Kyra sensed the Commander's arrival long before the woman made her presence known. Few souls came down to the cargo bay, giving Kyra some time for privacy as she worked. Her first priority was the repair of R3-K7, the astromech that helped her fly her interceptor. The Eta-2 starfighter was ideal for a Jedi pilot, but even one of the mystical warriors would not attempt to fly one alone. The astromech was in bad shape, and Kyra knew it would be some time before it was operational again.
She was in the middle of examining the torn off head of R3 when the Commander approached her, leaning against one of the crates, watching. She could sense the woman's curiosity, and could not blame her. She had been dreading this exact moment. Of all the training that the Jedi Order had given her, an adequate understanding of how to socialize with non-Jedi was not included in that. So she did not turn her head around when she spoke, keeping her attention on R3.
"Yes, Commander? Is there something you require of me?"
Kyra was fairly skilled at reading people. Empathy helped considerably with that particular talent. Though she was certainly capable of directly reading the thoughts of most weak-willed individuals she encountered, such an abhorrent violation of ones rights as a sapient was wrong. She sensed the commander's concern, her worries, her care for those under her leadership. It was refreshing.
"Just wanted to talk, actually. I like to know the people I work with. Like to know I can trust them, and you represent a very big unknown."
Another moment of silence reigned between them, then Kyra set R3's head down on the floor. She turned to face Shepard, keeping her face completely neutral. A Jedi must always project an aura of peace and calm.
"I believe that is more than fair, Commander. But I fear I am not very interesting to an outsider. Jedi lead lives of peace and solitude, contemplating the mysteries of the Force. Or at least we did, before the war."
That immediately got Shepard's attention. From Kyra's observation of her, the woman seemed to be a war hero of some kind. She at least commanded great respect from the crew, that much was obvious. Shepard's eyebrow raised, seeming to re-appraise the woman.
"You fought in a war? Was it against the Empire?"
Immediately, Kyra tensed up. How did she know about that? Was this all just an elaborate trap? Had this been a slip-up? Were they currently going to-
Shepard held up her hands, seeing the suspicion in Kyra's eyes.
"I messed with that little disc on your belt while you were out. It played some kind of recording. Something from an Obi-Wan."
Ah. That made sense. Kyra instantly relaxed again, rubbing the back of her neck in slight embarrassment.
"I apologize for my suspicion, Commander. I am still getting used to being able to trust another person." Not wanting to dwell on that statement, Kyra cleared her throat, turning her attention back to R3. "Yes, I fought in the Clone Wars, with the rest of the Jedi. We found ourselves thrust into the role of soldiers, which we were not prepared to be. For a thousand years, the Jedi were sworn guardians of the Republic, but that most often meant mediating disputes or dealing with pirates. Precious few battles, until the war."
Shepard considered that, chewing it over.
"You weren't traditionally soldiers, then."
Kyra's hands were inside the mess of wires underneath R3's head plate, moving them around and checking it's insides. Her voice was still as calm and neutral as ever.
"No. Guardians. Mediators. Diplomats. But not soldiers. Jedi were to maintain separation from the affairs of the galaxy. Only intervening when the innocent were put in danger. But when the Clone Wars started, there wasn't time to think. The Jedi High Council pledged the Order to the war effort, and within weeks we were on the frontlines. Some took to it better than others."
Shepard watched the Mirialan work, stepping closer to look more directly at the droid. Kyra had not been this close to the tall woman before. Her magnetic presence demanded all attention, and her hand slipped for a moment, her cheeks flushing a dark green.
"And you, Kyra? How did you take to the life of a soldier?"
The commander was very much in her personal space. She sensed no ill intent from the woman, Shepard was genuinely curious in Kyra and her work, it seemed.
"My people are warriors, by tradition. My Master taught me well, and in her honor I fought on."
Shepard smiled. And stepped away.
"I should go. We'll be coming up on Korlus soon. We should talk more. And you should socialize. You're cute when you don't know how to talk to someone."
Kyra's cheeks flushed a darker green, and the Commander laughed as she walked away from the spluttering flustered mess of a Jedi she had left.