Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall

Book 2: Fall of a Jedi

Chapter 1: The Changes

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars (Disney does, yuck!) nor any part of it. This work is strictly for the entertainment of the readers.

A/N: Well, where do I start? I know it's been some time since the conclusion of the last story. I honestly wasn't sure I was going to write any more. And, as you might imagine, life got in the way over the last several years. However, I have returned from the stygian darkness of non-production to present to this preview/teaser of my upcoming Kyle Katarn continuing the tale and going through the events of the Mysteries of the Sith game. I hope everyone who gives this a look enjoys it and please send me a review.

The multi-colored tunnel of hyperspace resolved itself into lines which became stars as the Shrike exited hyperspace. In the cockpit, Mara Jade pushed away a strand of hair as she studied the planet before her.

"So that's it," she said.

Dromund Kaas, third planet of the Dromund system in the Esstran Sector. It had once been the capital of the Sith empire, the spires of Kaas City jutting into the sky, reflections of the powerful ones who called it home. But over 2000 years had passed since that time. Now it was all but a forgotten world, an ugly, bluish gray sphere circling the Outer Rim.

Checking her sensors, Mara saw the air was breathable, although the ambient temperature and abundant jungle also meant that it would be humid as well. She sighed, resigning herself to the conditions that would make her hair cling to her skin and sweat running everywhere.

Just then, a display lit up, drawing her attention. She read the information displayed.

"So he is here," she said, "or at least the shuttle is."

Turning to the communications panel, she opened a channel.

"This is the Shrike calling. Do you read me?"

She tried twice more, but received no response.

Guess I've got no choice but to go down there and find him.

She'd come to this place in search of her master, the man who was training the former Emperor's Hand in the ways of the Jedi. He'd been out of touch for some time and while she had little doubt the man could handle himself, it was unlike him to be out of contact like this.

"Wait a second, Jade, "she muttered to herself," aren't you forgetting something?"

Closing her eyes, Mara reached out with the Force, calling out, reaching, trying to…

Mara…

The voice was faint, but unmistakable.

Master, I'm here.

A pause and then…

Mara?

Yes, Master, it's me.

Mara… I…

Her brows knitted in concern. His voice sounded strained, perhaps even… in pain?

Master, where are you? Are you all right? I…

Mara!… came back a strident reply, leave here. Run while you can, it's not…

The voice trailed off.

Master! Master, answer me!

But there was no reply.

She tried several times more to contact him, but received no response. Opening her eyes, Mara settled back in the pilot's couch, taking several deep breaths.

It was clear that her Master was in trouble, the tone of his voice alone indicated that. But the warning, the admonition to flee… should she listen?

"Yeah," she said sarcastically, "Run away, that really sounds like something I'll do."

Figuring she could always apologize later, Mara scanned the surface and found a landing area several kilometers from the shuttle. Grasping the control stick, she sent the Shrike down, towards the planet.

I'm coming, Master.

New Republic Star Destroyer Intrepid

Hangar Bay

Two Years Ago

Kyle Katarn and Jan Ors stood near the main docking bay of the vessel, watching as the alabaster hull of a Lambda-class shuttle cleared the lip of the hatch, its wings having been set to their landing position.

"There it is," he said.

Jan looked over and snickered.

Head snapping around, Kyle glared at her.

"What?"

"You'd think Princess Leia herself were on that shuttle, the way you're acting," Jan answered, grinning.

"I'm fine," he intoned seriously.

"Tell it to someone who believes it, Katarn." she replied.

He continued to glare, but after a few moments, the look lost its intensity. He sighed.

"Fine, so I'm a little nervous," he admitted, "I mean, this is kind of a big deal."

"Granted," Jan said, reaching out and taking his hand, "Quit worrying, you're going to be just fine. How many times have you told me that Luke wouldn't be doing this if he didn't think you were ready?"

Kyle gave her a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Jan."

She stood up on tiptoe and kissed him.

"You're welcome."

Kyle's smiled widened, even as he shook his head. Jan Ors was one of the most unpredictable women he had ever known. She could go from clinging to his side affectionate to full on; ready to tear his head off angry in the time it took him to activate his lightsaber.

A low bang echoed across the hangar as the shuttle settled onto its landing skids. Relief valves began to evacuate the residue from the atmospheric scrubbers in clouds of white vapor. A mechanical whine came as the boarding ramp under the nose lowered.

At first, no one appeared, and then the sound of footsteps came. A figure appeared on the ramp, slightly obscured in the clouds of steam.

"Kyle!" a voice called.

"Well, that's a surprise," Jan said.

"Luke didn't say he was coming," added Kyle, "Still...

He raised a hand in greeting as he and Jan moved forward towards the shuttle. They also noticed a second figure standing next to Luke, wearing a cloak.

"Luke," Kyle said, shaking hands with his friend, "this is a surprise. We weren't expecting you."

"Sorry about that," the Jedi offered, "there were some things that happened that necessitated my coming along."

"Am I right in assuming this is Kyle's student?" Jan asked, indicating the cloaked figure.

"That's right," replied Luke.

"And you are…?" Kyle asked.

There was no answer from the figure.

Both Jan and Kyle looked to Luke, who looked uncomfortable. Then, with a sigh, Luke spoke to the figure.

"Please lower the hood and let them see you."

Hands appeared from the folds of the cloak, reaching up to the hood and pulling it back.

Kyle and Jan's faces went from curious to shocked as the face came into view

New Republic Star Destroyer Intrepid

Quarters of Kyle Katarn

Six Months Earlier

"A student?" Kyle asked in surprise, "Are you serious?"

Luke Skywalker nodded, taking a moment to swallow the bite of food he'd taken before answering.

"Quite serious."

Kyle looked to Jan, whose expression showed just as much surprise as his own.

"Is there a problem with that?" Luke asked.

"Well… no," Kyle said slowly, trying to come up with answer, "it's just that… well, I didn't think I was ready for something like that. I… I guess I assumed I still had a ways to go."

Luke nodded again.

"I understand, and if you don't feel ready, we don't have to do this."

Kyle hesitated before answering.

"You're sure I'm ready?"

Luke blotted his mouth with a napkin, and then looked directly at the other man.

"Kyle, you engaged and defeated seven Dark Jedi, including a Master. You've been tempted by and refused the temptations of the Dark Side. And since then, you've exemplified the best qualities of the Jedi. I couldn't be more pleased or prouder of you and what you've done. Taking on a student and training them in the ways of the Force is the next logical step."

Feeling his cheeks warm, Kyle didn't answer right away, but Jan did.

"Now look what you've done," she said, grinning, "you've gone and embarrassed him."

The comment only served to deepen the flush in Kyle's cheeks. Laughing, Jan moved over to him.

"Just kidding," she said, moving to his side and hugging his arm.

"Well, you see what I've got to deal with here," he said, indicating Jan.

All three of them laughed.

"Seriously, Luke," Kyle said, "I won't lie and say I don't feel under-prepared for this, but if you think I can handle it…"

A nod.

"Then let's do it."

Luke smiled and nodded.

"Excellent. Thank you Kyle."

"So, do I get to pick whom I'll be teaching?"

"Actually, "Luke replied, "I have some in mind already."

Kyle nodded.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

The trio ate silently for a time and then Luke spoke again.

"There is one other matter I'd like to discuss," he said, his voice hesitant.

"Uh oh," Jan said, "this sounds serious."

"It is," Luke confirmed.

"Is it something the two of you need to discuss privately?"

"That's up to Kyle."

"I don't keep secrets from Jan, Luke," Kyle said after a moment.

Nodding, their friend took a deep breath before speaking.

"There are some specific concerns about you I'd like to address, Kyle."

"Go ahead."

Luke gestured.

"Specifically that."

Kyle followed his friends' gaze.

"My lightsaber?"

Luke nodded.

"What about it?"

"I am concerned about how safe it is for you to continue using it."

"I don't think I understand," Kyle replied, "I've had this lightsaber ever since the one my father left for me was destroyed. Why is it a concern now?"

Luke took another deep breath.

"Kyle, you know as well as I do whom that lightsaber used to belong to."

"Of course, Yun."

"Who was a Dark Jedi."

"Wait a second, Luke. He saved my life. If it hadn't been for his blocking Sariss, I wouldn't be here right now."

"I understand that and believe me, Kyle, this is not a conversation I want to have. But I feel strongly that I need to warn you."

"Again, warn me of what?"

Luke let out a sigh.

"Kyle, reach out with the Force with me. I want you to feel your lightsaber, sense it."

"Okay, but I don't…"

"Please, Kyle."

Seeing the earnestness in his friends' face, Kyle closed his eyes and reached out, feeling the indescribable connection with the Force. Feeling it wrap its energies around him, he envisioned his lightsaber.

"Good," came Luke's voice, "now go deeper, past the surface, to the very essence of the crystal that powers it."

Kyle did so, his mind passing through the metallic shell of the hilt, past the inner workings and then…

"There it is," he said in his mind, seeing the yellowish crystal at the core of the lightsaber.

"Reach inside," Luke said, "feel the very essence of the crystal."

It took some effort, the crystal almost seeming to fight him, not wanting to grant him access, but then Kyle passed through its outer shell. An instant later, he was assaulted by a multitude of image and sound. Pictures flashed by too quick to see, sound was everywhere, it was nearly overwhelming.

"Concentrate," Luke said, "make the stream flow as you wish it to."

For one terrible moment, it seemed as if it would not work, but then the images began to slow, their rapid pace becoming a more passive stream, the sound too growing quieter. However, as the images began to resolve themselves, Kyle found himself wishing they had not. He watched as Yun used the lightsaber to take life after life, Force powers being used to crush, rip apart and destroy beings. Their screams of pain and terror echoed in his mind. The lightsaber crystal not only knew the taste of blood, it seemed to enjoy it, the horror it inflicted, and the destruction it wrought.

Unable to stomach any more, Kyle retreated, backing away unless his eyes opened and he saw Luke sitting before him and a concerned Jan leaning in from the side.

"Kyle," she was calling, "Kyle, answer me. Blast it, Katarn, say something!"

"It's okay," he managed to say, mind registering that he was breathing heavily, "its okay, Jan. I'm all right."

"No you're not," she challenged, "you're sweating and breathing heavy. What happened?"

"He saw the essence of the crystal that powers his lightsaber," Luke said, also breathing heavily, but in control."

"Why did you make me watch that?" Kyle growled, glaring at his friend.

"Forgive me, Kyle, I hoped to spare you that horror. But you had to know, you had to understand just what this lightsaber represents."

"What are you talking about?" asked Jan, gaze darting between the two men.

"That lightsaber," Luke said, pointing "has a strong connection to the Dark Side of the Force."

"Yun used it to save me," Kyle countered.

"I don't deny that," Luke replied, "but it does not mean that it is not dangerous."

"So what do you want me to do?" Kyle asked.

"Destroy it immediately."

"De… destroy it? Are you crazy? I'm not going to just…"

"Kyle," Luke said his voice even, "please listen to me. This is no arbitrary request. I do not desire to demean Yun's sacrifice nor obscure the fact that the lightsaber has served you well. But, it is still a Dark Jedi weapon and represents a danger."

"And if I do what you want," Kyle answered, "and then it is lost to me forever. What is a Jedi without his lightsaber?"

"A Jedi still," Luke said emphatically, "but just as I did after losing my father's lightsaber, I would like to offer my help in building a new one for you."

Kyle considered the offer, but ultimately shook his head.

"What happened in the past with this lightsaber is just that, the past. It is mine and I will continue to wield it."

The two men stared at each other for a long moment before Luke dropped his eyes, nodding.

"Very well, I cannot say I agree with your decision, Kyle, but the choice is yours."

"So am I out of the club now?"

Taking the olive branch, Luke smiled, shaking his head, "No, you are still a Jedi and I would still like to consider you my friend."

Kyle smiled back and the two men shook hands.

"Look, Luke, I'm sorry if I was harsh. I just…"

"There's no need for that, Kyle," Luke said, holding up a hand, "all I ask is please keep aware and if ever there be a concern…"

"I'll let you know immediately."

"Good."

"Listen," Jan announced, "unless you two are gonna kiss or fight or something, can we get back to dinner? The food's getting cold."

The two men looked at her and laughed. Soon, the oppressive mood had lifted as the meal resumed. Discussion resume of Kyle's new role as teacher. Luke promised to notify both Kyle and Jan once he'd chosen the student.

As he departed the Intrepid, the last thing Luke said was,

"I'm glad you're choosing to do this, Kyle. I wouldn't have asked you to if I didn't think you were ready."