CassaStorm Read Free Page A

translate the language in its entirety. Bassan often spent more time speculating on the missing information than actually studying his lessons, and tonight was no different.
    Deep in thought, he almost missed his mother’s announcement that he ought to prepare for bed. Bassan suppressed a groan.
    But I’m not sleepy, he thought.
    Shaking his head, Bassan responded before his mother had to repeat her request. He rolled off his bed and retreated to the bathroom. At least his studies wouldn’t distract him anymore. If he didn’t fall asleep right away, his imagination could continue to roam.
    He said goodnight to his parents before returning to his room. His mother sent a loving thought, telling him to sleep well. To Bassan’s surprise, his father followed him and held the covers while Bassan squirmed into position. He smiled in appreciation. His father rarely tucked him into bed.
    “I understand you’re visiting the alien ship tomorrow,” his father said, pressing the blanket under Bassan’s chin.
    The question sparked excitement in Bassan. He’d waited for this trip for weeks.
    “Yes, sir,” he said, unable to contain his grin. “Our class is going right after the midday meal. We get to see the control center and the engine room. And the pod room!”
    His father took a seat on the edge of the bed. “You’re visiting Section Five?”
    “We get to see the containment pods. Did you know there are thousands of them?”
    “Yes, I did.”
    “They say the rows are almost endless.”
    “The far end of the room is dark, so it does appear that way.”
    Bassan felt a tug of envy. “You’ve seen them?”
    A smile pulled at the corners of his father’s mouth. “Of course I’ve seen them. I visit the ship at least once a week. And Officer Mevine keeps me abreast of new discoveries.”
    “Has mother seen the pod room?”
    “She has.”
    Feeling deflated, Bassan’s hands dropped to his sides. He was always the last one in their family to do anything.
    His father smiled and rested a hand on Bassan’s chest. “And tomorrow, you will see it. Then you can tell me what you thought of all those rows of containers. I think you’ll be impressed by the sight.”
    Those words restored Bassan’s enthusiasm. “I can’t wait. Can we talk about it during the evening meal tomorrow?”
    “Yes we can.”
    Excited at the prospect of joining the conversation rather than just listening, Bassan smiled so big his cheeks hurt. He shared so few things with his father. The difference in their interests left little common ground. His father’s brows came together and Bassan wondered if he’d heard that thought.
    A familiar presence entered his mind, its touch affectionate but tentative. Surprised by the connection, Bassan held very still. He clung to his father’s thoughts, enjoying the moment. His father did not connect often outside of mental communication. Bassan treasured those rare occurrences even if it meant his thoughts were open for viewing.
    “Now,” his father said, “you are to obey your instructors tomorrow, and Officer Mevine as well. Understood?”
    “Yes, sir,” said Bassan, feeling his father’s presence vanish from his mind. It left an empty void, much like a hole in the sand. He wished those moments weren’t so brief.
    “And I’ll want a full report tomorrow night.”
    “Yes, sir! I’ll tell you everything. I hope you’re not late again.”
    “I’ll do my best to be home on time.”
    Patting Bassan’s chest once more, his father rose from the bed. He commanded the room’s lights to dim as he departed. The door slid into place, plunging the room into darkness. Bassan burrowed farther under the covers and forced his body to relax.
    Tomorrow he was going to see the alien ship! His class would wander down the tunnels bathed in eerie, blue light. He’d finally get to view the control room and the giant plasma ball that dominated its center. The true size of the engine room would no longer be a secret.