Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 11: What Really Matters
A/N: Those darn cliffhangers! Just leaving guessing and wondering what will happen next. Well, wait no more because here in this chapter, the battle continues and Kyle is presented with both a "gift" of sorts and a challenge. Want to know what that means? Come and see!
It has been said that there are moments in one's life of singular clarity. Moments where all the noise, all the distractions disappear and in that singular moment, you see thing more clearly than ever before.
As she followed Kyle's pointing and saw it, Jan Ors had one of the singularly clear moments. And she knew she needed to do something, fast. Above the Crow hung a second Star Destroyer, having emerged from hyperspace only seconds before. Its shadow eclipsed the Crow and the two X-Wings, blotting out the stars. Only the lights inside the cockpits of the ships kept the darkness at bay.
"Rogue Two to Moldy Crow. The destroyer is launching fighters. Get out of here, we'll cover you."
Engines flaring, the X-Wings accelerated away from the Crow.
"Hang on!" Jan called, turning away from the destroyer and firing the engines. They began to move away. It took only a few more seconds for her to see that their new course was moving them away from the second Star Destroyer and right back towards the first.
"We're boxed in," Kyle said.
"Looks like it," Jan replied.
The Crow gave a shudder at the same time a blue light flashed outside the cockpit.
"What the…" Kyle began.
The second flash told Jan what was happening.
"Ion cannon fire! They're trying to disable us!"
She started to turn the Crow away, but it was too late. The third ion blast struck the Crow, energy traveling across the hull, overloading and shutting down system after system.
As her panel went dead and the roar of the engines died away, Jan smacked the control board. "Blast!"
"My sentiments exactly," Kyle said.
The ion blast had disabled all the Crow's electrical systems. Everything, engines, weapons, shields, even life support were off line. The ship was still moving, carried along by its' own momentum.
"I hate it when you're right, Katarn."
"I was right about something?"
"About us being in trouble, yes."
"No chance of us sending a distress signal?" he ventured.
"With what?" Jan replied scornfully.
"Right. Dumb question. I don't suppose the Rebellion has come up with a way to negate an ion blast?"
Jan actually turned in her seat to look at him.
"Okay, dumb question #2. I've got one more."
"A dumb one?"
"Maybe."
Jan found herself smiling despite the seriousness of the situation. Kyle had a way of doing that to her.
"Go ahead."
"How much life support do you figure we have left?"
Jan had been mulling the same question over in her mind.
"Given how long we've been out here, an hour, maybe less."
"Ah," he said disappointedly.
"You asked."
"Guess I didn't, didn't I? You know, sometimes it's better not to know things."
The ship jolted, shaking them both violently.
"What was that?"
The answer came as the distinctive ball cockpit appeared outside the windows. The TIE fighter flashed past them, describing a slow turn that brought it back towards the Crow.
"Well," Kyle said, "guess this is it."
"Guess so," Jan replied, "Kyle, I need to tell you something."
"Go ahead, you've got about six seconds."
"I…" she began, just as crimson fire rained down from above. The TIE fighter bearing down on them was consumed in a fiery explosion.
Any question as to what had happened was answered as two of the X-Wings flashed past.
They were so dumbstruck neither of them said anything for a long moment.
"Did…" Jan stuttered, "Did that just happen?"
"I think it," Kyle replied, "yes, it just did."
So in awe of their lives being spared at that critical moment, neither of them saw the chunk of solar panel spinning wildly through space.
A horrible crunching echoed through the cockpit as the object hit, slicing into the metal. A whistling sound was accompanied by a whirlwind as air began to rush out.
"We're breached!" Kyle cried.
The ship shook, shuddered, and seemed ready to fly apart. He felt his body pulled taught against the straps as the rush of air tried to pull him along with it. It was getting harder and harder to draw breath into his lungs. Vision graying, Kyle focused his mind on Jan. If he was going to die, the last thing he wanted to be thinking about was her.
There was a final crunch, followed by a silence so permeating it took Kyle nearly a minute to realize the whirlwind inside the cockpit had stopped. He opened his eyes and would have pushed himself through the back of the seat had he been able. What remained of the TIE solar panel had completely sliced into the cockpit, penetrating into the floor just in front of Kyle's feet. Looking towards the top of the canopy, he saw the transparisteel had somehow melted around the wreckage, creating a makeshift seal. "You were right, Jan," he said, shaking his head in disbelief, "you never know with this ship."
She didn't answer.
"Hey, Jan. You okay up there?"
Leaning forward, Kyle focused on the forward cockpit. He could see Jan, so why wasn't she answering?
"Jan?"
He looked closer, eyes widening with horror. Jan was slumped in her seat, only the straps having kept her from falling out of it. Her head was down, hair obscuring her face. But the mass of brown couldn't hide the gash across the top of her head. Blood was beginning to drip into her hair.
"Jan!"
She must be unconscious, Kyle thought hopefully. But Jan wasn't moving at all, he couldn't event tell if she was breathing.
And I can't do a blasted thing to help her, he mused disgustedly. Glancing out at the Star Destroyer ahead of them, Kyle felt his anger rising. Lips pulled back from teeth locked together in a snarl. Lousy Imps! If it weren't for them, none of this would have happened. They wouldn't have had to come out here, they wouldn't have been attacked and Jan would be okay.
He gripped the useless control stick in his hand, fingers tightening around the grip until the knuckles went white. His anger rose and rose, until he felt consumed with it. How he wished the ship were operational! He'd make every one of those shavat Imps pay for hurting Jan!
Good, a voice said in his mind, good, Katarn.
"You," Kyle said, recognizing the voice immediately. As if he didn't have enough to deal with, now the voice was back. His shoulders began to rise and fall with each breath. He was getting angrier and angrier.
Yes, the voice said, its tone conveying pleasure at his reaction. Yes, Katarn.
"Get out of my mind," Kyle snarled.
The voice said nothing, but it didn't leave.
Anger coalesced, becoming rage. His skin was becoming hot.
Now, Katarn, the voice said with sudden urgency, now!
Afterward, Kyle would struggle to put into words what had happened. Something seemed to give way in his mind, a door opening; a barrier broken. And beyond it…
I can see everything, he thought. The New Hope, the Y-Wings of Gold Squadron, Rogue Squadron's X-Wings, the Star Destroyers, the TIE fighter. He could see them all at once. In the next moment, Kyle realized not only could he see the ships; but also he knew what they were going to do. He watched as one of the X-Wings dropped in behind a TIE.
"He's going to break left," Kyle said softly.
The TIE did indeed break left, making the X-Wing overshoot. It started to loop in behind the Rebel ship.
"Bad idea."
Seeing the TIE moving in behind him, the X-Wing pilot killed his engines, firing his repulsors to bring the fighter to a standstill. The TIE flashed past, it's pilot confused by the maneuver.
"Bye bye."
Engines flaring brightly, the X-Wing launched itself forward, lasers firing. Two solid hits turned the TIE into a ball of plasma.
Wait, could I… He gazed at the dead controls. Lifting his hand from the control stick, Kyle waved it over the control panels. He smiled as, one by one, systems reactivated, displays coming online. The engines ignited with only the slightest cough. Now, he thought, gazing at the closest Star Destroyer, it's time for some payback.
Luke Skywalker smiled with satisfaction as the New Hope accelerated and disappeared into hyperspace. The second Star Destroyer was nearly in position to attack the Rebel cruiser. Now, if he and the rest of Rogue Squadron could just get clear long enough to make their own jumps. But then, he remembered Wedge's report about the Moldy Crow. The ship had taken a direct hit from an ion cannon and was disabled. How were they going to get the crew out?
"Rogue Two?" he called into his mike.
"Go ahead, Lead."
"Wedge, any change in the Moldy Crow's status?"
"Negative, Luke. They're still disabled. Worse, it looks like some TIE wreckage has struck the cockpit."
"The crew?"
"No idea, Luke."
"Great. Any ideas on how we get the ship out of here?"
"We could always push it, boss," Wedge said with grim humor.
"And risk what happened the last time we tried that? I don't think so. Listen, maybe we…"
"What the…" he heard Wedge say, "how did…. WHOA!"
"Wedge! What's happening? Rogue Two, come in!"
When his friend didn't answer right away, Luke called again.
"I.. I… I'm here, Luke."
"What happened?"
"You don't see it?"
"See what? Wedge, I don't…"
Then, Luke did see it, and the sight made his eyes go wide.
The Moldy Crow roared past him, moving as fast as any X-Wing. But it wasn't so much that the disabled ship had become active again as how it looked.
The engines were glowing scarlet red, the exhaust plume so bright it almost hurt to look at it. The hull seemed to have been blackened, with a corona of red surrounding it, outlining the ship.
"Rogue Two to Rogue Leader. Did you see it, Luke?"
It took a moment for Luke to reply, his throat had gone dry.
"I saw it, Wedge. But, I'm not sure I believe it."
"Me neither, boss. And look where it's heading."
It took a moment, but then Luke saw with horror what Wedge meant. The Crow was heading right at the second Star Destroyer.
"What's he doing?"
"I dunno, Luke. But if he stays on that course, he's gonna get blasted."
"We've got to stop him. Wedge, you and Rogue Three rendezvous on my signal. We're going after him."
"On our way."
Ramming the throttle to full, Luke felt the X-Wing respond as the engines thrust it forward. Switching frequencies, Luke called into his mike. "Rogue Leader to Moldy Crow. Rogue Leader to Moldy Crow, do you read me?"
There was no response. Luke tried again.
Kyle's breath was coming a bit faster now. The feelings he felt! Power! Control! Confidence! A small part of him said that he should be worried as he hurtled towards the Star Destroyer, but he pushed it aside. What was there to fear? He could see as he never had before, and his mind told him exactly what the Star Destroyer was going to do.
"Here it comes," he said to himself.
Sensors having detected the Crow's approach, the Star Destroyer's gunners began firing on the much smaller ship. But as each bolt of energy was fired, Kyle knew exactly where it was going to go. His hands brushed the control stick, dodging left as an emerald streak lanced past, less than a meter away. Two more shot over the cockpit, casting a green glow inside. Fools, he thought, you can't hurt me, you can't even touch me.
Oh yes, Katarn, the voice cooed, yes. Use your anger. Let it give you strength to punish those who would dare against you.
He smiled, the voice was right. How could it not be? He had never felt such power before. Such strength. He need never be afraid again. Who could hurt him now?
Luke watched, dumbfounded, as the Crow dodged shot after shot from the Star Destroyer. Whoever was flying it was either crazy or the best pilot he had ever seen.
He's playing a dangerous game, Luke thought, as the Crow barrel-rolled through another swarm of turbo laser blasts. One direct hit and he'll be vaporized. He tried calling the ship.
"Moldy Crow, this is Rogue Leader. If you can hear me, please respond."
Absorbed in guiding the Crow through the swarm of turbo laser fire, it took Kyle a moment to notice the tinny sound coming from the speaker. It took another moment for him to identify the voice as the same one he had heard earlier.
I suppose I should answer, Kyle thought, letting out a breath. Why was Skywalker bothering him at this moment? He had work to do. Oh well…
He opened the channel; saying in a bored tone of voice, "Go ahead, Rogue Leader."
"Moldy Crow?"
"Yes," Kyle said, rolling his eyes, "this is the Moldy Crow, Kyle Katarn piloting. Is there something you want?"
He had contact, but what was going on with the pilot. He sounded… bored?
"Moldy Crow, are you all right?"
"The name is Katarn. Kyle Katarn, all right?" The pilot sounded annoyed now. "And yes, I'm fine. Now, is there something you need? Because as you can see, I'm rather busy at the moment."
"I can see that," Luke replied, "you do realize you're heading right for an Imperial Star Destroyer?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"And what?"
"What do you mean, 'and what', Katarn?" Luke was starting to get annoyed himself. "You need to reverse course right now or you're gonna get blasted."
Looping through another nest of turbo laser blasts; Kyle began to laugh. Skywalker was concerned, and he could appreciate that. But the idea that the Imperials would be able to manage a clear shot at him was too absurd to be believed.
Luke gave the speaker a double take as he heard laughter come from it. The pilot was laughing, actually laughing, even as he maneuvered through more turbo laser fire. My first guess was right, Luke thought, this guy is nuts.
"Oh my," came the pilot's voice, "thank you, Rogue Leader. It's been a while since I've laughed."
"Katarn…" Luke began, "are you…"
Kyle decided to have pity on the X-Wing pilot. He was trying, after all.
"Rogue Leader, I understand you're concerned. But don't worry, the Imps can't touch me."
There was a long pause, then, "Oh-kay. But what are you planning to do?"
"I should think it would be fairly clear, Rogue Leader. I intend to destroy the Imperial vessel."
"WHAT! You're crazy! You can't just…"
All right, Kyle thought, that was enough. "I have to go now, Rogue Leader. But since you and your wingmen are right behind me, you're welcome to follow me in."
With that, he closed the channel, returning his gaze to the objective. After all, his primary focus was the Star Destroyer.
Luke listened in total disbelief as Katarn advised of his intentions and extended the invitation for the X-Wings to follow him.
This is crazy, he thought.
"Rogue Two to Rogue Leader."
"I'm here, Wedge. You heard?"
"We all did, and we're all having about the same reaction. This guy is insane, boss."
"No doubt."
"So, what are we going to do?"
"We've come this far," Luke said, "and we've been invited. Let's follow him in."
They're staying with me, Kyle thought, nodding. All right then, let's go.
Dodging more turbo laser fire, he angled the Crow's nose back towards the target. It was close now.
As he drew closer, the fire around him began to slacken. I'm too close, he realized, they don't want to risk hitting their own ship.
He could see the objective clearly now. The yawing hole of the Star Destroyer's docking bay was drawing closer by the moment. All that stood between him and the objective was the bay's deflector shield.
Moving his hands across the weapons controls, Kyle felt the small jolts as the Crow's laser cannon opened fire, streaks of red all headed for the same spot.
The hangar bay officer of the Star Destroyer stared at his screen intently. The enemy ship was still coming, having somehow threaded its way through the firestorm of the Retribution's turbo lasers. And now, the ship was headed right for the hangar bay.
He checked the shield display, still 100 percent. Well, he thought, the Rebel may have gotten lucky, but he wasn't getting through the docking bay shield. And in five more minutes, Interceptor Squadron Three will launch. They'd take care of the approaching ship.
The deck under his feet gave a sudden shake. What was that? A glance at his screen showed that the approaching ship was firing at the destroyer. A smile came to the Imperial's face as he shook his head. Now the Rebel was growing desperate, there was no way he'd able to…
A red light flashed on his panel just as the deck gave another great heave, nearly spilling the Imperial to the deck. The sound of an explosion echoed through the cavernous space. What just happened?
Regaining his feet, the Imperial moved back to his control panel, a shiver running through his spine as he read the display. Somehow, the approaching ship had destroyed one of the main power conduits. The docking bay shield was beginning to fail. Training took over and he mashed the alert button. Crimson lights began to flash inside the docking bay and a computerized voice called, "Attention all personnel. Evacuate main hangar. Repeat, all personnel; evacuate hangar bay. Decompression danger."
Over the screaming alarms and computer voice, the Imperial realized he could hear something else. It was low, but increasing in volume. Could one of the ships in the bay beginning a startup sequence?
The sound intensified, becoming a deafening roar. The answer to what it was became clear as a ship penetrated the remnants of the deflector shield and rocketed into the hangar bay. It's nose came around, pointing to where he stood. The last thing the Imperial saw was a red glow from the ship's laser cannon.
Kyle almost laughed out loud again. It had worked so perfectly. His shots had destroyed the power conduit, destabilizing the hangar bay shield and enabling him to easily penetrate it. Now, he was inside the hangar bay, the Crow bobbing slightly as he turned the nose towards hangar control. A burst from the laser cannons and the structure erupted in flame, the oxygen inside the bay feeding the fire. He turned the ship in a complete circle, lasers firing. Everything began to explode and erupt into flame, walls, floors, ships, and men.
Kyle's smile grew even wider as he watched a group of stormtroopers trying to run for cover. He blasted them.
"Time to go," he said, sensing that the deflector shield was about to collapse.
Turning the Crow's nose to face the hangar bay opening, Kyle waited until the shield completely failed. A whirlwind immediately ensued inside the hangar bay as the vacuum of space rushed inside. The fires he had started were extinguished, but Kyle paid it no mind. He had done what he had come here to do. Allowing the swirling wind to pull the Crow forward, he angled the nose and then, at the precise moment, fired the engines.
Luke, along with Rogue Two and Three, were holding position outside the Star Destroyer, having watched with amazement as the Moldy Crow had penetrated the interior of the ship. Flashes became visible from inside the bay. He's opened fire, Luke thought.
The shield, which was already failing, winked out completely and from their position, the Rebel pilots could see the chaos ensuing inside the hangar bay.
"Boss, " Wedge called, "do you think he…?"
The question went unfinished as the Moldy Crow reappeared, rocketing out of the hangar bay.
Luke's comm crackled. "Rogue Leader, the hangar bay shield is down. Fire your proton torpedoes at it. Now."
"Wait a minute," Luke stammered, "how do you…"
"Fine," came Katarn's voice, exasperation in his tone, "I'll do it myself."
What does he mean? Luke thought.
The answer came as his torpedo system activated by itself; targeting the Star Destroyer.
"Luke!" Rogue Two called, "something's happening! My torpedoes just came online by themselves!"
"Mine too!" said Rogue Three.
Luke started to reach for the controls, but with a shudder, two lances of blue shot from the X-Wing.
The pilots watched as the torpedoes flew into the hangar bay.
"Rogues!" Luke yelled, "Pull out!"
Moving as one, the three X-Wings turned away from the Star Destroyer. Engines glowing red-white, they rocketed away, gaining as much distance as they could.
Behind them, a gout of flame blasted out of the Star Destroyer's hangar bay. Secondary explosions began to go off all over the hull until with a great flash, the Imperial vessel exploded.
"Get those shields up, boys!" Luke called, "debris will be incoming any second now!"
Even as the light from the explosion began to fade, pieces of the Star Destroyer hurtled through space.
The Moldy Crow! Luke thought, reaching for his comm.
Kyle let out a sigh of satisfaction as the Crow boosted away from the wreckage of the Star Destroyer. It had worked, every bit of it. He had known it would, but it did nothing to dampen the sense of victory he felt. His gaze fell on the unconscious Jan. Her hair was matted with blood and her body flopped bonelessly as he guided the Crow through space.
I've got to get her some help, he thought.
Why?
The voice again.
"She's hurt," Kyle answered, "I've got to get her medical treatment."
Why?
"I just told you."
How do you know she isn't dead?
Dead? Jan?
"No, no," he said, "She isn't dead. She can't be."
Look at her, the voice said; you saw what happened to her. How could she have survived?
Kyle said nothing, thinking over what had happened to the ship and to Jan. She hadn't responded when he had called her. Could it be…?
"No," he said weakly, "she can't be dead. She can't be. I can't let her."
Listen to me, Katarn. Ors is dead. But you can go on without her.
"No, I…"
Look at what you have just done, single-handedly eliminated one of the Empire's Star Destroyers. And was it difficult?
"No," Kyle admitted.
Exactly! And such is the power you have! Nothing can stop you, Katarn! Nothing!
Kyle considered that for a moment. The voice was speaking the truth; he could feel it. Power coursed through his veins; power enough to destroy anything and anyone in his way. But without Jan…"
"It's not enough."
Not enough? What do you mean not enough?
"What good is all the power in the world if I'm alone again?"
Alone? Alone? With the power you have, you could have a thousand women!
Kyle hesitated. He knew the voice wasn't lying, but…
"I could use my power that way?"
Of course you can, Katarn. And you can have as many as you choose. Women are always drawn to men of power.
He considered that for a long moment. He could do it. But, as he looked at Jan, remembered the first time they had met. He thought of all their times together, good and bad. He wanted to have that again. But, with all his power, how would he ever have a true friend again? Jan was his friend, and maybe more. Perhaps he could use his power to bring her back to life.
She'll never love you.
"What?"
You heard me, Katarn. Ors will never love you. Bringing her back would be a waste of both your time and power.
"And how are you so sure of this?" Kyle said angrily.
I have watched her, the voice said, even before you met. This one could never love, even though she's tried. She trusts no one, not even you, no matter what she says. And should the Rebellion ever defeat the Empire, she'll disappear from your life, looking for the next fight.
"No! You're wrong! Jan cares about me!"
In some small way, yes. But she'll never give you what you want, Katarn. She can't. Don't waste any more time on her, she isn't worth it.
"Shut up! Shut up! Stop talking about her! You don't know a thing about her!"
Yes, I do, Katarn. And the reason you're angry now is you know I am telling the truth. Jan Ors is dead, and probably the better for it. Now, let us go. There are many more battles to fight and…
"No."
What?
"I said no. You're wrong about Jan and you're wrong about me."
Am I? Really?
"Yes, you are. You're right about all this power I have. But what will it get me beyond the ability to destroy?"
I told you that you can have…
"A thousand women, I heard you. But, what does it mean if they come to me only because I use my power to make them?"
Katarn, do not do this. You have the power now; do not walk away.
"Let me tell you something I remember reading in history class. 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' If that's all this power will give me, then I don't want it."
Be careful, Katarn. Abandon this course now and the consequences will be dire.
"Spare me the theatrics. The worst thing that can happen is that I get killed. If you're right and Jan is really dead, then at least I'd get to see her again."
You are being foolish and stupid, Katarn. I give you one last chance to change your mind.
"I've made my choice," Kyle said forcefully.
Fool, the voice said
He sensed it departing and with it, all the power he had, everything he felt, seemed to go with it. Kyle felt his eyes start to drift closed. He felt so tired all of a sudden. His arms felt like two lead weights and he could not hold them up any longer. As they fell to his side, Kyle realized he could hear a new voice. But this one wasn't in his mind. Forcing himself to concentrate, he realized it was the voice of Luke Skywalker.
Kyle knew he should respond, but he was so tired. Just breathing required effort. Still, he had to let Skywalker know he could hear him. He tried to reach for the controls, but his vision began to tunnel. With a tired sigh, Kyle slumped forward, unconscious, only the seat straps keeping him from hitting the control panel.
He never saw the alarm.
"Rogue Leader to Moldy Crow. Repeat, Rogue Leader to Moldy Crow. Come in."
He paused a moment, still no answer.
"Rogue Two to Rogue Leader!"
"What is it, Wedge?"
"Luke! The Moldy Crow! Something's happening to it!"
Focusing on the ship out ahead of them, Luke confirmed that something was indeed. The fiery red from the engines was dying away. The blackened hull was lightening in parts, revealing the patchwork design of the ship. The red corona around the hull was completely gone.
"Power failure?" Rogue Three asked.
"Maybe," Luke replied, "but it looks more like… like something is leaving the ship, sloughing off."
"Luke," Wedge cut in, "my readings indicate the Crow's engines are dead. Her reactor's off line too. And that means…"
"No life support," Luke finished for him. The young man knew he needed a plan, and fast.
"Rogue Leader to all ships. Report in."
One by one, the other nine ships of Rogue Squadron reported in. Luke learned that after the second Star Destroyer had exploded, the first had jumped to hyperspace moments later, leaving the remains of its TIEs for the Rogues to finish off. Damage had been limited to Rogue Ten losing an engine and Rogue Seven having trouble with getting his S-foils to close.
Luke sent four of the squadron after the New Hope, then ordered the remaining ships to stand guard over the Crow. Luke hoped the Rebel command ship could return in time. It's tractor beams were the only hope of recovering the Moldy Crow and its crew. Luke hoped they were alive, because he had a nova's worth of questions for Kyle Katarn.