CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

  He looked away while she stripped out of her Tgren flight suit. He scanned the rows of flight suits, desperate for a diversion. After their mad dash to the Firenta, the lull felt unnerving. Byron tried to focus on their upcoming flight. His mind drifted to the possible outcomes. What if the alien device failed to scan Athee’s mind? What if it continued on its path and reached Tgren? Those thoughts were minor compared to his real concern. What if the scan rendered Athee brain dead?

  Glancing over his shoulder, Byron realized Athee was dressed. She fumbled with the snaps around the neck and he moved to assist her. Fastening the straps on the collar, he assured the suit was secure.

  “I’ll help you with the helmet when we’re in the cockpit,” he said in a controlled voice.

  Athee nodded and adjusted the sleeves. Byron checked her collar again and she held still, her body rigid and eyes forward. His eyes met hers and he hesitated. Her mind swirled with apprehension, but the mission itself was not Athee’s dominant thought. She feared she might never see him again.

  Gazing into her eyes, Byron realized he shared her trepidation. This Tgren woman had invaded his world, demanding a large portion of his attention and energy. He’d fought it at every turn, unwilling to share his life with another. Faced with uncertainty and a mission that might eliminate Athee from his existence, Byron now found he treasured their time together. He treasured her being part of his life. And he didn’t want to lose that wealth now.

  Acting on impulse, he pulled Athee close and kissed her. A level of surprise that bordered on shock flowed from the woman. It was replaced at once by complete surrender. Shields down, Byron experienced a connection unlike any he’d ever encountered. Her previous feelings of affection resurfaced, filling his mind and confirming his suspicions. Athee’s admiration and devotion ran deeper than mere infatuation. She loved him.

  Slowly breaking their physical connection, he stared at Athee. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she gazed at him. His hand still rested on her neck, and Byron reached up with his thumb to stroke her cheek.

  I will not lose you, he thought, determination pounding at his senses. Her hands clutched his flight suit even tighter and her spirits rose.

  Now, let’s get this over with.

  Moving with purpose, he retrieved their equipment from the bench. Byron handed Athee her helmet and gloves. With a nod of resignation, he led her from the room.

  The hanger was full of activity. Following the hanger officer to their ship, Byron noted several rows of Cosbolts entering the launch tube. Nintal’s squadron would provide cover, although he hoped to approach the alien vessel undetected. With any luck, it would not perceive the Cosbolts as a threat and would ignore the fighters.

  Turning his attention to their escort, Byron’s gaze fell upon a lone ship. He eyed the vessel with trepidation as they approached. His final flight in a Cosbolt, so many years ago, flooded his mind and his chest tightened. He could not allow this mission to end with the loss of another navigator.

  They ascended the stairs and Byron waited while Athee climbed into the cockpit. She wiggled her fingers into the gloves and he placed the helmet on her head. Satisfied with the seal, he patted her shoulder. Byron leapt into the pilot’s seat, burrowing into the padded cushions.

  Nintal? he thought, reaching out to his friend.

  My squadron will be ready for you, the navigator answered, his mental voice ringing with confidence. We won’t let you down.

  That’s why I requested you, my friend.

  Byron felt the touch of Nintal’s pilot. Successful mission, Byron! Ernx added, his thoughts radiating optimism.

  I will not fail, Byron thought as he powered the ship. Nor will I lose another friend.

  He ran through the systems check, including the functions of the navigator. Taxiing the ship into position for launch would fall to him as well. He would pull double duty for most of this flight. Despite their successful simulator run, Athee knew nothing when it came to navigating a Cosbolt. He couldn’t expect her to function in that role with any proficiency. Considering the gravity of the situation, she would be in no state to offer assistance, either.

  You all right back there? Byron thought, reaching out to his passenger.

  Yes. Glad we had a chance to practice yesterday.

  You let me worry about the ship’s functions, he thought, lowering the canopy. It sealed with an audible whoosh.

  I can still navigate! Athee protested. It’ll give me something to do.

  Her tension beat at his senses. Byron wished her first flight in a real Cosbolt was under different circumstances. Athee would’ve really enjoy this moment.

  Don’t be afraid. I’m with you.

  “Officer Byron?” a voice called over the com. “The schematics of the alien vessel have been uploaded from the Rennather.”

  Accessing the ship’s computer, Byron pulled up the layout of the ship. The section containing the scanner was highlighted. He studied the screen for a moment, contemplating their best approach. The device was contained within a deep recess. They needed to get the ship’s attention in order to activate the scanner. It was possible the device wouldn’t engage until the alien vessel reached the surface, but Byron pushed that thought to the back of his mind.

  Pressing his head against the seat, he glanced out the cockpit window, awaiting the signal to move the ship. Athee’s anxiety continued to broadcast without inhibition. Unnerved enough by his first Cosbolt flight in close to twenty years, Byron decided to calm his passenger with a diversion.

  Feel the teleporter? he thought, tapping into the device’s power.

  Her thoughts joined his as they connected with the unit. The inaudible hum of the teleporter pulsated in his chest. His ability to perform multiple jumps provided a closer bond with the device. Since she shared his skill, he knew Athee felt it as well. Jumpers were rare. Byron doubted two had ever occupied the same cockpit. Their unique talent escalated their partnership to unimaginable levels. If he and Athee were a real Cosbolt team, they’d be invincible.

  The com buzzed to life. “Officer Byron, move into position.”

  The ship rolled forward under his guidance. Byron paused while the launch tube opened and he slid the Cosbolt into the shaft. When the second door opened, his hand tightened around the throttle.

  Prepare for launch, he told Athee.

  “Three…two…one…”

  The ship raced through the tunnel and burst into space. Athee’s exhilaration filled the cockpit. Byron permitted a brief smile to cross his lips. Angling his trajectory, he joined the other Cosbolts.

  “Wide formation,” Nintal ordered.

  Taking his place among the ships, Byron followed the squadron’s flight path. Athee projected the position of the other ships, and he confirmed their placement. The purpose of the Cosbolt’s controls might elude her, but she understood navigation.

  As they rose over the Firenta, Byron got his first look at the alien craft. Its diminutive size surprised him. It wasn’t much larger than the Rennather. Yellow strips of light ran the length of its oval shape, illuminating the dark blue surface. The scanner’s location placed it on the underside of the curved nose and poised at an angle. The rest of the bottom’s surface was flat as if designed for landing.

  Let’s prevent that from happening, he thought.

  The squadron approached the alien vessel and reduced speed. Byron spied the other two flagships, each maintaining a safe distance from the craft. Lining up his ship to cross under the nose, Byron followed another Cosbolt as they prepared to make their pass. The lights on the underside of the alien vessel grew bright and pulsated with life.

  “It knows we’re here,” Nintal informed his squadron. “Everyone stay sharp.”

  Edging the nose of his Cosbolt higher, Byron confirmed the exact location of the scanner. He reached out with his mind to reassure Athee and she signified her readiness. Gritting his teeth, Byron flew under the alien vessel.

  The lights overhead were bright and
filled the cockpit with an eerie glow. A second later, the Cosbolt emerged on the other side. Byron let out a bark of disgust.

  It didn’t scan our ship, he thought, conveying his words for all to hear.

  Try getting closer, said Nintal.

  Any closer and I’d hit the damn thing!

  Athee’s surprise mirrored his own. Were we too fast? she offered.

  Byron glanced back as the squadron circled around the ship. Speed could very well be a factor. The alien ship and his Cosbolt were both moving at a rapid rate. Perhaps he needed to match the vessel’s speed in order to get its attention.

  Byron, I’ve been informed we’re running out of time, Nintal announced. We get one more pass before they launch the drones.

  Clenching the throttle, he made a quick decision. I need to rise up from below and pace the craft.

  You’ll have to maintain a constant speed. And watch your position.

  Touching Athee’s mind, he detected her willingness. We can do it.

  You be damned careful! ordered Nintal.

  Following their leader’s instructions, the squadron adjusted its flight pattern. Soon the alien ship filled the view over the canopy. Byron increased his speed until they were directly below the vessel’s nose. Maintaining their forward thrust, he nosed the Cosbolt up toward the craft.

  Help me get into position, he instructed Athee.

  Byron, are you sure?

  Yes. I trust you.

  Locking with her mind, he adjusted their heading according to her directions. Athee guided them closer and the vessel’s surface drew near. The indention that housed the scanner was directly overhead; its size suggested the Cosbolt would almost fit within the recess. Hands sweating inside his gloves, Byron brought the ship closer until the glow from the lights were almost blinding. The curve of the alien ship enveloped the Cosbolt. One wrong move and they were both dead.

  Why isn’t it responding? Athee thought.

  I don’t know! Its sensors must detect the ship.

  It needs to detect me. Come on, I’m here! she thought, her mental voice bursting forth. You must hear me. Please.

  Her mental voice cracked and Athee gasped.

  Don’t destroy my people!

  The force of her final cry caused Byron to wince, but it elicited a reaction. The lights of the alien vessel dimmed, and Athee caught her breath. A shaft of pale red light touched the nose of the Cosbolt. Byron held their position as the light traveled across the ship’s surface. He fought the urge to flinch as it entered the cockpit. Focused on the light, his arms trembled as he clutched the throttle with all his might.

  The shaft paused for a moment and he realized it was scanning his mind. Warmth filled his head, causing his hair follicles to tingle. There was no other sensation outside of the faint heat. Failing to find what it sought, the beam vanished from view as it moved to the other occupant of his ship. Their minds still connected, he listened for Athee’s reaction.

  A blast of pain burst from her mind. Byron’s eyes closed as his shields locked into place, protecting him from the searing fire. He squinted in desperation, his body trembling from the shock. The throttle shook in his hands as he fought to maintain control. He had to sustain their position and complete the process.

  Holding steady, he confirmed the Cosbolt’s placement within the recess of the alien ship. His mind still reeled, but he couldn’t lose contact with Athee. Byron reached out and touched only agony. Ignoring the burning sensation, he held fast to her mind. He couldn’t lose Athee now.

  Suddenly their connection was severed. Frantic, Byron felt for his passenger and tried to establish a bond. He groped for a stray thought or spark of consciousness, but detected only a void. He could no longer touch Athee’s mind.

  Athee! he thought.

  His call met only silence. Athee’s mind was empty. Cold fury flooded his thoughts, sending a shockwave down his spine.

  No!

  Byron’s mind touched the teleporter. Without altering his course or pulling away from the alien ship, he jumped the Cosbolt.

  The Rennather’s landing bay filled the view outside the cockpit. Commander Tencor would protest his choice of destination, as the Cosbolt belonged on the Firenta. Byron didn’t care. The exploration vessel was safer.

  Incoming wounded! he announced, broadcasting his thoughts to every open mind on the Rennather.

  Pulling back on the throttle, Byron threw the engines into reverse. The Cosbolt’s runners touched with a rough jolt as he landed the ship. The heavy fighter’s momentum carried it to far side of the bay and he brought it to a rest moments before striking the far wall.

  Officer Byron! the commander exclaimed, his thought loud in Byron’s head.

  I need medical personnel in the hanger immediately! Athee’s mind isn’t responding.

  He continued trying to reach her as the Cosbolt was pulled through the double doors. The computer confirmed she was still alive, but her mind resembled an empty void. The thought of losing Athee cut deep into his soul, causing a wave of panic in Byron. Heart pounding in his chest, he removed his helmet and gloves and waited with growing impatience as the Cosbolt was towed into the hanger.

  Unfastening his harness, he opened the canopy before the ship even came to a halt. Pulling himself upright, Byron realized the hanger crew was still scrambling to locate a platform tall enough to accommodate the Cosbolt. Unwilling to wait for an exterior foothold, he threw his torso across the divide between navigator and pilot. His hands grasped Athee’s limp body as it lay crumpled in the seat.

  “Athee!” he called, shaking the woman.

  When she did not respond, he pried the helmet from her head and tossed it across the hanger. Adjusting her body’s position, he rested her head against the back of the seat. Wrapping his hand around her neck, Byron felt her weak but persistent pulse. However, her mind displayed no signs of life.

  Ripping off one of her gloves, he grasped the woman’s hand. “Athee, come on. Wake up. You’ve got to wake up.”

  His mind projected his words as well, desperate to reach Athee. If she’d merely passed out from the experience, her brain would still be active. She couldn’t answer, but he’d still be able to touch her mind. He probed deep into her thoughts, desperate to discover any indication of life within the woman.

  Byron couldn’t detect any brainwaves, though. No thoughts stirred in her head. Her mind was empty.

  Pulling his body closer, Byron pressed the side of his head against hers. “Athee, please answer me,” he gasped, squeezing her hand. “Please wake up. I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

  Feeling tears come to his eyes, he squeezed them shut. The ache of loss gripped his heart, and he uttered a soft sob. She was gone.

  Athee…

  He pressed his cheek against hers, fighting the agony that threatened to consume him. Damn it, I can’t do this again, he thought. I can’t live without her…

  Something stirred within Athee’s mind. Byron grasped at the sensation, abandoning all inhibition. The ripple grew in intensity, and he clung to the thoughts as they strengthened. Suddenly, Athee’s mind exploded back to life. Byron uttered a tearful cry of joy.

  Athee, wake up now, he thought, leaning away to view her face. Byron adjusted his hold on her neck and gave her hand a gentle shake. Come on, wake up.

  Her eyelids fluttered and he sensed she was regaining consciousness at last. Uttering a gasp, Athee opened her eyes. Byron greeted her with a relieved gasp of his own.

  Welcome back, he thought, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

  Her brows came together. What happened? she thought, her mental voice hovering above a whisper.

  The scanner knocked you out. I couldn’t even hear your mind.

  Did it work?

  I don’t know. Byron pressed his forehead against hers. I’m just relieved you’re still with me.

  A loud noise caught his attention. Byron discovered a platform resting against the fighter. Medical personnel scurried up the lad
der, arms pumping in frantic strokes. The lead man reached them and knelt down to examine Athee.

  “She’s awake now,” Byron announced, the words cascading relief down his back.

  The officer checked her eyes and nodded. “We need to get her to medical for a full evaluation,” he cautioned, reaching for her other hand.

  “No!” said Byron. He leapt from the cockpit, his torso sliding off the divide. “I’ll get her.”

  Removing her other glove, he assisted Athee to her feet. She all but fell out of the cockpit, but he caught her in time. Securing his hold, Byron scooped her up in his arms. She managed to place her arms around his neck, her body limp. The medical officers stood aside as he descended the stairs with care to the hanger floor.

  She felt good in his arms. Drawing strength from the sensation, Byron held her even closer. He refused to set her on the gurney and announced he would carry Athee to medical. The two officers protested, but he kept moving toward the exit. The hanger boasted a larger-than-normal amount of personnel. Byron didn’t slow his pace to take stock of the onlookers. His only concern was Athee’s well-being.

  Byron stayed with her while the medical officers performed numerous tests. Her mind registered on every level and appeared fully functional. Other than exhaustion, Athee had sustained no permanent damage. Relieved by the news, he suggested she sleep for a while.

  I’ll be right here when you awaken, he thought when she opened her mouth to protest. I promise.

  Athee smiled at him and Byron squeezed her hand. She adjusted her head’s position on the pillow, burrowing even further into the medical bed. She drifted into unconsciousness, her mind slipping into sleep mode. Her thoughts stopped projecting and fell to a soft murmur. Exhaling a deep breath, Byron allowed his muscles to relax. At least this time, Athee would awaken.

  And I’m not losing contact with you ever again, he thought, his hands wrapped around her petite fingers.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Her body slowly roused. She wasn’t yet ready to leave the comforts of sleep. Wrinkling her nose, Athee buried her face further into the pillow.