The office was so much brighter than the waiting room that it took a moment for his eyes to truly adjust to the point where he could take it all in. A massive desk, office chair, two visitors chairs and credenza occupied the space on his left. At the opposite end of the room, a conversation pit was comprised of two leather sofas, two leather armchairs, and a large coffee table. Corner tables embellished with crystal lamps and decorations sat at either end of one of the couches. An elaborate fully-stocked cherry and mahogany wet bar filled the wall at that end opposite the door. Walls were finished in light oak and trimmed in darker oak wainscot and crown moldings. The white, coved ceiling is accentuated with more of the dark oak.
"Would you like something, Admiral Bryant? I have a fully stocked bar with just about any kind of poison you can name." Bill offered with a wide-ranging wave that spanned the length of the bar.
"Just a bottle of water, if you don't mind. I don't think I want anything alcoholic until I know what I'm here for." Bryant responded with a smile.
"I like that, George. You force me to get right down to business while appearing to be selecting a beverage. That's great diplomacy and control of a situation.' Stephenson said with a chuckle as he plopped a bottle of water on the massive oak desk in front of Bryant. 'Let me get you a coaster. The desk was made for Ulysses Grant when he moved his home to Georgetown in early 1864, so it’s nearly four centuries old."
"It's not that I want to control the meeting, sir. I would like to be sober when I find out if I am getting a pat on the back or walking the plank - that's all it really is, sir." Bryant responded with a sidelong smile.
"Okay, let's get to it. As you know, I was brought here a month ago. Dickinson felt he was getting on a bit and needed help running the service, which has grown into a behemoth. He convinced the Secretary of Defense, the Council, and Emperor Edward III that a shared C&C would be the best solution for an institution already the size of the OESA and still growing larger. In the end, they chose Williamson as his partner. He was elevated to Fleet Admiral and assigned as C&C OESA. For some reason, they didn't choose one of the eight Theatre Commanders to fill the Quadrant 3 Command position vacated by Williamson. Instead, they reached way down and pulled me in from Command of Boots Fleet. I can tell you that I am a little uncomfortable with being my former Theatre Commander's boss. But, I digress from the point of the meeting.
Quadrant 3 is the entire volume of space over a six-hour range, running from twelve to eighteen hours, and one hundred eighty-degree span, from ninety degrees north to ninety degrees south, and extending to our border, one hundred light years from Sol. Extending a line from Sol towards object M5 just about takes you through the center of the Quadrant. Theatre Five Command is north of the ecliptic and Theatre Six Command is south of it. Theatre Commands manage all the Fleets in all eight zones throughout their six hour by ninety-degree corridor of space that extends out to our borders. A Fleet's territory is three hours by declination forty-five degrees for a specific distance from Sol. The inside ring of Fleets covers this area to a distance of seventy-nine light-years from Sol and the outside ring covers from there to the one hundred light year border. So in effect, a Theatre Command controls the northern or southern half of a ninety-degree orange section and a Fleet manages a zone within that section. Though the volume is relatively equal, the responsibility is not. For example, the Fleet Commander in Zone four of Theatre Five is mostly a border patrol since there are so few occupied systems out there. On the other hand, Boots Fleet, in zone two, encompasses a multitude of inhabited systems. It is a very challenging assignment, which may be the reason I was moved to Quadrant Command.
I'm sure you're aware that any position requiring a Level Nine rank of Vice Admiral, Lieutenant General or above, requires nomination to the Council independently of any other moves. That is to say that these elevations are recommended on a case by case basis. They are not handled in groups as are those of ranks below this level. Each one is reviewed by the First Minister, the Emperor, and the Defense Secretary. These moves must also be ratified by the representatives. This is the case for all Senior-level elevations and appointment. So, I chose you as my replacement when I was asked for a nominee. You're what the service is looking for. My biggest reason for selecting you is that you have what is needed to run Boots. It's tough enough running any Fleet that patrols a sixty-five and a half thousand cubic light year region of space, but Boots has its unique needs. Most of the red dwarf systems in that sector are inhabited by unfriendly insectoids. The area runs rampant with privateers. And even the Sol-like systems are a problem. Their humanoid inhabitants are either true-blue loyal, utterly defiant, or ambivalent to the Empire. Some multi-star systems have both types of intelligent life orbiting one or more stars. There are over fifty-six hundred charted systems in Empire space. Most aren't habitable by any types of life forms, but fourteen hundred are so they must all be patrolled. Of those, just under six hundred are inhabited. The average fleet patrols nine occupied systems and twelve more empty ones. Boots has thirty-one within its boundaries, sixteen of which have intelligent life of one type or another. So, I need a good strategist, not just a tactician. That sector requires an ambassador, not just another policeman. It necessitates someone who is decisive and can be tough, but fair. Boots is always under a lot of pressure, so I also want a Fleet Leader who can be human. You have all those qualities, in abundance, so you are my first and only pick, at the moment. And, you're a favorite of the Minister and the Emperor. Those specifics virtually guarantee your appointment.
What I'm offering you is the command of your own Fleet of twenty ships, over twenty-seven thousand personnel, entry into the Admiralty registry, your own Admirals craft, personal and executive staff, and a challenge of unbelievable proportions. It also means a twenty-five percent raise in income, to a base rate of fifty-five thousand sovereigns, a higher standard of field accommodations and facilities, and a step on the path to four stars.
I don't require an immediate answer, but, you must decide by tomorrow. I will be compelled to select someone else immediately if you say no because it takes time to make things happen in an Empire this size." Stephenson finished his pitch and slumped back in the chair with hands clasped in his lap. Then, there was silence.
"I don't need until tomorrow.' Bryant started decisively, after a full minute's consideration. 'I will say yes, with two conditions. First, I make my own choices for Senior Staff, and that includes a new Command level I wish to establish within the Fleet. I want to inaugurate a formal level between Fleet Command and Group Command headed by a Rear Admiral. And, I aim to make my own pick to that position - call it Deputy Fleet Commander. It’ll alleviate any problems when I’m away or incapacitated, and it’s working well in Borealis Fleet. Plus, we'll have full command capabilities in both halves, if we split the Fleet. Then, I’d like to create and staff a new division within the medical department. For lack of a better term, I will call it Counseling Services Division. It will serve the Fleet to aid those in pain from the stresses of duty. Any sufferers currently come here or return to Earth for treatment. Issues could often be dealt with locally much more efficiently and timely - before turning into full blown PTSD cases. And from your summary of the region, Boots is one Fleet that could really use the service. It would also mean that those seeking help would not immediately have an entry placed into their personnel records. Other than that I'm your man." He finished.
"Who any Senior Commander promotes to executive positions or how he sets up the Fleet command structure is up to him, as long as it fits within Regulations. Since a Level Eight appointment requires Headquarters' approval, I understand why you broach the matter, but usually, we would rubber stamp your choice anyway. Your Fleet is yours. You would be responsible for assets worth over seven hundred million sovereigns, a nearly two billion sovereign annual operating budget, a one-hundred-fifty million sovereign capital budget and all the Fleet objectives and responsibilities. If creating a new departmental division will hel
p achieve results, we aren’t going to quibble. So, I can honestly say yes to your conditions, without compromise. You'll find everything you need on this datapad. Once you imprint it, you will have all security clearances, and will unofficially already have command of Boots Fleet, Vice Admiral.' Stephenson said, with a grin as he tapped final changes into the pad, then, handed it over to Bryant.
'You will be here until after your elevation ceremony on the twenty-first. The C&C need to hustle the nomination through. While that's going on, you must formally select your personnel and make any official appropriation to me as soon as possible. Then, there is the ceremony, and, a dinner in your honor. We need to meet tomorrow to get all the final details ironed out including your new Rear Admiral so I can send you to Boots with the promotion in hand. I don't have details yet but, I also know the C&C have a couple of provisos for whoever takes Boots Fleet. Let's meet at ten hundred hours, tomorrow. I'll have everything ironed out by then. Do you have any questions or observations, George?" Stephenson added in a less officious more friendly manner.
"Not really, sir, except to pledge that I'll try not to disappoint you. And, ten hundred hours will be fine." George responded as he rose to his feet.
Stephenson lit up in a broad smile as he stood, right hand extended.
"Congratulations George, you'll do just fine. I'm glad you’re taking the appointment. You've done a great job for the service, over your career and you deserve the chance to move into Senior Flag ranks. It's an exclusive club. There are only one hundred-three active Senior Level Executives in a two million personnel organization. Seventy-six of those have Tactical Commands. The rest are Staff positions and pencil pushers. You will find that though you had little contact before, every officer above you will now seek and respect your opinion. The chain of command is always maintained but don't be surprised to be contacted directly, by the C&C or me, for evaluations and opinions. Just as you will come to depend on your Group Commanders for their on-site assessments, we look to the other members of our little group for their observations and opinions." Bill had held the handshake as he concluded the monolog.
George snapped to attention and shook the offered hand. "With your permission, sir, I will get going. I have preparations to make and homework to do."
"Dismissed." Stephenson snapped back.
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George ambled along with Marie as she walked him through the corridors. He did not know what cued her, but she awaited him when he departed Stephenson's office. He'd accepted when, she suggested a tour of what was important to him, at the headquarters complex. The massive structure held the more than thirty-three thousand personnel that ran the organization, under the direction of the C&C and Quadrant Commanders. She took him past the dining halls, the Communications Centre, medical, and then out the doors to the rear of the complex into familiar territory. She had brought him into the facility this way.
They sauntered past the pad where his shuttle and crew stood waiting. Stopping at hangar five, Marie pointed inside. "Your Admiral's craft and crew are inside. You may want to familiarize yourself and meet your team. On our way back, you may want to stop at Pad Seven and release the shuttle, you arrived in. You won't need it any longer." Marie said with a smile.
"Did Stephenson instruct you to do this?" He asked.
"No sir, but, he did advise me, you have accepted a promotion and assignment as Boots Commander. This is Boots Fleet Admiral's Craft. It only follows that it’s yours now. It was Admiral Stephenson's, but he utilizes the Quadrant one, now." She reverted to silence as they stepped into the hangar.
"Lieutenant Commander Olivia Hurst." A tall, stately, beautiful, blonde smartly snapped to attention and saluted as he approached. "May I assist you Rear Admiral?" She queried.
"Yes Commander, I have just accepted an assignment as Commander Boots Fleet. This will be my craft, and I presume you and your crew will be within my Command. That is if you wish to stay on?" George smiled as he returned the salute, then offered a handshake as he made his explanation.
"Commander, this is Vice Admiral George Bryant, Commander Boots Fleet," Marie interjected.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Admiral, and yes, I will stay on. I love Boots, and I enjoy commanding a crew." She said with quiet earnestness.
"I will be here another two to three weeks. I would like to leave, no later than, the morning of the twenty-fourth. Of course, you and the crew are invited to the Headquarters promotion ceremony, if you'd like to come. It would be nice to have someone present representing Boots personnel." He responded with a smile.
"Yes sir, we'd be honored. Would you like the fifty cent tour, now?" She asked waving her hand in the general direction of the Admirals Craft.
He couldn't help but appraise her, in comparison to Marie as she conducted the tour. She was tall, probably a little over one hundred and eighty-five centimeters. Slim and erect her ample breasts were perkier than undergarments could make them. He assumed she was in remarkable physical condition, probably conducting a rigid exercise regimen daily. Her body was flat through the bottom of her ribcage, stomach, and lower belly, but hips curved out pleasingly creating graceful arcs that flowed into her legs. The uniform's slacks did not permit an assessment of her legs, but they were long. A beautifully featured, high cheek boned, slim-nosed face held sharp green eyes with clear whites framed by wide almond shaped eyelids. Her almost honey blonde hair was cut to a stylishly short blunt edge just below the ear lobe, and worn slightly swept back along the sides but brushed to the left along the front bangs. Though a very statuesque and elegant package, she did not compare to the striking beauty of the midshipman he toured the base with. Like Marie, she smiled warmly and easily, but seemed less daring and impish, in nature.
The vessel is impressive for a personal craft. These are the largest ships that can be landed. The forty-eight-person crew manages the five station bridge, a large galley serving into an expansive lounge, a sizable engineering department, and quarters for eighty-two passengers and crew. Eight substantial two-level Officer’s suites occupy the two upper decks. Fifty-four large rooms with in-suite baths serve as crew and guest quarters on the two decks below. Her three propulsion system, tri-layer opposing field shielding, gravity generators, and defensive weaponry make the vessel a safe and comfortable method of travel. Forty-eight thrusters embedded in the keel enable vertical takeoff and landing. Though expansive from this point of view, her gravity generator could only achieve twenty-five percent of Earth Gravity, due to her size.
It takes specialized training to pilot one of these beasts. They are generally flown in, what is considered to be, strange attitudes. Keeping the craft's floor pointed toward the system gravity median you exit, then toward the one you're entering until orbit, boosting the internal gravity to between thirty and thirty-five percent. Bridge crews tend to use display screens one hundred percent of the time, instead of relying on viewports, occasionally.
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George and Marie stopped by Pad Seven to give the shuttle pilot and crew orders. He asked them not to leave for a couple of hours and to advise Singh only when they were actually getting off the ground. It was when she noticed the shuttle pilot craning to maintain eye contact with the much taller Bryant that Marie actually took stock of him. He is tall and very erect, not in a rigid way but, with a noble bearing instead. She estimated his age at not older than thirty-four by the lack of character lines in his face or bags under his eyes. Café au lait skin, brown eyes, and a thin nose completed a ruggedly handsome face topped by a thick head of short cropped dark hair. Slim and very fit, he could easily be mistaken for a professional athlete.
They continued the tour for about another hour, taking in all the grounds, then returning inside to visit the C&C staff offices, Quadrant
Three Staff Offices, the Security Department, and the Intelligence Department. Marie introduced him to the Chiefs and Department Heads who each took a few minutes from their busy day to speak with him.
"Can we head back to quarters, now? I need you to show me my way into the computer system. I have a lot of homework to do, before tomorrow. Bryant directed at Marie, as they walked towards the back of the main building.
"Won't you be needing uniforms, before the ceremony?" Marie asked.
"No, not uniforms... ...the ones I have are already appropriate. But, they will require alteration. They need the correct patches and aiguillette. However, I know Banerjee, already. I was here three years ago and had him do tailored Flag Uniforms for me. We can go in early tomorrow. He is very fast.' George explained as they stepped up to his door.
'Banerjee maintains a stock of pants, skirts, jackets, shirts, and ties in all sizes and materials arranged for mix and match. All he has to do is minor alterations to give an Officer a tailored uniform in a day or two. Cost is determined by the material. If you want the best ultra-fine Italian Merino Wool, you pay the highest price. But, your seven hundred sovereign uniform hangs like a suit three times the price. Your jacket cuff buttons indicate the suit class. Five-button jackets are made from the best materials - like the ultra-fine, but four-button are generally super-fine merino. Three-button can be any other fabric but still, indicates a custom made suit. In the back, his people just produce what it takes to replenish the stock. You get an allowance from your Fleet. You pay the difference if you want something more unless you can get your Commander to authorize a larger subsidy. When you are commissioned, you should have no trouble getting the best Merino, if you are still at Headquarters. The old man thinks the sun rises and sets on you. I believe he thinks of you as a daughter. I paid the difference for my uniforms, but as a Fleet Commander, any new ones would be fully paid for at the top level. You’re generally allowed two Service, one Mess, and nine Daily sets, plus three groups of accessories, in every calendar year. There is a Banerjee outlet on every Theatre Command Carrier" Bryant finished.
Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition Page 10
