"–failed to retrieve–"
Hux falls silent when he hears the doors open, a sneer growing. How gracious of Ren to show up after all.
Hux doesn't turn his gaze away from Supreme Leader as he listens to Ren come closer. Supreme Leader does watch Ren's approach, eyes narrowing with displeasure. Good.
Though Hux doesn't turn to face Ren, he does see him arrive from the corner of his vision. His sneer grows deeper as he spots the tell tale bounce in Ren's step. The Force girl. Of course. What else would make Ren put off a summon by their Supreme Leader.
Too many things. Far, far too many things.
"Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader says, and Hux feels satisfaction rise at the grave censure in his voice.
Ren, of course, ruins that satisfaction.
"Supreme Leader Snoke," Ren greets with a mocking bow, as disrespectful as ever. Hux will never understand why their Supreme Leader allows him to get away with such insolent behavior.
"Your arrival is fortuitous," Supreme Leader says in a tone that means it is anything but. This would be far more satisfying if Hux couldn't feel the amusement radiating from Ren, intangible but undeniably present. "Just now, General Hux was explaining how you failed to retrieve the map to Skywalker."
"Did he mention how he failed to retrieve it as well?" Ren mocks while turning his mask towards him. "Slipped right through his fingers on Jakku. And that after he assured me he had everything well under control."
Hux glares. It isn't his fault the map got away. How was he supposed to know the Force girl was on Jakku? That's Ren's job, not Hux's.
Before he can say so, Supreme Leader speaks.
"I tasked you with retrieving the map, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader says with a power that sends shivers down Hux's spine, in awe of the sheer magnificence their Supreme Leader manages to radiate even through a projection. Their Supreme Leader is sublime, he is glorious, he is power incarnate. He will bring order to this wretched hive of a galaxy.
He never gets the respect he deserves from Ren.
"I was distracted," Ren says without a hint of shame. As though he hasn't failed their Supreme Leader, as though he didn't allow their enemies the greatest of advantages.
Skywalker managed to destroy the Empire at the height of its glory. Hux won't allow him the opportunity to do the same to the First Order. Not that he believes that Skywalker is capable of defeating their Supreme Leader of course. None are even remotely capable of matching his power. But Skywalker is still capable of doing untold damage to their ranks.
"Ah, yes. Your pet," Supreme Leader says with a disapproval that is truly gratifying to hear. Perhaps he will finally force Ren to give up his ridiculous obsession.
"She's gotten stronger again," Ren says with a warmth only the Force girl can inspire.
"Take off your mask, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader orders in a way that makes Hux even more pleased. It seems more and more likely that Ren has finally reached the end of Supreme Leader's patience.
Ren takes off his mask. Hux stares with incredulity at the blood trailing not just from his nose but from his ears as well, matting his hair. Then aggravated exasperation rises, because of course Ren would be walking around like this. As though he isn't revolting enough already under normal circumstances.
His aggravation grows when Ren turns his head and gives him a cheeky grin, deliberately showing off his bloodied teeth. His lack of personal hygiene is number eleven on Hux's list of what he hates most about Ren. Ren usually keeps up a resemblance of professional standards, but he doesn't when it comes to blood. Not merely because it disturbs people, but because he likes being dirtied by it. His fascination with the substenance is as twisted as all others he has.
Hux will never be able to understand why Supreme Leader allows him to get away with so much.
With any luck, Ren will be allowed to get away with a great deal less from now on.
"Your desire to toy with the girl is foolish," Supreme Leader condemns, drawing both their gazes back to him. Hux ensures Ren remains within his vision as well. He wants to see that haughty attitude be broken.
Infuriatingly, their Supreme Leader's reprimand makes Ren smile, the sense of amusement growing stronger.
"What can I say, I love playing games. And she's the most fun to play with by far."
"Your arrogance will be your downfall."
Hux doesn't see a problem with this.
"That might just be the most ironic thing you've ever said."
He does see a problem with Ren's utter insolence.
"Do not test my patience today, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader warns, the very air turning heavy with power, pushing down on Hux in the most breathtaking of ways. "I have allowed you untold freedom because your power has served me well."
Ren's smile grows, and the mocking tilt enrages Hux in ways nothing else can. How dare Ren act as though he is above Supreme Leader, as though he is indulging their Supreme Leader instead of the other way around! This exact attitude is the very first thing on Hux's list of what he hates most about Ren.
Ren turns his head towards him, dismissing their Supreme Leader, and Hux knows that Ren is doing it to get a rise out of him but that doesn't make it any less effective. To make matters worse, Ren gives a playful wink, acting as though his lack of respect is the funniest thing possible.
Hux can't even begin to describe how satisfying it is to see Ren fall to his knees with a scream, fresh blood bursting from his nose. Even the rapture mingled through the agonized sound can't change that. Much.
The second thing he hates most about Ren is how it is impossible to put him down his rightful place. One cannot truly punish that which wants to be punished. Still, it's exquisite to see Ren like this. On his knees like the vermin he is, entirely at the mercy of their Supreme Leader.
Supreme Leader does not grant him mercy. Good.
It takes a wonderful amount of time before Supreme Leader lets up his assault, leaving Ren gasping for breath, still kneeling on the floor as he always should be.
Then, of course, Ren sours the entire experience. He lets out a pleased hum.
"My, aren't we in a mood today," he says while lifting his head, wearing a faint smile and his expression heady in a way that fills Hux with disgust. Worst of all, he can feel Ren's pleasure. Hux can understand finding gratification in the pain of battle, in the evidence of defeating your enemies. This, however, is merely sick.
Which means it fits Ren perfectly.
"Your obsession with the girl has gone too far, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader says in a deceptively soft voice, the clearest indicator possible of his fury. Hux's satisfaction returns.
At last. Supreme Leader will put a stop to this nonsense once and for all.
"You should have remembered to bring me the map."
Ren frowns, but it isn't because of fear, or even anger. Instead, he almost seems confused.
"...You're right."
Hux stares. This is the first time he's ever heard Ren agree with their Supreme Leader. And to agree that his obsession has gone too far? Is he trying to gain leniency?
"I should have remembered the map."
Ah. While this still doesn't make sense in any way, it does make a little more sense than Ren agreeing that his obsession has gone too far.
Ren gains a slow and wicked smile, delight filling the air and eyes brightening with glee. Worst of all, he isn't looking at their Supreme Leader. Instead, he gazing into the distance. Even now, his obsession with the Force girl takes priority above all else.
Hux watches with pleasure as Ren's head snaps to the side, blood splattering to the floor. A fitting punishment for daring to turn his attention away from their Supreme Leader, if a far too lenient one.
Ren ruins it by chuckling.
"Here I thought you'd be pleased. I'm agreeing with you for once," he attempts to bait Supreme Leader, but Supreme Leader is beyond such petty weaknesses.
Supreme Leader gives him a look so cold it sends delightful shivers down Hux's spine.
"The time has come to get rid of your pet."
Hux doesn't have time to feel any kind of satisfaction before the air turns too thick, and terror scatters his thoughts as he struggles to breathe. Which is absurd, he has nothing to fear from Ren. Supreme Leader would never allow him to come to harm.
It doesn't stop his irrational terror at seeing the cold fury of Ren's expression. At feeling it.
"She's mine."
Ren's voice is soft in the same way an execution injection is soft, the painless sting a harbinger of being burned from the inside out until there is nothing left. The comparison is absurd, yet Hux still feels his breathing grow even heavier, no matter that the air remains the same thickness.
He forces himself to regain his composure. He will not allow himself to be intimidated by Ren.
"She has become a liability," Supreme Leader says, and Hux takes comfort in how utterly unaffected he is by Ren's childish, yes, childish display of temper. It isn't terrifying. Of course it isn't.
"One I will no longer continue to suffer," Supreme Leader finishes, as unyielding as the glorious machine they are on, and it allows Hux to compose himself a little more. Then Ren's lips curve up, ruining all of his efforts to regain control. That is not a smile. That is a naked blade put to someone's throat. The part of Hux not fighting his irrational fear cannot believe that Ren is actually aiming it at their Supreme Leader.
"Are you sure?"
Supreme Leader narrows his eyes at the blatant challenge to his authority, and Hux marvels at his ability to remain composed. Supreme Leader's self-discipline is a true inspiration for all.
Hux redoubles his efforts to regain his own composure. He won't shame Supreme Leader by not holding himself to the same exacting standards.
Blood starts flowing from Ren's nose once more, but this time he doesn't react. He gets to his feet while continuing to wear that mockery of a smile, eyes locked onto those of Supreme Leader.
Supreme Leader's eyes tighten, as does his grip on his throne. With annoyance of course. Not with strain.
"Do not forget who taught you all you know, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader warns. Offering Ren a last chance at lenience, for reasons Hux will never be able to comprehend.
"I haven't," Ren says, the naked blade that is his expression unchanged. "Have you?"
Hux sees a vein tick in Supreme Leader's jaw. Most likely a glitch in the projectors. There's another glitch, one which makes it seem as though blood is falling from Supreme Leader's nose. Hux will have to send someone to fix the obviously broken projectors.
Supreme Leader lets out a dismissive scoff, and the blood stops dripping from Ren's nose. While the glitch in the projectors doesn't disappear, it does stop growing worse. It no longer seems as though new blood keeps flowing from Supreme Leader's nose.
Ren keeps wearing that mockery of a smile. The air remains too thick to breathe.
"This is your final warning, Kylo Ren. Fail me again, and your pet will be taken away."
The cold fury disappears, and the air stops being suffocating. The naked blade that is Ren's expression transforms into his usual one of aggravating bemusement. For once, Hux will allow that it is an improvement. At least it doesn't inspire the irrational fear his childish display of temper does.
The third thing he hates most about Ren is how he can sometimes, sometimes, intimidate him. A little.
"As you say, Supreme Leader," Ren says in a way that means anything but obedience. Once again, Hux will never be able to understand why Supreme Leader allows Ren to get away with such insubordination.
"Make no mistake, Kylo Ren, this truly is your final warning. You are not irreplaceable."
Of course he isn't. Ren is a sadist with no regard for anyone or anything, who believes himself to be above all merely because he can perfew a few paltry tricks.
If Ren believed in their mission, Hux might've been able to respect him. He would've still hated him of course, but he might've respected him as well.
Ren doesn't believe in their mission.
"I'm not?" Ren asks, laying a hand on his chest with mock hurt. "Here I thought I was your favorite."
"You allowed the map to Skywalker to fall into the hands of the Resistance!" Supreme Leader roars, the room rattling with the force of his anger. While Supreme Leader's self-discipline is impeccable, Ren can break the patience of a rock.
"Supreme Leader," Hux says, jumping on the opportunity to offer much needed good news. "We managed to track the Resistance reconnaissance ship back to their base," he informs with pride and unspeakable satisfaction. The Resistance has eluded them for far too long. No more. "There are located in the Ileenium system."
"Bravo, General Hux."
Hux scowls. The fifth thing he hates most about Ren is how he always turns his title into an insult.
"It only took you how many years?"
"You have served me well, General Hux."
Supreme Leader's approval more than soothes the sting caused by Ren's taunt.
"Prepare the weapon. We will wipe out the Resistance once and for all."
There are no orders Hux wishes to carry out more. Not in the least because it makes Ren's smile falter slightly, and the feeling of amusement dampens. His parents are the only thing that can break his infuriating attitude, if only a little. The only reason Hux never brings them up himself is because the one time he did, Ren retaliated with enormous property damage, far beyond his usual amount. Hux can't afford to waste that many Stormtroopers, Ren goes through enough of them as it is. This is the reason he doesn't bring up Ren's parents.
It isn't because he's afraid of Ren.
"Well. You seem seem to have things well in hand here," Ren says, recovering from his momentary weakness. "If you need me, I'll be in my personal cells, playing with my new toy."
Hux almost pities the traitor. Almost.
The only benefit to Ren's sadism is that it discourages any potential thought of betrayal with extreme prejudice.
"I did not dismiss you, Kylo Ren," Supreme Leader warns coldly before Ren can take his leave. Good.
"My deepest apologies, Supreme Leader," Ren mocks, not even bothering to try to sound the slightest bit sincere. "Do I have your permission to leave?"
Supreme Leader does not give his permission. While part of Hux wants Ren out of his sight as soon as possible, another part is gratified by their Supreme Leader's refusal to entertain Ren's usual insubordinance.
His gratification would be greater if Ren didn't grow more amused the longer Supreme Leader withholds permission. Supreme Leader seems vaguely annoyed as well, but the strength of his self-discipline prevents Ren from rousing a greater reaction.
Eventually, Supreme Leader waves a dismissive hand.
"Go. You have tried my patience enough for one day."
Ren responds by giving a mocking bow, before he turns around and saunters away like he is the one who owns this place.
"Ren, do clean up," Hux calls after him in his most derisive voice. Partly because he refuses to let Ren have the final word, and partly because the bloody mess is bothering him on a visceral level. Hux hates every single form of dirt there is. "You looks even more disgraceful than usual."
Ran halts and looks over his shoulder. The mischievousness he shows almost makes Hux regret speaking up.
"If you insist."
Ren wipes a hand across his face, and every speck of blood, both fresh and dried, trails after it. Even the blood on his clothes and inside his mask is drawn out.
The result is a floating sphere of blood and Ren looking like he just came out of a sonic. Then Ren flicks his wrist, and the blood goes flying with a speed that forces Hux to jump out of the way so that it doesn't splatter all over his legs. Infuriatingly, the impact on the floor is forceful enough to make several splashes hit not just his boots but his trousers as well. Hux looks down at the stains with utter revulsion.
"You might want to clean up as well, General Hux."
Hux glares, loathing Ren with every fiber of his being. The loathing manages to become even greater when Ren chuckles. When Ren resumes sauntering away, Hux manages to bite back another retort only by the greatest of efforts.
The fourth thing he hates most about Ren is that, no matter what he does, Ren always manages to have the final word.
Hux will never understand why Supreme Leader doesn't simply kill him.
"You wonder why I keep a rabid cur in such a place of power."
Hux turns his gaze away from the closed doors. It is with relief that he sees the glitch that made it seem like Supreme Leader was bleeding has finally disappeared.
Hux would never question Supreme Leader's decisions. Supreme Leader's wisdom is unparalleled, so far beyond the realm of mortals that there are times it seems incomprehensible. The unfantomableness of it only makes Hux's faith in him even stronger.
But yes, he does wonder.
"A cur's weakness, properly manipulated, can be a sharp tool."
"Your wisdom is unparalleled, Supreme Leader," he defers, for while he still doesn't understand why Supreme Leader keeps Ren around, he knows the reasoning behind it is as wise as all others that fuel Supreme Leader's actions.
Supreme Leader graces him with one of his rare smiles. It more than makes worth all the unpleasantness that just transpired.
"You are my most valued servant, General Hux."
Hux feels himself swell with pride, and he is barely able to keep up a professional composure.
"Go. Complete the mission Kylo Ren has failed. Destroy both the Resistance and the map to Skywalker."
"By your command, Supreme Leader," Hux says with a deep bow, reverent in the way Supreme Leader always deserves. He waits for Supreme Leader to break the connection before straightening and marching out of the throne room.
They know where the Resistance is. They will use this magnificent machine, created by the genius of Supreme Leader's mind and the glorious efficiency of their regime, to crush the Resistance like the vermin they are.
He will succeed where Ren has failed.
Hux marches to the Command Center without pause, wasting no time in carrying out Supreme Leader's orders. Unlike Ren, he knows how to show the respect Supreme Leader is always due.
Still, it will take time for the weapon to be fully charged and ready to fire.
He'll have a chance to change into a clean uniform before the Resistance meets its rightful fate at long last.
One Year Ago
I have no idea how long I've been here. It could be hours. It could be days. It could be weeks.
It's an eternity of pure happiness.
I got away! I didn't lose! He didn't give me a penalty because I. Got. Away!
I'm high on happiness, the feeling enhanced by the Force to the most wonderful of extremes. I got away, I got away, I actually, really, truly got away!
Part of me realizes that I'm laughing. Or maybe I'm not. Maybe it just feels like I am because of my delirious joy.
Warm bodies press against my own, all dancing to the music of my happiness. Their joy boosts my own even higher, a feedback loop I never want to break out of.
"Hello, Rey."
My eyes fly open and I stare with horror at the image that can't be real because he can't be here–
He isn't. He's projecting, and my defenses are lowered enough that he got through without my notice.
I snap out of my shock and prepare to lash out–
"You shouldn't do that yet, Rey."
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't," I snap, but despite the almost irresistible temptation to do so, I hold back from throwing him out. He's never told me to wait before attacking him. Why is he doing so now?
"You want to hear what I have to say," he says with a grin I hate seeing. It's bad enough to feel it, but without his mask, his grin has a boyish quality that should never be applicable to a monster like him.
"I highly doubt that."
I shouldn't have said that. I should've told him to get on with it, so I can break the connection as soon as possible.
"Well, it's true that you won't like hearing it," he says with relish, almost making me attack him anyway. They only reason why I don't is because of how he's acting.
He isn't trying to caress my mind. He is, in fact, staying as disconnected as a projection like this allows. Which isn't disconnected at all, but he's never tried to keep his distance before. And it's not because he doesn't want to come closer, I can feel his desire loud and clear. But he's resisting the urge.
It's even more terrifying than if he'd acted like usual.
"I suppose it's more accurate to say that you need to hear it."
"Get on with it," I snap, infusing it with my intent to throw him out if he keeps monologuing like the villainous asshole he is, message delivered or not.
His grin grows, and it should make him look manic, it really should. It's the height of injustice that it makes him look more boyish instead.
He leans forward so his face is right in front of me, and it takes all my willpower to stand my ground and keep from lashing out. The only reason I succeed is because he's still keeping as much mental distance as possible.
His grin transforms into a warm smile, and his eyes are soft in a way Sith yellow should never be. Even with the mental distance, the affection he feels is enough to make me battle a wave of disgust.
I grit my teeth and lift my chin, refusing to give into my fear. Not after I finally managed to get away from him.
I won't let him ruin that victory.
"You got away."
My blood turns to ice at the bright joy fueling those gently spoken words.
"You didn't lose."
Then why does it suddenly feel like I did?
"Do you know what that means, Rey?"
I don't want to know. I need to, I know I need to, but I don't want to know.
He tells me anyway.
"It means I won't hold back anymore."
I watch with horror as his smile turns into an excited grin.
"I'm can't wait to find out if you'll be able to get away again."
I lash out with everything I have, throwing him out and slamming down my defenses. Both the fire of his presence and his image vanish, and I abruptly become aware of the cries in the air.
People are slumped down the floor, unconscious or in hysterics. None of them are dead or fatally injured, thank the Force. An automated message is telling everyone to remain calm and to move to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. The announcement is coming from several speakers, easily heard above the cries and the crackling of fire.
Wait, fire?
Yes, fire. The emergency lights are on, and while there are still a few flashing beams, most of the neon installations are broken. The fire suppression systems managed to catch most of the malfunctions before they could burst into flames, but not all.
Kriff. Kriff, kriff, kriff.
I reach for the fires and smother them. The ventilation systems take care of the smoke, so I focus on the people. Most of them are frantically trying to escape through the various exits, threatening to turn into mobs that will crush people to death and suddenly they're growing even more panicked–
I quickly retract my presence before my fear can make them snap. Searching my feelings, I settle on my desire to help them, and start projecting it as hard as I can. I carefully ensure that's the only thing I'm projecting.
The effect is immediate. People stop pushing and begin checking up on each other instead. Not everyone of course, not by a long shot, but enough to start a domino effect. The danger of lethal mobs passes as the panic starts to lessen, overpowered by concern and determination. The chaotic press of people starts to relax into more manageable forms, and people start returning to the dancefloor to help those left behind.
I move to the person most affected by my outburst, a cha'a who's rocking back and forth on the floor, her eyes blankly gazing ahead and her claws digging into her legs hard enough to pierce her scales, blood dripping down the floor.
I kneel down next to her and lay my hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay, the danger is over. You're alright."
Even backed with physical touch and all the sincerity I possess, the words don't do anything to calm her down. Not surprising, given how close she was to me. How connected. It's even worse because she's high on something. The blind terror he inspired in me send her into the worst trip possible.
I hesitate for the briefest of moments, before I pull her into a hug. She lets go of her legs and clutches at my back with manic desperation. I cushion her claws with the Force to prevent her from tearing through my flesh.
"It's okay, the danger is over. You're alright."
I keep repeating the words until she starts calming down. When she stops trying to dig holes into me, I hand her over to one of the now many people caring for those on the floor and move onto the next most affected person.
I regret causing this. Partying like this was a mistake. I wanted to celebrate, but I shouldn't have done it like this. I shouldn't have put people in danger like this.
I just didn't think he would reach for me so soon. He never has before.
I've never gotten away before. I probably never again will.
Not when he's going to stop holding back.
I ruthlessly suppress the urge panic. I can freak out after I've made sure everyone is alright. Even so, I can't help the wave of bitterness.
Looks like he managed to ruin my victory after all.