CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

  As her mind grew alert, she became aware of her surroundings. Subtle background noises reached her ears. A deep hum vibrated in her chest and an assortment of strange smells assaulted her nose. However, it was the presence in her head that snapped Athee out of slumber. Grasping her pillow, her eyes flew open.

  Byron’s wry grin greeted Athee. Still clad in his flight suit, the pilot rested on a stool beside her bed. He reached for her hand and gently untwined her fingers from their death grasp on the pillow. He didn’t speak, but his comforting thoughts drifted through her mind.

  How long have I been asleep? she thought, enjoying the sensation of his hand curled around her own.

  Not long. Maybe an hour?

  Wiggling her other hand free from the covers, Athee grasped his fingers. Byron leaned closer and enclosed her hands within his, thumbs rubbing her skin in a slow, rhythmic motion. His mental shields were absent and she was surprised by the level of affection residing within his mind. Drawing strength from his tender thoughts, Athee sought to quiet the one concern nagging at her heart.

  What about the alien ship?

  His smile grew. It’s currently on its way into deep space.

  The good news brightened her spirits, but something tugged at her thoughts. Athee struggled to focus on the wisps of information and images fluttering in her mind.

  What’s wrong? Byron thought, his grip on her hands growing tighter.

  I’m trying to remember, she thought, grasping at the reflections in her head. It was like recalling a hazy dream. Anxiety began to churn in her stomach. When that ship scanned me, I caught a glimpse of the beings who sent that ship.

  What did you see?

  It wasn’t so much a visual image as just a sense of purpose. Mevine was right. That ship was seeking proficiency of mental powers. We were an experiment. That alien race was trying to confirm our proper development. And if the ship hadn’t scanned me, if the appropriate level wasn’t discovered near the site…

  But it did scan you, Byron thought, reassurance flowing from his mind.

  My people could’ve been wiped out!

  Byron lifted a hand and placed it alongside her cheek. But they weren’t.

  Athee stared at him, trying to process his words. Byron’s thoughts were calming and a smile tugged at his lips. It dawned on Athee her worries carried no merit now. The ship was no longer a threat. Releasing all apprehension, she allowed her muscles to relax. Her people were safe, and that was all that mattered.

  Athee pulled herself into an upright position. Byron adjusted the pillow at her back and grasped her hand once more. She grinned, feeling triumphant.

  We did it, she thought.

  Byron opened his mouth as if to protest that statement. He nodded instead. Yes, we did it.

  She sensed more stirring in his thoughts and cocked her head. Byron’s chin dropped and he stared at her hand.

  I thought I’d lost you.

  His words were tinged with anxiety, an emotion rarely exhibited by the stoic pilot. Disturbed by his distraught feelings, Athee squeezed his hand. She’d feared death, but for reasons beyond the confirmation of her own mortality. Dying meant she would leave unresolved feelings behind. Athee craved validation of the words she longed to utter. She’d almost lost the chance to say them. If she didn’t speak now…

  Byron, I love you.

  Lifting his chin, Byron fixed her with a penetrating stare. I love you, he thought, his words causing her fingers to tighten their grip in response. And I’m not about to risk losing you again.

  Leaning closer, he grasped her head and planted his lips on her forehead. The accompanying thoughts of genuine affection filled her senses. No longer inhibited, Athee allowed her own feelings to flow freely into his mind. Byron leaned away, his eyes closed and a faint smile on his lips. Byron’s fingers stroked her hair, his touch full of purpose. Opening his eyes, he met her gaze.

  I know I’m not an easy man to get along with, he thought. And I’ll not deny I value my privacy. I’ve existed in survival mode for most of my life, but I’m tired of it. I’d like to enjoy life. The only way I can do that is with you.

  Athee’s heart beat faster. To hear Byron confess that he shared her desires overwhelmed her senses. She wanted nothing more than to spend her days in his presence. She had ached for a sign from this aloof Cassan for so long, anything that indicated he cared, and now Athee was enjoying a full declaration of adoration. Unable to contain herself, she smiled as tears came to her eyes.

  Byron… she thought, trying to formulate an appropriate response.

  His expression grew even more serious. Athee, I want you to be my mate.

  Jolted by his unexpected words, Athee’s mouth fell open. Abandoning all pretext of restraint, she leaned forward and threw her arms around his neck. His hands pressed against her back and she delighted in the sensation. Byron’s physical touch was accompanied by an open connection with her mind stronger than their moments together in flight. Athee didn’t fully understand bonding, but if it meant his thoughts would always be available, she relished the idea. At last, she’d gain some insight into this reserved, but genuine man.

  A sound reached her ears and Byron pulled away. A medical officer had entered the room to check on Athee. She responded to his questions in a polite manner. However, the interruption annoyed her. Couldn’t this have waited just five more minutes?

  Don’t worry. We’ve plenty of time ahead of us.

  Pleased with that thought, her muscles relaxed.

  Informing Athee she’d be discharged soon, the man departed. As he stepped out of the room, she noticed someone in the hallway. The person appeared to be hiding behind the doorframe, afraid to enter. She glanced at Byron and he winked.

  “Mevine, I said you could enter!” he called.

  The young man stepped into view, his shoulders down, and he peered anxiously into the room. Byron gestured him forward. Mevine took a few timid steps toward the bed.

  “I…I wanted to be sure you were all right,” he stammered. His balled fists moved with a nervous quiver at his sides.

  Athee smiled to quiet his fears. “I’m fine.”

  “No permanent damage,” Byron added, resting his hand across hers. “Technician even said she can leave medical soon.”

  Mevine’s expression was one of relief. “That’s good news.”

  He shuffled his feet and glanced down. His troubled thoughts, straightforward and unshielded, tugged at her heart. Athee waited for Byron’s friend to compose himself. Mevine’s brows came together and his shoulders drooped further.

  “Officer Byron, Athee, I am really sorry I put you in such a dangerous situation. I was just so sure of my calculations that I didn’t stop to think that you might get hurt or even die. I just wanted to apologize...”

  “Mevine!” said Athee, exasperated by his self-defamation. “You saved my people.”

  He paused, mouth ajar. Brows coming together, the young man shook his head. “You’re the one who took the risk. I didn’t do anything…”

  “Except break the code and come up with a solution,” said Byron, finishing his sentence. “That makes you a hero.”

  Mevine’s eyes grew wide. His fingers uncurled, hanging limply at his sides. Shock and disbelief rippled from his mind as he stared at them.

  In Athee’s mind, Byron chuckled.

  “Remember what I told you? That you’d do something heroic on this assignment? You should’ve believed me.” He leaned back on his stool. “And I’m sorry I was so harsh with you on the bridge. I should’ve trusted you as well.”

  His friend smiled at last, his anxiety subsiding. Byron continued to reassure Mevine and apologized again for berating the boy. Athee sensed Mevine’s distress stemmed as much from his perceived loss of a friend as from the possibility of her demise. The science officer was very devoted to his idol. Aware of Byron’s feelings, she realized he was just as devoted to Mevine.

  Athee remained silent, content to listen to their conversati
on. She focused on Byron’s hand curled around her fingers, enjoying the warmth and sense of connection it provided. More than once, she caught Mevine’s attention shifting to their hands. His obvious interest amused Athee. Whether out of shyness or respect for Byron, he left the room without commenting on their physical contact.

  When cleared to leave medical, clean clothes were brought to her room. The Cassan outfit hung loose on her frame, billowing from her arms. Athee decided it would suffice for now. She needed to retrieve her Tgren flight suit from the Firenta at some point.

  “We need to return the Firenta’s missing Cosbolt as well,” Byron announced with a grin when he entered her room. He picked up her Cassan flight suit and flung it over his shoulder.

  “Are you in trouble for bringing it here?” she said, adjusting the fall of her sleeves.

  “Korden explained to Commander Tencor that my primary goal was to ensure your safety. The Rennather’s location meant it was out of harm’s way; thus it was the logical choice.”

  Athee straightened her shoulders, tired of fussing with the material. Byron grasped her shoulder, his thoughts possessive.

  “And I wasn’t trusting your life to strangers.”

  Giving her arm a squeeze, he gestured toward the hallway. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. We’ll return the Cosbolt later.”

  He led her from the room and into the hall. Athee glanced at the other rooms as they passed. Most of the beds were empty, but she noticed two occupied by sleeping men. She paused at the second doorway when she caught sight of the man’s face. The dark complexion and black hair could only belong to a Tgren.

  “Is that the man I helped carry out?” she asked, grasping the doorframe. Byron’s hand pressed against her lower back.

  “No, I’m afraid he didn’t make it. That is Ullen, the scientist who was scanned by the alien device on your planet.”

  Athee stared at the man. His head was bandaged, as was his chest and right arm. Every computer screen above his bed was lit up with bright lights, their function beyond her comprehension. A mask covered his mouth and numerous tubes snaked from the machines to his body. She reached out to touch his mind but felt nothing. The sensation distressed Athee.

  “His mind was wiped clean by the device. He’s alive, but essentially brain dead,” Byron said in a gentle voice. “After you were scanned, I feared the same thing had happened to you.”

  Glancing at Byron, she noted his solemn expression. Her gaze returned to the man and Athee felt a strange sensation. Something stirred within her mind. Following the subtle guidance, she approached the man’s bed.

  Looking down at Ullen, she noticed something puzzling in his appearance. His body exuded no heat. Glancing at Byron, Athee noticed a warmth surrounding him that was absent in the Tgren. Puzzled by the differences, she leaned closer to the man in the bed.

  “What is it?” Byron asked, moving to her side. He’d obviously picked up on her conflicting emotions.

  Athee shook her head. Stretching out her hand, she rested her fingers on the man’s right temple. The coldness seemed to permeate the very depths of Ullen’s mind. However, the absence of brain activity didn’t stem from an empty mind. His thoughts seemed frozen and unable to respond.

  “He’s not brain dead,” she announced.

  “How can you tell?”

  “I hear him.”Closing her eyes, Athee focused on Ullen’s mind. It was as if his brain lacked a pulse. A body without a heartbeat died. However, the man’s mind was still alive. It just needed a jump-start. If she provided a strong enough jolt, it might bring his thoughts alive and shatter the frozen barrier. She simply had to concentrate…

  A sensation similar to teleportation seized her chest. Recalling her endless hours of training with Byron, she tapped into that energy. Concentrating on Ullen’s mind, Athee poured the burst of energy into reaching his trapped thoughts.

  Hear me!

  Her efforts impacted his brain with the equivalent of a lightning bolt. Ullen’s mind responded with a ripple of thought extending outward as it traveled. Similar to the effects of the morning sun rising on the desert, the flower of his mind opened and bloomed. Within seconds, only warmth emanated from the man.

  Athee opened her eyes. She felt Byron grab her arm.

  “Athee! His mind’s active again.”

  She removed her fingers from his temple. Ullen’s eyelids fluttered in an attempt to open.

  “We need a medical officer in here immediately!” Byron bellowed, his fingers still wrapped around Athee’s elbow.

  Taking a step back, Athee continued to stare at the man as he returned to consciousness. Now that she was no longer connected to Ullen’s mind, she could sense Byron’s stunned disbelief. Straightening her shoulders, she met his wide eyes.

  How did you do that?

  I’m not sure…

  Two medical officers ran into the room. One bent over Ullen while the other checked the monitor. The Tgren started to struggle and pulled at his mask. Confusion filled his mind and Athee reached out to comfort the man.

  It’s all right. You’re aboard the Cassan ship. You were brought here because of injuries received at the alien site.

  Ullen peered up at her and she smiled in assurance. He became still and allowed the medical officer to readjust the mask. The man at the monitors gasped.

  “His brain’s functioning again. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  “You healed him,” Byron announced, as stunned as the medical personnel.

  Both officers ceased their examinations and stared at Athee. “But how?” one stammered, his voice filled with awe.

  “I sensed his mind was still intact but…frozen,” she explained. “Ullen needed a jolt to restart his brainwaves.”

  The man at the monitor shook his head. “I’ve never seen this done before. I don’t even know of a race capable of healing the mind.”

  Byron twisted her body to face him. “The fifth area of psychic ability?” he asked in a hushed tone.

  The implications of such a talent struck Athee with force. The power to reach a silent or injured mind would be invaluable. If she possessed the ability, then other Tgrens were capable as well. Lifting her chin, she winked at Byron.

  “At least we know what it is now,” she stated.

  “We need to inform the commander,” he replied.

  “Officer Narunva will be interested as well,” the medic offered.

  Athee smiled, delighted by the discovery. Byron’s hand dropped to her fingers, securing a tight hold.

  “We’ll inform everyone after we eat,” he declared. I don’t know about you, but right now, I am starving!

  Athee laughed and agreed with his plan. If they didn’t eat first, they might not find another opportunity for hours. Glancing one more time at Ullen, she allowed Byron to lead her from the room.

  As they exited the medical facility, he cast a suspicious glance her direction. Any more surprises I should know about?

  Athee flashed a wicked grin. If I told you, then they wouldn’t be surprises, would they?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Byron announced his presence and was given permission to enter. He strode into Korden’s office with a bounce in his step.

  “You wanted to see me, sir?” he said, standing at attention.

  The commander looked away from his computer screen. “Take a seat, Byron,” he instructed, leaning back in his chair.

  The absence of a formal title with his name piqued Byron’s curiosity. After serving together for fifteen years, the commander’s relationship with him resided at a level different than with other officers on the ship. Korden and Anceptor had returned a few minutes ago from diplomatic negotiations on the surface. Byron assumed he was about to receive privy information. Eager to hear the latest developments, he slid into the chair across from Korden.

  “The Tgrens have agreed to allow us to build a base here,” the commander announced. “It will serve many purposes, the list of which continues to
grow. One of its primary directives will be further research on the alien site. Now that the alien equipment is functioning again, High Command wants a full analysis. They want to know more about the race that created that ship, as well as the possible connection to other races, including our own.”

  “Think we were an experiment as well?” said Byron, arching an eyebrow.

  Korden offered a light shrug. “It’ a possibility. That’s why High Command wants a science team stationed here. Those already present will receive first consideration, of course. I doubt we could drag those men from the site after the events of the past month.”

  Recalling Mevine’s excitement, Byron chuckled. The lad had bubbled with enthusiasm when he heard power had returned to the alien site. Now that his friend had a handle on the alien code, he was eager to translate every piece of information he could discover. Mevine wanted nothing more than to remain on Tgren for as long as the fleet would permit.

  “It would crush Mevine’s spirit if he had to leave now,” observed Byron.

  Dropping his hands into his lap, Korden smiled. “That young officer is not in question. His assignment here is guaranteed.”

  “What other teams will be assigned to the base here?”

  “Several squadrons of Cosbolts, along with a team of psychic and medical officers will be stationed on this planet. We will continue to test and train the Tgrens on the use of their psychic powers. High Command hopes to bring Cassans who’ve lost their abilities to the facility and revive those powers.”

  A ripple of hope traveled through Byron. “Such as those who lost their senses during the Vindicarn War?”

  “Precisely.”

  That was good news to Byron. So many men had lost their mental powers due to Vindicarn disrupter blasts. The chance to end the silence in their minds would be worth the long journey to Tgren.

  “We have one more day of negotiations before the Rennather departs for Cassa. The diplomats will remain for another week, and the Firenta will continue patrolling the area. This sector will become a rotating flagship assignment.”

  “We’ll have a base to defend,” Byron observed. “So, we’re going straight home?” The Rennather still had two months remaining in her schedule.