by C. R. Daems
“I’ve never met one. I think it would be exciting. Their appearance is scary, but they must be brave. They fought on the Snowcat.”
“What about a Riss-human?”
“That would be an honor. The Commander has the most battle experience of any officers in recent years.” She flushed. “She’s interested me, so I’ve followed her career.”
“What about working for a Riss-human?” I turned my face towards her. Nasty, but I had to know if she was being honest. Her mouth dropped open, she flushed red, and then braced back to attention.
“Thank you, Commander Varisko. We’ll let you know our decision,” Plimson said. Varisko braced to attention, saluted, did a perfect turn, and exited the office.
“With your permission Admiral, Lieutenant Commander Varisko is my XO.”
“Why, Reese?” He frowned. I knew why. He thought I liked her because Varisko appeared to idolize me. He was wrong.
“First, she recognized Captain Gebauer as inflexible, although she was careful not to say that. Second, she recognized Jordanno’s flexibility made him a good leader. Furthermore, she is not afraid of new things—like the Riss. Lastly, she reacted like Master Wei had when I first met him at Hephaestus. I asked him why he didn’t notice my tattoo. He said, I saw you, not your face.”
“Yes, those are valid reasons. Varisko is promoted to acting Commander and is your new XO. Her orders will be ready tomorrow. By the way, your cruiser is new. Trials have just finished. Do you have a suggested name?”
“Mongoose.”
“Yes, an excellent name. I can understand why the raiders don’t like you. I’ll let the yard know. Captain, I’m taking a chance on you. Don’t let me down. It’s not nice for the Chief of Military Operations to be wrong. Good hunting, Captain Reese.”
* * * *
For the next week, Varisko and I sat in the army’s training bay, interviewing potential candidates. We’d been at it for six hours and were mentally exhausted. I had filled two hundred of the four hundred navy positions and none of the fifty army slots when Terril entered, braced to attention, and saluted.
“Terril, thank the Space Gods you’re here.”
“The line was long.” She smiled.
“When did that ever stop you? Sit. I have some potential Scorpions and Wasps in bay 23; however, you’re free to pick any fifty you want. You have my authorization.”
“You want me to do all the work, Master Reese? You’re the Captain.”
I laughed at my XO’s expression. She sat there speechless with her mouth open and eyes wide.
“It’s no work, Master Terril. You already have a list of names. Go get them. I want them on board in two days. I’d like to leave in four. The raiders miss us. By the way, do you have a Colonel?” Varisko’s stare locked onto to Terril, like it would reveal some secret.
“No, I can handle any one you pick. Who do you have so far?”
“Higgins, Starken, and Van Herman.”
“Starken’s good.”
“See you in two days. I haven’t had anyone to fight in months.”
“I hope you’ve got a doctor picked out.” She stood, saluted and did an about face that would have impressed a drill sergeant.
“You obviously know her from before,” Varisko said.
“Yes. She has more battle ribbons than any navy person we’re going to take on this cruiser. Most were earned with me. I’d trust her with my life.”
“I wonder if you or she would take me on as a student. I’ve earned four knots and would like to continue learning.”
“Because I did?”
“In the beginning—now for myself.”
* * * *
I’d wanted to take all the Riss-humans with me, but Sakaata had called me and suggested Alena and Petra join her crew. She had been given the Cougar, a newly commissioned Hunter. She’d argued that the Riss-humans needed more exposure if they were going to be accepted. Beside, what if the Mongoose was destroyed—cheery thought—the Riss would suffer without a Riss-human to replace me.
I gave in. Sakaata and Thalia were right. So far, I’d been lucky to survive the three engagements with the raiders, when so many had died. It could happen, so I agreed to encourage them to sign on with her.
I’d taken the four Riss-humans aside after my talk with Sakaata.
“As you already know, I’ve been promoted to Captain and given a Light cruiser named the Mongoose. The mission is to find the raiders, not to engage them. That doesn’t guarantee we won’t see action. Captain Sakaata has convinced me it would be a tragedy for the Riss if all of us were killed, since there would be no advocates remaining for the Riss, except for Damion. Honestly, I’m not sure Damion would want or accept that responsibility. Captain Sakaata would like Alena and Petar to join her crew. She’s assured me you would be given positions appropriate to your current rank. Speaking of rank, your promotions to lieutenant commander have been made permanent based on your performances on the Snowcat and Leopard.”
“Thank you, Nadya... Captain.” The four said almost simultaneously.
“Nadya is all right when we’re in private.” I hated having to insist on standard military protocol when not alone. The Riss would consider it unnecessary; however, humans needed rank and titles for discipline and ego. “You have not only earned the promotion, but you have been a credit to the Riss.”
“I would prefer to stay with you Nadya, but I think Sakaata is right. Besides, she’s a good Captain and not hostile toward the Riss or us,” Alena said. Petar nodded agreement.
“I’m glad that’s settled. Jaelle, you’ll be in charge of the Weapons group. Elissa, you’ll be in charge of the Shuttle maintenance group.” I decided to leave Damion on Saipha—the Cougar could also be destroyed. The week had been a whirlwind of activity and surprises. It amazed me the power a Captain wheeled. She was truly a Space Goddess.
* * * *
Three days later, I sat in the Captain’s chair feeling like a young girl sitting in a grownup’s over-sized chair. I had sat in the captain’s chair on the Snowcat, when I stood watch as XO, but then I was responsible for the watch—not four hundred and seventy-five lives of which forty would be my Riss-sisters. Worse, this voyage would determine the faith of the Riss—success would mean more Riss on SAS ships. Failure might be the death of the program.
“XO, prepare the Mongoose for departure.”
“Aye, Aye, Captain. Comm, request clearance to depart station.”
“Station has cleared us, Ma’am.” I could see Varisko pause when Gelman, a lieutenant commander, referred to her as ma’am. I knew how it felt when people your equal or previously senior to you, deferred to you.
“Helm, ahead slow. Nav, plot us a course to Saipha.”
A few minutes later, Orroto reported, “Three days, four hours. XO.”
< I wonder what he would think if he knew we were checking his calculation?>
The tingle of her laughter felt good.
“Helm, half speed, heading zero-two-five by one-one-six,” Varisko said reading from the Navigational monitor.
“XO, you have the watch.”
“Yes, Captain. I have the watch.” She looked nervous. I could understand her apprehension, but I felt certain she would be a good XO as soon as she had a chance to grow into her new position. I hoped I would do as well as Captain.
A ripple of amusement followed. It relaxed me regardless of the absurdity of the statement. We were on our way to S
aipha to pickup additional Riss and then to find the raiders. I exited the Bridge and made my way to Intel. Two Scorpions stood guard. They braced to attention and no ID check.
“Morning, Captain.”
“Morning, Sergeant. Gunny tells me you fifty are the best of the Scorpions. I’m glad you’re aboard.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.” They grinned as I passed. I’m sure it was true. In any case, it was a Captain’s job to maintain the ship’s morale.
“Captain.” Iglis straightened as I entered. I had got her a promotion to Commander for this assignment. It was no present. She’d earned the extra stripe.
“Relax, Iglis. Why don’t you get Master Chief Drock and we’ll meet in your conference room.” She flushed before turning to get Drock.
The new conference room was smaller than the one on the Snowcat, but it had been painted a quiet green, the table a dark-brown wood, and the chairs covered in a tan leather-like material that still had that new smell.
“Captain it’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re well thought of among the chiefs.” He saluted, although it wasn’t necessary. I shook my head.
“I wished our ship’s Comm worked as well as the chief’s network. Sit. What do you have on the Vancil and have you isolated the raider’s merchant ship operating in the Oracle sector?”
“The Vancil is still operating. It surprised me, since you found the raider fleet. Chief Drock and I feel they aren’t aware that they’ve been compromised. The Vancil stopped at the Elbe station while the Snowcat was being repaired. We’ve just established they dropped off four men, who claimed to be visiting friends.” The overhead monitor showed the records they’d found. I’d dropped my guard and r-Anath had died for my failure.
I felt her grinning.
“Where is the Vancil now and what’s its next stop?”
The monitor flickered and the information on the Vancil appeared. It was in Wallowa and its next scheduled planet was Yamhill. I smiled at them. That was why I’d selected Iglis on the Snowcat.
“Watch the Vancil and try and determine which merchant is the raider’s other collaborator. My judgment was well placed, Commander. You and the Master Chief, keep up the good work.” As I rose, Iglis tried unsuccessfully not to smile.
Chapter 24
We had just settled into an orbit over Lanfal, which had no orbiting space station, to pickup another nine Riss. A time of conflicting emotions: the joy of taking the Riss to the stars and sending more to their deaths.
And it was too late to turn back. I’d committed the Riss, when I negotiated for the Snowcat. Now the Riss had gone too far to turn back.
“Captain Reese, are you looking for me?” he asked and stood when he saw me stop at his office door.
“Yes, Colonel. If you have a moment, I’d like to talk with you.”
“Come in, Captain. If you have time, I’ll have Sergeant Watsin round up some kaffa.”
Starken wasn’t what I would’ve thought of as the quintessential Scorpion officer with his receding-gray hair, round face with chicken feet around his deep-set eyes, and wide flat nose. Although his body was stocky, he didn’t appear to have any excess weight. Terril had told me he’d practiced Si’jin earlier in his career and had earned six knots. He had a silver star and two battle ribbons from skirmishes with the UPN. It just proved you couldn’t tell anything important about a person from his or her looks. He gave me a long thoughtful look as he took a sip of kaffa Watsin had served us.
“You have a unique style, Captain Reese. You merely had to request my presence, yet you chose to come visit me. In my experience, that’s a first. If you’ll pardon my candor, given you’re the youngest and most highly decorated Captain I’ve ever served with, I would have expected you to be more...pretentious. And if that weren’t strange enough, your a Si’jin Master and can stand toe to toe with my Gunny, who could put any Scorpion on his ass. It leads me to believe serving with you will be very interesting. Since I’m sure you had a reason for coming to see me, what can I do for you?”
“I’d like a favor, if you don’t mind.”
“Captain, that’s the nicest order I believe I’ve ever had.” He gave me a slight nod to continue.
“Not an order, a favor. You know I’m sending two Riss and a Riss-human, Commander Jaelle, into the Riss conclave along with a squad of your Scorpions. I’ve requested Gunny Terril go along, since she’s been there before. Major Hickson maintains a well-run garrison and takes his responsibilities seriously, but doesn’t respond well to new situations. I’m afraid if he learns shuttles are going towards the enclave, he might send armed shuttles after them and bad things could happen.”
“Sounds like you know Major Hickson.”
“Yes. The major and I met when I was a lieutenant delivering two Riss-humans to the Riss. He overreacted.”
“And lost the encounter. Yes, I can see why. You’re easy to get along with but, like a Si’jin master, hard to push around.” He laughed. “I’d be glad to talk to Major Hickson. I think an annual inspection of the garrison would be in order. It’s nice of you not to have him removed. Your recommendation would be enough, especially if it concerned you and the Riss.”
“There’s no reason. He runs a good garrison.”
A grin spread though me and I smiled.
“Is that the Riss... Thalia? I’ve been told she causes you poorly timed smiles.”
“Yes, Thalia finds everything amusing and frequently reminds me I’m high-Riss. But that’s a story for another time.” I left for the Bridge, feeling I knew the colonel a little better and had possibly made a friend.
“Comm, send the following message to Saipha Control, ‘This is the SAS Light cruiser, Mongoose. With your permission, we are launching a shuttle containing Colonel Starken. His destination is the Lanfal Garrison.’”
“Sent, Skipper,” Gelman replied. I smiled to myself. Skipper was a good sign. “Control has acknowledged.”
“Tell Colonel Starken he’s free to launch.”
I watched the shuttle descend into Saipha space. Four hours later, I notified Saipha Control I was preparing to launch three shuttles destined for the Riss Enclave. I thought that would be plenty of time for Starken to distract Hickson.
“Gelman, general message to the ship. ‘General stand down except for security.’” I expected a delay of four days. One there, two days with the Riss, and one day back.
“Why, Skipper?” Varisko asked. “We’re safe up here.”
“Varisko, the raiders have infiltrated the navy, probably the army, and certainly have contacts on most planets. And although I’ve no reason to suspect there’s one on this ship, there’s no guarantee there isn’t. That’s for your ears only.” I didn’t want a ship full of people spying on each other. The distrust would adversely effect moral and degrade the Mongoose’s effectiveness. On the other hand, my XO needed to know my concerns. While we waited, I reviewed the progress Commanders Marken and Orroto were making on the Riss solutions. They were doing well and had spent many hours in the simulator testing their knowledge and using the equations. Although I didn’t expect it, my direct reports seemed to be putting in extra hours.
* * * *
Two days later, Colonel Starken returned. Before I could arrange a meeting, there was a knock at the door.
“Yes?” I have yet to adapt to being a Captain. As a lieutenant, I had a utilitarian chair squeezed in between my bunk and a pull-down desk. As a lieutenant commander, I had a better chair and a slightly bigger room, and as the XO I had a large room and my own Kleanzer. As Captain, I had a good-size room with a Kleanzer, a conference room, and my own Scorpion security. It should have taken at least another twenty years.
I felt her satisfying smile.
“Ma’am, Colonel Starken wishes to talk to you,” the young corporal said, with the door open just enough to see me. I almost laughed at the thought. He was probably close to my age.
“Send him in, corporal.” I stood when Starken entered. I suppose Captains didn’t stand when someone entered their office, but it seemed right to the lieutenant commander who was impersonating a captain.
“Colonel, there’s kaffa on the sideboard, if you want.”
“Thank you, Captain.” He fetched himself a cup and sat in one of the padded chairs. “You were right about Major Hickson. He’s a good Garrison Commander; however, he doesn’t react well to new situations. He would have sent shuttles after ours, if I hadn’t assured him they had authorization from the Riss and the Mongoose’s Captain. I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t mention your name.”
“You did right, Colonel. There was no reason to upset him.” I was sure he would protect Saipha with his life. That was all that mattered.
* * * *
Two days later, Terril returned with the additional nine Riss. I was in the shuttle bay with Elissa and the other Riss when the shuttles docked. Jaelle exited first, then Terril. They stopped and saluted.
“Well, how did it go?”
“There was never any problem, and I loved it. I’ll never get over the experience of seeing the Riss,” Jaelle said.
“It isn’t quite the same without someone shooting at us,” Terril interjected with a grin. After everyone had exited, I assembled them in an empty bay. First, we distributed the Riss translators and arranged for three days of training. With the Riss’ ability to communicate via SV, I thought that would be sufficient to establish a good basic set of words. Then Elissa, Jaelle, Thalia, and I created human names for each of the Riss. That turned out to be a lot of fun for the Riss and us, as we matched Goddesses to personalities. Finally, Thalia and I assigned each Riss to a department and a job. I wanted at least two or three in each section and two more on the Bridge during second shift. They needed to learn how to repair and run a cruiser. I hoped one day they would fly their own spaceship. In the mean time, they needed experience. Since there was an experienced Riss from the Snowcat or Leopard in each section, I hoped the misunderstandings would be minimal. At a meeting with the section chiefs and their senior enlisted personnel, we developed a protocol for handling problems—Elissa and Jaelle would be the primary interface with me the last resort. I would have liked to be more involved, but I needed my full attention on our mission.
