Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (33 page)

The months went by quickly for Tiva. She passed Major Raku’s security test easily and the security officers, satisfied with the skills she showed them, accepted her into their group. Though she was accustomed to patrolling, learning a new regiment’s rules proved harder than she thought. While on duty, she listened and learned the history of the military missions and adventures. Enjoying the chance to learn new customs in more depth also kept her mind busy from the pain she suffered. It mattered not how much she tried to mourn for her family, she only felt emptiness at the loss. Being among a large group of military men and women was the perfect distraction.

Every night Major Raku explained a different aspect of the planet’s army and protectors. Their system was much different from her home, and the more she studied it, the more efficient it seemed. Many different leaders governed separate divisions of the planet. Each section governed smaller cells of people, who in turn governed others. The elite of Uucor were specialized individuals, with specific training; much the same as the Royal Guardians, only they were not the key protectors of the planet’s most important individuals nor a small group. The government system was very much the same as the tiered military structure. Uucor had many leaders, not one like Abennelp. She found both the military and government odd, but realized it made sense, as Uucor was much larger than Abennelp.

In her spare time, Tiva learned the Uucor language, and the general tongue of trade in the galaxy. Eventually she was able to turn off the translator, though at times she still struggled with the slight idiosyncrasies associated with the alien languages. She read about Uucor’s history, hoping to find information about the alien attackers. The database didn’t hold many other races, so she gained access to the information available from the Union. Nothing was familiar.

Using the Union’s data, she studied the stellar cartography of the Uucorian region of space. Abennelp was the closest inhabited planet to Uucor. In total, the Cobee galaxy held four planets with life, but only Uucor had the ability to travel in space. Curiosity struck her, and using the logs from the terminal of her escape module, she calculated several days travel time from her home to Uucor. She wondered how long it would take to travel to other worlds on faster ships.

To help pass the time when not on duty or studying, she learned the lay of the land. The Raku’s lived in Nepcha, the largest town on the main continent. It was much larger than Degort or even her own home province, so there were many sights to see. Harai also taught Tiva about Uucorian gardening, cooking, and sewing. She was happy to learn; it was yet another thing to keep her mind off her problems.

Tiva didn’t share many more stories with the young girl knowing the damage her traumatic past had. Harai asked questions about her planet constantly; Tiva answered everything that would not cause harm, and spoke in fact, not emotions or opinions. She learned to conceal her true thoughts from others regardless of their inquisitiveness, having seen firsthand what one small dream had done. It was an easy trait to pick up given the fact the people here could not sense her emotions. Yet, it left her feeling empty, especially during gatherings with Harai’s friends and relatives.

Appreciating the normalcy of life on Uucor helped to relax Tiva’s spirit and body; she felt stronger and whole again. She took daily runs and started to practice in the cover of the Raku’s yard. Without her sword, Tiva trained with her claw,
an Uucorian double-pronged lance, and the military guns used by the Major and his regiment. Harai often sat by and watched, and though Tiva sensed the girl’s interest, it took her a month to ask Tiva to train her. She was glad to teach the young girl, and Major Raku approved whole-heartedly.

Training and teaching Harai brought them closer as friends. Harai learned quickly, much like Tiva had, and she enjoyed spending time together and teaching her new friend how to fight. She was like a wisp of cool fresh air on a hot windless day. Harai’s optimistic and cheerful innocence kept Tiva balanced, for she looked forward to the girl’s company no matter what her mood. Harai had not yet seen much hardship, save the loss of her own mother when she was young, and Tiva prayed that would be all her new friend would have to suffer.

Feeling more comfortable among the Raku’s, she often watched them interact and felt a longing for her father. She desperately missed her family and friends, but all throughout her life, Kevler, had been her pillar. He was the one who understood her; he shared her passion for the Guardianship, and he was gone. Her heart was cold, and the more she tried to feel something, the colder she felt. Day after day, Tiva tried to take comfort in the pages of the Yantar, or lose herself in training, though nothing helped. Aside from the occasional good time with Harai and her father, Tiva felt as if she was living within a dark shadow that she could not cast into the sunlight.

Each night she forced her mind to remain quiet. She hated the dreams and nightmares that plagued her when she slept for long periods. Little sleep was nothing new; she had done it many times, and the harder she pushed herself to stay awake, the easier it was to sleep for short spells and keep the dreams away.

The day came for the Union to arrive. Tiva was on duty at the military base when the Union’s transport ship landed, she marveled at the sleek technology the group possessed. The peculiarly shaped craft had retractable wings and large propulsion systems on each side. It was much smaller than the ship her people had built, but just by looking at it, it was more powerful and advanced. Tiva observed the Major’s men escort the party through the base, she was too far away to sense their emotional states, but knew her time approached. Knowing the Union was gathering with the Chancellors of Uucor, she offered to be an escort, but the General turned her down.

Two days passed, and Major Raku visited Tiva at her post with the good news. “The Union people have agreed to meet with you, Tiva Boon.” Raku smiled. “They are sure to ask about your past. I hope you are prepared to answer.”

“I will answer what I can…Thank you, Major Raku.” Tiva bowed her head and followed him into the base to meet with the delegation. She entered the room and every person inside radiated feelings of friendship, support, and kindness. Even though what she sensed normally calmed her, she raised her barrier to shut out the others after she felt it safe. She sat beside Raku and studied the other native Uucorians interested in joining or learning about the Union. An older, light-gray skinned, black-haired man with warm blue eyes took the floor.

“A fond hello, my name is Ambassador Turk Dival. I hail from Jora, a planet in the Arillo galaxy, a distant neighbor to yours. The Union is honored you have joined our cause. We look forward to a long relationship with your people and hope that we can learn from each other. Along with being a part of the Union, your people now have the ability to join the Vexillum, and one of our many ships policing the galaxies. The Vexillum is responsible for protecting all Union planets and their solar systems. Our charge is to guard all commerce routes, intra-galaxy science endeavors, and trade outposts. Space is a vast and dangerous place, and the stronger the alliances in our corner of the universe, the better the future will be for all. Our standards are very high; each ship commissioned within the Vexillum is of the highest technology available within the Union. We have brought with us several captains from various ships to qualify any who wish to join. We’ll conduct screenings throughout the week should you need time to decide.” The Ambassador ended his speech with the traditional Uucor gesture, and all the people of Uucor followed. Several people went up to the Union captains requesting information, Tiva watched and waited for the opportune moment.

Major Raku abruptly took Tiva by the elbow and walked with her toward the Ambassador.

“Major, I can wait. There is no rush.” Tiva urged Raku to let her go.

“Nonsense, they are looking forward to meeting you,” Raku said.

“How much did you tell them about me?” Tiva said, suddenly worried.

“Only what you have told me, my friend.” Raku smiled. “Don’t worry; you will have no problems impressing the Ambassador.” Raku guided Tiva thought the droves of people and headed straight for the Dival. When they approached him, his face lit up and he extended his hand straight for the Major. The Major clasped his hand and the two smiled at each other. “Ambassador, sir, may I present Tiva Boon of Abennelp.” The Ambassadors eyes moved from Raku to Tiva and he smiled at her. She bowed her head slightly then raised her fist to her heart.

“It is an honor to meet you, sir,” Tiva said stiffly.

“Likewise, Ms. Boon. Major Raku has told me about you. I have been anxious to meet with you,” the Ambassador said. “Do you still have an interest in joining one of our ships?”

“Yes, sir. I have researched your organization thoroughly and though I have enjoyed my time on Uucor, I seek a more challenging life,” Tiva said and looked over at Raku who was still smiling.

“If you seek a challenge, then the Vexillum is for you.” Ambassador Dival motioned Tiva to another room, leaving Raku in the midst of the crowd. “Come, we have much to discuss.” Silently, Tiva followed as the Ambassador led her behind the council area. She opened up her mind to him as a precaution, and felt admiration, concern, and a genuine interest to help others. The feelings eased her tensions, and she started to believe she made the right decision. Tiva sat opposite Dival, and waited for him to speak.

“Ms. Boon your unique circumstances have piqued our interest. Tal Raku has been most accommodating in helping us to understand what has happened to you, but I feel he has not been privy to your entire situation.” The Ambassador shifted in his seat. “We do not require full disclosure, however, some questions must be answered as we know very little of your planet.”

“I understand, and I will answer your questions to the best of my abilities.” Tiva kept her eyes focused on the Ambassador and folded her hands together resting them on her lap.

The Ambassador questioned Tiva at length, asking about Abennelp, its technology, government structure, and history. She answered everything, including the current unknown status of the parliament with the Rebels in power, and he seemed quite surprised. He was also interested in her training with the Royal Guardians, her family, the Great War, and her role in it. He asked how she had escaped and what brought her to Uucor. Tiva answered each question with ease until the Ambassador struck a nerve.

“How many people did you kill during this Great War?”

Tiva gathered her thoughts and took in a deep breath to keep her composure, “Ambassador Dival, as much as it pains me to say, I have taken the lives of over three hundred men and women during the Great War. Thousands upon thousands on both sides were lost. I am not proud of what I have done; however, I faced no alternative. I swore an oath to protect the Royal Family, and that is what I did. I have many things in my past that I regret, but I have made my peace and take responsibility for my actions.” Tiva sighed, she was telling a half-truth, she was proud of her accomplishments during the war, but her lack of control during many of the battles is what plagued her the most. “I do not know much of your ways, but should my past disqualify me from joining…”

“Ms. Boon,” Ambassador Dival interrupted, “your past is of little relevance to us as long as your cause was justified. Given the circumstances, I can honestly say many of us would have done the same as you. Unfortunately, peace is not an easy thing to maintain, on a planet or in the universe, and we often find ourselves in battle with other species. The Union meets opposition on a normal basis, and we are not without enemies ourselves. Not everyone shares our ideals nor welcomes the Union, and a warrior such as you will be an asset to any of our ships. Should you pass the qualifying exam
, the Vexillum would be honored to have you.” He smiled and extended his hand.

Tiva awkwardly shook it, thanked the Ambassador, and exited the room. Unsure if this was her path, she gave no indication that her choice was made. Instead, she joined the others in the testing area to at least qualify, and saw Harai sitting in one of the chairs waiting to take the test.

“Harai?” Tiva said as she approached.

“Hello, Tiva! Surprised to see me?” she said, a smile lighting her face.

“I did not know you were interested in joining the Vexillum.” Tiva sat down next to her friend and carefully typed her name into the computer.

“With all the studying you did and all the wonderful things father has said about the Union, I decided to give it a try. Though I’m not a guard like you, I am very interested in exploring the stars.” Harai tapped in her own name and waited for the test to start. “I might not make it through to their training program, but I would like to see how well I can do now, and maybe learn some more so I can apply again next year.”

“That sounds like a fine path, Harai.” Tiva nodded and turned to her terminal as the instructor entered the room.

The screening lasted a few hours; various questions about science, mathematics, combat scenarios, medicine, and engineering were included. It took her longer than she liked, some of the words were unfamiliar in both Uucorian and the general tongue, and she needed the phonics converter once again. After the first part, the captains watched as Major Raku’s squad sparred with the potential new Vexillum members.

During her second round of fighting, she realized how much stronger she was compared to
some of the larger men. Tiva held back, not wanting to hurt any of the Major’s men. At first, she thought it was a matter of training, but realized her stamina and strength was superior to the Uucorians. This was a different planet with different people. Her people must be stronger overall, though by the looks of the other aliens in the room, she was not the strongest.