Riss Series 5: The Riss Challenge Read online

  THE RISS CHALLENGE

  Book V in the Riss Series

  By C. R. Daems

  The Riss Challenge

  Copyright © 2014 by C. R. Daems

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from C. R. Daems.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  ISBN 13: 978-0-9911060-4-2

  ISBN 10: 0-9911060-4-0

  Check out all my novels at:

  crdaems.com

  and

  talonnovels.com

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  Freeland: Freedom

  CHAPTER TWO

  Freeland: Treaties

  CHAPTER THREE

  Freeland: Invasion

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Freeland: Compromise

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Freeland: Upgrading the JPU Fleet

  CHAPTER SIX

  Freeland: Blue Kraits

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Freeland: Wraiths

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Freeland: Six months and counting

  CHAPTER NINE

  Freeland: Damaass arrives

  CHAPTER TEN

  Freeland: Eviction

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  SAS - Eden: Surprise visit

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  UFN - Dunn: Reunion

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Freeland: Decisions

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  JPU - Alborz and Hayjar: Snooping

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Freeland: Decision time

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  JPU: Alien Invasion

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  UFN - Dunn: Unexpected visit

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  UFN - Dunn: Emperor Okuda

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  SAS - Echo: Mutual Support Agreements

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  JPU - Sarosh: Game change.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Freeland: The Wait

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Freeland: red-Wraiths

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  JPU – Usak: Hunting

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  JPU: New opponent

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  JPU: Quarantine

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  JPU: The Riss Obligation

  NOVELS BY C.R. DAEMS & J.R. TOMLIN

  PROLOGUE

  The war with the galaxy-traveling aliens has ended, thanks to the combined efforts of the Sadr Alliance of Stars (SAS), United Free Nations (UFN), Jahaba Peoples Union (JPU), and Riss. Whether the three nations would have won without the Riss is open to question. However, there is no doubt that the technology the Riss shared with the empires, their cruisers, and their willingness to provide a distraction while the invasion force entered the alien home base saved thousands of lives and shortened the war by years.

  As a consequence, on the one hand, the SAS and the UFN want to continue their Mutual Support Agreement (MSA) with the Riss. The JPU, on the other hand, consider the Riss beneath them. While the MSA provided military support, the Riss' primary contributions were technological innovation and support for existing hardware and software. Although the previous MSAs had been verbal agreements between Admirals Plimson and Zhu and Leader Reese, the new agreement was predicated on a formal treaty with the SAS and UPN, acknowledging the Riss as a sovereign nation with autonomous enclaves on Saipha in the SAS and on Dunn in the UPN, and that Freeland was an independent planet belonging to the Riss Nation.

  Admirals Plimson and Zhu have agreed to the conditions and returned to their empires, committed to obtaining a formal treaty.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Freeland: Freedom

  When I entered the Freeland conference room, everyone stood and began clapping. I froze, and my face felt on fire.

 

  Thalia, my ever-present Riss, sent an image of a ten-meter Riss scowling down at everyone until they stopped. Of course when you are linked mentally, it's impossible to lie or fake emotions, like pretending she didn't understand what I meant.

 

  Image of me as a bent-over old woman with a cane, facing a group of young people dancing and singing.

 

  I felt her grin, and my face cooled. The room had over fifty individuals: the eight Riss-humans and their security guards, the senior staff from the seven Riss-cruisers, and the Freeland elders.

  "I suspect you've heard the rumors," I said to smiling faces.

  "Based on the conversations we've been having while we awaited your arrival, we've each heard several versions," Ni'Shay said, smiling as the room quieted. "Ironically, none of them were all that bad."

  "Well, if you will get settled, I'll tell you the one I heard." That provoked snorts and laughs as people grabbed their drinks and found seats. Damaass startled me, when he handed me a cup of kaffa as I stood waiting. I nodded thanks.

  "Admiral Plimson and Admiral Zhu want a Mutual Support Agreement with the Riss, to include a sharing of technology and military support. The potential problem with the current MSAs is they are verbal agreements and, therefore, dependent upon Admirals Plimson and Zhu's support. While I trust them, they will someday be replaced, and the current MSAs will depend upon the new SAS Defense Secretary and his relationship with me or my replacement. The same would be true for any personal agreement with Imperial Fleet Admiral Zhu. I felt we needed something more substantial that would survive through the years. I asked that the UFN establish a Riss enclave on Dunn, and that both empires recognize Freeland as an independent planet belonging to the Riss Nation—"

  The room erupted into chaos as everyone started talking at once, and the elders huddled together. I made no attempt to bring the room back to order. In a sense, I had usurped control from the elders and citizens of Freeland, although they had been under SAS control since the Battle of Freeland. In reality, the SAS had delegated the responsibility to the Riss, who became the acting government with me as Governor. Finally, the elders returned to their seats, while Ni'Shay remained standing.

  "Interesting, Leader Reese. We, the elders, have always been pleased we chose to align ourselves with the Riss. You not only saved Freeland, but we have prospered under your...governorship. We have long recognized that the peoples of Freeland might never be free again, and given a choice, we prefer it to be governed by the Riss than by the SAS. So you have our continued support, but we need to understand the rules, now that the SAS is no longer involved." Ni'Shay sat, his face expressionless as were those of the other elders. I didn't blame them. The rules had changed. If the SAS recognized the Riss Nation as owning Freeland space, that meant the government, the laws...

  "Let me assure you that neither the Riss nor I wish to rule the people of Freeland, and that remains the responsibility of those individuals appointed as elders," I said to their visual relief. "Freeland will continue to provide Riss technology maintenance and upgrades for the SAS." I paused for a sip of kaffa, knowing my next remarks would be controversial. "However, the three empires must see the Riss as peacekeepers. It would be very controversial if Freeland were to begin producing warships, but I would like you to build up your merchant fleet. Furthermore, I believe the Fr
eelanders have earned the right for a second chance, and I do not rule out them becoming detached crew on future Riss cruisers."

  Again the room erupted into bedlam, as multiple conversations broke out among the various groups. It took a long time for the room to quiet.

  "I understand some of the SAS personnel are nervous about letting previous Raiders on warships and more so on a Riss cruiser. You are wondering how I can guarantee the attached crew won't cause trouble. I can't. We can screen people for duty on a Riss ship, but we aren't infallible. But I trust the majority have no reason to betray the Riss, whether they be from SAS, UFN, or Freeland, and in the unlikely event we fail, I trust the Riss. Just as a Riss-human's companion would not allow their human host to violate her ethics, the Riss would not permit anyone to use a Riss cruiser for evil."

  "Do you intend to mix people from different...empires?" Commander Byer, the senior Ghost fighter unit commander, asked, frowning.

  "No. I don't think it would be fair to ask crews from different cultures to work together after generations of distrust. It would not create the kind of relaxed environment we want on a Riss cruiser. Detached units would be entirely composed of certified crews from one empire," I said, thinking out loud. "Detached crews may solve another problem," I said, still evolving our new status. "Detached units need vacations if we want to keep them intact. What if we could give each cruiser's detached unit leave together, say for six months every...eighteen months?"

  "How would we do that?" Byer asked.

  "If we had two certified detached units in addition to what we needed, we could rotate through Eden on a regular schedule and swap the cruiser's detached units with those on standby. That could provide each rotated detached unit with a six-month vacation," I said, looking to Commander Byer and Colonel Seng, senior Scorpion unit commander.

  "I like that idea," Byer said, and Seng hesitantly nodded agreement. "Of course, it could mean the replacement unit probably wouldn't be on the same Riss cruiser it was originally."

  "Good. Why don't you and Colonel Seng get with you counterparts and work up a proposal for Admiral Plimson, General Garret, and me?" I smiled. "And I'd like the elders to appoint someone to continue work on a prototype for an unmanned sentry—eyes and ears, and maybe later teeth—to guard Freeland space." That generated a lot of questions. The elders had food brought in, and the conversations went on late into the night.

  * * *

  "You have everyone's head spinning, Nadya," Pavao said the next day at a meeting of the Riss-humans. We were relaxing in my conference room, having just finished a lavish dinner of steak fresh from Freeland. "How long have you been thinking about creating these new detached units?"

  "Nance, these ideas just burst out of me. Subconsciously, I may have been thinking about it. In fact, I remember mentioning to Admiral Wattson and Admiral Zhu that I could see a detachment of UFN crew on a Riss ship. As I remember, Wattson wasn't too happy with the idea. Of course, Wattson wasn't too happy with Damaass or Zhang becoming Riss-humans. I'm hoping if we demonstrate we trust the empires, they in turn will trust us."

  "Would you put a detachment of ex-Raiders on my ship?" Damaass asked, a smile partially hidden behind his unruly beard.

  "Certainly. They'd have more to fear from you than the Riss. Except your Riss companion, Vesta, wouldn't let you. You'd space anyone who betrayed the Riss and Freeland."

  "True, dybbuk. As usual, you're in our minds," He said and looked to Zhang.

  "Yes. A detachment of UFN would demonstrate your trust in the UFN; therefore, if the crew mutinied, it would be a betrayal of the Riss and the UFN. Neither could be tolerated."

  "Funny. I certainly agree when it comes to the SAS, yet I had to hear it from Damaass and Zhang to realize it's no different for them." Pavao laughed. "Well, Leader Reese, what now? The Riss are recognized as a nation, and they have their own navy and planet."

  "I think that is a question for the Riss. They needed us as an interface to the humans to gain recognition...and for war...but now they are free. I believe they should appoint a new leader for the next phase of their quest for the stars," I said, feeling relaxed and content. It had been a long journey. The agonizing years as a junior officer, tattooed and considered an alien to be distrusted, abused, and eliminated. Then the war years, submitting the gentle Riss to death and destruction. I felt more than ready to let someone else lead, preferably a Riss. As I mused, I could see the Riss in an eight-way conversation. Even after all the years with Thalia, watching the Riss talk among themselves in streaming vid, I felt like a five-year-old listening to an adult conversation. Finally, Thalia spoke in an open broadcast for all to hear.

  Image of the eight Riss with their arms crossed and shaking their heads.

  I sent an image of me with my arms crossed.

  Image of thousands of Riss shaking their heads.

 

 

  "Cethlion says that would change future," Pavao said, speaking for her Riss companion, who was named after the goddess of prophecy and had the Riss position of a seer.

  "You have to admit, Nadya. You have said many times that the Riss have an uncanny way of picking the right person for each position," Alena said, smiling as she took a sip of her wine.

  "But I don't have a clue," I whined.

  "Vesta says it's the wrong time to change positions," Damaass said, speaking for his Riss companion, who was named after the goddess who sees what is—not what others want you to see.

  Thalia sent an image of me sitting on a rock in a position like the ancient earth sculpture by Rodin, The Thinker.

 

  I felt the tingling sensation I always associated with her laughter.

  "All right Nance, you are now the Leader on Dunn," I said, smiling at the look on Pavao's face. "Take Zhang, Alena and Jaelle with you. I want you to form a number of UFN units equivalent to the current compliment of SAS Ghosts and Scorpions. I will begin forming equivalent units with Freelanders. Initially, we can use the new Riss Cruiser..."

  "Artio," Elissa whispered. "Celtic bear goddess of wildlife."

  "Artio, which Elissa will captain, and the Druantia, which Jaelle has, to train them." I was greeted with stunned silence. "Sheva and Elissa, you will work with the Riss, developing software traps that only the Riss can trigger. As Nance has pointed out, we have opened Pandora's Box, and I want to make sure no one ever uses a Riss cruiser or Riss technology to violate Riss ethics."

  "What about fighters? I doubt the SAS will want us using theirs," Damaass snorted.

  "Even if they would, I would prefer something unique to the Riss. You can lead the effort of developing the first Riss fighter," I said. Damaass's open mouth closed and then formed a huge grin.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Freeland: Treaties

  The next two months were a whirlwind of activity as design work started on prototypes for a Riss fighter and a Freeland sentry, and candidates for fighter pilots and commandos were recruited.

  I stood with Damaass, Sheva, and Elissa in front of a large group of Freelanders who had come in response to my call for candidates.

  "Good morning. I'm Captain Reese, a Riss-human, and with me today are Riss-humans Sheva, Elissa, and Da'Maass, who I'm sure you all know," I said using Freeland pronunciation, which generated lots of side conversations. Up to this point, they had been very quiet and nervous-looking. "This is an introductory seminar to acquaint you with what we are looking for, the process to qualify, and a chance to get your questions answered. First you will be interviewed by Riss-humans and Riss so that we can get to know you—previous experience, interests, and suitability. Da'Maass will tell you total honesty is more likely to get you a position than telling us what you think we want to hear. We know most of you were Raiders. The Riss don't care about your past. If you do, you don't belong here."

  "Your annou
ncement said you are looking for fighter pilots and commandos. What about crew?" A small middle-aged man asked.

  "The Riss cruisers were designed for the Riss. Consequently, only the Riss can crew one. And before you ask, Riss-humans are Riss, with the same goals and ethics."

  "How can you trust us?" a tall, dark haired woman asked. "We are ex-Raiders, or we wouldn't be here."

  "Your countrymen have demonstrated over the past few years they would prefer an alternative to raiding and have prospered because of it. If that weren't enough, I know the Raiders I came in contact with would gladly die rather than betray their clan. Mutiny or acts against the Riss would not only be a betrayal of your clan but would threaten the security of Freeland. From my previous experience with Raiders, I believe you would be less likely to betray your clans and Freeland than a member of SAS would be to betray his homeland—"

  That caused the room to erupt into chaos as many conversations began. I was content to wait for them to subside.

  "Why do you want humans on a Riss cruiser? Why not train the Riss to fly the fighters and to be commandos?" a broad-shouldered man with a scarred face asked to nodding heads.

  "Excellent question. The Riss are a gentle race I have dragged into the humans' conflicts in order to make them a free, space-going nation. Right now, the Riss are crew who are directed by Riss-humans in the madness of war. I do not want them to learn to kill—as a captain, or a fighter pilot, or a commando must. But at the same time, I realize that a Riss cruiser would be far less effective without fighters and commandos."

  "What about becoming a Riss-human...like Da'Maass?" A middle-aged woman asked.

  "I will not rule it out indefinitely; however, even with a reduced crew of two hundred twenty-five, the eight cruisers require eighteen hundred Riss. In addition, they have several hundred serving on SAS and UFN ships. And while the original population of three thousand grew by four hundred over the past two years, they lost two hundred in the war. That leaves only nine hundred to work the depots here at Freeland and at Dunn and provide relief crews. So for the foreseeable future, eight cruisers are all the current population can support."