Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) Page 3

  “Yes, after one of my ancestors.” She glanced at Raife. “The blades are very sharp and detachable.” Her tone was hinting on warning instead of mere fact. She slid the weapon closer to Raife. He picked it up, scrutinized it, and just from the look on his face she could tell he respected its sharpness.

  “A variant of the classic claw, a bit more curved for easier use... I like it. Still, no replacement for a sword, but it seems an efficient weapon,” Cooper interjected.

  For a moment, sitting with the two gentlemen, she felt like she was home with her friends. Tespor…Jex. She shuddered at the emotion then blocked it from her mind. “I no longer have possession of my sword. However, it is not by choice.”

  Raife put the weapon down. “Intriguing...”

  “Oh get real, Raife. You’ve probably never held a weapon that didn’t rhyme with ‘razor’. And there you are, acting like you understand it.” He smirked, arrogantly. Obviously, they knew each other. Raife snorted and made a rude gesture toward him. Cooper seemed oblivious, as he kept his attention on her. “Lost sword? I’m sorry...”

  She retracted her weapon slowly, and attached it to her belt. “Yes, left behind on my planet.” She shrugged, though the loss of her favorite blade still stung deep inside.

  “I’m so sorry,” he said solemnly, his hand gripping the hilt of his own.

  “Have you thought of crafting another? By looks of your…Timbur, was it called? It seems you have skill in weapons. Or you could have it duplicated by one of the engineers, they work well with metals,” Raife offered.

  Tiva shook her head. “I could never replace my blade, it was unique, and I have not the means to forge a new one. If I am meant to have another I shall find it, or it will find me.”

  Cooper laughed, again. “Don’t you know that a true warrior never replicates a weapon? After all, what’s the fun in that?”

  There it was again, that word, warrior. First her captain, now this man. She sighed and sipped her juice. It would haunt her wherever she went despite her pleas that she should not be considered one. She frowned, “War is not fun.”

  Raife merely bobbed his head.

  “You don’t think so? I’ve always enjoyed it,” Cooper said squarely. “The roar of a battle, screams of an enemy, and the smell of fresh kills.” He sighed as if longing to run head first into a war at any given moment.

  Tiva felt her markings darken to a deep purple, and gripped the mug tightly. “You jest when you should be respectful.”

  “Coop, if I may be so bold. How can taking lives be fun? To take pleasure in the slaughter of another living being so easily…seems a bit, barbaric, to me. If it is warranted, then it must be done, but only then should it be acceptable.”

  “I apologize for offending you, Dame Boon... But I joke about everything. I find it keeps me sane,” he said, matter of fact, and turned. “Raife, Raife, Raife...You think killing is barbaric? Tell me then—what happens to the dead?”

  She raised a brow at the statement. After everything I have been through, this winged creature mocks war. Tiva hung her head and stared into her juice. Raife remained silent, obviously not knowing what to say. She sensed his slight aggravation with the conversation, but still, she did not pick up any emotions or thoughts from Cooper.

  He tilted his head, his gaze fixed on her forehead. “Am I going crazy again, or did those moons just change color?”

  She met his eyes again, soft blue, calming, frightening, and mimicked his movement—tilting her head to the side. “They did.”

  “That’s a nifty little trick. Reminds me of something, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.” He chuckled.

  As her markings returned to normal, she turned to Raife. “Did you calculate how long it would be until we reach our new destination?”

  “Yeah, about thirty hours. Emerala and I found a great, clean, course. And the captain gave me the green light to force the engines to the maximum for a while and test out the upgrades.”

  “Not soon enough. Or too soon, depending,” Cooper commented.

  It was as though he spoke in riddles. His name was noble, yet there was something odd about him. He seemed to have two sides to him. She studied him and lowered her mental shield. Something blocked her from sensing him. It was not like Aliri’s safeguard, nor did it feel like Cooper was protecting himself. Either way, her concentration wavered, so she shut her shield, and acknowledged Raife.

  After finishing the juice, she looked to both men then rose to her feet. “It has been nice speaking with you both.”

  “Yeah, I have to get back to Emerala, see you in the morning.” Raife grinned and walked away.

  “Leaving already? We have so much more to discuss. Please, tell me of your world,” Cooper said once Raife was out of range. His attention confused her, and having no insight into his inner feelings made her edgy.

  “Perhaps another time, I have reports to review. Very nice to meet you.”

  He smiled, bobbed his head as if having a secret conversation with himself. “I’ll see you soon, Dame Boon.”

  She nodded, retreated to the counter to leave her mug with Vinni, and silently exited without further interruption.

  ~*~

  Returning to her room, Tiva’s mind was full of curious and confusing thoughts. Her time with the new weapons specialist was interesting. She would talk to Aliri, soon.

  Making her way to the computer to start her review, her pulse quickened seeing a message in the queue. She rushed over, sat down, and tapped the console. The computer began decrypting the text message, then queried if she needed it translated. Tiva, however, wanted to read the message in her own language.

  Tiva, I hope this message finds you well. I was saddened to learn about your current situation, and the loss of your family and the royals. Thank the spirits you are alive and well. The effort here at home has been long and arduous, but the group of us loyal to the throne is steadfast and strong willed. We do not wish to live by the hands of the Rebel leaders. We have come close to uncovering who they are and know two people are in control. However, one of them is not Pethor, he has vanished from our tracker’s sights.

  The last battle four moons back was not in our favor. Hito Becha and the remaining guardians have all perished. Every day since has been a struggle, but we have kept hidden for most of the cycle to build up a resistance. Captain Wirto and I have command of the Loyalists and Legionnaires, and continue to recruit and train. Many had begun to give up hope, but your message has given many a reason to continue to fight. You are the last Royal Guardian, Tiva. Please contact us soon; we must know if you can help us in any way. Keep safe, my friend. Neola.

  “Last Royal Guardian…” she whispered, choking back tears. Not only was she alone in the universe, away from her people, but now, she was the last of all the protectors. The Legionnaires were in her charge while on Abennelp, and again, they looked to her for support.“How can I help?”

  She rose from her chair and paced. The Union could not aid a warring planet. That much she already knew from Captain Maar’s home world situation. Her only other allies in this universe were Harai and her father. But Uucor was part of the Union…where could she turn?

  Tiva saved Neola’s letter. She had to think. Somehow, she would help her people, even if she returned alone and fought side by side with the Loyalists. First, she had to uncover the aliens’ identity, they would be held responsible, one-way or another.

  Her computer beeped again with a message from Aliri. She must have sensed her heightened emotions, and requested to visit. Tiva replied quickly and sat nervously on her bed waiting. The soft tap on the door came shortly after, and Aliri walked in.

  “Something’s wrong…”

  “Many things are wrong.”

  Aliri crossed the room, and grabbed Tiva’s hand. She sat down next to her squeezed gently. “Tell me, everything.”

  Tiva told Aliri about the messages from Neola and Harai. She confessed her fear, anger, and worry for her people. But she d
idn’t stop talking. Soon, she was recounting her confusion toward Adam Cooper. She had bottled up so many issues that when she was through, she felt the weight lift ever so slightly from her shoulders.

  “You can’t expect to do everything alone, Tiva. I’ve told you before, these people on the Tolox are your friends, and we’re here to help you.” Aliri smiled. “We might not be able to fight for your people because we are in the Union, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help in other ways.”

  “I am aware, and I thank you, but I cannot allow anyone else to become a target. The bounty hunters returned to Uucor looking for me.”

  “Blah, I’m sure we can handle them, and they haven’t found you yet. That’s good.”

  “True. We are a long way from Abennelp. And if I do return, it will not be soon. I have many decisions to make, and must take many things into consideration.”

  “Well I’m glad you’re thinking things through. Doing things impulsively isn’t always the wisest of actions. ”

  Tiva nodded.

  “Don’t let your troubles burden you, Tiva.”

  “I shall try.”

  “Now, go get some rest; we have a lot of work to do in the morning.”

  Chapter Three

  “Sectors report!” Hill demanded upon entering the command center.

  The crew began rattling off the ships status. They were on course. Science was already gathering readings from Qwall galaxy. Weapons and shields were at full power, and Tiva informed Hill of her team’s patrols. There was nothing out of the ordinary. Everything thus far was going as planned.

  “How long until we enter Bayo space?”

  “Less then twelve hours, sir. It will be the middle of the night for most when we get there. Are we going to have to wait until morning before getting to work?” Raife asked.

  “No, one of the Bayo patrol cruisers should be waiting for us. They have all the information we’ll need to survey the star. I doubt we’ll have time to visit the planet.”

  “We may, Mr. Hill.” Captain Maar strode in. The crew acknowledged his presence. “Caedm, what are the sweeps telling us?”

  “Stellar winds are strong, sir. The star will go supernova, no doubt about that. The radiation levels in the area around Bayo are normal for the time being.”

  “All right,” he said, taking his center seat. “Anything on communications, Teer?”

  “No, sir. All has been quiet.”

  “Good, good,” Hill said. “Captain, Ms. Teer has been doing some research into the salvage ship on a hunch from Ms. Boon. Does the name Kihlmaro sound familiar to you?”

  Maar crinkled his brow. His dark eyes seemed distant under his stark white mane, but he was calm and completely in control. “No, it doesn’t. Should it, Hill?”

  “The name was picked up in two transmissions; once during the salvage ship’s engagement with the Enigma, and once during our altercation with the scout ship.”

  “And?”

  “I believe they are both working with these Kihlmaro.”

  Maar turned to Teer. “Let’s hear it.”

  “I delved into the Union records before we left Ovvella. At first, I came up with nothing, but I went into archives and found that the Union rejected the Kihlmaro’s application to join over fifteen standard years ago. The record is classified so I haven’t a clue why.”

  “What is their connection to the salvage and scout ships?” Hill asked.

  “Unknown as of yet, sir, but we now have at least three types of species working together, this might be more of a threat than we first realized,” Aliri added.

  “Point taken.” Maar stroked his chin and turned to the security station. “Excellent work.”

  Tiva nodded only, and continued to listen.

  “Keep digging, Teer. Hill, contact Ambassador Dival and see if we can get that file declassified.”

  “Aye, Captain.”

  “Caedm, get in touch with the infirmary, have them ready inoculations for radiation as a precaution.” Maar rose from his seat and glanced up to Raife. “You know the drill, Nassut, max thrusters when we enter Bayo space.”

  “Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.

  “Hill, my office.” He crossed the room followed by his crew commander, and they vanished inside.

  “I’ve been doing some reading on these damn salvagers. They sound familiar, but I haven’t seen these types of ships before.” Cooper turned, glancing at Aliri and Emerala. “Can I see the rest of your data?”

  “Sure, let me send it over.” Emerala smiled.

  Cooper grinned at Tiva. “How are you, Dame Boon?”

  “I am well, Sir Cooper, yourself?”

  “Never better.” His console beeped and he spun around and began reading. Tiva caught the stares from the rest of the group. She shrugged as a way of response.

  That’s not going to work on me. Dame? Aliri’s inner voice spoke.

  Apparently, I am considered a type of knight according to where he comes from, hence, Dame. I do not mind, it is better than Boony. Tiva smirked slightly, glancing over.

  But you’re not going to keep calling him Sir, are you? I mean…his head is large enough already.

  His head seems in perfect proportion to his body.

  Aliri snorted.

  Raife and Emerala looked over. Cooper continued reading, his attention never diverting, but Tiva sensed something stirring near him.

  It’s an expression; it means he has a big ego.

  I have come to find him slightly arrogant and self absorbed, but he seems to mean well.

  “This is good reading,” Cooper said. “I think I know who these scout aliens might be. I’d have to check my records after shift. Do you think you could help me, Emerala? I have a few hundred datachips.”

  “Sure, shouldn’t be a problem. We can download them into the database so I can run a search. You’ll just have to tell me what I’m looking for.”

  “Pirates,” he answered.

  Raife laughed from above. “Ahoy, matey.”

  “Not those kind, but sorta.” He shrugged. “Back about twenty years ago I ran into a few unsightly aliens that moved very fast. They kept the crew busy while the others stripped our resources. They were a bunch of bastards. No code, no honor, just did whatever the hell they wanted. I think, maybe, these are the same guys…maybe.”

  “It’s worth a shot,” Aliri said. “Tell the captain too, he doesn’t like being left in the dark.”

  “All right,” Cooper said, and rose from his chair. He shook his head slightly to move the wisps of hair from his forehead. Tiva noticed his eyes appeared green as he passed in front of her station.

  A message popped up on her screen. Several of her security teams were looking for something to do. She scrolled through her queue, but found nothing that needed attention. Cooper entered the captain’s office and Hill exited a second later.

  “Sir, with your permission, I would like to run a drill with the security team. If we are heading into a potentially dangerous area, we need to be ready for any disaster. I can send Ranndom up here to fill my post.”

  “I agree, Ms. Boon, it would be wise to be prepared.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “We will call you if needed.”

  Tiva exited and contacted Ranndom on her wrist-comm. She ordered him to take her post and gave him a few menial tasks to perform to keep him busy. Her skills were best suited for training and protecting the crew, so she needed something else to do while the others were hard at work during science expeditions.

  When she stepped off the lift, Doctor Hino was walking toward her. He smiled and waved slightly.

  “Salutations, Ms. Boon. How are you feeling?”

  “I am very well, Doctor, thank you.”

  “Ah, glad to hear it. Are you eating?”

  “Yes, it took a while, but my stomach is able to tolerate food again.”

  “Fantastic,” he said with a huge grin. “Heading to the mess hall?”

  “No, I am go
ing to train with my team.”

  “Oh, I better get the nurses set up for injuries.”

  “It might be in the best interest of the others.”

  He chuckled. “I was joking.”

  “I was not.”

  Doctor Hino’s smile faded. “You don’t have to hurt them to get your point across, Ms. Boon.”

  “I never intend to harm anyone during training, but we are security, most of us know the risks, and always strive to push ourselves further. Many of those on my team…” she paused, and formed her words, “aspire to best me when sparring.”

  “Aspire?” His full belly laugh echoed down the corridor. “Well go easy on them, Doctor’s orders.”

  “I will endeavor to do so.”

  Tiva, Hemko, and the Joran, Axium, entered the infirmary cut, bruised, and limping. They were speaking softly, and Hemko even laughed as the nurses moved toward them. Hino approached shaking his head. Tiva’s mouth curved up slightly. He motioned to one of the beds, and she sat down and pulled off her top exposing a cut on her shoulder.

  “You call this easy?” Hino said, chuckling.

  “According to my standards, yes,” she replied quietly. The Jorans were stronger than Humans. Hemko, being an Iarashin, was a match to her strength. She had yet to fight someone from Bayo. “I pushed them as far as they wanted to go, Doctor. I assure you, none of the injuries are serious.”

  “All right, if you say so.” He tended to her wound, and lifted an infuser to her neck. “This is for the radiation you may face during the survey; it is not a pain medication.”

  “Very well,” she said and craned her head to the side. The nurses were wrapping up Axium’s arm, and Hemko’s ankle. Both were still talking about the training spar. Tiva sensed their delight. She was glad they had enjoyed themselves, and when the Doctor was through wrapping her cut, she slipped off the bed and walked toward her team. “You both have done a fine job. I enjoyed learning your techniques. Perhaps if time allows we can train again soon.”

  “I would like that.” Axium grinned. “You are from strong people, Chief. You teach me, I learn.”