Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  "...One more protocol issue, Admiral' Bryant added; then continued. This informality extends to our interaction, too. We will follow Service protocol on, first meeting. For example, you come in here and report, as usual. After that, I am George and you are...?" He let the question fade into the room.

  "My species uses a single name. My friends call me Pal, in informal conversation, George. You may call me that." Pal responded.

  "Good, and let your people know that, too. That will be the protocol between all flag ranks meeting together. This will extend to senior officers in meetings. On the floor, anyone junior to your rank will still refer to you as Admiral or sir. So, when you’re with your Commanders, in private, it's Fred, Alice and Pal; once the initial formalities have been observed; and, the formalities resume as the meeting adjourns. By the way, this is the policy Headquarters employs; despite their own Rules and Regulations." George said with a laugh.

  "I think that, I will be very happy working for you, George. I am very impatient with arrogance and pomposity; even if it happens due to regulations. My impatience often shows through. I better get a move on. I have lots to do before I move in. Would you excuse me, sir?" She stood at attention.

  "You're dismissed, Admiral.' George said officiously; but with a smile as she turned to leave. He rose and extended his hand. 'It's nice to have you as part of Mobile Fifth. I should tell you that I requested you. You have a bit of a rep; but, I knew you had the capabilities I needed."

  She shook his hand, warmly. "It's nice to be on board, sir. The rep comes from my impatience with arrogance and stupidity. I am not a "yes man" and that doesn't play well, sometimes. But, I am a team player. By the way, Bill told me you requested me. And, I know that "rep" is public knowledge. So, I dropped the chip off before we jumped to Barnard's. Thanks for the opportunity." She said as she turned to leave the room.

  Marie appeared outside his office. He waved her in.

  "I got your mail. The memos made me tear up. You are loved, George Bryant.' She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled her face to his for a kiss. 'But, you're especially loved by me." She finished through the kiss.

  "Kiss me again but peak out the corner of your eye. Take a look out there." He pressed his lips to hers as they both snuck a look and broke into laughter.

  People were going about their business, pretending not to notice. You could see the very quick sidelong glances; followed by, the intense effort to focus straight ahead, unnaturally.

  They both broke into uproarious laughter.

  He tapped into the system, when Marie was gone. "On my way. - Bryant" was his short message to Pal. He contacted the captain for a shuttle and made his way to shuttle bay three as directed.

  George always enjoyed the shuttle trips. The lack of gravity over such a short distance was great. It actually relieved all the pressure on skeletal joints; which tend to decompress considerably during a fifteen-minute flight. He was met at the docking ring by the ship's Captain, a Rear Admiral and the Fleet Commander who all saluted and waited for his acknowledgement.

  "Admiral George Bryant and shuttle crew requesting permission to board." He said to the Captain.

  "Permission granted, Admiral... and welcome aboard the Israel, sir. I am Captain Thomas Hurst.' He responded. 'Your pilot should feel free to use any of our facilities; while you’re here. The main entre is roast prime rib in the mess hall. Would you like a tour of my baby?" He spread his arms palms up to indicate the whole ship.

  "I know it's a big service; but you wouldn't happen to be related to Captain Olivia Hurst aboard Columbia, would you?" Bryant asked as he could see the tall blonde haired young officer break into a wide grin.

  "Yes sir, Olive is my sister." He responded still sporting a smile from ear to ear.

  "Well Tom, if your half as good as Olive, we're facing a day with two Hurst siblings in the Admiralty registry. She is a gem; and quite enamored with Boots' Task Force 1 Commander. They are a real pair. You'll have to join us all for dinner and a nice evening. We all do it a couple of times a week. And, to answer your question; yes, I would like to see a little of your baby. But, mostly I'd like to meet a few of her people. Remember, we don't want to intimidate. I would like to meet with people in as relaxed an environment as possible. I really just want them to see that their superiors are just people, too; and, that, we really do care about them." Bryant instructed.

  "Okay, let's go. And, we'll try to ensure people are comfortable." Captain Hurst said.

  "Sir, do you need me to accompany you?" Pal asked.

  "No Admiral; but you can if you want. You and your Task Commander can stay with us or go back to work. I know you need to prepare a lot before you move to Columbia, so feel free. And, it's my experience that, the more silver stars there are in a space, the more rigid people become. They will warm up faster; if, I only have one officer with me." He offered.

  "Okay then, I'm going back to finish up. Rear Admiral Laft should do the same. We'll leave you to your mission. Have fun, Admiral." The Draco Commander offered, genuinely.

  Hurst started by introducing him to the Shuttle Bay One Commander who actually commanded the teams in all the Shuttle Bays. They spent five minutes together before moving on. Over the course of the next two hours, he met people in engineering, medical, weapons, environmental; and spent a little longer with those in the galley; all enjoying a few good belly laughs. They went to Hangar One and spent time with pilots and crew on the flight deck. They visited the navigation bridge, stopping at a few stations. They ended the tour on the Flag bridge winding up at the office of Vice Admiral Palakiko.

  "You have a fine team, Captain. And, you've done a great job, Admiral.' He said to her. 'I went over your logs. We are very like-minded. Anyway, you have a lot to do. And I have a move to make today, too; so, I better move on." He added as he extended his hand to Pal first; then, Hurst.

  "Where are you moving to, sir?" Pal asked curiously.

  "I still inhabit the Fleet Commanders office, on the Columbia. Layout and signage dictate that I can't be lazy. I have to give it up. Grace will need it, now.' George responded with a smile. 'I'll see you back on the Columbia later.' He directed it at the Vice Admiral; then, turned to the Captain. "And, there is no need for you to accompany me, Captain. I can find my way."

  "No sir, I wouldn't hear of it. I will walk you back to the Shuttle Bay." He responded as the two turned and left Admiral Palakiko.

  Aboard the Columbia, he called on Grace and informed her, he would begin his move. She very courteously resisted; but, relented after he pointed to the signage and reminded her it was in this locale for a reason. He contacted Olivia and asked for a new office space and door signage. She placed him in the one perpendicular to Grace; just around a corner from his old one. The view would be a bit different; but the similarity was astonishing. An hour later, he noticed the gilded sign on his door that must have been done while he was so focused on putting things away correctly. Admiral George T. Bryant, it said on the first line on the glass door. The second line read Commander Mobile Fifth Rapid Action Command. When he was almost done, he called on Moe.

  "Can you please witness, what I am removing from this safe, he said as he opened it." He took all insignia for Level Eight and above. The Fleet Commander had the authority for Level Seven field commissions and permanent elevations at and below Level Six. If he needed any of it, he could get it from Grace. He also took the lock box that held the Fifth's keys generated by the C&C. This was the hard copy that was held in case he was incapacitated. Someone had to be able to take over, if something went wrong. He removed the digital copy of his personal logs and the Fifths Command logs. The Fleet log archives had to stay with Grace. On a trip to Rigil, one of the supply vessel Captains had been asked to deliver a package to Bryant personally. It contained Quadrant level certificates and warrants for awards and promotions and a supply of an assortment of medals and ribbons. So, he removed that case for storage in his new office. Finally, he removed a c
ase that held his personal awards. The warrants and certificates were on the wall in frames; but, the actual medals were kept in his safe. Moe recorded the inventory of what had been removed and listed what was left on a second document, for Grace. George encrypted a message to her containing the safe's digital code and advising her to change it, upon first use.

  Returning to his new office with Moe he placed the Fifth's secured materials in the safe in front of Moe and changed its entry code via the data pad. He spent the next half hour hanging pictures, award certificates and promotion warrants; along with a framed print out of the memos he received the day before from Edward III and the C&C. Two armed marines suddenly appeared and took up posts outside his office at either door pillar.

  "What's going on?" He inquired.

  "We were assigned by the regimental security office, according to General Malcolm's order, sir.

  He booted his office system; signed in; and, had just sat behind his desk when Pal and her entourage arrived at his door.

  "I see you're all moved in. It looks good; though a lot like the other one." She said with a smile.

  "Why don't you all come in and grab a seat.' He offered warmly as Marie arrived. 'Can you all give me a moment, please?' They nodded assent as he punched up Malcolm. 'General, why are there two guards outside my office?" He asked.

  "It's protocol, sir. OESA regulations say that all officers at your level and above must be secured, at all times. It even specifies the number of armed guards we must post." Malcolm responded.

  "I know the regulations, Ian; but, do we have to post them outside my door. Can't we put them at the entrance to this bridge. If they check everyone coming on the bridge, there shouldn't be a threat in my office. This will make people very uncomfortable." George said.

  " I can appreciate your concern. I am amending the order, right now sir. They should move shortly. Malcolm responded.

  "Thank you, General." Bryant said as he disconnected and turned back to his guests.

  "We haven't done introductions, yet; so, I will start. Admiral Palakiko this is the Headquarter Counseling Commander and my lovely wife Commodore Marie Ste. Laurent. Marie, this is Vice Admiral Palakiko.' He said as the two smiled and took each other’s right hand, politely 'And, this is the rest of her mob. I'll let the Admiral do the introductions; since, I have not been introduced to most of them, myself." George finished with an outstretched hand and a bow directed at Pal. He waved in Moe who was lingering outside the door at a polite distance.

  "I would like you all to meet Rear Admiral Laft the Draco Task Force One Commander' She placed a hand on his shoulder and continued to identify each as she went through the introductions. 'And this is Rear Admiral Will Davies Commander of Draco Task Force Two. And this beautiful young lady is Commodore Mary Firth Commander of the Israel Group. And, here you have Commodore Ti Tsung Commanding Kenya Group. And, my Deltan compatriot, here is Commodore Paliko Commander of Lebanon Group. And, finally we have Commodore Roger Charlesworth the Commander of Jordan Group." She finished.

  Everyone clambered about the newcomers, welcoming them, echoing names to ensure correctness and making small talk. This went on for about ten minutes. Then, Bryant gave Grace a nod and she waved in her six commanders.

  "Now, if you can all hold it down, for a few minutes, I would like to take this opportunity to have Boots Commanders introduced to the Draco ones' Admiral Bryant called over the din; which, quickly subsided. 'Most of you have met Grace; but, I'll start there, anyway. Admiral Palakiko, Rear Admirals Davies and Laft, and Commodores Firth, Ti, Paliko and Charlesworth, I would like to introduce Vice Admiral Grace Tonaka the Commander of Boots Fleet. Grace has an incredible Command resume with both Borealis and Boots. 'Bryant had placed his hand lightly on her shoulder. 'The rest of these clowns belong to her; so, I'll let her take over and do the honors.' He said.

  "Hi folks, I'm Grace; and, I'll take you through my family.' She placed a hand on Steven's shoulder. 'This sexy old bugger is Rear Admiral Tom Stevens the Commander of Task Force Two. Both Admiral Bryant and I worked for him in the past. His career was stalled by the lull in OESA growth that occurred fifteen years ago. Since then, he has been passed over despite his obvious skills and attributes; until Admiral Bryant got to him. Now, he's on fire!! He's the guy to go to when you run into something you've never encountered before. He's seen everything since the big bang. And this handsome guy is Rear Admiral Stephen Nichols, the Task Force One Commander. You noticed I didn't call him sexy. It's because his girl is Captain of this ship and she might put me on the end of a torpedo and hit the launch button.' She paused for the laughter. 'You might recognize the name...as in... the Nichols Patrol Maneuver. Yeah, he's the one you can blame when you're trying to negotiate those complex maneuvers.' Again she had to pause for the laughs. Then, there is this gorgeous Amazonian; who is single, by the way, you gentlemen. She is Commodore Ana Arce and she is commander of Columbia Group. And this amazing specimen is a full blood Navajo Chief known to us as Commodore Tsoh Shash in charge of Grenada Group. Here we have Commodore Azul Cielo the Commander of Dominica Group. And finally, this is Pintar Orang Commander Espanola Group." She finished with a flourish as everyone clapped spontaneously.

  "Okay, okay...let's keep it down.' Bryant said; then waved more people into the already crowded room. 'First of all, I want to introduce you to the most important person in this room.' He placed his hand on Moe's shoulder. 'This god-like being is Rear Admiral Tahu Moahu; and, he is my Chief of Staff. Without him, nothing would happen. He's the guy you come to if you want to push along requisitions, I have to sign. He's the one who makes sure my orders, directives and posting make sense and follow Rules and Regulations. He's the guy who passes my orders to my sub-ordinates. I have a tendency to just go to someone and ask for something. Moe makes sure we follow the chain of command. Then, I want to introduce you all to the man we may all beg to, in the near future. He ensures our security. A lot of our intelligence comes through his people. He makes sure we are internally defensible from boarding parties. He is the one who will arrange the boarding parties we might want to initiate. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Lieutenant General Ian Malcolm and he is the Commander of the Fifth Mobile Marine Corps. Your Marine Division Commanders will take their lead from him and report to his office. Unlike a lot of people in our service, General Malcolm has seen considerable action in space and on the ground. He's definitely the right person to lead our more than seventeen thousand marines.' He paused; allowing all to spend some time milling around and talking to each other. 'This is a large group. It's too large to occupy this room any longer. So, I am going to suggest that, we all break from here and reconvene in the Columbia's Admirals' Mess. We can spend the evening getting to know each other. It will make it much easier to work together. You may enjoy calling someone by name more than yelling hey you. We should enjoy this evening. Starting tomorrow, we will spend eight hours a day locked in a suffocating environment; planning the defeat of our invaders. This meeting will adjourn to the Admirals Mess. Your all dismissed!" Bryant called over the din; and, rose to his feet.

  In the mess hall at their adjoined tables, Bryant stood up. "I want to ask one more official question before we sink into nonsense. Did everyone get quarters that were satisfactory? We don't want anyone to be unhappy.' He finished and looked around the table to a chorus of nodding heads. Everyone seemed happy. 'I assume you left orders with your commands; so, they know you'll be here for a while. Our object here is to build a plan with all the possible alternatives. But, that will begin, tomorrow. For tonight, let's relax and enjoy. We'll eat; then, head to the bar for some finger-foods, music, fun and dancing. But remember, we start at eight hundred hours, tomorrow." Bryant said with a sly look on his face.

  Their party of thirty spent an hour and a half in the mess hall. By the time they left, they had already consumed a dozen bottles of wine and a dozen beers between them. The polite quiet had evolved to a noisy interaction between all of them. No one seemed uncomfort
able. Everyone was included in the conversation and humor. Grace and Tom roasted each other; as did Pal and Laft. After that, Moe and Ian Malcolm got into the act. There was a lot of rollicking laughter, until every ganged up on George Bryant. They all had little stories they could twist humorously. It took the six nearly an hour to finish the roast.

  By the time they entered the bar, they were all in fine spirits, to say the least. The festivities continued to twenty-three hundred; when, about half the party decided to leave for the evening. Everyone knew the load they'd bear from here on. The rest dwindled out over the next hour.

  ……………………………………………………………………………

  "I was glad to hear that no one went on into early morning hours; or, got hammered out of their minds. Today will be tough because of the intensity. Hopefully, we will get used to the pace. Coffee, tea, juices and sweet rolls should appear, shortly; in case, you missed breakfast or need something else. Feel free to help yourself throughout the morning. We'll take a break at ten hundred. We'll break for lunch at twelve hundred; and we'll do an afternoon break at fourteen thirty. We'll plan to get out of here around sixteen thirty hours, every day. Try and relax in you evenings. Homework's only going to dull your intensity the next day. I know some of you very well. Others I am just getting to know. But, from your files I can say, we have as much tactical brain power gathered in one room as anyone could muster.

  I am sending you all the tactical updates I have up to now. This will allow you to see the progression of the war to now. All the updates from Vice Admiral Metas Elevadas commanding Eridani are generally eight to nine days, after the fact; so, we have never had a current or real-time view of what's happening out there. However, Elevadas has our jump schedule; but, no idea of the plan after we get to the staging area. I kept him in the dark, in case of capture. He is forwarding updates to us timed to meet us at our stop-overs. So, as we approach the battle zone, we will not be as far out of the picture. For the last two weeks, I have used the computers to project the battle based on the reports we do have. This generally gives me a few probable current situational outcomes to that date. From that, I have maintained a personal picture of how I see things, currently. Any of you could look at the probabilities and build a different vision of the current situation. Anyway, you will have all the updates and projections to attempt to get the best picture you can.