Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  "I don't know your view on it, Admiral; but, I thought I'd keep it informal, for the time being. By that I mean that, I have recorded the incident and tied different infractions to the appropriate names. I've got it all in this little baby.' She tapped her data pad. 'But, I thought I'd only enter the reprimand to the official files of those who screw up again; or don't perform; and backdate it at the time. I was planning to abandon the record for those who do well over the next months. Of course, I would defer to your judgment." Her intonation was questioning.

  "As a matter of fact, that is what I'd have recommended. For some of them, it's the first time in the field in four years. It is very tempting to let loose, once you’re outside the Academy walls. I think you made your point; and, I bet none of them will really louse up again." He responded with a smile.

  Marie had never actually seen any of the combat rated deep space vessels; until, the instant they exited the jump point outside the Eta Bootis system on Wednesday February 2, 2248; though she had been on several bridge simulators, when she took the academy command program; and, had studied technical drawings of all the different classes of ships. She was truly stunned at the size of the vessels in the fleet; all parked outside the Murphid system heliosphere. She counted twenty leviathans; presuming the most grandiose and imposing to be the carriers. They sat in groups of ten; presumably, each nest a Tactical Carrier Group. From her port side perspective, she counted fifteen decks of portals, as they approached the Columbia; which according to the literature exceeded three hundred and fifty meters long and one hundred and fifty meters abeam. Two huge retractable ramps were extended from the sides like wings. These were obviously used for launching and receiving the one hundred ten fighter craft held in the cavernous hangar bays; and were likely matched by mates extending from the starboard side. Her graphite and gun metal gray motif, dotted by numerous gun placements, torpedo launch doors, missile launchers, hundreds of passive sensors, antennae, emitters, escape pods, hundreds of thruster packs, the IP engine and the AMPE propulsion system, all combined in achieving a truly threatening appearance. Marie remembered reading that, two five terawatt fusion reactors supported by two one hundred megawatt fission reactors supplied power and particles for all the Carrier’s systems; including the artificial gravity generators, all three engines, weapons and all support systems, lighting and heating for the craft. Depending on the carrier, six thousand to sixty-five hundred personnel resided on the ship; including nearly half of a full brigade of OESA marines complete with aviation, heavy artillery and armored ground support. All vessels were of similar construction; with a gap in the nose of decks two and four for weaponry installations; and a massive door in the bow of deck three or four for shuttle bays; depending on the class of ship.

  Marie been told that, a full platoon of Marines and two percent of the Fleet's personnel were the latest models of Dr. Black's sentient artificially intelligent androids; though they would be imperceptible to anyone but a physician with the appropriate examination and diagnostic equipment.

  To the right through the view window, Marie could see a vessel she was certain was a "sub", sitting just aft of the big carrier. These were special little ships; usually operating in fully cloaked mode. They were never discussed or mentioned in fleet descriptions. In fact, she was surprised this particular asset was visible. Looking about, she noted that, both vessels of this class were visible. Marie wondered if this was proper tactical protocol. The whole concept of this type of craft is its stealthy nature. It would take a considerable effort to achieve fully covert status. Each "sub" would need to take long circuitous routes to throw any watchers off their tails, when it went dark.

  In full daily field dress attire, Bryant stood in the bridge hatchway; watching his personal craft's bridge team as they docked with the Columbia. Commander Hurst was piloting the craft herself and did an impressive job. Contact with the behemoth was nearly undetectable. George filed away a mental memo about Hurst. She looked like a good candidate for promotion. He moved to the hatchway. As senior officer, he was supposed to represent those aboard the vessel to the captain of the Columbia.

  "Vice Admiral George Bryant and a party of sixty-eight requesting permission to come aboard, Captain." He snapped to the man he recognized as Captain Steven Nichols.

  Nichols snapped to attention and saluted. "Permission Granted, Admiral; and, welcome aboard.' Then looking over his right shoulder he snapped. 'Boatswain.'

  The three note call to order was played as the Admiral approached the docking bay receiving line. Two flag level officers and more than forty senior officers presented themselves in full dress uniform; saluting the arriving senior officer. Bryant returned the salute; then, took the time to meet each one and introduced Marie to all.

  "Captain Nichols, can you have my pennant moved from my personal craft to the Columbia? She will be the flag ship of the Fleet." He ordered after half an hour of introductions.

  "Aye Admiral." Nichols responded smartly.

  "These are orders and itinerary for the rest of today. We need to get this moving, right away; since, the day is already so far along." He said as he tapped his data pad transmitting a prepared message to each Commodore's personal data pad.

  "I will want time with Commodore Stevens, Commodore Tonaka, Captain Tahu Moahu and Commander Olivia Hurst, before the upcoming events. I will need to see the Commodores immediately; while Moahu and Hurst stand by. Shall we say, fifteen minutes from now in my office? And Commodores, please have your subs begin covert maneuvering and go dark. We don't want them visible ever, if possible."

  "Aye, Admiral." the two Commodores responded in chorus.

  "Post these orders fleet wide, forthwith, please. I assume command of Boots Fleet under these directives, immediately.' He said as he tapped his pad to forward the command order placing him in charge of Boots to Nichols, Stevens and Tonaka. 'Please note the orders and date in your logs. All security codes are rescinded, temporarily. We must move fast to reduce the time we are defenseless."

  "Aye, sir." Nichols acknowledged with a nod.

  George made his way to the Flag Bridge; introducing himself to those he contacted in the passageways. On the Flag Bridge, he made a point of quick introductions with the entire bridge crew; and, took extra time with Captain Nichols and Marine Brigadier Malcolm. Finally arriving at his expansive, glass-walled office, he placed his data pad to the desk console and tapped on the screen; entering his password, when prompted. In the blink of an eye, his orders and command codes were a matter of Boots Fleet records; as all others were rescinded. He was now in operational command of the fleet. He tapped off a quick note to all commands advising that all command rested in him only - temporarily.

  "Commodore Thomas Stevens reporting as ordered, Admiral." Like Frick and Frack, Stevens was at attention just inside the doorway with Grace Tonaka at his side. He was very tall and Grace was on the short side.

  "Great, I want to speak with you both. Grab a seat. When I agreed to the Boots assignment I had a couple of provisos. The first was to establish a new level of command within the Fleet. We will now operate with a Deputy Fleet Commander who I will issue level nine command codes to, for ninety-five percent of Fleet operations. Initially, the Deputy Fleet Commander will also command a Carrier Group. However, I will make a proposition to the C&C through quadrant command within six months. If accepted, it will create the need for two Task Force Commanders instead of the Deputy Fleet Commander. I looked over the personnel records from Theatre Five and Boots Fleet records and realized the two of you were, pretty much, equally qualified for the initial position; but, I can choose only one. So, I have elected to go with Tom. This is not a slight to you Grace. When the Task Force concept is a reality, you will get a promotion, too. Though I would like to keep you here, you are welcome to seek an elevated position elsewhere. I wouldn't blame you. You are qualified. But, I'd like you to stay; and, you will be rewarded for it, soon. In the meantime, you would normally report directly to me; but, Tom w
ould be your superior; if, I am unavailable. The Deputy Fleet Commander assignment will be filled by a Rear Admiral; so, Tom will be promoted. When, the Fleet changes to Task Force Commands, Tom will be reassigned to one Task Force; and, Grace will be promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned to the other Task Force. How do you feel about it, Grace?" Bryant held her gaze through the entire recital with only momentary glimpses at Stevens.

  "Well sir, I was excited, when I heard you were coming. I wanted to serve with you. And, as far as I knew, there wasn't any promotion involved. Nothing's really changed. I'd like to stay on as a Group Commander. I am most interested to hear about the Task Force idea. What will the Task Force look like?" She asked.

  "You're jumping ahead a little. I have a couple of additional meetings. I want you both in for them. When those issues have been resolved, we will discuss the Fleet's future.' Bryant was chuckling. 'Thanks for agreeing to stay Grace. I wanted to work with you, too. I have big plans, for the future; and, several Boots personnel should be a part of them.' He turned to Commodore Stevens. 'Tom, are you still okay with the promotion and assignment? It's a big job, for the time being. You'll still have your Group; and, you'll take on some of the Fleet Commanders portfolio."

  "I'm fine, sir. I've got big shoulders. Besides, it's not forever, by the sounds of it." He said with a smile.

  "That's great. So, you will move your flag to Grenada, Tom; and, Grace will transfer her pennant to Columbia. That way, if we split into Groups, there is Fleet Command on both teams. And, no; it's not forever - six to eight months. The need is there, now; but, we need time to show the higher ups how to do it. I'll explain when we do the Task Force meeting. I have re-issued your command codes for your appropriate assignments.' George said as he tapped his pad. 'Right now, I need a Chief of Staff. Bill took his Chief and Adjutant with him. My Canada Group Chief is staying put. Grace, I believe you have a Captain Tahu Moahu serving in the Grenada Group?" Bryant asked.

  "Yes sir. He's Captain of the Cruiser Tanagra. He's a great officer. He hasn't got the tactical aptitude to Command a Group; but, he's a wonderful ship's captain - knows people - follows orders – smart as a whip - has an immense capacity for work - earns loyalty. He's from 51 Pegasus D." She responded.

  "Yes, I read good things in your evaluations, of him. Tom, I would like to take him from you; since, he would be your man, now. I will promote him to Commodore and make him my Chief of Staff. I have a suggestion for a replacement. In the nearly one month I was at Headquarters, I spent a great deal of time building a plan and going over personnel records. Nearly two weeks ago, I came across the Moahu file; and realized that, he had the skills needed for a good Chief of Staff. So, I went on looking at possible replacements, for the Tanagra. In the end, it will be your decision, Tom. But, we have someone in the Fleet who has the credentials; but, has been passed over for promotion at Admiral Stephenson's insistence. His Admiral's Craft is commanded by an officer who has held all the senior positions on all our warship classes, except a Carrier. Bill did not want to move her; because he liked having her in charge of his craft. I discussed it with him. He regrets it; knowing that, he unintentionally slowed her career. He asked me to look after it. Anyway, I am recommending Olivia Hurst to replace Moahu. Take a look at her file. She has worked for Grace, here; and was under Captain Nichol's command, before. So, talk to them, too. In the end, I will accept your decision; but, please take a good look. She deserves it." He finished.

  "Tom, she is a very good Commander. Before, Nichols took the Columbia, she was his exec on the Frigate Toronto. He spoke very highly of her. Of course, she ran Bill's vessel for the past three years; so, we all kind of lost track of her. But she really is good." Grace finished as Tom looked at his data pad; which he raised to eye level during Bryant's monologue.

  "Don't be so polite, people. I won't let you push me around. But, consider it a done deal. Let's promote her to Captain, today. I'll write the request for promotion and reassignment, when we break up." Stevens responded with a genuinely warm smile.

  "Great. Now, let's get Captain Moahu in here." Bryant said.

  Grace fetched him from the place he had occupied on the bridge just outside the Fleet Commander's Office.

  " Captain Tahu Moahu reporting as ordered, sir." The captain was erect at attention and very formal.

  "Relax Captain. Please take a seat. When rank is not a concern, how do you like to be referred to?" Bryant asked.

  "Most people call me Moe, in general conversation, sir." The Pegasian responded stiffly.

  "Well, I think I will call you Moe; and, you may call me George, when we are in private. We will be working very closely together - I hope." George said with a casual smile.

  "What do you mean, sir?" Moahu asked stiffly.

  "Moe, I want to promote you; and, make you my Chief of Staff. The Chief's job is a tough one. In your case, you would also do the job of an adjutant. So, you would be busy. And, we will be making a very extensive proposal to the Quadrant Three Commander and the C&C. Your team will lay all the groundwork for it. Are you interested?" The Admiral asked.

  "I think so, sir. I am not really sure; because, it's all a little vague." Tahu responded.

  "Okay then, I will try to give you a little more data. But first, I must reiterate to you all that meetings in the privacy of this office will be informal, after the initial contact. I am George to all of you, inside these walls. An adjutant is like the communications officer for a command. That position, prepares all reports, posts all messages and conveys all commands from the Commanding Officer. The Chief’s position is a lot bigger. Anyway, the Fleet Commander has a large staff at his disposal. They run fleet accounting, payroll, legal, acquisition and purchasing, medical, security, intelligence, personnel, logistics, tactical and a few other departments at the policy level. Each has a manager and a staff. The Chief of Staff runs that Staff for the Fleet Commander, through those managers. In addition, you and the staff will be responsible for preparing all the Fleet orders and ensuring they are carried out. It is your job to ensure that all orders and communications comply with OESA Rules and Regulations. Everyone in the Fleet is at your disposal to aid in carrying out my commands. The Fleet Commander's Chief of Staff is his right hand. When he speaks, he is speaking for the Commander. Counting your position, there are six hundred and sixty-five personnel in my staff. It is a mirror of Theatre, Quadrant and Headquarters staffs. Except, they get larger at each more senior level. Headquarters staff is over eleven thousand. You will also have to liaise your staff with the new Deputy Fleet Command Staff and the Group Staffs. As far as the proposal goes that I spoke of, I cannot be too detailed, until you accept. But, I can say that, the OESA is taxed beyond its limits, right now. No one seems to be able to come up with a cost efficient means of increasing our capabilities. Each Fleet Commander has been tapped for ideas; but, none seem practical, so far. As soon as I was asked by Admiral Stephenson, I had an idea; but, I need to make a case for it. You will help build that case. It will be a big undertaking with a short timeframe. You would be elevated in rank to Commodore. That carries a pay rate thirty percent higher than yours is, now. And, you will have a lot more authority and prestige. You will move to "Flag" quarters, on the Columbia; and, you will have your own yeomen and stewards. If you prove to be as good as I believe you will be, I will bring you with me as I rise through the ranks. Each elevation for me, would be an elevation for you. At each level, the staff is considerably larger than the one below. However, after a couple of years or one more elevation, you would no longer be eligible for a field command. You would always be administration with a maximum achievable rank of Vice Admiral." Bryant finished.

  Moahu flexed his large ears against the side of his head. It was like a human furrowing his brow in concerned concentration. There was silence as he considered the facts, in deep thought.

  "Admiral, I am honored by your offer and your confidence; but, I am not sure I can handle the job. I would like it; but, it seems massive." The capt
ain said softly.

  "The first time anyone takes on a Chief assignment; they have never done the job before. But, consider this. You have run a ship which has most of the very same departments in it. It is a smaller version of a Group or Fleet Command. And, you have dealt with Group and Fleet staff for years; so, you really already know most of the systems and protocols. You are intelligent and a good leader. You have commanded a ship with over a thousand on board. All you need is a little time. I would not have made the offer; if, I didn't think you could acclimate to the position." Bryant offered.

  Again there was silence with the large ears drawn back.

  "Yes sir, I will take the position; and, thank you. I will try not to let you down." Moe responded.

  "Start by calling me George. Don't worry, I'll help you through. After a while, you'll be showing me how things have to be done.' The Admiral said with a smile.

  'I have warrants on my pad. Promotions will take place, this afternoon on the hangar deck of the Columbia. I will do the honors for Tom and Moe, first. Tom will promote Olivia, after that. Tom, you either need to promote your current Chief or find a new one. The rank will be Captain. I will point out that, you need a good manager and leader. This person should have commanded a similar size group before; but, does not need to have great tactical skills. In fact, you would be wise to choose a chief who you believe would not go on to flag level tactical positions. I say this because, there are lots of great people who can fit the Chief position; but, only a limited number have the tactical skills to handle the flag level tactical field commands. As far as the proposal goes, let me fill you in.

  The OESA has sixty-four fleets divided into eight Theatre Commands. That's eleven hundred fifty-two war ships, one hundred twenty-eight subs and two hundred fifty-six supply vessels to cover nearly four and a quarter million cubic light years of space. That's sixty-five and a half thousand cubic light years of space for each Fleet to cover. Right now each fleet is comprised of two Groups each containing a Carrier, two Cruisers, four Frigates and two Supply Ships. Each Group is also supposed to have a sub; though less than half have received them. We tend to extend our reach by breaking our Groups into squads. As we are configured now, these squads are unbalanced. One will have a Carrier the other won't. In most cases, one will have a sub; and, the other will not. This means that, each Fleet is really only two fighting forces and two reconnaissance arms. The weak squad can fight; but, are limited. They cannot be used as a squad for offensive or counter offensive operations; except in very limited confrontation such as piracy. A squad with no Carrier is really a defensive force.