CassaStar

CassaStar

Alex J. Cavanaugh

“…
calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

“
An exciting science fiction novel. Cavanaugh has…a successful career ahead of him.” - Speculative Book Reviews

"CassaStar excels at both fast-paced action sequences, and more intimate character moments. A truly enjoyable read, and a must for any Science Fiction fan." - The SFF Hub

“
Forgoing the usual stale syfy plot, Cavanaugh has created a believable world of his own filled with page turning adventure and characters so real that you ache for them. It has everything that you could possibly want in good science fiction…”- Jamieson Wolf, Author of The Written Word Series

“…
friendship is at the heart of CassaStar. This character-driven story will widely appeal to even those who don't read sci-fi. I'd recommend CassaStar not only to adults but also to fans of YA.” - Jaded Love Junkie

CassaStar

Alex J. Cavanaugh

DANCING LEMUR PRESS, L.L.C.

Pikeville, North Carolina

www.dancinglemurpress.com

Copyright 2010 by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

P.O. Box 383, Pikeville, North Carolina, 27863-0383

www.dancinglemurpress.com

eBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8

Print ISBN: 978-0-9816210-6-7 / 0-9816210-6-6

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system in any form – either mechanically, electronically, photocopy, recording, or other – except for short quotations in printed reviews, without the permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover design by C.R.W.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Cavanaugh, Alex J.

CassaStar / Alex J. Cavanaugh.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7

1. Space warfare —Fiction. 2. Science fiction. 3. Friendship —Fiction. I. Title

PS3553.A964 C38 2010

[Fic]—dd22

2010927005

For my loving wife who’s supported me all these years!

Prologue

Slipping between two asteroids, the fighter continued in tight pursuit. The drone had attempted to elude destruction by hiding in the asteroid field, but the pilot was not about to lose his target. The teleportation device on board his ship still registered just enough power for a single jump, and he’d call upon its ability if necessary.

“
There you are!” the pilot exclaimed, spying the drone’s shiny surface against the darkness of space.

He sent his Cosbolt into a sharp nosedive. His navigator calculated their chances of catching the drone and relayed the information. Gritting his teeth, the pilot pushed his vessel even harder. Continuing on its course, the drone attempted to duck under a large asteroid. Fearing he would lose his opportunity, the pilot hugged the rock’s surface as he closed the distance.

It’ll be close!
his navigator warned, the mental thought loud in his head.

Just as the nose of the drone disappeared from sight, the pilot fired, and two lasers sped toward their target. Sensing his navigator’s growing panic, he pulled away from the asteroid just as his shots struck the tail of the drone. Recovering from his fright, the young man in the back seat confirmed the vessel’s destruction.

Uttering a triumphant cry, the pilot eased back on the throttle. Gliding out of their tight arc, he realigned the ship and requested another target. A voice over the com cut him short.

“
Damn, you’re insane!”

Glancing to his left, the pilot caught sight of an approaching Cosbolt. He laughed at his comrade’s observation, feeling pleased with his daring maneuver. Guiding his ship closer, he fell into position beside the other vessel.

“
Ease back, rookie,” the other pilot suggested, his tone implying concern rather than a command. “It’s just an exercise. What are you trying to prove?”

“
That I’m the best!”

And if that doesn’t get your brother’s attention …?
he asked, his question concealed from both ship’s navigators.

Eyes narrowing, the young pilot tightened his grip on the throttle. Before he could form a response, his navigator announced the presence of another drone not far behind them. Snapping into action, the pilot made a sharp turn.

“
Bet you a week’s pay I get to him first!” he challenged.

The second ship veered as well. “You’re on!” the other pilot exclaimed.

With a distinct lead, the young pilot approached the drone. Their target took evasive action and dove toward a cluster of small asteroids. The pilot fired one laser blast, hoping to catch the drone before it entered the tight arrangement of rocks. His shot just grazed the wingtip, and their target vanished into the cluster.

A lot of movement,
his navigator warned.

Glancing at his screen, the pilot noticed the second Cosbolt had adjusted its trajectory. The other team intended to go around the asteroids and catch the droid on the far side. Unwilling to lose the bet, he made a rash decision. Feeling his muscles tighten in anticipation, the young man followed the droid.

That cluster’s too unstable!
the other pilot exclaimed.

I can handle it!

Swinging around a drifting asteroid, the young pilot requested assistance from his navigator. Guiding him under another rock, his partner relayed the location of the drone. The close proximity of so many asteroids blocked the galaxy’s star, preventing proper illumination. The pilot relied on his navigator’s direction, hugging the uneven surfaces as he flew around the giant boulders.

The drone came into view once more. A drifting rock brushed the vessel’s wingtip, sending it into a slow spiral. Pressing forward, the pilot closed the distance. His thumb hovered over the laser’s trigger, prepared to shoot at the first opportunity.

Swinging around another asteroid, their target regained control and dove. The Cosbolt followed and the pilot realized the drone intended to slip between two rocks. Determined his quarry would not escape, he conveyed his intentions just as the drone adjusted its angle and shot between the two asteroids.

We got him!
he thought, pressing the button. Firing two shots, he requested teleportation coordinates.

His navigator hesitated but a split second before relaying a location.
Jump!

The blackness of folded space consumed the ship for a moment. Entering space again, an enormous asteroid filled the pilot’s view outside the cockpit.

Pull up!
screamed his navigator.

Yanking back on the throttle, the pilot realized it wouldn’t be enough. His mind touched the teleporter, but there wasn’t enough energy for a jump. There was no escape.

I’ll never fly with you now, brother,
he thought as the Cosbolt struck the asteroid.

Chapter One

Straightening his jacket, Bassa adjusted the fall of the heavy fabric across his chest. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, conscious of the gradual changes in his features. The uniform was still a perfect fit, as he’d kept up his physique, but his face no longer reflected the same youthful qualities. Lines were forming around his eyes and the skin stretched across his chiseled features had grown rough. He wasn’t sure at what point the subtle alterations had appeared, but he could no longer deny the inevitable. Bassa was finally showing his age.

“
Still have a ways to go,” he murmured, brushing aside the wavy locks that fell across his brow.

At fifty-nine, he was still considered in his prime. Cassans lived an average of one hundred and thirty years if they abused neither body nor mental powers. Bassa had served as a fighter ship navigator for almost eighteen years, a position that certainly took its toll on an individual. However, the past twenty years had been spent in a less strenuous manner. As the lead instructor on Guaard, he still flew daily but without the stress of deep space battles.

Satisfied with his appearance, Bassa retrieved his personal computer pad from the desk. In passing, his eyes caught the flicker of light through his tiny portal window. Shifting his position, he took note of the small, glowing orb in the black sky. The training facility resided on a dark moon far from the galaxy’s star. Its light graced two habitable planets in the system, including his home world of Cassa, but the warmth of the sun never reached Guaard. The moon did not reside at the far end of the system, but it felt as if the inhabitants were on the very edge of existence.

Bassa exited his quarters and strolled down the short hallway. He paused at the lift, his gaze falling on the telepod’s open door. New pilots and navigators were not permitted to use the teleporter pods until properly trained, but Bassa’s rank granted him full access to the devices. The invitation to stretch his powers rather than his legs was too tempting, and he opted for the faster form of transportation.

Stepping inside the pod, Bassa waited for the gentle pop of the sealed door before visualizing his destination. Feeling the strength of the teleporter’s power source, located in a compartment over his head, he tapped into the device’s ability to fold space. The resulting jump was so brief that Bassa did not even notice its effects.

The door slid open, revealing the entrance to his office, which resided at the far end of the complex. Bassa strode across the hall and waved his hand over the press plate. The double doors moved aside without a sound and he surveyed his office. The wall over his desk was adorned with the Cassan fleet’s insignia; the black, five-pointed star with double planets a sharp contrast to the white walls. His numerous medals and awards covered the two side walls, representing almost eighteen years of service as one of the top navigators. Two bookshelves occupied the far wall, and every book and file resided in perfect order. Bassa’s large desk and chair were imposing figures in the spacious room, flanked by two smaller chairs for visitors. To the young and uninitiated, the room appeared daunting and intimidating, and it smacked of authority. That was exactly the impression Bassa wanted to impart as lead instructor on Guaard.