CassaStar (13 page)

“
He set us up?” demanded Byron, straightening his back and grasping the armrests. “Sir?” he added.

“
Trindel couldn’t stomach killing another man. He was trying to give the drone a fighting chance,” Bassa informed the angry pilot, holding up his hand. “Regardless of his motives, you still managed to destroy the target and avoid a direct hit. Your team was the first to complete its assignment, I might add.”

Byron slouched in his seat, and Bassa realized that fact was of small consolation now. He would receive little response from Byron on the subject of their flight. Bassa opted to turn to more pressing matters.

“
I assume Trindel discussed his resignation with you?” he asked.

Eyes narrowing, Byron nodded.

“
Since Trindel has agreed to complete the program, his decision will not affect the outcome of this week’s tests, nor will it alter my assessment of your skill level.”

Byron took a deep breath and nodded again. His posture remained defensive and withdrawn, and the coldness of his eyes revealed a deep displeasure that bordered on agony. Clasping his hands together, Bassa selected his next words with care.

“
This exercise eliminates more men than any other test,” he admitted, watching Byron’s reaction. “I lost two teams and a navigator today. It’s a tough test, but I need to know if each man possesses the ability to destroy an enemy without hesitation. It’s better to eliminate them now than to place those teams in the fleet where their inability to act endangers the lives of others.”

Byron’s gaze had dropped while Bassa spoke, and he sensed the young pilot was about to shut down mentally as well. Leaning on his desk, Bassa made one last attempt to reach Byron.

“
I do not want to lose three complete teams today,” he stated with conviction.

His voice sounded loud in the room’s silence, but his words caught Byron’s attention. The young man raised his head and met Bassa’s gaze. The senior officer noted a spark of determination in his steel blue eyes.

“
I refuse to quit now, sir,” Byron replied.

Bassa nodded. “Then you and Trindel will complete your training as originally planned. If you are successful, you’ll receive a new navigator when a suitable match becomes available.”

Byron opened his mouth to speak and Bassa caught a hint of desperation in his thoughts. The young man’s brows came together and he at once shielded his mind. Bassa frowned, perplexed by Byron’s refusal to divulge his thoughts or appear vulnerable. Gazing at the pilot, Bassa decided he genuinely wanted to help the young man. If he ever hoped to reach the person trapped behind that protective shield, Bassa needed to do so now.

Leaning back in his chair, he assumed a receptive pose, allowing his hands to drop to his lap. Byron watched with apparent curiosity, but did not speak. Bassa selected his next words with care.

“
I suggest,” he began in a non-threatening voice, “that you take advantage of this opportunity to speak candidly.”

Byron eyed his superior with skepticism. Shifting in his seat, he leaned heavily on the armrests.

“
Sir, how long will I have to wait for a new navigator?” he asked, the words tumbling from his lips.

“
The process could take a month or more,” Bassa explained. “You will require a navigator of exceptional skill.”

“
Will I have to go through training again, sir?”

“
A minimum of twenty hours in the cockpit is required before a team is certified, sometimes more if warranted,” he conceded. “Occasionally this is done on location, but more often than not, a new team trains together at a facility on Cassa.”

Byron’s gaze dropped to the floor. For a brief moment, his dejection penetrated his mental shields.

“
Then it will be months before I join the fleet,” he murmured.

His guard dropped even further, and Bassa sensed a deep fear of failure and rejection in Byron. The young man’s desperate need for accomplishment and acceptance rang clear in his mind. Bassa was surprised when his own emotions stirred at the memory of another young pilot’s desire for confirmation of his worth. Before his thoughts revealed themselves, he cleared his mind.

“
If you successfully complete your training,” Bassa said with authority, causing Byron to meet his gaze. “Not only will I give you the highest recommendation possible, but I promise I will do everything in my power to locate a quality navigator and assignment for you.”

Byron’s eyes widened and he sat up straight in his seat. “Really, sir?”

“
If you complete your training to my satisfaction,” the senior officer reminded him.

“
Yes, sir, that’s a promise!”

Bassa had to suppress a smile. The young man’s spirit had returned with a vengeance.

“
Then I suggest you settle your differences with your current navigator and concentrate on giving your best performance.”

“
Yes, sir,” Byron promised.

“
Good! You are dismissed, Byron,” ordered Bassa, leaning forward in his chair.

“
Yes, sir!” the young man exclaimed, rising to his feet. “And thank you, sir.”

Byron retreated from his office with a bounce to his step. When the doors closed, Bassa chuckled at the young man’s reaction before turning to his computer screen. He added final notes to the pilot’s file, pleased with their session. As he completed his task, his eyes strayed to the photo on his desk.

A chime signified a visitor. Leaning away from his computer, Bassa gave permission to enter. Officer Rellen sauntered into the room, his customary smile in place.

“
Finished with the trainees?” he inquired.

“
Yes, the last session just ended,” Bassa replied, cocking his head. “Did you speak to Security Officer Solate before his departure?”

Rellen nodded and dropped into the chair vacated by Byron. “And his team thanked us again. They enjoyed the opportunity to play prisoners.”

Bassa chuckled at his instructor’s observation. “I think they enjoy the charade as much as than the bonus in pay.”

“
If the trainees only knew they were shooting down empty drones …”

“
If they knew, the test would not be effective!”

Rellen nodded in agreement. “Any surprises this afternoon?” he asked, eyebrows raised in anticipation.

“
No one else was eliminated. 715T’s navigator will remain long enough to ensure his pilot completes the course,” Bassa announced.

“
You intend to pass Byron, then?”

Noting the skepticism in Rellen’s voice, Bassa fixed him with an authoritative stare. “If he successfully completes the final sessions, yes, I do!”

Rellen did not appear threatened by Bassa’s tone, but he did offer a polite nod of acceptance.

“
The fleet will have a difficult time locating a suitable navigator for that young buck,” he said, shaking his head. “He’ll require a man with experience, not to mention a strong will. I don’t envy the navigator who aligns himself with Byron!”

Sliding back his chair, Bassa rose to his feet. “A suitable replacement will be located.”

Rellen leapt from his seat. “Well, that is not our concern! If you’re ready to dine?”

“
I am.”

He reached for his computer and hesitated before clearing the screen. Byron’s dilemma promised to occupy his thoughts for the remainder of the evening. Rellen’s assessment was correct, though. The fleet would be hard-pressed to match Byron with a navigator of equal skill and ability. Those with experience would balk at an alliance with a rookie pilot, and those who might be willing would lack the skill and fortitude to keep the young man in line. And that worried Bassa.

He won’t stand a chance in the fleet, he thought to himself as the screen’s image vanished.

Chapter Six

The small, formal ceremony came to a close, concluding with the joyous shouts of twenty young men. Thirty-six started the program six months ago, but of those gathered today, Byron doubted any thought about the ones who’d failed. They were officially Cosbolt pilots and navigators now.

Byron returned to his quarters to retrieve his gear. The men were departing at once for Cassa and three days of much needed leave. He couldn’t even remember his last free day. Byron intended to live it up until he reported for his first official assignment as a pilot. He still needed a navigator, which might require another month or two on Cassa, but that problem could wait. He had three days to revel in his success.

Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he surveyed his quarters one more time before departing. Byron jumped when the door panel opened and he discovered Trindel waiting. His friend appeared just as surprised.

“
Sorry!” Trindel exclaimed, adjusting the bag in his hand. “Thought we could go down to the shuttle together.”

“
Sure,” Byron replied with a shrug.

Trindel fell in step beside him as they moved toward the lift. Neither seemed inclined to speak; a testimony to the unease between pilot and navigator. Byron still resented his friend’s decision to pursue another career, although he’d suppressed his hostile feelings while they completed the program. Trindel had apologized repeatedly and almost to the point of annoyance. Byron knew he was acting childish by ignoring his navigator’s attempts to make peace, but he still felt betrayed. They had managed to set aside their differences during their flights, but the rift in their friendship continued to separate the two men.

Another team joined them in the lift, and the men’s eager banter regarding their trip to Cassa elicited a smile from Trindel. The young man’s amusement bubbled forth from his thoughts and Byron felt a twinge of guilt for acting so harsh the past few days. Despite his mixed feelings, he would miss Trindel’s sense of humor and overzealous spirit. If not for his navigator, Byron’s smile would’ve remained hidden during their training.

The officers awaited the men at the transport. Each instructor offered his congratulations to the new junior officers as they boarded the ship. Byron accepted the handshakes and salutes with a grin, proud of his new title and rank.

The senior officer was the last to speak to the men before they entered the ship. Bassa wished Trindel well in his next career as the young man stepped on the ramp. Byron moved forward and offered the senior instructor a proper salute.

“
Thank you, sir, for all of your assistance,” he said.
And for believing in me,
he added privately.

“
As you will soon discover, I have total faith in your abilities and skills, Byron,” the senior officer stated, the hint of a smile on his lips.

Byron was puzzled by his choice of words. Before he could speak again, Bassa held out his hand.

“
Safe flying, pilot.”

Byron returned his handshake and offered a rare smile. “Thank you, sir.”

He proceeded up the ramp and into the ship. Stowing his bag with the others, he glanced around for Trindel. Most of the men had spread out across the cabin in pairs. Byron located his friend sitting by himself. Another wave of guilt struck him. Trindel had tried so hard to seek forgiveness, and Byron had returned his gestures with cold indifference. The return flight to Cassa might be their last opportunity to spend time together. Indeed, it might be the last time he ever saw his friend. Straightening his shoulders, Byron decided to bury his resentment and just enjoy Trindel’s company.

He paused by the open seat and his friend looked up in surprise. “Can I sit here?” Byron asked.

“
Sure,” replied Trindel, straightening his posture.

Byron dropped into the seat and stretched his long legs. He did not know what to say to Trindel, and battled with his reluctance to speak. Discussing his thoughts and feelings was not Byron’s strength, and admitting he was wrong was even more difficult. However, he possessed precious few friends. Byron did not want this friendship to end on a sour note.

Still struggling with his words, Byron cleared his throat. “You do realize,” he said, his eyes on the hands in his lap, “that my next navigator won’t be half as good as you.”

Without raising his chin, Byron cast a sideways glance at his friend. With only a moment’s hesitation, Trindel flashed a broad smile.