Free Star Rover-Chosen to Die (Lens of Time) by Saxon Andrew Page B

Commander’s mind. Finally he said, “I wish you’d think about it, Captain.”
    Dizzy smiled and said, “I have, and the answer is no.”
    “Thank you for coming.”
    Dizzy stood and saluted Bret and he returned it. She turned to leave the room and stopped. She looked back at Bret and said, “I’m flattered you want me so much; so I’ll not tell Admiral Kune you tried to take me from him.”
    Bret smiled, “Thank you, Captain. I know he’d be unhappy if he found out; however, I really wish you’d think about it.” Dizzy smiled and left the room. Bret pushed the communication button and said, “Admiral, she’s refused the position.”
    “Couldn’t tolerate flying a slower ship, could she?”
    “She clearly loves the Rover’s performance.”
    “Where is she now?”
    “She going to the landing bay to go back to her command.”
    “Notify me when she lifts off the floor.”
    “What are you going to do?”
    “You know I can’t interview her without her requesting it. However, I think she’ll listen to her ship.”
    “Her ship?”
    “Just let me know.”
    “Yes Sir.”
    • • •
    Elizabeth walked through the corridor into the landing bay and saw the sailors on this ship were sharp. They were active and all of them appeared to know what they were doing. The Lieutenant in Command of the landing bay came forward, went to attention, and saluted her. Dizzy returned the salute and he said, “Sir, we’ve run a diagnostic on your ship while you were meeting with Commodore Stone and found a chip in the rear blaster was defective. We’ve replaced it and it’s good as new.”
    Dizzy smiled, “Thank you, Lieutenant. That’s really good work to have done it in such a short time frame.”
    Lieutenant Aldun nodded and said, “You’ve been cleared to leave, Sir.” Dizzy nodded and went into her ship. Aldun watched her go and shook his head; that Rover Captain had one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen.”
    • • •
    “She’s lifting, Sir.”
    Angel nodded and pulled her combat visor down as she punched the battle stations alarm. She immediately silenced he klaxons and left the lights flashing. She looked at the microphone on her visor and set it to play throughout the ship. The crew heard her when she said, “Captain Banks.”
    Dizzy’s computer said, “The Admiral is calling you.”
    “Put her on the speaker.” Dizzy heard the Admiral say her name and she said, “Yes Sir?”
    “I want to thank you for coming and meeting with us; it’s always good when different commands work together.”
    Dizzy smiled, “Indeed it is, Sir.”
    “However, I have a small request to ask of you before you go.”
    Dizzy’s eyes narrowed, “What is that, Sir?”
    “I know Commodore Stone has discussed changing some tactics with you and you don’t agree with his view. Is that correct?”
    “It is.”
    “Well, I want you to move your ship one thousand yards in front of the Wellington and attempt to escape.”
    “What?”
    “I’ll accept your position on the tactics and you won’t hear from me again if you’re able to move your ship further than fifteen hundred yards away from me as I chase you.”
    Dizzy smirked, “Admiral, that isn’t really a contest.”
    “Good, then you won’t mind demonstrating your skills. Just open the gap five hundred more yards and you can jump away and go about your business.”
    “Admiral, you can’t be serious?”
    “I’m sending you a countdown. We’ll start this exercise in thirty seconds.”
    The crew of the Wellington heard the conversation and everyone on board tightened everything down and buckled themselves in tightly to their chairs. The Admiral was going to try and run down a Rover. They all turned on the monitors at their stations so they could watch what happened. The Rover Pilots on board offered bets on how long it would take the Rover to escape and betting was wild and furious.
    • • •
    “Stumble, go to full power.”
    “Already there,