I do not own Star Wars or any of its properties. This story is made purely for entertainment. With that said, enjoy!
Part I, Chapter II
After the destruction of the Supremacy, the First Order is still at large. Crushing pocket-groups of resistance and alliances of the resistance, the Order still has a large presence on loyal planets. Galactic tariffs for corporal and diplomatic company passing through the Inner Rim system has allowed for a sufficient rebuilding of a new dreadnought...and a military hellbent on decimating its enemies from every reach of space.
"Supreme Leader…"
Hux had a spec of distaste in his mouth at the words. He grimaced having to have such a title of importance bestowed upon such a ghastly character like Kylo Ren.
Kylo's meditation room was dark-with only slight luminescence behind the panelling of the durasteel walls. He sat perched on a flat platform, dressed in his hood and mask. Surrounding him were troopers that could have been mistaken for shadows. The once crimson-clad Praetorian guard that protected Snoke were replaced with darkly dressed storm-troopers, each with staff-like Z6 batons and armed to the teeth with blaster rifles. Kylo knew how useful those would have been for the Praetorian guard on the Supremacy.
'You find me pretentious? Undeserving? A shame.'
Kylo's voice echoed within Hux's mind, and he was taken aback at such an invasive intrusion of his thoughts.
'You're in my head? Well, "pretentious" isn't the word I would use...perhaps too gentle…'
Kylo leaned forward and clenched.
Hux felt his vocal chords compress and tighten as he choked airlessly on his asphyxiation.
He was nearly lifted off the ground entirely, his toes brushing the floor, before Kylo finally relented and released his grasp. Hux fell to the ground, coughing violently.
"I expect the same respect you gave our previous Supreme Leader, Hux."
"I will attempt to, Supreme Leader. But besides the accordance of your power, we have greater issues."
"What type of issues caused you to disturb my meditation?"
"The rebels...they-there's been an abundant spike in the Incom-FreiTek's factory production on Coruscant. According to our intercepts, it appears they're expecting a convoy's worth of starfighters."
"Is there a way to ensure that this is reliable?"
"Yes, Supreme Leader. One of our infantry members on Coruscant claims he's seen it himself."
"Is he aboard the ship?"
"Yes, I thought you might ask."
"Bring him in."
After a minute or two, a single stormtrooper walked in, clutching his F-11D blaster to his chest in a rigid, soldierly fashion.
"So you saw it? Incom...making starfighters?" Kylo turned his head but didn't face the trooper. He simply stood on his platform, with his back turned to the trembling scout.
"Yes, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren. I saw it with my own eyes. X-wi-"
Kylo spun around in a swift moment with a sharp motion of his hand, and the stormtrooper went flying backward into the wall. The durasteel sparked and fizzled from the impact as he fell to the ground in its debris with a pained grunt.
Hux stood upright and swallowed hoarsely.
He couldn't help but remember the abrasiveness of Snoke when he was irritated.
The current dynamic had drastically transformed between Hux and Kylo, and it appeared Kylo Ren became more unhinged and iron-handed with each passing day.
He had become fixated-almost obsessed-with becoming more powerful. Hux would be unable to reach Kylo for hours a day because he would be meditating and practicing combat. The hot scorch marks of Kylo's lightsaber incised into the walls was enough to know.
"X-wings? Do you think that insignificant smattering of resistance fighters can produce enough for an entire fleet? They're weak, reduced to nothing. They have neither the possessions nor support to rebuild. And we have the upper hand to cripple them again. Do what you must, General Hux."
"And what might that be?"
Kylo ignited his lightsaber.
"Let that be a warning."
Hux held his breath. "Yes, Supreme Leader. Whatever it takes."
With that, both the trooper and Hux departed.
Kylo sat onto his platform again. He sat cross-legged, placing his lightsaber at his feet and sitting upright.
Under his helmet, he closed his eyes and began to concentrate. The force moved through him, but his visions were futile. There was nothing he could see besides his own memories. Clenching his teeth, he scoffed at this. One more time, he attempted to relay on one thought.
He tried to reach out, but it was no use.
The bond really was severed.
"Damn you!" He yelled, smashing his fist into the platform.
'Master Snoke was the only one holding me back. I know killing him was the only way to uncover the true potential of the force and finish my training. But was he playing me like a fool with my force abilities? No, no. It was I who reached out to her. He had nothing to do with it. It was me.'
But with each failed attempt, he grew weary of trying. Even if she didn't communicate back, he just wanted one connection with her; he needed it. His anger would brim every time it didn't work. Maybe his doubt was justified. Perhaps his former master was right-it was nothing more than a trick. A manipulation to use Kylo to bring in fresh blood. And perhaps it was Rey's lack of trying on her end and her shutting him off from the force which severed their bond.
Kylo stormed out of the meditation chamber and down the corridor to his room, where he stood overlooking the window for a moment. He stared mutely at his reflection, then turning away to utter a word.
A name.