Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Four
PART ONE
Krysira made her way swiftly to the indicated building, hoping that she could avert any potential trouble without the use of violence. Although she was an accomplished warrior, especially with the use of dual lightsabres, Krysira preferred to settle things in a non-violent manner.
Even though Krysira was stunned that she had heard Trip's thought: 'Be careful, Krysira.' She still responded in kind. She wondered what Trip's reaction had been.
But she quickly pushed this to the back of her mind, knowing that she needed to be centered, as she raced down the length of the food storage building. She swiftly rounded the corner, but skidded to a stop next to Vallen, Elkan and other Exoian warriors. She suddenly felt the ground rumble and saw the building shake slightly.
"What is it?" Krysira wanted to know.
"An Etmu," Vallen told her, drawing his blaster. "It's the only animal on Exoia capable of tunneling like this."
"They have never come into the city before," Elkan replied. "They are a rather docile species." He looked puzzled.
The building and ground shook again slightly.
"It's trying to break through the floor of the food storage building!" Vallen exclaimed.
"Then I need to be there, waiting for it when it comes out," Krysira replied.
"So you can destroy it?" Vallen assumed with obvious glee.
Krysira leveled her gaze at Vallen. "Only if there is no other way. Jedi do not willingly take a life, if there is another way. Fortunately, there is most of the time."
Vallen merely humphed.
The female Jedi turned her attention back to Elkan. "Can you get me inside?"
"Of course, Knight Krysira," Elkan responded, motioning to one of the building guards, who unlocked the door. "May the Force be with you."
Krysira gave a firm nod and sprinted up the half-dozen steps, as the guard opened the door allowing her to enter, then closed the door.
Once again the ground and building shook.a bit harder this time.
Vallen folded his arms across his chest. "I still think we should kill the Etmu," he growled.
"We will abide by what Knight Krysira suggests, Vallen. I do not like taking an innocent life, even if it is an animal if there is another way," Elkan replied.
"Very well, Elkan." Vallen merely stared at the doors.
PART TWO
Inside the food storage building
Krysira scanned the room, as the floor rumbled even more. She realized that the Etmu was quite close and would be breaking through to the floor soon. Her gaze rested on a 10 by 10 platform that was suspended from the ceiling about 10-15' above the floor. Further investigation revealed that it was set up on a tract system, allowing it to be moved in all directions to access all levels of the building. She judged the building to be about 10 stories high and least two blocks in diameter.
Krysira relaxed, drawing the Force within her being once again. After a few moments, she sprinted over to the platform and leaping up into the air, performed one somersault. She landed lightly in the middle of the platform.
She had barely landed, when the rumbling beneath the floor grew louder. Spinning around on the platform, Krysira assumed a defensive crouch, one lightsabre in hand but not ignited, her eyes fastened onto a spot on the floor.
The floor suddenly seemed to burst to life, large pieces of concrete flying outward and upward. One particularly large slab of concrete headed straight for Krysira. The female Jedi Knight reacted instantly. Without changing her position and using one hand, she ignited her lightsabre, which glowed a brilliant blue and arcing her blade in a downward swing, sliced the slab of concrete in half, both pieces falling harmlessly to the floor. She switched off the lightsabre.
Amid the falling pieces of concrete, a large deep sea green snake-like head appeared with large glowing orange eyes, which darted around the area. Its gaze rested on Krysira, who was gazing back at it.
The Etmu's nostrils flared. It smelled food that was raw, but the scent that caught its attention the most was of live prey. It raised its head up following the scent to see a figure perched above it.
It moved slowly out of the hole towards Krysira, who remained motionless, her acute senses on full alert, heightened by the Force. Krysira locked eyes with the Etmu and raising her free hand, invoked the Jedi mind control to see if she could first calm this agitated creature and second find out why it was attacking the food storage building, if possible.
The Etmu felt a wave of calmness come over it suddenly.
Krysira felt the creature relax, then gently began to probe its mind. After a minute or so, the female Jedi got a barrage of images that were jumbled together. Krysira frowned slightly, trying to make sense of the images. After a few moments, the images began to clear. First, she saw another Etmu and two very young ones, crying. Another image showed mountains and a forest, but oddly enough there were very few animals, considering the size of the mountain area and forest. A third image showed a third young Etmu, smaller than the others, crying softly, looking sick.
Krysira broke contact, her eyes moist. "I understand, my large friend," she replied in a soothing tone as she hooked her lightsabre back onto her belt. "You need food for your family.especially the little one. There's hardly any hunting for you."
The female Jedi drew the Force into herself once again and leapt down off of the platform, landing in a crouch about 30' in front of the Etmu.
The creature instinctively backed up a couple of paces, eyeing Krysira warily.
Krysira straightened. "Easy," she soothed. "I mean you no harm." She raised a hand, once again invoking the Jedi mind control to keep the creature calm. She neared the creature.
The Etmu trembled, but did not move. It couldn't move. Its large orange eyes widened with fear, as Krysira approached it. The Etmu trembled even harder, as Krysira laid her hand on the top of its snout. It wanted to strike at this potential prey but found that it couldn't. It found itself looking into those hypnotic eyes. Oddly enough, it felt no danger from this unusual being.
"Let us see what we can do about getting some food for you and your family, shall we?" Krysira asked the Etmu rhetorically in her gentle manner.
The Etmu tilted its head slightly, as it tried to comprehend what this being was saying to it, but only heard the gentleness in the voice.
Krysira smiled gently. "Remain here, my large friend," she said. "I will not allow any harm to befall you."
It tilted its head even more, still trying to comprehend what was being said to it. It knew one thing: this being would not harm it.
She stroked the Etmu's snout softly, as she moved slowly towards the door, quite aware of the fact that the creature was watching her. She opened the door enough to peer out at the waiting Exoian warriors.
"Elkan!" Krysira called.
The leader of the resistance sprinted up the stairs. Vallen started to follow, but Elkan motioned for the younger man to stay put. Vallen scowled but stayed behind.
"Yes, Knight Krysira?" Elkan responded. "Is everything all right?"
"Everything is under control. Please come in, but keep your movements slow and as non-threatening as possible," she told him.
"Of course." Elkan looked confused, but followed the female Jedi's instructions.
Krysira allowed Elkan to enter the building. Elkan's onyx-colored eyes widened upon seeing the Etmu gazing at him. Elkan's hand moved instinctively to his blaster, but felt a soft touch, restraining his hand with an underlying strength that he hadn't've thought possible from such a delicate-looking being.
"Easy, Elkan," Krysira told him. "The Etmu is not here to harm anyone. It needs to feed its family."
Elkan frowned. "I don't understand," he told her.
"From what I was able to gather through some images I got from the Etmu, prey in its home area is very scarce, most likely due to the fighting and it has a family to feed, especially a little one that seemed ill," Krysira explained.
"I see. What do you require of me?"
"If you have food to spare to give to this creature.especially its young ones, until its usual prey can be located."
Elkan folded his arms across his chest, looking thoughtful. "I really don't see what this has to do with anything, Knight Krysira," he stated, his tone slightly hard.
Krysira smiled gently. "Nothing now, however, a little good done here, might be advantageous in the future. Besides, would it not be better to make an ally rather than an enemy?"
He looked at Krysira for a long moment or two, considering her words. He realized that her words held some truth to them. "You are correct. Giving the Etmu some food shows that we mean it or its family no harm," he replied.
Krysira's smile brightened. "That was my thought as well, Elkan."
He laid a large hand on Krysira's shoulder, grinning at her. "Let's see what we can find for our friend here, shall we?" His expression sobered, removing his hand. "However, this is not solely my decision. I must present it to Vallen and the other warriors outside. It is, of course a group decision." He left the building.
"I understand, Elkan," the pretty female Jedi replied, nodding in agreement.
PART THREE
Infirmary in Delkye
"And that's what happened since we've landed," Trip replied. He had given Malcolm all the pertinent information, except of course what was happening between him and Krysira. No, that was a private matter.
"Hmmm.interesting. A natural gateway," Malcolm commented.
But Trip didn't hear him. His thoughts were centered on Krysira. Part of him felt relieved that she was okay after that incredible jump, but the other part of him was furious that she could've seriously injured herself. Yet, she seemed to know what she was doing.
Malcolm frowned slightly seeing that Trip hadn't responded to him. "Sir?" He tried again.
Trip still didn't reply. He was still deep in thought. The Force, she had told him, not only assists in gaining knowledge and wisdom, but also enhances physical feats. Now he understood why she was able to move like she did. But still it bothered him and he wished that he knew why.
"Commander!" Malcolm said a bit on the firm side.
Trip's head snapped up, staring at Malcolm. "What?" He exclaimed.
"Are you alright, sir?" Trip straightened himself in the chair, as he cleared his throat. "Fine, just deep in thought," he replied.
"About a certain young lady, I take it?" There was a twinkle in his dark eyes.
Trip's mouth dropped open, staring at Malcolm, who allowed the corner of his mouth to quirk in amusement, seeing the young commander's discomfort. Trip was spared any further discomfort when a young Exoian woman brought a big tray of food for the two humans, who thanked her profusely. They waited until she left, then both Enterprise officers began to eat.
Unaware that Kaylar was watching them discreetly from his office, a smile slowly breaking out on his face. He enjoyed the enthusiasm that these two human men showed eating and to him eating was a sure sign that the healing process was definitely underway.
PART FOUR
Outside of food storage building
After Elkan explained his conversation with Krysira and the situation at hand to Vallen and the others, there was silence for a few moments. Unknown to the Exoians, Krysira had opened the door, listening.
"No!" Vallen shouted, vehemently, his eyes flashing with anger. "Why should we give up what precious food we have!"
"We have more than enough," Elkan replied. "As I said, it is only until the Etmu's usual prey is located. It is because of the fighting that prey is scarce and as a result the Etmu has come into the city."
"I say we kill the Etmu. Let the young find their own food! And if they die.so much the better!"
Vallen's statement opened up a heated debate among the dozen or so warriors that were able to respond to the alarm, that had now been shut off. Some sided with the young second-in-command, while the rest agreed with Elkan. However, within a few minutes, a full-blown heated argument occurred. Tempers were beginning to flare especially Vallen's. Even the normally composed Elkan lost his temper.
Krysira listened passively to both sides of the argument. Both had valid points, but the main point was that the Etmu was a living creature and it had a family to feed. That was no different than the Exoians themselves. A point obviously that some of them were overlooking.
She could not only hear but also felt the anger from the group and put up a mental shield against it. Anger led to the dark side, Master Windu had told her when she was very young.as did hate and fear. This was something all Jedi had to guard against.
However, what about these feelings that she had for Trip? He certainly had feelings for her. Did feelings of love lead to the dark side. No.of course not. There was love in the Jedi temple. She knew that Mace Windu had a father's love for her, as did Qui-Gon for Obi-Wan. It was a parent's love that was felt in the temple. But this was a different type of love to Krysira: a romantic love. And it frightened her not to be in control of her emotions.
Krysira's head snapped up, upon seeing two of the Exoian warriors on opposite sides of the debate begin to shove each other. The rest of the group was too involved in arguing to notice. She quickly drew in the Force and slipping out of the door, leapt down the stairs and sprinted over to the pair of warriors, whose shoving became more physical.
The two men shoved each other away. As they moved towards each other, they suddenly stopped, seeing a blazing white beam of energy about 3 foot long appeared between them humming with power.
The two Exoians looked at the source of the white beam to see Krysira standing there holding out her ignited lightsabre with a determined look on her delicate features. She slowly moved through the group, where one by one the men stopped arguing until the only sound heard was Krysira's lightsabre.
"Enough," she said quietly, yet her tone brooked no argument, as she eyed each man, as she moved slowly back through the group to make her point. Krysira could feel the anger level dissipate slowly.even from the hotheaded Vallen. "The Etmu will not be harmed," she went on. "You must face the consequences of the present conflict, which is that the Etmu has no usual prey. To supply the Etmu and its family with some food until the right prey can be located is not unreasonable. Besides, a little good done here, may be beneficial in the future." She shut off her lightsabre, hooking it back onto her belt, as she turned to face Vallen, arms across her chest. "Why are you so eager to kill the Etmu, Vallen?" she asked.
"It's just an animal," Vallen growled softly.
"True, but it's a living being. It may not be capable of speech, but there is some intelligence there."
Vallen peered at her. "How so?"
"Well, it went to the food storage building rather than attack the people, correct?"
The young second-in-command thought for a few moments. "Yes, but I still don't see." He trailed off, as a realization hit him. "I see. It chose not to kill."
Krysira nodded, smiling softly, hearing the agreeing murmurs among the warriors.
Elkan moved up next to Krysira. "Are we in agreement to give the Etmu and its family food?" He questioned, looking around to see all the warriors nodding, including Vallen. "Very well. Knight Krysira, will you assist me, seeing that the Etmu seems to trust you?"
"I would be honored," she replied, bowing slightly.
"May I help as well?" Vallen questioned.
Elkan looked at Vallen, a big smile crossing his features. "Of course, my friend, of course!" He replied. "The rest of you go to your home and rest. Tomorrow, we will organize a search for the Etmu's usual prey."
Th others agreed and disbursed, Krysira, Elkan and Vallen, along with the building guard, alone.
"Let us go back in and see what we can give the Etmu," Elkan suggested.
The female Jedi and the two Exoian leaders headed up the stairs into the building.
PART FIVE
Captain Jonathan Archer prowled around the bridge, drawing occasional looks from his senior bridge crew: Science officer/second-in-command Sub- Commander T'Pol, Pilot Ensign Travis Mayweather and Communications officer Ensign Hoshi Sato. Even the temporary replacement crew for Trip and Malcolm also glanced at Archer, but wilted under Archer's fierce glare.
He finally whirled on T'Pol. "Where the hell are they?" Archer demanded.
"Shuttlepod One is not on any of the sensors, Captain," T'Pol replied, her calm Vulcan demeanor in sharp contrast to Archer's rising temper.
"They couldn't've just disappeared into thin air!" He threw his hands up in disgust.
Travis looked thoughtful as he turned around to look at Archer. "Captain?" He began. Archer settled his gaze on the young ensign. "What?" He practically snarled.
Travis swallowed. "Perhaps they left a trail of breadcrumbs."
Archer stared at Travis for what seemed like forever to the young ensign but in reality was less than a minute. "Breadcrumbs." he said outloud softly, folding his arms across his chest thinking. "Breadcrumbs.wait.a vapor trail!" He whirled back on T'Pol. "Can our sensors pick up a vapor trail from a shuttlepod?"
"No," T'Pol replied instantly.
Archer stared pointedly at the female Vulcan.
T'Pol stared back at Archer. The silence on the bridge was deafening. Neither was aware that everyone else was watching them.
"However, I believe I may be able to remodulate the sensors to pick up a vapor trail," T'Pol finally responded.
"How long?" Archer shot back.
"About an hour."
"Inform me when you're done. You have the bridge."
"Yes, Captain."
With that, Archer walked off of the bridge, unaware that everyone was still watching him.
T'Pol scanned the bridge. "I believe everyone has work that needs to be done." Her cool tone sent everyone back to work at his or her stations. T'Pol herself began work on remodulating the sensors to pick up a vapor trail left by the missing shuttlepod.
PART SIX
Infirmary at Delkye
Malcolm had fallen asleep after eating. Trip put the tray aside, feeling tired himself. He sat on the edge of his bed, sighing softly. His thoughts centered once again on the beautiful Jedi Knight that had won his heart without even trying. He lay down on the bed, hands behind his head. He wished that he could find out what was going with Krysira.
/"I hope that you're okay, Krysira,"/ Trip thought with heartfelt emotion. Then once again much to Trip's surprise; he heard Krysira's voice in his head. /"I am fine, Trip. Please get some sleep. I will see you in the morning."/
His eyes widened upon hearing her voice. /"But."/
/"Please. I will explain then."/ Her thoughts urged him.
/"Okay. You get some sleep too."/
/"I will."/
Trip no longer felt the connection with Krysira's mind. However, it didn't matter. He closed his eyes and fell asleep with a smile on his face, knowing that Krysira was all right.
Chapter Four
PART ONE
Krysira made her way swiftly to the indicated building, hoping that she could avert any potential trouble without the use of violence. Although she was an accomplished warrior, especially with the use of dual lightsabres, Krysira preferred to settle things in a non-violent manner.
Even though Krysira was stunned that she had heard Trip's thought: 'Be careful, Krysira.' She still responded in kind. She wondered what Trip's reaction had been.
But she quickly pushed this to the back of her mind, knowing that she needed to be centered, as she raced down the length of the food storage building. She swiftly rounded the corner, but skidded to a stop next to Vallen, Elkan and other Exoian warriors. She suddenly felt the ground rumble and saw the building shake slightly.
"What is it?" Krysira wanted to know.
"An Etmu," Vallen told her, drawing his blaster. "It's the only animal on Exoia capable of tunneling like this."
"They have never come into the city before," Elkan replied. "They are a rather docile species." He looked puzzled.
The building and ground shook again slightly.
"It's trying to break through the floor of the food storage building!" Vallen exclaimed.
"Then I need to be there, waiting for it when it comes out," Krysira replied.
"So you can destroy it?" Vallen assumed with obvious glee.
Krysira leveled her gaze at Vallen. "Only if there is no other way. Jedi do not willingly take a life, if there is another way. Fortunately, there is most of the time."
Vallen merely humphed.
The female Jedi turned her attention back to Elkan. "Can you get me inside?"
"Of course, Knight Krysira," Elkan responded, motioning to one of the building guards, who unlocked the door. "May the Force be with you."
Krysira gave a firm nod and sprinted up the half-dozen steps, as the guard opened the door allowing her to enter, then closed the door.
Once again the ground and building shook.a bit harder this time.
Vallen folded his arms across his chest. "I still think we should kill the Etmu," he growled.
"We will abide by what Knight Krysira suggests, Vallen. I do not like taking an innocent life, even if it is an animal if there is another way," Elkan replied.
"Very well, Elkan." Vallen merely stared at the doors.
PART TWO
Inside the food storage building
Krysira scanned the room, as the floor rumbled even more. She realized that the Etmu was quite close and would be breaking through to the floor soon. Her gaze rested on a 10 by 10 platform that was suspended from the ceiling about 10-15' above the floor. Further investigation revealed that it was set up on a tract system, allowing it to be moved in all directions to access all levels of the building. She judged the building to be about 10 stories high and least two blocks in diameter.
Krysira relaxed, drawing the Force within her being once again. After a few moments, she sprinted over to the platform and leaping up into the air, performed one somersault. She landed lightly in the middle of the platform.
She had barely landed, when the rumbling beneath the floor grew louder. Spinning around on the platform, Krysira assumed a defensive crouch, one lightsabre in hand but not ignited, her eyes fastened onto a spot on the floor.
The floor suddenly seemed to burst to life, large pieces of concrete flying outward and upward. One particularly large slab of concrete headed straight for Krysira. The female Jedi Knight reacted instantly. Without changing her position and using one hand, she ignited her lightsabre, which glowed a brilliant blue and arcing her blade in a downward swing, sliced the slab of concrete in half, both pieces falling harmlessly to the floor. She switched off the lightsabre.
Amid the falling pieces of concrete, a large deep sea green snake-like head appeared with large glowing orange eyes, which darted around the area. Its gaze rested on Krysira, who was gazing back at it.
The Etmu's nostrils flared. It smelled food that was raw, but the scent that caught its attention the most was of live prey. It raised its head up following the scent to see a figure perched above it.
It moved slowly out of the hole towards Krysira, who remained motionless, her acute senses on full alert, heightened by the Force. Krysira locked eyes with the Etmu and raising her free hand, invoked the Jedi mind control to see if she could first calm this agitated creature and second find out why it was attacking the food storage building, if possible.
The Etmu felt a wave of calmness come over it suddenly.
Krysira felt the creature relax, then gently began to probe its mind. After a minute or so, the female Jedi got a barrage of images that were jumbled together. Krysira frowned slightly, trying to make sense of the images. After a few moments, the images began to clear. First, she saw another Etmu and two very young ones, crying. Another image showed mountains and a forest, but oddly enough there were very few animals, considering the size of the mountain area and forest. A third image showed a third young Etmu, smaller than the others, crying softly, looking sick.
Krysira broke contact, her eyes moist. "I understand, my large friend," she replied in a soothing tone as she hooked her lightsabre back onto her belt. "You need food for your family.especially the little one. There's hardly any hunting for you."
The female Jedi drew the Force into herself once again and leapt down off of the platform, landing in a crouch about 30' in front of the Etmu.
The creature instinctively backed up a couple of paces, eyeing Krysira warily.
Krysira straightened. "Easy," she soothed. "I mean you no harm." She raised a hand, once again invoking the Jedi mind control to keep the creature calm. She neared the creature.
The Etmu trembled, but did not move. It couldn't move. Its large orange eyes widened with fear, as Krysira approached it. The Etmu trembled even harder, as Krysira laid her hand on the top of its snout. It wanted to strike at this potential prey but found that it couldn't. It found itself looking into those hypnotic eyes. Oddly enough, it felt no danger from this unusual being.
"Let us see what we can do about getting some food for you and your family, shall we?" Krysira asked the Etmu rhetorically in her gentle manner.
The Etmu tilted its head slightly, as it tried to comprehend what this being was saying to it, but only heard the gentleness in the voice.
Krysira smiled gently. "Remain here, my large friend," she said. "I will not allow any harm to befall you."
It tilted its head even more, still trying to comprehend what was being said to it. It knew one thing: this being would not harm it.
She stroked the Etmu's snout softly, as she moved slowly towards the door, quite aware of the fact that the creature was watching her. She opened the door enough to peer out at the waiting Exoian warriors.
"Elkan!" Krysira called.
The leader of the resistance sprinted up the stairs. Vallen started to follow, but Elkan motioned for the younger man to stay put. Vallen scowled but stayed behind.
"Yes, Knight Krysira?" Elkan responded. "Is everything all right?"
"Everything is under control. Please come in, but keep your movements slow and as non-threatening as possible," she told him.
"Of course." Elkan looked confused, but followed the female Jedi's instructions.
Krysira allowed Elkan to enter the building. Elkan's onyx-colored eyes widened upon seeing the Etmu gazing at him. Elkan's hand moved instinctively to his blaster, but felt a soft touch, restraining his hand with an underlying strength that he hadn't've thought possible from such a delicate-looking being.
"Easy, Elkan," Krysira told him. "The Etmu is not here to harm anyone. It needs to feed its family."
Elkan frowned. "I don't understand," he told her.
"From what I was able to gather through some images I got from the Etmu, prey in its home area is very scarce, most likely due to the fighting and it has a family to feed, especially a little one that seemed ill," Krysira explained.
"I see. What do you require of me?"
"If you have food to spare to give to this creature.especially its young ones, until its usual prey can be located."
Elkan folded his arms across his chest, looking thoughtful. "I really don't see what this has to do with anything, Knight Krysira," he stated, his tone slightly hard.
Krysira smiled gently. "Nothing now, however, a little good done here, might be advantageous in the future. Besides, would it not be better to make an ally rather than an enemy?"
He looked at Krysira for a long moment or two, considering her words. He realized that her words held some truth to them. "You are correct. Giving the Etmu some food shows that we mean it or its family no harm," he replied.
Krysira's smile brightened. "That was my thought as well, Elkan."
He laid a large hand on Krysira's shoulder, grinning at her. "Let's see what we can find for our friend here, shall we?" His expression sobered, removing his hand. "However, this is not solely my decision. I must present it to Vallen and the other warriors outside. It is, of course a group decision." He left the building.
"I understand, Elkan," the pretty female Jedi replied, nodding in agreement.
PART THREE
Infirmary in Delkye
"And that's what happened since we've landed," Trip replied. He had given Malcolm all the pertinent information, except of course what was happening between him and Krysira. No, that was a private matter.
"Hmmm.interesting. A natural gateway," Malcolm commented.
But Trip didn't hear him. His thoughts were centered on Krysira. Part of him felt relieved that she was okay after that incredible jump, but the other part of him was furious that she could've seriously injured herself. Yet, she seemed to know what she was doing.
Malcolm frowned slightly seeing that Trip hadn't responded to him. "Sir?" He tried again.
Trip still didn't reply. He was still deep in thought. The Force, she had told him, not only assists in gaining knowledge and wisdom, but also enhances physical feats. Now he understood why she was able to move like she did. But still it bothered him and he wished that he knew why.
"Commander!" Malcolm said a bit on the firm side.
Trip's head snapped up, staring at Malcolm. "What?" He exclaimed.
"Are you alright, sir?" Trip straightened himself in the chair, as he cleared his throat. "Fine, just deep in thought," he replied.
"About a certain young lady, I take it?" There was a twinkle in his dark eyes.
Trip's mouth dropped open, staring at Malcolm, who allowed the corner of his mouth to quirk in amusement, seeing the young commander's discomfort. Trip was spared any further discomfort when a young Exoian woman brought a big tray of food for the two humans, who thanked her profusely. They waited until she left, then both Enterprise officers began to eat.
Unaware that Kaylar was watching them discreetly from his office, a smile slowly breaking out on his face. He enjoyed the enthusiasm that these two human men showed eating and to him eating was a sure sign that the healing process was definitely underway.
PART FOUR
Outside of food storage building
After Elkan explained his conversation with Krysira and the situation at hand to Vallen and the others, there was silence for a few moments. Unknown to the Exoians, Krysira had opened the door, listening.
"No!" Vallen shouted, vehemently, his eyes flashing with anger. "Why should we give up what precious food we have!"
"We have more than enough," Elkan replied. "As I said, it is only until the Etmu's usual prey is located. It is because of the fighting that prey is scarce and as a result the Etmu has come into the city."
"I say we kill the Etmu. Let the young find their own food! And if they die.so much the better!"
Vallen's statement opened up a heated debate among the dozen or so warriors that were able to respond to the alarm, that had now been shut off. Some sided with the young second-in-command, while the rest agreed with Elkan. However, within a few minutes, a full-blown heated argument occurred. Tempers were beginning to flare especially Vallen's. Even the normally composed Elkan lost his temper.
Krysira listened passively to both sides of the argument. Both had valid points, but the main point was that the Etmu was a living creature and it had a family to feed. That was no different than the Exoians themselves. A point obviously that some of them were overlooking.
She could not only hear but also felt the anger from the group and put up a mental shield against it. Anger led to the dark side, Master Windu had told her when she was very young.as did hate and fear. This was something all Jedi had to guard against.
However, what about these feelings that she had for Trip? He certainly had feelings for her. Did feelings of love lead to the dark side. No.of course not. There was love in the Jedi temple. She knew that Mace Windu had a father's love for her, as did Qui-Gon for Obi-Wan. It was a parent's love that was felt in the temple. But this was a different type of love to Krysira: a romantic love. And it frightened her not to be in control of her emotions.
Krysira's head snapped up, upon seeing two of the Exoian warriors on opposite sides of the debate begin to shove each other. The rest of the group was too involved in arguing to notice. She quickly drew in the Force and slipping out of the door, leapt down the stairs and sprinted over to the pair of warriors, whose shoving became more physical.
The two men shoved each other away. As they moved towards each other, they suddenly stopped, seeing a blazing white beam of energy about 3 foot long appeared between them humming with power.
The two Exoians looked at the source of the white beam to see Krysira standing there holding out her ignited lightsabre with a determined look on her delicate features. She slowly moved through the group, where one by one the men stopped arguing until the only sound heard was Krysira's lightsabre.
"Enough," she said quietly, yet her tone brooked no argument, as she eyed each man, as she moved slowly back through the group to make her point. Krysira could feel the anger level dissipate slowly.even from the hotheaded Vallen. "The Etmu will not be harmed," she went on. "You must face the consequences of the present conflict, which is that the Etmu has no usual prey. To supply the Etmu and its family with some food until the right prey can be located is not unreasonable. Besides, a little good done here, may be beneficial in the future." She shut off her lightsabre, hooking it back onto her belt, as she turned to face Vallen, arms across her chest. "Why are you so eager to kill the Etmu, Vallen?" she asked.
"It's just an animal," Vallen growled softly.
"True, but it's a living being. It may not be capable of speech, but there is some intelligence there."
Vallen peered at her. "How so?"
"Well, it went to the food storage building rather than attack the people, correct?"
The young second-in-command thought for a few moments. "Yes, but I still don't see." He trailed off, as a realization hit him. "I see. It chose not to kill."
Krysira nodded, smiling softly, hearing the agreeing murmurs among the warriors.
Elkan moved up next to Krysira. "Are we in agreement to give the Etmu and its family food?" He questioned, looking around to see all the warriors nodding, including Vallen. "Very well. Knight Krysira, will you assist me, seeing that the Etmu seems to trust you?"
"I would be honored," she replied, bowing slightly.
"May I help as well?" Vallen questioned.
Elkan looked at Vallen, a big smile crossing his features. "Of course, my friend, of course!" He replied. "The rest of you go to your home and rest. Tomorrow, we will organize a search for the Etmu's usual prey."
Th others agreed and disbursed, Krysira, Elkan and Vallen, along with the building guard, alone.
"Let us go back in and see what we can give the Etmu," Elkan suggested.
The female Jedi and the two Exoian leaders headed up the stairs into the building.
PART FIVE
Captain Jonathan Archer prowled around the bridge, drawing occasional looks from his senior bridge crew: Science officer/second-in-command Sub- Commander T'Pol, Pilot Ensign Travis Mayweather and Communications officer Ensign Hoshi Sato. Even the temporary replacement crew for Trip and Malcolm also glanced at Archer, but wilted under Archer's fierce glare.
He finally whirled on T'Pol. "Where the hell are they?" Archer demanded.
"Shuttlepod One is not on any of the sensors, Captain," T'Pol replied, her calm Vulcan demeanor in sharp contrast to Archer's rising temper.
"They couldn't've just disappeared into thin air!" He threw his hands up in disgust.
Travis looked thoughtful as he turned around to look at Archer. "Captain?" He began. Archer settled his gaze on the young ensign. "What?" He practically snarled.
Travis swallowed. "Perhaps they left a trail of breadcrumbs."
Archer stared at Travis for what seemed like forever to the young ensign but in reality was less than a minute. "Breadcrumbs." he said outloud softly, folding his arms across his chest thinking. "Breadcrumbs.wait.a vapor trail!" He whirled back on T'Pol. "Can our sensors pick up a vapor trail from a shuttlepod?"
"No," T'Pol replied instantly.
Archer stared pointedly at the female Vulcan.
T'Pol stared back at Archer. The silence on the bridge was deafening. Neither was aware that everyone else was watching them.
"However, I believe I may be able to remodulate the sensors to pick up a vapor trail," T'Pol finally responded.
"How long?" Archer shot back.
"About an hour."
"Inform me when you're done. You have the bridge."
"Yes, Captain."
With that, Archer walked off of the bridge, unaware that everyone was still watching him.
T'Pol scanned the bridge. "I believe everyone has work that needs to be done." Her cool tone sent everyone back to work at his or her stations. T'Pol herself began work on remodulating the sensors to pick up a vapor trail left by the missing shuttlepod.
PART SIX
Infirmary at Delkye
Malcolm had fallen asleep after eating. Trip put the tray aside, feeling tired himself. He sat on the edge of his bed, sighing softly. His thoughts centered once again on the beautiful Jedi Knight that had won his heart without even trying. He lay down on the bed, hands behind his head. He wished that he could find out what was going with Krysira.
/"I hope that you're okay, Krysira,"/ Trip thought with heartfelt emotion. Then once again much to Trip's surprise; he heard Krysira's voice in his head. /"I am fine, Trip. Please get some sleep. I will see you in the morning."/
His eyes widened upon hearing her voice. /"But."/
/"Please. I will explain then."/ Her thoughts urged him.
/"Okay. You get some sleep too."/
/"I will."/
Trip no longer felt the connection with Krysira's mind. However, it didn't matter. He closed his eyes and fell asleep with a smile on his face, knowing that Krysira was all right.
