Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  "And, you were right to do what you did. You faced conflicting expert advice and your own intelligence. You were on site. I was not. You know, I don't want robots who just obey commands. I want my senior officers to think for themselves. Sometimes, you have to decide the right way to handle things yourself. That's why you’re the Captain of the Shenzhen. I'll have our prosecutor's lab people take a look. But, in the end, it doesn't matter what they find. You did the right thing; based on the on-site information. Keep your ship parked. Stay for a day. I don't have new orders for you, yet. By the time you leave, you'll know for your own peace of mind, how it turns out." Nichols said with a smile as he stood; indicating I was dismissed.

  I used my personal pad to tell my people to secure the Shenzhen and come aboard the Midgard and use its facilities for the night. The Massive Super Carrier has everything you could want. Each time we land here, I take discovery tours of the Midgard; but, I've never seen all of it. These ships are astonishing. The two decks that fascinate me most are deck three, the lowest unsecured level, and deck four. Deck three is entirely designed for storage of gasses, dry goods, frozen foods, mechanical parts, electrical parts, medical supplies, clothing, boots and shoes and refrigerated perishables. Nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen and methane are the major gasses stored in standing twenty-meter-high by four-meter-diameter tanks. There are nearly three thousand of these massive cylinders secured in place on the deck. There are eleven hundred fifty nitrogen tanks, two hundred and seventy-five oxygen tanks, five hundred argon tanks, six hundred hydrogen tanks and ten methane tanks in an area that takes only a third of the twenty-three-meter-high deck. Half of these tanks are tied together with lines that allow them to feed supply via ports on the hull for resupply of other vessels. The other half is used for Midgard operations. Most gases last a long time on board these ships. Everything is recycled. Even our own human waste and the decomposable wastes we produced are recycled by breaking them down to their constituent elements and recombining those into pure gasses, liquids and solids. Other disposed items are dealt with in more traditional processes. Most of the ship board gas storage is to replenish the miniscule losses incurred in the recycling. Argon is actually expended by the ion engines and particle cannons. It has to be replenished from shipments originating on planets with it in their environments. Hydrogen is used in very small quantities in the fusion reactors with stores of Lithium. Fissionable materials are not stored. Some weapons have small amounts as do the fission reactors. But reactor cores are dealt with in space dock; while, weapons come shielded and with their payloads already installed. The only recyclable item not stored on this level is water. Water is recycled or generated by chemical process and pumped from the lowest engineering deck to the upper most deck, for storage. Because of our positive gravity, storing it in that fashion assists in maintaining a constant pressure for use ship-wide.

  Aft of gas storage is a vast area holding massive upright shelving in rows that stand from floor to about half a meter from the ceiling. Each cubical division in the racking is identified by RFID tagging. Massive automated turret trucks are guided through narrow aisles to the space they will store to or retrieve from. The racks are sectioned by application. Dry food materials have their area. Clothing has its location. These stores are drawn by departments at the various command levels for distribution. A little aft of mid-ship the freezers are constructed much like the dry goods racking. Freezers are floor to ceiling; each door identified as a division. Millions of pounds of meats, fish, frozen desserts, frozen vegetables, frozen fruits and freezable cheeses are stored or retrieved by automated turret trucks. The smallest storage area is the refrigerated stores. Most of the goods in this section are perishable; and, have limited lifetimes, even when cool. That's why high density vertical farming is executed atop the upper deck of every vehicle. All OESA vessels can reap as many as four harvests of many vegetables and two of most fruits. For that reason, refrigerated goods are stored to last only two weeks. Ships galleys will then switch to frozen fare for the period required to reach the first fresh harvest. After that, they will oscillate between frozen and fresh; as, the vertical farming permits. Using this system, Fleet attached vessels can generally run two weeks between visits from their supply vessels. Each supply vessel stores enough to resupply an entire Group before returning to the Theatre Command for restocking. Theatre Commands can store enough in their holds to completely supply all eight of its Fleets, once; while maintaining its own operations, before needing to be restocked. Mobile Fifth Command can handle a full refill of each Theatre Command once, while maintaining its own operations, before needing materials from one of the fifteen planets they can draw from throughout the Empire. There is a considerable protective barrier, after the refrigerator area; and aft of that stackable racks store thousands of rods, spears, missiles and torpedoes. Though the handling beyond this section is automated, the storage and removal of these weapons is done mostly by hand, here. Each and every weapon in the section is checked for age, physical condition and fidelity. The fear of a fuel or radiation leak in this section is the cause of the stringent security and working methods employed here.

  I love to stroll the deck above this one. Along its port side, occupying a third of the ship's width is its Mess Halls and kitchens. It holds the massive enlisted mess; with its large non-com alcove. This takes up nearly two thirds of the total length, on that side. It is placed amid ships with the Officers' mess located from just aft of it to the rear of the ship. There is a relatively small Senior Officers' mess running from the bow on that side to the enlisted mess. Officers from the level of Commander up to Fleet Admiral can eat in this space; though Captains and Flag Officers can order food for delivery to other areas. There are two wide hallways running the length of the deck separating the mess section from a center section and that area from the spaces along the starboard side. In the center section, a huge sick bay runs from a mid-ship’s hallway to within one hundred feet of the bow and fills the entire width of the center section. It boasts full radiological, pathological and biological diagnostic services and labs, a pharmacy, six operating rooms, six trauma rooms, three dentistry areas, a fracture clinic; and sports a twenty bed temporary ward and fifty semi-private beds. A staff of fifty doctors, twenty technicians, forty nurses, four dentists and hosts of assistants and orderlies see to the patients in the sick bay. It is capable of handling nearly any problem and enjoys representation in twenty-four specialties amongst its staff.

  Four massive elevators are just across the hall from the sick bay main entrance in the transverse hallway.

  Across the hall from sick bay in the aft portion of the Midgard is a mall. It holds a men's shop, a lady’s wear, a sporting goods retailer, a jeweler, two barber shops, two hair salons, a four screen movie theater, a live action theater, a night club, a bar, a family restaurant and a high level bistro. In the foredeck, from sick bay to the bow is a full gymnasium, a multipurpose sports area, and an Olympic sized swimming pool with solar lighting, lots of decking and about fifty reclining deck chairs.

  The starboard side of this deck is dedicated to training of all types. There is a three thousand seat amphitheater, three lecture halls, a four class elementary school, a four class four laboratory secondary school and a large section of classrooms and labs devoted to college / university level training.

  In all, it is an amazing deck that mimics travelling main street of Anytown, OE; complete with street lamps and faux-cobblestone flooring echoing its streets.

  Because of their size, the Midgard, Asgard and the Valhalla all have a senior command handling nothing but accommodation. On this ship, Commodore Olivia Hurst is the "Bursar". So, I contacted her for accommodations and advised that others from the Shenzhen may also stay over. I quickly received mail designating my quarters and installing my pass code to the room, for the evening. I notified my personal steward to drop one set of daily uniforms and change of undergarments in the room.

  I went to the room and washed up;
then left for the pub. Nichols and Hurst were already there, sitting together at the bar having a drink. I tried not to disturb them; but, was waved over by the Admiral, as soon as he saw me. "Would you like to join us for a drink and some snooker?" He asked.

  "Yes sir, I'd enjoy that." I said with a smile.

  "Drop the sir, in here. It's Stephen and Olivia in the pub; when, you're in our party." He said with a smile.

  "That's a nice offer; but, it's too easy to slip, afterwards. If you don't really mind, I'd prefer to address you both formally; no, matter how familiar the setting." I answered.

  "Always in control; eh Brubacher? Ever since that first incident. You should forget it. We all have; until, you remind us. Stick to the informal. That's my last order of the evening." Nichols laughed.

  "Okay. Okay. I'll join you and Olivia for the evening. And, snooker would be great." I replied.

  Two games of snooker are enough, for me. Though, I can keep the game competitive, Nichols is somewhat of a shark. He understands the bank action of the table perfectly; and can apply English that makes the cue ball do exceptional things. "Okay ... Okay, I give. Can we just go sit down and talk? I need to retain some of my personal dignity to be able to maintain command of my ship." I said in an exaggerated manner with laugh.

  "Sure, we can go back to the table if you want to quit." Nichols said with a sly smile.

  "Not quit ... retreat regroup and come at this from a different angle. Isn't that what you teach in you Academy tactical classes?" I shot back; referring to his guest lectures at the War College.

  "The Valhalla and the Asgard will be here soon, Kurt." Nichols quiet tone, as we retake our seats, suggests that the information isn't quite public knowledge.

  "Is something going on." I maintain the confidential tone of the conversation.

  "I am not sure. Admiral Bryant was a bit evasive in his message. He just asked us to hold position and said the two ships would join us here. Based on the time he sent the message; and Asgard's position, at the time, both vessels and their support ships should jump in any time. You know, he still wants to give you a Carrier, eh? It's just a step in his plan. He wants you to have a star on your collar as soon as possible.

  Part Two

  Chapter 14 Clean Up this Mess!

  Wednesday October 3, 2255

  "Behind every great fortune there is a crime."- Honoree de Balzac

  We're just parking at Midgard; now located at Gliese 777 a large yellow white star in Cygnus. We've been on a variety of patrols since our last visit here, in August. From the window, I can see it's pretty much a normal day, at Theatre Nine. There are a couple of Admiral's personal crafts docked and the usual array of supply vessels waiting to dock for loading or unloading. On Sunday, we were in Lyra at the HD170651 when, I received orders to report to Admiral Nichols at Theatre Nine, located at the Gliese 777 system. It was thirteen hundred, when I received the message. As we dock, it is five hundred hours - just a little early to report in. My bridge watch ends at six hundred; so, I will go eat some breakfast; then, cleanup and change uniforms. I should be able to report to Nichols by seven thirty hours.

  Once relieved I head down to the Officers Mess; selecting scrambled eggs, pea-meal bacon, fruit cocktail and toast, to eat. I finish off the tray with a cup of coffee. I take a half hour to eat the meal; and, head out to my quarters to shave, brush my teeth, shower and change.

  "Captain Kurt Brubacher reporting, as ordered, Admiral." I snap as I stand at attention, in is doorway.

  "Relax Captain, take a seat.' Nichols gestures towards a chair. 'I needed to see you to complete a few business items. First, I want to update you on the privateer investigation. The hull you brought back turned out to be important to the prosecutor. One of the pirates has made a deal for his testimony. The evidence is now overwhelming; and, he agreed that he'd be executed; if, he didn't cooperate. He led us to the two vessels and crews that got away. He's not the ring leader. With the evidence, the surviving witnesses and his testimony the others are toast. He'll get twenty years. The others will end up being executed.

  Then, I wanted to speak to you directly about your application to the War College. It's been accepted, at all levels. Midgard, Asgard and Valhalla are all extensions of the new War College; so, you may start your courses immediately. You need to register, at the school on level four. Each Command offers all the classes; so, you can attend whichever is convenient to stay on schedule.

  Finally, we have a spot for you in Phoenix Fleet, that we want you to take. Vice Admiral Leeds just received her final Carrier, the Loki. We'd like you to take it immediately. Both Admiral Bryant and I feel, we need you to have a star on your collar by this time, next year. Things are bubbling again. If you could stay near the Valhalla, you'd find the Emperor's Craft there as much as it is at Earth. He also spends a great deal of time with Stevenson, Tonaka and Blackman who is now Commander of Quadrant Two. I don't know all the details; but, something's happening; and, Bryant wants you in on it. So, the plan is to assign you as the Loki Captain. You will spend the next year running her on patrols; and, going to the War College. Then, you will be promoted. The Loki has thirty-six hundred forty officers and crew; and nearly six thousand aboard. The bigger assignment offers ten percent more money, better quarters; and, a larger personal staff. The size of the command alone means your responsibility will increase dramatically. Though under the tactical command of the Group Commander, a Carrier Captain still sees a lot of independent action; often breaking off with a cruiser or a couple of frigates for some autonomous action. The Carrier is always in command in those situations; since, regulations clearly state that the Captain of the larger vessel is senior to those of the smaller ones. Then, there is the coordination of the vessel with its space born offensive power.

  Kurt, we waited for you; because, we agreed with you that, you were getting valuable experience running an autonomous command. But, I have to tell you that, I cannot be sure we will be able to pull out the chair and welcome you to the table, again; if, you don't take this assignment. Admiral Bryant is preparing for a major shuffle, in a year. Everything has to be in place for it, now; so, all the right moves can be made then. Officers like you need time in their new assignments; so, the next move is warranted. It is not as simple as just deciding someone should be promoted; especially when you're talking about flag level positions. Nominations for promotion of junior and intermediate officers are handled in bulk lots of up to fifty. For the most part, they are "rubber stamped" by the council and legislature. But, each nomination for flag positions is scrutinized, independently. Up to and including level six, nominations are confirmed by the council in groups based on the recommendations of all levels above their commanders. Levels seven and eight are nominated individually and scrutinized by the Secretary of Defense who must also recommend them. Then, they are voted on by the council who recommends them to the Legislature. Above level eight, each specific nomination goes to the Defense Committee. They employ OESA Security Services to investigate every aspect of the nominee's life and service record. The Committee must sign off on each of these selections; before, the Secretary can recommend them. From the Secretary, the file goes to the First Minister, who examines it and advances it to the Emperor for personal perusal; before he signs off and sends it back to the council. The nomination must receive two thirds majority vote of the council; before issuing a warrant for promotion and reassignment. While that happens, the Emperor's office generates a white paper authorizing that and other promotions. Each is dealt with specifically in its own paragraph of the document; and, has its own registration number for entry into the Admiralty. That white paper is matched with the nomination and sent to the council; which forwards the documents to the legislature. Each individual senior flag promotion requires enactment of an act of the legislature. This is because, at the level of Vice Admiral and above, an officer is considered the direct representative of the Emperor and the legislature. So you see, scrutiny gets more severe; as, you go furth
er up the chain. Your record must reflect the experience required for any new level and assignment to pass the inspections your nomination will receive.

  So, I will need an answer, in the next twenty-four hours; along with, your recommendations for nominees to replace you on the Shenzhen."

  "Admiral, I will accept the reassignment. I am ready to make the move. I would like to officially recommend Lt. Commander Savign as my replacement." I respond.

  "Why Savign? She's only been an exec for a year. And she's only been an LC for the same period. There are others in the Theatre that are more experience." Nichols answered.

  "Yes sir, I am aware of that; but, she's been with me through the Rho incident and the privateer problem. I don't need to say that; no Commander can be on duty one hundred percent of the time. She's shown great poise and depth when in command during tough situations. She has great tactical skills and has given me some superior advice, when I had complex decisions to make. She's also a more than adequate manager and has the loyalty of the crew. I thought that, if she had the Shenzhen, she could get six months’ experience actually handling the tactical situations herself. Then, I could request her on the Loki; where, she could get the pilot training she would need. Down the road, she will make a great Carrier Captain; and, probably has a future at much greater responsibility ahead of her." I reply.

  "Okay then, I will issue the warrant, immediately. She will be promoted to Commander and assigned as Captain of the Shenzhen, effective immediately. I want to transfer you here, temporarily. The Academy General Officers' program generally takes a year to complete during a posting; but, it is an independent learning program. You will shuttle between the three Command vessels to pick up courses that will put you on a schedule to complete the War College program in less than six months. You will officially take the Loki, today; but, your XO will run her for two weeks. She'll be here later today, with Admiral Leeds aboard. We'll do all the promotions, this afternoon. You will man the Loki, after that; and, write all the orders needed for the Exec. Then, you will move here for the two-week period. I'll fill Leeds in when she reports at noon. When you return to the Shenzhen, advise Savign of the offer; and, tell her I need a written response. In the meantime, let Commodore Hurst arrange your quarters, here; and, begin moving in what you need for a two week stay." Admiral Nichols orders.