We would also like to offer you elevation to Admiral (11) and renew your assignment as Commander Inspector General Branch. If you accept the offer, we would need your recommendations for all senior positions outlined in the above description.
We would also like to inform you that, this concept is being vigorously promoted by the remaining Quadrant Commanders. We look forward to your response.
Fleet Admiral W. Stephenson
Fleet Admiral O. Blackman
OFFICE of the C&C OESA
Operational Command Order
From: Flt. Admiral W Stephenson C&C OESA,
Fleet Admiral O. Blackman C&C OESA
To: Adm. K. Brubacher Commander Inspector General Branch
C.C. All Quadrant Commanders, Commander Fifth Mobile RAC
Re: Investigation of recent rebellion
Date: December 2, 2257
Admiral,
You are ordered and required to continue all investigations pertaining to the recent rebellion:
1) until all subordinate personnel under the command of the ring leaders are cleared or charged.
2) until all leads pertaining to this incident have been exhausted.
Fleet Admiral W.O. Stephenson
Fleet Admiral O. Blackman
I summoned Rear Admiral Rohkea Sielu and Colonel Chris Sparks to my office; waving them in informally, when they arrived. I turned my pad around opened at the memo.
"I don't want to send these to you; but I want both of you to read them. There's a letter from the C&C followed by orders." I said as I handed the pad to Roh, first; then, turned my chair and sat silently while Roh read; then, handed the pad to Chris who read them, too. Niether said a word. Both looked stunned.
"Well... what do you think?" I asked.
"I have to tell you Kurt that this makes sense. We almost got our asses shot out from under us; when, you wanted to aid the Shenzhen. A little muscle would have been great, then." Chris said.
"Sir, I think it's great. It's good to have the offensive power, all right; but, IGB is superior at investigation, enforcement and even intelligence, now. Why not roll it all under one roof and give it some clout? No one's going to screw with the Inspector General Branch if, it's configured like that. And, it would be nice to use our audit capabilities to ensure planetary cooperation and honesty. Orion is a big territory. Some of these people have to be taking advantage of the system. I think its good for our Empire; not just for the OESA," Roh said.
"I understand what the C&C are saying. They've got a lot of gaps in senior positions. They need to promote people up through the ranks; and, they don't have a clue who they can trust, anymore.’ I counter; then, continue. ’On top of that, there's the points you’ve both made. I think I will answer positively and accept the job. We'll have to find a Corps Commander. Chris, they'll have a problem with a three level jump; so, I'm going to recommend you head I.S.I.E at the rank of Major General. It's essentially the same job you execute, now; but, about four times as big. If you say yes, I will need you to dig into JAG and Military Intelligence to find out how many people in our disciplines they employ. Do you want it?"
"Yes sir. And, I don't think I'd want the Corps Commander job, yet. I'm enjoying the direct involvement with the aspects of the department. I would lose that - maybe after a year or two as a Division Commander." The colonel responded.
"And Roh, your job will really expand. The extra I.S.I.E personnel and a Theatre Command structure below will really add to your staff and work load. I'd need you and all your people to crunch the numbers. Total cost of all the personnel and assets. You need HR to start looking for people. I have a Theatre Commander, in mind; but, the Marine Corps Commander might take some doing. You'll have to find an experienced Division Commander seeking promotion or a move, somewhere. Of course, you'd be elevated to Vice Admiral, if you agree to take the job." I said with a smile.
"You know me, sir. The bigger the challenge; the better. I would have to say yes to the offer." She responded.
"Good, I have a special job for you Roh. Can you excuse us please, Chris?’ I waited for him to exit. ’I need you to look over Vice Admiral Helena Leeds's file. Get anything you need from HQ or Mobile Fifth. Then, ask me any other questions you have. My instincts are to take her on as my Theatre Commander. But, I'm not sure if it's because of bias. I believe she is qualified for the job. It would be nice for us to be together; but, I don't believe that's the main reason I want her to take the Theatre. I want you to have an objective look; and see if, you'd offer her the Command; if, this was your Command.' I stopped and looked at her pained face. 'You can never talk of this. It could end up in a divorce." I finish.
"Sir, I'm uncomfortable with the task. But, I'll do it for you." She says as she rises. She turns and leaves the office.
I prepare two promotion warrants elevating Sparks to Brigadier; and, Commander MacDonald to Captain. I send them with a side memo to the C&C.
MEMO
From: Adm. K Brubacher Commander Inspector General Branch
To: Fleet Admiral W Stephenson OESA C&C,
Fleet Admiral O. Blackman OESA C&C
Re: Your personal memo to me - IGB future
Date: December 2, 2257
Admirals,
You are always too kind in your view of my performance; but I do appreciate it. I reviewed the proposal you are sending to the Government and feel it needs only one modification, for the time being. Initially, the original Fleet should be configured as two Carrier Groups with proper command structures. This detail may have been understood by you. However, since it was not specified, I felt it deserved mention. Otherwise, I agree whole heartedly with your concept; which is based in the knowledge that the workload for the Inspector General Branch will continue to be challenging; with ongooing criminal investigation and the day to day Inspection Audits of Commands, at the increased rate you seek. The addition of planetary audits will also add to the workload. I feel it would be a positive step for an organization the size and scope of the OESA. With seventeen hundred twenty-four deployed war ships, three hundred sixty supply vessels, eleven super carrier Mobile Command Bases, ten hospital ships, four academies, eight shipyards and three million eight hundred thousand personnel, it makes perfect sense that an internal watchdog would need to be large enough to be capable of achieving its objectives.
In fact, when you review the above numbers, it is apparent, even your current proposal may not be quite enough. Regardless of that, it is a positive step. Additional expansions can be planned, as needs become apparent.
I would be honored to accept elevation and assignment as Commander of the enlarged Inspector General Branch.
In the interim, I believe, it is necessary to increase our investigative and enforcement capabilities now, to be able to handle the on-going criminal investigations and maintain investigative audits at the increased rate you expressed. I would like your permission to increase I.S.I.E. levels to Brigade strength, immediately. I believe our total staff levels will still fall within current budgetary constraints. I would also ask your authorization to acquire two additional large shutttle craft to facilitate the increase in operations; which should fit within our current captial allocation.
In that light, I am attaching a warrant to elevate Marine Colonel Christopher Sparks to Brigadier and assign him the position of Brigade Commander. Colonel Sparks is currently attending the War College; has nearly completed the program; and, has achieved excellent marks. I would not execute the warrant until he graduates, in a couple of weeks. This elevation would also prepare him for the future expansion; allowing me to seriously consider him for a division level command position.
As a matter of normal course, I have also attached a warrant to elevate Commander Shane MacDonald, the Master of the Examiner, to the rank of Captain. With the current personnel situation, it will be hard to choose promotible Officers, for the coming expansion. Shane has proven to be a very competent ship's commander, with an excellent tactical sense; and, h
as already acquired his Raptor training. The promotion would allow me to nominate him for acceptance to the war college; making him eligible for future flag level promotion.
Your kind offer and consideration of this Command's other needs is greatly appreciated.
Admiral Kurt Brubacher.
Since we are parked off Rigil, I should receive a response, in good time. In the meantime, I decide to visit Helena. With all the action, we haven't been together in more than a day. I contact Commander MacDonald and arrange for a standard shuttle to the Loki. Her ship is a quarter light year away. The trip will be an hour and a half each way at standard velocity. I notify Roh that, I'll be gone for a day.
...............................................................................................
After greeting each other, we head to Helena's quarters through the corridors and lifts. I am struck by all the action on the Loki. Repairs and restorations are being conducted everywhere.
"Battle damage?" I ask.
"Yeah, when we got your message, we jumped to the position you sent and the Botswana Group opened fire on us; as, we exited our jumps. They weren't screwing about. They threw everything but the kitchen sink at us; including anti-matter. One AM detonated a little too far off our hull; so, our shields were able to hold; but, this is the result.' She waved her hand at the construction crews. 'I have nine dead and twenty-seven injured - some severely. We barely managed to avoid several spears they fired. They were really trying to kill us." She's exasperated at the thought.
"How did you prevail?" I asked.
"Sheer numbers. We had three full Fleets jumping in. Two surrounded their perimeter and one split into Task Forces that came in above and below them. They stood down quickly; when the numbers and ferocity of attack became overpowering. I don't think most people had their hearts in it. A lot were just following their Commanders' orders. Once it came down to killing freinds and colleagues, they backed off fairly quickly. The Shenzhen took quite a beating, though. They have twelve dead and over a hundred injured. The island on the Thor took a hit. Shields absorbed most of it; but, the XO was killed; and, Thor will be in dock, for awhile." Helena explains.
"It's not common knowledge, yet; but, the matter's not over. The C&C have tasked the Inspector General Branch to continue the investigation to unearth everyone culpible. Murder charges will be laid; if appropriate. I can assure you of that." I relate as, we enter her quarters and begin frantically tearing at each other's clothes.
After our beasts had been tamed, we sit and talk for a couple of hours. I show Helena the memo and orders from the C&C. She is more impressed with the orders; commanding the Inspector General Branch to dig deep, in the matter of the rebellion. We enjoy a late lunch together; then, I board my shuttle to head back to the Examiner.
................................................................................
I had a good night's sleep in my quarters, before heading to my office to continue working on a plan for the potential expansion. We will need to separate investigative, enforcement and forensics in each staff department into two separate sections. One would be devoted to audit type investigations; the other to criminal investigations. They will require protocols for when audit turns into criminal. Intelligence will need to be processed separately, too; though its personnel would be deployed throughout the other two branches of I.S.I.E. As far as staff goes, we need to have a few people in HR, Accounting and Payroll who are cleared for the intelligence operation. The others would see their entries as blocks only. We also need to change intelligence parameters. They would need to operate some personnel independantly on planets; and, even covertly within Commands. We would need a part of our budget for paid informants. The other important aspect would be our interface with JAG. My system chimed.
MEMO
From: Fleet Adm. W. Stephenson C&C OESA
Fleet Adm. O. Blackman C&C OESA
To: Adm. K Brubacher Commander Inspector General Branch (IGB)
Re: Items under consideration in correspondence of December 2, 2257
Date: December 3, 2257
Admiral,
We wish to advise you that, we clarified the Group Command issue in our plan and submitted the proposal for approval. There is a lot happening on Earth, at the moment. There is likely to be changes in governmental operations, soon. So, we are pressing for approval of the plan, now.
We have considered your other requests. You may make the following interim changes.
1) Promotion of Colonel Sparks is approved pending successful completion of the War College Program.
2) Your request to increase staffing of I.S.I.E. to Brigade strength is approved.
3) You are authorized to increase you operational staff, as required, to facilitate the expansion of I.S.I.E.
4) Your request to purchase two of the large shuttles has been modified to four and approved. You may not have the physical space for all the vessels, at the moment; but, taking delivery of two ASAP and the other two later will resolve this isssue.
5) Your matter of course promotion of Commander Shane MacDonald does not require our approval. However, we realize your concern in that, ships’ Captains, of vessels with the Examiner crew size, generally hold the rank of Commander. However, the Examiner holds nearly ten thousand personnel; greatly increasing its Captain’s responsibility. And, you are correct to attempt to alleviate future personnel concerns, now. We are approving your request to promote the Commander to Captain and will accellerate his application to the War College, when it is received. Thank you for proposing the interim measures.
Fleet Admiral W. Stephenson
Fleet Admiral O. Blackman
MEMO
From: Fleet Admiral W.O. Stephenson OESA C&C
To: All Operational and Field Commands
Re: Fleet Admiral D. Williamson
Date: December 3, 2257
All,
This is to advise you that, Fleet Admiral David Williamson C&C OESA has resigned his position and commission, effective immediately.
Admiral Williamson served the OESA with distinction for his entire adult life. I am saddened to receive this news; and, even more disturbed at the causes for it.
Regardless of recent events, I wish the Admiral the very best in future endeavors.
I would like to further advise you that, formal application has been made to the Secretary of Defense, the Orion Representative Assembly and Emperor Edward III to make the elevation and appointment of Fleet Admiral Blackman to his position as C&C permanent.
In a further development, Edward III has asked the assembly to take up his proposal for changes to the Orion Empire Constitution by Tuesday December 15, 2257; and, come to a resolution by no later than, Tuesday December 29, 2257. This gives the Assembly two full weeks for debate and procedural issues.
Thank you for your attention.
Fleet Admiral W. Stephenson C&C OESA
Wow, that's the first time I've seen a single name at the bottom of a document from the office of the C&C; but, since Blackman is one of the subjects of the letter, I understand. I call in Sparks.
"Colonel Sparks reporting, as requested sir!" He was at attention in my doorway.
"Come in Chris; relax and take a seat' I said with a smile. I want you to read these two pieces of mail." I added with a smile as I sent copied him on the one with my response the HQ proposal and their answer to me. He read quietly.
"I had to read it all twice.' The excitment was audible. 'I guess I better finish my program. I've been lucky with the Asgard sitting so close to us. I've been able to shuttle over a couple or three times a week. I need two more lectures. Then, I have to write exams. So, I should be done in four weeks; because, it'll take two sessions for the exams." He explains.
"Well you better get to it.' I have plans for you. It would fit better if, you could finish in two weeks.' I said as he rose from the seat. ' While you're here, can you get together a list of the Fleets and Commands involved in the re
cent rebellion. You'll need to take it; and, set an investigation schedule for going back into all those stations and digging deeper to see who else is culpible. The mission objectives would be to try and determine who was actually an enthusiastic partner and who went along; because, they felt they had to follow orders. I also need to know who gave commands to fire on friendly vessels. There are quite a few deaths from the incursions here at Rigil. Some people will have to pay the price for that." I relayed the C&C sentiments.
"Yes sir, we'll get right on it.' He rose from the seat. 'And, thanks for the confidence and the recommendation." He said with a smile as he stood at attention.
"You're dismissed Colonel." I barked with a smile as I nodded to him.
Then, I called in MacDonald. When he arrives, I advise him of the promotion; and, the coming expansion; advising that, at the level of Captain, with the War College program complete, he would be eligible to promotion to Flag Ranks. Then, I read the warrant and replace his commander's insignia with the new ones; giving him two extra sets.
"I'm sending you a form. It's an applicatioin for War College. Valhalla, Midgard and Asgard are all approved as extension schools of the Academy; so, you usually won't have to go too far for lectures and exams. If you do two to three lectures per visit, with extra visits for exams, you can complete the whole thing in six weeks; if, you really want to. That'll leave your Exec. in charge a lot; which is good experience. We need promotable officers. Congratulations, Captain. You're dismissed." I say with my hand out and a smile. He extends his hand and we shake hands, firmly.
Next, I call in Roh with the senior officers of her Accounting, Human Resources Payroll, Logistics and Purchasing departments.
"Everyone come in and relax.' I call out; as I wave them into the office. 'I have a lot for all of you. We've been authorized to increase I.S.I.E. to Brigade strength. This brings up several issues for all of you.
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