Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition

by Thomas J. MacDonald

  I return Bryant to the bassinet; kiss him on the forehead; turn, and weave my way through the crowd; heading for my quarters. Emotions gnaw along the way. It takes every bit of strength I have to maintain composure in the corridors. My pain feels physical, now.

  I look around. The suite seems incredibly empty. I lay on our bed. Helena's scent is on the pillow. I weep silently - convulsively.

  ………………………………………………………………………

  I dozed off for an hour. A Helena dream awoke me; when, I realized, in my sleep, she was gone. But, I am a little more composed, now. I know death is a part of life. I tell myself, we are dying from the moment we are born. It can come, anytime. There is no logic in the process. It requires acceptance. But - that is so hard. She is the only woman I ever loved.

  Sitting at my desk, I use my full system; so, I will have a full keyboard facility to work with. I do not feel I can play the game with the faux ones on a data pad, right now. Every little thing seems such an effort.

  MEMO

  In the Clear

  From:Admiral Kurt Brubacher

  To:King Edward I CIC; The C&C of the OFSA; Secretary of Defense

  Re:Personal

  Date:March 25, 2262

  My friends,

  First, I would like to advise all of you that; Helena gave birth to a beautiful and healthy thirty-six centimeters, three-point-three-kilogram son; we named Bryant Edward Brubacher. He is amazingly perfect; and, I can say without reservation that; you cannot appreciate the feeling; until; you have a child of your own.

  Then, I would like to advise you that my beautiful, intelligent and funny Admiral Helena Brubacher died shortly after giving birth. I am devastated by her passing; but, elated by Bryant - all at the same time. It is very confusing.

  Some time will pass before a burial in space can be observed; since an autopsy will be performed to confirm the suspected cause of Helena's death. I believe, we will conduct a military ceremony, with full honors, aboard the Examiner, at twelve hundred hours, on March 31, 2262. This will permit time for all to arrive who wish to attend. Though I am still very confused and angry, I am leaning toward holding a celebration of her life; instead of some solemn gathering, after the funeral. A wake would be more in keeping with her own personality.

  Though I am grieving deeply and in great pain, Bryant keeps snapping me back to reality; even providing moments of happiness in my tortured thoughts. I think, he will provide the means for my recovery to functionality.

  I am advising Admiral Urquhart to take command of IGB. Should you wish to alter this temporary remedy, notify him directly, please. With Bryant's and Rear Admiral Savage's support, I believe I can be at my desk and fully functional by April 10, 2262. I will probably need Dr. Savage's help, for some time, though. If I have any doubts, I will advise you of the need for additional time, before returning to my duties.

  I am sure the service will feel the loss, too. Helena was a great tactical commander. She led Phoenix Fleet with confidence; and, was a rock-solid Theatre Commander. As IGB DC, my wife had incredible input to our part of the plan, for the upcoming actions. She would have made an excellent Quadrant Commander.

  Kurt Brubacher

  Three-quarters of an hour later, I received the first response. It was from George and was in the form of a letter; not a memo.

  March 25, 2262

  Kurt,

  I am stunned by your memo. We all loved Helena. And, you are correct. She was a great Commander - and, a very dear friend. Both Marie and I are devastated.

  Though it seems hollow, we wish to offer our deepest condolences and any assistance, we can provide.

  Marie has offered to come aboard the Examiner, to help you with Bryant and provide any emotional support you may require.

  I am recommending the service honors Helena by posthumously granting her elevation to Admiral (11); and, promotion to the position of Quadrant Commander.

  If you need me, personally, at any time; please ask. I will be there, as quickly as possible. I will come in a few days, at any rate.

  Your friend,

  George Bryant.

  …………………………………………………………………………

  Admiral Urquhart is in my office; his briefing slowly taking me through the Command's progress, over the past three weeks. It has been a time of very conflicted emotions; and though the pain will never completely dissipate, my son Bryant is working very hard to push it to the back of my mind. I am troubled, though. Both Urquhart and Vice Admiral Astinov have been great Theatre Commanders. In the past, we used Astinov to command Theatre Eleven; when Helena was absorbed in her IGB DC role.

  I am half listening as I decide how I should handle the vacancy. It is a must to fill the DC post; because Helena was always able to maintain our investigative, examination, security and intelligence functions; when, I was distracted by tactical situations and Headquarters' meetings. But, she had quite a load with the Theatre Command, too. So, I think I should revamp the Command; so, the two positions are separate.

  But, I do not believe Urquhart is the right choice for the DC job. I feel I should reach out, for someone that; I am confident in, to manage the operation. Then, promote Astinov and assign him as Theatre Ten Commander to completely separate the three assignments, from each other. Though Helena relished the challenge, it is very unlikely one person can do the entire job she did. I don't like the idea of setting someone up for a failure.

  Admiral Urquhart's summary convinces me, all the training for both approaching operations has been continuing efficiently. He refers to several Savign memos. SOCC has now mined over seven hundred vessels. In her coded method, she alludes to significant progress at HAT - P - 11e; and, at having found all the best positions to deploy the picket line at. I need to see her.

  "Great Admiral, you've done a first-rate job. I need time to review all this. Let me go over it all. You're dismissed!" I bark as he snaps to attention; then, turns and exits the office.

  I mull it all over; and, pull up Human Resource files from IGB, Fifth Mobile; and, the other quadrants. I spend two hours scanning two dozen possible candidates. I settle on two files. I will study them, at home tonight, after my little man falls asleep. They will both be hard to pry loose. They are already valuable Fleet Commanders; and, I have even worked with one; whom, I trust implicitly.

  I contact George via the communications beam. "Can I see you sometime, today, Admiral?" I inquire.

  There is a distance delay; before, I get his response. "Yes, of course. Should I come over; or, do you want to visit the Valhalla."

  "No, I'll come there. What time's convenient?" I ask.

  "How about, in an hour?" he responds; and, we disconnect.

  I call for a shuttle to be readied, immediately.

  ……………………………………………………………………….

  I am impressed by the new picture George has in his office. Hanging on the wall behind his office chair is a copy of a three-hundred-year-old photograph taken on the moon, by the two-man team of Apollo Seventeen. Which astronaut snapped the picture is uncertain; but, it highlights the Lunar Roving Vehicle with all of its specialized scientific equipment. The command module is visible in the distance; standing atop its service unit and the ascent stage. There is little memorabilia left from the period; so, this is extraordinary.

  "Besides my personal grief, Helena's passing has created a void in IGB; I cannot seem to fill.' I started; then continued. 'She had a tremendous capacity for work. And, she was good at everything she put her hands on. But, she was doing dual duty. She was my DC, a position that is almost full time in its own right. And, she was the Theatre Eleven Commander. When she couldn't be with the Theatre; because of DC obligations, we would appoint Vice Admiral Astinov as her temporary replacement.

  Admiral Urquhart is an adequate Theatre Commander; but, he's not up to the DC role. At least - not yet. And Astinov will make a suitab
le choice for Theatre Eleven; but, he is too inexperienced for the DC role, too. And, to top it off, I don't feel one person can handle both roles, anyway. When I think about it; I may have expected too much from Helena.' Emotions welled, and my voice cracked. I took a moment before continuing. 'But, she never complained, and she was exquisite in both roles.

  So, I feel I have to reaffirm Urquhart's position and promote Astinov to Theatre Thirteen Command. But, I believe it would be best; if, I reach out and bring in someone who I feel can handle the DC role. Whoever takes the spot will need time to acclimate. There is a lot of legal crap that will be new to a Tactical Commander. But, we had to learn when we took the posts. So, I believe a good and experienced Theatre Commander or Fleet Commander that I have confidence in should be promoted and assigned as my DC.

  I went through all senior command Human Resources records. I gleaned twelve files from those folders; and, pared that down to two." I stop.

  "I understand your thought process, and it's all logical and makes sense to me. What can I do for you? Are you looking for advice?" George inquires. There is silence for a good two minutes.

  "No, George. I'm not looking for advice. I want one of your people." I say, unable to hide the audible shake in my voice. I do not want to alienate this particular man. I consider him my best friend.

  "I understand your hesitation. But, remember that; times are not like the days of the two main expansions; when, we were thin. Today's challenges have created a wealth of talent in my Command. Whatever person you want can be replaced, here. And, we are still far enough away from our missions that; the person replacing your candidate will have time to adapt to the new role. And, that's not to mention the fact that; I would be proud that one of my people was the choice to be elevated to level ten and assigned as DC of IGB. It's a real compliment to Fifth Mobile RAC. You know I would never impede an officer's advancement; if, it's deserved. Though I half suspect the answer, who is your candidate?" He asks.

  "I would like to offer Vice Admiral Elasima the promotion and assignment," I responded.

  "Go ahead. You have my blessing." He said with a wide grin; as he relaxed in the back of his chair.

  After thanking him profusely, I too relaxed; and, we sat back and enjoyed half an hour of conversation about Bryant and Atina. We are both proud fathers.

  …………………………………………………………………………

  MEMO

  Not Encrypted and Unclassified

  From:Adm. (11) K. Brubacher Commander IGB

  To:Vice Admiral Elasima Commander Fifth Mobile RAC Phoenix Fleet

  C.C.Flt Adm. G.T. Bryant Fifth Mobile RAC Commander; OFSA C&C

  Re:Offer of promotion and reassignment

  Date:April 2, 2262

  Admiral Elasima,

  As I am sure you are aware, my wife and IGB's Deputy Commander, Admiral Helena Brubacher recently passed away. This has created a void in my command; I am unable to fill from within.

  The DC role is nearly equally responsible, with me, for the administration of all investigative, enforcement, security and intelligence operations conducted by the Command, throughout the Federation. Though at the same rank, the DC is also senior to both Theatre Commanders, by virtue of the assignment. So, the Deputy must have finely honed tactical skills, along with excellent management abilities.

  Our Theater Thirteen Command is currently under the management of Vice Admiral Astinov; who, I intend to promote and assign the command, on a permanent basis.

  Theatre Eleven is under the Command of Admiral Urquhart; who will remain in that position.

  IGB is a large and growing organization; with, great diversity in operations, objectives, and responsibilities; currently employing nearly eight hundred thousand personnel, and boasting a large asset portfolio and a massive weapons arsenal. Our annual operating and capital budgets are in the hundreds of billions of Sovereigns range, per year. The responsibilities of the DC are sobering but challenging; but, I remember, just how much, you enjoy a challenge.

  I would like to offer you a promotion to the rank of Admiral (10) and the assignment as the IGB Deputy Commander, to be assumed as quickly as possible. I have spoken to Fleet Admiral Bryant; who has permitted me to solicit you, for this position. He assures me, you are still the same enthusiastic officer, with commendable leadership skills, that I recall; but, advises me, you are much more deeply informed and experienced; and, have met any challenges with great gusto and success.

  The Admiral 10 rank carries a substantial increase in remuneration; which is elevated further by the DC position; because of, its great responsibility. You will also be assigned your own Level 10 Admiral's Craft; and, will enjoy the services of a personal staff of twelve; and Level 10 flag quarters. There is already a terrific COS in place. You will benefit from the support of that officer and your Staff of eleven hundred forty; along with the assistance of the IGB Administrative Staff of sixteen thousand seven hundred. IGB is headquartered in two mobile Command stations, The Examiner and the Interrogator. You will make your home and offices aboard the Interrogator; to distribute our authority over both Command vessels. I am currently housed on the Examiner. Each Theatre Command consists of a Super Carrier classed vessel and security flotilla; and controls a Mobile Hospital and seven Tactical Fleets consisting of four Tactical Carrier Groups, each. Each Theatre is slated to grow by an additional Fleet, in this round of expansions. Our HQ may seem excessive; but, is staffed for our unique roles.

  I hope you will give this offer serious consideration. We worked harmoniously, in the past; and, I can think of no other person I would enjoy sharing the IGB Command with, better.

  Your friend,

  Admiral (11) K. Brubacher.

  Phoenix Fleet has currently engaged in mission drills about two and a half light years away. The message and reply will take five hours, round-trip. And, it may take Elasima a little time to consider the offer. It is an incredible increase in responsibility and authority; almost equal to that of a Quadrant Commander.

  I relieve little Bryant's nanny at seventeen hundred. This is not always going to be possible; because of my position. But, she will stay, in emergencies; and, can call on others to replace her, if necessary.

  He is awake; but, resting quietly in his crib. I lift him into my arms; looking into his face. These eyes are incredible. Focusing on them is like looking into Helena's. Silent tears stream down my cheeks.

  Chapter 21 Compartments

  Thursday, May 1, 2262

  "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." Cicero

  We are quickly approaching the first big encounter. I have taken Marie's counseling to heart. She says the pain will never die; but, I can live with it; if, I compartmentalize it. So, I have learned to put Helena out of my mind during times with young Bryant; and, in my working day. I take half an hour each night to look at pictures - and remember. These are often real crying jags; but, I don't feel I am going to break down when I am needed. Marie advised me not to bury it; explaining that; embracing it will be easier; so, this was the plan I came up with. She approved.

  Some evenings, after my time of self-pity and unabashed grief, I sit and think about Helena's funeral. It was as spectacular as any I can think of. King Edward 1, his wife and oldest son, the C&C, the Quadrant Commanders, the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, the six-member Defense Committee and several thousand IGB and Fifth Mobile personnel attended. She was awarded her level eleven. The King eulogized her. There was a full military salute and a fighter fly-by. On orders from the C&C, all guns of the Examiner fired a seven salvo salute, in unison. Then, a small party - six pallbearers and myself - retired to a shuttle with her ashes; and, laid them to rest in open space, in front of the large view windows of the hangar deck, for all to see.

  After the funeral, the Hangar was quickly converted. We spent several hours celebrating her life and exchanged stories of encounters with her. I told the one of our wedding night aboard her
Admiral's Craft; when, frustrated by all the press obsession, she defiantly stood buck-naked in front of the undraped view window daring any nearby press to click a photograph. Everyone rocked with laughter.

  Control took some effort, at first. My brain kept wanting me to see Helena; but, I finally trained it to wait for that singular time, each day. That exercise seems to subdue my Helena dreams; or, at least the ones that were waking me. And, it allows me to be more attentive to my son.

  I am shocked at babyhood. Bryant Edward is about ten weeks old; and, I can already see a developing personality. Part of our time is spent on education. I read to him and show him pictures. He smiles a lot; but, has a great attention span. I think he's as smart as his mother. I have learned how to do baby playthings. He actually giggles already.

  El has worked out better than I expected. Just like in our past affiliation, he took the bull by the horns and learned the operation inside out; while remaining receptive to; or, actually in charge of the tactical missions, at hand. Now, he is even offering to take a little load off me. George is right. He is as intelligent and enthusiastic as ever but has confidence that is indescribable and comes from experience. His proficiency and wisdom have helped him earn the respect of his subordinates. I thought Urquhart might be an issue; but, Elasima has shown why I chose him, and the Theatre Eleven Commander seems to have embraced the situation. I do sense a bit of discomfort, in my presence. And I believe he wants to ask me either how I'm doing; or, something about Helena. He is afraid it will upset me; so, he bites his tongue.

  Our Theatre Commands are incisive and ready for the coming missions. I will give everyone a four-day break, now. I'd like to do the same for SOCC; but, they are all embedded within the enemy Fleet; finishing their mission. Rear Admiral Savign has advised that the entire force will be mined by the end of today. Then, they will carefully extract themselves to positions in nearby open space; and monitor Fleet movements from a half light-year distance; allowing them to communicate with Savign; and, her to contact us.