Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Two
PART ONE

The Resistance Faction's Infirmary in Delkye

Trip woke up again. He wasn't sure how long he slept, but he didn't feel as sore as he did earlier. The first thing that he had immediately discovered that Krysira was no longer sitting next to him. Trip sighed disappointedly. He probably scared her away. He glanced over at Malcolm to see that his crewmate was still asleep. He shifted slowly onto his side facing away from Malcolm, noting that it was a bit easier to move. He suddenly raised his head, his dark blue eyes widening slightly, as a wave of relief passed through him. Krysira was curled up on a bed on the other side of him. She was facing him, apparently sound asleep. Trip laid his head back down, content just gazing at this gorgeous young woman, who had suddenly come into his life. He had had a relationship with a young woman before signing onto Enterprise, thinking that she would wait for him. But shortly into the mission, he had gotten a 'Dear John' letter from here. It hurt, but oddly enough he wasn't really surprised. She wasn't willing to wait for him. And so, Trip had accepted it, not really pursuing any woman in any real capacity. So, what was it about Krysira that he had seemingly lost his heart to her?

A movement caught his attention. He looked up to see the male Exoian that he had seen earlier, moving to the side of his bed, carrying a tray of medical supplies.

The male Exoian glanced at Trip and followed the young commander's gaze over to Krysira. He smiled to himself, as he turned his attention back to Trip. "Knight Krysira is merely asleep.at my insistence." He saw a look of relief pass over Trip's strong features. "I am Healer Kaylar," he introduced. "Please permit me to check on your injury."

"Sure," Trip responded.

After a couple of minutes, Kaylar had cleansed and bandaged Trip's wound again. He looked satisfied. "It is healing nicely," Kaylar told him. "How are you feeling?"

"Not as sore as before."

"That is excellent."

"How's Malcolm, my crewmate?"

"Your companion is recovering nicely. He took in some highly concentrated smoke and it damaged his lungs a bit. The oxygen he is receiving also has a timed medication that will help heal his damaged lung tissues. He should be awake tomorrow."

Trip looked relieved. "That's good." His gaze went back over to Krysira briefly, then looked back up at Kaylar. "What is a Jedi Knight?"

"You are not from this part of the vast universe, are you?"

"No, from Earth."

"I see. From my studies, the Jedi are protectors of our universe. They have a very unique connection to something that is known as the Force. Everyone has this connection, but not to the extent that the Jedi do."

Trip frowned. "The Force?"

Kaylar cleared his throat. "I suppose the best way to describe it, is that the Force connects all living things and when tapped into it properly, the Jedi are remarkable guardians, not only as warriors, but show incredible wisdom and knowledge." He chuckled slightly. "Perhaps it would be best to talk to Knight Krysira. She has been mediating the negotiations between the Exoian government and us. She is quite the diplomat. Her manner is gentle, yet firm."

"And gorgeous."

Kaylar chuckled a bit more. "Yes, a fact that many of the men here have noticed." He studied Trip for a long moment. "You are taken by her as well, I see."

Trip blushed. "Yeah.I guess I am. I've never met anyone like her before."

"Jedi are quite unique." Kaylar cleared his throat. "Are you in need of some food?"

Trip finally realized that his stomach was rumbling a bit. "I could eat."

The healer gave a sharp nod. "I will send for some food."

"Thanks."

Kaylar bowed slightly and moved back towards his office.

Trip slipped his hands behind his head, as his gaze rested back on the sleeping Krysira. "Why do I feel such a connection with you?" Trip questioned in a whisper.
PART TWO
Trip was about halfway through his meal when he realized that Krysira was awake and sitting up on the edge of the bed, regarding him gently. He wiped his mouth with a small cloth and grinned crookedly at her.

"Want some?" Trip asked motioned to the tray of food.

"Thank you, but I will wait," Krysira replied.

"Really, there's more than enough here for both of us. Please?"

Krysira considered Trip's gentle request. She got up and moved over to the side of Trip's bed, once again sitting on the chair. Smiling, Trip moved the tray of food so that it was located between them. It was a comfortable silence between them, as they quietly ate.

Trip enjoyed Krysira's quiet gentle presence. He felt.content. He never felt like this around any other woman before. He noted that a little bit of juice from a piece of fruit had dribbled from the corner of her mouth. Without hesitation, Trip reached over with the small cloth, gently wiping the juice off. Krysira stared at him, stunned at the gentle gesture. Trip saw her stunned expression.

"I.offended you. I'm sorry," Trip murmured, pulling his hand away as he looked elsewhere.

Krysira reached out and gently laid her hand on top of Trip's hand, causing the young commander to look back at her. She smiled gently. "You did not offend me.Trip," Krysira replied. "It just took me by surprise."

Trip blinked. "No one's ever done that before? I mean don't you have a husband or boyfriend or someone that would've done what I did?"

A light pink color highlighted Krysira's soft cheeks. "I am unattached. With my Jedi training, I did not have time to develop a relationship with a man," she replied in a soft voice, withdrawing her hand.

"Pretty vigorous training, I take it."

She nodded. "Yes."

"So.why did you become a Jedi?"

"I was chosen at a very young age, because of my strong connection to the Force."

"Yeah.Kaylar mentioned the Force. He learned about the Jedi from his studies. So what age were you.chosen?"

"I was 6 months old when I was brought to the Jedi Temple by Master Yoda."

Trip stared at Krysira. "Six months old?!" He exclaimed. "How did your parents feel about giving you up as a baby?"

"It was sad, but my parents were honored that I was chosen to be trained as a Jedi. Not everyone is chosen. Master Yoda felt my strong connection to the Force and felt that I would become an exceptional Jedi, as did my own Master, Mace Windu."

Trip frowned slightly. "Master? You're not a.slave, are you?" His tone hardened slightly at the thought.

Krysira chuckled softly. "No, not at all. They are our teachers. It is a title of respect, especially when a Jedi Knight takes a Padawan Learner. They become teacher-student or Master-apprentice."

Trip relaxed. "That's a relief. Do you have an apprentice?"

"No, I have yet to take a Padawan Learner."

"How come?"

"It is felt that my destiny lies along a different path.yet no one knows what it is. And that is rather.disconcerting to me."

Trip reached out and gently grasped her hand. "I'm sure you'll figure out what it is," he told her reassuringly, as he squeezed her hand. He shifted to a more upright position, as he released her hand. He tenderly stroked one of her smooth cheeks with the back of his fingers. Trip felt her tremble. "Easy, Krysira," he soothed, studying her for a few long moments. "You've never been in any romantic relationship before?"

Krysira avoided Trip's questioning gaze. "No," she whispered.

Trip's fingers slipped underneath her chin, lifting her face up to his face. "You don't have to be ashamed, Krysira," he assured her.

She gazed back into Trip's eyes. "But." she trailed off.

"What?" He cajoled gently, as his hand dropped down to rest on her folded hands.

"Relationships were not encouraged at the Jedi Temple. It was felt that it would be distracting to our training, if one was involved in a relationship. Distractions during our training could be detrimental somewhere in the future."

"What about now?"

"It is frowned upon. It could get one expelled from the Jedi Order.unless." She trailed off once again.

"Unless what?" Trip coaxed.

"I suppose I should begin at the beginning."

Trip moved the tray of food with his free hand to the stand on the opposite side of the bed, then gently tugged Krysira's hand until the beautiful Jedi Knight was sitting on the bed next to him. He leaned back against the pillows, waiting.

"The Force is an energy that connects all living things together. Jedi have an extremely strong connection with the Force and can use its power to assist in knowledge, wisdom or as a last resort to fight. A Jedi can manipulate it, like this." She trailed off as she flicked her free hand at the food tray and a piece of fruit floated immediately over to her hand, then concentrating, the fruit floated back over to the tray. "Or draw it in to assist in physical feats during battle and also to gain knowledge and wisdom."

Trip gazed at her absolutely amazed.

"The Force also can reveal some of the future through dream/visions." She gazed down at their hands.

"You ever have one of these, uh, dream/visions?" He wanted to know.

She stared at Trip, wondering if she should tell him. She knew that she had decided earlier that she would wait and accept what would happen naturally. Yet.she could not keep the truth from him. Finally, Krysira nodded. "I had the same one five times with in the past few months, the latest one just last night." She looked up into Trip's dark blue eyes. "In them.I saw.you."

Trip blinked. "Me?!"

Krysira nodded. "I saw you in my dream/visions as clearly as I see you now. I see your craft in trouble and your companion, Lieutenant Reed collapse.unconscious, but I could not see him as clearly as you." She reached up and gently touched Trip's face with her fingertips, feeling the young man tremble slightly. "Your image has been burned into my memory ever since. I did not know when or where or even if I would ever meet you. I did not know if you truly existed." She fell silent, gazing at nothing in particular, allowing her hand to slip from his face.

Trip caught her hand, and gently pressed his lips on the back of her hand, eliciting a look of surprise from Krysira. He gazed up into her large silvery/blue eyes. "I suppose you were shocked when you saw me in the shuttlepod." He saw her nod. "I now realize why I feel such a connection to you and why I never truly got involved with anyone, much to my parent's dismay, because it seems that I'm supposed to be with you. But Krysira, I don't want you to be expelled from the Jedi Order because of me."

Krysira gave Trip a small smile. "If it is the will of the Force, the High Jedi Council must abide by it," she said a bit passionately. Realizing the slight loss of control over her emotions, Krysira took a deep breath, expelling it slowly. "Forgive me. I am assuming a situation that truly may not be."

Trip smiled gently, as he kissed the back of her hand again, giving her that disarming smile of his. "Then again, a situation that.may be.if you.want."

Krysira couldn't help but smile in return.

Their eyes met and held each other's gaze for the longest time, getting lost in each other's depths.
PART THREE
Guest chambers in residential section of Jinix
Qui-Gon glanced over into the separate bedroom to see Obi-Wan resting, after a vigorous training session in a nearby training area. Negotiations were on hold until the unexpected situation with the strangers got resolved.

His communicator beeped. He frowned ever so slightly, as he took out the device, switching it on. A holographic image of Mace Windu appeared.

"Master Windu," Qui-Gon said, bowing slightly.

"Qui-Gon, is there a problem for I sense a minor disturbance in the Force?" Mace questioned.

"The negotiations have been put on hold for now."

"Oh?"

Qui-Gon then related the events that took place over the past several hours, while the other Jedi Master listened carefully.
After Qui-Gon finished, Mace looked thoughtful. "Qui-Gon," Mace began. "Did Krysira tell you about her dream/visions?"

"Yes, for she had another one last night and it caused her to cry out in alarm. She explained them to me, after I went to check on her. The dream/visions seemed to be very disconcerting to her," Qui-Gon replied.

"I can imagine her shock when she discovered that her dream/vision was accurate."

"Yes.especially about the young man. She is overseeing their care in the resistance's infirmary."

Mace nodded. "Has she contacted you since?"

"Yes.once to say that the two men were responding nicely to treatment. She will give me a full report tomorrow."

"Excellent. Have her contact me as well when she speaks to you."

"I will, Master Windu," Qui-Gon replied.

"I bid you good-night then and may the Force be with you."

"And you as well."

Communications were shut off between the two men.
PART FOUR

The Resistance Faction's Infirmary in Delkye

Once again, Krysira stayed by Trip's side, until the young commander fell asleep. She rose to her feet and leaned over gently stroking the side of Trip's face with her fingertips. This time, her fingers brushed over his warm lips, shuddering slightly. What was it about this Commander Trip Tucker?

She sighed heavily, as she withdrew her hand and walked over to a large window, gazing out over the small moonlit city, her arms inside the sleeves of her cloak. Up until now, Krysira had no romantic interest in men, though many men expressed interest in her. Yet, once images of Trip entered her subconscious, Krysira's defenses fell. It was obvious that he was quite taken by her as well.

Krysira had felt a deep connection.a strong bond form between herself and Trip when they were looking into each other's eyes. No.each other's depths. To Krysira, it seemed as though they were looking into each other's souls. This was unnerving to her, because she had only bonded with Jedi.until now. It had also amazed her that a non-Jedi could bond with a Jedi as well.

Krysira took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. She had to get control over her emotions that were threatening to rage out of control. She glanced over a slender shoulder at Trip, who shifted slightly in his sleep. When had Trip sneaked in past her defenses and settled in her heart? She fought herself for control, yet it didn't seem to be working. For the more she tried to resist, the more her emotions fought back, threatening to break her control. What if she was to embrace and accept what she felt for Trip? But they had just met; however the connection between them were undeniable. What did she feel? Love? She wasn't sure. What did Trip feel for her?

She seated herself on a nearby bench and closed her eyes, preparing to meditate, as she crossed her legs.

Once again, Trip woke up, not knowing how long he slept, but figured that it hadn't been all that long, since it was still dark out. He sat up slowly, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. So far, he felt no dizziness. A quick glance told him that Malcolm was still asleep. He looked around, seeing Krysira sitting on a bench near a large window. He rose to his feet, slowly and made his way over to Krysira. Seeing that the bench was big enough for at least two people, Trip seated himself next to her quietly. He saw that her eyes were closed and her hands folded in her lap.

He gazed at her soft delicate features, wanting to touch her face.no.wanting to.kiss her soft pink lips. But he fought the urge to disturb her and forced himself to sit quietly next to her. He let out a heavy yet silent sigh, as he fixed his gaze out the window and over the moonlit small city, content just to be next to her.

"You should be resting.Trip," Krysira suddenly said softly, her eyes still closed.

Trip looked startled at Krysira. "How did you know I was here? I was trying to be quiet," he told her.

Krysira opened her eyes, turning to look at Trip. She smiled softly. "I know you were, but I sensed your presence."

"Oh?"

"The Force helps to enhance one's senses, when drawn upon properly."

"I see." He paused. "I didn't disturb you by sitting next to you.did I?"

"No.not at all."

Trip looked relieved. "The city seems real pretty." He motioned out the window. "What's it called?"

"Delkye. I have not had a chance to enjoy the beauty of this world until now. For the past two days, my Jedi companions and I have been meditating the negotiations with the two groups I told you about earlier."

Trip nodded, remembering. "How are the negotiations going?"

Krysira sighed softly. "Slowly. Neither side wants to concede to the other. They are quite suspicious of the other. Yesterday's incident gave evidence to that."

"We have an old saying on Earth for that situation."

Krysira looked at him curiously. "Oh?"

"Shoot first, ask questions later."

She considered his words for a long moment or two, then nodded. "Quite appropriate."

Trip rested his hands on his knees, as he looked back out the window, silence falling between them once again. He never had trouble before talking to women, so why did he have such a hard time talking to Krysira? Suddenly, he was aware of a touch on his hand. Looking down, he saw that Krysira had gently grasped his hand. He looked aside, seeing Krysira gazing gently at him. Trip gave her that disarming smile of his once again.

Trip found himself leaning down towards Krysira and gently pressing his lips against her lips in a tender first kiss between them. His free hand gently cupped the side of her face, holding her closer, as the kiss deepened. He felt Krysira's other hand press against the part of his chest that was bared from his partly open tunic.

What seemed like forever when in reality was only a minute they broke the kiss. Both saw the flush of color in the other's cheeks.

"Krysira, I hope I didn't offend you, it's just that I couldn't resist," Trip said quietly.

"No.you could never offend me, Trip," Krysira whispered back.

The tender moment was broken when Krysira gasped quietly in alarm, gently and rather reluctantly withdrawing from Trip, who gazed in a concerned manner at her.

"Krysira?" Trip questioned, thinking that he had truly offended her.

"The Force has alerted me to some kind of danger," Krysira replied, rising to her feet.

"Oh?" Trip was secretly relieved that he didn't offend Krysira. "What kind of danger?" He stood up next to her.

"Not certain."

Both stood gazing out over the city to see perchance that something was out of the ordinary was taking place.

"Knight Krysira?" It was Kaylar.

Krysira turned to face the Exoian Healer. "Yes, Healer Kaylar? She responded.

"There is an incoming message from Jinix from Master Qui-Gon Jinn. It is being routed into my office for your convenience." He motioned towards the small office on the other side of the room.

Krysira bowed slightly. "Thank-you."

Kaylar bowed in return, as the pretty Jedi Knight headed towards the office, after giving Trip a gentle smile. Trip followed Krysira impressed with the respect that Kaylar gave her. He was unaware of the knowing smile that Kaylar had on his face.

Krysira entered the office, walking over to a small console with a screen. Touching a button, the screen burst to life, revealing Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Qui-Gon?" Krysira questioned.

"Forgive the lateness of this communication, Krysira, however I sense danger," Qui-Gon told her.

Trip entered the office, seeing the human male on the screen.

Krysira wrinkled her brow slightly. "As do I, Qui-Gon," she agreed. "Though I am uncertain where the danger is coming from." She sensed a very masculine presence behind her. She smiled secretly to herself.

Qui-Gon grunted. "Keep alert. As you know it is uncertain when or where this danger will occur nor what it is as well."

"Of course, Qui-Gon. What of young Obi-Wan?"

At the mention of the teenager's name, the Jedi master allowed himself a brief smile that Krysira caught. "Sleeping, but yes, he informed me of what he sensed as well," he answered the unasked question. He caught a movement behind Krysira and smiled to himself, seeing who it was. "Ah.I see that one of our guests seems to have recovered," he pointed out.

Krysira moved to one side and turning a little to gently catch Trip by the elbow guided him to the console. Trip glanced at Krysira, seeing that she was not surprised at all to see him.

"This is Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn," Krysira began. "And this is Commander Trip Tucker, a human from Earth."

Qui-Gon bowed slightly in greeting. "Earth?" He repeated.

"Yeah. Ever hear of it?" Trip drawled out in that southern accent of his, very much aware that Krysira had removed her hand from his elbow.

The Jedi Master looked apologetic. "No. I am afraid not."

Trip shrugged. "It's okay. Not a lot of races have."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Your space craft is quite secure, Commander. No one will tamper with it. The Exoian guards are quite well-trained."

Trip grinned. "Thanks. It's certainly appreciated."

The older man smiled briefly, nodding, then turned back to Krysira, who was standing quietly next to Trip. "Keep alert, my young friend."

"Of course, Qui-Gon," Krysira replied.

Qui-Gon looked pleased. "Mace wishes a full report in the morning."

Krysira bowed, slightly. "It will be done."

"I bid the both of you a peaceful evening, then."

"To you as well. May the Force be with you."

"And you as well, Krysira."

Krysira touched a button on the console and the screen went black. She turned and led Trip out of the healer's office.