Kupin could live with that. She had long been a maverick in the Orion military hierarchy. She had many enemies within the government and among her fellow military leaders. She had always supported the aircraft carrier and the need for dynamic action to win this war. The young Admiral had criticized the war plans that began the war as being too conservative and a blueprint for ultimate defeat. She had talked long and forcefully for changes in the initial attacks. She wanted more forces committed to the offense and more Zeke targets hit. She would have stripped Orion defenses to the bare minimum in order to support the greatest number of attacks possible. In her view, a great offense was also a great defense, and the beginning of the war was the optimum time for an all-out offensive strategy. The longer the war dragged on, the better for the Aurora Empire.
She had boldly declared that if the war was not won in the first year, it would never be won. She predicted that if the Aurora Empire survived the shock of the surprise assault, they would turn the tide through their superior industrial base and larger population. Once the Zekes got competent leadership to employ their increased assets, the military victories and resulting momentum would switch to them. The Admiral had been thanked for her input, but nothing had been changed in the plans.
Kupin had not been a key player in the development of the aircraft carrier, but she had quickly grasped the potential of the new class of ships. Three years ago, as a newly minted Admiral of the Third Rank, she had maneuvered to become the first commander of the 4th Carrier Division. Once in command, she pushed the envelope on the tactics and technology. By the war’s start, she had been promoted again and had moved on to her current command of the 7th Heavy Flotilla. Her ships had already fought in several major engagements and suffered their share of casualties. The unit had been pulled off the front lines to recuperate and add replacements.
Kupin’s mind had never been far from the carriers and she had put together a plan for their use. Now was that time. Kupin had selected the target carefully. She had sold the plan to the Central Military Committee over much opposition. She had personally selected the two units to join her flotilla in forming Task Force 10. The two commanders of those units were close friends who had bought into the plan without hesitation. The opportunity was now, and Kupin had moved out quickly to gain an advantage on the Zekes. She was positive she did have an advantage now. The Zekes knew nothing of her approach and, by the time they figured it out, it would be too late. The vastness of space and their lack of defense in depth, or a mobile theater reserve force, would ensure no reinforcements would arrive in time.
The two Zeke bases of Aegis and Buckler and the nearby trading hub at Signe had been a tempting target since the beginning of the war. In fact, Kupin had suggested taking that area at the war’s beginning, but the idea had been shelved due to lack of available forces to take it and then hold it. Kupin had pointed out the forces were available. They could be taken from the defensive shield being maintained on the border to be used to counter a quick Zeke retaliatory strike. But those forces were sacred and could not be touched. The opening attacks went as planned and the Zekes never replied with a quick strike, so a significant portion of Orion power had sat out the beginning of the war in a defensive posture. Kupin knew that decision would come back to bite them in the future.
Now on her bridge, Kupin shook off that train of thought. Nothing to be done about it now. Fact is that lack of foresight now worked in her favor. This Electra System was the perfect target for a raid in force. The two bases destroyed or heavily damaged would cause the Zekes much pain, and a sweep through Signe would disrupt commerce for many months as no civilian ships or corporations will want to be in the area any more than is necessary in the future. Kupin had no intention of trying to hold the Electra System. Wiping out the Zeke assets there and turning it into a no-man’s land with neither side in control would be an acceptable result.
Equally important to Kupin, her ships were only slightly more numerous than the force of Zeke Admiral Levant. She would leave the carriers in the rear of her formation with a minimal escort, and attack the Aegis base with the great majority of her ships and the carrier air group of attack fighters called Stingers. Each Stinger could carry two missiles. Kupin and her planners assumed Zeke Admiral Levant would not sacrifice Aegis without a fight, so would make a stand there to integrate the base’s defenses in with his own ships. The Stingers would be the difference. As the bigger ships shot it out, the Stingers would be able to get into range of enemy ships or the base itself and shoot. The enemy could not afford to use vital defensive weapons to swat at the little attack craft. All their defensive measures would be needed against Kupin’s major ships. Kupin planned to ensure that the fighters and their carrier homes received an appropriate share of the credit for the anticipated success coming to the raiding force. Success here would change the tactics for future fights and earn the carriers a place in the forefront of the Navy.
Chapter 16
Tobias Gallagher, Duke of Black Hallow, entered the Queen’s office. She rose from her desk and came around it to greet her visitor with extended arms. The two exchanged large smiles as they hugged. Their families had held their respective positions within Zelenkan society for over two hundred years. Previous generations of the families had intermarried on numerous occasions and these two were cousins with several different numbers in front of the word. More importantly, the Duke had been a close advisor to the Queen’s father, King Jacob, and had been there for all the recent hardships in the royal family. The Queen had visited Haven Hill on numerous occasions during her life. She had attended the funeral of the Duke’s wife and had been present when the Duke received the news on his health.
She ushered him to the informal seating in the next room and poured tea for them both. After each had sampled the beverage, they got down to business.
“Your Majesty-,” he began.
“Stop that, Uncle,” the Queen cut in using the term denoting affection and respect in Zelenkan society.
The Duke smiled in response to her words. “I have to follow form.”
The Queen returned the smile, “And you have. Now stop it.”
The Duke continued to smile and began again. “Alexis, there had been a major development in my life. There are ramifications beyond my family and I would like your blessing and support.” He saw the concern on her face and quickly added, “It is not about my health. I continue on the projection already established for the progression of my disease. Nothing new there.” He paused as he considered his next words. Alexis waited patiently. He looked at the floor as he pursed his lips. This was not a story he enjoyed telling so he abbreviated as much as possible. “You know of my daughter, Aberdene, of course.” Alexis nodded. As a baby, the Queen had been in the same room with Aberdene on a couple of occasions but, of course, had no memory of it, but the story of the wayward, disappearing daughter was common knowledge among the peerage, and the fact it had no conclusion kept it in the consciousness of that class. The Duke continued. “I have an ending to the story. My daughter was killed by the Goths and their allies in the Badlands sixteen standard years ago.”
The Queen reached out and gripped his arm. “Uncle, I am so sorry.”
Gallagher nodded. He wanted to get beyond this part quickly. “Thank you, Alexis. I had held out some hope of her eventual return or, at least, some communication, but it was not to be.” A pause. “There is a bright side to the story. As you know, she had her son with her when she departed. That child has grown into a fine young man. Although Aberdene did not know it, she was pregnant when she left and later gave birth to an equally fine daughter. They have recently come for a visit.”
The queen gave a huge smile to her close friend and advisor. “Excellent! I am so happy for you.”
The Duke continued. “As you can imagine, I was quite suspicious at first. I had the usual tests done concerning DNA and genetic make-up. They passed. They both knew so many small details of her life and her departure, I have n
o problem accepting both as my family.”
The Queen enjoyed her friend’s good fortune. “I hope to meet them soon. We must set up an occasion. We’ll keep it low key as I know that is what you would prefer.”
“That would be very agreeable, but you already know my grandson by reputation.” He smiled again. “Captain Raferty Hawkins of the Badlands. My granddaughter is his operations officer known as Tactical. They have ended their visit at Haven Hill and are moving toward the Electra System at this very moment to engage in battle to support our Empire.”
Alexis recognized the name instantly. “Yes. I have read the after-action reports from the Badlands fight at the beginning of the war and from the raid on the Orion base codenamed Murmansk a few months ago. Captain Hawkins has done more to win our war than several of our admirals and high officials.” She fell quiet as she considered the ramifications of this news. She did not doubt the Duke would have done exhaustive research to ensure these two people were his grandchildren so she had no concerns in that area. She suddenly realized this was excellent news, not only for the Duke but for the Empire also. Raferty Hawkins was the type of man sorely needed in the war now. She leaned toward the older man. “How can I assist you, Uncle?”
“I wish to appoint Raferty Hawkins as heir to the title and then have it bestowed on him on a temporary basis. We can use my health as the cause for this course of action.”
The Queen nodded. She would have to sign the appointment letter but there would be no problem with that. “What does Captain Hawkins want to do with the title?”
The Duke chuckled. “He doesn’t know I am doing this so he has no plans for the title. His plans are to fight an action on the Goth/Aurora border to destroy three Goth ships for past transgressions. That fight should already have happened. Then he will move to the Electra System for the fight there. He promises to return to Haven Hill after that, as he is certain his ships will be in need of repair after these fights, and he will have that work done in our shipyards. After his visit and the repairs are done, he will return to the Badlands.” Gallagher leaned toward his monarch. “What he wants is a squadron of obsolete Royal Navy ships to go to the Badlands and to have those ships cooperate with him to help offset the ongoing Goth buildup now taking place in that region. After the fight in the Electra system, he figures the Empire will owe him a big favor and he plans to collect it.”
Alexis knew of the upcoming fight in the Electra System. The confirmed information had been forwarded out of Home Fleet two days ago. She also knew several ships of her beloved Royal Navy were about to be hit very hard with no reinforcements available to support them. She shook her head. The idiots in her government and the military that were running this war were a greater danger than the OrCons. She drove the thought away as she focused on the immediate situation in front of her. She looked into Gallagher’s eyes. “Why do you want to do this transfer of title, Uncle?”
The man gave her a tired smile. “Part of it is my health. My time is limited to several months and I simply don’t want to spend that precious stretch involved in many of the petty fights that seem to be increasing throughout the Government. Of course, I would always be available to assist on any major projects, but I want nothing to do with the daily bickering. My grandson intends to stay in the Badlands, so he would be removed from this annoyance factor. He is a man of action. He would be a formidable ally for you and an intimidating enemy against opponents in the Upper House. His reputation will get him considerable support throughout the Empire, and the title would consolidate that support in the political arena. Simply put, his reputation is exactly what is needed in today’s environment of war and sacrifice. He will spend his time in the Badlands, but when he walks into the Upper House, his victories and successes walk in with him. Members will think twice before crossing him and none will dare to challenge him openly.”
Alexis nodded. That was all true and the pirate captain could be a valuable ally. “I will sign the appointment letter so he can assume the title on a temporary basis.” She smiled at the Duke. “I think I have two other actions we can hold in reserve. While I’m in a signing mood, I might as well sign a Decree of Enforcement for him to look after our interests in the Badlands. To show our commitment to enforce the decree, we will have to send some ships to the Badlands to assist Captain Hawkins so that will fit in nicely with his desire for ships from us. As it happens, I have been researching what powers are available to me to help influence the war effort. There is an obscure law allowing the monarch to appoint a peer as a commander of an Empire military force. No monarch has done that in over one hundred and fifty years but it is still on the books. I could appoint the new Duke of Black Hallow as the commander of all Royal Forces in the Badlands.”
The Duke smiled. “I like both of those ideas, Alexis. We should have those available if needed. That would give the Goths pause. I do agree you should hold the decree of enforcement and the appointment to command in reserve, and use as needed. If he is commander of the Royal Forces in the Badlands, he would have to obey all the laws of war. He operates better as an independent.”
The Queen smiled and nodded. She liked the last bit of phrasing. It sounded better than saying he was a pirate who routinely worked outside the law. “We are agreed then. I will definitely badger the Navy into sending ships to the Badlands and have the commander of that force cooperate with Captain Hawkins. When do you want the transfer of your title done?”
“Let’s hold it until after the upcoming Electra battle to ensure my grandchildren survive and a victory is achieved, so it will be clear we owe Captain Hawkins a great debt. I would like the name on the transfer of title to be Raferty Hawkins with Zachary Lindstrom in parentheses or some such maneuver to ensure it is legal.”
“You don’t want his given name to be primary?”
The Duke shook his head. “I would want it there for family pride, perhaps, but that is not important in this instance. The name Zachary Lindstrom means nothing outside of the family. The name Raferty Hawkins carries a certain cachet. I believe the name and the title of Raferty Hawkins, Duke of Black Hallow, will give people something to consider if they wish to take him on in a fight.”
The Queen smiled a cold smile. “I know of his reputation. I see from your actions and your pride in the young man, he seems to live up to it.”
The Duke matched her wintry expression. “He is calm, well read, and well-mannered. He has high standards that he never compromises. He would also kill without a moment’s hesitation if the need arose. He has no qualms about using force to get his way if he feels his way is the right course.”
Alexis continued to smile. “I have yet to meet the man, but I like him already. I look forward to remedying the current situation with a meeting at the earliest opportunity.”
The Duke nodded in response to the compliment about his grandson. “My granddaughter is of the same mold. They make a formidable pair.” He paused before adding. “I have one last topic. As I am sure you know, this year’s political maneuvering in the Upper House regarding Measure 200 has reached epic proportions. I have made it clear that I will support the measure, but the vote will be close. I would like to make a suggestion.”
The Queen nodded and he outlined a plan on how to approach the vote on Measure 200. After the conclusion, the Queen nodded in agreement to the idea. “Of course we can do that. An excellent plan all around.”
The two now retired to the Queen’s private dining room for a midday meal. Afterwards the Duke departed for Haven Hill and the Queen had her private secretary draw up a series of papers for her signature.
Chapter 17
The briefing aboard Sirocco droned on as all the usual topics were covered. Nothing pressing was reported. No serious decisions were required. That was just as well, as nobody’s mind was on the information being presented. There was a coming battle in the far corner of their AOR and there was nothing anyone could do to influence the outcome now. Even Admiral Barrett was slightly downcast. He
took in all the information and made all the routine decisions, but it was apparent he was somewhere else. One didn’t need to know Admiral Barrett well to have an idea as to where that was. A great many of the attendees were in the same place.
Communications Specialist Second Class Janice Chou was manning the comm station in the corner of the briefing room. She was monitoring incoming message traffic to ensure any messages requiring an immediate response were brought to the Admiral’s attention quickly. She suddenly straightened up in her chair and listened intently to information coming over her headset. She glanced up and saw Sky Mallory watching her. Chou silently mouthed two words to her. Raferty Hawkins. Sky’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She turned and looked down the table at Admiral Barrett. At a pause in the briefing, Sky spoke. “Incoming message, Admiral. Captain Raferty Hawkins.”
All activity in the room came to an abrupt halt. The turnaround in the messages was only two days. The pirates were close, much nearer than anyone thought. Several heads turned to look at Blondie in her customary seat high in the back of the briefing room. She looked unperturbed under the scrutiny and unsurprised at the quick reply to her message. Admiral Barrett glanced up at her and turned to Chou. He knew Blondie had sent her message in code and it was likely the response would be in code and only she could decipher it. Finally, he realized he was giving this too much thought, so he waved his hand at Chou and told her to play it.
Echoes from Yesterday: Pirates of the Badlands Series Book 4 Page 11