Mikado sat with Kosiev and Dorg and munched on a bag of popcorn while they watched the recordings of the fleet action against the plants. “Lin,” Kosiev said, “you did an outstanding job and before you talk about the loss of 2,000 ships, anyone else would have lost many more than that. Your plan was very well done. My concern is that it takes too many weapons to kill those ships. Our penetrators are the best tool in our box; I would hate to think about what a ship to ship action would cost us. However, we used more than 15 million penetrators to kill 120,000 ships. We can’t carry enough of them to take on the fleet that arrived when you jumped out.”
Dorg sat and listened then said, “The problem is that their screen can handle anything we can hit it with on the initial hit, right?”
Mikado and Kosiev nodded. They thought about it then Mikado said, “Would the two of you mind if I ask one of my officers to join us?”
“Who,” Kosiev asked?
“I’ve just promoted one of my sensor offices from Commodores Smiths flagship to captain and he will be commanding one of the Megaships we’ll receive shortly. He has quick mind and see’s things about the use of weapons faster than anyone I’ve seen. Commodore Smith says a large part of our success was due to his seeing the best use of our weapons. He’s waiting downstairs for you to sign his paperwork and receive his new commission.”
Dorg turned and then commed his adjutant to bring Lt. Chen to the meeting. Lt Chen came in and came to attention and saluted the three officers. “At ease, Lieutenant,” Mikado said. “I need your insight into something we’re trying to get our hands around.” Dorg then told him about what he saw as the problem.
Lt. Chen thought a moment and said, “So we’re wasting 50 % of our penetrators just to soften up their screen along with all the hornets inside them and if the second hit is delayed then both penetrators are wasted?”
“Exactly,” Kosiev said.
“Have you thought about making a two stage penetrator?”
Mikado said, “What do you mean two stages?”
“Well, what if the penetrators were made in two parts but launched as a single pulse. The front part of the penetrator is an energized power cell with a tremendous energy charge that would separate from the rear section and speed a half second ahead to impact the screen of the ship it designates. The second stage would contain all the hornets and it would hit the exact spot the first stage impacted; its guidance system would be looking for that point of impact. The first energy pulse weakens the screen and the follow up breaks thru with the load of hornets.”
Mikado said, “Get Cade McAllister on a com and ask if what he’s suggesting is possible.”
Three minutes passed and Chen was given a bag of popcorn to eat. The wall display lit up and McAllister was on the screen. Chen quickly explained his idea and Cade listened and took notes. “Actually, it would be very easy to build what you’re suggesting,” Cade said. The reason the penetrators don’t make it thru their screen is that we can’t make the energy shell around the hornets too hot or the hornets will degrade or explode inside of it. They can only handle a medium amount of energy. If the first stage is just an energy pulse activated when launched with no hornets it can be much hotter with three times the penetrating power in the warhead. The unit will be guided by the system in the hornets but the pulse will be programmed to follow the Coronado screens designated beam that locks on any ship without a Coronado screen. It should also only be about 5 feet longer than the current penetrator so it won’t require tremendous modification of our magazines or ports.”
“How long will it take to make them and how long until a mass quantity will be available,” Mikado asked? “There are troops that will need relief and we can’t wait too long.”
“We can actually modify the existing penetrators to accept the front stage; we will just need to put a shield between the two stages to protect the hornets from the high energy of the front stage. I would think that if the Queen approves the change and authorizes changing all of the manufacturing facilities on all the planets, we should have them ready in less than 5 weeks.”
Dorg looked at Kosiev and then called his adjutant in, “Please get Queen Danielle on a com and let her know it’s an emergency.”
Right away sir.”
“Admiral Mikado,” Kosiev said, “Admiral Dorg and I have made a number of decisions. First, you are hereby promoted to Vice Admiral responsible for the ongoing fleet action at the Pydres planet. Commodore Smith is promoted to Rear Admiral and will command one of the Megaship squadrons under your command. Captain Kelly is also promoted to Rear Admiral to command one of your squadrons. Lt. Chen, your promotion is denied.”
Mikado jumped out of his chair starting to protest the action but Kosiev held up his hand and said, “Gentlemen, I was promoted from a ship’s captain to Fleet Admiral. I was not qualified but after the fact it dawned on me that I was a good choice at the time. Things worked out well and it was because Mr. Gardner recognized what little ability I had and challenged me to use it. I agree with you Mikado, this officer has the ability to see the big picture which is absolutely critical in high command positions. He possesses insight into our weapons mix that will be crucial to our success. Lt. Chen, if Admiral Dorg is in agreement, I am promoting you to Rear Admiral commanding Mikado’s third squadron of 500 Megaships. I expect the best of you. Don’t disappoint me. Lin, I would also recommend that Lt. Colson be promoted to Captain of the rising sun to replace Captain Kelly.”
Dorg said, “I support the decision; Mikado, take Admiral Chen and let him choose his command ship and give it a name. If we have five weeks, we should have a thousand more Megas for you to organize. You will have three rear admirals under you commanding 500 ships each; these three new admirals will take 500 Megas each and whip them into order. A large number of current fleet personnel from all of the Realms planets are joining the SR Navy and we need to get them sorted out into ship crews. You need to start choosing the crews that have applied to join. You have a heavy organizing and training load ahead of you so get busy.”
Suddenly the display came on and Queen Danielle was looking at them with Tag sitting next to her. Dorg said, “You’re dismissed Admirals.” Then he turned and bowed to Danielle and began explaining how they needed her help.
Mikado and Chen left the room and Chen was in a small state of shock. “This is happening too fast. Sir, do you think I’m up to the task they’ve given me?”
Mikado looked at him and said, “Quite frankly, I will probably be reporting to you in the future. You have a gift of using the weapons at your disposal in unique ways. I can’t think of anyone that could do a better job.”
“Thank you sir, do you think any of the current Admirals in the Alliance fleets will resent my promotion?”
“No, they have their own commands in their home fleets. I suspect a large number of them will be requesting to join the new SR Navy. The only thing they’ll regret is that they weren’t here earlier to get the command. This will probably cause a number of them to speed up their transfers. What are you going to name your ship?”
“Nemesis, Sir”
“Why that, Admiral?” and Mikado noticed that Chen flinched at his new rank and then smiled.
“He was the ancient Greek God of Retributive Justice; I think the Algeans are long due for justice after all the species they’ve destroyed.”
Mikado nodded his head and said, “I like it. Your first command decision is a good one. Now let’s go make some more.”