Counterfeit Balance

Chapter 2:

The General was not a foolish man; he has interrogated many ruffians and smugglers in his time and not a one has withstood his tactics. Many had crumbled before he even brought out his instruments. But not her, she's different. He can't quite place it, but she seems to be affecting him.

The girl did not appear the least bit worried about her predicament. Instead she fixed him with the most enticing smile, all white teeth, and soft eyes. Luminous and bright, just like her energy. He was not fooled. He could see the hatred in her eyes. Beneath the outer shell, she portrayed. He could feel it too, palpable in the cold interrogation room. Like a knife twisting in his gut.

"I wanted to tell you," She fluttered her lashes, though the General supposed she probably didn't know what she was doing. "You've already lost. And you don't even realize it."

He smiled at that. Quick wit, a bit brash, but she was nothing if not entertaining. "A fool I might be. Please, my dear, enlighten me. I implore you." He did love a little banter.

She smirked, guileful in her response. She somehow thinks she has the upper hand and to the General, this is a bad sign. He wavered for a fraction of a moment and then matched her grin. Two could play at this game.

"Kylo Ren is no more," she said, her voice full of sincerity. "Ben Solo will make Snoke bow before him. And then you."

Ah, the girl was trying to say that Kylo Ren was under her spell perhaps? The General felt the strongest urge to roll his eyes, but instead, he let his gloved hand trail down the side of her cheek, almost tenderly. She was foolish to give away her position so quickly and even before he had truly begun to question her.

"Ren would be unwise to deny you anything." What had made him say that? "As would I." There he went again.

Space was a lonely place. And one rarely had the opportunity for intimacy of any kind. Regardless of what others might think, it had been a long time for the General. Too long.

Her brow furrowed, her stare holding his. "Say that again General?"

He smiled, "Forgive me, that was uncalled for." He replied, tipping his head in apology. "I suppose you think that Kylo Ren has changed? That you have made him a better man. But my dear, I must tell you. I don't believe even you could change him."

Her glare seemed to deepen, her mouth moving into a firm line. "You don't know him like I do."

This was a surprising response, considering it was only the second time Ren had encountered the girl. What had happened between them on Starkiller, he mused.

"And exactly how well do you know him?" He pressed, lifting her chin up. His thoughts were a muss with the many ways that Ren might've seen her again. But how? How could they speak? Through the Force like she had spoken to him? Was it possible to talk across space though?

Some sort of telepathic connection would be the only way for Ren to speak with her unnoticed. The General had all of Ren's communication closely monitored. He was not quite as paranoid as his father had been, but he knew enough to be wary of Kylo Ren and the potential for accidental deaths of high ranking First Order officers. He knew enough to believe that Ren had not contacted the Resistance, Supreme Leader Snoke would have been aware of his apprentice's actions as he was mindful of Kylo Ren's thoughts.

Then a truly wicked idea emerged from his tangled mess of thoughts. Perhaps something had happened during the interrogation? Perhaps Ren had freed the girl himself and allowed her to escape? Maybe it was all some clever ruse for him to aid the Resistance. How easy was it for Ren to shift his loyalty from Snoke? Did it only take a pair of pretty dark eyes?

"Did something happen between you on Starkiller base when Kylo Ren questioned you?" His voice slightly quavering.

At that she widened her eyes, mouth parting. That had to be it. She had seduced the imbecile, and now he thought he could have her if he would only defeat Snoke. It was the only thing that made any sense.

"That's it, isn't it?" His smile broadened at the look of fear lancing through her expressions. "You seduced him. You made him think he was special to you. Anyone can see that all he wants is affection. Even from a desert scavenger like you." The words came flying out before he realized what he had said. Her lips began to tremble and eyes watered. He had insulted her.

He knew the noble parentage of Kylo Ren and the real name that Snoke had forbidden them to speak, even before she told him. But this girl, he didn't know anything about her but what he had pulled up in the First Order's private holonet documents.

She was a nobody. Descended from a pair of drunken pieces of trash, who all too appropriately had died in the Jakku desert. But he could gather from his training exactly how this information might hurt her. Abandoned and alone. She grew up on a desert planet and must've had to do many things to survive. Vile things.

His head pounded, the thought that this delicate creature had possibly endured unwanted advances, starvation and constant thirst drove him to the resolution that he would take more care in the cleaning up of the poor outlying planets.

She quaked at him, fury building. He thought she might cry as he saw her glistening eyes shift focus and land on the door. And then she turned to look back at the General, and she spat. The feel of her warm saliva hitting his forehead and sliding down his nose was enough to infuriate him. It was warm and wet as it slid down, providing him with a unbidden image of what else might be warm and wet. If he didn't find a courtesan at his next planet side visit, he might have to find a willing officer onboard to obtain some release. He took one black-gloved hand and wiped her spit from his face and when he spoke it was with visible irritation.

"I'd proceed with great caution, my dear. You may think that Kylo Ren will help you escape once he defeats the Supreme Leader, but I think you have seriously overestimated his strength. Snoke is not some half-witted stormtrooper." She sneered up at him, her lips puckering. The General found it far too appealing.

Before he realized what had happened he had pressed his mouth to her lips with such force he felt she could barely breathe. He forced her mouth open with his tongue, thrusting into her as much as he could. Her mouth was sweet, her lips were firm, and her teeth could snap, biting at his tongue until she drew blood.

He pulled back at that, yelping incoherent curse words in every language he knew as he drew his fist up to his lips. The throbbing pain making his head swim. He had been irrational. And he had paid for it.

Her eyes flashed with dangerous mirth, and her lips split into a cruel smile. She chucked as her hand rose and made a vulgar gesture in his direction. Through the pain, he realized he might enjoy watching her crude behavior even more in his private chamber. But he would not end on a note where she had the upper hand and though he knew he had made an embarrassing display, he had to regain his composure.

Even through his painfully swollen tongue, he managed to say, "I suppose I should alert the Supreme Leader to the possibility of Kylo Ren's disloyalty and your alliance." He was barely able to quirk a grin before he turned and strode out the door to inform his master.

The General's heart thudded in his chest as he let the door slide closed behind him. The hammering of his head and the raw aching of his tongue made him feel faint. What in the stars had driven him to kiss her? He knew she was only the unwanted spawn of some drunken letches. He supposed, not entirely unlike himself. He is also an unwanted child. Was. His father and mother no longer lived. Much like the girl. He was better off without them.

But the kiss.

But he had never, ever done anything like that before. He had never used his power to take anything from a woman. Usually, if he had wanted a woman and she was uninterested, he found his admiration quickly developed into disdain. Of course, they didn't want him. Who would? His mother certainly hadn't. But this girl. She was different. She seemed to want Kylo Ren. Pathetic. He was the superior man, a General nonetheless. In her time here, she would see.

He knew he had to get to the Supreme Leader and warn him about Kylo Ren. It was part of his duty. But what would happen to the girl if Snoke found out about her relationship with Ren? Ren would most definitely be punished but what would happen to her?

If he was not careful how he treads he might lose her. He considered it for a moment. He wasn't afraid to lose people. He'd lost many. But, the idea of losing her before she had truly known him struck a chord deep inside him. He wanted her to know him, before she was gone.

He quickly made his way to his office where he commed the Supreme Leader. They were set to rendezvous with the Supremacy within the next few days, and he would have to face the Supreme Leader in person. He was thankful now for the distance between himself and the grisly blue visage that responded to his call.

"General Hux," Snoke answered immediately. "I did not expect you to finish your interrogation so soon."

"Supreme Leader," he bowed slightly, he had always maintained the appearance of an oily rat, Snoke liked his servants to appear sniveling and weak. The General knew that if he were to rise to leader of Grand Admiral, he would have to grovel a bit.

"What have you learned from the Scavenger?"

He hesitated for a moment, but it was a moment too long. Snoke could probably already see the sweat beading on his forehead even through the warbled blue holocall.

"General," Snoke commanded with a tone meant to instill fear. "Tell me."

The General felt it then the tug and tightening around his throat, the compulsion to tell Snoke everything. He hated this method. The one where Snoke would pry into him with the Force. He had learned to fight it; the girl had caught him off guard when she had spoken into his mind. He wouldn't let that happen again. But Snoke, he only had to think certain things, Snoke could read his emotions, but that did not mean he could accurately interpret them.

"The girl seems to believe that Kylo Ren has defected and is now loyal to her."

The harsh chuckle that drifted across the holocall was cold and unamused.

"Supreme Leader, she believes that Kylo Ren will try to assassinate you."

The Supreme Leader's gaze did not falter, he merely pursed his lips and nodded. "Kylo Ren's loyalty is unquestioned. He is still weak, but she is nothing to him. She is not worthy of his notice."

It is the General's turn to frown. "Supreme Leader, I believe you underestimate her. She is—"

"She is NOTHING," Snoke's voice boomed over the holocall. "A mere girl could not exercise such control over Kylo Ren. I will see to my apprentice and assure his loyalty. Then he will demonstrate it by killing the girl."

"Supreme Leader, I do believe the girl could be of more use to us alive," he protested.

Again the Supreme Leader let out one of his slow laughs, "You are as foolish and easily manipulated as Kylo Ren."

His face burned, he had gone from pale to crimson. He was being transparent. Imprudent indeed. "I suppose, you are right. She is nothing. But if she were to hold Kylo Ren enthrall then killing her might only push him deeper into despair. As you have seen, he has no stomach for patricide. He has too much compassion, and if he is to remain loyal, he must also see you as benevolent."

Snoke did not respond, he simply stared at the General, his small eyes unblinking.

"I apologize Supreme Leader," he rushed to end the call as quickly as possible. "I only wished to alert you to the information I received from the girl and not to question you."

Invisible hands stretched out and tightened around his throat. Constricting, cutting off the air. He gasped. Heaved. Nothing. He couldn't breathe.

Snoke nodded, "see to it you think before you speak next time. See to the girl. I want her to feel comfortable before she is executed. Though I will take precautions. You are not to let the girl out of your sight. And she is never to be alone with Kylo Ren. Do you understand?"

A few more seconds and he would likely pass out from lack of oxygen. The hand suddenly released its grip, and he slumped where he stood. Perhaps this was better than nothing. He had a little time before they rendezvoused with the Supremacy which meant he had time to come up with a plan.

"Yes, Supreme Leader," he bowed once more, his hand lightly touching his tender neck and ended the holocall. Then he turned on his heel and made his way back to the interrogation room.

As he neared the door, he felt the presence of Kylo Ren fall in step next to him.

"I was told you were still interrogating the prisoner," Kylo Ren stated. "Yet, I find you out here."

"And? What of it?" The General's irritation was evident. "Where I was is of no concern to you."

"I suppose," Ren's voice had an obvious smirk to his tone. "Was the girl too much for you?"

Something about the way he said it, the General knew Ren was aware of the kiss. The General felt the rush of blood to his face as he balked. How?

"What General? Nothing to say? Cat got your tongue?" Ren nearly barked out a laugh.

"At least the girl hasn't escaped under my surveillance," was the only thing the General could think to say in reply.

"I suppose. But we haven't seen the interrogation room yet." Ren replied.

They walked the rest of the way in silence and found the Stormtroopers still standing guard to the entrance of the interrogation room. The General entered first with Ren close behind. The girl was still there. Thankfully.

She glared at the General, but her eyes instantly softened as they took in the tall form of Kylo Ren. Again, she seemed to be speaking to him. This was not a good sign. Not at all.

Kylo Ren didn't speak. He didn't move. He just watched her. The General felt as if he was an unwelcome observer to some intimate discussion as he looked from Ren back to the girl. Finally, he decided this had gone on long enough.

"I am to take you to your chambers now," the General said. At this, the girl finally looked at him. Her eyes narrowed.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," she nearly growled.

"I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice, my dear," he replied. "I will take you to your chambers. How you get, there is entirely up to you. You can walk. Or you can be carried. Which would you prefer?"

She pursed her lips and didn't respond. She kept glancing back up at Ren, her hazel eyes shimmering with something unspoken. Or rather, something the General couldn't hear. Just being in the same room as these two was enough to convince him that the girl had been telling him the truth. Ren was usually so snarky and condescending. But in front of the girl, he was like a giant puppy. Stupid and much too eager to please.

The girl finally took a deep breath and said, "I will walk."

The General noticed something then. A charge in the air. What if he was in danger with these two? Perhaps Ren was thinking of whisking the girl away before they met with the Supremacy? He would be reckless enough to cut down anyone in his path. He had to be cautious. Never let the girl out of his sight indeed.

He bent to undo the straps binding her to the interrogation table and slowly released her. "Please step down, and I will escort you out. Kylo Ren will come with us if that makes you feel more comfortable." He tried to show her with his eyes that he was ashamed of his earlier behavior, he tried to give her a look that communicated his apology.

If she could read his eyes or his thoughts, she did not so much as indicate it with any response. She merely followed his direction and stepped down off the platform. She trailed the General to the door, her eyes on the tall, dark figure of Kylo Ren the entire time.

The General, Kylo Ren, and the girl walked in slow, quiet steps to the General's quarters. It was a long walk from the interrogation room, and the General was thankful for the six stormtroopers that surrounded them. He certainly did not feel safe with Kylo Ren there. And soon he would be the only thing between Ren and the girl. His mind whirred as he tried to think of how he would deal with the assassination attempt. Would it be better to let Snoke fall? Would Ren try to take up the mantle of Supreme Leader or would he run away with the girl to the Resistance? He couldn't fathom Ren choosing to give up the opportunity to seize power. But perhaps love was more important to him now?

A girl like that. This girl. Would she be worth losing all that power?

He barely registered that he had reached the entrance to his quarters. He pressed in the access code, making sure that Ren couldn't see. But of course, he could probably just pull it from the General's thoughts as he typed it in. The idea was unnerving.

The door slid open, and the General gestured for the girl. "After you," he said. She glanced back at Ren who nodded once, and she did as the General bade.

As she strode into the chamber, she let out a small gasp as the lights flickered on and she was able to take in the room. The General followed her, allowing her to have some space. He noticed that Ren entered as well behind him before the door slid closed. The stormtroopers would be stationed outside the door for the rest of time the girl was with them. But he didn't enjoy the feeling that Ren was on the wrong side of the door.

He and Ren watched quietly as the girl seemed to light up as she took in the many plants that decorated the room. The General prided himself on being able to cultivate plants. He had a collection of rare plants from various planets. His room also held the best view on the entire ship as his windows allowed for star viewing.

"These are beautiful," the girl breathed as she reached up her pair of cuffed hands to stroke a hanging plant.

"Well, that one is a candlewick plant from Alderaan," the General replied quietly. "In fact, it should open within the hour. They are quite a sight to behold."

Ren seemed to note the General differently as well. "I didn't know you were a gardener," his voice through the modulator was no longer mocking. Just surprised.

"I believe it is important for people to cultivate interests. As an amateur botanist one can learn quite a bit about other cultures, languages, medicine, and even lost planets."

"How did you acquire a plant from Alderaan?" The girl broke into their discussion.

"That is quite a long story," The general replied. "But in short, I have an excellent supplier who is under strict instruction to secure any plant life or seedlings from Alderaan."

The General heard Ren's breathing hitch. "Why Alderaan?" He asked.

"Because, I hold quite a fascination regarding the monarchy of Alderaan," the General smiled, turning to look at Ren. "You know what they say. Know thy enemy."

Just then the petals of candlewick began to glow with luminescence as the flower opened revealing the orange and gold petals inside. The girl gasped with delight.

"I've never seen anything like them!" She cried gleefully as she smiled back at the General. "They're beautiful!" It was a genuine smile and the General felt a twinge of something at the sight of it.

"I will take my leave," Ren said abruptly. Both the General and the girl startled at his sudden admission as he swiftly exited the General's chambers.

In the absence of Kylo Ren, the General suddenly felt acutely aware of the girl. She did not seem distraught by Ren's sudden departure, but she continued to stare at the candlewicks in awe.

"When you are ready, I will show you to your room."

She glanced back over her shoulder at the General. "I don't sleep in here?" She seemed mildly confused.

"No," he replied. "This is my chamber. Yours are through this door. It is another chamber much like this one simply attached to this chamber."

She turned around fully to look at him, suddenly angry. "I thought I was a prisoner? Why have they put me next to your chambers?"

"Supreme Leader Snoke requested that I not let you out of my sight," he gestured to the door on the left side of his bed. "That room provides you privacy, though it is only a room with a view. No other amenities such as hygiene facilities in there. You may use mine if you wish and you will eat here with me." He gestured to the small kitchenette attached to the chamber.

"So, it is a comfortable prison then."

He nodded, "It really was just and extra bedroom, added to my chambers some years ago when I thought I might have need of it. The lock was added more recently." His throat constricted slightly at the memory. "I can remove the binders. Though the specialty binders will remain. They can be separated to allow you to wash and eat."

She strode over to him. Each step held such confidence, the General could not help but tremble. She carried herself like a queen, not a scavenger. She reached out her hands pushing the binders toward him.

He hesitated, grasping the center of the binders and taking out his keycard to separate the specialty binders and remove the second set of binders. Only for a brief moment, he pictured how she might look spread out on his bed, her wrists still in binders, his hand still firmly holding them. He blushed. He really needed to go to the fresher and take care of this problem.

Once he had removed the second set of binders, he set them gingerly on the desk next to his bed. Though he knew she still could not attack him using the Force, he couldn't be sure she wouldn't try something else. He had to remain cautious. But once she was free, she turned her back to him and strode into his hygiene facilities without so much as a glance back at him.

As soon as she let the door slide closed behind her, the General let loose a breath he didn't even know he was holding. He gripped the side of his desk, he wanted so badly to go in after her.

No, he didn't.

He wanted her gone.

Her and Ren.

"Sir?"

The sound of her timid voice brought him out of his musing. He turned to face her, she was still clothed. She apparently hadn't showered yet.

"Yes?"

"I... Uhh. I don't know how to use the fresher."

"I see," he smiled. "Allow me to show you." Growing up on a desert planet she would not have much access to clean water for bathing. Most water would have been used for drinking. It was no surprise she was unfamiliar with how to use a fresher. Though he had hoped that during her time with the Resistance they had taught her something.

She followed him back into the hygiene room, and he pointed out the various buttons and knobs and their uses.

"These buttons control the temperature, up for hot and down for cold. This button releases the soap for washing. And this controls the water pressure. The towels are—-"

He was cut off by her shriek, "what is that?!" She cried pointing at the sink counter. The General turned to find Millicent curled up in the bowl of the sink. Her ginger tail slowly wicking back and forth as she batted at some imaginary dust particle.

"That is my pet. She is a cat, and her name is Millicent." He answered coolly. "She will not bother you if you don't bother her. Though she does have some sharp claws and teeth, she doesn't bring them out unless she thinks you're a threat."

Millicent let out something between a hiss and meow at the girl then hopped up and out of the sink bowl and jumped down onto the floor to curl around the General's legs.

"She looks dangerous," the girl said backing away from the cat.

"I assure you, she is quite harmless, unless you mean to harm her."

The girl shook her head but kept her distance.

"I'll take her with me then," the general replied as he scooped Millicent up. "And I'll leave you to it. Please let me know if you need any assistance." The General sputtered, "I MEANT if you need any additional instruction on how to use the fresher. The towels are located underneath the sink."

He left the room as fast as he could and threw himself onto the bed, Millicent hissing with the impact. How had this girl turned him into a sputtering boy in mere seconds? Being around her was toxic, like she was leeching his intelligence. He rolled over onto his back, stroking Millicent till he heard her satisfied purrs. He settled back onto the bed and closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about the girl anymore. But it was difficult when she was just on the other side of the door. Possibly naked.

The fresher hissed as the water started.

Definitely naked.

His eyes began to droop, it had been a very long day indeed. He would only rest them for a moment. He let them close and breathed a sigh of relief. It was almost over.

He awoke with a start. Someone was looking at him. And Millicent was nowhere to be seen. It was dark in the room now, night. The lights were set to solar time and dimmed on their own. He sat up and found the girl there, standing at the edge of the bed, and wrapped in only a towel. The binders were gone. This was bad. How had he allowed himself to be so vulnerable?

She didn't say anything. She just let the towel drop.