"Supreme Leader, we're receiving a distress call from Squadron F2187, they're on Pasher and are being attacked by a Mole Serpent." There was the barest tremble in AT-8266's voice. She had returned from a recent mission and was briefly filling out a communications position on Kylo's new Star Dreadnought.
"How is there a Mole Serpent this far in the Inner Rim?" From memory, he knew they were native to the Kathol sector, located at the very edge of the galaxy and under First Order control. If a mole serpent was this far into the Core Worlds, a significant amount of effort had to have been used.
"We don't know Supreme Leader. The soldiers have reported heavy damaged to their cruiser and at least four casualties."
"This is perfect." Commander Orson declared.
"Care to explain yourself, Commander?" The man in question was a founding member of the First Order. Kylo was currently on his way to Coruscant to establish better relations, Orson's political skills would be useful in his excursion.
"A mole serpent would be an advantageous tool to use against our enemies," his eyes gleamed as if he were appraising a new toy. "They create fear and are capable of causing overwhelming destruction."
"But sir, what about the squadron?" AT-8266 expression was tight, her hands clenching the controls.
"What of them? They failed in their mission on Pasher to capture Resistance sympathisers and now they return to the First Order in shame. The least they can do is to die and allow us to capture the Mole serpent once it is pacified from gorging itself." AT-8266 blanched, her face pale.
Kylo thought deeply, the desert planet of Pasher was close, five minutes in travel time if they used hyperspace. He could sense the pickling anxiety of AT-8266 through the Force. He thought of the girl across the stars, what would she think?
"No. The First Order has no need for dumb beasts, what we need is men. Ready my ship and prepare a division of TIE-fighters and AT walkers to leave in half an hour." He strode out from the room, heading towards the hangar.
"Supreme Leader! Such action would be a waste of resources, and for you to go in person? It's unheard of!" Orson cried.
"Your advice is acknowledged Commander," The Master Knight never turned around.
Kylo intercepted the platoon after they had barricaded themselves within the Cruiser, the Mole Serpent lashing violently against the ship. He felt his Silencer vibrate with every blast from his cannons, the beast's hide was thick, each burst seemingly enraging it. His wingmen kept close to him, desperately trying to prevent any retaliation. It was a crude battle in the desert landscaper. The serpent beast managed to inflict heavy damage on two of the TIE fighters walkers and a few of the Walkers.
It felt like before, when everything was right. But then, his chest tightened.
"Can I fly? Please daddy!" Han tucked his son close to his chest, ruffling his hair before facing him towards the controls.
"Can you reach?" Ben stretched his arms forward, his face scrunched in effort. His father laid a big hand of his shoulder. Ben huffed, lowering his arms he pouted, Han couldn't help but laugh.
"One day son. One day you'll fly across the galaxy."
"With you?"
"If that's what you want."
Ben turned around, he framed his father's face, small palms against his prickly cheeks.
"You promise?" Han grinned, causing Ben's hands to move upwards.
"I promise son, I'll always be with you."
Stop. Let it die. Kylo swerved his silencer to the left, hitting the serpent's underbelly.
"Dad?" His head was downturned, hands clutched between his legs. It looked as if he was praying, but his father wasn't the type of man who prayed. Han slowly looked up towards him, a weary smile on his lips.
"Come here, Ben." He trotted towards his father, who hoisted him up onto his lap with a grunt. Ben tucked his head beneath his chin, he clutched his father as he patted his back.
"You're getting too big for me, son."
His heart clenched, Mom rarely picked him up now. He missed it. He never felt safer than in their embrace, but it would be selfish to ask.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry about what?"
Ben closed his eyes. He knew Mom was gone, he felt her leave, but he knew she'd return to tuck him in bed. She always did.
Han sighed, his chest moving his son. "It's okay Ben, everything will be okay."
He curled his fists into his father's shirt, anchoring himself.
"It's me isn't it." Han hushed him, kissing his forehead.
"No Ben, you can't think like that."
"Are you sending me away?"
"Of course not," he rubbed his back, rocking him gently.
"Do you want to leave?" Han leaned back, he palmed his son's cheek.
"I love you Ben, and I love your mother. No matter what happens I always will. And I will always want to be with you two."
"Promise?"
Han stroked his trembling cheek "I promise."
Stop it. Stop it. Kylo breathed deeply, fire exploded around him, metal and sand burst through the air. Focus. His grip slipped on the controls.
Fear. He felt it vibrate down the force. Kylo spotted one of his pilots struggle from the wreckage of his ship, the Mole Serpent rushing towards him. Reaching out, he summoned the force, lifting the pilot and sending him out of the Serpent's range. It squealed in outrage, lashing against the starfighters bearing down on it. The pilot ripped his helmet off, gasping. It was impossible, he stared wide eyed at the ship of his ruler who flew his Silencer deftly around the beast attacking at its now gaping wounds. With one last furious screech, it fell into the desert sand, motionless.
Kylo landed his fighter, commanding his soldiers to clear the wreckage and free the squadron. The sun beat down on him, he felt uncomfortable, especially in his heavy black robes, yet he looked calm, composed and immaculate. The Knights of Ren stood beside him as metal and debris were pulled apart.
Soldiers stumbled out bewildered. They believed themselves to be doomed as they felt the cruiser shake with every hit from the Mole Serpent. But then there was the scream of TIE fighters. A sound which inspired fear across the universe. But for them, hope blossomed. Blinking into the distance, disbelief shook them. The Supreme Leader, the ruler of the First Order himself saved them. They had to be delirious yet there he stood, flanked by the Knights of Ren, cape billowing in the wind, the sun shining behind him.
"Are you all okay?" EB-3972 stumbled forward, he felt like he was dreaming. Kylo Ren, the Supreme Leader, had just inquired about their welfare. This was impossible, they were stormtroopers, nobodies who were commanded and controlled. They were nothing. He sank low as did the others, his head pressed to the ground.
"Yes Supreme leader, thank you for saving us."
"Valuing life? Isn't that something a Jedi would do?" Savyn smirked from his seat in Kylo's private quarters. He was second in command of the Knights of Ren and he sat sprawled on his couch, mask lying beside him. Without it, he was significantly less intimidating as beneath it laid a handsome face with mischievous eyes. If the First Order higher-ups were aware of his true demeanour, they would undoubtedly throw a fit, demanding his expulsion.
"Valuing your subordinates is what an effective leader would do." Savyn laughed leaning down to snag a bottle of expensive Corellian Whiskey. Kylo raised an eyebrow.
"I hope you know that will be deducted from your salary." He smiled arrogantly which made Kylo contemplate putting him in a force choke as he chugged the bottle.
"You know," Savyn began as he cast Kylo an appraising look. "You're different. Dare I say softer."
If anyone else had said that Kylo may have drawn his lightsaber to demonstrate exactly why he was called the Jedi Killer. Yet, he did not possess the slightest doubt in the roguish knight. They, along with the other Knights of Ren were former students of Luke. He wondered if his loyalty would still hold true if he knew of his connection to Rey.
Kylo examined the knight who took another swig from the bottle, practically swallowing half of it. he lifted his hand, using the force to snatch it from his grasp. Savyn smirked, raising a single finger, he summoned another bottle.
"If you think I've gotten soft then let us test it out in the training hall."
Savyn smiled haughtily, "how about a drinking contest instead?" Kylo levitated his helmet, smashing it back onto his head. The knight fell off the couch, the bottle still held upright in his hand.
"Training Hall. Now."
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I've played this a bit close. I promised another chapter before the end of the month and it's almost the end of August.
The delay mainly occurred due to the fact I had reached a point where I deemed it necessary to rewatch the entire Star Wars series. I sat through all three prequels, then the Originals. I also watched a few eps from the Clone Wars.
This actually happens to be the first chapter without Rey appearing. I hadn't planned on that, it just came about. There was also originally no Han scenes. I put them in when editing. I knew there was something missing but I find it better to work on further chapters and then revisit when I have a clearer image.
I hope you like Savyn, I have plans for the Knights of Ren. Kylo's arch would be kind of blah if everyone around him were obedient servants.
Please review, and I'll see you soon.
