Free CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh Page B

teams and took a shuttle full of wounded back to the flagship. I’m told that unless there is an emergency, they will remain there until tomorrow. I know they’ll receive far better care on the Nacinta than here.”
    “Commander Ganter probably appreciates the care your people provided for his downed pilots.”
    “All nine men hit by disrupters have since recovered,” said the prefect, brushing dust out of his hair. “They returned to the Nacinta last night.”
    “That’s good news. I asked Enteller to give me a list of his best pilots so we might begin training some of them in Cassan vessels. I’d like to extend that invitation to you, if you’ve pilots to spare.”
    “Of course!” Ubarce lifted his chin and Byron couldn’t miss the fire in the man’s eyes. “Damn, if I could, I’d place myself on that list.”
    Byron smiled, encouraged by Ubarce’s attitude. “If I find the candidates lacking, I just might take you up on that offer. We need skilled pilots who are quick learners.”
    “I’ll send you a list of my best right away.”
    “Very good, Prefect Ubarce. I will notify you before I arrive tomorrow.”
    “I’m just glad we’re fighting back, Commander Byron,” said Ubarce.
    Ending the transmission, Byron pulled his computer tablet closer. Send me a list of pilots with your determination and I’ll train every one of them, he thought.
    He touched his screen just as the lights flickered. The image on the monitor dimmed and scrambled. Puzzled, Byron glanced at his main computer. A light green static appeared, pulsating at a rapid pace. The lights flickered again before everything returned to normal.
    Now what? Byron reached for the keyboard to contact his senior security officer.
    Commander!
    The senior science officer’s entreaty overrode all else. Officer Mevine? What is going on? We just experienced a power drain.
    Sir, every system on the alien craft just came online. Everything but the engines. We have full power now.
    Byron rose to his feet. Is it transmitting a signal? he thought, alarm swelling in his chest.
    Sir, it’s transmitting so many signals, we don’t even know where to begin.
    Damn, we don’t need this right now, thought Byron. The last time the ship sent a transmission, an alien vessel almost destroyed Tgren.
    Sir! Security Officer Mard’s voice entered his head. We have a situation on the alien ship.
    Officer Mevine just notified me, thought Byron, grabbing his tablet as he rounded the desk. Officer Mard, you are to remove all but essential personnel from the alien ship at once. And recall the team drilling for letrellium. I want the area cleared.
    Yes, sir!
    Officer Mevine, get all essential personnel off the ship. Now!   he added to deter any protest from his senior science officer.
    Yes, sir. Evacuating now.
    Slipping out of his office the moment the door slid aside, Byron ran down the hall. The pounding of his boots created a rhythmic noise, and he used the sound to beat back his fear. Where were those signals going? Were there multiple probes on their way to Tgren now? Or was the entire alien army about to descend upon them?
    His computer pad announced the arrival of several messages. Byron did not slow his pace until he reached the main hangar. Signaling to the team preparing a shuttle, he glanced at his screen. The most urgent message originated from Prefect Enteller. Composing his thoughts, Byron answered.
    “Commander Byron, we just experienced a brief drain in power all over the city,” said Enteller. “Are we under attack again?’
    “Prefect Enteller, the drain originated from the alien ship. We are not under attack.”
    “The alien ship? What caused it?”
    “I’m on my way there now to find out, Prefect. I will contact you when I know more.”
    Before the man could say another word, Byron ended the transmission. He reached the shuttle just as the engines roared to life. Officer Mard stood at attention, waiting outside the ship. Trotting up the ramp,