Free CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

present location as he spun around the ship. Trindel’s response was shaky but prompt.
     
    Vitar and his pursuer are coming straight at us, he indicated.
     
    Byron observed their comrade’s ship and decided to follow through with his original intentions. Tell them to yield at the last moment as well, he ordered, throttling forward.
     
    Holding his breath, Byron flew at Vitar’s ship. He sensed Trindel’s rising concern of a close encounter. Byron assured his navigator of their success, though.
     
    Vitar exhibited nerves of steel and waited until the last possible moment to pull left. Receiving a clear shot, Byron fired at the drone. His aim was perfect, but their close proximity provided no opportunity for evasive action. Within that split moment, Byron made a decision. Before Trindel could respond, he teleported the ship.
     
    Emerging at their previous jump location, Byron breathed a sigh of relief. His team had neutralized four targets today with no sustained damage. As the ship spun around, he realized that would be their final count. The battle was almost over and the last drone faced annihilation. After the intensity of the fight, Byron hoped his team had scored the most kills.
     
    How did you do that? exclaimed Trindel in amazement.
     
    Do what? The jump? Byron asked, contemplating the question. His answer was cut short, though.
     
    “ 715T, return to formation at once!”
     
    The voice over the com was Bassa’s and he sounded furious. Byron felt his stomach sink. What had they done wrong now?
     
    That didn’t sound encouraging, Trindel noted, his solemn thought tinged with concern.
     
    Irritation rising in his chest, Byron clenched his fists. “Damn!” he muttered under his breath.
     
    Spirits dampened, his team returned to the squadron. The remaining drone was neutralized and the trainees assumed formation. Facing the scene of the battle, Byron noted three Cosbolts drifting among the lifeless drones. After a moment, power returned to the ships. The downed teams slowly joined the squadron while the drones proceeded toward the base. Byron hoped the three ships who’d failed to evade the drones would receive the brunt of Bassa’s wrath. He still had no idea what error he and Trindel had committed.
     
    Too many jumps? Trindel offered as they returned to base.
     
    They were all successful, though!
     
    Trindel said no more. Byron’s irritation continued to grow as they proceeded to land and taxi into the hanger. A couple of the men commented on his team’s kills, but Byron’s sullen mood discouraged further conversation. Retreating to the debriefing room, he dropped into his chair with incredible force and fumed in silence as the others joined him.
     
    The officers did not enter until all of the trainees were present. One look at Bassa’s angry expression and Byron’s defenses rose in anticipation. This session would not be pleasant.
     
    Officer Rellen gestured to Morden, and the instructor stepped forward. He glanced at his computer pad before scanning the room.
     
    “ Your first major battle was not without mistakes,” began Morden, his tone grim, “including three downed ships. Fortunately, all drones were neutralized within an acceptable period of time. Several teams had multiple kills, and Byron and Trindel possessed the highest total with four …”
     
    “ With a matching four jumps,” interjected Bassa, his loud voice commanding everyone’s attention. “And that is unacceptable!”
     
    Byron felt his face flush with anger and embarrassment. “All four jumps were successful, sir,” he protested.
     
    “ You were damned lucky!” the senior officer retorted. “We’ve repeatedly informed you of the dangers of multiple jumps, as your teleporter will fail with such misuse. Two successive jumps drain the element. You failed to give the teleporter time to recharge before jumping again. Those last two jumps were pure luck, and you never rely on luck!”
     
    His words vibrated