ROMA

by R. A. Ender

  “The government wants to do its part to protect the planet and its citizens. If the Imps agree to treat Watabaeg as neutral, that protects us. Remember, we are in the Confederacy for the same reason everyone else is, mutual protection. If that reason is erased, which it would be if Defense Force can’t defend against an Imp invasion, we have no reason to sustain the Confederacy alone. Our chances of surviving beyond this war are better if the Imps chose to avoid us. If the Confederacy is successful, I assure you that that policy will change and we will do our part to combat the Imps. It is simple rational decision making. Sentimentality cannot enter into this kind of decision. We have ten billion citizens to consider.”

  Richard shook his head. “I think it is disgraceful! The Confederacy is a large part of the reason Watabaeg has become such a successful and independent world. To turn your back on it is simply debased opportunism in my opinion.”

  “Well, Admiral, you may view it as you wish.” For the first time, Abad sounded annoyed. “But the reality is that Watabaeg is our first concern. Any sentimental attachment to the Confederacy and our neighbors is just that, sentiment. A gun to one’s head tends to move sentiment much lower on the list of priorities. At the moment, the Imps have a gun to every planet in the Old Colony Region, either directly with a fleet, or by the future threat of invasion. We will do what we can to remove that threat. If we can do more in the future, we may, if it does not result in the gun being turned our way again.”

  Richard was about to speak, but Abad put his hand up. “Richard, we could discuss this forever and never agree. We are both patriots. It is an admirable quality. But our patriotic zeal lies with a different banner. Let’s leave it at that and get to the more important details, your future strategy.”

  “All the information I discussed can be provided along with ample documentation. And I will do so. I’m interested in what your next step in this war is?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t settled on one. I wanted to get information about the invasion, and my senior staff accurately deduced we could obtain that from Watabaeg. Now that we have the information, I suppose we have several options.”

  “If I want to obtain a fleet, the Old Colony Region fleet is massed at New Rome, the Northern Fleet is massing at F’lwok, and the Western Fleet is massing at Augustus. Since New Rome is being invaded, it would be foolish to go there. I also see F’lwok as a major target for the IAE, so I don’t want to return there. I think the only logical choice is to travel to Augustus. But, even by Olympus space that trip will take months. So, I’m still torn.”

  Abad was rubbing his chin again. “Hmmm, I see the good judgment to your first two eliminations. Why are you questioning a trip to Augustus though? It seems the best choice. You can collect a fleet there. You might even get the Royalist League to commit their ships to the effort. They didn’t do too badly freeing Veselyy from the Canua all those years ago, they would be an asset. Why are you torn?”

  “Well, it’s the time. At best I’ll be abandoning the Old Colony Region to the IAE invasion fleets for six months. That’s a long time to leave our worlds at the mercy of the Imperial Navy.”

  Abad was smiling again. “They don’t teach a lot at that Defense Force academy of yours, do they?”

  Abad stood for the first time since entering the cabin and walked over to the unused station. With a little effort, he brought a two-dimensional map of the galaxy up on the screen. Zooming in on the areas of known space, he overlaid the political map of the galaxy.

  “Come, Admiral, let us brainstorm a bit together,” motioning for Richard to join him at the station. “The Imps betray their strategy in their actions. One always needs to be careful while trying to see through the fog of war. However, mountains rise above the fog, as actions rise above the fog of war.”

  “We know that the Imps have passed over the more powerful independent worlds along their border and drove to the heart of the Confederacy. Their strategy is therefore revealed. They intend to kill the Confederacy first, then work to absorb its world’s later.”

  Motioning to the border region that included Watabaeg, Lochalsh, and Minnipuka, Abad continued. “If they intended simply to expand their territory, they would have invaded our world’s first. Hitting New Rome, the Capital, and New Earth, the Birth Place, is an attempt to cut off the serpent's head. Unlike the hydra, the Confederacy is not setup to regrow its centers of power elsewhere. It has always been a Confederacy of weak central power concerned with protecting its members and creating order and harmony among its members. I’m certain that one of the hopes is that with the serpents head cut off the Confederate worlds will separate into smaller blocs. And, I think they are correct in this opinion.”

  “For this to occur, interstellar communication needs to be restored. Until people know what has happened, they will assume everything is as it was. But, communication cannot be restored until the invasion is complete and Defense Force is no longer a threat. So, there is time.”

  Pausing for a moment to survey the map, Abad continued. “Based on Watabaeg Militia estimates, New Earth system will fall instantly, but its planet cannot be captured. Its planetary defense is too robust. Therefore, the Imps will need to maintain forces in the system for some time in the hopes of pacifying the planet. And enough forces to maintain control in case New Earth attempts to break the Imps control of the system, which they will eventually attempt to do, repeatedly I imagine.”

  “New Rome can resist even system control for a time. I would estimate it would take the Imps at least a couple of months to secure the system and planet with their full fleet. But, they don’t have their full fleet, but neither does Defense Force, and a communication breakdown is a huge hill to climb. With both those factors calculated, I maintain that it will take a few months.”

  “The key is whether the Tionagan invasion fleet has flexibility. With a strong fleet, the Imps can control Tionaga quickly, and redeploy most of their ships, leaving a small garrison. That will allow them to continue on and conquer Prosth and New Desh, both of which will also fall quickly.”

  “After that, the fog gets thicker. I would suspect that depending on the condition of the Imp fleet, they will decide whether to move against Kukatush, Lochalsh, Minnipuka or Watabaeg.”

  “I disagree with your belief that F’lwok is a target. Though I would not suggest you travel there, I don’t believe they will attack. If they invade F’lwok it would be based on irrational emotion. I would say that it would be foolish for the Imps to attack any species world. I would expect them to avoid like the plague any world populated by the Vev’Tev, Ituas or the Colukto. Rationally, they should also avoid the F’lwoka. If the Confederacy is defeated, offering these world’s non-aggression agreements and independence would likely be enough to avoid their becoming involved in the conflict. Though the Vev’Tev may join out of historic loyalty, their military potential is limited. Their current defense force is weak and our intelligence service has it on very good authority that it takes almost ten years to grow one of their ships, so I would suspect they will remain out of the conflict.”

  “That said, the Vev’Tev are almost as good at creating the fog of war as we Watabaeg are,” Abad said with a smile.

  “Truly Admiral, I see you having no other choice but traveling to Augustus. There you can acquire your Western fleet plus whatever ships the Royalists will give you from their six jewel worlds. It is the only logical choice.”

  “As for time, I wouldn’t worry. Will it take you six months for the round trip? Probably more. I would say closer to nine months with coordination and planning. But that doesn’t matter. At best, the Imp fleets arrived in the last couple of weeks. It will take them months to secure the worlds and several more months to coordinate further steps. As long as your fleet can arrive within a year and make an impact, you will do fine. A year is not a long time in a war. In an interstellar war, a year is only a moment.”

  “More importantly, though, you need to learn to harness the fog of war. So far,
I’ve tried to help you see through it. The Watabaeg Militia is skilled at its use and understanding, hence the ships that surround you that you’ve never seen before.” Abad said with a twinkle in his eye.

  Richard had almost forgotten all about those ships given all the excitement that had occurred in the last few hours. I’ll have to remember to revisit that issue with Abad another time, he thought to himself.

  Richard needed to refocus, though, as Abad was continuing his explanation.

  “You need to create a fog of war. The first step is one I will help you with. I will dispatch Watabaeg Militia couriers to all the Old Colony Region planets by hyperspace. It will take longer, but I’ll keep that travel going to collect information for when you return here with your fleet. They will also spread the rumor about the greatest Admiral in the history of the Confederacy is massing his fleet for a devastating counter-attack. That rumor should help bolster support for your Confeder...”

  Richard interrupted Abad midsentence. “Thank you very much for doing that, Abad. Perhaps we are not both Patriots with different banners after all.”

  Abad gave a quick shoulder grab and smile. “My Confederacy banner flies. It is simply much smaller and further down the pole.”

  “Anyway, here is what you need to do when your fleet returns. You will need to travel to the planet with the largest fleet to encourage some of it to follow you. If you are lucky, a large amount will. Then you visit every planet in the Old Colony Region, spreading the news that your fleet exists and beating up on some Imp garrison forces. If you can exhaust the Imps, you will be able to make a stand in a favorable system and crush them. The tide should then turn in your favor.”

  Now Richard smiled and interjected. “Sounds like you’ve already planned out the entire war narrative. Where will the surprise be?”

  “In war, Richard, there is always surprise. Well, that is enough of my prognostication. Thank you for being so receptive. I would have expected such a seasoned and celebrated officer such as yourself to be resistant to such a long explanation of strategy you likely already deduced yourself.”

  Richard nodded. “Some of your details were definitely what I had already planned. I’ve always remembered the old story of Fabius Maximus and Hannibal, so part of my battle strategy was based on that. But I appreciate any advice. One who ignores advice does so at their own risk. I don’t like to take chances.”

  “Well, Admiral of the Fleet Hilbornus, that is good to hear. I hope I will see you again soon at the head of a huge fleet. Good day and good luck.

  And with that, Abad ducked down and walked out of the cabin leaving Richard behind. Looking at the map on the station display one last time, he smiled. I think we have a plan!

  CHAPTER 20

  Nine months! Nine agonizingly long months! That was how long it had been since the Caesar Augustus had left Watabaeg. The destination had been Augustus, the leading world of the Royalist League, a political faction of current and former Monarch-led worlds which exist within the Confederated Union of Worlds.

  Most of the worlds had been colonized during the early years of the Confederacy. It had been a time where a wave of more progressive views toward society and government had been in ascendance. And, as with any new ideas or ideology, the most fervent supporters often saw their view as true. Those who did not share the same views were often vilified or marginalized.

  Unlike the current structure of the Confederacy which was exceptionally decentralized, the early Union had the tools and the will to ban monarchs and the government structures they led.

  In response, the monarchs left for the far side of the galaxy, the regions bordering the Bxtozil worlds, as close to Old Earth as it was possible for them to be. There they built the societies they and their people wanted. Only disaster, war and a change in the Confederacy itself brought these colonies back within the fold.

  The leading world was Augustus. Its splendor, power, and wealth were unmatched by any other world in the Royalist League, and it rivaled most worlds in the Old Colony Region. The world was led by an absolute Monarch from the House of Dredmoorus, the same house that had ruled Augustus for more than a millennia.

  While planetside, Richard, and his senior staff were the guests of the King and stayed at his palace. From the day he arrived, the planning and organization for a military force to battle the invading Imperial Alliance of Empires began.

  King Dredmoorus pledged the support of the Royalist League immediately. This he could do because he remained in contact with all the other worlds. This came as no surprise as the ships access to the TeleGod Network resumed almost immediately upon entering Septimius outer systems territory. It had been a great relief to communicate with Defense Force, even if it was only the local Western Fleet.

  Planning and organization had processed quickly. The bulk of the Western Fleet had assembled at Augustus prior to their arrival. After communicating with the Ka’Tak and gaining assurances that they would maintain a defensive military position against the Lanwouk, all the neutral zone forces regrouped at Augustus as well.

  King Dredmoorus had insisted that the ships of the Royalist League could not leave their sovereign territory by constitutional tradition. However, the King dedicated those ships to border patrol with the Canua, maintaining security for the Confederacy while the Defense Force ships were occupied elsewhere. He also gave over one hundred Augustan System Patrol ships which were of the highest quality to be added to the Defense Force fleet.

  Within a month of arriving, the fleet had left through the Olympus Gate back to Watabaeg, with the Caesar Augustus leading the fleet.

  Admiral of the Fleet Claudianus of the Western Fleet had been a pleasure to work with. It came as a great relief after the difficulties encountered at F’lwok. Unusually, he had relinquished command of his fleet, placing the supreme command in Richard’s hands. He had said that it was important to have command unity to combat the Imperials. Richard had not disagreed, but had immediately appointed Claudianus as his second in command but asked him to remain on Augustus as a liaison between Defense Force and the Royalist League.

  After Claudianus agreed to stay behind, he had elevated his second in command, Admiral Hanno Longus, to Admiral of the Fleet. Though Richard had been surprised at the ease with which Claudianus had relinquished command to him and agreed to stay, his decision to elevate his second in command was an even bigger surprise. He could have chosen a field promotion but instead, he truly and permanently promoted Longus. After speaking with Longus for a short time the reason became obvious. Claudianus had been chosen as Admiral of the Western Fleet more for his family connections within the Royalist League. An intelligent man, he knew this and had used Longus as the capable and professional master of the fleet while he remained as a figurehead. He knew the war demanded soldiers of quality and experience, not Admirals born of the purple. He wisely stood aside.

  Despite standing Defense Force policies concerning fleets entering hostile territory, Richard had insisted that all senior fleet staff remain on board the Caesar Augustus during the transit to allow for planning and strategy to be developed. Usually, senior command staff would be distributed on different ships within the fleet, thereby preserving command if key ships were lost. However, given the rushed nature of this mission, Richard knew they needed time to plan their next move.

  The Imperials have had nine months to raze the Confederacy, he thought to himself again, a recurring thought that had whirled in his mind since he left Watabaeg. And I left Heather to their merciless assault!

  Heather had occupied his thoughts daily. He continued to be racked by guilt over not being able to protect her. Even now, it had already been decided to return to Watabaeg and not travel directly to New Earth.

  The logic could not be overcome. If any world would remain standing, it was Watabaeg. No exit point was more secure or friendly to a large Defense Force fleet.

  Still, Richard could not avoid his guilt.

  He had promised always to protect
Heather and always to be there for her. And now, she is alone and vulnerable, he thought to himself. Though he did not know for sure, it was almost beyond question that the IAE would lay siege to New Earth. It was the traditional homeland of the Confederacy. The symbol of its fall or imprisonment could not be ignored by an invading force.

  Richard had done his best to control his emotions, but even so, he had lost his control several times from the stress. At least once, Etu had relieved him of duty as he had not left the command deck for over twenty-four hours. All the incidents had occurred before arriving at Augustus. Richard had reflected that it had been a combination of stress from not knowing and his guilt. Etu hadn’t cared for a moment, she had simply confined him to his quarters.

  At those times, and throughout the transit, Robin had been an invaluable companion. Even with her expanded duties as commander of the Caesar Augustus once Richard had accepted Fleet Command, she had made time to visit him off duty every day.

  Richard came to realize that she was visiting and talking as much to make herself feel better as to help him. Though she had never said so directly, Richard could feel that she was also carrying guilt for not being able to help her Father, likely trapped in a siege of New Rome, or worse captured in the invasion.

  Richard looked outside into the blackness of Olympus Space before quickly looking away to the time. It read just past midnight. That meant Robin was coming off duty and would soon be knocking on his door.

  Standing, Richard moved to the other side of his cabin to clear the table. Aside from a few stray mugs, the paper plans he had been musing over earlier were the only thing on the table. Picking them up, he straightened the pile so it looked more professional for when he discussed his latest ideas with Robin. He always discussed strategy with her before bringing his ideas before the senior fleet staff at the morning strategy sessions.