Chapter 26: More Surprises

Simon and all the officers met in Command Conference at the appointed hour. Dawn and George from SBE were present in video form. SheGuard and Tonya were present as well. Even Grant was present for this meeting. Grant had left instructions for careful surveillance of the Russian delegation as a whole, not just Vladislav.

Simon opened the discussion by asking SheGuard how they could raise his military rank to Admiral. “SheGuard, is there a procedure in your data banks for naming the first Admiral?”

“No Captain, there was always a group of Admirals or a higher authority to enable one to be named an Admiral.” replied SheGuard.

“So if we created a process here and declared it a Protocol of SFG would that enable it to be recognized by all AI’s?” asked Simon.

“If the highest authority in SFG, all active AI’s and a majority of ranked officers agreed that it was required, then it could be proclaimed as a Protocol.” said SheGuard. “After accepting the Protocol, the update would then be transmitted to every AI for inclusion into their Protocol database.”

“Who is now considered the highest ranking authority in SFG presently?” asked Simon.

“You are, Captain!” replied Blaze.

“We have all of the current ranking officers as well as all of the active AIs present now, correct?” asked Simon.

“Correct.” replied Blaze.

“Then I put it to a vote. Do we establish this protocol and enact it such that I am officially an Admiral in SFG? Any opposed, say ‘NAY’” said Simon.

It was silent in the room and on video.

“That should make it unanimous!” declared Simon. “Blaze, can you create and transfer this Protocol and the result to all AI’s as well as co-ordinate the notices to everyone in SFG of the change.”

“Affirmative, Admiral!” declared Blaze.

“Now we need to review, document and possibly redefine the titles and ranks of all the positions both military and civilian within SFG. This I cannot do alone.” stated Simon. “Who would like to volunteer for this onerous task?”

A small group of people volunteered to work on this task and consult various others within SFG to define the structure a bit better. Although it had been relatively effective to this point, it was quite loose and defining it should improve it. Military Ranks were to be appraised as well as some Civilian Ranks. It was generally agreed that Politicians, however, were still not required. With that small matter decided, Simon retired for the night to his quarters for some much needed relaxation and eventually, sleep.

“Ah, another bright new day!”, thought Simon as he prepared himself for the responsibilities of life as an Admiral in SFG, now wearing his newly minted Admiral’s uniform. Blaze had designed it, had it made and then laid it out for Simon in his quarters. Simon was outside his quarters in Blazing Star, currently docked in a repair bay in SBM, and on his way to the hotel there for breakfast and meetings later. Blaze joined him on the way.

“What’s our status, Blaze?” asked Simon.

“Blazing Star’s boards are all green! No major problems are noted at any base at this time. We are in need of Captains and personnel for all our new ships. The political leaders are getting restless and the Princesses are asking for you.” stated Blaze. “Anna Charkov continues to improve, but slowly. Tonya reports that she has dispatched several newly activated salvage droids to the sites of your battles with the Urelliens to clear those areas of any debris remaining. She also notes that one new Corvette is ready for crew and final outfitting, depending on your latest whims. How would you like to proceed, Admiral?”

Simon thought Blaze seemed to be smiling, but he wasn’t quite sure.

“Inform the political leaders that they should be all prepared to leave SBM and onboard Blazing Star by 10:00 GMT. We will have a final meeting during the return to Earth. Upon our return to Earth, I have a couple of extra planned stops to make as well as dropping each political leader wherever they would like to be dropped. They can notify me during that meeting as to their preferences and we can plan the stops at that time. Ask all SFG command personnel to submit to me a short list of our personnel who would be best suited for command positions on our new ships. I have some ideas but would like additional input.” said Simon to Blaze. “Can you have the Corvette outfitted to carry a small group of political leaders and crew. It should have defensive capabilities and limited offensive weapons. It must also be able to travel to Earth and through all of Earth’s environs, including under sea. Can you have that ready and loaded on board Blazing Star? Oh, we will need a Captain and crew as well.”

“Messages dispatched, Admiral.”, stated Blaze. “Final configuring of ‘VET-0001’ is now commencing as you requested. Crew is trained and we have a few choices for Captain. The Corvette Class is designed to fit through any of our four main launch bay doors, but we will have to make room for it to fit in the bay. We can shift a few fighters around to other bays, we still have a bit of free space.”

“Thank you, Blaze. Pick whoever you would recommend for VET-0001.” said Simon. “Oh, and make sure our Press Corps are onboard as well. I would like Tonya and SheGuard to accompany us to Earth as well as anyone else desiring to go, as long as that is not a problem.”

Blaze was acting more and more as a personal assistant for Simon and was more than capable of handling that role. She could combine incredible processing power with awesome communications capabilities to be the best personal assistant she could be. Simon certainly appreciated her efforts and devotion.

Entering the hotel restaurant, Simon decided to, once again, assure the Russian group that Anna was doing well, which he did, then headed over to have a chat with the Bontinet ladies and their Captain.

Approaching their table, Simon noticed that the ladies had changed their outfits from the original ‘harem girl’ appearance to more of a ‘harem girl with taste’. Simon assumed they had been shopping, or had an extensive wardrobe. They all looked at Simon as he sat down and commented on his new uniform.

“Simon,” said Costillia. “Has your position here radically changed since we last met?”

Simon replied, “Why, yes, indeed! I am now officially an Admiral. This was a necessary step in the evolution of our Command Structure.”

“Congratulations, Admiral!” stated Captain Shima, echoed by the four princesses.

“Thank you!” said Simon. “It looks like you ladies have done some shopping. I hope you are enjoying your time at our base here.”

Bettren commented with a smile. “We did spend a few of your credits but I doubt we caused you any significant financial pain. Do you like our new outfits?”

“They look very nice, yes.” said Simon. “I should inform you that I, and my ship Blazing Star, will be leaving this base in a short time to travel to Earth, our home world. We may not be returning for a few days. When were you planning on departing for your home world?”

Castillia replied. “We would like to visit your home world to see what kind of environment you come from. We could travel in our own ship, but for a variety of reasons, it may be better if we could accompany you on yours. We are not really eager to depart to our world at this time, but we are eager to see more of your world. Could we do this?”

“Blaze, do we have suitable accommodations on board Blazing Star for four Princesses and a Captain?” asked Simon.

“Yes Admiral. That would not be a problem!” answered Blaze. “We have some empty guest quarters available.”

“Please arrange their accommodations, Blaze.” said Simon. “Captain Shima, you and these four Princesses are invited to accompany us on our trip to Earth. We can bring you back here whenever we return. Is that agreeable?”

“Perfect, Admiral. Thank you.” said Captain Shima.

Simon was intrigued by the four princesses as they were most certainly physically attractive. He was still wondering when the ‘other shoe would drop’! Just what was really going on here, he thought! They are probably just continuing their quest for mates. Simon took his leave of the Bontinet group and returned to Blazing Star to prepare for the trip back to Earth.

On the trip back to Earth, Simon discussed many topics with all the SFG Officers. He was assured that recruiting and training was ongoing and operating smoothly. The new recently acquired ex-Captains and ex-Admiral from the US Military were adjusting well. Any families involved were still back on Earth, but Blaze had ensured that communications were open between them and their families.

The President of Russia, Viktor Yarolsavtsev, informed Simon that he and most of his group would like to be dropped off as soon as possible. He also mentioned that, since Anna Charkov would be better cared for aboard Blazing Star, Vladislav would like to remain with his sister. Simon agreed and stated that it would be best for all involved. Victor’s other security members would also travel with them back to their home country. The members of the ISS and their families all wished to remain at SBM. They were accommodated and integrated into the training programs.

Arriving back at Earth, the Russians, Japanese, Canadian and British Isles members were all dropped back where the came from without any problems. They all were happy to be home and quite exhausted after all the traveling.

Simon asked the United States President, Dan Blake and the Prime Minister of Australia, Brian Jones, to accompany him for a planned meeting. They agreed although were curious as to why they were asked and where they were going.

The ladies of the Press Corps as well as the Bontinet ladies and the two AIs, Blaze and SheGuard, followed Simon around like sheep. Captain Shima followed them. It was a strange procession.

Arriving in Command, Simon passed on co-ordinates and instructed the current pilot, Andy Patrick, to proceed to that location and assume a stationary hold there.

When they had arrived on station, Simon told the 8 ladies and three gentlemen to accompany him to the new Corvette, VET-0001, currently in Bay 2, which they did.

Simon instructed the pilot of the Corvette to take them to a small island way out in the Pacific Ocean at 1.28N x 173.2E. As they moved to this island, Simon explained to everyone where they were going and who they were going to meet. It was also considered Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that all craft travel cloaked at all times unless directed by the Captain or a higher authority. Similarly shields were to be raised if the Captain suspected the need for them such as when traveling through asteroids or engaged in combat. Just sensible precautions.

“Blaze, can you place a call to the current President of the Republic of Kiribati, Tunat Maatu? I wish to speak to him and arrange a meeting in a few minutes.” asked Simon.

“Attempting to locate President Tunat Maatu now, Admiral.” replied Blaze. “We are heading for a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, specifically to the Island of South Tarawa, Tarawa. These islands are very remote and stretch over a vast portion of the Pacific Ocean. Each island is relatively small and most are unpopulated. They have a very serious problem in that the ocean levels are rising and the islands are losing ground. Most are now only a few meters above water now as it is.’ said Simon. “Some will disappear completely within a few years at the current rate of the ocean’s rise. My purpose in talking with Tunat Maatu is to offer mutual solutions to their problems and ours. You are all invited to join with me in our discussions and will likely provide additional support to whatever we can arrange with him and their government.”

“I have President Tunat Maatu on the line now, Admiral!” said Blaze.

Simon began. “Hello President Maatu, this is Simon Gordon. I would like to meet with you this day as soon as possible to discuss extremely important topics for both of us. I have with me the President of the United States as well as the Prime Minister of Australia, whom I believe you have met already. There are another few people with us as well if you could arrange a time and location. You and other members of your House of Assembly are encouraged to join us as well. I apologize for the extremely short notice but I cannot stress the importance of this meeting enough. You might even consider this the most important phone call you have ever received.”

“Mr. Gordon, I do not know you, however, if you have President Dan Blake and Prime Minister Brian Jones with you, I should consider your request as legitimate. Let’s see. It is fortunate that I am at the House of Assembly at the moment and we are in a temporary recess, so might I suggest that we meet here, whenever you can make it. Where are you now and how long will it take for you and your party to arrive? We have received no notice of any arrivals to our beautiful shores for several days now!”

“We are currently several minutes from your lovely island and we could meet you at your House of Assembly in 15 minutes, if that would be appropriate.” stated Simon.

“That would work, I will make arrangements here to provide transportation space and refreshments for all. How many people in your party?” asked President Maatu.

“Assume that we will be a group of 12.” replied Simon. “We will not require any transportation, however. That is already under control. Thank you.”

One additional SOP Simon had instituted, at the urging of Grant Morgan, required that all members of SFG when traveling anywhere in non-SFG areas, or in any combat, anticipated or otherwise, wear Body Shield Uniforms (BSU)s. Blaze had issued BSUs to all members of SFG as well as their current guests. All the members of Simon’s group were wearing them now, with the exception of Blaze and SheGuard. Those two did not require them.

After the call was disconnected, Simon asked the pilot to drop shields and land them close to the front of the House of Assembly wherever there was room out of the way of traffic. Some space was found next to that building. Although the Corvette was large, it was still quiet, and when Simon’s group filed off the ship some 12 minutes later and headed towards the front main entrance to the House of Assembly, there was a couple of startled gasps from some nearby locals. The cloak was still engaged.