CassaStar (28 page)

For a moment, Byron felt confused and betrayed. He didn’t matter to Bassa at all …

You’re wrong.

Bassa’s voice was much stronger now. The deep echoes released a new flood of thoughts. What he could no longer recall from his parents, and had never experienced from his sister, Byron now felt from Bassa. The acceptance and understanding that had eluded him for years filled his mind. Bassa believed in his young pilot and was dedicated to remain as his navigator for the duration. The life of a troubled young man was more important than his own.

Stunned and humbled by his friend’s feelings, Byron dropped all inhibitions regarding their connection. He wished he knew how to reciprocate the sentiment and convey the depth of Bassa’s impact on his life. And at that moment, with his mind open, he realized that Bassa already knew.

He felt Bassa’s grip on his arm tighten and the sound of movement reached his ears. Byron hesitated, afraid to open his eyes. Reaching deep for the courage, he lifted his head and met Bassa’s gaze. Bassa squeezed Byron’s arm and released his grasp, stretching his back as he leaned away. Byron moved his arm, stiff from resting in one position for so long. Leaning back in his seat, he grinned at his friend.

Keep talking to me,
he prodded.

Bassa returned his smile.
What do you want me to talk about?

I don’t know. Pretend we’re on Guaard and I just performed a reckless maneuver. You never lacked for words then.

Byron!
Bassa protested, leaning forward.

Flashing a mischievous grin, Byron crossed his arms.
It’s true!
An idea struck him.

Tell me why you were interested in exploration. I’d like to know.

His question surprised Bassa. With a little prodding, his friend began to elaborate on his fascination with space exploration. Pleased to hear the man’s voice in his head, Byron was content to listen to his navigator talk. He now understood Ernx’s eager joy when Nintal regained his senses. After the cold silence, Bassa could occupy his mind all day.

They were eventually interrupted by a call from medical. Bassa needed to return for a full evaluation of his abilities. His senses appeared to be functioning on all levels, but Byron was anxious for positive confirmation.

All right if I accompany you?
he asked.

Of course!
Bassa replied.

Byron was permitted to observe as his navigator’s mental powers were tested and measured. Now a full day past the disrupter blast, his senses were operating at ninety percent. Full restoration would occur within the next day. Bassa was placed on injured reserve, effectively grounding their team until further notice. Byron felt he could live with that status, though.

You wouldn’t want me navigating right now anyway,
Bassa declared as they exited the facility.

I’d take you with limited senses over anyone else at full capacity!

Bassa requested the midday meal in his room and Byron joined him. The endless questions from their fellow officers would just have to wait until later. However, they did need to complete their flight report before the evening meal. Byron thought a change of scenery might be good, too.

The biosphere?
he suggested, aware of Bassa’s affinity for the peaceful surroundings.

He sensed his navigator’s pleasure before the man even spoke. The open connection certainly required adjustment, but if it assisted in Bassa’s recovery, Byron would leave his shields down for now.

Retreating to an isolated section of the hydroponics bay, the men focused on their computer pads for the next hour. Bassa appeared to take his time and paused on numerous occasions to contemplate his report. Byron reviewed his flight information several times, ingraining the final incident in his mind, before completing his account. He claimed full responsibility for Bassa’s injuries.

No. Don’t blame yourself,
Bassa instructed.

Tilting his head to view his friend, Byron frowned.
I should’ve jumped.

You followed my instructions. You are not at fault.

But it resulted in your injury!

That was my miscalculation, not yours.

Their mental connection revealed more, though. Byron straightened his shoulders and stared at his navigator.

“
You knew you’d be struck?” he demanded.

Bassa leaned back against the bench.
You were exhausted. I was reluctant to suggest yet another jump. That maneuver protected you while increasing the odds I would be hit instead. I made the decision and I’m willing to live with the results.

I know you just want to protect me, but …

As your navigator, it is my duty to keep you from harm,
Bassa stated, his authoritative tone silencing Byron’s protest. His expression softened.
And as your friend, I refuse to fail in that obligation.

Unable to think of an appropriate response, Byron remained silent. He still felt a jump would’ve been a better course of action. Eliminating the danger to both pilot and navigator was preferable to yesterday’s incident.

Bassa smiled.
I’ll try to get us both out of danger next time,
he promised.

You better!

At Bassa’s insistence, he altered his report.

With that task completed, they returned to their quarters. Bassa stated that he was tired and would sleep for a few hours before the evening meal.

You need anything, let me know,
Byron told him as they parted company.

Bassa paused at his door and smiled.
Now that I can, I will!

The rest was beneficial, as Bassa acted like his old self when he joined Byron for the evening meal. The moment they entered the dining hall, the other officers all but attacked them with questions and concerns. Byron sensed his friend was relieved he’d delayed a public appearance. Several officers had contacted Byron that afternoon, inquiring on Bassa’s condition, and he’d told everyone to wait until this evening. The attention was almost overwhelming, but Bassa appeared to handle it with ease. More than once he stated that it was his judgment, not Byron’s flying, that led to his injuries. Byron made one attempt to counter that statement, but a private request from Bassa that bordered on an order effectively silenced him.

They finally escaped the crowd in the dining hall only to be confronted by a junior officer in the corridor.

“
Officer Bassa, Officer Byron?” he inquired. “The commander would like to see you in his private office right away.”

Acknowledging the request, the men entered the first available telepod. Byron shot his navigator an apprehensive glance.

Are we in trouble?

Bassa smiled and shook his head.
Doubtful.

Arriving at the commander’s office, Bassa passed his hand over the press plate. They were told to enter at once and the doors slid aside. As they approached the commander’s desk, Kernen arose with a grin.

“
It’s good to see you up and about,” he declared, extending a hand to Bassa. “You had me worried.”

“
You know I’m tougher than that, sir,” Bassa replied, returning the commander’s handshake.

Kernen patted his shoulder and turned to Byron. “Officer Byron,” he stated, flashing the pilot a friendly smile.

“
Sir,” Byron answered, unsure what to make of the situation.

The commander gestured toward the empty chairs. “Have a seat, men.”

Byron slid into his chair, hoping his movements did not reveal his confusion. Kernen’s appearance yesterday had perplexed him as well. However, he sensed only serenity from Bassa and drew comfort from that fact.

“
I appreciate that you came to see me yesterday, sir,” Bassa said, stretching his legs. “My apologies that I was asleep at the time.”

The commander waved aside his apology. “Sleep is the best medicine after a disrupter hit. I just wanted to confirm your status with my own eyes.”

Now seated at his desk, Kernen turned to his computer screen. “I’ve reviewed your ship’s data and your reports,” he announced, “and everything appears to be in order. I see no errors in judgment, so as far as I’m concerned, the incident is closed.”

Kernen leaned back in his chair, the fingers on his right hand still grasping the edge of his desk. “Just glad you’re both still with us! Hate to lose one of my best teams.”

“
Thank you, sir,” Bassa graciously replied.

“
I still should’ve jumped,” blurted Byron. “Sir.”

The commander regarded him with patient understanding. “I respect Bassa’s decision not to place his pilot at risk with another jump. According to the ship’s data, you were already draining the teleporter. Even you have your limits.”

Byron nodded in acceptance, although he was still not satisfied with that assessment. The commander smiled and leaned forward.

“
Do not overestimate your abilities, Byron. Even with your unique talent, multiple jumps are taxing. Trust your navigator’s judgment. After all, he is one of the best in the fleet,” he added with a sly wink at Bassa.

“
Yes, sir, I am aware of that fact!” Byron declared, flashing his friend a grin.

The commander nodded and rose to his feet. “You will be on simulators tomorrow,” he announced as Bassa and Byron arose from their chairs.

“
Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.

“
Dismissed.”

Byron turned away, but Bassa paused for a moment. Glancing at his navigator, he caught Bassa’s wry smile and nod at Kernen before turning to join Byron. They exited the commander’s office and he wondered at the private words exchanged between the men. Byron decided not to ask Bassa, but he was curious if there was indeed a past relationship.

We used to fly together,
Bassa announced once they were in the hallway.

You’re friends?

Yes.

They entered the telepod and Byron turned to his navigator.
Must’ve helped when acquiring this assignment.

Our skills landed this post,
Bassa said firmly before winking at his pilot.
But yes, it helped!

Bank left!

Following Bassa’s command, Byron veered sharply to the left. The enemy ship mirrored their maneuver, although not to the same degree. Byron conveyed his next move to his navigator and the reply was an instant confirmation.

Reversing the thrusters, Byron spun the ship around to face their attacker. He fired at once, hoping to get in a shot before the Vindicarn responded. A laser passed under their wing, but his second shot found its mark.

That was close!
he thought, scanning the area for another target.

They’re getting crafty,
Bassa replied.
Dive!

Forcing the throttle forward, Byron caught sight of an enemy vessel passing below. It moved with great speed, but the new angle of their Cosbolt provided a clear line of fire. Holding his position as well as his breath, Byron waited for the precise moment. He sent a single shot and the Vindicarn fighter exploded.

Need an easy one like that now and then,
he commented. Byron felt weary after two weeks of constant fighting.

Incoming!

Byron swung the ship around to face the vessel. He was forced to jump when the enemy fighter fired before he could respond. Reappearing behind the craft, he accelerated and took aim. The shot missed its target as the Vindicarn veered sharply to the right and returned fire with a disrupter blast. Byron managed to avoid a direct hit and the ship rolled sharply on its side. Recovering from the abrupt maneuver, he pushed the Cosbolt to full speed. The enemy veered again, but this time he kept pace and fired two shots before the ship changed direction again.