by K M Dean
“Aye Admiral, I will be there.”
At twelve hundred hours, Captain Maya Chivington and Mac sat down to a private luncheon in his quarters. “Maya, the reason I asked you to meet me today is because you are going to participate in the Fast Attack Group at a higher level. Admiral Anderson has recalled me to Gamma Remidian. And before you ask, I have no idea why.”
“During my conversation with Admiral Anderson, he told me to choose my successor as Commander of the Fast Attack Group. You are that choice. I believe you will do an excellent job and Admiral Anderson agrees. It is my pleasure to hand you the star I was given when I attained the rank of Rear Admiral LH and hope that it carries the same rewards for you that it did for me. Congratulations Admiral Maya Chivington.”
Maya said, “Admiral McCreary, I had no idea, I don’t even know what to say.”
“Not to worry Maya, you’ll handle the job well. You’ll be in command of the Fast Attack Group. It is entirely up to you, but I would move my flag to the Odyssey. Make her the flagship just as I have. Name a Captain you trust to command the Constitution. When you move your flag to the Odyssey it will be a clean group. The Fast Attack Group will be posted to the Drakkana system for the foreseeable future.
“Mac, who is going to Captain the Odyssey?”
“Commander Aranari Savar is being promoted to Captain. He will take command of the Odyssey. He doesn’t even know he has been promoted yet.”
“Good Choice Mac, Aranari and I will work well together.” Said Admiral Chivington.
“Maya, Drakkana system is the front door to the Jian Empire. The posting of the Fast Attack Group to the Drakkana system forces the Jian to keep equipment and crews here instead of attacking other systems. Your duty will be the same as it has been. You are a Fast Attack Group that will respond to nearby systems that experience Jian attacks.”
“Captain Samuel Stone is in command of the Battle stations and the support ships being used for the defense of the Drakkana system. He, and his people will be under the command of Admiral Anderson. I anticipate he will be receiving his star soon.”
“Maya, your responsibility is to the Fast Attack Group. That is your command. The Fast Attack Group is a guest in the Drakkana system, so act accordingly. Cooperate with Sam if you can, but he has his responsibilities and you have yours. I know this is happening quickly, but the Federation is growing at a phenomenal rate. We are going to see an incredible growth over the next several months. Now do you have any questions?”
“I can’t think of any now, but I am sure I will have dozens of questions as I go along Mac, but I will find the answers as I grow into the job. I will call you if I need to. Thank you for your confidence.”
“It is well earned Maya. You will be just fine. I don’t know where I’ll be, but wherever I am call me if you need anything.”
Precisely at thirteen hundred hours, Mac and Admiral Maya Chivington strode in to the wardroom. Everyone snapped to attention.
Mac said, “at ease everyone, have a seat.” After everyone had taken a seat Mac said. “To begin with, I am being recalled to Apsis Prime. My recall requires that I name a new Fast Attack Group commander. I want all of you to welcome Admiral Maya Chivington. She is the new commander of the Fast Attack Group.”
The room broke into applause. Maya Chivington was considered one of the “good guys” and an excellent officer among the other commanders in the Fast Attack Group.
“I also want to introduce you to Captain Aranari Savar. Front and center Captain Savar and receive your promotion of rank.”
Arnie Savar strode to the front of the room. Admiral McCreary handed him his Eagles and said. “Congratulations Aranari. These Eagles were worn by Admiral Chivington and she wanted you to have them.”
“Thank you, Admiral. Is it OK if I don’t make a speech?”
“No speech Aranari but stay here for just a moment.”
Mac turned to the assemblage. “Captain Savar will take command of the Odyssey and Admiral Chivington will move her flag to the Odyssey as well.”
“On another note, please meet the commander of the Drakkana defense forces. Captain Samuel Stone and his XO, Lieutenant Commander Arana Martell.”
“Stand up Sam, you too Arana.”
Once again, the ward room was filled with applause.
“I will be leaving for Gamma Remidian when we are finished here.”
“I could not have asked for a greater commitment and sense of duty than each of you has given me. Congratulations to Admiral Chivington and Captain Savar. Please give them the same loyalty you gave to me. That is all. Carry on.”
This time the wardroom erupted in applause and very officer in attendance stood. It took Mac nearly twenty minutes to exit the ward room.
Mac returned to the Admiral’s cabin. He took a few minutes to finish up his packing. There was a knock on the door. Mac said, “Enter.”
Captain Savar stepped in to the room. “I am almost finished here Aranari.”
“No hurry Mac. You know you could have given me a heads up. This is kind of a shock.”
“I know Aranari, we’ve been so busy I just never found the right time. Have you chosen and XO yet?”
“Yes, Commander Tora Dekker. She has plenty of experience and she will do an outstanding job.”
“She is definitely a good choice Aranari. In fact, you may not get to keep her for too long. The way the Federation Navy is growing she will probably have her own command before long.”
“Mac, do you have any idea what you are going to be doing?”
“I don’t Aranari. Not the foggiest. I guess I will get the word when I get back.”
“Well whatever it is, they will be lucky to get you. You’re the best commander I have ever served under. I only hope I can do the job half as well as you did.”
“Thanks, Aranari. You’ll be great. Just do what I did, let your XO run the ship, the rest of it is like eating cake.” Mac said with a grin.
At that moment Mac got a call on his TUI. It was his Flag Aide, Lieutenant Nolan Monroe. “Admiral, the shuttle from the Intrepid is waiting in the shuttle bay.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Mac turned to Captain Savar and said, “Walk me down to the shuttle Aranari?”
“Absolutely Admiral”
As Mac and Aranari stepped in to the shuttle bay, there was a shout out. “Attention of deck.”
Every officer and crewman not on duty aboard the Odyssey was gathered in the shuttle bay. Every one of them stood to attention and saluted.
With a tear in his eye, Mac made his way down the path formed by the officers and crew, stopping from time to time to say a private word. As he reached the shuttle ramp he turned and saluted. Then he made an about face and strode aboard the shuttle.
As the shuttle began moving across the deck toward the bay doors, the radios came alive. “This is Commander Jim Copeland, your pilot today Admiral. Just sit back and relax. We will have you aboard the Intrepid in a few minutes.”
“Thank you replied Admiral McCreary.”
The moment the shuttle docked with the Intrepid and settled to the deck, Mac unfastened his safety harness and stood. He reached for his few belongings, but Lieutenant Nolan Monroe had them in hand. “I have them sir. I will make sure they get right to your quarters.:
“Thank you, lieutenant.”
As Mac stepped down out of the shuttle he was met by Captain Lucas Billington and his XO, Tora Dekker. “Welcome aboard Admiral, I hope you will be comfortable in your quarters. We don’t have the room they have aboard those Havoc class command ships.”
“I remember Lucas. It will be fine. How long to Gamma Remidian, Lucas? Four days?”
“Three days Mac. We are a little quicker than the old fusion reactor ships.”
“We have made some strides, haven’t we?”
“We sure have Admiral. Let’s get you settled in and we will get under way.”
Captain Billington led the way to a small stateroom not far
from the bridge. “Here you go Admiral. Would you like for me to order up some chow for you?”
“No Lucas, you go ahead and run your ship. I have plenty of work to do. As soon as I get hungry I can find my way to the officer’s mess.”
“Aye Sir. We will have you at Gamma Remidian in no time.”
With that Captain Billington turned and strode toward the bridge. A few minutes later Admiral McCreary felt the destroyer begin to move, a few minutes later he detected the slight lightheadedness that accompanied the jump to FTL.
Three days later, the Intrepid dropped out of FTL.
Within ten minutes he got a call on his TUI. “Admiral, a shuttle from Gamma Remidian has just landed in the shuttle bay. They are standing by.”
Mac rose and took his Briefcase. Lieutenant Monroe had already picked up Macs few personal belongings and had packed them away in Macs shipboard luggage. As Mac opened the door to his stateroom Captain Billington was waiting. The Admiral and Captain Billington made their way toward the shuttle bay.
“Thanks for the ride Lucas.”
“No problem sir, we were coming back to get some upgrades anyway. Hope you weren’t to uncomfortable in those cramped quarters.”
“C’mon Lucas. I was a captain aboard a destroyer. I know I was sleeping in your cabin. And it was just fine. Thanks for giving it up for me.”
“No problem Mac. Anytime.”
“Well it looks like my ride is here, Lucas. He held out his hand. Captain Billington shook it. Mac turned and boarded the shuttle for Gamma Remidian station. As he stepped in to the cabin of the shuttle, he realized he was not alone.
“Hello Mac” said Admiral Anderson. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks John, but you didn’t have to meet me. I could have found my way.”
“I don’t know about that Mac. We are growing so fast I can’t always find my way around Gamma Remidian station. Besides it gave me a chance to get out of the office.”
“Well it’s good to see you again John. Want to fill me in on what I am doing here?”
“All in due time Mac. “You will get a briefing on all of it shortly.” With that he turned to the shuttle pilot. “Jerry, take us to the MIL wing. Drop us at level five.”
“Will do Admiral. On our way.”
The shuttle made a turn back towards Gamma Remidian station. As it landed at level five, Admiral Anderson removed his safety restraints and stood to leave. Mac followed suit and as soon as the shuttle ramp opened they prepared to exit the shuttle. Lieutenant Nolan Monroe turned to pick up Mac’s luggage, Admiral Anderson said, “Lieutenant, Lieutenant Erger will show you to Mac’s quarters.”
“Mac, you are staying on Gamma Remidian station for now.”
Both Admiral Anderson and Admiral McCreary walked toward the shuttle bay exit.
As they entered Admiral Andersons office, Lieutenant Lori Mendoza said, “Admiral Anderson. Admiral Miller is waiting in your office.”
“Thank you, Lori. Does he have coffee?”
“Yes Admiral, I made sure there is enough for everyone.”
“All right Lori, no calls and no interruptions.”
“Yes sir.” Replied Lieutenant Mendoza.
As Admirals Anderson and McCreary walked in to his office, Admiral Anderson said. “Welcome Leland. We are all here, I imagine we had better fill Admiral McCreary in on what is going on.”
“All right John.” Replied Admiral Miller. He then turned to Mac. “Mac, I know this has all been a little unusual, but we needed to keep this under our hats during the planning stage.”
“The Federation Council has made some changes to the War Board. The War Board is now known as the Federation Division of Defense. The mission of the Federation Division of Defense is to provide a lethal Joint Force to defend the security of the Federation and sustain Federation influence beyond our borders. They will operate as a conduit to expedite the operation of the Federation Navy and Marine Corps. I have been appointed to become the Director of the Federation Division of Defense.
I promised John he would return to space as soon as he had the Joint Chiefs up and running. Federation Division of Defense has agreed and have placed him in command of the Third Fleet. The Third Fleet is a new fleet that is going to take the war to the Jian.”
“Mac, I am making you the same promise. You are being promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral. You will head up the Joint Chiefs of Staff here on Gamma Remidian Station.”
“Admiral Anderson will work with you for a short span to help you get settled in, but he needs to get the Third fleet ready for their campaign, so he won’t be able to spend a lot of time.”
“I know this is sudden Mac, but we are stretched so thin we don’t have time to spend on the niceties. Any questions for me?”
“Hundreds Leland, but Admiral Anderson probably has the answers. I appreciate the opportunity. I certainly never dreamed this is what was going to happen.”
“I know Mac, and this doesn’t mean you are grounded. I will keep my promise. The ships of the Fourth Fleet are being built as we speak. You will be in command of the Fourth Fleet when it us activated, which should be about ten months. The experience you garner as Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff here on Gamma Remidian Station will serve you well when the Fourth fleet embarks on its mission. We will have a conversation about that mission at another time, but rest assured you are going to like it.”
“You may have seen two new ships on your way in. The Vanguard Carrier is going to be Admiral Andersons flag ship. The new ship next to it has yet to be commissioned and has no name. It will be your flag ship when the Fourth fleet Is launched.”
“Mac, I am sorry to drop this on you and run, but I need to leave for meetings with the new Earth Planetary Council of Nations. If you need anything or have questions, pick up the FTL transceiver and call me. And feel free to familiarize yourself with your new ship over the next few months.”
Admiral Miller stood and shook hands with Admiral Mac McCreary.
“He turned to Admiral Anderson. “John, you have done a heck of a job here. I do understand your desire to return to space, but you will be missed here. Good luck, good hunting and clear space.”
“So long, Leland,” replied Admiral Anderson. “It will be good to get back in the saddle. Thanks for your help in making it possible.”
With a smile and a salute, Admiral Miller turned and left for his trip to Earth.
Admiral Anderson turned to Admiral McCreary and said, “Mac the situation right now is that the Jian appear to be heading for a Federation member system. The Krayari just this morning, reported a large contingent of Jian ships heading for the Sigma Onias System. The primary planet in the Sigma Onias system is Thanatos and it and the secondary planet of Zerentia are peopled by the Vengans.”
“The Vengans are members of the Federation and have been for many years. They are a peaceful race but are ferocious fighters when forced to fight. They are veterans in space and they have current Federation weapon technology. The problem is that they don’t have the forces to hold out for very long. That means I will need to leave sooner than expected.”
“The Federation has a squadron, led by Captain Steeg Alquist in the Sigma Onias System. The squadron consists of a Command ship with two battle cruisers, four destroyers and eight destroyer escorts. They are all older Havoc class ships. That coupled with the Vengan Battle cruisers and their support ships are a strong defensive force. The problem is the size of the Jian fleet.”
“Mac, the Jian are serious about taking control of the Sigma Onias System and holding it. They will overwhelm the system with numbers. The Jian are making an all-out effort to take the Sigma Onias System because it has one of the most advanced ship yards in the Federation.”
Admiral McCreary said. “All right John. Look, I know you need to get your fleet up to speed. Has an announcement gone out to all forces about the changes in command?”
“It went out an hour ago just after you agreed to take on the Chairman’s job. Th
ere is a meeting of the Joints Chiefs at sixteen hundred hours this afternoon. I will attend with you.”
“OK John, it is fourteen hundred hours now. Introduce me to my new staff and we will assure them there are not going to be any major changes for the time being. We should be ready for the Joints chiefs by that time. Once you introduce me and I get my feet on the ground you take off and do what you need to do. If I have a question I will give you a shout on your TUI.”
By the time Admiral Anderson had introduced Admiral McCreary to his new staff, it was time for the Joint Chiefs meeting.
Admiral Anderson and Admiral McCreary strode in to the Joint chief’s conference room. Admiral Anderson said. “Good afternoon. You are all up to speed on the change of command. You are also familiar with Admiral Morrin McCreary, your new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I am going to turn the floor over to Admiral McCreary, so he can explain his ideas and preferences.”
All the joint chiefs applauded and welcomed Mac
Mac said, “Thank you for your warm welcome. We have a lot of material to cover and Admiral Anderson needs to get to his command at the Third Fleet.”
Mac turned to Admiral Anderson and offered his hand. “Thank you for your long and untiring service Admiral. Good luck and clear space.”
“Thanks Mac, and good luck to you.” With that he gave the rest of the officers in the room a salute, then turned and left the Joint Chiefs meeting room for the last time.
Chapter Twelve
Captain John Back in Space
Later as his shuttle approached the Vanguard Admiral Anderson took a deep breath. He was finally returning to space. He had come to love the quiet majesty of space and had missed it, sitting behind a desk. Combat was a deadly business. If he had his choice it would be to explore the universe with no enemies shooting at him. Unfortunately, that would have to wait until the war with the Jian was over. Maybe then he could peacefully discover what the Milky Way, and other galaxies had to offer.
As Admiral Anderson exited the shuttle, the boatswain's mate began piping "Over the Side". As John made his way between the two rows of officers and men, he was greeted by Commander Theodor Conway with a salute. Admiral Anderson said, “As You were.” As he returned the salutes.