Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession (7 page)

"The logical conclusion is that we
would lose any battle where we don't have an overwhelming force
advantage,"
Quinerly
said, frowning.

"What is so frustrating is that we
have the technology to even the odds but lack the
personnel
to use
it,"
Sakaata
said. "I'd bet a task force of
Symath
qualified cruisers
along with a couple of Riss on each ship and the new missiles would be the
match for any Alien task force."

"We obviously can't have one task
force with
Symath
qualified cruisers and
the others
without the technology," Botos
said.

"So now that we understand the
problem, how do we distribute our resources?" Wattson asked, back in
instructor mode.

The discussions went on until almost
dawn. In the end, the task force leaders moved people around so that each ship
had a
Symath
qualified team—Captain, XO, Nav, and
Tac
—or
none. Several backup Nav and
Tac
personnel were promoted to complete the teams.
When it was finalized, twenty-three ships, three or four in each task force,
had
Symath
crews. And I agreed to provide two Riss for each of those ships.

* * *

While the training was being conducted,
Wattson assigned
Sakaata
's task force to conduct exercises with the
Minerva
,
which gave Da'Maass an opportunity to qualify to captain a Riss cruiser. The
first two exercises, he watched. The next two, he acted as XO to Pavao. On the
subsequent exercises, he commanded the
Minerva.

"Well,
Damaass
, how do you
like the
Minerva
?" I had asked him to change the clan
pronunciation, which emphasized the
Da,
to reduce the direct association
with the
clan
. He was
too
ecstatic
to care.

"I'm in love with her and
Adiona
. The ship
feels alive, the crew a part of me, and
Adiona
an angel." He smiled ear to ear.
"I
feel like I've died and gone to where the gods live."

"Captain
Sakaata
's task force
thinks you're a
dybbuk
." Pavao laughed. "She said something to
the effect of,
that damn captain seems to know what we are thinking
."

The exercises had pitted a Riss cruiser
against three of
Sakaata
's task force cruisers. It was impossible for
them to win if we used stealth mode, so the exercises had required the
Minerva
to use at least four engines and keep the radar
active
. Her task
force had won two of the last five, but not without significant losses. I had
Alena, Jaelle, and Elissa taking turns at being
Damaass
's XO during
the exercises.

"I think Lajos does know what they
are thinking," Alena said, using
Damaass
's first name.

"To win, you must know your
opponent, and yes, get into his mind. First, you must determine if he’s
good
or not. Once
you know that, you know the probable reactions to your moves and his probable
tactics. It's a game where the stakes are your life, but you cannot think of
that—only of the game." He raised his glass and emptied almost half.

"
Damaass
is right. It
is more than just experience. It's an ability to see your and your opponent's
options and to anticipate what he will do. One should never depend upon
overwhelming force or luck."

"No, you proved that at both Yamhill
and Elbe… Nadya. The clan had overwhelming force, yet we lost to our
dybbuk
—she
was in our minds."
Damaass
laughed and finished his wine but didn't reach
to refill it.

"
Damaass
, your
position
is now
Captain of the
Minerva
. Congratulations."

* * *

"I've just received word from
Admiral Stenberg. He has contacted the leaders of the UFN and JPU, and they
agreed to meet to discuss an
alliance
and strategy for dealing with the
Aliens. The meeting is scheduled ten days from today at
Hayjar
in the
Papak
sector of the
JPU. Stenberg suggested no nation bring more than two cruisers to the meeting.
Although
Hayjar
is a small JPU military station, the JPU has agreed to keep its
cruisers docked during the meeting." I nodded toward Pavao. "Nance,
I'd like you to stay here and work with
the others
on tactics. I
believe
Sakaata
will be the senior Admiral and in charge of the task forces. Maybe
you can get the other task forces to participate. The exercises are much better
than a simulator."

"Are you taking
Damaass
to the
meeting?"

"No. The agreement is that only one
representative and an advisor from each nation will be present for the initial
conference. But
Damaass
is still controversial, so it’s
better
if he
accompanies me to Hayjar, rather than stay here alone."

Pavao nodded agreement. I had also
decided to leave Alena, feeling that the practice would be better than
accompanying me. In reality, a Riss cruiser didn't require an XO.

The trip to
Hayjar
took six
days. With nothing to do, I visited each of the sections several times.

"Well, Commander Iglis, how are
your new responsibilities?" I asked as I entered the Intel unit and found
her talking with Master Chief
Drock
.

"Captain Reese," Iglis said as
she straightened slightly.

Drock
already stood
ramrod straight. He nodded.

"It's great; I get to see what is
happening throughout the fleet. I feel like an Admiral."

"You probably would be, except
Admiral Butler would have to take you off the
Mnemosyne
and put you on
the
Golden Eagle
."

"The Captain's right, Commander.
Even Commander Willis on the
Eagle
reports to you. Of course, then he
wouldn’t know what was going on with the Riss, and he likes Captain Reese and
you together as a team,"
Drock
said with a smile. "Admiral Butler didn't
get to be a Vice Admiral without being sneaky."

"I'm happy just the way things
are," Iglis said, almost to herself. "Captain, what can I do for
you?"

"Anything interesting happening
that you can talk about?" I asked as we headed for her office.

"Most chatter is about Admiral
Wattson and morale," Iglis said as she closed the door then hesitated,
looking towards Terril, who was standing back against the wall. My other
guard
had stayed at
the entrance to the unit.

"Ignore her. She doesn't
listen."

After a minute, Iglis nodded.
"Feelings are mixed, although I believe most of the feedback is positive. A
lot of officers were promoted as a result of the… changes he's made.
Of
course, some don't like the fact he's forcing senior officers to retire or
sending them back to Eden.
It has put everyone on notice that Wattson won't tolerate any
deviation from orders, and it's lessened the talk about the Riss. Although,
Da'Maass commanding a Riss cruiser has been controversial. If you hadn’t
resigned, I think it could have had
major
consequences. Now that the Riss are
seen as a separate nation apart from the SAS, the impact is less." Iglis
paused and looked away for a minute. "Even I had my doubts, and Butler has
been particularly interested in him. I'm careful—"

"Iglis, don't hold anything back
from Butler. We have nothing to hide. If we are
to effectively support
the SAS, we
need experienced Captains. As
leader of the Riss, I tell you no Riss-human
or Riss will ever betray the SAS."

My next stop was Commander Byer,
who
I found in
his office.

"Good morning, Captain Reese. Bored,
or just needing the exercise?" He rose smiling as I entered and waved to a
thermos sitting on a small table. "
Kaffa
?"

"Both," I said, pouring a cup
and
sitting
. "I'm going to put the
ship
on Standby when we leave the
wave
and while we
are in
Hayjar
. I don't want anyone to get nervous. It won't be because of any
threat, just out of precaution. Everyone is rightfully
jumpy
with an Alien
invasion and meeting with nations they have been at war with for generations.
Besides, the
Mnemosyne
could be mistaken for an Alien ship. Alien
invader, not just alien." I gave a short laugh, realizing the Riss were aliens.

"I'll make sure everyone is aware
of your reasons. What do you think will happen at the meeting?"

"I think the JPU and UFN will want
proof of the Aliens. I would."

"
Fools
Landing?"

"I think so." I nodded. The
JPU knew something had happened at
Baraz
and Alborz but not specifically what.
They would also want to see proof it wasn't the SAS or UFN.

"I agree," Byer nodded
agreement. When I left, he was heading to call a meeting of his unit.

"It will be interesting to see what
the JPU and UFN think of Riss-humans and the Riss as a nation," Terril
said as we walked towards the army area.

"Yes, since they paid big credits
for Riss hides, and offered even more for a Riss-human." I remembered the
stories Zann told me about the early days on
Saipha
.

was worth a small fortune in the JPU.>

prized.>

Seng stood talking with Master Sergeant
Villard, who had assumed Terril's responsibilities when she was on my detail.

"Good morning, Captain. Come to
work
out
or
on business?"

 
"A little of both. Wanted to let you
know I will have the ship on Standby while in
Hayjar
. Not because
of any threat but as a precaution because everyone will be nervous, what with
the talk of Aliens and the history between the three nations."

"And the Riss."

"Yes, another Alien nation," I
smiled at the irony. "I think I'll work out for a while. It will be
several hours before we
exit
the Wave." I changed and spent a few
hours teaching and working with Terril, then ate lunch before returning to the
Bridge.

<
Leader
:
Exiting
Wave one hour.>

mode.>

Lights flashed blue,
and
SIDs
displayed the text,
Attention. Condition
Standby. Stealth mode.
Exiting
Wave
fifty-eight minutes.

I sat wondering what surprises the
upcoming meeting had in store.

* * *

The
Golden Eagle
had
exited
first as a
precaution, in case someone managed to detect us exiting the Wave and thought
it was the Aliens. We followed in the
Eagle's
wake
,
decelerating towards the agreed-upon meeting coordinates. Four cruisers were
there when we arrived.

Minerva
.>

Damaass's
bushy
, smiling face
appeared. "Nadya. Feels strange calling you by your first name. What can I
do for you?"

"Keep the
Minerva
in stealth
mode and on Standby."

"Expecting
trouble
?"

"Being cautious. Everyone is
nervous, and we are aliens, who were worth millions of credits not
too
long
ago."

"Strange thought, being considered
an alien." He paused, then smiled. "If we removed the
Rh
tattoo..."

"I used to hate the tattoo and wished
I could get rid of it because of
the fear
and hate it caused. But now, I
wouldn't. It identifies me as Riss, and it makes me proud."

<
High-Riss
.>

"I
understand
. We're unique
and
special
. Have fun at the meeting."
Damaass
broke the
connection.

Eagle
.>

Shortly afterward, Captain Dannatt's
face appeared. "Captain Reese, what can I do for you?"

"I’ll be leaving in a few minutes
for the
Eagle
. I’d like to go to the meeting with Admiral Wattson. For
now, I'd like to avoid coming out of stealth mode. It might provoke an unwanted
response."

"I can see your point. It is
ugly." He laughed. "For your information, the first meeting will be
on the
Eagle
." He cut the
connection.

I left the Bridge with two scorpions
following. When we arrived at the Shuttle, Terril stood waiting with a smile on
her face.

"Attractive, isn't it?" She
turned her head so I could see the
Rh
Doctor Dayton had tattooed on her
cheek. Dayton had done the same thing a
t
Hephaestus
for
the students of my Peoples Dynamics class, to give them a firsthand experience
at prejudice. The tattoo was real but shallow and could be removed in an hour.
I entered and handed her a Riss uniform.

"Get changed." I knew the JPU
and UFN weren't going to let a guard, armed or not, into the meeting. And I
knew Terril wasn't going to let me go without her, so we decided she would
attend
as my
advisor. She stood examining the uniform before changing.

"Not very stylish and no place for
weapons," she said as she sat.

"Do you need weapons?" I
grinned.

"Depends upon what the others bring
to the party.
Whether I do or not, it feels like I'm naked."

I could hear the two scorpions behind us
snort
.
We were each lost in thought as we entered the
Eagle's
shuttle bay.
Admiral Stenberg and his aide, Commander Olson, stood waiting as we exited.

"Welcome aboard the
Eagle
,
Leader
Reese," Stenberg said, looking
hard at Terril. "Advisor?"

"Terril."

"Isn't
she…
Oh, I see.
Commander Olson will
take
you to Admiral Wattson's conference room. Your
Scorpion guards will be taken to the army area
to wait
until you're
ready to leave. I need to stay and welcome the JPU and UFN delegation. They are
en route
and should be here within
the next half hour."

"This way, please," Olson said
as he led us out of the bay.

"Anything exciting been happening,
Commander Olson?"

"No, Admiral Stenberg has been
doing all the work, making arrangements for today's meeting and setting up the
protocol. Except for your guards, all others will remain with their shuttles.
Each delegation will have a live connection to their cruiser the entire time
they are on board. Any leader may call for a break or adjournment at any time.
The next meeting will be hosted by the UFN and the subsequent one by the JPU."
He smiled. "I do have one bit of news for you. Admiral Wattson gave
Commander Bradshaw the position of XO on the
Eurasian
."

I was delighted for Sean. He had earned
the promotion, although I would have loved for him to be here. Still, that would
have been a distraction neither he nor I could afford right now.

When we reached the conference room, two
Scorpions stood guard in the hallway. Olson also stayed in the hallway when Terril
and I entered.

"Well, Reese, who's your…"
Wattson took a few steps towards Terril, then stopped. "I guess I
shouldn't be surprised. I thought you might have brought Pavao." He gave a
short laugh. "Who's in the other cruiser?"

"
Damaass
.
I
thought it better to bring him than leave him at Freeland."

"I see your reasoning, but he makes
me nervous. This
meeting
is crucial to winning the war.
Any—"

"
Damaass
is a
Riss-human. As such, you can trust him to support the SAS. He is neither a
hothead nor foolish, and he understands loyalty—better than most."

"Here." He handed me an SID.
"You want a connection to
Damaass
?"

"Yes."

"Captain Dannatt, connect Leader
Reese's Sid to the
Minerva
." He paused, staring at me. "It's
connected."

"Yes,
Leader
?"
Damaass's
face appeared
on the screen.

"The protocol requires each nation
to have a live connection while they are on board the
Eagle
. If the
connection is broken, you will declare Battle Stations on the
Minerva
and
Mnemosyne
and use your discretion on how best to support Admiral
Wattson, SAS, and the Riss."

"Yes,
Leader
. I understand."

As I finished two men in Black uniforms
entered. The one who entered first stood a
good
head taller than Wattson. He surveyed
the room, stopping to examine each of us. His
narrow
face was a
mask, but his eyes were not
friendly
.
The man accompanying him was
shorter and a little overweight.
His stare seemed more of an evaluation than a
challenge.

Immediately afterward, a man and a woman
entered. The man resembled Wattson in height and build. He had a well-trimmed
beard and gave us little more than a glance. The woman was tall, thin, and
spent several seconds evaluating each person in the room.

Stenberg entered last and closed the
door.

"On the side table, there are
plaques with your names and SIDs—System Interface Devices—which we've
connected to your cruiser. If you would please: collect them, verify your
connection, and have a seat, I will do the introductions," Stenberg said,
pointing to the table.