Riss Series 3: The Riss Survival (24 page)

"I didn't understand what it meant to be a Riss-human when I agreed. I saw only the opportunity to command a Riss cruiser. Cethlion is helping me understand the Riss in a way that’s impossible by observing or talking to them. I'm beginning to understand your vision for the Riss and why your position is Leader. In the beginning, I thought I would eventually return the Riss and me to normal. Now, I don't think that will be possible. Cethlion has become a part of me I don't want to lose. She too had hoped I would return her to a Gorillai host eventually, but agrees she is content to be hosted by me. Although the arrangement benefits the SAS and the Riss, it has evolved beyond that."

"We are truly fortunate to be accepted by the Riss as sisters. I couldn't imagine anything more fulfilling than helping them achieve their dreams and helping humanity in the process. Welcome to the Riss, Nance. Your Riss position is Captain of the Eirene."

"Cethlion claims I'm high-Riss because I'm hosting her," Nance said, smiling, which was a sure sign Cethlion had said something.

"Yes, you'll hear that every time you whine about something being too difficult, or hard, or impossible. It will be nothing is too hard or impossible for a high-Riss." I laughed and Nance joined in.

"Yes, I've already had that advice."

"How are things going with the humans?"

"Alena already had things under control before I got there. She'll make a good Captain as soon as she has some experience. If it weren't for the coming war, I'd say she was close to being ready today." Nance looked around the office for a moment before continuing. "Colonel McTosh and the Scorpions are excited to be attached to a Riss ship and treat the Riss like fellow Scorpions. Commander Clarkson and the Shark pilots are excited about being on a Riss ship and having the new modified stealth fighters, which they've dubbed Ghosts, a term that is quickly catching on. And having a single Mess is helping to integrate them quickly. Lt. Commander Jackson, Iglis's choice for Intel officer, couldn't have been better. Iglis has unofficially let him know he should keep me in the loop as she has with you. Following your example, I'm including the human commanders in all my meetings and making sure I visit their areas regularly."

"I'm relieved you've chose to become a Riss-human. The Riss need you."

* * *

"Hi, Terril. I haven't seen much of you lately," I said as she joined my ever-present detail, and I headed for my shuttle for a meeting with Da'Maass and the elders.

"Colonel Seng has volunteered me to conduct training seminars on what boarding teams are likely to encounter when boarding an Alien's ship and our proposed tactics. It's kept me busy. It seems like every day another cruiser or two shows up. For the most part the army is excited. I think every one of them has a picture of you in their sleeping quarters." She laughed. “I'll bet the Wasps and Scorpions on Eden are bribing personnel folks to get assigned to Freeland."

"What rumors have you heard?" I asked, as we entered and took our seats. Although the army and navy personnel don't usually mingle, rumors have spread like wild fires with no respect for artificial boundaries.

"You aren't quite as popular with the navy. The reasons vary: Freeland, Riss-human, special privileges, too young, unqualified, lack of station leave, etc. Even Captain Pavao is being criticized. It's a boiling pot ready to explode."

"I hate to wish for war, but we need a distraction and soon—"

"Captain, I've two Strikers on an approach vector with us," Lieutenant Garrach, the shuttle's pilot said into the loud speaker. It wasn't the distraction I had wanted.

"Kill the engines, Garrach. Now!" I shouted. Seconds later the engines died and the shuttle dropped like it had hit a pocket of turbulence. Then lasers could be heard tearing through the shuttle skin. The shuttle jerked and twisted as Garrach attempted to evade the attacking fighters. But the lack of power limited his options.

"Garrach, good job, but don't start the engines until the last possible second." The shuttle bucked again as laser beams ripped through the passenger compartment, killing at least one of my detail.

"Captain, Sharks have left the Mnemosyne," Garrach shouted as we continued our free fall towards the planet. Too late, I mused. I doubted the Strikers were going to stop, since they had nothing to lose at this point--my shuttle didn't look like a Freeland shuttle in violation of the ten thousand kilometer ceiling limitation. I heard Garrach's unsuccessful attempt to start the engines, as the laser attack stopped.

"Prepare for crash landing," Garrach shouted, seconds before I was thrown into my seat restraints and protective cushions exploded around me.

* * *

"She's in here," a voice shouted from what seemed miles away. I couldn't imagine why my whole body felt wet.

I felt a smile, before sliding into blackness.

* * *

I smelled antiseptics.

"She's awake," Dayton said. "How are you feeling, Reese?"

I swallowed and wet my lips with my tongue. “Thalia …” My voice croaked and I tried again. "Thalia says she’s fixed everything except my shoulder.” That was better. I sounded almost normal. ”She’s leaving that for you." I managed a chuckle at the look of disbelief on Wattson's face.

"I suspected as much, but knew you’d want me to wait until you were conscious."

"Why?" Wattson asked.

"Captain Reese and I have had many discussions on medical treatment for her and the Riss. Because she's a Riss-human, many of our medical diagnostic machines could disrupt their connection permanently, and certain pain medicines would prevent Thalia from working on Reese's injuries. Thalia repaired a concussion, multiple muscle tears and bruising, and is controlling her pain."

 "Amazing."

"How is everyone else," I asked, hoping for the best. Regen could fix most injuries if they were caught in time.

"Terril is out of Regen. She had pretty much the same injuries as you. Garrach is in Regen. He has multiple broken bones. The co-pilot was killed from the crash, and laser fire killed your Scorpion detail. It's a miracle you and Terril weren't hit. The entire cabin's rubble."

"Garrach’s quick thinking and cutting the engines probably saved your lives, as the Strikers heat seeking missiles were useless," Byer said. "Captain Wilson and Striker Commander Cummings of the Shirka acted quickly when they identified the potential problem and notified me. I dispatched the Ghosts … Sharks with orders to seek and destroy. The two Striker pilots are dead."

"There will be an inquiry, but I believe everyone acted appropriately," Wattson said, then turned to Byer. "I want a Ghost escort for Reese and Pavao from now on. No exceptions."

* * *

After Dayton had reset my shoulder, I went looking for Terril and found her being examined by one of Dayton's techs.

"She’ll be fit for duty in a day or two, Captain Reese."

"The next time I say you owe me some excitement, hit me." Terril said, rising up on one elbow. "What happened, Nadya?"

"Two Striker pilots attacked the shuttle. Garrach, you, and I survived, thanks to his skill. His co-pilot died on impact. Laser fire killed Andy and Greg." I said, watching the pain on her face turn to battle steel.

"What cruiser? Why?"

"There will be an inquiry, but we may never know. Commander Byer's Ghost Sharks destroyed both Strikers."

"Good. The bastards deserved to die. It's doubly good that fighter pilots killed them. It will help ease the fury within the army ranks."

* * *

A formal inquiry was convened two days later. The inquiry board was chaired by Wattson and had the three senior Captains on station as members. Interviews made clear emotions were running high. Ironically, rather than being directed at the invading Aliens, much of it was directed at Freeland, the Riss, and Riss-humans—specifically me. Over half of Commander Cummings Striker pilots were openly hostile towards the clans and me and had pushed the no fly zone during exercises. Captain Wilson had been quick to notice the two Strikers entering the off limits zone and contacted Commander Cummings. The Commander had passed the buck to Commander Byers, who scrambled the Mnemosyne's Ghosts with seek and destroy engagement orders. On the third day, the board delivered its findings, which was broadcast to all ships on station.

"We are being invaded by technically advanced Aliens and are on a war status. Apparently, there are those among us who don't know who the enemy is and are attempting to destroy the alliances we've created in the hope of defeating the invading force. Regardless of what you think of the clans, they are helping to upgrade our cruisers and providing us with upgraded missiles. And the Riss Nation is sharing their advanced technology and preparing to fight alongside the SAS. Destroying any one of these alliances could cost us the war and mean enslavement or annihilation of the SAS." He paused to take a sip of water. "I will remind everyone that although the SAS does not normally have a death penalty, wartime acts of treason are punishable by death. Attacking a naval shuttle and killing naval personnel qualifies as an act of treason. Had the Striker pilots survived their attack on the Mnemosyne shuttle, they would have been executed."

When Wattson sat, Captain Dannatt of the Golden Eagle rose.

"It is the judgment of this board that the following Striker pilots for their violation of the Station commander's orders are reduced one grade in rank. Lieutenants … " The list included six primary and two reserve pilots. "Commander Cummings is relieved of command for failing to maintain discipline and take immediate action when his pilots violated restricted space." When Dannatt sat, Wattson rose.

"We are at war. You are either a loyal member of the SAS and support the SAS and its allies, or you support the enemy and will be treated accordingly."

* * *

The next day, I held an unscheduled staff meeting. I stood as soon as everyone was seated.

"Commander Byer, I know the decision to attack the Strikers wasn't an easy one—" Byer surprised me by interrupting.

"Pardon, Captain Reese, but it was an easy decision. One I'd make again in a heartbeat. And I've heard no dissention from my pilots. Those Strikers were attacking an SAS officer, leader of the Riss Nation, the Captain of the ship we are charged to protect … and someone we have come to respect, not that that matters of course." Byer flushed as snorts and coughs erupted.

"Thank you, Commander Byer. I'm fortunate to have a ship full of people I trust and admire. Colonel Seng?"

"Commander Byer and his pilots are viewed as the good guys for their swift and decisive action. There is some resentment against the Strikers, but I believe Admiral Wattson's actions were considered more than fair."

"Commander Iglis?"

"Word from Freeland is one of relief. They are glad Admiral Wattson took decisive action and are initiating stronger security while you are on Freeland. They realize one bad apple could unravel everything you and they have accomplished. It scares them."

My SID lit with r-Asdis face. His finger sped through their sign language too fast to understand without their voice box.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, report to your duty stations. The cruiser from Zigzag has just arrived. I expect Admiral Wattson will be assembling the task force to Zigzag within the hour." I stood signaling the end to the meeting. I reached the Bridge as r-Galene activated the central monitor and Admiral Wattson's face appeared.

"The cruiser Bat Hawk has entered Freeland. Captain Babbcox is reporting the Aliens' scout just left Zigzag after staying two days. Task force Discovery will assemble at the entrance to the Wave to Zigzag twelve hours from now for a departure briefing." He cut the connection without further words.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Taskforce to ZigZag

We were the last to arrive as we had been orbiting Freeland when the order came. Wattson immediately set up a link to the task force.

"Because we don't know what to expect when we reach Zigzag, we'll let Captains Reese and Pavao enter an hour before the task force. That will give them time to determine if the Aliens are there and if so, their strength. If they are, one of the Riss cruisers will have to approach the planet in stealth mode. If they aren't, I want the Light cruisers Teita and Harris to take up positions five light-seconds from the planet. The Golden Eagle, Puma and Kestrel will be positioned at ten light-seconds, and the Mnemosyne and Eirene five light-seconds from the Wave's entrance. Once in position, we will establish each other's exact position for tight-beam communications, before going to minimum power and passive sensors only." Wattson stared into the monitor as if he could see each one of us.