Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Chapter 7: Hope Renewed
A/N: While the breach between Kyle, Mon Mothma and Jan has been healed, news of the worst kind has arrived at the Alliance's doorstep. And its name is the Death Star.
Tactical had gone completely silent, other than the background sounds from the computers. Kyle, Jan and Mon Mothma all stared at nothing, trying to internalize what they had just seen. They had read the briefing, seen the images of the Death Star and knew of its destructive capability. But to see it used was a daunting experience. And of all the planets to destroy, why Alderaan? It had been a planet and a people dedicated to peace.
The sound of a hand slamming the railing of the circular table brought everyone's attention back to Mon Mothma. Her eyes alight with an intensity that was almost uncomfortable.
"Enough" she said, her voice only slightly raised, but the force behind it unmistakable. "I will not sit idly by and watch the Empire destroy another planet."
Kyle and Jan wondered the same thing. What force could the Rebels muster sufficient to destroy the Death Star?
"Jan, I want you to come with me," said Mon Mothma. "We need to review the construction plans, search for any weaknesses, structural flaws, something that will give our forces a chance."
Although she knew that those plans had already been thoroughly gone over, the look in Mon Mothma's eyes told Jan she would not be denied, she nodded.
"Kyle, you stay here and continue monitoring transmissions. We still don't know what happened to that freighter. See if you can locate it and contact the pilot."
He nodded and with Jan following, Mon Mothma left Tactical, the door whooshing closed behind her.
Wow, Kyle thought as the Rebel leader exited the room. Remind me to never get her mad. Putting his headset back on, he began rotating through frequencies, listening for further transmissions. Minutes passed. Suddenly, one of the technicians spoke.
"Uh, Mr. Katarn?"
"Yes?" Kyle answered.
"I've got something here you might be interested in hearing."
Kyle walked over to the man, recognizing him as the one Mon Mothma called Glef. "What have you got?"
"An interception from an Imperial comsat." Glef answered. "The transmission appears to be coming from the Death Star. Here, it's starting to repeat."
Glef removed his headset and passed it to Kyle.
"This is Death Star Operations Command to Commander Thex on Tatooine. We've captured a ship that matches the markings of the one you're looking for. A TIE on patrol spotted the vessel as it exited hyperspace just inside the Alderaan system. He hailed it, and upon receiving no response, fired warning shots. To our pilot's surprise, the ship changed course, moving towards him. He headed directly for the Death Star with the vessel in pursuit. Once in tractor range, we grabbed the ship and brought into a hangar bay. However, upon boarding the vessel, we found no pilot, crew or passengers. A review of the ship's log indicates those on board abandoned the ship shortly after it took off. Several of the vessel's escape pods were jettisoned, so it is possible the people on board took refuge somewhere between Tatooine and Alderaan. A scanning crew has been summoned and we will report in as soon as they've completed their work."
Kyle removed the headset, handing it back to Glef. "If the ship the Imperials captured is the Millenium Falcon, why was it heading for Alderaan? And what happened to the crew and passengers?" The tech shrugged in response.
"Keep an ear out on that channel, Glef. Maybe we can learn some more when the Imperials send their next transmission." "You got it," replied the tech, turning back to his station. Kyle wandered back to his, mind awhirl with questions. A display on the board in front of him began flashing, signaling an incoming communication. He pressed the button next to it and said, "Katarn here."
"Kyle, this is Mon Mothma. Have you received anything further?"
"Just a report that indicates the Millenium Falcon may have been captured." Kyle went to explain the communication intercept from the Death Star.
Mon Mothma sighed tiredly. "If you're right, Kyle, then the Imperials could have the plans already."
Kyle wasn't so sure. "If that were true," he said, "then why wouldn't it be broadcast all over the news nets?"
Mon Mothma was silent for a moment, then said, "You might be right, Kyle. I'll check back with you in a few hours."
"Right," Kyle answered, signing off and returning to his work.
Another hour passed without incident. Then Glef called out to Kyle, ripping his headset off. "Mr. Katarn! Come over here quick! Something's happened onboard the Death Star!"
Kyle rushed over and jammed Glef's headset on his head. His eyes widened as he listened to the nearly frantic transmission from the Death Star. A smile came to Kyle's face as he listened to it.
"I assume you've recorded this?" Glef's grin was all the answer he needed. "Call Mon Mothma."
Barely five minutes had gone by when the door to Tactical whooshed open as the two women entered at a fast walk. Mon Mothma's eyes sought out Kyle, who was standing at the circular table, a grin plastered on his face.
"What is it?" Mon Mothma demanded.
Kyle said nothing, reaching down to a control and activating it. The speakers came on and the voice of a breathless Imperial came forth.
"Repeat, this is Death Star to all Imperial units receiving this transmission. We have been infiltrated by a group of Rebels. They stowed away aboard a captured freighter and were able to penetrate our security. They freed Princess Leia and were able to get back to their ship and escape. Lord Darth Vader has personally ordered their capture at all costs."
The transmission ended and Kyle looked to Mon Mothma, who stared at him in shock. Finding her voice, Mon Mothma asked, "Is the report confirmed?"
Kyle nodded, his smile widening. "The Rebel base on Yavin 4 detected the approach of a ship twenty minutes ago. They confirmed that it is the Millenium Falcon and Princess Leia is aboard. Yavin Base said they'd contact us as soon as the Falcon lands.
The mood in the room, up till now one of resignation and defeat turned to jubilation in an instant. Mon Mothma ordered the transmission broadcast to the rest of the ship immediately. In the midst of the cheering, Jan ran over and hugged Kyle. Surprised, Kyle wasn't sure what to do. Jan seemed to realize what she was doing and stepped back from Kyle.
"Um... sorry, I..." she tried to say. "Yeah," Kyle said, feeling embarrassed, "well, you..."
The two were rescued from further embarrassment as Glef called out that he was receiving a transmission from Yavin Base. Mon Mothma ordered it routed to the holoprojector. An image issued forth, fuzzy at first, then steadying.
"This is General Dodonna at Yavin Base to New Hope. Are you receiving me?"
"This is Mon Mothma, General. Is..?"
"She's right here," Dodonna, answered, moving to the side as Princess Leia stepped into the picture.
"Leia," Mon Mothma, emotion in her voice, "I cannot tell you how good it is to see you."
"Thank you, Mon Mothma," Princess Leia said, smiling, "it's good to see you too."
"Are you all right?" Mon Mothma asked.
"I will be," said Princess Leia, "but that's not important right now. I fear the Empire has tracked us here to Yavin 4."
"How..." Mon Mothma began, but the Princess was still talking.
"Only a single squad of TIE fighters engaged the ship as we escaped from the Death Star, far too few for a serious attack. I believe the Imperials let us go in order to follow us to the Rebel base. Once they locate us, they will destroy Yavin 4 with the superlaser."
Mon Mothma stared at the image of Princess Leia in silence. What she had said made sense. But...
"Leia, what about the Death Star plans?" "They are safe," Princess Leia answered, "When the Tantive IV was attacked, I stored the plans in an astromech droid, R2-D2. A team is currently downloading the plans from the droid's memory banks. What about the construction plans? Were you able to retrieve them?"
"Yes," Mon Mothma, "I'll have them transmitted to you immediately."
"Good," said the Princess, "hopefully one or both sets of plans will reveal a weak spot in the Death Star. Otherwise..." She trailed off, the implication clear.
"Do you want the New Hope to come to Yavin 4?" Mon Mothma asked.
"No," answered Princess Leia, "if our efforts here fail, then any hope for the Rebellion will rest with you."
Kyle could tell Mon Mothma wasn't pleased with the answer. "Very well, Leia. We'll keep monitoring your situation."
"Thank you, Mon Mothma." the Princess said, ending the transmission.
Mon Mothma settled into a nearby chair, sighing heavily.
"Now what?" Jan asked.
"Now we wait." Kyle said.
Two Days Later
As the Moldy Crow described a hard, arcing turn over the New Hope, Kyle Katarn exulted in the feel of the ship. She may not be the prettiest girl at the dance, he thought, but she can sure move. "Ready, Jan?" he called.
In the rear cockpit, Jan Ors had control of the Moldy Crow's weaponry. "Ready!" she called. "Okay," Kyle said, as he grasped the throttles, "here we go!" Pushing them forward until they reached the stops, Kyle dove straight at the New Hope, blue fire trailing from the Moldy Crow's engines.
"Steady..." said Kyle, estimating the distance remaining, "almost there... NOW!"
In the rear cockpit, Jan stabbed down hard on twin triggers. The Crow's four cannons spoke, but instead of laser fire, four canisters flew from the gun ports. Kyle pulled up hard, exposing the canisters to a blast from the engines. They exploded and multicolored fireworks appeared, showering the New Hope in rings of color.
Gold, red, green and white sparks brightened the darkness of space. Boosting up and away, Kyle sent the Moldy Crow into a series of rolls.
"Fire the secondaries!" More canisters magnetically sealed to the hull were released. Timers counted down and upon reaching zero, more fireworks exploded into life.
Kyle shouted in delight as he brought the ship around to face the spectacle. Killing power to the engines, he stopped some distance from and slightly above the New Hope
"Gold Leader," Kyle called into the comm, the excitement of the moment nearly overwhelming, "you're cleared. C'mon in."
"Roger, Moldy Crow," came the voice of Gold Leader, his voice filled with the same joy Kyle felt. Four Y-Wings streaked down the sides of the New Hope, each ship trailing a stream of light behind it. Multicolored streaks brightened the cruiser as the Y-Wings raced past, looped back around and made a second pass.
"Wow!" Kyle said, "what a show!" "So, how does it feel to win, Kyle?" said Jan from the rear cockpit. "I could definitely get used to it," he said.
The ding of an incoming communication sounded in the cockpit. "Katarn here." "This is Mon Mothma to Moldy Crow and Gold wing. That was a magnificent display. Now, bring your ships in and join the celebration."
"You got it, Mon Mothma," Kyle said, re-igniting the engines, "we're coming in now."
One by one, the four Y-Wings and the Moldy Crow headed towards the New Hope. Kyle had a last minute idea and radioed Gold Leader who agreed readily. After the last ship had entered the hangar bay, they moved until they described a perfect five point formation, with the Moldy Crow in the middle.
In his control room, Puan Gell watched in amazement as the five ships descended as one to the deck, engines winding down and canopies opening in unison.
Kyle vaulted out onto the deck to find Gold Leader waiting for him. He smiled at the man, extending a hand "Thanks, Quell, that couldn't have worked better." Quell Harness shook Kyle's hand heartily. "Anytime, Kyle." They turned to see Puan drawing near.
"That was an awesome example of precision flying, gentlemen," the Quarren said.
"Thanks," Kyle said.
"And especially better considering the last time your ship landed in my hangar bay." The Quarren said and laughed, a strange sound. But the humans laughed along with him, Jan in particular.
"C'mon," said Quell when the laughter died down, "We've got a celebration to attend." The group left the hangar bay together, laughing, joking and reliving the moment when the message had been received in Tactical.
The Death Star plans had revealed a weakness in the battle station, an exhaust port for the reactor that a well-aimed proton torpedo could penetrate and set up a chain reaction resulting in the destruction of the battle station. A combined force of thirty X-Wings and Y-Wings had set out from Yavin 4 to accomplish the mission. The weapon emplacements of the Death Star combined with a coordinated attack by TIE fighters whittled down the Rebel ships until only four remained.
Of these, three X-Wings led by a rookie pilot named Luke Skywalker had made a last ditch run at the exhaust port. All seemed lost when one of Luke's wingmen was destroyed and the other was forced to pull out. But a timely intervention by the Millenium Falcon and its reckless pilot, Han Solo, had enabled Luke to launch two torpedoes directly into the exhaust port. The resulting chain reaction destroyed the Death Star. The remaining Rebel ships and Corellian freighter had returned victorious to Yavin Base. Soon after, word of the Death Star's destruction was sent to all Rebel bases all over the galaxy.
Aboard the New Hope, the chaos of victory reigned. It wasn't until Mon Mothma declared that a celebration would take place the next day that some semblance of order returned to the cruiser. And today was the day. Kyle, Jan and the pilots of Gold Squadron entered one of the New Hope's smaller hangar bays, now filled with celebrating Rebels and all kinds of food and drink.
Jan turned to Kyle. "I'm going to get something to eat. And then, I'm heading right for my quarters." "You don't want to stay and celebrate with everyone else?" he asked, surprised at her words.
"Listen, Katarn," Jan said, smiling at him. "I'm as happy as anyone about our victory. But, in case you've forgotten, we've both gone without sleep for the last 72 hours. I'm tired."
"Sorry," Kyle said, "I hadn't really noticed. At the Academy, you learned to live without sleep."
She stifled a yawn. "Well then, have pity on the rest of us 'normal' people." Kyle laughed. "Okay, sleepyhead, I'll see you later."
As Jan began to move away, Kyle felt a sudden impulse.
"Jan," he called, "wait a sec!"
She stopped, turned to face him.
Stepping up to her, Kyle reached for her hands, encircling them with his own.
"Before you go, I wanted to say thank you."
Jan gave him a confused look. "Thank me? For what?"
"For caring enough to tell me the truth," he said, looking directly at her.
Her face grew warm. "Kyle… you don't have to…"
"Yes, I do," he said firmly.
"I…" she stammered, emotions welling inside her. Focus, Ors, she told herself. "You're welcome, Kyle."
To her relief, he released her hands and stepped back.
"I just needed to say that. See you later?"
She nodded, unable to speak.
Favoring her with a smile, he turned away, moving back into the throng.
Okay, she told herself, you can do this.
Pivoting on her heel, Jan walked across the bay and through the door, eyes glued to the deck. When she reached her quarters a few minutes later, she let the tears flow. Tears of regret for what she had to Kyle mixed with tears of joy at what he had said. She pumped a fist in the air. What she and Mon Mothma had done hadn't been easy, but right now, it all seemed worth it.
Back in the hangar bay/party central, Kyle made his way through the crowd, stopping to shake his hand with other Rebels. Several of them offered words of praise to him. Shortly after the news the destruction of the Death Star, Mon Mothma had made it public knowledge his defection and work in retrieving part of the plans to the battle station. Kyle accepted the congratulations offered to him with good grace, nodding and smiling, not really knowing what to say.
He stepped up to a makeshift bar where a smiling, florid faced Rebel passed out drinks. Before he could say anything, the man passed him a drink. "What this?" Kyle said, looking from the drink to the man.
"You're Katarn, right?" the bartender asked. Kyle nodded. "Then you've earned that drink and as many more as you want." The man looked him directly in the eye. "I'm Caston Droum, Alderaan was my home planet." The impact of the man's words struck Kyle like a physical blow. "I'm sorry," he said, his smile disappearing.
Stepping from behind the bar, Droum moved to Kyle and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate that." he said, "but I appreciate what you did more. Because of your efforts, no other planets will have to face such a threat.
Droum moved back behind the bar and gestured with his hand to indicate the room. "I owe you. We all owe you."
"Thanks," Kyle said, his smile returning. "But if I can ask, what is this?" "Juri juice," Droum said, "trust me, you'll love it."
Bringing the glass to his lips, Kyle took a small sip. He was expecting liquor, but instead found the drink to be a combination of different fruit flavors, all mixed into one. He took a larger sip this time.
"Hey," he said to the bartender, "this is really good." "Told ya," Droum said, taking the now half empty glass from Kyle and replacing it with a full one. "Come back when you want another."
As Kyle walked about the hangar bay, trading more smiles, greeting and congratulations with the New Hope's crew, it suddenly occurred to him that his father would be very proud of him right now. Raising his glass in silent toast to the memory of his father, he downed the contents. Somehow the bartender saw this and another drink appeared in Kyle's hand as if my magic.
Just then, Mon Mothma's voice issued from the overhead speakers. "Attention everyone. Please, may I have everyone's attention?" Conversations quieted and soon the bay was silent. "I just wanted to congratulate you all again on our victory. We have struck a major blow against the Empire. With the Death Star destroyed, the Rebellion has a chance to continue its work of overthrowing the Empire and bring peace and order back to the galaxy. I want everyone to enjoy themselves fully. You have more than earned it." The speaker clicked off and a rousing cheer went up.
Quell walked up beside Kyle. "Hey, Katarn! Are you just gonna stand around or can I interest you in joining the rest of us pilots for some food?" "Sounds good to me," Kyle said, following Quell over to a table where the other pilots sat. For the next several hours, they ate, drank, laughed, toasted and celebrated. Kyle couldn't remember feeling happier.
One month later
Space around the New Hope
"Anything?" Kyle called from cockpit. "Negative," Jan replied, "scanner is clear. No ships, signals or any sign of Imperial presence."
"Okay," he said, keying the comm, "This is Moldy Crow to New Hope, we've finished our patrol leg. Nothing to report."
"Affirmative, Moldy Crow," said the Tactical officer, "bring it on home."
From the incredible high spirits and good feelings brought about the Death Star's destruction, life aboard the New Hope had now become almost boring. There had been some concern after the Imperials had sent a force to Yavin 4. But a speedy evacuation by Rebel forces there had resulted in minimal losses of equipment and personnel. However, it emphasized that the war was a long way from over. The Empire still had the advantage in resources, ships and troops.
In order to keep the New Hope protected from similar attack, Jan and Kyle had volunteered to participate in the daily patrols. It had given them a respite from the routine life aboard the Rebel vessel, in addition to discovering and fixing various issues with the Moldy Crow.
The time had also allowed the two of them a chance to get to know each other better. What had started out as a relationship of convenience was fast becoming a solid friendship.
Some minutes later, as Kyle brought the Moldy Crow smoothly into the hangar bay, Puan Gell strode up to the ship. "Kyle," his tentacled face earnest, "I just received a message from Mon Mothma. She needs to see you and Jan in the briefing room right away."
Jan and Kyle exchanged glances, each wondering what might be going on. "Okay, Puan," Kyle said.
Together, they headed for the briefing room. "What do you suppose Mon Mothma wants?" Kyle asked. Jan shook her head. "No idea. Could be anything."
The briefing door slid aside as they strode in. Mon Mothma gestured for them to join her at the table.
"Kyle, Jan, I'm afraid we have an emergency. We've received a transmission from Tak Base, a Rebel outpost on the planet Talay. You both need to see that transmission, right now."
They all watched as the holoprojector came on and displayed a jittery, static filled picture. The base's Mon Calamari commander spoke.
"This is Tak Base to any Rebel vessels in the area. We are under attack! Our scans have detected both air and ground based forces. Our defenses are gone." The commander's voice took on a horrified tint, "They've cut through our shields! They've cut through our…"
Static filled the screen and the rest of the transmission was lost, but not before a sound was heard, like a ship passing close by. The briefing room fell silent as the transmission ended. Finally Mon Mothma spoke up. "Tak Base was completely wiped out. We received another transmission from orbital sensors around Talay just before the attack commenced."
A new image came onto the screen showing the space around Talay. As the view moved, two huge ships hove into view. The first was oddly shaped, a long nose that got thicker and wider as it approached the center of the structure. The center section was all rectangles and straight lines until it neared the bottom, where a number of cylindrical objects showed the ship's repulsorlifts systems and reactor exhaust. The nose section moved continued out the back of the center section until it terminated in a set of six drive engines arranged in a square.
The second vessel was all too familiar. A huge wedge shape, save for a section near the rear showing a cluster of boxlike structures housing the bridge and other stations. "The Executor," said Jan, "Darth Vader's ship."
"Indeed," said Mon Mothma, "our spies have identified the other ship as the Arc Hammer, commanded by General Mohc." Kyle stiffened at the sound of the name. Mohc had once been head of the Imperial Academy. Kyle remembered him as a hard man who demanded the best out of every cadet. But what was he doing in command of a starship? "Do we have any idea what they're up to?" he asked.
Mon Mothma shook her head. "No, however it is clear that he has created some kind of new weapon. And this new weapon, whatever it may be, is devastating. Eight separate launches were detected from the Arc Hammer. No other ships or orbital weapons were employed."
"So, let me guess," Kyle said. "You want us to go to Talay, investigate the situation and determine what kind of weapon was used."
"Exactly," Mon Mothma said. "In addition, our spies have detected the presence of a stormtrooper garrison on Talay. You will most likely come under attack."
"Well," Kyle said, dropping his gaze to the table as he considered the situation, "that complicates things somewhat."
"Indeed," said Mon Mothma.
His eyes rose back to hers. "So, when do we leave?"
Twelve hours later
The Moldy Crow burst from hyperspace above Talay. "Any ships in orbit?" Kyle asked. He was in the rear cockpit, prepping his gear. He now wore a fresh set of body armor, a new jacket and carried the Imperial blaster pistol he had gotten on Danuta.
"None," Jan said, "I'm heading in." The Moldy Crow descended through the reddish brown air. As they neared the Rebel outpost a trail of smoke became visible, ascending from the base.
Looking down on the scene, Kyle let out a low whistle. "What a mess. Whatever hit the base didn't leave much."
Jan brought the Moldy Crow in to what remained of the landing field, broken and cracked permacrete visible in every direction. Opening the cockpit, Kyle stepped on the port wing before jumping to the ground.
He turned in a circle, blaster at the ready. "Doesn't look like anyone's around," he said. "Get going, Jan, I'll check in as soon as I have something."
"Alright," she said, "but be careful. I don't want a repeat of what happened on Danuta." Kyle smiled up at her, then started into the base. Closing the cockpit, Jan guided the Moldy Crow up and away.
Barely had Kyle entered the base when he found the first body. The skin had been burned away, leaving only bones and a few rags of clothing. Looking ahead, he saw another body a short distance away, in similar fashion. What kind of weapon does this? Kyle wondered. Grabbing his communicator, he radioed the Moldy Crow. "Jan, this is Kyle. Can you read me?"
"Loud and clear, Kyle" came her voice, "go ahead."
"Make a low pass over the base and take some pictures. I've found bodies with damage not consistent with regular blaster fire. Some other kind of weapon or projectile was employed here." "On my way," Jan replied.
He continued into the base, feeling both stunned and awed by the devastation around him. Whatever kind of weapon General Mohc had come up with, it was clear that the Rebel defenses were no match for it. A wall next to him had been blasted, leaving a small hill of debris. Might be able to climb that, he thought, moving forward. As he stepped onto the pile of permacrete, Kyle heard footsteps from above.
Checking his blaster again, he moved up the hill slowly, edging his head over the lip. A second level of the base was visible, more buildings broken and shattered. Pulling himself onto the second level, Kyle crouched behind the remnants of a wall as the footsteps got closer. Rising just enough to see over the lip, he was greeted with a gleam of white armor. A stormtrooper was about a hundred yards away, making his way through the crumbled remains of the base.
Dropping back down, he considered what to do next. No telling if he's alone. The footsteps got closer, then stopped. Kyle gripped his blaster tight, ready to jump up and open fire at a moment's notice.
To his relief, the footsteps turned and began to move away. Peering over the lip, Kyle could see that the stormtrooper was moving away from him. Letting out a breath of relief, he waited until the trooper was out of sight, then moved in the opposite direction.
A small bridge led Kyle to a balcony overlooking a plaza on the lower level of the base. From there, a larger bridge crossed a river that ran through the base. On the other side, he could see only more devastation. The attackers had done a thorough job. As Kyle neared the balcony, he could see four stormtroopers on the level below, talking amongst themselves. Keeping low, he moved to the other side of the balcony and through another corridor, but found it led to where he had just come from. Great, he thought, well, my luck couldn't hold out forever.
Returning to the balcony, he leaned over it. The troopers were still there. Placing his rifle on the lip, Kyle aimed for the nearest trooper and fired. The man fell, a smoking hole in his back. The other three troopers, watching their comrade fall, caught sight of Kyle. He dived back down just they fired on him.
"We see you!" called one trooper, "surrender or die!"
Kyle considered what he should do. That first shot had been a lucky one, he wouldn't get that chance again. So, let's do the unexpected, he thought. Placing a hand on the balcony, Kyle leapt over it. It worked. The stormtroopers watched him fall, dumbfounded. As his feet hit the ground, Kyle rolled to dissipate the shock to his body. He came up on knee, opening fire. Another trooper dropped.
Kyle charged the remaining two, firing. They attempted to fire back, but the shots were poorly aimed. Within a minute, both troopers were down, armor smoking. Still unscathed, his heart beating fast, Kyle grabbed the troopers' power packs, then headed for the bridge. Crossing it, he found the main exit locked.
An attempt to force the door open failed. It was then a nearby display caught Kyle's attention. It flickered, dimmed several times. But Kyle was able to read enough of it to discover that the base's main generator was off line. He recalled from the briefing that Tak Base had a hydro-powered generator, the force of the river providing all the power the base needed. And if I were General Mohc, he thought, I'd have the generator shut down rather than destroyed. Which means I can reactivate it. And I'll bet seeing the lights come on will be quite a distraction for the stormtroopers.
Kyle consulted his mapper, its display showing Tak Base and his position. Less than a hundred yards away was a building that gave access to the bridge leading to the power generator. Fortunately, he found a spot in the wall where the attackers had blasted clean through the duracrete. Kyle stepped through, spotting the building he was looking for. As he approached it, Kyle noticed that the interior of the building was completely dark.
The mapper showed there was an exit door in the back corner of the building. Fortunately, Jan had added another piece of equipment to Kyle's arsenal, a pair of infrared goggles. Stepping into the room, he put them on. The darkness, in an instant, turned into greenish light allowing him to see the room clearly. There ! The door he was looking for.
As he stepped towards it, there was a sudden flash of light from somewhere nearby. Even as brain realized what it was, the blaster bolt struck Kyle in the side. A second shot hit him in the same place, throwing Kyle against the wall, his side on fire. His head struck the wall and he heard a crunch as the goggles shattered, plunging the room back into utter darkness. Shutting his eyes to keep glass from getting in them, Kyle put his hands out and felt the wall next to him.
Pushing himself up, Kyle reached for his blaster. The darkness was briefly lit as another flurry of shots struck the wall around him, two hitting Kyle in his right leg. He fell again, dropping his blaster and falling forward onto his stomach and chest.
Struggling to rise, Kyle heard footsteps close by. Blast! he thought, realizing his mistake. Stormtroopers helmet eyepieces come equipped with an infrared setting! All they had to do was wait there in the darkness and blast him as soon as he was in the room.
Now what do I do? He grasped about blindly, searching for his weapon, but his fingers found only pieces of shattered glass from the goggles and permacrete floor.