Imperial Command

by D. J. Holmes

  James bowed again and turned to Christine, “May I introduce Empress Christine. It is my belief that under her leadership our species will finally be able to stand united against the Karacknids.”

  Danlien slithered closer to Christine and bowed even deeper than he had to James. “I hope your Admiral’s beliefs are proven correct Empress. We will all need to stand together to win this war. It is my honor to serve with your ships in the protection of your territory.”

  “I am very thankful for your presence here,” Christine said as she returned Danlien’s gesture. “We are in a precarious position. We believe the Karacknids are planning a second attack against Earth. Your ships may be the difference between victory and defeat.”

  “That is why we are here Empress. In time Alliance High Command hopes to be in a position to launch a counterattack against the Karacknids. Yet that is many months away. For now we are working to expand our border forts towards your territory. It is hoped I can aid your fleet in preparing their own forts. Once we have our defenses more tightly secured, then together we can push the Karacknids away from our borders.”

  “That is a day I hope we see soon Admiral,” Christine replied. She looked over Danlien’s shoulder to the second Alliance naval officer who was standing slightly behind the Varanni.

  “This is Commodore Maleck,” James said as Danlien slithered slightly to the side to allow Maleck to approach. “He was Admiral Ya’sia’s Flag Captain until his recent promotion.” When Maleck got close enough, James held out a hand and warmly embraced the Crian. Though Crians looked very different to Humans with their four legs and large torsos, James had found them to be among the most Humanlike species he had encountered. Certainly, he counted Ya’sia and Maleck as good friends.

  “Commodore Maleck is my second in command,” Danlien explained as Maleck moved past James and bowed to Christine.

  After Christine and Maleck exchanged some pleasantries, James motioned for Maleck to move to one side. He knew Christine would want to speak to Danlien more to fully convey how appreciative their Empire was for the Alliance ships. “So,” James said as he adopted a more casual tone. “How was your journey here?”

  “Surprisingly quick,” Maleck replied, “I hadn’t realized how far along our dark matter repulser frigates were in their work. The artificial shift passage is only forty light-years from your border now. Another six months and we will be able to travel from Earth to Cria in just one month.”

  James shook his head. “It’s hard to believe. Even with the system of jump gates we have throughout our territory now, there are still many colonies that are up to two months journey from here.”

  Maleck smiled, “For one who has grown up accustomed to artificial shift passages, it is something I had not thought twice about before this war with the Karacknids. I’m sure it is going to bring significant changes to your civilization.” Maleck turned and gestured towards the gathered group of aliens. “Though with everything else that you have going on, it’ll probably go unnoticed.”

  “It is just one change among many,” James agreed, “but hopefully the artificial shift passages will give us a significant strategic advantage. At least when it comes to defense. Which brings me to what I would really like to talk to you about. I have read the reports that were transmitted here from Varanni Prime and I’m sure I’ll get to speak to rear Admiral Becket, but I’m keen to hear firsthand about your battles with the Karacknids.”

  “Of course,” Maleck replied, “though I warn you, I’m likely to talk your ears off. A lot has happened since we last saw one another.”

  James raised a hand, placed it on Maleck’s shoulder and guided him towards one of the tables full of refreshments, “Time is something we have plenty of at this reception. Don’t worry about telling me too much, the more intimate details that don’t make it into the reports are exactly what I’m after.”

  As Maleck spoke, James lost track of time. At some point Christine came and stood beside him. She listened patiently for nearly a minute before clearing her throat and interrupting. “I’m sure you old friends could spend all day reminiscing,” she said as she flashed Maleck a smile. “But I’m afraid I need my fiancé for the time being. If you don’t mind Commodore?”

  “Not at all Empress,” Maleck replied. “I’m sure we will have many strategic planning meetings to get reacquainted. He is all yours.” He gave Christine a small bow.

  “Thank you,” Christine said as she put her arm through James’ and gently turned him away from the Crian. “The members of the Conclave delegation have been asking about you. It’s time for some more introductions.” Before James could complain, she elbowed him in the ribs. “Make sure you’re on your best behavior.”

  “Yes boss,” James replied in a tone that he knew would get him another elbow in his side.

  For the next twenty minutes or so James was introduced to each of the delegation leaders from the five species that made up the Conclave. He ended up having the same conversation over and over again as he spoke with them, asked them about their homeworlds and shared some of his experiences fighting the Karacknids. All the while, he felt like he was being watched. At first he wasn’t able to figure out what was causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. But then he caught one of the Gramrians staring at him. It was Admiral Shraw. Thereafter, every time he glanced towards the reptilian Admiral, his eyes were on James.

  Eventually, James worked his way around to where Shraw was standing, slightly apart from the rest of the delegation. Despite a natural hesitation, he reached a hand out towards the Admiral. “It is a pleasure to meet you Admiral,” he said, “my niece, Captain Kansas, speaks highly of you.”

  Shraw reached out a clawed hand and, with far more gentleness than James had been expecting, shook his. “Captain Kansas is your niece? And you are soon to be the Emperor of your species. Should she not have some appropriate title?”

  James smiled. “Forming our own Empire is a relatively new development. Emilie doesn’t even know all the details yet herself. She will have to content herself with Captain for the time being.”

  “Content I imagine she will be,” Shraw replied. “A Captain’s life is always one of envy within our Navy. Especially an unattached command. There is a freedom that one never again experiences once promoted to flag rank.”

  James nodded. “With that I heartily agree. I only ever wanted to be a Captain. Now I find myself a Grand Admiral, prospective Emperor and who knows what else Empress Christine has planned for me.”

  Shraw’s expression changed. “You mean your Empress is the one who dictates to you? I thought the Emperor would make his own decisions.”

  James guessed where Shraw was going. In a species where physical strength and martial prowess were so highly prized, it was understandable that the males held most of the prominent leadership positions. The thought made James smile. Whilst it was true he could easily physically overpower Christine, she could defeat him in many other ways. “That is not quite what I meant,” he explained. “When it comes to military matters, she defers to my experience and judgement. Yet, at the same time, when it comes to politics I defer to her, that is her area of expertise. We are a partnership. That will not change when I become Emperor.”

  “I see,” Shraw replied as he looked James up and down, “at least, I think I do. You are regarded as one of the greatest warriors of your species. I am keen to get to know you more. You do not look overly impressive, but I presume you have hidden strengths. If my people are to commit our future to your species, we must have confidence that you are capable of standing up to the Karacknids.”

  James couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re certainly right about my appearance,” he agreed. “No one would give me a plasma rifle and expect me to accomplish much. There is someone here though I will introduce you to, General Johnston. Perhaps later today or before you go, we could arrange a sparring session with him. I expect you would be suitably impressed with his physicality. However, that is n
ot where my strength lies. My species has a number of skilled naval commanders. I hope I would be among them.” James honestly didn’t have an idea of who was the best naval commander Humanity had left, Lightfoot or Koroylov would be top contenders. He certainly fancied his chances against either one of them in a simulated battle, but he didn’t know for sure how their comparative skill sets would match up.

  “Then I look forward to challenging you to a simulated naval engagement before our delegation leaves,” Shraw said. “Among my people, that is how we determine our comparative naval ranks. In times past we fought physical duels, but now they have been replaced with simulations. It is not quite the same but given that one’s career advancement depends on the outcome of them, there is always a fierce competitiveness.”

  “I will gladly accept the challenge,” James replied honestly. Though he suddenly felt nervous, if he embarrassed himself in front of Shraw, it could impact the alliance Christine was seeking to establish with them. Yet he was keen to see just how good a commander Shraw was. Plus, it would be fascinating to see the kinds of tactics Shraw used. James was always interested in learning and adapting from others.

  Shraw flicked his forked tongue back-and-forth and raised his upper lips to show his razor-sharp teeth. “Then we will have to arrange it for later. Now though, I have a number of questions for you. Your niece provided us with a significant amount of historical data on your species before she left our space. I have paid particular attention to your recent wars. I understand you fought in many of them. I would like to learn more about them.”

  James smiled. He was more than happy to oblige, he always feared he’d be dragged into discussing endless minor political points at these kinds of gatherings. Or worse, he’d make a blunder and put his foot in it with one alien or another. Remembering all the different cultural mores always give him a headache. “I’ll gladly answer all the questions you have,” he replied. “As long as you will share with me how Emilie got on with your species and how you think she might be faring in her search for the Kalassai.”

  “It is a deal,” Shraw said as he showed his teeth again.

  Chapter 12

  To this day the bow of IS Drake floats in geosynchronous orbit above the Imperial Palace. Sadly, that is all that was ever salvaged from her wreckage. The remnants of the first Imperial Flagship stand as a reminder to all naval personnel who pass her on their way to the Palace that no ship is invulnerable.

  -Excerpt from Empire Rising, 3002 AD.

  IS Drake, Earth orbit, 16th October 2482 AD (the next day).

  James pushed himself back in his chair to recline further. As he did he took a deep breath. Though Drake had only been launched yesterday, he had already moved into his office and his staff officers were getting settled in. Despite the smell of fresh paint and the many furnishings that were missing, it felt good to have his own space onboard a warship again. It was also good to have Becket sitting opposite him. She had just spent an hour telling him all about her time with Admiral Ya’sia and their campaign against the Karacknid invasion force that had attacked Alliance space.

  “From everything you have told me, and from Ya’sia’s reports, you handled yourself admirably,” James said once he had pulled every little detail about her battles against the Karacknids out of her. “You certainly justified your decision to remain in Alliance space. And now we have Admiral Danlien and his ships here. That is also thanks to your efforts. Earth, and now the Empire, has much to thank you for.”

  “I was just doing my duty Admiral, as you taught me. I need no thanks for that,” Becket replied as her tone became more formal. It made James smile; she didn’t like receiving praise any more than he did.

  “Nonetheless you will be receiving my thanks. Both here and in public. Captain Rivers, Scott and the other survivors of Home Fleet will all be receiving naval commendations for their accomplishments against the Karacknids in the Jaranna system. Rivers will also be getting the newly instigated Medal of Merit for extracting Home Fleet from the ambush in the Karacknids’ depot system. I intend for you to receive a naval commendation at the ceremony as well. The assistance you provided to Ya’sia in the battle of Kalesh was just as important as anything Home Fleet accomplished.”

  “That is really not necessary,” Becket insisted.

  James smiled again. “And yet it is happening. Unless you want to go against your Grand Admiral, you’ll just have to accept it.”

  Becket nodded, “I’m not stupid enough to go up against you Sir,” she replied in the more informal tone she had been using until James brought up her commendation.

  “Good,” James replied with a laugh. “It seems you have learnt something from all those years as my Flag Captain. “Which brings us to the second reason I invited you here. As much as I’d love to see you resume your duties here onboard Drake, your skills would be wasted with me. I have another command in mind for you.” With the touch of a button James turned on his office’s holo projector. A heavy cruiser sprang to life in-between the two of them. “The is Viper. One of Scott’s new designs. She is the third in her class. Just out of her construction yard two weeks ago.”

  “She is beautiful,” Becket said slowly. “But I don’t understand. If I am being given a heavy cruiser? Why not Drake?”

  James smiled at her confusion and touched another button. Another heavy cruiser appeared beside Viper. Around the two capital ships were a further eight destroyers and frigates. “This is her sister ship Adder, and their escorts. Viper is to be your flagship. You are a Rear Admiral now.”

  “I’m honored,” Becket responded at once as a gleam filled her eyes. “They will make a formidable force. I know there are not many ships to go around at the moment. Thank you for putting your trust in me.”

  “They will cause the Karacknids a headache no doubt. Especially in your hands. If I had more ships to give you I would. Especially with the mission I’m sending you on. But they will have to do.” As he spoke James switched the image on the holo projector. It showed a map of the territory owned by the Conclave species. When Becket frowned James almost slapped himself on the head. Of course she would be all but unfamiliar with Conclave territory. The information Emilie had sent back from her exploration mission had been transmitted to Varanni Prime, but Becket had probably had little to no time to spare on such details. “It is Conclave space,” James explained. “Each blob is the area controlled by one of the five species. This is the territory of their neighbor, the Nanee. They were recently absorbed by the Karacknids.

  “Negotiations with their delegation are ongoing but given that they fought off a Karacknid warship that came into their space demanding they surrender, I imagine a Karacknid response will be forthcoming. They will have no choice but to throw their lot entirely in with us and the Alliance. When their delegation heads home in a week or so I intend to send you and your new squadron with them.”

  Becket nodded, “What are my orders?”

  James’ respect for Becket grew. She hadn’t hesitated for a second. If she thought her superiors needed her in the middle of nowhere when there was an imminent threat to Earth, she would simply go. “Initially your role will be that of a military attaché to the Conclave. I doubt we will have concluded any more formal alliances between our species before they go. So you can’t be anything more than that for now. But that time will come. Until then, your first goal will be to help train and prepare the Conclave fleets to face the Karacknids. You have as much experience fighting them as any commander I have available. In addition, I want you to scout out the Karacknids’ territory. Hopefully, I will have talked Admiral Shraw into lending you some of his ships for the task as well. But if not, you’ll have to work with what you have got.

  “In the long-term I believe that the discovery of the second wormhole in the Gift and the Conclave species may hold the key to our chances of beating the Karacknids. That is why I am sending you out there. As long as the Karacknids have the majority of their fleet concentrated against us an
d the Alliance, we may never be able to push them back. We’ll always be defending our borders in constant fear of attack. If we can open up a second front, one that poses a real threat to the Karacknids, then it may buy us enough breathing space to put together a real offensive against them. That is the goal of your scouting mission. To get the lay of the land within that part of the Karacknid Empire and identify weak points.

  “It is my hope that in time we will be able to put together a larger Alliance fleet and send it through the Gift to reinforce you. When that opportunity comes, I would like you to have the groundwork laid for a series of rapid raids into Karacknid space. With luck the Karacknids will underestimate the Conclave species. They can’t know that they are already receiving weapons and warships from us. A deep thrust into their space will not win us this war. But it may cause enough concern to make them divert a significant proportion of their strength away from us.”

  “That is a bold plan,” Becket said as she stared at the holo map. “If we divert a large force to Conclave space, it would take a number of weeks to pull them back if we found that a Karacknid attack was imminent.”