CassaStar (34 page)

“
Three of the Dartens were able to transmit data,” Ernx replied, setting down his fork. “The information is being analyzed now.”

“
How many Dartens made it back?”

Ernx and Nintal exchanged nervous glances.

“
Only one,” Ernx answered, his expression solemn.

The news was sobering. Byron decided not to inquire how many men were lost during the course of the fight. He’d discover that soon enough. The teams had gathered information, though. It didn’t ease the loss of Bassa, but at least his death held meaning now.

When his friends finished, Byron indicated he was ready to depart. They rose together and he led the way toward the exit. As he passed the first table, a man rose to his feet. Byron scowled as Wentar touched his shoulder. After their previous exchange, he wanted nothing to do with the man.

“
Byron,” Wentar said, his fingers squeezing Byron’s shoulder. The pilot’s expression mirrored his sympathetic feelings. “I am truly sorry about Bassa. He was a damned fine officer.”

Sensing the man’s words were genuine, Byron nodded in acceptance. He felt a hand touch his other shoulder and turned to discover Hannar at his side. Ernx and Nintal moved closer to protect him, but Byron did not feel threatened. The officers surrounding him, and those seated at the nearest table, expressed only sympathy and understanding. He departed the dining hall a little more secure in his position with the squadron.

He scanned through some of Bassa’s files, but reading his navigator’s words only made the man’s absence more pronounced. Byron retired early to his bed and the opportunity to empty his mind. Tomorrow he’d return to active duty alone and he didn’t relish the idea.

After the squadron briefing the next morning, he reported to the simulator for training. The Darten handled much lighter than the Cosbolt and he spent the session adjusting to the movement. Navigating on his own was also a challenge. He missed Bassa’s guidance. He’d not realized how much his friend’s presence bolstered his confidence and he missed the support.

Displeased with his first efforts, he requested an afternoon session and returned after the midday meal. His second attempt in the Darten proved more successful and Byron felt his proficiency improve. One more day of simulator runs and he’d master the craft well enough to rejoin the squadron.

As he finished eating that evening, an announcement came over the com system. The presence of all officers was required at once in the main hanger. Those gathered in the dining hall rose to their feet and Byron followed suit.

“
I wonder if they have a plan for destroying the Vindicarn ship,” said Ernx, falling in step beside Byron.

“
We can only hope,” he declared.

Officers had just begun to gather when they arrived. Byron and his friends waited as the men assembled. The commander and senior squadron officer were deep in discussion while squadron leaders and senior officers congregated to one side. Byron listened with interest to the whispered speculations ofthose nearby. The buzz in the room grew as more officers entered and soon he could not hear his own thoughts. The close proximity of so many bodies was growing uncomfortable. He was about to move toward the side when the senior squadron leader called for silence.

“
The battle with the Vindicarn vessel claimed the lives of many good men,” he began when the room grew quiet, “and we honor those who gave their lives for this mission.

“
Three of the Dartens successfully transmitted data on the enemy ship. We now have a much clearer view of the inside.”

The screen behind Forllen lit up, displaying a transparent image of the Vindicarn ship. The majority of the vessel was only a shell, but three areas revealed interior details. The image enlarged, focusing on one specific area.

“
Team Two’s pilot managed to navigate to the core of the ship,” he announced, gesturing toward the screen. “He had to make one jump to clear a vent grating before locating the disrupter core behind this wall.”

The image enlarged again, and the chamber housing the main disrupter filled the screen. Byron eyed the view with interest. A ship the size of the Darten would be but a speck in comparison.

“
The chamber can only be accessed by teleportation. The pilot could locate no direct access from the outside vents and the walls are too thick to blast through. However, he was able to scan the chamber and provide us with a clear view of the interior. From the information gathered, we believe a direct hit on the disrupter core would set off a chain reaction and destroy the ship.

“
Intelligence scouts confirm this is the only disrupter ship in the Vindicarn fleet,” Forllen declared, his voice loud as he scanned the men. “We take out this ship, we eliminate the Vindicarn’s greatest weapon.”

A small commotion broke out as the men murmured to one another. Byron took a deep breath, his gaze on the disrupter core. Destroying the ship would tip the scales in their favor and might even end the war.

“
However,” the senior squadron leader exclaimed, his voice rising above the noise. The men fell silent, their attention on Forllen.

“
However, there remains one obstacle. While the heat encountered inside the core’s chamber can be reduced by reinforcing the Darten’s shields, hopefully protecting the pilot’s mind as well, the effects of the disrupter on the teleporter’s power cannot. Team Two’s pilot reported a slow drain on his device’s energy even through the reinforced walls, so we speculate that once inside the chamber, the teleporter’s power would be drained instantly. A pilot teleporting into the chamber would have no means of escape.”

The mood in the hanger shifted as the budding hope subsided. The senior squadron leader held up his hand to silence the discouraged murmurs.

“
Commander Kernen and I are not yet ready to send a pilot to his death without exploring other options,” Forllen said in a firm voice, his hands behind his back. “Destroying the disrupter core is our best option, but the Lathella is working on a plan that involves the Vindicarn’s engines. We will make a final decision tomorrow morning when the Clairius and the Jentara reach our location.”

Urgent conversations broke out around Byron, and Ernx voiced his thoughts loudly in his ear. The words went unheard as Byron continued to stare at the screen. The disrupter chamber provided many challenges, especially as the exact effects of the core could not be predicted. However, none of those details mattered if the pilot was trapped inside. It was a suicide mission. Unless …

“
I can teleport in and out of that chamber,” he called, speaking mentally as well in order to be heard over the commotion. His words brought a hushed silence over the crowded hanger and those nearby turned to stare at Byron.

“
Son, I appreciate your willingness to try, but your teleporter’s power would be drained. You’d be unable to jump to safety,” Forllen explained, a hint of fatherly patience in his voice.

Sensing disbelief in those around him, Byron’s gaze shifted to the commander. Kernen’s brows were furrowed, but he gave a curt nod. Byron straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin high.

“
I can jump without using the teleporter’s energy,” he proclaimed.

His declaration was met with astonishment, and a wave of murmurs and gasps traveled across the hanger. Byron felt Ernx grab his arm, but his gaze remained on the senior squadron leader. Forllen frowned and he sensed the man’s annoyance.

“
Only one Cassan in 800,000 possess that ability …” he began.

“
One in 802,197 to be exact,” the commander added, stepping forward. His eyes met Byron’s. “But all we need is that one.”

A hushed silence fell over the crowd. Those closest to Byron took a step back, as if afraid. Ernx released his arm and he sensed the man’s shock. Shielding his mind from the crowd, Byron focused on the commander.

The squadron leader stared wide-eyed at Kernen. “Sir?” he inquired.

The commander continued to gaze at Byron. “You really think you can do it, Officer Byron?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

“
Yes, sir, I can.”

Kernen’s expression turned thoughtful. Byron channeled every ounce of confidence into his appearance, forcing doubt from his mind. The commander had to believe that his young, inexperienced pilot was capable of performing such a feat. His navigator would’ve harbored no misgivings, but Bassa was not here now. Byron had to convince Kernen without the assistance of his friend.

The commander adjusted his position and nodded. “We’ll continue exploring other options, but an attack on the disrupter core will be our primary strategy. Inform the Lathella of our plans,” ordered Kernen, turning to his senior communications officer. “Squadron leaders, you will receive your assignments momentarily. Prepare your men.”

His gaze returned to Byron. “I want to see you in my office in ten minutes, Officer Byron.”

“
Yes, sir!” he replied.

“
Dismissed!”

Voices erupted around Byron, echoing in his mind as well as his ears. Ernx grabbed his shoulder once more.

“
You’re a jumper?” he gasped, his turbulent thoughts reflected in his wide eyes. Beside him, Nintal appeared just as stunned.

Byron nodded. It felt awkward to disclose the truth. He’d grown accustomed to hiding his unique ability, but there was no concealing that fact now.

Those around him began to press forward, voicing their surprise. Byron was bombarded by questions. Uncomfortable with the scrutiny, he kept his answers short as he tried to move toward the exit. He did not want to keep Kernen waiting. The mass of people surrounding him prevented his departure and Byron felt a wave of panic. More than ever, he wished Bassa were here to protect his young pilot.

“
Let him through!” a voice commanded just as Byron felt a large hand grasp his shoulder.

Bassa’s friend appeared at his side. Deacer used his free hand to push aside the overzealous crowd while Hannar stepped in front of Byron and forced a path for the pilot. Ernx and Nintal joined them and the group moved across the hanger floor with considerable ease.

As they approached the exit, Byron sent Deacer a word of thanks. Bassa’s friend chuckled in his ear.

I always suspected you were a jumper,
Deacer admitted, propelling him into the hallway.
You’re a brave young man, Byron.

Bassa’s voice rang in his head.
It’s the right thing to do,
he explained.

He hastened to the commander’s office, but there was no reply to his request for admittance. Moving to one side, Byron leaned against the wall and waited. The full impact of his commitment hadn’t hit him yet, and he purposely steered his thoughts away from the mission. He wanted to prevent doubt from entering his thoughts, causing him to appear hesitant in front of the commander. Byron had made his choice and he intended to follow through with that decision.

The light above the telepod across the hall flashed red. Byron straightened his posture as the door opened and Kernen emerged. The commander nodded and indicated the young man was to follow him into the office. Kernen moved toward his chair and Byron stood at attention on the other side of the desk. The commander dropped his computer pad, his expression weary. Leaning against his desk, Kernen stared hard at Byron.

“
Are you sure you can pull this off?” he asked.

“
Yes, sir,” Byron replied without hesitation. “I can funnel my own power into the teleporter. I’ll jump in, deliver the payload, and jump out again.”

“
You’ll have to time it just right. The shields might prevent your exit.”

“
I’m aware of that, sir.”

Kernen sighed, his shoulders sagging. “Son, there’s a chance the disrupter core might overpower your senses as well.”

That thought had occurred to Byron, but he wasn’t concerned. “It’s a chance I’m willing to take, sir,” he stated, holding fast to his resolution.

The commander’s chin dropped and he sank into his chair. Leaning back, he stared at Byron.

“
I don’t like suicide missions,” he admitted with candor. “I know you’ve suffered a great loss, but I don’t want you to throw your life away. Bassa was so intent on keeping you alive, son. Be sure you’re doing this for all the right reasons.”

“
Sir,” began Byron, his heart heavy. “Bassa gave his life so we might acquire this information. If we don’t take advantage of this opportunity, then his death will have been in vain. I couldn’t live with that, sir.”