A British Stargate

My two main sources of information for this story are the various Stargate series’ DVDs and http://stargate.wikia.com/wiki/Stargate_Wiki.

Timeline Discussion Thread for any comments please use the following link – https://www.alternatehistory.com/Discussion/showthread.php?t=177720

1. Uncovering the Distant Past

Egypt, Giza, January 1928

During January 1928, Professor David Phillips is leading a British archaeological expedition in Giza, Egypt, discovering a large circular cover stone and a ring-shaped device (Stargate) underneath it, nearby they also discover a large, pedestal-shaped device (the DHD).

Professor Phillips expedition also finds several hundred smaller artefacts, including a gold pendant that has the eye of Ra etched on it. Professor Phillips gives his daughter Victoria Phillips the necklace and she will always ware it, believing it was a good luck charm, her father was quiet happy for her to have the necklace.

Professor Phillips realizing that another archaeological expedition from another county may try to take these finds, Professor Phillips begins preparations to leave Egypt with his finds. Professor Phillips firstly sends two of his researches back to London to arrange space at the British Museum, secondly he arranges for the transportation of all the artefacts back to the UK this is all done before he begins the process of pacing up the artefacts.

After the preparations are complete, Professor Phillips immediately packs up the artefacts and sends them back to United Kingdom, to the British Museum in London, where all the artefacts are placed in an underground vault, this is one of the largest storage vaults the British Museum has, this allow the ring-shaped device (Stargate) to be placed upright for study.

This also allows the large circular cover stones to be placed upright for study, as well.

In late 1928, Professor Phillips and his daughter Victoria Phillips take a long journey back to the United Kingdom this will allow time for the British Museum to receive and unpack his artefacts for study, by Professor Phillips and his team when he returns.

London, British Museum, 3rd March 1929

As Professor Phillips and his daughter, enters the vault that houses the artefacts, they can see that the ring-shaped device (Stargate) has been placed upright for study, along with the pedestal-shaped device nearby. Professor Phillips twelve-man research team are already looking at the artefacts, especially the three largest artefacts, the cover stone, the ring-shaped device and the pedestal-shaped device. What no one knows (yet) is that the ring-shaped device draws its power from the pedestal-shaped device and that the ring-shaped device (Stargate) is now ready to be activated again after being buried for thousands of years ago.

Around the rest of the vault are the other artefacts that were also discovered in the area of the Stargate, these artefacts number in the hundreds, these are already being numbered by Professor Phillips small staff, so that they can be properly catalogued for study at a later date.

Victoria says, “Father this will make you famous, it must be the most amazing discovery ever.”

Professor Phillips smiles at his daughter’s enthusiasm and replies, “It may well be Victoria, but until all of these items have all been catalogued and studied, who can say what these artefacts will reveal about ancient Egypt.”

Victoria says, “Yes father, I would assume that it would be ok for me to help you catalogue all of this?”

Professor Phillips who is still smiling at his daughter replies, “Of course you can Victoria, you are a very good student, you know almost as much as me about ancient Egypt as I do.”

Victoria with a growing smile on her face says, “Thank you father, we have a lot of work to do and I still have a lot to learn.”

Professor Phillips says, “Well we do know that most of these items seem to relate to the Egyptian God Ra from the symbols on the various artefacts that have been laid out for cataloguing, this would be as good a place to start as any.”

As Professor Phillips small team begins the long process of cataloguing the artefacts, Professor Phillips decides to leave the three largest pieces to last, the cover stone, the ring-shaped device and the pedestal-shaped device.

Professor Phillips has decided to keep the number of people helping with the cataloguing of the artefacts to a bare minimum, as he does not what his discovery to come out yet. To make sure his staff, keep the secret, Professor Phillips has promised to name all of them in his research this promise will keep them quiet as they all wish to be known for helping with the greatest find in Egypt.

Professor Phillips team consists of himself, his daughter Victoria and twelve research assistants, the doors to the vault are kept locked at all times, with only Professor Phillips team having been given keys to access the vault.

London, British Museum 1st December 1929

With all the smaller artefacts catalogued, Professor Phillips has turned his attention to the three largest artefacts, with Professor Phillips and his team looking into the cover stone. Victoria has been assigned to the pedestal-shaped device to make drawings of the markings on the surface of the artefact and to take photographs with her camera.

To do this Victoria is standing on top of a wooden box, to allow her to sketch the markings and to take photographs with her camera.

As Victoria is taking pictures, part of the wooden box gives way causing her to stumble forwards she reaches out to stop herself from falling, as she does so she touches one of the symbols on the pedestal-shaped device. This symbol lights up and the Stargate begins to rotate until the equivalent symbol aligned and is activated, the Stargate waits for the next symbol.

Professor Phillips looks in amazement at what his daughter has found out by accident, then Victoria pushes another symbol and the process repeats itself, then again and again, until seven symbols are highlighted, the she presses the red glowing dome in the middle of the device (seems the natural thing to do to her), the pedestal-shaped device then shuts down.

Victoria looks across at her father and says, “I would say that this is much more advanced form of technology than the ancient Egyptians had.”

Professor Phillips grinned at his daughter’s (under)statement and replies, “Looks like we have a new puzzle to solve, I have finished the translation of the outer script, it says “A million years into the sky is Ra, Sun God. Sealed and buried for all time, his Stargate’ that did not make any sense until now.”

A slightly shocked Victoria who has jumped to the conclusion says, “You mean that aliens from another world built this device, like that book, War of the Worlds by HG Wells?”

Professor Phillips now in a very serious tone replies, “I do not know Victoria, it does sound a bit farfetched as an idea, but I intend to find out whether it is right or not, we need to concentrate all efforts on this device, I would assume that this is the Stargate referred to in the text.”

For the next few weeks, they try various combinations, then they break for the Christmas week, agreeing that they will restart their work in the New Year, after they have had a break, they should be fresher.

London, British Museum 10th January 1930

Due to a chance incident (reading a book on the stars and astrology that was given as a Christmas present by a friend) during the Christmas break, Professor Phillips has discovered that these glyphs (on the pedestal shaped device) are not words to be translated, but are instead star constellations, after seeing the star signs in a magazine.

In the vault, Professor Phillips is explaining his discovery to his small research team, he is saying, “First, all this ‘Stargate’ has a group of glyphs spaced around the inner ring and nine chevrons spaced equally around the outer edge. These two features are used as a coordinate system for the gate to target and form a connection with another gate each chevron is locked to a specific glyph, thereby allowing the gate to connect to another. These two features seem to be used as a coordinate system for the gate to target and form a connection with another gate each chevron is locked to a specific glyph, thereby allowing the gate to connect to another. The first six glyphs would represent points in space, forming three-dimensional coordinates in space. The seventh would represents’ the point of origin, a glyph which is unique to each of these pedestal-shaped devices.”

One of his fellow researches says, “I can see how that can be the correct interpretation Professor, but there must be thousands of combinations, and we do not know the ‘point of origin’ glyph.”

Professor Phillips replies, “It is a good working hypostasis to start with, if it does not work then we will need to look again, if I am right the point of origin symbol has to be here somewhere, all we need to do is look for it.”

Victoria who has been looking at the partially covered cover stones, suddenly says, “Father, I think I may have found the ‘point of origin’ glyph” pointing towards a glyph on the partially covered cover stones. [Authors note: can only see the point of origin glyph, the rest are covered]

Professor Phillips looks at the glyph his daughter is pointing too, he says, “You are right Victoria the glyph has been right in front of us all the time. Well it looks like my theory might be the correct one after all, if it is this will open up a whole new level of technological advancement for Britain and the Empire, perhaps even a new industrial revolution.”

Mark Hughes in an excited voice says, “All we need to do is find the right six symbols and we will be able to travel to another world.”

Over the next few months, Professor Phillips and his research team ‘dial’ several hundred combinations using what they think is the point of origin glyph that Victoria found. The combinations that fail are all noted down, they are being very methodical about the glyphs they use and the order that they are ‘dialled’, but none of them seems to work.

Then just as all hope seems to have faded…

London, British Museum 12th April 1930, 10:34pm

As Victoria ‘dials’ the next set of glyphs, the Stargate dials, as Victoria dials the last glyph (point of origin) the Stargate activates, Stargate produces a violent burst of energy, then settles down, into what appears to be liquid in appearance. For several moments, no one says anything they all just stare at the Stargate then Victoria picks up a measuring stick and approaches the active Stargate.

Victoria ‘pokes’ the liquid with the stick, withdraws the stick, then examines the stick and says, “Father, this is not water, there is none on the stick. It may be a field of energy of some kind.”

Professor Phillips who is now standing beside his daughter, looks at the stick and says, “You are right Victoria, this must be some sort ‘doorway’, when you step through you go to another planet, that is if my theory is correct, though I have no idea how this technology works.”

After a few minutes of poking the ‘liquid’ with the stick, the Stargate shuts down, after being left unused for several minutes, once the Stargate has shuts down, Victoria again ‘dials’ the set of glyphs and once more the Stargate activates. This time however the gate is left alone and after several minutes of inactivity, it shuts itself down again.

One of Professor Phillips, Mark Hughes asks, “What now Professor?”

Professor Phillips replies, “Now we need to see what is on the other side someone will need to go through to see if there is another pedestal device on the other side.”

Mark Hughes asks, “Who will go?”

Professor Phillips looking around the vault at the others and replies, “Volunteers only” then looking at Victoria who is about to volunteer and says, “That does not mean you Victoria, you will be staying here.”

Victoria who now has a scowl on her face replies, “Yes father”

Mark Hughes looking at the now deactivated Stargate says, “Well this is the opportunity of a lifetime, I will volunteer, after all this could be fun.”

Professor Phillips replies, “Thank you Mark, any others?”

Three other also volunteer these are Tim Watson, David Smith and Luke Edwards, after that it is decided that only these first four will go though the Stargate.

It is also decided that they should have with them plenty of provisions with them, along with firearms (shotguns) for self-defence.

Preparations will take several days, as they do not wish to “tip off” anyone in the Museum about what they have found. As far as the Museum staff, are concerned Professor Phillips is cataloguing his artefacts and keeping his discoveries to himself for the time being, until he is ready to publish this action not considered unusual by the Museum staff.

The supplies will be brought in over the next few days, with the shotguns brought in ‘broken down’ in to their component part as not to worry the Museum staff.

London, British Museum 16th April 1930

At 11.55pm on the 16th April 1930, the team led by Mark Hughes, is now ready, they have enough supplies to last them a month if necessary, they also have a portable radio and batteries, to see if signals can be sent though the Stargate, if they can this will enable them to communicate.

Professor Phillips says, “Good luck to you all and many God be with you. Victoria you may begin dialling the address.”

Victoria dials the address and the Stargate activates, then Mark Hughes steps through the Stargate, followed by Tim Watson, David Smith and Luke Edwards, shortly afterwards the Stargate shuts down.

Professor Phillips looks at his watch and says, “One hour from now we will dial the gate to see if we can establish radio contact, everybody try to get some rest until then.”

No one during the next hour will leave the vault, everyone will all try to get some rest, but with the amount of nervous energy that everyone has, this proves to be impossible to get much rest at all.

Planet, Heliopolis

On the other side of the wormhole, the four explorers have found themselves in what appears to be something of a castle perched dangerously on outcropping rocks over a stormy sea and under a thunderous sky. The stormy season on the planet of Heliopolis was just coming to an end, though they do not yet know this.

What no one yet knows is that this planet was once the meeting place for an Alliance of Four Great Races.

Tim Watson is the first to speak he says, “Well I suppose that the first thing to do is set up the radio.”

David Smith replies, “Yes, let’s get started”

Tim Watson looking at his watch says, “We have just under fifty-five minutes before they try to get through.”

Mark Hughes who is looking around to room, points at the pedestal and says, “At least the dialling device is here otherwise we would be here for a very long time” walking up to the pedestal-shaped dialling device, “the symbols are different to the one in the vault, though that is to be expected, if we are on another planet.”

Tim Watson says, “Come on Mark, we need to get set up we will have plenty of time to look around late.”

Mark Hughes replies, “Ok, ok I am coming”

All four of them begin to setup the radio equipment near the Stargate, in preparation for the radio message in just over fifty-minute’s time.

Fifty-five Minutes Later

Exactly fifty-five minutes later the Stargate activates, Luke Edwards listening on the headphones smiles and says, “Test signal received, sending reply.”

Then Luke Edwards after listening to the reply says, “Message from Professor Phillips, he says well done and will contact us again in twenty-four hours.”

Mark Hughes looks around at the other and replies, “That is fine by me and I would assume everyone else?” Tim Watson and David Smith both nod in agreement.

Luke Edwards says, “Message sent and acknowledged.”

The Stargate shuts down, leaving the four of them to start exploring, this building, they will soon discover that they are on another planet.

They quickly find out the building that they are in is a castle that was constructed several thousand years ago (by the state that the castle is in), by the four member races of the great alliance (when they quickly discover in the special room), since then the castle has not been occupied and is in a state of disrepair.

They also find a special room where a central device, when activated by Tim Watson, projects a light-display into the air. The light-display turns out to be a representation of atoms and basic elements. On the four walls are four types of writing, and all four of them quickly agree that this to be some kind of meeting place for four great alien races of the past.

That is when David Smith realizes that the atoms are a kind of universal language to ensure universal comprehension the language has been reduced to basic elements common to all life. There turns out to be many pages of this ‘book’ and David Smith becomes obsessed with copying it down.

David Smith will spend his entire life studying this book.

London, British Museum 20th April 1930

With the team of four sending regular reports back (every 24 hours) via radio through the Stargate, Professor Phillips has decided that this is too important a discovery Professor Phillips must inform the authorities. Especially, after the reports from the team that there are at least four alien races, from the radio reports from Heliopolis.

Professor Phillips has decided (after some deliberation) that he will inform the War Department as he considers the current government and politicians untrustworthy, he knows the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Sir George Milne.

On the 20th April 1930, Professor Phillips briefs Field Marshal Milne of their discovery, the Field Marshal can hardly believe what he is hearing and if it were anyone else saying what Professor Phillips is saying, Field Marshal Milne would have had them ejected from his office (or have them committed to an asylum).

On the 21st April 1930, Professor Phillips shows Field Marshal Milne the Stargate in operation Field Marshal Miles goes to the museum in civilian clothes. After seeing the Stargate in operation Field Marshal Milne states that this is now classified, getting all of Professor Phillips staff to sign the Official Secrets Act. Field Marshal Milne leaves to see about getting some security for the Stargate along with the necessary funding.

On the 30th April 1930, Major General Wilson Smith has been assigned to what will be known as Project Phoenix, this project is listed as a Research and Development project of the War Department, to keep the true nature of the project secret.

Major General Smith has been ordered to find a more isolated base for the Stargate and its associated finds and personnel, with little time available and virtually unlimited resources available to him, Major General Smith can bet things organized very quickly.

The second part is to get troops to protect this new base of operations, these troops must be very carefully selected, but as he has access to the War Departments lists of all serving soldiers, this should not prove to be a problem.

On the 5th May 1930, Field Marshal Milne briefs the Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald on the newly created Project Phoenix along with what they have discovered. The Prime Minister is shocked, once he has gotten over the shock he agrees to keep the true nature of the project from the rest of the cabinet and will give Project Phoenix his full support this will set the trend for the future.

Field Marshal Milne has managed to get over the biggest hurdle in getting the support of the Prime Minister and getting the Prime Minister to keep the true nature of the project from the rest of the cabinet. This will also assure the funding for Project Phoenix, as the Prime Minister is the only one who can veto funding on secret projects like this one.

Planet, Heliopolis, 25th June 1930

On the 25th June 1930, the four-man team on Heliopolis manages to successfully dial back to Earth this was quite simple once they had figured out where they are by studying the stars (they had also found the point of origin symbol in one of the rooms). After they had found the point of origin, it was just a matter of working through the various combinations, until they hit the right one.

Once the four-man team step through the gate they are met by, Professor Phillips and Major General Smith the four men are informed of the changes that have happened since they have been away.

They had been aware of the military’s involvement, via the daily radio reports.

They are informed that the Stargate and the other artefacts are to be moved to Borthwick Castle, in Scotland, this castle will serve as base for the Stargate and the personnel.

The move will commence immediately, though it will take several weeks to transport all the artefacts to Borthwick Castle, the Stargate and the dialling device will be sent first so that missions can restart as soon as possible.

The cellars of Borthwick Castle are already being converted into a base for the Stargate and the dialling device, the rest of the Castle is being converted into a military base. The cellars of Borthwick Castle should be ready to receive the Stargate and the dialling device, by the time both devices arrive.

The great adventure has just begun.

To be continued.
 
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2. Borthwick Castle Command

With the Stargate and the dialling device in place by the 30th July 1930, operations restart through the Stargate, Borthwick Castle in Scotland has become a hive of activity. From the outside of the castle, nothing can be gleamed of what is truly going on inside, around the castle itself there is barbed wire fencing all around the parameter with only one entrance/exit to the base, there are random army patrols along the parameter to keep unwanted visitors away.

The nearby village of Borthwick has gotten a considerable boost in income (especially the local pub), though the soldiers that visit the pub say very little about the work that they do at the castle (except for the cover story that they are all given). The locals are not stupid and do not press the soldiers on what they are doing at the castle, after all the locals do not want to lose this valuable source of income.

Borthwick Castle

Borthwick Castle is being leased from the Borthwick family by the War Department for classified military work, it is located twelve miles south-east of Edinburgh, to the east of the village of Borthwick, on a site protected on three sides by a steep fall in the ground.

Borthwick Castle is considered an ideal base for the Stargate program, as it is isolated enough to keep unwanted visitors away, but close enough for supplies to be delivered from Edinburgh. The other reason is the underground cellars can be and are being enlarged to fit the Stargate, the castle is also large enough for the current Stargate, British Army troops and personnel, along with the ability of taking on additional troops and personnel if needed in the long-term.

The Stargate when it is located underneath Borthwick Castle will be shock mounted to absorb the tremors when the gate is dialled, this will stop the mini earthquake happening each time the Stargate is dialled. This idea will be adapted by the next generation of Royal Navy submarines to reduce the vibration noise of their engines this will make them some of the quietest non-nuclear powered subs on the planet for decades to come.

This new submarine noise reduction technology is one of the first tangible benefits of Project Phoenix with many more benefits will follow in the years and decades to come.

Nearby the Stargate is the large circular cover stone (now covered with a large dust cover over it), with another Stargate address, though so far no one has taken much notice of the cover stone, with all the attention being focused on the Stargate.

Borthwick Castle Command, 1st July 1930

With the program under the control of the War Department, Major General Wilson Smith’s command is relatively small in numbers, but having access to a large budget (if needed), thanks to some covert funding from the Treasury. This covert funding means, keeping parliament in the dark to what is really happening at Borthwick Castle so far this has presented no problems.

For cover purposes, this will be known as Borthwick Castle Command, this will keep the locals at bay along with the fencing and the armed guards. As there are already a number of military bases in Scotland another one will not raise any suspicions. Officially, Borthwick Castle Command is being used to test small arms in an underground firing range (not the best cover story, but it did have to be done in a hurry), this accounts of the expansion and soundproofing of the underground facilities.

The Treasury is happy to fund the Project Phoenix, as the Project Phoenix personnel have brought back Gold and Silver items to the value of just over one million pounds from the other side of the Stargate, from the planet of Heliopolis. This is just a small fraction of the Gold and Silver that will be discovered inside the castle in areas that are currently inaccessible. Along with the long-term advances in technology that will eventually come from the electronic book (and other sources) in the castle, this could be worth more than any amount of Gold or Silver.

The current establishment of the Major General Wilson Smith’s command, consists of 100 Army engineers, these engineers are currently repairing the castle (on Heliopolis) and making it structurally sound. Fortunately, for the engineers they have many months before the storms return and by then their current repairs should be good enough to withstand the next storm season. After that, repairs that are more permanent can be made, until then both the Stargate and the dialling device have been moved to a more structurally sound room in the castle.

There are also 200 British Army troops, with 100 guarding Borthwick Castle and the other 100 on Heliopolis, these troops on Heliopolis are heavily armed and well supplied they have positioned themselves near the gate room and patrol the castle walls.

Major General Smith has very carefully selected these troops over the past few months, to make sure that they all know how to keep their mouths shut and that they are loyal to the crown.

It has been emphasised to Major General Smith that security is paramount this is the beginnings of Project Phoenixes paranoia about maintaining security.

All in all Major General Smiths command maybe small, but it is well equipped and should be able to deal with most threats, even if it is just to hold the threat off until they can withdraw through the Stargate back to Earth.

These 200 British Army soldiers, are roughly divided into sections of twelve soldiers with each section is lead by a Lieutenant with a Sergeant as second in command and a Corporal as third in command. These twelve man sections are equipped with 8 SMLE Mk III* Rifles along with 4 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) each man also carries a .455 Webley service revolver.

These twelve man sections will eventually go onto form the main exploration arm of the Project Phoenix (this is many years away), once they discover that they can travel to other worlds, beyond just Earth to Heliopolis. For now, however their main purpose is to guard both Borthwick Castle and Heliopolis Castle, along with exploring are around Heliopolis Castle.

These fifteen sections are numbered one though to fifteen and are being rotated between Earth and Heliopolis. The remaining troops are rotated into these fifteen sections, along with assisting in maintaining all the military equipment in both Borthwick Castle and Heliopolis Castle.

Project Phoenix, Team Members

The leadership and roles of the senior members of Project Phoenix are already well defined this will remain a small command structure for the time being, as this will also ensure the projects security as well.

Head of Research – Professor David Phillips
Personal assistant to Professor David Phillips and nominal Deputy Head of Research – Victoria Phillips (will be enrolled at Edinburgh University while helping her father in her “free time”)
Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Wilson Smith
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Colonel Richard Thomas

Victoria Phillips although very young along with being a woman to be Deputy Head of Research (of any project let alone one of this importance), has proven herself to be very capable and has impressed Major General Smith. For these reasons and many others (including keeping the number of people involved in this project to a bare minimum) are why Victoria Phillips was made Deputy Head of Research.

Professor Phillips, twelve research assistants Mark Hughes, Tim Watson, David Smith, Luke Edwards, Colin Grant, Richard Williams, John Thompson, James Timpson, Stuart Green, Anthony Jones, Tom Oliver and Lewis Drake. All of these research assistants have skills beyond archaeology as Tom Oliver is a linguist (speaks four languages, so far, soon to be many more) and Richard Williams is a good inventor and engineer.

Project Phoenix is off to a good start, with a good mix of personnel and equipment, along with nearly unlimited funding available, Major General Smith can get almost anything or anyone (after a full background check) he wants. Major General Smith however is not going ‘mad’ with all the resources that he has available instead he is taking the slow path in building up the resources and personnel of Project Phoenix, this is to keep the project secret.

July to December 1930

Between July and December 1930, most of the work involves completing the work to Borthwick Castle and by December 1930, the work on Borthwick Castle is completed and is now operational as a military and research base for Project Phoenix.

Between July and December 1930, a complete survey of is made of the castle on Heliopolis, along with securing the castle, during this detailed survey they find a corridor blocked by a collapsed ceiling, once the rubble is move away, they find a room filled with Gold and Silver bits a pieces. None of the Gold and Silver has any markings on it, it appears as if the Gold and Silver has just been dumped and then forgotten about, as if someone was discarding rubbish.

Between the beginning of November and the end of December 1930, the Gold and Silver is properly catalogued the estimate of the value of the Gold and Silver is thought to be equivalent to around about one hundred million pounds, though this is only a rough estimate. The Gold and Silver will be melted down (using an acetylene torch) into ingots (rather than the heavier bars) and then shipped through the Stargate to Borthwick Castle, after that the Gold and Silver will be shipped to London to the Bank of England to boost the countries Gold reserves, while initially the Silver will be sold. This will be done over many years as not to arouse any suspicion from any unwanted quarter, after all if the British Government were to announce that they had suddenly acquired one hundred million pounds of Gold and Silver that would raise too many questions.

This initial plan for the gold and silver will not last long and will be changed.

Until the Gold and/or Silver ingots, need to be transported to London these Gold/Silver ingots will be held at Borthwick Castle, Borthwick Castle will become Britain’s secret reserve store for Gold and Silver, with only a few select members of the government knowing of Borthwick Castles true nature.

August 1930

Major General Smith and Professor Phillips take their first trip through the Stargate to experience this for themselves, along with seeing the progresses that is being made in Heliopolis Castle.

Once other side, Major General Smith says, “That is a most usual experience Professor?”

Professor Phillips replies, “Yes it is general” looking around the gate room, Professor Phillips says, “Mark Hughes and the others were right it is a castle from the looks of stonework in this room.”

At this point Mark Hughes enters the room and says, “Welcome to Heliopolis, allow me to give you the ‘grand tour’ of this castle” indicating to the door he has just come through.

Major General Smith and Professor Phillips follow Mark Hughes though the castle, as they go Mark Hughes gives a running commentary on what area of the castle they are in, he also points out that some areas of the castle are off limits due to structural problems.

Mark Hughes shows them the outside of the castle and the sky, this sky and the stars are very different to the ones when looking up at the sky on Earth, this convinces Major General Smith that they are now on another world.

Last, but not least they are shown the electronic book that David Smith and his team have begun to study and copy each page of the electronic book, so that these pages can be studied back at Borthwick Castle.

At the end of the tour, Major General Smith is convinced now more than ever of the value of this project and is now a firm supporter of Project Phoenix. Once they have returned though the gate Major General Smith heads to London, to verbally report to Field Marshal Milne, who is also impressed with Major General Smiths report.

Field Marshal Milne lends his full support to this ‘exciting project’, as he puts it.

By early September 1930, a routine had been established by the troops and personnel assigned to Heliopolis Castle, this consists of four weeks on duty and then four weeks back on Earth for leave.

When the troops and personnel are recruited, they simply tell their families that they are part of a secret project and that they cannot talk about it, this has the effect of keeping the existence of the Stargate a complete secret from the entire planet. Even though most major powers are aware of the British military base at Borthwick Castle, they are not aware of its true nature.

With the wealth of material coming from the electronic library from Heliopolis Castle, the research program as identified new elements for the periodic table (though none of this information will be made public), though no one can yet understand these new elements, they will in the long-term open up new fields of research.

Heliopolis

A duplicate of Borthwick Castle command structure and records have been setup within Heliopolis Castle, with a rotating command from the military personnel from Borthwick Castle.

Heliopolis Castle is still being explored, though so far no more rooms filled with Gold and Silver ‘scrap’ have been found, all the remaining rooms are empty, as if when the four races withdrew from this castle for some unknown reason, they took everything with them, only leaving the electronic library behind (along with Gold and Silver ‘scrap’).

What no one yet knows is that the pedestal-dialling device on Heliopolis has updated the pedestal-dialling device in Borthwick Castle to allow for stellar drift this will allow for dialling to other worlds without the need to compensate for stellar drift. The Heliopolis Stargate has been connected to the ‘Stargate Network’ even though it has not been used in a long time now that the Earth Stargate has been connected again this Stargate’s dialling device has also been updated to allow for stellar drift.

The pedestal-dialling devices and in fact pedestal-shaped computers placed on almost every planet in the ‘Stargate Network’. They establish a wireless link with the nearby Stargate and act as a control device, allowing any intelligent species to dial it without having to rotate the gate manually or develop their own computer interface.

The pedestal-dialling device is used to specify which other Stargate to connect to when opening a gate or wormhole to another location. The external symbols on the pedestal-dialling device represent star constellations, surrounding the central activation button. The pedestal-dialling devices are composed of control crystals, used to store memory and information. Despite the apparent simplicity of function, the pedestal-dialling device performs incredibly complex calculations within seconds every time it is dialled to account for stellar drift and other potential problems, assisted by information from its automatic update command.

Therefore, if anyone on either Earth or Heliopolis dials another Stargate, they will not need to do the calculations for stellar drift, this means if/when they discover the gate address for Abydos (by pulling down the dustsheet covering the cover stones). Then they will find out how vast the Stargate network really is, for now however they are concentrating on the link between Earth and Heliopolis.

1931

15th January 1931

On the 15th January 1931, a briefing between Professor Phillips and Major General Smith, along with Victoria Phillips being present takes place this will be one of many regular briefing on the state of the project.

Professor Phillips is saying, “With all the Gold and Silver now catalogued, we estimate at the current value for Gold and Silver there is over one hundred million pounds of Gold and Silver ‘scrap metal’, which is much higher than our original estimate.”

Major General Smith replies, “That will please the Treasury, we will also need to store the Gold and Silver ingots here until they need to be shipped to London, as you know I have already set aside a secure room in this castle for storing the ingots.”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes the storing of the ingots here would be a good idea, as the fewer people who know about what we have here the better.”

At this point, Victoria interrupts and says, “If I may, why not just keep all the ingots here until it is needed? That way security of this project is maintained.”

General Smith replies, “That is a good idea Victoria, I will put it forward, thank you.”

Professor Phillips says, “The next point is the electronic book, at the moment each page of this electronic book is being copied by hand for study, though this is a time consuming process I can see no way of speeding it up.”

General Smith replies, “I agree, the electronic book is of the greatest importance to this project, as we know that number of elements of the periodic table will have to be added to.”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes they will, we have managed to identify a total of 146 elements in this electronic book, though so far I think that we have only touched the very basic information in this electronic book, this book could contain thousands of pages, perhaps even tens of thousands of pages. Our team studying the electronic book is working around the clock taking extensive notes, though at even the current rate it could take decades to note everything down, possibly much longer.”

General Smith replies, “Yes I have seen the electronic book when I visited Heliopolis, the technology to create such a book is well beyond anything we have on Earth.”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes it is and once we begin to understand this technology it will give the British Empire a considerable technological lead over every other governments. Though, as I have stated before that could be many decades away, possibly beyond our lifetimes.”

General Smith nods in agreement and replies, “Duly noted professor, now to the next point, do you think that there may be more of these Stargate’s out there?”

Professor Phillips says, “Defiantly, though I do not have any proof of this, just building two of these Stargate’s seems to be very limiting, logically there must be more, though without accurate addresses, it could take decades to hit the right combination, we only managed to stumble upon the first gate address by random dialling.”

General Smith replies, “That is a pity”

Professor Phillips says, “Though I do have another theory, that the electronic book may have Stargate addresses in it, so focusing on the electronic book is the best option for the next few years to see what turns up.”

General Smith replies, “Agreed, that would be the best option, I would suggest that we keep going with the electronic book rather than random dialling until say the end of 1940, then if the electronic book has turned up nothing then we should try random dialling.”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes that is a good idea, it could also give us a good chance to see if we can do a best guess at dialling rather than just randomly dialling, after all we know the correct combination for the planet Heliopolis, we can use that as a start. Then we can see if we can extrapolate any gate addresses based on the stars in the sky.”

General Smith nods at Professor Phillips idea and replies, “Yes that would be the best approach, we could do some limited work up to 1940, to give us a start and then from 1940 onwards we can focus more resources into this new sub project.”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes that would be the best approach.”

The meeting goes on for another few hours mainly discussing the need for additional personnel, though this process is very slow due to the need to check out any new personnel very carefully.

During the meeting Major General Smith states that additional weapons are being delivered to Borthwick Castle, these include Thompson sub-machine guns, Vickers Machine Guns along with supplies of ammunition and spares. These Vickers Machine Guns will be deployed on the ramparts of Heliopolis Castle, just in case of attack along with light mortars.

Along with these weapons, there are the various scientific instruments’ for use in studying the planet of Heliopolis, a full survey of Heliopolis is planned, especially any minerals that can be mined. This will be better than bringing all the recourses needed through the Stargate, though this is a long-term plan for Project Phoenix.

5th February

On the 5th February 1931, Chief of the Imperial General Staff Field Marshal Sir George Milne visits Borthwick Castle under the guise of visiting various military establishments across the United Kingdom.

Field Marshal Milne is driven alone to Borthwick Castle from Edinburgh Castle by a driver from Major General Smiths command to maintain security.

Once at Borthwick Castle is given a tour of the castle, then is taken to the Stargate for a trip to Heliopolis, Field Marshal Milne is amazed by the trip and by the fact that he is able to visit another planet. Looking up at the sky from the ramparts of the castle Field Marshal Milne can see a different sky also a very different landscape as well. There is no longer any doubt in Field Marshal Milne mind about the reports he has been reading about the discoveries that have been made in Heliopolis castle are now true (as he was having doubts).

Field Marshal Milne is also, informed of current theory that there may be more of these Stargate’s on other planets and the long-term plan of action to try any locate these Stargate addresses, Field Marshal Milne approves that plan and congratulates all the members of Project Phoenix for their sterling work so far.

By the end of his visit, Field Marshal Milne is now a firm supporter of Project Phoenix and he will continue to give this project his full support.

Throughout the remainder of 1931, more and more information is coming from the electronic book in Heliopolis Castle, though so far only a very small fraction of this information is clearly understood this information has however opened the door to more and more possibilities in numerous areas of scientific research.

A better way of researching the information coming from the electronic book is needed, but for now, the secrecy is the key problem for this information being sent to outside research bodies within the United Kingdom.

However, as with everything to do with Project Phoenix, there is only a small trickle of information that will be released and even then, only after careful consideration, to make sure that the secret of Project Phoenix does not leak out.

This level of secrecy is both good and bad for Project Phoenix, as it keeps the project secret, but it also slows the research to a crawl.

To be continued.
 
3. 1932 to 1938

Between 1932 and 1938, Project Phoenix continues to make more discoveries from the electronic book on Heliopolis, David Smith, who is becoming Project Phoenixes ‘expert’ on the electronic book, is now leading the team studying the electronic book. The prospects of the technologies that the electronic book may eventually reveal are mouth-watering to those few in the government that knows Project Phoenixes true purpose.

The funding for Project Phoenix continues to increase steadily year on year, to allow for a small increase in the number of personnel along with the growing amount of equipment that is being used by the Project Phoenix.

Equipment is much easier to get then personnel, as everyone that directly becomes part of Project Phoenix needs to go through an extensive screening process, if that person fails the screening process then a new person needs to be selected and the process starts all over again.

It can be months or years in some rare cases, before new personnel arrive this has led to a form multi tasking by the current Project Phoenix personnel (both military and civilian) to try to speed certain areas of research up a little.

1932

By mid 1932, another 100 British Army troops (from various commands) have been assigned (after full screening) to guard Borthwick Castle, increasing the number of troops to 300 also several civilian researches have joined Project Phoenix, after being carefully screened over the past year. This bring the total number of personnel involved to just over 700, with more personnel due to be assigned (once their screening has been completed) this paranoia over security with set the ‘theme’ for Project Phoenix, being both a help and a hindrance.

The amount of information that is coming from the electronic book on Heliopolis is growing in size day by day most of this material is beyond their current level of understanding, though the researchers will continue to study the copies of the electronic book made by David Smith and his team.

The paper copies of the electronic book made by David Smith will become the core of research for Project Phoenix even in the decades to come.

David Smith reports that the number of elements of the periodic table that his team has counted so far is one hundred and forty-six (this is the maximum number that will be found though they will still keep looking for more).

The periodic table from the electronic book is giving the Project Phoenix research teams new ideas into various research fields that they would never have considered before, though it could take decades to fully utilize this information, they do have a head start over every other country on the planet.

Some of these elements discovered in the electronic book, will eventually be passed onto outside government research labs on Earth, but this will not be for a few more years, as every bit of information that is put outside of Project Phoenix must get the same screening as a new member joining Project Phoenix. This reason for this is that they cannot just drop a new bit of research on a government research lab, as the first question would be ‘where did you come by this’, this could not be answered, so a cover story needs to be devised that will stand up to certain questions.

When all of this is done then the first bits of information can be released as ‘inventions’ from various secret research project research centres across the United Kingdom.

The UK government will benefit financially from these new inventions as some of them (the non military ones) will be offered for licence for a fee this will provide another source of income this intern will please the officials from the Treasury.

1933

The beginning of what will be referred to as the Dark Times in Europe, on the 30th January 1933, in Hindenburg’s office Adolf Hitler is sworn in as Chancellor of Germany.

On the 20th February 1933, Field Marshal Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd replaces Field Marshal Milne as the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Field Marshal Montgomery-Massingberd is privately briefed about Project Phoenix, by Field Marshal Milne, with Field Marshal Milne stating that Project Phoenix should continue to receive full support of the Chief of the Imperial General Staffs office.

After getting over the initial shock, Field Marshal Montgomery-Massingberd agrees to give Project Phoenix his full support, this news is passed onto the Project Phoenix leaders.

Field Marshal Milne has by this act, set the procedure how each new Chief of the Imperial General Staff will be informed none of the future Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff will stop Project Phoenix from continuing its work.

On the 2nd March of 1933, Tom Oliver who has been studying the writing on the walls (one set of writings per alien race) is the room where the electronic book is located, discovers that one of the alien races is linked to the various Norse Gods, of the Vikings. However, this does not help with the translation of the alien language, but it does indicate that one of these races may have visited Earth in the distant past this reinforces the conclusion that there must be more Stargate’s out there.

On the 23rd March 1933, the Reichstag passes the Enabling Act, making Adolf Hitler dictator of Germany. This is very worrying for Major General Smith and for the members of Project Phoenix security of Project Phoenix is constantly reviewed every six months.

By the end of December 1933, Heliopolis Castle has been made structurally secure and is no longer in danger of collapsing into the sea, the British Army engineers have done a fine job of making Heliopolis Castle structurally sound. They will now start to repair those sections of the castle that were damaged due to the structural problems this will allow the full use of all areas of Heliopolis Castle.

This will allow the members of Project Phoenix that are based in Heliopolis Castle to move into more liveable conditions than they currently have at the moment, as they are living in the few rooms that are structurally sound. Making more rooms available will be of great benefit to the project as a whole as more equipment and supplies can then be stored in the castle than is stored currently.

The British Army engineers will start on those rooms and areas that are the easiest to make habitable and work towards those rooms and areas that need the greater amount of work. In this way, several rooms and areas within the castle will become available within months, with other rooms and areas becoming available much later, as they are made liveable.

It is estimated that this work will take several years to complete, it is hoped that by the end of 1940 Heliopolis Castle will be fully habitable again, along with the growing encampment just outside of Heliopolis Castle. This will allow most of the research to be conducted at Heliopolis Castle, without any security risk, as everyone coming back through the Stargate to Earth is thoroughly searched.

Plans are already under consideration in building additional buildings on the peninsular where Heliopolis Castle is located, this will enable all the research to be done on Heliopolis in the long term. Rather than the work being split between Heliopolis Castle and Borthwick Castle, this idea for the research to be done on Heliopolis is proposed by Professor David Phillips and accepted by General Smith, though like everything with this project it will take many years before these facilities will be up and running.

The long-term plan is to have Borthwick Castle as a conduit and admin base and use Heliopolis and Heliopolis Castle and the main research and development base, this makes more sense and they have an entire planet to expand onto, on Earth this would be a limitation due to the need to find a secure location.

This includes that addition of roads, workshops, living areas, research labs and power generation, to name but a few construction projects that are planned on Heliopolis in the years to come.

These actions by Professor David Phillips also show the early signs of Project Phoenix doing long term planning something that will become common for Project Phoenix in the decades to come.

1934

During most of 1934, Project Phoenixes British Army sections have carried out a detailed survey of the area within one hundred miles of Heliopolis Castle (using motorcycles brought through the Stargate), they find very little of interest.

Most of the land within one hundred miles of Heliopolis Castle has very little vegetation, there no indigenous animals of any kind, limited planet life, the planet appears to be deserted as far as any larger life forms are concerned.

One the 2nd August 1934, Adolf Hitler becomes Fuhrer of Germany, becoming head of state as well as Chancellor. With these worrying signs coming from Germany, in response all those of German nationality are removed from consideration from being invited to join the Project Phoenix or being involved/informed of Project Phoenix in any way. This decision has been on the cards for some time, with the rise of the Nazis in Germany though it is considered a bit heavy handed by some.

At the end of 1934, a twelve-month survey covering two hundred miles from Heliopolis Castle (by land and not sea) is being planned, though no date is yet set for this extended exploration to start.

This twelve-month survey is planned to use several aircraft, however the logistics required in getting even a single aircraft through the Stargate are immense. First of all the plane has to be disassembled then shipped through the Stargate in pieces making sure that these pieces can be moved through the doors in Borthwick and Heliopolis Castles and finally assembled and flown.

This is a real headache for the leaders of Project Phoenix, a longer term plan is needed to make the transportation of a disassembled aircraft (and other large ‘objects’) more easier, along with building a small airstrip on Heliopolis, just outside the castle, along with all the support facilities that would be needed.

The aircraft that has/had been chosen is the de Havilland Tiger Moth, once an easy method has been developed for shipment of a disassembled Tiger Moth through the Stargate has been developed then the first disassembled Tiger Moth will be shipped.

The de Havilland Tiger Moth is an ideal aircraft for this type of work as the Tiger Moth can operate from unprepared runways or even in this case just a straight and relatively flat bit of ground as is the case on Heliopolis.

The coming of World War 2 will solve many of these problems, as shipments will be much easier to conceal during wartime.

1935

On the 16th March 1935, Adolf Hitler announces German rearmament in violation of the Versailles Treaty to Project Phoenix leadership this is considered a war warning (the governments view is different), to the British government this is treated as a negotiating position and the beginning of a process of appeasement towards Germany that will lead to war.

On the 7th June 1935, Stanley Baldwin becomes Prime Minister he is informed of the true nature of Project Phoenix, by Field Marshal Montgomery-Massingberd, after recovering from the shock (this happens a lot when people are informed of this project). The Prime Minister agrees that the secrecy of Project Phoenix must remain intact and the fewer people know of this project the better.

By the end of 1935, the fifteen British Army sections of Project Phoenix have now been well defined in their primary roles in addition all the personnel of Project Phoenix receive double pay for their work with Project Phoenix.

Section one, is a twelve-man army team this is the lead section of all the other sections, this lead section tends to be a “jack of all trades” section, this section was the lead section in the first exploration of area within one hundred miles of Heliopolis Castle.

Sections two to fifteen are also, made up of twelve man army teams these teams have a mix of skills and abilities, though each section is fully combat capable and is capable of changing from their primary role as needed.

Section 2, this section is a combat support unit and is equipped with six BARs rather than the usual four
Section 3 is a medical unit
Section 4 is a demolitions unit
Section 5 is an engineering unit
Section 6 is an exploration unit
Section 7 is an engineering unit
Section 8 is a medical unit
Section 9 is a demolitions unit
Sections 10 to 15 are support units the other sections and can vary in the weapons and equipment used

These fifteen sections are very flexible in operations (they will become the template for Churchill’s Commandos), so far, they have only been used to guard Borthwick Castle and explore Heliopolis, thus limiting their combat missions.

However, once they discover the location of other Stargate addresses the number of off-world missions will increase dramatically this will bring to an end the exploration of Heliopolis.

The weapons currently carried by each section varies, but they have a considerable mix of the following weapons including the Webley .455 and .380 pistols, SMLE Mk III Rifle (including a sniper version), Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), Thompson submachine gun M1928A1. Also available is this FN Model 1910 (in limited numbers for the civilian researchers going on ‘field trips’) pistol and Browning Automatic 5 semi-automatic shotgun.

The remaining British army troops that are part of Project Phoenix are used as part of the security of Borthwick Castle this has released the fifteen British Army sections from their security duties, allowing them to explore the planet of Heliopolis, even though the date for the second exploration phase has not yet been set.

British Government Secrecy Clearance Levels (Revised)

During 1935, the Secrecy Levels are altered to take into account Project Phoenix, a new level is created ‘Top secret - Eyes Only’, this level is for certain individuals who work for Project Phoenix, no one at a lower clearance level can be made aware of Project Phoenixes existence.

The revised secrecy clearance levels are listed below

Top Secret - Eyes Only
For information relating to Project Phoenix, only those on the ‘Top Secret - Eyes Only’ list can view this information. Only those personnel that work for Project Phoenix are aware of this new security clearance level, all those personnel on the lowers levels are not aware that this level exists.

To those at the lower security clearance levels Project Phoenix is known by its cover name “Borthwick Castle Command” and not as Project Phoenix along with its cover story. For security purposes, Borthwick Castle Command is listed on official record as Most Secret, so that Borthwick Castle Command can remain classified even at the next level of classification.

Project Phoenix ceases to be listed on any official documents after this date.

Most Secret
Information marked as Most Secret is that which whose release is liable to cause considerable loss of life, international diplomatic incidents, or severely affect ongoing intelligence operations.

Secret
This marking is used for information whose side effects may be life threatening, disruptive to public order or detrimental to diplomatic relations with friendly nations.

Confidential
The effects of releasing information marked as Confidential include considerable infringement on personal liberties, material damage to diplomatic relations, or to seriously disrupt day-to-day life in the country.

Restricted
Information marked as Restricted is at a level where the release of the material will have effects such as significant distress to individuals, adversely affecting the effectiveness of military operations, or to compromise law enforcement.

Protect
Such information will cause distress to individuals, financial loss or improper gain, prejudice the investigation or facilitate the commission of a crime or disadvantage government in commercial or policy negotiations with others.

1936

On the 15th May 1936, Field Marshal Montgomery-Massingberd is replaced with Field Marshal Sir Cyril Deverell as Chief of the Imperial General Staff and is briefed about Project Phoenix. As with his predecessors, Field Marshal Deverell will fully support Project Phoenix, as he can see the long-term benefits of this project for the British Empire.

On the 15th June 1936, Field Marshal Sir Cyril Deverell decides that none of the work of Project Phoenix should be allowed outside of Borthwick Castle without special approval this will make releasing information an even more involved process. This includes keeping all the various branches of the British Secret Intelligence Service out of the loop on what Project Phoenix really is up to.

The Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin who thinks that the fewer people who know what Project Phoenix really is up to the better, Prime Minister Baldwin supports Field Marshal Sir Cyril Deverell in his decision about secrecy, thus the various branches of the Secret Intelligence Service are out of the loop.

This decision has the long term benefit of keeping the true nature of Project Phoenix out of the hands of the Soviets, via there spy network in the UK, specifically what will become known as the Cambridge five, Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt, along with John Cairncross. As the British Security Services are not informed of Project Phoenix’s true nature, thus the Cambridge five are not aware of what is really going on in Borthwick Castle.

This decision concerning Project Phoenix by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin will never be overturned by future Prime Ministers and will remain in place indefinitely. This will in turn slow the release of information about any discoveries to a crawl, though with the coming of World War II the release of certain information to help the war effort will be speeded up.

At the end of 1936, the new king is now informed of Project Phoenix George VI is astounded at what has been discovered, but agrees that this project should remain confidential, as this could rebuild the British Empire. By this act, Project Phoenix receives (covert) Royal Accent, but no record of this Royal Accent can be kept only those who know of the project are aware that this project has the king’s approval.

1937

The planed second expedition to explore the area two hundred miles from Heliopolis Castle is postponed indefinitely, due to the rising tension within Europe. Major General Smith wishes to keep his troops close to Heliopolis Castle as possible, just in case of a major incident breaking out back on Earth. The plan to bring a dissembled plane through the Stargate is also postponed indefinitely this is more to do with the logistical problems rather than anything else.

Major General Smith wishes to use his troops that are based at Heliopolis Castle, as a quick way of reinforcing Borthwick Castle (via the Stargate), in case Borthwick Castle comes under attack.

Professor Phillips and the other scientists think that this is an overreaction by Major General Smith, as Major General Smith controls the military there is nothing that Professor Phillips can do about this order. The planed second expedition to explore the area two hundred miles from Heliopolis Castle is postponed indefinitely until Major General Smith gives the ok.

On the 28th May 1937, Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister Chamberlain is informed of Project Phoenix and what Project Phoenix is really up to. Like his predecessors he is initially shocked, but agrees that, this project should remain restricted on who is made aware of the existence of this ‘vital project’ as he calls it. Like Baldwin, Chamberlain becomes a firm supporter of Project Phoenix and its long-term research goals.

On 6th December 1937, General John Gort becomes the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff, replacing Field Marshal Montgomery-Massingberd, like his predecessors, General Gort fully supports Project Phoenix, along with keeping this project highly classified.

On the 10th December 1937, Major General Smith is promoted to Lieutenant General, with Colonel Richard Thomas being promoted to Brigadier. These promotions are on the order of General Gort who considers that the work that they have been doing deserves some recognition of some kind. As this work cannot be public, General Gort had decided that promotion was the best option, as both Major General Smith and Colonel Thomas where due for promotion anyway.

These promotions are listed as classified work for the War Department, at a classified location, with no other information given out.

General Gort could also see that war clouds were looming and he wanted to give Smith the most authority he could, so that Project Phoenix could remain Britain’s ‘secret ace in the hole’ in time of war.

1938

During 1938 would see the introduction of the Bren Gun in to serviced with the British Army, this weapon is also used to replace the BAR, the Bren Guns operated by Project Phoenix military personnel, would come with both the thirty round magazine along with the one hundred round drum magazine. Most of the Project Phoenix military personnel would use the one hundred round drum magazine due to its greater ammunition capacity.

The BARs are placed in long-term storage, once the new Bren Guns have arrived, by the end of 1938.

The defences of Borthwick Castle begin to be modernized and improved these include reinforcing the underground areas, so that they can be used as bomb shelters in the event of an air raid. The underground facilities will also, be expanded to allow for greater storage of both the artefacts and supplies for the base.

This work is done by the British Army Engineers the number of British Army Engineers now stands at 198, these engineers are responsible for all of the construction work and most of the maintenance work for both Borthwick Castle and Heliopolis.

The land close to Heliopolis Castle starting to be developed, so that additional research and accommodation facilities can be added, along with the longer-term goal such as a small airfield.

By early 1939, the steady increase in the price of gold since 1930 has seen the value of the gold and silver stored at Borthwick Castle. The vale was now equivalent to just over 170 Million pounds sterling, this gold along with the silver is becoming Britain’s secret store for gold and silver, to be used as one of Britain’s ‘ace’s in the hole’ during times of war.

September 1939 will bring the beginning of the Second World War and quite weirdly a number of windfalls along with a number of new problems for Project Phoenix.

To be continued.
 
4. A New Stargate Address Discovery

In war, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but all are losers.” – Neville Chamberlain

World War II

During January 1939, Borthwick Castle is now listed (for official purposes) as Borthwick Castle Military Research Base also known as Borthwick Military Command (the type of research is kept deliberately vague for cover purposes), the work conducted at Borthwick Castle is still restricted to a small number of people outside of these working at either Borthwick Castle or on Heliopolis.

With war looming, no one within the government finds this strange (why would they), as there are numerous secret military projects springing up from the War Department all over the county. The coming war will be a very good cover for Project Phoenix continuing (and expanding) research program of the electronic book and allow for extra equipment and funding to be accelerated without drawing any attention.

On the 20th August 1939, Lieutenant General Smith receives a coded warning of a probable impending war with Germany. Borthwick Castle military forces are placed on a heightened state of alert, this state of alert will remain in place for the rest of the war.

On the1st September 1939, at 0445 Central European Time, the German World War one battleship Schleswig-Holstein opens bombardment on the Westerplatte, a Polish military base outside Danzig, firing what are, according to many sources, the first shots of the war.

At the same time, German army troops begin crossing the border into Poland.

At Borthwick Castle and later that day on the1st September 1939, the troops and personnel of Project Phoenix greet the news of war in grim silence.

On the 2nd September 1939, following the invasion of Poland, Danzig is annexed to Nazi Germany.

On the 3rd September 1939, the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand and Australia declare war on Germany. General Sir Edmund Ironside is appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff, replacing General Gort, like his predecessors General Ironside will fully support Project Phoenix.

On the 17th September 1939, the Soviet Union invades Poland and then occupies eastern Polish territories. With the Soviet invasion of Poland, all those of Soviet nationality as their country of origin are removed from consideration from being invited to join the Project Phoenix or being involved/informed of Project Phoenix in any way.

This order regarding the Soviet Union will remain in force indefinitely.

Though as screening is already so tight, there was little change except for that those former citizens of the Soviet Union would not be allowed to become part of Project Phoenix, just like a former citizen Germany would not be allowed to become part of Project Phoenix.

On the 21th September 1939, the cash and carry is a policy requested by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at a special session of the United States Congress. This offer of was cash and carry passed on by the British government, with their store of Gold and Silver at Borthwick Castle, Britain will drive a very hard bargain with the US government for war materials, getting more for less money.

During the war Project Phoenix will find another source of Gold will be found allowing Britain to purchase her war needs without bankrupting herself, for now however the current supply of Gold and Silver at Borthwick Castle will allow the UK not to sell the ‘family Silver’ to the US.

On the 30th September 1939, funding for Project Phoenix is increased, the store of Gold and Silver at Borthwick Castle is made permanent, Borthwick Castle will become known as the storehouse of Britain’s secret Gold and Silver reserves. These Gold and Silver reserves will be kept as one of Britain’s aces, which it can use if all other monetary resources have been used up.

On the 11th October 1939, the Manhattan Project, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt is presented a letter signed by Albert Einstein, urging the United States to rapidly develop the atomic bomb the British already have their own atomic bomb program code named Tube Alloys. Tube Alloys program has been brought forward manly due to the electronic book and the information contained allowing several such programs to be brought forward.

Both these atomic bomb programs will produce results in 1945, though only one country will use the atomic bomb during World War 2.

On the 30th October 1939, Professor Phillips and Lieutenant General Smith are discussing the projects long-term future.

Professor Phillips says, “My greatest fear would be that we give this project over to the US government in return for a small amount of supplies and not much else.”

Lieutenant General Smith replies, “Yes I agree with you Professor that would be disastrous for this project, though I have had repeated assurances from the Prime Minister that this would never happen.”

Professor Phillips says, “From the current Prime Minister, but Prime Ministers change and if we get one that will give away everything just for a short term victory over Germany without looking at this projects long-term benefits, then we should take action against that Prime Minister.”

A slightly shocked General Smith asks, “Are you aware of what you are saying?”

Professor Phillips in a grim voice says, “Yes I am, this project is too important to be at the ‘mercy’ of a mere politician. I am not saying we kill a Prime Minister, but just scare him enough to make sure that he does not reveal this project to the world.”

A relived General Smith replies, “Well scaring a politician is easy, we can threaten him with prison for breaking the Official Secrets Act or some such law without revealing the truth of we are doing, which should work. We would of course need to devise a cover story, after all, we cannot inform a High Court Judge of this project, but I think that we can come up with something that would stick, if you do not mind a bit of perjury. But I think the best approach is to appeal to his sense of patriotism more than anything else, I think that would work much better than a threat?”

Professor Phillips says, “Yes, I suppose we could try that, patriotism is after all why we are doing this is it not” not sounding very convinced.

General Smith says, “On another point, I am transferring all the BARs from storage and returning them back to London, for use by the British Army, as we no longer need these weapons, as they have been replaced by the Bren Buns.”

Professor Phillips replies, “Yes I agree with that, anything short of revealing this project to the world, to support the war effort.” Professor Phillips lets out a sigh and continues, “Though I do not believe what they say on the radio, that the war will be over by Christmas.”

General Smith in a sad tone says, “Neither do I Professor, neither do I.”

Professor Phillips says, “The next item on the agenda, by accident we have discovered that if you press the red button on the dialling device while a Stargate is active, it will shut down the Stargate, this is quite useful as it saves us waiting for the Stargate to shut down by itself.”

General Smith says, “That is useful to know, each time we find something out our knowledge of this technology grows, though our understanding of this technology is very limited, but this too is expanding, though at a very slow rate. Though with the war we should be able to speed up the equipment deliveries, as we can keep these deliveries secret and deliver them day and night without arousing suspicion.”

With a sense of irony in his voice Professor Phillips replies, “Yes, this war will be ‘good’ for us, though I doubt that many would see it that way. We are also looking into areas of research that we would never have considered looking into if we had not gotten this electronic book.”

General Smith says, “Like this new computing machine.”

Professor Phillips replies, “Yes, this computing technology will help us with various calculations, that we need to do we should be years ahead of anyone else in this field.”

During the remainder of 1939, the members of Project Phoenix continue to work much harder due to the war with Germany, the will see the amount of equipment delivered increase dramatically, as large convoys of trucks are now commonplace, going into and out of various military bases across the United Kingdom.

By late December 1939, Project Phoenix has begun work on constructing the first electronic computing machines at Heliopolis Castile, this first computer will be named Colossus this will be one of the first tangible results of Project Phoenix. The first Colossus computer for Project Phoenix use and will be operational by the end of 1941 this information will then be passed onto both the Post Office Research Station, Dollis Hill and Bletchley Park.

The Bletchley Park Colossus computer will not become operational until June1943 this will be thanks to the work covertly provided by Project Phoenix, it is at this point Alan Turing comes to the attention of Project Phoenix.

Submarine Technology

With the development of the noise reduction technology for the Stargate, now well established, this technology is transferred to submarines, the first production submarines fitted with this noise reduction technology are the Umpire class they will be followed by the Vampire class and then the Amphion class built during the war.

This technology will be later sold to the US (1942) for use within their submarines after independent evaluators assess the value of this technology, so that the US government has to pay the true price of this technology. The US government will purchase this technology but only use it in a few experimental submarines, leaving the British government wondering if the US government has more money than sense?

This noise reduction technology will make the British submarines some of the quietest in service with any navy on the planet this technology will continue to evolve even after the war is over giving the Royal Navy the quietest submarine fleet on the planet until the arrival of nuclear powered submarines,

This is one the first tangible wartime benefits to come from Project Phoenix, others will follow such as the code-breaking computer Colossus, including one of the most deadliest weapons (so far developed), the Atom Bomb.

1940

Between January and early May 1940, there is very little German military activity, with the exception of the invasion of Denmark and Norway.

In February, the Prime Minister is informed of the assembly of the first electronic computing machine, by the researchers at Project Phoenix, along with its projected capabilities. One of these capabilities being the ability to break the German codes or anyone else’s codes, this should be up and running by early 1942, with the technology being available for release by mid 1942.

By 1943, British code breakers would be able to break most codes within days or weeks at the most giving the UK intelligence services a considerable edge in intelligence gathering, by mid to late 1944 over the enemy.

On the 10th May 1940, hours before the German invasion of France by a lightning advance through the Low Countries, the country along with Parliament also has no confidence in Chamberlain’s prosecution of the war and so Chamberlain resigns as Prime Minister.

Churchill becomes Prime Minister.

Battle for France from the 10th May 1940 to 22nd June 1940

Battle of France, also known as the Fall of France, was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries, executed from 10th May 1940, which ended the Phony War. German armoured units pushed through the Ardennes, to cut off and surround the Allied units that had advanced into Belgium.

On the 22nd May 1940, Parliament passes the Emergency Powers Act (EPA) giving the government full control over all persons and property this EPA will have many benefits for Project Phoenix during the war. Such as the procurement of various forms of equipment without the usual need for getting any equipment via a roundabout route, as Project Phoenix had to do before the war began.

On the 27th May 1940, Field Marshal Sir John Dill becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff, he is briefed on Project Phoenix, and like his predecessors, and he will keep Project Phoenixes true nature secret and fully support the project.

On the 26th May 1940, the Dunkirk evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force starts. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and many French soldiers are evacuated from Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo. In the second operation, Fall Rot (Case Red), executed from the 5th June, German forces outflanked the Maginot Line to attack the larger territory of France. Italy declares war on France on the 10th June. The French government flee to Bordeaux, and Paris is occupied on the 14th June. After the French Second Army Group surrenders on the 22nd June, France finally capitulates on the 25th June.

For the German military, the campaign is a spectacular victory, it has proved the armoured theory finally (even though a large number of tanks did breakdown), in the aftermath of the battle for France.

On the 10th June, Italy had declared war on France and the British Empire, but does not achieve much, the Italian Army was easily held by the French army at the Italian/French boarder until Frances surrender on the 22nd June.

The Fall of France

Prime Minister Paul Reynaud resigns and on his recommendation, President Albert Lebrun appointed the 84-year-old Pétain to replace him on the 16th June. The Armistice with France (Second Compiègne) agreement is signed on the 22nd June.

The battle for France is over.

Churchill’s, Briefing

On the 28th June 1940, Lieutenant General Wilson Smith arrives at Downing Street (by the side entrance) to brief the new Prime Minister on Project Phoenix, with only the Prime Minister and Lieutenant General Smith present. No notes would be kept of the meeting or even what the meeting was about and the room was checked for listening devices along with all the telephones being removed.

For the next hour Lieutenant General Smith briefs Churchill on the true nature of Project Phoenix, Churchill sits in a stunned silence for the whole hour and says nothing. Lieutenant General Smith strongly points out that this project is kept a British affair, though while making this point Churchill seems to take this point onboard.

Once General Smith has finished the briefing, Churchill says, “That is amazing general, there are other worlds out there this sort of thing is not fiction anymore.”

General Smith replies, “No Prime Minister it is not fiction, not anymore. Though we need to keep this information extremely restricted, even our closest allies must not know of this project, it is a matter of patriotism.”

Churchill says, “I agree we must keep this information to our selves, I can see the potential for Britain and her Empire, both during and after the war is over.”

General Smith replies, “Prime Minister that is good to hear you say that, as your predecessors also thought as you do.”

Churchill’s asks, “What happens now, we are at war general, we need the resources of the project to fight our enemy?”

General Smith smiles and replies, “Prime Minister Project Phoenix will fully, BUT covertly help fight Germany, for instance we are already working on a way of breaking the Germans codes. Once this is operational, we should be able to read the Germans codes faster than they can. There are other programs in the early stages of development, over the next few months I will brief you on these other programs as well.”

Churchill says nothing for several minutes, thinking about what Field Marshal Dill had warned him about Project Phoenix, in that Project Phoenix had the full support of the military. The military (in the form of Field Marshal Dill) would not countenance any interference in this project, Churchill then says, “Very well I will do as you as you ask, I will neither say anything to anyone about this project, I will not mention this conversation in any notes or memos.”

General Smith smiles and replies, “Thank you Prime Minister.”

Churchill only nods at General Smith in acknowledgement Churchill will never mention Project Phoenix to anyone, beyond those people that have been cleared by Lieutenant General Smith and Professor Phillips.

For the rest of the war Churchill will keep his mouth shut about Project Phoenix, along with fully supporting Project Phoenix. Churchill admires Project Phoenix, with what they are and could (and will) soon be capable of doing with their growing power and resources that Project Phoenix has available. However, as the war goes on, this becomes more a matter of admiration, than fear, as the war progresses.

Post war there will be no mention of Project Phoenix in Churchill memoirs.

On the 30th June 1940, Churchill, using the template setup by Protect Phoenixes fifteen British Army sections, forms the British Commandos this is one of the immediate benefits to come from Protect Phoenix.

Threat of Invasion

As 1940 moves on, by mid July 1940 there are firm indicators that the Germans are preparing to invade Britain (Operation Sealion), at Lieutenant General Smith and Professor Phillips are discussing possible evacuation plans.

Professor Phillips says, “We can evacuate all the artefacts through the Stargate, then simply move the Stargate and dialling device on our end and restart operations.”

Lieutenant General Smith replies, “That is a good plan, how long will it take to move everything?”

Professor Phillips says, “Several weeks for all the artefacts, especially the Gold and Silver ingots, as these ‘items’ will take the longest to move.”

General Smith asks, “That is not very precise Professor, do you known when all the artefacts along with the Gold and Silver ingots will be finished being moved?”

Professor Phillips replies, “Only a very rough estimate at the moment” looking at his notes and says, “About eight weeks in total, perhaps a bit longer.”

General Smith says, “That is a very long time Professor, is there no way to speed this up?”

Professor Phillips replies, “No not really, due to the bringing of all artefacts found in Egypt back here to Borthwick Castle, we have a very large collection of these artefacts. Along with the amount of Gold and Silver ingots and based on the amount of time it will take to send these though the Stargate and re-store them in Heliopolis Castle.”

General Smith says, “I understand that, but all I am asking is if you can try to speed things up, we may not have much time if the Germans intend to invade.”

Professor Phillips asks, “I will try to speed this up, on another point, do we have any idea when this invasion may take place?”

General Smith replies, “Intelligence reports indicate probably late August or early September, though until the new computing machines it is quite speculative.”

Professor Phillips says, “That should just give us enough time to complete the evacuation of all the artefacts and the remaining Gold and Silver ingots through the Stargate.”

The meeting then breaks up, as they need to get started right away.

The Find

During late July and August, the shipments of all the smaller artefacts and most of the Gold and Silver ingots have been completed, with only the cover stones to be moved. These cover stones have remained covered and untouched since they were brought to Borthwick Castle in 1931.

As the dustsheets are removed prior to being packed up for shipment through the Stargate, Mark Hughes looks at the cover stones and then at the point of origin symbol. Just above the origin symbol are six other symbols, he says out loud, “Oh my god, there is a Stargate address on the cover stones and it has been staring us right in the face.”

Mark Hughes goes to the phone on the wall and calls Professor Phillips, after a few minutes Professor Phillips arrives and looks at the six symbols and says, “Well done Mark looks like you have found us another planet to visit, make a note of the symbols, then begin shipping the cover stones through the Stargate.

Mark Hughes replies, “Yes Professor, I will begin right away” already taking out his notebook.

Professor Phillips says, “Amazing it was right in front of us all the time, no need for random dialling now” and walks off with a definite ‘spring’ in his step without waiting for a reply from Mark Hughes.

Though the find of another gate address, is good news however the priority over the short term is to move all the artefacts to Heliopolis Castle and find them a secure place somewhere in the Castle on Heliopolis. Fortunately, the development of additional accommodation outside of Heliopolis Castle is fairly well advanced, so storage inside the castle is not too much of a problem.

By late September 1940, all the artefacts along with the Gold and Silver ingots have been moved to Heliopolis Castle, with the Stargate in Borthwick Castle ready to be moved to Canada at short notice.

Scouting of various possible locations within Canada is also already well advanced the Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King is already being screened thoroughly, as the leaders of Project Phoenix feel that the Canadian Prime Minister would have to be briefed on what Project Phoenix is really up to, if the Stargate is moved to Canada.

By the end of October 1940, the RAF has won the Battle of Britain and the treat of invasion has decreased, the plans to inform the Canadian Prime Minister are put on the ‘back burner’ for now. However, the option of informing the Canadian Prime Minister is not taken off the table, in the longer term it may be necessary to bring in other countries from within Britain’s Empire.

On the 2nd September 1940, the Destroyers for Bases Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom are proposed with the transferred fifty destroyers from the United States Navy in exchange for land rights on British possessions. After careful examination of these ex US Navy 50 destroyers, the Royal Navy rejects this deal as these ships are considered worse than nothing. The US government is privately accused of trying to rip off the British government in time of war the US government is forced to issue a private apology to the British government.

The destroyers for bases agreement is dead, Britain will continue to pay for war materials at a below cost basis, not at a cost plus profit basis for war materials until the end of 1941. This is part of the US government’s apology to the British government for trying the sell them worthless junk, the US government will make up the difference.

The US government is also surprised that the British government appears to have a larger reserve of gold than the US government thought, during late 1941 onwards the British gold reserves will seem to grow, rather than contract as the war goes on.

The US government will wonder were this British ‘gold mine’ is located, though all attempts by the US government to locate the British ‘gold mine’, because there is no British ‘gold mine’ on Earth.

This deal will not become public knowledge until several decades after the end of World War 2.

As 1940 ends the troops assigned to Project Phoenix are about to go into battle against a new and much more dangerous enemy than Germany.

The Goa'uld System Lord, Ra.

To be continued.
 
5. Abydos Mission

1941

With the discovery of another gate address on the cover stones, this causes considerable excitement and embarrassment in equal measures, in response to this find all the other artefacts are checked for gate addresses none are found.

Lieutenant General Smith approves the mission to Abydos, on the 1st February 1941, with the threat of German invasion now receding this was considered the best time to restart missions.

This initial mission will be by section one, led by Lieutenant James Macpherson, with Sergeant Steve Forest as second in command, and ten British Army soldiers, along with Tom Oliver to handle the linguist and Richard Williams to handle any technologies that they might find.

Lieutenant General Smith gives permission to proceed, with sections 2, 3 and 5 ready to provide support if needed, to section one.

When the Abydos Stargate is dialled from Earth, the Earth dialling device will be updated (the first time in 3,000 years), this intern will also update the Heliopolis dialling device (when dialled during one of the regular transfers or personnel and/or equipment). This will mean that the Earth dialling device will now be able to account for stellar drift for other worlds that have a Stargate.

Abydos

As section one comes through the Stargate, they enter a large chamber, on one side, there is the pedestal-shaped dialling device.

After a few moments, Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Send a signal that we have arrived safely and that there is a dialling device here, contact again in one hours time.”

The radio operator replies, “Yes sir” then after the message has been send he says, “Sir, message received and acknowledge.”

A few moments later the Stargate shuts down, Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Sergeant, let get set up here and put up a few lights.”

Sergeant Forest replies, “Yes sir” and goes about following Lieutenant Macpherson orders.

While this is going on, with their torches, Tom Oliver and Richard Williams have been looking around the room the Stargate is in, both make the comment that this room reminds them of the inside of an Egyptian Pyramid.

Once they are outside and turn around, they will find themselves in a very large Egyptian Pyramid (making the great pyramids on Earth look small in comparison), much to everyone’s surprise.

One Hour Later

The Stargate activates and the radio operator says, “Confirmation message coming in from Borthwick Castle Command.”

Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Good, send the report I have given you as instructed.”

The radio operator replies, “Yes sir” and begins to send the report over the radio.

The report states that they are on another planet as predicted the planet appears to be a desert world from the area so far explored. So far, no symbols have been found to indicate the planets point of origin, they do report that they are inside a large Egyptian Pyramid.

The report is not very long, as they have not found much yet, though both Tom Oliver and Richard Williams state (in the report) that this Egyptian Pyramid is the archaeological find of a lifetime, though during their time on this world this will pail into insignificance compared to what they will find over the next few weeks.

Once the radio operator has finished sending the report over the radio he says, “Sir, I have finished sending the report, General Smith states that they will make contact every twenty-four hours and for us not to stray too far from the pyramid.”

Lieutenant Macpherson nods slightly to the radio operator in acknowledgement of what the radio operator has just said.

Ten Days Later

With no success in finding any gate Glyphs within the pyramid, Lieutenant Macpherson reports to General Smith that it looks like they will be on this planet for some time. Lieutenant Macpherson requests additional supplies and personnel for a more extensive search.

General Smith approves both requests and sends more supplies along with sections 2, 3 and 5 to provide support. The report that section one has not found the gate address does not cause any alarm as this was anticipated, all the sections are well aware that finding the gate address back to Earth may take some time.

Day 11

On the morning of the eleventh day, with sections 2, 3 and 5, now guarding the Stargate, Lieutenant Macpherson takes section one along with Tom Oliver to handle any translations that may be needed into the desert to find out if there are any other structures near the pyramid.

Tom Oliver wares the gold pendant that has the eye of Ra etched on it for good luck Tom Oliver was given this pendant by Victoria Phillips before stepping through the Stargate.

As they set off in a random direction, they will keep in regular radio contact with their base camp that is now setup in and around the pyramid.

By the end of day eleven, they have discovered nothing and they settle down for the night around there tents tomorrow will bring the discovery of a lifetime.

Day 12

Once they have broken camp they set off again, after walking for three hours, they come to the top of a nearby hill, a group of primitive people mining Naquadah, the same mineral the Stargate is made out of, though they do not yet know this.

Lieutenant Macpherson orders the members section one to advance with weapons at the ready with Tom Oliver in the middle of the formation.

Upon spotting the gold pendant, which has the Eye of Ra on it, the people immediately begin worshiping the travellers, believing their god Ra sent them. It does not take Tom Oliver to figure out that these people are speaking in a form of ancient Egyptian language and begins to converse with them, this causes the people to worship them even more!

The people take the team to their primitive walled city, which protects them from a coming sandstorm. Lieutenant Macpherson section remains at the city overnight (though it will be several days before the sandstorm subsides) while the other sections remain at the pyramid, after being informed of the discovery and to report this discovery at the next check in time.

Lieutenant Macpherson section will remain inside the walled city until the storm has passed.

During this time, Tom Oliver begins to learn the people’s language, along with gaining there trust and any information he can glean from them.

Day 15

As the sandstorm still rages, Tom Oliver has made several discoveries about the people of this planet. Tom Oliver, meanwhile, leads Lieutenant Macpherson to a room filled with writings. He has discovered that the people of Abydos are ruled by an alien being posing as the god Ra. Ra, Tom Oliver has discovered, that this alien has achieved immortal life inside a human body and forces the Abydonians to mine naquadah for his technology.

Tom Oliver says, “I’ll admit I was a sceptic, but these people do seem to be speaking ancient Egyptian and there are the hidden hieroglyphs around the place, it’s too much to be a coincidence, but I digress.”

Lieutenant Macpherson asks, “You mean these aliens live inside a human body and created Egyptian society?”

Tom Oliver says, “Apparently, these people arrived here about 5,000 years ago from Earth, taken by their ‘god’ Ra through the Stargate on his behest to work for him on this planet to mine for something that I don’t know how to translate. They call it Naquadah, but I do not know what it is. Anyway, not long after being taken through the Stargate they were banned from reading and writing by the order of Ra, from what is written here it appears that there was some sort of rebellion on Earth and the Earth Stargate was buried. They have been here ever since and apparently every generation or so Ra returns for this material, apparently Ra is due here ‘soon’. I believe that these people they were taken from must have been ancient Earth, but I have not told our host of such as of yet, as I explored down here I came across a cartouche with the glyphs on is for the dialling device. After I found this that I came here as fast as I could, I thought you would want to see this for yourself. It looks like we can go home.”

Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Well Tom, I think we should see this for ourselves don’t you?”

Tom Oliver led the Lieutenant Macpherson an underground set of chambers then to a stone wall that had several hieroglyphics inscribed on it, and within it lay a cartouche with symbols within it like that of the dialling device, but the excitement of the find faded rather quickly.

Tom Oliver face dropped as he says, “There are only six symbols the seventh symbol is missing.” He pointed to the cracked and broken area underneath, the elder looked on a little confused to the situation. “How can we get home now?”

The two of them exchanged glances saying nothing to each other.

Lieutenant Macpherson then has a rather good idea and asks, “How many symbols are on that pedestal dialling device Tom?”

Tom Oliver replies, “About forty I think, why?”

Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Well how long would it take to dial in those coordinates forty different times, well thirty-four times, minus the six symbols we have here.”

Tom Oliver face lights up and replies, “We already have the first six Glyphs all we need is the seventh, it should only take a few minutes to get the right combination.”

Lieutenant Macpherson looks up and hears that the sandstorm appears to be abating and says, “Good, the sandstorm is nearly over from the sound of it, we need to return to the pyramid and report this in, if this alien or alien’s return then we could have a fight on our hands.”

Tom Oliver replies, “You are right we must leave right away, I will tell these people to keep away from the pyramid unless they are summoned.”

Lieutenant Macpherson says, “Agreed”

An hour later, they are on their way back to the pyramid, some of the locals follow at a discreet distance, but do not enter the pyramid the small number of locals merely observe these ‘servants of Ra’ from a respectful distance.

Day 18

Once back at the pyramid, Lieutenant Macpherson explains what has happen to them to the other section leaders and what they have found out, while he is doing this Tom Oliver begins dialling the various combinations using the six glyphs that he has to start with, all he needs is the seventh glyph to connect back to Earth.

The other sections begin to reinforce the defence to the entrance to the pyramid, with four Bren guns, they should be able to hold off a considerable force, as an attacking for would have to come up the stairs to get into the Stargate room. With a ring of sandbags, as this is one thing that Abydos does not lack is sand!

The other point is in the Stargate room itself, near the door leading out of the Stargate room, the is a “hatch” in the ceiling, Lieutenant Macpherson has ordered that this “hatch” be guarded, just in case the this is a secondary entrance to the Stargate room.

Section 5 is preparing all the explosives they have, just in case they are needed.

By the time, the defence preparations are well underway Tom Oliver has found the correct combination to dial Earth.

Lieutenant Macpherson and Tom Oliver return to Earth to report what they have found, they leave the rest of section one behind, along with the other sections, there report causes a shock amongst the leaders of Project Phoenix, but they agree they have come too far to stop now.

After their debriefing, both Lieutenant Macpherson and Tom Oliver to Abydos with additional supplies, to set up a permanent base, in and around the pyramid, before any further exploration of Abydos are to continue.

However, they will not get far, within a few days Ra will return to pick up his shipment of Naquadah.

Ra’s Return

On the 27th February 1941, Ra returns to Abydos to pick up the next shipment of Naquadah. As Ra’s ship lands on the pyramid, where the Stargate is located the various British Army sections make ready for battle, the sections guarding the entrance to the pyramid are also getting ready.

By the time Ra’s ship has landed all the British Army sections are ready, those inside the Stargate room have their weapons trained on the “hatch” in the ceiling of the Stargate room.

Ra is so confident (overconfident) that during the landing, he has not done a proper scan of the pyramid or the surrounding area, just a general landing scan, this general landing scan has not noticed the British Army sections inside and at the entrance of the pyramid.

First Contact

Once Ra’s ship has landed, Ra sends four Jaffa via the ring transporter to the Stargate room, as the four Jaffa ring into the Stargate room, a group of men confronts them with strange devices pointed at them.

Without waiting or giving any form of warning the Jaffa, opens fire on the group of men with their Staff Weapons, killing two of them instantaneously, a few seconds later (and much to the surprise of the Jaffa) the group of men return fire with strange weapons.

Two of the Jaffa are killed immediately, while the third continues to fire on the group near the Stargate, the forth activates the ring transporter to report to Ra. As soon as the ring transporter is activated the third Jaffa is killed.

On hearing of the report of the surviving Jaffa, Ra scans the pyramid and the surrounding area, Ra now knows what he is up against (or so he thinks). Ra orders two Death Gliders to be launched, to deal with the group of men at the entrance of his pyramid, along with another detachment of Jaffa to deal with the men near the Stargate.

The First Battle for Abydos has just begun Ra is at a disadvantage as he has only brought his personal guard, as Ra has not expected any real resistance.

The First Battle for Abydos

As the two Death Gliders are launched, the British Army sections guarding the entrance to the pyramid, positions there Bren guns to Anti-Aircraft positions and begin to fire on the two Death Gliders. As they do, the two Death Gliders open fire as best as possible on the Bren gunner’s fortified positions at the entrance of the pyramid.

At the same time the second detachment of six Jaffa, use the ring transporter, to beam into the Stargate room, this time with their Staff Weapons at the ready, as soon as the rings have cleared they open fire on the British Army sections guarding the Stargate.

The Jaffa are followed by Ra himself, with his personal shield activated as Ra ring’s down after his Jaffa, Ra enters the middle of a firefight between his Jaffa and a strange new enemy with unusual weapons. Ra’s eyes glow with anger as he sees how badly his Jaffa is fairing against this new enemy.

The lead two Jaffa are cut down by the small arms fire, the remaining Jaffa provide cover fire while Ra rings back up to his ship (Ra is very angry and has decided to return with more Jaffa). The two remaining Jaffa ring back up to Ra’s ship, in the time is takes for the rings to activate a further two Jaffa are killed, their bodies are beamed back up to Ra’s ship.

The floor of the Stargate room is littered with empty casings the room is slowly clearing from the smoke from the gunfire, though the Battle of Abydos is not yet over as this battle has one more round to go.

Lieutenant Macpherson, who has been watching the Jaffa as they use the ring transporter, has seen that this device operates by touching the ‘blue jewel’ on the wrist of the enemy. Lieutenant Macpherson orders that all the demolition explosives be placed in the centre of the ring device as quickly as possible.

While Lieutenant Macpherson orders are being carried out, Ra is outraged by the failure of his Jaffa. Ra activates his ships controls and begins the launch procedure for his ship, slowly but steadily Ra’s ship lifts off from the pyramid-landing pad and into a geo stationary orbit.

By the time Ra’s ship is in orbit all the demolition explosives have been placed in the ring, the fuse has been set for only five seconds, there is enough demolition explosives to level the pyramid that Lieutenant Macpherson is standing in several times over.

Lieutenant Macpherson who is holding the ‘blue jewel’ on the wrist of a dead Jaffa asks, “Sergeant Forest you ready?”

Sergeant Forest who is holding the fuse ready to ignite it replies, “Ready Sir”

Lieutenant Macpherson whose hand is now hovering over the ‘blue jewel’ says, “Now”

Sergeant Forest ignites the fuse and moves back one step from the ring transporter, a second later Lieutenant Macpherson touches the ‘blue jewel’ and the rings activate, beaming all the demolition explosives up to Ra’s ship in orbit.

As Ra’s ship has just achieved low orbit the rings activate, beaming all the demolition explosives onto Ra’s ship, the explosives detonates a few seconds later, as the explosive detonate the explosion causing a breach in the hull of Ra’s ship causing a very rapid depressurisation, sucking Ra out into space.

With no one at the controls or alive, Ra’s ship is now slowly tumbling (thanks to the ‘nudge’ from the hull breach) in an uncontrolled re-entry back into the planet’s atmosphere. As Ra’s ship enters the atmosphere of the planet, the ship begins to break up (thanks to the hull breach) and as Ra’s ship breaks up the pieces burning up in the atmosphere.

With the destruction of Ra’s ship, the two Death Gliders are finally, shot down, by the British Army sections guarding the entrance to the pyramid. The debris of these two Death Gliders will later be taken back to Heliopolis for analyse, the remains of these two Death Gliders will provide invaluable information into new areas of research.

The losses to the British Army sections are nine dead and seven wounded.

The death of Ra, will lead to a bitter civil war between the various Goa'uld System Lords over the next few years the Goa'uld System Lords will ignore Abydos and concentrate on the more valuable worlds that were part of Ra’s domain.

Unknowingly, Project Phoenix personnel have bought themselves a considerable amount of time, while the Goa'uld System Lords fight amongst themselves, as Ra’s death will leave a power vacuum within the ranks of the Goa'uld System Lords.

Aftermath of the Battle for Abydos

With the death of Ra, the immediate threat to Abydos has been eliminated, though now the leaders of Project Phoenix know that there is a race of hostile aliens out there ready to try to enslave Earth once again.

The revelation that an alien race created the ancient Egyptian culture 3,000 years was a bit of a shock, even more of a shock was that this alien is a parasite of some sort that occupies a human body. The apparent reason for choosing humans is apparently the human bodies are easier to heal allowing these aliens to become immortal while occupying a human ‘host’.

On the positive side, the sections on Abydos have recovered six Staff Weapons, these have been sent back to Borthwick Castle for evaluation and examination.

Both Professor Phillips and General Smith agree that the government should not yet, be informed of the discovery of this hostile alien race. This is reported to Churchill who is saddened by the losses though the news of alien energy weapons and alien fighters that can be researched. Churchill states that they must continue what they have started, no point in stopping, they must forge ahead whatever the cost.

With the testing of the six captured Staff Weapons from Ra’s guards ongoing, one of the captured Staff Weapons is taken apart for evaluation purposes, during the disassembly process, each step is recorded, so that the Staff Weapon can be reassembled.

The British Army sections guarding the Stargate room on Abydos and the entrance to the pyramid on six-month rotations, the sections that are used for these duties are mainly sections ten through to fifteen, though the other sections are also rotated as well.

The population of Abydos have not been told of the death of their ‘God’ Ra, though they have been told to start mining more gold instead of the naquadah that they used to mine. The population of Abydos have been told that this is Ra’s will, the people willingly will mine the gold, believing that it is for Ra, they already have a gold mine, for making ‘trinkets’. None of the population of Abydos understand the true value of the gold, they just think of it as another thing to be mined for their ‘God’ Ra.

The members of Project Phoenix are not completely heartless they do provide medical care for the Abydonians, even at this very basic level, the Abydonians see this as magic that has been sent by their God Ra.

The Abydonians are more than content to mine the gold than the naquadah, though the naquadah will still be mined in smaller quantities, as this will be processed in small amounts to provide the power source for future developments.

The Abydonians will deliver roughly one million pounds sterling of gold per month (along with a fraction of that amount in sliver and other precious metals as well) to the great pyramid from January 1942 onwards this will help Britain’s war effort and will not drain Britain’s war finances. In fact, by the end of 1942 Britain’s gold reserves will start to increase, as the War Department cannot spend the money quickly enough!

Britain from mid to late 1942 onwards will begin the process of modernization of her industrial base, with both military and none military projects benefitting from the steady stream of gold pouring into the treasuries coffers.

This process will speed up a little after the war is over, as the rebuilding process of Britain’s economy will greatly be boosted and be able to recover much more quickly that it would be able to do so without this source of funding. This rebuilding process of UK industrial modernisation will not ever be completed as successive UK governments consider it as an ongoing process, as new (Earth) technology comes in to replace existing technology, roughly every 10 to 20 years or so of technological upgrade for UK industry.

However, the UK Treasury is careful not to flood the world market with large amounts of Gold, but instead a steady ‘trickle’ of Gold, so that the value of Gold on the world markets is not devalued. After the war is over once, Britain’s debits have been paid off and Britain’s Gold reserves have been replenished, no further shipments of Gold will be made to Earth.

Staff Weapon Testing and Evaluation

It is found after careful examination that most of the Staff Weapons length is just for show and that the firing controls, energy emitters and power unit can be removed and reassembled along the lines of a Lee Enfield Rifle. Approval is give to make a new weapon based on a Lee Enfield Rifle layout, rather than trying to learn how to use these cumbersome Staff Weapons in combat.

The prototype of this new weapon takes several months to complete, the energy emitter replaces the front part of the rifle, with the activation trigger (safely catch) and firing trigger, replacing the rifles safety catch and trigger. This ‘new’ weapon looks ugly, but is much easier to aim (thanks to the modified sights on the Lee Enfield Rifle) and fire than a Staff Weapon, trials with this new weapon and successful and the remaining five captured Staff Weapons are ordered to be converted.

The new Energy Rifles, Mark 1 (ER-1) are no longer, than the Lee Enfield Rifle this first ER-1 is found to be much more accurate than a Staff Weapon is, during the weapons firing trials. The remaining five Staff Weapons are converted into Energy Rifles, Mark 1 (ER-1) these weapons are much more deadly than Staff Weapons, as they can be aimed “properly” compared to Staff Weapons.

By the end of August 1943, a total of six Staff Weapons have been converted into Energy Rifles, Mark 1 (ER-1), with no more Staff Weapons left to convert, the conversion process comes to a stop. As the members of Project Phoenix, do not have the technical knowledge to make more of these weapons, only to disassemble and reassemble them in a different way.

More Staff Weapons are needed for conversion, though no one knows where any more of these Staff Weapons can be ‘obtained’, so these six ER-1 will be used for training until more can be made.

However, from late 1943 to early 1944, Project Phoenix will have another option for creating more ‘Energy Rifles’ from an unexpected source.

The acquisition of more Staff Weapons is given top priority however there are no further Staff Weapons found on Abydos. The search then switches to finding more addresses for other worlds to see if they can find anymore, alien technology specifically more Staff Weapons to convert.

Project Phoenix personnel also have a very basic understanding of the Goa'uld, with that they can instruct the UK intelligence and police services what to look out for without telling what they are really looking for.

General Smith comments that ‘this war is quite useful, as it allows us to do things we would not be able to get away with in peacetime’, General Smith is right as in peacetime such alerts would raise too many questions.

With additional personnel coming in to research the Death Glider remains, this has led to another avenue of research for Project Phoenix to pursue.

By late 1941, Project Phoenix will become aware of a Goa'uld living on Earth (now that they know what they are looking for) within the United Kingdom his name is Seth.

This will lead Project Phoenix to try its most audacious scheme to date…

To be continued.
 
6. Seth

If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.” – Winston Churchill

November 1941

Like everything to do with Project Phoenix, it is a ‘sleight of hand trick’, trying to keep the various hands of government from finding out what is really going in inside Borthwick Castle. Though such agencies as British Intelligence (MI-5 and MI-6) is aware that something is going inside Borthwick Castle, British Intelligence has been kept out of the loop on what is really going, but on the other hand British Intelligence has been told to keep a firm eye on any information that they may discover pertaining to Borthwick Castle.

With the knowledge that there may be Goa'uld on Earth (gained from hieroglyphs in Ra’s pyramid) a search is made of the various historical records, along with any activity of various religious cults etc, this is done by the various UK intelligence and police services without telling them what they are really looking for.

None of the UK intelligence and police services, question this, as it is a time of war and they have been receiving odd requests to find certain individuals or groups without knowing the reasons why.

Several months after defeating Ra, UK intelligence and police services find for Project Phoenix that a Goa'uld called Seth has a cult living in isolation in the UK, with the location now known, Lieutenant General Smith orders that this Seth be captured if possible. The knowledge that they could gain would be invaluable if they can capture this Goa'uld alive.

Six sections are dispatched to capture the Goa'uld (if possible) the sections that are sent are sections one, two, three, six, twelve and fifteen.

What they know about this Seth comes for Earth history of Egypt, Seth (also called Set, Seti, Setesh, Setekh, Sutekh, Sutech, Setech or known simply as Seth) is the brother of Osiris and Isis.

What they do not know (yet) is that Seth is a Goa'uld imprisoned on Earth several thousand years ago by Ra (when Ra abandoned Earth), Seth has also been harbouring a need for revenge against his fellow Goa'uld, after several thousand years on Earth that has grown, Seth will ally himself with anyone so that he can have his revenge.

Seth is about to get his wish, but not in the form he imagined it would come in.

Seth’s Compound

Seth current compound is well fortified against a concerted attack his follows are heavily armed with both Earth weapons and Goa'uld Zat'nik'tel and Goa'uld grenades, Seth’s followers only number around thirty.

These followers have been brainwashed by Seth, who is using an intelligent virus called Nish'ta so that his followers will follow his every command, no matter what he orders them to do.

Seth has a significant supply of Nish'ta, which he used to brainwash people into serving him. Seth also worried about the System Lords and the Tok'ra trying to hunt him down, despite having spent several thousand years on Earth isolated from any contact with either group. This is the main reason why Seth has not tried over the past several thousand years to take control of Earth.

Seth is unaware of the death of his enemy Ra (the one who imprisoned on Earth), who treated Seth as a joke Seth hates Ra more than anyone and Seth would do anything to kill Ra.

With Seth’s compound already isolated, it does not take much to cut off Seth’s compound by blockading the access routes, these access routes are being guarded by the Home Guard and the police. They have instructions to admit no one unless they have the special clearance pass.

They have been given orders to shoot to kill of anyone tries to force their way past the roadblocks the cover story being is that enemy agents are using mind washing on British citizens and they need to be rescued.

As with all such cover stories, there is an element of truth.

Capturing Seth

As the two members of section one approach the entrance to Seth’s compound in a civilian vehicle, they are both armed with concealed FN Model 1910 pistols fitted with silencers. The vehicle has been rigged so that it will seem as though the vehicles engine has a fault, there excuse is that they do not know the area and that they need directions to the nearest garage.

As they approach in their car, the two guards at the gate polity greet them, they inform them that they are lost and are looking for the nearest garage. This ruse works, the two guards, begin to give directions, as they do the car’s engine cuts out (as planned), as the two members of section one get out of the car and one of them looks under the bonnet.

The second member draws his pistol and shoots both guards dead (that are distracted by the first man) they are now past the first barrier without setting off any alarms. The rest of the sections move forward to the main gates, while they do this the two dead guards are searched, they find the two dead guards each carrying a Goa'uld Zat'nik'tel.

This confirms that there is a Goa'uld inside, the two undercover men quickly figure out how the Zat'nik'tel’s work (it is not that hard) they now have two working Zat'nik'tel’s to add to their firepower.

The two guards near the main door house are shot with the Zat'nik'tel’s, it is quickly found out that these weapons stun, they do not yet know (yet) that multiple shots will kill, the members of section one now have a total of four Zat'nik'tel’s.

The members of section one quickly decided to use these Zat'nik'tel’s to stun Seth and anyone else in the building before they can react.

As the four members of section one enter Seth’s ordinance chamber, they immediately open fire with their Zat'nik'tel, targeting Seth first. Seth is just slightly too slow in activating is personal shield and take the full force of the Zat'nik'tel fire and falls unconscious.

The rest of Seth’s people are quickly stunned as well.

They quickly find out that once the brainwashed followers of Seth have recovered from the effects of the Zat'nik'tel, they are immune from Nish'ta influence. With stocks of Nish'ta also captured, once back at Borthwick Castle the members of sections one are infected with Nish'ta. Then one hour later they are shot with a Zat'nik'tel, this makes the members of section one immune from Nish'ta influence.

This program is extended to the rest of the members of Project Phoenix.

A search of Seth’s compound finds a total of thirty Zat'nik'tel’s and fifty Goa'uld grenades, these will be added to Project Phoenix’s small but growing armoury of alien weapons.

On the 1st December 1941, Seth wakes up he finds himself in a cell, he is not amused, after an hour of ranting, he claims down, once Seth is calm Seth is fed, Seth will be well treated. The reason for treating Seth well is that General Smith thinks that using a ‘carrot’ rather than a ‘slick’ will work better with this alien, he is right it will in the long term.

Seth will be given another twenty-four hours of rest before the questioning will begin.

Questioning Seth

On the 2nd December 1941, Seth is moved from his cell to an interrogation room where Brigadier Richard Thomas, the Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security of Project Phoenix, will question Seth.

Seth watches every move that his guards make, but try’s nothing, Seth is corporative during his move from his cell to the interrogation room and does not struggle in anyway, Seth notes that the guards are firm but polite and do not answer any of his questions.

As Seth is chained to the chair that is bolted to the floor, a man in a British Army Brigadier’s uniform enters the room.

The Brigadier sits down opposite to Seth and says, “Hello I am Brigadier Richard Thomas, I assume that you can understand me clearly?”

Seth with a neutral face replies, “Yes I can understand you, you will release me.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “That is not possible, I do have some questions to ask you, you may ask me questions in return and I will try to answer them.”

Seth’s eyes glow and Seth replies, “Ask your questions, but do not expect any answers.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “Very well, my first question is, is it true that your race name is the Goa'uld?”

Seth looks at Brigadier Thomas as if he is mad and replies, “Yes it is.”

Brigadier Thomas then asks, “Can you tell me the name of this item” showing Seth a picture of a Zat'nik'tel

Seth replies, “It is called a Zat'nik'tel, it has three setting, this first shot will stun, the second will kill and multiple shots may disintegrate a subject or object being fired at.”

Seth is finding these questions strange, but he thinks to himself, that if this is all these primitives wish to know then it does no harm.

Brigadier Thomas asks, “Can you tell me the name of this item” showing Seth a picture of a Staff Weapon

Seth replies, “It is called a Ma'Tok staff, also known more commonly as a staff weapon.”

Before Brigadier Thomas asks another question Seth asks, “I have a question, why are you asking me these questions?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “The simple answer is because we do not know what these weapons are called.”

Seth asks, “What do you want of me?”

Brigadier Thomas thinks for a few moments and replies, “Assistance against your fellow Goa'uld.”

Seth laughs and replies, “Do you think with your primitive weapons you can stop the Goa'uld.”

Brigadier Thomas smiles and states, “We already have, the one called Ra is dead.”

Seth’s eyes glow for several moments, Seth says nothing, then he says, “If Ra is truly dead, then you have done me a great service, Ra was my enemy within the Goa'uld, as he was the one that exiled me to the primitive planet several thousand years ago.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “If you really mean what you have just said, then maybe we can help each other?”

Seth’s eyes glow again he asks, “What do you mean, help each other?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “We have already figured out how to reassemble Staff Weapons in a different form” showing Seth a photo of an ER-1, “But as yet we do not know how to construct these weapons from scratch.”

Seth looks at the photo of the rebuild Staff Weapons and says, “Quite impressive for a primitive world.”

Without a hint of being insulted/goaded by Seth’s comments Brigadier Thomas replies, “We are making progress, but if you were able to help us, then we could help you?”

Seth asks, “How could you help me?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “By offering you freedom, we could give you access to the Stargate, you could choose your own destination and leave this planet.”

Seth replies, “An intriguing offer, how long do I have to think about this offer of yours?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “As long as you like, after all for the time being you are not going anywhere.”

Seth replies, “Very well, I will consider your offer.”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Thank you for considering my offer, you will be returned to your cell now. You will have a choice of food, though this choice will be limited, due to the ongoing war.”

Seth replies, “Understood.” As Seth is led back to his cell, in Seth’s mind a plan is forming on how to use these primitives to eliminate his rival Goa'uld. After all the only way they could have got hold of a staff weapon is by using the Stargate, that must mean that they have the Stargate operational, Seth thinks to himself that the possibilities are endless.

Seth maybe many things, but he is not stupid, after all, Seth has survived on this primitive planet, alone for several thousand years, cooperation maybe in Seth’s best interest, in the short term. Seth is thinking of ‘helping’ these primitives to help him eliminate the other Goa'uld system lords, though this plan would take many decades, due to these humans being so primitive, but it is possible.

A long-term plan is now forming in Seth’s mind, though he does not show it Seth is smiling inside.

However, Seth’s long-term plan will be swept aside by events in ways Seth could not have possibly imagined.

Meeting Room

On evening of the 1st December 1941, Professor Phillips, Victoria Phillips, General Smith and Brigadier Thomas are discussing the implications of using Seth, in trying to obtain advanced technology from this particular Goa'uld.

Victoria is saying, “Based on the limited information we have the Goa'uld are described as deceptive and manipulative race. If we where to use this Seth, then we should check everything he gives us thoroughly, in case of deception.”

Professor Phillips says, “I agree with my daughter, we should use this Seth, but watch him very carefully.”

General Smith says, “I have read the reports about these Goa'uld, but this one could be slightly different, after all from a military point of view Seth was alone on this planet for 3,000 years, possibly longer, this Seth had to do what was necessary to survive.”

Professor Phillips says, “General Smith I am not disagreeing with you on that point, but all I am saying is we must be very careful in dealing with this alien.”

Brigadier Thomas who has been listening to the conversation says, “Sir I have to agree with Professor Phillips, we should be very careful in dealing with this Seth, after all if what the writings say are true, then no Goa'uld is to be trusted.”

General Smith sighs and says, “Very well, we should keep a close eye on this Seth and if he decides to cooperate then we should check his work carefully, but we should use all the valid information he gives us, I assume that no one has an objection to that?”

Professor Phillips says, “None at all, we should use every bit of valid information that we can get from this Seth.”

Victoria Phillips says, “I agree with my father.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “I also agree with Professor Phillips, sir.”

General Smith says, “It is settled than, if this Seth cooperates and gives us technology and/or information, then we should use if, but only after it has been thoroughly checked.”

For the time being Seth will be left to think in his cell, he will be treated well, but watched very carefully.

Consolidation

During the remainder of 1941, the British Army sections will consolidate their defensive positions around the pyramid on Abydos.

Both the entrance to the pyramid and the ‘hatch’ in the ceiling in the Stargate room will be guarded around the clock.

Additional British Army troops will also arrive to replace those losses during the Battle of Abydos by the end of 1941. In addition, the numbers of British Army troops allocated to Project Phoenix will increase steadily from early 1942 onwards, though not in any great numbers, due to the war having priority over Project Phoenix.

There will also be a small increase in the number of civilian researchers and engineers throughout 1942, though the war has priority over that of Project Phoenix’s needs, even so Project Phoenix is still receiving a steady trickle of personnel.

The other area for research is the remains of the two Goa'uld Death Gliders, the remains of these two Goa'uld Death Gliders have been shipped to Heliopolis for detailed study. The first of the new research buildings have been completed, allowing the research program to begin to expand beyond Heliopolis Castle.

One of the first discoveries is that one of the staff cannons on one of the two Goa'uld Death Gliders is intact and can still be fired. The armament of a Death Glider consists of two staff cannons mounted to either side of the cockpit (for two and pilot plus observer) on the underbelly of the craft. These are identical in function to a regular staff weapon, but much larger and on a more powerful scale in terms of firepower.

As the staff cannons are similar to Staff Weapons, figuring out how to fire it quite simple, a few days after the discovery, a demonstration is arranged by firing the staff cannon at the sea. This demonstration proves how much more powerful a staff cannon is compared to a Staff Weapon, further research is approved into figuring out how to copy the staff cannon.

The construction of additional buildings is also, well advanced along with a runway and a small number of aircraft hangers, with limited personnel both military and civilian personnel help with the construction of these buildings.

Events December 1941

On the 7th December 1941, the Japanese Navy launches a surprise attack on the United States fleet at Pearl Harbour, thus drawing the United States into World War II.

On the 8th December 1941, the United States officially declares war on Empire of Japan. The United Kingdom declares war on Empire of Japan.

On the 11th December 1941, Germany declares war on the US.

On the 20th December 1941, Victoria Phillips gains her doctorate and becomes Dr Victoria Phillips this is a sombre affair due to the recent attack on Pearl Harbour.

On the 25th December 1941, Field Marshal Alan Brooke becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff, he is briefed on Project Phoenix, and like his predecessors, and he will keep Project Phoenixes true nature secret and will fully support the project.

What new wonders and dangers will 1942 and beyond bring?

To be continued.
 
7. 1942 - 1943

A love for tradition has never weakened a nation indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.” – Winston Churchill

The amount of resources and personnel that is being put into Project Phoenix will steadily increase year on year from 1942 to 1945, though this will not affect the course of the war for Britain, though some new technologies will enter services slightly sooner. This is mainly due to the amount of funding (gold) coming from Abydos, making Britain economically much less reliant on US aid (lend lease), than Britain would be without the Abydos gold.

Professor Phillips who coordinates all the civilians and Lieutenant General Smith who controls all military personnel both are still jointly running Project Phoenix there is no overall leader of Project Phoenix.

1942

During 1942, the war against the Axis powers is now turning in favour of the Allies, with the victories at El Alamein, Midway and Stalingrad.

Throughout 1942, the numbers of troops allocated to Project Phoenix will increase from 300 to 800 (by the end of 1942) this is a slow process due to the agonisingly slow vetting procedures (along with World War 2) for anyone being considered to join Project Phoenix. The total number of personnel allocated to Project Phoenix now stands at 2,500 and is growing steadily, most of these personnel work on Heliopolis, with only a few hundred based at Borthwick Castle.

The additional troops mainly go to Heliopolis to protect the expanding facilities on that planet, through some of these troops are sent to Abydos, to protect the pyramid and to ensure the safety of the gold shipments.

The now 200 strong British Army engineers that are part of Project Phoenix, these British Army engineers (with assistance from both military and civilian personnel) are being used to expand the facilities (building extra accommodation etc) near Heliopolis Castle, to allow the bulk of the research to be carried out there rather than at Borthwick Castle. The numbers of British Army engineers is set to double by early 1944 this will help speed up the construction of new building on Heliopolis.

This is because Borthwick Castle has very limited scope for growth, as additional new buildings would draw too much attention, much better to expand the facilities in a around Heliopolis Castle.

The number of British Army sections will remain as fifteen with the arrival of the addition troops, these will be used to guard Borthwick Castle, Heliopolis Castle and the Abydos pyramid this will release the fifteen sections to do more exploration work, especially on Heliopolis and to a lesser extent Abydos.

The number of civilian researchers and engineers will increase as well during 1942 though much more slowly than the numbers of military personnel allocated to Project Phoenix, the total numbers of civilian researchers and engineers by the end of 1942 will come to 295 all based on Heliopolis.

These civilian researchers and engineers that are based on Heliopolis are not working on those initial pieces of technology that have been released out of Project Phoenix for wider development these pieces of technology are now being researched by various teams spread across the UK.

The new construction program also includes housing for all these civilian researchers and engineers, with more housing constructed throughout 1942 and beyond.

February 1942, Seth

On the 5th February 1942, Seth asks for a meeting with Brigadier Richard Thomas, stating that he has come to a decision on Brigadier Thomas’s suggestion. Seth has decided that he has waited long enough to give his answer to these primitive humans.

Seth is the first to speak, he says, “I have considered your offer and I will agree to help your people.”

Inside Brigadier Thomas smiles but his face does not show it, he replies, “Thank you for your help, it will not be forgotten.”

Seth says, “I said I will help you, but you must remember that I have been trapped on this planet, alone for several thousand years, I must assume that my fellow Goa'uld have continued to evolve there technologies during this time. So the information that I will give you could be very old indeed.”

Brigadier Thomas nods at what Seth has just said, the leadership of Project Phoenix had come to the same conclusion, what Seth has just said proves that he might actually be cooperating, Brigadier Thomas replies, “Understood”

Seth for the first time during his captivity smiles and asks, “Where would you like me to begin?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Well for starters, we could use a way to produce more of these weapons” showing a picture of the first ER-1 that had been constructed, “this is a rebuild of what we have heard called Staff Weapon.”

Seth who is looking at the picture says, “Impressive, for a primitive race. I would assume that you would like me to design a weapon like this so that you can manufacture, rather than rebuilding Staff Weapons.”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Yes, that is what we would like you to show us how to make this type of weapon.”

Seth says, “That is possible, though it will take time to do, as I assume that you will wish me to draw the schematics out, along with producing a ‘how to’ manual?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Again yes, I know that this way will take time and I also can confirm that any other way would involve trusting you and at this time we do not trust you.”

Seth says, “Understood, shall we begin immediately?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Yes, what do you need?”

Seth says, “Paper, and drawing materials and if possible how you managed to rebuild a Staff Weapon?” Seth is again smiling to himself, without showing it, his plan was starting to work, Seth thought to himself this is a good start.

Brigadier Thomas replies, “A design room has already been set aside for this purpose along with the necessary information will be provided.”

Seth says, “Then I will begin right away.”

As Seth is lead to the design room, Seth is thinking to himself, that these humans would be able to eliminate all the Goa'uld opposition that imprisoned him on Earth, so that when he is released, he should be able to easily create his own empire.

Then he can eliminate these humans at his leisure.

As long as Seth keeps to his end of the deal the leaders of Project Phoenix will keep to theirs, it could be many decades before this happens, but Seth has been trapped on Earth for several thousand years, a few more years here or there will not make much of a difference.

Seth will be of use in one area, that of Britain’s Atom Bomb project code named Tube Alloys, with Seth’s help Tube Alloys will be able to not only catch up with the US Atom Bomb project, but by late 1945 will overtake the US Atom Bomb program.

The US will be kept out of the loop as far as Britain’s ‘other’ bomb project is concerned, though the US does know that Britain wants to develop their own bomb, but the US does not know that Britain has a way of taking a ‘short cut’ in developing their own bomb.

After all, with the regular supply of gold coming from Abydos, funding will not be a problem for Tube Alloys.

Knowledge

10th March 1942, Professor Phillips, Victoria Phillips, General Smith and Brigadier Thomas, about Seth’s willingness to cooperate, in exchange for his freedom.

Brigadier Thomas is saying, “I cannot put my finger on it, but I do not think that this Seth is not helping us out of the goodness of his heart.”

General Smith replies, “I agree, Seth has given in way too quickly, he also seems to be very smart, after all this Seth was able to build his own energy weapons with little or no supplies, along with avoiding being captured for several thousand years.”

At this point Professor Phillips says, “Whatever this Seth’s motives, if he is prepared to help us, then we should keep our end of the bargain, we would have too much to lose, if we did not.”

General Smith pauses for a few moments then replies, “If this Seth keeps to his end of the deal then I agree we should keep our end of the bargain. If not then Seth will stray locked up, but only if Seth betrays his end of the deal.”

All three agree that Seth must be watched very carefully, but allowed to continue his work and if Seth does complete his work then they will keep their end of the bargain.

By December 1942, Seth has finished the drawings of the designs for building the Energy Rifles from scratch, these new Energy Rifles will be designated Energy Rifles, Mark 2 (ER-2). This is a long and laborious process, as Seth must write everything down, Seth has had to provide a systematic guide on how to manufacture these new ER-2s.

Even with this help, the researchers and engineers of Project Phoenix will still need time to learn about this new technology along with how it works, as this level of technology is well ahead of anything on Earth.

Though the researchers and engineers of Project Phoenix will be able to begin construction quite quickly, they will still be trying to understand the technology rather than just following the instructions given to them by Seth.

This knowledge of how to construct a Staff Weapon will give the researchers and engineers of Project Phoenix the knowledge they need to copy the staff cannon that had been salvaged from the two Death Gliders, this information will be kept from Seth.

Nuclear Options

With Seth’s ‘help’, the British government establishes Dounreay Nuclear Power Development Establishment, near Dounreay, Scotland. This facility will primarily be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium, with two fuel loads per year, and electricity production as a secondary cover purpose.

A duplicate of the Dounreay Nuclear Power Development Establishment would be set up on Heliopolis, located near Heliopolis Castle. This small reactor would provide the first weapons-grade plutonium for Britain’s Atom Bomb program on Heliopolis, not Earth.

With Seth’s help Britain would begin to overtake the US own Atom Bomb program, but this would not happen until near the end of the war (1945).

1943

However, this will not be the end of Seth’s work, on these new Energy Rifles, Seth will, between January and June 1943 will be asked many questions while the first of these ER-2s are being assembled.

The first of these new ER-2s should be, completed by June 1943, with full production beginning in early 1944. The phrase ‘full production’ will only amount to ten ER-2s per month being manufactured, manufacturing of the ER-2 will take place in the new ‘production facility’ that has been set up near Heliopolis Castle, as Borthwick Castle has no real room to expand its facilities without being compromised.

It is much better for security that all alien technologies are researched (and constructed) at Heliopolis Castle rather than at Borthwick Castle, as everyone going through the Stargate can be, thoroughly screened, along with being searched.

Some members of Project Phoenix are now, permanently based on Heliopolis, rather than coming through the Stargate, the long-term goal is to establish the main research and production facilities in and around Heliopolis Castle.

Limited food production (gardens by various personnel) growing various vegetables etc has also begun this is the beginning of food production on Heliopolis.

As for salaries, most of the personnel that are permanently based on Heliopolis are paid, though not in money, but a form of credit that allows these personnel to ‘purchase’ items to make their homes more comfortable (as long as the item(s) purchased fits through the Stargate). In this way, the Government can keep a lid on spending, so that Project Phoenix does not draw any attention, because of high pending due to a growing number of personnel.

Meanwhile on Abydos, exploration of the area around the Pyramid continues at a reduced pace due to the ongoing World War back on Earth and the priority being assigned to Heliopolis.

Research/Construction Work, Heliopolis

On Heliopolis, near the castle, a hanger has been constructed, to begin to attempt to assemble their first Death Glider this will prove much harder than originally anticipated.

In another area, there is a small Naquadah processing facility, this facility is not very large but as the amounts of processed Naquadah is very small (for the ER-2s) a larger facility can be constructed if needed. Work is also starting on build the first Naquadah powered reactor, though this will become operational after the war is over as the nuclear reactor has priority of the Naquadah reactor.

Work has also begun on building a dedicated Stargate building this will allow the Stargate inside Heliopolis Castle to be move to a more secure facility this will also help when construction parts and raw materials come through the Stargate, as these will be easier to move from the Stargate building that from inside Heliopolis Castle to the outside. At the moment, moving anything from the Stargate inside Heliopolis Castle is a real pain.

The other constriction area that has priority is housing for the expanding numbers of personnel, this is standard housing, though slightly modified to withstand the stormy season on Heliopolis. About sixty percent of the personnel on Heliopolis are living in their own homes the rest should have their own homes by 1947, as current rates of construction. This will leave Heliopolis Castle as the main military/administration facility for Heliopolis, as this castle is proving to be a bit cramped at the moment.

Abydos

With limited personnel available to the team on Abydos, the exploration of Abydos is confined to the area around the Pyramid, with the willing assistance of the locals (no one from Project Phoenix has yet told the locals that there gods are not really gods). This is mainly because they are needed a labour force, though not as slave labour, they only take volunteers, no one is forced to work, though all able bodied Abydonians always volunteer, to please their god Ra.

The Abydonians are mainly focusing their efforts on their mining operations, mining the gold and to a lesser extent naquadah (for processing into energy cells for ER-2s), along with other metals as well. This raw material is move by the mastadge animals these animals are capable of carrying large loads of raw materials to the Stargate on a regular basis with no trouble at all.

The Project Phoenix team on Abydos has begun to excavate what they believe to be a buried chamber, this is actually a room filled with cartouches this vast room contains gate coordinates for a huge Stargate network. This is due to the concentration of engineers on the building program on Heliopolis, this building program a priority over all other off world programs, thus not very many personnel are available to explore Abydos or to excavate the buried chamber.

It will take the members of the Project Phoenix team on Abydos, with the locals help about eighteen months time (late 1945) to gain entry into what will become known as the Stargate Address Room.

As 1943 draws to a close, the tide has turned in favour of the Allies the end of the war can be seen within the next few years.

To be continued.
 
8. 1944 - 1945

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb”. - Winston Churchill

1944

As 1944 starts, Project Phoenix is making strong headway in starting to produce the ER-2s in limited numbers thanks to Seth’s ‘assistance’ several other projects have also benefited from Seth’s ‘assistance’. Production of the ER-2s is currently running at ten rifles per month, with thirty of these new rifles produced during 1943, another 120 will be produced during 1944.

It is planned to keep production going until the numbers of ER-2s reaches five hundred, then production will be limited to maintaining stocks at the five hundred level, along with producing replacement power cells for the ER-2s.

In addition, the covert assistance provided by Project Phoenix in breaking the German codes, has also brought continued (and enthusiastic) support from the Prime Minister, in the form of his continued silence about Project Phoenix true purpose.

Other areas of research are also being looked into one of the main project is a space program, though this is only in its very early stages at this time.

Seth has indicated that most system lords keep an escape shuttle near there Pyramid just in case they need to make a quick getaway, the team on Abydos is still searching near Ra’s Pyramid. With the discovery of what appears to be a buried chamber or chambers near Ra’s Pyramid this could mean the presence of an escape shuttle, though work is very slow due to the limited numbers of personnel available.

At their current rate, the team on Abydos should break though into these buried chamber or chambers in late 1945.

On the 6th June 1944, Operation Overlord happens the invasion of Europe has begun.

With the war now going the Allies way, the end of the war can now been seen.

One area, that Seth has been able to help the British government is the British Tube Alloys project to create a British nuclear weapon, by 1945 project Tube Alloys will have caught up with the US Manhattan Project. Without Britain’s newfound wealth, Britain would have had Tube Alloys project completely consumed into the US Manhattan Project making Britain a poor cousin to the US program, now however things are very different.

The US Government is being kept in the dark on how far advanced the British Tube Alloys project really is this decision has been agreed to by the whole cabinet as Tube Alloys can be discussed by the whole cabinet, unlike Project Phoenix.

Britain has also been selling some of its inventions to the US Government at full market price, the US Government is forced to pay full price, such as advances in Radar and Submarine technology. In addition as Britain seems to have found a steady supply of Gold, to fund its various war programs (and a few civilian ones too from mid 1944), without US assistance.

During late 1944 the V1 attacks on London commence, the deployment of radar direction equipment for AA guns along with proximity fuses are able to shoot down the vast majority of V1 flying bombs aimed at London, this lessens this effectiveness of the V1. The radar technology has come from sub research projects (based in the UK) coming from Project Phoenix, though only prototypes are used and proved to be effective in the initial stages. Production of the new radar systems is given the highest priority, so that all AA guns across the UK will have these new radar systems by the end of 1945, but by then the war will be over.

At the end of 1944 the V2 attacks commence, though there is no way to stop these attacks or even track them, though a program is added to the radar development program to look into this, nothing will be developed until well after the war.

1945

Jets

During early 1945, jets begin to enter RAF service in greater numbers replacing piston engine aircraft, with both the Gloster Meteor Mk3 and the de Havilland Vampire, along with the navalised Sea Vampire entering service in May 1945.

Jets are now seen as the future for the RAF and the FAA future aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy are being designed and built with jets in mind, the only piston engine aircraft that will be kept in service will be those existing designs or were piston engine aircraft are needed for a specific role, such as AEW.

Churchill has pushed jet technology, after Seth informs the Prime Minister Churchill that piston engine planes would be made quickly obsolete by jet engines.

The British Atom Bomb

Tube Alloys is the code-name for the British nuclear weapon directorate during World War II and after, the development of nuclear weapons is kept at such a high level of secrecy that it had to be referred to by code even in the highest circles of government. However, Project Phoenix was not mentioned at all, as this project has a higher level of security than the Tube Alloys program!

The Tube Alloys project had been started in the 1930s, by 1945 the project was well advanced, much more than the US Manhattan Project, though the British and US governments where cooperating with each other. The US government thought that the British effort was fully was subsumed into the Manhattan Project, the US government were very wrong. The US also thought that the Manhattan Project was now well ahead if the British Atom Bomb program, again the US was wrong about this.

Project Phoenix’s Atom Bomb Project, was well in advance thanks to help from Seth, allowing the members of Project Phoenix’s Atom Bomb Project to cut a number of corners, the first reactor would go live in mid 1944 on Heliopolis.

On the 15th February 1945, on the planet Heliopolis, several hundred miles from Heliopolis Castle, the members of Project Phoenix would detonate Britain’s first Atom Bomb. However, it would be awhile before they have enough material to make another Atom Bomb, but it is a first step and they have in part Seth to thank for this new weapon and they know it.

With the war against Germany nearly over and the US government very close to detonating their own Atom Bomb, a decision was made (with Churchill’s approval) to keep this secret. Britain would detonate its own ‘first’ Atom Bomb (on Earth) after the US one, allowing the US government to think that they were the first nation to detonate an atom bomb.

On the 8/9th May 1945, Germany surrenders, the war in Europe is over, only Japan remains.

On the 16th July 1945, the US detonates the “first” atomic bomb under the code name Trinity, the US is unaware that Britain has already detonated its own bomb, though the US is aware that the “official” British bomb is only a few weeks behind them. When the US is informed that the “official” British bomb is only a few weeks behind them, the US is surprised how close the British are in their development of their own Atom Bomb.

Britain’s “official” Atom Bomb Project (Earth based) has been developing very quickly alongside the US Manhattan Project. This has only been made possible because of assistance of Seth, allowing the off world development of Britain’s own Atom Bomb. This in turn has allowed the development of Britain’s “official” Atom Bomb Project on Earth.

With the end of World War 2 on the 15th August 1945, Project Phoenix has helped Britain develop the Atom Bomb much more quickly that it would have been able to do on its own.

On the 17th August 1945, Operation Hurricane is the first official test of the first British atomic device the bomb is detonated in the lagoon between the Montebello Islands, Western Australia. The US government is surprised that the British government has managed to develop and detonate the bomb so quickly after them.

President Harry S. Truman sends his congratulations to the British Atom Bomb team on their successful test, though secretly President Truman had hoped to use this new weapon as leverage with the British government in the post war world, President Truman has just lost his leverage.

Long term funding for Project Phoenix is assured, for both its “official” programs and its highly classified programs (Stargate related), helping with the covert development of the Atom Bomb to name just one program along with other various projects.

With a steady stream of gold coming from Abydos and now that there is no war to fund, the British wartime debt would be able to be paid off much more quickly than it would without this steady stream of gold coming in from Abydos.

For his services Professor David Phillips is given to knighthood (public reason for his services to archaeology), becoming Professor Sir David Phillips. Both Lieutenant General Wilson Smith and Brigadier Richard Thomas also receive knighthoods, along with various honours for the other members of Project Phoenix.

The work they are doing for the Project Phoenix program cannot be revealed, so they are honoured for their wartime service for unspecified and classified projects/missions depending on whether they are civilian or military.

A New Prime Minister

With the election of a new Labour government, the new Prime Minister Clement Attlee taking office on the 26th July 1945.On the 30th July 1945 a meeting takes place in Borthwick Castle to discuss the new Prime Minister and whether or not he should be informed of Project Phoenix it is agreed that the Prime Minister should be informed.

On the 1st September 1945, Lieutenant General Sir Wilson Smith informs the new Prime Minister Clement Attlee about Project Phoenix like his predecessors Attlee is shocked. But quickly recovers and agrees that Project Phoenix should be kept as secret as possible, but at the same time this project should benefit Britain’s recovery as well, as long as this does not involve revealing Project Phoenix to the world.

After being informed of the nature of Project Phoenix, Clement Attlee agrees that Project Phoenix is doing excellent work and that Project Phoenix will receive his full support. Attlee asks if Britain’s gold reserves can be used to rebuild Britain, in reply General Smith says yes they can, though he does advise that these reserves should be used sparingly. If they were dumped onto the post war market, this would make the price of Gold and Silver plummet.

Clement Attlee agrees that Britain’s Gold (and Silver) reserves should be sold in small amounts over several years this will enable Britain to pay of its wartime debt very quickly, along with funding the new National Health Service (NHS).

General Smith leaves the meeting with the Prime Minister full support, the previous Prime Minister had already informed Attlee that Attlee should give this project his full support, though not what this project is really up to.

Now that Attlee knows, Attlee understands the reasons for some of Churchill’s more stranger instructions during the war. Attlee is also considering bringing more people from government into this project to speed certain areas up also Attlee is considering bringing in all the service chiefs, so that not just the army is aware of this project. When Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (1946), becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff he will see what Monty has to say about this.

Abydos, Breakthrough

On the 15th September 1945, on Abydos, the team there manage to breakthrough into the buried chamber, once the chamber has been secured. The Abydos team find no escape shuttle, instead they find a large room filled with cartouche’s, this vast room contains gate coordinates for a huge gate network, that are known to the now deceased Goa'uld System Lord Ra.

As the team members look around the chamber, they see that the walls are covered in cartouche’s, with each set of cartouche’s are grouped in sets of seven with the seventh being the point of origin (Abydos).

Tom Oliver who has been looking at the cartouches says, “Well it looks like we have a lot more gate addresses to explore, several thousand look around this chamber.”

Lieutenant Macpherson asks, “Do you think that all these addresses on the walls of this chamber are occupied by the Goa'uld?”

Tom Oliver replies, “It is quite possible, this could mean that the Goa'uld control thousands of worlds and that Abydos could have just a mining world, possibly a small mining outpost could be a better description.”

Lieutenant Macpherson says, “That would mean that these Goa'uld pose a bigger threat than we initially thought.”

Tom Oliver replies, “Yes they could do” then looking around the chamber “It could take decades to explore all these addresses, possibly much longer.”

Lieutenant Macpherson with a grin on his face replies, “We it will at least give us something to do.”

Tom Oliver laughs and says, “Well we better get started making a note of all these gate addresses.”

They begin the task of noting down all the gate addresses in the chamber.

Borthwick Castle

On the 30th September 1945, in Lieutenant General Smith’s office, along with Professor Phillips are discussing this find on Abydos are the implications for Project Phoenix.

General Smith starts by saying, “We must explore those addresses that have been found on Abydos we cannot just sit on them.”

Professor Phillips replies, “Agreed, but we also must proceed with caution, as the Goa'uld are technologically superior to us and have greater number, we do not wish to provoke them.”

General Smith says, “Yes I fully agree with you Professor, we must make sure that they do not discover Earth or Heliopolis, I suggest we conduct operations from Abydos, this should reduce the risk to both Earth and Heliopolis.”

Professor Phillips replies, “A good idea general, if the dialling device is seen by an enemy, then all they will see is the Abydos gate address, if the troops on Abydos are kept on a state of alert when the Stargate is activated then they should not be caught by surprise.”

General Smith says, “Yes that will work and if the worst happens we could always send an Atom Bomb through the Stargate to Abydos and destroy both the gate and any attackers.”

A shocked Professor Phillips replies, “An Atom Bomb would be an extreme solution, but if all other options are exhausted, then I agree that an Atom Bomb should be sent, this would deal with two problems you mentioned at the same time.”

General Smith says, “Good then we are both in agreement then?”

Professor Phillips replies, “Yes I agree with you General, send me the paperwork and I will sign for the release of an Atom Bomb from our store of them under the conditions that we have just agreed to.”

General Smith says, “Now onto the exploration of the gate addresses, we do not know what ones to start with, so I would suggest starting with the ones closest to the entrance, unless you have a suggestion Professor?”

Professor Phillips suggests, “Yes I have a suggestion, we could ask Seth, if he knows what is on these planets. I am not suggesting we show Seth all the addresses but only a small number that we intend to visit, this must be worth a try?”

General Smith says, “That is a good idea Professor, I approve, I would suggest six gate addresses at a time that seems like a good number to start with, otherwise Seth might twig what we have, Seth seems to be very smart.”

Professor Phillips replies, “Yes six seems like a good number, we should start as soon as possible.”

General Smith says, “Agreed.”

The meeting goes on for another few hours about various other operations and projects that are being conducted.

Stargate Addresses and Seth

On the 1st October 1945, Seth is interviewed about the discovery of six Stargate addresses that have been found. Seth states that the four of the six Stargate addresses are mining outposts for various minor Goa'uld system lords who served Ra, one of the six Stargate addresses Seth does not know about, the final addresses Seth states that this planet contains a medium Jaffa garrison for the system lord Ra.

Seth recommends starting with the first four worlds, as these mining worlds would contain little or no Jaffa presence the small Jaffa presence that these four worlds could contain could be dealt with by the military forces of Project Phoenix.

If the British Army sections that are sent use the ER-2 weapons against any Jaffa, this would have the advantage of looking like infighting between system lords and not an external attack by another force.

After listening to Seth’s reasoning General Smith in consultation with Professor Phillips agrees to Seth’s ideas, the first worlds to be explored will be the four mining worlds. General Smith’s reasoning is that this will give their troops combat experience with the ER-2 weapons and combat experience against the Jaffa.

After several days of discussion the mission is set for February 1946, this will allow the Sections that are selected to get additional practice with the ER-2 weapons and hone their combat tactics before they go through a Stargate.

This is setting the members of Project Phoenix and Britain into direct conflict with the Goa'uld system lords in the years to come provided, that the Goa'uld system lords figure out that it is not a fellow Goa'uld system lord, but another race setting Goa'uld against Goa'uld.

For now however the Goa'uld are fighting against each other, as they have done for thousands of years, this is the Goa'uld’s biggest weakness, the lack of unity.

To be continued.
 
9. Post War

It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.” – Winston Churchill

A New Kind of War

1946

In 1946 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Brooke along with Professor Phillips and Lieutenant General Smith briefs Montgomery about the true nature of Project Phoenix, along with the need to keep this project secret. Once Montgomery has gotten over the shock, like his predecessors, and he will keep Project Phoenixes true nature secret and will fully support the project.

Montgomery insists that the other service chiefs are informed of this project to make it easier to screen military personnel being allocated to this project, both the PM and the leaders of Project Phoenix agree. A few days later the other service chiefs are informed, after they have gotten over the shock, they pledge their full support for this project as they can see the benefits of this project for Britain.

In the immediate future when the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff is briefed he will then brief the other service chiefs as the new service chiefs come into their jobs, this will last until 1959, then a permanent head will be appointed to coordinate such things.

Other changes include using the SAS and SBS units as this initial screening stage for transfer of military personnel to Project Phoenix this releases Project Phoenix personnel to focus on checking civilian personnel assigned to Project Phoenix. Using the SAS and SBS to screen potential problems is very clever, as the SAS and SBS instructors think that the screening process is part of recruitment. In fact, it is, but it also has the advantage of screening out potential problems for both the SAS and SBS along with Project Phoenix.

The only people that Montgomery can really discuss this project with are either the former PM Churchill or the new PM Attlee, along with a few key people in the treasury and government such as the Cabinet Secretary. That is one of the reasons for bringing in all of the service chiefs in on Project Phoenix, so that Monty does not have to have cryptic conversations with them.

Funding

With a steady stream of gold (and some silver) coming into the treasuries coffers (from Abydos), Britain’s post war austerity measures are not as hash as they could have been if there had not been this supply of gold to help Britain recover. This steady stream of precious metals also assures funding for Project Phoenix, funding will see a steady increase year on year for the foreseeable future.

The War Departments budget cuts are not as deep as they could have been, though all Battleships will be scrapped including still incomplete HMS Vanguard. However, the new carriers Ark Royal, Eagle (Audacious class), Malta, New Zealand, Gibraltar and Africa (Malta class) will be completed for use with the new jets, though they will not start to enter service until the mid 1950s.

The Martian-Baker company will switch from becoming an aircraft manufacture, to becoming an ejector seat manufacture, all new British jets will be fitted with Martian-Baker ejector seats.

Britain will remain a global military power, capable of talking to both the United States and the Soviet Union as an equal and not being reliant on the US to sit at the ‘table’ with the Soviet Union.

Funding is also approved to expand the mining facilities on Abydos, beyond the gold and to a lesser extent silver being mined to other metals as well the funding also includes the purchase of various bits of equipment to speed up the mining and processing of the ore on Heliopolis as well.

This will have the advantage of making the lives of the people of Abydos more bearable, though compared to miners on Earth this is still very dangerous work for the native population to do.

This expansion will allow ore to be shipped from Abydos to Heliopolis to expand the facilities on Heliopolis this would remove the need to ship the supplies of all the raw materials from Earth. This would have the advantage of not drawing too much attention to Borthwick Castle, with only certain specialist materials, equipment and of course personnel needing to be passed through the Borthwick Castle Stargate.

Funding is also approved to continue to modernize British industrial capability across all sectors of industry, in the form of low cost long-term loans, this will take ten years to implement, but once done British industrial capability will be second to none.

Stargate Security

With three Stargate’s now under the control of Project Phoenix, new security measures have been implemented, such as coded radio transmissions through the Stargate prior to anyone or anything being sent through the Stargate to one of the three planets.

This measure will prove very useful in the long term.

January 1946

During January 1946, the British Space Program is set in place with the long-term goal of putting a satellite in orbit and then possibly a man in orbit as well.

The British Space Program rockets will be tested on the Isle of Wight along with being tested and launched from Woomera in Australia this will become known as the Woomera Rocket Program. These will include the Black Knight and Blue Streak rockets and the Black Arrow, these will rocket will lead the way for a manned space program in the mid to late 1970s.

Britain will not get involved in the space race between the US and the Soviet Union.

This British Space Program will appear to be well behind both the US and Soviet programs, or so it will seem, however the true British Space Program will be undertaken on Heliopolis, this space program will be out of this world (quite literally).

The Earth based British Space Program will be merely a cover for the Heliopolis British Space Program, filtering personnel and equipment to Heliopolis.

The first fruits of this Heliopolis based British Space Program will come in early 1951.

In early January 1946, the English Electric Canberra jet-powered light bomber will begin to be manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. It will prove to be highly adaptable, serving in such varied roles for tactical bombing, photographic, electronic, and meteorological reconnaissance well into the 21st century.

February 1946

On the 2nd February 1946, that first mission to another world from the gate addresses that was found on the Abydos cartouche, this first mission will be lead by Section 1 with Sections 2 & 3 in support.

Section 1 will be in the lead with the newly promoted Captain James Macpherson in overall command of all three sections, with a total of thirty-six troops, along with Tom Oliver and Richard Williams. Both Tom Oliver and Richard Williams will come through the Stargate with Section 2 then Section 3 will bring up the rear.

As the Stargate is dialled on Abydos to the first of the four addresses, Captain Macpherson is defiantly feeling nervous about charging into the unknown. Captain Macpherson is holding his ER-2 rifle, with the safety on, the rest of his section are ready to go, along with Sections 2 and 3, both Tom Oliver and Richard Williams are speculating on what might be on this new planet.

As the Stargate is activated Captain Macpherson says, “Ready your weapons men” the troops of section one take the safeties off their ER-2 rifles, so that they are ready for whatever in at the other end of the Stargate. The radio operator makes sure that he has contact with the radio operator on Abydos, as the section one, radio operator will need to inform Abydos if it is ok to send the other sections through the Stargate.

Pausing only for a moment Captain Macpherson walks through the Stargate to their first exploration of many new worlds, followed quickly by the rest of section one.

Due to the military nature of this operation, these first four worlds have been given the unimaginative names of worlds one to four, though these worlds have Goa'uld names it has been decided to number these new worlds rather than use names (unless necessary).

As Captain Macpherson exits the Stargate, they find themselves is a small clearing surrounded by woods in what appears to be the middle of the night, the only illumination coming from the Stargate.

Captain Macpherson says, “Defensive formation around the Stargate, radio that we are safely through the gate, no hostile contact, conditions good it appears to be night here.”

As the rest of section-one moves into a defensive formation, the radio operator informs Abydos that they have arrived safely and that the other two sections can proceed through the gate.

A few moments later the members of section two come through the gate along with Tom Oliver and Richard Williams, then followed by section three, once everyone has been accounted for the Stargate is shut down.

They will report within twenty-four hours (as the previous mission to Abydos set the standard), when Heliopolis will dial the Abydos Stargate.

Captain Macpherson waits for a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness then signals them to move to the nearest tree line for better cover and to wait for sunrise.

Five Hours Later

After quietly waiting for next five hours for dawn, they find themselves on a planet with two moons and that appears to be heavily wooded as far as they can tell, as they scout the surrounding area, they find that there is only one path leading from the Stargate.

After the scouting parties report that there is no sign of anyone within the immediate area, Captain Macpherson decides to take section one to scout along the path until night, leaving sections two and three to watch over the Stargate from the cover of tree line.

Captain Macpherson and the rest of section one along with Tom Oliver and Richard Williams, begin to make their way along the path, though they do not take the track directly they follow the track through the woods, this is to make sure that they to no ‘bump’ into any of the locals.

As they going along the track, they do find stones with references to Ra, so they team do know that this world was part of Ra’s domain.

Once they reach the end of the track, they find a mining operation in progress, similar to the one on Abydos, though not mining naquadah, merely normal ores.

After observing the mining operations for several days, it becomes clear, that there are no Jaffa guarding the mining operations, no contact will be made with the locals, as per there orders.

On the 20th February 1946, after observing the mining operations for several days section one return’s to the gate area to link up with the other sections and return to Abydos to report their findings.

Once back on Abydos, they report their findings in a series of debriefings between the 21st and 28th February 1946.

March 1946, section one again, leads an exploration of the second mining world, this is revealed to be the same as the first mining world, with no Jaffa presence on this world.

In March 1946, Winston Churchill makes his Iron Curtain speech – “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.”

April 1946, section one again, leads an exploration of the third mining world this is revealed to be the same as the first two mining worlds, with no Jaffa presence on this world.

Section one, leaves no trace that they were ever on these three worlds, their presence is not noticed by the locals.

May 1946, as section one explores the fourth mining world indicated by Seth, they find a number of Jaffa patrols on this world, luckily, when they come through the Stargate, they do not bump into one of these Jaffa patrols.

However, it is only a matter of time before they bump into a Jaffa patrol.

Hard Contact

As section one, continues its reconnaissance of this mining world they keep their ER-2s at the ready, just in case of contact, on the 15th May 1946, contact is made with a six-man Jaffa patrol.

The Jaffa patrol is caught by complete surprise be section one (they had not expected to encounter anyone), who manage to quickly eliminate the Jaffa patrol without lose to themselves. Once the short firefight is over, the members of section one quickly buries the bodies in shallow graves, taking the Jaffa’s Staff Weapons for conversion to ER-1s.

Captain Macpherson orders that the two sections guarding the Stargate watch their backs as this Jaffa patrol will be missed, additional Jaffa patrols will be sent out once this patrol does not check in. Though Captain Macpherson does not know when this Jaffa patrol is due to check in, also Captain Macpherson does not know that there are less than one hundred Jaffa on this planet.

Captain Macpherson decides to continue his reconnaissance of the mining facilities along with trying to estimate how many Jaffa that there are on this planet, the reconnaissance will not take much longer as section one has to be much more careful.

Meanwhile back on Earth...

War Debt

Since the end of the war, the British Government using the gold (and a lesser extent the silver) to steadily, pay off Britain’s wartime debts. Rather than pay the debt off in one go, the debt is being paid off over a number of years, as the British Government does not wish to ‘dump’ this much gold onto the post war market, as this would drastically reduce that price of gold on the world market.

The US Government is very curious were the British Government is getting all this gold from, so far the US Government has had no luck in finding the source of this gold. The US Government does not realize that this gold is coming from another world or even that the British Government has a Stargate program.

Once Britain’s wartime debt has been paid off (early 1950s) Britain’s gold and to a lesser extent silver reserves will start to increase, this will put Britain on a much stronger economic footing, allowing certain military and civilian programs to advance, due Britain’s growing economic strength from the mid 1950s onwards.

The US Government is also very curious how the British Government managed to detonate their own atom bomb so quickly after the US did, so far the US Government does not have an answer to that either. The US Governments current theory is that the British Government have been developing there own bomb alongside the US one and simply not told the US Government, this theory is the most accepted one by the US Government as it makes the most sense than anything else.

Atom Bomb Numbers

Officially the British Government has by June 1946, ten atom bombs (on Earth), with one new bomb being constructed every two months or so, unofficially the British Government has by June 1946 on the planet of Heliopolis an additional twenty atom bombs, with one new bomb being constructed every month off world. Also on Heliopolis atom bombs that are more powerful are being developed along with miniaturization, this process is greatly helped by the knowledge gained from Seth.

The British Government is also looking into nuclear power plants as a longer-term project.

Meanwhile back on the planet...

Captain Macpherson is saying in a low voice to Tom Oliver and Richard Williams, “Well I think that is about as much information as we are going to get with this mission?”

Richard Williams in a equally low voice replies, “I agree, I see little point in staying here too long as we might be discovered, we also have some additional staff weapons to convert into ER-1s, as well as some very useful intelligence on our new enemy.”

Tom Oliver is the next to speak and says, “I also agree, we have achieved a lot here, we have discovered that there appears to be only a small contingent of Jaffa on this planet, not counting the natives that are doing the mining.”

Captain Macpherson states before the two civilians start one of their very long ‘discussions’ in a low voice says, “Radio operator, let the other sections know that we are on our way back to the Stargate, once we are their then we will dial home.”

The Radio operator in an equally low voice replies, “Yes sir” and speaks into his radio and few moments later he says, “Message sent and acknowledged sir.”

Captain Macpherson says, “Good, move out and keep it quiet.”

As the members of section one make their way back to the Stargate at slow but quiet pace, the other sections near the Stargate a preparing themselves to move out once section one has arrived.

By the 26th May 1946, section one has managed to link back up with the other sections, they are now only a short distance from the Stargate, though they cannot see the Stargate yet as they are still in the dense forest, they are trying to get into as close proximity as possible before breaking cover.

At the three sections approached the Stargate they could see a dozen Jaffa guarding the Stargate, Captain Macpherson make the decision to attack and eliminate these Jaffa guarding the Stargate.

The attack by the three sections is so swift, that the Jaffa guarding the Stargate a eliminated without returning fire, as the three sections set up a temporary parameter Tom Oliver dials the gate address for Abydos. Then once the connection has been m make section ones radio operator sends the coded signal through the Stargate, the within a few moments the ok to come trough is received.

Richard Williams and Tom Oliver area the first through the Stargate followed by Section two and then Section three, followed lastly by section one, it only takes a few moment after Captain Macpherson has stepped through the Stargate for the gate to shut down.

Debriefing

After all the personnel from all three sections including Richard Williams and Tom Oliver are given the all clear be the medial officer, they return to Earth via Heliopolis, this is a standard security precaution.

Their raid/reconnaissance on the forth-mining world has brought back nineteen Staff Weapons for conversion to ER-1s, along with a wealth of information of the strength of the Jaffa on the fourth-mining world that they have explored.

The Goa'uld reaction to the raid is to assume it is another minor Goa'uld System Lord raiding Lord Ra’s territory.

Goa'uld Reaction

The reaction of the Goa'uld is to accuse each other of attacking one of the world controlled be Ra, in Ra’s absence the minor Goa'uld Systems Lords who ‘work’ for Ra, begin a decade long civil war against some of the Goa'uld System Lords that they think attacked one of Ra’s worlds.

This would lead to an all out Goa'uld civil war, as soon as the other Goa'uld System Lords realised that Ra is dead in a land grab of Ra’s territory.

This Goa'uld civil war will not end until the early 1960s.

Developments

Using the knowledge gained from Seth in producing ER-2 weapons, the researchers and engineers on Heliopolis have been able to copy the single surviving energy cannon that were salvaged from the remains of the two Death Gliders that has been shot down on Abydos.

These weapons are now 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-1 is virtually unlimited.

This is one of the most important breakthroughs, as it allows Project Phoenix to develop (copy) their own energy weapons without Seth’s ‘assistance’, though Project Phoenix will continue to rely on Seth’s ‘assistance’ in other areas of research.

The computing technology on Heliopolis is the most advanced that anywhere on Earth, the evolution of the Colossus machine has led to Colossus II followed by Colossus III, Colossus IV and most recently Colossus V, along with various other types of computing machines. These computing machines have allowed several areas of research to be speeded this in turn has led to an increase in resources to develop more powerful computing machines.

A Naquadah processing facility is now completed this will allow the production of a Naquadah power source, a Naquadah reactor. The Naquadah reactor is due to become active sometime in 1950 this reactor will be used to power Quad EC-1 mounts defending Heliopolis Castle and the surrounding facilities, until the Naquadah reactor is operational the Quad EC-1 will be powered by their own internal power supply.

Work is also progressing of reverse engineering the remains of the two Death Gliders, Project Phoenix scientist and engineers are trying to do this on their own without Seth’s assistance, as they do not want to become reliant on Seth for everything. This however has the drawback of making the research go very slowly in the long run they will have to ask Seth for his help.

Overall, the work being done on Heliopolis and to a lesser extent Earth is laying the foundations for some truly staggering breakthroughs in the years and decades to come.

Meanwhile, back on Earth an incident on the 7th July 1947, that will bring unexpected benefits to Project Phoenix nearly ten years later.

To be continued.
 
10. 1947 to 1950

You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else.” – Winston Churchill

1947

Britain’s Gold Reserves

In early 1947, Britain’s total Gold Reserves (on Earth) has increased to nearly 1,000 tonnes (including the gold from Abydos), giving the British economy a considerable boost, this amount is now set to grow at a slow but steady rate until all wartime debt has been paid off.

However, once all wartime debts have been paid of Britain’s gold reserves will increase at a much higher rate, this will in the long run give Britain a very large gold reserve to fall back on if needed in times of economic crisis.

This will also help to fund Britain’s economic recovery post 1955 onwards.

After 1955 no further increase in Britain’s gold reserves will happen, after all no one wants to make gold worthless.

Once Britain’s gold reserves at restored to their pre war levels, then other metals will being mined on Abydos in small but growing quantities, these metals will go straight to Heliopolis for processing, this will allow Heliopolis a secondary source of metals.

Sound Barrier

On the 1st June 1947, a Miles M.52 breaks the sound barrier, with Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown at the controls, after the fight Brown is promoted to the rank of Commander, skipping the Lieutenant Commander rank grade.

Project Phoenix now has its eye on Commander Brown.

On the 14th October 1947, this would be followed by Chuck Yeager in the Bell XS-1, the Bell XS-1 has many design similarities to the original Miles M.52 version, as the US government had purchased (by reducing war debit that the UK owed the US) the designs from the UK government.

The Marshall Plan

On the 5th June 1947, the Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program, ERP) is the large-scale economic program (1947–1951), of the United States for rebuilding and creating a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Europe. The initiative was named after Secretary of State George Marshall and is largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan.

Britain’s need of US assistance/money is very small (compared to OTL) compared to other countries, Britain’s use of the Marshall Plan assistance will be used as a stopgap until Britain’s post war finances begin to improve at the end of the 1940s.

The Roswell Incident

On the 7th July 1947, the Roswell UFO Incident occurs when an Asgard scout ship crashes near Roswell, New Mexico. The USAF recovers parts of the ship and three Asgard bodies, when President Truman is informed he orders a cover up.

A subsequent press conference was called, featuring debris from the crashed object, which seemed to confirm the weather balloon description.

From the early 1950s onwards, images of these ‘aliens’ appear in the media, these are dismissed by the US Government as a hoax. The US Government is unaware that they have the remains of three Asgard, though they are researching the bodies and the remains of a small three-man Asgard scout ship at Area 51.

The members of Project Phoenix are unaware of what really happened near Roswell, New Mexico, though they do have suspicions that the US may have alien(s) in their possession, for now Project Phoenix will be kept within the UK.

A gate address given Project Phoenix them by Seth after Seth sees a picture of what the “Roswell Grey’s” looks like. Seth will not however see a picture of the “Roswell Grey’s” until 1957, after then a new ally will be encountered, along with being able to meet an additional advanced race that will be introduced by the Asgard.

The US Government will only have the remains of the three Asgard and their scout ship until late 1957 to study, when these remains will disappear from Area 51. However, during this time this will allow US research teams to open areas of research that they never thought of going down, such as stealth technology, this technology will come to fruition in the shape of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk with this aircrafts first flight in 1981.

On the 14th August 1947, India gains independence from the British Empire, this is the beginning of the decolonisation of the British Empire over the next few decades. This however will lead to a much stronger Commonwealth of Nations (than OTL) made up of those former countries of the British Empire.

Abydos/Earth

With a steady flow of gold coming from Abydos, the British economy is starting to pick up at a much quicker pace however this will not save the incumbent Labour government from losing the next election in 1951.

The British government’s finances are getting better and better as the years go by, as Britain’s debt is paid off, the US governments ability to ‘control’ the British government is now steadily ebbing away.

The US government estimates that by 1955 all of Britain’s debt to the US will be paid off, thus the British government, will own the US government nothing, limiting US influence over the British government.

Heliopolis

In and around the area close to Heliopolis Castle a small ‘Village’ is starting to spring up, this consists of mostly workshops that could not be fitted into Heliopolis Castle, though it also contains residential accommodation as well. The raw materials starting to come from Abydos have allowed for the accelerated expansion of the ‘Village’ near Heliopolis Castle.

Heliopolis is being developed as the main research base for all off world discoveries rather than Earth, as there is much less chance of a leak from Heliopolis, as everyone and everything that goes through the Stargate to Earth is screened thoroughly.

The expansion of the research facilities is a slow process as all the materials have to be brought thought the Stargate from Earth and the reassembled for use. However, as those research facilities are finished they quickly become operational and begin to start to produce results. Construction will soon be speeded up with the introduction of Goa'uld construction methods (thanks top Seth) also the materials will also soon be minded on Heliopolis, again using Goa'uldmining methods.

The Heliopolis Nuclear Power Development Establishment (HNPDE) located fifty miles from Heliopolis Castle, is not only producing weapons grade polonium, but also producing the electrical power need to the ‘Village’ as well.

On Heliopolis small mining operations have now begun within close proximity to the Village, this will reduce the need for supplies from Earth and again reducing the need for raw materials to be sent through the Earth Stargate.

Stargate Exploration

Project Phoenix has off world bases on Heliopolis and Abydos, the most developed of these bases is Heliopolis, Abydos is not being developed as a base as all resources are being put into the ongoing facilities on Heliopolis. The numbering of worlds explored by the fifteen British Army Sections has the following numbering system

The first four worlds explored, are numbered as follows, Abydos Stargate Address 0001 (ASA0001) to Abydos Stargate Address 0004 (ASA0004). This will be the standard format for cataloguing Stargate addresses.

With another fifty worlds are set to be explored along with many more, by the various Project Phoenix Sections over the next few years, though they do need a better way of checking out the area near the Stargate before going through. There is a research project codenamed ‘Looking Glass’, it is hoped that a remotely controlled vehicle fitted with one of the new television cameras will be able provide such information.

The leaders of Project Phoenix are discussing this project, along with several other projects.

Borthwick Castle, Main Conference Room

Those present are, Professor Phillips, Dr Victoria Phillips, General Smith, Richard Williams (head of engineering) and Brigadier Thomas, they are here to discuss the various aspects of Project Phoenix and their long-term goals.

Project Phoenix is jointly managed/run by Professor Phillips and General Smith, with the research and military aspects being done by those two departments respectively, there is no overall head of this project, only the joint leadership of Professor Phillips and General Smith.

Professor Phillips starts by saying, “Thank you for all coming, this has been an exciting time for all of us, with some amazing discoveries and a lot more discoveries to come.”

Brigadier Thomas is the next to speak he says, “Yes, the new energy cannons are amazing they will give Heliopolis a much enhanced defence capability.”

General Smith states, “Yes they will, as you know we are working on many aspects of various alien technologies that we have discovered we are also working on improving our own technology, in such areas as these computing machines.”

Victoria Phillips in an enthusiastic tone replies, “Yes General, these computing machines are the way of the future, they can do endless calculations and they do not tired or suffer from fatigue in the way people do.”

General Smith states, “Both, myself and your father agree, funding or these computing machines will be increased both within Project Phoenix and by the British government as well.”

Victoria Phillips replies, “That is very good news, looks like this new government is doing something right for a change” that comment causes a few laughs around the table.

Professor Phillips says, “We are also ready to begin testing the new Remote Controlled Reconnaissance Vehicle (RCRV) under project ‘Looking Glass’, this vehicle is equipped with one of the new television cameras, the current testing shows that while the Stargate is active a picture of the area around the Stargate can be sent. A two-man team operates the RCRV, one controls the vehicle and the other operates the camera, the RCRV is also fitted with a self destruct change that can be active by either of the two operators.”

Brigadier Thomas asks, “How many prototypes are there at the moment?”

Professor Phillips replies, “There are two prototypes, numbered RCRV-01 and RCRV-02, both are ready for operational testing, we are also in the process of building additional RCRVs both on Heliopolis and by various companies here in the UK.”

General Smith states, “That is good news professor, we should start to use them on the next set of exploration missions, unless anyone has any objections?”

Professor Phillips replies, “No objections.”

Victoria Phillips replies, “I have none, they should be used as soon as possible.”

Brigadier Thomas states, “I have No objections.”

General Smith says, “Good motion carried, the RCRV will begin operational use with the next set of missions that are due to resume in 1948.”

General Smith makes a note and then says, “Next is the development of our own Death Glider, how is this going.”

Professor Phillips replies, “The Death Glider is much more of a problem, we can build the energy cannons we can also construct the craft, but the power source and the drive systems are just beyond our abilities to copy them.”

General Smith asks, “I would assume that you would need Seth’s assistance with this?”

Professor Phillips in a slightly deflated tone replies, “Yes we do.”

General Smith says, “Very well, approved, unless there are an major objections?” looking around the table no one objects, General Smith notes now the approval for this.

General Smith says, “This leads me to my next point, Seth. Has Seth been cooperating fully so far?”

Brigadier Thomas states, “Yes sir, Seth has, without Seth’s help and assistance we would still be well behind in building our own versions of such items as the ER-2 and the EC-1. As far as I can tell Seth has not deceived us at all, he is keeping to his end of the bargain.”

General Smith says, “I would assume that we are keeping a very close eye on him?”

Brigadier Thomas replies, “Yes sir, we are, though Seth is no longer shackled when moved from his cell to his work area or at meal times, though his cell is locked at night. Though it would be wrong to describe his cell as a cell, it is more like house arrest than a prison cell.”

General Smith says, “That is good, it does appear if this Seth is keeping to his end of our bargain, so we will keep our end as well.”

Professor Phillips asks, “Yes, but if we do release him, what is stopping him from turning on us?”

General Smith replies, “Nothing Professor, but I will not break my word on a possibility.”

Brigadier Thomas who wants to change the subject asks, “What of Britain’s economic recovery how is the proceeding?”

General Smith replies, “Very well, with the regular supplies of gold coming from Abydos, Britain should have paid of all her wartime debts by the mid 1950s, possibly a bit sooner, though that is the treasuries problem not mine.”

That last part causes a few laughs, as the treasury officials that are ‘in the know’ about Project Phoenix are very pleased will the regular supply of gold, which is being delivered on a monthly basis from Abydos.

Over the next few hours the small group goes about discussing new developments that will come to light in the next few years, one in particular will be of great use to the British Military, this will be a much more advanced radar than anyone else will have, Britain will continue to lead the world in radar technology.

Seth

Seth is very pleased with the humans, they have picked up his instructions on how to build various pieces of Goa'uld technology, he has also been able to advance these humans own technological knowledge, by giving them the atom bomb, along with pointing them in the right directions in other areas of their technological development.

He is aware that they have engaged and won against several Jaffa contingents on the fourth mining world that he warned them about, this pleases Seth as he knows this likely to start a Goa'uld civil war (thus reducing the number of system lords), though he has not informed these humans of this.

He is also certain that these humans are keeping various technological developments of their own from him, he is also certain that they have many more gate addresses, possibly from Abydos.

Seth is no longer handcuffed when being escorted from his cell to his work are, though there is always a guard present, Seth is smart enough to know that killing this one guard would get him nowhere. As soon as he tried to go anywhere unescorted, he would be stopped by the roving patrols throughout this castle that he is being held in.

Anyway, Seth has no reason to escape as these humans are doing his ‘dirty work’ form him, Seth is ‘happy’ to remain their prisoner, as long as they are eliminating his enemies.

1948

In 1948 Field Marshal William Slim becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Professor Phillips and Lieutenant General Smith briefs Slim about the true nature of Project Phoenix, along with the need to keep this project secret. Once Slim has gotten over the shock, like his predecessors, and he will keep Project Phoenixes true nature secret and will fully support the project. Slim in turn will brief any new service chief that is appointed just as Monty had done.

In early 1948, Stargate missions are renewed, during this year a total of fifteen worlds have been catalogued, the new RCRV is proving very useful as with six of these world a British Army Section is not sent, as three of these worlds have a strong Jaffa presence near the Stargate (the RCRV are destroyed remotely). The other three worlds cannot support life for various reasons, the RCRV are destroyed remotely on these worlds, as no one can be sent through the Stargate to retrieve them.

The RCRVs barely fit though the Stargate and the picture quality is a bit ‘grainy’, however the RCRVs do serve a very useful purpose, the ability the do a recon without having to send a section though the Stargate.

The remaining nine worlds that are visited during 1948, are found to have either been abandoned once the worlds resources had been stripped out or that they are visited infrequently to pick up the resources that have been mined/produced by the locals.

When meeting the population of any planet that is being explored, the British Army Section exploring always gives the impression that they work for the Goa'uld, no mention of the planet Earth is ever made. Therefore, if the locals are questioned, they cannot betray the British Army Section that has been sent to their planet, the locals will have the best defence, ignorance.

No permanent trading or relations have been set up with any of these worlds, unless they have either precious metals or advanced technology that they are willing to trade with, so far none of these worlds have either of these.

Out of the nine worlds explored during 1948, four of them are explored by section one.

1949

On the 20th April 1949, HMS Amethyst becomes involved in what will become known as the Yangtse Incident. In the aftermath of the Yangtse Incident British military spending will start to see an increase, also coinciding with the starting of the Cold War, with the Soviet Union this will also be another reason to increase military spending.

During 1949, another fourteen worlds are catalogued, with seven being explored be the various British Army Sections. Nothing of any real interest is found, a few encounters with some Jaffa patrols on two of these worlds (there was no Jaffa guard at the Stargate).

In late 1949, the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) develops Aromo-lastic offshoot, allowing the first Kevlar Flack Jackets to be developed. In reality, this technology has come from studying the electronic books periodic table this will make the Imperial Chemical Industries a vast fortune for the British government. In licensing the manufacture to Britain’s allies, such as the Canada, Australia and the US and other friendly governments, the long term (decades to come) will see the Imperial Chemical Industries make billions out of the right to the Kevlar Flack Jacket along with other ‘inventions’ to come.

The British government will receive a dividend for using this process to produce the Kevlar Flack Jacket, along with other applications. This will become yet another source of income for the British government in addition to the gold coming from Abydos, this will intern reduce unemployment and help with growth.

Other British companies are working on other inventions that will become public over the next few decades, as lot of these inventions will come from the work done by Project Phoenix, though these British companies do not know this.

On the 4th April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO treaty is signed Britain being a founding member.

During 1949 there are sixteen worlds that are catalogued of these eight are explored with section one exploring three of these worlds, the rest are either lifeless rocks or have a too heavy Jaffa presence on them. The eight that are explored five have a Jaffa garrisons, there are several firefights between the Jaffa and British Army sections the Jaffa come of much worse in each encounter. The Jaffa assumes (incorrectly by the use of the ER-2s by the British Army sections) that they are up against other Jaffa from another Goa'uld system lord.

This assumption leads to a wider war between the various Goa'uld system lords, during the past few years several minor Goa'uld system lords have been eliminated by Ra’s ‘brother’ Apophis who will eventually become the strongest of the Goa'uld system lords taking over as head of the system lords.

Once Apophis secures his position of head of the system lords to catalogue those systems and worlds that where controlled by Ra and have not been visited for some time, this will of course include Abydos.

Fortunately, for Project Phoenix, this will not be for many years yet.

1950

During 1950, the construction of the first of Project Phoenixes reverses engineered Death Gliders continues on Heliopolis, initially the assembly was relatively easy. However, the drive systems are causing a considerable number of delays and by mid 1950, the engineers working on their version of a Death Glider have come to a dead end.

In early July 1950, Seth is asked for help with the construction process Seth agrees but does remind the leaders of Project Phoenix, that he is here to help them and the construction process would have gone a lot quicker if he had been consulted earlier. Seth also points out that they would have had a flying prototype by now if he had been consulted.

The leaders of Project Phoenix thank Seth for his advice but beyond that do not say anything (even though they know Seth is right), Seth on the other hand thinks that he is making headway on these humans needing his input more and more, in this assumption by Seth is only partially correct.

Even without Seth’s help, the engineers working on their version of a Death Glider would have got there in the end though it would have taken many years of trial and error before they would have achieved a flyable craft.

Prototype Stats (provisional)
Class Name: Phoenix class experimental craft
Craft Name: Phoenix One
Length: 21 meters
Width: 55 meters (curved wingspan)
Height/depth: 4 meters
Engine unit(s): Death Glider Propulsion system (copied)
Armament: none
Crew: 2
Role(s): Atmospheric test aircraft

This will be the first of these test aircraft will be produced these test aircraft will lead to an armed production version, once initial testing has been completed. Flight-testing of Phoenix One should begin in early 1951 and last for at least eighteen months after this the production version should start to be assembled.

However, for all its advanced technology Phoenix one is only capable of atmospheric flight, future versions of the Phoenix class, will be intended for space travel. Additional Phoenix class test craft will be produced, these will be numbered Phoenix two, three, four and so one, all fighter test aircraft will be called Phoenix.

Production versions of the Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter will have their own class name separate from the test craft this will be the Osprey Class Mark 1 (Osprey Mk1).

On the 14th April 1950, the influential British comic Eagle is launched this comic will inspire a new generation of engineers, scientist and soldiers.

On the 25th June 1950, under the guise of counter-attacking a South Korean provocation raid, the KPA crossed the 38th parallel behind artillery fire at dawn this starts the Korean War that will last until November 1953 when a ceasefire comes into place.

The British government will deploy strong military forces, especially in the form to the still modernizing Royal Navy. This will see the first operational use by the British military of the new Kevlar Flack Jackets these Kevlar Flack Jackets will save a considerable number of British military lives.

With the ongoing Korean War, this allows British Military spending to start to go up again, in the post war world, the public sees this as the modernisation of the British Military.

In late November 1950, Stalin orders that all efforts be directed into finding out were Britain is getting its supply of gold from this order will have consequences for the British and Soviets governments and the implementation of much tighter security for Project Phoenix.

This act by Stalin will break the Soviet spy network in the UK for decades to come this will also have an adverse effect on the CIA indirectly.

To be continued.
 
11. 1951

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last” – Winston Churchill

Even with the regular supply of gold that had been available (Brittan’s gold reserves now stands at just over 1,500 tonnes), the Attlee government’s popularity is rapidly falling, as the government’s economic management has been very bad over the past few years and appears to be getting worse!

This will lead to the current labour government loosing the next general election it also proves the no amount of money can ‘purchase’ a good government.

With the brief encounters with various small numbers of Jaffa by the various British Army sections exploring the various worlds, causalities during these initial contacts are very small (nine dead over five years), along with twenty wounded, once they have recovered they will returned to duty.

With caution being the order of the day, all off world missions are made to understand that contact with the enemy is to be avoided if at all possible this will also keel causalities down and improve the amount of information on the enemy.

Hydrogen Bomb

On the 9th May 1951, the US tests “George” this is a physics experiment relating to the hydrogen bomb. Again, as with the Atom Bomb Britain was only a few weeks behind the US is testing its own hydrogen bomb.

This is the same as the Britain’s Hydrogen Bomb detonation, allowing the US to explode theirs first then Britain’s following on a few weeks later, this focuses the world’s attention on the US, as the US is seen as the leader in nuclear weapons, with Britain coming second.

Atom Bomb Numbers

On Earth the British government now has just over one hundred atom bombs available for use against the threat that the Soviet Union poses to Britain, with more being built, the new hydrogen bomb will also be added to Britain’s nuclear arsenal.

On Heliopolis the numbers of atom bombs as peaked as one hundred fifty bombs, no further bombs are being produced, the work is now being directed to miniaturize these bombs so that smaller bombers can carry them.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment in the UK is also carrying out this work on miniaturization, the AWE is receiving information for other UK research labs (actually Heliopolis), but the personnel do not know this.

Meanwhile on Heliopolis a new building is being opened.

The Heliopolis Stargate Building

On the 1st June 1951, the new Stargate Building is completed, this building will be used for Stargate operations instead of using Heliopolis Castle. This building is more like a bunker, though with the difference of holding and attacking force coming through the Stargate rather than stopping a force from getting into the Stargate Building.

The walls of the Stargate Building are twelve feet thick of reinforced concrete this should prevent any force from blasting through the walls of the Stargate Building, the only way out of the Stargate Building is through the well protected exit at the other end of the gate room of the Stargate Building.

At one end of the building is the Stargate, the dialling device is inside its own reinforced booth, this booth is resistant to Staff Weapon fire and explosive devices, the dialling device booth has its own entrance. Thus no one entering the Stargate room can gain control of the dialling device without exiting the building and entering the dialling device booth through the other entrance.

If an attacking force does come through the Stargate this force will have to get past two Vickers heavy machine guns mounted at the first of two sets of armoured doors, these two machine guns are manned at all times.

Between the first set of armoured doors and the seconded set of armoured doors is the security room holding up to fifty British Army troops ready to defend the gate room, the troops orders are to contain until additional troops can be sent to repel the invaders.

All in all the new Stargate Building will be able to hold any invading force until reinforcement are able to be brought to bear on the invading force from the garrison force on Heliopolis.

October 1951

On the 26th October 1951, Churchill again becomes Prime Minister, this time he knows ‘the score’, Churchill, will continue to fully support Project Phoenix. As ‘by product’ of this Churchill will institute a buy British first policy to help with Britain’s economic recovery, thus will set the ball rolling on several different programs.

Churchill is very pleased with the way Project Phoenix is proceeding Churchill will continue to support Project Phoenix as before.

November 1951

During November 1951, Churchill’s government decides to purchase from British manufactures, the first benefit of this new policy will be the new EM-2 assault rifle.

The EM-2, also known as Rifle No.9 Mk1 or “Janson rifle”, British forces adopt this assault rifle in 1951 as the standard rifle for the British military, along with the .280 rifle cartridge, this would later be designated the 7 mm MK1Z cartridge. This rifle will ‘evolve’ in the updated version of this rifle, leading to the Rifle No.9 Mk2, Mk3, Mk4 and so on.

This rifle and more importantly the cartridge is chosen over the US favoured 7.62mm cartridge.

The newly formed NATO will be split between countries that use the 7.62mm cartridge and those that use the .280 cartridge, by the early to mid 1990s most NATO countries will have switch to a light cartridge, though not all will adopt the .280 cartridge.

The EM-2 is widely exported to other countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand this rifle (built under licence) will also be used by most Commonwealth countries as well, along with other British manufactured equipment and weapons.

Making the EM-2 one of Britain’s best post war, rifle exports to this the latest versions of the EM-2 are the second most used rife behind the AK-47 and will continue to remain in production will into the 21st century.

This sets the trend for the future, to buy British instead purchasing from another country, this causes a large number of military research programs to receive additional funding from Churchill’s government. With a number of these programs linked to Project Phoenix in one way or another, with Canada, Australia and New Zealand also cooperating on some of these programs.

This decision will help with British jobs along with giving the investment that British industry needs to make the long-term investment in new technologies.

This will also mean the introduction of new technologies much sooner than anyone would normally expect them to be.

Heliopolis Space Program Developments

The first of the reverse engineered Goa'uld Death Gliders (with Seth’s assistance) the first prototype (Phoenix One) that has been under construction since 1945, with Seth’s help this research program has rapidly grown.

The First Flight Test of Phoenix One

On the 10th November 1951, the Flight-testing of Phoenix One begins the two RAF officers selected are Squadron Leader Martin Harris (pilot) and Flight Lieutenant George Lewis (systems officer).

Sitting on the new runway is Phoenix One with the two man crew of Phoenix One are going through the final stages of their pre flight checks.

Squadron Leader Harris asks, “Lieutenant Lewis all my instruments show everything is reading ok, can you confirm?”

Lieutenant Lewis replies, “Yes sir, all my instruments show that Phoenix One is ready.”

Squadron Leader Harris switches on his radio transmitted and says, “Heliopolis control, everything checks out ok, permission to proceed?”

The operator replies, “Confirmed Phoenix One, you are cleared for takeoff.”

Squadron Leader Harris says, “Confirmed, Heliopolis control” and switch of his radio then say over the internal comm right Lieutenant Lewis here we go.

Squadron Leader Harris slowly opens the throttles of Phoenix One at the same time he release the breaks, Phoenix One begins to slowly move down the runway, though in theory Phoenix One could takeoff vertically, for this first flight Phoenix One will take off like a normal aircraft.

As the speed of the aircraft rises to the takeoff speed Squadron Leader Harris gently pulls back on the stick and Phoenix One slowly climes into the clear sky of Heliopolis. Once airborne Squadron Leader Harris retracts the undercarriage and steadily opens op the throttle of Phoenix One this new aircraft responds to the throttle and quickly begins to build up speed towards Mach one.

Over the internal comm Squadron Leader Harris says, “Phoenix One is certainly very responsive.”

Lieutenant Lewis replies, “Yes sir, we are almost at Mach one.”

Squadron Leader Harris glances down at his interments Lieutenant Lewis is right, though the throttle is barely open, he think to himself the top speed of this aircraft must be astounding.

Squadron Leader Harris says, “Confirmed” then switches his transmit button on his radio and says, “Heliopolis control, this is Phoenix One, we are airborne, no problems to report, she is certainly very responsive.”

The control town operator replies, “Confirmed Phoenix One, you are cleared for to continue testing as specified.”

Squadron Leader Harris says, “Confirmed, Heliopolis control, proceeding with phase one tests” then switches of the transmitter on the radio.

Squadron Leader Harris says, “Right let’s open her up and see what she has got.”

Lieutenant Lewis in a enthusiastic tone replies, “Yes sir”

Squadron Leader Harris slowly opens the throttles and Phoenix One easily punches through Mach one quickly followed by Mach two, then three, then levelling out at one hundred and ten thousand feet.

By this time, Phoenix One is now at the edge of the radar coverage at Heliopolis runway.

After checking his controls, Squadron Leader Harris again begins to slowly open the throttles of Phoenix One, Mach four is passed then Mach five, by the time the throttles are fully open Phoenix One is now hypersonic and will in no time at all do a complete circumnavigation of Heliopolis.

Sometime later, Lieutenant Lewis says, “Sir, according to my calculations we should be back in range of the runway shortly, I think we will need to start throttling back.”

Squadron Leader Harris replies, “Understood” and starts to throttle back, as Phoenix One begins to slow rapidly, once below Mach one, Squadron Leader Harris begins the decent towards the runway.

The decent towards the runway is very slow, as Squadron Leader Harris did not want to push his luck too far during this first flight. After several minutes he can see the runway in front of them, making small adjustments Squadron Leader Harris begins the landing procedures.

The landing is smooth Phoenix One comes to a gradual stop, ending up almost precisely when Phoenix One has started it first flight from.

The ground crews run towards the aircraft, followed by the senior management of Project Phoenix to congratulate both of them for the first successful flight, after the congratulations are over both of them are taken for an extensive debriefing.

This first flight by Phoenix One will be followed by a rigorous eighteen months test program, Phoenix One will still be used for atmospheric testing, with Phoenix two and three being used for space testing until the arrival of Phoenix four, five and six.

By mid 1952 the Phoenix test aircraft will have increased in numbers from one to a total of six Phoenix test aircraft, Phoenix four, five and six these will be armed and capable of spaceflight.

This will give British a considerable advantage over every government on Earth, assuming that these new fighters work and that these fighters can be mass-produced. This is already in the early planning stages for both Earth and Heliopolis, the first production aircraft will be built on Heliopolis, with a possible secondary production on Earth.

This program will lead to new materials for constructing aircraft that will be eventually released into the public domain, after the correct period off ‘development time’ on Earth.

Meanwhile the ongoing exploration of the Stargate addresses continues.

Exploration of ASA-0075 [P3R-233]

As the members of section one, step through the Stargate, they enter a large room the size of a large warehouse, with a large amount of artefacts scattered around the room, Captain Macpherson asks, “What reading do we have in here?”

Richard Williams switches on his Geiger counter that immediately begins clicking wildly, he says, “Captain Macpherson there is very strong radiation readings in this room, I would suggest we only stay for a few minutes.”

Captain Macpherson asks, “How long is a few minutes?”

Richard Williams still looking at his Geiger counter replies, “Fifteen minutes at the most, I would also suggest we do not touch anything, if this is that aftermath of an atomic war, this room could contain booby traps.”

Captain Macpherson replies, “Right, fifteen minutes then we are out of here, photos only and do not touch anything.”

Tom Oliver begins to photograph the room with several of the soldiers also photographing as well no one will touch anything, just in case.

Fifteen minutes later, Captain Macpherson shouts, “Right, fifteen minutes are up everyone back to the gate.” Once everyone is back at the gate, they dial home and arrive back on Abydos.

They report the levels of radiation it is decided to declare that planet off limits for further exploration, until they find a means of combating the radiation.

As they avoid touching anything, including the ‘Quantum Mirror’ in a side room from the main room or any of the artefacts on the table.

December 1951

The Soviet Problem

On the 15th December 1951, the Soviets sends several agents to try to kidnap one of the members of Borthwick Castle Military Command personnel, as the Soviet Intelligence Services is desperate to find out what the British are up inside this castle. This has led Stalin to authorise the kidnap of one of the members of Borthwick Castle Military Command personnel for return to the Soviet Union and questioning (torture).

With several soviet agents concealed along the route (in a car) to Borthwick Castle waiting to capture someone going from Borthwick Castle alone, this individual will be Professor Phillips who is going to drive to Edinburgh and then onto London to make is quarterly report to the PM.

As Professor Phillips leaves Borthwick Castle in his car he is observed by one of the guards on top of Borthwick Castle through the guard powerful binoculars, the guard notes that another car begins to follow Professor Phillips car once Professor Phillips car is out of sight of the guard at the gate.

The guard reports this to the officer of the day sends three cars with troops to follow to make sure that Professor Phillips arrives in Edinburgh safely for his flight to London.

A short time into his journey Professor Phillips’s car is forced off the road, by the Soviet agents, while he is being dragged out of the car, the three cars following now catch up with Professor Phillips’s car. The Soviet agents then try to shoot it out opening fire on the lead car in the ensuing firefight that follows three Soviet agents are killed the fourth (the driver) is captured.

The stress of this incident causes Professor Phillips to have a mild stroke and will be hospitalised for several weeks, Victoria takes over as acting head of research until her father recovers.

The questioning of the captured Soviet agent does not reveal much, except that from what he had heard that the information that the Soviets had gleaned had come from a source inside British Intelligence.

In the aftermath of the bungled Soviet attempt to snatch a member of Project Phoenix, a thorough examination of British Intelligence is started (spy hunt), this causes Kim Philby, Donald Maclean and Guy Burgess to run (in early1952), ending up in the Soviet Union.

Anthony Blunt is captured in exchange for immunity he agrees to tell all, a cover story is devised that he has been hospitalized for a serious medical condition, thus avoiding detection by British Intelligence services spy hunt. After the questioning is complete Anthony Blunt will regain contact with the Soviets, British Intelligence will monitor this, allowing British Intelligence to build up an accurate picture of the Soviet spy network in the UK and to a lesser extent abroad as well.

This will have the benefit for British Intelligence of being able to feed false information to the Soviets via Anthony Blunt for several decades to come, the CIA is not informed that Anthony Blunt has been turned, as British Intelligence fears there is a mole inside the CIA (there is). To keep Blunts cover up, Blunt would be awarded a knighthood in 1956, which he would keep until his death in 1983 along with a considerable pension as well.

The most embarrassment comes from the CIA head of counter-intelligence James Jesus Angleton, as Kim Philby had worked closely with Angleton and passed many US secrets that Angleton had shared with Philby onto the Soviets. Angleton immediately begins his own ‘spy hunt’ this effectually paralyzes the CIA for decades to come, as the screening process has to be much more intense.

This ‘spy hunt’ will only end when James Angleton leaves the CIA in 1975, with the CIA taking many years to get back to normal operations in the aftermath of James Angleton’s ‘spy hunt’.

This has the added “bonus” of focusing the CIA attention from how the British are getting a consistent stream of gold and new technologies, to putting their own ‘house in order’ first.

The Soviet embarrassment is even greater, Stalin orders no more attempts to be made, especially after this attempt has broken the Soviet spy network in the UK and also harmed the spy network in the US and elsewhere as well.

Stalin will be dead by 5th March 1953 after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage but is order will remain with future leaders of the Soviet Union renewing Stalin’s order (though this will be as their own idea not Stalin’s). Only after the fall of the Soviet Union, will the ‘new’ Russian Federation start investigating the UK along with how the UK has been able to maintain its economic and technological levels.

Ongoing Exploration of the Abydos Stargate Addresses

With a routine now established, with a RCRV sent ahead before anyone steps through the Stargate, the RCRV on several occasions has saved the lives of the members of the fifteen sections. By either spotting Jaffa at the Stargate or find that the world no longer supports life, one world that the RCRV visited was in the middle of an Ice Age, the RCRV lasted long enough and then froze solid.

The exploration by the fifteen British Army sections are managing to roughly explore around one new world every two months or so, once this world has been deemed safe by a RCRV.

So far no advanced technology has been discovered, the only technology is that of Goa'uld that they already have, though the British Army sections are on the lookout for hyperdrive technology, though so far not luck.

Back on Earth, the United Kingdom is at the beginning (1952) of what will be called Britain’s second industrial revolution, with a number of technologies coming from Project Phoenix.

The credit will be given to Churchill’s policies of buying British and helping the former countries of the British Empire. These countries in the most part will purchase from Britain or get a licence to manufacture in their country this will help those countries economic growth, as it will be tied to Britain’s economic growth.

The Churchill’s Commonwealth Accords

Churchill’s idea of forming the former countries of the British Empire (now that several had started toward independence) into a loose Trading and Defence agreement is met with approval from Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Other Commonwealth counties will join as they become independent from Britain, this will create one of the most powerful economic blocks on the planet. With the war in Korea along with other possible hot spots around the world, this is seen as a good idea by many Commonwealth countries.

This Commonwealth agreement will not be fully implemented for several decades (as countries become independent and join the Commonwealth) even so this will be called the Churchill Accords. As these accords are not legally binding (they are merely a series of general guidelines), unless the countries within the Commonwealth make them binding, but that is up to the individual counties concerned.

Britain will also use her permanent seat in the UN to speak not only for herself but also for the good of the Commonwealth as well, when this does not directly affect Britain’s interests.

As they enter the year 1951, Churchill will be back as Prime Minister, Churchill who is now a very firm support of Project Phoenix.

In 1952, section one will find the remains of battle between various Goa'uld system lords for control of this world, in the aftermath of the battle the Goa'uld have not cleaned up the remains of various classes of Goa'uld ships, this will lead the largest salvage operation carried out by Project Phoenix.

To be continued.
 
12. The Beginning of Britain’s Second Industrial Revelation

Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.” – Winston Churchill

1952

This year will be defined as the beginning of what will be referred to as the beginning of Britain’s second industrial revelation, with various new technologies coming into the public domain along with Britain’s own slowly developing space program on Earth. This will see government investment in all areas of British industry, thanks to the regular supply of gold, this will help revitalise British industry.

This will also be known as Britain’s second Elizabethan age.

This will be the start of making Britain’s Royal Navy a truly dominant power in the world again, that would be able to stand toe to toe with any other country, ijncluding the US. This will also see investment in both the Army and the RAF as well, long term funding of the military is seen as vital, as this will provide job creation across the country.

The RAF will see the introduction of the second generation of jets such as the Hawker Hunter, English Electric Lightning fighters and the Victor, Vulcan and the Valiant bombers to carry Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

The Avro Blue Steel missile would soon become the British air-launched, rocket-propelled nuclear standoff missile, built to arm the V bomber force from the mid to late 1950s onwards, with improved versions of this missile being developed.

British civil aircraft manufacture will develop such aircraft as the de Havilland DH 106 Comet after initial problems have been solved this jet will be widely used by all British airlines. This will evolve into the Comet 4 then the Comet 5 aircraft, though worldwide sales will not be that strong due to the initial problems the aircraft suffered from.

The Comet will also have a military application becoming the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR1 and the Nimrod R1.

The Vickers VC10 long-range British airliner, would also not sell in great numbers to the civilian market, however the military versions (tanker/transport/VIP) would sell in some numbers, mostly to Commonwealth member countries.

These aircraft such as the V-bombers will start to be replaced by the next generation aircraft in the early 1960s, these will include such aircraft as the TSR.2, Avro730 and the Shorts Belfast transport aircraft, along with both the HS1127(RAF) and the HS1154 (RN and RAF).

With helicopter such as the Westland Wasp and the Fairey (later Westland) Rotodyne, the Rotodyne will go on to fill both RAF and RN needs along with various civilian applications.

In 1952, Field Marshal Sir John Harding becomes the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff, as with his predecessors Field Marshal Harding will fully support Project Phoenix.

Alan Mathison Turing (part 1) 1952 age 39
In January 1952, Turing meets Arnold Murray outside a cinema in Manchester. After a lunch date, Turing invited Murray to spend the weekend with him at his house, an invitation that Murray accepted although he did not show up. The pair met again in Manchester the following Monday, when Murray agreed to accompany Turing to the latter's house.

After Murray helped an accomplice to break into his house, Turing reported the crime to the police. During the investigation, Turing acknowledged a sexual relationship with Murray. Homosexual acts were illegal in the United Kingdom at that time, and so both were charged with gross indecency under Section 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, the same crime for which Oscar Wilde had been convicted more than fifty years earlier.

Turing's conviction led to the removal of his security clearance, and barred him from continuing with his cryptographic consultancy for GCHQ, though not with Project Phoenix, as his work was vital. Turing is working on a ‘crystal’ based computer based on Goa'uld computing technology this would allow all the Goa'uld displays to show the information in English rather than Goa'uld.

This intern would speed up the pilot training program, as the pilots would not need to learn Goa'uld to pilot larger ships with displays based on Goa'uld control systems.

This was done with the approval of the Prime Minister.

As Turing was involved heavily in Project Phoenixes computing research (without the knowledge of GCHQ), the leaders of Project Phoenix began to look for a way that Turing could continue with his computing research without revealing that his security clearance had been given back to him.

The solution would present itself in a most unusual form in 1954.

Death of the King

On 6th February 1952, George VI dies from a coronary thrombosis in his sleep at Sandringham House in Norfolk, at the age of 56. His daughter Elizabeth flew back to the UK from Kenya, as Queen Elizabeth II.

Churchill was there at the airport to greet the new Queen Churchill knew that the new Queen would need be informed about Project Phoenix, but not for several months, after a respectful period of mourning had passed.

On the 1st June 1952, the Prime Minister along with Lieutenant General Smith informs the Queen of Project Phoenix, this will be one of the few times the queen will show any emotion at all.

Once the briefing is complete, the Queen can see the benefits of this project for Britain and like her father before her agrees that this project should go forward. The Queen like the members of Project Phoenix is in the ‘job’ for life, even the government officials and Prime Ministers have to take the secret of Project Phoenix to the grave.

Phoenix Two and Three

On the 1st July 1952, Phoenix Two and Three begin flight trials, with both of these testbeds being capable of achieving orbit.

On the 15th July 1952, Phoenix Two with Squadron Leader Martin Harris (pilot) and Flight Lieutenant George Lewis (systems officer) at the controls, making them the first people into space, well ahead of any other country back on Earth.

It is just a shame that they cannot tell anyone what they have achieved!

For the rest of 1952 all three Phoenix class tesbeds continue with their extensive trails program, by 1953 all six three Phoenix class tesbeds will be operational, this will give Project Phoenix its first fledgling training program until the production version enters operational service.

With the coming of the salvage from the large number of the remains of Goa'uld ships, this will also expand into a training program for ships equipped with hyperdrive as well.

Nuclear Powered Submarines

At the end of 1952, the go-ahead is given to begin construction of Britain’s first nuclear powered submarine, HMS Dreadnought [without US help], this nuclear powered submarine will be powered by the first generation of Rolls-Royce pressurised water reactor (this will lead to a civilian PWR’s). HMS Dreadnought will also have the most advanced quietening technologies that are available, making HMS Dreadnought one of the world’s quietest submarines.

HMS Dreadnought will be laid down on the 12th June 1952 launched on the 21st October 1953 and commissioned into the Royal Navy on the 17th April 1956. HMS Dreadnought is following rapidly on the heels of USS Nautilus that was operational on the 30th September 1954.

HMS Dreadnought will be followed by the Valiant class 4 boats, 1957–1960, Churchill class 4 boats, 1961–1965 along with other nuclear powered submarine to follow, with each new class being quieter (and deadlier) than the preceding class of nuclear powered submarines.

These will be followed by the Swiftsure class 5 boats, then the Trafalgar I class 7 boats and then the improved Trafalgar II class 7 boats and then the Astute class 14 boats.

Goa'uld Civil War

With the ongoing Goa'uld Civil War occupying the Goa'uld System Lord’s the various British Army sections exploring the various worlds via the Stargate have had very few encounters with the Jaffa or the Goa'uld. This is partially due to the standing order of keeping out of their way and not getting involved in local disputes, the sections are there to observe and if possible to acquire advanced technology and not to start getting involved in Goa'uld internal disputes.

This will mean on several occasion on having to walk away from saving potential victims of the Goa'uld System Lord’s, this is hard, but every member of each section knows that this has to be done, as they are not equipped to take on the Goa'uld System Lord’s.

Though this order will have its downside, it will have an upside, salvaging technologies, this will come at the end of 1952, with the biggest find that Project Phoenix has yet to come across.

By the end of 1952 several more minor Goa'uld system lords have been eliminated, these minor Goa'uld system lords had served Ra and where trying to maintain Ra’s major holdings, this has not proven successful, slowly but steadily the major Goa'uld system lords are starting to incorporate Ra’s former holdings into their own holdings.

Air Defence of the United Kingdom

The cold war is being used as a cover to enhance the air defence of the United Kingdom the first level will be deploying the new the English Electric Thunderbird surface to air missile produced for the British Army. The Thunderbird is primarily intended to attack higher altitude targets at ranges of up to thirty miles or so.

The Thunderbird surface to air missile will soon be, supplemented then replaced by the Bristol Bloodhound surface to air missile. Both these air defence missiles are designed to shoot down high flying Soviet bombers, though they have a ‘secondary’ role, that of engaging force attacking from space.

The missile defences will continually be upgraded and improved over the decades to come and at its peak (in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s) there will be well over 500 hundred surface to air missiles ready for use across the UK. Along with some deployed at Gibraltar, Ascension Island (RAF Ascension) and British Indian Ocean Territory island of Diego Garcia is home to a large naval base and airbase operated by the Royal Navy and the RAF respectively.

The local population providing the civilian works, especially on the island of Diego Garcia, this was thought a much better policy then evicting them from their homes by force.

The second line of defence is the interceptors such as the Lighting, these interceptors are officially designated to intercept Soviet high flying bombers, the reality is that they are designed to intercept are shoot down Death Gliders.

Though these defences are in their infancy, it is estimated that within a decade, no aircraft will be able to get inside UK airspace without being intercepted, by either a jet or missile.

The command and control facilities for these forces will be an updated version of what was used during the battle of Britain, as the years go by, these command and control facilities will be moved into specially built nuclear bunkers across the country.

Salvage - ASA0103

When section one arrives on ASA0103, they find very little near the Stargate, however as they come to the top of a small hill, in the valley below they see the remains of various Goa'uld ships, including Death Gliders and larger craft including shuttles and Al'kesh medium-range bombers/troop carriers.

It looks as through the battle for this world is over and the Goa'uld has moved on, Captain Macpherson says, “Whatever happen here we seemed to have missed it.”

Sergeant Forest replies, “Yes sir that is lucky for us.”

Captain Macpherson nods at Sergeant Forests comment and says, “True, we do not what to get involved in this kind of war, we would not last long.”

Looking over the number of downed Goa'uld ships, Captain Macpherson says, “Right, Sergeant Forest, begin to photograph everything, I will go back to the gate and report what we have found.”

Sergeant Forest replies, “Yes sir” and begins organising the members of section one.

Captain Macpherson and the radio operator make their way back to the Stargate to report what they have found, once the Stargate has been dialled it take a while for Captain Macpherson to explain the large number of crashed Goa'uld ships. As the radio operator cannot initially grasp the number of crashed Goa'uld ships that section one has found no this planet and that these damaged ships seem to have been abandoned.

An hour later Captain Macpherson and the radio operator are making their way back, after being informed that, a full-scale salvage operation will be mounted, with all the resources that Project Phoenix has available.

Of course what no one from Project Phoenix known’s is that many of these ‘wreaks’ are vessels equipped with hyperdrive systems, these hyperdrive systems are fitted at the rear and as most of the damage to the ships is at the front, there is a good chance that they can salvage a hyperdrive system or even systems.

Several hours later, the photos of these Goa'uld ships are being developed at Borthwick Castle so that Seth can be questioned about their capabilities with section one now supplemented by other sections on ASA-0103.

Borthwick Castle, Seth

With the news that a large number of large number of crashed Goa'uld ships have been found and that a salvage operation is underway, Brigadier Thomas has been asked to question Seth about these Goa'uld ships.

The photo’s that he is carrying have been developed very quickly, as Brigadier Thomas enters Seth’s design room, Seth looks up from his design table and says, “Greetings Brigadier Thomas I hope that you are well, more questions for me I assume?”

Even though Brigadier Thomas still does not entirely trust Seth, he has found Seth to be charming and civil and Brigadier Thomas has responded by being civil to Seth. Brigadier Thomas says, “I am fine thank you, I have some photos that I would like you too look at, we have found some crashed Goa'uld ships, we would like you to identify them.”

Seth looks at the photo’s and says, “They are indeed Goa'uld ships, though from these photo’s they do not appear to be able to fly again, though I think that these types should be concentrated in first” pointing to the photo of the Al’kesh medium-range bomber/troop carrier.

Brigadier Thomas asks, “Why these ships?”

Seth replies, “These ships have their own hyperdrive systems, this would give you hyperdrive capability almost immediately, rather than going along the current development path you are currently going along with my help.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “That is good enough reason for me. Now for my next question can you explain how to disassemble the hyperdrive system, so that we can bring these parts through the Stargate?”

Seth replies, “Yes I can though there is another option, I suspect that you will say no to this.”

Brigadier Thomas asks, “What is that?”

Seth replies, “I go to this planet and supervise this work myself, this would be much quicker than trying to explain.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “You are right, I do not like this idea, though having already talked to Victoria Phillips and General Smith, they both agree that you should go if you are willing?”

Seth replies, “I am willing to go, as I have said before I will keep my end of the deal.”

Brigadier Thomas says, “Thank you.”

An hour later, Seth is ready to travel through the Stargate though he will be blindfolded for his trip to Abydos and then onto the planet, where Seth will be able to help with the disassembly of the ships hyperdrive systems.

When Seth arrives on the planet, once his blindfold is removed, he sees nothing in the area near the stargate, Seth is taken by his military escort to the top of a nearby hill, their Seth sees the ‘graveyard’ of Goa'uld ships.

As Seth descends into the ‘graveyard’ of Goa'uld ships, Seth can already see engineers from Project Phoenix already starting work on the various Goa'uld ships.

Seth says, “We should start on these ships” pointing to the Al'kesh “as these ships contain hyperdrive units.”

The engineers do not need to be told how important such technology is and they begin their work immediately under Seth’s guidance.

It will take many months to salvage all the parts from the downed Goa'uld ships, but these parts will allow Project Phoenix to have hyperdrive equipped ships sooner rather than later.

The hyperdrive units salvaged from the bombers will be used in the first interstellar spacecraft that is currently being designed this first interstellar spacecraft will be based in submarine design, but in a much enlarger hull design.

Though in the short term a freighter is needed more than a military spacecraft, design work has already commenced, along with the initial construction, this freighter will be nothing more than a flying box, with a crew of two.

A lot of the work for this will have already been done on the Phoenix class experimental craft therefore the building of a hyperspace-equipped spacecraft is relatively easy.

This freighter will be constructed relatively quickly, it will have normal controls replacing the Goa'uld controls, though it will have a Goa'uld computer system, the first of these freighters will begin trials in 1955, they will be unarmed, though possessing shields.

Freighter Specifications (provisional)

Class Name: Echo class
Length: 45 meters
Width: 15 meters
Height/depth: 10 meters
Engine unit(s):
Sublight engines
Modified Al'kesh hyperdrive
Power plant: Naquadah reactor
Defences: Shields
Armament: None
Crew: Pilot, Co-pilot
Passengers: room for 2 (though not carried)
Cargo capacity: 25 tonnes

Only two of these freighters will be built, the will be called HMS Echo and HMS Scott, these two freighters will have two roles, the first training crews on how to use hyperspace equipped spacecraft and the second, allowing more raw materials to be shipped from Abydos to Heliopolis without the need to use the Stargate.

Though these two freighters will only be able to carry 25 tonnes each, they will be able to make several trips per month each, thus bringing in a larger quantity of materials for processing in one go, rather than the small amounts received per month, though the Stargate.

This will greatly speed up the construction on Heliopolis, of both the various buildings and the two large land based dry-docks that will be use to construct Britain’s first two starships.

This is the first major find for Project Phoenix this will allow the development of hyperdrive-equipped starships to be developed much more quickly that the current development process.

The number of world being explored has dropped of zero during the salvage operations as this salvage operation has pulled in all available sections (for the protection of the salvage teams) of Project Phoenix, exploration operations are not due to restart for some time.

To be continued.
 
13. 1953

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” - Winston Churchill

In 1953 several British military projects have begun, these include the TSR.2 (becoming the Eagle GR.1) and the Avro730 bomber (to replace the V-Bombers becoming the Vengeance B.1), Shorts Belfast transport aircraft, to name but a few, these new aircraft will start entering operational service in the late 1960s or early 1970.

Several British military projects will become joint projects between Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand with Australia and Canada manufacturing 24 Eagle GR.1s each, in some cases in later years as with India and HAL gaining licence to manufacture (Shorts Belfast) in the late 1970s.

The Shorts Belfast will become the transport aircraft of choice for many countries both Commonwealth and none Commonwealth countries, with both Australia and Canada building licence manufactured versions, that are not only for use with their own air forces but also as part a joint export production agreement with Britain.

The Royal Australian Air Force will use its Eagle GR.1s when Australia gets involved in the Vietnam War allowing this aircraft to be combat tested.

Ongoing Malayan Emergency, the setting of a Trend

With the ongoing Malayan Emergency Britain’s troop commitment to Malayan remain high, Britain has been equipping and training the Malayan military and Police forces with the latest weapons that Britain can supply.

The Malayan Emergency will set the way Britain deals with for member countries of the British Empire that are experiencing ‘difficulties’ after gaining independence from British Empire and becoming member of the Commonwealth.

As Britain is committed to support Commonwealth countries along with Australia, Canada and New Zealand, (all of these countries will send troops and assistance to Malaya), this will intern allow the Malaya government to purchase both military and civilian equipment from Britain and other Commonwealth countries.

Britain’s helping hand attitude does the British government a lot of good as decolonisation takes place, with these new countries purchasing British goods, to keeping the Queen as Head of State instead of becoming a Republic.

Goa'uld

As the Goa'uld none of the Goa'uld System Lords realise that another power is responsible for starting this war and if one Goa'uld System Lord tried to convince the other Goa'uld System Lords that an outside force was responsible none of them would believe this, they would think that is was some kind of trick.

After all this is something that any of them would (and have) tried to do in the past and would try again if given a chance.

The war will only come to an end when the Goa'uld System Lords allow the war to come to an end, that will be when one of them replaces the now dead Ra as head of the Goa'uld System Lords, by proving their strength.

This war has many more years to go yet before that happens.

Civilian Nuclear Power Stations

In mid 1953, the construction of Britain’s first Civilian Nuclear Power Station begins (these are Pressurised Water Reactors PWRs), this first station will not be operational until October 1956, with other Nuclear Power Station following. It is hoped by the government that Britain will get at least fifty percent of its power needs from Nuclear by the end of the century, though the government’s goal is for a maximum of seventy percent of Britain’s power needs.

The building of Civilian Nuclear Power Station will be continued from government to government whether Conservative or Labour, as most political parties understand that fossil fuels will not last forever and that Nuclear Power is the best option to replace them, even though construction of Nuclear Power Stations is expensive.

Britain’s long-term power needs will be secured by Nuclear Power.

Britain’s Finances

As 1953 comes about, the amount of Gold, coming from Abydos has dropped to a trickle this is not because the Gold is running on Abydos it is because other materials are being shipped to Heliopolis from Abydos.

This has taken the strain off the Stargate, though with only two freighters operational, the amount of materials being delivered by the two freighters to Heliopolis per month is static at 200 tonnes per month.

The other reason for stopping the gold is that Britain has now nearly paid of its wartime debts, they remaining wartime debts can now be paid off from Britain’s rapidly growing economy rather than using the gold from Abydos.

Britain financial position is now much stronger than before the start of World War I, with Britain’s internal modernization of her industrial might almost finished, along with sales of British good across the world are also growing, the need for the Abydos gold has lessened, though a supply of gold is now being very slowly build-up on Heliopolis.

This stockpile of gold is currently under one tonne it will take decades to build-up a large gold reserve on Heliopolis using the Stargate to ship the small amounts of gold to Heliopolis from Abydos each month.

Phoenix Four, Five and Six

On the 1st July 1952, Phoenix Four, Five and Six begin flight trials, with both of these testbeds being armed, thus allowing weapons trials to begin.

The pilot screening program along with the screening for the ground crews is already well in place, the first batch of pilots should be ready to begin their conversion training in early 1954.

This would allow the first squadron to become operational in 1955.

Retirement

In mid 1953, Professor Sir David Phillips Head of Research announces his retirement from Project Phoenix this had been on the cards for some time, the incident with the Soviet agents and his stroke, brought this decision forward.

Dr Victoria Phillips becomes Head of Research Dr Phillips had been doing her father’s work since her father’s stroke, Dr Phillips is now made permanent Head of Research Richard Williams is made Deputy Head of Research.

On another note Brigadier Richard Thomas is promoted to Major General, this is in anticipation of replacing Lieutenant General Sir Wilson Smith as Head of Military Operations and Security for Project Phoenix when General Smith also retires in the next few years.

The revised management structure is listed below.

Head of Research – Dr Victoria Phillips
Deputy Head of Research – Richard Williams
Head of Military Operations and Security – Lieutenant General Sir Wilson Smith
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Richard Thomas

Colonel Hugh Walker is promoted to the acting rank of Brigadier in anticipation of becoming Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security once Major General Richard Thomas becomes Head of Military Operations and Security.

Captain James Macpherson is promoted to Major while retaining command of section one, with Sergeant Steve Forest promoted to Lieutenant and gaining command of section two.

Three military sub commands of Project Phoenix are formed, this first is for Borthwick Castle, the second and largest is on Heliopolis and the third is for Abydos, with each of these military sub commands being commanded by a Colonel. This is needed as neither the Head of Military Operations and Security nor the Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security of Project Phoenix can run all tree commands at one time.

In the end an overall head of Project Phoenix will be officially appointed in 1959 (unofficially from 1954), thus the Head of Research and the Head of Military Operations and Security will answer to a head of Project Phoenix rather than this role be done be two people.

Churchill sees the need for overall head of Project Phoenix, Churchill will soon appoint a head of Project Phoenix, though this new head will need time to catch up, this new head will not officially take up the post of head of Project Phoenix until 1959.

However, unofficially he will be head of Project Phoenix.

In other areas, the recently ‘acquired’ piece of Goa'uld technology is proving useful for Cold War reconnaissance missions.

Reconnaissance

At the end of December 1953, a single Canberra photographic reconnaissance aircraft carries out a highly secret mission carrying single modified version of a Goa'uld sensor pallet in its bomb bay.

The pilot is unaware of what is in the bomb bay he is only told that it is highly sensitive reconnaissance equipment and not much else, all reconnaissance pilots are routinely not told about the reconnaissance equipment carried onboard their aircraft, just in case they are captured.

Once the Canberra photographic reconnaissance aircraft has taken off, the pilot in a pressurised flight suite sets course for the Baltic, at an altitude of 60,000 fleet, the Canberra (after in-flight refuelling at a lower altitude) is soon over the Baltic in international airspace.

The pilot then switches on the equipment in the bomb bay the Goa'uld sensor pallet begins long ranged scans well into West Germany, Poland, the Baltic States and the Soviet Union, all the way to Leningrad.

The operation lasts one hour then the pilot sets course for home, once back the Canberra is moved into a hanger, the information will be released to the various British intelligence services without telling the intelligence services how they got this information. This information will give British intelligence services a detailed readout on the deployment of all Soviet military positions in those Soviet Bloc countries and in the area around Leningrad and the Baltic.

Using this single aircraft once a month, a detailed picture will be, built up of Warsaw Pack forces deployment in those areas and there will be, nothing that the Soviet Union can do about this as the flights take place in international airspace.

For security, reasons the information is listed a ‘Source Gerald’ as if this information had come from a source inside the Soviet Union, this will keep the Soviets guessing on who is informing to the British, from the Soviets source inside the CIA. The Soviets will see the Canberra flights by the RAF as a diversion (after all the Soviets know that no current tech can give such information) and keep looking for the spy within.

Additional ‘sources’ throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and beyond will be named, such as Source Robert, Source George etc, all these ‘sources’ that appear to be spies within the Soviet Union are in fact reconnaissance flights by this single Canberra aircraft.

When not in use this aircraft is heavily guarded, in the future this aircraft will be based at a newly as yet to be constructed RAF airbase that will be dedicated to Project Phoenix technologies that need testing and/or use on Earth.

Ring Transporter Project

Another project that has become available is the use of Ring Transporters to ‘beam’ personnel and equipment into Borthwick Castle, though the range is limited due to the curvature of the Earth. This is the Ring Transporter taken from Seth’s compound in 1941 this had been tested for a number of years, before being fitted inside Borthwick Castle.

A way is being studied to use and aircraft fitted with a buffer/relay to forward the ring ‘signal’ to and from Borthwick Castle, this way it would seem as though the number of people coming and going in to Borthwick Castle has decreased.

So far, these trials have met with limited success, even with Seth’s help.

Seth has suggested having a satellite in geostationary orbit over the UK, though this has been rejected for the time being, as putting a satellite in orbit would draw too much attention, it would be much better for the Soviet Union or the US to do this first then the UK could put a satellite in orbit.

Better to come in second or even third place in this like of environment.

This will not be able to be achieved until late 1959, until then the short-ranged ring transporters will have to be used within the limited range of Borthwick Castle and not across the whole of the UK.

It is speculated that using several satellites it would be possible to quickly transport people and small amounts of equipment around the world in a matter of seconds (as long as the destination has a ring transporter set up) via a satellite network in Earth orbit.

When this is set up a discovery would be made within the UK, something that no one not even Seth could have predicted that they would find, this would lead to an understanding of who made the Stargate network.

Exploration

By then end of 1953, the last remains of the equipment from inside the crashed Goa'uld ships have had their equipment removed and transported to Heliopolis for further study.

During this time exploration of the Stargate address had been suspended, as all fifteen sections had been detailed to this find (along with Seth), due to the importance of the find, it was considered more important than exploration.

During 1954, all fifteen sections will be stood down for a rest, as they have been working around the clock to protect this find along with the engineers (that have been removing the Goa'uld technology) and of course Seth.

Seth

Seth has become ‘fond’ of these humans, who he now thinks of as a cross between quasi ‘pets/friends’, the more Seth gets involved the more he wants to help these humans as Seth’s own ego will not let him harm his own ‘pets/friends’.

All thoughts of eliminating these humans have for now gone from Seth’s mind, Seth is focused on helping these humans defeat his fellow Goa'uld, as he still has his lust for revenge on his fellow Goa'uld, this is blinding Seth to what he is doing, giving these humans a vast technological leap forwards.

Seth does not know it, but he is becoming dependent on these humans, just as the humans are dependent on him.

Dry-Dock Construction, Heliopolis

On Heliopolis the construction of a pair of large dry-docks on the planet’s surface is almost complete, these dry-docks will be used to build the first pair of hyperspace equipped warships.

Construction of these first two warships component parts has already begun, so when these dry-docks are complete construction of these two warships can begin immediately.

Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter

The first of the Osprey Class Mark 1 Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter begins to be assembled on Heliopolis. This first Osprey Mk 1 should become operational by early 1955, with the first squadron (900 squadron) becoming operational with twelve Osprey Mk 1 Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters on strength during 1955.

The second squadron 901 should begin forming soon after 900-squadron becomes operational, Project Phoenix has planned for a least ten squadrons, with most being based on Heliopolis, though there are plans to base some on Earth.

Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter Stats

Class Name: Osprey Class Mark 1
Role(s): Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter
Length: 22 meters
Width: 55 meters (curved wingspan)
Height/depth: 4.5 meters
Engine unit(s): Death Glider Propulsion system (copied)
Crew: 2 Pilot, Weapons Systems Operator
Armament: x2 EC-1 fire linked foreword, also the ability to carry a single nuclear device (mounted on the centre line) for ground attack.

The production version of Phoenix class experimental craft, is equipped with two forward firing EC-1 cannons, these cannons unlike Goa'uld energy cannons, can move a few degrees this allows the two EC-1s to lock on to either a ground or air target much more effectively than a Goa'uld Death Glider can.

Future versions will be equipped with air-to-air missiles (with 4 to 8 missiles are projected), with Naquadah enhanced warheads.

Additional squadrons are planned, including basing at least one squadron within the UK, probably somewhere in the Outer Hebrides, with the island of Barra being on the top of the list.

In early 1955, the island of Barra will be seconded by the British military the local population on the island will be re-housed and compensated very well for the inconvenience, by early 1956 the island of Barra will have been completely cleared of civilians.

To be continued.
 
14. 1954

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)

On the 12th February 1954, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority founded, with the coming of Civilian Nuclear Power Stations. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority is established as a statutory corporation on 19th July 1954 when the Atomic Energy Bill received the Royal Assent and the resulting Act gave UKAEA the power “to produce, use and dispose of atomic energy and carry out research into any matters therewith”.

With the construction of the first Civilian Nuclear Power Station already well under way, the setting up of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority was well behind the building of the first power station.

Churchill Briefs Mountbatten

On the 1st March 1954, in Downing Street Churchill meets with Mountbatten about Project Phoenix with Major General Richard Thomas present, as Churchill feels as though Mountbatten will be the right man to take overall charge of Project Phoenix.

With Mountbatten due to become First Sea Lord in 1955, it was thought that the briefing should come from Churchill with Major General Thomas do give the detailed briefing with Churchill confirming what Major General Thomas is saying.

Once the room has been checked for listening devices and all the phones being removed, all three sit down, with Churchill introducing Major General Thomas stating that Major General Thomas is Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security of Project Phoenix.

That Project Phoenix is a highly classified project that has been running since 1930, none of the phases Mountbatten, as Mountbatten is well aware there are many secret projects that he is unaware off.

Churchill says, “What I am about to tell you next will shock you. The British government since 1930s had had in its possession an alien artefact called a Stargate this Stargate allows travel to other worlds that also have a Stargate. This has allowed the government a considerable advantage over all other governments on this planet, including the supply of gold and Britain’s development of the Atom Bomb to name but two.”

Mountbatten can hardly believe what he is hearing from Churchill, for the first time in his life he is lost for words, after a few moments he asks, “Prime Minister, who else knows about this project?”

Churchill replies, “Beyond those people working directly for the project, the services chiefs, a few senior officials in the treasury and not many others it is felt the fewer that know the better.”

Mountbatten asks, “I would assume that there are only certain people that I can discuss this with government?”

Churchill replies, “Yes, beyond the services chiefs, only a few senior civil servants know of this projects existence, I will be give you a list of names, once you have read the list it will be destroyed.”

Mountbatten says, “That is an extreme measure, but understandable given the circumstance” Mountbatten thinks for a few moments then says, “I can now see where the money for Britain’s investments in industry must have come from, along with how we paid off our wartime debt.”

Churchill replies, “Yes, we have access to an off world source of gold. In addition, we have been able to advance in almost all areas much more quickly than we would have been able to do without this knowledge.”

Mountbatten says, “Yes I can see that know, I can also guess were some of the new technologies have come from.”

Major General Thomas speaks for the first time, he says, “Yes sir, we have many technologies, not just the ones that are in the public domain.”

Mountbatten looking at Major General Thomas asks, “What sort of technologies?”

Major General Thomas replies, “We have Energy Rifles and the larger Energy Cannons, we have got both of these weapons from alien technology that we have acquired and managed to copy.”

A still stunned Mountbatten can only ask, “Anything else?”

Major General Thomas replies, “Yes sir, many items ranging from advanced computers that are years ahead of anything we have on Earth, to a fledging space program. We also have two worlds under our control, the first is called Heliopolis, this is becoming our main research and production base and possibly our first off world colony, the second is a planet called Abydos this world is our main source of raw materials.

Mountbatten asks, “A space program?”

Major General Thomas replies, “Yes sir, the first hyperdrive equipped freighters are due to become operational next year, along with the first squadron of the new Osprey class Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters.”

Mountbatten can hardly keep up and asks, “Osprey class?”

Major General Thomas replies, “Yes sir, the Osprey class are our first generation production fighters that are capable of operating in both the atmosphere of a planet and deep space. These fighters will initially be armed with only two Energy Cannons however there are plans to arm them with air-to-air missiles, as well as the ability to carry a single atomic device as well.”

Mountbatten is feeling overwhelmed by what he is being told (that is an understatement!)

At this point Churchill says, “It is not necessary to know everything that this project is up to in one go, it will take many months of briefings to bring you up to speed on this project.”

For Mountbatten the penny suddenly drops and he asks, “Prime Minister this is more than a briefing, are you asking me to take charge of this project?”

Churchill smiles at Mountbatten and replies, “Yes, I am, would you accept such an appointment?”

For several minutes, Mountbatten says nothing, the room is silent then Mountbatten replies, “Yes I will take charge of this project.”

Churchill says, “Good and oh and congratulations.”

Mountbatten asks, “When do I take charge?”

Churchill replies, “Not until you are fully up on all aspects of this project, though from this moment onwards you will take overall charge of this project, you will answer only to me or future Prime Ministers. You will be given virtual free reign over how you run Project Phoenix along with a virtually unlimited budget.”

Mountbatten says, “I will get started right away, I would assume from what you both have told me there will be a lot to learn?”

Major General Thomas replies, “Yes sir, there is a lot to learn.”

The discussions go on for a few more hours, then the meeting breaks up, Mountbatten is now the acting head of Project Phoenix, Mountbatten will also have considerable autonomy, given to him by Churchill and future Prime Ministers.

Mountbatten will be the one who pushes through the construction of Defiance, the first hyperdrive-equipped warship for Britain, along with its successors, until the arrival of Mountbatten this program was preceding very slowly. As Mountbatten put it ‘if you put a bunch of scientist in charge of a program you will never get anywhere quickly’ and Mountbatten was right.

Meanwhile the problem of getting Turing’s back on Project Phoenix full time has been solved, but in a bit of a bizarre way.

Alan Mathison Turing (part 2) aged 41

On 8th June 1954, Turing's cleaner finds him dead he had died the previous day. A post-mortem examination established that the cause of death was cyanide poisoning. When his body was discovered an apple lay half-eaten beside his bed, and although the apple was not tested for cyanide, it is speculated that this was the means by which a fatal dose was delivered. An inquest determined that he had committed suicide, and Turing body was cremated at Woking Crematorium on 12th June 1954, thus leaving no chance of an autopsy of the body, as that would reveal that this was not the real Alan Turing but a doppelganger.

Project Phoenix covert operations members faked all this (with the Prime Minister and Turing’s approval and one of Churchill’s last major acts for Project Phoenix), the body was not Turing it was a doppelganger of Turing that had be found in a morgue. Alan Mathison Turing had been recruited to Project Phoenix during the war after his security clearance was withdrawn in 1952 a solution was needed to allow his to keep him working for Project Phoenix

This shows the true power of the leaders of Project Phoenix, Project Phoenix is becoming a government with a government the people working for Project Phoenix are very patriotic to their country, thus very loyal and able to keep the secret.

Alan Turing is a mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and computer scientist, along with many more things in the future. Turing is highly influential (and still will be post 1954) in the development of computer science, providing a formalization of the concept of the algorithm and computation with the Turing machine, which played a significant role in the creation of the modern computer.

Alan Turing had been given the option to join Project Phoenix, but the price being that he must appear to die on the 31st May 1954 Alan Turing had decided to join Project Phoenix after considerable thought on the matter and accepted the conditions that had been set down.

Alan Turing will become the head of computing research for Project Phoenix and become a member of the management team for Project Phoenix, he will achieve this is a very short period of time. The leaders, of Project Phoenix are more concerned with results rather than a person’s sexual orientation or any other little odd habits that anyone working for Project Phoenix has.

His first major project will be to finish his work in ‘crystal’ based computer based on Goa'uld computing technology, this technology will be used in the new warship due to start assembly in 1955.

Alan Turing is reappointed head of computer research for Project Phoenix, after his ‘death’, he will live permanently on Heliopolis, where he will conduct all of his research, from his purpose built research buildings.

Other members of Project Phoenix will also seem to have died their bodies will also be cremated, so that no one in the future can dig up their grave and show that this is not who was buried there.

Also these ‘dead personnel’ do not draw a salary, as they do not have anything to spend it on living and working on Heliopolis, all food, clothing etc is provided for free, so they have not real costs.

Though this ‘procedure’ cannot be used heavily, it can be used to move key people to Heliopolis, these people are all volunteers, they will know what they are getting into and that they will never again be able to see former friends and/or family members.

Energy Weapons Developments

With both the ER-1 and the ER-2, both based on an old rifle design and with the coming of the EM-2 for the British military, a new Energy Rifle based on the look of the EM-2.

This new design will be called the Energy Rifle Mark 3 or ER-3, this will look like the EM-2 will the exception of the rifle barrel containing the emitter, the rear magazine will not be needed, this will make the look cleaner and more modern. However, the emitter on the ER-3 will still be based on the Staff Weapon emitter.

The ER-3 will enter production immediately with both the ER-1 and ER-2 being recycled for parts for the new ER-2, production of these ER-3s will quickly replace the ER-1 and ER-2 weapons.

In another area, the Energy Cannon Mark 1 (EC-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 bolt per minute.

Though this design is very large and can only be mounted for land-based defence, it does show what can be achieved with a little lateral thinking. Though this Gatling based energy cannon is simply using and existing design in a different way, it does show the way forward.

One other weapons that is being developed is 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 main weapon, when firing.

However the HEC has one drawback its power needs, due to the energy required a stored charge cannon be held, therefore the HEC must use an external power source if this power source is disabled then the HEC will not fire, though this is a price that Project Phoenix is willing to pay for the destructive force of the HECs.

These HECs will be mounted on the new warships of the Defiance Class.

Osprey Class

During 1954, the first of the Osprey Class Mark 1 Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighter is rolled out of its assembly hanger, this will be quickly followed by the second and then the third and so on until the first batch of twelve fighters have been constructed.

The pilots of 900 squadron are already being trained on their new fighters at Heliopolis airport/spaceport, as 900 squadron receives its new Osprey Class fighters training switches from the Phoenix class to the Osprey Class, this will release the Phoenix class back to research and testing.

Production and assembly of the Osprey Class will quickly pick up, as they all have the same components, a large number can be built continuously.

Fox Class Shuttle

Work is also beginning on the first Fox Class shuttle these shuttles will not be equipped with hyperdrive, as hyperdrive technology is reserves for the new Defiance Class. Instead, the Fox Class shuttle will be used for transporting equipment and/or personnel to the surface of a planet when either landing the ship or using the ring transporter is not an option.

The Fox Class are a natural follow on from the Osprey Class, as they use modified version of the Osprey classes sub light engines.

The first Fox Class will become operational at the end of 1955 this ship will be used to explore the Heliopolis system to see if there are any minerals within the system itself.

Two Fox Class shuttles will be carried onboard each of the two Defiance Class warships that are currently beginning to be assembled in 1955.

Length: 17 meters
Width: 10 meters
Height/depth: 7 meters
Engine unit(s): Sublight engines
Hyperdrive system: None
Power plant: Naquadah reactor
Defensive Systems: Shields
Armament: None
Crew: Pilot and Co-pilot
Passengers: 30 maximum (with no cargo)
Cargo capacity: 10 tonnes (maximum with no passengers)

The Fox Class shuttle will need very little modification of their design over the decades to come as they have a very simple operation to carry out. Over the decades, the technology inside these shuttles will be updated, but the look of the shuttles will not change.

Suez Canal

On the 19th October 1954, the British Government agrees to end its military occupation of the Suez Canal, while retaining a fifty percent stake in the canal. This agreement with Egypt will not last long and culminate in the Suez Crisis of 1956.

Korea War

In November 1954, the Korea War comes to an end when a ceasefire comes into place. This has proved to be a good testing ground for a variety of new weapons for the British military, including the EM-2 rifle. This new rifle has proved to be much better than the old bolt-action rifles the ER-2s new cartridge has also proved to be very successful as well, with several other countries now interested in this new rifle and cartridge. The British troops also strongly praise the new rifle, all in all, this rifle will be seen as one of Churchill’s best ideas, that buying British (where possible), would help with Britain’s economic growth in the years and decades to come.

Other weapons such as the new jets have also proven successful, funding for the British military will continue to grow, as this has the added befit of producing export orders, this intern also puts money into the treasuries coffers and reduces unemployment.

The British economy is growing at a very high rate, now that Britain is not saddled with high wartime debit.

To be continued.
 
15. 1955

It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.” – Winston Churchill

Warship Construction - Heliopolis

In early January 1955, on Heliopolis, the assembly of HMS Defiance begins it will take until 1960 before HMS Defiance is finished and for trials to begin, this is possible because they are using a combination of human and Goa'uld construction techniques.

These construction techniques allow warships to be built with the minimal of people, thus reducing the number of construction workers down to a bare minimal.

Royal Navy

On the 25th February 1955, the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal is completed this is followed by HMS Eagle on the 15th June 1955, both of these carriers at the end of the 1950s will be transferred to the Australian and Canadian navies to replaced their existing carriers. HMS Ark Royal and HMS Eagle transfer will also include an air group made up of de Havilland Sea Vixens and Blackburn Buccaneers. This will be part of the deal when both of these countries join Project Phoenix in 1959.

The four Malta class carriers will follow as a rate of two per year, with HMS Malta and HMS New Zealand being completed in 1956, with HMS Gibraltar and HMS Africa being completed in 1957.

The six Royal Navy carriers will operate a mix of the Blackburn Buccaneer in the strike role from early 1958 onwards and from1959 the de Havilland Sea Vixen for air defence.

By the 1960s, the remaining four Malta class carriers operate with a maximum air group of 18 Sea Vixen FAW2, 16 Buccaneer S2, 4 Rotodyne AEW3, 1 Rotodyne COD, 6 Westland Sea King HAS1 and 2 Westland Wessex HAS1 (SAR).

All other carriers will either be scrapped, sold or in some cases converted to Helicopter carriers (HMS Hermes and HMS Bulwark) for use with Royal Marine Commandos.

HMS Triumph would be converted, between 1956 and 1965, into a Heavy Repair Ship, emerging from her conversion work with the pendant number A108 this ship will remain in service until the end of the 1980’s before being scrapped.

A new Royal Navy is coming out of this process, along with the British Army and Royal Air Force, these service branches are becoming quite formidable this will be proved in 1956.

Westland Wasp

In 1955, the Westland Wasp prototype begins trials these trials will last until 1958, when the Westland Wasp enters service with the Royal Navy.

The Westland Wasp manufactured by Westland Helicopters, came from the same P.531 programme as the British Army Westland Scout, and was based on the earlier piston-engine Saunders-Roe Skeeter. The Wasp fulfilled the requirement for the Royal Navy for a helicopter small enough to land on the deck of a frigate and carry a useful load of two homing torpedoes.

Apart from British use, the Royal New Zealand Navy, Brazil, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa would also use the Westland Wasp, in various roles.

Off World Operations Resume

In early 1955, off world operations restart with a planned twelve exploration missions, assuming that the RCRV’s clear the world for exploration. If the RCRV’s do not clear a world for exploration then they move onto the next world in the list until they find a world safe for exploration.

The number of worlds actually explored during a year is very small compared to the number catalogued by the RCRV’s a note is also made of those worlds that no connection can be made. Once the warships of Project Phoenix are operational in some numbers these systems will be visited by a warship to see what has happened to the Stargate.

During 1955 the sections do notice that the war between the various Goa'uld System Lords shows no sign of ending, this is good news as the Goa'uld System Lords attention will be focused on each other and not on looking at an external threat. This will allow the exploration of various worlds with little or no interference from the Goa'uld.

Those worlds with a large Jaffa presence will be avoided, Project Phoenix will not become involved in trying to ‘liberate’ the slaves being used by the Goa'uld, as they do not have the firepower (yet) to take on even one Goa'uld System Lord, let along all the Goa'uld System Lords.

900 Squadron (Heliopolis)

In 1955, with the first squadron (900 squadron) becoming operational with twelve Osprey Mk 1 Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters on strength. This squadron’s primary mission is to defend Heliopolis from attack, along with the ground based Quad EC-1 cannons.

900 squadron maintains two fighters on ready alert at all times, with the other ten fighters being able to be deployed within a few minutes of an alert going off, eventually additional squadrons will be formed, allowing a stronger defence to be deployed.

County class

On the 24th January 1955, the first of Twelve County class guided missile destroyers begin construction, the first such vessels built by the Royal Navy. Designed specifically around the Sea Slug anti-aircraft missile system, the primary role of these ships is area air-defence around the aircraft carrier task force in the nuclear-war environment.

With the first of these County class guided missile destroyers entering service in 1960 and the last in 1970, these destroyers will have a relatively short operational life, as the Type-42 Sheffield Class guided missile destroyers (all will be the batch 3 ‘stretched’ version from OTL) from the mid 1970s onwards will replace the County class.

This will be mainly due to the troublesome Sea Slug anti-aircraft missile system, Sea Slug is a high-performance weapon, with a single-shot kill probability of 92%. It is, however, limited by the complicated handling arrangements and since each County class ship carries only a single fire-control radar only one target can be engaged at once, though two missiles could be fired against the single target.

By the time the last County class guided missile destroyer enters service the Sea Slug will be obsolete, this will lead to the Sea Dart system and the Type-42 Sheffield Class guided missile destroyers as a replacement (without any shortening of the loading and firing as with Sea Slug).

Air Defence of the United Kingdom

The Bristol Bloodhound is a surface-to-air missile developed during the 1950s as the UK's main air defence weapon, and enters large-scale service with the Royal Air Force and other armed forces of other countries including, Canada, Australia and New Zealand (only ten launchers).

The Bloodhound Mk I enters’ service in December 1955 and the last Mk VIII missile squadron will be stood down in July 1991 being replaced by the Land Dart missile system (a variant of the Sea Dart system) with this system will start being replaced in the early 21st century, by the Sea Viper system.

Air-to-Air Missiles

In air-to-air missiles, Britain will continue to develop its own and not purchase from other countries, as this would do harm to employment in the UK, with the first of these air-to-air missile being the Fireflash.

The Fairey Fireflash is the first British air-to-air missile, this missile is generally unsuccessful it will only serve in small numbers with no more than 300 missiles being manufactured.

The Fireflash is followed by the de Havilland Propellers (later Hawker Siddeley) Firestreak a short-range IR missile, this missile would enter operational service in 1955, just in time for Suez. The Fireflash would remain in operational service until the end of the 1980s. This air-to-air missile would be widely exported mostly to Commonwealth countries, but also to other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Fireflash air-to-air missile would be supplemented in 1960 by the Hawker Siddeley Red Top air-to-air missile another short-range IR missile. Like the Fireflash, the Red Top air-to-air missile would remain in operational service until the end of the 1980s. This air-to-air missile would also be widely exported mostly to Commonwealth countries, but also to other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Both the Fireflash and Red Top air-to-air missiles would start to be replaced in the early 1980s, by the Hawker Siddeley Taildog/SRAAM short-range IR air-to-air missile. The Taildog/SRAAM was designed to be carried in a launch tube to protect the missile either a single round tube or a twin launcher could be installed on most fighters or even bombers.

At the same time as SRAAM was being developed a medium-range radar-guided missile called Skyflash was also being developed. Skyflash was also a Hawker Siddeley air-to-air missile, this missile was initially going to be developed by Britain alone, but would be joined by both Australia and Canada, with these two countries taking a twenty-five percent stake in the missile each.

Skyflash would enter operational service with the RAF/FAA a year after SRAAM enters service with the RAF/FAA (during 1983) and would be widely exported to countries like Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland and not including Australia, Canada and the UK.

Following the success of both SRAAM and Skyflash, two new missiles would be developed for use in the late 20th and early 21st century these would be the ASRAAM short range IR air-to-air missile and the Meteor long-range radar guided missile. Both of these air-to-air missiles would be developed jointly with Australia and Canada with the same percentage split as they had with Skyflash.

Hawker Siddeley would develop and build all British air-to-air missiles and a considerable percentage of surface to air missiles as well.

A New Prime Minister

On the 7th April 1955, Churchill steps down as Prime Minister due to ill health Anthony Eden becomes the new Prime Minister, on the 30th April 1955, Eden is briefed on Project Phoenix. Eden is shocked, though with Churchill in the room at the time, Eden like Churchill becomes an immediate supporter of Project Phoenix, along with the vital need to keep this project secret.

Eden’s tenure as Prime Minister will be very short due to the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Freighter Operations

In late 1955, the first freighter operations between Abydos to Heliopolis begin this will greatly speed up the transfer of raw materials to Heliopolis and allow the Earth Stargate to be used to transfer equipment and personnel only.

With these two freighters operating weekly trips between Heliopolis and Abydos and back again to Heliopolis, with each freighter able to carry 25 tonnes of raw materials per trip allowing a shipment of about 200 tonnes of raw materials per month.

These two freighters will also greatly ease the burden on the transfer of equipment from Heliopolis to Abydos, as the freighters, instead of using the Stargate, can ship this equipment in one go.

The first pieces of equipment to be shipped to Abydos are the Quad EC-1 defence cannons, these would have been due to be shipped through the Stargate, but due to the heavy use of the Stargate on Abydos this has proved impossible.

These two freighters are considered worth their weight in gold (and then some), even though they can only carry 25 tonnes of materials each, this is much better and quicker than trying to send the materials through the Stargate. These freighter operations means that the amount of materials coming through the Stargate drops of to zero as well, as off world supplies mean that all construction needs can virtually be met on Heliopolis.

Using Goa'uld construction methods (thanks to Seth) mixed with some of Project Phoenixes own improvements means that only a small number of personnel are needs to monitor the virtually automated construction and raw material processing plants on Heliopolis.

The distance between Heliopolis and Abydos is quite short as they are both relatively close to Earth making journey times quite short there is little or no chance of interception while these ships are in hyperspace.

These freighter operations will cease once HMS Defiance is in service, as these freighters is seen only as a stopgap until the first Defiance class is in service, plans are well underway for a second Defiance class to be produced, along with as yet unnamed next generation of warship.

Rockall

On 21st September 1955, the Admiralty announced the formal annexation of Rockall. The initial incentive for this had little to do with any territorial claim to rights of exploitation of the seas around the island. It will be the test firing of the UK's first guided nuclear weapon, the Blue Steel missile. The Blue Steel missile was to be launched from South Uist and over the North Atlantic.

The Ministry of Defence was concerned that the unclaimed island would provide a unique opportunity for the Soviet Union to spy on the test by placing surveillance equipment on the island and so in April 1955 a request was sent to the Admiralty to seize the island, and declare UK sovereignty least it become an outpost for foreign observers.

The real reason was the establishment of an assembly facility and airbase and base of operations for Project Phoenixes Osprey Class Mark 1 Multi-role Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters in one of the island of the Outer Hebrides, island of Barra being selected.

Most of the conventional parts for the Osprey Class Mk 1 would be built by the various British defence firms, then shipped (via an indirect route) to RAF Barra for assembly. The power plant, drive systems and EC-1s etc are manufactured on Heliopolis from there the parts are shipped to RAF Barra (via the Stargate at Borthwick Castle) in a disassembled form, for reassembly at RAF Barra.

The parts will be shipped from Borthwick Castle to RAF Barra via the ring transporter, as RAF Barra will not be complete until 1962, by this time the satellite with the transfer buffer onboard should be in orbit.

RAF Barra will become the first Earth base to operate these advanced fighters this will give the British an unprecedented superiority over all other nations on the planet, just in case the Cold War goes hot.

In the long term it is thought that all spacecraft will be manufactured off world on Heliopolis using Earth based factories to manufacture the various parts is see as a short term solution until the facilities on Heliopolis are fully up and running.

Production of all parts and the processing of raw materials will all end up being done on Heliopolis, as this is seen as the best way forward in the long term.

RAF Barra

Construction of RAF Barra would begin in early 1956, with the cover being a training base, the local population is moved along with be heavily compensated (bribed), the contractors will then move in to begin construction of RAF Barra in late 1956.

Once completed (1962), the main runway will have a length of 10,003 feet (3,049 meters) easily allowing the largest RAF aircraft to land.

There will be numerous buildings and hangers, along with a reinforced perimeter to prevent unauthorised access to the base, though there will be only two ways to get to RAF Barra, one is by air and the other is by sea.

Both of these approaches will be closely monitored, in addition satellite activity will be monitored to make sure that no satellite is overhead when an Osprey is airborne, when not being used all Osprey’s will be inside the (locked and guarded) hangers.

The RAF flight crew will have a squadron of Lighting Jets these will be used to intercept any unauthorised entry into RAF Barra airspace.

RAF Barra will become known as the UKs ‘Area 51’, though without the ‘alien’ inference that Groom Lake would have in the US, with many actual RAF and FAA aircraft being deployed to RAF Barra (flown by Project Phoenix pilots) to maintain its cover as a secret aircraft test base.

However, when the testing of an Osprey is in progress, no personnel without the right security clearance will be allowed anywhere near RAF Barra, when not in use all Osprey’s will be in their hangers under guard with the doors closed.

RAF Barra is due to be completed in 1962 and become operational in 1963, with assembly of the first Osprey in 1964.

The plans are now coming to fruition the leaders of Project Phoenix have taken the first step to placing space capable fighters on Earth without any other country knowing what is really going on.

During 1956 and 1957, will be two years where section one come into contact with another alien race and where the British government reasserts itself on the world stage and shows that Britain will not be pushed around by any country.

To be continued.
 
16. 1956/1957

Don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash.” – Winston Churchill

Future Hawker aircraft, P1127 (RAF) and P1154 (RN), the two projects will become known as the Harrier GR1 for the RAF and the Sea Harrier FRS1 for the RN will be started in early 1956 this will lead to several versions/variants for both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

Along with the development of both versions of the Harrier, the development of the BS series engines (for the RN Sea Harriers) will also be developed, with the PCB thrust being used only during takeoff and flight, but not during vertical landings. This means that the BS series engines will need a higher ‘dry thrust’ for landings, but this is not a problem as the development of the BS series engines has full government support. By the time the Sea Harrier FRS.1 (P1154), enters operational service (late 1974) the BS series engines will have sufficient dry thrust for vertical landings without the need for the PCB boost.

The Sea Harrier version itself will also have an offshoot, this version will be for export to those countries that do not have or ever will have a carrier capability this version will be known as the Harrier FGR.1 this version will be sold from the mid 1970s onwards. The FGR.1 will be upgraded to the FGR 2, 3 and so on), with more powerful engine, weapons systems etc.

The Fairey Rotodyne designed and built by Fairey Aviation and will be used for both commercial and military applications. On the military side the Rotodyne would go on to become the AEW platform for the British, Australian and Canadian carriers from the 1970s onwards, later India (late 1980s).

The P1154 (RN) becoming the Sea Harrier FRS1 will be introduced at the same time as the four new CV-01 to CV-04 supersonic ‘harrier carriers’ will be introduced in the mid 1970s, with the first of these carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth entering service in 1975. This carrier will be followed by the HMS Prince of Wales (1979), followed by HMS Ark Royal (1983) and finally HMS Duke of York (1987).

An air group for HMS Queen Elizabeth CV-01 (from 1975 onwards) would consist of 32 supersonic Sea Harriers FRS1, 4 Rotodyne AEW3, 1 Rotodyne COD, 6 Westland Sea King HAS1 and 2 Westland Wessex HAS1 (SAR). The use of the Rotodyne will require the lifts on these hangers to be much larger, though this is not a problem as the previous carriers has been fitted with larger lift to accommodate the Rotodyne.

The four Queen Elizabeth class carriers for the Royal Navy will be supplemented by sales to Australia and Canada for one carrier each, to replace their Audacious class carrier, Australia will receive CV-05 HMAS Melbourne (replacing ex HMS Ark Royal) (1978) and Canada CV-06 HMCS Warrior (replacing ex HMS Eagle) (1981). The Australian and Canadian carriers will have a similar air group to that of the new British carriers the Canadian carrier will be built in Canada and the Australian carrier will be built in Australia.

Australia and Canada also purchase the rights to manufacture the supersonic Sea Harriers for their carriers along with the production of the Avro Arrow going ahead for Canada the Avro Arrow would also be sold to Australia as their main fighter. With the UK purchasing the right to manufacture the Avro Arrow in the UK, this will become of Arrow F1 Air Defence Fighter for the UK and her overseas territories, such as Malta.

Two of the old Malta class will be sold to India during the early 1980s along with enough supersonic Sea Harriers (FRS 1 and later on upgraded to the FRS 2, 3 and so on) to equip them the remaining two Malta class carriers will be scrapped.

Heliopolis System Exploration

The first Fox Class shuttle is now operational this ship will be used to explore the Heliopolis system to see if there are any minerals within the system itself. This first exploration of the Heliopolis system does discover several large asteroids that can be mined for their minerals.

This will help with the long-term needs for production materials on Heliopolis.

Malta

On the 14th February 1956, a referendum is held on the integration of Malta into the United Kingdom 75% vote ‘Yes’ on the 1st January 1957 Malta becomes part of the United Kingdom. This will also see the expansion and improvement of the British military bases on Malta, particularly the naval base, employing a very large number of local people.

For the people of Malta, the expansion and improvement of the British military bases on Malta, was one of the main reasons for voting yes. During 1957, unemployment drops to below 0.1% of the population this requires ‘importing’ workers from the UK mainland, as there are more jobs than people to do all the work that is currently available.

Malta will be followed by Gibraltar (much to the annoyance of Spain) the Spanish will close the boarder the boarder will remain closed even after the death of General Franco until the present day.

Both Malta and Gibraltar will be self-governing like the Channel Islands these two will be followed by other former holdings of the British Empire around the world becoming part of the United Kingdom.

The size of the United Kingdom will start to grow, though not at any sort of steady or planned pace, just as it happens!

In Egypt, the Suez Crisis begins.

Operation Musketeer, 1956

Suez Crisis

Operation Musketeer is the Anglo-French-Israeli plan for the invasion of Egypt to capture the Suez Canal during the Suez Crisis Israel having the additional objective to open the Straits of Tiran.

Headed by British Army General Charles Keightley, it was conducted in October 1956 in close coordination with the Israeli armoured thrust into the Sinai, which was called Operation Kadesh. Egypt's government, led by President Nasser, was seeking political control over the canal, an effort resisted by the Europeans. Although landing forces quickly established control over major canal facilities, the Egyptians were able to sink obstacles in the canal, rendering it unusable.

The United States would try to lead condemnations of this action by Britain at the United Nations and in other forums; this marked a sharp break in the “special relationship” between the United States and Britain.

However, several Commonwealth countries supported Britain, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand as they have a stake in keeping the canal open and can see the British governments ‘logic’ in its actions.

Due to political considerations (within France and US pressure), the French forces were withdrawn in December 1956 however the British forces will remain, along with clearing the obstacles from the canal that had been sunk by the Egyptians, to reopen the canal as soon as possible.

Though Operation Musketeer was a success it would cost Eden the Premiership, the Prime Ministers role would then fall to Harold Macmillan, who would use this ‘opportunity’ to show that Britain was still a great power in the world.

While Operation Musketeer was a political failure, from a military standpoint it was a success, with two of the new Audacious class carriers operating, these being Ark Royal and Eagle, along with a strong escort group. This Royal Navy fleet was able to prove that the post war planning for the Royal Navy way correct, as the Royal Navy was able to maintain superiority throughout Musketeer.

In addition, HMS Hermes and HMS Bulwark acted as jumping-off points for Britain's helicopter-borne assault (the world's first). Both these carriers are operating as a Landing Platform (Helicopter) or LPH, each with a commando of Royal Marines and other British troops for transportation into Suez.

In the aftermath of Operation Musketeer, the political fallout was a new Prime Minister, but for the Royal Navy there was no fall out and the long-term plans of the Royal Navy would not be altered.

On the 10th January 1957, Macmillan becomes Prime Minister and is briefed about Project Phoenix Macmillan is astonished, though he can now see the reason for keeping this project so secret and where all the money has been going.

Macmillan will keep Project Phoenix secret and like previous Prime Ministers, this project will receive his full support, including putting Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma in charge is this project.

Though this Suez action was a political failure for Eden, it was a political opportunity for Macmillan, as the British military ‘dug in’ along the Suez Canal Zone as well as beginning the process of clearing the canal.

When the United States threatened to devalue British currency (the Pound Sterling), Macmillan responded by calling the Americans bluff, telling the US President Eisenhower over the phone, that allowing the Egyptians to “steal” Britain’s fifty percent stake in the canal would set a dangerous present. After all what would happen to the Panama Canal if this was taken over by the government of Panama, this US could not just invade Panama as it would show the US had double standards?

Finally, Macmillan stated that the US government could not have its cake and eat it, and then hung up the phone on the President without waiting for a response, President Eisenhower had failed, President Eisenhower need another plan, quickly.

A few days later, the US Ambassador to the UK offered for the US to mediate between the Egyptian and British government over control of the canal, Macmillan accepted this, as a form of olive branch to the US.

What would eventually be agreed upon is that the canal would be returned to Egyptian control however, Britain would maintain her fifty percent stake in the canal (gaining fifty percent of the revenues) until the 31st December 1999. After that date Egypt would gain total control over the canal, the price the US had to pay to get this deal was supporting the construction of the Aswan Dam, the British government would also support this project with interest free loans to the Egyptian government.

These interest free loans to the Egyptian government by the British government would need to be repaid by 31st December 1999 (they will be).

In early March 1957, the Suez Accords are signed in Geneva, with the British Government guaranteeing the keep that Suez Canal open and defend the canal against any act of aggression, by any county.

This final part would put Britain on a collision course with the Israeli government in 1973.

On 25th March 1957, Macmillan also refuses Eisenhower’s request to base 60 Thor IRBMs in England, even after Eisenhower’s offer of joint control, Macmillan stating that Britain had its own IRBMs and did not need the US Thor missile. Eisenhower sees this refusal as fallout from the Suez Crisis, Eisenhower will never again try to dictate to the British government, future US Presidents will follow Eisenhower’s lead, this will be known (unofficially) in Washington as the Eisenhower Doctrine.

For now, however the Suez Crisis is over, with Macmillan being hailed as hero for getting such a good deal for Britain, the Commonwealth also supports this deal, the French regret leaving as they have lost out on being part of this deal.

By December 1957, the last British military personnel have withdrawn from Egypt, though Britain will maintain a strong military presence in that area, by reinforcing its bases at Gibraltar and Malta.

For both Gibraltar and Malta this will create an economic boom with large numbers of British military personnel based in Gibraltar and Malta (along with Cyprus), this reinforces the vote that both Malta and Gibraltar took in becoming part of the UK.

During the Suez Crisis the Canberra recon aircraft (fitted with the Goa'uld sensors) does several sweeps of the Suez area (from international airspace) without being discovered, this Canberra recon aircraft brings back valuable information on the true status of the Egyptian military.

This again proves that Britain can use Goa'uld technology in a limited way to help with military operations without any risk of this technology being discovered, the use of this technology had also reduced British causalities during the Suez Crisis, by warning commanders on the ground of potential problems.

In the immediate aftermath of the Suez Crisis relations between Egypt and the UK worsened, but after 1973 relations would greatly improve, this improvement would benefit Canada as well, along with a number of other Commonwealth countries.

Hungarian Revolution

While the Suez Crisis is happening Hungarian Revolution kicks off, with Britain occupied with the Suez Crisis, the Soviets crush the Hungarian uprising. All the British government goes is to verbally condemn the Soviets and nothing else.

Those that manage to get out of Hungarian and seek asylum in the UK are granted asylum for those Hungarians that wish to seek shelter in the UK, with the US and other countries also granting asylum to those Hungarians that have fled.

In the wake of the Hungarian uprising, many analysis’s will later speculate that the Soviets would let the UK have its way with Egypt, if Britain did nothing about Hungary, though this is untrue, as the Soviets would continue to supply arms and equipment to Egypt, both during and after the Suez Crisis.

Seth and the “Roswell Grey’s”

While the Suez Crisis was going on, in Borthwick Castle Seth was resting in his quarters (unlocked cell), catching up on world news, he was reading a variety of newspapers from around the world that had been procured for him by Project Phoenix.

In early January 1957, Seth is reading a newspaper when he comes across and article on the “Roswell Grey’s” looking at the “Roswell Grey’s” he is taken aback as they look exactly like the Asgard. Seth thinks for several minutes after reading the article on the “Roswell Grey’s”, then picks up the phone and requests a meeting with either Dr Phillips or General Smith.

Both Dr Phillips and General Smith turn up, as the request by Seth sounded urgent to them, even though they do not still do not fully trust Seth, they would be stupid not to come if Seth considers something urgent.

Once they have sat down Seth is the first to speak, he says, “Have either of you heard of the Asgard?”

Both Dr Phillips and General Smith look at each other and shake their heads, both are very puzzled at Seth’s question, but continue to listen, as they feel that Seth is leading up to something impotent.

Seth continues, “I though not” then holding up a picture of the Roswell Grey’s and says, “This image is extremely close to that of the Asgard, it appears as if the US is holding one or more Asgard as their prisoner.”

Dr Phillips jaw drops, General Smith asks, “Are you certain?”

Seth replies, “This could be a coincidence, but these pictures are too close to the likeness of and Asgard.”

Dr Phillips asks, “Who is this Asgard.”

Seth replies, “The Asgard are extremely advanced race, far more advanced than the Goa'uld, the Goa'uld do not bother the Asgard, to do so would invite our destruction.”

General Smith asks, “What should we do?”

Seth replies, “There is certain information that I have kept from you, the Asgard have a Protected Planets Treaty with the Goa'uld System Lords, no Goa'uld may visit any world that is protected by this treaty, if they do they never return.”

General Smith asks, “What use is this information to us?”

Seth replies, “You are not Goa'uld or Jaffa, if you do to one of these worlds, then you might be able to make peaceful contact with the Asgard.”

Dr Phillips says, “That is interesting suggestion that would mean that you have the Stargate addresses for these planets?”

Seth replies, “Not all of them, in fact I only know of one a world called Cimmeria, this world is under the protection of and Asgard called Thor.”

General Smith asks, “You are willing to give us the Stargate address for this world?”

Seth replies, “Yes, but I must warn you that if you take any Goa'uld technology with you, Thor may see you as a threat and not as friends and then none of the members of the team you send would return.”

General Smith says, “Then we should not take anything like that, we will use ‘conventional’ projectile weapons, which should be sufficient for defence.”

Dr Phillips says, “I agree, we should not take any Goa'uld technology to this world, if we can make peaceful contact with these Asgard, then this could help us.”

Seth replies, “Yes it could.”

General Smith says, “Very well I will approve a mission to this planet.”

Dr Phillips says, “I agree, I also approve a mission to this world, the potential benefits outweigh the potential dangers.”

General Smith says, “I will have section one briefed on this mission, we will commence this mission in early 1958, I will also get Mountbatten’s approval for this mission.”

A few weeks later Mountbatten gives his approval for this mission to go ahead in early 1958 this decision regarding the Asgard will chance Project Phoenix forever.

Section one, will be led by Major James Macpherson, also accompanying section one will be Tom Oliver the best linguist that Project Phoenix has. No other sections will be sent as they do not want to make it seems as though they are invading this planet through the Stargate.

British Rockets/Satellites (Earth)

On the 4th October 1957, Sputnik 1 would become the first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite it was launched into an elliptical low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union.

This would lead to the US launching Explorer 1 on the 31st January 1958 and the beginning the Cold War Space Race between the two nations.

A year later on the 31st January 1959, the UK would launch its own satellite X-3 also known as the Prospero class satellites, with the launches of X-1 to X-2 (during 1958) failing (deliberately done). X-3 would ‘officially’ contain the Prospero satellite contained experiments to test solar cells and detect micrometeorites along with a tape recorder is also on board, which would fail after 730 plays.

Unofficially X-3 contains a relay buffer for a ring transporter, with one being located inside Borthwick Castle and the other in London, in a bunker under the War Office that had been part of the extensive bunker complex used during World War 2. This now contains a secure area where members of Project Phoenix could come and go from Borthwick Castle without drawing attention to themselves.

As the War Office contains several entrances and exits (official and unofficial), a person could enter through one entrance and exit out of another without drawing any unwanted attention. Therefore, in theory no one could really know how many people enter or exit the War Office building, therefore this is a good place for personnel to be beamed to Borthwick Castle and from Borthwick Castle to the War Office.

This beaming activity puts a set of ring transporters buried under the Glastonbury Tor in England, all that needs to happen is for a ring transporter to be diverted to the ring transporter under the Glastonbury Tor and Project Phoenix will make another amazing discovery.

However, Seth will make a mistake about something found there and this will not lead the members of Project Phoenix to a war with another advanced race.

Only time will tell when this will happen...

Until it does, Project Phoenix continues to move forward.

Nuclear Power Stations

On the 17th October 1956, the Queen opens the world’s first commercial nuclear power station at Calder Hall. Calder Hall is the first of many Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR) powers stations that will come online over the next few decades.

Even as Calder Hall is opened, there are several other nuclear power stations across the UK at various stages of either planning or construction this will be the beginning of the UK’s ‘love affair’ with nuclear power.

To be continued.
 
17. 1958

The British nation is unique in this respect. They are the only people who like to be told how bad things are, who like to be told the worst.” – Winston Churchill

Blackburn Buccaneer

The Blackburn Buccaneer is a low-level strike aircraft with nuclear weapon delivery capability serving with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force between 1957 and 1994, including service in the 1991 Gulf War. Designed and initially produced by Blackburn Aircraft at Brough it was later known as the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer when Blackburn became a part of the Hawker Siddeley group.

The Buccaneer would remain with the RN until the arrival of the supersonic Sea Harriers FRS.1 (P.1154) from 1975 onwards, after that these Buccaneer’s would be transferred to the RAF. The Buccaneer would be used by Australia and Canada (in small numbers) on their carriers as conventional strike aircraft, until the arrival of their new carriers along with their own Sea Harriers.

The one other user would be the South African Air Force.

The Buccaneer would remain in operational (with the RAF and the SAAF) until the end of the 1990’s.

Mountbatten’s Command

As Mountbatten becomes more and more familiar with Project Phoenix, he is more concerned about possible infiltration by an enemy power (especially after he reads about the Soviet kidnap attempt of Professor Phillips). With virtually unlimited resources and authority, Mountbatten sets up a group of Special Investigators call SI-5. SI-5 will be tasked into investigating potential threats to Project Phoenix and protecting members of Project Phoenix when they are not ‘on the job’.

Though officially (to the rest of the world), they will have a different perceived role, they will unofficially become known as the Head Hunters, due to their ability to find anyone, anywhere, this will make them both feared and respected.

SI-5, the Head Hunters

Officially, SI-5 (Special Investigations 5) is a law enforcement department, instructed by the Home Secretary (actually Mountbatten) to use any means, to deal with crimes of a serious nature that go beyond the capacity of the police, but are not tasks for the security services or military.

SI-5 will be founded and the led by the formidable George Cowley, SI-5 is known for using unconventional or as Cowley put it “Fight fire with fire!”

SI-5 would achieve operational status in 1960 and quickly gain a fearsome reputation in routing out not only problems to do with Project Phoenix (with the leadership of Project Phoenix), but also against ‘normal’ criminals, terrorists and other threats to the UK (to maintain SI-5s cover story).

Cowley's two best agents will become Ray Doyle and William Bodie (from the late 1970’s). Doyle is an ex-detective constable who has worked the seedier parts of London, while Bodie is an ex-paratrooper, mercenary and SAS sergeant.

Of the two, Doyle is the softer, compassionate and more thoughtful character, while Bodie is ruthless and more willing to take on criminals on their own terms. That said Doyle is more hotheaded and tended to rush in, while Bodie waits for the shooting to start.

SI-5 will remain in existence well into the 21st century and beyond.

HMS Defiance

The construction of HMS Defiance the first warship for Project Phoenixes space force is now well underway, thanks to Mountbatten forceful approach in getting things moving. This first warship should be completed by 1959, as the various component parts have already been produced, the hyperdrive system will be from a modified Al’kesh hyperdrive variant.

This hyperdrive will not be as powerful as it could be, as the Al’kesh hyperdrive unit has had to be modified (by Seth) to allow it to get a ship with a much large mass into hyperspace.

It has been decided by Mountbatten that only two Defiance class warships will be built, as by the time these two ships are completed Project Phoenixes own purpose built hyperdrive system (based on Goa'uld hyperdrive) should be available. This will lead to a much large class of warship this new class will be a cross between a heavy cruiser and a carrier and would be able to carry two squadrons (24) of Osprey class fighters, along with a number of shuttles as well.

First, however Project Phoenix will try to make peaceful contact with the Asgard.

Asgard, First Contact

Planet Cimmeria

On the 15th January 1958, section one travels to Cimmeria, and, upon arrival, they encounter a group of people who laugh at them, and a giant stone hammer that starts to charge. It scans each member of Section one with a beam of light, and, upon finishing the scanning switches off.

Section one is led by Major James Macpherson, also accompanying section one is Tom Oliver the best linguist that Project Phoenix has.

Once the scanning beam has switch off the locals around the Stargate run away, Tom Oliver says, “Well that appears to have gone much better than we expected.”

Major Macpherson laughs and replies, “Yes at least no one is shooting at us, yet.” That last remark causes the other members of section one to laugh.

Tom Oliver says, “Well” looking at the giant stone hammer “looks like this is a scanner of some kind, probably set to scan for Jaffa or Goa'uld and Goa'uld technology.”

Major Macpherson replies, “Yes, looks like that means that we can stay” then turning to his men and says, “make sure you do not shoot any of the locals, otherwise none of us will be around too long” the members of section one all nod in agreement and make their weapons safe.

Tom Oliver says, “Looks like we need to look for some locals who do not run off to question or some writings, though I do think we could be here for a while.”

Major Macpherson replies, “Good ideas Tom, though I would have thought any writings would be near the Stargate.”

Tom Oliver says, “Possibly, but according to Seth, the Asgard have spaceships, so in theory they could be anywhere on this planet.”

Major Macpherson replies, “Assuming that these Asgard are still around, remember that Seth said that these worlds were set up many thousands of years ago, these defences could just be running on automatic.”

Tom Oliver says, “That could make this trip a bit pointless.”

Major Macpherson replies, “True, but at least we would know one way or another if these Asgard are still around.”

Tom Oliver says, “Good point” than looking around he asks, “what now, the locals seem to be afraid of us.”

Major Macpherson replies, “Well you and me will scout around see if any of the locals will talk to just two of us” turning to the other members of section one he continues, “The rest of you set up camp near the Stargate and do not shoot any of the locals.” The members of sections nod and begin to look for a place to set up camp, while Major Macpherson and Tom Oliver walk down what appears to be a well worn path.

Ten Days Later

It has taken ten days for Tom Oliver to gain the trust of the locals, they have told him of a Hall of Thor's might, Tom Oliver suspects that this hall is either a control centre for the scanner on the gate or were Thor lives. Either way, both Tom Oliver and Major Macpherson agree that this hall is worth investigating, after informing the other members of section one that they will be out of contact for a while, both of them set of with their local guide in search of Hall of Thor's might.

When they arrive at the ‘hall” the hall is not what they expected, there is no hall, just a giant stone hammer similar to the one at the Stargate.

Macpherson says, “Well I was expecting a hall, not this,” pointing towards the giant stone hammer.

As Tom Oliver begins to touch the stone hammer to trying from some sort of control system, the local guide is afraid and runs away saying that it is forbidden to touch the red stone.

Tom Oliver looks at Major Macpherson, with his hand hovering over the red stone, Major Macpherson indicates to touch the stone.

This activates a transporter device to what appears to be an underground hall, Major Macpherson says, “Well at least it matches the description of a hall.”

In Thor's Hall, they are faced with a hologram of Thor (in human Viking form) demanding they complete his challenges to “prove their worth”, with Tom Oliver suspecting that it is a recording of some kind and that this Thor may have died many years ago, but left his equipment running on autopilot, so to speak.

Having successfully completed the challenges they are faced with what Tom Oliver believes is another recording, this time of Thor in his real form (a Roswell Grey).

Tom Oliver reaches up and pushes the stone. A light beam out from behind them, and they turn to the monument. The image of Thor begins to waver, then disappear. In its place, a small, grey alien with large black eyes stands by the monument.

Tom Oliver says, “Oh, my God.”

Thor states, “I am the actual one…whom you know as Thor.”

Macpherson and Tom exchange glances.

Thor continues, “I am the supreme commander of the Asgard fleet. In the ten-span since I created this world you, are the first to reach this level of contact. You've finally grown wise enough to see me in my true form.

Tom Oliver says, “Macpherson, it's a hologram. It was probably recorded a thousand years ago. It can't hear us.”

Thor blinks at them, and Tom looks back at Macpherson for a moment, the back to Thor.

Tom Oliver says, “We came all this way and we have got a recording”

Thor looking at the two of them says, “On the contrary this is a living transmission from my quarters onboard the Bilskirnir.”

A shocked Tom Oliver says, “This is great, we are from a planet called Earth, I do not know if you have heard of it?”

Thor replies, “I have” then Thor asks, “Why have you come here, your planet is not advanced enough to have space travel.”

Tom Oliver says, “We discover a Stargate buried on our planet and have been exploring the galaxy.”

Thor says, “Why have you come here, this planets population has not advanced enough to allow them to see us in our true form.”

Tom Oliver says, “We apologize for doing this but we believe there may be members of your race on Earth.”

Thor asks, “Why do you believe this, as far as I am aware there is no Asgard currently on your planet.”

Tom Oliver takes off his backpack and removes the clippings of the Roswell Grey’s and holds them up to show Thor and says, “I believe that one of our nation states many have either living or dead Asgard along with the remains of one of your ships in its possession.”

Thor looks at the clippings that Tom Oliver is holding up, his eyes narrow but still says nothing.

Tom Oliver goes, “I believe that one of your ships many have crashed on Earth in the Earth year of 1947” this causes Thor to look off to one side if looking at something else Tom Oliver continues, “We could show you where we suspect that they are being held.”

Thor in a neutral tone says, “This is why you came to this world, outside interference was not anticipated.”

Suddenly without warning, both Tom Oliver and Major Macpherson, find themselves transported back to the planet surface, along with Tom’s backpack that he had placed on the floor next to him.

Major Macpherson asks, “Well Tom what now?”

Tom Oliver replies, “We could try again,” indicating towards the red stone.

Major Macpherson says, “Ok, but this Thor may not take kindly to being bothered twice in one day.”

Tom Oliver reaches out and touches the stone, but nothing happens.

Major Macpherson says, “Looks like this Thor, has switch this off, back to square one?”

Tom Oliver replies, “Yes, it looks like either Thor does not believe us or he is annoyed that we have interfered with the development of the locals.”

Major Macpherson says, “Back to the Stargate then?”

Tom Oliver nods, they begin to make their way back to the Stargate.

After an hour or so, the two of them have arrived back at the Stargate, they are about to dial the Stargate when “storm clouds” begin to suddenly appear above them, then from the “storm clouds” a huge alien ship appears, an Asgard mothership.

Tom Oliver says, “I do believe that is Thor’s ship.”

Before Major Macpherson can say anything, both he and Tom Oliver are beamed onboard Thor’s ship the Bilskirnir.

Leaving the rest of section one to report back that they have made contact with the Asgard (after Tom Oliver’s comment that ‘this is Thor’s ship’) though Thor will get to Earth before the rest of section ones report gets there.

Bilskirnir

After they are both beamed onboard Thor’s ship the Bilskirnir, they look around to see a large window, looking out at the planet below, Thor’s ship appears to be going into orbit, rapidly.

Thor beams into the room, sitting in his chair and says, “I have decided to believe what you have told me, as we had lost a small scout ship in the timescale you have described to me.”

Major Macpherson says, “Thank you, I thought for a while there that you had not believed us.”

Thor replies, “I many still not believe you, you have yet to prove what you say.”

Major Macpherson turning to Tom Oliver and says, “All yours Tom.”

Tom Oliver replies, “Thanks” then turning to Thor he says, “If you could show us a map of Earth...” but before he can continue Thor moves on of the control crystals on his chair and the image outside of the window changes and a few moments later to that of one showing the Earth.

Tom Oliver says, “Wow that was impressive. I will need to see a map of Earth so that I can show you the nation state.” All Macpherson can do in nod in agreement.

A holograph of Earth appears between Thor and Tom Oliver, Thor says, “Touch the nation stateand the map will zoom in.”

Tom Oliver looks at the holographic map of Earth, now showing the nation states, Tom Oliver touches the US and the rest of Earth disappears. Tom Oliver then touches the area of Nevada, followed by Groom Lake this is now showing a real time image of the Groom Lake area.

Tom Oliver says, “Somewhere in that large facility” indicating the area with his finger.

Thor again moves the control crystals on his chair and then looks at the readouts (these are all in the Asgard language so no one else can read it but Thor), after a short while, Thor says, “You are correct, the scans show the remains of our scout ship and three bodies.”

Thor once again moves the control crystals on his chair and says, “The remains of the scout ship and three bodies have been beamed onto this ship.”

At the same time on Earth, in Area 51 they are about to get the shock of their lives.

Area 51, Groom Lake

In an underground storage area, the remains of the Asgard scout ship and in an adjacent room the bodies of the three Asgard crewmembers (they died in the crash in 1947). These bodies have been studied and then stored, in cold storage to preserve them for further study.

The three bodies along with the remains of the ship, suddenly just disappear, leaving nothing behind, the base is put on alert, but that will do no good, all the researchers have left is their own notes, everything else is gone.

These notes will allow the US to develop some new technologies such as stealth, but not much else.

Meanwhile back on the Bilskirnir...

Bilskirnir

After the remains are brought onboard Thor’s ship, Thor says, “The Asgard thank you for your assistance in this matter.”

Major Macpherson says, “You are welcome”

Thor asks, “What do you want of the Asgard?”

Major Macpherson says, “Your friendship, nothing more, after all, the act of one nation state on our planet is not the act of all of us.”

Thor says nothing for a few moments then says, “You have the friendship of the Asgard and I agree the act of one is not that act of all.”

Major Macpherson asks, “May we show you our Stargate and also introduce to the leaders of our Stargate program?”

Thor replies, “You may”

Major Macpherson says, “I would suggest that we go first, otherwise our security may harm you?”

Thor nods and replies, “Agreed, take this” handing a Crystal to Major Macpherson and continues “it is a short ranged communications device, as long as my ship is in orbit you will be able to communicate with me.”

Thor then beams both of them into Borthwick Castle after Tom Oliver points out were their Stargate is located.

A Few Hours Later...

After explaining their sudden appearance in Borthwick Castle, both Tom Oliver and Major Macpherson, inform those present that there is an Asgard ship in orbit and that the Asgard called Thor wishes to visit.

Mountbatten who is at Borthwick Castle agrees to the visit of this Thor and states, that ‘Thor should not be kept waiting’, shortly afterwards Thor beams into the main conference room in Borthwick Castle.

Thor introduces himself as Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet, Mountbatten is slightly taken aback at this news. As he had not been informed of this (just as everyone else) that they have a commander of a single ship (Tom and Macpherson has missed this bit of information), not the Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet (along with being a member of the Asgard High Council).

After several hours of discussion, in which Mountbatten tells Thor of their discovery of the electronic book on Heliopolis and the assistance of a Goa'uld called Seth, this bit greatly surprises Thor, but Thor does nothing about Seth (much to Seth’s relief) presence, as this is not the Asgard way. If this Seth’s help is genuine then Thor will not interfere, as this is an internal matter for these humans.

On the conclusion of the talks, Thor agrees that further discussions are in order these will take place on Heliopolis, though Thor does not says when, only that the Asgard will come to these talks.

Thor then leaves (after being handed back the communications crystal as a sign of good faith and trust), a few moments later the Bilskirnir jumps into hyperspace.

First contact with the Asgard has been a great success further contact will happen in the years to come. This will eventually lead to a permanent Asgard presence on Heliopolis.

Egypt

During the Suez Crisis, several recon missions were carried out by the Canberra recon aircraft (fitted with the Goa'uld sensors) has discovered a possible abandoned Goa'uld base. However, due to the tensions in Egypt Mountbatten decides not to do anything about this base, as the readings show that the power levels below this base are at minimal levels, indicating the power source is on standby mode.

Mountbatten instructions about this Goa'uld base will remain in place as Project Phoenix has bigger problems than an abandoned Goa'uld base.

Seth states that this was most likely a temple to Osiris, who Seth believes was killed many thousands of years ago by his fellow Goa'uld. In fact, Osiris is sitting on the bottom of the ocean in a stasis jar after being removed from his host, a placed in a tomb in Egypt.

In the 20th century by an American archaeologist named Sheldon Stewart. Recognizing that the canopic jars were clearly important objects, and unable to translate the Goa'uld writing on the outside of them, Sheldon took the jars back to America by boat. As if cursed, the jars never managed to make it to the American shore as the ship went down just off the coast of New Jersey with all hands on board. Osiris was once more trapped but though he did not know, his queen had died, as her canopic jar had broken open during transit, even possibly when the ship sank.

This wreak will not be discovered until the early 21st century, then Osiris will again re-emerge again to discover that the galaxy has changed considerably since he was imprisoned several thousand years ago.

July 1958

Between the 18th and 26th July 1958, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games are held in Cardiff.

On the 24th July 1958, the first life peerage is created, under the Life Peerages Act 1958 with many more following on as this a useful reward of Project Phoenix personnel.

On the 26th July 1958, the Queen gives her son Charles the title of Prince of Wales, though the new Prince of Wales will not yet be informed about Project Phoenix.

On the 24th November 1958, an exhibition of computers held at Earl's Court, London the first of its kind in the world. This exhibition shows how advanced British computing technology is compared to the rest of the world, spending by other countries in computing technology will increase.

On the 1st December 1958, the Preston Bypass, Britain's first motorway, is opened this shows the ongoing improvements in Britain’s infrastructure the rail network and rolling stock is also going to be improved rather than cut back.

An Expanding Command

At the end of 1958, Mountbatten was looking at bringing Canada into Project Phoenix, their where several reasons, the first being personnel, Canada could add a significant number of well trained military and civilian personnel to the project. The second reason is that Canada has a large amount of land that could be developed into a secret base to construct large ships on Earth, as Heliopolis though useful could not produce the numbers of large warships needed in the time available.

The resources for a project of this magnitude would have to be done on Earth, with numerous companies involved, though these companies would produce the parts and the members of Project Phoenix would assemble them, the various companies would not know what the end product would be.

The capital ship building program will, change (along with all other programs) as off world facilities will soon be able to construct large ships, but the other elements of Mountbatten’s plan will continue to move forward.

In early 1959, Mountbatten would have a word with the Prime Minister about bringing the Canadians into this project, even the Australians and New Zealanders could also join, but not the Americans. Based on past performance with wartime projects, the US always wanted to control such projects and Mountbatten was not about to give up control of this project to the Americans, Macmillan agrees.

Security would also, be stepped up once again with anything or anyone surrounding Project Phoenix being screened the screening process would be extremely intense and would only get even more intense as the years and decades go by.

The Asgard do not seem to trust the Americans, after what the Americans did to the Asgard bodies, though the Asgard are aware of the various nation states, so the Asgard do understand the act of one nation state is not the act of the entire planet.

Once you gain the Asgard’s trust you have a very powerful friend, but the opposite also applies once you gain the Asgard’s distrust then the Asgard will distrust you for a very long time.

After all the benefits to Britain are just starting to be felt, with the economy growing the need for gold has been removed, as the monies coming (from taxes etc) in are more than enough to fund all the current projects, whether they are part of Project Phoenix or not.

Bringing in other countries would require Britain to share in the information and advances, but as Britain was benefiting from such projects already, sharing did not seem to be a problem, as this would spread the risk. In addition, both Canada and Australia has a vast amount of land with no population within hundreds of miles this would make an ideal place for the construction and basing of Osprey fighters.

For Canada and Australia, 1959 and 1960 will be interesting years as certain key members of both governments will be, let in on the biggest secret the UK has.

To be continued.
 
18. 1959/1960

A love of tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril; but the new view must come, the world must roll forward.” - Winston Churchill

Cuban Revolution

In early 1959, the Cuban Revolution ends with victory for the revolutionaries, Britain’s only involvement is the evacuation of British and Commonwealth nationals from Cuba.

Cuba becomes a US problem, not a British one, though the British government will be keeping an eye on Cuba.

Cyprus

On the 19th February 1959, the United Kingdom grants Cyprus its independence. With the UK retaining the two Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia while government posts and public offices were allocated by ethnic quotas giving the minority Turks a permanent veto, 30% in parliament and administration, and granting the 3 mother-states guarantor rights.

By 1963, inter-communal violence would break out, partially sponsored by both “motherlands” with Turkish Cypriots being forced into enclaves and Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios III calling for unilateral constitutional changes as a means to ease tensions over the whole island. The United Nations is involved and the United Nations forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) deployed at flash points along with additional British deployed to protect Britain’s two bases.

This problem would come to a head in 1974.

Mountbatten

Admiral of the Fleet, The Earl Mountbatten of Burma between the 13th July 1959 and the 15th July 1965 is appointed, as Chief of the Defence Staff (6 years) will be the longest serving of any of the CDS. Mountbatten will be controversial, but his tenure as CDS will start ongoing process of continuous modernization of all three services that will last for decades to come.

This process of continuous modernization of the UK military will be known as the Mountbatten doctrine Mountbatten’s power within the UK government is second only to the PM, though few know of this.

Mountbatten on the 16th July 1965, after standing down, as Chief of the Defence Staff Mountbatten will remain as head of Project Phoenix until his murder at the hands of the IRA in 1979.

With a successful first contact with the Asgard, Mountbatten and the Prime Minster are both very pleased with the way things are going with Project Phoenix, though Mountbatten realises that even with Britain’s new found wealth, Britain cannot go it alone.

Leaders Project Phoenix

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 – Lieutenant General Sir Wilson Smith
Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security – Major General Richard Thomas

In early 1959, Mountbatten visits Canada with the Prime Ministers approval Mountbatten had been given permission to brief the Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, with a view to inviting Canada to participate in Project Phoenix.

Canada

As with the briefing of any British Prime Minister, only Mountbatten and the Canadian Prime Minister will be present, the room will be checked for listening devices (by Mountbatten’s people), then all the phones will be removed, after that they will be left alone together.

After an hour of listening to the explanation of Project Phoenix, the Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker cannot say anything for several minutes with his mouth opening but no words coming out.

Diefenbaker finally manages to asks, “Why have you told me this?”

Mountbatten replies, “Because it is getting to the point where other countries need to be involved, at least at a senior level.”

Diefenbaker says, “I understand” then pausing for a few moments continues, “this is a lot to take in, in one go.”

Mountbatten smiles and replies, “I understand Prime Minister I was in your position not long ago.”

Diefenbaker nods, smiles slightly and asks, “How many people know about this project in the UK?”

Mountbatten replies, “Not many, the Prime Minister the Queen and a few senior officials, oh and the service chiefs.”

Diefenbaker asks, “What will Canada get out of this?”

Mountbatten replies, “A share of everything, if you agree to certain conditions.”

Diefenbaker asks, “What conditions would these be?”

Mountbatten replies, “Anyone you wish to inform about this project, must be cleared through my office, this part is not negotiable. As for the rest, you will have a twenty-five percent share in all monies that comes from Project Phoenix and I can tell you that is not a trifling amount.”

Diefenbaker says, “You ask a lot.”

Mountbatten smiles and replies, “I offer a lot Prime Minister”

Diefenbaker says, “That is true.”

For the next few hours, they begin the basic negotiations, though Mountbatten is sure that Diefenbaker will say yes, Mountbatten can see it in Diefenbaker’s eyes... Greed...

As part of the deal, the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow development must continue, Britain will agree to purchase 160 of these jets for the RAF, later increasing to 218 with overseas sales by the British outside of Canada, Australia and the UK, to be built under licence in the UK. This deal will not save Diefenbaker from losing the next election, as it will be seen as a massive u-turn by Diefenbaker on his previous position to cancel the Avro Arrow.

Part of the deal with Canada will be the transfer of HMS Eagle to the Royal Canadian Navy, at the end of the year along with a full carrier air group for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The new Canadian air base (for Canada’s Osprey fighters) will be based in an isolated area of the Northwest Territories (later becoming part of Nunavut territory), construction will begin in 1963 the base will become operational in 1968, this airbase will be called Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Nunavut.

Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker will see how much money that Project Phoenix is making for the UK and that Canada’s twenty-five percent is not to be sneezed at or negotiated for a higher percentage.

Another twenty-five percent of Project Phoenix will go to Australia in September 1959.

Singapore

On the 3rd June 1959, Singapore is granted self-governing status, Britain (along with Australia and New Zealand) will still base her warships at Singapore, as part of an agreement with Singapore, as a forward Asian base, along with the ability to deploy to both Australia and New Zealand as well.

In 1965, Singapore would gain full independence British troops would remain in Singapore following its independence. In 1968, London announced its decision to reduce its forces to a token strength at Singapore, with the exception of the Royal Navy’s warships deployed to the area from 1971 onwards.

Singapore will remain a strong base for the Royal Navy in that area, along with the Australia and New Zealand navies as well.

Singapore would set out to build its military, called the Singapore Armed Forces, and a national service programme was introduced in 1967. The Singapore Armed Forces would for the most part be equipped with British, Canadian and Australian designed weapons, along with weapons from other countries as well.

For fighters the newly formed Singapore Air Force will purchase the Avro Arrow, training will be done in Canada, with several squadrons of the Singapore Air Force based in Australia and New Zealand, as Singapore has limited space to maintain its air force.

Singapore would also start to produce its own small arms from the mind 1970s onwards.

British Election campaign (1959)

In October 1959, Macmillan would lead the Conservatives to victory in the general election, increasing his party's majority from 67 to 107 seats. The successful campaign was based on the economic improvements achieved; the slogan “Life's Better Under the Conservatives” was matched by Macmillan's own remark, “indeed let us be frank about it most of our people have never had it so good,” usually paraphrased as “You've never had it so good.” Such rhetoric reflected a new reality of working-class affluence; it has been argued: “The key factor in the Conservative victory was that average real pay for industrial workers had risen since Churchill’s 1951 victory by over 20 per cent”.

After the success of Suez for Macmillan and Britain was again now a key player on the world stage once again, along with very strong economic growth all these factors would be part of the Conservatives victory. Though what no one knew (except a few key officials), is that Britain, along with officials in Canada and Australia (September 1959) that this was due to alien technologies as well as an off world supply of Gold (now helping Canada and Australia).

Even the Daily Mirror newspaper, despite being staunch supporters of the Labour Party, wished Macmillan “good luck” on their front page after his election win.

In the end, Macmillan’s government would not, be brought down by the economy, but by scandal.

Australia

In September 1959, Mountbatten travels to Australia to make the same offer to the Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies as he did to the Canadian Prime Minister.

Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies will see how much money that Project Phoenix is making for the UK and that Australia’s twenty-five percent is not to be sneezed at.

The Australian air base (for Australia’s Osprey fighters) will be based in an isolated area of Woomera (called Woomera air base), were missile tests are already being conducting in conjunction with the UK, construction will begin in 1963 the nearby air base will become operational in 1969.

With Australia onboard, Mountbatten has had another success both Canadian and Australian will start to be briefed on the project once they have been screened. In addition, Canadian and Australian will join with British companies in various construction projects.

As with the Canadian agreement, the Royal Navy will transfer HMS Ark Royal to the Australian navy along with a full air group for the Australian navy.

To the outside world, this would just appear to be another step in British and Canadian/Australian cooperation in various joint military and civilian projects.

The one country to take note of these joint enterprises between Britain, Canada and Australia would be China, as China is also looking for good relationships with other countries beside the Soviet Union, after all China’s relationship with the Soviet Union was not the best.

China’s diplomatic efforts would be focused on Britain first and Canada and Australia coming a joint second, with Britain’s strong economy the Chinese government (quite correctly) assumed that Britain was always on the lookout of new markets for her products.

Where Britain goes, it is likely that both Canada and Australia (and later New Zealand) would follow.

Uranium

One of the other reasons for bringing both Canada and Australia into the project is because both Canada and Australia have large supplies of uranium deposits this is needed not only for Britain’s nuclear deterrent but also for Britain’s growing nuclear power station program.

As part of the agreement between the UK and Canada/Australia, the British government will help both Canada and Australia develop their own nuclear power stations. With Britain already having the large commercial enrichment plants, either under construction or built, allowing Britain to process the uranium and then send it back to Canada and Australia once they have built their own power plants.

This has the advantage for all three countries, once these power stations are operational of not having to rely on other countries for their power needs (the supply of uranium), as each power station is estimated to have an operational life of at least fifty years. Once fuelled each power station can run for eighteen months continuously (barring any problems) before needing to be refuelled and having standard maintenance. If a country has several nuclear power stations, then while one is down, another is up and running, in this way Britain, Canada and Australia can alternate between nuclear power stations maintaining a continuous power supply.

As more nuclear power stations come online as the years go by Britain, Canada and Australia’s need for alternate supply of energy lessons, by the end of the 1990s all three countries will be close to producing nearly fifty percent of their power needs via nuclear power.

1960

Nuclear Weapons Testing – Heliopolis

With the first Osprey Class Fighters are now available, nuclear weapons testing can begin, this testing will be conducted in the Heliopolis system, with a single Osprey fighter jettisoning a single nuclear device. Then the Osprey fighter exiting the area, the nuclear device is then detonated by remote from a Fox class shuttle, this shuttle also monitors the explosion (with its shields up).

This way Britain can detonate numerous nuclear devices (in space) without harming the atmosphere of Heliopolis.

There is also no limit to the size of the explosion as long as an Osprey fighter can carry the bomb, though later the Defiance will be used for weapons testing, this will start at the end of 1962, when HMS Defiance’s trials are completed.

As the years go past the size of the nuclear devices grows, along with the recent discovery that if a nuclear device is enhanced with Naquadah, then this enhances the nuclear devices explosive force many hundred times. It is therefore possible to build a small nuclear device and enhance it with Naquadah that will amplify the explosive force of the small nuclear device by many hundred times.

These enhanced Naquadah nuclear devices, will become the standard missile armament of the warships of Project Phoenix.

The testing of ‘conventional’ nuclear weapons on Earth can cease, though theoretical work will still go on.

British Missiles

In early 1960 a replacement for Blue Steel Mark 1, the Mark 2, is planned with increased range and a ramjet engine, this would be in service in the early 1970s. In 1960, construction begins on the missile silos for the Blue Streak missiles (a silo- launched version of the US Polaris missile), these silos should be fully operational by the end of the 1970s.

Though these silos will only remain operational until the late 1980, when they will be decommission and demolished due to arms reduction agreements and that they are not secret, as everybody knows where they are, better to have a submarine base nuclear deterrent.

A submarine launched version is also planned, called Sea Streak (the British designed and built version of the US Polaris missile), the SSBNs are also planned, both of these systems becoming operational with HMS Resolution followed by HMS Repulse, HMS Renown, HMS Revenge and HMS Ramillies.

Black Prince Rocket

The British satellite launcher known as “Black Prince” begins to launch the first of the Prospero class satellites, the first two X-1 and X-2 fail (deliberately done), but on the their attempt X-3 makes it into orbit. X-3 would ‘officially’ contain Prospero contained experiments to test solar cells and detect micrometeorites along with a tape recorder is also on board, which failed 730 plays.

Britain is now in the ‘Space Race’ and will appear to be behind the Soviets and the Americans, this however is a cover as Britain has been in space since the early 1950s, though not from Earth!

This program will be a good cover for the training of astronauts for Project Phoenix.

Concorde

The designs were both ready to start prototype construction in the early 1960s, but the cost was so great that the British government made it a requirement that the various British aerospace companies look for international co-operation. Approaches were made to a number of countries, but only France showed real initial interest.

The development project was negotiated as an international treaty between the two countries rather than a commercial agreement between companies and included a clause, originally asked for by the UK, imposing heavy penalties for cancellation.

A draft treaty was signed on 28th November 1962.

The production first production Concorde would be used to carry fair paying passengers from 1976 onwards.

In 1980, the British government for VIP use with the ‘Royal Flight’ will purchase four Concorde’s the ‘Royal Flight’ will be used by senior government ministers and the Royal Family for official visits. Both Canada and Australia will also purchase two each for VIP use by their senior government ministers.

The arrival of a Concorde painted in Royal Flights colours makes an impressive sight at any airport on the planet.

By the time of the treaties, signing the various aerospace companies in the UK had been merged into just two aerospace companies.

Number of Concorde I sold, will be 105, at the end of the 1980s, the French will pull out of the Concorde program, leaving Concorde a solely British program. The program will then include the other member countries of Project Phoenix and advance to the Concorde II program, to produce a larger Concorde to carry more passengers.

British Aerospace Companies

As the 1960s go on various British Aerospace Companies will merge, these will become the following.

British Aircraft Corporation (BAC)

The first being British Aircraft Corporation, comprising of Vickers-Armstrong, English Electric, Bristol and Hunting

Hawker Siddeley (HS)

The second being Hawker Siddeley Aviation (including Hawker Siddeley Dynamics), comprising of Hawker Siddeley, Blackburn, Avro, de Havilland, Scottish Aviation and Folland

All aero engine manufacture would be merged into Rolls Royce.

HMS Defiance (Defiance class Warship)

The Defiance class is a pair of prototype warships, these two warships will be Project Phoenixes first deep space warships, these first two warships will be fitted with a hyperdrive, shields and energy weapons, these two ships will have four forward firing missile tubes.

Two Fox Class shuttles will be carried onboard each Defiance Class.

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: Modified Al'kesh hyperdrive (Interstellar capable only)
Power Core: x4 Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Modified Goa'uld 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:
x6 Atmospheric/Space Superiority Osprey Fighters
x2 Shuttles (Fox class)
Cargo Capacity: 2,500 tonnes

The training of Defiance crew will be similar to that of a submarine crew being trained the officers will go though the starship equivalent of the Submarine Command Course (SMCC). Informally known, as the Perisher because of its low success rate, is a training course for naval officers preparing to take command of a submarine. Some of those who ‘fail’ the Perisher course will in fact have passed and go onto command a starship, the Perisher course like many other military courses will act as a screening process for potential recruits.

This training regime during this time, the candidates will be run through multiple war-like exercises with little respite between each.

This will lead to those officers and crew that pass, to be well drilled in how to use and operate these new spaceships, in all possible scenarios.

Once HMS Defiance trials are complete, the second ship will begin construction, HMS Audacious. This is to allow all the ‘bugs’ that are found during Defiance’s trials can be rectified during constriction, rather than just building more and more ships that are not fully space worthy.

Trails will start in 1961, with HMS Defiance becoming operational at the end of 1962.

HMS Audacious is due to be completed in 1963.

The Defiance class will initially consist of two ships Defiance and Audacious, a follow on class is planned this follow on class is being planned and this class will be able to carry a larger number of fighters (24) and four shuttles.

The class name of the follow on class is the Black Prince class with three other ships planned (apart from HMS Black Prince) these will be named HMS Resistance, HMS Royal Oak and HMS Hood. A large battle fleet is planned this fleet will be based in the Heliopolis system, though ships will be sent to Abydos, to guard this system, but only after enough ships have been built, events however will overtake this decision.

With Canada and Australia’s inclusion in this project additional warships will be built these will be crewed jointly by British, Canadians and Australians, once these personnel have gone through the security checks. Some of these personnel will become permanent residents by ‘dying’ and moving to their new home on Heliopolis.

Goa'uld Civil War

At the end of 1960, the Goa'uld Civil War comes to an end by mutual agreement, with Apophis becoming the new Supreme System Lord of the Goa'uld Empire, a title which makes him nominal Emperor of the Goa'uld. The other Goa'uld System Lords looked at Apophis with envy and for an opportunity to unseat Apophis (and kill him), so that they can become the Supreme System Lord.

If Apophis makes too many mistakes his reign would be very short, Apophis may have been a bit mad, but he was not stupid, Apophis begins to slowly take control of those worlds that has been Ra’s for his own. While at the same time, Apophis begins to enlarge his military forces, from the attack he feared that would come from his fellow system lords.

It would not be until 1965, that Apophis would send a small detachment of Jaffa to Abydos (via the Stargate) to try to secure that world in his name.

Project Phoenix receives the news of the end of the Goa’uld Civil War, Mountbatten orders that all off world exploration cease for the time being, this is because Mountbatten wants the first two warships completed first, so that they have something to fight with if the Goa’uld come calling.

To be continued.
 
19. 1961/1962

Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.” – Winston Churchill

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War

This would begin in 1962, small commitment of 30 men, and would increase over the following decade to a peak of 7,672 Australians deployed in South Vietnam or in support of Australian forces there.

The Australian would use a variety of new equipment, including the new EM-2 rifle, the TSR-2 Eagle GR1 bomber/reconnaissance aircraft, along with carrier base strikes against North Vietnam positions. This would see combat use by the Australian of her new carrier HMAS Sydney and her air group of de Havilland Sea Vixens for air defence and Blackburn Buccaneers in their bomber role.

This would also lead the Australian government to purchase the Shorts Belfast transport aircraft and the Rotodyne in the heavy airlift roles for military operations, both of these aircraft would perform very well indeed.

In 1966 journalist Gerald Stone described tactics then being used by Australian soldiers newly arrived in Vietnam “The Australian battalion has been described ...as the safest combat force in Vietnam... It is widely felt, that the Australians have shown themselves able to give chase to the guerrillas without exposing themselves to the lethal ambushes, which have claimed so many American dead... Australian patrols shun jungle tracks and clearings... picking their way carefully and quietly through bamboo thickets and tangled foliage... .It is a frustrating experience to trek through the jungle with Australians. Patrols have taken as much as nine hours to sweep a mile of terrain. They move forward a few steps at a time, stop, listen, then proceed again.”

The Vietnam War would be the longest and most controversial war Australia has ever fought. Although initially enjoying broad support due to concerns about the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia, as Australia's military involvement increased a vocal anti-war movement developed.

With the monies coming in from their twenty-five percent share of Project Phoenix, funding the Vietnam War would not be a problem for the Australian government.

On the 11th January 1973, Australian involvement in hostilities in Vietnam will have ceased.

The British government saw the Vietnam War as an excellent testing ground for their new weapons and tactics via the Australian’s, though the Australian government did not see it the way the British government did, the Australian government did provide combat assessments of how well various bits of equipment where or where not performing.

After the Eagle GR.1, the Rotodyne would become the most successful helicopter in the Vietnam War, due to its high speed and the ability to carry a large number of troops and equipment, making the Rotodyne very popular with the Australian military. The Rotodyne would also prove to be very tough and easy to repair, the other role that the Rotodyne would be used for is in the gunship role, with the fitting of Heavy Machine Guns at the various doors and two to four bolted onto the front, allowing the ‘gunship’ to provide supporting fire to troops.

New Zealand and the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War also involved New Zealand as well, though like Australia this would be highly controversial. Like Australia, once New Zealand becomes a part of Project Phoenix, the need for US ‘assistance’ diminishes considerably.

New Zealand would purchase the Harrier FRG.1 (24) as a consequence of the Vietnam War, rather than purchasing US equipment, this is due to the public backlash over the Vietnam War, the purchase of the Harrier FRG.1 does gain public approval, as does concentrating on much closer ties with the UK, Canada and Australia. The Harrier FRG.1 orders would eventually increase giving the RNZAF a greater number of fighters.

With Australia and New Zealand becoming much closer to the UK and Canada and becoming more ‘arms length’ with the US in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, 1970s onwards. This is seen by the US as a consequence of the involving these two countries in the Vietnam War, this is partly true, but it also has more to do with Project Phoenix, though none of the four governments involved can say this.

South Africa and the Commonwealth

On the 31st May 1961, South Africa ‘leaves’ the Commonwealth because of Apartheid, South Africa will remain out of the Commonwealth until South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth on 1st June 1994.

This would also lose the Royal Navy base at Simonstown on the 16th June 1975 when the UK government terminated the Simonstown Agreement.

Ring Transporters

With several satellites now in Earth orbit, the ring transporters are now being used to transfer personnel and small amount of equipment from Borthwick Castle to the War Department building in London. This has led to a drop in the numbers of vehicles coming and going from Borthwick Castle, to a bare minimum, the War Department building in London has so many people coming and going a few extra are not going to be noticed.

The satellites in Earth orbit, will also allow for the transport of personnel and equipment from the UK to both Australia and Canadian, once ring transporters have been set up in these counties.

The other place that will have a ring transporter will be RAF Barra in 1962, when this base becomes operational.

HMS Defiance Trails

On the 1st March 1961, with all prefight trials completed, HMS Defiance lifts off from her dry-dock that is next to HMS Audacious dry-dock. After slowly climbing into a geostationary orbit, the crew of HMS Defiance then conduct a series of tests to make sure that nothing has gone wrong.

On the 2nd March 1961, HMS Defiance begins her sub light trials around the Heliopolis system these trials are completed by the 10th March 1961, as there are several bugs in the sub light drive.

On the 12th March 1961, after HMS Defiance re-enters orbit she takes onboard her complement of six Osprey fighters, along with the two fox class shuttles, the hanger performs well and there are no problems.

On the 15th March 1961, HMS Defiance begins her weapons trials, these weapons trials will take the remainder of the month, as the weapons systems need to be calibrated properly. This will also see the testing of the Mark 1 nuclear missiles being launch from the four forward firing missile tubes.

These Mark 1 nuclear missiles have a 205 megaton yield, this is possible because the small nuclear warhead has been enhanced by Naquadah, making the 20 megaton nuclear warhead yield increase to 205 megatons. The Mark 1 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.

A total of 150 of these Mark 1 nuclear missiles have so far been produced on Heliopolis, work is well underway to produce a much more powerful nuclear missiles.

On the 2nd April 1961, Hyperspace trials begin these trials will involve HMS Defiance travelling from Heliopolis to Abydos, as this is a well used route by the two hyperdrive equipped freighters. The journey time for HMS Defiance is expected to be four days in hyperspace.

On the 7th April 1961, HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace in the Abydos system one day later than expected. HMS Defiance adopts a geostationary orbit over the Abydos Pyramid, waiting for the ok to commence landing, this landing will not be a normal land as HMS Defiance, will not actually land on the surface, but using her anti gravity drive to hover over the ‘landing area’.

On the 8th April 1961, HMS Defiance ‘lands’ near the Abydos Pyramid, the loading of 1,500 tonnes of stored raw materials for processing at Heliopolis begins. These raw materials have been stored, as they cannot be sent to Heliopolis quickly enough, using HMS Defiance as a ‘freighter’ is a quick solution to shipping the raw materials.

Though HMS Defiance can carry up to 2,500 tonnes of cargo, it was thought for her first trip not to fully load her. The 1,500 tonnes of stored raw materials that have been loaded is not all of the stored raw materials, only a small percentage, as the locals have been frantically mining, now that they have access to more advanced mining equipment.

On the 29th April 1961, the loading of the raw materials has been completed none of the locals have been involved in this, due to potential security concerns, only members of Project Phoenix have been involved in the loading of HMS Defiance.

On the morning of the 30th April 1961, HMS Defiance slowly lift off from near the Abydos Pyramid, taking much more time to get into orbit, than she did when getting into orbit of Heliopolis.

By midday, all the checks are complete HMS Defiance jumps into hyperspace back towards Heliopolis.

On the 7th May 1961, HMS Defiance drops out of hyperspace back into the Heliopolis system, her first trip has been a success. Before landing, back on Heliopolis HMS Defiance launches her fighters and two shuttles back down to the surface.

By the 10th May 1961, HMS Defiance is back in her dry-dock on Heliopolis unloading the raw materials and receiving some maintenance on those systems that need ‘tweaking’ a bit.

HMS Defiance’s first set of ‘missions’ will be to bring all the stored raw materials on Abydos back to Heliopolis, this will take until the end of 1961 to achieve.

With Defiance now operational HMS Echo and HMS Scott will be scrapped, as they are no longer needed, with HMS Audacious soon to become operational as well, as both of these warships can ship much more raw materials than both HMS Echo and HMS Scott could even ship, in one go.

The Defiance class’s pennant numbers will be as follows, HMS Defiance – 01 and HMS Audacious – 02, these two warships will not be classed as destroyers or cruisers as no one can figure out what they should be classed as, yet.

Project Phoenix Leadership – Changes

With the retirement of Lieutenant General Sir Wilson Smith on the 31st March 1961, Major General Richard Thomas becomes Head of Military Operations and Security with Brigadier Hugh Walker becoming Deputy Head of Military Operations and Security.

In addition, there will be one representative from Canada and Australia sitting with the management team this ‘management team’ will become the all encompassing Committee running Project Phoenix, though with security checks still being carried out, no one has yet been appointed to these posts.

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
Command of the Off World Exploration Regiment – Brigadier Ewan Tenant

With the addition of the Canadians and the Australian’s, the number of sections will increase along with a reorganisation of the sections, both Canada and Australia with each have a representative assigned (after security checks) to the leadership of Project Phoenix.

Also Canada and Australia will now start to build up their own Gold reserves, along with paying of their own wartime debit, without the burden of the wartime debit both these economies will soon start to boom, just as the UK economy is.

Both Canada and Australia suggest that New Zealand should become part of Project Phoenix, Mountbatten states that Britain will not reduce its percentage below fifty percent, if Canada and Australia wish to include New Zealand, then they will have to reduce their percentage.

After conferring both Canada and Australia reluctantly, agree to reduce their percentage to twenty percent each to allow New Zealand to have a ten percent stake in Project Phoenix. As a condition of this both Canada and Australia reserve, the tight to veto any other country that the UK wishes to join Project Phoenix, Mountbatten agrees to this.

Eventually all four countries will go to twenty-five percent each, as it is felt that the split should be much more even this is one of Mountbatten’s changes, as Mountbatten is also head and British member of management team that will become the Committee of Four.

New Zealand will join in late 1962, the New Zealand Prime Minister Keith Holyoake as both the Canadian and Australian Prime Minister’s did, as with both Canada and Australia, the New Zealand Prime Minister Keith Holyoake agrees to the conditions of becoming part of Project Phoenix.

In the future, all four countries must be in agreement for another country to join Project Phoenix, if one country says no, then it is the end of the discussion.

Mountbatten will look into informing the New Zealand Prime Minister once the necessary background checks have been carried out, as with both Canada and Australia rigorous security checks need to be carried out.

Off World Exploration Sections

The new order of battle for the off world sections with be based on the SAS Regiment that has four operational A, B, D and G.

Project Phoenix will have six squadrons in its off world exploration Regiment, these squadrons will be A, B, D, E, F and G.

With 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: signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of their training. These 12 civilian support personnel are made up of scientist and engineers that are attach to sections that are exploring other worlds.

Squadron A, commanded by Major James Macpherson, has Sections 1, 2 and 3, along with the best civilian scientist and engineers attached to Squadron A, like Tom Oliver.

Squadron B, has Sections 4, 5 and 6, made up of British military personnel.

Squadron D, has Sections 7, 8 and 9, made up of British military personnel.

Squadron E, has Sections 10, 11 and 12, made up of British military personnel.

Squadron F, has Sections 14, 15 and 16, this squadron has entirely Canadian military personnel, as Canada’s contribution to Project Phoenix.

Squadron G, has Sections 17, 18 and 19, this squadron has entirely Australian military personnel, as Australia’s contribution to Project Phoenix.

The command of the off world exploration Regiment goes to a Brigadier, the current commander of the Regiment is Brigadier Ewan Tenant.

Each squadron will rotate though its three sections, while exploring, with each squadron on a month on and two months off, in this way the military and civilian personnel of each squadron and sections are not worn out by being too heavily used.

The plan is to have a mixed command of each squadron drawn from all three countries, for the time being Canada and Australia will have their own squadrons.

1962

RAF Barra

In early 1962, RAF Barra becomes operational, the first shipment of parts via the ring transporter begins, it will take several transports to ship all the parts needed from Borthwick Castle to RAF Barra. The power plant, drive systems and EC-1s etc will be manufactured on Heliopolis, then shipped to RAF Barra via the Stargate at Borthwick Castle in a disassembled form for reassembly at RAF Barra.

Most of the conventional parts for the Osprey Class Mk 1 would be built by the various British defence firms, then shipped (via an indirect route) to RAF Barra for assembly.

Apart from the Osprey fighters, RAF Barra will have squadron of Lighting fighters for defence, along with small numbers of other conventional aircraft as well, this will maintain RAF Barra as an RAF test base for secret aircraft. All these aircraft will be crewed by the Osprey pilots, as the number of personnel need to be kept to a minimal on base.

The first Osprey Class Mk 1 operated from RAF Barra will be in service from 1965, RAF Barra will only have a single squadron of 12 Osprey’s, as more of these fighters would draw too much attention. In addition, the training program cannot keep pace with a rapid expansion of the number of fighters, as this program is concentrating on Heliopolis and its warship and fighter programs Heliopolis will be sucking up all available personnel (and most of the resources) over the next few years.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Woomera air base and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Nunavut will also only operate a single squadron each, as all resources are going in to Heliopolis and the construction of fighters for the new warships.

Both Canada and Australia will have one warship each, initially, though more are planned, it is getting the trained personnel that are now slowing things up, as all personnel have to go through a rigorous screening program. All three countries agree that the screening program must remain as it is, as none of them wish for this great secret to come out.

They are all making so much money out of the current inventions along with the potential income from future inventions this does include the Gold that the Canadian and Australian economies are starting to grow at a very rapid rate. The gold is only used to pay of the wartime debits, along with building up these two (later three) countries Gold reserves to a pre war levels, after that the supply of Gold ceases.

Publicly this growth is put down to a joint trade deal between the three countries (later including New Zealand from 1966 onwards).

TSR-2 (Eagle GR1)

In 1962, construction of the first TSR-2 begins, with the first flight being made on the 27th September 1964 at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, by test pilot Roland Beamont. Assembly plants are also being set up in Canada and Australia to produce their 24 aircraft each.

The TSR-2 silenced its critiques including the Dennis Healey, the opposition defence spokesman causing Healey to withdraw his criticism of the TSR-2, after being ridiculed in the press for his lack of understanding of modern military equipment.

The TSR-2 program was safe, alone with numerous other programs and the Labour Party was too afraid of the Union backlash to cancel any programs when they come to power in 1964.

Repository of Knowledge

Another limited restart of the exploration program begins with the first planet being explored will be ASA-1121 [P3R-272] the remote shows only a room with the dialling device at one side and no entrances or exits.

It is decided to send section one along with Tom Oliver to have a look at what appear to writings on the floor.

As section one comes through the Stargate they find themselves in a room with a circular inscription in the middle, as Tom Oliver records the inscription with a small camera the rest of section one looks for a concealed entrance, they find nothing.

As Major Macpherson steps over the circle and immediately a device comes out of the wall, when Major Macpherson steps up and looks, the device grabs his head for a few seconds, then it lets go and Macpherson collapses into unconsciousness.

Section one travels back to Heliopolis via Abydos, after a medical check-up, Major Macpherson seems fine. However, during the debriefing Major Macpherson replaces a common word with an unknown one. Tom Oliver is ordered to keep an eye on Major Macpherson and try to translate what Major Macpherson is saying in the language.

Major Macpherson language condition starts getting worse and soon he is replacing common words with unknown words frequently (“cruvus” for wrong, “cosars” for legs and “falatus” for ability).

Tom Oliver takes Major Macpherson to his office to see if they can find out what is happening to him. Tom Oliver quickly realizes that the language is similar to Latin.

While looking at pictures of the circular inscription from the planet, which Major Macpherson can now read aloud “Nou ani Anquietas. Hic qua Videum.” They discover that Major Macpherson is also able to read other writings that Tom Oliver has been working on deciphering. Major Macpherson then writes a series of complex equations on a chalkboard in half a minute.

The equations do not make any sense to anyone.

All the medical team can suggest is that the alien device downloaded an alien language into Major Macpherson’s brain.

A short while later, Major Macpherson is in Alan Turing lab working on Turing’s crystal computer, this computer has a list of all the current Stargate’s, Turing is trying to match them up with their coordinates in the galaxy, both Tom Oliver and Alan Turing are watching what Major Macpherson is doing.

Major Macpherson appears to be entering a software program into Turing’s crystal computer, when Macpherson’s program runs, Tom Oliver and Alan Turing sees that this program is adding new gate destinations, however they are not from the Abydos cartouche. This would indicate that the Goa'uld do not know the location of all the Stargate’s in the Milky Way Galaxy, Seth later confirms this.

Back in Tom Oliver’s office with Alan Turing in tow, Macpherson (who has lost the ability to speak anything but the alien language) and Tom are translating the inscription. It reads “We are the Ancients. This is the place of our legacy.”

Tom, identifying them as Roman deities, speculates the following:

The Ancients might have been the original creators of the Stargate with the device, which grabbed Macpherson’s head, was a repository of the Ancients' knowledge alien device downloaded that information into Macpherson brain.

Alan Turing, perplexed by the equations on Tom’s chalkboard, wishes that Macpherson could explain what the formula is all about; Macpherson responds by handing her a paper that says 10=8, this is to state that the equations are using base 8 math as opposed to the base 10 commonly used. It will turn out to be a revolutionary way of calculating the distance between planets.

The medical staff, does not have a solution, they explain in Tom Oliver’s office, that Macpherson is in danger of eventually dying also Macpherson can no longer speak English.

As they discuss Macpherson’s condition, Macpherson starts building a device, which he himself does not know the purpose of, once the device is complete. Macpherson heads towards the Stargate building, were he hooks up the device to the Stargate, then goes around to the dialling device, no one stops him as they are curious what he is up to, after all Macpherson has done nothing to harm anyone.

Macpherson dials a gate address that cannot be overridden the device that is hooked up to the Stargate seems to be providing the Stargate with more power than normal.

As Macpherson dials and a wormhole is established at its eighth chevron (instead of the normal seventh), Alan Turing figures out that the gate has dialled outside of the galaxy and the eighth chevron is for a distance calculation to that galaxy.

Macpherson stands at the active Stargate, Brigadier Simons, military commander of Heliopolis allows Macpherson to go through the Stargate, after assurances from both Alan Turing and Tom Oliver, Macpherson steps through the Stargate.

A few moments later the Stargate shuts down, Brigadier Simons orders that the address be redialled, however the device is now dead and the dialling device will not accept the eight-chevron address.

Othala

As Macpherson is thrown out of the Stargate, he makes contact with the Asgard, in the language of the Ancients he asks for help, the Asgard remove the memory of the Ancients from his brain causing him to become unconscious.

After a short while, Macpherson wakes up and asks, “Where am I”

An Asgard replies, “You are on the Asgard world of Othala, in the galaxy of Ida.”

Macpherson nods and asks, “How did I get here?”

Asgard replies, “Your subconscious mind brought you to Othala, where you could get help. The information was not meant for you as your brain is not developed enough for it.”

Macpherson replies, “I guess not”

Asgard says, “We have been monitoring Earth for some time and discovered that some of the humans of Earth have great potential.”

Macpherson replies, “That is good.”

The Asgard after conferring with several other Asgard says, “Know this, there was once an alliance of four great races, the Ancients, Asgard, Nox, and Furlings.”

Macpherson replies, “We have met the Asgard before.”

Asgard replies, “We know and what have you heard of us.”

Macpherson replies, “Only great things.”

Asgard seems to smile at Macpherson’s comment and says, “It is possible that one day you will become the Fifth Great Race of this Alliance” with the inference from the Asgard that this alliance was never formally disbanded and is still in existence in some form or another.

Macpherson and the Asgard shake hands, with Macpherson asking when Thor is likely to come back, the Asgard replies, “Soon”

Macpherson is then sent home through the Stargate with none of the Ancient knowledge in his head, though he will have one hell of a mission report to write.

The Asgard will return...

Meanwhile the situation in Cuba is turning into a problem (for the US).

Cuban Missile Crisis

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis would be a confrontation between the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States.

With the Soviet Union backing down, the Cuban Missile Crisiswould pass, but it would be the closest that both the Soviet Union and the United States would ever come to going to war.

To be continued.
 
20. 1963/1964

We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it.” – Winston Churchill

1963

In January 1963, construction/assembly begins of HMS Black Prince (now called the Black Prince class rather than batch 2 of the Defiance class), the first of the enlarged Defiance class warships the second Black Prince class warship HMS Resistance will begin construction in June 1963.

Black Prince Class

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: Improved version of Goa'uld hyperdrive (Interstellar capable only) provided by Seth
Power Core: x6 Naquadah reactors
Fuel: Naquadah
Shielding: Improved version of Goa'uld shields provided by Seth
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:
x12 (later increased to 24) Osprey Atmospheric/Space Superiority Fighters
x4 Shuttles
Cargo Capacity: 3,500 tonnes

The Black Prince class is an enlarged version of the Defiance class the Black Prince class’s enlarged hull is primarily to carry additional Osprey class fighters and not to carry a large number of additional weapons. The Black Prince class will also have improved shields and hyperdrive systems derived from Goa'uld technology and assistance from Seth, rather than modified versions of captured Goa'uld hyperdrive and shields as used in the Defiance class.

This new class is as large a warship as they can build on Heliopolis at this time, it is also felt by Mountbatten that trying to build a small number larger and larger warships would be self-defeating. As they need numbers of standard designed warships and not just a few large warships, in a potential battle against the Goa'uld numbers will count, however this decision will change as the years go by, back to a small of large warships after Project Phoenix acquires certain technologies.

Apart from HMS Black Prince – 03, three additional warships are currently planned, HMS Resistance – 04, HMS Royal Oak – 05 and HMS Hood – 06, these ships will be operated by joint UK, Canadian and Australian crews.

The in service dates for these four warships are as follows

HMS Black Prince – 03 due to be completed 1965
HMS Resistance – 04 due to be completed 1965
HMS Royal Oak – 05 due to be completed 1969
HMS Hood – 06 due to be completed 1969

The irony being that construction of the Black Prince class could now be much quicker, thanks to improved construction facilitates and the knowledge gained from the construction of the two Defiance class warships on Heliopolis. However the screening and training of personnel, is now the main problem, therefore the construction program has been slowed to keep pace with the screening and training of personnel.

It is calculated by the early 1970s that the training program will have caught up with the warship construction program then it will only take three years to construction a Black Prince class warship, as the crews will then be available.

Winter of 1963

Between January and April 1963, Britain has the worst winter since 1946-1947 low temperatures keep lying snow around until early April in some areas. With the new nuclear reactors increasingly providing the electrical power for the UK, disruption to the UK’s power supply is minimal, only in areas were power lines have come down is the electrical supply interrupted.

This pushes this government (and future governments) to increase funding for nuclear power. This intern will speed up the construction of nuclear power stations across the UK, as nuclear reactors are seen as vital for the UK future electrical generation needs.

Profumo Affair

In early 1963, the Profumo affair permanently damaged the credibility of Macmillan's government. Macmillan survived a Parliamentary vote with a majority of 69, one fewer than had been thought necessary for his survival, and was afterwards joined in the smoking-room only by his son and son-in-law, not by any Cabinet minister. Nonetheless, Butler and Maudling (who was very popular with backbench MPs at that time) declined to push for his resignation, especially after a tide of support from Conservative activists around the country.

Fortunately, Profumo did not know anything about Project Phoenix, the screening process would have found out about this affair if he had been investigated by SI-5. If this had happened, it is likely that Macmillan would have survived as PM and there would have been a Conservative victory at the next General Election.

The problem being this did not happen this intern would lead to Macmillan standing down as Prime Minister on the 18th October 1963, with Alec Douglas-Home becoming the new Prime Minister.

As with previous Prime Ministers, Alec Douglas-Home would give Project Phoenix his full support, after getting over the initial shock, Alec Douglas-Home would be Prime Minister for only one year.

The irony would be that if the Profumo affair had not happened that Macmillan would have been re-elected due to the performance of the UK economy.

In the 1964 General Election, the Conservatives would lose to the Labour Party due to the Profumo affair.

The Asgard Returns

During early February 1963, the Asgard returns, with two Asgard warships suddenly dropping out of hyperspace very close to Heliopolis and for several minutes scaring the hell out of everyone.

Once it is confirmed that they are Asgard warships and after Thor and Hermiod beam into the command centre without any warning (the Asgard seem to do that a lot), Thor explains that Hermiod is here to observe.

After Major General Thomas comes through the Stargate from Earth, to confirm that this is ok, after all why would they refuse to have both an Asgard and an Asgard Warship in orbit.

Thor does inform those present that Hermiod is here to observe and not to help, once Major General Thomas confirms Hermiod’s position as an observer, Thor leaves and shortly afterwards his ship jumps into hyperspace.

Hermiod is an Asgard that tends to mutter to himself in the Asgard language whenever the humans did something to frustrate him however his relationship with the humans would grow and improved with time.

Hermiod is also very hard to impress.

Hermiod will spend most of his time onboard his ship in orbit and only coming down to observe from time to time, the members of Project Phoenix speculate that the Asgard sensors onboard his ship can do most of the observing without the need for Hermiod to beam down to the planet.

The Asgard do help these humans in one area, Stealth, they give Project Phoenix, a lesser version/older version of the Asgard systems that makes an Asgard ship invisible to radar (when in Earth orbit), this system will be fitted to both the Osprey class and the Defiance and Black Prince class warships. These systems will only work against Earth technologies they will not work against Goa'uld sensors.

This will allow the operational use of the Osprey class fighters from their airbases on Earth without being detected by the various radar systems across the planet operated by the various governments.

The Asgard do not see this as advancing Earth technology, only giving this slightly sooner than they would have got this technology anyway, this is a powerful gesture by the Asgard this will lead to other advances in the years to come.

The one person to give Hermiod a wide berth is Seth, who is afraid of the Asgard.

At the same time on Earth a discovery is about to be made.

Merlin and the Ancients

In late February 1963, a ring transportation accident has a group of six engineers accidentally ring into the vault called Avalon of an ancient called Merlin (and many other names), they quickly realise the error and manage to ring back to Borthwick Castle to report what has happened.

Section one is ordered to investigate, taking Tom Oliver along for any translations that may need to be done.

They ring inside a hidden cavern where a hologram of Merlin tells them that only the true will gain access to the treasures of the Ancients, there is a sword in a stone, however as no one is able to remove it. They decide to explore further, the split into two groups both groups find a room each, which lights up upon entry. In both rooms, the parties encounter puzzles, and the doors lock shut automatically. Just when they think it cannot get any worse, the ceiling begins to lower to crush them, and they must solve the puzzles in time before they are crushed.

One group solves their puzzle, a logic/Ancient Proverb hybrid, while the other group to rearrange the 8 blocks (corresponding to the numbers 1 through 8) in correct order.

They return to the main anteroom, where Macpherson is now able to remove the sword from the stone. However, as soon as he does so, a knight, fully armoured, appears, and Macpherson is forced to fight. The members of section one attempt to shoot it with their Sten guns but it turns’ out to be a hologram, hologram or not, ignoring it appears not to be an option, because while a blow across the back does not actually leave a cut on Macpherson, it “hurts like hell.” In fact, Macpherson is the only one able to wield the sword to everyone else it is just a hologram. After taking a number of blows, Macpherson manages to impale the knight, and the hologram disappears.

Nothing happens after he defeats the knight, so Tom Oliver hypothesizes that perhaps only Major Macpherson has gained the right to actually continue the quest. Macpherson on a hunch, replaces the sword into the stone, and upon doing so, a massive amount of treasure appears in the cavern.

In the aftermath of gaining control over Merlin’s ‘base’, several teams come to supervise the cataloguing of the treasure this includes Seth, who is amazed at the amount of treasure in the cave.

The amount of treasure to go through will take several months to catalogue, in late 1963, they will find a device, which they will misidentify, leading to this devices destruction.

HMS Audacious

In March 1963, HMS Audacious becomes operational HMS Audacious trails will last until the end of 1963, this now gives Project Phoenix two operational warships, though against the combined might of the system lords fleets, these two ships would not last very long.

HMS Audacious along with HMS Defiance will take turns in bringing the raw materials from Abydos to Heliopolis, while the other ship remains to defend Heliopolis from any potential attack.

With two new warships under construction HMS Black Prince and HMS Resistance, both are due to be completed in 1965, this will give Project Phoenix a total of four warships by 1965 and by 1969 six warships.

Is this a Bomb?

In late 1963, while sorting though the treasure under Glastonbury Tor in England, they find a device that they cannot indentify (this is an Ancient long-range communication device and not a bomb), while they are running tests on this device, Seth comes to have a look to see if he can identify it.

After seeing the device, a shocked Seth says, “This looks similar to a Goa'uld bomb to me, I would suggest you get this device out of here quickly.”

The people studying the device stop and back away from the ‘bomb’, one the people studying the device asks, “Where should we take this device?”

Seth says, “As far away as possible, into space” no further discussion is needed as everyone can see that Seth is afraid of the device, as Seth genially believes that this is a bomb.

Four of the troops carefully move the device to the ring transporter and transport it to Borthwick Castle then trough the Stargate to Heliopolis and from there into space via HMS Defiance’s own ring transporter.

While all this transporting is going on there has been a steady build up of power in the device, once jettisoned into space from HMS Defiance, HMS Defiance raises her shields and opens fire with one of her quad cannons, destroying the device. When the fire hits the device, this causes an overload of the devices power source, causing a very large secondary explosion.

The Asgard are informed that this was a bomb, Hermiod shows no interest in this bomb at all, Hermiod is more interested in the electronic book on Heliopolis, than some bomb, Hermiod does not even want a picture of this bomb or any other kind of information.

With the destruction of this device, there is no chance in meeting the Ori.

However, they have discovered that some of the Ancients went home after Tom Oliver discovers an Alteran history book. The Alteran history book is the only text found among the treasures in Merlin's vault in Avalon. While reading it, Tom Oliver learned about a race named the Alterans, who came to the Milky Way from another galaxy and built many “Astria Porta” (Stargate’s). Tom Oliver immediately realized that the Alterans were the Ancients, and that they had evolved in another galaxy. What the book left out was why the Alterans left their galaxy and came here.

Another mystery to solve, what galaxy did the Alterans return to, after all there are a large number of galaxy’s out there. This information in the Alteran history book is shared with the Asgard, this is one of the few times that Hermiod is impressed and passes this information onto the Asgard High Council for further study.

The Asgard High Council will find this book most illuminating and will agree with Hermiod that these group of humans could become the Fifth race in the long term, in addition any requests made by these humans is to be considered carefully. As these humans may be able to help with the enemy of the Asgard, this enemy is known by only one name, Replicator.

November 1963

On the 22nd November 1963, President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald is charged with the crime but is shot and killed two days later by Jack Ruby before any trial.

Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson becomes the 36th President.

1964

On the 5th January 1964, the Shorts Belfast transport aircraft begins trials, entering operational service in January 1966 with the RAFs 53 Squadron. The original requirement of 30 aircraft for the RAF would increase to 100, with Australia, New Zealand and Canada also purchasing this aircraft, pushing the numbers ordered over the 200 mark. This would be followed by other countries as well, leading to orders that would keep the Belfast in production well into the 1980s and beyond.

This would also lead to an improved Belfast II in the 1990s this improved Belfast II would enter service in 1998, a year before the C-130J.
[Authors note: this would be the same as the C-130 upgrade from the H model to the improved J model]

In 1964, the War Department becomes the Ministry of Defence.

In 1964, BEA Helicopters Limited is formed as a separate company with the main helicopter being the Fairey (later Westland) Rotodyne, first commercial operations commence on the 1st May 1964.

The Rotodyne is already in RAF service as the RAF’s heavy lift helicopter of choice, along with the Army Air Corps as well.

From the mid 1960s onwards will see steady sales of the Rotodyne to both military and civil operators.

On the 21st February 1964, the £10 banknotes are issued for the first time since the Second World War.

On the 10th March 1964, the Queen gives birth to her fourth child, a son.

A New Prime Minister

On the 16th October 1964, Harold Wilson becomes Prime Minister, on the 20th October Harold Wilson is informed of Project Phoenix and what it is really up to, for several minutes after being told Wilson is unable to speak due to the shock (this will happen a lot with new Prime Ministers when they are informed of Project Phoenix).

Once Wilson has recovered sufficiently and after much verbal prodding by both Mountbatten and Macmillan, Wilson agrees to keep Project Phoenix secret and to leave Mountbatten in charge of Project Phoenix. Wilson can easily see the benefits of such a project on Britain, Wilson over the next few months will be briefed on the considerable economic benefits the Project Phoenix has not only brought to the UK, but several Commonwealth countries as well, with Australia and Canada being named.

Like his predecessors, Wilson is overwhelmed by Project Phoenix and at the end of the meeting leaves the running up to Mountbatten and only request quarterly briefings rather than the weekly briefings that Macmillan had been getting.

This will mean that the Queen will know more about what is going on with Project Phoenix than the Prime Minister does, as the Queen receives weekly briefings on Project Phoenix and this will not change.

Mountbatten is quite happy to be left to his own devices and the Prime Minister by this act has given Mountbatten a virtual free reign of Project Phoenix, though Mountbatten will not abuse this trust given to him by Wilson.

Meanwhile, Apophis is ‘appointed’ the new Goa'uld Supreme System Lord.

Apophis, Supreme System Lord

During early 1965, Apophis would become the new Supreme System Lord, replacing his dead brother Ra this would lead Apophis to secure Ra’s former holdings including Abydos this intern would lead to Apophis’s downfall.

World speed record on water

On the 31st December 1964, Donald Campbell sets the world speed record on water at 276.33 mph on Dumbleyung Lake in Australia.

To be continued.
 
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