Area 51

Ever hear of Area 51 ? Ever wondered what goes on there ?

If you read chapter ten of of my latest novel, The Carrington Prophecy, you’ll get a good idea.

Here is a little background:
Biff Roberts, CIA’s counter terrorism (CT) director is researching a credible threat of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) sneak attack by a rogue nation resulting from an atomic explosion above the USA’s stratosphere.

Trying to get up to speed on the emerging technology, he visits Boeing’s Phantom Works testing grounds at Area 51. The site has an illustrious history shrouded in secrecy and mystery.

Biff discovers they are developing a new toy for their arsenal during the live demonstration. It’s an ingenious new weapon that may just come in handy.

The excerpt below fills you in on the details.

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Chapter Ten
AREA 51
Nevada, the next morning

Area 51 was part myth, part extraterrestrial fantasy, and part mystique, but in reality a top-secret military base located for decades in a remote Nevada salt flat next to a large dry lake called Groom Lake.

As the subject of UFO and alien conspiracy theories, sci-fi films, and the development and test site of military technology such as the atom bomb, U2 surveillance aircraft, and the F-22 Raptor fifth generation stealth fighter, the base was legendary.

Biff knew Area 51 well as KXTA, a CIA “Black Project” test site; clandestine code names Aquatone and Oxcart came to mind. Well suited for secretive activity in its isolated desert spot, it was really out in the middle of nowhere, eighty-five miles north-northwest of Las Vegas.

After they passed through multiple layers of security, Adam greeted Biff and his team and escorted them to the base commander’s office for a brief introduction. Biff was amused to note that the commander had a bronze sign on his desk that read: Real life beats the imaginary lives here.

Adam then led them to the area where the Phantom team was developing the innovative, top-secret weapons system. They took an elevator several flights down to an underground laboratory complex.

“Like in Vegas,” Adam related. “What happens here, stays here.” He smiled at his own quip.

“You don’t need a library card to educate yourself in EMP technology, gentlemen. Plenty of information is out there on the Internet. The essence is developing EMP waves into a reliable weapons system.” He led them through a pair of heavy metal doors into an enormous underground hangar.

“Here’s what we’ve come up with.” He pointed proudly to a large rocket on a mobile launch pad. “That’s our CHAMP-EMP cruise missile.”

“What’s the missile’s range?” Biff asked.

“Over six hundred miles, about the same as a Tomahawk missile.”

“Size?’’

“Slightly bigger than the Tomahawk.”

“Which is about twenty feet with a booster,” Biff noted, making a mental note of the missile’s specs.

“Right on, Director, you know your missiles.”

“Thanks. Tell me about the launch protocols.”

“Plane, ship, or from a stationary or mobile pad are equally reliable. That gives you a variety of attack options.”

“What about from a SSGN’s VLS?”

“Now that’s an interesting concept, using an attack submarine’s vertical launch system. That would enhance the stealth factor and add another element of surprise. I’m certain our CHAMP missile could be modified for a vertical launch system compartmentalized in a guided missile submarine. Got something in mind?”

“Just brainstorming applications, preparing for any contingency.”

“That’s an idea worth pursuing. We’ll check it out and get back to you.”

“I’d appreciate that, Adam. Soon as possible.”

“Today’s demo is set for noon. Let’s get over to our control center to monitor the launch effectiveness. The missile is programmed to target six buildings filled with functioning electronic equipment and test animals in the Tonopah test range seventy miles northwest of here. We can watch the live feed video from drone control and satellite.”

* * *
Two Hours Later

“How’s that grab you, fellows?” Adam said. “The CHAMP flyover successfully fried the targets’ electronics without harm to the animals or the six structures, hitting the targets’ precisely programmed coordinates dead on.”

“Impressive demonstration, Adam,” Biff acknowledged. “You’re convincing me you’re on to something with this new EMP weapons system. It seems you’ve invented a new mousetrap, young man.”

Adam chuckled. “Guess the Defense Department will soon be beating down our door.” He paused before adding, “Stay for a late lunch? We have time to hit Vegas, just a short hop by plane. I know some great spots.”

“Thanks, but we have to get back East. Have another stop on my information tour. Sure appreciate your time and effort in educating us on the new weapon. Super demonstration, spectacular targeting. CHAMP may come in handy. Can you loan me the specs of your new mousetrap?”

“No problem. Got several copies right here, classified, of course,” he added, smiling.

“I think I have proper clearance,” Biff replied, grinning. “Need my ID?”