Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  You may also need to draw on Counseling Services during this. People are going to be under a great deal of stress. Headquarters has promoted Marie, here.' George waved his arm towards her as he said it. 'They are pressing to take this division service wide, after all the good it did during the Gray encounter. The division is expanding to have representation on every ship; so, your logistics, human resources and payroll people will have to look out for that, too. And all the Execs will need to quarter those people, too. There is more regarding Counseling; but, I have to talk to Marie, first. We will probably have a further update for you, in the near future. Does anyone have any constructive thoughts they could add to this?" Bryant asked as he finished.

  "Yes sir, I have one that may be important.' Moe raised his hand as he chimed in; then, continued. 'There is a lot of duplication here. Task Force 1 and 2 will have to do a lot of the same things. All the Groups will have to do similar things. It may help to have meetings and work together on those things that are common at similar levels. I know Task Force Commanders may want to work with their Group Commanders on personnel changes; but, Group Commanders may benefit from meeting with each other to resolve common issues. I can also see our Fleet Commander wanting to work out issues with the Task Commands; but, those that affect the Groups should include the Group Commanders, too. That way we don't make assumptions that won't work; and we are all working on the same page all the time." Moe finished.

  "I see what you are inferring here, Moe; and, you're right. I think I have a way of ensuring we don't duplicate; and, we communicate properly. If we wish to meet with someone or some level on issues or an issue that concerns the expansion; we should make the arrangements through Moe. We would notify him of who the proposed attendees are and what the subject matter is with a brief description of what that entails. He can look over the request and suggest additions to the attendee list. Once okayed, Moe sends out the meeting requests. Of course, this only pertains to all the expansion stuff including the Fleet, Marines and Counseling. Normal operations go on as usual. What do you think of that idea?" Bryant asked as he looked around the room. He thought there was full consent; but, wasn't really sure of the response.

  "All in favor of all expansion communications going through Commodore Moahu - raise your hands." Bryant commanded.

  Everyone promptly raised an arm.

  "Okay, then, that's the way we'll handle this whole thing, from start to end. This goes for acquisitions, too.' He directed at Stephen. 'If you have an acquisition situation that affects a party, send it to Moe, first. If he thinks it affects or may affect others in the future, he will suggest who to add to the communications."

  "That's a good idea, Admiral. It may avoid me having to do something more than once." Nichols responded with a smile.

  "Anyone got any other constructive ideas?" Bryant asked.

  "I've got one.' Marie piped in; then continued. "Wouldn't it be more efficient to have personnel prepare a list of promotable people within other Fleets and Commands. And another of people who would take lateral moves. There are lots that will not move because they are married or just made a move. It would be good if we were looking at a few thousand names instead of a couple of million." Marie suggested.

  Moe and his personnel manager mumbled back and forth and exchanged looks.

  "Yes, it would save a lot of time. Personnel will prepare a list of promotable people. They'll include a brief history, their specialty, their last move date, current rank and current positing. If you want more; you will then, have to look them up. We'll also give you a list of upcoming Academy graduates from all the institutions; so, you can draw on freshly trained officers and enlisted personnel. I hope that's satisfactory; because it's going to take a lot of man hours to do; along with all the other duties these people have." Moe finished.

  "Moe, that sounds great. I don't think we can ask any more of personnel than that.' Bryant interjected. 'Is everyone okay with that?" Bryant directed at those around the table.

  "Until Marie asked, I think we had all accepted that we'd have to deal with the personnel records from the entire service. I think it's more than anyone expected." Grace chimed in as everyone else nodded assent.

  "Anything else?" Bryant asked.

  There was a long silence.

  "You may want to grab a coffee, tea, cold drink and snack. It seems it came in here a while ago without us noticing. But, you better hurry. It's getting close to the promotion ceremony time." Bryant said with a laugh as he motioned to the refreshments on the side tables. He rose to leave the room. Malcolm stayed with Bryant until he was seated at his desk, in his office.

  "What can I do for you, Ian?" George asked as he sat down with a hand extended to indicate the General should grab a chair.

  "I want to thank you for everything, George. You have done more for the Marine Corps than anyone else ever has. And, you've done a lot for me." He said earnestly.

  "You're very welcome Ian; but, I didn't do anything special for you. You earned this a long time ago. I never felt right with the Fleet marine compliments classed as a Brigade; strictly because the leader of such a wide spread organization, imbedded in such a diverse base should have been a Divisional Commander. I sought the Fleet expansion, first. But the increased marine contingent follows naturally. We recommended a little more than doubling it to ensure it would be Divisional in nature. Anyway, no one works harder than you. And not many officers I know are better leaders. I will be happy to pin those stars on your collar. I'd like to add one more thing. Because your marine and I am fleet oriented does not mean we cannot fraternize once in a while. Marie and I would like nothing more than to enjoy an evening out with you and yours. Just say the word." George finished.

  "Aye, sir; I will. And, thanks again Admiral." Malcolm said softly as he rose and made for the door.

  At fifteen hundred everyone that could be there jammed into Hangar A aboard the Columbia. It started with Grace who was promoted to Rear Admiral. Then, the announcement was made regarding expansion of the Fleet, establishment of the Task Force Commands and Creation of the two additional Group Commands. The re-assignment of the two Rear Admirals came next. Stevens was assigned Task Force 1 and Tonaka Task Force 2. Following that, Nichols was promoted to Commodore; then, assigned as Columbia Group Commander. It was announced that he would temporarily be detached from the Group to command a special team that would oversee acquisition of the new vessels. Malcolm was then elevated to Major General. The synchronized expansion of the Marine contingent with the Fleet was announced. Malcolm was then officially assigned as Commander of Marine Division Boots Fleet. A marine colonel and lieutenant colonel were elevated to the level of Brigadier Generals then assigned to command the Task Force 1 and Task Force 2 brigades. The one named Svesion, a Lupan, was temporarily assigned to the team overseeing acquisitions. He and four other marines would test out and bring back their heavy equipment aboard the Carriers when they came home.

  Marie was awarded her medal first; then promoted to Commander. She was now a Fleet favorite and everyone in the hangar went crazy for her. A final announcement was made to the effect that, the expansion involved three more flag level promotions and a chain of elevations of additional senior officers plus the addition of a lot more personnel. The next moves would be forthcoming within the week.

  The following dinner / dance party exceeded expectations. The new flag officers were able to add to the head table humor presented on both Carriers. In all, somewhere around six thousand attended the promotions; and close to nineteen thousand were able to partake in the festivities.

  As Bryant surveyed the large assembly, he realized that, Boots was as much a family as a military command. Everyone seemed to support each other. During the evening, he and Marie danced a dozen slow pieces aboard both carriers. At two hundred thirty hours, on the way to his quarters, he stopped her in an alcove and asked her to marry him. With tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks, she accepted. He told her of Bill's plan to take the Co
unseling Division Service wide; and then, give it full departmental status. He told her Stephenson planned to offer her the position of Headquarter Department Head; but, that she could run it from Boots if she was married to Bryant. They began their wedding plans the next day.

  On Thursday May 25th, 2248 Bryant summoned all his senior officers to his office one at a time with Marie present. First they informed Tom, then Grace, then Moe, then Malcolm. After that, they told Steven Nichols and Olivia Hurst together; since, they had become an item, too. Finally, they called in the two new Brigadiers and let them know together. When that was done, they recorded a video message together for Admiral Stephenson. They told him invitations would follow; but, George asked if he would be best man; since, Marie's father would be there to give her away. Then, they recorded a message for the Emperor; asking Edward III to attend and be the ring bearer. After that, they sent a message to her parents in Waterloo Canada, on Earth. They asked them to attend and asked her father to give her away. They also expressed their wish to buy their wedding outfits as a thank you; and asked if they could bring her two six-year-old twin cousins and their parents along so the cousins could be flower girls. They would buy the girls' dresses, shoes and accessories. They explained that, all guests would be placed in relatively sumptuous suites; though, they may not all be aboard the Columbia. By the wedding date, all four carriers would be present; so, there were many extra flag and senior officer level quarters available for assignment. They would make all the facilities of the ship available. Guests would be able to use the gymnasiums and pools; and, would be welcome at theatres, barber shops and hairdressers, at no charge. All meals would be supplied; as would beverages in the watering holes aboard the ships. A special trip of the system and the nearby nebular cloud would be offered to all none-service attendees. Her parents knew; but, were reminded to tell the civilian participants that all but the shuttle craft had gravity; and, all vessels had comfortable environments. They should pack as light, as possible; since, daily cleaning services would be free should they need laundry done or touched up during their stay. Stewards would attend to their quarters and their needs.

  By the 26th, the Task Force Commanders forwarded a list of three they recommended for elevation to Group Commands at the rank of Commodore and another list of three to replace the Captains positions that would be vacated. Secondary promotional needs created by those elevations could be handled at the Task Force level.

  On the 27th, with much less fanfare, the six officers were elevated and assigned to their respective positions. Most didn't yet have a ship to command or plant a flag on. On the 29th, they saw Nichols and his large team off to the assembly yards.

  The next two months were busy for both George and Marie. He had to oversee the changes that would enable the expansion. There were endless promotions and transfers. The Task and Group Commanders faced the same issues along with an endless list of reassignments. George also had to evaluate and approve recommendations sent almost daily by Commodore Nichols. Marie had to oversee the establishment of her HQ command center; which, would be aboard the Columbia. This change would be made public immediately after the wedding; when, she would be elevated to Commodore a rank befitting a headquarters command officer. The change would involve a lot of work. She prepared bulletins for all Fleets on the protocol and configuration of the departments; along with proposed Fleet budgetary necessities, personnel requisites, office space requirements and interdepartmental interaction that would be required. All the while they worked on their wedding plans. Nearly fifteen hundred were invited to the ceremony and five to eight thousand would be expected to attend the reception, all to be held at Boots Fleet. They settled on Sunday July 23rd for the big day. They were inviting the C&C, the Quadrant Commanders, two Theatre Commanders, Vice Admiral Blackman and several of his people, a lot of staff people and six hundred from within Boots Fleet; along with family and friends from outside the service. Gogorra, Blackman, Nichols and Stevens were asked to be ushers. George asked Moe to be his "Sergeant at Arms". George's craft would return with its team for two weeks from July 17 through July 30th; and, would be pressed into service to shuttle those without other transportation means, from Earth and back when the whole thing was over. As a thank you, George was paying for his future father-in-law’s suit; which would be done by Banerjee. Bill Stephenson arranged fittings for him at Banerjee’s Earth outlet; and shuttled him back and forth for visits to headquarters. It helped make him feel special. Marie paid for her mother’s dress. The remaining members of the wedding party were OESA who would be in dress uniforms; so, no one else needed any special attire. It would be a full military wedding conducted by an active ship's Captain. Olivia Hurst, now Captain of the Columbia, would do the honors. Other guests would be shuttled to the Fleet from Earth aboard newly inaugurated vessels as they made the maiden flights on their way to service. In all, the four hundred who would come from Earth would be shipped back aboard a warship in the guise of a shakedown cruise. They would have elegant staterooms for transportation each way and the best menu imaginable. There was so much involved that George and Marie used some of Moe's staff to help out. No one ever complained. They were all family. And, it was, after all, an official function sanctioned by the C&C and Emperor as a publicity event. The OESA did a press release on the wedding on June 15. From that point on it was in the daily news; treated like a royal wedding. Sixteen additional members of the AP would join those already imbedded in Boots Fleet to cover every aspect of the wedding. Each and every day, the imbedded members visited various Fleet personnel for interviews about the event. At least once a week they asked for time with Marie and George separately - though sometimes, together.

  When the day finally arrived, all, but one frigate, were attached to the Fleet and at least eighty percent staffed. The last ships arrived laden with passengers for the wedding. These were all the last guests. There were constant comments from them about the service they were experiencing amongst the Fleet; and, the love the personnel seemed to have for the Fleet Commander. This aspect became part of a major story about the day before the wedding; in which, they interviewed George, Marie, Marie's parents, Admiral Stephenson, the Emperor and finished with the two flower girls.

  The wedding itself was completely recorded for replay on Rigil, Earth and the other member planets, by the networks. It was a site to behold. George, accompanied by his best man and ushers was announced by the Sergeant at Arms as they entered the Columbia's Bridge from his bridge office door and took their places on the elevated stage. All but civilians and the bride were dressed in full OESA dress uniforms. Attendees filled the massive compartment and spilled out into the corridor. As the five-piece orchestra began Wagner's traditional "Bridal Chorus" the Sergeant at Arms announced the bride, her father, the handmaids and the flower girls who made the slow-step march to the altar from the boardroom doorway to the Flag Bridge. Once Marie was in place by her future husband with her father and bridesmaids at her side, the Emperor stepped into place just behind and to the far right end of the groomsmen. Olivia delivered the traditional ceremony that included the honor of a ship's captain to join couples in the lifelong bond of matrimony. When she called for the rings Edward III stepped to Bryant's left presenting the bride's wedding ring to him. George placed it on her finger. He then presented Marie the groom's ring; which she slid onto George's ring finger. The crowd was treated to one hell of a passionate kiss when it was finally called for by Captain Hurst. Then, the party stepped over to the registry, which had been brought from Rigil, and signed it making the marriage official. Large square confetti filled the air as the bride and groom headed for the exit.

  The ceremony was followed by a small gathering of the newly married couple, the wedding party, Marie's parents, her cousins, the Emperor, the C&C and the Quadrant Commanders that were not part of the wedding party. Time was taken to have a few drinks together while George and Marie presented each with very special gifts as a thank you for their participation. The one that
touched everyone the most was when George gave the Emperor his "Medal of Courage".

  "This was given to me to honor my courage. The event and reason is unimportant, to me; because I don't feel like I was ever a hero. That being said, it is our way to honor those who perform under pressure.' George paused and turned to Edward. 'Sir, I present this to you; because, I feel I should pass it on to someone with more courage. You and your family have always had the courage that allowed our civilization to survive and flourish. If not for you, there would not have been a George Bryant to receive it in the first place. I do value this award; and, I am honored to be in your service. This is my attempt to honor you. I am just one of half-a-trillion subjects who love you and feel this way. You have always performed for us, under pressure." With it was a special OESA certification.

  "Though it is normally the policy of the OESA and the Orion Empire that no meritorious award may be sold, gifted or held by other than the original recipient, we herein give special dispensation to George T. Bryant to pass this award to Emperor Edward III in honor of his meritorious service to the Orion Empire. This action is taken with all our loyalty, love and affection, this 23rd day of July, 2248 in recognition of all he has done for his people." It was signed by the First Minister, the Secretary of Defense, the C&C, the Quadrant Commanders, and all the Theatre Commanders with a special place for George and Marie.

  "I guess I can't have anyone charged for doing this. I'd have to throw the entire government and the OESA into the brig, for this - leaving us totally unprotected.' The Emperor started with a chuckle as he wiped tears from his cheeks and eyes. 'I would like to thank you all for this; but, especially George and Marie. I know how much his career means to him; so, I know this really meant a lot to George. I will treasure it and the certificate, always. I also want to thank the happy couple for inviting me; and, allowing me to play an important role in their ceremony. I will also treasure that memory forever.' He raised his wine glass and continued. 'To George and Marie, I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations, on this special day; and, my wishes for the very best for them in each and every day that follows for the rest of their lives. I hope, we can all be together to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary, when it arrives. We all love you George and Marie.' He elevated the glass; took a small sip; then, went on. 'I have one more thing I want to announce; though everyone might take back my award for spilling the beans. Later today, it is to be announced officially that, Marie Bryant will be elevated to the rank of Commodore and assigned to the position of Headquarters Commander of the Counseling Department. This was a determination made earlier; but, held until now, so that, Mrs. Bryant would be allowed to assume her command with her husband in Boots Fleet. Had this promotion been granted earlier, she would have been relocated to Rigil to assume the post. Congratulations Captain Bryant on your impending elevation and reassignment. Now that there are two flag officers in the family, you'll have to work hard at making us a few little Admirals to admire." He raised his glass for another sip as the entire room responded a resounding "Rah" for Marie Bryant.