Free Escape to Earth 3: Defending Holy Ground by Saxon Andrew Page B

But I’d love to see all of them.”
    Salud stepped out of Lukas’ arms and took his hand and pulled him toward the door, “We’re wasting time. Let’s go!” Lukas moved toward the door as Salud started running and he ran with her.
    • • •
    “Captain Goddard?”
    “Yes Sir.”
    “I need you to report to the Troy.”
    “Yes Sir. Is something wrong?”
    “No, Julie and I are making a fast run back to Earth to attend a wedding. You’ve been promoted to Commodore and will be in command in my absence.”
    “But Sir. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”
    “I believe you are ready; don’t disappoint me. I’ll be back in a few days.”
    “Yes Sir.”
    Jason shook his head and Piper said, “You’re ready.”
    “But Piper. I could have caused a huge mistake if the Admiral had listened to me and attacked. I’ve still have a lot to learn.”
    “That is what tells me you’re ready. You won’t rush into anything now.”
    “Will you go with me so I can use your council if I need it?”
    “Jason, I’ll certainly be a resource for you but you’re ready. If I were going into a battle, you are the one I’d want fighting with me.”
    “But…”
    “I also consider you a friend as well. You’ve come a long way over the last two months. You really are more than I thought and your Admiral was wise to see it in you.”
    “Thank you, Piper. You’re much more than I thought as well. Let’s move over to the Troy.”
    “I’m right behind you.”

Chapter Six
    T he restaurant was full and the staff were still crying from the ceremony. Salud was absolutely stunning. Joey got her measurements on the way and a dress was waiting for her when she arrived. She was amazed at how it fit her so perfectly. She kissed Joey right on the mouth and he turned six shades of red. Salud smiled and said, “Your partner is just going to have to accept it.”
    Joey laughed, “He will. Congratulations. The two of you are perfect for each other.”
    Salud walked over to her father and hugged him, “I love you so much, Dad.”
    “Your mother would be so proud, Saludie.”
    “I know. Are your proud?”
    “More than you could ever know. He’s a good man. I know he’ll take care of you. I’ve been praying you would find someone before I joined your mother.”
    “You are going with us, Dad.”
    “No, I’m not. My place is here with your mother in what little time remains. I’ve had a good life and I’m ready to be with her if it comes to that.”
    “Dad!”
    “You know I’m right. I don’t have that much longer. I want to be here with her.” Salud sighed and wrapped her arms around him.
    • • •
    Jack was standing with Lukas and smiling, “It appears you have caused a rather huge traffic jam.”
    Lukas looked out at the street and saw the police were having fits with the giant gathering that was still growing, “I guess the Pods hovering over the street are hard to miss.”
    “That and the local news got wind of it. Everyone on the planet wants to see the one that saved us. You’ve managed to successfully stay behind the scenes. You’re going to have to go outside and at least wave.”
    Lukas nodded and looked Jack in the eyes, “I have a shuttle coming in tomorrow at noon to pick you and the staff up to go to Andromeda.”
    “Lukas…”
    “Don’t argue, Jack. It’s time to go and they won’t leave without you.”
    “Lukas, Mary is buried here. I won’t leave her behind.”
    “Then plan to come back some day. This is not good-bye.”
    “Tell me honestly, will we come back?”
    “I will personally bring you back before all is said and done.”
    “Do you promise?”
    “I do. Earth may not be the same but I will.”
    “Is Earth going to be destroyed?”
    “I honestly don’t know, Jack, but the time to go is now.”
    Jack stared at Lukas and looked at the workers that had been his life for the last fifteen years. They had refused to leave without him. “I’ll tell them.”
    “Please do.