The recovered fighter's sensors and additional measuring devices on board yield a lot to deconstruct and analyze. The integrity of the craft was never in question; even when it accelerated from twenty to forty percent of light-speed within its FTL envelope; despite, forces that stressed its upgraded shields to ninety percent of their new maximum. Measurements of forces on the pilot's seat; indicate the operator would face no more stresses than a jump in a warship. Tomorrow, a live pilot will conduct the same exercise. We decide to add the results to fighter parameters in the computer simulations to see if we can predict maximum stresses we can ask of the craft. We are surprised to find, a Raptor can actually enter and exit a jump at thirty percent; traversing its central span at forty, without endangering the vessel, or pilot. ……………………………………………………………………
December 23, is another big success. The pilot takes the small craft into a jump at twenty percent; traversing the tunnel at forty percent and slowing to twenty for the exit. He is extremely pleased and asks permission to repeat the exercise with entry and exit at point three of C. When it is all complete, there is no longer any question of whether or not we can fly fighters in FTL; and if, it is safe for the pilots. Everyone works non-stop to reach the next phase of testing.
……………………………………………………………….
December 24, finds me watching the team drop Prototype 1, from the rear facing launcher, in drone mode; while, the Examiner is at twenty percent, in a vortex, during a short jump. We retrieve the Raptor to find, it was somewhat unstable in the first fifteen seconds, after exiting from the Carrier.
From the sensor reports, we determine the fix; programming small adjustments to the shield shaping stabilization control program developed for the testing. Prototype 2 is launched with the modifications, later in the day. It reports as smooth a ride as a fightercraft in regular space. We have already beat the odds, by being this far along, at this time. We will do three more drone tests in the next two days.
…………………………………………………………………………
I am in my office, at the start of the holiday season, on December 25, 2261. We are in holiday mode. It'd be great if we could take everyone to some enchanting planet for rotating leaves; but, we are forced to work with minimum crews while, the rest take leave aboard the ships. By January 2, 2262, everyone, will have enjoyed two full days, without doing duty. It's time to report.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED
AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. IGB+A982103X*EC
From:Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
To:Flt. Adm. G.T. Bryant C&C / Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
CC:Adm. H. Brubacher D.C. IGB; Cmdr. Svjosloki FSS Examiner Engineering
Re:Raptor Upgrades?
Date:December 25, 2261
Admiral Bryant,
I am pleased to write this report concerning progress on our proposed aerospace fighter modification program. All of the following items were completed successfully.
Modifications of Prototype 1 - as discussed
The first craft was flown unmanned in an FTL state - executed in open space
Prototype 1 manned spaceflight - achieved in regular space
Prototype 2 modified to include all upgrades incorporated in the first unit
Prototypes 1 & 2 completed five unmanned missions - performed from Examiner discharge tubes
Shield shaping control programs adjusted to reduce stresses when ejected from a Carrier (based on data from previous tests)
We have noted the following conclusions.
There appear to be no issues remaining in launching live piloted craft from our tubes while in FTL mode.
It seems only a maximum of ten fighters may trail a Carrier at any one time without destabilizing the vortex. (based on simulations developed from observations and readings taken during testing)
It appears a fighter may enter and exit its apertures at up to three-tenths of light-speed.
It looks as if a Raptor may navigate within the wormhole at forty percent, without issue.
We have successfully completed phase two of our testing schedule, without loss of pilot or craft. I believe, we should move on to the final step.
Admiral Kurt Brubacher
Ten minutes after sending the e-mail, I receive a response.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED
AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. 5MC+A771119^*BD
From:Flt. Adm. G.T. Bryant C&C / Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
To:Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
CC:Adm. H. Brubacher D.C. IGB; Cmdr. Svjosloki FSS Examiner Engineering
Re:Raptor Modifications?
Date:December 25, 2261
Admiral Brubacher,
I agree!
Flt. Adm. G. T. Bryant
Short and sweet, George has said it all.
………………………………………………………………………
I am again in my office; but, it's January 2, 2261, now. Though we have been on a slowdown, during the holidays, the reduced crews continued work on the Raptor program, once, I gave authorization. Six manned test flights have been completed, successfully.
I spent the morning going over all the readings from craft and pilot monitors; comparing the two prototypes and pilots, against each other. Within a small margin for sensor calibration variations and pilots' physiology; the two are virtually identical. This proves the modification is repeatable.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED
AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. IGB+A983001Y*&C
From:Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
To:Flt. Adm. G.T. Bryant C&C / Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
CC:Adm. H. Brubacher D.C. IGB; Cmdr. Svjosloki FSS Examiner Engineering
Re:Raptor Modifications?
Date:January 2, 2262
Admiral Bryant,
I am happy to inform you that; we have completed six manned tests of the two prototype fighters, without incident.
I have taken the time to analyze all the data; which is attached to the e-mail. The following is my determination.
Pilots handle the rear drop at FTL speeds as effortlessly as flying in open space due to the successful modifications to systems and control program.
Readings indicate that; subject to minor calibration differences and pilots' physiology, both handle the situation with no more effort than regular flight.
Dropping more than one Raptor at the same time is not an issue. The Examiner launched two at a time; limited by the number of prototypes available; but, simulations indicate we could use both lanes in both launchers at the same time.
We are still limited to ten Raptors flying in concert with their mothership within the envelope of a jump.
Recommendations
We should modify ninety-five percent of all raptors to incorporate the "launch in FTL mode" features.
We should upgrade five out of every hundred in the force to launch into FTL mode in open space; employing their own Casimir Emitters. I believe it would be strategically wise and tactically sound to have a small percentage of each fighter fleet capable of short, high speed jumps in open space. This could be extremely useful for quick reconnaissance or fast response to an enemy location.
I have attached all engineering information necessary, for the completion of the modifications.
Admiral Kurt Brubacher
Half an hour later, my annunciators sound off.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED
AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. 5MC+A772203>?LP
From:Flt. Adm. G.T. Bryant C&C / Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
To:Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
CC:Adm. H. Brubacher D.C. IGB; Cmdr. Svjosloki FSS Examiner Engineering
Re:Raptor Mod
ifications?
Date:January 2, 2262
Admiral Brubacher,
I am not sure I agree with your conclusions regarding five percent of each fighter fleet being modified for open space FTL flights. However, since the idea has been such a resounding success; and, your instincts seem to be right-on all the time, I will agree to follow your lead, in the matter. And, of course, I am in full agreement with the rest of the vessels being upgraded to the FTL drop mode.
Flt. Adm. G. T. Bryant
I send out one more memo.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED
AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. IGB+A983002Z**WQ
From: Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
To:All IGB Sub Commands; All IGB Engineering Commanders; All IGB CAGs
CC:Flt. Adm. G. T. Bryant; Cmdr. Svjosloki FSS Examiner Engineering
Re:Raptor Modifications?
Date:January 2, 2262
All,
I am proud to announce that IGB has successfully completed, planning, modification, testing and proofing of a new system that will greatly enhance our fighters. I must thank Commander Gojen Svjosloki FSS Examiner Chief Engineer for the initial designs; and, his incredible work to make this happen. Ninety-five percent of each Fleet's fighter craft will be modified to drop from rear launch tubes during FTL flight and negotiate the worm-hole at velocities up to forty percent. The other five percent will be modified to execute FTL flight in both drop-from-carrier-mode and in open space mode.
A limited modification must also be completed to the rear launchers of each and every Carrier.
All CAG's should be aware that; only a maximum of ten raptors can fly within the vortex of a Carrier without disrupting the conduit.
This can be an incredible tactical advantage for IGB or any other tactical field command. Pilots will find this no more difficult an operation than flying in open space; thanks to the Commander, his people and the fighter maintenance crews of the Examiner.
All reports on the process and pertinent engineering data are attached to this e-mail.
All commands are ordered and required to complete these modifications on all their Raptors, by no later than January 30, 2262. It's a lot of work; but, it could save a lot of lives.
Admiral Kurt Brubacher
Chapter 19 Coming Attractions
Monday, March 10, 2262
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
Henry Ford
We've been busy; since January. On the hangar deck, modifications took so much space; it was hard to complete normal maintenance to keep fighters flying. But, yesterday, Commander Svjosloki reported; our last raptor has been adapted. Subordinate commands are stating they have concluded all modifications; or, are a few days away from completion. They have all coordinated through the Commander; who has assumed the mantle of authority with aplomb. He has kept the entire program synchronized throughout IGB. And, he has been adept at collaborating with the Chief Engineer on the Valhalla; so, the program could be disseminated to all commands in Fifth Mobile RAC. Everyone will make short jumps to test both drop and open space modes, in FTL fighter operations. Following that, we will do normal May 8, 2262, defensive drills; dropping piloted Raptors within Carrier wormholes. On exit, any fighters from the five percent open-space mode ones will launch and go to open space FTL flight, immediately. We should complete the revisions and testing of all seven thousand fighters in the IGB command in a week; doing it this way. We will also have completed variations of our May 8, deployment drills ten times, by then.
…………………………………………………………………
I summoned Gojen Svjosloki to my office on March 15, 2262, with all his Engineering Department Policy Manuals and his departmental logs. I only wanted to satisfy myself of his competence throughout the entire operation. He professes policies that are within the OFSA R&R and superior for any engineering department. Then, I spent a couple of hours going over other supporting logs and investigating his personnel file.
Following that meeting, I convened one with all my senior commanders, about Gojen Svjosloki. I wanted their opinion on a promotion, I was considering. At Quadrant Command Level, I am permitted to appoint any departmental head to a rank as high as Rear Admiral; and, assign the person as Department Head for the Quadrant. Those people may or may not run an actual ship's unit; but, are then considered part of the overall IGB Command Staff. Because of Gojen's performance and ability, I was contemplating elevating him to Commodore and assigning him accordingly.
Just in case everyone wasn't aware of the step by step details regarding the Raptor upgrade, I took them from his original e-mail through the final stages of the modification process. When I finished, only Nguyen asked if it was unusual to jump a rank. I described my rise to the head of IGB which was a two level elevation; and, explained there are many other examples. Everyone felt the man deserved the position.
So, on March 17, 2262, I sent the Commander the following memo.
MEMO
Unencrypted and In The Clear
From: Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB
To:Commander Gojen Svjosloki; Engineering D.H. FSS Examiner
CC:Flt. Adm. G. T. Bryant; IGB D.C; IGB Theatre Commanders
Re:Elevation in Rank and Assignment
Date:March 17, 2262
Commander,
I am most impressed with your Raptor improvement recommendation; and, the subsequent handling of the operations involved. When I made you responsible for handling the coordination of this project, you took it in hand and executed with confidence. Subsequently, I have examined your departmental logs and policies; along with supporting logs and personnel files. You are an exceptional officer.
Unless you advise me of any reasons you would not consider a promotion and reassignment, you are ordered to appear in my office, on March 19, 2262, for elevation. At that time, you will be raised to the rank of Commodore and appointed Commander Engineering Department IGB; to run in parallel with your responsibilities as head of the Examiner's department. This advancement will initially take the form of a Field Promotion; however, the nominations and authorizations required to make it permanent will be sought, immediately. All such Field elevations carry the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as permanent ones, until the expiration of their term.
You have been an inspiration to all your fellow personnel.
Admiral K. Brubacher
……………………………………………………………………………
Back in early February, I received a package of simulations from George. We had agreed a few days earlier that; IGB would cover any feints and diversions, during the May 8 encounter. We had also discussed the enemy's expected tactics; which will be far more aggressive than the earlier "tests" were. So, the simulations were based on a dozen possible combinations of feints and diversions; and, about ten variations of each of those. Viewing them all takes about four hours. There is no response in the models, yet. That's the point. I am supposed to develop IGB's reaction.
They seemed so different at first that, I began by building a response to each one; until I noticed similarities in deployment between some. Two days later, I was down to three major deployments with four variations of each. I added my responses; grouping the simulations by our reactions. When I added the deviations, the simulations still ran the same number of times; but, now, a viewer could see us adapting to the changing conditions of each variation. On the third day, I built my orders to my IGB sub-commands. I effectively wrote three sets of directives; and, would call the one that related to the trajectories of the enemy maneuvers.
I forwarded the whole package to my Commanders; requesting them to flesh out details; add them to the Sims; and, return them to me in two days. On reception, I modified both Theatres at the Fleet Level; just tweaking responses to minor maneuvers at the projected battle sites. I r
eturned them to my people; asking for completed orders, by the next day.
I modified my IGB overall plan, to meet vital maneuvers and objectives at the Theatre Level; then, sent the forty-six-page blueprint to George with the modified simulations. It took him three days to go over it all and make modifications. They related to the modified Raptors. Commands were not to use FTL mode in our response, at the main battle site, on May 8; so, it would be a surprise in the counter attack on May 18. This did not affect our mockup programs and my orders; so, I sent them back to George with observations on my projected outcomes; based on the various scenarios.
I accepted the approval from George on February 26. It was a go. So, we had commenced practicing alternately with the rehearsal for the May 18 confrontation. If the Inscrutables can see us, they should be utterly confused by our constant; but, varying war games.
My final and definitive orders were copied to Vice Admiral Rohkea Sielu, my Chief of Staff. She and her team would examine them; ensure they conformed to OFSA R&R and Orion Federation statutes, in every way; and that, each chapter, section, and paragraph maintained the formatting expected in OFSA tactical orders. Then, her cryptographers would build an encryption code specifically for these edicts and attach an ID routing to them. My system would be loaded with the appropriate apps; as would each of my Commands during the midnight uploads. They would be returned to my data pad, for hand delivery. When she advised me everything was ready, I sent a memo to my sub-commanders requesting their attendance, in my office, at eight hundred hours, tomorrow, Monday, March 10, 2262.
……………………………………………………………………..
Today, I am leaving my office early. I'll head down to deck four and shop the stores in the mall, there, for a gift to give Helena. She is extremely pregnant, now and tires from the load. The fact she's forced to leave early some days depresses her. She is in our quarters, right now; so, I will bring something intended to cheer her up. We are due in less than a month. The service allows her six paid months' maternity leave; so, she will have time with our baby, after the birth; and, time to decide what to do next. I will abide by her decision. We don't need the money; and, she has enough years for a comfortable pension, of her own; if, she wants to draw it. Back in the day, I won a substantial monetary award for an improvement I fostered in the service. And, when we were married, we received a large sum of money. Throughout our careers, most of our money has been banked or invested. We need little, with accommodations, food and most expenses provided. So, like most at our level, in the OFSA, we would be considered wealthy. To top it all off, I am allowed a total of twelve attendants and stewards; and Helena's were reduced to four when we married. So, there are a lot of people to help out; plus, an incredible daycare; not to mention, the availability of a lot of service spouses seeking jobs as nannies. So, if Helena decides to come back to work, we're okay; and, if she decides to stay at home with the baby, that will be just fine; though, I would have to work hard to find as good a replacement DC.
Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition Page 82