Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 3, Part 1: Fall of a Man
Chapter 3: A Lonely Voice
A/N: Hello to one and all and welcome to Chapter 3 of this latest chapter in the adventures of Kyle Katarn and Jan Ors. I just wanted to take a minute to say how thankful I am to be writing again and I am grateful for each person who takes the time to read this story, both here and overseas. I also want to acknowledge the universe of people on Discord which I recently started chatting with and am glad to be a part of. On to the shoutouts!
PaperRebellion: First off, please forgive my new chapter intruding and creating the chaos you described. Definitely not what I was meaning to do—lol. Yes! I have my copy of the bound version of my MOTS story and even as I look at it, I can't quite believe this is real. My story, in a book, an honest to goodness book! I do have to give credit to my FB friend David for showing and teaching me about this. On your writing, I am happy for you. On your review, their relationship is going to take some swerves, peaks and valleys, but it will work out. Or will it? JK. I loved Liz's comment! Can't wait to see what you think of this one.
Outside the Galactic Odyssey, the pirate ships sat in place, their airlocks attached to the hull of the larger ship.
No one aboard any of the ships realized the liner's shields had come back up until it was too late.
Snapping into place, the overpowered defense shields now occupied the space between the liner's hull and the pirate ship. The result was almost immediate.
From inside the spaceliner, the viewports flared with orange/white light as the pirate ships exploded, killing every member of the crew aboard or nearby. Most of the damage was contained outside the liner, leaving a number of scorch marks along the hull. One airlock did rupture and threatened to allow the air inside to escape into the vacuum of space. But sensors along the hull detected the problem and deployed one of the emergency bulkheads designed to be put into action in case of shield failure. Barely any air escaped before the rupture was closed.
Inside the captain's dining room, things were strangely peaceful. The occupants had seen the explosions from the large viewports in the room.
"Pirates ships all destroyed," Kyle reported, "nice work, Jan."
She smiled at him. "What about communications?"
"Up and running. We also have internal comms and the overhead address system."
Just then, a signal appeared on the comm board.
"Where's that coming from?" Kyle asked.
"Looks like the bridge," Jan replied. She opened the channel.
"Bridge, this is the captain's dining room, come in please?
There was a pause and then a voice came through. It sounded very young and very afraid.
"Who is this? Where's the captain? If you're one of those pirates…"
Jan spoke clearly and calmly.
"This is Jan Ors. I'm a member of your escort force."
"If… that's true, you have… a clearance code."
"A14X39."
"Thank the heavens," the voice replied, sounded a little calmer. "Everyone here on the bridge is dead. We took care of the pirates, but I'm the only one left."
"What's your name?" Jan asked.
"Alvert," the voice said, "Ensign Alvert Gordon. I'm the ships' purser,"
"Are you wounded at all, Ensign Gordon?"
"No ma'am. One of the pirates was about to shoot me. But the helmsman, Lieutenant Nevron, stopped him, but she was already badly wounded. She… didn't make it. What about the captain?"
"I'm afraid he was killed also, along with the executive officer. Ensign, I need you to remain calm, but you appear to be the senior officer on duty."
"But ma'am…"
"We don't have time to discuss this at the moment, Ensign. I need you to focus. Can you do that for me?
"My friends call me Alvie."
Jan smiled a little.
"All right, Alvie. I'm Jan, all right."
"What's happening here?" the man suddenly exclaimed, "this was my first cruise with this team and now everyone's dead. I don't think…"
"Alvie!" Jan said sharply.
There was a long pause.
"Yes… Jan?"
"I know you're scared right now, and I can't imagine what you've been through, but I need you to stay focused right now, okay? We'll get through this… together."
"All right, Jan," Alvie said after another pause. "Tell me what you need me to do."
"Good man, Alvie. We'll take it a step at a time. Now, do we long range communications available?"
"Uh, I… I think so. The comm officer was trying to send a signal when they shot him."
"Good," Jan said, "good work, Alvie. You think you can send a message for me?
"I…I don't know if I can, Jan. I… I want to help… but…"
"It's okay, Alvie," she said gently, "how about this? Could you send the signal down here? Let me send the message?"
"Yeah," Alvie replied, sounding a bit more confident. "I think… I think I can do that. Hang on."
"I'm going anywhere, Alvie."
The sound of Alvie moving about came through the speaker, followed a few moments later with, "Comms are switched over, Jan. Check your panel."
Jan looked to Kyle, who examined the board.
"Confirmed. We have access."
"Nice work, Alvie," Jan said, filling her voice with praise. "You did it. Thank you."
"Sure… Jan. Glad… I could… help.
"You've done more than help, Alvie. You probably just saved everyone left aboard."
"I… I did?"
"Yes, you did. You did great, Alvie."
"Good," came back the reply, "good. I'm glad. Now… we can get… help."
"We sure can, Alvie. Do you mind if I step away for a moment?"
"Where… are you going, Jan?"
"Nowhere, Alvie, nowhere at all. I just need to take a few minutes to send the message, all right?"
"But… you're not… going away, are you?"
"No, I'm not, Alvie. I'm staying right here. I just need to send the message."
"Oh-okay, Jan," Alvie said, "go ahead."
"Okay," Jan replied, "I'll be right back."
She pressed the control for the long-range transmitter.
"Attention, attention, any New Republic forces. This is Jan Ors. I'm aboard the starliner Galactic Odyssey. We've been attacked by pirates and need help immediately. Please respond."
She sent the message a second time, recording it this time.
"I've sent this on auto repeat every 5 minutes. As soon as someone responds…"
"Jan?" Alvie's voice called from the speaker.
"What is it, Alvie? she said, "I'm trying to get the message sent like we talked about."
"I… think... something… is wrong."
"What do you mean, Alvie? What's wrong? Has something happened?"
"I… I thought… I was… okay. But I… think… I was wrong."
"What do you mean, Alvie? What's happening?"
"There… was a knife… I… I guess… one of the… pirates… got me…. after all."
"Whatever he does" Kyle whispered. "don't let him pull it out."
Jan nodded. "Alvie? This knife. Where did it get you?"
"My… leg. My… thigh… I think. It… it's not a big… blade…I'm going to… pull it out"
Jan fought to keep her voice under control.
"Alvie, listen to me. Please don't do that."
"Why… not? It hurts… Jan. It hurts… every time… I move."
"I'll bet it does," she replied, "but Alvie, if you take it out, you might do harm than good. You might start to bleed.
"Already…am.
Kyle and Jan exchanged worried glances.
"You are?"
"Just… a little. Like a small… trickle… where the knife…is. "
Just then, from the long range communicator.
"This is New Republic Base D5 to Jan Ors. Repeat, New Republic Base D5 to Jan Ors. Please answer.
Blast it! Why now?
Just then, Kyle came from behind her, gently grasping her shoulders.
"You've got this. I know you can do it, Jan. I believe in you."
His voice was so tender, so kind, it reminded Jan of the days when they'd been close. Kyle's voice, his kind touch…
"Jan?" Alvie called, "are you still there?"
Taking a deep breath and forcing herself to remain calm, Jan spoke.
"Alvie? Sweetie? Can you wait for just a moment? Someone is answering my message."
She could practically hear the smile in Alvie's voice.
"Sure… Jan. Go ahead."
"I'll be right back. I promise," she said, turning to the long range communicator.
"New Republic Base D5, I am receiving you. This is Jan Ors, repeat, this is Jan Ors. "
"This is Lieutenant Commander Devas," came the reply. "Please confirm your status."
"This is Jan Ors aboard the starliner Galactic Odyssey. We've been attacked by pirates and need assistance right away. We've got casualties."
"How many?"
"Commander, I have no idea," Jan responded in exasperation, "isn't it enough that we've been attacked? Several of the ship's officers are dead. I have an Ensign taking care of the bridge at the moment and pirates trying to blow up the ship. Good enough for you?"
"What do you need?"
"Everything you can send. Commander, I need to turn you to my copilot and partner, Kyle Katarn. He'll provide you with whatever answers you need. I'm trying to hold this ship together with nothing more than hope and good wishes."
Without waiting for a response, she turned to Kyle.
"You got this?"
Kyle's response was to speak into the mike. "Lieutenant Commander Devas, this is Kyle Katarn, the Kyle Katarn in case you're wondering."
"Yes, sir," the Commander replied, "how can I help you?"
As Kyle continued his conversation, Jan went back to Alvie.
"Sorry about that," she said. "But there's good news. We're talking to a New Republic base."
"That's…good," said Alvie, "but… who's that… speaking?"
"Oh, don't worry about him. He's the other half of the escort force, my co-pilot Kyle."
"Kyle… Katarn?"
"Why yes," Jan said, "that's him.
"The Kyle…?"
"The same," Jan replied.
"Oh… wow, Alvie said, voice rallying a little, "Always… wanted….to meet… him."
"Once the New Republic gets here, I'm sure we can arrange something."
"If… I…. make it."
"You're gonna make it, Alvie," Jan said, "besides I haven't met you yet. I'd like to see what you look like."
"Rea…really?"
"Absolutely," Jan said," after all, if it wasn't for you, we'd still be in trouble, wouldn't we?"
"Not… just me."
"That's true," Jan said, "but it doesn't mean I don't still want to meet you."
"Me… too. You're… nice, Jan."
"Well, thank you, sweetie. You're pretty nice too.
Alvie suddenly cried out.
"Alvie? Are you okay?"
"I… I don't…know. I think… I'm… bleeding more. And I'm…tired. Can't… see… too well."
Alvie gasped.
"I'm dying. Jan, "he said, voice full of fear, "I'm. going to… die… Jan."
"No," she said emphatically you're not, Alvie. You're gonna make it. You understand me?"
A sob escaped Alvie's throat. "I… don't…want to…I… want to…live. I want… to meet…you. Jan."
"Alvie," Jan said, putting more iron into her voice. "You listen to me, all right. Listen to my voice. I know you're hurt and scared. But you're not badly wounded. Trust me. I know. You're just tired is all. You are not going to die. You hear me?"
"You're… sure?"
"Yes, I am. Alvie. I know we barely know each other, but I've been through my share of scrapes and I'm telling you. You are not going to die. Not now and not today."
Kyle came up from behind her, speaking in a low voice.
"New Republic forces are on the way."
How soon?" Jan asked.
"About an hour."
"That long?"
"Best they can do," Kyle said, "I'm sorry. And I have an idea how to take care of the rest of the pirates."
"How?"
"It'd take too long to explain. Look, Jan, we don't have time for me to convince you. I… need you to trust me."
"Katarn…"
"Please?" he asked.
She knew he had a point. There was no time to waste, and she had her hands full.
"Do it."
Kyle gave her a grateful look. "Let Alvie know. I don't want to scare him."
Jan nodded.
"Alvie?"
"Yeah?"
"The New Republic forces are on their way, but it's going to take some time for them to get here. Think you can hold out for another hour?"
"An hour?
"I know it seems like a long time. But we can talk until they get here, okay?"
"About…what?"
"Whatever you want, sweetie."
"I… like it…. when you… call me that."
"What? Sweetie?"
"Yes.
"Why Alvie," Jan said with affection, "are you blushing right now?"
"May-maybe."
"Well now you have to hang on. I definitely have to meet you now."
Out of the corner of her eye. Jan saw Kyle standing tall, taking a deep breath, his eyes closed.
"Alvie, hold on a moment. I think Kyle's getting ready to do something."
Just then, a voice called from a space near the table, where most of the people sat in stunned silence.
"What are you going to do?' asked Senator Movar.
Eyes still closed; Kyle responded.
"Zyel, are you there?
"Ye-yes," said the small voice.
"You called me a hero earlier. Well, this is what heroes do in a situation like this.
Reaching down to the panel, he activated the public address system.
Drawing another deep breath, Kyle spoke, putting every bit of force and strength he could into voice. When he spoke, his voice resonated throughout the ship. Everyone who heard it took notice. Even the pirates, some of whom were engaging in nefarious tactics, stopped what they were doing to listen. Everyone seemed to realize this was not a voice to be ignored.
"Attention, attention, crew and passengers of the Galactic Odyssey, this is Kyle Katarn. The Kyle Katarn. I speak now to the pirates who have boarded this vessel. I know you are here. Your presence is not hidden from me. I can see your every movement and know where you stand at this moment. Listen well. Your captain is dead! He has died by my hand and even now, his corpse lies before me. I enjoyed killing him and if you choose to resist me, he will not be the only one. Of all the vessels in the galaxy, you were fools to choose this one. Understand that your lives mean nothing to me, and I would relish hunting you down, one by one.
Here Kyle laughed, a sound that seemed to reach into the souls of everyone who heard it. A laugh devoid of all humor, full of menace.
"However, to do so would cost me valuable time, time I do not wish to expend, least of all on fools who are not worth the effort. At least your captain provided me with some sport. I give you this one and only chance. Unless you wish to meet the same fate as he, or perhaps something even worse, surrender yourselves, now. If you refuse and those mongrels in the engine room continue with their plan to overload the engines… Oh yes, I know about this! Nothing you conceive of in your feeble minds is hidden from me. Refuse me and those who follow me, I shall hunt you down and visit suffering such as you have never conceived of. You have one minute to decide."
His hand stabbed down into the panel, deactivating the intercom. A moment later, he slumped, grabbing for the nearest chair.
"Zyel?" he called out in a tired voice.
"Yes, Kyle?
"Can you ask your mother to come over here, please? I need her help."
Gazing through half-lidded eyes, Kyle was grateful to see the Zabrak senator approach him, her daughter in tow."
Taking a moment to recover his breath, Kyle spoke in low tones.
"Senator, could you and Zyel please check the internal communications? I need to know what the pirates have decided.
The Zabrak female moved to the panel and listened. A few moments passed before Zyel spoke up, her voice filled with joyful surprise.
"It worked, Kyle! Reports are coming from all over the ship. The pirates are surrendering and requesting mercy."
"Good," he said in exhausted relief, "Senator, I've done my part. I think it's your turn now. Help is coming."
The Zabrak female gave him a grateful look before activating the public address system."
"Attention, crew and passengers of the Galactic Odyssey, this is Senator Zol Movar of the New Republic Senate. You heard the words of the man who just spoke. I can confirm he is no one to trifle with. I am grateful to hear the pirates aboard have chosen to surrender. And because of that, the man who spoke is willing to show mercy to one and all. I can tell you that New Republic forces are on the way to aid use and should be here soon. In the meantime, I ask that everyone remain calm. Our nightmare is almost over. I will be speaking to you again very soon.
Closing the channel, she turned to face Kyle.
"Sufficient?"
"Couldn't have asked for better," he replied.
As the conversation between the human and aliens, Jan was focusing on Alvie.
"Jan?"
"Yes, Alvie"
"Was that… your friend… I just heard?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes, it was.
"He's scary."
"Trust me, Alvie. I've known him for a long time, and you've got nothing to worry about. He's actually a pretty nice guy."
Sometimes.
"Are... you two… close?"
"We're friends, Alvie, nothing more than that. Besides, this is you and me, right sweetie?"
"Yeah," Alvie replied.
"So, tell me something about you," Jan asked. "How'd you come to work on this ship?
"You… really… want to… know?"
"I'd like to know more about you, Alvie. How about this? I get to ask you one question and you answer me. Then you get to ask me one question and I'll answer it.
"Can I… ask…anything?"
"Whatever you want."
"Can I… go…first?
"Sure, honey"
"Honey?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Should I have not called you that?"
"No… it's okay… I kinda like it.
"Okay then, honey. What do you want to ask me?
"Are…you…single?"
The question surprised Jan. She didn't respond at first.
"So-sorry," Alvie said, "I shouldn't… have asked. I'll… try… again."
"No," Jan said, "it's okay. You just surprised me a little. And the answer is yes, I'm single. I don't have anyone."
It wasn't exactly a lie.
"Okay," Alvie said, "your turn."
"Do you like human girls?"
Alvie took a moment to answer
"Yes, I do. But…I don't... think they…like my… kind."
"Why not? Jan asked, "you sound like a nice person."
"I'm… a Devaronian.
"So?"
"People… say… I look… not friendly.
"I've met Devaronians before," Jan said, "some of them have the nicest smiles. I'll bet you do too."
"You… think…so?"
"I do, I'll bet you have the nicest smile, and I can't wait to see it."
"People… say… my horns…make me…look scary."
"Can I tell you something. Alvie?
"Sure."
"Anyone can look scary if they try hard enough. Just because you're a Devaronian doesn't make you a bad or scary person. That's why I asked you if you like human girls, 'cause that's what I am. Now it's your turn again."
"Can you… tell me… what… you look…like?"
"Oh sweetie, I'm nothing special. Just your run of the mill human female."
"Please? I want… to know."
"Well, okay, but don't be too disappointed."
"Tell me…please."
"All right sweetie, I'll do my best."
And so, Jan spoke for several minutes, describing her appearance.
"And that's about it," she continued. "As I said, nothing to write home about."
"No," Alvie," don't … say that. You… sound…beautiful."
"You keep saying all these nice things about me, Alvie, I just might get used to it.
Kyle's low voice interrupted her.
"Just received a hyperspace communique. The forces are about 10 minutes out."
"Alvie? Good news, the rescue forces are about 10 minutes away and as it's my turn, what brought you to this ship?"
"I… my fam…" Alvie suddenly coughed, his voice cutting off.
"Alvie? Alvie, sweetie? Are you all right? "
When Alvie spoke next, his voice sounded weaker.
"J-Jan?"
"I'm here, Alvie."
"I…think…something's wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I… didn't…tell you. I got…hit…in the…chest. I…thought…I was…okay, but my…chest…it hurts…I think…something's broken. It…hurts…to breathe.
"Okay, Alvie, I understand. But that's okay. You might have a broken bone. Can you still talk?"
"Hurts…to."
"Don't worry about it, Alvie. Would you like me to talk instead?"
"Puh-please."
"Okay, no problem at all. What do you want me to talk about?"
"Don't…know. Any-anything."
Jan was surprised to be drawing a blank. She had absolutely no idea what to talk about.
I've got to come up with something.
Just then, the Zabrak senator materialized next to her.
"Excuse me," she said, "it was Alvie, was it?"
"Ye-yes… ma'am."
"My name is Zol Movar. I'm a senator in the New Republic. I hope you won't mind, but I've been listening in on the conversation between you and Jan. I understand you've been instrumental in helping us here."
"He has been," Jan said, "Alvie made it possible for me to send the message calling for help."
"Is that true, Alvie?" the Senator asked.
"Ye-yes, ma'am."
"Alvie, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you for what you've done. We have just been through one of the most terrible ordeals of our lives. That you were able to intervene and do what you did, I greatly admire your efforts in the midst of such horror."
"It was… scary."
"I can only image how frightening it was. You've done an incredibly brave thing, Alvie. A very brave thing."
"Did…what…I had…to."
"The Senator is right, Alvie," Jan said, "You were very brave and courageous."
"No…I was…afraid."
"But you acted despite that, Alvie," Jan said, "just because you were afraid doesn't matter."
"Indeed," the Senator added, "being afraid isn't wrong, Alvie. Courage is defined by doing what you need to, even when you're scared."
Alvie suddenly coughed again, crying out in pain.
"Jan!"
"I'm here sweetie. I'm here. What's wrong?"
"Hurt…pain. I can't…I'm gonna…"
"Alvie," Jan said emphatically, "what did we just talk about? You. Are. Not. Going. To. Die. Do you understand me? Don't say it again, you understand me? "
"S-sorry"
"Don't apologize, Alvie. I…"
"Alvie, this is Senator Movar again. Please listen to me. No one is angry with you. We just need you to stay strong and patient. I can't imagine how bad it hurts right now and how frightened you are, but help is coming soon. You just need to…"
"Look outside," Kyle called.
The two women turned to see an X-wing appear out of the blackness, followed by two more and a pair of A-wings. A moment later a New Republic frigate appeared and seconds later, a Nebulon B cruiser."
"Alvie!" Jan called out, "they're here! The rescue forces are here! We can see them!"
When Alvie spoke, there was something like relief in his voice.
"I…see them…too. Are we...safe?"
"Yes, we are," Jan said, "we're safe, Alvie, we're safe."
From the communications panel, a voice called out.
"This is Lieutenant Commander Devas aboard the New Republic frigate Paladin. Come in please."
Kyle responded. "Commander, this is Kyle Katarn. We are very glad to see you."
"We're dispatching rescue shuttles immediately, but our sensors show your shields are up."
Kyle reached for the proper control.
"Try checking now."
There was a pause and then, "Confirmed, we show your shields are down. We're coming."
"As fast as you can, please. We've got a wounded crew member on the bridge that's fading fast, and we've still got the pirates to deal with."
"Understood," the Commander said, "we'll send over a security shuttle as well."
"Thank you, Commander," Kyle said.
"Alvie?" Jan said, "did you hear that? Help's coming. They'll be here soon. Just hang on a bit longer."
"Trying…to…Jan. It…hurts."
"Just a bit longer, Alvie. Just a bit longer."
Minutes passed as Jan and the Senator did what they could to encourage the wounded Alvie. To get him to hold on just a bit longer.
When the doors to the Captain's dining room opened and men in New Republic uniforms entered the room, the pregnant pause that had filled the room to that point burst. The people at the table all began speaking at once. Cries of pain, of fear echoed throughout the room.
Despite the cacophony, an older man wearing the uniform of a Commander pushed forward.
"Kyle Katarn?" he asked.
"Yes," Kyle said, extending his hand, "it's very good to see you, Commander Devas."
The commander shook his hand, then continued.
"I've got a tactical team rounding up the pirates. Most of the passengers appear unharmed, but we're still checking. What about the ship's officers?
"Most of them are dead," Kyle reported. "Here and on the bridge. We're in contact with an Ensign on the bridge who's wounded, pretty badly it sounds like. Can we get to him?"
The Commander didn't hesitate, reaching for his communicator.
"Chalmers? This is Devas."
"Yes, sir?" came back the reply.
"I need a team to escort our contacts here to the bridge. We'll need trauma support as well."
"Yes, sir, right away. Should I send them your way."
The commander looked at Kyle, who shook his head.
"We can meet them there."
"The contacts will meet you there."
"Yes, sir, we're on the way."
The commander looked to Kyle who looked to Jan and the senator.
"Alvie?"
"Yes...Jan?" came a weak response.
"We're on the way. Just a few more minutes."
"Oh-okay."
"I'll stay here and coordinate efforts," the Senator said.
Jan nodded. "Thank you, Senator. I… can't say how thankful I am for…"
"Go help your friend," the Senator replied.
Grabbing a portable communicator and switching the signal over, Jan looked to Kyle.
"Let's go," he said.
Together, the two of them walked quickly out of the room.
Spaceliner Galactic Odyssey
Outside the bridge
A few minutes later
Having made their way to the bridge with a brief stop to change clothes, Jan and Kyle met with the tactical team led by Lieutenant Van Chalmers.
"What's going on?" Kyle asked.
"The Bridge doors are locked," Chalmers replied," probably when the pirates attacked."
"How can we get in?" Jan asked.
"There's usually a code we could enter on the panel there. But there's one problem.
"What's that?
"Only the Captain and the XO have it."
"There has to be something else we can do," Jan said.
Kyle seemed to be contemplating something. "Anyone knows what class this ship is?" he asked.
No one answered until a small voice came from the communicator Jan held.
"Nebula."
Jan and Kyle looked at each other.
Nice job, Alvie, Jan thought.
"I remember something about that class when I was at the Academy," Kyle said, "if I remember right, the instructor said something about a backup code that could be used in case the Captain and XO were killed. What was it?"
"Do you remember?" Jan asked.
"It's been a long time, Jan. I'm trying to remember, but I…"
"C'mon, Katarn, this no time for a memory block."
"I'm trying."
"What about burning through?" Jan asked.
"Door's too thick," Chalmers replied, "It'd take hours."
Kyle suddenly snapped his fingers.
"I remember!"
"What is it? Jan asked.
Rather than answer, Kyle moved to the panel and punched in a code.
A moment later, the door lock disengaged, and the doors slid open.
A wave of smoke washed out of the room, carrying with it a scent made up of blood, burnt metal and dead bodies.
"Wow," Chalmers said, wrinkling his noise. "That's bad."
Despite the smell, the two operatives and team forced themselves to step inside, coming across the first body as they did so.
The scene was horrific. Bodies were strewn all over, made up of the bridge crew and pirates. Blood of varied colors was splashed on the consoles and floors. Jan pushed her way forward, calling out.
"Alvie?! Can you hear me? Alvie?"
At first, she saw and heard nothing. Then a low groan reached her ears.
Moving to the communications panel, she saw a body slumped over it. After a moment, she figured out it was human. It was from behind the console she saw a pair of booted feet, one of them with a knife blade sticking out of it.
Jan moved past the panel.
"Alvie?"
The face of Devaronian with reddish skin turned to look up at her. An eye with a green pupil focused on her, the other was partly covered with an ugly bruise.
"Ja-Jan?"
Dropping to her knees, Jan reached for one of his hands, cradling it in both of hers. She smiled at him.
"Hi Alvie."
The Devaronian smiled at her.
"Hi…Jan."
He does have a cute smile.
Catching herself, Jan raised her voice.
"Medic!"
The medical technician that had come with the team appeared.
"I'm here, what can I… Oh, I see."
"Help him," Jan said, "please."
The technician opened his med kit and began examining the Devaronian.
"Alvie? My name is Isabel. I'm going to help you."
"Nice…to…"
"We can talk later," Isabel said, "let's get you fixed up first."
It was Jan who spoke next.
"Nice to finally meet you, Alvie."
"You…too, he replied.
While Isabel worked, Alvie continued to stare at Jan.
"I…was…right."
"What do you mean?" Jan said.
"You…you're beautiful."
Jan felt heat rise in her cheeks. She grinned at him.
"Thank you, Alvie. You're sweet."
"I need everyone to be quiet for a second." Isabel said, checking one of her instruments.
The space went silent as she worked.
After a few minutes, Isabel lifted her head.
"I can help some," she said, "but I don't have what I need to treat him here. I need to get him over to the Betony.
When Jan gave her a blank look. Isabel responded.
"Our hospital ship, it should be alongside by now."
"Am…I…" Alvie began to ask.
"I'm going to do my best to heal you, Alvie. But I need to get you to the proper facilities."
"It'll be okay, Alvie," Jan said, "let her help you."
"Will…you…be…there?"
Jan hesitated, not wanting to disappoint her new friend.
"Not right away, Alvie," she said, giving him a sympathetic look, "I have to help clean up things here. But as soon as I can get free, I'll come see you."
Alvie looked hurt but gave a nod.
"Oh-okay."
"It'll be okay, Alvie," she said, squeezing his hand, "I promise."
"Look, I don't mean to be ugly here," Isabel said, "but I need to get him out of here, now."
Jan nodded, rising to her feet.
"I understand. Take care of him, okay? He's… important to me."
"I'll do my best," Isabel said.
After getting Alvie onto an anti-grav stretcher and removing him from the bridge, Isabel followed. Jan looked for and found Kyle, who was talking to Lieutenant Chalmers. She moved his way.
Kyle turned to face her. "How's Alvie?"
Jan shrugged. "Don't know yet. The medic is taking him over to a hospital ship. I'll check on him later. What's our status?"
"Van just spoke with Commander Devas. The pirates have been taken care of and a transport is on the way to take care of the passengers and the… dead. A message just came through from Senator Movar. She wants to see us both."
"Lieutenant?" Jan asked, "do you have things under control here?"
Chalmers nodded. "We're all set here. I hope your friend is going to be okay."
"Thank you," Jan replied, "I appreciate it."
Leaving Chalmer's team, Jan and Kyle headed back to the Captain's dining room. The room looked dramatically different. All the passengers, save the Senator and her child, were gone, having been moved to a staging area. The bodies had been similarly disposed of.
"Senator," Kyle called, as they entered the room. "You asked to see us?"
"Yes," the female Zabrak said," yes, I did. How is Alvie?"
"They took him over to the hospital ship," Jan answered, "we're waiting to hear."
"All my hopes," the Senator said, "I have a debt to pay to him. For me. and my daughter."
"We're all thankful for what he did," said Kyle.
"Indeed," the Senator replied, "a transport is coming soon to take my daughter and I from here. Before it arrives, I wanted to offer you both my deepest gratitude for what you did. You saved many lives, including my own."
"Not enough," Kyle said, looking towards the ground, "I'm sorry about your husband."
"As am I," the Senator said, "he was the love of my life. Do you know our first date happened over an argument?"
"You're kidding," Jan said.
"The Senator shook her head. "I was in a symposium on galactic law when I first met him. He was a speaker espousing a particular view on trade agreements that I disagreed with. I met him after the session and told him so. We spent over an hour debating the issue when he suddenly asked me if I wanted to go to dinner. It caught me totally by surprise. I said yes before I really thought about it. We continued the argument over dinner until the restaurant closed."
"Did one of you win?" Jan asked.
"Not even close. Evan can be… I mean… could be most stubborn when he wished to be. But his points were solid, and he spoke so well… I found myself in admiration of him. He called me the next day to ask for a date and I said yes. What surprised me was he made no mention of our argument during the date. He spent the whole night asking about me, my life, education, my career. I almost found him unbelievable, but intriguing. I think I fell in love with him that night. He asked me to marry him after our third date. I told him he was insane, that we barely knew each other. He countered by saying that there was plenty of time to do that but didn't want to take a chance on letting a catch like me go. I kissed him and told him he was still nuts, but I thought I could get used to it ."
"We got married a month later. Zyel came along about a year after that. I'll never forget what Evan said when he saw her for the first time. 'Hello, little starlight. Welcome to the world.' I don't think I loved him so much as in that moment."
The Zabrak female wiped away tears, then steeled herself.
"My husband died defending his family."
"I don't think there could be a more fitting epitaph," Kyle said.
"Indeed," the Senator replied, "and were it not for the two of you, I have little doubt Zyel and I would be dead now."
"We could've acted sooner," Kyle mused, his voice low.
"Then you would have been the ones killed," said the Senator, "and the rest of us would have been at the hands of that madman."
"Mr. Katarn?" a small voice said, "I mean, Kyle?"
He looked down at the girl.
"Yes Zyel?"
"What happened wasn't your fault. You tried to help everyone. It was that man who killed my daddy. If you hadn't done something, Mom and I wouldn't be here. I knew I was right about you. You are a hero."
Kyle grinned and shook his head a little.
"You know what a hero really is, Zyel?"
"People like you," she replied.
"Not quite," Kyle said, "a true hero is the being who acts when the need arises, even if they're scared or think they might fail. And by that description, you're a hero, Zyel. You stood up to that man, even when he threatened you. You were amazing."
Zyel smiled a little, her cheeks reddening.
"Thank you," she said.
Just then, a Rodian wearing a New Republic uniform walked into the room.
"Excuse me, "he said, "I'm looking for Senator Movar."
"I am here," the Senator replied.
"Your transport has arrived, Senator. If you'll come with me…"
"Of course," she said, "come along, Zyel."
Zyel moved over to her mother, taking her hand.
"Kyle, Jan," the Senator said," I am grateful to know you. Thank you for saving us."
"We're glad we could be of help," Jan said, Kyle nodding in agreement.
They watched the mother and daughter leave, both taking a deep breath.
Jan's suddenly went wide. "What about the Raven's Claw? We still have to retrieve it. Who knows how far it's drifted?"
A look appeared on Kyle's face as he remembered something.
"Um, that's probably not something we need to worry about."
"Oh?" she replied, eyeing him suspiciously.
Kyle scratched the side of his head. "Um, I kind of forgot to mention. Commander Devas detected the Claw and retrieved her. She's supposed to be sitting in Betony'shangar bay."
"I see," Jan said, "and you neglected to mention this to me why?"
"Well, a lot of stuff was going on and I guess I kinda forgot. Sorry."
"You kind of forgot?" Jan replied, "you kind of forgot to tell me about the status of my ship."
"Um, well, why don't we go over and check on Alvie? The Claw ought to be waiting for us."
Jan stared at him until Kyle dropped his eyes.
"You're lucky I'm worried about Alvie, Katarn, or so help me I'd…"
"Well, it's not like I meant to."
"Katarn?"
"Yes, Jan?"
"Shut up.'
"Yes, Jan."
She turned and moved away.
"Let's go."
Kyle followed her to the one of the airlocks, where they took a shuttle over to the Betony.
New Republic Hospital Ship Betony
A short time later
As the shuttle moved smoothly into the hangar bay, Jan fought to keep her patience. Her mind was consumed about Alvie. There'd been no reports since he'd been transported over.
He has to be all right.
The shuttle settled to the deck, the hatch opening to allow Kyle and Jan to exit the vessel. Reaching the bottom of the ramp, the Raven's Claw came into sight, sitting at the far side of the hangar bay.
"Well, at least my ship is safe," Jan said.
"That's good," Kyle replied, earning a look from Jan.
"Don't make me say It again, Katarn."
With some help from a member of the ship's crew, they made their way to the Medical Bay. Entering the room. Jan cast about for someone to speak to.
A technician walked over.
"May I help you?
"Yes," Jan said, "I wanted to see about the status of Alvie."
"Excuse me?"
"I mean Ensign Alvert Gordon," Jan corrected herself, "from the Odyssey. He came over with Isabel."
"Just a moment," the technician said, "I'll see if she's available."
The technician walked away.
"I wonder how he's doing," Kyle said.
"He'll be all right," Jan said.
It was a few minutes later that Isabel appeared. She was grim faced, which Jan found odd.
"Isabel?"
"Oh, Jan," she said, a small smile coming to her face, "I didn't realize it was you."
"I came by to check on Alvie. How's he doing?"
Isabel didn't answer at first, the smile fading from her lips.
"Is something wrong?" Kyle asked.
"I, uh… about Alvie…he…"
"Isabel," Jan said, looking directly at the woman. "What is it? Is Alvie sick?"
Isabel shook her head. "I'm afraid he's dead."