The Riss Enemies: Book VI (The Riss Series 6)

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by C. R. Daems


  "I understand," Gebauer said. "I'll let the purchasing department know. Leader Reese, I'd like you to know it has been a pleasure serving with you. I think it might be time I retire," he laughed, "on some planet where I'll be happy staying until I die."

  After several hours reminiscing over old times, Plimson and Gebauer left for the Red-tail. I called an emergency meeting of the Freeland elders, my staff, and Bradshaw. They were all assembled four hours later.

  * * *

  "I've made decisions as the Leader of the Riss which have enabled anti-Riss and anti-Freeland antagonists to win support in the SAS General Assembly. As a consequence, Admiral Plimson has been forced to resign—" The room erupted in conversations. I waited for them to stop before continuing. "His replacement will determine our future relationship with the SAS. Sources believe it will either be Admiral Gleason—who commands the Home Fleet on Eden—or Admiral Yorke. Gleason's a reasonable man, whereas Yorke hates the Riss and Freeland. The consensus is that Yorke will win. Because my leadership has facilitated this development, the Riss, Riss-humans, and Freeland Elders must decide whether I should be replaced. I tell you now, although I will not start a war with the SAS, I will not acquiesce to hatred." I paused for a drink of kaffa and waited as groups huddled in conversation—the Riss didn't need to.

  Thalia broadcast to the Riss-humans, as a formal declaration by the Riss. I concluded the eight Riss being hosted by the humans constituted an elder committee which spoke for the Riss when necessary—like now.

 

  Pavao waited until the room had quieted before speaking. "I don't like the idea of fighting the SAS. I was born, raised, and swore to serve and protect the citizens while in the SAS Navy." She paused while looking around the room. "But I'm now a sister to the Riss and a citizen of Freeland and will defend them against aggression by any nation. Since I don't have a clue what we should do in preparation and you do, you're stuck with the position."

  I didn't have a clue either, since I didn't know what the threat would be.

  A vid of the Riss, Riss-humans, and elders sitting around staring up at me while I stood at a blackboard writing.

  I screamed mentally.

  An image of Freeland with burnt-out buildings and forests and bits and pieces which were once the space station floating in space. The sight froze me. Only Ni'Shay's voice brought me back.

  "We, the citizens of Freeland, have tasted freedom and would rather die than give that up again. And like Captain Pavao so eloquently stated, we don't have a clue how to proceed, so you are now the senior elder of Freeland."

  "We trust you," Iglis said, apparently speaking for Byer and Seng, who were nodding agreement. I should have run out the door and hidden, but thanks to Thalia the tension in my body eased and my chaotic mind calmed.

 

 

  I laughed and felt released from the paralysis that had consumed me. When I looked around the room, everyone had a concerned look. "I'd like to announce I'm getting married to Sean Bradshaw…tomorrow. Elder Ni'Shay, I would appreciate if you would make the arrangements." After a minute of stunned silence, pandemonium.

  The next several hours were like a party. Food and drinks appeared and Sean was persuaded to tell how we met and stories of our time at Hephaestus, the premier naval college for fast track lieutenants. Then by some unknown sign or signal the room quieted and everyone returned to their seats.

  "Thank you, friends. I don't know what will happen over the weeks and months to come, but we must prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I've canceled the shipment of Irises to the SAS on the thin pretext of an accident in production. Damaass, I want them and those destined for the UFN to be reconfigured and launched in Freeland space. That should give us around forty. Sheva, red-Wraiths are a priority. If we must fight, I want the war short and decisive. Each cruiser is to have double their normal number of missiles. Jaelle, the current Cerberus in production must have priority…and Pavao, you and I will seek candidates for hosting Riss."

  I sent to Thalia, hating to imprison more Riss, but I had come to realize the Riss couldn't enforce the quarantine since they weren't capable of killing when not threatened nor did I want to force them to become capable.

  Thalia sent after a burst of images between the other Riss in the room.

  I broadcast to the Riss-humans.

  Elissa asked.

  I reluctantly answered, hoping the situation in Eden would take time to develop into action. If Yorke were appointed the Secretary of Defense, he would need time to get organized before he could take any action against Freeland—months, hopefully.

  "Iglis, you now own the SAS and UFN Comrelays. All incoming and outgoing messages go through you. When the SAS arrive, I don't want them being able to communicate with Eden or Eden with whoever they send unless it's in our best interest."

  "Yes, ma'am." Her eyes widened in surprise. The Comrelays were supposed to be private unless a court gave permission to query specific senders or recipients.

  "Freeland must consider itself at war with the SAS until it knows it isn't." I paused. Scanning the room and seeing only nods, I continued. "Commanders Byer and Seng, you need to ensure that your units are prepared for action. None of us want a war with the SAS, but we shall not avoid one at the expense of the Riss or Freeland."

  "Yes, ma'am," Byer and Seng said decisively.

  "Alena, we need to be prepared to sabotage the factories supporting the Riss, SAS, and UFN. Our secrets must remain our secrets."

  "Software?"

  "I leave it to you and whoever you select to help." I took a drink of kaffa while surveying the room. "I'm preparing for war while hoping we can reach a compromise with the SAS on the quarantine, making this an interesting training exercise. But if the SAS want to rule the Riss and Freeland, our preparations might make the difference between being free people or slaves."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Surprise Developments

  I woke to find Sean propped up on one elbow staring down at me.

  "Second thoughts?" I asked, not sure if I wanted him to say yes or no. I loved him, but there was a war coming and he would be safer on Eden.

  "Yes," his look turned serious, and I held my breath. "Why now? I'm not complaining, just curious. You've always resisted getting married because you thought it would interfere with you being the Riss Leader. I understood with the Alien crisis and then the JPU, but now it's the SAS."

  I kissed him. "I feel the same way now, Sean. And it's the reason I could never have you on the same cruiser as me. I go weak in the knees every time I see you. I couldn't perform at my best with you on the same ship. So life with me won't be easy, but I'm selfish and want you in my life as much as I can. If you can put up with me under those conditions…"

  "Those conditions are acceptable. You're the only woman I have ever wanted, and limited time with you is far better than years without seeing you. Now I have some conditions." He smiled as his hand stroked down my back to my buttock.

  "What?" I squeaked out as my body tingled with pleasure.

  "I'd like a Riss position."

  I froze and the tingling stopped. It shouldn't have been a surprise. He had been a navy captain. Had I expected him to sit home waiting on me? But a war was coming.

  In desperation I sought my companion's council.

  She sent an image of her clothed in a nun's habit.

  be the oldest woman in the monastery.>

  Image of her with a dunce cap.

  I felt like smacking her, which got me even more frustrated.

  < You Leader. Figure out.>

  "Talking with Thalia?" Sean asked, a grin on his beautiful face.

  I nodded. "She has a standard set of answers to all the questions she doesn't want to answer, You High Riss, You Leader, Me copilot, and Still learning."

  Sean laughed. "Well, Leader?"

  "I'm marrying another Thalia," I punched him on the arm. "I've called for volunteers to host a Riss. Although I'm the leader of the Riss, I won't order any Riss to give up her freedom just like I won't order any human to host a Riss. It has to be their choice. Those selected will captain a Cerberus cruiser. Interested?"

  "Yes to all three."

  "Three?"

  "Marrying you, becoming a Riss-human, and commanding a Cerberus."

 

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