Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 16: Anger's Victims
A/N: To my readers reviewers. I understand that some of you are concerned with the direction I'm currently taking the story. Some of you are worried I'm going to turn it into a soap opera or that I'll neglect the action too much and the story will get boring. I ask you to please be patient with me for another two or three chapters. What you're seeing is preparation for the final three Dark Forces missions.
And believe me that there is more action coming! In the remaining missions, Kyle has to stow away aboard a smuggler ship heading for no less than Darth's Vader's Star Destroyer. Then from there, he has to get aboard another shuttle headed for the Arc Hammer to try and finally end the Dark Trooper menace!
So, please bear with me on this other stuff for a short while longer, and then prepare yourself for what's to come!
Now, when we last left things, Kyle and Jan have had another fight (big surprise!) over Jan's friend Galder whom we learn is scheming to try and get back his relationship with Jan. A heated argument aboard the ship of Galder's sister, Alessa, has resulted in Jan striking Kyle. Come and see what happens next!
Oh, and look for the reappearance of a certain redhead. You'll know her when you see her.
Jan was practically motionless, only the rise and fall of her chest indicating she was breathing. Everything around seemed to be moving in slow motion. What had she done? Kyle. She was angry with Kyle. So angry that she stepped forward and struck him.
Her hand, she could feel the ache in it, but why was it hurting? She raised it to eye level. The knuckles were red, the skin scraped. Spots of blood dotted the back of her hand. She looked down at Kyle and then back to her hand. It took her a moment to realize that the blood on her hand was his. What had she done to him?
Why weren't his eyes open? Why wasn't he moving?
She heard Wexter ask, "Is he all right?"
"I'm not sure. I think Jan broke his nose. But, the way he fell, I think he's really hurt," Alessa replied.
"Kyle?"
They both turned at the voice, calling softly. Jan was looking down at Kyle, her face a mixture of shock and confusion.
"Kyle?"
"He can't answer you, Jan," Alessa said, giving her friend an angry look. "He's hurt. I think you knocked him out."
"I… hit him?"
"Yes you did, Jan," Wexter said, turning his own angry look on her. "And he's hurt."
"No, I…"
"All right, Jan," Wexter said, feeling himself getting angrier. "That's enough. Give us some room. Alessa, we'd better call sickbay."
She nodded.
He's hurt? Jan thought. No, he can't be hurt. We were just talking. He's all right. He just… fell. He…He fell because I hit him. He's hurt because…
As the realization of what she had done hit her, Wexter saw Jan's stunned look shift into one of fear, then sorrow, then horror. She opened her mouth and from it came a cry of utter despair, sorrow and pain.
"Kyle! No! No! No! I didn't mean to!"
Jan felt her legs start to tremble, the strength flooding out of them. She fell to her knees by Kyle's feet. Tears began to stream down her face.
"Kyle! Kyle, wake up! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"
She reached for him, feeling sudden pain as Alessa smacked her hand away.
"Get away from him, Jan," the woman said, her tone dead serious, "you've done enough."
"No. No. Alessa, I didn't mean to. I'm sorry. I…"
"Shut up, Jan. I was right here when you hit him. You did mean to hit him. You'd just better hope he isn't hurt badly."
"No! No! I didn't! I didn't. Alessa, please. I'm sorry. Oh Kyle, please…"
She reached for him again, her hand shaking.
"Wexter, keep her away from Kyle. I've got to go call sickbay and get someone here right away."
"Right."
The older man reached down to Jan, grabbing her outstretched hand in his. Slowly, he pulled her up. "C'mon Jan. We need to give Kyle some air."
Jan didn't react at first. But when she realized that Wexter was pulling her away, she began to struggle.
"No! Let me go, Wexter! I need to help him! I can…"
Grabbing her upper arms firmly, Wexter moved around so he could face her. Jan looked up at him, then away. She couldn't stand seeing the accusing look on his face.
"You listen to me right now, Jan Ors. You can't help him right now. You've already hurt him more than once and I won't stand here and watch you do it again.
"I didn't mean to, Wexter," she pleaded, still struggling. "Please, let me help him. I…"
Reaching down, he moved her right hand into view. "Look at this, Jan! That's Kyle's blood on your hands!"
Jan saw the bloodstains, which seemed to cry out accusingly against her. She closed her eyes against the sight of it, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, no, no. Kyle, I'm sorry. Please…"
Other hands slid across her shoulders. "Listen to him, Jan," another voice spoke up, "the best thing we can do is let Alessa and Wexter work until medical help arrives."
Jan felt herself being turned round. Her eyes slowly opened to see Galder's face looking at her.
"But Galder, look what I've…"
He reached for her and as Wexter let go, Jan fell into his arms. She began to sob, her body convulsing with each one. Moving slowly, Galder guided her back a few steps, then lowered them both to the floor.
"Sshhh," he soothed, reaching with his free hand to stroke her hair. "It's going to be all right, Jan. Kyle's going to be okay."
"But look at what I've done, Galder, "she sobbed, "Look at what I've done. I didn't mean to. Kyle's my friend."
"I know you didn't mean to, Jan. And I imagine, in time, Kyle will realize it too."
She raised her head to look at him. "Really? You think he'll forgive me?"
"I've forgiven you, Jan," Galder said, smiling at her, "I know Kyle will too."
Her lip trembled, and with fresh tears brimming, she buried her face in Galder's chest, pouring out her pain and anguish.
Galder continued to soothe her, telling her it was going to be all right.
Alessa burst back into the room. "I just spoke with Dr. Berth. He's got a team on the way." She moved to kneel by Kyle again.
She wished she could do something to help Kyle. Seeing him in this state, it almost didn't seem real.
Suddenly, a groan escaped his lips. Alessa looked to Wexter.
"Did you hear..?"
"I think so."
The groan came again. Kyle began to stir.
"Try not to move," Alessa called to him.
But Kyle continued to move, as if he didn't hear her.
"We need to immobilize him," Wexter said, "if anything's broken, moving around could make it worse." He reached for Kyle's legs, pressing down on them to still the motion.
Alessa tried to keep Kyle's arms from moving. But she couldn't reach his right side from where she was.
"C'mon, Alessa," Wexter said, his voice strained from the effort of holding Kyle's legs. "I can't do this by myself."
Alessa thought for a moment, then slid over near Kyle's head. Moving forward, she cradled his head between her knees, leaning forward to grab his upper arms with her hands.
"You need to be still, Kyle," she called. But he was still moving. Alessa could feel the muscles underneath his shirt fighting against her. It was taking everything she had, and she could barely hold him still.
She tried to get through to him again. "Kyle, if you can hear me. You need to stop moving."
Someone was calling him. He could tell that much. But he couldn't tell where the voice was coming from.
Opening his eyes, Kyle fought not to react as he realized he was standing at the edge of a landing field.
Okay, Katarn, he said to himself, real slow now. Back up.
His left foot moved back, finding solid decking beneath it. His right foot echoed the motion and, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, Kyle moved back from the edge.
Where am I?
He looked over his shoulder, at first not believing what he was seeing. But, as he turned around, the sight before him could not be denied. He was back on Coruscant, and on the same landing field where he had fought Boba Fett and found that Blaze was really Mara Jade.
This isn't possible. Jan and I escaped from here.
"Oh, it is possible, Kyle. You and Ors may have escaped me, but here in this place, I can still get to you."
He recognized the voice immediately; it was chillingly familiar.
"Where are you?"
"Down here."
It took a moment for Kyle to realize the voice was coming from behind him. He turned back towards the edge of the landing pad.
"I said, down here, Kyle."
He stepped carefully towards the edge.
"Oh please, Kyle. Quit acting like a Terratan rug roamer. Even if you did fall, you won't be hurt."
"Says you. After all the lies you've told me, you expect me to trust you now?"
There was an exasperated sigh, then, "Fine. Wait there a moment."
It happened so fast that he barely registered it. Kyle thought he saw a blur pass by, but he couldn't be sure.
"I'm behind you, Kyle."
He automatically reached down to his belt, but his gun wasn't there.
"You won't need it."
Okay, he thought, let's get this over with. Besides, if she can read my mind, I won't be able to surprise her anyway.
"That's right, Kyle. You won't be able to."
Pivoting on his left heel, he turned around in one smooth motion, eyes confirming what his ears had already told him. A short distance away, still clad in the black jumpsuit he had last seen her in, was Mara Jade.
"There," she said, smiling, "isn't that better?"
"Get on with it, Jade," he replied, "I'm not in the mood for games."
"Really? Personally, I like them very much. For example, have you played catch?"
Kyle had just enough time to register the words when, moving with the incredible speed of hers, Jade withdrew a blaster from her hip and fired.
He saw the bolts coming, knew there wasn't enough time to dodge. The first ray of energy touched his skin… and passed right through him!
The second bolt did much as the first. Kyle reached down across his chest, his stomach. His skin was unmarred, no indication of having been shot. The answer came to him.
"A dream."
"Finally, he gets it!" Jade said.
"So you're still alive, then.'
"Oh yes, Kyle," she said, a hint of menace in her tone, "very much alive."
"So what is all this about?"
To his surprise, Jade's smile widened until she burst out laughing.
He had expected a threat, a promise of revenge, but not this. He stared at her in shock as she laughed.
"Believe it or not, Kyle," Jade said, when she had gotten control of herself, "I came here to warn you."
"Warn me?"
"I know," Jade said, shrugging, "I can hardly believe it myself."
"Warn me about what?"
She shook a finger at him. "Now, now Kyle. Even after the short time you've known me, do you really think I'm going to make it that easy?"
"I told you I'm not in the mood for games."
"But this is such an easy one. All you have to do is guess who I'm here to warn you about."
"Oh, is that all?" he replied sarcastically, "Well, why didn't you say so? Let's see, shall we start with the people I knew at the Academy or maybe the first Imperial I killed."
She shook her head, silently chiding him. "No, no and no."
"Look Jade…"
"All right, fine! I'll give you a clue, Mr. Fussy! You've met someone who knows the person recently."
Kyle rolled his eyes. This was ridiculous.
"How recently?"
"Hmmmmm," Jade said, tapping a finger against her lips, "I don't know if I should tell you. I've already given you a clue."
"Fine," Kyle said, exasperated. "Within the last month?"
"Hmmmmm, yes."
"Within the last week?"
"Definitely yes."
Kyle took a moment to think.
"It's got to be one of Jan's friends that just came aboard the New Hope."
Mara hesitated, then said, "Yes. But which one?"
Kyle thought for a moment.
"I don't think its Alessa or Wexter."
Jade said nothing.
The answer when it came seemed so obvious; he didn't know how it hadn't occurred to him sooner.
"Galder. Of course, it's got to be him."
Jade seemed to consider the answer for a moment. Her expression changed. She actually looked said.
"Ooooh!" she cooed, "so close! But no."
"What?" Kyle exclaimed, "What do you mean no?"
"No means no, Kyle. It's not Galder that I came to warn you about. You already know he's trouble."
How does she know that? Kyle thought.
"Of course, my memories."
"Exactly. Now, you've guessed Galder. But it isn't him? So who is it?"
A minute passed as Kyle racked his brain for a name, someone he knew, also known to someone who recently came aboard.
There was only one person left.
No, he thought, it can't be. Not her.
He looked to Mara, who was nodding.
"No," he said, "not Jan."
"Yes, Kyle. Jan Ors. She is the one who I have come to warn you about."
"But why?"
"Why what?" Mara asked innocently.
"Why her? Why would you come to warn me about her?"
"Two reasons. First, because of you because whether you realize it or not, Kyle, you have a power inside you."
"Power? What power?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
A series of memories were triggered, Kyle's encounter with the Imperial officer on Danuta. The times he was wounded and yet, fought on and won.
"Yes," Mara said, "you can see it. Those were more than coincidences, Kyle. You have the power and potential to be something great.
"I don't understand," Kyle said, confused.
"But you can, Kyle. You can discover your destiny."
What is going on here? Kyle thought. What is she talking about? A destiny? Something's not right here.
"What's the catch?" he asked, suspicion in his voice.
"No catch," she replied honestly, "but you will have to leave the Rebellion."
"What?"
"Kyle," Mara said seriously, "listen to me. You have seen only the traces of the power inside you. Properly trained, you can learn to harness that power, to use it."
"Use it for what?"
"Anything you want."
Kyle was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Seeing Jade was bad enough, but now this. A power inside him? Discovering his destiny? Power to do anything he wanted? And yet, part of him was intrigued.
"Where would I have to go?"
"I can't tell you that until you've agreed to come."
"I'll think about it. So, what's the second reason you came to warn me?"
Mara hesitated. He could tell that whatever she was going to say, he wasn't going to like it.
"It has to do with your partner."
"Jan?"
"Yes."
"What about her?"
"She's going to betray you."
"WHAT? Are you out of your mind? Jan would never do that! She's my friend! I…"
"Shut up and listen for a second, Kyle," Jade said, interrupting.
Red-faced, breath coming in pants, Kyle clenched his fists. How dare she speak that way about Jan! She'd never betray me."
"Yes, she will," Jade said simply, "and soon."
"No," Kyle said, shaking his head, "Jan could never…"
"Why?" Jade asked.
"Why what?" Kyle replied.
"Why couldn't Jan betray you, Kyle?"
"It's real simple Jade. Jan Ors is my friend, my copilot, and my partner. She's saved my life more than once. We've worked together closely. You can't do that and not know someone's character. Jan will never betray me."
"What about Galder?"
"Galder? What does he have to do with this?"
"If you and Jan are such friends, then why was she walking with him and not you?"
"You're misinterpreting things. Jan and I had a fight, and she's mad. Once she calms down, everything will be fine."
"Like just happened a moment ago?"
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, that's right," Jade said, snapping your fingers, "you're unconscious and don't remember what happened. Well, no matter. You'll find out before long."
"I'm what?"
"Unconscious. Don't worry. That will all become clear soon."
Kyle felt confused, not knowing what Jade was referring to. But he decided not to pursue it for now.
"And besides, Jade. Jan and I are close. She wouldn't hurt me like that."
"Oh yes, the kiss." Mara said playfully. "I'd forgotten about that. So you think one kiss is enough?"
"Enough? Enough for what?"
"For a relationship. That is what you want, isn't it Kyle? A relationship with Jan."
"That's none of your business."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Take it however you want, Jade. I've told you my reasons. Jan won't betray me."
"Fine," she said, throwing her hands up in frustration, "but whether you believe me or not, it will happen Kyle. And when it does, think about my offer."
"I won't need to because it won't happen."
She shook her head at him. "You poor naïve fool. I almost feel sorry for you for what's coming. But do what you want, Kyle. Should you finally see the truth, I'll be as close as your next dream."
"You'll have a long wait."
"Maybe," Jade said.
Just then, a loud cracking sound came from overhead, causing both of them to look up.
"Well," Jade said, "it appears our time is up for now. Remember what I said, Kyle."
He tried to answer, but his mouth wouldn't work. A light from overhead pierced into him. He began to blink, waiting for his eyes to get used to it.
Kyle's eyelids, tightly closed, began to flutter and a moment later, one eye opened. The pupil began to move about, taking in the scene around him. It stopped when it caught sight of her.
"Jan?"
Alessa eyes went wide. Had he just spoken? The voice was low, coarse. She looked to Wexter who nodded.
"That was him all right."
"Jan?" he called again.
Alessa leaned over more so her face would be in full view. Her hair cascaded down around her face, parts of it brushing his face.
"No Kyle, it's Alessa."
"Alessa," he repeated.
Good! He can hear me!
"Kyle, listen to me. You took a bad fall, and you're hurt. A medical team is on the way. But before they get here, I need you to stop moving."
"Stop moving," he said.
"Yes, please."
"Okay."
With that, the straining muscles under her hands relaxed. She looked to Wexter, who nodded.
"Good Kyle, now just hold a bit more. The…"
"Where's Jan?"
She didn't know how she heard his voice. Face buried in Galder's chest, crying her eyes out, Jan didn't hear Wexter and Alessa talking. But, somehow, Kyle's voice reached her.
"Where's Jan?" he asked again.
"She's here, Kyle." Alessa said.
Jan felt renewed guilt slice into her insides. The last thing she wanted to do right now was to look into Alessa or Wexter's eyes. For in them, she wouldn't find any compassion, but anger and accusation.
And Kyle! How was she going to face him?
Because you owe him, part of her mind said. You did this thing to him. Now, make it right.
Feeling as if her body weight had tripled, she slowly let go of Galder, lifting her face from his chest.
"Jan," he said, looking into her eyes. He shook his head. "Don't."
She gave him a small smile, placed a hand on his chest. "I have to."
Moving slowly, Jan rose to her feet, eyes fixed on the deck. A few steps brought Kyle's feet into view. She kneeled, raising her head. Kyle's face came into view, his one open eye still looking up at Alessa.
Her friend had a look of warning on her face. You've done enough, the look said; don't hurt him more.
Jan lowered her head until Kyle's face was the only one she could see.
She took two quick breaths, cleared her throat, then called softly, "Kyle?"
"Jan?"
"I'm here, Kyle."
His eye swiveled down, moving until it focused on her.
Something's happened, he thought, the second he saw her face. He could see the tracks of tears across her face, not to mention the splotches of red on her forehead and cheeks.
"Why... you crying?" he managed.
Jan's gaze fell from his and Kyle could see her shoulders begin to heave. She's crying again, he thought.
Just then, the door behind Alessa opened and Dr. Berth stepped in, followed by a nurse pushing a repulsor-equipped stretcher.
"What's happened?" the doctor said, then caught sight of Kyle, his eyes widening.
Berth dropped to his knees by Kyle's side, opening his medical kit. He gently probed Kyle's nose.
Eye still watching Jan, Kyle hadn't even registered the doctor's presence until he felt a fresh surge of pain.
"Hey!"
The doctor saw that Kyle was awake. However, only one of his eyes was open and the pupil was unfocused.
"Kyle, it's Doctor Berth. Can you hear me?"
The eye moved, swiveling until Kyle could see the doctor.
"Hey, doc. What are you doing here?"
Berth shifted his gaze to Alessa.
"He struck his head on the ground pretty seriously," she said.
The doctor nodded, turning back to his patient. "It seems you've taken a bad fall, Kyle."
"Oh," the patient replied, "okay."
The doctor tried shining a small light in Kyle's eyes. When neither pupil reacted correctly, he shook his head.
"I think we're looking at some head trauma. I need to get him to sickbay."
The doctor began issuing rapid-fire orders. A plasteel board was slid under Kyle's back to immobilize it and prevent further damage. Then, with Wexter's help, they lifted him onto the stretcher. After a promise to check in as soon as he could assess Kyle's condition, the doctor left.
Jan was still kneeling on the floor, head down. She hadn't moved the whole time Berth had been there.
"Will he be all right, Wexter?" Alessa asked. She was beginning to tremble: the impact of what had happened beginning to hit her.
"I don't know, Alessa. I hope so." He carefully helped her stand. They both looked at Jan.
"Jan?"
"What?" she said, not looking up.
"What happened to you?" Wexter asked, "I've seen you angry before. And Kyle's not the first guy you've ever hit. But what happened just now? Why did you hurt him like that? You could've killed him."
"Leave her alone, Wexter," Galder said, moving to kneel behind her, placing his hand on her shoulders. "Haven't you hurt her enough?"
"Hurt her?" Alessa shot back, "she's not the one who just hauled out of her on a stretcher. And you, Galder, are to blame as much as she is."
"There you go again, " he said dismissively, "blaming me for something I didn't do."
"Something you didn't do?" Alessa said, anger in her voice. "You insisted Kyle apologize to you."
"Which he should have done."
"And looks what's happened. You'd better hope he's not seriously injured, Galder. Because if he is…"
"Oh, spare me your threats, Alessa. I didn't do anything wrong."
"I did." Jan said quietly.
"No, no," Galder said soothingly, "You didn't, Jan."
"But Kyle's hurt and I…"
"He provoked you, and you responded in self defense."
"Self defense!" Wexter cried, "What kind of half-baked claptrap is this, Galder? She struck him first."
"After he threatened me. I'd call that provocation."
"Jan," Wexter said, "come. Don't listen to any more of this."
A moment passed. When she didn't move, Wexter called to her again.
"Jan, please come with us."
Again, no response.
"She doesn't want to go with you, Wexter. Why should she?"
"Because we're her friends," Alessa said, not believing what her brother was saying.
"True friends would stand by her in this time of need, not accuse her as you both have done."
"Jan," Alessa said, crouching down and reaching out a hand. "Come with us."
To her surprise, Jan began to reach out, her hand shaking. But she stopped short of taking Alessa's hand. Galder reached down, and grasped the hand in his.
"It's all right, Jan," he soothed, "I'm here now. I'll protect you."
Alessa watched in dumbfounded shock as Jan reached out for Galder, allowing him to pull her up.
"Jan will stay here with me."
"Jan," Alessa pleaded, "don't do this. Come with us."
A moment passed, then in a small voice, Jan replied. "No."
Alessa and Wexter looked at each other, neither one believing it.
"I think you should leave," Galder said, pulling Jan closer to him.
The shock on Alessa's face was replaced with one of scorn. "Fine, 'brother'. I don't why you're doing this. But remember, this is my ship. Understood?"
Galder waved a hand at her. "Yes, yes, your ship. All yours. I get it, Alessa."
"I'm warning you, Galder," Wexter said, "Don't hurt her again."
But Galder had turned away, guiding Jan as they moved away.
"This is insane. What in the nine hells of Corellia does he think he's doing?"
Alessa shook her head in disgust. "Exactly what I was afraid of. He's going to try and get Jan back."
"Wait a minute," Wexter said, disbelief in his tone, "are you saying that he wants Jan back and is using what happened between her and Kyle to do it?"
She nodded. "I wouldn't put it past him. Back on Alderaan, he'd crush anyone in his way without a second thought. Even with Alderaan gone, he hasn't changed."
"We've got to do something."
"Like what?" Alessa said, "right now, she's too upset and confused to listen to reason. And Galder is taking advantage of it to convince her that she belongs with him. We'll just have to hope Jan comes to her senses."
"What about Kyle? Once he finds out…"
"As I said before, Wexter. Galder's on his own from now on. Personally, I hope Kyle tears him apart for what he's done today. He deserves it."
The older man shuddered at thought of what Katarn would do to Galder.
At Galder's insistence, Jan finally accepted the use of one of Aldera's cabins to sleep in. The events of the day, coupled with the incident with Kyle had drained her. She barely found the strength to undress and crawl into bed. But sleep would not come. Over and over again, she relived the moment in her mind. Her fist shooting out, the crunch of the bone shattering under the impact, the sound of Kyle's body hitting the floor.
Why had she done it? Yes, she had been angry with him over his treatment of Galder. But, to strike him like that? She called Kyle her partner, her friend. But what kind of partner and friend could do what she had done? Time and time again, she had reached for the room's comm to call sickbay and check on him. But each time, she had pulled her hand away, the fear of not knowing overcome by the fear of what she might learn.
If she had hurt him badly, how was she going to live with herself? More tears came and she began to sob. She barely heard the door chime. A moment later, the door slid aside, the light from outside highlighting Galder's form.
"Jan?" he called, "are you all right?" Hearing her sobs, he stepped further inside, moving to the bed. Jan was sitting with her knees drawn up, heading resting on them, rocking back and forth.
"Jan?"
Hearing his voice, she raised her face to his, lip trembling.
Galder said nothing, only sat down on the edge of the bed and opened his arms out to her.
Jan reached for him, wrapping her arms about him as she slid over. Galder held her, the thin blue pajamas she wore no barrier to the warm softness of her skin.
"It's all right, Jan," he said, "it's all right. I'm here. You're safe."
She didn't reply, only continued to sob.
They sat that way for over an hour. Gradually, Jan's sobs changed to sniffles. But she didn't let go of him, drawing both strength and comfort from being held by him. She had forgotten how strong and caring Galder could be.
He watched as her eyelids began to close. For a short time, she would close her eyes only to open them a moment later. She would look up at him, as if checking to make sure he was still there. Galder smiled down at her.
"I'm here, Jan. You're safe."
As her eyes closed once more, she smiled up at him. A few minutes, her breathing assumed the regular rhythm of sleep. Moving slowly and carefully, Galder laid her back down. But when tried to rise, he found that Jan was still holding his hand. He gently disengaged his hand from hers.
Standing up from the bed, Galder smiled to himself. Things were going even better than he had hoped. She still had feelings for him; of this he was sure. It would be only a matter of time before she didn't want him to leave, ever. Confident that his plans were coming to fruition, he exited and head to his own room. It had been a tiring day and he would need his sleep for tomorrow.