Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  "Weapons, set particle cannons to twenty percent. Take out that weapon. Then, take out that ship's engines. Be careful. I don't want them destroyed." I order.

  "Aye sir." Weapons responds simultaneously with the first flash.

  The vessel rocks violently on each shot. The damage to each section hit is very visible. The other two vessels turn; heading off in opposite directions. They jump away once they have achieved the necessary velocity.

  "Lieutenant, get the Marine commander up here; and, put us in a position to board that ship. Weapons, keep a lock on it. If sensors say they are restoring any engine power, hit them again." I order.

  Both officers nod their assent as they issue orders enabling my commands.

  "Captain Shellots reporting, as ordered, sir." The marine officer stands erect as he reports in, ten minutes later. He has two bars with a number three on his color points.

  "Captain, I want you to be ready with your men. We are moving in, to secure that vessel.' I explain; as, I point to the ship out the window. 'We will need two squads to board it and one or two squads to investigate the sealed compartment remains of the ship it attacked. Take anyone you find into custody; until, we sort out who is who. The first officer will advise you when to launch your shuttles." I finish.

  "Aye, sir." The marine says as he turns and exits the bridge.

  I could see three shuttles head out into the field, from the shuttle bays in the nose of our craft. The two smaller ones went for the ship that fired on us. The larger one headed for the remains of the other vessel. Both had to navigate a considerable debris field filled with undiscernible materials, jagged pieces of metal and plastics. The mission would put thirty on board the offending craft and twenty on board the other one. They would all be packing heavily. Defensively they’d be wearing full armor made from carbon nanotube fiber and Kevlar KM5. Pockets distributed over vital body areas hold ceramic metallic reinforcing plates. Helmets and boots are made in much the same manner. All members wear full face shields made of transparent aluminum. Offensively, they carry eight-inch razor sharp knives, three flash-bang grenades, two concussion grenades, an M25 combination laser / conventional rifle and a ten millimeter fifteen kilowatt peak firing rated hand laser weapon. In addition, some specialists will bear GN 50 grenade launching rifles. Each squad is equipped with mobile sensor drones they can send into blind areas ahead of any action. Each platoon will be made up of two or three ten person squads; each headed by a sergeant. A two squad platoon will be run by a second grade Lieutenant and the larger one by a full Lieutenant.

  Normal operational procedure would be to achieve a soft seal over any external hatch or bay door; then, blow the opening, if necessary. Flash / bangs debilitate anyone in the local region, before sending in drones to reconnoiter. Once a determination is made, the smallest number of personnel possible would be sent in, first; holding the remainder in reserve for a follow up sweep if resistance is heavy.

  Ten minutes later, the team that entered the offending ship are on the way back; but the platoon at the damaged vessel are calling for medical help, for injured occupants. I know this means that, things must be fairly bad. Each team would have two members well trained as field medics. They can generally stabilize almost any injury, for transport. Another shuttle headed for the craft.

  Nearly an hour after the shuttle arrived at the vessel, it departed for the Shenzhen, with the one that carried the marine platoon. I am now receiving preliminary reports.

  The military incursion met some early stiff resistance. Crew members of the ship that fired on us held up in compartment hatchways along a corridor just inside the opening our team entered. Once the flash / bangs had been expended and the drone had made a quick pass, the pirates intruded on the entry space with conventional handguns and machetes. A couple of our people had slashing injuries around the neck area - the weakest area of the body armor system. In response the team had killed two and severely injured the other three personnel. We would not get much information, for a while. None of the survivors of either craft would be able to withstand questioning for some time.

  I looked up to see Shellots standing in my doorway. "Come in; and take a seat."

  "Sir, my initial report..." He said as he handed over his data pad.

  I looked it over. "Quite a little battle out there, eh?"

  "Yes, Captain; and, it looks like it might be piracy. We can't be sure; until, we can question some survivors." Shellots responded.

  "How are your people?" I asked.

  "A couple of fairly serious machete hacks. They knew enough to go for the neck. Considering the weaponry available in this day and age, these guys want to instill terror. My people were up to it, though. I left a couple behind in each craft. They have investigative services forensic training. They say the ship that was nearly destroyed was a freighter; but, there wasn't much left of it. However, there was still a coupling attached to the remains of the pilot house. From the type, the investigators say it was definitely a multi-section barge being towed by a freighter. The other vessel seems to be full of all kinds of unrelated contraband. There's also a lot of hand weapons aboard." He had summed up the report.

  "We won't be able to complete the investigation. We're not equipped for it; and, we haven't got the time. I'll report it to Theatre Command. They'll decide how they want to handle it. We'll have about ten days to continue on it; until, someone else arrives to handle it. You'll have to be able to turn it over to them and walk away. Are you okay with that, Captain Shellots." I asked.

  "Mine is not to reason why, sir. But maybe, I'll get lucky and we’ll finish before they arrive." He said with a smile.

  "Anyway, you did a great job, today. This will go into my report. You'll probably be a Major, soon. That means, I'd probably lose you to a carrier class vessel where you can command a regiment; or assist a Brigade Commander." I tell him as I rise; indicating the end of the meeting.

  "Thank you, sir." He says as he stands to attention.

  "You're dismissed." I reply as he turns and walks out.

  It takes me the next half hour to prepare my report to Admiral Nichols. I include Shellots' report; and, my recommendation for his promotion. Piracy with loss of life is one of the very few crimes that carry the death penalty, in the Empire. That's way above my current pay grade.

  It's time to head to my next class. It's overdue; but, trying to teach after such a long jump is not a great idea. Between myself and the class, at least a few of us are likely to be out of sorts.

  …………………………………………………………………………..

  "Captain on the deck!" A voice yelps as I enter the room.

  "As you were. Rest easy. I'll try to keep the lecture a little shorter today. Most of us are still hung over from the long jump. Are there any questions about last week's session or the handouts?” I ask - hands go up all over the room.

  "Yes ensign, what's your question?" I ask; though, I really know what they all want to ask.

  "Sir, is the Brubacher cadet, you?" She asked a little hesitantly.

  "I could have left that out of the story; so, you'd think your Captain is perfect. But, I included it for a reason. I wanted you to see that you can make a mistake and recover. We all make mistakes. My group, were all given another chance. Many of us used it wisely; but, a few didn't. They are gone, today. It's not just about using your second chances the right way. It's also about giving them. Admiral Bryant and Lieutenant Ste. Laurent gave us a second chance, when they didn't have to. In fact, the entry never appeared in the files of those of us who used the opportunity to our advantage. During your careers, people will disappoint you. You must let them know they did. But, you should be forgiving; if, the opportunity arises.' I sum up; then move on.

  'Anyway, lets continue from where the last handout left off.

  ............................................................................................

  By the end of March 2248, George was satisfied wit
h Boots performance. The time had been spent handling normal patrols while doing constant drills and war games at the squad, group and fleet levels. Bryant had put a lot of strain on the personnel in his command. They had languished between commanders; so, he wanted to be sure they were truly razor sharp.

  On Thursday March 30, 2248, the Fleet exited a jump at Xi Bootis. It is a truly beautiful binary system. Star A is a little smaller and dimmer than Sol with a slightly dimmer orange main sequence dwarf orbiting it. The yellow star has seven planets including a massive one nine times the mass of Jupiter orbiting fourteen AU from its parent. It also sports one at sixty-one million miles that is very earthlike; with a lot of vegetation and animal life; but, no intelligent species inhabit it. It is a warm; but, not arid planet. OESA personnel have named it Eden for its paradise-like environment. It is a great place for shore leave. There is camping, mountain climbing, hiking and swimming without any intrusions by strangers. Star B mothers four planets that host primitive life forms.

  As he searched the space outside the observation window, Bryant thought back to his arrival to Boots Fleet at Xi Bootis, when the fleet was here earlier.

  The arrival day had gone well. The last of the documents required from Group Commands by Bryant arrived in the proper condition by about thirteen hundred thirty that afternoon; allowing George to download all the command codes for user authentication and complete promotion warrants by fourteen hundred hours. Fleets are essentially down after a new commander assumes the reigns; until, the Commander has the information required to issue subordinates their new command codes. They in turn will have to re-issue to their people, after activating these codes. The entire Fleet was back on line by fourteen-thirty, that afternoon; which gave everyone time to get into dress uniforms for the ceremony an hour and a half later.

  Aboard the Columbia, the dividing wall between the two hangars had been retracted; allowing nearly five thousand to attend the ceremony. With a new Rear Admiral, a new Commodore and two new captains, it took nearly two hours to do all the promotions and assignments. The announcement of the changes took another half hour; and, George spent ten minutes attempting to engage the entire fleet. Unscheduled, but not unplanned by his subordinates, Stevens spent ten minutes welcoming Bryant and recounting some of his history to the assemblage of personnel. Then, came the announcement of the dinner party which would start at nineteen hundred hours.

  Stewards and service crew started populating the massive room with tables and chairs; even before all the attendees had exited the space. Anyone standing by, would have noticed the room taking shape around a raised head table and dais. Tables radiated toward the back of the room in giant semi-circles. Between the head table and the first line of tables a temporary floor was laid to create a dance floor; and to the left of those at the head table, a musical boutique with amplifier, drums and well placed microphones took shape.

  Those who began to file into the space, just before nineteen hundred noted the band already playing soft music, the decorations hanging from the ceiling and on the walls and the fine linens and tableware that graced every place setting on the tables. It was hard not to notice the long hot and cold water serving counters that would hold the entire menu were in their preparatory temperature cycles; so, they would be ready to display the many appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts that would be served that evening. To top it all off, was the longest wet-bar most people would ever see; fully stocked with hard liquors, liqueurs, wines, beers, soft-drinks from worlds all over the Empire; and, ice, stir sticks, glasses, cups, coffee, tea and even water. Someone had pulled out all the stops.

  Earlier, when Bryant had gone to check on preparations, he had been astounded and pleased to find things taking the current course. It is what he had envisioned; but, had not quite articulated to those he gave the orders to. A few inquiries made it apparent that his new Chief of Staff had taken the bull by the horns; demanding everything from both Groups that would pull the event together into a gala second to none. He used the power of George's office and position to imprint himself on the situation; telling all, he'd been enlisted for the task, by the Admiral. And, he did it all within his first few hours on the job. There would be a party, for all to attend, on both ships.

  When the evening got underway, Bryant inaugurated all to the festivities on the Columbia; inviting everyone to have a good time; as Tom Stevens did the same aboard the Grenada. As George spoke, the serving crew were quietly wheeling large roast turkeys, prime ribs, rack of lamb, fish dishes and carts of assorted rice dishes, pasta entrees, vegetables, salads, soups, finger foods and deserts into the room and preparing them to be served. In addition, a chilled pile of small beef tenderloin medallions and plump chicken breasts were set up on the chef's side of a gas char-broiler that was positioned under one of the hangar's many exhaust vents. And, as all this transpired, silent stewards strategically placed bottled white and red wines along the tables. One crew of servers, chefs, stewards and the service team would be replaced by another at midnight; allowing the first crew to enjoy the party, after their shift.

  Once the welcomes were complete, Bryant asked all to join in a series of toasts. He individually toasted each and every officer promoted and reassigned in the earlier ceremony. Which led to his final salute. "Ladies and gentlemen, officers, NCOs and enlisted; I would like you all to join me in a toast to the finest group of people to grace our galaxy. It is a group of the bravest and most generous people alive; each and every one of whom are incredibly skilled. I would like you to raise a glass with me and toast...you the people of Boots. For, it is you who get the jobs done. It is you who make the engines run; allow us to see the many complexities of space; make it possible to live in space; and, keep us safe from its many hazards. It is you who risk your lives each and every day to make life for the people of the Empire safe. It is not its Commander that makes Boots great. It is you. Please turn and toast the person on your right, then on your left, then, ahead of you; and finally the one behind you. Each member of the crew is your hero and you are theirs. But, most of all, you are all my heroes. To Boots!!!!" George finished as he raised his glass; then took a long slow drink from it.

  "Now, that I have you all a little tipsy with all these toasts, I'd like to turn the floor over to the new Deputy Fleet Commander. Admiral Stevens will say a few words." A broad smile crossed his face as he made the statement waving his glass toward the newly arrived Stevens. He had come over from the Grenada, after opening their party. During the second shift the procedure would be reversed. They would both concentrate on the Grenada and come over to Columbia for a brief visit.

  "Even though, I am in foreign territory, I'd like to welcome you all here.' Tom announced; referring to his move to Grenada. 'And, I'd like to make an observation; and maybe, fill you in on a few things you may not know; but, wish you did.

  Admiral Bryant is the true enlisted man's officer. When he made the last toast, it was not just to make you like him. I can tell you that, he really believes in the context of that statement. I worked with him a few years ago when he was actually my subordinate. Each and every person under his command was as important as each and every other. So, on behalf of the more than twenty-seven thousand people in the fleet, I would like to welcome him to Boots and thank him for the toast. And, I would like to raise a glass myself to Vice Admiral George T. Bryant the best Commander in the OESA.' There was a minute's pause while all raised glasses with the traditional cheer and drank to the Admiral. Then, Stevens continued on a lighter note. 'You noticed I said the best Commander. I didn't say the best Fleet Commander. I said the best Commander. There isn't another that can come...." He feigned being cut off as Tonaka dragged him from the dais; mumbling words about drunken sailors all the way back to her chair. Then, she moved to the podium.

  "Sorry about that folks.' She said with a smile to a response of raucous laughter. "Poor Admiral Stevens can't hold his liquor. He was out of it when Admiral Bryant made his second toast.' She paused to wait
for the laughter to die down; then continued. 'Of course, that was the one to him; and, he took an extra big gulp, for that one.' She said with a smile as she looked over to Tom. It was just then that, he was laughing so hard, he almost fell out of his chair. 'See what I mean?" She said to the audience as she nodded sidelong towards Admiral Stevens. ' But on a more serious note, I would like to say that he may be a little under the weather; but, Admiral Stevens is right. We are lucky to have Admiral Bryant as our Commander. So, I would like to raise a glass and ask you to toast him, again. To Vice Admiral George T. Bryant; the best Fleet Commander in the OESA.' She raised her glass and then took a sip for the toast. Then she paused in absolute silence for a good minute. ' You notice I said the best Fleet Commander. I did not get into overkill with the best Commander thing; because, we all know who the best overall commander is.' She was beaming and polishing the nails of her right hand on the right breast pocket of her jacket. ' Even if you’re not sure; I certainly know who the best overall commander is..." Her sentence was cut short as Bryant hauled her off the dais with the hook of what appeared to be a shepherd's staff; as, the crowd roared in laughter.

  "Okay folks, the foods getting cold; so, I'll get this moving along. We just have one other item on the schedule; before we serve. Some of you have deeply held beliefs; and others don't; and, the Empire does not condone group participation in religion. But, I will ask you all to take a moment of silence in respect of those who wish to give thanks." Bryant said as he gave up the podium.

  After the silence, all lined up along the various food venues, picking and choosing the delectable dishes and delicacies they liked; or wanted to try. There were some unusual and quite exotic foods along the way. You could find marinated Kalamata Olives, escargot aux vin, and even spiced calamari vinaigrette for those who like a good chew. There were ethnic Chinese, Thai, Italian, French and Mexican offerings, from Earth. There were many more exotic entrees from member planets; including a few live food dishes. There were salads of all types including a salad chef to make your Caesar fresh, if that's what you wanted. Steaks, chops and fillets were cooked to order on the grill. The desert tables included an assortment of cheesecakes, finger pastries, pies and even crepes made to your personal request. Each item sported a name tag that included the originating Carrier. You could vote for your favorites in the back of the hangar. The Chief had organized a competition that included some pretty fine prizes for the winning kitchen in every category. It was a smart way to motivate the Carrier’ galleys to come up with their best offerings in such a short period.