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

Elders want to speak with you as soon as you finish eating.”
    “Is that good?”
    “Act stupid and I’ll interpret.”
    Dat stared at her, “Uhhh…what does stupid look like.”
    “Just act like you don’t know what’s going on.”
    “That should be easy because I don’t.”
    “There ya go.”
    Dat finished eating and Kyley came over and cleared the table. Gresha took his hand and led him out the door. The sun hit him in the eyes and he was shocked to see the entire community standing outside. His shocked expression was exactly what Gresha hoped for and she said, “Now you’re scaring him. Back off and show some respect.”
    The crowd moved back, leaving the Elders at the front. “What do you think you were doing last night?”
    Dat looked at the lead Elder and said, “I didn’t think.” After a pause he said, “I think.”
    The Elders saw his vacuous expression and sighed. The Leader said, “Why did you challenge the Master?” Dat said nothing but looked at Gresha. He continued to stare at her and they understood. He did it for Gresha. There were four more questions that obviously confused him, or it appeared they did as he looked at Gresha each time one was asked. The crowd finally broke up and moved away. Gresha took Dat by the arm and led him to the market. Dat noticed the farmer was not at his table as they walked down the hill. He looked at Gresha and she smiled, “It appears that whatever hit the farmer in the head resulted in his failure to get inside in time.” Dat furrowed his brow and knew that she knew he had been the one to hit the farmer. She nodded her head at the new male at the table, “This one’s family has been given the farmer’s fields. The Farmer’s son has been sent out into the wilderness. There were many who saw him tell his father the Masters were here. Their residence is now empty.”
    “Then I should move into it.”
    Gresha turned her head quickly, “Why would you want to do that?”
    “I know the community’s standards. You are a single female and you should not share quarters with a single male.”
    “My, you have been busy. However, we’re relatives so it’s really not an issue.”
    Dat stared at her, “And just how close a relative am I?”
    Gresha looked away and said, “One of the Elders knew our relatives in Dismal. He’s determined that we are first cousins.”
    Dat stared at her and shook his head, “Come on, Gresha. I know of ten couples that are second cousins.”
    Gresha sighed and said, “Yes but you need assistance. Besides, you and I both know we’re not the same species.” Dat snickered. Gresha stopped and looked at him, “What’s so funny?”
    “Our differences are not of a nature that would prevent us from developing an unhealthy attraction. You look exactly like a human female and though I know you’re not, that is what I see when I look at you. Knowing you’re different internally doesn’t stop me from seeing a beautiful female.”
    “Oh, you think I’m pretty?”
    “No, I think you’re beautiful and I want you to request the Elders to allow me to move into that residence.”
    “You’re serious?”
    “I am.”
    Gresha started showing her anger and said, “Have it your way. The Elders have already suggested you be moved there. It appears they agree with you.” Dat nodded and she said, “But only because they don’t know we’re different species. If they did they would be ok with it.”
    Dat lowered his eyebrows and looked through them at her, “Kinda like keeping a pet.”
    “Exactly.”
    “Well, they don’t know.” Dat started walking toward the house and Gresha ran after him, “I’ll not fight you on this but I insist that I cook your meals.”
    “You don’t have to do that.”
    “It’s the only way I can find balance for what you did for me.” Dat stopped and looked in her eyes. She was serious. She said, “You don’t know anything about how to prepare our foods and don’t tell me you took time to