Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition
Page 32
Memo
To: All Quadrant, Theatre, Fleet Commands
From: OESA C&C
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Date: June 8, 2249
Commanders,
Please be advised that the OESA with the consent and assent of the Emperor and the Secretary of Defense have taken the steps necessary to enshrine the Command known as Fifth Mobile Rapid Action Command within the permanent structure of the Service.
This Force will be a permanent Rapid Response Force that will grow, over the next four years, to a strength capable of defending the Empire against attack in any region without compromising our defenses, elsewhere. In addition, the force will rotate continuously throughout the entire Empire as a supplement to normal patrols to create a "show of force" at various regions, as needed. Additional to that, it will function to assist in diplomatic, humanitarian and scientific missions.
This force will have structure, strength, and authority identical to the existing Quadrant Commands with the exception of twenty-four additional vessels for reconnaissance purposes. The permanent postings for the Fifth Mobile Commander will be announced in the coming days.
In order to facilitate vessel deployment and staffing of this new command, Boots, Draco, Pisces and Eridani Fleets will be renamed and assigned to it. These fleets will be replaced within their Theatre Commands, at the earliest possible opportunity.
Thank you all for your understanding and support.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
Memo
To:Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
From:OESA C&C
Cc:Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister,
Emperor Edward III
Re:Promotion & Reassignment Offer
Date:June 8, 2249
George,
As you know, a proposal has been presented to the Emperor, the Council, and the Legislative Assembly by the Secretary of Defense and the First Minister, on behalf of the OESA, for the establishment of a permanent Rapid Response Force to be called Fifth Mobile Rapid Action Command (Fifth Mobile RAC). This approved proposal establishes the operation as an enduring Quadrant Level Command Structure.
This communication is to offer you the position of Commander of Fifth Mobile RAC. You would be elevated to the rank of (Level 11) Admiral and Assigned as its Commander. Your rate of compensation would increase to one hundred forty-five thousand sovereigns per annum. Medical/dental care will be provided to you by the OESA. Your retirement plan remains as it was since it will automatically increase in value with your increase in remuneration. You would enjoy executive living conditions at OESA expense and would be assigned your own travel vehicle. You would need to employ a full command structure to be able to run this command.
The organization will consist of Two Theatre Commands, each housed in a Super Carrier class vessel, and each comprised of eight Fleets of twenty warships and four Supply Ships each structured the same as existing OESA fleets. Twelve additional frigate class vessels would be attached to each Theatre Command for autonomous operations, such as remote reconnaissance, under the direct control of their respective Theatre Commanders. The Two Theatre Commands would each also employ four supply vessels and a mobile hospital. In addition, a Cruiser and three frigates would be attached to each Theatre Command for the defense of the station.
Mobile fifth will be housed in a super carrier similar in size to the Theatre Commands with a Cruiser and three frigates attached for its own protection.
We have all been very impressed with your performance over all your years with the OESA, so it is our sincere hope you will accept this elevation and assignment.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
George used his system to contact the C&C on video voice protocol. He advised them that he needed to have several other promotions HQ approved and administered, at the same time to ensure a smooth beginning for Fifth Mobile RAC. They asked him to send a list, quickly. They needed several hours to get them in the works, today. Then he composed his written response to their offer.
Memo
To:C&C OESA
From:Admiral George T. Bryant Mobile Fifth Command
Cc:Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister,
Emperor Edward III
Re:Promotion & Assignment Offer - Command of Fifth Mobile RAC
Date:June 8, 2249
Gentlemen,
You have honored me with your offer to elevate me and assign me the Command of the new Fifth Mobile RAC.
I feel humbled that you feel I deserve to command a force of over half a million people, and that you feel you can entrust me with their care and wellbeing.
I would like to advise you of my intention to accept your offer. I am looking forward to building and Commanding a Force that can be so useful to the Empire and Emperor Edward III.
I would like to assure you that, I will do everything I can to prove your faith in me is warranted. I will do my utmost to make Fifth Mobile RAC the very best possible command it can be, to achieve all its goals and objectives, and, to reach its maximum strengths and potentials as quickly as possible. I will try to make you proud of Fifth Mobile RAC.
Admiral George T. Bryant
George laughed out loud when a reply came back a few minutes later. The C&C must have everything composed and ready. They must be transmitting it all this way just to keep it in a logical sequence.
HQ Administrative Action Order #OESA-Admin-49-3248
NOT CLASSIFIED AT ANY LEVEL
To: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile Command
From: OESA C&C
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Sub: Promotion
Date: June 8, 2249
Admiral,
You are ordered and required to appear and report to the C&C of the OESA at eight hundred hours on Monday, June 15, 2249, at the office of Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson at Headquarters on Rigil, for a meeting in the presence of the Emperor.
After the meeting, we will relocate to the public amphitheater for your elevation to the rank of (Level 11) Admiral and your assignment as Commander of Mobile Fifth RAC.
Further, you have been nominated and approved for the award known as The Emperor's Award of Special Distinction for your performance in recently repelling a large invading force. The award will be presented immediately after your assignment ceremony.
Numerous promotions and reassignments will occur during these rites, so allow at least two hours for the completing of all objectives in this presentation.
A short reception will be held at twelve hundred hours.
A dinner will be held in your honor at nineteen hundred hours in the dining hall.
You are permitted to invite up to five hundred guests to the promotion ceremony and up to twenty-five guests to the dinner. The reception is a closed function. You may only invite your spouse to this event.
We are most pleased to be presenting you this elevation, senior assignment, and award. We look forward to seeing you.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
Command Administrative Action Request # 5Mob RAC - 49 - 001
Date: June 8, 2249
To: C&C OESA
From: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile RAC (pending)
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Date: June 8, 2249
Gentlemen,
Regarding your recent offer to me and my pending assignment to Commander of Fifth Mobile RAC, there are several promotions and reassignments I need to place into nomination so Fifth Mobile RAC can hit the ground running.
My requests are based o
n the fact that Theatre Nomenclature will continue in the format and fashion it has been.
That I will be able to choose naming convention for my Fleets (I have chosen unused constellation names)
That, I'll be able to choose the naming convention for my Carriers and thus my Groups. (I have chosen names based on Viking Myths and Legends
Based on the above,
1.Theatres will be designated as Theatre Nine and Theatre Ten
Boots Fleet will become Aquarius Fleet
Draco Fleet will become Sagitta Fleet
Pisces Fleet will become Phoenix Fleet
Eridani Fleet will become Pegasus Fleet
I would like to nominate the following Officers to the designated ranks and positions,
V. Admiral Grace Tonaka - to Theatre Nine Commander elevated to rank Admiral Level10
V. Admiral Palakiko - to Theatre Ten Commander raised to rank Admiral Level 10
R. Admiral S. Nichols - to Aquarius Fleet Commander furthered to V Admiral
R. Admiral T. Stevens - to Sagitta Fleet Commander promoted to V Admiral
R. Admiral T. Moahu - to C.O.S. Mobile Fifth RAC upgraded to V Admiral
L Gen. I. Malcolm - to Marine Army Command 5th advanced to General (10)
Com M. Bryant - remains in position increase to V. Admiral (9) *
I will be able to permanently elevate and assign all others within my operation to levels required and assignments needed to establish a complete chain of command, under my own authority as Commander Mobile Fifth RAC.
* Was instrumental in reaching a peace agreement in the war just ended.
There are several people I would like to present Command level awards to for special service during the recent war.
Two additional nominations will follow for elevations of Marine Officers to the Level of Lt General for each Theatre Command Marine Corps. These may have to be completed within our command, after your approval.
However, I would like to nominate others for recognition at HQ level
V. Admiral Grace Tonaka for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds
V. Admiral Palakiko for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds
R Admiral S. Nichols for Tactical Excellence on the field of battle
L. General Ian Malcolm for bravery and original thinking under great pressure on the field of battle
Commodore Marie Bryant for distinction in her invaluable assistance to achieve a peace agreement.
Details of their invaluable and incalculable performance can be found within the logs of the past two months submitted to HQ.
It would be appreciated if these promotions, assignments, and awards could be completed while Mobile Fifth is at HQ and before the mayhem, we will face during expansion.
Admiral George T. Bryant
He sent the memo to the C&C and began summoning all the people, one at a time.
"Vice Admiral Grace Tonaka reporting, sir," Grace said from the doorway.
"Take a seat Grace, old friend. Read these. Start with the one on the screen. It's a memo from the C&C. Then read to the end." He sat in silence as she read.
"Say what?" She said to herself. "Just a minute, I have to read this again. I misunderstood something." There was a tremble in her voice, now.
"Admiral, I mean George, Oh...I don't know what to say." She seemed very shaky.
"Just say yes. We'll shake hands, and you can go have a meltdown in your own office." He said with a smile.
"Oh...Yes...Yes...Yes!' she yelped. 'And, thank you. I won't disappoint you." There were tears on her cheeks as she shook his hand.
"You may not talk to anyone about this yet. The others on the list do not know, yet. As I explain it to each person, I will send them to your office so you can all discuss it privately." He said with a smile.
"Yes, sir." She said as she left. He watched her for a bit as he called for Palakiko. Grace was so shaken, he thought she might faint.
"Vice Admiral Palakiko reporting as requested, sir." Pal was at his door.
He repeated the same procedure with Pal. And to his surprise, this sassy, no-nonsense woman reacted just like Grace.
After that, it was Nichols. He handled it the same way with one difference. After Nichols agreed and swore to silence, George told him he wanted Stephen to handle the acquisitions again. "I know it’s a very tough job. This time it's fifty times bigger. But, you are the best man for this Stephen. You've done it very well, before. It will mean leaving your new Fleet in the hands of one of your Task Force Commanders. I know that can be tough. Will you do it?" Bryant asked.
"Of course sir. There would never be a question of whether or not I would do something you asked for." Nichols responded.
"Okay, I'm sure you want to talk to someone about this, so head to Grace's office." Admiral Bryant said as he stood and offered his hand.
Next, he called in Stevens. He followed the same procedure. He assured Stevens he'd catch up to Grace soon. He told him Pal was a mover and shaker who'd get a Quadrant soon. He'd get the next Theatre Command opening. Stevens said he was just glad his career was moving again and not to worry about it. He was sworn to secrecy and sent to Grace's office.
He handled the rest including Marie exactly the same way. Then, he and Marie walked to Graces' office, together. They closed the door behind them when they got to Grace's place. The eight were comfortable there, so they told jokes and laughed a lot for a while.
..........................................................................
The first thing the next day, he called in Nichols.
"Steven, can you check the yards and see if any Supercarriers are under construction?" George asked.
"Already done, sir. I checked on all vessels under construction. There are two Cruisers at 44 Bootis not earmarked for anyone and one for Columba fleet. At Rigil shipyard number one, there are two standard carriers. One is committed to replace one that was severely damaged in the war. One is allocated to replace one in Mensa Fleet under the lifetime program. We could push for that one.
Shipyard two has two Supercarriers under construction. Completion time on one is fourteen weeks. The other is six months off. They were supposed to be partially completed and held for the lifetime program. Earth shipyard has three Frigates under construction, but they're replacing destroyed vessels. But here's a good one. There's now a second shipyard there, too. They are building Subs and Frigates, but the Subs are the focus there. They have two uncommitted covert vessels finished and a Frigate almost done. Then, there are the new shipyards at 61 Virgo. Three new yards were put into service in space and a host of production plants on the ground six months ago. They are building the entire line. There's a finished super carrier at yard one, there. It's not spoken for. Yard two has two regular carriers finished that are unclaimed, and yard three has two unclaimed Cruisers. It seems the C&C anticipated you losing a lot more ships than you did. They stepped up production to meet the expected demand. I think you want to put in the word for all the untagged vessels, while the C&C and Emperor still believe that you can walk on water." He laughed.
"Good job Steven. Send me the list. I'll have Moe claim them, right now. Then we'll apply a little pressure on promotion day.' He laughed. 'You never cease to amaze me, Steven." He said with a smile as he shook his head in disbelief.
"Amaze is a good thing - isn't it?" Stephen said with a smile as he headed out the door.
Bryant called in Moe. He passed on the list and asked him to requisition it all for Fifth Mobile RAC for distribution throughout the Command.
By June 2250, Fifth Mobile RAC was way ahead of schedule. They had all the mobile command centers and their escort flotillas. The Mobile Fifth Flag Ship was christened the Valhalla. Theatre Nine's Vessel was the Midgard and Theatre Ten's was the Asgard. The command was sporting four Fleets per Theatre. Carina, Columba, Centaur, and Delphiniums had been added at full strength since last May. Fifth Mobile and its two Theatre Commands were at around half-staff. Everyone had to wor
k hard. But, it was enough staff to handle the half strength Command. They had received two of the ten supply ships that would keep the three command ship warehouses full. Both hospital ships were being assembled in a special yard. One would be ready this time next year and the other six months later. But, despite shortfalls, Bryant felt he could exert real power immediately if Mobile Fifth had to. They were regularly conducting patrol assistance. There are always issues in an Empire the size of Orion. They had used their great resources to help at two natural disaster sites. Things had gone full tilt since last year's promotions and awards. Staffing was an issue. The service had to establish two additional Academies - one technical the other command. The OESA needed an additional twenty thousand graduates per year over the next four years on top of the ten thousand they would have normally had, just to keep on target. Distribution of graduates was done on a fair and equitable basis. For every new cadet, the Fifth took, they could draw an experienced person from each of the other Quadrants who then had to replace them with Academy grads. That way, everyone got the same number of raw graduates and experienced personnel. Personnel often complained that they moved so much flesh every day they were like a meat market. But, everyone knew the importance of staying on track.