by Jason Bourn
After some brief pleasantries, which Nadia did nothing to extend, the children signed off.
Left on the video meeting were just the war council members.
Nadia smiled wryly, “I can’t tell you what a relief it is that none of the children decided to come back with us. I don’t know what we would have done.”
Garth said, “I’m still not sure what we are going to tell their parents.” Smiling, he said, “I vote that Nadia gets to tell Saul. I can’t wait to see how well that is going to go over.”
Nadia dreaded what they were going to have to do, but she knew it needed to be done.
She just hoped that now their society would be able to finally move on – and move forward, never looking backward.
CHAPTER 24 – RETREAT FROM RAMOS
The entire Torvalian fleet left shortly after the video meeting was concluded. Only the war council members knew why they were leaving without the children. There was gossip among the enlisted personnel, but no one else knew for sure what the real story was.
The war council met shortly after they left Ramos. They knew they had six days to decide what to tell the crew as well as everyone back home – three days away from Ramos to reach the jump point, then three days from the jump point to Torval 2.
Nadia started out, “We need to decide exactly what we are going to tell everyone about the ‘children’. I feel so sorry for the parents. I’m not sure what it would be better to tell them.”
Garth cut in, “We really don’t have a lot of options. We can tell them the truth or we can hide the truth.”
Admiral Badstubner said, “It is never that black and white. For example, we could tell them that the ‘children’ had bonded with the Ramosians and had chosen to stay, without telling them about the horrific body augmentation.”
Nadia responded, “Yes, in many ways that would be worse than telling them that the “children” had been tortured. Also, from now on, please think of them as the children they were, not the adults that they are now. That is the only way we will be able to talk to their parents or anyone back home without remembering what they have become and having that show in our faces and words.”
After a moment of silence Giliad said, “It is always better to tell the truth, when possible.”
Nadia thought about it then said, “I’m not sure that telling the children’s parents the truth would really be the best course of action in this case. I think it would be better to shield their parents from the pain it would cause. In fact, this could really damage our entire cultural psyche, to think that our precious children have been disfigured in such a way. Therefore, I would not be in favor of telling them the whole truth – I would be more in favor of a partial truth.”
Garth looked hard at her, then finally smiled and said, “You mean you want to lie to the parents?”
Frowning, not liking his choice of words, but wanting to get on with the meeting, Nadia finally responded, “Yes, I think we should lie to their parents.”
Garth said, “So we wouldn’t needlessly harm the parents.”
Nadia smiled, and said, “Yes, that is why we would do it.”
The admiral nodded. He was only too willing to move forward with the path of least resistance. “It would be easier to tell everyone that the children just decided to stay than to have to explain what was done to them. This way there would be no bad feelings concerning the children.”
Giliad shook his head minutely, but did not say anything. If this was what the group wanted, then he would go along with it.
Nadia said, “Are there any objections to this approach?”
No one said anything.
“OK, then this is what we will do,” said Nadia.
The meeting went on for more than an hour discussing the details of what they would tell everyone about the children. As the meeting broke up, Giliad noted that the predominant expression on everyone’s faces was relief. It appeared that they were glad that a decision had been made and that they didn’t have to bear the burden of telling the children’s parents something that would be so objectionable.
However, a question still remained in Giliad’s mind as to whether it was the right decision long term.
– – –
Nadia called another meeting during the second day of their three-day trip to the jump point. This time the members were the war council, less Garth. She wanted to discuss the future of the fleet and she didn’t want this first meeting to include Garth. He had shown how power-hungry he was and they needed to put in place a power structure that would be able to withstand someone with Garth’s tendencies.
She started off saying, “Now that the fleet has completed its first set of duties with regard to the children, I’d like to strategize how to use the fleet when we get back to Torval 2. I intentionally did not invite Garth to this meeting, since probably the most important thing to consider is how to deal with Garth’s ambitions for power.”
Admiral Badstubner said, “We have by far the biggest fleet of real battle ships, but we know that Garth’s navy is also building its own fleet. It is starting small, but we believe it is up to twenty-five battle ships now. That is a far cry from our two hundred ship fleet, but it would be foolish if we thought that he would stop at twenty-five ships.”
Giliad said, “I will say again that the most important thing to consider is whether Garth feels he has a chance at winning. If he cannot conceive of winning, then he will never try it. This is the only way to assure that there is no war.”
Nadia nodded then said, “We have to determine where the fleet will be located and who will have responsibility to control it. Originally, we had three different centers of power, Torval 2, the Kingdoms and all the Periphery worlds. It might have made some sense to have a sharing of power if this were still the case. However, with Garth taking over all the other Kingdoms and a fair share of Periphery worlds, it almost makes the most sense to have Torval 2 have sole control of the fleet. I do recognize that this probably sounds self-serving, however, coming from the leader of Torval 2.
“Does anyone have any other thoughts?”
The admiral smiled and said, “Yes, it does sound like it is a bit self-serving, but I would tend to agree with your logic. There is no way that we should give any control to Garth – I’m sure that he would be quick to take advantage of it. Perhaps we could also give partial control to both the remaining independent worlds in the Periphery and to the ex-Kingdom leaders. This would diversify the control somewhat and would help deflect any critics that would otherwise say there was too much power in the hands of the Torval 2 leadership.”
Nadia thought about it. She was aware that there were those that felt that Torval 2 had too much power, especially among the Periphery worlds. She felt sure that she would never abuse that kind of power, but she could see how others would think that. She suspected that they were thinking of themselves really. Something along the lines of “If I had that much power, I know I would be tempted to abuse it.” Well, she supposed that sharing some of the power wouldn’t be too bad.
Unfortunately, that meant that she would not have sole discretion on the use of the fleet, and most likely where it would be located. But she supposed that was a small issue. She didn’t see the need to push back, especially since the admiral really did have a point. After all, who knew, when Nadia stepped down, what kind of leader would replace her.
She said, “OK, I’m fine with that. Admiral, did you have a specific plan on how to apportion control of the fleet to these other elements?”
The admiral looked pleased at her deferral to him. “Yes, I was thinking that perhaps we could allocate a percentage of the ships to the largest five of the old Kingdom leaders, excepting Garth. Say five percent, or ten ships, to the largest old Kingdom leader Kadar. Then four percent, or eight ships, to the next largest old Kingdom leader, etcetera. This will allocate a total of fifteen percent of the total. We can also give a percentage to the Periphery worlds, as a group. Let’s say we give them fi
fteen percent as well. That would give Torval 2 seventy percent of the control and all others thirty percent. Nadia, this still gives you predominate control of the fleet, but not full control. This should provide a good balance.”
Nadia glanced at Giliad, but he didn’t say anything. He was being very quiet.
Finally, she nodded and said, “Admiral, that is a good compromise. I don’t think that anyone could object too strongly. I assume that each of these entities will have full control over the location of their respective ships.”
When the admiral nodded, Nadia continued, “So where should we position the ships under Torval 2 control? There are about 140 ships that we are talking about.” With that she looked first at the admiral, but then she shifted her focus to Giliad, who was still remaining uncharacteristically quiet.
The admiral sat for a while pondering her question when Giliad finally spoke. “The overriding goal is to present an overwhelming force such that any potential adversary would not even consider starting a conflict. The advent of the jump drive has eliminated the years-long travel between stars, so time is not the overriding factor it once was. That is not to say timing is not important, I am just saying that it is no longer all-important.
“There are three logical places to locate the fleet or portions of the fleet. The simplest approach is to keep all the ships located near Torval 2. This is the most straight-forward logistically and would ensure that Torval 2 is protected at the maximum level.
“A different approach is to house a strong majority of the ships near Garth’s main worlds, as a show of force. Since he is the largest current threat to peace, keeping a sizable contingent near his worlds would allow you to project the most response to any aggression he might show.
“The last approach is to “peanut butter”, that is, spread, the ships across the inhabited planetary systems. With this approach there is always a ship close by in case of need.
“There are obviously pros and cons with each approach, and of course they are not mutually exclusive. In other words, a large group could be stationed near Torval 2 with a smaller, but still sizable group stationed near Garth’s main worlds with a few supporting the Periphery fleet.
“I cannot make a definitive recommendation, since, as I said, each has its own pros and cons.”
The admiral had been nodding as Giliad had started talking. As he got further along the admiral’s smile grew broader. By the time Giliad was finished, his smile almost shone. “Yes,” he said, “I especially like the flexibility that your “peanut butter” approach provides. It really gives the best of all worlds, strong support of Torval 2, a resident force at Garth’s main worlds and a small, but real, presence at the Periphery. I like this approach best.”
Nadia smiled at the enthusiasm that the admiral exhibited. It was such a contrast to the “always in control” demeanor of Giliad. She said, “OK admiral. I can see that you find this approach appealing. I have to say that it does appear to give the best of all worlds. What specific numbers are you thinking of?”
The admiral only thought briefly saying, “I would have Kadar’s Kingdom get ten ships, Donald’s Kingdom would get five ships and both Lucia and Trolian would get three each. Further, I would go with fifty near Garth’s main worlds and twenty at the Periphery. This would give us over one hundred ships at Torval 2. The key is to have overwhelming superiority at Torval 2 so that he wouldn’t even think of challenging us there, but still have sufficient superiority at Garth’s main worlds that it would deter any aggressive actions, especially if he knew we could re-locate more ships there if necessary. I believe this split would accomplish that. Giliad, is this good in your mind?”
Giliad replied promptly, “As I said there are pros and cons for each approach. Your numbers are reasonable for the spread approach.”
Nadia smiled, as did the admiral. Nadia wasn’t sure they could come up with an agreement, but it appeared that they finally had.
The big question, of course, was how Garth would take it.
– – –
Garth did not take it very well.
Nadia had set up a meeting on the last day out from Ramos, just before the jump. She wanted the meeting to happen before they jumped when she had control of the quantum entanglement-based communications, but after the jump they would be in normal radio range where anyone could talk to anyone. She thought it was only fair that he knew what the plan was, primarily so he would know that any sign of aggression would be met with swift reprisals.
The meeting started with Nadia providing a quick summary of how the battle ship fleet would be controlled and deployed.
Garth sat there alternately staring at Nadia, Admiral Badstubner and Giliad. Finally, he said, sounding outraged, “If this is supposed to be a democratically-controlled fleet, and the Kingdom’s get fifteen percent of the ships, then why haven’t I been given any battle ships to control?”
Nadia smiled and said, “You have been building up a small fleet of your own battle ships. You don’t need any of the fleet’s ships.”
“And why,” Garth continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “have you given battle ships to Kingdom leaders whose Kingdoms don’t even exist any more.” Raising his voice even louder, he said, “You are just trying to destabilize the entire sector.”
The admiral tried calming him, “Garth, the fleet will not be used in an offensive show of force, only to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to and to ensure that no one’s rights are violated. I’m sure you can see that this is for the common good.”
Garth looked at the admiral, frowned, and spoke even louder, “Many times I have been unjustly criticized as using strength to get what I wanted. We all know that this is not true. I have simply been a good negotiator. Now it is you who have shown that you are trying to change the entire geopolitical landscape by re-installing Kingdom leaders through the use of force.”
Nadia shook her head, hoping he was done with his tirade, but he was just getting started.
“I demand that I be given fleet ships commensurate with the number of worlds that I control. This is the only fair way of moving forward.” Garth was almost raving now, “There is no way that I can accept the plan that you have generated. Arming these ex-Kingdoms will surely lead to civil war – it is like giving children guns. They have these new toys and have not been trained how and when to use them. It wouldn’t surprise me if they tried to attack my peaceful Kingdom. I must have some additional ships to protect myself.
Giliad's voice, when he spoke, was so quiet and so calm that it almost didn’t seem like the same language, coming so closely after hearing Garth’s rant. However, it was not the tone of voice that shook both the admiral and Nadia, it was the content.
Giliad said, “I agree with Garth. It is only fair that we apportion the ships.”
Surprised, Garth was speechless, expecting more opposition.
Giliad went on. “I propose we take all the ships and apportion them according to the number of worlds that each Kingdom had two years ago – that would be prior to Garth’s “negotiations” started with the other Kingdoms.”
Garth ground his teeth upon hearing this, but did not say anything.
Giliad continued, “Garth had twenty worlds, Kadar had ten worlds, Donald had five worlds and both Lucia and Trolian had three each. If we allocate all the Kingdom worlds combined to have fifteen percent of the combined fleet, then of the 225 ships, thirty-four would be allocated to Kingdom worlds. Since there are forty-one total planets, let’s use forty-one ships to make the math easy, instead of thirty-four ships. Therefore, Garth would get twenty ships, Kadar would get ten ships, Donald would get five ships and both Lucia and Trolian would get three each. This of course means that Garth would have to give five of his existing ships to the fleet to be redistributed.”
Garth finally realized that he had been set up. He hadn’t recognized that Giliad had counted his twenty-five ships in the “combined fleet.”
Immediately Garth back stepped. “Giliad,
I see no reason to disrupt what Nadia and the admiral have already set up. I suppose I could live with it. After all, if there were any hostilities, the rest of the fleet would be there to help.”
Nadia shook her head again at the abrupt change in Garth’s attitude. She had to admire Giliad’s strategic abilities, getting Garth to change his stance – and doing it by seeming to agree with Garth’s position. She also decided she still had a lot to learn, especially from Giliad. However, she knew that Garth had also learned that Giliad’s strategic talents were not to be overlooked in the future.
CHAPTER 25 – BACK TO TORVAL 2
After the jump, everything seemed like it moved in fast forward.
Whereas they could have used the long-range quantum entanglement-based communications to alert Torval 2 of their status, they had chosen to use the three days going outbound from Ramos to solidify their positions and had not communicated with Torval 2 at all.
That changed the instant they jumped.
With the defensive posture of Torval 2 still on high alert from the possibility of attack from Garth’s battle ships, even a single ship appearing three day’s journey from Torval 2 would have raised an immediate alert. When two hundred ships suddenly appeared, all of Torval 2 immediately knew that the fleet had returned. And they all wanted to know about the children.
Vice Admiral Rosa Williams immediately radioed to the fleet. “I’m so glad you have returned. To be honest, we’ve been extremely anxious ever since you took Garth. We were concerned that he would somehow get a message out to his fleet and try to attack Torval 2 while the fleet was gone. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened. But everyone here is dying to know, did you get the children back?”
Sticking to the script that they had painstakingly developed, the Admiral Badstubner responded, “It is with great sadness that we were not able to recover our missing children. It appears there was a conflict that impacted both the Earth and Ramos, the planet that took our children. Earth, and in fact the entire solar system, was annihilated and Ramos was rendered sterile – they cannot have any more children. Ramos launched swarms of automated attack pods that will home in on any space ship and destroy it. Therefore, I have instituted a quarantine of the entire Earth/Ramos sector effective immediately. We have a virtually unlimited number of worlds to colonize here in this sector and in innumerable sectors closer to the galactic center, so there is no need to visit the quarantined sector.”