Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (26 page)

“I am glad to hear that. If I can return home with new friends…perhaps my people will remain safe.”

“Our organization has been roaming the universe for several hundred standard years, growing and bringing others into our fold. If you have some weight with the rulers of your world, perhaps we can come to some arrangement.”

Tiva stifled a fake yawn and nodded. “I would be willing to hear what your organization has to offer, however I am afraid all the information I had about Abennelp was left behind in my module.”

“You’ve had a long journey, eh? I can arrange for you a temporary residence so you can rest. Once we’ve thoroughly reviewed the logs from your vessel and I’ve met with my superiors, we can talk again.”

Anann’s men escorted her back through the common area and toward the back of the base to the residence hall. The room given to her was more like a suite from one of the fancy hotels on Xatlonia.

Once she was alone, she looked up general information about the base via the computer, though she did not attempt anything intrusive. It was far too early, and she was sure the room was monitored. After an hour or two of learning about the station, Tiva rested and attempted to get some sleep.

She lay for hours in the darkness willing herself to sleep. It was difficult, but she eventually dozed off, only to wake soon after. She couldn’t help being overly alert. Unbeknownst to them, she was in enemy territory. Not only were they an enemy of the Union, but also perhaps a personal enemy of hers. If her theory was correct, the Bujeni had something to do with her family’s deaths.

When she could rest no longer, she got up from bed, made herself something to eat from the fully stocked kitchenette then showered and changed back into her uniform. Using the computer once again, she studied the common area, and main control center of the station, memorizing the various exits and connector corridors. Getting from one point to another undetected would be impossible. But the one thing that would help was an identification card.

Not wanting to spend too much time researching, she shut down the computer and sat in the living area reading her Yantar. Anann said he would return, she just had to bide her time until then.

A buzzer of sorts echoed through the room. Tiva got up and moved to the door. She smoothed her uniform and opened the door.

“Tiva Vren?” A pudgy Bujeni grinned at her.

She nodded and followed as he led her through the common area and into another section of the station most likely used for meetings and trainings.

Inside the room, Anann and an older Pizilite female were speaking softly. She moved toward them, the guard exiting swiftly. Tiva dipped her head to them as she neared. Anann grinned.

“Good day, I trust you rested well?” he asked.

“I did, thank you, general.”

“Allow me to introduce Major Keeta Torne, she has been going through the Trakers logs. Seems this craft was part of an escort troop that was heading back here several months ago. The occupants fled on another craft, and that’s been confirmed by our records.”

“However,” Torne took over with a slither of her tongue. “The flight path is inconsistent, how do you explain that?”

“I am not sure,” Tiva answered honestly. “I was unable to get the scanners and navigation system working before the rest of the ship was operational, would that have an affect?”

“Yes, that is possible,” she sneered. “And what of the other repairs, the General tells me you are not an engineer, yet you repaired several systems.”

“I have some skill with technology, we are a space capable race, ma’am.”

“Why are the weapons disengaged?”

“I do not know, perhaps I damaged them when trying to get the engines operational,” Tiva answered.

“Satisfied? Now go and finish your work,” Anann ordered then offered Tiva a seat. “I’m sorry. Some of my officers are paranoid. It’s not very often one of our vessels is returned to us. Most keep the technology and learn from it.”

“I can understand why. It took me quite some time to figure the controls, and still I am only a novice.”

“Well, as I said earlier…we’ve checked over the logs and information, and everything seems in order. I’ve also talked with our president; he’s allowed me to take charge of your case.” He grinned and leaned back in the seat slightly. “Now all you have to do is tell us what you need and what your planet has to offer and the negotiations can begin.”

Tiva got right down to business. “I require safe transport back to my home. As far as my planet’s natural resources, we have several with which I am familiar. The leaders of Abennelp would be able to add to the list…”

“And what position is it that you hold there?”

“I am a Royal Guardian, protector to the throne.”

Anann’s brown arched upward. “A monarch society? There hasn’t been a monarchy membership to our organization, yours would be the first.”

“I must inform you, General,” Tiva interrupted. “I have some sway with my king and queen, and when I tell them how hospitable you have been, I am sure they would be willing to negotiate.” She sensed within him some hesitation, assuming it was natural when an unknown alien appears at their doorstep; she acted as if she didn’t notice.

“That sounds reasonable enough. I’d like you to make me a list of your planet’s resources, technology, and government status. I assume that should be simple enough.” Anann rubbed his left horn.

“I can supply you with a comprehensive list later today if you wish,” Tiva offered with a dip of her head.

“That would be perfect,” he answered. “However, until our final decision, you’ll remain here under our protection and supervision.”

“I am most grateful, General Anann. My stay here thus far has been more comfortable than in the Traker.”

He gave a full-bellied laugh and grinned at her. “True enough. Most of our short distance vessels are not built for comfort. I have garnered you an access pass for the residential facility. You are free to move about as you please, this includes the common area. All other areas are, of course, off limits.”

“I understand.”

“Allow me to take you to dinner this evening so we may discuss your list,” he said his tone full and authoritative.

“I would be honored.”

“I shall send a seamstress to your room after lunch; she’s the best this side of Ulmeca Prime. Our gift for returning the Traker.”

“That is most kind, thank you.”

“The guards are waiting outside to escort you back. I look forward to seeing you this evening, Tiva Vren.”

By the time Anann’s seamstress arrived, Tiva had a full list of Abennelp’s offerings. Everything from their fossil fuels to hovercraft technology was on the list. The older Kihlmaro measured her for an outfit. Tiva gave her preference of style and colors, and the lady said the garment would be ready before dinner.

With Adam’s help, she had devised several options for her return to the Union. The plan was moving along, and she was secure in her choices thus far. She rubbed her shoulder praying the device under her skin was working and the
Tolox
knew her location. The key was getting information from the Syndicate’s database. That would prove the most difficult. Security on the station was tight.

Using the computer once again, she accessed the history files and began reading. She skipped lunch, and read until a young woman arrived with her new outfit. Resembling the casual clothing she’d seen around the station, Tiva donned the black and purple half shirt, sleeveless calf length vest, and wraparound ankle length skirt. Admittedly, she felt better in it than in her uniform. After adjusting the top of the skirt over her belly scar, she finished her reading and waited for Anann.

The general arrived just as he said, and without escort, took her to one of the space-view cafés in a quiet corner of the common area. Keeping up her guard, she talked with him for hours about her upbringing and fabricated a six-month long journey among the stars. Toward the end of the meal, he asked for the listing, and she happily handed it over. He read it, seemed unimpressed with most of it, but something eventually caught his attention.

“You say an alien vessel crashed on your planet over a hundred years ago?”

“That is correct. The vessel propelled us into our technological age. Had it never happened we would still be toiling the earth by hand or crude tools and riding around on Martols for transportation,” she responded with a sheepish smile.

“Martols?”

“A quadruped animal used long ago. Mostly they are kept as pets or used by farmers now.”

“Ah, I see.” He continued to read, so Tiva finished the last of her meal, drink, and waited patiently. “This all seems fine. I shall present it to my president and speak with you tomorrow or the next day with his recommendations.”

“Thank you, General Anann.”

“My pleasure, Tiva Vren.”

~*~

Three days passed. Tiva memorized every inch of the residential facility and common area. She was able to barter for another outfit with a piece of Uucorian jewelry. It was something she had liked at first, but with Aliri’s crystal and Litru’s newfound gift, she didn’t feel the need to keep it.

On the fourth day, Tiva fought her boredom with a visit to the residential training complex. There, she worked out and practiced her hand to hand combat with an interactive instructor and found she felt much better after a few hours of sweating.

As she exited the room, Anann and three other men were waiting for her. They seemed to know where she was any given minute and that was cause for caution. “Greetings, general.” She smiled then bowed. Her smile disappeared seeing his stern features harden.

“Follow me.”

She was lead into a smaller room in the control center and before she was comfortable in her chair, the interrogation began.

“Tell us why you are here, Tiva Vren.”

“I have already told you my story Gen—”

“Silence!” another voice called out from the back of the room. “We know people on your world have been in contact with the Bujeni Separatists. Three years ago they claimed sovereignty over your world.”

“I know not what you are speaking of, the king has always held power,” she retorted.

“We have records they supplied your people with Bujeni weapons and crafts in exchange for several of your natural resources.”

Tiva glared at the voice in the background. “That answers more questions for me than you, sir. Those trades occurred without the knowledge of the king.”

“And their claim of sovereignty?”

“Unknown. It was one of our assignments to uncover who supplied weapons to the king’s enemy. You have provided me with the answer. Who are these separatists you speak of?”

“We ask the questions here!” He tossed a chair and moved out of the shadows. This Kihlmaro was even taller and wider then Anann. “Our intelligence on your world shows this enemy you speak of is in control of your planet now.”

Tiva was ready for this, thanks to Adam, and stared down the man before turning to Anann. “I wished to tell you the truth, but I feared for my life. You promised me protection. Do you hold true to that?”

“Yes, for now…”

“I am the heir to the throne of my planet….” Tiva exaggerated a truer version of the story with her as the newly found queen searching for help among the stars. Opening her senses slightly, she knew Anann believed her. The others were not convinced. “I have in my room a copy of my holy book. You can enter it into your database then use it to translate a letter from a member of the Loyalists. They are the true protectors of my world and wait for my return to claim the throne.”

“You have been in space for over a year and still have no friends?”

“I attempted to integrate myself in a few societies, but it is not an easy task when you have nothing. I have no means of support or goods to offer. My worth is my skill, not material possessions. With so much unrest among many planets, I cannot say I blame them.”

“Which races have you met?”

Tiva rattled off several non-Union planets she remembered from Ovvella’s database, and Uucor as well. She knew this would bring up the Vexillum, and when asked about them she lied and said she was not seeking asylum for herself rather an ally to help get back control of her planet and the Union had strict protocol for which she had no time. “Abennelp is in the hands of the Rebels. That is why I am still out here alone, trying to find a way. I cannot return unprotected, I will surely die…” Tiva hung her head and sighed. She hoped her performance was working. “I have supplied you with everything my planet has to offer from memory. I came here in good faith…”