Riss Series 5: The Riss Challenge by C. R. Daems Page B
Authors: C. R. Daems
Tags: Science-Fiction
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They will have the right to call themselves commandos, Freeland's Blue Kraits.
* * *
The first two months saw the remaining one hundred seventy shrink to one hundred thirty-one—one hundred eight men and twenty-three women. The training was confined to endurance and muscle building, basic self-defense, and reflex exercises in and out of mockup buildings. Twelve had quit for one reason or another. Terril had dismissed the other twenty-seven because of poor attitudes, slow reflexes, or an inability to keep up.
The next two months, weapons were introduced in addition to the other activities—the day got longer. Another twenty-one were released—five voluntarily and sixteen for poor performance.
The next two months, team exercises were added, the existing activities became harder, and the day got longer. Another twenty-eight dropped out or were asked to leave—seventy men and twelve women remained.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Freeland: Wraiths
"I say we send the dreamers home," Anca said, preparing for the meeting with the one hundred thirty volunteers the next day.
"What do you mean? Aren't we all dreaming of excitement and glory?" Iosif asked, grinning.
"Go home, Iosif. Flying is exciting and an adrenalin rush, but war is not like the after-action bullshit. We need to introduce some reality and hopefully get rid of the dreamers who really aren't a good fit."
"How would you recommend we go about that?" Sorin asked.
"Make the first month a lot of physical and mental work," Anca said.
"That might work. We do need to eliminate over half of the volunteers. I agree that not everyone is suited for war, and Leader Reese's fighter units have seen the most action of any of the Riss ships. And while she isn't viewed as reckless, her fighter units have seen heavy casualties."
"We have the specifications for the...Wraiths. Let's start with them learning the controls, weapons, and specifications for Wraiths and introduce some physical and reflex exercises."
"Agreed," Sorin said. Iosif said nothing.
* * *
"Good morning. For those who don't know me, I'm Sorin Ja'Kazak. I served with Anton Ja'Kazak during our raiding days. My companions are Anca Sa'Veltre and Iosif Ba'Tasuo. Like me, they are ex-Raiders and were combat shuttle pilots. We have been asked to select and train a group to fly and maintain the new fighters the Riss are secretly developing with our help.
"What about the JPU?" a tall young woman asked. She looked to be in her early twenties.
"They would not be happy if they found out. Probably kill us all, since I doubt the Riss are considering helping the JPU.
"But they are cooperating. We are upgrading their ships with their technology and producing missiles for their systems," a weather-beaten middle-aged man said angrily.
"If the Riss weren't appearing to cooperate with the JPU, their troopers would be running wild through Freeland today—like they did the first couple of weeks. I don't know exactly what they are planning, but you wouldn't be standing here today if they weren't up to something."
"Our first task is to select those of you who will be in the first group. We need ten primary pilots, ten weapons operators, and ten backups—five each."
"The only others we need are a couple of mechanics for each fighter," Anca said when Sorin paused. "So, be on notice right now that less than half of you will qualify. You will have to prove to the three of us that you are willing to work hard for a position on the team, that supporting the Riss to free Freeland is more important than your ego. Because we are going to take a very Riss-like philosophy and place you in the position we feel best meets the needs of this new unit—the Freeland Wraiths.
* * *
That first month, the three alternated between time in the classroom discussing the new fighter's specifications, conducting physical training, and working with the Riss on a simulator. Fifteen of the recruits voluntarily decided to leave, for one reason or
* * *
The first two months saw the remaining one hundred seventy shrink to one hundred thirty-one—one hundred eight men and twenty-three women. The training was confined to endurance and muscle building, basic self-defense, and reflex exercises in and out of mockup buildings. Twelve had quit for one reason or another. Terril had dismissed the other twenty-seven because of poor attitudes, slow reflexes, or an inability to keep up.
The next two months, weapons were introduced in addition to the other activities—the day got longer. Another twenty-one were released—five voluntarily and sixteen for poor performance.
The next two months, team exercises were added, the existing activities became harder, and the day got longer. Another twenty-eight dropped out or were asked to leave—seventy men and twelve women remained.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Freeland: Wraiths
"I say we send the dreamers home," Anca said, preparing for the meeting with the one hundred thirty volunteers the next day.
"What do you mean? Aren't we all dreaming of excitement and glory?" Iosif asked, grinning.
"Go home, Iosif. Flying is exciting and an adrenalin rush, but war is not like the after-action bullshit. We need to introduce some reality and hopefully get rid of the dreamers who really aren't a good fit."
"How would you recommend we go about that?" Sorin asked.
"Make the first month a lot of physical and mental work," Anca said.
"That might work. We do need to eliminate over half of the volunteers. I agree that not everyone is suited for war, and Leader Reese's fighter units have seen the most action of any of the Riss ships. And while she isn't viewed as reckless, her fighter units have seen heavy casualties."
"We have the specifications for the...Wraiths. Let's start with them learning the controls, weapons, and specifications for Wraiths and introduce some physical and reflex exercises."
"Agreed," Sorin said. Iosif said nothing.
* * *
"Good morning. For those who don't know me, I'm Sorin Ja'Kazak. I served with Anton Ja'Kazak during our raiding days. My companions are Anca Sa'Veltre and Iosif Ba'Tasuo. Like me, they are ex-Raiders and were combat shuttle pilots. We have been asked to select and train a group to fly and maintain the new fighters the Riss are secretly developing with our help.
"What about the JPU?" a tall young woman asked. She looked to be in her early twenties.
"They would not be happy if they found out. Probably kill us all, since I doubt the Riss are considering helping the JPU.
"But they are cooperating. We are upgrading their ships with their technology and producing missiles for their systems," a weather-beaten middle-aged man said angrily.
"If the Riss weren't appearing to cooperate with the JPU, their troopers would be running wild through Freeland today—like they did the first couple of weeks. I don't know exactly what they are planning, but you wouldn't be standing here today if they weren't up to something."
"Our first task is to select those of you who will be in the first group. We need ten primary pilots, ten weapons operators, and ten backups—five each."
"The only others we need are a couple of mechanics for each fighter," Anca said when Sorin paused. "So, be on notice right now that less than half of you will qualify. You will have to prove to the three of us that you are willing to work hard for a position on the team, that supporting the Riss to free Freeland is more important than your ego. Because we are going to take a very Riss-like philosophy and place you in the position we feel best meets the needs of this new unit—the Freeland Wraiths.
* * *
That first month, the three alternated between time in the classroom discussing the new fighter's specifications, conducting physical training, and working with the Riss on a simulator. Fifteen of the recruits voluntarily decided to leave, for one reason or
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