A/N: Greetings all, I have come back from my brief hiatus! Before we get into the story, I have a few quick announcements and reminders. The Cook, this story, is a General Hux, Kylo Ren, and OC romance story, specifically it's my first three-person active romance story, so please be gentle. I have different stages of this series already written out, so my posting maybe staggered, please be patient, my goal is to poste at least once a month if not once a week. Constructive criticism is always welcomed, as long as, there is construction in it. I'll be editing my In Captivity and Dark Knight series soon-ish, eventually. Also as a reminder I am up for requests. Lastly, a special thanks to FluffyMonster, who is my beta, you're the best! As always enjoy reading!

Chapter 1: Curiosity

The air sparked with curiosity throughout the Finalizer and its crew. Last week General Hux fired the higher-ranking officer's chef, leaving them with the mediocre cooks the rest of the ship's crew used. To say that the other officers were displease would be an understatement, but what drew the curious nature of the others more, is that the same day he ordered an emergency pick up. Instead of turning the ship to Coruscant, the General sent a one of the smaller ships to fetch whatever he sought, and today was the day the Finalizer met up with the package.

Many of the Stormtroopers arrived at the docking bay, their E-11 Blaster Rifles in tow, as they waited for the ship to clear docking procedures. Kylo Ren stalked through the halls of the Finalizer, curiosity consuming him as well. It wasn't often that the Knight of Ren and Lieutenant Phasma were left out of the loop, neither of the two liked the situation very much, and they were both now heading to the docking bay. In preparation, General Hux allotted the docking procedures to the Knight, leaving the bridge as soon as word came that the ship was near, lieutenant Phasma quick behind to ensure safety, if anything were to arise. Once Kylo Ren cleared the officers ship for docking, he followed the other two to the bay.

There were many rumors along the lower ranks, some thought that General Hux was bringing a mistress of his aboard -this thought, the most absurd of the lot- and others merely thought it was the need to separate the higher ranked offers chef from the rest. Then there were the few who thought it was a little of both, naturally these rumors were shut down quickly by their higher ups.

The docking bay buzzed with quiet whispers, even when the domineering Knight rounded the corner. Though many of the rumors were laughable the Knight of Ren amused some of them, when he was alone and allowed to do so. It was rather strange, that tactics used by the General used to bring aboard whomever, or whatever, was on that ship. All sounds quieted when the Officer's Ship landed safely in the area. The Stormtroopers, along with their leader, changed their posture to one of an impending attack when the doors started opening.

A warm gust of wind tore through The Endeavor as the doors slowly hissed open. Joline sighed, putting her hands out as if to break the wind before it hit her face at such an uncomfortable speed. Her efforts were in vain, as the small wind seemed to cut against her face and tore a few loosely tied tresses from the First Order dress code bun. She glanced over her shoulders, hearing the chuckles from the two pilots behind her -the Stormtrooper not hinting at any amusement. With another sigh, she dropped her hands to her side, there wasn't anything she could do now, but fix her hair when this was over with.

Despite the warm air whipping past her a moment ago, a chill settled into The Endeavor once all things were settled. Joline was welcomed by a small squadron of Stormtroopers pointing their blasters at her, just as a familiar red head stepped forward. Her unsure features quickly shifted into a bright smile, when she locked eyes onto the General. Without any hesitation, she marched to the General ignoring the blasters pointed in her direction.

"I supposed it would be inappropriate if I called you Armitage." She chuckled, keeping her voice between them.

The General nodded curtly, "I trust your trip went well."

"She gets motion sick." One of the pilots sighed, earning a glance from the General.

"I also suppose it would be inappropriate to give you a hug." Joline called the red head's attention back to her.

Again, he nodded curtly, but took her into his arms regardless of his answer. The two took in deep breaths of the other, before parting once again. It was odd seeing such a difference from the young boy she grew up with, he wasn't so polished then. Hux lightly pushed her away moments later with a reassuring glance, making sure there were no hurt feelings. There was still so much to do. Almost as if the hug didn't happen, the General started barking orders to the lower members who were meant to move her in, before addressing her again. These differences were going to be interesting to get used to, she thought, watching as others jumped into action.

"I am unsure if I'm going to take you on your offer." She blurted out when his eyes met hers again. "I'm only here because you asked it of me."

For a fraction of a second Hux's eyes softened and a gentle smile touched his lips, he had forgotten all about her frank conversation style. "That is all I ask. You have six months to decide on the offer. For now, we'll worry about moving you in and getting you well acquainted with those you'll be working with, and for." He turned on his heels and walked towards the Stormtroopers, whose blasters were lowered once again.

"Six months?" she gasped, stumbling over herself to follow. "I thought I was only here until your dinner with Emperor Snoke."

"You are, I thought it best to acclimate you to this environment, before you cooked for such a figure." He paused, regarding her with his eyes. "Will that be a problem?"

"N-no sir." She breathed, remember the little First Order training she got.

"Good, tonight you'll be introduced to the officers you'll be cooking for. Tomorrow morning you'll wake up at 0400 to meet your fellow cooks, and have breakfast made by 0500. Is that clear?"

"I'd rather start tonight." Joline replied, "Sir."

"You need the rest." Hux's voice lowered so only she could hear, as they passed the Stormtroopers.

"I'm well rested from the trip, right now I'm dying to get a look at the kitchen."

"Fine," Hux sighed, calling over two others wearing aprons. "These are the people you'll be working with. Escort her to the kitchen, you can get the introductions done there."

"Yes sir." The two breathed in unison.

"They will show you to the Officers galley once you are finished, so you can meet the officers." He paused, before lowering his voice again "Feel free to call if you need anything."

"Understood," she winked briefly, before leaving with the other two.

At first the small group of three remained completely silent as they walked through the Finalizer's halls. Periodically a Stormtrooper or two would pass them, nodding before disappearing down another corridor. Almost all, Star Destroyer Class ships had the same lay outs, and all one would need to do was glance at their personal blueprints. When they arrived to the largest mess hall Joline had ever seen, she let out an astonished gasp. She thanked the heavens that she wasn't the one who had to clean the area, as the two others continued through the lunch madness.

"It seems I have chosen the worst time to arrive." Joline sighed, glancing at the two.

"Not at all, for the most part they serve themselves, we just make sure nothing is empty for long." The brunet female smiled.

"It's nice not having to worry about feeding the higher-ranking officers anymore." The blond male finished.

"I'll help out with the lunch rush, then we'll do introductions and I'll assess what I can make them for dinner."

With that said Joline pulled her traveling jacket off, tossing it onto the coatrack outside the kitchen employee door. She didn't have the codes to the door, so she waited patiently at the entrance. Both chefs glanced at each other, watching as Joline glanced around the room. Working in a restaurant wasn't anything like this, so many people walked through the lines grabbing whatever appealed to them before sitting down. The cafeteria astounded her, she could put both the restaurant and her home in the area and still have enough room to build a decent sized building in the space that was left.

Once inside of the kitchen, Joline quickly pulled an apron on and moved to a station. Her fingers gripping onto a spoon before dipping it into the large pot on the burner. It was a broth, saturated with far too much cardamom for her liking, but from the looks of it, the broth would be poured over some meat and rice. Those would calm the cardamom taste, which made her less willing to change the whole recipe. She then tossed the tasting spoon into the sink, before dancing over to one of the food slots and putting more biscuits in place. The chef's glanced as she started working, a pleasant smile touching her lips.

"How long have you worked in a kitchen?"

"Since I can remember." Joline smiled, serving a Stormtrooper.

The Lunch hour passed rather quickly, and way smoother than it had been for a long while. It didn't matter that the entire cooking staff just met Joline, they already loved her. She was pleasant and exceptionally helpful. Once she could take a breather, Joline walked into the walk-in fridge with a datapad. They had the staple foods every kitchen has, along with a few items she hadn't seen often. Either way, she'd be able to do quite a bit with what they have, as well as, the few foods she'd managed to sneak in.

"I'm sorry, I completely forgot to introduce myself." She smiled, glancing back at the two. "Joline."

"Viloli," The woman, who escorted Joey to the kitchen smiled, partially bowing. "Tremarc is my normal partner, we cook during the day shifts. Loonreh and Droop are the night shift chefs. They've been helping us out while we awaited your arrival." She hummed, pointing to a human, Bith, and Rodian, she herself being Mandalorian.

"It's very nice to meet you all." Joline hummed, "If either of you need anything, at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me." She smiled, closing the refrigerator behind her. "I am grateful of everything you did, and for being so friendly."

"We're going to get some sleep." Loonreh hummed, exiting the kitchen with Droop.

"Good night." Joline and the others called.

"Do you need help setting up for their dinner?" Tremarc asked, redirecting his attention to Joline.

"Not at all, I'm only feeding three people, "she smiled "So, if you need any help please don't hesitate."

They three chatted absently as they started working on dinner and dessert. Much of it was Viloli and Tremarc asking Joline questions on what it was like working for the second most famous chef in the galaxy. Viloli laughed particularly hard at Joline's story, when she was training to make her mentors special dish, and she destroyed the meat, and substituted it with a vegetable. Ending with Joline cleaning the entire kitchen by herself with, a tooth brush and a small bucket.

"Oh, I'll have a guard escort you to the officer's dining area." Tremarc hummed, seeing the time. "You have ten minutes or so before they get there."

"Thanks."

Two men approached slowly, taking the tray's Joline handed them, she herself taking the general's food. Whenever an important figure came to the restaurant she was currently employed, the head chef would personally deliver their food. Now, she was sure they wouldn't want her to do this every time -it was messy and got in the way of cleaning- but the general had asked for her to meet those she'd be cooking for. The three traveled down the long corridors, turning left, right, and then left once more, before arriving to a bedroom sized dining area. Three officers sat neatly at the tables, pausing to look at the small woman, but soon turning to continue their conversation.

"Is this the cook?" The blond-haired woman asked, in a less than enthusiastic tone.

"Yes, Phasma, Kylo Ren, this is Joline. Joline, these are the officers you will be cooking for." Hux breathed, locking his calm orbs onto her nervous ones. "This is Kylo Ren, of the Knights of Ren." A low sound, akin to a warning danced through his voice as he introduced the man in all black with skin the color of fresh milk. "and this is Captain Phasma, she's in charge of the Stormtroopers we have on ship."

"If any of my men give you a rough time, please let me know." She hummed, nodding a slight greeting to Joey.

"From what I've seen, they are very respectable." Joey smiled slightly, "I don't envision anything happening."

"You've interreacted with the Stormtroopers?" She breathed, raising a delicate brow.

"I served them lunch, and helped to make some of their dinner." Joline smiled, brightly.

"Sit down, General Hux tells us that you've never worked for the military before?"

"I applied once, but I wasn't at all good at anything really."

A deep-set blush hazed Joline's heart shaped face. She had indeed signed up for any position in the First Order, but she was too clumsy to be a foot soldier -despite how hard her drill Sargent tried to "fix" that. She wore glasses, so she didn't meet the vision aspect of their pilots, and technology seemed to die a horrible death when around her. After six rejections, Joline decided to serve those who commanded would be the only way she'd contribute to the First Order. Cooking was her thing, she even went as far as to serve under some of the best chefs around.

"I see," Phasma smiled, glancing down to her plate. "What have you made for us today."

Joline beamed, excited to explain her meal to them. "I made a simple cream Risotto with braised Fish and a warm salad."

"It looks beautiful." Hux's voice relaxed ever so softly.

"First rule in cooking: You eat with your eyes initially." She smiled brightly. "Anyways, I was hoping that all of you could make a list of things you like to eat, things you'd rather avoid, any allergies, and any other information you think I should know."

"For?"

The harsh sound of Kylo Ren's metallic voice, echoed through the room, drawing Joline's attention instantly. Her features contorted ever so slightly, echoing more questions than fear. His helm cocking to the side, curious as to what was going on in her mind.

"Well I want to make sure I'm feeding you exactly what you like, and I really don't want to spark an allergic reaction."

A moment of silence echoed through the room, and for that moment Joline feared she'd been too rude to the Commander. Her lips contorted into a nervous smile, as she pushed the datapad towards Phasma and Kylo Ren. It would be best if she let them enjoy their meals, without her presence, and honestly, she'd rather clean the kitchen than be under the Knights stare another moment. Rumors of the Knight of Ren echoed through the universe, tales of his cold-hearted punishments and eerily mechanical voice, slowly made their way to the quiet cook.

Joline licked her lips nervously, before locking her stare to the sterile mask. "I have cleaning to do," she started, "please take your time with those, and I'll see you in the morning."

"Joline, before you leave, here's your code to the kitchen area." Hux muttered, a tone of protectiveness touching his voice. "This also has the information on your room and the ship. Tomorrow, at some point, our doctors would like to examine you."

"Thank you."

With the subtitle dismissal, Joline made her way back to the kitchen. Things were much quieter when she strolled through the employee entrance, it was that precious moment when kitchen staff could be themselves and relax. The others already have the counters sparkling and cleared off, Viloli's laugh bounced from the walls, as she sipped her wine.

"Mh, Joline," she purred, hopping off the kitchen stool. "I have a glass for you, how was your meeting with the officers?"

"Good…ish," Joline sighed, taking the wine glass. "Is, Commander Ren always so…."

"Domineering."

"Scary."

"Rude."

They were questions, and yet there was no sound of it, more like statements. Viloli settled back into her seat, her fingers beckoning Joey to join her. Joline shook her head lightly, her lips taking in a sip of her drink. None of those words described what she meant. She wouldn't consider his questions rude, and where as his stature was rather intimidating she didn't find that scary. No, what she meant to ask was distant. Without meaning to, they had answered her question, the Commander was indeed distant

"He just seems so… lonely."

This was the first time in a long time, she found herself holding onto the word so, so much. It nearly felt like she was a teen again, talking to her best friends about… well boys in the First Order schools. Joline's cheeks flared, thinking on those old days, and seeing how things had changed, how much she had changed. Both Viloli and Tremarc laughed rather loudly at Joey's statement, as if it were something they'd never thought of.

"He created his own situation," Tremarc sighed, taking a seat. "I have no sympathy for him."

"I guess," Joline hummed, taking a much larger sip of the blood red liquid. "It's just… kind of sad."

"You'll learn soon enough," Viloli hummed, patting the other females knee. "So, should we call you Joline, or would you prefer another name?"

"Joey works, actually, I usually prefer it." She chuckled, a fond smile touching her lips. "The only person who calls me Joline is General Hux."

The two glanced at each other, knowingly, before looking back to the dark-haired woman. Viloli smiled slyly, as she sank comfortably into her seat, her eyes dancing along the near perfect posture of the other female. Joline glanced questioningly to Tremarc, asking him what was going on, and why she felt like an investigation was going to happen.

"So, could you settle something for us?" Viloli purred smoothly.

"Um… sure… I'll try my best."

"There are have been rumors about his sudden urge to fire the last chef, and then how he secretly sent for you…" she allowed her words to hint at her question. "and from the way you talk about him, there must be some truth to the rumors… so what exactly is your relationship with our beloved General?"

"Oh," Joey chuckled halfheartedly. "Is that all? The general and I are old friends, when my parents passed, his father took me in."

"That's so sweet!" Viloli cooed, some disappointment laced in her words. "You guys must be so close!"

"Nearly siblings…" Tremarc responded, sending Viloli a stare.

The light sound of the door swishing open, drew their attention away from the conversation. Both Droop and Loonreh rounded the corner, bright smiled very apparent on their faces. Joey smiled, slightly waving to the men. She hadn't realized how late it was, not until the heaviness of the ship gravity seemed to pull sleepily at her eyes. She smiled brightly, before sliding down the side of the stool, it was late, and she still had to find her room.

"Whelp, I'm going to sleep. Good night boys, let me know if you need anything." Joey hummed, patting Droop on the shoulder.

"Night kiddo." Loonreh smiled. "Your room is on the Officers floor, I think the closest to the shoot."

"Thanks, that helps a lot."

The halls echoed with each step she took, most stormtroopers and almost all the technicians were in bed. Now was the only time the janitors could clean the ship to the general's expectations, and the ship ran on a skeleton crew at nights, leaving Joey alone in the halls. Her fingers slid along the sleek silver walls, taking in the cold chill of space. Like a normal home, the kitchen was at least twenty degrees warmer. The only difference here being that the kitchen was the normal temperature of a home, and the ship nearly thirty degrees cooler. Once in her room, she would need to bundle up, until she found a way to get used to the cold of the ship. IF she found her room, that is.

Her first problem was finding the officers level, which on most star destroyers was the sixth level, this one not so much. Joey huffed, finally pulling out the map she was given before arriving to the ship. The data pad warmed her ice like fingers, as she tapped the screen. Two floors higher than she originally thought, her room was even highlighted -something Armitage must have done, knowing she'd get lost on her first week. Her stoic features, melted into a warmer smile as she marched to the shoot. They certainly needed to catch up, even if it had to be in secret. Speaking with those in the kitchen, Joey now understood why Armitage wanted some level of secrecy on their past.

"Here we go," she purred, finally reaching her room.

Heat rolled over her chilled features when the door opened, the heat nearly overwhelming at first but soon became welcomed. A stinging sensation radiated through her chilled bones, as she took in the rooms design. One was welcomed by a small living area, and to the far right was a small kitchen. There were large French doors behind the black couch, leading to what she assumed was her bedroom. Joey hummed, seeing the familiar red-haired man lying on the couch.

"I thought you'd be in bed by now." She cooed, stepping more into the room.

"Normally, but I was waiting to see how the kitchen staff was treating you." He groaned, sleep cracking his voice, as his large fingers rubbed his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Nearly 1200 hours." She chuckled, tiredly. "I enjoy everyone, though I'm sure Commander Ren isn't a fan of mine."

Hux snorted, as he pulled himself into a slightly slouching position. "He doesn't like anyone. So, flying still makes you sick?"

"Shut up," Joey sighed, plopping next to him. "I'm sure you still get the heebie-jeebies when you see little kids' teeth."

"Hey, they have a whole set of teeth under them, and they look sharp and are tiny."

They both chuckled, settling in a more comfortable position. The general settled into the back of the couch, both arms splayed over the back, as Joey rested her body into his, head on his shoulder. It was comfortable. Familiar. Welcomed. Joey yawned, breathing in his scent.

"It's late," Armitage yawned, shifting more into the couch. "You really should go to bed sooner than this…"

"You wanted me to bond with the staff," Joline retorted quietly. "Look at whose talking, you're the one galivanting around in girl's rooms."

"We'll catch up during breakfast." He hummed, drawing her closer to his body.

"Good… I missed you."

Her voice quiet and lethargic, as sleep slowed the cadence of her words. Before the general could respond back, he was greeted with quiet snores. A smile warmed his features, as he snuggled more into the cushions. There were worse places to be trapped for the night, and at least this way, he knew she was safe.

"I…missed you too."