Black Sails and Red Skies

An examination of the fractured reality within the Action Force storyline

Introduction

If you read my previous blog entitled , Divide and Conquer, I discussed the practicality of the events as described within the Action Force mythos.

Tonight I want to continue that by delving into the upcoming Series that Valaverse plans to release called The Black.

It’s a new series of figures from an all new faction that are comprised of former Naval Special Warfare operators. In short, they have taken over the U.S. Navy‘s fleet of warships, and now patrol our waters as modern day maritime mercenaries or pirates.

That’s all well and good for pretend, but it lacks the depth of what would really be occurring if the United States had dissolved to begin with.

Let’s be honest: this is a line of military action figures and comics marketed primarily for adult collectors, and within that fanbase are those who are and have served their country.

Anyone who has served looks at toys like Action Force, or G.I.Joe, and immediately begins critiquing the figures based on their appearance. They are looking for accuracy and realism, not what they played with in their childhood.

So it’s only fair to expect that same level of critique within a brand’s back story. What you’re looking for is consistency and continuity; a parallel to real world events with the appeal of action and adventure.

That’s why companies like Hasbro and Valaverse constantly release new comics and new figures; they are trying to sustain their brands through innovative and unique marketing strategies.

So what could that potentially look like with the new series from Valvaverse? Let’s find out.

The Black: What we know

Thus far, all we have been told is that The Black are a group of former Naval Special Operations operators who have somehow commandeered parts of or the entirety of the former United States Naval fleet of warships.

They use these ships to patrol the coastal waters of the former United States, offering safety and security, for a price. They also have their own agenda, that puts them at odds with both Action Force and New Colonia.

It sounds interesting, but from a writer’s perspective there are a lot of questions that immediately come to mind, with the first being the status of the U.S. Navy fleet itself.

Logic and logistics

To provide some context to this subject you have to understand that when you have an idea for a story, there is a tremendous amount of research that must be done.

For companies like Hasbro and Valaverse, they use technical consultants like myself who are experienced subject matter experts in a specific field like the military.

Talking to people like me gives the creative team a grounded reality check in how things work, which in turn allows them to flesh out their ideas, while making necessary adaptations or changes.

This is especially important in something like a military themed comic and toy line, particularly one being marketed primarily to adult collectors and fans.

Without that working knowledge of the real world model, the creative team will likely add elements that are inaccurate and unrealistic. G.I.Joe is one brand that has continued to do this time and time again in many areas.

Minute details may not stand out to younger fans, however adult collectors with experience and training will most likely notice these details, and be irked by them.

So when I think of a bunch of frogs commandeering the fleet, my mind immediately raises a flag of its own. This is particularly true when you consider how many personnel it takes to operate just one surface vessel.

Take for example, an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer. They are arguably the backbone of the United States Navy surface combatant fleet, with a total of seventy four ships in service as I write this.

Each of these guided missile destroyers has a crew complement of three hundred sailors! Compare that to roughly ten thousand sailors that comprise Naval Special Warfare Command.

Of that, roughly three thousand sailors make up the Seal teams. The remainder comprise SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen), command, intelligence, and support personnel.

One carrier battle group comprises ten warships, manned by ten thousand sailors and marines, and there are eleven active carriers in the fleet. You do the math, and it becomes apparent that the frogs aren’t going to keep the entire fleet afloat.

Creating Compromise

Now that you know some facts and figures, it becomes apparent that The Black would be reliant upon former sailors to hop on board their recruitment program.

Greed speaks to the heart of many Americans, who have made material wealth and money their god. It would be reasonable to presume that The Black would seek to capitalize on the desire for money from those sailors still reeling from The Divide.

With no sense or purpose or direction, it would be natural for them to be attracted to the adventure of serving at sea as they once did for America, while being promised bounty beyond their imagination.

( A note here: Since we don’t know what type of currency is at play in the Action Force mythos, I would have to presume some form of cryptocurrency).

Just because the United States has dissolved, does not mean every country in the world has. On the contrary, there are nations who would be harmed financially, but who would recover in the long run.

Others however, would pounce on the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. With that, the seas are the primary trade lanes for commerce, which would make them a constant and lucrative source of income for would be pirates.

Companies looking to recover from financial loss would naturally seek out guaranteed security for their shipments going across insecure and uncertain waters.

Story-telling potential

It’s obvious that this new faction has the potential to expand the Action Force mythos by adding depth to an ever expanding story. What isn’t clear is how each of the existing factions will fit into this new narrative.

Obviously, all aspects of The Black cannot take place on the high seas. More than anything, I see their role being limited to coastal and littoral waters around the former United States.

From a writer’s perspective, you have to have an end planned from the beginning. In other words, there has to be an end goal established for each of these story lines to build up to.

That implies that with the creation of a new faction like The Black, that there exists an end goal for them, if in no other form than a sticky note on somebody’s desk.

For now, there are many more questions than answers, and I am anxious to see The Black make their first appearance in the pages of a comic.

Full Spectrum Warrior

Autism in the ranks of G.I. JOE

Introduction

In 2009 Hasbro released a brand new action figure as part of the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra toy line. Agent Helix was a totally new character, and she would go on to appear in both the tie-in video game for the movie, as well as the comic series.

Everything about Helix is shrouded in secrecy, except for her skills. You always find her working alone, often on some covert mission for General Hawk.

It doesn’t matter what the mission profile, Helix is adept with both edged weapons, as well as firearms. She is an expert marksman, and martial artist. Though no one is invincible or unbeatable, Helix can take care of most problems on her own.

The other unique skill that makes her a savant is the fact that she can analyze an enemy, and instantly pick their strategy apart. It’s referred to as total organic battlefield awareness, and to date she’s the only known person with this ability.

All of these abilities and skills make Helix as deadly as she is beautiful, however she isn’t without her own Achilles heel. There’s a reason that she carries these gifts, and one for which she has endured ostracism and rejection.

Hidden wounds

Helix is neurodivergent, or in simplest medical terms, Autistic. It is the bane of her existence, and the weight that she struggles with when alone. She’s extremely capable on the battlefield, while remaining crippled by Autism in society.

Highly intelligent, socially awkward, with her own set of buttons you might unintentionally push. Before her time in G.I. Joe it crippled Helix in every area of her life. Now, she’s found a place that has allowed her to use Autism as an enabler.

*Helix shows off her bandaid tattoo representing Autism*

Defining Purpose

In my research for this little gem, I consulted with one of the leading experts on Autism in the Carolinas, who has extensive experience in both the U.S. and other nations. I have also consulted with prior service members who are on the spectrum. Due to their roles, I will not disclose their identity.

So what is Autism exactly? The Diagnostics and Studies Manual of Mental Disorders defines Autism as persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities with symptoms present from early childhood causing significant impairment.

As it was explained to me by the above unnamed psychologist, Autism is not a mental illness, but rather a physical one. It isn’t treatable with medication, because at its core there’s nothing mentally wrong with the individual.

In simplest terms, Autism affects the way and speed at which your brain processes information. This may include an inability to perceive and interpret body language and cues, a lack of empathy, and most predominantly social awkwardness or anxiety to name a few things.

Autism affects a person’s senses, at different times and in different ways. Where one person may be sensitive to certain sounds, others may be sensitive to seeing certain things, or being touched in a certain way.

To what degree a person is affected varies from one individual to the next; there is no definable correlation between individuals. Only a pattern of certain sensory responses that are associated with being on the spectrum.

Nearly everyone on the spectrum is attracted to order, in almost every area of their life. Objects positioned in a certain direction, rooms and houses arranged a certain way, and even cleaned a certain way.

You may find neurodivergents who don’t like people touching them or their stuff, and collecting things that others would find odd. Construction paper, paper clips, and pens are a few things that come to mind.

The defining negative aspect of Autism are meltdowns. Often misinterpreted as angry outbursts or temper tantrums, meltdowns are anything but the previously named culprits of society.

A meltdown occurs when too much information overwhelms the senses, and subsequently the brain is incapable of processing that information. The meltdown is an uncontrollable natural response that is triggered by the brain’s inability to cope with the information flooding the neural pathways.

An example might be an autistic individual is afraid of someone confronting them, and they may throw their hands up and yell not because they are angry, but because they afraid, and want that individual to stop what they are doing.

They cannot legitimately process what is happening, and from their brain the conversation may be perceived as a verbal attack on their character or credibility. If so, the resulting meltdown would only serve to solidify misconceptions to the inexperienced and untrained.

To further expound on this, there are individuals like Helix who are high functioning, meaning they can communicate, and live a mostly normal existence. Put another way, there is nothing wrong with them.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who are crippled by their brain’s inability to process information, and who require constant attention and care. They cannot control things like speech, with many being nonverbal.

In between are many combinations and variations on these two extremes. You may have an individual who is high functioning, and yet who has severe sensory overload.

For the most part, high functioning individuals were formerly diagnosed with what is referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, while more severe cases were diagnosed as full on Autism.

In recent years however, both have been integrated into what is now called ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The reason for this change is a simple one; because every single person is different, and so is their specific diagnosis.

Most adults who are high functioning would tell you they are not anti-social; they just abhor drama and having to put up with other people’s crap. They despise things like gossip and slander.

They are not in some cute contest to win a person’s favor; they simply want to live their life and be left alone. Over time many are able to compensate by learning their triggers and focusing on their strengths.

Others struggle to some degree or another. Those who endure constant abuse, bullying, and harassment often find themselves living in constant fear, crippled by the negative opinions and words of others.

Being mistreated at any age is interpreted as a sign of isolation and rejection, which further compounds and affects their ability to be productive and successful in life.

Scratching that itch

One of the most interesting things about Autism is the fact that nearly all high functioning individuals on the spectrum are extremely intelligent, with some having genius level IQs.

Though many may be crippled by specific areas, they are gifted in others. For whatever reason, Autistic individuals are often extremely analytical. They pick up on details that neurotypical individuals would overlook.

Some like Helix find that they are natural leaders, with an ability to flourish in austere environments. They have the ability to take what once overwhelmed their senses, and turn it into a tool to excel in specific areas.

One such area is pertinent to this blog, and that is the military. Though no official reports were available, there are many who have obtained waivers to enlist, while others simply don’t disclose it during their application process.

The structured environment of military life may appeal to some on the spectrum, providing an unintentional method of assistance to success through daily repetition and set routines.

Others however who have enlisted find this aspect of the military the least desirable. They loathe the closeness with individuals they do not like, and remain individualistic in their approach and mindset.

Many of these folks have ended up in the special operations community. The desire and need for purpose drive them to choose the most difficult paths, forging their character and personality to a razors edge.

Some go further still, and become designated marksmen and snipers. I have been told that some of the best long gunners in the special operations community were people found to be Autistic.

Their innate ability to focus on minor details such as those in Kim’s games, along with increased awareness and maturity have led many down this unique path.

During selection, unit psychologists are present to assist cadre with assessing the candidates ability to operate alone as well as in a team environment. They are constantly being assessed on their character, personality, and individual traits.

Specifically, they are looking for highly intelligent and mature individuals with passive aggressive personalities. That immediately makes an autistic candidate potentially attractive, because if they can harness the meltdowns, they can turn it to their advantage.

Whereas being on the spectrum was an obstacle in civilian life, it becomes the doorway to destiny in the military. Helix learned this lesson after General Hawk recruited her to G.I.Joe

Within a year she went from the day to day personal struggles, to being the tip of the spear in a special missions unit. To date, she is the only known member of G.I. Joe with no prior service.

The road ahead

The story of Helix should offer hope and insight into what is possible. The struggle as they say is real. No one will ever know how crippling Autism can be without experiencing it for themselves.

In that lies the potential for success, given the right opportunity. A door cannot be walked through without it first being presented as an option. As for Helix, let’s see where G.I. Joe takes her next..

Divide and Conquer

An in-depth discussion of the Action Force narrative

Introduction

I am a huge fan of the Action Force comics and figures produced by Valaverse, so naturally I am fascinated by the story behind it.

Bobby Vala has created a very interesting mythos for these characters, that in many ways has an eerily familiar parallel to modern day events.

The catalyst for the narrative is an event called “the Divide”, in which the United States of America is dissolved, with each state becoming its own sovereign republic.

In spite of reading the comics from the series, I find myself left with more questions than answers. How exactly did the United States cease to be? What caused it? What happens to the U.S. military, its assets, and infrastructure?

These are just a few of the immediate questions that one would be faced with in such a crisis of this magnitude. So, in this post I am endeavoring to fill in some of the unanswered aspects of the Action Force narrative, that may help casual readers as well as hard core fans to better understand the mythos.

I will preface this by stating that I am not endorsed nor have I received permission from Valaverse to write this post; I’m simply a fan having fun by delving into this exciting universe from my own experience and research.

Catalyst for crisis

In the Action Force mythos, a series of events leads to the dissolution of the United States of America. In its place are fifty independent states. Sovereign and fractured by the Divide, they now stand alone to pick up the pieces. The first question is, could this really occur, and if so, how?

In theory yes, the United States could be dissolved as a Republic, but it would not occur overnight. One possibility would be a series of catastrophic events that occur in succession.

An example would look like this: Economic collapse occurs, followed by riots, violence, natural disasters (like the earthquake of 2028 in the Action Force mythos), and even domestic conflict.

Whatever the events that begin the chain reaction, they must all lead to the same outcome: multiple states become fed up with the state of affairs in the federal government.

From there, two-thirds of the state legislatures could then call for a constitutional convention under Article V.

The only way that the republic could be dissolved then, is that two-thirds vote determines that the dissolution of the union is in the best interests of the American people.

At this point an amendment to dissolve the Union is drafted, and sent to each state for ratification under Article V. If three fourths majority sign it, then it would become accepted as a legally binding document and become law.

At that point on that day, the United States of America would cease to exist as a unified republic of fifty states. This would then require and begin the process of disposition in each state of federal assets and liabilities.

This would include any and all United States military assets and infrastructure within each state. The process would be daunting, as each state would most likely activate their National Guard and use it as a temporary command to carry out this process in a controlled and safe manner.

At the top of this list would be the United States nuclear arsenal. Based on International law, The U.S. could theoretically request international assistance from NATO partners prior to the dissolution, in order to provide time for these weapons to be secured, dismantled, and taken into the custody of allied partners.

They may even assign NATO forces to oversee this at current decommissioning sites stateside. This process would take months, if not years to complete, and would be the most high-risk aspect of the dissolution of the union.

The second and third tiers of responsibility for the states would be Air and naval assets, respectively. By all accounts, the bulk of these would cease to be utilized due to the fact that their operation requires tens of thousands of certified personnel across the country to do so.

Of greatest concern would be the security risk they pose to foreign enemies seeking to take advantage of the fallen union. Internally, there would be an unprecedented amount of chaos and lawlessness in most states.

Disease, hunger, and violent crime would skyrocket. There would food shortages, power outages, uncontrollable reactions from the worst in society. These events would most likely result in localized armed conflicts of themselves.

Local first responders and the national guard would be outnumbered and overwhlemed by the sheer number of incidents. Medical emergencies would overwhelm local emergency rooms, and the death toll would rise.

The world would watch America tear itself apart, while it too felt the effects across the oceans. Without the commanding presence of the United States and its leadership to guide the free world, other nations would also suffer.

There would be untold economic repercussions, while the wild cards like China and Russia would seize the moment for their own agendas.

Wars would ensue that would require the entire free world to band together in a way that they never thought possible. It would be a trying time for everyone.

In the midst of the chaos, some states in the union may seek safety in numbers and propose regional alliances with each other. State governors would undoubtedly seek to maintain stable economic ties, while ensuring continuity of commerce across borders.

Laws would be amended, or at least temporarily so, in order to reflect the state of the fallen Republic.While there may be a conservative effort to restore the Republic, there would most likely be resistance from liberal states and their leaders.

They may enjoy their newfound independence, and begin making laws which benefit the ultra-elite, rather than the common good of everyday citizens. It is from these crevices in society that the greatest threat may emerge.

Leaders from every sector of society banding together in what would formerly be criminal enterprise, sowing discord within, while forming allegiances with external enemies of the former United States of America.

Evil people who would do anything to capitalize on open access to the land of the free, with unrestrained ambition driving their every move. The only way to counter such a threat would be a clandestine and unified military organization on land, derived from former military personnel who could be vetted.

They would have to have a single objective, with unequivocal support. Their missions would be clandestine by necessity and would require unparallel cooperation across state lines.

It would be a daunting task, but not an impossible one. The key to success would be unity and the use of surgical operations aimed at exploiting intelligence.

Months if not years would be required, but there would come a point in the near future where if enough states unified under a single banner, they could reclaim what was lost.

This then, is an extremely hypothetical yet realistic scenario for what we have been made privy to in the Action Force mythos.

Through the use of multiple factions playing different angles, we are being given a glimpse into corruption fully conceived in this nation.

The answer then, is a response as unconventional and unanticipated as the evil that demands we respond to it.

Conclusion

What we see in the Action Force mythos is if anything, an eerie parallel to current global events. This isn’t our favorite action cartoon of yesteryear; it is rather a wake-up call to the reality around us.

If anything, playing with these action figures or reading the comics should motivate us to live lives that are above reproach, abiding by an ethical, legal, and moral code no matter the conditions around us.

It’s time for Action!

Incursion: An inside look into a Rebel SpecForces mission.

The extreme height of the forest canopy provided cover from above, while dense undergrowth provided cover on the ground. In fact, the team had been using the extensive micro terrain to their advantage, moving in its shadows all the way to their objective.

They had been dropped off dirtside seventy-two hours prior, being inserted by a sixty at night during a rainstorm.

The mission planners had timed the insertion down to the second, calculating phases of the moons, along with predicted weather patterns to cover their infil.

They used the intense lightning as cover, knowing that it would wreak havoc on the Imperial outposts sensor array.

The pilots in turn jumped in system over the southern pole, and flew below sensor range all the way into the LZ.

They had to mount external drop tanks to the ventral engine pylons just to get the team in and hoped they had enough fuel to make it back to the RV with the fleet.

Two systems away was a Mon Cal cruiser on alert ten, with the QRF and air support ready to go if needed.

Three days of crawling and humping through the forest, and the four-man SpecForces team was nearing their objective.

They had been sent in to take out a Weequay communications specialist who had defected to the Empire. General Madine had given the green light to Captain Maven Therrell, and he picked three of the best shooters in the unit to go along for the ride.

Now, they were nearing the outer perimeter of the Imperial outpost. The facility itself was built into the side of a ridge, with a large plateau to the rear that had been converted into an elevated landing platform.

The armored structure had several turbolaser batteries scattered around the perimeter for air defense, along with ground to air missile batteries.

Outside of the turbolaster batteries was a twenty meter tall ferrocrete armored wall that encapsulated the entire facility.

The team paused, and took a knee behind a fallen tree on the edge of the forest. Captain Therrell signaled for the team to hold, while he moved up to conduct recce.

He used a small pair of macrobinoculars to observe and record the base. He took great care to inspect the guard towers atop the wall, noting that they were spaced every three hundred meters.

He could see Imperial army officers augmented by Stormtrooper patrols, as well as heavy blaster cannons mounted on pintels in each tower.

He also noted the small comlink antennas atop each tower, that would serve as repeater relays for the security element.

Further back at the main complex, he could make out larger aerial antenna arrays pointed up at the sky.

“Blast this” He thought to himself, shaking his head. Captain Therrell moved back to the team and briefed them on what he had observed.

They all knew that the odds were against them before they ever left the briefing for this op, and they volunteered anyway.

“Alright ” Captain Therrell whispered, “switch to our alternate FFP” he stated, referring to their final firing point.

The team slowly moved away from the edge of the forest and selected a route that would allow them to handrail the perimeter of the base from five hundred meters away.

It took them all evening and into the night to make their way around to the back side of the plateau. There, they found a ridge line with a line of sight to the landing pad.

Once they set-up shop, the combat controller extended the large antennas from his backpack mounted ground to air comlink.

He began coordinating with the Alliance Prowler in orbit, setting up the air package for the strike. The other three members of the team set up their Blastech A392R designated marksmen rifles.

Careful not to break noise discipline, they deliberately extended the bipods on the rifles, and moved into prone positions side by side.

They waited and watched all night, until zero three forty five hours when the platform lights switched on at the landing pad.

Then, high up above the team could hear a high pitched whine as a Lambda-Class shuttle dropped out of the sky. The Imperial transport quickly flared, then dropped down onto the pad.

“Stand by” Captain Therrell whispered, “I have control.” The team watched through their rifle scopes as the ramp lowered, and an Imperial security team rushed down the boarding ramp.

They formed a semi-circle at the base of the ramp and then signaled someone the team couldn’t see. Captain Therrell watched as a shadow preceded a short Weequay in black traditional garb, slowly making his way down the ramp.

“Execute, Execute, Execute” Captain Therrell called out. In unison the three SpecForces snipers took the slack out of their triggers, their rifles recoiling from the blast of each round.

Captain Therrell watched as his round raced across the five hundred meters to the landing platform, and split the Weequay’s chest apart with hot plasma. The other rounds hit him as well, sealing the deal.

The Imps immediately reacted, but it was too late. The Alliance shooters were already picking off targets on the landing platform, buying time for the combat controller to their rear.

Suddenly a series of red lances raced down through the cloud bank, striking the Imperial base’ communications and targeting arrays.

The missile batteries came to life, but they were playing catch up. Rebel X-Wings raced by overhead, pummeling each one with micro proton torpedoes and concussion missiles.

As the X-Wings peeled away, the combat controller continued to direct fire onto the base from the orbiting prowler.

The stealth corvette raked the Imperial base with salvo after salvo from its turbo laser batteries, leveling the facility while detonating its power generators.

The SpecForces team remained in position, conducting damage assessment, before being ordered to exfil the area.

As quietly as they had arrived, they stepped away one at a time, back into the forest. As the sun began to rise, the team made their LZ and boarded the sixty for the ride out.

Captain Therrell looked out of the armored viewport, watching the Empire’s science experiment burn to cinders in the morning sun.