Free Riss Series 3: The Riss Survival by C. R. Daems Page B

meeting of the Section chiefs, XOs, Captains of the Merlin and Bobcat , and the new replacements. We met on the Lynx in an empty shuttle bay.
    "Attention,” Varisko barked as I walked into the room. Normally the presence of a Riss-human as Captain would have caused an explosion of raw emotions. But the news of my position was fairly common knowledge now and those joining the Freeland task force had been briefed before leaving Eden. Hopefully, those violently opposed opted out of the assignment.
    "Welcome to Freeland. I'm Captain Reese, the station commander. We're not here to punish the clans of Freeland. They have already been punished. We are here to monitor the Freeland Treaty. You should consider the clans as on probation. Part of that probation requires us to monitor outgoing and incoming traffic…" I spent the next two hours covering my directives. "Personnel has done their best to match your specialties with the personnel you replaced, but the section chiefs of the Merlin , Bobcat , and Lynx are going to make the final determination. When your name is called report to station one, located on your right. Welcome aboard."
    I left the makeshift stage and found Varisko. "XO, set up a meeting with Alena, Wachal, and Ommen for tomorrow. I'll be in security if you need me." I turned and headed for the off limits hallway leading to the Intelligence unit. When the two security guards on duty finished their cursory inspection of my ID, I entered the room. It resembled the Bridge with its multiple control panels and monitors. It was first shift and almost all the positions were filled. Chief Drock was first to notice me, and came walking over.
    "I understand you've earned your second knot." I said noticing a slight limp when he walked.
    "Good morning, Captain. You mean my second battle ribbon." He smiled. "Si'jin is brutal but surprisingly relieves ones tension. I understand why you love it."
    "I assume Commander Iglis is in her office?" When he nodded, I gestured for him to follow me. I knocked once and entered.
    Iglis came rocketing out of her chair. "Captain!"
    "Relax, Commander." Although, the Intelligence unit on any cruiser was independent and not under a captain's command, I had used my previous success while working with Intelligence to find the Raiders to get Iglis's temporary Commander's rank made permanent. She had been smiling ever since. "How's your surveillance of the merchant ships going?"
    "I've been checking the black boxes we installed on each ship and the data has been consistent with their logs. We've found no deviations and the captains have been very cooperative in answering any questions we've had. The best part is they are supplying us with information on activities within the JPU and UFN. We now have our own spy network in both empires." Iglis was bubbling with excitement. "I already know more about the two empires than SAS Intelligence. Before long, I’ll know their military strength and the type of ships and missiles they have."
    "To be honest, Captain, I was skeptical when you allowed the merchants to continue trading outside of the SAS. I shouldn't have been. You have a sixth sense when it comes to the Raid … clans. It's paying off big time. I still find it hard to believe how cooperative they've been," Drock said. Iglis nodded agreement.
    I nodded as I thought over her report. "Since it's working so well, why don't you contact SAS Security, letting them know of your success and see if they'll install a Comstat in Freeland." Although Iglis didn't report to me any longer, I think she thought she did or should.
    "You’re right. I'll bet they'll jump at the idea. Their network in the two empires is little better than hearsay and rumors." Iglis grinned. I stayed to have kaffa and reminisce about times pass. I missed being part of the Intelligence operation and poking around in the equipment.
    

CHAPTER EIGHT
     

Paid trouble makers
    "Hey, Nik, have you had any success getting on the