Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition

by Thomas J. MacDonald

  While we were all waiting for HQ, Stephen was developing a plan to accept the new builds. There are already two Carriers, two Subs and a Frigate in various stages of assembly that are allocated to us. The additional Frigate parts are being produced now, and its construction will begin within the month. So, Commodore Nichols has prepared a list of specialists he will need to supervise assembly, testing, and for worthiness trials. He will be drawing from all your existing personnel, but you will get all these people back within four months. They are all on temporary assignment, attached to his temporary Hardware Acquisitions Command. Moe, he has also called for one of your accountants and one person from logistics. I hadn't thought of that need, but Stephen tells me that if we want to keep things within Fleet procurement policies, it would be wise to have the experts on site. These people will be traveling between Boots Fleet, Rigil, Earth, and 44 Bootis to keep up with all the production. The total Acquisition Command personnel required is seventy-four people, so I have released the Admiral's Craft for Commodore Nichols' use. It is the only jump capable vehicle big enough to handle the requirement, but small enough to be efficient. It will be their homes for the next four months.

  Stephen, feel free to use all the facilities and stores. I want you all to be happy and comfortable. We are asking a lot of your temporary Command.

  Stephen is scheduled to leave here with his people on May 29, so I would like to hold the additional Flag-level promotions before that. That way, he'll know who he'll be dealing with. Grace and Tom have to determine who gets existing assets and who gets the new ones. I assume Grace will give Stephen the Columbia Group since he will be away most of the time. But, if you want to give him the new Group that's okay too since he'll be able to deal with himself okay.' George had to pause for the chuckle that went through the room to die off.

  'You'll all need to develop your staffing proposal and training plans for new and promoted personnel. You will need all the ship execs to arrange accommodations for all persons as your rosters change. You require an indoctrination strategy, so newcomers are made aware of Boots policies and expectations, immediately. You will want to keep personnel and payroll updated on your plan and its disposition at all times. We demand everyone be paid the right amount, on time. I know money isn't that important when your room and board and all your daily essentials are covered, but we all want to know we can rely on our supervisors.

  You may also want to draw on Counseling Services during this. People are going to be under a great deal of stress. Headquarters has promoted Marie, here.' George waved his arm towards her as he said it. 'They are pressing to take this Division service-wide, after all the good it did during the Gray encounter. The Division is expanding to have representation on every ship, so your Logistics, Human Resources, and Payroll people will have to look out for that, too. And all the Execs will need to house those people too. There is more regarding Counseling, but I have to talk to Marie, first. We will probably have a further update for you, shortly. Does anyone have any constructive thoughts they could add to this?" Bryant asked as he finished.

  "Yes sir, I have one that may be important.' Moe raised his hand as he chimed in, then continued. 'There is a lot of duplication here. Task Forces One and Two will have to do a lot of the same things. All the Groups should be executing similar things. It may help to have meetings and work together on those issues that are common at similar levels. I know Task Force Commanders may want to work with their Group Commanders on personnel changes, but Group Commanders may benefit from meeting with each other to resolve overlapping problems. I can also see our Fleet Commander wanting to work out matters with the Task Commands, but those that affect the Groups should include the Group Commanders too. That way we don't make assumptions that won't work, and we are all operating on the same page all the time." Moe finished.

  "I see what you are inferring here Moe, and you're right. I think I have a way of ensuring we don't duplicate and we communicate suitably. If we wish to meet with someone or some level on issues or a topic that concerns the expansion, we should make the arrangements through Moe. We would notify him of who the proposed attendees are and what the subject-matter is - with a brief description of what that entails. He can look over the request and suggest additions to the audience list. Once okayed, Moe forwards the meeting invitations. Of course, this only pertains to all the expansion stuff including the Fleet, Marines, and Counseling. Normal operations go on as usual. What do you think of that idea?" Bryant asked as he looked around the room. He thought there was full consent, but wasn't really sure of the response.

  "All in favor of all expansion communications going through Commodore Moahu - raise your hands," Bryant commanded.

  Everyone promptly raised an arm.

  "Okay, then, that's the way we'll handle this whole thing from start to end. This goes for acquisitions, too.' He directed at Stephen. 'If you have a procurement situation that affects a party, send it to Moe, first. If he thinks it affects or may concern others in the future, he will suggest who to add to the communications."

  "That's a good idea, Admiral. It may avoid me having to do something more than once." Nichols responded with a smile.

  "Anyone got any other constructive ideas?" Bryant asked.

  "I've got one.' Marie piped in. "Wouldn't it be more efficient to have Personnel prepare a list of promotable people within other Fleets and Commands; and another of individuals who would take lateral moves. Lots will not move because they are married or just made a move. It 'd be nice if we were looking at a few thousand names instead of a couple of million." Marie suggested.

  Moe and his personnel manager mumbled back and forth and exchanged looks.

  "Yes, it would save a lot of time. Personnel will prepare a list of promotable people. They'll include a brief history, their specialty, their last move date, current rank, and present posting. If you want more, you will then have to look them up. We'll also give you a list of upcoming Academy graduates from all the institutions so you can draw on freshly trained Officers and enlisted personnel. I hope that's satisfactory because it's going to take a lot of man hours to do, along with all the other duties these people have." Moe finished.

  "Moe, that sounds great. I don't think we can ask any more of Personnel than that.' Bryant interjected. 'Is everyone okay with that?" Bryant directed at those around the table.

  "Until Marie asked, I sensed we'd all accepted the idea we'd have to deal with the workforce records from the entire service. I believe Moe's help is more than anyone expected." Grace chimed in as everyone else nodded assent.

  "Anything else?" Bryant asked.

  There was a long silence.

  "You may want to grab a coffee, tea, cold drink, and snack. It seems it came in here a while ago without us noticing. But, you better hurry. It's getting close to the promotion ceremony time." Bryant said with a laugh as he motioned to the refreshments on the side tables. He rose to leave the room. Malcolm stayed with Bryant until he was seated at his desk, in his office.

  "What can I do for you, Ian?" George asked as he sat down with a hand extended to indicate the General should grab a chair.

  "I want to thank you for everything, George. You have done more for the Marine Corps than anyone else ever has. And, you've done a lot for me." He said earnestly.

  "You're very welcome Ian, but I didn't do anything special for you. You earned this a long time ago. I never felt right with the Fleet Marine compliments classed as a Brigade - strictly because the leader of such a widespread organization embedded in such a diverse base should have been a Divisional Commander. I sought the Fleet expansion, first. But the increased Marine contingent follows naturally. We recommended a little more than doubling it to ensure it would be Divisional in nature. Anyway, no one works harder than you. And not many Officers I know are better leaders. I will be happy to pin those stars on your collar. I'd like to add one more thing. Because you're Marine and I'm Fleet-oriented does not mean we cannot fraternize once in a while. Marie and
I would like nothing more than to enjoy an evening out with you and yours. Just say the word." George finished.

  "Aye, sir; I will. And, thanks again Admiral." Malcolm murmured as he rose and made for the door.

  At fifteen hundred everyone that could be there jammed into Hangar A aboard the Columbia. It started with Grace who was promoted to Rear Admiral. Then, the announcement was made regarding the expansion of the Fleet, the establishment of the Task Force Commands, and Creation of the two new Group Commands. The re-assignment of the two Rear Admirals came next. Stevens was assigned Task Force 1 and Tonaka Task Force 2. Following that, Nichols was promoted to Commodore, then assigned as Columbia Group Commander. It was announced that he would temporarily be detached from the Group to oversee a special team that would supervise acquisition of the new vessels. Malcolm was then elevated to Major General. The synchronized expansion of the Marine contingent with the Fleet was announced. Malcolm was then officially appointed as Commander of Marine Division Boots Fleet. A Marine Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel were elevated to the level of Brigadier Generals then transferred to command the Task Force One and Task Force Two Brigades. The one named Svesion, a Lupan was temporarily named to the team directing the asset purchase. He and four other Marines would test out and bring back their heavy equipment aboard the Carriers when they returned home.

  Marie was awarded her medal first, then promoted to Commander. She was now a Fleet favorite, and everyone in the Hangar went crazy for her. A final announcement was made to the effect that the expansion involved three more Flag level promotions and a chain of elevations of additional Senior Officers plus the addition of a lot more personnel. The next moves would be forthcoming within the week.

  The following dinner/dance party exceeded expectations. The new Flag Officers were able to add to the head table humor presented on both Carriers. In all, somewhere around six thousand attended the promotions and close to nineteen thousand were able to partake in the festivities.

  As Bryant surveyed the sprawling assembly, he realized that Boots was as much a family as a military command. Everyone seemed to support each other. During the evening, he and Marie danced a dozen slow pieces aboard both Carriers. At two hundred thirty hours, on the way to his quarters, he stopped her in an alcove and asked her to marry him. With tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks, she accepted. He told her of Bill's plan to take the Counseling Division Service-wide and then give it full Departmental status. He explained that Stephenson intended to offer her the position of Headquarter Department Head but that she could run it from Boots if she were married to Bryant. They began their wedding plans the next day.

  On Thursday, May 25th, 2248, Bryant summoned all his Senior Officers to his office one at a time with Marie present. First, they informed Tom, then Grace, then Moe, then Malcolm. After that, they told Steven Nichols and Olivia Hurst together, since they'd become an item too. Finally, they called in the two new Brigadiers and let them know together. When that was done, they recorded a video message together for Admiral Stephenson. They told him invitations would follow, but George asked if he would be best man since Marie's father would be there to give her away. Then, they recorded a message for the Emperor, asking Edward III to attend in the role of Ring Bearer. After that, they transmitted an invitation to her parents in Waterloo Canada, on Earth. They asked them to participate - and asked her father to give her away. The couple also expressed their wish to buy their wedding outfits as a thank you. George and Marie asked if they could bring her two six-year-old twin cousins and their parents along so the cousins could be flower girls. They would buy the girls' dresses, shoes, and accessories. They explained that all guests would be placed in relatively elegant suites, though they may not all be aboard the Columbia. By the wedding date, all four Carriers would be present - so there would be many new Flag and Senior Officer level quarters available for allocation. Boots would make all the facilities of each ship available. Guests would be able to use the gymnasiums and pools and would be welcome at cinemas, barber shops, and hairdressers, at no charge. All meals would be supplied, as would all beverages in the watering holes aboard the ships. A special trip within the system and the nearby nebular cloud would be offered to all non-service attendees. Her parents knew but were reminded to tell the civilian participants that all but the shuttlecraft had gravity and all vessels had comfortable environments. They should pack as light, as possible since daily cleaning services would be free should they need laundry done or touched up during their stay. Stewards would attend to their quarters and their needs.

  By the 26th, the Task Force Commanders forwarded a list of three they recommended for elevation to Group Commands at the rank of Commodore and another list of three to replace the Captains positions that would be vacated. Secondary promotional needs created by those elevations could be handled at the Task Force level.

  On the 27th, with much less fanfare, the six officers were elevated and assigned to their respective positions. Most didn't yet have a ship to command or plant a flag on. On the 29th, Boots leadership saw Nichols and his large team off to the assembly yards.

  The next two months were busy for both George and Marie. He had to oversee the changes that would enable the expansion. There were endless promotions and transfers. The Task and Group Commanders faced the same issues along with an unending list of reassignments. George also had to evaluate and approve recommendations sent almost daily by Commodore Nichols. Marie had to oversee the establishment of her HQ command center, which would be aboard the Columbia. This change would be made public immediately after the wedding when she would be elevated to Commodore - a rank befitting a Headquarters Command Officer. The change would involve a lot of work. She prepared bulletins for all Fleets on the protocol and configuration of the Departments, along with proposed Fleet budgetary necessities, personnel requisites, office space requirements, and interdepartmental interaction that would be required. All the while they worked on their wedding plans. Nearly fifteen hundred were invited to the ceremony, and ten to fifteen thousand would be expected to attend the reception, all to be held at Boots Fleet. They settled on Sunday, July 23, for the big day. They were inviting the C&C, the Quadrant Commanders, two Theatre Commanders, Vice Admiral Blackman and several of his people, a lot of staff people and six hundred from within Boots Fleet, along with family and friends from outside the service. Gogorra, Blackman, Nichols, and Stevens were asked to be ushers. George asked Moe to be his "Sergeant at Arms." George's craft would return with its team for two weeks from July 17 through July 30th and would be pressed into service to shuttle those without other transportation means from Earth - and back when the whole thing was over. As a thank you, George was paying for his future father-in-law’s suit, which would be done by Banerjee. Bill Stephenson arranged fittings for him at the tailor's Earth outlet and shuttled him back and forth for visits to headquarters. It helped make him feel special. Marie paid for her mother’s dress. The remaining members of the wedding party were OESA who would be in dress uniforms, so no one else needed any specific attire. It would be a full military wedding conducted by an active ship's Captain. Olivia Hurst, now Captain of the Columbia, would do the honors. Other guests would be shuttled to the Fleet from Earth aboard newly inaugurated vessels as they made their maiden flights on their way to service. In all, the four hundred who would come from Earth would be shipped back aboard a warship in the guise of a shakedown cruise. They would have elegant staterooms for transportation each way and the best menu imaginable. There was so much involved that George and Marie used some of Moe's staff to help out. No one ever complained. They were all family. And it was, after all, an official function sanctioned by the C&C and Emperor as a publicity event. The OESA did a press release on the wedding on June 15. From that point on it was in the daily news treated like a royal wedding. Sixteen additional members of the AP would join those already embedded in Boots Fleet to cover every aspect of the wedding. Each and every day, the implanted members visited various Fleet perso
nnel for interviews about the event. At least once a week they requested time with Marie and George separately - though sometimes together.