Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) Read online

  “All right, head to your post, we’ll update you with the other situation later.” Maar glanced back at the displayer and frowned. Aliri rushed out without missing a beat. “Cooper came to me about the salvagers, his personal information has given us another species name. Pizilite, from the Arillo space, has anyone heard of them?”

  The group didn’t seem to have any idea about the species. Blank faces and the slight shaking of heads followed. Maar took a seat, and Cooper moved over. His wings twitched slightly and his hand caressed the hilt of his sword. Tiva ignored the twinge of jealousy that rose within her and paid attention.

  “These are the buggers who can teleport. They have a weakness however and it’s not the device. Water slows them down. I haven’t a clue why, but I cornered one in our arboretum and it fell into a spit of water and couldn’t zoom-zoom anymore.”

  “We can add moisture to the envirosystem next time we come in contact with them. That may slow them down,” Emerala offered.

  “Good, good.” Hill grinned. “What else do you have, Mr. Cooper?”

  “All I can remember outside the datachips is that they were working with the salvagers back then, it appeared to just be a few, they were on the same ship, but I never found out who the other race of aliens were.”

  “And how did you identify the Pizilite’s?” Raife asked.

  “I had a piece of shrapnel, and it had writing on it, from a console or something,” he said, and shrugged, his wings moving in sync. “It took me a few years to find someone to translate it, but they told me who they were and that’s about it.”

  “Perhaps we should ask the Joran crew members. They reside in the same system, it is a possibility they know about them,” Tiva added.

  “I can take care of that.” Raife lifted his hand slightly.

  “Good, good.” Hill turned to the captain. “We are making progress, sir.”

  “Agreed, contact Ovvella and relay our information, I want them apprised of everything...and find out if they have anything to share.”

  “Aye, captain.”

  “Back to stations.” Maar tapped on his computer closing off the screen. The group dispersed taking their posts from the junior staff.

  Tiva told Axium to rest before morning shift, and then began sending messages to the rest of the team for when they woke. She had some time before Emerala would need to siphon power from her sensors, so she initiated the internal sweeps. As the scan began, Tiva noticed she was still excited to see the supernova up close or at least closer with the image on a displayer. In a few hours, she would see the energy and power of the collapsing star in full view as it continued to consume itself. A natural phenomenon in space, and yet, something she never imagined seeing. Her daydreams as a child of seeing beyond her own stars were a reality, and every so often, she marveled at the truth.

  She was the first person to leave Abennelp and travel beyond her own realm, the first of her kind out exploring the universe. If it were not for the circumstances, Tiva might have been overjoyed. Still, she couldn’t help being taken in by the awe and enlightening experience on occasion, and allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

  The sweep finished while Tiva was still in thought, but she slid her fingers over the panel to power down the array, and access a few files to send to Hill. He said they were making progress. It was true, but some of the crew was still worried. Once the possibility of a third race being involved came to light, the crew tensed, some more than others.

  A few more hours and her team would be in position, and the Tolox would enter range of the star. First, they had to take readings of the sun as they passed, Aliri had already sent Raife a mock flight pattern, and he was busy plotting it. The distance to sensor range of the star would take them another hour, so the crew was bound to relax some and focus on the phenomenon rather than the salvagers. The hurt many of them felt at the loss of one of their own, at times, was overwhelming. Many kept on a façade, the junior crew were more vocal about it. Luckily, the crew was loyal, and all believed in what they were doing. No one sought revenge, only answers.

  They did not make plans to destroy the enemy, they wanted to learn and help. Or bring them to justice, whichever was easier. Many variables skewed the puzzle. But from what she had seen already, she knew this crew would find the answers.

  ~*~

  The sun filled the Tolox‘s displayer. Its enormous surface churned and pulsed with energy and heat. Raife magnified it again; Tiva watched as whips of gleaming orange fire struggled violently with their captor. The deep blood red tips snapped out and back, as the orb absorbed the flare back within its womb.

  Another shot up like a spike impaling the darkness of space, then curled back in on itself as if it missed the warmth and comfort of the sun. It was beyond beautiful. Taking her eyes from the sight was impossible until Hill ordered Raife to display the collapsing star far in the distance. The star was in its final stage, past the supergiant phase, ready to set the shattering explosion into motion.

  Emerala shut down the security station to boost the sensors. The security teams were patrolling the ship, so Tiva had little to do, and for the first time, did not mind. Aliri’s attention shifted to her several times, she was amused and happy. Tiva sensed her glee without looking.

  The sensors reached their capacity, data streamed into the ship as Aliri categorized the star. Shockwaves would dissipate somewhat once they reached the sun, but they needed more data to determine if the planet was in danger, and they were running out of time. The entire planet of Bayo was waiting for their recommendation. They had less than twelve hours before deciding if an evacuation was in order.

  When the command crew gathered in the captain’s office again, there was only talk of the star. Every science expert on the Tolox had been working non-stop for six hours. The deadline was nearing. Each took a turn giving Maar an update on their progress. He seemed pleased, to an extent, but like the rest of the crew, he was anxious. After everyone spoke, Hill made a final statement.

  “The star will nova in a day and a half. We’ve ordered an evacuation of the Bayo moon colony. A shockwave will hit the planet, but with the sun’s interference and the planetary shield they have…it’s survivable. ” He scratched the side of his neck and met the eyes of all the crew. “We will stay in the system as long as needed. Bayo will require medical assistance. The science teams know the planet will suffer from earthquakes and violent weather for a week or so. And unless the Union says otherwise, we will stay near and help.”

  The second day came quickly. Tiva stood watching the view of the star fall away. Though magnified on the displayer, it almost felt the same as being near it. She watched as long as she could, aware her time on duty was waning.

  This sight was darker, and brutal. Black spots covered the multicolored sphere twisting in a wild frenzy. The thin beams of blue and green light tore through the shell like a beacon showing the way to its core. Tiva knew the crew was studying it for scientific reasons, but she absorbed the image into her mind as an inspired visitor. The glittering sight changed constantly, moving, defying, and accepting its fate with every second that passed.

  It was amazing to watch. She knew the light from the star—when it went nova—would spread out across the entire galaxy illuminating the dark abyss of space. She’d watch the recording another time, and sighed slightly as she headed off the command center. Hill ordered her and the security detail to ready the empty rooms for medical triage. There would be seriously injured people on Bayo; they needed to be ready. Despite her desire to watch the star go nova first hand, she obeyed and did her duty.

  Several days of continuous work consumed her. Thousands of injured were shuttled to and from the Tolox. Earthquakes, floods, massive gusts of wind, and the like, tore at the planet of Bayo. Buildings collapsed, people were lost. Prayers seemed to help little. Though many of them were grateful and optimistic, they understood the situation might have been worse, and it almost had been.

  The people Tiva care
d for in triage ripped at her heart. She had to force herself to remain focused and help these people the best she could. The bodies of those who perished were scattered around the oversized room.

  Memories of the war flooded her mind. The faces of those she struck down stung her like the bite of a char-beast, deeper than she was prepared to admit. She knew, however, that this time it was not a war which brought these people to their death.

  When the last of the injured were tended to, Doctor Hino ordered Tiva to rest. She had not slept in three days, nor eaten in two. She made her way to the mess in a fog, and was unprepared for the clatter of conversations as she entered. Sitting down at the bar, she ordered a bowl of Joran soup and a juice.

  “You look like you were wrestling with a dragon, Tiva.” Adam was suddenly next to her.

  “What is a dragon?”

  “Oh, something I saved the damsels from back in the day. Big fiery beasts.” He smirked. “You all right?”

  “It has been a trying few days, for us all.”

  “Yep, but I’ve seen worse. These guys will be all right, they are strong and hard workers.”

  “Indeed.” She nodded her thanks as Vinni placed her meal on the counter. Then she turned to Adam. “If you will excuse me.”

  “Leaving?” He frowned. “Why don’t you hang out here for a while, get your mind off things, relax, eat…”

  “I will attempt to do so, but I need to be alone.”

  “You sure? I’m full of stories that are bound to cheer you up.” He jumped up from the chair and held out his hand for her tray. “I’ll make us a picnic. You’re the only one on this ship that I don’t know, and I want to remedy that. After all, we are going to working together for a long time.”

  He was persistent, but it brought a smile to her face and she agreed. Handing over her tray to him, she gathered her juice, and exited the mess.

  Tiva made herself comfortable under one of the few trees scattered about the arboretum. The mist from the watering cycle still lingered in the air making it cool and comforting inside. She sipped her juice and ate her soup as Adam told her stories of his youth.

  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.