Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession Read Online Free Page B

be mass revolt and chaos."
Stenberg said.
    "What do you plan to do with MacLin
and the Hunter Captain?"
    "Court Martial," Wattson said.
    "Many in the fleet will perceive that as an
unjust punishment, since many distrust or hate the Riss. Why not retire them? The
Riss do not wish them punished. They just don't want to serve with them. So
rather than promote the right officer over one with more seniority, either retire the senior officer
or assign him or her to the Home fleet." I looked around the table and
almost laughed watching the facial expressions change as they each considered
the ramifications. "I would think the younger officers would be delighted,
as it would open up opportunities for promotion and advancement. Others would
realize they were in the military, and if they wanted to fight for the SAS,
they had to conform or be moved out."
    Stenberg frowned.
    Wattson smiled.
    And Plimson laughed. "I had
expected one hell-of-a-headache from you, Reese. Of course , it's early,
but I like what you're suggesting. Sending people home who aren't fit for war will
not only save lives but improve our effectiveness and maybe improve
morale if enough opportunities open up." Plimson turned to face the elders.
"What about the clans?"
    Ni'Shay nodded.
"We elders of the clans have understood from the beginning we could never
be part of the SAS. You would never trust us again, so we chose to align
ourselves with the Riss, who held no malice towards us, and by extension the
SAS. We will continue to support the Riss and honor their decision ." He
looked to each elder, who nodded in turn .
    Plimson turned his attention back to me.
"Alright, Reese, what do you need for a MSA agreement between the Riss and
the SAS?"
    "I won't sign a mutual support
agreement—" I held up my hand before anyone could react verbally.
"I will make an agreement between you and me. A personal commitment for military
support and a sharing of all technology. Your word for the SAS military and mine for the
Riss."
    "Reese, you are the only leader who
would commit their nation on someone's word . I agree,
between you and me."
    "Admiral Plimson, I respect and trust you. I believe you would do
well as a Riss. We are each given a position based upon how we can best support the
Riss nation. If conditions change , someone else may be given your
position or you theirs. Today my position is Leader .
Every month or two, when I feel it's too much or that I'm not the best person, I try
to give it to someone else. The Riss have so far refused because , for
now , they believe I'm the right person for this position. No ego is involved. Each Riss is only
concerned with supporting the Riss, not her position, because they
are all equal." I paused for a sip of kaffa. "I believe you
are Riss-like in that you are only concerned with supporting the SAS and would
take another position if you felt you were no longer the right person for the
job. In
fact, I'll wager you've tried to retire , and they were smart enough not to let you. I know
you will do your best to support the Riss, and I will do my best to support the
SAS."
    "Agreed. "Now, Reese, what do
you want in return?"
    "The most important condition is
restoring discipline."
    "Agreed."
    "I'm resigning my commission in the
SAS. That will separate me from the navy, which has been a significant
source of resentment towards the Riss-humans. Many will be happy that we are
no longer in the SAS military. We will design new uniforms for the Riss-humans, which
will reinforce our separation from the SAS."
    "Agreed. Although I don't like it,
I understand your logic ."
    "The Riss cruisers need repairs and,
more importantly, upgrades designed to counter the Aliens’ tactics. I'd like that a
top priority."
    "Why are the Riss cruisers a
priority? Your ships are already better equipped to fight the Aliens than the SAS. You
proved that at Fools Landing," Wattson asked.
    As usual, I suspected the question wasn't what
he wanted the answer to. "How would