He added all the information to the documentation for Stephenson, on his data pad; forwarding it immediately. Then sat back enjoying the dry Riesling that came with dinner. A short while later, a reply arrived approving his choices; though, Bill conveyed his disappointment at his personal loss; created by one choice. In addition, Stephenson forwarded information on a C&C order for Boots Commander. A five-member press corps detachment would be assigned to Boots Fleet; as would twenty of this year's senior class at the Academy. George was to go there and pick from the group, on his way to the Fleet. He was thankful the Admiral's Craft had so much space.
George navigated to communications; working his way through the list until he found the one he wanted; tapping the air, at the address.
Head wrapped in a white towel and wearing a housecoat; but, still exceptionally beautiful, Marie's image appeared over the console on the desk.
"Hello, Marie Ste. Laurent... oh, Admiral; I'm sorry for my appearance." She sounded confused by the late call; and her right hand rose defensively to the beehive shaped towel.
"Nonsense Marie, it's me who should apologize for disturbing you so late. You have a right to your own time." He was truly embarrassed for the interruption.
"Thank you, sir. What can I do for you? She responded, still somewhat hesitantly.
"I believe you know that, I've been offered Boots Fleet. I agreed to take it; but, had two requirements that, I would have for any Fleet. The first was the creation of A Deputy Fleet Command, a command layer between the Fleet Command and the Group Command. The second is the creation of a new division within medical to deal with the stress and mental health of Fleet personnel. I have been frustrated over and over, in the past, by the need to send people to Headquarters or Earth for stress related issues that could be dealt with locally by qualified people; if we had them.
Anyway, both requests were approved; so, I spent the evening going over Boots Fleet and headquarters personnel files. I was shocked to find that, you are the person I am looking for to head up my new division. I want to offer you a promotion to First Lieutenant. It is necessary to have a division head at Level Three or above; so, you will bypass two rank levels. As a Lieutenant, I would assign you as Commander Counseling Division - Medical Department; if you'll take it." He paused to give her a chance to think and respond. Instead, she seemed to get frustrated and upset, as she considered it; stammering several times as she attempted to answer.
"What's wrong, Marie? I thought you'd be happy. I didn't mean to offend you, or anything." George was shaken by the young lady's reaction.
"I'm sorry, sir. It's not that; I'm not happy with the offer. It is more than I could have dreamed of. It's just that; I would have to take on the assignment without seeing my parents. I had hoped to take leave on Earth before taking any assignment. I haven't seen them since last year, at the winter holiday." There were tears in her eyes; and she seemed genuinely confused.
"I'll give you something to think about; then, I'll disconnect. Promotions will take place on the twenty-first. On the twenty-second, I leave for Earth in the Admirals craft. I will be there two days or more assessing cadets for assignment to the Fleet; and retrieving a small press contingent assigned to the Fleet. While I'm busy, at the Academy, you may take the vessel's shuttle to visit your parents in Canada. You won't have it all to yourself. There will be crew members going home for visits, too. But it takes its crew and six passengers. Think about it; and, let me know in the morning. If you want the promotion and assignment, it's yours." He finished.
"Oh, Admiral, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you..." He cut her off before she could finish.
"It's no imposition, Marie. I am going to Earth; and that shuttle will just sit for two and a half days. It is no trouble to assign it to you for that time. Let me know your answer in the morning. Have a good night, Marie." He pushed to end the conversation to give her some breathing space.
"Thank you, Admiral. You have a good night, too." She was still sobbing a little; but, seemed less disconcerted as they disconnected.
George could not believe what he was feeling. He was apprehensive about her answer. He knew he was attracted to her; who wouldn't be, after all. But, it was more than that. Marie had received an undergraduate degree in psychology from U of T; then, a masters from Michigan. On graduation, she had entered the Academy; completing her doctorate level in a year and spending the next two in the Command Program. She had completed her intern hours while completing the Command Program. Not only was she a highly trained psychologist, she was a qualified bridge officer with serious motivation. There was a dread that, she would say no, in the end. He really wanted her near.
....................................................................................................
George was astonished at the stunning picture Marie became when she donned her new tailored OESA officer's mess uniform. The ultra-light Merino wool blend, black, single breasted, notched lapel, “Morning Coat” jacket was pleated in a manner most flattering to her figure. A black crossed-over style tie accented the white under-blouse. The black, four panel, rear zippered A-line skirt boasted a belt looped waistband and enough pleating and shirring to hug her frame in a subtly suggestive manner. Delicate gold cuff trimming, braid, lanyard and shoulder boards added just a touch of elegance to her entire appearance.
In his OESA mess blacks; George cast an impressive figure, too; though the Banting winged stand-up collar, bowtie and fold-back point lapel, double breasted “Morning Coat” style jacket always made him feel bound up and over heated. The entire costume was set off by his many service and citation medals, flag level shoulder boards and cuff braiding and the stars and number eight silver rank insignia that emblazoned the shirt collar and shoulder boards. He would be much more comfortable in the dinner dress uniform; he would don after the elevation ceremonies were complete.
…………………………………………………………….
The morning after he made his offer, Marie had called back accepting it. While connected, they made plans for the following day; which was spent in town; mostly at Banerjee's Tailor Shop. Marie was fitted for new uniforms. George left his behind for changes to braiding, shoulder boards and patches; after satisfying Banerjee by trying one of everything on to ensure he still had the best possible fit.
Rigil New York was an interesting city, of just over one hundred thousand. It had been laid out in a radial grid pattern, in the very early days of the OESA. A central administration building stood in the middle of its multi-acre central park. A downtown, of single building storefronts, absorbed the first two rings of tree-lined streets and the spoke sides streets intersecting them. Land had been reserved, on the city’s northern outskirt, by the OESA for a new academy campus. OESA headquarters was on the northeast border; now so close to the city that, it would be surrounded if housing or development moved in that direction. A large freshwater lake bordered it on the outer ring of streets to the southwest; causing them to be horseshoe shaped. A large industrial complex, devoted to ship building, lies about ten kilometers to the north of the city center. City center is known as the Downtown Mall. Except for small segways and electric scooters, no motorized conveyance is permitted in the two block disk; other than, those delivering to business concerns; and, small carts used by the handicapped. Only electric vehicles traverse the other boulevards and avenues of Rigil New York.
George continued on to the meeting with Stephenson, alone; then, retrieved Marie from the shop at thirteen hundred hours; taking her down the street, to a small English style pub for lunch. They returned to the base and spent an hour and a half with Commander Hurst; updating her on the impending stop-over at Earth and the return trip to the Fleet.
The next morning, they returned to Banerjee's; picking up Admiral Bryant's uniforms and one dress and one dinner uniform for Marie. The remaining package of two additional dress uniforms and eight sets of daily duty fatigues would be forwarded to her quarters late the followin
g day. Then they met with Admiral Stephenson; who updated Bryant's data pad with current orders, directives and security clearances. He also presented Marie with what would now be her permanent service pad for the balance of her career.
George had returned to his quarters sending the following encrypted message to Commodore Stevens at Boots Fleet; which had been ordered to Xi Bootis by Stephenson as a courtesy to George.
MEMO
To: Commodore Thomas Stevens Commander Boots Fleet - Espanola Group
From: George T. Bryant Commander Boots Fleet
Date: January 8, 2248
Commodore Stevens,
This communiqué is for your eyes only; and, is not to be discussed with anyone. I have accepted an offer to Command Boots Fleet; with conditions which were agreed to by Headquarters. One was establishment of a Deputy Fleet Command. I would like to offer the position to you. You would be promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned as Deputy Commander Boots Fleet - Commander Espanola Group. This would give Boots a complete chain of command and Command representation in my absence or incapacity; and, a unique ability to split the fleet with command level in both halves. It's time to get your career back on track. I need you! Will you accept. Please respond in kind, immediately.
George.
Com drones travelled faster than manned flights; so, George could expect an answer within a week.
The next thirteen days were very busy. George, escorted by Marie and his senior staff officers, was in constant meetings regarding Boots Fleet. By the time promotion day actually arrived, he had been briefed on the intricacies of all the inhabited systems, the common travel and trade routes, piracy in the region, Fleet personnel disposition, pending equipment upgrades, equipment and asset deficits, fleet budget and security. In addition, he attended a special session with Stephenson on the Flag and Senior Officers attached to Boots. During that period, he received the warrant for Commodore Stevens Promotion and reassignment. He was relieved to open an encrypted response from Tom Stephens accepting the promotion.
Now, George and Marie waited beside the stage housing the dais at the center of today's events. The C&C each made brief statements. Dickerson introduced Emperor Edward III's Secretary of Defense; who made a few comments; then, turned the whole thing over to Stephenson. Bill made an eloquent speech; acknowledging the C&C for his recent elevation; and, ensuring those present that, things would be run much has they had been in his Quadrant. Then, he went on to observe how important it is to recognize achievers; and, how pleasant it is to discharge this particular responsibility of his job.
"The promotion we will witness, is in the best tradition of the Empire and the OESA. This particular advancement acknowledges the achievements of a man who functions and operates at the highest level of character. He is a person much like Old Tom, himself. As all of you know, Old Tom overcame great obstacles, to reach our original Emperor; and, was devoted to him; and, the founding and development of the Empire, we know today. Now, we honor a man who displays bravery and cunning; while maintaining high ethical standards and empathy for fellow personnel. He has been awarded many citations, by the Emperor; and has been decorated many times by the OESA. Would Rear Admiral George T. Bryant please come forward?' It was an order; not a request.
It had taken one full hour to get to this point. He waited for George to arrive at the podium; then continued. "It is always a pleasure to be instrumental in promotions of deserving people; but, this particular one is unique for me. It is the first time I have nominated someone for elevation to Senior Flag level. It is also different, in that, it is to fill the position I vacated several weeks ago; and finally, promoting the most honored hero in this generation's Empire makes the task particularly special and enjoyable. Admiral Bryant is the enlisted mans' officer. He is intelligent; a good strategist; an excellent tactician; but, most of all he is a good leader, who really cares about every person in his Command. So, I execute this order with the greatest satisfaction.' He stopped to focus on the data pad he raised to eye level; then, continued; reading from the screen.
'OESA Command Order number 215903-9411 - To all citizens within the limits of the Orion Empire; comprising all space within a region extending in a spheroid one hundred light years from the Sol system in all directions; and, encompassing all-star systems, anomalies, energy, matter, life forms and representative governments and citizens within that region; and to all conducting business of any fashion with the Empire; let it be known that, on Wednesday January 19, 2248, the Emperor, Council and the Defense Minister of the Empire, in white paper OESA 215903-72114 paragraph three; did approve the nomination of the C&C of the OESA and its Quadrant Three Commander to elevate a member of the service to a senior Flag Staff rank; requiring entry of the candidate's name into the Registry of the Admiralty. By order of the C&C and Quadrant 3 Commander as prescribed by OESA regulations and protocol; George T. Bryant is upgraded to the level of Vice Admiral with all the rights and privileges prescribed in the aforementioned regulations and protocol; and that, any and all serving, engaged or employed within Vice Admiral George T. Bryant's commands; present or future; and, any and all conducting business with; or, having present or future interest in the Orion Empire, shall pay respect, obedience and loyalty to the rank he possesses as prescribed by the law of the Empire. Let it be known that George T. Bryant was elevated to the grade of Vice Admiral, his name enrolled in the Registry of the Admiralty; and that, this order was signed and sealed; all in the presence of witnesses and the Emperor's delegate, on Friday January 21, 2248; at OESA Headquarters, in Rigil New York, on Rigil Prime in the Kentaurus Star System. Signed, Fleet Admiral David Williamson C&C, Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson C&C, Admiral William O. Stephenson, Quadrant Three Commander.' Stephenson paused while the two C&C stood and approached. They returned Bryant's salute; then, flanked him; removing the rank insignia pins from his dress uniform's raised collar and shoulder boards; pinning on the replacements; and, handing Bryant the expended ones. In the meantime, Stephenson removed the two element gold aiguillettefrom George's right shoulder; replacing it with a wider silver three-strand braided one. All three stepped back, snapped to attention and saluted him in honor of his new rank. He smartly returned the salute; before all three stepped away from the lectern to small table. A large book titled The Registry of the OESA Admiralty stood open to a page containing blank lines below some entries. Bryant noted the partially filled entry line with his name was number nine hundred and ninety-seven; which meant he was the nine hundred and ninety-seventh person elevated to the Senior Admiralty over its entire history. George followed his three superiors in signing the register; making it official and elevating him to life-long membership in the most exclusive club in the Empire. With George at the center of the group, they turned to the audience.
'Ladies and gentlemen, officers and enlisted personnel and citizens of the Orion Empire, I present to you Vice Admiral George T. Bryant."
With that, the entire crowd rose; the military participants snapping to attention and saluting as if synchronized by a hidden timepiece; as the entire hall flickered from a multitude of photography flashes. Then the group called out in unison. "Rah" The single word cheer used by the OESA in recognition of achievement. Thunderous applause followed, for a good three or four minutes; as more flashes ignited in illumination of photographs being taken by the press and the OESA official photographers. Finally, Stephenson raised his hands to subdue the group.
"We have a considerable agenda to complete; so, I would ask that you keep all future applause to a reasonable length.' The C&C took their seats as Stephenson spoke. Stephenson and Bryant approached the podium, again with data pad at eye level.
'OESA Command Order number 215903-9412 - To all citizens within the boundaries of the Orion Empire; comprising all space within a region extending in a spheroid one hundred light years from the Sol system in all directions; and, encompassing all-star systems, anomalies, energy, matter, life forms and representative governments and citizens within t
he region; and to all conducting business of any fashion with the Empire; let it be known that, on Wednesday January 19, 2248, the Emperor, Council and the Defense Minister of the Empire, in white paper OESA 215903-72114 paragraph four; did approve the nomination of the C&C of the OESA and its Quadrant Three Commander to assign Vice Admiral George T. Bryant to the position of Commander Boots Fleet. By order of the C&C and Quadrant 3 Commander as prescribed by OESA regulations and protocol; that, on this day, George T. Bryant is assigned as Commander of Boots Fleet a position outlined and described in the aforementioned regulations and protocol; and that, any and all serving within Vice Admiral George T. Bryant's Command; present or future; and, any and all conducting business with; or, having present or future interest in the Orion Empire, shall pay respect, obedience and loyalty to the rank and position he possesses as prescribed by the law of the Empire. Let it be known that, Vice Admiral George T. Bryant is hereafter responsible for all personnel, hardware and assets belonging to; and / or assigned to Boots Fleet; and, is, responsible for the peace keeping and security of the space within a sixty-five thousand cubic light year volume sector of Orion Empire Space centered in the Bootis constellation, as defined and described in article twenty-four section three - b of the OESA Rules and Regulations ; and that, this order was signed and sealed; all in the presence of witnesses and the Emperor Edward III's representatives on Friday January 21, 2248; at OESA Headquarters, in Rigil New York, on Rigil Prime in the Kentaurus Star System. Signed, Fleet Admiral David Williamson C&C, Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson C&C, Admiral William O. Stephenson Quadrant Three Commander.' With that, Stephenson handed Bryant Boots Fleet Patches and the Commander's Pennant; then stepped back with his hand outstretched. 'Congratulations, Vice Admiral Bryant."
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