Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Eleven
PART ONE
Cavern deep below city of Tysag
Seated upon several large cushions on the cavern floor was a small angelic- looking white being in flowing silvery white robes. It had an oval featureless face save for a small lipless mouth and two amber crystal eyes. Its long silvery white dreadlocked-type hair hung in disarray.
The prefect of the Rybrillians, Ca-Yanne, sat gazing at the force field around her. She could feel the duress of her people, but was powerless to do anything about it, for the force field prevented her from using her empathic powers.
She bowed her head, as large amber-colored tears began to streak her face, falling onto her lap as her sorrow surfaced.
PART TWO
Jinix Government Center
Krysira and Trip continued down the corridor, when a warning from the Force hit Krysira, who stopped dead in her tracks.
"Krys?" Trip asked concerned.
"Obi-Wan!" Krysira exclaimed, then sprinted down the corridor.
Trip took off after the pretty Jedi without question. Oddly enough, he also felt that something was wrong, but he figured that he felt it because of his strong connection with Krysira.
Shortly, they arrived at Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan's quarters. Both skidded to a stop in front of the door. As Krysira touched the button to open the door, her free hand opened and one of her lightsabres almost instantaneously flew into her hand, glowing a blazing white. Following her lead, Trip pulled out his blaster, holding it at a ready position.
The door slid open and both humans entered the eerily quiet room, cautiously, as they scanned the area. They moved slowly through the main area.
"Obi-Wan?" Krysira called softly.
There was no response.
Trip spotted a pair of legs sticking out of a nearby doorway. "Krys!" He called. "Someone's over here!" Krysira followed Trip over to the owner of the legs, to see that it was the young Exoian page, watching Trip bend down near the teenager.
"Lonan," Trip said quietly, as he reholstered his blaster and rolled the teenager over onto his back, searching for a pulse.
Krysira nodded, She reholstered her lightsabre as she stepped around Trip, entering the bedroom.
She noted that the bed was in disarray and the window was open as well. She walked over to the bed and reached under the pillow. She let out a sad sigh, as her hand touched the hilt of one, then the other lightsabre. She pulled them out, holding them against her, as she walked over to Trip. Krysira bent down next to him.
Trip looked at her. "He's alive, just unconscious," he replied, then frowned slightly. "More lightsabres?"
"Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's," she replied. "We were taught to be always on alert and have our lightsabres within reach." She paused. "Obi-Wan did not have the opportunity to grab his."
"Why?"
Her silvery/blue eyes gazed over Lonan's still form. "Only Lonan would know."
"We have to wait 'til he wakes up."
The pretty Jedi Knight merely smiled and laid her free hand on Lonan's chest. Drawing the Force within her, Krysira then sent it into Lonan. About a minute later, the teenaged Exoian page began to wake up.
Lonan's large eyes snapped open as he sat bolt upright, unaware of Trip and Krysira next to him. "Obi-Wan!" He cried out.
"Easy there," Trip soothed, laying a large hand on Lonan's shoulder.
Lonan started slightly, then relaxed. "Commander Tucker...Knight Krysira," he said.
"Lonan, what happened? Where is Obi-Wan?" Krysira questioned.
The Exoian page sighed heavily. "He was kidnapped."
"No..." Krysira looked distressed.
"I think you best start at the beginning, Lonan," Trip advised.
"Yes, Commander." He paused for a few short moments to gather his thoughts. "Obi-Wan went to rest for a while. About a half-hour later, I heard a noise, like something hitting a wall. Thinking something wrong, I rushed in to check on him. When I went in, there was a blue mist in the room. I guess it was some kind of gas. I saw that Obi-Wan was over the shoulder of a being known as a Rybrillian, before I fell unconscious."
Krysira frowned slightly. "I have not heard of that race before," she stated. "Why would they kidnap Obi-Wan?"
Lonan stood up. "Let me explain please."
He headed over to the table in the main area. Krysira and Trip rose to their feet, following Lonan, who was holding a piece of drawing paper. He then began to relate what he had explained to the Jedi Padawan earlier.
"I guess maybe Drayce is afraid that Obi-Wan is on to him," he ventured a guess in conclusion.
Trip grunted. "Drayce pops up once again," he grumbled.
"I see," Krysira replied, after hearing Lonan's explanation, then to Trip. "So it seems." She looked back at the Exoian page. "Lonan, Counselor Ryvinia and Lieutenant Reed are probably at the hangar bay to await the arrival of some very important guests. I need them all to come here immediately after the guests have arrived."
Lonan thought for a moment." What if she requires an explanation?" He asked.
"Tell her I will explain when she arrives."
Lonan nodded. "As you wish, Knight Krysira." He paused. "I am sorry that I could not prevent Obi-Wan's kidnapping."
Krysira smiled gently. "From what you explained, there was nothing that you could do. You are not at fault."
Lonan bowed slightly. "Thank-you, Knight Krysira." With that, he hurried out of the room to carry out his task.
Trip moved over to Krysira. "You okay, Krys?" He asked, gently brushing a few stray strands of hair out of her face.
"I was not here to prevent Obi-Wan's capture," Krysira told him.
He gently gripped her upper arms. "If you were here, you probably would've been unconscious as well. Besides, you came here as soon as you felt that something was wrong, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Then you have nothing to be ashamed of. You reacted appropriately. No one will fault you for that, Krys."
The female Jedi considered Trip's words, then nodded. "Thank-you, Trip." She then brushed her lips against his lips in a soft shy kiss, seeing him give her that disarming smile of his. She composed herself. "I will try to see if I can contact Qui-Gon through the Force, seeing that Obi-Wan is most likely unconscious." She seated herself on the nearby couch assuming her meditative position, as Trip sat next to her, laying a large hand on top of her folded hands.
She closed her eyes, drawing the Force within her.
PART THREE
Dungeon
Jonathan Archer leaned against the cell door bars, carrying on a quiet conversation with Trey in the cell across from him, while Hoshi sat on a straw cot in the rear of their cell still working on the being's language. Chelz and Caden listened quietly.
On the other hand, Qui-Gon sat in his cell on the dirt/straw floor in his meditative position, the Force following through him. As he meditated, he could he feel someone trying to communicate him through the Force. He focused in on the contact, wondering who it could be. Obi-Wan...perhaps?
/"Qui-Gon? Can you hear me?"/ It was Krysira.
/"Krysira!"/ Qui-Gon exclaimed.
/"You are...unharmed?"/
/"I am fine, but I am a prisoner, along with my Exoian allies and two of Commander Tucker's crewmembers deep underneath the city of Tysag. What of Obi-Wan?"/
/"There is much I must relate to you, Qui-Gon."/
He heard the quiet determination in her thoughts. /"Proceed."/
Over their bond, Krysira relayed as quickly and concisely as she could all the events that had occurred up until now.
Krysira could hear the heavy sad sigh from Qui-Gon over their bond.
/"Although the loss of Honor Zarnay and Noble Vartan is saddening, you have been able to bring together both sides under a common cause,"/ Qui-Gon finally replied. /"The information about the Rybrillians is quite helpful. Ensign Sato has been able to translate the Rybrillian language and hopefully soon we will be able to communicate with our guard to see what else can be learned."/ He paused, feeling something. /"Krysira, do not punish yourself over Obi-Wan's capture. Had things been different, you could either have been rendered unconscious or...kidnapped as well."/ He paused again. /"If any harm befalls Obi-Wan, his captor will be dealt with."/ There was an unusual hardness in Qui-Gon's voice.
/"Thank-you for your understanding,"/ Krysira replied. /"I will organize efforts here, Qui-Gon."/
The Jedi master grunted in approval. /"I have a word of advice, my young friend. Due to the complexity of Tysag, perhaps using Obi-Wan's means of escape as an entrance could prove useful."/
/"Yes...my thought as well."/
/"Contact me when you have arrived at the mountains...I will keep you informed of any changes on this end. May the Force be with you, Krysira."/
/"And you as well, Qui-Gon."/
Both closed the connection.
Caden looked over to see the Jedi master rise to his feet, moving to the doorway. He saw the slightly troubled look on Qui-Gon's face.
"Captain!" It was Hoshi.
Archer turned towards his communications officer expectantly.
"I'm ready," she told him.
He nodded. "Good. Let's get started then," Archer replied.
PART FOUR
Observation room above hangar bay
After speaking with the hangar bay controllers, Ryvinia stood gazing out a window that overlooked the city, waiting for the arrival of Elkan's ship. She clasped her hands together tightly. This meeting, the first under her leadership, made her nervous. She hoped that she was doing the right thing. She trusted Knight Krysira's advice. The female Jedi had gained her respect. As she stood there, Malcolm came up beside her. He clasped his hands behind his back, gazing out over the city. Ryvinia stole a lingering glance at the human form Earth and flushed slightly. She had never been interested in getting to know any man in a personal sense ever since she got into politics. Her life had been too hectic back then to pursue any type of relationship. Zarnay had tried to persuade her to go out, but Ryvinia refused. Truth of the matter was, she felt that she wasn't attractive enough to a man. Yet, what was it about this man from Earth that made her feel...different?
Malcolm glanced sideways at the Exoian woman next to him. In general, he was shy around women, yet he felt at ease around her. He knew that he should focus on trying to rescue Captain Archer and Hoshi. That was his job. Tactics. No time for...personal things. However, Malcolm found himself drawn towards Ryvinia. Commander Tucker was certainly smitten with Krysira, but it didn't seem to interfere with the present situation at hand. Maybe...
The Englishman noted that Ryvinia wrung her hands nervously.
"A bit nervous, Counselor?" Malcolm questioned.
Ryvinia started slightly, not expecting a sudden break in the silence. "Nervous?" She questioned, then allowed her shoulders to slump. "Terrified," she admitted. "I just hope that I am making the right decision. I know that Noble Vartan was not ready to compromise yet. I want to respect his memory."
"I understand...but Counselor...you are now in charge. Trust your instincts. Listen to the people around you, especially Krysira. They are here to help you." He laid a hand on top of her hands giving them a gentle squeeze. "You're taking the first step towards making peace, despite everything that is being done to prevent it."
Ryvinia's eyes grew moist. "Thank-you for your words of encouragement, Malcolm."
Malcolm smiled easily. "My pleasure."
"Counselor Ryvinia?" A young male voice said.
Both Ryvinia and Malcolm turned to see another male teenaged page standing there.
"What is it, Roxx?" Ryvinia questioned.
"Control reports that Elkan's ship is approaching the hangar bay," Roxx reported.
"Excellent. Have Healer Gadi meet us there."
Roxx bowed. "Yes, Counselor."
However, as Roxx hurried out of the area, he ran into someone. He looked to see that it was Lonan, who was sprawled out on the floor. He reached down and helped him up.
"Lonan? What's the hurry?" Roxx questioned.
"I have an urgent message for Counselor Ryvinia from Knight Krysira," Lonan replied. "I was told that she was in the observation area."
Roxx nodded. "Yes, she is," he replied. "Your eagerness to perform is commendable, Lonan, but do be more...careful."
Lonan blushed slightly. "Of course, Roxx." He found his feet fascinating at that moment.
Roxx allowed a faint smile to appear, as he clamped a large hand on Lonan's shoulder in a friendly way. "Then do not keep Counselor Ryvinia waiting. I, too, have an message to deliver."
Lonan looked up at the elder teenager, catching a glimpse of the smile that quickly vanished. He nodded and hurried past Roxx, who continued on his way.
As Ryvinia and Malcolm turned from the window to head towards the hangar bay, Lonan came rushing in, skidding to a stop in front of them.
Ryvinia scowled slightly. "What is it, Lonan?" She questioned.
"Knight Krysira sent me to bring you, Lieutenant Reed and your guests, when they arrive, to her," Lonan replied.
She glanced aside at Malcolm, then back at Lonan. "For what reason?"
"Knight Krysira said that she would explain when you arrive."
Ryvinia sighed. "Very well. We will accompany you when my guests arrive. Please come with us."
Lonan bowed. "As you wish, Counselor."
Ryvinia, Malcolm and Lonan left the observation room, heading towards the hangar bay.
PART FIVE
Dungeon
"You seemed troubled, Master Jinn," Caden commented.
Qui-Gon allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "You are quite observant, Caden," he responded.
The big Exoian merely shrugged. "I have to be."
"Yes...of course." The Jedi master took in a calming breath then let it out slowly. "I have been in mental contact with my Jedi companion."
Archer became concerned. "Trip and Malcolm?" He questioned.
"They are fine, Captain. However, there is some information that I need to relate to all of you before we question the guard." With those words, Qui- Gon began to relate what Krysira had told him earlier.
Everyone was silent when Qui-Gon finished.
"So...our adversary went after the boy after all," Caden grunted.
"Yes," Qui-Gon replied quietly. "Captain Archer, would you permit me to question the guard?"
Archer thought for a moment, realizing how much more Qui-Gon knew about the situation than himself. "Go ahead," he replied.
"Thank-you, Captain."
"Hoshi." Archer looked at the young Oriental woman, who joined him at the cell door. She turned on her universal translator. "Go ahead, Qui-Gon," she said.
"Thank-you," Qui-Gon replied. "Rybrillian."
The universal translator squawked in the being's own language. Qui-Gon saw that he had the Rybrillian's attention. The being rose to its feet, moving slowly over to Qui-Gon's cell.
Through the universal translator, they heard: "You speak our tongue," the mechanical voice translated.
"Yes. Why were we captured?" Qui-Gon motioned to himself and the three Exoians.
"Master felt you were...too close."
"And the others?"
The Rybrillian thought for a moment. "Master be rewarded for man's capture."
"I see. Who will reward your Master?"
The Rybrillian shrugged. "Not know."
Qui-Gon sighed softly. "Then release us."
"Can not."
"Why?"
"Must not disobey Master."
"Why?"
The Rybrillian merely shook its head as it began to back away.
Qui-Gon merely waved his hand casually in front of the Rybrillian. "You will tell us why you can not release us."
"Will tell...Prefect Ca-Yanne...prisoner. We no obey...Master will hurt Prefect...Rybrillians will...be...no more." It backed away more. "Can tell...no more...will be...punished." The Rybrillian returned to its post.
The group was silent for a long minute or two.
Archer sighed. "Well, it seemed that the information you were given was correct," he stated, watching Hoshi shut off her universal translator.
"Yes...it was," Qui-Gon agreed.
"What do we do now, Master Jinn?" It was Chelz.
"Something that we will all find...hard to do." The Jedi Master paused. "Wait."
Hoshi looked at Archer, who had sat on a straw cot. "Captain?" She questioned.
Archer sighed, looking up at his communications officer. "Besides T'Pol and Travis, no one else knows else knows that we're here!" He exclaimed, then looked at Hoshi frustrated. "Who?"
Hoshi Sato shrugged, as she sat next to Archer. "I don't know, sir," she replied.
Silence fell over the group, as they mulled over their situation.
PART SIX
Jinix hangar bay
Healer Gadi joined Ryvinia and Malcolm, while Roxx and Lonan stood in the background. All watched as the huge hangar bay doors slid that open to admit a ship that landed gracefully, despite its aged appearance.
Moments later, a door opened and a ramp emerged, its end touching the concrete floor. Elkan, leader of the resistance; Vallen, his second in command; and Healer Kaylar emerged from the ship. There were other Exoian warriors hovering near the entrance of the ship, but remained where they were with a gesture from Elkan.
Ryvinia strode out to meet Elkan, who met her half way. The counselor held out her hand to Elkan, who gently grasped it in both of his hands, bowing slightly, before releasing her hand. Watching this, Malcolm felt something shoot through him. Something he had not expected: jealousy. But he barely knew her. Why would he feel something like this over what seemed to be merely a greeting?
"I wish that this meeting was under better circumstances," Ryvinia commented.
"As do I," Elkan replied. "However, unfortunately, sometimes it takes something drastic to happen to put one's differences aside." He looked over her shoulder. "I had assumed that Knight Krysira would be with you."
"I have received word that she wishes for us to join her as soon as you arrived. By the sound of her message, it seems to be quite urgent."
Elkan nodded in understanding. "By all means, let us join her."
Ryvinia nodded. "Please follow me then."
The counselor turned gracefully on her heel and strode towards the exit. "Lonan, please take us to Knight Krysira," she said.
"Right away, Counselor," Lonan replied, as he took the lead.
Ryvinia looked at the other page standing nearby. "Roxx, you will accompany us as well."
"As you wish, Counselor," Roxx said bowing slightly. He waited until Lonan and the six adults walked by before bringing up the rear.
Chapter Eleven
PART ONE
Cavern deep below city of Tysag
Seated upon several large cushions on the cavern floor was a small angelic- looking white being in flowing silvery white robes. It had an oval featureless face save for a small lipless mouth and two amber crystal eyes. Its long silvery white dreadlocked-type hair hung in disarray.
The prefect of the Rybrillians, Ca-Yanne, sat gazing at the force field around her. She could feel the duress of her people, but was powerless to do anything about it, for the force field prevented her from using her empathic powers.
She bowed her head, as large amber-colored tears began to streak her face, falling onto her lap as her sorrow surfaced.
PART TWO
Jinix Government Center
Krysira and Trip continued down the corridor, when a warning from the Force hit Krysira, who stopped dead in her tracks.
"Krys?" Trip asked concerned.
"Obi-Wan!" Krysira exclaimed, then sprinted down the corridor.
Trip took off after the pretty Jedi without question. Oddly enough, he also felt that something was wrong, but he figured that he felt it because of his strong connection with Krysira.
Shortly, they arrived at Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan's quarters. Both skidded to a stop in front of the door. As Krysira touched the button to open the door, her free hand opened and one of her lightsabres almost instantaneously flew into her hand, glowing a blazing white. Following her lead, Trip pulled out his blaster, holding it at a ready position.
The door slid open and both humans entered the eerily quiet room, cautiously, as they scanned the area. They moved slowly through the main area.
"Obi-Wan?" Krysira called softly.
There was no response.
Trip spotted a pair of legs sticking out of a nearby doorway. "Krys!" He called. "Someone's over here!" Krysira followed Trip over to the owner of the legs, to see that it was the young Exoian page, watching Trip bend down near the teenager.
"Lonan," Trip said quietly, as he reholstered his blaster and rolled the teenager over onto his back, searching for a pulse.
Krysira nodded, She reholstered her lightsabre as she stepped around Trip, entering the bedroom.
She noted that the bed was in disarray and the window was open as well. She walked over to the bed and reached under the pillow. She let out a sad sigh, as her hand touched the hilt of one, then the other lightsabre. She pulled them out, holding them against her, as she walked over to Trip. Krysira bent down next to him.
Trip looked at her. "He's alive, just unconscious," he replied, then frowned slightly. "More lightsabres?"
"Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's," she replied. "We were taught to be always on alert and have our lightsabres within reach." She paused. "Obi-Wan did not have the opportunity to grab his."
"Why?"
Her silvery/blue eyes gazed over Lonan's still form. "Only Lonan would know."
"We have to wait 'til he wakes up."
The pretty Jedi Knight merely smiled and laid her free hand on Lonan's chest. Drawing the Force within her, Krysira then sent it into Lonan. About a minute later, the teenaged Exoian page began to wake up.
Lonan's large eyes snapped open as he sat bolt upright, unaware of Trip and Krysira next to him. "Obi-Wan!" He cried out.
"Easy there," Trip soothed, laying a large hand on Lonan's shoulder.
Lonan started slightly, then relaxed. "Commander Tucker...Knight Krysira," he said.
"Lonan, what happened? Where is Obi-Wan?" Krysira questioned.
The Exoian page sighed heavily. "He was kidnapped."
"No..." Krysira looked distressed.
"I think you best start at the beginning, Lonan," Trip advised.
"Yes, Commander." He paused for a few short moments to gather his thoughts. "Obi-Wan went to rest for a while. About a half-hour later, I heard a noise, like something hitting a wall. Thinking something wrong, I rushed in to check on him. When I went in, there was a blue mist in the room. I guess it was some kind of gas. I saw that Obi-Wan was over the shoulder of a being known as a Rybrillian, before I fell unconscious."
Krysira frowned slightly. "I have not heard of that race before," she stated. "Why would they kidnap Obi-Wan?"
Lonan stood up. "Let me explain please."
He headed over to the table in the main area. Krysira and Trip rose to their feet, following Lonan, who was holding a piece of drawing paper. He then began to relate what he had explained to the Jedi Padawan earlier.
"I guess maybe Drayce is afraid that Obi-Wan is on to him," he ventured a guess in conclusion.
Trip grunted. "Drayce pops up once again," he grumbled.
"I see," Krysira replied, after hearing Lonan's explanation, then to Trip. "So it seems." She looked back at the Exoian page. "Lonan, Counselor Ryvinia and Lieutenant Reed are probably at the hangar bay to await the arrival of some very important guests. I need them all to come here immediately after the guests have arrived."
Lonan thought for a moment." What if she requires an explanation?" He asked.
"Tell her I will explain when she arrives."
Lonan nodded. "As you wish, Knight Krysira." He paused. "I am sorry that I could not prevent Obi-Wan's kidnapping."
Krysira smiled gently. "From what you explained, there was nothing that you could do. You are not at fault."
Lonan bowed slightly. "Thank-you, Knight Krysira." With that, he hurried out of the room to carry out his task.
Trip moved over to Krysira. "You okay, Krys?" He asked, gently brushing a few stray strands of hair out of her face.
"I was not here to prevent Obi-Wan's capture," Krysira told him.
He gently gripped her upper arms. "If you were here, you probably would've been unconscious as well. Besides, you came here as soon as you felt that something was wrong, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Then you have nothing to be ashamed of. You reacted appropriately. No one will fault you for that, Krys."
The female Jedi considered Trip's words, then nodded. "Thank-you, Trip." She then brushed her lips against his lips in a soft shy kiss, seeing him give her that disarming smile of his. She composed herself. "I will try to see if I can contact Qui-Gon through the Force, seeing that Obi-Wan is most likely unconscious." She seated herself on the nearby couch assuming her meditative position, as Trip sat next to her, laying a large hand on top of her folded hands.
She closed her eyes, drawing the Force within her.
PART THREE
Dungeon
Jonathan Archer leaned against the cell door bars, carrying on a quiet conversation with Trey in the cell across from him, while Hoshi sat on a straw cot in the rear of their cell still working on the being's language. Chelz and Caden listened quietly.
On the other hand, Qui-Gon sat in his cell on the dirt/straw floor in his meditative position, the Force following through him. As he meditated, he could he feel someone trying to communicate him through the Force. He focused in on the contact, wondering who it could be. Obi-Wan...perhaps?
/"Qui-Gon? Can you hear me?"/ It was Krysira.
/"Krysira!"/ Qui-Gon exclaimed.
/"You are...unharmed?"/
/"I am fine, but I am a prisoner, along with my Exoian allies and two of Commander Tucker's crewmembers deep underneath the city of Tysag. What of Obi-Wan?"/
/"There is much I must relate to you, Qui-Gon."/
He heard the quiet determination in her thoughts. /"Proceed."/
Over their bond, Krysira relayed as quickly and concisely as she could all the events that had occurred up until now.
Krysira could hear the heavy sad sigh from Qui-Gon over their bond.
/"Although the loss of Honor Zarnay and Noble Vartan is saddening, you have been able to bring together both sides under a common cause,"/ Qui-Gon finally replied. /"The information about the Rybrillians is quite helpful. Ensign Sato has been able to translate the Rybrillian language and hopefully soon we will be able to communicate with our guard to see what else can be learned."/ He paused, feeling something. /"Krysira, do not punish yourself over Obi-Wan's capture. Had things been different, you could either have been rendered unconscious or...kidnapped as well."/ He paused again. /"If any harm befalls Obi-Wan, his captor will be dealt with."/ There was an unusual hardness in Qui-Gon's voice.
/"Thank-you for your understanding,"/ Krysira replied. /"I will organize efforts here, Qui-Gon."/
The Jedi master grunted in approval. /"I have a word of advice, my young friend. Due to the complexity of Tysag, perhaps using Obi-Wan's means of escape as an entrance could prove useful."/
/"Yes...my thought as well."/
/"Contact me when you have arrived at the mountains...I will keep you informed of any changes on this end. May the Force be with you, Krysira."/
/"And you as well, Qui-Gon."/
Both closed the connection.
Caden looked over to see the Jedi master rise to his feet, moving to the doorway. He saw the slightly troubled look on Qui-Gon's face.
"Captain!" It was Hoshi.
Archer turned towards his communications officer expectantly.
"I'm ready," she told him.
He nodded. "Good. Let's get started then," Archer replied.
PART FOUR
Observation room above hangar bay
After speaking with the hangar bay controllers, Ryvinia stood gazing out a window that overlooked the city, waiting for the arrival of Elkan's ship. She clasped her hands together tightly. This meeting, the first under her leadership, made her nervous. She hoped that she was doing the right thing. She trusted Knight Krysira's advice. The female Jedi had gained her respect. As she stood there, Malcolm came up beside her. He clasped his hands behind his back, gazing out over the city. Ryvinia stole a lingering glance at the human form Earth and flushed slightly. She had never been interested in getting to know any man in a personal sense ever since she got into politics. Her life had been too hectic back then to pursue any type of relationship. Zarnay had tried to persuade her to go out, but Ryvinia refused. Truth of the matter was, she felt that she wasn't attractive enough to a man. Yet, what was it about this man from Earth that made her feel...different?
Malcolm glanced sideways at the Exoian woman next to him. In general, he was shy around women, yet he felt at ease around her. He knew that he should focus on trying to rescue Captain Archer and Hoshi. That was his job. Tactics. No time for...personal things. However, Malcolm found himself drawn towards Ryvinia. Commander Tucker was certainly smitten with Krysira, but it didn't seem to interfere with the present situation at hand. Maybe...
The Englishman noted that Ryvinia wrung her hands nervously.
"A bit nervous, Counselor?" Malcolm questioned.
Ryvinia started slightly, not expecting a sudden break in the silence. "Nervous?" She questioned, then allowed her shoulders to slump. "Terrified," she admitted. "I just hope that I am making the right decision. I know that Noble Vartan was not ready to compromise yet. I want to respect his memory."
"I understand...but Counselor...you are now in charge. Trust your instincts. Listen to the people around you, especially Krysira. They are here to help you." He laid a hand on top of her hands giving them a gentle squeeze. "You're taking the first step towards making peace, despite everything that is being done to prevent it."
Ryvinia's eyes grew moist. "Thank-you for your words of encouragement, Malcolm."
Malcolm smiled easily. "My pleasure."
"Counselor Ryvinia?" A young male voice said.
Both Ryvinia and Malcolm turned to see another male teenaged page standing there.
"What is it, Roxx?" Ryvinia questioned.
"Control reports that Elkan's ship is approaching the hangar bay," Roxx reported.
"Excellent. Have Healer Gadi meet us there."
Roxx bowed. "Yes, Counselor."
However, as Roxx hurried out of the area, he ran into someone. He looked to see that it was Lonan, who was sprawled out on the floor. He reached down and helped him up.
"Lonan? What's the hurry?" Roxx questioned.
"I have an urgent message for Counselor Ryvinia from Knight Krysira," Lonan replied. "I was told that she was in the observation area."
Roxx nodded. "Yes, she is," he replied. "Your eagerness to perform is commendable, Lonan, but do be more...careful."
Lonan blushed slightly. "Of course, Roxx." He found his feet fascinating at that moment.
Roxx allowed a faint smile to appear, as he clamped a large hand on Lonan's shoulder in a friendly way. "Then do not keep Counselor Ryvinia waiting. I, too, have an message to deliver."
Lonan looked up at the elder teenager, catching a glimpse of the smile that quickly vanished. He nodded and hurried past Roxx, who continued on his way.
As Ryvinia and Malcolm turned from the window to head towards the hangar bay, Lonan came rushing in, skidding to a stop in front of them.
Ryvinia scowled slightly. "What is it, Lonan?" She questioned.
"Knight Krysira sent me to bring you, Lieutenant Reed and your guests, when they arrive, to her," Lonan replied.
She glanced aside at Malcolm, then back at Lonan. "For what reason?"
"Knight Krysira said that she would explain when you arrive."
Ryvinia sighed. "Very well. We will accompany you when my guests arrive. Please come with us."
Lonan bowed. "As you wish, Counselor."
Ryvinia, Malcolm and Lonan left the observation room, heading towards the hangar bay.
PART FIVE
Dungeon
"You seemed troubled, Master Jinn," Caden commented.
Qui-Gon allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "You are quite observant, Caden," he responded.
The big Exoian merely shrugged. "I have to be."
"Yes...of course." The Jedi master took in a calming breath then let it out slowly. "I have been in mental contact with my Jedi companion."
Archer became concerned. "Trip and Malcolm?" He questioned.
"They are fine, Captain. However, there is some information that I need to relate to all of you before we question the guard." With those words, Qui- Gon began to relate what Krysira had told him earlier.
Everyone was silent when Qui-Gon finished.
"So...our adversary went after the boy after all," Caden grunted.
"Yes," Qui-Gon replied quietly. "Captain Archer, would you permit me to question the guard?"
Archer thought for a moment, realizing how much more Qui-Gon knew about the situation than himself. "Go ahead," he replied.
"Thank-you, Captain."
"Hoshi." Archer looked at the young Oriental woman, who joined him at the cell door. She turned on her universal translator. "Go ahead, Qui-Gon," she said.
"Thank-you," Qui-Gon replied. "Rybrillian."
The universal translator squawked in the being's own language. Qui-Gon saw that he had the Rybrillian's attention. The being rose to its feet, moving slowly over to Qui-Gon's cell.
Through the universal translator, they heard: "You speak our tongue," the mechanical voice translated.
"Yes. Why were we captured?" Qui-Gon motioned to himself and the three Exoians.
"Master felt you were...too close."
"And the others?"
The Rybrillian thought for a moment. "Master be rewarded for man's capture."
"I see. Who will reward your Master?"
The Rybrillian shrugged. "Not know."
Qui-Gon sighed softly. "Then release us."
"Can not."
"Why?"
"Must not disobey Master."
"Why?"
The Rybrillian merely shook its head as it began to back away.
Qui-Gon merely waved his hand casually in front of the Rybrillian. "You will tell us why you can not release us."
"Will tell...Prefect Ca-Yanne...prisoner. We no obey...Master will hurt Prefect...Rybrillians will...be...no more." It backed away more. "Can tell...no more...will be...punished." The Rybrillian returned to its post.
The group was silent for a long minute or two.
Archer sighed. "Well, it seemed that the information you were given was correct," he stated, watching Hoshi shut off her universal translator.
"Yes...it was," Qui-Gon agreed.
"What do we do now, Master Jinn?" It was Chelz.
"Something that we will all find...hard to do." The Jedi Master paused. "Wait."
Hoshi looked at Archer, who had sat on a straw cot. "Captain?" She questioned.
Archer sighed, looking up at his communications officer. "Besides T'Pol and Travis, no one else knows else knows that we're here!" He exclaimed, then looked at Hoshi frustrated. "Who?"
Hoshi Sato shrugged, as she sat next to Archer. "I don't know, sir," she replied.
Silence fell over the group, as they mulled over their situation.
PART SIX
Jinix hangar bay
Healer Gadi joined Ryvinia and Malcolm, while Roxx and Lonan stood in the background. All watched as the huge hangar bay doors slid that open to admit a ship that landed gracefully, despite its aged appearance.
Moments later, a door opened and a ramp emerged, its end touching the concrete floor. Elkan, leader of the resistance; Vallen, his second in command; and Healer Kaylar emerged from the ship. There were other Exoian warriors hovering near the entrance of the ship, but remained where they were with a gesture from Elkan.
Ryvinia strode out to meet Elkan, who met her half way. The counselor held out her hand to Elkan, who gently grasped it in both of his hands, bowing slightly, before releasing her hand. Watching this, Malcolm felt something shoot through him. Something he had not expected: jealousy. But he barely knew her. Why would he feel something like this over what seemed to be merely a greeting?
"I wish that this meeting was under better circumstances," Ryvinia commented.
"As do I," Elkan replied. "However, unfortunately, sometimes it takes something drastic to happen to put one's differences aside." He looked over her shoulder. "I had assumed that Knight Krysira would be with you."
"I have received word that she wishes for us to join her as soon as you arrived. By the sound of her message, it seems to be quite urgent."
Elkan nodded in understanding. "By all means, let us join her."
Ryvinia nodded. "Please follow me then."
The counselor turned gracefully on her heel and strode towards the exit. "Lonan, please take us to Knight Krysira," she said.
"Right away, Counselor," Lonan replied, as he took the lead.
Ryvinia looked at the other page standing nearby. "Roxx, you will accompany us as well."
"As you wish, Counselor," Roxx said bowing slightly. He waited until Lonan and the six adults walked by before bringing up the rear.
