Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 1: Rise of a Hero
Part 2
Chapter 22: Bad Tidings
A/N: Well, I think everyone remembers where we let off. So let's continue!
"No? What do you mean, no?"
"I can take her to one of the passenger cabins," Galder replied between breaths, "Once she's rested, I'll know better if her injuries require medical attention."
Kyle was already shaking his head. "No. No way. She needs to go to sickbay."
"Over my dead body." Galder said coldly.
Kyle could see he meant it. The man had the look of a wounded animal. And wounded animals are most dangerous when they're cornered.
I could beat him, Kyle thought, he's in no shape to take me on. But, even as he thought this, Kyle realized that the priority right now had to be Alessa. He had to make sure she'd be okay.
"All right," he said, reaching to take hold of Alessa.
"What do you think you're doing?" Galder asked accusingly.
"It's not like she can walk," Kyle shot back, "one of us has to carry her."
"Then I'll…"
"Galder, after the beating I just gave you, you'll be lucky if you can walk by yourself."
"It's not like you're in any better shape, Katarn."
"I know that. So be ready in case I need your help."
While he didn't like it, Galder realized the plan made sense. He nodded.
Moving carefully, Kyle gathered Alessa into his arms.
"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath, "here we go."
The sudden movement hurt, causing him to cry out. But with a final effort, Kyle was on his feet, Alessa cradled in his arms.
With Galder in the lead, he stepped into the turbo shaft. As it ascended, Alessa gave a low moan, shifting slightly in his arms.
"You'll be all right, Alessa." Galder said.
You hope, Kyle thought.
Minutes later, as he lay Alessa down on the large bed, Kyle felt grateful they had not had to come much further. His arms, which had begun to tremble from the exertion, now felt like two lead weights attached to the rest of him.
From his left, Galder materialized with a small medkit. Opening it, he removed a bottle of solution and several cloths. He carefully cleaned the dried blood from her cheek and lip.
After he had carefully applied a bandage over the bruise on Alessa's cheek, Galder sat back with a huge sigh.
"How is she?"
"She'll be fine," Galder said then over his shoulder, "You can go now."
"Maybe I should stay. Help keep an eye on her."
"I don't need your help, Katarn, and I'd appreciate it if you'd leave us alone."
"Fine," Kyle replied, "but if anything happens to her…"
"She's my sister, Katarn. I will take care of her."
Kyle considered arguing the point, but his beaten and aching body was of greater concern. Still not entirely comfortable with leaving Alessa alone with Galder, Kyle nevertheless left the ship, carefully avoiding the members of the New Hope's crew until he reached his quarters.
Sitting down on his bed, he let out a huge sigh.
What a night! Next time, we have dinner in the mess hall. It'll be safer for both of us.
Even as that thought brought a smile to his face, Kyle reflected on the future of his relationship with Alessa. He did like her, and she definitely returned his feelings.
But with Galder around, will I have to be watching my back all the time? And if so, what kind of relationship is that? Things with Jan were a lot easier.
That thought brought with it a surge of guilt, followed by confusion. Why am I feeling like this? It's not like Jan and ever committed to each other or expected that we wouldn't go out with other people. Still, the feeling of guilt persisted.
On an impulse, he got up, moving to the wall-mounted dresser. It took some rummaging, but he finally found it, pulling out the slim rectangle of transparisteel. In between the two pieces was the only photograph he had of him and Jan together. Someone on the hangar deck crew had snapped it right after the fireworks show celebrating the destruction of the Death Star. There was him, on the left, Jan on the right. She was leaning against him, her arm cradled around his neck. She was smiling, her blue eyes alight with the joy they had both felt.
Closing his eyes, Kyle thought back to that day.
Rebel Command Ship New Hope
Hangar Bay
"Hold it!" the young man had shouted at them.
Kyle turned around to the source of the voice as Jan asked, "What, Vextris?"
"I want to get a picture!"
"Maybe later, Vextris," Jan said.
"Aw 'c'mon, Jan!" the man had cried, "Just one shot, please?"
"Yeah, Jan," Kyle had said, moving up next to her, "what's one photo gonna hurt?"
"Look at me!" she said, indicating her flyaway hair, her partially rumpled clothes.
"Yeah, so?" Kyle responded, indicating his own outfit, in no better shape.
"Oh, go on, Jan," said Quell Harness, leader of Gold Squadron, "this is a day of celebration. You might want something to remember it by."
Jan hesitated a moment more, then with a roll of her eyes, said, "All right. Fine."
"Just let me get you focused and…"
"Hold it," she said, "get in here, Katarn."
"Me?"
"If I'm going to submit to this, so are you. Now get over here."
"Sure," Kyle said, moving to stand a shoulder's width apart from her.
To his surprise, Jan laid her arm across his shoulders.
"Ready, Vextris."
The man aimed the camera then frowning, said, "Can you two get closer? I can't get you both in the shot."
"Well," Kyle said, "I don't know…"
"Shut up and c'mere, Katarn," Jan said, laughing as she wrapped her arm about his neck, pulling him close, her body leaning against his.
"Perfect!" Vextris said, "Okay, smile!"
A smile played across Kyle's face as he thought. He could almost feel the weight of Jan's body on his, how nice it had felt.
We were so happy that day, he thought, and later on, even when things got so bad with me, Jan was right there by my side.
He sighed again. I don't believe what I'm feeling. I'm actually missing her. After all that happened, how could I miss her?
His eyes suddenly burned, his throat feeling full. In a whisper, he said, "Because I care about her."
A single tear splashed against the surface of the picture frame.
Why, Jan? Why are you picking that bastard Galder over me? If you could have seen what he did to me and Alessa tonight, would still feel the same?
For a moment, he considered finding a way to let Jan know, to tell her exactly what happened. But even as he thought this, Kyle realized it wouldn't work.
First off, he thought, I'd have to find a way to get a message to her in the brig. And even assuming I could do that, how do I know that she'll believe me? For all I know, she'll think I'm making it up or just flat out lying. And if she went to Galder about it, he could twist the story in all kinds of ways.
Besides, if he wrote Jan about the fight, then he'd have to explain why he was having dinner with Alessa in the first place.
And that could make things worse.
Still, if Jan would listen, really listen, then maybe, just maybe things would get better between them.
Kyle could feel his eyelids growing heavy. The exertions of the fight and carrying Alessa had exhausted him.
Tired, he thought, so tired. Got to get some sleep. His eyelids drooped further.
Even as he lay down on the bed, Kyle kept his eyes on the picture, focusing on Jan's face, her smile.
"Jan," he whispered, eyes closing. His right hand lay atop his chest, still holding the picture.
Two Days Later
"Jan, please. Please don't do this."
"I'm sorry, Kyle. But my mind is made up."
"But of all the men in the galaxy, why him?"
"Why not him?" she said defiantly.
"I'm surprised you can even ask that. You heard what he did to me, to Alessa."
She shook her head dismissively. "He saw you about to kiss his sister and didn't like it. So he stopped you. I don't see anything wrong with that."
"You don't…?" Kyle said incredulously, "Jan, the man struck his own sister!"
"After she hit him first. And Alessa is all right, isn't she?" She said this last vindictively.
Kyle paused a moment, willing himself not to get angry.
"That was low, Jan, even for you.
"Low? You wanna talk about low, Katarn? How about dating one of my best friends behind my back? You didn't even have the guts to tell me yourself. I had to find it out secondhand.
He looked away, unable to say anything.
"Besides, you made your true feelings for me abundantly clear before I got tossed in the brig."
"I was angry, Jan! You decked me, busting my nose and then tried to blow it off with a bunch of excuses! How did you expect me to react?
Now it was her turn to look away.
"And then you said you had chosen Galder over me. I didn't believe it then and I don't now."
"Well, you'd better start believing it, Katarn. Galder and I are together, it's as simple as that. Besides, it's not like you and I had much between us.
"Now, Jan, we both know that isn't true. I know you care for me, and I care for you."
"But do you love me?"
There was a long pause.
"I…"
"And there we have it, Kyle. You may care for me, but Galder loves me. He's not afraid to say it or show it.
"He's a liar, Jan. He'd say anything to get you back. He's been manipulating you, me, even Alessa and Wexter."
"Galder is not a liar, Kyle. He's told me more truth than you have lately."
"Jan, please," he said, beginning to feel desperate, "I'm begging you, please…"
"No, Kyle," she said firmly, cutting him off, "I've heard enough from you. Galder loves me and wants to marry me. And I intend to tell him yes."
Kyle's heart pounded painfully in his chest. He was losing her.
"And," she continued, "This transfer to the Araxes Base is the best thing for everyone involved."
It's not best for me, he thought.
"Jan," he said, making one final attempt, "what about us?"
She looked him right in the eyes. "There is no 'us', Kyle."
With that, she turned, moving for the Aldera's hatchway. With Alessa turning her back on him as well, Galder had convinced her to transport himself and Jan to the new base.
"Jan," he called after her, "Jan, please no. Wait."
She said nothing in response, nor did her step falter. She passed through the hatchway, the door sliding shut behind her.
Rushing forward, Kyle began to pound on it.
"Jan!" he yelled, "Jan!"
As the blow struck his leg, Kyle's eyes flew open. He glanced around wildly, the scene before his eyes completely unfamiliar.
Okay, Katarn. Slow down. Take a breath.
Closing his eyes, Kyle forced himself to take several calming breaths. Gradually, his heart, which had been racing, slowed to a more normal rhythm. Opening his eyes, he could see the ceiling above him. Sitting up, he cast around, seeing the now familiar lines of his quarters.
A dream, he thought, a blasted dream. That's all it was. As he sat there, head hanging down, the last vestiges of sleep leaving him, he reconsidered. This dream was more a nightmare than anything else. And yet, it had felt so real. He realized that he had been making the pounding motion in his sleep and so had hit himself in the leg.
It had been two days since the incident aboard the Aldera, Kyle spending much of yesterday in his quarters resting. The fight with Galder had taken a lot out of him, especially in his lower regions. But aside from that and some assorted bruises, he was in fair shape.
But this morning, with the nightmare still fresh in his mind, Kyle decided right then and there that somehow, somewhere, he was going to talk to Jan again.
Maybe she won't want to, especially after what I said to her last time. But I'm gonna try. She matters too much to me not to.
That decided, he threw off the bedclothes and trudged to the 'fresher. As he moved, Kyle became aware that he was able to walk normally. Yesterday, each step had brought with it pain and the taste of metal in his mouth. Five minutes under a steady, but gentle spray eliminated the vestiges of the nightmare and brought him to full wakefulness. As he studied himself in the mirror, Kyle noticed there was still one livid bruise along his cheek.
Have to come up with something to tell Mon Mothma about that, he thought.
He was nearly finished dressing when his communicator dinged. It took a moment for him to find the device, finally locating it under the bed.
"Katarn here."
The message was one of Mon Mothma's aides. He was to report to the briefing room in 2 hours.
Something's happened with that smuggler ship, he thought.
On his way to the mess hall for breakfast, he called Wexter.
"Kyle, I've been trying to reach you since yesterday afternoon. I saw Galder and Alessa. Are you...?"
"I'm fine, Wexter."
"Are you sure? From what Galder told me, he messed you up pretty badly."
"Don't worry. I gave as good I got. How's Alessa?"
"Better. We went to see Dr. Berth yesterday."
Oh no, Kyle thought, a stab of cold in his stomach, if they told Berth what happened…
"I see."
"It's okay, Kyle. We told him that Alessa had taken a nasty fall in the Aldera's ballroom. I'm not sure Berth completely believed us, but he didn't ask any further questions.
"Whew!" Kyle breathed, relief replacing anxiety, "That does help. Thanks."
"Don't mention it. Galder swears up and down you instigated the fight. But once I talked to Alessa, I knew who was telling the truth. You sure you're all right?"
"Yes, 'dad', I'm fine."
Wexter laughed. "That's the trouble with you kids today, no respect for your elders."
"True," Kyle said, chuckling, "listen, I need to ask you, what's the status of the Crow?"
"It's flyable, although I haven't had a chance to really check out the results of my efforts. Why?"
"I've got a briefing in just over an hour and I suspect I'll be needing her for a mission."
"Oh. Well, in that case, I'll head over and make a quick check of the key systems."
"That'd be great. I'll check in with you after the briefing."
"All right then, I…" There was a pause from the other side. He could hear Wexter talking to someone. Then, "Kyle, you still there?"
"Yes."
"Alessa is here. She went to check on Galder and…"
"What? What's wrong?"
"He's missing, Kyle. Alessa has checked the entire ship and Galder's nowhere to be found.
Great, Kyle thought disgustedly, just what I didn't need right now. He realized Wexter was still talking.
"What was that?"
"I said Alessa wants to speak to you."
"Sure, put her on."
There was a short pause, then, "Kyle?"
"Hi, how are you feeling?"
"Much better today, but between the other night and the way my face looks, I'm ready to shoot that brother of mine out the nearest airlock."
"I'm glad you're okay."
"How about you?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"I'm fine."
"Kyle, please be careful. I'm worried Galder will do something foolish."
That makes two of us, he thought.
"Don't worry. I'll watch my back."
"You'd better," she replied, then with a subtle change of voice, "Listen, are you free for dinner tonight? I'd like to see you.
"I'm not sure. I have to report for a briefing soon, and afterwards well… I just don't know yet."
"Is it about a mission?"
"Maybe."
"Well, let me know," she said, a mild purr in her voice, "I'd like to finish what we started."
His mouth suddenly felt dry. It took a moment before he could speak.
"We'll see."
Just a little over ten days to go now, Jan thought, just a bit longer and I'll be out of here.
Sighing, she glanced at the terminal screen. Still nothing.
He's late, she thought, I usually have at least one message from him by now.
Since the first two messages, Galder had been e-mailing her at least twice a day, sometimes more. Sometimes short, sometimes long, his messages had become an important part of her day. In some ways though, she almost wished she didn't know what she knew now. She thought of the message from two days ago.
Hi Jan,
Another day closer to freedom. I can't decide who's anticipating it more, you or me.
Listen, I have something "unpleasant" to tell you. Understand that I have no proof of what I'm saying, only the evidence of what I saw.
Kyle and my sister have been having dinner together for the last several days. When Alessa first told me about it, I thought it was okay. After all, it was just dinner, right?
Then, one night last week, Alessa came out of her quarters dressed… well, there's no other way to say it, dressed as if for a party or a formal dinner. When I asked her what the occasion was, she said it was for Kyle, a special treat for dinner that night.
When I asked her what that meant, she said it was none of my business and left. Jan, I'm beginning to think they're dating. I mean, granted, Alessa is old enough to make her own decisions, but I don't completely trust Katarn. It's got me concerned.
But maybe I'm wrong. I truly hope so. I wish you were to advise me, Jan. I miss you every day.
Galder
Kyle dating I could deal with. He's a good-looking guy, after all. But Alessa? Why her? What are you doing, Kyle?
Galder apologized in his next message for sounding so grim, explaining that while he was concerned, he trusted Alessa to do the right thing. But now, after nearly two days of not hearing from him, she was beginning to worry.
As for Kyle, she hadn't heard from him since his last message over a week ago.
Well, it's not I expected to hear from him. Besides, she wasn't sure she wanted to hear from him again. She knew he was upset with her, but this lack of communication and his attitude just didn't make sense to her.
Kyle can be stubborn at times, even pigheaded. But I've always been able to get through to him. Despite how bad things were between them, she wished she could talk to him face-to-face, if for no other reason that to try and confirm or deny what she was feeling.
But what if he…? No, she admonished herself, I can't think like that. Jan decided at that moment, that one way or another, she was going to talk to Kyle Katarn as soon as he was released. With the decision made, she sat down on the bed, her back to the wall. It took a few minutes before she noticed the message icon had popped up.
Eagerness filling her, Jan moved to the terminal, opening the message. But, a moment later, her smile of anticipation faded away.
Jan,
I imagine you'll be hearing from Kyle soon. He said he was going to e-mail you before I could. So, in case this message comes after his, I beg you to please listen to me.
First off, please accept my apologies for being out of touch. Once I explain what happened, I think you'll understand.
Jan felt a worm of cold dread work it's way inside her. She continued reading.
Two nights ago, I noticed Alessa bustling about the Aldera's ballroom. When I asked what was going on, she said she had a special guest coming to dinner. I inquired further, but she wouldn't tell the name of the person and emphasized that the dinner was just for the two of them.
I was disappointed, but respected her wishes. I was resting on the rear observation when I her dinner guest arrived. I heard the door signal go off and was just starting to answer it when I heard Alessa's voice cut in. Jan, her "guest" was none other than Kyle!
As I said earlier, Alessa is old enough to do what she wants, but something about this made me suspicious. Still, I waited about three hours before heading down to the ballroom to talk to her. I was sure that it was more than enough time to have dinner. But when I arrived, I heard music playing and that's when I saw it.
Kyle and Alessa were standing under one of the chandeliers and… Jan, forgive me, but they were standing practically chin-to-chin. Kyle was holding Alessa to him tightly and as I walked in, he started to kiss her.
Well, that was it for me. I entered the room and asked what was going on. But rather than being embarrassed, the two of them acted as if I was the problem for interrupting them. The next thing I knew, Kyle told me to get out or he'd make me leave. And when I refused, he attacked me.
Now, Jan, I know Katarn is your friend and while I had no desire to hurt him, I was forced to defend myself. And then Alessa joined in on his side! I pushed her away at one point just as Kyle threw a punch meant for me.
He hit Alessa, Jan! Practically knocked her out! I told him to get out or I was calling security. He did leave, but not before warning me to not tell anyone. He said that everyone on the ship trusted him and would never believe me.
Alessa is all right except for a nasty bruise and while Kyle did managed to rough me up, I'm fine as well. But Jan, to accost my sister like that, then attack and threaten me. Katarn concerns me, Jan. I'm wondering if Wexter, Alessa and I should leave. Better that than have this happen again.
I'm sorry for bringing you such bad news, Jan. But you deserve to know the truth. I'll be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Galder
Jan read the message three more times, absorbing the full impact of Galder's words.
Part of her didn't want to believe it. The Kyle she knew was neither lustful nor recklessly aggressive.
But maybe, she thought, maybe I don't know him at all.
"Oh Kyle," she whispered, "What have you done?"
Rebel Command Ship New Hope
Briefing Room
When Kyle entered the briefing room, Mon Mothma lifted her eyes from the data pad she was reading, raising an eyebrow at his appearance. It was clear to her that he had been in a fight. But as Kyle opened his mouth, she set the data pad down and lifted a hand to stop him.
"Let me start. Are you all right?"
"Yes."
She said nothing, just stared at him.
Under that unrelenting gaze, he added, "Still a little sore, but I really am all right."
"Mm hmm," she mused, "and the cause of this 'soreness'?"
"I really rather not say, I…"
"Kyle," she said, the meaning behind the way she said his name clear.
"Yes, ma'am," he said.
After motioning him to a chair, she took the one opposite him. Kyle gave her the short version of events, explaining that Alessa had invited him to dinner, they were dancing and she asked him to kiss her.
"The next thing I knew, Galder comes charging across the room screaming at me to get my hands off of Alessa."
"And you fought."
Kyle nodded. "Yes, we did."
"I see. Anything else?"
He hesitated, then told of how Galder had struck Alessa and how the both of them had subsequently taken her to one of the rooms on the Aldera.
"Galder told me to leave, and rather than risk another fight, I left."
"I see," Mon Mothma repeated, "and that's all of it?"
"Yes ma'am," Kyle said sincerely, "that's everything."
"Very well," she said, standing up. She walked to one end of the table, paused a moment, then moved back to stand in front of him. She stared into his eyes for a long moment, her gaze intense.
Not sure what was going on, Kyle stared back at her.
Reaching for the data pad, she picked it up, pressed a control.
"Normally, I don't get involved in situations like this, Kyle. It's a waste of my time and frankly, with the threat of the Empire, I don't need problems like this."
"I don't…"
She held the data pad out to him. "Read it."
Frowning, Kyle accepted the data pad, turned it around to read the display.
"What the...!"
"Keep reading," Mon Mothma prompted.
Finishing the last line, Kyle looked up, his face a mask of shock. "He can't be serious."
"Unfortunately, he is quite serious, Kyle. You stand accused of attacking Alessa, then Galder. Further, you were quoted as saying, 'you'd better keep quiet about this, or I'll be back. Besides, no one will believe you. Everyone on this ship trusts me.'"
"I never said…!"
This time, Mon Mothma held up both hands.
"I believe you, Kyle. Which is what makes this so difficult. If the Rebellion is ever going to have a chance, we have to show other worlds that we respect law and order. We can't just say it; we have to do it."
Kyle felt his heart sink.
"Galder has accused you of a crime, Kyle. And he is practically demanding that you be put in detention pending a hearing. As your commander, I am obliged to confine you to quarters until I can convene a general hearing to hear the evidence and decide on your guilt or innocence."
"Mon Mothma," he said, almost pleadingly, "I swear to you that I would never…"
Again the hands came up and, reluctantly, he stopped speaking.
"Kyle, I need you to be quiet and listen to me, really listen."
He looked at her. There was something in Mon Mothma's eyes, something that convinced him to stop thinking of how to get out of this situation and to listen to her words.
"Now, as I said, I am obliged to confine you to quarters to which I will be dismissing you to momentarily. However, should you happen to get, shall we say, 'lost' on the way and somehow end up in the hangar bay, I can assure you that I will quite surprised to find you and the Crow missing.
It took a moment, but he finally got it. His mouth dropped open, his eyes going wide.
"You mean…"
"You have you orders, Kyle. Are there any questions?"
"No ma'am," he said, standing up. He extended a hand, "And thank you."
Shaking hands with him, Mon Mothma smiled back. She then handed him a data disc. "Here is all the information on Ergo and the smuggler base. Aldarion and Undomiel have confirmed the smuggler ship is less than a day's travel away."
"Understood. And, not to seem ungrateful, but could I ask two additional favors?"
"Name them."
"Well, given what's happened, I imagine you can't supply me with a pilot."
She nodded.
"I was thinking of having Wexter pilot the Crow. He's not a member of the crew so if I 'forced' him to come along…"
Mon Mothma considered that a for a moment, then said, "Good idea. And the other favor?"
He indicated the data pad. "Can I borrow that for a minute?"
She gave him a slightly confused, but nonetheless handed it over.
Clearing the screen, Kyle took the stylus attached to the top of the data pad and began writing.
A little more than two minutes passed as he wrote the last line. Clipping the stylus back into place, he held the data pad out to Mon Mothma.
"Jan gets out of the brig in about a week, right?"
"Yes," Mon Mothma said, still trying to decipher his intentions.
"Can you make sure she get this?"
Taking the data pad, she scanned what he had written.
"Kyle, I don't think…" she began.
"Just get her to read it. After that, well… I'll know when I get back."
Mon Mothma took a moment to consider the request, and then said, "While I don't think I'm the best to deliver this, Kyle, I will make sure Jan gets it."
"Thank you. And now, I'd better go."
"Good luck, Kyle."
"You too," he said, turning away and heading for the exit.
Five Minutes Later
The Hangar Bay
Glancing at the readout, Wexter gave a satisfied nod. Exiting the cockpit, he moved amidships and closed the final access panel. Then, taking a step back, he swept his eyes over the Crow.
She's still not the prettiest thing in the universe, but I imagine Kyle will find her a much better ship.
The hangar entrance doors opened and closed. Heads turned to look as a figure dashed across the bay, the sound of running feet echoing in the open space. It was loud enough to jolt Wexter out of his reverie. He stepped around the Crow's nose to see what the commotion was, brows lifting in surprise as he caught sight of the man running across the hangar towards him.
"Kyle," the older man said, the tone in his voice mirroring the surprise on his face as Kyle skidded to a halt right in front of him, "what's…?"
"I don't… have time to… to explain. I need… you to pilot… the Crow."
"Pilot the Crow?" Wexter repeated, confused.
"Look," Kyle said, pausing to take some deep breaths, "I'll explain as soon as we take off, but we need to go."
"Kyle…"
"Please, Wexter. I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important."
The older man gave the request a moment's thought. Whatever was going on, it was sufficient to have Kyle heading down here at a run. And given the altercation between him and Galder…
"All right."
"Thanks."
Turning to the ship, they climbed into the cockpit, Kyle into the rear while Wexter took the front.
The older man began to flip switches. Kyle watched, impressed. One by one, the Crow's systems began to activate. Displays came to life; power indicators began feeding information on the ship's status.
As Wexter reached for the repulsor controls, Kyle automatically braced himself for the sharp jolt that often accompanied their activation. But as Wexter pressed the ignition button, the repulsors came on so effortlessly, Kyle wasn't sure at first that they had activated at all.
"Um, Wexter, are we...?"
The answer came as the older man increased power to the repulsors and the Moldy Crow rose off the deck in one smooth motion.
"You like?"
"Uh-huh," Kyle replied, gazing out the cockpit as Wexter positioned the Crow in front of the space doors.
Kyle was debating about whether to call hangar control or not when the yellow lights over the space doors began to flash. At the same time, a voice came over the hangar bay P.A.
"Attention! Attention! Hangar bay decompression in thirty seconds! Repeat, hangar bay decompression in thirty seconds! All personnel to your stations! Everyone else, get clear!"
"What the...?" both men said at the same time.
Just then, the comm system came alive with an incoming signal.
"Hangar control to Moldy Crow," a familiar voice said, "you have been cleared for departure. Space doors will open in twenty-five seconds."
Opening a channel, Kyle called, "Puan, is that you?"
"Affirmative, Moldy Crow. You priority clearance received. Space doors will open in twenty seconds."
"How did…" Wexter began, then held up a hand. "No. I'll wait until we're in space. Then you can tell me."
Fifteen seconds later, the atmosphere inside the hangar was evacuated. Five seconds after that, the space doors opened, revealing the velvety blackness of space beyond them.
"Ready?" Wexter asked, reaching for the engine controls.
"Ready."
To Kyle's surprise, Wexter kept the repulsors going as he activated the engines.
He began to shake his head. This isn't going to work. He'll have to pull power away from the repulsors in order to fire up the engines.
But, a moment later, with a soft "boom", the Crow's engines lit off. Putting his hand against the metal behind him, Kyle could feel their reverberation.
"Wexter," he said, almost not believing what was happening, "what did you do to my ship?"
In reply, the old engineer advanced the throttle. Engines flaring, the Moldy Crow streaked out of the hangar bay.
Clearing the New Hope, Kyle started to reach for his own controls in order to program the hyperspace jump. But before he could, the world around him began to tilt. The next thing he knew, the Crow was inverted and he was now looking "down" at the New Hope.
From the forward cockpit, he heard Wexter give a whoop of delight. Kyle considered admonishing the older man, but really, what was it hurting? Then, his stomach gave a sudden lurch.
That's not good.
"Hey ace," he called, "you think you can turn us right side up before I do the technicolor yawn back here?"
In response, he felt the Crow roll again until it was right side up again.
"You okay back there?" Wexter called.
"Just don't do that again," Kyle replied, one hand cradling his stomach, "ever."
With his other hand, he pulled out the data disc and inserted it into a data port. It took less than a minute for the Crow's computer to locate the jump coordinates. A green light lit on the navigation panel, indicating the jump was programmed in.
"We're ready for hyperspace," he called forward.
"Okay," Wexter replied, "here we go." Taking hold of the hyperdrive controls, he pushed them forward and as the stars outside became lines, the Moldy Crow's engines gave a brief, brilliant flare as the ship accelerated into hyperspace.