Against All Odds Read online

  "We've also moved ahead with staffing plans of Region Two Headquarters," Admiral Moore said. "Admiral Poole of Griffiths Space Command Base has been designated as the base commander of Quesann. Admiral Kanes will assume command of Intelligence in Region Two and Admiral Buckner will head up your Supply & Logistics Section. Poole, Buckner, and additional Region Two headquarters senior personnel will arrive with the first new transports. Admiral Kanes is ready immediately and you may pick him up from Higgins on your return trip."

  "In light of this new development, would you prefer I postpone my visits to the two Academies?" Jenetta asked of the Board rather than anyone specifically.

  Admiral Hillaire, as Director of the Academies, was the first to respond. "Since you don't yet have the resources to commence action against the Tsgardi, I don't think an extra week is going to make any difference. Does anyone disagree?"

  "I don't," Admiral Bradlee said. "Even if the ships currently underway to Region Two had already arrived, there's little Admiral Carver could do to prepare for the confrontation. And it will take most of the ships assigned to Region Two almost two years to reach the Tsgardi border from Quesann."

  "I expect the Tsgardi to be halfway to Quesann by then," Jenetta said, "if they continue their move into Region Two. We're the only force that can stop, or even slow, their progress. I have to wonder if they've been planning this ever since the Milori first invaded us. They may have been just biding their time until the Milori were too weakened to resist their attacks."

  "I think you're giving them too much credit, Jen," Admiral Platt said. "By all assessments their intelligence is limited. Having such a long-range plan would seem inconsistent with the norm."

  "Then they either came up with this plan when they realized the Milori wouldn't be able to stop them," Admiral Bradlee said, "or someone else has instigated this invasion."

  "To what end, Roger?" Admiral Plimley asked.

  "Possibly to distract us from our patrol activities, which might indicate the Raiders are behind it after all, or perhaps someone else who has designs on our territory and wants us to move most of our resources towards the Tsgardi border?"

  "I can believe the Raiders having a hand in this," Admiral Burke said, "but it doesn't seem likely anyone else would be involved."

  "Why not?" Admiral Woo asked.

  "We just destroyed one of the most powerful militaries in this quadrant and, thanks to the brilliant tactics and leadership of Admiral Carver, our forces are still completely intact. In fact, we're far stronger militarily than we've ever been. Who would be so foolish as to attack us now?"

  "It would have to be someone who doesn't fear our military capability," Admiral Ahmed said. "We know little of the Ruwalch Confederacy, except for the rumors of their technological ability. Since their nation is located on the far border of Region Two, we've never had direct contact with them."

  "Our new speed capability offers us the opportunity to travel further for diplomatic missions than we ever considered feasible before," Admiral Ressler said. "Once this matter with the Tsgardi is settled, we must consider establishing formal diplomatic relations with our new neighbors."

  "The Uthlaro might very well be involved," Admiral Burke offered. "We know they're very closely aligned with the Raiders. Perhaps they're in this together and are using the Tsgardi as pawns to distract us."

  "And we can't forget our neighbors here in Region One," Admiral Platt said. "Just because they've never threatened our borders before doesn't mean that they're not involved. New threats in Region Two would have us concentrating more of our resources that way, instead of behind us."

  "The Clidepp Empire is in total disarray," Admiral Bradlee said. "Their central government is crumbling under its own weight. They're ripe for a coup d'état by rebels and are hardly in a position to attack us to gain territory. And the Aguspod aren't organized well enough to even consider such an attack. Their forces have all been devoted to fighting the Raiders, just as ours were until the Milori attacked us."

  "Yes, but look how we responded to the attack from the Milori," Admiral Hillaire said. "Our forces were immediately re-tasked from police functions to war response. The Aguspod could just as easily change the focus of their forces."

  "We seem to be in agreement that the Tsgardi would not have entered into this action by themselves," Admiral Moore said. "Therefore our Intelligence Service has their work cut out for them. Roger, find out who's behind this operation so we can adequately prepare for the next phase of their plan."

  * * *

  Chapter Six

  ~ March 31st, 2282 ~

  Jenetta was able to relax and enjoy the remainder of her two-week vacation after her second meeting with the Admiralty Board, although it was difficult to keep her mind free from thoughts about her command knowing an invasion was currently taking place in Region Two.

  For the first time in years, she actually appeared in public wearing something other than a uniform when she consented to wear a dress purchased by Eliza and Christa during their first shopping trip. It delighted Annette, who had despaired of ever again personally seeing her oldest daughter in anything but a military uniform. The sisters looked like three average, vivacious young women out for a shopping trip with an older woman who might be their grandmother. But if they'd hoped they'd be less conspicuous if Jenetta wasn't wearing the four stars on her shoulders, they were disappointed.

  It had already been widely reported in the media that she was staying on the Potomac base and newsies, hoping to get an exclusive interview, followed her around whenever she appeared in public. Her pets kept them a dozen meters away and then it was simply a matter of tuning them out until they understood they were being ignored and stood zero chance of baiting her into giving them a response. But they continued to follow her while shooting a never ending stream of pictures and videos. An advertising company got the phone number at the house and continued to call, requesting that Jenetta appear in a series of commercials for a client's products. Media show production people also kept pestering her to appear on their shows. Jenetta finally had all calls screened through the base communications center.

  * * *

  At the beginning of her third week on Earth, Jenetta piloted the Colorado's shuttle to the Northern Hemisphere Space Academy for the visit Admiral Hillaire arranged. Accompanied only by Lt. Commander Ashraf and her cats, she was enjoying the flight so much that she was tempted to prolong it by making a quick side trip somewhere— anywhere. But people were waiting, so she put her personal desires aside and touched down on the assigned pad at the designated time.

  The school superintendent and many of the Academy's senior officers met Jenetta at the shuttle pad and they came stiffly to attention as she descended the ramp. A full-dress band played loudly in the background making it difficult to hear the names of the officers as they were introduced. Like many officers who had never met Admiral Carver, Rear Admiral (Lower) Josef Ponte held some resentment towards her rapid climb to the third— some say the second— most powerful position in Space Command and he felt a little awkward greeting a senior officer who looked as young as his students. His own climb had been steady but hardly meteoric. At times, it had seemed agonizingly slow as he advanced on the career path he had plotted for himself. At sixty-eight years of age, he had lately begun to wonder if he would ever get a second star. He hid his uneasiness behind an amiable smile.

  "Admiral Carver," he said after the introductions and brief ceremony was over, "I can't tell you how honored we are to have you visit NHSA to address the cadet corps."

  "It's my pleasure, Admiral. It's my first trip back since I graduated in '56 and I've been looking forward to it."

  "It's hard to believe you graduated almost twenty-six years ago, Admiral. If you changed your uniform you wouldn't look out of place mingling with the corps of cadets."

  "Yes," she said, smiling agreeably, "but I assure you I did graduate in '56. Admiral Stinson was the superintendent back then."

 
"I remember him well. He was an instructor when I attended NHSA from '28 to '32."

  "Where were you posted after graduation?"

  "To Supreme Headquarters. Unlike yourself, I didn't make the cut for the group that went into space. I worked on Admiral Bendzet's staff until he retired, then managed to get a teaching position here at the school. I taught Alien Anatomy from '60 until '68, when I was appointed Assistant Superintendent. I became Superintendent three years ago."

  "Congratulations on your appointment, Admiral. Only Space Command's finest are charged with shaping the minds of our future generations of officers. And only the finest of that group become superintendents of our academies."

  Admiral Ponte blushed slightly at receiving such praise from an officer whom he regarded with jealousy. "Thank you, Admiral." Looking down at Jenetta's pets, he said, "These must be the cats I've heard so much about."

  "They've been with me for a little over eleven years now. They've become an integral part of my life, almost like children."

  Admiral Ponte nodded, thinking back to the stories he'd heard about the animals and how they were always instantly ready to protect their mistress. 'Children' wasn't the term he would use to describe a pair of animals ready to kill in a fraction of a second. "Would you care for a quick tour of the school, Admiral? I'm sure there have been many changes since you were here last."

  "I'd love a tour."

  As part of the Academy's expansion program, new dormitories had replaced the smaller buildings and additional classroom buildings had been constructed. Wherever they went, cadets jumped rigidly to attention until they had passed. On a five-meter raised balcony in the center of the student dining facility, Jenetta enjoyed lunch with Admiral Ponte and the school's senior officers while a couple of thousand cadets ate their meal beneath the always watchful eyes of the school administration. Afterward, the tour continued until it was time for the assembly.

  Jenetta sat on the stage while Admiral Ponte introduced her, although no introduction was really necessary. She received a standing ovation as she walked to the podium, so she just smiled until the students finished their greeting and retook their seats.

  "Good afternoon," Jenetta began, "I'm pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you today and I promise I won't keep you too long. I'm sure you're all anxious to get back to your classes in Quantum Mechanics, Spatial Binomials, and Astronavigation." Like students everywhere, the cadets always appreciated an occasional short break in the afternoon from the rigors of intense academic instruction and a chuckle passed quickly around the hall.

  "You're extremely lucky to have been born when you were. The galaxy is opening up to us like never before and you have a unique opportunity to share in the exploration activities and adventures that still lie ahead of us. With the sudden demise of the Milori Empire…" Jenetta had to pause as the entire cadet corps rose to their feet, applauding and cheering for almost thirty seconds.

  As the cheering died down and the students returned to their seats, she smiled and said, "I agree with that sentiment completely." Returning to her prepared speech, she continued. "With the sudden demise of the Milori Empire and the Galactic Alliance Council's decision to annex their former territories, we face numerous challenges and hurdles, the extent of which we're only beginning to realize. It will take us years just to get our ships in place to begin patrolling the new territory, and perhaps decades to merge the inhabited planets there with the Galactic Alliance family of member worlds.

  "The Admiralty Board has this past week approved a request from me to substantially increase the Second Fleet's quota of scout-destroyer ships. Resources are being allocated immediately to begin stepped-up production at the Mars facility. Although the actual speed capability is classified, I'm sure most of you have heard the rumors. Let me just say our new ships are faster than anything envisioned just a decade ago. I know you'll be as thrilled as I've been to be a part of this emerging technology. In the months ahead, many of you will receive an introduction to the battle tactics developed for this new class of warship.

  "When I leave Earth in a few days, I'll be starting my trip back to Region Two where I'll continue overseeing the establishment of our new Headquarters base on the planet Quesann. From that location we'll work to bring peace and stability to a part of the galaxy which has for a century known little but war and violence. Because Terrans weren't tolerated in the former Milori Empire, we have little first hand knowledge of the worlds in Region Two, so we'll be relying on the file data we recovered in captured Milori vessels as we feel our way along.

  "In a few months time, as my graduating class prepares to assemble in celebration of our twenty-sixth reunion, you members of the class of '82 will be graduating. A greater number of graduates then ever before will be assigned shipboard duty because of both the larger class sizes at the Academy and the increased quotas of new officers accepted for duty in space. The GSC Warship Command Institute has likewise greatly expanded its class sizes. Space Command needs every one of you to do your best, both now while you're preparing for the day when you get your orders to report to your ship, and later when you actually assume your duties. I'll need hundreds of new ships in the coming decade and the crews to man them, so many of you will be joining me in Region Two. But should you be assigned patrol duties in one of the less active areas of Region One, don't ever think your role isn't just as important as those of your fellow officers assigned to Region Two. Only by keeping things quiet and under control in your sector will others be free to focus their full attention on keeping things quiet and under control elsewhere. With each of us doing the job assigned to us, no matter how unimportant or tedious you may feel the job is at times— and I've had my share of those— we are working together to ensure our families and friends remain safe and free.

  "We must never again allow the Raider organization, or any other crime syndicate, to attain such a strong foothold in our territory that they threaten the lives and prosperity of our citizens. I've done my best to wipe out that threat…." Jenetta had to pause again while the entire assembly rose to their feet and drowned out her words with cheers and applause. She smiled and took a quick gulp of water from the glass on the podium while the students expressed their feelings.

  "…but the job of further reducing that organization's piracy, murder, slavery, illegal drug smuggling, illegal weapons sales, and other illicit activities will now fall to your shoulders and those of your fellow officers. As is the case with most line officers who have advanced to flag officer rank, my duties continue to move me further and further from the action. And perhaps that's as it should be. As this old warhorse takes a step back to make room for you new stallions, and stallion-ettes, remember that my heart will always be with you at the forefront of our battle lines. I envy you the experiences and adventures that await you.

  "Thank you for sitting through my long-winded speech. Good luck with your studies and remember that everything you learn here will be useful one day. Pay close attention to the material your instructors are cramming into your head. God bless you all. I'll look forward to seeing you in Region Two."

  As Jenetta stepped back from the podium, the entire student body stood and applauded for all they were worth. The building seemed to shake from the thunderous applause and stamping feet. Jenetta smiled and waved as Admiral Ponte stood and moved to the podium. He waited patiently, dividing his attention between Jenetta and the students as the entire cadet corps seemed unwilling to stop cheering. Finally, he put up his hands in a gesture that told the cadets to ease off and the din began to subside.

  When it had quieted down, he said, "Admiral Carver, I doubt you'll find anyone on this campus, or anywhere else for that matter, who views you as an old warhorse."

  The student body erupted in genuine laughter.

  "I'm equally sure that anyone at the Academy would deem themselves very fortunate indeed to be assigned to a ship or base in your command when they've completed their studies. And you can be sure that anyone joi
ning you in Region Two is ready for the challenge after receiving the best education Space Command can offer. With you in command of Region Two, we know the new territory is in the best possible hands."

  Jenetta smiled and said, "Thank you, Admiral."

  Turning back to the corps of cadets, Admiral Ponte said, "And now it's time to return to your studies. This assembly is dismissed."

  After saying goodbye to the senior officers present, Jenetta and Lt. Commander Ashraf returned to the shuttle pad.

  Admiral Ponte remained with them until they entered the shuttle and then watched as the small ship lifted off. A part of him wished he too could be making the trip to Region Two.

  * * *

  Two days later, Jenetta and Lt. Commander Ashraf visited the Southern Hemisphere Space Academy where Jenetta received just as enthusiastic a reception as she had received at NHSA. After a tour of the school and lunch with the senior officers, she addressed the corps of cadets in an assembly, giving a very similar speech. As at NHSA, the corps of cadets expressed their admiration and respect for the things she had accomplished during her years as a Space Command Officer.

  * * *

  After returning to the Potomac Base, Jenetta was able to spend two more days with her mother before it was time for her tearful goodbye. Her departure was less eventful than her arrival, but a number of close friends of her mother, as well as the base's commanding officer and senior staff, turned out for her liftoff.

  Back aboard the Colorado, preparations for departure had already been completed and the ship left Earth orbit within an hour of Jenetta's arrival with her two sisters. They would reach Higgins in less than four days.

  The conversations in Jenetta's quarters during those four days centered mainly around the trip to Earth, although thoughts of what was transpiring in Region Two were never very far from their minds. She had briefed them on the situation as soon as they were away from Earth. She hadn't told them earlier because she hadn't wanted to diminish their delight in being home while they were still with Mom.