Krysira’s Destiny
Chapter Twenty
Mountain pass entrance
The subdued group approached the entrance into the mountain and saw that a very large group of Rybrillians had lined the walls near the entrance. The Rybrillians snarled angrily upon seeing Drayce, who ignored them, as he was escorted out of the mountain and to the transport.
Archer leaned down to a very quiet Hoshi. “Do you know what they’re saying, Hoshi?” He whispered in question. Hoshi pulled out her universal translator and turned it on, visual readout only this time. Her eyes widened in shock then turned it off. “You really don’t want to know, Captain,” she replied softly in a flat tone. Archer nodded. “Understood.” Upon seeing their Prefect, the Rybrillians bowed their heads in unison. Lonan suddenly had a thought. “Master Jinn! Knight Krysira!” He called. Both Jedi stopped and turned to the young Exoian page. “What about Ca-Yanne and her people?” Lonan wanted to know. The Jedi and the rest of the group looked at each other puzzled. Ca-Yanne who had been quiet since her rescue stepped forward to address the group. “If I may make a suggestion,” she began in her soft voice. “Perhaps now is not the time to decide. There are other things that take precedence at this time.” Her large crystal amber eyes looked sadly at the deceased members. “My people and I will wait here until a way for us to return to Rybrill is found, if that is agreeable.” Elkan stepped forward. “Your understanding in this situation is greatly appreciated,” he told her, trying to keep his voice from breaking. “Thank-you. We will address your situation as quickly as we can with the Exoian government leader.” Ca-Yanne stepped over to Elkan looking up at him. She gently laid her hand on one of his hands. “Our situation is not urgent. Take the time that you require. We will be safe here.” Elkan felt the same coolness from her hand that Malcolm did earlier. He also felt a sense of comfort and sympathy from her. He swallowed to hold back the tears that he felt swelling up in his eyes. Elkan merely nodded and gently squeezed her hand in thanks. The resistance leader squared his shoulders and headed out of the mountain to the transport. The rest of the group followed in silence, leaving Ca-Yanne and her people in the mountain. Once everyone boarded, the older transport ship rose gracefully into the air and headed back to the capital city of Jinix.Government Center in Jinix
Counselor Ryvinia, Healers Gadi and Kaylar and Page Roxx, along with a unit of government troops entered the hangar bay as the large hangar bay doors opened to receive Elkan’s approaching transport ship.
As soon as the transport ship landed and the doors opened and the ramp came down, the unit of troops went over to the base of the ramp and waited for the occupants of the ship to emerge. Elkan’s warriors prodded Drayce out. He walked down the ramp with a smug attitude. Two troopers stepped forward to Drayce and each grabbed an arm, leading him over to Ryvinia, surrounded by the rest of the hangar bay unit. “Former chief of staff Drayce, you will answer for the atrocities that you have committed against Exoia and her people. You will be held until judgment for your fate has been passed,” Ryvinia said in a cool tone. Drayce merely smirked. “If you have the stomach for it, Ryvinia,” he said in a mocking tone. Ryvinia’s face revealed nothing. “Take him out of my sight!” She told the troopers. By this time, everyone else, save for Elkan emerged from the transport and heard the dialogue between Ryvinia and Drayce. Ryvinia then approached the group, along with Gadi and Kaylar. A look of relief passed over her fine features seeing that Malcolm was safe. Her eyes surveyed the group, realizing that there were new faces. “Welcome to the capital city of Jinix,” Ryvinia began. “I am Counselor Ryvinia, Acting Exoian Government leader. With me are Healers Gadi and Kaylar. Please allow me to offer a place to rest and some food. Then perhaps later we can reconvene and discuss the events that have happened in the last few hours. That is, of course, if that is agreeable with all.” Qui-Gon glanced at the group, seeing everyone nod. He turned back to Ryvinia. “That would be very gracious of you, Counselor,” Qui-Gon replied. “You are correct. Much has happened that needs our combined attention.” He then proceeded to introduce the newcomers. Ryvinia nodded, then turned to Roxx, who was standing nearby. “Roxx, contact the other pages to show our new visitors to the guest chambers and provide them with food and drink as well.” The young man bowed. “As you wish, Counselor,” he replied, then hurried off. Archer stepped up next to Qui-Gon. “Thank-you for your hospitality, Counselor,” he said. “My pleasure, Captain,” Ryvinia replied. She then caught Malcolm’s eye, smiling softly. The British tactical officer flushed slightly at her attention. Kaylar made his way over to Krysira with Trip beside her. “Knight Krysira...Commander Tucker, where are Elkan and Vallen?” he questioned worriedly. Trip’s expression saddened a little. “Still aboard,” he said quietly. “What?” “Victory sometimes does not come without a price,” Krysira supplied in a saddened tone. The healer’s face paled even more. “No!” He whispered, then charged past them and up the ramp. A few moments later, a cry of anguish was heard from the ship. Ryvinia gasped in realization and also rushed up the ramp, followed closely by Gadi. Malcolm followed as well, almost instantly. Archer tilted his head to one side, curiously, as he watched his armory officer enter the ship. Qui-Gon studied the captain’s reaction. “Captain?” The Jedi Master questioned. “Am I missing something?” Archer wanted to know. “Many things have happened prior to your reunion with your crewmates.” Both watched Krysira move off towards the hangar bay entrance with Trip beside her. Archer folded his arms across his chest, watching them curiously as well. “Apparently. Why am I always the last to know these things?” Archer muttered. “That, I am afraid, I cannot answer, Captain,” Qui-Gon replied. Archer grinned. “It’s okay. Sometimes it’s better not to know.” Qui-Gon nodded. “Indeed.” The Jedi Master caught sight of Obi-Wan, who walked over to Lonan. He saw that after a brief conversation, Lonan nodded and the two teenagers walked towards the hangar bay entrance, as well. However, they didn’t get far. Roxx appeared with Sedona and two other pages. “Lonan!” Sedona exclaimed, happily. “Where have you been?” “On a vacation,” Roxx said sarcastically. Obi-Wan started to step forward to defend his friend, but Lonan gently eased the Jedi apprentice back a little. He drew himself up straight and stood toe to toe with Roxx. “Vacation? Is that what you think I went on?” Lonan said in an even tone. “I just hope that you never have to witness death and destruction like I have.” Without another word, Lonan stepped around Roxx and headed out the hangar bay entrance with Obi-Wan right beside him. Sedona watched Lonan leave, noting that something was different about him, but unsure what it was. She looked at Roxx. “What do you think Lonan meant, Roxx?” Sedona questioned. Roxx shrugged. “I do not know. Probably another story of his,” he grumbled. As the four teenagers approached what remained of the group, they all stopped dead in their tracks at what they saw. Healer Gadi came down the ramp first followed by Elkan and Healer Kaylar, who carefully carried the lifeless body of Vallen between them. Both men were numb with grief. Malcolm came out last helping a distraught Ryvinia down the ramp. The teenagers stood with their heads bowed as Gadi led the group past them and out of the hangar bay. Sedona looked at Roxx. “It seems as though Lonan was not telling a story, Roxx,” she said, evenly. “So it seems,” Roxx replied softly, realizing that he was wrong about Lonan. The pages joined the remaining adults and soon were escorting them out of the hangar bay and towards the section of the government center where the guest chambers were located.Guest chambers
Roxx allowed Archer and Hoshi to enter a huge room that had two doors on two sides of the room. In the middle of a table there was a large covered tray.
“I hope that you will find these accommodations to your satisfaction, Captain,” Roxx said, then pointed to the left. “These two rooms are the sleeping quarters, both of which have a refresher and clothes if you desire to change.” He gestured at the table. “There is food as well.” Archer nodded, as he looked around. He saw Hoshi walk over to the window. He turned back to the youth standing next to him. “Looks great,” Archer finally replied. “We certainly appreciate the hospitality of your people.” Roxx nodded then indicated a blue button on the wall near the door. “If either of you require anything, just press that button and one of us will assist you.” Archer smiled. “Thank-you, Roxx,” he replied. The youth bowed slightly then left the chambers. Archer then walked over to Hoshi, who had seated herself on a nearby couch and sat next to her. He looked at her and saw tears trickling down her soft cheeks. “Hoshi?” Archer said softly. “Vallen didn’t even know me, Captain,” Hoshi said, a sob hitching her voice. She looked at him. “Why would he give his life to save people that he didn’t even know?” “I don’t know his personal reasons, Hoshi,” Archer began as he laid a comforting hand on her slender shoulder. “But what I do know is that he’s a warrior...soldier...fighter, whatever term that they use and one part of that job is to protect the innocent...even if it means sacrificing one’s life to do it.” Hoshi nodded. “But it still doesn’t take away the hurt, Captain.” She hastily wiped the tears from her cheeks. “The hurt will fade in time, Hoshi, but it’ll never completely go away.” He felt himself beginning to choke up, but cleared his throat to hide it. “And I’m forever grateful to Vallen for saving your life.” Tears once again spilled over Hoshi’s cheeks. “Me too.” Archer stood and walked over towards the window, standing in front of it, as he tried to control his own emotions. “Y’know, Hoshi, of all the races that we’ve met so far, these Exoians are not so different from us. I mean they took in and cared for Trip and Malcolm. They helped rescue us...hardly any questions asked.” He saw that Hoshi was now standing next to him...a bit more in control, but only barely. “Just like us,” Hoshi said. Archer nodded. “Just like us.” He changed the subject. “Why don’t we eat and get some rest? Then we can figure out how to get back to Enterprise, shall we?” He grinned a bit. Hoshi forced a small smile. “Yes, sir.” “Good.”Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's quarters
Lonan and Obi-Wan sat at a table, both staring at nothing in particular. Both had things to say, but neither knew quite how to start.
Lonan took in a deep breath, letting out a big sigh. Concerned, Obi-Wan asked. “Lonan?” “I was just thinking, during my first official week as a page, a great deal has happened,’ Lonan replied, then shook his head. “My father will never believe this. He will think that it is another...story.” “Story?” Lonan looked embarrassed. “Yes.” He sighed. “I told stories...occasionally to try to impress my father and others.” His shoulders slumped. “However...when something is true, no one believes me.” He shrugged. “It is my own fault.” “You need only to be yourself, Lonan,” Obi-Wan said, then smiled. “I like you as you are.” The Exoian youth nodded. “That is what Knight Krysira told me.” He blinked in realization. “You...like me?” Obi-Wan grinned. “I consider you my friend, Lonan.” Lonan grinned in return. “You are my friend as well, Obi-Wan. I want to thank-you for going to defend me against Roxx, but it was something that I had to do myself.” “I understand. You did well.” “Thank-you.” The teenagers fell silent, still not saying what truly was on their minds. After a few minutes, Lonan looked up at Obi-Wan. “I thought that Vallen disliked me,” he ventured quietly. Puzzled, Obi-Wan said: “Oh?” “Yes. He did not want to be a nursemaid. He was a warrior. And yet, he gave his life to protect Ensign Sato and myself.” He shook his head, sadly. “I do not understand.” “He did his duty. He kept you two safe.” “Yes. It is not something I will soon forget.” “However...I was not able to protect him.” “You were behind us. How could anyone expect you to protect us?” “I am a Jedi apprentice! I should have been up front!” Tears filled his hazel eyes. “Only a few moments before the second blast, I had a vision. I saw Vallen get shot. I could do nothing to prevent his death!” He slammed his fist on the table. “I am responsible for Vallen’s death!” Lonan laid a comforting hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “Obi-Wan...no one will hold you responsible...perhaps it was his...fate. You were not remiss in your duty.” Obi-Wan didn’t look convinced. “But I failed to protect a life!” “No! You did not fail! You protected the rest of us!” The Jedi apprentice gazed at the Exoian page, considering his words. “Yes...you are correct.” He blinked the tears from his eyes. “Still...I wish things could have turned out differently.” Lonan nodded. “As do I.” Obi-Wan sighed. “I have yet to tell my Master of this.” “I sure hope that he will be understanding.” “So do I.”Krysira's quarters
Krysira walked over to the balcony window after removing her cloak and utility belt. Trip took off his blaster holster and joined her.
Trip saw the profound sadness in her large silvery/blue eyes. He gently touched her cheek. “I hate seeing you so sad, Krys,” he said softly. “I do not mean to worry you, Trip,” Krysira replied. “The loss of life is never easy to deal with.” “No, it’s not.” Krysira gazed at Trip for a long moment or two. “Trip, would you please hold me?” He smiled gently. “Of course and you don’t need to ask, Krys.” The beautiful Jedi Knight smiled and slipped into Trip’s strong embrace. She found comfort and warmth being held so close to the handsome engineer, as she rested her head against his chest. Both stood quietly, enjoying each other’s closeness. After a few minutes, Krysira raised her head up to gaze at Trip. “What will you do, now that your crewmates are safe?” She questioned softly. “Head back to your ship?” Trip sighed heavily. “I’m not so sure that I want to go back, Krys. At least, not without you with me,” he told her, his voice filled with emotion. “You’re such a part of my life now.” She stared back at him, then let out a soft sigh. “I am feeling much the same way, Trip,” she replied in a whisper. “I...feel such a deep connection to you, deeper than the one that I have with Master Windu.” Her eyes glistened slightly. “I know that if we part company, I will lose a part of me.” He tightened his embrace. “Let’s not think about that just yet.” His voice cracked with emotion. “Just let me hold you...while I can.” Krysira nodded, snuggling closer to Trip. “Yes, let us enjoy what time the Force has given us,” she whispered with heartfelt emotion. Trip nodded, and leaned down, kissing her with evident passion. The Force swirled around and between the young couple, intensifying their just emerging love for each other. They finally broke the kiss, but held each other tightly, afraid to let go of the other. Neither Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles nor Commander Trip Tucker knew where their path of destiny would lead them. Would they remain together by the will of the Force and the approval of their respective superiors? Or return to their lives, each in their own universe, separated forever?
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