ROMA

by R. A. Ender

  Richard was about to continue when a scoff came from the other side of the table.

  The source of the comment by means of sound was from the Kukatush delegation. “With due respect Admiral, a simulation is just that, a simulation. An IAE Dreadnaught cannot be destroyed that quickly, period!” Stated Chief Florrus Flavia.

  As Richard went to answer, Abad jumped in. “Don’t be so confident Flo. We’ve simulated several assault methods which took down Dreadnaughts in similar time frames. It’s possible.”

  Abad had a big satisfied smile as he shared that information. Richard gave a grateful nod toward him, before moving on.

  “In any case,” Richard continued, “We know that the defense has been sufficient to deny IAE orbital access, and therefore they have not been able to bombard the planet. The siege has been confirmed, but the number of ships now participating is less than two hundred.”

  “With this knowledge, we are going to launch Operation Sammanus. The plan is to insert a Nemesis Class Bomber into New Earth nearspace. With its sensor cloak projector, we should be able to get close enough to the planet to allow us to run the blockading ships and get planet side. With my access, we will not be intercepted and destroyed by N.E.D.A. forces. I expect that we will be able to inform the planet of our fleet’s imminent arrival. Fleet Admiral Longus will command the entire Defense Force Fleet to engage and destroy the IAE garrison, while also pushing them into New Earth orbit.”

  “Knowing that our fleet will arrive, New Earth will be able to deploy their weaponry to destroy or damage any IAE ship close enough to be hit with extreme range weapons. Even if they can’t participate, our fleet should be more than sufficient to handle the estimated IAE force.”

  “With this success, which we will broadcast as loudly as possible, we will announce that the Confederated Union of Worlds Senate and Commanding Admirals Council is meeting in the Capital of the Cradle of our Civilization, Roma. It will likely be a lie, as we have not located the CAC fleet but it will be hard to deny. The symbol should be a strong and effective means of rallying support and strengthening resolve.”

  “And that strength will be needed as we embark on our strategy modeled after Fabius Cunctator. Fabius marched the Roman Legions all around the Italian peninsula chasing, harassing and avoiding Hannibal’s invasion army. As it was not supplied from its homeland, this war of attrition eventually weakened his forces and allowed a final confrontation of Rome’s choosing, which led to their eventual victory.”

  “The Roman populace was deeply unsatisfied with this strategy, but it proved successful. I want the victory at New Earth to give us enough support that our strategy will have time to succeed.”

  “After New Earth is freed, we will have our fleet visit every world in the Old Colony Region. We will engage the IAE only where it is to our advantage and will jump out at the first sign of serious resistance. Our eventual destination will be the Lochalsh Outer Systems where we intend to cause damage and disrupt the IAE supply lines. We expect these supply fleets to be lightly defended. At the same time, we hope to have sufficient fleet strength to continue to harass the IAE where ever their garrison forces are weakest.”

  “We expect the IAE to adopt a strategy of attempting to confront us. We will then draw them into a conflict when they are weaker than us, or at a place of our choosing. A final decisive battle may be necessary.”

  “The other angle we are pursuing and I am doing so in cooperation with some contacts I have in the F’lwoka government is to sow discord within the IAE. I will not go into any detail, however, if the invasion begins to sour and failure seems at hand, I am confident we will have a faction within the IAE government that will begin to support abandoning the war. I already know from a reliable source that the current Emperor does not have reserve forces at home for his own defense. He believes he is completely safe with his invasion such a success. He will not be protected if he begins to fail.”

  “That is our strategy. It is flexible, loose and built on a solid historical foundation. I believe it is our best hope. I would now welcome any comments or suggestions you may have. I also hope you will contribute intelligence, hopefully ongoing intelligence that will help us prosecute this war successfully.”

  And with that, Richard sat down. And for the next three hours the group had an animated, frustrating and at times enlightening debate of strategy.

  CHAPTER 23

  Abad closed the door after his last guest had left the conference room. Turning around, he walked toward Richard. The Confederate Admiral was standing by one of the large windows looking out into space. It was the first time Abad remembered seeing anyone look that way, ignoring the incredible view of Watabaeg turning below.

  On his way past the conference table, Abad picked up a couple of single serve water bottles. As he was walking over, he began to drink from his. It had been a long meeting with an unusual amount of conversation. Usually, meetings in this room were more speeches than discussions, Abad thought to himself.

  As he approached Richard, the Admiral turned around. Outstretching his arm, Abad offered the water which Richard took with only an acknowledging nod of his head before turning back toward space.

  “Is it true that you’ve simulated taking down an IAE Dreadnaught?” Richard asked out of nowhere.

  Abad did not answer at first, trying to recall why Richard would ask that question. Not remembering specifically, he wrote it off as something that came up in the meeting.

  “Yes, we have,” Abad answered. “In fact, it is a standard tactical method we’ve been perfecting for years. The key is knowing exactly where the target is located in space. With that information, our ships can drop out of hyperspace in formation surrounding the target and inflict a punishing assault so quickly that the target is unable to respond.”

  Pausing for a moment, Abad continued. “When you are a smaller and more mobile force, you need to avoid bruising battles. We have worked hard to become the best.”

  Richard, nodding in agreement, added his two cents. “Well, the way technology is headed, we may all be smaller and mobile. Already all my fighter class ships are automated and flown by pilots on board. I’ll grant you we are one of the first, but it won’t take long for this technology to be deployed in all starships and eventually interstellar control may become possible. That would certainly change the nature of space warfare.”

  It was Abad’s turn to nod now, but he didn’t say anything. Both men remained silent for a time, just drinking and looking out into the stars.

  It was Richard who broke the silence. “A topic I tried to avoid during the meeting was politics. Now that we are alone, I need to get your sense of things.”

  Abad had been waiting for that line of questioning to come up. He was quite happy that it had been reserved for a private meeting, as in public it would be harder to control the conversation. Now, alone, Abad knew he could control the situation and preserve Watabaeg interests as was his duty. Inwardly he smiled at the strategic mistake Richard had made waiting. It is what happens when you assume the best in all people! Abad thought to himself.

  “Richard, you can ask, though I’m not as tight with the political sphere of Watabaeg as perhaps your Commanding Admirals Council is. I’m not sure how much I can help.” Abad opened with an evading comment and setting himself up as the one lacking knowledge.

  “Well, give me your best-informed opinion, as I won’t likely have a chance to speak to your politicos in person.” Taking a deep breath, Richard was obviously drumming up the effort for a long question.

  “I know that your three worlds, Watabaeg, Minnipuka, and Kukatush have decided to adopt a neutral position in this conflict. I cannot disagree with the rational reasons why they made that choice. My disagreement is strictly moral and patriotic, though I guess the triumvirate states all have a certain independence and self-sufficiency tradition that informs their own view of the moral question.”

  “It is a compliment to the IAE that they accurately read the
fault lines in the Confederacy well enough to engage in a strategy that encouraged those faults to split apart. Not attacking the three of you and loudly proclaiming their intention to respect your neutrality should it be issued was a stroke of genius.”

  At this point, Richard turned around and strolled over to the table. He did not sit down, though, only placed his water on the table. As he walked over, he continued.

  “I am curious to know from you when the neutrality agreement will be rejected in favor of rejoining the Confederate effort again?”

  Richard continued on with his commentary, ignoring the fact that he asked a question that had not yet been answered.

  “From my perspective, eventually the IAE will move to destroy the three of you. They would not seek to dismember the Confederated Union of Worlds without the final objective being to eliminate any future threat from humans, which is the core of the Confederacy. Whether it happens immediately, five, ten or twenty-five years from now, it will happen. I don’t believe for a moment that your politicians don’t believe that to be inevitable.”

  “That being the case, I’m assuming they are watching for an opportunity to jump back into a long term safe position. If our counter assault begins succeeding, I’m betting our fair weather friends will rejoin the fold of the Confederacy.”

  “Would you expect that to be the case, as well? Or do you already know the details of those plans?”

  Now Richard paused allowing for an answer to his questions.

  For Abad, considering his answers in advance, nothing Richard had said seemed inaccurate. It was true that there was always a certain distance between the member states of the Confederacy. Even in the Old Colony Region, the core worlds of the Confederacy were Roma and New Rome. The other worlds were largely agricultural, like New Desh and Gogamac, or populated by the Vev’Tev, such as Bucyrus and Ne’Kartaz. Minnipuka and Kukatush had always been powerful but stood apart from the core ancestral worlds. Watabaeg was probably the most fiercely independent, though, and likely the other two would follow where we led, Abad thought reflectively.

  Abad made sure his posture was equal to Richard’s as he answered. “Richard, I can’t disagree with anything you’ve said. I’m sure our politicians weighed our options in the face of a devastating invasion by the IAE. Self-preservation is always the moral choice for anyone, I believe. Were we to have done otherwise, we likely would have simply fallen on our sword for nothing, as even though our Militia is potent, it cannot stand alone against the IAE.”

  “Then, Watabaeg will rejoin if I succeed?” Richard asked, more hopeful than actually believing he would get an answer to take to the bank.

  “If I were to bet, I would say yes. It is not as though we would be ill prepared. For many decades it has been our practice to consider every strategic option. Once an option is thought of, it is planned, practiced and perfected. There are plans for combatting the IAE, even in situations where the Confederacy is gone.”

  “That said, don’t expect us to jump in until we see some advantage for Watabaeg. As much as you may see our long term future benefitted from joining your cause, I can show you how we would be better off remaining independent. It is always to history to judge the correct time to make a move in one direction or another. Problem is, the act of moving changes the flow of every other component, so there is never a perfect time to jump. Only a time to jump that seems to offer the greatest benefits at the lowest risk. If you want to count on Watabaeg, count on us when we see an opportunity to gain.”

  Richard processed the information for a moment. “Well, I will keep that in mind. I’m sure there are quite a few resource and strategic systems Watabaeg could gain by joining a fight against the IAE. I’m sure you already have maps and plans ready to go.”

  Abad smiled but quickly made sure the smile conveyed amusement alone and no malevolence or insult. “Quite possible, but I cannot speak to any military plans or training we conduct. It is all private information. That said, I would be a failure as a military leader if I did not attempt to foresee and plan for every reasonable eventuality I and my Militia could think of or dream of. Militarily, we always strive to be ready. But, I agree that if we see opportunities to gain advantage and expect to be able to hold those gains, we will likely become Confederate standard bearers again.”

  “And, privately, that would make me very happy. I have a great deal of sympathy for your cause and respect for your dogged determination and effort. Be sure that I will be an advocate for your success.” Abad added to help reinforce their growing friendship. You never know when having a friend in the fight will bear fruit, he thought to himself.

  Continuing out loud, “I was asked to help you as much as possible without being seen to help you, as per my government. It was also the position I put forward and pushed strongly for. It is a confluence of interests and that appeals to my strategic mind. And, of course, know that that means I will share all the information I can with you. You need only ask, and I will be there in any way I am permitted to. Or, can get away with.” Abad finished with a huge encouraging smile.

  Richard turned to squarely face Abad, extended his hand to grasp his arm. “Thank you. You may end up being one of the great heroes of this war.”

  Abad grasp Richard’s arm strongly, also placing his other hand on his upper arm, an extra sign of respect and thanks. “I am not interested in being a hero. I just hope to be able to help enough without betraying my people.”

  “Supporting the Confederacy is the best thing you can do to help your people. Trust me.” Richard stated with total patriotic pride.

  And with that, Richard walked to the door and exited the room. Abad replayed the last exchange as any good military leader does. After reviewing the details in his mind, Abad decided that he had been successful. He had made Richard believe that he was on his side without sacrificing his true responsibility to Watabaeg. He had planted the seeds for the future to offer Watabaeg a great many fortuitous options regardless of how the war progressed.

  Feeling very satisfied, Abad took another sip of his water and sat down in his chair. Pushing a few buttons, he initiated a call down to the Watabaeg Presidium to ensure he provided all the details to his leaders while they were fresh in his mind.

  CHAPTER 24

  The dark of space was slowly retreating as the little ship plunged toward an ever growing dot of light which was New Earth. Even with over a million kilopes’ to travel before entering its near space, New Earth shone brightly with the reflected light of the sun which bathed the planet in a yellowish-orange glow.

  From inside the cockpit of the tiny Nemesis bomber, Richard felt very alone. I’m all alone in the night, he thought to himself. The thought always made him feel so many mixed emotions.

  Like most men who entered the service, there was always happiness being in space. When you are all by yourself, you feel small. But, your mind is dominated and captured by the majesty and grandness of the universe. Much like the sailors of Old Earth, you are a part of that vast and powerful ocean and it makes you feel alive and happy.

  But it is very cold in space. Unlike the ocean where you can smell the salt air, feel the sun and the wind, and the ship moves beneath you with a pacing and life of its own, space offers none of those feelings. Space is cold, dark, with a controlled environment and manufactured surroundings. Despite the majesty, one can easily spiral into a deep sense of cold, loneliness and dread.

  At this moment, the former was dominating Richard’s emotions. He had tried to look out of the large glass cockpit and absorb the millions of twinkling lights and bask in the warmth of the sun, which even at this great distance shone a brilliant light into the ship. But the impending mission only added to his negative emotions.

  Everything depends on our success. The entire Confederacy will rise again or be swept aside. That realization was having a profound impact.

  A quiet alarm sounded on the main display. Looking over briefly, Richard confirmed that it was simply his reminder alar
m. With a touch of the console, he brought up the hourly checklist and went through the list item by item. After two weeks of completing the checklist, he very nearly had it memorized.

  He confirmed the time, their speed, their distance and the current estimated arrival time. After that, it was a long list of engineering and performance measurements which took almost five minutes to complete. So far the entire trip had been green, perfect and one hundred percent.

  A special section of the checklist was devoted to the sensor cloak projector. Though they were still too far out to require it be activated, the checklist required that it be spun up and fully tested. Thankfully, the computer handled that aspect and the test would be completed after about ten minutes.

  While it ran, it offered Richard a chance to take some visual measurements, which he always found enjoyable. Moving forward in his chair, he took hold of the handheld visual scanner and fixed his sights on the sun.

  Through the scanner, he could see the sun in tremendous detail. The automatic focus and zooming feature always meant the object being observed looked spectacular and just the way he would want to view it. After recording several readings, and comparing them to previous computer analysis, Richard knew that the ship was still delivering accurate results. Always a good thing when engaging in an espionage mission.

  Moving the scanner along, he located his home world, New Earth. From this distance the scanner was able to clearly define its spherical shape, it was no longer just a point of light. However, its features were still completely indistinct, and likely would be until sometime tomorrow. Despite traveling at a great speed, it still took a long time to travel the vast distances of open space.