Riss Series 3: The Riss Survival (6 page)

Plimson looked down at his SID. "One of Lavett's charges was letting the clans merchants continue to operate in the UFN and the JPU. The intent of the Treaty was to confine their operations to the SAS."

"Sir, that maybe everyone's understanding, but the Treaty doesn't state that as a condition. Allowing them to continue to operate in the UFN and JPU benefits the SAS. The clans have an extensive spy network in both empires. Therefore, what the clans learn, I know and thus the SAS. We now have reliable information about each empire and advance notice of anything that may affect the SAS."

"Military Intelligence will be very pleased, Captain," Stenberg said, then nodded to Plimson.

"Another of his charges was allowing the Riss shore-duty but no one else." Plimson paused, waiting for me to respond.

"Sir, the Riss have lived their whole lives outdoors. They have no houses or buildings. Unlike the other military personnel, they will not be rotating home in a year and will likely spend many years here. Therefore, they need time on planet. The clans accept the Riss as neutral and have been willing to let them roam a wilderness territory where there are no settlements or towns. Humans would want to visit the towns, and it would only take one or two incidents to spark a chain reaction all the way to Eden. Lavett is an example of someone who would have intentionally caused trouble."

"Makes sense," Wattson said, "when you hear your reasoning."

"Yes, the problem will be trying to send replacements that aren't prejudiced and willing to listen to reason. I think the best we can do is to ensure the Captains understand the conditions in Freeland, why you are station commander, and what you are trying to accomplish." Plimson looked towards Wattson and Stenberg. Then he turned back to me. "It sounds like Captain Corbitt acted property during the mutiny and hasn't given you any problems."

"None. Captain Corbitt's performance has been excellent," I said, realizing the kind of problem I would have had if he had sided with Lavett.

"Good, we plan to leave him here to finish his tour. I'm assigning Captain Pavao as Lavett's replacement. I've explained the situation here and the fact that you are station commander. Although, she is a senior Captain with substantial experience, she asked for this assignment." Plimson paused and took a sip of his kaffa. "I trust her, Reese. Oh, speaking of Corbitt, I expect you to provide me with an evaluation of each Captain assigned to Freeland."

"Me?"

"Yes, you're the station commander. Actually, I think a captain's performance on a unique assignment like Freeland will be more informative than a routine one. For example, Corbitt will now be on a fast track for a Hunter."

Amusement tingled through me. I was beginning to think she was an incarnation of Thalia of the three Muses. I guess it was much better one of us wasn't depressed or constantly afraid. Stenberg spoke, breaking my mental paralysis.

"What about the decision to put the army in charge of inspections," Stenberg asked, frowning.

"Ironically, the army personnel are the least biased, and I enjoy the support of the Scorpion Commander and his senior noncoms. I trust them to go out of their way to be impartial. I'm trying to avoid anyone asserting their prejudices on the clans or the clans on the inspectors. This way the fight will be between the army and the inspectors, and the army has thick skins."

That got a few chuckles.

"I agree with you and the Admiral. The situation here would take very little to ignite a major incident that would explode on Eden. And it's going to be very difficult to finds replacements. We can't interview them all," Stenberg said and everyone lapsed into silence but sat staring at me.

An image of me juggling balls and every few minutes an Admiral throwing me another one.

I felt her laughter.

"Sirs, I would like to have the clans build the Riss a cruiser—"

"What!" Wattson spilled the kaffa he was sipping.

"Are you crazy?" Stenberg asked.

"Sirs, I'm the station commander, although as you point out, I have the least seniority. I'm expected to be the governor of Freeland, although it's not official. I'm the leader of the Riss Nation, but what does that mean to the SAS? The expectation is that the Riss will soon be operating one or more of the SAS cruisers but in what function? They are not SAS personnel and not officially allies." I took a sip of kaffa to give everyone time to think about what I was saying. "If the Riss had their own ship or ships, then they could join the SAS as allies, which they want, and many of the present vagaries would be solved. I'd guaranty that no SAS technology would be present in the new cruisers and take full responsibility for its security. It would be designed for the Riss, not humans." My mouth went dry, watching the open-mouthed silence. I took another sip of kaffa and found my hand shaking.

I couldn't tell as no one was talking.

"Reese I think you managed to give us all a headache. I for one need to sort through what you've said." He looked to the others, who were nodding agreement. "Let's meet back here tomorrow at nine hundred hours."

An image of three weightlifters struggling to lift a massive dumbbell.

* * *

"I'd say that was a ten knot performance, Captain Reese," Terril said during our shuttle ride back to the Lynx. "Master Wei had the right of it, as usual. As one progresses in Si'jin, a contest is as much about mind games as it is about technique. So, watching elders, or admirals, or high ranking officials contend for an advantage is much like watching an advanced Si'jin match."

"Terril, do you think it would be possible to have a contingent of Scorpions on an allied ship?"

"By the gods, Nadya… you're planning a Riss Navy!" She shook her head and lapsed into silence.

Image of an old-fashioned aircraft carrier, battle ships, and destroyers manned by Riss, cruising in an ocean.

* * *

I entered the conference room a few minutes early, poured myself a cup of kaffa, and sat. I didn't know what to expect. I hoped I hadn't pushed too fast, too hard, and lost. But they had caught me off guard, causing me to express my thoughts out loud—fire, ready, aim.

The promotions have come to fast. I had gone from Lieutenant Commander to Captain to Station Commander in what seemed like light-seconds, missing the experience normal time in grade would have provided.

Thalia's answer for everything. I'm high-Riss because she is; therefore, nothing is too hard or impossible, or … I had no option but to play the hand I had been dealt.

Amusement. The Thalia I loved—everything was exciting and fun. I was so engrossed in my thoughts I almost didn't stand when the admirals entered.

"At ease, Reese." Plimson said as he and the other two got settled with kaffa. "Reese, admirals are supposed to give captains headaches and impossible tasks to do. Captains are not supposed to give admirals headaches and impossible decisions to make." He sat staring at me, making me feel like a little girl waiting to hear her punishment. "The sensible answer is Hell No! You have again, I repeat—again—put me in the position of looking like a fool or a genius depending upon the eventual result." He shook his head and sat nursing his kaffa. Stenberg and Wattson sat quietly staring at me.

"I was foolish or brave, depending upon who you talk to, the last two times you presented me with a career shattering decision. Both times, you made me look like a genius. Zann claims the Riss always pick the right … Riss for the task at hand, and they picked you as their leader. I'm going to trust the Riss and authorize you to build two Riss cruisers."

"… Thank you, sir." I wanted to kiss him, but he was an admiral.

"Remember, Captain Reese, admirals don't like to be disappointed." All three looked at me grim faced.

"Captain Reese, I have mixed emotions about Admiral Plimson's decision, and I'm glad I didn't have to make it. My understanding is that you will ensure that no SAS technology will be used in the … Riss cruiser and that the clans won't use it against us. Is that right?" Wattson asked.

"Yes, sir. The Riss want to be an ally of the SAS. They have and have and will continue to work in the best interest of the SAS. My promise to you is the promise of all the Riss."

"I still find it impossible to believe you not only represent the Riss but that every Riss will agree with whatever you say," Stenberg said, smiling. "If you can bottle that, I'll buy a million bottles."

"What scares me, Admiral Stenberg, is how easy it would be to abuse that power. I agonize over every word." It did scare me, more so because no one ever offered me an opinion or opposing view.

"Although the concept is like nectar to anyone in command, I can see your point," Stenberg said.

"And based on some of our commander's decision, I'm glad we don't," Wattson said.

"Admiral Plimson, could I ask you to let Captains Pavao and Corbitt know. I'd hate another incident."

"No, I'll let you tell them. That will give you a chance to discuss the project and resolve any questions. However, I'll put it in writing so everyone knows it's my decision. I'll expect you to keep me informed on the project's progress, and I want a ride on that ship."

CHAPTER SIX

The Riss cruiser project

When I entered the briefing room with Varisko everyone stood.

A feeling of smug satisfaction.

There were three men and one woman. Without hesitation, a tall, red headed woman, who I recognized as one of the Captains who participated in the invasion of Freeland, strode forward.

"I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Captain Nance Pavao of the Bobcat.” She motioned to a thin, dark-haired man with a mustache. “My XO, Commander Gabisi. You already know Captain Corbitt and Commander Texada." She smiled at Texada, a tall, handsome looking man with an athletic physique.

"Yes, I do remember you. We met at the Officer's club on Eden prior to the attack on Freeland. There is food and drinks on the sideboard. Please help yourselves and get comfortable. We have much to discuss." I had asked Petty Officer Pillon to setup an array of sandwiches, fruits, cheeses, sodas, and kaffa. I waited for everyone to get settled before beginning.

"The Treaty with the Raiders has been contentious from the beginning. People are rightfully angry. Many feel the Freeland Treaty doesn't provide satisfaction for the deaths and destruction the Raiders caused and want vengeance. I can understand their anger. I lost friends to their raids and comrades during my encounters with them. I do not regret having helped kill Raiders. It was war and my duty. But neither the Riss nor I could participate in killing for the sake of revenge. Some could and would feel justified in destroying Freeland given the chance. The Captain of the Saker and his XO were two such individuals. You attended the inquiry and know the specific details. As Admiral Plimson has pointed out, the fact that everyone has more seniority as a Captain than me contributed to the mutiny."

"Captain Reese, you will have no trouble from Corbitt or me. I volunteered knowing the situation on Freeland. You may not have seniority, but you have more battle experience than any captain currently on active duty and are station commander because you are the … leader of the Riss, and this Treaty will be enforced by the Riss."

"Thank you. I may not follow your advice, but I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and concerns."

"Oh, you'll get those," Pavao said, raising her cup in salute.

"Before I discuss assignments, I'll be assigning thirty Riss and the Riss-human, Alena, to the
Merlin
and fifty Riss and the Riss-human, Elissa, to the
Bobcat
. They can use the experience, but more importantly, I'd like to expose the personnel on station to the Riss. I hope that will reduce the uninformed rumors about them." I watched Pavao for her response. She smiled.

"Admiral Plimson has given me the authority…" To my surprise, everyone seemed interested in the Riss cruiser, and a lively discussion followed, which gave me lots of things to think about. It was easier to say I was going to have a cruiser built than doing it.

* * *

The next day, I arranged for a meeting with the elders. I was eager to get started and had to force myself not to run down the ramp at the shuttle, landing pad to meet Ni'Shay.