by Jenn Nixon
Litru walked toward her, holding out his hand…the crystal rose clutched in his fingers. Suddenly a cloaked figure burst through the scene and began slaughtering them one by one. She fell to her knees, watching as the blood trickled down the stairs and began seeping into the ground.
Forcing herself from the nightmare, Tiva’s eyes snapped open and she gasped for air. Pulling the covers to her chest, she caught her breath and closed her eyes again. She couldn’t let the nightmares haunt her anymore. They would come, no matter what she did, but the dreams could not hurt her.
Slowly, she got out of bed and walked to the window. Ships continued to arrive and leave Ovvella Base. The Tolox would be ready in the morning, two hundred plasma torpedoes armed and ready. Shivering, she found her robe and tried to get warm. She wished she could curl up against Adam, but he was still sleeping.
Cala, will you ask Adam to come see me when he wakes?
Sure, he’ll probably be up in an hour.
Thank you.
Any time, Princess Tiva.
She smiled, and moved into her living room only to see the light flashing on her computer. Quickly, she accessed the message and Neola’s voice echoed through the room.
“Tiva, we received your message. I’ve gathered all those Loyal, but we are in grave danger. The off-worlders who surrounded our home have landed on our soil. We know not how many, but we fear they are coordinating with the Rebels. You are the only one with the means to quash this threat. Tiva, my friend, my queen…please, return to Abennelp. We need you.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Pacing the length of her living area, Tiva continued to rummage through the hundreds of thoughts seeping into her mind. She had to go home, now. The choice was clear. But how could she leave her friends when they were on the verge of another attack. Would her absence have any affect on the outcome?
When the door opened, she rushed into Adam’s arms.
“What’s wrong?”
“Neola has sent a message. The Rebel’s alien allies have landed on my planet, Adam. She needs me.”
“All right, tell me what we need to do.”
“I…I do not know.” She broke from his grasp and moved to the sofa. “The Union is ready to strike the Triune Syndicate, I cannot go now…”
“Sure you can, they can’t force you to stay here.”
“And leave our friends here to fend alone?”
He crossed the room and sat on the table across from her. “You have a whole planet of people who are fighting against each other. Rebels rule one side, through fear, suppression, and god knows what else. The other side is practically leaderless except for a few old soldiers and a priestess. You have a duty to your people, isn’t that what you’re always saying?”
“Yes, but what of my responsibility to this ship?”
“They will understand…”
“Chief, I need to see you in my office, now.” Captain Maar’s booming voice echoed through her wrist-com. “And bring Mr. Cooper if he’s there.”
Tiva frowned and replied to the captain before gathering her plasma gun and Timbur. “We will have to talk later.”
“Yes, we will,” he said softly. Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it and walked with her to the lift. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.”
“Cooper, Boon…have a seat,” Maar said as he stood behind his desk. “There really is no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to lay it out on the table. The Venture just contacted Ovvella Base with more information about our target.”
“The moon near Uucor?” Adam asked.
“Yes, it seems the moon in question is not exactly near that planet…”
Tiva glanced up, a shiver running down her spine. “Sir?”
“Yes, Boon, it’s closer to your home.”
“Is the weapon on our moon?”
“No, it’s between Uucor and Abennelp. I’m worried about your safety, we’re going to be in the area…”
“Captain,” Tiva interrupted. “My contact at home sent me a message, she said aliens have landed on the planet. Does this have anything to do with the Syndicate?”
“I have no idea, but we can check it out when we get there.”
“With respect, sir, I need to go now.”
“And I’m going with her.” Adam leaned forward.
“You’re leaving?”
“As the true leader of Abennelp, I must protect my people, sir. I want to stay here and help, but I have made the decision to return. And with what you have just told me, it seems like more than a coincidence that brings the Tolox closer to my home.”
Maar rubbed the side of his face then leaned back. “Do you think it is the Syndicate?”
“I am unsure, sir, but whether it is the Bujeni separatists, or some unknown race, my people are in danger and I am the only one with the knowledge and means to help them. They have no space faring vessels…they have no advanced technology. I have enough saved to purchase items from Ovvella…”
“Take one of the fighters.”
“Pardon?”
“We’re not leaving for another twelve hours; they’re stocking the last of our supplies as we speak. We can spare one fighter; if you’re going to leave I want to make sure you are safe.”
“I only need passage to Uucor, my friends there will help me.”
“Nonsense, take the fighter. When we’re through with the Syndicate we’ll contact you on the wrist-comm and see if we can help.” He paused for a moment. “As a matter of fact…I know someone else who can.”
~*~
Tiva walked into her bedroom and sat down on the edge of the mattress. Adam moved to the computer and began working. She couldn’t believe it. Not only had Maar understood her need to go, he offered her assistance. Her anxiety about leaving had lessoned, but now that he granted her request, she had plenty of work to do.
After Adam left to ready the fighter, Tiva called Aliri on the comm to tell her the situation.
“Once the crisis with the Syndicate settles, Trevo will bring the Tolox to Abennelp. Besides, we’ll be in the area for a couple of weeks at least, so you won’t be alone,” Aliri said through the device. “Come see me before you leave.”
“I will, my friend.”
Adam returned and sat down beside her. “I’m all done, we’ll be ready to go in an hour.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “I have to send a message to Harai, I hope she and her father can spare people to help, though I am not expecting it.”
“Well, this wasn’t the best timing to be honest, but we have enough firepower on our side to rattle any rebel group.”
“Fire power?”
“Remember when we picked up the cargo from California? I made a small purchase while we were there, just in case. I had Leo move the cargo into the fighter.”
“You acquired weapons?”
“I have about two thousand plasma guns, and several cases of stun grenades…they were on sale.” He smirked.
She jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, my love!”
“You’re welcome.” He held her tight. “I’m hoping they’ll be open enough to try the new technology, if not…I have Cala.”
“And I am sure Neola has a cache of swords to use,” she said, with her arms still wrapped around his neck.
“I’ll bring a couple backups just to be safe,” he added and finally put her down. “Get whatever else you want from base, go see Ri, and I’ll meet you on the flight deck in half an hour.”
Tiva nodded.
“You’re nervous.”
She touched her forehead and sighed. “Yes, I am.”
Looking down into her eyes, he took her hand and kissed the back of it softly. “I swear, by the sword at my side and the goddess who guides me, I will protect you, m’lady.”
~*~
Tiva sent all of her purchases to the Tolox. Though she spent everything in her account, she felt it wise and warranted. She took a quick walk around the scenic ring of
the promenade one last time before heading back to the ship. When she found Aliri in the mess hall, everyone else was waiting with her.
Vinni gave her a small smile as she made her way inside. The mood in the room was somber, but hopeful. Emerala rushed over and hugged Tiva.
“I’m going to miss you,” she choked.
“I will miss you as well…” Tiva replied and looked at the group. “All of you.”
“Good luck, Chief, we’re rooting for you,” Ranndom offered. “And don’t worry about us, you’ve taught us well.”
She smiled slightly and looked at Aliri.
“I’m not going to say goodbye,” her friend began, “because when all this nonsense is over, we’ll come to see you, you can count on that.”
“If everything works the way I want it to, Abennelp will become a part of the Union…”
“Really?” Raife interrupted. “That’s awesome. I didn’t even think about that to be honest, but it makes sense, I mean…you’re the queen.”
“Not yet, but if all goes as planned…”
“I’m sure it will, Tiva,” Aliri declared. “Em’s already set up a link with the fighter and adjusted your wrist-comm, so if you need us, you’ll be able to get in contact with the ship.”
“You are strong, Ms. Boon. You have the makings of a f-fine leader. Remain true to y-yourself and your goals. Good l-luck,” Aries added.
“Thank you…” Tiva glanced at the door, attempting to fight back the sadness. “Adam is waiting for me.”
The group said their goodbyes and Tiva walked out of the mess. Emptiness lingered, but she forced it aside and entered the lift. One last time, she scoured her room, rounded up the remainder of her belongings, and took them to the flight deck. When she entered, Captain Maar and Adam were talking near the ladder to the fighter. Taking a deep breath, she neared; this was it, she was leaving.
“Ah, Chief…all packed and ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
“All right.” He offered a toothy grin. Reaching out, he took her hand and looked down. “Though our journey together may end here, I look forward to hearing from you when the crisis on your home world is resolved.”
“It has been an honor to serve on your ship and be a part of your crew, Trevo,” she said with a smile.
Maar lifted his brow and laughed.
“I can never express my gratitude for all you have done for me.”
“Take care of your people, Tiva…we’ll see each other soon enough.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
Adam started the fighter and released the holding clamps. The doors opened slowly and the fighter floated out into space. The ship that had been her home for over two years began to shrink as the fighter moved further away.
“Are you ready, Solaeshyl?”
She looked over and nodded slightly.
He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “All right, open the comm, Harai should be getting back to you soon, we’re not that far out. Does Neola know we’re coming yet?”
“Once we pass Uucor, I will contact her. We should be close enough to talk in real time.”
“Okay,” he replied. “Let’s go.”
An hour out from Uucor, the communication console beeped and Tiva felt her heart stop. Despite her shaking hands, she activated the comm and Harai’s face popped up on the displayer.
“Tiva!”
“Greetings, my friend.” She smiled.
“I’m so glad to see you. You’re really going home?”
“Yes, Neola contacted me. A threat has landed on Abennelp and she needs me to return, I cannot wait any longer.”
“My father said there was some unusual activity near your home and alerted the Venture. Is your fleet coming this way?”
“Yes, Captain Maar has an assignment nearby. He gave Adam and me a craft so I could return home.”
“He’s there?”
Adam leaned into view.“Hi there.”
She blinked, blushed, and smiled. “Hi! I’m Harai.”
“I gathered…” He grinned. “Nice to... sorta meet you.”
“Likewise.”
He sat back and Harai whispered, “He’s cute.”
Tiva smirked and glanced over to a laughing Adam. “Yes, he is. We will be in orbit within the hour, can we land at the base?”
“Things are a little crazy here right now, we’re getting ready to support the Vexillum remotely…but the generals have allowed me to take a small crew to come and assist you.”
“Harai…I cannot allow you to put yourself in danger— ”
“Don’t waste your breath arguing. I’m part of the military here as a pilot and I’m not a kid anymore. You saved my life and now it’s my turn to return the favor.”
“You owe me nothing…”
“Tiva, there isn’t anything you can say that will sway me, I’m here to help. I want to help you. And when my father is through helping the Union, he’ll come to fulfill his promise as well.”
“Thank you, Harai.”
“Thank me when this is all over.” She smiled sweetly. “I’m only an escort, a crew of ten, but we have weapons, phonics units, and medical supplies, I figured we’ll need them.”
Pressing her fist to her chest, Tiva bowed her head.
“Good.” Harai grinned. “We’re actually breaking orbit right now, so we’ll meet you half way. After all we want the queen to arrive in style, don’t we?”
Adam laughed. “I like her.”
Tiva pushed him playfully and nodded to Harai. “Very well, my friend. I will relay the coordinates once you enter range and when I get in touch with Neola I’ll let you know the landing site.”
“You got it. See you soon!”
The displayer went blank and she sat back and sighed. She wouldn’t win an argument with Harai this time. How had she made such friendships? It was a blessing of the spirits.
The ride to meet Harai was quiet. Adam and Tiva worked silently, sweeping the area for activity, checking communications, and maintaining the fighter in general. Ten hours had passed since leaving Ovvella, and yet, there was no sign of the Syndicate or any other enemy heading to or near either Uucor or Abennelp.
When in range, Tiva sent out instructions to Neola so they could link the personal communications device or whatever device she was using to the fighter. The message would take some time to reach the planet. Tiva hoped Neola had someone operating the communications planet side. When the Uucorian escort ship appeared on the scans, they adjusted their path and the journey to Abennelp entered its final stage.
Having heard nothing from home for a few hours, Tiva rose from her seat and moved to the small cargo section of the fighter to stretch her legs. Crates and containers full of supplies filled the room floor to ceiling. Were these weapons the means to peace? Could she teach Neola and the others all she had learned over the years? Though death was unavoidable during war, she had come to see how other societies resolved their conflicts. Would she be successful in her attempts at peace?
Pacing the small space, she pulled the dagger from her belt and touched the crystal hanging on the cross guard. I am doing this for you, my heart, and all who have sacrificed their lives for peace. The people of Abennelp will know the truth behind all of our suffering, even if it means my own death.
“Tiva?” Adam said, entering the room.
“Yes?”
“What’s wrong?”
“I am feeling anxious.”
“Well, yeah, me too…”
“Really?”
“Of course, we’re going home,” he replied. “I’m going to be living among a whole new culture, it’s a little nerve racking. I mean, I’m excited to see your home. I’ve spent my life exploring and now I get to learn about your people. Not to mention I’m the queen’s Knight.”
“I hope I am strong enough to see this through, Adam.”
He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her. “You are, and you’ve got a bunch of good guys behind you. They’re going to be
with you every step of the way. You’re not alone, Tiva. You’ll never be alone again.”
“I could not do this without you, my love.”
“It’s what I do.” He smiled jokingly. “Seriously, you’re one of the few people I’ve managed to find that I can connect with. We’re outsiders; I’ve watched you go through it, just as I have hundreds of times. You’ve help me realize that no one has to be alone. You fill that missing piece of my heart that few others have ever been able to reach. And no matter where we go, we’ll be together. I’ll always be there to protect and love you.”
“You are everything to me, Adam.” She leaned in and kissed him. Thank you.
For what?
For loving me, being here.
I wouldn’t be anywhere else. This is where I belong, with you. And I just realized, we’re here, together, with no distractions, finally.
She broke the kiss and looked up at him sensing something different. “We will be there soon.”
“But not yet.” He smiled and caressed her cheek. “When we were on Earth, I did some thinking and I believe my goddess was trying to tell me something I should’ve realized long before now.”
“What is that?”
“There’s no real peace for me and there won’t be as long as I’m in this profession. But I can’t keep waiting for everything to settle, or I’ll miss my chance,” he said softly, stuck his hand in his belt and smiled down at her. “We never know what the future holds, but what we have right now is more than any man can ask for, and I can’t afford to not take advantage of it.” He gently took her hand and his wings flared back. “You are my peace, every moment with you fills me with love, and I know what my goddess is trying to tell me.” Dropping to his knee, he glanced up at her. With a single finger, he opened a small box in the palm of his hand. “Tiva, will you marry me?”
Her markings grew white as she stared down at him. Though he chose the Earth tradition, she was overjoyed and the grin on her face was proof enough. She rushed into his arms and peppered his cheek with small pecks. Yes, Adam. I will marry you!