[War] US/Canada: Subs for sale

[John Penta]

"Subs for sale"
27 August 2014
Pres. John Williams, USA
PM James McColl, Canada
And Assorted Others
=====================
<Washington>

  WELCOME TO JWICSNET.

 With that simple message, John Williams was logged on to the White
House's private nerwork for secure communications.

 A quick check of his appointment book found that there was a
virtual conference - as much a test run of new features as to discuss
issues of note - with the Canadian defense team, from PM McColl
through to his service chiefs, with their counterparts on the US side.
Still 30 minutes to go.

---

 It looked like something out of sci-fi; A virtual conference room
floating in sky. Around the US side of the table were himself,
currently in his "internal avatar" of a wolf; Secretary Abbot, Admiral
Giambastiani, and the Joint Chiefs. Their internal icons were
stylized, metaphorical - and used strictly for US-only chats. A
keypress, and everyone changed to external avatars - realistic
representations of the person at hand.

 Beyond the immensely faster transfer of data such a virtual
conference allowed, it also allowed for some fairly neat graphics
effects, which the Joint Chiefs were playing around with. Abbot and
Williams had already run through the system.

 Soon enough, playtime ended, though, after a virtual swordfight "to
test how much the arms move" between Army and Navy. Uh huh.

 It was time to meet the Canucks, so Williams tapped another key,
indicating that the US Side was ready to connect through POLARISNet.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa, several people were linking into the system at
the same time.  Prime Minister McColl, Defense Minister Ansdale, Chief
of Defense Staff Girard and Head of MARCOM Matthieu Charpentier.
Everyone, like the Americans, had their own avatar, a digital photo of
themselves, nothing too fancy.

This was likely to be a most interesting meeting, McColl reflected to
himself while pressing the key to connect.

After the usual introductions (and a quick bit of instruction on some
features, like messaging among a delegation), the meeting got down to
business.

"We were warned to have defibrilators ready," joked Williams. "I'm
told Ottawa has an offer they'd like to put on the table?"

That provoked chuckles from everyone.  "It is true, even we come up
with bilateral somethings once-in-awhile." McColl grinned.

"But yes, for real.  I know that several months ago we approached you
with an offer to buy 3 Virginia Class subs off you.  We may have an
offer that could be a better solution.  Instead just giving American
shipyards the money to build those boats, we could also apprentice a
Canadian yard to yours, so we can also learn those building methods."

"That definitely is an interesting proposal. Is Canada doing this with
a view to building her own SSN fleet?" Williams asked.

"I don't know if you could call it a fleet.  We do want the future
capability of building them, but we have no ambitious plans, if that's
what you mean.  We do want to be able to contribute more to North
American defense, and especially our own Arctic Sovereignty, and we
view these submarines as an excellent way to do so."  explained
Charpentier.  He coughed, though whether out of nervousness or or not,
McColl couldn't tell.

Williams nodded thoughtfully.

Admiral Michael Walther, the Chief of Naval Operations, spoke then.

"Nuclear submarines require a sustained commitment, Mr. Prime
Minister. What assurances can you give us that Canada will continue to
spend the money required for a safe and efficient nuclear operation,
even when governments change?"

Williams coughed. "That was badly put. What kind of cross-party
support do you have for this endeavor?" Or, for that matter, within
the Liberal caucus itself, he did *not* add. "Nuclear safety requires
a substantial investment across decades, and it doesn't matter who
happens to be in power at the time. And one accident would bring a
cloud over the navies of both nations. So we need you to make a gut
check: Is this a policy you'll be able to get support on when the
situation is...less insane?"

McColl took the lead.  "I believe so, yes.  The main issue is of
course the money.  No government wants to be seen spending piles of
money for no reason.  However, the world we live in is quickly
becoming more and more dangerous.  This requires a consistent
investment in national defence, which America is no stranger to. "

At this point, Ansdale stepped in.  "As to whether there is support
among the Liberal caucus and the rest of the government, yes.  Once
the initial investment is made, which is the hardest part, people will
go along with it.  We have offered the Conservatives the Immigration
portfolio in order to gain their immediate support in the house, and
we know that they are interested in this for the long term too."

Williams smiled. "Good to hear. Now, as discussed, the base subs will
cost $2 Billion per submarine." *Now* he could as easily be selling
wrenches as attack subs, weirdly. "Additionally, Canadian crews will
undergo US training - subject to the same requirements in all
respects, no exceptions.

"If those conditions are agreeable, we have a sale."

Girard, the Chief of the Defence Staff, grumbled, "We were going to
ask for US training anyways.  We have no experience in these matters."
 McColl grinned, he sounded in anguish there, he thought.

Then McColl said, "We set aside the money in the spring budget, and
it's still there.  Money will not be an issue."

"Then it sounds like there's nothing left. Any other matters on the
defense side to discuss?"

"Nope, we're good for now.  You?" asked Ansdale.

"Good for now."
----
Actions:
1. Canada to buy 3 Virginia-class SSNs at $2 Billion per sub.
2. Canadian yard to "apprentice" with builders, to gain experience in
sub construction.