Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 14: Friends or Enemies?
A/N: With Jan's three friends having entered the picture, events in the story are about to take another turn. Come along with me and see what happens.
"Jan?" he called softly.
She didn't move.
"Jan?" he called, a bit louder this time.
She stirred slightly, but with a sigh, went on sleeping.
Reaching over to the bed, he gave it a small shake.
Jan's eyes snapped open and she exhaled in a kind of snort. Her eyes cast about, taking in the scene around her. She spotted him sitting by the foot of the bed.
"Kyle?" she croaked, throat dry.
"Time to wake up, Miss Ors."
Pushing herself up, blinking sleep from her eyes, Jan reached for the bedside control, raising the head of it so she could see him better. She started to reach for the ever-present glass of water at the table.
"Here," Kyle said, holding it out to her.
Gratefully accepting the glass, Jan took a sip, one eye on Kyle as she did so. He was smiling at her and while it didn't bother her in the least, she wondered at the reason for his smile.
She started to set the glass back down only to have Kyle intercept it.
"Good morning," she said.
"More like good afternoon," he said.
"What?"
"He checked his chronometer. "At the tone, the time will be…" he paused, "1215 hours." He paused again, then added, "Beep."
"No, " Jan protested, "I couldn't have slept that long. I…"
Kyle put up a hand to stop her. "Doc told me you were up almost half the night that reviewing that." He nodded towards the holo-projector. "I'd guess you have some questions."
Jan nodded, about to ask one of the many questions when he interrupted her again. "But before we begin that, I thought you might like to accompany me to the mess hall."
"But my discharge…"
"Oh that," Kyle said dismissively, "already taken care of. So, what do you say, Miss Ors?" He held out a hand to her.
Jan stared at him for a long moment. Few men could surprise her as Kyle did. She smiled at him, taking his hand in hers. "I'd say give me ten minutes to shower and change and you have a date, Mr. Katarn."
Twenty Minutes Later
The doors to the mess hall parted before them. They automatically let go of each other hands. As Jan had told him, their relationship was their business and no one else's. But in order to avoid unwanted questions or rumors, they decided to keep their interactions for non-public venues only.
"Thank you for this, Kyle." Jan said, taking a sniff of the aromas wafting from the kitchen. "Doctor Berth tries, but sickbay food is a poor substitute for the real thing."
"No problem," he said, "I'm just glad to have you up and around. Dealing with what happened during the battle has been hard enough without you to talk to."
"Well," Jan said, flattered, "I do believe that was a compliment, Mr. Katarn."
"As it was intended to be, Miss Ors," he said.
They smiled at each other, then turned their attention to the selections of food. They sat across from each other on one end of the room's long tables, the buzz of conversation and clinking dishware all about them.
"So," Kyle said, after swallowing a bite of salad, "where do you want to begin?"
"Well, first off, how much do you remember after the TIE wreckage hit us?"
"Not much, I…"
"Jan! Hey, Jan!"
Jan looked up at the sound and Kyle turned to look over his shoulder. Coming across the room, waving at them was Alessa. Galder and Wexter were in line getting food, but waved as well. Kyle and Jan acknowledged with waves of their own.
"I guess we'll have to talk about this later, Kyle."
"Yeah," he said, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
Alessa reached the table just as Jan stood up to greet her. The raven-haired woman threw her arms about Jan.
"We just went by sickbay to see you, but you weren't there. Doctor Berth told us you had been discharged. Are you all right?"
"Just fine," Jan said, stepping back as Alessa released her from the hug. "How'd you find us?"
"Oh," Alessa said, pausing a moment before answering. "That nice doctor told us you might be heading her. So we took a chance and here we are."
"Hope it's okay if we join you," Wexter said, stepping up behind the women with a tray full of food.
"Of course it is," Jan said, "I was going to come see you later, but now's a good a time as any."
Kyle didn't say anything, although he thought it was a bit presumptuous of Jan to assume she could speak for the both of them. Still, it was her friends. Friends she had thought dead. If he were in her place and someone he had known from Sulon had survived, he'd probably act the same way. However, he couldn't help but feel a bit rankled when Galder and Wexter took seats on either side of Jan, leaving Alessa to sit by him. He was also trying to remember if he had said anything to Berth about his lunch plans with Jan. As best as he could recall, they hadn't discussed it.
Jan and the two men began to talk to each other, sharing stories of their history together in Alderaan. Thinking Alessa would join in, it caught Kyle by surprise when she spoke to him.
"So Kyle, you knew where we're from. How about you?"
"Me?" he said, turning to look at her.
"Is there anyone else with the name Kyle sitting here?" she teased.
He chuckled, "No, I suppose not."
"So tell me where you from," she prompted, gazing at him with interest.
"Sure," he said, "my home world is called Sulon. It's an outer rim world, pretty much out of the way of most of the major space lanes."
"What it's like?"
"When I was little, I thought it was the greatest planet in the galaxy. Sulon was an agrarian world, primarily used for farming. My father had a big place, miles and miles of low hills and flat plains. In the growing season, the fields would change color with the crops we had planted. There was a time when I thought that I'd be just like my father, a farmer. But that was before."
"Before the Empire?" she ventured.
"Exactly," Kyle replied, nodding. "Of all the planets in the galaxy, you'd wonder why the Empire would even waste the time on Sulon. We had no major weapons or fighting craft. Heck, the only weapons we had were hand blasters we used to scare off predators."
"So what happened to Sulon?"
"Well, you have to realize that while most of this was going on, I was at the Imperial Academy on Carida. I didn't learn about most of what happened to Sulon until fairly recently."
"I remember Jan told us you used to be a stormtrooper."
"Yep," Kyle said, half smiling at the memory, "I sure was. One of the Emperor's good little soldiers."
Suddenly, from the other side of the table, Galder spoke up. "So what happened?"
Caught off guard, Kyle hesitated a moment, then said, "Excuse me?"
"We didn't really get into the details of why you left the Empire for the Rebellion when we talking yesterday. I was curious as to what happened."
Kyle looked down at his tray for a moment. "It's…. it's not a pleasant memory, Galder. I just as soon not discuss it."
"Then don't," Alessa said kindly, "let's talk more about Sulon. Tell me…"
"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, Kyle," Galder said, "but from what I know of the Empire, they don't just let anyone walk away for no reason."
"You know that I defected," Kyle said, still looking down. Drop it, Galder, he thought, I don't want to talk about this. He was beginning to get angry.
"C'mon, Galder," Wexter said, "Leave the kid alone."
"That's right," Alessa joined in, "besides, we were talking and you're interrupting."
Kyle noticed that Jan wasn't say anything. Why not? Why doesn't she tell him to back off? The anger was getting worse. If Galder didn't back off soon…
But the man continued as if Wexter and Alessa hadn't spoken. "Yes, I do know you defected. But as I said before, I'm curious as to why. The Empire doesn't…"
A fist struck the table, rattling the dishes and glassware. Kyle looked up at Galder, his eyes smoldering with anger.
"You wanna know what happened? Fine, I'll tell you. While I was at the Imperial Academy, the Empire invaded my home world. When the people resisted, the Empire sent in stormtroopers disguised as Rebels and systematically slaughtered all resistance. My father was captured, interrogated, then killed. But that wasn't enough. Oh no, the Empire had to make an "example" out of Sulon. So they cut off the heads of the resistance leaders and stuck them on spikes outside the spaceport. One of the heads put there was my father's. That's why I defected and came to the Rebellion. Is that clear enough for you?"
As the last of his words died away, Kyle realized he was breathing heavily. Around him, the entire mess had gone silent, faces all over the room staring at him. Galder was staring at him wide-eyed, clearing stunned by Kyle's words. Wexter was looking down at his plate, slowly shaking his head. He looked to Jan who was staring at him with an expression of profound sorrow. To his right, Alessa had the same look.
His emotions beginning to overcome him, Kyle stood up fast. "If you'll all please excuse me." Without another word, he strode to the mess hall doors, nearly every eye in the place watching him until the closing doors cut him off from view. Gradually, conversations resumed in the room, replacing the oppressive silence.
"Satisfied?" Jan said angrily, her expression a match for the tone in her voice.
Still stunned, Galder tried to speak. "I… I… I had no idea. He…"
"I told you to back off the kid," Wexter said.
"But I didn't mean…."
"But nothing, Galder," Alessa said, equally angry, "Kyle told you he didn't want to discuss the matter. But you had to keep pushing and now look what's happened. Not to mention the scene you caused."
"But I didn't mean to," Galder protested, "honestly, had I any inkling of his past, I never would have…"
"Which is why you should have listened when Kyle asked not to discuss it," Alessa cut in, " but you went ahead anyway. You're so blasted bullheaded at times."
Galder started to stand. "Let me go after him. I'll apologize."
"I wouldn't do that," Jan said.
"What?" Wexter and Alessa said together.
"But Jan, I've obviously offended the man. I should…"
"You've already done enough, Galder," Jan said, "don't make things worse by going after him."
"But Jan," Alessa protested, "he should at least apologize."
"I agree, but not now. Right now, Kyle is too upset to listen. And if you went near him right now, Galder, I'd be surprised if he didn't deck you."
He looked at her with an expression that said he wouldn't let Kyle do that.
"Fine," Jan said, shrugging, "don't believe me. But unless you're willing to find out, I'd suggest you stay here for the moment."
His mood changing in an instant, Galder smiled at her, moving to drape an arm across her shoulders. "Well," he said, "if you insist, I suppose that wouldn't be too unpleasant."
Jan's face clouded. "You never give up, do you? Well, forget it." Raising her right arm, she jabbed backward with the elbow.
Both Wexter and Alessa fought not to laugh at the look of surprise on Galder's face as he yelped in pain.
"I'll see you three later," Jan said, pushing back from the table and standing up.
"I'm sorry," Alessa offered.
"Not your fault," Jan said, turning her gaze on Galder. "Don't follow me."
Turning on her heel, she walked to the mess hall doors, disappearing as they closed behind her.
"Maybe we should leave now, Galder," Wexter said, "at this rate, you're going to get us kicked off the ship before morning."
"Back off, Wexter," Galder said, his embarrassment turning to anger.
"He's right, Galder," Alessa said, "you're acting like we're still on Alderaan and things are still like they were. But they aren't."
"I know that, Alessa."
"Then start acting like it before you ruin whatever chance you think you have."
Some of the bluster and anger left Galder and he slumped in his seat.
"There's a time and place for everything, Galder," Wexter offered, "You just have to be patient and wait."
Galder seemed to mull that over for a moment. His eyes suddenly brightened and he pushed back from the table.
"What are you doing?" Alessa asked as Galder stood.
"You're right, Alessa. Both you and Wexter. And I'm going to start by setting things right with Jan and then with Kyle."
He turned from the table, moving towards the doors.
Watching him go, Wexter looked to Alessa. "Should we go after him?"
Shaking her head, Alessa turned back to her food. "I'm tired of chasing after him. He's on his own this time."
The Hangar BayExpecting to find Kyle working on the Moldy Crow, Jan was surprised to see no activity around the ship as she approached, although the cockpit was open.
She moved towards the cockpit. "Kyle?" she called.
From inside, she heard him call back, "Over here."
Stepping up the side of the ship, Jan leaned over the edge of the cockpit. Kyle was seated in the front couch, hands behind his head, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
"Hi," she offered.
"Hi," he said, head turning to face her.
"I have to say I'm surprised, Kyle. I thought I'd find you working."
"I was going to when I got here," he said, "but it just didn't…. I dunno, Jan. For some reason, I climbed in here and started taking inventory of the ceiling."
"Inventory?" she said, chuckling.
"Yeah," he replied, pointing towards the ceiling. "See the conduit right there?"
Jan tried to see where he was pointing, but couldn't identify the area.
"Right there," Kyle prompted, "the small one between the two larger ones."
Jan looked again, not seeing… There it was! "Okay, I see it."
"Well, that conduit travels from that wall over there," he said, pointing to the far corner, "to almost midways across the ceiling, then turns ninety degrees, passing right here over the ship and into the wall again."
"Well," Jan said, "that's something else, I… Look, Kyle, I'm sorry about Galder."
"It's okay," he said, too quickly.
"No, it's not."
"Jan, really, I'm not…"
"Look at me, Katarn."
Uh oh, he thought. For a moment, he thought about refusing. But that wouldn't work with her. Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at her, almost recoiling. Jan had pulled herself the rest of the way up and was sitting on the lip of the cockpit, using her hands to steady herself. She had leaned in closer, her face inches away.
The sound of the hangar bay doors opening was lost to both of them as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"It's… not… okay," she said softly, but clearly emphasizing each word. Kyle couldn't deny the force behind them. He nodded.
"Good," she said, pulling back a bit; but still staring right at him. "For what it's worth, he does intend to apologize. And three of us let him have it after you left.
Kyle chuckled, wondering what exactly had happened after he had left the mess hall. He could only imagine. "Thanks," he said.
"Not necessary," she said, "beside, Galder's more harmless than he looks. Back on Alderaan, he put his foot in his mouth more times than I can count. Just give him a chance. He's not really a bad guy."
"I suppose," Kyle said.
"What do you mean by that?"
He shrugged at her, saying, "I'm not sure. I just don't like the guy."
"What?" Jan asked, taken aback by Kyle's response, "Why?"
He shrugged again. "The way he 'greeted' me in sickbay."
"What are you talking about, Katarn?"
She was using his last name. Never a good sign. "Well, when we shook hands, it was like he was trying to crush mine."
Jan gave a dismissive wave. "He didn't mean anything by it. Galder's sometimes just a little self-conscious and he does that to try and assert his dominance or something like that. He wasn't trying to hurt you."
"Well, it didn't feel like that."
"And let me guess," Jan said sarcastically, "you probably squeezed back."
"You're blasted right I did. Whatever game he was playing, I didn't like it."
"What is it with you guys?" Jan exclaimed. "Get more than two of you in a room, and you have to stake out your territory."
"Excuse me?" Kyle said, his own voice rising, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that because Galder gave your hand a little squeeze, suddenly he's a bad guy."
"It wasn't just that," Kyle protested, "you saw how he kept digging at my past in the mess hall."
"And he's sorry for doing that, Kyle." Jan admitted, " But it's not like he meant to upset you. You just have to give him a chance."
"He's your friend, Jan. Not mine."
"That's right, Kyle. Galder is my friend. And so are Alessa and Wexter. And I expect you to treat them with courtesy and respect."
"Hey, I don't have a problem with Alessa or Wexter. As for Galder, he'd better stay out of my way."
"Or what?"
His glare provided the answer.
"Can you hear yourself, Kyle? You known my friends for less than a day, and you've already decided Galder is a bad guy. And why? Because he's made one simple mistake."
"And I'm won't give him the chance to make any more."
Jan rolled her eyes, shaking her head at him, completely exasperated. "I'm not going to sit here and listen to any more of this."
"Fine," Kyle said, returning his gaze to the ceiling.
"Fine. I don't why you're acting like this, Kyle. But you'd better stay away from Galder. You understand me?"
"No problem," he shot back.
Eyes flaming, face set in a mask of anger, Jan walked to the hangar bay entrance. Part of her mind registered the sound of the doors opening and closing. But she was too upset to think anything more of it. I can't believe I even wasted time coming down here. What is wrong with Kyle anyway? He's being so pigheaded, he can't see how ridiculous he's being. Galder can be a jerk, but he would never knowingly hurt anyone. I know him better than that.
Hiding in the shadows a short distance away, Galder listened intently to the conversation. Clearly, Katarn was going to be a problem. For whatever ridiculous reason, Jan seemed to have feelings for him. Galder shook his head; surprised that Jan would choose someone like Katarn. Such a thing never would have happened back on Alderaan. When she mentioned about her and the other "letting him have it", he wondered if perhaps this was a waste of time. If Jan had chosen Katarn, then there was very little Galder could do to change her mind. He was thinking about leaving when he heard Jan say to Katarn, "Just give him a chance. He's not really a bad guy."
He didn't hear the answer, but Jan's tone had changed. He listened more, able to tell that Jan was getting annoyed. No, he decided, more than annoyed, she was getting angry. And angry with Katarn.
Galder smiled in the darkness as he listened to the two of them argue back and forth, their voices getting louder and louder. When Jan said, "I'm not going to sit here and listen to any more of this," he was practically beaming. He had his chance and was going to take full advantage of it.
Moving as quickly as he could without making too much noise, Galder rushed to the hangar bay doors, passing through them and down the corridor until he found a turn in it. He moved around the corner, flattening him against the wall and listening for footsteps.
Jan stalked down the corridor; eyes open but not really seeing anything. Her argument with Kyle kept replaying in her head. She couldn't understand why he was acting like this. It just wasn't him. So focused on the images in her mind, she didn't notice the other person coming the opposite way down the corridor.
"Whoa! Look out!" he called.
Jan raised her head to see Galder standing right in front of her. She was about to walk right into him. She tried to avoid the collision, leaning to her right, but her foot slipped and with a cry, she fell towards the deck.
A pair of strong hands caught her. "Whoa! Easy there, Jan."
She looked up into his face. "Galder."
Moving carefully, he helped Jan back onto her feet. "You all right?"
"I think so," she said, feeling a bit shaken from the near fall. "Thanks, guess I wasn't watching where I was going."
"It's okay. I'd catch you anytime, anywhere."
"Whoa," she said, holding up a hand, "back off the thrusters there, Galder."
He moved back a step, looked at the deck for a moment, then back at her. "Sorry, Jan. I didn't mean anything. Just reliving old memories."
"Well, just remember they're memories, okay? Now, what are you doing here?"
Galder's eyes dropped down to the deck again. "Well, to tell the truth. I was looking for you."
"Oh?"
Raising his head to look at her again, Galder's expression showed honest regret. "I wanted to say again that I'm sorry for shooting my mouth off earlier. I didn't mean to hurt either you or Kyle."
"Well, you didn't hurt me," Jan replied, "I can't speak for Kyle. But you've got to remember, Galder, things are different now."
"I know," he said, "it's just that… seeing you again, having thought you were dead. Well, as I said earlier, it's brought back a lot of memories. Good memories."
It was Jan's turn to look at the deck. She had been worried about this ever since she had seen Galder here aboard the New Hope.
Nearly a minute passed before she was able to speak. "Galder, look, I won't deny that what we had was special. You made me feel like a princess back then, and I loved you for it. But, when the war came, and you joined those on the council that opposed Alderaan offering assistance to the Rebellion, it created a rift between us. "
"I remember," Galder said, smiling at her, "But Jan, please understand that I did what I thought was right for Alderaan, Jan. The Empire was the legal authority in the galaxy and the Rebellion was opposing that authority. Alderaan had never supported outlaws against the legal authority before. It seemed like the obvious decision."
"Oh please," she said, "you were so mired in upholding the 'traditions' of Alderaan and our neutrality; you couldn't see the Empire for what it was, a dictatorship with no respect for individual freedom."
They stared at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing.
I can't believe we're doing this, Jan thought. She and Galder had fallen so easily into their old roles, arguing over the true purposes of the Empire and the Rebellion. How many times did we fight over this? It seemed like only yesterday.
"Well," Galder said, still chuckling, "I can see you've lost none of that intensity I so admired."
"Or you," Jan replied, "I had forgotten how stubborn you could be."
"Only when I thought I was right."
"Which you always did."
He smiled at her, the years apart melting away. "I can truly say that I've missed you, Jan."
"I suppose I've missed you too, Galder. And I am glad you're alive."
For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Jan opened her arms to him. Galder waited a moment, unsure. But when she nodded, he stepped forward, encircling her with his own arms. They hugged each other, the rift between them sealed: if only for that moment.
Even as she luxuriated in Galder's embrace, Jan's brain was screaming at her. What are you doing? Have you forgotten what this guy did to you?
Planet Alderaan Spaceport Time: 1.6 years ago Another magnificent sunset cast its remaining rays of light across the spaceport, casting alternating bands of light and shadow on the circular pads. On one of them sat a Corellian Corvette. Evidence of the ship's age was clear in the faded paint as well as dents and burns on the hull. This was a ship that had seen combat before.Two figures stood by the ship, facing each other. A large travel pack lay on the ground near one of them.
"Don't do this, Jan." "I told you before, Galder. I've made up my mind." "I don't understand this, Jan. The Rebellion is fighting to destabilize the order that the Empire has created. I don't see how you want to be a part of that."Jan shook her head, not believing they were going over the same ground again. "Galder, I know you have faith in the Empire and what it stands for. There was a time I felt the same, but not any more."
He let out an exasperated sigh. "This is all about that incident at Ghorman, isn't it?"
"It's a big part of it," Jan admitted.
"Jan, Jan, Jan," he said, his tone placating, "what happened on Ghorman was a terrible tragedy, but it was not the Empire's fault. The captain of the landing ship ordered the people off the landing pad."
"And when they didn't move," Jan cut in, "he activated his repulsors and landed anyway, killing nearly everyone there."
"They were given a chance. I don't see how you can blame the Empire for…"
"Ugh! I just can't believe you, Galder. The captain of the Imperial ship didn't even offer an apology for his actions. And he was promoted! Explain to me how killing innocent civilians warrants a promotion?"
"We don't know they were all so innocent, Jan. They were reports that some of those civilians were armed."
"See? This is exactly what I mean, Galder. You see what the Empire has done, and yet, you excuse their behavior. How can you have such blind faith in something so obviously corrupt?"
"Because the Empire is trying to bring peace to the galaxy, Jan. And if there's any corruption, it's because of the Rebellion and its leaders. They attack Imperial convoys and steal the cargoes. They send spies into Imperial space and sabotage the space yards. They even corrupt the hearts and minds of loyal Imperials and turn them into traitors."
"Then I guess they've corrupted me as well, Galder. Because I believe in what the Rebellion is doing. And that's why I'm leaving. And if you were the man I once believed you to be, you'd come with me."
"So now you're going to try and use the love I feel for you to make me turn my back on everything I believe in."
"No, Galder, I won't do that. But I can't let my love for you blind me to what is right and what isn't."
"All right, let's just suppose for a moment that you're right. I'll still don't understand why you're leaving. You could stay here on Alderaan and still help the Rebellion."
"No," Jan said, "I can't. And you know why."
"Because of my opposition to Alderaan aiding the Rebellion."
Jan nodded.
"The king has made his decision, Jan. And I have no doubt it was the right decision. For Alderaan to sacrifice its neutrality would severely damage, if not destroy, our relationship with the Empire. Why can't you accept the decision and stay?
"Because Alderaan's neutrality has become a farce, Galder. The war between the Empire and the Rebellion has begun, and one day, we will have to pick a side."
"No," Galder said, shaking his head, "you're wrong, Jan."
"Maybe I am," she admitted, "but what if I'm right? You won't even consider it."
"Because it doesn't make any sense."
"Yes, it does, Galder. Yes it does. I can only hope that someday you'll see the truth."
"I see the truth, Jan," he said strongly, "but your truth is not mine."
His words cut into her deeply. It was a repudiation of everything she thought, felt and believed in. Galder couldn't have hurt her worse if he had physically struck her.
Jan's face grew hot and she felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Time to go, she thought, before I lose my nerve.
Reaching down, she hefted the travel pack onto one shoulder. Galder watched her, his expression disapproving.
"I've got to go," Jan said.
He didn't reply.
"I love you, Galder."
"No, Jan," he said defiantly, "I don't think you do."
"What?" she exclaimed.
"If you truly loved me, you'd abandon this foolishness and stay here. I know we could work this out somehow. But as it seems you won't, then I have to believe that you don't love me."
The tears came; she couldn't stop them. She couldn't believe this was happening. Could he really mean what he was saying?
"Galder…" she began.
"Goodbye, Jan." With that, Galder turned his back on her and walked away. Jan stood there watching him go, unable to move.
She didn't know how much longer she had stood there after Galder had disappeared from view. But when the footsteps came from behind her, the sun had set and the stars had come out.
"We need to go, Jan," said a voice from behind her.
She nodded, unable to speak.
As the footsteps started moving away, Jan took a deep breath, forcing herself to concentrate despite the ache in her heart. She quickly wiped at her eyes, turned round and followed the man onto the waiting ship.
Jan couldn't deny the reality of what Galder had done to her. But here, at this moment, she couldn't help but feel thankful that he hadn't been killed with the millions of others on Alderaan.
As they hugged, Jan felt movement across her upper back, then lower, and then even lower.
"Move it or I'll break it, Galder," she said in a warning tone." Letting go of him, she stepped back, out of the embrace.
Galder's expression was that of a child caught with his hand caught in the cookie jar.
"Can't blame a guy for trying," he said.
"Well don't try it again, understand?"
He nodded.
"At least, not without asking, okay?"
Galder's answering was accompanied by a wide smile.
What am I doing? Jan thought. I'm actually flirting with him! This, the guy who rejected and walked away from me, and I'm flirting with him! What would Kyle think if he saw this?"
At that, Jan relived the argument she had just had with Kyle. Why should I care what he thinks? It's like he owns me or I have any claim on him. Even as she thought this, Jan remembered their time together in Kyle's quarters. The kiss.
Okay, maybe I do care about him. But he's got to understand that I have other friends, and he has to treat them with respect. He's blowing the whole incident with Galder out of proportion, I'm sure. And if he's going to keep acting like a pigheaded jerk, then maybe we need to stay away from each other for a while.
Jan nodded to herself, the decision made.
"Listen," Galder said, motioning to the lift behind him, "I'd better get back to the mess hall before Alessa and Wexter start wondering where I am."
"Okay," Jan said.
"I guess we'll see you later, then."
"Count on it," Jan said, smiling at him. "We still have a lot of catching up to do."
"Good," he said, turning to leave.
As Galder started up the hall, Jan realized that after what had just happened, she really didn't want to be alone. And while there was a solution to that problem, part of her wondered if she was stepping in where she ought not to tread.
"Galder, wait a moment."
He halted, turned back to face her. "Yes?"
"I've been meaning to ask, how did the three of you get here?"
"Oh," he said, a bit surprised, "I thought we had explained that earlier."
"When?" Jan said, brows drawing together in confusion.
"Back in sickbay, when we were telling you how we escaped the destruction of Alderaan."
"Of course," Jan said, snapping her fingers, "Alessa's new ship."
"Exactly."
"Did you say what kind of ship it is?"
"Hmmm," Galder mused, "you know, I don't think so."
"So, what is it?"
"Actually, a very nice ship. One of the latest luxury yachts, the Sorosuub 3000."
Jan thought for a moment, then said, "Haven't heard the name before."
"It's quite a ship, Jan. It has two decks with the lower containing cabins for the pilot and up to four passengers. Alessa had most of the upper deck set up as an oversized observation area. She even found space in the nose to create a small ballroom to entertain guests."
"What kind of power plant?"
Galder shrugged. "I really don't know. Some kind of ion drive. Wexter would be the one to ask about that. He's spent more time with it than anyone except maybe for the people who built it."
"I wouldn't mind seeing it some time."
"Well, how about now. We could go to the mess hall and ask Alessa."
Jan smiled. "I'd like that."
"Lead the way," Galder said, waving his arm in a grand gesture.
"Uh-huh," Jan said, "like I'm going to fall for that one. You first, Galder."
Smiling briefly, he turned his back to her and started up the corridor. As they stepped into the lift, Galder smiled to himself. This was going perfectly. He could see Jan still cared for him. All he had to do now was keep Katarn from messing things up and he'd have what he wanted.