Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

Vader's Palaces space dock, Mustafar

The walk back to my ship was a long one. The further away from Ren's chambers my forced smile was able to fade.

"You may leave," I mocked.

The nerve of that foolish boy! Just because he hadn't fuck up my army didn't mean he wouldn't. Ren newly found focused to fade for some reason right be I left him. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was up with him. Was he was hiding something? If only my men could get the footage from the damn throne room to work!

Right after the Battle on Crait I had some of my most loyal men try and retrieve the camera footage so I could see what really happened to Supreme Leader Snoke but all it was corrupted. I've had specialist after specialist try and salvage anything from it without much success. They were only able to recover images of the girl, Rey, kneeling before Ren.

"General," I heard Phasma call out to me from the open bay door of my ship.

"Phasma,"

"… We've got it," she continued.

Stepping up into my I lift my hand stopping her from saying anymore. No not here, he might be listening. I might not believe is his wonky religion, but I knew there was real power behind. I had felt it first hand several times.

Phasma's chrome helmet nodded as she followed me inside the fighter. Once inside she handed me a data pad. I press play.

"And now, foolish child. His ignites it, and kills his true enemy…"

"Ren killed Snoke," I said in slight shock.

"It would appear he did so only after Snoke tortured the girl," Phasma added.

Four months, I've had to waited four long months for proof. Proof the Ren killed our leader to save that damn girl. I should have known.

"Do you know what this means Phasma?" I asked as I replayed the footage one more time.

She nodded. I knew Ren could never be trusted. Some of the things I've seen Snoke do to him. I'm surprised Ren didn't kill him sooner. But the most important thing about all of this was the fact that this girl could be a weakness. Sentiment plus that old religion caused the downfall of the Empire. I wouldn't allow that to happen with my empire.

"What are you going to do with this information?" Phasma asked.

That was the question. I couldn't just use this information now. Some of the older Grand Moff's and First Order leaders would see my actions as a possible coup attempt. No, I couldn't act just yet. I wanted all the glory after Ren was removed from power. I needed to wait. I was good at that. I waited on ending my father and I got to the top of the First Order's army.

"Supreme Leader Hux," I muttered as I walked away from Phasma. "Emperor Hux, savior of the First Order."

Hmm I like the sound of that. It had a lovely ring to it. My hand lingers above the pad in my hands. Snoke's severed body crumpling to the floor filled me with such glee.

"Oh, nothing Captain," I said looking back at Phasma. "We'll know when the time is right to bring down Ren and crush the Resistance."

Four years later abroad the Falcon

Day 1460

Sorry Diary, I know I've neglected you. Trying to get the Resistance back on its feet again is taking a bit longer than what General Leia thought it would. The First Order has been gaining favor with the populous. I guess the legend of Luke Skywalker doesn't compare to putting food in people's bellies. We've seen planet after planet ignore the call to action. I don't know how much longer we'll be able to keep up this fight. Not just the Resistance but the General as well.

Leia's health has been failing. She doesn't want to admit it in front to the group, but I can sense it. I don't know how much longer she'll be able to hold on. Without her… I honestly don't want to think what will become of us without her. Poe and Finn make an effective team, but they are both hot heads in their own way. We need Leia.

Also, I am ashamed to admit I thought of Ben for the first time in a while. I don't know how may times I've touched the co-pilot's seat before and nothing has ever happened. But the other day I touched the back of the seat and I saw him as little boy. He was pretending to be a fighter pilot just like his dad. He was so happy here on the Falcon. Seeing him in at state made me wish… I failed him, just like Luke had. There was no going back and redoing the past.

I wonder why the Force made me see it,

Rey

Captain's quarters, the Falcon

I turn off the data pad on my desk and sigh.

"I see you're writing again," I heard a husky voice say behind me.

"Oh it's nothing General," I said as I stood to my feet.

Turning to face the door I saw Leia standing in front of me with a soft smile across her face.

"Missing someone isn't nothing," she continued as she stepped into my chambers.

My face flushed.

"Please I was young once you know," she added.

As the door closed behind her she pulled out a data pad.

"Another heads up?" I asked.

"It we have a benefactor within the First Order," she answered.

"I've already told Poe and Finn to scout out ahead to see if everything is safe," she replied her voice cold.

"They haven't steered us wrong yet," I replied taking her hand into mine.

Leia sighed. She was hiding something. Had she figured out who was helping us.

"It's getting late," Leia said after a long silence between us. "Poe will inform you…"

Leia's grip in my hand grew weak for a moment. She stammered forwards.

"Leia, Leia!" I shouted as Leia finally fell forwards into my arms. "CHEWIE HELP!"

My heart began to break and in that moment the only thing I could think about was, Ben.