by D. J. Holmes
“You’re right of course,” Koroylov said carefully. “I’m simply opening up the discussion. We need to work together to coordinate our rescue efforts. But we also need to coordinate our defenses and our rebuilding efforts. If we are all competing with one another, grabbing what resources we can, our efforts will be inefficient at best and damaging at worst. We need to avoid this; the question is how?”
For several seconds everyone looked around at each other in silence. James had an idea of what Fairfax and Koroylov wanted to suggest, but he was certainly not going to be the one to do so. His people needed him to get the aid and resources they needed to survive, not to play political games.
“What we need is some kind of Emergency Council,” Christine finally suggested. “One that has enough power to ensure that things get done in regard to defending and rebuilding Earth. Yet one that is temporary and can dissolve when it is no longer needed.”
James didn’t miss the small smile that escaped Fairfax’s lips, though it quickly disappeared. So Christine is not in on it, he surmised, but she is playing ball.
“What kind of powers are we talking about?” Senator Deborah Nicholls of the United Colonial States asked. “Emergency Councils have a very bad history. They are how dictatorships are formed.”
“I am well aware,” Christine replied. “But we need to form some kind of cooperative body, and we do not have the time or infrastructure to elect one. As to its powers, I’m open to suggestions.”
“The council would need to oversee military affairs,” Rear Admiral Nogamoro responded. None of the members of the Japanese Diet had survived. Nogamoro, as the senior living Japanese naval officer, had found himself in charge. “Local affairs at least. Possibly even further afield. If we’re going to organize Earth’s defenses, we need to have the authority to appoint a commander of Home Fleet and give said commander the authority to take charge of our military forces in other systems as well.”
“We will need a degree of control over the civilian affairs in each of our countries,” Christine added. “If this council is to coordinate our rescue and re-building efforts, we will have to have authority over each individual nation’s efforts. Otherwise the council would quickly prove to be irrelevant. I know, I know,” she quickly added as she turned to Nicholls. “Such an idea sits uncomfortably with me as well. I’m not talking about our nations surrendering our sovereignty, but the Council must have some influence.”
“This is sounding more and more like the UN Interplanetary Council,” Chancellor Hoffman of Germany complained. James had been surprised to learn that he had been declared Chancellor just a couple of days ago. Technically, as a member of the Bundestag he had been fifth in line for the Chancellorship. Yet, to date, no other country had replaced their lost leaders. Everyone was still reeling from the Karacknid attack. It seemed Hoffman had shown no such hesitation. “My predecessor was a fan of the Council, but the Council led us to this disaster. Our defeat at the hands of the Karacknids has demonstrated the folly of trying to determine military policy by committee. We should appoint one Admiral to command Home Fleet and give them the authority to coordinate our rescue efforts. That way we will not waste time squabbling over minor issues.”
“Who would you have assume this role?” Bernard asked as his voice rose. “President Koroylov’s position was meant to be temporary. Are you proposing we give the Russian president more authority? Need I remind you all that it was only seven years ago that he was trying to invade this system?”
Koroylov raised his hands. “Let me assure all of you that I desire no such position. I am responsible for my own people. If I can serve our species as a military commander, I will, but I have no desire to have any political control over your nations. That is not a position for me to hold. I understand how many of you view my nation. In part that is why I gathered you all here. I would very much like it if we could come to an agreement on someone to replace me at the helm of Home Fleet. The Russian Star Federation needs all my attention.”
“That is good to hear,” Bernard said as he nodded in approval. “But still, I do not like the idea of anyone holding such power.”
“I’m not an expert in military matters, but the council need only hold authority over the military in name,” Christine suggested. “Then the Admiral appointed by the council would carry the council’s authority but be able to act as they see best. That would be a healthy compromise, no? I am happy to entrust military matters to a competent Admiral, but I too would feel uneasy with one individual holding any political authority over China. That is, beyond me of course,” she added with a smile. “I am an Empress after all.”
“So, we form a council that will take authority for guiding Earth through our current problems and appoint an Admiral to lead Home Fleet and prepare our defenses,” Koroylov summarized. “I’m sure we could put something to this effect in writing. I for one would be in favor of such a move. I am happy to step down from a position in Home Fleet and serve on such a council on behalf of the Russian Star Federation.”
James couldn’t help but smile. Koroylov was as good at the politics as Fairfax. Even if some around the table didn’t like the idea of an Emergency Council, Koroylov had just reminded them that they probably liked the idea of him staying in command of Home Fleet even less.
“If we put it in writing, there’s one more stipulation we must include,” Bernard responded. “The Emergency Council’s responsibilities should also include overseeing the restoration of our nations’ democracies. That way, as our democratic processes are returned, the Emergency Council’s authority can be phased out.”
“Yes, yes,” Fairfax said enthusiastically. “I’m sure we could put something to that effect in whatever articles we come up with as well. Something like, the Emergency Council’s authority is recognized to only be a transitionary authority until democracy has been returned to Earth’s populace.”
James held his breath. Fairfax had just laid his cards on the table if anyone was paying close enough attention. He had said democracy, not national democracies. Knowing Fairfax’s mind as he did, there was a vast difference between the two. Glancing around the room, James tried to figure out if anyone had caught it.
“That seems acceptable to me,” Senator Nicholls responded. “I’ve already sent word to the Governors of all the American colonies to begin the process of electing new senators and representatives, where needed. We should have our Congress up and running again within six months. Until then, coordinating our efforts through this Emergency Council would be beneficial. Provided the wording as to the extent of its powers was satisfactory.”
“Germany has no problem with such a council standing in for the functions the UN carried out, provided the number of Councilors is small and therefore efficient,” Chancellor Hoffman added. “And provided its members actually know what they are doing, rather than just being proficient at politicking.”
“That is something I hope we all can agree on,” James couldn’t stop himself from saying. It brought more than a couple of smiles.
“Before I agree to anything,” Bernard said, his facial expression having not changed, “I’d like to know just who we imagine would be a part of this Council?” Though it seemed like he was addressing his question to Koroylov, Bernard was staring at Fairfax. Someone is on to him at least, James thought. The question was, how much did Bernard guess? James had a fair idea of Fairfax’s intentions, but even then, he wasn’t one hundred percent sure.
“Obviously, we’d want one representative from each of the major space faring nations,” Fairfax answered when Koroylov nodded to him. “That gives us eight council members. Then, seeing as the council will be responsible for military matters as well, perhaps another four naval officers? With just twelve members, the council should be an efficient body, able to make quick decisions.”
“With you standing in to represent the British Star Kingdom I presume?” Bernard asked as his eyes narrowed.
“Not at all,” Fairfax repli
ed as he shook his head. He then patted his legs. “I have enough problems of my own. I’m happy to assist where needed, but I was assuming you would want the position?”
James raised a hand to cover his mouth due to the sudden change in Bernard’s expression. A moment of unguarded surprise had been quickly replaced by a look of suspicion. James wanted to chuckle as he imagined the thoughts running through Bernard’s mind. Of course he wanted the position, but he had to know there was going to be a cost. Fairfax wouldn’t be suggesting it if there wasn’t. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, a voice said in the back of James’s mind. It was Suzanna’s voice. The memory robbed James of his amusement. She had been as good a political operator as Fairfax. She would have been in her element here.
“If you don’t, I am aware that there are a handful of other surviving British MPs, I’m sure we could find one who would want to take on the responsibility?” Fairfax followed up when Bernard didn’t immediately answer.
“No,” Bernard said as he shook his head. “The others have their hands full. If this is the direction we are all agreed to go in, then I will do my part.”
“Well, I am in favor of the structure Fairfax has laid out,” Christine said. “I presume you are too Koroylov?” When the Russian President nodded, she continued. “Then we already have most of the major space faring powers on board. We are off to a good start.”
“The question I have,” Soult, the French interior minister asked, “is how do you go about forming this Council? Legally I mean. We have no functioning governments to endorse such a move.”
“That is actually the simplest part,” Christine answered in a light-hearted tone. “We simply decide it here. And then we announce it. And then we start acting as if we have the authority we claim to have. People will fall in line and do what we tell them to do. Each of us here has already been recognized by our people as leaders in this current difficulty. This Emergency Council would simply be us pooling our resources.”
“And what if some don’t listen to us?” What threats do we use, force?” Bernard asked.
“Not at all, if people will not listen to us, they are free to do as they please. But, if they will not work with us, then it will be to their detriment. If we play our roles well, then those who do listen to us will be much better off, that will be incentive enough.”
“So we just declare something and we can make it so?” Soult followed up.
“I know this is strange to many of us,” Fairfax responded. “We’re used to playing by a set of fixed rules. Perhaps the military officers around us are in more familiar territory. The reality though, is that we are in the midst of a war, and Earth has been devastated. We need to act decisively and do what is required rather than stay within the borders of what was once allowed. There are no governments to make this decision. We here need to make it.”
“Very well,” Soult said. “But I do want to re-emphasize Bernard’s condition. One of the key goals of this Emergency Council must be to see democracies re-established. If that is not the case, we will be taking a very dangerous step towards a dictatorship.”
“We all agree that that is not the route any of us intend, nor wish to pursue,” Fairfax said.
“All right, it seems we have come to the beginning of an agreement,” Koroylov said. “A minor miracle if I do say so myself. Let’s work out some of the finer details of this Emergency Council and see if we are still in agreement, shall we? The sooner we get this up and running, the sooner we can better coordinate our efforts and help our people.”
*
“That went rather well,” Fairfax said after Koroylov brought the meeting to a close and everyone began to get up and leave the briefing room.
“I know what you’re doing,” James whispered. “Though I still don’t see how you think you can accomplish it.”
“Don’t you worry about that Vice Admiral, leave it up to me,” Fairfax replied as he winked at James.
“Just who do you think will be stepping into the role you have in mind?”
Fairfax shrugged. “It’s not me if that’s what you’re concerned about, nor Koroylov. I’m sure someone suitable will come along.” When he stopped speaking, he stared unblinkingly at James. Then ever so slowly, he raised his eyebrows.
James shook his head vigorously. “Don’t even think about it!” he warned.
Unperturbed, Fairfax simply smiled. “You’ve probably been too busy, but I’ve been doing a little bit of genealogical research. With Christine having renounced all claims to the British Crown, there’s a certain Duke of Beaufort who just happens to be one of the closest living heirs to the monarchy. Of course, it will take a few weeks to figure out who is directly in line, but I rather suspect your name is going to come up more than once. And who better after all? You are a national hero. All the more since your warnings about the Karacknids have proven true.”
James shook his head even more forcefully. “You’re lying, I can’t be in the line of succession. Christine is a far, far removed cousin of mine.”
“Yes, yes she is,” Fairfax agreed, “I think you’re underestimating just how many of those related to the King were killed. A number served in the Navy, and most of the rest lived somewhere in London, many of the closest were gathered to the underground bunker in Buckingham Palace during the attack. If and when the British people look to re-establish the monarchy, they may come knocking on your door. In fact, for the sake of openness, I intend to see that they do.”
James rolled his eyes. After all his years of working with Fairfax, he knew there was no point arguing. Yet he wanted to. The very idea was absurd. “I am an Admiral. A warrior. Not a king.”
“And if this were twenty years ago, I would dismiss you out of hand. Yet what kind of king do you think Britain needs right now?” Fairfax countered. Before James could reply, Fairfax raised his gaze and looked over James’ shoulder. “I will leave you two alone. I’m sure we can chat more later.”
Reluctantly, James glanced over his shoulder. Christine was approaching. “Later,” he said as he turned back to Fairfax. “We have not finished with this.”
Fairfax laughed. “I suspect you’re going to have a few more problems on your hands before you get back to me,” he said as he gave a slight nod towards Christine. “Empress,” he said a little louder when Christine approached. He took her hand and kissed it. “It is a pleasure to see you in good health. China’s people have been blessed by your efforts. Though they mourn your husband’s loss, I’m sure they are delighted that you have been here to help.”
“We haven’t had time to mourn him properly, but when we do it will be a big occasion. The funeral of the first Chinese Emperor in half a millennium will be a significant event. When we have the time and energy for it, that is,” Christine replied.
“Well, I’m sure you are not here to speak to an old fart like me, I’ll leave you two alone,” Fairfax said as he moved off in his hover chair.
Christine shook her head as he went. “I have a fair idea of what he is up to, but even so, I don’t trust him an inch.”
“I wouldn’t if I were you, he will take a mile every time,” James replied. “I wanted to say, I am impressed with what you have been doing. Your people have put my own efforts to shame.”
“Nonsense,” Christine said as she reached out and touched his elbow. “We’re all doing the best we can. Many more would be dead if it wasn’t for you. But I know it has been hard. Every time I close my eyes I see that image of London burning. As bad as it is in China, seeing my childhood home burn was worse. You had to see that every day.”
“It’s been difficult for us all. But it seems this Emergency Council idea of yours and Fairfax’s will help us all.” James said, not wanting their conversation to turn into a pity party.
Christine smiled. “And that is, in part, what I wanted to speak to you about. This Council will need a chairperson. I intend to nominate you.”
“Me?” James blurted out in shock. First Fairfax w
as talking about the monarchy, now Christine about chairing the Emergency Council. What is going on? he asked himself.
“Yes you,” Christine said in a hushed voice. She grabbed his elbow once again and turned him towards one of the briefing room’s corners. “You don’t need to be so loud. And think about it, you are the perfect choice. You can be one of the military appointees to the Council and then you can become the chairman. The Council will need a strong hand in charge, one that is not politically motivated. If we appoint Bernard, or Koroylov, or even me, we will have the political pressure from our own countries influencing us. You can be a neutral party, one whose focus is solely on the Karacknids.”
James shook his head again. “I am an Admiral. My skills are needed in the field. If we are going to fight back against the Karacknids, I need to be on the front lines.”
“And on the front lines you will be,” Christine countered. “There’s no doubt about that. Everyone knows where we need you. But you understood Gupta’s analysis of our fleet better than I. How soon are we going to be launching serious offensive operations? How long before we are going to have multiple fleets needing competent Admirals? We have Gupta and Lightfoot and several others who can lead our forces. In the short term, I think you will better serve your people on this Emergency Council.”