CassaFire by Alex J Cavanaugh

Author:Alex J Cavanaugh [Cavanaugh, Alex J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780982713945
Google: FVTZygAACAAJ
Amazon: 0982713940
Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press
Published: 2012-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Feeling better after an hour on the grav court, Byron retreated to his quarters. He wanted to enjoy a meal on board the Rennather before returning to Tgren. After yesterday’s incident, he was in no hurry to depart either. What awaited him on the planet only represented more stress.

He was finishing his meal when Korden requested his presence. Byron wondered if the commander wanted to discuss Athee’s reckless shuttle flight in detail. He prepared his thoughts for such a conversation. After a good night’s sleep, he felt rational and able to converse on the subject.

Korden was on his feet when he arrived, and Byron remained standing. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes,” the commander answered, setting his computer pad on the desk. “The crew chief informed me that he may not be able to repair your Darten.”

Byron nodded. “I spent several hours with him this morning, assisting with the repairs. The real issue is the fuel tank and our lack of proper replacement parts on board.”

Korden’s eyebrows rose. “That type of damage usually results in a large explosion and a short memorial,” he offered in a fatherly tone. “You were damned lucky yesterday, Byron.”

Garnce should’ve moved his ass faster, Byron thought, shielding his accusation from the commander. Shifting the blame to his fellow pilot would not fix his ship.

“And you weren’t the only one,” the commander added.

“Sir, I apologize for leaving her in the cockpit when those ships attacked,” Byron announced, prepared to accept full responsibility. At least Athee had hidden the source of her extensive flying knowledge. “I had no idea she’d do something so stupid.”

“The problem is that we’ve allowed her too many liberties,” said Korden, sinking into his chair. “Damn, she teleported right out of the hanger bay. Not sure if I’d credit that to exceptional talent or blind luck.”

“It won’t happen again, sir.”

“No, it won’t.” Folding his hands in his lap, Korden regarded Byron with curiosity. “Have you discussed this incident with her?”

“No sir, I was too angry yesterday,” he answered, recalling the fury that gripped him when the shuttle materialized outside the open bay. “I didn’t say a word to her.”

“I suggest you find time to discuss it today. She needs to understand the dangers involved. Athee’s still too valuable to risk, even for someone like yourself.”

The commander’s choice of words puzzled him. “I’m not sure I follow, sir.”

“Chancellor Dentex has taken a special interest in Athee. Our instructions are to keep this woman safe. If we can persuade her to return with us to Cassa, along with any others who show strong psychic aptitude, then it would provide proof that not only do Tgrens possess equal powers, but that dormant abilities might lie within our people as well.”

Byron shifted his stance. “Her uncle would never agree to that,” he said in a low voice.

Korden’s eyes narrowed. “You let me worry about Orellen. You maintain communication with that Tgren woman, understood? Keep her close and involved.”

Byron struggled to keep from laughing. “Sir, are you

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.