Righteous Reign II - Righteous Rule

by Thomas J. MacDonald

  "Fredericka Whitehead contacted me asking for an appointment. She forward her e-mail request and your reply. So, I told her thirteen hundred. Is that okay?" She inquires with her hands raised palms up in the air.

  "Of course, you know my schedule better than I do." If we agree to do this, I would like it to happen, today. The shit will hit the fan in the next day or two. We will be editing and finalizing orders for May 8. If not today; then, tomorrow.' I respond. 'I'm okay for the interview; but, I'd like you in for both the discussion and the interview. I wouldn't normally ask that of you; but, I may need a little moral support, still." I explain.

  "Okay, I'll be at your door at twelve hundred fifty hours." She says, with a smile as she rises and leaves.

  At thirteen hundred, we sit in the conversation pit - Roh, Fred and me. We are relaxed; each with a beverage in hand. Frederica is stunningly beautiful and exudes confidence.

  "Admiral, before we get into this, I'd like to offer you my condolences; and ask how you and your son are doing?" She seems genuinely concerned.

  "I am doing as well as could be expected, under these circumstances. It's been a little over two months; so, I am still calling on a lot of help. Everyone has been so kind and supportive; but Admirals Savage and Marie Bryant have offered incredible insights, in particular. My son is doing fine. I am sure he misses his mom. He must be looking for her sounds and scent. But, he is a joy. Thank you for asking.' I respond. 'What would you like to base your interview on?" I ask.

  "Sir, I am aware of the increased drills the Fleets are conducting. And, it's been some time; since the last attack; so, I am assuming another one is assured. I'd like to interview you about that. Not about the preparations. I know the importance of secrecy. I'd like to discuss the teams and the work that goes into trying to defend this region. A couple of stories of how all this has affected some people would be good." She pauses.

  "I don't see a problem with that.' I respond. 'What else?" I probe harder; seeing she is finding it hard to ask the most important question.

  "Sir.' There is a long pause; as, she searches for the right words. I interrupt.

  "You'd like to ask about Helena; and, how I am dealing with her death." I finish the request for her.

  "Thank you, Admiral. It seems insensitive to even inquire. But, people are asking how you are coping. I would not do anything to embarrass or hurt you. It's a human interest piece." She finishes.

  "Is that all?" I ask.

  "Yes, sir. You're more important news to the public than the Inscrutables, right now. That's all." She responded.

  "And it would be on camera? We would be able to stop and edit out things I don't want public?" I ask her.

  "Of course. I do not want to harm you, in any way. My focus here is how you can come to work and deal with it, after less than two months." She responded.

  "I agree to all of it then. Admiral Sielu will prepare a little document. It will bind you to what we have discussed; and will be your release; provided you meet its terms. If you sign it, I will do the interview." I say.

  "When could we get together to do it?" She asks.

  "Roh will do the document. You sign it. You go get your camera person. And, we will do it as soon as you're ready." She is in shock by the time I finish.

  Roh had the document back from our legal staff, in minutes. Frederica read it and nodded. Roh handed her a stylus; so, she could sign on the screen.

  "Okay, let's get your people in here, as quick as possible. I could be swamped at any time." I respond.

  The correspondent taps on her data pad.

  "It'll be fifteen minutes, sir. My camera man is on the Examiner; but, my sound man is on the Interrogator. We didn't expect to do it so soon, Admiral." She says.

  "That's okay. There's time, right now. We can just sit here and chat if you like. Would you like another coffee; or, something else?" I ask.

  "Yes, sir. That 'd be great." She rises; heading for the bar to serve herself; as did Roh and me.

  We sat drinking coffee, quietly; until the camera operator and a make-up attendant arrived, five minutes later. I offered them a coffee; which was gratefully accepted and the five of us sat and talked. Ten minutes later, the sound person knocked on the door. Another coffee was served, and we sat nattering a little more.

  "Shall we get started? "I prompted them.

  "Of course. Darlene will brush a little light make-up on you. Not too much Darlene. He's quite handsome and has good skin; so, keep it light. Then, you can do me. That'll take a lot longer.' She was being self-deprecating. 'We can sit right here as we are; if, you're okay with that, Admiral. It’s a relaxed look." Whitehead suggests.

  "Yes, that would be fine.' I respond. "Roh, can you get Angstrom? He can stay in and keep the coffee topped up; as we do this." My COS is tapping on her data pad before I've even finished.

  Angstrom appears a few minutes later with fresh coffee.

  "This is CPO Angstrom. He is the head of my personal staff.' I introduce Dave; then, turn to him. "Dave, keep the coffee topped up during the filming breaks, please?" I ask. He nods.

  The barber's napkin is removed from me. The attendant places one to protect the correspondent's collar and applies makeup gingerly to her cheeks and nose; then, straightens and says. "Ready."

  Sound and makeup take convenient seats. Sound keeps a boom mic out of the camera field; while Dave and Roh take positions near the desk.

  "I'm going to do a lead in. But, I will do it later, in our studio and add it to the beginning. I may also do a wrap on the story. You will see it all before, it goes public. I will just start right in." She explains.

  "Let's go!" I smile. The cameraman counts down by folding down fingers on a hand, one at a time.

  "It's wonderful to be here in your office with you Admiral. I'd like to thank you for giving us the time; and, your hospitality." She starts out.

  "Your very welcome, on both counts Frederica. The press has an important role in our democracy; and, the OFSA wants us to avail ourselves to you, when possible." I respond.

  The cameraman signals the okay. He likes my answer.

  "Sir, you have one of the largest, most diverse and most powerful field commands in the service. How do you keep it all together, in your head?" Frederica asks.

  "It's not always easy; but, I have a lot of incredible help. IGB is responsible for all the investigation, enforcement, security and intelligence operations within the Orion Federation. We investigate crime and assist in planetary investigations when asked. Detachments from the Inspector General Branch secure our leaders and their workplaces and homes. We enforce the laws of the land on planets and in space. And we are the agency that conducts covert actions to root out enemy operations. Besides that, we are the auditors and examiners for all OFSA Commands; except our own. But, the confusion comes when you add in our final responsibility. Like all other OFSA Field Commands, the Inspector General Branch is equipped to deal with strategic threats to our citizens and territory. We are presently comprised of two Theatre Commands with seven Fleets in each. Each Fleet employs twenty warships; and, is divided into four Tactical Carrier Groups. Each of those is headed by a Commodore aboard a Carrier Class vessel housing one hundred ten fighter craft. In all, we employ nearly eight hundred thousand people; and, can deploy a considerable arsenal. I have the help of a Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff and two Theatre Commanders who take much of the load from me. Our staff is officially over sixteen thousand; but, about two-thirds of those are really there to support investigations, audits, enforcement, and intelligence. Operation Staff; running payroll, human resources, and other departments; actually, comes in at about forty-five hundred. So, like I said; I have a lot of help. IGB also conveys JAG representation and Courts, on all carriers. Each Theatre Command is responsible for a Mobile Hospital Command as large and well equipped and staffed as any in a major city facility." I respond.

  "Wow, that is incredible. I want to ask about the threat both IGB and Fifth Mobile Command r
efer to as the Inscrutables. How dangerous is this force?" She asks.

  "The enemy you speak of currently sits in CauDo space directly off our border, in a line one hundred ten light-years long. At each end of the line, they have deployed a relatively light force. But, in a five light-year section, in the middle of this front, they have positioned somewhere between fourteen hundred and two thousand warships. The Inscrutables have attacked four times; since first appearing on our border. We feel another attack may be imminent, at any time." I explain.

  "Is that why I see all the practice and drills; and, everyone seems so busy all the time?" She inquires.

  "Yes, we have to keep sharp. We have repelled the other four attacks with lopsided results. Losses to their forces outnumber ours about seventy-five to one. But, they have shown new strength, capabilities, and tactics in each battle. So, we have to be prepared." I explain.

  "Are you working with Fleet Admiral Bryant's Fifth Mobile RAC?" She prods.

  "Yes. It's really his operation. I was just asked to help out if needed. We were used in the last battle. But, we only go if Admiral Bryant asks." I am good at lying with a straight face; when, it's a security matter.

  "I want to change the topic, Admiral. Everyone back home and all the people on Federation worlds want to convey their sorrow, at the recent loss of your wife. If they could all find a way to tell you personally, I am sure they would." Frederica offered.

  "That's very kind; but, I am already aware of the support directed at me throughout the Federation. The OFSA decided to forward all mail regarding Helena's passing, to me. I receive about twelve hundred letters and e-mails a day; so, I obviously can't respond to them all. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have held my son and me in their hearts, during the difficult period." I respond.

  "How is your new boy?" The reporter questions.

  "He's healthy and very happy. But, I sense he does miss his mother, sometimes, even though he is so very young. They must know a scent or the sound of the mother's voice. Somehow, he seems to know she is gone. But, I am lucky. The service offers excellent day-care. Because a position at this level is so demanding, they provide me with personal attendants and stewards. And, I can hire nanny services that are aboard the Examiner. So, Bryant Edward never does without. And, we spend a lot of time together, each day. I read to him. We play - you know - baby games, together. I love giving him baths; feeding him; and, singing him to sleep. He doesn't care that; I have a terrible singing voice." I signal a stop.

  Dave tops up the coffee. I take a big gulp. We kill about five minutes; then, I sit back and nod to them. The cameraman does the countdown, again.

  "Your relationship with your son sounds like it is starting out really well. Were you and Helena very close?" She asks softly.

  "That seems like a strange question; but, I'll try to answer it. Helena was my whole world before Bryant came along. I have no family. I never had any siblings or cousins; and, my parents froze in a freak winter storm, back home, in Minnesota; when, I was at the Academy. So she was it, for me. I have no one else. We were kindred spirits sharing common interests and work. Because of our work, we were together most of a twenty-four-hour day. And we weren't really married that long; so, the shine hadn't even worn off yet.

  Most married couples fight over kids or money. We didn't have any children and money is not an issue. The OFSA houses and feeds all its field personnel. Money is mostly saved. And as Admirals, we were both well paid. So, we never had those stressors a lot of people experience. If we raised a voice to each other, it was usually regarding work; and, we'd get over it, before walking in the door, at night. I can't say it would always have stayed that way. Who knows the future. But, all we had was love and fun, up to her passing." I explained softly.

  "Admiral, you've been very forthcoming. I appreciate it; and, I'm sure my viewers will. But, I have one more question to ask you. You seem to be handling yourself very well. How are you coping?" Fred probes.

  "It’s very hard. But, I think I am doing as well as can be expected, at this point. There is a burning inside me. A sort of wish to find her hiding somewhere; not really gone. It nags and gnaws at your heart and soul. But, I have a lot of support. Everyone in the service has been so supportive. But, Admiral Marie Bryant and Admiral Savage have done the most for me. Both have taught me; I can't avoid the grief. And, it will always be there. But, Marie taught me how to compartmentalize it. How to put it away; so, I'm not a blathering idiot. But, to find a time to face it, each day. That time for me is usually soon after Bryant falls asleep. I go to my night table, pull out a personal data pad and flip through pictures of the two of us, for half an hour, or so. Marie taught me to limit each exposure like that. But, the pictures make me think of moments; and, that saddens me deeply. I don't know if an OFSA Admiral should say this; but, usually, I bawl my eyes out for the entire half hour. But then, it's over until the next session the following day. I'm not saying I don't think of her any other time. That would be impossible. But expressing that grief so extremely in that half-hour each day, kind of, burns it out; until, the next time I pull out that data pad." I finished with tears rolling gently down my cheeks.

  "Admiral that was amazing. I'd had hoped you would express something like this. You are not alone. In a Federation the size of ours, a few million are probably experiencing grief like yours each day. You have given them hope and a way to cope. I want to thank you for your time and hospitality, again.' She paused for effect.' Admiral Kurt Brubacher." She finished as she extended a hand towards me while looking directly into the camera. She waits a few seconds; then gives the "cut" signal.

  "Admiral Brubacher, that was truly astonishing. I have never had an interview like yours. I thank you so much.' She says; as she places her right hand over her heart. 'And, we would all like to extend our condolences again. All of Orion mourns with you." She rises. The camera operator and sound person are getting their equipment together as the makeup attendant comes over and gently wipes the makeup from my face. Then, they are gone.

  ………………………………………………………………………

  It's May 2, and there's still no sign of consequential movement behind enemy lines. The later they make their deployments; the closer the diversions will be.

  At fourteen hundred, I receive a message; the final edits are complete. The news crew is just polishing the final product. Frederica wants to come by around sixteen hundred and play it for my approval. I agree. Then, I advise Roh. I ask her to be present. I call in my steward and ask for coffee and sweet rolls at sixteen hundred.

  When she arrives, Frederica's cameraman hands me a data file. I offer the coffee and other accouterments. Everyone accepts. We all enjoy the break, in the day, as we watch the wall where I am projecting the video.

  It is incredibly professional. The production team has added a lead-in. Fred is recounting a little explanation of the IGB command as images of various subordinate commanders and classes of vessels fade in and out on the screen. The interview is exactly as filmed. Then, she does a follow - up on the brave people of the OFSA who continue to defend regardless of personal problems. It’s truly amazing!

  I am told I am viewing a copy for me. The news crew will have the Examiner beam the original to Earth, Rigil and several other Orion planets for broadcast. Though it is an honest piece, it could have been produced by OFSA Public Relations.

  As soon as I enter my office on May 3, a memo lands in my system.

  MEMO

  CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)

  ENCRYPTED

  AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. IGB$C01318?AA

  From: R. Admiral Savign SOCC Commander

  To:Admiral K. Brubacher Commander Inspector General Branch

  C.C.Flt. Adm. G.T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile RAC

  Date:May 3, 2262,

  Admiral,

  At three hundred hours this morning, we detected meaningful movement in enemy lines. It appears that two relatively large
bodies of ships are converging in preparation for jumps. Each force is in the one hundred fifty vessel range.

  A third much larger group is slowly advancing towards the border and staging. It appears they will jump from positions, just two and a half light-years from Fifth Mobile RAC. This force currently consists of five hundred sixteen ships; but, others are still moving towards it, from the rear and front-line regions a couple of light-years either side of the main body.

  We continue monitoring; and, we are recording their ship markings for potential future action; should you require our assistance.

  R. Admiral Savign.

  Hopefully, the enemy isn't planning any moves that would force us to engage before May 8. All IGB stations are running on skeleton crews as everyone enjoys a rest. The stand down ends tomorrow at twelve hundred hours. I would not like to be forced to shorten it. Everyone in my command has worked so hard, over the past year.

  Chapter 22 IGB at BP 15-58-98 -3-06

  Thursday, May 8, 2262

  "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin

  We are all on the move. But, the May 8, attack actually began very early on May 5, when two feints were launched by the enemy. They would land as two bodies, at the same declination; but a quarter-degree apart, at three hundred hours, on Thursday morning. That in itself was a departure, from their normal tactics. Diversions had been timed to land at the same time as, the main battle. I understood the reasoning. A raging battle might attract our major forces; distracting us from the intended main invasion.

  These raids were not just diversionary. They were feints. In a feint, you launch a larger force; and, pull it out; when you encounter serious resistance. But, you have to make it look like a major incursion. Thus, the use of two relatively large flotillas. And, the attackers would have to engage us long enough to attempt to convince our forces we were defending a full-fledged attack.

  We monitored the launches ourselves; but, Savign's memo refined the trajectories. Our readings indicated the two prongs would land together; but, Savign honed that to the point where; we understood they would actually be about a quarter-degree apart. Further, she could plot the exact landing formation; and, thus the planned opening battle ploys. This is significant; because, the two units would actually be about three quarters light-years apart; attacking Iota Draco from two different perspectives.