Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition

by Thomas J. MacDonald

  "Okay Gents, we better break this up. It's nine hundred hours. We have to be in the hall in our monkey suits, soon." Williamson said with a smile as they all rose.

  .................................................................................................

  At the dais on stage an hour later, Williamson made a short speech about the auspicious occasion to the crowd that included a great deal of representation from the Borealis Fleet. Then, he called Bryant to the stage, for the award as he nodded to the Emperor who came to his side.

  "OESA Command Order number 215903-9201 - To all citizens within the limits of the Orion Empire, comprising all space within a region extending in a spheroid one hundred light years from the Orion Empire central government, at Planet Earth. By order of the C&C and Quadrant 3 Commander as prescribed by OESA regulations and protocol, George T. Bryant has been awarded the OESA Award of Tactical Excellence for swift action eliminating a possible civil war and preventing a threat to the government, property, and citizens of the Orion Empire. This action was in response to a rebellion and was completed on May 21, 2247, at Rho Corona Borealis. Signed - Fleet Admiral David Williamson May 31, 2247." He read the order as George stood in front of him at attention, then Edward III pinned the medal on his left breast pocket. Both presenters stepped back and saluted Bryant. Williamson handed him the warrant and ribbon and congratulated him. The audience of eight thousand stood in applause.

  He repeated the same procedure for the promotion, accompanied by Admirals Gogorra and Blackman. Williamson and Gogorra each replaced one collar and one shoulder pin with the new ones displaying two silver stars atop a silver number eight. They stepped back into line with Blackman. All three saluted Bryant.

  "Ladies and gentlemen - officers and enlisted personnel - members of the press - Emperor Edward III - may I present to you Rear Admiral George T. Bryant" Blackman announced, as the audience rose to its feet and applauded.

  The procedure was repeated a third time for the order assigning George to the position of Borealis Fleet Deputy Commander, this time by Gogorra. Applause was thunderous.

  The Emperor rose to his feet and took the podium.

  "Hello, everyone. I thought I should be here today. George Bryant did an invaluable service for the Empire that probably resulted in saving millions of lives. I thought the least I could do was show my gratitude. He is an exemplary Officer with extraordinary ability, who should continue to rise rapidly. I will watch his career with interest. Thank you, Admiral Bryant, and good luck." He finished as he shook George's hand. George was surrounded by members of the press corps as he stepped off the stage. They called to the Emperor for pictures of the two men together.

  All attended the luncheon and the reception. It was a pleasant day. Then, they disbanded with those in residence returning to quarters.

  At eighteen hundred hours the doors to Hangar Two opened. People filing into the bleachers were truly amazed at what lay before them on the deck below. The floor was overlaid with green turf lined in a single giant diamond pattern with white lime lines. Three square canvas bags and an oddly shaped plate were spaced atop the naked sand bed at the corners of a ninety-foot square turned on its points, like a diamond. In the center of this, twenty meters from the plate, the sand rose twenty-five centimeters above field level into a six-meter diameter mound garnished with a narrow white two-foot-long plate at its center. Though some had never seen this before, many more were familiar with the baseball diamond they were looking down on, which was complete with two teams of twenty-five players, managers, coaches, umpires, and scorekeepers. A dais stood on the mound.

  Admiral Bryant in white and blue with a baseball mitt under his arm approached the mound.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to what I hope will be the first annual Theatre Five baseball game.

  For those who don't know the game, I will tell you that, it was played professionally on Earth, until the near apocalypse. More than thirty teams in significant cities vied for supremacy in America. There were also professional leagues in many other countries around the globe. Players were paid large salaries for their skills. It was even a sport of the Summer Olympic Games. We in Borealis play the game fairly regularly.

  A player, known as a pitcher, stands on this mound and throws a ball to an opposing player standing at that plate with a bat in his hand. The batter attempts to hit the ball pitched to him by the pitcher. As you will see, this is easier said than done. The pitcher uses all kinds of trick throws to attempt to fool the batter. The pitcher is trying to throw the ball anywhere over that seventeen-inch-wide plate at a height between the batter's knees and armpits. If he succeeds and the batter does not swing this is a strike against the batter. It is also a strike if the batter swings and misses, or if he hits the ball but it travels outside those white lines. If the pitcher throws outside the strike zone and the batter does not swing it is a ball. If the count reaches four balls, the batter gets a free pass to first base. This is called a walk. If the count reaches three strikes, the batter is out. Each team gets three outs in each inning. A team gets their turn hitting until their three outs. Then, they take the field, and the other team gets their turn to bat. There are nine innings. The object is to hit the ball or get a walk and make it to the farthest base you can. Any batter going around the bases and crossing back over home plate scores a run. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. The pitcher's team, in the field, has a player at each base, one between second and third base, and three in the outfield. Their object is to get the batter out. If the batter hits a ball in the air, their job is to catch it before it hits the turf. In that case, he is out. If a ball is hit on the ground, or in the air and is not caught in flight, the object of the defenders is to get it to the base before the runner gets there. If they succeed, the runner is out. If not, he is safe and can stay at the base. He advances to each successive base on the following batters hits or walks. We have prepared a handout for you, and many of the other spectators know the game, so don't be afraid to ask them. You can use the paper pamphlet, or use your internal interface to access the file in the Theatre Entertainment folder. It is titled Baseball. My description has been brief. There is really a lot more to the game and its rules than I have presented to you. At times, it will seem boring. At other moments it is exciting. But, it is always a game of great skill and strategy. My team is called the Eagles, and Admiral Blackman's club is known as the Cougars. Pick a squad and cheer us on. We hope you enjoy the game. We want to win, of course, but our job tonight is to entertain you. It is our gift to our fellow personnel." Admiral Bryant finished to a loud round of cheers and applause.

  Two attendants removed the dais as the umpires, and Admiral Blackman approached the mound. A coin was flipped. It came up Bryant's choice of tails. He chose to hit last so his crew took to the diamond and Blackman's came up to bat. An announcer broadcasted the results of the toss, then asked everyone to stand for the Empire's Anthem.

  George pitched for his team and Blackman for the Cougars. Both proved to be great hurlers. The score was one to one at the end of five innings. By then, people had witnessed skilled pitching and some electrifying fielding. They had seen teams get hits and get put out with men still on base. Several times, George spotted Edward having a great time. Most were beginning to catch on to at least the basics of the game.

  In the bottom of the sixth inning, George's team broke the game open. Two singles, a stolen base, and a home run created a lot of excitement and gave the Eagles a four to one lead over the Cougars. It stayed that way up to the top half of the ninth inning when the Cougars scored two runs but couldn't tie the game before being put out. The Eagles won and were given a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Some Senior Officers came right down onto the field. They wanted to know if they could form teams for intra-Theatre league games. George asked them to send him a request. He would use the appeals as ammunition to convince the Theatre Command. The Emperor came onto the fiel
d congratulating Admirals Bryant and Blackman on a great game that he had really enjoyed. Edward recommended popcorn, hotdogs, beer, and soda pop be made available for future games, to add to the authenticity.

  The following morning, George shuttled back to his Fleet, which returned to duty. He worked hard at making the Assistant Fleet Commander position actually mean something. He excelled at the new responsibilities he adopted. But, as promised, it didn't last long.

  To everyone's surprise, in late November, Admiral Brian Dickinson was elevated in rank to Fleet Admiral - Level twelve and made C&C of the OESA. It was to be a joint command, from now on. Williamson had requested the move, sighting the sheer overwhelming size of the organization as the reason for the change. But, everyone knew, his advancing age played a part in the move. Vice Admiral Bill Stephenson, the Boots Fleet Commander, was raised in rank to full Admiral - Level 11 and reassigned to replace Dickinson as the Quadrant Three Commander bypassing Beldura Gogorra and all the other Theatre Commanders.

  The entire Borealis Fleet was at 14 Hercules for tactical exercises when they started receiving communications drones with updates on the moves and promotions. On December 23, 2248, one arrived with encrypted communications for both George and Admiral Blackman. George was to report to Admiral Stephenson on Rigil on Wednesday, January 5, 2248. Stephenson included a video message. In it, he spoke earnestly to George explaining that he had a Fleet Command he wanted to offer George. He added that the need was immediate but that for all concerned, they were targeting Friday, January 21, 2248, as the official elevation date. That would give everyone involved time to meet all obligations.

  George shuttled over to Blackman. They discussed it, in detail. Blackman was a little miffed at Headquarters. He felt they should have given him Boots, which is the tougher assignment, and assigned George the Borealis Fleet. Since there was no request for him to report on Jan 5, Blackman was sure they were going to ask Bryant to take Boots Fleet. Bryant wasn't so sure because it was the toughest assignment in the Empire. Why would they give it to a new Fleet Commander?

  "Remember George, you've handled Borealis Fleet, on your own several times and you've been getting experience for the last six months as my Deputy Fleet Commander. It's not like they're giving it to a greenhorn. Besides, you're the rising star since resolving the Rho incident.' Blackman offered, then added. 'The Frigate Tokyo will be at your disposal for the trip. It'll take you to Rigil and wait for your orders. You can come back in it if, you decide not to take the position. You'll have your own transportation if you do take it." He finished with a wink.

  He had a little time, so he took a few days, deciding to leave on the 27th. Though no religious holidays existed, the Empire celebrated a season including three holidays on December 30, 31 and January 1st. This meant that George would be in flight during the break. He hoped that the Tokyo did something nice for those special days.

  Of course, some people can't keep anything simple. George just wanted to get going. But, Amrit Singh the Captain of the Tokyo decided to follow protocol to the letter, and pipe the Rear Admiral aboard with all the ceremonial crap that goes along with having a Flag Officer aboard. The trip itself was uneventful, if not tedious. There were three days of special dinners and get-togethers, aboard the vessel. George kept the ship's information system busy researching the personnel of Boots Fleet. All ships' systems within a Theatre held the Command's complete database if the user had the clearance level and access codes. He wanted to know his Group Commanders and Captains, as much as records would permit, before actually agreeing to the assignment - if it was really being offered.

  Usually, travel is limited to jumps of twenty-seven light years or less. The stress of being in a vortex more than five days is incredible. There is the fact that you can't see space or the surrounding stars when you’re in a jump, not to mention the effect of the phenomena on the internal ship's gravity. A leap directly to Rigil would take nearly eight days. More than a week traveling forty-three light years is kind of pushing it, but Singh felt his people should have the experience, which might be a necessity in a wartime situation. The other detail George found confusing about the whole episode was the fact that he was being called to HQ instead of Theatre Command. The call to headquarters must be essential. Usually, changes would be made at Theatre Command - a trip of only one-third the time, based on its current position.

  They assumed an orbit around Rigil Kentaurus Prime at twenty-three hundred hours Tuesday, Jan 4, 2248, and of course, Singh had to go through the full Flag Officer disembark protocol before allowing the shuttle craft to descend to the planet, the next day. George was left thinking that he should take the promotion just so he wouldn't have to return with Singh.

  Chapter 7 Bryant & Boots

  Wednesday January 5, 2248

  "You can't blame gravity for falling in love." Albert Einstein

  His impatience and frustration evaporated suddenly when the hatchway opened onto HQ landing pad seven to reveal a stunning mid-shipman awaiting his arrival. The fair skinned, dark haired, blue eyed beauty was petite, though not short. A vigorous sparkle of life flashed in her incredibly large clear blue almond shaped eyes elegantly slanted just a little upwards towards the high cheekbones, and perfectly trimmed by naturally arched brows, all separated by a thin-bridged nose with slightly flaring nostrils. Exquisite features formed a perfect face, complete with perfectly formed lips slightly raised at the outer ends, with a pouting bottom lip, framed by an elegantly sloping jaw line slightly squared at the bottom, atop the shoulders of a body that could not be masked by the uniform she wore. Confident manner, regal bearing and genuinely warm and welcoming smile completed the portrait of the perfect woman that George had always painted in his mind. George was not known for ogling so the fact that all this detail was immediately burned into his brain condensed his thoughts to the realization that he had been incredibly impressed by the angel in front of him. Warning bells went off nudging him back to reality. He knew it was dangerous to take this view of someone so quickly. It often led to rash decisions and bad behavior.

  He took in the scene behind her. They were on a landing pad at the far edge of a park-like estate behind a massive multi-storied glass and concrete building. They were near one rear corner of the structure, which was so expansive, he could not see the other back corner. Tasteful gardens and stands of trees and tall grasses punctuated the perfectly manicured grounds. Wide walkways stretched from the landing pads to the sidewalks that appeared to surround the building perimeter. The OESA badge-style emblem was hung just below the Orion Empire one above the rear entranceway, at this corner of the building. George assumed each doorway was adorned similarly. The badge was a circular silver ring with the word “Orion” at its top and “Empire” at its bottom, in silver. Gold olive leaf branches garnished the ring between the two groups of lettering. The characters O – E – S – A were emblazoned in gold on a thin gold bar that spanned the center of the medallion, inside the ring. It was the same one that adorned every ship in the OESA armada. The jewelry-like crest is tasteful and chic.

  "Welcome to headquarters, Admiral Bryant.' The midshipman barked out confidently as she snapped to attention and saluted, then offered a dry firm handshake after George returned the salute and took her soft hand.' I am Midshipman Marie Ste. Laurent and I will be at your service and your side during your visit. I work for Admiral Stephenson, and it is my job to anticipate your needs - kind of like your personal yeoman.' She paused, then continued. 'With your permission, I will have your shuttle crew move your belongings to your quarters while we make our way to Admiral Stephenson's office, Vice Admiral."

  She gave him a half smile and flashed a glinting devilish sideways glance, as she finished.

  "That's Rear Admiral, Midshipman Ste. Laurent, and yes you can have my baggage moved. You may lead the way." He added with open hand extended towards the Headquarters building after she'd instructed the shuttle crew about his luggage.

  "I have no inside informat
ion, but I think that if you've been brought to see the Quadrant Commander you're about to be promoted. It's simple logic." She showed that teasing nature again.

  He liked this sassy girl.

  "Lead the way, Captain, and, let's not speculate anymore. I could be here to walk the plank or to be hung from a yardarm." He stifled a chuckle as he made the jab with a smile.

  By the time they reached the fifth-floor office, they had traversed about a kilometer of sidewalks and corridors and cleared a wide variety of security stations along the way.

  "If you'll just take a seat, Admiral, I'll let Admiral Stephenson know you're here. He'll fetch you, shortly." She said, pointing to the overstuffed leather chairs arranged around a coffee table as she tapped on the screen of a data pad.

  Bryant sat quietly absorbing the details around him. Although it was leather, he found the chair somewhat uncomfortable. Its softness allowed his nearly two-meter frame to sink a little too low. The room was finished in tones of oak wood trimmed with darker pecan and boasted a highly detailed hammered tin ceiling. Sconces and pot lamps dimly illuminated the space exaggerating the mottling of the moderately worn leather furniture. The walnut table and furniture trim unified the entire ante-room, while the slight scent of tanned leather and old wood hinted at authority and affluence.

  "George, come right in.' Stephenson's warm smile and soft voice interrupted an approaching daydream. 'Grab a seat and make yourself comfortable." He led the way into the office, not allowing the opportunity to follow protocol.

  George noted that Bill Stephenson was somewhat shorter than the average OESA officer, a little paunchy, and sported a balding spot atop his graying head that was probably growing with time. The jowly face exhibited several character lines. He knew this must mean the man was incredibly capable since the C&C seemed to promote only the top notch people with youthful movie star looks to higher positions.