Pressed for time, he picked up his passengers first. A small group waited near the largest hangar as he touched down on the runway. Byron powered down his ship and opened the hatch. Five men and two women approached. A small cart laden with several bags followed. Athee’s arm was wrapped around her uncle’s, her expression anxious. Exiting the ship, Byron waited at the foot of the ramp, his eyes on his future mate.
“Prefect Orellen,” he said in greeting, inclining his head in a show of respect.
“Officer Byron,” the man replied, pausing a few feet from the shuttle. Orellen glanced at the man beside him. “This is Second Official, Erndell. He will be accompanying you to Cassa.”
“Sir,” said Byron, nodding at the Tgren. “We are pleased to have you join us.”
The prefect gestured to his guards
