Free CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh Page A

great strength. Byron admired the man’s tenacity. Orellen would fight until his last breath.
    I never thought I’d see this day, thought Orellen, his eyelid drooping.
    Byron’s jaw muscles tightened. The day your people declared war against another race?
    No. The day our people would again face an outside threat, one that could destroy us. Only this time, I am powerless to do anything about it.
    Offering a curt nod, Byron shielded his next thoughts for Orellen only. I’d be lying if I said I was glad Enteller held the position of prefect now.
    He was never my first choice, thought Orellen, but no one else stepped up when I resigned.
    At least he agreed to sign the alliance.
    Orellen’s forehead wrinkled further as the older man offered his best scowl. Only with much prodding and after we were attacked. Took a tragedy to motivate Enteller and the others to action.
    Prefect Ubarce was convinced before the attack.
    Young rebel. Determined to change Tgren. He just might succeed someday. Orellen’s fingers tightened around Byron’s arm. Just like another rebel I know.
    I just wanted your niece.
    Orellen’s lips did more than twitch this time, and his amusement cut through all feelings of concern.
    “What’s so funny?”
    Winking at Orellen, Byron released his arm and turned to face Athee. Clad in a clean uniform, her face glowed and she appeared refreshed. Byron’s mate didn’t wait for either man to answer and strode toward the bed.
    “I think you should rest now,” she told Orellen.
    My dear, I am resting, her uncle thought with a hint of indignation.
    And Byron has work to do , Athee thought, placing one hand on her hip, which he can’t deny since I heard him contemplating his long list on his way up the stairs.
    Orellen frowned, his gaze shifting to Byron. All Byron could do was shrug.
    You want to argue with her? he thought.
    No!
    Byron wished the man well and bid him good day. He touched Athee’s cheek in passing and she nodded, her presence filling his head.
    I will be home tonight. I promise.
    Good, thought Byron as he departed. Because tonight I need you.
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Punching the final button, Byron leaned back in his chair and waited for a response. Prefect Ubarce possessed a Cassan computer tablet, as did all the prefects, but there was a chance he did not have it with him. The Vindicarn had hit Ubarce’s city hard, and the man might’ve set it aside to work. Of the twenty-five prefects of the united Tgren world, the youngest exhibited the most involvement with his people. Ubarce was not above getting his hands dirty if the need presented itself.
    Glancing at his own tablet, Byron pulled up the afternoon flights. Hurend had every squadron practicing maneuvers. Nine Cosbolts were missing from the roster, even after teams from damaged fighters were placed in the two backups. One team would rejoin their squadron tomorrow, but the others would be out of commission longer. Two full teams, a navigator, and a pilot were all gone and three Cosbolts damaged beyond repair.
    I wonder if the surviving pilot and navigator would be up to training the Tgrens? Byron thought, making a note to ask Hurend when he returned that afternoon.
    “Commander Byron?”
    Looking up at his main computer screen, Byron realized Ubarce had answered. Dust coated the man’s hair, concealing his shaggy, black locks. Over the prefect’s shoulder, Byron noted a damaged building, its sandy surface boasting numerous gaping holes. Several workers removed debris from the site. They moved with a haste not present in those Byron had witnessed earlier in Ktren.
    “Prefect Ubarce, I’d hoped to visit your city this afternoon, but I won’t be able to get away until tomorrow morning,” said Byron. “Do you have enough supplies and personnel?”
    Ubarce glanced over his shoulder before answering. “At the moment, we have plenty of assistance. In addition to the medical supplies you sent yesterday, the Nacinta sent two