The balance of the Norway Group, at your current location, should remain there to monitor the remaining vessels; until, they leave with the General; or, you receive other orders from this office. A subsequent TAM will deal with the balance of your Fleet.
Admiral George T. Bryant.
Tactical Action Message #FM49-0049
CLASSIFIED
From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command
To: Vice Admiral Kura Neko Commander Eridani Fleet, Vice Admiral Arian Bicell Commander Pisces Fleet, Vice Admiral Palakiko Commander Draco Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Grace Tonaka Commander Boots Fleet.
C.C. OESA C&C, OESA
Date: April 29, 2249
Commanders,
Please advise your groups to ensure all enemy forces have left the area they currently patrol. Once they have confirmed this, all Groups except the one referred to in TAM FM49-0048 should jump to Mobile Fifth position, at best speed.
Admiral George T. Bryant.
Tactical Action Message #FM49-0050
CLASSIFIED
From: Admiral George T. Bryant Fifth Mobile Command
To: All Fleet Commanders in support of Mobile Fifth Counter- Attack
C.C. OESA C&C, OESA
Date: April 29, 2249
Commanders,
Please advise your groups to ensure all enemy forces have left the area they currently patrol. Once they have confirmed this, all Groups except the one referred to in TAM FM49-0048 and TAM FM49-0049 should notify their originating Theatre Commands that, they are ready to resume normal duties and hold position for receipt of order.
Admiral George T. Bryant.
Memo
To: All Fleet Commanders currently attached to Mobile Fifth Command, all Fleet Commanders currently directing operations in support of Mobile Fifth Command
From: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Mobile Fifth Command
Cc: Theatre 1 Commander, Theatre 2 Commander, Theatre 3 Commander, Quadrant 1 Commander, Quadrant 2 Commander, OESA C&C, Secretary of Defense, Emperor Edward III
Date: April 29, 2249
Commanders,
Because of your outstanding support and the brave actions of many people within your commands the counter-attack to end the invasion of our territories has been successful. Several supporting Fleets have been released to regular duty. I know that you will all need some time to reflect on the losses you have experienced; but, try to take solace in the fact that together, we repelled the most powerful attack ever launched against our Empire. Though the fighting is essentially over, there are still a few issues to resolve. It will take two to three additional weeks before everyone is back to where they should be; except those who paid the ultimate price.
I would like to thank the team that participated in formulating such a complete strategic philosophy; and, the largest, most coordinated and most complicated tactical plan ever executed in the history of the Orion Empire. I would also like to thank those Fleet, Task Force and Group Commanders who executed it so precisely. Most importantly, I would like to thank all the Officers and enlisted personnel working under those commands for giving us one hundred percent of their motivation, energy and expertise, one hundred percent of the time. Though, I have not spoken directly to them, regarding this, I know I am expressing the sentiments of the Theatre, Quadrant and OESA Commands and Emperor Edward III. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
George T. Bryant
………………………………………………………………………
The Frigate Beijing jumped into the large nest of vessels now accompanying the Columbia, still the flag ship of the Fifth Mobile Command, on Wednesday May 2, 2249. Columbia Group had been joined by the rest of Boots Fleet and some other Groups from Pisces, Eridani and Draco Fleets. The rest were due to arrive within the next three days.
The Beijing carried General Yanigg the commander of the force that invaded OESA space. Its Captain requested orders. Through his Chief of Staff, Bryant ordered them to transfer the prisoner to the brig of the Columbia. He had already arranged with General Malcolm that the General would be the cell mate of Colonel Vzirst before being moved to an interrogation room with Admiral Bryant. He was about to direct his system feed the cell monitor to him, when the system chime sounded. It was mail from headquarters; which, he decrypted immediately.
Memo
To: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile
From: OESA C&C
Cc: All Quadrant Commanders, All Theatre Commanders, All Fleet Commanders, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Date: May1, 2249
Admiral Bryant,
We would like to thank you for expressing the sentiments we do feel to the people of your Command so eloquently. We would also like to thank you for the successful completion of the most serious action our Empire has ever faced.
The threat you repelled, the assets required and the method used has us all looking at options. Please prepare a proposal outlining what you think would be required for the permanent placement of a Rapid Action Command like Mobile Fifth. We would like to meet with you to discuss this proposal, at your earliest convenience, after outstanding issues pertaining to the recent attack are resolved by you.
In the meantime, your Assignment will be continued indefinitely pending this discussion.
Please do not release Pisces, Eridani, Boots or Draco Fleets from Mobile Fifth Command. This Command will be continued, at least until, after our discussions. You are ordered and required to remain in Command of the Mobile Fifth Command, until further notice.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
George checked to see exactly which Groups were in proximity of the Columbia. To his surprise, all Fleet Flag ships were present. He notified the Fleet Commanders to meet in his office at fifteen hundred hours. Then, he called Moe to the office.
"I want you to read this." He handed his data pad to his Chief.
There was silence followed by a strange noise from Moe.
"Sorry Admiral. We can't whistle. That's our way of expressing amazement. It looks like Mobile Fifth will be permanent.
"Yes it does Moe; and, I need you to do some of your marvelous magic. I envision the new Command as the Fifth Quadrant Command with two Theatres and sixteen full Fleets. I also see it with additional autonomous vessels unattached to any Fleet that can go anywhere, at any time, at the bidding of their Theatre Commands. The big problem with Fifth Mobile is the Mobile. We would need a moving station we can take anywhere to operate as a Command Centre. The problem is size. We cannot use standard Carrier; because, they will not handle a Quadrant Command Staff. The Theatres have to be mobile, too; and must be able to hold their Command staffs, also. All three need to be able to support their Fleets; so they need to be massive storage hubs that can distribute supplies, weapons and ammunition to their subordinate Commands. The Mobile Command and its Theatres will each need support vessels of their own. They will need supply vessels that run between the station and one of our planetary support depots. They need a support Group that can defend the mobile base. Each Theatre needs a mobile hospital, in support. Then, there is the Marine Command. At Theatre Level it'll be a Corps. At Quadrant Level, it’s a full Army. Theatre Commands run lean. They generally have support staffs of between forty-five hundred and five thousand; while, the Quadrant would normally need between fourteen and fifteen thousand to support all personnel in the Commands sub-ordinate to it. However, we’re going to have to find a way to adapt to run with a staff of no more than five thousand to fit the mobile structure. In effect, you’re increasing the OESA by more than twenty-five percent of its current size; but, you’re effectively doubling its strength from outside attack. This is because without it attached to any specific region, Mobile Fifth can move in its entirety to wherever a threat is. That means the full Quadrant Command and Mobile Fifth is in a region to h
andle a threat. Between engagements, it would be used to patrol regions at its discretion giving the constant appearance of strength throughout the Empire.
What I need from you is a full proposal for the C&C based on that vision. I need objectives, proposed schedules, proposed command structure, proposed acquisitions, projected capital expenditures, staff requirements at all levels and functions, projected annual budgets for the first five years of operation, implementation costs; and expected benefits to the Empire; as, this entity grows. You need to use this last battle, as much as possible. We need to show how much help we had to draw; when, the proposed Mobile Fifth would be able to handle the entire operation, alone. I need it to be polished, elegant, attractive and finished by May 16. Can you do it?" He asked his Chief.
"It sounds impossible, sir; but, I'll find a way." Moe responded enthusiastically.
"Moe, this means a promotion to you from this temporary level. I would be a level eleven Admiral. You would be promoted to Vice Admiral. No one deserves it more. That is; if, you want the job." Bryant said.
"Sir, when I was a ship's Captain, not so long ago, I would have said no. But, having done a similar job for quite a while, now, I will accept without reservation.' The Rear Admiral replied. 'I better get going. I have a lot of work to do; if, you'll excuse me Admiral?" He added.
"Moe, you're going to get fired before you start; if, you don't start calling me George, when we're alone. Dismissed!" Bryant said with a laugh as the Chief turned and left the office.
George knew this would be a big chunk for the upper echelon to swallow. They were probably thinking a bit smaller. From this most recent experience, he knew that, the proposal was really what the Empire needed. Mobile Fifth would be able to answer an attack anywhere in the Empire, from where ever they were, in three weeks or less, with an irresistible force. He had a lot of work to do on his own. If the plan was accepted, he would need a full chain of command; and, he'd need it quickly. You could grow into some things; but, to have the ability to perform all the actions required to complete the task would take a formidable command structure and staff, from the very beginning.
He sent the memo to Marie; then, contacted Malcolm, Marie and Grace to join him at the Brig station on the first deck.
"I need you all to keep an eye; while, I'm in the interrogation room. It's imperative that, I get your thoughts on this guy, after." George said as he turned and marched into the interrogation room.
The two prisoners began a rise to their feet.
"Sit your asses down in the chair before I decide to kick the hell out of you both!" He roared with his face set in anger. There was low mumbling between the two that the interpreter could not pick up. Both sat down.
"My colonel tells me you are an honorable man. There is no need for violence." The General said quite meekly, for a warrior.
"Don't tell me how I can act. I'll decide how to handle things here.' George hollered. 'I'm trying to decide whether or not to have you executed for what you did to my people. Why did you attack us?" George was extremely forceful; but, no longer yelling.
"We attacked on orders from our Emperor and ruling counsel. We did not know how strong your Empire is. We would not even have attempted such a thing had we known." The general said in earnest.
"What is your name, sir? I need to call you something other than a fool! Only a fool would attack without knowing the strength of his enemy. It is a sure road to defeat or complete annihilation." George growled.
"I am General Yanigg, Commander of our Defense Force.' He answered. 'I alone am the one you should execute. I am responsible for this war." He added.
"I told you that, I would make the decisions, here. Do not tell me who to execute and who should live. If I want to end every one of your people left in our space; that is my prerogative.' Bryant was growling again. 'I want to show you something. Come with me" He finished as he rose from his seat and turned to the door.
"Come with us.' George said to the rest of his party as he came through the interrogation room door. 'We do not need a guard, Malcolm. I have no fear of these men. We would kill them where they stand if they tried anything, anyway. Activate a mobile translator, please." He finished, still in the doorway; so the interpreter would translate his words.
They marched silently through the corridors, up the elevators and onto the Flag Bridge.
"Look!' He said pointing out the observation window. 'That is only half the force we used in this region. The rest are on the way. They will all be here in two days. We used a similar sized armada at the battle front and another to run our diversions. And all those ships are less than a quarter of our total capacity. Should I order them all to head to your home planet and finish this for good?" He asked quietly.
"I cannot tell you what you should do, sir. You have made that clear. But, I will ask that you do not. We are not a match for your Empire. We know that, now. I can only assure you that, we would never attack you again." The General was speaking quietly, now.
"General Yanigg do your people have treaties with other people?" Bryant asked.
"What is a treaty? General Yanigg asked.
"When you conduct business between each other, like when someone buys land from someone else, do you sign an agreement; promising to carry out your part of the deal?" Bryant asked.
"Yes sir, we sign contracts that make a deal official. Why do you ask?" The General responded.
"Because a treaty is an agreement between two Empires. Some are contracts where they agree to not attack each other. Others make it easier to conduct trade. Some make your neighbors your allies in battle. Would you be prepared to sign a treaty? Would you sign a contract that guarantees you would never attack us or our allies and trading partners again? A contract that would establish a zone near our territory where you are not allowed to travel without permission from our government. I believe you are an honorable man; and, would not break your signed agreement. If your people would sign such an agreement, I would let you and all your people return home; and, we would not attack your world. I would prefer to consider you a friend. Peace is more honorable than war if it is good for both sides." The Admiral finished.
There was a considerable silence.
"May I speak with my subordinate alone, for a few minutes?" Yanigg asked politely.
"Yes sir, we will stand over there and turn off our translators. Wave when you want me to return." Bryant responded.
The two alien officers spent several minutes in animated conversation. Bryant knew from body language and gestures that Yanigg was asking Vzirst's opinion. They waved Bryant and his team back.
"Yes sir. My associate believes it would be honorable to make such an agreement. He says you have proven to be an honorable man. He would trust such an agreement made with you." The General answered.
"General, do you have authority to sign such an agreement, for your people?" George asked.
"I would have to get approval from my superior, first. If we can communicate with them, I could get that. I am quite sure they would accept my conclusions in this matter. Once I have the approval, my signature would carry the authority of our Emperor. Can you sign this treaty?" He was having a little trouble getting his head around the word.
"Sir, I can sign the agreement without approval from anyone else. Our Emperor designates certain people to make these agreements with other worlds and empires. I am one of them. I would like you to be my guest aboard this ship while we wait for approval from your Emperor. Most of your force has been sent home; but, some have been held, here. We can have one communicate your message. From here, it would take nearly twelve days for the message to get to your world. They would need a day or two to discuss your proposal. Then, it would take another twelve days for the return message. You could stay here for that time as our guest; or, we could let you return to one of your ships for that time. However, we would not let your ships leave our space; until, we know what the response is. Once we have an answer, we would let you leave; whatever it is. Bu
t, we would probably see each other again when we attack; if, your government refuses this offer." George explained.
"I understand; that would be satisfactory. But, I would like to stay aboard one of my ships where I will get the food I like." The general answered.
"That's fine. The two ships we held are in another system. It will take three days to get them here. In the meantime, you will be our guest. I will allow you to spend some time with our chef; so, you can describe some foods for him. He will try and make you foods similar to the ones you eat now. You will be allowed to travel through this ship; but, there are areas you will be restricted from; and, at least one of our people will accompany you, at all times; including security outside the door of your quarters. And during the time you are with us; or, on your own ship, we may have to move. We have other duties to attend. But, I caution you; if, one of your vessels attempts to direct a travel route towards your home, before we have your Emperor's answer, we will stop or destroy it. Do you understand my terms?" Admiral Bryant asked.
"Yes sir, and I agree to them. Consider this a contract. You can be assured we will not try to leave; and, we will respect your wishes; until, we are allowed to leave." Yanigg answered.
"Good, then let's begin our new relationship properly. We have not been introduced. I am Admiral George T. Bryant. I command a fairly large group of Fleets of warships. My immediate supervisors are the Commanders of our entire Military and our Emperor. Our empire contains more than five thousand worlds. Just over one hundred of those worlds are inhabited by humanoids similar to us that are members of the ruling counsel of the Empire. However, the Emperor has the final say in any matter. Our defense service is called the OESA which stands for Orion Empire Space Agency. We have sixty-four fleets of twenty-eight of these large war ships you have seen supported by two hundred and fifty-six large supply vessels. We are distributed into four quadrant commands with two theatre commands in each quadrant. Each theatre Command holds eight of the fleets and has its own station and support vessels including a hospital ship. My command is known as the Mobile Fifth Command and is in addition to those quadrant commands and is structured like a separate one that can rapidly move to any location to fight any invader. This force is incomplete, at this time; but, will have two theatre commands with eight fleets each, sixty-four supply vessels; and, two hospital vessels. In addition, each theatre will have an additional twelve vessels not attached to fleets that can travel through the empire dealing with smaller issues by themselves. Each fleet can launch four hundred fighter craft. So, in all, you face more than two-thousand of these large, powerful warships continuously supplied and twenty-six thousand fighters. I tell you this only so you'll understand who we are. But, I repeat that, I would rather be your friend than your enemy. Now tell me about you." George said.
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