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  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.

  Completing the first series, the man began the final round of tests, which involved his mental presence in her mind. Anceptor’s eyes followed the readout, but Byron focused on Narunva. Until now, no other man had sensed her psychic powers or felt her emotions race through their thoughts. Would the man discover the true depth of her abilities? Impatient for the procedure to end, Byron shifted from one foot to the other. It was a relief when he sensed the separation of their minds.

  Narunva had just informed Athee they were finished when Byron became aware of Korden’s presence in the room. The commander nodded at Anceptor and his senior pilot before turning to Narunva, his brow pulled together.

  “What are your findings?” Anceptor asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

  Narunva pressed his keypad, bringing up a new display on the screen. “She scored high in several quadrants,” he announced, his eyes scanning the figures. “As expected, Athee is capable of telepathy and bonding. However, her abilities go beyond that of the average Cassan female.”

  “Oh?”

  Korden’s inquiry was loaded with more than mere curiosity. Byron edged closer to Narunva and held his breath.

  “She scored high in shield penetration, higher than most Cassan women. Judging from these figures, there’s a potential for mental persuasion and manipulation as well.”

  That doesn’t surprise me, Byron thought. He’d experienced her controlling powers firsthand.

  The commander’s frown deepened. “We’ll need to treat that ability with respect and care.”

  Narunva met the commander’s gaze and nodded. “That’s not all, sir. She scored high in the area of teleportation.”

  Byron’s mouth dropped open in bewilderment. How is that possible? Cassan women lacked the ability to fold space. How could this Tgren woman possess such powers?

  “Are you certain?” the commander demanded.

  “Yes sir. I performed that analysis three times, just to be certain. Athee has the ability to teleport.”

  Regaining his composure, Byron glanced first at Anceptor and then at Korden. Shock colored the second-in-command’s thoughts. The commander appeared to be processing the information, his lips pressed together and expression neutral. Byron shielded his mind, although he was sure everyone had sensed his disbelief of Narunva’s assessment. Holding his breath, he awaited Korden’s response.

  “Officer Byron,” the commander said, his eyes never leaving the computer screen. “Please provide our guest with a tour of the Rennather while I contact the proper authorities on this matter.”

  Byron’s muscles tightened further. “Yes, sir.”

  The prospect of escorting Athee throughout the ship didn’t excite him. It wasn’t that Byron disliked the Tgren woman. He simply didn’t want Athee in his head again. Byron followed Korden’s orders without protest, though. Athee bubbled with excitement as Byron guided her along the passageways. She asked many questions and awaited a satisfactory answer before posing her next query.

  At first, Byron played the reluctant host. However, as they proceeded on the tour, he began to enjoy the opportunity to display his familiarity with the Rennather’s functions. He didn’t get to flaunt his knowledge outside of the cockpit very often. His captive and attentive audience fueled the desire further, and Byron provided detailed descriptions that were likely beyond Athee’s comprehension. That didn’t seem to stop the flow of questions though.

  After a lengthy monologue regarding the ship’s propulsion system, Athee grew quiet. They had reached the bridge and selected a position on the upper deck, away from working personnel. The Tgren woman grasped the edge of the railing and stared with wide eyes at the view screen. Byron crossed his arms and waited.

  “How long have your people been exploring space?” she said without turning her head.

  “Over seven hundred years.”

  A spark of envy escaped her thoughts. “Our history barely goes back a thousand years. We only achieved flight thirty years ago.”

  Byron dropped his chin. “I’m sure you’ll achieve space flight in your lifetime.”

  “I hope so.” Athee leaned away from the railing, her hands still clenched around the top bar. “Ever since your people made contact with us, venturing into space has occupied my thoughts. This trip is like a dream come true.”

  Her feelings of appreciation were genuine. Athee’s childlike innocence and candid disposition were in sharp contrast to Byron’s thoughts of cocky superiority. Hadn’t Bassa always preached humility? The stab of guilt caused him to drop his air of supremacy few notches.

  Athee straightened her posture and cast him a warm smile. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  By adopting a more unassuming position, Byron found he enjoyed his duty as tour guide even more. He continued the tour, his attitude more positive. When the commander requested their presence in his office, Byron’s disappointment mirrored hers.

  They were instructed to take a seat. Athee and Byron dropped into adjoining chairs. The commander assumed a relaxed position, his spine pressed against the back of the chair, but his brows were pulled together in consternation. He did not waste time with frivolous words. Korden got right down to the meeting’s purpose.

  “I spoke with Chancellor Dentex,” he announced, “and with Prefect Orellen. After much deliberation, we’ve agreed your abilities should be further developed. We are also to widen our search for mental powers of your strength. It’s unlikely this is an isolated incident. We need to locate other Tgrens who exhibit similar capabilities and bring the most promising on board for testing.”

  Athee did not speak, but Byron sensed her amazement. He shifted in his seat, still processing this development.

  “Officer Byron, I am altering your duties on Tgren.”

  “Sir?” he questioned, sitting straighter in his chair.

  “In addition to training the Tgren pilots and assisting Officer Illenth, I am placing you in charge of instructing Athee on the use of her psychic powers,” replied Korden.

  “Me, sir?”

  “Illenth’s duties are about to double and he will be pressed for time,” the commander explained, leaning forward to reach his keypad. “Our primary objective, the alien ruins, is still our focus. I can’t pull anyone from their current assignment. At any rate, you are the only qualified officer in the area of psychic development.”

  Byron glanced at Athee. Her brow furrowed and he shielded his thoughts. Sir, I’m hardly qualified to train…

  Korden’s finger came down hard on his computer’s keypad. “Your records indicate you have experience drawing out mental abilities. Grante
d it was twenty years ago and during the Vindicarn War, but you’re the best I have right now.”

  Fighting to control his expression, a surge of emotions gripped Byron. The commander was referring to an incident involving his navigator and a disrupter blast. At the time, Byron had relented and assisted Bassa in his recovery by allowing the man access to his mind. However, that hardly qualified him as a psychic trainer. Moreover, the last thing Byron wanted was this Tgren woman’s thoughts invading his mind.

  Sir…

  It’s not a request, Byron.

  The commander’s firm tone was loud and clear in his mind. Byron rolled his eyes and sank further in his seat.

  If the Tgrens possess telepathic abilities, then we need to develop that skill. Considering we’ve been unable to meet their demands for better communications thus far, it would greatly improve our relations with the Tgrens.

  Pressing his lips into a fine line, Byron nodded. Beside him, Athee shifted in her seat.

  “Byron’s to teach me how to use my powers?” she asked, breaking the silence.

  The commander’s attention shifted to the young woman. “Yes, he will instruct you how to properly use all of your abilities.”

  All of her powers? “Even teleporting?” Byron exclaimed. An excited jolt from Athee caused him to regret his words.

  “I can teleport?” she cried, sitting up straight in her chair.

  Korden’s eyes narrowed. “Tgrens do not possess the technology just yet. However, with our continued presence on this planet, it might be prudent for Athee to understand the concept. Tgren resources do contribute to our teleportation devices.

  “Officer Byron, you are to focus on pilot training in the mornings,” the commander said, leaning back in his seat. “Afternoons you will assist Officer Illenth, with a minimum of two hours devoted to Athee’s training. More if necessary. Understood?”

  Korden’s authoritative voice left no room for discussion. “Yes, sir,” Byron answered, his thoughts slipping further into gloom.

  The commander’s eyes narrowed. Keep her manipulative powers in mind. I will instruct our crew to remain mentally alert while on Tgren. I’m sure she’s not the only one, and I don’t want any of our people caught unaware. And she may only possess a trace, but you should exhibit caution when training Athee.

  Yes, sir.

  “You are dismissed!”

  Athee burst from her seat and thanked the commander. Byron rose slowly, his body just as reluctant as his brain to comply with his new assignment. The act of entering another’s mind and sharing his own thoughts was such an invasion of his privacy. He’d only let down his guard for one person, and that had taken a tremendous amount of trust. Byron didn’t even know Athee, let alone trust her. Every afternoon promised two hours of torture.

  “Can we begin today?” Athee asked when they reached the corridor. She straightened her shoulders, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

  Byron hesitated. His mind searched for a plausible excuse to delay until tomorrow. To his chagrin, he could not think of one.

  “Might as well,” he replied, his churning stomach protesting that answer.

  Excitement exploded from Athee’s mind. Byron winced as an overload of emotions shot through him.

  And the first thing I’m teaching you is how to shield, he added, ignoring her startled look as his thoughts rang in her head for the first time.

  Chapter Five

  Byron returned Athee to the planet’s surface, lost deep in thought. When the shuttle landed, he noted the time. The trip to the Rennather had devoured most of the morning. Pilot training would have to wait until tomorrow. Athee promised to meet Byron later that afternoon for her first session. She bounded across the runway, her mood as high as her steps.

  Glad you’re excited, Byron thought, still dreading the experience.

  Garnce’s shuttle sat near the main hanger. There were several crates beside the hatch waiting to be loaded. Byron emerged from his ship the same moment as Garnce. The man approached him and talked Byron into an early lunch. Listening to the pilot grumble over poorly loaded cargo did nothing to settle his mind. When they returned to the shuttles, two Tgrens approached carrying a small carton between them. They requested transport to the alien site.

  “It’s very fragile,” one of the men explained, glancing at the container.

  “Damn, I was just there an hour ago!” Garnce exclaimed, gesturing toward the mountains.

  The pilot’s reaction brought the Tgrens to an abrupt halt, the carton swinging between them. Byron quickly intervened.

  “I can take you,” he offered.

  Garnce shook his head. These people are so damned disorganized, he thought as the men followed Byron to his ship.

  Once at the site, the Tgrens thanked Byron for a smooth flight and carried their cargo into the cave. However, Byron was in no hurry to return to Ktren. Determined to kill some time, he followed the men to the control center.

  The scene was just as chaotic as the previous day. The hum of machinery and numerous voices assaulted Byron’s ears. He sidestepped two scientists and brushed against a panel. Several new pieces of equipment were in evidence, creating an obstacle course. Locating Mevine at his station, Byron decided to have a word with him.

  An untouched plate of food sat nearby. Hunched over his computer screen, Mevine seemed oblivious to his surroundings.

  “You’re not eating?” Byron asked.

  Mevine jumped, his body lifting from the stool. He looked up at Byron, then glanced at his waiting meal.

  “I will,” he promised. “Sir.”

  “You’ll function better with some food in your stomach,” Byron said. He’d missed many meals over the years, but few were by choice.

  Mevine’s chin dropped and he reached for his bread. “You’re right, sir. I just lost track of time.”

  Leaning closer, Byron peered at Mevine’s computer screen. “Any progress?”

  Chomping down on the roll’s crust, the lad touched his keypad with his free hand. The display changed, revealing a large portion of alien text.

  “The problem is it’s a mixture of symbols, numerals, and a written language. Or so we believe,” said Mevine through a mouthful of food. “We’ve isolated the numbers and a team is working on them now. We’re still trying to separate the letters from the symbols, though. If indeed they are two different entities.”

  “You’re not sure?”

  Mevine shook his head, his shoulders slumping. “I can show you some of the encryptions if you like,” he offered, glancing up at Byron and poising his fingers over the keypad in anticipation.

  Byron shook his head. “Afraid I can’t stay. I was given a new assignment to occupy my afternoons.”

  “Oh?”

  “One of the Tgrens shows remarkable psychic talent and I’m to train her on the use of those powers.”

  “Her?” Mevine’s face broke into a smile.

  “Yes, a young woman. One of the pilots.”

  The lad swiveled on his stool to face Byron. “Is she pretty?” he asked.

  Byron chuckled, amused by the boy’s interest in such a minor detail. “Yeah, I guess so,” he admitted, trying not to dwell on Athee’s appearance. He didn’t need further distractions; her powers of manipulation were enough.

  “Sounds like a good assignment to me, sir.”

  “If you say so. Well, I need to return,” he said, taking a step away from the young man. “And you need to eat.”

  “Yes, sir,” the young man answered, blindly reaching for another handful of food. In his haste, he almost knocked the plate to the floor.

  Byron shook his head as he retreated from the room. At least he’d maintained more poise when he was Mevine’s age. Coordination was not a skill the young officer possessed, outside of the grav court. The lad was all right, though. Without question, he was far better company than Garnce.

  When he arrived at Illenth’s office, Byron found Athee waiting. She was chatting with the senior officer,
but ceased the moment her instructor entered the room. Pivoting her body to face him, she flashed a triumphant smile.

  “I’m ready,” she declared, straightening her shoulders.

  Byron glanced at Illenth, hoping the man would come to his rescue and offer assistance. The officer presented a smile and gestured toward the door.

  “I’ve two men to test this afternoon,” he explained. “But there’s an empty room across the hall that should suit your needs.”

  Athee’s eagerness rang loud in Byron’s mind. She strode past the pilot with a bounce in her step. He flinched, but the psyche officer gave no indication that her mental transmissions bothered him. Puzzled, Byron shot Illenth an inquisitive look.

  You can’t hear her?

  I sense the stir of emotions in her presence, just not to the extent that you do. Your perception is far stronger than mine, he replied with a shrug. Let me know if you need anything.

  I need my head examined for agreeing to this, Byron thought, following Athee into the hall.

  The room was small. It boasted only one elongated window from which sunshine streamed. A desk, a table and three chairs occupied the office, creating a sterile and lifeless environment. It suited Byron’s needs, though. At least the room’s temperature felt cool on his face.

  “Take a seat, please,” he said, gesturing to the chairs around the table.

  Athee sat in a chair. Adjusting her position, she pulled it closer to the table. Byron secured the door and selected the chair opposite the young woman. She wiggled even closer, a grin on her face. Athee placed her elbows and hands on the table.

  “You’re teaching me how to shield first?” she asked, repeating Byron’s words from earlier that morning.

  Leaning one arm on the table, he took a deep breath. “Not just yet.”

  “What does it mean to shield?”

  “Shielding is to prevent your thoughts from broadcasting and also to prevent others from entering your mind.”

  “Oh. Why did you claim you’d teach me to shield first?”