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

Tiva followed, unlocked the security control panel, and noticed the upgrades right away. The response time was quicker; the screen display was brighter and sleek. Her most accessed sweeps and duties were right at her fingertips now. With a few quick taps, she initiated the normal internal sweeps and retrieved data from the past several days. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“Bayo,” Raife called down from the navigation hub in the middle of the command center. “There is a star in the solar system they fear is going to supernova. We have to survey the area and see if an evacuation is needed.”

“I see. How long will it take us to get there?”

“Two, maybe three days. Depends on the upgrades, and how fast the captain lets me go.”

As Raife finished his words, Hill and Captain Maar entered followed by Aliri. The tactical seat was empty, the new crewmember, Cooper, had yet to arrive. Maar laughed and slapped Hill on his back.

“I’m glad you enjoyed the dinner,” Hill commented and took his seat.“You missed a treat, Ms. Boon,” he said, “Aliri was kind enough to sing for us.”

“Forced to sing, sir,” she said, rolling her sapphire eyes. “You didn’t miss anything, Tiva. Your health is more important anyway.”

“Agreed,” Maar said. “I’m glad to see you on your feet, Chief.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

“Most welcome. Now, I have some excellent news, for us all. We’re going planet side for some rest and relaxation today.”

Everyone cheered, laughed, and beamed with delight.

“The base wants to sweep the ship for radiation, and we can’t be on board, so the
Enigma
will be taking us to Xatlonia. I hope everyone has their bathing suits.” His dark face broke into a smile of pointy teeth as he chuckled. “They are recommended, but not necessarily required.”

“Captain, behave!” Emerala snorted.

“What is a bathing suit?” Tiva asked.

The group exploded with laughter.

“It’s clothing for swimming, don’t worry, I’ll get you something before we leave.” Aliri winked.

“Very well,” Tiva said, and turned back to her console.

The others went to their posts at opposite sides of the command center.

She changed the security codes, and forwarded the information to her teams and asked them to check weapons cabinets once before readying to depart. One by one, the crew exited the command center to ready for their trip. She remained behind with Aliri.

As Aliri entered the lift, she turned round to smile at Tiva.
If you’re not shy, I’ll get you something flattering.

Whatever you choose will suffice, my friend.

Be careful when saying that, Tiva, you might regret it.
The doors closed and Aliri’s laugh lingered in her mind for a moment.

~*~

The ride to Xatlonia from Ovvella Base went by in a flash. Tiva barely had time to settle in the mess hall when the announcement came of their orbit. Ships were prepared to bring the crew down to the surface. The captain, getting the consensus from the majority of the crew, found a secluded resort on the southern hemisphere of the planet. It was the summer season, much like the middle of the Warming on Abennelp, only hotter.

Tiva followed Aliri and Emerala inside the transport and found an empty seat near the back window. She sensed the excitement from the crew. Tiva did research on the planet and she understood why. There was much to do on Xatlonia. It was a planet known for its agriculture and recreation. Tiva cared only for the ocean. She needed to Calm.

Captain Maar gave each of them a datamap for their room locations when they landed on the surface. Tiva brought her credit chip with her, but doubted she would be shopping much.

She followed the others to something called a hotel. The large, modern building was like nothing she had ever seen before. The outside reminded her of the establishments in the marketplace in Degort. It was made of stone, held large windows, and was extremely tall. The inside, however, was much like the living quarters on the ship only more sophisticated and decorative.

Inside, she found her room, across from Aliri’s, which was a comfort. Before parting, Aliri gave her a pink swimsuit knowing it was one of Tiva’s favorite colors. After further inspection, she found the small, very thin material--quite revealing, but if the others were wearing similar clothing, she would participate as well. Aliri also included some makeup that would cover up whatever she wanted.

After changing into the suit, Tiva disregarded the makeup. She would not hide her scars. As a protector, they were proof she had survived, and was not someone to challenge on a whim. The bottom of the suit covered the majority of her stomach scar. For that she was thankful, as it was still sore and swollen.

The final addition was a printed fabric wrap that she tied around her waist. She slipped her Timbur underneath, but left the plasma gun. Before leaving the room, she glanced out the oversized window to see the beautiful scenery outside. The sand on the beach was a bright mixture of orange and gold. The water, a deep blue, had a tint of silver as the waves crashed along the shoreline. Surrounding the beach were trees of every shape and size. Their coloring was dark browns and greens, nothing like Te.

Tiva untied her hair, grabbed a towel, and put on her new sandals before heading down to the beach. She was looking forward to her swim.

Ignoring stares from the local people of Xatlonia as she walked through the hotel, Tiva remained vigilant. The place was alien to her. She refused to drop her guard. She hadn’t endured this many cycles by being lax.

The sun, set high in the sky, warmed her immediately. Her skin tingled at the sensation, her body absorbing the rays.
Too long
, she thought. She could find peace here, for a while.

Walking onto the sand, her feet sank in, the grains tickling her toes. Taking notice of the people around her, she found an empty section and put her belongings down. At first, she didn’t sit. Instead, she watched the people running back and forth across the shore, jumping in and out of the water, many laughing, and smiling. Everything seemed safe and serene.

She felt Aliri approaching from behind. Tiva turned and acknowledged her. Following was Emerala and Raife.

“That looks really nice on you, Tiva.” Aliri grinned, flipping back her golden locks. “Are you going for a swim or are you going to secure the area first?”
“It seems secure enough.”

“Well, I wouldn’t worry here,” Emerala said. “This is one of the safest planets in the Union. Relax and enjoy yourself.” She pulled Raife away from the others and walked toward the water. Tiva sensed the love between them.

“Yes, it is nice to see them so happy.”

“Indeed it is.” Tiva grinned.

They stood and watched the couple in the distance for a while, then Aliri said, “I’ve had enough of those lovebirds,” she joked, “I’m going for a jog.”

Her friend ran off, leaving Tiva alone on the beach. The waves of the ocean called to her. Behind her, the trees swayed and sang silently in the breeze. The Nature Sense was not lost. She felt all the life of the planet around her. She stripped the wrap from her waist, and hid her weapon under the towel. Emerala deemed this place safe, and she trusted the assessment. Tiva moved toward the ocean, aware several pairs of eyes were on her. Continuing without regard, she dipped her foot into the water as it rose up the sand to kiss her ankles. It was cool and soothing.

Excitement filled her. Moving into the surf, she waded through the waves until she was waist deep. Children and adults of all species splashed and dove around her. They were enjoying themselves as well. Though her need for the water was deeper than many could understand, she watched under the surface, to see various creatures swimming by without stopping or paying her any mind. Satisfied, she dove in and swam out into the depth of the water, looking for the perfect place to begin the Calming. The shelf of the shore extended out further than expected, but she welcomed the exercise. Reaching the edge, she broke through the surface for air then descended into the water.

The words of the Calming came to her as she sank deeper. Her mind felt at ease almost immediately. Upon reaching the ocean bottom, she thrust her hand into the sand and continued the chant. Pushing off, she shot upward slowly released the dirt and then broke through the surface.

She swam to the shore and walked back toward her belongings. Several people stopped and watched as she passed. She was tempted to lower her shield to find the reason for their ogling, however, she wanted to enjoy her time on the planet.

Sitting down on the towel, she stretched out and watched the scenery for a while. Raife and Emerala were chasing a group of furry Iarashin children around a large metal contraption. Aliri spoke with a native. Ranndom, Hemko, and the rest of the security team were hitting a ball over a net in the distance, and Maar and Hill were running the length of the shore.

A young girl smiled and waved at her, she returned the gesture and watched her dive into the water. Everyone seemed at peace, for her, it was a much needed rest and recharge of her senses. Leaning back, Tiva closed her eyes and tilted her head toward the sun. It wasn’t as hot as she imagined. Having only one sun kept the temperature down, but it was enough for her.

Later that night, sleep would not take her. For the first time in many nights, she found herself restless. Thinking another swim might appease her, she gathered her things and returned to the beach. As she stood at the edge of the sand where the tide soaked the shore, she spotted a large shadow swoop across the sky. She looked up. The moon, a pale white globe of light, shimmered down at her. The shadow appeared again and she wondered what type of creature it was.

Dipping her toes into the water, she shivered as the chill rode up her leg. The ocean was too cold for a swim. So, she sat down on the sand and let the motion of the waves soothe her mind. Not knowing the next time she would be planet side, she spent the rest of the evening watching the tide, waiting for morning.

C
aptain Maar and the senior crew of the
Tolox
stood on the newly upgraded command center of their ship preparing to depart from Ovvella Base.

“Our new assignment is in the Bayo system, a lone star is on the verge of going supernova, something that can cause a shockwave and destroy the entire planet. We are to determine the severity of the nova, and calculate how harsh and large the shockwave will be. It’s a fair distance from any inhabited planets, but we must be certain,” the captain said. “Let’s get to work.”

Tiva and the others nodded. She glanced over at the new crew member, Adam Cooper, but had no time to introduce herself. His record didn’t offer much information, but he was highly decorated by the Union. He lived on Earth, but he was not human. She found that curious.

Raife Nassut called out the engine status to the crew from the navigation hub and Hill ordered him to take the ship to maximum flight speed. The captain wanted to get to Bayo as soon as possible. Everyone was ready for the operation, though most seemed relaxed.

The
Tolox
sped through space, leaving the base and planet behind.

Her teams reported in during patrols throughout the ship, and the rest of the staff continued the normal daily schedule of sweeps and reports until shift end.

Grateful for a quiet first full day back on duty, Tiva retired to her room to shower and change. Going back to the duties she’d become accustomed to again was simple enough, but leaving the sun and air of the planet depressed her. Shrugging off the feeling, Tiva decided to head to the mess hall for dinner.

~*~

“You call this stuff intoxicating? Where are the real drinks?” She heard the complaint as she walked in. The aroma inside made her stomach rumble, chastising her for skipping a meal. She sighed and moved to the counter. Vinni served a large mug to Adam Cooper; who was laughing at the bartender. He shook his head. “I’m joking, Vin. Well, not really, but don’t worry... I’m not mad. Just hook me up with one of those citrus drinks.”

Tiva took a seat, and placed her order with the young lady standing behind Vinni. She was tired of the protein shakes; a sandwich and juice would be a nice change of pace.

The mess was unusually quiet. Several people chatted silently with their friends or crew mates. Cracking her fingers as she waited, Tiva watched as Cooper gulped down his drink, and tapped on the bar.

“And how about a glass of water and a washcloth for my lady friend?” He gestured to the blade hanging at his hip.

Tiva gawked.
A sword wielder?
Most of the aliens she had come across thus far preferred advanced technical weapons. Not many used metal and steel among the stars. Vinni fulfilled his request then placed her order on the counter.

“Here ya go.”

She broke her stare.“Yes, thank you.” Tiva gathered the tray and hopped off the chair. Her usual table in the corner was unoccupied and she made her way over.

Tiva sipped her juice and glanced out the porthole window. The stars were less dense than they had been the week before. Granted, it was a different part of space, but she wondered if that meant anything as she bit into her food.

“Nifty little toy you’ve got there.”

She glanced up and raised an eyebrow. Cooper stood before her, smiling. “Pardon?”

He gestured toward her side, the one without her plasma gun. “That thing, your claw.”

Her hand protectively went to the weapon and she dropped her sandwich. “Thank you. I brought it from home.”

“Of course you did,” he said with a chortle and ran his hand through shaggy brown hair. “It’s not like you can get a decent weapon here. Nope, nothing but new-age lasery stuff.”

“I fashioned the weapon myself. I have found few items that can compare, yet.”

“Now that takes a bit of skill. I’ve never been one to make weapons. Mine was a gift from an old friend.”

She peered at his side. “The craftsmanship is amazing, I have never seen anything like it...” She paused narrowing her gaze for a moment. There was something odd about him, and the weapon. “…before.”

He pulled the blade out, allowing her a better look. The golden eyes engraved in the hilt seemed to stare at her. “She’s one of a kind...Well, one of a pair. The other is lost.”

Her gaze slid over the blade, exquisite was the only word she could think, but she kept that to herself. “Very nice, indeed...Mr...”

“Sir,” he calmly corrected, sheathed his weapon and sat down across from her without invitation. “Sir Adam Cooper. And you?”

She blinked.
Sir Adam Cooper?
Only the protectors on Abennelp held the title of Sir, was he a protector from his world as well? “Roya...Tiva Boon.”

“Roya? I never heard of a name like that before. Then again, there are a lot of names I haven’t heard.” He laughed. “Nice to meet you, Roya Boon.”

“Tiva Boon. I was about to say Royal Guardian, but I no longer hold the honor.”

He shrugged. “And I haven’t been a knight in ages. But that doesn’t mean I don’t go by Sir. Wait a second...” He paused.“Royal Guardian?”

She bit into the last of her sandwich, acting as if his intrusion was no issue, and consented.

“You mean like a castle guard or more like a knight?”

“I was an elite protector to the king and queen of my planet,” she answered, giving no other information. Turning slightly upon hearing the doors to the mess open, she spotted Raife.

Cooper chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I met an actual Dame.”

“I am no longer a guardian, my duties lie here now.” She rose from her seat taking her tray in hand. The conversation made her uncomfortable. Crossing the mess hall, she gave Vinni her dishes and ordered another juice.

A gust of wind rushed past and Cooper’s voice boomed from behind, startling her. “Try the orange stuff. It’s great.”

She jumped back, her hand nearing the claw automatically. She met his eyes and raised a brow, then looked back toward the table. The movement on his back was not a cloak or a cape, but large black feathered wings smoothed along his shoulders. That information was not in his record. She forced herself to show no emotion, and was thankful for the interruption when Raife neared.

“Good evening to you both. Mind if I join?” The
Tolox
’s pilot beamed.

“I am just getting a juice and going back...”

“Going so soon? You haven’t even shown me your weapon.” He was staring down at her with deep soulful blue eyes. She couldn’t sense him like the others. He was different, unique. But his eyes…Moving her hand, she gathered the juice, and agreed to stay for a spell. Interaction—Aliri would be proud.

“I have some time. Let us find a table,” she said.

“I choose...That one.” Cooper pointed to a random table in the center of the room and walked over to it. Pulling out a chair, he gestured for her to sit. “Hey, Raife. Come on over, Dame Boon’s going to show me her claw.”

She took the seat and thanked him. Raife joined them. Though she knew he had already seen her Timbur in action, she did not mind allowing them a closer look. She was, after all, proud of her weapon.

Cooper dropped down into the seat next to her, his wings adjusting to the chair. “I always enjoy looking at new weapons.”

Tiva sipped her juice again then placed the Timbur on the table. She could talk all day about weapons. Whether the ones used on her home world or those she had seen on other planets and ships. She ran a finger over the nearest curved claw. “I fashioned this weapon on my eighteenth Remembrance…birthday...as part of my training. I wanted it to be unique, so I made Timbur.”

Raife studied it, obviously excited to see it up close for the first time. “Interesting design, indeed. I’ve seen you use it, quite a weapon you have there, Ms. Boon.”

“Timbur’s his name, huh?” Cooper stated.

“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.