Righteous Reign The Series: E-version Boxed Set Edition

by Thomas J. MacDonald

  Again it was Mary who stood with her hand in the air. Everyone followed delivering a loud call. "Rah."

  I took over the podium.

  "Mary. After the meeting, you might want to spend a few minutes with the Commodore. You are a natural leader. She may want to use that. What's that you say. 'I cup my right hand to my ear, then drop it. 'Oh, she paid you for that.' I said naively to a chorus of laughter. Then I continue. ‘Okay. We established that we love all of you.' I said as I waved a hand to the audience. 'And, you love all of us.' I waved a hand to the two women Flag Officers and me. 'Oh boy, this is really getting sappy.' I said as I shook my head in feigned disgust. 'There are seven thousand requisitions, two hundred orders, twenty warrants, and seventy-five memos I have to send to your offices when we leave here. You're all dismissed." I said with a laugh and a wave as the staff rose in laughter and actually applauded. This is the first meeting I've attended where people applauded at the end.

  "Wow, you missed your calling," Anita said.

  "Yeah, I didn't know I was hiring a standup comic when I asked for you," Helena added.

  "Ah come on. You two aren't going to gang up on me, are you? I was just trying to make them feel good about themselves and their situations." I feign sadness.

  "And a very fine job you did of it, too, Stanley," Helena said reminiscent of Oliver Hardy in the ancient comedies.

  "You ain't so bad yourself, Admiral,' I answered. 'Let's stop for an early lunch or brunch, or whatever it's called." I suggested to the affirmative nods of the others.

  Chapter 17 The Conspiracy

  Monday June 1, 2257

  "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." - Plato

  It's been over a year since my unexpected promotion and my assignment as Phoenix Task Force 1 Commander. I can honestly say, the last three months have seemed like leave. Things were so busy for the fifteen months after I was assigned the Loki, that the next three made me realize, I'm like a marathon runner doing a cool down lap. But, the Task Force is running smoothly. We have not faltered in any assignments. Reviews of Phoenix and Task Force 1 conducted by my superiors have been outstanding.

  It took three weeks for Anita to get things truly straightened out in the Staff Office. Singh proved there's nothing like an amateur to really screw up the works. But, she is my right arm, now. At least when she's not crossing over to the other side to work with Helena's COS. That office is ticking like a watch, too. In that case, she is more like a consultant, employing gentle persuasion to achieve change.

  For her part, Helena's been a great boss. And, a great lover, too. Our biggest impediments have been Nichols and Bryant. They keep wanting the Phoenix Group close to the Midgard or Valhalla, but we still go on about patrols we are assigned, in the region. The Fifth has moved to all four quadrants of the Empire, during the last four months, so I think Anita's seen more than she thought she would. Even the most basic red dwarf, we all take for granted, strikes her with awe, when we approach it. And, she can't get enough of emission nebulae. She stood at a viewport for hours studying the Lagoon Nebula, when we were working at Zeta Sagittarius. She'd be happy to go six to eight hundred light years out from Earth, where some truly dense and beautiful ones reside.

  Anyway, Nichols will call Helena and the two Task Commanders into his office for some lame-brained excuse when we're near Midgard, and Bryant will do the same when we are near Valhalla. We've spent as much time on those ships as we have on the Loki. One thing I began to notice as early as my War College days was how often the Emperor is at the Valhalla. And, sometimes Bryant and he are at the Midgard when we pull in. There have been other occasions when Stephenson is present, too. And, I get the impression that they are studying Helena and me. Sometimes, I see them sideways-glancing at the two of us while murmuring through hand covered mouths. I am not sure about Harter Brocken my counterpart in Phoenix Task Force 2. All eyes seem to be focused on Helena and me when all three of us our present. Occasionally, there are other Flag Officers nearby on the station, too. I notice the same interest in some, and not in others. It seems like a group of us is being selectively assessed for some mysterious purpose. Or, maybe I'm just paranoid. I am so doubtful of these observations, I haven't even mentioned them to Helena.

  Helena is another story. Or, I should say that ours is another story of growth over the past year. We still don't live in a single apartment. We would not want to shock our subordinates. So, we spend three or four hours a night in one or the other’s quarters. Both are spacious and elegant, so we don't really care whose unit we're in. Three hundred or four hundred in the morning will see whichever one is out of place relocating to their own home. But, we'd marry at the drop of a hat. It wouldn't take much. My third star or the threat of a war could push us into a quick one. We have lots of ship's Captains to perform the ceremony, quickly.

  The quiet time has been good. It has taken me out of the spotlight, for now. I feel like I was under a magnifying glass for the whole year since I was promoted to the Loki. It seems like everything I was exposed to during that period was faulty in one way or the other, and correcting those things brought me attention. It's like, I was holding my breath through all of it, and I'm just catching my wind.

  Right now, Valhalla is positioned outside the 61 Virgo system, not quite twenty-eight light years from Earth. And, that is something else I've noticed. Most of our designated patrol areas haven't taken us more than thirty light-years from Earth, in the past year. It means, we can usually bring the entire Fifth to Earth in less than a week, and in three days if we travel at forty percent. Anyway, Phoenix has been ordered to patrol a 66000 cubic light year cube centered at Ross 695, and Task Force One is patrolling half the cube while Task Force Two patrols the other. The thing is that Task Force One is in the half-cube that nearly meets 61 Virgo. Loki Group is at that end of our portion nearest our Theatre Command. And, Midgard is kept near Mobile Fifth RAC Command's station. I would bet, that Loki will be called to Valhalla, soon. We are only two hours from it at our usual cruising speed and could even be there in an hour if need be. And, that's another observation I've made. Phoenix Fleet is always close to either the Valhalla or the Midgard, but the Loki Group is always nearest of all. For the last year, the ESS Loki could get to one of these meaningless meetings in a few hours, or less. Regardless of all of that, I'm certain there is a purpose to what appears to be needless gatherings. My instincts say there's something big in the wind.

  Sure enough, the expected message arrives in the afternoon requiring us to report to Admiral Bryant aboard the Valhalla at eight hundred hours Tuesday, June 2, 2257. I had Nguyen order the Loki to head to Valhalla at four hundred thirty hours the next morning.

  ...............................................................................................

  "Good Morning you two. Forget the formalities and grab a seat.' Admiral Bryant says, waving his hand towards the spacious conversation area. 'That is - unless you need breakfast. There's scrambled eggs, peameal bacon, fruit, toast, and assorted beverages. Help yourself." He offered, directing us to a side-table.

  We both poured just a coffee, then took a seat on each end of a sofa. Bryant sat leaning toward us on the opposite side of the coffee table intensely holding our focus.

  "I'm going to bring in a few other parties, in a couple of minutes. I just wanted to say that I wouldn't be surprised if you were both wondering, what the hell is going on.' He paused for a moment. 'The Emperor has been observing you both. He studies our reports on Flag Officers, but he likes to be able to envision the ones he's interested in. There is something in the wind. I am sure you guessed. We can't tell you yet. It's too dangerous. But you are part of a plan, and things will start changing for you both, today. And tomorrow, you will know the pieces of the puzzle you've been missing." He rose, went to the door, waved someone toward the office, and came back to sit down.

  It was gratifying to know I hadn't been p
aranoid. We were being watched. And, all my suspicions had been on the mark. Something is happening!

  As the three people enter the room we both bolt to our feet.

  "Vice Admiral Leeds and Rear Admiral Brubacher, I want to introduce you to Emperor Edward III, Fleet Admiral William Stephenson, and you know Admiral Nichols, of course.' He directed his hand toward each man as he presented him. 'And, gentlemen, this is Vice Admiral Helena Leeds and Rear Admiral Kurt Brubacher." He said using the same gesture to indicate us.

  "Please, everyone be seated.' The Emperor said. 'This will be an informal meeting. We will not stand on protocol, here. We are all friends, here. Aren't we?' He asked as he leaned in towards us holding our gaze. 'May I ask the two of you a personal question? And it does concern both of you." The Emperor asked.

  "Yes sir, of course," Helena answered.

  "I have watched the two of you in the corridors, many times. And, I have seen things. A sneaking hand touch, here - a coy little glance and light blush there. Are you in love?' He paused and waited. But no answer was forthcoming as we stared at each other in amazement. 'It is not a crime, you know. Two of our most famous and valued Admirals are a husband and wife team who met on the job." He said with a warm smile as I glanced over at Admiral Bryant.

  "Yes, your highness, we are. We are only waiting for the right time." Helena answered.

  The Emperor took her right hand in both of his, patting the back of it with his right one.

  "There is never a good time for anything. There is just a time. You throw a dart at a calendar to pick a date, and you do whatever it is, on that day. That's all there is to life, my dear. It's funny you don't realize that in your personal lives yet. Your professional lives already reflect that attitude. If it needs doing - do it." He spoke softly with a warm smile. Helena sobbed.

  "Why did you ask, if you feel it's alright, Your Majesty," I ask.

  "People in love are very trustworthy. They don't want to upset their romance by doing something that can damage it. So, they will pick a side, and stay with it, so they don't disturb their norm and upset their love. Do you see what I am saying?' He asked to our nods. "I need to trust you both, and knowing you are lovers makes it easier. Call me a sentimental fool, but it's always worked for me." He finishes with a chuckle.

  "What do you mean, you need to trust us?" I ask as the Emperor still held Helena's hand and was stroking it to comfort her as she sobbed.

  "We will share a big secret with you. A dangerous one. A secret that could get you killed – or me, for that matter. So, I needed to know I could trust you when we do reveal it. But, today, there is other business we must complete before we get to that. I have one more query for you. It’s very intrusive, too. I find it hard to ask such a favor." The Emperor says.

  "Sir, I know I am your loyal servant because you've always been a compassionate leader. And your family was always concerned with all their citizens' wellbeing. And, I am very sure that Kurt feels the same way.' She pauses. I nod. 'I don't think we could refuse any request you make, no matter how personal." Helena answered for the two of us.

  "After our meetings are done tomorrow, I want the two of you to announce your wedding. You may have the grandest ceremony. We will make it an official function, and the OESA will pick up all the costs. You will be able to fly your families to your Carrier for the affair, and you'll be permitted to use the four Carriers of a Fleet to hold your dinner." The Emperor finished.

  "You mean like Admiral Bryant's wedding was handled? That is very generous." I respond with doubt apparent in my voice.

  "Not so much. There are strings attached. But, I'll tell you that Admiral Nichols and Commodore Hurst have agreed, too. They accept these added commitments." He explained.

  "I am shocked," Helena said as she rose and stepped toward Nichols. I followed.

  "Sir, I am so happy. Congratulations. I have to see Olivia before I leave." She said, and I followed her with my best wishes and a vigorous handshake.

  "I will tell you this much, now. Both weddings will be timed far enough apart to be used as useful diversions. They will put the entire Empire to sleep with romantic dreams, just when I need it to happen. I cannot tell you more, now. The rest is for tomorrow. Admiral Bryant will fill you in on today's happenings." The Emperor finished as he directed a nod towards George.

  "First, I have to ask you how Anna Arce is doing, Kurt?"

  "She's ready for the next step, sir. Sometimes I wonder why I'm the boss. She could run the show, by herself." I answer.

  "That's exactly what I wanted to know. Do you feel you have to keep Loki as the Task Force One Flag Vessel, Helena?" George asks.

  "Not really, sir. Since Kurt straightened up the mess, either Carrier could fly the Task Force pennant.

  "Good, then here's what's going to happen today. Bill is creating a unique Headquarters. It will be the OESA Inspector General Branch accountable directly to the C&C. It will be staffed by about forty-three to forty-six hundred, like a Theatre and will be mobile. That will allow for all the audit materials to be examined by an independent expert staff in each field under the command of this Special Examinations Branch Commander. This person and the investigative team will go from Quadrant to Quadrant, Theatre to Theatre, and Fleet to Fleet examining every facet of their operations and their tactical missions. It will have a dual purpose. The first is to ensure that each and every aspect of all Commands complies with regulations, is legal, moral, and ethical. This Branch will weed out all the General Chans and Captain Singhs in all field Commands. It will ensure that operations are conducted as they were meant to be. It will investigate all the minutia of each venture, no matter the security level. The Commander will actually lead many of the investigations.

  Its second purpose is to gain intelligence. The information we will give you tomorrow will explain the need. We require the best guess of who is loyal to the idea of the Throne and the Crown, and who is actually faithful to Emperor Edward, the man. We also need to know who's first loyalty is to their Command Line.

  Bill was able to negotiate all the hurdles of creating the new Department by holding up the incident with your previous COS and the former Admiral Chan. By the way, they were sentenced, today. Chan got twenty-five years hard labor. Singh got twelve. The crewman got five years. It's fitting considering the mess they made and the trust they broke. Everyone is well looked after in the service, even the regular crewmen. There is no need for that kind of greed.

  The new Department would be HQ but would be housed on the Valhalla, for now. The story will be it's temporary, because of current space constraints. But, putting it here will lock down security on the intelligence part of it, and will make it mobile immediately.

  So the plan is that Bill will release the announcement, at the end of this meeting. Kurt will be promoted to Admiral Level 10 and will head the new operation. If you accept it, you'll have six weeks to get it running and four months to get it to one hundred percent - not a day longer. You'll be allocated the staff we described, a generous personal staff, and your own Admiral's Craft. Your salary will be sixty percent higher than now. That's standard for level 10. Besides accountants and legal people, you'll need a large group of trained criminal investigators, enforcement staff, a Marine Guard Battalion, to enforce your will as the need arises, and a good-sized intelligence force. Malcolm will supply you with several hundred from throughout Mobile Fifth. You will have sixty criminal investigators, thirty cops, fifty intelligence officers and sixty fighting Marines fully armed and equipped. Of course, all two hundred are fully trained Marines so you could exert considerable force if needed. You will also have a large Press Corps contingent attached to your operations. We need you to make a lot of noise on the criminal side, but the intelligence aspect should be top secret.

  But, you will require a Carrier to move that many investigators to a site, so the Loki will be at your disposal. You just have to ask Helena. You may even need to use a Task Force or Fleet to display power to a larger resist
ing force. We will keep Phoenix Fleet close to the Valhalla, from now on. Essentially, the Phoenix Fleet is going to guard the Valhalla. It may become a target soon. Some people won't be happy about these investigations.

  Helena, you will send a message to the Thor offering The Task Force to Anna Arce with an elevation to Rear Admiral. Helena, you must tell her to leave immediately if she's accepting. She can confirm on-route. David can accompany her.

  Helena, you may want to offer him the Group Command. I believe he's the most experienced Captain you have with Carrier Duty. He's decisive and intelligent. If you offer it, and he accepts, advise me. We need to have the Warrants ready when they arrive. They do not need to know everything. But, we can tell them about Kurt's new appointment because it'll be in the announcement, anyway. We will do the ceremonies when they arrive. Kurt, you need to draw a second complete set of uniforms. Banerjee has an outlet on the Valhalla. You will have personal quarters on the Loki and permanent ones here, and you'll travel a lot. You'll be allowed to draw people from all five Quadrant Level Commands, all ten Theatre Level Commands, all the Fleets and the Academies. See if you can make each move a promotion, and try not to pick on one Command, too much. Take all possible steps to keep it fair. Helena, you'll have to find a new Carrier Captain, probably. I know you are light in Phoenix so you may draw a seasoned Exec from any Fleet in Fifth. I will force it.

  We picked Kurt for several reasons. The most important considerations were his most recent experiences. Picking up on the Loki faults and doing such a thorough job proves his knowledge of the vessels and their needs. Building a working staff in such short order confirms he can handle the job, given proportionate time to complete it. And, he had a sharp eye for the illegal crap that was going on and instinctively knew how to deal with it without compromising operational readiness. He also acts quickly and decisively.