The Southern Hemisphere Alien Defence Operatives Watchguard
I stood nervously in front of commander Losario. I was his new personal
assistant. The last one having been killed during an assassination attempt when
he sacrificed his life for the commander's. Those seemed like big shoes to fill,
and in a way they were.
"Hello Private Sanchez. I suppose its time to show you the ropes. Welcome to
S.H.A.D.O.W."
"I'm glad to be here commander."
"No need for such formalities. We find they get in the way of business here at
the main base. Son you know that the Japanese paid us to put our base here?"
"Really sir?"
"Oh yes, private. They thought that we would be able to destroy the Kaijuu if our
headquarters was placed here."
"Any success?"
"Look around you. Is this success? The damn things regenerate like crazy and are
tough as hell to boot. Still its nice that we didn't have to pay for it."
"How did the Kaijuu get here?"
"No one really knows. In 1989 the damn things appeared and since then have
attacked Japan once a year. They're always on our case for not eliminating
them."
"Naturally sir. They do destroy Tokyo once a year."
"They attack the Kanto region of Japan. Tokyo is in there but has never been
attacked. Its a common misconception. Anyways, things are working themselves
out. Kaijuu meat is quite popular in Japan."
"What's it taste like?"
"It tastes like crap but they feel like its their patriotic duty to eat the damn
stuff. Its like how every person in the JSD joined in just to get pay back on
the Kaijuu for something. Even though the pay, benefits and weapons suck they
still join. They hate the Kaijuu that much."
S.H.A.D.O.W. is a secret military organization conceived by the security council of the United Nations. It was founded in 1965 to defend Earth against UFO attacks, after the first confirmed encounter between the people of Earth and a vehicle of extra-terrestrial origin. This UFO incident triggered a series of secret international meetings, as the world's governments were informed of the definite existence of unidentified flying objects. On the way to one of these meetings, a military convoy containing Russian Colonel Kurtinov and American General Prospero was attacked by a UFO. Only the Colonel survived the ambush and his subsequent investigations proved that the UFOs were of alien origin, hostile, and that they posed a threat. The international community agreed to work together and create a secret organization to defend the earth. The organization was named the Secret Alien Defence Operatives Watchguard.
By 1975 SHADOW was fully operational with its main headquarters situated in both Mt Rushmore and Siberia. It was decided that SHADOW would always receive the newest and most cutting edge in technology. This would apply to both equipment and vehicles. Some equipment came from captured alien technology and the rest from MSI and MetaTech.
In 1989 a small island appeared through an interdimensional gateway off the coast of South Australia. The Australian army proved unable to secure it due to the supernatural terrors within. Finally a joint MetaTech/Justice Anonymous taskforce succeeded in reaching the centre of the island where they located the wreck of a spacecraft. Within it they discovered 30 foot monsters which disorientated and afraid went on a rampage obliterating most of the ship and the strike force. The creatures then moved on to the Kanto region of Japan where they destroyed everything in sight, then simply left and returned to the island. As the monsters seemed to become docile, no further action was taken against them. Instead a group of scientists were sent to study the island and its inhabitants, to be protected by a small SHADOW garrison. It was dubbed Terror Island.
In 1990 the second War of the Worlds took place. The Martians were repelled but all SHADOW bases were destroyed. Civilian deaths during the two week war were surprisingly minimal but SHADOW suffered 80% losses. Various hero groups were also decimated. The Martian's critical error was in attacking Terror Island for the energy sources they detected there. Instead the monster inhabitants massacred the bulk of the Martians allowing earth forces to mop up the rest.
In the aftermath of
the invasion SHADOW's horrendous losses in both manpower and resources
led to morale reaching an all time low. SHADOW had to be reorganised and
reinvented. Plans were drawn up for a mobile flying airbase and orbital
stations. An ultra tech flying aircraft carrier was built to serve as
the new SHADOW headquarters (dubbed Sky SHADOW). Further it was deemed
necessary to create an outer defence system. This eventually consisted
of a base located on the moon (Moon SHADOW), where 6 aerospace fighters
(Destiny Fighters) could counter the UFOs as they come to Earth. The
alien craft are detected by one of three orbital stations (Sword
of Damocles) also built which would likewise warn Sky
SHADOW.
Any UFOs that weren't destroyed by the fighters could be taken care of
by the earth defences. The main one consisting of a fleet of submersible
aircraft carriers (Sea SHADOW's) which would roam the oceans. If and when
a UFO entered earth's atmosphere, SHADOW fighter planes (Archangels)
would launch from a Sea SHADOW to attempt to destroy the UFO. If it
still managed to elude them and land, it would be tracked down and
destroyed by SHADOW tanks (SHADOW Hunters).
It was then decided Terror island would be handed over to SHADOW to become their new land based headquarters. Accordingly SHADOW was then renamed the Southern Hemisphere Alien Defence Operatives Watchguard with their island being renamed Shadow Island.
Information on Shadow Island can be found here.
Hierarchy |
|
SHADOW is run by Commander Romeo Kurtinov. His seconds in command are Col. Jason Sherridan, Col. Michael Reese, and Col. Gabby Drake. Moonbase is often commanded by Lt. Susana Rodriguez. | |
Ensign | 1st-4th level; includes only those recently introduced to SHADOW. These are the support troops who aid the regular SHADOW. Although similarly equipped to an Officer, Ensigns have less training. |
Lieutenant | 5th-14th level; those who have proven their loyalty and worth. The higher their level the more duties they are allowed. Each is well trained in all forms of armed and unarmed combat. Higher level lieutenants (8+) have their unique area of responsibility such as Internal Affairs, Public Relations, Communications, Military Coordination, Technology, and Recruitment and Training. |
Captain | 15th-18th level; in charge of the local branch and has the same powers as the Major within his own jurisdiction. |
Major | 19th level; in charge of all the branches within his country and has the same powers as the Colonel within his own jurisdiction. |
Colonel Kurtinov | 20th level; in charge of SHADOW, answerable only to the UN secretary. His job is to carry out official directives, oversee the international operations, and to represent the SHADOW administration to world governments, national allies, and potential friendly extraterrestrials. |
U.N. Secretary | Is kept constantly up to date by the Colonel on SHADOW's activities and any problems. He also decides on the funding for SHADOW and can arrange additional assistance as required. |
Structure |
|
Administration |
This section comprises the SHADOW community section, Administration & Personnel, Maintenance fleet, Education and the Security Response Squad. The Maintenance Fleet maintains the various bases and fleets around the world and in space. Usually made up of older SHADOW personnel they supply food, fuel and munitions to the various outposts. |
Combat Services |
The most prestigious part of SHADOW. Full of young guns this section boasts some of the most technologically advanced weaponry found anywhere on the planet. This section is purely reactionary and not pro-active, primarily because of financial restraints. It has four divisions - Land, Sea, Air and Space. SHADOW ground forces are based on all major masses in the world and possess the latest in high tech weaponry. This division is one of the more hazardous as the ground forces use the guise of the local military to avoid detection. As far as the locals are concerned, it's just another exercise. In certain world zones failure to comply with normal troop movements has led to problems. Water defence consists of a fleet of undersea aircraft carriers. Fighters can be launched once the carriers surface. The four quadrants of the globe must be covered at any one time. There are some water restriction zones. SHADOW has developed stealth technology to a new level, well beyond the capabilities of the ordinary military. Their attack aircraft are based in concealed hangers on SHADOW properties in participating countries, with fighter crews on twenty-four hour alert. The glamour section of Fighter Command, where the elite pilots are sent. They start on the lunar base and are then stationed on Orbital Platforms strategically placed around the Earth. This is the first line of defence, these are the ultra high tech interceptor attack fighters. On detection from the platforms or Moon SHADOW, hostile craft are hunted down and destroyed. |
Finances | This section is the bane of Kurtinov the Commander of SHADOW, it represents outside interests and also controls the purse strings. This section's role is to help develop policy, pass on specific countries requests and finalise principal financial matters. Sherridan controls this section and thinks Kurtinov has grown dictatorial and paranoid. He disapproves of some Kurtinov's less humane methods and tries to keep the organization in line. |
Intelligence | This section is commanded
by Col. Michael Reese. This area of SHADOW consists of the Undercover
Operatives and Data Processors. Undercover operatives are located through every fabric of society on all continents in the known world. The only means of identifying these operatives is with an implant scanner. It is feasible that operatives mix with each other every day and do not know of the other's existence. The main interest groups targeted are governments and their agencies, business corporations, alien infiltration and certain individuals. All their findings and submissions go through the data processors. Data processors collate and assess all information gathered by the undercover agents. This information is then channelled to the appropriate organisation or individual in SHADOW. |
Medical |
Operatives are stationed in all major hospitals throughout the world. Also a hospital is situated at SHADOW for any captured alien, hybrid human or other interesting life forms. SHADOW personnel are treated here and certain other practices of a highly sensitive nature take place here. The implantation process is conducted here. Captured individuals are also retained here for a short period. What happens to them is only known to a handful of individuals. These teams also deal with viral outbreaks, major traumas from alien attacks, the finding of hybrid humans and alien beings. Wherever these events may occur, or any medical trauma SHADOW deems a threat to humanity will see the combat teams mobilized. These teams are trained in all aspects of modern earth medicine and also have a degree of extra-terrestrial knowledge. |
R&D | This section fights a continual battle to develop and compete with alien technology and stay ahead of possible developments on Earth. Needless to say these are the most advanced laboratories on the planet. They are able to intercept any computer breaches or virus's known. It is also here that information is spread onto the internet. The information is usually false, but credible. They maintain a massive 'firewall' to protect SHADOW's security secrets. Computer traffic is continually monitored for hints of alien infiltration. Anything suspicious or dangerous and the entire organization involved is likely to vanish behind the firewall. |
Operations |
|
SHADOW
remains the planet's largest and most effective force for neutralizing
threats to world security and combating alien infiltration. |
Moon S.H.A.D.O.W. |
All of SHADOW's advanced satellite tracking equipment is housed here, it is also a desolate posting for most SHADOW operatives, as it is for a twelve month period and can get very routine. It is under constant threat from aliens, as the destruction of this installation would make the Earth vulnerable to attack. There are emergency plans to deal with such a catastrophe, but the base's destruction would allow the aliens time to enter the atmosphere, before the plans took effect. The main Destiny Fighter fleet and maintenance area is also located here. There are also ground based missile launchers and tanks. SHADOW personnel travel to the Moonbase in modified space shuttles. |
Vehicles
Arch Angel |
Vehicle Type Dimensions HPs Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems |
Destiny Fighter |
Vehicle Type Dimensions HPs Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems |
Lunar Shuttle |
Vehicle Type Dimensions HPs Cargo Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems Ship's Complement |
Sea Shadow |
Vehicle Type Dimensions Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems Ship's Complement Vehicle Complement Design After the second war of the worlds SHADOW realised that any naval vessels would be slow and powerless against an opponent who would sit in orbit and bomb them at their leisure. Thus the need to first find a suitable submersible design, and then a campaign to incorporate MetaTech and M.S.I technology into it. The rationale behind their designs for submersible carriers of unprecedented size was as follows: if ever the orbital and aerospace forces were defeated, the earth would need both a line of defence on the surface of the planet and a mechanism to keep open the lines of communication between the world's continents. Since the threat of orbital bombardment was even more severe in that case, the new vessels needed to be able to escape such a bombardment, while still counterattacking the enemy and keeping the communication lines open. SHADOW realised that ground bases were only a little less vulnerable to orbital bombardment than surface vessels, but that a submersible vessel would be hidden from view and safe from attack. Further the original small hangar design was expanded on a much greater scale to allow them to carry Archangels, which could be launched from undersea (max depth of 100 metres). |
Shadow Hunter |
Vehicle Type Dimensions HPs Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems |
Sky Shadow |
Vehicle Type Dimensions Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems Ship's Complement Vehicle Complement SHADOW's airborne aircraft carrier is
now the major headquarters of the entire organization. Sky Shadow is a
huge flying aircraft carrier which cruises the stratosphere at an
approximate altitude of 40,000 feet. It hovers by means of four large
fusion powered hover lift engines which are mounted on pylons outboard
of the flight deck. Sky Shadow has a number of jet engines which are
employed for horizontal flight. The carrier can maintain secure
communications in times of world crisis with strategic military bases
throughout the globe. Sky Shadow is also a major link in the Defence
Communications System which incorporates everything from ground lines to
satellites. |
Sword of Damocles |
Vehicle Type Dimensions HPs Propulsion Systems Endurance Limits Weapon Systems Equipment Ship's Complement Vehicle Complement 3 of these stations orbit
the earth and are used as early warning devices, tracking stations and
earth's second line of defence. A complement of Destiny Fighters are
also stationed here and serve as both station defence and
reinforcements for their moon base counterparts. The stations detect any
craft entering or exiting the earth's atmosphere. If there is no
authorisation for that craft's movement, the stations scramble their
Destiny Fighters to intercept and destroy it. If the craft has entered
the earth's atmosphere the Land, Air and Sea forces are scrambled. |