Riss Series 4: The Riss Accession by C. R. Daems

Author:C. R. Daems [Daems, C. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure, Military, Space Opera, alien invasion
ISBN: 9781492751151
Goodreads: 18624721
Publisher: Talon Novels
Published: 2013-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

New Riss-human candidates

"Welcome and congratulations, you were selected by the Riss-human project team as candidates to host a Riss." Pavao stood in her conference room on the Eirene, surveying the four men and one woman volunteers. They were a strange mixture, as neither age nor rank was a specific requirement. Of course, one couldn't be too young or junior to meet the combat experience and demonstrated tactical judgment criteria.

She knew Captain Samantha Sheva, the only woman. She had fought with her at the battle of Freeland. She was a superb captain, smart and respected by those she commanded.

She didn't know any of the four men. Captain Aleksy was the oldest and had fought in a few skirmishes with the JPU. Captain Hywel had attended Camalus and graduated With Comment. Commanders Perrin and Ettore were the youngest, and both had been XOs.

"As of now, you have no rank. You've met the initial conditions for selection as candidates to host a Riss and become a Riss-human. Each of the current Riss-humans entered the program for their own reasons, which if you qualify will not be the reason you will be forever grateful you did." Pavao drained her cup of kaffa before continuing. "I'm sure you have all heard plenty about the Riss and the Riss-humans. Some of what you heard is possibly even true. For the next few days, I am going to give you the facts so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it appears right for you. If you still want to proceed, you will be interviewed by the Riss—"

"Don't you mean we will interview—"

"No, I mean the Riss will interview you. It will be your choice whether to participate, but the Riss will make the final decision on a host. Our experience has shown they possess an uncanny ability to know who will make a good match. The program has no quota. You may all qualify and find matches, or just one, or none."

"I thought you needed Captains for the Riss cruisers," Aleksy said, sounding frustrated.

"We already have Riss-humans who can command Riss cruisers." Pavao nodded toward Alena. "Alena is by any standard a fully qualified captain in normal times. But we are at war with a technologically advanced civilization and need captains with not only battle experience but demonstrable excellent tactical judgment. One day, Alena will command a Riss cruiser, but not today. Enough. The Riss are classified as parasites..."

* * *

"Well what did you think of the candidates, Alena, Elissa?" Pavao asked, then laughed at the blank stares. "Yes, you and your companions are part of the evaluation. You are to help them understand what it will mean to be a Riss-human, and you are also to be alert for any potential problems. We are looking for uniquely qualified individuals. We already have excellent captains—you. You both show promise and in time will command Riss cruisers. But the need is today."

* * *

Over the next four days, Pavao, Alena, and Elissa conducted a series of lectures about the Riss.

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