CassaFire (34 page)
Authors: Alex J. Cavanaugh
“
We’re not in that much of a hurry, Mevine,” said Byron, reaching out to steady the young man.
“
I don’t want to be responsible for holding up the Rennather,” Mevine gasped. “Or you.”
“
I think they’ll cut us both some slack.”
The young man took several deep breaths as he attempted to regain his composure. “You won’t be back for a long time,” he said with disappointment.
“
Probably not for a year and a half,” Byron responded. “Once we’ve finished with Cosbolt training, we’ll return, though.”
“
I hope I’m still here.”
“
Mevine, I think you’ll be here for as long as you want.”
The boy smiled, his shoulders straightening with pride. Mevine’s thin frame still required some work, but he now possessed an air of confidence that was previously lacking. Byron knew his friend would prosper here on Tgren.
“
Besides, we intend to put in a good word for you when we meet with Chancellor Dentex.”
Mevine was to receive honors for his involvement in the determent of the alien craft, but Byron wanted to be sure that the young man’s father fully comprehended his son’s contribution. Considering how eager the Chancellor was to meet Athee, Byron knew he had Mevine’s father at his mercy. Mevine would no longer be the outcast of the family.
“
Mevine,” said Athee, speaking for the first time since saying goodbye to her uncle. “Thank you, for everything. You saved my people.”
The young officer placed his hands behind his back and glanced down. “I just translated the code…” he began, tracing a line in the dirt with his boot.
Athee stepped forward and placed her arms around his neck. Shock radiated from Mevine. His wide eyes sought Byron. Smiling at his friend, Byron nodded and sent his approval. Mevine returned Athee’s embrace with an awkward hug, surprise still emanating from his thoughts.
You did far more than you realize,
Athee told him in a hushed thought.
She released Mevine. He staggered back, his expression almost apologetic as he turned to Byron. With a grin, Byron brought his hand down on his friend’s shoulder.
“
I’ll miss you, Mevine,” he announced, squeezing the boy’s bony shoulder. Mevine stood to his full height and lifted his chin.
“
Sir, it’s been an honor serving with you. More than an honor! Sir, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to meet you in person…”
“
Mevine!”
His jaw clamped shut, and Mevine stared at his idol with wide eyes. Byron gave him a light shake.
“
If you call me sir one more time, or at any time during our communication over the next couple years, I’m going to fry your ass. Understood?”
Mevine nodded in agreement, and Byron’s smile grew.
You’re my friend, Mevine. And a damned good friend.
Without waiting for a response, Byron gave the young man a rough hug. The gratitude and adoration that poured from Mevine bordered on embarrassing. However, a peace resided within his friend. The tranquility occupying Mevine’s mind was indescribable. The memory of another man’s peace flashed in his thoughts, and Byron’s chest muscles constricted.
He patted Mevine’s head and stepped back, drained by the exchange. Byron felt Athee’s fingers curl around his palm. He realized she’d overheard their exchange. They weren’t even a bonded pair yet, and already she knew his thoughts.
“
Stay out of trouble,” Byron told Mevine.
The young man stood at attention as they boarded the shuttle. Athee released Byron’s hand and returned to the cockpit. Byron hesitated before closing the hatch, his eyes on Mevine. His friend offered a mischievous smirk as the shuttle door began to close.
I’m glad you won’t be alone anymore,
Mevine thought.
Yeah, me too.
Byron wasted no time lifting the shuttle into the sky. He spun the ship around and caught Mevine staring up at them, his thin frame growing smaller by the second. Grasping the throttle tighter, he tapped into the teleporter and envisioned their destination.
The Rennather’s hanger crew assisted with the bags. An ensign led Erndell out of the hanger, leaving Byron to escort Athee to his quarters. He offered his elbow and she grasped his arm. Without a word, he ushered her into the nearest telepod. Two crewmen followed with Athee’s possessions draped across their shoulders.
Arriving at his quarters, Byron indicated where the bags were to be placed. He eyed the pile with trepidation. His closets weren’t big enough to house so many bags. Opening up the nearest compartment, Byron attempted to place the sacks inside. He managed to fit three into the tiny compartment. The remaining two would have to reside elsewhere.
Frustrated, he closed the door. Byron glanced around the room. He noticed Athee by his computer and detected curiosity. Ignoring the last two bags, he approached the Tgren woman.
She stepped back and stared at him in wonder.
Is that Bassa?
Noting the photo beside his computer, Byron placed a hand on her back and nodded. He gazed at the image, aware that it was the first time Athee had ever viewed his former navigator. Byron had kept his friend hidden from her, almost afraid to allow a connection between the two. As he gazed at Bassa’s image, he realized the importance of the moment.
I wish you could’ve met Athee, my friend, he thought. Now I know I’ll be all right.
Forgetting the bags on the floor, Byron twisted Athee’s body to face him. His arms wrapped around her back and he pulled the Tgren woman close.
Time to test your final ability,
he announced, feeling hunger arise in his body.
Her eyes narrowed
. If you want us to bond, you’ve got to do better than that.
Byron grinned and raised a hand to stroke her hair.
I love you.
Athee relaxed in his arms.
I love you,
she thought.
Returning her affectionate smile, Byron gave Athee a light shake.
Now, all I ask is that you remember your place in this relationship. You will be my mate and navigator, understood?
Yes, sir!
Which makes me…?
he prodded, affecting his most threatening expression.
Athee’s grin grew and she stroked the back of his neck
. The luckiest pilot in the universe
.
I can live with that,
Byron thought as he bent to kiss her.
The End
About The Author
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently the author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
