CassaFire (24 page)

“
Of course,” answered Tencor, his voice calmer, but no less intense.

Korden rubbed the back of his neck. “And it’s time we involved the local authority, too. I’ll request Prefect Orellen’s presence during the conference.”

When the connection with the Firenta ended, Korden sank into his chair. Questions arose in Byron’s mind and he sensed those around him shared his concerns. Before he could form an intelligent comment or question, Anceptor’s voice broke the silence.

“
The prefect will not take this news well,” he observed.

A smirk pulled at the corner of Korden’s mouth. “No, safe to say, this will probably destroy all relations between our people.” The commander’s hands came down on his desk and he rose to his feet.

“
Officer Seheller, the moment we have the schematics of that alien ship, your team will be granted full access. Continue working on the master control data, but find me a way to communicate with that ship.

“
Officer Byron, return to the planet to collect Prefect Orellen. I’ll contact him directly and set up the conference in one hour. After that, be prepared to begin the evacuation of our people. If that ship cannot be stopped, no Cassan is to remain behind.”

The commander continued to give orders as Byron’s thoughts lingered on his potential assignment. He wasn’t leaving Athee on the surface either.

Chapter Thirteen

Athee ran up the steps of the state building and burst through the front doors. A security guard jumped, but he did not move to intercept the prefect’s niece. She raced past him and down the hall toward her uncle’s office.

The conversation with Byron still echoed in her mind. Athee had known something was wrong after his hasty departure last night, but never imagined an alien craft would be bearing down on her home planet. Not since the Bshen War had panic so gripped her heart. Only this time, they had no way to confront the enemy.

The prefect’s doors stood open. Athee skittered to a stop just inside his office. Her abrupt arrival startled the occupants. She ignored the glares from the two diplomats and approached her uncle. He raised his hand, his attention returning to the men. Athee stopped within a few feet of his desk, her body trembling as she waited for Orellen to finish his business with the diplomats. The moment they were out of the room, she stepped closer and grasped the edge of his desk.

“
Uncle, Byron just told me what’s happened!”

Orellen arose and began to gather his papers. “Yes, it appears Tgren is the target of an approaching alien ship, against which we are defenseless.”

“
But there’s a Cassan warship in orbit now, and several more on the way.”

The prefect slammed his fist on the desk. “And we would not be in this predicament if it weren’t for the Cassans!”

Athee leaned back, her eyes wide. “No, but they aren’t abandoning us either. They intend to fight. That has to count for something.”

Her uncle’s chin dropped. He gripped the edge of the desk and she sensed Orellen wrestling with his anger. Moving closer, she grasped his arm.

“
Uncle, I know the Cassans will defend us.”

“
They’ll defend their precious compound,” he growled.

Athee’s fingers clasped with his and she gave his hand a firm squeeze. “I heard the truth in Byron’s thoughts, Uncle,” she said in a low voice. “They’re staying to defend Tgren’s people, not just the compound.”

Orellen released a deep breath and lifted his head. Athee used every ounce of persuasive talent to convince her uncle of the Cassans’ sincerity. She had to still his agitated thoughts. He needed to remain composed if they were to survive this crisis.

“
It still places us in a predicament.”

“
Which is why you need to remain calm, Uncle.”

“
And you came to settle my nerves? I’m sure that’s not the only reason you are here right now,” he asserted. His thoughts were composed now, although still racing with urgency.

Athee leaned back and straightened her shoulders. “I want to go with you to the Cassan ship,” she stated.

Orellen retrieved a stack of papers and faced his niece. “If Officer Byron allows it, I don’t have any objections. You’ve travelled into space far more often than me.”

“
Yes, but I need for you to insist that I go.”

“
Why?”

Athee rolled her eyes. “It’s a long story.”

Orellen held up his hand. “I don’t have time for a long story.”

There was a sound at the door and a guard entered the room. “Your transport is ready, sir.”

“
If you’re coming, let’s go,” the prefect informed her, moving toward the door.

Byron was waiting for them at the shuttle. He flashed an inquisitive look as Athee followed her uncle into the ship.

My uncle insisted,
she offered.
Really!

The Cassan shook his head.
You’re sneaky.

I can’t just sit and wait,
Athee thought, her nerves still on edge.
Not with that ship bearing down on us.

Or with a Cassan flagship occupying your sky?

Athee did not respond. It wasn’t the whole truth. However, she couldn’t deny her curiosity regarding the warship. When would she get the opportunity again?

Byron closed the hatch. He turned to face her and focused on something behind Athee. Glancing over her shoulder, she realized her uncle and his guard were still standing. She recalled the delighted account provided by her uncle when Byron allowed him to ride in the cockpit. Athee wondered if he expected that privilege now. The four exchanged nervous glances, waiting for the first person to lay claim to the coveted co-pilot seat. Orellen reacted first.

“
I need to focus my thoughts,” he announced, moving toward the first empty seat in the main compartment.

Athee decided not to protest his decision and slipped into the cockpit. She slid into the co-pilot’s seat and fastened her harness. When Byron joined her, he flashed Athee a scowl that was offset by a smirk tugging at his lips.

Now let’s see if Commander Korden buys your excuse.

He will if you don’t say anything,
she admonished.

Byron didn’t respond and concentrated on lifting the shuttle into the sky. Once they were airborne, he leaned back in his seat.

I’m glad you’re here, though.

Athee turned to face him. The pilot’s gaze remained fixed on the view outside the cockpit. Byron’s expression revealed trepidation, and it had nothing to do with the approaching alien ship. Considering the gravity of their current situation, Athee decided not to question the man. He never supplied a direct answer anyway.

Byron leveled the ship and she felt the hum of the teleporter
. Besides, you didn’t want to miss this,
he declared.

The patchy clouds vanished. Athee gasped as a monstrous ship filled their view. She leaned forward, pulling hard against the harness, and peered up as the shuttle flew beside the vessel. The Cassan flagship appeared impenetrable. Athee knew nothing of the alien ship approaching Tgren, but she couldn’t imagine it measuring up in terms of size or defense. This mighty craft seemed capable of destroying a planet.

Impressive, isn’t it?
thought Byron, angling the shuttle away from the ship.

Athee made no attempt to hide her foolish grin.
It’s incredible. You used to serve on one of these ships?

Many years ago.

She continued to stare open-mouthed until they passed the end of the flagship. Athee’s attention shifted, and she realized they were approaching the Rennather.

I need to pick up Commander Korden and a few other passengers,
Byron explained, guiding the shuttle into the hanger.

When the others boarded, Athee sent a quick reminder to her uncle. She listened to his exchange with the commander and smiled to herself when Korden did not protest her presence. It was too late to return her to the surface regardless.

Awe filled her chest as Byron landed in the wide bay of the Firenta. The mechanism used to draw the ship into the hanger was fascinating. She listened with interest to the gentle whirring sound. They moved forward again after the first doors closed and Athee’s eagerness grew as the final set of doors opened. They revealed a cavernous maw large enough to house the entire city of Ktren. A small cry escaped her lips as she viewed her first flagship hanger.

Beside her, Byron chuckled.
Bigger than you expected?

It’s immense!
Athee thought, ogling the massive hanger. Ships larger than Byron’s Darten filled her view. The wider, more rounded vessels were lined in neat rows staggered across the flight deck. She glanced at the row on her immediate right and noted the long canopy adorning the tops of the ships. Peering closer, she realized two seats rested underneath.

Feeling her excitement swell, Athee turned to Byron.
These are Cosbolts?

Yes. They are the core of the Cassan fleet.

The shuttle came to a rest. Fingers racing across the control panel, Byron shut off the remaining systems.
Wait here,
he instructed.

Athee unfastened her harness and remained in her seat. Outside the cockpit window, she noted several security guards waiting. They saluted the visitors and two men escorted the shuttle’s passengers away from the vessel. She felt confusion as her uncle proceeded with the others across the hanger. He was leaving her behind. Athee rose to her feet as Byron returned.

“
We’re not going with them?” she said.

Byron shook his head and retrieved his computer pad. “I wasn’t invited to attend, which means you weren’t, either.”

Athee glanced out the window, her eyes on the figures as they disappeared through a large doorway. “We’re to sit and wait?” she said with disappointment. Something touched her arm, and Athee glanced at Byron.

“
Not when we have over an hour to kill,” he announced with a wink. “Come on. I’ve friends on the Firenta I haven’t seen in years.”

Eager to see more of the ship, she followed him out of the shuttle.
It’s all right if I accompany you?
she asked, pausing as she eyed the waiting security officer.

After the last time I left you alone in a shuttle? You’re coming with me,
he replied, turning to the guard.

Athee clenched her teeth, unable to respond to his teasing. She had no plans to repeat that mistake. While Byron spoke to the guard, she peered at the nearest Cosbolt. Standing in the shadow of the fighter, she felt dwarfed by the size and obvious strength of the ship. It would crush her tiny plane.

“
I’ve requested to see the crew chief,” said Byron, moving to her side. “As soon as I’ve confirmed the Firenta has replacement parts for my Darten, we’ll locate my friends.”

She nodded, her eyes never leaving the Cassan ship. “It’s so much larger than your fighter.”

“
The Darten is built for speed and agility. The Cosbolt is all about firepower and endurance. It’s our elite fighter; the first into combat. Only the best fly this ship.”

Athee glanced at Byron, alerted by the tone of his voice. “And you were one of the best?”

“
I was,” he stated without inflection.

The hanger chief arrived and Byron arranged for replacement parts for his Darten. He then requested the location of Squadron Leader Nintal. The chief indicated they would find the man on the simulator levels.

The guard isn’t coming with us?
Athee asked, glancing over her shoulder. The Firenta security officer remained by the shuttle.

As a senior officer, I am your escort,
Byron announced.
So don’t get me into trouble, all right?

Once outside the hanger, they entered a large telepod. The ones on the Rennather were much smaller and Athee scanned the device from top to bottom. When Byron chuckled, she elbowed his arm.

This may be ordinary to you, but it’s still new to me,
Athee chastised.

Then by all means, enjoy.

He led her out of the telepod and down a wide hallway. Unusual sounds echoed from two open doors up ahead. Athee could hear multiple motors and hydraulics in use. Her curiosity grew as they approached the wide doorways. Byron paused and glanced at the numbers over each door.

This one,
he announced, turning to the right.

Athee trotted to keep up with the Cassan, but her gait slowed as she viewed the large room. The rows of machines confused her and she stared at the closest device. What appeared to be the cockpit portion of a Cosbolt was secured to a rolling base and several hydraulic arms. It listed to one side before the nose dipped lower. Athee noticed that she couldn’t see inside the cockpit. She wondered as to the purpose of the machine.

It’s a simulator,
Byron announced, startling Athee. She noticed he was waiting and she increased her pace.

What do you mean?
she thought as she rejoined him. The noise from each machine was minimal, but with so many operating at once, it created a steady disturbance.

Byron pointed at the nearest one.
A computer creates a scenario with images inside and the roll of the craft adds to the realism. Simulators are used in training while the crew becomes familiar with the craft and on flagships for practice and to prepare for difficult situations.