Path of Destiny - Chapter 20
The Path of Destiny
Chapter Twenty
Part One
Conference room – Jinix government center
The
group was finally reunited: the Jedi: Krysira Antilles, Qui-Gon Jinn and
Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Enterprise officers: Jonathan Archer, Trip Tucker,
Malcolm Reed and Hoshi Sato, and finally the Exoians: Elkan, Ebby, Entok, Trey,
Chelz, Caden, Kaylar, Gadi, Pallaton, Ryvinia, Lonan, Sedona and Roxx. Joining
them via the large communications monitor was T’Pol from the bridge of Enterprise. Everyone was charmed by
little Ebby, who insisted that Elkan tell her who everyone was, before she
curled up on her father’s lap, falling asleep. Everyone settled into a seat.
“I
would like to pay tribute to Noble Vartan, Honor Zarnay, Warrior Vallen,
Advisor Nayda and Guard Deegee along with the ten Exoian women and the warriors
and troops who were taken from us during this conflict with a quiet ceremony
tomorrow morning in the memorial gardens,” Ryvinia said. “I hope that this is
agreeable to all.”
Everyone
nodded in agreement.
“Thank-you.”
She looked at Kaylar and Elkan, who held his sleeping daughter protectively.
“Elkan, could you and Kaylar contact the families of those women and your
warriors to attend this ceremony?”
“Of
course, Counselor,” Both Elkan and Kaylar replied in unison.
Krysira
made a small gesture with her hand. “Counselor, if I may?” Seeing Ryvinia nod,
the female Jedi continued. “It is unfortunate that Drayce and some of his
associates were not taken alive, so that we could have discovered Drayce’s true
motives for beginning this conflict in the first place.” She felt Trip’s large
fingers gently interlaced with the fingers of her free hand under the table.
“But
those who are alive will pay for what they have done,” Pallaton said with
determination. “And the penalty will be quite harsh, I assure you.”
Chelz
leaned forward in her chair, resting her forearms on the table. “I would still
like to know why Drayce allowed ten Exoian women die, including my best friend,
Bryatta,” she said in a slightly trembling voice.
Archer
leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “The short time that I was
his prisoner, I found out that Drayce’s only concern was to become rich and
powerful,” he told the group.
Qui-Gon
looked thoughtful. “Therefore, my guess would be that Drayce did that to create
turmoil among the Exoian people and to use that turmoil to spark the war that
was already in danger of happening because of the conflict between the
government and the warriors. He most likely arranged for Vartan and Zarnay to
be killed for the same reason,” Qui-Gon explained.
Ryvinia
looked at Chelz in a curious manner. “Chelz, who was your friend?” She
questioned.
“Bryatta,”
the attractive tavern owner replied, then curiously: “Why?”
Ryvinia
leaned forward. “Senator Bryatta was your friend?” She questioned.
“Yes,
we went to school together.”
“I
see. Bryatta did not speak much about her personal life.”
“No.
I do not imagine that she did. She was a very private person. To know something
about her was...rare.”
“Yes.”
Ryvinia merely nodded, as she sat back in her chair, looking thoughtful. “I am
puzzled by something that Drayce had me do, while I was his captive.
He...forced me to make up citizenship papers for three men and three women.”
Under the table, her free hand found one of Malcolm’s hands, clutching it.
“I
believe I can explain, Counselor,” Entok said. “There were six Exoians who had
escaped from Felorym. As you know, those who are sent there lose their status
as citizens and their papers are destroyed.”
Ryvinia
nodded. “Drayce knew that I was the only one capable of reinstating these
people to full citizenship, because I was acting leader of the government.”
“Precisely.”
“Counselor
Ryvinia?” It was T’Pol’s emotionless voice from the monitor.
“Yes,
Sub-Commander?” Ryvinia questioned.
“Can
the operation to transport the Rybrillians home proceed now?” The Vulcan female
questioned.
Ryvinia
looked at Archer. “Captain?”
Archer
grinned. “I see no reason why not,” he replied, then looked over at the space
pilot. “Trey?”
“My
ship is at your disposal, Captain,” Trey replied, smiling.
“Thank-you.”
Archer saw Lonan grinning from ear to ear and it warmed his heart.
“Excellent,”
Ryvinia replied. “May I suggest that this undertaking begin tomorrow for I
believe that there are those in need for rest and food. Is this agreeable?”
There
were murmurs of consent as the group dispersed from the room.
Part Two
Obi-Wan’s and Qui-Gon’s chambers
Obi-Wan
was in his sleep area of the chambers, cleaning his lightsabre, as he sat on the
edge of his bed. His Master had said nothing since they arrived here. He
wondered what Qui-Gon thought about what he had done to save little Ebby. He
allowed a brief smile to cross his boyishly handsome features, as he remembered
Ebby hugging and thanking him for saving her from the bad man. Looking into the
little girl’s bright smiling innocent face, Obi-Wan had felt his heart just
melt. He had felt the pure honest innocence of the child’s soul through the
Force and it warmed his heart to know that his actions were appreciated
by...someone.
“Padawan!”
It was Qui-Gon from another part of the chambers.
The
young apprentice sighed as he got up, carefully laying his lightsabre on the
dresser. He walked into the common room to see the Jedi Master sitting at a
table. “Yes, Master?” Obi-Wan replied, quietly, eyes downcast.
Qui-Gon
studied the youth for a few moments before speaking. “Obi-Wan, I want to say
that the way that you rescued little Ebby from Drayce was simple yet quite
ingenious,” he said, allowing a smile to cross his lean handsome features.
Obi-Wan’s
eyes snapped up to fix on his Master’s face. He saw Qui-Gon smiling at him.
“Thank-you, Master.”
“How
ever did you come up with that solution?”
The
youth looked a bit embarrassed. “While in the Academy, I played a childhood
prank on a fellow classmate, during a mock battle scenario,” He paused. “We
were in a desert and using the Force, I flicked a little sand in my opponent’s
eyes.” Obi-Wan sighed heavily. “I was caught by Master Yoda who severely reprimanded
me for playing such a potentially harmful prank. I could have blinded my
classmate, even though it was a clever way of getting past my opponent. Master
Yoda made me promise never to do it again. I did not until the situation with
Drayce. I regret that I had to break that promise.”
Qui-Gon
nodded. “This is just another example of how even the most evil acts can have
good results,” he told his Padawan. “However...some promises are not meant to
be kept.” He saw the youth look at him curiously. “Elkan and I just went
through a similar experience.” He stood, walking around the table over to his
apprentice. “An innocent life was saved. You did well, Obi-Wan.” He laid a
large hand on his apprentice’s shoulder, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
Obi-Wan
practically beamed at his Master’s words. “Thank-you, Master.”
Qui-Gon
felt the warmth radiating from the teenager and smiled. “Meditate and rest now,
Padawan. Our help will most likely be needed later.”
“Yes,
Master.”
Qui-Gon
watched the teenager head back in his sleeping area, then seated himself on the
nearby couch. He suddenly allowed a smile to appear as he remembered that he
wasn’t so different from Obi-Wan at the same age, while in the Academy. He
could almost hear Yoda reprimanding Obi-Wan. It was most likely none too
different as when the diminutive Jedi Master reprimanded himself for a similar
incident. Qui-Gon was beginning to realize how much Obi-Wan was reminding him
of himself. He now saw the wisdom in Yoda’s decision to have Obi-Wan conveniently
be on the transport that led to the two of them working together and ultimately
becoming Master and Padawan, much to Krysira's delight when she found out. He
inhaled deeply and let it out slowly, as he closed his eyes, slipping into his
meditative state.
Part Three
Ryvinia’s chambers
Ryvinia
sank down on her couch next to Malcolm.
“I
am glad that this situation with Drayce has finally come to an end,” Ryvinia
said. “Now I hope that I can mend the rift that separates my people.”
Malcolm
grasped her hand. “I’m certain that Elkan and Kaylar will assist you in that
endeavor,” he told her, giving her an encouraging smile.
“Yes,
I am certain that they will.” A sad expression suddenly crossed her face.
Malcolm
caught her expression. “Ryvinia...what’s wrong, luv?” He asked concerned.
She
blushed slightly at the obvious endearment. “I realize that you will...be
leaving soon to take the Rybrillians back to their home world.”
Malcolm
sighed in a sad manner. “Yes.” He grasped both of her hands in his large hands,
knowing what her statement meant.
A
beep from the nearby small communication console interrupted their
conversation. Ryvinia reluctantly withdrew from Malcolm, walking over to the
console.
She
pressed a button and a female Exoian technician’s face appeared. “Yes?” Ryvinia
said a bit annoyed.
“Forgive
the interruption, Counselor, but there is an important message coming in from
Coruscant,” the female communications technician replied.
“Coruscant?”
Ryvinia frowned.
“Yes.”
“I
assume it is for the Jedi then.”
“No,
Counselor. It is Chairman of the Senate, Ryko Lym of Shyndex.”
Ryvinia
blinked. “I see. Put him through.”
“At
once, Counselor.” The screen went blank.
A
few moments later the screen burst to life. A human-looking man with mahogany
colored skin appeared on the screen. He had a ‘V’ shaped bony ridge across his
high forehead. He had short stark white spiked hair and golden eyes, which were
in sharp contrast to his skin. He wore white robes with green trim.
Ryko
frowned slightly. “You are not Honor Zarnay,” he said in Republic Standard.
“No, Senator Chairman. I am Counselor Ryvinia, acting
leader of the Exoian government. We have just averted a major conflict here
with the help of the Jedi, that unfortunately was not without...fatalities.”
“I
see.” He paused. “Very well, then. The reason for my communication is that your
planet’s representative in the senate, Bryatta, has not yet returned from her
brief sabbatical. If she was delayed, we have not received any communication
from her. Your planet’s vote is needed in an important matter.”
Ryvinia
sighed. “I regret to inform you that Senator Bryatta has passed away due to a
rare disease. I apologize for not contacting you sooner, but the situation here
had my full attention.”
Ryko
sighed heavily. “My condolences for your losses, especially that of Senator
Bryatta. She was a well respected person.”
Ryvinia
nodded. “Yes, she was. Thank-you, your sentiment is appreciated.”
“Is
it possible to send another representative temporarily for this vote?”
The
Exoian Counselor thought for a few moments. “I will come within the week.”
“Thank-you,
Counselor. We will adjourn until your arrival. I will transmit the particulars
over a high security frequency of your choosing, so that you may be familiar
with the matter, when you arrive.”
“Thank-you.”
She touched a couple of buttons. “You may transmit now.” She watched the screen
as another smaller window came up, indicating the transmission of data. In less
than a minute, the transmission was complete. She touched another button and
the small window disappeared. “I have received the information.”
“Excellent.
Until we meet.” Ryko bowed and cut off communications.
Ryvinia
reseated herself next to Malcolm, who grasped her hands in his hands.
“It
appears that my work has just begun,” Ryvinia finally began. “After I return
from this vote, I must appoint a replacement for Bryatta. And once again,
Tribune Pallaton will assume leadership until I return. Then we must work with
Elkan and his people to try to mend the damage that Drayce caused. It will be
no easy task.”
“Perhaps
not. But it seems that you have a good start.” Malcolm flashed her an
encouraging smile.
“This
is true.” A sad expression crossed her face. “I only wish that I could spend
some more time...with you, before we both leave for our destinations.”
Malcolm
looked thoughtful. “I do believe we could...with Captain Archer’s permission.”
She
peered at him curiously. “What do you mean, Malcolm?”
“Wouldn’t
it be a gesture of goodwill if you accompany us on Enterprise, when we take the
Rybrillians home, then we take you to...um, Coruscant?”
Ryvinia
pondered Malcolm’s words, then suddenly smiled. “Yes! That is an excellent
idea, Malcolm.” Her smile suddenly faded. “Do you believe that Captain Archer
will approve?”
“If
we give him a good enough reason, which I think that we have.”
She
flung her arms around Malcolm, giving him a passionate kiss. Malcolm’s arms
slipped around Ryvinia, holding her close as the kiss deepened.
They
withdrew a little.
“If
Captain Archer allows me aboard your ship, perhaps then we could...discuss...”
she trailed off.
“Our
relationship?” Malcolm supplied.
Ryvinia
nodded, her cheeks flushed light lavender.
Malcolm
blushed slightly, but smiled tenderly, as he gently tucked a lock of Ryvinia’s
hair behind one ear. “I agree, luv, but for now let’s rest for a bit, shall
we?”
Ryvinia
nodded, accepting the kiss that Malcolm offered.
They
cuddled together on the couch, allowing the tensions of the past few days to
see away. Both knew that they had to talk about their relationship, but now
didn’t seem to be the time. Now was time to just be together.
Part Four
Guest Quarters
Chelz looked around puzzled, then at Trey who stood
nearby.
“I
thought that Caden came here, when he left the conference room,” Chelz assumed.
“Perhaps
he had something to take care of first,” Trey offered.
“Yes,
he probably did.”
Trey
regarding Chelz lovingly, as he moved over to her. He grasped one of her small
hands in one of his large hands, as he gazed down into her eyes. Chelz gazed
back curiously.
“When
I first saw you in the tavern five years ago, I had felt something inside me
that I had never felt before,” Trey began, his raspy voice soft. “However, I
had felt that because I was a space freighter pilot, I should not pursue any
relationship. I would be away far too often.”
Chelz
nodded. “You told me that, but...” she trailed off when Trey’s fingers of his
free hand touched her lips.
“However,
despite that, I began a friendship with you. I felt that if we were friends,
then there would be a commitment no deeper than friendship. However, I found
that every time that I was back here, I had to see you. My feelings for you
deepened. I had no control of that.” He paused. “I know that we had discussed
earlier, before we pursued things further that we needed to tend to before we
committed to marriage, however...I find that I do not wish to wait.” Trey
leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. “Will you be my mate for
life, Chelz?”
Tears
of happiness welled up inside, her large onyx-colored eyes. Chelz laid her free
hand, palm down on Trey’s chest over the area of his heart and spoke the words
that she thought that she would never say: “I will be yours forever, Trey.”
They
stood like that for a few minutes, then kissed fervently.
Part Five
Corridor to hangar bay
Lonan’s
face flushed with excitement as he practically ran down the corridor, pulling a
confused Sedona with him.
“Hurry,
Sedona!” Lonan urged.
“Lonan...what
is the hurry?” Sedona managed to ask.
“My
father has finally returned from his assignment.”
“Oh.”
Upon
rounding the bend in the corridor, both teenagers saw a female Exoian approach
the entrance to the hangar bay. They slowed to a hurried walk. The female
Exoian stopped and turned around to see who was behind her. She was an
attractive woman, who wore a lavender long sleeved tunic trimmed in silver with
a deep purple sash tied around her waist with the same colored leggings, along
with ankle high comfortable footwear. Her hair was pulled to the back in a
small bun.
Lonan
stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the woman in front of them, releasing
Sedona’s hand.
Sedona
stopped as well, looking first at Lonan then at the woman in front of them.
“Lonan, what is wrong?” She wanted to know.
Lonan
glanced briefly at Sedona, then back at the woman. “Mother?” He questioned.
Pedzi
smiled gently at her only child. “Why are you so surprised, Lonan?” She
questioned in a soft, almost musical tone. “Did you not think that I would also
be contacted as to your father’s return?”
He
ran a hand through his short hair. “Of course I did, Mother.” He blushed
slightly. “But I was not sure that you would be able to arrive in time, since
your work takes you to the other side of the planet at times.” He suddenly
smiled, as he went over to Pedzi, hugging her hard.
“I
know, my son.” Pedzi returned the hug then released him. “I feel that we should
spend time together as a family, something that we have not done in a very long
time.” She looked over at Sedona then back at her son. “And also spend time
with my son’s friends.”
Lonan blushed slightly, as he turned a bit to look at
Sedona. “This is Sedona. She is also a page. Sedona, this is my mother, Pedzi,”
he introduced.
Sedona
nodded shyly in greeting.
Pedzi
smiled warmly at the young teenager then turned back to her son. “I believe
your father’s ship is about to arrive. Shall we all greet him?” She suggested.
Lonan
nodded and gestured for Sedona to follow, as mother and son headed towards the
entrance, where a guard was stationed.
The
guard recognized the teenagers as pages. He looked at the woman and his eyes
widened. By her clothing, he knew that this woman was from the scientific
facility that operated on the other side of Exoia.
“May
I know your purpose for being here?” The guard questioned politely.
“I
am Laboratory Technician Pedzi,” Pedzi began. “I am here for the arrival of my
husband, Stellar Investigator Becan.” She motioned to Lonan and Sedona. “Lonan
is our son and Sedona is with him.”
The
guard nodded. “Very well. His ship has just landed.” He stepped to one side to
allow them to enter the hangar bay.
A
ruggedly good-looking Exoian man wearing a dark tan jumpsuit and boots was the
last to exit his ship after bidding his crew goodbye.
“FATHER!”
Becan
broke into a big smile, seeing his only child running towards him. “Lonan!” He
called out then grunted, as his son embraced him. “Easy, son,” he managed to
say, embracing his son in a huge hug. “I am happy to see you as well.”
Lonan
released his father. “Mother is here as well,” he said, motioning behind him.
Becan’s
face softened as Pedzi joined them. Lonan stepped back as his parents embraced,
kissing deeply. Both teenagers looked elsewhere.
Becan
raised up. “I have missed you, woman,” he said with deep affection, touching
her cheek.
“I
have missed you as well,” Pedzi whispered.
They
released each other, moving to join the two teenagers. “Lonan, who is your
pretty friend?” He wanted to know.
Lonan
felt his cheeks burn with shyness. “This is Sedona and she is a page as well,”
the youth began. “Sedona, this is Becan, my father.”
Sedona
merely nodded, still too shy to say anything, her cheeks a bright lavender.
“Father,
I have a great deal to tell you and Mother that has happened to me the past few
days,” Lonan told his parents.
“Lonan,”
Pedzi warned.
“Not
more of your...stories, son,” Becan warned as well.
Sedona
stepped forward, finally overcoming her sudden shyness around Lonan’s parents.
“No, what he will tell you, every word of it is true,” she told them.
Husband
and wife looked at each other curiously, then back at the teenagers.
“Very
well,” Becan began. “Let us go to the recreation area and talk.”
They
walked across the hangar bay, exiting the area.
Part Six
Krysira's quarters
Krysira had shown Trip how to control the abilities that
he had shown earlier. She now had him meditating to calm and focus himself and
to bring his high emotions and anxiety under control.
They
sat cross-legged on the floor, facing each other.
Trip
fidgeted a little, not used to sitting so still for any amount of time.
However, Krysira's gentle presence calmed him. He drew on that. He knew that
she was well aware of that, for she urged him to try on his own, but she would
be there to help. He struggled a bit to try to clear his mind, but it was so
hard with everything running through his mind. But once again, Krysira's
presence guided him, helping him to focus on the task at hand.
Almost
an hour later, Trip opened his eyes.
“That
was very good for the first try, Trip,” Krysira told him, her eyes still
closed.
Trip
gazed at her. “You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart,” he told her, shaking
his head. “I’ll never have your control.” He scowled a bit.
Krysira
opened her eyes, regarding Trip gently. “I have had many years to work on my
meditation skills,” she explained, seeing Trip nod in acknowledgement. “On the
other hand, you have just discovered your Force-sensitivity; therefore it will
take time and patience, my love.”
A
beep caught her attention. Krysira stood gracefully, as the beep sounded again.
“Master
Windu?” Trip assumed, as he stood up, walking over to join Krysira.
“Possibly,”
Krysira said, walking over to the dresser where her utility belt and
lightsabres had been placed. She pulled out her holographic communicator, as it
beeped once again. Before answering it, she looked briefly over her shoulder at
Trip. “Do not be discouraged...Padawan.”
She
turned back to her communicator that beeped yet again.
Trip
blinked. “Padawan?” He questioned, stopping next to her.
He
studied her face. At first, all that Trip saw was that Krysira's expression was
neutral. However, when he looked into her silvery/blue eyes, he saw a bright
sparkle of amusement in them. It was then that Trip realized that she was
gently teasing him.
Trip
leaned down, kissing her lips softly, then in her ear, whispered: “Yes,
Master.”
Krysira
allowed herself to giggle softly for a moment then composed herself, as she
opened her communicator.
A
holographic figure shimmered into view. However, it was not the commanding
presence of Mace Windu that appeared. Instead, it was a diminutive figure.
Trip
studied the heavy-lidded green being with large pointed ears, dressed in Jedi
robes. He wasn’t quite certain what to think about this unfamiliar Jedi.
However, judging from Krysira's posture and what he felt from her through the
Force, Trip realized that this was not someone to mess with. He took a step
back.
“Greetings,
young Krysira,” Yoda said in a gravely voice. He looked at Trip for a few long
moments. “And to you as well, Commander Tucker.”
“Greetings,
Master Yoda,” Krysira said, bowing.
Trip
felt as though he was being scrutinized inside as well as out. He merely nodded
in response.
“Resolved,
has the conflict been?” Yoda questioned.
“Yes,”
Krysira replied. “However, the Rybrillians need transportation home.”
“Accomplished
by the ship from beyond the gateway that can and will be. However, required
here your presence is.”
At
that statement, Trip felt his heart drop into his stomach, his mouth dropping
open a bit, as he stared at Yoda. A wave of fear passed over him.
Yoda
turned his head slightly to study Trip’s reaction to his statement.
Krysira
not only felt Trip’s sense of fear but also felt a gnawing of fear herself.
“You
will return with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan,” Yoda told her.
Before
Krysira could respond, Trip stepped forward. “Begging your pardon...sir. I’m an
engineer and I’ve studied these ships. It’ll take a week to get to Coruscant.
But my ship can take the Rybrillians home, transport them down and get to
Coruscant one day sooner, if you allow us to take Krysira instead.”
Krysira
looked at Trip surprised.
Yoda
looked thoughtful for a moment or two. “Hmmm. Agreeable this is,” the Jedi
Master replied, then closed the connection.
Krysira
closed her communicator, putting it away. She turned away from Trip, allowing
tears to streak her face.
Trip
was puzzled by her actions. He laid his hands on her shoulders, turning the
lovely Jedi Knight around to face him. “Sweetheart?” He questioned.
For
the first time in her life, Krysira merely broke down and sobbed bitterly.
Trip
felt the sorrow that emanated from Krysira and gathered her in his arms,
holding her tightly against him. Krysira clung to Trip, as huge sobs racked her
body. This totally threw Trip for a loop. Krysira had always been strong, since
he met her. He knew that he had to be strong for her, but he couldn't. He felt
tears well up and in his eyes, spilling onto his face, as he rested his cheek
against the to of her head.
After
a while, Krysira gently withdrew from Trip a little as she wiped her eyes,
composing herself. Trip hastily wiped his eyes as well.
“Master
Yoda is very much aware of our relationship,” Krysira began in a slightly shaky
voice. “I do not know why he wants me, but I am afraid that one possibility is
to...” she trailed off, taking a deep breath. “Separate us.” She looked up into
Trip’s wet eyes.
Trip
shook his head, vehemently. “No. I won’t let them!” He said, his Southern
accent heightened by his rising emotions.
Krysira
laid her slender hands on his partly bared lightly hair-covered chest. “We may
have no choice, my love. I will face the consequences of my actions.”
Trip
took her face in his large hands, staring deeply into her eyes. “No,
sweetheart. We will!” He stated with definite determination.
To
the young couple, no other words meant as much as those did.
They
held each other tightly, as the Force swirled slowly, but strongly in and
around the young couple.
To
be continued in Dimensions of Destiny.....