Chapter 19: Dawn of Destruction

"Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts.
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me 'cause it hurts.

It's all ending
We gotta stop pretending who we are." - Don't Speak (No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom)

Silence lingered between them, neither willing to disrupt it at the moment. Both had much on their minds, considering the future and the possible trials ahead. The tension was electric around them, receptive to their musings, surging and shrinking accordingly. The charge energizing and exhausting in the same instant. The Jedi Knight could see rigid muscles beneath soft material, noting that the figure was still toned. The muted aquamarine colouring of the shirt similar to that when he raided the Zenah. Qui-Gon guessed it was a favourite colour of the youth. Every minute a new discovery learned.

Unfamiliar with the layout, Qui-Gon followed until they came to a door. Obi-Wan stopped and moved to access the controls, when he paused. Taking a deep breath, he centered himself to face the coming task. When he felt he was ready, he finally opened the entry and stepped inside. Qui-Gon automatically moved to stand just inside the door but dared not enter any further. His presence only there as support, well at least as much as he was permitted to give. Obi-Wan continued to rely more on his own strength than that of the Master's. Still, he appreciated the fact the Obi-Wan allowed him to accompany him on his final rounds. He knew how difficult it must be to say good-bye without letting on that he was saying good-bye.

Obi-Wan continued to head toward the piloting stations. His movements slow and calculated. Quietly, he came up behind the navigator and rested his hand on the back of the chair. The unexpected touch caused the black and white Togorian to jerk, but he soon relaxed when he found out who had surprised him. "Hey, Obi, I didn't hear you come in. We should be landing on Onderon in just over an hour. I'll be glad to be going home finally."

Grinning, Obi-Wan agreed, "I'm sure." Grruun continued to monitor his station, making sure they were still on course and avoiding obstructions. To his right the two pilot's patiently waited for the return to real space. Currently, they were just there for show, so to speak.

"We're glad you're alright, Cub." Trruud called over his shoulder. Being one of the few that remained from Drrov's crew, he was permitted to use the boy's nickname.

At the far end, Soarn turned his seat to look at them better. "Yeah, we thought we lost you there for a while. Never seen the Cap so anxious."

"You almost did," the rogue reminded them with a sad smile. A playful sparkle shone in the sea-green gaze as he added, "but fortunately I was taught how to fly by the best." Looking directly, at the co-pilot, his tone sobered a bit, "So you better pay attention to his lessons."

"Well, I don't know who that could have been." Trruud teased. "But if I recall correctly, it was a certain little boy who taught me some tricks or two myself."

Raising himself up to his full height and crossing his arms, the friendly banter continued, "Don't give me that. You already knew them, I just showed you how to do them with style."

The group laughed at the remark, knowing it was absolutely true. Qui-Gon was once again taken aback by the camaraderie that flowed so freely between them. And for the first time he heard the boy laugh from mirth instead of sarcasm. It was a beautiful sound. He now understood why Tuuvu cherished it so, as well as those in the Temple that knew the boy best. And he couldn't believe he let him go so easily.

"That you did, Cub. That you did." The blue-grey pilot said as the laughing tapered off. The moment of good-times-remembered faded away replaced by an awkward silence. Each one left to their thoughts. Obi-Wan remembered so many he didn't have time to consider each one. Although, he guessed that soon he would have enough time to mull over his memories over and over again. And to tell the truth he was not looking forward to remembering his past.

Pushing his wayward thoughts to the back of his mind, Obi-Wan decided it was time to get this over with. Clearing his throat he began, "I actually came up here for a reason. I wanted to thank you all for coming after me."

"Don't worry about it Obi." Grruun said.

"We only did what we felt was right." Soarn added.

Trruud agreed, "You would have done the same for us."

Obi smiled at their immediate reactions, becoming quite familiar with their response. "I know, I know. But it wouldn't be right if I didn't at least let you know how much I appreciated it. You have all been such good friends over the past few years and I wouldn't feel right if I didn't tell you that."

There was something in Obi-Wan's tone that made the elder Togorian regard the youth seriously. Turning so that he could face the young man directly, Trruud replied, "You have been a good friend to us as well, cub. We have been fortunate enough to know you."

"And I you." With sad eyes, Obi-Wan looked at each of his companions in turn, offering a bittersweet smile. Knowing that he didn't have the strength for anymore, he said, "I need to finish prepping some things before we land. I just had to come here first."

Cheerily, Trruud dismissed, "Well, get going. We're going to take off as soon as they're unloaded. It's time to go home."

Obi-Wan waved subconsciously, "I'll see you around." Then he turned, nodded to Jinn and walked out.

The moment they were back in the silence of the hallway, his shoulders slouched. Surprisingly, he didn't flinch when the venerable Master placed a compassionate hand on his back. And even more amazing was the look of gratitude in his eyes as he glanced back at him. Softly, he muttered, "Thank you. Your presence made this easier to cope with. Maybe even helped keep it from getting as burdensome as my last conversation."

"If I was able to help at all, than I have accomplished my goal. I can only hope my presence continues to assist you. How many more do you need to see?"

"Only a few more. But who we see next may not be as easy as this. I suggest you watch yourself." With that Obi-Wan pulled away and headed down the hall. Stopping a few doors down, he stood momentarily assessing the situation. Just beyond the doors to the First Mate's Quarters angry shouts could be heard. No words could be deciphered but the muffled argument warned against intrusion. Looking up at the Jedi new determination lined his features and he barged into the room without permission.

Inside, the pair of Togorians ceased their quarrel at the sudden encroachment. Just before they entered, Kuuur and Mrrogh were in the middle of a heated reprimand. When Mrrogh first left Tuuvu's office, he planned on waiting around figuring that their talk wouldn't take long. But as the time passed, he realized that his initial assessment was wrong. Remembering something he had to do, he decided he could do it and be back within a couple of minutes. When he returned, he asked the others if the Jedi had left, but everyone said they hadn't seen him go. Later, when Tuuvu emerged alone, he realized that somehow they missed him. As soon as this was discovered, Tuuvu sent Mrrogh off to find the missing Jedi. Thus far, the Togorian had come up empty handed(for obvious reasons) and was being yelled at by the second in command for losing one of their unwelcome passengers.

Now that they recognized who was interrupting them, they relaxed a little if only because what was lost was found again. Obi-Wan announced not giving them time to react fully, "I need to speak with you."

["What is that Jedi doing here?"] Kuuur snarled.

Not faltering under the harsh tone, Obi-Wan stated. "I found him. But he's not the reason I'm here." To pull this off, he needed to manifest the image that he was confident and in control. And for him to do this, he realized he needed Qui-Gon's strength more than ever. Drawing from the man, the rogue stood tall and defiant, waiting for them to acknowledge his purpose for coming.

Now that the Jedi was found, Kuuur slipped back into strict commander instead of furious superior and ordered, ["Mrrogh, take him back to his room."] Jerking his head toward the Jedi, the First Mate looked at the youth expectantly.

Obi-Wan stopped his friend with a raised hand. Keeping his gaze locked onto amber eyes, he countered, "That won't be necessary. I will take him back after we have finished talking." Mrrogh waited in the middle of the stand off, looking back and forth between them.

Kuuur growled but relented at the same time. ["So what did you come to say then that the Jedi is able to hear?"]

Obi-Wan moved closer to the pair, distancing himself from the reserved Knight. This was still something he had to do alone. Regarding both of his companions he said, "I have come to thank you. I know that, against your better judgement," he looked pointedly at Kuuur, "you have risked yourselves to rescue me and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated it."

Mrrogh's crystalline eyes sparkled, he had been Obi's unofficial body guard since Tuuvu took over. He had also been one of the younger members of Drrov's crew. Fortunately, he did not witness much of what happened during that time, but he was not completely unawares. Softly, he said, ["We couldn't just leave you."] Without understanding the words, Qui-Gon could still sense the wealth of emotions in the man's tone. Once again he pondered the course that they were undeniable headed, and how much it will change them all. Releasing his concerns, he focused on the discussion at hand as best he could.

Smiling up at the large being, Obi-Wan was equally touched by both the words and the sentiments. Placing a hand on the furred forearm, he responded with genuine feeling, "I know, I just wanted you to tell you that I was touched by it."

Kuuur stood with his arms crossed, his tone dark he demanded, ["Is that all you've come to say?"] These heartfelt emotions were not lost to the harsh Togorian, rather he was overly receptive to them. But in addition to that he knew there was something darker, something he wouldn't like smoldering beneath the surface that he wanted revealed. He had very little patience and everyone knew it.

Turning to Kuuur, sea-change eyes dulled. He knew the contradiction that he represented in the First mate's life and he had only wished he could free him of it. But he no longer had the option, his time was waning quickly. And he had a task to complete. "No," he replied, sounding more exhausted than he intended. Purposefully, he came up and rested a hand on the agitated Togorian's arm then guided him further away from the others. In hushed tones, he continued, "I have come here for another reason."

["And what's that?"] As much as he sounded harsh, it was not from anger that Kuuur spoke now rather worry. From the moment the boy had entered the room, warning bells began ringing in his mind. The presence of the Jedi only made his apprehension worse. Now he definitely knew that whatever he had feared would only be a shadow of what he was about to discover.

Taking a moment to organize his thoughts, Obi began, "You have been with Tuuvu for a long time. And you have been a good friend to him. I need you to be his friend - now more than ever." Obi paused trying to keep a semblance of calm, but he feared he may yet lose the battle. Once again he quickly sought out the Jedi's well of strength, using it to fortify his stamina the instant he felt it crumbling. Still he had not been quick enough to stop the sting in his eyes. The First mate studied him and he could almost hear the rapid heartbeat of the larger being. He found it hard to maintain eye contact and finally gave up trying. His face dropped to the floor as he closed his eyes. His motions released a stray tear that traced a line over bruised flesh.

Kuuur's eyes widened in sudden understanding, he muttered, ["You're leaving."] Unable to deny it, the boy kept his face hidden under caramel strands. The amber gaze quickly moved to take in the silent form of the Jedi. And for the first time, Kuuur spoke so that Qui-Gon could understand him. "This is you're fault!" He hissed, in an instant moving to attack the formidable human. But immediately Obi-Wan intercepted him, barely able to hold him back.

"No! Stop. It's not his doing." He pleaded with the First mate. By now, Mrrogh had come over to help the rogue. Kuuur continued to vocalize his displeasure in a multitude of languages while Obi kept at him. "Kuuur, listen. This isn't Master Jinn's fault." Then hushed tones revealed something that startled both Togorians, "It's mine."

["What?"] They said in shocked unison.

Hastily he conveyed his reasoning, hoping that they would somehow understand. "I needed to protect you all and I needed to make sure those children were safely returned. I did the only thing I could think of at the time. You must believe me." Desperation laced his tone. He began to wonder if he could convince them enough to help him. Unfortunately, it was too late to turn back now.

"Jedi *ggrrndd!*" Kuuur spat, "Was it not enough to destroy his spirit that you have to strip him of his family?" Another low growl escaped the feline.

Qui-Gon stood looking as nonplussed as possible. But it was hard when faced with such open hatred. He gathered that the guttural noise he heard was some kind of 'colourful metaphor' and thought himself fortunate to not know what it meant. The way the Togorian spurt his words out was not what the Knight expected at all. From previous encounters, he had assumed the First mate disliked the human boy but now he seemed bent on protecting him. Had his judgement been so wrong? Before he could respond, Obi-Wan rushed to his defense.

"He's not. I told you, this was my doing – my choice. Even if we managed to escape, once I was discovered we both know there would have been no way to hide from them." A meaningful glance passed between them and the Togorian seemed to back off just a hair.

Regarding the youth now, he questioned passionately, "So you walk back into the slaughter house freely? Why?" The dark amber gaze searched fervently for an answer in the youthful features.

Qui-Gon was taken aback sharply by the First Mate's question. Never in his entire life had he ever heard the term 'slaughter house' used when describing the Jedi or the Temple. He realized then that it was quite possible that the Togorian had a dislike for Jedi as a whole and not just a dislike of other species, which only augmented his hatred toward him. Qui-Gon could not afford to concern himself with the history apparent that caused such loathing, he needed to be here for Obi-Wan and that's what he was going to do. Returning to the conversation, he listened intently.

"You know better than anyone the bonds I have to the Order. You know this must be done. It has never been a matter of why, only when. You have asked me many times before what would happen if I was ever discovered and I have never lied to you. It's either the whole crew or me. I know you're a good man and I know what your answer would be. And I would expect no less from you." In a matter of moments, he exonerated the man for his loyalties to the crew. He knew that Kuuur's first priority was to his fellow pirates, believing the needs of the many out weighed the needs of the few – or one. So he was mildly surprised when the Togorian protested.

"You ask me to betray my Captain?"

"I ask you to be his friend. In his mind, he knows this must be the way, but in his heart he will not accept it. You must be there for him since I will not. You must convince him to go home. I promise I will return to him, but I cannot guarantee when. You have to help him. Do you understand me?" Obi-Wan pleaded – no, begged – him to undertake this responsibility with the full comprehension of how difficult it would be.

"I understand that you are asking me to withhold vital information from my Captain. Then to tell him that he has to walk away from the one being he cares most about." With a sharp glare from the rogue, he quickly added, "Besides Jorri. You're the one person he has already risked the freedom of the entire ship and crew for. The one person that binds this whole crew together. And you expect me to do this?"

"Yes," he answered plainly. "I expect you to not interfere when the time comes, but more importantly, I expect you to keep Tuuvu from interfering." He could see the battle within the sable being and all Obi-Wan could do now was wait. Whatever the decision, he would have to accept it.

Cursing once more in an ancient dialect, he boar his amber eyes into the Jedi, "I hope you're happy. One more to add to your Jedi casualty list. I'm sure he will not be the last." All the while he was speaking, Obi-Wan tried to interrupt him.

"Stop it. If that is the will of the Force, so be it. But don't make this worse than it already is. Tuuvu will need you and I can trust no one else with this task. Please don't chalk this up to your vendetta. Now is not the time." Most of the fight in him was dwindling away, leaving the seemingly ever-present weariness in its wake. The youth prayed that this conflict would resolve soon, he didn't know if he could take much more of this pressure.

Sighing, Kuuur muttered, "This will not be easy. He would rather face all the hells of Tinidr than let you fall into Republic hands."

"And I would rather face Republic law before watching him get hurt for me. Jorri still needs him. This crew still needs him. It can survive without me. I'm only a failed Jedi, you are a family and you must realize your potential together. Please," again his hand found its way back to the sable arm, "please, take care of our family."

At long last, and to Obi-Wan's relief, Kuuur conceded defeat, "I see you are bent on this path of destruction. I will let you go, for now. But know this, if you are not back by your Birthday," he looked directly in to the Jedi's sapphire eyes, "I will come and beat down the doors of that Temple and drag you back with me."

Qui-Gon felt it best to speak now, "That will not be necessary. I will vouch for his return by then." Obi-Wan shot a questioning glance in his direction, which he ignored currently. If there would be a time to discuss his declaration, now was not it. It would have to wait.

"Your words mean nothing to me, but there is little choice in the matter. Now get out of here so I can prepare for what is to come." Nodding, the rogue turned away ushering out the Jedi. Mrrogh also took his leave now that their lost passenger had been found. As Obi-Wan was about to follow the others out, he paused to hear Kuuur's final words, "Cub, take care of yourself."

Obi-Wan stood still, his heart clenched when he heard the regret in the voice. It took him a second to gather the will to look back. Managing a small nod, he answered, "I will." Then stepped out of the room, leaving the Togorian alone with his thoughts.

In the hall, Mrrogh and Qui-Gon waited. As he emerged, Mrrogh inquired, "Do you need me for anything?"

Shaking his head, he replied, "Just help Kuuur when the time comes." Silence enveloped the trio. Minutes passed when he finally sliced through the stillness. "We should be landing shortly, go finish up. I'll take Master Jinn back to his room to prepare the children." Hesitating a moment, the selfless young man laid a hand on the tall being's shoulder, "I'll be alright." Reluctantly, the tan and white striped figure nodded then left.

Obi-Wan silently led the Jedi back to his room, stopping only once to inform Master Gallia of their impending arrival. The two Masters exchanged meaningful glances knowing that they would speak later. Heading back now, they entered Liior's room at last and found a sight they were not expecting. Most of the children were laughing and playing with the games their host provided them. Siri stood close by overseeing the competitions. While Bant and Liior sat on his bed chatting. Obi-Wan gave him a curious glance that his friend promptly ignored. Instead, he rose greeting, "Glad to see you back safe, Master Jedi. I was positive you were a goner once I found out you went to the Cap." Slightly surprised by the comment, Qui-Gon repeated his earlier musing, He should have been brought to the Temple.

Outwardly, he bowed his head at the sentiment and said, "I appreciate your concern, Liior. It is a welcome change for me to hear as I seem to be the source of much anger."

Slightly embarrassed, Liior added, "Well, Bant and I have been talking. She seems to believe you are not an evil man."

"I am definitely glad to hear that." Qui-Gon smiled at the Mon Calamari thankfully.

Before the conversation could continue in its current direction, Obi stepped closer to his friends, both old and new, "What are you doing here?" Obviously, he had not expected either side to converse with the other, and to find them talking about Force knew what, took him completely off guard.

Shrinking fractionally at the question, the calico feline motioned toward the children. "I thought I could offer them something to do while they waited. Was that wrong?" His hazel eyes clearly confused.

Initially, Obi-Wan wanted to shout yes! But he knew it was pointless. Master Jinn already knew of Liior's Force-sensitivity, it would not matter if it was revealed he had some Jedi games to help him develop his skills. Sighing defeatedly, he shook his head, "No." Smiling at his friend, he reassured, "Actually it was very thoughtful of you. I'm sure they appreciated your efforts." Once again turning to look at the group of laughing initiates. A sorrowful expression shaded his features as he remembered a time past. He didn't dwell on it long, regarding the Master, he said, "I will let Master Tahl know. You will know when the moment has come to leave." Abruptly, he turned and headed for his own room.

Qui-Gon immediately went to the children to make sure they began to put things away. Bant and Liior stood next to each other for a moment. Finally, the Togorian slipped his hand into hers and whispered to his new comrade, "He will need you now. Remind him of brighter days. Remind him that we care."

"I will do my best." She replied automatically. Seeing his haunted gaze, she just hoped that somehow it would be enough.

*

When Obi-Wan entered his room, he found the Master recounting one of the old Jedi legends to a captive audience. The story more than likely inspired by their destination. Carefully, he made his way further in. Most of the occupants barely registered his entrance, which he was glad for. However, there was one little Jedi that smiled at his return. Getting up, she came up to him, all the while grinning broadly. Lifting one of her small hands, she offered it to him. Looking down, he didn't know what else to do. He hadn't faced such open innocence in a long time. He soon found himself offering his hand back to her. Grabbing it, she led him to a chair and motioned for him to sit. As soon as he did, she climbed up into his lap to hear the rest of the story. He blushed at her sweet methods of including him, and how she nestled into his lap. He had done this type of thing with some of the crews' children but this felt different to him somehow. Sighing, he resigned himself to wait out the rest of the tale.

Tahl never paused, "So Nomi and Cay went to Ossus in a final attempt to rescue Ulic from the dark. They confronted him and he rejected their help, knocking Nomi down and killing his brother. It was then during his shocked stupor that Nomi was able to block his connection to the Force. Now that the fallen Jedi had believed he had lost everything, he helped the Jedi Knights defeat his Sith Master, Exar Kun. Gathering their strength they were able to destroy Kun in his Temples on Yavin.

"Ulic eventually became a hermit, hoping to live out the rest of his days in solitude on a frozen planet. But Nomi's daughter Vima sought out her mother's old friend and pleaded with him to show her the ways of the Force. Through his teachings Ulic was able to redeem himself and return to the Light. Upon his death, the great Jedi vanished into the Force. Nomi's descendants can still be found in the Order today. So I want you children to be on your guard when we land on Onderon, I don't want to lose any of you to the Dark Powers." She said it lightly, but Obi-Wan could tell there was an underlining worry in her voice. Even though the evil may have been vanquished on Onderon, she was not taking any chances.

On the rogue's lap, the young girl raised her hand to ask a question, "Master Tahl?"

Acknowledging her, she said, "Yes, Tola."

"I thought that Ulic Q-Qel-Droma," she struggled with the name, "was considered to be a Sith Lord. Many of the other Masters say that once you have turned you can't come back. But you said Ulic redeemed himself before he died. Is it possible?"

Considering her answer for a moment, Tahl spoke mildly seeing all the curious faces in front of her. They were seriously perplexed by this new concept. "Well, Tola, children, the Darkside is very powerful. It corrupts and torments any who fall to its power. And those that do turn have a difficult struggle ahead of them if they ever wish to return to the light. But I believe that with help and the will of the Force, one may come back to the Jedi. That there is always hope." As she spoke, she glanced over all the children and then settled on Tola.

But soon, Obi-Wan could see the gold and green cat-like eyes staring directly at him. He began to feel uncomfortable under her gaze. Not that she intended to make him so, but because he read into the cryptic message of her tale. Shifting in his seat, he thought ruefully, I'm beyond hope. Please, don't pretend that I could somehow come back. Instead of speaking his thoughts aloud, he smiled at the Knight, "We should be landing very shortly, I just wanted you to know and prepare." As if to emphasize his words, there was a shift in the vessel, it was subtle but he knew they felt it. Apparently, they were coming out of hyperspace. "I have one more errand to run and then I will meet up with you later." Carefully, he lifted Tola from his lap and placed her back in the seat once he stood. Heading for the door, he glanced back at the Master, "Please don't forget to hide my bag."

She nodded and he left to inform the last group of passengers of their arrival. He shivered as a cold shadow fell over him. Ignoring it, he moved through the halls quickly. He came upon the Briefing Room where two guards stood outside, Mrrogh and Dergh. Dergh had obviously been chosen for this duty due to his skill in hand to hand combat. Of all the crew, he had surpassed most of the others in his abilities, which made him valuable during the raids.

Striding up to them, he greeted his friend again and looked to Dergh. They did not speak often, although that did not mean they weren't friends. In fact, they had often sparred and spent time together. However, their form of communication was more of an understanding than verbal. Staring at the generally white furred being, his eyes conveyed most of his message. When he thought that his message was received, he stretched out a hand and laid it on a shoulder, quietly he said, "Thank you." Nodding his reply, Dergh simply stepped aside to admit the young man into the room.

Obi-Wan stepped inside after taking a deep breath. Shocked and wary faces peered up at him from around the room. Standing a little taller, expressing a confidence he did not feel, he announced, "We have come out of hyperspace. You should begin preparing for landing." Most of them glanced at each other in confusion.

It was young Andon Hobbsbreath who voiced their bewilderment, "Are you sure we returned to normal space? We didn't feel anything."

Looking at the young man he had assisted upon release from his binds, Obi-Wan clarified, "I doubt you would have, but I can assure you we have." Obi-Wan then regarded Captain Lessik directly, "Once you have unloaded, I will meet you all outside. Then you may collect the last of your cargo."

Captain Lessik rose and walked up to the rogue. He stood in front of the boy and placed both hands on his shoulders, his tone full of something the youth never expected, compassion. "Are you sure you want to go through with this son?"

Startled, his young brow furrowed. For a long moments he peered up bewildered at the human Captain. He was utterly baffled, in a matter of an hour he had now been offered acquittal twice. Their motives left him wanting, why did they all seem to want him to back down? To escape the justice waiting for him. It was beyond belief. Was it even possible for him to go back to his pirate life and pretend to live without feeling as if he must constantly look over his shoulder? That he would be free to live out the rest of his days without expecting disaster just over the horizon? Would he want to now? No, he knew hat he must answer for his crimes. Resignation flooded him, composing his features back into the mask of stoicism, he declined, "It is beyond my control now. I am ready to face my judgement." Then before anything else could be said, he removed himself from the hold and walked out.

Staring at the closed door, Kohnwei came up behind his Captain, "I don't know which I would prefer the Courts or the Jedi. Either way, it looks bad for him." A sense of pity flowed through the room and a few of the others nodded their agreement.

"I don't know, but I think the Jedi will be far kinder at the moment. Despite the possible unpleasantries coming, I do believe that Master Qui-Gon will treat the boy accordingly. Probably much better than CSF, although they could find their hands full if they aren't careful." Lessik once again hinting at the power held deep within the young man. He was no fool, he believed wholeheartedly, if the boy hadn't decided to surrender they would have the fight of their lives on their hands to capture him.

Griven's eyes shot up when he heard the odd discussion. Slowly a realization came to him, inquiring harshly he asked, "He's a Force user? Like the Jedi?"

Not thinking anything of it, Ja answered, "Apparently, he was once a Jedi student. But he was lost a few years ago."

Nev chimed back in, adding sarcastically, "Guess they found him now." Responding nods let the conversation drift back into silence. Their time in confinement was almost at an end. Now they prepared to leave and report the outcome of their venture to various officials.

Unbeknownst to them, the pilot's eyes narrowed in dark contemplation. A new idea began to form in his head. A small curve of his lips formed an evil grin. Anxious to land and put his plan in motion, Griven did his best to exude calm. It would only be a few minutes until they landed and then he would make the boy suffer.

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Well, I hope you enjoyed this chap as much as I did. I tossed in a few more snipets of intrigue that I hope took you a little off guard. Anyway, just wanted to fore warn you that next chap you might want a box of tissues around. Well, at least I hope that's the reaction you'll have. Until then, Thanks for reading!! :D

nat – Awww, thanks! :8} That's what I was going for, so I'm glad to hear I accomplished it. ;) I am trying to keep to my schedule. Just keep reviewing and I'll be sure to stay motivated. ;) :D

Bluejedi - :8} Thank you very much!! I really liked their conversation. I'm hoping to get back to her again real soon, more than just 'cameos.' Thanks again! :D

K-rock – Sorry it took you so long, don't you know that school and real life are supposed to take a back seat to my stories???? lol j/k I'll be waiting for the RH thing. Don't rush, I've got my hands full here at the moment anyway. ;) shhhhh, but next chap I believe is the long awaited scene everyone is looking for. ]:) So, you'll just have to wait one more week. Mwahahahahaha :D

Criket – So nice to see you back! :D And I'm hoping to keep you guessing for a while longer, so don't plan on coming to a decision any time soon. ;) :p