Lens of Time: Book 05 - Star Rover-The Worst of Time by Saxon Andrew

began bobbing, “You know just how to make it entertaining. Yes, and I’ll not allow any of those on my ship to harm you if you survive as long as we are here. I’ll even tell you when we leave. Of course my replacement will not honor any of my agreements.”
    Dat stared at the Master, “You really don’t expect me to escape?”
    “I’ve never had to run like this. It’s something I need to work on. However, no, you will not escape again.”
    Gresha’s father said, “Will we be allowed to witness this event?”
    The Master squealed his laughter, “Of course. I want you to see my victory. You may do it from the roofs. They will be off limits to us during this event. No one will be harmed that one night.” The Masters turned and walked away all of them bobbing their excitement. Their hoots and squeals could be heard all the way up to the moment they boarded their shuttle and closed the port.

Chapter Six
    G resha’s father lifted the door off them and Gresha rolled over, sat up on her knees, and slapped Dat so hard that his head spun. “What was that for?”
    “We could have both died! Never risk your life to save another from a Master!” Dat rubbed his cheek and Gresha wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Dat stared at her and she said, “That’s for saving my life.”
    Dat looked at her father with a stunned expression and he shrugged, “Don’t try to understand. I gave up years ago.” He extended his hand and helped Dat stand up. Dat’s legs cramped and he was helped to a chair. Dat was rubbing his calf muscles and Gresha knelt down and began massaging them. The huge man said, “My name is Grest. I suppose you know my daughter, Gresha. This is my wife, Kyley; now who the heck are you?”
    Dat sighed and tried to decide what to do. “Give me a moment.” Dat linked to his ship, “I thought you were going to seek authorization to save me?”
    “No one could make up their minds so your orders stood. They’re still arguing about it.”
    “Tell them I survived.”
    “I did, now they’re fussing about not making a decision quickly enough.”
    Dat shook his head as the three watched him. He decided to open the conversation where the others could hear it, “Stein, how did that shuttle get here without being seen?”
    The three in the room looked at each other wondering who he was talking to. They sat down when they heard, “It jumped in just above atmosphere and that was the first time we detected it.”
    “I guess the jump track was too small.”
    “It was.”
    “Stand by and we’ll discuss what to do next.”
    “There won’t be much discussion. Fleet has decided to pull you out now.”
    “And if that causes this planet to be burned?”
    There was a long pause and then they heard, “Hang on. I’ll find out.”
    Gresha continued rubbing his legs and stared at Dat, “What did you just do?”
    “I spoke with my ship.”
    “Are you talking about a spaceship?”
    “I am.”
    Gresh shook his head, “You’re not from this planet?”
    “No, I’m actually not from this galaxy.”
    Gresha put her hand to her mouth and said, “I kissed an alien?”
    Dat shook his head, “It wasn’t that bad.”
    Gresha smiled, “No, it wasn’t.”
    Gresh blew out a breath, “What are you doing here?”
    “I’ve decided to be open and honest with you but you must agree that whatever I tell you stays with just you and will not be repeated to anyone else.”
    Kyley said, “The Elders will have questions.”
    Gresha shook her head, “This doesn’t concern them. Tell us what’s you’re doing here.”
    Dat looked at Kyley and then turned back to Gresh, “My galaxy was invaded more than a thousand years ago and the war was brutal. Trillions died before it ended. My home world was destroyed and more planets died in the ensuing war. We eventually prevailed and we swore to never be caught by surprise again. I am what’s called a Rover and those like me go out in the universe