Better Drones
Arnold was a top military researcher. He knew missiles and drones could be disrupted electronically and miss their targets. A better idea than a computer-controlled drone was a drone with a human strapped into it, controlling its flight. Arnold developed drones and missiles with small cockpits–only children could fit in.
Arnold had lengthy talks with military leaders he reported to about using children to pilot drones. Their chief concern was that children were too inexperienced. Arnold replied they could be easily trained. And only children would fit in the cockpits. And that working the controls was like playing a video game.
They settled on undersized fourteen-year-olds.
The training was simple: buttons to push, lights flashing in them when ready. All they had to do was follow the moves in the video game they’d played. The steering wheel worked when electronic interference occurred. A drone could be piloted straight to target. The military leaders did not mind it was a one-way trip for the child. Nor did the parents, who saw it as patriotic, plus there was a big signing bonus.
The first test was on a drug running speedboat. Johnny was the pilot and the strike was a brilliant success. His parents received a big mortality bonus and a statue of him was erected in the capital. The public loved the idea of patriotic sacrifice.
Society has always honoured its fallen warriors. It is an important part of war.