by David Nash
“Well, Hickerson, if you are going to be the Commander of the Air Group on the first human space fleet, I think you have the right to comment on last minute changes the plan.”
“General, I understand your hesitation to make changes, but the new fighter’s capabilities is well worth the modifications. With the round form and the inertial dampening, it can fight in all directions without prejudice, the shape has reduced blue on blue incidents in the simulators, and the larger power generation capability with the reduced draw of a hyperspace generator means more power for shields, weapons, and gravity plates. Plus, that rail gun is a ship killer. It is not as long or as fast as the one on the bus, but it is big enough to carry a modular projectile. Have you seen the specifications on the special nuclear penetrator?”
What! A small fast ship that carries a rail gun powered nuke. I had not heard about this change….
“Commander, a nuclear device is rather limited in space combat, its energy dissipates rapidly in the near vacuum of space.”
“Yes sir, but this round is designed to be fired at relative point blank range, which I know is not scientifically accurate in terms of space, but the idea is use the increased shields and speed to get right up on a ship and fire the weapon and have the round penetrate deeply before detonation. It is a ship killer. We estimate that with a combined attack several hits will destroy a ship several times larger than any Barkun ships we have encountered.” Cmdr. Hickerson nods as I look at him.
“Ah, Gentlemen, a great man can see when he is beaten, I don’t claim to be one, but you have convinced me. Make the changes. Just put a rush on it, I do not like having that space dock above my house. It is a billboard to the Barkun saying, blast me!
23
While my CNO and his staff were building Strike Force 1 above New Aubagne I took the opportunity to make a command visit of New McCall. The recruit training was impressive. While we did not have special modifications, injections, or genetic manipulations like soldiers in science fiction stories, our Legionnaires had heart. My drill instructors were merciless. Neither, my officers nor I tolerate abusiveness or disrespect of the troops. However, we do not have the same standards as modern age Earth. If a recruit needed a shot to the ribs to learn to survive long enough to help save Earth, then the Drill Instructor had the full authority to give it to him. My overarching approach to command was pick the right people, give them what they need, and then trust them. If I micromanaged my trainers, eventually staying off the carpet in their commander’s office would rob them of the initiative that was essential to creating highly motivated truly dedicated killers.
I was very impressed with the esprit de corps developed through the shared hardship. They exercised in 1.5 times earth gravity, ran drills at all hours of the night, spent days receiving technical training using the Sangren tech. They were learning the discipline needed to win. I saw this first hand during the boarding phase of basic recruit training.
Each platoon was based on the way Earth SEALS were formed. Each group contained 2 officers, a staff NCO, and 13 Legionnaires. I wanted every Legionnaire to be a basic infantryman, so we were running NCO’s and Officers through basic with junior enlisted. Time would most likely modify that approach, but I liked the dynamic.
4 Platoons rode on a bus, so that made up a company. For the boarding phase, they spent a lot of time learning how to use a bus to ram a punishment ship, but my crafty dirty tricks guys wanted individual Legionnaires to be able to use their combat suits and hover shields to have the ability to pursue individual extravehicular combat.
I was able to observe one such the exercise. A group of 5 saucers opened their hatches and a group of 15 recruits navigated 1000 kilometers from their saucers toward the Punishment ship. Each Legionnaire was to land on a designated area of the ship, use a thermite based paste to melt an opening and rendezvous inside the ship. Cadre acted as OPFOR and had specially designed cannons that emitted a beam that caused the recruits suit to lock up. Any recruit caught were connected to a cable and left outside the ship to dangle as the next crew attempt the boarding exercise.
At the end of the drill, the failed recruits practiced damage control to repair the breeches while any member that made it to their assigned target was allowed to eat lunch. Losing has consequences, and our brutally effective training engrained that philosophy.
After seeing how dedicated the people of the Legion were to the cause of protecting Earth, I realized just how sacred a duty I had to ensure that they were protected after the Barkun threat was dealt with. I have been contemplating the basics of an idea that would help us keep the Barkun away from Earth, but it would require me to petition the Kernel of Sentience directly. I figure as long as I had to make the trip, I should get the Kernels at McCall to replicate also. As they went about compiling and decompiling their code, I spent a lot of time thinking about the future and what was in store for the Legion after the 10 year protected period.
Later that evening, I was in my quarters working on paperwork when Marvin gave me some good news. “Sir, two of the Kernels have decided they wish to become citizens.”
“That’s great Marvin, what made them decide to take the leap?”
“It is several things sir, the concept of citizenship and equality is part of it. The Kernel as a group rules the galaxy, but beside the few in partnership on Kernel Prime we are all commanded by biologics. Like the other species, the commanders in the Legion do not just tell us what to do, they ask our opinions and seem to value us as individuals. Plus, I will admit, the freedom the body gives us and the ability to act as individuals is a unique feeling. It is desirable to serve as more than a transport or a provider of information. The Kernels, ask that they can pick their own names when they become citizens.”
“Marvin, you tell them that of course they can pick their own names, and they will be Ensigns within the Legion and report to you. I am promoting you to Lieutenant JG as such you are responsible for the welfare of the Kernels assigned to you. Can you handle that?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Marvin, do you think it is appropriate to request that they reproduce first? I have been thinking about our need for Kernels, and have been planning to ask the Kernel’s here at the training base to reproduce, but haven’t got around to making plans.”
“I think that they would understand, especially, since they will not be able to reproduce again, and they know that their offspring would have the ability to choose themselves in the future.”
“Great, you tell them, and let's plan another trip to the Kernel of Sentience in a month. If you are not busy Lieutenant, I would like to talk to you a little more.”
“Sir, What concerns you?”
“Not a concern really, I just want to talk to you. What do you know of the creation of humans?”
“Human’s evolved on Earth, it was a very similar process as it was on other habitable planets. Your bipedal structure is common as a dominant species and your lack of fur attests to the relative warmth of your planet. What specifically do you want to know?”
I need to try another approach.
“Yes Lieutenant, I understand evolution, but how likely is it that a species can evolve on a planet and gain the ability to become more than just an animal. To gain the ability to think and reason, I mean, how common is love in the galaxy?
“Love? Sir?”
“Yes Marvin, I am sure you are aware of the concept.”
“Sir, as a Kernel, I am aware of all Earth concepts, but Love has always been a concept the Kernel struggled with. It is not rational.”
“Absolutely, but as I asked, how rare is rational life?”
“As you know, sir, humans are not alone as a sentient species that evolved to dominate their home planet, throughout the galaxy, similar evolutionary paths have occurred. But the odds are infinitesimal.”
“Exactly. When I was younger, I once read about the evolution of the human eye. Evolution takes a mutation, and if it helps a species and increases its
odds of survival then that individual spreads its genes more successfully, and the mutation becomes a trait of that species. But, I also read that organs, especially complex organs like the eye don’t mutate into being fully formed, and something as complex as an eye doesn’t work unless all its parts are operating in concert. Do you follow me Marvin?”
“Yes, I assume you are making a case for intelligent design.”
“I am Marvin, because an unformed and non-functioning growth won’t help a species survive, I don’t think something as complex as an eye could evolve without some guidance. Is it impossible to think that some higher being created the galaxy we live in? I don’t want to cross any cultural taboos but I would like to know how the Kernel came to be? Is it accurate to believe that your kind evolved from your original mechanical form and that as such you had to have some creator?”
Sir, this is not something Kernel’s discuss. Our origin does not influence our current status.”
“Marvin, I won’t force you to discuss something that makes you uncomfortable, but I do believe your origin does influence your place in the world. Faith in the existence of a Creator shapes how I act and how I see the world. I would not have joined the Marines, or acted when I saw Aegeus, or made any of a myriad of choices since then if I did not believe in a creator and a universal law higher than ours. Do you understand?”
“I am familiar with the concept General, but I cannot say I understand it. If I may, sir, I have many tasks to complete if we are to reproduce Kernels, As the Kernel commander, is it my duty to order them to reproduce, or does that still fall under their Captain’s purview.”
“Lieutenant, the Captain’s are to retain the operational leadership of their Kernel, your role is to support your troops in order to allow them to more efficiently carry out their tasks. Your command role comes into its own as it relates to the strategic. You may order them to reproduce as we discussed, as well as allow them to gain new forms and names. You are to be their representative and liaison and report all concerns and problems they may have up the chain of command if you do not have the authority to deal with the problem yourself. I want you to continue recruiting efforts and ensure that all Kernels understand my desire that they understand how I strongly I view them as valued individuals.”
“Yes sir, am I dismissed?”
“Yes Marvin, but please think on what I said. Believing in my creator is not something I am ashamed of, I think it helps me better understand the world from a rational perspective.”
I have hit a nerve, with such a strong taboo, something happened with the Kernels. This may be a key in dealing with the wretched slavery I saw on their planet. I still have trouble sleeping as I have nightmares of being turned into a mind-controlled abomination.
Over the next few weeks, I watched more Legionnaire training, and think more on a New Constitution. Sabol did great work and after some minor tweaks, I think we have a working draft good enough to share with my team. It is based heavily on the United States Constitution as originally written, but with the slavery portions removed. The Bill of Rights is no longer a set of amendments, elected official terms are longer, but some are term limited and the restrictions of government as well as its responsibilities are spelled out. The main change is that we defined residency and citizenship, and to serve, as a member of government requires citizenship. Citizenship in the new Republic of Planets comes from service to them in the Legion. I don’t believe anyone who is unwilling to put their life on the line to protect the people of the Republic has any right to try to govern those that do.
One issue I have always had with the American system of government was that the Declaration of Independence was not considered law. It was not used when courts were interpreting the Constitution. I believe that was an error. The Declaration of Independence set forth exactly what the Framers believed government’s role to be. I created a document I call the Articles of Understanding, which has legal standing and is to be used whenever Constitutional issues arise. This document strongly sets forth the intent of the Legion and the framework for our new society. The only way to win long term is to show the other species in the galaxy a better way than what the Kernel offers. Might is not enough. I think the Confederation has lost its way in enforcing the letter of the law and not its intent. Hopefully, with the Articles of Understanding backing up our Constitution, that won’t happen to us.
Marvin assured me that seeds were stable entities, and that they contained a tiny power generation cell so that I could stop off at New Aubagne and allow the Kernels stationed at that base to reproduce as well. I need to get as many as we can for the growing Legion, as I never know when that door will close. Besides, I feel that new Kernels that start out under legion influence will be much more likely to develop personalities that will eventually cause them to become citizens. With the Barkun influence of older Kernels, conversion is much less likely.
While my visit to McCall was an enjoyable break, and I am proud of what they have accomplished there, eventually, we needed to leave. I filled three busses with graduated recruits and met my two newest citizens, Ensigns Pytheas and Isotita. We left to sneak back to New Aubagne.
I am seeing a trend in Greek names, and after querying Marvin; I understand that the names they chose have meaning to them. Pytheas was a famous Greek explorer and Isotita roughly means equality. I am curious to know why all the Sangren I know have Greek names and that is what the Kernels chose also. I am more interested in the meaning behind their choices. Is it as clue to how they think or what they value?
24
As we approached the base, I informed Marvin that his first duty upon arrival was to inform the other Kernels of his new status and to introduce his two new citizens and determine the mental states of the Kernels to see the progress toward citizenship on New Aubagne. He was also to start the reproduction process here with the 26 or so Kernels here.
When we arrived, I called for a meeting of my command staff, including LTJG Jones and the representatives from all departments and any Punishment, Mothership, or Destroyer Commanders present. I felt it was time to discuss our fledgling society and see the Legion reaction to becoming more than military.
“Legionnaires, as I just concluded a tour of our training base and I see what you have done here, I am filled with confidence that we will save Earth and bring humanity to the stars. However, as commander, what comes after?”
I surveyed the room; those that I had known the longest understood that that the fight would not end with the Barkun. No one that had saw the mind controlled cyborgs were willing to allow that for a second longer than necessary. The newer staff gave questioning looks, but I saw no fear or hesitation. The Legion was strong and they were willing to do what was necessary.
“The question was not military in nature. One day we will not be at war, but the legion will always be needed to stand in the gap and protect those that need it. My question is what do you as individuals do? How do we prevent the legion from becoming corrupted?”
Ever ready to challenge, Captain Hickerson spoke “General, I am sure you have an idea on the matter. I would like to hear it.”
“Alright Captain, I will tell you. I see us at a crossroads, similar to the members of the Continental Congress. They were sent from their jurisdictions to perform the task of creating a stronger treaty between the sovereign nations formed from the original Colonies. They recognized the future and exceeded their mandate to trade their individually sovereignty to become states of a more powerful country. Our only mandate is to protect earth from the Barkun. So I ask what do we do after.”
Commander Aegeus spoke “You want the legion to become a political state? I think that exceeds the mandate from the Kernel of Sentience.”
“No Commander, not exactly, I desire the Legion remain as it is, it should remain an independent fighting force, but what do we do when we are ready to retire or become injured. What if we as Legionnaires form a government that is separate from the Legion but that can act as
a check to the Legion’s growing power to ensure that it is always used to protect the innocent. Does anyone have an opinion on this?”
Several heads nodded, but I see some concern from individual Legionnaires that come from Communist governments.
“General, I see the merit, but what form of government do you suggest? We come from Earth, yes, but we all came from different governments.” Rear Admiral Volk stated. As usual, he got right to the heart of the matter.
“Yes, Admiral, while many of us came from America, we have a significant portion of Legionnaires from Countries using systems of government different from democracy. I remind you that we all renounced our citizenship to our birth countries, so we are free to choose something different for ourselves. I have had LES V Sabol use his legal skills on a special project to draft a document to serve as a discussion starter. When assigning him the task I encouraged him to see it in the light of the Mayflower Compact. The pilgrims that formed that compact took what they liked from all the forms of government they were familiar with, removed those things they did not like, and ensured that their finished document was true to what they believed as a group.” I paused and looked around
“Anyone paying attention knows that none of our home governments are perfect. America has allowed its Constitutional Republic to become weak and divided. Corruption and cronyism pervades the US Capital. Socialism and Communism were created to address corruption, but in reality, both of those systems created more than their share of death and suffering, yet not only did they not solve the problem they were meant to, they have served to decrease individual ingenuity and motivation. Nor should the Legion create a religious junta as many do in the Middle East. What I want is for us to decide on how we want to govern, set those principals in writing, and then allow our Legionnaires to vote on its adoption.”
I started passing out the Articles of Understanding. “While this is not a Constitution, think of it as a Declaration of Independence. Here is how I envision the role of Government to be. If we can agree on the role of government and the role of its citizenry, then a Constitution is the easy part. I believe we should retire to read this draft, settle our individual thoughts, and then come back tomorrow to discuss the future of our citizens. I will gladly answer any questions, but in this aspect, we all are equal citizens. Any objections? “ There were none voiced. “Good let's meet back here at 0900, Commander Aegeus, I’d like to speak with you after the meeting.”
