The Riss Accession, page 15
part #4 of Riss Series
"Their orders are rather vague as to what constitutes a threat."
"You're right. The Riss aren't shooting at humans or calling them names and never take offense. And yes, an alliance with the UFN does make me and everyone else nervous and suspicious. And I guess, if I had Thalia inside me, she would remind me I'm a Rear Admiral and it's my responsibility like she reminds you you're high-Riss."
"Every time I whine."
"Are we still friends?"
"I may not always agree with you, but I'll always consider you a friend."
* * *
"That was exciting, although I imagine the paperwork for shooting a rear admiral would take days to fill out," Terril said as we sat in my shuttle on the way to the Dynasty. "I will give her credit. I doubt many senior officers could recover from that ten-knot attack."
"Sakaata is a good officer and deserves the rank. She's frustrated at not being able to diffuse the rabid prejudice and uncomfortable at giving what she considers secrets to a previously hostile nation."
"Aren't you? What happens after the Aliens are destroyed?"
"If I'm right and the Aliens have multiple bases, we may have to be friends for many lifetimes."
"Cheery thought," Terril said as the shuttle settled into one of the Dynasty's shuttle bays.
I exited to the normal bugle call to attention and two rows of soldiers. Doubly embarrassing since Sakaata was greeted in a more traditional welcome when her shuttle arrived minutes later.
Zhu did wait for Sakaata to join us before proceeding to his conference room. The conference room appeared filled with the same officers as before.
"What would you like, ma'am?" a young sergeant asked.
"Oolong tea," I replied, thankful to Zhu for yesterday's tasting session.
"The invasion of Dong by the Aliens provided us an excellent prototype of the strengths and weaknesses of three nations fighting a common enemy. I'd like each commander to share his or her experience and thoughts. This was our first combined battle, but it will not be our last. We must get smarter each time if we are to prevail against our Alien invader," Zhu said and sat.
There seemed to be some predefined order which everyone understood as each took his turn speaking and asking questions.
Sakaata was next to last to talk. Her session lasted for two hours because of the questions.
My session was also long because the Riss cruisers had been so far from the main battle.
When I finished, Zhu spoke. "Very interesting and well done considering we had no prior plan on how to operate jointly. And an excellent demonstration of the Riss technology in action. I'd like green-Admiral Erdogan, Admiral Sakaata, and Leader Reese to work together with their senior personnel to use what we've learned to formulate a plan for the next time our three nations encounter the Aliens. And how our forces can utilize the Riss technology."
* * *
For the next five days, I split my time between monitoring the candidates' sessions with the Riss and meeting with Sakaata, Erdogan, and their key staff, discussing the lessons learned from the invasion. The mornings were spent with the Riss candidates.
Sato was excited. He loved the idea that his word would be obeyed unconditionally, but forgot or ignored that the mechanic is equal to the captain part.
Chung was obviously scared but reluctant to withdraw for fear of losing face.
Zhang seemed more interested in the Riss than the position.
The afternoons with Sakaata and Erdogan were enjoyable. We were each interested in reducing the loss of personnel when we engaged the Aliens, and no one seemed interested in being "in charge." When we encountered the enemy, the parties would decide on an initial strategy and then each nation would implement its part. We did establish communication protocol and seniority within each nation's task forces. I also agreed to certify one or more of Erdogan's cruisers.
* * *
It was late when I returned from our strategy meeting, but I decided to see how Iglis was doing and headed for the Intel section, punching in Iglis's SID number while I walked.
"Yes, Captain?" she look tired.
"Are you available for a chat?"
"Yes. Do you want me to come to your office?"
"No, put the kaffa on. I'm on my way," I said and clicked off after she nodded.
"Good evening, ma'am," the senior guard at the entrance to the Intel unit said as we approached, and stepped aside for Terril and I to pass. She had dismissed the other two guards to get something to eat and planned to stay until their relief arrived.
"What's up, Captain?" Iglis stood as I entered.
"Sit, Iglis. I had nothing to do and thought I'd catch up on the gossip," I quipped as I collected a cup of hot kaffa. "You look tired."
"Admiral Zhu has given me relatively unrestricted access to his intelligence group, and we have been setting up a proposed protocol for sending messages via our Comstats and entry codes into the various inhabitable systems. They will have to be approved by Admiral Butler and Admiral Wang, Zhu's Intelligence director, but we finished today. It has meant long days and nights." She filled her cup and took a drink. "Not much gossip. Zhu arrived at Echo earlier today. The task forces have been conducting joint exercises but no Medusa sighting since Defiance."
"Have you heard of any instances on Dong?"
"No, which is surprising. I expected some problems. We have four diverse cultures coming in close contact."
"Four?"
"Yes, UFN, SAS, Freeland, and the Riss." She smiled.
"Yes, Freeland is another culture. How is the Local Customs' seminar coming along?"
"Master Chief Drock and Lieutenant Canfield finished it today. I was just in the process of reviewing it when you called."
"Good. Have them try it out on the Ghosts and Scorpions on the Riss cruisers, the folks from Freeland, and the Riss. Be sure to include those who have already been planet-side. They may have a unique insight. After that, contact Admiral Sakaata and inform her the seminar is ready. You may want to train her Intel folks to give the seminar to her task force, but I leave that to you and her."
"That would probably be best and free up Canfield and Drock."
"Oh, send a message to Leader Pavao of Freeland and ask when the next Riss cruiser will be operational. I'd also like to know if she has identified a Riss-human candidate for the Maat. If not, I'd like it sent to Dong. I have one."
"Who? If it's not a secret."
"Admiral Zhang, who is Fleet Admiral Zhu's brother. And no, he got no special consideration.
* * *
The next morning, I called the three Riss-human candidates into my office. "As you know, there are three criteria to becoming a Riss-human. You must want to be a host to a Riss. You must satisfy me that you have command experience and good tactical judgment. And lastly, a Riss must be willing to accept you as a host. All three requirements must be met. I would not ask the Riss to give up their freedom if we did not need combat-ready captains to command the Riss cruisers, and not just any human captain will do. Hosting another intelligent mind is not something most humans can tolerate, which is the reason you were exposed to the Riss and the Riss to you. When the SAS tried the program, they started with three hundred candidates. In the end, only twenty were selected by the SAS and introduced to the Riss. The Riss selected six."
I paused to survey the group and let them think about what I had said.
"Commodore Sato, I believe you are a good UFN commander and will do well leading a task force. But Riss ships tend to fight alone and require a different tactical approach. If a few hundred sailors die in a battle, it's a terrible thing, but the UFN navy has roughly three hundred thousand personnel. The Riss nation has only three thousand, so the death of one Riss in a battle is equivalent to three hundred sailors.
"Commodore Chung, you are also a good tactical commander leading a task force; however, I don't believe you would do well hosting another intelligent being. The vast majority of people wouldn't. I would ask both you and Commodore Sato not to consider this a test you failed. Your willingness to participate and your records identify you as above-average individuals and credits to your service. That will be my evaluation to Admiral Zhu."
I paused, making eye contact.
"Admiral Zhang, if you remain committed to becoming a Riss-human, a Riss is willing to have you as a host. Be assured, the Riss selected you on the basis of your discussions with her, and her choice has nothing to do with my evaluation of you or the fact that you are an Admiral or Zhu's brother. To her, you are just an intelligent being she feels she will be compatible with."
"Who is she?" Zhang asked almost without emotions.
When I was told, I wanted to dance down the hallways singing. Of course, I didn't.
"Her picture name would be something like, A hawk floating high in a cloudless sky."
"Yes, the Riss that sees what is, where others see what they or others want," he said with a smile, surprising me.
I almost believed he could have named every Riss at the interviews.
"Yes, I'm willing."
"I thank each of you for applying. You are a credit to your nation, which I'm sure Admiral Zhu recognizes. Zhang, if you are sure, report to the medical section tomorrow at nine hundred hours for the transfer."
* * *
"That was quick, Leader Reese," Dayton said when I entered her office.
"Actually, I'm as surprised as you are. Not so much that the UFN had officers who met the initial criteria, but that some were able to overcome the idea of a parasite attached to them considering the traditional nature of their culture."
"Having combat experience and being willing doesn't seem very restrictive." Dayton frowned.
"It's the tactical judgment and willing Riss that make it hard. Because you were in combat doesn't mean you have good tactical judgment. The Riss don't need heroes or glory seekers. There are ten billion humans but only three thousand Riss. And no Riss is going to give up her freedom to reside with someone she doesn't feel is compatible."
"I can see your point." She picked up her tablet and tapped it. "Admiral Zhang is in excellent condition even for his age, which I gather doesn't matter too much with a Riss companion."
"True," I said as Damaass entered the office with the Riss, A hawk floating high in a cloudless sky."
"Good morning, Leader Reese. I understand you want me to monitor Zhang's Riss-human transition," he said with his ever-present smile peeking through his bushy beard. "Do we have a Riss cruiser for when he completes his training?"
"I've notified Captain Pavao that a successful Riss-human candidate is available and requested either the Maat, which is operational, or the next Riss cruiser produced be sent to Dong."
"I don't imagine this is going to make you any more popular, dybbuk."
"I doubt it. Too many in the SAS don't know what they want. They don't want me in the SAS, but they want to treat me like I am. They want me to trust the SAS, but they don't trust the Riss. They want allies but don't want me to trust them. I can understand why someone would want to confine the human race."
"Yes, we cannot stand a state of peace for long. It's against our basic predatory nature," Zhang said as he entered the office. "That is why I'm interested in hosting a Riss. I believe peace is inherent in their nature."
"They are participating in the war," I said, although I agreed with him. I idly wondered if I had found someone who wanted to be a Riss-human because he appreciated the Riss and not just because he wanted to fly those magical machines.
"Yes, but for different reasons. This program acknowledges the Riss could not command a cruiser in war. It takes a human, even a kind-hearted one."
"Doctor Dayton, I believe Zhang is ready."
Zhang was extraordinarily perceptive. He had no stars in his eyes, nor any zeal for saving the UFN. He thought he had found what he had been searching for—people who sought peace.
CHAPTER TWELVE
New Riss-human candidates
"Welcome and congratulations, you were selected by the Riss-human project team as candidates to host a Riss." Pavao stood in her conference room on the Eirene, surveying the four men and one woman volunteers. They were a strange mixture, as neither age nor rank was a specific requirement. Of course, one couldn't be too young or junior to meet the combat experience and demonstrated tactical judgment criteria.
She knew Captain Samantha Sheva, the only woman. She had fought with her at the battle of Freeland. She was a superb captain, smart and respected by those she commanded.
She didn't know any of the four men. Captain Aleksy was the oldest and had fought in a few skirmishes with the JPU. Captain Hywel had attended Camalus and graduated With Comment. Commanders Perrin and Ettore were the youngest, and both had been XOs.
"As of now, you have no rank. You've met the initial conditions for selection as candidates to host a Riss and become a Riss-human. Each of the current Riss-humans entered the program for their own reasons, which if you qualify will not be the reason you will be forever grateful you did." Pavao drained her cup of kaffa before continuing. "I'm sure you have all heard plenty about the Riss and the Riss-humans. Some of what you heard is possibly even true. For the next few days, I am going to give you the facts so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it appears right for you. If you still want to proceed, you will be interviewed by the Riss—"
"Don't you mean we will interview—"
"No, I mean the Riss will interview you. It will be your choice whether to participate, but the Riss will make the final decision on a host. Our experience has shown they possess an uncanny ability to know who will make a good match. The program has no quota. You may all qualify and find matches, or just one, or none."
"I thought you needed Captains for the Riss cruisers," Aleksy said, sounding frustrated.
"We already have Riss-humans who can command Riss cruisers." Pavao nodded toward Alena. "Alena is by any standard a fully qualified captain in normal times. But we are at war with a technologically advanced civilization and need captains with not only battle experience but demonstrable excellent tactical judgment. One day, Alena will command a Riss cruiser, but not today. Enough. The Riss are classified as parasites..."
* * *
"Well what did you think of the candidates, Alena, Elissa?" Pavao asked, then laughed at the blank stares. "Yes, you and your companions are part of the evaluation. You are to help them understand what it will mean to be a Riss-human, and you are also to be alert for any potential problems. We are looking for uniquely qualified individuals. We already have excellent captains—you. You both show promise and in time will command Riss cruisers. But the need is today."
* * *
Over the next four days, Pavao, Alena, and Elissa conducted a series of lectures about the Riss. By the fifth day, Perrin and Aleksy decided they weren't interested, and Pavao decided Ettore didn't have the necessary tactical skills. The two remaining candidates began their interviews with the Riss. That lasted five days. On the fifth day, Pavao was notified that two Riss were willing to have Sheva as a host if she were willing. Pavao then called the two candidates to her office.
"Hywel, although you have the necessary tactical skill, none of the Riss felt they would be compatible with you. No, I don't know the reason. It's much like a marriage partner; you either feel an attraction or you don't. If you don't, you wouldn't want to spend the rest of your life with that person." Pavao looked to Sheva. "There are two Riss who would agree to be hosted by you, but feel you are not ready to make that commitment."
"They are very wise," Sheva said, her head in her hands. "I'm married. Military life is hard enough on a marriage in peacetime. In wartime it is even harder, but I suspect being a Riss-human would make it near impossible."
"They suggested you be given time to think about it. I agree. Until you notify me otherwise, you will remain a candidate."
"Thank you. I'm interested, but I don't want to commit unless it's unconditional with no reserves. In the beginning, I felt I could always give up the Riss and return to normal, but I understand now it will be a lifelong commitment."
* * *
"Captain, you have a message packet from Leader Reese," Alena said, looking at her SID.
"Sit, Alena, I'll transfer it to my monitor, and we can both see it."
"But... it could be personal."
"This is a Riss ship, Alena. We are all equal. Besides, you're training to be a captain," Pavao said, and the packet appeared on the screen, split into three sections. She opened the first one, titled Urgent. It went on to explain the encounter with the Medusa, the use of the Dummies and Dusters, the need to send as many Dummies to the forces at Echo as possible, and to increase production. It ended with suggestions for improving the Dummy’s effectiveness.
"The Dummies and Dusters alone will increase the effectiveness of the modified cruisers," Alena said.
"Yes, we need to get this to Admiral Zann."
The second folder, titled Riss candidates, said Reese had identified a Riss-human candidate, explained a little about him, and wanted the Maat or the next Riss cruiser produced sent to Dong.
"I'm impressed. An Admiral applied and was acceptable. In fact, it sounds like he is more than just acceptable." Alena said. "He's lucky. I suspect his age would normally disqualify him from most programs."
"True. Alena, I want you to captain the Maat to Dong. You can take along a supply of Dummies to drop off at Echo and whatever civilian and military replacements Reese wants in the third folder titled replacements. I'll contact Admirals Stenberg and Zann."
