by Saxon Andrew
• • •
Finally, the Parade Coordinator appeared and said, “All that remains is the twelve-ships that were under your command, Sir. However, there will be a thirty-minute delay before your nine-surviving-crews can move out.”
“Why is that?” Tal asked.
“The three-floats of your ships that were destroyed will have a thirty-minute gap in the parade to allow them to be honored properly, Sir.”
Tal jumped up and ran toward the front of the parade. He arrived at the starting point and saw three-floats pulling out together. The first float had the name ‘Blue’ on the front and there were three-bronze statues on it that were the members of the crew that died. Tal’s tears started as he saw Mo’s image smiling and she looked exactly as he remembered her. The Blue was followed by the Atlanta, and then the Stockholm. He went to his knees, lowered his head, and wept for the loss of his sailors and friends. He had his head in his hands when Ka arrived by his side; she helped him to his feet and held him in her arms and said, “Listen.”
Tal looked up and responded, “I don’t hear anything.”
“The crowds at the end of the street are being silent to honor them. Those statues will be placed in front of the World Government Center to make sure they are never forgotten.”
Tal looked into Ka’s eyes, “How do you know that?”
“The coordinator says it’s in the booklet. I looked and he’s right.” Ka turned and said, “It’s time to go.” Tal turned and saw there were only nine-floats left. He nodded and walked with Ka to the float with a huge SHAKA emblazoned on the front of it. He climbed on board and saw Jan and Rachael waiting for them. He took his chair and tried to pull himself together.
Chapter Two
The three floats of the lost crews were proceeded by a Scotsman leading a riderless white horse. Right behind the horse was a bagpipe company playing a melody of Amazing Grace as the drums kept perfect cadence. The moment the giant crowds heard the bagpipes, they immediately fell silent and lowered their heads. Flowers were thrown in the streets ahead of the three-floats as they moved slowly past the huge crowds. Many wept as the moment overwhelmed them. The bagpipes wailed as if they were crying for those that died fighting to defend Earth. The crowds remained silent, long after the floats disappeared.
• • •
Tal sat on his float and the Coordinator walked up and apologized for the delay, “I’m sorry, but the crowds were overcome with emotion and a decision was made to make sure the three-floats had a large enough gap so as not to intrude on their moment.”
“Take as long as you need,” Tal replied. “I could use some time as well.” The coordinator walked away and an hour later announced, “Time to go. The three-floats have arrived at the end of the parade route.”
The floats began moving ahead and a company of bagpipes playing ‘Scotland the Brave’ led them out into the thoroughfare. The bagpipes made the turn at the end of the street and the roar greeting them exploded into the sky and alerted the gathered millions that the heroes were on their way. The nine-floats made the turn and Tal’s float was the last. Tal and Ka were sitting beside each other with Jan seated beside Ka and Rachael beside Tal. The crowd sounded like a voice bomb went off as the ShaKa entered the parade route. Tal saw the screaming crowds and was astonished by their energy. He waved to them and the sound grew louder. As the ShaKa passed, the crowd fell in behind it and soon a rhythmic chant began growing in volume. Tal turned around and heard, “SHAKA, SHAKA, SHAKA…”
Tal turned to Ka, “How do they know about the ShaKa?”
“A movie producer made a documentary on what you and your ships were doing out in the LMC and pretty much everyone on Earth watched it. Couple that with the Chancellor announcing to the world that you made the Aliens sue for peace…well…this is the result.”
Tal looked out at the screaming mass of people and shook his head, “I don’t deserve this, no one does.”
Ka raised her right shoulder, “You’re probably right about that, Tal. But if anyone deserves it, it’s you and your crew. You kept your promise to bring my children back to me safely and I see now that you are no longer just a killer.”
Tal turned back to Ka, “How can you say that? I’m still an assassin and always will be.”
Ka kept her eyes on his face, “Yes, but your tears for the sailors you lost proves to me you’re much more than just an assassin. You’ve become something much more than that in the LMC. Thank you for bringing Jee and Jan back to me.”
Tal walked to the front of the float and gripped one of the poles supporting the miniature Epy on it. He smiled and waved at the crowds. The noise sky rocketed. Ka watched him and saw the changes that had taken place in him. She had to admit that she was not the same either; Earth was now her home, and she felt some peace for the first time since Sha died. She stood up, walked forward, took Tal’s hand, and waved at the crowds with him. Tal’s smile grew larger, just like the volume from the cheering thousands.
• • •
The parade finally ended, and the weary survivors gathered in the Orlando Base’s cafeteria. The giant room was filled with the crews that took part in the parade and the survivors all gathered together in one corner of the room. They were enjoying their meal, when suddenly, everyone lifted their communicators. Ka looked at Tal, “It appears Duncan has ordered a mandatory meeting with every survivor from your squadron at nine in the morning.”
Tal turned to her, “You received the message as well?”
“Yes, I’ve also been ordered to be there.”
“What’s going on, Ka?”
“I honestly don’t know. I would think he covered everything in the meeting this morning and we would have some time off tomorrow.” Tal’s expression turned dour. “What are you thinking, Tal.”
“The only reason he would call another meeting this quickly is something drastic has happened in Andromeda…” Tal’s voice faded off.
“Or?” Ka prodded.
“He’s changing what we agreed on in the meeting this morning.”
“You think he might be having second-thoughts about me being your weapons officer?” Ka asked.
Tal’s eyes narrowed, “No, if it were that, he’d just tell us and not involve the others. Something else is going on.”
“Maybe you should contact him and try to get a heads up,” Ka suggested.
Tal shrugged, raised his communicator, and dialed Duncan. He heard Duncan’s administrative assistant answer and tell him, “Admiral Talent, Fleet Admiral Montana won’t be taking calls until after the meeting in the morning.”
“May I come see him?”
“No, Sir. He’s currently in a meeting with Col. Sato and the senior scientific staff. I don’t expect the meeting to end anytime soon, Sir.”
“Thank you, Jenny.”
“Sorry, Sir.”
Tal turned to Ka, “Something is going on. Duncan is meeting with the scientists and Sato. I think you can throw out everything we discussed this morning!”
“How can you say that, Tal? It’s just a meeting; he has them all the time.”
“Ka, Duncan would take my call, even if he was in a meeting with the Chancellor; he’s done that several times in the past. He doesn’t want to talk with me because he knows I’d not like what he’s planning.”
“Maybe something has happened in Andromeda?”
“If that were the case, we’d be boarding our ships and leaving now!”
“Not if he sent the Alphas, Tal.”
Tal pointed across the cafeteria, “Greg is sitting right over there eating with his crew. If the Alphas were being sent out, he would be going with them. No, Duncan is up to something. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see in the morning.”
“Why do you think it’s going to be something you won’t like?” Ka asked.
“Because if it were something I’d agree on, he would want me in the meeting he’s currently attending. He’s shut us out and it has to be because we’d be screaming
about what he’s up to.”
“Well, I hope you’re wrong. However, I will be your weapon’s officer or there will be hell to pay.”
“Be careful what you ask for, Ka.”
“What do you mean?”
“You want to be on my ship because Jan is there, right?”
“Well, yes.”
“And what if he moves her off my ship? Would you still want to be my weapon’s officer?” Ka stared at Tal in silence and he asked again, “Would you?!”
Ka stared at him for a moment, before replying, “My place in this universe is wherever you are. That’s been proven to me many times since our first meeting with the Guild Master.” Ka stood up and walked away, leaving Tal stunned with his mouth wide open and confused by her comment.
• • •
All twenty-five surviving sailors from the LMC were in Admiral Montana’s conference room at eight o’clock the next morning. They were discussing the possibilities of what was going on and rumors were flying around the room at an incredible pace. Finally, Tal stood up, “Look, let’s wait and see what’s going on. All this supposition is wasted energy and we need to focus on what we know.”
The room grew silent and, five minutes later, Duncan entered the room with Col. Sato and Jenny Abrams. Duncan went to the front of the room and smiled, “At ease. Take a chair.” Everyone sat down and waited for him to continue. “After yesterday’s meeting, Col. Sato and I sat down and examined what we decided during that meeting and, after some cool reflection on what was discussed, we came up with some issues.”
Tal leaned over and whispered in Ka’s ear, “Here it comes.” Ka snorted slightly in agreement.
“The original plan was to send six Sha-Class Warships to scout the Andromeda Galaxy to determine the size and strength of the Brotherhood’s forces there. Under ordinary circumstances, that might seem like a good idea.” Duncan paused and then continued, “However, this is not an ordinary circumstance. For beginners, all of you have been fighting the Aliens in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Six ships might cut it in the LMC…however, the Andromeda Galaxy is the largest galaxy in the Local Group and is considerably larger than our own Milky Way. It’s at least ten-times larger than the LMC and sending just six ships is like trying to explore the moon with six-ants. Further, if two of the six-ships fall under attack, getting support to them from across Andromeda would be impossible. I know we’re planning to not be discovered while we’re scouting the Brotherhood, but I feel it necessary to consider the safety of my crews and must make plans that would take into account that they might fall under attack. Do any of you disagree?”
Duncan was staring straight at Tal as he asked the question and Tal shook his head. Duncan was right. Three two-ship groups would be widely separated and coming to each other’s defense wouldn’t be possible.
No one spoke, and Duncan glanced down at his console before he continued, “With that in mind, we have decided that the only way to scout Andromeda quickly and effectively is to send enough ships to make it happen.” Duncan looked to his right and three sailors brought three chairs in front of the conference room and spaced them out evenly. “Admirals Jeremy Stevens, Janet Stevens, and Rachael Meadows, please come forward and take a chair,” Duncan instructed.
“What’s he doing, Tal?” Ka whispered.
“Reorganizing, Ka. This should be interesting.”
Duncan looked out across the group and announced, “When I call your name, please move to a chair directly in front of Admiral Janet Stevens. Lt. Onda, Captain Higginson, Lt. Hernandez, Lt. Kizer, Lt. Hashura, and Lt. Gagnier.”
Duncan waited until the six officers had moved to sit directly in front of Jan. He then continued, “The next names I call will move directly in front of Admiral Jeremy Stevens. Captain Gibbons, Captain Smythe, Lt. Mamani, Lt. Hunter, Lt. Earoth, and Lt. Delham. Please move in front of Admiral Stevens.”
The officers moved, and Duncan looked at the remaining officers, “Lt. Hashem, Captain Mashuba, Lt. Crandon, Lt. Billings, Lt. Alverez, and Captain Patel, please move in front of Admiral Meadows.”
There were five people still sitting that weren’t called out. Duncan looked at Tal and said, “Admiral Talent, Lt. Anand will be promoted to Captain and will be your ship commander.” Tal kept his attention Duncan and nodded slightly.
Duncan looked at the three-groups and said, “All of you will be given command of a new Sha Class Warship. Each admiral will have five Warships under their command and they will be allowed to choose the pilot under their command who will be their flagship commander. Every Lieutenant is being promoted to Captain and the current Captains will be upgraded to the rank of Senior Captain.”
The room was silent, and the former lieutenants were stunned at the sudden change in responsibility. Rachael turned around and looked at Duncan, “Sir, I mean no disrespect, but you still only have three-groups.”
Duncan smiled, “I expected Tal to point that out Admiral Meadows.”
“I do sort of think like him, Sir. I suspect he doesn’t like this new arrangement.” Racheal glanced at Tal and saw him rolling his eyes as he looked at the ceiling.
Duncan turned to Tal, “What about it, Admiral Talent? Is she right about you not liking this?”
“May I assume that you have a position for Lt. Turner and Lt. Lasalle?”
“Yes, you may. They will also be given command of a Sha warship and will be assigned to defend the fleet’s flagship.”
Tal shrugged, “Just Checking, Sir.”
“That doesn’t answer my question, Tal.”
“No, I don’t like this because I know what’s coming next.”
“What would that be, Admiral?” Duncan asked with a small smirk.
“I will be forbidden from taking part in any combat operations,” Tal replied.
“Admiral Talent, I wouldn’t forbid you anything. However, I would point out that you are responsible for the safety of all the ships in your fleet and if you’re tied up in combat, who will be watching out for the other two-units under your command? Who would direct those units to come to support the others. Who would be watching the enemy’s ship dispositions and keep the fleet informed on what’s happening? Who would…”
“I get the point, Admiral!” Tal interrupted.
“Do you, Tal?”
“You’re assuming I can keep track of my ships across a galaxy as big as Andromeda, Sir.”
Duncan smiled, “I think the answer to that question is going to surprise you.” Duncan looked directly at the other three admirals. “You will be assigned a special class of ship that will provide you the tools you’ll need to keep track of your squadrons. You will be in command of five warships and you will use them to the best effect to scout the Brotherhood’s planets and forces. You will only get involved in combat if the situation absolutely requires it. I expect you to contact Admiral Talent for assistance if you need it and keep your flagships safe and operational. Admiral Meadows was right about there still only being three groups…but they’re more than twice as large as the original two-ship groups, which will allow each group to scout a larger territory and come to each other’s defense if needed.”
Racheal turned around, “But, Sir, I’m very good at combat operations.”
The entire room burst out laughing and even Tal joined in. Duncan smiled and said, “Then I expect you to teach your five-warship commanders how to be as good as you are, Admiral.”
Rachael started to tell Duncan that was impossible but caught herself. That wouldn’t be a good thing to say in front of her Captains. She sighed quietly and replied, “Yes, Sir.”
“Admiral Jan Stevens, I need the name of the Captain who will be commanding your flagship.”
“Captain Onda, Sir.”
“Admiral Meadows.”
“Captain Haslam, Sir.
Admiral Jeremy Stevens.”
“Captain Mamani, Sir.”
Duncan looked up and asked, “You don’t want Captain Mamani commanding one of the other
ships, Admiral? She has the highest weapons ranking among those under your command.”
Jee glanced at Mamani and saw the fear on her face. Jee thought about it and turned to Duncan, “Sir, I have two-captains under my command that commanded an Epy in the LMC. I want them in my group of five that will be doing the active scouting. That leaves three-new captains that have not commanded a ship in combat operations. I want the best of those three commanding my ship; I don’t want to have to worry about fighting my ship. I believe Cap. Mamani can handle my ship effectively and that will allow me to focus on all my ships.”
Duncan raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, “You make an excellent point, Admiral. Captain Mamani it is.” Jee glanced at Mamani and saw her breathing again. She looked at him with a smile. Duncan glanced down at his console and then looked at Tal, “Admiral Talent, I need you to tell me what order you want the new Captains promoted. The time of their promotion will determine seniority and you should keep that in mind in the event you lose one of your Admirals or Senior Captains.”
“Will you please provide me their current rankings?” Tal requested.
Duncan looked at Jenny and she nodded. He turned back to Tal, “Major Abrams will have it for you by this afternoon.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Duncan looked around the room and said, “I will be assigning each of you a new scanning officer and weapons officer, along with two missile operators and a coverage officer.” Duncan paused and looked at Ka, “That is all of you except Admiral Talent; he already has his weapons officer, right?”
Ka glanced at Tal before responding, “Yes, Sir.” Jan and Jee immediately looked at each other. They expected Ka to request going with one of them; something had changed.
“Admiral Talent, your new crews will be here in ten-days and, until they arrive, all of you have liberty to take some time off and visit your families and loved ones. Ten-days from now, you will start your training on your new ships here at the space port in newly designed simulation rooms. Admiral Talent, I will need a name for each of your ships as soon as possible to go into the ship’s registry.”
