Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 7: The Truth about Blaze
A/N: From one of the tenderest moments between our favorite couple to them arguing again. Makes me wonder if Kyle and Jan are more oil and water at times. And now, Kyle is assigned to a mission to Coruscant, right into the heart of the Empire, and both and Jan and the Crow are staying home. Something's going to happen, let's find out what.
A/N: Thanks everyone, for being so patient, especially Tinuviel and Nerwen. I had thought I'd get to the part about revealing who Blaze is in the last chapter, but it didn't happen. But in this chapter, you'll find out. I hope it's a surprise.
Coruscant
Kyle hadn't felt this lonely in a long time. When the Imperial shuttle had cleared the hangar bay, he took one last, long back at the New Hope. He wondered if it would be the last time he would see it. Now, nearly nine hours later, he was approaching Coruscant. Got to remember they named it Imperial Center. He wondered, for the umpteenth time, what would happen to him. This mission was a real longshot. If even the slightest thing went wrong...
He jumped as the communicator dinged for attention.
Taking a moment to calm his racing heart, he flipped the comm switch.
"This is Imperial Security to approaching shuttle. Identify yourself."
Here we go, Kyle thought, slipping the stormtrooper helmet over his head.
"This is shuttle Araxes-7 to Imperial Security."
"Affirmative, Araxes-7, transmit your identification code."
Flipping another switch, Kyle said, "Transmitting."
There was a long pause, long enough for him to wonder if the codes were as good as Mon Mothma had said they were.
"Araxes-7, this is Imperial Security. Codes received and acknowledged. What is your business on Imperial Center?"
"Repairs to the ship, Security. My hyperdrive motivator been giving some odd readings and I've got a random power fluctuation in the starboard sensor array."
"Understood, Araxes-7. Anything the service docks can help you with?"
"No need for that, Security. If I can set down for a while and possibly borrow some diagnostic equipment, I should be able to have things fixed in a few hours."
"You're cleared for landing pad 9-A. Coordinates will be uploaded momentarily. Be advised that you will need to check in with Maintenance before using any equipment."
"Affirmative, Security. Thanks for the information."
"Good luck with your repairs, Araxes-7, and welcome to Imperial Center."
With that, the comm cut off and Kyle released a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He had cleared the first hurdle.
His tracking screen lit up with the coordinates transmitted from Security. Kyle set the shuttle to follow the indicated path. As he descended through the upper atmosphere, surface features began to be visible. His eyes went wide as he tried to take it all in. In every direction he looked were buildings of all shapes and sizes, some so tall they seemed to reach almost into space itself. A thousand other craft plied the traffic lanes in and around the city, constantly on the move.
Kyle settled into one the flows for a moment, then descended further. In the distance, he could see another tall structure. Elegant in its design, the building rose higher and higher, ending in a pointed spire like a finger pointing into the sky. The black permacrete covering the surface of the building identified it for him. "So that's the Emperor's castle," he muttered to no one.
Turning away from it, he guided the shuttle lower. Just ahead, a square area lit up, the lights moving in towards center. Guess that's the place to go, he thought, moving the ship towards it.
Two Hours Later
When I get back, Kyle thought, I'm buying Mon Mothma dinner. His disguise had proven, so far, flawless. After locating the base, he had checked in with the officer of the day, and been granted access inside. The vocal module had successfully disguised his voice so that no one, not the officers or the other stormtroopers he encountered, could tell that he was anything but another stormtrooper.
However, as Kyle explored the base, he found that the places he needed to get into required security pass cards. He considered trying to lure one of the other Imperials into an isolated area and simply take what he needed. But, if things got violent, there was nowhere for him to hide a body without it being discovered. There was one possibility, but Kyle nearly dismissed it. If it didn't work, he'd be under suspicion, maybe even arrested.
Shrugging, he decided to try it anyway. It wasn't doing any good just standing around. Stopping before a door marked "Data Processing/Computer Core", he made a show of checking his belt for a pass card. He began to glance around, as his search grew more frantic.
"Oh, blast!" he yelled.
"Is there a problem, trooper?"
Kyle turned to find himself face-to-face with one of the black suited Imperial command staff.
"No sir," he said too quickly.
The Imperial just looked at him.
Letting out a breath, Kyle allowed his shoulders to slump. "Yes sir, there is. I was supposed to check out the data processing center about ten minutes ago. But I seem to have lost my access card."
For a moment, the Imperial just stared at him.
I'm dead, Kyle thought.
The Imperial shook his head, rolled his eyes. "Again? That's the twelfth time this month!"
Looking down at the floor, Kyle said, "Yes sir, sorry sir."
"You troopers have got to realize that these access cards are just as important as any other part of your uniform."
"Yes sir," Kyle said dejectedly.
The Imperial sighed, pulled a slim card from a pocket. "Make sure you report losing the card to your sector officer. He'll get you a replacement."
Kyle watched as the man inserted the card into a slot on the door. The computer took a moment to scan the card, followed by a whoosh as the door slid aside.
"Thank you sir."
"Try not to let it happen again, trooper."
"Yes, sir."
With that, the Imperial turned and walked away. Kyle stood there, stunned that the lie had worked. The more things change, the more they stay the same, he thought. The door began to close.
Realizing he was about to lose his one and only chance, he stuck his foot into the gap. The door sensors registered it and the panel obediently slid open again.
Stepping inside, he found himself in a small hallway, the stark white walls contrasting with the gray metal doors at either end.
Okay now, which way do I go? If only I had the mapper. But as it was not standard stormtrooper equipment, having it would have drawn unwanted attention.
Guess I'm just going have to do it the old fashioned way, he thought, moving towards the first door.
Thirty minutes later, he passed through another in a series of doors and after looking about, realized he had walked in a big circle.
Okay, something's wrong here. The computer core and data access stations have to be here somewhere. Moving to a control panel by one of the doors, he studied the display and had to resist the temptation to smack himself in the forehead.
The hallway he was in was only the first in a series of interconnected corridors, forming a hexagon that lead to the computer core.
"Now if I just figure out how to get into the inner hallways," he muttered to himself.
The display in front of him went black for a moment, and a line of text appeared.
"Query received. Open inner doors?"
Caught by surprise, it took him a moment before he blurted out, "Yes!"
Another line of text appeared.
"Instructions confirmed. Inner doors open."
All right, he thought.
But a third line of text appeared, bringing him up short.
"Attention! Computer core access restricted. Identification card and password required."
"Blast!"
"Command not understood," the computer wrote back, "please re-enter."
Forcing himself to calm down, Kyle took a deep breath. The mission, up till now, had been a bit too easy. He should've realized there'd be some obstacles.
He queried the computer about the data stations.
"Confirmed. Data access terminals available in central processing."
Stepping through the door in front of him, he spotted a new opening in the wall to his left. Stepping through it, Kyle found himself in a shorter hallway. Stepping through the door before him revealed another wall exit into the next corridor. Two more of these lead him to a circular room. Four access terminals were arranged around the pillar.
Moving to one of the consoles, Kyle said, "Computer?"
The screen flashed, then a line of text appeared.
"Ready."
Reaching to one of the compartments on his belt, Kyle opened it and extracted the Nav Card.
Holding it in front of him, he said, "I need this decrypted and the information copied."
The computer worked for a moment, then with a slight click and hum, a panel opened in the top of the terminal. The screen read, "Please insert data card."
Kyle lowered the Nav Card into the opening until he heard another faint click. The computer display changed to read. "Card inserted. Processing…."
The hum from the computer grew a bit louder as it read the data from the Nav Card. Kyle fidgeted, wondering how long this was going to take. After nearly five minutes had passed, he was about to ask the computer this when the displayed changed yet again.
"Processing completed. Files decrypted. Instructions?"
"Copy files to data card," Kyle said. The computer went to work, but less than a second a new message appeared.
"Error. Data card is read-only."
He hadn't counted on this. The plan depended on copying the navigation information back onto the Nav Card.
A new line of text appeared. "Copy data to secondary storage module?"
"Secondary storage module?"
"Confirmed," the computer wrote, "secondary storage is a removable data module."
Leave it to the computer to suggest the perfect solution.
"Yes," he said, smiling beneath the helmet, "Please proceed."
"Confirmed. Copying files."
The operation took less than a minute before the computer instructed him to remove the Nav Card before it ejected another data card. It was a simple gray color, but to Kyle, it was worth more than a thousand gold bars. He took both cards and placed them into the storage pack on his belt, snapping it closed.
A new line of text had appeared.
"Copying operation completed. Further instructions?"
He was about to say no when he remembered the strange weapon he had found at Tak Base. Maybe the Imperial database had something on it. He described it to the computer.
It worked for a moment, then wrote, "Confirmed. Weapon described is Model XR-197 Assault Cannon, specifically designed for Dark Trooper project. Further information is classified."
So that was it, he thought, reminded of the weapon the Dark Trooper had used on Anteevy.
His attention was drawn back to the screen as a flashing line of text appeared.
"Prototype weapon is available for review. Do you wish to see the weapon?"
Oh, no way. This cannot be happening, Kyle thought. Tentatively, he said, "Yes."
The computer processed his answer, then a slip of paper emerged from the top panel.
A new line of text appeared. "Present this check-out slip to the armory officer. Be advised the weapon must be returned by the end of the day. Further instructions?"
Stunned, it took Kyle a moment to answer.
"No," he said, "that's all I need. Thank you."
"Confirmed," the computer wrote back.
His heart soaring, Kyle made his way through the mini-maze of hallways and doors, emerging into the main part of the base. He went to a door marked "Armory", which slid aside at his approach. Inside, he faced a large desk with an Imperial officer standing behind it. Behind him was row after row of gleaming weapons.
"Can I help you, trooper?"
Eyes engaged at taking in the scene before him, Kyle wordlessly handed the slip to man. The Imperial examined it for a moment, then smiled widely.
"Ah, someone else eager to try out our latest toy. I'll have to tell Supply we might be needing a few more given all the request from you guys. Just a moment."
Turning, the Imperial walked away, passing between two of the racks of the weapons. A few minutes, he came back carrying a large case.
"Here it is. Now, make sure you're careful with the secondary weapon. We've had a number of recoil injuries."
"Right," Kyle said, accepting the weapon.
"Have fun," the Imperial said, smiling again.
Oh I will, Kyle thought, turning round and exiting the room. This was turning out to be a very good day for him. But, heading for the exit, he reminded himself to keep quiet. It wouldn't do to have a stormtrooper give a whoop of victory.
From his vantage point, the man watched through a direct feed to the base security cameras as Kyle passed through the doors.
"Well done, Katarn, "he said, "You've gotten farther than I expected. But, in a few minutes, it'll all be over."
Turning away from the display, the man checked his weapons a final time. Everything was ready. All that was needed now was the prey.
Making his way back to the landing pad, Kyle's grin grew all the wider. He could see the shuttle in the distance. Ten more minutes and he'd be airborne.
He was within a few meters of the entrance ramp when a voice called out. "That's far enough."
An icy shiver ran across his spine, but he kept walking. If he could just get aboard…
"I said that's far enough. Stop or I'll shoot you right now."
Kyle stopped, his mind racing, wondering whom the voice belonged to.
"Set down the case you're carrying, then take off the helmet."
"What if I don't?"
The shot went it came, struck the case, severing the handle from it. It dropped to the ground, banging hard enough to partially open it. Kyle caught sight of gleaming black and silver.
"I can take the helmet off just as easily, " the voice said, "along with most of your head. Your choice."
Realizing that his opponent was serious, Kyle reached up, grabbing the helmet in both hands. He pulled it off, the warm air of Imperial Center brushing against his skin.
"Drop it. Then raise your hands and turn around."
Kyle did so, turning slowly. As his opponent came into view, he went cold all over. Less than a hundred yards away stood Boba Fett, unmistakable in the military green Mandalorian armor, the marks and scrapes from who knew how many bounties visible on its surface.
Once again, his mouth engaged before his brain did. "Boba Fett. I must be moving up in the world if General Mohc sent you after me."
"You've proven to be a problem for the General, Katarn. A problem I'm about to take care of. Now, slowly, drop the blaster and kick it over here."
Fett's own weapon was aimed right at Kyle. And given the bounty hunter's reputation, Kyle knew that if he tried anything, Fett would gun him down without hesitation.
"Hey! What's going on here?"
From the far side of the pad, another stormtrooper had come into view. Probably on perimeter patrol, Kyle thought.
"Back off!" Fett called, "I'm collecting a bounty here!"
"Help me!" Kyle yelled, "I've done nothing! Stop him before he kills me!"
The trooper hesitated for a moment, then leveled his weapon.
"Hold it, bounty hunter. You're not taking anyone just yet."
"I don't have time for this," Fett muttered. A heartbeat later, he spun on his heel, snapping off a shot. The trooper was hit, smoke coming from the armor as he fell. The bounty hunter turned back quickly. But the distraction had given Kyle enough time to pull his own blaster free.
"Okay Fett," he said, "new plan. I'm leaving."
The bounty hunter shook his head. "Not likely. I wanted to bring you in alive, but it seems I'll have to settle for the death fee."
Boba Fett began to fire. Kyle dodged away, returning fire. But with a roar, the bounty hunter's jetpack ignited and soared into the sky as Kyle's shots burned through empty space.
"A good try, Katarn. Perhaps I should see what you can do."
"Fine with me, creep," Kyle answered, "let's dance."
Ten minutes later, he was beginning to regret challenging the bounty hunter. No matter what he tried, even with dodging in and around the shuttle, Kyle had only managed a single glancing hit. The bounty hunter's jetpack made him fast, almost too fast for the human eye to follow.
"Oh come now, Katarn, you're not even trying."
He tried not to listen, to ignore the verbal jibes, but after nearly ten minutes of it, Kyle had had enough. With a snarl, he raised the blaster and fired. But, as before, the jetpack allowed his adversary to dodge the blasts.
"I can't understand why General Mohc indicated you'd be a problem, Katarn. You've hardly been a challenge. Come now, where is the fighting spirit I have heard so much about?"
"Shut up."
"'Shut up?' the bounty hunter mocked, laughing, "is that the best you can do?"
Katarn.
"Oh great, it's you. Like I didn't have enough problems."
Silence, fool! I have had my fill of your insolence. If you wish to survive this encounter, you will listen to me.
"Fine," Kyle replied, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, "I'm listening."
It took less than a minute for the voice to explain.
"Are you crazy? I'm dead if I do that."
Perhaps. But the bounty hunter will certainly kill you otherwise. Decide, Katarn."
"All right, all right! I'll do it!"
Good. Be ready.
It went silent, leaving Kyle alone.
This is crazy, he thought. But what choice do I have?
"All right, Fett!" he called, "you win! I surrender!"
Stepping out from under the shuttle's nose, Kyle moved into plain view, dropping the blaster and raising his hands.
Boba Fett moved into sight, descending to the ground. "Well, perhaps you are smarter than I've given you credit for. Don't move." Raising a gauntlet, he aimed it at Kyle and fired, sending a capture rope arcing towards the young man.
Now! While's he is stationary!
Kyle hurled himself at the large case; sure that Fett would fire before he reached it. But as his hands touched the surface of the case, yanking it open, he felt a surge of hope as he pulled the weapon free. It was big, bigger than weapon he had handled before. It was nearly four feet long, the wide stock lead down to a pair of barrels. Twin triggers were visible, suggesting a dual firing mode. Let's just hope it's loaded, Kyle thought.
He hefted the weapon onto his right shoulder, pointing it towards his opponent.
Fett found himself actually surprised. Katarn had moved fast, so fast that it took nearly a second for the bounty hunter to realize his capture rope was going to miss the target. And now, the ex-Imperial held some kind of oversize weapon, pointing it towards him. Fett moved to activate his jetpack just as Kyle's finger stabbed down on the trigger.
However, instead of hitting the primary trigger, he depressed the secondary one. With a roar and a lurch, the weapon ejected a small missile. The recoil made Kyle stumble, nearly spilling him to the ground. The voice was back, encouraging him to stay on his feet and be ready.
The projectile crossed the distance between the two men just as Fett's jetpack ignited. The bounty hunter found himself crying out in pain as his helmet display went white, the missile exploding against his chest armor.
Kyle watched, first in surprise, then in satisfaction as the projectile struck, the explosion knocking the bounty hunter back several feet. He heard Fett cry out in pain and the sound only added to his pleasure.
His skin growing uncomfortably hot, Boba Fett fought to maintain consciousness as he struck the deck, sliding a few feet before coming to a halt. Whatever Katarn had just fired at him packed quite a wallop. But it wouldn't be enough to stop him.
He is rising! Fire!
This time, Kyle's hand pressed the right switch and the gun bucked in his hands as it spewed blue-white balls of energy.
Fett saw the first one coming, tried to dodge, didn't make it.
A shark's smile came to Kyle's face as he watched Boba Fett knocked back to the deck, helpless as the energy balls struck him, one after the other. After all he had endured; this seemed only appropriate.
The sound of the weapon firing was suddenly overshadowed by a scream of pain. His chest armor shattering, Fett cried out as the blasts hit his unprotected body full force. It took only two more shots before he collapsed to the deck. But Kyle kept firing, moving the weapon to strike at Fett's head. Yes, the voice cried in lusty satisfaction. Yes! Well done, Katarn! Kill him! Kill him now!
NO!
As if a switched had been turned off somewhere inside him, Kyle froze. His finger moved just enough to release the trigger. No, Kyle! This is not the way! The enemy is defeated, that is enough! But to murder him in this way! You cannot!
Yes, he can! He must! He will!
No, he will not! I will not allow you to do this to him!
You cannot stop me!
I already have!
No!
Kyle felt his finger twitch, moving towards the trigger. It stopped, moved away.
This is useless! Neither of us is strong enough to overcome the other!
My master has given me the strength!
Your master is the father of lies! There is only one master to us both and it is He who shall decide this man's fate as He does for all!
Argh! Very well! You win this time. But next time, I shall not listen! Katarn is mine!
Perhaps, but the decision will be his, not yours!
As if another switch had been flipped, all the feelings of revenge and murder disappeared from him. Still unable to move, Kyle took in the beaten body of Boba Fett before him.
And rather than feel pride in what he had done, he felt regret. True he had killed and would do so again. But not like this.
It is done, Katarn, and perhaps rightly so. Boba Fett is dangerous. But, by murdering him, you would become him.
I don't understand, Kyle thought back.
You will someday, the voice said, kinder now. For now, finish the mission. We will speak again.
And with that, the voice went away, and with it, the paralysis. Able to move now, Kyle let go of the Dark Trooper weapon, letting it dangle to the side. He realized he was breathing hard. The fight against Boba Fett had taken so much out of him.
Just a bit longer, he told himself, taking a moment to retrieve his blaster from where it lay on the ground. Now, he thought, just gotta get back aboard the ship and…
"Too bad you won't going back to the ship, ever," said a voice from somewhere behind him.
Hefting the Dark Trooper weapon, Kyle spun on his heel and turned to find the last person he had expected standing in front of him.
"Blaze?"
She didn't answer, only looked at him, a smile on her face. But the smile had no warmth in it.
Kyle noticed right away something wasn't right. The green jumpsuit he had last seen her in was gone. In its place was a black one, the material so dark it seemed to absorb rather than reflect the light. And the way she was looking at him...
"Blaze, is it you?"
She nodded, began walking towards him, the low heels of her boots clicking against the permacrete.
As she drew closer, Kyle's concern for her overcame his common sense. He stepped towards her, lowering his weapon.
"What happened to you? When I found out you hadn't made it back to the New Hope, I thought maybe Jabba had recaptured you or worse. I've been worried"
He could see his words have an effect. Blaze's expression changed, the smile becoming a genuine one.
"You needn't have. I escaped from Jabba's ship just fine. But once you were clear, I set a new course. I had to report in."
"Report in?" he said, confused, "I don't understand. Report in to whom?"
Blaze reached a hand out towards him, slid it across his cheek. Then, in a sudden change of mood, the smile disappeared, and with a look of derision, she drew the hand back and slapped him.
The pain, while momentary, was sharp, rocking his head to one side. When he turned to look at her again, his eyes wide with surprise, she had stepped back, the cold smile back in place.
"Ow! What did you do that for?"
She laughed at him. "Poor, poor Kyle. You truly believed I was one of you. What a shame you made the wrong choice."
He was totally confused. "I don't understand."
"Then this should make things clearer." Grabbing a handful of dark hair, she pulled, tearing it free.
Kyle's mouth dropped open as the wig began to come loose. Another tug and Blaze cast it aside. She reached up again, releasing a clip. Red-gold hair cascaded down, across her shoulders. It shimmered in the light, a spot of riotous color in all the black.
"Who…" he began
"My name is Mara Jade."
"But…"
"You still don't get it, do you? I was never one of the Rebellion's agents, Kyle. I work for the Empire. Or to be more specific, I serve as a special agent of the Emperor himself. I am the Emperor's Hand."
He heard that name before. Back at the Academy, he and his classmates had swapped tales of the Emperor's Hand. No one knew what he or she looked like, but stories of the Hand's skills at infiltration and assassination were almost legendary.
"The Emperor's Hand," he mused, his confusion fading into anger, "Then all this time…"
Mara laughed at him again. "Yes, "she said in a mocking tone, "All this time, I've been spying on your little Rebellion. You and Jan have caused His Majesty a great deal of trouble. So, I was dispatched with orders to infiltrate your group, learn as much I could and then kill you both. And I was ready to finish the job when we left Nar Shaddaa. Unfortunately, that fool Hutt ruined everything."
"So it was you I saw from the pit."
She nodded. "After all I'd been through, I wasn't going to let anyone or anything else deprive me of the pleasure of personally eliminating you."
"I think I'm starting to get it," he said, "Then everything that happened on Jabba's ship…"
She gave a mock bow. "Yes indeed, all orchestrated by me. Although seeing you get wounded while trying to protect Jan was an added bonus. You were allowed to escape.
"And the interrogator? Was he supposed to kill Jan?"
"Of course he was. Once I determined she knew nothing of importance, there was no need to keep her alive. Besides, you're my target, not her. Why should I care if she dies?" She gave him a look of total disinterest.
Kyle clenched his hands tightly, the knuckles going white. "You cold-blooded…"
"Now, now," Mara said, shaking a finger at him reprovingly, "there no need for that. Besides, Kyle, I actually found you attractive at first. In fact, I was going to ask the Emperor to let you live, so that I could make you mine. But then, you chose Ors over me."
He didn't understand, then it came to him. "The dream I had in sickbay."
She nodded. "Yes, I entered your mind, gave you a chance. But you rejected me. Didn't I say you'd regret it?"
"So it's personal now?"
In answer, she held her hand out, palm facing him. Something slammed into his chest, knocking him back and onto the ground. The Dark Trooper weapon fell from his grasp, skidding out of reach. As he picked himself up, Kyle noticed Mara hadn't moved. She was still in the same position, but the smile was back, an evil smile.
"I rather enjoyed that," she said, "But I suppose I shouldn't waste any more time."
Back on his feet, Kyle went into a combat stance, waiting for her to make the first move.
"I just realized," she said, "I don't have a weapon. Mind if I borrow yours?"
Feeling a tug at his side, Kyle watched in fascination as his blaster rose from the holster, then flew across the distance between them, landing in Jade's outstretched hand.
Mara laughed. "As you can see, Kyle, the Emperor has also given me access to his power as well."
He felt another tug, and with a sudden motion, he was dragged forward until he stood just a few inches away from her. She raised the blaster, pointed it at his head.
"And now, it's time for you to die. Goodbye Kyle Katarn."
To her surprise, he didn't beg, didn't plead for his life or even close his eyes. He stood there, eyes boring into hers, his expression a mixture of anger and betrayal.
Goodbye, Jan, Kyle thought, I'm going to miss you.