Chapter 28

Earth's Orbit:

A ship emerged from hyperspace above the planet that was now mobilizing for a total war against the Empire. At first, the ships protecting the planet were unsure if it was Imperial but it' (Information Friend or Foe) revealed it to be a shuttle carrying Earth's second in command and commander of operation vengeance, Admiral William Johnson.

His shuttle was allowed to pass through the growing number of ships patrolling the planet's orbit, waiting diligently for suspicious activity. Johnson, however, was more interested in the massive (yet still growing complex) of shipyards and drydocks that were churning out new vessels with ease. He could see eight new Revenge Class Battleships in the largest docks l. Several of the ships were in the final stages of fitting out and would be joining the fleet within a few weeks or even days. A number of others still had several months to go, and while their distinct shape and many parts of their hull looked complete other sections were incomplete or even missing. Construction drones and worker bees buzzed around them, contemplated by engineers in vac suits to supervise and oversee the many complex processes at hand.

In some of the larger dry docks, a new class of ships was just starting their early phase of construction. They were going to be larger and more powerful than the existing revenge class but didn't have a class name yet. Other smaller ships were also under construction and would be just as important to the war effort.

Soon he entered the planet's atmosphere and the shuttle headed to the United Nations headquarters in New York to meet with the Secretary-General of the UN, Albert Pierre. He would also be meeting with Admiral Harrington later that day.

Soon he touched down on a helipad and was escorted to the Secretary General's office by his honor guard. After a few moments of waiting, he was let out.

"Secretary-General." He said saluting. In legal technicalities, the Secretary-General was now the supreme commander in chief of the UN's forces, but he mostly delegated the roles to his admirals and generals. Pierre still approved major offensives and other actions, but let the men and women who knew what they were doing make the best decisions. This might be a problem if corruption was an issue within Earth's new and combined military, but it was such a new institution it hadn't become a problem yet. And thanks to rigorous transparency and accountability up and down the command chain, he hoped it would be snuffed out before it even happened. Harrington, who was leading the fleet, was about the least corruptible man on the planet, and that should keep the problem from developing in the first place.

"Admiral Johnson, congratulations on your string of victories against the Empire." He said. "I've read the reports you and your staff have assembled, so I have a good idea about what is currently going on. I want to know where we are going net."

"Well sir, I've only just started to think about it but there is some information that I need to be classified at a top-secret level. It is critical that it is this way for one of the parties involved." Johnson told the secretary-general about what was going on with Moff Illustrious and about the discussion they had.``

"I'll get you your classification on the discussion you had with her, but how are you going to explain not attacking her?" Pierre asked.

"Simple, it's already a matter of practicality," Johnson replied. "She has 2 battlecruisers, 30 Star Destroyers, and many more escorts than a normal Imperial sector would have. Realistically, that's an additional over 1 / 6 of the size of a normal Imperial sector force." Johnson said. "Therefore that will ensure we will pick smaller targets in the other sectors, ones that we can successfully win against."

"When do you think we can go on the net offensive?" Pierre asked.

"I'm not sure, those require lots of groundwork to normally be done," Johnson said. "If hypothetically we were to go on one, we would be facing a sector that is still at full strength. That would be challenging enough, but now we need to protect against three, as well as defend the territory we already have occupied. If all three sectors teamed upon us we would be facing 72 Star Destroyers and over a thousand smaller ships. Both of us and the free confederacy can put up with a defense, as both sides would not attack us with their entire navy's, but if we commit and potentially lose a large number of ships in an offensive the front would collapse."

"So then what are you going to do?" Pierre asked.

"First, get enough forces in the border region to repel any potential Imperial counterattacks. Start sending drones to carry out reconnaissance on Imperials strength and positions. If they are not well built up I might consider attacking with an intent to take and hold the system." Johnson said. "If they are too strong and they have the ability to potentially inflict more damage on my attacking force, we will instead use starfighter and corvette raids to soften their defenses and keep pressure on them."

"A good idea, Johnson," Pierre said. "Hopefully Moff Illustrious can let you know if the empire is planning to go on an offensive beforehand."

"That would be useful," Johnson said. "It would be good for letting us know what was happening."

"So what are your plans for the occupation of the sector?"

"Well first of all we are going to impound the assets of any major companies that have big ties with the Empire," Johnson said. "Many of these companies use slave labor in the sector, and anyone in a leadership role that was overseeing this will be detained and heavily punished. The slaves will also be freed. We are going to need to expand the prisoner of war camps to support all the new Imperials we have captured, as well as set up a way to distribute food and medical supplies more effectively. We also haven't agreed on which territory the free confederacy will administer and occupy and what we will occupy. Additionally, local governments will need to be set up, both to run the area more easily and ensure that the people understand we are not another empire that will not respect their rights. There are plenty of other objectives when it comes to military matters, such as getting production lines set up on the factories we have captured, taking over the local Imperial academies as well as surveying and inventorying the captured equipment. I also want to contact independent pirates in this sector and turn them into privateers. They can then harness Imperial shipping in the neighboring sectors while ensuring they don't attack our transports or civil skin in the Zoloch Sector."

"As long as you keep it quiet, I will authorize it," Pierre said. "If the press hears we are using criminals it will raise some questions." Johnson nodded. "I'll take care of it, sir. It will be only known on a need-to-know basis."

"Good. It sounds like you are going to need a lot of support with the sector, especially considering the civilian matters."

"Yes I will, Mr. Secretary."

"Whatever you need you can have within reason. We need to make sure the people are cooperative and we can fully exploit the industry and natural resources of the sector. Do whatever you deem necessary."

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary," Johnson said. "Do you have anything else that you want?"

"The destruction of the Imperial Navy and the Emperor being executed for his crimes against the galaxy." The two laughed.

"Right now I'd like for you to stay on Earth for two weeks to help oversee whatever new efforts are being put into place. I don't think that you are needed from the front right now, and I'm also sure your significant other would be pleased to see you."

"I will sir," Johnson said, walking out of the room.

His next stop was at the fleet headquarters, where he would be meeting admiral Harrington. It would probably go along the same lines as his previous conversion with Secretary-General Pierre. This time, he didn't have to wait before being shown into the fleet admiral's office.

He saluted his superior officer, who unlike Pierre returned the gesture.

"It's good to see you back here Will." He said, offering him his hand. "It looks like you have taken care of the Zoloch Sector."

"I didn't do it alone sir," Johnson said. "The Free Confederacy helped a lot, though if I might say so not necessarily relative to their strength in large capital ships."

"A valid consideration Will," Harrington said. "However I suspect we are going to need all hands on deck going forwards. What do you intend to do next?"

Johnson told him about what he had told Pierre. He was cautious about a large-scale attack against any of the Imperial sectors. He first wanted to stabilize the current gains as well as launch reconnaissance missions to determine the strength of imperial forces. Then he intended to find out his next move, whether it be the strategic fighter attacks or a larger attack that intended to take the system including its ground installations.

He also told Harrington about Moff Illustrious and her conversation that they had had, as well as the secret communicator he had been given. The admiral was intrigued and agreed to keep it a secret and on a strictly need-to-know basis. They also discussed the upcoming operations that would be taken within the Zoloch sector and how to best deal with them. Both agreed that experts from a variety of fields would need to be contacted, as both of them had anywhere from a little to a casual understanding of creating a government and justice system from scratch, getting a population of various species and races to trust you, emancipating slaves, and creating an entire logistical system from scratch. But they had time, and at least some goodwill from the local populations on the worlds they now controlled.

"I don't think there is anything else to cover here that we can do until tomorrow," Harrington said. "Besides, I'm sure there is someone special who wants to see you." He said with a smile.

"I haven't told her I'll be here for two weeks. I'm sure she will like that."

"Indeed," Harrington replied sighing. "Have fun tonight, Will,"

Johnson smirked. "Having a bit of trouble on the lady front Admiral?"

He chuckled. "Well, a bit. I have plenty of options, but my position as the commander in chief of the fleet means that anyone I try hooking up with is either incredibly nervous or is too shy the entire time." He sighed again. "Well, I just hope that I can find someone who doesn't spill their drink whenever I meet them." They both chuckled.

"You'll find someone one day," Johnson said with a smile, getting up. "Good day Admiral." He saluted and left.

He had texted Allison that we would be back that day, and she had wondered what time. This was a bit of a strange move on her part, but maybe she had something planned.

Interestingly, Johnson was right on time and in front of her quarters at 6 : 3 0. He knocked and the door opened moments later. Johnson was taken aback by what he saw, in a good way.

He had initially thought this night would be a casual affair, but he was quickly proven wrong. Allison emerged wearing the same red dress that she had worn on their first date and looked to be well-groomed for the occasion. He could also smell something that had been cooked recently, and realized she had planned dinner with him.

"Welcome back Will." She said as the two embraced each other. Once inside the room that was out of sight of any possible onlookers, they enveloped their lips in a passionate kiss. It was a sensation he had not experienced for a few weeks, but it felt longer."

"Good thing I decided to wear my dress uniform." Johnson chuckled. "I didn't know you were getting dressed up today."

"It was supposed to be a good surprise for you Will."

"Well thank you." He said, kissing her on the cheek. They sat down at the dinner table and began to eat. One of the best parts of their relationship was the ease both had at talking to each other. They could talk about anything from the weather to upcoming military operations and international and intergalactic politics. And that was what they did, enjoying both the food and each other's company. After they finished eating it was not long until they found themselves undressing and getting into bed to have some fun. This time they were conscious about not tearing their clothes in the rush of passion as they had often done before.

Johnson was glad to be back, and while there were still many uncertainties about the future, he had the person he loved by his side. That made everything better.