"Certainly."
"Would you call me Thad? We do hold the same rank."
"Certainly, Thad. My friends call me Jen. I hope we'll be friends."
"That's my wish as well, Jen. Where's your next posting?"
"I'm not sure. I had expected to remain at Stewart for a couple of years until a replacement flag officer could be sent to assume command since we'd been unable to locate you, but that's all changed now. I have a little project in mind if I can get approval from the Admiralty Board."
"Such as?"
"I'd like to visit Milor and show Maxxiloth we're not going to stand for any more nonsense from him. While I'm there, I'll try to remove his power to wage war against his neighbors for many years to come."
"But it will take three years for a task force to get there, and another three years to get back."
"But it would only take the Colorado and the Yangtze forty-five days each way."
"They must still have a formidable force in place. You can't seriously hope to take on the entire Milori fleet with just these two small ships?"
"Why not? We can always outrun them if we can't outfight them."
Admiral Vroman grinned and shook his head in amazement. "If it was anyone but you, I'd say the person was certifiably crazy, but I do believe you might be able to pull it off."
"We must take the fight to Maxxiloth, and we must do it before he has time to rebuild his fleet. The only way we can accomplish that is with these two small ships. We can move into orbit around Milor and dictate our surrender terms. If he refuses, we destroy his shipbuilding facilities, munitions plants, armories, and military installations from space. Right now he won't be expecting an attack, and his ships will be spread out, keeping the empire in line."
"That's an audacious plan, Jen."
"That's become my stock in trade over the years, Thad," she said, smiling.
* * *
Chapter Nineteen
~ June 18th, 2280 ~
The news media was waiting in eager anticipation on the docking platform when the Colorado and the Yangtze docked. Workers had erected a small rostrum in expectation that Admiral Vroman would say a few words. Jenetta made the introductions, then turned the podium over to Admiral Vroman.
"It's my great pleasure to reach Stewart at last, my destination before we were attacked by Milori vessels more than a year and a half ago. The Milori marooned us on a planet with a temperate climate, but neglected to tell us that dinosaurs were part of the indigenous population. They left us weaponless; that we're alive to be with you today is a minor miracle.
Too many of our number are not; they lost their lives in attacks by creatures similar to Cretaceous period monsters on Earth. I can't commend the crew of the Lisbon enough, for their bravery, perseverance, hard work, and dedication to duty. They maintained their professionalism throughout our ordeal and enabled us to survive the nightmare.
"Thanks to Admiral Carver and her staff we've rejoined the Space Command family and I look forward to beginning my tour of duty as Commander of this station and the sectors of space surrounding it. Thank you all."
The last bit of information hadn't yet been publicly released. Reporters immediately began shouting questions at Jenetta. She stepped up onto the rostrum.
"Yes, it's true. Admiral Vroman was sent here to assume command of this station. The changeover was to occur a year ago December when my five-year tour of duty was up, but the Milori upset that plan. I'll remain in command for a short time, until Admiral Vroman has regained his full health and strength, and feels ready to take on the job. My status after that is uncertain. The Admiralty Board will determine my next assignment or posting."
One of the reporters yelled out, "Is this a demotion, Admiral?"
"Certainly not. As I just said, I completed my five-year duty tour on Stewart and was due to be relieved. I had been eagerly looking forward to having a long overdue reunion with my family on Earth, and perhaps I'll have an opportunity for that now. That's all, folks. Thanks."
* * *
"Next up for discussion is the request from Admiral Carver to travel to Milor," Admiral Moore said. "Any thoughts?"
"I think it's far too dangerous, and far too typical of Admiral Carver," Admiral Hubera said. "She proposes to go to Milor and fight the entire Milori Empire with two tiny ships and three hundred seventy crewmen."
"We already knew you wouldn't like it, Donald," Admiral Hillaire said.
"That's not fair, Arnold. I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but taking on an entire war-mongering empire with just two tiny ships is tantamount to suicide. If she wants to kill herself, that's one thing, but I can think of no valid reason why she should be permitted to take three hundred seventy officers, NCOs, and crewmen with her."
"What about her very valid point that most of their remaining ships will be away from the home planet trying to hold the empire together following the loss of their five fleets. You know that a loss like that can cause a lot of civil unrest in a totalitarian society where people are just looking for an opportunity to rebel."
"Who says that the people are looking for an opportunity to rebel? Cultures where the government has suppressed the citizenry for innumerous generations are unique in that they've only known one way of living. If you've never experienced freedom, you may not yearn for it, nor trust someone who offers it."
"Parts of it haven't always been enslaved," Admiral Bradlee said, "at least according to our intelligence information. The Milori seized huge sections of territory from the Hudeeracs and the Gondusans during past decades. Perhaps we could try to make contact with those civilizations and ask them if they wish to fight to regain their territory. We can promise them that if they do, we'll restore their territory to them after we're through with Maxxiloth."
"And if they refuse to support our effort and participate in the offensive?" Admiral Woo asked.
"Then we let them know their territory won't be restored to them. It will remain part of the Milori Empire," Admiral Bradlee said.
"If we undertake this offensive, it must be with the idea of dismantling the empire forever," Admiral Plimley said.
"Yes," Admiral Bradlee said, "but we don't have to tell the Hudeeracs and Gondusans that right away. Let them think that if they don't support us, we're not going to serve up their territory on a silver platter. Let them believe this will be their one chance to get it back. It will provide more incentive to join the effort and genuinely support it."
"We've never been in the business of toppling other governments," Admiral Hubera said, "no matter how much we dislike their leaders."
"But when that government attempts to invade our space, not once but twice, with the intention of overthrowing our government and enslaving our people, it needs toppling," Admiral Burke said. "This dangerous despot must have his reins of power cut. Leave him his planet, but isolate him on it."
"How do we do that?" Admiral Raihana Ahmed asked.
"Cut his reins of power?"
"No, I mean, how do we isolate him?"
"I'm not sure what you're driving at?"
"I'm pointing out that in order to isolate him, we must have a continuing presence in the area. We must halt any attempt to build or buy ships immediately, or he won't remain isolated for long. A continuing presence means a base or space station, and how am I, as the Space Command Quartermaster, going to supply a remote base when each ship is required to pass through enemy-held territory?"
"What Raihana is saying is important," Admiral Platt said. "If we begin this, we must be prepared to follow through, but I can't see any other course of action than to begin it. We can't suffer through an invasion from Milor every five years, or whenever Maxxiloth thinks he's again strong enough to attempt it again."
"So what we're really saying here is that we must annex the empire and make it a secure part of the Galactic Alliance," Admiral Hillaire said.
"God help us," Admiral Ressler said. "Their territory was the size of the present Galact
ic Alliance before they started the most recent expansion. When you add in all the territory that they've laid claim to between us and their former borders, we'd be increasing our territory by almost two-hundred percent."
"But we'd return the territory that belonged to the Hudeeracs and Gondusans," Admiral Woo said.
"That's less than ten percent of the total, Lon," Admiral Bradlee said.
"That territory is too large and far too distant to administer properly from the present Galactic Alliance space," Admiral Burke said. "It'll take many decades to establish bases and a responsive military bureaucracy. Meanwhile, we'll probably be facing unbridled lawlessness for much of that time. It would be as they intended for us. We'll need someone out there capable of dealing with that kind of situation while receiving only minimal support from Earth."
"Oh God, don't say it," Admiral Hubera said, covering his eyes with his hands.
"We don't really have to, but I will for the record," Admiral Hillaire said. "Admiral Carver is our most experienced, front-line base commander and I believe she's the only flag officer with the necessary skills to take on a job like this. Besides, she sort of asked for the job by initiating this."
"We'll have to clear this with the Galactic Alliance Council before we say anything, but all in favor of engaging the Milori in their home solar system and, with their defeat, annexing the territory presently known as the Milori Empire, with Admiral Carver named as Military Governor, raise your hand." Everyone raised their hand, including Admiral Hubera, although the look on his face suggested he had been sucking on lemons all morning. "Let the record show that the vote carried by a unanimous show of hands. We must suppress any mention of what we've discussed here today. Even if the GAC approves the action, I think that knowledge of plans to annex the Milori Empire could have detrimental effects on the operation and adverse reactions from potential allies."
* * *
Arriving just after Jenetta had started her workday, the message from Admiral Moore was the first piece of business she addressed.
"Hello Admiral, I hope this message finds you well. The Board has given serious attention to your proposal that you enter Milori space with the intention of impeding Maxxiloth's ability to wage war. We unanimously approve your plan as a logical next step in response to his continued attacks. Both the Colorado and the Yangtze are assigned to you in support of this operation."
"The Board recommends that you immediately notify your Hudeerac contact of the pending action and enlist their aide in whatever capacity you see fit. We authorize you to promise them the return of their former territory if they join us in this struggle and to inform them that we will not return the territory if they fail to participate. We leave the handling of that matter entirely up to you.
"Space Command Headquarters is attempting to contact the Gondusans with a similar offer. If we're successful, their liaison will contact you directly to coordinate efforts.
"The action you've chosen to undertake is an extremely dangerous one, and we feel that crews should be limited to volunteers. Good luck, Admiral. You carry with you the prayers and hopes of the Alliance for a speedy cessation of hostilities.
"Richard E. Moore, Admiral of the Fleet, Supreme Headquarters, Earth, message complete."
Jenetta walked around her office for more than an hour deciding on a course of action before touching the ring from the middle finger of her left hand to the spindle in the media tray in her desk and tapping the record button on her com unit.
"To Vertap Aloyandro, Minister of Intelligence for the Hudeerac Order, from Admiral Jenetta Alicia Carver, Base Commander of Stewart Space Command Base.
"Minister, I'm sure you've received news of our victory over the invading forces from Milor and that you understand this war is far from over. I wish to establish a formal arrangement with your government for the creation of a coalition that will end Maxxiloth's ability to wage war on his neighbors. A Space Command task force will reach Milor on the 15th of September 2280 according to the Earth calendar.
"We realize that your ship technology may not be comparable to that of the Milori, but we ask that you commence attacks on any Milori targets of opportunity no later than August 15th. We've made a similar request to the Gondusans. These diversionary tactics should draw all forces, other then their home guard, away from Milor, but once we commence our attacks, the Milori should break off their pursuit of your ships and return to confront us.
"I've been authorized to guarantee that all Gondusan and Hudeerac territories usurped by the Milori Empire will be distributed to the participants of this coalition in appreciation for their cooperation. Because of the distance involved, our task force will be smaller than we would like, so it's imperative that we work together in this endeavor.
"Jenetta Carver, Rear Admiral, Upper Half, Commander of Stewart Space Command Base, message complete."
Jenetta encrypted the message and pressed the send button a scant second before the com unit displayed a message from her aide. She saw that Admiral Vroman had arrived.
"Send him in, Lori," she said as she closed the media drawer.
"Good morning, Jen," Admiral Vroman said as he entered her office.
"Good morning, Thad. You're looking better every day."
"And feeling better. Your chef is wonderful, and I've really enjoyed our meals in your private dining room."
"Soon to be your private dining room."
"Not just yet. I'm enjoying the rest that I've been getting."
"It can't be helped, Thad. I've just received approval for my plan to tackle Milor."
"Really?"
"Really. Apparently the Admiralty Board agrees it's necessary to clip Maxxiloth's wings."
"When will you leave?"
"As soon as you feel ready, we'll have a formal ceremony in the conference center where I'll relinquish command of Stewart. My departure will follow shortly after that."
"Then I'd better start getting a little more involved in the day-to-day stuff."
"It would be best. How about a full tour? We've never walked the entire base. Do you feel up to it?"
"Walk the entire base?" he asked skeptically.
"Just an expression. We'll use a cart on each level."
"That sounds better. I don't think I could walk the entire base after the breakfast I just ate. I'm ready when you are, Jen."
As Jenetta rose, her cats rose as well, thinking they were going along. "Cayla, Tayna, stay," she said softly, and the cats sank back to a reclined position.
"They're trained quite well," Admiral Vroman said.
"We've been together for quite a few years. At times it seems like we share one mind."
"That was the half of the base dedicated solely to military operations," Jenetta said as they returned to her office late in the day. "Tomorrow we can tour the warehouses, concourse, and new habitat."
"New habitat?"
"Yes, we've almost outgrown this one. Based on growth projections, and with the full approval of Supreme HQ, we began construction on an expanded habitat adjoining this one a few years ago. The new habitat will be four times larger than the existing one. It will double our vendor concourse size, triple our military operations space, and increase living quarters by a factor of five. We're also adding a hydroponics section that will provide fresh vegetables year round. The skeletal work is complete and we've nearly completed the outer shell. About eighty-five percent of the floor space is pressurized and interior work has begun."
"I see. You don't think small, Jenetta."
"We have to be prepared, Thad. All of our statistical forecasting says that we'll need a lot more space. Stewart has already become a small city, straining at the seams to become a large city. I foresee Stewart as playing an increasingly larger role in the future as it becomes the prime anchor point for operations in this part of space."
"It's too bad you won't be here to see it through."
"I've started the ball rolling. With your great organizational skills, I have no do
ubt the work will be completed and that Stewart will become a credit to Space Command and the Galactic Alliance."
"What's your plan for going to Milor? How will you handle re-supply for example? You certainly can't take all the ordnance you'll need in those two small ships."
I've already dispatched a dozen of our fastest warships towards the outer border. Every available space from bow to stern is filled with ordnance, supplies, and food."
"Before Space Command even approved your idea?"
"Because of the distance involved, I couldn't wait while they considered the plan. It will take the ships almost a year to reach the outermost border of the Buffer Zone. Officially, I tasked them to begin patrols in accordance with our mandate to protect Galactic Alliance space, so the fact that they're carrying an overabundance of food, ordnance, and military supplies doesn't violate any Space Command regulations or directives from Supreme Headquarters. If my plan had been rejected, the ships would simply perform their patrol duties and return here without the need to be restocked for an extended period."
Admiral Vroman smiled. "You're an organizer's organizer, Jen."
"What I really am is hungry. Are you ready for dinner?"
"You bet."
"Let me take Cayla and Tayna to my quarters and give them their dinner, then I'll meet you in the dining room."
"See you there."
"Lori," Jenetta said to her aide the following morning, "as soon as Admiral Vroman takes command of the base, I'm going to be leaving."
"Where are we going, Admiral?"
"I've received permission to undertake an extremely dangerous operation, but the Admiralty Board has specified that all participants in the operation be volunteers."
"I volunteer, ma'am."
Jenetta smiled. "You don't even know what it is yet."
"I know that if you've proposed it, it's necessary and important for the safety of the Galactic Alliance. Whatever it is, I volunteer."
"Okay, you're my first crewmember."
"You're building a crew?"
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