Krysira's Destiny

Chapter Eight

PART ONE
Hidden mountain pass

The figure in the dark hooded robe paused and turned to watch the two shadowy figures and their captives. He saw that the man was flung over the shoulder of one of his minions, while the young woman was carried in the other one's arms.

"Come along!" He hissed.

The one carrying Archer snarled something at its master.

"Their craft? No one will think to look for it there," he replied. "Now.follow me and stay close!"

The dark hooded robed figure quickened his pace with his two minions right on his heels. As he approached the side of the mountain, he pulled out a small square device and pressed a small button; part of the mountainside shimmered away, revealing a large passageway. He stepped to one side, allowing his minions to enter then followed, as he pressed another button, that resulted in a wall shimmering back into view on this side.

He led the two shadowy figures with the captives down the long passageway that was semi-lit.
PART TWO
The subterranean level under Tysag

After about a half-hour or so, the Exoians and the Jedi emerged from the tunnel to enter yet another market type area about the same size as the one they were just in. Qui-Gon stepped up next to Caden to see the mildly surprised look on the huge Exoian's rough features.

Caden glanced down at the human next to him. "I never knew that this existed down here," he admitted. "And I lived in Tysag for most of my life. No one ever mentioned this."

Trey walked up to stand on Caden's other side, surveying the area with a practiced eye. "From the looks of the different shops, this area is fairly new," he replied.

"You are quite correct, space pilot," a soft female voice said from the nearby shadows. "This is known as the Pit."

The group turned to see a frail looking yet attractive woman emerge from the shadows. She had pale green skin and large emerald colored eyes that seemed to glow at the group. She had short raven black hair that was disheveled with a thin bony ridge that ran from ear to ear across her head and wore a form fitting black leotard type outfit and matching knee high boots. Strapped to her thigh, was a blaster rifle. She was smaller than young Obi-Wan, but not by much.

Trey raised an eyebrow. "A Mesarian?" He questioned.

She inclined her head. "You do know your races, space pilot," her soft voice seemed to float through the air. "I am, Ori Yigal." She walked gracefully over to Chelz, who had come up between Caden and Trey, who moved a bit protectively closer to her. She gave Trey an almost alluring smile. "Fret not, space pilot." Ori held her hand open to reveal a three-strand beaded necklace with a silver staff charm dangling from it.

Chelz took the necklace and nodded in confirmation.

"Then.shall we be off?" Ori questioned, her eyes sweeping over the members of the group, lingering on the tall Jedi Master longer than necessary.

Qui-Gon felt Ori's scrutiny and gazed back impassively at the small Mesarian woman, who merely smiled sweetly at the Jedi Master, then turned on her heel heading into the market place. Chelz followed with Trey and Caden right behind her. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan brought up the rear.

The youth studied his master seeing flickers of concern cross his lean features.

/"Master?"/ Obi-Wan thought across their bond.

/"Yes, Padawan?"/ Qui-Gon thought back.

/"You seem.concerned."/

A sigh floated along the bond from Qui-Gon. /"Very perceptive, Padawan. Yes.I am. Chelz is quite trusting of someone she has just met."/ He paused as he felt something tug at the back of his mind.

/"Master?"/

/"Be alert, Padawan. All is not as it seems."/

/"Yes, Master."/

Qui-Gon closed the connection between them, his hand on the hilt of his lightsabre. Glancing aside, he saw that his apprentice had done the same thing. He hoped that they were not walking into a trap. Everything at this point just seemed.too easy. Not that Qui-Gon didn't appreciate it when things went smoothly. He just couldn't put his finger on what.bothered him about this whole situation.
PART THREE
Government center in Jinix

By the time the three humans emerged from the bedchamber, Ryvinia had composed herself. She rose to her feet as the three humans approached her.

"Did you find.anything?" Ryvinia questioned.

"A possible lead," Krysira replied, then proceeded to explain their findings to the government official.

A teenaged male Exoian dressed in attire that signified his status as a page ran through the deserted hall towards the chambers of Honor Zarnay and Noble Vartan, unaware of the recent tragedy that had taken place.

"They will fire me for certain now," Lonan thought miserably. "I can not believe I overslept! And this is only my first week as Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay's page."

As Lonan dashed around the corner, he slowed a bit, seeing some blue article of clothing to one side of the corridor. As he hurried by, Lonan grabbed the clothing, continuing on towards his destination.

Malcolm was suddenly aware of pounding feet coming towards them. He moved to look out the doorway, as someone came rushing in.

Lonan was not aware of where he was running and tripped over the pile of destroyed 'droids and slammed partially into Malcolm, who went flying off through the air from the impact, while the youth tumbled head over heels, still clutching the blue article of clothing.

Trip's eyes widened in horror, seeing his crewmate flying through the air towards a window. "MALCOLM!" He shouted, helplessly.

Ryvinia was too stunned to move.

Krysira reacted instantly. Gathering the Force within her, the Jedi Knight held up a slender hand in Malcolm's direction. Malcolm's flying form suddenly slowed then stopped a foot or two from the window and floated gently to the floor. She lowered her hand.

Malcolm blinked, finding himself facedown on the floor, rather than crashing through the window.

Trip gazed at Krysira, realizing it had been her that saved Malcolm from certain injuries and possible death. "Thanks, Krys," he said softly, then kissed her cheek, as he went over to help Malcolm, who was pushing himself up off of the floor. "Easy, Malcolm," he advised.

"I could've sworn that I was going through that window, sir," Malcolm grunted as he allowed Trip to help him up.

"Well.you had a little help in that area," Trip told him, casting a quick glance at Krysira.

Malcolm looked at his superior officer. "Oh?"

Trip grinned. "Later.you okay?"

"A little shook up, but I'm alright."

"Good."

Ryvinia gazed at Malcolm relieved, then over at Krysira, who met the Exoian's gaze passively. Krysira saw respect in Ryvinia's eyes and nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement. She smiled briefly, then rested her gaze on Lonan who was looking around confused, still seated on the floor.

"Lonan," Ryvinia began firmly.

The teenaged Exoian's head snapped up and his face paled, seeing the Counselor gazing down at him, her face impassive.

Seeing that she had the youth's attention, Ryvinia continued. "Would you care to explain yourself?" She frowned. "Is this any way for a page to present himself?" She gestured at his position on the floor.

Looking horrified, Lonan scrambled to his feet, standing in front of Ryvinia, eyes on the floor.

"And what are you holding?" Ryvinia went on.

"I found this in the hallway," Lonan replied in a quiet voice, holding up the blue article of clothing.

Krysira, was watching in the background, saw her cloak and approached them. "Counselor, I believe that this young man has brought me my cloak," she said in a soft tone.

Lonan handed the cloak to Krysira who put it on. The youth's eyes suddenly widened upon seeing the handles of Krysira's lightsabres hanging from her belt and realized that this pretty human woman was a Jedi that he had learned a little about in school.

"You are a.Jedi?" The teenager blurted out.

Krysira smiled at Lonan. "Yes," she replied.

Lonan's eyes grew ever wider if that was at all possible. "A Jedi.wow!"

Trip and Malcolm joined them.

Ryvinia sighed softly. "Lonan, what are you doing here?" She wanted to know.

Lonan stopped gaping at Krysira as his eyes snapped back to Ryvinia. "I was reporting to Honor Zarnay and Noble Vartan as ordered, but I, uh.overslept." His cheeks grew a deep purple. "And in my rush to get here, I tripped over." He paused, looking over his shoulder at the pile of destroyed 'droids, motioning at it. "That and fell down. I thought I hit into someone."

"You did." She motioned to Malcolm.

If the boy's face could've gone even paler than his own natural white skin color, it would have. "I am sorry. Please forgive me," he said softly his eyes downcast.

Malcolm smiled. "It's alright, young man," he began. "Next time just be more aware of where you're running."

Lonan nodded. "Yes, sir. Thank you for understanding."

Malcolm merely nodded.

"Report to your post, Lonan," Ryvinia stated.

The youth looked at her. "But." He trailed off, seeing the counselor raise her hand.

"I assure you, you will not be fired. Please.follow orders."

Lonan nodded. "Yes, Counselor." He glanced at Krysira, as he headed for the doorway. "A Jedi! The others will not believe it!" He said outloud mostly to himself, unaware that Trip heard him, as he walked out of the chambers and down the corridor.

Trip watched him for a few moments, then was aware of Krysira standing next to him, seeing that she was also looking out the doorway. She turned to look at Malcolm.

"Lieutenant?" Krysira said.

Malcolm looked at the female Jedi Knight. "Yes?" He replied.

"Are you.injured?"

"My shoulder's just a little stiff and sore from the impact, but nothing's broken."

She moved next to Malcolm. She laid her hand on his shoulder and closed her eyes, gathering in the healing part of the Force. After a few moments, Malcolm felt a gentle warmness course through his shoulder. Krysira removed her hand, gazing passively at the armory officer.

Malcolm blinked, as he moved his shoulder around. He looked back at Krysira. "It's not stiff nor sore any more!" He exclaimed. "Thank-you." He paused, grinning a little. "It's.Malcolm."

Krysira smiled. "You are welcome.Malcolm," she replied.

"Knight Krysira." It was Ryvinia.

"Excuse me." Krysira joined the Exoian counselor.

Malcolm turned to Trip. "How did she do that? Just what is a Jedi Knight?" He wanted to know.

"I don't understand it all myself, but obviously someone who is trained in the use of something called the Force," Trip replied, gazing over a Krysira. "From what Krysira told me that the Force is an energy that connects all living things. Jedi have a very strong connection to the Force. They use its power to gather knowledge and wisdom and to fight, if necessary. I guess to heal as well it seems."

"Well.from what I saw earlier, she certainly is well trained in the use of those lightsabres of hers and you were right.quite the athlete as well."

Trip merely grunted in response, his attention on Krysira. Malcolm studied his superior officer for a long minute, wondering if Trip was in love with Krysira, but said nothing.

Krysira rejoined them. "For now, until Healer Gadi concludes his.autopsies.all we can do is wait. I did mention to her about you wanting to repair your craft and Counselor Ryvinia has graciously offered the services of the engineers to assist you," she informed them.

"Wonderful," Malcolm replied. "Where is our shuttlepod?"

"In a hangar under the government center itself. When we go back to the main area, Lonan, the page who was here earlier, will take us there".

Trip smiled. "Terrific. Let's go," he said.

Krysira nodded and led the two Enterprise officers towards the doorway, nodding to Ryvinia, who nodded to her then to Trip, who returned the gesture.

Ryvinia laid a long slender hand lightly on Malcolm's shoulder, causing the armory officer to stop. He looked at her curiously. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Flushing slightly, Malcolm smiled shyly at the attractive Exoian woman, then followed Krysira and Trip out of the chambers.

Ryvinia sighed wistfully after Malcolm for a moment or two before resuming the painful task of getting Zarnay and Vartan's affairs together.
PART FOUR
The Pit

Ori led the small group through the marketplace towards a series of caverns. She stopped turning back to the group. "Some of these caverns lead right to Drayce's lair," she said quietly. "And he could see us coming. However, this one." She gestured to the nearest cavern. "Will allow us to enter without being seen."

Qui-Gon moved up next to Chelz. "If I may suggest, Chelz, that we confront Drayce directly," he suggested.

Chelz thought for a moment. "But what if he knows that we are approaching? He will disappear and we will not be any closer to finding out why he let those 10 Exoian women die," she replied, her large onyx colored eyes gazed at the Jedi Master.

Although something was still nagging at the back of his mind, Qui-Gon did see the rationale of her words. If Drayce did disappear, then they would be no closer to establishing peace on Exoia. "Very well, Chelz," he finally replied, then looked at Ori, who was leaning against a nearby cavern wall patiently. "Lead on, Ori."

Ori nodded once. "As you wish," she almost purred at the Jedi Master.

The Mesarian woman entered the cavern with the group following. Qui-Gon stopped Obi-Wan and waited until everyone was a little distance away.

"Master?" The teenager questioned in a soft worried voice.

"If anything should happen, Padawan, get to Krysira as quickly as possible," Qui-Gon said in a quiet tone. "And apprise her of the situation."

"But." he trailed off, seeing that his master held up a hand.

"Please, Obi-Wan. I understand your concern and I appreciate it, but please.for everyone's sake, do not argue."

"Yes, Master. I will obey you."

Qui-Gon gently squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder, then strode after the group with Obi-Wan bringing up the rear, half-running to keep up with his master.
PART FIVE

Dungeon

The end of the passageway opened up into a large open space. Directly across from the passageway there was an entranceway that led to a dungeon area. The dark hooded robed figure entered the dungeon area. Another shadowy figure looked motionless while seated on a stool located just before the cells.

The dark hooded robed figure let out a disgusted sigh and suddenly his gloved hand came out of his sleeve, viciously backhanded the shadowy figure across the face, knocking it completely off of its stool. The other two shadowy figures shifted nervously behind their master, glancing at each other.

The shadowy figure landed facedown on the ground, but pushed up off of the ground, onto its feet to face its potential foe. However, upon seeing whom it was, it dropped to its knees, head bowed in submission.

"IDIOT!" The dark hooded robed figured thundered. "I will NOT warn you again about sleeping! There will NOT be a next time! Is that understood?"

The shadowy figure snarled ever so softly in response.

"Good! Now get up and open up the large cell at the end! We have some.guests."

The shadowy figure scrambled to its feet and hurried to do its master's bidding. The dark hooded robed figure motioned for his other two minions to follow with their captives then followed himself. The cell was now open with the third shadowy figure stood holding the door, head bowed, as the others carried in their prisoners.

The cell had a few small straw beds along the perimeter of the cell, each one covered with a worn blanket. Archer was dumped unceremoniously on his back on one bed, while Hoshi was laid gently on another bed nearby.

"Careful, idiot! Out!" The hooded figure hissed.

The two shadowy figures ran out, as the third shut the door after its master emerged. The dark hooded robed figure snapped his fingers and the first two minions produced the confiscated phase pistols and scanning device, handing the devices to their master, who dismissed them with a wave of his hand. He studied Archer, seeing that the man didn't seem hurt.

The dark hooded robed figure whirled on his remaining minion. "Guard them well," he said in a tone that brooked no disobedience. "I will be rewarded handsomely for these two.especially the man." His tone turned deadly. "Any mistakes will cost you your pitiful existence! Do I make myself clear?"

The shadowy figure nodded in response and watched its master whirl away and stride out of the cell area. It cast a look at the unconscious captives, before returning to its post, quite alert now.
PART SIX
Government Center in Jinix

Krysira, Trip and Malcolm made their way to the main section of the vast building to meet up with Lonan. Malcolm sighed heavily as he walked next to Trip who glanced at him, concerned.

"You okay, Malcolm?" Trip wanted to know.

"Yes, sir. I'm fine," Malcolm replied. "I was just thinking about that young man, Lonan."

"Oh?"

"Not for anything.it was fortunate that he did oversleep."

Trip caught the meaning of the words and nodded solemnly.

"Yes," Krysira replied. "Otherwise, there would be three needless deaths to investigate."

The trio then entered the main area of the government center. And after speaking with a guard, they made their way across the area towards their destination. After a minute or two, they came to an open doorway. As they stepped in, they saw the Lonan and two other Exoian pages, one male the other female. Krysira stopped with Trip and Malcolm on either side of her. The teenagers did not yet detect their presence.

"I am not telling stories, Roxx!" Lonan said firmly to the slightly better built youth then looked at the female. "You believe me, do you not, Sedona?"

Sedona laid a slender hand on Lonan's arm. "You do not have to make up things to impress me, Lonan," Sedona replied in a child-like voice.

Lonan stared at her. "I am not making things up!"

Roxx crossed his arms over his chest, chuckling at Lonan, as he leaned back against a table. "So, you are saying that up in Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay's chambers that there was a human female Jedi.with two lightsabres?" He repeated.

Lonan's eyes snapped back onto Roxx. "Yes!"

"I think that when you took that tumble, you must have hit your head."

Krysira glanced aside at Trip. Both smiled knowingly at each other. The attractive female Jedi Knight made her way silently over to the group while the two Enterprise watched from just inside the doorway.

"It is not wise to judge so harshly or be so disbelieving when not knowing all the facts," Krysira's calm voice broke the silence, as she put her hands behind her back, gazing passively at the three youths.

All three teenagers looked around to stare at the owner of the voice.

Roxx saw the lightsabres hanging from Krysira's belt. He blinked in surprise. "You are a Jedi?" He questioned.

"Yes. Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles," she replied.

Both Roxx and Sedona looked sheepishly and apologetic at Lonan.

"What can we do for you?" Sedona asked.

"Counselor Ryvinia suggested that Lonan could take myself and my companions." She motioned behind her at Trip and Malcolm. "To the hangar bay to repair their craft."

"Oh.of course," Lonan said. "Please follow me."

He started to move towards the door, when he felt a soft hand on his hand. He glanced aside to see Sedona gaze up at him.

"I am sorry, Lonan," Sedona said softly.

Lonan nodded. "We will talk later," he replied with a grin. He looked at Roxx, who merely nodded. Lonan knew that was about as close to apologizing, as Roxx would come. Lonan then looked at Krysira, then Trip and Malcolm. "If you would follow me please."

The three humans nodded, as Lonan led them out of the room and towards the hangar bay.