Riss Series 1: The Riss Gamble by C. R. Daems

Author:C. R. Daems
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781489556103
Publisher: Whisky Creek Publishing
Published: 2011-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The next morning after a quick breakfast, I strolled down corridor six, not sure if this transfer constituted a good thing a not. I had no intelligence experience, even theoretical, as neither Prometheus nor Hephaestus covered the Intelligence functions. When I reached the guards, one watched as the other reached out his hand.

“Ma’am, your ID.” He scanned it and stepped aside for me to pass.

<I guess they need two because the one who held out his hand for my ID had his hand too far from his gun.>

<Looks like fun.>

I chuckled. Everything looked like fun to Thalia, even a confrontation with the Captain. The door had a large sign with large letters that read: “Stop. Authorized Persons Only.” I opened it and entered a room full of people and equipment. In a way, it resembled the bridge, except there was no view of the outside universe. Each monitor appeared active, some with pictures and others with scrolling script. As I looked around, a tall, good-looking Lieutenant swaggered over to me.

“Are you trying to spy on us, alien? This is a restricted area.”

<How does he think this alien got by the guards?>

<Pissing on tree.>

I smiled again. I needed to develop better control of my face muscles. Thalia had loved reading about the animals on the various colonies. She thought the practice of animals marking their territory amusing.

“Something funny, Lieutenant?”

“I’m here to see Commander Wang.”

“On what business?”

“I’m being assigned here.”

He walked over to one of the doors and knocked, and after a minute entered. With the door open, I heard the exchange.

“There is an...alien...Lieutenant outside. She says she’s been assigned to this unit.”

“Yes, Hendrix. Thank you.” It was a clear dismissal. I entered, closing the door behind me. I braced to attention and saluted.

“Lieutenant Reese reporting for duty, ma’am.”

“Fine, Reese. Now sit and we’ll talk.” She waved towards an empty chair. “Do you know why I asked for you to be assigned to me?”

<Because high-Riss.>

“No, ma’am. I assume it has something to do with me being a Riss-human.”

Wang looked at me, and a slight smile appeared on her face. As if she had made a decision, she nodded. “We’ve been watching you through your years at Prometheus and Hephaestus, your assignments in Shuttle Repair, Environmental, and Navigation, and your trip to Saipha. We’re also monitoring the other nine Riss project volunteers. Four have already rejected their parasite—”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but that’s incorrect.” I almost put my hand over my mouth. I didn’t mean to blurt that out, but her statement wasn’t accurate. If they’re watching, they should get it right.

“Which part, Reese?”

“Two of the rejections were initiated by the Riss.”

“The two you delivered to Saipha? Can you explain how you know and why the Riss rejected them?” Wang leaned forward. “Would you like something to drink?”

I realized this would be a long introduction and an important one for the Riss. This discussion would be my real evaluation. “Yes, ma’am, kaffa please.”

Wang crossed to a side table and poured two cups. She handed one to me before sitting.

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