by C. R. Daems
Two weeks later the Peregrine docked at Saipha.
Chapter 11
I sat in Colonel Quentin’s office, sipping a cup of Eden kaffa. I had been called to his office and found Lieutenant Commander Phillop and Master Gunnery Sergeant Valk already there.
“The Captain has decided that you should deliver the Riss-humans rather than the army soldiers at the Saipha garrison. When I asked why, he said you’re the most qualified. I’ve convinced him that Wasps should accompany you. Gunny has volunteered to lead the detail.”
“I’ll bet the Captain had special instructions for you, Gunny.” I laughed. I wondered if he’d ever stop trying to get rid of me.
Thalia’s laugh tingled.
“How did you know, Reese?” Quentin asked, taking a sip of kaffa. When I didn’t respond, he continued. “Yes, he told Gunny to let you desert, if you wanted.”
“Hope is a wonderful aphrodisiac. He’s hoping I’ll decide to stay with the Riss.”
“Would you?” Phillop asked, a frown of concern on his face.
“No, but I’d love to. When I volunteered for the program, I had stars in my eyes. You saw the pictures on my wall when you searched my room. Those represented my life-long dream. I selfishly thought only of the adventure. Now that I know the Riss, I could easily spend my life with them; however, I’m one of their few ambassadors to the human race. I’m committed to demonstrating they’re worthy of our respect and would be a valuable ally,” I answered from my heart.
“If you’re correct about the Captain, maybe you’d be better off deserting here on Saipha. Though I want you to know I rather you didn’t,” Phillop said.
“I wish the Captain would read my contract with the SAS. If an army or navy person wanted to leave the service, he or she would have to wait until their enlistment ended; otherwise, it would be desertion. I serve at my will. I can stop at any time. The only condition is that I must be returned to Saipha and the Riss nation. On Saipha, I merely need to remove my uniform to void my contract. I won’t have violated any law or regulation. There is no penalty clause,” I said and sat back. I’ll have plenty of time to live with the Riss after I finish my service commitment, I mused.
“I’m not sure if the Captain is more upset about you being a Riss-human or that he hasn’t been able to intimidate you. He doesn’t like anomalies. The Captain is concerned about the prisoners escaping and insists you take a minimum of six Wasps. I’m willing to give you more if you want, but I can’t let you leave with less.” Quentin relaxed back, waiting for my response.
“They aren’t prisoners except in Captain Gebauer’s mind. In their case, the Riss have decided to terminate the contract. No one has been charged with a crime. I would expect to be gone at least two weeks but no more than four. I’ll be in no danger. Once we’re inside Riss territory, no weapons of any kind are allowed without their express permission,” I said in frustration.
“I’ve asked Gunny to prepare a list of volunteers.” He looked in Valk’s direction.
“I’ve five troopers, real volunteers, and a longer list if you and Lieutenant Reese feel she’ll need additional support, Colonel.” Valk produced a piece of paper with names.
“No, six is enough,” I responded.
“Your detail will meet you in shuttle Bay 22 at 0600 hours for departure to Lanfal. Make sure you provide me with periodic updates on your progress. Good luck, Reese,” Quentin said as I rose to leave.
“Lieutenant, do you have time to meet with your escort team?” Valk asked as we exited Quentin’s office. “The team would like a briefing on the mission.”
“I’ll meet you in the dining room in thirty minutes, Gunny.”
* * * *
I shook my head when I saw the team comprised all the members of Valk’s Si’jin class.
“Why?”
“We thought it would be an interesting experience, and we’d get to meet the Gorillai,” Gunnery Sergeant Terril said. She was the highest-ranking member of the Si’jin class and their apparent spokeswoman. I outlined the trip into the Superstition Mountains and explained a little about the transfer process. I was looking forward to the trip, seeing the Riss enclave, and being in the company of my Riss-sisters.
* * * *
When I entered Bay 22 for my ride to Lanfal, Colonel Quentin waited at the shuttle.
“Good morning, Reese. There’s been a change of plans. When I informed the Captain you may be gone anywhere from two to four weeks, he decided not to wait. We’re scheduled to leave for Sundance as soon as your shuttle leaves and return in five weeks. You and your squad are to check in with Major Hickson, at the army garrison in Lanfal. He’ll provide you with supplies and vehicles for the trip. When you return, you’ll be responsible for conducting the garrison’s yearly inspection. Major Hickson won’t like it, so I’ve drafted a letter authorizing you to conduct the inspection. I’ll review your findings when you return. Gunny knows the routine. He’ll be there to answer your questions and provide any assistance you need. Good luck.” Quentin checked his watch and walked away, shaking his head.
Valk and I entered the shuttle. The other five had already boarded, stored their gear, and helped get Aldric and Egon settled. Valk entered after me and started to walk toward the back.
“Gunny, please sit with me. I’ve many questions I’d like answered.” I slid into the window seat, giving Valk the aisle. I buckled in as the hatch slid closed and the green light turned red. The shuttle shook gently as it lifted.
“What do you think of this assignment, Gunny?”
“It won’t be boring, ma’am.” Valk grinned.
“And your orders.” I had a funny feeling that Quentin had also given Valk instructions. He probably wouldn’t tell me, but it was worth a try.
“Ma’am, I’m here to follow your orders and give you advice if you want it.”
“I’m new and can use all the advice you care to share.”
“Ma’am, your escort is all volunteers. They know you from our Si’jin classes and want to learn more about the Riss and you. Our session last night proved an excellent start. The Colonel sent me to do what Gunnies do—provide experience. He feels you’re smart enough to use that experience. There are those too concerned with their image or impressed with their rank to accept someone’s advice.
“Thalia says once you allow someone to abuse you, it becomes acceptable to be abused.”
“Thalia?” Your Riss?” Valk seemed genuinely interested.
“Yes. ‘Thalia’ is the name we agreed upon after we joined. Her image name is Snow glistening on the mountaintop. The Riss are telepathic and communicate in streaming vid. Her real name is a vid depicting a mountain range with one enormous peak jutting above the others and covered in snow. In the vid, the snow-covered peak is above the clouds and is glistening in the sunlight.” I could see the image clearly as I tried to describe what couldn’t be captured in words.
“Beautiful. I can almost see it. As I said, when it comes to the Riss, I’m new and you’re the expert. I’m looking forward to the experience. Life was getting boring until you arrived.” Valk gave me a toothy grin.
I remained quiet for the rest of the trip, content to watch Saipha grow as we approached. I looked forward to visiting the Riss enclave, but not the inspection of the Lanfal garrison. The Captain appeared obsessed with discrediting the Riss, me, or both. It didn’t matter since we were one and the same. I know he hoped the trip to the Riss enclave would get rid of me. Failing that, I suspect he knew something about Major Hickson or the garrison that would do the trick. One thing for sure—it wouldn’t be boring.
Chapter 12
Customs at Lanfal went smoothly. Fleet personal were well liked and Saipha no exception. The IDs for my detail and me were recorded, documenting we’d entered the planet. Our bags were given a cursory examination, and we were released to the waiting army shuttle. The garrison was located five kilometers out of Lanfal, and the flight took less than ten minutes. Although it wasn’t yet winter, the temperature hovered around four-degrees Celsius. It seemed particularly cold after the twenty degrees maintained on the Peregrine. Snow was everywhere, yet the population walked around with not much more than I wore on the ship.
We were met at the garrison gate by a Lieutenant who escorted Valk and me to the Major’s conference room. While we waited, we were served kaffa.
Major Hickson showed up fifteen minutes later. When he walked in, Valk and I stood as his rank required.
“I assume you’re from the Peregrine,” Hickson said, omitting our rank and names. When he saw my “Rh” he added, “I see you’re one of those Riss-things.”
“Major, I’m Lieutenant Reese and this is Master Gunnery Sergeant Valk. We’re here by order of Captain Gebauer to escort the Riss-humans to the Riss enclave, and by order of Colonel Quentin, the Fifth Airborne Commando Brigade Commander, to conduct your annual review,” I said in a firm but casual voice.
“You?” Hickson stuttered.
“Yes, Sir, me. I’m sure Captain Gebauer and Colonel Quentin know what they’re doing. Don’t you, Sir?” Before he could comment, I continued. “They said that you’d outfit us for our trip to the Riss enclave. I’d like to leave tomorrow unless that’s too soon. If it is, I could begin my inspection instead.”
I had to admire the Gunny. His face never twitched a muscle. Conversely, Hickson’s face turned red and he stammered.” Master Sergeant Wilson will see to your needs.” He glared at me, turned, and walked out of the room.
“I guess that means we’ll be leaving tomorrow,” I turned just in time to see Valk burst out laughing.
“I’ve matched wits with a lot of officers over the years—young and old—and usually hold my own. But I’ve never totally deflated one like that.” He laughed again. Five minutes later Master Sergeant Wilson appeared. I waited quietly, letting the sergeants sort out the details. Shuttles weren’t allowed inside of Riss territory; therefore, we would have to use snowgliders, which were the normal mode of travel on Saipha.
We spent a fun afternoon learning to drive the snowgliders. They were like an old-fashioned jetboat on snow rather than water. The army had two versions. One that sat two persons and the other four. Both versions were heated and covered. I decided to take three four-man units and ride three in each because it allowed extra room for supplies. Wilson went over the maps with my team and me. He estimated it would take three days from Hylan, to reach the location where we’d have to leave the snowgliders and hike into the Superstition Mountains. The eight-kilometer trek to the Gorillai’s designated meeting area would require another day.
“Lieutenant, you should be aware that weapons of any kind are prohibited inside Riss territory,” Wilson warned at the end of the meeting.
* * * *
In order to reach the city of Hylan by evening, we departed early the next morning in one of the garrison’s troop shuttles. Not surprisingly, Major Hickson didn’t see us off. Wilson estimated the two thousand kilometer trip would take about eight hours. He’d made reservations for us at the local hotel, the Last Chance. Appropriately named, it provided the last accommodations before entering the backcountry, which was officially the Riss’ territory. He’d also arranged for the three snowgliders I’d requested.
The scenery on the ride up to Hylan was spectacular with its open plains to the left and soaring snow-capped mountains to the right. The small towns we passed seemed part of the landscape, blending seamlessly into the surrounding land. We reached Hylan at sunset, and the temperatures had begun to plunge to well below zero. The Last Chance hotel was more like an old fashion bed-and-breakfast. The town’s people were excited when they found I was a Riss-human. Trisha Zann, now a Vice Admiral, had grown up in these parts. She wasn’t only well-liked but considered a planet hero. I found myself the center of attention, and we were treated to a small party, which included the mayor and other town officials.
The next morning half the town turned out to wave goodbye and assured me they’d have accommodations for us when we returned. Before we departed, the locals showed us the locations of old Ranger stations. They were no longer used but would make good shelter.
The first snowglider had Gunnery Sergeant Terril, Corporal Nuex, and the Riss-human Aldric; I rode in the second one with Sergeant Handel, and the Riss-human Egon; and the third one carried Gunny Valk and Corporals Sanxay and Adnett.
The trip through the Superstition Pass was breathtaking with its huge pine trees, active streams, and snow-capped mountains. Once out of the pass, we were officially in Riss territory, and I called a halt for the day.
“Team, we’re now in Riss territory where weapons are prohibited. Thalia informs me that I could grant permission; however, I don’t want the Riss to feel their rules aren’t important. I know how that feels. Because I don’t want to leave our weapons behind, I’m going to ask you to give your weapons to Aldric, Egon, or me.”
“Ma’am, do you think that’s wise? I thought fleet had determined them to be unstable,” Valk said. Several nodded agreement.
“Sit. Let’s eat dinner while I educate you on the Riss and the Riss Project, which some refer to as the Riss experiment.” I went on to explain about Zann and her Riss, and how that had led to a treaty with the Riss and current limited trial. “Although the Riss seek peace, not power, and knowledge, not materialistic things, we’ve discovered that not every human can tolerate having another thinking person inside of them. The humans, Aldric and Egon, are being returned for their safety.” I took a few more bits of my sandwich, giving them time to absorb the information.
“You’re asking us to give our weapons to the Riss, not
to the humans,” Valk said tentatively.
“Yes, Gunny.”
“Ma’am, you obviously trust...Thalia, and the others,” Terril, the only female in the group, questioned.
“Yes, Terril. Thalia and I talk mind to mind. I can’t lie to her and she can’t lie to me. Because the Riss are telepathic, they can’t lie to each other or to Thalia and me.”
“You said the Riss are controlling Egon and Aldric. Can Thalia control you?”
“Yes. But the Riss don’t want to control us. That would destroy them. They want to prove that they can be trusted and will be valuable allies. They want to integrate with the SAS, using their traditional host the Gorillai—not as Riss-humans. This experiment is very important to them.”
“Okay, Lieutenant.” Terril handed her rifle to Egon.
* * * *
Again we were up early, ate, collapsed our tents, and were on our way before sunrise. It took ten hours to reach the old ranger camp number five. We were happy to see the cabin. It would be a week or more before we would see a bed again. As we began unpacking, Thalia interrupted me.
When I concentrated, I could hear snowgliders approaching from two different directions.
When Thalia adjusted my farsightedness, I saw two four-man gliders. One approached from the north and the other from the south.
“Line up the snowgliders, we have company. Collect your rifles but keep them out of sight but handy.” I stood watching the gliders approach. They stopped within shouting distance. Two men exited each glider, armed with rifles.
“We want no trouble,” the man from the north shouted. “You aren’t armed but we are. Free the two Riss-humans, and you may leave unharmed.”
“We’re Wasps, not idiots,” Terril snorted.
“Interesting, Gunny. Four armed men in front and four to our rear. We must either give up the Riss-humans, retreat west into the open prairie, or east into the mountains. What do you think?” The men, whoever they were, had set a good trap.