Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 2: Birth of a Jedi
Chapter 26: Unwanted Revelations
A/N: Hello again, everyone. Shanesnest has finally resurfaced with a new chapter for you! The melting snow here in Glen Allen has finally allowed my fingers to resume room temperature again. I've also come up with some new plots ideas that you'll see in this chapter. Will be looking to see your reaction on them. And now, let's do them shout outs!
Tinuviel Undomiel: I've often felt that in regards to guys like me, we may grow up, but we still have our toys. They're just a lot bigger and often more expensive! Hey, I'm the same way as your brother when I learn new things, I want to show off to everyone! Yeah, since losing her parents, Jan has someone she's really worried about. As for the betting pool, I'll think about it. Regarding the beast, I could see Jan doing that and when Kyle said something innocently looking at him and saying, "What?" I came up with Kyle holo idea at the last minute. I needed something to relieve the tension in the scene and it seemed ideal. Thanks for the computer advice too, still considering.
Nerwen Aldarion: I'm glad you liked it! Dialogue is something I struggled with for a long time because I tried too much to "get into the character's head". Now, I basically write what I think I'd say if I were said person. Your tailbone? Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! I used to play clarinet so I know just hard those cases are. Yeah, I can imagine explaining that one. Well, for Wee Gee, it's no big deal, but with Jan, she's not putting herself on display for anyone! I had a feeling you'd like the holo scene, it seemed like the perfect thing to relieve the tension in that scene.
Manus Dei: I think bot Jan and Kyle like driving each other crazy. They had no siblings growing up, so now they're getting their shots in. I can only imagine what their kids would be like. Wee Gee would probably be in pieces before the night was over!
Phygmalion: You are evil, you know that don't you? You remind of my brother sometimes, and believe it or not, that's a good thing. Seriously, I was wondering what this review would say. I agree totally! The Imps design the most ridiculous buildings. I have no idea why the airshaft thing was part of the game, unless it's to see how bad you can hurt Kyle without killing him! I didn't include the Max scene in the chapter mainly 'cause I wasn't sure it'd fit in. Jan and Wee Gee are quickly becoming a comedy duo.
Jelfia Maleak: Yeah, it was nuts. Places that hadn't seen snow in years got it. And now, I hear New York and New Jersey are gonna get hit by the next storm. I say, come on Spring! Glad you liked the chapter!
A/N: Well, last chapter Kyle and Jan made it safely back to the Intrepid after Kyle got the bejeebers smacked out of him! And once again, he's back in Sickbay! So what happens next? Read on and see!
Somewhere in New Republic-controlled space
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
"What was that?"
"What was what, Doctor?"
"Just then," Berth said, turning to the nurse, and indicating Kyle's prone form, "he shuddered all over."
"I saw that too," said the nurse, brows drawing together in a frown even as she nodded. "It's rather strange, isn't it?"
"Considering the major surgery he just endured, yes, it is. He should be out cold. Let's make sure we keep up a 24-hour monitor on him in case it happens again."
"Yes, Doctor," the nurse said, making a note.
What the doctor could not know was that the full body shudder had occurred shortly after Jan had made her pronouncement to Wee Gee in the mess hall. He studied the now motionless form of Kyle Katarn for several more seconds. Everything seemed fine, but still…
The dinging of his communicator drew the doctor's attention away as he extracted the device from one of the pockets of his white coat.
"Sickbay, Berth here."
"How is Kyle, Doctor?" asked Mon Mothma from the tiny speaker.
"Resting comfortably, at least for now."
"Doctor?"
Berth explained the shudder and Mon Mothma expressed a similar confusion over it.
"But other than that, he is all right?"
Berth let out a long breath. "Fortunately, yes. He was in the worst shape I've ever seen him in."
"How soon before he can return to duty?"
The doctor stared at the communicator in silent shock.
Did she just ask what I think she did?
"Mon Mothma, I'm not sure I heard you clearly. Did you just ask when Kyle can return to duty?"
"I did, Doctor," she said.
The physician fought back the first reply that came to mind, reminding himself to be tactful in his response to his superior.
"I'm… not sure, yet. He just got out of surgery a short time ago. Once he wakes up from the anesthesia, I'll need to run tests… make sure he's…"
"We may need to dispense with that, Doctor. There is a situation brewing that I need Kyle's assistance with."
Berth was tempted to ask, but remembered his lessons from past inquiries. If you weren't directly involved in the circumstances, you didn't need to know.
"How soon?" he asked, dreading the answer.
"The timetable is not certain yet, perhaps a week to ten days."
Relief flowed over Berth like an ocean wave. He exhaled deeply.
"Doctor?" Mon Mothma asked, "Is there something wrong?"
"No," Berth said, the relief evident in his voice, "nothing wrong at all. When you asked, I thought you might mean…"
"Immediately?" she finished.
Berth hesitated, tempted to lie to her, but in the end, saying, "Yes."
"Doctor, I am well aware of the dangers for our operatives, particularly when it comes to Kyle."
Berth felt his cheeks grow hot.
"I'm sorry…" he began.
"There is no need for apologies, Doctor. You are a credit to your profession. Now, in regards to canceling the testing, I do need to debrief Kyle as soon as possible."
"He'll be out at least nine more hours," Berth said, "would tomorrow morning be acceptable, say 0800?"
"More than acceptable," Mon Mothma replied, the approval evident in her voice, "I shall see you then."
Berth started to nod, and then realized the Rebel leader couldn't see him doing that.
"Until then, Sickbay out."
He had just started moving the device towards his pocket when it dinged again.
"Sickbay, Berth here."
It was Jan.
"I thought you might be calling," the doctor said.
If this bothered Jan, she made no sign. "How is he?" she asked.
"Resting right now," Berth said.
"Is he…?"
Berth knew what the rest of her question would be and jumped in.
"He'll be fine, Jan. The injuries were pretty serious, but the nanobots did their work once again. Besides, I think Kyle's too blasted stubborn to give up."
He heard her laugh.
"Can I see him?"
"He's still unconscious, Jan. He won't be able to talk to you."
"I know that," she replied sharply, "I just want to make sure he's okay."
"I just told you Kyle's fine, Jan. And he needs his rest."
"Just for a few minutes?" she asked, the tone of her voice almost pleading.
Berth sighed. What was he going to do with these two?
"Fine," he said, "come by in about an hour."
"Thank y…"
"It will need to be just a few minutes, Jan. Understood?"
"Yes," she said confidently and rang off. Berth stared down at his comm for a long moment. Then, with a shake of his head, he went back to work.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Mess Hall
Turning off her comm, Jan slipped it into a pocket.
"That sounded good," Wee Gee observed.
"Yes," she replied, taking a deep breath and releasing it, "yes, it did."
Thinking about seeing Kyle, she sighed, staring forward at a blank wall, but not really seeing it.
Wee Gee observed this, and then beeped something.
"I thought you were mad at him."
"What?" Jan said, snapping out of her reverie.
The droid repeated its observation.
That's right, Jan thought, I am mad at him.
"So what?" she asked the droid.
"Well, if you are mad at him, why do you want to see him?"
The simple query pierced Jan like a quiver from a crossbow. For a moment, she didn't know what to do or say. And then, the icy control she had perfected over years of being an operative cemented itself in place.
"Y'know something, Wee Gee?" she said, looking directly at the droid.
"Yes?"
"You ask too many questions."
Pushing back from the table, she gathered her tray and turned to go.
Logic systems feeding conflicting data into complex algorithms, the droid felt something not unlike confusion. It debated about asking another question, but decided it needed to.
"Are you leaving then?"
"Yes," Jan said, fixing a glare on the droid, "is there a problem?"
Feeling that uncomfortable power surge once again, Wee Gee knew it had to choose its next words carefully.
"No, no problem. I will go begin my recharge."
"Fine," Jan said, turning away.
Wee Gee watched her go, his processor core and logic circuits working hard to try and decipher the situation. Ultimately, the droid decided to file this one away for later contemplation. For now, the more immediate need was to recharge his power core. He floated out of the mess hall a few moments after Jan, heading for Kyle's quarters.
With some fifty minutes left until she could see Kyle, Jan found herself walking almost aimlessly. She hadn't been summoned for her mission debriefing yet and there were no immediate meetings scheduled. She quite literally had nothing to do and since she was waiting to see Kyle, she decided it was his fault. She was moving in the general direction of the hangar bay when another figure came around a corner and headed towards. Jan came to a halt as she recognized the face, her hands curling into fists.
The other person came to a halt as well, her face neutral.
"Hello, Jan," said Vinial Druugan.
When the operative said nothing in response, the Twi'lek looked a little disappointed.
"Can't you even greet me?"
Jan didn't reply.
Surprised and little confused, Vinial came forward until she was nearly in arm's reach before stopping. She smiled.
"What's the matter? Vornskr got your tongue?"
The smile so infuriated Jan that she felt compelled to respond.
"I have nothing to say to you, Vinial."
The Twi'lek face's morphed into a hurt look.
"But why, Jan? What have I done?"
"If you have to ask that, then it's even more pointless trying to talk to you."
"I don't under…"
"Drop the act, Vinial! It hasn't been that long since last time."
"You know I didn't mean…"
"You almost broke my arm, Vinial. How else am I supposed to look at that?"
Amazingly, the Twi'lek's expression grew defensive.
"I was trying to help you, to make you see the truth."
"Whose truth? Yours?"
"No," the Twi'lek said, shaking her head, "the real truth."
This struck Jan as completely ridiculous. But it intrigued her enough that she decided to play along, for now.
"And what is this… truth?" she said, spitting the last word out as if it had a bad taste to it.
Vinial stepped closer.
"It's about the man you're with."
"Who? Kyle?"
"Yes, him," Vinial said, nodding.
Jan sighed. "We've already covered this, Vinial."
"But you didn't hear everything," the Twi'lek said imploringly. "Please Jan, if you were ever my friend; please listen to what I have to say."
For a moment, the operative considered turning her down flat. The whole thing seemed absolutely pointless and a complete waste of time. But there was something in the Twi'lek's voice, something that put a grain of doubt in Jan's brain. She glanced down at the chrono on her wrist, a little more than forty minutes to go. She sighed; worried that she was making the wrong decision here.
"You've got thirty minutes."
The Twi'lek face's brightened and she clapped her red-skinned hands together.
"Oh Jan! Thank you!"
But then, her face clouded a bit.
"But not here, we need to find a place."
It took the pair a few minutes, but they finally found an empty room with a few chairs inside. Vinial took one while Jan sat opposite from her.
"Jan," the Twi'lek began, "whether you believe me or not, I am truly sorry about hurting you. I never meant to. I just got so concerned that night, I guess I went a little overboard."
"Overboard," Jan replied in a mocking tone.
"If you had just listened to me, it wouldn't…"
The operative rose to her feet.
"Vinial, either get to the point or I'm leaving."
The Twi'lek started towards her, but before she could take more than a few steps, Jan's hand moved to her back, emerging a heartbeat later with a holdout blaster.
"Back up, Vinial, or I'll burn you down right here, right now."
The Twi'lek stared at the small weapon, then up at Jan's determined face. Without a word, she moved back to her seat.
"I'm sorry."
"I don't care," Jan said, "now, do you have something to say or am I leaving?"
The Twi'lek's shoulders slumped as she seemed to sink into the chair. "I do," she said.
"Then get on with it."
"When I first met Kyle, I told you that I thought I had met him before."
Jan nodded. "I remember."
"I couldn't remember at first where or when, but I have now. Jan, he was with the Empire."
The operative rolled her eyes. "Old news, Vinial, half the galaxy is aware of that fact."
"But what you don't know is he was part of a group of troopers once. A group of troopers that were gathering slaves on my home planet."
Jan felt momentary shock at this, but after a moment, shook her head.
"Vinial, Kyle was one of who knows how many stormtroopers. There's no way you could know it was him."
"You're wrong," the Twi'lek, shaking her head strongly, "I do know it was him."
Jan scoffed. "I don't believe you."
"I was hiding with a group of other Twi'leks shortly after the raid had ended. We were near an Imperial troop transport, hiding on the far side of a crater. I noticed a group of four troopers near the back of the transport. Jan, none of them had their helmets on."
The operative took this in, still convinced this was little more than a fabrication. But when the Twi'lek said this last part, the worm of curiosity in her twisted.
"And you expect me to believe that one of the troopers you saw was Kyle?"
"Jan, I swear to you, I'm not lying. Kyle was one of those troopers I saw. I remember because he was the only one with brown hair. Two of the others were blonde and the last had this really ugly orange color."
Silence descended as Vinial finished. Jan stood there, blaster still trained on the Twi'lek, the worm of curiosity having given birth to doubt, coupled with worry. She stared into the aliens' face, seeking her eyes and seeing rather than a lie or deception… could it be honesty?
I don't want to believe this, Jan thought, it doesn't make sense. But when I look into Vinial's eyes…
"Okay," she said, "let's just say you're right and Kyle was there, not that I'm sure I believe you. But just supposing, why should you care? Heck, why should I care? What does it matter?"
The operative saw a look of anger cross the Twi'lek's face. But it was not directed at Jan. No, this was anger at remembering something, something the red-skinned alien didn't want to. After a few seconds, the angry look faded and Vinial looked like she was about to cry.
"I had forgotten," she said, almost whispering, "at least I thought I had, until recently. I was hiding there with the others, trying to figure if we could somewhere help the captured prisoners when a loud sound drew our attention."
Here the Twi'lek paused, wiping at her eyes. Feeling a sudden rush of sympathy, Jan spoke.
"Look if it's too painful, you don't have to tell me."
"No!" Vinial exclaimed, and then looked a little sheepish. "Sorry. But no, I have to tell you, Jan. I have to warn you before it's too late."
The Twi'lek took a few deep breaths before continuing.
"Somehow, a few of the prisoners had gotten loose and were trying to flee. Those four troopers by the transport saw what was happening and called for them to halt.
Uh oh, Jan thought, I don't like where this is going.
"The prisoners kept running. The troopers shouted another warning, and then one of them lifted his blaster and… and… he fired."
"Vinial, don't tell me…"
"It was Kyle, Jan!" the Twi'lek said through fresh tears, "he fired and killed them. Jan, I'm sorry I… I don't want to… you have to know…"
Another deep breath.
"Jan, one of them was my mother!"
Silence descended as if all air had suddenly been removed from the room. The operative stared at the Twi'lek in mute shock; mind a complete blank except for those six words.
"One of them was my mother!" echoed again and again.
No, Jan thought, this isn't possible. It can't be true. Kyle couldn't do this. He just couldn't, stormtrooper or not.
"Vinial…"
"When the last prisoner fell, those troopers laughed and cheered Kyle. I couldn't watch anymore."
You're lying, Vinial, you have to be! This cannot be true! Kyle would not do this. He would not!
Her brain seemed to finally emerge from a white haze.
"I'm sorry, Jan!" Vinial said, letting herself cry now, the tears streaming down her face, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you. But Jan… I think… I think you like Kyle. And when I thought about that, I just couldn't… just couldn't not tell you!"
Jan didn't know how long she stood there. The passage of time seemed irrelevant at this moment. It was only when her chronometer's alarm began to sound that she seemed to wake up. She looked down at the device. It showed her that she was due in Sickbay in less than ten minutes.
What do I do? I'm so confused! I don't want to believe this!
But as she looked at the crying Vinial, all of Jan's perceptions, senses and other feedback told her the Twi'lek was not lying. Jan felt torn, caught between her desire to see Kyle and this sudden revelation of what he was once was, and possibly still could be. This went on for a number of seconds until that automatic control of hers snapped down over everything else, cutting her decisions down to the most important ones. Holstering the blaster, she moved towards Vinial and went down to one knee. A part of her warned against doing this, but somehow she knew it would be okay. She reached out and took one of the Twi'lek's trembling hands in her own. Vinial gripped Jan's hand, but gently, not like before.
"Vinial," the operative said gently, "I have to go take care of something right now, but I want to talk with you some more about this."
The red-skinned alien didn't reply, but her bowed head bopped down in a nod.
"Let's meet for breakfast tomorrow morning, okay?"
Another nod.
"Good, I have to go now. Will you be all right? Can I call someone for you?"
"No," Vinial whispered, sniffling a bit, "I'll be all right. Jan, I…"
"In the morning," the operative said, "we'll talk then.
"All right."
Letting of Vinial's hands, Jan rose to her feet. With some reluctance, she turned and left the room. She felt a bit guilty at leaving the Twi'lek like this, but there wasn't much more she could do. She found a repulsor scooter and headed for Sickbay, her mind and heart in turmoil.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
Berth looked up from a display as the twin doors of Sickbay slid aside to reveal. He smiled at her, but as he drew closer, hiis smile faded.
She doesn't look so good.
"Hi," he called.
There was a moment pause before Jan returned the greeting, making Berth more concerned about her state.
"You all right?"
"What?" she said distractedly.
"I asked if you were all right," he said, brow furrowed in worry, "you don't look so good. Want me to examine you?"
"No," Jan said, suddenly and firmly, "I'm fine."
"You sure?" Berth entreated, "it wouldn't take a…"
"I said I'm fine" Jan repeated, all but glaring at the doctor.
Berth didn't believe her, but there wasn't much he could do if she wasn't willing. "Okay," he said, shrugging.
"Where's Kyle?" she asked.
"Bed six," Berth replied, pointing, "you've got ten minutes, okay?"
Nodding, Jan said, "Thanks" and moved that way.
The doctor stared after her, feeling confused. She seemed okay now, but when she had walked in…
"Oh well," he muttered to himself, returning his gaze to the display, "Stubborn is as stubborn does."
Finding Bed Six, Jan moved the curtains aside and moved into the space. The subdued beeps and tweedles of various machines created a low background hum as she looked to the bed and saw Kyle lying there, eyes closed, breathing come in regular intervals. His chest was exposed as well as his arms where the intravenous tubes and leads from the monitoring equipment were attached.
Jan moved to one side of the bed and stared down at him. Kyle's face was placid, devoid of expression, but somehow gentle-looking at the same time. His beard had grown in more, forming an almost unbroken river of brown from his sideburns to his chin. Jan reached down and touched it, surprised that the once coarse hairs had grown soft. A memory of the two of them arguing about it brought a small smile to her face. How she wished he were awake, that she could talk to him, ask him about this thing Vinial had told her and find out that it was just another lie, another deception.
"You didn't do it, Katarn," she said softly, "I know you too well. You're no murderer. You couldn't have done this thing."
Her hand moved towards his forehead, gently brushing aside the hair that had fallen there. It too was soft like the beard and Jan allowed herself the guilty pleasure of touching it a bit longer.
"And what's with those safeguards on Wee Gee, Katarn?" she said, smiling even as she glared down at him, "they're coming out as soon as you're on your feet you know. I'll see to it."
Absently, her hand moved down now, lightly brushing against his forearm and across his hand. Suddenly, his fingers closed around hers, not with great force, but enough that Jan felt it. She looked down at him. His eyes were still closed; his breathing still regular, but there was no doubt his hands had closed around hers. Jan barely suppressed a shudder as a sudden sensation ran through her. It was warm and comforting, but at the same time, like a sudden electrical shock.
It can't be true, she thought, there's no way it can be true. I know you, Katarn. You're not a killer. You didn't do this thing, it just isn't in you. I won't believe it.
At that moment, Kyle's hand seemed to tighten around hers, as if in answer to her silent affirmation. Before Jan realized she was doing so, she had bent over the bed railing, leaning across and lowering her face towards his. When her lips touched his, she felt the warmth in them and an even stronger sensation in her body. Pulling away, she looked into his face.
"We're gonna need to talk, Katarn," she said.
Just then, Doctor Berth stuck his head in, his face flushing crimson as his eyes took in the scene before him. He opened his mouth to speak, to offer an apology, but after disengaging her hand from Kyle's, she simply moved past him and out of Sickbay, leaving the embarrassed doctor standing there. Closing the curtains, he took a last look at the man in the bed.
You're a lucky man, Kyle.
Jan strode from Sickbay, purpose in her steps. Visiting Kyle had helped, reminding her of how much she cared for him as well as what kind man he was. She decided there was no way Vinial could be right about the incident she had related earlier. It had to have been another stormtrooper, not Kyle. But that small and rather annoying part of herself kept asking, are you sure and what if?
I'm not gonna agonize over this any longer, she thought, boarding a scooter and setting the destination.
I'm going to get some answers.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Outside the quarters of Kyle Katarn
Jan keyed the door chime for third time, impatiently tapping her foot as she waited for Wee Gee to respond. The droid had said it was going back to Kyle's room to recharge, so where was it? She was just reaching to the chime for a fourth try when the wall mounted speaker activated a strident chorus of beeps issued.
"Wee Gee," she said, "it's me. Open the door."
More beeps issued from the speaker, and without the translator Jan had no idea what the droid was saying. She was also way beyond being polite.
"Wee Gee, either you open this door in the next thirty seconds or I'm going to blast it open."
A blatting sound came from the speaker.
"Try me," she said.
Whether it was her words or tone of voice, the door slid aside ten seconds later to reveal the floating form of Wee Gee. The droid beeped stridently at her.
"Because I need to talk to you," Jan returned against the droid's complaint, "now are you going to let me in or what?"
The droid seemed to consider this, and then moved aside. Stepping into the room, Jan moved to a chair and sat down, turning to face the droid.
"Can you access Imperial records?"
The droid gave an incredulous beep.
"Because I need to find out something," she replied, "something important."
"What?" Wee Gee asked.
"I… I'd rather not say. Look, can you access the records or not?"
Wee Gee considered the request before answering. Its logic circuits said not to comply, but other circuits wondered at the suddenness and seemingly strident nature of the request.
"Why?" the droid asked.
"Why what?" Jan returned.
"Why do you want to access Imperial records?"
"I told you I'd rather not say."
"Then I will not do it."
"What?" Jan asked incredulously.
"I will not do it."
"Why?"
"Tell me the nature of the request," Wee Gee shot back.
"I can't," Jan said.
"Then I cannot help you."
Suddenly, the holdout blaster was in her hand, the muzzle inches from Wee Gee's photoreceptor.
"You will access the records, Wee Gee, right now."
Seeing the weapon, the droid ran a new set of algorithms. Once again, the logic circuits said no, but also advised caution due to the immediate danger. Still, as Wee Gee's sensors took in and analyzed more data, the droid decided that as Morgan Katarn had once said that it was, "time to roll the dice."
"No."
"No, what do you mean no?"
"I mean no, Jan. I will not access the records."
"Yes, you will," she said, iron in her voice, "otherwise I'll blast you and dig through your database until I find what I'm looking for."
"I do not believe you."
"What?"
"I do not believe you will shoot me."
"Oh yeah?" Jan said, moving the muzzle closer and letting Wee Gee see her moving the power selector to maximum.
Wee Gee's concern rose, but it decided to hold fast.
"Access the records, Wee Gee, now."
"No."
Her finger moved onto the trigger.
"Don't make me blast you."
"You will not do that."
"And what makes you so sure?"
"Because you know that Kyle will not like it if you shoot me."
The droid observed a brief flutter in Jan's cheek as she tightened her jaw.
"And when he finds out why you shot me, I believe he will be very angry with you."
"I'll just tell him someone else did it."
"He will not believe that."
"Look, just access the records, okay? Do it and then I'll leave you alone."
"No."
The muzzle of the blaster touched the rounded surface of Wee Gee's photoreceptor.
"Then I guess I'll just have to blast you then."
The droid was silent.
A second passed, two, three…
Jan's shoulders suddenly slumped as she lowered the blaster with an exasperated sigh. She looked down for several seconds and when she looked back up, there was a small smile on her face.
"Blasted droid," she said, "How'd you know I wouldn't shoot?"
"I did not."
"Wait a minute," Jan said, "you didn't know I wouldn't shoot?"
"Correct."
"Then how…"
"I… gambled."
"You gambled?"
"Kyle's father once told me about 'rolling the dice' as he called it in certain situations. I decided that was the best choice for this one."
Jan's smile widened as she reached up a hand and patted the droid's dome affectionately.
"Y'know something, Wee Gee, you can be a really annoying droid sometimes."
"Morgan Katarn said the same thing several times."
A chuckle escaped Jan's throat and then her smile disappeared.
"Jan," Wee Gee said, "what is wrong? Please tell me."
"I need to access Imperial records to confirm something."
"What?" Wee Gee asked.
She hesitated, then gave in and told the droid the story Vinial had told her. When she finished, several seconds passed as Wee Gee processed this new information.
"I am willing to help," the droid said, "but without more precise information as to when this incident occurred, even a cursory search will take a day, possibly longer."
Jan looked discouraged. She was hoping to find out what she wanted to know before Kyle was up and about. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.
"There's no other way?" she asked.
The droid considered and then said, "Well, we could ask Wineglass."
"Wineglass?" Jan asked.
"Zetton Wineglass," Wee Gee explained, "she is currently serving as chief archivist, but Kyle told me she is an expert at researching records, particularly old records."
Jan brightened at this. "Then let's go ask her."
"There is a problem with that," Wee Gee said.
"What's that?" Jan said, her sudden rush of hope beginning to fade.
"Wineglass will be willing to help. But she will want to know why."
"So how is that a problem?" Jan asked.
"Kyle told me Wineglass has a strong appreciation for the chain of command. She can help, but will want to know why and if the request is an official one."
"And if it isn't?" Jan asked, almost not wanting to know the answer.
"Then it is likely she will not help."
The operative considered this for a moment, and then lifted her shoulders in a shrug.
"There's only one way to find out. Let's go ask her."
"You mean me too?" Wee Gee asked.
"Of course," Jan said, "it was your idea after all."
As it floated after her, the droid had a sense it should've kept its mouth shut.
Rebel Command Ship Intrepid
Deck 16, Section 4
Several minutes later
"No," said Wineglass.
"What?" Jan exclaimed.
"You heard me. I said no."
"Why not?" Jan asked.
Wineglass turned from the terminal to face the operative, her black hair shining under the light. She glared at Jan with the expression of a disapproving teacher. She raised her left hand and ticked off the points.
"One, this is a personal, not an official request. Second, you barged in here demanding access to my databases. And third, Kyle is a friend. I'm not going to go rummaging around in his past just to satisfy your idle curiosity."
"Kyle's my friend too," Jan replied, "and it's not 'just to satisfy my idle curiosity' as you say. This is a serious situation, Wineglass."
"That's Specialist Wineglass to you, Miss Ors."
Jan let out her breath in an exasperated sigh. Dealing with Wineglass was proving to be an exercise in frustration. The woman was proving to be a real stickler for the rules.
"Fine, then, Specialist Wineglass," she said exaggerating the rank, "but I'm not kidding. This situation is serious."
"Then why didn't you go through channels?"
Jan let out another sigh.
"I'll tell you why," Wineglass said, "Because you know your request would never be approved. Now, Miss Ors, I have to work do, please leave my office."
She turned away, focusing back on the terminal.
Not likely, Jan thought.
"Look, Specialist Wineglass. I'm not asking for a complete review of Katarn's every move. I just want to verify if he was on a particular mission while he was part of the Empire."
This time, Wineglass whipped off her glasses as she turned; her pale blue eyes sharp and flinty.
"Miss Ors, I have already refused your request. Now, leave my office or I'm going to call Security."
Well, this is going nowhere fast, Jan thought. She decided to make one final stab at it.
"All right, let me explain why this request is so important."
She told Vinial's story to the archivist, whose sharp glare began to soften as Jan talked. But the time the operative finished, the other's woman face was nearly aghast at the horror of the tale. Without a word, she pushed her glasses back on and turned back to the terminal.
"What are you doing?"
"Accessing the records, give me a few minutes."
"But I thought you said…"
"Wineglass spared Jan the briefest of looks before explaining.
"I told you Kyle is my friend. I don't believe he could do this thing you've told me. So I'm going to make sure I'm right and then…
Her voice trailed off, the implied threat hanging in the air.
Jan looked to Wee Gee, who gazed back silently at her. They waited as Wineglass tapped keys, screens flashing off and on as she searched the vast content of the ship's databases with lightning speed.
"Aha!" the archivist exclaimed, "here it is!"
Getting up from the chair she was seated in, Jan moved to stand behind Wineglass while Wee Gee floated up to the other side. Jan looked at the scrawl of text and then spoke.
"What are we looking at?"
"A mission report from a raid on the planet Twi'lek approximately four years ago. It shows three squads of stormtroopers were dispatched to the planet to detain and/or capture political dissidents."
"'Political dissidents'", Jan scoffed.
"My sentiments exactly," Wineglass said, eyes still scanning the display, "it says here the teams captured most of the so called rabble rousers but that a group of five tried to escape and were summarily shot."
"Does it say if any of them was a female?"
Wineglass shook her head, scrolling down a bit. Suddenly, her hands went still.
"Blast," she whispered.
"What?" Jan said, a sick feeling rising in her chest.
Wineglass pointed to the screen. "Right here. Mission units deployed included 2nd Platoon, Unit 6, Squad 2."
"Kyle's unit?" Jan asked.
Wineglass nodded.
"Does it say he…"
Wineglass shook her head again. "There's no mention of who did the shooting; only that it occurred."
"Then it could be…" Jan began.
Wineglass turned to look at the operative over her shoulder. "I sure hope so."
A silent communication passed between the two women, erasing the conflict from earlier.
"Then I guess that leaves only one way to find out, huh?"
Wineglass nodded.
Jan smiled at the woman. "I'm sorry about this. But thanks for checking anyway."
The archivist seemed to not know whether to smile or frown.
"It's okay," she said finally, "but next time, go through channels, okay? I don't like surprises like this."
"He didn't do it, Wineglass," Jan said firmly, "I know he didn't."
The archivist nodded. "You're right. Kyle's a good guy. He wouldn't do such a thing."
The women conversed a bit more before parting. Outside in the hallway, Wee Gee posed a question.
"So now what?"
Jan shrugged. "Wait for Katarn to wake up and ask him."
The droid tweedling beep sounded almost sympathetic.
"I am sorry this happened."
Jan glared at the droid. "He didn't do it, Wee Gee. I know he didn't."
Silently, the two parted, Jan headed for her quarters and Wee Gee off to his own endeavors.
Rebel Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
Kyle floated in a space of absolute nothingness, silent and formless. His senses told him that his body was more or less intact, but it seemed to be external to him, there and not there. Despite this, he felt perfectly content and comfortable without even the hint of an ache or pain. Then the scene shifted before him, seeming to ripple like water. It took a few moments for him to recognize the place as it took shape.
The Valley.
Correct.
He turned to see Rahn standing nearby, his white robes seeming to shimmer. All around the men, globes of flickering blue light slowly arced in a wide circle.
Rahn.
The old Jedi smiled at him in greeting, and then grew serious.
Kyle, your Jedi skills are proceeding well and your power is, frankly, astounding. But I fear your growth has been somewhat stunted.
I don't think I understand.
Were I still alive, Kyle, I would be so much better able to teach you. But this is not the case. And was we have seen, the temptation of the Dark Side has been strong for you, in some cases overwhelmingly so.
Feeling a bit ashamed at the memories of his Dark Side falls, Kyle looked down.
I'm sorry.
You have to understand, Kyle. The Force is more encompassing and more powerful than the stars in the galaxy. Possessing and wielding this power brings with it a great responsibility. If left unchecked, the very fabric of this universe could be shattered.
Jeez, Rahn, heap more shame on me.
The old Jedi chuckled before continuing.
At the same time, every time you have fallen, you have come back, fighting against that temptation, not believing the promise of unlimited power. Again and again, you have fought against the Dark Side, Kyle. Were you a student at the Academy, I believe Master Windu himself would hold you up as an example of what it means to resist the Dark Side.
Kyle said nothing in response, beginning to realize that Rahn was complimenting him.
In order for you to grow and mature as a Jedi, you need another to help train and guide you in the ways of the Force.
But I thought you said there were no more Jedi.
True, but during the battle over Endor, I sensed a presence, a light so strong, bright and clear that it was unmistakable. This other feels the ways of the Force as you do, but he is more experienced and conversant with using his powers and abilities. He can help you.
Are you certain about this?
Kyle, you have trusted my judgment up till this point and I daresay I have earned your trust.
Kyle nodded.
Then trust me now. The one I speak of is coming to you, soon. You will know who he is the moment you meet.
But Rahn, I…
Do not be fearful, my friend. I am not going away, merely taking a backseat in things for a time.
And with that, the scene before Kyle seemed to shimmer like water when a pebble is dropped into it, ending any further conversation. The image of the Valley, the glowing orbs and Rahn faded and resolved into blackness. The darkness was absolute and after a few more seconds, he was back in the nothing place, floating formless and silent, no sound or light penetrating.
I'm not sure about this, Kyle thought, I mean; I don't even know who this guy is. I'd rather Rahn be my trainer.
Just then a chuckle penetrated the nothing space, the sound of it familiar.
Trust… me… Kyle…
Rahn's voice sounded as if it was far away and no more how he tried to turn and look, Kyle saw nothing except formless dark space. After a time, he relaxed and allowed his eyes to drift closed.
Rebel Command Ship Intrepid
Hangar Bay
Puan Gell lounged at his station in hangar control, waiting out the last ten minutes until he went off duty. It had been a busy shift and the Quarren was looking forward to taking a break. The chrono on his desk changed and now they were only nine minutes left. He was shifting to a more comfortable posture in his chair when the comm panel lit up along with the radar display. Caught by surprise at the sudden activity, the Quarren shoved forward so suddenly, he nearly fell out of his chair. Recovering, he looked to the control panel. The radar display showed an incoming and the friend-or-foe system identified it as an X-Wing. Keying the mike on the comm panel, the Quarren spoke.
"This is hangar control to approaching X-Wing. Please identify yourself."
There was a pause and then, "Hangar Control, this is Rogue Leader on approach vector requesting landing instructions."
The name hit Puan like a sudden rush of icy water. He straightened up in his seat without consciously thinking about it. He knew that name, knew it very well. Breath coming a little faster, the Quarren told himself to calm down and follow procedure.
"Rogue Leader, this is hangar control," he said, "please transmit your clearance code."
"Transmitting."
Puan received the transmission and within seconds confirmed it was accurate and that the pilot of the X-Wing was indeed who he thought it was.
"Code received, Rogue Leader. Welcome to the Intrepid. Please set your craft down in slot 20."
"Understood hangar control, thanks. Rogue Leader out."
Puan quickly contacted the deck officer and advised him who was coming. Two of the hangar crew all but flew to slot 20. Puan watched anxiously from his station as the sleek double-winged fighter slipped into the hangar bay, its nose turning to follow the path to the indicated slot. The Quarren's eyes followed it all the way until the X-Wing skids touched the deck in a small rush of wind from the repulsors. The cockpit hood opened and out stepped the pilot, doffing his helmet as he climbed down the ladder one of the deck crew snapped into place. He exchanged salutes with them and then his face came into view.
It's him, Puan thought, it's really him!
In the next moment, a current of fear ran through the Quarren. Given who the pilot was, he should have contacted the bridge well before the X-Wing had landed. He did so now, enduring the somewhat angry words of the Intrepid's captain chastising him for this slip of protocol. The X-Wing pilot crossed the hangar and had nearly reached the exit when the Elomin captain and some of his staff all but ran into the space, coming to a halt a few steps away. Salutes were exchanged.
"Welcome to the Intrepid, Commander. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner to greet you."
The X-Wing pilot waved a hand. "That's fine, captain. I've never been someone who worries about protocol all that much. I do have one request however."
"Anything, Commander."
"I was hoping to see Mon Mothma as soon as possible."
"Of course, Commander, please come with me. I will personally escort you."
"Thank you," the X-Wing pilot said.
Puan watched them go and noticed that he was five minutes over his shift. He turned as saw his relief standing there, also looking to the hangar bay exit.
"Sorry," Puan said, quickly vacating the chair.
"No problem," said the other man, "I was looking too. Not every day we have an honest-to-goodness celebrity show up here, is it?"
"No, it isn't," Puan agreed, "Wonder what he's here for."
The other man shrugged, "Who knows? Grunts like us are the last to know about everything."
Puan nodded in agreement and then left the office, wondering at the reason for the presence of the X-Wing pilot all the way to his quarters.
Rebel Command Ship Intrepid
Mon Mothma's Briefing Room
Ten Minutes later
Having learned of the arrival of the X-Wing pilot, Mon Mothma said she would glad to receive immediately. She waited at the briefing room table now, wondering exactly why this man had come. The door chime sounded and she called, "Enter."
The doors slid aside to admit the Intrepid's captain, Fundar Xoit, along with two of his officers. Walking with him was the X-Wing pilot. The captain announced him and then followed the man to a chair. Mon Mothma welcomed him to the Intrepid and then dismissed the captain and his officers who looked a little disappointed at not being able to stay. Once the doors had closed, Mon Mothma turned to her unexpected guest.
"If there were another time, you'd be probably be a holovid star or some other kind of idol."
The man waved his hand dismissively.
"I wish people wouldn't treat me like that. I'm no different than they are."
"That's not exactly true," she said.
The man considered this and then nodded.
"I supposed you're right, but still…"
She raised a hand to stop him. "It is never going to change no matter what you do or say. My advice, get used to it."
The man smiled at her and nodded. "I'll think about it."
"Now," Mon Mothma said, "what brings you to this particular corner of the universe? I thought were on Coruscant and quite busy from the reports I've seen."
He nodded. "That's true. The reconstruction alone is a massive effort, even with those huge building drones we found and reactivated last month. There's also some other plans I have in the works, but that's not why I'm here."
"Oh?"
"As I recall, you have an operative working for you by the name of Kyle Katarn, right?"
Mon Mothma nodded. "You've met him before, about three years ago."
The man shrugged. "I think I remember that. But a lot has happened since then."
"True," Mon Mothma agreed.
"I'd like to meet with him, as soon as possible if I can."
He said this so seriously that Mon Mothma smiled and raised an eyebrow. "You meeting with any of my crew is never a problem."
When the man said nothing, she inquired further. "Is there some reason you want to see Kyle specifically?"
The man nodded and smiled. "I should know better than to try and hide anything from you. Yes, there is a reason."
When he told her, Mon Mothma's eyes went wide.
"Are you sure?" she asked, nearly incredulous.
The man nodded gravely, "Positive."
"He's currently in Sickbay, but I have a debriefing with him scheduled for tomorrow morning. Would that be convenient?"
"More than convenient," the man said, "I realize this is pretty last minute, but I had a strong feeling that I needed to come here right now and see him."
"Very well," Mon Mothma, standing up, "I'll see you at 0730 tomorrow."
The man rose as well and they shook hands.
"Can I ask you for one more thing?"
"Of course."
"Heading over like I did, I hadn't arranged for quarters, you don't suppose…"
The Rebel leader laughed out loud at this as she looked at his sheepish expression.
"I imagine anyone on the ship would give up his or her room for you. Give me a few minutes and I'll arrange something."
"Oh, good," the man said in a relieved tone, "thanks."
Mon Mothma reached to the comm panel, contacting the bridge.
Rebel Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
The Next Day
0750 Hours
When Kyle's eyes opened this time, he saw not the formless blackness of the nothing space, but instead the familiar ceiling of Sickbay. He sighed.
My home away from home.
Just then, a face moved into view, smiling down at him.
"Hi Doc, I'm back, again."
"I know," Berth said, his smile widening, "how do you feel?"
Kyle tried moving and felt surprise that there was no jolt of pain or even a mild ache.
"Pretty good," he said, "considering the shape I was in before."
"You're telling me," Berth said, "when you came in, it looked like you'd gone five rounds with a Wookie, and lost."
"Oh thanks, Doc," Kyle said, "that makes me feel so much better."
"You're welcome," Berth said chuckling, "listen, I need to ask you something."
"Okay."
"Mon Mothma is coming to debrief in a few minutes. She says it's important, but I want to hear from you. Do you feel up to it?"
"I think so. Can I sit up?"
"Sure," Berth said, activating the bedside control to elevate Kyle's upper torso.
"That's better," the operative said after a few seconds, "hey, you got any water?"
The doctor smiled and handed over a large plastic jar filled to the top with a straw sticking out of the top. Kyle took a sip and smiled.
"Aaaahhh, that's good, really good."
Berth couldn't help but laugh again. "Y'know, I should start charging you for the water on top of the other accommodations."
"The way this tastes right now," Kyle returned, taking another sip, "I'll pay whatever you want."
The two shared a laugh and then Berth heard the Sickbay doors slide open. He glanced outside the room and saw Mon Mothma enter.
"She's coming," he said to Kyle, "I'd better go. But if you need anything, call me, okay?"
"Thanks, Doc, I appreciate it."
Berth smiled at him again as he stepped outside to greet Mon Mothma.
"How's Kyle?"
"Awake and thirsty, which are both good signs."
"And the debriefing?" she asked.
"Go right ahead," Berth said, "but please don't go too long."
"Understood, doctor," the Rebel leader said.
It was then Berth noticed her companion and his eyes went wide.
"Wait a minute, you're… you're…."
The man nodded. "That's me, all right."
"This is an honor, sir. Welcome to my Sickbay. I am Doctor Berth."
"Pleasure to meet you, Doctor," the man said, shaking hands with him.
"I'm sorry," Berth said, still not believing this, "I don't mean to stare. It's just that, the stories I've heard about you…"
The man looked away, his cheeks flushing a little.
"Doctor," Mon Mothma said, "I hate to interrupt this, but he's with me."
"Oh, right!" Berth said, suddenly embarrassed, "sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"Its fine, Doctor," the man said, stepping back, "glad to have met you."
"Same here," Berth said, watching as the pair disappeared through the bed curtains.
I can't believe that just happened. Of all the people to come into my Sickbay!
He wished he had a holo-imager to immortalize the moment. He moved to his desk, trying to remember if he had one there or not.
Maybe, after they're done, I can ask him.
Passing through the curtains, Mon Mothma and the man saw Kyle, sitting up in bed, sipping at the contents of the plastic jug.
"Welcome back, Kyle."
The operative swallowed before speaking. "Good to see you too, Mon Mothma."
She moved to a chair in the room and sat down.
"I'd like to begin the debriefing, but before I do, let me introduce this man."
Kyle looked up into the face, feeling as if he had seen it before. The plain, unlined face, the blond hair, it all seemed somehow familiar.
"Kyle Katarn," the Rebel leader said, "Meet Luke Skywalker."