Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession, page 6
We spent the next two hours discussing the details of the training. Wattson would enlist Sakaata and Gebauer to give their battle experiences using Symath and Osburne his taking on a Medusa without Symath.
When he left, I felt comfortable I was keeping my commitment to Plimson to support the SAS and had minimized the risk to the Riss as much as possible. It was probably a good agreement since neither Wattson nor I was completely happy—he wanted Riss on every ship while I wanted them on none.
* * *
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of activity. The training sessions were expanded to include XOs, and backup navigation and weapons officers, and were extended an additional two weeks. The results were as I had anticipated. About thirty percent didn't trust the Riss or Symath. Another thirty percent didn't have the aptitude to master Symath.
"Well, Reese, the results of the training present us with a new problem, actually several." Wattson had called a meeting with his task force leaders, Pavao, and me to discuss the results of the Symath training. "On those ships where anyone qualified, there were few where the Captain, XO, Nav, and Tac officers all qualified. To make it worse, in several cases, a backup Nav or Tac officer qualified but not the primary." He glared at me as if I had caused the problem and then sighed in resignation. "It would be comical if it weren't so serious. We make plans for war, but pretend peacetime prepares us. They send hundreds of senior officers to the War College, but only ten to fifteen percent would make good wartime leaders. Yet, the other eighty-five percent would be leading us in a war. Your training confirms the same is true of our Nav and Tac personnel." He stood, walked over to a sideboard, and poured himself a glass of wine.
"The logical conclusion is that we would lose any battle where we don't have an overwhelming force advantage," Quinerly said, frowning.
"What is so frustrating is that we have the technology to even the odds but lack the personnel to use it," Sakaata said. "I'd bet a task force of Symath qualified cruisers along with a couple of Riss on each ship and the new missiles would be the match for any Alien task force."
"We obviously can't have one task force with Symath qualified cruisers and the others without the technology," Botos said.
"So now that we understand the problem, how do we distribute our resources?" Wattson asked, back in instructor mode.
The discussions went on until almost dawn. In the end, the task force leaders moved people around so that each ship had a Symath qualified team—Captain, XO, Nav, and Tac—or none. Several backup Nav and Tac personnel were promoted to complete the teams. When it was finalized, twenty-three ships, three or four in each task force, had Symath crews. And I agreed to provide two Riss for each of those ships.
* * *
While the training was being conducted, Wattson assigned Sakaata's task force to conduct exercises with the Minerva, which gave Da'Maass an opportunity to qualify to captain a Riss cruiser. The first two exercises, he watched. The next two, he acted as XO to Pavao. On the subsequent exercises, he commanded the Minerva.
"Well, Damaass, how do you like the Minerva?" I had asked him to change the clan pronunciation, which emphasized the Da, to reduce the direct association with the clan. He was too ecstatic to care.
"I'm in love with her and Adiona. The ship feels alive, the crew a part of me, and Adiona an angel." He smiled ear to ear. "I feel like I've died and gone to where the gods live."
"Captain Sakaata's task force thinks you're a dybbuk." Pavao laughed. "She said something to the effect of, that damn captain seems to know what we are thinking."
The exercises had pitted a Riss cruiser against three of Sakaata's task force cruisers. It was impossible for them to win if we used stealth mode, so the exercises had required the Minerva to use at least four engines and keep the radar active. Her task force had won two of the last five, but not without significant losses. I had Alena, Jaelle, and Elissa taking turns at being Damaass's XO during the exercises.
"I think Lajos does know what they are thinking," Alena said, using Damaass's first name.
"To win, you must know your opponent, and yes, get into his mind. First, you must determine if he’s good or not. Once you know that, you know the probable reactions to your moves and his probable tactics. It's a game where the stakes are your life, but you cannot think of that—only of the game." He raised his glass and emptied almost half.
"Damaass is right. It is more than just experience. It's an ability to see your and your opponent's options and to anticipate what he will do. One should never depend upon overwhelming force or luck."
"No, you proved that at both Yamhill and Elbe… Nadya. The clan had overwhelming force, yet we lost to our dybbuk—she was in our minds." Damaass laughed and finished his wine but didn't reach to refill it.
"Damaass, your position is now Captain of the Minerva. Congratulations."
* * *
"I've just received word from Admiral Stenberg. He has contacted the leaders of the UFN and JPU, and they agreed to meet to discuss an alliance and strategy for dealing with the Aliens. The meeting is scheduled ten days from today at Hayjar in the Papak sector of the JPU. Stenberg suggested no nation bring more than two cruisers to the meeting. Although Hayjar is a small JPU military station, the JPU has agreed to keep its cruisers docked during the meeting." I nodded toward Pavao. "Nance, I'd like you to stay here and work with the others on tactics. I believe Sakaata will be the senior Admiral and in charge of the task forces. Maybe you can get the other task forces to participate. The exercises are much better than a simulator."
"Are you taking Damaass to the meeting?"
"No. The agreement is that only one representative and an advisor from each nation will be present for the initial conference. But Damaass is still controversial, so it’s better if he accompanies me to Hayjar, rather than stay here alone."
Pavao nodded agreement. I had also decided to leave Alena, feeling that the practice would be better than accompanying me. In reality, a Riss cruiser didn't require an XO.
CHAPTER SIX
Attempting to form an Alliance
The trip to Hayjar took six days. With nothing to do, I visited each of the sections several times.
"Well, Commander Iglis, how are your new responsibilities?" I asked as I entered the Intel unit and found her talking with Master Chief Drock.
"Captain Reese," Iglis said as she straightened slightly.
Drock already stood ramrod straight. He nodded.
"It's great; I get to see what is happening throughout the fleet. I feel like an Admiral."
"You probably would be, except Admiral Butler would have to take you off the Mnemosyne and put you on the Golden Eagle."
"The Captain's right, Commander. Even Commander Willis on the Eagle reports to you. Of course, then he wouldn’t know what was going on with the Riss, and he likes Captain Reese and you together as a team," Drock said with a smile. "Admiral Butler didn't get to be a Vice Admiral without being sneaky."
"I'm happy just the way things are," Iglis said, almost to herself. "Captain, what can I do for you?"
"Anything interesting happening that you can talk about?" I asked as we headed for her office.
"Most chatter is about Admiral Wattson and morale," Iglis said as she closed the door then hesitated, looking towards Terril, who was standing back against the wall. My other guard had stayed at the entrance to the unit.
"Ignore her. She doesn't listen."
After a minute, Iglis nodded. "Feelings are mixed, although I believe most of the feedback is positive. A lot of officers were promoted as a result of the… changes he's made. Of course, some don't like the fact he's forcing senior officers to retire or sending them back to Eden. It has put everyone on notice that Wattson won't tolerate any deviation from orders, and it's lessened the talk about the Riss. Although, Da'Maass commanding a Riss cruiser has been controversial. If you hadn’t resigned, I think it could have had major consequences. Now that the Riss are seen as a separate nation apart from the SAS, the impact is less." Iglis paused and looked away for a minute. "Even I had my doubts, and Butler has been particularly interested in him. I'm careful—"
"Iglis, don't hold anything back from Butler. We have nothing to hide. If we are to effectively support the SAS, we need experienced Captains. As leader of the Riss, I tell you no Riss-human or Riss will ever betray the SAS."
My next stop was Commander Byer, who I found in his office.
"Good morning, Captain Reese. Bored, or just needing the exercise?" He rose smiling as I entered and waved to a thermos sitting on a small table. "Kaffa?"
"Both," I said, pouring a cup and sitting. "I'm going to put the ship on Standby when we leave the wave and while we are in Hayjar. I don't want anyone to get nervous. It won't be because of any threat, just out of precaution. Everyone is rightfully jumpy with an Alien invasion and meeting with nations they have been at war with for generations. Besides, the Mnemosyne could be mistaken for an Alien ship. Alien invader, not just alien." I gave a short laugh, realizing the Riss were aliens.
"I'll make sure everyone is aware of your reasons. What do you think will happen at the meeting?"
"I think the JPU and UFN will want proof of the Aliens. I would."
"Fools Landing?"
"I think so." I nodded. The JPU knew something had happened at Baraz and Alborz but not specifically what. They would also want to see proof it wasn't the SAS or UFN.
"I agree," Byer nodded agreement. When I left, he was heading to call a meeting of his unit.
"It will be interesting to see what the JPU and UFN think of Riss-humans and the Riss as a nation," Terril said as we walked towards the army area.
"Yes, since they paid big credits for Riss hides, and offered even more for a Riss-human." I remembered the stories Zann told me about the early days on Saipha.
Seng stood talking with Master Sergeant Villard, who had assumed Terril's responsibilities when she was on my detail.
"Good morning, Captain. Come to work out or on business?"
"A little of both. Wanted to let you know I will have the ship on Standby while in Hayjar. Not because of any threat but as a precaution because everyone will be nervous, what with the talk of Aliens and the history between the three nations."
"And the Riss."
"Yes, another Alien nation," I smiled at the irony. "I think I'll work out for a while. It will be several hours before we exit the Wave." I changed and spent a few hours teaching and working with Terril, then ate lunch before returning to the Bridge.
Lights flashed blue, and SIDs displayed the text, Attention. Condition Standby. Stealth mode. Exiting Wave fifty-eight minutes.
I sat wondering what surprises the upcoming meeting had in store.
* * *
The Golden Eagle had exited first as a precaution, in case someone managed to detect us exiting the Wave and thought it was the Aliens. We followed in the Eagle's wake, decelerating towards the agreed-upon meeting coordinates. Four cruisers were there when we arrived.
Damaass's bushy, smiling face appeared. "Nadya. Feels strange calling you by your first name. What can I do for you?"
"Keep the Minerva in stealth mode and on Standby."
"Expecting trouble?"
"Being cautious. Everyone is nervous, and we are aliens, who were worth millions of credits not too long ago."
"Strange thought, being considered an alien." He paused, then smiled. "If we removed the Rh tattoo..."
"I used to hate the tattoo and wished I could get rid of it because of the fear and hate it caused. But now, I wouldn't. It identifies me as Riss, and it makes me proud."
"I understand. We're unique and special. Have fun at the meeting." Damaass broke the connection.
Shortly afterward, Captain Dannatt's face appeared. "Captain Reese, what can I do for you?"
"I’ll be leaving in a few minutes for the Eagle. I’d like to go to the meeting with Admiral Wattson. For now, I'd like to avoid coming out of stealth mode. It might provoke an unwanted response."
"I can see your point. It is ugly." He laughed. "For your information, the first meeting will be on the Eagle." He cut the connection.
I left the Bridge with two scorpions following. When we arrived at the Shuttle, Terril stood waiting with a smile on her face.
"Attractive, isn't it?" She turned her head so I could see the Rh Doctor Dayton had tattooed on her cheek. Dayton had done the same thing at Hephaestus for the students of my Peoples Dynamics class, to give them a firsthand experience at prejudice. The tattoo was real but shallow and could be removed in an hour. I entered and handed her a Riss uniform.
"Get changed." I knew the JPU and UFN weren't going to let a guard, armed or not, into the meeting. And I knew Terril wasn't going to let me go without her, so we decided she would attend as my advisor. She stood examining the uniform before changing.
"Not very stylish and no place for weapons," she said as she sat.
"Do you need weapons?" I grinned.
"Depends upon what the others bring to the party. Whether I do or not, it feels like I'm naked."
I could hear the two scorpions behind us snort. We were each lost in thought as we entered the Eagle's shuttle bay. Admiral Stenberg and his aide, Commander Olson, stood waiting as we exited.
"Welcome aboard the Eagle, Leader Reese," Stenberg said, looking hard at Terril. "Advisor?"
"Terril."
"Isn't she… Oh, I see. Commander Olson will take you to Admiral Wattson's conference room. Your Scorpion guards will be taken to the army area to wait until you're ready to leave. I need to stay and welcome the JPU and UFN delegation. They are en route and should be here within the next half hour."
"This way, please," Olson said as he led us out of the bay.
"Anything exciting been happening, Commander Olson?"
"No, Admiral Stenberg has been doing all the work, making arrangements for today's meeting and setting up the protocol. Except for your guards, all others will remain with their shuttles. Each delegation will have a live connection to their cruiser the entire time they are on board. Any leader may call for a break or adjournment at any time. The next meeting will be hosted by the UFN and the subsequent one by the JPU." He smiled. "I do have one bit of news for you. Admiral Wattson gave Commander Bradshaw the position of XO on the Eurasian."
I was delighted for Sean. He had earned the promotion, although I would have loved for him to be here. Still, that would have been a distraction neither he nor I could afford right now.
When we reached the conference room, two Scorpions stood guard in the hallway. Olson also stayed in the hallway when Terril and I entered.
"Well, Reese, who's your…" Wattson took a few steps towards Terril, then stopped. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I thought you might have brought Pavao." He gave a short laugh. "Who's in the other cruiser?"
"Damaass. I thought it better to bring him than leave him at Freeland."
"I see your reasoning, but he makes me nervous. This meeting is crucial to winning the war. Any—"
"Damaass is a Riss-human. As such, you can trust him to support the SAS. He is neither a hothead nor foolish, and he understands loyalty—better than most."
"Here." He handed me an SID. "You want a connection to Damaass?"
"Yes."
"Captain Dannatt, connect Leader Reese's Sid to the Minerva." He paused, staring at me. "It's connected."
"Yes, Leader?" Damaass's face appeared on the screen.
"The protocol requires each nation to have a live connection while they are on board the Eagle. If the connection is broken, you will declare Battle Stations on the Minerva and Mnemosyne and use your discretion on how best to support Admiral Wattson, SAS, and the Riss."
"Yes, Leader. I understand."
As I finished two men in Black uniforms entered. The one who entered first stood a good head taller than Wattson. He surveyed the room, stopping to examine each of us. His narrow face was a mask, but his eyes were not friendly. The man accompanying him was shorter and a little overweight. His stare seemed more of an evaluation than a challenge.
Immediately afterward, a man and a woman entered. The man resembled Wattson in height and build. He had a well-trimmed beard and gave us little more than a glance. The woman was tall, thin, and spent several seconds evaluating each person in the room.
Stenberg entered last and closed the door.
"On the side table, there are plaques with your names and SIDs—System Interface Devices—which we've connected to your cruiser. If you would please: collect them, verify your connection, and have a seat, I will do the introductions," Stenberg said, pointing to the table.
It took several minutes for everyone to get seated, check their connection, and stop their side discussions.
When they did, Stenberg stood. "Your host today is Admiral Wattson." He nodded in his direction. "He is the SAS Fleet Admiral, who will direct the SAS fleet against the Aliens. I'm his designated advisor. To his right is First Fleet Admiral Salazan, the head of the JPU Navy."
Salazan gave a sharp nod. His black hair, narrow clean-shaven face, and black uniform combined with his predatory eyes to give him an assassin-like appearance. His shoulder boards were black with five red six-point stars, and his sleeve held a five-centimeter red band. From his neck, a red cross hung from a black ribbon. In contrast, his advisor's uniform had no shoulder boards or ribbons, only a two-centimeter red band with two half-wreaths forming a circle with a sword in the middle pointing down toward the band. Both men had dark olive complexions.
