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don’t cause trouble, sir. It just seems to find me.
    Korden cocked an eyebrow. I’ve heard that before.
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    The dining hall buzzed with excitement during the midday meal. The Rennather was approaching Tgren, and those working on the alien encryptions were eager to reach the surface. Byron watched with amusement as Mevine inhaled his meal, shoveling food into his mouth at a frightening pace. The lad leapt to his feet the moment he finished and bounded out of the hall.
    Boy’s got too much energy for his own damn good.
    Garnce’s thought made Byron drop his chin to hide a smirk. No one could accuse Garnce of possessing ambition, and the man scoffed at the quality in others.
    He’s young and naïve , Byron countered. Let him enjoy the moment.
    A guffaw from the pilot signified Garnce’s opinion on the matter. Byron finished his meal and departed before the man’s sour attitude sullied his day.
    Byron retrieved his pack from his quarters en route to the hanger. Once the Rennather established orbit around Tgren, both shuttles were scheduled to carry personnel and supplies to the surface. Byron would return to the ship on occasion, but the bulk of the transports would fall to Garnce. The man had grumbled over this development, claiming he’d be run ragged during this assignment. Byron ignored his protests. Garnce never failed to comply with orders in the end, even if it required a verbal prompt. As the senior officer and pilot, Byron had made it clear he expected Garnce to follow commands. He preferred a lack of attitude as well, but at least Garnce’s skills in the cockpit placed value on his presence.
    Performing the preliminary checks, Byron prepared his shuttle. Several pieces of cargo were brought on board, the hanger crew struggling under the weight of the large crates. Once secured in the hold to his satisfaction, Byron returned to the cockpit to await his passengers.
    He confirmed the landing site one more time, calculating the best approach. Their destination was a high desert city nestled in between two mountain ranges where severe crosswinds were possible. The shuttle could withstand gale force winds, but he doubted the inhabitants’ ships were as sturdy. Byron wondered how many of the Tgren’s first attempts at flight had ended in disaster.
    Officer Byron?
    Byron spun around in his chair and discovered Mevine just inside the shuttle’s open hatch. Several large packs were slung across his shoulders. It was miraculous Mevine could even move under the weight, let alone enter the shuttle without making a sound. Rising to his feet, Byron gestured toward the cargo hold.
    “ Stow your gear in an empty hold,” he ordered. “Then take a seat.”
    Mevine shifted his feet, his gaze traveling to the cockpit. “Sir, could I ride up front in the co-pilot’s seat?”
    “ Why?”
    “ I’ve never seen the view from the cockpit.”
    Byron frowned and the shields around his mind tightened. Garnce rode with him on occasion, but the sensation of another person in the cockpit unnerved him. Byron preferred the seat to remain unoccupied and prepared to deny the young man’s request.
    “ Please, sir, I won’t get in your way,” Mevine offered, his eyes wide with hope.
    Beyond Mevine, the remaining passengers approached the shuttle. Judging from the size of the group, every seat would be occupied, including the co-pilot’s chair. His gaze returned to the young officer who was still waiting for an answer.
    Fine! Stow your gear first.
    By the time he’d closed the shuttle’s hatch and returned to the cockpit, Byron discovered Mevine secured in the co-pilot’s seat. The lad lifted his chin and his lips broke into a grin. Still at odds with his decision, Byron offered a nod in return. He slid into his seat, eyes focused on the control panel. His thoughts remained guarded, but eagerness bubbled forth from Mevine’s mind. Distracted by the unshielded thoughts, he worried his passenger might