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

  “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.”

  Chapter Five

  Tiva 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 attac
k 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.

  The others were watching already. It would be no different from spars on Abennelp. She often drew a crowd when fighting others. Adam removed Cala from his side. She immediately sensed the sword’s excitement. Taken aback, she glanced at her opponent and lowered the katana to her side.

  “Something wrong?”

  “I can feel her…”

  “Of course you can, she’s letting you know she’s happy.” Adam grinned, and swung his blade above his head and struck down forcefully. “She hasn’t had anyone challenging to play with recently, but I told her all about you, so she’s a bit giddy.”

  “You talk to her?”

  “Well, mostly we just, you know, think to each other. But yes, we talk often.”

  “Intriguing.” Tiva glanced over at Aliri as she removed her tunic. Have you ever heard anything so strange before? A talking sword…

  I’ve heard stranger things in my day, Tiva. Good luck…kick his ass!

  A small smirk crossed her features, and she clutched the handle firm in her hand. She knew she would not need to hold back with Adam. His expertise with the sword, matched his strength. “Before we begin may I request two small things?”

  “What’s that?”

  “No wings, and do not restrain yourself. Aside from not flying, I require no special treatment.”

  “All right…you sure now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, it’s a good thing I’m not out to kill you.”

  “You would have to try very hard to do so…Cooper.” She narrowed her gaze, leering at him.

  “Ha, this is gonna be fun. You ready, Cala?” The sharp edge seemed to shimmer in response. Adam’s eyes flashed from blue to green and back again then he ran toward her full speed raising the spirit-sword above his head.

  Tiva gripped the hilt with both hands, and prepared for the attack. When the swords collided, she felt the tremor course through her entire body to her toes. A quick blink and hop to the right later, her lips curled up and she knew this was going to be exactly what she needed.

  She struck at him, forcefully pushing against the blade with her upper body. He moved back slightly, and the dance began.

  The weapons sang beautifully in rhythmic concert as Tiva and Adam wielded them expertly against one another. Soft gasps and incomprehensible comments from their friends did little to sway their attention. They were engrossed in the heat of the spar. They parried around each other, circling, twisting, and turning. Each assault that followed a block was increasingly brutal and focused.

/>   He was quick, perhaps quicker than she was. Adam sliced at every part of her body within the first few sets of blows. She kept her concentration on his shoulder, forcing him to favor one side. She nipped the fabric near his elbow, but he jerked to the side at the very last moment avoiding harm. With nothing in the room to gain height from, she ducked more often than she liked, and shifted her position constantly trying to throw him off balance.

  Her winged opponent spun around after his last attempt, and grinned. She stepped back at the pause. He glanced down at his protector. “Cala’s having fun.”

  “Then I am glad,” Tiva answered. She was not about to let him distract her, so she moved in for another strike. This time, she brought the blade aloft from her side. He saw it coming easily enough, but she knew it was one of her most powerful attacks. Adam lowered Cala to the front of his body when she neared, just as she hoped. Tiva was but a few feet from him when she leaped into the air moving the blade upward with all her strength. Unprepared for the change, Adam adapted well, considering, and elevated his weapon as the katana clipped his left shoulder. Tiva didn’t have the chance for a follow up maneuver. Adam pushed down on her sword using her own momentum against her. She twisted her body mid air as he hindered the attack, and when they separated, he spun around. Just as she landed, he swept his blade across her stomach with a smooth fluid flip of his wrist. The fabric of her shirt fluttered to the ground, exposing her navel and scar. She heard Aliri gasp and Raife chuckle. Adam paused and stared for a moment, then smiled.

  “Uh…oops,” he said.

  Tiva ignored him and the slight trickle of blood. She grunted and flipped the sword over in her hand. He was a challenge, and she was enjoying herself far more than she should. Adam’s fingers curled around the hilt tighter, he was preparing for another strike, and Tiva was more than ready.

  An hour passed, they continued to battle with as much force and speed as if it were the first move for each of them. He had been in many wars, she took part in a fair share of fights, neither was the type to give up. Tiva checked for her friends, but they were gone. She did not blame them, watching a spar never held her own attention for long.