7 Days Later, Earth. 06:45 Co-Ed Dorm

John loved Alice deeply, but her night spasms and blanket thieving tendencies were irritating. He was rudely awakened to a well-placed kick to his right shin. As he crawled out of bed he swore under his breath. John shook his head as he noticed the clock, his alarm was only five minutes from now. He pushed himself out of bed, shut his alarm off, and walked to his closet to get his clothes for the day.

After the shower, John walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. He leaned back and rested his eyes. The battle was playing back in his mind, John was trying to see if there was anything else he could have done.

The honest answer to a question like that is yes, there could be. But it’s not always a fair question to ask. Their ships, in comparison to the larger vessels, had wet paper towels for armor. Granted their weapon systems were quite stout given their relative new designs, but they couldn’t get stuck into a proper fight. They had to zip around and attack when and where they could.

“Still thinking you could have done something more?” Alice said leaning on the wall.

“Ooh, sexy,” John said as he saw Alice in panties and a tank top.

“Ugh, I love you, but you can be such a pig.”

“Oink oink. But I speak the truth,” John winked and smirked at her, “With more ships, yes, but considering everything, we did as good a job as we could have with what we were given.”

“You shouldn’t beat yourself up.”

John looked surprised, “I’m not. I was merely wondering if something could have been done differently.”

Alice smiled, “Let me get ready then we can head to get breakfast. I have a feeling today is going to be a long day.”

“Wish I was in class. The inquest begins today, and guess who gets to be the first witness?”

“Better to be first than last honey,” Alice winked and spun around flirtatiously and headed back to the bedroom.

08:30 Naval Command Center – Farragut Room

John found the Farragut room to be curiously designed. It appeared almost church-like in setup. Obviously, the religious flair and decorations that a church sanctuary’s room would have weren’t present. The leaders of the inquest were at the forefront of the room. A pentagon-shaped area had room for two tables for questionees to sit at. There were four sets of seating areas as well. John was sitting in one of the middle sections in the first row.

He looked around the room and was growing impatient for the delay. He appeared to be the lone cadet in the room. Commander Wolff was in the room and shot a sharp glance John’s way. That was to be expected given the words they exchanged after the attack.

Admiral Melnyk walked into the room and took a seat right behind John, “Sorry about that son. I was delayed.”

“No problems sir. As you can see, we’re doing fuck-all at the moment.”

Melnyk grunted, “Ever the sharp tongue. I could tell you that you’d be wise to temper that, but you both know that and seem to be incapable of not sharing your opinion unbidden.”

“Guilty as charged sir,” John said under his breath.

“Bloody good job by the way.”

“Sir why am I even here. What can I offer to this dog and pony show?”

Melnyk smiled, “I’m sure you’ll agree that it is better to hear from someone directly involved in a situation than to read a report of it.”

Everyone in the room then stood up, went to attention, and saluted. The admiral of admirals, Fleet Admiral Benjamin Karlsson walked up to his seat. He saluted and motioned for the attendees to be seated. Holographic images of the eight fleet admirals appeared and took their seats at the table below the fleet admiral.

“Good morning and apologies for the delay. This issue with the Alliance has caused our civilian government much stress and discussions ran long. This admiralty inquest has been called to discuss the Alliance attack on Sol a week ago. Admiral Dickinson, would you care to lead things off?”

“Certainly, thank you, sir. As you all know Alliance forces entered the Sol system with the intent to decapitate our central government and military headquarters. This would have resulted in the delayed or weakened response to an invasion of our territory,” Admiral Dickinson pressed a button on his terminal which caused a tactical map to appear to those in attendance, “They were able to sneak a battlecruiser and carrier into the system. They had found gaps in our sensor net and were able to exit slip space where we couldn’t detect them.”

John rolled his eyes. It was bad enough that there was a gap in the scanning network in the Sol system. The literal birthplace of humanity and one of the most heavily guarded systems. It was another thing entirely to know about a gap then not fix it until a bloody attack occurred because of it.

“That gap and the two others that we were aware of have since been corrected and the entire system is now scannable. They also had found a way to spoof a distress signal to a specific ship. Our enemies attempted to do this to two corvettes that were being commanded by cadets. This was rebuffed and reported. But eventually, they were able to trap a corvette manned by a commissioned crew. Their goal was to get an unlocked computer core which they used to disrupt our communications. This delayed our response to their attack.”

The screen changed, “Their end goal was to create a foothold in Sol. We detected a fleet of unidentified ships in slip space that was heading towards Sol. They never crossed our border, but their last known vectors appeared to have them steaming towards Sol, prior to them breaking off.”

“Thank you, Charles,” Fleet Admiral Karlsson said, “The Alliance’s official statement is that this was not an officially sanctioned event and was done by disgruntled current and former officers that stole these vessels. This statement is obvious rubbish as Naval Intelligence has direct evidence that the Alliance’s civilian government was not only aware of the scheme but elements were minutes away from presenting a declaration of war to their general assembly.”

Karlsson paused, “We will be calling our first witness, Cadet John Lief. Please come forward for questioning.”

John stood up and pushed the gate to enter the question area. He sat down at a seat and poured a glass of water. To his surprise, Admiral Melnyk sat down next to him.

“Cadet, why did you instruct your peers to ignore the distress signal?” Admiral Petrov said in a hostile tone.

“Cadets Dae, Anderon, and I were discussing our plans when Dae mentioned he was receiving a distress signal. Neither Anderon nor I were receiving one on our ships. There were no issues with our systems so spoofing was immediately my assumption. We forwarded the information to the Topeka and moved on with our training.”

“Cadet, why did you form a small fleet?” Admiral Jack Taylor of the Fourth Fleet asked.

“Gut feeling sir,” John said instantly, “You don’t spoof a distress signal if you’re not up to something sketchy.”

“How did the corvette fleet formation occur?” Taylor asked.

“My ability to network with other students has been hampered by numerous things, actions by some current and former admirals, my own overconfident bordering on arrogant attitude, and this patently wrong belief by many amongst the military-industry complex that only the elite should rise up to command. Cadet Patrice Vernon came from a well-known and connected family. He was able to convince another wolfpack to join us. That led to two more when we discussed things once more.”

Admiral Diechi Shin of the Second Fleet jumped in next, “The insinuation that some of the admiralty here had anything to do with holding you back is a bit much Cadet. Without Cadet Vernon’s crucial contribution this wouldn’t have happened.”

“I agree on the latter point. Not only in his networking but his capabilities, in general, are outstanding. I would want him fighting at my side any chance I was in a gunfight. As to the former, Admiral Vandeberg wasn’t executed for nothing. Plus, I can bring up how my advisor randomly changed my designation, retired naval officers scheming against me and some fleets were about to make additional moves against me until something paused their hand.”

John’s last comment caused a commotion in the seating area. Several of the fleet admirals looked visibly uncomfortable. Others looked very confused about the accusations that a mere cadet leveled.

“We’ll move past the issue of past retaliation. Cadet Lief has more than earned his position in the command focus,” Admiral Karlsson said firmly, “And he’s right that this elitist belief needs to go away. I need to remind the fleet admirals that a cadet did what their officers could not.”

“Were you in command of this corvette fleet cadet?” Admiral Hans Müller from Sixth Fleet asked.

“Yes, I took command of it. The captains of each ship and I held a meeting to discuss tactics. We had less than twenty minutes to coordinate a plan of attack. After it was determined to launch all our missiles at once at the carrier, I delegated Vernon to identify where to target all one hundred fifty missiles.”

“Interesting plan, why pre-fire the missiles?”

“The missiles were unlikely to be detected until they got very close to the target. If all were pre-fired and following their mothership it was one less thing we had to manage. Plus, there was the hope that the missile barrage would overwhelm the carrier's point defense systems. Cadet Vernon’s suggestion was spot on.”

“What else did you target?” Admiral Shyla Patel of Eighth Fleet asked.

“Plasma lances were targeted at PDCs and other defensive weapon systems on the carrier. Railguns were at the enemy battlecruiser. Neither ship was expecting a counterattack coming from our direction.”

“As evidenced by the carrier being blown the hell up by your rag-tag fleet. Well done cadet. Tell me about why you split up after you got to this point,” Admiral Li Zhang of the Seventh fleet leaned in and looked at John intently.

“We were able to eliminate just under a third of the enemy fighters in about two minutes after splitting up. Only a fraction would have been shot down had we stuck together. The primary reason though was it made it more difficult for the enemy to target us and eliminate us.”

“The tactics were not at all what we expected cadet. That said, had you stuck by the book I doubt we’d be having this conversation right now. Does anyone else have any questions for the cadet?”

Admiral Karlsson looked around the room. No one seemed to have any more questions for John. After an uncomfortable weight in silence, Karlsson appeared to move forward.

“Cadet do you have anything else you’d like to state.”

“I do in fact,” John cleared his throat, “I’d like to apologize to Commander Wolff for my overly blunt, hostile, and critical words that were exchanged after the battle. My opinion was neither asked for nor was it the appropriate time to share my feelings on the events that led up to the battle. I’d also like to recommend that the admiralty doesn’t view this as a victory for us. We clung onto victory by the thinnest of margins, despite having ships that were six to eight decades newer and more advanced. Our technological edge in the battle was the only reason we won. Were it not for a bunch of green cadets Earth would very likely either be occupied or have numerous smoldering ruins on her surface.”

John took a sip of water and continued, “Our advantage in technology will not keep us in the lead forever. It is precisely for that reason that the admiralty needs to stop promoting and pushing in the incompetent and incapable into commanding roles. A crew will react accordingly to her captain. If the captain is confident and capable so to the crew will become with a firm and fair voice. When captains are weak or in over their heads their crews will react accordingly. We should use this situation, not as a call to arms but as one to reconsider our Navy and focus on our needs. I believe this is a critical juncture for the Navy, we can choose to accept our faults and correct them. Or we can trudge forward with the status quo into an uncertain future. This attack is proof positive the Confederacy’s enemies don’t respect her military. Thank you for your time this morning.”

“Your dismissed cadet,” Admiral Karlsson said as he sat up in his chair.

John stood up and saluted the admirals. He then turned around and walked out of the questionee area. Admiral Melnyk tapped his shoulder and pointed at their seats in the gallery. Disappointment welled up in him. John desperately wanted to leave this instant.

“It’ll be boring as hell son, but when we break you can head out,” Melnyk leaned in said as he slapped John’s shoulder.

Melnyk was not wrong. The proceedings were boring as hell. Thankfully they weren’t that repetitive. John realized he had made a mistake sitting in the front row and had to feign interest and focus on what was being discussed.

That focus and interest had to be feigned for a full two hours before a recess was called. John stood up and headed toward the exit. When John got to the hallway, he looked in both directions to find out the quickest and most efficient way to get out of there.

“Cadet a moment,” Melnyk said from behind John.

John stopped and spun around, “Sir.”

Melnyk raised his hand to shake John’s, “Hell of a job son, both during the battle and in there. They needed to hear about the fleet’s deficiencies. And to not rush into war.”

“Why didn’t you brief me about this beforehand sir?”

Melnyk smiled, “Your words wouldn’t have been genuine. Had you advocated for war in there then myself and several others would have advocated otherwise? Your opinion could be written off as a traumatized or war-hungry cadet. Keyword there, cadet.”

“But my words mean that much more, coming from a cadet when it doesn’t sound like I’m reading a prepared script.”

Melnyk smirked, “Congratulations on a successful year. And for becoming a senior. I’m curious to see what you’ll do with your final year with us.”

“Thank you, sir.”

10 Days Later. 14:30 Lounge

John was the first one back from the afternoon start of finals. He swung by their room and picked up a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of Papi Van Winkle, courtesy of his father-in-law. John dropped the bottles off in the lounge and walked to the cafeteria area. He shimmied the door open, sauntered into the kitchen, and found some glasses for them to use.

He wasted no time and poured himself some of that delicious bourbon. John then leaned back into the couch and brought the glass to his nose. The auburn liquid gave off a sweet-smelling aroma. There was a giant smile on his face.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were cheating on your wife with that,” Kristin said dryly.

“Alice knows I’d never leave her for whiskey. I think. Congratulations on becoming a senior,” John raised his glass and took a sip.

John let the bourbon roll around in his mouth before swallowing it. Kristin was shaking her head as she sat on the loveseat across from John. Thomas then walked in.

“Is he doing that thing again?”

Kristin nodded, “Yup, cheating on his wife with alcohol.”

“That’s a sign of a true connoisseur of the finer things you bloody heathens,” John said as he placed his glass on the table.

“Did you get her ok with that bottle?” Kristin asked as she pointed at the very expensive wine bottle.

“Technically no. If you want me to open it up I will.”

Kristin laughed, “I think I’ll hold off until she gives the proper all-clear.”

Thomas smiled, “I’m not going to wait though.”

Alice walked in, “Oooh, nice choice dear.”

John smirked at Kristin after hearing that. Kristin immediately reached for the corkscrew and bottle of wine. Thomas took his first sip of bourbon as Alice grabbed a glass and sat down next to John. She picked up a glass and waited patiently for the wine bottle to be opened.

Jessica, Nathan, Brian, and Andern then walked into the room. They all looked to be relieved in good spirits. Said spirits rose when the fine wine and bourbon were spotted on the table. They all dropped their bookbags and sat down.

“So, what is everyone doing for our new summer break?” John asked after taking another sip.

“We are spending a week back home at Valley City then we’re spending the rest of the abbreviated break in and around Florida,” Andern said.

“We might spend some time in Miami, but haven’t decided on that,” Kristin added.

“Heading home. Not going to do anything special,” Nathan said before taking a swallow, “Holy hell this is amazing bourbon.”

“Right?” John exclaimed.

“I am going to visit some cousins in Maine. We’re going to road trip it to there,” Jessica smiled.

Brian sighed, “I would like to relax or travel with Thomas, but my family has plans.”

“As does mine, which I suppose makes it less annoying since neither one of us is going to be free,” Thomas said squeezing Brian’s hand.

Theresa and Kevin walked into the room fashionably late. Kevin didn’t look any different than normal. But Theresa was practically glowing. A fact that the girls picked up immediately. Their eyes shot down at her hands.

“OH MY GOD!” Alice shouted as she pointed at Theresa.

“Jesus, settle down spaz. Yes, that’s Theresa,” John said.

Alice slapped his shoulder. The other girls glared daggers at John. The boys, sans John, had already put two and two together and figured out what was going on.

“We’re engaged!” Theresa said in her normal bubbly self.

“Oh neat. Cool, congrats you two,” John said as he waived at the couple.

The girls mobbed Theresa. They asked her the standard engagement questions. Where did it happen? How did he say it? Then they demanded to see the ring. They gossiped with one another as Kevin sat down on the spot vacated by Alice.

John grabbed a glass and poured a healthy amount into the glass and handed it to Kevin, “Congratulations my friend.”

Kevin grabbed the glass and raised it up. The boys followed suit and gently clanged the glasses together. They then took big sips from the glasses. Compliments were directed at the excellent bourbon. Kevin decided to break the ice.

“How was the inquest this morning?”

“Meh. I apologized to the commander for being a dick. Even though he earned the scorn I heaped onto him. Also requested that the Navy use this exercise to better itself and implored it to not go to war.”

“You really think we won’t retaliate?” Andern asked.

Thomas shook his head, “We already have in a way. We expelled all but two diplomats and cut the amount of personnel they are allowed to have here on Earth. The trading stations along the border are closed too.”

“Not to mention the border which got closed before the stations did,” Nathan said.

“We also halted all food shipments to Alliance space. Mercantilists stepped in to ‘help,’” John grunted at the thought of their help, “Only cost them six or seven times the price we were charging them. Brilliant fucking move on their part.”

“So the fleet was lucky that we were there then,” Andern said.

“Hey, I just sent you the housing department’s information,” John said as he slid his table back into his pocket, “That’s to move into the co-ed dorms.”

“Thanks,” Kevin said as he opened up the message and began sending one to the housing department.

“Honest to goodness truth, without Patrice, we wouldn’t have succeeded,” John said with a straight face.

“Bullshit, your tactics, and our execution were…” Brian began to say before he was interrupted.

“Would’ve been for nothing were it not for his connections and bridge building,” John took finished the bourbon in his glass, “We all know my strength isn’t in connecting with and building relationships with others. A large part of that is this idiotic perception that commoners can’t become competent captains. Another part of it is because of that view I tend to burn bridges.”

“Let’s call a spade a spade here,” Kevin said chuckling, “You don’t just burn bridges, you nuke them.”

“Then piss and shit all over the burnt remains,” Andern said laughing.

“The admirals would have a hard time saying you weren’t capable after the stunt we pulled off though. Or is that wishful thinking?” Nathan asked.

“Who knows. Dickinson appeared happy. Shin appeared to be happy for the cadets he’s getting in a year.”

John poured some more bourbon into his glass. He topped off the other’s drinks. The girls rejoined them and did the same with their wine. Glasses were raised once more. Congratulations were had to the newly engaged couple. More congratulations were celebrated for their successful defense and counterattack against the Alliance. The last words were about celebrating the successful completion of their junior year.

They were now seniors. Two semesters separated them from their quasi-civilian lives and being fully commissioned officers. If recent events were portents for the future, then their careers would be full of strife and war. Though that was anything but a sure event. At the moment they weren’t too worried about the future. They were too busy imbibing and enjoying one another’s company.

These cadets wouldn’t know it this day, for they were too full of drink and merriment, but they would all play critical roles in the future of mankind. Some of their roles were coming into focus, though others would shape events through actions none could hope to predict.