by K M Dean
The Delegate and the delegates alternate, their staffs and families would all live at Federation headquarters in the Giana Prime. As a practical matter, the alternate delegate would move in to the Delegate position and a new alternate would be elected after the six-year term was up.
The First Delegate elected, Malia Drayton, was from the United States. Her alternate, Jeb Caspersen was from Britain. It was agreed that a delegate who had served his or her term of six years as First Delegate, could stay on as an Honorary Delegate, an advisory position only, if they so desired.
Unfortunately, the Colgorane ambassador Abrajli had disappeared. The rumor was that he was being held as a material witness in the Treason trials of Lucas Hawthorne, Theodor Moore, and Raymond Harrison-Langham. Whether this was true or not, the Colgorane government insisted he had been conspiring with Lucas Hawthorne without their knowledge or permission.
The Colgorane Embassy staff was returned to Colgorane and the Colgorane government stated they would be unable to continue as the uplift facilitators for the Solar System.
Fortunately, the Egolari said it would be no problem for them to continue the program.
In the Gamma Remidian System
“Admiral Anderson,” said Lieutenant Lori Mendoza. “The Colgorane ship that has been hanging out in high orbit has left sir.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant, get Admiral Miller for me. Maybe he knows what’s going on.”
A few minutes later. “Admiral Miller for you sir.” Said Lieutenant Mendoza.
“Leland, that Colgorane ship that has been lurking around Gamma Remidian has suddenly left, any ideas as to why?”
Admiral Miller said, “As a matter of fact I was about to call you. The Krayari Navy caught the Colgorane fleet with their pants down. They intercepted them in the outer edge of the Solar System. They were apparently waiting to be given the word to attack the United States. Once the U. S. was subjugated they would use their battleships to threaten and coerce the rest of the countries on Earth.”
“The plan was to take control of the U.S. and then the entire planet. The Krayari sent them packing. Meanwhile some of our troops who were “deactivated” managed to foil Hawthorne’s attempt to highjack the U S Government.”
“The Krayari Navy has temporarily stationed six battleships in Earth orbit to make certain there are no more attempts on Earth. They said they would “hang out” until the Federation receives a request for protection from Earth. That should be forthcoming in a matter of a week or two. You might want to select some ships to form an Earth defense Fleet, so we will be ready when the Federation gives the OK.”
“I’ll get on it right away. Any Idea what the Krayari are going to do?”
“I have no clue John. Apparently, they withdrew their application to join the Federation just prior to intercepting the Colgorane fleet. That was probably so they wouldn’t have to ask permission to protect Earth. I am sending you a copy of the video that I received. From what I could see, they have some impressive hardware. They had no problem dealing with the Colgorane ships.”
“Thanks Leland. It would be nice to have some of that technology. In my opinion, we are going to need it.”
“You are absolutely right John, but The Federation is leery about exerting any pressure on them until they actually join the Federation.”
“John, is there any chance the Colgorane ship got a look at the Jian ship we brought back from the Psi Unica System?”
“Unlikely Leland, they stayed a long way out and she is in a gantry that gives good protection.”
“By the way, I asked Anne Hiller for an update on that ship Leland, and she said I would need to talk to you about that. Is there something I need to know?”
Leland replied, “yes John, there is. I will be going to the Psi Liana System soon. When I go I will be stopping by with some updates and bringing you up to speed on several topics. There are some big changes coming and you are in the forefront. Earths temporary Ambassador at the Federation Council on Sirona in the Psi Liana System has been under the weather and is ready to come home. The new Delegate, the Alternate Delegate, their families and staff are going to need a way to get out there. I am going to give them a ride. We will stop at Apsis Prime enroute. I also believe things are going to heat up soon and we will be going back to work.”
“That’s my take on it as well Leland. I’ll alert the Marines. The SOL/FED Navy and the Marines have both been doing some intense training, so we should be ready.”
At the Federation Council on Sirona in the Psi Liana System
Sofol Tauxav rose to address the Federation Council. “Fellow delegates, you have all been briefed on the circumstances of the last few days. The Terrans have settled their political issues and the Colgorane have asked to be relieved of their uplift assistance to the Solar System.
The Egolari have generously agreed to continue the uplift process.
The Solar system has developed what they are calling a Planetary Council of Nations to represent the Solar System in the Federation council. Their representatives will be arriving to take their place in the Council in the next few days. In the meantime, the Terrans have asked for protection from, what they are calling, “Rogue Colgorane factions”.
“With the council’s permission, I shall ask the SOL/FED Navy to provide ships for that purpose. I request a vote now please.”
The vote to provide protection was approved by a comfortable margin. The Jian, Colgorane and their other allied systems voted no.
Sofol Tauxav said, “with that situation resolved, I am pleased to announce the Krayari have reinstated their request to join the Federation. The Krayari are an established space faring people and have centuries of exploration of our Galaxy. For that reason, I propose that the Krayari be welcomed to the council under the fifteenth amendment to the Federation of Space Faring systems Charter.[5] The last System to be admitted to the Federation under the fifteenth amendment was the Jian empire. Is there any discussion?”
The Colgorane Delegate Oleffon rose and said, “Premier Tauxav, I believe Tushiriak delegate Edulh was preparing a study about this very thing. I feel strongly that we should take the time to see what Edulh has to say.”
Sofol Tauxav replied, “You are absolutely correct Delegate Oleffon. Delegate Edulh has been ill and although he completed his report, he is unable to present it at this time. Rather, he left his report in my hands. I will be happy to read it for you if you like.”
Oleffon said, “Madam. Premier, reading a lengthy report to the council would, in my opinion, be a waste of our precious time. Perhaps you could transmit the report to the council for us to peruse at our leisure and we could vote on this proposal later?”
Sofol Tauxav said, “The report will be transmitted to the council, but it is short and simple. And I quote.”
“After meeting with the Krayari representatives I see no reason why the Krayari race should not be a very positive addition to our council. I recommend that the proposal to include the Krayari as full members be approved.”
“End quote.”
The Colgorane Delegate Oleffon was speechless. The Tushiriak government was solidly in the Jian camp. How could Edulh make such a finding. The Tushiriak diplomat knew what he was supposed to say. He was supposed to delay this vote for as long as possible. Edulh’s life was forfeit at this moment. There is no way he could explain or justify his actions.
What Oleffon did not know was that immediately after giving Sofol Tauxav his proposal Edulh had asked Premier Tauxav for sanctuary. He had fallen into disfavor with his government for voicing opposition to the alliance with the Jian Empire. When his government recalled him, he knew he was going to “have an accident” and be replaced on the council. His only option was to ask for asylum[6].
Sofol Spoke to the Council, “Delegates, I feel it is important to vote on the inclusion of the Krayari to the Federation council. I propose the Council vote on my proposal at this time.”
The proposal passed in a tight vote,
but the Krayari were in. That was not favorably received by all members.
The Jian Delegate knew that he had but one option. His government had already told him that if the Krayari were allowed to join the Federation council, the Jian Empire would resign from the Council and leave the Federation. He had instructions on exactly what to do.
After the vote, the Jian Delegate stood to address the council.
“Premier Tauxav, august delegates of this Federation Council. For some time, The Jian Empire has tolerated the actions of this body politic. We have endured the machinations of Premier Tauxav. Thinking, hoping perhaps, that this council would find some measure of sanity. Alas, that was not to be the case. The introduction of the Krayari in to the Federation makes a mockery of everything this council should stand for. The Jian Empire has no choice but to resign from this council and from the Federation.”
He continued. “As of this date, all treaties, agreements and accords with Federation Systems are null and void.”
“Any Federation personnel, or any person belonging to a species who are members of the Federation who remain in the Alpha Seuden System after six Jian cycles[7] will be considered a spy and dealt with accordingly. Any ships entering the Jian Empire without prior permission will be fired upon. Consider this your only warning.”
With that the Jian Delegate stood, and followed by his attendants, and all the systems included in the Jian Empire, swept from the Federation Council hall.
Silence reigned. Finally, Sofol Tauxav stood and said. “There were many of us who knew that this day must come. I would prefer it had never happened, but that was beyond our control.”
“The Jian are diametrically opposed to the vision of the Federation. The Federation goals and commitments to individual system rights is the same as it has been for centuries. The Jian insistence on complete control is contrary to everything for which the Federation stands. Unfortunately, this divergence of concepts could no longer endure.”
“Just as unfortunately it has left us with an enemy. The Jian Empire has made a declaration that simply is not tolerable. Rest assured, there will be no quarter from the Jian Empire. The Jian Empire will not rest until the Federation of Space Faring Systems is no more. They thirst for control of the Galaxy.”
“Jian control of the Galaxy is not something we can allow to happen. We must defeat this threat to assure peace and prosperity in our Galaxy.”
“I propose that this Council declare that a state of war does now exist between the Federation of Space Faring Systems and the Jian Empire. I further propose that a war board led by Admiral Leland Miller of the SOL/FED Navy, be formed to facilitate the operations of the Federation of Space Faring Systems Navy and Marines. These organizations shall be financed and supported by the Federation, and will be known as the Federation Navy/Marine Corps. I request a vote on this proposal now.”
The newly minted Krayari Representative rose to speak. “We second the proposal and pledge all our resources to the Federation.”
The proposal was passed without opposition.
Chapter Five
War in the Galaxy
Lieutenant Lori Mendoza said, “Admiral Anderson, a message from Admiral Miller. He said to expect him at fourteen hundred hours tomorrow. He will need a couple of hours and then He would like for you to have dinner with him and the new Earth Delegate Malia Drayton, and her alternate, Jeb Caspersen.”
“Thank You Lieutenant, clear my schedule for tomorrow afternoon and evening.”
At fourteen hundred hours the next day, Admiral Anderson met Admiral Miller in the transporter room aboard the Excelsior.
“Welcome aboard Admiral.”
“Thanks John let’s get right to it. And would you ask Lieutenant Jenson to bring us some of his outstanding coffee?”
“Leland, its Commander Jenson now and he has been replaced by Lieutenant Mendoza. But, I will ask the Lieutenant. I promise, her coffee is every bit as good as Jenson’s was.
Admiral Miller and Admiral Anderson settled in. Admiral Miller said. “The Jian Empire has renounced their membership in the Federation. Further they declared that any ships or personnel remaining in their sphere of influence will be considered spies and will be dealt with accordingly.”
“They didn’t say it, but they have declared war on the Federation and all its members.”
“The Federation has formed a War Council. They have named me to lead it. I will be stationed at Federation headquarters on Sirona in the Psi Liana System. You are going to have to take over the Federation Navy/Marines. I am on my way to the Psi Liana System when we are finished here.”
Admiral Anderson sat there and began to wrap his mind around what was happening. He shook his head. “Leland, we are not prepared to fight a war with the Jian right now, let alone win it.”
Admiral Miller replied, “If we have to fight an all-out war right now, you are correct. We cannot win. We must delay. And we will have to build as we delay. Helping you build will be my responsibility. I will see to it you have everything the Federation can bring to the table.”
“John, you have an even more difficult job. You must put our people in harm’s way. Send them out there to hit and run. Harass the Jian and their allies. Destroy and retreat. This will be guerilla warfare on a galactic scale. We need time John. I don’t believe the Jian were ready for this either. It was a rash decision on their part. But they are a whole lot closer to being ready than we are. Now that the issue has been forced we have no choice.”
“Admiral Anderson, I am authorizing you to form a Joint Command Staff. That Joint Command Staff will aid you in the administration of the SOL/FED Navy and Marine Corps. And by the way, it is no longer the SOL/FED Navy, but the Federation of Space Faring Systems Navy/Marine corps.”
“Actually, the Federation Council shortened it up to the Federation Navy and Marine Corps.”
“You will be the Supreme Commander. Everyone will answer to you and you will answer to the War Council, which I chair. I regret I had not put this Joint Command Staff into action already. It would simplify your job a great deal if I had. “
“John, we moved a lot of people to Gamma Remidian from Titan. Some of them are on Apsis Prime. Most of them are sitting on their hands right now. I have put together a list of a few individuals I think could help you.”
“I have also put together a basic outline of how you might set up the Joint Command Staff. It is up to you to firm this up and bring the people on board.”
“There are some other items we need to go over John. I know you wondered why there was so little information coming from the Jian ship we recovered from Grenushania. That was because the Egolari were paranoid about the Jian finding out we had her. They insisted we keep it to a minimum of people getting the intel. Besides you had enough on your plate just getting everything back up to the previous level.”
“We have garnered a great deal of information from that ship. That information has been refined and with the addition of some of the Krayari technology, has been included in a new ship building program we already had going on at Titan. We moved virtually all our research to Apsis Prime. But we kept the new ship building program at Titan. With all the projects that were transferred to Apsis Prime here in Gamma Remidian, Titan was left with a lot of people to do just one job. Get the new ships off the line and into space.”
“Those people, and an amazing array of AI controlled building robots have made some incredible strides. Three of the new ships will be arriving here at Gamma Meridian Station in a few days. They still need to be fitted out. Commander Hiller will brief you before they arrive.”
“Getting back to organization. I have prepared an order to the Federation Navy and Marine Corps that explains the new chain of command. We should release it now.”
That evening Admiral Anderson and Admiral Miller were joined by the newly elected Delegate Malia Drayton, and her alternate, Jeb Caspersen. They had a pleasant dinner aboard the Excelsior. Delegate Drayton, and her alternate, Jeb
Caspersen were still getting up to speed. They seemed to be in awe at what they were doing and where they were going. They were, however, both responsible and intelligent people. Admiral Anderson did not envy them their task, but he was impressed with their drive and desire. He felt certain they would do a good job for Earth and the Federation.
The next morning Admiral Miller was preparing to leave for the Psi Liana System
“John, I realize you will feel the need to get out and take the war to our enemies. But your job now is to lead from the rear.”
“You are going to have to send your people out to do the jobs you wish you were doing yourself. We can’t risk you in battle. You must build the machine we will use to defeat the Jian juggernaut. Your value now is making sure your people have the battle plans and tools to do their jobs. Resist the urge to micro-manage. You have some good people, use them.”
“Leland, I will take this on because it’s a job that must be done, but I want you to know. As soon as the organization is running smoothly I expect to be allowed to go back into space.”
“That is a promise John. I never expected you to stay behind a desk for long.”
Shortly after their conversation the three ships comprising Admiral Millers command ship and her escorts left for Psi Liana System. Earth was about to take up her duties in the Federation.
Admiral Anderson was apprehensive about what might happen. The Federation was unquestionably not ready, but they would get there. Terrans had met and conquered many obstructions to the future. As a race, Terrans had managed to persevere. Humanity would lead. Earth would carry the torch that would inspire all members of the Federation to not just fight but to win. Captain John expected nothing less.
Admiral Anderson pinged Anne Hillers TUI. When she answered he said, “Captain Hiller, I need a rundown on what we are doing in the shipyard. Status of the ships and any new developments we have going on. When can you have that ready for me?”
