ROMA

by R. A. Ender

  Kissing Heather passionately, he didn’t want that kiss to ever end. Heather pushed into him and they stood hugging and kissing on the walkway, in the beautifully cool sunny day. The kiss seemed to last and last.

  It was finally interrupted by a soft honk, which made both of them jump. Looking toward the sound, Richard and Heather saw that her neighbor had arrived home, and their embrace was blocking his access to his parking pad. With a smile and a laugh, they both scurried onto Heather’s yard and out of the way.

  Moving Heather’s hair out of the way again, Richard looked her in the eyes and gave her a brief kiss. “If I can’t fulfill my promise to never leave you, I will make a promise to always be there for you. And, always protect you.”

  Heather gave a half smile which trembled a little with sadness. “Thank you. I love you so much.” And she kissed him one last time, before turning and running back into her house and closing the door.

  Richard was about to turn and walk home, much happier than he had been only five minutes before when he heard the soft horn from the neighbor go again, and again, and again. Confused for a moment, he started to turn around and look at the gravlift, when the horn suddenly got louder and more ear-piercing. It was all around him and deafening. It was not coming from the neighbor’s yard.

  And with a shot, Richard sat straight up in the bed in his cabin. All around him were loud military tuba alerts, warning of a danger to the ship. On instinct, he swung around in bed to look out the windows to his cabin that faced to the front of the ship.

  Looking back at him were at least a dozen menacing looking ships which he had never seen before in his life. Without another moment lost, he grabbed his uniform and was out in the hall heading toward the command deck.

  CHAPTER 18

  General Addisus Abad stood smiling to himself, now alone in the war room. He had just concluded another war conference with his top sub-generals, haranguing them for their inept handling of the most recent exercise. It was a double pleasure for him. First, he enjoyed berating his subordinates in general. They could never argue back and it was enjoyable to bully others. Second, he had been the one to command the fleet that destroyed each and every one of their fleets during the exercise. That was delicious.

  Now, alone in the war room, he could without reservation revel in his joy and happiness. During the conference, it was all about show and playing a character. Alone, he could just enjoy the feeling.

  It was a feeling Abad needed to enjoy after his more insulting and humbling morning spent planet side with the politicians. Ever since the war had begun, Abad had had to spend an increasing amount of time with them. And like he, they were not pleasant to underlings.

  This morning’s meeting had been another review of Watabaeg strategy and performance. That part of the meeting had gone quite well, though a couple of issues had been brought forward hence the afternoon war games and conference. Abad had thoroughly tested the issues raised and unfortunately they had proven to be true.

  But I’m sure they’ll all be fixed by tomorrow morning after that war conference! Abad thought to himself.

  The more troubling part of the morning was receiving his Militia’s long-term strategic orders. Abad was a patriot to the core, but that did not make the decisions the politicians had made any more palatable.

  When the tentative decision to maintain neutrality was announced, Abad and most of his colleagues assumed it was temporary, a moment to breathe and collect intelligence before striking back at the IAE with all the considerable military might they had at their disposal.

  But, this morning, Abad learned that that temporary decision had been formalized in a pact with Minnipuka and Kukatush. Essentially Watabaeg had decided that the Confederacy would have to sink or swim on its own and without even the support of a threatened new front against the IAE that might slow them down.

  Strategically Abad understood the reasoning. He could even appreciate the long-term interests that supported the decision. But as a soldier, seeing a friend at war, he had a strong desire to fight alongside.

  That would not be possible. The politicians made it clear that Watabaeg would move against the IAE only when it was clear the Confederated Union of Worlds would succeed. For Abad, that meant a long war at the sidelines rooting for his friend but not able to act which alone had made his morning the most horrid on record.

  The idea was so repugnant, that he had for the first time in his ten years of leadership actively and forcefully argued with his civilian overlords. He had nearly lost his temper and only a perfectly timed recess and comforting words from a longtime friend in the presidium had brought him back from the brink.

  And despite everything, he had managed to change nothing. Their decision had been made and he was sent back into space with orders. He could not even discuss the decision as it would be announced formally by all the nations involved at a later date when it would not aid the enemy. But, the decision would stand regardless.

  They could have just sent me a messenger! Abad thought to himself and pounded his fist on the conference table. It was the same feeling he had had all morning. He focused all his anger on the insignificant detail and insult of being dragged to a worthless meeting to be told what to do. That way he could avoid raging against the whole institution and decision.

  He had also shared his anger with his sub-generals, expressing and dispelling his feelings so that now he was back to a semblance of control and rational thinking.

  It was rare that Abad got angry but this was one of those things that drove him to rage. Standing by your friend, your brother, was the hallmark of the military culture.

  And politicians can’t understand that as their friends are anyone that helps them prosper at the moment! Abad thought to himself, again, but not for the first time today.

  At least Abad had come away with one victory. He had pressed for permission to help the Confederacy if the opportunity became available on the condition that it is not known that Watabaeg is helping them. Abad’s friend at the Presidium helped secure this one. As other politicians at the meeting were reluctant to agree, his friend spoke up and led the group to agree that that was within Abad’s orders.

  That little victory had at least left Abad some options, though not many. When taken along with the long-term strategic orders, it really amounts to not much at… Abad thought to himself but his thought was cut off by the door chime ringing.

  As his thought trailed off, his aid came waddling in, right after the door chime rang but without Abad inviting him in. That was not unusual, though, the conference room was not his office and the chime had been rung as a mere matter of good manners, not a true request for permission to enter.

  His current aid, whose name he could not recall they changed so often, was an extremely short and fat man. He looked to be young, but his belly pushed his uniform buttons apart at the stomach and his unkempt balding head of hair suggested he was older. Abad had not liked his appearance from the moment he arrived and was about to dismiss him when the war erupted.

  Turning his back to his approaching aid, Abad looked out the three deck high windows of the Watabaeg Militia High Base War Room. The visual was deliberately stunning since the room was also used for conferences when peace reigned. The star base, one of several in Watabaeg inner system, was the only one that did not maintain stationary geosynchronous orbit. The reason was simple enough, a moving target is harder to hit. That meant that outside the windows, Watabaeg slipped out of sight as the station rotated around the planet's equator.

  Despite its large industrial and manufacturing economic base, the planet had been maintained on the surface in pristine condition. Long ago it had been decided that the planet’s surface was reserved for living space and nature reserves. All other industries needed to be located underground in expansive and truly massive complexes.

  Today, Watabaeg sported the largest planetary population in the Confederacy, at nearly 11 Billion citizens. They all lived on the surface in relative co
mfort. The population density was surprisingly low since all the space was available for residence. Even so, much of the population chose to live in major metropolis’ centers, often built above a particular industry.

  The most impressive feature of Watabaeg was the nature preserves, though. Over a dozen large areas were preserved in their original natural condition, spread out throughout Watabaeg’s ecological zones. Each reserve was close to the size of Italia from Old Earth, truly massive green spaces easily visible from space. They were a favored spot for vacations, as some of the fringe areas were developed for outdoors activities and overnight stays.

  As Abad looked out, he saw his favorite reserve, the Ias Thriguvas Reserve, pass below. It was a large island entirely set aside for nature. It was a yearly sailing vacation destination for him and his father years ago. He had very much hoped to continue that tradition with his son, but his career had seen an end to that dream. He was lucky to see his children every few months since he became High General of the Watabaeg Militia ten years ago.

  I hope they appreciate my sacrifice now that we are at war and I’m protecting their families! He thought to himself as his aid finally announced himself with a quiet cough. Turning to look at the short man required effort. At nearly seven feet tall, it was a considerable look down to meet the aids eyes, which were looking up. It was not unusual for Abad to look down at people he was speaking to, though his aid was exceptionally short.

  Oh well, he thought, I wonder what the little midget wants now.

  “Yes!?” Abad asked in a commanding voice, intended to surprise his aid. A little nervous instinctive hop backward satisfied Abad that his tone had had the desired effect.

  “Ah, sir, well...ah...the System Control Command wanted me to inform you that they have confronted a ship exiting Olympus Gate Three, and wanted your permission to board and capture.” The aid said after some initial stuttering.

  Abad furrowed his brow. That was not a usual message. The system patrol fleets had orders which were very clear. They certainly didn’t need to check in with the High General for permission to board a ship.

  “Does the request specify the reason they are asking instead of doing?” Abad half asked his aid as he brushed by him heading toward a station to contact System Control.

  “Ah, well...let me see...” his aid began but Abad had already stopped listening, and had system control on the display with the punch of a button.

  “System Control Command,” the voice on the open communication line said with no emotion.

  “This is High General Abad. I want to speak with the duty officer now!” Abad commanded in a loud voice. No answer was given, but Abad knew that the duty officer was being asked to come online immediately since he created the protocol himself.

  After only a moment, another voice came online. “Duty Officer Gutirrus, yes sir?” came the prompt and crisp reply.

  “Duty Officer, why is a patrol fleet requesting permission to board and capture at Gate three?”

  Without even a pause to check, obviously knowing about the situation, the duty officer responded. “Sir, Etruscan Patrol Fleet Five has intercepted an incoming Defense Force ship designated as a Kordont Emperor Class Battle Cruiser named the Caesar Augustus. As this is a war situation, they do not know whether to engage the vessel or conduct a board and capture. They have specifically stated that the ship is broadcasting a passive message and is at zero station maneuvering. They have yet to communicate, awaiting instructions. Your orders?”

  Abad was impressed by the duty officer. The man was quick, efficient and knew his stuff. He would have to remember the man’s name for the future. Probably would make a good aid if he would lower himself to that position, Abad thought as he shot a derogatory expression toward his slow-witted aid.

  “Excellent work, Duty Officer! Can you relay me by instant transport to the lead ship, please? Inform them I will be coming aboard.”

  Abad could hear some activity over the communication line but it only took a few seconds before he felt quite light headed. The feeling lasted for only a moment, then returned and faded several more times, as Abad seemed to enter a near unconscious state.

  All of a sudden, he was awake and aware and his head felt fine. He looked around and realized that he was now standing in the hold of a ship. He assumed it was the lead ship as he had ordered. Standing in front of him at the instant transport station was a saluting junior officer. With only a quick salute in return, Abad descended the transport pad and walked out into the small hallways of the Etruscan class ship.

  Though instant transport might be rare throughout the Confederacy, the Watabaeg Militia had used it with unfettered success for a few centuries within the inner and outer systems. Though technically they were breaking the Confederate law, without anyone around to enforce it, they could do as they liked. Furthermore, the Watabaeg government chose to look the other way, as the Militia had a considerable amount of influence on government policy and a strong voting bloc of employees and soldiers during election season.

  There was little doubt that instant transport gave an edge. In mere minutes, Abad would be in the command center of the lead ship in the midst of a crisis. Eliminating the fog of war was a key item in every first year Militiaman’s training. Creating a fog of war was a key item in every first year Officer’s training as well.

  The Watabaeg Militia was the galaxies best at creating the fog of war for its enemies and piercing the fog of war for itself. That aspect alone explained why Watabaeg remained so independent while surrounded by so many major powers. They had excelled at chaos. Both creating it and understanding how to use it.

  The Etruscan Class ship was an excellent example. The Watabaeg Militia maintained two fleets. It maintained a public knowledge security force, with a variety of ships and capabilities. It also maintained a private and secret patrol force. The Etruscan Class Destroyer was the current premiere vessel of this secret force. This war was the first time they had employed the Etruscans for anything other than deep space patrols. It would also now be the first time any Defense Force ship would be made aware of their existence.

  The Etruscan Class Destroyer was a compact, powerful, highly maneuverable and absolutely vicious looking ship. It had replaced the Watabaeg Class Destroyer that had gone out of service around fifty years ago and was slowly replaced over the decades that followed. Another example of Watabaeg’s fog of war was its sale of its Watabaeg Class ships to the Defense Force, at a greatly reduced cost, as a brand new class of ships that the government had chosen to abandon. It was presented as a great deal to buy new and modern patrol type ships at big savings while helping out a government that had made a big financial error. The truth was that the Watabaeg Class had been in service for about a century and was being replaced with an ultra-modern Etruscan class. The cost of refurbishment was almost equal to the Defense Force purchase price. The whole concocted story had had its desired effect in masking what the true capabilities of the Watabaeg Militia had been.

  Until today, their intelligence source had said no one in the Confederacy knew the truth. After today, they likely would.

  Stepping into the command center, Abad walked right up to the main station and demanded a status report. The commanding officer of the ship brought the Caesar Augustus up on the main display beside a visual of the current ship deployment.

  Sitting in space in front of the Olympus gate, the Caesar Augustus was not moving, sitting at zero station. It was still fully powered and shielded, though. The ships belonging to the patrol fleet, eight total with two hidden ships “sitting” in hyperspace. The two hidden reserve ships were always a key to Watabaeg patrol fleets. The term “sitting” in hyperspace was somewhat deceiving. Since one always entered hyperspace with a forward velocity, and that velocity was instantly multiplied by nine hundred. It was impossible to remain still. However, it was possible to enter hyperspace at such a low speed that even multiplied by nine hundred times it would take years to travel a significant distance.
And in space, distances were vast. So, whenever a fleet engaged, Watabaeg always had a reserve sitting in hyperspace just in case.

  Seeing that the situation was well controlled, Abad opened a general communication line to the area.

  “Enemy vessel! You have entered Watabaeg Nearspace during a time of planetary emergency. You are to bring your ship to zero station, power down your reactors and prepare to be boarded. Any resistance from this point will be met with deadly force.” And without waiting for a response, Abad turned off the communication line.

  Turning to the ship's commanding officer, Abad asked, “Commander, have your boarding troops been massed in the assault shuttles?”

  “Yes, sir! We are ready to go!” The commanding officer replied, with a bit more enthusiasm than Abad was expecting.

  Already moving toward the command center exit, Abad gave instructions over his shoulder. “Good. Let your men know that I will be joining this ships shuttle. We will be seizing the command deck of the ship. Relay orders to secure the vital centers.”

  Pausing for a moment at the exit door, Abad turned to face the commander. “And Commander, please emphasize to the troops that this is technically a friendly vessel, so they should reserve force for when they are attacked first. No exceptions.” And without waiting to hear that his order was understood, Abad left the command center on his way back to the hold to board the assault shuttle.

  Being of compact design, it took only moments for Abad to enter the launch bay hold located just down the corridor. With a quick salute to the deck officer, Abad entered the rear of the assault shuttle and quickly took a secure seat beside his troops already strapped inside and ready to go.