," seventy-eight crewmembers spoke in unison and began unanimous applause.
"I appreciate your collective gratitude, but remember to shed the old ways of leaders that expected unanimous and consistent glorification. While we work together to make China better, we do it now as free souls. Our progress in the last ten years shows what happens when the people work together without fear from government leaders."
The resulting applause sounded louder as President Hongru and the commander entered the shift briefing room. "This is very impressive, commander. I assume it's time to discuss the capability demonstration."
"Yes, Mr. President. We've planned several demonstrations so that you may witness the speed and agility of the aircraft and its ability to destroy both aggressive inbound targets and ground-based stationary targets. May I suggest that you pick one team for the speed and agility test and another for the attack and attack avoidance demonstration?"
"What you are telling me is that you have equal faith in each flight crew?"
"That is correct, Mr. President. The crews strive for excellence in every aspect. I have total faith in any crew's ability to perform these tests, or for that matter, any mission that is within the equipment's capability."
The president thought for a few seconds and looked directly at Commander Jaibo. "Then let us begin immediately with our first mission."
"What do you have in mind, Mr. President?"
"Hand me that pointer and I'll show you on the map. Here's the mission I want one of our crews to do for me." President Hongru pointed to the base location on the map and traced the flight path that he had in mind.
"Mr. President, why do you want to do that?"
President Hongru smiled. "Simply because we can, commander."
