A/N Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read, and especially the time to favorite and/or review!
The forward compartment of the shuttle was nearly empty. Hux and Ren rode in the forward row of seats, leaving a significant amount of space between each other. Terris and Resdin sat behind them. Several other midlevel officers occupied rear compartment.
Flanked by two dozen tie fighters and a pair of troop transports, the long-winged command shuttle covered the distance between the two ships in under two minutes. Terris had braced himself for a dispute between Ren and Hux, but apparently the General had decided to overlook Ren's attempt to usurp his authority as mission commander. In truth, neither man was truly in command of the other. Despite General Hux being the senior military officer attached aboard the Finalizer both men had the authority to issue commands, and most of the time found a tenuous truce that allowed the vessel to function effectively. Hux's reluctance to challenge Ren probably was an effort to restore that balance.
The tie fighter escort broke off as the shuttle completed its final approach to the main docking bay; with its substantial wingspan landing in the Firestorm's forward bay would have been challenging. The shuttle settled on the assigned pad, towering over the older Lambda class shuttle next to it. The two troop transports landed on adjacent pads.
Hux had planned to wait for his troops to form a ceremonial escort before exiting the shuttle, but Ren showed no hesitation as he strode down the platform and past the assembling troops. Appearances mattered, and a well trained honor guard was one way in which Hux could impress, and if needed, intimidate, his hosts. Ren denied him the opportunity and once again cursed the young man's impulsiveness.
Hux saw Ren's step falter slightly as he caught up to him, something unusual for the typically confident man. As he glanced at the party greeting them, he saw why.
Only two men had come to meet the shuttle. The first he recognized as Captain Fel. The other was a something nearly indescribable.
Wearing a spotless white uniform with brilliant gold tassels, the second man appeared largely human but had pale blue skin, dark black hair with a hint of shimmering blue. The man's red eyes glowing red eyes were an inferno, showing an intensity that looked more suited to the core of a star than a living being. Despite the alien features, the second man gave off subtle hints of command from his body language and was surrounded by an air of authority Hux had only felt in his meetings with the Supreme Leader himself.
"Welcome to the Firestorm," a smoothly modulated voice said. The voice was not hostile, but unmistakably firm and authoritative. It reminded Hux of his childhood, when his father would occasionally entertain senior Imperial leaders. "I am Grand Admiral Thrawn."
"Admiral," Hux said, nodding his head in acknowledgement. "I am Hux, General of the First Order and Commander of the Finalizer." Hux paused briefly, wondering if he should introduce Ren and recognizing he had little choice. "This is Master Kylo Ren, and two of my senior officers."
"A pleasure, gentlemen. I appreciate you taking the time to discuss various matters of mutual interest." Thrawn looked to Ren and back to Hux. The red eyes glowed ferociously. "Captain Fel will escort your party to a conference room we have prepared two decks above us. I will join you there shortly."
"Thank you, Admiral. I look forward to our discussion." Hux motioned to his troopers, who began to form up behind him as an escort.
The Grand Admiral raised an eyebrow. "I would insist on your troops remaining in the docking bay for now. Should it become necessary, Captain Fel will arrange other accommodations." The blue-skinned alien turned and walked out of the bay.
Hux stared after the Admiral for several seconds, and then turned to one of the troopers. "Lieutenant, you may remain with the ship," he said grimly.
"We have prepared a conference room nearby," Fel said. "I assumed you'd prefer a location near the docking bay should you desire to return to your ship. We can certainly provide any other facilities you may need aboard the Firestorm." Fel motioned to his left and then started walking, Hux keeping pace beside him.
"I do find it a bit presumptuous of your commander to dictate where troops I have brought for the protection of my party are allowed aboard his vessel," the General said as diplomatically as he could, a tinge of resentment in his tone.
"With all due respect, General," Fel replied, "The Grand Admiral's position within our government and military is more akin to your Supreme Leader's than your own. And given his combat record… well, any military officer should give him the appropriate respect." He looked over at Hux and smiled. "Even those who oppose him."
Hux was preparing to tell the young Captain he valued his views even less than his commander's when something he had heard more than a decade ago entered his mind. "Captain, my father was relatively well connected within the Galactic Empire. He mentioned once that there was persistent rumor Emperor Palpatine had promoted a non-human to the rank of Grand Admiral due to exceptional loyalty and tactical ability. Knowing the Emperors disdain for aliens he dismissed it himself, but I have heard others state the promotion indeed happened and was kept a secret from all but the smallest circle of the Emperor's advisors."
Fel stopped walking and turned to Hux. A smile spread across the younger man's face, obviously enjoying the arrogant General's sudden realization. "Welcome to the circle."