Krysira's Destiny
Chapter Five
PART ONE
Early morning-guest chambers in Jinix

After breakfast, Obi-Wan put on his Jedi clothing, making sure everything was in place. As Obi-Wan tied his sash, the Force once again gave him a warning of danger. The young Jedi apprentice froze in mid-tie at the intensity and briefness of the warning. But, what danger was the Force warning him of? Was his master or Krysira receiving a similar warning? The youth wasn't sure. He finished tying his sash, then put his utility- type belt on, fastening it and finally hooked his own lightsabre on it. He picked up his cloak, putting it on, as he walked out of his room to see that Qui-Gon was emerging from his own room.

"Are you ready, Padawan?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied.

"Very well. Let us head to the main square and locate this Chelz that Trey spoke of."

The youth nodded, as he followed the Jedi Master out of their chambers, then the building. They walked quietly along for a few minutes, each enjoying the peaceful tranquility of the immediate area around their accommodations.

Qui-Gon glanced at his apprentice, seeing a serious look on his youthful features.

"Padawan?" Qui-Gon began, breaking the silence.

Obi-Wan looked up into his master's face, seeing traces of concern there. "Yes, Master?" He replied.

"Is something troubling you?"

Obi-Wan inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. "The Force alerted me once again to impending danger, Master. I've never felt anything so fast and intense as this warning was, but I do not know the nature of it."

Qui-Gon hid his surprise, for he had felt the same thing earlier. He wasn't aware of the nature of the danger, but it seemed to be more intense than what he had been feeling. He mulled over the idea of telling his young Padawan that he also felt the danger, but he didn't want to increase the anxiety that he already was feeling from the youth. He decided not to say anything. "As you know, the Force is not always clear in what it reveals," he finally told Obi-Wan.

"Yes, but the intensity I felt, concerned me, Master."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Then we should take heed, Obi-Wan and keep our guard up. I do not know the events that will take place after speaking with this Chelz at the tavern."

"Of course, Master. Do you expect.trouble?"

"No.I anticipate it, but hopefully this situation regarding Drayce can be resolved peacefully."

"If not?"

Qui-Gon looked ahead, avoiding Obi-Wan's questioning look. "Then I am afraid we will have to resort to drastic measures, but I do hope to avoid any.confrontations." He felt his apprentice's anxiety level drop a bit at his words. He didn't need Obi-Wan reacting irrationally, due to anxiety. No, he needed him rational and centered.

Obi-Wan nodded, as the two of them walked along a street of the residential area of Jinix, which was beginning to come to life as the Exoians who lived there began milling about, performing various tasks to begin their day.

Qui-Gon glanced briefly at Obi-Wan, thinking how gifted his young apprentice was. He had a warning from the Force as well, before they left. He felt that there was something even deeper.perhaps more sinister involved with this conflict and this Drayce seemed to be at the center of it. Hopefully, answers would be provided, once he was located.
PART TWO
Early morning--Infirmary at Delkye

Trip woke up, stretching, as he swung his feet over the side of his bed. He saw that Krysira's cloak was gone. He frowned, wondering where it was, when Kaylar came over.

"How are you feeling this morning, Commander?" Kaylar questioned.

"Pretty good actually," Trip replied, rubbing his almost 3 day growth of beard. "A little grungy, though."

Kaylar chuckled. "I thought as much. There is a refresher room on the other side of the room. There are clothes in there as well for you and Lieutenant Reed."

Trip grinned. "Thanks. I appreciate it." He paused. "Krysira's cloak was right here. What happened to it?"

"She came in to check on you and Lieutenant Reed and picked it up."

Trip's blue eyes widened. "Is she all right? Where is she?"

"Knight Krysira is well. She is in one of the guest chambers down the hall."

A look of relief crossed Trip's handsome features. "Is everything all right?"

Kaylar nodded. "I will send for food, while you freshen up."

Trip chuckled in an embarrassed manner. "Right." He got up and headed over to the refresher room, going inside.

With the aid of the Force, Krysira woke refreshed after a rather busy day/night, and despite the sense of danger that she still felt. She rose and gracefully got off of the bed. She went into the refresher and as she began to clean up, her thoughts went back to a few hours earlier: Oddly, her first thought upon entering the infirmary was to see Trip. Seeing that he was asleep, safe, was reassuring to the young Jedi Knight. She had retrieved her cloak from the nearby stand, then leaned down and ever so softly kissed Trip's lips in the briefest of kisses, then left the infirmary going to chambers designated for her use.

About a half-hour later, Krysira had dressed in a fresh set of Jedi clothing, but instead of the traditional browns and tans, her clothing was made of various shades of blues. She sat on the edge of her bed, brushing out her hair then tying the top and sides back with a leather tie, then fluffed up her wispy bangs with her hand. She got up and crossed over to the dresser, picking up her lightsabres, hooking them deftly to her belt.

She picked up her communication device, switching it on. Moments later, a holographic image of her former master, Mace Windu, appeared.

"Greetings, Master Windu," Krysira said, bowing slightly. "I hope I did not wake you."

Mace's holographic image smiled. "No, you did not, Krysira," he replied. "You should remember that I am an early riser."

Krysira smiled softly. "Yes.especially when I was your Padawan."

Mace chuckled, remembering. "Indeed." He paused. "I take it that you have a report for me?"

"Yes, Master."

Mace rubbed his chin thoughtfully after hearing Krysira's report. "Obviously, there is more behind this conflict than we were led to believe," Mace finally replied.

"I thought that as well," Krysira replied.

"Any word from Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan?"

"Not since yesterday." She paused, as she sensed something.

"Krysira.is something wrong?" Mace asked concerned.

"I have a visitor." She paused again. "It is one of the men I told you about.Commander Tucker." She heard a rap on the door. "Do you wish to discuss this later?"

"Yes.however, I would like to meet him. Please.invite him in."

Krysira nodded. "Yes, Master. Come in, Trip."

The door slid open to reveal Trip, clean-shaven, washed and wearing different clothes. He walked in, looking around, puzzled.

"Trip, are you all right?" Krysira questioned.

"Um.yeah. It's just that I thought I heard two voices in here," Trip replied.

Krysira smiled. "You did." She motioned to a stand that her communication device was on and the holographic figure that was being projected from it.

Trip came over to the bed, sitting next to Krysira, as he stared at the type of technology he had never seen before.

"Trip, this is my former master, Mace Windu. Master, this is Commander Trip Tucker of the starship Enterprise from Earth," Krysira introduced.

"Greetings, Commander Tucker," Mace's image said.

"Hi," Trip said, still in awe of the technology.

"Krysira was just giving me her report on events that have been taking place on Exoia."

"I see." Trip looked at the beautiful Jedi Knight sitting next to him. "You report in as well."

Krysira nodded. "Yes."

"Commander Tucker," Mace began, seeing that he had the younger man's attention. "I am sorry that we have not made any attempt to help you with your predicament, but this conflict that we are trying to diffuse has our attention at this time."

"It's all right. I understand. Before making any repairs on our shuttlepod, my crewmate, Lieutenant Malcolm Reed needs to recover," Trip replied.

"Understood. I am certain that Krysira will make the arrangements, when you and your crewmate are ready to do the repairs." He paused. "I have a meeting with Yoda. I will bid you farewell for now, my young one. Continue to keep me informed."

"Yes, Master Windu. May the Force be with you," Krysira replied.

"And to you as well."

Mace's image shimmered away. Krysira reached over and switched the device off. She looked back at Trip and softly touched his clean-shaven face.

Trip grinned at her. "Different, huh?" He asked.

"Yes.but I much prefer.this," Krysira replied, a soft smile on her face.

"Me, too." Trip then cupped Krysira's face in his big hands, and gave her a heartfelt kiss.

Krysira's slender hands rested on Trip's partly bared covered chest.

Trip broke the kiss but rested his forehead against Krysira's forehead. "I was so worried about you." He moved back a little to look her in the eyes; his hands still on her face. "How is it that I heard your voice in my head? It scared the hell out of me!"

"We obviously have a very strong bond between us. I was surprised as well when I heard your voice. Normally, bonds take time to form, especially between masters and apprentices or between two Jedi who are friends. I have never heard of a Jedi and a non-Jedi bonding like we have. But that does not mean that it has not happened in the past. I am sorry that I have upset you."

He gave her that disarming grin of his. "It's okay, Krysira. It'll just take some getting used to." He furrowed his brow as his hands left her face and gently grasped her hands that had dropped back onto her lap, holding them gently, as he studied them for a few moments. He then looked up into Krysira's sky blue eyes. "You wanna tell me what the hell that balcony thing was?"

Krysira studied Trip's face. She saw or sensed no anger. No, it was more along the lines of frustration. "When properly trained, a Jedi can use the Force to perform otherwise almost impossible feats of physical prowess. And as a Jedi Knight, when danger occurs, I have been trained to react instantly. I had no time to explain my actions to you, Trip. Not knowing exactly what the danger was, I needed to get there as quickly as possible," Krysira explained, softly.

"You mean.you do that sort of.thing all the time?"

She gave him a small smile. "Not all the time.only when the need for it arises."

Trip nodded. "My heart fell into my stomach, when you leapt off of the balcony."

Krysira saw the distress in Trip's dark blue eyes. "I am sorry, Trip. I did not mean to cause you any distress. I was merely reacting to the situation."

"Yeah.I know that now." He gazed at her, suddenly realizing how very special this young woman was and how much she was truly starting to mean to him. He released one of her hands and gently brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face. "I guess the bottom line, Krysira, is that I was really worried about you and didn't want anything to happen to you."

Krysira smiled gently touched by Trip's genuine concern for her. "Thank- you." She whispered, slipping her hands from Trip's gentle grasp and slid them around his neck in a heartfelt hug.

Trip was momentarily surprised, but pleased, and slid his own arms around Krysira in a return hug, holding her tightly.

Malcolm woke up to the smell of food. He slowly pushed himself up in bed to see a tray of food on the stand nearby. He realized that he felt pretty good, as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Malcolm frowned, not seeing his superior officer in the next bed. He saw Kaylar come out of his office, walking over to him.

"I trust that you are feeling better, Lieutenant?" Kaylar assumed.

Malcolm nodded. "Yes, much better. Thank-you," he replied. "Where is Commander Tucker?"

The Exoian healer smiled. "He went to check on Knight Krysira a little while ago."

Malcolm grinned a little. "I see. Is she all right?"

"Yes. Perfectly fine." He paused. "As I told Commander Tucker earlier, there is a refresher across the room and fresh clothes for you."

"Oh, thank-you very much. I certainly could use a shower and shave!"

Kaylar chuckled. "Enjoy your breakfast." He walked back into his office.

Malcolm nodded as he began to eat.
PART THREE
Main town square in Jinix

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon arrived in the town square to see is bustling with activity, despite the early hour. The two Jedi studied each building sign to find the one was the tavern. After a minute or two, Obi-Wan's sharp eyes spotted the tavern.

"Master, I see it," Obi-Wan said.

"Oh? Where?" Qui-Gon questioned.

"Across the square diagonally from us.blue lettering.Chelz's Tavern." The youth pointed out.

Qui-Gon nodded as he folded his arms across his chest, looking thoughtful. "Now I understand why Trey never told me the name of the tavern.nor did I ask."

"Could it also be that this is the only tavern in the main square?"

The Jedi smiled at his Padawan's perceptiveness. "That too is a plausible reason. Let us proceed, shall we?"

"Yes, Master."

The two Jedi made there way through the growing crowd, barely getting a second glance from most people. It puzzled both Jedi at first, however, seeing other species, they understood why their presence went by virtually unnoticed. Shortly, they arrived at Chelz's Tavern. Qui-Gon opened the door, peering inside, when suddenly, without warning the door was jerked from his hand. He looked up, hand on the hilt of his lightsabre, to see a huge Exoian male glaring down at him. Qui-Gon gazed impassively back at him.

The Exoian, Caden, looked Qui-Gon over, his harsh expression softening somewhat. "You Jedi?" He demanded in a deep bass voice.

"Yes. My apprentice and I wish to speak to Chelz," Qui-Gon replied, referring to Obi-Wan behind him, as his hand slid unnoticed from the hilt of his lightsabre. "I was informed that she could help us."

Caden rumbled, but stepped aside, allowing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to pass. However, Caden suddenly clamped a large hand on the youth's shoulder. "Wait, boy. How old are you?" Caden wanted to know.

"Sixteen," the teenager replied.

"You have to stay in this area. You are not allowed to approach the bar. We have rules that have to be followed by everyone, including Jedi."

Qui-Gon had stopped and turned back to see the encounter. He saw Obi-Wan glance in his direction, then back at Caden. Qui-Gon waited quietly to see how his apprentice was going to handle this situation.

"I wouldn't want to break any rules, sir," Obi-Wan began. "Would it be within the rules to sit at this table and wait for my master?" He motioned to a nearby table.

Caden studied Obi-Wan carefully. "You seem sincere. But if you leave that table, I will throw you out on your ear. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Caden grunted and watched Obi-Wan walk over to the indicated table, sitting down. Qui-Gon walked past the table.

"Well done, Padawan," Qui-Gon said in a low tone, as he moved towards the bar. Although he couldn't see Obi-Wan's expression, he knew that his apprentice was practically beaming at the compliment. Qui-Gon could feel the happiness that surged from Obi-Wan's being into himself and warmed his soul. He slid onto a stool and was immediately approached by an Exoian female who didn't seem as tall as most of the females that he had encountered.

"Good morning," Qui-Gon said, pleasantly.

The woman nodded. "What can I get you?" She asked. "I was hoping that you could tell me if Chelz is here this morning?"

The woman's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Who wants to know?"

"I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. My apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi is seated over there." He indicated Obi-Wan's location with a nod of his head.

The woman's gaze went over to the table, then came back to rest on the Jedi Master. "I see. And why do you want to know where Chelz is?"

"I was sent to discover the truth."

"Who told you that?"

"I'm afraid that is information I will only give to Chelz."

The woman smiled. "You are trustworthy. Trey was right in trusting you. I am Chelz. Let us join your apprentice and talk. Caden will see that we are not disturbed." She saw the hesitation in Qui-Gon's blue eyes. "Please understand, Master Jinn, I must be cautious as well. Unfortunately, these are dangerous times and it is hard to know who to trust." She came around to the side of the bar.

"Understood." He nodded, as he stood up.

The two walked over to join Obi-Wan.

PART FOUR

Captain's Quarters

Jonathan Archer sat at his desk, staring out his window at the stars slowly going by. His dog, Porthos, a beagle, padded over to its master and raising up on its hind legs, placed its front paws on one of Archer's legs. Porthos whined a little until Archer absently scratched the little dog behind the ears.

"So, Porthos," Archer began.

The beagle cocked its head to one side, hearing its owner speak.

"Where do you suppose Trip and Malcolm are? I don't believe that they're dead. I mean the Shuttlepod wasn't destroyed, otherwise we would've found debris from it." He paused, thinking. After about a minute, he looked back down at Porthos. "Could Silik have captured them?" He frowned. "No.I don't think so. He was too busy trying to keep Enterprise away from that planet.and Shuttlepod One if I'm not mistaken. But why?" He sighed. "But.first thing's first. Find Trip and Malcolm. And second, find out why Silik was keeping us from that planet." He fell silent once again, as he petted Porthos.

A beep broke the silence.

"Bridge to Captain Archer." It was T'Pol.

"Go ahead," Archer replied.

"I have remodulated the sensors and have picked up Shuttlepod One's vapor trail."

"On my way."

Archer strode onto the bridge. He looked at T'Pol, who looked up at his approach.

"Show me what you've got," Archer ordered.

T'Pol tapped her panel of buttons and a yellowish trail wound itself through space like a snake, then abruptly stopped.

Archer moved forward, studying the trail. He frowned, whirling on T'Pol. "Why does the trail stop?" He demanded.

T'Pol tapped her panel a few times, studying the results, then looked up at Archer. "The trail apparently did not stop, Captain," she finally replied.

"What do you mean?"

"If you notice space is distorted where the trail.disappears. Readings indicate that the vapor trail entered a.gateway."

Archer scowled. "A.gateway? To where?"

"Unknown.however I would speculate that it could lead to another galaxy or universe."

"So, you're saying that Trip and Malcolm went through this.gateway to who knows where, most likely low on supplies."

"Unfortunately, yes, Captain."

Archer sighed heavily as he closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Captain?" It was Travis.

The captain opened his eyes, turning to fix his gaze on the young helmsman.

"If I may, Captain, being that this gateway was apparently big enough to allow our shuttlepod to go through, I'd like to take the other shuttlepod through and look for Commander Tucker and Lieutenant Reed," Travis volunteered.

"I appreciate that, Travis, however, I can't ask you to do that," Archer replied.

"But.I'm volunteering, sir."

"I know that, but I need you at the helm of Enterprise." He paused. "I'm going."

"Are you certain that is wise, Captain?" T'Pol questioned.

"I don't see any alternative.do you?"

T'Pol said nothing.

"Travis, please have Shuttlepod Two prepped and ready to go in a half- hour."

"Yes, sir," Travis responded.

"T'Pol, transfer the co-ordinates of this.gateway to the shuttlepod."

"Yes, Captain," T'Pol responded.

"You have the bridge."

T'Pol acknowledged the assignment with an incline of her head.

Archer started towards the left, when he stopped, his gaze on his communications officer. "Hoshi," he said.

The attractive Oriental ensign looked over at Archer. "Yes, Captain?" She questioned.

"You're with me."

Hoshi's dark eyes widened slightly. "Me.sir?"

Archer grinned. "Sure. Just think of all the languages that could be out there. Besides, I might need a translator. No telling what trouble Trip and Malcolm have gotten themselves into." His expression turned someone serious. "I need you on this, Hoshi." Ensign Hoshi Sato gazed steadily back at Archer for a few moments. "Of course, Captain," she answered.

Archer gave her a reassuring smile. "Good, thank-you. Meet you in launch bay two in about 25 minutes."

Hoshi nodded, as the Captain left the bridge. At this point, T'Pol, having successfully transferred the coordinates, took the center chair.

Travis noted the apprehension of the young woman's face. "Hoshi," he began, seeing Hoshi look at him. "Good luck." He grinned reassuringly.

"Thanks," Hoshi replied, smiling, then left the bridge to prepare for her away mission.
PART FIVE
Infirmary at Delkye

After Krysira ate breakfast, she and Trip went to the infirmary ward to see Malcolm coming out of the refresher, showered, shaved and clean clothes.

Malcolm grinned, seeing them. "Good morning, Commander.Krysira," he said, walking over to them.

"Mornin', Malcolm," Trip drawled.

"Greetings, Lieutenant Reed," Krysira replied, as she crossed her arms, her hands inside her sleeves. "I trust that you are feeling better."

Malcolm nodded. "Yes. Thank-you." He looked at Trip. "I suppose that we should probably start repairs on the shuttlepod."

"I was thinking the same thing, Lieutenant." Trip looked at Krysira. "Is there anyway you can arrange for us to get to the shuttlepod?"

"Of course, however, you must be medically cleared before leaving the infirmary," Krysira told them.

"Knight Krysira is correct." It was Kaylar, who had emerged from his office, joining the group. "Commander.Lieutenant.please be seated so that I can see if you are both medically fit to leave here."

"I will make arrangements with Noble Vartan and Honor Zarnay to travel to Jinix so that you can make repairs to your vehicle," Krysira told them. "If I may use your communication console, Kaylar."

"Of course."

Krysira gave a slight bow. She gave Trip a soft smile, then turning, walked into Kaylar's office. Trip gazed after Krysira, unaware that both Kaylar and Malcolm had seen the dreamy expression on his face. When Trip looked back, he saw both men grinning at him and felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Trip merely crossed his arms, glaring at Malcolm, who cleared his throat, looking elsewhere, as Kaylar continued to examine them.