Two attendants removed the dais as the umpires and Admiral Blackman approached the mound. A coin was flipped. It came up Bryant's choice of tails. He chose to bat last; so, his team took the field and Blackman's team came up to bat. An announcer broadcasted the results of the toss; then, asked everyone to stand for the Empire's anthem.
George pitched for his team and Blackman for the Cougars. Both proved to be great pitchers. The score was one to one at the end of five innings. By then, people had seen great pitching and some remarkable fielding. They had seen teams get hits and get put out with men still on base. Several times, George spotted Edward having a great time. Most were beginning to catch on to, at least, the basics, of the game.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, George's team broke the game open. Two singles, a stolen base and a home run created a lot of excitement and gave the Eagles a four to one lead over the Cougars. It stayed that way to the top half of the ninth inning; when, the Cougars scored two runs; but, could not tie the game before being put out. The Eagles had won; and, were given a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Some senior officers came right down onto the field. They wanted to know if they could form teams for intra-theatre league games. George asked them to send him a request. He would use the requests as ammunition to convince the Theatre Command. The Emperor came onto the field congratulating him on a great game that, he had really enjoyed. He recommended popcorn, hotdogs, beer and soda pop be available for future games, to add to the authenticity.
The following morning, George shuttled back to his Fleet; which returned to duty. He worked hard at making the Assistant Fleet Commander position really mean something. He excelled at the new duties he absorbed. But, as promised, it didn't last long.
To everyone's surprise, in late November, Admiral Brian Dickinson was elevated in rank to Fleet Admiral - Level twelve and made C&C of the OESA. It was to be a joint command, from now on. Williamson had requested the move; sighting the sheer overwhelming size of the organization as the reason for the change. But, everyone knew, his advancing age played a part in the move. Vice Admiral Bill Stephenson the Boots Fleet Commander was raised in rank to full Admiral - Level 11 and promoted to replace Williamson as the Quadrant Three Commander; bypassing Beldura Gogorra and all the other Theatre Commander.
The entire Borealis Fleet was at 14 Hercules for tactical exercises; when, they started receiving communications drones with updates on the moves and promotions. On December 23, 2248, one arrived with encrypted communications for both George and Admiral Blackman. George was to report to Admiral Stephenson on Rigil on Wednesday January 5, 2248. Stephenson included a video message. In it, he spoke earnestly to George; explaining that, he had a Fleet Command he wanted to offer George. He added that, the need was immediate; but, that for all concerned, they were targeting Friday January 21, 2248 as the official elevation date. That would give everyone involved time to meet all obligations.
George shuttled over to Blackman. They discussed it, in detail. Blackman was a little miffed at Headquarters. He felt they should have given him Boots; which is the tougher assignment; and assigned George the Borealis Fleet. Since there was no request for him to report on Jan 5, Blackman was sure they were going to ask Bryant to take Boots Fleet. Bryant wasn't so sure; because, it was the toughest assignment in the Empire. Why would they give it to a new Fleet Commander.
"Remember George, you've handled Borealis Fleet, on your own several times; and, you've been getting experience for the last six months as my Deputy Fleet Commander. It's not like they're giving it to a greenhorn. Besides, you're the rising star; since resolving the Rho incident.' Blackman offered; then added. 'The Frigate Tokyo will be at your disposal for the trip. It'll take you to Rigil and wait for your orders. You can come back in it if, you decide not to take the position. You'll have your own transportation if you do take it." He finished with a wink.
He had a little time; so, he took a few days; deciding to leave on the 27th. Though no religious holidays existed, the Empire celebrated a season including three holidays on December 30, 31 and January 1st. This meant that George would be in flight during the holiday season. He hoped that, the Tokyo did something nice for those special days.
Of course, some people can't keep anything simple. George just wanted to get going. But, Amrit Singh the captain of the Tokyo decided to follow protocol, to the letter, and pipe the Rear Admiral aboard with all the ceremonial crap that goes along with having a flag officer aboard. The trip itself was uneventful; if not boring. There were three days of special dinners and get-togethers, aboard the vessel. George kept the ship's information system busy researching the personnel of Boots Fleet. All ships' systems within a Theatre held the Theatre data; if, the user had the clearance level and access codes. He wanted to know his Group Commanders and Captains, as much as possible, before actually agreeing to the assignment; if, it, was really being offered.
Usually, travel is limited to jumps of twenty-seven light years or less. The stress of being in a vortex more than five days is incredible. There is the fact that you can't see space or the surrounding stars when you’re in a jump; not to mention the effect of the phenomena on the internal ship's gravity. A jump directly to Rigil would take nearly eight days. Eight days travelling forty-three light years is kind of pushing it; but, Singh felt his people should have the experience; which might be a necessity in a wartime situation. The other detail George found confusing about the whole episode was the fact that, he was being called to HQ, instead of Theatre Command. The call to headquarters must be important; usually, changes would be made at Theatre Command a trip of only one third the time, based on its current position.
They assumed orbit around Rigil Kentaurus Prime at twenty-three hundred hours Tuesday Jan 4, 2248; and of course, Singh had to go through the full flag officer disembark protocol before allowing the shuttle craft to descend to the planet, the next day. George was left thinking that, he should take the promotion; just so, he wouldn't have to return with Singh.
Chapter 7 Bryant & Boots
Wednesday January 5, 2248
"You can't blame gravity for falling in love." Albert Einstein
His impatience and frustration evaporated suddenly, when the hatchway opened onto HQ landing pad seven to reveal a stunning mid-shipman awaiting his arrival. The fair skinned, dark haired, blue eyed beauty was petite; though not short. A vigorous sparkle of life flashed in her incredibly large clear blue almond shaped eyes; elegantly slanted just a little upwards towards the high cheekbones; and perfectly trimmed by naturally arched brows: all separated by a thin bridged nose with slightly flaring nostrils. Exquisite features formed a perfect face; complete with perfectly formed lips slightly raised at the outer ends; with pouting bottom lip; framed by an elegantly sloping jaw line slightly squared at the bottom; atop the shoulders of a body that could not be masked by the uniform she wore. Confident manner, regal bearing and genuinely warm and welcoming smile completed the portrait of the perfect woman that George had always painted in his mind. George was not known for ogling; so, the fact that all this detail was immediately burned into his brain condensed his thoughts to the realization that, he had been incredibly impressed by the angel in front of him. Warning bells went off; nudging him back to reality. He knew it was dangerous to take this view of someone so quickly. It often led to rash decisions and bad behavior.
He took in the scene behind her. They were on a landing pad at the far edge of a park-like estate behind a massive multi-storied glass and concrete building. They were near one rear corner of the structure; which was so expansive, he could not see the other rear corner. Elegant gardens and stands of trees and tall grasses punctuated the perfectly manicured grounds. Wide walkways stretched from the landing pads to the sidewalks that appeared to surround the building perimeter. The OESA badge style emblem was hung just below the Orion Empire one above the rear entranceway, at this corner of the building. George assumed each doorway was adorned similarly. The badge was a circular silver r
ing with the word “Orion” at its top and “Empire” at its bottom, in silver. Gold olive leaf branches garnished the ring between the two groups of lettering. The letters O – E – S – A were emblazoned in gold on a thin gold bar that spanned the center of the medallion, inside the ring. It was the same one that adorned every ship in the OESA armada. The jewelry-like crest is tasteful and elegant.
"Welcome to headquarters, Admiral Bryant.' She barked out confidently as she snapped to attention and saluted; then, offered a dry firm handshake, after George returned the salute and took her soft hand.' I am Midshipman Marie Ste. Laurent; and, I will be at your service and your side during your visit. I work for Admiral Stephenson; and, it is my job to anticipate your needs - kind of like your personal yeoman.' She paused; then continued. 'With your permission I will have your shuttle crew move your belongings to your quarters; while, we make our way to Admiral Stephenson's office, Vice Admiral."
She gave him a half smile and flashed a glinting devilish sideways glance, as she finished.
"That's Rear Admiral, Midshipman Ste. Laurent; and, yes you can have my baggage moved. You may lead the way." He added with open hand extended towards the Headquarters building; after, she had instructed the shuttle crew about his luggage.
"I have no inside information; but, I think that, if you've been brought to see the Quadrant Commander, you're about to be promoted. It's simple logic." She showed that teasing nature again.
He liked this sassy girl.
"Lead the way, Captain; and, let's not speculate anymore. I could be here to walk the plank or to be hung from a yardarm." He stifled a chuckle as he made the jab with a smile.
By the time they reached the fifth floor office, they had traversed about a kilometer of sidewalks and corridors; and, cleared a wide variety of security stations, along the way.
"If you'll just take a seat, Admiral; I'll let Admiral Stephenson know your here. He'll fetch you, shortly." She said, pointing to the overstuffed leather chairs arranged around a coffee table; as, she tapped on the screen of a data pad.
Bryant sat quietly absorbing the details around him. Although it was leather, he found the chair somewhat uncomfortable. Its softness allowed his nearly two-meter frame to sink a little too low. The room was finished in tones of oak wood trimmed with darker pecan: and, boasted a highly detailed hammered tin ceiling. Sconces and pot lamps dimly illuminated the space exaggerating the mottling of the moderately worn leather furniture. The walnut table and furniture trim unified the entire ante-room; while the slight scent of tanned leather and old wood hinted at authority and affluence.
"George, come right in.' Stephenson's warm smile and soft voice interrupted an approaching daydream. 'Grab a seat and make yourself comfortable." He led the way into the office; not allowing the time to follow protocol.
George noted that, Bill Stephenson was somewhat shorter than the average OESA officer; a little paunchy; and, sported a balding spot atop his graying head that was probably growing with time. The jowly face sported several character lines. He knew this must mean the man was incredibly capable; since the C&C seemed to promote only the top notch people with youthful movie star looks to higher positions.
The office was so much brighter than the waiting room that; it took a moment for his eyes to truly adjust to the point where he could take in the massive desk, office chair, two visitors chairs and credenza at the opposite end of the room to a conversation pit comprised of two leather sofas, two leather arm chairs and a large coffee table. Corner tables embellished with lamps and crystal decorations sat at either end of one of the couches. A massive fully stocked cherry and mahogany wet bar occupied one side wall. The walls were finished in light oak with darker oak wainscot and crown mounding. The white coved ceiling was trimmed in more of the dark oak.
"Would you like something, Admiral Bryant? I have a fully stocked bar with just about any kind of poison you can name." Bill offered with a wide ranging wave that spanned the length of the bar.
"Just a bottle of water; if you don't mind. I don't think I want anything alcoholic, until I know what I'm here for." Bryant responded with a smile.
"I like that, George. You force me to get right down to business while appearing to be selecting a beverage. That's great diplomacy and control of a situation.' Stephenson said with a chuckle as he plopped a bottle of water on the massive oak desk in front of Bryant. 'Let me get you a coaster. The desk was made for Ulysses Grant when he moved his home to Georgetown in early 1864; so, it’s nearly four centuries old."
"It's not that I want to control the meeting, sir. I would like to be sober when I find out if I am getting a pat on the back or walking the plank - that's all it really is, sir." Bryant responded with a sidelong smile.
"Okay, let's get to it. As you know, I was brought here a month ago. Dickinson felt he was getting on a bit and needed help running the service; which has grown into a behemoth. He convinced the Secretary of Defense, the Council and Emperor Edward III that, a shared C&C would be the best solution for an institution already the size of the OESA; and, still growing larger. In the end, they chose Williamson as his partner. He was elevated to Fleet Admiral and assigned as C&C OESA. For some reason, they didn't choose one of the eight Theatre Commanders to fill the Quadrant 3 Command position vacated by Williamson. Instead, they reached way down and pulled me in from Command of Boots Fleet. I can tell you that, I am a little uncomfortable with being my former Theatre Commander's boss. But, I digress from the point of the meeting.
Quadrant 3 is the entire volume of space over a six-hour range, running from twelve to eighteen hours, and one hundred eighty-degree span, from ninety degrees north to ninety degrees south, and extending to our border, one hundred light years from Sol. Extending a line from Sol towards object M5, just about takes you through the center of the Quadrant. Theatre Five Command is north of the ecliptic and Theatre Six Command is south of it. Theatre Commands manage all the Fleets in all eight zones throughout their six hour by ninety-degree corridor of space that extends out to our borders. A fleet's territory is three hours by declination forty-five degrees for a specific distance from Sol. The inside ring of fleets covers this territory to a distance of seventy-nine light-years from Sol and the outside ring covers from there to the one hundred light year border. So in effect, a Theatre Command controls the northern or southern half of a ninety-degree orange section; and, a Fleet manages a zone within that section. Though the space is relatively equal, the responsibility is not. For example, the Fleet Commander in Zone four of Theatre Five is mostly a border patrol; since, there are so few inhabited systems out there. On the other hand, Boots Fleet, in zone two, encompasses a multitude of inhabited systems. It is a very demanding assignment; which may be the reason, I was moved to Quadrant Command.
I'm sure you're aware that any assignment requiring a Level Nine rank of Vice Admiral, Lieutenant General; or, above, requires nomination to the Council independently of any other moves. That is to say that, these elevations are recommended on a case by case basis. They are not handled in groups as are those of ranks below this level. Each one is reviewed by the First Minister, the Emperor and the Defense Secretary. These moves must also be ratified by the representatives. This is the case for all senior level elevations and appointment. So, I chose you as my replacement; when I was asked for a nominee. You're what the service is looking for. My biggest reason in choosing you is that; you have what is needed to run Boots. It's tough enough running any Fleet that patrols a sixty-five and a half thousand cubic light year region of space; but, Boots has its special needs. Most of the red dwarf systems in that sector are inhabited by unfriendly insectoids. The region runs rampant with privateers. And even the Sol-like systems are a problem. Their humanoid inhabitants are either true-blue loyal, totally defiant or ambivalent to the Empire. Some multi-star systems have both types of intelligent life orbiting one of more stars. There are over fifty-six hundred charted systems in Empire space. Most aren't habitable by any types of life forms; but
fourteen hundred are; so, they must all be patrolled. Of those, just under six hundred are inhabited. The average fleet patrols nine inhabited systems and twelve more empty ones. Boots has thirty-one within its boundaries; sixteen of which have intelligent life of one type or another. So, I need a good strategist; not just a tactician. That sector requires an ambassador; not just another policeman. It necessitates someone who is decisive; and, can be tough; but, fair. Boots is always under a lot of pressure; so, I also want a fleet leader who can be human. You have all those qualities, in abundance; so, you are my first and only pick, at the moment. And, you're a favorite of the Minister and the Emperor. Those specifics virtually guarantee your appointment.
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