Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  The ship, overall, was in excellent condition. Hill showed her every level and essential sector of the vessel. Her office was small, but the fact she even had a place of her own outside her living quarters was a welcome surprise. The three-room dwelling was barren, Hill said she could add her own flare, and she intended to do so.

  Finding her way around the ship would be easy, yet as they rode up the lift to the command center she wondered where she would find the AI hologram Locke warned her about.

  When she stepped off, B’abot, the bald man, was sitting at the front console rubbing his facial hair. Captain Maar stood in the middle of the room, and two other females were at posts, one she recognized as Gigs.

  “Ms. Boon, welcome to the Tolox.”

  “Thank you, Captain.”

  “As I am sure you’re aware we’re posting you as the senior security coordinator for the ship.” Tiva nodded and he continued, “This is Gigs, our computer’s holographic artificial intelligence interface.” Maar then turned to the other woman. “This is Aliri Caedm, our science expert, and I heard you ran into our weapons specialist Jimmi already.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said carefully.

  “The rest of our senior staff is still on the base, you will meet them during your welcome dinner.”

  “Sir, I require no special attention.”

  “Nonsense, the senior staff always gets together for dinner when a new recruit joins. It’s tradition, you have traditions where you come from, don’t you?”

  “Yes, sir. I do.”

  “Good, good, then there’ll be no arguing, and everyone,” Hill interrupted and looked straight at B’abot, “will be on their best behavior, understood?”

  Gigs laughed and then vanished. The hologram appeared in a smaller form, sitting on Captain Maar’s shoulder.

  “Gigabyte! Off!”

  The others laughed, and Gigs dissolved once again then reappeared next to Tiva. Knowing it did no good to hold a weapon on an image; she stood still and waited to see what it would do.

  “Hide me!” she screeched, as Captain Maar lunged forward playfully. Tiva didn’t know what to do or say.

  “Gigs, stop messing with the new girl.” Aliri smiled, and Gigs giggled.

  “All right, everyone back to stations, we need to prep for departure. Gigs you can play hide and seek later,” Maar said, turned to Tiva, and lowered his voice. “Don’t let her talk you into playing, she cannot be beaten.”

  “Everything can be beaten, sir.”

  He smirked and rubbed his hands together. “Welcome aboard, Tiva Boon, welcome aboard.”

  *

  Alone in her new room after shift, Tiva read through the crew manifest, protocols, ranks, and general standing orders of the Vexillum before the ship left. Knowing she should take the time to become more familiar with the Tolox before they departed, she reviewed the ships schematics to learn where everything was located. She did not care for the welcome dinner; however, she would keep with their traditions and do as asked.

  Tiva smoothed the dress uniform along her thighs, and glanced at her reflection. The silvery blue collar and shoulders of the tunic didn’t flatter her skin, but it gave her a nice stature when she stood straight. She sighed, and turned away from the mirror. This uniform was not the one she wanted to wear.

  Emptying her belongings onto her bed, she rifled through the Uucorian clothing Harai insisted she keep, and picked up her tattered guardian uniform. Though neatly folded, it still smelled of blood and fire. She was still amazed at her lack of injuries compared to the condition of her outfit.

  The Tolox did not have a ban on personal weapons for its senior crew, so she grabbed her Timbur and attached it to her belt. It was just added comfort in her heart. She knew training with the Union weapons was in order, and from her research, she believed the standard issue plasma guns were similar to the blasters used during the Great War.

  After she combed and fixed her hair, Tiva secured the faded Guardian strap around her braid, and ventured out into the corridor. The AI appeared and smiled.

  “Hiya, Boony.”

  “The name is Boon.”

  “Wow, Jimmi was right…” She chuckled. “You heading down for the crew dinner?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Do you know the way?” Gigs said and floated alongside.

  “I believe so, but I do not mind the help.”

  “Great…level three,” she said, entering the lift. Her appearance altered without warning, from dark to light hair, and Tiva studied the hologram. “Jimmi said I look cute as a blonde. I don’t know though, perhaps I’ll keep it. But I really like your hair style, can I borrow it?”

  “If you wish,” Tiva said.

  When the lift stopped, Tiva exited and searched for the mess hall. None of the doors were marked, making it difficult to figure out where she was. Before she asked the AI where to go, her form materialized in front of the last door in the hall then Gigs smiled and disappeared again.

  It was going to take time getting used to the technology on the ship. Tiva was unsure which would cause her a greater hardship over all, the technology, or the people.

  As she entered the room, every head turned. The captain rose from his chair and met her half way.

  “Welcome, Ms. Boon, we’re glad you joined us.”

  “Thank you for having me, sir.”

  He escorted her to the table and everyone exchanged their greetings. The only empty seat was between Caedm and Hill, so she sat, and surveyed the food on her plate.

  “You haven’t met our operations controller Emerala Teer or the flight specialist Raife Nassut…” Captain Maar said from the head of the table.

  “No, sir, I have not,” Tiva said then nodded to each of them. “Pleasure.”

  “Welcome to the Tolox.” Nassut smiled, and Teer wiggled her fingers in a friendly manner.

  “First things first, we have a couple new tasks,” Captain Maar said. “There is a colony of people in the Arillo galaxy who require supplies. Also the Union thinks one of the planets there might be ready to join the organization so we are authorized to begin negotiations.”

  “Will I head up the negotiation team again, sir?” Hill said with a wide grin.

  “Yes, as usual.” He snorted. “But now, let us all enjoy a good meal with fine company.” He raised his glass toward the table. “To new friends and new journeys.”

  “Here, here,” Hill said and lifted his own glass. The others followed suit so Tiva picked up her drink and then took a sip along with the others.

  The captain sat, and the crew began their meal. Tiva picked at her food, eating only a few bites of everything on her plate.

  “So, tell us about yer home, Ms. Boon,” Jimmi said suddenly.

  Tiva glanced around the table. Everyone seemed interested in hearing, but still unsure of the situation, she lowered her guard to gather a sense of everyone’s emotions. A powerful wave hit her immediately, emanating from many of the crew. The humans, Hill and Jimmi were hard to read; the captain and Nassut were easy to sense while the two women seemed to be hiding something.

  Caedm glanced over and narrowed her gaze as if studying something. Tiva raised her shield and turned to Jimmi.

  “My home is in a state of war at present. I am unable to return, there is not much to say.” She sipped her drink, hoping to divert the woman’s attention or at least change the topic of conversation.

  “Surely you have stories you can share,” Nassut probed.

  “I was raised a Royal Guardian, a protector to the king and queen on my world. I failed in my duty, and now I am trying to start a new life. I am no bard; I have no exciting stories to share.”

  “I seriously doubt that…one warrior to another,” Captain Maar chimed in.

  “While I was trained from a young age, sir, I do not consider myself a warrior. My people have striven for peace and accomplished such a feat for many cycles, until recently. Unfortunately for me, if I return to my home I will most likely lose m
y life.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Caedm said. “However, I do know the feeling.”

  “Yes,” Teer said. “Many of us come from similar backgrounds. I think the Union brings people like us together. We all want peace, for our homes and the rest of the universe.”

  “Indeed,” Hill bellowed. “It is the hope of many.”

  The table grew quiet and somber. Tiva dared not lower her guard; the emotions of the group were overwhelming. Caedm gave off the strange vibe, and she wished not to take any chances. After the group finished their meal, Teer walked Tiva to the security office as it was near the operations center. They enjoyed a short talk about space travel, and Tiva was grateful for the company.

  “It really sucks that you don’t have a team yet. However, this is the baby ship in the fleet…we’re growing slowly, but surely. In the mean time, my assistant has some background in security, he’ll be happy to help with the codes and reports. Hill is a stickler when it comes to timeliness. He wants all reports in his queue first thing in the morning.”

  “How do you know when it is morning?” Tiva said.

  The small woman laughed. She pushed her bright red hair from her shoulders and squinted her pale yellow eyes at Tiva. “If I wasn’t born on a starship, I probably wouldn’t know how to tell the difference either. People just use the clocks or ask the computer, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. Many ships reduce speed in the morning, it’s easier for some of the other species to wake up and get going. Though with the shift work on most ships now, it doesn’t make much difference, but it’s still a habit of many captains.” She shrugged and craned her neck to look up at Tiva. “Space is an odd thing, Ms. Boon, you’ll either grow to love it or hate it.”

  “I hope I grow to love it.” As I have nowhere else to go, she thought. “Thank you for walking with me, Ms. Teer.”

  “Please call me, Emerala. I’m not much for formalities.”

  “Very well, Emerala please call me Tiva.”

  “Great!” She smiled. “I have to get going, see you tomorrow, Tiva.”

  “Keep safe, Emerala.” Tiva waited for her to turn the corner before entering the security office. The room, half the size of her living quarters, held a few space-themed paintings as decoration. One was a planet with two moons and a sun, the other a space cloud of some type. She sat at the desk and brought the terminal online. Several beeps and ticks later, the screen came to life filled with reports, memos, and outstanding issues from around the ship.

  Unaccustomed to compiling reports, as most of hers had been verbal, Tiva settled in the chair for the evening, wanting to get a head start on her first day. Several hours passed without interruption, she was thankful for the quietness, but when her stomach grumbled, she knew she’d have to head to the mess hall to eat.

  It was the middle of the night, though the scenery in space never changed. To her it seemed like one long night. She entered the mess and shivered. Aliri Caedm sat in the corner staring out into space. Not wishing to disturb anyone, Tiva grabbed a bottle of juice and something Jimmi called a sandwich from the food dispenser, and walked to the exit.

  I know you have abilities beyond what you have divulged. Caedm’s voice filled her mind.

  She paused at the door, and turned around.

  You and I share more than you realize, Tiva Boon, I can help you.

  I do not require assistance, Tiva responded.

  Caedm stood up and crossed the room. A sharp pain shot through Tiva’s mind the closer she came. She attempted to guard her mind, but the pain was tremendous. Tiva grabbed her Timbur and slashed the vacant air before her. Off balance and unable to fight, she collapsed and cradled her head in her hands.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  “Stop!” Tiva said, pain searing through her. Every limb tingled and throbbed. She reached up again, trying to grab her attacker.

  There are predators out in this universe, Tiva Boon. I have lived many years and have seen the horrible effects of mind control first hand. You will need to strengthen both your abilities if you wish to live among the various races of the Union. If you do not wish my help, so be it.

  The pain stopped. Tiva glanced up at the woman. Her sapphire eyes were full of compassion and understanding despite the pain she inflicted. Locks of golden hair bounced around her face as she walked to the door.

  “Please…wait,” Tiva said.

  Caedm paused. “At first I didn’t sense you at all. But once you lowered your barriers, I was able to gain access. You are emotionally guarded for a reason, but I will not pressure you for answers as we all have secrets. However, I have been among the Union for quite some time now and I assure you they can be trusted. You can sense I am telling the truth, correct?” she said and Tiva simply nodded. “All right, I can guide you with your telepathy and help you strengthen your shield. What you use to contain yourself is perfect for your people, and I have a suspicion you were one of the stronger empaths on your planet. But that will not work well here among the masses. I can teach you how to protect yourself from almost any species if you are willing to learn.”

  “If it will keep me from danger, I will learn.”

  “Direct and to the point, huh? Well, we’ll work on your people skills too…Gigs!” Caedm smiled and the AI popped into the room.

  “Hiya.”

  “Can you send all the information you have on telepathic and empathic abilities to Ms. Boon’s personal computer? Have any of the alien text translated to general…” She glanced over. “Or do you prefer your language?”

  “I do not believe your computers have access to mine.”

  “You didn’t program it into the Union’s database?”

  “I was not on the base long, nor was I told it was required.”

  “It’s not required, just easier for most people to read in their own language,” Gigs said.

  “I learned Uucorian and general while I was there. I have a book written in Abennelpian if you wish to enter it into your database,” she said.

  “Sure, why not. I’m always interested in learning new things. Let me take a crack at it alone first and see if I can translate. If not, you’ll have to enter your lettering into my system.” Gigs smiled at Caedm. “Are you mentoring the new girl?”

  “Somewhat, there is much to learn for someone new to space travel. I’ll help where I can.”

  “I appreciate that, thank you.” Tiva nodded.

  “I wanna help too,” Gigs said.

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be a help eventually. Let her settle in first. I just wanted to make sure she was safe from harm.”

  “Fine, okay…” Gigs huffed. “The files are in your room, Boon.”

  “Thank you. If you will excuse me, I must eat and rest now.”

  After finishing her meal and reviewing the text on her abilities, Tiva changed into the sleep clothing and attempted to rest. A few hours passed and she was still awake despite the soft hum of the ship engines and the gentle sway of space travel. Trying to relax her body and spirit, Tiva rubbed her markings and meditated. Caedm and Emerala seemed like people she could rely on. The AI was an interesting piece of technology, and the other senior crew—the men—all seemed to have their own strange outlook.

  So far, she felt safe. Though she’d eventually disclose her situation with the bounty hunters to the captain as a precaution, she wanted to ease into her duty first.

  She’d done more reading in the last few months than she had during most of her life. She learned about all the various elements found in space. Nebulas, black holes, dwarf stars to name but a few. Astronomy at home was nothing like the information she found among the database records.

  Still, her focus was security. Spending the night in her new office proved helpful. Now, she was fully aware of her daily duty as the chief. She only wished she had a team or at least an assistant to help during critical times, which from her research, were many. Aware sleep would not take her again, Tiva changed back into uniform and roamed
the halls of the Tolox.

  She felt cheated. The technology of this ship, the power in weaponry it held, might have saved her family…and the king. Aimlessly she wandered the corridors thinking of everything that had gone wrong. From the beginning when Defor and Jarn died during her tour in Cenii, through all the battles, and ending with the decision to leave Abennelp in the first place.

  Would their fate have been different if they stayed? Would she be among the dead instead of the sole survivor?

  The spirits had no answers for her, despite her constant praying. She was alone with no guidance from her family, Vicars, or Mystics. No sage advice from friends, there was nothing. She only had this group of people on the Tolox now.

  When her thoughts faded, she realized she was on the bottom level of the ship. Finding the nearest lift, she rode back up to level two. The doors opened, Hill appeared smiling.

  “Greetings, Ms. Boon. Heading to the command center early this morning?”

  “Is it morning?”

  “Yes.” He laughed, entering the lift and tapping for the floor. “Couldn’t sleep?”

  “I do not sleep much, sir,” she said as the doors closed. “Habit from childhood.”

  “I see. Well, Ms. Boon, you’ll learn to sleep on the Tolox eventually, we’ll run you ragged. Shift starts in an hour, if you want to get familiar with the reports and such I can unlock the console for you.”

  “I spent the evening in the security office, sir, and already changed the codes for my computer.”

  “Efficient, I like that.” He grinned and stepped into the command center.

  Tiva exited the lift. The captain and B’abot were already in their chairs, Gigs sat on the science console, in small form looking out the main observation displayer. Tiva had been expecting a window, like the one in the transport she had been in before. The technology of this ship amazed her. She nodded to Maar and B’abot then moved to the back of the command center and unlocked the station with her new code. Immediately it lit up and whirled with noises. Several reports from around the ship inundated the screen.