Path of Destiny - Chapter 15
The Path of Destiny
Chapter Fifteen
Part One
Jinix government center – recreation/dining area
Hoshi, Chelz, Lonan and Roxx were seated in the lounge
section of the area. They were all a bit restless, wondering what was going on
with the rest of the group.
Kaylar
and Gadi came into the area and joined them. Both healers looked distressed.
Chelz
leaned forward. “What is wrong?” She questioned.
“Advisor
Nayda was found...dead,” Gadi told them, quietly. “Her neck was broken.”
The
others stared at him in disbelief.
“An
accident?” Hoshi questioned.
Kaylar
shook his head. “No,” he said in a subdued voice.
At
that point Tribune Pallaton strode into the area and over to the group, looking
quite frustrated. Gadi began to rise to his feet, as did Roxx and Lonan. But
much to their surprise, the Tribune held up his hand, as he seated himself next
to the Gadi.
“What
is wrong, Tribune?” Gadi questioned.
“Durriken
is not in his chambers nor in his office,” Pallaton replied, as he rubbed his
eyes with the heels of his hands. He looked at Gadi. “Have you seen him?”
“No.
I am sorry. I have not.”
Pallaton
grunted, then looked at Lonan and Roxx. “You two pages.” He pointed at them, as
they rose to their feet. “Locate Advisor Durriken and report back to me in a
half hour in my office.”
The
two youths bowed and left the area.
Pallaton
also rose to his feet. “You know where I will be,” he told Gadi. Not waiting
for a reply, Pallaton strode out of the room.
Hoshi
stared after Pallaton, thinking that the Exoian government official was not all
that different than Vulcan Ambassador Soval in his mannerisms.
Chelz
glanced over at Kaylar who looked deep in thought. “Kaylar?” She questioned.
The
younger healer looked over at the tavern owner. “Yes?” He replied.
“Is
something troubling you?”
“I
am just curious as to why Master Jinn wanted Gadi and me to leave the infirmary
earlier.”
“He
didn’t explain it to you?” Hoshi questioned.
Gadi
shook his head. “All he said was that something was going to happen and the
fewer people who knew, the better,” he told them.
“I
am sure that Master Jinn has his reasons,” Chelz commented. “The most likely of
all being to protect innocent people.”
Kaylar
nodded. “I would agree,” he replied.
“Until
we hear from Master Jinn, we may as well take this opportunity to rest,” Gadi
suggested to Kaylar, who nodded.
Chelz
looked at the Enterprise communication officer.
“We have a game that we play with cards. It is called Dorit. It is very easy to
play. Would you like to learn?” She questioned.
Hoshi
smiled. “I’d love to,” she replied.
“Come.”
The
two women rose and moved over to a small square table with a series of hexagon
shapes of different colors on it. In the middle of the table was a large stack
of similar shaped cards. Upon sitting down, Chelz began to quietly instruct
Hoshi in the game.
Both
healers sat quietly, getting the relaxation they needed, but truly unable to
enjoy it due to all the events that were happening.
Part Two
Enterprise – transporter room
The same crewman who had helped carry the Exoian counselor
to Sickbay earlier was back at his post. He looked up to see Ryvinia enter,
having to duck to get through the doorway. Sedona entered next followed by
Malcolm.
Ryvinia smiled pleasantly at the crewman, who gaped up at
her. His reaction was not new to the attractive Exoian.
“Crewman,” Malcolm said. “It’s impolite to stare.”
The crewman blinked, looking at his superior officer.
“Sorry, sir,” he mumbled.
“From what I have seen of this vessel, it is very
impressive,” Ryvinia commented.
“First of its kind in our fleet back home,” Malcolm
explained.
Ryvinia nodded. “And what is this room?” She gestured
around with a slender hand.
“This is our transporter room. This is how we got you up
here. Basically, it transports matter from one location to another. However, we
will need to transport to someplace discreet. Our sudden appearance could be
unsettling to your people.”
“Indeed.” She thought for a few moments. “My quarters.”
“That would work.” He moved around the transporter console,
touching a series of buttons on the control panel. “If I’m not mistaken, our
sensor scans have picked up the government center structure.” A schematic of
the building appeared on the screen.
Ryvinia peered over the front of the console to see the
layout of the center. Although it was upside down, the Exoian counselor lost no
time in pointing out the desired location. “These are my quarters.”
Malcolm nodded, then to the crewman. “Three to transport
down to those coordinates.”
“Yes, sir,” the crewman replied, as he programmed in the
destination.
Malcolm led Sedona and Ryvinia over to the transporter pad
itself. He positioned them on it, then himself. “There will be a slight
disorientation when we rematerialize in your quarters.”
Ryvinia smiled gently. “I understand, Malcolm,” she
replied.
The armory officer grinned, then nodded sharply to the
crewman, who activated the transporter.
The human and the two Exoians disappeared in a shimmer of
lights.
Part Three
Corridor
Qui-Gon strode quickly down the corridor with the others
behind. The Jedi Master realized that this section of the corridor was not only
dimmer than the rest of the corridor, but also had a few turns in it as well.
His gray eyes widened upon seeing a figure come around a corner.
The Jedi Master reacted instantly. His lightsabre was
instantly in his hand, ignited. He swung his lightsabre in a backhand swing in
hopes of stopping the figure.
Qui-Gon’s lean handsome features registered surprise upon
seeing that a white beam of energy, which could have only come from another
lightsabre, neatly blocked his strike. He knew that only a handful of Jedi used
this color, especially one in particular.
“Krysira?”
Qui-Gon questioned tentatively.
The
pretty Jedi Knight came into view. “Qui-Gon?” She questioned.
Both
Jedi sighed with relief, putting their lightsabres away.
Krysira
looked over a slender shoulder at the person she was in front of. “Captain, are
you alright?”
Archer
merely nodded, a bit stunned at the speed at which everything just happened.
Trip
came up beside Krysira, resting a large hand gently on her back, as he peered
around her at Qui-Gon. “If I’m not mistaken, Drayce hightailed it that a way,”
he commented, pointing down the hall in the direction that Qui-Gon and the others
just came in.
“It
is apparent that Drayce and his associates were able to slip by us,” Qui-Gon
began. “Being that he knows the area, to search for him randomly would be
futile. Therefore, we need to return to the dwelling to search for clues.”
“But
there’s still smoke in the rooms,” Archer pointed out.
Krysira
looked pensive then looked at the others. “I have an idea,” she told them.
Archer
glanced aside at the beautiful Jedi. “What do you have in mind?”
“I
will explain when we reach the dwelling.”
Without
another word, the group headed back towards Drayce’s dwelling.
Part Four
Ryvinia’s chambers
Malcolm recovered first from being transported. He
steadied Ryvinia, who had staggered slightly. Sedona fared better this time and
recovered quickly.
“You
okay, Ryvinia?” Malcolm questioned.
The
attractive Exoian female heard the concern in the human’s British-bred voice.
She smiled reassuringly. “I am fine, Malcolm,” she replied, then sobered.
“Tribune Pallaton must have assumed leadership in my absence. Therefore we must
inform him that I have returned.”
“I’m
sure that he will be quite relieved to see you.”
Sedona
stepped in front of the counselor. “Aunt Ryvinia, there is something that you
and Lieutenant Reed should know. Before we found you, I was with Knight Krysira
and she discovered a connection between Drayce and...Advisor Durriken,” she
explained.
Ryvinia
and Malcolm stared at each other, then at Sedona.
“What?”
Ryvinia exclaimed. “We must inform Tribune Pallaton of this development immediately.”
The
trio dashed out of the chambers on a run.
Part Five
Tribune Pallaton’s office
Pallaton
sat in a chair behind a semicircular desk. His fingers were steepled, pressed
against his chin. He hoped that those two pages found Durriken. His thoughts
drifted back to Nayda. How would he break the news to her brother? Telling
someone of a loved love’s death was never easy. Sending a message was the easy
way out. No, he would go and tell him personally. But this task had to
wait...for now.
The
doors slid open to reveal Lonan and Roxx, who approached the Tribune’s desk
bowing slightly to him.
“Report,”
Pallaton said tonelessly.
Roxx
took a step forward. “We were unable to locate Advisor Durriken,” he replied.
“WHAT?”
Pallaton roared, slamming his fist on the desk.
Both
youths took an involuntary step away, then a second step, as Pallaton rose to
his feet.
“WHAT
IS GOING ON HERE?” Pallaton roared again then took a deep breath, calming
himself, but only slightly, as he paced around the room. “First, Honor Zarnay
and Noble Vartan are murdered. Then, Counselor Ryvinia was kidnapped. Third,
Advisor Nayda was found murdered. Now, Advisor Durriken is missing.” He whirled
on the two youths. “What else can go wrong?” He demanded in a rhetorical
fashion.
Both
teenagers merely stood there, silent.
At
that point, the doors to his office slid open once again. This time, Ryvinia,
Malcolm and Sedona ran in.
A
wave of relief washed over Pallaton’s features. He stepped forward to grasp the
counselor’s hands, briefly. “Ryvinia...you are...unharmed?” He questioned.
Ryvinia
smiled. “Yes. I have Lieutenant Reed to thank for that,” she replied, gesturing
to the human standing slightly behind and to the side of her.
The
Tribune walked over to Malcolm and picked up the startled human in a swift
grateful hug. Pallaton set Malcolm back down on his feet, clearing his throat.
“Forgive my exuberance, Lieutenant Reed,” Pallaton said, his pale cheeks had a
slight purple highlight to them. “It is just that I am extremely grateful for
Ryvinia’s safe return.”
Malcolm
also cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed by Pallaton’s display, but
recovered quickly. “My pleasure, sir,” he replied, feeling a bit of warmth in
his cheeks.
In
the meantime, Lonan walked over and gave Sedona a heartfelt hug and a quick
peck on the cheek. “I am happy that you are safe as well, Sedona,” he said in a
soft voice.
Sedona
merely blushed. Lonan thought how pretty that made her look.
Roxx
merely rolled his eyes.
“Ryvinia...there
is something that you must know,” Pallaton began.
“What
is that?” Ryvinia questioned curiously.
Pallaton
took a deep breath. “Advisor Nayda was found...murdered. Her neck was broken.”
Ryvinia’s
hand grasped Malcolm’s hand, as a horrified expression crossed her delicate
features. “No!” She exchanged a look with Malcolm. “Tribune...I am afraid that
I have received some...distressing news, as well.”
Pallaton
looked curiously at the counselor. “What news?” He questioned.
Ryvinia
felt Malcolm squeeze her hand in encouragement. “It has been discovered that
Drayce is in league with a trusted official...Durriken.”
If
the Tribune’s face could have gone any paler, it would have, as he stood there
in stunned silence at the news.
Part Six
Dead end in corridor way
Drayce stopped when he reached a wall at the end of the
corridor. Makkor came up beside the former chief of staff, folding his arms
over his massive chest.
“Brilliant,”
Makkor said sarcastically, eyeing Drayce. “You led us down a dead end corridor.
Where are we suppose to go now...back the way we came?”
Drayce
eyed Makkor calmly. “Have patience,” he replied, taking out his small device.
Makkor
merely grumbled in a disgusted fashion.
Drayce
pushed a yellow button and the wall shimmered away to reveal a large open area
with three large passageways from it. Located in the middle was a huge square
platform that had a small control panel attached to it with a vertical post.
Drayce
strode in and waited for the others to enter. He, then, pressed the yellow
button again and the wall shimmered back into view. He smirked slightly seeing
the expressions of awe and surprise on everyone’s face including his two
bodyguards.
“I
have never seen anything such as this, Lord Drayce,” Jeyzen commented.
“I
call it a hover platform,” Drayce replied. “A transportation vehicle of my own
design.” There was a great deal of obvious pride in his voice. “This will take
us near another dwelling.” He looked over the group, making a decision. “It
will not hold all of us. Therefore, Myrek, you, Riaden and Dalosi will remain
here, while the others accompany me. I will program it to return here. All you
have to do is press the blue bar and it will bring you to another base similar
to this one. There is a single door that opens up into a courtyard. Cross the
courtyard and enter the white stone building.”
Myrek
merely bowed. “Yes, my lord,” he replied.
Drayce
boarded the hover platform, along with Jeyzen, Cluna, Narset and Makkor.
“Drayce,
what if we are discovered?” Riaden wanted to know.
“You
will be perfectly safe. No one knows where we are,” Drayce assured him,
touching the blue bar.
The
remaining Exoians watched as the hover platform rose smoothly about a foot off
of the ground, then moved quietly towards the passageway to the left.