Clidepp Deja Vu

by Thomas DePrima

  "Five more? That'll give us a cargo section ninety-four meters long by twenty meters wide and twenty meters high. Once it's attached to our keel, the overall length of the Justice will be a hundred sixteen meters. Why the extra containers, sir?"

  "Four of the additional containers house the new DS-sheathed Marine FA-SF4 fighter aircraft, plus pilots, maintenance parts, and all support personnel. Since each container carries two aircraft, you're receiving two full squadrons. You'll have your own Wing for this mission."

  "Uh, isn't the commanding officer of a Marine Wing usually a colonel?"

  "Usually— aboard a cruiser or a battleship. In this situation, Lt. Colonel Dennier will command the Justice's smaller Air Wing."

  Sydnee groaned silently as she recalled the difficulties she'd had with Blade during the last mission. It was entirely understandable that Marine officers didn't like reporting to Space Command officers of lower rank or less seniority, but that didn't make the confrontations any less unpleasant. A lieutenant(jg) had the military pay grade of O-2, while Burrows and Blade, as marine captains, were O-3. As a lieutenant colonel, Dennier had to be an O-5. "That might be a bit awkward, Major."

  "Because of the disparity in rank between Dennier and yourself?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Essentially, the Justice is simply providing a ride for the Wing. Lieutenant Colonel Dennier requires little contact with you until it's time for her and her Wing to take part in the mission. She's been informed that you, alone, are the mission commander. She understands that while the Wing is aboard the Justice, command is compartmentalized but that you have the final word in all matters aboard the ship. The pilots naturally report to their own command structure, but even they know their commander is subordinate to you while they are aboard ship, just as Marine Captain Blade has been." Glancing briefly at Blade, Burrows returned his gaze to Sydnee and said, "Captain Lidden felt it important that there be no second-guessing on this mission. Once you actually launch aircraft or transport the Special Ops or fire teams to a dirt-side location, their senior officer is in command of carrying out their mission. But until then, and following their return to the Justice, you are in command."

  "The aircraft are a welcome addition if we need support for ground operations. I wish we'd had them last trip. But who defines the mission parameters of the pilots before they launch?"

  "That's your responsibility since you'll have overall command of the mission, and Dennier has accepted that she only has the latitude to change the mission parameters if the unexpected occurs. She also knows she must be prepared to formally explain her deviation afterwards and justify her actions."

  Sydnee shifted her gaze immediately to Blade. He nodded and said, "Me too. You're the boss aboard the ship, Syd. I promise not to second-guess you this trip, which is not to say I will automatically agree with everything you order, but on our last mission I learned to trust your instincts, judgment, and command abilities. Those, combined with your intense concern for the safety of the people under your command, inspired great loyalty in not only your people but mine as well."

  "I've known Blade for a long time," Burrows said with a grin, "and that's about the highest compliment I've ever heard him give any Space Command officer."

  "Thank you, Marine Captain," Sydnee said to Blade, then turned to Burrows. "May I ask why Lt. Colonel Dennier isn't at this briefing?"

  "SCI insisted that only individuals whose participation was dependent upon their having knowledge of the main mission be briefed at this time."

  "Main mission? I thought there was only one mission— to return the package to an area near his home."

  "That's the way it began. The mission parameters have since been greatly expanded."

  "I don't understand. Is there another capture required on this trip?"

  "No, not a capture. It's more of a release."

  "I don't understand. Release who?"

  * * *

  Chapter Two

  ~ November 11th, 2286 ~

  "Not who. What. Upon arrival at Yolongus, you're to place eight micro-satellites into orbit around the planet. After departing Yolongus, you'll visit all other inhabited and inhabitable planets and moons in the Clidepp Empire and seed satellites around each. Since we no longer have diplomatic missions in Clidepp space, we're unable to monitor activity on the surfaces of those worlds. We need the intel the satellites can deliver. The satellites are sheathed with Dakinium, so they're invisible to all Clidepp electronic detection technology. Their coloration and small size makes them virtually impossible to spot visually, and the energy the Dakinium absorbs from suns and other energy sources as a natural byproduct of its composition will fuel them indefinitely. If they're bumped by a ship in space, they'll simply reposition themselves afterwards to their original placement location."

  "So you're saying we're to travel around the Clidepp Empire planting spy satellites everywhere?"

  "Yes. Colonel Dennier has already been briefed on the satellite placement operation. She will receive her full briefing after you depart."

  "And I'm expected to deliver that briefing?"

  "Yes. Don't worry; she'll do what's required of her when the time comes. This is an important operation. We've been unable to get any cooperation from the Clidepp Empire whatsoever, so we're being forced to deal with the Rebels ourselves. We'll monitor all outgoing conversations on all frequencies on every planet until we identify the Rebel leaders. Then, we'll act to take down the leadership responsible for the attack on our space station."

  "So we're going in to help save the Empire's backside from the Rebels? Why doesn't Admiral Carver simply come in and kick their collective buttocks into the next century, then take over that part of space? The inhabited worlds in the Clidepp Empire will definitely be the better for it. The Empire has been run by one group of grisly murderers after another, and the Rebels have already shown they won't be any better than the current Triumvirate. They might even be worse."

  "The legal government of the Clidepp Empire hasn't attacked us, so we can't legally attack them. We're only doing what we must to protect our nation and its citizens from further attack by the Rebels and bring the Rebels responsible for the attack on Freight-One to justice. Besides, the GA has already absorbed more territory than we can adequately safeguard with our available manpower and resources. We're stretched to the breaking point. The Clidepp Empire is substantially larger than Region One of the GA. Given our present staffing levels, we have no way of taking on the added responsibility for a new area of space that large."

  Sydnee grimaced mildly. "So how many inhabited planets are there in Clidepp space?"

  "I only know of about— thirty-six, but an SCI officer will brief you on that part of your mission."

  "Thirty-six? In an area substantially larger than our Region One? It'll take us more than a year to reach all those planets and then place a satellite in orbit."

  "Actually, SCI wants from three to as many as eight satellites placed around every inhabited planet to ensure full coverage. The size of a planet and its population density will determine how many satellites we place."

  "How are we supposed to transport all those satellites?"

  "They're quite small, and the entire inventory fits into just one of the twenty-meter-long containers that attach to a CPS-14. That's what's in the eighth container you'll be getting."

  "When I was offered this assignment, Captain Lidden told me it was a quick in/drop/exit operation."

  "To the best of his knowledge it was— until two hours ago."

  "What happened two hours ago?"

  "That's when an SCI officer arrived with new orders from SHQ, along with the Air Wing and a cargo container full of the newest spy satellites. He briefed Lidden and then Lidden briefed me. The captain said that since the mission has changed so radically you may withdraw if you wish without it reflecting badly on your record. But, speaking for myself, I wouldn't if I were you."

  "Why not?"

  "First, the import
ance of this mission. And second, the captain told me that when informed you had volunteered to command this new mission, the SCI officer who had briefed the captain seemed quite pleased. Your past missions have definitely been noticed by people in positions to add a considerable boost to your career in Space Command. This is an opportunity to again show them what you can do."

  "I didn't volunteer for this mission because I'm hoping it will earn me a half-stripe promotion."

  "That doesn't mean you shouldn't take full advantage of side benefits a mission such as this offers. You don't want to remain a Junior Grade forever, do you?"

  "No, sir. But I've always believed the rank will come in time."

  "But there's also no harm in speeding it along a little, is there?"

  "I suppose not."

  "Then what's your answer? Do you agree to command the mission, or not?"

  Sydnee took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly as she glanced at Burrows, Blade, and then MacDonald. While she'd hoped never to visit Clidepp space again, the mission was an important one. "I'll do it, sir."

  "Good. I'll inform the captain of your decision. By the way, owing to the greatly expanded mission parameters, the captain approved your request for twenty-four crewmembers for this mission, so you should get busy recruiting your crew. This conference room is yours for the rest of the day. Present your crew list to the watch commander before midnight. Once that's set, contact me and I'll make the arrangements for your briefing from the SCI officer. Good luck, Sydnee."

  "Thank you, Major."

  * * *

  "Another mission you can't talk about unless we first agree to go?" Lieutenant(jg) Peter Caruthers said when Sydnee welcomed the crew of the previous mission to the conference room and told them she was assembling a CPS-14 crew for a covert mission.

  "That's about the size of it, Pete. Interested?"

  "Is this as important as the last mission?"

  "Some would say more— much more."

  "I'm in," Lt.(jg) Weems said.

  "Okay, Jerry. You're number one. How about it, Pete? Are you going to be number two?"

  "I know I'll feel that way if I don't sign on," he said with a small snicker. "Oh, you mean will I be the second to join up? Okay, Captain Marcola, I'm in."

  For this first meeting of the day, Sydnee had only invited Lieutenants(jg) Weems, Caruthers, Olivetti, and Templeton, and Chief Petty Officer Wilson Lemela. Lemela had served as com chief on the first mission. Engineering CPO Luscome was still recovering from his back injury and wouldn't be available to go for that reason, but Olivetti, Templeton and Lemela likewise signed on for the new mission without knowing any of the particulars. Sydnee believed their seeming lack of hesitation was a vote of confidence in her abilities, and that brightened an otherwise depressing day.

  "Okay, here it is," Sydnee said. "We're going back into Clidepp space."

  "We already figured that much, Syd," Caruthers said. "Now give us the whole story. Why are we going back into the middle of a civil war zone?"

  "It turns out that the package we picked up had nothing to do with the bombing. He was an innocent dupe— a victim of the Rebel command who it appears was trying to involve the GA in their expanding civil war."

  "Then the Rebels were actually responsible for the bombing of Freight-One, and they killed all those innocent people?" Weems asked.

  "That's what SCI now seems to believe, in my opinion. Anyway, we have to return the package to his planet because he is innocent." Sydnee then broke the news about the satellites.

  "Are you serious?" Caruthers asked. "It could take years for one small ship to clandestinely position satellites around every inhabitable planet and moon in the entire Clidepp Empire."

  "We don't have years, so we're going to do it in just one. But— it could take as long as two. That's a rough estimate, of course, based on a calculation of the travel time between the designated locations and allowing a reasonable amount of time to actually place the satellites in orbit around each planet or moon and verify each is working properly. And it doesn't include any time at all for nasty little surprises like we experienced on the last mission."

  "Two years is probably a more accurate estimate," Caruthers muttered. "And that'll be two years of almost constant duty."

  "It's an important job that has to be done as expeditiously as possible," Sydnee said, "so we've been allocated twenty-four crewmember slots for this mission. The ship is already prepped and supplied. If we can fill all positions, we'll leave within three days. Jerry, you'll be my first officer for this miss—"

  "Whoa, wait a minute," Caruthers said, interrupting. "I have seniority. I should be first officer."

  Like Sydnee, both officers held the rank of lieutenant(jg), but when rank conflicts arose, time in grade was usually used as the deciding factor. She experienced the urge to roll her eyes but managed to suppress it and embellish her response with flattery. "Pete, you're the best CPS-14 pilot aboard this ship, and I really want you— no, I need you— at the helm of the Justice for all of the important tactical situations. However, if you don't want to be our chief pilot, I'll give you command of the third watch. Take your pick."

  "Third watch command? Why not first officer?"

  "Jerry volunteered for the mission first and I've already assigned him to that position. Your choices as the second to volunteer are mission chief pilot on first watch or third watch commander."

  "Oh, okay, I'll be first watch pilot. It's bound to be more interesting than third watch."

  "Good. We have our first watch team basically settled now with Lt.(jg) Caruthers on Helm, Lt.(jg) Olivetti on Navigation, Lt.(jg) Templeton on Tac, and Chief Petty Officer Lemela on Com. All we need is an Engineering officer. We'll also have three Engineering noncoms this trip instead of one. Everyone must be a volunteer, so let's put our heads together and decide who we should invite to the party."

  * * *

  At 2200 hours, Sydnee presented her crew list of volunteers to Commander Bryant on the bridge. Bryant nodded as he looked at the names on the viewpad, then said, "You're going to be leaving us considerably shorthanded here. You're taking some of our best people."

  "I felt the mission was sufficiently complex and important enough to require the very best we have."

  "It is. And I have no objection to giving you these people for this mission. Good luck, Syd."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "Uh, did anyone turn you down?"

  "Just one, sir. Chief Petty Officer Mateski. His wife is expecting their first child in a month, and he said it would drive him crazy if he had to wait for a year or more while we were in com blackout before he could learn if she and the baby were okay. I knew it would be a real distraction, and I need people who have their heads in the game. I'm glad he informed me and rejected the offer."

  "I see. His reason is certainly valid. Carry on, Syd."

  "Yes, sir."

  * *

  After arising the next morning, Sydnee contacted Major Burrows and established a meeting time and place for the SCI briefing.

  At 1000 hours, Sydnee was sitting in the meeting room when Commander Knight of SCI entered the room. She immediately jumped up.

  "At ease, Lieutenant. I'm Commander Knight."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "Sit down, Lieutenant."

  As Sydnee sat back down, Knight placed a holo-disc on the table. When she touched a contact point on her control pad, a three-dimensional image of space rose to fill the area above the table.

  "This represents Clidepp space," Knight said. "The yellow dots are suns, the red dots are occupied planets, the green dots are occupied moons, and the blue dots are space stations. We've prepared a flight path that provides the most efficient use of time."

  When Knight touched another contact point on the control pad, an orange line began at Yolongus and zigzagged its way through the maze of solar systems until all of the red, green, and blue dots were connected. It ended at the border with GA space.

  "Just f
ollow that path and you'll be back here within two years."

  "Two years?"

  "I said within two years. Naturally we can't know what kind of delays you're going to encounter."

  "Delays?"

  "Yes, delays."

  "Such as a short-circuited temporal generator with no replacement?"

  "A temporal generator can break, be struck by a micro-meteorite while the ship is stopped in space, or even short-circuit when the storage chamber becomes waterlogged. Such things happen. I read your ship's log and mission reports, and viewed the bridge videos from your last trip into Clidepp space. I was impressed by your performance under the most difficult of situations. I'm sure you'll do an excellent job with this mission. That harrowing mission worked out the kinks with the CPS-14 you commanded and helped Space Command tremendously on two fronts. As a result of your unfortunate technical difficulties, modifications have been scheduled for all previously manufactured ships, and become part of the manufacturing process and inspection testing on new ships."

  "And if we break down while in Clidepp space this time, can we at least count on Space Command to send someone to assist us?"

  "Naturally, I can't promise anything like that."

  "So we're on our own."

  "Anytime we venture into the hostile space of another nation, we're pretty much on our own. SCI can make no guarantees to any of our agents or mission commanders and crews that they will survive a mission. It goes with the territory. That's why all participants must be volunteers."

  "So SCI understands that sometimes an agent or a commanding officer may have to take certain liberties with Space Command regulations?"

  "Space Command and SCI always take the circumstances into consideration when reviewing reports where such liberties were taken on a special mission. Just don't start a shooting war with the Clidepp Empire. It would be better if you, your crew, and your ship were lost than to do something like that."