Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (30 page)

Leaving Bizub a few short hours after the meeting put everyone in a despondent mood. The ship was ready for the jump test. For safety reasons, the majority of the junior staff was watching nearby on the cargo ships. The command crew and some of Tiva’s security staff was still on board the
Tolox
ready and waiting.

Raife guided the ship through space at a slow steady pace. Emerala and Aliri searched for a pocket that had to correct properties for the jump. A half hour passed before they found a spot near the second moon of a nearby solar system, and Ewan’s team activated the device.

The ship shook slightly, enough to cause discomfort after a few minutes. Maar and Aries shared a look before ordering the jump. Directly in front of the ship a dark mass began to form. As it expanded, the energy surrounding them changed. The alarms throughout the ship blared, Ewan calmed the crew’s nerves by saying it was normal. The
Tolox
jerked forward then inched toward the wormhole.

Tiva felt sick, as though the air around her turned denser and crushed against her skin. For a second, she was immobile. The pressure around her began to affect her balance. It appeared to be doing the same to the others; anyone standing suddenly fell to the floor. Despite working twice as fast as normal, Ewan turned to comfort the crew.

“Once we’re in the gravity well, everything will return to normal.”

“Should have t-told us this ahead of time,” Aries grumbled.

“It wasn’t this bad on the cargo ship. Bigger wormhole...”

With half the ship engulfed in the black void of the hole, Aliri and Emerala began shouting out readings from within and around the area. Adam was ready in case something appeared near the exit point. Raife did his best to keep the ship steady as they moved through. Suddenly everything stopped. The displayer was black. Not a trace of star, nebula, or planet existed. All the station sensors ceased collecting data. Before anyone uttered a word, a flash of light enveloped the room, the
Tolox
jerked forward again, and the ship returned to normal space.

“Check our location,” Maar said, standing slowly.

“We’ve traveled one kilo-parsec, cutting off three days,” Raife called down from the hub.

“That’s good…” Aries chimed in exuberantly.

“Run the calculations,” Maar glanced to Aliri then Ewan. “What is our status, Delko?”

“All temperatures are within normal parameters, no additional stress to the engines or exterior hull…we’re in good shape, sir. I’ll prep for return to pick up the cargo ship.”

“Captain,” Aliri interjected. “We’ll need to jump ten times to make it there in less than a week…”

Maar rubbed the side of his temple and turned to the engineer. “Can we do it?”

“Provided we find the right properties for the jump, and give the ship at least six hours between multiple jumps we should be fine. I’ll have my team camp out downstairs to make sure.”

The next jump was less invasive on the crew, Ewan made adjustments, but it seemed as if the ship and crew adapted to the strange effects. When normal space returned, the Captain finally seemed to relax.

“Teer, contact Bizub, tell them we are leaving as soon as we pick up the rest of our crew. Have them inform the
Venture
what our ETA is to Earth.” Maar huffed and fell back to his chair.

Her captain was carrying a heavy weight upon his shoulders…she understood for she felt the same. This trip was taking her further away from Abennelp. She needed to send another message to Harai while she was within range.

She began composing her thoughts for the message. She revealed information about the Bujeni Separatists and their role in her family’s death. She gave an unofficial order to Neola to gather as many Loyalists as possible. Tiva was determined to return home before the Warming. She had four standard months.

“Sir, the cargo ships are in the hold,” Tiva announced as she encrypted the message.

“Good,” he replied. “Nassut, maximum speeds, Caedm scan for another pocket…everyone else, keep sharp.”

Twelve hours and another jump passed. There had been no sign of any Triune Syndicate or Union ships. The closer they were to edge of the Milky Way galaxy, the more Tiva realized how isolated Earth was.

A communication from the base confirmed all support ships were underway. The closest one was two weeks away from Earth. Captain Maar ordered a shift change. Tiva and Adam met with a few others in the mess for dinner.

After the group broke up, Tiva asked Adam to spar with her in the VR room. He agreed, and when he showed up with a cache of weapons to use, half of the security team was waiting, obviously having overheard their discussion.

Tired, bruised, and cut, she retired to her room to tend to her wounds. Hino would only chastise her for brutal combat with her team, but Tiva knew she had to prepare herself. The fighting on her home was more vicious than blasting someone with a plasma gun. Having Adam around was a blessing of the spirits. He would help her train and grow stronger. He understood the type of war she faced, as he had participated in ancient wars on Earth. Once the time was right, everything would come into play and with luck and prayer, the tides of the Rebel rule would turn.

“H
ow much longer until we reach the Milky Way?” Hino asked as Tiva sat down in his office.

“We are two days away. After the next jump, Emerala will begin transmitting the messages to the Earth fleet warning them of the Triune Syndicate’s plans.”

The doctor rubbed his chin and relaxed back against his chair. “I hope we reach them in time. I heard it was your idea to use the technology, nicely done.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

He smiled. “Anyway, your tests have come back. Everything seems fine, all your levels are normal and this new ability of yours doesn’t seem to have any effect on your physiology when it’s dormant.”

“And when I use it?” She glanced at the scorch mark on the wall near his office.

“Elevated body temperature of course, and I’ve also noticed added pressure to your cardiovascular system, but both are within normal parameters. I’ll inform Trevo of my findings. If you stay healthy, eat properly, and exercise you should have no problems maintain control. However,” he stressed emphatically. “If you have
any
symptoms or notice changes…please let me know.”

“You have my word.”

“Good, now, since you’re doing so well, we can schedule you for twice a month.”

“I understand,” she answered and rose from her chair. “You have been helpful, Doctor Hino. I thank you for your caring.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Ms. Boon.”

Within the hour, Earth would know the pending threat facing their world. She still found it strange that the Syndicate had the audacity to attempt such a feat. It was a sensible strategic move as Earth was the furthest planet away, but they needed a tremendous amount of firepower. A sneak attack using jumper ability could wipe out the majority of Earth’s patrol fleet. The colonies and spaceports around the solar system may be destroyed before anything was even detected. However, to cause the sun to blow hardly seemed feasible.

With a hundred thoughts running through her head, Tiva returned to her room and sat down at her desk. She retrieved the data file Emerala had deciphered and read it twice. They were missing something. A single attack on a remote planet was not the usual mission of the Triune Syndicate. They went after ships and bases, not worlds.

The database information also said multiple attacks, yet, only one was listed. A thought struck her. She jumped up from her chair and ran out down the corridor, heading for the lift. Reaching the top level, she ran to the Captain’s door, and knocked forcefully.

Maar appeared before her, disheveled and half dressed. He rubbed the side of his head and grunted. “Boon, do you
know
what time it is?”

“I am sorry, sir. I did not realize…” she replied, having no idea what time it actually was. He stepped aside and let her in, motioning to the living area. She stood near a small curved table and took a breath. “I was reviewing the information Teer uncovered. I think we are heading into a trap.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The president of the Syndicate did not believe my story. He was apprehensive and seemed very suspicious of me. It is possible the data inside the craft was planted in case I was a spy.”

“Teer verified the coding of the information, it was sent directly from Chomllie 5 prior to your infiltration of their base.”

She walked to the window and hung her head. “I cannot explain it, Captain. I have a feeling something is going to happen. I have long since learned to trust my instincts and they have never led me astray. It makes little sense to start an attack out here, so far from the axis of the Union’s territory.”

Maar moved behind her and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I take your warning to heart, Chief. I will have everyone triple check the data and inform the colonies and Earth to maintain alert status. The Triune Syndicate
is
planning something beyond what’s happening here. We will do what we can to ensure this sector is safe from the enemy.”

Turning, she glanced up at him and nodded. “Thank you, sir. I am sorry to have disturbed you.”

“I would rather you disturb me than keep things from me, Tiva.”

She smiled slightly and walked out.

~*~

Earth was ready to fight. Two hundred fighters, supply, training, passenger, and combat ships surrounded the planets of the solar system. Every vessel capable of flight supported the Earth fleet. Maar hadn’t taken her warning lightly much to her relief.

The crew spent the entire day coordinating with the military leaders. Tiva and Ranndom were working with a group called Omega Force, a ground assault team of elite fighters. She was sending them all the information they had on the Triune Syndicate’s weapons and battle skills, as well as their teleporting abilities. They, like her and Ranndom, were preparing teams for combat on the surface or on board other ships.

Everyone else worked with their counterparts in other various groups sharing all the data the
Tolox
and Union recovered the last few months. The president of Earth and section Ambassador of the Union delegation were en route to meet with Captain Maar and Aries.

Since all the preparations were set and all vessels available were combat ready, the Captain ordered the command crew to get rest. It was going to be a long few days coming, and he wanted everyone sharp and energized. Most likely, it would be the last chance they had; the pending attack was two days away.

Once Tiva felt confident her teams and the Omega Force were on the same page as far as strategy and information, she returned to her room to sleep. They had ten hours before the
Tolox
entered the system.

It didn’t take long for her to become restless with the constant thoughts and worries running through her mind. The closer she came to the planet, the more apprehensive she felt. Tiva loathed the sensations and made every attempt to keep occupied so as not to dwell. Knowing sleep was impossible, she changed out of her uniform and walked the halls.

After stopping for a quick meal, she continued on, weaving though the ship trying to tire herself out. A quick run around the arboretum proved useless. Nothing seemed to work. The feelings of distress tugged at the back of her mind.

Nearing the VR Room, Tiva noticed a program running and went inside. Ranndom and Hemko were boxing in a fabricated setting. She stood by for a while watching.

Hemko struck Ranndom in the stomach and her lead officer dropped to his knees. The Iarashin snorted and raised his arms in victory only moments before Ranndom kicked him in the shin.

“Hey, that ain’t boxing!”

“All’s fair in love and war,” Ranndom replied as he hopped up to his feet. “Isn’t that right, Boon?”

“That is what I am told,” she answered and smiled slightly. “You are not resting.”

“Neither are you,” Hemko remarked.

“I do not sleep much, normally.”

“Yeah, we know.” Ranndom took off his oversized gloves and tucked them under his arm. “You wanna spar?”

“If you wish.”
“I was just getting started.” He smirked.

“You’ll have to go a bit easy on Leo here, he’s a bit spongy after the beating I gave him,” Hemko quipped.

Tiva laughed. “Then we will even the odds, both of you against me…”

Returning to her room, Tiva showered and changed before lying down on the couch. She was sore and injured beyond what she would have liked. Though she did not underestimate her opponents, she pushed herself. Trying to rest was yet again pointless. Each time she closed her eyes she felt the troubles creeping up within her mind.

Quickly, she grabbed her robe and walked out of her room. There was only one way she would find comfort and even though she didn’t want to admit it, she needed to rest. Knocking softly on the door, she surveyed the corridor and luckily, it was empty.

“Tiva?” Adam half asked, half yawned.

“I am sorry for disturbing you so late…”

“You’re not, come in,” he mumbled and lumbered back inside his bedroom. He patted the mattress and sat down.

She neared him, but didn’t sit. “I have not slept in two days. If there is to be a battle with the Syndicate, I need to rest.”

“You might want to cut out the caffeine, it’ll keep you up at night.” He yawned again and pulled back the covers from the other side of the bed. “Come, sleep.”

She walked to the other side and tossed her robe onto a chair. As she sat down, Adam’s hand was on her shoulder. He brushed her hair to the side, pulled down the shoulder of her sleep shirt, and grunted. “What the hell is this?”

“It is just a bruise. I sparred with Hemko and Ranndom earlier.” His fingers brushed against her shoulder blade. “I over extended myself…”

Adam leaned close and kissed the nape of her neck. “Why?”

“I was training.”

“For?”
“This battle with the Triune Syndicate…and eventually returning home and fighting in yet another war.”

“I’ll be there to protect you, Solaeshyl.”

She looked into his eyes, knowing her markings showed worry and fear. “I know you will do your best, Adam, but if anything should happen to me…”

He pressed his finger to her lip.
Nothing will happen. We’re the good guys. Good guys always win. I always win.

I am not as optimistic as you are.

I’ll be enough for the both of us.
He kissed her softly, pulled her near as he lay back, and wrapped a wing around her body. Adam stroked her hair with one hand as the other held her tight against his chest. She closed her eyes and let the sound of his heartbeat and serenity of his touch lull her to sleep.

“No!” she screamed and fell off the bed. Adam woke with a start, Cala in his hand a second later. He glanced down at her from his stance above the bed. Catching her breath, she backed up against the wall and held her legs tight against her chest. Adam floated down and knelt beside her.

“Nightmare?”

She nodded.

“Want to talk about it?”

She shook her head.

“All right,” he whispered and gently took her hand. “Come back to bed.”

Tiva wanted to move. She wanted to speak, but the dream was still with her. Everyone around her was dead, Adam, Aliri, Harai, Maar, and Neola. Legionnaires and Union members as well as the Rebels and Bujeni were clustered together and lifeless. A river of blood flowed from the marketplace, buildings burned, children cried.

She tried to force herself not to cry, she needed to stay strong, for herself, her friends, and her people. They were all relying on her in one way or another.

Talk to me.
His voice was soft and calm.

Why must there be war? Is peace so unattainable? The entire universe is fraught with turmoil.
She lifted her head and Adam wiped the tears from her cheek.
I cannot bear to see more death. I do not want the innocent to suffer. The scars of war burn deep within me already, is it fair of me to wreak another conflict on my people? Must they sacrifice their lives and that of their loved ones for something that will never be?

Peace can be achieved, Solaeshyl.

She began to shake. “There will never be peace, Adam. People like Pethor will always long for power. Groups like the Syndicate will always crave supremacy over others. There is no end...”

“Hey, hey, hey,” he said as he lifted her up from the ground. “You told me your world had a hundred years of peace. That’s a lifetime for many. You
can
restore peace to your world. The Union can restore peace to the universe. But it won’t happen in an instant, it takes time.”