Desjani nodded. “Good thing the food stockpiles at the Syndic base in Corvus were available. It seems unlikely we’ll find much food here.”
“I agree.” Geary pondered his options, then ordered his ships to cut their speed to one hundredth of the speed of light and let the Alliance fleet drift slowly inward toward Kaliban. That would allow time to evaluate what the fleet’s sensors were telling him about the shut-down Syndic facilities in the system. Time to learn what the Syndics might’ve left behind that his fleet could use. And time to talk to his ship commanders.
Captain Duellos called in. “I recommend posting some battle cruisers at the jump exit again to guard it.”
Geary shook his head. “Not this time. I want the fleet together. We can’t be positioned to exploit whatever the Syndics left in this system and also be positioned to support a force guarding the jump exit.”
“Very well, Captain Geary.”
Desjani gave Geary a hard-to-read look. “Duellos never liked Admiral Bloch, you know.”
“I didn’t know.”
“He didn’t think Bloch made wise decisions. It’s interesting to see Duellos agreeing so readily to your decisions.”
Geary smiled tightly. “I guess I haven’t made too many mistakes yet.”
Desjani grinned, then turned to study a message coming in on her display. “My operations officer recommends we take up position in the system at this orbital location.” Geary craned to look, seeing an area about two light-hours in-system from the jump exit. He compared the location to the orbits of the Syndic facilities that had already been spotted, then nodded. “Looks good for now. Let’s head for there. Please let the other ships know the orbit we’re planning to take up and that they should maintain formation on Dauntless.”
“Yes, sir.” Desjani started giving the necessary orders while Geary bent to his display, studying the data coming in.
He’d barely begun considering the reports being received on what could be learned about the Syndic facilities, and realizing he’d have to send scout teams down to find out enough about what was actually present at most of them, when he received a call from the commanding officer of Titan. Great. Now what’s wrong?
But there wasn’t any urgency or worry on the face of the officer calling Geary. Titan’s Captain seemed far too young for the job, but he acted and sounded confident enough. “Greetings, Captain Geary.”
“Greetings. Is this about a problem with Titan?”
“No, sir. We’re making more progress on the damage every day and have full propulsion capability back.”
Geary actually smiled slightly at the news. “That’s a relief. I have to admit that Titan’s been on my mind a lot.”
Titan’s Captain got the reference, making an exaggerated flinch. “We appreciate the efforts of our many escorts in keeping us safe. Well, relatively safe. We had considerable damage to deal with and appreciated not having to add to the list of things that needed fixed.”
Geary grinned this time. The lack of opposition in the Kaliban Star System had left him feeling in very good humor for once. “I can understand that. You’ve done a great job repairing your ship. What can I do for you now?”
“I’d like to offer a suggestion and a request.” A small window popped up with a depiction of Kaliban’s system. “We’ve been able to confirm that there were mining facilities here.”
“Yeah. All shut down like everything else, of course.”
“Yes, but assuming they’re intact, I’ve got people who ought to be able to reactivate the automated mining equipment. From the looks of things, Kaliban’s inhabitants never could’ve made a big dent in the supply of metals in the system, and we could really use those metals to fabricate new parts and weapons for the ships of this fleet.”
Geary leaned back, considering the suggestion. “Can you refine whatever ore we get, or would we need to reactivate Syndic metal-handling facilities?”
Titan’s Captain waved a dismissive hand. “Not a problem, sir. I’m certain of it. Some of the mines we’ve spotted are on asteroids. That means veins of pure metal. It won’t need refining or purifying. We’d have to work it into alloys, but we can do that.”
“How long? How long to reactivate the mines, get the metal out, and get it loaded on Titan? And I assume some of the other auxiliaries can use it, too?”
For the first time, Titan’s commanding officer hesitated. “If everything goes perfectly, I can have metals coming aboard in one week. And, yes, there are other ships in the auxiliary force that can use the metals as well. I know there’s a risk involved in hanging around the system, but with that metal we could fabricate a lot of what we need to keep going.”
Geary looked down, thinking. If everything doesn’t go perfectly, and it probably won’t, then it’ll be more than a week. Unfortunately, I have no real idea how long it’ll take the Syndics to realize we went to Kaliban, and how long after that to get a significant combat force here. So it’ll be a gamble. But I was planning to spend some time in this system anyway. And if I don’t take this gamble, who knows when we’ll have another opportunity to resupply the workshops on those auxiliaries?
Speaking of the auxiliaries, who’s in command of that division of ships? Who should’ve been the one calling me with this suggestion? Geary tapped some controls, feeling a surge of satisfaction when he managed to hit the right commands and the right data popped up in front of him. “One last question, I understand the commander of the auxiliaries division is Captain Gundel of the Jinn. Why isn’t he making this proposal on behalf of all the ships that can benefit?”
Geary was certain he caught a very quick flash of guilt in the eyes of Titan’s Captain. “Captain Gundel is very busy, sir. There are many issues demanding his immediate attention.”
“I see.” At least I think I do. “Very well. Start preparations for putting this plan of yours into motion. Let me know before you launch any teams to physically check the mining facilities.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
Geary spent a few moments staring at the space where the image had been while he thought about his options. Then he shrugged and called Captain Gundel directly. The watch on the bridge of the Jinn answered quickly, but there was a long delay before Gundel finally came on, looking cross. He’d plainly served in the fleet a long time, his uniform reflecting an odd mix of obsessiveness in the display of his many decorations and carelessness in the wearing. “Yes? What is it?”
Geary couldn’t help noticing that despite Gundel’s bellicose nature, none of Gundel’s decorations were for heroism in combat. He kept his expression bland but raised one eyebrow. “Captain Gundel, this is Captain Geary, the fleet commander.”
“I know that. What do you want?”
Give me much more talk like that, and I’ll want you strung up by your heels. “I need a recommended course of action regarding reactivating the shut-down Syndic mining facilities in order to get raw materials for the auxiliaries.”
Gundel’s mouth worked irritably. “It’ll need study. Say, one month. I may be able to complete a preliminary survey of those facilities and have a draft recommendation to you by then.”
“I want it today, Captain Gundel.”
“Today? Impossible.”
Geary waited for a moment but Gundel obviously wasn’t going to suggest any alternatives. “What are Jinn’s highest priority needs at this moment?”
Gundel blinked, apparently caught off guard by the question. “I can have that to you within a few days. Perhaps.”
“You’re commanding officer of Jinn. You should know that off the top of your head.”
“I have many responsibilities! You and I obviously do not view the responsibilities of a division commander in the same light!”
You and I obviously don’t view who’s in command of this fleet in the same light. But Geary kept his face calm despite the heat rising inside him. “Thank you, Captain Gundel.”
He broke the connection, knowing the abrupt ending would annoy
Gundel no end, then spent some more time staring into space. If Gundel acted this way toward his superiors, it wasn’t too hard to imagine how he treated subordinates. Which could be something you had to accept with a very competent officer, but not with someone who seemed lacking and refused to respond to clear direction. It seemed obvious that Gundel had to go, but relieving a senior officer like him would have to be done in a way that didn’t give people like Captain Numos any excuses to foment more anger against Geary. Up and out would be the most diplomatic and direct way, but how to do that in a fleet that didn’t have positions to promote the old fool into?
What would that old chief of mine have said? Besides “get drunk and see if it’s better in the morning” that is. Wait. Regulations. He said you could always find something in regulations to justify what you wanted to do. That advice always worked for me before.
Geary called up the fleet regulations and started doing keyword searches, skimming the texts for whatever would serve his purpose. To his own surprise, the answer popped up fairly quickly. But do I want to do that? He turned to the personnel files, calling up data on the commanders of the other ships in the auxiliaries division. Titan’s commander was, as Geary had thought, pretty junior for such a position even given the relative youth of fleet officers nowadays. It helped explain his eagerness, and his rashness in going straight to Geary with his proposal on the Syndic mining facilities. On the other hand, Gundel was very senior to be commanding the smaller Jinn. The difference between a competent, ambitious officer who’s eager to get things done and one who just wants to hide in a comfortable burrow.
But then there was Captain Tyrosian of the Witch. Experienced, but not exceptionally so. Highly rated as an engineer, good marks as an officer, senior enough to be qualified for higher command. She looked good on paper, for whatever that was worth.
Geary put in another call. Captain Tyrosian, on her bridge, was immediately available. She gave Geary a respectful look, though Geary thought he could see wariness in her eyes. “Yes, sir?”
Proper etiquette. That gives her points right off. “I’m just checking with auxiliaries commanders personally. How’s Witch doing?”
“As our reports say, sir. We sustained little damage during the battle in the Syndic home system, so most of our work right now is aimed at rebuilding the fleet’s supply of expendable weapons.”
“How are you doing on supplies of raw materials?”
Captain Tyrosian didn’t hesitate. “We need more.”
“How long would it take you to give me a report on options for acquiring more?”
She eyed him with even more wariness. “Sir, I could produce that whenever you ask for it, but such a request should come through my division commander.”
Very good, Captain Tyrosian. You know what’s going on, you’re willing to do what you’re told, and you’re willing to remind me that I need to abide by the chain of command. “Thank you, Captain Tyrosian.”
Geary checked the time. Give it a decent interval. Two hours.
He spent the interval working on his battle-training scenarios, as the fleet proceeded at a relaxed pace deeper into the Kaliban System, then Geary called Jinn once more. “Captain Gundel.”
Gundel seemed even more irritable than he had before. “I have a lot of things I should be doing.”
“Then you’ll be happy to hear what I have to say, Captain Gundel. I’ve realized I need someone working on identifying the long-range needs of this fleet. Someone with the experience to put together everything that’s needed into a comprehensive product, even if that takes a long time.” Geary smiled at Gundel, who seemed to be trying to look approving of Geary’s attitude in a patronizing sort of way. “But if that officer is constantly distracted by other responsibilities, they won’t be able to focus on what needs to be done. Therefore, I’m appointing you to my staff, Captain Gundel, as chief engineering advisor.” Geary smiled again.
Gundel seemed shocked now.
“Of course,” Geary continued in a slightly apologetic voice, “you realize that fleet regulations prohibit having anyone in charge of a ship or higher level command being also assigned to a staff position. Too much distraction, too many conflicting responsibilities. A professional like you certainly understands. So in order for me to have the exclusive benefit of your advice, you’ll have to relinquish command of Jinn. You’ll need a good working office to produce your report for me, and I know a smaller ship like Jinn doesn’t have much to spare, so you’ll need to transfer to Titan. I’ll make sure you get a good office on board her. And, also of course, since you’ll not be in command of Jinn anymore, that’ll make Captain Tyrosian of Witch the auxiliaries division commander.”
Gundel simply stared back, speechless.
“No questions, then? Excellent. Since we’re under time pressure here, please ensure you turn over command of Jinn to your executive officer prior to midnight. You’ll transfer to Titan tomorrow.”
At last, Gundel found his voice again. “You … you can’t—”
“Yes, I can.” Geary let his face grow stern and his voice get harsh. “My orders will be transmitted to Titan, Jinn, and Witch as soon as this conversation ends. I assume no officer of your experience would dream of balking at direct orders to proceed to a new assignment?” Geary paused, knowing his words would bring to Gundel’s mind the example of Commander Vebos, former commander of the Arrogant. Then he held his peace a moment longer to let Gundel think through the advantages for an officer like Gundel of no longer holding command responsibility and being able to devote himself to an endless research project without any taint of having been relieved for cause. Geary could see Gundel’s expression shift as the realization hit him that this was a great opportunity for an officer of his limited ambitions. “Will there be any problems?”
“No. Not at all.” Geary watched as Gundel’s eyes shifted again as he thought through the options once more, then as Gundel nodded to himself and regained his composure. “A wise use of personnel. I deeply regret leaving Jinn, it goes without saying.”
“Of course.”
“But my executive officer has been well trained by me. He should be able to benefit from having watched my period in command and make a capable commanding officer for Jinn.”
“That’s good to know.”
“I believe Captain Tyrosian has also benefited from observing me as divisional commander.”
“Then there should be no drawbacks,” Geary stated, eager to end Gundel’s apparently endless stream of self-aggrandizing statements.
“You realize of course that doing a proper job on the report you requested will be a lengthy process.”
“You’re to take however long it requires.” The longer the better, since that’ll keep you out of mine and everyone else’s hair. “Thank you, Captain Gundel.” Geary hastily broke the connection before Gundel could say anything else. With any luck I’ll never have to talk to him again. He can work on that report for however many years it takes until he retires and hands it to whatever poor sap has command of the fleet then.
Geary transmitted the messages he’d prepared, then called Witch and Titan to personally inform their Captains of the new state of affairs. Captain Tyrosian seemed almost as stunned as Captain Gundel had been. But Tyrosian acknowledged the order to quickly produce a plan for possibly exploiting the Syndic mining facilities, and perked up as she realized she was now division commander and Witch was the new division flagship. Geary almost sighed with relief after he ended his conversation with Tyrosian, knowing he could work with her.
Titan’s commanding officer, on the other hand, was clearly thrilled at the prospect of being out from under Gundel’s thumb, but also just as clearly in dread of having his former divisional commander on his ship for an indefinite period. “He’s no longer in your chain of command,” Geary stated firmly. “Keep him supplied with all the research material he asks for and give him a nice place to work. You’ll probably never see the man.”
“Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.”
“Thank me?” Geary prodded. “For what?”
The younger officer hesitated. “For not kicking me out the airlock for going over Captain Gundel’s head to you, sir.”
“If the Syndic mining facilities pan out, it’ll be a very good thing for this fleet. You had good reason. But don’t make a habit of it.”
“I won’t, sir.”
A few hours later he remembered to call the new commanding officer of Jinn. Geary had deliberately moved Gundel to Titan to keep him from harassing his replacement in command. The former executive officer seemed competent enough. In fact, Geary was pretty certain he’d been the one actually running Jinn while Gundel pretended to be constantly busy. Jinn’s new captain managed to hide any happiness he felt at no longer being Gundel’s subordinate, but then after working for Gundel, he probably had a lot of experience with hiding his feelings.
Geary glanced at the fleet’s position within Kaliban. They’d been gliding slowly into the system for some hours. Even if the Syndic force pursuing them through Corvus had somehow made the decision to jump to Kaliban instead of Yuon, it’d still be quite a few hours from arriving in Kaliban. But the more Geary thought about it, the less he was worried about immediate pursuit. If the Syndics had developed even the slightest suspicion that the Alliance fleet would go to Kaliban, they would’ve managed to get something to Kaliban to at least detect the Alliance fleet’s arrival there. The lack of even a scout ship capable of spotting the Alliance fleet and then fleeing to inform the Syndic command told Geary that the Syndics had thought themselves certain of Alliance intentions and put all of their effort into Yuon and Voss.
Unfortunately, reaching that conclusion meant he could no longer put off something that had needed doing since the fleet had arrived in the system, so Geary reluctantly sent orders to every ship for an immediate meeting with their commanding officers.
The conference room felt huge again, the table running off into the distance, with Geary wondering how long it would take his dislike of holding meetings here to mutate into hate. The virtual meeting process made it too easy to hold meetings, but Geary was slowly realizing it also made holding meetings too hard because it was so easy for everyone to attend and put their oar in if they desired. The software recognized anyone who wanted to speak, regardless of Geary’s feelings on the matter, and he couldn’t schedule meetings to deliberately make it difficult for his primary adversaries among the fleet captains to attend.
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