Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession, page 25
"No, we can't leave. We owe Plimson for helping us achieve the stars. We will share in the risk and the solution, but we will not be the total solution," I said, speaking for the Riss.
* * *
The meeting the next day was subdued. Wattson began by taking an inventory of the ships that had been modified for the new missiles, the number of Riss certified cruisers, the number of modified fighters, and an inventory of each Riss missile type. The results weren't very impressive. Counting the task forces at Echo and the currently configured two at Freeland, the two nations had fourteen Heavy cruisers, nine Hunters, and eighty-nine Light cruisers.
The SAS had twenty-seven Riss certified cruisers and the UFN four, for a total of thirty-one. The SAS had thirty nine cruisers modified for the Riss missiles and the UFN six, but without a Riss on board that limited the useable missiles to Dusters, Dummies, and only the partial use of Dragonflies. To make matters worse, most ships didn't have the full capacity of the Riss missiles. Even the most optimistic didn't think we could do more than get in the front door with our current forces. The day again ended in a deadly silence, like in the eye of a hurricane.
* * *
The next day started about as I had expected. Wattson and Zhu had barely sat down when Admiral Botos demanded, "What about the Riss? Aren't they part of this alliance?"
Before Wattson could speak, Zhu said, "We already know the status of the Riss. They have five operational cruisers that are Riss-certified, each with detachments of fifteen Ghost fighters. They are ready. The question is, ‘How ready are we?’"
I was surprised but shouldn't have been. He had a better overall understanding of the situation than almost anyone.
"Unless we are expecting them to solve our problem," Zhu added.
"Well, it's their problem too," Admiral Modero said, looking towards Botos. They had obviously talked this over beforehand.
"Actually, it's not. Unless I'm wrong, the Riss would not be fighting the Aliens if they didn't have a mutual support agreement with Admiral Plimson. They don't consider fighting the Aliens self-defense, as the Aliens do not want to kill us. They merely want to confine us to our planets, and being confined to a planet wouldn't bother the Riss, who are an outdoor race." Zhu looked at me.
"Fleet Admiral Zhu is correct," I said, and bowed in his direction.
"They're cowards!" Quinterly shouted.
I chose to ignore the stupidity of the remark. I normally would have left the meeting, but everyone, except for the three SAS task force commanders, looked shocked at the outburst.
"Quinterly, please see me after the meeting," Wattson said with a sigh. "Admiral Zhu is correct. We know the status of the Riss cruisers. What we need to determine is the status of the SAS and UFN fleets and what we must do to get them ready for an assault on Red. Because as the last two days have shown, we're not ready."
* * *
Admiral Plimson arrived on the Bateleur the next day and promptly called for a meeting with Wattson, Zhu, and me. When I strode into the room, Wattson and Zhu were already there.
"Good day, Admiral Plimson, gentlemen," I said. Plimson always made me feel good. I poured myself a cup of kaffa and sat.
"Congratulations, Reese, on finding the Aliens’ base of operations. You appear to be their dybbuk too," he smiled. "From Admiral Wattson's briefing, this isn't like Freeland. Overwhelming force would require the equivalent of the SAS navy. And today, we aren't ready for anything other than throwing enormous numbers of cruisers at them and hoping we win by attrition. Am I wrong?" He looked at Wattson and Zhu.
"Your assessment is correct. The potential solution is the Riss technology and the Riss," Zhu said.
Plimson frowned. "Potential?"
"Yes. We have to address several issues. How fast can the Aliens produce Medusas? Which Riss technology should or can we introduce within our fleets? And what is the net benefit given any period of time?" Zhu paused and sipped his tea.
"Admiral Zhu is right. We cannot introduce all of the Riss technology into our fleets. The best example is Riss certified cruisers. We’ve proven we don't have enough qualified personnel. And then there are the Riss missiles. Without a Riss on board, only the Dusters and Dummies are usable. The time tradeoff is also an issue—is the time to introduce X modifications worth the time we are giving the Aliens to produce additional Medusas and cruisers?" Wattson said.
"Thorny questions, which will determine the cost of winning. You have already established the cost of using overwhelming force if we could assemble two hundred and fifty cruisers today. We can't. It would take months, meaning the cost would be higher. You three will have to decide on the number and type of upgrades to achieve optimum results—the minimum loss of life. Stenberg has arranged for a meeting with the JPU to discuss them joining the Alliance and has alerted them to the presence of the Aliens in their space." When no one said anything, Plimson looked at me. "Reese?"
"I stand by my agreement to share technology and to support the SAS and the Alliance against the Aliens; however, the Riss cannot be 'The' solution."
"I agree. We must share the risk equally. Too many see the Riss as being able to save human lives but forget, or more likely don't care, that it costs Riss lives, which are no less precious and also far rarer."
Zhu nodded. "I agree. They must be used sparingly and then only where they can provide the maximum benefit."
"What I’m expecting from you is a plan that tells me what resources you need, when you need them, and where they are to be delivered. Then, I will do my best to make it happen. As of today, the Echo Operation is terminated, and Operation Red is now underway. Actually, if the Aliens send a Medusa or two to quarantine a system, that would be welcomed since it’d be one less you will have to face at their home base."
"I'll need a complete inventory of the SAS fleet," Wattson said, then nodded at Zhu. "And you will need one for the UFN navy. And Reese, I'll need the status of Freeland and Dong."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Preparations for War
The next month was organized chaos. The command was moved to Zigzag, as that system was the most central to the three empires, Riss technology at Freeland and Dong, and the designated staging systems for training: Lycus, Fools Hope, and Fools Landing. The final upgrade strategy was to designate as many Riss certified crews as possible, upgrade the remaining ships with consoles for Duster and Dummy missiles, and provide all Heavies with the new Ghost fighters.
Admiral Stenberg managed to get the new JPU Fleet Commander Serhat to agree to provide the Alliance with ten task forces each consisting of two Heavies and six Lights. He learned that since the alliance talks had broken down, contact with Ibsan had been lost. Although Salazan had managed to liberate Baraz, Alborz and Hayjar remained quarantined.
The JPU task forces would be assembled at Ormazd. Admiral Serhat resisted all modifications except for the new missiles. Each week, one task force would fly to Freeland, where it would be modified and issued Duster and Dummy missiles, modified to fit their missile tubes. Afterward, they would assemble at one of the three designated staging sites for training.
The UFN forces would send to Dong, where Riss certified crews would be identified, task forces assembled, and the non-Riss certified ships upgraded with Duster and Dummy missile boards. Accordingly, another two hundred Freelanders and two hundred Riss were moved to Dong. The UFN had committed fifteen task forces to the Alliance—one hundred twenty cruisers.
The SAS forces were being assembled in Eden and released at a rate of twenty-five at a time to Freeland to identify Riss certified crews. As a task force was formed and upgraded, it was sent to one of the staging systems. The remaining ships were then either retained with the new incoming ships or returned to Eden as unsuitable. The SAS had also committed fifteen task forces to Operation Red.
* * *
I recalled all Riss cruisers to Freeland for a meeting, which included all Riss-humans and commanders of the detached units, Admiral Zann, and the Freeland elders—thirty individuals.
"Good morning," I said as I entered with Terril, who backed up against the wall behind me. Seven other Scorpions stood against walls, one for each Riss-human. The hallway outside the conference had another nine waiting. "I've called this meeting to make sure everyone has up-to-date information, make assignments, and hear any concerns or issues. The Alliance is putting together forty task forces—three hundred twenty cruisers—for an assault on Red..." I went on to explain the procedure for assembling the task forces, the upgrades and where they would take place, and the staging systems. "Ironically, the actual strategy for the invasion of Red has not been finalized, awaiting the results of the task force certifications and upgrades. The time to complete assembly of Operation Red is estimated at six months." When no one commented, I continued.
"Elders, I'll need a contingent of your people who are familiar with manufacturing missiles and missile boards to go to Dong. I'll be sending a hundred Riss to support the operation."
"We've already put together a tentative plan. We can have one hundred ready to leave in a week, if that's acceptable," Ni'Shay said.
"It is. I wish I could send you humans to supplement your workforce, but I'm reluctant for a number of reasons. But I'm arranging to send for a couple of hundred Riss from Saipha to help."
"We would prefer that. Meeting the current schedules will be difficult even if there are no problems. Besides, the Riss learn much quicker than humans and never make the same mistake twice."
"What about new Riss cruisers?" I hated to ask and secretly hoped they would say they couldn't produce any considering their workload.
"One more I think," Ni'Shay said looking at Rodica, who nodded.
I hoped she was right. The Riss deserved to be free of humans and their chaotic ways. I shook myself free of my musing.
"Now I'd like to hear from our detached units—questions, concerns, issues?"
"My impression is that the Riss captains have kept us all well informed of everything that's happening." Byer barked a laugh. "Much better than we would be on a normal SAS or UFN cruiser. My folks and I are happy where we are."
Everyone nodded in unanimous agreement.
"Now for assignments. We need at least two units at Freeland and at Dong since the crews will need to be certified. It's best not to make waves at a time like this, so Zhang and Alena, Dong. Pavao and Jaelle, Freeland. Damaass, Sheva, and I will be in Zigzag for now. When the task forces are all assembled, we will rotate, leaving only one Riss cruiser on Freeland and on Dong at a time."
"Why three Riss in Zigzag?" Seng asked.
"In case it's necessary to kidnap Wattson, Zhu, and Serhat. Their deaths would set back the invasion with unpredictable results."
* * *
I arrived at Zigzag five days later and was invited to attend the Alliance's daily meeting, which included all of the task force commanders, Wattson, Zhu, and me.
"It's time for us to begin thinking about an invasion strategy while you are all here. In four weeks, Vice Admiral Sakaata will leave for Fools Hope with Admirals Botos, Javie, Modero, and Chen. She will be in charge of the training there. Senior Admiral Ba Li will leave for Fools Landing with Admirals Unger, Quinerly, Ueno, and Himura. He’ll be in charge of training there. Admirals Osburne, Blayer, and Kwok will remain here as a precaution," Wattson said, I suspected more for my benefit than the others’, who probably already knew their new assignments. "Any questions?"
"What assumptions are we making?" Unger asked.
"We should assume they know we are coming and that they will have two additional Medusas operational," I said. Silence followed for several minutes.
"I agree," Sakaata said. "I remember us rushing into Freeland believing our numbers guaranteed a victory. They did; however, if we hadn't assumed they were expecting us, our losses would have been much heavier. Better over prepared than under."
"I concur," Zhu said, and Wattson nodded. "Although we see robots, let us not forget they have human-like minds inside. They know something came and left. What would you do in their place?"
Everyone agreed, but that made the situation even worse. The Wave wouldn't allow a hundred cruisers to exit at one time. More like a task force every thirty to sixty seconds.
"We can assume that when the first group exits the Wave, the Medusas will launch their cruisers. That could be up to thirty-six cruisers, an initial launch of one hundred forty-four missiles, and three hundred sixty fighters against eight cruisers!" Admiral Kwok said, putting into words what everyone was coming to realize. "And by the time the second task force exited, the Aliens would be prepared for a second missile launch, and the fighters would be on top of them."
After several hours, it was clear that task forces wouldn't be entering as units. It would have to be specially configured groups. Initially, the idea of sending in groups of Riss-certified ships was rejected as putting all our most effective weapons in one basket. The most dangerous minutes of the war would be after leaving the Wave, and the highest casualties those in the first several groups. By the end of the week, everyone understood the problem, but no one had a solution. By the end of the second week, everyone agreed we needed a distraction, and lots of ideas were proposed. By the end of the third week, Wattson and Zhu called a halt to the meetings.
"We are all brain-dead at this point, trying to force a square solution into a round hole. We need to step back away from the problem for a while and concentrate on developing functional task forces for the invasion. That may help us approach the problem with fresh eyes. Prepare to leave for your assigned systems tomorrow."
* * *
"I want to go into town," I said, rising from the captain’s chair. As I passed Terril, she was on her SID.
"Commander Byer, this is Gunny Terril. The captain wants to go into town... Yes, sir. I believe she means now... Thank you, sir." Tapping on her SID. "Sergeant Harold, get three Scorpions ready to accompany the captain to town. Meet us in the shuttle bay... Yes, ten minutes ago."
When I took my seat in the shuttle, I waved Terril to the seat next to me while the other security guard, the four extra Terril had requested, and the two Riss entered.
"Something up, Captain?" Terril asked as we left the shuttle bay and were immediately joined by two Ghosts.
"Yes, death."
Of course, Thalia was right. I had the position; therefore, whatever I decided was the word of the Riss. And doing nothing was a decision and had consequences.
I was feeling a bit guilty as Sheva's shuttle landed and four Scorpions exited with her. Two more Ghosts glided in for a landing.
"I want to see the town and need family..." I looked around at the humans who guarded us with their lives as though we were royalty. "And friends along."
"Lead on. I'm up for a little fun," Sheva said. Actually, as I looked around there were a lot of smiles. I invited the pilots along, so Seng sent a shuttle of Scorpions to guard the shuttles and Ghosts.
The day turned out to be a party of sorts. We stopped in shops, ate in restaurants, and spent hours talking with citizens, police, and even government officials, once the word spread that the Riss were in town. It was what I needed, relief from thinking about the invasion of Red and the part the Riss should play.
* * *
Wattson and Zhu were conducting staff meetings once a week, receiving status briefings from Freeland, Dong, and the three staging systems. I rotated Pavao, Damaass, Zhang, and Alena to Zigzag twice each for discussions on the invasion of Red. I was surprised during the fifth month, when I received an unscheduled visit from Wattson and Zhu. I met them in the shuttle bay, escorted them to my office, and got them settled with kaffa and tea.
"Well, Leader Reese, have you decided what part the Riss will play in the upcoming invasion?" Zhu asked. "It cannot be an easy decision."
"No, it wasn't. No death should be taken lightly. But view it from a numbers perspective. The SAS has ten billion citizens. The UFN and JPU similar numbers, I would imagine. So if a ship is destroyed with three hundred, it's a small number—one in thirty-three million of the empire's citizens. If a Riss ship with two hundred is destroyed, it is—one in fifteen. Or the equivalent an empire losing six hundred sixty million citizens. That may sound academic to you—"
"No, it sounds like a decision no one in the galaxy would want to have the responsibility of making. I see why no one wants the position of Leader."
I took a deep breath. The time for wavering was over, but my stomach still clenched as I said, "As hard as it was, I’ve made my decision. The Riss will commit six cruisers. I'm leaving the newest, commanded by Jaelle, in Freeland. I propose two Riss cruisers enter Red sixty minutes prior to the Alliance. Like last time, that should cause the Aliens to launch a search party. We will skip-attack the two Medusas in the rear, which should draw all the attention away from the Wave exit."
