Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (31 page)

“Move us away!”

Chak nodded and pressed a few times on the panel. Tiva glanced at her father, his markings bright, and lips tight. The vessel jerked sharply again, and all went still for a moment. Then two large cracks echoed beneath her feet.

“They destroyed our propulsion system. We cannot move!” another said.

“Activate the escape modules,” Chak said and turned to the king. “The ship will be destroyed, sire, the modules will take everyone back to the surface, just select a landing sight.”

Harer glanced at Kevler and Darlew. A shiver ran down her spine. Her father stroked his chin and Darlew grunted.

“The Lost Island,” Kevler said. “Either that or Hentor where the strength of those loyal are, we have no other options.”

“Indeed.” Harer turned to Chak. “The Lost Island. There is a chance fewer Rebels are there.”

Chak nodded again, and entered the coordinates. “They will be ready shortly.”

“Get everyone into the modules and ready to launch,” Harer ordered.

Tiva followed her father down and helped to gather everyone in the meeting area. Without delaying, Kevler explained the situation, and gave everyone instructions on operating the modules. Many began to scatter when he was through, but Tiva and her family remained. She hugged her brother and sister, cousins and aunts, and finally her mother.

“Keep safe, precious one,” she said, holding back tears. “I will see you shortly on the surface.”

“Yes, Mother,” Tiva choked. She watched them go, and heard Chak’s voice in the corridor. The modules were ready. She turned to her father and wrapped her arms around him. He kissed her forehead, and looked deep into her eyes. “Father...”

“I love you, my dearest one.”

The vessel bucked and shook, a fire broke out in the corridor. Darlew and Yark rushed passed calling for them to come. Kevler and Tiva ran behind, and reached the end of the deck. Several of the modules were gone already. Harer stood at the end of the corridor. He met her eyes.

Go, now. You must remain safe.

What of you, sire?

I am the past you are the future.

She glanced at her father. He moved over and opened a door. “Father, get Harer to a module.”

“I will
.” He pushed her inside.

She secured herself in the small seat, and activated the coordinates as ordered earlier. “I am ready.” She looked at him. “I will see you shortly, Father.”

He leaned in, kissed her cheek, and closed the door. He placed his hands on the glass, and she activated the release. The module disengaged from the ship and with a small thrust of power propelled into space. Using the tracking terminal, she engaged the propulsion system and it began to move.

From the small window, she saw the alien craft circling around the ship still firing on it. It was half the size of the king’s ship and glowed like a demon spirit. Her module moved further away. She glanced at the terminal. Something was wrong, it wasn’t moving toward Abennelp
, but away. She deactivated the terminal, and tried to input the correct coordinates again. Had she done something wrong?

Another flash of fire from the aliens struck the king’s ship, and the left wing broke off. Several more modules detached, and she watched, praying everyone got out safely. She sensed the king and her father still together on the ship, and felt the anxiety rising within her.

Get off the ship!

The front of the alien craft opened, and a small silver orb shot out, heading for the ship. She furiously attempted to contact the control center, via the terminal’s communications, but nothing went through.

“Father!” she said, trying the PCD as a last resort. Nothing.

She unfastened herself from the seat, kicked the terminal, and input Abennelp’s coordinates again. The escape module still moved in the wrong direction. It wasn’t responding to anything she tried, technically or physically.

Opening her mind, she tried once more to speak to her father.

You must get off the ship!

The silver orb hovered over the king’s craft, and while her eyes were fixed upon it, a bright blue flash blinded her. She shielded herself, and when the light subsided, each escape module began to explode.

“No!” She slammed her fist on the small port window.

The cascading effect annihilated every module in rapid succession. The life of everyone she knew and loved vanished from existence, paralyzing her. The death tore through her like blunt spikes digging into her skin.

The last two escape modules shattered into several large pieces and struck the king’s ship. The contact rippled through the metal, and it began spinning out of control. The alien vessel fired one last shot and then, in a flash of light, vanished.

The second wing tore from the king’s ship. Horror filled her. The scene unfolded as the module pulled her further away. She screamed, yet no sound came from her throat. Striking the window, as if trying to break out, Tiva watched the vessel carrying the king and her father explode.

The shockwave slammed against Tiva’s module, but it mattered not, she was ready to die. She crashed against the opposite side of the small craft, but felt nothing except the blood running down her face and arm. Falling to the ground, she stared at the ceiling and awaited her fate. Unable to move or speak, she lay there as the images replayed themselves in her mind. The face of every person on the ship flashed before her. She saw Remock and Bintu, her cousins and aunts.
Mother.

Her father’s hand on the glass…the king.

Destroyed.

She grew cold. Having no means to keep warm, she would die soon. It was all a matter of time. She’d join her family in the Eternal Lands, and be free. Everyone she ever loved waited for her, and as the darkness began to take her, a smile formed on her lips.
Spirits grant me passage and take me to the Eternal Lands.

Tiva closed her eyes and whispered before losing consciousness, “I’m coming, Father.”

The escape module plummeted to the ground and the crash jolted her awake. Weak but alive, Tiva pulled on the exit hatch. Using the last of her strength, she opened it for some fresh air. Thought was beyond her, instinct controlled her movements. Gasping for breath, she pushed the door open and fell out of the module.

She was not dead.

Somehow, she survived.

A soft rustling caught her attention, but in her current state, she was unable to see clearly let alone defend herself.

“Milip hocha!” the voice said.

Straining to focus, she looked up to see a group of strange looking men surrounding her. Their skin color was like nothing she’d ever seen, and they spoke in a tongue she didn’t understand. Each held an odd-looking triangular weapon, and all were dressed the same, dark green uniforms, symbols of some organization on their shoulders. She reached up weakly, a small groan escaping her lips then she collapsed against the ground again.

“Milip hocha!” the apparent leader spat again.

Another man approached and tapped the leader on the shoulder. Through her blurred vision, she saw him pull out a small silver device and activated it.

“Let us see how this technology works.”

“It was fully tested by our scientists, Major Raku, I am sure it will work.”

She glanced up and met the eyes of the leader.

He smiled at his underling, and attached the device to his clothing repeating his first question. “Identify yourself!”

Tiva reached out her hand. “Please help…”

“Miss, wake up,” a soft, friendly voice said.

The vivid colors from her dream began to disappear; yet, she saw bloodstains on her hands.

Again, the voice spoke. “Miss, wake up.”

Tiva opened her eyes and gasped. The fuzzy shadow moved closer, and her reflexes kicked in. She leapt off the sleep couch and landed behind the individual. She reached out grabbing the first thing available to cause damage and held it in front of herself while attempting to stand. She slipped on the floor, but kept the pointed object tight in her hand.

“I’m not going to hurt you. My name is Harai Raku. My father, Major Tal Raku, found your escape pod…you asked for his help.” The young girl stepped back raising her hands to show she had no weapons.

“Yes…”
Tiva said, bracing against the nearby table surprised she understood the alien female.

The surroundings were odd and unfamiliar, and the girl was in direct line of the only exit. Harai smiled again. The girl projected a friendly vibe; she seemed to be no threat. Tiva slowly released the makeshift weapon, which upon further inspection was a large utensil, then slouched down against the wall.

“Miss, do you know where you are?”

“No. I do not,” Tiva said.

“You are on Uucor, a planet just on the edge of the Cobee star system. Do you remember where you came from? Do you remember your name?” Harai tucked a lock of her razor-cut orange hair behind her ear. Tiva noticed markings on her neck and chest. Harai’s pale yellow skin and bright green eyes clashed slightly with her neon pink jumpsuit.

“My name is Tiva Boon. I am from Abennelp,” she said, offering no more information.

“It is nice to meet you, Tiva Boon of Abennelp. Please come to the dining area for something to eat, you must be hungry.” Harai smiled and showed Tiva the way.

She followed silently, absorbing the atmosphere and her surroundings. Her chest felt heavy, it seemed more difficult to breathe. The kitchen was very modern—everything
gleaming and smooth. Each wall held virtual projections of people and environments. The chair was wide, cushioned, and oval shaped. Much of the plant life and foliage she observed within the room had an odd yellowish green color, very different from what she knew. Tiva said nothing as she sat at the table.

Harai handed her a plate full of different foods. Tiva surveyed the offering and once satisfied that it was edible, ate, sipping the beverage provided in between bites. The young Uucorian sitting across the table smiled a few times at her
, obviously trying to allay her nervousness. Tiva kept her eyes focused on different points around the room. She needed to know every exit, window, and weakness of the structure if she were to get out. When her plate was almost clean, Harai walked toward a cupboard, pulled out a tray of desserts, and offered them to Tiva.

“Thank you, but I am no longer hungry.” Tiva looked up at Harai and the young girl smiled. She was sure now the girl posed no threat, and her senses were not picking up others in the area, so she decided to gather information. “How is it you know how to speak my language?”

“This device is a phonics converter,” Harai fingered the small silver cube attached to her belt, “it allows us to communicate. We used the information from your pod to program your entire language into the unit. I attached one to your clothing.”

“Am I your prisoner?”

Harai laughed. “No, not at all, why would you think that? You asked for my father’s help, and he is doing just that.”

“Yet he has not been here to interrogate me.”

“And he won’t interrogate you. You committed no crime against us, Tiva Boon. You merely required assistance. However, my father is studying your escape pod…I’ll hear from him soon.”

“Did your people bring my belongings here or are they still in the module?”

“It’s in the back room. There wasn’t much inside, no clothing or food, just a few personal items from what I saw. If you would like to wash up I can find garments for you.” Harai offered, and Tiva nodded. “Do you need to contact your planet?”

“No!” Tiva said sharp and quick.

Harai looked at Tiva obviously full of concern, but she didn’t respond.

“I will wash up, and if you have a place for me to sleep tonight, I could use the rest.”

“Sure, no problem. My father had me prepare the guest room for you, just beyond the kitchen. I’ll gather your belongings and meet you there.”

Harai disappeared into the hallway, leaving Tiva alone in the dining area. She walked through the kitchen and saw the tiny guest room. The room was bright with beautifully decorated furniture and vibrant colors. Large pillows and a soft feathery blanket shrouded the bed. A carpet
covered the hard, wooden floors; it displayed markings that Tiva assumed was lettering. In the corner of the room sat a small hutch, in the other corner a washroom.

The reflection staring back at her in the washroom was almost unrecognizable. Her lavender eyes seemed paler due to the dark circles underneath from lack of sleep. Her hair was matted and twisted in knots. She had several cuts on her face and hands, they were clean, but not bandaged, and the rest of her body held bruises both new and old. The crescent moon markings on her forehead were a very deep purple, almost black, revealing only to other Abennelpians that she was not in the best of spirits. No one would blame her for that if they knew recent events.

Harai arrived in the room before Tiva dwelled on her foul mood, offered her an Uucorian dress made of blue and silver material, and a very soft green sleep robe. Tiva took the clothing and thanked Harai.

“Here are your things from the pod. My father just contacted me with an update about your craft. He’s afraid that his people will not be able to fix it. Are you positive you don’t want to contact your planet? Your family might be looking for you.”

“My family is dead,” Tiva said flatly, opening the container holding her things.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Harai said with a frown. Tiva rifled through the box. “Is everything there?”

“Yes, it seems so.” Tiva pulled out a half-burnt book, opened it to reveal a small folded painting. She handed it to Harai. “This was my family.”

Harai took the painting and studied it.

Refusing to play the role of a pawn, Tiva opened her mind completely to the girl to sense her emotions. Maybe they were not keeping her prisoner, but she wasn’t going to trust blindly. She may be in the clutches of aliens with whom the Rebels were working, and perhaps the guardian uniforms in the painting would rouse the girl. Instead, Tiva sensed a deep sympathy and sadness from the girl. Shocked, slightly, she glanced at Harai and realized how young she truly was, no more than fifteen or sixteen.

Harai lowered her head and handed the picture back to Tiva. “I’m sorry. My mother died when I was very young, I understand the loss of a loved one,” she said and walked toward the doorway. “If you need or want to talk to anyone, I will be here to listen.”

Tiva nodded and picked up the robe before turning toward the washroom. “One last thing before I leave, my father has requested an audience with you in the morning to discuss your situation. I will have breakfast ready at sunrise.”

“You have been most kind, Harai Raku. Thank you.” Tiva made a fist and put it over her heart, closed her eyes, and bowed her head. “May the spirits always shed light on your path.”

Harai returned the gesture with her own, pressing her palms together raising them to her lips then forehead, “Blessings, and good fortune.” She smiled and left the room.

Tiva picked up a black bundle of cloth lying next to the painting of her family and waited for Harai’s footsteps to fade. Then she locked herself in the washroom.

After stripping off her clothing, she opened the bundle. The broken personal communications device lay on top of her belongings. It was worthless now, but she would keep it regardless. Deeper inside was her Timbur. The silver claws of the weapon were still bright and sharp. She thought it curious the girl’s father gave her access to it. Perhaps he thought it was not a threat. In her hands, however, it was lethal. She picked up the claw and attached it to her hand.

Sitting on the edge of the washtub, she stared at the painting of her family. She felt a void deep inside. Everyone was gone, as she should be herself. An unspoken code of the guardians rang in her head. If she fell captive and could not escape, she’d do the only thing possible. Even though the young girl insisted she was not a prisoner, Tiva remained skeptical. Why would someone help her without knowing who she was?

She detached the weapon, and pulled one of the long claws from the piece. Staring at herself in the mirror, she raised the claw to her neck. This was her only choice, for she did not belong here. She needed to be with her family. Tiva closed her eyes and recited a prayer for the dead. The words washed over her with ease, she had said the rite repeatedly over the last few months as she watched her friends and family die.

As the prayer ended, Tiva placed the claw against her skin. “May the spirits grant me safe passage to the Eternal Lands of my forefathers.”

She pressed the claw deeper. Blood trickle down her neck. The doors burst open, slamming against her shoulder, and knocking her to the ground.

“Tiva, don’t do it!” Harai screamed.

“Harai, you must leave.” Tiva noticed the girl had tears streaming down her cheeks and fear on her face. Raising her mental shield to block the girl’s overpowering emotions, Tiva rose to her feet and covered herself. “This does not concern you.”

“You are a guest here; I can’t allow you to harm yourself.”

“I do not belong here, Harai, I must do what I must do.”

“Killing yourself?” Harai snapped. “If you can’t return to your own planet, you can make a place for yourself here on Uucor. We are a peaceful world full of people from all over the galaxy. There is no reason you should—”

“How did you know what I was planning?” Tiva said, suddenly curious.

“My people have the gift of foresight. We sometimes get visions when something bad is going to happen. When I reached my room, I had one of you. I experienced a very strong determination from you…Tiva, dying is not the answer.”

“I do not belong on your world. I belong with my people. My family, my king, and queen…they are all dead. I should be dead too.” Tiva lowered her head and sighed.

“I don’t know what happened, Tiva, but I’m sure your family would not want you to die. Perhaps you should have died, or you may have been spared to move on to better things.” Harai put a hand on Tiva’s shoulder and smiled.

“You do not understand…” Tiva protested.

“Then help me to understand.”

Tiva sat with Harai for hours and recounted her life story. Harai listened with great interest as Tiva revealed her upbringing in the Royal Guardians. She spoke of her training, the hardships she overcame, and explained the nature of her status.

“I helped avert several attempts on the king’s life; he granted me the chance to become an elite protector. I was the youngest and first female to hold such an honor, and guard King Delos and his family. About six moons ago, the Rebel group who, for many cycles past, had been trying to overthrow the king’s power, exchanged weapons and other alien technology for the natural resources of our planet with off-worlders, giving the Rebels enough power to force the king’s hand and we went to war.” Tiva closed her eyes as the memories flooded her mind.

“We fought night and day but there were just too many. Most of the king’s Legions betrayed us and joined with them when they broke through the palace walls. The army killed dozens of us.
My father and I, along with the other Royal Guardians realized the only way to protect the king and queen was to flee the planet.”

Tiva stopped for a moment and opened her eyes. “We circled our planet, trying to remain in contact with those still on the surface. Then an alien supplier found and attacked our ship. We know nothing of space travel and our ship had little defenses. We tried to find cover at a nearby moon, but it was no use
, their technology was far superior, and we could not escape.”

“Do you know who it was that attacked you?”

“No, I do not,” Tiva said. “They were powerful. The first attack on the ship crippled our systems. Many of us made it to the escape modules, but they were destroyed and the final assault on the ship resulted in the death of everyone except me. I watched, helpless, as their crafts shattered into nothingness.” Tiva saw Harai was crying.

“How many of them were your family?” she said, wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“Fifteen of the sixty people on that ship were my kin; uncles, aunts, cousins, my parents and siblings.”

“Your whole family?”

“Yes.”

“I’m so sorry.” Harai cried and looked at Tiva. “Why don’t you cry?”

“I pray and mourn deep inside my heart,” she lied, and reached over, pulling out a burnt book. “This is the Yantar, our holy book. I have often taken comfort in its teachings. Within these pages are messages of peace… A peace the people of Abennelp no longer understand.”

“Maybe you can return to your planet one day and bring back peace to your people? Maybe that is why you were spared, Tiva,” Harai said.