Riss Series 5: The Riss Challenge
Page 17
"Commander Knight, please send the following message, urgent, to President Trostel, SAS United Council." He paused for several minutes, and the room became deathly quiet. Then he smiled. ‘I, Admiral Albert G. Plimson, do hereby tender my resignation, effective immediately. Since the SAS United Council has assumed the responsibility for the war strategy against the JPU, I'm no longer needed. Furthermore, I believe the strategy is wrong and that the Riss are correct in saying our present defensive strategy has made us vulnerable. Except for the recent actions of the Riss in distracting Admiral Neifeh's invasion of the SAS, the JPU would have already succeeded in defeating us. You should also be aware that as a consequence of us not having lived up to our MSA with the Riss, Leader Reese is recalling all Riss to Freeland and will no longer support our installed Riss technology. Sincerely, Albert G. Plimson."
"Do you think that will work?" Wattson asked. "And what if it doesn't?"
"I don't know. I do know if I can't meet my personal commitment to Reese, then I don't want the job. I'll feel sorry for the billions who will suffer if the SAS Council continues to run the war, because the JPU will defeat the SAS and demolish its military capability. My presence would change nothing. For now, I suggest we retire and await their response."
* * *
"That was a clever move by Plimson," Pavao said as the Riss-humans and Zhu sat having breakfast at an informal meeting. "And you recalling all Riss on SAS ships."
"It was clever. It would take a year or more to lobby the SAS United Council, and I doubt we could convince a majority to let Plimson run the war. But having it on the record that the Council is running the war and losing the Riss technology because they are refusing to honor the MSA may change enough minds," I said. "Zhang, I'd like you to leave today for Daiyu. If Neifeh were to attack Daiyu, I believe your advice could help save lives."
"Thank you, Leader Reese," Zhang replied formally. "Although any Riss-human presence would suffice, I am concerned about the empire of my birth."
"I believe the sabotage to the upgraded JPU fleet effectively reduces its effectiveness by at least fifty percent. So an all-out assault by Admiral Neifeh on Daiyu or Dunn with Admiral Zhu's redeployment of one hundred twenty-five cruisers to each system should be more than enough. If Plimson wins and deploys additional fleets on Eden, Sheva will support the home fleets," I said, crossing my fingers.
"And us?" Pavao asked.
"That will depend on what Admirals Zhu and Plimson want to do."
* * *
Plimson's face appeared, with Wattson standing behind him.
"It appears President Trostel and several Council members wish to talk to you and me in person. Would you be up to a meeting, Leader Reese?"
"How about on the Mnemosyne, at their convenience?"
Plimson laughed. "Don't trust them?"
"It would make Terril happier. My recklessness has her very upset." I laughed. "She would feel much better with me under ship arrest."
Plimson nodded and cut the connection.
* * *
I stood waiting in the shuttle bay with Terril, who had all ten Cobras fully armed and positioned around the room. The midnight-black shuttle with the golden starburst of the Sadr Allegiance of Stars emblem settled into the bay. When the door opened, four Special Security guards dressed entirely in black exited. Their weapons remained lowered, but their eyes swept the bay before reporting it was clear to exit. A tall silver-haired man was first to exit with Plimson and Wattson, followed by two women and two men in ages ranging from late forties to late sixties and another four guards.
"Leader Reese, this is President Trostel and the senior members of the Council: Ms Naples, Ms Flamer, Mr. Usher, and Mr. Krick."
"A pleasure. A tour, or do you want to get straight to the reason you're here?"
"The reason we are here is because of you," Ms Naples said, her face flush.
"Alright, we'll skip the tour. If you will follow me, I'll take you directly to the conference room," I said, turning and walking away. When we reached the conference room and the doors closed, I spoke.
"There are refreshments on the sideboard. Help yourselves and get comfortable." I waited as everyone found seats with or without getting something to drink. "Ms Naples, you're not here because of me. I have nothing to discuss with you."
"You are threating to withdraw the Riss and ceasing to support the Riss technology."
"Again, not true. I'm not threatening. I've already recalled all Riss on SAS ships and will be evacuating the Riss from Saipha as soon as I depart Echo," I said, playing the game.
"Why?" Mr. Usher asked.
"Because the JPU will—within the next few months—defeat the SAS. When they do, they will systematically kill all the Riss they find."
"How do you know that?" Mr. Krick asked, with a sneer.
"Because you are frightened children pretending to be leaders—"
"How dare you...you parasite-ridden alien!" Krick shouted.
"Under your leadership, you've allowed Admiral Neifeh to capture half of the Darkov Sector. He has a fleet of three hundred cruisers, and you don't have a clue where he is or what he's preparing to do, and if you were at the war college, Admiral Wattson would fail you for your current deployment—a deployment based on fear."
"Are you saying we're cowards?" Trostel's face twisted in hate.
"You, the SAS United Council, not the SAS military. They have proven themselves against the Raiders and the Aliens. You don't care what happens to Fool's Hope, ZigZag, Angel's Rock, All Flags or the other planets so long as precious Eden is safe. Nor do you care about treaties with allies like the UFN and Riss, just your precious necks. Yes, I'm calling you cowards who can't be trusted."
"I agree with Leader Reese, and that's the reason I'm resigning," Plimson said before anyone could reply.
"I also agree," Wattson said.
"I'm the imperial fleet admiral of the UFN military, and I agree. Leader Reese came to Dunn several weeks ago..." Zhu went on to elaborate on the events at Dunn.
That quieted the room.
Afterward, Plimson and Wattson cleverly questioned me about our activities in the JPU as if they hadn't already heard the details. The discussions went on for two days, mostly about Zhu's deployment, the MSA with the Riss, and Plimson tentative deployment, which was similar to Zhu's and would include Riss support for the home fleet. On a four to one vote—Krick voted against—Plimson was granted total control of the SAS military operations.
* * *
"We've gotten what we wanted. The question is what do we do with it now that we have it?" Plimson asked as we met to discuss our strategy. In fact, I had achieved what I had hoped for and was willing to let the SAS and the UFN develop the united strategy. After all, they would be contributing the majority of the offensive fleet. The UFN had four squadrons and the SAS ten, only because the SAS only had to protect Eden, whereas the UFN had Daiyu and Dunn. I would commit four cruisers, one each on Daiyu and Eden and two for the offensive operation. I would have liked to also put one on Dunn, but that would have required me to reduce Freeland's support to three, which wasn't adequate if Neifeh struck with his entire invasion force. "I've asked Commander Iglis to summarize what we know based on her access to SAS intelligence, and her time with the Riss in the JPU."
"Based on the functioning and non-functioning Comstats, it appears that the JPU has invaded Fool's Hope, Fool's Landing, ZigZag, Lycus, Angel Rock and Surprise. When the Riss destroyed the occupying force in Freeland, Leader Reese sent out five cruisers to explore the systems close to Freeland. In Fool's Hope and Fool's Landing, Admiral Neifeh's force had destroyed the Comstat and all space-worthy ships. In both systems, he left a Stealth scout and one squadron of two Heavies and eight Lights. It appears reasonable to assume that will also be true in the other four systems—a total of six scouts, twelve Heavies, and forty-eight Lights." Iglis paused for comments.
"Alborz was visited. It had four Heavies and sixteen Lights; Both Baraz and Ihsan had one squadron consisting of two Heavies and eight Lights; and Hayjar had four squadrons of two Heavies and eight Lights. A total of sixteen Heavies and sixty-four Lights. None of which were modified.
"That's twelve squadrons, approximately one hundred twenty cruisers. Added with the one hundred sixty in Neifeh's invasion force, that's three hundred, and it doesn't count all of the other JPU systems like Ormazd, Sarosh, Usak..." Wattson said, shaking his head.
"I have partial numbers for that. Leader Reese led an...invasion force into the JPU. At Ormazd, they destroyed two squadrons plus a space-repair-and-manufacturing station.
"Can you imagine the chaos in Ormazd?" Plimson snorted.
Iglis continued without missing a beat.
"In Sivas, the Riss destroyed two squadrons plus the space station, and another two in Mihr and another space station."
"It appears safe to assume Neifeh has another four squadrons scattered around the other systems. So, his invasion force is limited to the one hundred sixty cruisers modified at Freeland. That's very good news," Plimson said. "It means Eden, Daiyu, and Dunn would survive Neifeh's invasion force should he choose to strike at the heart of the SAS or UFN. Of course, we are again conceding the other systems if he doesn't."
"The prize-winning question is what happened at Ormazd?" Wattson said. "Is he still in command? Is the invasion still on? Has the plan changed? Where is his main invasion force?"
"And how do we find out?" Zhu said. "Or failing that, how do we decrease the JPU's overall ability to wage war on us?"
"Maybe the real question is one I struggled with when considering how to proceed alone without SAS or UFN support: what would Neifeh's response be to a given action? Of course, if Neifeh has lost command, the new fleet commander may not react in the same way," I said, thinking out loud.
"Good point, Reese. If we begin liberating SAS with non-functioning Comstats, I'm guessing Neifeh would think that a good thing—wasting our limited resources on his older non-upgraded ships," Wattson said. "However, if we attacked JPU systems...would he consider that still a good thing and an opportunity to attack Eden...or would the Supreme Council require he quell the invasion first?"
"The Supreme Council has to be very nervous after our assault on Ormazd," Pavao said with a smile. "But do we want to take on the JPU invasion force after battles in several systems first?"
"And what is our objective?" I asked.
"What do you mean, Reese?" Plimson asked. "I know the Riss don't believe in revenge, but it will have to be an unconditional surrender. No deals."
"I understand. I kind of favor the Alien approach for the JPU." I smiled. Actually, there were days when I favored that approach for all humans.
Plimson laughed, Wattson and Zhu nodded, and the Riss-humans smiled.
"I assume the Riss are discussing your comment, whether it constitutes revenge or not," Plimson said, looking amused. "You sure wouldn't have any trouble selling the idea to the SAS."
"Or the UFN," Zhu said, also amused.
"Commander Iglis has done a good job at summarizing the information we have about the JPU. And I think we have discussed our various options. Why don't we sleep on it and meet back here tomorrow at zero nine hundred hours."
* * *
"I've got a headache," Terril said as she joined me in the dining hall for a light breakfast before the scheduled meeting on the Eurasian.
"Why?"
"Ananke has been arguing with me about killing for revenge and killing to stop violence. Twenty-five years of being a commando..."
"Verses Ananke's one hundred thirty years being a Riss," I said.
"Yes, a bit unfair." She laughed. "She's right. They are not the same. In fact, revenge may be less effective than stopping the violence. Look at Freeland. Had the SAS created genocide there, they couldn't have killed everyone. Would Freeland in a hundred years, or two, have been back, seeking revenge? Today they are a productive society with no thoughts of revenge."
"It's hard arguing with the Riss, especially when you consider the cycle of violence revenge and hate creates. I doubt I'll ever be as pure-thinking as the Riss, but I do admire their philosophy and know it's worth emulating."
* * *
"We seem to agree that we should invade the JPU, but as Aliens or as empires united?" Plimson asked.
"Reese had the right question. Given we just quarantine systems, what would we expect to be Neifeh's reaction—versus a united empires invasion of the JPU systems?" Wattson asked in his instructor mode.
"If we quarantine systems, he might not know immediately and could be expected to continue with his original plans—invading Eden," Zhu said, then smiled. "On the other hand, an invasion force would require he stay home and set a trap. One hundred forty Riss-modified cruisers against his one hundred fifty-seven sabotaged cruisers makes it an attractive alternative, and it would please the Emperor and the United Council."
Plimson surveyed the room then nodded. "That appears to be the consensus. Admiral Wattson, I leave it to you to work out the details with Admiral Zhu and Leader Reese. I will redeploy the remaining squadrons to home fleet. Good hunting."
"Leader Reese?" Wattson asked.
"Captain Sheva will deploy to Eden to support the home fleet; Captain Pavao and I will accompany the invasion force."
"Fleet Admiral Zhu?"
"My four squadrons and I will accompany you."
"Excellent. If there are no objections, we will depart for Hayjar the day after tomorrow. Since we have no idea where Admiral Neifeh is, or his invasion force, one system is as good as another, and the Riss have already destroyed Mihr and Sivas," Wattson said, looking around the room for questions or comments.
The discussion went on for another two hours. In the end, it was decided that the two Riss cruisers would enter first to assess the situation. Thirty minutes later, the invasion force would follow with one squadron every thirty seconds—the maximum most Wave exits would tolerate without extreme turbulence that could destroy ships. The first five SAS, the next four UFN, and finally the last five SAS.
Consequently, the invasion force wasn't going to be much of a surprise. Wattson and Zhu would decide on an overall strategy, with the Riss operating independently to support the plan.
* * *
I sat back as red lights flashed throughout the ship and SIDs notified everyone of the change in status.
Terril sent.
I smiled, thinking of my many similar discussions with Thalia.
I watched as the VTH sprang to life. Nothing seemed to have changed. One squadron was positioned about four light-seconds from the Wave. I'd need to get closer, but I assumed the other three squadrons were in orbit around Hayjar or docked at one of the new stations currently under construction.
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"What do you think, Nance?"
"This squadron is too far away to be an immediate threat to the SAS/UFN taskforce. I'd suggest proceeding on to Hayjar. Maybe we can be helpful there."
"I agree." I said, and cut the connection.
An hour later, the taskforce began appearing, and the JPU squadron moved to intercept. By the time the JPU squadron realized they were overmatched, it was too late to retreat. Activity around Hayjar intensified as the outcome of the battle became apparent. Two squadrons passed us on the way to meet the invading force. The third squadron was docked at the space station and probably had most of their crew on planet-side leave.
Pavao sat smiling. "Are you thinking what I am?" she asked.
"If you're thinking those stations are ugly and should be destroyed, I guess we are. In thirty minutes."
"Thirty minutes." Pavao cut the connection.
I smiled at the ironies of war. We kill in the name of self-defense, but was this self-defense? Well at least it wasn't about revenge, or hate, or power—but people died.
I felt the Mnemosyne shudder twice as I watched the countdown clock showing thirty-five seconds to impact.
I sat back, watching the taskforce's confrontation with the three JPU squadrons. It wasn't much of a battle, as the odds were four-to-one and the Riss technology made it more like eight-to-one.
Shortly afterward, the Mnemosyne shuddered twice and another twelve Demons raced toward the heavily damaged space station.