Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

Cc: Theatre Four Command, Quadrant 2 Command, C&C

  Sir,

  When we engaged our new communication system, we received your request for help. The chart you attached leads me to believe I can be of assistance to your Draco Fleet. We were advised by Theatre Four Command to respond to any request for help you may generate. We are currently positioned at Beta Eridani. Location of this system is RA 5h: 7m: 50.98s Dec - 5 deg.: 5m: 11.2s. Distance 89 Ly to Earth. This puts us 39 Ly. from Draco at current position. We will relieve current Group and follow to Draco's next location. We all want to help. We're excited about your progress. Commander authorized 40% if you called for help. We will meet Draco Group in four days eighteen hours.

  Naabaahii

  That was the turning point. He would advise Boots and Draco to leave their reserve Groups at their current positions and start for the next target.

  By March 21 both Fleets had cleared their next targets and were up to full strength with the additional support to hold captured ground. They were receiving steady reports from both Quadrant One Theatre Commands of widespread victories along the main front. Nearly a thousand enemy vessels had been destroyed over the entire war zone. The next morning the enemy started jumping out. But, they still had not found the one invader they wanted; so, George went to the system, again.

  Tactical Action Message #FM49-0039

  CLASSIFIED

  From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command

  To: All Fleets engaged in action to repel invading force

  C.C. OESA C&C, OESA Quadrant 1 Command

  March 22, 2249

  Commanders,

  It is imperative that, all our forces endeavor to prevent any further retreat by our enemy. We need to meet with the leader of this attack. By meeting someone in the major Command Chain, we may be able to prevent another attack! It appears, we have won this encounter; but, we do not relish the idea of another.

  Please prevent any further enemy jumps; until, these vessels have been boarded and checked out thoroughly. They may leave when your Fleet Commanders are sure they do not contain the leadership.

  Admiral George T. Bryant Commanding Mobile 5th Command

  George had asked Marie to visit the prisoners in the Brigg of the Columbia, way back on March 14, when seventeen were transferred there. She had spent considerable time with them. She had commented on the bad temperament, complete absence of any kind of manners or etiquette and their obvious lack of hygiene. But they had spoken too little to give her insight about their psychology. Now, he made it official by calling her into his office.

  "Marie, have you found out anything about what makes these Neanderthals tick?" He asked.

  "Yes, but it took me a long time. First, they didn't talk. When they did, the translator interpreted nothing but insults and curse words. Can you imagine that, they have twenty-two different words to call someone a coward? And they have thirty-seven words for honor. First of all, they're a warrior culture. They believe that to die in battle is the ultimate. They have no moral, ethical or religious code that I can detect; so, the more viciously they kill you the better. That's why all the hand weapons. They like to do it up close and personal. They believe in honor. You give a person a fair chance to defend themselves; then, you kill them. They wouldn't kill a helpless infant or an old woman. But their honor is kind of warped. It doesn't matter if they pick a weaker opponent. In fact, they look for weakness. Then, they attack and kill and brag about it in the stories they pass on as if it was some great warrior feat. They only respect force and power. If you met one and smacked him in the head, he would respect you; if, he sensed you could back that up. However, if you did that and couldn't prevail, he would be insulted and kill you, on the spot. It's a weird culture. Oh yeah, I almost forgot that, during conversations, they spoke of superior and inferior levels to their own rank. I prepared a chart with their name of rank and its comparable in our system. The ranking system is all land based. There are no Air Marshals or Admirals - just Generals. And the other thing is that, I think I know where they came from. I believe they travelled a long way to attack. I think they are from a system we know as Acamar one hundred sixty light years from Earth." She finished.

  "Very good report; with, some excellent insights.' George said with a smile. Do you know what ranks we do have down there?" He was referring to the brig.

  "We have some enlisted, a couple of Lieutenants, a Captain, two Majors and one that would be a full Colonel in our system." She responded.

  "Grace, can you come over to my office." He queried through his communicator.

  "Aye, Admiral; I'll be right there." Her voice answered in his ear.

  "Reporting as ordered, sir." She said as she came up on his office doorway a minute later.

  "I need you to accompany Marie and me to the brig. You will both observe.”

  Down on the lowest deck where the cells were, Bryant spoke to the young Lieutenant in charge. The young officer had the enemy Colonel moved to an interrogation room. Bryant waited nearly fifteen minutes before going in to ensure the man was seated, when he entered.

  George walked in at a brisk pace went directly up to the man and kicked the back of his chair upending the Colonel ass over tea kettle. When the officer tried to rise, he kicked him in the ribs. Then, he let him nearly completely stand when he drove him in the head with a right cross knocking him to the floor again.

  "You can keep trying to get up all day; and, I can keep knocking you down. I can do this as long as you can!" He growled in a low voice; then, proceeded to insult the man by finding as many ways as he could to call him and his people cowards. That was the last straw for the Colonel. He came at Bryant low in an attempt to take his legs out from under him. George side stepped and kicked him in the butt as he flew past driving him into the floor on his face. "I was told you think your people are tough. You fight like an old woman." He told the man who turned over, sat on the floor bewildered and asked. "What have I done to you to deserve your wrath, sir?"

  The language interpreter had been working overtime echoing each person's words in the other's language.

  "Your people attack mine for no reason; then, run from the battle when we fight back. We are insulted by this. You treated us like you thought we were someone weak to take advantage of. Now you leave; when, the fun is just beginning." Bryant responded.

  "We leave before our entire defense force is destroyed. There is no point in fighting until one’s complete annihilation. There is no honor in stupidity." The other answered as if it was a matter of fact.

  "Then, why did you attack us in the first place. You say we were destroying your entire defense force; but, you have only seen a small percentage of our force. It is ludicrous to start a fight with someone so much stronger than you; unless you have some other way to turn the battle." Admiral Bryant responded.

  "You say it is a small percentage. We saw hundreds of war ships and thousands of fighters." The colonel's tone was disbelief.

  "You saw only a few Fleets from the areas you attacked. There are eight operational commands in our space. You struck in two. They sent a portion of their forces. We could have sent many times the number we did; but, that would not have been a fair fight. The difference between us is that, we don't start fights; but, we study our enemy and win the fights. Our Empire is two hundred light years across with over one hundred member planets that support it. That doesn't include the materials we can acquire from the other fifty-four hundred systems in our territory. How big is your system?" George asked.

  "We are an Empire, too. There are three members in our space." The other sounded defeated now.

  "What is your name? It would be nice to call you by name." George said.

  "I am Colonel Vzirst and I commanded the ship you took me from." The officer responded.

  "Vzirst, I am Admiral George Bryant. I command all the forces that were fighting against you." The man seemed to rock on his rump as he shook with shock.

  "You are the man in charge?' He aske
d. 'Your battle tactics are remarkable!"

  "Yes, I command all the ships, fighters and people that were sent to repel you. And, when I needed more power, I asked; and, my superior gave it to me. They could have sent more and more ships, fighters and men; if, I asked." He said.

  "So there are commanders above you?" Vzirst asked.

  "Yes, but just two. They are the men at the top who run our military service together. And we have an Emperor we answer to - like a King. But, I am next in line to them. I have the power to speak for our Empire. And, I would like to speak to someone who can represent your people. Is that possible?" George asked him.

  "Yes, but not from here. I would need to be able to speak to him. Our leader is General Yanigg. He knows all his ship's commanders; so, I would be able to talk to him. He is close to where you captured me." The colonel said.

  "Maybe, I can arrange that. I don't want to fight your people, anymore. I don't want to annihilate them. Bears do not fight mice." Bryant's last shot was designed to create resignation. He wanted the Colonel so convinced of their power that he would go tell General Yanigg what a stupid mistake they made.

  "I will have you returned to your cell with the others. I will call on you again; if, I can find a way to work things out." Bryant said as he rose and left the room with his back to the prisoner all the way.

  "Why the hell did you attack him like that?" Grace asked in a hushed gruff tone emphasizing her displeasure.

  "Relax Admiral; You explain it, Marie." He turned to his wife.

  "It was absolutely necessary. It's the only interaction our Colonel in there understands. And, don't worry about him. They probably treat each other that way in normal conversation - kind a like a greeting. It's a societal thing we picked up during interrogations. It’s how they impress each other. Spend a little time watching him when he's back in the cell. He will get great pleasure recounting this tale. George used his attack as a means of gaining the man's attention and respect; and, showing him he was someone worth listening to. I dare say that, this one officer's measure of us has risen thirty percent, after that. And, he will influence others. George got more information from him in half an hour than we got in two weeks." Marie was chuckling.

  "So, how do they view women?" Grace asked.

  "Entirely the opposite to men. It's archaic by our standards. A woman is a sexual object. And, they have been in space long enough to look at the females of different species comparatively. I could sense his sexual attraction to me. In fact, that's why he told me as much as he did. His view of our society was quite low, though; because I am in a position of authority. A woman's place is in the home - barefoot - with baby at her breast - making dinner for her man - the king of their castle, in their society. So, when Admiral Bryant kicked the snot out of the Colonel, on top of our service thumping the crap out of theirs, his rating of our Empire went way up." Marie finished.

  "I think I've seen everything now. It's like looking in on Earth six centuries ago. Anyway, remind me not to get Admiral Bryant really angry, in the future.' She said as she broke into a real belly laugh. 'That poor bugger didn't know what hit him." She managed through moments of eye tearing, suffocating laughter.

  "Colonel Vzirst is my new best friend." George said through his own laughter as he noticed the tears now streaming down Marie's cheeks.

  "Admiral Tonaka, can you notify your Task Force and Group Commanders to meet in my office, right away?" George asked.

  He dropped Marie off at her office, on the way to his; arriving before the others. George went immediately to his system.

  Tactical Action Message #FM49-0041

  CLASSIFIED

  From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command

  To: Boots Fleet Commander, Draco Fleet Commander, Pisces Fleet Commander, Eridani Fleet Commander

  C.C. OESA C&C, OESA Quadrant 1 Command

  Date: March 23, 2249

  Commanders,

  We urgently seek discussion with General Yanigg, the leader of all enemy forces in our region. I have strong intelligence that leads me to believe that, this man is in our region. Use all means, at hand, to prevent any further enemy vessels from leaving the region. I believe his is in one of the forty-one systems retaken and held by our forces. Discourse with this person is imperative if we wish to prevent additional future hostilities between our two Empires. An information memo and video will follow.

  Admiral George T. Bryant Commanding Mobile 5th Command

  Memo

  To: Boots Fleet Commander, Draco Fleet Commander, Pisces Fleet Commander, Eridani Fleet Commander

  From: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Mobile Fifth Command

  Cc: Theatre Four Command, Quadrant 2 Command, C&C

  Re: Video Attachment

  Date: March 23, 2249

  Commanders,

  Some recent events have given us new insight in dealing with the species that recently attacked our Empire and is still parked in regions we control. This is a warrior species that holds great contempt for any other, until proven otherwise. They view strength with respect. The attached video presentation will present the only method that can be employed to achieve meaningful discourse with these people. You will note the quiet friendly conversation that occurs, after the distasteful opening sequence.

  George T. Bryant

  George attached the video log recorded during the Colonel's questioning in the interrogation room.

  Tactical Action Message #FM49-0042

  CLASSIFIED

  From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command

  To: Commanders - all fleets supporting Fifth Mobile not included in TAM - FM49-0041

  C.C. OESA C&C, OESA Quadrant 1 Command

  Date: March 23, 2249

  Commanders,

  You may permit all enemy forces in areas outside the main counter attack battle zone to depart from our territory. We have solid intelligence leading us to believe that General Yanigg, the leader of all enemy forces is located in the regions now controlled by the fleets directly participating in the counter attack.

  Keep Mobile Fifth apprised of the status of enemy forces, in your region; so, we can release you to normal duty, at the earliest possible moment, for the safety of the Empire.

  Admiral George T. Bryant Commanding Mobile 5th Command

  George heard the system enunciators of data pads and looked up to see all of Boots senior officers, outside his door. He waved them in, with a "Take a seat." to eliminate any formalities; and activated his office camera to record this session.

  "I wanted to talk to all of you about the mail you all just received.' Bryant said; then went on kind of quietly. " I just wish the Draco Command was with us for this meeting. Anyway, the video has a somewhat distasteful beginning. And, I am sorry you have to see me act in such a fashion. But, watch it to the end. You will see the results I get. Also refer to the counseling directive on dealing with our enemy personally. It explains more. The point I want to make is that we need to capture this General Yanigg. We need him treated rather harshly, when we get him; but, once we’ve gained his respect, we need to show him respect, too. When we capture him, I need him dealt with by only those who can handle the situation the way you see it handled in the video. If someone cannot do it, they should not be making the initial capture or contact.

  What I am trying to accomplish here is a face - to - face with this man; where, I can convince him it is not particularly wise or efficient for his people to look at territorial gains in our Empire. It appears they are a relatively small Empire; and, it will take them some time to rebuild their military force. But I don't want them thinking they can just do this again. I hope I've made myself clear to all of you. I want this man; and, he needs to be handled correctly. If there is a rights issue that develops over this, I will take the heat. I am recording this session to send on to Draco; and, for your protection. I will send you all a copy of this; so, you have proof you were ordered to conduct these affairs in this manner for tactical and st
rategic reasons.

  They sat in the system for another ten days receiving continual reports of enemy Fleets and independent vessels jumping out. In each case their vortices were traced back to the same system one hundred sixty light years from Sol. There was no doubt about it; the invasion was over. The twenty-four groups of the six fleets now involved in patrolling the recaptured territory continued to block the formation of enemy jump wormholes. This is relatively easy to do. Sensing the building field is a simple matter. Once a disturbance develops that will form the wormhole, you simply fire a low yield weapon into its center to throw it out of balance. That region stays so unbalanced for the next several hours that; the vessel would have to move away from it to try again. It was Monday April 29, 2249, when George received word that an enemy formation indicated they wanted to parley. Two and a half hours later, he received word from the Group in the first system Boots had cleared that they believed they had General Yanigg. They sent a video of the individual’s initial interrogation. George was astounded. It was Arian Bicell the Commander of Pisces Fleet doing a perfect impression of George's interrogation. By the end of the recording, the two were on respectful terms with each other.

  It was a nearly thirty-three light year jump. George had to decide who should make the jump. A few things weighed into the decision. He needed to keep all reacquired holdings secure; until he was sure they were cleared of all enemy. But, he needed to keep the General's Flotilla in place; so, he had a way home. He made his decision and composed the orders.

  Tactical Action Message #FM49-0048

  CLASSIFIED

  From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command

  To: Vice Admiral Arian Bicell Commander Pisces Fleet

  C.C. OESA C&C, OESA Quadrant 1 Command

  Date: April 29, 2249

  Commander,

  It is imperative that I speak directly to your prisoner. Please have him advise his people he will be attending meetings with the Commander of the opposing forces; and that, two ships may stay to return him home; but all others must leave Orion Empire Space. Move the prisoner to the brig of one of your frigates which is to make best speed to our location. This prisoner is to be treated with respect, at all times.