Lens of Time: Book 05 - Star Rover-The Worst of Time Read Online Free PDF Page A

already looked and there are four candidates. The first one on the list is remarkably similar in their exterior appearance but is quite different internally.”
    “How different?”
    “They have a primary and secondary heart. They also only have one lung instead of two. Other than that, they could pass for human. Everything else matches up rather closely.”
    “Send me the coordinates of the planet they inhabit.”
    “You’ll have it momentarily.”
    “Thank you, Gabriel.”
    “Be careful, Dat. You still owe me a drink.”
    “I’m proud of your new position, Gabe. I’ll pay up if I ever get back to Earth; kiss Karen for me.”
    “I’ll do it for both of us.”
    Dat looked at his display and then punched the intership frequency, “Link your computers and stand by for a meeting in ten minutes. Stein, send the download from fleet to their computers and assign the microprobes to them. I want you to also send the command circuitry to Captain Anders.”
    “That circuit is a Prime Secret Device.”
    “I’m authorizing it and the code is 101059, Alpha, Alpha, 20898.”
    “Authorization confirmed. The protocols have been sent to Captain Anders’ computer.”
    Jon appeared on Dat’s display, “What is this you’ve just downloaded into my computer?”
    “It is a Prime Secret Command Circuit that you will use to command the Rovers. You’ll need to go over the protocols with your computer but it should link your ships in a manner that will allow them to operate as a unit. You’ll be amazed at what it will allow you to do with the other Rovers.”
    “Why are you giving it to me?”
    “You are on Fleet’s shortlist for future promotion. I trust you will use it wisely and make good use of it if you’re attacked.”
    “Why aren’t you using it?”
    “I won’t be here. Stand by and I’ll explain.”
    “Yes Sir.”
    “Stein, have you downloaded the links?”
    “The other Rovers now have them. Captain Anders will have to activate them from his ship.”
    “Good; link in the Wing now.” Dat saw the ten Rovers on his display, “We have been ordered to find out everything we can about this galaxy. I have been authorized to use the tools I’ve been given and I intend to start that process momentarily.”
    Jill said, “What tools are you referring to, Sir?”
    “I have downloaded an advanced command circuit into Captain Anders’ computer and the links to your computers. They will be linked in such a way that you will be fighting in a coordinated fashion that will enhance your chances of survival if you’re attacked. I am leaving Captain Anders in command.”
    Ben said, “Where are you going?”
    “I am going to a conquered planet that has a species that looks human. I will infiltrate their population and see what I can learn from them about the species that has defeated them. We need to know what structure the conquerors use to control their planets.”
    Tom said, “Shouldn’t one of us go? You’re the mission Commander.”
    “You don’t have the necessary tools to pull it off.”
    Tim said, “What tools, Sir?”
    “I have the two rings.” Silence slammed down on the channel.
    Jon said, “The rings are the tightest controlled technology the Union possesses. It is my understanding that no one may be given the rings below Flag Rank.”
    Dat stared at the ten and said, “I hold the rank of Vice Admiral in Earth’s Fleet. This is a Prime Secret and I expect all of you to maintain that secrecy. You will continue to address me as Captain.”
    Jill was shocked speechless. How could this have possibly happened? This was just not possible. No one this young was ever an Admiral, much less the overall commander of the Union Fleets. But if he had the two rings, he had to have a Flag Rank. Dat saw her expression and said, “I don’t care whether you believe me or not. However, to infiltrate a planet, the rings are a necessity.” Dat held up his hands and touched the ring finger on each hand and two rings