Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Seven
PART ONE
Entrance to Tysag

As the two Exoians and the two Jedi focused in on their new surroundings, they heard a raspy voice behind them: "Good. I trust that your journey here was uneventful."

They all turned to see the space pilot Trey coming out of a darkened corridor.

"Yes. It was a peaceful trip," Qui-Gon replied, his expression turning concerned. "However, I fear that that peace will be short-lived."

Trey nodded, his expression growing serious. "I am afraid that I have to agree with you on that, Master Jinn."

When Trey looked over at Chelz, Qui-Gon caught a flash of affection cross the pilot's face quickly. The Jedi Master saw that Chelz had caught Trey's change of expression, by the brief flush of purple tinge in her cheeks.

"We should get going," Caden rumbled in his deep bass voice, breaking the silence.

Chelz cleared her throat delicately. Yes.we have to meet our contact as soon as possible," she replied.

Qui-Gon's blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Is your contact in.danger?" He questioned.

Chelz looked at Qui-Gon. "Unfortunately.there is that chance."

The Jedi Master nodded. "Then let us proceed quickly."

The group, under Caden's lead, headed through a large stone archway that framed a large long stone corridor, where other Exoians and other alien races were travelling through as well, not bothering to give the small group a second glance.
PART TWO
Jinix-Government Center

Trip and Malcolm followed Krysira up the large staircase to the entrance of the mammoth government center. Even though both Enterprise officers were in good shape, they both had a bit of a hard time keeping up with the fleet- footed pretty Jedi Knight.

When Krysira reached the top of the staircase, a feeling of dread hit her out of no where. She reeled under the intensity of it. Suddenly she felt herself in a pair of strong arms, holding her up. Krysira's silvery/blue eyes focused on Trip, whose blue eyes gazed at her in a concerned manner. She rested her slender hands on his partly bared chest.

"Krysira! Are you okay?" Trip wanted to know. "It looked like you were about ready to faint."

Krysira gave him a reassuring smile. "I am fine now, Trip," she replied in a soft tone. "Sometimes the Force intensifies different feelings so much that it can overwhelm most Jedi."

"Is that what happened?"

Krysira nodded. "Yes." Her expression grew serious. "A feeling of dread, the likes of which I have never felt before." She paused, gazing at the building. "As if death has come unexpectedly and.needlessly."

Although Malcolm didn't understand what the Force was that Krysira was talking about, it seemed to the armory officer that the pretty Jedi Knight was deeply affected by what she undoubtedly had felt. He was a bit surprised that Trip had suddenly passed him to catch Krysira. He had heard Trip panting a bit behind him, then had heard a gasp and Trip had just blown by him. He had no idea that Krysira was about ready to faint.yet Trip did. How.was what Malcolm wanted to know.

Trip released Krysira as a female Exoian wearing a red flowing gown strode hurriedly to the trio.

"Knight Krysira," the woman stated.

"Counselor Ryvinia," Krysira replied, bowing slightly, her arms inside the sleeves of her cloak.

Ryvinia's penetrating gaze swept over Trip and Malcolm then rested back on Krysira. "These men are not your Jedi companions." Her tone was curt.

"No, these men are from the small space craft that sits in your hangar."

The Exoian woman blinked in realization. "I see. Where are your companions then?"

"They are elsewhere." Krysira changed the subject. "Please take me to Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay's chambers. Something is terribly wrong, I fear."

"Very well. Follow me. But you will not be able to get by the security 'droids.no one ever has." Ryvinia's penetrating gaze settled on the young Jedi Knight.

Krysira leveled her gaze back at the Exoian government official. "We shall see."

The Counselor quirked an eyebrow briefly in response, then spun gracefully on her heel, her gown billowing out in response, heading back into the government center.

Krysira followed with Trip and Malcolm bringing up the rear.
PART THREE
Exoia-Shuttlepod Two

Archer guided the small craft to the pre-determined landing area, after avoiding the two populated cities, as carefully as possible. The small craft disappeared into the mountains, landing smoothly in the small valley that Hoshi had located earlier on the sensors. After powering down the shuttlepod's engines, Archer swung around in his chair, his gaze on Hoshi.

"Do you think that they're in one of those two cities our scans picked up, Captain?" Hoshi questioned.

"Well.it's a good place to start," Archer replied.

Hoshi studied the sensor results. "Well, we'll have a hike to either city we go to, sir."

Archer grunted. "How long to each city?"

Hoshi glanced at the results, then back at Archer. However, her gaze went past Archer out the viewport to catch a glimpse of a shadowy figure passing briefly by the viewport. She let out an involuntary gasp of surprise.

The captain looked concerned. "Hoshi? What's wrong?" He looked over his shoulder out the viewport, seeing nothing but a few sparse shrubs and trees and what looked like moss on the ground, then sat his gaze back on Hoshi.

The communications officer looked slightly flustered, but was making a visible effort to compose herself. "Sorry, Captain. It's just that I thought I saw something pass by the viewport."

"Oh? Such as?"

"Just a shadow." She gave an embarrassed smile. "From some sort of alien animal, I suppose, sir. Just a little nervous."

Archer gave the young woman a reassuring smile. "It's okay to be a little nervous."

Hoshi looked relieved then cried out in alarm when two darkly clad figures appeared in front of the viewport.

Archer spun around, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Those are not animals, sir," Hoshi pointed out, definitely unnerved.

"Evidently not," Archer said, glancing back at Hoshi. "Take it easy. They could very well be friendly." When he turned back, the figures were gone. "Obviously, just curious about us, Ensign."

"If you say so sir." Archer got up, going over to the weapons locker and took out 2 phase pistols, handing one to Hoshi, who gave him a curious look. "A precautionary measure, Ensign," he told her. "Let's see if our friends are still around."

"Yes, sir." She grabbed a scanner and her universal translator padd, which she tucked into one of her pockets.

Archer went to the hatch and pressed a button, opening the door. He stepped out of the shuttlepod, followed by Hoshi. Their phase pistols were held in a non-threatening manner.

Archer glanced around the immediate area, but there was no visible sign of the two figures. "Hello!" He called. "Anyone here? We mean you no harm." He paused for a few moments, listening for any sounds. "Hoshi?"

Hoshi began studying her scanner, when a shuffling noise caught her attention. Looking up to her right, she saw one of the shadowy figures appear around the bow of the shuttlepod, point a weapon at her and fire. Her cry of alarm was cut short, as she crumpled to the ground unconscious.

Hearing the sound of a weapon firing, Archer whirled around to see his communications officer on the ground. "Hoshi!" Archer shouted.

However, he had only taken a couple of steps forward, when he felt something hit his back, causing him to slip into unconsciousness as he fell to the ground.

Another figure in a black hooded robe strode into the area towards the unconscious Enterprise crew, bending down near the two officers, checking for a pulse, as the two shadowy figures waited patiently nearby. After a couple of minutes, the figure stood up, looking at the two figures.

"Bring them along as well as their weapons," a male voice ordered sharply.

The figures grunted and moved to respond to their superior's order.
PART FOUR
Inside the Jinix government center

Ryvinia strode purposefully down a long lighted corridor towards a large door located under a large concrete archway. Krysira and Trip followed with Malcolm bringing up the rear. The Exoian woman halted a few feet from the door and whirled to set her gaze on Krysira, her lean features set hard.

"This leads to Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay's chambers," Ryvinia stated.

Krysira nodded. "Thank-you," she replied, slipping off her cloak, which fell onto the floor in a pile. She then felt a strong hand gently grip her shoulder. She turned to see Trip gazing at her, his blue eyes filled with deep concern for her.

/"Krys, please.be careful."/ Trip thought, hoping once again that she could hear him.

Krysira heard the heartfelt emotion and concern in her mind and the apparent nickname that he gave her. /"Always, Trip,"/ she thought back.

Neither was aware of the fact that Malcolm was studying them in a curious fashion. He saw Krysira smile tenderly as she touched Trip's cheek in an affectionate manner, then reluctantly eased away from Trip's hand, which fell back to his side.

Krysira headed for the door. Malcolm blinked, realizing that she held no weapon.

"Krysira! Wait! You need a weapon!" Malcolm called moving towards her, his hand on the handle of his blaster.

This statement spurred Trip into action. He started towards Krysira as well.

But the young Jedi Knight gave both men a gentle smile and before the two men took another step, Krysira had one of her lightsabres in hand ignited. Both men halted in their tracks, staring at the three foot long blue beam of energy that hummed softly with power.

"Apparently not," Malcolm said outloud to no one in particular definitely intrigued with the strange looking weapon. "What is that?" He wanted to know.

"I will explain later," Krysira responded, then closed her eyes, as she relaxed her body, allowing the Force to enter her being.

Trip felt a brief surge of something warm gentle, yet powerful that he couldn't quite explain, but realized that it was coming from Krysira. He wondered if it was this Force that she spoke about. He knew that she was preparing herself but had not a clue how he knew.

"But." Malcolm insisted.

Trip heard him and gripped Malcolm's shoulder hard enough to catch the British armory officer's attention. "Later, Lieutenant," Trip advised. "You'll distract her."

Malcolm's eyes narrowed slightly. "How do you know?"

The chief engineer let his hand drop from Malcolm's shoulder, as he sighed. "I wish the hell I knew, but." His gaze rested on Krysira. "I just.do."

Malcolm looked skeptical, but nodded in response.

Krysira's silvery/blue eyes snapped open. Her free hand pressed a button on the wall and the door slid open. As she moved cautiously into the doorway itself, her free hand gripped the bottom part of the hilt of her lightsabre taking a defensive stance, her eyes scanning the immediate area, which was lit up by the morning sun coming through the windows that lined the room.

Ryvinia looked on all this in a rather skeptical way. She had heard of some of the more powerful Jedi.such as Yoda and Mace Windu knowing that they were formidable warriors. But she had her doubts about this young Jedi Knight, not knowing that Mace and Yoda personally trained her. She would've preferred the Jedi master, Qui-Gon Jinn who had accompanied her to handle this situation. She sighed heavily folding her arms across her chest, wondering what the outcome would be. But, despite her misgivings, Ryvinia hoped that no harm would befall Krysira.

Krysira stepped slowly in, seeing that it was a sitting room.sparsely furnished with three other doors, one in each of the other three walls. There was not sound except for the soft hum of her lightsabre. Her senses through the Force were on high alert.

At the same time, Trip and Malcolm moved slowly towards the open door, approaching it from each side, both cautiously peering inside. Curiosity getting the better of her, Ryvinia came up behind Malcolm, peering over the armory officer's head.

Krysira tilted her head slightly, hearing a door slide open her eyes riveting onto the door to her left to see an Exoian sized black humanoid- looking 'droid walk out carrying what looked like a blaster rifle.

The 'droid's gleaming yellow eyes fastened onto Krysira and aiming its blaster rifle at her, fired without warning at the Jedi Knight.

Trip's eyes widened. "No!" He gasped outloud.

But with uncanny accuracy, Krysira whipped her lightsabre down in front of her at an angle easily deflecting the blast right back at the 'droid, hitting it in the shoulder. The 'droid took a step back in response.

Both Enterprise officers merely gaped at the female Jedi.

The 'droid fired again, three shots in succession at Krysira, who blocked each one with ease, all back at the 'droid, each blast hitting it in the chest. Although the 'droid backpedaled after each blast, there was very little damage done.

The 'droid then came out of the room it was in, looking at one of the other two doors. Krysira saw where the 'droid was looking and tensed. Another door slid open without warning, as another bolt of energy came from the doorway. The young Jedi Knight reacted instantly with another lightsabre that seemingly flew into her hand and ignited glowing a brilliant white just in time to deflect the blast back at the second 'droid, hitting it in the chest. However the blast didn't seem to faze the 'droid as it also came into the larger room.

Both 'droids fired at the same time, but the female Jedi, leapt straight up as the blasts passed each other hitting the opposite 'droid. Krysira performed a flip with a half-twist as she landed lightly facing both 'droids. Knowing that the blasts would have no effect against the 'droids, Krysira decided to go on the offensive to make short work of these 'droids.

The 'droids marched towards each other a few steps then barely stopping, both turned towards Krysira, who sprinted towards them. She then leapt up somersaulting over the 'droids, landing lightly behind them. Spinning around, Krysira swung her white lightsabre in a backhanded fashion, beheading first one 'droid then the other. Her blue lightsabre followed in a forward swing, slicing easily through the mid-section of the first 'droid then the other one. She backpedaled a couple of steps as the 'droids sizzled. Holstering both lightsabres at the same time as she turned them off, Krysira then held up one hand and gathering the Force within her, did a pushing motion with her hand at the severely damaged yet still standing 'droids. Both 'droids burst apart and fell to the floor in pieces. Krysira allowed her tense body posture to relax slightly, but still was on alert. She turned a bit to see Trip hurry over to her, while Malcolm and Ryvinia still stood near the doorway just gaping at her.

When Trip reached her, he gave her a swift but relieved hug. Krysira responded in kind. They released each other, but stood close together.

"That was.amazing.you're.incredible!" Trip finally managed to say.

Krysira saw the deep respect the young Earth commander had for her. She felt her cheeks grow warm. "This is what I've been trained to do.but thank- you for your kind words, Trip," she replied softly in a shy manner.

Trip saw the color rising in Krysira's cheeks knowing that she was blushing. He gave her that disarming smile of his. "Anytime, Krys," he replied, once again using that apparent nickname for her.

She smiled gently at the nickname, then turned her attention to Ryvinia. "Counselor, which door leads to their chambers?" She questioned.

Ryvinia blinked, then composing herself, entered the room with Malcolm right behind her. She strode past Trip and Krysira, heading for one door that did not open earlier.

Ryvinia knocked on the door. "Zarnay? Vartan? It is Ryvinia. Please respond," she said loudly through the door. She waited for a few seconds, her brow furrowing upon hearing no response from inside the room.

"Maybe they're deep sleepers," Malcolm suggested.

The counselor shook her head, her shoulder length orange hair swung side to side. "No. Exoians are light sleepers," she explained, knocking again. "Vartan! Zarnay!" She called again through the door.

But once again, there was no response. Krysira stepped up next to Ryvinia. "Perhaps, given the possible gravity of this situation.we should.enter," the pretty Jedi suggested her soft tone laced with underlying urgency.

Ryvinia fixed her onyx colored eyes on Krysira, considering the Jedi Knight's request. She nodded. "Perhaps you are correct, Knight Krysira." She pressed the button next to the door, which slid open smoothly. She entered the room. "Please forgive the intrusion, but." she trailed off, as her gasp of surprise gave way to a scream of horror, as her knees gave way.

The three humans dashed inside. Trip and Malcolm caught Ryvinia before she fell to the ground, as Krysira sprinted past them and over to the enormous bed, sliding to a stop a few feet from the bed.

Both men were surprised at how light the tall woman was. Sobs shook the Exoian woman, as she flung herself into Malcolm's arms. The human armory officer's dark eyes widened in surprise as he automatically put his arms around the woman's lean frame in a comforting manner. He looked at Trip who merely winked at him.

Trip moved next to Krysira, who had turned to face him, a profound look of sadness on her delicate features, her eyes glistened with wetness. He pulled her to him as he looked over her shoulder, seeing the grizzly scene behind her. Trip tightened his embrace, as he looked away, sickened by the way this couple had been murdered. He glanced over his shoulder to see a similar look on the armory officer's face.

"I have seen death before," Krysira said softly her voice trembled. "But never in such a horrific manner."

Ryvinia raised her head from Malcolm's shoulder. "Who could have done such a thing?" She wanted to know.

"Someone who does not want peace to exist on Exoia."

"Let's get out of here," Trip's normally strong voice quavered.

They left the room, entering the main room once again. Ryvinia composed herself enough to summon guards and medical personnel, holding onto Malcolm's hand for comfort and strength, as she gave him a grateful look for his support. He blushed slightly in response, but smiled nonetheless.

Krysira stood looking out a nearby window that overlooked the main town square in Jinix, wondering what her next plan of action would be, as she drew comfort from Trip, who stood quietly behind her, his arms around her waist. She hoped that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were faring better than she was.
PART FIVE
City of Tysag

Caden led the Jedi and his fellow Exoians through the various twists and turns of the enormous underground city until they reached an area that was a marketplace. Young Obi-Wan stared at the exotic and unusual items being sold by the various vendors both Exoian and alien alike. "Keep your mind focused on the present situation, Padawan," Qui-Gon's voice came from beside him.

Obi-Wan started, looking aside to see Qui-Gon gazing at him. He felt his cheeks grow hot. "Yes, Master," he murmured, as he fixed his gaze on their Exoian companions.

Qui-Gon hid a small smile, understanding the youth's curiosity, knowing that he himself was like that when he was his Padawan's age.

As they neared the far end of the marketplace, there was an older Exoian woman sitting in a chair working on a necklace. Her shop appeared to be built into the side of the mountain that hid the city. She looked up as Chelz approached her.

"May I help you, my dear?" The older woman asked pleasantly.

"Yes.I am seeking a hard to find necklace," Chelz replied. "I was told that you might know where I could acquire it."

"Perhaps.what kind of necklace?"

"A Triad necklace with a pure silver staff charm on it."

The older woman raised an eyebrow, studying Chelz intensely for a few long moments, before replying. "What you seek is in the back of my shop. You can not miss it."

Chelz smiled warmly. "Thank-you."

The older woman nodded, going back to working on the necklace, not giving Chelz or the rest of the group a second glance, as they went into the shop.

Although the older woman's shop had various types of jewelry displayed throughout the small shop that would've caused most people to stop and examine each piece, the group didn't bother taking a second look, as they headed towards the rear of the shop.

As Chelz approached the rear of the shop, she could make out a door. She saw a raised stone, and touched it. The door slid open instantly. Chelz glanced over her shoulder at Qui-Gon, who nodded. Caden eased Chelz to one side and peered inside the doorway, seeing that it was a tunnel lit with luminescent off-white stones.

Seeing that the tunnel was empty, Caden entered, motioning for the others to follow. The tunnel was high enough to accommodate the height of the Exoians and wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Caden led the way, with Chelz and Trey following while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon brought up the rear.

"Chelz.was that our contact?" Qui-Gon inquired.

Chelz looked over her shoulder. "Yes.and.no," the attractive Exoian woman replied softly. "Our true contact will join up with us when we reach our destination."

"Which is.where?"

"The subterranean level below this one." It was Caden who answered. "I have heard of this level but I have never been to it."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Then may I suggest that we proceed with.caution?"

The others nodded, as they followed the seemingly never-ending tunnel.
PART SIX
Government Center in Jinix
The chambers that belonged to the late Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay now teemed with medical personal and guards. Ryvinia and Malcolm sat on one sofa, while Krysira and Trip sat across the room on another sofa, while waiting for the coroner's initial findings.

Ryvinia looked at Malcolm. "Forgive my lack of control earlier," she began in a softer tone of voice than she had been using. "I did not mean to throw myself at you." Her cheeks had a light purple tinge to them.

Malcolm smiled a bit shyly. "It's quite alright, Counselor," he replied. "You were understandably upset." His expression grew serious. "Considering the gravity of the situation."

Ryvinia's eyes misted, as she nodded. "Yes, thank-you for your support. It was greatly appreciated."

He merely nodded, his cheeks growing warm with color.

"I haven't asked who you and your companion are."

"I'm Lieutenant Malcolm Reed and." He nodded towards Trip. "He's Commander Trip Tucker. We're from the starship Enterprise from Earth."

She looked puzzled. "Earth? I am afraid that I have never heard of that planet."

Malcolm chuckled warmly, surprisingly at ease with this woman. "Not to worry. Neither have many other races."

"Yet.you are both.human.yes?"

He nodded.

She tilted her head slightly. "Curious." She studied Malcolm for a long moment or two before continuing. "How did you arrive on Exoia?" A beat. "I know that has nothing to do with the present situation, however." she trailed off.

"You could.use the distraction," Malcolm finished.

Ryvinia's eyes glanced towards the room that they had emerged from not too long ago, then fixed her large onyx-colored eyes on Malcolm. "Yes. Would you mind?"

Malcolm thought for a few moments, wondering how much he should actually reveal. He glanced over at Trip figuring that his superior officer related the events that led them to this planet. He met the counselor's large eyes and found that he trusted her. He didn't know why.but he did. He found himself smiling. "Not at all," he finally replied, instinctively laying his hand on top of Ryvinia's hand gently, as he proceeded to relate that events that led up until now to the best of his knowledge.

In the meantime, Trip was gently stroking Krysira's long honey blond hair with one hand while his other hand was held by both of Krysira's slender hands. Both found this comforting and relaxing.

"You okay, Krys?" Trip questioned softly.

"Yes," Krysira replied. "I realized that I must apprise Master Windu of the situation, but I must wait until we know the cause of death."

"You didn't expect this.did you?"

Her silvery/blue eyes fastened on Trip's strong facial features. "No.it was supposed to be a matter of simple negotiations to stop the fighting and find the cause of the rift between the two groups." She paused, gazing into Trip's dark blue eyes. "And through the will of the Force.I found you, showing me that my destiny perhaps lays along a different path," She smiled softly in a shy way.

Trip felt his cheeks grow warm as he leaned over brushing his lips gently across Krysira's lips. He raised up to see Krysira's cheeks flush with shyness, then saw that was looking past him. He turned to see an older male Exoian emerge from the bedchamber with a somber expression on his face. "Counselor Ryvinia," the man's rich voice resonated in the room.

The woman stood, as did Malcolm. Krysira and Trip rose joining them.

"Yes, Healer Gadi?" Ryvinia responded her voice trembled slightly.

"I have results from my initial examination." He paused as a mixture of guards and other medical personnel filed out of the bedchamber carrying two blanket-covered figures on two stretchers. He waited until the group left, then continued. "Essentially.they bled to death. They both had been.cut repeatedly." His voice shook slightly as he went on. "It appears that they were asleep when they were attacked, for there was no signs of any struggle." He paused, looking puzzled. "I estimate that they have been dead about 4-5 hours."

"There's more, Healer Gadi?" It was Krysira.

Gadi looked over at the female Jedi Knight, smiling faintly. "You are perceptive, Jedi Knight," he sounded mildly impressed. "Yes, there is more. Any sword or dagger did not do the cuts, as far as I can tell. I must do a further examination to see if I can determine what exactly what weapon was used."

"Would it be against your protocols if I were to examine the bedchambers?"

Gadi glanced at Ryvinia who shook her head, then looked back at Krysira. "Not at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Jedi Knight." He inclined his head towards Krysira. "I will be in the infirmary conducting the autopsies." A wave of utter sadness crossed over the man's face briefly, before he bowed slightly to Ryvinia, then left the chambers.

Ryvinia turned to Krysira. "What do you hope to find, Knight Krysira?" She questioned.

"Any clue as to who.or what murdered Honor Zarnay and Noble Vartan so brutally," Krysira said in an even no nonsense tone, as she headed into the bedchambers.

Trip followed. Malcolm looked at Ryvinia, who smiled her consent and hurried in, after his superior officer. Ryvinia started towards the bedchambers, but stopped and sank back down on the couch. She pulled her knees up to her chest and burying her face in her hands, allowed her composure to break, sobbing heavily yet quietly at the loss of her friends.

Krysira moved to stand next to the enormous bed, seeing tan bed sheets smattered with purple blood. Upon closer examination, Krysira noted that the sheets were also ripped.not cut. She knew that this confirmed Healer Gadi's theory that the cuts on Zarnay and Vartan were not made by a sword or dagger. But what.she wondered.

At the same time, Trip and Malcolm inspected the rest of the bedchamber.

Malcolm's keen sense of observation spotted a trail of discoloration splotches on the dark tan carpet that seemingly led from the bed.to where.he wanted to know.

Trip's inspection led him to a large window about 20 feet from the bed. On the concrete ledge, the chief engineer noted three thin trails of what looked like purplish blood. As he peered closer at the marks, he thought he saw that the concrete itself had been marred. He frowned.wondering what could've penetrated concrete in such a manner. He began to search for a way to open the window.

Malcolm's trail led him to the same window that Trip was at and also saw the trails of blood on the concrete. He saw that Trip had opened the window and was peering out it. He peered out as well. Looking straight out, all that was visible were the roofs of other nearby buildings, the closest roof about 20 meters or so. Looking down, both judged the distance to be at least 40 meters.if not more.

By this time Krysira joined them. "The means of escape for the intruder?" Krysira questioned.

"More than likely," Malcolm replied. "There's a trail of what looked like blood, leading from the bed to here," he pointed out.

"Probably went over the side," Trip assumed, pointing to the thin purple marks that were on the windowsill. "Seeing how these marks kinda indicate that the intruder went over the side."

Malcolm shook his head. "I don't see how anyone could survive a jump like that."

"Unless there was a craft hovering unnoticed nearby," Krysira suggested.

The armory officer nodded. "That's a possibility."

"What did you find, Krys?" Trip questioned.

"The sheets were ripped, rather than cut." She folded her arms across her chest as she thought for a few moments. "I would venture a guess with what I found and you found that the weapon is most likely a claw."

"An animal?" Malcolm offered.

Krysira shook her head. "No.there are several species that have claws instead of fingers." She thought for a few moments. "Although none of those species are located in this particular solar system, as far as I am aware of." She sighed, as she got out her small communicator. "Qui-Gon, this is Krysira." However, all that she got was static. Krysira frowned. "Qui-Gon, this is Krysira.please respond," she tried again. But once again, all that was heard was static. She tucked away her communicator; a worried look crossed her features.

"Problem?" Trip assumed.

"I can not raise Qui-Gon."

"Didn't he say that he and some others are going to an underground city?"

Krysira nodded, listening.

"It's possible that small communication device signals aren't strong enough to go through the ground if the city's that deep underground," Malcolm went on to explain.

Trip laid a hand on Krysira's shoulder, gently squeezing it. "He's right.y'know. I'm sure that your friends are fine." He gave her a reassuring smile, his hand slipping from her shoulder.

Krysira smiled softly in return. "I have not felt any other sense of danger through the Force. So all is calm.for now." She sighed. "I do have to inform Master Windu of this unfortunate occurrence."

"I know this is probably not the best time, Krysira," Malcolm began. "But I've never seen a weapon like yours before."

The pretty Jedi Knight gazed at Malcolm.waiting.

"It's just that I am the ship's armory officer and I.um, do have a fascination with weapons," he concluded.

She smiled. "It is called a lightsabre," she replied.

"Can it go through anything?"

"Yes.except for another lightsabre."

Malcolm's eyes sparkled. "Amazing! Where can one get a lightsabre?"

"I am afraid that is not possible, Lieutenant. A Jedi makes a lightsabre as the final part of their training. It is.a part of them. A lightsabre is a very dangerous weapon in the hands of an untrained person," she explained in her gentle manner.

Although he was disappointed, Malcolm nodded in understanding.

Krysira the pulled out her other communicator, setting it on a nearby table, activating it. Within a few seconds a holographic three-dimensional figure of a dark-skinned man wearing tan/brown clothes similar to Krysira's. Both Enterprise officers saw the other man smile warmly at Krysira. "Greetings, Master Windu," Krysira said, bowing a little to her former master.

"Greetings, young one," Mace said, then saw Trip nearby. "Commander Tucker." He then saw Malcolm. "And you must be Commander Tucker's crewmate, Lieutenant Reed?"

"Yes, sir," Malcolm replied, definitely in awe of the technology as Trip had been before.

Mace smiled easily then turned his attention back to Krysira, studying his former Padawan for a few moments before speaking. "You are troubled, young one?" He questioned.

"Yes, Master. I am afraid that what I have to report is.not pleasant news," she replied.

"Oh?"

With a heavy heart, Krysira explained the current situation.

Mace's expression had darkened during Krysira's report. He now understood why he felt such sorrow from his former apprentice, despite the distance between them.

Mace sighed heavily. "I see. This is a tragic turn of events," he finally replied. "Has the Exoian government accused the resistance of this?"

"No.not that I am aware of. I do not think that Elkan would order any of his warriors to perform such an atrocity, Master."

The older Jedi nodded. "I trust your judgement, Krysira." He paused for a moment. "Where are Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan?"

"They are in the underground city of Tysag with two Exoian citizens following a lead. Unfortunately, I am unable to contact Qui-Gon, due to interference because of their location underground."

Mace sighed again. "Very well. I will inform Yoda of this situation and will contact you soon. Be cautious, young one. May the Force be with you."

"And you as well, Master Windu." She bowed, as Mace cut off the connection between them.

Krysira picked up her communicator, switching it off and tucking it away. She turned to both men. "We should inform Counselor Ryvinia of what we discovered here."

Trip and Malcolm both nodded, as they followed Krysira into the main chamber area.