by PP Corcoran
Joyce sat back in his chair and ran the numbers in his head for a few seconds, “The damage caused is mainly in production schedules at Deimos. The efficiency of the Janus yards goes part way to offsetting that; in fact, if we were to introduce the same procedures that Janus employs at Deimos, then we should be back on schedule within the year.”
That at least is some good news, thought Rebecca.
“As far as a new Secretary of Defence goes, well that is a political issue, Madam President.”
Rebecca knew the General was right. The people had to have confidence in its political leadership. Ever since the threat from ‘The Others’ had become known, the citizens of the Republic had recognized their duty and had joined the military in their millions. They had complete faith in the generals and admirals to do their duty. The politicians will be distrusted, unless... An idea came to Rebecca.
“So, General, how goes the senior officer selection boards?” Rebecca asked conversationally.
Joyce, somewhat thrown by the President’s sudden change of tone, could smell something brewing. “Ah, very well, Madam President. The board, run by Admiral Helset, has appointed the required number of senior officers, and the promotion requirements for further advancement of junior officers is in place and working well.” With a small chuckle, Joyce carried on. “To be honest with you, it’s working so well that the Admiral may find himself out of a job soon.”
As soon as he said it, Joyce could have kicked himself. The crocodile smile that spread across the President’s face told him he had just been played.
Rebecca knew that Joyce now realized what was going on, but carried on with the charade regardless. It wasn’t every day you got one over on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, “Oh well, I suppose it rests with you to let Admiral Helset know that he is once again facing retirement.”
Joyce was virtually squirming in his seat. Rebecca could have sworn that he was mumbling a few choice words. “Yes, Madam President. I suppose that duty does fall on me. Perhaps you could suggest some gainful employment for him?”
With difficulty in keeping a straight face Rebecca replied, “I believe the position of Secretary of Defence has just become vacant.”
#
Office of the Secretary of Defence - Geneva - Earth
Secretary Olaf Helset sat behind his desk in the office, his for the past month, looking across at Gen. Joyce and Admirals Jing and Vadis. Men that he had served alongside for more than thirty years. “Well, tell me the bad news.”
Joyce spoke for the military men present, “Well, Admiral... apologies, Mr Secretary!”
Secretary Helset looked down his barrel-like finger, now pointed at the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. “You, Mr Chairman, serve at the pleasure of the President, and in this room I act in her stead. If you continue in your disrespectful tone, I shall summon your own marines and have you escorted from here and keel hauled until you begin to show the degree of respect that I require,” before breaking into a large grin. “Now get on with it Keyton.”
Joyce bowed deeply at the waist. “Of course, your majesty. Although there is significant damage to production, it’s repairable. And with the able assistance of men lent to us by Governor Crothers, we are nearly back on track.”
Joyce regarded the display on his secure PAD for a moment then touched a control and a Holo Cube sprang into life, he began to explain what he saw. “As you can see, Mr Secretary, our current strength is broken into three areas, the first of those being planetary defence.” The display changed to show Earth and Janus side by side. “Over the past three years, our priority has been planetary defence of, firstly, Earth and secondly, Janus. As it has expanded, so have our defences there. The Army has expanded and been shaped into a heavily armoured reaction force to respond to any threat of actual planetary invasion. The Army also has responsibility for the ground-based Planetary Defence Centres.” Pin pricks, spread out over Earth and Janus, became animated on the display. “Installations scattered around the surface of both planets are armed with particle weapons and High Velocity Missiles. They can reach out to geosynchronous orbit.”
The display changed. This time it showed two seemingly innocuous boxes. The box on the left, on closer inspection, consisted of an L-shaped body on which was a pallet with nine square openings on one end. The main body had Laser Area Denial clusters on each of its four sides. The right-hand box also displayed had the same L-shaped body, but the pallet attached to it had only a single round protuberance set at its far end.
Joyce indicated to the first box. “Mr Secretary, what you see here is a multi-functional disposable point defence platform. We call it Viper. The left hand Viper is armed with nine HVMs, each with a megaton nuclear warhead. The Viper on the right is armed with a single grazer with an integrated power supply. It’s good for one hundred shots. Each Viper, as you can see, has its own Laser Area Denial System for its own defence and can be controlled by a local Planetary Defence Centre or it can be allowed independent action within a given engagement zone.”
Helset let out a low whistle, “That’s a lot of firepower, Keyton.”
“Yes, sir,” agreed Joyce. “Combined with the Planetary Defence Centres it gives us a layered defence capability with the ability to engage any ship, in theory, as far as it can be detected.”
“In theory, Keyton?” asked Helset.
“Yes, sir. As you know, the HVMs have a limited amount of fuel. They can boost only so far and change direction only so many times until they exhaust their on-board fuel supply; then they either carry on in the direction that they were traveling or self-destruct. The particle weapons have, in theory, an unlimited range. In reality, the range is restricted by the fact that we have to be able to detect a target for our weapons systems to engage it.”
Olaf could see the problem. “Am I to assume, then, that you have a solution, Keyton?”
The Holo Cube image changed. Now, there was a third platform. The same L-shaped body but this time the box on the pallet had an array of antennas protruding from it. “We call this Sherlock, outfitted with our best detection and target identification systems, and it can update the Planetary Defence Centres or cross deck its information directly to the Viper units.”
Olaf was suitably impressed. “So would it be safe to say that Earth and Janus have enough of these units to defend against ‘The Others’ tactic of bombardment?”
Joyce took a moment to look at the two admirals with him. “Mr Secretary, nothing is a sure bet; but with what we have seen of ‘The Others’ tactics, we consider the Viper units to be our best defensive strategy.”
Olaf held Keyton’s eye for a moment. “Very well, Keyton. If that is the considered opinion of the Joint Chiefs. How long before you can begin deploying them to protect our habitats throughout the Solar and Janus systems?”
“Production of the required Viper units is in full swing.” Again Keyton consulted his PAD briefly. “At current rates of production, another six months should be enough to provide sufficient cover for any strategically valuable asset in both systems, Mr Secretary.”
Satisfied that Earth and Janus were adequately protected from any immediate danger, Olaf turned to Jing, “So, Ai. How goes things with First Fleet?”
Keyton turned his PAD over to the Admiral who, with a few touches of the controls, changed the display in the Holo Cube.
“Mr Secretary, on the display is the completed Order of Battle for First Fleet. The fleet will be broken into five parts, three battle forces, BatFor 1, 2 and 3. Each BatFor will consist of three battleships, four heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and ten destroyers. A Marine assault division of some 19,000 marines consisting of four regiments, a tank battalion, a reconnaissance battalion, two light armoured reconnaissance battalions, two combat engineer battalions and one orbital assault battalion. The entire division is lifted in ten assault ships and has a dedicated light cruiser and destroyer escort. And, as of zero eight hundred hours this morning, First Fleet is active.”
“And what of Second Fleet, Ai?” asked Olaf.
“Admiral Lewis assures me that Second Fleet, minus its Marine contingent – who are still forming up on Earth and awaiting transport to Janus – will be up to strength within the next twenty-eight days.”
Helset gave Ai a knowing look as he nodded slowly. “Very impressive work, gentlemen, very impressive indeed. But there is something else, isn’t there?” pointing a lazy finger at Vadis. “Otherwise, Aleksandr wouldn’t be here, would he now?”
Vadis smiled slightly. “We never could get anything past you, sir.”
Olaf regarded the three senior officers with that disapproving school teacher look. “No you couldn’t, could you? So let me guess. You got Keyton here to wax lyrical about the strength of the defences and then poor Ai about how First Fleet has been activated and then how Second Fleet will be activated within the month, because you have some cunning plan up your sleeve that you want me to take to the President for approval.”
Vadis leaned forward in his seat and said flatly, “We want to go back to Messier 54 and 31 Aquilae.”
Olaf did not even flinch. “I was beginning to wonder when you were going to ask.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In to the Fire
TDF Jacques Cartier - 31 Aquilae
Commodore Papadomas sat in his chair on the bridge of TDF Jacques Cartier and regarded the Holo Cube to his front; it displayed three blue icons representing his survey flotilla.
A smile crossed his lips as he realized he considered the Vanguard survey ships as his. TDF Jacques Cartier, TDF James Cook and TDF Henry Hudson had been dispatched to 31 Aquilae under the newly promoted Commodore’s command. His mission, as outlined by the Joint Chiefs was simple enough: enter the system and deploy surveillance platforms to observe not only the pre-industrialised civilisation that inhabited Planet III (or as some researcher had dubbed it, Garunda, apparently after the Hindu name for this constellation), but to deploy a shell of surveillance platforms around the system looking outwards. Each of these new style surveillance platforms, developed by Research and Development and, he had been promised, they could detect ‘The Others’ Alcubierre drive out to a distance of a light year.
He turned to the duty communications officer. “Please signal the James Cook and the Henry Hudson that I am beginning deployment of the planetary surveillance platform and they may begin their own deployments when ready, and that we shall meet them at the rendezvous point in three days.”
The young lieutenant at communications replied, “Aye aye, sir,” without turning around.
“Commander Ranking, the bridge is yours. I’ll be in biosciences if you need me.” And without waiting for a reply, got up from his chair and headed for biosciences to see for himself the initial take from the planetary surveillance platform, which would bring them a greater understanding of the life on Garunda.
#
TDF Henry Hudson - 31 Aquilae
Capt. Bill Talbot had been enjoying a late lunch alone in his small cabin when the urgent chiming from the intercom demanded his attention. Bill reached over and activated the small Holo Cube, which sprang to life with the head and shoulders of his new XO, Cmdr. Euan Campbell. “Problem, XO?”
The XO was concise and to the point. “Captain, approximately ten minutes ago platform twelve picked up indications of an Alcubierre drive. I ordered platforms nine and eleven re-tasked to that area and they have confirmed not only one but six drive sources headed for this system. Tactical identifies them as ‘‘The Others’, same drive signature as those designated Buzzard class from 70 Ophiuchi.”
“ETA, XO?” asked Bill.
The XO looked down at something out of the pickup’s range, then back at Bill. “At current rate of advance, Tactical estimates fourteen hours till they enter the system.”
Bill’s mind began to race. “Okay, this is what I want to happen: download all our current data to four courier drones, then dispatch two to First Fleet and two to Second Fleet and launch when ready.”
Bill could see his XO typing furiously and then felt a small lurch as the drone bays beneath the Henry Hudson came open and the four drones where launched.
The XO looked up. “Drones away, sir.”
“Good, is the James Cook still within whisker range?”
Without needing to check, the XO was able to answer, “Negative, sir. They completed the nearest portion of the surveillance shell a few hours ago and have moved to their next deployment area.”
Bill thought through his options for a moment. “Very well, launch a drone to the James Cook and one to the Jacques Cartier. Inform them that it is my intention to go to silent running and continue to monitor the surveillance platforms in real time for as long as I remain undetected by ‘The Others’, unless the Commodore orders otherwise. Then I want the crew placed on mandatory rest; get them all fed and watered, XO. The next few hours could be tricky.”
In the Holo Cube, Euan Campbell nodded his agreement. “Understood, sir. I’ll get right on it.”
“That order applies to you too, XO. I’ll come up and relieve you in two hours,” said Bill.
“Aye aye, sir,” acknowledged the XO.
As Bill cut the link, he wondered how the authorities back on Earth would react to the news of ‘The Others’ heading for 31 Aquilae.
#
Office of the President of the Terran Republic - Geneva - Earth
It had been the early hours of the morning in Geneva when Rebecca Coston was awoken by one of her aides and informed that the Secretary of Defence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs were on a secure link and needed to speak with her urgently.
In all her time as President, not once had she answered a call with such a feeling of dread as she activated the link and the faces of Secretary Helset and Gen. Joyce appeared on the split screen in front of her. Rebecca did not like the look of worry that was etched on both men’s faces. “Gentlemen, by the time of day I take it that this is not a social call.”
Olaf Helset shook his head slowly. “No, Madam President I’m afraid not. An hour ago First Fleet received a courier drone from the Vanguard survey ship, TDF Henry Hudson which, as you are aware, along with TDF James Cook and TDF Jacques Cartier, was tasked to the 31 Aquilae system to place surveillance platforms around the planet now known as Garunda and a detection shell around the system.”
Rebecca’s sense of dread deepened. “What have they found, Olaf?”
“Madam President, there are six Buzzard class ‘Others’ ships headed for the system. The captain of the Henry Hudson stated that his intention was to remain on station and monitor their approach. Commodore Papadomas confirmed this decision in a second drone received by First Fleet fifteen minutes later. I would estimate the Buzzard’s arrival at just over twelve hours.”
Both men waited patiently as Rebecca fought her drowsiness to understand the implications of this information. After a few seconds, the President asked, “Do we have any idea of their intentions, Olaf?”
Olaf shook his head and a frown appeared on his forehead. “Impossible to tell, Madam President. They could be coming to survey the system as we have done. On the other hand, I would remind you what happened to the Saiph home world. ‘The Others’ arrived in orbit without a word and began to bombard the planet. The civilization on Garunda are pre industrial revolution.” Olaf shrugged his shoulders. “They would have no defence against an orbital bombardment.”
“What are our options, Olaf?” asked Rebecca.
The Secretary of Defence shifted in his seat and replied in a flat, neutral tone. “Option one, we sit back and allow ‘The Others’ to enter the system, and if their plan is to carry out a survey then our ships sit in stealth and get as much intelligence about their tactics as possible.” Olaf continued, his face contorting as if he had eaten something particularly distasteful. “Option two, they enter the system and begin to bombard Garunda and we watch the extinction of a civilization.”
In her mind’s eye, Rebecca cou
ld imagine the inhabitants of Garunda going about their business on just another day as, without warning, a fiery rain of destruction begins to fall on their homes and their lives are cut short. Rebecca cleared the images from her mind as she looked back at Olaf with steel in her eyes. “Not good enough, Olaf. I will not stand by and allow the extermination of an entire race. I want another option.”
Olaf gave the only other answer that he had. “We intervene, Madam President.”
Rebecca regarded her two closest military advisers and could feel a momentous decision bearing down on her. Taking a deep breath, she asked, “How?”
Joyce broke his silence. Until now, he had said nothing to allow his lord and masters to come to the decision that he knew in his heart was the only viable one. “BatFor One is ready for immediate deployment, as is BatFor Three from the Janus system if required. It would be my recommendation that only the deployment of one battleship force would be required in this particular scenario.”
Rebecca was well aware that a deployment of human forces could well be a slippery slope. “And what would be their orders?”
“BatFor One would deploy to the edge of the system and observe ‘The Others’. They would only move to intervene if they believed that ‘‘The Others’ were about to attack the planet. If ‘The Others’ simply carry out a survey mission and then leave, BatFor One would return to its base.”
Rebecca had once spoken to her predecessor, President McMullen, about his decision to keep the existence of Operation Minerva secret. He had remarked that it was not the fact that he had kept Minerva a secret that had been the hard part, it was the fact that he realised when he made that decision that it was his and his alone. President McMullen had told Coston about another leader from the time before the wars who had had a sign on their office desk, which read “The Buck Stops Here.” Now President Coston knew what he had meant.