Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 2: Birth of a Jedi
Chapter 29: Vinial's Final Strike
A/N: Hello once again, everyone! Shanesnest here actually on time with Chapter 29! Yes, it's true. Having read the reviews for Chapter 28, I'd say it was a success. I really enjoyed some of your comments! Well, I sorta hate to tell you this (okay, not really), but the roller coaster ride ain't over just yet! As you will see, this chapter is aptly titled. But before that, I gotta do these shout outs!
Ovall Aocrog: I love the beginning of your review, mainly 'cause it's so true! The wicked witch is dead, finally! Y'know, I toyed with the idea of a poll to decide Vinial's fate, but I figured it'd give me too many good ideas! Nah, no more subplots for now, just gotta figure out how to describe the next mission in words. The Gorc and Pic fight's gonna be tricky, since it's two guys at once. Glad you liked Jan's line!
Manus Dei: Kyle might get insured, but I'd hate to see his deductible! Yeah, I figured y'all would have suggestions for her demise. Well, I'm gonna lay off Kyle for a bit and let him recover, at least until the next mission!
Phygmalion: I appreciate the compliment! Yeah, it was dark, but imagine what kinda fates others might have suggested. Believe it or not, I've considered giving Kyle his own medical droid. Heaven knows he could use one! Those two scenes you describe are some of the funnest and also most difficult to write because you want to keep the person in proper character but have the scene be "strong", if you will. Hey, for a review like this, the past criticism was well worth enduring!
Nerwen Aldarion: I could not wait to get you and your sister's reviews! I must've read through them five times just to get everything down. I knew you'd react to the chapter strongly, but not this strongly! You actually had to walk away and come back? Wow! Nah, it's okay you cheered. I actually felt kinda bad I couldn't give Vinial a more gruesome end. Yeah, I wanted to give a bit more substance to the relationship between Jan and Wee Gee. I was actually worried you wouldn't like Jan not believing Luke. But you're right, she's gonna get it soon. So I gotcha again on that other Sickbay scene. I actually didn't mean for that to be as emotional as it was, it just went that way. Yeah, Mon Mothma is another character that hasn't been really explored and I kinda like the idea that she's close to her people. I might actually have Jan called her mom one time, maybe. You've got minions now? Even more reason to fear you!
Tinuviel Undomiel: What can I say? To know I affected you so strongly is beyond what I could have imagined. And it kinda explains why I felt all these pinpricks in my back and arms, kidding! Yeah, I don' t think I've enjoyed eliminating a character this much since Blaze. Again, surprised you liked that Jan didn't believe Luke, I was sure you wouldn't like that. Oh well. Well, Jan is sure she knows who and what Kyle is. To change that picture… she's just not ready yet. But she will be. Kyle is definitely gonna catch up to 8t88 soon. As memory serves, it's the mission right after the one I'm working on now.
A/N: Well, I have to say the Chapter 28 reviews are some of my faves! Hope Chapter 29 goes just as well! Enjoy!
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
About fifteen minutes from the last chapter
The corridor outside Jan Ors' quarters
Jan's feet moved her automatically forward as she approached the door to her room. She was becoming familiar enough with the innards of the once-Imperial-owned Star Destroyer that finding her quarters was little more than rote memory now. She felt nearly in a daze, the day having been filled with a great deal of emotion. Had it been only a day ago that she had seen Kyle savagely attacked by Vinial followed by the Twi'lek's own death? Even after she left the Medical wing, pronounced healthy, there was still the worry, if not outright fear, over Kyle's condition. And then, just a short bit ago had come the announcement that he would recover. Jan had sat there across from Mon Mothma for several minutes, not sure what to do with herself. She felt like laughing, then crying, then cheering, then screaming. How long she would have continued to sit there would have been anyone's guess. It took Mon Mothma's clear voice to rouse the operator from a seeming stupor and inform her that she was dismissed and could return to her quarters.
And so she was returning there now, feeling so overwhelmed by the past days' events that she was practically numb. Her footfalls faded away as she came to a halt in front of the door and pressed the control to open it. The door slid aside with the merest sound and revealed a scene that, had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would have thought was ludicrous. Her quarters had been trashed. Clothes, pieces of flimsiplast and shards of transparisteel were scattered all about the floor. Her bedcovers had been slashed and ripped apart, sending their contents spilling about the area. All her furniture was smashed and broken. Eyes wide, but not saying a word, she moved inside, the door sliding shut behind her. It took little time or effort to discern the culprit.
Vinial.
She moved to what remained of her dresser and was able to see into the small bathroom. It too had been smashed up. But what cut the operative to the bone, what hit her the hardest were the small collection of flimsiplasts she had keep in a drawer, hidden under an old shirt.
The pictures.
They, like the room had been destroyed, sliced cut, crumpled. The collection looked like so much used tissue laying there, the faces in them warped and distorted as they gazed up at her. And then she saw the one of her and Kyle after the Death Star had been destroyed. This one had been deliberately cut in half so the two of them were separated. And next to it was a hastily scribbled note.
"You chose him over me."
Jan reached for the pictures with hands that she had not realized were trembling. Trying to be careful, she gently took the picture of her and Kyle, trying to press the severed pieces back together only to have them fall apart when she relaxed her grip. Her legs trembled, and then buckled and the operative fell onto her knees. Her head went back and her mouth opened. Air was drawn inside and a moment later, a scream issued from it, a scream of pain, of fury, of all that happened in the past two days. She screamed until her air was gone as she was forced to take another breath. She wanted to continue, but her throat had become raw and when she tried to call out, it burned painfully, causing her to reach a hand there and massage it. A part of Jan questioned why she had done this. The walls here were all quite thick and solid, sound wouldn't travel far. But what the operative hadn't counted and couldn't know was that her scream had indeed echoed, and done so in a way she could not even conceive.
Seated in the lotus position inside his quarters and deep in meditation, Luke Skywalker's eyes flew open as he heard it. His mind took only seconds to tell him what it was and in the next moment he was on his feet and heading for the door.
In Sickbay, the unconscious Kyle Katarn also awakened and stared up at the ceiling, confused but certain that he had heard a sound, a sound of someone screaming in pain. And that the person was Jan. He started to sit up only to have two hands reach for him.
"Whoa there," said Doctor Berth, "don't you dare try to move, Kyle. I'm not letting you ruin my work just yet."
Kyle stared up into the man's face blankly, then with understanding.
"Doc, please. It's Jan. I need to go to her. Something's wrong."
"You're not going anywhere," Berth said firmly, "you're barely out of surgery, very major surgery."
"But Doc…"
"I'll call Security if I have to, Kyle. You aren't going anywhere."
Looking into the doctor's face, the operative realized the man's concern was genuine and his resolve solid.
"Can I borrow a comm then? I need to make a call."
"Tell me and I'll make it," Berth said, softening a little.
"I need you to contact Luke."
"Luke… Skywalker?" the doctor echoed.
A nod.
"Kyle, it's getting late. He might be resting."
The operative shook his head.
"You said you'd make the call, Doc."
When Berth hesitated, the operative looked him right in the eyes.
"Please," Kyle said.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
A repulsor scooter
Luke heard the chime from his communicator even as he silently urged the small transport to move faster. Removing one hand from the grips, he retrieved the device.
"This is Skywalker."
"Luke? I'm sorry to bother you so late. This is Doctor Berth and I…"
In the background, the Jedi heard a sound that made him smile.
"Kyle, I said I'd make the call and I made it, now…"
"I need to talk to him Doc, right now."
"Doctor?" Luke said.
"Yes?" Berth answered.
"Please put Kyle on. I need to talk to him."
There was a moment's pause and then, "Very well."
More silence and then Kyle's voice came out of the speaker, a bit sleepy sounding, but otherwise clear.
"Luke, where are you right now?"
"On my way to Jan's quarters."
"So I did hear it," Kyle replied, "and I guess you did too."
"Very clearly," the Jedi said, "I'll go check on her and see what happened."
"Let me know right away, okay?"
"Of course, Kyle," Luke said, "I promise."
"Good enough," the operative replied and ended the call.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
Berth took the device back from Kyle and looked down at the man, concern on his face.
"Has something happened?" Berth said, "You look like you're worried."
"I don't know, Doc. Something doesn't feel right, but I don't know."
"Can I do something?"
"I need to talk to Luke when he calls back, even if I'm asleep, okay?"
"You need your rest, Kyle."
"Doc, until I know if Jan is okay or not, I'm not gonna be sleeping."
Berth considered this. He knew he could knock Kyle out with a simple injection, but something in him felt like it would be wrong.
"All right," the doctor said, "I'll let you know. But in the meantime, try to rest, all right?"
"Deal," Kyle said, leaning back and closing his eyes.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Outside the quarters of Jan Ors
Locating her room, Luke stood outside it now, trying to determine what best to do next. He considered the door chime, but worried what reaction that might provoke her. He considered knocking, but if Jan was in a bad way, she might not respond. He thought about trying something else and then smiled as an old memory came back to him
Do or do not, Yoda had said, there is no try.
I remember, Master.
And so Luke took a step forward, feeling surprise as the door slid open. And what greeted him inside showed the Jedi the reason for the scream. The room looked like someone had dropped a thermal detonator in it. Pieces of flimsiplast, smashed up furniture, slashed clothing; all of it had been tossed about and savaged. All of it cried out to Luke through the Force and almost instantly he knew who the culprit had been. His eyes caught what appeared to be another pile amongst the others, but after a moment, he saw that it was Jan, crouched on her knees in the middle of the room. She was hugging herself, hands tightly clasping her shoulders. In the Force, Luke could feel chaos radiating from her, a myriad of emotions, mostly pain mixed with sadness and regret. He carefully approached and gently touched her shoulder. Her body practically jumped at the touch and her head swiveled, the face a mask of anger and pain that softened within seconds as she recognized him.
"Luke," she said softly.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
She threw her head back and issued a loud bark of laughter. Then her face shriveled into the angry mask once more.
"Do I look all right?" she challenged.
Luke wanted to say more, to do something to help her. But he could sense that he was not the one to do it. He thought of Kyle and reached for his communicator.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
"Oh my…" Berth whispered as Luke explained what had happened.
"I need to speak to Kyle right away."
"Of course," Berth said, speaking quickly, "just a moment."
He moved to where Kyle lay in the bed and was about to call out to him when the operative spoke, his eyes opening.
"It's bad, isn't it?" he said simply, but firmly.
"Worse, I think," Berth said, holding out the device.
Kyle reached and took it, then spoke into the small mike.
"Is she all right?"
"Yes," the Jedi replied, "at least physically."
"What do you mean?"
Kyle listened as Luke told him, his free hand clenching to a fist and his worried face reddening with anger.
"I tried talking to her, but she's…"
"Probably a hair's breadth from the red line," Kyle finished.
"Exactly," Luke confirmed, "she needs someone to talk to, but I don't know who."
"I do," Kyle said, "can you stay there and watch her?"
"Of course," Luke replied.
Ending the transmission, Kyle looked up at the doctor.
"I need you to make another call for me, Doc. And this is really important."
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Elsewhere
The communicator gave another loud chime and the sleeping form shifted uncomfortably. When it came again, the form moved a hand and reached out to the device. When the voice spoke it was filled with sleep.
"Yes?"
"Excuse me; this is Doctor Berth in Sickbay. I'm sorry to disturb you so late, but there is a situation that needs your attention."
"Doctor," the voice said, annoyance in its tone, "I've just come off a double shift and really don't need to deal with any mysteries right now."
There was no reply at first and the form was about to turn the communicator off when a new, familiar voice issued from it.
"It's me. I need your help."
"Kyle?"
"It's Jan. She's in trouble. Well, not really trouble, she…"
Hearing the urgency in the man's voice, the person felt a bit more awake.
"Slow down, Kyle, what's happened with Jan?"
Any thoughts of sleep soon fled from the person's mind as she heard the story. Sitting up quickly, she tossed aside the covers.
"Give me ten minutes to make the call and I'll be on my way."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "I wouldn't have bothered you, but…"
"Jan's my friend, Kyle," the person replied.
Ending the transmission, the person switched to a different frequency and called a different room. The tone went on for nearly ten pulses before another sleepy voice answered. The situation was explained and an agreement made on where to meet.
The person stood up and flipped on the lights. She'd need to get dressed fast and get going.
As if what Vinial did to Kyle wasn't enough. Now this. Well, just hold on a bit longer, Jan. We're coming.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Quarters of Jan Ors
Standing there, wishing there was something he could do; Luke didn't see the second repulsor scooter pull up next to his. It was only when the collective footfalls reached his ears that he stepped outside to look.
"Well," he said, surprised, "hello. And forgive me for asking, but what are you doing here?"
"Kyle called us," said Wineglass.
"He told us what happened," added Tinuviel.
"We're here to help," finished Nerwen.
The Force told the Jedi that this was the truth and that these three, of all the Intrepid's crew, would be the best ones to offer help.
He nodded. "All right then. But prepare yourselves. It's a real mess."
He moved aside so they could look.
"Oh my…" Wineglass said; covering her mouth as her eyes went wide.
"It's been trashed," said Nerwen, her face gone pale.
"All of it," echoed Tinuviel, equally shocked.
And when they saw Jan, the three women knew why they had been called.
"I think we can handle this," said Wineglass.
Luke looked into the room again and then at them.
"Are you sure? She's… well, she's not good."
"We can help," Tinuviel and Nerwen said at the same time, "Jan is our friend."
How do they do that? Luke wondered.
"All right then," the Jedi said, "I'll leave you to it. But if there's anything I can do, please call."
"We will," the trio said and then looked at each other as they realized they had all spoken at the same time. Then, looking back to where Jan was, they stepped inside.
Moving back to his scooter, Luke paused to call Kyle once more. Berth got him on the line in after a few moments.
"I'm guessing you called someone."
"I did," the operative replied, "If anyone can help Jan now, it's Tinuviel and Nerwen. And Wineglass is one perceptive lady. Between the three of them, they'll help her deal with this. I just wish I could be there myself."
"In time you will," Luke said.
"Thanks again," Kyle said, "I'm glad you were here."
"As am I," the Jedi echoed, and then stifled a yawn, "and now, I believe I shall get some sleep."
"I don't know if I will," Kyle said.
"Remember what you said about those three, Kyle."
A sigh. "You're right."
"Oh, he'll sleep," Berth voice's interjected, "I'll see to that."
Luke laughed and heard Kyle and Berth do the same before ending the transmission. He too, wondered if he would sleep anymore tonight on not. He had sensed that Jan's soul was in turmoil. But then he remembered what he had said to Kyle and smiled.
If I tell others to trust, then I must do the same.
Boarding the scooter, Luke headed for his room. He would meditate and in time, sleep. But not before making one last call.
Tinuviel, Nerwen and Wineglass moved inside, eyes roving over the damage, each harboring private thoughts of what they'd do to Vinial were the Twi'lek still alive. Jan was still kneeling on the floor and didn't seem to have noticed the trio entering. Whispers traveled between them as they debated about what to do first. But looking at Jan, the point quickly became moot. Without another word, they moved over and knelt, Tinuviel and Nerwen to either side and Wineglass right in front of her. Jan's head moved, her eyes meeting each of theirs before looking to the next and finally returning to looking at the floor. The three women looked at each other, wondering what they should say or do. But to their collective surprise, it was Jan who made the first move.
Slowly, her left hand slid off her shoulder and extended out, towards Wineglass. At the same time, Jan's right hand rose a bit, the fingers spread as if reaching out. The three women smiled at each other and moving almost as one, Wineglass took Jan's left hand in both of hers and Tinuviel and Nerwen reached out, their fingers intertwining with Jan's. A sound arose as the operative took a long deep breath. The trembling started seconds later and then the shoulders began to heave as Jan let the pain, the hurt, the grief, the resentment; all the emotions tied up with Vinial come pouring out.
"It's all right," Wineglass said over and again.
"We're here," Tinuviel and Nerwen traded off on saying, "we're here."
Time went on as the operative continued to sob and cry out, her body quaking. In time, the sobs quieted to sniffles and then faded away. The operative suddenly sagged forward and Wineglass caught her. She listened for a moment, and then turned to the twins.
"She's asleep."
"Good," said Tinuviel, "she probably needs it."
"I can't imagine what she must have felt seeing this," Nerwen added.
"Me neither," Wineglass said.
Agreeing that Jan should not be left alone, the three women worked together to form a makeshift bed on the floor big enough for them all. After carefully maneuvering Jan onto it, Wineglass moved to one side, Tinuviel and Nerwen to the other.
Minutes passed and then Nerwen giggled.
"What?" Wineglass asked.
"If this wasn't so serious, it'd almost be like a sleepover."
"You're right," said Tinuviel, "just us girls hanging out together."
Unseen, Wineglass shook her head. "You two are so weird sometimes."
"We know," the twins said together. Minutes later, all three were asleep.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Quarters of Jan Ors
The Next Morning
Any awkwardness the situation might have caused was spared as Wineglass, Tinuviel and Nerwen all managed to wake up before Jan and, in unspoken agreement, began to straighten the room as best they could. Nearly all the furniture would have to be replaced and so they moved what they could into a pile near the door. They did their best to not be overly noisy, but in time, the sounds penetrated through Jan's dreamless sleep and she began to stir.
A seamless, unbroken river of black began to fade away as she rose from a deep sleep into semi-wakefulness. What sounded like voices reached her ears and she wondered at them, since the last thing she remembered was being in her room alone. But as the last vestiges sleep faded and her reluctant eyes slowly opened, Jan quickly discovered she wasn't alone.
"Hey," called Tinuviel, "she's awake."
"About time," said Nerwen kiddingly.
"Good morning," offered Wineglass.
"Good morning," Jan replied almost automatically, "what are you three…?"
Her voice trailed off as her memory caught up with the rest of her conscious mind.
"Oh," she said, looking around, "right. I remember now."
But, at the same time, the operative noticed her room wasn't quite the same and after a bit more time, she understood why. A small smile appeared.
"Thank you."
"Oh this is nothing," said Nerwen.
"You do know we bill by the hour," added Tinuviel, smiling.
"We also get time and a half for evenings and weekends," chimed in Wineglass.
Jan tried not to, but looking up at the trio, she couldn't keep it down and laughed.
"Well," said Wineglass, "that's nice to see."
"Huh?" Jan said.
"That smile."
"Oh. Look, I…"
"Don't you dare say another word," Tinuviel said challengingly.
"You needed help," added Nerwen, "I mean, what else did you expect us to do?"
Jan's cheeks reddened and after a moment, she nodded.
"You're right, I'm sorry."
"If you're sorry, then give us a hand with this," said Wineglass, winking at her.
"Okay," Jan said, getting up. She started towards the 'fresher and then stopped, looking back over shoulder. "She didn't…"
"Afraid so," Wineglass said.
"Great," Jan said, turning round, "I'll be right back."
She was nearly to the door when another thought came.
"Who called you three anyway?"
Tinuviel looked to Nerwen who looked at Wineglass who looked back at Tinuviel.
"Well?" Jan pressed.
Wineglass shrugged. "If you really need to know…" she began.
Tinuviel moved in seamlessly, "the person who called us…"
"…was Kyle," Nerwen finished.
"Hey," said Wineglass, "that's kinda fun."
Jan stood without moving, her mind running over what had just been said and trying to figure how Kyle could have known about last night. It didn't seem possible; she hadn't seen or talked to him.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes we are," Tinuviel and Nerwen said together while Wineglass nodded.
Jan puzzled over it some more, and then she remembered what Luke had told her, that Kyle was…
She shook her head, dismissing the notion. She decided that through some unknown chain of circumstances, Kyle had somehow learned about last night and so had called Wineglass, Tinuviel and Nerwen. It didn't quite make sense, but for now she'd go with it.
"Is that right?" she said to herself in a low voice, seeing Kyle in her mind's eye. She would have to thank him, right after she found out how he had done it. Nodding to herself, Jan took another step towards the door, but stopped as she heard a giggle. Turning round, she saw the twins whispering something to Wineglass.
"Okay," she said, "what are you two up to?"
Seeing her, the twins quickly moved away and put neutral expressions on their face.
"Nothing," said Tinuviel.
"Nothing at all," added Nerwen.
"Uh-huh," Jan said disbelievingly, and then focused her gaze on Wineglass.
"Well?"
At first, the archivist tried to mount a defense similar to the twins, but under Jan's steady, piercing gaze, she wilted.
"It's really nothing," she said, looking away, "it's just that these two (she indicated the twins) think you're in love with Kyle."
"Wineglass!" Nerwen exclaimed.
"You weren't supposed to tell! "added Tinuviel.
"Sorry," said the archivist, a sheepish look on her face.
"So," Jan said, keeping her own face neutral despite what she felt inside, "that's it. Well, let me tell all of you something. I am here to serve the New Republic and Mon Mothma. I neither wish nor need a man in my life. And I don't need you or anyone else spreading unsubstantiated rumors saying something different. For the record, I do not love Kyle Katarn, understand? I'll admit to liking him, but that's it. He's my friend, but that's all. Understand?"
Silence reigned for maybe ten seconds before Nerwen spoke.
"We understand, Jan."
"Sorry if we hurt you," added Tinuviel.
"Me too," said Wineglass, "but can I ask one thing?"
"What?"
"If the twins are wrong about you and Kyle, why are you getting so defensive?
The twins broke out in peals of laughter and Jan, rather than get into something she'd rather not, turned back around and passed through the door in a huff.
As the door slid closed, the twins looked to each other.
"Oh, she's got it bad," said Tinuviel.
"I know," said Nerwen.
"You really think so?" said Wineglass.
"We know so," the twins said together.
After finding a 'fresher in a nearby, unoccupied room, Jan showered, and dressed back in her the same clothes, though she vowed to replace them by day's end. Looking at herself in the mirror, she wondered again how one person was supposed to deal with all this. Her partner severely wounded though recovering and her quarters practically reduced to rubble. And for what? Jealousy? Jan shook her head at this, the reason seem a poor one for causing others so much pain.
Then again, she thought, I just found out who my real friends are.
She smiled, thinking of Tinuviel, Nerwen and Wineglass and feeling grateful for them.
I need to do something to show them, though.
She looked at her face again and shook her head a second time. Both eyes were red rimmed and puffy, evidenced of the tears she had cried. Her skin looked dry and pale and her whole carriage seemed to cast an air of exhaustion.
More to the point, just how did Katarn learn what was happening?
She puzzled over this for a few moments and then after managing to pin her hair in a semblance of order headed back to her room.
"Well, you look a lot better," said Wineglass as Jan entered the room.
"Stuff the platitudes, Wineglass, I know I look terrible."
"Sorry."
"No, no, that's…" Jan held up a hand, "that's not what I mean. I just… look, I'm sorry, okay?"
"Sure," Wineglass said.
"You could a little skin scream," observed Tinuviel.
"And maybe something for those eyes," added Nerwen.
"Leave it to you two to bring me back down to reality," Jan said, trying to glare but smiling instead.
"What are friends for?" the twins said together.
"Listen, Jan," Wineglass said, "I need to go on duty soon, but…"
Suddenly, the archivists' comm began to chime.
"Excuse me," she said, retrieving the device and moving to another part of the room for some privacy.
No sooner had she done so than the twin's comms went off too. They answered after moving back a few steps. Jan heard of chorus of "yes sir" and "I understand" before the three turned back to her, all wearing surprised expressions.
"What?" Jan asked.
"I guess I'm not going on duty," Wineglass said.
"Neither are we," said Nerwen.
"What do you mean?"
Wineglass shrugged. "Don't ask me. All I know is; I'm off for the next 48 hours."
"Same thing with us," said Tinuviel.
They all considered this, and then smiles appeared.
Mon Mothma, they each thought, somehow she found out.
"Well," said Wineglass, "given our new status, I think the four of us should celebrate with a trip to the mess hall."
"We also need to visit the quartermaster," Nerwen added.
Tinuviel nodded, looking around, "You're right. It'll be quite a list."
Jan wasn't sure why it happened, but suddenly her heart felt full and she felt her eyes begin to sting all over again. She willed the tears away. She was done with crying and feeling sorry for herself. Looking at her friends and thinking of what had just happened, the operative knew she had been given a gift and she was determined to make the best of it.
"One request?" she asked.
The others turned to her.
"After breakfast, I'd like to stop by Sickbay, okay?"
Tinuviel and Nerwen smiled broadly and then began to giggle. Wineglass too smiled knowingly.
"I just want to make sure how he's doing!" Jan protested, "Nothing more, nothing less."
"Of course, Jan," Tinuviel said.
"We understand," Nerwen added.
But from the tones in their voices, Jan could tell they weren't being serious. And though Wineglass had hadn't added anything, she had the same look.
Jan sighed, throwing up her hands.
"Fine, think whatever you want. Let's just go eat already."
A chorus of agreement resounded in the room and together, the four women left headed for the mess hall.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Sickbay
An Hour Later
"Jan," Berth said, smiling at the operative as she entered, "how are you doing?"
"Fine, Doctor," she replied, returning his smile.
In turn, Berth greeted Tinuviel, Nerwen and Wineglass as well.
"I must confess I'm a bit surprised to see you all here. However, the patient you've come to see is not quite ready for visitors yet."
"Doctor…"
"Jan, Kyle is exhausted. He's had two major surgeries in less than a week and his body must have time to recuperate."
"I understand, but…"
"Doctor," Tinuviel cut in smoothly, "we're not all here to see Kyle right now."
"We just hoped you might let Jan see him for a few minutes," chimed in Nerwen as she held up her hand, "five at the max."
"I just finished saying…"
"Doctor, we're not looking to disturb Kyle in the slightest. Jan just wants to see him, briefly. Please let her.
"?" said Tinuviel and Nerwen together.
The doctor looked from face to face, knowing that he was right. But…
He held up his hand. "Five minutes, Jan, not a second longer."
A relieved and grateful smile came to the operative's face. "Thank you, Doctor. Thank you very much."
Wineglass, Tinuviel and Nerwen added their thanks as well and the doctor's cheeks colored faintly in embarrassment.
"We'll be right here," said Wineglass and Tinuviel and Nerwen nodded.
Nodding back, Jan moved to Kyle's bed, pushing aside the curtains and drawing in a breath as she saw him. Bandages still covered most of Kyle's upper torso, arms and part of his face. Leads from at least three different machines were hooked to him, evidencing what had happened to him. His eyes were closed and Jan could tell by the gentle rise and fall of his chest that he was asleep. Sudden emotion gripped her and it was only through a strong effort that she forced it back down, resisting the temptation to give in. She moved to the side of the bed and looked down.
Déjà vu, she thought.
She reached down, not saying a word as her fingers touched his face, his hair, brushing it back a little. Then down to his hand, intertwining his fingers with hers and feeling the subtle beat of his pulse against her palm. A mental reminder popped up and told her time was growing short. To the operative's surprise, her voice was steady as she spoke.
"I don't know how you figured it out, Katarn. But thank you."
And then she leaned over the bed railing and kissed him, her heart beginning to beat faster. The emotion threatened to overwhelm once again and so she reluctantly withdrew her lips and stood up, then disengaged her hands from his and placed it back on the sheets.
"I'll see you soon, partner."
And with that, she turned and passed through the curtains, her control beginning to waver. Berth glanced up as she approached.
"He should be awake in…"
Jan passed by without stopping to listen. She saw the faces of her friends as she drew closer to them, but knew she couldn't speak, not yet. Wordlessly, she moved past them and out the door.
"Is she all right?" asked Berth.
"She'll be fine," said Wineglass confidently.
"Of course she will," said Tinuviel.
"She's probably just worried about Kyle," added Nerwen, "it'll be fine."
And then, with an exchange of looks, Wineglass and the twins turned and went after her, each knowing that Jan wasn't fine, at least not at that moment. Emerging into the corridor, they looked about but couldn't see her.
"Great," said Wineglass, "she could've gone anywhere."
But Nerwen shook her head. "Not Jan."
Tinuviel agreed. "She's too ordered."
"Okay then," Wineglass said, "then where did she go?"
Together, the twins pointed. "That way."
Unsure, but willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, Wineglass followed as the three moved down the corridor. A few minutes later, they approached the scooter depot and there, sitting on the rear of one, was Jan.
"Guess you two were right," the archivist admitted.
They smiled at her and then turned to look at Jan, who had her head buried in her hands, shoulders heaving. They drew closer, Tinuviel and Nerwen moving to either side while Wineglass crouched on the deck in front of her. They waited until Jan was able to find her voice and articulate what had happened.
"It's okay," Wineglass said, "take your time. We can wait."
"That's right," added Nerwen.
"We're here, Jan," said Tinuviel.
Gradually, the heaves gave way to trembling which soon dissipated into small sniffles. Jan seemed to hesitate on pulling her hands away.
"I swore I wasn't going to do this again. I probably look horrible," she said quietly.
"So what's your point?" Wineglass said.
Tinuviel and Nerwen stared at the archivist for a few seconds and then began laughing. After a bit more, Jan too began to laugh a little. When it died away, she slowly lifted her head and looked directly at Wineglass.
"No fair making me laugh."
"Sue me," Wineglass replied, eliciting more laughter.
Wiping tears away, Jan looked to each of them.
"Sorry," she said, "it's just, when I saw him; it all came back to me. And it was just so hard to take…"
Tinuviel and Nerwen took her arms and hugged her tightly.
"I should have done something," Jan said, "if only I'd done something about Vinial before, Kyle wouldn't be lying there. I…"
When Wineglass spoke, her voice was calm, but also harsh, brooking no interruption.
"Stop right there."
The coldness in the woman's voice caused the other three to look directly at her, curious expressions on their faces.
"Jan," Wineglass said, rising to her feet and looking down at the operative, "I want you to listen to me, all right?"
The operative nodded.
"I mean it. I want your full attention. No interruptions, no distractions.
"Wineglass, stop it," said Tinuviel.
"You're being mean," added Nerwen.
The archivist ignored them, her eyes focused on Jan.
"What happened with you, Kyle and Vinial was terrible, I don't intend to minimize that in the slightest. But you have no culpability or fault in it whatsoever."
"You're wrong," Jan said, "I could have…"
In the space of a second, Wineglass' face was inches away from Jan's. She glared strongly at the operative.
"I told you to not… interrupt… me," the archivist said.
The two women stared at each other for several seconds, a silent war of wills going on between them. To the twins' surprise, Jan was the first to look away.
"All right, I'll listen and I won't say anything else."
"Good," Wineglass said, rising to her feet again. "As I said, what happened was NOT your fault, Jan. I don't know what was wrong with Vinial, but all she did since coming here was to cause problems and hurt people. And then, when whatever deluded machinations she had inside her didn't work out, she tried to kill Kyle. I'd say she was certifiable. You can't reason with a mind like that, Jan, nor can you anticipate or outmaneuver it."
"But why?" the operative asked.
Ignoring the interruption, Wineglass continued. "Because you don't think like that and I hope you never do. Trust me, Jan; I think Tinuviel and Nerwen will agree with me that if we could, each of us would have liked to have a piece of Vinial's hide before she died."
The twins nodded.
"What it comes down to is this. You didn't make Vinial do any of the things she did. And there's no way you could've figured out she was going to attack Kyle. Heck, if not for you, he'd be dead now and that's a stone cold fact. So, for all of our sakes, don't blame yourself for what happened. You understand?"
Jan stared up at the archivist for several seconds more and then her expression softened. New tears came to her eyes.
"You're right," she said, "I'm sorry."
Wineglass' face also softened and, crouching down once again, she enveloped Jan in a hug.
"You're forgiven."
Once again, Jan felt positively swathed in her friends' affection. She closed her eyes and reached out to them, feeling their strength and resolve bolstering her own. When the archivist gently let go, she looked the operative right in the eyes.
"C'mon," she said, "we've got work to do. Your room isn't going to fix itself."
Jan nodded and, together, the quartet boarded a scooter and headed off.
Over the next day and a half, Jan, Tinuviel, Nerwen and Wineglass spent nearly every waking moment together. The quartermaster must have gotten the word because he was quite accommodating to the request for all new furniture. Jan spent a somewhat restful night with the twins, having to threaten them only twice before they left her alone regarding her feelings for Kyle.
The next day, the furniture was delivered and the four women spent most of the day setting things up and making a few artistic changes that Jan, after some resistance, admitted did make her quarters look a lot nicer. The only problem was they ran into was late in the afternoon when they went to get Jan new clothes. Wineglass, Tinuviel and Nerwen did their best to help, but nearly had a knock down and drag out brawl with Jan over her specific sizes and measurements which the operative was loathe to share with anyone. Fortunately, things were resolved before Security had to be called and a few hours later, the four of them returned to Jan's room with a number of packages. Feeling a bit bad at how she had reacted earlier, the operative offered an olive branch by suggesting they order in and have a meal like they had done before. The idea was accepted with gratitude and good humor, any rift that had been there now sealed in renewed friendship.
New Republic Command Ship Intrepid
Quarters of Jan Ors
2235 Hours
"That's it, that's it," said Tinuviel, pushing the remains of her plate, "I can't eat another bite."
Next to her, Nerwen groaned as she clutched her belly. "One more bit and I'll explode."
"Me too," Wineglass said.
"Amateurs," Jan said; draining the last of her glass, showing not the slightest sign of discomfort from the big meal the quartet had just finished.
"No one asked you!" Nerwen called and then groaned again.
"Besides," said Tinuviel, "you're a soldier. You've been trained for things like this."
"And now come the excuses," Jan said with a smirk on her face.
Wineglass was about to offer her opinion when a sound she didn't expect came out of her mouth.
"!"
Cheeks flaming, the archivist covered her mouth with both hands, a muted "Excuse me" emerging seconds later.
A chorus of laughs went up, mixed with more groans.
"I'd say that's that," Jan said, leaning back against the side of her new bed and clutching her stomach, "mine hurts now."
More laughter and then the operative's face grew serious. She looked at each of her friends.
"You three have no idea how much I appreciate what you've done. If you hadn't been there…"
"Someone else would have," Wineglass said confidently.
"That's right," added Nerwen, "another would have helped."
"And his name is Kyle Katarn," said Tinuviel.
Jan let out a load groan. "I thought we agreed not to go there."
"I had my fingers crossed," Tinuviel countered.
"Me too," said Nerwen.
"Me three," added Wineglass.
"No fair!" Jan exclaimed.
"Soooo," said Nerwen, "about Kyle…"
The conversation went on until the four women fell into exhausted sleep, no ground having been given on either side.
