Orellen patted her back. “We’ll see each other when it’s over. I promise.”
Releasing Athee, he nodded at Byron. Grasping her shoulders, Byron pulled her free and guided her up the ramp. A wave of panic burst from Athee as they entered the shuttle, and Byron wrapped an arm around her middle. Hitting the button that controlled the door, he closed the hatch. Athee cried out as the door sealed and her uncle vanished from sight.
In the confines of the ship, her agony broadcast loud and clear. The sensation pounded at Byron’s temples. He blocked the memories Athee’s tortured thoughts brought to the surface of his mind. He had to keep a clear head.
Maintaining his hold on the distressed woman, he led her into the cockpit. She ceased to struggle and dropped with resignation into the co-pilot’s seat. Byron fastened her harness before sliding into his seat and preparing for liftoff. He signaled to Garnce and the two shuttles rose in the air. Turning away from the canyons, he placed a suitable amount of distance between the ships and the Tgren encampment. Tapping into the teleporter’s power, he jumped to the Rennather’s location.
Secure at last in the exploration vessel’s hanger, Byron shut off the engines and powered down the systems. The ship fell silent, allowing ambient noises from the hanger to penetrate the hull. The deep hum of the Rennather’s engines permeated the shuttle’s walls, vibrating the air. Unfastening his harness, Byron glanced at his unwilling passenger. Athee had not moved or uttered a sound. The woman continued to stare out the cockpit window, her breathing slow and steady.
Sliding out of his seat, Byron reached for Athee’s harness. She offered neither resistance nor assistance with the procedure. Her demeanor appeared calm, but he could hear the tumultuous feelings raging inside the woman. Dropping to one knee, Byron spun her chair and forced Athee to face him. Her body began to tremble. She bit her lip as if to forestall the tears that now filled her eyes. A gasp escaped her lips and Athee covered her face with her hands.
This time, Byron couldn’t just watch her cry. Wrapping an arm around her body, he pulled Athee closer. Without any inhibition, she grasped his neck and clung to the pilot. Byron didn’t know what to say and focused on calming Athee with his mind. He held her close as the tears gave way to short gasps for air.
“Officer Byron, did you acquire the prefect’s niece?”
Korden’s voice discharged with force from the com system. Reaching for the control panel while maintaining his hold on Athee, he pressed the button. “Yes, sir. Shuttles are secure in the hanger.”
“Very good. We’re breaking orbit now.”
Byron’s attention returned to Athee. She wiped her eyes with the back of one hand and took a deep breath. Raising her chin, she met his gaze.
“Come on,” he enticed, grasping her hands.
How will we know what’s happening? she thought, her mental voice heavy with distress.
Byron rose to his feet. “We’ll watch from the bridge, all right?” he said, gesturing for Athee to stand.
Leading her from the cockpit, they exited the shuttle. Byron maintained a hold of Athee’s hand as they strode across the hanger. She couldn’t run now, but his touch had a soothing effect on the woman. Selecting the closest telepod, he transported them to the bridge.
The control room bustled with activity. The commander noticed their presence, his eyes meeting the pilot’s for a brief moment. Korden nodded but did not order Byron and Athee from the bridge. Stepping away from the entrance, Byron selected a vantage point out of everyone’s way. Athee curled one hand around his arm and clung to the railing with the other, her grip tight on both. She stared at the elongated window, her gaze occasionally straying to the many screens surrounding the natural view. The large screen on the bottom revealed the view from behind as the planet began to shrink in size. The Firenta was already lost to the naked eye.
They observed the scenario in silence. Athee’s thoughts were troubled and filled with anguish. It was almost beyond comprehension that they might witness the destruction of every person on her planet. Byron couldn’t imagine losing everything he’d ever known on such a massive scale. When the day drew to a close, Athee might be only Tgren in existence.
“Commander Tencor on the com, sir,” an ensign called.
Byron glanced toward Korden. The commander nodded at the man and leaned on the display table.
“Commander, we have reached our vantage point,” he stated in a loud and resigned voice. “We will monitor the situation from here.”
“Very good. We will break orbit shortly and intercept the alien vessel,” Tencor answered. “The Cosbolt drones are ready and all three flagships will release their fighters in one hour. If the drones don’t stop that ship, we’ll engage the enemy until our shields are exhausted.”
“Understood. Good luck, Commander Tencor.”
Athee released his arm and grasped the railing with both hands. Byron rested a hand on her lower back, hoping to provide some measure of comfort.
What will happen then? she thought. What happens when that ship reaches Tgren?
Dropping his chin, he shielded his thoughts. It didn’t matter, though. Athee already knew the fate of her people.
Everyone will die, her mental voice whispered.
You don’t know that, Byron asserted. I’ve faced worse odds. There’s always hope.
She turned to face him, her lips pressed in a thin line. Byron detected a deep need for assurance as Athee edged closer. Fighting the conflicting thoughts as they arose in his mind, his shields dropped and Byron reached out to the young woman. He wanted nothing more than to comfort Athee.
Grasping the hand wrapped around his arm, Byron attempted to provide assurance. Athee pressed closer, her thin frame trembling. He felt her mind reach out, seeking solace. Byron allowed a connection. Balling his free hand into a fist, he forced his thoughts to remain optimistic. The Tgren woman drew strength from Byron, and he pressed his convictions even harder. Athee needed him, and that fact was strangely comforting to Byron.
His mind’s shields lowered, another voice entered his thoughts.
Officer Byron! What’s your location?
Frowning at the interuption, he leaned away from Athee. We’re on the bridge, Mevine.
We?
Athee is with me.
Mevine’s emotions spiked with excitement. Athee is here? Sir, that’s incredible.
What do you mean? Byron asked, meeting Athee’s concerned glance.
I know what the alien ship seeks!
What are you talking about, Mevine?
Sir, I’ll be there shortly to explain.
“Commander?” Seheller’s voice rang over the com. “We may have a solution. I’m on my way to the bridge.”
Athee gasped and reached for Byron’s arm. Puzzled by Mevine’s cryptic words, he shook his head. Together they pivoted to face the main entrance.
A moment later, Seheller and Mevine burst into the room. The young man noticed Byron and Athee, and his concerned expression gave way to elation. He bounded over to his friends while the senior science officer continued toward the commander.
“Sir, I cracked the code!” Mevine gasped, brandishing his computer pad. “We were wrong about the alien device.”
“What do you mean?” said Byron, reaching out to take the pad.
“It wasn’t seeking a level of technology.”
“Officer Mevine!”
Seheller’s reprimand caught the young man’s attention at once. “Commander, my apologies,” he stammered.
Byron felt Mevine pull on the computer pad. However, he wasn’t ready to give up the device yet. The screen displayed the alien encryptions, but his friend’s translation interested him more. Mevine tugged again and Byron glanced up as Commander Korden approached. The man’s brows were drawn together. He did not sense disapproval of conduct as much as interest.
“If it’s not technology, what do the aliens seek?” Korden demanded, closing the distance.
Releasing his friend�
��s computer pad, Byron straightened his shoulders. Mevine clutched the device close and cowered as the commander hovered over the lad. Officer Seheller joined them and came to his junior officer’s rescue.
“Sir, Officer Mevine just finished with his translations and discovered the objective. We believe it’s the development of psychic powers.”
Korden’s focus remained locked on the young man. Hands trembling, Mevine held out his computer pad for the commander to examine. Scanning the screen, Korden glanced at the boy.
“You’re sure of this translation?” he stated.
“Yes, sir,” the young man offered, glancing at his superior officer. Seheller nodded and Mevine swallowed. “When the device scanned the Tgren, it sought to confirm the development of psychic powers. But he hadn’t achieved the appropriate level yet, which is why it malfunctioned and sent a distress call to the alien vessel.”
“Sir, that same device is located here,” added Seheller, holding up his computer pad.
Byron leaned closer and noted the schematics of the approaching ship. The science officer pointed to a small section located on the underside of the vessel.
“If our calculations are correct, the ship will descend on Ktren and scan again for mental development.”
“But Ktren is empty,” Byron asserted, straightening his shoulders. “What will it do when it can’t locate any Tgrens?”
Seheller met his gaze and a look of fear crossed his face. “It will either scan the surrounding area or…” His voice trailed off and he glanced at Athee.
Byron locked his shields into place. He wasn’t about to reveal the possibility of total annihilation. Mevine was not so quick, though. Byron caught the young man’s thoughts of destruction as they transmitted unchecked. Before he could send a word of warning, Athee gasped and grabbed his arm.
“Or it will destroy every person on the planet?” she cried, glancing from one man to the other.
No one spoke. Byron sought to comfort Athee, but her mind was a jumble of violent emotions. He could think of no words to settle the young woman. Sighing, he dropped his chin to his chest.
“It won’t if it detects a developed mind,” Mevine offered, his voice but a hoarse whisper.
As evidenced by a lack of response, the idea behind those words eluded the others. However, Byron caught Mevine’s insinuation.
“What are you suggesting?” he demanded with indignation. “That we place Athee in its path?”
The young man stepped back, and Seheller moved to his junior officer’s side.
“The device seeks the full psychic capabilities of its experiment,” he stated. “No one else in Ktren tested as high as Athee. She possesses almost all of the elements…”
“Almost?” exclaimed Byron, growing more agitated.
“What elements, Officer Seheller?” Korden asked, his authoritative tone slicing through the tension.
“Sir, Officer Mevine discovered five psychic elements in the equation,” the man replied.
Byron clenched his fists. “Athee only possesses four.”
“That we know of,” interjected Mevine, casting a guilty glance at the senior pilot.
“Officer Byron,” said Seheller in a loud voice, “our tests only cover four aspects, but there are other mental abilities. Considering the strength of her known powers, we can only assume Athee is fully developed in all areas.”
“And you want to risk her life on an assumption?” Byron demanded.
Korden held up his hand. Brows pulled together, he faced his senior science officer. “Is this an option, Officer Seheller? I need to know your level of conviction.”
The man hesitated and glanced at his junior officer. “Officer Mevine is convinced. I support his theory.”
Exasperated, Byron turned away from the group. He was angered by Mevine’s suggestion. The device had all but destroyed Ullen, rendering the man brain dead. He was not about to allow Athee to suffer a similar fate.
“What do I have to do?”
Athee’s question, laced with resignation, startled Byron. “No!” he said, grasping her shoulder.
“Those are my people down there,” she protested, narrowing her eyes.
“We don’t even know if this will work.”
“But I have to try,” Athee replied, shrugging off his hand. She turned to Mevine. “What do I need to do?”
Seheller cleared his throat. “You’d need to be in a position where the device can scan your mind. A small transport should be able to fly you close enough to activate the scan.”
Athee licked her lips and nodded. “I’m willing to try.”
“Let me contact Commander Tencor,” announced Korden.
The commander gave orders to hail the Firenta and returned to the display table. Frustrated with the situation, Byron grabbed the woman’s shoulders.
“Athee! Do you realize what might happen? Ullen is brain dead now. What if that happens to you?”
“I’ve got to try,” she answered. “What if this is our only chance?”
“Damn it, I promised your uncle I’d keep you safe.”
Then help me! Don’t abandon me now, she thought.
Her soft plea was laced with fear. Byron flexed his fingers, still unwilling to acquiesce to her direct involvement. Athee’s hands grasped his arms and he felt her tremble. Sensing his own vulnerability, Byron released her. Narrowing his eyes, he nodded. Athee’s expression reflected her gratitude, and she managed a faint smile.
Irritated by his decision, Byron glanced around the room. Seheller had joined Korden at the display table as they awaited a response from Commander Tencor. However, Mevine had not moved and stood a few feet away. Byron’s frown deepened and he channeled his anger toward his friend.
How could you make such a suggestion? he thought as he approached Mevine.
Officer Byron, please!
Byron grabbed the young man’s shoulders. What if she dies? he demanded, digging his fingertips into Mevine’s bony shoulders.
He didn’t flinch, but Mevine’s body shook. He clutched his computer pad to his chest, fear and pain emanating from his mind. Too angry to care, Byron stared hard at Mevine as he towered over the science officer’s slight frame.
Sir, I wouldn’t have suggested using Athee if I wasn’t sure, I promise, Mevine thought, his mental voice filled with desperation. I know how much she means to you.
Mevine’s words were punctuated by a hoarse, audible gasp. Byron continued to stare at his friend, his jaw working has he processed the lad’s statement. Sincerity and a deep urge to please his friend dominated Mevine’s thoughts.
I hope you’re right, Byron thought, releasing the young man.
Commander Tencor’s voice reached his ears. Turning away from Mevine, Byron joined the others.
“Unfortunately, that alien vessel is shooting down anything larger than a Cosbolt, Commander Korden,” the man was saying, “and once we launch those drones, I predict all ships will become targets.”
Reaching the table, Byron glanced down at the display. The image of the Firenta’s commander occupied the center screen.
“We could return the Tgren woman to the planet’s surface,” Korden offered, leaning both hands on the table.
“I’ve seen the damage reports from this morning’s encounter,” Tencor said, his tone curt. “Neither flagship boasts full shields yet and my weapons officer doubts the drones will do more than slow the vessel. If you really believe we can stop this ship by another means, then we need to take action before the drones are launched.”
Grasping the edge of the table, Byron lowered his head. His chest tightened as he realized there was only one solution.
Sir, I need to get her to the Firenta now, he said in a private thought to Korden. A Cosbolt could take her close enough to activate the scan. But I need to be the one to pilot that fighter.
The commander glanced his direction and nodded. “Commander, Senior Officer Byron will arrive shortly. Since it will require a Cosbolt to get the
Tgren woman close enough to trigger the scanner, I recommend that Officer Byron pilot that fighter. He’s skilled enough to fly solo.”
Pushing off from the table, Byron grabbed Athee’s arm before he changed his mind. Sir, please request the accompaniment of Officer Nintal’s squadron, he told the commander as he brushed past Mevine.
Consider it done.
Leading Athee out of the control room, he located the closest telepod. Pulling her inside, Byron envisioned their destination
You’re flying me to the alien ship? she thought, projecting disbelief.
Yes. Damned if I’m letting anyone else fly that Cosbolt.
Athee’s hand slid into his, and their fingers entwined. Thank you, she answered.
They ran to the shuttle and prepared for takeoff. He requested exact coordinates for the Firenta, intending to appear just outside the hanger. She’d already jumped to the alien vessel’s location and joined the other two flagships. With the drones set to launch soon, Byron realized they didn’t have much time.
Chapter Sixteen
The shuttle emerged from its jump on target and Byron landed in the Firenta’s bay. He and Athee were out of their harnesses by the time the shuttle came to rest in the main hanger. Several officers were waiting when they emerged. A man with a hanger insignia stepped forward.
“Officer Byron, we have a Cosbolt waiting,” he stated, signifying they were to follow him. “You can suit up in our flight room.”
“And Officer Nintal’s squadron?” said Byron, concerned his request had been denied.
“They are preparing for flight now.”
The man led them to a room full of flight suits. It took a moment to locate the appropriate size and gear for Athee. She was tall, but slender. Suits were designed to fit a larger male figure. When they found the correct size, the man laid the suit across the bench. The hanger officer turned expectantly to Byron and Athee.
Byron frowned. “Out!” he ordered. Athee did not require an audience while she changed.
The man was surprised, but he didn’t linger. As soon as they were alone, Byron gestured to the suit. “I’ll turn my back so you can change.”
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