by C. R. Daems
"All units, prepare for departure in thirty minutes," r-Galene voice-box said into the Comm. I hadn’t notified anyone of the upcoming flight, so it would be a good training exercise. Twenty minutes later.
After r-Galene's brief exchange with the docking crew.
We spent the next two hours performing silent approach, to other cruisers in the area, simulated missile firings, equipment malfunctions, and engine configurations. Pavao sat with a grin the entire exercise. When I turned back towards her, she nodded.
"Thank you, Nadya. You have just justified every pain of the last four weeks. Ni'Shay was right, when he said it was like entering the world of the gods. Commands flow effortlessly and instantaneously."
"Yes, the Riss cruisers were made uniquely for Riss, and although ugly, for war."
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The buildup to war
Pavao attended Wattson's next weekly meeting. It was the first time anyone other than the people on the Mnemosyne had seen her since the insertion. The emotions in the room ran the gambit from shock to humor.
"Welcome, Captain Pavao. We've missed you at our meetings. Any words of wisdom now that you are officially on loan to the Riss nation?"
"I had my first ride on a Riss cruiser. It was an incredible experience."
"But you’d been on the Mnemosyne several times. We all have," Corbitt said.
"Being on the Mnemosyne as a human, is like a deaf man watching the frequencies of an orchestra being displayed on a monitor, or a person explaining a painting to a blind man."
"So you're recommending it for everyone?" Wattson asked, his face expressionless, but his eyes alive. Knowing Wattson he had a point but darn if I knew what.
"No. Not everyone could tolerate another intelligent mind in their head, or that a Riss in the environmental section is your equal, or that your position may change based on the Riss' need, or that Reese's words are your words. No, I don't regret my decision, but it wouldn't be right for most."
"Nor would the Riss accept most people. In the end, it's their choice," I added.
"You could order them," Gabisi said, with a grin.
"I won't. I'm not a dictator. I speak for them because I have the same dream they do."
"Enough. The Riss had a need, and Captain Pavao was the right person to meet that need. And that need supports the needs of the SAS." He scanned the room, ending the conversation. "I've heard back from Admiral Plimson. Based on Commander Iglis's recommendations, he is sending a squadron composed of two Light cruisers and a Hunter to All Flags, because of their substantial defenses and a large number of mercenaries call it home, and Lycus because of the military presence. And a Light cruiser each to Savage, Blue Canyon, and Zigzag. If an Aliens' scout is detected at All Flags or Lycus, it will be destroyed or captured if possible. If one appears at Savage, Blue Canyon, or Zigzag, the cruiser will notify us via the Comstat and return here as soon as possible." He paused for a sip of wine.
"What will the task force sent to intercept the Aliens' response look like?" Byer asked.
"That is what we must determine. In no event must any of the Aliens' ships escape, as that would provide them with information about us. Admiral Plimson will be detaching ten Lights, three Heavies, and three Hunter to Freeland to support us and to begin upgrades."
"I'll bet Eden's in turmoil. War with Aliens and Freeland as a major depot," Corbitt said, smiling at the thought.
"Right now, the rumor on Eden is that there is potential trouble with the UFN. And all Captains leave Eden with sealed orders, which they are ordered not to open until they were underway. Until the situation has been resolved, we're in a state of war and all rotations are canceled."
The room became alive with conversations, which Wattson let run their course. The next two hours were spent discussing the force needed to confront the Aliens, when they returned to quarantine the planet. In the end, it was decided to send one Heavy, one Hunter, four Lights, and the two Riss cruisers. The theory was that it was better to have too much fighter power than too little. Wattson also wanted a sampling of each type cruiser to test the strengths and weaknesses of each. Leadership was a more complex issue. Wattson would command the SAS forces from the Golden Eagle. Since the Riss were now recognized as a separate nation, I would command the Riss forces under Wattson's direction. Admirals Stenberg and Zann would be arriving on the Goshawk and Bateleur. Stenberg would become the station commander and Zann the Riss commander responsible for the Treaty with Freeland.
* * *
Two Light cruisers and a Hunter were always on duty when one of the Clan merchants was due to return to Freeland. Wattson decided to design competitive exercises to keep the growing SAS forces occupied and to assess the strength and weakness of the assembled forces. He was like a kid in a candy store. He had created a real War College using actual cruisers rather than simulated ones.
The exercises were conducted every other day and each Captain was involved in at least one exercise a week. The seventh day of each week was devoted to a critique of the week's exercises. The fact that each Captain was given points made the exercises a competition with bragging rights.
For the first month, the Mnemosyne was included twice each week. I commanded with Pavao, Alena, Jaelle, and Elissa on the Bridge. The second month, I commanded the Mnemosyne once each week with the Riss-humans on board, and Pavao commanded the Eirene once each week with all of us present. At least once a week, Alena, Jaelle, or Elissa had an opportunity to conduct independent exercises on the Minerva, which permitted the Sharks and Scorpions a chance to work out.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Nadya’s shuttle attacked
"Nance, Thalia tells me you and Cethlion appear to be a good match," I said. Pavao and I were sitting in the Captain's office on the Eirene. Pavao had destroyed the three Light cruisers in a Wattson exercise. The Captains were getting rabid, attempting to kill the Mnemosyne and Eirene, so Wattson had insisted we couldn't use the stealth capabilities. It helped that the SAS cruisers could locate the Riss cruisers, but unpredictable skips, the new missiles, and the Riss' ability with Symath continued to frustrate the opposition.
"I didn't understand what it meant to be a Riss-human when I agreed. I saw only the opportunity to command a Riss cruiser. Cethlion is helping me understand the Riss in a way that’s impossible by observing or talking to them. I'm beginning to understand your vision for the Riss and why your position is Leader. In the beginning, I thought I would eventually return the Riss and me to normal. Now, I don't think that will be possible. Cethlion has become a part of me I don't want to lose. She too had hoped I would return her to a Gorillai host eventually, but agrees she is content to be hosted by me. Although the arrangement benefits the SAS and the Riss, it has evolved beyond that."
"We are truly fortunate to be accepted by the Riss as sisters. I couldn't imagine anything more fulfilling than helping them achieve their dreams and helping humanity in the process. Welcome to the Riss, Nance. Your Riss position is Captain of the Eirene."
"Cethlion claims I'm high-Riss because I'm hosting her," Nance said, smiling, which was a sure sign Cethlion had said something.
"Yes, you'll hear that every time you whine about something being too difficult, or hard, or impossible. It will be nothing is too ha
rd or impossible for a high-Riss." I laughed and Nance joined in.
"Yes, I've already had that advice."
"How are things going with the humans?"
"Alena already had things under control before I got there. She'll make a good Captain as soon as she has some experience. If it weren't for the coming war, I'd say she was close to being ready today." Nance looked around the office for a moment before continuing. "Colonel McTosh and the Scorpions are excited to be attached to a Riss ship and treat the Riss like fellow Scorpions. Commander Clarkson and the Shark pilots are excited about being on a Riss ship and having the new modified stealth fighters, which they've dubbed Ghosts, a term that is quickly catching on. And having a single Mess is helping to integrate them quickly. Lt. Commander Jackson, Iglis's choice for Intel officer, couldn't have been better. Iglis has unofficially let him know he should keep me in the loop as she has with you. Following your example, I'm including the human commanders in all my meetings and making sure I visit their areas regularly."
"I'm relieved you've chose to become a Riss-human. The Riss need you."
* * *
"Hi, Terril. I haven't seen much of you lately," I said as she joined my ever-present detail, and I headed for my shuttle for a meeting with Da'Maass and the elders.
"Colonel Seng has volunteered me to conduct training seminars on what boarding teams are likely to encounter when boarding an Alien's ship and our proposed tactics. It's kept me busy. It seems like every day another cruiser or two shows up. For the most part the army is excited. I think every one of them has a picture of you in their sleeping quarters." She laughed. “I'll bet the Wasps and Scorpions on Eden are bribing personnel folks to get assigned to Freeland."
"What rumors have you heard?" I asked, as we entered and took our seats. Although the army and navy personnel don't usually mingle, rumors have spread like wild fires with no respect for artificial boundaries.
"You aren't quite as popular with the navy. The reasons vary: Freeland, Riss-human, special privileges, too young, unqualified, lack of station leave, etc. Even Captain Pavao is being criticized. It's a boiling pot ready to explode."
"I hate to wish for war, but we need a distraction and soon—"
"Captain, I've two Strikers on an approach vector with us," Lieutenant Garrach, the shuttle's pilot said into the loud speaker. It wasn't the distraction I had wanted.
"Kill the engines, Garrach. Now!" I shouted. Seconds later the engines died and the shuttle dropped like it had hit a pocket of turbulence. Then lasers could be heard tearing through the shuttle skin. The shuttle jerked and twisted as Garrach attempted to evade the attacking fighters. But the lack of power limited his options.
"Garrach, good job, but don't start the engines until the last possible second." The shuttle bucked again as laser beams ripped through the passenger compartment, killing at least one of my detail.
"Captain, Sharks have left the Mnemosyne," Garrach shouted as we continued our free fall towards the planet. Too late, I mused. I doubted the Strikers were going to stop, since they had nothing to lose at this point--my shuttle didn't look like a Freeland shuttle in violation of the ten thousand kilometer ceiling limitation. I heard Garrach's unsuccessful attempt to start the engines, as the laser attack stopped.
"Prepare for crash landing," Garrach shouted, seconds before I was thrown into my seat restraints and protective cushions exploded around me.
* * *
"She's in here," a voice shouted from what seemed miles away. I couldn't imagine why my whole body felt wet.
* * *
I smelled antiseptics.
"She's awake," Dayton said. "How are you feeling, Reese?"
I swallowed and wet my lips with my tongue. “Thalia …” My voice croaked and I tried again. "Thalia says she’s fixed everything except my shoulder.” That was better. I sounded almost normal. ”She’s leaving that for you." I managed a chuckle at the look of disbelief on Wattson's face.
"I suspected as much, but knew you’d want me to wait until you were conscious."
"Why?" Wattson asked.
"Captain Reese and I have had many discussions on medical treatment for her and the Riss. Because she's a Riss-human, many of our medical diagnostic machines could disrupt their connection permanently, and certain pain medicines would prevent Thalia from working on Reese's injuries. Thalia repaired a concussion, multiple muscle tears and bruising, and is controlling her pain."
"Amazing."
"How is everyone else," I asked, hoping for the best. Regen could fix most injuries if they were caught in time.
"Terril is out of Regen. She had pretty much the same injuries as you. Garrach is in Regen. He has multiple broken bones. The co-pilot was killed from the crash, and laser fire killed your Scorpion detail. It's a miracle you and Terril weren't hit. The entire cabin's rubble."
"Garrach’s quick thinking and cutting the engines probably saved your lives, as the Strikers heat seeking missiles were useless," Byer said. "Captain Wilson and Striker Commander Cummings of the Shirka acted quickly when they identified the potential problem and notified me. I dispatched the Ghosts … Sharks with orders to seek and destroy. The two Striker pilots are dead."
"There will be an inquiry, but I believe everyone acted appropriately," Wattson said, then turned to Byer. "I want a Ghost escort for Reese and Pavao from now on. No exceptions."
* * *
After Dayton had reset my shoulder, I went looking for Terril and found her being examined by one of Dayton's techs.
"She’ll be fit for duty in a day or two, Captain Reese."
"The next time I say you owe me some excitement, hit me." Terril said, rising up on one elbow. "What happened, Nadya?"
"Two Striker pilots attacked the shuttle. Garrach, you, and I survived, thanks to his skill. His co-pilot died on impact. Laser fire killed Andy and Greg." I said, watching the pain on her face turn to battle steel.
"What cruiser? Why?"
"There will be an inquiry, but we may never know. Commander Byer's Ghost Sharks destroyed both Strikers."
"Good. The bastards deserved to die. It's doubly good that fighter pilots killed them. It will help ease the fury within the army ranks."
* * *
A formal inquiry was convened two days later. The inquiry board was chaired by Wattson and had the three senior Captains on station as members. Interviews made clear emotions were running high. Ironically, rather than being directed at the invading Aliens, much of it was directed at Freeland, the Riss, and Riss-humans—specifically me. Over half of Commander Cummings Striker pilots were openly hostile towards the clans and me and had pushed the no fly zone during exercises. Captain Wilson had been quick to notice the two Strikers entering the off limits zone and contacted Commander Cummings. The Commander had passed the buck to Commander Byers, who scrambled the Mnemosyne's Ghosts with seek and destroy engagement orders. On the third day, the board delivered its findings, which was broadcast to all ships on station.
"We are being invaded by technically advanced Aliens and are on a war status. Apparently, there are those among us who don't know who the enemy is and are attempting to destroy the alliances we've created in the hope of defeating the invading force. Regardless of what you think of the clans, they are helping to upgrade our cruisers and providing us with upgraded missiles. And the Riss Nation is sharing their advanced technology and preparing to fight alongside the SAS. Destroying any one of these alliances could cost us the war and mean enslavement or annihilation of the SAS." He pause
d to take a sip of water. "I will remind everyone that although the SAS does not normally have a death penalty, wartime acts of treason are punishable by death. Attacking a naval shuttle and killing naval personnel qualifies as an act of treason. Had the Striker pilots survived their attack on the Mnemosyne shuttle, they would have been executed."
When Wattson sat, Captain Dannatt of the Golden Eagle rose.
"It is the judgment of this board that the following Striker pilots for their violation of the Station commander's orders are reduced one grade in rank. Lieutenants … " The list included six primary and two reserve pilots. "Commander Cummings is relieved of command for failing to maintain discipline and take immediate action when his pilots violated restricted space." When Dannatt sat, Wattson rose.
"We are at war. You are either a loyal member of the SAS and support the SAS and its allies, or you support the enemy and will be treated accordingly."
* * *
The next day, I held an unscheduled staff meeting. I stood as soon as everyone was seated.
"Commander Byer, I know the decision to attack the Strikers wasn't an easy one—" Byer surprised me by interrupting.
"Pardon, Captain Reese, but it was an easy decision. One I'd make again in a heartbeat. And I've heard no dissention from my pilots. Those Strikers were attacking an SAS officer, leader of the Riss Nation, the Captain of the ship we are charged to protect … and someone we have come to respect, not that that matters of course." Byer flushed as snorts and coughs erupted.
"Thank you, Commander Byer. I'm fortunate to have a ship full of people I trust and admire. Colonel Seng?"
"Commander Byer and his pilots are viewed as the good guys for their swift and decisive action. There is some resentment against the Strikers, but I believe Admiral Wattson's actions were considered more than fair."