Krysira's Destiny

Chapter One
PART ONE
The planet of Exoia-night time
Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles crawled into her bunk after a long day of negotiations with the Exoian government, along with Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. For now, the current ruling party of Exoia had agreed to temporarily withdraw their troops from a renegade group that opposed their strict almost tyrannical system. Negotiations were quite heated and neither side was about to concede to the other. However, due to Krysira's gentle argument, both sides had agreed to listen.

She sighed. The day had been exhausting. Tensions had been high on both sides. She was thankful that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were sent with her. This was too much, even for one Jedi Knight. She picked up her brush and began to brush out her long light honey golden blond hair. This was a soothing act for Krysira. She closed her silvery/blue eyes, as she continued to brush her hair, as she began to relax, allowing the Force to swirl around inside her, easing the tension that had built up during the day to seep out of her body.

After about 5 minutes, Krysira put her brush down and turned out the light. She lay down, pulling the covers up to her waist. Taking a few deep breaths, Krysira allowed herself to relax, closing her eyes once again. Within a few short minutes, she was sound asleep.

Sometimes the Force imparted itself upon a Jedi Knight in the form of dreams or visions of the future. And sometimes, those visions or dreams.repeat themselves. This night the Force did just that to Krysira Antilles.

Once again, the image of a handsome man with short dark blond hair and dark blue eyes, wearing a type of uniform that she was not familiar with came to her. He had a two-day growth of beard and looked a bit ragged. He was in some sort of strange-looking vehicle at what appeared to be the controls, trying to keep the vehicle under control.

There was a small explosion, causing the man to flinch. He seemed so be shouting over his shoulder at what seemed to be a second man, who leapt up to get the small fire under control.

Krysira shifted in her sleep, moaning softly.

The dream/vision continued. The man at the controls gazed out what was probably a window.but to Krysira, it seemed that he was looking right at her, even though she wasn't there.

Suddenly the vehicle rocked/bounced violently and the two men were tossed around the cockpit of the vehicle, which then just as suddenly stopped moving. The man who had been attempting to put out the small fire, had collapsed on the floor, while the man at the controls, whose image seemed to be burned into Krysira's memory, was slumped over the controls.

An explosion then filled her dreams, which woke the beautiful young Jedi Knight up out of a deep sleep. She sat bolt up in bed, letting out a short cry of alarm. Her modest night things clung to her slightly damp body. She panted deeply, her eyes wide with the fear of these two men.dying.

The door to her room slid open and Qui-Gon strode into the room, looking extremely concerned about his companion. He saw Krysira sitting up in bed, staring at nothing in particular. He quickly noted that Krysira took no immediate notice of his presence. He sat on the edge of the bed facing Krysira, gently gripping her shoulders.

"Krysira?" Qui-Gon said softly, yet with firmness.

The female Jedi Knight blinked her eyes, then focused on Qui-Gon's lean handsome concerned features. "Qui-Gon?" She questioned. "What.?" She trailed off, still a bit disoriented.

"You cried out in alarm," he explained, removing his hands from her shoulders.

"I did?"

"Yes."

"Oh." She murmured, remembering. "I had a dream/vision.the same one I've had on four other occasions."

"Have you told anyone about this?"

"Just Master Windu."

"Tell me when you had these dream/visions."

"The first time was a few weeks before we got this assignment; the last time was the night before we left."

"And now tonight?" He assumed.

Krysira nodded. "Yes, but tonight was different than the other ones."

Qui-Gon smiled gently. "Perhaps, you should start at the beginning."

Obi-Wan suddenly appeared in the doorway, looking worriedly into the room. "Is everything alright, Master?" The young Padawan questioned.

Qui-Gon gazed over at his 16-year-old apprentice. "Everything is fine now, Padawan," he assured Obi-Wan. "Perhaps you could fetch a glass of water for Krysira?" He saw his female counterpart nod in agreement.

Obi-Wan smiled eager to be helpful. He walked into the room going into the small kitchen-like area, carrying out his instructions. About a minute later, the young Padawan was handing a cold glass of water to Krysira, who accepted it gratefully.

"Thank-you, Obi," Krysira said, taking a long drink of the cool water.

Obi-Wan grinned. "My pleasure, Knight Krysira," he replied, respectfully, as he pulled up a chair to sit nearby at Qui-Gon's subtle gesture. His expression became business-like, seeing a similar expression on his Master's face.

After the drink, Krysira seemed to be refreshed. She took a calming breath, and faced her companions. "As I said," Krysira began. "I've had this dream/vision on four other occasions, but this time it seemed much clearer than the previous times." She paused gathering her thoughts.

Her companions waited patiently.

"I see the inside of a vehicle, the likes of which I have never seen before. It appeared to be.in trouble.possibly under attack. There were two men, both wearing a type of.uniform that I have never seen before. I could not make out one man very well, except for the fact that he seemed to have short dark hair," she described.

"And the other man?" Qui-Gon questioned gently.

Krysira looked a little unnerved. "I saw him as clearly as I'm seeing you. He was at what seemed to be the controls. He was perhaps around my age, quite handsome with dark blond hair and dark blue eyes. He had at least a day or two of beard growth." She stared at her hands for a long moment, before looking back up at her companions. Her silvery/blue eyes were moist. "This last dream/vision seemed to be more detailed for that their vehicle seemed to have crashed and.exploded." She took another deep breath to calm her rising emotions that she always kept carefully under control. "The one thing that I remember clearly in all the dream/visions is this.man." She said in a soft voice.

Qui-Gon studied Krysira for a long moment, realizing that the female Jedi Knight had more to say, but was reluctant in front of Obi-Wan. He turned to his apprentice. "Obi-Wan, I believe you need to return to our room," he said in a quiet tone.

Although disappointed, Obi-Wan nodded, rising to him feet. "Yes, Master," he replied. "I will see you in the morning, Master.Knight Krysira." He bowed slightly and left the room, closing the door most of the way.

"Thank-you, Qui-Gon," Krysira said.

The powerful Jedi Master nodded, smiling. "I felt that Obi-Wan didn't need to hear any more."

"Qui-Gon.I know that we Jedi are not allowed to have romantic feelings towards someone. Yet, every time I've had this dream/vision, I see him so clearly. Even though I believe that he is looking out the viewport of his vehicle, I feel as though he is looking at me.into my soul. His image seems to be burned into my memory." She looked at Qui-Gon. "I have never met this man.yet why is his image.haunting me?"

"Your mastery of the Force is extraordinary, Krysira. You are also extremely Force-sensitive. Because of this, the Force is revealing the future to you." He thought for a moment. "Has the craft exploded before in your dream/visions?"

"No.this was the first time that it crashed then exploded."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Therefore, I believe that this will be happening quite soon. The Force is warning you of this impending danger."

Krysira nodded. "That's what I felt.but." she trailed off, seeing Qui-Gon raise his hand.

"Like myself, Master Yoda and Master Windu and the rest of the High Jedi Council, we all feel that your destiny lays along a different path. That is why you have not taken a Padawan learner of your own. Perhaps your destiny.your future leads to be with this young man."

A horrified look crossed Krysira's lovely delicate features. "Qui-Gon! I can not break the Jedi Oath! I will be expelled!"

He smiled gently. "Not if it's the will of the Force. The Jedi Council can not ignore that."

"Perhaps not.but still.this is all disconcerting to me, Qui-Gon."

"I can see why." He laid his large hands once again on her shoulders, gently squeezing them in reassurance. "Take heart, Krysira. The Force will reveal all in time. In the meantime, be alert for the Force does not give exact times of when things take place."

Krysira smiled gratefully. "Thank-you, Qui-Gon. I am always grateful of your wise council and friendship."

Qui-Gon smiled in return. "I will bid you a more pleasant night sleep then, Krysira." He removed his hands from her shoulders.

"And you as well, Qui-Gon."

The tall Jedi Master rose to his feet and walking to the door and opened it. He walked through closing the door quietly behind him.

Krysira sighed softly, as she lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling that was visible by the moonlight shining into her room. Her thoughts centered on the image of this man that haunted her subconscious.

"Who are you?" Krysira whispered outloud, as her gaze shifted out the window and at the stars that blinked in the midnight sky.

Krysira gazed out at the stars until sleep once again came to her. The rest of the night was uneventful for Krysira.
PART TWO
Aboard Shuttlepod One
Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker the 3rd let out a heavy sigh, as he finally got control of the small craft. He glanced over his shoulder at Lieutenant Malcolm Reed. "You wanna tell me what the hell we went through back there?" Trip demanded in a Southern drawl.

Malcolm shook his head. "The sensors are still offline, Commander," he said in his clipped British accent. "But I would venture a guess and say that was some sort of anomaly." He shrugged. "For lack of a better word."

Trip grunted, as he rubbed the almost two-day growth of beard on his face. "First, we get separated from Enterprise, by those damn Suliban and then we fly right into an anomaly that dumps us who knows where!" He snarled. "What the hell else can happen to us?" He wanted to know, definitely getting ticked off.

"Don't say that too loud, sir," Malcolm cautioned. "Something else just might happen."

Trip sighed, tiredly, calming himself somewhat. "Yeah, I guess you're right. See what you can do about getting those sensors back online. I don't like the idea of flying blind out here."

"I totally agree with you, sir."

Malcolm went to work on the sensors, while Trip guided the small craft towards what appeared to be a planet that would be only a few short hours away on impulse power. Perhaps they could find water, food and shelter, while making more intense repairs on the ground. Hopefully, the atmosphere would be compatible to human physiology. Ship rations were dwindling and tempers were growing a bit short between the two men, occasionally.
PART THREE
Planet Exoia-Next morning
Krysira had woken early, showered and got dressed. She had eaten an early breakfast in her room and settled on the balcony that over-looked a large forest and beyond that an enormous plains-type area. Beyond that was the resistance force that the Exoian government troops were fighting.

Taking a deep breath, Krysira closed her eyes, sitting cross-legged on the cushioned bench-like piece of furniture that was on the balcony. She needed to be the correct frame of mind if was to try to negotiate peace between the two groups, before a worldwide war broke out. She drew on the Force to aid her with the wisdom that she needed.

After about two hours, Krysira came out of her meditative state. She was now prepared to continue with the negotiations. She uncrossed her legs and stood up. She walked back into her room, then walked out of her room into the hallway to see Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan also coming out of their room.

"I trust that you had an uneventful rest of the night, Krysira," Qui-Gon assumed.

Krysira smiled. "Yes, I did," she replied. "Once again, thank you for your council."

The Jedi Master merely smiled.

"There is a land transport, waiting to take us into the neutral region," Obi-Wan informed them.

Krysira smiled gently at the young apprentice. "Excellent, Obi-Wan," she said.

"Shall we depart, then?" Qui-Gon suggested.

The three Jedi headed towards the entrance of their building and to their waiting transport.
PART FOUR
Aboard Shuttlepod One-near planet Exoia
"Commander?" Malcolm called.

"What is it, Malcolm?" Trip drawled out fairly tiredly.

"Sensors are partially back online."

The chief engineer grunted. "Well.that's better than nothing I suppose. So.what can you tell me about that planet up ahead?"

Malcolm touched a few buttons.waiting for the computer to respond.

"Well?" Trip was impatient.

"Just a few moments, sir. She's a little sluggish to respond," the tactical officer replied.

"Well.we haven't got all day." The small craft lurched, causing an alarm to go off. Trip checked the control panel and swore softly. "Looks like this planet's atmosphere just latched onto us. I don't have the power right now to keep her in orbit. Tell me what I want to know, Malcolm."

"As far as I can tell, it's a class M planet, capable of supporting humans. It also is inhabited as well."

"Well.that's the first good news I've heard in almost two days!" He struggled to keep control of the shuttlepod, so that their rate of descent would not be more of a head on collision with the ground.

"There is an area that appears to be uninhabited. We could land there."

"Then give me something to work with!"

"I'm trying, sir! She's still slow to respond."

Trip gritted his teeth. "Anytime would be good, Lieutenant!"

Malcolm growled frustrated, as he worked at the sensor panel trying to relay coordinates to his superior officer. Finally, the computer responded and the coordinates were fed into the navigational control. "Now!"

Trip got the information and laid in the course, as the small craft headed towards a plains-like area on this unknown planet. He hoped that their landing would go unnoticed.

The large roofless Exoian transport skimmed easily over the path through the large forest that led towards the enormous plains-like area.

The three Jedi towards the rear of the transport, while two Exoian guards: one male and one female sat at the controls at the front of the transport. In the middle, facing the Jedi were a man and a woman. These two were representatives of the Exoian government.

The Exoians were humanoid in appearance. They had white skin and light orange hair, along with almost glowing onyx-colored eyes. They were a tall race of people. All of the Exoians towered over Qui-Gon, who was considered tall for a human being.

The transport cleared the forest and headed into the plains-like area towards the neutral region to continue negotiations with the renegade troops.

"I trust that you found your accommodations to your liking," the female Honor Zarnay said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, quite comfortable," Qui-Gon replied.

"Thank-you for your hospitality, Honor Zarnay," Krysira responded.

Zarnay nodded, smiling softly.

As the transport area neared the neutral region, Krysira's keen sight had seen the sun glint off of something far up in the sky. The female Jedi frowned slightly. "Do either of your guards have a pair of electrobinoculars?" Krysira questioned suddenly.

Noble Vartan, Zarnay's male counterpart blinked at the odd request, but nodded. "Yes," he replied, turning to see that the female guard was holding a pair binoculars out to him. Vartan took them, handing them to Krysira.

Krysira stood, raising the electrobinoculars to her eyes, scanning the skies above for that glint that she spotted only seconds before.

"Stop the transport!" Qui-Gon ordered.

The vehicle slowed to a smooth stop.

The electrobinoculars confirmed what Krysira had seen. It was a small spacecraft of an unfamiliar design. Her chest tightened slightly. Could this be the one from her dream/visions? If so, and if there was an impending explosion, then there was no time to waste.

"Can you determine where this craft will land?" Krysira wanted to know, still tracking the approaching craft.

"Yes," the male guard replied. "We have this craft on our sensors. They will land just over the next rise.in the neutral region."

Krysira grunted softly in acknowledgement. "Very well. Time is of the essence." She lowered the binoculars and eyed the guard who was looking at her, pointedly.

A sharp nod from Zarnay spurred the male guard to respond and the transport once again moved off smoothly towards the neutral region. Krysira seated herself, following the descending craft that was just visible to the naked eye.

Qui-Gon reached out along the bond that he and Krysira shared as close friends.

/"I feel your.agitation, Krysira,"/ Qui-Gon spoke telepathically.

/"Forgive me, Qui-Gon. I am.anxious,"/ Krysira responded in kind.

/"I understand. All will be well.my young friend. Trust in the Force."/

/"Of course, Qui-Gon."/

Krysira heard a soft grunt of satisfaction from Qui-Gon along their bond, as she closed off their connection.

"I've got a visual on our landing site!" Trip said his Southern drawl even more heightened by his excitement.

"We're about a mile out," Malcolm replied.

Trip nodded.

Suddenly, the small craft rocked upon being hit which resulted in alarms going off and smoke from a small fire springing out from a far panel across from Malcolm.

Trip's head whipped around at the tactical officer who had sprung out and was attempting to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.

"I thought you said that the area was uninhabited!" Trip snapped.

"When I checked.it was!" Malcolm snapped back.

"Well.obviously it wasn't!" His gaze went back out the viewport, keeping the shuttlepod just under control.

Malcolm got the fire out, but the panel sent out a last spurt of smoke directly into the British tactical officer's face causing him to choke and cough harshly.

Trip once again glanced over his shoulder, this time a look of concern crossed his handsome features. "Malcolm! What's wrong?" Trip wanted to know, as he began to struggle to keep the vehicle under control.

"S-Smoke!" Malcolm gasped between coughs. He suddenly let loose a strangled kind of breath and passed out, falling to the floor of the shuttlepod.

Hearing the thud, Trip looked a third time over his shoulder to see his crewmate slumped onto the floor unconscious. "Malcolm!" He exclaimed, then looked back out the viewport seeing the ground closing in fast. He swore outloud to no one in particular and wasn't aware of a transport entering the area.

"Noble Vartan! The craft was fired upon from the area where the renegade troops are located!" The female guard exclaimed.

"No!" Krysira gasped softly, her silvery blue eyes wide.

Qui-Gon felt a sharp rise in Krysira's level of anxiety. He laid a large hand on Krysira's shoulder, gently squeezing it. /"Calm,"/ Qui-Gon said mentally to his companion, then outloud. "Are you certain?"

The female guard studied her readouts quickly. "Unfortunately.yes, Master Jedi," she responded.

"Make haste to the area, guard!" Vartan ordered.

"At once, Noble Vartan," the male guard responded, as he increased the speed of the transport.

It was no easy feat, but Trip was able to keep the nose of the shuttlepod up, therefore avoiding a head-on collision with the ground. The shuttlepod bumped the ground several times, before coming to a sliding stop several hundred feet from the approaching transport.

Trip had been bounced around in the pilot's chair and was thrust forward across the control panel, smacking his forehead on the panel, unaware of any activity that was going on around the shuttlepod.

The transport had barely come to a full stop, when Krysira, using the Force, leapt up and out of the transport and hit the ground running towards the front of the strange craft.

The two Exoian guards gasped in surprise at Krysira's athletic display, as they exited the transport. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan got out as well with the two Exoian representatives following.

Qui-Gon motioned at his apprentice. "Stay here, Padawan," he ordered.

Carefully hiding his disappointment, Obi-Wan merely nodded. "Yes, Master," he answered, watching Qui-Gon hurry to join Krysira.

Krysira skidded to a stop in front of the small spacecraft, peering into through the viewport to see a man slumped forward over what seemed to be the control panel. She gazed at him anxiously, wondering if he was still alive. But more importantly, was this the man whose image had come to her and stayed etched in her memory? Much to Krysira's relief, the man groaned briefly, signifying that he was still alive, but unconscious.

Qui-Gon reached the shuttlepod, immediately going around to the side of the small craft. After a few moments of searching the side of the shuttlepod, the Jedi Master found a small panel and pressed it. The hatch swung open. "Krysira!" Qui-Gon called.

Krysira willed herself to move and hurried around the craft where Qui-Gon was waiting. Qui-Gon entered first and bent down on one knee to the side of the man who was on the floor, inspecting the man's injuries.

Krysira followed and made her way past Qui-Gon, going over to the man at what appeared to be the controls of the small craft. She eased him back against the back of the chair, seeing the thin trail of blood from the side of his forehead down the side of his face. She froze. This was the man whose image was depicted in her memory.

Qui-Gon looked over at Krysira, seeing the stunned look on her face. "Krysira, what is it?" He questioned. "Is he.dead?"

Krysira finally shook herself out of her stunned state to look at her companion. "No, just unconscious, but bleeding," she finally replied. "It's just that.this is the man.I've been seeing in my dream/visions."

Qui-Gon saw the distressed expression on Krysira's face. He nodded to himself. Krysira's vision/dream about this man was correct.

In the meantime from the opposite direction, another transport, which had seen its better days, came to a stop near the shuttlepod. The leaders of the resistance faction, Elkan and his second in command, Vallen, along with two others exited from the transport.

Elkan motioned for Vallen and the others to stay where they were. He glanced over towards the government representatives and the young Jedi apprentice waiting anxiously a couple of hundred feet away. He had seen the Jedi Master and the pretty female Jedi hurry towards the spacecraft, going inside. He moved towards the open hatch and peered inside, having to stoop to do so.

Elkan blinked upon seeing that the crew of this spacecraft was definitely not Exoian. They appeared to be.human. Perhaps they were wrong about this ship spying on them. He hoped that these people were still alive. Perhaps a compromise could be made with the government representatives.
PART FIVE

Between Qui-Gon and Krysira's gentle persuasion, stating that two lives were at stake, a compromise had been reached rather quickly. The spacecraft would be taken to Jinix, capital of Exoia under guard with Qui- Gon and Obi-Wan's protection. The craft would be guarded until the two strangers recovered. Krysira would stay with the two strangers, while they were being transported to the resistance faction's infirmary in a nearby smaller city. Negotiations would be put on hold until further notice.
PART SIX

The Resistance Faction's Infirmary in Delkye

Krysira walked into the infirmary to check on the condition of the two men that had been brought here from their damaged spacecraft.

Trip was awake and struggled to sit up. With some effort, he was able to prop up in bed. The side of his forehead throbbed and when he touched it, he felt a bandage. He noted that he was in different clothing and his uniform was folded neatly nearby.

He saw Malcolm in a bed not too far away. He seemed to be asleep resting comfortably, wearing similar clothing and his uniform was folded neatly nearby as well. Trip considered calling to Malcolm, but resisted the urge, not wanting to draw attention to himself. He also figured that Malcolm needed the rest as well.

Trip scanned the immediate area and was surprised to see that he and Malcolm were the only ones in what appeared to be an infirmary. This movement caused a little wave of dizziness, forcing Trip to close his eyes. After the dizziness passed, Trip opened his eyes. His gaze focused on the most gorgeous human-looking female that he had ever seen in his entire life. He watched her go over to Malcolm, studying his crewmate carefully for a long minute or two. Apparently satisfied, she walked over to Trip, who was gaping at her. To Trip, her beauty was staggering and it seemed to the young commander that she wasn't aware of her own beauty by the type of non-descript clothing that she wore.

She sat on a chair next to Trip's bed, gazing gently back at him. She smiled softly.

"How are you feeling?" She questioned.

"Well, considering the landing I did, it could've been a lot worse, I suppose," Trip drawled out softly.

Krysira nodded in agreement.

"But, not too bad. A little sore." He gave her a crooked grin.

"Yes, that is understandable," she replied. "I know that you probably have many questions. I hope that I can answer them for you, with what I'm about to tell you."

Trip merely nodded. He understood her! Amazing! English all the way out here.wherever here was.

"I am Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles," she began. "You and your companion are on a planet known as Exoia. You landed in a neutral region, designated as such, due to negotiations between the Exoian government and a resistance faction. My Jedi companions and I are here to mediate the negotiations. Because tensions between the two groups are high, the resistance faction thought that the government was sending a ship to spy on them and as a result, shot at your spacecraft. Realizing their mistake and as a compromise, the resistance brought you and your companion here for medical attention, while your craft was taken to Jinix, capital of Exoia, under heavy guard. No one will touch it," she concluded. "Has this information been helpful?"

Trip blinked. "Uh.yeah," he replied, surprised at the ease at which she explained the situation to him.

Krysira smiled. "May I ask who you are and how you came to be on Exoia?"

Trip realized that he couldn't help but explain his and Malcolm's situation to her. "Um, I'm Commander Trip Tucker and that's Lieutenant Malcolm Reed in the other bed. We're humans from a planet known as Earth. Ever hear of it?"

Krysira shook her head. "No, I have not. I am sorry."

Trip grinned. "That's okay. A lot of races haven't heard of us." He paused, gazing for a long moment at Krysira. "I don't mean to pry or nothing, but are you.human?"

Krysira smiled. "Yes, as are my Jedi companions on this mission. Please continue, Commander," she encouraged gently.

"Right, um, we serve aboard a vessel called Enterprise, which is a starship. I'm the chief engineer and Malcolm is our tactical/weapons officer. We're the first group of humans from Earth to travel into the galaxies in a starship. So we're kind of new at this, especially meeting different races and experiencing different cultures. Before a race of beings known as Vulcans came to Earth over a hundred years ago, we never knew anyone else existed outside of Earth."

"It can be overwhelming at first," she said rather sympathetically.

Trip let out a short laugh. "You're telling me. Uh, anyway, Enterprise was orbiting this class M planet, which basically means it can support humanoid life and Captain Archer sent myself and Malcolm on a routine away mission to check out the planet. But before we got there, a race known as the Suliban, some of which are genetically enhanced, try to divert us and Enterprise away from the planet."

A concerned expression crossed Krysira's delicate features. "Why were these.Suliban trying to divert you from the exploring the planet?"

Trip shrugged. "I really don't know, unless they didn't want us to find something. That's the only thing I can think of. Anyway, it was at that point, when trying to get back to Enterprise, that we went through what Malcolm called an anomaly and ended up a few hours away from this planet."

Krysira nodded thoughtfully. I have heard of something like this before."

"What is it?"

"A natural gateway."

"Between.galaxies?"

"Possibly.or between dimensions or parallel universes."

Trip grunted, as he shifted a little in bed. "Then we could be a long way from Enterprise," he said sourly.

"Or very close," she told him in a reassuring manner smiling gently.

Trip couldn't help but smile in return. He found himself staring into her beautiful silvery/blue eyes, allowing himself to get lost in their depths.

Krysira found that she was staring back into Trip's warm dark blue eyes, losing herself in their depths as well. Trip felt as though Krysira was looking into his very soul. Although it was slightly unnerving to him, he found that it was non-intrusive. He felt a deep connection to Krysira. This surprised him for he had just met her, but she had such an easy manner about her, he just couldn't help it. She was unlike any woman he had ever met before, but just couldn't pinpoint what it was about her that was so different.

Krysira felt an immediate deep connection to Trip as well. This also unnerved her. The only other people that she had bonded with in the past were other Jedi, namely her own former master, Mace Windu, Master Yoda and her close friends, Qui-Gon Jinn and young Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Force had revealed this man before her to her several times in detail. How could she ignore what the Force was revealing to her? Even if it meant leaving the Jedi Order. A wave of panic crashed through the young Jedi Knight. How could she ever leave the Jedi Order?! It was the only life she knew. Yet.if the Force willed her to be with this handsome young man from a planet known as Earth, then she needed to obey it.didn't she? However, what if he didn't want to be around her? This confused Krysira. Should she reveal her dream/vision to him? Explain that they were destined to be together? No, she would wait and accept what would happen.naturally.

Trip sighed a bit tiredly, trying to digest all the information that Krysira gave him. He wondered if he had given out too much information. But for some strange reason, he trusted her. He didn't know why he did, he just did.

A movement caught his attention. He saw Krysira rise gracefully to her feet. He looked at her in a confused manner.

"Something wrong?" Trip asked.

"I do not wish to overtire you, Commander," Krysira replied.

A bolt of panic hit Trip out of nowhere. This surprised him. He caught a hold of one of Krysira's slender hands in one of his large hands. "You don't have to go," Trip found himself saying.

Krysira stared down at their hands. No one had ever held her hand before in this manner. It was warm, strong, and yet gentle. Her gaze went back up to Trip's face, more specifically his eyes that seemed to be pleading with her.

"You need to recover, Commander," Krysira told him, her normally steady voice faltered slightly.

Trip thought fast. "How about staying until I fall asleep?" He was surprised by his suggestion, yet he didn't want her to leave. His eyes pleaded with her more. "Please, Krysira?" He found himself saying.

Krysira shuddered ever so slightly at the sound of this man saying her name. This was something that she had never experienced before. He merely said her name, but it was the way he said it that gripped her heart. She considered his suggestion. She noted that he didn't tug at her hand. He simply held it. Oddly enough, it seemed.right to her. Krysira reseated herself, seeing a look of relief wash over Trip's face.

"Thanks," he replied. "And call me Trip, please."

Krysira nodded.

"I hope I didn't offend you by calling you by your first name. I didn't know how else to address you."

She found herself smiling at him. "Krysira is fine." She noted that he still held her hand.

Trip grinned, then looked past her spotting something.

Krysira caught the movement. A quick glance over her shoulder revealed what had caught Trip's attention. She turned back to him. "That is an Exoian.Trip," she informed him.

"He's really.tall!"

Krysira smiled. Yes, the Exoian people are one of the taller races in this part of the galaxy."

Trip nodded feeling relaxed. Krysira's presence was warm gentle and reassuring. What was so different about Krysira that he should feel so comfortable and trusting around her? Malcolm would tell him that he was just taken in by a pretty face. But Trip knew that Malcolm would be taken in by Krysira as well. But Krysira wasn't pretty.she was gorgeous! However.it was more than her looks that drew him to her. It was something deeper. He felt it every time looked into her beautiful silvery/blue eyes.

Trip realized that that he was feeling quite drowsy. He wanted to fight sleep. He didn't want Krysira to leave. He wanted her to be right here when he woke up. He wished he knew why he had these strong.feelings for someone that he just met.

However, Trip's eyes closed. Krysira noted that the rhythm of his breathing signified that Trip was asleep. She gently withdrew her hand, as she stood. But she didn't walk away. She bent over and lightly touched the side of Trip's face with the tips of her slender fingers. She sighed heavily, as she reseated herself once again, as she laid both of her hands on top of Trip's hand this time. She found that she just couldn't leave this man's side.

And so, while holding Trip's hand as he slept, Krysira closed her eyes, drawing the Force into her, as she prepared to meditate, over this strange situation that she found herself in.