Path of Destiny - Chapter 8
The Path of Destiny
Chapter Eight
Part One
Jinix government center – Ryvinia’s chambers
Gadi, Kaylar and Sedona emerged from the passageway and
walked through the quiet chambers. They exited the missing counselor’s living
quarters.
The
elder healer turned to the teenaged page. “Sedona, return to the
recreation/dining area,” Gadi said. “Kaylar and I will follow shortly.”
Sedona
bowed slightly. “Yes, Healer Gadi,” she replied, turning to head down one
corridor.
After
a moment, the two healers headed down the corridor in the opposite direction.
After
a minute or so, Sedona doubled back the way she had just come. Seeing that the
two men were nowhere in sight, the girl ran back into her aunt’s quarters.
Part Two
Enterprise – Sickbay
Phlox sat in his office, as he worked on a report,
occasionally glancing out the doorway to check on the readout of the bioscan of
his patient.
Krysira
shifted slightly, as she began to regain consciousness. She began to draw in
the Force, using its powers to heal and refresh herself.
Seeing
the movement, Porthos ran over, jumping up on the bed near Krysira’s feet. He
moved up to lick her hand softly.
The
beautiful Jedi’s silvery/blue eyes blinked open and focused in on Porthos, who
was gazing back at her, tail wagging hard.
She
smiled. “What a curious little animal,” she said aloud in her soft manner.
Upon
hearing a female voice, Phlox emerged from his office to see his patient awake.
He walked over to her. “Ah...you’re awake,” he said, impressed. “Remarkable.
How are you feeling?” He questioned, as he raised the head of the bed to a
reclined position, checking her vitals on the bioscan.
But
Krysira’s first thoughts were not of her present condition, but on the young
man whom she was in love with. “Where is Trip? Is he unharmed?” She questioned,
concern filling her tone.
Phlox
chuckled. “Commander Tucker is fine. He is as worried about you as you are
about him. Perhaps even more so by the way he was acting. Had to chase him out
for being in the way.”
Krysira
smiled. “I see.” She could just imagine Trip’s actions regarding her well being
and loved him even more. “I am Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles. May I inquire as
to who you are and where I am at?”
“Pardon
my manners. I’m Doctor Phlox, a Denobulan, and you are aboard Enterprise in its Sickbay
facilities. You were transported here along with Commander Tucker and an older
man in clothing similar to yours, who, by the way, has your belt.”
“Ah...Jedi
Master Qui-Gon Jinn.” She looked down curiously at Porthos who was nuzzling her
hand.
“Oh...this
is Captain Archer’s dog, Porthos.” He chuckled. “He obviously likes you.”
Krysira
smiled. “I see. A...pet then?” She softly stroked the beagle’s head, as the dog
nestled against her hip.
Phlox
nodded. “Now...at the risk of repeating myself...how are you feeling?”
“I
am sore, but it is fading quickly.”
Phlox
eyed her. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
Krysira
nodded slowly. “Of course, Doctor Phlox.”
“Do
you remember what happened?”
The
pretty Jedi looked pensive for a few moments. “I remember pushing Trip out of
the path of danger that I sensed. All I remember after that is being thrown
backwards, slamming into something.”
“I
was told that it was a wall. I’m sure that whatever caused your injury is being
searched for. You sustained a concussion and some internal injuries from the
impact.” He glanced again at the bioscan. “And you are responding very nicely
to the treatment as well.”
“That
is good.” She smiled softly. “May I see Trip?”
“Certainly.”
Phlox smiled in return, and walked over to a wall, pressing a button on an
intercom. “Phlox to Commander Tucker.”
Almost
instantly, Trip’s Southern bred voice filtered through. “Tucker here,” he
replied.
“There’s
a young lady asking to see you.”
“I’m
on my way!” Trip practically shouted, excitedly.
Part Three
Jinix government center – recreation/dining area
Gadi and Kaylar entered to see Hoshi, Lonan, Chelz and
Roxx look at them anxiously. The two healers joined them at a table.
“How
is Knight Krysira?” Chelz questioned.
“Knight
Krysira has sustained a severe concussion and has been transported to Captain
Archer’s ship for treatment,” Gadi replied.
Hoshi
made a face. “They used the transporter?” She questioned.
“They
had no choice,” Kaylar told her. “It was the only way to save her life. Her
injury was beyond our skill.”
Hoshi
nodded, then asked: “They transported her...by herself?”
“No.
Commander Tucker and Master Jinn accompanied her.”
Hoshi
looked relieved. “That’s good.”
Gadi’s
gaze swept around the area. “I do not see Sedona. Did she report here as
ordered?” He questioned.
Roxx
glanced at Lonan who shook his head. “We have not seen her enter,” Roxx
replied.
“Where
could she have gone?”
Kaylar
sighed. “She most likely went back through the passageway. She seemed determined
to try to find Counselor Ryvinia,” he assumed.
Gadi
nodded. “I fear that as well.”
Roxx
took out his communicator, switching it on. “Roxx to Sedona. Please respond,”
he requested.
All
that answered Roxx was silence.
“Let
me try,” Lonan suggested, as he took out his own communicator, turning it on.
“Sedona, it is Lonan. Please respond.”
Silence...
“Sedona...I
do understand why you did what you did. I...forgive you.”
“Thank-you,
Lonan,” Sedona’s voice filtered through the device.
“Please
return. It is very dangerous.”
“I
am sorry, Lonan. I can not. Aunt Ryvinia means a great deal to me. I mean to
find her.”
“But
it is not safe for you alone.”
“I
will find a way.”
“Sedona...no!”
However...there
was no response.
Lonan
sighed, turning off his communicator. He looked at the others. “I am sorry. I
tried to convince her to return,” he apologized.
Gadi
laid a hand on Lonan’s shoulder. “You did your best, Lonan,” he assured the
youth. “But Sedona has undoubtedly inherited Ryvinia’s stubborn streak, I am
afraid.”
“Then...what
do we do?” Chelz questioned.
“Hope
that no harm befalls her and that she will have the sense to rejoin the
others,” Kaylar commented.
The
others merely nodded in agreement.
Part Four
Passageway in building
With the exception of finding three more shock bombs, the
group’s journey was so far uneventful.
“Why
do I get the feeling that we’re on a wild goose chase?” Archer grumbled to
Malcolm.
Malcolm
studied Archer, curiously. “I don’t believe so, sir,” he replied.
Archer
shot him a look. “You don’t think we are?”
“No,
sir. Encountering these shock bombs leads me to believe that Drayce doesn’t
want us to find him and is doing everything possible to dissuade us.” Then to
himself: “Drayce won’t deter me from finding Ryvinia. I have to let her
know how I feel.”
“Alright...I’ll
give you that,” Archer conceded. “But...what if it’s just a ruse?”
Malcolm
scowled. ” What do you mean?”
The
other listened quietly to the exchange.
“What
if he’s leading us down a false path?” He sighed, seeing Malcolm’s dark eyes
narrow ever so slightly. “Look, Malcolm. I don’t like being devil’s advocate,
but it’s something we have to consider.”
Malcolm
sighed. “A valid point, sir. However, we’ve encountered no other routes to
follow.”
Archer
shook his finger at Malcolm. “Not true. We could’ve gone straight at the
intersection.”
The
British armory officer sighed heavily. “You’re correct, sir.”
Entok
moved forward. “If I may interject, Captain?” He requested.
Archer
nodded. “Of course.”
“I
must agree with Lieutenant Reed on this manner. Drayce is doing everything
possible to try to discourage us from following him.”
Elkan
joined them. “How do you know this?” He wanted to know.
“Before
going into politics, Drayce spent some time in the military training. He was
particularly interested in the subtle art of fighting, where he need not have
to make direct contact with his enemies.”
“You
mean as in planting those shock bombs?” Malcolm assumed.
“And
sending those ‘droids after us?” Elkan assumed as well.
Entok
merely nodded.
Walking
quietly along on Archer’s other side, was young Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Jedi
apprentice suddenly felt an intense warning of danger from the Force. He
instantly had his lightsabre in hand, glowing a brilliant blue.
“Get
back!” He suddenly shouted.
Archer
looked at the youth startled. “What the...” He stammered slightly, as he drew
his blaster instinctively.
A
yellow beam of light was heading straight for the captain, but Obi-Wan moved
smoothly in front of him, easily deflecting the beam. The rest of the group
also drew their weapons.
“An
ambush!” Trey cried out.
“Take
cover!” Caden shouted.
With
Obi-Wan covering them from the increasing number of blasts coming at them, the
group scrambled for cover. Obi-Wan began to back up as well, seeing that the
others were safe and had begun to return fire.
Although
impressed with the youth skills, Archer wanted the teenager safe. “Obi-Wan!”
Archer shouted.
At
the captain’s command, Obi-Wan took cover next to Archer, who merely gave him a
quick nod of thanks, knowing the youth had saved him from injury.
Part Five
Enterprise – Sickbay
Chief engineer Commander Trip Tucker burst into Sickbay on
a run and past Phlox, who had wisely moved aside, arriving at Krysira’s bedside
within moments. He took one of her slender hands in one of his large hands,
while he tenderly touched the healing wound, before cupping her cheek with his
other hand.
More
than anything Trip wanted to kiss her, but realized that he had to show some
kind of restraint. He wanted to embarrass neither Krysira nor himself. He
smiled in a loving fashion instead.
Qui-Gon
entered just after Trip. Seeing that his Jedi companion and close friend was awake
and healing warmed his heart. Not only had he felt Trip’s love for Krysira, he
now also felt Krysira’s love for Trip. Now that they were together, the depth
of their love astounded the Jedi Master. He stood back, giving them a couple of
minutes before joining them.
Trip
was immensely relieved that Krysira was on the mend. He had been terrified of
losing her. He truly didn’t know what he would’ve done if he had lost her.
Surprisingly, Trip felt Krysira’s love reach out and embrace his heart, warming
him, when he had entered Sickbay. It was like nothing he had ever felt before.
Krysira
had felt Trip’s relief and joy as soon as he had been informed of her
awakening. Those feelings intensified as he burst in. She could also feel his
deep love for her. It practically radiated from him. His tender feelings
gripped her heart.
Once
again through heartfelt emotion, Trip’s thoughts found their way to Krysira.
/”Krys...sweetheart...”/
Trip thought, and then faltered.
/”I
know, my love,”/ Krysira thought back soothingly.
/”You
scared the hell out of me.”/
/”I
am sorry, Trip. I merely reacted as I have been trained to do. I do not mean to
worry...or anger you.”/
He
smiled tenderly. /”I’m not angry, sweetheart. I guess that this is something
I’m gonna have to get used to. But...it doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you.”/
She
smiled softly in return. /”Thank-you for your understanding, my love. And your
concern for my safety means a great deal to me. I worry for you as well.”/
/”I
know...thanks, sweetheart.”/
They
closed their mental conversation as Qui-Gon approached Krysira’s other side.
Trip removed his hand from her cheek, as he straightened up, but still held her
hand. Qui-Gon laid her utility belt on the side of the bed. He smiled warmly at
Krysira.
“I
am pleased that you are healing, Krysira,” Qui-Gon said. “Mace will be pleased
as well. You should contact him, when you are able to.”
Krysira
nodded. “I will do so, Qui-Gon,” she replied.
Trip
looked over at Phlox. “So...Doc, how much longer will Krysira have to be in
here?” He questioned.
But
before Phlox could answer, the intercom in Sickbay burst to life.
“Archer
to Tucker!” They all heard.
Trip
reluctantly released Krysira's hand, and went over to the intercom, pressing a
button. “Tucker here,” he replied.
“We’re
under attack in the passageway!”
“I’ll
connect you to the transporter room to get your location and we’ll beam down.”
He pressed another button to transfer Archer.
Krysira
attempted to get up, but Phlox moved to the bed, easing her back down.
“No!
You’re not fully recovered,” Phlox said firmly.
“My
services are needed,” Krysira protested.
“Didn’t
work for me, Krysira. It won’t work for you. Join us when Doctor Phlox clears
you,” Trip told her, squeezing her hand, then looked over at Qui-Gon. “Let’s
go!”
Qui-Gon
saw that Trip was torn: whether to stay with Krysira or accompany him back to
Exoia to help Archer and the others. But Qui-Gon knew the answer.
“No,
Commander. Your presence here is vital to Krysira’s recovery,” the Jedi Master
told him. “I shall go, but I do not know the way to your transporter.”
“I’ll
take you there,” Phlox said, then looked over at Krysira, shaking a finger at
her. “You stay put.”
“Yes,
Doctor Phlox,” Krysira replied, softly, then to Qui-Gon: “May the Force be with
you, my friend.”
Qui-Gon
nodded in response, joining Phlox.
The
couple watched the Denobulan physician and the Jedi Master leave Sickbay on the
run.
Part Six
Corridor within the Jinix government center
Tribune
Pallaton strode down the corridor with a worried expression on his rugged aging
face. He was looking for Advisor Nayda, but could not locate her. He wondered
where she could possibly be.
He
was so deep in thought that he nearly ran into someone. He then realized that
it was Advisor Durriken.
“Ah...Durriken.
I am glad to see you,” Pallaton said relieved.
The
younger man looked slightly puzzled. “And why is that, Tribune?” He questioned.
“I
was looking for Nayda and I can not seem to locate her. Have you seen her?”
Durriken
looked worried. “I have not encountered her.”
Pallaton
crossed his arms over his chest. “This is very strange indeed.” Concern laced
his tone.
“May
I offer my services to help locate her, Tribune?”
“I
would be most grateful for your assistance, Durriken.”
Durriken
merely nodded, a slight smile on his face, as he walked next to Pallaton in
search of their missing Tribunal member.
Auxiliary supply storage
Maintenance
technician Lydda guided her hover cart over to the door, keying a code in,
muttering to herself.
“I
can not believe that Paryn does not refill the supplies before her shift ends,”
she grumbled, entering the small room. “I must speak with my supervisor
regarding her. She is a nice enough girl, but she needs to perform her job
correctly and efficiently.”
Lydda
sighed heavily, as she went over to a freestanding set of twenty shelves in the
far corner of the room. Bending down on one knee, she reached in to grab a
container of one of the many solutions that she used, when she felt something
odd.
It
definitely did not feel like a container...but like...soft material. She now
knelt in front of the shelf, peering in.
She
let out a blood-curdling scream as she scrambled to her feet, running out of
the room. In her rush to get out of the room as fast as she could, Lydda
knocked her cart over sending containers, solutions and equipment flying. But
she was not aware of what she had done.
Lydda continued down the corridor, screaming at the top of
her lungs.