CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

  The shuttle pilot declared he needed to return to the planet’s surface. Garnce strode from the dining hall, his rapid movement mirroring his annoyed thoughts. Byron met Athee’s gaze and offered a playful smirk.

  “Guess I need to watch out for that mean streak of yours,” she stated, leaning her elbows on the table.

  “What he failed to describe was the three hours preceding our encounter with the felines. Garnce complained the whole time we were gathering those samples. I wanted to kill him at that point.”

  “And you never complain?”

  “Not when it won’t change anything.”

  She couldn’t argue with that logic. Complaining grated on her nerves as well. Istaner voiced his negative opinion on a regular basis, finding fault with everyone but himself. Only their blood relationship had prevented Athee from retaliating with a tirade of her own.

  When the dining hall emptied of occupants, Byron suggested they return to the shuttle and continue her lesson for the day. Athee had enjoyed the opportunity to eat a meal on the Rennather and listen to her tablemate’s accounts of their travels. The world beyond Tgren seemed vast. She envied the Cassans their freedom to explore. Perhaps one day soon her people would take to the stars. She intended to lead the way, too.

  Athee had enjoyed an hour with Byron in a relaxed atmosphere as well. It still hurt that he’d walked off the night of the festival, especially after showing such clear interest. Enticing him to talk about it was out of the question. Byron’s shields had remained in place. He only lowered his mental barrier enough for minimal contact during jumps. Athee had buried her frustration and focused on her flights and psychic training with the Cassan. He remained friendly toward her, but Athee doubted she could coax him to such a level of intimacy again.

  “Can I take the shuttle out of the hanger?” she asked, fastening her harness.

  He eyed her with suspicion. Athee presented what she hoped was her most disarming smile. It often worked on her uncle even without mental persuasion. Byron hesitated and she thought she’d lost the battle until he offered a grin.

  “Once we reach the outer landing bay, I’ll turn the controls over to you. Sound fair?”

  “Sounds fair to me.”

  The blast of a siren jolted Athee out of her seat. Red lights began to flash across the hanger, pulsating in sync with the siren. Byron cursed and unfastened his harness.

  “Stay here,” he ordered.

  “What’s happening?”

  “Byron!” the commander’s voice resonated from the shuttle’s com unit. “We’ve got company. Five rogue ships just appeared on the starboard side.”

  The pilot leapt to his feet. “I’m heading for my Darten right now,” he answered, dashing from the cockpit.

  “Byron!” Athee called. He was already gone. Rogue ships? Are we under attack?

  A distant rumble was followed at once by another. That would be an affirmative. Stay put!

  Through the cockpit window, she watched him run across the hanger to his fighter. Two crewmembers were already attending his ship. Byron leapt into his Darten. The canopy slid into place and Byron secured his helmet. Yanking the steps out of the way, one of the men flashed the pilot a signal. The tiny ship rolled forward, moving toward the bay doors.

  The siren continued to blare its warning and the noise pounded at Athee’s chest. She had experienced an attack on Ktren several years ago, and fear had fueled her adrenaline. Once airborne, Athee had focused on the invading planes and maintained her composure even as her fellow pilots were shot from the sky. She’d controlled her fear by taking action. Unfortunately, she had no such recourse here.

  Her pulse raced as Byron’s ship vanished. The inner hanger doors closed, adding finality to the moment. Frustrated to lose sight of him, she unfastened her harness and reached for the com. Pressing buttons, she searched for the universal link. Athee had to know what was occurring beyond these walls.

  Come on, come on! Where is it? she thought, growing frantic.

  “We’ve confirmed hostile,” a voice cried over the com and Athee jumped at the sound.

  “Preparing to launch now,” Byron replied, his voice unusually calm.

  “Garnce has been notified and will join you shortly.”

  Biting her lip, Athee sank into the pilot seat to wait. She strummed her foot on the floor, anxious for a snippet of information. Several other voices came over the com, confirming the attack. Upon hearing a man state the shields were holding, she wondered what would happen if they failed. Would the Rennather explode?

  “Engaging,” said Byron, his voice clear over the com.

  She listened as Anceptor announced the ship’s guns had clipped the wings of one of the hostiles. Her palms began to sweat as she strained for Byron’s voice. Could he handle four ships on his own?

  “Two down,” he announced.

  Athee’s stomach muscles relaxed. The odds were shifting in Byron’s favor. Now if he could eliminate the last three ships…

  “Damn it!”

  Byron’s exclamation jolted Athee out of her seat.

  “Four more rogue ships, port side,” Anceptor announced.

  A rumble rolled over her head, punctuated by a second, louder sound. Athee grasped the edge of the console and peered up at the hanger’s ceiling.

  “Shields holding.”

  Athee caught her breath. She stared at the com unit, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

  “I’m hit!”

  Those words poured like ice over Athee. Memories of her father’s final flight raced through her mind.

  “Status report.”

  There was a pause before Byron answered. “Another ship down. I can still fly, but I’m leaking fuel.”

  Athee leapt from her seat. Frustrated with her inability to see, as she didn’t dare link with Byron while he was flying, she began to pace the cockpit. If we were on the ground, I could help, she thought, digging her nails into her palms.

  Another voice confirmed the remaining five rogue ships were still attacking the Rennather. Rumbles echoed from the far side of the hanger, the sound penetrating the persistent siren. Athee paused and waited, her body shaking. If Byron died…

  “Damn it, where is Garnce?” his angry voice blared over the com. “I need help!”

  Athee couldn’t remain idle any longer. Snapping into action, she closed the shuttle’s hatch and slid into the pilot’s seat. Punching several buttons, she fumbled to secure her harness as the ship’s systems came online. She’d observed Byron dozens of times. While she didn’t understand all of the controls, Athee knew how to power the shuttle. The vessel wasn’t defenseless, either. She located the switch that activated the weapons, making a mental note for later. Taking a deep breath, she ignited the engines.

  Glancing up from the controls, she caught sight of a crewmember waving his arms over her head. Athee chose to ignore the man and grasped the throttle. She had to help Byron.

  “Who’s piloting that shuttle?” a new voice demanded over the com. “Identify yourself.”

  “This is Athee,” she answered. “Open the hanger doors.”

  “You are not authorized to fly that ship.”

  “Open the doors!” she screamed, pulling back on the throttle. The shuttle lifted from the hanger floor and she edged the craft in the direction of the exit.

  “Athee, you are to power down immediately.”

  The sheer volume of the commander’s voice caused her to jump. She stared at the com link, her hands trembling as she grasped the throttle. Athee was not bound by Cassan military law, but if she disobeyed the commander’s orders, it might jeopardize their races’ relationship. Did she dare risk destroying that fragile bond for one man?

  “Damn it, I’m in trouble!” Byron cried in a desperate voice.

  “Commander, I’m going out there to help him whether you like it or not,” she responded, lifting the ship higher in the air. And if you won’t open the doors, I’ll find my own way off this ship.

&nbs
p; “Athee, power down!”

  Closing her eyes, she reached out to the shuttle’s teleporter. The unit’s hum vibrated in her chest. Athee latched on to its power. Edging the shuttle forward, she opened her eyes and visualized a spot outside the landing bay.

  You can do this, Athee thought, the teleporter’s energy crackling in her mind. Jump!

  The hanger and flashing lights vanished. She found herself staring at stars. Throttling forward, she gained some speed and glanced at the radar. Several ships occupied the space over her head.

  A jolt startled her and Athee grasped the console with her left hand. A ship shot overhead, its grey underside all but a blur. She pressed forward, determined to pursue the vessel. Byron’s presence filled her mind. What are you doing? he screamed.

  I’m here to help you. Athee increased her speed to catch the rogue ship.

  Damn it, get back to the Rennather now.

  No!

  Without warning, another ship came into view, headed straight for the shuttle. Athee thrust the throttle forward and dove, gasping as laser blasts flew over the ship.

  Shields! Activate the shields.

  Athee scanned the controls, terrified another ship would appear while her attention was diverted. She located the switch and engaged the shuttle’s shields. Another blast jolted her from above. Uttering a gasp, she wrapped both hands around the throttle. She’d activated the shields just in time.

  Head for the surface, ordered Byron. Don’t risk a jump though.

  Athee was about to protest when she interpreted his intentions. Glancing at the radar, she realized a ship was on her tail and closing the distance. Pressing downward, Athee wove the shuttle from side to side, hoping to confuse her attacker. A laser flashed past her ship and her heart missed a beat. She was losing ground…

  The ship suddenly vanished from the radar. Athee noticed a second ship behind her and realized it was Byron.

  Damn it, you’re going to get yourself killed!

  Athee pulled up on the throttle and changed direction. Her nerves tingled so hard that the hair on her arms stood erect. She was scared, but not about to give up on Byron.

  You can’t outrun them, he thought, his tone severe.

  Then what can I do? Athee cried as she noticed two ships approaching.

  The Darten shot across her field of view. Distract them. Head into deep space.

  Obeying his command, she pushed the engines to maximum capacity. The rogue ships pursued the shuttle, drawing closer with each passing second. Byron stayed with her and she kept him in her sights on the radar. The Darten increased speed and shot across her canopy. Before Athee could react, the fighter vanished.

  Her attention shifted to the radar. Byron’s ship materialized behind the two ships. Athee yanked on the throttle and veered to the left to provide him a clean shot. When she looked at the radar again, both ships were gone.

  Stay here, Byron thought.

  Still shaking, Athee agreed. She rotated the shuttle to face the Rennather, determined to be ready if needed. Byron’s Darten accelerated as it raced toward the ship. She could see the remaining three rogue ships firing at the craft, their laser blasts bright against the blackness of space.

  Another ship became visible near the Darten. She gasped. Athee pressed on the throttle, propelling the ship forward. The vessel changed direction and Athee recognized the other shuttle.

  About time! she thought, slowing her ship to gentle drift.

  “Who’s flying the other damn shuttle?” Garnce exclaimed over the com.

  There was no verbal response, but Athee sensed Byron had relayed the identity of the occupant using his mental voice. Considering the fury that had consumed in his earlier thoughts, she was grateful to have missed that exchange.

  Byron destroyed one more rogue before the remaining two ships beat a hasty retreat. He pursued them for a moment, his tiny fighter moving at top speed. The enemy vanished from view before he could catch them. Exhaling the breath she’d held for what seemed like hours, Athee slumped in her seat.

  “What are you doing in that shuttle?” cried Garnce, his voice indignant over the com.

  Athee straightened her posture and grasped the throttle. “Someone had to help Byron!” she charged, accelerating toward the Rennather.

  The other shuttle circled closer. “You idiot! Do you even know what you’re doing?” the man demanded.

  “Garnce!”

  Byron’s angry retort silenced the man. Athee glanced at the radar and realized the Darten now flew below her.

  “All ships, return to the Rennather at once!” bellowed Korden, his voice filled with fury.

  “Garnce, help me guide her in,” Byron said. The Darten swung out beside the shuttle. Athee, can you land?

  Licking her lips, she focused on the approaching hanger entrance. Yes, I can land the shuttle.

  Let Garnce guide you. Match his speed and trajectory.

  The second shuttle moved into position on the other side. Keeping pace with the vessel, Athee guided the ship into the hanger. Their speed decreased and Byron’s ship shot ahead of the shuttles. She felt a moment of panic as he raced toward the far wall. The Darten’s runners touched the surface, reducing the headlong flight of the fighter. Athee had no time to contemplate his sudden stop as Garnce’s ship dropped closer to the floor. Emulating his actions, she brought the shuttle to a hover in front of the first set of hanger doors. Once through both sets of doors, Athee returned the shuttle to its previous location and set the craft down with a gentle thump.

  Athee attended to the systems, shutting down each one with care. The moment the cockpit fell silent, she slumped in her seat. Forcing her fingers to release the throttle, Athee stared at her trembling hand in disbelief. Jumping into the battle to help Byron had seemed like a good idea at the time. Now she realized the recklessness of her decision. She was lucky to be alive.

  Open the door, Byron instructed.

  The chill in his voice scared her worse than the rogue fighters. Fumbling with the harness, Athee rose to her feet. She stumbled to the hatch on shaky legs and pressed the button. Byron stood a few paces from the shuttle, body rigid and fists clenched by his sides. Eyes narrowed to mere slits, his scowled threatened to tear through her soul. Athee couldn’t recall a time when he appeared more furious. And despite his habit of shielding, anger poured from his thoughts.

  The commander wants to see us right now.

  Without waiting for her answer, Byron strode toward the exit. Athee had to move fast to keep up with his long gait. She felt the presence of the crew as they walked across the hanger, but she kept her eyes averted. She refrained from speaking and shielded her thoughts.

  Once they stepped into the telepod, Athee felt the need to say something. Byron…

  Don’t!

  She glanced at him. His eyes remained forward and posture closed. Fury no longer emanated from his thoughts. In fact, she couldn’t sense anything coming from the pilot. His mental shields were locked into place, sealing her from his mind. Feeling helpless, Athee shifted her gaze. She clenched her teeth in frustration.

  They entered the commander’s office and his disapproval slammed into her body like a physical blow. Korden rose from his chair, his dark eyes locked on Athee as she approached. She paused at a respectable distance and prepared for an uncomfortable scene.

  “You were given orders to power down the shuttle,” the commander stated in a voice that implied she was not to speak. “You do not possess the training or clearance to fly a Cassan ship. And yet you risked your life, and the lives of others, by teleporting the shuttle out of the hanger bay and engaging enemy fighters. You further risked my only fighter pilot in the process, not to mention the shuttle.”

  Athee held her own, but his tone sent chills down her spine. She wondered what her uncle would say when he heard about the incident.

  The commander sat down. “I’d like to know how you learned to fly that shuttle in the first place,” said Korden, his accusing eyes f
alling on Byron.

  “Sir, I watched Officer Byron’s actions every time we were in the shuttle,” she offered in a quivering voice. Byron was already furious with her behavior. Athee didn’t want to aggravate her instructor further by implicating his involvement.

  The commander’s attention returned to Athee and he hesitated, contemplating his next words with care. “Well, as of this moment, I am grounding you. No more training in our shuttle. You are not to set foot on a Cassan ship again. Do I make myself clear?”

  Athee’s heart sank as he spoke those words. “Yes, sir.”

  “You may possess unique skills, but that does not give you unlimited freedom on this ship. I don’t care if you can teleport to the other side of Cassan space. I will not have you endangering my crew. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir,” she answered, her thoughts returning to her uncle. “Sir, will the prefect be notified of my actions?”

  Korden leaned forward and scowled. “If your uncle knew what had transpired here today, it would jeopardize our races’ relationship. I can’t let the actions of one brash Tgren destroy everything we’ve worked so hard to build. The prefect will not be notified.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Officer Byron, you will escort Athee to the surface at once. Any further psychic training will be performed on the ground, understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Dismissed!”

  Byron was silent as they returned to the shuttle. Athee tried to keep her emotions shielded, but the turbulence in her mind made it difficult. The commander’s words still pressed against her chest. He’d called her to task for her rash behavior and revoked all privileges. The scolding was expected and the punishment just, but the loss of flights aboard the Cassan ship tore at her heart. She relished the hum of the teleporter in her mind. Now she’d never feel it again.

  Several hanger personnel surrounded Byron’s shuttle. He asked if there was any damage preventing a flight to the planet’s surface.

  “Cosmetic only, sir,” the crewmember replied, patting the shuttle. “Just a score mark on the roof. All systems check out, though. She’s good to fly.”

  Byron entered the ship and Athee followed. She almost ran into him when he stopped, his body blocking entrance to the cockpit.