Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession, page 18
"You appear to have an issue, Admiral Kephalos. Why don't you just get it out?" I returned his smile.
"Yes, I have an issue with you. Everyone I've talked to says you're trouble, hate the SAS, and can't be trusted. You've set yourself up as the leader of the Riss and pretend to talk for them. How do we know that? You've made a murdering Raider a captain on one of your ships, giving the clans all our secrets. And now you're in bed with the UFN, giving them our secrets." He slammed his fist on the table, causing the glasses on the table to splash over.
Before Stenberg or Zann could speak, I shook my head at them. "I agree, Admiral. You do have an issue, but it's not with me. Admiral Plimson ordered additional Riss cruisers and agreed to expand the Riss-human projects in order to provide qualified captains for the Riss cruisers. He stated that there were no restrictions on eligibility and clarified that Freeland personnel were eligible. Admiral Wattson approved the Freeland base on Dong and the sharing of Riss technology. And to clarify your misconception, the secrets you keep referring to as "Our," meaning SAS, were developed by Freeland specifically for the Riss and used no SAS technology. What’s more, those people who say I'm a troublemaker are like you, confused as to the facts." I rose and poured another cup of kaffa.
"Kephalos, everything Reese said is correct. I was there. You may disagree with Admirals Plimson and Wattson's decisions... just as your reports may not agree with all your decisions, but Reese has not done anything without SAS approval. Well, maybe except for kidnapping the Alliance delegation." He gave a short laugh.
Kephalos sat glaring at me.
"Admiral Kephalos, the Riss are committed to supporting the SAS and their Alliance partners in their fight against the Aliens. But we are a sovereign nation. We are not slaves. The Riss have a mutual support agreement with Admiral Plimson. If you or anyone feels we're not living up to our agreement, he should be notified so he can take action."
"Everyone thinks you are acting on your own and sees those decisions as slaps in the face of the SAS," Kephalos said in a cool voice.
"That is a problem I can't solve, just like the repulsion many feel when they hear the Riss are parasites. Immediately, they think the Riss want to change hosts and invade them. The Riss are very happy with their Gorillai hosts. Those in charge could solve the problem through education, unfortunately, many of those in charge feel the same way and tend to reinforce the problem. Ask Admiral Gebauer. He will tell you it's true."
"We need to discuss what I can and can't expect from you," Kephalos said, appearing to have regained his composure.
"You can expect my full support. People with an aptitude for Symath who are not prejudiced against the Riss will be certified, and two Riss assigned to that ship. Any personnel who meet the criteria will be admitted into the Riss-human project and made eligible to qualify to captain a Riss-cruiser. I will share what I've learned about fighting the Aliens’ Medusas, cruisers, and fighters, and run exercises..."
The discussions went on for several hours, and I felt Kephalos went away a little less angry.
* * *
"Even with two Ghosts shadowing us, it's scary traveling in the same shuttle as you. You do have a tendency to piss people off. Everyone from petty officers to Vice Admirals. Imagine the paperwork if I had to shoot him."
"Think of the free beers the story would earn." I said, smiling at the thought.
"There is that. What's next?"
"I need a visit to Freeland, tomorrow, to catch up on the status of our projects."
"That shouldn't be too exciting. They like you, and no one there wants to kill you. Or at least, I don't think so. Maybe... a few of the old Raider captains, although they could apply to be Riss-humans." She laughed.
"I'm hoping that after Sheva, the next three captains will be Alena, Jaelle, and Elissa."
"What do you think about the Alliance strategy?"
"Won't work," I said, realizing it was true. If the Aliens were getting short of Medusas, they would just change strategies. They could avoid the three empires for the next ten or fifty years while they built up a force large enough to attack our military bases and destroy our infrastructure. "Space doss!"
"That doesn't sound good," Terril said, giving me a hard look.
"What if they hide until they have hundreds of Medusas, or link up with another cell in this galaxy, or... "
"Sorry I asked."
* * *
When I landed on Freeland, Pavao and Alena were standing with Ni'Shay.
"Welcome, Leader Reese, " Ni’Shay said. "It's nice to have you back on Freeland. The Elders are looking forward to seeing you. Freeland has never been so alive. Everyone is employed with the factories working night and day, new factories being built to meet the demand, and new businesses to provide entertainment and luxuries full-employment is making possible." Ni'Shay pointed out the various new constructions as we rode along, and the ride seemed shorter than normal.
Inside, I talked with each elder, either alone or in a small group. Ni'Shay was right, Freeland buzzed with excitement. I updated them on what I knew about the war, Damaass, and the progress on Dong. Afterward, I was introduced to the new Riss project manager.
"Rodica, this is Leader Reese. Captain, Rodica Ja'Shar is the new project manager for the Riss projects."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Leader Reese. Captain Pavao spoke of you often, particularly when we whined about something being too difficult to do." She smiled, and her eyes sparkled with energy. She was a tall, middle-aged woman with long black hair, a shapely figure, and a cheerful-sounding voice.
"Well, Rodica, how is everything going?"
"We are on or ahead of schedule. The Elpis should be ready for trials within a month, and then the next Riss cruiser will begin production. We anticipate it will take six months unless you have design changes. Do you have a name for it?"
"No, not yet. At the rate we're going, I'm going to run out of ancient goddesses who weren't warriors."
"The cruisers are ships of war, aren't they?"
"Yes, but the people in them aren't." I sighed. "The Riss are being dragged into the insanity. Since the Aliens aren't trying to kill us, the Riss would prefer to submit to them."
"Yes, like the people of Freeland were dragged into raiding." For a moment, she lost her smile. "But our dybbuk has changed all that."
"What about the Invincible project?"
"We work towards your vision, but it's not an easy one."
We spent that day and the next touring the factories and talking with the workers. On the following day, Pavao notified me that Sheva had arrived. I made arrangements for Pavao to deliver her and the interested Riss to the Mnemosyne and made my way to the medical unit. There, I found Dayton in her office.
"Come in, Reese. I imagine Sheva has decided to become a Riss-human. I envy her. I could just imagine hosting a Riss healer." She sighed.
"Yes, I think you and such a Riss would love the experience, and I wouldn't doubt you would achieve great things."
"But?"
"Maybe someday. Ask Pavao, Cethlion is the seer. Today, the emphasis is on creating captains and machines that can kill the Aliens' copies with the minimum loss of lives. And yes, Sheva and her soon-to-be companion will be here in a couple of hours. If things go right, she will command the Elpis.
* * *
I met them in the shuttle bay when they arrived.
Sheva was an average-looking woman in her late thirties, but she carried herself with the assurance that came with years in command. She smiled, showing self-confidence, as she and Pavao approached me.
"Sheva, this is Captain Reese, who will be your mentor during your transition and currently holds the position of Leader."
"I'm pleased to meet you Captain... Leader Reese?"
"Just Reese. The concept is strange, but we are all equal. We just have different positions, which depend upon the current need. After you host the Riss who has shown an interest in joining with you, your position will be a captain in training."
I hated it every time I had to ask for volunteers, knowing I was asking for a sister to give up her freedom.
Sheva brought me back to the moment. "I'm sorry for the delay, but I had to make sure I was ready to make a total commitment. Right or wrong, I decided a long time ago to make the navy my career. It's been hard on my marriage. Cruiser duty doesn't give you a lot of time to be with your family. Occasional planet-side assignments and yearly vacations, but mostly long periods away on cruises. I know it's possible to remove a Riss, but I believe becoming a Riss-human will be a life-changing commitment. I love my son and my husband, but my son is a grown man, and my husband will be better off with a wife who is with him all the time. And I believe this is the life I want." She smiled at the Riss.
We were quiet on the way to the medical unit. When we arrived, Dayton stood waiting. She stared at Sheva for several minutes before shaking her head like she was trying to clear it.
"Sorry, Sheva. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Doctor Dayton. More than ready." When Dayton had closed the door, Sheva removed her shirt, walked with the Riss to the corner of the room, and positioned herself against the Gorillai, wiggling herself to ensure a tight fit and easy access.
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone that unafraid," Pavao whispered.
I nodded agreement. Most, me included, attempted to pull away when the insertion started.
"There is nothing to be done until she recovers. Join me in my office for a farewell drink," I said. As I opened the door to leave, Terril stood outside with two Scorpions.
"Sheva's security."
"But we're on a Riss ship," I said. Except for captains, Riss-humans didn't normally have security unless they left the ship.
"Freeland makes me nervous, and gunnies don't like to be nervous," she said.
I tended to agree with her, so I didn't argue. My security stopped at the office door, a small concession since it was another Riss-human.
Inside, Pavao poured a glass of red wine she liked that I keep handy. "Any instructions, Leader?" she asked, taking a sip.
"Yes. We are here to support the Alliance, but the Riss have nothing to prove." It was unnecessary, but I had to say it for my benefit, if nothing else.
"It's funny. Before becoming a Riss-human, I felt an obligation to prove my ship was the best in the fleet. Not that I was reckless, but that need to prove something can cause you to act too quickly. I don't feel the same way today. I'm looking forward to seeing Damaass and meeting my new Riss-brother Zhang."
"Spend some time with Fleet Admiral Zhu. He is a very interesting man and is one hundred percent supportive of the Riss. I like him. He's almost Riss-like."
"Take care, Nadya," Pavao said as she rose and gave me a hug.
"Fair winds and calm seas, Nance."
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Live free or die.
"This should be exciting," Terril said as the shuttle settled in the bay of the Sea Eagle.
"Is that why you are along? And the extra security?" Usually, I had two guards following me everywhere. Today, I had three and Terril.
"You must admit Admiral Kephalos didn't seem to like you, and you are on his ship."
"And this is Freeland," I said, feeling a bit paranoid myself. Too many new ships in Freeland space. Wattson had managed to get control of the original group, but they were now in Echo, and new cruisers were arriving every other day.
When I exited, a tall, dark-skinned Lieutenant Commander stood waiting.
"Welcome aboard the Sea Eagle, Leader Reese. I'm Commander Elliot. Admiral Kephalos has asked me to escort you to his conference room where he and his task force commanders are meeting. Your Scorpions can wait here or in the army area. The Ghost will be directed to return to the Mnemosyne. Our fighters can accompany you back to your ship if you feel it's necessary." He smiled.
"Commander, my Scorpion detail will accompany me anywhere I go. No exceptions," I said, wondering whether this was his idea or Kephalos's.
Elliot got on his SID, talked for a minute, hit a key, and a grey-haired man in a Wasp uniform with brigadier general's insignia appeared.
"Who is the ranking scorpion?" he asked.
"Master Gunnery Sergeant Terril, sir," Terril said, moving so the SID could see her.
"I'm General Alojzy, the ranking army officer on Freeland. You and your detail will report to me in the army area, immediately."
"Sir, I have orders to provide Leader Reese with twenty-four hour protection everywhere she goes. You have no authority to revoke that order. If you wish to bring a complaint against me, my immediate superior is Colonel Seng on the Mnemosyne."
"Sergeant, if you don't report here immediately, I will send a detail to fetch you, and a court martial will follow." Alojzy's face flushed with anger.
"Sir, my detail and I will respond with deadly force at any attempt to separate us from our duty. The death of loyal soldiers will be on you and your illegal orders," Terril said as she and the others drew their weapons.
"I'll see you spend the rest of your life in Cyberus," Alojzy said and broke the connection.
I knew I should leave, but I was curious whether this harassment was directly from Kephalos, resulted from his attitude, or more of the same out-of-control prejudice.
"Commander Elliot, now that we've resolved my security, what about my Ghost escort? Are you refusing to let them dock?"
"Captain Singleton didn't think they were necessary," he said, appearing to have recovered his confidence. He tapped on his SID, and a middle-aged captain appeared on the screen. "We will provide you with an escort home, Captain Reese." He smiled.
"On whose authority are you refusing my escort to dock?" I asked.
A second later, the screen split, and a thin rear admiral with a narrow face appeared. "By my order," he said. "I'm Rear Admiral Franz, the senior fighter commander on Freeland."
"Well, Rear Admiral Franz, you may tell Admiral Kephalos that I am not allowed out without a Ghost escort, and since you are sending them back to the Mnemosyne, I'm afraid I can't stay." I turned and entered the shuttle, leaving Elliot on his SID looking rather pale.
"I told you it would be exciting," Terril said, closing the door behind me.
"Ma'am, they are not giving me clearance to leave," Lieutenant Carson, the shuttle pilot, said over the intercom.
"Keep all entrances locked, Carson."
"Yes, ma'am."
"What do you think, Captain?"
Frustrated, I said, "I think the SAS isn't prepared for war. They have a peacetime navy with peacetime officers. If I didn’t love Plimson, I'd take the Riss and any Riss-certified people who agreed and join the Supreme Council of the Gods. I think they have a worthwhile cause."
My escort choked and Terril laughed.
"That would be interesting and exciting," Terril said.
"Ma'am, Admiral Kephalos is requesting to speak to you. I can patch it through to your SID."
"Thank you, Carson."
A moment later, the admiral's face appeared, but before he could speak, I held up a hand.
"Admiral Kephalos, your officers are out of control, which gives me justifiable cause to fear for my life and the lives of my escorts. And that could mean the collapse of the alliance: Riss, Freeland, and the UFN. So before that happens I'd suggest you allow me to leave before one of them does something the SAS will regret."
"You claim to speak for Freeland and the UFN now?" His voice was angry and harsh.
"No. I only speak for the Riss. However, if I'm attacked, not a single Riss will support the SAS. In that event, Freeland will cease supporting the SAS, no matter what devastation you cause them. They will find comfort in the realization that without the Riss technology, you will eventually lose the war and be confined to your planets as they are. And the UFN will choose to go it alone because the Riss will agree to support them. Your choice, Admiral. I'm tired. Kill me or let me return to my ship." I sat back, not caring.
"This is a little more excitement than I anticipated, but if we live through it, I think I witnessed an eleven-knot performance," Terril said.
Guns were pulled free and safeties clicked off as they moved to guard possible access points.
"Leader, we are cleared to leave."
"Proceed, and patch me through to Commander Katlin."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Be careful, Commander. Everyone is in a bad mood. If the shuttle is attacked, you will have to use your judgment. It may be best not to respond."
"Ma'am, I don't report to you, and Commander Byer's orders are very specific," she said. I could imagine her grinning.
"Be careful, Katlin." I cut the connection. I sat back and closed my eyes, actually feeling at peace.
* * *
"How are you feeling, Sheva?" I asked as we sat in my office, drinking the oolong tea Zhu had given me as a parting gift.
