Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (6 page)

He played the bard role well. Tiva felt relaxed and was interested in the stories he weaved. Then he began a story in a softer, more caring voice. He lived in country on Earth for most of his younger years. Adam used to travel the English countryside decades on end. One day, he saved a fisherman from a group of sea pirates. To repay his gratitude, the man invited Adam to his home for a warm meal.

“There I met the fisherman’s daughter. We spent time together and became close, but I was summoned to war.” Adam left out the details of the war, whether due to the painful memories, or to save her from the horror she didn’t know, but was grateful. “When I returned years later, I found the daughter again, and with her was a boy with wings, six years old. Anny told me his name was Bobby, in honor of my father. I stayed in the village for a few years, and when he was seventeen, I was called away to war again and unable to visit for some three years. Then I received a letter that said I had to return; it was urgent,” he mused. “But by the time I got there, I was too late…”

“Too late?”

“…all the wedding cake was gone.” He smirked.

“Who was married?”

“Bobby, to a lovely freckle faced lass with fiery hair, not very unlike his mother.” Adam jumped up and swung on a tree branch. “I stayed for longer this time. I trained my son, watched his own daughter grow, and things were peaceful. Bobby and I ventured to the city to visit an old friend of mine, when we returned...we found the village in ruins. Buildings burned; the crops plundered, and sheds raided. Most of the villagers were murdered. They did horrible things…worse than you could possibly imagine to my granddaughter, Dee. But Bobby carried on and went off to become a great hero, doing countless good deeds in the name of God, until his final battle.”

“What happened to him?”

“The army he was with was massacred, and the barbarians had no respect for the fallen bodies... I never knew which was his, but I found his wings, and they, at least, got a proper burial...” He quickly shook himself off, taking a deep breath. “But that’s enough about that...”

“I am sorry, Adam.”

“He led an honorable life; he was revered by all who knew him. I remain proud.”

“As you should.”

Adam grinned, pulled himself up onto a branch, and looked down at her. He spoke of adventures with his son, and battles won. She felt her spirit calm as he continued telling parts of his life story. Knowing his life spanned thousands of years, she wondered exactly how many stories head. It was almost overwhelming. Tiva lay back on the soft grass listening for hours. Her troubles and worries evaporated like the dew in the early morning sunrise.

Unexpected, he jumped down, and held his hand out to her.

“I made a new program for the VR room, want to check it out?”

She slipped her hand in his and allowed him to help her. “I would like that.”

“All right, let’s go.”

Tiva had yet to come to the VR room since its upgrade at Ovvella Base. She heard rumors that the technology was getting better and even held life like scenery, so she was looking forward to what Adam had created. He instructed the computer to load his data, and when she stepped in, she was among hundreds of trees.

“Welcome to the Void Forest.” He spread out his arm, motioning to the seemingly miles of land before them. “Granted it’s nothing like the real thing, but if you allow your imagination to take you, it’s almost as good.”

“It is beautiful, Adam.” She entered the room, and began walking among the trees. When she touched them, her fingers ran though the image, but still she marveled at the technology, it looked real, until it was touched.

“So, how is life treating you, Tiva?”

She kicked at the ground, and searched for a path between the trees. “Life has been confusing…”

“It usually is. That’s why one needs distractions such as these to take your mind off things and relax.” He flared his wings and rose into the air above her. “You should see the view from here.”

“I cannot fly, Adam.” She smirked slightly. “You can stretch your wings, I will not feel neglected.”

“C’mere.” He opened his arms to her. She walked toward him as his feet touched the ground. Then he pulled her close, holding her in his arms and lifted off. “Here we go…”

She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, and looked out as they rose into the air. His wings flapped again, lifting them closer toward the ceiling, though it looked like the sky. The sight was amazing, despite its faux nature. Adam dipped, and his wings spread their full capacity and they began gliding toward the trees. The speed of their descent created a soft warm breeze. She glanced down, then turned to him, and smiled. His eyes changed, they were a light purple, almost matching the normal state of her markings.
So they do change,
she thought. Her moons immediately pinked, and she stripped her gaze away.

“What does pink mean anyway?”

“Do you not know?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I did.” He grinned. “Does it mean you’re falling madly in love with me?”

“Hardly,” she retorted. “It is merely the equivalent of human blushing…”

“Hold on tight,” he said, and without warning dove toward the floor. She gripped him tighter. Adam swooped to the tops of the trees then maneuvered between them proficiently. Neither wing nor limb touched the virtual forest of trees. Her feet almost reached the ground if she tried; instead, he clutched her tight, and rose up into the air again. “Having fun yet?”

“Yes, this is fun.” Impressed with his aerial prowess, she wondered what it would be like to fly with him planet side without the confined space of a ship.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“And you as well, Adam.”

“You’re enjoying myself?” He laughed and twisted around mid air, and dove again with a burst of energy.

Tiva chuckled softly, “No, you are enjoying yourself.”

“Yeah.” Adam soared higher up into the air and dove down once more. He circled around a few of the holo-trees and skillfully twisted and turned over the field’s hills and valleys. She felt a slight twinge of discomfort in her stomach when he rose up to the ceiling and free fell toward the floor.

She gripped his shirt tight and met his eyes. “May we walk again?”

“If you wish…” He descended to the ground landing softly on a faux hilltop and folded his wings behind his back. “There we are.” He didn’t release her from his grasp, yet, she did not mind. Oddly enough, it was a safe feeling.

“You are an excellent flyer.” She smiled slightly.

“And you are a fine passenger, you didn’t scream once.” His purple eyes remained locked on hers, calming, inviting, and friendly.

“Why would I scream? You are skilled in many aspects, why would flying be any different…I trust you.”

“If I wasn’t so conceited, I’d probably blush.”

“It is merely the truth, besides, I doubt you would ever blush.” Tiva smirked.

“One never knows.”

She looked up at him, his grin wide and full of…something.

“And now I know what you look like when you blush.”

“Yes, despite the rumors, I have feelings, Adam.”

“I know you do, otherwise I wouldn’t be trying so hard.”

“Trying hard at what?” She raised a brow, confused at his riddled words.

“This.” He grinned.

She frowned slightly, hoping he would elaborate, but he remained silent.

He chuckled slightly. “If you’re confused, then I’ll just have to try harder, I guess.”

Glancing down at his arms, she moved her hands to his wrists and gently tugged. He released her, and she turned and walked to the edge of the hill. Below were trees, though in reality it was just a visual trick, they were still on the same floor they lifted off from earlier. Adam moved up behind her.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind,” he said as his hand brushed her arm.

“I do.”

“Then spill it…”

“Spill what?” She blinked.

“It’s an expression, meaning free your mind, unburden your troubles.”

“Why do you wish to hear of my worries?”

“I’ve got a good reason, and maybe I can help. If I had a nickel for every time I helped when I was told there was nothing I could do, I’d be rich...er.”

Tiva sucked in a breath and told Adam about her problems with her home world. Like Aliri, he listened without interrupting, and seemed to hang on her every word. She mentioned the messages from home, and the plight of her people. Divulging her guilt over abandoning them, the words poured out of her with more passion than anger. She confessed more to him than anyone else on the ship, for she felt he understood. He had shared a difficult time in his life; it was only fair she return the trust.

She was comfortable sharing her past with Adam. He reminded her of friends from home. He was someone who had seen the horrors of war up close. She wished she could sense something from him.

Tiva stifled a yawn. Adam rubbed her shoulder with his wing and smiled.

“Tired?”

“Yes, I should retire. Thank you for listening, you are a good friend.”

“The pleasure has been entirely mine, Tiva.”

T
iva fell into a deep sleep. Her mind and body rested and healed slightly during her slumber. When she woke in the morning, she felt full of energy. She was refreshed, but knew there were some things lingering, neither would be easy, but the message to Neola was more important. After she changed into a clean uniform, she sat at her desk to compose her thoughts. She almost called for Gigs again then sighed. With the beginning of her speech prepared, she tapped on the computer console, and started the recording.

“My dearest friend, words are not coming easy for me in these trying times. I am using every resource here to find those responsible for supplying the Rebels and killing my family and the royals. Thus far, I have made little progress, but as long as I travel among those who may know, I can continue to try. I have made friends here who understand the situation, and are willing to help me in my search.”

Tiva stopped the recording for a moment. This next part was the one thing still pulling her apart inside. “For now, I will remain here with the Union. I can do more for our people here and perhaps stop the aliens from supporting the Rebels. Continue to train and recruit people, Neola. That is the only way to stand strong. I will return when the time is right and face my fate as a Royal Guardian. Together we will help restore the peace and beauty of Abennelp. May the spirits keep you safe.”

She believed her words. Maybe not with a full heart, but deep within she wanted to be a part of restoring Abennelp, for her people, her family, and her king.

With the message complete, Tiva encrypted the stream, and sent it off to her friend. She did not expect a quick reply, knowing it took time.

The command center was bustling with chatter. Many seemed happier during the last few days. The reports on her screen held the reason. The injured and causalities of the shockwave were lower than first estimated. Doctor Hino and his team released the last of the injured to their people for care, and the cargo ship was returning within the next few hours. Captain Maar informed the crew they’d hear of their new task in a day or two, so they had time to finish pending work, rest, and continue the search for the salvagers.

Tiva would use the extra time to train with her team, and perhaps even spar with Adam.

Their eyes met several times during shift. He would sometimes smile or just incline his head. As the day went on, the crew grew chattier and more lax.

“So, when are you two getting married?” Aliri asked.

Emerala giggled, and glanced up toward Raife. He shrugged and continued tapping on his console.

“Are you going to have cake?” Adam turned around. “I like cake.”

“I’m sure we’ll have something…” Emerala answered. “We’re not sure if we want to have it on the ship, or on shore leave. Believe me, when we figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Good, good,” Hill interjected. He glanced back over his left shoulder meeting Tiva’s eyes then smiled at Emerala. “I enjoy weddings.”

“Have you decided on the type of ceremony?” Maar asked.

“Human, definitely,” Emerala said quickly. “Mine’s too involved, besides, I look good in white.”

“Don’t you mean off-white?” Aliri smiled.

“You’re horrible!”

Tiva watched the exchange, amused. She was becoming a part of this crew more each day. Together, with them, she had survived a few trials. Her trust in them as a whole was growing.

Raife interrupted the conversation, informing the others of the ship’s return. The captain ordered the
Tolox
to orbit Bayo. They would remain nearby until hearing from the Union, just in case they were needed. He then told the crew to call for the second shift, and invited everyone to dinner.

~*~

The following morning, the Union ordered the
Tolox
to the Cobee to retrieve an admission application for a new planet. Before leaving Bayo, Doctor Hino and his medical staff shuttled extra supplies to the surface before leaving. The next few hours were spent flying full velocity away from the planet. There was much to do on the planet, but the Union was sending a couple of ships to assist. Adam’s words rang true; they would make it through the crisis.

As they reached the end of the Qwall, Raife adjusted their heading toward Cobee space. The journey would take the better part of the night. For the time being, she scheduled her teams for training, this time allowing others to join. She hoped Adam would join, and sent a message to his console. After she brought up her internal security sweeps and initiated them, she checked the database and began reading about the new planet Kitias.

The people were an effeminate, anthropomorphic fox type race. Some of their characteristics fell in line with the Iarashins, but these aliens were of smaller stature, quick, nimble, and very advanced compared to some of the others.

With the Union expanding their allies, and reports of the salvagers gaining more of a villainous reputation, they decided to apply and offer their support and resources. Captain Maar and Hill would make contact with their government; Tiva and her team were providing security. She needed to know exactly the type of people she would be dealing with, so she continued to read and memorized the important details.

Hill’s console beeped. Most of the crew was curious, she could sense as much, but no one said a word. He seemed absorbed with his displayer, and when he turned to the captain, the room went silent.

“Dival declassified the file for us, but I’m afraid it doesn’t help. The Kihlmaro were rejected for their own stupidity. They tried bribing one of the ambassadors to speed up the process.” Hill snorted. “Idiots.”

“And the Jorans don’t know much about the Pizilites, they aren’t even sure which planet they inhabit,” Raife offered.

“The Union has all Vexillum ships streamlining data back to Ovvella on a daily basis. Maybe by the time we return we’ll have more information,” Aliri pointed out.

“And while we’re on Base, Raife and I decided to have the ceremony there.”

“Wonderful news!” Hill elbowed the captain.

“I look forward to it.” Maar exposed his teeth.

“Can I bring a date?” Adam asked.

Raife chuckled, “I don’t see why not.”

Tiva finished studying the Kurus, and had partial attention on the conversation. She was curious about human weddings and was somewhat excited to attend. Having been a Royal Guardian at the ceremonies at home, Tiva would be a guest at this event. As she was about to ask Aliri’s opinion, Emerala gasped.

“Sectors report.” Hill turned.

“Several messages coming in from Ovvella, there was an attack at one of our outer space stations in the Xatlo space,” she grumbled as her fingers rapidly pounded on the computer screen. “They’re sure it’s the salvagers. The
Enigma
and
Grapper
were dispatched about an hour ago.”

“Are they changing our assignment?” Maar asked.

“I do not believe so, sir…” she said and paused. Emerala shook her head. “No, they want us to get the application first and warn the Kurus.”

“All right,” Maar stroked his chin. “What do sensors show Caedm?”

“I don’t have any ships on regular or extended sweeps, sir. There doesn’t seem to be any danger here.”

Hill leaned forward in his chair. “Better safe than sorry, Captain.”

“Agreed.” He turned. “Teer, contact the government and inform them of the situation. Nassut, bring us to maximum speed. Cooper: tactical alert, elevated status.”

Tiva notified her team and ordered two to begin patrols around the ship. Elevated status was precautionary, but she did not want to take chances. A secure ship was beneficial to all, and she wanted it to remain so. At their current rate, they would reach the system in eight hours.

Four hours passed and the captain ordered his crew to rest before entering Kitias space. He wanted everyone sharp and attentive when the
Tolox
neared the planet. At times, her captain seemed to trust only himself; this was one of those situations. Tiva stayed until Ranndom showed up to cover. He handed over reports from around the ship, and the latest log from a training session.

She slipped the datarecorder in her belt, and exited the command center. Once inside the lift, she leaned against the wall and sighed. It was a long day, and it would be a very tedious night. And something still pulled at her. Something else seemed wrong.

When the lift stopped, the doors opened and she realized she’d forgotten to hit her level button. Adam stepped in, grinning as usual.

“Going to the mess?”
“No, I am heading to my room.”

“You missed your stop.”

“I was lost in thought, and did not press for the level.”

“Ah, well that’ll do it. You sure you don’t want to catch a bite to eat, Tiva?”

“I do not believe the captain allows hunting on his ship.”

He laughed. “You’re funny when confused. Just another expression. Vinni said one of the Bayo people gave him a slab of meat, and he’s been sautéing it for a day. Might be worth trying.”

“I am wary of alien food, my physiology has not grown accustom to the various foods of the galaxy yet.”

“Well, it’s not going to be ready for another hour, so you have time to decide. Say, you want to spar?” he asked as the doors closed.

“I could use the exercise.”

“Great,” he replied. “You ready the room; I’ll go fetch you a weapon.”

Tiva grinned. When the doors stopped on the next level, Adam jumped out. She rode up another level and exited. She neared the VR room, and noticed it was in use. Frowning, she leaned against the wall waiting for Adam. They could spar in the arboretum, but would have to be cautious of the plant life. That did not sit well, but she would get Adam’s opinion when he arrived.

Several people passed her in the corridor. She acknowledged them, and continued to wait. The doors of the VR room opened, and Emerala, Raife, and Aliri exited. They were laughing.

“Hello, Tiva,” Emerala said.

“Greetings,” she replied.

“We’re all done, were you waiting long?”

“No, I just arrived. Mr. Cooper and I are sparring.”

“Oh,” Raife grinned, “I’d love to watch that.”

“Me, too.” Aliri lit up and nudged Emerala. “Can we stay?”

“I do not mind.”

“Neither do I,” Adam said, as he approached. “I enjoy spectators, actually.” Raife and Adam exchanged handshakes. His wings twitched slightly as he moved to the control panel and accessed the menu. “Any place in particular you want to go?”
“You may choose, I have no preference.”

“All right then, we’ll go to Yalos Minor. It doesn’t exist anymore. Blown away by a horrible asteroid, but it was pretty…I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

“That happened over a hundred years ago…” Emerala blinked. “Oh, that’s right. I keep forgetting.”

The group laughed, and entered the room. Surrounding them as one of the most colorful landscapes Tiva had ever seen. On the ground the grass was tall, and thin. Oddly twisted trees and bushes held every color imaginable. Dark and bold rocks decorated the background mixed in with the foliage. Before them was a clearing. Tiva moved toward it, as she continued to survey the area. The sky above was a deep blue, and the billowy clouds had a tint of pink. Once in the midst of the clearing, she turned to the others who seemed as intrigued as she. Adam neared and offered her a sheathed sword.

“This is my katana. An old Japanese sword master made this for me shortly before he died. It handles well, and the strongest one I have other than Cala.”

“Thank you, Adam. I will be cautious.”

“No need, it’s been through hell and back. Treat it as you would your own blade.”

Tiva nodded, and with her right hand, pulled the weapon from its protective home. The style of the sword was interesting; single edged, curved, with a long sturdy handle. A small rounded cross-guard marked the end of the hilt, and she stepped back and twisted the sword once over with a slight flick of her wrist.