1926: Tau Past, #7

By Richard R Lockwood

An attack on Earth brings the war home. Admiral Kosciusko  orders the creation of military moons. The rest of the galaxy has begun hearing stories about Terra. Can't we get along with anyone? The Graceful People send an investigative team to Earth. Lothar von Richthofen wins the greatest victory in Fleet history. After such an accomplishment, how will Admiral Kosciusko reward him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard R Lockwood
• Release date: Oct 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215206089

Richard R Lockwood

Was born in Miami FL. Worked for the University of Florida until I retired. Been married to the lovely Cecelia for 40 years now, proof that I'm a lucky guy. Now living on the Nature Coast in Citrus County. Enjoy all kind of wildlife, especially reptiles and insects, so I'm pretty sure I'm in the right place. When I'm not writing I enjoy wood carving. Both of the heads beside me in the picture are cedar from the Chassahowitzka Forrest. I also love to walk my dog Bark Anthony. Probably need to go do that now. A Chronology of the Twins Alternate Universe novels and some thoughts and rationales - https://www.ricklockwood.net/Chronology.html My Books on Books 2 Read - https://books2read.com/ap/RaZ9Br/Richard-R-Lockwood  

Book preview

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Postscript

Tau past 07 - 1926

1

Fifty light years away from the central mass of the Orion Nebula was a pocket of space where the vast clouds of high velocity ions and glowing dust seemed to lose their energy and subside into a relatively quiet existence. A tiny moonlet seemed to be lost in these few cubic light years of relative tranquility, or at least it seemed out of place since it lacked a primary to orbit in the vastness. Any entity that might have been interested in this relatively quiet region of space might have also noticed that the energy bursts that signaled the arrival of a jump drive equipped ship were starting to appear more frequently in this area, and if it were an intelligent or logical entity it might guess that this was one of the better places for such ships to rest and get their bearings before continuing on their way, either to travel further out away from the galactic core along the main axis of the arm after viewing the magnificence of the nebula and its birthing nursery for stars, or to travel inward toward the higher density star populations and their network of system gates.

Just a few moments previously two such bursts had heralded the arrival of more  companions for the moonlet. Their noisy arrival a light hour away from the powerful but damaged behemoth now named Lunatic was in vivid contrast with the smooth slipping away of the Tau Fleet carrier Eagle, headed for two weeks leave at its home planet. Eagle left with her complement of marines, loaned to Lunatic to keep order and assist its captain in any task he required. More importantly to Lunatic’s captain, Eagle had taken away his second in command, Lieutenant Tarik Bey, with the result that Lieutenant Otto von Schnee now held that busy position. The Lieutenant was now clad in his diamond armor, greeting the visiting parties from the carriers Glasgow and Raven. "Happy New Year and welcome to Lunatic, he said before directing them from Command HQ to one of two portals that stood over on one side of the large room. The one on the left is our portal to Bifrost, he explained, and the one on the right goes to the Big Empty, the real bridge of the ship. The Captain is there now getting things ready."

Since that was the reason they were visiting most of them moved along to the indicated portal and either stepped through in the low gravity or floated through by the impellers in their suits. Commander Erwin Rommel lingered behind and with a slight nod of his head drew von Schnee away from the others for a more private conversation.

How are things going, Otto?

Fine, Commander. I haven't had to break up a fight since we jumped here, and now that we have the game, well, people just do their jobs or practice for it.

I saw several people using fans to move around in the entrance crater, replied Rommel, is that part of it?

Yes sir, the Captain insists that the players can't use their impellers for the game. Everyone keeps their fans handy, and he pulled out two batons that were clipped to the back of his utility belt. Demonstrating for the Commander he slipped the lanyard over his wrist and then pressed a button along the length of the rod. A slot opened along the forward part of both sides and white material came out to fold around and form a round fan a meter in diameter. With a deft swish to both sides von Schnee rose above the Commander and hovered there in the microgravity for a moment before fanning himself back down to the deck. You should try it, sir.

Perhaps later. Who will win the game?

"Arkansas, sir, I wouldn't bet against us."

Of course not. Will you watch the game from here?

Garcia will relieve me for the second half, sir.

And how is Kosakov doing?

I've had worse COs, sir.

Rommel nodded, then used his own suit impellers to move towards the portal and through. Emerging from the matching portal face, he moved forward a few meters to clear the entry and take stock of his surroundings. The walls in the vast open space were a uniform shiny light gray. A large green circle and a large blue circle were floating out in the middle and seemed to be about 200 meters apart. Groups of marines in their diamond armor and fleet officers in their black utility uniforms surrounded the space where several men in red or gold football outfits were warming up. Rommel could see several large orange balls being kicked around while the men waved their fans to chase them or position themselves to kick them.  A man in a white football outfit saw him emerge and flew over to greet him, obviously using impellers instead of fans.

Commander, it's good to see you again, sir.

Rommel smiled, It's good to see you as well, Captain, but aren't you out of uniform?

Boris smiled, "This is what referees wear on Lunatic, sir. Now that you're here we can get started."

He flew back to where he had been talking with the team leaders and blew a shrill whistle just as another diamond clad marine came up to the Commander. Hector, he said after returning a salute, you're not playing?

Wouldn't be fair, sir, since Otto can't play.

Good, then you can explain to me what's happening.

"Of course, sir. Eagle marines were badly beaten, that's why they're slinking quietly away. Aberdeen and Arkansas marines will now play for the first historic meter ball championship."

It's not football anymore?

No sir. If we used a regular football it would always be going out of bounds. The meter ball is not as dense, it gets slowed down by the air more than a football would.

Out in the playing space two teams were forming up as the referee blew another short blast on his whistle.

"Aberdeen is the gold uniforms, sir."

No goalkeepers? asked Rommel.

Captain likes to see scoring, replied Garcia with a shrug. It's his game.

The two teams had formed a loose globe around two men in the center, their white fans beating slowly to maintain their relative positions.

How were the teams chosen?

We've been playing the game for almost a week now, sir. These ten men for each side are the top scorers.

Another referee on the far side-Rommel easily recognised Corporal Komba-held the ball in towards the center while the Captain got out where he could watch all the action. Kosakov raised his hand, and when he dropped it Komba shoved the orange ball in between the two starters. With a quick push of their white fans both men closed with the ball with the red player making contact first and kicking it towards his team mate. A gold player intercepted it before the pass was completed and after stopping the ball, with his fans working like windmills, he rotated his whole body around like a diver doing a gainer before smashing into the ball with both feet and sending it towards his own teammate.

What does the referee do? asked Rommel with a nod towards the Captain.

Kicks a player out of the game if there's more than incidental contact, sir. Other than that, not much. The ball has a sensor in it, it'll flash if it goes out of bounds, then the other team gets to kick it back in. If he can't figure out who touched it last, then he'll have another face off like how we started the game.

Rommel looked around, I don't see any of the Bone Breakers.

Captain sent them to Bifrost, sir, before the first jump. He said it was for their safety, but they were causing problems and really didn't belong here.

Even his ensign?

Yes sir, but I think he sent her to Texas to stay with his sister.

Rommel could think of several reasons why that might be a good plan but said nothing. An Aberdeen player had scored a goal and several of his fellow marines had been happy to chase the flashing ball down and return it to an Arkansas player to be kicked back in. Some cheering and razzing followed along with the ball.

So, do you like this game better than lacrosse?

Lacrosse was good for teaching us how to use our impellers, sir. Plus, you could just join or leave the game when you liked. This game is more athletic with the fans and arm movements, so it helps tire out the men, but it's also more formal and needs a larger space. I like them both, sir.

And how do you like Kosakov?

"I think he's doing a good job, sir. Every day there's some kind of improvement in Lunatic."

"Do you miss Aberdeen, Hector?"

"We've spent more time on Lunatic than we did on Aberdeen, sir. Besides, Aberdeen doesn't need us unless we're going to attack someone. Here at least we're defending a ship. Lunatic is a sitting duck for two days between jumps."

Except for the whip.

Hector grinned, It didn't work too well against us, sir.

Once again Rommel kept his thoughts to himself, looking around the large mostly empty space and remembering the many casualties on Arkansas, the six cruiser commanders killed during the assault, and the 41 Leepa killed as Lunatic jumped.

Garcia seemed to read his commander's mind, Of course we had some help, sir.

Yes. Admiral Ortega wants to build a squadron of Lunatic class fighting moons. Each will probably have at least a company of marines.

Marines are good to have around, sir.

Is that a round joke, Lieutenant? Rommel said with mock seriousness.

Sorry, sir, couldn't resist.

2

Six days later Lunatic arrived over Icarus Prime and used its gravitic engines to slowly fall into the system. As soon as she made orbit around the gas giant and was handed over to the engineers, her captain was summoned to Fleet HQ in Crimea. Commander Rommel, Admiral Ortega, and the Fleet Commander Admiral Kosciusko attended the meeting.

Congratulations, Boris, said Admiral Ortega, how was the trip?

The most fun I've ever had, sir.

Yes, there's nothing like commanding good men to do an important job, said Kosciusko. "You've probably heard; we've got a dozen moons at Icarus being hollowed out for the new Luna class. Why, some people are asking? Our carriers are the most powerful warships in known space, but Raven noticed a little problem when she was scouting the Gugudun fleet heading for Jebarru. They have much better shields than we've seen before; the Big Bite attack won't work unless we soften them up first. We haven't attacked any so we don't know if that's the only improvement. Anyway, Rafe wants a squad of killer moons, so here we go.

The question we need to answer today is, what will be the complement? Boris, you've been driving one for two weeks now, thoughts?

Of course that depends on the mission, sir. I could drive the ship myself and flail the spider ships, just like the snake did. But I'd like to have a little more defense than he did.

They are not capable of stealth, pointed out Rommel. Against an enemy that might swarm them, it would be good to have a carrier nearby. I would recommend they always be part of a task force.

I’m not worried about stealth, said Kosciusko, and the Lunas could easily carry a task force.

But should they? asked Ortega. I’m a little concerned with putting so many assets in one spot.

We’ve talked about this, Rafe, said Kosciusko. I’m not interested in putting any more people on one than we need, either. So, he turned to Boris, at this point we’re thinking one full wing of cruisers. That’s twelve ships, each carrying two fighters. The wing leader can be your exec and the other officers can rotate bridge duties. One full company of marines for defense or if you need a landing party. That sound about right to you?

I think that would be fine for most tasks, sir, like attack, recon, or normal patrolling, but the Lunas would be good if we had to evacuate a civilian population so we should give them plenty of room inside to expand if we need to.

Yes, we’ve already gotten that idea from the Leepa. They’ll get two of the twelve for helping us build them, and they want theirs to be big enough to bring a system ship back to Icarus. Anyway, how often do you think that’ll happen? You arrive at a planet, and everyone wants to go to your house?

Unknown, sir.

OK, let’s stick to the present. Who do you want?

I don’t think there’s a deadlier fighter or a better wing leader than Rolf Schraeder, sir.  

Alright, and your marines?

Hector Garcia and I get along well, sir. He’s not afraid to tell me when I do something stupid.

I don’t think that happens very often or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Kosciusko turned to Rommel, Is he OK with you?

Rommel thought for a moment, "Hector does not have much experience, just two planet clearing operations at Asgard, and now one Lunatic."

We’ll give him some good sergeants then, he turned back to Boris, you think Komba is ready for that?

Yes sir.

Kosciusko turned back to Rommel, OK?

Rommel nodded and Kosciusko continued, Alexander Duff will be the Luna squadron leader. I’m not sure at this point what that will mean after we take care of the spiders; I can see a lot of independent missions for them. Any questions?

Rommel asked, You said we have not attacked any of the new spider ships yet, but you know they have better shields. How?

Kosciusko smiled, We gave Senior Ensign Desoon a highliner and twenty gunships. I don’t think they earned them, but it was partly an investment on our part. She went back to Jebarru and didn’t surrender herself like Lurra did; she stayed in orbit and asked for volunteers, then went after the spiders.

Are they alright, sir? asked Boris.

They all survived. They didn’t do much damage, but we got some data that will help. Any other questions?

No senior officers spoke so Boris asked, "Two, sir. What will happen to Lunatic, and when will the first Luna be ready?"

"Lunatic will stay in orbit around Icarus until we decide we have every bit of data and engineering we need from it, then it will be parked somewhere out of the way. Nobody wants a snake tomb in their sky. We’ll have to decommission the flail, of course. The first Luna? Are you sure you want the first?"

Boris nodded and Kosciusko continued, The digging is mostly done on the first, but we have to install 8,000 gravitic and jump engines and make sure they all work together, plus power and control terminals for the flail. We have teams of Leepa and Tau Stellar engineers working together and they’ve given me an estimate of eight weeks before they’ll be ready to run the first tests. Of course the tunnels and caverns have begun, they can already hold ships if someone wanted to move in.

Boris nodded again and Kosciusko continued, Then your next date with the fleet will be in four days. They’re building a memorial to Flitz on Demeter and I’ll need some humans in the audience. He stood, And now to the important stuff; there are two ladies waiting for us in the Commander’s Mess, and I’ve been instructed to make sure you don’t get lost.

3

It was late summer in the southern hemisphere of Demeter and perfectly kept plots of string beans, celery, spinach, and lettuce stretched towards the horizon from a high knoll fronting on a broad lazy river. The knoll was decorated by a broad plaza that surrounded the emerald green statue of a Leepa on a granite pedestal in the middle, rows of large and small chairs held the attendees gathered to pay their respects.

Everyone who knew Governor Flitz appreciated his warmth and his sense of humor, Kosciusko said from a podium at the head of the gathering as he neared the end of his remarks, "and I’m sure he would appreciate all the love and respect for his memory shown by the other speakers here today. He gave his life to save his fellows, and to bring an end to a reign of terror that had murdered thousands of human and Leepa alike. In his honor today I would like to announce that the Tau Fleet Academy will begin accepting Leepa candidates, and that ten spots will be reserved for them in each class for the next five years.

And now I ask you to join me in a moment of silence, as we honor him and the other fallen warriors whose names are inscribed on this monument. Let us remember their sacrifice, and think how much less we would be if we didn’t have heroes like Governor Flitz among us, lighting up the present with their deeds and accomplishments, and giving us the gift of a better future.

He bowed his head and was joined by the humans attending in respect, then, after fifteen seconds, he raised it and said, Thank you for joining me here today, and now, if the Governor is looking down on us from the glory of Demeter Prime, he’s probably asking, ‘Is the celery fresh today?’ I invite you to munch some with me in his honor.

A pavilion had been set up to one side of the plaza and a variety of vegetarian refreshments were available. Boris and his new exec waited politely to let the ladies get under the shade first, then wandered over to the refreshment bar. Ah, pineapple  juice on ice, you should try some, Schraeder.

Hasn’t anyone taught them to make beer yet? It’s vegetarian.

Alcohol is toxic to them. Well, if you don’t want anything then it’s time to meet the Admiral and my sister.

I didn’t say I don’t want anything. I hope you pay better attention when we’re in combat.

Paying attention will be your job. Now come on, act like you’re proud to be a Frankfurter.

You know I’m actually from Niedderrodenbach.

Once again, details are the exec’s job, so man up, here we go.

Admiral Kosciusko and Oksana were talking with the new Governor of Demeter, a former scout named Tocutzin. Boris hugged his sister and introduced Rolf, then waited as the Admiral and the new Governor spoke.

I am tempted to nominate myself, Tocutzin was saying, I am sure I would have a glorious career in your fleet.

The Leepa have shown themselves to be capable warriors, agreed Kosciusko, but you can’t have a glorious career until you learn to follow orders.

Tocutzin pointed to the statue out on the plaza, You can have a short glorious career. He turned back to Boris, Lieutenant Commander Kosakov, it is good to see you again.

Thank you, Governor. It’s a beautiful spot here, I know Flitz would approve.

This was his land. I understand you will command one of the new moon ships. Congratulations.

Thank you again, sir. I’d like to introduce my exec, Lieutenant Commander Rolf Schraeder.

The governor looked Schraeder over with his goggled eyes, Thank the stars for your lace, Admiral, without it I could never tell you humans apart.

I’ve often had that same feeling, Kosciusko said, Where are you from, Rolf?

Um, Frankfurt, sir.

I know it well, at least a century from now. There will be a lot of pretty, um, nice people there.

Yes sir.

Excited about your new job?

Yes sir.

"I can tell. How’s the Alaska coming, Boris?"

I think the engineers are tired of me already, sir, but they seemed to like a couple of my ideas.

If you can figure out how to secure a system ship inside one, said Tocutzin, our engineers would like to know.

I don’t think it can be done without damaging their hulls, sir. Perhaps the next generation of ships you build at Icarus can have docking mounts.

They will use your vacuum field generators and will not need assistance for rapid jumps.

I’m sure you’re sending a report to Rafe about any modifications, said Kosciusko.

Yes sir, with a copy to Commander Duff.

Good, then I can worry about other stuff. Did you know the Indians heard about the snake?

No sir, are they upset?

"Some of them are. The Brits gave them one of the continents on Churchill to settle, they’re petitioning to have Lunatic moved there. They want it placed in orbit where they can always see it."

I didn’t know they were snake fans, sir, said Rolf.

The Hindus worship all life, replied Kosciusko, they even worship death as a gateway to the next life.

Interesting, sir, do they worship the British? asked Rolf.

Good question. You should ask Commander Duff, he’s spent a lot of time there. I have to go. Are you coming to Earth any time soon, Boris? Don’t forget your little ceremony is next week.

We should have most of the human spaces and the ship docking arrangements set up in a couple of days, sir. I’ll leave the engineers to worry about the engines and the weapon then.

Bring your lady, Oksana said there were a few things left in Paris they didn’t buy last time.

Kosciusko said his goodbyes and then left through the portal back to Bifrost with his entourage. After watching them go Rolf said, Are they really going to make you a duke?

That’s the plan. Maybe then you’ll call me sir.

Poor boy, not getting your ass kissed enough? But why not a prince? I thought Russia was full of princes.

The Tsar abolished the title except for royal blood. Many of the former princes and princesses didn’t even own a house, now you have to own 10 square kilometers to be a baron, 100 to be a count, 1000 to be a duke.

I thought your brother had a big piece?

He’s the Warden of Vaygach Island, it’s not part of his fief in the Urals.

"Can we talk about something besides huge pieces of property? Now that you stole me from carrier duty they’re kicking my mother out of Schloss Freya."

Lothar is giving her a nice house in town, Rolf. Is she complaining as much as you are?

I thought that was what an exec did? You know, fuss, fuss, fuss.

You admire the Mother Hen style of management?

Cluck cluck, time to go back to our ship.

The two men strolled over to the portal, exchanged salutes with a marine guard, and stepped through to Bifrost.

4

They stepped out of the portal from Bifrost to Alaska’s temporary ready room, then continued through to the bridge where her captain accepted a salute from Ensign Emilio Camiguy the duty officer.

Commander Duff is inspecting the ship anchor arms along the tunnel, sir, Emilio reported. He asked me not to inform you while you were at the ceremony.

Who’s with him?

Lieutenant Commander Windsor, sir, and Mr Lowe is showing him around.

All right, anything else?

Mr Lowe said he’s ready to start baking once you approve the current tunnels, sir.

Excellent, he waited another moment but Emilio was done reporting. Carry on.

The engineers had done seismic surveys of the moons at Icarus before they picked the first one for a Luna. The one picked for Alaska was the most solid and 32