by K M Dean
With that the little man turned and left. Mac could only gaze in wonder at S'Kalren Thules, protocol advisor to the crown.
Chapter Nine
The Federation Council
Earth Delegate Malia Drayton rose to address the Federation Council. “Premier Sofol Tauxav, fellow delegates to the Federation Council. I have just received a communication from Admiral Morin McCreary in the Delta Ceti system. Admiral McCreary has advised that his Fast Attack Group encountered and defeated a Jian invasion force that was attempting to subjugate the Vikerlon people.”
“You have a complete report on the Vikerlon people, and the Delta Ceti system. You also have a copy of the formal request by the Vikerlon people, asking the Council to grant them membership in the Federation and allow them representation, as members, in this august Assembly.”
“As the official representative from earth, I propose the Federation Council approve the application of the Vikerlon people to join the Federation as full members.”
As Delegate Malia Drayton sat down, the Egolari delegate, Zalra Ozar asked to be allowed to address the Council. Premier Sofol Tauxav granted the Egolari the floor.
Zalra Ozar stood and said, “Fellow delegates. The Egolari join Earth delegate Drayton in her proposal. We second the motion that the Delta Ceti system, and specifically the Vikerlon people be invited to join this Council.”
As she sat back down, Premier Tauxav said, “Delegates, it has been proposed and seconded that the Delta Ceti system be admitted to our Council. How say you?”
The vote was electronic and almost instantaneous. As Premier Tauxav received the notice that all votes were in she said. “Fellow delegates. I am pleased to announce that the Federation Council has voted in favor of adding the delta Ceti system to our council. Thank you.”
“Now we must assign a sponsor race to assist the Vikerlons in their uplift and inclusion into the Federation
The Krayari delegate, Zalra Ozar rose once again, “Premier Tauxav, the Krayari have been in contact with the Delta Ceti system from time to time over the years. We would consider it an honor to assist the Vikerlon people in their Federation integration. We would also ask the Council to appoint the Terrans of the Solar System to assist us in this process. Although Terrans are new to the Council, they could be of invaluable aid in the Vikerlon uplift, and it would be significant in the Terran process of uplift as well.”
Premier Sofol Tauxav said, “It has been proposed that the Krayari, with the assistance of Terrans from the Solar System, be named as the sponsor races aiding the Vikerlon people in the process of uplift to Federation member status. Is there any discussion?”
Premier Tauxav waited a moment and then said, “As there is no discussion I propose the Federation Council appoint the Krayari, with the aid of Terrans, as sponsors of the Vikerlon uplift.” Moments later the positive vote was in.
“The Federation Council has voted in favor of appointing the Krayari and the Humans as the uplift sponsors for the Vikerlon people.”
“Is there more business to be brought before the council?”
Delegate Yoljno Irike rose to address the Council. “Premier Tauxav, the Zariah Retori System has been plagued by brigands of late. They prey on our scheduled space ships between worlds in our system and the private ships of our citizens going about their business. These brigands call themselves Profit Impresarios. They hold crews and passengers for ransom or sell them off to slave traders in the Zeta Puppis system. It is well known that the Norganiri people have made their home planet, W'shikania into the slave trading capitol of the Randar sector. We ask the Council to give us some aid in curtailing these activities.”
Delegate Jillintor Tontissri rose to address the Council. “Fellow Council members, I represent planet Uis V in the Asterion System. We border on the Zariah Retori System. We too are experiencing the same indignities from these so-called Profit Impresarios. We simply don’t have the resources to deal with these brigands. We too ask for the council’s aid in bringing these outlaws to justice.”
Premier Tauxav turned to Admiral Miller. “Admiral Miller, will you please meet with the representatives from the Zariah Retori System and the Asterion System and see what the council can do to give them some relief.”
“Of course, Premier Tauxav, I will be in my office as soon as these proceedings are completed. I will look forward to speaking with the representatives and helping with their problem.”
Privately Admiral Miller thought, as if the Federation Navy isn’t spread thin enough as it is.
Shortly after the Federation Council session ended, Yeoman Ryker Fordham said, “Admiral Miller, Delegates Irike and Tontissri are here to see you.”
“Thank you, Ryker, please show them in.”
Both Delegate Yoljno Irike and Delegate Jillintor Tontissri took a seat in front of Admiral Millers desk.
“Thank You for seeing us Admiral Miller.” Said Delegate Yoljno Irike. “We understand you are very busy and that the Federation Navy is stretched rather thin with the Jian. In fact, our problem may be a result of the Jian war. We suspect that the Jian have some involvement. The so-called Profit Impresarios are to well-armed and they are a species we have never had contact with before. There is little doubt that this is an attempt to divert Federation Navy assets from the impending conflict with the Jian. No matter the reason, we do need help. Our citizens deserve protection and we do not have the capability to find and destroy these brigands ourselves.”
Admiral Miller replied. “I understand your problem, and you are correct, this is an attempt, by the Jian, to force the Federation Navy to overextend itself. That doesn’t change the fact that you need help. Do you have local planetary defense units?”
“The Zariah Retori System has the Retori Home Guard.” Replied Delegate Yoljno Irike. “The Qeetolan people have populated the three planets in our system that support life. The home planet is Remidian II, the other two are Ogglelania VII, Capuli VIII. The Guard patrols within our system, but they don’t have the military capability to deal with these brigands. The so-called Profit Impresarios have battleships and cruisers that are far more powerful than our ships. Our Guard has tried to stand up to them, but they are simply annihilated.”
“We have the same problem Admiral.” Added Delegate Jillintor Tontissri. “We have only the single planet to protect. Our Narrisalari military forces normally settle disputes between merchants. They also monitor the high volume of freighters entering and leaving our system. They are not designed or equipped for conflicts such as this.”
Admiral Miller responded, “Delegates, I realize this is a severe problem for you. I believe I may have a workable option that will benefit both of you. Can you have your military leaders contact me. I need to have an idea of the training levels of your various defense forces.”
Delegate Irike responded first. “Admiral, we have both anticipated that you might want to speak to our military leaders. They have come to Giana Prime in hopes that you could give us some relief. We will have them contact you for an appointment.”
“Thank You delegates. I will be happy to meet with your representatives. I will have Yeoman Fordham set up an appointment right away.”
As the delegates left, Admiral Miller said, “Fordham, call the military representatives for the Asterion System and the Zariah Retori System. Set up an appointment. I want to see them as soon as possible.”
“Of course, Admiral, you have some time tomorrow afternoon. If that is alright, I will call them now.” replied Yeoman Fordham.
“That is perfect Ryker.”
“Admiral, would you like for me to provide some refreshments as well?”
“That would probably be a good idea Ryker, but I have no idea what their preferences are.”
“Admiral, I took the liberty of acquainting myself with their personal preferences. Both General Gwof Haern from the Zariah Retori System and Admiral Bitze Zural of the Asterion System have an affinity for our Terran coffee. It seems that the coffee bean pl
ant is only grown on Earth. Our coffee has become a tremendous favorite throughout the galaxy.”
Admiral Miller replied. “Thank you for having the initiative to do the research Ryker. Let’s have coffee and some of those biscuits you served me last week. Also ask Captain White to join me now please.”
A short time later Captain Isaac White tapped on the Admiral’s door. “You wanted to see me sir?”
“Yes, I did Isaac, come on in and have a seat. We will be joined tomorrow afternoon by the Military leaders from the Zariah Retori and the Asterion Systems. They are having some pirate problems and need some help.”
“Admiral, Yeoman Ryker Fordham sent me a synopsis of the problems they are having. Do you believe the Jian are behind it?”
“Yes, I do Isaac. I believe the Jian are trying to attenuate our forces by compelling us to be everywhere at once. I am thinking about some of the earlier generation fleet ships. Some of the ones we left to protect the Earth during the troubles. The problem is finding crews to man the ships. Right now, those ships are being readied for mothballing, but I recall that the United States government did a lend lease deal with England and Russia during World War Two. I believe we could do a modified version of that. The big problem I can see is finding crews for the ships. Any ideas?”
“As I see it sir, the systems involved need to be a principal part of any action to defend their systems. However, I don’t believe we could possibly simply give them our equipment without having our own people involved. They have neither the training or experience to make that work.”
“Isaac, speak to Admiral Anderson. He will have a better idea of what crews might be available. I want you to join me when I meet with the Zariah Retori and the Asterion Systems military people. I would like to have some answers for them when they arrive.”
“I’m on it Admiral. I will get back to you as soon as possible.”
Isaac went directly to the Federation Navy Comm. Center. “Lieutenant Lupan, I need to speak to Admiral Anderson at Federation Navy headquarters on Apsis Prime.”
“Aye sir. Sir, it’s is about five o’clock in the morning on Apsis Prime sir. Are you sure we should disturb him?”
“I know Admiral Anderson, Lieutenant.” Replied Captain White. “He is an early riser. I am certain he is just sitting down to his first cup of coffee. This is important. Make the call. Transfer it to my office when you get him on the line.”
“Aye sir.” Replied Lieutenant Lupan.
A few minutes later Captain Whites phone rang. As he picked it up, he heard Admiral Anderson say, “Isaac, are you ready to come to Apsis Prime and work for me? I could use someone like you to keep me out of trouble.”
Isaac replied, “no way Sir, keeping up with Admiral Miller is enough for me.”
“All right Isaac, but if you change your mind let me know. Now what can I do for you this morning?”
Captain White explained what the problem was and finished up by saying. “Admiral Miller was thinking about using some of our older ships for this mission. The problem is that we don’t have trained crews.”
“Isaac, what kind of experience do the two systems military organizations have?”
“Basically, they are traffic cops Admiral. They don’t have any battle experience or tactical training. They are willing, but the experience for this kind of action is just not there.”
“Well Isaac, we are turning out crews here faster than we can build new ships. I was thinking of using the older ships as advanced training vessels to get the new crews some hands-on experience. The problem I have is I don’t have any commanders. After the Eldirelian war wound down many of the more senior Captains and Commanders retired.”
“Admiral,” said Captain White. “Would any of our retired officers be interested in returning for this kind of “police action” duty?”
“Some might Isaac. I could make a few calls and see who I can come up with. Let me check on it and call you back.”
“I appreciate it Admiral. Thanks for your help."
The next morning Lieutenant Lupan called. “Captain White, I have a message from Admiral Anderson, I am forwarding it now.”
Captain Whites Neural implant sounded a gentle ping to indicate a waiting message. He opened the message. “Isaac, this is Admiral Anderson. I have had a bit of success with our retired officers. Several have indicated an interest in re-joining the Federation Navy in a peacekeeper assignment. I will follow up in the next couple of days with names and previous assignments, so we can see what kind of personnel we have available."
At thirteen thirty hours that afternoon, Captain White walked in to Admiral Millers office.
Yeoman Fordham said, “Go right in Captain. Admiral Miller is waiting. The representatives of the Asterion and Zariah Retori Systems should be here shortly.”
As Captain White stepped in, Admiral Miller said, “Isaac, have heard from Apsis Prime yet?”
“Yes sir, I spoke to Admiral Anderson yesterday. He said that he has crews available. They are fresh out of training. The problem he has is that he doesn’t have any command level officers to man the ships. However, he did say that he was going to contact some of the retired officers from the Eldirelian conflict and see if there was any interest in some of them to come back in what we are calling the Peacekeeping force. I received a message from him this morning that indicated the response was very positive. He is compiling a list of officers willing to come back and their former experience. It should be ready within a couple of days.”
“That’s good news Isaac. Excellent job. Now let’s see what the representatives have to say.”
A few minutes later, General Gwof Haern, of the Zariah Retori System and Admiral Bitze Zural of the Asterion System stepped in to Admiral Millers office.
Admiral Miller said, “Welcome General Haern and welcome to you as well Admiral Zural. It is a pleasure to meet you both. I am sorry we are meeting under these unfortunate circumstances. Your Delegates have explained your problem and we are open to working with you to find an answer that will help you both. I would be interested in hearing what your ideas for correcting the situation might be.”
General Haern began first. “Admiral Miller, thank you for attempting to help us solve this problem. Although the Zariah Retori System has more planets, the Asterion System has as much traffic as we do. Our problems are pretty much the same. Our military forces are not combat organizations. We deal with the occasional smuggler and conflicts between freighter companies and make certain all space operations are safe. We are armed, but not with a great deal of firepower. The ships we are coming up against now are ships built for combat and we are far outmatched. We have never even seen who is manning those ships. They come in take what they want and there is basically nothing we can do. Admiral Zural and I have conversed several times over the last few days. She has some ideas that I agree with. Bitze, would you go ahead and explain your thinking?”
“Thank you, Gwof.”
“Admiral Miller. It is true our military forces are little more than constabularies. That does not mean we are not willing to fight. We simply don’t have the training or weapons to go in to battle with these brigands. I believe the best answer would be for the federation to provide the equipment and personnel that are capable of meeting this type of threat. The Golle people from Asterion System and the Qeetolan people from the Zariah Retori System would attach our ships and personnel to the Federation and act under their command.”
Admiral Miller replied. “Admiral Zural, I am concerned that the ships the Golle and Qeetolan people have available would be at considerable risk. The weapons systems and shields you have aboard are not capable of protecting your ships from the superior firepower of the invading forces. The Federation ships would have to protect your ships while also defeating the attacking forces. The Federation can and will upgrade your ships, so they can be brought up to the point that they can join in the battle, but unfortunately, we are operating our shipyards at maximum capacity and the retrofits
will take months to accomplish. We need to address the problem now. Admiral Miller continued. “I would suggest that the Federation could make available previous generation ships that are more than capable of meeting and defeating the lawbreakers invading your systems. We could do that in a short amount of time. We are attempting to reactivate former command officers who would be interested in this duty. It appears we are going to have some success.”
“We also have some crews that we can put aboard the ships, but not enough to man all of them that we believe we would need. We would be open to accepting experienced volunteers from your respective systems to help fill the crew rosters for the Federation ships.”
“I believe we could put together a crash course to train your people on the new ships. We would basically be replacing your existing ships with Federation ships under Federation Command. This is a big step for your systems, but it is part of what belonging to the Federation is about.”
Admiral Miller continued. “The Federation for millennia had no need for a navy. Those times are gone. We realize now that there are very real threats in our galaxy and beyond. A strong Navy is an absolute necessity and a Federation Navy outpost in your systems would benefit both your systems and the Federation. This is undoubtedly a decision that your government leaders must make, but with your support we could make that happen. Both your systems have been Federation members for many years. It is time you were able to take advantage of all of the benefits of membership.”
Admiral Bitze Zural replied, “I happen to agree with what you have just laid out Admiral Miller. I am not so confident the Asterion System leadership will agree.”
General Gwof Haern stated, “I have the same concerns regarding the governors of the Zariah Retori System. And although I agree with your idea, Admiral Miller, the question that is on both our minds is, what happens to Admiral Zural and me if this consolidation was to take place?”
“Admiral, General, I understand your concerns. They are valid and deserve an answer. Regarding the political negotiations, that is already taking place at the highest levels. I briefed Premier Tauxav. She and her staff are working with your respective governments to iron out the political questions. Assuming those negotiations bear fruit, You and your staff officers would form the liaison between your governments and the Federation Navy.” “It is not a prerequisite, but the Federation Navy would prefer that both you and your staff officers and enlisted personnel become members in the Federation Navy, at a rank that is equivalent to your current rank.”
