Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Three
PART ONE
The Clire Mountain Range north of Delkye
Peering out of one of the many caverns that littered the base of the mountain range was a glowing pair of orange eyes that scanned the immediate area. A large deep sea green snake-like creature with front legs with clawed feet emerged from the cavern that was about 20 feet in length. It peered back into the cave and let out a low hiss. Almost instantly, another snake-like creature, definitely smaller than the first one came out. Their snouts touched in an almost affectionate manner.

The larger one began to tunnel down into the ground in what appeared to be the direction of the city. The smaller one let out what seemed to be a whine then hearing cries from the cavern it went back inside lowing softly.
PART TWO
Infirmary in Delkye

Trip and Krysira emerged from the office.

"Is everything all right, Knight Krysira?" Kaylar questioned, as he joined them.

"For now," Krysira replied.

Kaylar's onyx-colored eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Do you anticipate trouble?"

"There is a disturbance in the Force, warning me of impending danger. However, what the nature of the danger is has yet to be revealed to me."

"Could the government troops be moving against us?"

Trip folded his arms across his chest. "What makes you think that?" He wanted to know.

Krysira was watching Kaylar's face carefully, looking for a facial reaction to Trip's question. Seeing the healer's face harden, she now realized that the man had other reasons for not trusting the Exoian government, but what they were, she did not know. "Kaylar, I do not feel that Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay would move against you and the others. Qui-Gon would not permit it and they have given their word," she explained to him.

Kaylar snorted. "Their word?!" He let out a rueful laugh. "They gave their word that they would acquire a rare medicine needed to completely cure a simple, yet deadly disease. They said that they had sent a cargo pilot with instructions and credits to bring back the medicine." His eyes suddenly misted with tears. The pilot returned.but without the medicine."

"Why?" Trip asked.

Kaylar sighed, trying to control his rising emotions. "Because the pilot told us that he was never given instructions nor the credits to do so. I later found out from a friend that the leaders of the Exoian government felt that the lives of a few of their citizens were not worth their time and effort." Bitterness laced his tone as he continued. "As a result, 10 women died, including my mate, Alzira." Kaylar swallowed to keep tears from falling. "The other women had mates as well. Some were newly mated, while others had children. Alzira was carrying our first." He shook his head. "It just didn't matter to the government leaders that this disease took the lives of some of our females. And, as a healer, I felt helpless. I could do nothing to save them. I had pleaded and begged the leaders to get the medicine. Obviously, it fell on deaf ears."

"Did Elkan and Vallen also lose their mates?" Krysira questioned as gently as she could, feeling Kaylar's deep loss.

Kaylar merely nodded.

"Why did you not bring this up at the negotiations?" Krysira wanted to know. "This is a very legitimate and serious point."

"Perhaps.but this is quite painful to talk about," Kaylar replied.

"Yes.the loss of any life is painful, Kaylar, however the Exoian government needs to be aware of the results of their actions."

Trip heard the compassion in Krysira's soft voice and also noted the diplomatic way that she was handling herself.

"And you need to keep your pretty self out of things that do not concern you, Knight Krysira." It was Vallen, Elkan's second in command, holding a blaster on the female Jedi Knight.

Trip's dark blue eyes widened in surprise, seeing the weapon in the unfamiliar Exoian's hand. He instinctively moved slowly forward to place himself between the weapon and Krysira. However, he had barely begun to do so, when Krysira had almost instantly put her hand on his chest, gently easing him back stopping his advance.

"Vallen, this will not solve anything," Krysira said softly. "This will not bring back your mate nor the others."

Vallen's lips were pressed in a straight line, as he struggled to control his raging anger. The hand that held the blaster trembled.

"I am trying to help." She moved deftly in front of Trip, as she held Vallen's gaze. "You know this to be true."

"She is correct, Vallen." A deep yet gentle male voice said. The leader of the resistance faction, Elkan had come up beside his second in command, laying a large hand over Vallen's hand that held the blaster, but made no attempt to wench the weapon away.

Trip blinked, wondering when Krysira had stepped in front of him, removing her hand from his chest. Her movements were so smooth and quick that he didn't notice right away. He remembered the strength of her hand when she held him back. This surprised him. He peered over Krysira's shoulder at the two newcomers, wondering how this potentially volatile situation was going to be diffused.

"Reyna and I had barely started our lives together," Vallen blurted out in an anguished sob.

Elkan's expression grew sympathetic. "I know my friend. I miss my Lyra terribly. I see her in our little daughter, Ebby," he replied. "But what would it accomplish in taking the life of a Jedi who is trying to help us?"

Vallen looked at Krysira. "Whose side are you on?"

"I am neutral in these negotiations," Krysira replied.

Vallen nodded, lowering the blaster, as Elkan removed his hand. "Fair enough." He reholstered the weapon.

Kaylar saw a relieved look cross Trip's handsome features.

"However, I can not believe that Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay would allow any of their citizens to die when there is a known cure," Krysira stated.

"It was their chief of staff that agreed to help. His name was Drayce," Elkan said. "He told us that he was working under Noble Vartan's approval. Yet.nothing that he promised us, materialized. As a result, 10 beloved women died.needlessly. He was no where to be found after that."

Krysira folded her arms inside the sleeves of her cloak, looking pensive. Her gaze focused on the trio of Exoians standing before her. "I need some time to contemplate this new information, Elkan."

"Of course, Knight Krysira," Elkan replied.

"I will also need to confer with Master Jinn on this as well."

"You can use the communication console in my office," Kaylar offered.

She smiled gently. "Thank you, but no, Healer Kaylar. I will use another way." She was quite aware of the curious look that Trip shot her way."

Kaylar bowed slightly. "As you wish."

Vallen nodded to Krysira, then turned on his heel, leaving the infirmary.

Elkan looked at Trip, who had once again moved up beside Krysira. "I am Elkan, leader of the resistance," he introduced. The one who left is my second in command, Vallen. We are the ones to have fired at your spacecraft, thinking that the government troops were spying on us. We ask for your forgiveness."

"I'm Commander Trip Tucker of the Starship Enterprise from Earth," Trip began, his expression softened in understanding. "Everyone makes mistakes."

"Perhaps, however, it could have been far more serious than it was."

"True, but you have taken care of us. It's truly appreciated." Trip held out his hand.

Elkan looked at Trip's hand, then up at the young Earth commander, curiously.

"It's a greeting on my planet. It's called a handshake," Trip explained, grinning.

Elkan grinned as well, and placed his hand in Trip's as the two men shook hands, neither realizing at first that a friendship had formed.

Trip's grin grew bigger, as he thought to himself. "First contact and a human didn't mess up. What do you think about that, T'Pol?"

Krysira watched quietly in approval.
PART THREE
The snake-like creature, known as an Etmu continued to towards the direction of Delkye. It's nostrils flared, picking up a scent despite being underground.a scent that drove it. Food. The fighting had driven off most of the prey that was now almost non-existent in the Clire Mountains. Food needed for its mate and young offspring to survive. The male Etmu continued to tunnel swiftly.
PART FOUR
Guest chambers in Jinix

Qui-Gon lay awake on his bed, hands behind his head staring up at the dark ceiling. He could hear the gentle snoring from Obi-Wan coming from the next room. His mind was restless. Something was keeping him awake. Was it the danger that Obi-Wan, Krysira and himself had sensed earlier? No.it was something else that tickled the back of his mind quite persistently.

An insistent chiming at the main door of the guest chambers finally filter through into Qui-Gon's room. The Jedi Master leapt out of bed, grabbing his lightsabre, as he hurried towards the door, slapping on a lightswitch.

Pressing a button, the door slid open to reveal a rugged-looking Exoian male with long orange hair, wearing typical space pilot's clothing.

"Master Qui-Gon Jinn?" The man assumed in a raspy voice.

"Yes," Qui-Gon replied. "But I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage."

"May I enter?"

Qui-Gon nodded stepping to one side, allowing the Exoian to enter. He pressed the button again and the door slid shut, then turned to his unexpected visitor.

"I know it is late, but in good conscience, I could no longer remain silent," the man began in his deep raspy voice. "I am Trey, a freighter pilot. There is a reason much more serious than the opposition to the government's rules and regulations that the resistance gave at the negotiations. "

A frown creased Qui-Gon's brow. "What do you mean?" He wanted to know.

"It was an incident that resulted in the deaths of 10 Exoian women." The Jedi Master's blue eyes widened in utter shock. "What?!" He exclaimed softly as not to wake Obi-Wan.

Trey sighed heavily. "Ten women contracted a simple, yet deadly disease that could be completely cured if a rare medicine could be obtained. Noble Vartan's chief of staff, Drayce, promised Healer Kaylar that a pilot would be given credits to purchase the desperately needed medicine."

"You were that pilot?" Qui-Gon assumed.

"Yes.however, I had no idea of the mission for I was never told nor given the credits. When Healer Kaylar came to me after I returned from my routine assignment and inquired about the medicine." Trey trailed off, his voice cracking.

"You had to tell him that you knew nothing about the medicine." Qui-Gon finished.

Trey nodded. "The look of devastation on Healer Kaylar's face has been etched in my memories ever since. I later found out that his mate as well as Elkan and Vallen's mates had succumbed to the disease."

"Why did Drayce give such false hope to Kaylar?"

The pilot shrugged. "Only Drayce can answer that.however no one has seen him since." His raspy voice lowered. "However.I have heard that there may be someone who knows where he is."

"Who?"

"In the morning, go to the tavern in the main square and ask for Chelz. Tell her that I sent you to discover the truth." Trey moved towards the door. "That is all the information I can give you. But when the time for a battle comes, I place my blasters at your disposal. I bid you a pleasant night, Master Jinn."

Trey pushed a button and the door slid open. The pilot slipped out of the guest chambers and was gone. Qui-Gon followed Trey to the door, peering out into the corridor both ways, surprised that he saw no trace of the pilot. He stepped back inside, pushing the button once again to close the door, then leaned against the nearby wall, arms folded across his chest, contemplating this new information.

He was so deep in thought that he wasn't aware that Obi-Wan had woken up and was standing in the doorway of his own sleeping room.

"Master?" Obi-Wan's soft voice filled the room. "Is everything alright?"

Qui-Gon's head snapped up instantly at the sound of his Padawan's soft voice. "Padawan!" He exclaimed. "Everything is fine. I thought you were asleep."

"I was, Master, but I heard an unfamiliar voice."

"Yes, I had an unexpected visitor who has given me some rather distressing news that concerns the negotiations."

"Oh?"

"Yes."

The young Jedi apprentice gaze focused inwards for a few brief moments, before focusing back on Qui-Gon. "Master?"

"Yes, Obi-Wan?"

"I still sense that danger."

"As do I."

"What about Knight Krysira?"

Qui-Gon allowed a soft smile to appear. He was aware of the bond between his young apprentice and the pretty Jedi Knight, but this bond never seemed to interfere with his own bond with Obi-Wan. He also had a bond with Krysira. It seemed that both of them bonding with Krysira strengthened the bond between himself and Obi-Wan, so that they could start to mend what happened between them almost 4 years ago. "Krysira is well-aware of it. I spoke to her earlier about it."

"Oh." The teenager's face fell slightly.

"She asked about you."

A big grin lit up Obi-Wan's youthful face. That was good enough for him. Then his expression grew serious. "Who was the visitor, Master?"

Qui-Gon walked over to the youth, as he switched off the light. "Back into bed and I will explain all."

"Yes, Master.

Once back in bed, Obi-Wan listened carefully to Qui-Gon's reaccount of the conversation with his visitor, as the Jedi Mater seated himself on the edge of Obi-Wan's bed. "Did not this Drayce know the consequences if the medicine was not obtained?" Obi-Wan questioned innocently.

"I'm sure that he did," Qui-Gon replied.

"Then.why?"

"Qui-Gon shrugged. "I do not know. We will not know anything until we find and question Drayce. Now back to sleep. We seem to have a long day ahead of us."

"Yes, Master. Good night." Obi-Wan snuggled back under the covers and was almost instantly asleep.

Qui-Gon smiled, gently squeezing Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Goodnight, my Padawan," he said softly, as he rose up onto his feet. He crossed over to the door and turning off the light exited the room.

Shortly, Qui-Gon was back in his own bed, and using the Force, put himself into a light sleep trance. He knew that he needed to be alert for tomorrow for whatever situations that he and Obi-Wan would be thrust into.
PART FIVE
Infirmary in Delkye

Elkan had left, after bidding Krysira, Trip and Kaylar a good night.

Trip looked over at Malcolm, amazed that his crewmate was still asleep. "I'm surprised that Malcolm didn't wake up earlier," Trip commented, his arms across his chest.

"I gave him a sedative that should wear off by morning, Commander," Kaylar replied.

Trip looked back at the Exoian healer, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh?"

"The oxygen tent can be unsettling to patients when they first wake up. I did not want your companion to panic.thinking that he was being held hostage or tortured."

"Ah," Trip responding, understanding Kaylar's logic. "That makes sense." His gaze drifted over to Krysira who had moved out onto the open balcony. Krysira had folded her arms inside the sleeves of her cloak, scanning the city below. The prospect of danger still tickled her mind. What the danger was had not been revealed to her. She was almost certain that it wasn't the Exoian government troops. Noble Vartan had given his word at a cease-fire.for now.

She sensed Trip's presence behind her without even having to turn around. She felt his hands rest lightly on her shoulders. His presence was comforting. She had been aware of his attempt to protect her from Vallen's blaster. No non-Jedi had ever attempted to protect her. Trip's simple action gripped her heart.

"You're still worried, aren't you?" Trip's soft southern voice questioned quietly.

Krysira nodded. "Yes," she replied softly. "I am still sensing danger."

"And it bothers you not knowing what it is, right?"

"Yes. The Force does not always reveal everything. That can be.frustrating."

"Like in this situation?"

Krysira turned around, feeling Trip's hands move to rest lightly on her hips. Her body trembled slightly. "Especially.in this situation." Her silvery blue eyes gazed into his dark blue eyes. "A wrong assumption could be made, resulting in unforeseen tragedies."

"Like with Vallen?"

"Yes."

"You diffused that situation pretty well."

"Elkan assisted as well." Her gaze softened, as she continued to look into Trip's eyes.

Trip's large hands moved around her waist to press against her back, holding her close, as his lips gently pressed against her lips in a tender kiss. He felt her hands press against the bare part of his chest, as the kiss took hold, deepening.

Krysira felt her body tremble against Trip. The deep emotions/feelings that were swirling around inside her were totally mind-boggling to the young Jedi Knight. Her mind was prodding her to pull away and keep her emotions in check, yet her heart urged her to stay and allow her feelings for this young man to surface. She was torn. She didn't know what to do.

She was about to pull away, her mind overruling her heart, when a brief vision from the Force came to her out of nowhere. It wasn't regarding the danger that she had been sensing. No.it was of her and Trip, standing before a man that had a uniform similar to Trip's. The clothes that both wore were unfamiliar to her. She also saw Master Yoda, Master Mace Windu, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi standing nearby, all smiling in approval, as was the man standing before them. There were other people as well, dressed in uniforms like Trip's. Once again, Trip was kissing her. Then the vision was gone. The swiftness and intensity startled her.

Trip finally raised up, seeing Krysira's cheeks red with color. He felt his own cheeks grow hot. Was he in love with her? But, wasn't that impossible, being that he just met her not even a day ago? Yet.he never had such strong feelings like this for anyone before. How could he deny what he was feeling?

He felt her rest her head against his chest. This tender action gripped his heart. He held her closer to him, enjoying her warmth.

Krysira was afraid that these emotions would cloud her judgement, yet the Force was urging her to accept them. Why was she so resistant then?

Suddenly, a groan broke through the silence, causing the couple to pull apart slightly. Krysira could see a concerned expression cross Trip's strong features.

"Malcolm?" Trip questioned, reluctantly releasing the pretty Jedi Knight, as he turned to head back inside the infirmary with Krysira following.

Trip entered the main part of the infirmary to see Kaylar remove the oxygen tent from over Malcolm. The healer stepped back at Trip's approach.

Malcolm groaned again and blinked as his eyes opened, focusing on his superior officer. He grinned weakly.

"Commander," Malcolm said rather weakly, trying to sit up.

Trip smiled, laying a hand on one of Malcolm's shoulders. "Easy, Lieutenant," Trip said. "Just lay still." He was surprised that he knew that Krysira was right behind him by her gentle presence that he felt.

Malcolm eyed Trip's clothing, then looked at himself, seeing that he had on similar clothing, then back up at Trip. "Not exactly regulation clothing, sir," he quipped with a wry grin on his face.

Trip chuckled. "No.but we've blended in with the natives." He cast a quick look at Kaylar, who was looking at him in an amused fashion. "Well.sorta." He gave Malcolm an embarrassed grin.

Malcolm frowned. "What do you mean.sort of?"

Kaylar stepped into Malcolm's line of vision. "Lieutenant Reed, I am Kaylar, a healer. Welcome to the city of Delkye on the planet Exoia," the tall humanoid introduced.

Malcolm gazed up at the tall humanoid. After a few moments, the armory officer found his voice. "Thank-you. How did you know who I was?"

"Commander Tucker informed me."

"Ah," Malcolm replied in realization.

"How are you feeling?" Kaylar checked Malcolm's vital signs.

"Well, breathing is much easier and my lungs don't hurt, but I still feel tired."

Kaylar nodded, apparently satisfied with Malcolm's answer.

"And.hungry," Malcolm added.

A huge grin appeared on Kaylar's face. "That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I will send for food."

Malcolm cracked a grin. "Thank-you."

The healer nodded and left the bedside, crossing the room to enter his office.

At this point, Krysira moved into view. Malcolm's eyes widened upon seeing a beautiful young woman appear out of nowhere it seemed.

"Well.hello there," Malcolm said softly.

Trip saw that Krysira had stepped up beside him.

"Greetings, Lieutenant Reed. It is indeed good that you are recovering," Krysira replied in her gentle manner.

Malcolm smiled. "Thank-you. And you are.?"

"I am Jedi Knight Krysira Antilles." She suddenly turned away, staring out the open balcony doors, intently.

Trip noted reaction. "Krysira?" He questioned in a concerned manner.

But Krysira's attention was focused on what she felt.

Suddenly, an alarm rang throughout the city.

Kaylar burst from his office, a concerned look on his face. "That alarm is from our food storage building!" Kaylar exclaimed. "Our entire supply is held there!"

"Where is the building located?" Krysira questioned.

Kaylar threw out an arm pointing out towards the city. "The third building on the right from the tower facing north."

Krysira nodded, as she moved towards the balcony, dropping her cloak on the floor.

Trip turned to follow her. "Krysira! Wait!" He called.

"Please stay here, Trip!" Krysira said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Taking a deep calming breath, Krysira drew the Force in and around her, then without warning, sprinted quickly out onto the balcony and without hesitation, leapt up and off of the balcony.

Trip was aghast. "KRYSIRA! NO!" He bellowed, running out onto balcony with Kaylar by his side, reaching the railing just moments after Krysira leapt off.

Both men saw Krysira perform perfect a triple somersault and land on the ground in a crouched position amid a handful of male and female Exoians, who were startled at the Jedi Knight's appearance.

But the landing did not stop Krysira. Still Force-induced, she sprang up and ran towards the food storage building, deftly maneuvering around the scattering Exoians.

Trip's mouth had dropped open at Krysira's athletic prowess, staring after the pretty Jedi Knight's receding figure. He looked aside at Kaylar who had pretty much the same expression on his face as did Trip.

Trip finally shook himself out of his shock. "How do I get out of here?" He demanded.

Kaylar shook his head. "Knight Krysira wanted you to stay here, out of harm's way."

Trip's facial expression hardened. "Krysira may need my help!"

"She is a Jedi Knight, quite an accomplished warrior. Besides, our warriors will undoubtedly assist her." His tone softened. "If you were there, she would be concerned about your safety rather than have her mind focused on the situation. In the process, she could be injured." He explained. "You are still not completely recovered."

Trip sighed defeatedly, knowing that Kaylar was right. He couldn't bear the thought of Krysira being hurt or injured especially.because of some sort of stupid action on his part.

"Come, my young friend," Kaylar said. "All we can do for now is.wait." He smiled. "Your concern for her is.commendable and I am sure that it has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated."

Trip nodded. Glancing over his shoulder, Trip said to himself. /"Be careful, Krysira."/ The thought was full of emotion.

As he followed Kaylar back inside, Trip stopped dead in his tracks. /"Always, Trip."/ He heard Krysira's soft voice in his head. He merely stood there, unable to fathom the idea that he actually heard someone's voice inside his head.

"Commander, are you feeling alright?" Kaylar's voice broke into his thoughts.

Trip blinked, focusing on Kaylar. "Um.I'm fine," he assured the Exoian healer.

Kaylar nodded and continued inside with Trip once again following him.

Trip was still a bit unnerved at what just happened, but he would not say anything until Krysira returned.

By the time Trip came back into the main part of the infirmary, Malcolm had managed to prop himself up into a sitting position. The British armory officer saw the worried look on his commanding officer's face.

"Commander?" Malcolm questioned, then looked around Trip to only see the healer, but not the beautiful young woman. "Where's the young lady? Is she alright?"

Trip cleared his throat. "Yeah.she's fine. She's quite the, um, athlete, it seems," Trip replied, awe in his voice.

"Sir, what has happened since I passed out?"

Trip sat down on a chair that was next to the bed, after picking up Krysira's cloak from the floor and folding it laid it on a nearby small stand. "A lot," he replied. "Make yourself comfy, Malcolm."

Malcolm shifted himself until he found a comfortable position, then focused his attention on Trip.