Free Soldier for the Empire by William C. Dietz Page B

the evil that had killed his father, and couldn't find it. What he saw were the same calm eyes that had connected with his on the asteroid, the same unwavering determination, and yes, the thing he had hoped for but least expected to see: understanding. She knew the taste of fear, the weight of command, and the horror of defeat. The thin man cleared his throat. "So? Where does that leave us?"
    The girl raised an eyebrow. "What's it going to be, Imperial? You gave me my life. I'll give you yours."
    The answer came so easily that Kyle felt a sense of guilt. "I'll take it."
    The girl nodded, glanced at the thin man's weapon, and said, "Stow the hardware."
    The blaster stayed where it was. "Why should we trust him? The fact that he isn't entirely heartless doesn't qualify him as an ally."
    The girl stepped forward and held out her hand. It felt cool and dry. "I'm Jan Ors - and you are?"
    "Kyle Katarn."
    "Glad to meet you, Kyle. Do I have your word? No funny business so long as we're aboard this ship?"
    Kyle nodded soberly. "You have my word."
    Rosco gave a grunt of disgust. "And what would that be worth? A Hutt's breakfast?"
    Ors ignored him. "All right then, we go our way, and you go yours. Remember, though - my debt's been paid. And all bets are off next time we meet."
    Kyle felt a sudden sense of desperation. The girl had told him goodbye. There would be no next time. The thin man had backed into the passageway and Ors would follow. "Wait - I want to talk to you - to learn more about what happened."
    The words sounded lame, terribly lame, but caused the girl to pause. Her eyes softened slightly. "Talk? And that's all? You won't attempt to turn me in, or something stupid like that?"
    Kyle shook his head. "No. I promise."
    "All right," the girl agreed. "We'll talk. But we'll do it in public, where everyone can see. The library. One hour from now."
    Kyle nodded. "The library. I'll see you there."
    Jan Ors smiled and disappeared.
    The ship's library, which was actually a great deal more than that, included millions of books in thousands of languages, all stored electronically. There were interactive virtual-reality games, tutorials, and much, much more. Because of the fact that most of the materials could be accessed remotely, or copied into data pads, the facility occupied relatively little space.
    Perhaps it was the library's size, or the time of day, but the first thing Kyle noticed was that it was relatively empty. Oh, there were people all right, but no more than a dozen or so, most of whom were lost in whatever text or scenario their scanners were playing, or in one case - a Rodian - seemingly asleep in a cubicle.
    Given the fact that Kyle was early, he didn't expect to see Jan, and was surprised when he did. The raised area, intended for readings, was small but adequate for a single performer. Kyle looked around, found no one to take his cues from, and took one of five empty seats.
    In spite of the fact that he couldn't see whatever it was that she saw, or hear the music that so clearly moved her, he knew pure, unalloyed talent when he saw it. More than that - Kyle knew he was looking at an important aspect of who Jan Ors was.
    Jan watched the other dancers out of the corner of her eye, waited for the music that would bring them around, matched their jete, turned to a pirouette, and held an arabesque. It collapsed for the lack of pointed shoes and the practice necessary to sustain it, but applause thundered nonetheless, and flowers landed around her feet.
    The whole thing looked so real, and sounded so real, that for one fleeting second Jan imagined it was real and took a bow. Then, as the sound died away, and the video started to fade, she lifted the visor. She was shocked to see him sitting there, to hear the sound of his clapping, and heard herself lash out. "You don't have anything better to do than make fun of me?"
    Kyle looked hurt. "You have it wrong. You were wonderful. Where did you learn to dance like