Righteous Reign II Righteous Rule: Righteous Reign, #3

By T. J. MacDonald

Admiral Kurt Brubacher spins the logs, reports and history of the Orion Federation into a spellbinding action saga that starts nearly three years, after the end of Righteous Reign. The opening volleys in a new war had just been fired. Back then, thousands of warships had suddenly occupied positions along more than one hundred light-years of the Federation's border. George Bryant had dubbed this enigmatic enemy "The Inscrutables."
Both forces continually move and countermove, in an attempt to gain a tactical advantage over the massive chessboard. Periodically, this mysterious foe has launched vicious suicidal attacks. But, Admiral George Bryant's Mobile Fifth RAC forces are only permitted to defend; never allowed to retaliate. It would offend the neighboring CauDo to pursue these cunning antagonists, in their territory. All the while, half a trillion Orion Federation citizens attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy, despite the strain.
But, George is not alone. It is Kurt who comes up with a deceitful plan. In heart-stopping, pulse-pounding fashion, he shifts readers back and forth through time; as he shuffles us through successive battles; each, more dangerous and complex than the preceding one. And, in the middle of it all, the Federation faces a predicament as serious as the impasse that led to a past civil war; just as one hero's most euphoric moment transforms into his greatest anguish.
In the end, it's all up to Admiral Bryant. He must execute the duplicitous scheme that's concocted to rid the Federation of the Inscrutables. If he's triumphant; he will vanquish the fiercest enemy, they have ever confronted. Being wrong means the end of the Orion Federation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. J. MacDonald
• Release date: Mar 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370360161

T. J. MacDonald

A retired associate electrical engineer, Tom enjoyed a long career designing and building automated manufacturing and robotic systems - a much more creative task than most may realize. He still holds the necessary registrations to work within that field; but, now spends most of his time writing. He is the father of three successful men, each a wonder in his own right; and, a grandfather of four incredible grandchildren. His wife, Tanis, was the love of his life, when they married; and, still is today. She maintains the most incredible restraint and patience; when, he is obsessing in his creative mode. Though he is close to all his boys and their families, his oldest son Tyler is the graphic artist responsible for the cover illustration. Tom was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus (SLE) several decades ago; but, he's never let its insidious nature interfere with work or creativity. He says that; along with the treatments available, a positive attitude is the best medicine. Righteous Reign is his first published fictional book; though he has copyright on other specialized technical works. Righteous Reign was a labor of love; taking enough time to write, that; the space opera area of Sci-Fi, may no longer be in vogue; as, it goes to publication, in February 2016. But, it is still a work that should be seen. Much of the time involved was devoted to research. He always says; he's determined to make his stories authentic by making the science fiction grounded in real science; as, we understand it, today. In addition, the military nature of the stories made it necessary to understand today's armed forces; and, extrapolate to envision where they would be in two hundred years. His own military experience was too distant to draw on. The sequel should be finished sometime in the same year; but, will be more of an actioner. It will establish "Righteous" as a series.

Book preview

Righteous Reign II

Righteous Rule

By

T. J. MacDonald

©Copyright 2016 Thomas J. MacDonald

All rights reserved.

Righteous Reign and Righteous Reign II - Righteous Rule are registered for copyright, in Canada, under the terms of the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention.

To Tanis, Tyler, Treff, Travis and our grandchildren.

Episode 2 - Forward

Part One

Chapter 1 The Plan

Chapter 2 The First Close Encounter

Chapter 3 The End of the Beginning

Chapter 4 Looking Devils in the Eye(s)

Chapter 5 Flogging a Scheme

Chapter 6 All Aboard!!

Chapter 7 Business as Usual

Chapter 8 The Battle of Lambda Bootes

Chapter 9 The Battle of Nu Draconis

Chapter 10 Getting All Our Ducks in a Row

Chapter 11 The Maestro

Chapter 12 Tending All the Little Details

Chapter 13 The Battle of T5-15-45 AOP

Part Two

Chapter 14 Spilling the Beans

Chapter 15 Dotting the I's

Chapter 16 Crossing the T's

Chapter 17 All Systems Are Go!

Chapter 18 And the Beat Goes On

Chapter 19 Coming Attractions

Chapter 20 These Eyes

Chapter 21 Compartments

Chapter 22 IGB at BP 15-58-98 -3-06

Chapter 23 Termination

End

Episode 2 - Forward

Out of nearly half a trillion citizens in the Orion Federation, I am the one in the best position to access any information; no matter how secret or sensitive. As its Inspector General, I am privy to all manner of minutia. That makes me the best person to tell this story.

This is the second episode in the George Bryant saga. He is undoubtedly the greatest man to live in my lifetime.

George's story is one of leadership. Though a man of deep feelings, strong convictions, and impeccable ethics, he is also a tactical genius capable of leading wars waged on massive scales. He'll do anything to defend the people and institutions he cares about.

As this episode opens, Admiral Bryant is facing the most insidious enemy seen by the Federation, yet. As he looks for a way to break the stalemate that has turned the conflict into a war of attrition, he must also resolve a deadly threat to the fledgling democracy.

Many other peoples' stories wind their way through George Bryant's, including my own - we are all connected. In one way or another, we all owe George for the success we have achieved on his coattails. But, ours is also a tale of great hardship and sadness.

Admiral Kurt Brubacher Inspector General

Part One

Chapter 1 The Plan

Friday, August 2, 2261

You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you. - Leon Trotsky

"Action Stations - Action Stations!" The Loki Captain's voice calls out calmly over the ship's hundreds of loudspeakers, to the accompaniment of nerve-rattling claxons, augmented by red strobes flashing throughout the corridors and major spaces of the massive Carrier Class Vessel. The atmosphere immediately changes from calm and dispassionate to what seems like mayhem; as, nearly nine-hundred on-duty personnel drop - whatever, to scramble to their assigned battle positions.

Just, three minutes earlier, Captain Sareat Altafir had reported the abrupt move of the Inscrutables to his Group Commander Commodore David Simmons. The account went all the way up the chain to Vice Admiral Elasima, Commander of Phoenix Fleet, and orders ricocheted back, in very short order.

Usually parked just eight thousand kilometers from the border, quite near their antagonists' projected touchdown, the entire Four-Group-Fleet was now rapidly accelerating toward the boundary to meet the enigmatic foe head on; and, repel any possible territorial incursion. All the while, each of the four Carriers was launching four Raptor class fighters, from their forward launch tubes, every seven seconds. Their twenty massive warships, four invisible sub class vessels and three hundred of their fighter craft would stand against the fifty-five enemy ships that had initiated the sudden leap to the line, separating the Federation from CauDo space.

The Inscrutables parked a massive contingent of warships, two light-years outside the Federation frontier, in CauDo space, over two years ago. There are somewhere close to two thousand craft in their armada; which stretches one hundred ten light-years along Orion Federation territorial limits. Phoenix is just one of many Fleets in Admiral Bryant's Fifth Mobile Rapid Action Command that are searching for a way to vanquish this threat; without offending the CauDo; who are great trading partners and neighbors.

"Stand down from action stations. Recall all fighters. Return all weapons to standby." Altafir's voice peels out; as the flashing red stops - throughout the entire vessel.

It was another head fake. Their opponent stopped short; then, jumped back to their original position.

They were testing our response time. Vice Admiral Elasima says to his Chief of Staff.

…………………………………………………………………………..

Admiral Tom Stevens cantilevers over the desktop peering down on the map image displayed on his personal datapad, laying in the middle of the surface. He straightens and taps the three-dimensional icon, and a holographical image is projected into the space over the desk with all objects located correctly. Tom circles the desk; intently peering into the projection; seeking any infinitesimal change that may have occurred over the past ten hours; since his last check. Nearly, three years of constant little redeployments, interrupted by malicious attacks, have reinforced the need to analyze this enigmatic enemy very prudently.

The desk rests near his credenza, office chair, and two attendant seats at the end of his expansive office on the port side of the sprawling Flag Bridge of the FSS Midgard; an enormous supercarrier class vessel employed as his mobile command station. More than ten meters away, at the other end of the room, three couches, two chairs, two end tables and a coffee table are nested to establish a conversation pit; where, up to thirteen can participate in meetings, debriefings, and general discourse. An extensive, fully stocked bar, graces the port wall below the two large viewing windows between the two defined spaces. Ceiling lights and sconces illuminate areas of the room; which is tastefully decorated with the addition of corner tables, lamps, paintings, and tapestries.

Tom's workspace is out of the way of critical control areas in this chaotic chamber. Eighteen operational stations, echoing those on the navigation bridge, ring the extensive control area. In the center of the semi-circular space, two ergonomic seats sit in the middle of the Executive Station; though, they are seldom used. More often than not, Flag Level Commands are operated from the superior's office. In all, the Asgard houses over nine thousand personnel; including the seventeen hundred staff that run all of the Command's operational departments. Though it varies, from ship to ship, there are an additional six hundred eighty-nine civilian spouses, children, and contractors aboard the mighty vessel, too.

Now approaching sixty years of age, Stevens' lanky, athletic physique still casts an impressive shadow on a wall. And, just as inspiring is the way he leads the half million people deployed throughout the twelve fleets he commands. His system annunciator sounds off. It’s a TAM from his boss, Admiral Bryant.

It hadn’t been that long ago; when, Admiral Stevens' smoldering career had convinced him; he would retire from the OFSA as a Group Commander; holding the rank of Commodore. But, his progress had been revived; when, George Bryant was assigned to command Boots Fleet, back in 2248. George had enough prescience to see that; though Tom’s career had stalled because of the waning needs of the organization, he still possessed all of the same skills, talents, and dynamism that propelled him to Flag ranks so quickly, earlier. But now, his résumé offers a lot of experience, too. A skirmish, two wars, and a very widespread insurrection had forced the service to swell to something close to twice its size when Bryant assumed command of Boots Fleet. Much of the expansion had been planned and executed by George, himself; and, in each iteration, he always found new, more challenging, roles for Tom. Now a full Admiral, Stevens was one of seventeen people controlling divisions of the gargantuan service.

Fleet Admiral Bryant is now one of eight, at the very top, who guide policy, strategy, and growth of the more than four million engaged in the service of the OFSA. He is one-third of the triumvirate that controls the entire organization; and, commands Mobile Fifth RAC comprised of three Theatre Commands like Admiral Stevens'. Tom runs Theatre Nine, Admiral Palakiko has Theatre Ten, and Admiral J. Coquinas commands Twelve.

Though called Theatre Commands, these three organizations are tactically analogous to Quadrant Commands, according to the definition of them in the OFSA R&R. Each manages twelve fleets of twenty warships from the very large, super-carrier classed, mobile stations; along with twelve autonomous frigates, a slew of supply vessels and a hospital ship. A carrier, cruiser, two frigates and a sub combine as one of four Tactical Groups that make up each Fleet, commanded by a Vice Admiral. Two of these Groups are managed by a Task Force Command, and the two Task Forces answer to the Fleet Commander. Two supply vessels are attached to each Task Force. Each of these Task Forces is run by a Rear Admiral. So, though they are smaller than the typical Quadrants, these Commands are much grander than the standard Theatre Command. Most Theatres are responsible for eight of these Fleets; but, he, Coquinas and Palakiko administer twelve each. And, they each control their twelve autonomous Frigates; a feature not endowed on the other commands. Fifth is the largest Quadrant level organization of all - by far.

Quadrant Commands have been around since the earliest days of the service. When they were initiated, there were only four; and, each was responsible for one-fourth of the space in what was an Empire, at that time. Hence the Quadrant Command nomenclature. Each Quadrant Command has two Theatres of Operation - one north of the zero-degree ecliptic and one south of it; and controls a region of space spanning six hours by one hundred eighty degrees out to the one hundred light-years Orion Federation Border. Quadrant Commands are located on Rigil in the Kentaurus system. It was named to honor the ancient Arabic name; given the system ten centuries ago. A standard eight-fleet Theatre Command is manned by around three hundred twenty-two thousand, including staff; give or take for individual needs. Theatres Nine, Ten and Twelve brush the half million personnel mark each. So, at over one and a half million, Mobile Fifth RAC is more than twice the size of the other six hundred fifty-thousand-member quadrant level commands.

Quadrants and their subordinate commands patrol fixed regions. Mobile Fifth RAC is a rapid action force that can be deployed to any area of the Federation quickly, from wherever it is located. It is possible to place seven-hundred-twenty substantial warships brandishing all their weaponry and nearly fifteen thousand fighter craft into a hotspot, anywhere in over four million cubic light-years of Federation space, in three weeks or less. A regional Theatre Command needs only to provide a holding action until Mobile Fifth RAC arrives. Thus, any significant threat can be addressed without compromising defense or patrol of the rest of Federation Space.

I’m sure glad we got new orders.’ Stevens mumbles to the empty room. ‘These past three years have been bullshit. I’m sick of playing those sick bastards’ games. He finished as he looked up and out the viewport toward the enemy encampment, too distant to actually see.

George is returning from a planning meeting at headquarters on the planet Rigil. He is still several days away; but, has sent orders via the Casimir Laser Communications System. CLCS can get a message back to Fifth five time faster than it would take him to traverse the distance, himself, in FTL flight mode.

CLCS is a communications system theorized by George himself during the war, with the Spiel, in 2249. With a lot of engineering and scientific help, he was able to prove that lasers could be used to carry data signals inside a wormhole. It gave him a substantial advantage in that war; and, has since served us well by shortening communications times dramatically.

Anyway, Tom sits and begins composing TAMs to his Fleets; incorporating specific orders to the Subs. The other two Theatre Commanders would be doing exactly the same thing; he thinks to himself. George wants the subs all grouped together and away from their parent Fleets; but, still under cloak. He could write the orders directly to the covert vessels’ captains; but, proper protocol dictates their orders come from their immediate commanders. So, he writes them to the Fleet Commands who will pass them to their Task Force Commanders; and then, on down through the system, to the cloaked vessels.

There are several categories of official communications in the OFSA. Tactical Action Messages are orders that direct the redeployment and offensive or defensive operation of a tactical field command incorporating multi-layered sub-commands. A Command Action Order is used to instruct another, or others, to complete some action that is not, for the moment, tactical in nature. These are directed to the leader of multifaceted subordinate authorities, too. Both of these can be general, or specific, in nature and are always registered documents with traceable identity numbers. It is rare to see a TAM or CAO that is not classified and encrypted. Then, there are the Command Action Messages. These are sort of like an order to assist, or an operational instruction when the originator is unsure of the objectives of the task. CAMs are often classified and sometimes encrypted. Memos come in a variety of hues. Some are simple communications to make a point or request information. Others may be designated with a security classification and even encrypted, to discuss the reasoning to a tactical situation. Still, others may be to offer or announce a promotion, change in policy, an event, or report on a result. A memo may contain a revision to an order or information that changes the execution of one; whether tactical, policy or a matter of procedure. Finally, an order can be conveyed verbally. A verbal order carries the same weight as one written in a document. Verbal orders require both the administrator and receiver to record them in their departmental logs. There are relatively grave consequences for failing to properly record an oral directive. However, received, a lawful order is to be obeyed by subordinates.

A lawful order is defined in the Rules of Conduct within the OFSA Rules and Regulations as:

"Any order issued by a senior to a subordinate or subordinates that;

Does not require thesubordinate(s) to disobey the laws,statutes,andConstitutionof the Orion Empire.

Does not require the subordinate to disobey any chapter, section or sub-section of the OFSA Rules and Regulations.

Does notrequirethesubordinateto enter into any criminal action or venture.

Does not necessitate thesubordinatebreach acceptablestandards of moral or ethical conduct, as definedinthe OFSA Rules and Regulations.

Does not belittle the recipient or ask the subordinate to disparage others.

Does not require thesubordinatetobreachthe terms of any international or interstellar treaty agreedto orenforced by the Orion Federation.

The service member may agree to comply with an order not conforming to the above; if, that person deems it personally acceptable for the purpose of achieving the general welfare of the Orion Federation; in whole or in part."

TAMs changed dramatically after the attempted coup, a few years ago. They had originally been designed as communiqués that could be verified by tracing their registration numbers back to their authors. But, the revolution had brought a perilous weakness to light. Even though it is extremely hard to tap into ship-to-ship communications, it can be done; and, is even easier for those familiar with the protocols used. So now, each commander senior enough to order tactical operations issues a series of authentication codes to his subordinates; and encrypts the messages employing a decryption code distinctive to the recipient, only. So only the receiving party can open the message with the unique decryption code obtained from his system on request with iris verification; and, confirms its authenticity by matching its authentication code to the date sensitive one generated by his personal system. This ensures that only the intended party can open it; and, they can be sure the order is legitimate. So when Admiral Stevens writes a TAM directed at a particular subordinate, he encodes it with an authentication number and encrypts it with a key that only the recipient can acquire. The system management program for this application is so well developed that; he can write a general TAM to all his commands and the system will encode each copy it sends correctly; though, his outgoing mail will show one with a single mutual authentication code root.

Tactical Action Message #FM62-1125

CLASSIFIED - SECRET (NTK)

ENCRYPTED

AUTHENTICATE ROOT I.D. FMT9116225VIM

From: Admiral Thomas Stevens Fifth Mobile RAC Theatre Nine Commander

To: All Theatre Nine Fleet Commanders

C.C. Admiral George Bryant Fifth Mobile RAC Commander

Date: August 2, 2261

Admirals,

You are ordered and required to execute all of the following,

All Fleet Commands are directed to detach all existing covert vessels from their Group / Task Force / Fleet Commands; and, send them toRA 15h, 46m, 4.92995s Dec. +52º, 52', 2.0267"; at 98.9 Ly (position isrelative toSol system).

Vice Admiral Elasima Commander Phoenix Fleet shall temporarily assign Commodore David Simmons to the FSS Nautilus to Command this distinctive Task Force.

V. A. Elasima will order Commodore. D. Simmons to hold all subs in this temporary new command for further orders, at theposition,specified.

All other Theatre Nine Fleet Commanders must immediately direct their covertships' commanders to attach themselves and theirshipsto Commodore D. Simmons new temporary command; and, to report to him, immediately on arrival, to theabove-detailedposition.

Vice Admiral Elasima is enjoined to instruct Commodore Simmons that; he and his force will become part of a wider command; when joined by forces of the IGB; and that, he will become subordinate to an overall commander provided by IGB.

Further, all Fleet Commanders must direct these covert crafts that; they will temporarily form a Special Task Group under the command of Commodore D. Simmons.

Any unnecessary communication regarding this matter should be avoided. All steps should be taken to secure this information should communication be necessary.

Thank you.

Admiral Thomas Stevens

Tom didn’t know the wider plan, yet. He might be able to guess most of it before Admiral Bryant actually arrives; because, George has a tendency to continuously issue orders, in-route, to avoid unnecessary delays when he lands. This particular command is probably just the first in a long string; but, it indicates something different is about to happen.

One thing he really appreciated was the change in positional coordinate systems adopted by the OFSA nearly two hundred years ago. The Sol system is the center of the Federation; and, by utilizing Sol instead of Earth as its hub, the OFSA had eliminated the need to continuously adjust positions for earthborn issues, such as precession. Now, all points and distances were relatively constant; only requiring offsets for the proper motion of various stars, since the last chart updates. Displacement and axial position are tabulated from the exact center point of Sol; as if it is non-rotational and stationary. This is particularly beneficial when parking in open space instead of in a star system. Some astronomers had even proposed employing a galactic positioning system, at that time. But, since the Federation only travels in under four one-thousandths of a percent of the Milky Way; and, proper motion can be dependent on a star system's location in the galaxy, it was decided we should utilize the current method.

Theatres Nine, Ten, and Twelve have been at their current position, give or take a tactical move, for just over three years in conjunction with the Fifth Mobile RAC mobile station. The Fifth is housed aboard two super carrier class vessels like the ones employed by its Theatre Commands. The whole kit and caboodle jumped here in January 2259, as a deterrent to a substantial force that formed a very short distance from the border. For thirty-one months, twelve hundred enemy ships have been manipulated like pieces on a chessboard; then, George countermoves. Once every eight or nine months there has been a pitched battle. Both sides lick their wounds; replace their losses and go back to the chessboard – until, the next time.

Stevens turns back to the chart he'd been examining before receiving Bryant’s communiqué; but questions his interpretation; so he calls up the subjective view; which places the viewer within the panorama projected in the space above the desktop. The three-dimensional view and much larger projection allow him to examine every detail meticulously, from all possible perspectives. He switches between the current image and one from several hours earlier; looking for differences. This enemy often splits into two flotillas; moving a couple of light-years either side of their central attack point; as if to begin a pincer-style assault. But, Mobile Fifth Forces counter the moves before the staging is even complete; the benefit of enjoying a technological advantage in sensor systems, engine power, and structural integrity. Fifth can observe and countermove before the enemy can see it. By the time they are fully staged for an attack; they always see Theatre Nine or Ten forces directly in their path.

As he studies the map, Tom notes that the position the subs were sent to is central; but, a good light-year off of the battle front and away from Fifth Mobile. His annunciator sounds. There is another message from Bryant. This time it’s a memo; not an order.

MEMO

CLASSIFIED - SECRET

Encrypted

From:      Admiral George Bryant Fifth Mobile RAC Commander

To:          Admiral Tom Stevens Theatre Nine Commander

C.C.        Admiral K. Brubacher Commander IGB

Re:          Border Region

Date:      August 2, 2261

Tom,

I wanted to drop you a quick note. A similar one has been sent to your Theatre Ten and Twelve counterparts. The orders you received earlier, regarding redeployment of the subs are part of a much wider plan devised by Admiral Brubacher and me, some time ago. Inspector General Branch is now a formidable force, in its own right, with two full six Fleet Theatre Commands supported by two hundred fifty-two specially designed long range shuttle craft used to carry platoon sized enforcement contingents up to thirty light-years. They have the usual contingent of marines and specially trained ones for their intelligence, investigation, and enforcement operations. And, their covert vessels are used in very specialized ways.

Last October, Kurt suggested a plan to deal with our nagging foe; and, together we have fleshed it out to something worth using, over the past nine and a half months. This plan hinges on using both Fifth Mobile RAC and IGB covert vessels and Marine Special Forces, in accordance with methods employed by IGB. I have asked you to detach the cloaked units from their Groups / Tasks / Fleets so they may train with IGB sub commanders for several months before executing an operation paramount to the overall battle plan. A significant part of this one hundred ninety-two vessel formation will be used to covertly mine the hulls of enemy ships. Another portion will be used to locate and land Special Forces on the enemy homeworld. A third detachment will be deployed in a picket line between their home world and the battle front to interrupt their resupply.

I will arrive at your location fourteen hundred hours August 6, 2261. Admiral Brubacher should land on-site, the following day. In preparation for the coming contest, I would recommend you rotate your Fleets between duty on the front line, reserve status, and battle drills, without the presence of the covert vessels. This will prepare our people for the tactics and methods that will be employed in the confrontation. IGB practices this way continuously; since they use their subs much more aggressively than usual.

I’m sure you find this all rather sketchy, at the moment; but, Kurt and I have a much broader and very detailed plan ready. We will sit for strategic and tactical meetings, when I arrive, and polish this into something we will all be satisfied with.

Your friend,

George Bryant

………………………………………………………………………………………

George and Marie stare out the viewport on the port side of his Admirals’ Craft from their table inside its lounge. The sparkling jewel-like star systems suspended in the blackness are accompanied by glittering accessory ornaments and charms. The complex and beautiful Cat's Eye Planetary Nebula is escorted by the closer Pelican Nebula, more to port and a little beneath in the viewing field. Still further to port and much lower, the multifaceted and mysterious Lagoon nebula is joined by the Red Square reflection nebula, even farther to our left and below the others in the viewing field. Now that the planning meetings are conducted over a three-day period, quarterly; he always takes Marie and Atina along. They all love Rigil New York and take time for recreation, on its bordering Lake.

Rigil New York is a very charming city. The entire center is designed as an outdoor walking mall. Commercially, only electric vans are permitted to enter the core, for the purpose of resupplying the local businesses. Electric carts and Segways are the only motorized transport allowed in this section. Streets radiate like spokes from its central administration area; and are crossed, at one block intervals, by broad avenues that ring the hub. From in the air, all this combines to give it the appearance of a spider's extensive spiraling orb web. The downtown has the ambiance of a quaint small town with clapboard fronts and large lighted windows. A variety of fine eating establishments, pubs, and restaurants are disbursed throughout this plaza; and, many superior retailers offer everything from tailored clothes to elegant furniture. Headquarters is in the northeast, and the lake borders the southwest quadrants of the city.

George always keeps an eye on the new academy there; looking out for raw cadets with potential. Its structures have been assembled, from limestone, quarried over two hundred kilometers to the east of Rigil New York; in the fashion of many built on earth, a few centuries ago. The main building sports a massive clock embedded in a soaring, elegant steeple. The stylish OFSA badge is positioned immediately below the timepiece. Battlements, turrets, and parapets are employed, to facilitate angular changes in the shape of each edifice. Fifteen grand halls represent the disciplines imparted within the campus' surrounding wrought-iron trimmed stone wall.

Every time they visit Rigil, he says he thanks me, for pushing the change to the R & R that originally had these meetings scheduled monthly. Both he and I had spent half of each month traveling to those sessions from out in the boondocks. Now, we could take a couple of weeks, every three months, to meet this obligation and enjoy a little holiday, at the same time. He also says he thanks me for the family opportunity these mini-vacations provide. Not the least of the benefits is the daytime quiet times he and Marie can enjoy; while, Atina is napping or in the care of a nanny, in the lounge. The thousands of people seeking his leadership, during the workday, are not present; making it possible for the brief interludes.

This latest session has been particularly valuable; since he and I presented the plan for resolving the border stalemate; Fifth has been locked into for three years. And, George has been particularly appreciative of the very convincing role played by me, in the briefing.

My original suggestion is relatively unsophisticated. We would use the subs to plant mines on enemy hulls, monitor their communications; and employ diffused reflective x-ray sensors to spy on them. The object is to learn how they operate; who they are; where their home world is located; and, plant the explosives as, the opening shot in a lightning attack designed to reduce their massive fleet to a manageable level. The attack would begin by setting off a portion of the mines as Fifth moved across the border aggressively. Synchronously, a contingent of IGB would employ a pincer movement to attack from above and below their lines, at the rear; interrupting both their reserve and resupply. Seven detached subs would head to their home world to land special forces; while another fourteen would line the resupply route to prevent long range supply vessels from reaching the front. Together, George and I had expanded the plan; adding a diversion comprised of Theatre Twelve, Theatre Five and Theatre Seven forces thrusting toward the center of the battle front from both ends of the battle line. A wedge attack at the heart of their front by Theatre Nine would be accompanied by attacks on the flanks by Theatre Ten. Though the wedge is the main attack, each element of the operation would put considerable pressure on the enemy. Theatre Twelve is only allotting three Fleets to each end of the line to fight along with two from the regional Theatres; so, their other six would be held in reserve. This would give the attack backup and depth and a force that could be used to guard their rear during a withdrawal, if necessary. Six versions each comprised of four variants were prepared and submitted.

Any battle plan always needs more work; as the various levels are brought to the table. For example, Theatres would have to look at their region and method of attack and decide how they want to deploy their forces to achieve results in that area. Fleet Commanders would look at the forces and deployment pattern of the enemy in their assigned battle zone and determine how they want to distribute their Task Forces who would determine how they want to deploy their Groups. Marines would increase security throughout Fifth Mobile RAC and develop plans