wildcat717: As always thank you for the review. I appreciate each one I get. I hope this confrontation is what you hoped for.
Miss Luny. Thanks for the review. Yeah I wondered about adding that for a while. It didn't seem to fit with her character. But I figured even someone like Kuvira would have thoughts of a family and a child in her deepest darkest thoughts. She sees the First Order as her legacy, but she has wondered about a family. More so now with her developing relationship with Kylo Ren.
TishaLiz: Thanks again for your review I appreciate each one I get. I am glad you liked the chapter so much. I have been trying to find away to allow the rebels to escape Starkiller and newly powered up Kylo Ren. I don't care for them personally I just need the story to progress. And I have been looking for a way to get Kylo Ren's and Kuvira's relationship to the next stage. Thankfully I found a solution that allowed for them both to happen at the same time while keeping enough of their skill to at least ensure they don't escape unscathed. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much.
buzzsaw935: Thanks. I always think a touch of humour in between passionate or emotional moments somehow makes them more impactful. I hope you like this new chapter as well.
Guest: Thanks for the review. We finally have the confrontation between Kuvira and Hux. I hope you enjoy the route I took.
Guest: Thanks for the review. You are right Kuvira does not look fondly on cowardice. And if she leans that Phasma was the one who deactivated the shields. Well, then we just might see Cardinal avenged.
Sage-Faerie of The Marsh: I am glad you have liked the story. This chapter will official bring the Force Awakens to a close and the last Jedi will be starting in the next chapters. I hope you enjoy the direction I have planned. I am glad you liked Kuvira. Like you I have often wondered how things would go if the 'bad guys' were not incompetent, overconfident or if the heroes did not have outrageous luck.
bethcandy21: Thank you very much for the review. I am so glad that you enjoyed Kylo's inner conflict as well as how the battle played out. I was struggling to find a way to simultaneously advance, their relationship, cement Kylo Ren's faith in the dark side while somehow allowing the rebels to escape the planet. I think I managed that quite well. But I never had to ensure the rebels were not bloodied. One of the main points of this story is to see how the so called 'heroes' do without magic luck and plot armour. Anyway I hope you like this chapter as much.
Chapter 21 – Promotion and Damnation
Resurgent Class Star Destroyer - Retribution
Kuvira - POV
Kuvira marched down the hallways of the Star destroyer as she made her way from the fighter hanger to the command bridge. Her black greatcoat billowed out behind her as she moved with a pace that screamed purpose and resolve.
The troopers, officers and even the droids that occupied the hallways quickly moved to the sides of the corridors and some went so far as to press themselves against the durusteel walls to avoid her ire. The Grand Admiral looked like she was in no mood to be indulgent of any errors and they wanted to ensure they remained invisible to her for a little while.
Kuvira's hair was unkept and stay strands had escaped from her tight military braid to cascade across her face in some places. Her arms were moving stiffly, and it showed the unmistakeable sign of a bacta patch that a frantic medic had bound to her lefty arm over her blaster wound. The pain obviously must have been intense from the injury, especially as the shock and adrenaline wore off. But Kuvira showed no sign of pain as she swung her arms to match her stride. Not even the smallest wince crossed her face as she passed her subordinates.
Her clothes clearly displayed signs of battle with snow and dirt still clinging stubbornly to the fabric. In some area's there were signs of the clothes being singed from the intense heat of the lava that she had been precariously dangled over.
Her mouth was set in a firm line that looked like she was grinding her teeth together so hard, she could be creating diamonds from the pressure.
To those who looked closer, they would have also noticed that her lips appeared to be slightly redder and fuller then they typically were. It was as if they had been subjected to intense physical activity very recently.
But her eyes where the biggest hint to her fellow First Order citizens to get out of her way as fast as they could. They were blazing with purpose and with emotions that none who were not sensitive to the Force could hope to unravel. This was mainly because there were so many emotions running through Kuvira's mind right now that even she could not focus on one long enough to resolve it.
Internally Kuvira's mind was awash with thoughts and plans. But above all, they were filled with self-recriminations.
She could not believe she had allowed herself to act so foolishly in that TIE fighter! She had allowed almost allowed the entire hanger crew to see their Grand Admiral and their Dark Lord acting like a pair of horny teenagers in their parent's speeder car!
She had almost been tempted to stop by the ships medical bay in order to demand that the medical droids perform a full brain scan on her to check for any mental illness she had contracted. She was finding it hard to believe that she would have allowed herself to act in such a way without some kind of mental impairment.
But she had quickly quashed the notion and had settled on heading directly to the bridge. She was confident that once she was back in her usual command position that she would be able to put her throughs and emotions back into their usual stable and ordered state.
Besides, she would not allow whatever emotions she was feeling for Lord Ren to cloud her judgement at a time when the First Order needed her to be focused and determined to win the war. She was an Admiral, and more then that she was a Grand Admiral. And the First Order needed her to be that person. Not the hormonal, feeble minded…. whatever she had been moments before!
With that though she dismissed her doubts, self-recriminations and sexual desires and allowed her mind to settle on military matters as she stepped on to the bridge of the Retribution.
She immediately saw a number of things that drew her attention. First and foremost, where the two red armoured Praetorian guards that she had left on the ship while she went to engage in the space battle earlier. They both had their vibro-voulges out and activated, pointed squarely at their intended target.
Between them with the vibro-voulges aimed squarely at his exposed neck was General Hux. He was silent, as he tried to keep his sweating skin away from the blades of the guards. The fact that he was silent told Kuvira that he had finally realised the situation he was in and had exhausted all his attempts to cajole or threaten his way out of the situation.
When he saw Kuvira striding down the walkway he immediately opened his foolish mouth to speak. Likely it was to demand his release and that the guards be executed for daring to treat him this way. But before he could speak a word, the blades moved even closer and he clearly thought better of it.
Next she saw Commander Hask standing with his back to her in the centre of the command bridge as he watched the planet below them convulse and crack as more and more magma channels were formed in its snow-white crust below the ship. She saw that he was standing at parade rest but was clearly still favouring his uninjured leg, due to Iden's earlier stab wound.
As she was heard marching down the bridge central walkway, Hask turned around to regard her. Once he was aware of who was entering his bridge he quickly snapped to attention and saluted her. However, he was not quite able to hide the wince that the sudden movement of his injured leg created.
Kuvira gave a nod to the bridge crew as she passed them at their stations in the bridge pits and manning their posts along the command centre. They remained where they were and did not overly acknowledge the gesture. But Kuvira had learned from long experience that the bridge crews and all members of the ship appreciated a simple acknowledgment of their existence and contribution. After all, with out them performing their duties, the Star destroyer would fall out of space or crash into a star. It paid in the long run to let them know that you where aware of this and respected them for it.
Fear had its place. But respect was far less brittle. That was something neither Vader nor Palpatine ever valued. And that was why she would succeed where they failed.
As she passed by Hux without looking at him. His indignation arose within him again and he cried out. "Admiral Kuvira, I demand that you have these treasonous dogs unhand men immediately. I will make sure the Supreme Leader knows of this insubordination and has them and Commander Hask executed immediately!" He yelled in a voice that tried to sound commanding but the quiver of fear in his words was plain to hear.
Kuvira did not acknowledge or even look at the General as she passed him. She simply made a gesture to the Praetorian guards. It was one that they knew from their intense training and they did not need words to understand its meaning.
'Silence him.'
As she walked past, one of the guards delivered a two fingered knuckle jab straight into the soft flesh of Hux's neck. At the same time the second guard delivered a vicious punch to Hux's stomach. The combined attacks left the General doubled over as he gripped his stomach while struggling to draw breath.
Meanwhile she came to a stop in front of Hask. She took a moment to study Starkiller base outside the viewscreen. She could see volcano's exploding across the planet and magma channels were forming across the tectonic regions as the pressure on the planetary interior cracked and shattered the crust. Already she could see vast columns of smoke and fire billowing out into the planetary atmosphere.
Starkiller base was a cold planet at the best of times. But with the system star gone and with the atmosphere flooded with smoke and debris. The planet would likely be entering an ice age of epic severity.
Still the planet was still intact and despite the chaos reigning down on the surface. It did not seem like the planet would explode and be completely destroyed. But of course, she was only making that observation with the naked eye. A proper survey of the planet might come to a different conclusion.
But for now, it was not her priority and she turned to Hask who stood ready for her orders.
"Commander, where you able to contact the officers I requested before I left the ship?" She asked as she continued to ignore Hux entirely.
Hask nodded and made a gesture to the comms officers. Immediately they began to type in new commands to their consoles as they activated the Retribution's holographic projectors and initiated the relay connections to beam out to various places across the galaxy.
"Yes, Grand Admiral. I was able to reach all of the individuals you requested. The Supreme Leader has already been contacted and is ready to join the transmission conference as soon as you give the word." Hask reported with a directness that did not fully hide the glee which he was clearly feeling in this moment. His border line sadistic grin was directed at Hux which had the General feeling increasingly nervous.
Kuvira nodded and turned around to face directly down the bridge walkway. At the same time Hux was manhandled by the guards into the centre of the command centre directly in front of Kuvira's line of sight.
Hask moved to Kuvira's left side and was about to make a gesture to the comms officers before Kuvira raised a hand to stop him. Frowning, he turned to see what the hold was up. He then noticed that Kylo Ren was marching down the walkway to join the small assembly at the bridge viewing screens.
He watched as the Dark Lord, moved along the walkway with his trademark mask in place and completely obscuring his face as his black cloak billowed out behind him. His lightsaber was clipped to his belt and was singing prominently for all to see. As he moved down the walkway he noticed something was different about Lord Ren.
Kylo Ren had always had the ability to get the rest of the crew, even the commanders on edge. His powers in the Force were known to mirror those of his predecessor Darth Vader. That was worrying enough as Vader was infamous for performing summary executions on officers who failed him, even in the smallest of ways.
But where's Vader's anger and fury were rumoured to have been cold and direct. To be silent and focused only on the individual that was the target of his ire. Kylo Ren's fury had always been fiery and chaotic. Prone to lash out at anyone and anything that was unfortunate enough to be within his reach at the wrong time. The only benefit was that Kylo Ren typically took out his fury on random furniture and machinery then actual people. Although they were certainly not off limits to him in anyway.
Because of this Kylo Ren's entry to a room was enough to make anyone stand a little straighter. With the probable exception of the Grand Admiral.
But now. Hask could not describe it.
Kylo Ren's stride seemed to be stronger and lacking in hesitation. It was the stride of a man who was surrounded by lesser beings that could pose no more threat to him then termites. Hask was not sensitive to the Force but there was also something emanating from Kylo Ren in almost palpable waves. Something that had not been present the last time Hask had been in the Dark Lords presence.
He watched as Kylo Ren moved past Hux without any sign that he noticed the man and moved to stand on the other side of the Grand Admiral. Hux was now standing alone between the two guards facing the united triumvirate of Kuvira, Kylo Ren and Hask. All of whom were staring intensely at him.
Hux seemed to be beginning to realise just how serious his situation was as he began to noticeably perspire, and the sweat made his skin glisten beneath the extended vibroblades.
Hask glanced over at Kuvira and was rewarded by seeing her send him a nod of her head. Indicating that she was giving him the go ahead for the show he had been putting together while she was on Starkiller Base.
Hask motioned to the comms officers and at his gesture they keyed the final commands into their consoles and activated the bridge's holoprojectors.
Soon holo projections of people began to appear in the bridge command centre. They were arrayed in a semi-circle that was opposite Kuvira, Kylo Ren and Hask. Hux meanwhile was placed firmly in the centre of the group, flanked by the two guards.
As the holoimages took shape and the transmissions stabilised, Hux was able to recognise them.
There were ten figures in total displayed via hologram in the bridge. Many of them human, with seven males and three females and five on each side of the bridge walkway.
Hux immediately recognised Captain Spire, his second in command and acting captain of the Ravager. His personal Resurgent Class Star Destroyer and flagship of the 10th fleet. Though officially only a Captain. Spire had quickly risen to the rank of de-facto Admiral in the 10TH Fleet due to his skill during the Unknown Region expansion campaigns. He played a vital role of keeping First Order territories, bases and worlds out of the hands of enemy forces during the wars of conquet and in having to balance out Hux's inept leadership and tactical skills.
Once Hux made that realisation he quickly realised that eight of the other holograms were the High Admirals of the First Order. The last one was of the Minister of the First Order Security Bureau.
Admiral Mozen of the 2nd Fleet. A human male in his early forties, he was standing in his dress blacks with his blonde hair neatly combed back and his neatly styled full blond beard extended past his chin. His narrow jaw and cheeks gave him an almost gaunt look that was enhanced by the stern expression on his face as he regarded Hux with cold blue eyes. He was famous in the First Order for his championing of new and experimental weapon testing. It was his belief that a weapon or ship can always be improved on. His fascination with the legends of the weapons of the ancient Sith Empire had driven him to pursue the resurrection of those lost technologies.
Admiral Asartru of the 3rd Fleet. He was a human made and was also, in his full military uniform and in his thirties. He was more muscular then Mozen and was cleanshaven and black haired. His hair was also combed and was cut short in typical military style. His powerful looking arms were folded as he studied Hux in clear disapproval. He was originally a resident of the Outer-Rim and had borne witness the many hardships and uncertainties that his world and others had long endured. He joined the First Order in his late teens (later then most) in his determination to rule his home sector and provide stability and prosperity for his people.
Admiral Vitani of the 4th Fleet. A human female and she stood at parade rest in her standard uniform. She had pale skin and long blonde hair that framed her face and felt to just above her shoulders. Her eyes were an icy blue that stared out at the universe around them in a way not dissimilar to Kuvira's emerald orbs. She would be considered quite lovely if she was not as stern and unyielding as a black hole when the need arose. She was known for her skill in espionage and her close relationship to the First Order Security Bureau. She was famous for her ability to place spies and saboteurs on enemy worlds and fleets. She was also known to be a strong believer in taking out the enemy's leadership before attacking. Because of this, she had many allies in the FOSB and among professional bounty hunter guilds.
Admiral Kaan of the 5th Fleet. A human male and he was also in his simple black uniform as he regarded his companions with a nod of greeting and respect. He was handsome and possessed an athletic build that was similar to a dancer or acrobat. Unlike the rest of his peers. His chocolate brown hair was long and cascaded past his shoulders to the small of his back, with artful braids in select places. In addition, he cultivated a perfectly trimmed circle beard and moustache. While his appearance was clean and finely tended too, it did draw some attention in the regimented world of the First Order. It was known that it was a hang on from the culture of his planet of origin. Kaan came from a warrior culture that displayed victory and battle prowess through their hair, only cutting it upon defeat to show their shame. His hair current length spoke of a long history of victory for the 5th Fleet.
Admiral Uthemiel of the 6th Fleet. He was also bearded and blonde haired. He regarded his colleagues with a gesture of greeting and then turned to regard Hux. As he did so, his lip began to noticeably turn upward as he clearly fought to keep a smile of his face. Uthemiel was known as a man who was easy to get along with and had the respect if not friendship of most of the assembled officers. He was also known to have no patience for double talk or politicking. His opinions were worn on his sleeve and his feelings in this moment were clear. His skill lay in diplomacy and in the negotiation of new allies and peaceful surrenders. That being said he was known to use the stick if the carrot was rejected.
Admiral Zoroastra of the 7th Fleet. She was instantly unique among her colleagues in that she was not human. In fact, she was a Cathar, a feline species from an Outer-Rim planet of the same name. Her eyes were a deep ocean blue with dark pules and her fur was a mix of caramel brown along her forehead and nose, and light brown from her eyes down. In addition, she had black stripes that extended across her face in a pattern that Kuvira had always found appealing. Zoroastra had been brought into the First Order as part of Cathar's annexation agreement. As her planet's senior military commander, she had been given the rank of Commodore and her own star destroyer five years ago. Since then her assistance in the Outer-Rim expansion (and use for First Order alien propaganda) had seen her rise to the rank of Admiral. Now she regarded Hux (a known human supremacist and personal enemy) like a predator would regard a helpless prey animal. As she smiled her razor-sharp fangs were on clear display.
Admiral Kretok of the 8th Fleet. He was a human male with a styled cultivation of blonde hair. He also possessed a fine goatee on his chin accompanied with a small and well-trimmed moustache. He was a veteran of Imperial service and had been with the First Order since its foundation, while he was a young Ensign. His speciality had always been in deception and ambush tactics. This has served the 8th fleet well in their many battles in the Unknown Regions against enemies like the Grysk as they carved out their new Empire. Now he watched Hux's with a calculating expression that hinted at muted interest.
Admiral Taharni of the 9th Fleet was another non-human among their elite number. She was a Chiss and her scarlet red eyes seemed to shine against her blue skin even through the hologram. A political outcast from the Chiss Ascendancy's civil war several years ago. Taharni had been welcomed into the newly formed First Order instead of choosing a private civilian life of mediocrity in the Unknown Regions. Over the course of her training, she had often been unfairly expected to match the greatness of the legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn. While she did not possess Thrawn's talents or Kuvira's tactical skill. She had been greatly effective in ensuring peaceable and advantageous relations with many Unknown Regions and Wild Space planets and governments. It was also through her that the Ascendancy had been made an official ally of the First Order in a mutual defence pact. Though it was made clear that this did not extend to an offensive war on the Republic.
The final member of the newly assembled cabal was not an Admiral at all. But his position made him no less dangerous of deserving of respect. Minister Terex of the First Order Security Bureau was a human male who served as a stormtrooper designated TK-603 in the Galactic Empire. In the years following the Battle of Jakku, Terex became the leader of a crime syndicate on Kaddak known as the Ranc gang. Still determined to rebuild the Empire, Terex joined the First Order and later moved into their newly formed intelligence service. During the early phase of the cold war, Terex fought the Resistance starfighter pilot Poe Dameron and his Black Squadron many times and led countless missions into the Outer-Rim, all the way to Hosnian Prime. More recently he had overthrown the former minister Malarus and had taken control of the FOSB. Now with one of the galaxies most efficient and wide-ranging spy networks at his command. Terex had been welcomed into the upper echelons of power within the First Order.
Together with Admiral Kuvira of the 1st Fleet and Kylo Ren. These twelve individuals were the First Order High Command. For all intents and purposes the true political power within the First Order. There were in effect, the successors of the Imperial Moffs from the days of the Empire.
The political hierarchy in the First Order's territory was simple but effective.
Each world was overseen by a civilian governor, chosen from among the local populace. Or preferably, a local of the world that was already within the First Order. These governors had full control and responsibility over their respective worlds. They in turn were all represented in the sector council which was comprised of the governors of all the worlds within a designated region of space.
These sectors were all protected and patrolled by a full First Order fleet. These fleets were placed at the command of an Admiral and as a result the Admiral of that sector fleet was in charge of maintaining peace and stability across all their sector worlds. The governors were expected to answer and show obedience to their respective Admirals in all things. They in turn were expected to protect these worlds and ensure that their concerns were taken care of or brought to the Supreme Leader (if warranted).
Originally there had been few Admirals within the First Order when their organisation was still young and weakened by the defeat in Galactic civil war. However as more and more ships had been constructed and more and more worlds annexed. The High Command had been expanded, and with the addition of Terex for the FOSB and Kylo Ren of the Knights of Ren, now was comprised of the current twelve members.
They each controlled one of the twelve territorial sectors within the First Order and had personal command of legions of forces and vast resources, making the High Command the most powerful individuals in their Empire below the Supreme Leader himself.
And speak of the Dark Side. In the space over the bridge walkway, between the five assembled holograms on each side. The giant image of Supreme Leader Snokes head flashed into view.
Snoke was once again being depicted in a larger then life image between the life size holograms of his Admiral's and Minster of Intelligence. Now the giant, scarred and ancient face of the Supreme Leader was dominating the bridge of the Retribution like a visitation of a god.
As he appeared, Kuvira, Kylo Ren, Hask, the holograms of the High Command and all the bridge crew stood at attention and bowed at the waist in the expected gesture of obedience.
Snoke made no acknowledgement of the gesture and instead simply stared with clear disfavour at General Hux who was forced to his feet and made to bow deeply by the Praetorian guards. When the guards let him raise his head again, he stared at the Supreme Leader and the assembled High Command.
His eyes darted from the Supreme Leader, to Admiral Mozen, to Minister Terex, to Admiral Taharni and on and one until he restarted the process. He was clearly desperately searching for some way to get out of this situation, some means of escape. He was perspiring heavily even though the controlled temperature in the Star Destroyer's bridge was set very comfortably.
His breathing was ragged and harsh as he greedily gulped in air only to demand more as his lungs were unable to work properly in their panicked state.
Kuvira watched all this with cool enjoyment. She kept her face neutral and devoid of any semblance of emotion. Openly gloating in front of the entire First Order government was beneath her and beneath her distinguished colleagues.
However, beneath her stoicism she was practically dancing with joy. Finally, she would be able to witness the cancerous infectious tumour that was General Armitage Hux be cut out of the First Order. She would get to watch him receive the just punishments for his idiocy and arrogance. She would get to watch as the First Order did what it was founded to do. Destroy the weak and the unworthy, so the strong can rule, and the many can flourish.
"General Hux." The voice of the Supreme Leader rang out across the bridge as Kuvira came back to herself.
Hux in turn shook free of the guards and straightened up as he tried to look dignified despite the fear that was still etched on to his face. "Ah Supreme Leader, I was just…. URK!" Hux squeaked in surprise as he was suddenly pulled to the floor by an immensely powerful invisible force. His chin slammed into the durusteel floor of the bridge first and left his brain rattled and his mouth filling with blood.
The Supreme Leader had mode no motion. But all the assembled people knew he was responsible for that little display of power and discipline.
"My disappointment in your performance cannot be overstated." The Supreme Leader continued as he regarded the bloodied General as he struggled to get to his feet.
"Supreme Leader, I.." Hux began but at a gesture from Snoke, the two guards seized him again and placed their blades back at his neck. Clearly telling him to remain silent.
Snoke turned from Hux to address Kuvira directly. "Admiral Kuvira. Your report on the situation on Starkiller Base." Snoke said expectantly.
Kuvira bowed once again and took a step forward as the assembled High Command turned their eyes to her. "The battle on Starkiller has been finished Supreme Leader. The Resistance attacked the planet with a number of fighter squadrons from their base originating in the Ileenium system. They were engaged by our ground defences and by our TIE fighters from the planetary defence forces. This resulted in a prolonged battle as they attacked the Oscillator in an attempt to disable and destroy the Starkiller weapon." She reported.
Admiral Mozen raised a question. "Admiral Kuvira. How was the Resistance able to get that close to the Oscillator in the first place? I was under the impression that the 1st Fleet would be placed in a planetary defence blockade." He asked curiously.
Kuvira nodded. "Correct Admiral. I left the 1st Fleet in defence formation around Starkiller before I left for Vados to meet Commander Hask an resolve the matter of the Resistance agents interfering with Operation Resurrection."
Terex spoke up. "And in the process eliminated the infamous Iden Versio and her daughter. And sent the Resistance agent Shriv Suurgav to the FOSB for interrogation. I would like to offer my personal gratitude for these actions Admiral." He complimented sincerely.
Kuvira nodded in recognition and continued with her report. "Once I returned from Vados I was informed that the Resistance was attacking the base and that the 1st Fleet had been disbanded across multiple systems. Under General Hux's orders." She finished as she made her point kyber crystal clear.
The assembled parties looked down at Hux as he seemed to visibly wilt under their collective gaze.
Kuvira continued. "Once I arrived back in the Starkiller system on the Retribution. I organised our TIE fighters to join in the battle and take down the Resistance fighters before they could achieve any significant damage to the Oscillator while the weapon charged to fire. This was successful and we were able to drive them into the upper atmosphere."
"However, at that point it became clear that Resistance agents had somehow managed to slip through our defences and land several operatives on the planet surface. These agents consisted of Han Solo, the Wookie Chewbacca, a former stormtrooper traitor and a prisoner from the newly annexed planet Jakku."
At the mention of Han Solo and Chewbacca the embers of the High Command noticeably perked up as they became keenly interested in the situation.
Admiral Zoroastra spoke up next. "How did the Resistance manage to land on the planet without anyone being alerted about it. The planetary shield alone should have secured Starkiller base from that." She asked as she tried to keep the growl from her words as her temper flared slightly.
Commander Hask stepped forward to answer that one. "It is currently unclear how, Admiral. But the shield was disabled before the Resistance attack and it is unknown how Han Solo got on the planet. Captain Phasma is currently looking into the matter, as she departed the planet recently after reporting she was in pursuit of the culprit."
Zoroastra nodded as she accepted that answer. But neither she nor anyone else noticed Kuvira's eyes narrow at the mention of Phasma's mission.
After a moments silence to allow for additional questions, Kuvira continued. "Once on the planet the Resistance agents were able to plant explosives in the interior of the Oscillator and these allowed for a breach in the facility to be opened. With the external defences breached the remaining Resistance fighters were able to directly attack the interior of the Oscillator and create massive damage to the containment systems."
"It was at this moment while I was commanding the battle from my TIE interceptor I recognised that the planet was in danger of being destroyed by the containment field failing with the weapon fully charged to fire. With that in mind I ordered the weapon to be discharged immediately to reduce the energy that would be unleashed if the containment failed and then ordered all remaining personnel to evacuate the planet. I also resolved to personally confront the saboteurs so I landed my TIE fighter outside the Oscillator." She summarised.
Kylo Ren took a step forward and moved to take over the conversation.
As he moved to stand next to Kuvira their shoulders brushed up against each other in a way that neither of them believed was accidental. Kuvira once again envied Kylo Ren's mask as she used all her mental discipline to keep her expression neutral and her facial heat normal. Even as she felt a powerful emotional spike radiate through her entire body at the contact.
She mentally chided herself for her idiocy and lack of control. As she did so, she was forced to acknowledge that she and Lord Ren would have to discuss their 'relationship' sooner rather than later.
Kylo Ren addressed the assembled High Command and his master. "I was able to track the Resistance scum to the forest just outside the Oscillator chamber. Han Solo and the Wookie made a run for their ship while the traitor and the Jakku peasant attempted to stall me. The traitor was swiftly dealt with and subjected to punishment for his desertion and betrayal." He said with a noticeable amount of satisfaction in his synthesised voice.
"However, a complication rose when the Jakku girl was revealed to be Force sensitive and somewhat skilled in the use of the Force. She was able to call a lightsaber into her hand and attempted to kill me in a duel." He paused as if to privately laugh at the ludicrous behaviour she had displayed.
"I taught her the folly of her hubris and it was at her defeat that the Admiral arrived. Unfortunately, she was able to use the Force to endanger the Admiral's life and in the process I was able to save her while unfortunately they used the distraction to escape. However, the Wookie Chewbacca took serious wounds and a vibroknife to the eye. There is a good chance that the wound will prove fatal." Kylo Ren finished his report as his master nodded approvingly.
Snoke was pleased that Kylo Ren had the foresight to save the life of the First Order's military leader and greatest tactical mind. It was these actions that separated him from the many fools that came before him. Those who believed that simply being able to command the dark side made them true masters of the Force. Those who killed for no reason or purpose beyond their feeble twisted desires. They were not true Sith Lords, they were nothing more than sadistic fools.
Snoke was perfectly willing to kill personally and to order countless deaths. But always with purpose. Always with greater goals in mind. The fact that Kylo Ren had been willing to put aside his personal vendetta against Han Solo to save the life of someone truly valuable to the First Order was a sign that his apprentice had taken these lessons to heart.
In addition, he could sense that his apprentice's power had grown substantially since his last meeting with him. As he reached out and sensed the mind of Kylo Ren. He was pleased to find that the endlessly conflicting mixtures of light and dark that had so often roiled within his apprentice, were gone.
In its place was an impressive calm and an enhanced focus that was channelling the dark side though his body as never before.
It seemed as if Kylo Ren had finally found himself.
He searched deeper within his apprentice as he carefully searched for any lingering doubts or weaknesses that might still be clinging stubbornly to the young man. But there was nothing like that to be found in his apprentice's spirit.
It was then that Snoke noticed something. Some intense source of power and resolve that burned within his apprentice like a generator. Whatever it was, it had not been their recently. And it was allowing Kylo Ren to tab into the Force with greater intensity then Snoke had dared to hope.
Kylo Ren's new mental and spiritual defences around this source of strength were formidable, even for Snoke. But the Supreme Leader was still stronger and more experienced. Soon enough he was able to pierce the veil that Kylo Ren had wrapped around this new presence within himself. What he found was interesting to say the very least.
Snoke withdrew from the Force and came back to the physical world displayed in the holo-projection. And as he did so he paid closer attention to the way that Kylo Ren and Admiral Kuvira were standing next to each other. He studied their body language and the ease with which they stood. He briefly reached out with the Force again to confirm what he already suspected.
He would need to think about this new development more thoroughly to determine his course of action.
For now, this current matter needed to be resolved. Later he would devote more thought to the issue of his apprentice and his Admiral.
Kuvira stepped forward once more. "As it stands while the planet remains intact, it is undergoing immense tectonic and geothermic activity. The weapon's premature discharge allowed the energy output to be reduced enough to prevent the quintessence from creating a new star or a singularity. Unfortunately, all reports indicate that the beam dissipated before it could reach the Ileenium system." Kuvira said ruefully as the High Command members grimaced at the lost opportunity to destroy the main Resistance base and bring this war that much closer to total victory.
"In addition, despite the planets current survival there is no guarantee that this will remain the case. The planet might continue to destabilise if the core's equilibrium has been terminally damaged. Even if this is does not happen the planet will be undergoing an immense negative environmental change as ash and choke the atmosphere. This does not even account for the absence of the systems star."
She paused before she came to her conclusion. "In layman's terms. The planetary weapon is damaged and inoperable. There is a chance that if the planet survives we can investigate further to see if we can repair it. But this will be complicated because the planet's ability to support humanoid life will be severely…strained." She finished.
At this Admiral Vitani spoke up. "So Starkiller base is lost to us. At least for the foreseeable future." She asked for confirmation. At Kuvira's nod she turned her gaze to Hux. "And the General is the one responsible for this loss?" She asked in tone that was more of a statement then a question.
Kuvira turned her gaze down to the General who was beginning to tremble in the grip of the Praetorian guards. Her eyes were as hard an unyielding as cortosis as she gave her verdict.
"Inescapably." She stated.
The Supreme Leader regarded Hux with clear distain. The Supreme Leader had always refused Kuvira's unsubtle requests to get rid of Hux in the past. He understood her concerns, but he had maintained that Hux had is uses and that keeping him on the leash was preferable then simply dispatching him.
Now, he was forced to concede that he may have been mistaken.
"Do you have anything to say in your defence, General?" Snoke demanded.
Hux seized the opportunity and tore himself free from the guards. They released him but they stayed close and kept their vibro-voulges activated and ready.
"Supreme Leader. I sent the 1st fleet away from the planet because I was concerned that they might be endangered by the weapon firing. I sent them away to fulfil their assigned tasks for the war effort. As to how the Resistance agents made it to the planet. That fault rests with our security forces. I am not responsible for the failure of the defences of Starkiller." He proclaimed.
He then turned his eyes behind him to look at Kuvira as his mind took hold of a way he could turn this accusation around. "If anything, the fault rests with the commander of the TIE fighters who allowed the Resistance fighters to breach the Oscillator defences and then escape the system." He accused with a small sneer creeping into her voice.
Kuvira remained unperturbed and clearly unimpressed as she regarded him in his desperate attempt to shift blame.
"I must disagree with your assessment General." She said with barely concealed sarcasm on the last word.
"The 1st fleet was in no danger from the weapon firing as had already been established by scientific studies and actual empirical evidence as the flee was in position around the planet when the weapon was fired at Hosnian Prime. As to your claim of contributing to the war. The 1st fleets assigned task was to protect Starkiller in the aftermath of the attack on Hosnian Prime to prevent exactly what has happened from occurring." She stated as her voice dropped back down to a controlled volume as it had begun to rise as she finished her retort.
"As to responsibility. When I departed to Vados I left you in charge of the defence of Starkiller base. The failure of the entire defence and the failure to notice infiltration is your failure. But this all is nullified by the fact that the Resistance fighters would never have made it to the surface if the 1st fleet had been in its previous position. The position you ordered them to abandon. So that you could claim your precious glory for destroying the Resistance alone." She finished unable to keep the distain out of her voice.
Hux opened his mouth as he tried to refute the arguments. But before he could speak his throat closed off and he found himself falling back to the ground as he desperately tried to pry the invisible force off his neck.
The room turned to face Kylo Ren who had his hand held out with his thumb and forefinger pinched together. "I have had enough or your lies and your pathetic attempts to shift blame General Hux." Kylo Ren growled through his mask.
Snoke nodded approvingly at his apprentice. "As have I."
He turned to Hux who was still gasping on the floor. "General Hux. It is clear that through your arrogance and stupidity. You have cost the First Order Starkiller base and you have ensured that this war will be more difficult without its power." He spoke softly but with clear menace in his words.
Hux was allowed to breathe to prevent him dying too soon. But Kylo used the force to keep him pressed down on his knees.
Snoke continued. "However, I will not carry out your punishment myself. Instead I give that task to Admiral Kuvira." He said as he turned to regard Kuvira.
Kuvira bowed slightly in gratitude. Then she turned towards Hux as she prepared to deliver her verdict. But before she could speak she was interrupted by the Supreme Leader. "However, this presents a problem. An Admiral cannot pass judgement on a General or an officer of equal rank. To correct this, I intend to officially recognise what is already a reality."
The Supreme Leader regarded Kuvira for a few seconds before he issued his proclamation. "Therefore, I officially grant Admiral Kuvira the rank of Grand Admiral. The first Grand Admiral in the history of the First Order. As of now all sector Admiral's will be answerable to her and her authority is second only to that of the Supreme Leader.
Kuvira and the rest of the assembly were silent for a moment.
Officially this was something special. This was Kuvira being given the rank of Grand Admiral. The highest military rank in the entire First Order. This was her being recognised as the official second in command of the First Order and overseer over all their sectors and every world that they ruled. It also ensured that the High Command council now had an official head that could dictate policy and ensure coordination across the galaxy.
Officially this was an auspicious moment indeed.
In reality, however. Kuvira already had that authority. She had been recognised as the de-facto head of the military for years. She was even already referred to as Grand Admiral so often that she had long ago stopped any attempts to correct the misunderstanding.
Only those like Hux had ever tried to remind her of the reality of her rank. But now it seemed that due to Hux's actions. That would no longer be a problem. There was some irony here that she could certainly appreciate.
The reminder of Hux snapped her out of her reverie and she bowed low to the Supreme Leader in gratitude for the promotion. (However needless it might have been.)
"Thank you, Supreme Leader." She said as she rose to stand up straight again. "I will make every effort to validate your confidence in me."
Snoke nodded. "Congratulations, Grand Admiral." He said and as he did so. The assembled Admiral's holograms, the bridge crew and Commander Hask all saluted as one.
"Grand Admiral Kuvira!" They shouted in acknowledgment as they saluted their superior officer.
Kylo Ren did not salute or bow as he held a strange unofficial rank within the First Order. He also did not bow or kneel to anyone except his master. But he dipped his head in acknowledgement to Kuvira. He also subtly reached out to her with the force. Just a light presence to make her aware that he was glad for her achievement.
Kuvira nodded and then turned her attention back to Hux. The general had made no move or gesture at the announcement. But now he was staring at the newly official Grand Admiral with an expression that was not fear, or hate, or despair but instead some strange combination of all three.
Kuvira saw that expression and despite her best efforts. She found herself savouring it.
"General Armitage Hux. For the crimes committed against the First Order through your arrogance, stupidity and your sheer incompetence. I find you guilty on all of these counts and by my authority as Grand Admiral. I hereby sentence you to…. "She paused as she allowed the wait of her words to sink in.
The entire bridge was quiet as a tomb as everyone waited with bated breath to hear what Hux's fate would be. None more so then Hux, who looked like he was about to suffer a stroke.
Kuvira let him suffer for a bit before she delivered her sentence. "…..garrison duty."
The room remained in silence as the bridge crew and officers took in what had just been said.
'Garrison duty?!'
That punishment was typically issued to officers who had failed to make the necessary requirements to serve on ships. It was occasionally used as a punishment when officers had failed or disgraced themselves somehow. Or if they had made an enemy of a vindictive superior. It was typically seen as way to ensure they could dwell in obscurity and cause no more trouble.
It was unpleasant and defiantly not beneficial to a career. But it was hardly the punishment that the assembled mass had expected to be issued for the crime of carelessly losing Starkiller base. If that crime did not warrant execution then what did?!
Hux's eyes went wide with surprise. Then they instantly narrowed in suspicion.
Kuvira did not wait long before she directed her attention to the guards and to Hask. "Seize the general and escort him to the escape pods. Ensure he is given amble provisions and some winter clothes. Then launch the pod back down to Starkiller base." She said in a tone that betrayed no joy or sorrow or glee at what she was ordering. That time had passed and now it was time to simply being practical.
Hux took a moment to catch on to what she was saying. When he did he tried to leap to his feet, but the guards held him fast and dragged him up as Hask began issuing commands to the bridge crew to get the necessary supplies organised and delivered to the escape pods.
"What! You just said that Starkiller will be rendered uninhabitable! You cannot do this!" He shouted.
Kuvira regarded him with her standard stoic gaze as her green eyes narrowed slightly. "I never said the planet would be uninhabitable, General. I merely said that the planet's ability to support humanoid life will be severely strained." She said slowly as if explaining to an insolent child.
"The planet will still be liveable if not hospitable." She said before adding. "Assuming of course that the core does not destabilise entirely. In which case the planet will explode." She said with some sardonic humour creeping into her voice.
The Admiral's holograms still displayed in the room all smirked knowingly as Kuvira's chosen punishment began to become clear.
"In addition. Before I left for Vados, I left you in charge of the defence of Starkiller base and I do not recall relieving you of that duty." She said. "Besides, General this is not a permeant arrangement. We simply need someone to maintain a First Order presence on Starkiller to monitor the situation and the status of the weapon. Once it is clear that the planet will survive the cataclysm. We will return to look into resettling the planet. You may return to your duties at that time."
She turned to face Commander Hask. "Commander, when do the preliminary reports indicate that time will be?" She asked nonchalantly.
Hask grinned savagely as he responded. "The reports indicate that if the planet survives the equilibrium should stabilise in ten to twenty years. Thirty years at most. Grand Admiral." He stated with the air of one commenting on the weather.
Kuvira nodded and turned back to Hux who was growing worryingly pale as the words began to sink in. "Very well General. For the next twenty to thirty years. Consider yourself relived of your current military duties. Instead I name you as acting governor of Starkiller Base. However, if you are able to repair the super weapon and get it activated by yourself. We will look into reducing the tenure of your governorship."
She had said all she felt inclined to say and waved at the guards to take Hux away to the escape pods. "Goodbye Governor. I hope your new constituents receive your warmly."
She then turned to the hologram of Captain Spire. "Captain Spire. The Supreme leader talked earlier about making reality official. I agree with his example. As of now you will assume full and permanent responsibility for the 10th fleet and the defence of our home systems. You are in command now Admiral Spire." She finished with finality.
The newly made Admiral Spire, saluted and nodded in gratitude. "Thank you Grand Admiral. I will endeavour to live up to your trust in me."
Meanwhile Hux being dragged off the bridge past the holograms and through the ranks of the bridge crew. His shouts of anger and his oaths of vengeance were lost in the mad cacophony of his words and screams. As he was dragged of the bridge the holograms of the High Command faded away as they each returned to their assigned duties.
However, the Supreme Leader lingered for a moment.
"Congratulations, Grand Admiral. I trust I can rely on you to conduct the next phase of the war with your typical dedication and resolve?" Snoke stated rather then asked.
Kuvira nodded and entered her typical stance with her feet spread and her hands clasped behind her back. "Yes, Supreme Leader. In fact, our scouts monitoring stations have managed to trace the flight path of the Resistance. It seemed that they were so concerned with leaving the system before the planet exploded that they neglected to cove their tracks. Combined with the data we gathered from their recon ship. We have confirmed that the Resistance base is located in the D'Qar system. I have already ordered for the entire 1st fleet to reassemble and travel to D'Qar with all haste. I have no doubt the Resistance will be evacuating soon, and I do not intend to let them escape." Kuvira reported as she began to compile her strategy for the battle over D'Qar if the Resistance fleet was still there.
Snoke nodded approvingly. Then he turned back to Kylo Ren "My Apprentice. I can sense your power and it pleases me greatly. I can see that you have exorcised your doubts and weaknesses. And now stand before me as a worthy successor to Darth Vader." He said, knowing how much Kylo had yearned for such praise.
"Now that you have faced and conquered your own weaknesses. It is time to complete your training. Return to me onboard the Supremacy. And together we will fully awaken the power of the Dark Side within you. Once this is done. You will go on to do what even Lord Vader never could. The complete and utter eradication of the Jedi Order." Snoke said as his voice resonated with the unfathomable power of the dark side.
Kylo Ren was instantly ecstatic about his master's praise. The chance to learn the greatest secrets of the dark side. To ascend higher then even his grandfather ever had. To take the front role in his mission to enforce peace, freedom, justice and security to the new galactic order.
When he returned to his master's side he would begin to unlock his true potential. He had already gained more power then he had ever thought possible on Starkiller base. But now he was being offered power the likes of which mortal minds could not comprehend.
He was excited to depart and to begin his training.
But then his excitement abated, and he subtly glanced in Kuvira's direction through the eyes of his mask.
Her face was impassive, and she gave no indication whatsoever that she had even heard the Supreme Leaders command. To mundane people she appeared to be in complete and utter control. She radiated poise and military discipline in this moment.
However, as he reached out with the Force he was able to see beneath the mental shields that she had thrown up. With those breached, he was able see what she was truly feeling.
At first he felt relief coursing through her. After a shocked moment he realised that the source of the relief was that she would not be forced to openly talk to him about certain recent events or the feelings about them. Feelings that she was still struggling to understand herself and things that she was not able to logically analyse like everything else in her life. She was not ready to openly discuss these things nor was she ready to trust herself to do so properly.
However beneath that he felt shame and anger at what she perceived as cowardice. The fact that she was scared to face, whatever this was between them, discussed her. She felt that she, a Grand Admiral of the First Order should not be fleeing from the situation like a frightened animal.
And beneath that she found her deepest feelings on the situation. He felt sadness and longing. Sadness that she would not be able to properly talk with him about their relationship in this moment. She was sad that she might have to wait weeks or possibly much longer until he returned from his training with the Supreme Leader. That she might not get the chance to really talk with him before so much time past that it became irrelevant.
The longing was simpler to interpret. She wanted more time with him. More time to discuss what they had done in the cockpit of that TIE fighter. More time to maybe try it again and see what happened. Maybe to what happened if they were able to avoid being interrupted. Her quarters were very secure if she wanted them to be.
Kylo quickly withdrew the force probe. These thoughts were hers and he would not disrespect her by delving into her personal thoughts without her being aware of it. Besides, he was finding it hard to maintain is own neutrality in the Force. If he continued to feed off Kuvira's emotions in combination with his own. His master would certainly sense the passions within him.
If he had not already.
He snapped back to himself as he bowed before his master. "I understand master. I will depart within the hour." He said as he kept his head lowered before the giant hologram of Snoke.
Snoke offered a small smile which had a sinister look to it. Though that might simply have been the result of his scared face. He regarded his apprentice, then the Grand Admiral as they stood side by side. Then he returned his gaze to both of them.
"This is a historic day my friends. The New Republic has been decapitated, and the Resistance is helpless before our power. The galaxy is ours to grasp. Let us reach."
With that, the hologram of the Supreme Leader fade and the Retribution's bridge was left with just Kuvira, Kylo Ren, Hask and the bridge crew.
For a moment no one spoke. Then Kuvira turned to Kylo Ren. "I will walk with you to the hanger Lord Ren. You will need to return to the Supremacy, and I will need to return to the Reclaimer to begin the attack on D'Qar." She turned to face Hask who was still standing behind them. "Commander the ship is yours. I trust you to destroy all remaining ships and transports on Starkiller's surface. I don't want Hux's punishment to be reduced. I also trust you understand your campaign orders?"
At Hask's affirmative she eyes his injuries. "I would recommend you get your injuries seen to Commander. The First Order needs you in good form for the war."
Hask nodded as he felt the pain in his leg and face flare up as he was reminded of them. "I will Grand Admiral. Have a pleasant journey and good luck to you in the battles to come." Hask said respectfully.
Kuvira nodded in return. "And to you, Commander."
With that, Kuvira and Kylo Ren both left the bridge and made their way from the bridge to the hanger that contained the upsilon-class command shuttles that would take both of them to their destinations.
They did not have the opportunity to talk during the journey as they were constantly surrounded by other personnel moving through the ship to carry out their assigned tasks. Or they were forced to share lifts and corridors with assigned guards and stormtrooper patrols.
By the time they reached the hangers and beheld their upsilon shuttles the silence had grown uncomfortable. As they entered the hanger they noticed another command shuttle entering the hanger and beginning to settle down on the hanger floor.
Kylo Ren stepped up to a shuttle and ordered the crew to begin preparations for launch. Once they headed into the ship to contact hanger flight control. He turned back to face the Grand Admiral.
For a moment they simple stared at each other. Neither knowing quite what to say. Then again neither of them had any experience in these matters.
In his previous life Kylo Ren had been in Jedi training and had been taught to detach himself from emotional bonds. Naturally there had been no time for relationships during that time. And even less reason for it once he turned his back on the Jedi and pledged himself to the Dark Side.
In Kuvira's case her first and only love had been the First Order. Since the time that she could hold a blaster she had focused on only one goal. To ensure the survival, prosperity and eventual victory of the First Order. Compared to that, things like personal wants came in second. And romantic entanglements a very distant third. Until now at least.
As the stared for what began to become a noticeable period of time. Kylo Ren moved his hands up to his face. Before he suddenly let them fall back to his sides.
Kuvira sensed that he had been about to take off his mask so they could talk properly. But had decided against in such a crowded hanger. It made sense to her. He needed to maintain the sense that he was more then a mere man in the minds of their First Order soldiers. Showing his face behind his mask would damage that perception.
Still just because it made sense to her. Didn't mean she did not feel a ripple of disappointment course through her.
Finally, Kylo Ren broke the silence. "I will be returning as soon as I am able Grand Admiral. I am eager to re-join you in the hunt for the Resistance." He said
Kuvira nodded, all business and military image. "I am glad to hear it Lord Ren. When the Resistance is on the back foot they will inevitably turn to Skywalker to save them from their end. When that day comes I would feel a great deal more secure with you by my side." She said in a tone of voice that betrayed nothing.
They resumed their awkward silence a moment longer until the shuttle crew announced that they were ready to depart. Kylo Ren dismissed them and turned back to Kuvira.
Kuvira resolved to stop making a spectacle of herself. She inhaled and squared her shoulders as she reaffirmed her iron will. "Safe travels to you Lord Ren. I will await your return with great anticipation." She said as she gave a small bow of respect.
Kylo Ren nodded in turn and began to make his way up the ramp into the shuttle. Just before he vanished from sight behind the ascending ramp he turned back around and spoke a final farewell. "Be safe, Kuvira."
Kuvira's did not fail to notice what Kylo Ren had done. But before she could respond (if she had intended too) the ramp closed, and she was forced to stand aside as the upsilon shuttle lifted off and exited the star destroyer's hanger. Before long it was out of sight.
Kuvira stood still as she tried to muddle through the situation. But she resolved that she would not be any aid to anyone standing around like a paralysed neek. Instead she began to compose herself as she re-styled her hair into its typical bun and ensured that her image was one of strength if not perfection.
She turned to begin making her way to her own shuttle. Nephitina was already aboard and all preparations were ready for her to travel back to the Reclaimer. From there it would be a quick rendezvous with the rest of the 1st Fleet and then on to D'Qar.
As she began to make her way over she noticed a trio of people approaching her. They had clearly exited from the newly arrived upsilon shuttle.
She turned to study them. One was easily recognisable from his golden stormtrooper armour. Commander Pyre. It seemed he had returned from his mission to Castillon sooner then expected.
The next was a human female with black hair, brown eyes, and dark skin. She recognised her from her dealings with Minister Terex and the First Order Security Bureau; Agent Tierny. One of the FOSB's top agents. A master manipulator who shared Kuvira's dream to restore peace to the galaxy through absolute order.
But the third member of the trio was one that Kuvira did not recognise. A young human female with black hair, brown eyes and dark skin. She was wearing worn in and slightly dirty brown clothes that seemed to fit the mould of a mechanic. The jacket that she was wearing even had the image of a hydro spanner on the emblem. She was walking slightly behind the other two and despite her clear nervousness she was staring around at the hanger in complete awe. Clearly she had never been in such an advanced and well-furnished hanger before. But that did beg the question of what she was doing here.
She set her musings aside as the trio came to a stop in front of her. Commander Pyre and Agent Tierny both saluted smartly and in perfect unison. This seemed to stun the young woman behind them who offered a hasty bow. "Grand Admiral!" They uttered.
Kuvira nodded to them in greeting. "Commander Pyre, Agent Tierny. I am surprised to see you both back so soon. I understood that your mission on Castilon was intended to bring stability to the planet and ensure it was freed from pirates and supposed Resistance agents." She inquired.
Commander Pyre and Agent Tierny glanced at each other before they made their report. "I am afraid complications arose on Castilon. The Resistance agents made an alliance with the sector pirates and were able to flee their crimes onboard the activated Colossus space platform." Tierny reported gravely.
Kuvira was silent as she considered this. Then she responded with a small sigh. "That is unfortunate. Though I cannot say I am surprised that Resistance terrorists found common cause with pirates and marauders. They are cut from the same cloth in most regards after all." She said as she noticed the young woman's eyes and muscles tense in anger at the mention of the Resistance terrorists.
"Nevertheless, what is the state of the planet. Is it secure?" She asked.
Commander Pyre took over. "Yes, Grand Admiral. The planet is free of both the Resistance and the pirates. The star destroyer Fortitude has taken up position in orbit and all remaining civilians on the planet have accepted the annexation peacefully. However, I am sorry to report that Major Vonreg did not survive the battle. He was killed during the battle in an ambush by the Resistance scum Kazuda Xiono." He snarled as she spoke the name.
Kuvira lowered her gaze at that news. Major Vonreg was a skilled pilot whose abilities were acknowledged by both her and their enemies. The major could engage multiple opponents, such as a squadron of starfighters, without the support of wing mates. He was also one of the few pilots capable of engaging both Kuvira and Dameron in a dogfight for a time. His loss was a heavy blow to the First Order Navy.
She nodded as she was forced to accept Vonreg's loss. "At least the planet is secure, and we now have an unbroken supply line to ensure all our forces and worlds are properly secured and well supplied. For now, we can call that a victory. Even if it was bought at a higher price then we imagined."
She tilted her head to get a better look at the woman who was practically hiding behind Tierny. "Now would you be so kind as to introduce me to your companion?"
Pyre and Tierny stepped to the side to allow Kuvira to stand face to face with the young woman. The woman was clearly nervous but to her credit she did not back away or break eye contact.
Tierny made the necessary introductions. "This woman was part of the mechanics team that the Resistance agents had established their cover. However, she was unaware of their true identity or the extent of their treachery as they used her to increase their forged identities. Once she was enlightened about who her so called friends really where. She was very helpful in our efforts to bring them to justice. As time progressed I noticed that she has a number of admirable qualities and is a skilled pilot and racer. I offered her a place in the First Order navy as a pilot. I think she will make an excellent addition to our forces and overtime, could possibly live up to the example set by Major Vonreg."
Kuvira raised an eyebrow at that bold statement. She regarded the woman with new interest. "That is certainly high praise my young friend. Can you please tell me your name?"
The woman swallowed and stood up a little straighter. "Yes, Grand Admiral. My name is Tamara Ryvora.
Hux - POV
A great impact jostles the escape pod as it comes crashing down into the frozen hard ground of Starkiller Base. Then with a series of thunderous crashes that come close to shattering every bone in Hux's body. The pod finally seems to slow down as the metal stops bouncing and instead starts to screech its way along the snow and earth as it finally settles to a stop in the middle of the frozen wasteland as the blizzard blows past it and black storm clouds build on every visible horizon.
After a few minutes. The escape pod bust open and former General Hux scrambled out of the metal shell that he had been thrown in by those red plated goons.
Hux stuck his head into the cold snowstorm and almost immediately retracted his body back into the still warm (but rabidly cooling) escape pod. But as the weather began to grow colder and his pods life support systems began to fail he was forced to grab his supplies and rations and get out of the pod.
He misjudged the descent from the pod and ended up falling face first into the snowbank that had formed at the base of the pod.
With his mouth spitting snow and ice from his lips and murder in his eyes. Hux rose to his feet and stared around him at the bleak and empty planet around him. Even now he could see lava clouds in the sky and lightning flashing in the atmosphere as the planet continued to quake violently. He looked in each and every direction. Trees to the north. Mountains to the east. Storms to the west and south. Almost certain death in every direction he could see.
Hux's face continued to grow redder despite the fierce cold as his constant anger and rage manifested itself to heights he had never even dreamed possible. He opened his mouth and began to scream and bellow in rage and hate as the storm seemed to worsen, as if in response to his rage. He fell to his knees and slammed his hands and fists into the snow-covered ground again and again and again. Even when his hand became bloody on the ground and ice shards. Hux did not even feel it. He was too lost in his red haze to notice the blood trickling down his fingers and onto the snow.
Hux's already fragile grip on his rationality continued to fray as his screams of rage became bestial howls of primal fury. His movements and rages were less like those of a man and more of a wild beast. An animal trapped in a cage he had virtually no hope of escape.
All of his polish, military bearing and arrogance disappeared as he developed into little more then a screaming mad man as his mind conjured images from his past and present to torment him along with the planet.
He saw the image of his brutish thug of a father; Brendol Hux, laughing at him as he beat him like he had done in his childhood. He saw images Kylo Ren walking away from him as he dismissed him as a non-entity.
Finally, he saw the face of Kuvira regarding him with mocking derision, and he once again screamed in rage as the sound of mocking laughter echoed louder and louder in his head. Just like the sounds of his rage echoed across the now barren empty planet.
With not a soul to hear them.
Authors Note
Well that is it.
Over 12,000 words for this chapter. That is quite possibly the longest thing I have written outside of my university dissertation.
This chapter officially brings the Force Awakens to a close. I will be taking a break before getting back with new chapters for the Last Jedi.
It won't be too long. A month or so but it will be a break to consider where the story goes from here. Once again any suggestions are welcome via reviews.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this new chapter.
See you all soon.