Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

"I don't want to waste a lot of your time, folks; so, I will get right to the point. That was an outstanding mission. We completed it in fifty-two percent of the time it was done the last time. I know the reconfigured Fleet helped; but, this is way beyond the forecasts. The difference between the forecasted twenty-eight percent improvement and the forty-eight percent actual improvement has to be Stephen's new patrol maneuvers. I wanted to thank and congratulate him for the effort; and, I wanted to congratulate you all on executing it so well, the first time. I would like all the Group Commanders to forward their mission helm maneuvers to my station. If you’re not sure what I want, ask Commodore Nichols. He has done this once already. I would like our Quadrant Commander to see these elegant ballets for himself. I will have the Task Force Commanders join me in making the recommendation to Bill Stephenson. You have all outdone yourselves. We will take a four-day shore leave at 44 Bootis, as a reward to you and all your personnel. Make sure everyone gets a couple of days ashore. Does anyone have anything to add?" George asked.

  "Yes sir.' Responded Group Commander Evan Aldridge. 'It was a bit scary at first. If you watched through the viewports, it looked like we faced collisions from time to time; but, in the end, it all turned out to be a very sexy slow dance. Commodore Nichols and his Captains did a great job of training us all on the simulators. But, I am sure that, some of us will have to travel to pass this on to others; so, we should be sure to reinforce the notion that, though it may look scary, it is all well planned-out allowing all the regulated spacing and no one ever actually comes close to each other; if, it is all executed correctly. It is the most amazing experience I ever had. It's a new way of observing space from the viewports. My hat is off to Stephen; and, our teams who have executed it so well." Aldridge finished.

  "Thanks Evan." Nichols said quietly.

  "Thank you Mr. Aldridge. We will take your observation and recommendation into consideration; and, I am sure Stephen is thankful of the praise.' Bryant said.

  'He does have a point, though. Several of you and your people will have to travel to pass on what has been developed here. If you become one of the chosen, I wish you the best. Let's get back to work, now." Bryant finished as he turned to leave the room.

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

  "Okay folks, I have to end this for today. As you know, things are far from normal. There's a lot going on aboard the Shenzhen and I need to be available for anything that may come up. I am sending you a pretty lengthy handout. It's the last one. It'll bring you up to the present time. But, I want to point out that, using your head while you're doing your job goes a lot farther than just following orders. Look at Admirals Bryant and Nichols. Their ability to think on their feet is what got them where they are. If you work like that, one of you may be C&C one day. Dismissed!" I called out over my shoulder as I quickly exited the room.

  Chapter 11 Mobile Fifth Command!

  Monday January 29, 2249

  "More than once have most promising opportunities been lost for want of men to take advantage of them, and victory itself had been made to put on the appearance of defeat, because our diminished and exhausted troops have been unable to renew a successful struggle against fresh numbers of the enemy." Robert E. Lee

  By the time the first of nearly thirty Quadrant Three communication drones appeared off the port bow of the Columbia, on January 29, Boots was the talk of the service. They had completed another three patrol missions. That made five since completion of their expansion. And, to complicate matters they were often short a Group Commander and several Captains who were sent to train other Groups on the Nichols Patrol Maneuver. Boots was sitting at Chi Draco enjoying a well-deserved break.

  The first message only hinted at trouble. But, each got progressively more urgent in tone. What seemed like a minor intrusion, at first, was detected at BD+22 583, a fairly bright yellow star, by Eridani Fleet on January 15th. The incursion grew to a flood over the next few days; as the attackers made a second entry into Empire territory at CD-46 9733 in the constellation Lepus on January 18th. By the 20th, it was apparent to Bryant that, the minor intrusion was the point of one pincer that made up a pair that was attempting to meet at Alpha Taurus. They would take a bite out of Empire space equal to nearly twenty percent of our total territory.

  From the few prisoners that had been captured, it was apparent this was a species that evolved to fight. They were large, heavy framed and motivated. Though not as technologically advanced as the Empire, they were tactically sound in their planning. They did not speak our languages; but, our language processors easily deciphered their language; which was full of guttural grunts and growls. Most were a full ten centimeters taller than the average humanoid; and, easily forty percent heavier with their extra skeletal structure and plating. Massive skulls protected a brain case the size of our own. Interrogators had determined that they were a caste society; with the upper echelon raised from birth to fight. It seemed little effort was made in the sciences in the social areas like medicine. Support castes concentrated on developing space craft, weapons and battle training at all levels. Their ships were relatively small and sturdy with no artificial gravity and minimal shields. Hulls were designed to withstand weapons fire; but, could not handle our fire power. However, the ships were extremely fast and maneuverable in open space; generally travelling at around thirty percent of the speed of light.

  When Bryant received the nineteenth drone on Tuesday February 6th, it was apparent, the Empire was losing what was actually a war. Taurus, Eridani, Pictor and Reticula Fleets had combined as much force as they could against this enemy who had twelve hundred craft in our space, by then. Fear of losing ten Empire worlds and a hundred systems was palpable in the message. The one thing that really helped Bryant was the graphical mapping of the battle zone sent with messages. Though this enemy was tactically capable, they seemed to think in two dimensional terms. They came into the Empire between ten and minus ten-degrees declination over a three-hour wide swath and did not vary from that region.

  Bryant prepared a memo for the C&C with a copy to Quadrant Three and Theatre Command. In it he offered his services in the region provided he could take another fully complimented Fleet. He proposed taking Draco which was now at full strength and having Borealis, Serpens, and Virgo spread out to cover the weakness created by the temporary move. He informed them that, from the battle site maps, he could see a way to repel the invaders. He had a tactical plan and would be able to eliminate them with minimal losses to the two supporting Fleets. The one proviso he had was that the two Fleets would be under his command and he would be detached from any Theatre operation; giving him the freedom to do what was needed. He advised them he would move Boots to Barnard's star, for communications purposes.

  Boots made the twenty-five light year jump to Barnard's; arriving on February eleventh. A communications drone was waiting. There was an encrypted message from HQ and another from Quadrant Command.

  MEMO

  From: Flt. Adm. B. Williamson C&C OESA

  Flt. Adm. D. Dickinson C&C OESA

  To: V. Adm. G.T. Bryant Commander Boots Fleet

  Re: Invasion

  Date: February 4, 2249

  "George,

  This is a field promotion. You are temporarily elevated to level 10 Admiral. Draco is assigned to your temporary field command. Your proposal has been accepted. Draco will meet you at Barnard's February 13. We here, and the Emperor, wish you and all your people the best of luck. Take care.

  Notice of the promotion and assignment has been sent to all Quadrant, Theatre and Fleet Commanders; but, this has not been described as a temporary Field Promotion in order to solidify your command, quickly.

  Brian Williamson Fleet Admiral C&C OESA

  David Dickinson Fleet Admiral C&C OESA"

  "George,

  If anyone else said they had a plan but didn't tell us what it was, I'd tell them where to go. But, I kn
ow if, you can't do this; no one can. This is a tough enemy. Not as technologically advanced; but, smart, big and mean. Alexander the Great once said “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”

  Remember, they may be technically weaker; but, they appear to be led by lions. Don't forget to change your rank insignia. Remember that though, Vice Admiral Palakiko is sharp, she can be a real ass sometime. But, she does not screw with more senior ranks. You are detached from Quadrant Three until reassigned by the C&C. Congratulations on your promotion and reassignment. Good luck! Take care of yourself and my daughter.

  Bill Stephenson OESA Quadrant Three Commander"

  "Moe, could you come into my office, please? It's important." George called his Chief on his system.

  Moe appeared a minute later. "Yes sir, how may I be of service?"

  "Please sit. We'll be here for a bit. I just received these.' He handed the pad with the memos to his Chief. 'I need you to witness my removal of Level 10 insignia from the safe as per the memo. Then I need you to prepare the appropriate announcements and make sure they are forwarded to Draco when they arrive. Do not discuss any promotions for this operation as a Field promotion, ever. As you can see, the C&C wanted me to grab authoritative command, quickly. I also want you to prepare a warrant granting a temporary field promotion to Grace Tonaka to the level of Vice Admiral. She will replace me as Fleet Commander. Then, I want the same type of warrant elevating Nichols to Rear Admiral. He will take over Grace's task force. We need to make Malcolm a Lieutenant General as a Corps Commander and he needs to choose a replacement and fill all the ripple positions, accordingly. You need to get them all in here, immediately without so much as a hint as to why. You also need to prepare a warrant elevating you temporarily to the rank of Rear Admiral and Chief of Staff for Mobile Fifth Command; which our combined force will be called. There will be more, later. And, there won't be any parties, this time.' Bryant joked as he tilted forward to open the safe. The insignia was a circle of four silver stars enclosing the number ten. He removed three sets for movement between uniforms. 'Could you do this for me?" He asked as he closed the door.

  "It really adds something to your appearance, George.' Moe said with a grin as he pinned on the stars. 'Is there anything else, sir?"

  "Yes, could you also find Commodore Bryant; and have her report, too." Bryant ordered.

  Moe left the office. Marie showed up a couple of minutes later.

  "What the hell is going on, Admiral?" She asked with her eyes focused on his collar points.

  "Have a seat. There's a lot going on; and, it isn't all that good. I will need your help. I'd like you to take a look at all the mail from this point on." He said as he handed her his pad and sat back to give her time to read.

  "So, we're going to fly half way across the galaxy to save the Empire. Is that what is inferred here?" People gathered outside were noticing how animated she'd become.

  "Well...not halfway; but, you are essentially correct?" His feigned naivety triggered a soft laugh from her.

  "So, why am I here? You need your tactical people, right now." She said quietly.

  "But, I needed you, first. I wanted you to be the first to know everything. I will need your help, too. All those people outside the door are about to have their responsibilities increased dramatically. I need you to sit in and keep an eye – evaluate them. I need your empathy. I need to know if anyone can't handle what I will ask them to do. Is that okay with you?" He asked Marie.

  "Of course, I would support you in any way I can. I love you George. I am a bit afraid of where we are headed, myself; but, I will support you no matter what. Let's get the ball rolling." She said with a smile.

  He raised his right arm pointing to Tom, Grace and Moe and waving them in.

  "Welcome, I have news. Everyone take a seat and a deep breath." He advised.

  "What the heck is happening, Admiral?" Grace asked with her eyes fixed on his collar points.

  "My promotion is part of the discussion. I have been receiving memos from HQ and Quadrant Command at the rate of about five each a day for the last week and a half. We have been attacked and are losing a war. The enemy came in between plus and minus ten-degrees declination at Lepus and Eridani in a pincer attack. There are twelve hundred enemy vessels in our space, as of the last update. They are fierce fighters. We have captured some of them; so, we know a little about them, now. I have been tasked to form a special command under Headquarters which will be called Mobile Fifth Command. Draco fleet will join Boots, on the thirteenth, in this new Command. Both Fleets are officially detached from the Theatre and Quadrant Commands they served. I was promoted to Admiral to head the operation. I have a lot of intelligence and have already formulated a preliminary tactical plan. We will have some time to go over the plan. We will jump from Barnard's to Aldebaran on the fourteenth. In the meantime, I have to structure my Command and Boots needs some restructuring because of it. Though the moves may become permanent, any promotions you receive are temporary, for now. As far as anyone else knows, they are permanent. This is how the C&C wanted it; so, there is no question of authority and I take immediate control of both Fleets. All notices will be posted as if they are permanent promotions and assignments. However, you will be paid accordingly, if you are elevated to a new level. I've decided to make Grace the Fleet Commander. This is not a slight to you Tom. You are as capable of taking the Fleet. But, it's her turn to be first. Grace will be elevated to Vice Admiral and will be Boots Fleet Commander. Grace, I want to elevate Nichols to Rear Admiral and have you assign him as your replacement. He has a real tactical knack. You and he will need to fill the hole he leaves and all the other all the way down. Below executive officer assignments, you won't have to promote. Just reassign. Will you take the Fleet, Grace?" He asked.

  "Yes sir, I'm your man; even if, I am a woman." They all chuckled when she made the crack.

  "Okay, Moe has the warrants and orders. We will do the promotions and reassignment, right here and now. I will generate the master keys for the operational codes for both Fleets, right now. After the promotion, you will relieve me; and I will transfer Boots command codes to you. When that happens, all others will be rescinded. You will have to generate new ones for your people and re-issue as people fill the holes. You will even have to re-issue to those who did not change rank or assignment. All codes change with a new Commander. It's a lot of work. But, you should be able to generate your Task Commanders' codes in about ten minutes. They will also have to re-issue to the level below them; and so on, down the line. Once you are promoted, assigned and have command, we will call in Nichols and do his elevation and reassignment. Then, we will do Moe and Malcolm. We need them elevated because I don't want my Chief to have a problem with someone subordinate to me; and, Malcolm will need to have control of all the Marines in both Fleets; so, he will become a Corps Commander. There will be two more elevations. One will replace Malcolm and the other will replace the Brigadier he chooses to raise to Division Commander. Does everyone follow, so far? Does anyone want out? Though I would be hard pressed, in some cases, I would be able to use others, if this scares the hell out of you." Bryant offered. Everyone seemed to understand that this was all necessary and were happy to comply.

  A chime sounded on his system. When Bryant checked it was a couple of Moe's postings.

  BULLETIN

  "By order of the C& C of the OESA with the consent of the Emperor, Boots and Draco Fleet are detached from Quadrant Three Command, immediately. By the same order they have been assigned to the new Mobile Fifth Command.

  Commodore Tahu Moahu Boots Command Chief of Staff"

  BULLETIN

  "By order of the C&C George T. Bryant has been elevated to level 10 Admiral, effective immediately. Effective immediately Admiral George T. Bryant has been assigned as the Commander of Mobile Fifth Command.

  Commodore Tahu Moahu Boots Command Chief of Staff"

  "That's great, Moe. Your fir
st two postings just appeared. Everyone on Boots is aware something is happening. Let’s get this rolling."

  Over the next hour, George elevated and reassigned Grace. Then, they called in Nichols who understood and accepted the temporary promotion and reassignment. They conducted his promotion. Then, they conducted the ceremony transferring Boots codes to Grace. She immediately generated the codes for Nichols and Stevens. Nichols advised Bryant and Tonaka that Captain Ana Arce should be elevated and assigned as his replacement. Grace went over her file, quickly; giving Bryant a nod. She was called to Bryant's office. A warrant was prepared by Moe, quickly; and, she was ushered right in, when she arrived. Once she understood the situation she agreed. The promotion was completed and the Task Force Commanders transferred operation codes to their Group Commanders.

  "You may need Admiral Nichols to show you, how; but, you and all the other Group Commanders must re-issue Command Codes to all your Captains." Grace advised.

  "Admiral Bryant, may Commodore Arce and I take your leave?" Nichols requested.

  "Dismissed.' Bryant responded; then, turned to Moe. It's time to do yours, Moe. Then, we better get Malcolm in. Grace, you may wish to elevate your Chief. It's not urgent. It may be wise, though. It's tough for a Captain to tell a Commodore what he is supposed to do." Bryant laughed as he turned to Moe and read the warrant; then pinned the level eight rank insignia on both collar points.

  "Congrats, Moe. Can you post these, while I speak to Malcolm?" He asked. Moe waved in Ian Malcolm as he left.

  "With the exception of Grace and himself, Bryant felt Malcolm's responsibilities could be the most taxing of all; so, he took a half an hour to give him a full tactical update; including all the intelligence he had. Then, he explained the plan as it stood, now; including the fact that, someone would have to be in command of both Divisions of Marines. He made sure Malcolm understood this was a field promotion and could be temporary; but impressed on him that he was the person he wanted in charge as the Corp Commander. George also explained to Ian that, he would have to recommend one of his Brigadiers for temporary elevation to Major General in charge of Boots Divisional Marines. He finished by advising him that he would enjoy all privileges and monetary benefits until the job expired, if it did. He explained that no promotion could be discussed publicly as temporary and showed him the memo from the C&C attempting to ensure they gain immediate control over the situation. Malcolm accepted. Moe had returned by then; so, the two conducted the promotion.