The Riss Gamble

by C. R. Daems

  I could feel the adrenaline, and everything slowed as Thalia prepared me to fight.

  “I love sex.” I stripped off my nightgown. “So does Thalia. She has five babies that need a home. Come and get them. Then you’ll be just like me, except you won’t have a silly tattoo.”

  “You’re not contagious. Do you take me for a fool?”

 

 

  “Not normally, except during fluid transfer. Why do you think none of us want sex? But since you do, let’s go!” I held up my arms for an embrace.

  “You’re lying!”

  “Yes, I am. Come on, I’m getting cold and need some warming,” I said, blinking my eyes at him. He began backing away, while pulling his pants back on. All three ran out the door.

 

  I would have thought so too if the incident hadn’t been so flagrant. My roommates had aided them; the boys believed they had a right and wouldn’t be punished; and the administration would turn a blind eye because I was a Riss-human. To add further insult, three days latter they dragged me out of class to see the Commander in charge of personnel. He left me waiting for two hours. When I was finally ushered into his office, he had the nerve to smile.

  “Reese, I understand that you Riss-humans are contagious. You’ll all be removed as soon as I contact SAS.” His smile grew bigger. It made his pudgy face look like it had been carved out of a pumpkin.

  “Sir, I’m afraid someone’s playing a joke on you. We’re not contagious.”

  “During sex!” He shouted and his face turned a pretty dark orange.

  “I doubt the SAS would sanction this project if we were contagious.”

 

 

  Her amusement tingled and I relaxed. Another fool.

  “They don’t know!” he shouted.

  “I guess Vice Admiral Zann is stupid, not knowing her fifty-year companion is contagious. Perhaps someone should tell her. Of course if someone is playing a joke on you, she might not be amused, and may have the incident investigated. You’d do the same if someone reported made-up rumors to you, wouldn’t you, Sir?” I tried to look concerned. He sat there for several minutes drumming his fingers on the desk.

  “You can go, Reese.”

  “Yes, Sir.” I saluted, turned, and left. Later I heard a rumor that three boys had been suspended.

 

  I felt her joy ripple through me.

  * * * *

  In the middle of my senior year, the academic professors realized I and the other Riss-humans were well ahead of our peers. To probe our true potential, the instructors were directed by the SAS evaluation team to assign us advanced special projects in addition to our normal class load.

  By the end of the year, six of us had exceeded all their expectations. The other two had out-performed their classmates but had only marginal results on their special projects. On the last day of the school year we received our graduation certificates, were sworn into the SAS Navy as Junior Grade (JG) Lieutenants, and received our assignments.

  To our mutual disappointment, I and the other Riss-humans weren’t assigned to spaceships. We were enrolled in Hephaestus, an advanced college for fast-track JGs and Lieutenants. Thalia and I wanted space, not more school.

  Prometheus closed for the summer, which again left me with nothing to do. I had earned my fourth knot in Si’jin early in the year and decided to spend my time practicing, while waiting for Hephaestus to open. That’s when I found that Gunny Talman and several of his class were staying at school, awaiting their next assignment. I worked hard that month and earned a fifth knot. After Talman awarded my fifth knot, he pulled me aside.

  “Reese, you told me you never used...Thalia’s help during your training. Is that true?”

  “Yes, Gunny. When I practice alone, Thalia and I discuss the techniques, the muscles in play, and balance. But during class, Thalia never helps me.” I wasn’t sure why Talman asked. Perhaps he thought I cheated.

 

  Thalia had a point. I’d refused her help because it felt like cheating.

  “Would you mind a demonstration using Thalia?”

  “No, Gunny. So long as no one except the class is present.” Although I wasn’t out to prove anything, I knew what could happen. Best to keep it among friends.

  The contest was held the next day in a smaller room with only the class present. I was surprised to find Gunny had paired me with Sergeant Veltin. She had earned her six knots a long time ago.

  We stood facing each other waiting for Talman’s signal to start. Veltin looked relaxed and non-threatening, except for the predator look in her eyes. As soon as Talman dropped his hand, she attacked with deadly speed and ferocity. But not fast enough. Thalia had enhanced my system. Veltin looked in slow motion, because my reflexes were those of a real snowcat. Her combination was beautiful—a strike at the abdomen, a kick to the knee, and an elbow to the head. I blocked each and landed an elbow to her head, which spun her around. In the process, her leg hooked around, attempting to sweep my legs from under me. A move I had never seen before. She caught my legs, but I managed to roll away and come up ready before she could attack. We continued for a long time—attack and counter attack over and over again. She scored what would have been several crippling or killing blows; however, I scored three to her one. In a real contest, the winner would be the first one to score, not the one who scored the most.

  “Stop!” Talman moved in between us. In the heat of the raging battle between two titans, we may not have heard or maybe didn’t care. We managed to stop on the third stop, sweating and out of breath.

  A soothing sensation rippled through me.

  Veltin laughed. “Remind me not to get you mad at me. You and Thalia are awesome.” She’d taken the match in good humor. “I understand why you didn’t want an audience. You didn’t want to embarrass me in front of outsiders. It wouldn’t have mattered, but I thank you for the thought.”

  Talman entered the discussion. “Except for your lack of experience and advanced moves, with Thalia’s help you’d be a seventh knot. I’m glad you chose not to use her help. I think it would have detracted from your training and alienated you with the class. You and Veltin fought like two masters. A fight I would have paid to see. I’m proud of you both.”

  The next day, I began packing for my move to Hephaestus, not sure what to expect. The academy had been interesting, frustrating, and a window into what I could expect in my new life as a Riss-human. With the assignment to Hephaestus, the struggle to gain acceptance would began anew.

  < You sorry accepted Riss partner, little one?>

  For the first time, no amusement or smiles.

 

  Chapter 4

  I froze in fear. The bright blue sky, the open landscape, and the buildings glistening in the sunlight terrified me. It was the first time I’d been outside of Prometheus in four years.

 

 

  A wave of pleasure ran through me. I’d neglected Thalia, forgetting she’d lived all her life outdoors. I’d locked her up, because I feared leaving the safety of the building.

 

  I spent the rest of the day walking aimlessly through the trees, lying on the grass, and watching the clouds float quietly by. Thalia remained quiet, but I could feel the ecstasy she felt. I stayed the night, enjoying the faraway lights of the city and the twinkling stars in the heavens. No thoughts of spaceships or Prometheus or Hephaestus.

  “JG, what are you doing lying there? Are you
drunk?” A tall Lieutenant Commander stood scowling down at me.

  I jumped up and braced to attention. “No, Sir. I just graduated Prometheus. It’s the first time I’ve been outside in four years. I’ve been enjoying the fresh air, before I report to Hephaestus.”

  “Four years? Hephaestus? Oh, the tattoo. You’re one of the Riss-humans.” He shook his head and I felt his uneasiness. He pointed. “Hephaestus is the tall building over there. You best be reporting for duty.”

  I straightened my uniform and followed him, since he seemed to be going in the same direction. As I walked, I could feel Thalia’s relief. The building had lots of windows. It appeared very old and made from red brick. Ten steps led to an arched entrance with two over-sized wooden doors. Two army corporals stood at the entrance. They both came to attention and saluted as the Lieutenant Commander and I approached. I almost didn’t return their salutes, thinking it intended solely for the Lieutenant Commander. When they held their salutes, I realized they were waiting for me.

 

 

  I stopped at the doors to read the inscription carved into the overhead stone: “From this forge comes the strength of SAS.”

  I entered into a large circular vestibule with marble floors and an ornate staircase, leading to the second floor. The staircase split into two half way up, one curving to the right and the other to the left. In the middle of the room a sergeant stood behind a marble counter.

  “Can I help you, ma’am?”

  “Yes, Sergeant. My orders state I’m to report to Hephaestus.”

  “Ma’am, please report to the office to your right. They’ll take care of registering you.”

  Inside the room there were two desks, a row of file cabinets, and a table full of office equipment. At the desk to my right sat an elderly Master Sergeant. He looked up when I closed the door. A middle-aged First Lieutenant sat at a desk towards the rear of the room. He looked overweight, had thinning gray hair and a sour face.

  “Ma’am, can I help you?”

  “Yes, Sergeant. My orders state I’m to report to Hephaestus.” I handed him the disk with my orders. After he scanned the information, he reached into his desk and pulled out a blue disk with a Hephaestus seal and handed it to me. “This disk contains your class assignments, school layout, and school regulations. If you’ll put your hand on this pad, I’ll set the lock for your room.”

  “JG!” The First Lieutenant rose from his desk. His face twisted in anger and a finger pointing in my direction. “You’d better get that face cleaned. Face art isn’t allowed.”

 

 

  “Yes, Sir.” Before I could leave, the sergeant cleared his throat.

  “Ma’am, your classes aren’t due to start for five days; however, you and the other Riss-humans have a meeting with the school commandant, Rear Admiral Critton, tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.” He looked at my name again.

 

  “Ma’am, you’re Nadya Reese?”

  “Yes, Sergeant.”

  “Gunny...Master Gunnery Sergeant Wei would like to talk to you at your convenience, ma’am,” he said after standing, which seemed unnecessary. I assumed it concerned something Gunny Talman had told Wei. I’d find out soon enough.

  The sergeant picked up a small Handcom. “Corporal Leary, please give JG Reese a tour of the facility. Ma’am, the corporal will meet you in the hallway.”

 

 

  Her laugh rippled through me. I couldn’t help but smile. The corporal walked me through the building, giving me a guided tour of the classrooms, study hall and library, staff offices, and dining facility. I noticed that the dining room tables had tablecloths, unlike the steel tables at Prometheus. He concluded the tour by showing me to my assigned sleeping quarters. I don’t know what I’d expected. At Prometheus, I’d shared a room with three other women. I stood there with my mouth open. It was a private room. Although the room was small, it had a bed, table-like desk, computer, bathroom, and a window. I could feel Thalia’s sigh of relief. I gave a sigh of my own at the thought of being able to study alone without interruptions.

  “Corporal, do you know where I can locate Gunny Wei?” I was anxious to see the Gunny, hoping he’d allow me access to the army exercise room. It had been the army that had helped me maintain my sanity at Prometheus.

  “Yes, ma’am. He’s in the army workout room right now. If you’d like, I’ll take you there.”

  We walked down two flights of stairs to the basement. Off to the right was a large open space and on the left exercise machines, weights, and various other apparatuses.

  Everyone in the room was army. The room became quiet when I entered, and I was besieged with an array of emotions: surprise, anger, and amusement. Even at Hephaestus there seemed to be a separation between army and navy personnel.

  I singled out the closest man. “I’m looking for Gunny Wei.”

  He pointed at an elderly man with a rope containing ten knots. The man must not need a shuttle to get to the spaceport. I walked toward him, conscious that everyone watched. Stopping several meters away, I waited to be acknowledged. When he turned, I bowed.

  “I’m Nadya Reese. I was told you wanted to see me, Master Wei.” I used his Si’jin title since he wasn’t in uniform.

  He looked me up and down before nodding. “Master Talman recommended you and asked if I would teach you. Why should I?”

  The question took me by surprise. It shouldn’t have. Si’jin Masters only taught those they considered worthy. Why should he consider me? I looked around at his current students. The lowest rank was five knots, the highest seven.

 

  He meant from his perspective not mine. What I wanted didn’t matter.

  “I can’t think of a reason why you should, Master Wei.”

  “Four reasons. You came to me; you came immediately; you showed respect; and you didn’t assume I cared about your reasons. Two would have been sufficient with Master Talman’s recommendation. You may joint my class as duty permits.” He turned his attention back to his students. I felt like laughing, dancing, and singing all at once. Instead, I turned and walked towards the exit. Everyone in the room watched me. Many stood with their mouths open.

 

  I smiled. For once I’d caught Thalia off guard.

  * * * *

  At 0900 hours, I and the other Riss-humans sat in Rear Admiral Critton’s conference room. Critton sat at the head of the table, hands cupped under his chin, looking at each of us in turn. I met his steel-gray eyes when he looked at me. He looked neither friendly nor hostile.

  “The Riss-human project team has assigned you to Hephaestus because of your outstanding performance at Prometheus and as a way to evaluate your potential. Since you’re a test case, you can expect to be closely monitored over your entire career. I question the wisdom of sending new graduates of Prometheus directly to Hephaestus; however, it’s not my decision to make. This college has been reserved for experienced JGs and Lieutenants whose performance puts them on a fast track for promotion. Unlike the others, you’ve no experience.” He paused to take a sip of water.

 

  Immediately I began to relax.

  “Although SAS looks at this as a test, never doubt that your performance here won’t affect your career. There are no formal grades; however, you’ll receive an evaluation. Ten percent won’t graduate. They’ll be lucky to finish their careers as Lieutenant Commanders. Thirty-five percent will receive a Without Comment rating. That will remove them from fast track status and return them to normal time-in-grade promotions. The remaining students will receive a With Comment rating, which assists their career, but which doesn’t actually inc
lude a comment. For those who receive a With Comment rating, Junior Grade Lieutenants will be promoted to Lieutenant, and Lieutenants will be given an additional three years time in grade. Most of these Lieutenants will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander within a year, two at maximum. This briefing is the last special treatment you’ll receive over the next year and a half. You’ll be just eight of the sixty entering this semester.” He looked around the table.

  I didn’t know whether to take that as a good or bad sign. It was definitely a message.

  “Any questions?”

  No one spoke. I had lots of questions but decided they could wait. I felt like I’d just been thrown off a cliff to see if I could fly.

  * * * *

  “What do you think, Nadya?” Elissa asked as we entered the classroom for our People Dynamics course. The other Riss-humans were taking the class but at different times.

  “Well, we’re no longer plebes. I doubt these officers will take any overt action, since it would probably count against their final rating. Nothing else will change. We’re still aliens.”

 

  “Thalia just reminded me we’re high-Riss, and they’re not.” I marveled at her view of life. It’s to be enjoyed. To find the best in whatever is happening. “Come, Elissa, let’s find out how the navy’s supposed to act around aliens.”

  The first class was mostly an introduction to what would be taught this semester, and the reference books we should be studying. I wasn’t sure how much the other students heard while staring at Elissa and me. After class, I approached our instructor, Commander Weller.

  “Sir, I believe Elissa and I are going to be a distraction. From experience, it’ll continue so long as they can’t address their fears and concerns.”

  “What do you suggest, Reese?” he said, looking hard at my face.

  “If you would allow me some time in your class, I would like to talk about the project and give them a chance to ask questions. Since this is a class on people interaction, I assume you’ll be covering prejudices as part of that discussion.” I knew this was shaky ground, but it was important to me that we somehow get beyond rumors and suppositions. He reached up towards my tattoo. When I nodded, he ran his finger over it. The touch was so light it tickled.