Righteous Reign
Page 31
"Shall we begin?" Dickinson said once the greetings were over, small talk was exchanged and everyone was seated.
"Gentlemen, before I get into the meat of the proposal I want to explain where it's coming from. When you assigned me the task of repelling the invasion, I looked at the size and extent of it and came up with a foggy notion I called Fifth Mobile. It was intended to be a rapid response team that could move about to conduct the actions necessary. But, I knew at the time that, I would need more and more assistance in the endeavor, as the battle progressed. Tactically, to repel an action of that size, you need to place pressure on the battle front while you perform diversionary maneuvers. This all takes the enemy's eye off the points where you will make the real strike. And, in this case the real strike was best conducted as a pincer; so, we could come in at two points and close a loop around a great deal of their forces in the rear; crippling supply lines and reducing reinforcements to a minimum. After that, you keep the pressure on at the front and counter attack slowly reducing the enemy to a meaningless force. But, this all takes a lot of people, hardware and support. You need the forces for the front, the diversion and the counter-attack. At the same time, you need to maintain your own resupply and reinforcement. But, what drains resources the most is that after each successful battle, you must leave forces at the site; so, the enemy won't just return and take it back. I knew at the beginning that; the counter attack would probably take a minimum of six fleets to conduct all its required operations. In addition, I was aware the frontal actions required eight fleets to hold the enemy along the eighty-five light year line we had drawn. Then, I needed the two fleets that conducted the diversion. So, in all, that was a full Theatre Command. So, I set up Mobile Fifth like a Quadrant; just in case we needed more help. Thus, the name – there are four quadrants; so, ours would be the Fifth such command. If the enemy had not succumbed when it did, we would have needed two more fleets, immediately and two more two weeks later to hold ground we recaptured. So, you see a sizeable force is needed for a Rapid Response force.
Few people consider that, in addition to all those forces, you need to hold a reserve. There are several reasons for it. This additional force presents an immediate resupply of ships and people, to replace losses. It can also be used as an additional force to conduct a secondary diversion or counter-attack to turn a battle you may not be winning. And most important of all, it can be used as a protective force to aid in a withdrawal; if, you get into trouble. An effective reserve should be no smaller than twenty percent of your total assets – one third would be preferred.
Regardless of who actually commands it, I am essentially proposing the creation of a fifth quadrant command. That command would be fully mobile - not based at headquarters. Two theatre commands would accompany it to regions deemed necessary. Its daily job would be to patrol areas of the Empire to temporarily reduce the load on a Quadrant or even two Quadrants at once and to project power in the regions it visits. With the current forces, a region would seem extremely well fortified with the presence of another sixteen fleets. It would also be tasked with parallel diplomatic and planetary support duties in support of what is needed in a region. Its specialized operations would be to attend natural disasters and repel invading forces. It's two theatre commands would be structure the same as those in the existing ones with the exception that each of those commands would have twelve additional frigates not assigned to Fleets. These vessels would be tasked with autonomously patrolling space within the theatres current field; conducting reconnaissance and support at the captain's discretion; within mission parameters set by theatre command. We would be able to respond to any threat, anywhere within the Empire, from anywhere within the Empire in less than three weeks; including recovery time for long distance jumps. This would allow the remaining OESA to protect and defend the realm as usual. It would take a force that is much more technically advanced then ours; or, that is twice the size of the one we faced before we would need to draw additional help. Essentially, a regional Theatre Command would only have to conduct holding operations; until, we arrived to repel invaders.
I realize it is a considerable investment. Capital expenditures would be about thirteen and a half billion sovereigns over four years. That is equal to about a third of our current capitalized assets. Its operating budget would be in the vicinity of thirty-five billion sovereigns a year; which is slightly less than a current quadrant command. That is because of Staff level efficiencies gained by the configuration we propose. So, the initial investment is somewhat more than a regular Quadrant Command; because, it is mobile and has the additional recon capabilities. But, I believe the war that just ended pinpoints each and every need we are trying to answer in this proposal. And, I feel the costs are justified; because, Fifth Mobile would essentially double our defensive strength for an investment of twenty-five percent of the current force.' George said as he held up the book. 'You will find it presented in more detail than I offered in here. There are projected timelines, capital budget estimates, expenditures and budgets for the first five years, the proposed chain of command and all the information needed to support it. Please, take a good look at it. It's a long read; but, once you've absorbed it all, I think, you will find it reasonable. Does anyone need any questions answered or further explanation?" George finished.
Questions answers and explanations took another two hours. By the time the meeting was winding down, everyone in the room understood the proposal, its costs and the projected benefits gained by adopting it. It was the First Minister that tipped their hands.
"George, we are not at all surprised by this.' He said as he held up the proposal. ' We've been in countless meetings and discussions about what has happened and have come to similar conclusions. We were not as detailed. You are working from first-hand experience; so, we understood that you would know best. Your proposal is a little grander than we had envisioned; but, it is realistic based on the supporting data you have presented. The council and representatives are very concerned; and, are awaiting some kind of proposal. They all know we need to act. What I think will happen here is that, we will take your proposal and study it for a week. We will have financial people look at the acquisitions, proposed budgets and capital expenditures. We will have logistical people look at the acquisitions and timelines. And, the C&C will look over the tactical assessment and the Chain of Command. It might take us a week; but, it won't be longer. It probably wouldn't take that long; but, the Secretary of Defense could not be here. Her cousin died on the weekend. She is at the funeral, today. So we will need a day or two to apprise her. We may make a few minor changes. That is our prerogative. But, I think in the end, you will see it approved relatively intact. And, though with your usual humility you stated that it should happen regardless of who commands, I think, it goes without saying, we would all want you to run it." The First Minister finished as all heads in the room nodded assent.
The Emperor cornered George as the official part of the meeting ended. "George you did our Empire a great service. And, your proposal is exceptional. You have provided us all the data to support it. That is so refreshing. Thanks again and say hi to that sweet girl of yours." He said as he shook Bryant's hand; then turned to leave the room.
"Good job, Moe!' George said after returning to the Columbia and calling in his Chief. 'The meeting went very well. I think Fifth Mobile will be pretty much the way we proposed; and permanent. And, it looks like they'll give her to us." Bryant added.
"Sir, I am astonished and amazed; but, I have to get back to my office. There is so much to do I better get started, right away!" The Chief of Staff was almost out of breath with excitement; and, didn't seem to know whether to turn left or right to get out the door.
"Relax, Moe. Take a breath. Take enough time to absorb it all. Relish it for a bit. It isn't even official, yet. You can start work on it tomorrow. Why don't you take the rest of the day off? You worked hard for this. That's the second proposal in a year, where you had to do six mon
ths’ work in less than one." George said slowly, softly and firmly with his hand on the man's shoulder.
"You're right, George. I am wound up like the mainspring of an old mechanical clock. I'll see you tomorrow." He said softly; as, he turned and exited the office.
George sent an e-mail to all the Fleet Commanders and General Malcolm to report to his office in twenty minutes. Then he asked Marie to walk over. When she arrived he filled her in on the meeting. They talked about the personal implications for a few minutes before some Fleet Commanders began to appear. He asked her to stay for the meeting.
"Welcome everyone. I did not want to hold this little get together; until Mobile Fifth's future was resolved; because, I wouldn't have known what to say." He said rather solemnly.
"So, it's all over and everyone goes back to the old way, eh?" Vice Admiral Palakiko interjected.
"Let's not be so cynical Vice Admiral. Fifth Mobile will live and will probably grow. It looks like a proposal I presented to the C&C, the First Minister and the Emperor will be accepted. If so, Mobile Fifth will be equivalent to a Quadrant Command and will have two Theatre Commands and sixteen Fleets. But, it will also have twenty-four additional frigates assigned to the Theatre Commands, for autonomous reconnaissance. My first goal is to retain the four fleets we have to reduce acquisition time and have the other Quadrant Commands share in the pain. Then, I will need to establish my Command. I may have misinterpreted your reactions to our interaction; but, I think you have enjoyed working with me and I know I have been very thankful to have worked with all of you. Some of you have been given temporary promotions; which, you will retain, if you stay. Others will be offered more senior positions. At any rate, I will only try to retain Fleet Commanders who wish to stay. It will be tough going. Unless there is some kind of miracle, it will take us forty months to grow from four to sixteen Fleets and acquire our Mobile Command Vessels. The cost to the empire is substantial. The capital budget for that period of time will total somewhere around thirteen and a half billion sovereigns added to existing OESA capital budgets. Our personnel requirements will fall in at somewhere around five hundred ten thousand including mobile hospitals and command staffs. Our annual operating budget will be in the vicinity of thirty-five billion sovereigns for the entire Command. One--time special charges for trials, testing and deployment will be in the neighborhood of five hundred million sovereigns. So, if you agree to come along you will be under pressure all the time. But isn't that the way our jobs are most of the time. It's only a matter of scale.' Bryant finished - he paused. 'I should be extending offers to you and many of your people in about ten days. But, you can let me know before that; if, you don't want to be a part of this big project. Please do not discuss this matter with anyone else, yet. You're all dismissed." Bryant finished.
Over the next week, Bryant was called to several meetings with the C&C; with, the Secretary of Defense in attendance twice. He was asked to be at the legislature by nine hundred hours on Thursday June 7, 2249 to be available to answer any question the representatives might have. When he saw his proposal presented to the legislature it was in quite a different format. The Secretary of Defense presented a detailed outline of the plan including its goals and the projected benefits of adopting it. The government voted on that proposal, first. Then the treasury presented the Capital budget for the project over the next four years in detail. The legislators then voted on the capital budget. The treasury then presented the increased operating budget for the OESA for the rest of the year, and the next four. It was discussed in detail and voted on. Finally, logistics presented the timeframe on acquisitions; how and when each of the three hundred seventy-five vessels would be acquired. Someone was thinking like him. He was to retain the four fleets he had; and, some acquisitions would be diverted to replace the vessels and people he absorbed. The legislature voted on this proposal. Then, the C&C presented a proposal to amend the Space Agency Act for a change to the configuration of the service and the Rules and Regulations to include the Fleets and positions needed to fulfill the proposal. When they were done a vote was held. All proposals were unanimously approved. Everyone doing presentations seemed to understand the entire proposal. Bryant did not have to answer any questions. The Council and the Emperor added their assent the next day. At thirteen hundred hours on June 8, 2249, George received the following communiqué.
Memo
To: All Quadrant, Theatre, Fleet Commands
From: OESA C&C
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Date: June 8, 2249
Commanders,
Please be advised that, the OESA with the consent and assent of the Emperor and the Secretary of Defense have taken the steps necessary to enshrine the Command known as Fifth Mobile Rapid Action Command within the permanent structure of the Service.
This Force will be a permanent Rapid Response Force that will grow, over the next four years, to a strength capable of defending the Empire against attack in any region without compromising our defenses, elsewhere. In addition, the force will rotate continuously throughout the entire Empire as a supplement to normal patrols to create a "show of force" at various regions, as needed. Additional to that, it will function to assist in diplomatic, humanitarian and scientific missions.
This force will have structure, strength and authority identical to the existing Quadrant Commands with the exception of twenty-four additional vessels for reconnaissance purposes. The permanent postings for the Fifth Mobile Commander will be announced in the coming days.
In order to facilitate vessel deployment and staffing of this new command, Boots, Draco, Pisces and Eridani Fleets will be renamed and assigned to it. These fleets will be replaced within their Theatre Commands, at the earliest possible opportunity.
Thank you all for your understanding and support.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
Memo
To: Admiral George T. Bryant Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
From: OESA C&C
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister,
Emperor Edward III
Re: Promotion & Reassignment Offer
Date: June 8, 2249
George,
As you know, a proposal has been presented to the Emperor, the Counsel and the Legislative Assembly by the Secretary of Defense and the First Minister, on behalf of the OESA, for the establishment of a permanent Rapid Response Force to be called Fifth Mobile Rapid Action Command (Firth Mobile RAC). This approved proposal establishes the operation as a permanent Quadrant Level Command Structure.
This communication is to offer you the position of Commander of Fifth Mobile RAC. You would be elevated to the rank of (Level 11) Admiral and Assigned as its Commander. Your rate of compensation would increase to one hundred forty-five thousand sovereigns per annum. Medical / dental care will be provided to you by the OESA. Your retirement plan remains as it was; since, it will automatically increase in value with your increase in remuneration. You would enjoy executive living conditions at OESA expense and would be assigned your own travel vehicle. You would need to employ a full command structure to be able to run this command.
The command will consist of Two Theatre Commands, each housed in a Super Carrier class vessel; and, each comprised of eight fleets of twenty warships and four supply vessels each structured the same as existing OESA fleets. Twelve additional frigate class vessels would be attached to each Theatre Command for autonomous operations, such as remote reconnaissance, under the direct control of their respective Theatre Commanders. The Two Theatre Commands would each also employ four supply vessels and a mobile hospital. In addition, a Cruiser and three frigates would be attached to each Theatre Command for defense of the station.
Mobile fifth will be housed in a super carrier similar in size to the Theatre Commands with a Cruiser and three frigates attached for its own protection.
We have all been very impressed with your performance over all your years with the OESA; so, it is our sincere hope you will accept this elevation and assignment.
Fleet Admiral Brian Dickinson OESA C&C
Fleet Admiral David Williamson OESA C&C
George used his system to contact the C&C on video voice protocol. He advised them that he needed to have several other promotions HQ approved and administered, at the same time to ensure a smooth beginning for Fifth Mobile RAC. They asked him to send a list, quickly. They needed several hours to get them in the works, today. Then he composed his written response to their offer.
Memo
To: C&C OESA
From: Admiral George T. Bryant Mobile Fifth Command
Cc: Orion Empire Secretary of Defense, Office of the First Minister, Emperor Edward III
Re: Promotion & Assignment Offer - Command of Fifth Mobile RAC
Date: June 8, 2249
Gentlemen,
You have honored me with your offer to elevate me and assign me the Command of the new Fifth Mobile RAC.
I feel humbled that you feel I deserve to command a force of over half a million people; and, that, you feel you can entrust in me, their care and wellbeing.
I would like to advise you of my intention to accept your offer. I am looking forward to building and Commanding a Force that can be so useful to the Empire and Emperor Edward III.
I would like to assure you that, I will do everything I can to prove your faith in me is warranted. I will do my utmost to make Fifth Mobile RAC the very best possible command it can be; to achieve all its goals and objectives; and, to reach its maximum strengths and potentials as quickly as possible. I will try to make you proud of Fifth Mobile RAC.