CassaFire (25 page)

Athee offered an absent nod, still feeling confused. Byron patted her arm.

I’ll show you one before we leave. Come on.

She followed him up a short flight of stairs and into a small control room. Two men watched through the large window overlooking the room. A third man hunched over the console, monitoring the machines. The man nearest the door glanced up as they entered. His broad face broke into a grin.

“
Byron!” he cried, moving toward the pilot.

Athee caught Byron’s delight as he clasped the man’s outstretched hand. He thumped his back before turning to the other man, who responded in kind. They were obviously pleased to see Byron.

“
Damn, it’s been ages,” the second man said, slapping Byron on the arm.

“
You’ve been avoiding us,” the first man added, a mischievous smirk on his face.

“
Apparently I didn’t hide well enough,” declared Byron.

None of the men’s thoughts were guarded. Similar images flashed through their minds and Athee realized they were old friends. Her mentor’s open thoughts surprised her. Byron showed no traces of his reserved nature now and seemed at ease in their presence. That aspect alone amazed her. He let down his shields for so few people.

The first man’s gaze shifted and his eyebrows rose when he noticed Athee. “I see you’re keeping better company these days.”

Byron motioned her forward. “This is Senior Officer Ernx, Cosbolt pilot,” he said, indicating the first man.

She sensed curiosity as he shook her hand. Ernx was shorter than Byron and the lines around his mouth suggested he was a few years older. However, the gleam in his eyes revealed a man with many youthful qualities.

“
And this is Senior Officer and Squadron Leader Nintal, Cosbolt navigator.”

The second man was taller and more stoic, with an air of authority. His short cropped hair added length to his muscular face. He returned her handshake and stepped back, placing his hands behind his back. The man’s scrutinizing thoughts penetrated her very being. Unnerved, Athee edged closer to Byron.

“
We served together on the Sorenthia many years ago,” he told her. “Men, I’d like to introduce you to Prefect Orellen’s niece, Athee, and one of Tgren’s best pilots.”

“
Welcome aboard the Firenta, Athee,” stated Nintal, addressing her with respect.

I bet she’s one of Tgren’s best looking pilots,
Ernx thought.

Athee beamed with mischief. The man had addressed his comment to Byron, unaware that she could hear his mental voice.
Thank you, Officer Ernx,
she replied, affecting a gracious pose.

The man’s eyes grew wide and the smile vanished from his face. Byron laughed at his friend’s reaction.

“
The Tgrens are developing psychic abilities,” he said, offering her a wink, “and Athee’s are the strongest we’ve tested so far.”

“
Damn!” said Ernx, shaking his head and glancing at Nintal. “Guess I better watch what I think.”

“
You should’ve read the report on this planet before we arrived,” scolded his navigator.

“
Well, my apologies, Athee. I didn’t realize you possessed telepathy.”

She nodded in acceptance of Ernx’s apology. Athee shot Byron an inquisitive glance.

He straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath. “That’s not all,” he said. “She’s a jumper.”

This time both men registered surprised. Nintal’s face grew longer, wiping away the man’s solemn expression. Ernx’s mouth fell open and his stunned thoughts escaped his mind without inhibition. Their scrutiny intensified as the men’s minds processed this information and broadcast their contemplations.

Women didn’t teleport. Only Cassan men possessed that ability. And jumpers were incredibly rare. That a woman enjoyed Byron’s rare gift…

Sensing indignation, she straightened her shoulders. A reassuring thought from Byron settled her irritation.

“
Damn! You’re kidding, right?” Ernx stammered, finding his voice.

“
No, I’m not,” Byron answered.

Athee glanced at the pilot, surprised by his calm reply. His smug expression did not hide the gleam in his eyes that meant he was speaking with his mind as well. She didn’t catch the exchange, but somehow she knew he’d come to her rescue.

The rolling thoughts of disbelief and resentment subsided. Regaining control, the men began to question Athee. Byron fielded most of the questions, providing her a moment to gather her wits. Thoughts of amazement continued to drift from Ernx’s mind, but she felt she’d gained a measure of respect from Byron’s friends.

“
Officer Nintal?”

The navigator turned to the man at the controls. “Yes?”

“
The simulator run is ending, sir.”

Byron gave Ernx a light shove with his elbow. “Why aren’t you participating? I’m sure you could use the practice.”

The man’s indignant thoughts were offset by his playful grin. “Look who’s talking! Why don’t you have a go?”

Athee’s heart skipped a beat at the prospect of seeing his skills in the cockpit of a Cosbolt. Byron smiled and shook his head. Upon seeing the pilot’s reaction, Nintal’s brows came together.

“
You should,” he stated. “We’re the last squadron until after the midday meal.”

Byron affected disinterest and glanced at Athee. “I promised we’d at least take a look at the simulators. As soon as your squadron departs, we’ll do just that.”

He said goodbye to his friends, ignoring Ernx’s final jab regarding the simulators. Feeling disappointed, Athee waited with Byron in the control room while the squadron exited. She wished his friends possessed stronger powers of persuasion. Perhaps she could talk him into one flight. Even if it wasn’t the real thing, she still wanted to see him pilot the giant fighter.

Leading her to the nearest machine, Byron began explaining how it worked. Seeing the simulator up close increased her comprehension of the device, but it was still confusing. How well could it replicate actual flight when fastened to the floor inside a large room? From the outside, it presented a bumpy ride at best. Afraid of offending her escort, she feigned intrigue as she listened to Byron’s monologue.

When he let her slip into the navigator’s seat, Athee’s interest sparked. She’d viewed the interior of his Darten, but never enjoyed the privilege of sitting in the ship. The main panel control was compact and arranged differently from that of the shuttle. Eager to understand, she asked the purpose of every unfamiliar button and screen.

Byron answered her questions without hesitation. He explained how the connection between pilot and navigator was vital to flying the ship. Athee was in awe of the symbiotic relationship. It really was two people flying as one. She longed to share that moment with her mentor.

“
Can we try it?” she said, unable to contain her enthusiasm any longer.

Byron laughed. “You don’t know the first thing about flying a Cosbolt.”

“
I know enough to fly the shuttle,” she protested. “And you said it can be flown by one person if necessary. I’ll let you handle the controls.”

“
Athee, do you realize how much training is required to master this fighter? They don’t just throw anyone into the cockpit.”

“
I think I can fake it. Besides, it’s not like I can crash the ship.”

“
No, but…”

She realized he was stalling. “And I’m sure you remember how to fly one.”

“
That’s not the point,” Byron replied.

“
Well, what is the point?”

“
I just can’t, all right?”

Athee slapped her thighs in exasperation. “Can’t or won’t?”

Byron frowned in disgust and looked away. He closed his mind, but not before she caught the flicker of a stray thought. She perceived a moment of tragedy that still haunted Byron. Athee recalled her conversation with Mevine and realized the source of his reluctance. He’d not set foot in a Cosbolt since he lost his navigator almost twenty years ago.

Athee tried to touch his mind but met with resistance. Byron’s mental shields remained locked in place. Lifting her hand, she lightly clasped the fingers that clutched the cockpit’s outer shell. Her grasp grew stronger and he finally turned toward Athee.

“
I know why you no longer fly Cosbolts, and I understand,” she said, her voice low.

Beneath her fingers, his grip on the metal tightened. Even with his mind closed, the strength of the emotions that surged through Byron reached Athee. Her chest tightened as her own feelings of loss swirled in response. The approaching alien ship could take away all she held dear. Either of them might die in the process. This might be her only chance to share a flight with Byron.

“
You flew with me that day, through the canyons,” she said, holding her voice steady. “I really want to know what it’s like to fly with you. Please?”

He stared at her a moment, the muscles in his face tight across his cheeks. Something flickered in his eyes and Byron sprang to his feet. Startled, Athee lifted her body from the seat in an attempt to follow Byron. She hesitated as he raced up the stairs and into the control room. Through the glass, she could see him talking with the officer on duty. When she saw him exit the small room with two helmets in his hand, Athee let out a chirp of excitement. He was going to fly a Cosbolt!

“
I requested a very short freestyle run,” Byron announced as he handed her the helmet. “No targets and no objective. Try not to navigate us into the side of the Firenta.”

His tone was severe, but Athee believed it was due to resignation rather than anger. She wiggled the helmet onto her head and at once noticed the old, overused odor that lingered inside. The faceplate bore signs of wear as well. Byron waited while she fastened her harness, adjusting her helmet once, before he slid into the pilot’s seat.

Still fiddling with her position in the seat, Athee was startled to see the canopy closing. It snapped into place, plunging the cockpit into near darkness. The control panel came to life and she gazed in awe at the glow of colors. She scanned the gauges and hoped she’d remember their uses.

Bright lights appeared on the canopy and she jumped. A ring of lights illuminated, disappearing into blackness down a long tunnel.

That’s the simulation,
Byron explained.
We’re in the launch tube now. Are you ready?

I’m ready.

Athee grasped the throttle out of habit. Silly, Byron is flying this ship, she thought, releasing it and resting her hands over the proper controls.

“
Launch in three...two...one...”

The jolt of acceleration pressed her back into the seat. The lights of the tunnel raced overhead. Athee felt a surge of adrenaline as the ship increased speed and shot out into the darkness of space.

That felt so real,
she thought, gazing with wonder at the stars.

Remember your job. What is the location of the Firenta?

She glanced at the main screen and noted the ship directly behind their vessel.
Behind us!

Don’t tell me. Show me.

Feeling their connection, Athee projected an image of the flagship and its location. She caught Byron’s approval at once.

That’s the primary job of the navigator,
he thought.
Maintain awareness of all objects and convey that information to the pilot.

That must be difficult when many ships are flying.

Byron chuckled.
It’s even more crazy during a battle when ships are jumping in and out.

The ship pulled to the left. The star pattern changed as Byron circled and placed the Firenta in their view.

We’ll do several passes over the ship,
he announced.
That will help you maintain perspective.

He flew in low over the Firenta. Athee felt torn between the view outside the cockpit and her screen. The shuttle’s radar also displayed space in three dimensions, but not with such clarity. She could see every small protrusion and curve of the flagship. Noting the proximity of its surface as the Cosbolt dropped lower, Athee conveyed that information to Byron.

Good!
he thought, pulling away from the ship.

Swinging wide, Byron flew past the engines. Athee had a quick look at the rear of the ship before stars filled their view once more.

That was incredible!
she thought, allowing her delight to radiate into his mind.

Let’s do it again then.

They made another pass over the Firenta. This time Byron darted in between the higher structures of the flagship. Athee felt the sharp motion as their Cosbolt tilted from side to side. On the outside, the movement of the simulator seemed rough. Inside the cockpit, their flight was smooth. She cried out with delight as he completed another pass.

This time, you select our course,
he thought.

Me?

Yes. I’m going to maintain a constant altitude and you tell me the path to follow.

Athee took a deep breath.
I’ll do my best.

Don’t worry, I won’t let us crash,
he thought with a sense of amusement.
And I’ll keep the speed slow and steady.