CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh Read Free Book Online Page A

they’d barely grazed the target. No one received a glowing report, as perfection was expected at their level. Byron had learned to adjust his expectations accordingly and was not surprised.
     
    However, the last drill was discussed in depth. Each team’s run was displayed on the large screen, and Officer Jarth suggested corrections for every approach. When Byron and Trindel’s performance was exhibited, Jarth paused.
     
    “ Team 715T tackled the targets with an entirely different approach,” he stated, his tone neutral. “Your maneuver around the second target was acceptable, but it forced you to adjust for the last target. Time was not a factor in this drill, but that adjustment might cost you at a later time.”
     
    Several heads turned in his direction, but Byron kept his eyes on the screen. “I felt a direct shot placed the other ships in the line of fire, sir,” he explained.
     
    “ That is true,” Jarth conceded. “The safety of your comrades is a priority, but never anticipate a miss.”
     
    He managed a curt nod, but inside Byron seethed. He never expected to miss his targets.
     
    “ The other pilots elected to hit the targets in order,” observed Bassa from the corner of the room.
     
    Every head turned to face the senior officer as he stepped closer. Bassa stared hard at Byron.
     
    “ What made you select that particular route?”
     
    The room’s attention shifted to Byron. He gathered his thoughts and projected what he hoped was a calm demeanor.
     
    “ Sir, a direct course placed our ship further from the base and exposed,” he explained. “By shooting the far target second instead of last, I placed our ship on a return course to the base and within safe proximity of the squadron.”
     
    Bassa nodded, contemplating Byron’s response. “A logical approach,” he conceded, addressing the men as a whole. “You must learn to think through every decision. The drills are repetitive for a reason. Learn the basics now so that when the time comes, you can make these decisions quickly and accurately.”
     
    He surveyed the room, his expression serious. Turning to Jarth, Bassa nodded.
     
    “ You are dismissed!” Officer Jarth announced.
     
    There was a great deal of shuffling as the young men rose to their feet. Bassa watched Byron shoot his navigator a triumphant smile. Trindel did not speak, but his smug expression indicated private thoughts were exchanged. Bassa observed the pair with interest as they departed.
     
    Rellen approached Bassa as the room emptied. “Think you may have boosted his ego to new levels,” he declared.
     
    “ Jarth had already pointed out the only error in his approach,” Bassa replied. “Overall, he did select the most logical approach.”
     
    Crossing his arms, Rellen regarded Bassa with skepticism. “Thought you wanted to keep him under control?”
     
    “ Considering he deviated from the others at the first opportunity, I’m sure Byron will provide ample occasions for rebuke.”
     
    Rellen nodded in agreement and departed. Bassa remained, still pondering Byron’s actions and explanation. He would indeed require close observation!
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Moving targets provided a new challenge for the men. All had scored well during simulator training, but real targets proved more difficult. Blatant misses received sharp disciplinary words from the instructors and resulted in additional practice for the offending teams. The days grew longer as the men logged more time in space than during previous exercises.
     
    Byron and Trindel didn’t miss a single target, and their maneuvers were quicker and tighter than the other teams. None of the pilots were as adept at sharp turns or exhibited such precise movements. However, Byron’s flying carried with it a dangerous edge. Bassa was concerned the others would attempt to emulate his tactics and was forced to point out the misjudgment of Byron’s strategy on more than one occasion. He