Righteous Reign

by MacDonald, Thomas J

  Any unnecessary communication regarding this matter should be avoided. All steps should be taken to secure this information should communication be necessary.

  Thank you.

  General Ian Malcolm

  Among all the TAM communications is the following memo.

  MEMO

  From: Fleet Admiral W. Stephenson C&C OESA, Fleet Admiral O. Blackman C&C OESA

  To OESA - All Commands - All Personnel

  C.C. Secretary of Defense, First Minister's Office, Office of Emperor Edward III

  Re: Appointment Theatre Two Command

  Date: November 4, 2257

  All,

  We are pleased to advise you that Admiral Tsoh Shah has temporarily been elevated to Admiral (11); and assigned as Quadrant Two Commander. At the moment this is a temporary field promotion within our authority as outlined in OESA Rules and Regulations.

  You are also advised that Admiral Tsoh Shah's name has been placed into nomination with the Secretary of Defense to be permanently elevated to the rank of Admiral (11); and, assigned as Commander Quadrant Two.

  Field elevations, though temporary, carry the same rights and privileges of rank as permanent ones. Field assignments carry the same responsibility and authority as permanent ones.

  Fleet Admiral W. O. Stephenson

  Fleet Admiral O. Blackman

  My system mail was crazy for the rest of November as TAM orders flowed down through the commands in Mobile Fifth RAC. Being in the midst of such a massive tactical move was really interesting. What surprised me, was not the way we had controlled the Emperor's situation to this point; but, the way the press had been distracted. Oh, they covered the earlier arrests in a couple of single stories. They covered the arrests of Williamson and cohorts for a whole day. But all the rest of the reporting was based on speculation leading up to the Nichols’ wedding; then, coverage of the wedding itself; and now, it had turned to rehash of that event and speculation on our coming wedding.

  On November 6 2257, the Emperor makes a big push on the Council and Assembly. Though he seldom exercises it, his power is absolute; so, they relent and approve the modifications to the constitution making him and his family the official royalty of our Empire. The coronation date is set at December 15, 2257 well after our wedding, as a courtesy to us. Edward does not want to steal our thunder, he says. Even so, he is already being referred to as King Edward; whenever he comes up in the news.

  Admiral Bryant had recalled all his forces to the Valhalla and jumped to Earth and Rigil; arriving on November 13. By the fifteenth, he had deployed his space forces as desired, around the planet; and, Malcolm and his subordinates had positioned all ground force where they wanted them, on both worlds.

  As I sit in my office at OESA this November 16, there are armed guards in the corridors; and following us around all over the place, while on the ground. Walking through Rigil New York's downtown is fascinating. There are armed Marines on every corner and walking along the streets. Light tanks can often be seen rolling around from here to there to honor deployment and mission orders. I don't notice it so much; because; I have residence on the Valhalla, or on the Examiner, or even on the Loki; but, a lot of people are followed home; where, there are armed guards at their residence all day and night long. Tonight, I'll go back to the Loki. Helena and I are still ironing out final bugs in the wedding; and, we need the comfort we can give each other, in such trying times. There'll be another flap in a couple of weeks. Two days after the wedding Edward will present his next constitutional changes.

  "Admiral, can I see you?" Colonel Sparks asks from my doorway.

  "Of course. Come in Chris; and, take a seat. Do you want a drink?" I point at the fully stocked bar, as I finish.

  "No Admiral, but thanks. First, I want to tell you I was exceptionally pleased with what we just accomplished. Now, I understand what you were talking about; when, you gave me the intelligence directive.

  Then, I wanted you to know that, I edited the schedule and saved it back to the server. You'll have to open my copy to look at it; then encrypt it and save it for yourself. It was all out of whack, with what just happened; so, I corrected it to account for units we investigated early; or bypassed for the ones we ended up doing. I assume we are going on with investigations and audits. It's still a seventeen-day cycle. We could shorten it a day, now. We have all processes pretty well streamlined, now. But, I think we should leave it seventeen days; so, we don't rush. It'll give everyone time to take a little more care. I also wanted to know if the intelligence directive still applies; as, you laid it out, before." He finishes.

  "First, I'm glad you attached the intelligence work to the arrests we made. Second, we will continue with intelligence as I directed - always. There may still be more in this case; and, there will always be threats to watch for. Third, leave the cycle at seventeen days. I agree with your assessment. A little more time to get things right won’t hurt. And, finally thanks for editing it. I will take a look; but, I'm sure it's fine.

  You've done a fine job. I am going to recommend your elevation from Lt. Colonel to full Colonel. I am impressed. I have the authority level to approve your promotion, myself; but, I never do that; so, others check my thinking. It's too easy to be biased. But, I am sure you'll get it. You've earned it. You'll be eligible for the War College General Officer program, at that time." I explain.

  "Thank you, sir. Is that all?" He asks.

  "You're dismissed." I say. Then I set myself to writing a memo to Roh; asking her to look over young Sparks' record to determine if she feels him deserving of a promotion to full Colonel. I ask her to write a recommendation to me, if she thinks he is.

  There are so many details to any wedding; but, one this large is incredible. We are lucky that, Moe is looking after details on the Valhalla and we have similar help for the Phoenix Fleet. We spend the whole evening going over every little nuance; like, the way the napkins should be folded or rolled and secured. We spend that night in warm embrace. It feels so good. Things have been a little too tense, lately.

  ...............................................................................................................................

  MEMO

  From: Fleet Admiral W. Stephenson OESA C&C

  Fleet Admiral O. Blackman OESA C&C

  To: Admiral Kurt Brubacher Inspector General

  C.C. Emperor Edward III, Secretary of Defense, all Quadrant Commander, Fifth Mobile RAC Commander

  Date: November 26, 2257

  Admiral Brubacher,

  It gives us pleasure to advise you that you have been nominated and approved for the Emperor's Cross (to be renamed King Edward's Cross). It is the highest award presented by the Emperor to citizens of the Empire. You are being cited for your extreme contribution in foiling the recent rebellion; and, for your super human efforts to bring the Inspector General Branch from a newborn department to full operational capability in under four months. Your service, tactical skills, organizational contributions, energy and boundless effort have not gone without notice. This award will be presented Monday February 15, 2258 at OESA Headquarters on Rigil Kentaurus.

  Thank you for your service to the Empire.

  Fleet Admiral W. O. Stephenson

  Fleet Admiral O. Blackman

  Today is an especially busy day. The forensic examination of the Quadrant One, Theatre Two Command and the Orion Fleet, along with, the complete investigations of four more Theatre Two Fleets are all on my desk. I have to go through them carefully; check and edit their summaries and sign off on them. I end up generating Arrest Warrants for one more Fleet Commander and his two Task Force Commanders. Other Fleets were exposed to communications; but, did not intend to participate. I carefully examine all the records and make sure that, in the summaries, I point out that, it is an offense to have information on a criminal conspiracy and not report it; but, I am not pressing charges. However, I make it clear that a reprimand has been entered in each Commander's personnel file.
>
  Back on the sixteenth, I advised Chris Sparks of my intention to promote him. Roh looked over the file and his recent performance with the IGB and agreed. I have prepared his personnel file, the warrant and called him to my office.

  "Lt. Colonel Chris Sparks reporting, as ordered sir." He snaps officiously.

  "Colonel, you're out of uniform. You're improperly dressed.' I say sternly.

  He fumbles; checking his shirt, belt, collar insignia.

  'You have the wrong rank insignia on. Why aren't these on your collar, Colonel?" I bark with a smile; as I point to the Eagles on my desk.

  "You mean I got it?' He yelps.' Here, I'll put them on." He says with his hand out.

  "No Colonel, we have to do this right.' I say and begin reading the promotion warrant. When I am done, I remove his silver oak leaves and pin the silver eagle atop the number six on his two collar points and handing him two more sets. I put out my hand. 'Congratulations Colonel Sparks, you earned this.' I say with a smile as we shook hands warmly. 'I'll buy you a drink in the pub, after work. Bring a guest. I know I will." I add.

  "Yes sir. I'll be there. I'll contact you when I'm finishing to see if you're ready, sir." He responds as he turns and leaves forgetting to pay the usual respects, in his excitement.

  We meet in the bar at seventeen hundred. I am accompanied by Helena. Chris has a sweet young Ensign on his arm. I use her name three times in early conversation; but, can't remember it an hour later. We enjoy a light dinner and a few drink before breaking for the evening.

  ...................................................................................................

  Today, I've scheduled a light work day. After all, the big day is tomorrow; and there is always a lot to do the day before. I'm tidying up records; like, the personnel notification of Sparks promotion and forwarding the warrant to all appropriate levels; so, it can receive the perfunctory approvals and registrations. I am also taking one last read of yesterday's investigation reports; before sending them off to the C&C and the appropriate commands. Then there's lunch. I don't know how many have asked me to have lunch. I think it will turn into quite the little do.

  After the two-hour lunch, I head back to the quarters I still have on the Valhalla to check out the dress uniform I will wear, tomorrow. Dinner is a little more relaxed for everyone but those at the head table. We will all still be in our blacks; but, everyone else can wear daily grays, for comfort. Helena, Marie and Olivia will all be wearing the new dress gowns Helena designed. She will change into hers from her wedding one, after the cocktail party, following the wedding.

  I lay out the appropriate rank insignia and call in Dave Angstrom. He and my original stewards have followed me along on the ride to my current rank and position. He is now a Chief Master Petty Officer in charge of a team of eight.

  "Dave, can you have two of my shirts pressed; and have two sets of slacks and dress jackets steamed and pressed too, please. I put out two sets of insignia and ribbons and lanyards and one set of medals. I only need the medals on one uniform. Put the insignia on both shirt collars, will you?" It's really an order.

  "Yes sir. You can't be too prepared. Will you need me in the morning, for your personal preparations, sir?" He asks.

  "It wouldn't be a bad idea. I always have a lot of trouble with the bow tie; but clip-on ones don't look very good with a tailored formal suit." I say with a smile.

  "Can you have a daily uniform pressed, right away. I think I'll wear it to the bachelor party, tonight." I ask.

  "Aye, sir. We'll have it back in an hour; if, that's okay, Admiral." Dave responds.

  "That's fine Chief." I answer.

  I putter around my quarters; reorganizing things that are already okay. I chuckled, when I realize that I am experiencing a slight case of jitters. I guess everyone has some nervousness over such a big change in their lives. But, what is really changing. I love Helena and she loves me. Our relationship won't alter, that way. We will not have to skulk around to each other quarters, anymore; but, we already enjoy a great physical relationship; so, being quartered together shouldn't change that, either. Neither of us have been carousers. We've both had casual relationships, before; but, we were too busy with careers to get serious. It took meeting each other to change that. I guess it's the commitment. Your saying you will be there if the other is sick or in trouble. You will be their backstop for the rest of your lives together. But, I already feel that, I would give up my life for hers; if, it was required to protect her.

  At nineteen hundred thirty hours, I head to the Valhalla number three shuttle bay to motor over to Lowry’s on the Examiner. George had decided it was fitting; since, it was my pub and I had even named it. The weightless fifteen-minute ride and docking to get there is relaxing. The atmosphere allows me to unwind a little. My mind even wanders; and, the shuttle pilot has to tell me when we are actually ready to disembark.

  Sort of tongue - in - cheek, Commander MacDonald, Captain of the Examiner, has me piped aboard. It is acceptable protocol; but, we stopped it a long time ago. I am always moving between the Valhalla, the Examiner, the Midgard and OESA headquarters; so, it seems a real pain. But, he says it’s the last time he'll get to do it for Admiral Brubacher; since, by tomorrow I'll be Admiral Leeds.

  The group is already in Lowry’s, when I step in the doorway. Bryant, Nichols, Stephenson, Blackman, Moe, Sparks are just a few of those present. In all the group is around twenty. They raise a loud cheer; stomping and hollering as a welcome and an attempt to embarrass me.

  They immediately start with a B52 toast. It's a tradition that has survived more than two centuries. I whisper to the bar tender to keep bottled water coming for me; alternating between straight and sparkling. It will keep up the impression I am tipping back; and, dilute any alcohol I do consume. I do not want a big hangover, on my wedding day. And, most importantly, I do not want to play the fool. We are all the senior managers of over three million. The press is embedded, everywhere.

  "What's up Kurt?" Bryant asks; sensing my reservations.

  "I'm just being careful. I don't want a big headache, tomorrow; and, this is my Command ship. I don't want my people seeing me falling - down drunk. I'd like to have fun; but, keep it a bit controlled; if, you don't mind." I respond.

  "I still outrank you; and, I'm ordering you to have fun." He counters to a raucous round of laughter.

  "Yes sir!" I snap as I saluted smartly.

  But, I decide to keep my head and stick to my plan. I will sip a drink for every couple of bottles of water I consume. And, I'll be gone by one hundred hours in the morning, at the latest; maybe sooner if, there's any half naked women popping out of cakes, or some such nonsense. I'm not interested in inking my pen in any other well. Helena is the woman for the rest of my life.

  There is a lot of laughter through the evening. The loudest is the response to Admiral Bryant's story of Marie and the new midshipmen; though, he is careful to never even infer, I was one of them. He embellishes Marie's actions a little more each time he tells it; and it's always new to those like Sparks who haven't heard it before. Even those of us who have, love the way he tells it.

  At one hundred hours I excuse myself from the table; as if, going to the men's room; and slip out the door of Lowry’s unseen; heading for my quarters on the Examiner. Though I didn't consume that much, the booze helps. Despite my nervousness, I drift into a deep sleep almost immediately, when my head hits the pillow. The next thing I know; a steward is knocking at the door at eight hundred in the morning.

  I brush my teeth and order breakfast; dressing in last night's daily uniform; to head back to the Valhalla. My two dress uniforms are set up for me in my quarters, there. I shave and shower; wear dailies to the Flag Bridge; so I don't wrinkle everything. I'll carry one dress uniform there. The ceremony is at eleven hundred. I'll change in the bathroom adjoining Bryant's office.

  .........................................................................................................
...

  I make life and death decisions for thousands every day; but, I'm more nervous waiting for Helena to appear than, ever before in my life; as, I stand at the edge of the raised platform with my best man on my right. We are half turned; watching down the center aisle for her to appear. The hundreds on the bridge, the star-field backdrop and the atmosphere barely register; as, anticipation piques me like thousands of little insects crawling around all over and inside me. I am probably the only person in the Empire who has not seen Helena in her gown. It was modeled for everyone; but, she was careful that I never see the images; honoring the centuries old tradition that the groom should not see his bride in the gown, until the wedding. As the Orion Empire anthem begins, we all snap to attention.

  As the anthem ends, two rows of marine honor guards forming a corridor respond to a present arms order by drawing swords and crossing them above the aisle as a small live orchestra begins Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. Two bars into the march, Helena appears arm in arm with her father; walking in short glide steps behind two young children spreading flower pedals ahead on the pathway to the "altar". She is stunning. The gown is incredible. It takes her rank insignia, ribbons, lanyards and braids without appearing garish. Hundreds of flashes fire; as, she takes each step; making her, all the more, a surreal image. Behind her follow four bridesmaids dressed in the new dress uniform she designed. Despite my love of Helena, I am struck at Marie Bryant's sheer beauty in the exclusive gown.

  Four ushers step into line beside Admiral Bryant. The Emperor falls in behind George. He will present the rings. It is incredible that all seven of us can stand in this tight formation without entangling our ceremonial swords.

  As she reaches me, Helena releases her father and takes my hand. He moves off to the left returning to his wife in the first row of guests. Helena is sobbing quietly.

  "Your crying?" I whisper softly; afraid that, she is having second thoughts.

  "I know. I'm happy." She chokes out softly through the sobs.