George and his personal entourage went to the Carrier immediately. George was piped aboard, and his crew was accompanied to quarters, while he went straight to Admiral Gogorra's office. They exchanged the usual military courtesies, then Dickinson greeted and welcomed him warmly and personally.
'George, you really impressed a lot of people. You have an exceptional record, but that last action really separated you from the pack. Your being presented with the OESA Award for Tactical Excellence in the Field. It is a rare one. As far as I know, it’s been handed out only twice before. But, that was truly a great decision and a remarkable tactical operation, so you deserve it. We want to promote you to Rear Admiral and assign you as Deputy Fleet Commander of Borealis. It's not really much of a change. You will still run Canada Group, and Bill will still run the Fleet. But, it will make a difference, when Bill is away or if he's incapacitated. You will automatically step in as Fleet Commander because of rank and position. Otherwise, it's a fair raise in pay. But, most important, it makes you the next man in line for a Fleet, when a job opens up. We all agree that you should be on a fast track to the top. Are you in for it?' Dickinson finished it all with his usual bluster.
"Yes sir, I do want my own Fleet. If that means, I have to take on a position you made up for me, then so be it. I will still be in tactical command of a Group, so I'm sure I'll be happy until the next step. Thank-you, sir. I also wanted to thank Admiral Gogorra for the preparations in Hangar Two. My people tell me that things could not be better." George responded to a somewhat bewildered Dickinson.
"Good. I'm glad that's settled. Tomorrow's ceremony will be at ten hundred hours. The whole thing will take about an hour and a half. There'll be a light lunch, at noon. At fifteen hundred hours we'll be holding a reception for you. A few people are coming who really want to meet you, personally. The press will be there. Everyone back home is all fired up. The major electronic and smaller paper outfits are all calling you a hero. Everyone wants to meet you. I thought I should give you a heads up, so you don't get a surprise."
"Thanks, Admiral. I'll be on my best behavior. But, I really don't feel like a hero. And, even though I know I did the right thing under the circumstances, and that I would do it again, I can't help wishing I didn't have to kill so many people to stop so many more from being murdered. But, I would do it again if faced with the same conditions." George repeated as he rose from his seat.
'That's why we like you. You think quick. Your tactical instincts are great. And, you can make the hard decisions. That's what it takes, at the top." The bluster was there again as Dickinson finished.
"If you'll excuse me, sir," Bryant said as he stiffened to attention.
"You're dismissed, Commodore," Dickinson responded.
Bryant found his way to his quarters. The Supercarriers are massive ships that house a huge group of command staffs, so there are considerably more living quarters than on a standard one. Correspondingly, there is more room on every other deck, too. Minimum ship displacement is determined by the gravity generator which requires the accelerator streams to be fired along a minimum one-kilometer length to achieve ninety percent of the speed of light to form a gravity field eighty percent the strength of Earth. A CCIA had long ago determined that the most efficient space to put it in is a rectangular shape with wide radius corners. Three hundred eighty-four meters long by two hundred meters wide, with forty-five-meter radius corners, is the optimum minimum outside footprint required to attain eighty percent of Earth's gravity. So, this size was chosen for the Frigates. Cruisers are based on a platform one hundred forty percent of the Frigate. Carriers and Supply Ships have an elongated platform that is one hundred and fifty percent of the Frigate length, but only one hundred and ten percent of its width.
Frigates are nine decks in height. Cruisers have eleven floors. Carriers are fifteen levels including three small ones stacked as an island to the port mid-ship portion of the vessel. The lowest of these three stories is the Flag Bridge. The middle island surfaces contain the Navigation Bridge. The top most deck includes the Flight Control Tower. Each of those decks includes stations and offices for the Officers involved. The Navigation Deck provides the Captain’s quarters and apartments for all the Senior Bridge Officers, while the Flag Deck has accommodations and offices for up to six personnel. The upper deck has only its bridge.
As far as weaponry is concerned, everything is based on multiples of the weapons on the Frigates. They are equipped with ten, twelve-port launchers capable of firing the small fission and antimatter missiles, in addition to the larger fusion and antimatter ones. These assemblies are scattered around the upper deck and keel, with several attached on port and starboard hull plating. Port and starboard bow and stern ports are capable of dispatching two antimatter torpedoes from each position. Each of the many cannon mount assemblies peppered over the fore and aft decks is fitted with two one-hundred-megawatts two-and-a-half-meter neutral particle cannons and several dual kinetic rail guns. These fire three-ton, two-meter long depleted uranium spears that achieve velocities of ten miles a second within one kilometer of the muzzle, generating a concussive force of fifteen kilotons with deep penetrating capabilities. Particle cannons are used on targets from very close proximity to fifteen kilometers range. Rail Guns are used between ten kilometers and fifty thousand kilometers range on both enemy ships and planetary targets. An enemy vessel within the overlap will be treated to an assault by both types of cannons. These gun units are always mounted all over the outer plating and all over the keel and upper deck. Arial bombardment capability is achieved by dropping six-meter long, six-ton, depleted uranium filled tungsten rods from high orbit. These “gods’ rods” will generate a fifteen kiloton force by reaching speeds of over eighteen kilometers per second, in a One-G environment, on impact. They possess very deep penetration capabilities by virtue of their hardness and shape. Cruisers sport one and a half times the same weaponry. Carriers are equipped with double that of the Frigates along with their one-man fighter crafts. A Frigate’s power systems and gravity generating primary particle accelerator can supply the cannons indefinitely. With stores full, the rail guns would be capable of firing two thousand shots per assembly. Frigates stock nearly five hundred fission missiles, one hundred fusion ones, and five hundred chemical ones, in addition to one hundred of the six-ton rods. Ships’ weapons stores are proportionate by vessel size to those of the Frigate, except for the Carriers, which store an additional two hundred fusion type and one thousand chemical missiles for their Raptors.
A supply vessel is essentially the same size as a Carrier without the upper island. Only six decks take up the space of twelve on a Carrier. Each deck has the height needed for large stacked storage.
The Supercarrier class vessels are a hundred and fifty percent scale of the regular Carrier class. They are true behemoths. At eight hundred sixty-five meters in length by three hundred thirty abeam, with seventeen decks, towering one hundred eighty-six meters above the keel, not including peripherals like antennae and weapons, they are rated at six hundred forty-two thousand metric tonnes displacement. There are thirty-six hundred Officers and Crew involved in ships operations. Three thousand Marines and somewhere around forty-four hundred Command Staff personnel are also housed in these monsters. With civilian contractors and family members, over twelve thousand three hundred are aboard each Supercarrier. These vessels accommodate two hundred twenty fighter-class Raptors, though full strength is considered to be two hundred. They are also the supply depots for the Fleets they serve, so it takes three hundred thirty logistics personnel, just to handle shipping and receiving. By comparison, the Standard Carrier class vessels house thirty-five hundred operational staff, four hundred Fleet and Group command people, and sixteen hundred Marines. One hundred ten Raptors are attached to standard Carriers. These carry only the supplies and materials they would need for two weeks’ operations, which is why each Task Force is accompanied by two supply vessels traveling between the Fleet and the Theatre Co
mmand to maintain an inventory to draw from.
George called his Chief of Staff and the Chief's senior team to his quarters. They sat about for an hour discussing what this promotion actually meant for him and how he could really make anything out of the position or would he still just really be a Group Commander. Bryant made it clear that he liked and respected Blackman and did not want it to become a source of friction. In the end, they realized that the only real advancement was when Blackman went on leave. Technically, he would enjoy a little more authority. The Delegation of Authority portion of the Rules and Regulations automatically doubled his autonomous financial approval level, with the change in rank. But, that really meant very little because anything he did would be based on a Fleet Plan approved by Blackman. One additional benefit under the same section was the right to make tactical decisions, on his own. The decision at RCB had not been without risk. The kind of action he took was mandated, but the regulation stipulated that a Fleet Commander had that authority. He had been relatively sure Blackman would back him when he wrote his orders, but there had been a risk. In the DOA section, it gave responsibilities to the Empire by Rank, regardless of position. The authority to declare war on behalf of the Empire for the specific purposes of quelling a rebellion, stopping terrorist actions, and repelling an enemy attack was clearly granted to an Officer in a tactical field command at the level of Rear Admiral, or above. Since no Rear Admirals held tactical commands, until now, it had always been understood that only a Vice Admiral and above could assume the responsibility. But, armed with that section, George would no longer have had to worry about doing something that was clearly his duty. By the time they broke up, Bryant knew that things would not be a lot different, but he was sure of the benefits, responsibilities, and authority that would emanate from the promotion and change in position. He questioned his Chief about preparations for the special event to be held in Hangar Two, late the next day.
On his own, he continued to search the Regulations. He needed to know his operational limits. How large a Command Staff was he permitted? What rank could he elevate his Chief too? There was no precedent. There were lots of Rear Admirals commanding support departments in Headquarters, Quadrant Commands, and Theatre Commands. But, there were none posted to tactical positions in field Commands. He was not sure what kind of access to the Fleet Commander's staff, he could expect. He had not needed it before because there was not a defined Chain of Command without the Commander. Now, he would definitely be in command, when Blackman was absent. There would be no conflict between him and the other Group Commander or between him and the Brigadier Commanding the attached Marines. He would now outrank both.
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That's enough for this session. I have things I must attend to. Dismissed!" Brubacher finished the recitation to the Junior Officers who immediately began to rise and gather up belongings.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I've sent you all two more handouts. The first puts things in historical context. The second one is much more detailed." He called out as he turned and made a quick exit.
Chapter 6 Bryant
Wednesday June 2, 2247
"Ability will never catch up with the demand for it." Confucius
George Bryant has always been a man who keeps his cool, so the frantic pace things moved at on June 2 didn't really seem to faze him. He was advised late on June 1 that, he was required in a meeting at Dickinson's office, at eight hundred hours on June 2nd. He rose at five hundred thirty, went for a jog through the corridors, did his workout in the gym and returned and ordered breakfast. When it arrived, he was sitting at the provided desk working, having shaved, showered, and dressed in a daily uniform.
When he arrived at the required meeting, he was surprised to see Vice Admiral Blackman, Admiral Dickinson, Fleet Admiral Williamson, and the back of a fourth person already seated opposite Beldura Gogorra, the Theatre Six Commander. As he came deeper into the room to pay the required respects, the changing perspective finally allowed him to identify the attire of the unknown attendee. Though he was shocked to see Edward III, he did not show it outwardly - the benefit of a decade and a half of intense poker games.
Edward III had assumed the throne in 2215. Though, now in his late sixties, Edward cut an impressive figure. Tall, erect, and regal in stature, he still sported a full head of black hair, though it was heavily streaked and sprinkled with steel gray. The Emperor wore no glasses and George guessed the teeth in the smile were all his own. He wore the traditional uniform of the throne. A black double breasted jacket sported a triple braid gold aiguillette hanging from the right shoulder epaulet. The embellishment looped under the right arm branching off to secure it on a gold button on the right breast jacket pocket, so as to drape gently in on the right breast. A variety of emblematic medals dangled at the left chest. Embroidered gold crowns, on black shoulder boards trimmed in gold braid, accented both epaulets sewn into each shoulder of the jacket. Finely fitted and well pressed black slacks were adorned with gold piping running down the outside seam of each leg. His military boots were polished to a high sheen.
George stopped at attention, saluted and said, "Commodore Bryant reporting, as ordered."
"Rest easy, George, and take a seat." It was evident Williamson was in command here.
"George, I'd like to introduce you to Edward III, our Emperor.' He said to Bryant, then turned to the Emperor. 'Sir, this is Commodore George T. Bryant."
"I wanted to present your award and meet you personally, George." The Emperor said after the two had exchanged greetings. George noted the ease and warmth of the Monarch’s smile.
"It is my pleasure, sir. I am honored." George responded without the usual awe of a first-time acquaintance.
"Will you walk with me?' Edward said as he motioned to the door. 'If you'll excuse us, gentlemen, we'll be back in a few minutes." All others rose, in respect, as the two men left the room.
"George, I thought you might be a person I want to get to know. I can see by your record and your reaction to me that you too are one of them! There are a few others. These people have my confidence. I feel safe with them. And, I believe you are a man of principle that I could trust with my life." Edward paused, apparently seeking a response.
"Sir, I am not blindly loyal to your position, or the Empire. I am loyal because you earn that respect. You basically let your subjects run the Empire and only step in to resolve problems. You make sure we are well provided for. You are not a tyrant. But, if you were, I could not honestly say you'd have my loyalty." George observed quietly as the two men negotiated the corridor.
"That's exactly what I mean. You are highly principled, and you're frank. You are not afraid to speak your mind. Since Edward I, the Delnikovs have always had a few people they could really count on - individuals who wanted the best for the citizens of the Empire without currying favor or profit - like Tom McCracken. And though we have tried to be beneficent, my family has had to be brutal at times. Look what you had to do on Rho Corona Borealis, in my name. But, the past taught that some things do not work if people are to have real freedom. Some things are just not good for us. Anyway, my family has always sought to turn all authority over to the people. Each Emperor has watched for the right time and looked for the right way. I hope I am the one to achieve success. But, I will not be able to do it alone. Though my inner group always remains loyal, they are ready to help me execute the change, at a moment’s notice. But, some find the status quo very comfortable and will resist change. So, it will take some effort if it is to happen. When the time is right, I will call on you. In the meantime, I would like us to remain in contact and maybe even become friends." Delnikov finished.
"Sir, I would be honored to help, and to be a friend," George responded.
"Good, I'm glad that's settled. You will still have to make it the rest of the way up the chain of command, on your own. I don't show favoritism. But, I have no doubt that you will be at the top
soon enough, on your own. In the meantime, I want to thank you for your dedicated service and for your quick action at Rho. If you had waited for approval from your superiors, RCB might be gone, and we'd be in a war with a planet within our own boundaries. I also want to congratulate you on your impending promotion, now. By the way, I know of your planned event in Hangar Two. I have figured out what you're up to. I am a great fan, too. I will be there." The Emperor offered with a smile, as they now sauntered toward Williamson's office.
"Okay Blackie, the meeting's yours," Dickinson said.
"George, I know this promotion is a means of getting you a little closer to your own Fleet. But, I want it to really count for something. Though I will always have the last say, we will divide up Fleet responsibilities. You are permitted to increase your staff accordingly, and you'll have full access to mine. In addition, though I don't know what Theatre, Quadrant, or HQ will do, you will have level nine security access within the Fleet. That's the same as my own. If no promotion comes along in the next nine months, we'll switch responsibilities. By the time you get a Fleet of your own, you'll have done it all, on a regular basis." Blackman said with a smile.
"Thank you for the confidence, sir," George responded with a smile.
"George, you have my full confidence, too. I have approved Admiral Blackman's plan, for you. And you'll have level nine access at Theatre Command, too. You'll need it if you have that access in the Fleet." Admiral Gogorra interjected.
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