by C. R. Daems
By the time he left, I thought I understood the Mactans a little better. Some would call their lives cruel, but no crueler than drafting a person and sending him away from family and friends to fight in a war. At least the Mactans had no one to miss and no one who would miss them if they got killed.
* * *
The next morning, I was surprised to find out we would be transported to the Defense Headquarters Building by shuttle.
"It's faster, and our meeting with the Admiral is early," Mikel said as we entered the navy combat shuttle. "Besides, you now have security, and the shuttle will be available to transport you and your security team to the Odin after the meeting."
Everyone else looked fresh and alert, while I felt like I hadn't slept all night. Maybe I hadn't. Changes were happening faster than I could adjust to them. Right now, war seemed simple. I was jarred out of my sulking as the shuttle landed on the roof of the Headquarters building. Corporal Dache was first to exit, ignoring military protocol—highest ranked person enters and exits first. It proved what I suspected—the Mactans' protocol took priority. Akar followed me, then Mikel. After having our identifications checked, we rode the elevator down to the sixtieth floor, where they checked our identifications again.
"How?" I looked to Akar.
"The finances were arranged yesterday, and our identifications entered into the Defense Department Database along with our clearance to accompany you wherever you go." His lip twitched in amusement. Obviously, no one needed my permission or approval. It was comical, and typical of the military.
After a brief exchange at the Admiral's office door, we were ushered in. I braced to attention and saluted—no one else did. The Admiral returned my salute as he came walking around his impressive curved ebony-wood desk. The low clouds just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows gave the impression he was walking on air.
"Welcome, Captain LaFon, sit. My aide will be bringing in drinks shortly." Fossett pointed toward several navy-blue padded armchairs clustered around a small coffee table. I noticed Akar, who had entered with us, backed up against the wall, where he could watch the door. "I've been pondering what to do with you when you and the Odin become operational. Obviously, you'll be assigned to the war zone, but in what capacity? The Odin is designed to produce faster response times, but pitting you alone against the Issog who operate in packs may prove the value of the Odin but get it destroyed prematurely. However, if I assign you to a squadron, the senior commander may slow you down, thus negating your improved efficiency and invalidating any evaluation of you and the Odin. If, on the other hand, I give you a squadron, that may limit your use of the Odin's advantages." He watched me as he took a cup of coffee from the tray a middle-aged petty officer was holding.
Stalling, I also picked up a cup and took a sip.
"The strategy will have to be evolved, sir. The simulations lead me to believe the Odin's greatest advantage occurs during an emergency, when response times matter the most. Since most encounters with the Issog are unique in one way or another, we won't know the answer until afterward." I couldn't believe I told the Admiral what amounted to beats me. He laughed.
"That was my conclusion, LaFon. I was just hoping you had some insight I didn't. Well, it was worth a try. I don't like the alone tactic or putting you under another captain's option, so I've decided to assign you as a squadron leader under Rear Admiral Simons, with whom, I believe, you've previously served. She has command of the Sixth Fleet, which normally includes a command cruiser, eighteen standard cruisers, and three smaller scout ships. She has them organized into three-cruiser squadrons. She is presently one squadron short, so I'm sending you and two cruisers to bring her fleet up to full strength. I'll also authorize you to take independent action at your discretion, since only you can determine when the Odin’s technology could make a difference. But use that option with care, as it is unlikely to make you popular with Simons or her captains. I would also like your assessment of the Odin’s technology after each engagement you participate in—was it useful, and if so how, and if not why. Make that for my eyes only. I don't want others critiquing technology they don't have or know how to use. You're right, this will be an evolving strategy. Meanwhile, Steven, I expect you to be training the next Odin captains. The continued existence of the Commonwealth may well depend upon you delivering more Odin captains and LaFon evolving an effective strategy. Oh, and Commander Akar and the Mactans keeping LaFon alive."
* * *
Finally Aboard the Odin
We boarded the shuttle and departed for the Odin, which was docked at Utopia's main assembly station on the backside of the planet. We arrived just as the sun was setting, and the multi-tiered platform was bathed in crimson. The pilot slowed as he passed the bay where the Odin was parked.
"That's the Odin on the monitor," he announced over the loudspeaker.
"Looks like any new cruiser," I said, looking up at the monitor.
"That was the idea. If we made it look any different, it might become a bulls-eye for the Issog. This way, you look like any other Commonwealth cruiser. Besides, it may slow them down if they think we have more than one." Mikel gave me a devilish grin.
We docked at shuttle connection bay X6 and rode the station's railcar to assembly platform A3, where the Odin was docked. Two armed military security men stood guarding the entrance to the Odin. I didn’t blame them for looking nervous as they checked and verified the Mactans’ identifications—they looked like walking armories. Inside the cruiser's entrance, a lone man stood waiting.
"Captain LaFon, I'm Sean Lafferty, the assembly manager for the Odin. I'm here to give you a tour, explain what still needs to be done, and note any changes you feel necessary." His voice had the no-nonsense tone I would expect from a construction foreman, although he, too, looked a little intimidated by the Mactans.
"Thank you, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Mikel and I would appreciate a tour. The men in black are Odin security," I said, to keep it simple. He nodded, looking somewhat relieved.
"For the most part, this ship intentionally looks like any Commonwealth cruiser, except of course for the Bridge and the layout of quarters. The first level, as you can see, is exactly the same," he said as he walked us though each of the shuttle bays: planet-side travel, marine combat shuttles, and navy attack fighters. A few crew had already arrived and were busy storing tools and equipment. They stopped when they saw us and straightened to attention—just in case. "As you can see, the admiralty is in a hurry. We don't normally allow crew on board until we're finished. Just complicates assembly, but orders are orders." Next, we walked through the pilot's area and were met by a tall middle-aged man with red hair. His ruddy face was smiling as he approached.
"Captain LaFon, I presume." He held out his hand, which I took. He had a firm handshake. "It appears you're in a hurry to party with the Issog. The sooner the better, I say. Oh, I forgot. I'm Commander Lian Stewart, Commander of the twenty-first fighter wing."
"Welcome aboard, Stewart. Yes, I'm Captain LaFon and I am in a hurry. I've been away from the party for far too long." It was true. I could feel the growing excitement like it was in the air I was breathing. "How is your area looking? Any problems?"
"No problems. Mr. Lafferty is taking good care of me. Mostly crossing the T's and dotting the I's. Looks like a standard cruiser with a few upgrades, but the rumors say the upstairs is new and classified." His face turned serious and his narrowed eyes watched me carefully.
"All in good time, Stewart The job right now is getting this ship and crew ready to party." I said, reluctant to say anything while so many people were wandering the area. He nodded, and then proceeded to walk me through his area while talking about the upgraded fighters.
Next, we briefly inspected several storage areas containing extra parts and equipment, missiles, military clothing, and sundry items for the crew. The engine room was not standard. A third engine had cleverly been added, which I was informed added four seconds to the Odin's skip ability. Finally, we entered the marines’
area, where a broad shouldered middle-aged man with a scarred face met us. His eye appraised the Mactans quickly before meeting mine.
"Welcome, Captain LaFon. Rumor said you were on board. I'm Colonel Kirk Storch, commander of the Third Battalion Twelfth Company Airborne Marines."
"Thank you, Storch. I'm pleased to meet you. Right now, I'm just touring the ship. Any problems?"
"No, Lafferty is good at his job. Will Mactans be providing ship security?" he asked, studying Akar.
"No, Colonel. For all practical purposes this is a normal cruiser, and your marines will provide ship security when you aren't teaching the Issog their manners. All will be made clear when we go operational."
"Business as usual then. If you'll follow me, I'll give you a tour, although I'm sure you know what a standard marine area looks like, since this is not your first command." He smiled.
Afterward, we proceeded to the second level, where I saw the new missile, laser, and ECM bays. The Odin missile and laser equipment had been upgraded. Instead of two banks of four missiles each, the Odin had two banks of six, and the lasers were all seventy centimeters versus the standard fifty—the Odin had real punch. The second level also had a dining facility, an environmental section, an exercise area, a hospital, and crew quarters.
The third level was largely senior crew quarters, plus a conference room, offices, a small dining area, and the Bridge. The Mactans were assigned the quarters closest to me and the Bridge, our last stop. The altered panels gave the appearance of a standard Bridge, except for the additional monitors. But in reality, this was the most non-standard Bridge in the navy—any navy—and I hoped it would be the instrument of the Issog's destruction.
CHAPTER FIVE
Shakedown Cruise
The next day, I met with Admiral Gamez, a stocky man who was slightly overweight and of an age to retire if we weren't at war and in need of every available man and woman fit for service. From the look on his face he wasn’t in a good mood.
"Well, LaFon, what are you looking for, twenty senior men and women with command experience? We seem to be a little short of them," he began after I took the chair he waved toward. His eyes slid to Akar, who stood back against the wall. I had introduced him as security, leaving out any specifics.
"No, sir. This will be more of a training exercise for them—"
"What! Admiral Fossett said the Odin had priority, as it was going to join Admiral Simons in the war zone." His bushy eyebrows rose in disbelief.
"Although it's not common knowledge, I can fly the Odin by myself. The Bridge crew are there to ferry it home if I'm injured or killed. The Odin is a new experimental model." I understood his initial reaction. No one liked being told an individual was to be given special consideration over others with equal needs.
"Oh. Fossett gave me the impression...never mind. That I can do—and in fact will be happy to. There are lots of talented eager young officers, but captains want experience, not that I blame them, you understand. But the damn war is taking a heavy toll on experience. I noticed you almost died during your last engagement."
"I understand, Admiral. I'd like at least one with experience, since he or she will be manning the secondary Bridge. If I'm killed or seriously injured, my Backup Bridge should be led by someone who has been there before."
"That I can accommodate. Here's the list I initially prepared for you." He handed me a chip, which I inserted in my ICD for later. "Commander Wang will arrange to have the individuals you're interested in available for interviewing. There are several experienced commanders on the list. I would appreciate it if you would—" He stopped when I held up my hand.
"Admiral, I promise to take as few experienced commanders as possible. I understand there are other captains who will need them more than I do."
"Thank you, LaFon. It hurts to send off captains to war with inexperienced crews, but I have no choice. I have to try to distribute the available ones more or less equally."
"That's all we can ask, and I promise to help." I liked Gamez. He had been to war, given his ribbons, and was doing his best to be fair to everyone, thereby improving their chances of survival—and our chances of winning.
"Good luck, LaFon." He took me out and introduced me to Commander Wang. I spent several hours reviewing service records. When I finished, I gave Wang the names of thirty officers for him to arrange to report to the Odin.
* * *
When I entered my conference room, someone shouted "Attention," and the thirty assembled officers bolted to their feet.
"Good morning and sit." I scanned them as I waited for them to get settled. A prolonged war made for a more diverse group than one would normally see in peacetime. Accelerated deaths made for faster promotions, and the draft provided candidates who would not normally join the military. "I'm Captain LaFon. I know this meeting is unusual, but then, so is this assignment. First, I have twenty Bridge vacancies to fill, and we have no time to waste. Second, this ship is unique within the fleet. Consequently, I'm hoping to answer all your questions here, rather than have to answer them thirty times in individual interviews. It will also allow those who aren't interested for whatever reason to avoid wasting their time and mine." I fetched a cup of coffee and sat. "Except for two or three of you whom I will be interviewing for the XO position, most of you would not be a captain's first or second choice—not because you aren't bright, eager, or full of potential, but because you don't have experience, and this ship is going to war. In a war, a captain wants the most experienced Bridge crew she can find. So why am I considering you?" I paused and took a drink of coffee to let what I had said sink in. "Because this ship is a prototype. In an engagement with the Issog, those selected will be manning the Backup Bridge. I will be the only one on the primary Bridge." The room went from low whispering between individuals sitting close to each other to disorder in seconds. Slowly, the talking stopped and all attention turned back to me.
"How?" asked Disanto, one of the officers with wartime experience.
"Those who are selected will be briefed. What I commit to those who are interested is that your tour will be like graduating the war college, and you will gain experience that will make you high on any captain's future selection list. Of course, that assumes you live through the experience. Within a month this ship is headed for the front lines to seek out and destroy the Issog." I scanned the room and found that everyone seemed interested. Disanto stood.
"Captain, if I may?" he continued when I nodded. "I've never served under Captain LaFon, but I've served on front line units and know her reputation. She's well liked, a good tactician, and has a good record against the Issog." He sat.
"Unless someone has a question, I'll pass this schedule around for those interested. Put your name and a number where you can be reached in an open time slot. The interviews will be held here."
* * *
The individual interviews took six days, as I allowed two hours with each applicant. Two of the original thirty decided not to interview. Twenty-six of the remaining twenty-eight were senior lieutenants or lieutenant commanders with little time in grade and no combat experience. Their assignments had been confined to older cruisers used to ferry people and equipment to planets which hadn't yet been invaded. I ignored rank and looked for their potential to be cross-trained, and knowledge in their specialty. I kept the two lieutenant commanders, a man and woman, who had some combat experience.
The following day, I assembled the twenty individuals I had selected on the Odin's Bridge and organized them into three teams of six with an XO or me in charge.
"Captain, this Bridge looks like a standard layout. The panels are basically the same as the last cruiser I served on," Lieutenant Commander Maize said as she stood looking down at the weapons panel.
"They are standard in looks and operation. When we aren't engaging the Issog, you'll be on the Bridge performing your normal duties with them. However, when we are about to encounter the Issog, Commander Disanto and the primary team will be ma
nning the auxiliary Bridge, and I the primary Bridge. When that happens, the standard panels will be deactivated and panels which have no tactile controls will be activated."
"You're going to perform all of our functions alone? Sounds slow." Maize again. I liked the small black-haired woman. She looked ten years younger than she was, and the ponytail enforced the image, but she was inquisitive, quick to learn, and loved playing devil's advocate. That, along with her combat experience, was the reason I thought she would make a good backup XO.
"I would if the panels and I had to communicate verbally, as we do on a standard Bridge, and if I couldn't carry out any of the panel's functions myself. But by using a computer I have embedded in my skull, I can. We've run hundreds of simulations and can substantiate a twenty-five percent degradation in response time implementing orders, and another twenty-five percent verifying orders and following tradition. For example, if I can compute the vector I want as fast as the navigator, I can eliminate both the navigator and helm positions and execute it myself."
"How important will that be in battle?" Maize again, probing.
"That is what this assignment is intended to determine, as well as evolving a strategy for future cruisers."
"And crew," said Lieutenant Commander Duncan, the primary navigator, quietly wondering about the fate of navigators.
"And that computer in your...head is the reason for the Mactans," Commander Disanto said to answer a question many had but were reluctant to ask.
"Yes. You and I are on a cruise which may take us centuries into the future."
* * *
"Good morning. Please be seated," I said, scanning the conference room. The room held my staff and the senior officers on the Odin. "In the rush to prepare the Odin for departure, I doubt everyone has had a chance to get acquainted. Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves. We're going to war, and it's important that we know and trust each other if we are to perform at our best." Ironically, I hadn't served with any of these individuals. "I'm Captain LaFon. I have been a captain for ten years and have six years’ experience fighting the Issog. Although this cruiser appears standard, it's an experimental model that may be centuries ahead of its time. I promise each of you a demonstration. We're being assigned to Admiral Simons's Sixth Fleet to bring her up to full strength—six squadrons." I looked to my left and nodded.