The Executor

Darth Vader upon leaving the bridge was unsettled. There was something about that man that he sensed was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it only that he sensed something...he couldn't get a clear picture. There were hundreds of people on this ship, that much was true, and he hadn't ever seen every single one of them, but this one... what exactly was troubling him about this one? He'd speak to Piett when he had the chance to get any information he had on the man, after all, he had just come from his office.

Darth Vader took the data chip out to be analyzed in the hopes that he could find some small bit of information to help him in his search for Skywalker. Since he had been informed of the existence of his son, it was all he could think about to find him. He knew he felt him before, those occasions where they both were in the same proximity, only he didn't know who or what he was then. After learning that his child had lived, as he was positive this was his child, hidden from him most likely by Obi-Wan, he knew those encounters had to be where he sensed Skywalker. He wasn't merely investigating rebel activity, but rebel activity that might include someone who used the Force, had been seen with a lightsaber, and investigating his known associates such as the Alderaanian princess. He had a list of known activities involving Skywalker and he hoped that would gain him a lead. While there were rebel cells everywhere, and he couldn't seek out them all, though his data searches could show certain clues that might uncover certain individuals, ships, various details from rebel terrorist acts, and the like which might tie to the boy. He could tell that Skywalker, though not well trained with the Force, had some sense that he possessed some abilities. If Obi-Wan had him all these years, why wasn't he more fully trained?

As he approached the room, he could sense something a bit off. It was that same sensation he felt on the bridge when that officer was staring at him. It was unlike anything he felt before. He walked into the room, and handed the chip over to the commander in charge and and took a look around. Through a glass panel, he could see the same man he saw on the bridge sitting with his back to Vader talking to another officer in the next room. Vader reached out into the Force, but could find no answers.

"Something the matter, my lord," Commander Slipglider asked passing the chip onto one of the officers who were analyzing the data.

"It is nothing. I would like a read out of the analysis on that chip as soon as possible. Match it with anything of note and have it sent directly to me, not through Ozzel, is that clear?" Lord Vader commanded.

Commander Slipglider took a large gulp. It wasn't often that Lord Vader himself came into this room directly, "Understood, sir."

Darth Vader looked through the window one more time, and then turned around.

Kylo Ren sat listening to Lieutenant Trave rave on about some gossip that Kylo Ren had really no interest in. Why this man wanted to befriend him, he had no idea. He kept wondering if Captain Piett was using him as a minder for the new officer, as when Trave was around, he wouldn't leave Kylo Ren alone. Trave then brought up some pictures from a surveillance scan of a weapons facility in the outer rim. There had been a robbery there of fifteen crates and Trave was showing Kylo Ren how to use the equipment to get a closer view of the intruders who robbed the facility.

"It could be criminal organizations, or rebels, or even both. Looking at this closer, and the way they are dressed, as well as the methods used, I'm sure it's a criminal organization. But then the rebels are criminals are they not, so really does it make a difference? Just they aren't working for the Empire, whoever these scum are. Here take a look," Trave said showing him how to blow the holo up and how to make the image clearer then move to a screen to add various effects to render more details. "We've got a scan of the ship we think they used, but it could be from anywhere. Of course they used stolen transponder codes. The codes match an old SuruSuub yacht, but look at that thing. It's a light freighter," Trave spoke.

Kylo Ren looked at it to pacify the man then answered, "Modified Allanar N3," Kylo Ren zoomed in and pointed out some details. "Look, they fused part of another ship on the nose, Boosted the cannons. Pirate ship, no doubt."

"Allanar N3, see I never saw that and I thought I knew those ships," Trave said taking another look at it.

"It's probably the only one like it in the galaxy. If is even shows up again," Kylo Ren remarked.

Trave looked at it again, "I'll register the faces when the scans get finished, but that's basically what we do in here. You'll learn it pretty fast. You know a bit about ships?"

"Some," Kylo Ren answered as he leaned back.

Trave got up, "Well let's get you on a monitor and see what you find then."

/

Arkanis- Present

General Hux turned on the holonet again after dressing for bed to watch some more of the news of the events of the day. Some talking heads were discussing and debating the First Order and it's effect on the galaxy since they had taken charge, and most of it seemed positive. They had a few more interviews with the general public who had been in attendance, and people on the streets of Arkanis earlier in the day. There was no bad publicity, and he wondered about that. Certainly there were naysayers out there? Were they afraid to air their opinions? The existence of the Resistance was proof of that, and the fact it had been brought to his attention the Hosnian Prime destruction was an issue for some. Though that was the catalyst which he felt brought them to this position more than any other, there had to be some more negative opinions. Why he was seeking these out he didn't know, but it just seemed a bit off as if someone was holding something back. It helped to know what one's enemies were thinking. He'd make a note of it to bring it up with the public relations team in the morning.

Wearing silk pajamas, he put on a robe and some slippers, and went to walk to Kylo Ren's suite. His own detail following him. Outside Kylo Ren's room, two of the stormtroopers were causally sitting and playing cards, as they saw him approach they stood at attention.

"Sir!" both troopers spoke.

"Did anyone give you permission to sit? You should be on high alert!" General Hux insisted.

"With all due respect, sir, it's been a bit dull. Of course, we are paying attention, but there isn't anything going on right now. We're just to stand outside of His Excellency's room?" the one trooper spoke.

"Until your shift ends, yes," General Hux insisted. "Never mind that right now. I wondered if I could have a word with Ren?"

"His Excellency appears to have gone to sleep, sir. Can it wait until morning?" One of the troopers spoke, "He mentioned earlier he did not wish to be disturbed."

"He does sleep deeply. Very well, it will wait until morning, and I suppose it is very late," General Hux groaned. "You two, your shift is ended. If you can not stand watch, you shall be replaced, is that clear? It will go on your report." He motioned to his own security detail as they called for two replacements. "I suppose we will have to wait here until your replacements arrive." Hux grumbled rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Yes, sir," the two men now standing said, one of whom then reached down to pick up the rest of the cards.

"When you are on security detail, you must be at alert at all times! Is that clear!" General Hux demanded.

"Yes, sir," they both answered a bit unnerved at being caught at loafing off on the job. "There was nothing going on here, sir."

"That makes no difference!" General Hux shouted. The sounds of others in the adjoining rooms pounding and complaining could be heard in the background. "I'll make sure your shifts are rotated more frequently. Don't let it happen again."

The next shift arrived and General Hux returned to his own suite, leaving his detail outside. He thought he should rotate his own more frequently as well. Not so much as to give the guards a break, but to keep them alert at all times as well. It would be a long day tomorrow, and he finally decided to allow himself some sleep.

The Executor-The Bridge

Darth Vader, after going over a few minor details that required his attention, located Captain Piett who had been working with some officers in the lower sections of the bridge.

"Captain Piett, a word, privately," Darth Vader spoke, then walked to Captain Piett's personal office.

Captain Piett, after finishing with his officers, took a huge gulp and made his way following the dark lord. As he entered, Darth Vader, who had been standing behind Piett's desk, shut the door using the Force.

"Is there a problem, Lord Vader," Captain Piett stood stiff and swallowed hard. He could feel the sweat dripping down the back of his neck.

Darth Vader approached the captain closely and asked, "Earlier, while I was speaking with Admiral Ozzel, I noticed a young officer leaving your office."

"I've had a few meetings this morning, my lord," Captain Piett spoke nervously. "Which one are you referring to?"

"He was a tall young man, dark hair, fair skin. I believe he may have had a scar on his face," Darth Vader said describing the man in question.

"Yes, I know exactly who you are referring to," Piett spoke nervously, knowing there was still the issue of the man's credentials and history. "Lieutenant Antilles."

"Is he new here? Not that I notice many of the young officers in general," Darth Vader spoke.

Piett tried very hard to hold his composure. Any audience with Vader made him nervous, and this particular case, with Piett not being able to find any proof that Antilles existed as of yet, made him especially so. Why would Vader single this one out? Of all the officers who had worked on the ship? "Yes, he is new. I'm waiting for his records as we speak."

"His records? He's been allowed on board my ship without records? Did he say where he was posted prior to the Executor?" Darth Vader demanded.

"He spoke of 'Special Forces' on Coruscant, sir," Piett answered.

Darth Vader clenched his fist. Was this man here to spy on his crew and staff on behalf of the Emperor? Could he be some secret branch of IBS? He and Palpatine had been in an unofficial war between themselves since Vader had become his apprentice in the early days of the Empire. Palpatine always being on guard that Vader would one day be his downfall. "There's something about him, Piett."

"I've been keeping my eye on him, sir," Piett spoke trying to relax a bit. He wiped his brow.

"Good. I saw him in the information center. I'd like to speak to this, Lieutenant Antilles, myself. Where did he get his training? What academy? What programs?" Darth Vader said pacing the room.

"He claims the Academy at Arkanis, sir," Piett answered.

Darth Vader put his fist to his chin, "Most interesting. Have his records from there been sent? I wonder if he was one of Brendol Hux's special pets?"

"No, they have not, but I can make inquiries?" Piett answered.

"No. I imagine it will set off alarms. That is if he has been sent from some internal agency to investigate me or my staff. Piett, you are aware that many within the Imperial government have conspired against me?" Darth Vader said putting his hand into Piett's face. Piett stared at the ceiling trying his best to not seem intimidated.

"Yes, sir," Piett answered softly.

Darth Vader paced, "I sometimes wonder how loyal Ozzel is to me, but you? This is between the two of us, do you understand? I have enemies everywhere, Captain Piett. I hope you can be trusted."

"I only wish to serve, my lord," Captain Piett answered.

"Have this Lieutenant Antilles removed from the information center and sent to his quarters. I will have you personally send him to me sometime later today, is that clear? I have a few obligations to perform, then I will deal with this mysterious individual," Darth Vader ordered.

"Yes, sir," Captain Piett answered as Darth Vader quickly left his office.

Piett took his chair behind his desk, sat down a moment, and let out a deep sigh. He got on the comm, "Have a squad escort Lieutenant Antilles from the information center to his quarters immediately."

Kylo Ren was sitting at a monitor going over hours of camera footage from the same factory robbery that Trave pointed out before to show him how to look for small details. After an hour of this, his eyes were getting buggy, and he didn't even understand what the point of this exercise was. These probably weren't rebels as he and Trave already determined, and probably not specifically what Darth Vader was looking for, but it seemed they had to go over every detail. Trave had explained that there were some individuals who were known to work with the rebels who were also involved with criminal organizations and there could always be some connection. He honestly knew this to some extent, he just didn't know enough about this group or that group and he really didn't care. It wasn't his war. He was almost afraid to find someone he actually knew, though they would look a bit younger than he would have remembered them. He saw Trave move quickly to the door and took a brief nod as he got up and noted the stormtroopers accompanied by an officer.

Trave came up to him and whispered, "Antilles, I don't know what you've done, but you are being escorted back to your quarters."

"What?" Kylo Ren asked wondering if it was because they couldn't find any evidence that he existed, or that he had done something he hadn't realized, perhaps his conversation to Captain Piett had him in some kind of trouble. He knew Piett was nervous in his presence.

Kylo Ren stood up and the officer asked him to lift his arms. He was given a pat down. The officer ordered, "You may put your arms down."

"Did I do something wrong?" Kylo Ren asked as he tried to read the emotions of the officer who was taking him into custody.

"I don't know. I was only told to escort you back to your room. You are to remain there until further notice," the officer informed him.

"So I'm not being arrested?" Kylo Ren asked still trying to feel out if he was in any danger.

"No," the officer insisted. Then motioned for him to follow, the stormtroopers following behind them.

Kylo Ren thought it was a bit much to have so many just escorting him to his room. He had half a mind to talk his way out of this and do what his mother suggested, try and get away. He could steal a ship, find somewhere he could ditch it, then steal another ship somewhere else. He could sneak on a shuttle to Coruscant and hide somewhere in the city. He was trying to think of how many ways he could get out of whatever mess he had gotten himself into, though he didn't remember doing anything that could be considered wrong, save for the whole not existing as far as the Empire was concerned. The door was opened and Kylo Ren went and sat on his bed.

"I'll make sure to have a meal sent to your room, Lieutenant," the officer informed him. Though he wasn't looking forward to the nutrient drink, at least it seemed they were concerned enough that he get his mid day meal.

He laid back and closed his eyes trying to get some sense of what was happening. Did he feel that he was in danger? He wasn't getting very much in that way, and he was almost afraid with Darth Vader on the ship and the possibility that he would sense him that way, or even worse, Emperor Palpatine.

A few moments later, a knock on the door, and one of the stormtroopers handed Kylo Ren the nutrient drink and some water. At least there was the water, he thought. He didn't know how he would stomach it without it, and he was getting hungry. The meals here were not very satisfying. As he was contemplating this, he could see Rey sitting up, looking as if she had just woken up right next to him on the bed.

Rey gasped and covered herself with a blanket. "Well this is awkward," she said groggily. She looked at the chrono and realized she hadn't been asleep that long.

"I have nothing to do with this, though it seems you've only been coming to me while I'm in my room. So far at least since I've been here," Ben answered looking over at her from his seat at the bottom of the bed.

In her tent, it appeared that Ben was sitting on the bottom of her cot just watching her. She wiped her eyes a bit to get some of the sleep out. Her vision wasn't very clear, and she was very tired.

"How long has it been for you? Since we last spoke?" Ben asked wondering how time was moving in the future compared to where it was here in the past.

"We got back an hour ago, I've just gotten back to sleep," Rey said with a yawn.

"I've been here two days almost. I've been detained, though in my own room. I don't know why yet," Ben said unable to stop watching her.

"Would you stop staring!" Rey pulled the blanket up under her chin. He seemed to be looking right through her.

Kylo Ren was relieved to see Rey, but it was strange to see her as if she were on his bed in front of him with him sitting beside her. While he wanted to vent about his situation, he couldn't help but watch her. He started to reach his hand towards her leg.

"Don't do that!" Rey said as she watched his hand move toward her direction.

"I'm sorry," Ben said softly then let out a sigh. "I think the Imperials think I'm some sort of spy, or that I work for the rebellion, I don't know. They of course can find no record of me. I did see him, Darth Vader, he was far away, but I saw him. I don't know if he noticed, but I was drawn to him and stared at him for a few minutes. Then later, they had me looking at footage of factory robberies. From this footage of surveillance cameras. I know this one was some kind of pirate robbery, just from the ship."

"You know ships well?" Rey asked. "I'm sure there are quite a lot of very old ones about."

"Some. I was never overly interested, but it was hard not to know something. From my experiences," Ben answered drifting off. "Of course, I was intently involved in the design of my own personal fighter."

"From what I can tell from this time, Ben, you haven't been gone very long. Have you seen anything, a vision, or something that can tell you how to get back to this time? Was anyone in the room with you when you went to sleep when you left? I wonder if you are missing from that room, and this is just a holo projection?" Rey said trying to figure out what Ben's situation truly was.

"No, my physical body is here. I even feel pain and hunger. You would not believe what we eat here. There's a liquid nutrient drink that basically the entire ship lives on," Ben explained and made a slight face.

Rey rolled her eyes, "Look, I worked for portions. They weren't very satisfying. I was hungry for years! I'm sure whatever that drink is has everything your body needs daily. You are sounding spoiled complaining about the food. I imagine that the stormtroopers or whatever in the First Order probably have similar meals, or don't eat as well as you do in general."

"I told you I feel that now I'm a prisoner in my own room, didn't I?" Ben explained as if she wasn't comprehending his situation.

"And I told you that I haven't gotten very much sleep. This is very hard to take in. Maybe you should try to leave now. I know you want to see Vader in some fashion, but it probably wouldn't be very wise to do so. You should do as Leia said and go. Hide, or go find that guy she mentioned. He may know how or what to do to get you back. She was quite worried about you," Rey said yawning.

"Maybe, I might take part of that advice. At least get out of this room." Ben said trying to put together a plan in his head.

"You don't mean wandering around that thing do you?" Rey said as if she knew what he was thinking. "Unless it's stealing a ship."

"I would need to get rid of it right away if I did that. There's a lot to plan. I don't know why you are so worried that I get back," Ben said looking down at his feet, his face in his hands.

"We care, Ben, really. I care. And with you gone, what is that General of yours going to do? He could be worse than you," Rey smiled as Ben turned around to look at her.

"I'm not even sure why they wanted me to stay in here," Ben answered looking at her with a worried look.

"But it can not be good," Rey reminded him.

Ben stood up and looked at the door, "I think I might..."

He felt her disappear, and he felt alone.