Star Rover-Chosen to Die (Lens of Time) Read Free Page B

you’ve not been involved in fleet activities for years but I was thankful you were here with me and the children. I chalked it up to Katherine allowing you to be with your children as they grew up. Now that they’ve graduated from the Academy, I don’t see why she would prevent you from visiting the fleets.”
    “You think she stopped me today.”
    “I really hope I’m wrong, but something inside me says she did.”
    “Maybe I should contact her and ask her about it.”
    “I would think you would talk to her in person to discuss this.”
    “Why?”
    “You can read Katherine like a book; you’d know if she was being deceptive.”
    Dat thought about it for a moment and smiled, “You’re right, of course; you always are.”
    Gresha waved a hand, “I’ll go with you. I need to get out.”
    Dat took another bite of food and smiled, “You are still the greatest cook I’ve ever known. We’ll take Stein when he gets back and make a surprise visit.”
    Gresha took a bite of food and smiled, “I think I have some things to keep you entertained until he arrives.”
    Dat looked at the twinkle in Gresha’s eyes and smiled. Gresha’s hair was just as blonde as the day he first saw her. They were now in their forties and she didn’t look a day older than twenty one. Truth be told, he hadn’t changed much either. He wondered if Blacky and Ringie had done something to them. He made a mental note to ask them.
    “Do you know if the children have been assigned their ships?”
    “No, I hope they don’t encounter problems at being promoted to command a warship at such a young age.”
    “They graduated at the top of their class. They take after their father; I’m sure they’ll do fine. How can they give ships to those with lower scores and not give them one?”
    Dat smiled, “Angel looks just like you.”
    “Arve looks like you.”
    Dat smiled, “Your father loves Grest the most.”
    “How could he not; he’s named after him and looks a lot like him. He’s also as big as his grandfather.” Gresha smiled, “He also has the genetics of a Havenite.”
    Dat sighed, “He is one powerful young man. I think he could take me in a fight.”
    “I certainly wouldn’t encourage you to find out.”
    “You don’t have to worry about that. I’d just look stupid.”
    Gresha smiled and knew their children were special. It wouldn’t take the crews of their ships long to see it as well.
    • • •
    Captain Angelica Arvolo looked at her Executive Officer and said, “Have all departments reported ready?”
    Captain Stone looked at his panel, “Yes Sir.”
    Angelica looked at the Helmsman, “Take the ship up at nominal speed.”
    The huge white ship lifted off the landing pad and rose slowly into the sky. Angelica watched the planet grow smaller on her display and punched the speaker control, “Attention all hands. We will be taking the ship out for initial flight trials. We have three days to familiarize us with how this ship functions. I have arranged for us to be attacked by other ships over the next three days and you may be ordered to battle stations at any moment. I will also be accelerating to full speed at random and I expect all of you to go to general quarters as soon as you sense the ship accelerate. Your departments will be evaluated on how long it takes you to report in combat ready. I want to see which team among you is the best at being prepared for combat in the least amount of time.”
    Many of the sailors rolled their eyes at the eighteen year old Captain’s remarks. Captain Stone fought hard not to show his disgust. He should have been the one commanding the ship; not this kid. Suddenly, Stone nearly fell over as Angelica pushed the override button on her panel and pushed the acceleration paddles fully forward. Ten small ships came roaring in on the Jukebox as it accelerated away from the planet. She turned the ship ninety degrees and flew directly away from the incoming ships and then turned another