Saturday, April 6, 2267
"The primary factor in a successful attack is speed." Lord Mountbatten
From past experience, I guess it's safe to say the expansion finished as expected. Epsilon Tier 1 Command is now at full strength. It all went quite smoothly for George. He now has three Tier 2, six Tier 3 Commands and seventy-two Fleets in the arsenal besides the seventy-two Tier 3 Frigates his people can send on autonomous reconnaissance and patrol missions of all types. There are nearly three million within operations under his jurisdiction. It seems like an overwhelming force that can be brought to bear anywhere in the realm and should prevail.
But, as George usually does, he came up with an atypical twist. He was able to get the SOD, CIC, and the rest of the C&C Commission to sign off on a structural change. Admiral Bryant created a new Tier 3 Covert Command. He pulled all one hundred forty-four of his Subs from their Fleets and reallocated them to the new operation. The seventy-two Fleets will now operate without Subs. But, they will be able to request assistance from them. He promoted, the very deserving, Vice Admiral Korgos Basi to Admiral (10) in command of the new Epsilon T3 -SF force. He redeployed a regiment of Epsilon -SF Marines to this new organization. From now on, it would coordinate all reconnaissance, surveillance and Special Forces missions for Epsilon Command. He says every field unit should have that intelligence and defensive capability.
He split Epsilon T3 -SF into two Fleet Commands of seventy-two run by Vice Admirals and divided each of those into two Task Forces controlled by Rear Admirals. That means his one hundred forty-four Subs should be more than enough to do surveillance and reconnaissance for Mobile Fifth RAC Command. Only IGB's responsibilities are Federal in these areas. We need a larger contingent, so we can send them throughout the realm and not just where our ships are deployed.
I am flattered. There is no greater compliment than imitation - particularly from someone like George. And, especially when, the idea proved so successful.
...........................................................................................................................
On Monday, March 4, 2267, I convened a special meeting in my office. Roh and Elasima attended with all the Tier 2 and Tier 3 Commanders. We are still positioned for doing audits within the deltoid region between HD189733, 15 Sagitta, and Gliese 777. But, normal operations are no longer our priority.
"Everyone get a beverage, grab a seat and relax. We may be here for awhile." I congenially called out to all of them after they'd observed the proper protocols and entered my doorway.
They babbled as they milled about acquiring their favorite beverage and/or finger-food. It took about ten minutes before they were comfortable and were all looking at me inquiringly in silence.
"I think we may have a problem. In fact, I am so sure, I have advised the other Tier One Commanders." I activated the central room projector which beamed an image onto the screen behind my desk in the opposite end of the office. Everyone looked to Elasima when he made a long shrill noise.
"Sorry people, my species can't actually whistle. But, this is some mean looking piece of hardware." He observed.
"Yes, it is. And Savign's command has been seeing more of them throughout our territory. And, the incursions are increasing in frequency. Late last September, she speculated it may be preparatory surveillance for an invasion. I kept it in mind. But, a month ago she filed the tenth report on these intruders. As of today, she has sent me two dozen accounts. That's fourteen trespasses in one month. I think it is now obvious she was accurate, back in September."
"How do you want to handle it, boss?" Astinov asks.
"Confront them. We use a large force to stop one ship, and we ask them why they are intruding on our territory."
"Like El says, that's a pretty mean looking ship. It's bristling with weaponry. A sizeable contingent of those could be a real issue."
"If we use a Task Force to stop one ship, they're not going to start a fight," I responded.
"How do we find them?" Urquhart inquires.
"Savign's been seeing them in an area that spans about six hours Right Ascension by thirty degrees Declination and sits between forty-five and seventy light-years from Sol. It extends over a width of about forty-five degrees either side of the zero meridian. I will send you all the coordinates. I think it's best if we use her forces to locate them again. We'll back SOCC up so she can call in the support of several Fleets if needed. She has basically found them in three regions. We'll deploy three of her Fleets there with three of our Tier 3 Commands - one for each Fleet. The Theatre operations will hide while the covert ships patrol the regions. When they make contact, the SOCC Fleet Commander will call on the supporting Theatre. We shouldn't be risking a lot with that much force. We know for sure these aliens cannot penetrate our cloaks. But, we don't know anything else about them." I finished.
"So, which Theatre stays behind?" Can Nguyen asks.
"We'll keep Tier 3 -2 - 2 here. They will conduct regular business and will be available as a reserve if this starts a war. But, I don't expect a lot of action. A single craft is going to comply or run. It won't fight." I respond.
"When do we start?" Anna Arce asked.
"I will transmit your orders to you. They are effective immediately. Be bold and fierce. We may be able to throw a scare into them." I tapped my data pad as I finished. Multiple annunciators sounded off.
"By the way, I am heading out to observe the operation. El is staying back to run the audits and exams. The Examiner and its security flotilla will accompany you." I added.
"How many of these things are in our territory?" Tom Hurst queries.
"We don't know. We saw a lone one several times a fair distance from the other sightings. We saw three together twice. Other reports have observed from one to three. We don't know if all the sightings involve the same ships or if they were all different ones. These vessels are all identical with no markings." Savign offers.
"Do we know anything else about them? You know... like shield strength, weapons or motive power." Dorea Coreora asks.
"Not a damn thing. We haven't gotten close enough or engaged them." Savign replied.
"Okay folks, let's get this show on the road," I call out.
"One more question, sir." Astinov hollers over the chatter.
"What's that, Greg?"
"Are we authorized to engage, if we see a threat?"
"No, you are not. You have to report back, and I'll discuss it with the rest of the Commission. We may want Alpha Tier 1 or Delta HQ to handle it; since it's in their sectors. Or, we may want George Bryant to take it. On the other hand, the C&C may ask you to engage them. For now, though, your job is to confront them - not clash with them. ...Any other question from anyone else?"
There were negative head shakes from them as they all exited the room.
...........................................................................................................................
On Sunday, March 10, I started receiving reports. It had taken two days to redeploy to the region. At first, there was little information of consequence. As the days passed, we realized this problem was bigger than we imagined.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED SECRET - (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - STANDARD
From:Admiral Savign Commander Zeta - SF SOCC
To:F. Admiral K. Brubacher ZETA Commander
C.C.Admiral G. Astinov Commander Zeta-1, Admiral Urquhart Commander Zeta-2
Re:Recon Report Region surrounding HD 176051
Date:March 11, 2267
Admiral,
Covert vessels of a Task Force divided into squads were deployed by Third Fleet to the region surrounding the above system. Be advised that each flotilla has simultaneously detected the trespassers we are seeking. Of the seven groups involved, three have seen one, two have seen two, and one detachment identified a formation of four enemy vessels surveying their local areas.
Admiral Savign
A co
uple of days later, I received this communication.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED SECRET - (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - STANDARD
From:Admiral Savign Commander Zeta - SF SOCC
To:F. Admiral K. Brubacher ZETA Commander
C.C.Admiral G. Astinov Commander Zeta-1, Admiral Urquhart Commander Zeta-2
Re:Recon Report Region surrounding Gliese 777
Date:March 13, 2267
Admiral,
Our Subs dispatched to Gliese 777 have dispersed into seven flotillas of five craft each. Four have detected "enemy" surveillance at varying strengths, from one to four vessels.
Admiral Savign
A couple of days later, I received this note.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED SECRET - (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - STANDARD
From:Admiral Savign Commander Zeta - SF SOCC
To:F. Admiral K. Brubacher ZETA Commander
C.C.Admiral G. Astinov Commander Zeta-1, Admiral Urquhart Commander Zeta-2
Re:Recon Report Region surrounding 15 Sagitta
Date:March 15, 2267
Admiral,
Our Covert units sent to 15 Sagitta have dispersed into five ship formations. All have detected "enemy" reconnaissance at differing strengths - from two to six vessels.
Admiral Savign
The day after that, she sent this one.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED SECRET - (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - STANDARD
From:Admiral Savign Commander Zeta - SF SOCC
To:F. Admiral K. Brubacher ZETA Commander
C.C.Admiral G. Astinov Commander Zeta-1, Admiral Urquhart Commander Zeta-2
Re:Recon Report Region surrounding HD 189733
Date:March 16, 2267
Admiral,
Our five ship flotillas ordered to HD 189733 have found "enemy" presence. In and around HD 189733 the region is infested with them. Estimation is that more than forty vessels are in this sector.
Admiral Savign
And this was the "straw that broke the camel's back."
MEMO
CLASSIFIED SECRET - (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - STANDARD
From:Admiral Savign Commander Zeta - SF SOCC
To:F. Admiral K. Brubacher ZETA Commander
C.C.Admiral G. Astinov Commander Zeta-1, Admiral Urquhart Commander Zeta-2
Re:Recon Report Region surrounding 16 Cygnus
Date:March 17, 2267
Admiral,
Our forces finally reached 16 Cygnus on March 17. It is the farthest afield star within our assigned region. They have found "enemy" presence in greater numbers. The groups involved requested the presence of the Task Force Commander to confirm findings. Close to a hundred vessels are in a previously undetected Brown Dwarf System four and a half light-years from the assigned system. They are engaging in activities with a much larger orb-like asset that our people were unable to scan. It is hugging a dense asteroid field.
My conclusion is that these incursions are occurring along a line one half-hour either side of the twenty-four-hour meridian and at a declination spanning about eight degrees, at this moment. This enemy's presence seems to increase as we investigate closer towards our border. I would project a large staging area just outside Federation Space.
I also believe this is preparation for an invasion!
Admiral Savign
I reacted to all this with the following bulletin.
TACTICAL ACTION MESSAGE #ZETA HQ-0013434
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - Authentication Root I.D. ZETA-1476AL631&*
From:F. Admiral K. Brubacher Commander Zeta Headquarters
To:Admiral A. Urquhart Commander Zeta-1 Command
C.C.All Tier 1 Headquarters, CIC, SOD, Zeta -SF -SOCC Commander
Re:Potential Incursion
Date:March 17, 2267
Admiral,
You are ordered and required to execute the following.
You will make best-time to the position indicated in the attached memo dated March 17, 2267, from Admiral Savign and meet her force there.
You will enter the "infested" system with a majority of your Command; holding back only two Fleets, as a reserve, in case there is a conflict.
You will use standard hails in all standard frequencies and in all known languages to question these intruders on their purpose.
As above, you will warn them of their trespass if and when you receive a response.
You are not authorized to engage this enemy in battle; unless attacked by them, first.
You will report the results of this action at your earliest opportunity.
F. Adm. Kurt Brubacher.
I followed it with this one to Savign.
TACTICAL ACTION MESSAGE #ZETA-0013435
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - Authentication Root I.D. ZETA-1476B^737**
From:F. Admiral K. Brubacher Commander Zeta Headquarters
To:Admiral Savign Zeta -SF -SOCC Commander
C.C.All Tier 1 Headquarters, CIC, SOD, Commander Zeta-1 Command
Re:Potential Incursion
Date: March 17, 2267
Admiral,
You are ordered and required to contact Admiral Urquhart and confirm the position of your meeting with him. You are to make best speed to that position. Your other forces may remain as deployed.
F. Adm. Kurt Brubacher.
MEMO
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET (NTK)
ENCRYPTED - Authentication Root I.D. ZETA-8466X?740*#
From:F. Admiral K. Brubacher C&C / Commander Zeta Headquarters
To:All Headquarters Tier One Commanders, Rigil COS, CIC
C.C.Admiral Elasima - Zeta HQ Deputy Commander
Re:Potential Incursion
Date: March 17, 2267
Admirals,
We have been observing infiltration into the Orion Federation for some time. At first, this was on a limited basis. But, as of today, there are considerably more unknown vessels in our territory. I have a sizeable covert force monitoring these trespassers, and I have dispatched a Theatre level force to confront one larger contingent of this potential enemy. Please examine all the attached communiques for locations and strength of the various intrusions, since we first observed them. I will advise all of you on the outcome of our pending encounter.
F. Admiral K. Brubacher
After that had been done, all we could do was wait. SOCC is quite far afield of us for this assignment, and it will take a day for them to receive my communiqué. Urquhart is closer. He'll get it in a few hours. Then, they would both cut orders and travel at maximum velocity to the location. Andy was farther away. It would take him two days to reach the site. Then, he'd need the opportunity to deploy forces in preparation for the confrontation. After that - the main event. We will stay in the middle of the triangle. Even still, it will take from one-half to five days for all C&C to receive the reports, depending on the Headquarters' locations. I decided to spend a bit of time with my son. I notified Roh; so, she could advise all senior subordinates.
...........................................................................................................................
I see Bryant with other children - there are a few hundred in all age groups aboard the Examiner. He is relatively tall for his age. His "Anglo - Germanic" genes mean, he stands out from the rest. He is very fair with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a thin nose; but does have a fairly square jaw and high cheekbones. And, Bryant is tall for his age. He will be five in four days. Once you're a parent, the passing of time seems to accelerate continuously.
I kept him home from the pre-school, today. It appeared to be a nice chance to be together. Bryant loves to play. Sometimes its dinosaur fights. Other times it's Super Heroes against terrible villains. In more memorable moments, the Super Heroes will battle the prehistoric beasts. Like most five-year-olds, Bryant has a great imagination.
But, today is different. He went to
the closet in our entertainment room and rummaged through everything; finally dragging out a board game. When I checked, it was the ancient "Asps or Stairways." We played it most of the day; even while we ate lunch. We enjoyed a lot of laughs together. Then, he seemed to get tired. So, I read to him for an hour; until he received a new injection of the incredible childhood energy. After that, he was off riding his tricycle and then creating battle scenes between all of his dinos. It was a most relaxing and fascinating day.
...........................................................................................................................
It's Friday, March 22, 2267, and, I've been back at my desk since yesterday. I've started to have an unusual problem. It began with pain in my upper abdomen at the navel. Then it worked its way down into the lower bowel causing all sorts of disruptions. After a couple of days, it worked its way up. I had stomach discomfort for a day that turned into burning and was followed by heartburn. Medical did scans and bloodwork yesterday morning. Early today, I received this memo.
MEMO
From: Commander Lucy Gravelle M.D.
To:F. Admiral Kurt Brubacher Zeta Commander
C.C.Personal and Confidential - No other distribution
Re:Your recent gastric disturbances
Date:March 21, 2267
Admiral Brubacher,
I have reviewed the testing we conducted to determine the cause of the problems you are experiencing.
First, you will be pleased to know you are not suffering from any severe illness needing significant medical intervention or resulting in death.
Next, I must inform you that you are very sensitive to the protein Gluten found in considerable quantity in our regular diet. This is not a major issue. It will require a special diet and special food handling practices.
Rather than concern yourself with those details, it would be wise to send your personal chef to us for instruction. Once you are consuming the appropriate diet and have taken the necessary household precautions, it will take about five days for symptoms to ease. This is usually a life-long issue, after discovery. However, there are recent advances in Genetic Therapy that may benefit you, should you wish to pursue those avenues of treatment. Regardless, you will need to convert your diet and household to "Gluten Free," in the meantime.
Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition Page 96