by Dale Musser
Furthermore, from the data I have seen, it is clear to me that the Brotherhood was amassing troops and weapons in preparation for a new offensive against the Federation on a massive scale. Admiral Regeny’s assault may have thwarted that imminent attack by prematurely making us aware of their mounting presence. So in at least some ways, his actions may actually have saved us. I would hope that we can all come to look at and remember Admiral Regeny in this light – not as a failure, but as a hero, even though he failed in his intended mission.
“Today you are offering me an appointment to the position of Rear Admiral, placing in my hands the ultimate responsibility for command of the Federation armed forces; and I don’t know what to say.”
Here I hesitated to gather my thoughts and the auditorium became utterly silent.
“It is not a commission that I want, but I will accept it and fight as hard as I can to bring an end to this war.”
At this the room broke into cheers that I tried to subdue by holding up my hand.
“However, I will not lie to you and tell you that the outlook is good and that we will win,” I continued. “I have witnessed the foreboding of what is to come. Ultimately the Brotherhood will attack us from beyond our boundaries and I don’t see any way to resist them with our presently reduced forces. We will need every ship we can get our hands on to fight them. Furthermore, we will need many times the number of troopers than we have now. As of this moment, it is my recommendation that a draft is established to restore and fortify our forces and that every available factory and production facility that has the capability to be retooled for manufacturing weapons, ships and materials be converted now to reestablish and expand the military’s resources. The Brotherhood will be coming very soon at a magnitude many times what has been seen in the past and we must make ourselves ready to face the fight of our lives.
“All of that being said, I wish to again thank you all for your support and your own dedication to serving the people of the Federation.”
When the hearing was over, Leader’s Pheosa and Maragon congratulated me on my promotion and thanked me for my service.
“I must say, you had me scared,” I said to both. “I was sure I was headed to prison.”
“There were some senators who were leaning in that direction at the start of the hearing, but as data was examined and testimony came forward, they quickly began to change their minds. Of course, due to the serious nature of the situation, it was imperative that we conduct a thorough investigation that left no question unanswered. The visible anguish in your testimony played a huge part in convincing the Senate that you justifiably took the actions you did. Even when violating orders, it is clear that the decision was supremely painful to you.”
It was nearly five hours after the hearing ended before I could get away from the crowd of senators who wish to congratulate me. When I arrived back at the estate, Kala ran to me and embraced me with a tearful kiss.
“I just saw the news report. They say you’ve been promoted to Rear Admiral and will be taking charge of the entire military. See? It didn’t turn out as bad as you feared after all,” she said.
“No… it's worse,” I said between kisses, “I think I would rather… they put me in prison… than to be Rear Admiral.”
I broke away from her kisses long enough to tell her some details. “Did you know the Senate was planning to remove Regeny from his position and to break the military into two separate divisions? The fleet and the troopers would have been two separate branches. They were planning to place the fleet under my command and the troops under Slater.”
“Isn't that the way it was before?” asked Kala.
“Yes, in a way, but they were going to take Admiral Regeny out of the picture altogether. That's why Regeny wanted me out of the picture so he could lead the battle at Glomar Rosa on his own. He was trying to prove he had some tangible worth to the military by carrying out an action that didn’t involve me.”
“Oh, that’s so sad. I mean, Regeny was a pain at times, but I liked the man, even with all his annoying mannerisms.”
“I know what you mean. I liked him, too, even though I sometimes wanted to kick him in the ass.”
“How is Padaran taking his uncle's death?”
“To be honest, I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since I left for Glomar Rosa. Now that I’m able, I need to go to the NEW ORLEANS and check in with him and the others. Say, why don’t the two of us go there now and do some socializing and dance tonight while listing to Kerabac and A’Lappe perform? We haven’t done that in ages.”
It was true we hadn’t been there in some time, but my real motive for wanting to go was to embrace life again and push away the agony of having killed billions of people. While I knew it was the only decision that could be made, but I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to shake the idea that I had been their executioner who had snuffed out their lives, lives that they had every right to live.
I found Padaran training in one of the gyms on the NEW ORLEANS. It was obvious that his workout had been relentless, as his body was covered in perspiration. I watched him for several minutes before he noticed me.
“Tibby! I didn’t see you come in. Is there something you need or are you here to work out?”
“Actually, I’m here to see you,” I said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since Domagota. I wanted to express my condolences about your uncle. I’m sorry it turned out the way it did.”
Padaran sighed and mopped his face with a towel. “Thank you. I know you and my uncle had some differences in ideas at times, but I also know that you both liked each other. My uncle just allowed his ego to get in the way. It always was his shortcoming. My dad used to say that one day Regeny’s ego would kill him. I guess he was right.”
“Look, Padaran, if you need to take some time off, I understand. You certainly have it coming. Take as much time as you need.”
“Thank you, Tibby, but I’m fine. I’d prefer to stay here and do what I do. While I was my uncle's favorite, and only, nephew,” he added with a grin, “we weren’t really that close.” He paused for a moment in reflection and then added, “Did you know he left me everything he had? All his possessions and money… like I need money,” he laughed.
Padaran was quite wealthy. As the official leader of the Ruwallie Rasson, he had gained the wealth of two Ruwallie Rasson challengers by defeating them in contests. On top of that, he received annual tributes from them as well. Aside from that, I paid him a significant salary for his service as the leader of my personal security forces. His fortune was many times that of Regeny’s; of that I was sure.
“It’s kind of funny. Uncle Regeny didn’t have many possessions. He didn’t even own a house. He rented a small apartment in Megelleon and never really spent much time there. I think he either slept on the ships he toured on inspections or in his office. He didn’t have a lot of real friends, but I know he considered you and Kala as two of his closest. Oddly, as much as he complained about A’Lappe, he was quite fond of him as well. He told me once that he believed A’Lappe was the greatest mind in the universe.
“What’s going to happen, Tibby? Will there be any kind of memorial service for him?”
“I don’t know. I hope so. Right now, the mood of the Senate isn’t very favorable concerning your uncle and the way he is being portrayed in the news is less than positive. But I think there should be something. Perhaps we can hold one here on the NEW ORLEANS. There are a lot of people here who have fond memories of him and I’m certain if we hold a service, many of them will come.”
“You know; I think my uncle would like that. It’s not the glorious ceremony I’m sure he fantasized about, but it something he would appreciate because it’s genuine.”
“Good. Let me see what I can arrange,” I said.
“Before you go, I wanted to update you on Asalott. I’ve arranged a permanent suite for him here on the NEW ORLEANS, since he will be with us at least until the last prophecy is fulfilled. He’s al
ready begun the long process of writing the witness history of the events that have unfolded since we left the Haljmat. He also asked me to communicate his deep and heartfelt thanks.”
“Thank you, Padaran.” I replied as I turned to leave.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” said Padaran. “Congratulations on your promotion to Rear Admiral.”
“Don’t congratulate me,” I said. “It’s not something I want complicating my life more than it already is. Besides, my appointment may affect you as well.”
As I walked away, I could feel Padaran’s eyes follow me as he contemplated what I meant by my last remark.
I located Kerabac on the bridge. I watched from a distance, while he talked with Verona, the ship's communications officer.
When all eyes on the bridge began turning in my direction, Kerabac finally noticed my presence.
“Rear Admiral,” said Kerabac with is gleaming smile as he gave me a mock salute. “What brings you the bridge today? Nothing serious I hope...?”
I grinned back and answered, “Well, not serious, but it is somber.”
Kerabac’s demeanor fell as a serious look crossed his face. “What is it?”
“I’m thinking about having a memorial service for Admiral Regeny here on the NEW ORLEANS.”
Kerabac raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t reply; so I continued, “I know Regeny isn’t exactly high on everyone’s list for Man of the Year right now, but in a way were sort of family to him. I fear that most people will never know the whole story, but Regeny wasn’t the bad guy people may think he was and he deserves better than to be dismissed without a remembrance.”
Kerabac and I retreated to the bridge ancillary room as I related the measures taken by the Senate that had driven Regeny to take the actions he did. “He may have been egotistical and foolish, but he wasn’t a bad man,” I ended.
“You’re right, Tibby. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ll see what I can put together and get back with you later today.”
“Great. Now I have one more favor to ask,” I said.
“Ask away, Tibby. You’re the boss, after all,” Kerabac said without a smile.
“Kala and I will be visiting the lounge tonight to dance and listen to you and A’Lappe sing. I just want to make sure you’ll be there.”
“I will make a point to be there. It’s a good thing you told me. I had plans to work this evening, but I’ll get my first officer to stand in for me. I look forward to seeing you tonight.”
I found A’Lappe in the lab with Rory, both of them deeply engrossed in the development of some new gadget. Rory was the first to see me.
“Tibby!” Rory called out happily. “Is Reide home? Did you see him?”
“Hello, Rory. No Reide is still in training, but I did see him a few days ago. He’s doing well and he said to tell you hello.”
“I miss Reide,’ he said sadly. “But I like working with A’Lappe. We make great things and have lots of fun.”
“I know you do,” I answered, making my best effort at a smile.
“Welcome back, Tibby… or should I say Rear Admiral? A’Lappe said with a grin.
“Just Tibby! A’Lappe, you know better than to call me anything else than Tibby.”
A’Lappe laughed then looked somber, as we stepped away from the workbench. “I was sorry to hear about Admiral Regeny. He was a fun man and I shall miss him.”
“I’m pleased to hear you say that, A’Lappe. We’re going to try to have a memorial service for him here on the NEW ORLEANS. Kerabac is arranging the details. Speaking of Kerabac, I told him that Kala and I will be at the lounge tonight to hear the two of you sing. I hope you’ll be there.”
“I wouldn’t dream of missing it.”
“Oh, and I want to thank you for that laser resistant body armor you invented. It saved my life on Domagota, but I did get a second-degree burn from the hit.”
“I’m glad it worked and sorry about the burn. You must have been pretty close to whoever shot you.”
“Too close, trust me,” I said.
“I’m working on some new ideas that might improve the armor against light/heat weapons like lasers. It uses dynamic thermo-coupled mechanical nano-filtering fibers. My biggest concern is being able to control the temperatures. Otherwise, a laser hit might just give you frostbite on the affected tissue instead of a burn.”
“Well, I just want to thank you and tell you that, in spite of a minor burn, that armor saved my life. This was the first direct experience that I’ve had with it.”
Though I was physically and emotionally exhausted, I looked forward to the evening with Kala more and more as the day progressed. Piesew served us a wonderful dinner at one of the glass bubble dining rooms on the outer hull of the NEW ORLEANS, where the ship was still in orbit around Earth. We had a lovely view of the planet as it rotated beside us. I couldn’t get over how much the terrain and coastlines had changed and I longed to see the green patches that once indicated the presence of vegetation. Now, all that could be seen was blue oceans, shades of browns and grays and white patches of snow at the higher elevations and arctic zones. I found myself wondering how long it would be before enough vegetation was present to be visible from space and, more so, to allow for repopulation of animal species and, eventually, human life. Lunnie decided to join us for dinner and I was glad for her presence. The past two weeks had instilled in me a grateful appreciation for my family in a way I could never have imagined before. I regretted every minute I had been away from them and now I fully understood what Kala meant when she said she, in many ways, missed the life we had on Desolation.
Lunnie chatted almost incessantly about how the project was going on Earth. A couple of times she stopped to stare at me with a concerned look and ask me if I was alright. She said I looked sad. I was, I guess. My thoughts kept drifting back to billions of dead people at Glomar Rosa; people, who would never have the joy of another meal with their families or friends; billions, whose lives were snuffed out in a second at my command and at my own hand. Some of them deserved to die. Most of them didn’t, yet I had killed them so that many times their number might survive. I sighed and looked up to see Lunnie staring at me once more. Obviously, she had asked a question and was waiting for my answer, but I had no clue what she asked.
“I’m sorry, Lunnie, I was distracted for a moment,” I said.
Lunnie opened her mouth to protest about my lack of attention; but then she glanced quickly at Kala, who was discretely shaking her head as a caution to Lunnie to be gentle with me. She paused before continuing.
“I asked if you and mother would mind if I joined you at the lounge tonight. I know that usually people my age aren’t allowed, but it’s been so long since I last went dancing and, frankly, I’m getting tired of kids my own age. They’re soooo immature,” she said with an eye roll.
This made me smile. It was so typical for teens to make such declarations.
I glanced at Kala for some clue as to what she thought, expecting her to deny Lunnie’s request; but she surprised me by saying, “I don’t think it will do any harm. Lunnie truly is more mature than many of her friends. She won’t be the first sixteen-year-old allowed into the lounge.”
“Almost seventeen, mother,” Lunnie reminded.
“Yes, well, almost seventeen then,” Kala said without a smile. “It’s your call, Tibby, but I have no objections, as long as she behaves properly and isn’t outrageous,” she added as a word of warning.
“Alright, but on one condition,” I said.
“What’s that?” Lunnie asked.
“I get the first dance with you,” I said, trying to hold back tears that I feared she wouldn’t understand.
“It’s a deal, dad,” she said as leaned over and gave me a hug.
The performances in the lounge that evening were exceptional. There was an air of celebration that seemed to be directed at me and my exoneration by the Senate and my promotion to Rear Admiral. I glanced around the room and noticed that Padaran a
nd Jenira were dancing and, for the first time since her recovery from slavery, Jenira wasn’t wearing her swords. Instead, she was dressed in a very fashionable and sexy gown.
When I commented to Kala on Jenira’s appearance and lack of swords, she laughed and assured me that Jenira was not without some sort of swords or daggers hidden somewhere under that dress, most likely strapped to her legs.
Not far from Padaran and Jenira were Cantolla and Truath. They had been together as a couple ever since Truath joined my staff. Next to them was Chanina, who was dancing with another Nibarian. I didn’t recognize him, but then again, there were many of my crew that I never had met formally.
For a moment, I felt a wave of nostalgia and almost expected to see Marranalis dancing tenderly with Sokaia. The nostalgia was replaced by sadness as I recalled her death during the battles at Kendrop and Gochian and the grief that overcame Marranalis afterward. On this night Marranalis would most likely be on duty in the War Room of the MAXETTE. He would be in for a surprise in the morning, because I intended to advance him to the rank of admiral.
I intended to make a lot of changes over the next few days. The senators I spoke with after the hearing seemed to be in favor of my proposal regarding the implementation of a draft. It was going to be a hard sell for many in the Federation – and perhaps even in my own family. I was fairly certain that Lunnie would not be too pleased with the idea.
It was Padaran’s reaction that I was most interested to see, as I planned to draft him into Federation military service with the rank of captain. With the death of Slater, someone needed to take over training of the troopers, not only in hand-to-hand combat but also in the arts of war that included mechanized weapons. As head of my personal security team, Padaran had trained under Slater and was proficient with all aspects of ground warfare. In turn, he trained my personal security forces; and they became the best in the Federation. Now I needed him to do the same for the Federation military.
