Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (41 page)

“Sounds good. Some advice though…Boon.” Maar’s tone softened and he peered into her eyes. “And I only say this because I have lived it. Your planet is at war. You may strive and try your best to help resolve matters, you may even wish to give your life to the cause,
so you must be prepared for the consequences. My people have fought civil wars for centuries, now our planet is dying from all the destruction. I decided when I was a child that I would make a better life for myself, and I have. This is my home; the crew is my family, my friends. Only you can decide the life you want to have, the life you want to live. Never forget where you came from, Tiva Boon, but don’t allow the past to hinder your chance for a future.”

“We are not as lucky with technology and friendships as many of the planets here. My people have no choice but to remain where they are. Abennelp has seen many years of peace, Captain, I only wish for it to return to its glory one day. If I can help, I will. For now, I wish to know what has happened since I left.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She wanted to know how strong the Loyalists group was. She wanted to know if Neola was still alive. Had any of the guardians survived the massacre at Kinchar? A thousand other questions plagued her, but she forced herself to clear her mind.

“Ready your message. I will have Gigs encrypt it and send to a friend of mine. He will ensure its safe delivery to your friend; he has advanced technology and is one of the most cunning men I know.”

Tiva pressed her fist to her heart and bowed her head deeply. “Thank you, Captain Maar.”

“No, thank you, Boon. It took great courage to come forward, I knew you would, I just thought it would take longer for you to trust me.”

“As a Royal Guardian I gave my trust to far more people than I should have, and in the end, I was the one left standing with the burden of betrayal upon my shoulders. I have since learned
that sometimes, one must prove one’s loyalty to gain the trust of others. I feel I have earned yours, sir. If you trust me with your life, I would be a fool not to trust you with mine.”

“Quite true. I admire your strength and determination.”

“I do have one last request, sir.”

“And what would that be?”

“I remember quite vividly the ship that attacked us. I would like to use the Iarashin and Union databases to see if I can find the culprits.”

He snorted. “I normally don’t recommend revenge to my crew, but you’ve got that warrior spirit my people strive for.” He held up his hand before she could protest. “I know, you say you are not a warrior, but just the same…you can use anything on this ship to help your search. The only thing I ask, do not use the communications without encrypting your messages, and if something comes up, Chief, I expect you will bring it to my attention.”

“You have my word, sir.”

“Perfect. Is there anything else?”

“No, sir. Thank you.” She rose from her seat, slipped into the corridor.

“So, whatcha talkin’ ‘bout in there?”

Tiva did not turn to Jimmi’s voice. She kept walking toward the lift and said, “It is a personal matter.”

“Ah, right, well I won’t ask then, but hows ‘bout I take ya for some dinner then we can go to the VR room an’ visit that beach?”

“No, thank you.” She attempted to keep her tone calm.

“Yer one cold hearted bitch
, ain’t ya?” he mumbled.

She stopped. Her markings were darker before she turned and faced him. “I have tried my best to be polite, Mr. B’abot. Since you have met me, you have ogled at my appearance, commented several times under your breath about my personality, and made improper gestures toward me. It may be my failing for not being direct. However, I am not interested in companionship. I consider you a friend and colleague, nothing more and I will no longer keep myself contained should you continue your advances.”

B’abot blinked and his mouth fell wide open. “I…I’m real sorry, I didn’t mean to offend ya, I was just bein’ myself.”

“And I am just being myself. I prefer to be alone.”

“Whatever, yer choice. Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna bother ya no more.”

“Thank you.” But before she finished the words, Jimmi was half way down the corridor his head hung low. Tiva reached the lift composing the letter in her mind.

“You did the right thing, maybe not with the best tact, but he deserved that.” Gigs appeared when she stepped inside.

“I was direct. If he cannot deal with the truth as it hits him, then he should watch what he says. I am not cold hearted,
nor some female domestic pet. I merely wish to keep to myself.”

“Sometimes too much, Boon.” Gigs covered a smile.

“I am trying, Gigs, that is all I can offer.” She tapped for her level.

“Trying is good. I’m about to send that message to Ovvella for you, did you need anything else, you still seem pretty stressed out.”

“I will be sending another message, this one to my home. The captain will have instructions for you.”

“All right, I’ll give you some privacy just call me when you’re ready.”

“I will.”

Gigs vanished from view and Tiva exited the lift and went to her room. She trusted the AI to give her the privacy she needed. This letter was not going to be easy. Crossing the room and settling onto her bed, she activated a small datarecorder, took a deep breath, and began speaking in her language.

“My dear friend, Neola. It has been more than a cycle since we left Abennelp to keep safe the king, however, our plan failed. The king’s ship, and all passengers save myself have been killed by an alien craft.” She paused and focused her thoughts. “For the moment I am safe. I am trying to find those responsible, but I cannot give you further information because the Rebels have people searching for me. I believe my active PCD has led them to the conclusion I am alive. Included with this message will be instructions how to send information safely back to me. Please update me on the situation of Abennelp. I am uncertain what help I can give, if any, but my heart longs to know how those loyal to the throne are faring. Keep safe, my friend. I truly miss you more than mere words can convey. Tiva.”

A tear fell to her cheek and she wiped it away quickly. The king did not abandon the people of Abennelp, but she had. She would have fought alongside the Loyalists and her friends until
her dying breath had she known of the resistance. However, with no personal means of transport, and a search for her currently in progress, Tiva would never make it there alive to help.

Before dwelling on her situation further, the chime for her door echoed through the room. Walking to the door, she brushed her cheek dry and unlocked the door.

“Where were you?” Emerala looked up, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

“I am sorry, something happened and I had personal matters to attend to. Can we meet for dinner another day?”

“Sure,” she said, her features softening. “No problem, is everything okay?”

“Yes, thank you. I will explain in detail later, but I must finish this now.”

The petite girl waved. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then, good night.”

“Good night.” Tiva moved toward her desk and uploaded the message into the computer. After sending the translated instructions on replying and the message to Gig’s queue she met Raife to begin her flight training.

In the morning, or what one would consider morning on a spaceship, Tiva ventured to her office to meet her new team. Ranndom and Hemko were waiting when she arrived. Together they spent hours going over protocol, shifts, duties, and all things Tiva expected from a security team.

“Our main task is to ensure the safety of the captain and his crew. Both of you have military backgrounds; I assume you share my ideals for structure, training, and discipline,” she said, they responded with a slight nod. “Very well. I have set you both on rotating schedules. I will always be available for part of each shift, so do not hesitate to contact me if needed. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ranndom bobbed his head.

“As do I.” Hemko’s black eyes twitched slightly, but his furry face was grinning.

“Mr. Ranndom
report to the command center. Everything that needs attention is in the console queue. Hemko you will take evening shift today. Any questions?”

“No, ma’am,” they said.

“You are excused.”

The two left her office, and Tiva leaned back releasing a frustrating breath of air. Aliri was still sending messages to her console about missing their meeting last night.
Initially, Tiva wanted Aliri’s advice on how to deal with B’abot’s advances, she also wanted to train more with her telepathy, and strengthening her mental shields. Aliri did not like Tiva’s reason for missing their meeting, but relented when Tiva promised to meet after this shift, and left her alone.

With an assistant in the command center, Tiva had time to patrol the ship. She checked the levels and main sections of the ship, meeting new faces in each area. Some she had just never seen before due to the shifts status, others had come to the
Tolox
from the Iarashin ship, or from command.

Patrolling gave her time to think, and her thoughts were still with Aliri. The past few months Tiva noticed a change in
abilities. She blocked most of the people on the ship, though her connection with Aliri grew stronger. They could be on opposite sides of the ship with several levels between them, and hear and sense each other as if they were standing side by side.

Aliri knew Tiva was hiding something, but she never pressed for details or pressured her to reveal her past, but now that the captain knew of the bounty hunters and the risk on the ship, she deserved to know the truth. Including the ruthless killing machine Tiva became during the war.

It was not a side of herself she understood completely. Yet the raw power she possessed was not something easily cast aside when it was unleashed, and every day she prayed to her spirits that it remained suppressed.

Ship patrols brought her back up to the command center. She checked in with Hill and Ranndom, neither had anything to report. The salvage ship still eluded the
Tolox
, but the effort continued.

With her day half over, Tiva returned to the security office and searched the database for the alien attacker. By the time Hemko reported for duty, her eyes were tired and her spirit drained. She wanted to rest before meeting Aliri, knowing the evening would be another challenge. She needed to be ready.

Tiva rang the chime for Aliri’s room and waited impatiently for her. The door opened and Aliri called her inside. She sat on a small couch near the only porthole window.

“I’ve made us some snacks. I know you’re not a big eater, but I’m pretty sure you’re hungry.” Aliri entered holding a tray with various bowls full of fruit and candies, and two large glasses of juice.

“Thank you,” she said taking one of the glasses.

“You wanted to see me for reasons other than training. There’s something on your mind?”

“Yes
, actually, and I wished to speak with you about it.”

“
I’m all ears.”

Tiva raised an eyebrow, confused. “Speak what you mean.”

Aliri chuckled. “Sorry, I mean, I’m ready to listen.”

Recounting the past few days was not a problem. She mentioned her altercation with B’abot, the message from home, and worked her way up to telling Aliri about the bounty on her head. Then, as Tiva delved into her history as a guardian, she sensed the worry emanating from Aliri.

“Maybe I have revealed too much,” Tiva said, rising from her chair. She paced the length of the floor once and turned to her friend. “It was never my wish to put anyone on this ship in danger, and that is what you think I have done…”

“No, no, Tiva. Not at all. I know all too well some of what you have gone through. I have someone after me as well. It is an ex-lover of mine, but all the same, I am in a sort of dangerous situation myself. I think many of us are, in a way. Whether we’ve come from harsh home situations, fled warring planets for a better life, or any other of a hundred various reasons, many of us here are searching, hiding, or waiting for something.”

They talked into the late night hours, trading stories from their past. Each hour strengthened their bond of friendship. She didn’t have to hide who she was, or worry the consequences of her stories. Aliri did not judge her, nor did her feelings change. She even shared a gift she possessed that most of the crew did not know. While sitting in the chair, Aliri opened her palm and glanced over to an object on the far wall. Tiva felt her focus on the object and sensed a slight change in her mind. The object shook then shot across the room and landed in her hand.

“Amazing,” Tiva said.

“Eh, it’s just something my people have the ability to do. Telekinesis, it’s probably more common on my world now, with genetic enhancements and such, but I haven’t been home in a long time.”

“I know that feeling as well…”

By the time early morning approached, Tiva and Aliri were laughing and joking as if old friends.

“I have not laughed in so long,” Tiva said, a sudden serious look on her face. “Aliri, you have done so much for me, I doubt there is anything I can do to repay the debt.”

“We’re all here to help people, even you. I know that is your path in life. Whether it is here among the stars or home on your planet, you’ll always fight for what you believe in, and that is what makes you special.”

“I am not special. I am just the sum of my upbringing and training.”

“True, in part, but you took a step no one from your world has even imagined. You are co-habitating with different alien species, traveling in a starship, and exploring the universe. You will learn so much here and when you return home, you will be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

“If I return home.”

“You will, I have a feeling.” Aliri grinned.

“I hope you are right, my friend.”