George Bush’S Great America [EN]: Chapter 115

“Are you getting bigger?”

“Am I? I guess I haven’t been working out lately, so I’ve gained some weight….”

“No, I mean your muscles are growing.”

“What an outrageous thing to say! My muscle loss is immense!”

“Stop talking nonsense. I think I can hear your muscles moving. More than anything, please sit down and do your work.”

“I’ve merely chosen the air as my chair. What an eco-friendly chair it is. It has no environmental hormones, and the more you sit, the healthier you become!”

Since Bush’s image was that of a strong leader rather than a friendly one, gaining muscle was a good thing for diplomacy. The United States was pursuing pressure diplomacy through its strong national power and perceived moral high ground, so a hulking figure was preferable to a small, weak one.

He wasn’t quite at the level of a bodybuilder, but his physique was beyond that of an ordinary person. What was unusual was the sense of intelligence emanating from his body, rather than just brute power.

Feeling intelligence from muscles might sound like a mage who min-maxed [a character build that focuses on maximizing one stat while neglecting others] their strength stat, but that was the reality. Still, Bush’s physique wasn’t typical for a president, so someone unfamiliar with him might exclaim, “Who, him? That’s the President of the United States!”

“So, how is it?”

“What do you mean? Are you talking about the President’s muscles that keep growing day by day?”

“No, I mean the new weapon development. I can’t get a good sense of it just from the reports.”

The report was filled with technical jargon, so I barely understood it even after consulting the developers directly. While subsequent reports used simpler language, a complete understanding remained elusive. Besides, there’s a reason they say ‘catalog specs’ [idealized specifications that don’t reflect real-world performance].

“Why don’t you just go and see it yourself?”

The Chief of Staff’s direct response to Bush’s concerns was surprisingly straightforward. So Bush decided to visit the development site. However, this required rearranging his existing schedule like a jigsaw puzzle.

“Welcome to the development lab.”

The first place Bush visited was General Dynamics Mission Systems, the company working on the Land Warrior project. The lab showcased personal equipment from around the world, but the NATO standard remained the benchmark.

The Land Warrior system consisted of a combat vest, a bulletproof helmet, and an M4 rifle. The vest housed various sensors and computers, along with a military radio (MBITR) and GPS. The notoriously heavy battery was also attached.

The batteries were initially divided into disposable and rechargeable types, but now there were three types due to the addition of two rechargeable options. This was because Bush had pushed for the use of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, driven by his ambitious vision. Some criticized him for wasteful spending on a pet project, but Bush persisted.

The computer ran Windows 2000 and Land Warrior-specific software. The helmet featured a wireless LAN antenna and a rudimentary augmented reality display (HMD). The HMD presented information such as command control data and satellite terrain maps.

The M4 rifle was largely standard, but with specialized accessories. While still in development, it was intended to link with the HMD to indicate enemy distance and direction, controlled via a handheld device.

While impressive in theory, the reality was messy. The battery drained quickly and was excessively heavy.

Furthermore, the system relied on satellite tracking to display soldier locations, but with a 30-second delay. Such a delay could be fatal on the battlefield. Even in video games, a 30-second lag makes controls unusable, so the real-world consequences were obvious. Moreover, these delicate devices were prone to malfunction in dusty environments.

‘Still, the technology is steadily accumulating.’

Bush planned to integrate Land Warrior with the more ambitious Future Warrior project. He had no intention of continuing a failing project indefinitely.

However, despite its shortcomings, this was Bush’s first hands-on experience with the project, sparking a degree of interest.

‘But the developers don’t know these problems yet.’

The aforementioned issues only surfaced during actual field testing, which Land Warrior had yet to undergo.

‘Should I deploy it for counter-terrorism operations?’

He quickly concluded that it was premature. Ordering deployment for data collection was tempting, but he feared soldiers might die due to the system’s flaws.

“Do you have any more questions?”

The briefing on Land Warrior, which Bush already knew, concluded. However, seeing the actual equipment and hearing the explanation firsthand proved quite engaging.

“What is this?”

“It’s a night vision device. We are researching its integration with Land Warrior.”

Bush remembered its primary use: passing time while gazing at the night sky and avoiding death. At least, that’s how it was used during his time in the Korean army.

“I heard there are no generation distinctions in night vision goggles anymore?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The generation distinction was phased out last year. But if you want to be precise, this is an older 2nd generation model.”

He put on the night vision goggles. The room was dimly lit for a reason.

“These eyes can see the darkness well. It looks green, though.”

“That?”

Bush pointed to a large light, resembling those found in prisons or military outposts.

“Ah, that’s a light for autogating experiments.”

Autogating was a feature that automatically adjusted for excessive light, standard in military night vision goggles.

“This night vision device has autogating and automatic power cut-off disabled for the experiment, so don’t turn it on…! My eyes! I can’t believe it! You turned it on as soon as I said it!”

“It wasn’t me.”

To be exact, he allowed it to happen.

“A cat? Where did it come from!?”

The company didn’t seem to be raising it. The way it wagged its tail and ran off suggested it was amused by tricking humans. Bush followed the cat and entered Cadillac One. There was nothing more to see at Land Warrior.

“What do you think?”

While Bush examined the Land Warrior project’s achievements, the Chief of Staff, who had been waiting in Cadillac One, paused thoughtfully before speaking, assuming Bush’s question was straightforward.

“If completed, it will dramatically increase our military’s combat power.”

“What if the technology is premature?”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems like the technology is too advanced for practical application, making miniaturization difficult. Soldiers will tire easily wearing such heavy equipment, especially in the field.”

“The miniaturization problem can be solved with enough funding. There’s a saying that if there’s something you can’t do in the world, check if you don’t have enough money.”

The Chief of Staff had a point. In normal circumstances, that would be the correct approach. However, Land Warrior’s problems weren’t solely financial. Blindly pouring money into it would yield some results, including miniaturization.

The real issue was the emergence of smartphones, which rendered Land Warrior obsolete. GPS, real-time communication, and even precision shooting assistance – all Land Warrior functions were integrated into a single, inexpensive smartphone.

Even a military-grade smartphone would be far cheaper than the current Land Warrior system.

In essence, further investment in Land Warrior was pointless. It was destined for integration into the Future Warrior program anyway.

‘Come to think of it, what’s happening with Future Warrior?’

Future Warrior aimed to create the ultimate soldier, with ambitious goals like powered armor reminiscent of science fiction.

‘Still, I might be able to see something like a powered exoskeleton enter practical use before my term ends.’

This was an area where funding could make a difference.

“By the way, I think you’re starting to resemble me. By the time I leave office, you’ll be qualified to be president.”

“I refuse. I wouldn’t want to be in such a crazy position for even a moment.”

Just then, a familiar sound came from Bush’s feet.

It was a sound never before heard in Cadillac One. A ‘meow’ simply didn’t belong in the presidential limousine.

The cat rubbed against Bush’s legs, then climbed onto his lap. It was a young cat, likely less than a year old, or perhaps simply malnourished.

“Isn’t that the cat from earlier?”

“Do you know the cat?”

“If I’m not mistaken, it’s the cat I saw in the development lab.”

It looked like an American Shorthair, but with completely white fur. It wasn’t an albino, and its green eyes suggested its fur was simply white from birth.

“Development lab? Is it a company cat?”

“No, it’s not. It seems to be a stray.”

“What are you going to do with it?”

Bush was busy, but he had ample resources to care for it. If necessary, he could hire another housekeeper, or even find it a good home. With the president’s endorsement, there would be no shortage of willing adopters.

“Hmm, well, why not? I can certainly raise it. I happen to need a mascot at the White House.”

Bush lifted the cat. It seemed relaxed and content.

“Wait a minute. I have to give it a name. What would be good?”

“Shouldn’t the owner give it a name?”

“That’s true. Then how about White?”

The Chief of Staff was taken aback by the unimaginative name.

“If it’s because of the color, I’d rather give it a more creative name.”

“No, I told you. I’m going to use it as a mascot for the White House. So it’s White.”

The Chief of Staff understood the reasoning behind the name, but couldn’t shake the feeling that the president, whom he respected, was being rather uninspired.