light years in diameter, dependent of course on how many colonized worlds are within that area. The more colonized worlds, the smaller the area of operations. And that central base in turn would be where the CSG is stationed."
"Correct, Christos. As each quadrant is colonized, there will naturally be a single planet that becomes the center of that quadrant. The fleet will establish a base there, which will expand in line with the size and importance of the colony. Once the colony reaches sufficient size and economic capability, like Janus, the planet’s defense will be handed over to Fortress Command and the CSG will move on to the next quadrant, ready to repeat the process."
"I'm impressed, sir. You really have thought this one through."
Jing let out a soft laugh. "Believe me, Christos it wasn’t all my doing. There are quite a few staff officers who have been working day and night to make my ideas into reality."
As Jing's laugh subsided a frown wrinkled Christos' brow. "I'm sorry, sir, I still don't see where I fit into all this." The frown disappeared as Christos sat upright in his seat and his face took on a worried expression. "With all these new units, you’re going to need experienced commanders, sir. If you intend to appoint me to a position that takes me away from my children, then I must politely refuse. If you insist on it, I’ll put my refusal in writing and my request to resign my commission. My children come first now, sir, my family and I have given enough."
For a moment, an awkward silence filled the room before Jing leaned forward and looked Christos square in the eye. "Christos, you are a good officer and a better father. I have no intention of taking you from your family."
A tidal wave of relief washed over Christos.
"However, that said, with the damage suffered by Charon Base and the unfortunate death of Admiral Catney, it leaves Survey Command without a home and a figurehead. I want you to be that figurehead. Rebuild Survey Command for me and make it the kind of command we need it to be. Survey Command will be at the very tip of the spear as we move out into the universe. It will be their ships, your ships, which will be first into new star systems. Your ships will decide whether we send miners and colonists. I need a man in whom I have the utmost confidence to get the job done and I want you to be that man, Christos."
"I'm flattered, sir, but as I said, I have responsibilities here. I cannot just leave the children with Mrs. Brown and disappear out to the edge of the solar system. No, I'm sorry, sir, I'm not willing to do it."
Jing regarded Christos over the brim of his coffee cup and took another sip before speaking again. "Christos, I'm not asking you to leave the children behind. Survey Command is going to see a massive expansion in ships and personnel over the next few years. Charon Base will need to be rebuilt to accommodate all the new personnel who will run it, which is why the decision was made to allow those personnel to bring their families if they choose. There will be housing, schools, and offices. We expect the final numbers to add up to around 10000 men, women, and children on the base." Jing chuckled softly. "Not only will you be the commander of Survey Command, but you will be the mayor of a small town. What could be better than a family man for that job? So what do you say, Christos?"
Without thinking, Christos' eyes wandered the room. Everywhere he looked, he could see the influence of Kayla. She had brought her own individual touch to transform a standard accommodation module into a family home. Everywhere he looked, he was reminded of her, as he was sure, were the children. Maybe a change of scenery would help them in the process of healing.
"OK sir, I'll do it."
Jing clapped his hands as he stood, then reached over to shake Christos' hand. "Thank you, Christos. I appreciate what you’re doing. I know it’ll be hard for you and the children, but maybe this will go
"Correct, Christos. As each quadrant is colonized, there will naturally be a single planet that becomes the center of that quadrant. The fleet will establish a base there, which will expand in line with the size and importance of the colony. Once the colony reaches sufficient size and economic capability, like Janus, the planet’s defense will be handed over to Fortress Command and the CSG will move on to the next quadrant, ready to repeat the process."
"I'm impressed, sir. You really have thought this one through."
Jing let out a soft laugh. "Believe me, Christos it wasn’t all my doing. There are quite a few staff officers who have been working day and night to make my ideas into reality."
As Jing's laugh subsided a frown wrinkled Christos' brow. "I'm sorry, sir, I still don't see where I fit into all this." The frown disappeared as Christos sat upright in his seat and his face took on a worried expression. "With all these new units, you’re going to need experienced commanders, sir. If you intend to appoint me to a position that takes me away from my children, then I must politely refuse. If you insist on it, I’ll put my refusal in writing and my request to resign my commission. My children come first now, sir, my family and I have given enough."
For a moment, an awkward silence filled the room before Jing leaned forward and looked Christos square in the eye. "Christos, you are a good officer and a better father. I have no intention of taking you from your family."
A tidal wave of relief washed over Christos.
"However, that said, with the damage suffered by Charon Base and the unfortunate death of Admiral Catney, it leaves Survey Command without a home and a figurehead. I want you to be that figurehead. Rebuild Survey Command for me and make it the kind of command we need it to be. Survey Command will be at the very tip of the spear as we move out into the universe. It will be their ships, your ships, which will be first into new star systems. Your ships will decide whether we send miners and colonists. I need a man in whom I have the utmost confidence to get the job done and I want you to be that man, Christos."
"I'm flattered, sir, but as I said, I have responsibilities here. I cannot just leave the children with Mrs. Brown and disappear out to the edge of the solar system. No, I'm sorry, sir, I'm not willing to do it."
Jing regarded Christos over the brim of his coffee cup and took another sip before speaking again. "Christos, I'm not asking you to leave the children behind. Survey Command is going to see a massive expansion in ships and personnel over the next few years. Charon Base will need to be rebuilt to accommodate all the new personnel who will run it, which is why the decision was made to allow those personnel to bring their families if they choose. There will be housing, schools, and offices. We expect the final numbers to add up to around 10000 men, women, and children on the base." Jing chuckled softly. "Not only will you be the commander of Survey Command, but you will be the mayor of a small town. What could be better than a family man for that job? So what do you say, Christos?"
Without thinking, Christos' eyes wandered the room. Everywhere he looked, he could see the influence of Kayla. She had brought her own individual touch to transform a standard accommodation module into a family home. Everywhere he looked, he was reminded of her, as he was sure, were the children. Maybe a change of scenery would help them in the process of healing.
"OK sir, I'll do it."
Jing clapped his hands as he stood, then reached over to shake Christos' hand. "Thank you, Christos. I appreciate what you’re doing. I know it’ll be hard for you and the children, but maybe this will go
Similar Books
