Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Thirteen
Part One
Mountains above Tysag
Krysira opened her eyes as the ship landed smoothly where Shuttlepod Two had been earlier. She saw that Malcolm was tinkering with some sort of control padd. She then looked at Trip who was gazing at her.
"Qui-Gon knows that we are here," Krysira said, her expression growing concerned. "He is worried that he can not contact Obi-Wan."
"Can you?" Trip asked.
"I could not feel his presence through the Force. I hope that he is merely unconscious."
Trip grasped her hand, gently squeezing it. "I'm sure that's all it is, Krys," he said comfortingly, giving the pretty female Jedi that charming Southern smile of his.
Krysira smiled in return and stood up, dropping her cloak on the seat.
All the Exoians, save for the pilot and one warrior, got off of the ship. The three humans followed.
Krysira stopped, studying the ledge on which she and Trip had found Obi-Wan earlier. She looked and saw something glint in the sun on the sloping mountainside, only a few yards above the ledge. Trip came up beside her.
"What is it, Krys?" Trip wanted to know.
"I am going to follow Qui-Gon's suggestion and use the ventilation shaft," she replied.
"You mean we are going to use it."
Krysira looked at Trip and knew from the determined look on his handsome features that it would be useless to try to convince him otherwise.
"Very well," she relented.
Hearing the exchange, Malcolm stepped forward. "I should go along as well," he suggested.
"No," Trip replied. "We need you to find that passageway. The Exoians can't fit through the ventilation shaft."
Malcolm sighed. "Yes, sir."
Trip grinned. "We'll meet you inside...somewhere."
"Very well, sir."
Malcolm walked over to the Exoians, who were near the mountainside. He stopped, turned on the scanner, and began to search for the alleged hidden passageway. The Exoians watched with interest.
Trip looked up at the ledge then back at Krysira. "So...how do we get up there?" He wanted to know.
After drawing in the Force, Krysira merely smiled and held out her hand, palm facing Trip, who felt himself rise smoothly up about 30 feet and onto the ledge. Krysira then leapt up easily, landing next to Trip who was peering over the edge.
Trip looked back at Krysira. "Wow," he merely said. "Sure beats using mountain climbing gear."
She merely smiled and headed over to the sloping mountainside, once again seeing the entrance of the ventilation shaft.
"Looks like we can climb up to the entrance," he pointed out.
"My thoughts as well," she agreed.
Both the Jedi Knight and the chief engineer began to ascend the mountainside and into the entrance of the ventilation shaft.
Part Two
Dungeon
Qui-Gon opened his eyes. He was deeply distressed at not being able to contact Obi-Wan. He prayed that his young apprentice was unharmed. The contact from Krysira had been comforting for the most part.
He rose to his feet, moving to his cell door. "Captain Archer," Qui-Gon began. "My Jedi companion, your officers and some Exoians are on their way."
But before Archer could reply, a group of four Rybrillians came down the corridor.
"Ensign Sato...your translator," Qui-Gon called.
Hoshi turned on the translator. "Okay, Qui-Gon," she replied.
"Rybrillians!" The Jedi Master called.
One Rybrillian stopped, while the others went to Archer and Hoshi's cell.
"I have an offer for you," Qui-Gon continued.
"Must bring man to Master," the Rybrillian said via the translator.
"But if you release us, we will find and free your Prefect for you."
The Rybrillian stood considering this human's words. "Can not free you. No bring man, Master will know something wrong and we get terrible punishment."
Another Rybrillian opened the cell, as the other two Rybrillians moved into the cell. They took a hold of Archer in a surprisingly gentle manner.
"Captain, no!" Hoshi exclaimed, standing up.
"Easy, Hoshi," Archer soothed. "I'm going with them."
"But..."
"I need to find out who has a price on my head. I'll be...okay."
"Yes...sir."
He gave her a reassuring smile, then allowed the Rybrillians to take him out of the cell. The third Rybrillian locked the cell. As the Rybrillians led Archer past Qui-Gon's cell, Archer glanced at him. Archer's brown eyes widened and his mouth dropped open a bit upon realizing that Qui-Gon was...human! He gave the Jedi Master a firm nod, then went down the corridor with the Rybrillians.
"Captain!" Hoshi protested, as she went to the cell door.
"Calm, Ensign," Qui-Gon soothed in a quiet voice. "We will find him. Remember...help is on the way."
Hoshi sighed heavily her eyes glistened slightly. "I know," she whispered.
Part Three
Ventilation Shaft
In the meantime, Trip followed Krysira through the ventilation shaft.
"Kinda reminds me of the Jefferies tubes aboard Enterprise," Trip said quietly.
"Oh?" Krysira questioned quietly.
"I'll explain later."
Krysira stopped crawling upon seeing that the solid floor of the shaft was now grating. She peered down to see a Rybrillian sitting in front of what appeared to be a series of cells. Trip moved up closer to Krysira, also seeing the cells. Krysira briefly placed her fingers on Trip's lips, getting a nod from the young commander.
They continued on silently until they were above the first occupied cell. Looking down, Krysira saw that it was Qui-Gon. She sat on her knees, while Trip did likewise. She unhooked Qui-Gon's lightsabre from Trip's belt.
/"Qui-Gon,"/ Krysira sent along their bond.
/"Krysira?"/ Qui-Gon replied. /"Where are you?"/
/"Above you, in the ventilation shaft."/
Looking up, Qui-Gon could see his lightsabre drop through the grating. Reaching out with the Force, Qui-Gon raised his hand and his lightsabre flew into his hand. Then in one fluid motion, Qui-Gon ignited his lightsabre, then brought the glowing green blade down through the lock, slicing it open easily.
He pushed the door open, while turning off and belting his lightsabre in one motion. As he stepped out into the corridor, the lone Rybrillian guard leapt up from its seat and ran towards Qui-Gon.
Caden, who had been watching the events in silence, moved to his cell door. "Master Jinn," he called out in warning, his deep bass voice resonating in the corridor.
At the warning, Qui-Gon raised two fingers at the approaching Rybrillian. He drew in the Force. He took a step towards the being and waved his fingers sharply in front of the being. The Rybrillian suddenly fell to the floor, unconscious. Qui-Gon moved toward it.
At the same time, Krysira drew in the Force and took out both of her lightsabres, igniting them in front of her through the grating. Trip moved back a bit. She moved her arms apart in a semi circle on either side of herself, slicing through the grating with practiced ease. As the grating came loose, Krysira fell through the hole she made, landing onto of the grating in a crouched position. She straightened, belting both lightsabres, while turning them off at the same time. She turned to see Trip coming out of the hole as well. Krysira raised her hand and using the Force, slowly lowered Trip down to the cell floor. He grinned at her, touching her cheek affectionately.
Krysira whirled and moved out of the cell into the corridor. Trip followed her out.
"Cap'n Archer?" Trip called.
Hoshi let out a small gasp. She recognized the Southern-bred voice of the chief engineer. "Commander!" She called out.
"Hoshi?" Trip said questioningly, moving to the next cell to see the young ensign standing at the cell door. "You okay?"
The attractive Oriental woman nodded. "It's really good to see you, sir."
He grinned. "You too." He peered into the cell. "Where's the Captain?"
"The Rybrillians just took him away about five minutes ago."
"What?"
"The captain wanted to know who has a price on his head."
Trip scowled then looked around at Krysira who was looking at Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master was bent over the fallen Rybrillian.
Qui-Gon turned on one knee to Krysira. "There is no key, Krysira," he called.
Krysira nodded and moving towards Caden's cell had one lightsabre in hand and ignited. The blazing white blade sliced easily through the cell door lock. She then whirled and in the same motion sliced through Trey and Chelz's cell door lock. Then spinning, Krysira was in front of Hoshi's cell. Trip moved aside, while Hoshi backed up quickly, watching Krysira's odd weapon slice through her cell door lock.
Hoshi watched as this unknown female switched off her weapon, belting it in one smooth motion. The female Jedi smiled gently as Hoshi.
"Let us proceed," Krysira said. "Time is of the essence."
Krysira spun gracefully on one heel and moved to join Qui-Gon.
"What...did she just do?" Hoshi wanted to know.
"It's a...Jedi thing," Trip replied, then followed after Krysira.
Hoshi came out of her cell, as did the three Exoians. They moved to join the others. Hoshi merely stared at Qui-Gon and Krysira.
Qui-Gon smiled down gently at Hoshi. "Yes, Ensign Sato...I am human as is my companion, Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles," he said seeing the questioning look in the young ensign's eyes.
Hoshi smiled then blinked then turned to Trip. "Commander...where's Lieutenant Reed?" She wanted to know.
"He's finding another way in with some other Exoians," Trip replied. "We should catch up with them soon."
"Indeed," Qui-Gon agreed. "Come."
The Jedi Master led the group around the unconscious Rybrillian and down the corridor in search of their companions.
Part Four
Mountains above Tysag
Malcolm was getting a bit frustrated, as he continued to change the frequency on his scanner, trying to find the passageway.
Vallen paced impatiently behind the group. "This is ridiculous!" He growled. "Obviously, there is no passageway in the mountainside!"
Elkan regarded his friend calmly. "Then how else do you explain how Lieutenant Reed's crewmates were taken inside?" He questioned.
Vallen stopped pacing and stared at his leader, unable to think of a response.
Malcolm sighed, as he punched in another series of numbers, doubtful that he was ever going to find the right frequency. He was beginning to think that the technology on this world was not compatible with Starfleet technology.
"Look!" One of the warriors called out, pointing.
Malcolm's head snapped up from his scanner to see part of the mountainside shimmer away to reveal a large passageway. He felt a large hand rest on his shoulder. Glancing to the side and upwards, he saw Elkan grinning at him.
"Well done, my friend," Elkan said.
Malcolm couldn't help but grin in return. "Thank-you," he replied.
"Come. Let us catch up with Knight Krysira and the others." He motioned for an Exoian government warrior to remain at the entrance.
Elkan and Malcolm led Vallen, Lonan and the remaining warriors through the passageway and down a semi-lit corridor.
The group moved at a brisk pace.
Elkan's sharpened hearing picked up brisk footsteps approaching around a curve ahead of them. He held up a hand, halting the group. He glanced aside at Malcolm to see that the human already had his blaster at ready.
Elkan listened harder. The approaching footsteps had stopped. He motioned for the group to move to the side of the corridor behind him as he pulled Malcolm behind him easily. He then saw someone peering cautiously around the curve. He relaxed upon recognizing who it was.
"Commander Tucker!" Elkan called out.
He saw Trip relax, moving out into the corridor. Elkan looked over his own shoulder.
"It is alright," he said. "It is our companions."
Malcolm breathed a sigh of relief, holstering his blaster, a bit disappointed that he wasn't able to use it...yet.
The two groups came together with quick introductions all around.
Hoshi moved over to Malcolm, pleased to see her other superior officer. "Lieutenant Reed," she began. "Some Rybrillians took Captain Archer and they had to have come down this way."
Malcolm first smiled at her then frowned. "We've encountered no one but you," he told her.
Krysira and Qui-Gon exchanged a look.
"What?" Trip exclaimed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir."
"Damn!" Trip swore, putting his hands on his hips glaring at nothing in particular. "Where the hell could the Rybrillians have taken him?" He felt a soft touch on his chest and looked to see Krysira regarding him gently.
"Calm, Trip," Krysira whispered. "Do not allow frustration or anger to cloud your judgment."
Trip took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, as his expression softened. "Okay." He allowed a soft smile to cross his lips.
Krysira felt Trip's anger and frustration ebb slowly away. She smiled warmly in return, removing her hand.
Malcolm looked thoughtful. "Another hidden passageway?" He suggested.
"That would be my thought, Lieutenant," Qui-Gon stated.
Malcolm once again turned on his scanner. He was thankful that the last series of numbers were kept in the memory. He began to scan the corridor around them.
Qui-Gon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suspect that this second passageway might be closer to the dungeon area," he pointed out. "Therefore we must head back there."
Malcolm continued down the corridor slowly. The rest of the group followed a few paces behind. After a few minutes, part of one side the corridor shimmered away, revealing another large semi-lit corridor.
Qui-Gon came up beside Malcolm. "Excellent," he said, getting a nod of acknowledgement from the armory officer. He then looked over the group. "Let us proceed."
Upon seeing everyone nod, Qui-Gon spun and strode quickly down the corridor with everyone following the Jedi Master with Trip and Krysira bringing up the rear.
Part Five
Corridor outside living quarters deep beneath Tysag
Jonathan Archer, captain of the starship Enterprise walked quietly along with the Rybrillians. His hands had been bound behind him. Even if he wanted to escape, he'd have no idea which way to go to rejoin the others. Besides, he had to know who wanted him so badly. He hoped that Trip and Malcolm were able to rescue Hoshi and the others.
The Rybrillians led Archer to a door, which slid open at the touch of a button.
Drayce and Ori looked up from their food to see the Rybrillians leading in a human male. Drayce pointed to a nearby chair and one Rybrillian sat Archer down on it.
"Now...wait over there!" Drayce snapped, waving a free hand to a far corner of the room.
Archer noticed how fearful they were of this man as they practically stumbled over each other to obey. The man, he realized was...an Exoian. Could it be the Drayce that Qui-Gon and the others had earlier referred to? He glanced over at the Rybrillians again, seeing how they cowered in the corner. This sickened Archer. He wondered how any being could be that evil and cruel to elicit such fear out of what appeared to be a gentle race...at least with their treatment of him.
He looked at the attractive female sitting next to the man. She was of no species he had ever encountered before.
Drayce rested his gaze on Archer, who met his gaze. It was as though the two men were sizing each other up.
"What do you want with me?" Archer finally questioned.
Drayce chuckled. "It is not I who wants you, but my benefactor," he replied in his smooth voice.
"Who is your benefactor?"
"You shall soon find out. Would you like some food?"
"No, thanks. Kinda lost my appetite."
In the meantime, Ori had gotten up and walked over to Archer scrutinizing him. She stood behind him, laying her small hands on the captain's broad shoulders. "That is a shame," Ori purred in Archer's ear. "I would be more than happy to feed you."
Archer cleared his throat. "No, thanks."
Ori walked around Archer to stand in front of him. "Are you sure?" She stroked one of Archer's strong cheeks. "I can make it...worth your while." Her voice had a sultry tone to it. "You are quite handsome."
"Now, now, Ori. Our guest has declined our offer of food. We must respect that," Drayce scolded gently.
Ori pursed her lips in an alluring pout, folding her arms across her chest. "It would have been so much fun," she whined a little, as she waltzed back over to Drayce.
"I know, my pet." He slipped an arm around the petite female.
"Are you...Drayce?" Archer wanted to know.
"Well...since you will not be meeting back up with your companions anytime soon, then...yes I am," Drayce said with a flourish.
"Well...some of my companions aren't really happy with you." Archer looked at Ori. "Or you either." He noticed that Ori had no reaction to his statement whatsoever.
Drayce chuckled. "I do not suppose they are, but that does not matter to me. My only concern is to become rich and powerful."
Archer was about to question Drayce further when a door on the opposite side of the room opened up. His mouth dropped opened upon seeing who it was.
"Silik!" Archer shouted, leaping to his feet, glaring at the smug Suliban.
Part Six
Corridor
The group stopped, as they came upon a split in the corridor. Qui-Gon studied one corridor then the other, as Krysira and Trip came up from the rear to join him. The Jedi Master turned to face Krysira.
"I must look for Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said softly, glancing at the corridor that seemed to lead deeper into the mountain. "You and the rest go after Captain Archer."
Krysira shook her head. "You should not go alone, Qui-Gon," she said, looking over at Lonan, who stood quietly next to Vallen, then back at the Jedi Master. "Perhaps, Lonan and Vallen should accompany you to look for the Rybrillian Prefect."
The older Jedi considered Krysira's words for a few moments. Although he wasn't too keen about splitting up the group, he realized that it was the only logical action to take. He nodded. "Agreed then."
"Malcolm can go with you," Trip suggested.
"But, sir! Captain Archer..." Malcolm protested. "There might be other hidden passages that the scanner can locate. Krys and I will see to rescuing the captain. Besides, don't you have Obi-Wan's lightsabre?" Trip saw Qui-Gon look to see the lightsabre hanging from Malcolm's belt.
Malcolm looked down, remembering that he had the lightsabre. He grinned a little. "So I do."
Trip then glanced at Hoshi. "You're with us then, Hoshi."
Hoshi folded her arms across her chest, leaning against a corridor wall. "Commander, I really don't want to fight!" She exclaimed. "I'll just stay here."
Trip shook his head. "No!"
Krysira turned to Hoshi. "I would not suggest staying here, Ensign Sato. It is not safe. Perhaps, you could assist Qui-Gon and the others," she suggested.
"But, sir..." Hoshi began to protest to Trip, who shook his head.
"I'd follow her suggestion, Ensign," Trip said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Hoshi saw that there was no arguing with Trip. "Yes, sir."
Elkan stepped forward. "I will accompany Knight Krysira and Commander Tucker," he stated. "Half the warriors will stay with us, while the rest will go with Master Jinn and the others." He looked at both Jedi. "Is that agreeable?"
Both Jedi nodded almost immediately.
"Chelz, Caden and I will also accompany Knight Krysira," Trey spoke up, looking at the pretty female Jedi, seeing her nod.
Qui-Gon laid a large hand on Krysira's shoulder. "May the Force be with you, my young friend," he said softly.
Krysira nodded. "And with you as well, Qui-Gon," she replied, quietly.
Qui-Gon led his group down the semi-lit corridor in search of his Padawan, hoping for success for both himself and Krysira's group.
Chapter Thirteen
Part One
Mountains above Tysag
Krysira opened her eyes as the ship landed smoothly where Shuttlepod Two had been earlier. She saw that Malcolm was tinkering with some sort of control padd. She then looked at Trip who was gazing at her.
"Qui-Gon knows that we are here," Krysira said, her expression growing concerned. "He is worried that he can not contact Obi-Wan."
"Can you?" Trip asked.
"I could not feel his presence through the Force. I hope that he is merely unconscious."
Trip grasped her hand, gently squeezing it. "I'm sure that's all it is, Krys," he said comfortingly, giving the pretty female Jedi that charming Southern smile of his.
Krysira smiled in return and stood up, dropping her cloak on the seat.
All the Exoians, save for the pilot and one warrior, got off of the ship. The three humans followed.
Krysira stopped, studying the ledge on which she and Trip had found Obi-Wan earlier. She looked and saw something glint in the sun on the sloping mountainside, only a few yards above the ledge. Trip came up beside her.
"What is it, Krys?" Trip wanted to know.
"I am going to follow Qui-Gon's suggestion and use the ventilation shaft," she replied.
"You mean we are going to use it."
Krysira looked at Trip and knew from the determined look on his handsome features that it would be useless to try to convince him otherwise.
"Very well," she relented.
Hearing the exchange, Malcolm stepped forward. "I should go along as well," he suggested.
"No," Trip replied. "We need you to find that passageway. The Exoians can't fit through the ventilation shaft."
Malcolm sighed. "Yes, sir."
Trip grinned. "We'll meet you inside...somewhere."
"Very well, sir."
Malcolm walked over to the Exoians, who were near the mountainside. He stopped, turned on the scanner, and began to search for the alleged hidden passageway. The Exoians watched with interest.
Trip looked up at the ledge then back at Krysira. "So...how do we get up there?" He wanted to know.
After drawing in the Force, Krysira merely smiled and held out her hand, palm facing Trip, who felt himself rise smoothly up about 30 feet and onto the ledge. Krysira then leapt up easily, landing next to Trip who was peering over the edge.
Trip looked back at Krysira. "Wow," he merely said. "Sure beats using mountain climbing gear."
She merely smiled and headed over to the sloping mountainside, once again seeing the entrance of the ventilation shaft.
"Looks like we can climb up to the entrance," he pointed out.
"My thoughts as well," she agreed.
Both the Jedi Knight and the chief engineer began to ascend the mountainside and into the entrance of the ventilation shaft.
Part Two
Dungeon
Qui-Gon opened his eyes. He was deeply distressed at not being able to contact Obi-Wan. He prayed that his young apprentice was unharmed. The contact from Krysira had been comforting for the most part.
He rose to his feet, moving to his cell door. "Captain Archer," Qui-Gon began. "My Jedi companion, your officers and some Exoians are on their way."
But before Archer could reply, a group of four Rybrillians came down the corridor.
"Ensign Sato...your translator," Qui-Gon called.
Hoshi turned on the translator. "Okay, Qui-Gon," she replied.
"Rybrillians!" The Jedi Master called.
One Rybrillian stopped, while the others went to Archer and Hoshi's cell.
"I have an offer for you," Qui-Gon continued.
"Must bring man to Master," the Rybrillian said via the translator.
"But if you release us, we will find and free your Prefect for you."
The Rybrillian stood considering this human's words. "Can not free you. No bring man, Master will know something wrong and we get terrible punishment."
Another Rybrillian opened the cell, as the other two Rybrillians moved into the cell. They took a hold of Archer in a surprisingly gentle manner.
"Captain, no!" Hoshi exclaimed, standing up.
"Easy, Hoshi," Archer soothed. "I'm going with them."
"But..."
"I need to find out who has a price on my head. I'll be...okay."
"Yes...sir."
He gave her a reassuring smile, then allowed the Rybrillians to take him out of the cell. The third Rybrillian locked the cell. As the Rybrillians led Archer past Qui-Gon's cell, Archer glanced at him. Archer's brown eyes widened and his mouth dropped open a bit upon realizing that Qui-Gon was...human! He gave the Jedi Master a firm nod, then went down the corridor with the Rybrillians.
"Captain!" Hoshi protested, as she went to the cell door.
"Calm, Ensign," Qui-Gon soothed in a quiet voice. "We will find him. Remember...help is on the way."
Hoshi sighed heavily her eyes glistened slightly. "I know," she whispered.
Part Three
Ventilation Shaft
In the meantime, Trip followed Krysira through the ventilation shaft.
"Kinda reminds me of the Jefferies tubes aboard Enterprise," Trip said quietly.
"Oh?" Krysira questioned quietly.
"I'll explain later."
Krysira stopped crawling upon seeing that the solid floor of the shaft was now grating. She peered down to see a Rybrillian sitting in front of what appeared to be a series of cells. Trip moved up closer to Krysira, also seeing the cells. Krysira briefly placed her fingers on Trip's lips, getting a nod from the young commander.
They continued on silently until they were above the first occupied cell. Looking down, Krysira saw that it was Qui-Gon. She sat on her knees, while Trip did likewise. She unhooked Qui-Gon's lightsabre from Trip's belt.
/"Qui-Gon,"/ Krysira sent along their bond.
/"Krysira?"/ Qui-Gon replied. /"Where are you?"/
/"Above you, in the ventilation shaft."/
Looking up, Qui-Gon could see his lightsabre drop through the grating. Reaching out with the Force, Qui-Gon raised his hand and his lightsabre flew into his hand. Then in one fluid motion, Qui-Gon ignited his lightsabre, then brought the glowing green blade down through the lock, slicing it open easily.
He pushed the door open, while turning off and belting his lightsabre in one motion. As he stepped out into the corridor, the lone Rybrillian guard leapt up from its seat and ran towards Qui-Gon.
Caden, who had been watching the events in silence, moved to his cell door. "Master Jinn," he called out in warning, his deep bass voice resonating in the corridor.
At the warning, Qui-Gon raised two fingers at the approaching Rybrillian. He drew in the Force. He took a step towards the being and waved his fingers sharply in front of the being. The Rybrillian suddenly fell to the floor, unconscious. Qui-Gon moved toward it.
At the same time, Krysira drew in the Force and took out both of her lightsabres, igniting them in front of her through the grating. Trip moved back a bit. She moved her arms apart in a semi circle on either side of herself, slicing through the grating with practiced ease. As the grating came loose, Krysira fell through the hole she made, landing onto of the grating in a crouched position. She straightened, belting both lightsabres, while turning them off at the same time. She turned to see Trip coming out of the hole as well. Krysira raised her hand and using the Force, slowly lowered Trip down to the cell floor. He grinned at her, touching her cheek affectionately.
Krysira whirled and moved out of the cell into the corridor. Trip followed her out.
"Cap'n Archer?" Trip called.
Hoshi let out a small gasp. She recognized the Southern-bred voice of the chief engineer. "Commander!" She called out.
"Hoshi?" Trip said questioningly, moving to the next cell to see the young ensign standing at the cell door. "You okay?"
The attractive Oriental woman nodded. "It's really good to see you, sir."
He grinned. "You too." He peered into the cell. "Where's the Captain?"
"The Rybrillians just took him away about five minutes ago."
"What?"
"The captain wanted to know who has a price on his head."
Trip scowled then looked around at Krysira who was looking at Qui-Gon. The Jedi Master was bent over the fallen Rybrillian.
Qui-Gon turned on one knee to Krysira. "There is no key, Krysira," he called.
Krysira nodded and moving towards Caden's cell had one lightsabre in hand and ignited. The blazing white blade sliced easily through the cell door lock. She then whirled and in the same motion sliced through Trey and Chelz's cell door lock. Then spinning, Krysira was in front of Hoshi's cell. Trip moved aside, while Hoshi backed up quickly, watching Krysira's odd weapon slice through her cell door lock.
Hoshi watched as this unknown female switched off her weapon, belting it in one smooth motion. The female Jedi smiled gently as Hoshi.
"Let us proceed," Krysira said. "Time is of the essence."
Krysira spun gracefully on one heel and moved to join Qui-Gon.
"What...did she just do?" Hoshi wanted to know.
"It's a...Jedi thing," Trip replied, then followed after Krysira.
Hoshi came out of her cell, as did the three Exoians. They moved to join the others. Hoshi merely stared at Qui-Gon and Krysira.
Qui-Gon smiled down gently at Hoshi. "Yes, Ensign Sato...I am human as is my companion, Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles," he said seeing the questioning look in the young ensign's eyes.
Hoshi smiled then blinked then turned to Trip. "Commander...where's Lieutenant Reed?" She wanted to know.
"He's finding another way in with some other Exoians," Trip replied. "We should catch up with them soon."
"Indeed," Qui-Gon agreed. "Come."
The Jedi Master led the group around the unconscious Rybrillian and down the corridor in search of their companions.
Part Four
Mountains above Tysag
Malcolm was getting a bit frustrated, as he continued to change the frequency on his scanner, trying to find the passageway.
Vallen paced impatiently behind the group. "This is ridiculous!" He growled. "Obviously, there is no passageway in the mountainside!"
Elkan regarded his friend calmly. "Then how else do you explain how Lieutenant Reed's crewmates were taken inside?" He questioned.
Vallen stopped pacing and stared at his leader, unable to think of a response.
Malcolm sighed, as he punched in another series of numbers, doubtful that he was ever going to find the right frequency. He was beginning to think that the technology on this world was not compatible with Starfleet technology.
"Look!" One of the warriors called out, pointing.
Malcolm's head snapped up from his scanner to see part of the mountainside shimmer away to reveal a large passageway. He felt a large hand rest on his shoulder. Glancing to the side and upwards, he saw Elkan grinning at him.
"Well done, my friend," Elkan said.
Malcolm couldn't help but grin in return. "Thank-you," he replied.
"Come. Let us catch up with Knight Krysira and the others." He motioned for an Exoian government warrior to remain at the entrance.
Elkan and Malcolm led Vallen, Lonan and the remaining warriors through the passageway and down a semi-lit corridor.
The group moved at a brisk pace.
Elkan's sharpened hearing picked up brisk footsteps approaching around a curve ahead of them. He held up a hand, halting the group. He glanced aside at Malcolm to see that the human already had his blaster at ready.
Elkan listened harder. The approaching footsteps had stopped. He motioned for the group to move to the side of the corridor behind him as he pulled Malcolm behind him easily. He then saw someone peering cautiously around the curve. He relaxed upon recognizing who it was.
"Commander Tucker!" Elkan called out.
He saw Trip relax, moving out into the corridor. Elkan looked over his own shoulder.
"It is alright," he said. "It is our companions."
Malcolm breathed a sigh of relief, holstering his blaster, a bit disappointed that he wasn't able to use it...yet.
The two groups came together with quick introductions all around.
Hoshi moved over to Malcolm, pleased to see her other superior officer. "Lieutenant Reed," she began. "Some Rybrillians took Captain Archer and they had to have come down this way."
Malcolm first smiled at her then frowned. "We've encountered no one but you," he told her.
Krysira and Qui-Gon exchanged a look.
"What?" Trip exclaimed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir."
"Damn!" Trip swore, putting his hands on his hips glaring at nothing in particular. "Where the hell could the Rybrillians have taken him?" He felt a soft touch on his chest and looked to see Krysira regarding him gently.
"Calm, Trip," Krysira whispered. "Do not allow frustration or anger to cloud your judgment."
Trip took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, as his expression softened. "Okay." He allowed a soft smile to cross his lips.
Krysira felt Trip's anger and frustration ebb slowly away. She smiled warmly in return, removing her hand.
Malcolm looked thoughtful. "Another hidden passageway?" He suggested.
"That would be my thought, Lieutenant," Qui-Gon stated.
Malcolm once again turned on his scanner. He was thankful that the last series of numbers were kept in the memory. He began to scan the corridor around them.
Qui-Gon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suspect that this second passageway might be closer to the dungeon area," he pointed out. "Therefore we must head back there."
Malcolm continued down the corridor slowly. The rest of the group followed a few paces behind. After a few minutes, part of one side the corridor shimmered away, revealing another large semi-lit corridor.
Qui-Gon came up beside Malcolm. "Excellent," he said, getting a nod of acknowledgement from the armory officer. He then looked over the group. "Let us proceed."
Upon seeing everyone nod, Qui-Gon spun and strode quickly down the corridor with everyone following the Jedi Master with Trip and Krysira bringing up the rear.
Part Five
Corridor outside living quarters deep beneath Tysag
Jonathan Archer, captain of the starship Enterprise walked quietly along with the Rybrillians. His hands had been bound behind him. Even if he wanted to escape, he'd have no idea which way to go to rejoin the others. Besides, he had to know who wanted him so badly. He hoped that Trip and Malcolm were able to rescue Hoshi and the others.
The Rybrillians led Archer to a door, which slid open at the touch of a button.
Drayce and Ori looked up from their food to see the Rybrillians leading in a human male. Drayce pointed to a nearby chair and one Rybrillian sat Archer down on it.
"Now...wait over there!" Drayce snapped, waving a free hand to a far corner of the room.
Archer noticed how fearful they were of this man as they practically stumbled over each other to obey. The man, he realized was...an Exoian. Could it be the Drayce that Qui-Gon and the others had earlier referred to? He glanced over at the Rybrillians again, seeing how they cowered in the corner. This sickened Archer. He wondered how any being could be that evil and cruel to elicit such fear out of what appeared to be a gentle race...at least with their treatment of him.
He looked at the attractive female sitting next to the man. She was of no species he had ever encountered before.
Drayce rested his gaze on Archer, who met his gaze. It was as though the two men were sizing each other up.
"What do you want with me?" Archer finally questioned.
Drayce chuckled. "It is not I who wants you, but my benefactor," he replied in his smooth voice.
"Who is your benefactor?"
"You shall soon find out. Would you like some food?"
"No, thanks. Kinda lost my appetite."
In the meantime, Ori had gotten up and walked over to Archer scrutinizing him. She stood behind him, laying her small hands on the captain's broad shoulders. "That is a shame," Ori purred in Archer's ear. "I would be more than happy to feed you."
Archer cleared his throat. "No, thanks."
Ori walked around Archer to stand in front of him. "Are you sure?" She stroked one of Archer's strong cheeks. "I can make it...worth your while." Her voice had a sultry tone to it. "You are quite handsome."
"Now, now, Ori. Our guest has declined our offer of food. We must respect that," Drayce scolded gently.
Ori pursed her lips in an alluring pout, folding her arms across her chest. "It would have been so much fun," she whined a little, as she waltzed back over to Drayce.
"I know, my pet." He slipped an arm around the petite female.
"Are you...Drayce?" Archer wanted to know.
"Well...since you will not be meeting back up with your companions anytime soon, then...yes I am," Drayce said with a flourish.
"Well...some of my companions aren't really happy with you." Archer looked at Ori. "Or you either." He noticed that Ori had no reaction to his statement whatsoever.
Drayce chuckled. "I do not suppose they are, but that does not matter to me. My only concern is to become rich and powerful."
Archer was about to question Drayce further when a door on the opposite side of the room opened up. His mouth dropped opened upon seeing who it was.
"Silik!" Archer shouted, leaping to his feet, glaring at the smug Suliban.
Part Six
Corridor
The group stopped, as they came upon a split in the corridor. Qui-Gon studied one corridor then the other, as Krysira and Trip came up from the rear to join him. The Jedi Master turned to face Krysira.
"I must look for Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said softly, glancing at the corridor that seemed to lead deeper into the mountain. "You and the rest go after Captain Archer."
Krysira shook her head. "You should not go alone, Qui-Gon," she said, looking over at Lonan, who stood quietly next to Vallen, then back at the Jedi Master. "Perhaps, Lonan and Vallen should accompany you to look for the Rybrillian Prefect."
The older Jedi considered Krysira's words for a few moments. Although he wasn't too keen about splitting up the group, he realized that it was the only logical action to take. He nodded. "Agreed then."
"Malcolm can go with you," Trip suggested.
"But, sir! Captain Archer..." Malcolm protested. "There might be other hidden passages that the scanner can locate. Krys and I will see to rescuing the captain. Besides, don't you have Obi-Wan's lightsabre?" Trip saw Qui-Gon look to see the lightsabre hanging from Malcolm's belt.
Malcolm looked down, remembering that he had the lightsabre. He grinned a little. "So I do."
Trip then glanced at Hoshi. "You're with us then, Hoshi."
Hoshi folded her arms across her chest, leaning against a corridor wall. "Commander, I really don't want to fight!" She exclaimed. "I'll just stay here."
Trip shook his head. "No!"
Krysira turned to Hoshi. "I would not suggest staying here, Ensign Sato. It is not safe. Perhaps, you could assist Qui-Gon and the others," she suggested.
"But, sir..." Hoshi began to protest to Trip, who shook his head.
"I'd follow her suggestion, Ensign," Trip said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Hoshi saw that there was no arguing with Trip. "Yes, sir."
Elkan stepped forward. "I will accompany Knight Krysira and Commander Tucker," he stated. "Half the warriors will stay with us, while the rest will go with Master Jinn and the others." He looked at both Jedi. "Is that agreeable?"
Both Jedi nodded almost immediately.
"Chelz, Caden and I will also accompany Knight Krysira," Trey spoke up, looking at the pretty female Jedi, seeing her nod.
Qui-Gon laid a large hand on Krysira's shoulder. "May the Force be with you, my young friend," he said softly.
Krysira nodded. "And with you as well, Qui-Gon," she replied, quietly.
Qui-Gon led his group down the semi-lit corridor in search of his Padawan, hoping for success for both himself and Krysira's group.
