Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 3, Part 1: Fall of a Man
Chapter 2: A Guest at Dinner
A/N: Hello again, everyone and thank you for taking the time to read the next chapter of this story. I know I had a long introduction last time, so I'll try not to go on too long this time. I just want to take a minute to recognize some people who, without their input, this story probably would stayed inside my mind. So, thank you PaperRebellion for the words that made me want to do this again. I also want to mention a man named David who reached out to me on Facebook and introduced me to a site where, because of his advice and help, I now have a bound edition with cover being sent to me from . I'll try and post a picture when it arrives. Okay, I've gone on long enough. But before we start, a few shout outs as I used to do for those who have left a review. Thank you!
Swfb: Thank you. It's good to be back!
PaperRebellion: Never, ever apologize for the length of a message or review. I enjoy reading every line of it. And I'm glad you liked what you've read so far.
Fulcrum-1115 – Yes, indeed, I have returned from the abyss and crazy? Oh yes! Thank you for your encouraging words.
And for everyone who has followed me and this story, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please leave a review if you wish. I love reading them!
New Republic HQ
Detention Center
One Day Later
Having just finished the breakfast the service droid had diligently brought him, Kyle sat back against the wall next to his bed, thinking of what he would do today to occupy his mind. He was in the midst of considering options when the door to his cell opened, catching him by surprise.
Feels like it's too early for the midday check, so what…
A figure strode into the cell, turning to face him, hands on hips.
"Well," he said with a chuckle, "this is a surprise."
"What surprise?" the figure replied, "I told you when I left, I was coming back in about a week."
"Two weeks ago," he responded.
"All right," the figure admitted, "things took a little longer than I thought. You didn't have to go looking for trouble."
"Why is it everyone assumes I'm the one looking for trouble?" he said defensively, "like I told Mon Mothma, I went in for a quiet drink. It wasn't my fault I got recognized."
"Not like you had to go to a cantina in the first place."
"Geez, what are you? My mother?"
The figure smiled. "Consider yourself lucky I'm not."
"I guess you've already heard everything?" he said.
The figure nodded. "Enough."
"Sooooo," he replied, drawing the word out, "what's the plan?"
"I should be asking you that. Do you even have a plan?"
"Hey," he shot back, "it's not like I haven't been trying. You know how hard it's been."
"Well, this little dustup hasn't exactly helped things. Besides, you were given an offer."
"Uh-uh," he said, shaking his head, "no way."
"Why?"
"Setting aside the fact that I don't want to work for her, it's a bad idea. Everywhere I go, whatever I do, people will say, remember him? That's the hero who lost everything, used to be a Jedi and now even they don't want him."
"And how is that any different from how things have been going?"
"We've had this talk before. Going independent is the only choice I have to reestablish my reputation and try and get back some of what I lost."
The figure was silent for a moment.
"How about something a little different?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
The figure outlined the idea that had been come up with.
Kyle reached to stroke his scraggly beard.
"Hmmm, it might work."
"it's either that or stay here," the figure said.
Kyle gave the figure a look, grinning slightly and shrugging.
"As usual, not like I have a choice. So, what do we need to do?"
"The first thing we need to do is get you cleaned up. You look like something that came out of a ship's waste exhaust. You need a shower too. I can hardly stand to be in the same room as you."
He couldn't help but grin. "Good to see you too, Jan."
"Don't know if I can say the same to you," Jan Ors replied.
Morphing his face into an expression of pleading, he clasped his hands in front of him.
"Oh please, Commander Ors, you're my only hope. Save me from myself."
Jan rolled her eyes.
"Katarn?"
"Yes, Jan?"
"Shut up."
"Yes, Jan."
She gestured at him to follow, and Kyle gratefully rose to his feet, following her out of the cell.
New Republic HQ
Briefing Room
One Day Later
Having served in both the Old and New Republics for many years, it was not often that Mon Mothma was surprised by anything, but as Kyle and Jan entered the room, she could not contain her shock.
"P-please be seated," she said, working to control her expression.
"Whaddya think?" Jan asked, gesturing at Kyle. "Cleans up pretty good, doesn't he?"
"Indeed, he does," Mon Mothma replied.
The man that sat across from her had such a dramatic in appearance it was difficult to believe it was the same person. Jan had taken Kyle to a professional stylist that had reacted in disgust at his appearance but had agreed to help after a few credits had changed hands.
Kyle's hair, which had been an unruly mop of gray & white now was mostly brown, with only a bit of muted gray near the nape of his neck. His beard, which had grown to cover almost the entire lower half of his face had neatly trimmed into a goatee around his lips and nose with the rest running up the sides of his face where it met his sideburns. He looked positively distinguished.
The unkempt black jumpsuit, which had fallen to pieces as Kyle had taken it off, had been replaced with a pair of dark pants. A low-slung shooter's holster of brown leather was arranged on his hip along with a tactical belt along his waist. He wore a gray shirt underneath an off-white top open at the throat with twin drawstrings to close the opening if needed. Along his right shoulder sat a guard also of brown leather designed to protect his right arm and shoulder.
The transformation from the man she'd met less than a week earlier was dramatic. But as their eyes met, Mon Mothma could see the transformation was limited to the surface. The Kyle Katarn who'd rejected her offer was still there. She noticed his eyes, which had grown almost pale, looked far sharper and healthier.
Shaking herself out of her reverie, she spoke to the pair.
"Let us begin the briefing."
"Before we do that," Kyle said, "I just want to make sure. Jan says we're going to be taking assignments from you, but we'll be independent, with no ties to the New Republic.
Mon Mothma nodded. "As was agreed."
"All right," Kyle responded.
Mon Mothma studied the man for a moment more, then began speaking.
"Here is the assignment I have for you."
As Mon Mothma was describing the mission, Kyle took a moment to consider what was happening around him. How many times had the three of sat together like this, sitting together with Jan, listening to Mon Mothma brief them on a mission. It felt all too familiar. And yet it wasn't, he told himself, things have changed.
"Kyle?"
Realizing he'd lost track of things; Kyle focused his eyes on the speaker.
"Yes?"
"Is there some problem? You seemed lost in thought."
"No," he said, waving, "no problem at all. Just thinking.
Jan jabbed him in the side.
"Pay attention, Katarn," she hissed.
Kyle managed to focus his attention on the rest of the briefing until Mon Mothma concluded things, saying. "And may the Force be with you."
Kyle bit back a retort, commentary on the phrase, but made himself say nothing. Jan rose from the table and Kyle followed her.
"Ready?" she asked.
"I think so," Kyle replied.
The answer didn't seem to please Jan, but she said nothing in response as they exited the room.
Heading out to the landing paid, Kyle took a moment to admire the vessel sitting there.
The Raven's Claw, once a light courier vessel that had been heavily modified into something closer to a light cruiser. Kyle remembered the first time he'd seen the ship on Yavin 4. Back then, he'd been nearly overwhelmed with the size of the ship and how sleek it was.
"Something wrong?" Jan asked.
Kyle shook his head. "No, just taking a moment. I forgot how beautiful this ship was. She still fly as good as on Yavin 4.?"
Jan smiled as she looked up at the ship. "Better. She just underwent a complete overhaul of the main engines. I got 20% more speed out of them. I also added vector thrusters so she can sideslip better than anything else in the sky. Shields and weapons have been upgraded too."
"I can wait to see it," he replied.
The two of them entered the ship, moving to the cockpit, Jan taking the left seat.
Kyle stared in surprise, standing just behind her.
"Some problem?"
Kyle hesitated before replying. "I guess…. I guess thought I… might get to fly her."
"You?" Jan said incredulously, "Kyle, you haven't had your hands on a flight stick in months. Besides, I think you're forgetting, this is my ship."
As much as he hated to admit it, Kyle realized Jan was right. It just didn't…. feel right to him. Nevertheless, he moved to the right-hand seat and strapped in.
"There's a good boy," Jan said with a grin, "be a good boy and maybe I'll let you touch the thruster levers.
"Be still my beating heart," he returned.
Jan began the powerup process, calling out readings to Kyle, who confirmed each one. Turning to the communications system, she dialed in a frequency and called out.
"New Republic Departure Control, this is the Raven's Claw, requesting clearance for departure."
The response came back a few moments later.
"Raven's Claw, you are clear for departure. Follow beacon 4-923. Clear skies."
Jan acknowledged the transmission. Feeding power to the repulsors, she pulled the stick back, lifting the ship into the air. Receiving a green light from the engines, she switched over to them and guided the Raven's Claw into the sky.
"You've got our departure coordinates?" she asked Kyle.
He nodded. "We're headed for Obrex 9. Simple courier mission and confirm status of New Republic assets in the new area. Pretty much a blue milk run."
Jan nodded in response, taking the ship into the upper atmosphere where the curve of the planet became visible. The view ahead of them darkened as the Raven's Claw moved into space. Once clear of the planet, Kyle spoke again.
"Hyperspace coordinates are all set. We're ready to go into light speed."
"Engaging hyperdrive," Jan said, reaching for the lever and pushing it forward. Outside the starfield changed, the stars elongating and then a brief flash as the Raven's Claw flashed forward into the roiling tunnel of hyperspace.
Over the course of the next year, Kyle and Jan went on mission after mission. Most of these missions were for the New Republic, but about halfway through the year, other entities began reaching out. Kyle's reputation, which had been as low as it had ever been, gradually began to rise. Things took a dramatic upswing for the pair when on an escort mission, Kyle, drawing on his years of training and battle harden instinct, noticed how the luxury vessel was making its way through space at a snail's pace.
"I don't see what you're getting on about," Jan said, "it's a chance for people to relax and see some of the wonders of this universe. It's not like the ship should be moving at combat speed. Besides Captain Liveen has been nothing but accommodating. He even invited us for dinner this evening, captain's table."
"I understand all that," Kyle replied, "but every other spaceliner I've ever seen maintained a steady rate of travel. This one is going at two speeds, slow and stop. And don't forget the rumors we heard about pirates in the vicinity."
"Rumors, Katarn, rumors."
Despite Jan's assurances, Kyle remained on edge, his instincts telling him something was going to happen. Despite that, nothing did happen that day, and as the liner's night shift began, Jan moved the Raven's Claw in to dock with the larger ship. As she put their ships' systems on standby, Jan turned to face Kyle.
"Do you think you can try just being a little friendly tonight?" she asked, "I'd like us to make a good impression."
"I'll do what I can," Kyle said.
The two of them moved out of the cockpit and through the docking port into the spaceliner. One of the ships was at the entrance to greet them.
"Ms. Ors? Mr. Katarn? Welcome to the Galactic Odyssey. I'm Sten Thornwalt, executive officer."
"A pleasure to meet you," Jan said, offering her hand, "I'm Jan Ors, this is Kyle Katarn. Thank you for the invitation."
"I should be thanking you," the officer said, "having your escort services has given peace of mind to many of our passengers."
"We're very glad to hear that," Jan said, "we want your passengers to feel safe throughout the journey. You have a magnificent vessel here."
"Thank you," the officer said, "we're very proud of her."
"It is something to look at," Kyle added.
"Thank you," the officer said to the comment, "perhaps, if you have time after dinner tonight, we could arrange a tour."
"That would be wonderful," Jan said, grinning widely.
"I'll speak to the captain about it," the officer said, "in the meantime, if you'll come with me, we have outfits prepared for you for dinner."
"Excuse me?" Kyle asked.
"Forgive me if that comes across badly, but, if I may be frank, you can't exactly go to dinner as you are."
"Of course," Jan said, throwing a look at Kyle, "we understand."
"Please come with me," the officer said, gesturing for the pair to follow.
Jan did so immediately and when Kyle didn't so right away, she hissed at him.
"Move it, Katarn."
While not feeling comfortable at the prospect of what was happening, Kyle nevertheless followed Jan and the officer. They were taken to separate rooms where their outfits were waiting.
As he stepped into the room, Kyle found that even though the room was mostly empty, it was richly decorated, suggesting the type of clientele that were aboard. A large bench was placed near the far wall where a garment bag was hanging on a wall stud. Opening it, Kyle found an outfit that reminded him of the dress uniform he'd worn as an Imperial officer. To his surprise, it fit him very well. Looking at himself in the wall mirror, Kyle nodded in approval.
Looks good. Wonder if they'll let me keep it.
Chuckling at the thought, he stowed his own clothes in a conveniently placed hamper and exited the room.
The executive officer was waiting as he stepped outside, a smile coming to his face.
"Ah, much better, Mr. Katarn."
"Call me Kyle."
"All right, Kyle, and I'm Sten."
Just then, the other door opened, and Jan stepped out.
Kyle felt as if his breath had been taken away. Jan was clad in an opulent red dress that showed off her body as if he'd never seen her before.
"You look beautiful, Miss Ors," Sten said.
"Thank you," Jan said, blushing a little. Her eyes found Kyle.
"Well?"
It took Kyle a moment to find his voice.
"You look incredible, Jan, you're gorgeous."
Her face blushed deeper.
"Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself."
Sten moved forward, offering his arm.
"May I escort you to dinner, Miss Ors."
"Please call me Jan," she said with a grin, taking his arm, "and yes, you may."
The pair started forward down the hall, Kyle following.
It took only a short time for Sten to guide them through the ship's hallways to a pair of double doors with ornate filigree atop and alongside the doors.
"Please wait just a moment, "Sten said, letting go of Jan as he stepped towards the doors, opening one and slipping inside.
Kyle moved up to stand next to Jan.
"Having a good time?" he asked.
Jan turned to give him a quizzical look. "Yes, I am. What's wrong? Jealous?"
Before Kyle could respond, the door in front of them opened again, Sten stepping out to open both doors and offering his arm to Jan once more.
Looking ahead, they could see a richly decorated room with a large table in the center. A group of people were clustered around the table, everyone in high class dress, men in opulent suits, women in lavish dresses, both human and non-human.
Jan took Sten's arm once more as the three of them walked inside. The buzz of multiple conversations filled the room, a number of languages. Sten guided the pair through the crowd, stopping before a Chiss male in a white dress uniform, carrying a cap by his side with gold leafing along the brim.
"Captain?"
The Chiss captain turned from the conversation he was having, asking to be excused.
"Yes, Sten?"
"I would like to introduce you to Jan Ors and Kyle Katarn. They're in charge of the vessel escorting us."
"The Chiss' red eyes took in the pair. He extended a blue skinned hand, smiling.
"A pleasure to meet you both. I am Captain Antos Liveen. Welcome to the Galactic Odyssey. We are very thankful for your services in keeping us safe during the cruise."
Jan reached out her hand.
"It is our pleasure, Captain Liveen. We're glad for the opportunity to help keep you and your passengers safe. Allow me to introduce my copilot, Kyle Katarn."
The Chiss released Jan's hand to extend it to Kyle. "It is my great pleasure to meet you, sir. I have heard of you and your exploits. You honor my ship with your presence."
Kyle shook hands with the alien captain. "It is my pleasure to serve, Captain. Thank you for your gracious invitation."
The Chiss smiled in reply. "We are glad to have you both and hope you enjoy yourselves."
"I thought, after dinner, I might take our guests on a tour of the ship, Captain."
"An excellent idea, Sten, the captain said, "I hope you two would have the time to experience the pleasures of my vessel."
"We'd love to," Jan replied, Kyle nodding his agreement.
"Excuse me," a voice said from behind, "did I hear correctly that you are Kyle Katarn?"
Kyle and Jan turned to see the voice, which belonged to a Zabrak female.
"Yes, that's me," Kyle replied.
"Indeed, it is," the Zabrak said with a smile, "I recognize you. I have heard of you, but never had the chance to meet. This is an unexpected pleasure."
The Zabrak extended a hand. "I am Senator Zol Movar."
Kyle shook hands with the alien woman. "Nice to meet you," he said.
"You honor me," the Zabrak said, "Allow me to introduce my husband and daughter. Evan, Zyel, this is Kyle Katarn, the one I have told you of."
A human man stepped forward, eyes wide with surprise, holding out his hand, "I can't believe this" he said, "I never thought I would meet you in person. Evan Movar."
"Nice to meet you," Kyle said shaking the man's hand.
"I am never going to forget this day," the man said, "you've lived such an amazing life."
"I don't know about 'amazing'", Kyle said, "but thank you."
"Evan," the Zabrak female said gently.
He looked at her for a moment, then composed himself. "Forgive me, where are my manners? Let me present my daughter, Zyel."
A young female, very similar to her mother in appearance came forward, clearly nervous as she looked up at the group of adults.
Seeing the girl's expression, Kyle lowered himself to one knee, putting him close to eye level.
The girl spoke, but her voice was so low, Kyle couldn't understand her.
"Speak up, Zyel," the girl's mother said.
That only seemed to increase the girl's nervousness.
"It's all right," Kyle said. Addressing the girl, he spoke. "Are you scared?"
"A little," the girl said in a low voice," are you really him? The Kyle Katarn?"
"I'm no one special, Zyel, "Kyle said, "just a man doing his job."
The girl's expression showed she didn't agree.
"But… you're famous. A hero of the New Republic, a Jed…"
"That's enough, Zyel. Don't embarrass him."
The girl seemed to shrink.
"I'm sorry."
"No harm done, "Kyle said, "and Zyel, I'm really no one special. But I am glad to meet you."
Kyle extended his hand, and the girl shook it.
The girl smiled. "Thank you," she said, "you're really nice."
"You're welcome, "Kyle replied, rising to his feet.
The female Zabrak was about to speak when a chime sounded.
"Excuse me," Sten said, "dinner is served. Please take your places."
Everyone started to move to marked place cards at the table. The Zabrak female spoke quickly.
"Thank you," she said, "you were very kind to her."
"I was glad to," Kyle replied.
Just then, Jan pulled on his arm, indicating they should go to their seats. Kyle smiled at the Zabrak female once more before following Jan.
As everyone took their seats, the wine glasses before each place setting were filled. The captain moved to the head of the table and raised his glass.
"May I propose a toast?" he asked. "To a relaxing and successful voyage and to our special guests for keeping us safe."
Glasses were clinked around the table in acknowledgement of the captain's toast.
"Please enjoy yourselves this evening," the captain said.
Dinner was served and everyone began consuming their meals. Casual conversations began around the table.
"This is really good," Jan commented about her meal.
"Agreed," Kyle said, "I know I've been suspicious lately, but I'm glad we came tonight."
Jan smiled at him. "You were very nice to the Senator's child."
"I could see how nervous she was," he replied.
The dinner continued, and while a few arguments erupted around the table, things were relatively peaceful. When the alarm sounded, it took everyone by surprise.
The same conversations turned to cries of alarm. The captain's left hand shot up to his ear, his head tilting as if he were listening to something.
At his place, Kyle nodded to himself.
It's happening.
"Gentlebeings, gentlebeings," the captain called out, finally getting everyone's attention. "Please calm yourselves. I have received unfortunate news from the bridge that we are under attack. But do not fear. The Galactic Odyssey is equipped with the latest in defense shields. They will keep us safe until help arrives."
"That's our cue," Jan said, "we need to get back to the ship."
Kyle was about to agree when a loud voice called out.
"No one is going anywhere!"
Everyone's heads turned to take in the speaker, gazing in surprise.
"Sten?" Kyle said.
The executive officer of the luxury liner was standing a distance away from the table, a blaster in his hand.
"Sten!" the captain said, his voice is echoing off the walls, "what is going on here?"
The officer smiled. "What's going on, Captain, is I'm taking over your ship."
With that, Sten fired, the blaster bolt striking the Chiss captain in the head. A look of absolute shock appeared on his face as the light in his eyes faded and he fell back into his chair, dead.
Screams arose from the table as Sten calmly walked over to where the captain was. Pushing the chair with the body aside, he reached down to a table mounted control panel, pressing a button there. He then fired a bolt into the ceiling, the sound of the resulting explosion filling the room and temporarily silencing the cries for help.
"Good," Sten said, "now unless someone here wants to be the next one to die, I would suggest you all remain at your places and keep quiet."
When no one raised a voice in protest, Sten continued.
"All right then. So, no one will be tempted to play hero, know that I have deactivated this vessel's shields and cut off communications. And as this ship has no weapons, nothing will prevent the pirates from taking over this vessel."
"He's taken out our only defense," Kyle whispered to Jan.
"And we can't make a move without endangering everyone here," she whispered back.
Sten must have heard them because he called out a moment later.
"What did I say about being quiet? Do you want to be next?"
"What are you planning, Sten?" Kyle said aloud.
The question got him no end of stares, expressions saying to be quiet. Jan gazed at him in shock.
"I told you to be quiet," Sten said, turning his weapon to face Kyle.
Lifting both hands in an expression of surrender, Kyle continued. "Hey, I admit you're the one in control. You got the drop on everyone, including me and Jan. Are you planning to kill us all?"
"Why should I tell you anything? Now shut up."
"Why not?" Kyle replied, "I mean, all this? Not exactly something easy to put together."
"You planning on doing something about it?" Sten asked accusingly.
"And just how am I gonna do that?" Kyle said admiringly, "you got Jan and I to ditch our weapons with these outfits. We're not exactly in any shape to fight."
"That was part of the plan when I learned you'd be escorting us."
"So, you knew all along," Kyle said, "pretty good strategy."
"That's not all I know," Sten replied, "I know you're no threat in your current state."
"Is that right?"
"Don't try and fool me, Kyle. I know you've lost your powers. You don't even have a lightsaber anymore."
That comment elicited a number of surprised gasps.
"Oh yes," Sten said aloud, glee in his voice, "it's true. The 'great' Kyle Katarn is nothing more than a powerless human, no threat without weapons."
Kyle was about to say something else when a small voice called out from the table.
"You're wrong!"
Both men turned to the sound of the voice. Sandwiched between her parents, Zyel had wormed her way free.
"Kyle Katarn is a hero! He's helped people all over the galaxy and even defeated a Dark Jedi! He's stronger than you!
"Really," Sten said derisively, "then tell me girl, why hasn't he done anything yet. Why hasn't he stopped me and saved you all? You know why? Because he can't. He has no powers anymore. I could kill him as easily I did this ships' captain."
The girl continued to stare defiantly at him, unconvinced.
"Don't believe me?" Sten asked. "Well then, perhaps I should show you just how strong I am."
He aimed the blaster at Zyel and squeezed the trigger.
"No!" screamed Zyel's father, pushing forward and placing himself in front of his daughter. The blaster bolt sliced into his chest and a moment later, he dropped to the ground.
"Evan!" the Zabrak female screamed, "oh my gods, no!"
"Father!" Zyel screamed.
The two turned to the husband and father, but it was too late.
Zyel began to cry, calling for her father. Her mother wept bitter tears, calling her husband's name.
Sten's eyes shone with furious joy. He shifted the blaster.
"Who's next?!" he yelled, "I've got a full charge in this thing, more than enough to take care of all of you!"
Just then, a voice spoke from the panel.
"Captain Thornwalt?"
Sten didn't move for a moment, then reached to the table mounted panel.
"What is it? I'm busy."
"Sir, we got two ships docked with the Odyssey and four more on the way. Our advance squad has taken the bridge as planned. What other orders do you have?"
"Take the passengers into custody and relieve them of their valuables. If anyone resists, kill them."
"Understood. We've also come across a ship at one of the main docking ports."
"Go ahead and cut it free. It belongs to our 'escort,' and I have them under guard."
"Yes, sir. Do you require any assistance?"
Sten laughed. "With these fools? Not likely."
"Very well, Captain. We'll check in once we're done."
Closing the channel, Sten refocused on the people in the room.
"Does that surprise you?" he said, "yes, it's true. The leader of the Scarlet Comet pirates stands before you. I would advise you who remain alive to not underestimate me. I've killed men, women and even children before and I won't hesitate to again."
"What do you want of us?" someone called out.
"Well, so much for it being quiet," Sten said, "but why not? My answer is quite simple. I plan to relieve you all of your valuables and then leave once I've achieved my objective."
"And what's that?" Jan asked.
"She speaks!" Sten said, the amusement still in his voice. "It's
actually quite simple, Jan. I have a single target aboard this ship. Once I've eliminated it, I'll leave."
Sten considered for a moment, "Oh but I supposed you'll need to find a way to retrieve your ship afterward. Shame about that."
"Who's your target?" Kyle asked.
"Someone you met this evening, Kyle. Senator Movar. I was actually planning on leaving her husband and child alive. But I suppose plans must change. They'll all have to die now. And would you like to know why? "
Kyle nodded.
"You see, the Senator recently sponsored legislation in the Galactic Senate to, shall we say, curtail the actions of groups such as mine."
Aka pirates.
"And as you might imagine, I can't let something like that happen and Senator Movar is the most outspoken advocate for this, removing her should take care of the problem.
"Someone else will take my place," the Senator said, glaring at Sten as she cradled her child, "you won't win."
"Oh, I think I will," Sten said, "remove the head and the body falls with it. Now, have I made things clear to you, Kyle, Jan?"
"You have," Kyle replied.
"Excellent," Sten said, "but it's a shame as well. Because you wouldn't keep your mouth shut, now I have to kill everyone here."
The pirate leader sighed, "Such a waste of resources."
"Kill me if you must," the Senator said, "but not my daughter. Let her go and I'll do whatever you want."
"Well now," Sten said, "a generous offer indeed. Yes, very generous. A shame I have to refuse it. Now, it's time to die."
Just then, the communication panel dinged.
Sighing in exasperation, Sten went to the panel.
"What is it?"
"Captain, we've cut the ship free that was at the main airlock and dealt with the passengers. We're ready to leave."
"What about our other ships?"
"Holding station near the liner. I didn't see a need to call them in.
"You didn't see a need?" Sten replied, "are you defying my orders?"
"No, sir! I just…"
"You will call those ships in right away or I'll find someone to do it. You know what that means."
"What shall I tell the ships to do once they've docked?"
"Have the crews disembark. I've changed my mind about the passenger compliment. I want them executed, every last one of them."
"Sir, if we do that…"
"Dispatch a team to the engine room and set the engines to overload. Once we leave, the ship will explode and there won't be anyone to tell what was done. There won't be anyone left alive and no bodies to recover."
"Aye sir, we'll get on it."
"Good. Report to me when things are ready."
Closing the channel, Sten was distracted when a woman screamed, fainting.
The brief distraction was just enough for Jan. She quickly leaned into Kyle.
"Tell me you have a weapon. A knife, something."
"A holdout blaster," he confirmed, "but only 4 shots."
"All right, I've got some surprises of my own. We've got to stop this before it gets any worse."
Kyle nodded just as Sten, having gotten control of the room again, noticed the pair.
"Now, just what are you two discussing over there?" he asked. "You're not planning something foolish, are you?"
I just wanted to tell Jan goodbye."
"What?" Sten said in surprise.
"Since I'm going to die anyway, I wanted Jan to know how I feel."
"Really?" Sten said, "well, why not? Proceed."
Kyle reached for Jan's hands, taking them in his.
"Jan, I know I haven't told you this. Especially after everything that happened. I just want you to know…"
Jan reached out to gently trace a finger across his cheek. "You don't have to, "she said, "I know already. I think I've always known."
They reached for each other, faces drawing closer.
"Oh my," Sten said, "look at this. If I had a heart, it would surely be moved by this."
"You ready, Katarn?" Jan whispered.
"For you, partner, he whispered back, "always."
Jan suddenly took in a shuddering breath and appeared to faint, her arms dropping loosely to her sides.
"Jan!"
Even as Kyle reached for her, his right hand was moving, slipping under his tunic, feeling the hilt of the blaster. Jan's body pitched forward at the exact right moment, covering his movement. He yanked the blaster out, lifting it towards Sten.
"What?" the pirate captain exclaimed.
Even as Kyle aimed the small gun, Jan pushed to her feet, sweeping the skirt of the dress aside to reveal one perfectly toned leg clad in stockings and an intricate set of garters. But it was the holster strapped around her thigh she reached for, pulling out one of the thin, but very sharp blades. Even as Kyle's finger squeezed the trigger, Jan swept out her hand, launching the needle-sized blade.
Sten brought his weapon to bear.
"Fools! I'll…."
The blast from Kyle's holdout blaster missed its target, going wide. But it was enough to startle Sten that he didn't fire in time before Jan's blade sliced into Sten's hand, the one holding the blaster. The blade sliced deep into the flesh and Sten screamed, his suddenly nerveless hand dropping the blaster. A second blade arced in, striking his other hand, eliciting fresh pain.
Kyle shifted his aim and fired again just as Sten tried to grab for the blaster. This shot didn't miss, hitting Sten just below his throat. The pirate captain screamed once more, but this didn't go on long as Kyle's final two shots hit Sten in the chest, vaporizing flesh. What was left of Sten dropped to the floor in a smoking pile.
The room was suddenly quiet, no one saying a word.
Jan was the first to drop out of her combat stance. She stepped forward, confirming the results of the brief battle.
"Is he dead?" Kyle asked.
"Oh yeah," Jan replied, nodding, "definitely."
She reached down and grabbed the dropped blaster. Examining it, she nodded once more. "Still a 75% charge."
"Kyle? Jan?" Senator Movar called, "is he…"
"It's over," Jan said in response, "he's dead."
"What about the rest of the pirates?" Kyle asked.
The pair rushed to the table mounted control panel.
"Should we alert the bridge?"
"Bad idea," Jan said, "if the pirates are still there…"
Kyle finished the sentence, "they'll kill the crew and do who knows what with the ship."
Jan nodded in agreement. "And we still have to deal with the group that was sent to the engine room."
"Right," Kyle replied. He examined a display. "According to this, six pirate ships are docked with us."
"Too many," Jan said, "wait, what about the shields?"
"Right here, "Kyle said, pointing at the button, "but what good does that do us?"
"You ever wonder why we tell fighter pilots not to fly into the shield envelopes of the capital ships?"
It took Kyle a moment to understand. "They'd be trapped inside," he reasoned.
"Not only that," Jan said, "but when they tried to exit…"
Finally understanding what Jan was saying, a savage grin came to Kyle's face.
"Well, whaddya say we go ahead and raise them?
"And as long as we're at it, let's get communications back online and get some help."
"Good idea," Kyle said, "which should be first?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Jan replied, reaching down to activate the shields.