Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  “I will begin immediately.”

  “You are doing a fine job, Ms. Boon.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “My pleasure,” he said, and then sat back in the captain’s chair.

  Tiva sifted through the various reports, opened up a smaller screen, and retrieved the records for Ranndom and Hemko. Each had combat experience and military backgrounds that would be helpful. They would know their place, she knew, but she’d have to earn their respect.

  She had a long day ahead of her, so she changed the security codes around the ship, and ran sweeps first. Once they were set into motion, she sent messages to Raife and Aliri’s consoles asking for time after shift, one for obvious reasons, the other was personal. Both responded, and she felt better having part of her evening planned. She linked her computer to Emerala’s and searched the database of the Iarashin computer for the information she needed.

  Popping up on the console, Tiva studied the displayer feed of the salvage ship. Emerala glanced over and smiled, then motioned down to her displayer. Tiva saw a grid cover the ship, marking all the sections of the vessel.

  “Take those parameters and search the Union’s database of ships. I’ll do the science stuff if you want.”

  “Thank you,” she said and accessed each ship in the database one by one to compare them. Her hands went cold. If the Union had images of all the ships they encountered, maybe they had one of the ship that killed her family. Tiva’s heart raced as she scrolled through the images.

  Gigs appeared next to her. “You know that really is a waste of your time.”

  “I have my orders.”

  “All I’m saying is that I can do the search for you in half the time. Just give me access to your console.”

  “I was told by Hill to do this task.”

  “Hilly,” Gigs huffed, “Boony’s being all mean. I’m trying to help.”

  Jay Hill turned and looked between the two. He seemed unsure what to say, but smiled at them. “Ms. Boon, feel free to use Gigs, she is, after all, part of the computer.”

  “Understood, sir,” she said and tapped quickly on her console to allow the AI to interact with her station.

  The captain entered and took his seat from Hill. “Status?”

  “We’re on course to the last known location of the salvage ship sir, cruising speed with navigation on auto correct.” Raife said from the hub.

  “Weapons on standby, protective shielding intact and at full capacity,” Jimmi B’abot said cheerfully.

  Tiva watched the display on her screen move faster. It was hard to keep up with the quick flashes of images. She filtered the information to Emerala to keep her abreast.

  “Science is sweeping the area sir, nothing within range that is notable,” Aliri’s voice echoed through the room.

  Emerala chimed in with her report, “Twenty percent of the database has been examined, sir. No match sighted yet. Communications are clean and the ship has full power in all sections.”

  “Good, good,” Hill mumbled.

  Tiva looked over and met his eyes. For a moment, she forgot the captain’s call for reports.

  “Boon,” Maar said, and she whipped her head around.

  “Security codes have been changed for the week, internal sweeps on a running cycle, sir.”

  “Keep your attention on all sensor readings during shift. Inform me of anything out of the ordinary,” Captain Maar announced to the crew. Everyone acknowledged him, and continued their duty.

  Nothing strange presented itself during the entire day. When the night shift took over from the senior crew, Emerala invited Tiva to her room for dinner. Having some time before she was to meet with Raife and Aliri, she agreed and retired to her room to change.

  The Tolox had yet to stop anywhere, so her place was still barren save the few personal items she’d brought from Uucor. She missed her friend, Harai. Changing into a soft pink dress robe, Tiva sat down at her desk and activated the computer console.

  “Begin recording: Harai and Major Raku. I have settled in with the crew of the Tolox, an expedition cruiser of the Vexillum. I am doing well, but miss Uucor and your company. I hope you are both fine. I do not wish to risk much contact for fear this transmission may be traced back to me, however if you wish to respond, send the message to Ovvella Base and they will relay it to the Tolox. Keep safe and well, my friends.” Tiva finished the recording. “Gigs…”

  “Yes, Boon?” the AI’s voice asked.

  “Can you relay this message to Ovvella Base with instructions to send it to Major Raku on Uucor?”

  “Why don’t you just send it from here, there are enough relay buoys in the area to get there.”

  “I need to take precautions, Gigs. I assume you’ve accessed my record…”

  “I have,” the voice said.

  “So you know the danger I am presently in.”

  “Well, not really…I mean I’m sorry about your family, but I don’t think those aliens are looking for you. It’s a big universe. You’re acting a bit paranoid.”

  Tiva paused. Dival didn’t add the bounty hunter information to her record. “Gigs, may I see my file?”

  “Sure.”

  The computer blinked and her profile jumped onto the screen. Tiva scrolled through the entire entry, and sighed.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Yes, but I will handle it. Can you please ensure the message is sent as per my wishes, Gigs?”

  “No problem. Oh, and you haven’t checked your inbox, you have a message sitting there, still.”

  “I do? From where?”

  “Origin unknown, it was relayed through the base though.”

  “Thank you, Gigs, I will need to take this in full privacy.” Blood rushed through her heart as it beat faster. The AI said nothing further, and despite her shaking hands, Tiva accessed the message and played it. A familiar voice rang in her ears.

  “Lady Boon: I’ve attempted contact with the king’s vessel, but to no avail. The only other thought I had was to communicate through the PCD. I have tried every guardian’s device, I hope this message finds you.” There was a short pause, and then she continued. “I bring you what news I can from my position. Those loyal to the king and queen have banded together in anticipation of the guardians’ return. The Rebels have spread lies across the lands, telling the people their leader has abandoned them. We know you are only doing what is best for the Royal Family. The fight continues every day, but our Loyalists are growing stronger after seeing the tyrannical hand of the Rebels and their leaders. Tiva, please tell your family I pray for them and the king...we await his return. Your friend, Vicar Neola Riin.”

  Tiva bit her lower lip holding back everything that flowed through her. The message must have reached Uucor, which may be how the bounty hunters found her. The PCD. She jumped up from the chair and found the broken device. Pulling it apart, she ripped out the wiring. She could not chance discovery.

  Neola.

  The Rebels killed Neola’s husband Jex on the path to Kinchar. Tiva still held his dying words in her mind. My love, Neola, she must know, I will always be with her. Promise me you will tell her, Tiva.

  “I will…” she said softly to the memory. Tiva sat at her desk replaying Neola’s message over and over. Just hearing her friend’s voice stirred up more emotions than she was prepared for, but she continued to listen. “Gigs…”

  “Yes, Boony?” The hologram appeared this time, hands on her hips smiling.

  “Do you know when this message was sent?”

  “I cannot pinpoint a specific date, but approximately ten months ago.”

  “They might not know…” Tiva thought aloud.

  “Know what?”

  “That the Royal Family is dead.”

  “Oh, bummer. Can I help?”

  “Perhaps, first I must speak with the captain can you locate him for me?”

  “Trevo is in the mess hall.”

  “Thank you, Gigs.”

  “Any tim
e, Boon.”

  Captain Maar, Raife, and Aliri were sitting at the bar talking with Vinni Venno, the Joran barkeeper. They seemed happy by their expressions, but Tiva kept her shield up, she needed her full concentration for the next several hours. As she approached the group, Aliri noticed her and smiled.

  “Evening, Tiva, won’t you join us?” she said.

  “Perhaps another time. If it is not an inconvenience, Captain, I wish to speak with you.”

  “Is everything all right?” he asked.

  “Possibly, it is…a personal matter, sir.”

  Maar rose from his chair taking his drink in hand and motioned to another table. Tiva shook her head.

  “We need a secure location sir, completely private.” She kept the serious look on her face and met his eyes.

  “We’ll go to your office and ask Gigs to cut off monitors.”

  “Tell me, what’s on your mind?” Captain Maar said as he sat back on her desk.

  She sat before him, carefully choosing her words before speaking, “Sir, I know you have read my personal file…but there is something missing. I was sure Dival would have mentioned it to—”

  “He did.”

  “Pardon?”

  “I’m aware that you were attacked the day before you departed. It’s not something that needs to be in your file, however Dival thought it would be best I knew.”

  “I had hoped as much, sir. Though, I was going to divulge that information to you when I felt comfortable.”

  “I have no doubts, Boon. What can I help you with?”

  “Captain, I wish to contact someone at home. I have been gone for almost a year now, and I know not what the situation is on my planet. I recently received an old message from a friend, Gigs said it was sent around the same time we fled Abennelp. My friend is part of a resistance group holding their ground against the Rebel faction. I need to let her know that I am alive, but I cannot risk those who are still searching for me to find out. I am still a Royal Guardian, and if there is something happening on my planet that I can help with, I must know.”

  “A complicated issue, indeed. Is that all you want, just to send a message?”

  “For now, sir, yes.”

  “Sounds good. Some advice though…Boon.” Maar’s tone softened and he peered into her eyes. “And I only say this because I have lived it. Your planet is at war. You may strive and try your best to help resolve matters, you may even wish to give your life to the cause, so you must be prepared for the consequences. My people have fought civil wars for centuries, now our planet is dying from all the destruction. I decided when I was a child that I would make a better life for myself, and I have. This is my home; the crew is my family, my friends. Only you can decide the life you want to have, the life you want to live. Never forget where you came from, Tiva Boon, but don’t allow the past to hinder your chance for a future.”

  “We are not as lucky with technology and friendships as many of the planets here. My people have no choice but to remain where they are. Abennelp has seen many years of peace, Captain, I only wish for it to return to its glory one day. If I can help, I will. For now, I wish to know what has happened since I left.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She wanted to know how strong the Loyalists group was. She wanted to know if Neola was still alive. Had any of the guardians survived the massacre at Kinchar? A thousand other questions plagued her, but she forced herself to clear her mind.

  “Ready your message. I will have Gigs encrypt it and send to a friend of mine. He will ensure its safe delivery to your friend; he has advanced technology and is one of the most cunning men I know.”

  Tiva pressed her fist to her heart and bowed her head deeply. “Thank you, Captain Maar.”

  “No, thank you, Boon. It took great courage to come forward, I knew you would, I just thought it would take longer for you to trust me.”

  “As a Royal Guardian I gave my trust to far more people than I should have, and in the end, I was the one left standing with the burden of betrayal upon my shoulders. I have since learned that sometimes, one must prove one’s loyalty to gain the trust of others. I feel I have earned yours, sir. If you trust me with your life, I would be a fool not to trust you with mine.”

  “Quite true. I admire your strength and determination.”

  “I do have one last request, sir.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “I remember quite vividly the ship that attacked us. I would like to use the Iarashin and Union databases to see if I can find the culprits.”

  He snorted. “I normally don’t recommend revenge to my crew, but you’ve got that warrior spirit my people strive for.” He held up his hand before she could protest. “I know, you say you are not a warrior, but just the same…you can use anything on this ship to help your search. The only thing I ask, do not use the communications without encrypting your messages, and if something comes up, Chief, I expect you will bring it to my attention.”

  “You have my word, sir.”

  “Perfect. Is there anything else?”

  “No, sir. Thank you.” She rose from her seat, slipped into the corridor.

  “So, whatcha talkin’ ‘bout in there?”

  Tiva did not turn to Jimmi’s voice. She kept walking toward the lift and said, “It is a personal matter.”

  “Ah, right, well I won’t ask then, but hows ‘bout I take ya for some dinner then we can go to the VR room an’ visit that beach?”

  “No, thank you.” She attempted to keep her tone calm.

  “Yer one cold hearted bitch, ain’t ya?” he mumbled.

  She stopped. Her markings were darker before she turned and faced him. “I have tried my best to be polite, Mr. B’abot. Since you have met me, you have ogled at my appearance, commented several times under your breath about my personality, and made improper gestures toward me. It may be my failing for not being direct. However, I am not interested in companionship. I consider you a friend and colleague, nothing more and I will no longer keep myself contained should you continue your advances.”

  B’abot blinked and his mouth fell wide open. “I…I’m real sorry, I didn’t mean to offend ya, I was just bein’ myself.”

  “And I am just being myself. I prefer to be alone.”

  “Whatever, yer choice. Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna bother ya no more.”

  “Thank you.” But before she finished the words, Jimmi was half way down the corridor his head hung low. Tiva reached the lift composing the letter in her mind.

  “You did the right thing, maybe not with the best tact, but he deserved that.” Gigs appeared when she stepped inside.

  “I was direct. If he cannot deal with the truth as it hits him, then he should watch what he says. I am not cold hearted, nor some female domestic pet. I merely wish to keep to myself.”

  “Sometimes too much, Boon.” Gigs covered a smile.

  “I am trying, Gigs, that is all I can offer.” She tapped for her level.

  “Trying is good. I’m about to send that message to Ovvella for you, did you need anything else, you still seem pretty stressed out.”

  “I will be sending another message, this one to my home. The captain will have instructions for you.”

  “All right, I’ll give you some privacy just call me when you’re ready.”

  “I will.”

  Gigs vanished from view and Tiva exited the lift and went to her room. She trusted the AI to give her the privacy she needed. This letter was not going to be easy. Crossing the room and settling onto her bed, she activated a small datarecorder, took a deep breath, and began speaking in her language.

  “My dear friend, Neola. It has been more than a cycle since we left Abennelp to keep safe the king, however, our plan failed. The king’s ship, and all passengers save myself have been killed by an alien craft.” She paused and focused her thoughts. “For the moment I am safe. I am trying to find those responsible, but I cannot give you further information because the Rebels have people searching for me. I believe my
active PCD has led them to the conclusion I am alive. Included with this message will be instructions how to send information safely back to me. Please update me on the situation of Abennelp. I am uncertain what help I can give, if any, but my heart longs to know how those loyal to the throne are faring. Keep safe, my friend. I truly miss you more than mere words can convey. Tiva.”

  A tear fell to her cheek and she wiped it away quickly. The king did not abandon the people of Abennelp, but she had. She would have fought alongside the Loyalists and her friends until her dying breath had she known of the resistance. However, with no personal means of transport, and a search for her currently in progress, Tiva would never make it there alive to help.

  Before dwelling on her situation further, the chime for her door echoed through the room. Walking to the door, she brushed her cheek dry and unlocked the door.

  “Where were you?” Emerala looked up, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

  “I am sorry, something happened and I had personal matters to attend to. Can we meet for dinner another day?”

  “Sure,” she said, her features softening. “No problem, is everything okay?”

  “Yes, thank you. I will explain in detail later, but I must finish this now.”

  The petite girl waved. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then, good night.”

  “Good night.” Tiva moved toward her desk and uploaded the message into the computer. After sending the translated instructions on replying and the message to Gig’s queue she met Raife to begin her flight training.

  Chapter Twenty Six