by Chris Burton
“Yes. If that’s okay.”
“Of course Admiral Haines. You are always welcome.”
* * * *
“Thanks for responding so quickly Jonathan. I am appointing you Commander of the residual fleet which will remain in this system to deal with the remaining Kryl ships. I am giving you a field commission to five star Commander. Well done, you have earned it.”
Hoskins was pleased but a little uneasy. This could go very badly.
“Thank you, Sir. That is good news. Are we absolutely convinced that the Kryl will follow you en masse? This could be a bit of a poisoned chalice?”
“No we are not and I will be monitoring the situation. Commander Reece will assume second in command and if you need to make any difficult decisions, you should use his experience. I presume that the sub-space charges were loaded aboard the Halo 7”
“Yes. Don’t worry, Sir. I don’t intend to play the hero on this one. We will play it safe and join you just as soon as the clean up exercise is completed.”
* * * *
The main fleet began its redeployment at 0900 hours, Thursday morning. Admiral Haines and Admiral Shenke stood at the observation window of Shenke’s stateroom and waited. How soon would the Kryl respond?
Chapter Thirty
The Admiralty Bench
Admirals Koenig and Clark were in Koenig’s office, ahead of today’s Admiralty Bench. They had just finished preparing and turned to other matters.
“Perhaps we should turn our attention to the latest Intel. I gather this Samos chap was in a pretty bad shape when we recovered him.”
“Yes, hardly surprising when you consider what he has been subjected to. The loss of his ship, his crew and his dignity and always under the constant threat that the Kronan could have ended it all in a flash.”
“So what have we learned?”
“Quite a lot actually. The new Kronan is known as Morvalt. He is apparently closer in line to the Kryl Queen, than Winterburn was and is therefore supposedly more powerful. To that end, we know that he or more likely they have the capability to manipulate the electronics of our ships remotely; which is a matter of some concern.”
“The Queen resides on the mother ship and presides over the entire fleet. Presumably she is more powerful still.”
“Yes, doesn’t bear thinking about does it?”
“What about their weaknesses?”
“That’s the curious thing. Samos says Morvalt is concerned about the Kryl’s weaknesses. Unfortunately he did not spell out what they were but it is clear they have an issue of some kind.”
“Interesting. Has the debriefing been completed?”
“No, no yet. It may take a while, as Samos is still weak after his ordeal. It may take a few days to get everything out in the open. I will present a full report, once the process is finished.”
“So in the meantime, we target Morvalt and the Queen and more specifically the Mother ship and we look to expand on our Intel. We need a few dead ones to work on, I guess.”
“Yes, our scientists were unable to detect anything of significance from their pathology investigations on the Kryl recovered so far, but I am told they were in a pretty bad shape. I am sure we will have some cleaner specimens soon. As for our overall strategy—certainly, we need to target the mother ship but we do need to find Morvalt. Clearly he is very dangerous but also critical to our intelligence.”
“Very well. Keep up the good work and keep me updated.”
“Yes of course, Admiral and good luck this afternoon at the bench. I will be there to support you of course, as will Jonas. It should be an interesting session.”
* * * *
Admiral Koenig opened the Admiralty Bench session with a brief summary of the latest developments on the Kryl front. He then invited Admirals Clarke and Kohn to fill in the details, before summarizing.
“As you can see ladies and gentlemen, while there is still a great deal of ambiguity on how this will pan out, we have in place everything to ensure a robust and appropriate defense. Offensively, we will continue to pursue our Jump Ship strategy. This remains an area where we can exert a certain amount of control.”
Koenig sat down. This was a polished and informative performance. He hoped it would not illicit any strong feelings from his opponents on the ‘other side’ of the bench.
Admiral Naiger was the first senior bench member to respond.
“On behalf of the bench, I would like to extend my thanks to our CIC and his support team for their presentation.
It is immediately clear that we are hopelessly outnumbered in this second Kryl skirmish and that our defense will not be enduring. There is a certain inevitability to this. To that end, I would like to ask the CIC a number of pertinent questions.
Firstly, can he advise what plans, if any, were made if the enemy decides to split their fleet into say ten fleets of a thousand vessels each? It seems highly plausible the Kryl will not enter into a battle on mass, when they lost the last battle on that basis. Secondly, can the CIC advise whether any diplomatic channels were extended to the Kryl and in what form these have taken? And finally, to what extent President Roslyn has been consulted on our strategy to date?”
This last question surprised Koenig. Naiger was a known separatist and he would not usually refer to any ECG connection. He was also concerned that Naiger, usually a supporter of Koenig’s, should take such a negative stance against him. These were difficult times, he reassured himself. Naiger has a right to sound off, just like everyone else. He would fall into line.
“I will answer the Admirals questions in order. Clearly, we do not yet know how the Kryl will deploy their vessels but I assure you that we have explored all possibilities. We cannot realistically split our fleet without losing integrity. I must stress that this does not in itself present a major problem as our Jump Ships can be deployed against smaller Kryl fleets to a greater effect. If they split into smaller groups, we can assume they will target other planets, or stations and I am confident the defensive capabilities in all major Alpha and APF domains will hold. With regard to diplomatic channels, we have extended the usual courtesy and contact invitations to the Kryl continuously since their arrival. I should reinforce the point that greater diplomatic efforts will come from the ECG and the APF. My discussions with President Roslyn continue to take the form of an informative update, rather than anything else. This is usually something you would support Admiral Naiger.”
Naiger stood up. Clearly, he was far from finished.
“We have to assume that eventually we may lose. Alpha needs to be involved in any discussions with the Kryl at the outset to ensure that we can influence other parties, as we would see fit. We cannot leave these matters to the ECG and the APF. I have some further questions if the bench will permit?”
Koenig shuffled on his seat uncomfortably. This did not look good. If the bench were prepared to allow a member to stand for an extended duration, it suggested a planned assault on his leadership. He prepared himself. He was going to have to be at his best.
“Thank you. We have already discussed at some length about whether Admiral’s Haines and Shenke are those best equipped to command the fleet. Indeed, it seems from what our CIC has said that Admiral Shenke is the tactical commander. Need I remind everyone, that Shenke was a Rear Admiral, just six weeks ago? How can he possibly be the best tactician with so little experience? We all know who should be in command out there, but our CIC cannot be in two places at once!
I am also deeply concerned about the proliferation of tactical sub space weaponry in the fleet and whether appropriate authorities were put in place for their deployment. I know that others are concerned here. Certainly, we need further assurances in this area. Finally what can the CIC tell us about the contingency fleet, its numbers, it location. Specifically, I am one of those who fail to see the logic of deploying a large chunk of armed forces outside of the theatre of war. If we are at the brink of Armageddon, then we need ALL available forces now.
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br /> These are all significant issues. Together they are critically important. We have a CIC, who is in my belief, out of his depth, who would far better be suited as the Fleet Commander. I regret that having been a supporter of our CIC for many months, I can no longer stand by and allow his tenure to go unchallenged. I therefore, regrettably propose a motion of no confidence in our CIC and invite other bench members to support me.”
There was silence in the auditorium as the members took in what Naiger had proposed. Admiral Koenig stood up
“I believe that I have the right of reply, before the motion is put forward for support. Admiral Naiger has raised some pertinent and relevant issues, which I am happy to address to clear up any ambiguity. Again, I will deal with the points as they were raised.
Admiral Haines is the senior commander and will remain so. I will repeat my assertion that Admiral Shenke’ s experience of fighting the Kryl in the last battle makes him the best commander to head up our offensive, tactical and defensive capability. He is doing so, under the watchful brief of Admiral Haines and of course, this bench and me. This is the best solution and they have my complete confidence.
On the subject of sub space weaponry. Of course, this is contentious. Of course, there are concerns about where we might be forced to deploy these weapons and to what yield is obviously critical too. However...”
Koenig paused. He was an expert orator and he knew how to empower his audience.
“However, these weapons could well decide this war. If indeed, there is a war. Yes, I have increased the volume in operation and yes, we do have maximum yield capability. But, be under no illusion, their usage is prohibited unless authorized by a senior commander, by a properly constituted coded formula. Senior command will only give their authorization, if it becomes battle critical. There will not be a repeat of the mistakes made against the Sentinel’s.”
He paused again and drew breathe. The contingency fleet was perhaps his most controversial policy. He needed to ram this one home!
“The Contingency Fleet is critically important. We cannot know whether we will survive any battle with the Kryl and whether Earth’s defense shields will hold. If we fail and the shields fail, all that could be left to protect or salvage the human race would be our contingency fleet. The rationale is therefore undisputable.
I cannot possibly divulge the make-up or location of the contingency. It is bad enough to know of its existence. In the event of the unthinkable and a bench member is subjected to interrogation, the fact that they know so little will protect the contingency and allow it to do the job that it was set up to do. Nobody in this room or outside the contingency fleet knows where they are and how many there are of them. That is the way it has to stay.”
Koenig paused again. This was it. This would be his impassioned plea for continuity and for his own salvation.
“Mister Naiger. I am very disappointed that I no longer have your support but it is of no real surprise given your beliefs on certain issues. I am sure the opposing, or should I suggest conspiring, members of this bench were able to convert you to their cause, relatively easily. And who better to represent them in a stand against me, than someone who purported to be a previous supporter of mine.”
Koenig laughed and then continued.
“As soon as I sit down, your proposal will be seconded. Again, as part of this conspiracy to replace me. The impact, to impress upon the members that many, perhaps even a majority of members now stand against me. But I am sure they don’t. I believe that good-minded members will accept my judgment and that to challenge or worse still change the CIC at such a critical stage would not just be detrimental, but would have a catastrophic impact on our battle preparations. If members seek to remove me from office, because they falsely believe that I would somehow be a better Fleet commander. Let me assure them, I will not stand for that role. I am your CIC or I am no one.”
Koenig sat down. To his surprise, several claps and whoops from the auditorium applauded him. The commotion died down quickly, but the impact was enormous. Admiral Kline, a keen member of Koenig’s opposition, stood and seconded the proposal and then there was silence. Golden silence as far as Koenig was concerned. There was no clamoring for support and it was immediately clear that the Chair would have to intervene. Admiral Yamoto stood and shook his head.
“My job is to preserve order in this auditorium and the integrity of the members our institution and the position of the CIC. Because of the response to our CIC’s speech, I feel compelled to set aside the no-confidence proposal. Now is not the time for in fighting. It is the time to come together. I would like a show of hands to reflect support of my proposal. All those in favor...”
Yamoto glanced around the auditorium. It was clear his proposal met with broad support. “Very well. The no-confidence motion is set aside. I suggest we break for a short while and return in an hour.”
Koenig remained impassive. He had secured a majority and would live to fight another day. For how much longer he did not know.
Chapter Thirty-One
The Shuttle
Three weeks in an Alpha personnel shuttle can be quite an enlightening experience. This was the preferred method of transporting personnel, NCO’s and lower ranked officers, but the passengers rarely enjoyed the experience. Each of the three hundred Alpha personnel had their own individual sleeping compartment, which ran along isles from the front of the ship to the rear. There were three isles, with compartments either side, with a one-meter floor passage running down the middle of each isle. The compartments themselves were stacked two high and were less than two meters long, by a meter wide and a meter high. They were cramped and austere but allowed for restful sleep, once the compartment was secured for privacy when it was really needed.
In the most part, compartments were left open, to prevent claustrophobia, providing a window on the world of other ranks. There was no distinction of ranking aboard the shuttle, no officer’s mess, no cafeteria and no recreational facilities. All ranks served their time aboard the shuttle together.
Jake Carter had found this wonderfully revealing and extremely irritating in equal measures. He was surrounded by NCO Troopers from the first trooper division. This contingent was scheduled for a placement aboard the Viceroy. They were entertaining most of the time and Jake enjoyed their company, but every so often, a fight would break out. The ships security team would attempt to break down the fracas, usually resulting in one or both marines ending up in the Cooler. Today was no exception. Two marines were discussing the relative merits of the nightlife on Alpha Two. Jake listened in and learned that there were two parts to the Moon based entertainment and leisure complex, known as Easy Street; the good part, where clean and honest entertainment was the norm and the bad part, where drugs, prostitution and law breaking was very much the standard. The latter was always the busiest. It was where all the excitement happened and where trouble was never far away
The argument broke out between them over whether a particular bar had a bad reputation or not. The argument quickly escalated to a punch-up.
Jake was in one of the top compartments and it was far easier to stay within the confines of his compartment rather than jump down to the floor. Today this was a good strategy as unseen, one of the marines pulled a knife when the fight intensified and blood was drawn; all before the security team arrived to intervene. The injured marine did not appear badly hurt at first. It became clear he was critically injured when a medic arrived and a full-blown surgical procedure was carried out on the deck of the shuttle. The action was futile and the marine died shortly afterwards.
Jake was shocked. The incident had upset him and put him in a reflective mood. If two ordinary people can be so reckless to the point where one of them loses his life, following a simple disagreement, then what hope did the rest of the galaxy have?
He thought about Carla, as he did for almost every part of every day, but he could not make contact, because of the communication restrictions. She would be in
her placement and probably charming her fellow officers already. She would do well, there was no doubt. Steve would be operational too and had probably frightened the life out of his fellow Jump Ship pilots already. He was just here, nearly three weeks cooped up on a transporter, knowing that even when he arrived at his new ship, The Antibes, he would still be grounded for at least four weeks. When would he make an impact or a contribution to the war effort?
“Lieutenant Carter to the front fore room.”
Jake’s compartment intercom, burst into life and his reflections disappeared. What was this? Why had he been summoned?
The front fore room was a small transparent room just off the flight deck and wedged between the crew accommodation and the Cooler. It was clearly, where personnel were brought for questioning after an incident.
“Ah, Lieutenant Carter. Thanks for joining me.”
The shuttles commander, Lieutenant Hodges, sat casually on one side of a small desk. Hodges beckoned Jake to take a seat.
“I have asked you here for your version of the incident this afternoon.”
Jake briefly outlined his take on the events leading to the death of the marine, before Lieutenant Hodges stood up and thanked Jake.
“Any news on our ETA yet?”
“We are ahead of schedule, but I understand that a battle of sorts has commenced and there is a lot of traffic movement. We will arrive tomorrow, but we may have to take a more scenic route than planned.”
Jake wanted to make the most of his temporary release from the confinement of the passenger compound.
“What will happen to Trooper Rodriguez?”
“It’s a pretty clear cut case. With witnesses evidence supporting the VT data, he will be tried, found guilty, and sent to a penal center, probably for life. A lot depends on whether he decides to contest the charge.”
“Will my evidence be required?”
“Only, if he contests. To be honest, Imagine he will just confess and get it off his chest. It doesn’t look like a malicious attack, just one that got out of hand. Two lives wrecked for five minutes stupidity.”