Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 15: Anger's Strike
A/N: Oh ho ho! Now, Jan is the one being pursued. And with a few careless words spoken in anger, Jan is now in another man's arms? What will happen next? You'll find out, and it ain't gonna be pretty.
They found Wexter and Alessa still in the mess hall, picking at the remains of their food. Deep in conversation with each other, they didn't notice Jan and Galder until the pair had almost reached the table.
Alessa caught sight of them. She motioned to Wexter, who turned round in his seat to see Jan and Galder.
They're together? Alessa thought. She watched Galder's face and the confident smile he wore. Something's happened. After what he did to her back on Alderaan, how is it they're together now?
She could see Wexter shared her surprise at seeing Jan and Galder together.
Alessa spoke first. "Well, there you are. Wexter and I were wondering if we needed to go looking for you two."
"No need of that, Alessa," Galder said, "As you can see, we're back."
"You okay, Jan?" Wexter asked.
She smiled at him. "Of course I am, Wexter. Why do you ask?"
"Well, given what happened here…"
"Oh that," she said dismissively, "It's taken care of."
"Really?" Alessa said, her tone disbelieving.
"Yes, really, Alessa," Jan said, raising an eyebrow, "Why? Is there a problem?
"Well, I noticed Kyle didn't come back with you."
Alessa saw her friend's face cloud. So that was it. She and Kyle must have had a fight.
"Kyle is being…" Jan started to say, but Galder cut her off.
"Kyle is upset over the incident between he and I. As soon as he calms down, I intend to apologize. It's perfectly natural, and I…"
Jan jumped in, letting the anger she felt come out in her words. "Kyle is being a ridiculously stubborn nerf herding jerk. I tried to explain to him that Galder didn't mean to make him mad earlier and what does he say? 'I don't like him.' He doesn't even know Galder. I don't understand how he can make such an arbitrary judgment over a single incident."
"It was more than an incident, Jan," Wexter said, "Galder kept at it even after Kyle asked him to back off."
"I made a mistake, Wexter, "Galder said, "that's all. And as I said, I'm willing to apologize."
Listen to him Alessa thought; He's trying to justify his behavior as a simple mistake. Well, I'm not letting him get away with it.
Looking into her brother's eyes, Alessa spoke, "Stop trying to turn this into something less than it was, Galder. You know as well as I do that if you had just left Kyle alone in the first place, none of this would have happened."
To Alessa's surprise, it wasn't Galder who respond, but Jan. "Why don't you back off Galder, Alessa? He knows he was wrong and wants to make good. That should be enough. For pity's sake, you sound just like Kyle."
Alessa was about to deliver a retort when Galder spoke up.
"This is getting us nowhere. Besides, the problem is between Kyle and myself. And I will deal with it in time."
Alessa knew she could pursue this further, and likely get Galder to admit the truth of what he had done. But she didn't like the way Jan was reacting. Her friend was looking at her with an expression that bordered on anger. If she continued, what would it do to their friendship?
All right, Galder, she thought. You win this round.
To the two of them she said, "Very well." Across from her, Wexter's eyes went wide and he stared straight at Alessa. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, gave a small shake of her head.
Wexter looked up, seeing the flint in Jan's eyes. He had known her for many years and knew that look well. She was getting angry. What he didn't understand was why. What had happened between her and Kyle that Jan would take Galder's side? Especially when it was so clear that the fault was clearly his. For the moment, he'd have to trust Alessa's judgment.
"The reason we came here," Galder continued, "was to invite you two to accompany Jan and myself to the hangar bay. I've invited Jan to come take a look at the Aldera."
Jan's face changed almost immediately, a smile coming to her face. "The Aldera?"
Alessa couldn't help but smile as she thought of how she had decided on that name. "I wanted something to connect the ship with home. Now, it serves to remind me of Alderaan."
"It's a good name, Alessa," Jan said with emphasis.
"Thank you."
"It certainly is. Which is another reason I'd like Jan to see the ship. Alessa?"
It took a moment before Alessa snapped out of her reverie. "Oh, yes, of course. If you'd like to see the ship, Jan?"
"Definitely."
"Let's go," Galder said, turning round and heading for the door, Jan trailing in his wake.
Wexter and Alessa got up from the table and moved after them.
"Something's not right," Wexter said, "why is Jan acting like this?"
"I don't know. Maybe if we can find Kyle later, we can get his perspective on things."
"You don't think Galder would…" Wexter trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished but the meaning clear.
"I hope not, Wexter. For his sake and for hers, I truly hope not."
Kyle sat in the cockpit of the Moldy Crow, trying to relax. But the argument he had had with Jan kept replaying itself over and over again in his mind.
How had things gone from so happy to so bad so quickly? One minute he was staring into her eyes, wondering if she would kiss him again, the next they were arguing.
Am I overreacting? It's true I don't know Galder well at all. Heck, I've known the guy for less than a day. Maybe Jan's right and he didn't mean anything by the handshake and what happened in the mess. I could give the guy a chance to apologize and make good. And I would like the chance to talk to Alessa and Wexter some more.
And there was Jan to consider. Kyle wasn't exactly sure what he felt for her. Is it love? Maybe. I do know that I care about her and as much as I want to pretend I don't care what she thinks of me, I do care.
His decision made, Kyle sat up and extricated himself from the cockpit, heading for the hangar bay doors. There's just one problem with this, he thought, I have no idea where she is. Oh well, the New Hope is only so big. I'll find her eventually.
He had just about reached the doors when they opened. Kyle found himself smiling as Jan walked in, followed by Galder, Alessa and Wexter.
He waved at them. "Hi."
Alessa stepped over to where he was, Wexter trailing her. Jan and Galder, however kept walking.
"Hey there, Kyle," Wexter said, "listen, about earlier…"
"Hold that thought, Wexter." Raising his voice, Kyle called out. "Galder!"
To his surprise, they kept walking.
Kyle began to walk towards them. He called out again. "Hey Galder! Hold up a moment!"
Still no reaction.
Okay, he thought, guess I have to this the hard way.
He set off at a run, catching up to them quickly. Moving in front of them, Kyle stopped. "I need to speak with you, Galder."
For a moment, it seemed like they were going to run right into him. But then Jan reached out, touching Galder softly on the arm. They came to a halt, facing Kyle, saying nothing.
Okay, the first move is mine then. "Galder, about what happened in the mess hall, I…
"I heard you very clearly, Katarn," the man said, interrupting, "and I apologize if anything I said offended you."
"If? Galder, as I recall, I asked you to not pursue the conversation, but you kept pushing."
"Yes?"
Kyle felt confused. This wasn't going at all like he expected. "And I wanted to explain to you why I went off like that." Wait a minute, Kyle thought, that's not right. Why do I sound like I'm apologizing to this guy?
"You need explain anything, Katarn. And in order to prevent further such outbursts, I think it's best if we stay away from each other."
"Wait a minute," Kyle said, "Galder, that's not it. Listen, I wanted to…"
"Forgive me, Katarn. But I really don't care what you want. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
"Jan, help me out here. Tell him what I'm trying to say."
"I think things are perfectly clear, Katarn," she said, her face set in a neutral expression, "Galder has apologized and you've accepted. I don't see what else needs to be said."
"But, Jan," he sputtered, "I wanted to tell you, about earlier, I…"
"I heard what you had to say, Katarn. You made your feelings abundantly clear. And I don't see a need to continue that conversation, do you?"
"Well, no, but…"
"Good. Now, if you would please move?"
Kyle didn't know what to think or say. Everything seemed to be crumbling about him. What else was there to do?
"If that's what you want."
"It is," she said.
Kyle stepped back and turned, allowing them a clear path. Sudden pain blossomed as Galder hit him shoulder to shoulder as he and Jan passed.
Fresh anger rose within Kyle. He clenched his fists as Galder and Jan moved away. He had been right. There was something wrong with Galder. He didn't know what, but his dislike of the man intensified.
At the same time, there was an ache in chest at what Jan had said. Granted, they had argued and she had stormed off, but she always listened to him before, given him another chance. What had just happened? Had he blown it with her? No, it couldn't be. Jan was his friend, and maybe more. But right now, it felt like anything but.
Feeling even worse than he had after Jan had left him in the Crow, he turned and walked back towards where Wexter and Alessa were standing.
"How'd it go? Wexter asked.
"Not well, I'd imagine," Alessa said, seeing Kyle's dejected expression.
"No," Kyle agreed, "not well. Not well at all."
"If you don't mind us asking," Alessa ventured, "what happened?"
"I'm kind of wondering that myself," Kyle replied. He went on to explain coming down here after leaving the mess hall.
"I was sitting in the cockpit staring at the ceiling when I heard Jan calling me. We started talking, and the next thing I knew, we were fighting."
"Over what happened with Galder?" Alessa ventured.
"Exactly," Kyle said, staring intently at her, "how'd you know."
Alessa filled him in on Jan's and Galder's appearances back in the mess hall and the conversation between the four of them.
"Well, that explains a lot." Kyle said when she had finished, "When I saw you all come in, I was on my way to find Jan and apologize, tell her that I'd give Galder a chance. But she's obviously still too mad to listen to me. But I'm surprised at how she acted towards you two. That's not like her."
"You're telling us!" said Wexter, "I'm half tempted to corner her and demand an explanation for her behavior."
"Not a good idea," Kyle and Alessa said at the same time. They stared at each for a moment with looks of surprise. The looks turned into smiles and finally, laughter at how they had both thought the same thing.
"Sounds like you've gotten to know well," Alessa said, still smiling.
"Probably not as well as you," Kyle admitted, "but enough to know when to leave her alone."
"Well, consider yourself lucky," Wexter said, "at least she hasn't decked you."
"Actually," Kyle said, a little embarrassed, "she has."
"No!" Alessa said, incredulous.
"Mmmm hmmm," Kyle said, nodding. "Right after a mission, in fact."
"What happened?" Wexter asked.
"It's… a long story," Kyle said, thinking back to that day.
"I'd like to hear it," the older man said.
"As would I," echoed Alessa.
"Well, I suppose I have the time," Kyle replied, "but do you think it's safe to leave the two of them alone?"
"Normally, I'd say yes," Alessa said, "but given what's today, maybe we'd better follow them. Besides, it'll give you a chance to see my ship, Kyle."
"Oh yeah?" he asked, intrigued, "what kind?"
"A Sorosuub luxury yacht," Wexter said, his voice growing excited as he began describing the ship, "3000 class. It's got twin engine pods, two decks, full cabins, even a…"
"Wexter," Alessa interrupted, "don't you think it'd be easier to show Kyle the ship than just tell him about it?"
"You're right, Alessa. Sorry, Kyle. I get a bit carried away sometimes. You'll see it's quite a ship."
"Now I'm definitely interested. Let's go."
With Alessa in the lead and Wexter walking next to Kyle, the trio made their way over to the Aldera's berth.
"And this was the forward observation area. But as you can see, Alessa changed it just a bit."
Stepping out of the elevator, Jan stepped onto more of the deep pile carpet. Cast in a rich mix of orange and brown, it reminded her of walking on a beach at sunset. But it was only the precursors to what was before her now.
A wall about ten feet to her right moved in a gentle line, curving out of sight some distance ahead. Chandeliers of opalescent crystal dotted the ceiling, casting larges cones of light about the room.
"I don't see any chains or hooks," she said, "what's holding them up."
"Believe it or not," Galder said, "small repulsorlifts generators. You can move them anywhere about the room, even change the height."
Moving to a wall console, he pressed a button.
As Jan watched in fascination, the chandeliers began to move, sliding across the ceiling to different positions. A few dropped towards the floor, creating smaller cones of light.
"Wow."
"We've a set of pre-programmed settings or we can manipulate them one by one."
"But what about tables and chairs?" Jan asked, gesturing at the room. "You're not exactly set up for anything."
"We had planned to, Galder said, 'but what with the problems with the engines, the repulsors and the navicomputer, decorating quickly became a secondary concern."
"Sounds like a lot going wrong for such a new ship. Are you sure Alessa didn't get a reject from the boneyard?"
"For a while," Galder said, nodding, "we were thinking exactly that. It frustrated Wexter to no end. He'd fix one system and another would malfunction. By the time he fix that one, the first one he had fixed would be having problems?"
Jan looked around her, feeling a bit nervous. She didn't like the idea of random malfunctions.
"Did you ever find out what was wrong?"
"Oh yes," Galder said, seeing the flicker in her eyes, "Wexter had been running test on the main computer and finally discovered the source of all the problems."
"And?" Jan prompted.
"Turns out the main computer on this ship came from another vessel. Unfortunately, when it was installed, the original programs were still in memory. So we had a Sorosuub yacht trying to run programs intended for a Corellian freighter."
Jan stared at him for a moment in disbelief, then burst out laughing. "You've got to be kidding me!"
Galder shook his head. "It's the truth. Ask Wexter if you want."
"Ask me what?" came a voice from behind them.
They turned to see Alessa and Wexter standing behind them. Kyle was there too, but hadn't exited the elevator.
As if a switch had been turned to off, Jan stopped laughing, her smile replaced by a look that wasn't exactly hostile, but nowhere near friendly.
"Ask me what?" Wexter prompted.
"I was telling Jan how you discovered that Aldera's main computer had originally come from a Corellian freighter and that its programs were causing all those early problems."
"Ah!" Wexter exclaimed, "I still can't believe those fat-headed 'engineers' made such a mistake. Anyone with half a brain knows you always erase all existing computer memory before installation."
"Well, it's a good thing you figured it out, Wexter," Galder said.
"Yes," Jan said, tonelessly, "a good thing."
That was it for Wexter. In three quick steps, he was almost nose-to-nose with Jan.
"All right missy. I've had just about all I'm going to take. An hour ago, you were all sunshine and smiles. Now, you're being downright rude, and I want to know why."
Jan didn't answer.
"You look at me when I talk you, Jan Ors."
Slowly, Jan raised her face to meet Wexter's eyes. She saw frustration and annoyance in his gaze. Nice job Ors, she thought, now what?
"I'm waiting, Jan."
Oh come on, Ors! You've known Wexter too long to treat him like this? You owe him better than that.
She took a deep breath, and some of the stiffness left her face as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Wexter. I didn't mean for how I feel to affect you and Alessa. I'm mad at Kyle, not you."
"But why, Jan?" Alessa said, her expression earnest, searching, "What has Kyle done that you'd be this angry with him and treat him this poorly?"
Jan looked to her friend. "I told you, Alessa. What he said about Galder."
"Oh please, Jan," Alessa said, rolling her eyes. "I've said worse things about him, and he's my brother."
"But Kyle doesn't even know him! It's not right for him to judge Galder like that! And I think he should apologize."
"Kyle?" Alessa said, looking over her shoulder at him. "Would you care to address that?"
Inside the lift, Kyle took a deep breath, wet his lips and with determination, stepped from the lift. He moved past Alessa, stopping just behind where Wexter was standing.
He looked to Jan, who was looking back at him expectantly, her arms crossed over her chest. Please let me say the right thing, he thought.
"Jan," he said, "you're right. I don't know Galder well. It's been what, less than a day since I first met him. And despite what happened in the mess hall, I'm willing to accept Galder's apology and give him another chance."
Jan felt the hard center of anger and frustration within her start to melt. Part of her lip curved upwards.
"Is that all you want to say?" she asked.
"No, it's not." Kyle said, taking a step towards her. "I want you to know that I'm sorry for the fight we had and I hope you'll give me another chance."
The melting inside increased as Kyle smiled at her. She smiled back. Maybe things were going to take a turn for the better.
"Ahem."
The two of them turned at the sound. Galder coughed into his hand once more, then look to Kyle. "Well spoken, Katarn."
"Thank you, Galder."
"That's just leaves one unfinished item."
Kyle's smile faded, his brows drawing together in confusion. "Unfinished item? I don't understand?"
"Well, you've apologized to Jan. I think you should apologize to me as well."
As if an arc of energy had struck, Kyle, Wexter and Alessa stared at Galder with thunderstruck expressions.
Alessa was the first to speak. "What are you playing at, Galder?"
Her brother looked at her with a serene expression. "Nothing, Alessa. I'm being quite serious."
"Then explain why Kyle should apologize to you, Galder," Wexter said, looking intently at the younger man, "because I don't see why."
"I think it's perfectly clear," Galder said, "Kyle has admitted he judged me unfairly, having known me for only a short time. And I did apologize for my mistake in the mess hall. I think it only fair that he apologize to me."
Watching this exchange, Kyle saw that his initial feeling about Galder had been correct. The man was a master manipulator, twisting words and situations to present himself blameless and others as the problem. And while he wasn't sure what the man's game was and what Jan had to do with it, he wasn't going to let Galder get away with it.
"Well, Kyle? Galder said, looking at him.
"Apologize to you?" Kyle said, appearing to be considering it. "All right, Galder. I'll apologize to you."
Jan's smile grew wider and Galder's expression was that of a predator ready to devour its prey.
Forgive me, Jan. But I have to do this.
Kyle continued. "I'll apologize to you right around the time that the Hutts decide to abandon the spice trade and become humanitarians."
Now it was Galder's turn to stay thunderstruck at Kyle.
"You did understand that, right? Or do I need to use smaller words?"
From his left, he heard Jan's angry shout. "Kyle!"
"Why you…" Galder sputtered, his face flushed with anger. "You….you…."
"What?" Kyle said, adding fuel to the fire, "Rebel scum? Imperial traitor? Am I getting close?"
Balling his hand into fists, Galder took a step forward, intending to settle the matter physically. But, when Kyle smiled at him, he stopped, feeling a bit unsure.
"Don't stop now, Galder," Kyle said, "go ahead and try it. Please."
There was a sudden movement from his left. A heartbeat later, Jan was right in his face, her face nearly as red as Galder's. She interposed herself between the two men.
"What are you doing, Katarn! Leave him alone right now! You hear me?"
When Kyle didn't move, Jan took a step towards him. "I said leave him alone! Back off right now, Katarn!"
Kyle's mind whirled. He was ready to take on Galder and settle this. But now Jan had stepped in, and she was furious. He took a step back, then another as she advanced again.
"Jan," he said calmly, "Stay out of this."
"Don't you dare tell me what to do, Kyle Katarn! I don't know how I could have thought that you were sincere a moment ago. Why are you acting like this? Galder apologized, why can't you?"
"Because, Jan. I didn't do anything wrong. He was the one who came after me in the mess hall, if you remember."
"How many more times are you going to bring that up? Galder made a mistake, he apologized for it, and it's done. Why are you attacking him?"
Kyle opened his mouth to speak, but Wexter jumped in. "I think you should listen to him, Jan."
Her face turned to the older man. "How can you say that, Wexter? All Galder wants is a simple apology and not only will Kyle not offer it, but now he's trying to goad Galder into a fight."
"Jan," Wexter said, his voice surprisingly calm, "think for a moment. Galder was in the wrong in the mess hall. And yes, he did apologize. But now, he's trying to make it look like Kyle did something wrong when he hasn't. What was said about Galder between you two has nothing to do with this. And before you forget, Kyle did apologize to you."
"I won't be talked about behind my back!" Galder said from behind Jan. "And you do owe me an apology, Katarn!"
"You're right about me owing you something, Galder," Kyle said, taking a step forward, "but it's not an apology."
Kyle felt a pressure on his chest. He looked down to see Jan's had lying flat against him. He looked up just in time to catch the savage glare as she shoved him backwards.
Caught off guard, Kyle stumbled back, nearly losing his balance.
"I told you to back off, Katarn!" Jan said, pointing a finger at him.
Later, Kyle would wonder if he should have backed off, but at the moment, he was too angry with Galder and Jan.
"Why don't you let your 'boyfriend' fight his own battles, Jan? C'mon, Galder, you too scared to fight me without your 'girlfriend'?"
He expected Galder to react, but to his stunned surprise, it was Jan who moved. Moving like smoke, she didn't give him the time to even think about a defense.
"SHUT UP, KATARN!"
Pain, sudden and sharp, blossomed in Kyle's nose as Jan's fist smashed against it, the sharp crack of bone snapping audible to everyone.
Losing his footing, Kyle fell back, hitting the deck hard. His back protested against the rough treatment even as his broken nose began to bleed, the white-hot spark of pain echoing in his mind, then nothing.
"Jan!" cried Alessa, even as he darted forward, kneeling by Kyle's side. He wasn't moving.
"What have you done?" Wexter said, moving to stand by Alessa.