The Riss Accession, page 21
part #4 of Riss Series
I spent time on Freeland checking on the status of the Riss projects. On my first visit after the incident with Salazan, all the elders were present. As usual, Ni'Shay met me when my shuttle landed.
"Welcome, Leader Reese. The rumors on Freeland run to both ends of the spectrum. I hope you don't mind. I've assembled the elders to hear what actually happened, to the extent you can tell us."
"No, Ni'Shay. I think that is a good idea. In my experience, rumors can overrule logic and cause real problems where there are none. "
The ride to the government building was made in silence. When I entered, everyone stood, and a young girl brought me kaffa.
"Sit, please. I forget your communication with what is happening in space is confined to rumors from people who are relying on rumors," I said to nodding heads and smiles. "A JPU fleet stumbled upon Freeland while looking for Aliens and decided it was in JPU space…" I went on to explain in general what had happened. They were very quiet until I finished.
"Do you think they will come back… with a larger force?" Ka'Baako asked the question on everyone's mind.
"No. Admiral Salazan wanted vengeance against the SAS for not siding with him during the discussions and was willing to start a war, hoping for something—maybe a decision out of Eden. If nothing else, capturing Freeland would give him access to the Riss technology. I don't think the government of the JPU wants a war with the SAS and the Aliens at the same time. Besides, Freeland is strategically important to the SAS, so I suspect you will see increased security before too long. Perhaps, you should start a design project on what manned and unmanned space security stations would look like. I think the military might be very interested after the JPU incident."
That started multiple conversations, which I made no attempt to break up. I managed to pull Rodica aside and caught up on the Riss projects. The new Riss cruiser was on schedule and would be ready for trials in less than two months. Assembly had already begun. And I arranged for repairs to the Mnemosyne to begin immediately.
* * *
"Well, Commander Iglis, what is the news from Echo and Eden that isn't classified?" I asked. I had called a combined staff meeting from the Mnemosyne and Elpis.
"Everything in intelligence is classified, even if everyone knows it." She smiled. Iglis was certainly coming into her own since her unofficial promotion and assignment to the Mnemosyne. "The Echo Alliance continues to locate and destroy Medusas with fewer and fewer losses using the Riss technology and lessons learned. Freeland has become a concern after the JPU incident, and you will be seeing increased security. I wouldn't be surprised to see a rotation of qualified task forces between Freeland, Echo, Eden, and eventually other systems that are considered critical."
"That makes sense. Even though we are at war, crews are going to need planet-side leave at some point," Sheva said. I could see the commanders of the humans agreed.
"I've been considering planet-side leave for Riss-certified crews, but that would be only a Band Aid. What are your feelings?" I said, looking at Byer and Seng, who were the senior commanders who’d had crews on a Riss ship the longest.
"The SAS hasn't been in an extended war in our lifetimes, and so this is one of those issues were there is no real policy. Everyone assumes when you are at war you get no leave. But they are not thinking in terms of years of war, more like border skirmishes, which last a year or less. The SAS needs a policy. The rotation scheme Commander Iglis mentioned sounds a reasonable solution except for Riss ships unless they are going to rotate with the task force," Seng said. "Dong and Freeland would help."
"While I work on a policy for Dong and Freeland, I'd asked you to put your heads together and propose a policy for Riss-certified crews. I'm selfish and would hate to lose any of you for an extended period."
* * *
"Looks like our replacements have arrived," I said. Sheva and I had been in my office discussing the upcoming weekly exercises Gebauer was proposing.
"What will my status be?"
"Your position is Captain of the Elpis. If the Eirene is rotating back to Freeland, the Mnemosyne and the Elpis will be going to Echo."
"Thank you, Leader Reese, for the trust you're giving me. I won't let you or the Riss down."
"I have no doubts, Sheva. You are a good addition to the Riss and the Riss-humans."
* * *
The Eirene was one of the returning cruisers, and I arranged for a meeting for the next morning.
"We understand you had an argument with Fleet Admiral Salazan, Leader Reese," Pavao said as the four of us settled down in my office. "It was the talk of the fleet at Echo. Alena and I are dying to hear what really happened. At least ten different versions are floating around. I think in one, you accompanied the Scorpions in a raid and shot him."
"Funny thing about rumors. No matter how distorted they get, they always have an element of truth," I said.
"You didn't, did you?" Alena asked in shocked horror.
"No. But he was shot. Probably by the captain of the Fearless. Here is my version of events..." I started at the beginning when the JPU fleet appeared and recounted in detail not only what I did but my reasoning at the time. I believe sharing our experiences and logic benefited us all when the next confrontation occurred.
"I hope you're going to be more careful in the future, Nadya. None of us wants your position," Pavao said after refilling her glass. "Alright, our turn. The Minerva was next in turn and went to Angel Rock about a month after you left. After Damaass took out the scout. Two certified cruisers did a skip-attack, The Medusa lost power, but not before it launched its eight cruisers. Damaass spent the day helping to clean up the cruisers. He sustained some damage, and fifteen were killed... four Riss." Pavao downed half her glass before speaking again. "The Maat replaced the Minerva, and Damaass returned to Dong. About two months later, we accompanied two task forces to Savage. The task force senior admiral decided on two quick skip-attacks one right after the other, against my advice based on your encounter at Lycus. He ignored me, said we were too cautious. They were robots, not SAS officers. Both cruisers on the second skip-attack were destroyed. Whoever commanded the Medusa recognized what we had done and was ready for the second attack. That close to the Medusa, the missiles were almost instantaneous. Alena suggested a stealth approach and Dummies. Then after the missile launches, a Duster and skip-attack. It worked well, but of course by then the Medusa had launched all of its cruisers, and the task force suffered a lot of damage. I hung back, engaging only the cruisers closest to the wave in case one decided to leave. That didn't make that jackass admiral happy."
"It sounds like you're happy with Alena's performance."
"Very. In my opinion, she's ready to command her own ship."
"Alena?"
"I'd like a couple of more years’ experience... but I'm ready when I'm needed."
"Your new position is Captain of the..."
"Themis, the goddess of divine justice, order, and customs," Alena said softly.
"Themis it is," I replied. "I leave you and Pavao to see her operational. We may need them all soon."
"Why?" Sheva asked.
"Because I don't believe the current strategy will work."
"I agree," Pavao said. "As does Cethlion."
* * *
The four of us spent the afternoon with Stenberg, Gebauer, the two task force admirals from Echo and the two newly appointed task force leaders on Freeland.
"Before I ask your plans, Leader Reese, let me update you on what I know. The JPU discovering Freeland and threatening war has Eden in a state of panic. Plimson, Wattson, and Zhu declared Echo as the Alliance's headquarters and central base of operations. Freeland and Dong as strategic staging areas. They have decided to adopt the Riss model and rotate operational task forces between Echo and those systems established as strategic. Others will be established as time goes on. For the SAS, Eden will make all assignments. Most will be directed to Freeland for upgrading and training. From here to Echo and then rotation to Eden, Freeland, and back to Echo. This ensures an operational task force at each of the critical systems. It has the added advantage of providing planet-side leave on Eden, as there is none on Freeland." He paused to take a drink of kaffa. "For the UFN, Daiyu will make all assignments. The rotation will be from Echo to Daiyu to Dong and back to Echo. "
"Although I remain the station commander, Admiral Gebauer is being promoted to Vice Admiral in charge of operations and responsible for training and creation of new task forces. Admiral Zann remains responsible for activities on Freeland and station commander when I'm gone. I hope to start alliance talks with the JPU when they resolve their political issues around the vacancy created by the death of Fleet Admiral Salazan."
"Thank you for the update, and congratulations, Admiral Gebauer, on your well-earned promotion."
"It's ironic that my prejudice against you is responsible for my success," he said with a snort.
"I would disagree, Admiral. I believe it was your ability to move beyond it, recognize the problem, and take action to resolve it." I continued before he need respond. "I've asked Freeland to look into designing an unmanned security system for your consideration. If you like the idea, it may be useful on Eden. A new Riss cruiser, the Themis, will be operational within the next month or so. Alena,"--I nodded in her direction--"will be her Captain."
"Congratulations, Captain Alena," Stenberg said.
"Congratulations, Captain Alena. I imagine it has been a long, agonizing journey judging by my and others’ prejudicial behavior," Gebauer said. "I can't change the past, but you and the other Riss-humans have my full, unconditional support."
"The Mnemosyne and the Elpis will be leaving tomorrow for Echo... No, the Elpis will be heading to Echo. I'm going to Eden."
CHAPTER TWENTY
Surprise visit to Eden
"That was a real bombshell," Terril said on the shuttle back to the Mnemosyne. "I don't know how I manage to beat you at Si'jin. You're in everyone's mind like a... dybbuk. The clans named you well."
"I decided you and I needed a vacation. Would you rather go someplace else?" I tilted my head, trying to look interested in the answer.
"What are you up to, Nadya? Bradshaw isn't on Eden, is he? No, that wouldn't be like you. Are you going to ask Plimson to... something?"
"I'm hurt you think I have some devious reason for going to Eden."
"Even Pavao was stunned into silence. And why the staff meeting?"
"To announce we are leaving for Eden, today."
"I can't wait to hear this."
* * *
Deathly silence met me when I entered the room. I didn't often call unscheduled staff meetings, and the Riss-human presence made it even more unusual.
"Sorry for the unannounced staff meeting, but I've decided to leave today. I'd like all crews on Freeland recalled immediately. We are leaving for Eden as soon as you report your crews accounted for."
"Eden?" Seng and Byer said simultaneously.
"Alright, Leader Reese, why?" Pavao asked in amused frustration.
"I decided I needed a vacation."
"You don't take vacations and certainly not on Eden," Pavao again.
"True. I've been concerned about the problem of rotating crews on the Riss cruisers. They need to be replaced with certified crews, which means they will lose their places. It seems to me consistency produces the most efficient crews. I'm being selfish, but I'm planning on rotating the Riss cruisers to Eden as they intend to do with the task forces. That way, our detached units can get planet-side leave in Eden and remain with the ship if they choose." I sat back waiting on everyone's response.
"I know the Scorpions will love it. Right now, I think the vast majority would give up leave to stay on the Mnemosyne."
"I agree with Colonel Seng. I think the pilots are of the same opinion."
"Butler won't let me leave whether I get leave or not," Iglis managed to say with a straight face, but then laughed. "My people too."
"That's a great idea, but what about Damaass and Zheng?" Pavao asked.
"All Riss ships will rotate through Echo, Eden, Freeland, and Dong," I said, feeling Riss.
"Commander Byer, Colonel Seng, and Commander Iglis, I’d like you to create a patch or Fourrageres that those serving on a Riss cruiser can wear planet-side since we are a foreign nation. I think the citizens of the SAS need to recognize the Riss as allies and not strange animals."
* * *
The human crews weren't dancing in the hallways, but it was obvious that everyone was excited about visiting Eden and loved the idea of a gray and black intertwined shoulder cord for active duty on the Mnemosyne—or any Riss cruiser.
"Is exiting the wave into Eden going to be exciting?" Terril asked as we approached the Bridge with less than fifteen minutes remaining.
"We have the entry codes from Stenberg, and as a precaution, I had Iglis send Admiral Butler advance notice of our arrival—day and hour. Of course, we still have to contend with peacetime captains in a wartime environment." I smiled and took my seat.
The minutes passed slowly as we awaited some kind of acknowledgement.
"Hold at position '22.045, 3h 2m 5s, 3.12 au' until a docking port can be assigned."
Six hours passed as we decelerated towards our assigned holding position, where four cruisers waited with weapon systems hot. Another four hours passed while we awaited further instructions.
Newman looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, judging more by his sagging jowls than the full head of brown hair. His neutral face turned to a frown when he saw me.
"Who's the captain of the... Mnemosyne?" he asked.
"I'm Captain Nadya Reese. How may I help you, Admiral Newman?"
"I have no authorization for your cruiser to be in the area. I'm—"
"That's not a problem at all. Wait while I contact Admiral Plimson."
"You're a foreign ship in SAS space. You will prepare to be boarded." His voice was harsh, and his eyes narrowed.
"For the record, Admiral Newman. Any attempt to board the Mnemosyne will be considered an act of war. And firing on the Mnemosyne will result in the death of Sharks, Scorpions, and Intelligence personnel assigned as detached units," I said, wondering for the thousandth time why the hate.
"Leader Reese, you are cleared to dock at F15. Admiral Plimson sends his regards and requests you dine with him tonight. His aide, Lieutenant Ostein, will arrange the details with you."
It took an additional five hours to reach the space station and dock. By then, Ostein had made arrangements for a private shuttle to pick me up and transportation on the ground to the SAS Military Headquarters, Apollo, to meet with Plimson before the evening dinner. At Apollo, it took an extra half-hour to authorize armed Scorpions to accompany me into the building. I was shocked to see Plimson come striding down the hall when I exited the elevator.
"Leader Reese, I apologize for the delays. Admiral Butler told me you were arriving today, so I thought there would be no problems. I had hoped that was all behind us. I guess I was wrong."
"In the war theater, I believe it's under control. I think Eden is still enjoying peacetime," I said.
He laughed. "There is a lot of truth to that. Gunny, I see you and your men are taking good care of Leader Reese. Relax in the waiting room while we talk. The petty officer will get you whatever you want," he said, waving me towards his office. He looked concerned as he chose a comfortable chair and waved to one next to it. "This is an unexpected visit, Nadya. I hope there aren't any problems."
"No, sir. I believe any ship operates more efficiently when the crew has worked together and knows what to expect from each other. This is even more important on a Riss ship where replacements need to be certified. If one leaves a ship, he or she might never be reassigned to the same ship or even another Riss cruiser. So..." I went on to explain my idea to rotate Riss ships through the systems. "And I think it may help get the citizens and... peacetime officers used to the Riss being allies."
"That's a good idea. Exposure to the Riss will help, especially when they understand you are allies in your own ships and have SAS units attached."
"Can I get you to authorize the wearing of Fourrageres for the men and women serving on Riss cruisers? I think that will help reinforce the allied relationship, and the troops like the idea."
"I like it too. I assume those are the ones your security is wearing."
"Yes, sir."
We spent the next two hours talking about activities at Dong, Echo and Freeland.
"I'm surprised you get along with Admiral Gebauer after the way he treated you."
"The Riss, who are very much a part of me, judge people on their current actions, not their past. I've always thought he was an excellent officer, except for his out-of-control prejudice against Riss-humans. Gebauer is still uncomfortable with the Riss-human concept, but he understands now how it affects performance and has used that to address potential problems. He's been very effective at Freeland."
