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voice laced with anger. I will not have a repeat of today’s sloppy execution.
    Athee adjusted her position, easing the pressure on her sore buttocks. She didn’t envy the pilots and navigators under Byron’s command. Twenty years with the man had reinforced his low tolerance for mistakes. It was a quality inherited from his mentor, now many years gone from this life.
    I assume that means additional simulator drills for us as well? she thought. Byron never demanded anything of his men that he wasn’t willing to do.
    We must be ready. Today was your first Vindicarn encounter. It’s been years since I faced this enemy. We need the practice as much as the squadrons.
    Agreed.
    She continued to monitor the main battle. When the enemy fighters thinned and the two larger vessels pulled back, Athee informed her pilot. Byron maintained their defensive position until a full retreat was confirmed by the Nacinta. He ordered Squadron Five to remain on patrol while the others returned to base for a full debriefing.
    The younger pilots have much to learn about fighting the Vindicarn and Narcon, he thought in a private message to Athee.
    Upon landing on Tgren, Athee reached out for her son’s mind . We’re back on the surface now.
    Are you all right?
    Athee closed her eyes, moved by the concern in her son’s mental voice. We’re fine. We still have to go to a debriefing and then deal with reports. I don’t know when we’ll be finished, so go home with Drent.
    Yes, Mother.
    Athee’s head listed to the side, her energy spent. At least Bassan had someplace safe to go. It wasn’t the first time Andra had taken care of Athee’s son while they were away. She owed Mevine’s mate a world of gratitude.
    Between the debriefing, meetings, and reports, it was several hours past the evening meal before she and Byron left the main facility. Athee’s feet drug across the sand as they made their way up the slope to their home. The day had exhausted her on every level. Her one saving grace resided in the fact she was the commander’s navigator. Byron’s stern words during the debriefing and various conferences didn’t include her.
    “Let’s get cleaned up before we send for Bassan,” he said as they entered their dwelling.
    Byron let her shower and change first as he continued reading reports on the day’s events. She went through the motions, her thoughts split between a quick and easy meal and their son. It comforted her to know Bassan had already eaten. She hoped he’d attended to his studies as well.
    Before Byron finished in the bathroom, Athee sent for Bassan. She suspected Byron preferred to eat first, but she didn’t want to impose upon Mevine’s family any longer than necessary. Her son arrived within minutes, bursting through the main door in dramatic fashion. His chest heaved and his cheeks appeared flushed from his exertions.
    “Did you run all the way home?” said Athee, setting the warmed bowl of soup that would serve as their meal on the table.
    Yes! Bassan thought, dropping his computer tablet on the counter.
    Athee was about to ask if he’d eaten when her son’s arms wrapped around her middle. Her body flooded with warmth and she returned his embrace with equal enthusiasm. She hoped Bassan would never outgrow his genuine and loving nature.
    “We’re all right,” said Athee, kissing the top of his head.
    Bassan broke free, his hands sliding into hers. “I overheard Drent’s father mention Vindicarn fighters to his mother.”
    Squeezing his hands, Athee nodded. “We faced the Vindicarn and Narcon today.”
    “Over Tgren?”
    “Two Cassan flagships engaged battle cruisers from both the Vindicarn and Narcon in our solar system,” she said, choosing her words with care. She never lied to Bassan, but Athee did not want to cause unnecessary panic in her son. “A few Vindicarn fighters jumped close to Tgren, but we were ready for them.”
    Bassan’s grasp on her fingers tightened. “They were coming