A British Stargate

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21. 1965

“.... You ask, What is our policy? I will say; “It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.” You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.” – Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill

On the 24th January 1965, Winston Churchill dies at the age of 90, as the result of a stroke he suffered on the 15th January, as per Churchill’s he will take the secret of Project Phoenix to the grave, as he promised he would.

On the 30th January 1965, thousands attend Winston Churchill's state funeral. During the three days of lying-in-state, 321,000 people file past the catafalque, and the funeral procession travels from Westminster Hall to the service at St Paul's Cathedral, attended by the Queen, Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and representatives of 112 countries. Those watching funeral from the shadows, include most of the leadership of Project Phoenix including Seth on one of his rare trips into the outside world.

Apophis

It would not be until February 1965, Apophis would send a small detachment of Jaffa to Abydos (via the Stargate) to try to secure that world in his name, as part of Apophis’s ongoing program of securing Ra’s former territory in his name, after the end of the latest Goa'uld civil war.

Apophis instructs his First Prime Bra'tac to send a small detachment of Jaffa to Abydos, to bring Abydos under his rule.

On the 15th February 1965, the Stargate activates, the troops guarding the Stargate room on Abydos ‘stand too’, the radio operator (behind his wall of sandbags) shouts out, “No confirmation signal received.”

The troops guarding the Stargate room point there Rifle No.9 Mk3 (EM-2) rifles and Sterling L2 L34 sub machine guns, along with a number of ER-3s (energy rifles) at the Stargate, as the first two Jaffa step through the Stargate, the first two Jaffa are cut down by a volley of fire from the troops.

At the same time, the radio operator is informing the troops outside of the Stargate room that they have hostiles coming through the Stargate, Abydos military command is now coming to life to meet this threat.

As the next two Jaffa, come through the Stargate they are also, cut down by another volley of fire as are the Jaffa coming though the Stargate, as the last two Jaffa are killed the Stargate shuts down.

As per operational orders, they immediately begin to dial Heliopolis to report that Abydos has been attacked by Jaffa, which appears to have been sent by Apophis by the markings that are on the now dead Jaffa.

The troops on Abydos during this attack have sustained no casualties, as they caught the Jaffa coming through the Stargate with complete surprise, all the Jaffa were killed.

The report on the attack on Abydos is received with considerable concern, Mountbatten orders that the troops on Abydos remain on heightened alert, in addition both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious be ready to deploy to Abydos, if there is another attack. Mountbatten also consults with Seth, to see what tactics that Apophis will use, if a future Jaffa attack force is sent though the Stargate.

They will not have long to wait, as if the first detachment of Jaffa do not report back, a second stronger force will be sent to Abydos (via the Stargate), of this fails a Ha'tak will be sent to Abydos.

Project Phoenix will soon be at war with Apophis, though not all the Goa'uld System Lords, as this would show that Apophis was weak in the eyes of the other Goa'uld System Lords. The other System Lords would most likely attack Apophis and not even bother with Abydos Apophis knows this, as it would be something that he would do if the roles were reversed.

The Goa'uld System Lords would see one minor world as not worthwhile in attacking they would however see the rest of Apophis territory as worth attacking (if Apophis seems weak by asking the other System Lords for help), so that the Goa'uld System Lords could divide Apophis’s territory up amongst themselves.

Such is the odd way that the Goa'uld System Lords operate.

Daniel Jackson

On the 8th July 1965, Dr Daniel Jackson is born in New York Dr Jackson will be ‘recruited’ into Project Phoenix in the mid 1990s, after being ridiculed for his ‘theories’ about the pyramids, though not by everyone, Project Phoenix will take note of Dr Jackson’s theory’s.

Daniel Jackson recruiter would be an actor turned recruiter for Project Phoenix, named Lewis Collins, Lewis Collins would become part of Project Phoenix after being turned down, after applying (and passing) for the SAS (territorial army), due to his high public profile at the time (early 1980s).

Recruiters for Project Phoenix are usually people that travel all over the world (like actors), this allows them to check out people at gatherings (such as parties), to see if certain individuals can be recruited into Project Phoenix. If a recruiter gives the ok, then a deep background check is started by Project Phoenix (SI-5) to see if this individual is not a potential security threat. These background checks do take at least six months (sometimes longer) to carry out, if the individual passes these checks then an approach is made, usually by the recruiter.

Daniel Jackson will be a special case his recruitment will be by someone at the highest levels of Project Phoenix leadership.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

Between the 5th August and the 23rd September 1965, this conflict becomes known as the Second Kashmir War fought by India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, the first having been fought in 1947. The five-week war caused thousands of casualties on both sides. It ended in a joint United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth mandated ceasefire and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration.

During the conflict, it had become clear that the British designed planes were superior to the US designed planes the F-86 for example was vulnerable to the diminutive Folland Gnat, nicknamed “Sabre Slayer”.

This would lead India to purchase from both the UK and the Soviet Union, allowing India to keep her options open for the future this would be good for the UK defence industry.

Sales to India from the UK in arms and equipment from 1966 onwards would steadily increase most of these arms and equipment would be licence produced in India.

India would provide the UK with another valuable source of income thanks to arms sales.

Pakistan would purchase most of its arms from the US, France along with West Germany for rifles and machine guns.

Asgard

Hermiod from his ship in orbit around Heliopolis has been monitoring the ongoing fight between the Jaffa and the military personnel of Project Phoenix on Abydos from the information supplied by the Project Phoenix leadership on Heliopolis.

Neither Mountbatten nor any of the senior leaders of Project Phoenix have asked the Asgard for help in dealing with the attack on Abydos, as all that would be needed from the Asgard would be an appearance at Abydos by one of their ‘Motherships’, to inform the attacking Jaffa that Abydos was now under the protection of the Asgard.

Hermiod is quite impressed by this, as the Asgard do ‘owe’ the humans a favour for helping the Asgard recover the bodies of their dead and the remains of their ship from the Americans.

Hermiod continues to monitor, until the Asgard are asked they will not offer any assistance.

Apophis’s Second Wave

Apophis’s First Prime Bra'tac, informs Apophis that the Jaffa that had been sent to Abydos have not reported in, Apophis orders more Jaffa to be sent this time the Jaffa should be ready for hostilities when they come through the Stargate.

Bra'tac sends a force of thirty Jaffa through the Stargate (Bra'tac will not be going as Apophis has forbidden this), though just prior to sending them Bra'tac throws a Goa'uld Stun Grenade through the Stargate, to incapacitate anyone at the other end.

Then a few moments later the first of thirty Jaffa steps through the Stargate with their Staff Weapons at the ready.

Apophis is still assuming that he is up against a planet’s population in rebellion against their new ‘god’, due to the death of the previous ‘god’ Ra (this is not the first time this sort of incident has happened).

Abydos

As the Abydos Stargate activates, the troops immediately go for cover behind there wall of sandbags, the radio operator in his fortified corner of the Stargate room sends a warning to the rest of the forces protecting Abydos.

The first thing to come through the Stargate is the Stun Grenade, a Sergeant shouts “Grenade” a second before the Stun Grenade detonates, the Stun Grenade incapacities most of the troops in the Stargate room, with the rest dazed. The only person not affected is the radio operator in his fortified corner of the Stargate room the radio operator immediately calls for help.

As more Jaffa come through the Stargate, they open fire with their Staff Weapons, laying down suppressing fire, by the time more troops have arrived in the Stargate room (a few seconds only), six Jaffa have come through the Stargate.

A firefight immediately ensues, though the Jaffa initially have the edge, the number of Project Phoenix troops on Abydos (around the Pyramid), gives them a numerical superiority over the Jaffa, though the Jaffa do not know this yet.

Heliopolis

While the second wave of Jaffa are coming through the Stargate, on Heliopolis both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious are in the final stages of preparing to be sent to Abydos to assist in the fight. The reason these two warships are being sent this is because of the advice that Seth has given them, Seth has stated that if the planet cannot be retaken via the Stargate then a warship will be sent by Apophis.

With HMS Black Prince going through her trails and HMS Resistance just recently being finished and will soon be entering her trails as well, it was considered unwise to send these two warships, even though they are more powerful than HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious are.

As HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious jump into hyperspace towards Abydos, the fight for the Stargate room on Abydos is starting to swing from the Jaffa back to the Project Phoenix military forces way.

Abydos

On Abydos in the Stargate room, the number of Jaffa have been reduced from thirty to twenty, in very short order, as additional Project Phoenix troops enter the Stargate room and engage the Jaffa.

The Jaffa realising that they are up against a stronger force, change tactics, instead of trying to gain control of the planet, they decide to try to gain control of the dialling device. As the Jaffa try to advance towards the dialling device, they come under heavy fire, from not only those fresh military forces coming into the Stargate room, but also those Project Phoenix military personnel that are starting to recovering from the effects of the Stun Grande.

Over the next few minutes the Jaffa numbers are steadily whittled down, once the last Jaffa is killed just a few inches from the dialling device the Project Phoenix’s forces stand down.

The causalities for this battle have been heavier than the first, with all thirty Jaffa killed, along with eight Project Phoenix military personnel killed and twenty-three injured, most of injured are suffering from the effects of the Goa'uld Stun Grenade, the rest from the battle against the Jaffa.

Apophis

As Apophis waits for news from his Jaffa, after several hours Apophis now knows that his Jaffa are likely to be dead, as they were instructed to report back as soon as they has secured the Pyramid.

After thinking in silence for several minutes, Apophis instructs his First Prime Bra'tac to send a Ha'tak to Abydos, to put down this rebellion finally.

First Prime Bra'tac bows and heads off to carry out Apophis’s instructions.

A few weeks later, a single Ha'tak is dispatched to Abydos, to put down this rebellion once and for all, it has taken this long to free up a single Ha'tak, as all of Apophis’s Ha'tak’s are very busy trying to consolidate Apophis’s new territory and his position as Supreme System Lord.

The Ha'tak that has been dispatched is from the other side of Apophis’s territory and will take time to arrive at Abydos, Apophis is confident (overconfident) that the single Ha'tak will put down this rebellion on Abydos.

Abydos

With the successful repulsing of the second attack by the Jaffa of Apophis, the Project Phoenix forces on Abydos receive replacement troops for those troops that have been killed or wounded. In addition, the majority of the civilian scientists and engineers are evacuated to Heliopolis, as everything that Seth has informed them of the tactics being used by Apophis have been correct.

Seth has stated that this assault through the Stargate has failed a warship will be dispatched to deal with what will be seen as a rebellion by Apophis.

The troops on Abydos are preparing for an attack from space as best as they can, the Quad EC-1s (protecting the entrance to the pyramid) are prepared for action, though against a spacecraft in orbit they will be little use. The Quad EC-1s are designed to engage fighters, not capital ships, if the Goa'uld warships launches Death Gliders then the gunners will have a chance, if not then they are dead.

On Abydos all equipment not vital to the defence is sent back through the Stargate (that can be sent in the time available and that can fit through the Stargate), all equipment that cannot be sent is rigged with demolition explosives.

Heliopolis

On Heliopolis a single Mark 1 Naquadah enhanced nuclear device is brought into the Stargate bunker and prepared, if the military forces defending Abydos fail and have to retreat through the Stargate to Heliopolis, then once the last forces come through the Stargate then Abydos will be dialled and the Mark 1 Naquadah enhanced nuclear device will be sent.

The timer on the Mark 1 Naquadah enhanced nuclear device is set to ten seconds, two officers have the responsibility of arming and sending the Naquadah enhanced nuclear device through the Stargate to Abydos.

This has been an option since Britain detonated its first nuclear device on Heliopolis in 1945.

With preparations complete, with both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious on their way to Abydos, it is just a question off, if these two warships can get to Abydos before the Goa'uld warship can.

Research has also begun into a way of preventing anyone coming though an active Stargate, by putting an active shield, against the ‘event horizon’ would not allow anything to come through the Stargate. Anything that did try to come through with the shields on would be destroyed this would be a good defence against unauthorised access though a Stargate.

At this time, there is no timescale on when this Stargate shield is like to be operational.

November 1965

On the 8th November 1965, the British Indian Ocean Territory is created, consisting of Chagos Archipelago, Aldabra, Farquhar and Des Roches islands (on the 23th June 1976, Aldabra, Farquhar and Des Roches will be returned to Seychelles).

December 1965

HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance

At the end of December both HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance have competed their trials, though HMS Resistances trails have been rushed and technically HMS Resistances trails are still continuing.

However, as both warships are needed, they are declared operational by Mountbatten, as they are urgently needed with the suspected upcoming attack on Abydos.

Construction of the next two Black Prince class warships, HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood has already begun both of these warships should be completed by 1969.

Additional Black Prince class warships are planned.

Project Phoenix has come to a point where they could be deemed a threat to the Goa'uld System Lords, assuming that Apophis decides to inform his fellow System Lords of this problem. The problem for Apophis if he does decide to inform his fellow System Lords of this threat (once Apophis is aware of this threat), his fellow System Lords could see this as a sign of weakness and they could move against him and not Project Phoenix.

Apophis’s military position is weaker, as his forces are spread very thin protecting not only his old territory but also the territory he has gained from Ra, this makes Apophis very weak over the short term and Apophis needs time to build up his forces to secure his position.

Apophis will send a single warship to deal with this ‘rebellion’ after all these rebels may have Staff Weapons, but surly they do not have the forces to destroy one of his warships?

This Goa'uld warship will arrive at Abydos in early 1966.

Ring Transporters

With Australia, Canada and New Zealand now part of Project Phoenix, both of these countries receive their own ring transporters, along with satellites to allow transportation between the various sites.

This is good as personnel can now travel to the Stargate without the need for long journey times by air.

To be continued.

[FONT=&quot]Authors Note: Coming next is an ‘Interlude’ part, sort off where everything is at the moment - Project Phoenix progress so far as of the 1st January 1966.[/FONT]

 

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22. Interlude I

“Power? It's like a Dead Sea fruit. When you achieve it, there is nothing there.” – Harold MacMillan”

Project Phoenix progress so far… (1st January 1966)

Head of Project Phoenix – Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma
Head of Research – Dr Victoria Phillips
Deputy Head of Research – Richard Williams
Head of Computer Research – Alan Turing
Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Richard Thomas
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Brigadier Hugh Walker
Commander of the Off World Exploration Regiment: Brigadier Ewan Tenant
Asgard Observer: Hermiod (with his Warship in orbit Heliopolis)

Dr Victoria Phillips is also nominal Deputy Head of Project Phoenix under Mountbatten, this position is unofficial, though everyone knows that is anything happened to Mountbatten, Victoria Phillips would be in charge.

One representative from the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand governments also sits on the leadership committee that runs Project Phoenix. These four governments have access to intelligence material that other governments would kill for (quite literally), this gives the four countries of Project Phoenix unparalleled information on potential enemies.

However this information is a double edged sword, as with Enigma code breaking during World War 2, if they use this information it may tip of their potential enemies that they have broken their codes, so the policy is look but do not use (unless necessary).

Project Phoenix Warships

Defiance Class

HMS Defiance – 01 – operational
HMS Audacious – 02 – operational

Black Prince Class

HMS Black Prince – 03 – operational
HMS Resistance – 04 – operational
HMS Royal Oak – 05 due to be completed 1969
HMS Hood – 06 due to be completed 1969

Six more Black Prince Class that are planned

HMS Canada – 07 due to be completed 1973
HMS Australia – 08 due to be completed 1973
HMS New Zealand – 09 due to be completed 1975
HMS Tiger – 10 due to be completed 1975
HMS Lion – 11 due to be completed 1978
HMS Mountbatten (formally HMS Ottawa) – 12 due to be completed 1978 (will be renamed after the murder of Mountbatten in 1979 by the IRA)

All spaceships will have the HMS prefix rather than their individual countries prefix, as joint crews from all four countries operate all warships. A warship can be commanded by an officer from any of these four countries it was agreed that the HMS prefix would be used rather than individual countries prefixes.

Osprey Class Fighters

900 Squadron Heliopolis Air Base x12 fighters
901 Squadron Heliopolis Air Base x12 fighters

990 Squadron (Training) Heliopolis Air Base x12 fighters including the x6 Phoenix class testbeds.

Fighter detachment HMS Defiance x6 fighters (902 squadron part)
Fighter detachment HMS Audacious x6 fighters (902 squadron part)

Fighter squadrons HMS Black Prince x24 fighters 903 & 904 squadrons
Fighter squadrons HMS Resistance x24 fighters 905 & 906 squadrons

Fighter squadrons (forming) HMS Royal Oak x24 fighters 910 & 911 squadrons
Fighter squadrons (forming) HMS Hood x24 fighters 912 & 914 squadrons

Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS Canada x24 fighters 915 & 916 squadrons
Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS Australia x24 fighters 917 & 918 squadrons

Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS New Zealand x24 fighters 919 & 920 squadrons
Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS Tiger x24 fighters 921 & 922 squadrons

Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS Lion x24 fighters 923 & 924 squadrons
Fighter squadrons (to be formed) HMS Mountbatten x24 fighters 925 & 926 squadrons

Fox class Shuttle Squadrons

930 squadron Heliopolis Air Base x20 shuttles
931 squadron Heliopolis Air Base x20 shuttles
932 & 933 squadrons are planned with x20 shuttle in each squadron

Shuttles are assigned to warships as and when needed, there are no permanent shuttles assigned to an individual warship as the shuttles are on rotation.

Earth Based Osprey Fighter Squadrons

RAF Barra – 907 Squadron x12 fighters
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Woomera air base – 908 Squadron x12 fighters
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Nunavut air base – 909 Squadron x12 fighters

Freighters

HMS Echo – scrapped 1962
HMS Scott – scrapped 1962

Replacement freighters are planned though warship construction has priority for the time being, there is no timeline when replacement freighters are likely to be built or even designed.

RAF Barra

RAF Barra not only has a squadron of Osprey fighters, but is also the main base for Canberra aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors. At the present time there are only four Canberra aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors, there are plans to add an additional two aircraft.

RAF Barra will also be the base for the Vengeance recon version also fitted with Goa'uld sensors the plan is to have six of these Vengeance recon aircraft based at RAF Barra. These six Vengeance recon aircraft are due to start entering service from 1975 onwards.

Apart from operating from RAF Barra these recon aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors will also operate from Woomera air base and Nunavut air base, giving the four member countries of Project Phoenix unparalleled recon information from the mid to late 1970s onwards.

Until 1975, the four (later six) Canberra recon aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors will operate from RAF Barra and will only see limited deployment abroad for the fear of revealing the true nature of the technology inside these aircraft.

Once this fear is proved to be unfounded overseas deployment of these recon aircraft will become more ‘common’ after 1975.

Energy Weapons

Rifles

Energy Rifles, Mark 1 (ER-1) – rebuilds of Staff Weapons – out of service - 1955

Energy Rifles, Mark 2 (ER-2) – new builds of the ER-1 design, schematics and build instructions provided by the Goa'uld Seth, out of service - 1958

Energy Rifles, Mark 2 (ER-3) – are new builds, schematics and build instructions done by Project Phoenix personnel based on the ER-2, they have the look of the EM-2 rifle, entered service 1954.

Energy Rifles are stored off world and not used on Earth.

Energy Cannons

These weapons are referred to as Energy Cannons Mark 1 (EC-1), during 1946 further EC-1s are produced these are initially mounted singly however the rate of fire is very slow. This leads to the EC-1s being mounted in pairs, with the two cannons alternating, thus giving a higher rate of fire.

By the end of 1946, the Quad mount has superseded the twin mount this is similar to the German 2 cm Flakvierling 38, this more than doubles that rate of fire, these Quad EC-1 mounts are placed around the various facilities on Heliopolis, to provide both air defence and land defence.

Energy Cannons Mark 1 internal ‘battery/power cell’ gives the EC-1 a limit of 1,000 shots, however if connected to an external power supply, then the amount of shots an EC-1is virtually unlimited.

The EC-1 is the most widely produced Energy Cannon work on an improved EC-1 is underway.

The Heavy Energy Cannon (HEC), the HEC will be used on the new warships when they come into service in 1960. These HECs are more than upgraded Energy Cannons, they are a different design, this design has required Seth’s help to research but it has been worth it. The firepower of these HECs will be greater than the firepower of a Ha’tak’s main weapons, when firing.

HEC’s do have one drawback they need an external power source, as they have no internal power source as the EC-1s have.

Energy Cannon Variants are as follows

EC-1 single mount x2 mounted on Osprey class fighters
EC-1 twin mount (not produced for evaluation only)
EC-1 quad mount for use for ground defence and used onboard Defiance and Black Prince classes of warships.

HEC (Heavy Energy Cannon) used by Defiance and Black Prince classes of warships only.

Gatling Energy Cannon (Six barrels) GEC-1

The Gatling Energy Cannon Mark 1 (GEC-1) is also being looked at, with six EC-1s strapped together looking like an over sized Gatling gun, though the barrels to not rotate. Instead, the first cannon fires followed by the second then the third and so on to the six cannon and then back to the first this gives the highest rate of fire, several thousand energy bolts per minute.

Only two test mounts exist of the GEC-1, as resources are being put into the HEC and the single EC-1s (for fighters) and the Quad EC-1s, as they are quicker to produce than the GECs.

Long term planning sees these GEC-1’s replacing the ground based QEC-1s, the QEC-1s can be then moved to be installed on the new warships being produced, as there is little modifications needed to the QEC-1s for them to be installed on Project Phoenix warships.

Off World Planetary Commands

Heliopolis

Heliopolis has been expanding since its discovery in 1930, the current population is currently just over 35,000 personnel (both military and civilian) this number is set to expand significantly, as the facilities expand on Heliopolis. The extra personnel (both military and civilian) will be coming from the Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders, with many of these personnel will be making Heliopolis their permanent home.

Most of the population are listed as permanent residents that they both work and live in the growing Heliopolis ‘Village’, other personnel work a six-month tour of duty then return to Earth for six months off.

Personnel that have retired from Project Phoenix can take up permanent residence on Heliopolis, as there is plenty of room to expand these retired personnel usually grow their own food. These retired personnel transfer any surplus food they have to Heliopolis central supplies, in this way these small, but growing numbers of retired personnel can still contribute to Project Phoenix. This is the beginning of large-scale agricultural production on Heliopolis, though large-scale agricultural production will not be achieved for several decades and will take time to build up.

The defences of Heliopolis have been growing very rapidly over the past few years, as construction of various research and manufacturing buildings have been completed. With several dozen quad EC-1 defence batteries scattered around the various key installations, so far, Project Phoenix occupies a very small part of Heliopolis near the castle, but with a whole planet, this can be expanded almost indefinitely.

In orbit, there are several satellites, which are used to forward ring transporter transmissions from one area of Heliopolis ‘Village’ to another, this for the most part does away with the need for vehicles on Heliopolis. Though there are a large number of bicycles being produced, these are unofficial though they are proving to be very popular with both the civilian and military personnel, so the leadership of Project Phoenix has ignored this, as it is good for moral.

Heliopolis Mining

Within the Heliopolis system there is a large asteroid field, this asteroid field has more than enough raw materials to fulfil the production needs of the factories on Heliopolis for decades or even centuries to come. This supply of raw materials, will at first be supplement those raw materials coming from Abydos, in time there will be a point where the raw materials coming from Abydos will no longer be needed.

Gold

There is a small supply of Gold stored on Heliopolis, this supply of Gold, is no longer sent back to Earth to add to Britain’s gold reserves, as Britain’s finances (along with the other three countries that are part of Project Phoenix) no longer need a supply of Gold for funding.

As the four member countries of Project Phoenix, current Gold reserves are more than sufficient, though more Gold can be supplied if needed.

Abydos

Abydos is much less developed than Heliopolis, with most of the effort being concentrated around the Pyramid and in helping the locals improve the mining facilities.

For the most part Abydos can be considered a mining world, as this world has very little else, of interest for Project Phoenix, the Stargate address room has been fully studied. Other ruins that have been discovered near the pyramid have revealed very little, so far.

The population of Abydos is well treated their conditions have improved over the decades with advances in mining techniques and medical help being made available. Project Phoenix has still not informed the local population that their God Ra was not really a god, as it is felt that there is no need to provoke the locals. However, some members of Project Phoenix do feel that the locals are being exploited but there are only a few and none of these people has a strong enough voice to change this policy.

In the long term, Abydos may be abandoned as and when the mining of the asteroid field in the Heliopolis system can provide enough raw materials to fulfil the production needs of the factories on Heliopolis.

It is estimated that by the mid to late 1970s, Abydos will be of little or no value to Project Phoenix and could be abandoned by the end of the 1970s as the mining of the Heliopolis asteroid field would by then provide more than enough minerals.

If another Goa’uld attack comes against Abydos, then if the odds are against them, the Project Phoenix personnel can withdraw though the Stargate, a plan is already being formed for this contingency.

Earth Based Defence Programs

This is a brief summary of some of the various UK defence programs.

TSR-2 – Eagle GR.1

With the Eagle in production in 1966, with the RAF set to receive a total of 186, with Australia and Canada manufacturing 24 each.

In 1971, both West Germany and Italy would sign contracts with BAC (British Aerospace/BAe) for 290 for the German Air Force and Navy and 90 Italian Air Force for a licence to manufacture the Eagle in their respective countries.

In addition, the Royal Saudi Air Force would purchase 96 Eagle GRs this will be enough numbers to keep production going well into the 1990s.

Avro Arrow

In the early 1970s, Australia would have 110 Avro Arrows either being delivered, constructed or on order, 24 Eagle GR.1s in service and an order for 40 FRS1 Sea Harriers for Australia single carrier that is being converted to operate Sea Harriers.

The Avro Arrow in RAF service will be known as the Arrow F1, with its primary task of air defence, the first Arrow F1 (later upgraded to F2, then F3 standard) will be delivered in 1979, with a total of 160, the only other customer for the Arrow F1 will be the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The Avro Arrow will remain in production well into the 21st Century, as new versions are added to the various production lines in several countries.

Vengeance B.1

The RAF will solely operate the Vengeance B.1 bomber with a total of 100 being manufactured including prototypes, including a small number of reconnaissance versions, these will be known as the Vengeance R1. The Vengeance will operate well into the early 21st century, with regular updates and overhauls, including a life extension program in the mid 1990s.

However, Vengeance B.1 bomber will be withdrawn by the end of the 1999 just after the refit program had been completed.

Harrier

There will be several variants of the Harrier.

GR Versions (P.1127)

The first will be for the RAF, this will be the Harrier GR.1 the GR.1 will be followed by the updated GR.3, GR.5, GR.5 and GR.9. The GR series are subsonic close support aircraft these will be exported to the US as the AV series for the USMC (100+ aircraft) and will revive a series of upgrades during their lifetime.

In 1975, the Harrier GR will get it biggest export customer from a supposing country making the US order for just over 100 harriers small by comparison.

Sea Harrier (P.1154) Versions

The next version is the Sea Harrier FRS.1, this is the supersonic carrier base version for the Royal Navy, and in addition, the Canadian and Australian navies will purchase the Sea Harrier, along with the Indian navy. Like, its GR cousin the Sea Harrier will also receive upgrades, along with new builds (mid 1990s) when the airframe of the original Sea Harriers cannot be updated.

The next version of the Harrier is an off shoot of the supersonic Sea Harrier FRS.1, this is the Harrier FGR.1, this version will differ from the Sea Harrier in being a none navalized version of the Sea Harrier designed for sales to countries that have no need for a carrier fighter. The removal of the equipment for operating a Sea Harrier from a carrier will make the Harrier FGR.1 slightly cheaper than the Sea Harrier FRS.1.

One of the first countries to purchase the Harrier FGR.1 (along with future upgrades) is Switzerland, the Swiss purchase 225 Harrier FGR.1, these harriers will be assembled in Switzerland, but built in Britain, the Swiss will however do the upgrades to the Harrier FGR.1.

The Harrier FGR.1 (and future models) will become the sole fighter/bomber/ reconnaissance aircraft of the Swiss air force, as other aircraft are phased out.

The sale of 225 to Switzerland, will lead to a sale of 60 FGR.1’s to Finland in the early 1980s.

Other countries will also purchase the Harrier FGR version, whether it is the Harrier FGR.1, the Harrier FGR.2, or other future versions of the harrier.

The harrier in all of its forms will remain in production well into the 21st Century thanks to a continuous series of upgrades and hew build harriers.

Nimrod

Another aircraft that will enter operational service in the 1970s will be the Nimrod, the Nimrod will come in several versions, the first being the maritime patrol aircraft, the Nimrod MR1/MR2, with the major role being anti-submarine warfare (ASW), although it also had secondary roles in maritime surveillance and anti-surface warfare.

The RAF will get 40 of these Nimrod MR1/MR2 aircraft, the RAAF will purchase 21 and the RCAF will purchase 21 as well.

The next version being the Nimrod R1, for the signals intelligence role, replacing the Comet C2s and Canberra’s of No. 51 Squadron in May 1974. The R1 is distinguished from the MR2 by the lack of a MAD boom coming out of the tail.

The MoD will describe the Nimrod R1 as a “radar calibration aircraft” (no one believes that line from the MoD)!

A total of 12 Nimrod R1’s will be built, with three of these Nimrod R1’s fitted with Goa'uld sensors and operated from RAF Barra along with the bases in Australia and Canada, as and when needed.

The final version of the Nimrod will be the Nimrod Airborne Early Warning (AEW) mission as a replacement for the Lancaster-derived, piston-engine Shackleton AEW.2 that was still in service in that role. This will become the Nimrod AEW.3, with the RAF getting thirty, the RAAF will purchase ten and the RCAF will purchase ten as well.

The Nimrod AEW.3 will evolve into the Nimrod airborne warning and control system (AWACS) this will become the Nimrod AEW.5 during the mid 1990s with a mixture of new and rebuilds depending on condition of the aircrafts airframe.

Royal Navy

With the first of the CV series (Queen Elizabeth Class) carriers due to enter service in 1975, a strong escort force is needed, the planned Type 82 destroyer is cancelled, as it does not have the necessary helicopter facilities.

The Type 42 destroyer design is chosen instead, this will have the new Sea Dart missile system with 30 missiles, the Type 42 destroyer will become the Sheffield Class guided missile destroyer. The Type 42 destroyer is chosen over the Type 82, as the Type 42 destroyer needs less crew, allowing a larger number to be built.

With a displacement of 5,350 tons and a length of 141.1 meters (462.8 feet) a beam of 16.1 meters (49 feet) and a draught of 5.8 meters (19 feet), with the ability to carry a Lynx helicopter.

The first five ships of the Batch 1 will only be fitted with Sea Dart, the planned fit of the lightweight Sea Wolf system cannot be done, as this system will not be ready until the late 1970s. The Batch 2 (four ships) and the Batch 3 (four ships) will have the lightweight Sea Wolf system fitted during the construction.

Both Canada and Australia will each build four Type 42 destroyers each, these ships will operate a single Sea King instead of a Lynx helicopter Argentina will also purchase two Type 42 destroyers, though without the lightweight Sea Wolf system.

Further sales of the Type 42 destroyers will prove to be elusive, by the end of the 1980s attempts to sell the Type 42 destroyers to other countries will cease.

Missiles

Sea Dart

Sea Dart began as Hawker Siddeley project CF.299, a weapon to replace the Royal Navy's first-generation long-range surface-to-air missile, Sea Slug. It entered service in 1975 on the Type 42 destroyers before widespread deployment with both Australia and Canada.

Sea Dart is a two-stage, 4.4 m long missile weighing 550 kg. It is launched using a drop-off Chow solid-fuelled booster that accelerates it to the supersonic speed necessary for the operation of the cruise motor, a Rolls-Royce kerosene-fuelled Hermiod ramjet. This gives a cruise speed of over Mach 2.5, and unlike many rocket powered designs the cruise engine burns for the entire flight, giving excellent terminal manoeuvrability at extreme range. It is capable of engaging targets out to at least 30 nautical miles (Sea Dart Mod 0) over a wide range of altitudes, this would later be increased with updated versions (Sea Dart Mod 1, 2 etc).

A land-based version is also on the cards, called Land Dart, this system is to replace the Bloodhound missiles protecting key UK military bases. Land Dart uses that same launcher that Sea Dart does the launcher and the missile magazine is buried under the ground so that only the twin launchers are seen on the surface. In all other respects there is no difference between Land Dart and Sea Dart missiles, this is a good cost saver in procurement of the Sea/Land Dart system.

The Land Dart system will begin to replace the Bloodhound missiles from the early 1980s all Bloodhound missiles should be withdrawn from RAF service by the end of the 1980s.

Sea Wolf

The Sea Wolf missile system will come in three forms, the first a six round launcher, the second a four round lightweight launcher and the final version a VLS system.

The six round launcher will only be fitted to the Type 22 frigates the four round lightweight launcher will be fitted to many vessels, such as the Type 42 destroyers, and the Queen Elizabeth class carriers.

The initial Sea Wolf missile system (GWS-25) will require a Type 910 fire control radar to guide the missiles to their target, however from the mid 1980s, a new updated version of the Sea Wolf missile system, known as the GWS 27. The GWS 27 will see the removal of the Type 910 fire control radar(s) as the GWS 27 does not need them the Sea Wolf missiles will be fire and forget type.

This new GWS 27 Sea Wolf missile system will be seen on the new Type 23 frigates introduced in 1989, along with the Type 42 destroyers having their Type 910 fire control radar removed.

The GWS 27 Sea Wolf missile system like its early variant will come in three forms, the first a six round launcher, the second a four round lightweight launcher and the final version a VLS system.

The GWS 27 Sea Wolf missile system will see many updates and improvements.

Sea Eagle Missile Family

The Sea Eagle missile originally is an anti ship missile, the Sea Eagle missile could be launched from a sub or a ship or from an aircraft.

The Eagle class missile family as it would become known as would also develop into a cruise missile, this Eagle class cruise missile would eventually by able to be launched from a submarine, aircraft, surface warship (when the Type 45 destroyers enter service), or from a four round truck mounted launcher.

This evolution would show the versatility of the Eagle class missiles family design.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

23. 1966

“There might be one finger on the trigger, but there will be fifteen fingers on the safety catch.” – Harold MacMillan

In 1966 Swingfire wire-guided anti-tank missile is introduced into the British military, this will be able to be launched from several different platforms, including FV438 Swingfire and the Striker armoured vehicles Beeswing - on a Land Rover, Hawkswing - on a Lynx/Wasp helicopter and Golfswing - on a small trolley or Argocat type vehicle.

The Swingfire anti-tank missile would continue to evolve as the years go by from wire-guided to fire and forget missile in the 1990 and be replaced be Brimstone missile from the early 21st Century.

British Hovercraft Corporation

In March 1966, British Hovercraft Corporation is created when the Saunders Roe division of Westland Aircraft and Vickers Supermarine combined with the intention of creating viable commercial hovercraft (the shareholdings were Westland Aircraft 65%, Vickers 25%, National Research and Development Corporation 10%).

None of the Vickers designs would be ‘taken forward’, the existing production of the Saunders Roe designs continued (SR.N5 Warden Class and SR.N6 Winchester Class) and the Saunders Roe designed Mountbatten class hovercraft (SR.N4), was completed and entered the cross-channel service (the hovercraft which most people think of when the word “hovercraft” is evoked).

Only one new design was produced (1969) by the British Hovercraft Corporation, the BH.7 (Wellington Class).

In 1970, Westland Aircraft acquired the shares of the other parties.

In 1971, the British Hovercraft Corporation acquired the Cushioncraft Company from Britten-Norman.

In 1977, the British Hovercraft Corporation would be responsible for the largest Union Flag in the world. They painted it on the doors of their hangar on the seafront at East Cowes to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Queen’s.

In 1984, the company name would change its name to Westland Aerospace hovercraft design/manufacture had effectively ceased and the company was involved with the manufacture of composites for the Aerospace industry.

British Hovercraft types would not be a big seller world sales would remain small, even with some limited UK government backing.

January to March 1966

On the 11th January 1966, a conference on Rhodesia begins in Lagos, Nigeria. In addition, the first SR-71 Blackbird spy plane goes into service at Beale AFB.

On the12th January 1969, President Lyndon Johnson states that the United States should stay in South Vietnam until Communist aggression there is ended, attempts by the President to get the UK involved in Vietnam will fail.

On the 18th January 1966, Professor David Phillips, dies at his home near Edinburgh, he had been ill for some time and had refused the ‘special treatment’ that had been available to him. Professor Phillips funeral is held on the 29th January 1966, this allows key personnel from Project Phoenix to get back to Earth to attend his funeral.

On the 27th January 1966, the British government informs the US government that British troops in Malaysia will remain until more peaceful conditions occur in the region, this has the support of the Commonwealth. There is no planned timescale for withdrawal and British troops will remain in Malaysia until they are no longer needed this will have the added advantage of Malaysia purchasing UK arms for Malaysia troops, so the Malaysian and UK troops have compatible arms.

On the 14th February 1966, the new Australian pound is introduced, replacing the old Australian pound that had been introduced in 1910. The Australian pound following British decimalisation the Australian also introduced decimalisation for the Australian pound. The plan to link the Australian currency to the US dollar is dropped, as the trade deals between the UK and Australia and better for both countries if their currencies are linked.

Both Canada and New Zealand are also linked to the British pound even though their own currencies are in dollars it is possible in the future both Canada and New Zealand will change from the dollar to the pound.

On the 31st January 1966, the British government ceases all trade with Rhodesia, due to the ongoing problems that will not, be solved until 1979.

On the 1st March 1966, the Soviet space probe Venera 3 crashes on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to land on another planet's surface. The UK is not interested in becoming involved in the space race between the US and the USSR, with the UK’s own space program being much small than US or the USSR programs.

On the 31st March 1966, the Labour Party under Harold Wilson wins the British General Election, gaining a 96-seat majority, which is a great improvement upon the five-seat majority gained at the election 17 months ago.

Also on the 31st March 1966, the Soviet Union launches Luna 10, which later becomes the first space probe to enter orbit around the Moon, again the UK shows little interest in competing.

April 1966, Abydos

With HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious now in orbit around Abydos, they have both arrived before the Goa'uld warship is due to arrive, as the planets ‘defence fleet’, the captains of these two warships know that a Goa'uld warship is most likely on its way, most likely a Ha'tak.

From Seth’s description, a Ha'tak warship has a length of 700 meters, a width of 650 meters and a height/depth of 315 meters, a Ha'tak easily overshadows both the Defiance and Black Prince class warships in size.

Also from Seth’s description of a Ha'tak, the captain’s of HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious, both assume that the Ha'tak will be a formidable opponent, however the crew of this Ha'tak is inexperienced, as Bra'tac (under Apophis instructions) has not sent any elite Jaffa crews, as Apophis’s elite Jaffa crews are needed on more important worlds than this one.

The Jaffa in charge of this Ha'tak is experienced, this is something that Bra'tac had managed to convince Apophis in doing, but an experienced leader does not make an experienced crew. The Ha'tak itself is fully equipped with Death Gliders and Al-Kesh bombers, along with 2,000 Jaffa troops, though as stated these Jaffa troops are green troops and have yet to see combat.

On Abydos, the evacuation of all none combat personnel has been completed the defences in and around the Pyramid are as ready as they will ever be. The locals have been told to keep away from the Pyramid to keep them out of harm during the coming battle.

Ha'tak

On the bridge of the Ha'tak the Jaffa in charge says, “We are about to come out of hyperspace, as soon as we do raise the shields” the Ha'tak’s weapons are already fully charged.

The Jaffa and the helm and weapon stations exchange glances, as they see no need to raise the ships shields, as the population has no space capability, but they do not raise any objections, they merely reply, “Yes Sir” and carry out their orders.

The pilots of the Death Gliders and Al-Kesh bombers begin to prepare their ships for launch, the Jaffa troops also prepare to ring down inside the Pyramid once the attack has begun. This is seen as a good tactic as the air attack will draw those rebels out of the Pyramid to defend against the attacking Death Gliders and Al-Kesh bombers, this should allow the first waves of troops to ring into the Pyramid without encountering much opposition.

This would be a good plan is the Jaffa were opposing rebels, however the Jaffa are not opposing rebels but well trained troops in fortified positions, in additional the ring transporter has been move out of the Pyramid into the open, with several Machine guns trained on it.

The next Battle for Abydos will be a steep learning curve for the Jaffa.

Battle for Abydos

With HMS Audacious in geo stationary orbit above the Pyramid and HMS Defiance positioned on the far side of the planet just in case the Ha'tak comes out of hyperspace on the other side of the planet.

Both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious placed several satellites in orbit so that they can better communicate with each other.

Ha'tak

As the Ha'tak comes out of hyperspace, the Jaffa in charge can see an unidentified warship in orbit, rather than trying to hail this warship the Jaffa in charge orders the gunners to open fire on this unknown ship and destroy it.

HMS Audacious

With the sudden arrival of the Ha'tak, the captain of HMS Audacious orders that the ships shields be raised, as HMS Audacious shields are building the Ha'tak opens fire on the partially raised shields.

The fire from the Ha'tak causes some damage to HMS Audacious system, the captain orders that HMS Audacious break free of her orbit and to commence evasive manoeuvres, at the same time the captain orders that a signal be sent to HMS Defiance requesting assistance.

While HMS Audacious tries to get clear of the planet in to space where she can manoeuvre better than being trapped against the planet, the fire from the Ha'tak continues to impact on her shields (currently being raised) in an attempt to bring them down.

HMS Defiance

With the signal received from HMS Audacious, HMS Defiance powers her shields and weapons, along with reading her fighters for launch, at the same time moving to the other side of the planet at best possible speed to engage the enemy and assist her sister ship.

Ha'tak

Onboard the Ha'tak the Jaffa in charge is pleased, he orders that a detachment of fighters and bombers to be sent to attack the rebels around the Pyramid. As the Death Gliders and the Al-Kesh bombers launch and begin their attack on the Pyramid, it is at this point that HMS Defiance comes into the Ha'tak sensor range.

HMS Defiance

As HMS Defiance begins to close on the Ha'tak, the captain orders that the six Osprey fighters launch and engage the enemy fighters and bombers heading towards the Pyramid.

Once the Osprey fighters are clear of HMS Defiance, the captain orders the HMS Defiance’s forwards weapons lock onto the Ha'tak, the gunnery officer after a few moments states that they have a firing solution.

The captain replies, “Fire forward guns”

The two forward HEC open fire, alternating port and starboard to given a continuous rate of fire on the enemy Ha'tak’s shields to try to bring them down, in addition the two forward firing Quad energy cannons also open fire on the Ha'tak.

As the fire from HMS Defiance energy weapons begins to impact on the Ha'tak’s shields, the Ha’tak switches its fire from HMS Audacious to HMS Defiance taking the pressure of HMS Audacious, allowing HMS Audacious to launch her own fighters, to assist HMS Defiance’s fighters that are engaging the enemy fighters and bombers.

With HMS Defiance now receiving the bulk of the fire from the Ha'tak, though unlike HMS Audacious, HMS Defiance’s shields are fully powered and for the time being are resisting the incoming fire from the Ha'tak.

Ha’tak

On the bridge of the Ha'tak the Jaffa in charge is now worried, as he is faced by two enemy warships of unknown origin with what appear to be Goa'uld weapons in design. Something that he had not been told about by First Prime Bra'tac, the Jaffa wonders if this is some sort of test by Apophis to see if he is worthy.

Looking at the readouts, the enemy fire from the second warship, is strong, the Ha'tak’s shields are holding, these two warships weapons appear to be much less powerful than a Ha'tak is, though their shields appear to be just as strong as his own Ha'tak’s shields are. Though the first ships shields seem not to be able to get to full strength as the second ships shields are, Jaffa in charge thinks to himself, that the initial fire must have done some damage.

HMS Audacious

With the fire from the Ha’tak easing, the captain of HMS Audacious is grateful that Defiance was able to take the pressure off his ship, though HMS Audacious has taken some battle damage she is not out of the fight.

The engineering officer reports that Audacious shields can only be maintained at sixty percent due to the battle damage and that the ships hyperdrive has been disabled, though damage control teams are repairing, the ships weapons are fully functional.

The captain orders that the ships fighters be deployed to assist Defiance’s fighters and that the weapons systems are to commence fire on the Ha'tak as soon as Audacious comes about.

As HMS Audacious now turns so her forward guns are facing the Ha'tak she also opens fire on the Ha'tak joining the battle with HMS Defiance.

The space between the warships are filled with gold(ish) coloured energy bolts, along with the impacts against the three warships shields.

Abydos Pyramid

As the Death Gliders and the Al-Kesh bombers approach the Pyramid Quad EC-1s defending the Pyramid area open fire, this catches the inexperienced bomber crews by surprise, causing them to miss on their first bomb run. The gunners defending the Pyramid do not manage to shoot down any Al-Kesh bombers, as these bombers have their own shields, the Death Gliders providing ‘top cover’ are out of range.

As the Death Gliders and the Al-Kesh bombers come around for another pass, the first six Osprey fighters begin to engage the Death Gliders, the Al-Kesh bombers continue on to their target.

As the Al-Kesh bombers, approach the Pyramid they are fired upon be the ground based Quad EC-1s then a few moments later the second wave of six Osprey fighters from HMS Audacious arrive. The fighters from HMS Audacious engage the Al-Kesh bombers, while the fighters from HMS Defiance engage the Death Gliders.

Once the Osprey fighters from HMS Audacious engage the Al-Kesh bombers, the fire from the ground based Quad EC-1s stops, to prevent friendly fire from shooting down one of their own fighters.

Ha'tak

On the bridge of the Ha'tak the Jaffa in charge is looking at the battle, the two enemy warships are now concentrating their fire on his ship, while the enemy fighters have engage the Death Gliders and the Al-Kesh bombers, this has prevented the Al-Kesh bombers from attacking the Pyramid.

The Pyramid also appears to be defended by ground-based defences.

The Ha'tak is now close enough to ring troops to the surface as the ring transporters can be used with the shields raised.

The Jaffa in charge says, “Prepare to ring out troops down to the surface”

The Jaffa charged with leading the ground troops, replies, “Yes sir.”

What the Jaffa does not know is that the ring transporter has been move from inside the Pyramid to outside the Pyramid and is targeted by several heavy machine guns and support troops.

Abydos

The Project Phoenix troops guarding the Pyramid, are well dug in, with two heavy machinegun are several dozen troops aiming at the recently moved ring transporter.

As the Jaffa ring down to the surface, they immediately come under sustained fire, as only six Jaffa can be transported down at a time there will never be enough Jaffa to overwhelm the defences.

With the Pyramid relatively secure and the first wave of Death Gliders and the Al-Kesh bombers slowly being reduced in numbers by the Osprey fighters, the battle for the moment seems to be going Project Phoenixes way, however the Jaffa are not easily defeated.

Ha'tak

On the bridge of the Ha’tak the Jaffa in charge orders a second wave of Al-Kesh bombers launched, this time covered by twice the number of Death Gliders than the first wave, as he has numbers on his side and should be able to overwhelm the small numbers of enemy fighters.

As the Death Gliders and Al-Kesh bombers launch, the officers and crews of both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious know that this battle is far from over.

HMS Defiance

The Captain sees the second launch of fighters and bombers as a problem, as the Osprey fighters are still engaged with the first wave, the captain says, “Guns, arm the forward missile tubes, prepare to fire a full spread of missiles at the enemy ship.”

The gunnery officer replies, “Aye air” and goes about issuing the orders.

The Captain says, “Communications, warn Audacious what we are up to.”

The communications rating replies, “Yes sir, sending now” a few moments later he says, “Sir, Audacious acknowledges and says she is arming her forward missile tubes as well, she will launch when we do.”

The Captain says, “Understood”

The gunnery officer says, “Captain, forward missile tubes ready, we have a targeting solution on the enemy ship.”

The Captain says, “Fire all forward tubes, immediate reload after launch.”

The gunnery officer says, “Firing all missile tubes” a few moments later he says, “all missiles away, beginning reload for second salvo.”

As the four missiles exit HMS Defiance’s missile tubes, it only take a few moments for the missiles to lock onto the Ha’tak and head towards their target, at almost the same time HMS Audacious also launches her missiles at the Ha’tak.

As the first four missiles impacts against the Ha’tak’s shields, they seem to achieve very little damage to the Ha’tak, a few members later the next four impact the Ha’tak’s shields.

Once the blast has dissipated the sensors onboard HMS Defiance show that the Ha'tak’s shields have been slightly weakened by the eight Naquadah enhanced warheads.

Ha’tak

On the bridge of the Ha'tak the Jaffa in charge looking the shield strength after the impact of these missiles, show a slight reduction in the shields, the Jaffa in charge orders that the fire still be concentrated against the first enemy warship (HMS Audacious).

HMS Defiance

A few minutes after the first salvo of missiles the second is launched, in addition HMS Audacious also launches a second salvo of missiles as well.

This second wave of eight missiles again weakens the Ha'tak’s shields a little more, in addition the continuous fire coming from HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious energy weapons is preventing the Ha'tak’s shields from regaining full strength.

The captain of HMS Defiance can see from his readouts that HMS Audacious shields are dropping, they are currently at fifty-five percent and dropping at a steady rate, his own ships shields are stable and HMS Defiance is fully operational.

Forty-five Minutes Later

After another forty-five minutes of firing salvo after salvo of missiles at the Ha'tak, the Ha'tak’s shields are now very low and almost at the point that they will fail.

HMS Audacious own shields are also nearly gone, HMS Audacious has also expended all of her missiles, HMS Defiance is better off, her shields are at eighty percent and holding steady. HMS Audacious is heavily damaged, also with around half her crew either dead or wounded, is this battle goes on much longer HMS Audacious will not be in the battle much longer.

HMS Defiance has also expended all of her missiles, with only her energy weapons left to fight with there is no thought of withdrawal by either captain.

The Ha'tak has stopped trying to ring troops down to the surface, instead the focus of the Ha'tak’s fire has been to destroy one of the enemy warships, the Jaffa in charge knows that with only one warship left, his Ha'tak will be able to quickly eliminate the remaining warship by focusing its fire on the remaining enemy warship.

The fighter combat between the Death gliders and the Osprey fighters is not going well, as the Osprey fighters are now outnumbered by three to one, with several of the Osprey fighters having been lost and the others having suffered various levels of battle damage.

If a miracle does not happen, then HMS Audacious and HMS Defiance will be destroyed.

Fortunately they are about to get a miracle.

As the battle enters the one-hour mark, two new ships drop out of hyperspace, these are HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance, as soon as these two warship drop out of hyperspace, they immediately open fire on the Ha'tak.

Mountbatten had sent these two warships as reinforcements, just in case they are needed.

The firepower from both of these two new warships quickly bring down the Ha'tak’s shields, as the Ha'tak attempts to withdraw, the Ha'tak is finished off with several salvos of missiles launched from HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance.

With the Ha'tak destroyed, HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance launch their fighters to eliminate the remaining Death Gliders and Al-Kesh bombers, two hours later the Battle for Abydos is over, though the losses have been high for Project Phoenixes new space fleet.

HMS Audacious, heavy battle damage, hyperdrive none operational, out of the crew of 145, 43 are dead, 35 are wounded, of the six Osprey fighters, three have been lost and the other three will need extensive work to make them operational again.

HMS Defiance, has minimal battle damage, out of the crew of 145, 11 are dead, 15 are wounded, of the ships six Osprey fighters, four have been lost and the other two will need extensive work to make them operational again.

It will take several months before HMS Audacious can return to Heliopolis, due to the damage to the ships hyperdrive system.

Project Phoenix has won its first space battle, though it was a close run battle, if HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance had not arrived, then HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious would have been lost, along with Abydos.

September 1966

On the 8th September 1966, Star Trek, the classic science fiction television series, debuts on NBC-TV with its first episode, titled “The Man Trap” this series will become very popular with Seth.

Apophis’s Reaction

By October 1966, Apophis is now aware that the Ha'tak he sent to Abydos has been destroyed (Apophis does not know how or by whom), Apophis however cannot spare another Ha'tak and he defiantly will not ask another Goa'uld System Lord for help. As the other Goa’uld System Lords would see this as a sign of weakness his time and build up his forces.

Apophis would dearly like to attack Abydos with a much larger force, if Apophis did this, it would weaken his hold on dozens of worlds, that a tenuously under his control, these worlds would likely be attack be several System Lords. It could even start another Goa'uld Civil War, this is something that Apophis and the majority of the System Lords would like to avoid, well until they have rebuilt their military forces, that it.

Apophis suspicion that the former Goa'uld System Lord Sokar is behind this, Apophis has seen reports that Sokar has been attacking Lord Yu’s holdings, to Apophis this has to be one of Sokar’s attacks. This attack would draw out Apophis’s forces, then Sokar could attack a number of Apophis’s new worlds (formally Ra’s), thus weakening Apophis’s position as Supreme System Lord.

Apophis is not going to fall for that trick, though there is only one thing wrong with Apophis’s theory, it is wrong!

For now Abydoscan wait, this is lucky for Project Phoenix, it has bought them time.

Mountbatten’s Reaction

With the victory of the Ha'tak, though the price was almost too high, with HMS Audacious almost lost, though the crews of HMS Audacious and HMS Defiance performed well. The number of fighters carried by both ships is considered too small, the Black Prince class however carry’s many more fighters, this should solve the fighter problem in any future engagements with the Goa'uld.

Mountbatten has also suspended all off world exploration via the Stargate as Mountbatten assumes that the Goa'uld would now be on the alert, Mountbatten is wrong the Goa'uld as a whole are still recovering from the recent civil war. Mountbatten has a plan to use HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious (when she is repaired) for reconnaissance missions against Goa'uld controlled worlds, these worlds that Mountbatten will select are controlled by Apophis.

Apophis is still not aware that there is a new power in the galaxy Apophis still thinks that this is something to do with the rouge System Lord Sokar.

Asgard Reaction

The news (relayed by Hermiod) on the defeat of Ha'tak by these ‘primitive’ warships of Project Phoenix is greeted by the Asgard High Council with some surprise as the Asgard High Council had thought that they would have to intervene.

The Asgard High Council is happy that they have not had to intervene, as the Asgard is currently engaged with a much more deadly enemy in their own galaxy.

Furthermore the Asgard High Council authorise Hermiod to offer limited technical assistance if Hermiod is asked for help, this assistance will be in the form of two Asgard technologies that will be offered to these humans to help them fight the Goa'uld System Lords.

All that is needed now is for the leadership of Project Phoenix to ask the right question(s).

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

24. 1967

“Marxism is like a classical building that followed the Renaissance; beautiful in its way, but incapable of growth.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1967

On the 1st January 1967, Canada begins a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the British North America Act, 1867, featuring the Expo 67 World's Fair. This World's Fair would show off Canada’s new technologies, one area would be devoted to the Avro Arrow and next to an Avro Arrow would be a sign showing the number of countries who have purchased or are going to purchase the Avro Arrow.

The Avro Arrow stand also has the Shorts Belfast and the Sea Harrier in model form along with other joint ventures between Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK most of these joint ventures in new technologies have come from Project Phoenix and are now in the public realm. Though the numbers of new inventions that have been released so far have been quite numerous they have not even managed to scratch the surface of what will be released in the decades to come.

On the 26th January 1967, in the UK Parliament decides to nationalize 90% of the British steel industry this is the beginning of a program of modernisation of various parts of British industry.

On the 27th January 1967, Apollo 1 astronauts Gus Grissom, Edward Higgins White, and Roger Chaffee are killed when fire breaks out in their Apollo spacecraft during a launch pad test. This reinforces the UK government’s view that they do not wish to be involved in a space race between the US and USSR, as rushing a space program can cause all kinds of problems.

On the 30th January 1967, HMS Audacious finally returns from Abydos to Heliopolis for extensive repairs after taking heavy battle damage from the Ha'tak, HMS Defiance also returns to Heliopolis. HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance now take over the defence of Abydos these two warships will continue their trials while defending Abydos.

Learning from the mistakes of HMS Audacious these two warships with not take up geo stationery orbit above the Pyramid, instead they will be based in orbit on the far side of Abydos, with the satellites giving any warning of an approaching enemy ship or ships.

Apophis

In the aftermath of Apophis’s failed attack on Abydos, Apophis decides to focus his efforts on securing the rest of his territory first and building up his military forces, then he will launch a full-scale attack on Abydos and eliminate these rebels once and for all. By then however a considerable amount of time will have passed and Project Phoenixes military forces will have grown and matured.

Apophis still does not realise that these are not rebels, or Sokar, that he is trying to deal with but an organised military force from another world, the other Goa'uld System Lords are also unaware that there is a new military power emerging in the galaxy. The Goa'uld System Lords are so focused inwards they are not paying attention to the galaxy as a whole, though this would not be, the first time that the Goa'uld System Lords have done this.

One Goa'uld System Lord that still fully supports Apophis as Supreme System Lord (well for now) is Lord Yu.

Goa’uld System Lord, Lord Yu

Yu-huang Shang Ti, the Jade Emperor, also known as Yu the Great or simply Yu, is one of the oldest of the Goa'uld System Lords.

Unlike most Goa'uld, who are generally megalomaniacal and obsessed with total domination, Yu can be fairly pragmatic and methodical. Lord Yu is mostly concerned with strengthening his hold on the territory he already controls, while other Goa'uld will often haphazardly waste resources and Jaffa trying to conquer the entire galaxy. Yu is often willing to negotiate (as opposed to the other System Lords) and to achieve a diplomatic solution more or less co-existent. The territories Yu controls are on the opposite side of the Milky Way Galaxy, and thus most of the other System Lords are located between Yu and Earth allowing Earth to survive and will also help destabilize Yu’s Goa'uld enemies located between the two.

Another factor is simply the persona that Yu took, that of one of China's early emperors, Yu was not, really considered a “god” per se. Like many other Goa'uld, however, Yu does generally seem to believe his own propaganda (unlike Ba'al, who privately acknowledges the falsehood of this claim and is rather flippant about it). Still, Yu rarely asserts this fact, even when questioned, or endeavour to force others to acknowledge it (as opposed to Apophis and Sokar, who are rather self-obsessed with their status as “gods”).

Yu could have become the Supreme System Lord after the death of Ra that would mean that his own new territory (Ra former holdings), would not be in one consolidated holding but spilt into several holdings this would have been difficult for Lord Yu to control.

It was much better for Lord Yu to allow Apophis become the Supreme System Lord along with control over most of Ra’s former holdings, this would mean that Lord Yu would not have to risk his own forces and holdings against the other system lords.

For supporting Apophis’s rise to Supreme System Lord, Lord Yu will receive resources from Apophis, in ‘thanks’ for his support, as Apophis knows that Lord Yu’s voice carries weight with the other System Lords (along with Yu’s large military forces) and as long as Lord Yu supports Apophis, the other System Lords will go along as well.

Much better for Lord Yu to watch, wait, and see how this turns out.

One of Lord Yu’s ‘allies’ at the moment is the System Lord Ba'al, Ba'al’s own territories come between Lord Yu’s and what was Ra’s (now Apophis’s) territory. Ba'al has also gained some territory that formally belonged to Ra, Ba'al will be allowed to keep this territory as his reward for supporting Apophis becoming Supreme System Lord.

Lord Yu’s biggest worry is Sokar, as Sokar’s forces have been attacking worlds under his control, though Sokar’s forces are not strong enough to try to take Lord Yu’s territory by force, as Lord Yu’s military forces are much stronger than Sokar’s forces are.

The main problem that Lord Yu has in trying to deal with Sokar’s forces is that Lord Yu does not know the location of Sokar’s base Lord Yu would give anything to know this location, no matter where this information would come from.

For the time being Lord Yu has to wait and continue to build up his own forces, Lord Yu is aware that Apophis is having problems with several planets formally under Ra’s control, that have rebelled. This news is nothing new to Lord Yu, as worlds under the control of the Goa’uld have always tried to rebel when a System Lord is killed and that System Lords territory falls to another System Lord.

The information on the base of Sokar would come from an unusual source, something that no Goa’uld System Lord could have ever predicted.

February 1967

On the 6th February 1967, the Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin arrives in the UK for an eight-day visit. Kosygin meets the Queen on the 9th February 1967. This is also seen as a way to patch up relations between the two countries after the spy scandals of the 1950s after the death of Stalin who started these problems for both countries.

On the 25th February 1967, Britain's second ballistic missile submarine, HMS Renown, is launched, along with the UK’s own sub launched missiles gives the UK its own truly independent deterrent with a total of 5 SSBN’s in the UK’s ballistic missile submarine fleet to be launched in the next few years.

Asking the Right Question

In the main meeting room on Heliopolis, Mountbatten has asked that most senior personnel to attend this meeting this includes’ both Seth and Hermiod.

Mountbatten starts by asking, “I am here to state that out recent battle against the Goa'uld was a close run thing, from the information provided by Seth, it appears that the Jaffa on that Goa'uld ship were inexperienced in battle, next time we will not be so lucky.”

Seth is the next to speak, he says, “I concur, the next time Apophis attacks it will be in great strength, not with one warship.” Seth looks nervously at Hermiod, who seems completely disinterested in what is going on.

Mountbatten says, “That is why I asked you all here, when this next attack comes we will need an advantage over the Goa'uld, I am open to any suggestions or help that anyone can suggest.”

So to everyone surprise Hermiod states, “I have discussed this recent battle with the Asgard High Council, they have agreed to allow the fitting of Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems to your ships.” Hermiod says this in a very disinterested tone, as this is of very little consequence, though this is far from being of little consequence for the Asgard, as the Asgard High Council have had to approve this action.

For several moments no one says anything, the enormity of what Hermiod has just said with everyone needing time for it to sink in, Hermiod seems un-worried by the lack of response.

Mountbatten finally responds, “We gratefully accept your gifts”

Hermiod says, “You are welcome”

Mountbatten asks, “If I may ask how soon can the Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems be fitted to our ships?”

Hermiod replies, “Right away, my ship can fabricate the necessary parts.”

By 1968, HMS Defiance will be equipped with Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems, though not with Asgard weapons systems, as the Asgard think that this would be taking friendship too far.

By the end of 1968, HMS Audacious will also be fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive.

This will be followed by all Project Phoenix warships either under construction or that have been planned, as the Asgard have not set an upper limit to the number of warships that can be fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive.

The Asgard race is planning for the future already, just in case they lose the ongoing war against their most dangerous enemy, the Replicators, along with their ongoing cloning problem that could see their race becoming extinct.

For both these problems, the Asgard will gain much needed help from Project Phoenix.

March/April 1967

On the 4th March 1967, the first North Sea gas is pumped ashore at Easington, County Durham this will also lead to further finds including Oil thanks to a suggestion from Mountbatten.

Mountbatten suggests to the Prime Minister that one of the Canberra aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors do a detailed scan of the North Sea to establish how much Oil and Gas there may be under the North Sea that could be extracted with their current levels of drilling technology.

The Prime Minister approves, government funding for exploration by British companies in the North Sea is also approved, it is hoped that North Sea Oil and Gas would make the UK (along with her Project Phoenix allies) independent for their energy needs.

At the end of March 1967, the results do show very large concentration of both Oil and Gas under the North Sea, though the government cannot inform the UK oil companies were to drill for Oil and Gas (this would raise too many questions), they can point them in the right direction.

The exploitation of the North Sea oil reserves began just before the 1973 oil crisis (in 1971), and the climb of international oil prices made the large investments needed for extraction much more attractive.

On the 2nd April 1967, a UN delegation arrives in Aden due to approaching independence. They leave on the 7th April 1967, accusing British authorities of lack of cooperation. In response, the British say that the UN delegation did not contact them this causes some embarrassment from the UN, towards one of the three superpowers.

The UK is showing to the UN that when needed the UK can use its superpower status.

May 1967

On the 2nd May 1967, the Prime Minister Harold Wilson announces that the United Kingdom has decided not to apply for EEC membership rather the government will focus on trading relations with Commonwealth countries, as this current policy has benefitted the UK well since the end of World War 2. This is good news for the French, as they would block any attempt by Britain to join the EEC.

This policy does not mean that Britain will not trade with its European neighbours British companies already have numerous trade deals with various European companies/countries, these trade deals will continue and expand. This merely means that Britain does not need to be part of the EEC to trade with its European neighbours.

From May 1967 onwards, there are several the satellite launches from Woomera Rocket Launch facilities, two of these satellites contain relays for the Ring Transport Network that is being built up. The other is the Ariel 3 satellite that carries five experiments. The experiments measured properties of the Thermosphere as well as detected “terrestrial radio noise” from thunderstorms and measured large-scale galactic radio frequency noise. Experimental data is recorded on an onboard tape recorder, later transmitted to waiting observers on Earth. Ariel 3 was also fitted with a series of mirrors to allow easy observation of the satellite.

The Ariel satellite program is a good program as it keeps the world guessing on were the UK and her allies (Australia, Canadian and New Zealand) rocket program is going.

It is speculated by the press that these four countries will eventually put a man into orbit, possibly sometime in the 1970s, though no definite date has yet been set.

June 1967

On the 5th June 1967, the Six-Day War begins by the 10th June 1967 Israel occupies the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights after defeating its Arab neighbours. The UK only steps in when the Suez Cannel is threatened due to Britain’s agreement with Egypt to keep the Suez Cannel open (by force of arms if necessary), though the Israeli government promises to keep the Suez Cannel open after the 10th June 1967. This promise by the Israeli government to the British government will cause Israel considerable problems during its occupation of the Sinai Peninsula, as the Israeli government cannot touch the Suez Cannel.

Once the British government had confirmed this, the British military forces in the area (Gibraltar, Malta and Cyprus) would remain on a higher state of alert but stand down from direct intervention in this conflict.

Both the Israeli and Egyptian governments believed that Britain was supporting them Israel believed that Britain was supporting them by not intervening and Egypt believed that Britain was supporting them by forcing the Israeli government not to close the Suez Cannel.

Both governments were wrong, all Britain wanted to do is keep the Suez Cannel open and nothing more, the British government had enough problems in the UK and did not want to intervene in another countries problems.

This would lead the Egyptian government to rebuild its armed forces to take back the land it has lost with the Egyptian government assuming that it has British support.

On the 8th June 1967, a XB-70 Valkyrie prototype is destroyed in a mid-air collision with an F-104 Starfighter chase plane during a photo shoot. NASA pilot Joseph A. Walker and USAF test pilot Carl Cross are both killed. The XB-70 Valkyrie will soon be cancelled in the aftermath of this accident.

Britain’s own supersonic bomber the Vengeance B.1 bombers own test program is proceeding very well, with the Vengeance B.1 bomber due to enter operational service with the RAF in the mid 1970s.

The Vengeance B.1 bombers will have a relatively short life and be retired by the end of the 1990’s.

July 1967

By July of 1967, the fighter losses during the Battle for Abydos have now been replaced both HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious fighters complements are now back a full strength.

It has been noted that the complement of six Osprey fighters onboard HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious are insufficient for proper fighter operations therefore it is decided to use HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious for reconnaissance rather than guard duties.

August 1967

HMS Defiance begins to be fitted Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems it has been noted by Project Phoenix scientists/engineers that the Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems are much more advanced than the equivalent Goa'uld systems (no real surprise). Though the Asgard are fitting their shields and hyperdrive they are not informing Project Phoenix scientist and engineers how they work or how to build them only how to fix them if something goes wrong.

Under Mountbatten’s personal order, not attempt it to be made to try to reverse engineer either the Asgard shield or hyperdrive, as this would endanger their good relationship with the Asgard. No one from Project Phoenix will violate this order, as everyone is aware how valuable the Asgard could be as allies if the Goa’uld ever attacked them in strength.

The installation of the Asgard shields and hyperdrive will take until the end of the year, during early 1968, HMS Defiance will then conduct trials with these new systems to see if there are any bugs.

During these trials, Hermiod will be onboard HMS Defiance, with his own warship following (during the hyperdrive trials) in case of any problems.

The construction of both HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood will not be delayed by the installation of the Asgard shields and hyperdrive, both of these ships will become operational during 1969.

On the 14th August 1967, the UK Marine Broadcasting Offences Act declares participation in offshore pirate radio illegal. This is new law is implemented to keep ships away from RAF Barra, though no one thinks that a pirate radio station would operate from that area.

On the 28th August 1967, the first late summer holiday on a fixed date of the last Monday in August, replacing the former August Bank Holiday on the first Monday in England and Wales.

On the 20th September 1967, the QE2 is launched at Southampton by Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, using the same pair of gold scissors used by her mother and grandmother to launch the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, respectively. This shows that British commercial and military shipbuilding has recovered from Would War 2 after a long period of modernization (that is also on going).

On the 8th October 1967, Clement Attlee, former Labour leader and prime minister, dies aged 84. Members of SI-5 will watch over his funeral (discreetly), just in case anyone lets slip about Project Phonies, though no one ever does or will do.

On the 30th October 1967, British troops and Chinese demonstrators clash on the border of China and Hong Kong during the Hong Kong Riots the British troops come off much better than the Chinese demonstrators.

On the 19th November 1967, the value of the UK pound remains at 1 GBP = 2.80 USD even though the US wished for the UK pound to drop to 1 GBP = 2.40 USD.

On the 30th November 1967, British troops leave Aden, which they have occupied since 1839, enabling formation of the new republic of Yemen. There had been some thought given to keeping Aden as a British protectorate, but this idea was eventually abandoned.

On the 11th December 1967, the first Concorde supersonic aircraft is unveiled in Toulouse, France. The first sixteen Concorde’s produced will be known as Concorde A, from the seventeenth onwards these Concorde’s will be known as Concorde B. This is due to improvements to the Concorde design, these include, improved range from 3,690 miles to 4,079 miles (this would later increase to just of 5,000 miles), and quieter engines. The improvements of Concorde B is part of an ongoing series of improvements planned for Concorde, there are already plans for an improved Concorde C.

In addition, the problem for flying over countries that will not allow supersonic travel through their airspace is solved by simply not going supersonic over these countries, instead flying just short of the speed of sound at between Mach 0.95-0.98. Going at these high sub sonic speeds would still allow for a fast travel time, this would also increase the range of both the Concorde B and C, as the afterburners would not be in use.

Supersonic travel over water was not a problem the travel time between say London and New York and other such destinations would remain fast, as would other similar routes.

Concorde would also be marketed as the high end of the market, as the ultimate private jet, with some, Concorde B’s carrying only 80 passengers, the VIP versions carrying even less (30 or so), allowing for an increase in range for these versions.

Concorde would become the ultimate private jet for the very rich, this would allow sales to continue admittedly at only 12 per year, but a price that would mean that these private jet Concorde C’s could be sold at a profit.

December 1967

Oil

On the 15th December 1967, the four governments that make up Project Phoenix decide to build up their oil reserves, just in case, as there has been some odd behaviour from several OPEC countries in recent years.

The level of oil reserves will be enough for a month or so, at normal use, though with rationing these reserves could last for up to a year.

For the UK, the discovery of oil in the North Sea is an added bonus, as these oil deposits will make the UK independent in its oil needs for decades to come. The North Sea Oil will also be shared (in times of emergency with Australia, Canada and New Zealand), giving these four countries a relatively secure oil reserves for the next few decades. A joint oil agreement to share their oil between these four countries is signed by representatives of all four countries in London on the 15th January 1968.

Along with the discovery of North Sea oil the oil that is under the UK mainland is detected by the recon aircraft, these areas would be licensed to various UK oil companies for exploration and drilling rights.

The purchasing of oil will begin in early 1968, it is estimated that the time needed to build up the oil reserves would be about ten years, by 1978/79, all four-member countries of Project Phoenix should have their own oil reserves fully stocked. This is also the time needed to build the oil storage facilities for the oil reserves as well.

By the end of the 1970s, Britain’s oil reserves would be able to last for several months with rationing (without North Sea Oil), with North Sea Oil and some form of limited rationing, it was estimated that Britain could last indefinitely, even if Britain also supplied Australia, Canada and New Zealand with oil as well.

In 1979, with coming of the new Conservative government, that would consecrate on Britain first policy, meaning that all effort would go into creating jobs within the United Kingdom, including Gibraltar and Malta etc. However, the job creation in both Gibraltar and Malta would never be much of a problem as there would always be a demand for workers in both Gibraltar and Malta.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

25. 1968

“It's no use crying over spilt summits.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1968

During early 1968, the two Defiance class warships are being refitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems, though not weapons systems (even the Asgard do not trust these humans that much).

With HMS Defiance’s refit complete by the 5th January 1968, though HMS Audacious upgraded will not be completed until June 1968, as the battle damage has to be repaired before the Asgard systems can be fitted.

Defiance class Warship Improved Version

Length: 738.2 ft (225.0 meters)
Width: 262.5 ft (80.0 meters)
Height: 198.5 ft (60.5 meters)
Crew: 145 (can carry an additional 50 ‘passengers’ usually troops.)
Engines:
Sublight engines
Manoeuvring thrusters
Hyperdrive system: Asgard hyperdrive (Intergalactic capable)
Power Core: x4 Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Asgard shields
Weapons:
Two forward firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Two aft firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Twelve Quad energy cannons (EC-1) (x4 port, x4 starboard, x2 forward and x2 aft)
Four forward firing missile tubes (fifty missiles carried)
Carried Craft:
x6 Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters (Osprey class)
x2 Shuttles (Fox class)
Cargo Capacity: 2,500 tonnes

Though the Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems are powerful, the four Naquadah reactors are not capable of powering these two systems to the limits of their full potential. For example the Asgard hyperdrive, though this hyperdrive is far faster than a Goa'uld hyperdrive, due to the power restraints the Asgard hyperdrive install on HMS Defiance is slower than the equivalent hyperdrive install on an Asgard warship.

Even with the power limitations, these two Asgard systems will give Project Phoenix warships an advantage over Goa'uld warships, making Project Phoenix warships much faster in hyperspace and giving them stronger shields.

The two operational Black Prince Class warships will also be fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems from now on, the current two ships will receive a refit with the new systems. HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood will also be fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive system, with future Black Prince Class warships also being fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems at the construction stage. With both the shields and hyperdrive, being built by the Asgard this will take some pressure of the manufacturing of component parts for a Black Prince Class warship.

Once these two operational Black Prince Class warships have been refitted, they will resume their guard duties protecting Abydos (taking only hours to get their instead of days), the refit of HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood only takes one month, by the end of July 1968, they are back guarding Abydos from attack.

This will free up HMS Defiance and later HMS Audacious for reconnaissance missions, these reconnaissance missions will have several objectives. The first being scouting out the systems that are under Goa'uld control, specifically Apophis, as it appears this Apophis’s territory is the closest to the two planets under the control of Project Phoenix, along with Earth.

The second part of these reconnaissance missions, is to establish the reason why some address have not connected when dialled, there is speculation that those world may have buried their Stargate, just as the one of Earth was buried.

Hermiod informs Mountbatten that a number of systems are out of bonds, these systems fall under what is known as the Protected Planets Treaty. The Protected Planets Treaty ensures that certain planets remain free from Goa'uld oppression. In turn, the Asgard may not use their technology to advance a race living on one of the planets, even to prevent a natural disaster Hermiod states that if a warship fitted with Asgard entered one of these systems it could be considered a violation of the treaty.

Limits are also placed on the development of the populations of these planet to prevent them from becoming a threat to the Goa'uld. The definition of the word ‘threat’ rests solely with the High Council of Goa'uld System Lords.

Mountbatten asks Hermiod why the Asgard does not just send more of their warships to enforce the treaty Hermiod informs Mountbatten that the bulk of the Asgard fleet is engaged against an enemy (Replicator’s) far more dangerous than the Goa'uld in their own galaxy.

Mountbatten understands (well not fully) why they should not visit these systems/worlds and will abide by the request of the Asgard, the systems/worlds of the Protected Planets Treaty will be declared off limits to Project Phoenix ships.

The first reconnaissance mission is due to set off in July of this year.

On the 8th January 1968, the Prime Minister Harold Wilson endorses the ‘I'm Backing Britain’ campaign for working an additional half hour each day without pay. This does not go down well with the workforce (voters/unions) who think working an extra half day for nothing is a bad idea. This action by Harold Wilson will be seen as the initial trigger, which will be the decade (1970s) of industrial action by the various Trade Unions leading to the Winter of Discontent in the winter of 1978/1979.


Also on the 21st January 1968, a US B-52 Stratofortress crashes in Greenland, carrying four nuclear bombs this reinforced the British government’s view that US nuclear bombs should not, be permanently based in the UK, though the UK government does not inform the US government due to the ongoing Cold War and NATO commitments.

Once the Cold War (after 1989) the British government will inform the US government that it must removed it nuclear bombs from British soil.

February 1968

The relationship between the members of Project Phoenix and the Asgard Hermiod is growing even Seth is starting to not be so nervous when Hermiod is in the same room, though Hermiod has stated that the current four countries of Project Phoenix would be at the limited of the number of nation states on Earth that the Asgard would trust.

Hermiod has bluntly stated that if the US becomes involved in Project Phoenix that the Asgard may withdraw their support (this is due to Roswell) and their technology from Project Phoenix, thought, as Project Phoenix has no plans to include any more countries into Project Phoenix at this point in time this is not a problem.

This Asgard trust is very strong, the more that the Project Phoenix personnel become involved with the Asgard the more this trust will grow, as the years and decades go by. This will also have a benefit in the long term for the Asgard and their war against the replicators, these humans will find the solution to the replicator problem for the Asgard.

The all things will be possible for the four countries that make up Project Phoenix in the years to come.

The Asgard will also discover something that they thought that they had lost many thousands of years ago...

March 1968

On the 11th March 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson mandates that all computers purchased by the federal government support the ASCII character encoding, British computing technology is mostly used by the MoD and research organisation, along with some of the larger companies, though this will also change in the early 1980’s.

On the 12th March 1968, Mauritius achieves independence from British rule and becomes part of the Commonwealth the Commonwealth of Countries will become a second smaller version of the UN.

On the 15th March 1968, HMS Defiance finishes her refit with the Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems and begins her trials, during the trials Hermiod comes along to assist in any problems encounter with the installation of these Asgard systems.

With Hermiod’s help, the trials of HMS Defiance will be completed very quickly Hermiod will not only solve the problems encountered with the Asgard systems, but also corrects several bugs in the Goa'uld systems as well. These Goa'uld systems have had bugs in them since the construction of HMS Defiance, though it is not clear if Hermiod was aware of this as Hermiod just corrected these bugs without asking anyone.

For the first time since HMS Defiance was launched she is now fully operational, with all bugs having been fixed, HMS Defiance is for the time being the most powerful warship in the small but growing Project Phoenix fleet.

Both HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance are also being fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive, their trials are much quicker than HMS Defiance, as they do not have any battle damage from the battle against Apophis’s warship.

Both HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood that are due to become operational next year have already been fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive during their construction, the fitting of the Asgard shields and hyperdrive will not slowed construction of these two warships.

April 1968

Heliopolis Asteroid Mining

In early April 1968, the first large scale asteroid mining operations begin in the Heliopolis system, using the Fox class shuttles to ship the raw materials from the asteroids to Heliopolis for processing. The Fox class shuttles are used to ship equipment and personnel from Heliopolis to the asteroids. This is the quickest way to ship the ore from the asteroids to Heliopolis and does not require a major warship or hyperdrive equipped ship.

The amount of raw materials in the Heliopolis asteroids is much easier to get at than any other raw materials that Project Phoenix knows about, including the mining operations on Abydos. The amounts of raw materials coming from Abydos is much smaller than what can be mined from the Heliopolis asteroids, this makes asteroids mining much more attractive, than mining operations on Abydos.

By the end of 1968, the asteroid mining operations in the Heliopolis system will easily be providing all the raw materials that Project Phoenix requires for its manufacturing needs. The raw materials coming from Abydos are now considered secondary Abydos mining operations will be scaled back over the next few years, so that by the mid 1970s, only enough mining is done to keep the locals occupied.

On Abydos exploration of another buried chamber is already underway, this chamber will reveal were the Ancients went, they did not leave the galaxy, they ascended to a higher form of existence, ascension. This along with several other things will be discovered in a secret store (a hidden chamber within a hidden chamber) that Ra had concealed in the now buried chamber.

Apophis

Apophis for the moment has now decided to leave Abydos and considerate on some of Ra’s more important holdings. As another System Lord called, Sokar has been attacking the various holding of Apophis, along with the holding of other System Lords.

During May 1968, Apophis calls a meeting of the System Lords to deal with Sokar’s attacks against them, Apophis calls for all System Lords to search for Sokar’s base of operations, so that they can send a combined fleet to eliminate Sokar’s base, along with Sokar’s fleet as well.

The System Lords agree to this as some of the System Lords are looking forward to eliminating Sokar, as none of the System Lords would ever ally themselves with Sokar, as they know that they would be dead soon after at Sokar’s own hands.

Sokar is a powerful Goa'uld System Lord, Sokar is well known for his cruel and sadistic nature amongst his fellow Goa'uld. In the past, Sokar was briefly the ruler of the Goa'uld, until an alliance consisting of several other System Lords, including Ra, Apophis, and Cronus, banded together to defeat Sokar. Sokar was believed destroyed, but somehow Sokar survived. He conquered the world of Delmak, making it his homeworld, and terraformed its moon into a hell-like world, naming it Netu. His underlord Bynarr ruled Ne'tu, travelling to Delmak by way of Rings to inform Sokar of the suffering of the damned.

Delmak is a highly industrialized planet long controlled by Sokar. After the System Lords banished Sokar, Sokar conquered the planet and made it his homeworld.

The current System Lords led by Apophis do not (yet) know the location of Delmak, when they do they will attack with overwhelming force, when they do this will be the end for Sokar.

The location of Delmak will not be discovered by the Goa'uld, but by one of the warships of Project Phoenix on a recon mission.

May 1968

On the 15th May 1968, Meredith Rodney McKay, better known as Rodney McKay is born, this future Canadian scientist will become part of Project Phoenix in the mid to late 1980s. Dr McKay will be one of the lead scientists on the Atlantis expedition and will be instrumental in making several breakthroughs in many new technologies.

July 1968

On the 1st July 1968, HMS Defiance begins her first six-month deep space reconnaissance mission, with the first of several worlds that had no connection when their Stargate is dialled. Some of these worlds have been lost to various natural disasters, while on others it is apparent that they have buried their Stargate. The worlds that have buried their Stargate scanned from orbit no landings are attempted, the locals, who after all may have rebelled against their Goa’uld ‘god’, could see this as provocative as their ‘gods’ returning.

This deep space reconnaissance mission will last until February 1969, then HMS Defiance will return to Heliopolis, HMS Audacious will then take over from HMS Defiance and continue the deep space reconnaissance missions of the various known Goa’uld controlled systems.

During this time, there will be limited Stargate missions, these missions will be limited to one gate address per month, this is to reduce the risk of discovery by the Goa’uld and more time explore these worlds more thoroughly. Even though the worlds that they will be exploring did not come from the Abydos cartouche, but from the information from Alan Turing’s crystal computer which had all the Stargate addresses for the Milky Way Galaxy added to it from the knowledge gain from the repository of knowledge incident in 1962.

Even with these limited missions and the reconnaissance by HMS Audacious and HMS Defiance, the number of worlds that will have been catalogued by the end of 1968, will be just over one hundred. This will be much more that Project Phoenix could have safely catalogued using just the Stargate it will quickly become apparent that using HMS Audacious and HMS Defiance is much quicker than using the Stargate and a lot safer as a ship coming out of hyperspace has a better chance of survival that going virtually blind through a Stargate.

August 1968

Asgard Homworld

The Asgard High Council have been discussing the war against the Replicators, several members of the High Council (including Thor), have started that these humans need to be informed about the Replicators in case the Asgard lose the war.

Though most of the Asgard High Council do not agree to this, but they have agreed that these humans warships can be fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive, as a first step to seeing if these humans are worthy or more advanced technology, or not?

What the Asgard High Council do not know yet, is that these humans of Project Phoenix will bring them the solution to the Replicators, in the next few years.

For now however the Asgard will observe, but not interfere (well not too much) with humans of Project Phoenix.

November 1968

HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance have finished being fitted with Asgard shields and hyperdrive, both these warships return to Abydos, as the planets defence squadron, as there are not enough warships to form a fleet, yet.

Both HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance journey time to Abydos has been reduced from days to hours, though an Asgard ship can do the same journey in a matter of minutes.

Osprey fighters

Work on the Mark 2 Osprey fighter, is nearing completion, the Mark 2 Osprey fighter is not a ‘new’ version, merely an upgrade of the Mark 1 Osprey fighter, the Mark 2 can now carry air to air missiles.

These air-to-air missiles are a cross between Firestreak and Red Top missiles, these missiles are call Red Nova missiles, these Red Nova air-to-air missiles differ from Firestreak and Red Top as being able to work in space, the Firestreak and Red Top would not.

The Red Nova missile has a mini Naquadah enhanced warhead, this warhead is too small to be used against capital ships, but against Death Gliders, they are more than capable of taking out a Death Glider with a single missile without actually hitting the Death Glider. A closed proximity detonation from the mini Naquadah enhanced warhead is more than enough to take out a Death Glider, as the Death Gliders do not possess any kind of shields.

Each Mark 2 Osprey fighter can carry up to four of these Red Nova missiles, it is hoped that future upgrades will increase the number of missiles.

The Red Nova missile is due to be released for operational service in January 1969 with the Mark 2 Osprey fighters deployed onboard HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood, with the rest of the fleets Osprey fighters being upgraded to the Mark 2 within twelve months.

Mark 2 Naquadah/Nuclear missiles

The new Mark 2 Naquadah/Nuclear missiles have been pushed forward into operational services after the battle for Abydos proved that a more powerful warhead is needed.

These Mark 2 nuclear missiles have a 310 megaton yield, this is possible because the small nuclear warhead has been enhanced by Naquadah, making the 30 megaton nuclear warhead yield increase to 310 megatons, thanks to improvements in weapons technology. As with the Mark 1s, the Mark 2 nuclear missiles have the unique ability to be used either in space or against a surface target on a planet or moon or other such body.

So far, a total of 75 of these Mark 2 nuclear missiles have so far been produced on Heliopolis, work is well underway to produce a much more powerful Naquadah enhanced nuclear missile.

Production of the Mark 1 has already ceased at the end of 1968.

Work is proceeding on a Mark 3 this will have a greater yield than the Mark 2 and an improved drive system for the missile, derived from the propulsion system of the Death Glider. This improved propulsion system will give the Mark 3 missile a greater range, higher acceleration and better manoeuvrability than the Mark 1 and Mark 2 missiles could ever archive.

The Mark 3 missile should start to enter operational service in the mid 1970s.

December 1968

By the end of 1968, the process of building up Britain’s oil reserves had begun, as not to make the price of oil jump, only a small ‘top up’ amounts would be purchased each month, this purchasing process would be spread over ten years.

This way, the building up of Britain’s oil reserves would be built up at a steady pace, other countries within the Commonwealth would also start building up their own oil reserves these Commonwealth countries would include Australia, Canada and New Zealand (the other three members of Project Phoenix) first.

The Commonwealth of Nations was beginning to start looking like a global power, with the UK in the lead.

Heliopolis Population

By the 31st December 1968, the population on Heliopolis as reached the 100,000 mark and continues to grow as the various military, manufacturing and research facilities continue to expand. This population growth is due to the influx of personnel from Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as personnel receive their security clearance to work on Project Phoenix.

Families are also being included these families are initially ones without children, though within the next year, children will start to be a factor on Heliopolis. All of these families tend to be where both of them have been cleared to work on Heliopolis and rather than ‘commute’ between Heliopolis and Earth, they have chosen to make their home on Heliopolis.

With these families making their home on Heliopolis, this also helps with security.

Making sure that none of these people is missed is as big a job for Project Phoenix as the vetting of personnel is, however the procedures are in place along with a growing number of cover stories. These cover stories come from a basic set of stories these basic cover stories are then carefully customised to the individual or individuals, depending on circumstances.

These cover stories have worked very well and there has been no questioning by their relatives, as they relatives have been told things like their family members are working of a secret project and will be out of touch with them for a long time. With the ongoing Cold War, this is an easy sell to the relatives as it is a cover story, which they will easily believe and accept.

Most of the families that have chosen to live and work on Heliopolis have little or no family connects back on Earth, those that do have family connects, the cover stories deal with any questions from their families.

So far, this arrangement is working fine and with four countries cooperating with the cover stories, it makes the cover stores much easier to make the various cover stories stick than it would do with just one county.

The infrastructure on Heliopolis is also expanding at a rapid rate to cope with the expanding population this includes food production, health care and a plan to start building schools when the first children are born on Heliopolis.

Overall, Heliopolis is developing into a self sustaining (in most areas) colony these is very little need to import anything from Earth, as all that is needed is the blueprint and whatever needs to be manufactured can be done on Heliopolis.

Within a few years will be fully self-sustaining world.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

26. 1969

“(A Foreign Secretary) is forever poised between the cliché and the indiscretion.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1969

Both HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood are launched both warships immediately begin their trials by the end of 1969 both of these warships will be operational and join the ‘fleet’.

Black Prince Class Warships Improved Version

Length: 1,066.2 ft (325.0 meters)
Width: 295.2 ft (80.0 meters)
Height: 198.5 ft (60.5 meters)
Crew: 205 (can carry an additional 50 ‘passengers’ usually troops.)
Engines:
Sublight engines
Manoeuvring thrusters
Hyperdrive system: Asgard hyperdrive (Intergalactic capable)
Power Core: x6 Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Asgard shields
Weapons:
Two forward firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Two aft firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Twelve Quad energy cannons (EC-1) (x4 port, x4 starboard, x2 forward and x2 aft)
Four forward firing missile tubes and two aft firing missile tubes (up to one hundred missiles carried)
Carried Craft:
x24 Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters (Osprey Mark 2)
x4 Shuttles (Fox class)
Cargo Capacity: 3,500 tonnes

Six more Black Prince class warships are planned, at the rate of two every four years (this construction timescale will soon be changed), the next two Black Prince class warships will begin construction in early 1969 these are HMS Canada and HMS Australia.

HMS Canada – 07 due to be completed 1973
HMS Australia – 08 due to be completed 1973
HMS New Zealand – 09 due to be completed 1975
HMS Tiger – 10 due to be completed 1975
HMS Lion – 11 due to be completed 1978
HMS Mountbatten (formally HMS Ottawa) 12 – due to be completed 1978 (will be renamed after the murder of Mountbatten in 1979 by the IRA)

Mountbatten is pleased that warship construction is proceeding the construction time for both HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger will be reduced to just over three years, now that the training program is catching up with the construction program.

It will now only take two to three years to produce a Black Prince class warship, instead of the three to four years this is because the training program has now managed to catch up with the Black Prince class construction program.

This increased production rate has caused the completion dates to move closer together, plans are also underway for an orbital dry-dock system, this would allow the construction of four warships in one go instead of just two.

The production capabilities on Heliopolis are rapidly growing to meet the demand, with the mining of the asteroids in the Heliopolis system, there is no longer a delay in receiving raw materials from processing. This has led intern to production rates of the various component parts for both the Black Prince class warships, the Osprey class fighters and the Fox class shuttles to rise.

The asteroid mining operations in the Heliopolis system has the added advantage of freeing up warships from cargo duties, to guard duties for both Heliopolis and Abydos.

The need for a hyperdrive equipped freighter is also lessened and plans to build hyperdrive equipped freighters are dropped, as there is no need, as all the resources needed for construction are coming from the Heliopolis asteroids mining operations.

Resources are only brought from Abydos when a sufficient stockpile has been built up usually just over 2,000 tonnes then one of the warships is sent to pick the stockpile up and transport the raw materials back to Heliopolis. This ‘cargo run’ is usually only done once every few months this does not threaten the defence of Abydos, as a warship from Heliopolis defence squadron is sent on one of these ‘cargo runs’.

On the 14th January 1969, the Soviet Union launches Soyuz 4, though the USSR and the US are involved in the space race the UK is still not interested in becoming involved.

On the 15th January 1969, the Soviet Union launches Soyuz 5, which docked with Soyuz 4 for a transfer of crew.

By the end of January 1969, the joint British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian own Earth based rocket launch program continues at what appears to be a very leisurely pace, to both the US and the Soviet Union it appears as if the UK will be well behind both of the world’s two ‘superpowers’.

Neither the US nor the Soviet Union feels the need to compete with the UK with their respective space programs as the UK does not want to be involved in the ‘Space Race’ between the US and the Soviet Union.

February 1969

On the 2nd February 1969, the two cosmonauts transfer from Soyuz 5 to Soyuz 4 via a spacewalk while the two craft are docked together, the first time such a transfer takes place. The two spacecraft undock. Soyuz 4 will re-enter Earth's atmosphere and land on the 17th February 1969 while Soyuz 5 will have a hard landing on the 18th February 1969.

On the 9th February 1969, the Boeing 747 makes its maiden flight the UK commercial aircraft industry is not getting the investment that the defence side is getting with the exception of Concorde this will lead to the decline of the UK commercial aircraft industry. However, this will benefit the UK defence aircraft industry, as this area will continue to receive increasing funding.

In early February 1969, Mountbatten decides that both HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood will be assigned to the defence of the Heliopolis system, while HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious are on fast reconnaissance missions.

When HMS Defiance and HMS Audacious are not on reconnaissance missions, they are assigned to the Heliopolis defence squadron the flagship of the Heliopolis defence squadron is HMS Royal Oak.

So far, there are no naval officers above the rank of Captain, though they will need a flag officer for their growing fleet of warships, Mountbatten is for the moment in direct command of the warships of Project Phoenix.

Mountbatten has been personally looking at the current Captains (for the past several months) from the Defiance and Black Prince class warships to see which one of these Captains Mountbatten will promote to Rear Admiral, unlike the Royal Navy, Mountbatten can promote anyone he chooses, as there is no selection board or other such mechanisms.

On the 24th February 1969, the Mariner 6 Mars probe is launched the UK has a program to launch scientific probes into the various planets in the Solar System, as will other areas it appears this program is well behind the US space program.

March 1969

On the 1st March 1969, Mountbatten finally chooses the Captain of HMS Royal Oak to become commander of the warship, fighters and all other space capable craft of Project Phoenix.

Rear Admiral James Goodworthy becomes commander of all of Project Phoenixes space forces (Royal Space Navy), with the title Commander Royal Space Fleet. Admiral Goodworthy is not subordinate to Major General Richard Thomas Head of Military Operations and Security, Admiral Goodworthy is of equal rank to General Thomas, with Mountbatten being in overall charge.

All fighter operations now come under the command (whether on Earth or Heliopolis) come under Admiral Goodworthy’s authority and not General Thomas, who now only commands the ground units and not any space units.

General Thomas had been lobbing Mountbatten to keep everything military under his sole command, but Mountbatten did not like that idea and General Thomas was being too pushy in Mountbatten option, so Mountbatten split the naval side off from General Thomas and put it under a separate command.

April/May 1969

On the 1st April 1969, the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1 (P.1127) enters service with the Royal Air Force with No.1 Squadron. The Royal Navies Fleet Air Arm is not due to receive their first Sea Harrier FRS.1 (P.1154) until 1974.

On the 4th April 1969, Dr Denton Cooley implants the first temporary artificial heart this is one of the first benefits of off world technology, though even Dr Cooley does not know this.

During April and May 1969, HMS Defiance is conducting her reconnaissance missions of various Goa'uld controlled systems, so far HMS Defiance has not been intercepted by any Goa'uld ships.

HMS Defiance has been dropping out of hyperspace well clear of any Goa'uld occupied world, this gives the crew time to do a sensor sweep of the planet or on a few occasions planets occupied by the Goa'uld. Then once the sensor sweep is completed HMS Defiance jumps back into hyperspace, during the reconnaissance missions all external markings have been removed from the warships, the IFF has been switched off this is to prevent the Goa'uld finding out who they really are. It is hoped that the Goa'uld will think that the design is of Goa'uld origin, so far they correct due to the attacks by Sokar, Apophis thinks that this ship is one of Sokar’s, Sokar in return thinks that this ship is from one of the Goa'uld System Lords.

The reason for the Goa'uld thinking this is that the technology that is being used by HMS Defiance (and HMS Audacious) that the Goa'uld can detect at long range is of Goa'uld design (sensors, sub-light engines etc). The Goa'uld have not been able to do a close scan (as they have not been able to get close enough), if they did they would detect the Asgard hyperdrive and shields.

These reconnaissance missions by HMS Defiance (later HMS Audacious) are preceding much quicker thanks to the Asgard hyperdrive, allowing HMS Defiance to move from system to system much more quickly than they both could have using their old Goa'uld hyperdrive.

Mountbatten is still worried about a major attack against the two systems that they control along with Earth, Mountbatten is pushing the warship construction and crew training programs as fast as they will go. With only four warships available Mountbatten is worried that a massive Goa’uld attack could easily brush these four warships aside even with them being fitted with Asgard shields.

June 1969

On the 1st June 1969, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) also known as the Chagos Islands vote to become part of the UK, just as Malta and Gibraltar have become, the British government accept this, as there is a large RAF base on Diego Garcia, RAF Diego Garcia. In the same vote, they acknowledge that the British pound is their main currency, thus doing away with the need to mint their own currency.

Most of the civilian population of the Chagos Islands already works for the British military in one way or another, so it makes sense for the population to become part of the UK.

On the 28th June 1969, HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace in the Solar System, HMS Defiance has been sent to the Solar System to observe with her sensors (out of visual range) the Apollo moon landing by the US. This is considered a good test for the Asgard Anti Detection or Stealth systems, to see if the US (NASA) or the Soviets can detect HMS Defiance while HMS Defiance observes the Apollo moon landings.

July 1969

On the 1st July 1969, Charles, Prince of Wales, is invested with his title at Caernarfon, though even after is investiture the new Prince of Wales will not be informed of Project Phoenix, by order of the Queen, as Her Majesty does not feel that her son is ready for this knowledge yet.

On the 7th July 1969, Captain Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown is appointed a Naval Aide de Camp to Queen Elizabeth II this is to allow Captain Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown to be briefed on Project Phoenix. Once Captain “Winkle” Brown quickly gets over the shock and is eager to try one of the Osprey class fighters Project Phoenix has gained one of Britain’s most experienced test pilots.

This appointment had come at the request of Queen Elizabeth after a discussion with Mountbatten for the need for experienced pilots especially instructors/test pilots to help advance the Osprey class fighter design, after Queen Elizabeth has read the bio of Captain “Winkle” Brown given to the Queen in her official ‘red box’.

With being, Aide de Camp to Queen Elizabeth II allows Captain “Winkle” Brown to keep odd hours and disappear for several weeks without raising suspicion.

On the 20th July 1969, almost six years after President Kennedy’s death, Apollo's goal was realized when Americans landed on the Moon. Apollo 11 crew consisting of Commander Neil Alden Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin Jr.

Little do the Apollo 11 astronauts know that they are being watched from afar.

HMS Defiance (Solar System)

Watching from within the Solar System is HMS Defiance with her Stealth Systems on, the crew of HMS Defiance are not impressed with the US achievement, with several crewmembers joking that if the US knew what they were up to it would make the US space program impendent.

This is a good test of the newly fitted Asgard Stealth Systems, as it does prove that the other major Earth governments (US and Soviet Union) cannot detect HMS Defiance within the Solar System, in close proximity to the Moon, though not close enough so that the Apollo crew sees HMS Defiance out of a window.

A few months later when Apollo 13 misshape happens, there will be no Project Phoenix ships immediately available nor the authority to send a ship to rescue Apollo 13 crew, by the time a ship becomes available (still with no authority to send it) Apollo 13 crew has returned to Earth safely.

August 1969

CIA Headquarters

The CIA has known for some time that Britain was getting these new ‘inventions’ from somewhere, but they could not locate the source of these inventions. It has been noted by CIA agents that Borthwick Castle was seen as a possible location for secret research, but after some very discreet investigations, it was discovered that Borthwick Castle was too small for such a large research program and the CIAs investigation would be focused elsewhere within the UK.

The CIA had (incorrectly) assumed that Borthwick Castle was a red herring operated by the British government as a spy trap, after the British uncovered a Soviet spy network in the 1950s. The British government seemed to keep Borthwick Castle as a spy trap even though everyone in the various intelligence services knew that Borthwick Castle was a spy trap.

In fact, Borthwick Castle is the headquarters of the biggest secret on the planet and all the intelligence services on the planet are giving it a wide berth, because they all think that it is still a spy trap!

Such is the strange way the USSR and US intelligence services minds work!

On the 13th August 1969, serious border clashes occur between the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. China is now looking for military equipment from other countries, one of Chinas first ‘ports of call’ is the UK this will have economic benefits for both countries in the long run.

September 1969

On the 1st September 1969, a coup in Libya ousts King Idris, and brings Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi to power.

Heliopolis Orbital Dry-Docks

With Mountbatten insisting that more warships be built, plans are put forward by the space research team for the construction of orbital dry-docks were several warships (four) can be assemble at one time.

The initial plan calls for a single orbital dry-dock that can hold for Black Prince class warships in one go, this will increase the numbers of Black Prince class warships constructed at one time from two to four.

The ground based dry-dock facilities can then be used for refits (over the short term until more orbital dry-docks can be constructed), while the orbital dry-docks can be used for construction. The plans are already being drawn up for a much more powerful and larger warship, but for the time being all resources are concentrated on the Black Prince class so that a sufficient number of these warships can be built before as new class of warship is constructed.

The construction of these orbital dry-docks will begin in January 1973 and should be finished by January 1978, with the first four warship immediately begin assemble in January 1978.

On the 23rd September 1969, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford open to limited release in the US. This will be one of Seth’s favourite films and Seth will not tire of watching it.

November 1969

On the 3rd November 1969, President Richard M. Nixon addresses the nation on television and radio, asking the “silent majority” to join him in solidarity with the Vietnam War effort, and to support his policies. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew denounces the President's critics as ‘an effete corps of impudent snobs’ and ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’.

On the 14th November 1969, NASA launches Apollo 12 (Pete Conrad, Richard Gordon, Alan Bean), the second manned mission to the Moon.

On the 15th November 1969, the Soviet submarine K-19 collides with the American submarine USS Gato in the Barents Sea.

In Washington, DC, 250,000 to 500,000 protesters stage a peaceful demonstration against the war, including a symbolic “March Against Death”.

In the UK, regular colour television broadcasts begin on both BBC1 and ITV, sales of colour televisions will soon outstrip the old black and white televisions.

On the 17th November 1969, negotiators from the Soviet Union and the United States meet in Helsinki, to begin the SALT I negotiations aimed at limiting the number of strategic weapons on both sides. Much to the annoyance the UK has not been invited to these talks the UK press make much of the apparent snub of both the Soviet Union and the United States.

On the 19th November 1969, Apollo 12 astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean land at Oceanus Procellarum (“Ocean of Storms”) becoming the third and fourth humans to walk on the Moon.

On the 21st November 1969, President Richard Nixon and Japanese Premier Eisaku Sato agree in Washington, D.C. to the return of Okinawa to Japanese control in 1972. Under the terms of the agreement, the U.S. retains rights to military bases on the island, but they must be nuclear-free.

On the 24th November 1969, Apollo 12 spacecraft splashes down safely in the Pacific Ocean, ending the second manned mission to the Moon.

December 1969

On the 1st December 1969, the Iris Shield is deployed to protect the three Stargates.

Iris Shield

The project started many years ago to create a shield to protect the Stargate against unauthorised entry finally becomes operational, this shield prevents even subatomic particles from rematerializing thus destroying anything before it has time to rematerialize.

Three of these shields are installed on the Stargate’s at Borthwick Castle, Heliopolis and Abydos, the Abydos shield is fitted with a self-destruct, so that this device does not fall into enemy hands.

The shield now gives Project Phoenix an added advantage against attack, as the only way the Goa’uld can attack any of the three planets under Project Phoenixes control is by sending a warship or warships to take that world by force.

This has advantages and disadvantages for Project Phoenix, which Mountbatten is fully aware of, that is why Mountbatten is pushing for a rapid expansion of the fleet.

On the 2nd December 1969, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet makes its debut. It carries 191 people, most of them reporters and photographers, from Seattle, Washington, to New York City. With several British Airlines, purchasing the Boeing 747 jumbo jet this will be another nail in UK commercial aviation manufacture.

On the 15th December 1969, HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood complete their trials, both these warships now become part of Heliopolis defence squadron, HMS Canada and HMS Australia will join these two warships in 1973.

With both warship production and crew training programs during the coming 1970s, Project Phoenix is starting to become a real power in the Milky Way galaxy, though the Goa’uld are still not aware is this, yet.

At the end of 1969, Seth is offered his freedom Seth declines and offers his continued services to Project Phoenix, after some discussions Seth’s offer is accepted. Seth is moved to Heliopolis where he is given his own home, though Seth will still be kept under surveillance Seth is however no longer a prisoner. The one item the Seth is not allowed is his kara kesh, also called a hand device or a ribbon device, though if Heliopolis came under attack or Seth wished to leave then this would be returned to him.

The 1970s will be a time of great excitement and joy, along with great sadness as well.

During 1970, Project Phoenix would have its first loss of a warship.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

27. 1970

“As usual the Liberals offer a mixture of sound and original ideas. Unfortunately none of the sound ideas is original and none of the original ideas is sound.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1970

Commonwealth of Nations (NOT Project Phoenix)

By January 1970, the Commonwealth is very slowly developing into a loose trading alliance (no rigid rules etc), along with Commonwealth, being able to facilitate between members negotiated peace deals, such as the peace deal between India and Pakistan in 1965. The Commonwealth will also help bring about a peace deal in 1971 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

However, not every Commonwealth peace deal works.

Trade deals between Commonwealth member countries is much easier than with other countries, as many Commonwealth countries already have various trade deals that where done when these countries were part of the British Empire. Post independence these trade deals have continued and been expanded in many cases, after all now that these countries are not part of the British Empire does not mean that these trade deals cannot continue.

The four most prominent trading Commonwealth countries are the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with India catching up rapidly along with several other countries also expanding their industrial and trading capabilities.

The Commonwealth is slowly growing into a powerful trading and economic block, with the UK not only representing itself on the UN Security Council (and other such bodies) but also speaking for the Commonwealth as well, giving the Commonwealth a powerful voice on the world stage.

In addition, the Commonwealth via the UK has a veto on the UN Security Council if needed though this has not yet been excised by the UK.

United Kingdom

The GDP of the UK as of 1970 stands at $189,626,100,000 putting the UK third behind the US at first place and Japan in second, with no wartime debit, the UK is in a much stronger financial position than it would be with the wartime debit hanging over the UK.

Add to that the growing economic power of the Commonwealth of Nations then the Commonwealth could easily challenge the US dominate number one position, though the Commonwealth members countries do not want to become the ‘leader of the free world’, as the US styles itself.

Much better to let the US keep its number one position and its self-appointed title of ‘leader of the free world’ along with all the problems which are associated with being number one.

Much better, to be in the number two or three spot...

On the 15th January 1970, after a 32-month fight for independence from Nigeria, Biafran forces under Philip Effiong formally surrender to General Yakubu Gowon. The Nigerian conflict is considered one of the Commonwealth’s diplomatic failures, as all attempts at a peaceful solution during the past 32 months have failed, along with the UN as well.

On the 20th January 1970, Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, put a joint four-man team in orbit around Earth, this joint expedition makes all these four countries come a joint third behind the Soviet Union and the United States in getting a man into space.

The four astronauts remain in orbit for five days before returning to Earth safely, splashdown is just off the coast of Australia, not to mention that Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand has put a four man team in orbit first.

The rocket was launched from Woomera rocket launching facility this is part of the vast Woomera Research Facility in Australia.

This is hailed as a great success for Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the joint space and rocket program, this program is yet another cover program for Project Phoenix, though vast majority of the people working for the joint rocket program do not know this.

Work on a reusable ‘space plane’ is already in the very early planning stages, as it is seen as wasteful (costly) to use a rocket that can only be used once.

On the 30th January 1970, Captain “Winkle” Brown relinquishes his appointment as Naval ADC to Queen Elizabeth II this allows Captain Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown, CBE, DSC, AFC to spend more time being a consultant to one of Britain’s most important projects, though he can never mention this to anyone. Captain “Winkle” Browns pay for this ‘consultant service’ is a staggering £50,000 (1970 pounds sterling) per year paid out of the MoD’s ‘Special Projects’ budget.

The MoD’s ‘Special Projects’ budget does not get full Parliamentary scrutiny as the rest of the UK governments budget does, as the MoD’s ‘Special Projects’ budget is being used to fund Project Phoenix. The need to keep this budget from Parliamentary scrutiny is essential, as it is felt that most MP’s do not know how to keep the mouths shut.

Even so there are means of so called ‘creative accounting’ to keep the words Project Phoenix out of the MoD’s ‘Special Projects’ budget or anything referring to ‘Off World Operations” as well.

This ‘creative accounting’ is done will the full approval of the current, former and future Prime Ministers.

February 1970

On the 11th February 1970, Ōsumi, Japan's first satellite, is launched on a Lambda-4 rocket the ‘space race’ now is getting, a bit crowed, with several other nations also planning to put satellites in orbit, Project Phoenix must take care in its mission in the Solar System.

On the 15th February 1970, Mountbatten comments that the space in around Earth is getting ‘crowded’ and that no warship should be sent into Earth orbit without his approval Mountbatten’s order is supported by all four Prime Ministers.

On the 19th February 1970, shares in Australian nickel mining company Poseidon NL, which stood at 80 pence a share in September 1969, peaked at around £210 a share before the speculative bubble bursts.

On the 22nd February 1970, Guyana becomes a Republic within the growing Commonwealth of Nations, with the UK’s power of veto at the UN the Commonwealth of Nations can operate on its own without interference from the UN thanks to the UK’s veto.

March 1970

On the 5th March 1970, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty goes into effect, after ratification by 56 nations. This does not affect nuclear weapons construction on Heliopolis, after all the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is considered for Earth only in Mountbatten’s option, this option is supported by the four Prime Ministers of the countries that make up Project Phoenix.

On the 12th March 1970, teenagers in the United Kingdom vote for the first time, in a by-election in Bridgwater.

On the 25th March 1970, Concorde makes its first supersonic flight (700 mph 1,127 km/h) the initial Concorde (Mark 1) will not be a huge success, but follow on improved versions will be.

On the 31st March 1970, NASA's Explorer 1, the first American satellite and Explorer program spacecraft, re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 12 years in orbit.

April 1970

On the 11th April 1970, an accident occurs onboard Apollo 13 on its way to the moon, this is one of the few occasions that Mountbatten considers informing the US government about Project Phoenix. However during the lengthy discussion process (with the leaders of Project Phoenix) about a possible rescue of Apollo 13 crew, by the four member countries of Project Phoenix, Apollo 13 makes it safely back to Earth, Mountbatten withdraws his request to inform the US government and the matter is dropped.

This will be the closets that the four governments of Project Phoenix will ever come to informing the US government of the existence of Project Phoenix (even if the Asgard do not like the idea), this will not even be reconsidered for a very long time (decades).

On the 17th April 1970, Apollo 13 splashes down safely in the Pacific.

On the 24th April 1970, China's first satellite (Dong Fang Hong 1) is launched into orbit using a Long March-1 Rocket (CZ-1) the UK is showing polite interest in the China's rocket program, with an unofficial UK government observer attending this launch.

June 1970

On the 1st June 1970, Soyuz 9, a two man spacecraft, is launched in the Soviet Union, manned space launches are becoming quite common.

On the 2nd June 1970, Norway announces that it has rich oil deposits off its North Sea coast this follows that UK finding oil deposits off its own coast. The UK also provides some geological data to the Norwegian government this will set the stage for growing links between the two governments.

On the 4th June 1970, Tonga gains independence from the United Kingdom and joins the Commonwealth of Nations.

On the 13th June 1970, the actor Sir Laurence Olivier is made a life peer in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. He is the first actor to be made a member of the House of Lords.

On the 18th June 1970, the general election brings a surprise victory for the Conservative Party under leader Edward Heath. Mountbatten briefs the new Prime Minister on Project Phoenix, as with previous Prime Ministers, once Heath has got over the shock, Heath will fully support Project Phoenix.

Heath is now fully aware of where all the new inventions are coming from and Heath will not ‘shoot the goose that is laying so many golden eggs’ by going public or informing the US or any other country. Even with Project Phoenix, Heath will still have to deal with the industrial action (throughout his premiership) as if Project Phoenix did not exist.

July 1970

The First Project Phoenix Warship Loss

During July 1970, HMS Audacious is performing her reconnaissance of various Goa'uld controlled systems, the system that HMS Audacious is about to jump into has just been attacked by Sokar fleet. Sokar’s fleet is still in the system picking off the survivors, HMS Audacious is about to drop out of hyperspace near the system gas giant, this is where Sokar has positioned the bulk of his fleet while the survivors are being picked off, as the gas giant provides good cover for his fleet.

The same cover that the gas giant is providing for Sokar’s fleet, should have provided good cover for HMS Audacious, if Sokar’s fleet had not been present.

As HMS Audacious drops out of hyperspace close to the systems gas giant, HMS Audacious immediately comes under fire from Sokar’s fleet, as the energy bolts strike HMS Audacious hull, the crew of HMS Audacious cannot react quickly enough to raise the ships shields.

As the crew of HMS Audacious tries in vain to raise the ships shields, HMS Audacious is still running at full sub light speed, in close orbit of the gas giant, the invertible happens. A series of hits to the outer hull causes a sudden depressurisation killing the crew, though HMS Audacious continues on its course towards the atmosphere of the gas giant.

At full sub light speed HMS Audacious heads straight into the gas giant, with the crew dead, the alarms sound (though within the vacuum of space only the lights flash), but no one is alive to correct the course, HMS Audacious enters the atmosphere of the gas giant and is destroyed very quickly.

Sokar

On his flagship Sokar is pleased to have eliminated, what Sokar thinks is a Goa'uld ship sent by one of the System Lords to see what is happening in this system.

After the destruction of the remnants of the Jaffa on the planet that Sokar had been attacking, Sokar’s Fleet jumps into hyperspace.

Sokar has no wish to investigate something he already knows (or thinks he knows) the problem with Sokar is that he now believes his own propaganda!

Hermiod has noted the loss of HMS Audacious.

Heliopolis

Hermiod has been monitoring the progress of HMS Audacious (and all other ships fitted with Asgard technology), tracking HMS Audacious via the Asgard hyperdrive fitted to this ship, the sudden ending of the signal worries Hermiod.

Hermiod, touches a crystal on his control panel, his ship suddenly jumps into hyperspace to the last known location of HMS Audacious to find out what happen to this ship and the Asgard technology onboard the ship.

The sudden exit of the Asgard warship without saying anything does cause some concern, though most members of Project Phoenix known that Hermiod always does certain things without informing them. This does however causes the military forces on Heliopolis to go to a higher alert level, just in case there is a problem.

It only takes a few minutes for Hermiod warship to cover the distance to the last known location of HMS Audacious, as Hermiod warship comes out of hyperspace Hermiod raises his ships shields and charges his ships weapons. Once this is done, Hermiod begins a detailed scan of the surrounding space, including all the planets within the system.

It does not take long for Hermiod to find out what had happen, once Hermiod is certain that Asgard technology has not fallen into Goa'uld hands, Hermiod returns to Heliopolis to inform the humans of Project Phoenix of the loss of one of their warships.

Breaking the Bad News

Sometime late, Mountbatten has been listening to Hermiod about the loss of HMS Audacious to the Goa'uld, once Hermiod has finished, Mountbatten asks, “Are you certain of this?”

Hermiod in a sad tone, “Yes I am”

Mountbatten asks, “Do you know if the Goa'uld is aware of the location of the Solar System or the two systems that we control?”

Hermiod replies, “From what I can determine your ship was destroyed quickly and the wreckage ended up in the systems gas giant, from my scans it appears as if the destruction of your ship happened in a matter of minutes.”

Mountbatten asks, “So there is little risk to these three systems?”

Hermiod replies, “There is very little risk that the Goa’uld is aware of the locations of these three systems, if they did, they would send several fleets. I have been monitoring the local area, in addition we are monitoring your home system and no hyperdrive equipped ships have entered your system or are approaching your system.”

Mountbatten says, “That is a relief, I would assume that you will inform us if this changes?”

Hermiod replies, “Yes I will.”

This is Project Phoenixes first warship loss and is a heavy blow for Mountbatten, even though Mountbatten had expected losses, but not so soon.

Mountbatten does not even consider some petty act of vengeance against the Goa’uld, as this would be a waste of resources, revenge is a very expensive dish and Project Phoenix cannot afford it.

The Project Phoenix ‘fleet’ is now down by one warship, however with two more warships due to enter service in 1973, these two black Prince class warships will more than make up for the loss of HMS Audacious.

Life moves on...

August 1970

On the 1st August 1970, Mountbatten after considering the risks, orders that HMS Defiance will continue with her reconnaissance missions as planned, though with added caution, HMS Defiance will now raise her shields when entering an unknown system, HMS Defiance will return safely to Heliopolis on the 1st December 1970.

The Nox

On the 5th August 1970, Section one goes through the Stargate to an unknown world, this world is the home to an advanced race known as the Nox. The Nox are a peaceful people, capable of reviving the dead and rendering objects as large as their own flying cities invisible. The Nox are still considered to be a member of the “Alliance of Four Great Races”, along with the Ancients, Asgard, and Furlings as the Alliance of Four Great Races was never formally disbanded.

The Nox are one of the oldest species that inhabits the Milky Way Galaxy though very few know of them. Physically, they resemble primitive humans with a faint gray skin colour as well as grass-like hair. The Nox tend to wear primitive clothing with colours that combine gray-to-gray-blue to violet and scarlet. The Nox appear slightly shorter than average humans with a slight build the Nox often present an unassuming façade, which belies their true capabilities. The Nox as a species are strict vegetarians getting their nutrition from fruits, vegetables, roots and other natural foods found in the forests of the natural world.

The eldest of the species can reach the age of 500 years with children reaching maturity by the age of 18 years. Once a Nox reaches adulthood, their aging slows down to an almost imperceptible rate. Only during the last two centuries of a Nox's life do they begin to appear old but this also belies their true age.

Due to their age, the Nox have developed near-ascended abilities similar to those the Ancients possessed just before they Ascended thousands of years ago. The Nox are an extremely intelligent and perceptive race that is able to perform complex arithmetic in fractions of a second. The Nox possess an astounding ability to comprehend and retain information with near perfect memories.

The Nox make use of their five senses that Humans use but they are far more acute when compared to Humans allowing them to pick-up on details and subtleties around them that others would miss entirely. This provides the Nox with abilities that border on extra-sensory perception due to their perceptive nature and heightened senses.

In addition to this, the Nox possess the innate ability to tune into the bioelectrical fields within other beings, in a sense “reading” them at a level far beyond normal senses. They are capable of also channelling their natural heightened perception into a number of extraordinary abilities that include the ability to learn languages after hearing them spoken for only a short time, a mild form of mind reading that allows them to detect nearby surface thoughts, and the ability to heal others.

With the latter ability, which they refer to as the Ritual of Life, the Nox are capable of completely healing the most severe of injuries and even resurrect the recently deceased so long as the tiniest amount of molecular activity as well as bio-electrical energy remains within the body. In order to accomplish this ritual, there is a minimum requirement of three Nox to perform the intense and focused concentration, which interrupts their ability to use their technology. They also can render extremely large objects invisible.

The Nox has developed a symbiotic relationship with nature and, in particular, the forests of the world as well as the living beings that occupy it be they animal or plant. In the view of the Nox, all beings contribute to and receive from the universe. This view prevented the Nox from allowing their technological advances to compromise the natural beauty of their environment of their world. Nox scholars long ago discovered that “life”, the energy that keeps all beings alive, is in essence a dynamic energy myriad of other energy fields that exist outside the physical form.

The Nox believe these external energy fields comprise the “life force” of their planet and the universe itself. In their view, these individual fields, also known as “consciousness” to the people of Earth, exists with an external field with each working with the other one. The Nox appear to be lest arrogant than most technologically advanced races, as they only kindly refer to less developed races as “young”, instead of referring to them flatly as “primitive”, like most of the other advanced races do.

The Nox practice philosophy of absolute pacifism and non-violence that is so strict that they refuse even to defend themselves when threatened. Should a Nox find themselves in such a situation, they tend to typically hide through the use of their stealth technology or simply use their technology to remove the aggressors along with their weapons without harming anyone.

The Nox race highly value freedom both for themselves and for the others. They refuse to infringe the rights of others for free choice except where such individuals choose to make use of violence or war-like ways. As such, the Nox accept no authority except their own and thus refuse to allow others to impose their views on others.

Isolationist and non-interventionist in the extreme, they feel morally obligated to help both sides of an argument, no matter if one side is thoroughly evil. They will not even fight to protect themselves, however with their ability of rendering objects invisible and resurrecting their dead, fighting is unnecessary.

The Nox's advanced technology is at least comparable to the Asgard and/or the Ancients, as the Nox possess floating city(s) (Authors Note: there could be more than one Nox floating city). They are also capable of establishing a wormhole without the unstable effect (The Asgard were also able to do this) the Nox rarely use their technology, however, preferring to live in a simpler state with nature.

Though the Nox will use their technology if needed, they will not abandon their technology instead they try to use their technology as little as possible, though that is not entry possible for the Nox as a race. As the Nox are curious and continue to develop their technology, thus over the past several thousand years, some of the Nox’s technology has become equal to that of the Ancients.

Section One Exploration of Gaia

During the four weeks Section one are on the world of Gaia they do not encounter the Nox who remain invisible to these strangers, but the Nox do monitor Section one and their discussions. The Nox are surprised that these aliens appear to friends with the Asgard, this has been discovered by listening into the conversations between the members of Section one at Section one’s camp.

Section one does discover the invisible creatures on this planet, but the members of Section one are unaware that it is the Nox who are making these creatures invisible and that this invisibility is not a natural ability for these creatures. The members of Section one do draw their weapons on several occasions, but do not fire, once the perceived threat has passed the members of Section one make their weapons safe, the Nox note this behaviour.

During the four weeks that section one are on Gaia, the Nox do not reveal themselves to Section one, preferring to remain invisible and merely observe.

Once Section One has left the Nox leaders meet to discuss what they have learned about what is going on in the rest of the galaxy, including the threat that Section one referred to that the Asgard are facing, the Replicators.

The Nox will take their time in coming to a decision on what to do...

Between the 17th August and the 18th August 1970, the US sinks 418 containers of nerve gas into the Gulf Stream near the Bahamas, much to the annoyance of the British government and the Commonwealth.

September 1970

On the 1st September 1970, an assassination attempt against King Hussein of Jordan precipitates the Black September crisis. King Hussein is tipped off by UK intelligence about the assassination attempt and is able to take ‘preventative measures’ against the assassins.

Between the 3rd September and the 6th September 1970, Israeli forces fight Palestinian guerrillas in southern Lebanon the UK monitors the situation from its bases in Cyprus and Malta.

On the 15th September 1970, King Hussein of Jordan forms a military government with Muhammad Daoud as the prime minister this is done with the covert help of the UK government, as the UK government wants to keep King Hussein in power and a friend to the UK.

Luna 16 lands on the Moon and lifts off the next day with samples and returns to Earth on the 24th September.

On the 27th September 1970, Richard Nixon begins a tour of Europe, visiting Italy, Yugoslavia, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nixon is very impressed with the UK along with how far the UK economy has grown and modernised.

On the 28th September 1970, Gamal Abdal Nasser dies Vice President Anwar Sadat is named temporary president of Egypt, with the UK government keeping to its Suez deal and does not interfere in Sadat becoming president of Egypt.

On the 29th September 1970, the US Congress gives President Richard Nixon authority to sell arms to Israel this will be watched by the UK, but the UK will not interfere.

October 1970

On the 5th October 1970, President Richard Nixon's European tour ends, with Nixon most impressed with the UK, Nixon also feels that stronger ties with the UK area necessary, though he will never be able to carry this idea forward, due to Watergate.

On the 12th October 1970, President Richard Nixon announces that the United States will withdraw 40,000 more troops before Christmas.

On the 13th October 1970, Canada (with UK help in the background) and the People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations this will lead the way for other Commonwealth countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

On the 14th October 1970, a Chinese nuclear test is conducted in Lop Nor the UK makes no major comments on this nuclear test.

On the 16th October 1970, the ‘October Crisis’ the Canadian government declares a state of emergency and outlaws the Quebec Liberation Front. The other three member countries of Project Phoenix pledge their support in dealing with the Quebec Liberation Front, including the transfer of three Canberra recon aircraft to Royal Canadian Air Force base Nunavut for use in tracking these terrorists.

Though the Canadian government can never acknowledge this kind of support, these three Canberra recon aircraft are very useful for surveillance work of this or any other kind.

November/December 1970

On the 9th November 1970, the Soviet Union launches Luna 17 again the UK is still going at its own slow pace with space exploration.

On the 1st December 1970, HMS Defiance returns from her reconnaissance mission without encountering any problems and bringing back a wealth of information on the various Goa’uld controlled systems.

This includes information of the disposition of the Goa’uld military forces in the various systems that HMS Defiance done reconnaissance in, this gives a good ‘snapshot’ of how the Goa’uld military forces are deployed.

This also includes the location of Sokar’s base of operations, though no one yet knows that they have the most valuable piece of information that the Goa’uld System Lords (especially Lord Yu) would pay any price for this information.

For Sokar the discovery by what he believes is he fellow Goa’uld System Lords, means that his base is likely to be attacked by the combined might of the Goa’uld System Lords. However Sokar is wrong his base is not about to fall under attack, this will lead Sokar during 1971 to conclude that the Goa’uld System Lords are much weaker, after their recent civil war. Again, Sokar is wrong in this assumption, though Sokar believes his own propaganda and that he thinks that he really is a god!

In January of 1971, Alan Turing will make the first of many discoveries that will change the relationship between the Asgard and the four countries of Project Phoenix forever.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

28. 1971

“When the curtain falls, the best thing an actor can do is to go away.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1971

On the 4th January 1971, the first of the next generation of satellites (the Syknet 1 series) are launched to replace the X series of satellites [Authors note: Skynet satellites are later than OTL, but better equipped]. As with the X series, the new Syknet 1 series satellites will have a secret buffer inside them that will allow the use of the various ring transporter sites across the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The old X series satellites will be allowed to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, thus destroying any trace of the ring transporter buffer technology inside them.

It will take years to replace the old X series satellites that are currently in Earth orbit, though there is no rush to replace them.

A plan to replace these Syknet 1 series with the Syknet 2 series in already underway, the Syknet 2 series are to be fitted with Goa’uld sensors. This will allow UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to monitor not only everything that is going on, on Earth, but also most of the inner Solar System, as well (though there will be some ‘blind spots’).

The Syknet 3 series is not due to be launched until the Syknet 2 series useful life has been used up, this should start to happen by the mid to late 1990s.

Publically, the Syknet satellites are to be used by the British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian military to provide strategic communication services to the three branches of their Armed Forces and her allies, including NATO, though NATO will not be aware of the ring transporter buffer installed in the Syknet 1 satellites.

When NATO uses a Syknet satellite for communication, this is a completely separate system from the ring transporter buffer technology installed in each Syknet satellite also during transportation to the launch site, the Syknet satellite is hermetically sealed this does not allow unauthorised access to the satellite. The Syknet satellites are guarded, as they are to be used for NATO communication, this helps as any extra security around these satellites will not be seen as unusual.

Ancient Power Module (ZPM) Discovery

On the 5th January 1971, sitting in a storeroom on Heliopolis is an Ancient Power Module [Authors Note: this is a ZPM] that had been discovered by Professor David Phillips at the same time Professor Phillips discovered the Stargate. As no one knew what this was, the Ancient Power Module was placed in storage when all artefacts were transferred in 1940 to Heliopolis and forgotten about until now.

Alan Turing (Head of Computer Research) is testing a new hand held scanning device and has been going around scanning anything he can, to test this prototype on, this testing has led him to the storage facility on Heliopolis. Alan Turing has gone beyond computing technology into other areas, including miniaturizing the Goa'uld sensor systems that are mounted on their ships. The current version is still quite large (requires a backpack for the equipment), but is useable, though still not small enough to take on missions.

As Alan Turing enters that storage facility on Heliopolis, he says to himself, “This should be a good test of my new invention.”

For the next hour Alan Turing scans the various artefacts in the storage facility, when he comes to the Ancient Power Module (though this is listed as a ‘decretive ornament’), his scanner picks up the energy within the Ancient Power Module.

Alan Turing says to himself, “That is funny” confirming that the artefact an energy source of some kind, after thirty minutes of scanning Alan Turing decides to take the artefact back to his lab for a detailed examination.

Once back as his lab Alan Turing makes a detailed study of this ‘whatever it is’ as he calls it, it will be several days before Alan Turing concludes that this is a power source of some kind. Alan Turing is mystified and calls for a meeting between himself along with Mountbatten, Dr Victoria Phillips and Hermiod to discuss what he is found.

The meeting is set for the 24th January 1971.

On the 24th January 1971, Alan Turing meets with Mountbatten, Dr Victoria Phillips and Hermiod to discuss the discovery of this power source of unknown origin.

Alan Turing starts by saying, “From my scans of this device it appears to be a power source of some kind,” pointing towards the Ancient Power Module sitting in the middle of the table.

Dr Victoria Phillips asks, “Should that be in this room with us, is it safe?” pointing towards the Ancient Power Module.

Alan Turing replies, “Yes, it is perfectly safe, as far as I can tell it seems to be a power storage device of some kind.”

Mountbatten asks, “Does anyone know who built this device, I would assume that this is not Goa'uld technology?”

Hermiod who has been looking intently at the Ancient Power Module replies, “It is not of Goa'uld, it is a power source of the Ancients.”

Hermiod reply causes everyone to do a double take at Hermiod, as this was not the answer that they had expected, Hermiod continues, “As you know the Ancients were a member of what was called the Alliance of Four Great Races, the Asgard have seen this type of power source before by not for thousands of years. This power source has a greater energy output than any Asgard power source, even now thousands of years later the Asgard do not know how to produce this type of power source.”

Alan Turing asks, “So these Ancients did not leave behind an instruction manual to build more of these?”

Hermiod replies, “No, they did not.”

Alan Turing says, “That is a shame.”

Hermiod replies, “Indeed it is.”

Dr Victoria Phillips asks, “Any idea how much power in or left in this thing?” pointing towards the Power Module.

In Hermiod’s hand appears (beamed down from his ship) a small Asgard scanner, the Asgard scanner scans the Ancient power source for a few moments then Hermiod says, “From my scans of this Power Module appears to be fully charged.”

Alan Turing asks, “Charged, so once the charge in this device is expended, can this Power Module can be recharged?”

Hermiod replies, “No, a new one is needed, once the charge is depleted you need to create a new one, making these Ancient power sources very rare. The Asgard has never found a fully charged Ancient power module they only ones that we have found have been completely depleted.”

A thought, dawns in Mountbatten head, having seen Asgard replication technology in action, producing hyperdrive and shields, Mountbatten smiles then asks, “Can you copy this Ancient power module?”

Hermiod eyes widen at and Mountbatten’s question, realising what Mountbatten is saying and replies, “Yes once I have done a detailed scan, my ship should be able to fabricate a copy of this Ancient power module, why do you ask.” Hermiod thinks that he already knows the answer to his question.

Mountbatten says, “Well if this Ancient power module is more powerful than anything that even the Asgard possesses in energy generation would this not enhance any Asgard technology as well. If it does then I would assume that these Ancient power modules could also be fitted to our ships as well?”

Hermiod who is still looking at and Mountbatten and replies, “Yes it could, this would greatly enhance any ship. I see where you are going with this you would like me to fabricate a number of these Ancient power modules so that they will enhance your own ships capabilities?”

Mountbatten says, “Yes, that is what I am asking, it would also be the same for an Asgard ships as well. My offer is that we would give you this original, in return you fabricate enough for our use, after all the Asgard should be able to fabricate a large number of these Ancient power modules for your own use. This would be a good deal for the both of us?”

Hermiod who is still looking at Mountbatten replies, “I will have to ask the Asgard High Council first.”

Mountbatten nods at Hermiod and says, “Of course, take as much time as you need.”

Hermiod beams out of the meeting room, leaving the Ancient Power Module behind.

It will take several days for the Asgard High Council to assemble, due to the ongoing war against the Replicators.

On the 25th January 1971, Idi Amin Dada becomes President of Uganda his reign of terror will last until the 11th April 1979. The Commonwealth will initially welcome Amin, though once they realise how evil he is the Commonwealth of Nations oppose him and eventually offer material assistance to those who bring about his downfall.

February 1971

On the 4th February 1971, Rolls-Royce goes bankrupt and is nationalised, even with the export orders for various Rolls-Royce produced engines Rolls-Royce has failed in being profitable. The UK government will pump in several billion pounds to not only keep Rolls-Royce afloat but also allow the companies R&D and production of engines to continue uninterrupted.

On the 11th February 1971, The US, UK, USSR and others sign the Seabed Treaty, outlawing nuclear weapons on the ocean floor this time the UK is not left out of such a treaty by the US/ USSR, showing that the UK is a superpower.

Asgard Homeworld, Asgard High Council Chamber

On the 12th February 1971, after listening to Hermiod report on the discovery of a fully charged Ancient power module, along with the deal by these humans that the Asgard could use this Ancient power module to produce many more for both the Asgard and the humans. This last part causes a ripple of murmurs for many of the members of the Asgard High Council.

The leader of the Asgard High Council asks, “Should we do as these humans ask?”

Thor replies, “Yes we should, these Ancient power modules would give us an advantage against the replicators and we would control the supply of Ancient power modules that would give us an advantage over these humans, if needed, though I doubt we would ever need such an advantage.”

Several members of the Asgard High Council oppose this idea with several of these High Council Members stating that giving such a primitive race such a powerful energy source would be inherently dangerous many of the Asgard High Council seem to agree with this train of thought.

Thor states, “This would be no more dangerous than the enemy our races faces at this time, the Replicators, I doubt these humans would ever attack the Asgard.”

This argument by Thor does not seem to sway the majority of the Asgard High Council, after several hours of debate a vote is taken, with the Asgard High Council turning down the offer.

The Asgard High Councils refusal to copy the Ancient power module for use by both the Asgard and the humans of Project Phoenix will not last long in early 1972 HMS Defiance will make a discovery that will change everything for the Asgard and the humans of Project Phoenix.

March 1971

On the 4th March 1971, the southern part of Quebec, and especially Montreal, receive 42 cm of snow in what will become known as the Century’s Snowstorm (la tempête du siècle). Canadian Air Force Rotodyne’s are able to help those communities that have been cut off by the snow, by supplying them with what they need or evacuating people.

On the 10th March 1971, Hermiod meets with Alan Turing, Mountbatten and Dr Victoria Phillips to discuss the decision of the Asgard High Council.

Hermiod says, “I have discussed this matter with the Asgard High Council, the High Council has turned down your request.”

Alan Turing is the first to reply, he says, “That is a shame”

Hermiod in a sad tone says, “Yes it is.”

Mountbatten asks, “May I ask why the Asgard High Council turned down my offer?”

Hermiod replies, “That Asgard High Council considers your race to immature for such power to be placed in your hands, even if the Asgard controls the numbers of the Power Modules that you receive.”

Dr Phillips says, “I can understand why, though I do not entirely agree with the Asgard High Councils decision.”

Hermiod replies, “You are not alone, they are many on the High Council that agreed with you, but they are not in the majority.”

Mountbatten asks, “What was the percentage in favour of this deal?”

Hermiod replies, “Forty percent.”

Mountbatten says, “That is not even close to the halfway mark.”

Hermiod replies, “No it is not.”

Mountbatten asks, “There is nothing that myself or anyone else here could say to change the Asgard High Councils mind in this matter?”

Hermiod replies, “No”

Mountbatten says, “I understand, the offer however remains open at our end, indefinitely.”

Hermiod replies, “Thank you, but I doubt that the High Council will change their decision, only some major event could do this.”

Mountbatten only nods at what Hermiod has said, the meeting then move on to the production of warships and the fitting of Asgard hyperdrive and shields to these new warships.

On the 25th March 1971, The Pakistani army starts Operation Searchlight in East Pakistan from midnight, after President Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan, a military ruler, voids election results that gave the Awami League an overwhelming majority in the parliament.

On the 26th March 1971, in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) independence is declared by local Awami League leader Hannan Sarker on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, from Kalurghat Radio Station in Chittagong.

On the 27th March 1971, in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) Army Major (later President of Bangladesh) Ziaur Rahman on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the Kalurghat Radio Station, Chittagong, repeatedly declares independence.

This East Pakistan (Bangladesh) independence becomes another problem for the Commonwealth of Nations, along with the UN to try to solve.

April 1971

On the 1st April 1971, the United Kingdom lifts all restrictions on gold ownership, this helps push up the price of gold on the world market. This will also help the United Kingdom if it ever needs to bring more gold from Heliopolis to boost the United Kingdom’s finances (or the three other countries of Project Phoenix), though the bringing of gold from Heliopolis is a contingency of last resort, as it is a double-edged sword.

On the 19th April 1971, the government of Bangladesh flees to India also Sierra Leone becomes a republic.

On the 20th April 1971, a long-term study project is set up to study the Ancient Power module, with Alan Turing heading this project, though initial studies do not even understand how the energy is stored, coping this technology is well out of their league, it is also well ahead of Seth’s understanding.

May/June 1971

HMS Defiance

During the months of May and June of 1971, HMS Defiance has had several narrow escapes against various Goa'uld System Lords warships the Goa'uld System Lords assume that this is one of Sokar’s warships. Sokar on the other hand assumes that this design is from one the Goa'uld System Lords so far none of the Goa'uld has been able to get close enough to do a detailed scan. If a Goa'uld warship did this, the Goa'uld scanners would show that the ship has Asgard systems and this would change that balance of power within the Milky Way Galaxy, as the Asgard have not been seen for many years.

If the Goa'uld see that the Asgard are returning to the Milky Way Galaxy in force, then this would put all Goa'uld System Lords at a disadvantage and force the Goa'uld System Lords to unite against this potential threat.

For now however the Goa'uld System Lords believe that this ship (HMS Defiance) belongs to the each other and as long as they believe that the Goa'uld System Lords will not unite.

By the end of June 1971, HMS Defiance returns to Heliopolis to resupply and for rest and recreation for the crew, HMS Defiance is due to go on her next set of missions from early 1972.

On the 5th May 1971, the US dollar floods the European currency markets and threatens especially the Deutsche Mark the central banks of Austria, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland stop the currency trading. Project Phoenix activates the procedures in preparation to bring more Gold from Heliopolis, this action proves to be unnecessary, but is does show the four member countries Prime Ministers that Project Phoenix can help there four countries in time of economic emergency.

On the 10th June 1971, the US ends its trade embargo of China this follows on from a similar move by the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Australia along with a number of other countries from the Commonwealth.

On the 14th June 1971, Norway begins oil production in the North Sea this is part comes from assistance from the UK, ties between the two already close countries will get only closer, after this point.

On the 30th June 1971, after a successful mission aboard Salyut 1, the world's first manned space station, the crew of the Soyuz 11 spacecraft are killed when their air supply leaks out through a faulty valve.

July 1971

Project Phoenix Warship Deployment

The current warships of Project Phoenix either are under construction or deployed as of the 1st July 1971.

HMS Black Prince – Abydos defence squadron (squadron flagship)
HMS Resistance – Abydos defence squadron

HMS Royal Oak – Heliopolis defence squadron (squadron and ‘fleet’ flagship)
HMS Hood – Heliopolis defence squadron

HMS Defiance – Heliopolis (Rest and Refitting)

HMS Canada and HMS Australia, both of these warships are due to be completed by January 1973 and complete their trials by December 1973, these two warships will join the Heliopolis defence squadron, increasing the total number of warships to seven.

The Project Phoenixes ‘fleet’ of warships is still very small compared to the vast numbers of Goa'uld warships, even with the Asgard hyperdrive and shields, the Project Phoenix warships would not be a match for the combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords.

Mountbatten’s policy of trying to remain hidden is paying dividends as the Goa'uld System Lords are still unaware of the existence of a new emerging power in this galaxy, the only real chance that Project Phoenix has of surviving is to remain hidden until they have built up their military forces so that they can defend themselves against the Goa'uld.

The construction of the orbital dry-docks are the next step in increasing production of the Black Prince class warship, Mountbatten realises that it will be many decades before Project Phoenixes fleet has sufficient warship numbers when they can challenge the Goa'uld System Lords in battle with a chance of winning.

Above all, they need time...

On the 9th July 1971, the United Kingdom increases its troops in Northern Ireland to 11,000, along with ‘special surveillance’ aerial methods.

Within the UK the number of strikes by various Trade Unions have started to increase much to the frustration of the UK government, this is the beginning of the focusing inwards and taking their eye of worlds affairs. This will come about as the UK government tries and fails to bring the Trade Unions into line this will require all resources focused within the UK.

With some areas of Earth now have little or no UK intelligence cover such as South America, this will have long-term consequences for a future UK government.

On the 26th July 1971, Apollo 15 (carrying astronauts David Scott, Alfred Worden, and James Irwin) is launched.

On the 31st July 1971, Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin become the first to ride in a lunar rover, a day after landing on the Moon.

August 1971

On the 7th August 1971, Apollo 15 returns to Earth.

On the 14th August 1971, British troops are stationed on the Irish border to stop arms smuggling with assistance from ‘special surveillance’ aerial methods, though the ground forces that this information comes from agents on the ground.

On the 15th August 1971, the numbers of British troops in Northern Ireland is raised to 12,500.

President Richard Nixon announces that the United States will no longer convert dollars to gold at a fixed value, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system. President Nixon also imposes a 90-day freeze on wages, prices and rents.

On the 18th August 1971, Australia and New Zealand decide to withdraw their troops from Vietnam. Vietnam has been a useful if bloody test ground for various new combat aircraft and weapons for not only Australia and New Zealand, but also the UK and Canada to iron out any bugs.

British troops are engaged in a firefight with the IRA in Derry, Northern Ireland.

September/October 1971

On the 3rd September 1971, Qatar gains independence from the United Kingdom. Unlike most nearby Emirates, Qatar declines to become part of either the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia.

On the 28th October 1971, in the UK, the House of Commons votes 356–244 against joining the European Economic Community.

The developing Trade Union problems (strikes) is making Britain’s economic growth start to drop slightly, joining the European Economic Community is not seen by the UK government as a solution to its current economic problem.

November 1971

As of the 1st November 1971, the Nox are still discussing what to do, the Nox will take as much time as needed to come to the right decision...

On the 3rd November 1971, the UNIX Programmer’s Manual is published.

On the 13th November 1971, Mariner 9 becomes the first spacecraft to enter Mars orbit successfully.

On the 15th November 1971, Intel releases the world's first microprocessor, the Intel 4004 the UK will soon be building its own new form of computers the personal computer or PC as it will become known as.

On the 16th November 1971, Hermiod is given the report made by Section one on the planet Gaia and their discovery of the invisible creatures on that world. Hermiod puts this report to one side, as he does not have time to read every report that is given to him by Project Phoenix. If Hermiod had immediately read this report he would have recognised it as the technology of the Nox, Hermiod would have immediately tried to re-establish contact with their old allies.

However, for now Section one’s report sits in Hermiod ships computer unread, one day Hermiod will read this report, when Hermiod does...

On the 23rd November 1971, the People's Republic of China takes the Republic of China's seat on the United Nations Security Council the UK is pleased, as the UK had quietly pushed for this in the background.

December 1971

On the 2nd December 1971, the Queen's yearly allowance is increased from £475,000 to £980,000, further increases are planned.

Also on the 2nd December 1971, Mountbatten finally gives in to Alan Turing constant ‘pestering’ to go on one of the reconnaissance missions Alan Turing will depart onboard HMS Defiance in early January 1972.

What HMS Defiance will discover in January 1972 will change everything for both Project Phoenix and the Asgard, it will also open possibilities in other galaxies (late 1980s) this discovery will also help the Asgard win their war against the Replicators.

This discovery will bring discoveries that will advance both the Asgard and Project Phoenix to a level of development that neither could ever have dreamed of.

On the 18th December 1971, the US dollar is devalued for the second time in history this will help to strengthen the pound as an equal currency to the US dollar.

On the 29th December 1971, the United Kingdom starts the process of modernisation of its military bases in Malta this will be the start of a modernisation of most overseas military bases. For the people of Malta it will mean an increase in money coming in and a reduction in the islands unemployment rate to virtually zero.

On the 30th December 1971, Sokar launches a series of major attacks against several Goa’uld System Lords including both Lord Yu and Apophis’s holdings the rest of the Goa’uld System Lords will see these attacks by Sokar’s forces as an attempt to wipe them out. The reason for this kind of thinking by the Goa’uld System Lords is that Sokar’s forces do not attempt to retain the systems and planets, that Sokar’s forces attack and eradicate all, Sokar’s forces, take no prisoners.

The combined might of the Goa’uld System Lords will now be focused on eliminating Sokar and Sokar’s forces, the Goa’uld System Lords are now united against a common threat, this makes the Goa’uld System Lords very dangerous, as a united force, they can achieve much more than when they are divided.

The uniting of the Goa’uld System Lords, will quickly, be spotted by the Asgard (that would be hard to miss) this information will be passed to the Project Phoenix humans. This information will also inform them that they are not the target but a Goa’uld System Lord called Sokar.

What no one yet knows is that the Goa’uld System Lord, Lord Yu is willing to pay any price for the location of Sokar’s base this is also the goal of the other Goa’uld System Lords.

By the 31st December 1972, HMS Defiance will have built a very good picture of those Goa’uld controlled systems and planets, along with the defences they possess, with her Asgard hyperdrive HMS Defiance can make a very quickly recon of a Goa’uld controlled system.

Though Project Phoenix does not possess information on all the systems and planets controlled by the Goa’uld (that would take decades for HMS Defiance to achieve solo), Project Phoenix does have a lot of useful information on the system and planets controlled by Apophis.

This kind of information will be very useful to Project Phoenix, when Apophis turns his attention back to retaking Abydos.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

29. 1972

“To be alive at all involves some risk.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1972

On the 3rd January 1972, all six Phoenix class experimental craft are stood down on Heliopolis, as there is now no need for these six Phoenix class to be used as training aircraft, as there are now dedicated Osprey class trainers. These six Phoenix class experimental craft will be stored, until their future is decided upon.

On the 4th January 1972, the first scientific hand-held calculator (HP-35) is introduced (price $395).

On the 5th January 1972, President Richard Nixon orders the development of a space shuttle program to help try to drive down the cost of the US Space Program.

With the loss of HMS Audacious and the near loss of HMS Defiance (on several occasions) to what is seen by Mountbatten as a possible Goa'uld attack, all reconnaissance missions of known Goa'uld systems are suspended until more warships become available. However, reconnaissance missions of none Goa'uld systems will continue, the systems that where downloaded into Alan Turing’s crystal computer by James Macpherson when he had the ancient database in his head, these systems will be explored instead.

These are the systems downloaded by James Macpherson seem to be unknown to the Goa’uld (well to Seth’s knowledge) this would make any or all of them prime candidates for exploration.

HMS Defiance will be used on this mission, with Alan Turing going along for a ‘joy ride’, even though this goes against Mountbatten’s better judgment, in the end, Alan Turing going along on this mission will prove to be invaluable, as he has abilities that he is currently unaware of at this time.

On the 12th January 1972, HMS Defiance leaves for her first system (chosen at random) this system is one of the ancient outposts (Taonas outpost on the planet Proclarush) that the ancients left behind when they ascended.

The Captain of HMS Defiance Jason Timms says, “Well Alan, are you glad you are coming along, this could be very dangerous.”

Alan smiles and relies, “You bet I am Jason, this will be much more fun than being in a research lab, seeing new worlds, examining possible alien technologies, I would not miss this for anything.”

Captain Timms chuckles, HMS Defiance will only take a few more minutes to arrive at this first planet. This planet will reveal several secrets of the ancients including another Ancient Power Module powering the Taonas Ancient outpost.

Planet Proclarush

As HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace near to the planet listed as Proclarush, Captain Timms says, “Helm takes us into a high orbit sensors as soon as the orbit is achieved begin your scans of this planet.”

The helmsman replies, “Aye sir entering orbit.”

Once HMS Defiance is in a stable orbit, the sensor operator says, “Beginning scans now sir.”

After thirty minutes the sensor operator says, “Sir I am detecting a structure of some kind on the planet below and what appears to be another one of those Power Modules.”

Captain Timms asks, “Area you certain?”

The sensor operator replies, “Yes sir, this matches the ones that Mr Turing uploaded in to ships computer.”

Alan who has been leaning over the sensor operators says, “The readings are correct, there appears to be an Ancient Power Module down there, in what appears to be a domed structure of some kind.”

The sensor operator says, “Sir I would suggest, for a more accurate reading we would need to be in geo stationary orbit.”

Captain Timms says, “Helm, go to geo stationary orbit over those coordinates.”

The helmsman replies, “Aye Sir.”

HMS Defiance begins to shift orbit, a few minutes later HMS Defiance is in geo stationary orbit, what they do not yet known is that they are in orbit above an Antarctic outpost, Taonas.

Ancient Outpost Taonas

Taonas is an Ancient outpost on the planet Proclarush, (virtually identical in design to the Antarctic outpost under the ice of Antarctica on Earth, yet to be discovered). Taonas houses an Ancient Star Map/Database and at least one active Energy Module to power its systems, including the outpost's control chair and shield. The planet Proclarush would however soon be overcome by volcanic activity (within the next few decades at the most), the outpost’s protective dome, would soon, be compromised by Alan Turing and his escort force, entry in to the domed area by the ring transporter from HMS Defiance.

After several minutes of detailed scans, the sensor operator concedes that they could ring into this area for a closer study.

Alan smiles and says, “Captain I will need to go down there with the team.” That comment raises a few eyebrows around the bridge.

Captain Timms replies, “Out of the question, Mountbatten would have my head if I allowed that.”

Alan says, “Do your people known about this, I am the only one who is qualified in this technology, therefore I will need to go with the team.”

Captain Timms sighed and replies, “Very well, but at the slightest sign of danger you will return to this ship, understood.”

Alan with a growing grin on his face says, “Naturally.”

As Alan Turing leaves the bridge with the biggest grin on his face Captain Timms is shaking his head, his command is now is Alan Turing hands, if anything happens to him his tenure as captain of HMS Defiance will be over.

Forty Minutes Later

Alan Turing is in his breathing suite with an oxygen tank on his back along with three of the ships troopers, heavily armed and a radio operator and standing in HMS Defiance’s Ring Room, ready to ring down to the Ancient Outpost.

Captain Timms is standing at the ring controls asks ready?

Everyone give thumbs up then Captain Timms activates the rings and the group of five ‘ring’ down to the Ancient Outpost.

Ancient Outposts

Ancient outposts, were bases used by the Ancients, in the Milky Way Galaxy (also the Pegasus Galaxy and possibly other galaxies) Energy Modules power most of these outposts. These outposts seem to be mostly military in nature, containing weapons platforms (the Taonas drone weapons launched attached to the outpost has been lost) activated by control chairs.

The Taonas outpost on the planet Proclarush is relatively small and seems to have been used as a base to monitor this area of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Once down, the radio operator informs HMS Defiance that they are down safe, as they slowly move out of the ring room, the look around they see that this facility looks like it has not, been occupied, for a very long time.

Looking back at the ring transporter, they can see that the hole in the ‘roof’ has been made by the rings as they transported down, though the rest of the dome appears to cover this facility, seems to be stable.

After moving into the base, several minutes later they are looking at a chair on a slightly raised platform, Alan Turing says, “This thing weighs a tonne, I need to sit down” trying to adjust is oxygen system.

As Alan Turing sits down, the Ancient Control Chair activates (responding to his ATA gene), causing Alan Turing to jump back up, Alan Turing says, “I did not expect that” then before anyone can say anything Alan Turing sites back down on the chair.

The Ancient Control Chair again activates with a low hum, as Alan Turing leans back the chair reclines and begins to slowly rotate, in Alan Turing’s mind he is thinking of HMS Defiance in orbit, a holographic image of HMS Defiance appears above the Ancient Control Chair to everyone’s amazement.

Alan says, “I was just thinking about HMS Defiance in orbit, this chair must be thought controlled.”

The radio operator says, “Think of something else.”

Alan says, “Like what?”

After thinking for a few moments, the radio operators replies, “Like our position in the galaxy.”

Alan says, “Ok” he closes his eyes and concentrates, the display changes to the system that they are in and the systems position in the Milky Way Galaxy.

The radio operators states, “That is amazing”

Alan opens his eyes, looks at the star constellations, and says, “Yes it is.”

One of the troopers says, “A pity you cannot do anything about the atmosphere”

Alan smiles and says, “Yes it is” as he is thinking this an energy field surrounds the outpost and the outpost develops a breathable atmosphere.

Another trooper looking at his portable atmosphere scanner says, “This place now has a breathable atmosphere.”

Alan looks around the room and says, “Amazing” then without warning takes of his helmet and takes a breath and says, “It is breathable, I wonder if I need to remain in this chair to keep this breathable atmosphere?”

The chair then hums the lights around the chair change slightly, what has happened is that the chair has now switched the outpost systems to automatic, so that, he does not need to been in the chair to keep the breathable atmosphere.

A trooper asks, “What was that?”

Alan puts his helmet back on then stands up, the systems remain on, including the atmosphere, the trooper with the portable atmosphere scanner says, “The atmosphere is still breathable, looks like whatever this is appears to be on auto pilot” pointing towards to control chair.

Alan replies, “Agreed, this chair must have picked up my thoughts and this place will keep this atmosphere has long as we have power.”

A trooper says, “That is good to know.”

Alan says, “Tell Defiance that we have a major find on our hands” that is an understatement!

The radio operators replies, “Yes sir” and goes about informing Defiance about what they have found.”

Alan Turing during the time the radio operator has been reporting on the find has been looking around the rest of the outpost. From what Alan Turing can see, it looks as if this was a small outpost or the remains of some larger facility that has been consumed by the planets volcanic activity.

The radio operator asks, “Sir Captain Timms asks do you need more personnel?”

Alan says, “Yes we do, all this needs to be photographed and catalogued” the radio operator reports back to Captain Timms, who intern sends twelve more personnel down along with all the equipment that Alan Turing will need.

HMS Defiance

Captain Timms orders a coded ‘burst’ message be sent to Heliopolis and report what they have found, the report will not give the coordinates of the system that they are in, merely the code name for this system. This will allow Heliopolis to understand where they are without the crew of Defiance revealing their location, by sending coordinates.

It will take some time for Heliopolis command to grasp the scale of the find that HMS Defiance has discovered.

February 1972

On the 2nd February 1972, a bomb explodes at the British Yacht Club in West Berlin, killing Irwin Beelitz, a German boat builder. The German militant group Movement 2 June announces its support of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Anti-British riots take place throughout Ireland. The British Embassy in Dublin is burned to the ground, as are several British-owned businesses.

With growing terrorism problems, SI-5 powers continue to be widened by consecutive Home Secretaries with the full support of the current and future Prime Ministers.

On the 4th February 1972, Mariner 9 sends pictures from Mars.

On the 9th February 1972, the British government declares a state of emergency over a miners’ strike. British intelligence assets continue to be directed inwards, towards the internal threats this is at the expense of possible external threats.

Between the 21st February and the 28th February 1972, President Richard M. Nixon makes an unprecedented 8-day visit to the People's Republic of China and meets with Mao Zedong.

On the 22nd February 1972, an Official IRA bomb kills 7 in Aldershot, England.

A Lufthansa plane is hijacked and taken to Aden the Passengers are released after a ransom of 16 million German marks is agreed.

On the 24th February 1972, North Vietnamese negotiators walk out of the Paris Peace Talks to protest US air raids.

On the 25th February 1972, on Heliopolis the leadership of Project Phoenix finally grasps what HMS Defiance has found, Rear Admiral James Goodworthy orders HMS Hood to stand by, to be sent to assist HMS Defiance. This order is soon countermanded as Hermiod offers his own warship to take any equipment/personnel to this world. Hermiod is also intrigued how these humans are able to operate ancient equipment, which even the Asgard could not get to work.

The Asgard is currently unaware of the ATA gene.

On the 28th February 1972, in the Ancient outpost, Alan Turing has been using the control chair to determine that the Ancient Energy Module is fully charged, this is was determined by Alan Turing thinking the question when sitting in the control chair and a display showing that the Ancient Energy Module is fully charged, popped up above the chair.

This is another bit of good news that Alan Turing can report back to Heliopolis.

March/April 1972

On the 1st March 1972, prior to departure Hermiod has done a theoretical study on how quickly his ship could replicate an Ancient Power Module (if needed), from the brief scan of the Ancient Power Module. The study shows that it would take his ship sixty hours at a minimum, to copy a single Ancient Power Module, with the ships main power system running and one hundred percent output. Hermiod is shocked by the answer, as he had thought it would be much easier to replicate an Ancient Power Module.

Hermiod passes his findings about how long it will take his ship to replicate an Ancient Power Module onto the Asgard High Council Hermiod will not inform Project Phoenix about his study.

The Asgard High Council has instructed Hermiod to preserve this Ancient Outpost at all costs, as this Ancient Outpost may hold the solution to several problems faced by the Asgard in its computers memory banks.

On the 2nd March 1972, Hermiod warship drops out of hyperspace near HMS Defiance, Hermiod is eager to get down to the planet’s surface, though he does not show it.

Using the Asgard transporters rather than the ring transporters, Hermiod and the supplies/equipment is beamed straight into the outpost, without waiting to acknowledge Captain Timms or anyone else.

Once in the outpost Hermiod looks around in amazement, this is first time he has ever seen a fully functional Ancient facility, though the Asgard have the knowledge of the Ancients, though it has taken the Asgard thousands of years to understand only a small fraction of the knowledge of the Ancients.

This process always goes much quicker if the Asgard can see Ancient technology functioning, this makes the process of understanding the Ancient technology much easier for the Asgard than trying to extract the knowledge of the Ancients from the database of the Ancients.

Hermiod observes Alan Turing in the control chair, this makes Hermiod eyes widen in shock, as Alan Turing what the Ancient outposts computer has stored Hermiod understands that the control chair is thought controlled. However, when Hermiod tries to use the control chair the control chair will not work for him, the control chair will only work for Alan Turing.

Hermiod scans Alan Turing comparing the scans with the other humans in the outpost and that are onboard HMS Defiance to find out the reason why apparently only Alan Turing can operate this control chair.

It does not take Hermiod long to find what will be called the Ancient Technology Activation gene or ATA for short this is a specific gene expression present within the DNA of the Ancients that was used as a sort of “genetic key” so only their kind can operate their technology.

The ATA gene is always on, instructing various cells in the body to produce a series of proteins and enzymes that interact with the skin, the nervous system and the brain, allowing gene carriers to operate Ancient technology by thought alone. As the gene was introduced into the human population through interbreeding with the Ancients, a small percentage of humans from Earth already have this gene. However, since nearly 10,000 years have gone by since the Ancients ascended, the gene is exceedingly rare among humans, and rarer still for those who possess it to have much proficiency in its use.

However, a small number of humans (that are part of Project Phonies) like Alan Turing will be able to use Ancient technology with little or no effort, depending on the strength of their own ATA Gene’s.

Hermiod will later discover that there are a few humans that have the ATA gene, that are part of Project Phoenix. However, only Alan Turing seems to be the one with the strongest of those that have the ATA gene. This allows Alan Turing to activate Ancient technology without the need for focusing that other will need to do to activate Ancient technology.

By the end of March 1972, Hermiod will have concluded that this Ancient Outpost must be saved Hermiod’s conclusion will be supported by the Asgard High Council.

On the 13th March 1972, the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China elevate diplomatic exchanges to the ambassadorial level after 22 years. This will open the way for official negotiations for various trade deals, along with other deals that are currently under initial stages of negotiation.

On the 31st March 1972, Hermiod announces that he has been given approval to move this Ancient Outpost from its current location to Heliopolis for further study and away from this planet.

Though only one problem remains, how to move this Ancient Outpost without destroying it?

On the 2nd April 1972, Hermiod sends a full report to the Asgard High Council about the Ancient Outpost, along with a request for assistance in moving the Ancient Outpost safely.

May 1972

On the 5th May 1972, Hermiod and the Asgard High Council have come up with a plan to ‘dig out’ the Ancient Outpost using the energy weapons onboard Hermiod ship, this will allow Hermiod to use his ships tractor beam and the outposts shield in conjunction to pull the outpost out of the planet. Then with Hermiod ships tractor beams pulling the Ancient Outpost this will allow the slow transport of the Ancient Outpost to Heliopolis.

Once at Heliopolis Hermiod would reverse the process by ‘digging a hole’ for the Ancient Outpost to be situated in.

Preparations are made by getting Alan Turing in ‘inform’ the Ancient Outpost, the Ancient Outposts computers are able to use the Power Module to reinforce the structural integrity of the outpost for the excavation and transport.

During this process, the outpost systems are left on automatic after being given instruction by Alan Turing.

It is estimated by Hermiod that it will take several months to safely carry out the excavation and several more months to transport the Ancient Outpost to Heliopolis. Hermiod cannot use his ships hyperdrive at full power as at this speed the Ancient Outpost would be torn apart in hyperspace, this means that must travel as a very slow speed in hyperspace, this is why is will take several months to travel to Heliopolis.

On the 18th May 1972, four troopers of both SAS and SBS are parachuted onto the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, 1,000 miles (1,600 km) off Britain in the Atlantic, after a bomb threat and ransom demand, which turns out to be bogus.

On the 26th May 1972, Richard Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev sign the SALT I treaty in Moscow, as well as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and other agreements. The SALT I treaty is later extended to the UK as well. Both the US and the Soviet Union will note the Britain, is not building any more nukes, rather Britain is focusing on improving the ones they have rather than building more upon more nuclear weapons.

June 1972

On the 1st June 1972, Iraq nationalizes the Iraq Petroleum Company this causes this causes UK to look at building up its oil reserves sooner and accelerating the exploitation of the North Sea Oil much more quickly.

Between the 5th June and the 16th June 197, the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment is held in Stockholm, Sweden.

On the 17th June 1972, five White House operatives are arrested for burglarizing the offices of the Democratic National Committee, this will become known as the Watergate scandal.

On the 23rd June 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and White House chief of staff HR Haldeman are taped talking about using the CIA to obstruct the FBI's investigation into the Watergate break-ins.

On the28th June 1972, President Richard Nixon announces that no new draftees will be sent to Vietnam.

July 1972

On the 2nd July 1972, following Pakistan's surrender to India in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, both nations sign the historic Simla Agreement, agreeing to settle their disputes bilaterally. This agreement is one of the first major successes of the Commonwealth in brokering a major peace deal, though the UN will take the credit for this peace deal.

On the 8th July 1972, the US sells grain to the Soviet Union for $750 million.

On the 21st July 1972, 22 bombs planted by the Provisional IRA explode in Belfast, Northern Ireland; nine people are killed and 130 seriously injured, this will become known as Bloody Friday. Additional British intelligence assets will be redeployed to Northern Ireland, continuing the redeployment trend.

On the 23rd July 1972, the United States launches Landsat 1, the first Earth-resources satellite.

On the 30th July 1972, the UK along with her three other partner countries, launch their second manned orbital mission, this second manned mission lasts ten days and returns safely.

On the 31 July 1972, Operation Motorman, 4:00 AM: British Army begins to regain control of the “no-go areas” established by Irish republican paramilitaries in Belfast, Derry (“Free Derry”) and Newry. Considerable military and intelligence assets have been redeployed for this operation, taking the UK eyes of other areas around the globe.

At 10:00 AM, three car bombs in Claudy, County Londonderry, kill nine. It becomes public knowledge only in 2010 that that a local Catholic priest was an IRA officer believed to be involved in the bombings but his role, is covered up by the authorities (SI-5).

August 1972

By August 1972, about half of the Ancient outpost has been exposed by Hermiod ‘digging’ the outpost computer systems with his ship weapons has been able to keep the outpost upright, by means that have puzzled even Hermiod. As with all Ancient computer technology the outpost computer is very intuitive to what Hermiod warship is doing, especially after the outpost computer had been informed by Alan Turing.

This ‘digging’ the outpost out is taking much longer than Hermiod had originally estimated, the new estimate by Hermiod sees the outpost ready to move by November 1972 and arriving at Heliopolis at March 1973.

On the 4th August 1972, the dictator Idi Amin declares that Uganda will expel 50,000 Asians with British passports to Britain within 3 months, even after the Commonwealth tries to mediate this mediation fails.

September 1972

Between the 5th September and the 6th September 1972, eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich are murdered after 8 members of the Arab terrorist group Black September invade the Olympic Village 5 guerrillas and 1 policeman are also killed in a failed hostage rescue.

In the UK, the Prime Minister authorises SI-5 that in the event of something similar happening, that they have full authority to act as they see fit, this will give almost unlimited powers, several Ministers (and MP’s) are worried, but the Prime Minister assures the Ministers and MP’s that either himself or the Home Secrecy can revoke these powers. Though the Ministers and MP’s are satisfied for the time being, this will ‘rumble on’ though the various governments of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s without any real resolution.

On the 25th September 1972, Norwegian EC referendum of 1972, Norway rejects membership in the European Economic Community part of this rejection is due to closer ties with the UK are her allies in all areas including trade.

October 1972

On the 1st October 1972, the first publication reporting the production of a recombinant DNA molecule marks the birth of modern molecular biology methodology. This breakthrough will be of great use for Project Phoenix, as it will help with the understanding of the ATA gene, though the Asgard already know this, it has been difficult for the Asgard to get across to the scientist of Project Phoenix, with the discovery of DNA this will makes things like this much easier to explain.

On the 2nd October 1972, Denmark joins the European Community the Faroe Islands stays out.

On the 16th October 1972, rioting Maze Prison inmates cause a fire that destroys most of the camp.

On the 17th October 1972, Queen Elizabeth II visits Yugoslavia with extra security at the ready just in case anything happens this is unneeded, as nothing happens, as this visit goes off very well.

November 1972

At a scientific meeting in Honolulu, Herbert Boyer and Stanley N. Cohen conceive the concept of recombinant DNA. They will publish their results in November 1973 in PNAS. Separately in 1972, Paul Berg also recombines DNA in a test tube. Recombinant DNA technology has dramatically changed the field of biological sciences, especially biotechnology, and opened the door to genetically modified organisms.

During early November 1972, Hermiod Asgard warship has finally managed to free the Ancient outpost, now ever so carefully Hermiod Asgard warship using the ships tractor beams begins to lift the Ancient outpost from the planet’s surface.

It takes Hermiod Asgard warship five hours to lift the Ancient outpost (now surrounded by a shield) into orbit around Proclarush.

Several days later, Hermiod Asgard warship slowly jumps into hyperspace, Hermiod ship will not arrive at Heliopolis until March 1973 HMS Defiance also jumps into hyperspace to follow Hermiod ship, just in case there is a problem.

On the 29th November 1972, Atari kicks off the first generation of video games with the release of their seminal arcade version of Pong, the first game to achieve commercial success.

On the 30th November 1972, all off world exploration is cancelled, all off world Exploration Sections are transferred to Heliopolis to add to the defence of the planet, as Mountbatten (quite correctly) deems this Ancient outpost to be the most important find to date.

December 1972

On the 2nd December 1972, Edward Gough Whitlam becomes the first Labour Party Prime Minister of Australia for 23 years. He is sworn in on 5th December and his first action using executive power is to withdraw all Australian personnel from the Vietnam War. A few days later Edward Whitlam is informed of Project Phoenix after getting over the shock, Prime Minister Edward Whitlam throws his full support behind Project Phoenix.

On the 7th December 1972, Apollo 17 (Gene Cernan, Ronald Evans, Harrison Schmitt), the last manned Moon mission to date, is launched. This will later be seen as ironic as the combined British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian joint rocket program, is getting into it stride, with three planned launches for 1973.

Though the joint British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian Earth based rocket program is, suppose to be a cover for Project Phoenix the Earth based rocket program is actually making headway of its own without any technological assistance from Project Phoenix!

By the end of December 1972, the war between Sokar and the Goa’uld System Lords is escalating with Sokar’s hitting many systems and worlds controlled by the Goa’uld System Lords. The Goa’uld System Lords in return have been reinforcing those systems and worlds that they control, the battles are extremely intense, with very high causalities on both sides.

Though Sokar is better prepared for all out war, as Sokar has only one main system to defend and a large mobile battle fleet, whereas the Goa’uld System Lords have to divide their forces to defend the many systems and worlds under their control. During these attacks Sokar remains at his base, as he cannot be at every attack in person, Sokar decides that remaining at his base s the best option.

However, in the long term the combined might of the Goa’uld System Lords will win this war in the end, the key to winning this war quickly is eliminating Sokar’s base of operations and of course Sokar.

Lord Yu has his scout ships scouring that galaxy for Sokar’s base of operations even though this does slightly weaken his defences in several system and worlds under Lord Yu’s control, but Lord Yu knows that it will be worth it.

On Heliopolis during 1973 will see the beginning of much greater cooperation between the Asgard and Project Phoenix.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

30. 1973

“Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, it means that the dead are living.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1973

In early January 1973, HMS Canada and HMS Australia are launched the immediately begin their trails, both warships will be declared operation be early December 1973.

During mid to late January 1973, construction of HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger begins both these warships should be completed in January 1975 and become operational by December 1975.

On the 27th January 1973, the US involvement in the Vietnam War ends with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.

On the 30th January 1973, Mountbatten (with Project Phoenixes military commanders) formulates the Earth Defence Plan (EDP) the EDP will only, be implemented if Earth comes under direct attack. The EDP will change over the next ten years, as more warships became available, the long-term plan will be to deploy a single squadron of between six to eight Black Prince class warships to the Solar System, in orbit around Saturn. Saturn is seen as a good choice as long as the warships remain between Saturn and Earth and avoid any Satellites that are launched towards Saturn by either the US or the Soviets this will be a good position for the Earth Defence Squadron to move against any attacking force entering the Solar System.

This Earth Defence Squadron will be deployed on a six-month rotation, however this plan cannot yet be implemented until the mid 1980s, when there will sufficient warships available to implement this part of the EDP.

All defence resources are currently concentrated on Heliopolis, as Mountbatten feels as though this system would be the most likely for the Goa'uld to attack, though Mountbatten is wrong as the Goa'uld are unaware of either Earth or Heliopolis being a threat to them.

February 1973

On the 3rd February 1973, the first of three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the vast Woomera research facility in Australia. This mission will last six days before returning to Earth safely, the next planned mission is for May and the third is planned for August, these three missions are to show that more than one manned mission can be launched in one year.

On the 6th February 1973, in Toronto construction of the CN Tower begins this shows the world the growing economic success of Canada.

On the 13th February 1973, the United States Dollar is devalued by 10% this again helps the British pound to be one of the major currencies used aside from the US Dollar.

On the 26th February 1973, Edward Heath's government publishes a Green Paper on prices and incomes policy, this does not help with the growing industrial action by the various trade unions.

March 1973

On the 8th March 1973, in the ‘Border Poll’, voters in Northern Ireland vote to remain part of the United Kingdom. The Irish nationalists are encouraged to boycott the referendum.

On the same day, the Provisional Irish Republican Army bombs explode in Whitehall and the Old Bailey in London.

On the 10th March 1973, Hermiod Asgard warship finally arrives at Heliopolis with the Ancient outpost in tow and still intact, a few minutes after Hermiod ship has dropped out of hyperspace HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace.

It will take Hermiod Asgard warship several days to carefully lower the Ancient outpost into is new home, once this is done it will take Project Phoenix engineers to secure the Ancient outpost (after Alan Turing has been beamed into the outpost by Hermiod and has lowered the outposts protective shield).

It will not be until May 1973, that Alan Turing can show Mountbatten and Hermiod what functions of the Ancient outpost that he can control with just his mind.

On the 20th March 1973, a British government White Paper on Northern Ireland proposes the re-establishment of an Assembly elected by proportional representation, with a possible All-Ireland council.

On the 23rd March 1973, in a letter to Judge John Sirica, Watergate burglar James W. McCord Jr. admits that he and other defendants have been pressured to remain silent about the case. He names former Attorney General John Mitchell as 'overall boss' of the operation.

On the 29th March 1973, the last United States soldier leaves Vietnam.

On the 31st March 1973, on the Asgard Homeworld the Asgard High Council meets to reconsider its decision on copying the Ancient Power Module, this second discussion will last for several months before the Asgard High Council comes to a decision.

April 1973

On the 4th April 1973, the World Trade Centre officially opens in New York City with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

On the 5th April 1973, Pioneer 11 is launched on a mission to study the solar system.

On the 11th April 1973, the House of Commons voted against restoring capital punishment by a margin of 142 votes.

On the 30th April 1973, President Richard Nixon announces that top White House aides HR Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others have resigned.

May 1973

On the 1st May 1973, an estimated 1,600,000 workers in the United Kingdom stop work in support of a Trade Union Congress “day of national protest and stoppage” against the Government's anti-inflation policy. By this act by the Trade Unions, are forcing the United Kingdom’s intelligence services to take their eyes of world affairs and focusing internally, this will cause the UK government problems in the years to come.

On the 5th May 1973, Alan Turing shows both Mountbatten and Hermiod what functions of this Ancient outpost Control Chair that he can control with just his mind, though this is only a fraction of the outposts knowledge. Both Mountbatten and Hermiod are amazed as what Alan Turing can show them both by just thinking about it, though Hermiod is more amazed by the fact that the outpost survived the trip and is still functional.

The biggest problem for both the Asgard and Project Phoenix is asking the Ancient outpost (though the Control Chair) the right question.

Though the Asgard does not know it yet, this Ancient outpost holds the permanent solution to the Replicator problem that the Asgard faced within the Asgard’s own home galaxy.

On the 10th May 1973, the second of three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the vast Woomera research facility in Australia. This second mission will last eight days before returning to Earth safely, the next planned mission is for August, the rocket for the third mission is already in the final stages of being prepared for launch.

On the 14th May 1973, Skylab, the United States’ first space station, is launched the UK are her allies are working on their own Space Station, though it will be many years before it is launched.

On the 25th May 1973, Skylab 2 (Pete Conrad, Paul Weitz, Joseph Kerwin) is launched on a mission to repair damage to the recently launched Skylab space station. This is seen by many as the US stating that anything that the joint British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian program can do the US space program can do, in fact this has nothing to do with the US trying to prove anything against these four countries, it is still a ‘race’ between the US and the Soviet Union.

July 1973

On the 1st July 1973, the planned resumption of HMS Defiance exploration missions postponed until Alan Turing has managed to teach the few other personnel with the ATA gene how to use the ancient outposts control chair. In addition, it is thought by Mountbatten that HMS Defiance would be better to remain in the defence of Heliopolis until more Black Prince class warships are available, though with the presence of an Asgard warship in orbit, this order is unnecessary.

On the 28th July 1973, Skylab 3 (Owen Garriott, Jack Lousma, Alan Bean) is launched, to conduct various medical and scientific experiments.

The British, Canadian, Australian and Canadian joint (Earth) rocket program does not intend to launch anything like the US Skylab (well for now), instead they a focusing on a reusable ‘space plane’ or ‘shuttle’. Until this reusable ‘space plane’ or ‘shuttle’ the British, Canadian, Australian and Canadian’s will limit their launchings to either satellites or orbital manned mission.

The joint British, Canadian, Australian and Canadian joint (Earth) rocket program is concentrating on launching the Syknet satellites, as this is seen as a priority, though the manned missions are merely being used as a diversion to keep public attention focused away from other areas.

On the 31st July 1973, militant protesters led by Ian Paisley disrupt the first sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly these protesters are put under intensive surveillance by the UK security services.

August 1973

On the 1st August 1973, a number of Commonwealth countries expand their trading ties with each other this is an attempt to match the trading relationships of the British, Canadian, Australian and Canadian governments. The various Commonwealth countries will have mixed results, though none of the Commonwealth countries that expand their trading ties will see any negative impact on their own countries economies.

On the 20th August 1973, with the construction of the orbital dry-dock in geostationary orbit of Heliopolis proceeding, though the work is slow, due to both HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger along with their fighter and shuttle complements having higher priority for both construction personnel and construction materials. This first orbital dry-dock is still on schedule to be completed by January 1978 with the first four warship beginning assemble in late 1978.

On the 25th August 1973, the third of the three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the vast Woomera research facility in Australia. This third mission will last seven days before returning to Earth safely.

The next set of manned missions for 1974 is set at three to four (this will later be set at three on cost grounds), though the launch cost for each rocket is very high, this is limiting the number of manned launches that can be attempted in one year. The plan for a reusable ‘space plane’ are now gathering pace, as the British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian governments agree that a ‘space plane’ or ‘shuttle’ would be much better value for money than the current rockets that are being used.

September 1973

By the 1st September 1973, the ongoing research into the ancient outpost by Alan Turning and the small number of Project Phoenix personnel that have the ATA gene and learning the secrets of the outpost as they ask (well think off) they right questions, when sitting in the control chair.

One of the best (current) questions put to the outpost’s computers is the location of any operational ancient outposts in the Milky Way Galaxy the outpost shows the locations of six ancient outposts that appear to remain intact. These six outposts will be the next ports of call for HMS Defiance along with Alan Turing to operate any ancient technology that may be operational at these outposts.

On the 3rd September 1973, the British Trade Union Congress expels 20 members for registering under the Industrial Relations Act 1971.

On the 5th September 1973, the Asgard High council agree to copy the Ancient Power Module, but not in the unlimited numbers that Project Phoenix had requested, initially they will only produce enough Ancient Power Modules so that they can only be fitted to the outpost and to a single Project Phoenix warship.

Though once the original fully charged Ancient Power Module in Project Phoenixes possession has been scanned this Ancient Power Module will be returned to Project Phoenixes control. After all once Hermiod has used his ships sensors to scan the Ancient Power Module, Hermiod ships replicators should be able to make a very good copy of the Ancient Power Module.

Mountbatten agrees to this decision, as Mountbatten feels as though this is the best deal he can get over the short term, the ship that is chosen by Mountbatten to take the copy of the Ancient Power Module will be HMS Defiance. HMS Defiance will begin her refit, as soon as Hermiod has given them the specifications for how to funnel that much power to the Asgard Shields and hyperdrive.

It has been estimated by Hermiod that HMS Defiance will be able to move through hyperspace as fast as an Asgard warship can this now also makes intergalactic travel possible for Project Phoenix, including visiting the Asgard homeworld has now become a distinct possibility.

On the 11th September 1973, Chile's democratically elected government is overthrown in a military coup after serious instability. President Salvador Allende commits suicide during the coup in the presidential palace, and General Augusto Pinochet heads a US backed military junta that governs Chile for the next 16 years. This will be good for the UK in 1982, but very bad for the people of Chile.

On the 12th September 1973, Hermiod begins to copy the first Ancient Power Module, this takes just over two hundred hours using his ships replicators during this process Hermiod’s ship is defenceless. Once the copy of the first Ancient Power Module is complete, Hermiod scans, the copy and find that it has 97.2% of the charge of the original Ancient Power Module Hermiod is satisfied and begins to make another Ancient Power Module.

Hermiodwill pass this information onto the Asgard High Council so that they can begin producing copies of the Ancient Power Module, on the Asgard homeworld, though even using more powerful replicators and power sources it still take just over one hundred hours to make a single Ancient Power Module.

Though the Asgard cannot produce a perfect copy, these copies are still a considerable achievement for the Asgard, this will start to help the Asgard stop the Replicator menace on their home galaxy, as soon as enough Ancient Power Modules have been made.

On the 18th September 1973, the two German Republics, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) are admitted to the United Nations.

October 1973

On the 6th October 1973, the fourth and largest Arab–Israeli conflict begins, as Egyptian and Syrian forces attack Israeli forces in the Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights on Yom Kippur.

In response to American support of Israel, the Arab members of OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, decided to reduce oil production by 5% per month on the 17th October. On the 19th October, President Nixon authorized a major allocation of arms supplies and $2.2 billion in appropriations for Israel. In response, Saudi Arabia declares an embargo against the United States, later joined by other oil exporters and extended against the Netherlands and other states, causing the 1973 energy crisis.

This energy crisis will be mitigated in the UK, Canadian, New Zealand and Australia due to the build up of these countries oil reserves, though these four countries oil reserves are not at one hundred percent. If this had happened in 1979 when these four countries had their oil reserves at maximum, this energy crisis would have had minimal effect, as these four countries had not yet reached one hundred percent of their oil reserves, there would be an effect on the populations and economies of these countries.

This oil embargo would last until March 1974

On the 26th October 1973, the Yom Kippur War ends.

During the Yom Kippur War, the Suez Canal would remain open, as Israel did not want the UK government or the UK military to intervene on Egypt’s side, as this would be a ‘game changer’ for Israel, even with US logistical support the Israeli’s could not hope to win if the UK entered the war.

The US would be unlikely to turn on its closest Cold War ally, even though the UK was militarily powerful, the US did not want to go to war with the UK if the UK had intervened in this conflict the US would have done very little, mostly strong diplomatic protests.

The Israeli government knew this, so ‘allowed’ the kept the Suez Canal open.

This did now show Britain as an equal to the US, but also as a country not to be messed with the Israeli government got that message loud and clear, though there are some countries that do not seem to get the same message in the future.

On the 31st October 1973, three Provisional Irish Republican Army members escape from Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, Republic of Ireland after a hijacked helicopter lands in the exercise yard. Project Phoenix suggests using off world facilities to hold the terrorists (after they have been made to disappear) this idea is rejected, though will remain under review.

November 1973

On the 7th November 1973, the Congress of the United States overrides President Richard Nixon's veto of the War Powers Resolution, which limits presidential power to wage war without congressional approval. President Nixon can only envy the powers of a UK Prime Minister in this area.

On the 11th November 1973, Egypt and Israel sign a United States-sponsored cease-fire accord, with the UK watching over the keeping open of the Suez Canal, as per their agreement with Egypt.

On the 27th November 1973, the United States Senate votes 92–3 to confirm Gerald Ford as Vice President of the United States.

December 1973

On the 1st December 1973, Papua New Guinea gains self-government from Australia, though will keep close ties with Australia, mainly for economic aid and some military aid as well.

On the 6th December 1973, the United States House of Representatives votes 387–35 to confirm Gerald Ford as Vice President of the United States he is sworn in the same day.

On the 15th December 1973, the ancient outpost research team led by Alan Turning, those members with the ATA gene have taken over the day-to-day operations and use of the Control Chair. This will release Alan Turning to return to HMS Defiance to commence exploration of the locations of the six ancient outposts that may be still operational, this mission will leave in early January 1974.

This mission is due to last only a few weeks, however is will last much longer, over a year, and as with everything it will be the last outpost that they explore which will bring the most interesting find.

On the 20th December 1973, Spanish Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco is assassinated in Madrid by the terrorist organization ETA.

On the 31st December 1973, in the United Kingdom, due to coal shortages caused by industrial action, the Three-Day Week electricity consumption ‘reduction measure’ comes into force. There are still not enough Nuclear Power Stations to cover the energy gap from the coal powered Power Stations. With the rising price of oil, along with the ongoing strikes will not help anyone, but the Unions seem to want more and more, each time the government gives in.

This industrial action is starting the cause the British economy problems even with Britain’s renewed wealth thanks to Project Phoenix, though Project Phoenix cannot solve all the problems encountered by the British government.

At the end of 1973, the war between Sokar and the Goa’uld System Lords continues with the battles getting even more intense, with several minor Goa’uld System Lords being eliminated by Sokar’s attacks.

The Asgard informs Project Phoenix that they (Project Phoenix) have the location of Sokar’s base of operations (from examining the scans of Goa’uld controlled systems done by HMS Defiance) and that the Goa’uld System Lords would pay any price for this information.

After much thought, Mountbatten asks the Asgard if they could arrange a meeting between one of the Goa’uld System Lords and himself.

The Asgard reply is yes, the Asgard choose Lord Yu, as the Asgard have found Lord Yu easier to deal with, than any of the other Goa’uld System Lords Mountbatten aggress to the Asgard’s choice.

The Asgard will make the arrangements and inform Mountbatten where and when the meeting will take place.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

31. 1974

“We have not overthrown the divine right of kings to fall down for the divine right of experts.” – Harold MacMillan

Cyprus 1974

Following a coup d'état engineered by the Greek Junta, Turkey launched a full-scale military invasion of the island in 1974. The Turkish air force began bombing Greek positions on Cyprus, hundreds of paratroops were dropped in the area between Nicosia and Kyrenia, where well-armed Turkish Cypriot enclaves had been long-established, while off the Kyrenia coast 30 Turkish troop ships protected by destroyers landed 6,000 men as well as tanks, trucks, and armoured vehicles.

Three days later, when a ceasefire had been agreed, Turkey had landed 30,000 troops on the island and captured Kyrenia, the corridor linking Kyrenia to Nicosia, and the Turkish-Cypriot quarter of Nicosia. The junta in Athens, and then the Sampson regime in Cyprus fell from power.

Nicosia Glafkos Clerides assumed the presidency and constitutional order is restored ostensibly removing the pretext the Turks gave for the invasion. The Turks used a period of negotiations to reinforce their Kyrenia bridgehead and prepare for the second phase of the invasion, which began on the 14th August and resulted in the seizure of Morphou, Karpasia, Ammochostos and the Mesaoria. The Greek forces were unable to resist the Turkish advance.

Whatever the outcome, Britain will retain her military bases on Cyprus neither the Greeks nor the Turks would go up against Britain by going anywhere near these British military bases.

January 1974

On the 3rd January 1974, HMS Defiance finishes her mini refit.

HMS Defiance (Post Ancient Energy Module Refit)

Length: 738.2 ft (225.0 meters)
Width: 262.5 ft (80.0 meters)
Height: 198.5 ft (60.5 meters)
Crew: 175 (can carry an additional 60 ‘passengers’ usually troops.)
Engines:
Sublight engines
Manoeuvring thrusters
Hyperdrive system: Asgard hyperdrive (Intergalactic capable)
Power Core:
x1 Ancient Energy Module in use + one spare stored (Asgard copies)
x4 Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Asgard shields
Weapons:
Two forward firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Two aft firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-1)
Twelve Quad energy cannons (EC-1) (x4 port, x4 starboard, x2 forward and x2 aft)
Four forward firing missile tubes (up to fifty missiles carried)
Carried Craft:
6 Osprey II class Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters
2 Fox class Shuttles
Cargo Capacity: 1,500 tonnes

With the Ancient Energy Module now powering the Asgard shields and hyperdrive systems, the four Naquadah reactors are now, only being used as back-up power supply. HMS Defiance has been given two Ancient Energy Modules by the Asgard, one for use and a second has a spare if needed, these are the only two copies of the AEM’s that the Asgard has given Project Phoenix, as they used up a replacements will be supplied, as and when needed.

The speed at which HMS Defiance can now travel though hyperspace is astounding, HMS Defiance can now travel through hyperspace just as fast as an Asgard warship can, HMS Defiance can also now power its Asgard shields to full strength, giving this ship a very strong defensive capability. However, the energy cannons cannot take much more power, as they were never designed to take that much power, an improved versions of the EC-1 and HEC-1 are now needed.

Work on improved versions of the EC-1 and HEC-1 was already underway, though this work will take much longer as the ‘goalposts’ have been moved, by needing more power to go though the EC-1 and HEC-1. Though the HEC-1 have high priority than the EC-1, as the HEC-1 are considered capital ship weapons and would be better against an enemy ship than the EC-1 would be.

Even with these weapon ‘limitations’ HMS Defiance now has a fighting chance against a Goa'uld warship or even several Goa'uld warships during her reconnaissance missions, thought these six systems that HMS Defiance is going to visit, it is unlikely that HMS Defiance will encounter any Goa'uld warships.

The other areas that have been changed are the cargo capacity and crew complement, the cargo capacity has been reduced from 2,500 tonnes to 1,500 tonnes, this allows for increased number of labs, crew quarters etc. In addition, this has allowed to increase the crew complement from 145 to 175, these are engineers and scientist, the other area that has also been increased is troop numbers, up from 50 to 60, this allows an entire off world Squadron of 60 troops/personnel to be based onboard HMS Defiance, along with all their equipment.

Overall, HMS Defiance has been increased in her scientific capabilities, but not at the cost of her combat capabilities, though her offensive systems are only slightly better than before the refit, but her defensive systems have been greatly enhanced.

These crew modifications will be included in the next generation of Project Phoenix warship, which are currently, being designed to supplement the Black Prince class. These next generation of Project Phoenix warships, will be much more than a warship, this new class will be a combination of warship and mobile exploration facility for the off world Squadrons, rather than using the Stargate’s they will use this new class of warship currently under development.

On the 5th January 1974, HMS Defiance jumps into hyperspace towards the first location of the ancient outpost, the intention is to only to spend a few days, this timeline is unrealistic they will spend two months exploring this now dead outpost, learning very little.

The exploration of the other five outposts will also follow the same course, with the sixth outpost giving the only real find of the expedition.

The only problem with these ancient outposts is that Earth was completely ignored, as the computer read the thoughts of Alan Turing, the ancient computer knew that Turing came from Earth, therefore did not indicate that there is an ancient outpost. That is the biggest problem with this outposts’ computer, you have to be extremely precise with your thoughts, if not the outpost’s computer will not be able to give you the correct answer.

For now, the ancient outpost on Earth remains buried beneath hundreds of feet beneath the ice under Antarctica.

On the 19th January 1974, a UK military Skynet satellite is launched into orbit in the ongoing program Skynet satellite launch program.

February 1974

On the 7th February1974, Prime Minister Edward Heath calls a general election in an attempt to end the dispute over the miners’ strike. During the campaign, the Labour Party and Trades Union Congress agree a ‘Social Contract’ intended to produce wage restraint.

On the 10th February 1974, the first of three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the Woomera research facility in Australia. This mission will last six days before returning to Earth safely, the next planned mission is for May and the third is planned for August, these three missions are to show that more than one manned mission can be launched in one year.

These launches are design to improve the reliability of the Black Prince IV launch rockets, the Black Prince class launch rockets will remain in service even after the introduction of the ‘space plane’. This will be due to the Black Prince class launch rockets being able to launch a heavier cargo than the ‘space plane’ will be able to.

On the 28th February 1974, the general election results in the first hung parliament since 1929, with the Conservative government having 297 seats four fewer than Labour, who have 301 and the largest number of votes. Prime Minister Ted Heath is hoping to form a coalition with the Liberal Party in order to remain in power.

March 1974.

On the 4th March 1974, Ted Heath fails to convince the Liberals to form a coalition and announces his resignation as Prime Minister, paving the way for Harold Wilson to become Prime Minister for the second time as Labour forms a minority government.

On the 6th March 1974, the miners' strike comes to an end due an improved pay offer by the new Labour government.

On the 18th March 1974, most OPEC nations end a 5-month oil embargo against the United States, Europe and Japan, thanks to the UK’s oil reserves this had not had such a great economic impact as it might of had in the UK had no oil reserves.

Princess Anne Kidnap Attempt

On the 20th March 1974, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace, from a charity event on Pall Mall, their Princess IV limousine is forced to stop by a Ford Escort. The driver of the Ford Escort, Ian Ball, jumps out and begins firing a gun. Inspector James Beaton, the Princess’s personal police protection officer, responds by exiting the limousine, in order to shield the Princess and try to disarm Ball. Beaton's firearm, a Walther PPK, jammed, and Beaton is shot and wounded by Ian Ball as is Anne's chauffeur, Alex Callender, when he tries to disarm Ball. Brian McConnell, a nearby tabloid journalist, also intervened, and is shot in the chest.

Ball approached the Austin Princess car and told Anne of his kidnapping plan, which is to hold the Princess for ransom, the sum given by varying sources as £2 million or £3 million, which he intends to give to the National Health Service. Ball then directed Anne to get out of the car, to which Princess Anne replies, “Not bloody likely!” and briefly considered hitting Ball.

Eventually, Princess Anne dives out the other side of the limousine and another passing pedestrian, Ron Russell, punched Ball in the back of the head and then led Anne away from the scene. At that point, Police Constable Michael Hills happened upon the situation Michael Hills is then shot by Ball, but not before, he called for police backup. Detective Constable Peter Edmonds, who had been nearby, answered and gave chase, finally arresting Ball.

This kidnap attempt would trigger three armoured Land Rovers from SI-5 being sent to the scene (triggered by Constable Hills radio call), each of these SI-5 Land Rovers have four SI-5 officers, including the driver. All four SI-5 officers are heavily armed, each equipped with a Browning semi automatic pistol with six spare magazines each, along with a mix of other weapons including shotguns, sub machineguns etc available to them in each Land Rover.

In the newspapers the next day, will show numerous SI-5 officers at the scene, all armed to the teeth, this is one of the few times SI-5 will make the headlines, much to the annoyance of the head of SI-5, George Cowley. The publicity that SI-5 gets is very positive because of their quick response the police on the other hand are focused upon by the press asking why this happened in the first place.

All of the victims would be hospitalised and recover from their wounds. For his defence of Princess Anne, Beaton is awarded the George Cross, Hills and Russell are awarded the George Medal, and Callender, McConnell and Edmonds will be awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Ball pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping and is detained under the Mental Health Act.

The incident is the closest in modern times, which any individual had come to kidnapping a member of the Royal Family, would also prompt much higher levels of security, for the Royal Family.

In the aftermath of this kidnap attempt Royal Security would be beefed up, with SI-5 tacking an ‘over watch’ of Royal Security, though the Police would still be responsible for Royal Security. They now have the considerable support of SI-5 behind them, along with a boost in funding for Royal Security.

The calls on restraining SI-5 powers dissipate these voices within government will be silent for many years to come because of this incident.

On the 29th March 1974, the British Government re-establishes direct rule over Northern Ireland after declaring a state of emergency, even more intelligence assets are diverted to watching over Northern Ireland, including those watching over South America are reduced.

April 1974

A Badly Organized Conspiracy

During April 1974, the badly organized plot to overthrow the Wilson government is attempted to be started, this plot by a small number of officials and intelligence agents, needed the support of someone senior within either government or the establishment they tried to convince Mountbatten to join them.

This was a bad move as Mountbatten was head of a project that needed the support of the Prime Minister (though none of the plotters were aware of this), on hearing this ‘request’ to join the plot, Mountbatten refuses. None of the plotters could move against Mountbatten due to his SI-5 protection team, the plot against Wilson quickly dissipated after that and Mountbatten did not see the need to report this ‘minor incident’ as Mountbatten called it, to anyone.

Soon after this ‘plot’ to overthrow the Wilson Government is dropped by its ‘organizers’, as they find they have very little support.

Alternative Power Generation

April 1974, in the wake of the oil crisis, the British government starts to pump some serious money into alternative power generation and alternative fuel sources, while still building nuclear reactors.

One of the first alternative power generation that would be funded, a number of researchers re-examined the potential of generating energy from ocean waves, among whom is Professor Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His 1974 invention would become known as Salter's Duck or the Nodding Duck, although it was officially referred to as the Edinburgh Duck. In small-scale controlled tests, the Duck's curved cam-like body can stop 90% of wave motion and can convert 90% of that to electricity giving 81% efficiency.

In the 1980s, as the oil price went down, wave-energy funding would be continued. The first-generation prototypes would be tested at sea, these tests proved the validity of ‘Salter's Duck’. Even though during 1982 an analysis of Salter's Duck resulted in a miscalculation of the estimated cost of energy production by a factor of 10, this error was soon identified (by Project Phoenix personnel keeping an covert oversight on all of these types of projects), funding was immediately restored.

This increase in funding would lead to the beginning of construction of the first ‘Wave Farm’ also known as ‘Salter's Duck Farm’ in 1988, this first ‘Wave Farm’ would not generate any electrical power until 1992.

By 1992, many other countries were interested in purchasing their own ‘Wave Farm(s)’ or ‘Salter's Duck Farm(s)’ leading to another export industry for Britain.

In addition, research is begun into alternative fuel sources, this research will become an official joint venture by late 1975, between the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Even when the oil prices drop back, research will still continue, as all four governments agree that OPEC could do this again and they need their own independent source of fuel.

May 1974

On the 20th May 1974, the second of three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the Woomera research facility in Australia. This second mission will last eight days before returning to Earth safely, the next planned mission is for August, the rocket for the third mission is already in the final stages of being prepared for launch.

On the 28th May 1974, power sharing in the Northern Ireland Assembly collapses following a strike by unionists, the amount of intelligence assents watching over Northern Ireland is now almost equal to what is watching the Warsaw Pact nations.

June to July 1974

Also during June 1974, the Asgard fleet begins a wide scale refit with the Ancient Power Module the first engagements against the Replicators will show that the Ancient Power Module gives the refitted Asgard warships an advantage over the Replicators. The Asgard High Council orders that if the Replicators board a refitted Asgard warship, then the memory banks containing the information about the Ancient Power Module are to be erased and the Asgard warship is to be destroyed without hesitation.

The Asgard High Council will not let the specifications of the Ancient Power Module fall into the hands of the Replicators.

The tide of battle against the Replicators will initially bring a stalemate until more Asgard warships can be fitted with the Ancient Power Module, as more Asgard warships are fitted with the Ancient Power Module the tide of battle changes against the Replicators, in the years ahead. The Asgard for this first time in a long while begins to win engagements against the Replicators.

The Asgard race is not as complacent as they first were when they encountered the Replicators (leaning from their human allies’ inventive nature). The Asgard begin to design a new class of warship, this new class of Asgard warship will use three Ancient Power Modules (just as the Ancients did) as their primary power source, the Asgard’s own improved neutrino-ion generators will be used as backup power supply.

The Ancient Power Modules will also allow the Asgard to build much more powerful weapons for their new class of warship, this new class of warship will be called the Mountbatten class (Authors note: think O'Neill-class ship) in honour of human that gave the Asgard access to this technology.

With the speed at which the Asgard can build warships (though not the Ancient Power Modules), the first of these new Mountbatten class should be ready with eighteen months, this will give the Asgard time to build enough of the Ancient Power Modules for the first of these new warships.

This new advance in Asgard warship design will not be shared with their human allies as the Asgard do not think that these humans are ready for this level of technology, may be in the distant future, perhaps...

The Mountbatten class will then begin to replace the old Bilskirnir class warships.

Once that happens it is hoped that the Asgard can eradicate the Replicators from their home galaxy for the last time, then the Asgard can focus their attention on the Goa’uld.

However, the Ancient Power Modules will not be the technology that finally is able to eradicate the Replicators from the Asgard’s home galaxy this technology will come indirectly from their human allies and friends.

On the 24th June 1974, the government admits testing a nuclear weapon in the United States causing a rift in the Labour Party, this part of a joint weapons testing program with the US. This joint test was not really needed it was more of a way of keeping the US happy in the belief that the UK and US are on equal terms militarily speaking.

On the 17th July 1974, a bomb planted by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) explodes in the White Tower at the Tower of London, killing one person and injuring 41. Another bomb explodes outside a government building in South London. This again causes the British government to focus more of its intelligence assets to dealing with these attacks.

August 1974

On the 8th August 1974, US President Richard Nixon announces his resignation (effective on the 9th August 1974).

On the 9th August 1974, Vice President Gerald Rudolph Ford succeeds Richard Milhous Nixon as the 38th President of the United States of America.

On the 18th August 1974, the third of three manned orbital missions planned for this year is launched from the Woomera rocket launch facility with the Woomera research facility in Australia. This third mission will last seven days before returning to Earth safely.

These three launches have steadily improved the reliability of the rocket and the procedure to put people into Earth orbit and bring them back again, this is part of a wider and longer-term plan to put a Space Station into Earth orbit. If the progress keeps going at this rate construction of this Space Station should begin in the mid 1990s, though this plan has not been publically announced, yet.

On the 25th August 1974, an Asgard warship drops out of hyperspace in Lord Yu’s home system, this is the last thing that Lord Yu expected, through Lord Yu is in for a bigger surprise.

As Lord Yu looks at the Asgard warship he can see from the readings that the Asgard warship has raised its shields and the ships weapons are fully charged, but the Asgard warship has made no offensive action. From past experience of the Asgard, Lord Yu knows that the Asgard do not launch unprovoked attacks, Lord Yu wonders if Sokar has attacked the Asgard, Lord Yu smiles at that thought.

Lord Yu’s First Primes says, “My Lord, the Asgard ships is hailing.”

Lord Yu replies, “Put it though”

On the display an Asgard appears and says, “I am Hermiod of the Asgard”

Lord Yu replies, “Greetings, how may I be of assistance to the Asgard.”

Hermiod says, “It is I who can be of assistance to the Goa'uld”

Lord Yu is momentary stunned then he asks, “How can the Asgard help the Goa'uld?”

Hermiod says, “The Asgard knows someone who knows the location of base of the one called Sokar.”

Lord Yu is no fool the Asgard want something for this information and asks, “What price would the Asgard ask for this information?”

Hermiod says, “None, the one who has the information would ask the price.”

Lord Yu asks, “Let me speak to the one who has this information.”

Hermiod says, “That can be arranged, but not here, at a neutral location chosen by the Asgard.”

Lord Yu on thinks for a few moments then replies “Agreed” Lord Yu is so desperate for this information he will agree to anything to eliminate Sokar, also it will increase Lord Yu’s power within the System Lords as well.

Hermiod says, “Very well, I will return soon to transport you to the meeting place, you will come unarmed.”

Lord Yu replies, “Agreed” without even thinking, much to the surprise to his First Prime.

The communication is ended, a few moments later the Asgard warship jumps into hyperspace.

Lord Yu orders that all scout forces to return from looking for Sokar and that his forces should be ready to launch an all out attack against Sokar’s base, Lord Yu’s First Prime bows and goes about issuing the orders.

September 1974

On the 23rd September 1974, the BBC starts Ceefax (one of the first public service information systems) funding for Ceefax not only come from the TV licence but also government research funds from various government departments.

On the 30th September 1974, Mountbatten has come to a decision for these negotiations, he will only ask for Earth and Heliopolis, Abydos will be not mentioned, as it is much more important to protect Earth and Heliopolis than it is to protect Abydos. This is a bit callous, but Mountbatten feels he cannot demand more and more from Lord Yu, as he feels that Lord Yu would have a hard time ‘selling’ this to his fellow Goa'uld.

Mountbatten has the full support for the four Prime Ministers and the other senior members of Project Phoenix, though many do not like the idea of not including Abydos in this agreement. They do understand that is does not mean that they have to withdraw from Abydos, if Abydos is not mentioned during the negotiations then they will remain on Abydos, though this does not mean that Abydos will not be attacked by Apophis or another Goa'uld System Lord.

Nevertheless, it is a risk worth taking after all they can always withdraw from Abydos.

October 1974

On the 10th October 1974, the second general election for the UK of the year results in a narrow victory for Harold Wilson, giving Labour a majority of three seats. The Scottish Nationalist Party secures the parties highest-ever Westminster party representation, eleven seats. Enoch Powell is elected to parliament in Northern Ireland for the Ulster Unionist Party. Powell, who was dismissed from the Tory shadow cabinet in April 1968 following his controversial Rivers of Blood speech on immigration, left the Conservative Party at the 28th February election and had recently rejected an offer to stand as a candidate for the National Front.

From Small Victories, Wars are Won

On the 30th October 1974, four refitted (with the copies Ancient Power Module) Bilskirnir class warships encounter a Replicator controlled Asgard warship, the Replicator controlled Asgard warship fires a missile made up of Replicators to try to board the refitted Bilskirnir class warships. This Replicator attack fails, as the missile bounces off the greatly boosted (and modified) Asgard shields, the four refitted Bilskirnir class warships then open fire on the Replicator controlled Asgard warship, destroying it very quickly.

In the aftermath of this first successful engagement against the Replicators, all the debris of the Replicator controlled Asgard warship is vaporised, to make sure that no Replicators remain.

This will set the stage for the Asgard fight back against the Replicators.

November 1974

On the 1st November 1974, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) established, with the UK becoming one of the WTO leading countries.

On the 22nd November 1974, the United Nations General Assembly grants the Palestine Liberation Organization observer status.

On the 23rd November 1974, another UK Skynet communications satellite is launched into orbit.

On the 27th November 1974, the Prevention of Terrorism Act is passed, with enhanced powers for SI-5 this is in response to the growing IRA threat.

December 1974

On the 1st December 1974, enters orbit around the sixth and final planet, this planet will bring the most finds of all of the six Ancient Outpost that HMS Defiance and her crew have explored.

Most of the ‘good’ finds will come from the remains of this sixth and final Ancient Outpost will not be made until January 1975.

On the 22nd December 1974, the London home of Conservative Party leader and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Edward Heath is bombed in a suspected PIRA attack. Mr Heath had been away from home when the bomb exploded, but returned just 10 minutes afterwards.

Between the 24th December and the 25th December 1974, Darwin, Australia is almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, many Commonwealth nations and none Commonwealth offer assistance to the Australian government after this devastating Cyclone. The RAAF use their Rotodyne’s for search and rescue efforts to great effect in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

32. 1975

“Memorial services are the cocktail parties of the geriatric set.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1975

On the 5th January 1975, Heliopolis - HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger are launched their trails will last until December 1975, when both warships will be declared operational. HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger will replace HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance as the Abydos defence squadron. In six months time HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance will replace HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger as the Abydos defence squadron, until more warships area available only two warships will be assigned to the defence of Abydos at any one time.

On the 7th January 1975, OPEC members agree to raise crude oil prices by 10% this is good news for the UK’s oil industries, as the UK government will get extra revenues from North Sea oil production.

HMS Defiance

During early January 1975, while exploring the remains of the final abandoned ancient outpost, the search teams find the remains of twelve damaged twelve Ancient pistols these are catalogued and stored for further study at a later date.

These twelve damaged twelve Ancient pistols will start a new wave of energy weapons research and will lead to improved energy weapons that will move away from using Goa'uld energy weapons technology. This technology will be passed onto the Asgard the Asgard intern will develop this technology to a different level altogether, allowing the Asgard to enhance their warships weapons capability.

On the 15th January 1975, construction of HMS Lion and HMS Ottawa (to be renamed HMS Mountbatten in late 1979) begins, both of these warships are due to be completed in January 1978.

On the 18th January 1975, Atomic Energy Commission divided between ERDA and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

On the 31st January 1975, as HMS Defiance prepares to return to base, the crew take a few days of rest before the return journey, as Captain Timms knows when they return his crew will have even more work to do.

Onboard HMS Defiance, one person will not be having a pleasant rest this will be Alan Turing, during the night of 31st January/1st February 1975.

February 1975

On the 1st February 1975, as HMS Defiance prepares to return home, Alan Turing had turned in to get some sleep, but he would not get a god night’s sleep.

A Vision of a Possible Future

Onboard HMS Defiance, Alan Turing was having a bad dream (or nightmare depending on your point of view), in this dream it is the future (late January 2007), he is seeing what occurs around him as if it is an out of body experience or through the eyes of others.

The first image he sees is an Asgard who he thinks is Thor with Seth beside Thor, with several other people, at what appears to be a US airbase as Thor approaches a man in a suite (the President of the United States). Thor raises a crystal at the US President, the crystal then glows, the President panics and his Secret Service bodyguards react to what they perceive as an attack. The Secret Service agents draw their weapons and prepare to open fire, when at the same time Seth roars with anger and moves between the Secret Service agents and Thor, then he activates his personnel shield.

As the Secret Service agents, open fire their bullets bounced harmlessly off Seth’s personnel shield with Thor protected against this attack, on Thor’s face is an expression of shock, this quickly turns to anger.

A few moments later Seth and Thor vanish along the other personnel, thanks to Asgard transporter technology.

The vision shifts...

Some amount of time seems to have passed Alan Turing sees a fleet of warships dropping out of hyperspace into Earth orbit, with several of these warships (unknown type) with Royal Space Navy markings. The rest appear to be some form of advanced Asgard warships, the Royal Space Navy warships begin to enter Earth’s atmosphere leaving the Asgard warships in orbit.

The Royal Space Navy warships head for positions over the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, soon these Royal Space Navy warships are in position, with one warships hanging directly over Borthwick Castle.

The Asgard warships remain in orbit at equidistant points in Earth orbit.

The vision shifts...

Alan Turing finds himself looking at a TV broadcast by the Queen who is speaking of a naked act of aggression (by the US) against these peaceful aliens, as the broadcast goes on the Queen relates the true story of the Roswell incident in 1947. The images show the dissected remains of three Asgard and the US cover up of the Roswell incident, there is no mention of Project Phoenix.

The Queen finishes by saying the US governments recent unprovoked attack on the Asgard peace mission is considered an act of war by the British government. The British government is herby severing all ties with the US government and ordering all US citizens to leave the UK within the next forty-eight hours or be detained, all UK citizens are advised to leave the US with the next forty-eight hours.

The TV images then shows, rioting outside the US embassy in London and similar scenes across the world.

The vision shifts...

It appear to be several days later a force of six Royal Space Navy warships are approaching US airspace (East Coast) at an altitude of 50,000 feet, the US military is attempting to engage these six Royal Space Navy warships. As the missiles fired by the American military, approach the six Royal Space Navy warships engage these missiles with some sort of beam weapon (blue in colour) most of these missiles are shot down by the six Royal Space Navy warships beam weapons, those missiles that do get through impact harmlessly against the warships shields.

As the six Royal Space Navy warships cross the US coastline, they begin to launch their own fighters to engage the USAF, USN and USNG fighters. The Royal Space Navies fighters (unknown type) are so advanced that the US fighters do not stand a chance against them, this turns from a battle into a matter of target practice for the Royal Space Navy fighters and a slaughter for the US fighters.

The US launches her ICBM’s from both her submarines and land based silos against the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, however with several Asgard warships in orbit, these ICBM’s are quickly eliminated by the Asgard warships as the ICBM’s climb out of Earth’s atmosphere.

The US nuclear deterrent has been rendered impendent, along with every other country’s with a nuclear deterrent as well.

The vision shifts...

It appears to be several hours after the first engagements with the US military and the six Royal Space Navy warships have split up to engage various military targets across the US. One of these targets is Air Force One that is shot down by a pair of Royal Space Navy fighters, Vice President Dick Chaney does not last long as President, as the newly sworn in President Dick Chaney dies of a massive heart attack a few hours after the death of the President Bush.

A shocked Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi is sworn in as President shortly after President Dick Chaney is confirmed dead of a heart attack.

The newly inaugurated President Pelosi now has to deal with this mess President Pelosi is rapidly running out of options, to deal with this ongoing attack against the US by the powerful weapons possessed by the British and her allies. The first thing that President Pelosi does is read about the Roswell Incident, to find out what happened, these files are extensive and shocking.

The vision shifts...

It appears to be several days after the attack on the US military, the US military has ceased to be an effective fighting force with all major US military bases destroyed and the bulk of the US military has been effectively neutralised.

The Asgard have been using their beaming technology to beam US military personnel from their bases around the world back to the US, but leaving their equipment behind.

From around the world various governments have made it clear that they are strictly neutral in this conflict, with the Russians ordering all their military assets to stand down, after seeing what has happened to the US.

The world is now aware that the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand seem to be the only four countries on the planet that have earned the trust of these aliens, along with having a large and heavily armed space fleet.

A television broadcast shows President Nancy Pelosi broadcasting the US government’s unconditional surrender to the British, Australia, Canadian and New Zealand governments. In addition, President Nancy Pelosi issues a personal apology to the Asgard for what the US government had done to three of their people President Pelosi hoped that the Asgard could come to forgive the US government for what they had done.

The vision shifts...

Through the eyes of someone else seems to be having a discussion with Dr Phillips as seen through someone else’s eyes, about how to proceed next after the US surrender. The British military now seems to be subordinated to Project Phoenix from the conversation with Dr Phillips, as he turns away he looks at a window as sees a reflection in the glass, it is himself…

Alan Turing gasps as he sees himself and how he looks…

At this point Alan Turing wakes up covered in sweat, the dream he has just had is so vivid in his mind, Alan Turing begins to write up his dream of the future he feels as though he should report this he feels sure that this was more than just a dream.

Several hours later Alan Turing, after reporting his dream to Captain Timms, wonders if this is what will happen or what may happen, only the future will tell whatever happens they will be ready for it.

After reading Alan Turing’s report in his dream, Captain Timms logs it, and classifies it as level two priority, level one requires immediate action this is just one-step down, when this report is read it will cause a few raised eyebrows.

Mountbatten will see this ‘dream’ by Alan Turing of a possible future as a good reason why not to inform any other Earth government of Project Phoenix, especially after the Asgard informs Mountbatten, that the ancients had great mental powers. These mental powers are not fully understood by the Asgard, but using the ancient outposts control chair could somehow have activated these mental powers that had been lying dormant in Alan Turing.

Mountbatten has no reason to dispute the Asgard’s theory Mountbatten will continue to allow Alan Turing to interact with the control chair in the outpost, as these powers do not seem to pose a threat. They seem to have the opposite effect they are befitting Project Phoenix by warning of the consequences of informing other countries on Earth, especially the US.

This information is passed onto the Prime Ministers of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand all agree that informing any other country must be given very careful consideration. They also agree that they should not consider informing any other country until the early century, they are merely being politicians, passing the decision to future Prime Ministers, Mountbatten does not object to this decision.

On the 11th February 1975, Margaret Thatcher defeats Edward Heath for the leadership of the UK Conservative Party, when Thatcher becomes Prime Minister Thatcher will become Project Phoenixes strongest supporter.

On the 15th February 1975, another UK Skynet communications satellite is launched into orbit this satellite not only contains conventional communications equipment by also ring transporter relay equipment as well.

On the 23rd February 1975, in response to the energy crisis, daylight saving time commences nearly 2 months early in the United States. In the UK, the government’s investment in nuclear power is paying off, as the energy crisis is not affecting the UK (or her allies) as much as it could have.

On the 26th February 1975, a fleeing Provisional Irish Republican Army member shoots and kills off-duty London police officer Stephen Tibble, 22, as he gives chase this will cause further focus on Northern Ireland and away from other areas.

March 1975

On the 1st March 1975, Alan Turing resumes his research into the ancient outpost, though since his first dream a month ago, he has had several more dreams, though they are similar, but not identical, this seems to support the Asgard’s theory. Each time he has wrote a report on these dreams, though he is now not waking up in a sweat, as he is getting use to these ‘bad dreams’ and even enjoying some of them.

On the 4th March 1975, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom knights Charlie Chaplin, much to the annoyance of certain US elements.

On the 15th March 1975, Mountbatten is picked up by Hermiod warship once Mountbatten is in his quarter’s onboard Hermiod warship, Hermiod’s warship then jumps into hyperspace to pick up Lord Yu.

The meeting will be onboard Hermiod warship, as Hermiod cannot think of a safer place when dealing with a Goa'uld System Lord.

On the 17th March 1975, Hermiod beams up Lord Yu, then Hermiod warship jumps into hyperspace, Lord Yu is not carrying any weapons, but he would be foolish to try onboard an Asgard warship.

On the 18th March 1975, the meeting between Mountbatten and Lord Yu begins, with Hermiod acting as moderator.

Mountbatten starts by saying, “Greetings Lord Yu” and bows his head slightly at Lord Yu.

Lord Yu showing no sign of any emotion asks, “You are the one called Mountbatten?” without acknowledging Mountbatten’s head bow.

Mountbatten replies, “Yes I am” seemingly unconcerned by Lord Yu’s lack of manners.

Lord Yu asks, “You have the location of Sokar’s base?”

Mountbatten replies, “Yes I do”

Lord Yu states, “You will give me this location”

Mountbatten replies, “Yes I will, provided you give me something in return.”

Lord Yu states, “Whatever I promise I cannot guarantee that my fellow Goa'uld System Lords will not kill you?”

At the point Hermiod says, “No, but the Asgard can, you must make this clear to your fellow Goa'uld System Lords that if they break their word in this agreement, the Asgard will hold them responsible.”

Lord Yu is no fool, he gets what Hermiod is saying and states, “I can try, what is it you seek?”

Mountbatten says, “That the Goa'uld System Lords will not interfere or enter in anyway two systems [Authors note: Earth and Heliopolis] that my people control.”

Lord Yu attempting to negotiate states, “You ask a high price, what are the coordinates of these two systems?”

Mountbatten says, “I offer something that is worth much more to the Goa'uld than two systems. Also, until we have reached an agreement the coordinates of these two systems will not be released.”

Lord Yu says nothing in response, but he knows that this Mountbatten is right the location of Sokar’s base is easily worth two systems, especially from what Lord Yu can gather from the conversation that no Goa'uld System Lord controls these two systems.

Lord Yu says, “Very well, I give you both my word that no forces under my command will attack these systems, I will also get the other Goa'uld System Lords to agree to this.”

Hermiod looks across at Mountbatten who nods his approval, then in front of Lord Yu a copy of a Goa'uld information data crystal appears, Hermiod says, “Here are the coordinates of Sokar’s base”

Lord Yu looks at the data crystal as if he cannot believe what he is seeing then Lord Yu picks up the data crystal and pockets it.

Hermiod says, “Also on the data crystal is the coordinates of the two systems you and the other Goa'uld System Lords will leave alone” pausing for a few seconds then Hermiod in a much darker tone, “Remember the price for entering these two systems war with the Asgard.”

Lord Yu looks nervously at Hermiod and replies, “I understand”

Hermiod says, “You will now be returned.”

With that, the meeting is over.

Sometime later, once Lord Yu has left Hermiod ship, Mountbatten asks, “Do you think he can be trusted?”

Hermiod replies, “Yes he can, though I cannot say the same thing for the rest of the Goa'uld System Lords, I think one or more will test the Asgard’s resolve in this matter.”

Mountbatten nods at Hermiod he is also relived that Abydos was not mentioned, looks like Project Phoenix would get to keep Abydos after all without the Goa'uld System Lords knowing who really controls this planet.

On the 20th March 1975, Mountbatten reports that the agreement has been successful, though Mountbatten does suggest that a close eye be kept on the Goa'uld System Lords, Hermiod agrees. Hermiod states that his ship will monitor any Goa'uld ship trying to enter either the Solar system or the Heliopolis system this should provide sufficient warning of any Goa'uld attack.

With the Black Prince class warships fitted with Asgard hyperdrive, these ships can quickly get to Earth in time to intercept any attack force, also once the Earth Defence Plan put into operation (mid 1980s), there will be a squadron of Prince Class warships based in the Solar System.

Backed up by Hermiod ‘enhanced’ warship, this force is a formidable opponent of the Goa'uld to ‘mess with’, though for now the Goa'uld will be occupied in eliminating Sokar.

April 1975

Bill Gates founds Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the 5th April 1975, the Canadian government reactivates the Avrocar project to create a series of experimental test beads for various ‘circular aircraft’, this will produce a number ‘flying saucer’ designs. These designs will be of no practical value, they will however allow the four countries of Project Phoenix to account for ‘strange aircraft’ in the skies in their airspace. The Avrocar project is also good publicity for the Canadian government to show off fully functional ‘concept aircraft’, this will get Canada a lot of good publicity as the years and decades go by.

The number of reports of UFO’s across Canada begin to drop off as people report seeing Avrocar aircraft, though the Canadian government always declines to comment on classified projects, that to the Canadian press is a ‘yes’ to the question.

Australia, UK and New Zealand will also have similar programs, the UK will focus on their Harrier program, producing some unusual designs, these designs like the Avrocar will never go into production, but will be considered fully functional ‘concept aircraft’ for testing. This will also lead to a drop off in reports of UFO sightings in Australia, UK and New Zealand as the people who see these UFO’s think they are seeing these ‘concept aircraft’ on a test flight.

Some people do not even bother to report these sightings, as they do not wish to be seen as ‘one of those UFO nuts’, this also helps reduce the number of sightings as well from within Canada, Australia, UK and New Zealand

On the 15th April 1975, Lord Yu meets with the rest of the System Lords, after informing them that he has the location of Sokar, initially the other System Lords are pleased. However, when Lord Yu informs them of the price of this information the System Lords are none too pleased, a major shouting match is avoided when Lord Yu states that the Asgard are backing the safety of these two systems.

After much arguing (and a lot of shouting), the System Lords finally agree that these two systems will be left alone by them, the Asgard will be informed.

Even though Apophis has been fully supporting Lord Yu, Apophis is not pleased that the Asgard chose Lord Yu rather than him, though for now Sokar is the bigger threat than giving away two systems or the Asgard favouring Lord Yu.

Apophis announces after the System Lords agree to the independence of these two systems, that a full-scale attack will be launched on Sokar’s base as soon as sufficient forces have been gathered. As every System Lord, wants to in on the ‘kill’ the attack cannot be mounted until February 1976 this is also due to a large amount of posturing by the System Lords as well.

Lord Yu will inform the Asgard of System Lords acceptance of the agreement that these two systems with remain free from Goa'uld attack, though they will not fall under the Protected Planet Treaty.

May 1975

On the 1st May 1975, Hermiod informs Mountbatten that the Goa'uld System Lords have agreed to leave both Earth and Heliopolis alone, though Hermiod cannot guarantee that the Goa’uld System Lords will not attack these two systems many years from now.

In the Asgard’s home galaxy the war against the Replicators is going well, as more Asgard warships are fitted with Ancient Energy Modules, these refitted Asgard warships are sent to the front. The Replicators, are now, being pushed back and are now on the defensive, though the Asgard High Council is looking for a more permanent solution to deal with the Replicators.

The Asgard High Council is looking into a way of downloading the information about the Replicators into the Ancient Outposts computers to see if they can provide a permanent solution to deal with the Replicators.

When a method has been developed, Thor will sent to see if the Ancient Outposts now located on Heliopolis can provide a solution, though for the time being Thor cannot be spared from the front line, nor can any other Asgard warship.

Hermiod cannot, be recalled to the Asgard’s home galaxy, as this may provoke an attack on Heliopolis, by the Goa'uld System Lords, so until the Replicators numbers have been reduced (or eliminated), Thor will remain in the Asgard’s home galaxy.

On the 28th May 1975, fifteen West African countries sign the Treaty of Lagos, creating the Economic Community of West African States. These fifteen West African countries appear to be following in the footsteps’ of the Commonwealth of Nations.

June 1975

On the 5th June 1975, the United Kingdom votes no in a referendum to keep out of the European Community this no campaign is strong supported by the government. The UK will remain trading with the European Community but go no further in joining the European Community.

On the 10th June 1975, in Washington, DC, the Rockefeller Commission issues its report on CIA abuses, recommending a joint congressional oversight committee on intelligence. This report will lead to the creation of a new intelligence agency the NID (National Intelligence Department) to keep an eye on the other intelligence agencies, but this agency will be used for another purpose during the 1990’s.

July 1975

On the 1st July 1975, the Postmaster-General's Department is disaggregated into the Australian Telecommunications Commission (trading as Telecom Australia) and the Australian Postal Commission (trading as Australia Post).

On the 4th July 1975, Sydney newspaper publisher Juanita Nielsen disappears and is presumed to have been murdered, Australia’s own version of SI-5 the Special Investigation Group (SIG) is put on the case though even the SIG cannot find Juanita Nielsen.

On the 17th July 1975, an American Apollo and Soviet Soyuz spacecraft dock in orbit, marking the first such link-up between spacecraft from the 2 nations. The Woomera Rocket Program looks at this idea, but views it as a PR exercise rather than anything useful.

August 1975

On the 1st August 1975, the Helsinki Accords, which officially recognize Europe's national borders and respect for human rights, are signed in Finland.

O the 5th August 1975, President Ford posthumously pardons Robert E. Lee, restoring full rights of citizenship.

On the 11th August 1975, British Leyland Motor Corporation comes under British government control, though there is little that the British government can do due to a series of ongoing strikes by the British Leyland workers.

On the 15th August 1975, the Birmingham Six are wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment in Great Britain this is one of those occasions of the security services getting a conviction without the right evidence or suspects.

September/October 1975

Between September and October 1975, in New Zealand, Māori leader Whina Cooper leads a march of 5,000 people in support of Maori claims to their land.

On the 5th September 1975, the London Hilton hotel is bombed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army 2 people is killed and 63 injured. The UK’s intelligence services continue to redeploy resources internally to fight the IRA, while taking more of their ‘eyes’ off the rest of the world.

On the 16th September 1975, Papua New Guinea gains its independence from Australia, though Papua New Guinea will continue to rely on Australia for assistance for a very long time.

On the 16th October 1975, five Australian-based journalists are killed at Balibo by Indonesian forces, during their incursion into Portuguese Timor. Publicly the Australian Prime Minister asks for help in tracing down these killers, privately Australian Prime Minister asks that any resources that Project Phoenix can bring to bear would be of great assistance. Mountbatten authorises two Canberra recon aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors transferred to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Woomera air base.

Publically, any information released will be listed as received from informants etc this will follow the British example when dealing with the information from Canberra recon skirting the boarders of the Soviet Union.

This is the beginning of regular deployments to these types of aircraft to both Woomera air base and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Nunavut from RAF Barra of other recon aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors as well.

November 1975

During November 1975, with Guatemala in the grip of a bloody civil war, there was a real fear that Guatemalan forces might invade Belize and at the very least widen their Caribbean coastline. To bolster the resident British Army garrison, a detachment of 6 Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR1A’s from No 1 Squadron RAF is sent to the international airport at Ladyville.

There they set about ‘waving the flag’ and discouraging Guatemalan aggression, after several months the threat was perceived to have subsided and the Harriers returned to the UK in April 1976. Only to return on a more permanent basis in June 1977, as part of a complete package, of the Queen's regiment of the British army, in a Vickers VC10 C1 and six Harriers from No 1 (Fighter) Squadron flying direct with support from Handley Page Victor tankers.

These Harriers would remain until the mid 1990s, after that a British military detachment would remain to assist the Belize Defence Force in defence of their country along with providing jungle warfare training for the British military in return.

On the 3rd November 1975, the first petroleum pipeline opens from Cruden Bay to Grangemouth, Scotland this is the growing UK oil production program in response to the cutting of the oil from OPEC countries.

On the 10th November 1975, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379 by a vote of 72–35 (with 32 abstentions), the United Nations General Assembly approves a resolution equating Zionism with racism. The resolution provokes an outcry among Jews around the world.

On the 15th November 1975, the “Group of 6” (G-6) industrialized nations formed with both the UK and the US as part of the leading players in the G-6.

On the 16th November 1975, sees the beginning of the Third Cod War between UK and Iceland, which lasts until June 1976 the Royal Navy deploys a considerable number of warships, with a few of them being damaged in ramming by Iceland’s patrol vessels.

Spanish dictator Francisco Franco dies in Madrid, effectively marking the end of the dictatorship established following the Spanish Civil War and the beginning of Spain's transition to democracy.

On the 25th November 1975, the Irish Republican Army is outlawed in the United Kingdom, more intelligence assets continue to be focused on Northern Ireland.

On the 27th November 1975, Ross McWhirter, co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records, is shot dead by the Provisional Irish Republican Army for offering reward money to informers.

On the29th November 1975, Bill Gates uses the name “Micro-soft” (for microcomputer software) in a letter to Paul Allen for the first time (Microsoft becomes a registered trademark on 26th November 1976).

On the 30th November 1975, the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth enters operational service with the Royal Navy, with the two oldest carriers placed in ‘reserve’ HMS Malta and HMS New Zealand, within a year both of these carriers will be scrapped.

December 1975

In late December 1975, China announces the purchase of 300 plus Harriers of the GR1 and later the GR3 variant (P.1127), with first deliveries due to China by 1980, (this deadline will slip by several years due to negotiations taking much longer). This deal has been under secret negotiations for several years, as the British government has been unwilling to sell the Chinese government a fully equipped British GR1’s, but this has now changed to Chinese military systems replacing the British ones.

This deal will be divided into two parts, the first consisting of the airframe and flight control systems along with the engine, built in the UK, with second part being the Chinese fitting their own avionics, weapons and radio systems etc.

The Chinese Harriers will be known as the Mark 91 for the single seat and the Mark 92 for the twin seat.

This order from China is in part due to the ongoing strained relations with the Soviet Union and the wish of the Chinese government to source additional weapons from other sources rather than the Soviet Union.

This is a good deal for both governments, as it gives the Chinese government a good close support aircraft and it means that China is not totally reliant on the Soviet Union for all its arms needs. The British government can announce a large export order and in the same breath can announce that no classified British military avionics will be transferred, as the Chinese will be using their own military avionics/weapon in/on the Harriers.

Between the 6th December and the 12th December 1975, six IRA members on the run from police break into a London flat, taking the residents hostage. The siege ended after six days with the gunmen giving themselves up to the police, this will become known as the Balcombe Street Siege. With the ending of this siege, the UK government now feels that Northern Ireland should be given priority over the Soviet Union this will mean other areas will be given less attention than they should.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

33. 1976

“No man should ever lose sleep over public affairs.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1976

With the return of HMS Defiance in February 1975 from exploring the remains of ten ancient outposts, they have found very little in terms of technology with the exception of twelve Ancient pistols.

After carful cataloguing during 1975, work begins on examining the remains of the twelve Ancient pistols, the team of Project Phoenix scientists and engineers along with Seth.

Ancient energy pistol (Energy Weapon)

The Ancient energy pistol is an energy-based handheld weapon created and used by the Ancients. The weapon discharges a blue energy burst and has two settings, which are stun and kill, with their knowledge of Goa'uld energy weapons, it was relatively easy for the engineers and scientists of Project Phoenix to reverse engineer and copy this technology, with the exception of the energy crystals used to power these pistols.

As these energy weapons are not very different from Goa'uld energy weapons, though they are more energy efficient and reliable, along with being more powerful, especially when using the kill setting.

With the discovery of a dozen of these Ancient energy pistol (all of these pistols are damaged none are in working order), they are brought back to Heliopolis for study, Seth is one of the first people to look at them.

Seth (with approval from Mountbatten) begins the lengthily process of disassembling all twelve pistols, Seth’s plan is to use the working parts from the twelve pistols to reassemble from the working parts of the twelve pistols, one or two working pistols. This is a long-winded process as this technology is well beyond Seth’s understanding, though Seth does want to appear to still be useful to Project Phoenix.

It will take several months of work, but Seth will be able to assemble two working Ancient pistols from the working parts of the twelve damaged Ancient energy pistols, this will include four functional energy crystals for the two pistols.

The other reason for Seth volunteering to do this work is to prove to Project Phoenix that he is of use, also this give Seth a chance to study ancient weapons technology, something that Seth cannot pass up doing.

Again, like most technologies that Project Phoenix has, Project Phoenix is merely copying an existing technology then either making it bigger and more powerful and/or producing an improved version in the long run, in many ways Project Phoenix resembles the Goa'uld in their approach to technology acquisition, though not completely.

On the 5th January 1976, Seymour Cray’s Cray Research releases the Cray-1, the first commercially developed supercomputer. At the same time in the UK, the first Turing-1 supercomputer is announced, the Turing-1 (named after the ‘deceased’ Alan Turing) proves to be a lot more powerful than the Cray-1 supercomputer this is another area where Britain is starting to ‘catch up’ with the US.

Though compared to what Project Phoenix has on Heliopolis both the Cray-1 and the Turing-1 supercomputers would seem extremely slow and antiquated, though now with the first Turing-1 supercomputer has been revealed more ‘public’ research can be done into much more powerful supercomputers.

Within two years, the Turing-1 supercomputer will be obsolete and replaced with the much-improved Turing-2 supercomputer, when the computer boom takes off worldwide, each new generation of supercomputer will become outdated very quickly.

On the 21st January 1976, the first commercial Concorde flight takes off though initially not a commercial success in the end Concorde will be a success, but it will take quite awhile before Concorde becomes a commercial success.

On the 30th January 1976, George HW Bush becomes Director of Central Intelligence his ‘official’ brief is to deal with the investigations by the Senate's Church Committee about the CIA's illegal and unauthorized activities Bush would be credited with helping to restore the agency's morale.

The reality of the situation was that Director Bush had been ordered to set up a special investigation unit within the CIA to investigate the British government, how they are managing to maintain their economy, even during the current ongoing economic problems the UK is facing. This investigation soon expands to mysterious over fights of the US by hypersonic aircraft travelling at over 100,000 feet the investigations find that most of these flights seem to originate in Canada, though some from the UK and Australia.

Further long-term investigations are called for the CIA’s special investigation unit covert long-term funding is approved by the end of 1976.

The CIA orders satellite over flights over the UK, Canada and Australia, but these are useless as the UK, Canada and Australia are aware of the time(s) that these satellites over flights over their countries occur, thus anything of a ‘sensitive nature’ can be hidden out of sight of the satellite.

February 1976

Removing Sokar

The combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords, led by Apophis launch a coordinated attack against Sokar’s base. The battle does not last very long as Sokar’s fleet is no match for the combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords, it only takes a few hours for the combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords to eliminate Sokar’s fleet.

Once Sokar’s fleet has been eliminated, then the combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords surround Delmak, once all of the Ha'tak’s are in place the bombardment begins.

Sokar’s dying thought is ‘I wonder how the Goa'uld System Lords found my base’

It will only take a few hours to eliminate all life on Delmak, though the bombardment will continue for several days, to make sure that Sokar is dead.

Once the bombardment has finished Delmak will be uninhabitable, the eco structure of the planet will never recover Delmak will remain a lifeless planet.

The next target for the combined fleets of the Goa'uld System Lords is Delmak’s moon, Netu, this moon is also bombarded until all life is eliminated as well.

The Goa'uld System Lords are not taking any prisoners during this attack in addition any Jaffa that severed Sokar will be killed on sight, as the Goa'uld System Lords want to eliminate all trace of Sokar.

With Sokar now dead, the Goa'uld System Lords, within a few months, will return to their old ways (fighting amongst themselves in a limited way), the Goa'uld System Lords for the time being will keep their word concerning the two systems, as the Goa'uld System Lords will be busy rebuilding their own forces and consolidating their own empires.

The other reason is that Lord Yu has made it very clear that if his fellow System Lords break this agreement then he will fight them, the Goa'uld System Lords are not strong enough to take on the military forces of Lord Yu. None of the Goa'uld System Lords wants another civil war (yet), as they are not strong enough to deal with Lord Yu’s military forces, along with those Goa'uld System Lords that would join Lord Yu, one of these being Lord Ba’al.

The final reason is that Apophis is against this idea with the combined military forces of both Lord Yu and Apophis along with those Goa'uld System Lords that would gather around them, the other Goa'uld System Lords would not stand a chance.

Apophis has other matters that are more pressing, such as rebuilding his own military and consolidating his own holdings, along with dealing with several worlds that have rebelled against his rule, including Abydos.

Sokar’s Remaining Forces

Though Sokar is dead, some of Sokar’s Jaffa has survived the Jaffa (that were out raiding) now have no ‘God’ to lead them, though they do have their First Prime, to lead them, the few warships that remain of Sokar’s group around the former First Prime of Sokar. For the next few months the remains of Sokar’s fleet will try to find a new base to operate from, preferably a planet with no Stargate, were Sokar’s First Prime can begin the process of rebuilding, for the day when Sokar return’s!

These Jaffa are going to have an infinite wait for Sokar’s return!

On the 28th February 1976, on the Asgard Home World the first of the new Mountbatten class (Authors note: think O'Neill-class ship from the Stargate series) Asgard warship becomes operational.

The Mountbatten-class ship is the most advanced warship in the Asgard fleet, and the first series of Asgard ships designed solely to fight the Replicators.

Named in honour of Mountbatten who leads Project Phoenix, O'Neill-class ships dwarf the Defiance/Black Prince classes and the Goa'uld Ha'tak vessels in both size and firepower. These vessels carry the most advanced weapons created by the Asgard (to date) the Mountbatten class will soon begin to replace the Bilskirnir class as the Asgard vessel of choice when engaging hostile forces.

These vessels are powered by a number of the Asgard’s own improved neutrino-ion generators, along with an Ancient Energy Module (though these new class do not need the Ancient Energy Module to function, only for the power boost against the Replicators) and possess fifteen Asgard transporters. The Asgard will construct an entire fleet of these ships to replace their old Bilskirnir class vessels, and already have several additional Mountbatten class ships under construction this will give the Asgard a formidable battle fleet.

The first journey by the Mountbatten will be to Heliopolis, with Thor in command of the Mountbatten, this new Asgard warship is due to arrive at Heliopolis sometime in mid 1977.

Mountbatten class (Asgard warship)

Length: 1,500 meters
Width: 700 meters
Engine unit(s):
Sublight drive
Asgard hyperdrive - Intergalactic
Power plants:
Four Improved Neutrino-ion generators
Ancient Energy Module(s) (usually two, one in use plus one spare)
Shielding:
Asgard shielding system (enhanced)
Hull: Naquadah/Carbon/Trinium composite
Armament:
6 Asgard enhanced (Ion Cannon) energy weapons
Self-destruct (to be used if boarded by Replicators)
Crew: 1 (for short periods) 250 normally, can be operated remotely, though this system has been removed, as this may be used by the Replicators to take control of an Asgard warship, the Asgard are learning to adapt.

March 1976

On the 2nd March 1976, Canada, Australia and the UK sign a joint declaration to begin research on the next generation of nuclear power stations, the New Zealand government declines, as the New Zealand government will be focusing on renewable energy.

The next generation of nuclear power stations are not due, to start being built until the end of the 1990s.

In addition, all four countries are working towards improving computing technology, the first of what will become the first generation of ‘personnel computers’ (BBC Micro) will start being manufactured in late 1979.

On the 4th March 1976, the Maguire Seven are found guilty of possessing explosives and subsequently jailed for 14 years. The Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention is formally dissolved in Northern Ireland, resulting in direct rule of Northern Ireland from London via the British Parliament. This is one of the many special measures being taken by the UK government to try to deal with the Northern Ireland problem.

On the 16th March 1976, Harold Wilson surprised the nation by announcing his resignation as Prime Minister (taking effect on 5th April 1976). He would later claim that that he had always planned on resigning at the age of sixty, and that he was physically and mentally exhausted. The latter is true as the stress of keeping Project Phoenix secret from his own party and the country is extreme, though Mountbatten seems to thrive on it.

On the 30th March 1976, at Heliopolis air base, Phoenix one is taken out of storage, to be refitted with the latest drive systems, weapon systems and the ability to go into space. Phoenix one in its original configuration was designed for atmospheric flight only.

By November 1976, the upgraded Phoenix class experimental craft will now be used as test platforms for various weapons and drive systems, the first of the rebuilt will be Phoenix One. By the time the other five have been rebuilt they will have identical stats as Phoenix One.

Class Name: Phoenix class experimental craft
Craft Name: Phoenix One
Length: 25 meters
Width: 55 meters (curved wingspan)
Height/depth: 4 meters
Engine unit(s): Improved Death Glider Propulsion system (copied)
Crew: 2
Armament:
Two twin EC-1 cannons
The ability to carry a single nuclear device (mounted on the centre line) for ground attack.
8 Red Nova air-to-air missiles
Role(s): Test aircraft

The Phoenix class experimental craft are slightly longer than the Osprey II class they also have a much heavier armament, with two twin EC-1 cannons each and the ability to carry up to 8 Red Nova air-to-air missiles.

When all six of these Phoenix class experimental craft have been converted to this standard, they will be the most powerful fighters that Project Phoenix possess they will also show the way of future fighter designs are going.

Leading this test flight program will be Captain Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown, CBE, DSC, AFC. Captain “Winkle” Brown will take the first test flight in Phoenix One on the 10th November 1976.

April 1976

On the 1st April 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak form the Apple Computer Company. Apple will become a direct competitor to a British computer company Acorn Computers.

The US government takes control of 13 major Northeast Class-1 railroads that had filed for bankruptcy protection, forms Conrail (Consolidated Rails Corporation). Conrail takes control at midnight, as a government-owned and operated railroad until 1986, when it is sold to the public.

Astronomer Patrick Moore first reports the Jovian-Plutonian gravitational effect.

On the 5th April 1976, James Callaghan becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. As with previous Prime Ministers, after being briefed on Project Phoenix and recovering from the shock, James Callaghan will keep Project Phoenix secret.

May 1976

On the 1st May 1976, the one hundredth child is born on Heliopolis, school planning and other child related buildings are now under construction, these children born and raised on Heliopolis will have a far better education that any child on Earth could ever have. This is one of the reasons why, these new families are staying on Heliopolis rather than returning to Earth, as the standard of living is greater on Heliopolis than Earth.

These children will also be educated in a limited way by various Asgard in the years and decades to come, this intern will make these children more used to alien races such as the Asgard than the other ‘older’ humans do, as they have always felt uncomfortable around the Asgard, these children will not be uncomfortable around they Asgard.

On the 24th May 1976, Washington, DC Concorde service begins US environmental activists condemn Concorde are too noisy during supersonic flight, making over flight across the US impossible for those airlines that operate Concorde. Instead those airlines choose to operate Concorde at high sub-sonic speeds when flying through US airspace this still makes the flight quicker (though not as quickly as supersonic).

On the 25th May 1976, President Gerald Ford defeats challenger Ronald Reagan in 3 Republican presidential primaries Kentucky, Tennessee and Oregon.

June 1976

On the 1st June 1976, the UK and Iceland end the Cod War the Royal Navy has paid an essential role in this ‘war’.

On the 7th June 1976, Denis Healey applies for and receives £6 billion from Britain special reserves this is only possible with the approval of the Prime Minister, to help fight Britain’s current economic woes. Britain’s special reserves comes from the Gold from Heliopolis, this £6 billion release is only a fraction of the wealth that is held as part of Britain’s special reserves.

These ‘special reserves’ are also available to the governments of Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

This £6 billion will not help the current government and its economic woes, as the current economic woes are being caused mainly by the Trade Unions (striking all the time) and not by Britain’s economy.

On the 29th June 1976, Seychelles gains independence from the United Kingdom and joins the Commonwealth of Nations.

On the 30th June 1976, the remains of Sokar’s forces, find a system on the edge of the Milky Way galaxy, this system is ideal, as the system is rich in resources and well clear of any System Lords territory.

Sokar’s First Prime has found their new base, construction of the necessary facilities begins immediately, the belief in Sokar returning is so strongly entrenched in Sokar’s Jaffa that they believe that Sokar will return to them one day. Until that day, that Sokar returns Sokar’s Jaffa and surviving women and children will continue to rebuild Sokar’s military forces.

July 1976

On the 4th July 1976, a theoretical study is made of how to deal with any hostilities from the US (or any other county) if Project Phoenix is accidentally revealed to the rest of the world. This study will show that with the technology available the four countries of Project Phoenix will be able to deal with any possible threat even with the limited number of warships currently available to Project Phoenix. This study has come about because of Alan Turing’s dreams about the multiple possible futures, the leadership of Project Phoenix is worried what might happen to their four countries. Now that there is, a plan in place to deal with this possible eventuality the leadership of Project Phoenix can show that they have a plan to deal with any potential problems that might arise.

Israeli airborne commandos free 103 hostages being held by Palestinian hijackers of an Air France plane at Uganda's Entebbe Airport 1 Israeli soldier and several Ugandan soldiers are killed in the raid.

On the 15th July 1976, Jimmy Carter is nominated for President at the Democratic National Convention in New York City.

On the 20th July 1976, the Viking 1 lander successfully lands on Mars.

On the 27th July 1976, the United Kingdom breaks diplomatic relations with Uganda and will have Uganda suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations.

On the 31st July 1976, NASA releases the famous Face on Mars photo, taken by Viking 1. This causes a shock amongst Project Phoenix leadership a warship will be dispatched to take close scans, as soon as the situation on Earth has claimed down. Hermiod is unimpressed calling it a ‘rock formation’, nothing more, even so a warship will still be dispatched to have a look, just in case.

August 1976

On the 1st August 1976, Apophis begins a program of warship construction, Apophis reasons are to replace the losses suffered during the conflict with Sokar. The real reasons are twofold, firstly to consolidate his holdings and deal with the planets that have rebelled against his rule, including Abydos. Secondly, Apophis is angry at Lord Yu, as the Asgard went to Lord Yu rather than Apophis and Apophis cannot have the another System Lord seemingly challenge his position as Supreme System Lord, Lord Yu does not want to be Supreme System Lord, though he cannot admit this to anyone, it would be a sign of weakness.

When Apophis has dealt with those worlds that have rebelled against his rule, then Apophis’s forces should be strong enough to deal with Lord Yu.

For the time being however Apophis must bide his time, Apophis can do this by dealing with those worlds that have rebelled against his rule.

An attack against Abydos will happen soon, once Apophis has secured the worlds closest to those worlds that are at the heart of his empire that he currently controls, as Abydos is on the edge of his empire, Apophis will deal with Abydos later as he works outwards.

Also on the 1st August 1976, the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago becomes a republic, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with a President as its head of state the vote is a close run thing, with only a one percent difference in becoming a republic. Trinidad and Tobago will remain part of the Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth II still head of the Commonwealth.

On the 5th August 1976, the Great Clock of Westminster (or Big Ben) suffers internal damage and stops running for over 9 months.

On the 7th August 1976, Viking 2 enters into orbit around Mars.

On the 19th August 1976, President Gerald Ford edges out challenger Ronald Reagan to win the Republican Party presidential nomination in Kansas City.

On the 25th August 1976, Jacques Chirac resigns as Prime Minister of France he is succeeded by Raymond Barre.

On the 30th August 1976, HMS Tiger is dispatch to Mars to investigate ‘Face on Mars’, after several hours of sensor scans it is proved that Hermiod was right, all it is a usual rock formation, that looks like a face.

On the 31st August 1976, with no sign of ‘alien life’ HMS Tiger return’s to base, to report the findings, that the ‘Face on Mars’ is not a sign of alien life just a geological anomaly.

September 1976

On the 3rd September 1976, the Viking 2 spacecraft lands at Utopia Planitia on Mars, taking the first close-up colour photos of the planet's surface.

On the 6th September 1976, Soviet Air Force pilot Lt. Viktor Belenko lands a MiG-25 jet fighter at Hakodate, on the island of Hokkaidō in Japan, and requests political asylum in the United States.

On the 9th September 1976, Chairman Mao Zedong, of the People's Republic of China, dies this death will open China up to economic modernization.

On the 17th September 1976, the space shuttle Enterprise is rolled out of a Palmdale, California hangar the Woomera Rocket Program also is having ideas about a reusable space plane.

Between the 20th September and the 30th September 1976, Apophis launches a series of attacks against four worlds that had rebelled against his rule these four worlds were once part of Ra’s territory. This is the beginning of Apophis’s asserting his rule over those worlds, which were once part of Ra’s territory these initial four worlds will fall easily to Apophis’s forces, as the population of these worlds’ only number in the thousands, making it an easy victory for Apophis’s forces. With the fall of these four worlds, Apophis hopes to send a message that he is there ‘God’ and these people of these worlds should now worship him not Ra.

Abydos is on Apophis’s ‘list’ of worlds that have rebelled, but as Apophis is looking for easy victories until his forces have been rebuild, Abydos is not ‘high up’ on Apophis’s ‘list’ of worlds that need to be retaken quickly.

This is an error by Apophis, as Abydos is has not rebelled against him, though he does not know it yet.

October 1976

On the 4th October 1976, the brand new Intercity 125 High Speed Train is introduced in the United Kingdom this is part of the ongoing investment in Britain’s rail network.

On the 15th October 1976, another Skynet satellite is launched into orbit from the Woomera launch facility in Australia.

By the 30th October 1976, the defence of the two worlds that are under Project Phoenixes control (excluding Earth) has been established, with two Black Prince class warships assigned on a six-month rotation to Abydos. It is obvious to everyone, that one of the Goa’uld System will attack Abydos Lords most likely would be Apophis it is just a matter of when the attack will occur.

All current Black Prince class warships are assigned to the first cruiser squadron, with two ships of the first cruiser squadron assigned to Abydos, with the remainder protecting Heliopolis.

Mountbatten is worried that these crews have seen very little real combat, though for the time being there is nothing Mountbatten can do about this, as Mountbatten does not want to be the one who breaks the peace between Project Phoenix and the Goa'uld System Lords.

First Cruiser Squadron

HMS Black Prince (Squadron and ‘Fleet’ Flagship)
HMS Resistance
HMS Royal Oak
HMS Hood
HMS Canada
HMS Australia
HMS New Zealand
HMS Tiger

Mountbatten also insist on keeping the bulk of Project Phoenixes warships for the defence of Heliopolis, this also leaves these forces in a good position to quickly redeploy to the Solar System, though this only leaves HMS Defiance and the Off World Exploration Sections to explore new worlds.

Due to HMS Defiance ‘unique abilities’ this ship is not part of the First Cruiser Squadron, but operates independently.

When the orbital dry-docks become operational and more warships become available then Mountbatten feels that Project Phoenix can begin to explore the galaxy in earnest, this will also allow additional cruiser squadrons to be formed.

November 1976

On the 2nd November 1976, Jimmy Carter defeats incumbent Gerald Ford, becoming the first candidate from the Deep South to win since the Civil War.

Falkland Islands

On the 7th November 1976 an Argentine naval station Corbeta Uruguay is clandestinely built on Thule Island, in the South Sandwich Islands, the British government would lodge a number of formal protests the Argentine government would ignore these protests.

The South Sandwich Islands would drag on for the rest of the 1970s, as the British government did not want to resort to force to remove the Argentine naval personnel, even though the Royal Navy and Royal Marines could do so.

This lack of action by the British government is sending the wrong signals to the Argentinean government, though the Argentinean government appears to be in a world of its own.

On the 10th November 1976, the rebuilt Phoenix One experimental craft takes to the sky and space for the first time with Captain “Winkle” Brown, this is the beginning of a long testing program for these six Phoenix class experimental craft.

The first test flight of the rebuilt Phoenix One experimental craft is a success, Captain “Winkle” Brown on landing states that he is pleased with the crafts handling.

December 1976

During 1979, the Queen will begin a tour of various commonwealth countries, this tour will see several countries of the commonwealth, enter in to what will become known in the years to come as the Sterling Zone. Thus linking, their own currencies to the British pound or in some cases adopting the British pound as their currency though not becoming part of the UK as some countries have done or will do in the future.

However, this joining of the Sterling Zone countries will not happen immediately after the Queens visit, the Queen is merely making the initial ‘run in’ for various Foreign Office and Treasury officials in the years to come.

The British government (four Project Phoenix member countries) has a plan for greater unity...

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

34. 1977

January 1977

On the 10th January 1977, Clive Sinclair introduces his new two-inch screen television set, which retails at £175, this is seen as the beginning of small televisions the major television manufactures will soon introduce their own small TV’s, though this does not help Clive Sinclair’s fortunes, as he is a better inventor than a businessman.

On the 14th January 1977, Anthony Eden, former British prime minister, dies aged 79, a few weeks later, SI-5 officers search (discreetly) his private notes for any references to Project Phoenix none is found.

On the 20th January 1977, Jimmy Carter succeeds Gerald Ford as the 39th President of the United States.

On the 29th January 1977, seven IRA bombs explode in the West End of London, but there are no fatalities or serious injuries. Even with all the ‘conventional’ resources available to the British intelligence services, they are having problems tracking down the IRA, no Prime Minister has yet to use the full resources available via Project Phoenix, it would take an extreme action or actions by the IRA for this to happen.

February 1977

On the 7th February 1977, the Soviet Union launches Soyuz 24 (Viktor Gorbatko, Yuri Glazkov) to dock with the Salyut 5 space station.

On the 18th February 1977, Prog 1 of 2000 AD is launched (issue dated 26th February 1977).

On the 22nd February 1977, David Owen, 38, becomes the youngest post-Second World War Foreign Secretary, succeeding the late Anthony Crosland.

On the 28th February 1977, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom opens the New Zealand Parliament in the background of this visit, UK government officials have begun their own secret talks.

March 1977

On the 1st March 1977, James Callaghan threatens to withdraw state aid to British Leyland unless it puts an end to strikes.

Between the 7th March and the 30th March 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visits Australia, again as with New Zealand, in the background of this visit, UK government officials have begun their own secret talks.

On the 8th March 1977, State Opening of the Australian Parliament in Canberra by Queen Elizabeth II, these visits by the Queen to not only the four member countries of Project Phoenix but also other commonwealth countries as well, this is to ensure closer ties with the various commonwealth countries.

On the 14th March 1977, the British government reveals that inflation has pushed prices up by nearly 70% within three years the blame for this is laid at the Trade Unions for the repeated strikes the Trade Unions deny this.

On the 15th March 1977, British Leyland managers announce intention to dismiss 40,000 toolmakers who have gone on strike at the company's Longbridge plant in Birmingham, action that is costing the state-owned carmaker more than £10million a week. Even with the UK’s strong reserves the UK cannot continue to afford to spend £10million a week on a failing car company.

Between the 17th March and the 23rd March 1977, Prince Charles visits Ghana.

On the 23rd March 1977, the British government wins a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons after James Callaghan strikes a deal with the leader of the Liberal Party, David Steel.

Between the 23rd March and the 25th March 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visits Papua New Guinea.

On the 31st March 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visits Muscat.

April 1977

On the 1st April 1977, the small market town of Hay-on-Wye declares independence from the UK, as a publicity stunt.

On the 5th April 1977, on Heliopolis, the concept of a small Armour Vehicle (shielded) that can fit through a Stargate is put forward, this idea is taken up a set of prototypes will be operational within a year.

Light Armoured Vehicle (shielded) LAV(S) – Provisional Stats

Length: 5 meters
Height/depth: 3.8 meters (with cannons retracted) 4.7 meters with cannons extended
Engine unit(s): four anti gravity pods (max speed 30 MPH)
Power plant: 1 mini Naquadah reactor
Crew: 3 Driver, Gunner and Commander
Defensive Systems: Goa'uld based Shields
Sensor/Targeting systems: Goa'uld based sensors and targeting arrays
Armament: 1 twin EC-1 cannon system (retractable)

This is designed to provide some sort of ‘armoured’ support for Off World Exploration Sections on potentially hostile worlds. The main problem is that the AV must be able to fit through the Stargate this limits the amount of firepower that each AV can carry. The retractable twin EC-1 cannon system retracts into the top of the AV for transit through a Stargate, once through the twin EC-1 cannon system extends to fire.

The twin EC-1 cannon system once extended can traverse through only 100 degrees to the left and right, even with these limitations, the LAV(S) with its own shields give the Off World Exploration Sections some armoured support.

The first prototypes should be ready for testing in May 1978.

On the 23rd April 1977, National Front marchers clash with anti-Nazi protesters in London.

May 1977

On the 1st May 1977, the M5 motorway is completed when James Callaghan opens the final section to the east of Exeter, 15 years after the first section of the motorway opened some 160 miles north near Birmingham.

On the 3rd May 1977, HMS Invincible is launched at Barrow-in-Furness by the Queen, this will be the first of three Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) for the Royal Navy, these three Invincible class LPH with replace HMS Bulwark and HMS Hermes.

On the 17th May 1977, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom commences her 1977 Silver Jubilee tour in Glasgow.

On the 18th May 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visits Cumbernauld and Stirling.

On the 19th May 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visits Perth and Dundee.

On the 25th May 1977, Star Wars opens in cinemas and subsequently becomes the then-highest grossing film of all time.

On the 27th May 1977, Queen Elizabeth II opens the new Air Terminal Building at Edinburgh Airport. As part of the Queen’s visit to Scotland, the Queen (escorted only by her two SI-5 protection officers) visits Borthwick Castle (covertly) and then does a quick tour of Heliopolis, the visit to Heliopolis only last one hour, as the Queen would be missed if it lasted much longer.

The Queen will miss the visit by the new Asgard warship Mountbatten a few days later much to her majesty’s disappointment.

June 1977

On the 4th June 1977, without any warning the Asgard new warship Mountbatten drops out of hyperspace near Heliopolis with Thor in command, the arrival of this new Asgard warship is greeted with interest by everyone on Heliopolis.

The name of the new Asgard warship Mountbatten makes Dr Victoria Phillips contact Borthwick Castle (via the Stargate) to see if Mountbatten can come and see the warship class that has been, named after him.

Mountbatten will not arrive for several days, due to Elizabeth II's 25 years of reign celebrations Thor decides to wait, as his new ship can return to his home galaxy very quickly if needed.

When Mountbatten arrives, it will be for only a very brief visit then he must return to Earth with the Queen’s 25 celebrations Mountbatten cannot be absent for too long.

Between the 6th June and the 9th June 1977, Jubilee celebrations are held across the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Malta and Chagos Islands (British Indian Ocean Territory) to celebrate 25 years of Elizabeth II's reign.

On the 15th June 1977, Apophis decides to send a fast scout force to Abydos, this scout force drops out of hyperspace well clear of the planet and begins a long-range scan of Abydos. At the same time HMS Canada and HMS Australia the two warships assigned to guard duties at Abydos spot the Goa’uld scout force, both warships raise shields and prepare to launch their fighters, while moving on an intercept course.

As HMS Canada and HMS Australia close on the Goa’uld scout force, neither warship gets a chance to open fire, as the Goa’uld scout force jump back into hyperspace as soon as the two warships are detected. The Goa’uld scout force does not have time to do a detailed scan as they have orders to retreat as soon as any other warships are detected this means that they are unaware that both warships that tried to intercept them have Asgard technology fitted to them.

On the 16th June 1977, Abydos military command reports back about the encounter with the brief contact with a small Goa’uld force, the leadership of Project Phoenix assume that this is a scout force. Mountbatten orders that the first squadron be prepared to move to Abydos to assist in the defence, Mountbatten has good reason to send the first squadron to reinforce Abydos, this is to give his ships crew’s combat experience against the Goa’uld.

Mountbatten knows that the Goa’uld are unlikely to attack either Earth or Heliopolis with the Asgard threat hanging over them and based on what Seth has told him it is most likely one Goa’uld System Lord, not all of them.

On the 20th June 1977, the scout force sent by Apophis to scout out Abydos, returns and reports what they have found, this is what Apophis expected, after all last time he sent a warship to Abydos it was destroyed. Therefore Apophis assumed that there are warships protecting Abydos, Apophis is pleased that he has been proved right, Apophis however will not attack until next year, until sufficient forces have been built up.

On the 25th June 1977, Mountbatten makes a quick visit to Heliopolis to view the new Asgard warship class that has been named after him. After the tour (by himself) of the new Asgard warship, Mountbatten is correct in his assumption that the ties between the Asgard and Project Phoenix are getting closer.

On the 30th June 1977, SEATO is dissolved.

July 1977

On the 1st July 1977, on Heliopolis the first prototype Mark II Naquadah reactor goes online, the Mark II Naquadah reactor is the same size as the Mark I but with twice the power output. The Mark II Naquadah reactor must now go through many years of testing before the Mark II Naquadah reactor can begin to replace the Mark I, the Mark II Naquadah reactor will greatly improve the power output on the Black Prince class warships.

The Mark II Naquadah reactor will also, be used on a new design of warship that is in the early planning stages this new warship should enter operational service in the mid to late 1980s.

On the 31st July 1977, the rotation of the two Black Prince class warships guarding Abydos of the First Cruiser Squadron is shortened from a six-month deployment to every three months. This will allow all eight warships of the First Cruiser Squadron to be maintained a peak combat readiness.

First Cruiser Squadron

HMS Black Prince (Flagship)
HMS Resistance
HMS Royal Oak
HMS Hood
HMS Canada
HMS Australia
HMS New Zealand
HMS Tiger

August 1977

On the 1st August 1977, there is a sight change in the leadership of Project Phoenix, with Dr Victoria Phillips becoming Deputy Head of Project Phoenix and Alan Turing becoming Head of Research, while still being Head of Computer Research.

Richard Williams, will remain as Deputy Head of Research, as he did not wish to become Head of Head of Research.

A new post in created, Head of Linguistics with Tom Oliver filling this post, though there are no other candidates that have Tom Oliver’s ‘flair’ for languages.

Leaders Project Phoenix

Head of Project Phoenix – Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma
Deputy Head of Project Phoenix – Dr Victoria Phillips
Head of Research – Alan Turing
Deputy Head of Research – Richard Williams
Head of Computer Research – Alan Turing
Head of Linguistics – Tom Oliver
Commander Royal Space Fleet – Rear Admiral James Goodworthy
Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Richard Thomas
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Brigadier Hugh Walker
Commander of the Off World Exploration Regiment – Brigadier Ewan Tenant
Asgard Observer – Hermiod (with an Asgard Warship in orbit Heliopolis)

On the 10th August 1977, the Queen visits Northern Ireland as part of her Jubilee celebrations under tight security, Canberra recon aircraft operating from RAF Barra fitted with Goa'uld sensor pallet to keep any eye on things.

On the 12th August 1977, NASA’s Space Shuttle, named Enterprise, makes its first test free flight from the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).

On the 20th August 1977, the United States launches the Voyager 2 spacecraft.

On the 23rd August 1977, a new, smaller, £1 note is introduced.

September 1977

On the 1st September 1977, Seth is watching (again) the TV series Star Trek in his quarter on Heliopolis, Seth has become intrigued with this TV series, especially the ‘Phaser’ weapons. With his research into the ancient pistols ongoing, this TV series has given Seth the idea of using continuous beams rather than bolts, these beams will be blue in colour.

Seth also enjoys watching Star Trek Seth considers this series to be, fun to watch.

On the 6th September 1977, car industry figures show that foreign cars are outselling British-built ones for the first time. Japanese built Datsuns, German Volkswagens and French Renaults are proving particularly popular with buyers, although British-built products from Ford, British Leyland, Vauxhall and Chrysler UK are still the most popular.

This is not good news for the government owned British Layland.

On the 5th September 1977, Voyager 1 is launched after a brief delay.

On the 7th September 1977, treaties between Panama and the United States on the status of the Panama Canal are signed. The US agrees to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of the 20th century. This seems to match the UK deal over the Suez Canal however the US government strongly denies any link of any kind between the two deals that does not stop the press.

On the 8th September 1977, INTERPOL issues a resolution against the piracy of video tapes and other material, which is still cited in warnings on opening pre-credits of videocassettes and DVDs today.

On the 21st September 1977, a nuclear non-proliferation pact is signed by 15 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union.

On the 26th September 1977, Freddie Laker launches his new budget Skytrain airline, with the first single fare from Gatwick to New York costing £59, compared to the normal price of £186.

November 1977

On the 1st November 1977, Charlie Kowal discovers 2060 Chiron, first of the outer solar system asteroids known as Centaurs.

Falklands Islands 1977 (Operation Journeyman)

Operation Journeyman is a Royal Navy operation in which a Royal Navy squadron is sent to the Falkland Islands during November 1977 to prevent an Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. The forces sent include the nuclear powered submarine HMS Dreadnought and consisted of two frigates, Alacrity and Phoebe, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Resource and Olwen as support vessels.

The British government quietly without alarming the British public, made to deployment of this squadron known to the Argentinean government.

The Argentines rapidly became aware of the taskforce's presence, however their forces remained on Thule and Callaghan decided against the use of force to evict them, the threat to the Falklands themselves had been removed, for now. This action (or lack of) would be, later seen as a mistake by the Callaghan government, as this would be seen as one of the first events that would lead to the Falklands War in 1982.

During this operation, the Admiralty had made plans to send HMS Queen Elizabeth with her conventional air group of new Sea Harrier jets down to the Falkland Islands just in case the situation escalated, the plans envisaged a show of force, with the existing Royal Navy squadron that was heading towards the Falklands expanded to a full carrier battle group.

These instructions where never passed beyond the Admiralty building in London as the situation was defused, however it did show the Prime Minister the need for a fleet carrier as a powerful deterrent against both Soviet and none Soviet threats to the UK and her overseas territories.

This would later also be proved to Margaret Thatcher in 1982.

The public would not know about Operation Journeyman until 2005 with the release of the records under the freedom of information act.

On the 14th November 1977, Firefighters go on first ever, national strike, in hope of getting a 30% wage increase.

On the 15th November 1977, the Queen becomes a grandmother for the first time when Princess Anne gives birth to a son.

On the 19th November 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat becomes the first Arab leader to make an official visit to Israel, when he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, seeking a permanent peace settlement. The British government views this a good step forward for peace in the area, as it will also not threaten their stake in the Suez Canal.

On the 22nd November 1977, British Airways inaugurates regular London to New York City supersonic Concorde service, other Concorde routes by other airlines will soon follow.

December 1977

On the 1st December 1977, Lockheed's top-secret stealth aircraft project, designated Have Blue, precursor to the US F-117A Nighthawk, makes its first flight. This stealth technology has come from the notes of the scientist that where studying the remains of the crashed Asgard ship, before the Asgard ship and the bodies disappeared.

On the 16th December 1977, the Queen opens a £71million extension to the London Underground, which runs to Heathrow Airport.

On the 21st December 1977, four children die at a house fire in Wednesbury, West Midlands, as Green Goddess fire appliances crewed by hastily trained troops are sent to deal with the blaze while firefighters are still on strike.

On the 22nd December 1977, the Queen's first grandchild is christened Peter Mark Andrew Phillips.

On the 27th December 1977, the much-acclaimed Star Wars film, which has been a massive hit in America, is screened in British cinemas for the first time.

On the 30th December 1977, funding for the AEW versions of the Rotodyne is cut, thus leaving the Royal Navy with no AEW cover, there are currently no plans to introduce the AEW version of the Rotodyne. This funding issue will not, be fixed until early to mid 1982.

During 1978, Apophis will launch a series of attacks against Abydos the attacking Jaffa will be in for several surprises from the defending Project Phoenix forces.

Also during 1978, the Asgard will find something that they thought was lost.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

35. 1978

“I read a great number of press reports and find comfort in the fact that they are nearly always conflicting.” – Harold MacMillan

January 1978

On the 5th January 1978, the Heliopolis orbital dry-docks are finished, the construction of the first four warships using these new dry-docks, HMS Magnificent, HMS Bonaventure, HMS Vampire and HMS Vendetta are due to be completed by early 1980 and operational by end of 1980. Construction of the four Black Prince class warships is due to begin on the 1st February 1978, once final checks have been made on the orbital dry-docks.

The orbital dry-docks will allow the construction of larger warships that the planetary based dry-docks could not handle, as larger warships required the use of orbital dry-docks.

The two planetary based dry-docks will now be used for refitting warships (over the next few years) and not for construction, eventually these two planetary based dry-docks will be decommissioned and dismantled.

On the 10th January 1978, HMS Lion and HMS Ottawa (later to be renamed HMS Mountbatten December 1979) are launched, these two warships will be the last warships constructed on the planetary based dry-docks.

On the 18th January 1978, the European Court of Human Rights finds the United Kingdom government guilty of mistreating prisoners in Northern Ireland, but not guilty of torture. This verdict has no authority over the UK, as the UK is not part of the European Union, though it does cause the UK government some public embarrassment.

On the 24th January 1978, Soviet satellite Cosmos 954 burns up in Earth's atmosphere, scattering debris over Canada's Northwest Territories. One of the Osprey II fighters based in Canada could have shot down this satellite, this idea is dropped after it is feared that this would draw too many questions.

February 1978

On the 17th February 1978, inflation in the UK has fallen to 9.9% the first time since 1973 that it has been in single figures, though it will not save the current Labour government from losing the next election.

On the 18th February 1978, twenty suspects arrested in connection with the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombing of the La Mon restaurant in County Down, which had killed 12 people and injured 30. This is thanks to improved intelligence gathering, it also seems to prove that the reallocation of various intelligence assists is having a positive effect.

On the 28th February 1978, Apophis begins his initial plans to retake Abydos for the ‘rebels’, this plan should be complete by June and the attack should be ready to commence in July 1978.

March 1978

On the 14th March 1978, Israeli forces invade Lebanon as part of Operation Litani UK steps up conventional surveillance from international airspace on the Israeli operation, but will not make any direct intervention.

Heliopolis

By March 1978, Heliopolis is now a thriving and growing colony, as well as being the main research and manufacturing base for Project Phoenix, making this world a home to most of the people that live and work there. The majority of the population on Heliopolis does not return to Earth, only around ten percent do and this percentage of the population that does return to Earth is steadily shrinking.

The Heliopolis research, manufacturing and colony (in that order) has been expanding since its discovery in 1930, the current population is currently just over 255,000 personnel (both military and civilian including a growing number of children) this number is set to expand significantly, as the facilities expand on Heliopolis.

Most of the population are listed as permanent residents that they both work and live in the growing Heliopolis City formally known as ‘Heliopolis Village’. Heliopolis City has been able to expand much more quickly thanks to construction of new buildings using a mixture of Goa'uld and Asgard construction techniques, though mostly based on the latter with a few Asgard tweaks.

Heliopolis is virtually self sufficient in most items, though such things as books and films still need to be brought through the Stargate, as do some of the more exotic food items.

Heliopolis Mining

Within the Heliopolis system there is a large asteroid field, this asteroid field has more than enough raw materials to fulfil the production needs of the factories on Heliopolis for decades or even centuries to come. This supply of raw materials, is now replacing those raw materials coming from Abydos, if Abydos were lost the raw materials coming from Abydos would be not be a loss to Project Phoenix.

Abydos and her native population are considered expendable, a bit harsh, but Project Phoenix sees this as necessary, after all, they cannot protect every planet that they make contact with that would be impossible.

Heliopolis Gold Store

There is a supply of Gold (and other precious metals) stored on Heliopolis, this supply of Gold, is no longer sent back to Earth to add to Britain’s gold reserves, as Britain’s finances (along with the other three countries that are part of Project Phoenix) no longer need a supply of Gold for funding. As the four member countries of Project Phoenix, current Gold reserves (on Earth) are more than sufficient, though more Gold can be, supplied if needed.

April/May 1978

On the 18th April 1978, the US Senate votes 68–32 to turn the Panama Canal over to Panamanian control on the 31st December 1999. This vote is seen by many as the US coping Britain, as it is the same time limit as Britain’s fifty percent share in the Suez Canal.

On the 2nd May 1978, the first prototypes of the Light Armour Vehicle (Shielded) (LAV(S)) begin a 12-month long test program, by the end of May 1978, the initial tests show that these AV prototypes are very capable armoured vehicles, even though they are necessarily quite small.

On the 8th May 1978, Norway opens a natural gas field in the Polar Sea this gas field had been found the UK assistance, something that the Norwegian government thanks the UK government for their help.

On the 31st May 1978, the initial tests of the Light Armour Vehicle (shielded) show that this Vehicle is indeed suited to supporting the Off World Exploration Sections and even be fitted inside specially modified Fox Class shuttles, allowing for their transport by warship to a planet for deployment. So far, only one modified Fox Class shuttle exists, though if necessary more can be, manufactured once the tests have been completed.

June 1978

During June 1978, Apophis is putting together an attack force of six Ha'tak’s, these six Ha'tak’s are brand new, with many more under construction, Apophis thinks that six Ha'tak’s should be enough to take a single world. However, this time the Jaffa leading this force of six Ha'tak’s is under orders to withdraw if a greater force confronts his forces.

The reason for this order from Apophis is that Apophis want information about the unknown warships also Apophis cannot afford to lose too many Ha'tak’s.

This attack force will arrive at Abydos by the 1st July 1978.

On the 3rd June 1978, Freddie Laker is knighted.

On the 21st June 1978, an outbreak of shooting between Provisional IRA members and the British Army leaves one civilian and three IRA men dead, even with these extra assets the security services are still having problems with the IRA.

On the 22nd June 1978, Charon, a satellite of Pluto, is discovered.

July 1978

On the 1st July 1978, a force of six Ha'tak’s drops out of hyperspace, this time however the Jaffa in charge has dropped the six Ha'tak’s, well clear of Abydos, as the force of six Ha'tak’s closes on Abydos, all six ship begin to charge their weapons.

In orbit around Abydos are HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger, both warships immediately power their shields and weapons systems, along with preparing their fighters for launching.

On Abydos, the Stargate is dialled to report to Heliopolis what is happening, in orbit around Heliopolis the First Cruiser Squadron begin preparations to reinforce HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger at Abydos.

First Cruiser Squadron

HMS Black Prince (Flagship)
HMS Resistance
HMS Royal Oak
HMS Hood
HMS Canada
HMS Australia

HMS Lion and HMS Ottawa will remain at Heliopolis to continue their trials and to act as a reserve.

Meanwhile, in the space near Abydos

Both groups of warships are now closing on each other, the six Ha'tak’s each launch 12 Death Gliders (72 fighters in total), in response HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger launch all their Osprey II fighters (48 fighters in total).

As the two groups of fighters close on each other, the Jaffa flying the Death Gliders are unaware that the fighters approaching them are armed with missiles.

The crews of the 48 Osprey II fighters spread out to give their fighters the best chance of locking on to on approaching Death Gliders without getting in each other’s way, once within firing range each Osprey II fighter launches a single Red Nova air-to-air missile.

As the 48 Red Nova air-to-air missiles approach the Death Gliders, the Jaffa attempt evasive manoeuvres, this has limited effectiveness, as 39 of the 48 Red Nova air-to-air missiles gain a kill. This has now reduced the first wave of Death Gliders down from 72 to 33, this is not bad for a first combat use of the Red Nova missile the two sets of fighters now go into massive a dogfight in space around Abydos.

From his Ha'tak, the Jaffa in charge is not worried, as his ‘God’ Apophis has predicted this loss of most of his first wave of fighters (though not by air-to-air missiles). A second wave of 72 Death Gliders are launched to reinforce the first wave, a third wave of Death Gliders is also prepared for launch, just in case they are needed.

As the remains of the first wave of 33 Death Gliders are being engaged by about half the Osprey II fighters, the other half of the Osprey II fighters move to engage this second wave of 72 Death Gliders.

The second wave of 72 Death Gliders is also engaged by the Red Nova air-to-air missiles, however this time the Death Gliders open fire with their Staff Cannons in an attempt to destroy the incoming Red Nova missiles, this proves to be fairly effective defence, with only 19 Death Gliders being lost.

A massive dogfight in space continues between the two groups of fighters.

Heliopolis

The six Black Prince class warships of the First Cruiser Squadron are in the final stages of preparation to jump into hyperspace, they should be able to jump into hyperspace within the next few minutes.

Rear Admiral James Goodworthy will be onboard HMS Black Prince, Admiral Goodworthy believes in leading from the front.

Meanwhile, in the space near Abydos

The six Ha'tak’s are now within close sensor range of HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger, the Jaffa in charge is informed that these two warships is protected by shields of Asgard origin, this is not what the Jaffa in charge had expected.

The six Ha'tak’s continue towards HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger, in an attempt to get within weapons range, HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger are not closing rapidly on the six Ha'tak’s, as the two Captains have standing orders to keep the enemy at arm’s length until reinforcements arrive.

Abydos

Inside the recently discovered chamber, one of the archaeologists has just discovered a secret room beneath Ra’s great Pyramid, by focusing a beam of “Red Light” at a “Red Crystal” in the wall.

The Lost City (Atlantis) tablet is stored inside this hidden room in the pyramid.

Unfortunately, just as they have made this discovery, they are forced to evacuate back to Heliopolis, by the military, it will be a while before they can return and discover the Lost City tablet in the hidden room.

Meanwhile, in the space near Abydos

The six Ha'tak’s have now closed to maximum weapons range, with the Jaffa in charge ordering that three Ha'tak’s engage one of the two warships each, thus HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger are both now facing odds of three to one, though with the Asgard shields, this give HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger a fighting chance.

There are now two battles going on in the space near Abydos, the first if the fighter battle and the second is the capital ship battle, though the first is going Project Phoenixes way, as the Osprey II fighters and fairing much better against the Death Gliders.

Neither side at the moment is losing, however what the Jaffa do not know is that reinforcements will soon be dispatched to Abydos and then the odds will swing back in favour for the Project Phoenix forces.

Heliopolis

The six Black Prince class warships of the First Cruiser Squadron are now ready to depart Admiral Goodworthy onboard his flagship HMS Black Prince, orders his squadron to jump into hyperspace towards Abydos.

It will only take the six warships of the First Cruiser Squadron s few minutes to travel the distance to Abydos, HMS Defiance has been left behind, much to the annoyance of her Captain.

Several Minutes later in the space near Abydos

The six warships of the First Cruiser Squadron drop out of hyperspace, much to the surprise of the Jaffa in charge, the six Ha'tak’s are now outnumbered, though only by two. The Jaffa in charge has his orders, to make sure that his force is not destroyed and report if the number of warships he faces is greater than his, he issues the recall order to the Death Gliders to return.

The gunners onboard the six Ha'tak’s are ordered to lay down defensive fire for the returning Death Gliders also the gunners are ordered to engage the enemy warships and keep them at bay until all the Death Gliders have been recovered.

Several tense minutes go by during this time neither side is in any danger, though the space between the two forces is filled with energy bolts being exchanged between these two forces.

As soon as the last Death Gliders have been recovered, all six Ha'tak’s jump into hyperspace to report to Apophis what they have discovered.

The battle for Abydos is over the losses is as follows

Death Gliders lost – 51
Death Gliders damaged – 23

Osprey II fighters lost – 17
Osprey II fighters damaged – 21

No capital ships have been lost and both sides’ capital ships have only received very light damage, this is a nominal victory for Project Phoenixes forces, though if the six Ha'tak’s had remained no one really knows how the battle would have turned out. The most likely outcome is that Project Phoenixes forces would have been, forced to withdraw from Abydos. It is a good thing that a System Lord is commanding these forces as a System Lord does not make rational decisions that a normal commander would do.

On the 7th July 1978, the Solomon Islands become independent from the United Kingdom this is another close run vote for independence from the UK, the Solomon Islands will remain linked to the British Pound as part of the Sterling Zone, along with being a member of the Commonwealth.

On the 25th July 1978, Louise Brown, the world's first test tube baby, is born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK, the Asgard take great interest in this (when this news is relayed), as this is the way they started down their cloning route many thousands of years ago.

On the 31st July 1978, Apophis is pleased with the failed attack (Authors Note: Yes, you read that right, pleased). As this attack has confirmed his suspicions that this must be the same group of humans that the Asgard are protecting and that Lord Yu has got the other System Lords to agree not to attack the two other systems controlled by these humans.

For now, Apophis will bide his time and only launch limited attacks against Abydos to test their defences, until Apophis has tapped into the full resources of his territory (formally Ra’s), allowing him to build up his military forces to launch a full scale attack against Abydos.

Apophis will not inform the other System Lords about the discovery that these humans are using Asgard technology Apophis will keep this information to himself. If another System Lord were to attack Abydos with insufficient forces, then these forces would be, destroyed by these humans and weaken one or even more of the System Lords.

This idea appeals to Apophis, as it would weaken the other System Lords.

August 1978

On the 1st August 1978, Mountbatten has finished reading the report of the first major engagement between Project Phoenixes and Apophis’s, Mountbatten has come to the same conclusion that this was only a probing attack by Apophis. Seth had pointed out that no System Lord would launch such a limited attack, unless they were merely probing their enemies defences, Mountbatten and Admiral Goodworthy agree with Seth’s assessment.

However, there is little that Mountbatten can do about this threat, as Project Phoenixes space forces are nowhere strong enough to take on even a single System Lord. Large-scale warship construction has only just begun and it will be at least a decade before Project Phoenixes space forces are capable of mounting a major offensive against a single System Lord.

September 1978

On the 5th September 1978, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat begin the peace process at Camp David, Maryland.

On the 7th September 1978, in London, a poison-filled pellet, supposedly injected using an umbrella, poisons Bulgarian defector Georgi Markov, probably on orders of Bulgarian intelligence he dies 4 days later.

On the 17th September 1978, the Camp David Accords are signed between Israel and Egypt. In the background, the UK government has been quietly pushing this peace deal between Israel and Egypt, though the UK government will keep quiet about what they have been up to as the government feels as though this may harm the peace process.

On the 30th September 1978, Lord Yu is now aware that Apophis is having trouble retaking one of the former worlds that were ones Ra’s, Lord Yu thinks that this amusing, publicly he will continue to support Apophis even though Apophis is having problems controlling his new territory.

Lord Yu is used to waiting he is very patient.

One other System Lord is aware of Apophis’s problems, this is Lord Ba'al, Lord Ba'al is also playing a game in association with another former System Lord long thought dead. When this former System Lord is ready he will return and rid himself of many enemies, this former System Lord will not be ready to return until the mid to late 1990s.

October 1978.

On the 1st October 1978, the fighter losses suffered during the battle of Abydos have been made good. in addition, none of the civilian researches have been allowed to return, even though they have found the secret room of Ra, it will take a lot of pestering to get the military to allow the civilian researches to return.

Tuvalu becomes independent from the United Kingdom, though does not become a republic, the Queen remains the Head of State. Tuvalu relies on the Australian military for its countries defence, along with annual visit from a Royal Navy warship ‘showing the flag’.

On the 27th October 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin win the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord.

The UK government is very pleased at this news, though any information about the UK governments work in the background will be sealed under the 100-year rule.

November 1978

On the 1st November 1978, Seth and ‘his’ team studying the Ancient energy pistol have been able to copy the Ancient energy pistol with exception of the Power Crystal, this part is proving impossible to copy. However, Seth has fitted a Staff Weapon energy cell into the grip, this allows that pistol to work, even this is not a perfect solution, as the Staff Weapon energy cell cannot provide enough power that the Power Crystal can.

The Asgard has refused to copy the Power Crystal as this falls under the same reasoning as the Ancient Energy Module, though the Asgard are manufacturing the Ancient Energy Module from themselves and limited numbers for Project Phoenix (three so far two for HMS Defiance and one for the outpost as a spare).

This has led to the Staff Weapon energy cell having a very limited life compared to the Power Crystal the Staff Weapon energy cell only allows fifty kill shots or one hundred stun shots before depletion, the Power Crystal give over one hundred times the number of shots before it is drained.

There will be one other problem, with the Energy Pistol technology, neither Seth nor Project Phoenix personnel will be able to produce this Energy Pistol technology into such as a rifle or energy cannon, in this area of research the Asgard are refusing to help. Seth and Project Phoenix personnel can copy this Energy Pistol technology but not make larger versions, as they do not have the key knowledge to do this. This weapons technology is deemed too dangerous by the Asgard for Project Phoenix to have, though the Asgard has taken scans of this technology for their own use.

Even with these limitations these first generation Energy Pistols (EP-1) are more powerful than a Staff Weapon or even an ER-3, with limited production already commencing on these EP-1s.

On the 3rd November 1978, Dominica gains its independence from the United Kingdom, though this does little to solve the problems faced by the newly independent Dominica. This become another problem for the Commonwealth of Nations to try to solve (and fails).

On the 5th November 1978, Rioters sack the British Embassy in Tehran British Military forces in the area (the Gulf) are put on alert but are not used after the situation claims down.

December 1978

On the 1st December 1978, an Asgard science vessel drops out of hyperspace at the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, this Asgard science vessel detects another ship on its long ranged sensors. This ship is not in the Milky Way Galaxy but appears to be drifting in the void between galaxies.

The Asgard science vessel jumps into hyperspace towards this unknown ship, a few moments later the Asgard vessel drops out of hyperspace and to the surprise of the Asgard scientist Heimdall. Heimdall has discovered an Asgard ship that was lost over 30,000 years ago, the ship’s crew placed in suspended animation had left Othala for another galaxy. The ships navigational computers were damaged at some point during the journey and the ship drifted across galaxies, ultimately ending up in the Milky Way.

This find is of great significance to the Asgard as the Asgard hope that these ancestors of the Asgard will help reverse their cloning problem.

Heimdall is placed in charge of studying their ancestors in the hope of finding a cure.

Heimdall chooses Heliopolis as a place to put his lab, the Asgard High Council agree, but tell Heimdall that he is to keep the humans from the lab, for the time being, as the Asgard High Council do not want these humans to know able their cloning problem.

Heimdall will arrive at Heliopolis to seek permission to build a small Asgard outpost on Heliopolis, Heimdall is certain that these humans will agree to this.

On the 5th December 1978, an Asgard science vessel drops out of hyperspace on the Heliopolis system, much to the pleasant surprise of Project Phoenix personnel, they are getting used to the Asgard just ‘dropping in’ without warning.

Heimdall beams down from his ship to meet with Dr Phillips and Admiral Goodworthy. Heimdall is an Asgard geneticist (though neither Dr Phillips nor Admiral Goodworthy know this), unlike some of the other Asgard, Heimdall seems to show a much more friendly and (overly) enthusiastic attitude while dealing with Humans.

As Heimdall, beams into the room he says is a very friendly voice, “Greetings, I am Heimdall.” Walking towards Dr Phillips and shaking her hand vigorously, much to the surprise of Dr Phillips, the repeats this with Admiral Goodworthy.

What Heimdall says next floors both of them, “The Asgard would like to set up a small outpost on this planet, if this is acceptable to you?”

It takes Dr Phillips a few moments to recover from the shock of the question then she replies, “I would think that we would be honoured if the Asgard set up an small outpost on this planet”

Heimdall still in a happy tone replies, “There would be conditions from the Asgard regarding this outpost.”

Dr Phillips asks, “What would these conditions be?”

Heimdall replies, “That, this outpost would be ‘out of bounds’ to humans unless you are specifically invited to the outpost.”

Dr Phillips does not find this request odd as this is the same as the one to do with Asgard ships and replies, “That would be acceptable, anything else?”

Heimdall replies, “No that is all”

Dr Phillips says, “Good, perhaps when you have some time, we could give you a tour of the main areas?”

Heimdall in a cheerful and enthusiastic voice replies, “That would be interesting, thank you. I must go now to arrange the location of the outpost and then to begin construction of the outpost.”

Dr Phillips says, “See you soon then”

Heimdall beams back up to his ship.

Dr Phillips looks at Admiral Goodworthy and says, “That was unexpected”

Admiral Goodworthy replies, “Yes it was, we need to report this to Mountbatten.”

Dr Phillips says, “Agreed”

Once briefed on this new development, Mountbatten supports the building of an outpost by the Asgard on Heliopolis, after all having a permanent Asgard presence on Heliopolis would mean that the Asgard would be more likely to defend Heliopolis if this world is attacked.

On the 6th December 1978, the Spanish Constitution officially restores the country's democratic government, even though Spain does not officially recognise Gibraltar as part of the UK.

On the 18th December 1978, Heimdall informs Dr Phillips of the location that the Asgard will construct their outpost. The location is over one hundred miles from any facility on Heliopolis, this was to be expected, Dr Phillips gives her approval for constrction to begin at the Asgard’s leisure, this location is listed as ‘out of bounds’ for all Project Phoenix personnel, even over flights of that area are banned.

On the 22nd December 1978, the pivotal Third Plenum of the 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is held in Beijing, with Deng Xiaoping reversing Mao-era policies to pursue a program for Chinese economic reform.

On the 31st December 1978, construction of the Asgard Outpost on Heliopolis begins, with Asgard construction methods, this Asgard Outpost will be up and running by the 1st March 1979. As per there agreement with the Asgard, this Asgard Outpost will be out of bounds to all Project Phoenix personnel, Mountbatten is happy with this agreement as it does mean that a second Asgard ship (admittedly a science vessel) will be protecting Heliopolis.

During 1979, the Asgard will re-establish contact with an old ally after getting though a ‘back log’ of ‘paper work’ supplied by Project Phoenix, then certain ‘things’ will start to happed very quickly for the Asgard.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

36. 1979

“Being prime minister is a lonely job... you cannot lead from the crowd.” – Margaret Thatcher

January 1979

On the 1st January 1979, the United States and the People's Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations the US is however behind the UK this time.

On the 5th January 1979, across the UK lorry drivers go on strike, causing new shortages of heating oil and fresh food the MoD puts the military on standby to get heating oil and fresh food across the country, but they will not be needed.

On the 10th January 1979, at the Woomera rocket launch facility, representatives from the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand announce the creation of the HOTOL (Horizontal Take-Off and Landing) program. All four governments see the HOTOL program as a way of expressing this national pride (and reducing unemployment in their respective countries) that all four governments could benefit from and a way of reducing launch costs.

The HOTOL is designed as a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable winged launch vehicle it is to be fitted with a unique liquid air cycle engine (LACE), the RB545, built by Rolls Royce. The engine is technically a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen design; but by collecting and liquefying oxygen from the air as the spacecraft climbed out of the atmosphere the amount of LOX (liquid oxygen) carried onboard will be, dramatically reduced. Since LOX typically represents the majority of the takeoff weight of a rocket, HOTOL was considerably smaller than normal all-LOX designs, roughly the size of a medium-haul airliner such as the McDonnell Douglas DC-9/MD-80.

The first version of HOTOL will be 63 metres long, 7 metres in diameter and with a wingspan of 28 metres. The unmanned craft is intended to put a payload of around seven tonnes in orbit. It is intended to take off from a runway, the engine is intended to switch from jet propulsion to pure rocket propulsion at 26-32 km high, by which time the craft would be travelling at Mach 5 to 7. After reaching orbit, HOTOL is designed to re-enter the atmosphere and glide down to land on a conventional runway.

The design team is a joint effort between Rolls Royce, British Aerospace and Hawker Siddeley Aerospace led by John Scott and Dr Bob Parkinson, later both would receive hereditary peerages for their efforts on the HOTOL program, at their time of retirement from the HOTOL program.

The first version of HOTOL is to be called HOTOL A this would be unmanned cargo carrier (such as satellites) the second version is called HOTOL B would be a manned version with no cargo carrying facilities. The HOTOL B will be used in conjunction with the planned Space Station, though the Space Station has not been publically announced yet.

The joint British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian rocket program is named as the Woomera Rocket Program after the launch site in Australia this whole program will operate under the strict control of the four member countries of the Woomera Rocket Program.

By the early 1980’s the HOTOL project would be well under way and a launch site in Australia is the Woomera Rocket launch facility, the first launch of a HOTOL is expected in either 1983 or 1984.

This news takes both the US and the Soviet Union by surprise, they both respond that they do not think that the HOTOL project will ever work (they will be proved wrong).

On the 12th January 1979, the civilian researches are allowed to return Abydos, they immediately begin to catalogue all the artefacts in secret room of Ra, none of them realise the significance of a tablet (yet) that they catalogue or that there is another secret compartment within the room.

All these artefacts will be sent back to Heliopolis for a much more detailed study, though with the amount of artefacts that are being gathered for study Heliopolis does have a ‘bit’ of a back log, it will take several years for tablet to reach the ‘top of the pile’ for detailed study.

On the 15th January 1979, in the UK rail workers begin a 24-hour strike.

On the 22nd January 1979, in the UK, tens of thousands of public-workers strike in the beginning of what will become known as the “Winter of Discontent”.

February 1979

On the 1st February 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Tehran, Iran after nearly 15 years of exile.

Also on the 1st February 1979, gravediggers call off a strike in Liverpool, which has already delays dozens of burials.

On the 3rd February 1979, Khomeini creates the Council of the Islamic Revolution.

On the 7th February 1979, Supporters of Khomeini take over the Iranian law enforcement, courts and government administration; the final session of the Iranian National Consultative Assembly is held.

Between the 10th February and the 11th February 1979, the Iranian army mutinies and joins the Islamic Revolution.

On the 11th February 1979, Khomeini seizes power in Iran, overthrowing Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi.

On the 14 February 1979, in Kabul, Muslim extremists kidnap the American ambassador to Afghanistan, Adolph Dubs, who is later killed during a gunfight between his kidnappers and police.

Also on the 14th February 1979, Saint Valentine's Day Concordat between Trades Union Congress and Government, The Economy, the Government, and Trade Union Responsibilities, marks an end to the “Winter of Discontent”. At the upcoming General Election, the people will not forget what the government did during the “Winter of Discontent”.

On the 22nd February 1979, Saint Lucia becomes independent of the United Kingdom, Saint Lucia will remain in the Sterling Zone as it is becoming know, with its currency linked the British Pound, along with the Queen remaining Head of State.

March 1979

On the 1st March 1979, Scotland votes narrowly for home rule, which is not implemented and Wales votes against it.

On the 2nd March 1979, the Asgard outpost is complete, Heimdall moves into the outpost along with the cryogenically frozen Asgard was discovered after 30,000 years being adrift, the Asgard came to believe the last perfectly preserved Asgard ancestor might hold the key to the Asgard's failing cloning technology.

None of the humans of Project Phoenix will be allowed inside this Asgard outpost, the outpost is fitted with an Asgard shield to protect it and to stop any unauthorised entry.

On the 4th March 1979, Voyager I space probe photos reveal Jupiter's rings.

On the 5th March 1979, Voyager I makes its closest approach to Jupiter at 172,000 miles.

On the 10th March 1979, a Black Prince rocket is launched from Woomera, this carries an all New Zealand crew they will remain in orbit for twelve days before returning safely.

On the 25th March 1979, the first fully functional space shuttle orbiter, Columbia, is delivered to the John F. Kennedy Space Centre, to be prepared for its first launch.

On the 28th March 1979, in Britain, Jim Callaghan's minority Labour government loses a motion of confidence by 1 vote, forcing a general election which is to be held on the 3rd May 1979.

At Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania America's most serious nuclear power plant accident happens, this will have little effect of Britain’s nuclear power station building program.

On the 30th March 1979, Airey Neave is assassinated by the Irish National Liberation Army this murder, would be followed by the assassination of Mountbatten on the 27th August 1979. This comes as a personnel shock to Margret Thatcher the soon to be Prime Minister, along with all the powers that the new Prime Minister will posses.

At the end of 1979, another murder by the IRA will finally along with the new Prime Minister move the technology of Project Phoenix (covertly) into the forefront in fighting the IRA.

On the 31st March 1979, the Royal Navy reinforces its forces deployed to Malta to allow reinforcement to the Gulf due to the problems in Persia (Iran) to evacuate the embassy staff is necessary.

April 1979

On the 1st April 1979, Iran's government becomes an Islamic Republic by a 98% vote, overthrowing the Shah officially.

On the 13th April 1979, the La Soufière volcano erupts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines a Royal Navy force is sent to assist, the population gratefully receives this help from the UK.

On the 30th April 1979, Project Phoenix leadership devises a secret report about the UK nuclear deterrent, this report points out that this deterrent is pointless as the firepower that Project Phoenix possess means that the UK does need a nuclear deterrent. This report will be, read by the new Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher allowing Thatcher from 1980 onwards to remove the land based nuclear missiles these will be decommissioned by the end of the 1980s.

This intern will reduce the UKs nuclear stockpile from just over 1,000 nuclear weapons to 750 by the end of the 1980s this will leave the US and the USSR more than a bit puzzled at the UK nuclear stance.

May 1979

On the 4th May 1979, the UK general election shows that the Conservatives have won and Margaret Thatcher becomes the country’s first female prime minister.

On the 5th May 1979, the new Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is briefed on Project Phoenix and what this project has done for Britain (along with the three other countries that know of this project), along with what is in the works. Unlike other Prime Ministers, Margaret Thatcher is not overly shocked and offers her full support to this project, just as all her predecessors had done.

The Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher does ask for a tour of Heliopolis within the next twelve months, Mountbatten agrees to this as he thinks that the more a PM gets involved the more support he will get, Margaret Thatcher will be one of the few Prime Ministers to have a look at the ever-expanding facilities on Heliopolis.

Margaret Thatcher will prove that her nickname of “The Iron Lady”, Thatcher will be the first Prime Minster to use the resources (covertly) to help fight the IRA (amongst others).

On the 21st May 1979, Conservative MPs back Margaret Thatcher's proposals to sell off parts of some nationalised industries. During the year, the Government will begin to sell its stake in British Petroleum.

On the 31st May 1979, Apophis launches another raid against Abydos, the raid causes no damage to either side Apophis is merely testing the defences while still building up his own military forces.

Further raids against Abydos are most likely by Apophis over the coming months and years, Apophis is setting himself on a collision course with Project Phoenixes military forces and these military forces do not fight as a System Lord would.

June 1979

On the 1st June 1979, Hermiod has finally gotten around to reading through the mission reports provided to him by Project Phoenix, by midday Hermiod has reached the report about the world of Gaia. The invisible fly creatures remind Hermiod about the Nox, Hermiod immediately begins to read this report in detail.

Once Hermiod has read this report, he is certain that this is the race known as the Nox, Hermiod consults with Heimdall who agrees that this must be the Nox.

After consulting with the Asgard High Council, Hermiod takes Heimdall’s Asgard Science Vessel to Gaia to try to re-establish contact with the Nox, the Asgard do not inform the humans of Project Phoenix of their potential discovery.

On the 3rd June 1979, an Asgard Science Vessel with Hermiod onboard drops out of hyperspace in to orbit around Gaia. Hermiod activates the correct frequency top contact the Nox and says, “I am Hermiod of the Asgard, I seek the Nox Elders under the terms of the Alliance of the Four, the Asgard need your assistance if you do not help us our race will die.”

Hermiod thought to himself, that this might be a bit harsh, but he needed to get the attention of the Nox High Council and as the Nox believed in preserving life and not taking it, the Nox are bound to offer their help to an old ally.

A few moments later that communication system bleep, Hermiod activated the link, the Nox were replying, the image of a Nox appeared in front of Hermiod, the Nox says, “I am Opher leader of the Nox Elders, greetings Hermiod.”

Hermiod bows his head and replies, “Greetings Opher leader of the Nox Elders, thank you for agreeing to speak to me.”

Opher bows slightly to Hermiod and says, “We could not ignore an old friend in their time of need, please come down, I will send you coordinates.”

Hermiod bows his head and replies, “I will beam down immediately” the Asgard Science Vessels sensors show one of the Nox’s flying city’s becoming visible, a few moments later a set of coordinates are transmitted to the Asgard Science Vessel.

Hermiod activated the Asgard Science Vessel transporter and beams down to the Nox city to begin discussions with the Nox, to see if they can help with the Asgard cloning problem or at least allow the Asgard to postpone their cloning problem until a more permanent solution is discovered by the Asgard.

These discussions will take time as the Nox do not come to a decision very quickly, Hermiod needs to be claim and state his case very carefully to the Nox Elders, if the Nox Elders agree to help then the Nox will devote their considerable talents to helping the Asgard.

As Hermiod explains his problem, this takes several hours, Hermiod ends with the statement that the Asgard as a race will die out without the help from their old ally, this is again a bit harsh, but Hermiod feels that it is necessary.

The Nox Elders, confer amongst themselves for something before Opher says, “The Nox will be happy to help our friends, in addition, the Alliance that was once lost is now reformed, with our two races.”

Hermiod is stunned as this was not what he was expecting the Nox to go this far as reforming the Great Alliance, Hermiod replies, “It is agreed, the Alliance that was once lost is now reformed.”

Opher bows at Hermiod who return’s Opher bow.

Opher says, “We have much work to do, we will need all your cloning research.”

Hermiod replies, “I will have my ship transmit the information, as soon as I have the frequency.”

A short time later, the Nox have all of the Asgards cloning research has been transmitted to the Nox, the only other item is that the humans of Project Phoenix must not be involved as the Nox consider them ‘too young’ for such matters, Hermiod agrees to this request.

The Asgard will keep their current relations with the humans of Project Phoenix, but not inform them of the Nox.

Hermiod now feels as though the Asgard race will once again grow, now that they have the assistance of the Nox, two races of the great alliance have now, been reformed.

On the 12th June 1979, the new Conservative government's first budget sees the Chancellor Geoffrey Howe cut the standard tax rate by 3p and slashes the top rate from 83% to 60%.

Further tax cuts are on their way to help the UK economy, though these tax cuts will take time to take effect.

On the 18th June 1979, Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev sign the SALT II agreement in Vienna the UK government had been informed in advance of these talks that this was a talk between the US and USSR and not intended to keep the UK out.

On the 25th June 1979, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Haig escapes an assassination attempt by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist organization.

On the 30th June 1979, Hermiod returns to Heliopolis to resume his position as Asgard observer, Hermiod also bring a number of Nox who will work with Heimdall in the Asgard research facility on Heliopolis. As per the agreement with the Asgard the Nox, being on Heliopolis will be kept from the humans of Project Phoenix.

July 1979

On the 1st July 1979, the Nox on Heliopolis begin a very detailed study of the Asgard cloning problem, the Nox’s knowledge in this area far exceeds the Asgard. If the Nox where not pacifists, then the Nox would be as great as the Ancients the technological knowledge of the Nox is greater than that of the Asgard with the exception of weapons technology.

On the 3rd July 1979, President Jimmy Carter signs the first directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul.

On the 5th July 1979, the Queen attends the 1,000th annual sitting of the Isle of Man's Parliament, Tynwald, much to the delight of the people of the Isle of Man.

On the 11th July 1979, NASA's first orbiting space station Skylab begins its return to Earth, after being in orbit for 6 years and 2 months this seems to be a very short life for a space station.

On the 12th July 1979, Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands) becomes independent of the United Kingdom they will also become part of the Sterling Zone along with the Commonwealth, linking their currency with the British Pound rather than the US dollar.

On the 23rd July 1979, the government announces £4billion worth of public spending cuts defence is not among those areas to be cut.

On the 31st July 1979, the Asgard High Council agrees to share their knowledge of the Ancient Energy Module with the Nox the Nox Elders accept this knowledge from the Asgard. The Ancient Energy Module will help power their flying cities also like the Asgard the Nox are interested in the Ancient Energy Module to see if they can produce one from scratch rather than copying them.

August 1979 (will also, be known as Black August)

In August 1979, at the age of eleven, Rodney McKay builds a non-working nuclear bomb for the science fair. This prompts a visit from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Rodney McKay though he would go to jail after realising what he has done, but when an unidentified group of sinister men turn up, the Canadian Mounted Police drop the matter with no reason why.

Rodney McKay’s replica of non-working nuclear bomb is confiscated for examination by the authorities (Project Phoenix).

These men (Canada’s SI-5 equivalent) are linked to Project Phoenix and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are ordered to drop the matter, Project Phoenix will help with Rodney McKay’s education, steering him in the ‘right direction’.

On the 27th August 1979, the Provisional Irish Republican Army assassinates Lord Mountbatten of Burma and three others. Mountbatten being a British admiral, statesman and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, though what the IRA could not know is that Mountbatten was also the head of the most powerful project on the planet. On the same day, the Warrenpoint ambush occurs the Provisional Irish Republican Army members attack a British convoy at Narrow Water, County Down, killing 18 British soldiers.

On the 28th August 1979, the death toll of the previous day's IRA bombing reaches 5 when Doreen Knatchbull, Baroness Brabourne, 83, dies in a hospital as a result of her injuries.

On the 29th August 1979, Dr Victoria Phillips becomes (acting) Head of Project Phoenix, with Alan Turing becoming (acting) Deputy Head of Project Phoenix whilst also remaining Head of Computer Research and Head of Research at the same time.

On the 31st August 1979, Richard William’s steps down as Deputy Head of Research, this post will not be immediately refilled the shock of Mountbatten’s murder is too much for him to continue.

The IRA have inadvertently brought upon themselves their own destruction, as the new Prime Minister Margret Thatcher orders that SI-5 use all the resources that it has at its disposal to break the IRA. SI-5 will use the reconnaissance aircraft fitted with Goa'uld sensors to locate the IRA’s concealed arms dumps, in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, between January 1980 and December 1981 a number of the IRA’s arms dumps are located and seized.

As these arms dumps are found the media are informed that these arms dumps were found due to intelligence operations by the British security services, the media are not any details, this allow the UK media to speculate wildly (and very inaccurately) on how the locations of these arm dumps could have been found.

The British government does not correct the media’s speculation, as the British government does not comment of the operations of the British security services.

These concentrated operations will mean that other intelligence operations by the British security services will have to be either greatly reduced or withdrawn the withdrawn operations include those for Central and South America.

The discovery of these IRA arms dumps does not stop the IRA attacks, though it does slow them up, in 1984 the IRA will try (and fail) to take out the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at the conservatives party conference at Brighton.

This will lead to an intensification of operations and the use of ‘other methods’ with SI-5 let off the ‘leash’ by Prime Minister Margret Thatcher.

September 1979

On the 1st September 1979, Pioneer 11 becomes the first spacecraft to visit Saturn, when it passes the planet at a distance of 21,000 km.

On the 5th September 1979, the Queen leads the mourning at the funeral of Lord Mountbatten of Burma. The Queen is well aware that the new Prime Minister is using (covertly) the technologies of Project Phoenix to deal with the IRA in this respect the Prime Minister has the Queen’s unofficial (verbal) support in this matter.

On the 10th September 1979, British Leyland announces that production of MG cars will finish in the autumn of next year, in a move, which will see the Abingdon plant closed.

On the 14th September 1979, the UK government announces plans to regenerate the London docklands with housing and commercial developments.

On the 30th September 1979, the new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales enters operational service with the Royal Navy, the carriers HMS Gibraltar and HMS Africa are placed in reserve, this will leave the Royal Navy will only two carriers over the short term. Unlike their two sister ships, these two ships will not, be scrapped, instead they will be sold to India along with a complement of Sea Harriers FRS.1s (P.1154) the Commonwealth is proving to be good for India.

This deal is due to be signed in 1980, with the first of the two carriers sent to India, in early 1982 and the second in 1984.

October 1979

On the 11th October 1979, Godfrey Hounsfield (later Sir Godfrey Hounsfield) wins the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with Allan McLeod Cormack "for the development of computer assisted tomography".

On the 23rd October 1979, all remaining foreign exchange controls abolished within the UK.

On the 27th October 1979, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gains independence from the UK they like other form countries of the former British Empire will become part of the Sterling Zone.

On the 30th October 1979, Apophis launches yet another raid against Abydos, as with previous raids this achieves nothing with both sides suffering no losses or battle damage of any kind.

November 1979

On the 1st November 1979, Iranian Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini urges his people to demonstrate on the 4th November 1979 and to expand attacks on United States and Israeli interests.

On the 4th November 1979, 3,000 Iranian radicals, mostly students, invade the US Embassy in Tehran and take 90 hostages (53 of whom are American). They demand that the United States send the former Shah of Iran back to stand trial.

On the 12th November 1979, in response to the hostage situation in Tehran, President Jimmy Carter orders a halt to all oil imports into the United States from Iran.

On the 14th November 1979, President Jimmy Carter issues Executive Order 12170, freezing all Iranian assets in the United States and US banks in response to the hostage crisis.

On the 17th November 1979, Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini orders the release of 13 female and African American hostages being held at the US Embassy in Tehran.

On the 20th November 1979, a group of 200 Juhayman al-Otaibi militants occupy Mecca's Grand Mosque. They are driven out by French commandos (allowed into the city under these special circumstances despite their being non-Muslims) after bloody fighting that leaves 250 people dead and 600 wounded.

On the 21st November 1979, after false radio reports from the Ayatollah Khomeini that the Americans had occupied the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the United States Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan is attacked by a mob and set afire, killing 4 (see Foreign relations of Pakistan).

On the 25th November 1979, the UK offers to assist in any rescue attempt of the US hostages the US government turns down this offer of assistance from the UK, but does thank the UK for the offer. If the US had accepted then the UK could have provided unique intelligence on the disposition of Iran’s military, as well as the locations of the hostages.

On the 23rd November 1979, in Dublin, Ireland, Provisional Irish Republican Army member Thomas McMahon is sentenced to life in prison for the assassination of Lord Mountbatten of Burma.

On the 30th November 1979, Thomas McMahon is drugged and is secretly taken from Prison in Ireland to the UK for questioning, the Irish government has been heavily pressurised into doing this by the UK government. Only a very few in the Republic know of what is happening and they know that keeping their mouths shut is the best path to take.

McMahon is brought before Seth who uses a variant of his Nish'ta brainwashing drug to get all the information that McMahon knows, once this is done the effects are reversed with a shot from a Zat'nik'tel. When McMahon wakes up in prison he has no knowledge of what happened to him, he merely thinks that he has been, asleep this amnesia of the questioning is the side effects of the variant of Nish'ta brainwashing drug.

This is not the last time that this drug will be used, now that the first ‘trial’ of this drug is a success, Irish government will not keep any record of this ‘questioning’ of McMahon, those few that do know that the British had him for a short while will take this knowledge to the grave with them.

December 1979

On the 1st December 1979, the first BBC Micro goes on sale, though initial sales to the general public are slow, in the 1980 budget, the Conservative government announces the procurement of several million BBC Micro’s for every school across the UK (including Gibraltar, Malta etc).

The BBC Microcomputer System, or BBC Micro, will become a series of microcomputers and associated peripherals designed and built by Acorn Computers for the BBC Computer Literacy Project, operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation. Designed with an emphasis on education, it was notable for its ruggedness, expandability and the quality of its operating system.

With the coming of the government order for several million BBC Micro’s, the owners of Acorn Computers will become multi millionaires by the end of the 1980s and billionaires by the end of the 1990s. Acorn Computers would remain a private company and would not seek a listing on the stock market.

By 1982, production of the BBC Micro was unable to keep up with demand, in 1983, the government approved a £100 million loan to Acorn Computers to rapidly increase production with addition money if need. The reason for this government loan to Acorn Computers is that the banks did not consider a loan to Acorn Computers as a safe investment, as the bankers thought the public’s interest in these ‘personnel computers’ would not last.

The bankers would be proved wrong, interest in personnel computers would last and continue to grow, and the government would not only get it £100 million loan to Acorn Computers back, but with interest as well.

The BBC Micro’s would start will Model A and Model B, these first two models would be replaced by the mid 1980 by the improved (and cheaper) Model C and Model D, every eighteen months after that, improved models of the BBC Micro would come onto the market.

In the UK, the BBC Micro would spawn a generation of UK computer experts that learn their ‘trade’ on the BBC Micro.

Overseas sales of the Acorn computer (BBC Micro) were initially very slow (with the exception of Australia, Canada and New Zealand producing licensed version of the Acorn computer). The Acorn computer would start to see strong overseas sales by the mid to late 1980s.

On the 6th December 1979, the world premiere for Star Trek The Motion Picture is held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC a copy of this film is ‘acquired’ for Seth who is becoming a huge Star Trek fan.

On the 10th December 1979, HMS Ottawa is renamed HMS Mountbatten in honour of the former leader of Project Phoenix.

On the 20th December 1979, Thatcher government publishes Housing Bill, which would give Council House tenants the right to buy their homes from next year.

On the 21st December 1979, a ceasefire for Rhodesia is signed in London this has been done by the UK along with the Commonwealth without US assistance.

On the 27th December 1979, the Soviet Union seizes control of Afghanistan, and Babrak Karmal replaces overthrown and executed President Hafizullah Amin.

In January 1980, will see the launch of the first four Black Prince class warships constructed in the Heliopolis orbital dry-docks

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

37. 1980

“Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.” – Margaret Thatcher

January 1980

During early January 1980, the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would define Britain’s energy policy (for the next few decades to come) this being the Nuclear Power would provide up to fifty percent of Britain’s energy needs. The current crop of British Mark 1 PWR’s would soon, be supplemented by the Mark 2 PWR’s starting with Sizewell B, with construction starting in 1988 and becoming operational in 1995.

Alongside these new Mark 2 PWR’s, some of the existing Mark 1 PWR’s will be, upgraded to the Mark 2 standard.

The Mark 2 PWR’s will have 40 years of operational life, extendable to 80 years prior to complete overhaul and the replacement of the reactor pressure vessel.

Already on the drawing board are the Mark 3 PWR’s, these advanced Nuclear Power Stations will have 60 years of operation, extendable to 120+ years prior to complete overhaul and reactor pressure vessel replacement. The first of these Mark 3 PWR’s (Sizewell C) should begin construction in 1997 and become operational in 2006, with some of the yet to be upgraded Mark 1 PWR’s being upgraded to Mark 3 PWR’s rather than Mark 2 PWR standard.

The British government hopes that up to half of Britain’s energy needs will be provided by Nuclear Power by the end of the 20th Century, if construction continues at this rate, the government will easily meet its target. All Nuclear Power Stations and Nuclear Reprocessing Plants in the UK are government owned and controlled there are no plans to privatise British Nuclear Power.

Even with the ‘three mile island’ incident in the US, the British government is still pushing ahead with its nuclear power station program.

On the 2nd January 1980, Workers at British Steel go on a nationwide strike over pay called by the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, which has some 90,000 members among British Steel's 150,000 workforce in a bid to get a 20% rise. It is the first steelworks strike since 1926. This brings them under the surveillance of SI-5 with its unlimited powers SI-5 does not need a court order, just an authorisation from the head of SI-5 these powers also allow other agencies to be subordinated to SI-5 for surveillance work.

On the 4th January 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaims a grain embargo against the USSR with the support of the European Commission and the UK government, as without the UK this would not be very effective grain embargo, as the UK can bring the Commonwealth in on this embargo.

On the 6th January 1980, these first four Black Prince class warships are launched from the Heliopolis orbital dry docks these are HMS Magnificent, HMS Bonaventure, HMS Vampire and HMS Vendetta. These four ships will begin their trials at the end of January 1980 with the trials being completed at the end of 1980 these four ships will join HMS Mountbatten and HMS Lion as the second cruiser squadron.

On the 10th January 1980, construction begins in the orbital dry docks of the next four Black Prince class warships, these next four warships will be named HMS Illustrious, HMS Indomitable, HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable.

These four warships will be launched in January 1982 two of these warships will bring the second cruiser squadron up to full strength and the other two will form the basis of the third cruiser squadron.

On the 17th January 1980, British Steel announces that more than 11,000 jobs in Wales will be, axed by the end of next month, even though British shipbuilding is growing, British Steel workers have become too greedy for their own good.

On the 21st January 1980, the London Gold Fixing hits its highest price ever (adjusted for inflation), at US$850 a troy ounce making the value of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand’s secret gold reserves (situated on Heliopolis) jump in value.

On the 26th January 1980, Israel and Egypt establish diplomatic relations, with covert help from the UK.

February 1980

On the 4th February 1980, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini names Abolhassan Banisadr as president of Iran.

On the 14th February 1980, Margaret Thatcher announces that state benefit to strikers will be, halved.

On the 20th February 1980, a Black Prince rocket is launched from Woomera this carries an all-Australian crew they will remain in orbit for eleven days before returning safely.

On the 23rd February 1980, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini states that Iran's parliament will decide the fate of the American embassy hostages.

On the 25th February 1980, the first episode of the popular political television sitcom Yes Minister broadcast by the BBC, this program will elude to a number of secret programs in a comic format (another cover for Project Phoenix). If Project Phoenix was revelled the government could treat it as a joke, as no member of parliament wants to admit that he or she believes in flying saucers, that would be the end of them as an MP!

March 1980

On the 1st March 1980, the Voyager 1 probe confirms the existence of Janus, a moon of Saturn.

On the 4th March 1980, Robert Mugabe is elected Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

On the 6th March 1980, William Whitelaw the current Deputy Prime Minister and Home Secretary is appointed as Mountbatten’s replacement as Head of Project Phoenix this comes as a shock to Dr Victoria Phillips as she was expecting to become Head of Project Phoenix.

Leaders Project Phoenix

Head of Project Phoenix – William Whitelaw
Deputy Head of Project Phoenix – Dr Victoria Phillips
Head of Research – Alan Turing
Deputy Head of Research – Vacant
Head of Computer Research – Alan Turing
Head of Linguistics – Tom Oliver
Commander Royal Space Fleet – Rear Admiral James Goodworthy
Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Richard Thomas
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Brigadier Hugh Walker
Commander of the Off World Exploration Regiment – Brigadier Ewan Tenant
Asgard Observer – Hermiod (with an Asgard Warship in orbit Heliopolis)

However, unlike Mountbatten William Whitelaw will not run Project Phoenix directly but leave the day-to-day running of Project Phoenix to Dr Victoria Phillips. This will give Dr Phillips considerable autonomy in the day-to-day running of Project Phoenix, also Dr Phillips will be in command of the military forces of Project Phoenix, by Whitelaw’s direct order.

The military of Project Phoenix are not that happy about that as they would a have preferred one of their own to be in charge of military operations.

The post of Deputy Head of Research remains vacant, though there was a brief thought of making Seth Deputy Head of Research, but that idea was quickly dropped.

On the 21st March 1980, President Jimmy Carter announces that the United States will boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow the UK will not boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, putting the UK and US at odds.

On the 31st March 1980, HMS Defiance makes ready to depart for Earth this is to test the Asgard stealth systems, as HMS Defiance is going to spend a month in orbit around Earth to see if she can be spotted.

HMS Defiance also has several other missions while is Earth orbit as well.

April 1980

On the 1st April 1980, the steelworkers' strike is called off, with the Prime Minster knowing this before anyone else, thanks to SI-5 surveillance, with the strike over the surveillance is ended.

On the 2nd April 1980, HMS Defiance jumps into hyperspace, a short time later she drops out of hyperspace near Earth, an hour later HMS Defiance is in high geo-stationery orbit above the UK.

On the 3rd April 1980, the Deputy Prime Minister William Whitelaw ‘rings’ up to HMS Defiance form the ring transporters under the Old War Office Building (London), Whitelaw is very impressed with HMS Defiance after her Captain Jason Timms gives Whitelaw a full tour of the ship. Whitelaw had questioned the need for the current shipbuilding program on Heliopolis, but after seeing Defiance and talking to Captain Timms, Whitelaw has changed his mind, the shipbuilding program will continue as set out by Mountbatten.

At the end of the day, Whitelaw is ‘ringed’ back to the Old War Office Building in London the cover story is that Whitelaw is having extensive defence briefings by the Ministry of Defence staff.

On the 7th April 1980, the United States severs diplomatic relations with Iran and imposes economic sanctions, following the taking of American hostages on the 4th November 1979.

On the 9th April 1980, HMS Defiance shifts orbit slightly to a geo-stationery orbit above the Canada, with the Canadian Prime Minister visiting HMS Defiance, again Captain Timms gives the same tour that Whitelaw had. Like Whitelaw, the Canadian Prime Minister is now more certain that Project Phoenix should be supported.

On the 10th April 1980, Spain and the United Kingdom agree to reopen the border between Gibraltar and Spain, closed since 1969, even though Spain does not recognise that Gibraltar is now part of the UK and never will.

On the 12th April 1980, HMS Defiance shifts orbit slightly again to a geo-stationery orbit above the New Zealand and Australian, with the New Zealand Prime Minister visiting HMS Defiance first, again Captain Timms gives the same tour that Whitelaw had. Like Whitelaw, the New Zealand Prime Minister is now more certain that Project Phoenix should be supported.

On the 13th April 1980, the Australian Prime Minister visits HMS Defiance, again Captain Timms gives the same tour that Whitelaw had. Like Whitelaw, the Australian Prime Minister is now more certain that Project Phoenix should be supported, along with being kept secret from the rest of the world.

On the 14th April 1980, HMS Defiance shifts orbit slightly again to a geo-stationery orbit back above the UK, during these orbital shifts HMS Defiance has not been spotted, confirming that the Asgard stealth systems are working.

On the 18th April 1980, Zimbabwe gains independence from the United Kingdom; Robert Mugabe becomes Prime Minister. Prime Minister Margret Thatcher sends her congratulation’s to Robert Mugabe on becoming PM Mugabe is slightly, surprised by this nevertheless accepts Thatcher’s congratulations.

On the 21st April 1980, Seth rings onboard HMS Defiance from Borthwick Castle Seth will be going on the next stage of exploration missions that HMS Defiance has been allocated to after finishing her month long stay in Earth orbit.

On the 22nd April 1980, unemployment in the UK stands at 1,500,000 the highest in two years, the Prime Minister will not use the special reserves, as the Prime Minister feels that that would be wrong, as the special reserves are for ‘real’ emergencies.

Between the 24th April and the 25th April 1980, Operation Eagle Claw, a commando mission in Iran to rescue American embassy hostages, is aborted after mechanical problems ground the rescue helicopters. Eight United States troops are killed in a mid-air collision during the failed operation.

On the 28th April 1980, HMS Defiance launches two of her Osprey II fighters to do a high attitude run (100,000 feet) over both the Soviet Union and the US to see of these fighters are detected. At the end of the runs over the Soviet Union and the US neither countries have scrambled any fighters nor have they increased their alert level, the test is considered a success.

On the 30th April 1980, six Iranian-born terrorists take over the Iranian embassy in London. SAS retakes the Embassy on the 5th May one terrorist survives.

May 1980

On the 1st May 1980, British Aerospace is privatised. Hawker Siddeley (that was not nationalised) will remain under the control of the Hawker Siddeley Trust Board and keeping Hawker Siddeley a private company.

On the 2nd May 1980, HMS Defiance has finished her tests, during the tests she has not been, detected at all, proving beyond any doubt that the Asgard stealth systems work very well against conventional radar systems over a prolonged period.

Prior to jumping into hyperspace, Seth says the following “Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the HMS Defiance, its ongoing mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

Some of the bridge crew smile as everyone is aware that Seth is a Star Trek fan, Captain Timms with a grin on his face replies, “Well I agree with the exploring bit, but the ‘to boldly go where no man has gone before’ is a bit of a stretch?”

Seth laughs at Captain Timms replies and says, “Perhaps, but I could not resist it”

Captain Timms laughs and says, “Helm take us into hyperspace, before we get any more quotes.”

The helmsman with a grin on his face replies, “Aye Captain” HMS Defiance jumps into hyperspace.

Seth has well and truly gone native, Seth is about to lead the crew of HMS Defiance to one of the worlds that was once under his control (many thousands of years ago) to recover one of his Sarcophagus he left hidden there.

On the 16th May 1980, inflation in the UK has risen to 21.8%.

On the 20th May 1980, voters in Quebec reject by a vote of 60% a proposal to seek independence from Canada they know a good economic thing when they see that Canada is prospering and an independent Quebec would lose out.

On the 21st May 1980, Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back is released.

On the 31st May 1980, Margaret Thatcher begins a whistle stop tour of Heliopolis, along with a visit to HMS Royal Oak via the Ring Transporters. When the tour is over Thatcher promises her full support to this project, after all, this project is now helping (covertly) hunt down the IRA.

Margaret Thatcher grasps the full ramifications of Project Phoenix for Britain, much more than any previous Prime Minster this will make Thatcher back off from fully utilising the off world resources of Project Phoenix, as this would be too great a temptation.

As Thatcher would say, “Absolute Power corrupts, absolutely” this will keep any Prime Minister from utilising the military capability of Project Phoenix on Earth, unless the UK is likely to be attacked directly, by another country like the Soviet Union.

June 1980

On the 1st June 1980, with the help of the Nox, they Asgard have made a breakthrough in their cloning technology, this breakthrough will allow them to make use of their ‘ancestors’ genetic material to create embryos. These embryos will be grown at an accelerated rate, this will create a copy of a ‘hybrid’ Asgard, this hybrid will by slightly taller than the current Asgard, but shorter that their ‘ancestors’ were.

This first new Asgard body will be ready within a year, with Hermiod volunteering to ‘test’ this new body.

This procedure is something that the Asgard would never have thought off, the Asgard had intended to use their ‘ancestors’ genetic material to improve their existing clones and not to produce a hybrid.

On the 2nd June 1980, HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace in a system that was once controlled by Seth (several thousand years ago) a scan of the planet finds no humanoid life signs. The scan does locate the ruins of one of Seth’s bases, Captain Timms authorises a team to go down to the surface to search the ruins, this has to be done by shuttle as there are no working ‘ring’ transporters, Seth will accompany the team down to the surface.

Seth is after one of his Sarcophagus that he had hidden here before leaving for Earth several thousand years ago, with luck it may still be there. It will be now until next year that Seth buried Sarcophagus will be, recovered.

On the 3rd June 1980, with HMS Defiance in orbit, a camp has been set up in the ruins of Seth former base, during this first day the Project Phoenix personnel make a surface survey of the base. While Project Phoenix personnel are doing their survey, Seth wondering around trying to get his orientation, after several thousand years of being ‘absent’ from this world.

On the 6th June 1980, two Malaysian men are jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of running a drug smuggling ring in London, which generated millions of pounds. This is another success for the SI-5 lead operation, further operations with SI-5 in the lead will follow, with other UK law enforcement agencies ‘attached’ to SI-5, in this was these other UK law enforcement agencies can operate under SI-5 special powers.

On the 15th June 1980, Apophis launches yet another raid against Abydos, as with previous raids this achieves nothing with both sides suffering no losses or battle damage of any kind. This will be that start of multiple raids during one year, Apophis is eager to take back Abydos, though this will not happen until Apophis has sufficient forces to defend his current territory, along with sufficient forces that will take back Abydos this is many years away.

On the 17th June 1980, Secretary of State for Defence, Francis Pym reveals to the House of Commons that US nuclear cruise missiles would be located at RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire and the disused RAF Molesworth base in Cambridgeshire. This is to try to keep the US from looking to closely into other areas, that the UK government does not want the US looking in to this will work over the short term.

On the 19th June 1980, Gunmen attack the British embassy in Iraq; three unknown attackers are shot dead by Iraqi security forces the British government begins contingency planning just in case of the need for evacuation of its embassy staff.

On the 27th June 1980, President Jimmy Carter signs Proclamation 4771, requiring 18- to 25-year-old males to register for a peacetime military draft, in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

July 1980

On the 1st July 1980, MG’s Abingdon car factory looks set to close completely this autumn as Aston Martin fails to raise the funds to buy it from British Leyland and the UK government does not wish to loan Aston Martin they money to purchase MG’s Abingdon car factory from British Leyland.

On the 8th July 1980, miners threatening to strike demand a 37% pay increase, ignoring pleas from Margaret Thatcher to hold down wage claims, SI-5, Special Branch and other agencies begin surveillance of the miner’s leaders.

On the 16th July 1980, former California Governor and actor Ronald Reagan is nominated for US President, at the Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Influenced by the Religious Right, the convention also drops its long-standing support for the Equal Rights Amendment, dismaying moderate Republicans.

Between the 19th July and the 3rd August 1980, the United Kingdom competes at the Olympics in Moscow and wins five gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals.

On the 22nd July 1980, unemployment in the UK has hit a 44-year high of nearly 1,900,000 those areas that are not directly funded by government are the worst hit.

On the 29th July 1980, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher announces the introduction of Enterprise Zones as an employment relief effort in some of regions of the UK, which have been hardest hit by deindustrialisation and unemployment.

On the 30th July 1980, Apophis launches yet another raid against Abydos, as with previous raids this achieves nothing with both sides suffering no losses or battle damage of any kind. Apophis is merely testing the defences, by these raids and keeping Project Phoenixes forces on the defensive until he is ready to strike.

August 1980

On the 1st August 1980, the Light Armoured Vehicle (shielded) LAV(S) has completed its trials with flying colours production of the LAV(S) is given the go-ahead.

Light Armoured Vehicle (shielded) LAV(S) –Stats

Length: 5 meters
Height/depth: 3.8 meters (with cannons retracted) 4.7 meters with cannons extended
Engine unit(s): four anti gravity pods (max speed 40 MPH)
Power plant: 1 mini Naquadah reactor
Crew: 3 Driver, Gunner and Commander
Defensive Systems: Goa'uld based Shields
Sensor/Targeting systems: Goa'uld based sensors and targeting arrays
Armament: 1 twin EC-1 cannon system (retractable)

The production versions will be slightly faster than the prototypes (40MPH compared to 30MPH) apart from that there will be little change to the design. Production of the first LAV(S) will begin on the 1st September 1980, with production running a five per month. The first squadron of LAV(S) will not, be formed until 1981 until sufficient numbers have been produced and enough crews have been trained.

The crews for the LAV(S) will come from the Off World Exploration Regiment military personnel this will see an expansion of the Off World Exploration Regiment.

On the 11th August 1980, Margaret Thatcher visits the Harold Hill area of East London to hand of the keys to the 12,000th council tenants in Britain to buy their home under the right to buy scheme. However, she is met by jeering from neighbours of the family.

On the 14th August 1980, President Jimmy Carter defeats Senator Edward Kennedy to win re-nomination, at the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York City.

On the 28th August 1980, unemployment in the UK has increased to more than 2,000,000 the highest since 1935. Economists warn that it could rise to up to 2,500,000 by the end of next year.

September 1980

On the 11th September 1980, the Marlborough diamond is stolen in London.

On the 12th September 1980, the Marlborough diamond thieves are arrested in Chicago after getting off a British Airways flight in the city. However, the stolen diamond has not, been found, even SI-5 efforts fail in trying to find this diamond.

On the 17th September 1980, after weeks of strikes at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, the nationwide independent trade union Solidarity is established.

On the 22nd September 1980, the command council of Iraq orders its army to “deliver its fatal blow on Iranian military targets,” initiating the Iran–Iraq War.

October 1980

On the 1st October 1980, Associated Newspapers announces that The Evening News will close and merge with the Evening Standard.

On the 5th October 1980, British Leyland launches its new Metro, a three-door entry-level hatchback, which is designed as the eventual replacement for the Mini. It gives BL a long-awaited modern competitor for the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Chevette.

On the 10th October 1980, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher delivers her famous ‘The lady's not for turning’ speech.

On the 15th October 1980, James Callaghan announces his resignation as Leader of the British Labour Party.

On the 17th October 1980, Queen Elizabeth II makes history by becoming the first British monarch to make a state visit to the Vatican.

On the 18th October 1980, the Fraser Government is re-elected for a third consecutive term in Australia with a reduced majority. Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to give his fullest support to Project Phoenix, as this project is providing jobs in Australia, the long-term benefits of this project are starting to benefit the economy of Australia.

On the 28th October 1980, Apophis launches yet another raid against Abydos, as with previous raids this achieves nothing with both sides suffering no losses or little or no battle damage of any kind.

November 1980

On the 4th November 1980, in the United States presidential election Republican challenger and former Governor Ronald Reagan of California defeats incumbent Democratic President Jimmy Carter, exactly one year after the beginning of the Iran hostage crisis.

On the 5th November 1980, Woomera, Australia, planning begins on how to build a permanent Space Station in Earth orbit the first conclusion is that the HOTOL program will not be able to lift all the pieces of the Space Station in to Earth orbit. It is decided to up the lifting power of the Black Prince rocket, to allow this rocket to lift of the larger sections of the Space Station in to Earth orbit for assembly.

On the 10th November 1980, Michael Foot is elected Leader of the Labour Party Security checks reveal that Michael Foot would not be a good Prime Minister for the UK if elected, fortunately, this would not happen.

Between the 10th November and the 12th November 1980, the NASA space probe Voyager I makes’ its closest approach to Saturn, when it flies within 77,000 miles of the planet's cloud-tops and sends the first high resolution images of the world back to scientists on Earth.

On the 23rd November 1980, despite the economy now being in recession and the government's monetarist economic policy to tackle inflation being blamed for the downturn, the government announces further public spending cuts and taxation rises. The Prime Minister Margret Thatcher has decided not to ‘tap into’ the ‘special reserves’ as Thatcher believes that the more that a government did this the more difficult it would be to stop doing this. much better to try and fight this with the recourses at hand and only ‘tap into’ the ‘special reserves’ as a last resort if all else fails.

December 1980

On the 8th December 1980, John Lennon, an English musician and peace activist, is murdered in New York City.

On the 10th December 1980, Apophis launches his final raid of the year against Abydos, as with previous raids this achieves nothing with both sides suffering no losses or battle damage of any kind. Project Phoenixes military forces have now decided on a course of action, by the 31st December 1980, this course of action will be set in motion.

On the 18th December 1980, Michael Foot's hopes of becoming prime minister in the next general election are given a boost by an MORI poll, which shows Labour on 56% with a 24-point lead over the Conservatives.

By the 31st December 1980, the warships of Project Phoenixes military are now, divided into two cruiser squadrons the second cruiser squadron still needs two more warships to bring it up to the eight ships that make up a squadron, but that will not affect its upcoming mission.

The first cruiser squadron is the most active as this squadron has two warships deployed to Abydos on a three-month rotation, along with responding to Apophis’s attacks against Abydos. The second cruiser squadron is being prepared to take the fight to Apophis by launching attacks against some of Apophis’s smaller bases. There are those that argue that the second cruiser squadron should be kept for defence as Mountbatten has argued before his death and that no offensive action should be taken until Project Phoenix has sufficient forces available.

These voices arguing for keeping Mountbatten’s plan are in the minority.

These attacks against Apophis’s outposts should start sometime in 1982.

Project Phoenix, Warship Order of Battle

HMS Defiance not assigned to any squadron, operates independently on various exploration missions.

First Cruiser Squadron

HMS Black Prince (Squadron & Fleet flagship)
HMS Resistance
HMS New Zealand
HMS Tiger
HMS Royal Oak
HMS Hood
HMS Canada
HMS Australia

Second Cruiser Squadron

HMS Mountbatten (Squadron flagship)
HMS Lion
HMS Magnificent
HMS Bonaventure
HMS Vampire
HMS Vendetta

The second cruiser squadron will begin launching raids against those systems/worlds controlled by Apophis, which are closest to Abydos this should force Apophis to divert forces to defend these systems/worlds, in a hope to stop these attacks against Abydos. This will see that beginning of the offensive against Apophis’s forces, though not any other System Lord, as Project Phoenix could not take on the combined might of all the System Lords.

This offensive is not due to start until 1982, as Project Phoenix military is still selecting appropriate targets for the second cruiser squadron to attack.

Next year 1981 will be the year of relative claim before the beginning of the proverbial storm.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

38. 1981

“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near.” – Margaret Thatcher

January 1981

On the 4th January 1981, it is announced by the British government that Britain has become self-sufficient in oil along with having sufficient oil reserves to outlast any possible future action by OPEC. The Austrian, Canadian and New Zealand governments also make similar announcements thanks to their joint plan to deal with future action that may be taken by OPEC.

On the 5th January 1981, Peter Sutcliffe, a 35-year-old lorry driver from Bradford, is charged with being the notorious “Yorkshire Ripper” mass murderer who is believed to have murdered 13 women and attacked seven others across northern England since 1975. The involvement of SI-5 officers in this investigation is kept out of the media.

The BBC Two adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins airing it subsequently receives a Royal Television Society award as “Most Original Programme” of the year.

On the 10th January 1981, Sir George Cowley steps down (becoming Lord Cowley), as head of SI-5 William Bodie becomes the new head of SI-5, becoming Sir William Bodie, with his former partner Raymond Doyle going into ‘retirement’ with a very healthy pension.

This will not be the final time, we will hear of Raymond Doyle, as he cannot easily just step away from SI-5, his past will catch up with him in due course.

On the 16th January 1981, UK Inflation has fallen to just under 15%

On the 20th January 1981, Iran releases the 52 Americans held for 444 days within minutes of Ronald Reagan succeeding Jimmy Carter as the President of the United States, ending the Iran hostage crisis.

On the 21st January 1981, the first DeLorean DMC-12 automobile, a stainless steel sports car with gull-wing doors, rolls off the production line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland.

On the 25th January 1981, Heliopolis - the next generation of Energy Cannons and Heavy Energy Cannons are cleared for operational deployment.

Energy Cannon Developments

With the need for greater firepower, the next generation of Energy Cannons (ECs) and Heavy Energy Cannons (HECs) are now ready for deployment. These improved Energy Cannons Mark 2 (EC-2) and the Heavy Energy Cannons Mark 2 (HEC-2) will replace all the old Mark ones on either, warships or ground based defences.

The Energy Cannons Mark 2 (EC-2) has an increased rate of fire though their hitting power remains the same, on the other hand the Heavy Energy Cannons Mark 2 (HEC-2) have a fifty percent increase in firepower. The increase in firepower of the HEC-2 is due to the new second generation of Naquadah reactors having twice the power output of the first generation of Naquadah reactors.

The new class of warship currently under design will incorporate these new weapons and power systems, along with these systems being fitted to existing warships as well.

The first two warships to be refitted with the new EC-2, HEC-2 and second generation of Naquadah reactors will be HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance the refit will take until July 1981.

February 1981

On the 1st February 1981, construction begins of a second set of four orbital dry-docks on orbit above Heliopolis, once this second set of four orbital dry-docks are complete the planetary based dry-docks will be decommissioned and then dismantled. When the planetary based dry-docks were built they where well clear of any structures on the planet, however as the Heliopolis colony has expanded this has encroached upon the planetary based dry-docks and the land is now needed for development for housing.

When these new dry-docks are complete in 1984, work will begin in one of the four orbital dry-docks (the other three being used for repair/upgrades) on a new class of warship for Project Phoenix. The Black Prince Class warship will continue in construction with this new class supplementing the Black Prince Class warships rather than replacing them.

This new class of warship (due to begin construction as soon as the new dry-docks are complete in 1984) will supplement the Black Prince Class warship, the provisional stats for this new class of warship are as follows.

Courageous Class

Length: 1,722.4 ft (525.0 meters)
Width: 328.0 ft (100.0 meters)
Height: 262.4 ft (80.0 meters)
Crew: 395 (ship’s crew)
60 troops plus up to another 60 civilian researchers and scientists
Also has the capacity to take another 500 persons for short periods in evacuation mode
Engines:
Sublight engines
Manoeuvring thrusters
Hyperdrive system: Asgard hyperdrive (Intergalactic capable)
Power Core:
x10 second generation Naquadah reactors
Can be fitted with an Ancient Energy Module though only HMS Defiance is equipped with an AEM as per the agreement with the Asgard
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Asgard shields
Weapons:
Four forward firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-2)
Two aft firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-2)
Twenty Quad energy cannons (EC-2) (x6 port, x6 starboard, x4 forward and x4 aft)
Six forward firing missile tubes and two aft firing missile tubes (up to two hundred missiles carried)
Carried Craft:
x24 Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters (Osprey Mark 2)
x10 Shuttles (Fox class various types)
Cargo Capacity: 4,500 tonnes

The Courageous class is an enlarged version of the Black Prince class the class’s enlarged hull is primarily to carry additional second-generation Naquadah reactors and additional weapons.

This is the first warship to be designed around the fitting of Asgard hyperdrive and shields, along with the ability to take an Ancient Energy Module, though only HMS Defiance is equipped with an AEM as per the agreement with the Asgard.

The addition of extra second-generation Naquadah reactors will allow both the Asgard hyperdrive and shields to receive more power, though these two Asgard systems are still not being used to their full potential to the power limitations of the Naquadah reactors. Only HMS Defiance can use these two Asgard technologies to their full potential.

Unlike previous warships classes the Courageous class cannot land on planet’s surface, though this class can enter the atmosphere, landing such a large ship, on a planet is not advised (by the Asgard), so no landing facility was fitted. Hence, the increase in the numbers of Fox class shuttles carried.

The first three ship names have been authorised these are HMS Courageous, HMS Glorious and HMS Furious, construction of HMS Courageous is due to start in 1984, these warships will become squadron flagships.

On the 23rd February 1981, Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Prince of Wales and 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer. SI-5 and Special Branch begins a discrete surveillance of Lady Diana Spencer to make sure that nothing happens to her, though not officially a ‘Royal’ SI-5 and Special Branch is not about to take a chance with the possible future Queen.

On the 25th February 1981, Margaret Thatcher arrives in Washington, DC for a four-day visit to American president Ronald Reagan in a RAF Concorde of the Royal Flight. Vice President Bush wants President Reagan to push Thatcher on how the UK is able to develop/produce new technologies that are emerging from the UK, but President Reagan will not ask, as he feels that it is none of the US business, Reagan is much more pre occupied with the USSR.

Reagan also feels that this is none of the US business the Soviets are the clear threat not the US greatest ally of the ongoing Cold War, the matter will not, be raised at any level while Reagan is President.

Funding to spy on the UK is cut to a tiny amount, only allowing very basic and extremely limited intelligence gathering.

March 1981

On the 1st March 1981, Bobby Sands, a Provisional Irish Republican Army member, begins a hunger strike for political status in Long Kesh prison (he dies on the 5th May 1981 the first of 10 men).

On the 17th March 1981, the Conservative government's budget is met with uproar due to further public spending cuts (except defence and the Woomera Rocket Program). Thatcher is taking the hard route rather than use the ‘special reserves’ that are available to her government Thatcher deputy William Whitelaw supports Thatcher’s policy, this support by Whitelaw will help Thatcher ride out the storm within her own party.

The UK economy is already starting to show early signs of recovery.

On the 22nd March 1981, Newspaper reports suggest that Conservative MP's are about to challenge the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, this story later proves to be untrue.

On the 23rd March 1981, Government imposes a ban on animal transportation on the Isle of Wight and southern Hampshire after an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in cattle.

On the 24th March 1981, Barbados police rescue Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs after his kidnapping in Brazil.

On the 26th March 1981, Social Democratic Party formed by the so-called “Gang of Four”: Shirley Williams, William Rodgers, Roy Jenkins, and David Owen, who have all defected from the Labour Party.7

On the 29th March 1981, the first London Marathon is held.

April 1981

By April 1981, work is well underway to construct a runway for HOTOL lunches at the Woomera rocket launch facility also the construction of the first HOTOL-A is already underway. The reason why the HOTOL is going so well is that the HOTOL ‘space plane’ designs have been looked over by Project Phoenix to identify any bugs, so that these bugs can be fixed.

On the 12th April 1981, Space Shuttle Columbia (John Young, Robert Crippen) launches on the STS-1 mission, returning to Earth on the 14th April. It is the first time a manned reusable spacecraft has returned from orbit.

On the 13th April 1981, Home Secretary William Whitelaw announces a public inquiry, to be conducted by Lord Scarman, into the disturbances in Brixton.

On the 20th April 1981, a Black Prince rocket is launched from Woomera this carries an all British crew they will remain in orbit for eleven days before returning safely.

Also at Woomera the HOTOL program is proceeding at a rapid pace, a launch program for HOTOL testing is already being, drawn up.

On the 23rd April 1981, unemployment in the UK passes the 2,500,000 mark for the first time in nearly 50 years. Even with high unemployment in the UK, every launch from Woomera and safe return is celebrated in the UK there is no thought to cutting the rocket program (or other similar programs) within the UK government.

May 1981

On the 7th May 1981, Ken Livingstone becomes leader of the GLC after Labour wins the GLC elections and immediately come under surveillance by Special Branch and MI-5, with SI-5 taking and over watch of this secret operation.

On the 13th May 1981, Pope John Paul II is shot and nearly killed, by Mehmet Ali Ağca (a Turkish gunman), as the Pope enters St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican City, to address a general audience.

On the 22nd May 1981, Peter Sutcliffe is found guilty of being the Yorkshire Ripper. He is sentenced to life imprisonment on 13 counts of murder and 7 of attempted murder this has only happen after SI-5 took charge of this operation.

On the 25th May 1981, in Riyadh, the Gulf Cooperation Council is created between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

On the 31st May 1981, the testing of the Phoenix class experimental craft has now finished, the information gained from these experimental craft will now be used to produce a new class of fighter, the Hurricane class Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter.

Class Name: Hurricane
Length: 27 meters
Width: 55 meters (curved wingspan)
Height/depth: 4 meters
Engine unit(s): Improved Death Glider Propulsion system (copied)
Crew: 2 Pilot, Weapons Systems Operator
Armament:
Two twin EC-2 cannons
The ability to carry a single nuclear device (mounted on the centre line) for ground attack.
8 Red Nova air-to-air missiles
Role(s): Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter

The Hurricane class are slightly longer than the Osprey II class they also have a much heavier armament, with two twin EC-2 cannons each and the ability to carry up to 8 Red Nova air-to-air missiles.

It has, been decided by Project Phoenixes military leadership that all Osprey II class fighters will be replaced with the Hurricane class fighter, rather than operating two types of fighters. This replacement program will take several years before the Hurricane class fighter replaces every Osprey II class fighter.

HMS Defiance will receive the first six of these Hurricane class fighters at the end of 1983, with full-scale production starting in early 1984.

June 1981

On the 1st June 1981, Hermiod conciseness is transferred into his new body, for the first few hours there is no problem, however after that Hermiod begins to experience problems with this body. Hermiod conciseness is immediately transferred back to his old Asgard body, this first test has been a partial success, the Nox and the Asgard are pleased with the progress work will continue to rectify the problems with these new bodies.

In time, the Asgard and the Nox will solve these problems, work is also proceeding on extending the Asgard’s current cloning process to produce more stable clones, this work however has met with limited success for the Nox. As even the Nox’s technology cannot solve this problem only ‘patch’ this problem until the Asgards ‘new’ bodies are ready.

This procedure is something that the Asgard would never have thought off, the Asgard had intended to use their ‘ancestors’ genetic material to improve their existing clones and not to produce a hybrid.

On the 5th June 1981, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention report that 5 homosexual men in Los Angeles, California have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems (the first recognized cases of AIDS).

On the 7th June 1981, the Israeli Air Force destroys Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor the UK was aware of this attack thanks to the UK’s bases at Malta and Cyprus but decides that this knowledge that the UK knew will remain secret.

On the 13th June 1981, Marcus Sarjeant fires six blank cartridges at the Queen as she enters Horse Guards Parade, this scares the hell out of the SI-5 security officers assigned to protect the Queen.

On the 15th June 1981, HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace in a system that was once controlled by Seth (several thousand years ago) a scan of the planet finds no humanoid life signs. The scan does locate the ruins of one of Seth’s bases, Captain – Timms authorises a team to go down to the surface to search the ruins, this has to be done by shuttle as there are no working ‘ring’ transporters, Seth will accompany the team down to the surface.

Seth is after one of his Sarcophagus that he had hidden here before leaving for Earth several thousand years ago, with luck it may still be there. It will be now until next year that Seth buried Sarcophagus will be recovered.

Dr Phillips has allowed the exploration of one of Seth’s old bases, as Dr Phillips feels that Seth has done s much for Project Phoenix deserves this use of one of Project Phoenixes warships. This expedition may also turn up possible ‘new’ Goa'uld technology that Seth claims that had been buried at the time of his departure from this world several thousand years ago.

Dr Phillips has set the time limit for this mission at eighteen months, Seth agreed to this without an augment.

They will have a lot of digging to do to get to Seth’s Sarcophagus, but it will be worth it, especially for Seth and for Project Phoenix as this will be the ultimate healing machine for any injuries or even someone who has recently died can in theory be revived by using the Sarcophagus.

On the 18th June 1981, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States is founded, with a large number of the members being former holding of the British Empire and now the Commonwealth the UK will have some none to substantial influence over this organization.

July 1981

On the 1st July 1981, HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance come out of there refit, all Black Prince class warships will receive this refit once the current Black Prince class warships under constriction are completed will be refitted to the Black Prince II level.

Black Prince II Class Warship

Length: 1,066.2 ft (325.0 meters)
Width: 295.2 ft (80.0 meters)
Height: 198.5 ft (60.5 meters)
Crew: 205 (can carry an additional 60 ‘passengers’ usually troops.)
Engines:
Sublight engines
Manoeuvring thrusters
Hyperdrive system: Asgard hyperdrive (Intergalactic capable)
Power Core: x6 second generation Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Asgard shields
Weapons:
Two forward firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-2)
Two aft firing heavy energy cannons (HEC-2)
Twelve Quad energy cannons (EC-2) (x4 port, x4 starboard, x2 forward and x2 aft)
Four forward firing missile tubes and two aft firing missile tubes (up to one hundred missiles carried)
Carried Craft:
x24 Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters (Osprey Mark 2 later to be replaced by the Hurricane)
x4 Shuttles (Fox class)
Cargo Capacity: 3,500 tonnes

HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger enter their refit both of these warships will finish their refit by August 1982, two warships with be refitted every six months until the second set of orbital dry-dock are finish, this will then increase to three every six months.

On the 10th July 1981, rioting breaks out in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Ellesmere Port, Luton, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Preston, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Derby, Southampton, Nottingham, High Wycombe, Bedford, Edinburgh, Wolverhampton, Stockport, Blackburn, Huddersfield, Reading, Chester and Aldershot. The rioting in Edinburgh is excessively close to Borthwick Castle, the Army guards are authorised to ‘shoot to kill’ fortunately the rioting remains confined to Edinburgh, so this order never has to be carried out.

On the 13th July 1981, Margaret Thatcher announces that the police will be able to use rubber bullets, water cannons and armoured vehicles against urban rioters. Labour leader Michael Foot blames the recent wave of rioting on the Conservative government's economic policies, which have seen unemployment rise by more than 70% in the last two years.

The UK economy is now on the verge of starting to recover within the next few years, this will see unemployment drop dramatically.

On the 16th July 1981, Labour narrowly hang on to the Warrington seat in a by-election, fighting off a strong challenge from Roy Jenkins for the Social Democratic Party.

On the 20th July 1981, Michael Heseltine tours Merseyside to examine the problems in the area, which has been, particularly badly hit by the current recession.

On the 27th July 1981, British Telecommunications Act separates British Telecom from the Royal Mail with effect from the 1st October 1981.

On the 28th July 1981, Margaret Thatcher blames IRA leaders not her government for the recent IRA hunger striker deaths.

August 1981

On the 1st August 1981, MTV (Music Television) is launched on cable television in the United States.

On the 12th August 1981, the original Model 5150 IBM PC (with a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 processor) is released in the United States at a base price of $1,565. Though compared to the BBC Micro in the UK, sales of the Model 5150 is very slow in the US, mainly due to the lack of a large government purchase for schools etc that has happened in the UK, helping to drive down prices for the BBC Micro and its Acorn Computers own brand.

On the 19th August 1981, Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi sends two Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jets to intercept two US fighters over the Gulf of Sidra. The American jets shoot down the two Libyan fighters.

On the 20th August 1981, inflation has fallen to 9.9% the lowest under this government also the minimum Lending Rate ceases to be set by the Bank of England.

On the 24th August 1981, Mark David Chapman is sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, after being convicted of murdering John Lennon in Manhattan 8 months earlier.

On the 25th August 1981, Britain's largest Enterprise Zone is launched on de-industrialised land on Tyneside a large amount of government money will be put into Tyneside.

September 1981

On the 1st September 1981, filling stations start selling motor fuel by the litre as well as in gallons, though gallons are still lists first very few filling stations will sell motor fuel by the litre, as the motorists like gallons being listed.

On the 14th September 1981, Cecil Parkinson is appointed chairman of the Conservative Party, Cecil Parkinson note that the PM disappears from time to time, for security briefings, when he asks about these briefings he told in no uncertain terms to mind his own business.

On the 17th September 1981, a team of divers begins removing gold ingots worth £40 million from the wreck of HMS Edinburgh, sunk off the coast of Norway in 1942, thanks to recon flights from RAF Barra this gold is added to the UKs ‘public’ gold reserves.

On the 21st September 1981, Belize becomes independent Belize will become part of the Sterling Zone countries along with relying on the UK for its defence needs.

October 1981

In early October 1981, Lord Yu continues to receive reports from his spies reporting on Apophis’s ongoing problems trying to secure the vast territory that was once Lord Ra’s, on top of that Apophis appears to be trying to quell various uprisings on worlds that were once part of Lord Ra’s territory. Lord Yu is pleased that Apophis is being kept ‘occupied’ by these numerous problems, one report in particular states that the humans that he and his fellow System Lords agreed not to go near two system that these humans control appear to be in a minor conflict with Apophis. Apparently beating back several ‘half hearted’ attacks by Apophis’s forces, though the report does not specify how these humans managed to do this, but this report makes Lord Yu laugh out loud, as he feels that the Asgard might intervene and deal with Apophis.

What Lord Yu does not know is the Asgard would not intervene in support of these humans unless one of these humans’ warships that have Asgard technology onboard was likely to fall into Goa'uld hands.

Lord Yu thinks that Apophis’s own security is stretched too thinly otherwise information like this would never have been able to get out so quickly, soon other System Lords will be aware of how stretched Apophis’s forces really are. However, without several major System Lords it would be impossible to take out Apophis with ease, better for Lord Yu to keep watching and see what happens.

On the 3rd October 1981, Hunger strikes at the Maze Prison end after seven months. The final six hunger strikers have been without food for between 13 and 55 days.

On the 6th October 1981, army members who belong to the Egyptian Islamic Jihad organization assassinate Egyptian President Anwar Sadat during a parade; they opposed his negotiations with Israel. This does not affect the Suez Canal deal with the UK the UK government will keep an eye (from their bases on Malta) on this until things settle down, but do nothing more.

On the 10th October 1981, Chelsea Barracks bombed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army, killing two people the PM authorises increased operations against the IRA.

On the 12th October 1981, British Leyland announces the closure of three factories - a move, which will cost nearly 3,000 people their jobs the government will not keep pumping in more money to this bottomless pit called British Leyland.

On the 14th October 1981, Vice President Hosni Mubarak is elected President of Egypt 1 week after Anwar Sadat's assassination with the UK intelligence services watching in the wings.

On the 15th October 1981, Norman Tebbit tells fellow Conservative MPs, “I grew up in the thirties with an unemployed father. He didn't riot. He got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking until he found it”

On the 19th October 1981, British Telecom announces that the telegram will be discontinued next year after 139 years in use.

On the 23rd October 1981, the Liberal-SDP Alliance tops a MORI poll on 40%, putting them ahead of Labour on 31% and the Conservatives on 27%, these poll figures will change radically next year in favour of the Conservatives.

On the 27th October 1981, Soviet submarine S-363 runs aground outside the Karlskrona, Sweden military base the British government covertly informs the Swedish government of Soviet military intentions (or lack off) via intelligence sources. The Swedish government is grateful for the extra information from the British government, though this can never be made public, due to the problems this would cause.

November 1981

On the 1st November 1981, Antigua and Barbuda gain independence from the United Kingdom, in the same vote Antigua and Barbuda they agree to enter the Sterling Zone countries.

On the 12th November 1981, the Church of England General Synod votes to admit women to holy orders.

On the 23rd November 1981, President Ronald Reagan signs the top-secret National Security Decision Directive 17 (NSDD-17), authorizing the Central Intelligence Agency to recruit and support Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

On the 25th November 1981, a report into the Brixton Riots, which scarred inner-city London earlier this year, points the finger of blame at the social and economic problems which have been plaguing Brixton and many other inner-city areas across England.

By the 30th November 1981, sales of Acorn Computers of their own version of the BBC Micro have passed the 2 million mark (not including sales of the BBC Micro), there is little difference between Acorn Computers own brand and the BBC Micro (apart from the different badge and a slightly different colour scheme). This has allowed Acorn Computers to keep their costs down, allowing for larger sales, also coming out by the end of 1982 will be the ‘C’ version of the BBC Micro with an improved processor. The C version of the BBC Micro will be purchased by the UK government the BBC Micro C will replace all the BBC Micro A/B models in all the schools across the United Kingdom.

Work is well underway for the ‘C’ version of the BBC Micro and Acorn Computers own brand to use the INMOS processors, Inmos Limited would also receive government loans to increase production, as with Acorn Computers these loans would be repaid in full with interest.

In addition, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will follow suite (along with other countries as well) with their own license built versions of the BBC Micro, rebranded locally (not called the BBC Micro) for their own schools, making a lot of money in the long run for Acorn Computers.

December 1981

December – the first case of AIDS diagnosed in the UK.

On the 8th December 1981, Arthur Scargill becomes leader of the National Union of Mineworkers and come under surveillance of the UK intelligence services due to his know ‘views’.

On the 9th December 1981, Michael Heseltine announces a £95million aid package for the inner cities, with further aid packages planned if this first package is a success.

On the 19th December 1981, an opinion poll shows that Margaret Thatcher is now the most unpopular post war British prime minister and that the SDP-Liberal Alliance has the support of up to 50% of the electorate. Events during 1982 will change all this, Margaret Thatcher will become the most popular prime minister since World War 2.

During 1982, events will unfold that will make the UK government (and Project Phoenix) take more notice of events on Earth rather than focusing on dealing with the IRA.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

39. 1982

“I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air.” – Margaret Thatcher

January 1982

On the 7th January 1982, these first four Black Prince II class warships are launched from the Heliopolis orbital dry docks these are HMS Illustrious, HMS Indomitable, HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable. These four ships will begin their trials at the end of January 1982 with the trials being completed at the end of 1982.

On the 9th January 1982, construction in the orbital dry docks of the next for Black Prince II class warships begins these next four warships will be named HMS Valiant, HMS Churchill, HMS Conqueror and HMS Courageous.

On the 11th January 1982, Mark Thatcher, son of the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, disappears in the Sahara during Paris-Dakar rally.

On the 14th January 1982, Mark Thatcher is found safe and well in the Sahara Desert, six days after going missing. Margaret Thatcher had been asking for certain ‘special technologies’ to used to find her son, this far exceeds the role that these ‘special technologies’ had been intended for, but in the end Mark Thatcher is found with the need for the use of these ‘special technologies’.

On the 21st January 1982, miners vote against strike action and accept the National Coal Board offer of a 9.3% pay rise, the miners have won this round by Thatcher will win the next round.

On the 26th January 1982, unemployment in the United Kingdom is recorded at over 3,000,000 for the first time since the 1930s, this will be the peek, from 1983 onwards unemployment will start to drop this will see the beginning of the 1980s economic boom.

February 1982

On the 1st February 1982, sales of tabloid newspapers are reported, to have been, boosted substantially since last summer by the introduction of bingo. The Sun has reportedly enjoyed the biggest rise in sales, now selling more than 4,000,000 copies per day on a regular basis.

On the 5th February 1982, Laker Airways collapses, leaving 6,000 passengers stranded, with debts of £270 million the UK government will not step in to save Laker Airways.

On the 19th February 1982, the DeLorean Car factory in Belfast is put into receivership the UK government does not want to put more taxpayer’s money into this disaster.

On the 20th February 1982, the six warships of the Second Cruiser Squadron, HMS Mountbatten (Squadron flagship), HMS Lion, HMS Magnificent, HMS Bonaventure, HMS Vampire and HMS Vendetta jump in to hyperspace to launch their first strike against and outpost of Apophis. This first world is a small mining outpost on the fringe of Apophis’s territory, the plan is to come out of hyperspace at Action Stations and bombard the outpost on the planet’s surface from orbit.

These six Black Prince warships have yet to receive the Version II upgrades that some of the first cruiser squadron warships are currently been/being fitted with, though the lack of these upgrades does not make these warships and less deadly for this type of mission.

On the 21st February 1982, the six warships of the Second Cruiser Squadron drop out of hyperspace, these six warships find a Goa'uld freighter in orbit HMS Mountbatten opens fire almost immediately on this Goa'uld freighter destroying the freighter very quickly.

Once in orbit over the base, two warships of the Second Cruiser Squadron, point their forward HEC-1 towards the base on the planet, by pointing there ships noses towards the planet’s surface were the base is located and then open fire, it only takes a minute to destroy the base. The commander of the Second Cruiser Squadron could have used a missile to destroy the base but decided to test the firepower of the HEC-1 in Space to Surface mode the test is considered a success.

Once confirmation is received (once the dust has cleared) that the base has been destroyed, the ships of the Second Cruiser Squadron jump into hyperspace towards there next target.

By the end of the year a further four targets will have been attacked by the Second Cruiser Squadron, this is just the beginning of Project Phoenix going on the offensive against Apophis.

On the 28th February 1982, a joint declaration is signed between the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to continue to cooperate in the current and new defence programs. These programs include, an upgraded versions of the Avro Arrow fighter and the TSR.2 (Eagle), Harrier (all variants) along with various naval and army programs.

March 1982

On the 18th March 1982, an Argentine scrap metal dealer raises the Argentine flag in South Georgia, Falkland Islands a British colony.

On the 19th March 1982, Argentines soldiers land on South Georgia Island, precipitating war.

(Falklands War) – April/May/June 1982

In late March 1982, the British government is alerted to a possible invasion of the Falklands Islands by the Argentinean armed forces. Initially it was decided to alert the warships along with their support vessels on exercise just of Gibraltar under the command of Rear Admiral Woodward. These ships would head towards the Falklands Islands at maximum possible speed as a diplomatic lever.

This Royal Navy squadron of destroyers and frigates is diverted from exercises off Gibraltar on the advice of First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Leach, after taking to the Prime Minister about this coming conflict. On the 31st March 1982, soon after the Argentine invasion of the Falklands, Admiral Leach brushed aside serious doubts from the Secretary of State for Defence John Nott and marched in to visit the Prime Minister in full uniform.

The Prime Minister asked Admiral Leach if retaking the islands was possible, he replied, “Yes we can recover the islands.” Admiral Leach then added “and we must!”

Thatcher in reply asked “Why?”

Admiral Leach replied, “Because if we don’t do that, in a few months we will be living in a different country whose word will count for little!” This pleased Thatcher who then proceeded to give the order for the task force to set sail to retake the Falklands.

Admiral Leach had advised that it boiled down to two options, one do nothing or option two send in the fleet, the Prime Minister favoured option two.

This would lead to the biggest Royal Navy deployment since the Suez Crises in 1956 and would show the need for maintaining the large aircraft carriers as were John Nott’s planned defence cuts that were now dead in the water.

Admiral Leach in the meeting with the Prime Minister on the 31st March 1982, is not only credited with stopping John Nott’s defence cuts, but also with gaining the support of the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. After the Falkland War, the Royal Navy would receive the full support of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in preserving its combat capabilities this would become ‘Thatcher’s Navy’.

The US Navy considered a successful counter-invasion by the British to be ‘a military impossibility’ for the British military, the US were about to be proved very wrong.

The main events of the Falkland War are as follows:-

On the 2nd April 1982, Argentinean forces invade the Falkland Islands.

On the 3rd April 1982, Argentinean forces occupy South Georgia.

Also on the 3rd April 1982, United Nations Security Council Resolution 502 11-1-3 (against: Panama; abstentions: Poland, Spain and the USSR) demands end to the Falklands War and that the Argentinean forces withdraw from the Falkland Islands. Significantly, China votes with the UK, this caused more than a few raised eyebrows in the UN, as everyone had expected China to abstain from the vote.

This vote in favour of the UK is a way for China to say ‘thank you’ for allowing the sale of certain items such as the Harrier (P.1127) and economic assistance without any preconditions. This policy with China is now proving very useful for the UK government in dealing with Argentinean’s invasion of the Falklands.

On the 4th April 1982, HMS Conqueror sails from Faslane.

On the 5th April 1982, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales sails from Portsmouth under the command of Vice Admiral John Cox carrying his flag onboard HMS Eagle. Vice Admiral Cox would take over command of the whole fleet from Rear Admiral John “Sandy” Woodward once the carriers have caught up with Admiral Woodward’s destroyer and frigate force at Ascension Islands.

HMS Queen Elizabeth (flagship) is under the command of Captain J.J. Black, with an air group of 32 Sea Harriers FRS1, along with 8 Sea King HAS1 and 4 Wessex HAS1 for SAR. Captain Black expressed his concern to Admiral Cox because of the lack of an AEW system for the carriers, Admiral Cox passes on his concerns about the AEW problem to the Admiralty.

An emergency order for converting two Rotodyne’s, into a workable AEW had already been set in motion however these two Rotodyne’s would arrive after the war is over. The Rotodyne had been, delayed for many years due to a lack of political will, even though the new carriers should have been equipped with four each by now.

HMS Prince of Wales is under the command of Captain Capt. L.E. Middleton, with an air group of 32 Sea Harriers FRS1, along with 8 Sea King HAS1 and 4 Wessex HAS1 for SAR. The Sea Harriers allocated to HMS Ark Royal are still forming are declared off limited as HMS Ark Royal entry into operational service was being rapidly accelerated and they would be needed for this carrier, as are the Sea Harriers bound for the Indian Navy.

When HMS Invincible arrives at Ascension Islands Admiral Woodward will transfer to HMS Invincible as his command ship. HMS Invincible will be used in her role as an LPH.

The main carrier roles would be done by the Sea Harriers onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, led by their air group commander Cdr Nigel ‘Sharkey’ Ward.

On the 9th April 1982, Canberra sails from Southampton with 3 Para, 40, 42 and 45 Royal Marine Commandos onboard.

On the 10th April 1982, Admiral Cox suggests in a communication to Northwood that a carrier attack against the Argentinean airbase at Rio Grande would deny the Argentinean air force their closest base to the Falklands, to provide air support to their troops. However, the War Cabinet on advice from the Chief of Defence Staff rejects this idea.

Later however this idea would lead to a failed raid of the 20th May.

On the 11th April 1982, the submarines HMS Spartan and HMS Splendid arrive off the Falkland Islands they will impose the Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) around the Falkland Islands.

On the 12th April 1982, Britain announces the formal setting up of a 200-mile Exclusion Zone around the Falkland Islands. The destroyer HMS Antrim, the frigate HMS Plymouth with M Company from 42 Commando, sail from Ascension to recapture South Georgia.

On the 13th April 1982, at the UN Robert Mugabe delivers a stinging attack against the Argentinean government causing the Argentinean representative to walk out. Robert Mugabe feels (in his own odd way) as though he owes Thatcher for gaining Zimbabwe’s independence and this is way of paying his debit.

Also most of the commonwealth countries are either taking a neutral stance or supporting Britain, those taking a neutral stance will not help or support the Argentinean government in any way. The biggest support comes from Canada, Australia and New Zealand (no real surprise), with Canada deploying her carrier and escort vessels to Ascension Island, just in case the UK looses a carrier. The UK will not lose a carrier and after the war is over Canada’s carrier and escort vessels will return home.

Britain in a strange way is gaining a lot of sympathy with commonwealth countries due to the Falkland Islanders wishes to remain UK citizens as some other commonwealth countries have done.

On the 14th April 1982, the South Georgia Task Force rendezvous with HMS Endurance already in the vicinity.

On the 18th April 1982, the main Task Force sails from Ascension.

The Falklands War is prominent on the cover of Newsweek magazine cover (19th April 1982) with the headline “The Empire Strikes Back”, across the UK, national pride is now growing, especially in the Royal Navy. The picture on the front cover of Newsweek magazine is of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

On the 21st/22nd April 1982, men from the SAS are inserted and then extracted from South Georgia

On the 25th April, the Royal Marines and SAS/SBS retake South Georgia.

On the 26th April, formal surrender of Argentineans at South Georgia. 2 Para sails from Hull on the MV Norland.

On the 30th April 1982, the Argentineans Operation Algeciras to attack Gibraltar via Spain is blown after British Intelligence reports that a hostile group is in Spanish Territory. The Spanish government’s failure to capture the Argentineans causes a great deal of embarrassment for the Spanish government who increase security around the area of Gibraltar to protect against any other attempts.

On the 1st May 1982, Task Force enters the Exclusion Zone. A single Vengeance B.1 bomber ‘Black Buck’ attacks the runway at Port Stanley. First air attacks by Sea Harriers on Argentinean positions on the Falklands.

At the same time SAS and SBS units, land on the islands to conduct surveillance of Argentinean military positions, they report back using the Skynet satellite communications system. This is the first time that the Skynet satellite communications system has been used in actions and will prove its worth to the MoD.

On the 2nd May 1982, HMS Conqueror sinks the Argentina cruiser General Belgrano due to Conqueror’s underwater ‘stealth’ capabilities that have been developed since before World War 2, Conqueror remains undetected by the two Argentinean escort destroyers. This causes the Argentinean navy to return to part and not take any further part in the war.

On the 4th May 1982, the destroyer HMS Sheffield is hit by an Exocet missile 20 men is killed this is due to the lack of AEW cover along with the Batch 1 type 42 destroyers not having been fitted with the two four round lightweight point defence Sea Wolf missile system yet.

The first Sea Harrier lost over Goose Green to AA fire.

On the 12th May 1982, the 5th Army Brigade sails from Southampton on the QE2 HMS Glasgow disabled by an Argentine bomb, after temporary repairs is forced to return to the UK for more extensive repairs.

On the 13th May 1982, the British government publically announces that HMS Ark Royal is being made ready for operations, as soon as all preparations are complete Ark Royal will sail to the Falklands, in fact, Ark Royal will not be available until after the war.

On the 14th May 1982, SAS raids Pebble Island.

On the 19th May 1982, 21 men from the SAS are killed when their helicopter crashes into the sea.

On the 20th May 1982, the of a crew Sea King helicopter destroys their helicopter on the ground, much mystery surrounds the loss of this Sea King HC4 and why the aircraft and her crew had landed near Punta Arenas in Southern Chile.

On the 21st May 1982, first landings at San Carlos Bay, men from the Royal Marines and Paras are landed along with commando artillery and engineer units. HMS Ardent lost.

On the 22nd May 1982, the type-42 destroyer HMS Exeter arrives off the Falklands, HMS Exeter is the first of the Batch 2 type-42s and is fitted with the latest four round Lightweight Sea Wolf missile launchers and has the latest Type 1022/965P air surveillance radar. HMS Exeter using her more advanced radar and missile systems will shoot down several Argentinean aircraft, including a Learjet 35A of FAA Photo-Reconnaissance Grupo 1 and a Canberra B.62 of FAA Grupo 2 using Sea Dart.

On the 23rd May 1982, HMS Antelope lost.

On the 24th May 1982, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad are hit by bombs but they fail to explode.

On the 25th May 1982, HMS Coventry lost along with HMS Broadsword damaged, the merchant ship, Atlantic Conveyor is hit by an Exocet anti ship missile sinking a few days later. This loss, losses all but one of the Rotodyne heavy lift helicopters more Rotodyne heavy lift helicopters will be dispatched on another merchant ship, but they will not arrive until after the war is over.

On the 27th May 1982, Battle for Goose Green/Darwin starts.

On the 28th May 1982, Argentinean forces at Goose Green surrendered to 2 Para. Atlantic Conveyor sinks.

On the 30th May 1982, 3 Para and 45 Commando reached Estancia House and Teal Inlet. Mount Kent captured by 42 Commando and SAS.

By the 1st June 1982, the Argentinean Military Junta realises that they are going to lose, but they insist there troops keep on fighting in the hope that the bad weather will force the UK to withdraw until the summer.

On the 2nd June 1982, 2 Para airlifted to Fitzroy.

On the 8th June 1982, Sir Galahad destroyed at Bluff Cove with many men killed and wounded, mainly from the Welsh Guards.

On the 11th/12th June 1982, Co-ordinated attacks on Mount Longdon, Two Sisters and Mount Harriet.

On the 13th/14th June 1982, attacks are made against Mount Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge.

On the 14th June 1982, Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands surrender.

On the 20th June 1982, one final action of the Falklands War would take place a small squadron of Royal Navy warships would retake South Sandwich Islands, (which involved accepting the surrender of the Southern Thule Garrison at the Corbeta Uruguay base). The Argentinean military had established Corbeta Uruguay in 1976, but prior to 1982 the British Government had contested the existence of the Argentine military base only through diplomatic channels.

On the 13th July 1982, the Argentine government accepts an end to hostilities.

On the 20th July 1982, HMS Queen Elizabeth along with a collection of warships and RFA sets course for the UK.

Both HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Invincible will remain on station until HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious arrives along with their supporting warships and RFA ships from the UK to relive them.

In August 1982 HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious arrives from the UK off the Falklands, allowing HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Invincible to return to the UK. These two carriers and there escorts will remain until the RAF airfield on the Falkland Islands is operational. HMS Ark Royals group of warships is commanded by Rear Admiral Derek Reffell, both HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious had been hurried through trials, it would not be until there return to the UK for a full shakedown cruise and workup period, with a formal commissioning of both ships on the 1st November 1983.

A squadron of the new Avro Arrows F1s for air defence fighters will arrive in 1983 these will provide air defence for the Falklands, along with a squadron of Eagle GR.1 strike aircraft with anti ship capability and four of the new Nimrod AEW aircraft and taker support aircraft as well.

The Falklands campaign was successful in no small part thanks to Admiral Leach among others. The Falklands War also showed the Prime Minister Margret Thatcher that the Royal Navy was vital to protecting Britain’s interests around the world.

This war would also boost the UKs prestige around the world, showing that the UK is still a world power and possibly the world’s third superpower. However, the British government plays down this idea of the UK being a ‘superpower’, as they do not want too much attention focused on the UK (a little late for that).

Though some in the UK government state that playing down the idea of the UK not being a ‘superpower’ might work against the UK, though those people do not know about Project Phoenix.

Admiral Leach promoted to Admiral of the Fleet upon retirement at the end of 1982.

The Falkland Islands post war will be reinforced this will include building an RAF base on the islands RAF Mount Pleasant should be operational in 1986, this base will be the second most protected RAF base (RAF Barra being this most protected base). With the ability to now, rapidly reinforce from the UK using the Shorts Belfast transport aircraft along with a mix of Victor tankers and VC-10 tanker/transports the islanders can now decided there own destiny in safety.

Both HMS Sheffield and HMS Coventry will be replaced with new build Type-42 destroyers these two warships will begin construction in 1984 and be commission in 1988 this will bring destroyer numbers back up to 14. All existing Batch 1 Type-42 destroyers will be upgraded with the Lightweight Sea Wolf missile system this will be the improved GWS-27 system that will not require the Type-910 fire control radar, instead the GWS-27 system will be the fire and forget system. A vertical launch version is already on the drawing boards for what will become the Type-23 Frigate.

Overall, the Falklands War would help the Conservatives win the next General Election (1983), after that the Falkland Islanders will decide their own fate in a referendum once the RAF base has been completed (1986), the Argentinean government will not like this, but there will be nothing that they can do about it.

The Argentinean military in the aftermath of the Falklands war has been completely castrated, especially the Argentinean Air Force.

Very little use is made of the alien technology available to the UK during the Falklands War, due to the (unfounded) paranoia about the possibility of losing a recon aircraft and this technology falling into Argentinean hands.

This paranoia has ‘infected’ the service chiefs who also feel the same way, though in reality there is very little chance that this could happen.

Second Cruiser Squadron – April/May/June 1982

During April/May/June 1982, while the Falklands War is happening the Second Cruiser Squadron is continuing its ongoing series of raids against bases controlled by Apophis, in retaliation for Apophis’s ongoing raids against Abydos.

All of the targets that the Second Cruiser Squadron has attacked are small outposts with little defence against a ‘proper’ attack a Goa'uld System Lord would not normally attack such targets as they would be considered minor. Project Phoenixes military however does not consider these targets to be minor they do consider them a good test and training for the crews of the Second Cruiser Squadron.

By the end of June 1982, Apophis will know that several of his smaller bases have been attacked, because the ships of the Second Cruiser Squadron are using their HEC-1s the energy signatures seem Goa'uld in nature. Apophis assumes that this must be the work of another minor System Lord (as there are no survivors from these attacks, which can inform Apophis who attacked his outpost Apophis must assume that it is another System Lord), though Apophis will soon find out that his theory is wrong.

As Apophis’s forces are still attacking Abydos to keep this enemy, ‘off balance’ until Apophis is ready to deal with them.

July 1982

On the 9th July 1982, intruder Michael Fagan visits Queen Elizabeth II in her bedroom for a chat, serious consideration is given to pass Royal Protection to SI-5, though this does not happen, but it is a narrow escape for the Police after such a breach in Royal Security.

On the 15th July 1982, Geoffrey Prime, a GCHQ civil servant, is remanded in custody on charges under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Prime had revealed to the KGB that Britain and the United States had cracked high-level Soviet codes. As a result, the Soviet government changed them, making their military ciphers unreadable by the UK and US until the end of the Cold War. Though this did not affect Project Phoenix as Geoffrey Prime was not high enough up the ‘food chain’ to be briefed on this or how the UK was getting info on the locations of Soviet Military (via special recon flights).

On the 19th July 1982, William Whitelaw, Home Secretary, announces that Michael Trestrail (the Queen's bodyguard) has resigned from the Metropolitan Police Service over a relationship with a male prostitute.

On the 20th July 1982, a Black Prince rocket is launched from Woomera this carries an all Canadian crew they will remain in orbit for fifteen days before returning safely.

On the 21st July 1982, the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy flagship during the Falklands War, returns home to Portsmouth to a hero's welcome.

On the 31st July 1982, on the world once controlled by Seth, the crew of HMS Defiance finally mange to dig down to where Seth’s Sarcophagus is and recover it, this will see then end of the dig on the world formally controlled by Seth. It will take several days from the crew of HMS Defiance to break camp, once this is done Captain Jason Timms will set course for Heliopolis to report their ‘great find’ according to Seth, who seems very excited by this discovery.

Captain Timms does not yet understand the significance of this find.

August 1982

On the 1st August 1982, HMS New Zealand and HMS Tiger finish their refit HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood begin their refit.

In addition, the UK government creates Britoil is the successor organisation to the British National Oil Company Britoil will manage the UKs oil revenues and oil reserves for the UK, Britoil will remain under the control of the UK government and not be privatised.

On the 4th August 1982, the first child of Prince Charles and Lady Diana is christened William Arthur Philip Louis.

On the 10th August 1982, HMS Defiance returns from her yearlong mission, the crew begin their debriefings Seth is very happy about what they have found and is eager to show off what his Sarcophagus can do.

On the 20th August 1982, a multinational force lands in Beirut to oversee the PLO withdrawal from Lebanon. French troops arrive on the 21st August, US Marines on the 25th August. The UK government allows the use of their bases in Malta and Cyprus as a stop off point for transport aircraft and personnel, but will not become directly involved.

On the 31st August 1982, plans are made by Dr Phillips to move the Earth Stargate from Borthwick Castle to RAF Barra Dr Phillips intends’ to put these plans forward to William Whitelaw early in 1983 once they have been refined.

September 1982

On the 1st September 1982, work begins on deciphering the tablet that was brought back from Abydos, the Asgard are not involved in this process as Dr Phillips does not want to come to rely on the Asgard for everything. This tablet will reveal the location of the lost City of Atlantis to Project Phoenix and later the Asgard (and the Nox via the Asgard), this will be one of the greatest finds for Project Phoenix since the discovery of the Stargate.

On the 18th September 1982, the Lebanese Christian Militia (the Phalange) kill thousands of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps with the overlooking of Israeli troops in West Beirut. The massacre is in retaliation for the assassination of pro-Israel president-elect, Bachir Gemayel, as well as several Palestinian massacres against Lebanese Christians.

On the 23rd September 1982, Nigel Lawson announces that no industry should remain in state ownership unless there is an “overwhelming” case. Those ones that have an “overwhelming” case are the ones tide to the development of various advanced technologies that have and that are being developed from alien technologies these “industries” will remain firmly in government hands.

October 1982

On the 1st October 1982, the team trying to translate the tablet that was brought back from Abydos have concluded that the writing is in ancient, the translation will be a slow and laborious process. They have for the time being not to ask the Asgard for help translating this tablet, as they do not what to become too reliant on the Asgard.

On the 2nd October 1982, a changed in the military leadership of Project Phoenix takes place with the retirement of Major General Richard Thomas. Brigadier Hugh Walker succeeds General Thomas with a promotion to Major General.

In addition, Brigadier Ewan Tenant becomes Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security, with Major James Macpherson replacing Brigadier Tenant as head of Commander of the Off World Exploration Regiment and a promotion to full Colonel

Leaders Project Phoenix

Head of Project Phoenix – William Whitelaw
Deputy Head of Project Phoenix – Dr Victoria Phillips
Head of Research – Alan Turing
Deputy Head of Research – Vacant
Head of Computer Research – Alan Turing
Head of Linguistics – Tom Oliver
Commander Royal Space Fleet – Rear Admiral James Goodworthy
Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Hugh Walker
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Brigadier Ewan Tenant
Commander of the Off World Exploration Regiment – Colonel James Macpherson
Asgard Observer – Hermiod (with an Asgard Warship in orbit Heliopolis)

On the 8th October 1982, with the UK economy now climbing out of recession after more than two years, Margaret Thatcher vows to stick to her economic policies, and blames previous governments for the decline that she inherited when taking power more than three years ago.
On the 11th October 1982, the Mary Rose, flagship of Henry VIII of England that sank in 1545, is raised.

On the 12th October 1982, a victory parade is held in London to mark the end of the Falklands war this parade is also a demonstration of the UK’s military might to the world’s journalists.

On the 21st October 1982, Sinn Féin wins first seats on Northern Ireland Assembly, with Gerry Adams winning the Belfast West seat. The UK security services put Gerry Adams under intense surveillance, to keep an eye on him, though no direct action will be taken against him, unless he steps out of line.

On the 31st October 1982, Seth shows off what his Sarcophagus can do to both Project Phoenix leadership and the Asgard (though the Asgard is well aware of what a Goa'uld Sarcophagus can do). After being in his Sarcophagus for just over an hour Seth emerges with is youthful appearance restored, the Project Phoenix leadership are amazed, what Seth does next amazes them even more.

One of the Project Phoenix engineers that had been badly, burned in an experiment is put inside the Sarcophagus several hours later the Sarcophagus opens revealing that he has been completely healed there are no signs of his burns.

Seth is thanked for this technology by the Project Phoenix leadership, Seth states that the Sarcophagus can heal all injuries, including those that have been pronounced dead (this causes even more amazement).

The medical applications for this Sarcophagus are vast, a large number of Project Phoenix that have similar injuries (to the burn victim) will also be treated by the Sarcophagus, then these will be followed by those with various medical problems such as heart problems etc, these people will also be treated.

This will mean that Seth’s Sarcophagus will be in almost continues operation, thus not allowing Seth to regain his former addiction to his Sarcophagus.

November 1982

On the 1st November1982, opinion polls show the Conservatives still firmly in the lead, suggesting that a general election will be held by next summer.

On the 7th November 1982, the Thames Barrier is first, demonstrated publicly showing the world the success of British engineering.

On the 12th November 1982, Express Lift Tower in Northampton officially opened this is a lift testing tower this will be another example of the success of British engineering.

On the 15th November 1982, unemployment in the UK remains in excess of 3,000,000 this equates to 13.8% of the workforce though with various projects such as the refitting for the Royal Navies fleet (post Falklands) and the HOTOL project, this number is due to start to fall as the demand for workers increases from 1983 onwards.

On the 30th November 1982, a letter bomb sent by Animal rights activists explodes in 10 Downing Street, with packages sent to the leaders of the other political parties. One member of Downing Street staff is burnt. Stronger screening of postal items will be implemented before being sent to Downing Street in the aftermath of this attack.

December 1982

On the 1st December 1982, the second cruiser squadron returns to Heliopolis after finishing their first series of raids against various small outposts of Apophis, in total the five targets have been, attacked along the edge of Apophis territory. So far, there have been no witnesses to these attacks so Apophis still thinks that this is another System Lord.

On the 3rd December 1982, UK release of film Gandhi. This will win eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Richard Attenborough) and Best Actor (Ben Kingsley) (on the 11th April 1983).

On the 10th December 1982, British chemist Aaron Klug wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for his development of crystallographic electron microscopy and his structural elucidation of biologically important nucleic acid-protein complexes”.

On the 15th December 1982, Gibraltar gains a pedestrian link to Spain, as the gates, which separated the two states, re-opened by the Spanish government after 13 years the Spanish government still does recognise that Gibraltar is now part of the UK.

Heliopolis

At the end of December 1982, with the introduction of HMS Illustrious, HMS Indomitable, HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable, two (HMS Illustrious and HMS Indomitable) of these four ships will bring the second cruiser squadron up to full strength. The other two ships HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable will form the core of the third cruiser squadron.

Project Phoenix, Warship Order of Battle

HMS Defiance not assigned to any squadron, operates independently on various exploration missions.

First Cruiser Squadron

HMS Black Prince (Squadron & Fleet flagship)
HMS Resistance
HMS New Zealand
HMS Tiger
HMS Royal Oak
HMS Hood
HMS Canada
HMS Australia

Second Cruiser Squadron

HMS Mountbatten (Squadron flagship)
HMS Lion
HMS Magnificent
HMS Bonaventure
HMS Vampire
HMS Vendetta
HMS Illustrious
HMS Indomitable

Third Cruiser Squadron

HMS Implacable (Squadron flagship)
HMS Indefatigable

With the second cruiser squadron now at full strength 1983 will see the number of targets attacked by the second cruiser squadron increase.

However, Apophis is planning to attack Abydos in 1983 with much greater force than he had done previously.

On Earth, an incident during 1983 will prove that the UK is the world’s third superpower forcing one of Earths the two other superpowers to back down.

To be continued.

 

[whatisinaname]

40. 1983

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher

January 1983

On the 1st January 1983, Squadrons H to Z will start to be formed this action will begin an expansion of the Off World Exploration Regiment’s current formation beyond the current seven squadrons (A, B, C, D, E, F and G). These new squadrons will have the same structure as the first six each squadron consisting of approximately 60 men commanded by a Major divided into four troops and a small headquarters section, with squadron having three sections of 16 military personnel in each one, along with civilian 12 support personnel. With each man possessing a particular skill such as signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of their training. The 12 support personnel are, made up of civilian scientist and engineers that are attach to sections that are exploring other worlds.

This is the first significant expansion of the ground forces of Project Phoenix ‘Off World Exploration Regiment’ for many years. This expansion is due to the coming of the LAV(S) and the increasing possibility of Apophis hit and run attacks against Abydos becoming an attack against the Great Pyramid, though Apophis has not yet sent enough warships for this to happen.

On the 6th January 1983, Danish fishermen defy the British government's prohibition on non-UK boats entering its coastal waters, the Danish fishing vessels that are identified in UK coastal waters are escorted out of UK coastal waters by the Royal Navies Island and Castle class patrol vessels.

On the 14th January 1983, armed police officers shoots’ and severely injure an innocent car passenger in London, believing him to be escaped prisoner David Martin.

On the 17th January 1983, first British breakfast time television programme, Breakfast Time, broadcast by the BBC. The wearing of seatbelts also becomes compulsory in the front of passenger cars, eleven years after they become compulsory equipment on new cars sold in Britain.

On the 19th January 1983, the two police officers who wounded Stephen Waldorf are charged with attempted murder and released on bail they are suspended from duty pending further investigation. SI-5 has never had a similar problem up to this point more training for armed police is needed, though not to the same ‘military’ level that SI-5 officers receive.

On the 23rd January 1983, the ban on non-British boats in British waters remains in place, the EEC objects as the EEC states that this conflicts’ with its new Common Fisheries Policy comes into effect. The UK government points out that the UK is not part of the EEC therefore the Common Fisheries Policy does not affect the UK, the EEC can do nothing about this.

The Royal Navy will continue to enforce British Fisheries Policy for the British finishing fleet and escort all non-British finishing boats in British waters out of British waters those non-British finishing boats that do now comply will be seized pending court action against the boats crews.

The role of escorting out of UK waters of all non-British finishing boats will fall to the UK’s considerable fleet of patrol boats of the Island and Castle class vessels.

On the 25th January 1983, sees the launch of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite, the first-ever space-based observatory to perform a survey of the entire sky at infrared wavelengths. The satellite is a joint project between the American space agency NASA, the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programmes and the UK's Science and Engineering Research Council. This is one of the few times that several different space agencies on Earth have cooperated.

On the 31st January 1983, those IRA arms dumps that have been sized, the weapons have been identified as mostly being of Soviet origin, though some are Chinese, the Chinese government is asked if they can inform the UK government who they originally sold these arms to. The Chinese government reply is Libya the UK government now has firm evidence that the Libyan government is supplying arms to the IRA.

A detachment of four specially fitted out (with Goa'uld sensors) Canberra recon aircraft (operating from Malta) will scan any freighter leaving Libya to see if the freighter is carrying arms and if it is the freighter will be followed at a discrete distance until it enters UK territorial waters, then the freighter will be seized. If the freighter is not, headed for the UK then the ship let on its way and the country of origin (if friendly to the UK) will be, discreetly informed of the freighters contents.

The IRA intern will disperse there remaining arms to many dozens of smaller arms dumps to try and protect their existing stocks, some attacks that are underway have already been supplied, thus these attacks will proceed.

In addition, the IRA will get delivery of smaller amounts of arms, rather than ‘big’ arms shipments in one go, this will lessen the IRA’s campaign but not stop it, even though the UK government is putting a lot of resources into fighting the IRA.

February 1983

On the 2nd February 1983, Dr Phillips meets with William Whitelaw to discuss the moving of the Earth Stargate from Borthwick Castle to RAF Barra. Dr Phillips plan is to create an underground facility at RAF Barra and then with Asgard help (their beaming technology) move the Stargate and the DHD in one go.

The reasons for moving the Stargate and that RAF Barra is more secure than Borthwick Castle, it will also draw less attention with people coming and going, as RAF Barra cannot be, observed as Borthwick Castle can be. In addition, RAF Barra is much larger than Borthwick Castle allowing more facilities (underground) to be constructed, as Borthwick Castle has now reached the limits of its facilities.

The use of the Stargate in sending personnel to Heliopolis could also, be speeded up, as there would be no real restrictions on how often the Stargate could be used or how many people could be sent through the Stargate.

After listening to Dr Phillips proposal William Whitelaw agrees, work on the underground facilities will begin immediately, with work being, finished sometime in 1985 and the Stargate, being moved in early 1986 (with Asgard assistance).

On the 3rd February 1983, unemployment stands at a record high of 3,224,715 - though the previous high reached in the Great Depression of the early 1930s accounted for a higher percentage of the workforce, this will be the peak of unemployment in the UK from now onwards unemployment will start to go downwards.

By the 28th February 1983, UK government now has its own secure communications satellites (Skynet satellites) covering the entire planet, this means that the UK, Australian, New Zealand or Canadian military do not have to rely on other nations for their global communication needs.

The Skynet communication satellites proved useful during the Falklands War, though improvements need to be made next generation of Skynet satellites, improved satellites are already in the early design stages.

March 1983

On the 1st March 1983, Alan Turning who has been suffering from the early stages of arthritis enters Seth’s Sarcophagus for treatment the Sarcophagus will heal Turning’s arthritis, but due to his strong ancient genes, the Sarcophagus will also restore his youth as well.

When Alan emerges, everyone is looking at him, Seth says, “Amazing, I thought that this effect would only work on me, obviously your ancient genes have caused a different effect.”

Alan asks, “What has gone wrong?”

Seth with a growing smile on his face replies, “Nothing, your time in my Sarcophagus has had an unexpected bonus for you, it has restored your youth.” Seth hands Alan a mirror (Seth always carries a mirror)

Alan looks at his face it as if he was in his early twenties again, he says, “This is the reflection I saw in my first dream, as a younger version of myself, the future seems to be unfolding as I saw it.”

Dr Phillips says, “Agreed, events do does appear to be unfolding as you foresaw, but we must not end up attacking the US, the loss of life was terrible, therefore we must wait until this US President you saw has had his term in office.”

Alan who is still looking at his youthful face replies, “I agree, we must not let this project get out, there is too much at stake.”

For the time being, it appears as though those with strong ancient genes will have their youth restored after a ‘treatment’ session in Seth’s Sarcophagus those with weaker ancient genes (or later gene therapy) will only have any injuries or illness cured.

The other advantage is that only the most severely injured personnel will use Seth’s Sarcophagus, this will keep Seth from becoming addicted to his Sarcophagus, thus keeping him firmly supporting Project Phoenix.

So far, there is no illness or injury, which Seth’s Sarcophagus cannot cure or heal respectively.

On the 5th March 1983, Bob Hawke is elected Prime Minister of Australia a few days later, he is briefed on Project Phoenix this floors him, after getting over the shock Prime Minister Hawke gives his full support to Project Phoenix, along with keep this project secret.

On the 8th March 1983, IBM releases the IBM PC XT in an attempt to compete with the BBC Micro C version this IBM PC does better than previous models, but still cannot get near the sales of Acorn Computers.

On the 15th March 1983, the UK Budget raises tax allowances, and cuts taxes by £2billion.

On the 23rd March 1983, President Ronald Reagan makes his initial proposal to develop technology to intercept enemy missiles. The media dub this plan “Star Wars”. Project Phoenix dismisses this as a highly costly plan, doomed to failure, though it does appear that the US may be developing a defence system to protect Earth from attack from outer space.

This assumption by Project Phoenix is due to the ‘Roswell Incident’ in 1947 and the subsequent recovery of the Asgard ship and bodies, the US may be attempting to protect itself against a possible alien attack or it may just be an ABM system.

Either way Project Phoenix will monitor the US governments “Star Wars” defence system, just in case.

On the 28th March 1983, Ian MacGregor appointed, as head of the National Coal Board confrontation with the miners now seems inevitable.

April 1983

On the 5th April 1983, the Skyflash BVRM enters operational service with the RAF and the FAA this will be exported to countries like Saudi Arabia and Sweden (also including Australia, New Zealand and Canada). Hawker Siddeley’s missile division will quickly evolve Skyflash into Skyflash II a fire and forget missile by the end of the 1980s, this will become the missile of choice for the German, Danish, Norwegian and many other European and world nations. The US AMRAAM will try to compete be with US export controls (and Skyflash II being cheaper) this will prove very hard to sell.

On the 6th April 1983, the actor Lewis Collins passes the regular SAS entrance exams and tests, but he is, rejected due to his acting fame. However, this is not the end of the matter Lewis Collins is invited to join the TA SAS instead and he accepts, he will pass and become a members of the TA SAS.

This invitation is made by covert members of Project Phoenixes ‘recruiters’, these ‘recruiters’ spot people that may be of use to Project Phoenix and recruit them. Lewis Collins by early 1984 will have, been given a commission in the British Army at the rank of Lieutenant as a military liaison officer with the press. In this role, Lewis Collins will be able to travel all over the world without raising any suspicions in his public role as military liaison officer.

Though it will not be until the end of 1984, after the deep background checks have been completed that he will be informed to Project Phoenix and what his role will be.

On the 11th April 1983, Richard Attenborough's 1982 film Gandhi wins eight Academy Awards.

On the 21st April 1983, the one pound coin introduced across the UK.

On the 25th April 1983, Manchester, Maine schoolgirl Samantha Smith is invited to visit the Soviet Union by its leader Yuri Andropov, after he read her letter in which she expressed fears about nuclear war.

May 1983

On the 6th May 1983, Stern Magazine publishes the “Hitler Diaries” (which are later found to be forgeries).

On the 26th May 1983, opinion polls suggest that the Conservatives are looking set to be re-elected with a landslide. A MORI poll puts them on 51%, 22 points ahead of Labour.

On the 28th May 1983, the 9th G7 summit begins at Williamsburg, Virginia, all the other G7 members know that without either the UK or the US, no deal on anything can be possible to achieve.

By the end of May 1983, food production on Heliopolis can now produce more than enough for the growing population of Heliopolis, only specialist/exotic foods need to be transported though the Stargate from Earth.

Those Project Phoenix personnel that have ‘retired’ are the ones managing the food production, though compared to farmers on Earth these Heliopolis farmers have some serious technology to help them managed food production. These ‘retired’ personnel are now listed on Earth as being dead along with their bodies being cremated this will allow these personnel to make their permanent home on Heliopolis. With further personnel, making their home permanently on Heliopolis this will see the permanent population on Heliopolis grow at an increased rate.

June 1983

On the 9th June 1983, Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 1979, wins a landslide victory with a majority of 144 seats (as well as 49% of the popular vote) over Michael Foot, who led a highly divided and weakened Labour Party, which earned only 28% of the vote. Among the new members of parliament are two Labour MP's, Tony Blair for Sedgefield in County Durham and Gordon Brown for Dunfermline East in Scotland. The election brought mixed results for the SDP-Liberal Alliance, who came closely behind Labour in votes but has a mere 23 MPs in the new parliament compared to Labour's 209.

The Conservatives' key issues included employment, economic growth and defence (especially after the Falklands War).

Labour's campaign manifesto involved, abolishing the House of Lords, abandoning the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent and removing US cruise missiles a policy programme dubbed by Labour MP Gerald Kaufman as “the longest suicide note in history”. Pro-Labour political journalist Michael White, writing in The Guardian, commented, “There was something magnificently brave about Michael Foot's campaign but it was like the Battle of the Somme.”

On the 10th June 1983, inventor Clive Sinclair is knighted, even though most of his inventions have not made him very wealthy.

On the 12th June 1983, Michael Foot resigns as leader of the Labour Party. Neil Kinnock, shadow spokesman for education and MP for Islwyn in South Wales, is tipped to succeed him; however, the successor will not be confirmed until this autumn.

On the 13th June 1983, Pioneer 10 becomes the first manmade object to leave the solar system (well the first official manmade object, as Project Phoenix has already done this, but cannot make this public so the US gets first place!)

On the 14th June 1983, Roy Jenkins resigns as leader of the Social Democratic Party and is succeeded by David Owen. Although the SDP gained 25% (some 7,000,000 of the votes) and fell just short of Labour in terms of votes, they attained only a fraction of the number of seats won by Labour.

On the 15th June 1983, the first episode of historical sitcom Blackadder broadcast on BBC One television.

On the 18th June 1983, STS-7 Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space, on the Space Shuttle Challenger, this is well behind the Woomera program and the Soviet Program both of these space programs has already put women in space.

Between the 20th and the 25th June 1983, Apophis launches his first major attack against Abydos in several years (the raids in Apophis’s mind do not count), this force consist of ten Ha'tak’s more than enough to deal a blow to the defending forces.

On the 20th June 1983, the force of ten Ha'tak’s drop out of hyperspace and begin to approach Abydos, the two warships assigned to defence power up their shields and weapons and their crews get to their fighters.

At the same time, on Abydos the evacuation through the Stargate of the civilian’s begins.

As the battle begins, it becomes apparent that the ten Ha'tak’s are here for the long haul, also the attacking Ha'tak’s do not launch their Death Gliders. Instead, the Ha'tak’s open fire on the Osprey fighters instead of the two Black Prince class warships, causing eleven Osprey fighters to be destroyed before the fighters can get out of range.

Once the Osprey fighters have moved out of range, the ten Ha'tak’s split their fire between the two Black Prince class warships, even with their Asgard shields these two warships cannot hold out very long against such enemy fire. Fortunately, they do not have to, as the other four ships (with two being upgraded to Black Prince II level) of the first cruiser squadron are on their way.

An hour after the ten Ha'tak’s the rest of the first cruiser squadron drops out of hyperspace and begins to engage the Ha'tak’s, the Ha'tak’s return fire on these new arrivals, however the bulk of their fire is still concentrated on the first two Black Prince class warships.

With this news, Rear Admiral James Goodworthy orders that the second cruiser squadron be withdrawn from raiding and assist in the defence of Abydos.

This will only leave HMS Defiance and the two Black Prince class warships HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable (of the still to be fully formed third cruiser squadron) as a reserve force, Admiral Goodworthy decides not to commit these three warships, but keep them at Heliopolis.

The next batch of four Black Prince II class warships, are not due to be completed until January next year, with their trials taking them up until December 1984.

The battle for Abydos changes slightly, as the four Black Prince class warships begin to concentrate their fire on a single Ha'tak to try to pick off one Ha'tak at a time, this action by the four Black Prince class warships is only marginally effective.

This fight goes on for the next hour, until the arrival of the second cruiser squadron, this shift the fight towards Project Phoenixes forces.

With two Black Prince class warships badly damaged, these two warships withdraw from the battle under the cover of the rest of the first cruiser squadron and the second cruiser squadron. Of the ten Ha'tak, one is badly damaged three have moderate damage, the rest have little or not damaged, the badly damaged Ha'tak is ordered to withdraw.

As the fight continues the twelve Black Prince class warships are slowly beating back the nine remaining Ha'tak’s, after four hours of further combat the nine remaining Ha'tak’s jump into hyperspace, but the battle is far from over.

The nine remaining Ha'tak’s are merely making a short jump to a point in deep space near the Abydos, to repair their battle damage and await reinforcements. Of the nine Ha'tak’s two are ordered to withdraw back to a shipyard for, the remainder will repair their battle damage were they are.

A few hours later three replacement Ha'tak’s drop out of hyperspace brining the numbers back up to ten, ready for the next attack tomorrow.

Abydos

With the withdrawal of the Ha'tak’s the twelve Black Prince class warships stand down from ‘action stations’ and begin repairs to the battle damage, they will get very little time for any major repairs.

On the 20th June 1983, the second attack by ten Ha'tak’s commences, this time the Black Prince class warships quickly raise their shields and engage the Ha'tak’s. The Ha'tak’s use the same tactic as previously by focusing their fire on one or two Black Prince class warships hoping to reduce down their numbers by siege tactics.

This time this tactic does not work as well as before, as the twelve Black Prince class warships can cover each other much better than before, this will reduce the damage that the Ha'tak’s can inflict.

By the end of another seven-hour battle, one Ha'tak is badly damaged, with three Black Prince class warships also damaged, though these three warships will receive battle repairs to make them operational for what Rear Admiral James Goodworthy feels will be another round tomorrow.

Once at the point in deep space near the Abydos, the badly damaged Ha'tak’s return to their bases to be repaired and are replaced by fresh Ha'tak’s bring the numbers back up to ten once again.

Between the 21st and 24th June 1983, the Ha'tak’s continue their tactics to wear down the defences so that Abydos can once again come under Apophis’s control. By the end of the 24th June 1983, Project Phoenixes forces are down to five Black Prince class warships operational to defend Abydos.

On the surface of Abydos Project Phoenixes, ground forces have now withdrawn to close defence around the Great Pyramid, one Naquadah enhanced nuclear bomb with a yield of 410 megatons has been set up inside the Great Pyramid. The locals have not been included in the evacuation as per the current plan that Mountbatten implemented (prior to his death), this plan has not, been changed since then.

The military forces of Project Phoenix feel that the 25th June 1983 will be the day that they will be, forced to retreat from Abydos.

On the 25th June 1983, Hermiod has been watching the battle as the reports come in and he is impressed with the way these humans are able to hold the Goa'uld at bay, Hermiod would like to take his warship into the battle to help these humans but that Asgard High Council has forbidden it. The Asgard High Council has approved Hermiod to intervene only if Asgard technology is likely to fall into Goa'uld hands.

As Hermiod watches as the next Goa'uld attack begins, Hermiod thinks to himself that the Asgard High Council have not specified were to ‘observe’ the battle from, Hermiod activates his ships hyperdrive, at the same time begins charging the ships weapons.

Hermiod is picking up ‘bad habits’ from these humans.

As the next attack is underway, the ten Ha'tak’s have just entered the system and engaged the Black Prince warships the Jaffa in charge is pleased the way the battle is going, just as Apophis had predicted.

An hour into the ‘final’ battle an Asgard Mothership (Hermiod ship) suddenly drops out of hyperspace and starts to slowly, move towards the ten Ha'tak’s. The Jaffa in charge of the ten Ha'tak’s has a standing order from Apophis, not the engage the Asgard in battle, whatever is going on and to withdraw as fast as possible if the Asgard appear.

The ten Ha'tak’s immediately jump into hyperspace the Battle for Abydos is over, if Apophis or the Jaffa in charge had known that this was a bluff as Hermiod would not have engaged the Ha'tak’s, fortunately neither Apophis or the Jaffa in charge knew this.

On the 26th June 1983, the damage assessment has begun, with nine Black Prince warships now back at Heliopolis undergoing repairs in orbit, this leaves only five Black Prince warships left to defend Abydos. These five warships could be supplemented with HMS Defiance and two Black Prince class warships HMS Implacable and HMS Indefatigable, but this will not be necessary.

The loss of life has be quite low with only 201 dead and 417 wounded, with Seth’s Sarcophagus healing those injuries that normal medical technology cannot fix.

If the Asgard had not intervened, then Abydos would have to have been, abandoned by Project Phoenix, and the Naquadah enhanced nuke would have, been detonated once evacuation was complete, this is a lesson for Project Phoenixes military in that they do not have the strength to even, engage a single System Lord in direct space combat.

New tactics will be, needed to keep Apophis busy, until Project Phoenixes military successfully engage a single System Lords space forces in direct combat with a hope of winning.

It will take a year before all the damaged Black Prince class warships are operational again.

Apophis

The news that the Asgard intervention has shocked Apophis, Apophis will not launch any more raids against Abydos for the foreseeable future, instead Apophis will concentrate on consolidation of the rest of his territory. Apophis must keep this news from his fellow System Lords otherwise they may turn against him for making the Asgard intervene, Lord Yu will hear of the Asgard intervention within a few days, but keep this information to himself, until he can use this information at the right moment.

Apophis will also move to strengthen the defences of those worlds he now controls, especially after the recent raids and what Apophis believes is another System Lord, Apophis does not yet know that it is these humans (Project Phoenix) are attacking his bases.

The damaged Ha'tak’s are quickly, repaired within six months all the damaged Ha'tak’s will be operational again, greatly boosting Apophis’s forces for the defence of his bases.

July 1983

On the 1st July 1983, production of the AEW version of the Rotodyne is made official though production of the Rotodyne AEW is already underway via emergency procumbent from the MoD this makes the contract official and long term. A total of fifty Rotodyne AEW will be purchased for the Royal Navy, also Canada and Australia will also purchase the Rotodyne AEW for their carriers as well.

Sales of both military and none military versions of the Rotodyne are still strong as newer and improved versions are introduced to replace the older versions.

August 1983

On the 5th August 1983, 22 IRA members receive sentences totalling over 4,000 years from a Belfast Court the efforts by the UK security services is now paying dividends.

On the 8th August 1983, Hermiod is given a ‘ticking off’ by the Asgard High Council for his intervention, the Asgard High Council state that if he does the same thing again he will be ordered him home and another Asgard will be the ‘Official Observer’. Hermiod is also told to inform the leaders of Project Phoenix that the Asgard will not intervene again if Abydos is attacked.

On the 10th August 1983, Rear Admiral James Goodworthy presents his report on the recent Space Battle for Abydos. His report states that the space forces of Project Phoenix performed well considering they faced a foe with far greater numbers of warships available. Admiral Goodworthy also makes the point that without Asgard intervention Abydos would have had to be abandoned, though this would not be a great loss to Project Phoenix.

Admiral Goodworthy recommends that in future that if another attack happens that the navy should hold the enemy back until all ground forces have been withdrawn and then the space forces should withdraw from battle.

This is not a very savouring report for the leaders of Project Phoenix, but they accept Admiral Goodworthy’s suggestion, in the event of another major attack Project Phoenix will withdraw from Abydos.

On the 30th August 1983, the Space Shuttle Challenger carries Guion S. Bluford, the first African-American astronaut, into space the US Space Shuttle is now seen by NASA as the future of orbital flight.

September 1983

On the 1st September 1983, Korean Air Lines Flight 007 is shot down by a Soviet Union jet fighter near Moneron Island when the commercial aircraft enters Soviet airspace. All 269 on board are killed including US Congressman Larry McDonald.

On the 6th September 1983, the Soviet Union admits to shooting down Korean Air Flight 007, stating that the pilots did not know it was a civilian aircraft when it violated Soviet airspace. With two British (2 Australian and 12 from British Hong Kong) subjects the British government does not believe the Soviet government’s version of events, but cannot do anything about this incident.

On the 19th September 1983, the Saint Kitts and Nevis becomes an independent state, they also become part of those countries that are part of the Sterling Zone.

On the 25th September 1983, 38 IRA prisoners armed with six guns hijack a lorry and escape from HM Prison Maze in County Antrim, Northern Ireland; one guard dies of a heart attack and 20 others are injured in the attempt to foil the escape, the largest prison escape since World War II and in British history.

Between the 25th September and the 26th September 1983, Soviet military officer Stanislav Petrov averts a worldwide nuclear war by correctly identifying a missile attack warning as a false alarm.

October 1983

On the 2nd October 1983, Neil Kinnock is elected leader of the British Labour Party.

On the 4th October 1983, Richard Noble, driving the British turbojet-powered car Thrust2, takes the land speed record to 634.051 mph (1020.406 km/h) over 1 km (633.47 mph (1019.47 km/h) over 1 mile) at Black Rock Desert, USA, an increase of 40 mph over the previous kilometre record.

On the 10th October 1983, Hawker Siddeley is given a contract to replace the existing SRAAM/Taildog, as the launch tube instead of being attached to a launch rail has been causing problems. Hawker Siddeley will come up with SRAAM Block 0 by the end of 1984, this will be an improved version of the SRAAM/Taildog but will be rail launched and not tube launched.

The SRAAM Block 0 will be code-named Firestorm, this missile will enjoy worldwide sales in the years to come and continue to be improved and updated over the next few decades. Production of the SRAAM Block 0 “Firestorm” will begin low rate production in early 1988 with full-scale production commencing in the early 1990s.

On the 12th October 1983, Japan's former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka is found guilty of taking a $2 million bribe from Lockheed and sentenced to 4 years in jail

On the 19th October 1983, Maurice Bishop, Prime Minister of Grenada, and 40 others are assassinated in a military coup this will set into motion a set of events that will show the world the true political power of the UK.

On the 22nd October 1983, over a million people demonstrate against nuclear weapons at a CND march in London.

On the 25th October 1983, United States troops invade Grenada at the behest of Eugenia Charles of Dominica, a member of the Organization of American States. Thatcher is furious with Reagan and in a telephone conversation, informs the US President that the US must withdraw from Grenada Reagan refuses. In response, Thatcher states to Reagan that Britain will respond to this act, Thatcher hangs up without waiting for a response, Reagan’s advisors state that Britain will do nothing they will be, proved very wrong in there assumption.

On the 26th October 1983, the UK government announces that is sending a carrier battle group to Grenada to ‘persuade’ the US military to leave, this is met in parliament with cheers from the Conservative MPs (and a number of opposition MPs as well). In the US this news is met with shock by Reagan’s advisors, as the US military had not expected this level of response from the UK, though worse was to come.

On the 27th October 1983, the Canadian government also announces that it will send its carrier group in support of the UK carrier group this is action is done in consultation with the UK government.

On the 28th October 1983, those commonwealth countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) that had supported the US invasion now reversed their position, due to British (and other commonwealth countries) diplomatic pressure.

On the 30th October 1983, with two carrier battle groups heading towards Grenada and several other commonwealth countries offering support to the UK, Reagan orders that the US military to stand aside when the joint UK/Canadian forces arrive. This is a humiliation for Reagan and the US military the US does not want to go to war (they would lose, badly, though the US does not know this) with several of her allies.

When the joint UK/Canadian forces arrive at Grenada, they will be treated as liberators (from both the communists and the US) by the people of Grenada this does not help Reagan very much either, as Reagan had played it as the US are the liberators (from the ‘evil’ communists), this has also backfired on him.

On the 31st October 1983, China issues a statement of support for the British action and offers any assistance that the British government may request, though this is symbolic, as there is little that China could do to help the joint UK/Canadian force heading towards Grenada.

November 1983

On the 1st November 1983, the new aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal formally enters operational service with the Royal Navy even though Ark Royal has been in operational service with the Royal Navy since last year (due to the Falklands War).

On the 13th November 1983, the first US cruise missiles arrive at RAF Greenham Common amid protests from peace campaigners at the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. This deployment was a close run thing for the US after their invasion of Grenada, Thatcher had threatened not to allow their deployment on UK territory, though once Reagan had agreed to withdraw US forces once the joint UK/Canadian forces arrive Thatcher had allowed the US cruise missiles to be deployed.

On the 16th November 1983, the queen arrives in India for 7th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that will take place between the 17th and 26th November 1983. The queen arrives in a No 32 (The Royal) Squadron Concorde of the ‘Royal Flight’, the Indian government has allowed over flights of Concorde on hearing that the Head of the Commonwealth will be arriving in one. In addition, both the Canadian and Australian governments, using their own governments Concorde’s will arrive as the Heads of Government Meeting as well.

After all, it would be embarrassing for the Indian government if they prevented the Head of the Commonwealth from coming to a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This would give way to other Commonwealth countries granting permission for Concorde to overfly their airspace at supersonic speed.

This has been on the cards for some time, even with the oil problems in the late 1970s, Concorde continues to be operated in relatively small numbers (no more than 205 sold as of 1983), and plans are well underway for a Concorde II with an improved design. With withdrawal of the French from the Concorde program, the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand governments join the Concorde program the French are now seeing their withdrawal from the Concorde program as premature, though there is little they can do about this now.

The Concorde II will not start flight trials until the 1990’s, until then the existing Concorde I (current block C versions) will continue to operate with growing profits for those airlines that do operate Concorde I, the Concorde program is now starting to show light at the end of the tunnel.

British Airways Chairman, Sir John King has shown the way with current Concorde Is, as Sir John King realised that he had a premier product that was underpriced, and after carrying out a market survey, British Airways discovered that customers thought Concorde was more expensive than it actually was.

Concorde Ticket prices would be, progressively raised to match these perceptions.

The Concorde’s operated by British Airways run at a profit, unlike their French counterpart, with British Airways’ profits for their Concorde operations alone making a profit of just over £50 million a year. Other airlines that operate Concorde see this as a good business model for their own Concorde operations, one implemented these other airlines also begin to make a profit with their own Concorde operations.

On the 20th November 1983, with the arrival of the joint UK/Canadian force, the US military begins an immediate withdrawal from Grenada. The UK standing along with that of the Commonwealth has greatly increased, along with Thatcher’s own standing in the UK and abroad as well.

On the 26th November 1983, in London, 6,800 gold bars worth nearly UK£26 million are taken from the Brink's-MAT vault at Heathrow Airport. Only a fraction of the gold is ever, recovered and only two men are convicted of the crime. The commander of SI-5 Sir William Bodie thought of asking for the use of the Canberra recon aircraft to find the gold, but this idea is dropped, as when this case would reach the courts this could cause too many potential problems.

December 1983

On the 4th December 1983, an SAS undercover operation ends in the shooting and killing of two IRA gunmen, a third is injured this is the UK ‘taking the gloves off’ in dealing with the IRA, though none of this ‘policy’ has ever been written down, only verbal orders have ever been given.

On the 8th December 1983, the House of Lords votes to allow television broadcast of its proceedings.

On the 10th December 1983, Military rule ends and democracy is restored in Argentina, with the beginning of Raúl Alfonsín first term as President of Argentina, though the new government of Argentina still insists that the Falklands are Argentinean property.

On the 15th December 1983, the Chair of the Commons Defence Committee asks for permission to tour RAF Barra (as part of tour of various defence installations across the UK by the committee during 1984), this is turned down by the Service Chiefs and the Prime Minister, no reason beyond National Security is given.

On the 31st December 1983, Brunei gains independence from the United Kingdom, but unlike other former countries of the British Empire, Brunei does not become part of the Sterling Zone.

At the end of December 1983, the UK is looking more and more like the world’s third superpower, with growing links to the rest of the commonwealth and countries like China, the UK influence around the world is growing.

At the end of December 1983, the population of Heliopolis has now reached just over 600,000, the ‘machinery’ of checking new personnel is now a well oiled machine, this is allowing an increase in the numbers of personnel travelling to Heliopolis or becoming part/aware of Project Phoenix.

It is projected that by the end of 1984, the population on Heliopolis will exceed 650,000 this number will increase once the Stargate has been moved from Borthwick Castle to the underground facilities at RAF Barra in 1986.

Until this has happened, the rate of personnel transfer from Earth to Heliopolis will remain at around 10,000 per year (at the most) with the vast majority of these people choosing to remain permanently on Heliopolis.

To be continued.