by Jenn Nixon
In the morning, or what one would consider morning on a spaceship, Tiva ventured to her office to meet her new team. Ranndom and Hemko were waiting when she arrived. Together they spent hours going over protocol, shifts, duties, and all things Tiva expected from a security team.
“Our main task is to ensure the safety of the captain and his crew. Both of you have military backgrounds; I assume you share my ideals for structure, training, and discipline,” she said, they responded with a slight nod. “Very well. I have set you both on rotating schedules. I will always be available for part of each shift, so do not hesitate to contact me if needed. I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ranndom bobbed his head.
“As do I.” Hemko’s black eyes twitched slightly, but his furry face was grinning.
“Mr. Ranndom report to the command center. Everything that needs attention is in the console queue. Hemko you will take evening shift today. Any questions?”
“No, ma’am,” they said.
“You are excused.”
The two left her office, and Tiva leaned back releasing a frustrating breath of air. Aliri was still sending messages to her console about missing their meeting last night. Initially, Tiva wanted Aliri’s advice on how to deal with B’abot’s advances, she also wanted to train more with her telepathy, and strengthening her mental shields. Aliri did not like Tiva’s reason for missing their meeting, but relented when Tiva promised to meet after this shift, and left her alone.
With an assistant in the command center, Tiva had time to patrol the ship. She checked the levels and main sections of the ship, meeting new faces in each area. Some she had just never seen before due to the shifts status, others had come to the Tolox from the Iarashin ship, or from command.
Patrolling gave her time to think, and her thoughts were still with Aliri. The past few months Tiva noticed a change in abilities. She blocked most of the people on the ship, though her connection with Aliri grew stronger. They could be on opposite sides of the ship with several levels between them, and hear and sense each other as if they were standing side by side.
Aliri knew Tiva was hiding something, but she never pressed for details or pressured her to reveal her past, but now that the captain knew of the bounty hunters and the risk on the ship, she deserved to know the truth. Including the ruthless killing machine Tiva became during the war.
It was not a side of herself she understood completely. Yet the raw power she possessed was not something easily cast aside when it was unleashed, and every day she prayed to her spirits that it remained suppressed.
Ship patrols brought her back up to the command center. She checked in with Hill and Ranndom, neither had anything to report. The salvage ship still eluded the Tolox, but the effort continued.
With her day half over, Tiva returned to the security office and searched the database for the alien attacker. By the time Hemko reported for duty, her eyes were tired and her spirit drained. She wanted to rest before meeting Aliri, knowing the evening would be another challenge. She needed to be ready.
Tiva rang the chime for Aliri’s room and waited impatiently for her. The door opened and Aliri called her inside. She sat on a small couch near the only porthole window.
“I’ve made us some snacks. I know you’re not a big eater, but I’m pretty sure you’re hungry.” Aliri entered holding a tray with various bowls full of fruit and candies, and two large glasses of juice.
“Thank you,” she said taking one of the glasses.
“You wanted to see me for reasons other than training. There’s something on your mind?”
“Yes, actually, and I wished to speak with you about it.”
“I’m all ears.”
Tiva raised an eyebrow, confused. “Speak what you mean.”
Aliri chuckled. “Sorry, I mean, I’m ready to listen.”
Recounting the past few days was not a problem. She mentioned her altercation with B’abot, the message from home, and worked her way up to telling Aliri about the bounty on her head. Then, as Tiva delved into her history as a guardian, she sensed the worry emanating from Aliri.
“Maybe I have revealed too much,” Tiva said, rising from her chair. She paced the length of the floor once and turned to her friend. “It was never my wish to put anyone on this ship in danger, and that is what you think I have done…”
“No, no, Tiva. Not at all. I know all too well some of what you have gone through. I have someone after me as well. It is an ex-lover of mine, but all the same, I am in a sort of dangerous situation myself. I think many of us are, in a way. Whether we’ve come from harsh home situations, fled warring planets for a better life, or any other of a hundred various reasons, many of us here are searching, hiding, or waiting for something.”
They talked into the late night hours, trading stories from their past. Each hour strengthened their bond of friendship. She didn’t have to hide who she was, or worry the consequences of her stories. Aliri did not judge her, nor did her feelings change. She even shared a gift she possessed that most of the crew did not know. While sitting in the chair, Aliri opened her palm and glanced over to an object on the far wall. Tiva felt her focus on the object and sensed a slight change in her mind. The object shook then shot across the room and landed in her hand.
“Amazing,” Tiva said.
“Eh, it’s just something my people have the ability to do. Telekinesis, it’s probably more common on my world now, with genetic enhancements and such, but I haven’t been home in a long time.”
“I know that feeling as well…”
By the time early morning approached, Tiva and Aliri were laughing and joking as if old friends.
“I have not laughed in so long,” Tiva said, a sudden serious look on her face. “Aliri, you have done so much for me, I doubt there is anything I can do to repay the debt.”
“We’re all here to help people, even you. I know that is your path in life. Whether it is here among the stars or home on your planet, you’ll always fight for what you believe in, and that is what makes you special.”
“I am not special. I am just the sum of my upbringing and training.”
“True, in part, but you took a step no one from your world has even imagined. You are co-habitating with different alien species, traveling in a starship, and exploring the universe. You will learn so much here and when you return home, you will be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
“If I return home.”
“You will, I have a feeling.” Aliri grinned.
“I hope you are right, my friend.”
*
Tiva was at her post before morning shift reviewing the reports from her team. She liked their efficiency. It appeared from the rest of the crew reports the Tolox was on the trail of the salvage ship. She didn’t understand the technical information completely, but Emerala and Raife were able to trace a particle used in their engine’s power source to track them.
While she had some time alone, she checked the status of her two messages. Neither had issues during transmission and seemed well on the way to their destinations. Praying word from her friends would lessen the troubles on her spirit, she hoped the news that returned to her was better than the deep darkness that already plagued her dreams.
The last one she remembered was of her father.
Kevler and Tiva stood together before the gates of Kinchar waiting for more Rebel attackers. Her mother and siblings were inside the palace and two elite guardians covered each entrance. Tiva’s sword was saturated with enemy blood, as were her clothes, hair, and skin. Every smile on the grounds faded. What once was laughter became tears. What once was joy was now sorrow. Side by side with her father, Tiva struck down and killed dozens of young men and women. She was fighting for her life, her very survival, and the safety of everyone in the palace behind her. Day and night, without rest, she fought for her land, her palace, her family, and her king.
The dream had changed midstream to her and H
arer in the ship, talking. He had something on his mind.
“I am sorry this burden is upon you, Tiva.” He turned. “It was not my intention for such a travesty to happen.”
“Speak what you mean.”
“I lacked the strength to keep you safe, I have failed.”
“This was not your doing, Harer,” she began. “Your reign was just and peaceful. Whoever is controlling the Rebels is to blame.”
“But if the king cannot keep the peace, he should no longer remain in power.”
“That is not true!”
“So you would follow me, even if it meant your death? What of the people on Abennelp?”
“My duty is to you.”
“Mine is to the people.”
Tiva shook off the invading memory-dreams and returned her attention to the security panel. Reports from around the ship filtered in. Morning had arrived. The normal crew filed in. She sensed excitement in the air. B’abot never looked her way, uneasiness emanating from him. The crew seemed ready to close the gap between the Tolox and the salvage ship. Emerala waved as she stepped off the lift, Raife entering right behind her.
“Greetings,” Tiva said.
“Morning, sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you,” she lied.
“Right…”
Tiva shrugged, and sent her daily summary to Hill. Without looking up from her console, she felt something between Raife and Emerala. Though the feelings were different from what she was accustomed to, she sensed that they were in love. She was surprised, slightly, but glad. After all the things she learned about the people of the Tolox, the hardships and pain they had been through, it was nice to know some had found happiness. Not wanting to intrude, she closed herself off, but was still able to sense Aliri when she neared.
Their friendship and constant telepathic communication made her stronger than she ever thought possible. It was very hard, however, to block Aliri completely without concentrating.
“Sleep well?” Tiva said as Aliri moved to her console.
“I did. You didn’t, I see.”
“I do not sleep much.”
“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
Before Tiva responded, Hill and Maar entered. Everyone stood a little straighter, and worked faster when they took their seats at the center of the room. Knowing she had only a few short minutes until Hill would ask for reports, she finished the secondary check on the detention cells, and sent Ranndom a message to patrol the ship when he returned to duty.
Sending all the information to Hill, Tiva turned her attention back to her work. The salvage ship’s trail was losing its density. Emerala worked frantically to get power to Aliri’s sensors.
“I can shut down some of our back-up systems if you need more power,” Gigs’ voice said out of nowhere.
“Yes, that will help.” Emerala looked up. “All power converters not being used can reroute back-up power to the main sensor network. Aliri you can boost the frequency of the sweep with the extra energy.”
“Sounds good, I’ll start tweaking the bandwidth now,” Aliri said.
“Sir, I’m picking up a fluctuation in the particle reading, I think the salvage ship is either leaking coolant or has another ship with them,” Raife said.
“Yeah, there’s another readin’ on my sensors. I’ll try an’ clean up the data.” Jimmi tapped on his panel working just as hard.
For a moment, Tiva felt useless. The science aspects of their operations always left her by the wayside. She glanced over to Aliri and Emerala, both were concentrating on their displays. Gigs ran a diagnostic so her holo-form stayed offline. Raife and Jimmi were working on the secondary readings, and Captain Maar and Hill were reading reports.
“Captain, if I am not needed here I can patrol the ship or conduct a training session with the other security detail.”
“No, Boon, I want you here for the time being. Take your sensors offline after the sweep is finished and give Teer access to your station. If we tie both types together, we might get a better reading.”
“Yes, sir.” She did as told and monitored the internal sweep, and when it was complete, connected her station to Emerala’s.
The crew worked fast for the better part of the shift. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t identify the salvage ship, or its new, suspected escort. Captain Maar ordered the Tolox to maximum speeds. If they didn’t find out whom they were chasing via identification, they’d have to tail them to their destination and ask face to face. That was the plan, anyway.
The day ended with Tiva meeting her team. She scheduled training, something beneficial for all: weapons and combat. Feeling some sense of accomplishment, she retired to her room, and enjoyed a very hot shower. It was nothing compared to Calming in a pond, but it served a purpose. The warm droplets of pressurized water relaxed her muscles and rejuvenated her spirit.
When she stepped out of the lavatory, her stomach growled. She didn’t remember the last time she ate, and she was feeling so well after her shower that she wanted to maintain a sense of wellbeing. A good meal would keep her balanced. Changing into one of Harai’s jumpsuits, Tiva braided her hair, as usual, and attached her weapons in place before heading to the mess hall. Expecting it to be crowded as shift had recently ended, she was surprised to see only a few crew members inside eating.
Vinni smiled at her as she sat at the bar and ordered a sandwich and fruit juice.
“Good evening, Ms. Boon,” Hill appeared in the chair next to her.
“Greetings, sir.”
“Having dinner I see. What’s on the menu?”
“I do not know sir, I only ordered a sandwich.”
“Ah, have you tried the Bitaarian pie? I hear it’s excellent.”
“No, sir. I have not. I must be careful with my intake of alien foods; some things have adverse effects on me.”
“Oh, well if you just sample things you might find your tolerance grows with time.”
“Thank you, I will bear that in mind,” she said and nodded. Vinni placed the platter and canister of juice in front of her and she gathered them and rose from her seat.
“Enjoy.” He smiled as she walked away.
You need to interact more, Tiva. It is the only way you will grow. Aliri was not in the mess hall, but near.
There are only a few people here, most I do not know. If you are free, will you join me? Tiva answered, standing in the middle of the mess.
I have company, perhaps another time. Mingle, Tiva, make a new friend.
I will try.
Someone touched her shoulder. Caught off guard due to the thoughts in her mind, she dropped her juice then grabbed the hand of the person behind her.
“Hey, whoa!” Hill said and blanced himself as Tiva bent his wrist back and pulled his arm toward the ground. Her eyes went wide; embarrassed and no longer seeking company, she released him and stepped back.
“I’m sorry, sir, you startled me. I was speaking with Aliri and not paying attention.”
“You were what?” He glanced at her confused and searched the mess hall.
“Engaged in a telepathic conversation with Aliri…I did not mean to harm you, sir. I am not used to people walking behind me except to attack, it was a reflex.”
He grinned and rubbed his wrist again. “No, it’s my fault. I should know better than to sneak up on a member of security. I just wanted to know if you were staying in the mess.”
“I am heading to the arboretum.”
“Well have fun then.”
“Thank you.”
It was the middle of the night. She had just fallen asleep when the wrist-comm beeped, forcing her awake. Leaping off her bed, she waited for the voice of the caller, but nothing came. She sat, rested her hands on her lap, and watched the device. Maybe the call was a mistake, or perhaps someone was in trouble. Tiva opened her mind to the crew and ship. Unsure of how focused she was while tired, she lowered every guard. Hundreds of emotions filled her, not since her first day of gua
rdian training with Zenid had she felt this much…the day the king spoke in her mind, the day her cousin Towt died.
Pushing aside the painful memory, Tiva focused on the crew. Many were happy, in a state of slumber or relaxation. Sensing a few negative charges, she centered on them trying to connect. As her mind sorted through the various people, her body shook, she was pushing herself too hard. She didn’t stop, honed in, and sensed someone else. She called to Aliri, Come, I need you now.
Aliri tried to respond, but Tiva blocked her out. She found the target, the one that was different from all the rest.
“Boon, what’s wrong?” Gigs voice said.
“I need Aliri.”
“She’s coming, she thought you were hurt, what’s wrong?”
“Quiet your tongue.”
“I don’t have a tongue, not really.”
“Gigabyte!” Tiva said and lost all concentration. She rose from the bed and immediately collapsed on the ground.
“Boon!”
Tiva pulled herself to a sitting position. “I am fine, I stood up too quickly.”
“What the hell is going on?” Aliri said, rushed into the room.
“She was all weird and tripping out or something and then she just fell. I think she’s sick.”
“I am not sick, Aliri, I need your strength, there is an ominous threat near,” Tiva said.
“Are you sure?”
“No, but my wrist-comm beeped a few moments ago, yet no one called. I worried someone might be in danger so I opened my mind to the crew…I sensed something, but was interrupted.”
“Don’t look at me, she told me to come here.” Gigs pointed to Aliri with fear in her eyes.
“My comm chirped too. We can search together, if it will suffice your curiosity, it was probably another malfunction,” Aliri said and sat next to Tiva on the floor. She took both her hands and held them loosely. “Close your eyes and do what you were doing, I will help when I feel you start to struggle.”
Tiva reached out again, lowering her barriers and safeguards. Probing the minds of the people around her without invading their privacy was a hard task, but she learned well.