“We’ll be missing half of our crew,” the commander said with a chuckle. “Plus we’ll have two very important passengers traveling to Cassa.”
Byron permitted a smugness to tug at his lips. Athee had already received clearance to return with him to Cassa. However, the identity of the second person eluded him. One possibility crossed his mind and concern swept through his thoughts.
“Prefect Orellen isn’t coming with us, is he?”
A grin tugged at the corner of Korden’s mouth. “No, I’m afraid we won’t enjoy that pleasure. One of his officials tested as high as Athee in psychic ability, and the prefect has cleared the man’s passage to Cassa.”
“Good,” said Byron, relaxing further in his chair. “He can play test subject for our psychic scientists then.”
“High Command still wants a full evaluation of Athee, though. Teleportation is a rare trait in a woman.”
“Any word yet on my request?”
Korden’s fingers strummed the edge of his desk. Byron sensed resistance to his proposal from High Command and his defenses tightened. He’d made a promise to Athee.
“I believe they are taking it under consideration.”
“I would think a Cassan-Tgren Cosbolt team stationed here would represent a step of faith and strengthen diplomatic relations.”
“I stressed that point. And placed emphasis on her excellent flying skills and ability to perform multiple jumps. However, Athee’s citizenship might prevent her from entering the program.”
“Is that the primary objection?”
“According to Chancellor Dentex, yes. He said the other issues were negligible as far as he was concerned.”
Byron pressed his lips together. He’d discussed returning to Cosbolt service with Korden, and his commander was in favor of the plan. Assignment to Tgren wouldn’t be difficult either. It all hinged on his potential navigator. Byron would not fly without Athee as his partner. If citizenship was the only obstacle…
“Then please inform Chancellor Dentex of the elimination of that objection.”
Korden frowned. “How so?”
“By the time we leave Tgren space, Athee will be my mate, and a Cassan citizen by default.”
The commander’s eyebrows rose. It was a rare moment that Korden exhibited genuine surprise. Byron had stunned the man with his announcement. He’d not discussed it with his senior officer, citing the events and hectic schedule of the past two weeks as his excuse. If it lent strength to his request that Athee train as a navigator, then Korden needed to know Byron’s intentions. He also doubted the commander would allow her to stay in his quarters unless they were bonded.
“That certainly changes the situation,” Korden admitted. He fixed Byron with a penetrating stare. “You’re sure of your decision?”
“Yes, sir, I am.”
The commander leaned forward, pressing his elbows on the desk. A slow grin spread across his face. “Finally meet your match, Byron?”
“I’d rather think of her as my equal,” he replied.
“Is the prefect aware of the arrangement?”
Byron laughed as he recalled Orellen’s response. He’d expected resistance, and the man’s initial thoughts confirmed his prediction. However, Athee’s overpowering enthusiasm had negated those feelings. With little protest, the prefect had acquiesced to his request.
“I think it’s the only reason he agreed to Athee’s passage to Cassa.”
Korden nodded. “Then I will notify Chancellor Dentex of this arrangement.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Byron, I will miss your presence on the Rennather, but I am glad you are finally moving on with your career. And your life,” the commander announced, his voice carrying an edge. “I think you have made a wise decision, on all accounts. With Athee as your navigator, you will make an exceptional squadron leader here on Tgren.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve you on the Rennather.”
Korden smiled, and Byron sensed genuine appreciation and friendship in the man’s thoughts. He’d always remained on good terms with the commander, maintaining respect for Korden’s level of authority; however, he’d never considered him a real friend. Byron realized that in the passage of time, he’d forgotten how to develop a true friendship. Athee and Mevine had shown him the way again. The return flight to Cassa would provide an opportunity to solidify his friendship with Korden. He’d have time to rectify the situation
A little dense, but I’m still learning, Bassa, he thought. His door panel chirped, announcing a visitor. Byron grabbed the last two boxes on the floor and jammed them into his crate. Dropping the lid, he rose to his feet. Adjusting his flight suit, he brushed aside his recently trimmed hair and signified for his guest to enter. Byron was surprised when the panel slid aside, revealing not one but two visitors.
“Ernx, Nintal! What are you doing here?” he asked, gesturing them into his quarters. Both men exchanged handshakes with Byron.
“One of our shuttles was transporting goods to your ship, so we hitched a ride,” Ernx explained, leaning against the small corner table. “Couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye.”
“Especially since we rarely get to see you anymore,” added Nintal, his accusing tone offset by the smile tugging at his lips.
“Well, soon you’ll know where to find me.”
Ernx’s face broke into an enormous grin. “Yes, we heard you’re recertifying as a Cosbolt pilot and returning to Tgren.”
“That’s the plan. And I’ve been told there’s a chance I will be placed in charge of the six squadrons assigned to Tgren.”
“Byron, that’s great!”
“Congratulations,” said Nintal.
Ernx slapped him on the arm. “Glad you’ve decided to fly a Cosbolt again. I mean, I know why you didn’t want to fly after the war, but you’re too damned good a pilot to quit forever.”
“Thanks,” Byron admitted, glancing at the floor. “I made a promise though.”
At the sound of footsteps, he looked up just as Nintal’s hand came down on his shoulder. The navigator gave a quick squeeze with his fingers, his expression serene.
“And I believe Bassa would say you’ve fulfilled that promise.”
Byron nodded in agreement. For almost twenty years, he’d flown for an exploration ship. It was an adventure he would’ve shared with his friend if not for Bassa’s premature death. Between his promise and a reluctance to fly without his former navigator, Byron had remained in exploration. As Nintal had pointed out, he’d more than fulfilled his obligation. More importantly, he was healed and ready to move forward with his life.
Patting his friend’s arm, he offered a smile. “I’m sure he would,” he said. Besides, I have a new promise to fulfill now, he thought.
“Is it true that the Tgren woman will train as your navigator?” Ernx said, his voice tinged with interest.
“Yes, she will,” Byron admitted, crossing his arms.
Ernx let out a loud exclamation of surprise. Nintal stepped back and exchanged glances with his pilot. Defenses rising, Byron fought the urge to grow angry with his friends. After all, it wouldn’t be the last time someone expressed shock that his partner was a woman.
“Damn, if that won’t create a stir,” Ernx observed. “Hope you’re prepared.”
“I can handle it.”
Ernx flashed his navigator a wicked smirk. He shifted his stance and his boot heel came in contact with the crate.
“Sorry,” Byron said, reaching for the crate. “I was trying to rearrange this place before I retrieved our last two passengers from the planet’s surface.”
“You don’t have to share your quarters, do you?”
Ernx’s question was punctuated by a laugh. Lifting the crate into the air, Byron set it atop another crate nestled in his closet. He closed the compartment and stared at the door, his jaws clenched tight. Turning to face his friends, Byron noted their furrowed brows. Abandoning all traces of un
certainty, he straightened his shoulders.
“Yes, I do,” he said without reservation, “because I am taking Athee as my mate.”
Ernx’s mouth fell open and his entire body sagged in slow motion. The pilot’s stunned thoughts projected from his mind without restraint. Even Nintal’s composed expression succumbed to disbelief. His friends’ reaction did not surprise Byron and he prepared for some good-natured harassment. Navigator and pilot exchanged glances and gasps of surprise before Ernx let out a whoop of astonishment.
“Damn, I don’t believe it!” he proclaimed. “Byron, are you serious?”
Leaning his hand against the closet, Byron affected a determined pose. “Of course!”
Ernx emitted a bark of laughter and glanced at Nintal. His friend crossed his arms and shook his head.
“No offense, Byron, but I think we’re just surprised you would finally choose a mate after all this time,” the navigator offered.
“I’m not surprised by your choice, though,” Ernx added.
“Oh?” Byron demanded.
“I could sense the connection between you and Athee the first time we met her.”
Byron tightened his mental shields, embarrassed by Ernx’s observation. Had he been that transparent? Would he lose the ability to hide his feelings once she was his mate? That thought distressed Byron more than the act of bonding itself.
“You won’t regret it,” Nintal stated, his knowing grin oddly comforting.
“So your navigator will also be your mate? You always liked to do things a little different,” said Ernx. “Glad to see you haven’t changed in that respect.”
Sensing his friends’ approval, Byron nodded. He glanced at his computer screen and noted the time.
“Well, I hate to rush off, but our two Tgren guests are awaiting a shuttle ride to the Rennather.”
“I’m sure our shuttle is waiting for us as well,” Nintal announced.
Byron said goodbye to his friends in the hanger. He hoped years wouldn’t pass before he saw Ernx and Nintal again. Previous meetings had always evoked painful memories. Seeing his former shipmates no longer gnawed at his heart, though. Aware of the fragility of friendships, he wanted to maintain contact with those who mattered most in his life. Ernx and Nintal would always be good friends, no matter what distance separated them.
Emerging over the valley, Byron guided the shuttle toward Ktren. It would be over a year before he viewed the Tgren city again and he enjoyed the approach across the desert floor. The wind was minimal and he flew low over the colorful vegetation. The hanger crew had cleaned his ship last night, but Byron doubted all traces of the desert were gone from his shuttle. Sand from Tgren would travel to Cassa, exactly as he’d predicted.
Pressed for time, he picked up his passengers first. A small group waited near the largest hanger as he touched down on the runway. Byron powered down his ship and opened the hatch. Five men and two women approached. A small cart laden with several bags followed. Athee’s arm was wrapped around her uncle’s, her expression anxious. Exiting the ship, Byron waited at the foot of the ramp, his eyes on his future mate.
“Prefect Orellen,” he said in greeting, inclining his head in a show of respect.
“Officer Byron,” the man replied, pausing a few feet from the shuttle. Orellen glanced at the man beside him. “This is Second Official, Erndell. He will be accompanying you to Cassa.”
“Sir,” said Byron, nodding at the Tgren. “We are pleased to have you join us.”
The prefect gestured to his guards and they reached for the bags on the cart. Byron showed them where to stow the baggage and secured his cargo before returning for his passengers. Erndell hugged the other woman, promising he would return soon. Athee was equally involved with her uncle, and Byron gestured for Erndell to board the shuttle. Once assured the man was fastened in his harness, he waited at the open hatch for his final passenger.
Athee’s arms were around Orellen’s neck. The prefect met Byron’s eyes as he approached. The mistrust was absent now, but the man’s heavy heart revealed itself in his drooping cheeks. The prefect was distraught over his niece’s departure even as he envied the adventure she would experience. Orellen nodded at Byron and patted Athee’s back.
“Time for you to go,” he announced, releasing the woman. She clung to his hands and he beamed at his niece. Stretching out his arms, he indicated that Byron was to take her hands.
“I give her to you, Officer Byron. Please watch out for this precious young woman.”
Grasping Athee’s hands, he pulled her away from the prefect. “I promise to guard her with my life, sir.”
Athee’s emotions were conflicted. Her mind filling with resolution, she took her place beside him without protest. She offered a weak smile and Byron rested an arm around her shoulders.
“I still wish we’d performed an official ceremony,” Orellen said, his expression pensive.
“Our pairing will be no less meaningful,” Byron answered. “And once we’ve bonded, it will be more permanent than any ceremony.”
Athee’s smile grew and her eagerness bubbled forth. Byron squeezed her shoulders and his attention shifted to the prefect.
And thank you for entrusting me with Athee, he stated in a private thought.
The prefect straightened his shoulders, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’ve learned it’s best to acquiesce to a woman’s heart…and to trust her judgment.”
Grinning, Byron offered a salute. He couldn’t agree more with Orellen.
Coaxing Athee into the ship, he closed the hatch. His second passenger took her customary seat in the cockpit, and Byron grinned as she fastened the harness. His days of flying alone were gone. To his surprise, that idea pleased him.
I need to make one more stop before we return to the Rennather, he announced to his passengers. Athee cocked her head and he winked. “If I leave without saying goodbye to Mevine, he’ll never forgive me.”
Byron flew a direct route to the alien site. As he approached, he called out to Mevine and requested the young man to meet them outside.
Is the Rennather leaving now? his friend answered in a wave of panic.
It will once we are safely on board. And I’ve a third passenger, or Athee and I would come in to see you.
I’ll be right there!
Byron set the shuttle down and shut off the engines. He grinned at Athee as they unfastened their harnesses. He detected gratitude from the woman for the opportunity to say goodbye to Mevine. Byron followed her from the cockpit and he nodded an apology to Erndell.
Sorry, sir, this will only take a moment, he thought, projecting an image of Mevine.
The young man who saved us? Erndell thought. By all means, Officer Byron, take as long as you need.
Chuckling at the Tgren’s assessment of Mevine’s accomplishment, Byron opened the hatch. He held out his hand for Athee. Moving with care, he led her down the ramp. Before they could take two steps, a figure burst from the cave entrance and raced down the hill. Byron watched with concern as Mevine traversed the rocky terrain with awkward leaps and bounds. He arrived still on his feet and out of breath.
“We’re not in that much of a hurry, Mevine,” said Byron, reaching out to steady the young man.
“I don’t want to be responsible for holding up the Rennather,” Mevine gasped. “Or you.”
“I think they’ll cut us both some slack.”
The young man took several deep breaths as he attempted to regain his composure. “You won’t be back for a long time,” he said with disappointment.
“Probably not for a year and a half,” Byron responded. “Once we’ve finished with Cosbolt training, we’ll return, though.”
“I hope I’m still here.”
“Mevine, I think you’ll be here for as long as you want.”
The boy smiled, his shoulders straightening with pride. Mevine’s thin frame still required some work, but he now possessed an air of confidence that was previously lacking. Byron knew his
friend would prosper here on Tgren.
“Besides, we intend to put in a good word for you when we meet with Chancellor Dentex.”
Mevine was to receive honors for his involvement in the determent of the alien craft, but Byron wanted to be sure that the young man’s father fully comprehended his son’s contribution. Considering how eager the Chancellor was to meet Athee, Byron knew he had Mevine’s father at his mercy. Mevine would no longer be the outcast of the family.
“Mevine,” said Athee, speaking for the first time since saying goodbye to her uncle. “Thank you, for everything. You saved my people.”
The young officer placed his hands behind his back and glanced down. “I just translated the code…” he began, tracing a line in the dirt with his boot.
Athee stepped forward and placed her arms around his neck. Shock radiated from Mevine. His wide eyes sought Byron. Smiling at his friend, Byron nodded and sent his approval. Mevine returned Athee’s embrace with an awkward hug, surprise still emanating from his thoughts.
You did far more than you realize, Athee told him in a hushed thought.
She released Mevine. He staggered back, his expression almost apologetic as he turned to Byron. With a grin, Byron brought his hand down on his friend’s shoulder.
“I’ll miss you, Mevine,” he announced, squeezing the boy’s bony shoulder. Mevine stood to his full height and lifted his chin.
“Sir, it’s been an honor serving with you. More than an honor! Sir, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to meet you in person…”
“Mevine!”
His jaw clamped shut, and Mevine stared at his idol with wide eyes. Byron gave him a light shake.
“If you call me sir one more time, or at any time during our communication over the next couple years, I’m going to fry your ass. Understood?”
Mevine nodded in agreement, and Byron’s smile grew.
You’re my friend, Mevine. And a damned good friend.
Without waiting for a response, Byron gave the young man a rough hug. The gratitude and adoration that poured from Mevine bordered on embarrassing. However, a peace resided within his friend. The tranquility occupying Mevine’s mind was indescribable. The memory of another man’s peace flashed in his thoughts, and Byron’s chest muscles constricted.
CassaFire Page 24
