CassaFire (10 page)

“
Athee!”

“
Uncle!” she countered. “I get so few opportunities to best my only cousin. Grant me this one indulgence.”

Orellen shook his head and reached for a fresh stack of papers. “You’re already a better pilot than Istaner,” he grumbled.

Allowing a laugh to escape her lips, Athee circled the desk and gave her uncle a hug. He resisted at first, affecting cold indifference. She continued to cling to his shoulders, determined to break down all resistance. Soon, Orellen grasped her arm, patting it with affection.

“
Just don’t repeat that in his presence,” he ordered. “You’ll give my son an inferiority complex.”

She planted a kiss on his cheek and released his neck. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Athee patted his shoulder and turned to depart. She felt triumphant in her ability to manipulate her uncle’s line of thinking and sway it to the betterment of her people. It also assured continued sessions with Byron, which was a personal victory. Athee wanted to discover her full potential. She also wanted to spend more time in the company of the Cassan officer. He presented a mystery she was determined to unravel.

“
One more item I wanted to discuss,” Orellen said in a firm voice.

Athee paused at the door and eyed her uncle with curiosity.

“
I want you to exercise caution around this Officer Byron. I know his type all too well. Unattached and lacking inhibition or restraint. I don’t trust the man. You be careful, Athee.”

“
I can handle the Cassan,” she stated with confidence, offering her sweetest smile. “After all, I handle you, don’t I?”

Her uncle scowled and shook his head. “Be gone!” he ordered, his attention returning to his work.

Athee retreated from her uncle’s office and grinned as she strode down the hallway. I’ve mastered you, my dear uncle, she thought. Now I just need to figure out what makes Byron tick.

The seven Tgren planes landed, and Byron waited until all were on the ground before setting down the shuttle. Cutting off the engines, he leaned his head against the seat and exhaled slowly.

The seven pilots under his tutelage were the best the city of Ktren had to offer, but they still lacked many skills. Athee topped the list, and another Tgren by the name of Erenta showed promise, but the remaining five made too many errors. Byron reminded himself their planes were incapable of tight maneuvers, which compounded issues. That still did not excuse poor execution of basic training exercises. After six days flying with the Tgren pilots, he wondered how any of them were still alive.

He rubbed his temples, grateful for the cool air in the cockpit. I don’t know how they fly in this heat, he thought, releasing his harness. Byron leaned forward and checked the ship’s systems. He needed to return to the Rennather soon for fuel. Perhaps he’d schedule a flight for this evening.

Glancing up, he noticed several of the Tgren pilots had gathered in the shade beside a hanger. He recognized Athee among those assembled, her long hair blowing across her shoulders. She and the others were listening to the tallest man in the group, a pilot named Istaner. Judging from his rapid gestures, the man was agitated.

Byron grimaced. Athee’s older cousin was difficult. The man voiced his opinion without hesitation. Istaner’s demeanor matched that of his father’s and he questioned every instruction. The man considered himself a superior pilot, but since his skills did not match his boasts, Istaner’s attitude annoyed Byron. His patience with the Tgren pilot was growing thin.

I should fly my Darten tomorrow instead, he thought. Get in some target practice.

Hungry and ready for a decent meal, Byron released the hatch. A small cart rolled up as he descended the ramp. The engine emitted a plume of smoke as it came to a jarring stop. Coughing, he pivoted away and noticed Athee approaching the shuttle. Byron glanced back at the cart as the lone passenger leapt to the ground. The two reached him at the same time.

“
Officer Byron, can you take me to the Rennather?” Seheller asked. “I need to retrieve a piece of equipment from my lab.”

His stomach rumbled in protest, but Byron could hardly refuse the senior science officer passage. At any rate, a meal aboard the ship sounded more appetizing. He might even have time to take his Darten out before returning to the surface.

“
Of course.”

The man nodded and returned to the cart. Glancing at Athee, he noticed a smirk on her face. She had mastered shielding, but Byron didn’t need to hear the woman’s thoughts to know she was scheming.

“
Can I come along?” she said.

Byron stared at her in surprise. “We’d need clearance first,” he explained.

“
So ask.”

“
Commander Korden’s not going to grant permission just because you want to see the ship again.”

Athee cocked her head and fixed him with a firm stare. “No, but he’ll grant permission so you can begin training me to teleport.”

Exasperated, Byron shook his head and grasped the frame of the hatch. He wanted a peaceful ride to the Rennather and an opportunity to relax before returning to Tgren. Instructing Athee on how to tap into the ship’s teleportation device did not factor into that equation.

Officer Seheller approached, a pack over his shoulder and a large computer tablet in his arms. Byron stepped aside and allowed the man entry to the ship. Athee placed one foot on the ramp and a hand on her hip, still awaiting his answer. He felt the pressure of her mind, prompting him to comply with her request. Her powers of persuasion were too strong for his tastes.

You don’t always get what you want, you know,
Byron told her, crossing his arms in defiance.

She raised one eyebrow.
No, but I was promised training, and that included learning how to teleport.

Byron scowled at her, annoyed by her reasoning, not to mention dogged persistence. Athee was the most stubborn person he’d ever met. However, if he didn’t acquiesce to her request, she would badger him all afternoon during their session.

“
Fine, I’ll contact the commander.”

He returned to the cockpit. Pressing the com button with force, Byron requested a word with Korden. While he waited, he seethed quietly. Byron couldn’t decide which annoyed him more–Athee’s obstinate demand or his inability to stand his ground. After facing countless battles and hostile environments, Byron had allowed a petite, unarmed girl to get the best of him.

Officer Byron?

He sat up straight, unprepared for a mental response. Byron didn’t like to bother the commander without good reason. Korden’s tone bore no trace of irritation, though.

Sorry to interrupt you, sir. I’m returning to the ship with Officer Seheller and a second passenger who requires clearance.

One of the Tgrens?

Yes, Athee. She wants to experience the teleporter and begin training on the device.

There was a pause.
Has she achieved an acceptable level of proficiency
in other areas?

Yes, sir.
Byron grasped the edge of the console, fighting with his next thought.
Achieved and surpassed.

Permission granted, but proceed with caution,
Korden instructed.
Remember, Byron, you are responsible for that young woman. She represents far more than just a Tgren with unusual powers.

Yes, sir.

Byron’s shoulders sagged in defeat. Running fingers through his hair, he stared at a patch of sand on the floor. Damn desert planet, he thought. Invading my life on every level.

Gaining control of his frustration, he arose from his chair.
If you’re coming, get in,
Byron informed Athee.

She entered the cockpit within seconds. He refrained from meeting her gaze, unwilling to witness her triumphant expression. Once the hatch was secure, he returned and dropped into his seat. Grateful she’d mastered shielding, as he didn’t want to feel her smug thoughts, Byron started the engines. He wasn’t about to allow her victory on every level, though. Athee’s second trip into space would not be as smooth as the first.

“
Byron?”

Gritting his teeth, he cast a sideways glance at his passenger. Athee stared at him, her head listing to one side. She offered a gentle smile.

“
Thank you,” she said.

He sensed her thoughts of gratitude and realized Athee’s words were genuine. Byron managed a curt nod before lifting the shuttle off the ground. Despite his original intentions, the ship’s accent was gradual. In any case, Seheller might’ve voiced displeasure with a rough flight.

First, you need to understand the process,
he told Athee.
When I jump the ship into space, focus on the powers I use to tap into the teleporter.

Check.

Achieving the proper altitude, Byron leveled the shuttle.
Now, concentrate on me.

Athee’s presence filled his mind. Shielding all other thoughts, he allowed her to feel his connection with the teleporter. During normal jumps, Byron used his own powers rather than drain the unit. Athee needed to experience a standard jump, though. Linking with the teleporter’s energy, he visualized the coordinates. The hum of the device loud in his head, Byron jumped the shuttle.

The Rennather became visible outside the cockpit, its surface reflecting the system’s sun. The burst of excitement from his passenger was simultaneous.

“
I felt it!” she cried.

Byron’s chest filled with pride, pleased with her response. He angled the shuttle for the landing bay, bringing the runners down without so much as a jolt. The vessel came to gradual halt and he shut down the engines.

“
You really enjoy teleporting, don’t you?”

Byron glanced at Athee, startled by her comment. He’d kept his feelings hidden during the jump. Had she heard his thoughts or was the woman just that perceptive?

“
Yes, I enjoy it,” he admitted, his gaze returning to the view outside the cockpit.

“
I guess some things can’t be shielded.”

Unnerved by that thought, Byron said nothing more.

Seheller thanked him for the transport and requested a return flight after the midday meal. Grateful for an opportunity to eat familiar food, Byron promised he would wait for the science officer. He asked the hanger crew to refuel the shuttle as well. Satisfied his ship resided in capable hands, he led Athee from the hanger.

She asked many questions as they traveled to the dining hall, eager to know more about teleportation. Once they arrived however, her attention was diverted by several crew members anxious to discover more about Tgren’s natives. Byron suspected their curiosity stemmed more from the fact Athee was a woman. He monitored their comments during the meal, prepared to intervene with a stiff reprimand if necessary. For the most part, he was able to eat without interruption.

Eventually he pried Athee away from her new admirers. Amidst protests, they returned to the hanger. The shuttle was fueled and ready to go, but Seheller was not yet present. Byron glanced at his Darten, sitting off to one side. With Athee in tow, he couldn’t take out his fighter as planned. He pressed his lips together, suppressing the disappointment that arose in his chest.

“
Is that yours?” she said, breaking into his thoughts.

Byron nodded and Athee grasped his arm.

“
Can I see it up close?”

Altering his course, he led Athee to the tiny fighter. Designed for maneuverability, it was not much smaller than the Tgren’s single pilot planes. However, that was where the similarities ended. Byron heard the woman’s gasps of amazement as she circled the craft. Waiting by the narrow, rounded nose, he let her explore the exterior.

“
I bet it’s fast,” she called.

“
Damned fast,” Byron boasted.

Athee came around the front of the Darten, one hand resting on the nose. She met his cautious stare and cocked her eyebrows. “Care to show me sometime?”

That question elicited a smirk from Byron. “You’ll see it in action tomorrow. Thought I’d fly it during our training session.”

“
Well, that hardly seems fair,” Athee said, placing her hands on her hips.

“
You’ll just have to keep up with me.”

Her indignant expression was priceless. However, he sensed she was prepared for the challenge.

Officer Seheller arrived a moment later with a small carton in tow. Byron ushered his passengers back into the shuttle and prepared the ship for takeoff.

This time when we jump, I want you to join my connection with the teleporter,
he informed Athee as they entered space.
You are to observe only, understood?

Yes, sir.

He felt her presence as he touched the device. Tapping into its power, he performed the jump. Byron was impressed with her aptitude and the ease at which she connected. Athee was indeed a fast learner.

Descending over the valley, Byron asked Seheller if he would prefer to land at the site.

Officer Byron, I’d appreciate that,
the science officer thought.

The detour only consumed a few minutes. After he’d delivered his passenger, Byron launched the shuttle skyward once again. Achieving a suitable cruising altitude, he set course for the Tgren city.