Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Six
PART ONE
Chelz's Tavern in Jinix

Chelz led Qui-Gon over to where Obi-Wan was sitting. She caught Caden's attention. They exchanged nods. Chelz seated herself, while the Jedi Master sat next to his Padawan, who eyed the newcomer warily.

"Obi-Wan, this is Chelz," Qui-Gon introduced.

Chelz nodded to Obi-Wan. "Forgive the deception, Master Jinn, but it was imperative for me to verify that it was indeed Trey who sent you."

The Jedi Master nodded. "Do you know where Drayce is?" He questioned in a low voice.

"Yes. It is an underground city known as Tysag, a half-day journey on foot to the entrance and an hour by transport. Where he is the city is unknown. Tysag is the oldest underground city on Exoia and one of three livable ones. The city is like a maze and one could get easily lost for hours if a wrong turn is made. Caden was born and raised there. He knows the city like no other I have encountered. He will lead us."

"Us?" Obi-Wan questioned.

Chelz smiled at the youth. "Yes. I will be accompany you as well for I have a few contacts that could direct us to Drayce.for the right price, of course."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Of course." He paused. "These contacts can be trusted?"

Chelz nodded. "Yes."

"Very well. When can we leave?"

"Within the hour. I will arrange transportation." She rose to her feet. "Until then."

The Jedi stood, as Chelz walked over to Caden, speaking with the huge Exoian. Caden nodded and signaled towards the rear of the tavern. Two more Exoians, both male, approached Caden, who spoke with them. Moments later, one went behind the bar, while the other one took Caden's position at the door.

Chelz and Caden went out a side door.

Jedi Master and apprentice reseated themselves.

"Master," Obi-Wan began in a low voice. "Can we trust them?"

"Do we have much choice, Padawan?" Qui-Gon replied in question. "If finding Drayce will end this conflict, then we must trust these people. But.be on guard as well, Obi-Wan. I will contact Krysira and inform her of our present plan of action."

Obi-Wan's face brightened at the mention of the pretty Jedi Knight.
Part Two
Launchbay Two--Shuttlepod Two

Jonathan Archer was in the cockpit doing a pre-flight check, when he heard footsteps in the shuttlepod. He looked over his shoulder to see Hoshi Sato enter, carrying a duffel bag and a smaller bag.

"Right on time, Hoshi," Archer commented.

Hoshi sighed a bit nervously. "Captain.are you sure you want me? Wouldn't Travis be better suited for this mission?" She questioned, nervously.

Archer heard the ensign's nervousness. "Relax, Hoshi."

"I'm trying, sir."

"Good. Settle in. I'm just about done with the pre-flight check."

"Yes, sir."

Hoshi stored her gear and checked her station, while Archer began to finish up the pre-flight check, when the comm beeped.

"Go ahead," Archer said.

"Captain." It was T'Pol. "I am transmitting the frequency for the sensors so that you can follow shuttlepod one's vapor trail on the other side of this.gateway."

"Good idea. Thank-you, T'Pol." He studied the control panel, then adjusted the sensors to pick up the frequency of the vapor trail, and then finished the pre-flight check.
Part Three
Infirmary at Delkye

Kaylar had fished his medical scan of both men, when Krysira emerged from Kaylar's office with a concerned expression on her face. Her expression quickly grew passive, as she approached the three men.

Kaylar straightened at Krysira's approach. "Both men are in perfect health," the healer told her.

The female Jedi smiled softly. "That is good news indeed," she replied.

"Are we able to make repairs on the shuttlepod?" Malcolm questioned.

The concerned expression came back over Krysira's face. "I was unable to contact either Noble Vartan or Honor Zarnay. Oddly enough neither answered the summons in either of their chambers," Krysira explained.

"And that's a problem?" Trip asked, standing up next to Krysira.

Krysira was about to answer, when her communicator beeped. She frowned ever so slightly, as she pulled it out, pressing a button.

"Krysira?" It was Qui-Gon.

"Qui-Gon? Is there a problem?" She questioned.

"No. I merely wished to apprise you of our present situation. It appears that Noble Vartan's chief of staff Drayce is in the center of this conflict."

"Yes, I have discovered this as well."

"I see. You are also aware of the deaths of 10 Exoian women?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Obi-Wan and I are going to the underground city of Tysag with two Exoians to locate Drayce and try to solve this mystery." He paused. "How are our guests?"

"They have recovered completely."

"Excellent."

"Qui-Gon, I am coming to the city of Jinix today. There is something that is.troubling to me."

"Oh?"

"Trip and Lieutenant Reed wanted to work on their craft, however I was unable to contact to contact either Noble Vartan nor Honor Zarnay."

"Perhaps they were out."

"That would be fine except for the fact that their assistants were unaware of their absence from their chambers".

"I see," Qui-Gon said thoughtfully. "We will keep in touch. We are leaving within the half-hour. May the Force be with you, my young friend."

"And you as well."

Krysira clicked off her communicator, tucking it away in her belt. She looked at Kaylar.

"I take it that you need transportation to Jinix?" Kaylar assumed.

"Yes. It would be greatly appreciated."

The healer smiled. "I believe that that can be arranged. For one?"

"Yes."

"No.for two." It was Trip.

Malcolm stood up. "Three actually," he put in.

Krysira gazed at the two men from the unknown planet Earth. "I can not ask you to put yourselves in any potential danger," she said.

Trip touched Krysira's shoulder. "We serve on a starship. We've had training on how to fight and defend ourselves." He glanced at Malcolm. "Some more than others. We've been trained to use weapons as well."

"I am head of security aboard Enterprise. Captain Archer would never forgive me if anything were to happen to Commander Tucker," Malcolm explained.

Krysira folded her arms, hands inside the sleeves of her cloak, gazing at the two men. She felt Trip gently squeeze her shoulder.

"We just want to feel.useful. Let us go with you and help," Trip added, softly, and a bit persistently, seeing Malcolm nod in agreement.

Krysira looked into Trip's blue eyes and found that she could not refuse the young commander's gentle request. She nodded slowly. "Very well," she relented, seeing both men smile at her.

Kaylar observed quietly. "I will arrange transportation.for three," the healer stated, then looked at Malcolm. "Lieutenant Reed, would you care to assist me? You might require weapons and as a healer, I have very little knowledge of weaponry."

Malcolm glanced at Trip, who nodded. "I'll see what I can do. I have no knowledge of weapons in this part of the universe, though," Malcolm stated. "But I'll do the best I can."

The healer nodded, smiling. "That is all one can ask."

Malcolm nodded then followed Kaylar into the office.

Trip stood gazing into Krysira's silvery/blue eyes. "Thanks," he said softly. "I just couldn't stand the thought of not being with you, Krysira." His hand moved from her shoulder to gently grasp one of her slender hands, trying to control his raging emotions.

"I know, Trip," she replied quietly. "I could feel your rising anxiety.and I realized that I couldn't truly refuse your help or company." She gently fingered the open part of his tunic, feeling an array of emotions that she had never experienced before.

They stood quietly together, enjoying each other's nearness, as they waited for transportation to be arranged for the trip to Jinix.
Part Four
Aboard Shuttlepod Two

Ensign Hoshi Sato studied her panel, then looked up at Captain Jonathan Archer, who was piloting the shuttlepod.

"Captain, we're approaching the gateway," Hoshi announced, trying to keep the nervousness from her voice.

Archer nodded. "Good," he replied. "I'm not certain exactly what's going to happen, but I would suggest that you hang on." "Yes, sir." Hoshi's knuckles at that point were already turning white.

The shuttlepod sailed smoothly towards the distortion in space.

Aboard Enterprise, Sub-Commander T'Pol and Ensign Travis Mayweather watched the shuttlepod approach the gateway and then vanish from sight.

"Sub-Commander, I'm not picking up the shuttlepod on any of the sensors," Travis announced, his voice had traces of worry in it.

The female Vulcan rose from the conn chair and moved down to stand over Travis, studying the readouts, tapping the panel to make adjustments. However, the results were the same as before.the shuttlepod vanished.

"What now, Sub-Commander?" Travis wanted to know.

"We wait, Ensign Mayweather," T'Pol replied, sitting back in the center chair.

The dark-skinned young man turned slightly in his seat to look at his superior officer. "For how long?"

She looked at him, her features passive. "Until Captain Archer and Ensign Sato return with Mr. Tucker and Mr. Reed," she replied, tonelessly.

Travis nodded. "Yes, Sub-Commander." He turned back to face the main viewscreen.
Part Five
Aboard Transport heading towards Tysag

As Caden drove the transport, Chelz turned to the Jedi who were seated in the back, both dwarfed by the oversized seats, especially Obi-Wan. The Exoian woman hid a smile at the Jedi apprentice's apparent discomfort at the ill-fitting seat. She saw how he struggled for the same control that came easy for the Jedi Master seated next to him.

"I was able to contact Trey, Master Jinn," Chelz began. "He will meet us at the entrance to Tysag."

Qui-Gon gazed at her in a curious fashion. "Do you anticipate trouble?" He asked.

"Tysag is not without its seedier denizens. It is always.wise to be cautious.and prepared." Chelz faced forward.

"There are many species that live in Tysag," Caden said suddenly in his deep bass voice. "Some have no qualms about betraying a neighbor or business partner.for the right price." He grunted. "That is why I left. It sickened me to see beings betrayed by others who claimed to be friends." His voice grew hard. "And I could do nothing to stop it."

"What of the local law enforcement?" Qui-Gon questioned.

"Easily bought off to turn the other way," Caden scoffed.

The Jedi Master grunted softly, glancing aside at the youth seated next to him, silently thankful that Obi-Wan didn't have to grow up in such a harsh and deadly environment. He closed his eyes, drawing the Force in and around him, as he prepared to meditate until they arrived at their destination. He could feel Obi-Wan drawing upon the Force as well.
PART SIX
Transport heading towards Jinix

As an Exoian warrior expertly maneuvered the transport towards the capital, Malcolm sat next to him intently scrutinizing the blaster that he had received earlier, much like a child with a new toy. Another transport would be waiting for them at the edge of the forest to take them into Jinix.

From a seat in the rear, Trip merely shook his head a little as he watched Malcolm inspect the weapon. He then looked at Krysira who was seated next to him with her eyes closed and her hands in lap. He had seen her do this enough to know that she was meditating. Trip sat close to her, trying not to disturb her. He gazed at her, wishing that he had some of the self- control that she had exhibited.

/"Close your eyes, Trip,"/ Krysira's soft voice whispered in Trip's mind.

Trip blinked, but did so. /"Sorry.just feeling a bit anxious, Krysira,"/ Trip thought back.

/"Yes. I feel your anxiety."/ She paused. /"Relax."/ Her voice whispered, as she laid her hand on Trip's hand.

Trip felt the tenseness start to seep from his body and gentle warmth begin to fill his being. He never felt anything so soothing and calming before. It was almost as if Krysira's gentle presence was inside of him.

Krysira could feel Trip's anxiety level drop. /"Yes, that is it. Very good,"/ Krysira's soft voice sounded extremely pleased.

Trip smiled inside, as his hand moved so that his fingers interlaced with her fingers. /"Thanks,"/ he replied.

/"My pleasure."/

The transport reached the edge of the forest, seeing another transport waiting just inside the forest limits. The driver stopped about 100 meters from the other transport.

"I assume that this is our stop," Malcolm said to Krysira, looking around at her.

"Yes," Krysira answered, then to the driver. "Thank-you."

The driver smiled. "Anytime, Knight Krysira," he replied, watching the female Jedi Knight and the two humans from Earth get out of the transport, which moved smoothly away back the way it came.

Krysira, Trip and Malcolm walked briskly over to the other waiting transport, getting in.

The driver, the female guard from two days ago, greeted the three humans with a nod, then started the transport, heading towards Jinix.

Once again, Malcolm sat next to the driver, while Trip and Krysira sat behind them.

"Has anyone been able to contact Honor Zarnay or Noble Vartan?" Krysira wanted to know.

The female guard cleared her throat. "No," she replied.

Krysira furrowed her brow slightly. "Was their chambers checked?"

"No one can enter their vast chambers, unless the security 'droids are deactivated. And only Noble Vartan or Honor Zarnay can deactivate them. That is why no one has entered their chambers."

"Security 'droids can be rendered harmless with a couple of well placed blaster shots."

"Not these ones. Noble Vartan insisted on virtually indestructible 'droids. He wanted to insure his and Honor Zarnay's safety."

"Sounds rather extreme," Malcolm commented.

"Sounds like the man's paranoid to me," Trip put in.

"Perhaps," the female guard replied. "But ever since the war with the resistance started, Noble Vartan insisted on increased security." She glanced aside to see Malcolm nod in agreement.

Krysira folded her arms inside the sleeves of her cloak closing her eyes, as she felt something nagging insistently at the back of her mind. Was the Force alerting her to more danger? She wasn't sure.but she had a very strange and strong feeling what they would find at the government center would not be pleasant. "Time is of the essence," Krysira said in a quiet voice with a tone that brooked no argument.

The female guard picked up Krysira's tone. "Of course, Knight Krysira," she replied.

"Thank-you."

The speed of the transport picked up noticeably.
PART SEVEN
Aboard Shuttlepod Two-near the planet Exoia

Archer blinked his eyes, then glanced over his shoulder at his communications officer. "Hoshi?" He questioned.

Hoshi's large dark oval eyes blinked, then focused on Archer. "Yes, sir?" She responded.

"You okay?"

Hoshi gave him a small nervous smile. "Just a little disoriented but fine."

Archer smiled easily. "Good. See if you can pick up Shuttlepod One's vapor trail."

"Yes, sir." Hoshi's fingers flew across her panel.

He turned back to gaze through the viewpoint, seeing a large green and brown planet looming nearby.

"I've picked up the vapor trail, Captain. We should be able to see it momentarily."

"Good."

Within a few moments, a yellowish trail snaked its way erratically through space in the direction of the nearby planet.

"It looks as though it's heading for the planet ahead," Hoshi pointed out.

"And by the looks of the vapor trail, the shuttlepod could've sustained some damaged," Archer assumed. "Run a scan and see if this planet can support human life and if it's inhabited."

"Yes, sir." Once again, Hoshi's slender fingers flew across her panel. She frowned slightly. "We need to be closer, Captain. These sensors don't have the range like the ones aboard Enterprise."

Archer grunted softly. "Alright. Let me know when you get a good reading."

"Yes, sir."

The captain flew the shuttlepod slowly to allow Hoshi to pick up the needed information from the sensors. He shifted a bit impatiently, anxious to find his missing officers, gazing at the large planet that was growing closer.

After what seemed like forever, which in reality was only about 5 minutes, Hoshi's voice broke the silence.

"Captain," she began. "It's a class M planet, capable of supporting human life and the planet is inhabited. There are two populated cities about 1000 kilometers apart in the immediate area."

"I don't want to land near either city," Archer said.

"There is a small mountain range about 100 kilometers from the larger of the two cities." She studied the readings briefly. "There seems to be a couple of valleys that can easily hide the shuttlepod, sir."

Archer smiled. "Good.and the vapor trail?"

Hoshi gazed at the readings once again. "The trail ends on the surface in a plains-like area." She paused. "There is no signs of wreckage, Captain."

Archer sighed slightly relieved. "At least the shuttlepod didn't crash, which means they are alive."

"Yes, sir."

"Hoshi, give me the coordinates of one of those valleys in that mountain range you found."

"Aye, sir." Hoshi's slender fingers played deftly over her panel.

Archer saw the coordinates then laid in a course that would avoid them being spotted by any inhabitants of either city.

Unknown to Archer and Hoshi as the shuttlepod entered the planet's atmosphere their approach had been discovered.