Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (18 page)

“I’m willing to take that chance,” he said.

“Are you willing to stay with me on Abennelp and help restore peace to my people?”

“I wouldn’t mind settling down on a planet for a while,” he answered with a nod.

That was not what she wanted to hear. Aliri and Emerala both told her often that she was too serious. But how could she be anything else? From the time she went on her first mission to Hentor, everything about her life was serious. Adam, however, only wanted to have fun. He didn’t see the weight of her situation. She had never been a leader before. Yes, she had commanded a regiment back home, but they were merely hundreds…the lives of millions were now her responsibility. She couldn’t afford any flighty decisions – too much was at stake.

Tiva glanced out of the window and wrapped her arms around her body. Talking to Adam was not difficult to do. Trying to make him understand the importance of her situation was sometimes pointless.

Before she could contemplate his words further, Adam was standing behind her. He drew her back against him. His fingers stretched out against her stomach and she felt the desires building within merely by his touch. He kissed her neck and cheek. “I want to be with you, Tiva. If that means following you to the end of the universe I’ll do it.”

She could no longer deny that she had fallen in love with him, but she would not confess anything until the time was appropriate.

She tilted her head up. Adam brushed his fingers up her neck and across her cheek before meeting her lips.

“Nassut to Boon.”

Tiva sighed and broke from Adam’s passionate kiss raising her wrist-comm.“Boon here.”

“I need you in the VR if you have time before shift, I’m training some fresh meat and I could use a hand.”

She muted the comm and turned to Adam. “Fresh meat?”

“Newbies.”

“Oh,” she nodded, “why did they not ask to attend my security training?” she asked into the device.

“Well, um…to be honest they’re intimidated,” Raife said.

Adam chuckled and Tiva playfully pushed him aside. Raife must have heard because he cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry, Boon, did I interrupt something?”

“No, Adam and I were having breakfast. I can join you in the VR room in an hour.”

“Sounds good, Nassut out.”

“So much for spending a quiet morning together…” Adam grumbled.

“Perhaps today will be an easy day and we can have dinner in the evening,” she offered with a smile. “I should return to my room and change.”

“Don’t hurt him too bad, okay?”

“I will try not to.”

Tiva and Raife arrived on the command center fifteen minutes late for shift. Captain Maar did not seem to mind. It was still quiet out in the depths of space, though everyone knew it was only a matter of time before something happened.

Emerala, Aliri, and Ranndom chatted softly at the back of the room. Raife kissed his wife quickly and climbed up to the navigation hub. Adam was tapping away on his console, and the seat previously occupied by Jay Hill remained vacant. Ambassador Dival and Captain Maar had handpicked a commanding officer for the ship, they just didn’t have time to get back yet.

Tiva found information about Camway Aries in the Union database. His credentials were various, and the notes from the Ambassadors listed him as diplomatic, stern, fair, and courageous. On Yeago, his home planet, he was a bard. The Pizilites destroyed the water and environment during an occupation almost fifty years ago. Millions of his people fled Yeago and found other planets to settle on and build a new civilization. Aries and his family were fortunate enough to settle on a planet near Xatlonia which eventually became part of the Union. Thousands of his people lived among the ships of the Union searching for the rest of the lost settlers. Tiva felt for his cause and felt he would be a fine addition to the crew.

Without a liaison to the crew, Maar was stressed. She sensed it growing day by day. It did not sit well with her having the captain so troubled, but she knew he would return to base to pick up Aries when able.

As if answering an unspoken prayer, Captain Maar stood up to address the room. He tugged at his sleeve and called Raife down from the hub. “There has been a change in our plans. The council has requested our return to Base as soon as we’re done with repairs. They are sending a ship out here in our stead. We are picking up our new commander and patrolling another sector. I’m not sure what we’re heading into, but from the Ambassador’s tone, it’s something delicate and I will update you when I know more.” The crew nodded their understanding, and the captain continued. “Teer once you hear from our replacement, notify me. Until then, standard shifts for everyone.”

“Yes, sir.” Emerala smiled over at her husband once before getting back to her duty. Aliri winked at Tiva, and Maar sat back down.

Half way through the day, Emerala received the message from the replacement ship,
Lotus
. She informed Maar and he ordered the
Tolox
back to Ovvella. Everyone was still on alert status, but thankfully the days of double shifts and all night work was behind them for at least three days. Tiva was looking forward to getting back to the base. She’d be able to run in the upper ring of the promenade. It had been such a long time since she had the chance to enjoy the freeness she felt when running.

By the end of the shift, Aliri invited everyone to her room for dinner. Maar was delighted and said it was a wonderful idea for them all to get together. Tiva exchanged an apologetic look with Adam, but neither of them would decline now that the captain’s spirits were up. She knew she’d have to show her face this time.

Tiva retired to her room to change, she called Aliri twice on the comm asking what to wear. Aliri finally told her to come early and pick something from her wardrobe.

Aliri answered the door with a frown. “My soufflé fell.”

“Pardon?”

“My dinner. I told Vinni to keep an eye on it for me, and he got sidetracked. Figures, never ask a man to do anything and expect them to get it right when it comes to cooking!”

“He is a far better at domesticated chores than I am,” Tiva smiled as she entered, “but I am sorry about your meal.”

“Oh, it’s no bother. Vinni said he’d make us a couple of quick dishes for tonight. I’m glad you decided to come. I know you and Adam would probably rather be alone…”

“I enjoy spending time with you too, Aliri.”

“Well, who wouldn’t? I’m the life of the party,” she said. “Seriously though, how are you?”

“I am well.”

“Good, now, go check out my closet, pick out something comfortable and flirty. I’ll finish setting up in here.”

Tiva nodded and walked into the bedroom. The neatly made bed had bright colorful blankets and oversized pillows. She felt welcome and calm in the room. On a hutch in the corner were several dolls and toys probably from Aliri’s youth. Personal items and pictures decorated her clothing chest. Fresh flowers and crystal trinkets sat on her vanity.

Smiling, Tiva made her way to the closet. Every color fabric imaginable jumped out at her. The various styles of clothing, all alien to her, seemed to be the right size. Unsure of what flirty clothing consisted of, Tiva pulled out a variety of outfits that caught her eye.

One by one, she tried them on. Many did not flatter her well, others she felt out of place wearing. As she was about to try the last of her chosen outfits Aliri came into the room.

“How’s it going?” Aliri asked.

Tiva fidgeted with a green shirt and frowned. “I am not sure, there are many choices…”

“Take that off…it’s not you.” She walked to the closet and grabbed a different top. When she turned around, she gasped. “Jesus, Tiva your back is…”

“I know,” she sighed, walked to the bed and sat down. “Pethor did his job well. I am lucky to be alive.”

“No shit, I had no idea it was this bad.” She sat down beside her and moved her hair out of the way studying her back. Tiva knew all too well what marks covered her. Aside from the older scars from spars with family, and the one or two from the Great War, two long, thin, white lashes remained across her back. “They’re relatively new, are you still using the dermal strips?”

“They are no longer effective.”

“I’m sorry, Tiva.”

“It is fine.” She stood up from the bed and picked up the last outfit she was going to try on. “They will fade over time…I believe this red top and black skirt are comfortable and flirty, no?”

“Yes, I think that will do.” Aliri smiled. “Leave your hair unbraided, it looks prettier that way.”

After helping her friend set up a buffet table in the living area, Tiva placed glasses, plates, and cutlery near the door on a secondary hutch. Most of Aliri’s belongings were covered in cloth to make the setting uniform and relaxing. With a few candles, fluffy pillows on the couch, and a wonderful scent in the air, Aliri made her way to the mess hall to get the food, leaving Tiva to start pouring the beverages.

She took the quiet moments to clear her mind and fiddle with the short skirt. Aliri claimed she looked fine, but the one sided shoulder strap left much to be desired for her own fashion sense. Dress on Abennelp was simpler. Guardians, Legionnaires, and province guards wore uniforms. Royals wore robes. Off-duty clothing usually consisted of simple dresses or tunics and pants. Only here, did she learn about all the various styles of clothing and accessories. Just from humans alone she learned over fifty different types of shoes. It still amazed her.

Shaking off the thought, she turned hearing someone in the hall. When she opened the door, Adam and Captain Maar were standing in the corridor chatting.

“Good evening, m’lady.” Adam took her hand and kissed the back of it softly.

“Hello, Chief.”

“Greetings,” she said. She allowed them to enter, and motioned to the table. “Help yourself to a drink, Aliri will return shortly with dinner.”

“Playing hostess?” Maar asked.

“No, sir,” Tiva answered quickly. “I was merely helping Aliri while I was here. She allowed me to borrow…”

“Easy, Boon.” He chuckled.

Adam smirked, took a drink, and then moved over to her wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “You’re a great hostess. And you’re looking particularly lovely tonight.”

“Thank you, Adam.” Before Tiva could dwell on her slight embarrassment—not that the entire crew didn’t already know about her relationship with Adam—the chime rang again. Aliri and Vinni walked in carrying several large covered trays. Tiva lifted her eyebrow, amused and cleared some more room on the table. “I thought you said a couple.”

“I couldn’t help myself, I felt bad for wrecking her soffie.”

“Soufflé,” Aliri corrected. Placing the tray on the table, she greeted Adam and the captain, just as Emerala and Raife arrived. “Ah, gang’s all here. Hey Vinni, why don’t you stay? You made too much food as it is.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” he asked.

“Not at all, the more the merrier. Actually, Captain, why don’t you invite your cousins, Tiva call Hemko and Leo, and Raife call that engineer guy.”

“Ewan?”

“Yeah.” She smiled mischievously.

“All right,” Raife nodded.

The room was full of people. Vinni called Keery, the girl he worked with in the mess. Joc and Rabo, Captain Maar’s second cousins along with Hemko and Ranndom also joined the party. Emerala invited Doctor Hino, much to Tiva’s surprise. The group of comrades and friends greeted and chatted a while, waiting for everyone to arrive.

Ewan Delko the ship engineer was last to enter, but Aliri gave him the warmest welcome. Tiva immediately sensed the attraction between them and wondered how close they were.

Aliri and Vinni uncovered the trays to a magnificent display of foods. Poultry and meat, pasta and vegetables, desserts and pastries covered the table. Tiva stayed near Adam as they went down the buffet line. She was thankful for his help with food selection.

Adam, Vinni, and Keery talked in the corner while the security duo and Rabo continued eating. The captain and Hino seemed deep in discussion, while Tiva sat with Emerala and her husband enjoying a nice conversation about various vacation spots around the galaxies.