CassaFire (7 page)

“
If you would please wait outside,” he instructed, coiling the wires in his hands.

“
How’d I do?” she said, rising to her feet.

Illenth cast a quick glance at Byron. “You definitely possess strong mental abilities,” he admitted. “I need to discuss the next step with Officer Byron.”

Athee hesitated, her lips pressed together in defiance. Byron gestured to the door and she strode from the room, her boots striking the floor with force. Sliding the door shut, he turned to Illenth.

What’s the verdict?
he asked, using his mental voice to prevent Athee from overhearing their conversation.

Illenth leaned one hand on the machine, his fingers tapping the metal in unison.
Her psychic powers are the strongest I’ve seen thus far… by a long shot! I’m limited with this machine, though. A complete examination would be required to determine the full extent of her abilities, but I’m unable to do that here.

Officer Narunva has the necessary equipment on board the Rennather
, Byron offered.

The man nodded.
Tell Commander Korden I recommend a full evaluation. I’m sure the prefect will object, so be prepared.

Considering Athee is his niece, I don’t doubt that,
Byron added, aware that it complicated the matter. Orellen was already annoyed, and suggesting Athee travel to the Rennather might send the man into a raging fit.

Hopefully the commander can convince him,
thought Illenth.

I’ll inform Korden.

Byron turned to leave, but a nagging question tugged at his thoughts.
Is she really that strong?

Officer Illenth halted his nervous strumming and his eyes narrowed to mere slits.
The woman’s powers registered higher than most Cassans.

Byron stared at the man in surprise. The implications were staggering. A Tgren woman with powers greater than the average Cassan? That would alter their relationship with this race if further testing revealed Athee’s abilities were even stronger…

Damn, I wonder if she’s stronger than me? Byron thought as he left Illenth’s office.

He arose early the next morning in preparation for a flight to the Rennather. Byron had collapsed in his temporary quarters, too tired to care about amenities. The previous day’s events had weighed on him all evening, and today held the potential of yet more emotional strain. He wished he could remain in bed, but duty called.

Upon arrival at his shuttle, Byron began his preflight check. Only a couple empty cartons and two crewmembers were scheduled for the flight. Today’s transport should’ve fallen to Garnce, as shuttle flights were his responsibility during this mission. However, it was the potential third passenger that placed this trip in Byron’s hands. He doubted the prefect would allow his niece to travel to the Rennather for further testing, but nevertheless, Athee was scheduled to join them this morning.

The two men traveling to the ship arrived, along with the empty crates. Byron made sure the cartons were secure before instructing his passengers to fasten their harnesses. He wondered how long he should wait for his third passenger when the sound of voices reached his ears. Peering out the open hatch, he noticed Athee, Orellen, and a security guard approaching the ship. Neither the woman nor her uncle appeared happy. The prefect presented choppy gestures with his left hand as he spoke. Taking a deep breath, Byron stepped outside and awaited his final passenger.

“
Uncle, you can’t deny my right to know if I possess abilities,” said Athee, her long stride resonating annoyance as her boots struck the ground.

“
This whole business of mental powers is unnatural,” Orellen scoffed. The prefect came to an abrupt halt and grasped her elbow. “Not to mention preposterous! Tgrens speak with their mouths, not their minds.”

“
It’s not preposterous!” Athee retorted, pulling her arm free. “What if our people possess such abilities? Think of the implications, of what it might mean in our advancement. Imagine if we could expand our lines of communication and maintain contact with every plane, every city. This might be our answer.”

“
And it might be nothing at all.”

Athee placed her hands on her hips and stared at her uncle. The man scowled, his lips set in a thin line. This did not seem to deter the young woman. Byron remained at the foot of the ramp, unwilling to get involved. He lowered his shields just a little, listening for stray thoughts and emotions. As expected, determination poured forth from Athee. He also sensed her influence of persuasion working on the prefect. Athee might not understand her powers, but she already knew how to manipulate. Once she gained full control and comprehension of her psychic abilities, that trait could very easily become dangerous.

“
If only your father were here...” began Orellen, his voice low.

“
Well, he’s not! So this is my decision.”

“
Your leaving the surface of this planet is my decision, young woman,” the prefect countered, assuming an authoritative stance. “Your safety is also my responsibility.”

Athee shot Byron a desperate look. “I’m sure Officer Byron will keep me safe.”

He responded, compelled to validate her statement. “Nothing will happen to Athee while she is in my care,” Byron told the prefect. “You have my word.”

“
The word of a Cassan,” Orellen replied.

Angered by the man’s insult, Byron stood to his full height and clenched his fists. The prefect’s words indicated he doubted Byron’s promise held any merit. In a position of power or not, Orellen had no right to speak to him that way.

“
Uncle!” exclaimed Athee.

Byron held his ground, fighting the impulse to strike the look of contempt off the Tgren’s face. The prefect turned to face Byron, his nose wrinkled with disdain. Squaring his shoulders, he raised one finger in a threatening manner.

“
If anything happens to her, there will be severe repercussions,” he asserted. “You started this nonsense and I’ll hold you personally responsible for any harm that befalls my niece.”

Turning to Athee, he threw his hands in the air. “Go!” Orellen cried. Before she could respond, he stormed away from the shuttle.

Athee shook her head. She met Byron’s eyes in passing as she strode up the ramp and into the shuttle. Byron made certain the man was on his way to the hanger before closing the hatch. When the panel indicated a perfect seal, his shoulders sagged in relief.

Aware he needed to assist Athee with her harness, Byron stepped away from the door. Unable to locate her, he frowned. The other two passengers were secure in their seats and gave no indication as to her whereabouts. Alarmed, Byron peered into the cockpit. Athee now sat in the co-pilot’s seat, her harness in place and eyes scanning the control panel. Concerned, he entered the cockpit. She looked up and smiled.

“
Your controls still amaze me,” she said, her eyes reflecting childish wonder. “So much information to process.”

Hesitating, Byron grasped the back of her seat. “You’ve been in a shuttle before?”

“
Of course. The previous shuttle pilot even gave me a ride over the valley.”

I bet he did! Byron thought, staring at the attractive young woman. “Well, you need to go take a seat with the other passengers.”

Athee tossed her hair aside and eyed him expectantly. “I thought I’d ride in the cockpit with you.”

“
That’s probably not a good idea.”

“
Why not?”

“
That’s the co-pilot’s seat.”

“
Do you have a co-pilot?”

“
Well, no…”

“
Then this seat is open.”

Byron sighed in exasperation. Releasing her seat, he ran his fingers through his hair. This woman is too stubborn for her own good, he thought. He didn’t want her in the cockpit. She was an inexperienced passenger who’d never ventured into space. The jump alone could cause her to panic or get sick. Of greater concern were the emotions she would project during the flight. He’d endured Mevine’s inhibition, but didn’t care to repeat the experience.

A hand grasped his arm. Startled, he glanced down.

“
Officer Byron, this might be my only flight into space,” said Athee. “Please allow me to enjoy this experience from the cockpit.”

Byron regarded the young woman with caution. He sensed no trace of mental manipulation as she gazed at him. Only her words and expression could persuade him. Byron considered her inquiry and decided Athee could ride in the cockpit. Besides, if he denied her request, she might complain to her uncle. The man despised him enough already.

“
You can sit in the co-pilot’s seat, but if you touch so much as one control or utter a single word, I’ll secure you in the cargo hold on the return trip. Understand?”

Athee grinned, apparently undeterred by his threat. “Yes, sir.”

To her credit, the young woman neither spoke nor moved as the shuttle took flight. Athee’s hands remained clasped around the armrests, her gaze on the scene unfolding outside the cockpit. However, while her voice was still, that did not prevent her excitement from emanating like a beacon from her mind as the ship ascended further into the sky.

Byron was tempted to perform a rapid accent and give the Tgren woman a good scare. Perhaps she wouldn’t be so quick to request the co-pilot’s seat if the opportunity arose again. However, her elation reminded him of Mevine. Byron decided it would be wrong to douse her enthusiasm and kept the vessel steady. When he’d gained the proper altitude, he informed Athee of their impending jump into space.

Athee gasped. “You’re going to teleport the ship?” she said, breaking her vow of silence.

“
Yes,” he said, noting her fingers as they grasped the seat even tighter. “So don’t be alarmed when the view outside changes.”

Byron selected his coordinates. Reaching out to the teleporter, his mind tapped into the device and merged with its power. Envisioning his destination, he jumped to the new location. A split second of darkness outside the cockpit was followed by a view filled with stars.

With his mind open from connecting with the teleporter, Athee’s thoughts filled his head. His passenger’s reaction revealed no fear, and only her elation and delight flooded his mind. Byron began to shield out of habit, but he hesitated, reluctant to quiet the thoughts stirring in his head. Mevine’s elation had reminded him of Trindel, but Athee’s feelings plunged deeper. Her joy was like a pleasant ripple across his thoughts, mimicking his own forgotten, ecstatic sensations during teleportation. Caught up in her amazement, Byron allowed himself a smile.

As if she sensed their shared connection of joy, Athee turned to look at him. Byron reigned in his pleasure and assumed a more controlled expression.

“
That was incredible,” she said in a hushed voice.

Byron guided the shuttle on a tight arc. “Let’s see if I can top that then,” he said as the Rennather came into view.

He glanced at Athee and caught her smile as she viewed her first spacecraft. The Rennather wasn’t a large ship, but she was still impressive. He’d assumed the sight of the exploration vessel would terrify someone who’d never viewed a ship of such size. Athee’s lack of fear or intimidation was unexpected and refreshing. Byron enjoyed her enthusiastic response.

Once in the hanger, he instructed Athee to wait while he assisted the other passengers. The flight crew removed the empty cartons and Byron performed a final check before ushering the Tgren out of the shuttle. She followed, taking in the scenery as they crossed the hanger. Byron noticed several men observing their passage, eyes wide with curiosity. No woman currently served on the Rennather. Most of the crew had never seen a Tgren in person, either. Athee’s presence drew a great deal of attention. Byron moved with haste toward the exit.

Informing the commander of Athee’s arrival, Byron was instructed to escort her to Officer Narunva’s facility. Anceptor was on his way and Korden would join them when he had a free moment.

Byron located Officer Narunva’s office. He introduced Athee to the Rennather’s senior psych scientist. The older man offered her a gentle handshake in greeting, his deep-set eyes twinkling. Narunva gestured to a secluded observation room and followed Athee as she entered. He instructed the woman to have a seat in the lone chair.

“
It won’t hurt,” he said, hooking electrodes to her temples, “but the probing of your mind may seem unnerving at first. This machine will delve deeper than Officer Illenth’s device. Just relax and it will feel like a faint tickle in your head.”

A faint tickle? Yeah, right!

Byron shook his head and retreated from the room. That wasn’t how he remembered the numerous invasions he’d endured as a child. Prying adults had pierced his mental shields on many an occasion, all in the name of psychological analysis. Those instances were more akin to a blazing fire tearing through the mind. Granted psychic testing was less invasive and painful than forceful entry, but Byron preferred to avoid mental probing altogether.

Anceptor joined them as the senior psyche officer emerged from the room. Narunva ran through the basic tests first. The observation screen revealed a calm woman seated in the tiny room, neither flinching nor tense as her brain waves were recorded. Narunva checked individual levels of psychic strength, his fingers racing across the keypad.