Act: II Crystal

Chapter: IV The Caves of Dantooine

Year Index: 2994 B.B.Y

The rest of the trip to Dantooine was uneventful for Arron. The nightmares had stopped for the time being but that voice still rang in the back of Arron's head.

…Let me out…

Arron spent his time in meditation to rid his mind of the voice. Occasionally he would spar with Arianna or Master Kerrin, but for the most part Arron kept to himself. Kerrin on the other hand spent most of the journey with Jedi Tison, preparing for the mission that was at hand; The two spent hours in meditation and discussion continually planning for the worst that could happen.

"Dantooine is still a dangerous place," said Kerrin to Tison. "Kath Hounds still roam the plains and Kinrath still live in the caves outside Koonda. Finding mercenaries will be difficult enough without having to deal with the Kinrath as well."

Soon enough, the transport landed in Dantooine. Arron disembarked with his group and stared at the site before him. A large community of buildings scraped the horizon. People hurried around the streets, darting in and out of shops. Swoop bikes zoomed through the alleys; merchants shouted prices from their venders. Arron enjoyed the atmosphere.

The group strolled through the streets following Kerrin. Arron noticed that they were heading toward the largest building in sight. Arron decided that it must be the Koonda, the capitol of the colony.

The group entered Koonda. They were in a small reception hall with a receptionist at the far wall. Kerrin spoke to the receptionist for a minute, then beckoned Arron to follow him through a door to the right of the counter. The group followed. The four walked through a series of hallways until Kerrin led them through another door that opened into what looked like a weapons shop. A Rodian stood behind the counter polishing a deadly looking Vibrosword. The Rodian dropped his cloth and began to speak in his native tongue. Arron fortunately understood Rodian.

"Welcome! Welcome! How may I help you?"

"I need information," replied Kerrin. "I heard that you were the person to see to get some."

"That depends," replied the Rodian. "What do you want to know and how much money do you have."

"Money is no object."

The Rodian made a face that looked like a smile. "Then, what do you want to know?"

Kerrin approached the counter. From inside his robes he produced a data pad. He handed it to the Rodian. The Rodian took one look at the pad and his eyes widened.

"You want to find the Kinrath! You must be joking. The Kinrath are dangerous. They cause over one-hundred deaths every year. Not creature you should look for." He nodded at Arron and Arianna, "Especially if you're bringing children."

Arron at the moment was examining what looked like a Mandolorian Assault Carbine. "I think I can look after myself," he said to the Rodian, still looking at the carbine.

Kerrin threw Arron a look then, he turned back to the Rodian. "Do you have the information I require or, will I have to seek out someone else?"

"No, no. I have the information you require. It is just that I have never known someone to go on a suicide attempt before."

"I believe we can look after ourselves."

"All the same, if you require some certain… items, I will be most happy to oblige you."

The rest of the conversation was spent with Kerrin and the Rodian discussing payment. Arron, on the other hand, decided to explore the shop. He noticed a large assortment of vibroblades and blaster rifles. On one wall he spotted what looked like a ritual knife with green blood stains still etched onto the blade. As he explored the shelves, he came upon a glass case, enclosing a number of crystals, some of which Arron knew by memory: Rubat, Bondar, Jenraux. Some, he noticed, were quite rare, such as a Solari, Pontite, and even what looked like a Qixoni. But what caught his eye was a single crystal on a pedestal. It was black, as black as night. Arron starred into the crystal and seemed to 'loose himself' in it. Then the voice came.

…Let me out…

Arron tore himself away from the crystal and returned to Kerrin at the counter.

"I also need two swoops," he said to the Rodian.

"Swoops are pricey."

"Again, money is no object."

More transactions took place, but soon enough Arron was standing with Kerrin, Tison, and Arianna next to two run-down swoops. They climbed on and rocketed out of Koonda and off into the wilderness. About two hours later Kerrin slowed his swoop along a cliff face. He parked the swoop and examined the cliff face itself. About forty meters away he found an opening into what looked like a cave. Kerrin pulled Arron aside.

"I want you to stay here," he told Arron.

"But Master," Arron began, "I…"

"I can't risk you getting injured," interrupted Kerrin, "Please stay here and watch for me. Look for anything out of the ordinary and tell me when I get back."

Arron nodded and Kerrin and Tison entered the cave, leaving both him and Arianna behind.

The hours crept by, the sun began to set and still no sign of either Kerrin of Tison. Arron began to worry. "You don't think they're hurt?" he asked Arianna.

"I don't know," replied Arianna simply.

"Well if they're not back soon I'll…" Before he could finish he felt a twinge in the Force. Something was wrong, very wrong. And it was coming from the cave. He turned to Arianna to see a look that reflected how he felt.

"I feel it, too," said Arianna.

"We need to find them."

Arianna couldn't disagree, so the two headed of into the mouth of the cave, searching for their Masters.