May the stars guide us home - a Finalizer story

by cliffdiving

Fallen out of favor after Kylo Ren's ascend as Supreme Leader General Armitage Hux has lost his place of prominence within the First Order. He and his crew onboard of the Finalizer are sent on a mission to the Outer Rim to investigate a series of strange disappearances clearly meant to get rid of them. What they find there will change their fates forever.

13. Ellesmee Part 2

Someone once said that politics is little more than the systematic organization of hostilities.

Grand Moff Tarkin

---

Masir tried to ignore the clever fingers that tickled along his side slowly, the allure of both the bed's and his lover's warmth too great to even think of already getting up. As Briseis' touch wandered to a more ticklish spot he finally growled and moved swiftly, rolling them over two times until he came to rest on top of her, looking down into her laughing turquoise eyes.

He started to tickle her back, although he would admit the sight of her tempting curves naked underneath him made him sneak in more than one caressing touch here and there.

"Mmh," she commented, closing her eyes in clear appreciation, when his caresses became more insistent, "don't you have to be at breakfast soon? Hux is going to bite your head off again."

"Please Brie," Masir let her leg slide up his hip, while moving between her thighs, earning him a breathless gasp from her. "No mentioning of the General in our bed. The man can wait. Now I have some much more important things to concentrate on."

Fifteen minutes later, he was hectically searching for his uniform, having realized after a glance at his comms that he had already been late, before he had indulged into Brisei's touch again. Taking in the way she languidly sprawled on his bed, her cheeks flushed and a soft smile playing around her lips, he could not summon up any kind of remorse though. This had definitely been worth any amount of time at the sanitation department.

"You are not coming?" he asked, when he saw she made no move to reach for her own clothes.

"No," she stretched slowly, the soft morning light coming in through the balcony door nearly glowing on her bare skin. "Selene gave us all a day off. It will be some time until the data is analyzed." She gave him a playful smile. "I think I will try the guest quarter's showers, they are probably splendid."

Stars, he would really prefer to join her. Not able to pull himself away just yet, the First Order Captain leaned in for a last goodbye kiss, letting his hands wander over her soft curves again.

"He is going to kill you," Briseis laughed, quickly correcting his hair one last time.

"I will have to hope your friend has mellowed him out enough last night," Masir joked, thinking of the glances Hux and Sa'onserei had exchanged, when the Zi'daya heir had shown them to their rooms yesterday evening. He was quite sure Hux had not slept alone as well.

Briseis made a face. "Please don't remind me of that," it seemed the blonde pilot had not warmed up to the thought of her friend in General Hux' arms at all.

"I will call you later so that we can meet up in town. I will have to first visit Mum this morning, though." There was a slight look of unease flashing through her eyes, when she mentioned her mother, Masir noted.

As he made his way through the palace's corridors, he wondered about the reason for it. As far as Briseis' stories about her family went, it had always seemed, as if her mother was loving, if slightly overbearing. It might have something to do with the fact that her brother had surprisingly remained on the Finalizer – avoiding having to face his soon to be ex-wife as Briseis had stated with a roll of her eyes. But the Galatean could not help an inkling going through him that the blonde Zi'daya was not really comfortable with the thought of introducing him to her mother.

"Captain Trach," the melodious voice of Commander Sa'onserei interrupted his thoughts, as she rounded the corner, dressed into a vibrant, colorful skirt and matching blouse. "Do you need help finding the breakfast room?" While her smile was warm, there were faint shadows under the fair Zi'daya's eyes that spoke of a night without much sleep. Masir would have suspected some amorous escapades with the General behind it, but there was something flitting over her face, a strange sadness in her eyes that hinted at another reason.

"That would be appreciated," he stated, following her along the corridor.

"Aren't you a little late though?" She gave him a cheeky smile. "I was actually on my way there to collect everybody in order to leave for the Research center."

Masir smiled back, showing his dimples. "I might have been held up a little this morning." Sa'onserei laughed, a knowing look in her eyes.

As they entered the breakfast room they found Hux, Opan, Mitaka and the stormtrooper squad already waiting, Elodia the only one from the Zi'daya side, who had joined them. Masir had to hide an amused smile at the obvious way the General's eyes brightened on his Co-Commander, a soft expression in them.

Unfortunately, Hux' preoccupation with Sa'sonserei was not so great that Masir could slip in unnoticed, though. "Captain Trach, have you finally decided to join us as well?" he asked coldly.

"I fear our hosts' hospitality was too much for my weak mind, I must have overslept, sir."

"Mmh," the General's green eyes narrowed at him, clearly aware what Masir had been up to last night.

"Perhaps a morning without breakfast will teach you to be more punctual in the future, Captain." Hux got up, prompting everyone else on the table to do the same.

Masir threw a very sad look at the sumptuous breakfast, but he was aware he got off lightly. It seemed Sa'onserei was really softening up the General quite a bit. Even if Briseis did not approve of the two, he was definitely not complaining about this more human version of Hux.

"Of course, General," he murmured.

"Don't get your hopes up. I am just collecting your infringements to deal with all of them at once at the end of our stay. More efficient that way." Masir was not sure the way his superior's lip twitched slightly at the comment indicated that this was actually a joke or a threat.

When they left the room in the direction of the elevators Sa'onserei passed him two croissants, she had obviously pilfered from the table, with a wink. "To hold you over until lunch." Masir saw the General catch the gesture, but he didn't comment, instead his mouth turned into an indulgent half-smile, as he watched Sa'onserei.

The journey down to the hangar was as impressive as the previous day, the whole city opening up in front of the elevator's glass walls. A small Zi'daya shuttle was already waiting for them, ready to bring them to the Research and Development Center that was situated at the cliff over the town. Obviously, there was quite an efficient public transport that operated underground as well, as Sa'onserei explained, when they boarded the shuttle, but since they were guests, they would have more opportunity to see the city this way.

Masir sat down next to Opan, as the shuttle started. The blue-eyed Captain nodded at him in greeting. "Preoccupied this morning?" he asked in an amused tone. Masir led his head fall back against the seat with a dreamy sigh. "Oh, you would not believe it."

Opan gave him a long look. "You really like that little pilot of yours, don't you, Trach?"

The Galatean met his friend's eyes, suddenly earnest. "I never met a woman like her before. I mean she's smoking hot, sharp, loves to fly, has a wicked sense of humor. Even I am not stupid enough to mess this up."

"Mhh, don't get caught though," Opan cautioned. "There still is a regulation against fraternization, as you know."

Masir scoffed, throwing a look at Hux and Sa'onserei. They had chosen two seats next to each other at the front of the ship and the Zi'daya was leaning quite far over her Co-Commander, showing him the sights through one of the windows. As they watched, a sudden lurch of the shuttle made Sa'onserei fall slightly against the General, his hand coming up to stabilize her. Masir noted that Hux did not remove his touch from his Co-Commander's skin even after the situation had passed.

"You are sure I am the one you should be telling that?" he asked Opan.

The Information Officer frowned, something like worry passing through his eyes. "Stars, it is, as if those two can't even keep their hands off each other for five kriffing minutes." He sighed. "Of all the times for the General to suddenly discover his heart for romance."

Masir stared at his friend completely incredulous. "What? You actually think he has… you know feelings for her?" He could not help a disbelieving little laugh escaping him. "I mean… you think he likes her?"

The Galatean felt more than a little astonishment at the thought. While it was not really surprising that Hux had not been able to resist the temptation of sleeping with Sa'onserei, after all a man would need to be blind to not see her allure, he was not quite sure he would have thought his superior even capable of any deeper feelings for another human being.

Opan kept his gaze on the couple in the front, his blue eyes pensive. "He is not even aware of it himself," he commented softly, before meeting Masir's eyes again. "And I don't have to tell you, how dangerous that might turn out. For all of us."

"Because of High Command?"

Opan nodded, "Pryde will exploit a weakness like that without any scrupels."

"And Kylo Ren?"

"A wild card. As always."

Masir felt his own unease rise up. "And if last evening showed one thing than that the Zi'daya can't be completely trusted." He looked at Sa'onserei again, a soft smile on her face, as she talked with the General. "Do you think Oilena put her granddaughter up to it?"

But Opan shook his head. "While I would not put anything past that woman, as surprising as it might seem, I think their attraction is actually completely genuine on both sides."

He sighed. "That's the problem."

Masir clapped his hand on the other man's shoulder."Not so gloomy. Where is your appreciation of a good love story?"

The look on Opan's face turned even darker."Well, this has all the markings of a tragic love story. And you watched enough holodramas to know, who bites the dust first in those."

"Uggh,"the Galatean rubbed his temple."You still think the Zi'daya are supporting the Resistance, don't you, Tritt? But you never found any tangible connection."

"Perhaps I have not searched thoroughly enough. Or do you want to tell me there has not been any instance of doubt regarding your Zi'daya pilot?" Masir had to look away from his fellow officer's entirely too clear gaze for a moment. Blast it, Brieseis' allegiances were a topic he rather preferred to ignore.

Opan obviously saw something on his face, because he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, at least you have not taken leave of all your senses then. What are your plans with her anyway? I don't really think she will be content to become a First Order Officer's wife and wait patiently for you in some nice house on Coruscant."

"Stars, no." He was not foolish enough to think that. But he would admit that he had mostly postponed any thought of a future together with Briseis to some nebulous time after the war. The only problem was that his hopes, who should win this war probably vastly diverged from hers.

"I kind of hoped everything will turn out alright on its own?" the brown-eyed Captain muttered rather lamely.

Before Opan could comment on that, Elodia exclaimed. "Look there is Rhea's chapel," pointing at a building at the edge of the cliff that looked a lot like a stranded starship.

"Is that a star cruiser?" Dopheld asked, leaning closer to the Zi'daya aide in interest. "Mmm, yes," she answered him. "It was actually built out of Rhea's old ship."

"I did not know your ancestor commanded a starcruiser." Hux interjected with a curious look at Sa'onserei. She nodded."Yes, she was a Commander in the Old Republic's Star Fleet. Before she defected of course."

A short while later their shuttle landed in front of an impressive circular building, whose massive columns held a ceiling that was constructed to remind the visitor of a forest canopy, islands of glass letting in the dappled sunshine.

They were greeted by Tayshen y Sa'onserei, who was clad in a white labcoat and two of his assistants. "Selene," there was a marked coldness on the Zi'daya's face and it seemed he could not bring himself to more than perfunctory nod in the direction of the First Order members.

As Masir took in the way Sa'onserei's eyes narrowed on her brother for a moment, he realized that there obviously was some kind of discord between the siblings.

"You wanted to see the blaster production?" Tayshen asked, guiding them through the building towards a modern production hall, dozens of droids at work at various stations. As they stopped next to the production line, the slim Zi'daya commented rather acerbidly. "I hear we have you to thank for that rushed order, General Hux."

His sister shook her head in clear annoyance. "I think under the circumstances we can be thankful that we got off that lightly."

"Mmm," Tayshen scoffed, his voice holding a lot of sarcasm. "I am sure you have done everything in your power to ensure that outcome, sister." With another cold-eyed glance at Hux, he sauntered over to a few blasters lying in front of a small shooting range. "You want to test them, General?"

Ouch, Masir thought, clearly the Zi'daya had caught on to the relationship between his sister and the General. And clearly he was not approving.

Hux threw a questioning look at his Co-Commander, but she did not seem to catch it, too busy with glaring at her brother's back.

As Hux activated one of the blasters and shot a quick round, the sizzle of the bolts hitting the target cut through the low bustle of the production hall. Masir saw a thoughtful look pass over Commander Sa'onserei's features, before she suddenly smiled a bit too innocently. If he were Tayshen y Sa'onserei, he would have become more than a little worried at that look.

Picking up a blaster as well, she turned to her Co-Commander. "You really have to show me that firing stance again, Armitage. I always get it wrong."

There was clear hesitation on Hux' face, the General obviously aware that she was playing some kind of game. But when Sa'onserei aimed at the target, her firing arm drooping so low that even Masir flinched, Hux could not help himself any more and put his arm around hers, correcting her aim.

His Co-Commander immediately seized the opportunity and leaned against him. "Like that?" she asked. "Your stance is a little too narrow." When the General put his other hand on Sa'onserei's hip and slowly moved her in a more accurate position, Masir exchanged a look with Opan. That was getting quite a bit handsy. The expression on Tayshen's face, as he focused on Hux' hand on his sister's hip was fluctuating so quickly between outrage and disgust that for a moment the First Order Captain feared the other man would explode.

"I see," Sa'onserei murmured in a breathless voice. The blaster bolt hit the target with another sizzle. Quite impressive, Masir thought, if one took into account that both Sa'sonserei and Hux were definitely not looking at the firing range any more, too caught up in each other's gaze.

The Zi'daya heir gave a little whoop and laughed. "Now, that wasn't so hard. I probably just needed someone more experienced to show me the correct moves."

"Perhaps you could take your little training session somewhere more private." Her brother's voice held a definite sizzle as well."We will need at least today to analyze the data you brought back. It was scratched up quite badly."

Sa'onserei stepped away from her Co-Commander, clearly satisfied that she had successfully provoked her sibling. "Sorry, we could not guarantee pristine conditions, while running for our lives." She gave him a very wide smile. "But I am sure you will manage." Turning towards the others, she shrugged. "Well, I guess we can use the opportunity for a free day in the city, then."

"Perhaps Captain Opan can assist you with your work," the General's voice was polite but firm. Masir nearly smiled, it seemed despite his fascination with Sa'onserei Hux was no fool after all.

"That is a splendid idea," Sa'onserei winked at her brother. "I know, how you just love help at your lab, Tay." Before he could say anything, she had grabbed Opan's arm and more or less pushed him in the Zi'daya's direction. "Have fun. We will see you later."

Her skirts flowing around her, she linked her arm with that of a mildly protesting Hux, dragging him with her in the direction of the entrance.

Masir looked around. Dopheld had already vanished with Elodia. The troopers were beaming at each other, obviously still disbelieving that they really got a free day.

Tank was talking on his comms, probably discussing a meeting point with Fayth. Pulling out his own comms in order to call Briseis, the captain could not help a grin appearing on his own face.

---

Some day he would strangle his sister, Tay thought, throwing an inconspicuous glance at his unwelcome guest, as they made their way to his lab.

Even after last night's dinner and the confrontation in Selene's rooms – he tried to ignore the guilt flashing through him, as he remembered her stricken look at his accusations - there had still been a part of him that had been strangely incapable of actually picturing her and Hux as lovers. Probably a protecting mechanism of his brain.

Stars, the man was cold. Not a flicker of emotion, even at the fact that some of the people, whose home world he had destroyed, were sitting at the same table. Sure, there had been a small crack in the façade, when Selene was mentioned and when he had snapped at Quell, but apart from that? It had seemed unfathomable that his passionate sister and that man would ever…

Well, after that little show with the blasters he was not wondering any more. He had nearly gagged at the expression in the General's eyes, as he regarded Selene. There were definitely enough emotions there. He shuddered, when he remembered how his sister had looked back at the First Order General. Unfortunately, he could imagine quite well now, what exactly was going on between the two, when they were alone.

Whatever in the blazes of the universe Selene found even remotely attractive about the man.

Fine, Tay threw another covert glance at Captain Opan, he would admit that uniform did wonders for the posture, if you had a thing for strict and imposing, but apart from that? His eyes wandered down a little. And those trousers had a tendency to cling quite interestingly…

"Captain Opan," he said, not even trying to mask his annoyance with his sister's meddling. "Do you have any previous experience with data analysis?"

He would need to find out after all, how closely he would need to watch the blue-eyed Captain, while in his lab. A curious eye color, he mused for a moment, on someone with such dark skin. That combination and those elegant features had probably broken more than one heart onboard the Finalizer. If they even cared for those things in the First Order, he thought derisively.

"I would say so." The look in the Captain's eyes was cool. Probably following his General's example. Or that was just like they were all made in the First Order. "I am responsible for all the data collection and analysis onboard the Finalizer."

Tay paused for a second, before summoning up an insincere smile. "Well, you should be very helpful then, shouldn't you?"

Was Selene completely crazy now? She had not really let Hux sic his spymaster on him.

But then he remembered his sister's glare at him. She might have been just angry enough to do exactly that.

Sometimes he really wished Selene were not Oilena's granddaughter in so many regards.

And now he was saddled with an First Order officer breathing down his neck, while his sister was parading through the city making heart eyes at General Starkiller.

He could only hope she would not run into any council members…or even worse Resistance informants.

Reaching his lab, he went to the two assistants that he had left in charge of reconstructing the data from Venya station, Opan trailing behind him. Tay frowned. Was is it really too much to ask that Selene took a little more care with those things? That poor motherboard had looked, as if someone went at it with a hammer.

"How far are you?" he asked.

Pedrick shook his head, his eyes still on the screen. "We could reconstruct most of the visuals, but audio is a mess and the whole data is completely disjointed. We will have to go through everything manually to find the right recordings."

"How many recordings are there?" Captain Opan had stepped up next to him, curiosity on his lean face.

"The last back up was nearly three months ago. And the station had roughly around two hundred cameras. " Tay ignored the First Order Captain and turned towards his team. "I hope you are all prepared for a little night shift." There were a few good-natured sighs and complaints, but everyone quickly concentrated on their screens. "Pedrick, divide the data between the team."Tay instructed, before making his way to his own console.

"If you have a spare console, I could look through a part of that data as well." Opan's voice was only holding polite helpfulness.

Oh, yes sure. And give you access to our network. I don't think so.

Tay gave the other man a cold smile. "Captain, don't get me wrong. I really appreciate General Hux' offer of help. But you see, our technology is quite different from yours and I don't really think anyone here has time today to show you the ropes. I am sure you will find something else to occupy your time with. Ellesmee is quite beautiful this time of the year."

He turned toward his screen, deeming the topic over.

"Mister Sa'onserei." Stars, were those First Order types for real? Did he look like he was fifty and bald?

"Tayshen is quite alright," he scoffed. "Or if that is too informal for your First Order sensibilities, Sa'onserei will suffice."

Before Opan could answer, one of the new interns placed a cup of caf in front of Tay with an adoring smile on his face, leaning in a little closer than was strictly necessary. "With milk and sugar, as you like it, Tay."

The Zi'daya smiled back absentmindedly. "Thank you, Ozzy."

"Yes, I forgot that about your people. That you are… informal." The way Opan's expression had turned derisive showed quite clearly, what he thought the relationship between Tay and the young man was.

Stars, he never touched the interns. He did have some limits after all. But Mister Prim and Proper was definitely not the first person in the galaxy to call him easy.

"Envy is such an unattractive character trait, Captain." Tay commented softly. "If there is nothing else?"

There was a distinctive sharpening of that blue-eyed gaze. "The agreement between your sister and General Hux does stipulate that certain adjustments are done to some of the blasters. I would like to see how exactly you plan to do that. To make sure, only the right blasters are changed."

Kriff, he had actually planned to only deactivate that program on the blasters for Hux. Who knew how long that alliance would hold after all?

Tay briefly wondered, if Selene had even tried to plant their virus yet. The way their argument had escalated last night, he had not asked her about it. He could only hope his reckless sister was not entertaining any wild ideas of trying to convert Hux to the Resistance. Well, good luck with that. Even if she succeeded on the General's side –and that was a very big if – there probably was no person in the whole galaxy their allies would be less likely to accept as a turncoat than the man responsible for Starkiller Base. Even Kylo Ren would be easier to sell. Did Selene even understand how hated her Co-Commander really was throughout the Galaxy?

It was strange that Oilena had seemed so contend to let everything just play out yesterday evening. His grandmother was obviously playing one of her games. One of those elaborate ones that always ended up with everyone else doing exactly what she wanted without even realizing it.

He did not like it. He did not like it at all.

He raised an eyebrow at the First Order Officer. "Don't trust us? And here I was thinking my sister and your General had such an … amicable relationship."

The smile Opan was flashing at him was pure provocation. "Oh yes, I would say I have seldom seen two people be more amicable with each other. As for trust. I probably trust you as far with those blasters, as you trust me with one of your consoles. Although I do understand your reluctance." There was smug amusement shining in those blue eyes. "I am quite good at unearthing things people want to keep hidden."

Tay felt a thrum of excitement go through him at their exchange. He could not quite resist the temptation to poke back a little. "I don't think you can compare the third rate encryptions you might have found on your previous missions with our level of skill."

The Captain's lips twitched. "Is that a challenge? I have to warn you, Sa'onserei, there has not been a wall so far I have not been able to breach, if I set my mind to it."

Where they actually discussing only hidden information anymore? There was a sparkle in those eyes that hold more than a little interest.

"Well, I can ensure you; you won't be able to breach anything this time." The Zi'daya smiled beatifically at Opan. "And even if you were, of course there would be nothing to find. Since we have nothing to hide from our allies." He leaned over the console next to him and activated it.

"So you are probably right, Captain, no reason why you should not make yourself useful while you are here."

Watching as the Captain sat down at the console with a slightly amused expression on his face, Tay supressed his own discomfort. If he kept a close eye on him, there was not much he could do, was there?

After working on the data for a few minutes and not being able to concentrate, because his gaze kept straying to his distracting neighbor against his will, Tay leaned over and murmured. "I do hope you won't be too heartbroken, if you have to go back to your General empty-handed. Unlike my sister I am not susceptible to that questionable First Order charm."

Opan leaned back on his chair and scrutinized him for a moment. "You know, Sa'onserei, you are not even half as irresistible, as you think you are."

Tay laughed. "That still makes me more irresistible than a lot of other people." He paused. "Wait, you think I am irresistible?"

The blue-eyed officer sighed. "Please, I know a lot of men like you. Always searching for the next conquest. The more challenging, the better. And the moment you have what you want you become bored."

Did his sister brief the man upfront? That had sounded a lot like what she had thrown at him after things with Fayth fell through.

His sister, always thinking she knew everything.

"I sincerely doubt you know somebody like me," he said arrogantly. "Did you not spent your whole life on one flying First Order tin can or the other?"

Something flashed in Opan's eyes. "People are people. Wherever they have grown up."

Stars, that sounded like something Rhea would have said. He definitely did not need that 'we are all connected' bantha crap now. It would only make him feel guilty.

"Well, I still think you are only so critical towards me, because you want to hide the fact that you find me interesting, Captain."

"Are those delusions contagious? Because then I would prefer to sit further away." Opan's voice was dry.

"I get that a lot," Tay said very earnestly. "People having to keep their distance in order to not jump me."

"Stars above," there was a little exasperation in the First Order officer's voice, but a smile was playing around his lips.

Tay hid a smile of his own. Fine, he would admit there was a strange thrill in getting under that prim First Order veneer.

And yes Captain Opan looked disturbingly handsome, when he smiled like that.

In a disgusting First Order way, of course.

And Tay was definitely not contemplating, how to make it happen again.

---

Letting his Co-Commander drag him outside the Research and Development building quite reluctantly, Armitage Hux threw a slightly annoyed glance back at where his crew had vanished.

"Selene, I really don't think…"

She started to cross the plaza in front of the building with such quick steps that he nearly had to jog to keep up with her. "Don't get all worked up, Armitage. I am sure your troopers will manage one day without your supervision."

He nearly sighed. His troopers that were out of armor again. And now traipsing all over town. He had been right to fear that allowing an exception yesterday evening would only lead to more rule breaking.

Taking in Selene's agitated expression, Hux gave her a questioning look. "Care to explain what that was just now?" The way she had basically rubbed their relationship into her brother's face had definitely been new. Something must have happened between her leaving him last night and this morning to bring this on. After all they had agreed that they would keep their dalliance under wraps. But then they had also said that this was only sex and last night…

Had definitely bent that rule quite far. He might argue that she had slipped up first, but then that had been in the heat of the moment and he…

He had fallen asleep all tangled up with her. Something that had never happened before. With anyone. Ever.

And when he had woken up and realized it, he had not even been perturbed by it. No, he had wanted her to stay, had wanted to wake up with her by his side in the morning, her soft smile the first thing he would see. Because having her next to him had felt surprisingly …right.

Kriff, this was veering into very inadvisable territory.

He had been correct, he thought, when he had judged starting anything with Selene noe Sa'onserei madness, because he would not be able to keep a clear head.

When she ignored his previous question, he finally grabbed her arm slowing her down. "Where are you even going?"

She gave him an annoyed glance over her shoulder. "I need a caf." She pointed in the direction ahead. "There is a very good caf shop down that road."

Realizing he would probably not get anything out of her without indulging her first, Hux let her guide him to a small, cozy looking shop entrance.

"Oi Selene, you're back. That's great." There was only one person inside, a tall blonde, whose disheveled hair nearly brushed his shoulders and who beamed widely at seeing the Zi'daya heir enter. He leaned over the counter, completely concentrated on her, brown eyes sparkling. "You want your usual?"

"Oh hi…Marvin." His Co-Commander was smiling back quite enthusiastically, Hux noted. "Yes, that would be great, thank you."

The young man started to press a few buttons on the machine behind him, before looking over at the General, as if he had just realized that he was also there. "And what can I bring you, sir?"

Hux shook his head. "I don't drink caf."

"Because you have no taste." Selene laughed and patted his arm. "But don't worry I will get you some tea later."

Hux saw the other man take in the way his Co-Commander's hand rested on his arm with narrowed eyes.

"What do I own you?" Selene asked, reaching for her pocket.

"Oh, don't worry that one is on the house." The blonde Zi'daya placed the caf in front of her with a nearly blinding smile. "For the brightest star on Ellesmee! It is good to have you back, Sel!"

The General had to fight to keep his expression under control. Really?

But to his surprise Selene actually blushed a little and laughed. "Oh, you are impossible, Marvin. But thank you!" She turned to Hux, her golden eyes still shining. "Let's go to Nebula square. The view from there is brilliant."

As he followed her to a small open space next to the cliff, that really allowed a spectacular view over the city, Hux could not keep himself from frowning a little.

"Are all your people always that familiar with you?"

Selene sat down on a narrow wall bordering the square and indicated for him to sit next to her, before taking a deep swallow of her caf, her eyes closing in obvious pleasure. While the sun was already bright up in the sky, the air was still slightly crisp from the night.

"You would prefer them to freeze in awe instead?" there was something like amusement in her eyes, when she finally answered him.

"No, but…" Hux looked away, not quite sure, why the young man's familiarity with her had unnerved him so. "He was quite blatantly flirting with you," he blurted out, immediately realizing that might have been a mistake.

"Ah," the gold of Selene's eyes sparkled wildly. "I assume you would not have found his behavior so improper, if he was a nice older lady instead of a good-looking young man."

Wait, she actually thought that ungroomed boy good-looking? The intense unease he felt at the thought made him comment rather derisively. "Well, you should not let him get his hopes up in vain by encouraging that behavior."

The fair Zi'daya tilted her head, her smile that of a playful feline. "Why in vain? I am single after all and you never know what may happen."

"Selene…" Hux growled, not amused in the least. Her smile deepened. Kriff, she was just provoking him.

Leaning closer to him, she let one finger trail along his cheek. "Mhh, what brought that on?" She tipped his nose slightly and grinned. "Are you perhaps a little jealous, General?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I am definitely not," he snapped, feeling uncomfortably caught. "I am merely…"

But she stopped him with her finger to his lips, fire in her gaze. "Don't ruin it now."

And then she crossed the distance between them, her lips touching his, sending a spark through him. He should have stopped her immediately, kissing in a public place, even if they had been alone so far, was a very bad idea. Instead, he buried his hands in her hair and kissed her back fervently, plundering her mouth, as he pulled her towards him. The way she put one leg over his lap, his hand slipping under her skirt to find her warm skin, would have probably been cause for a case of indecent behavior in public, if someone had happened upon them.

"Kriff," she murmured after a while, moving her lips away from his. "We are going to get caught." She got up with a slightly breathless laugh, leaving him with his head reeling more than a little.

Somewhere in between Selene had let go of the kriffing caf, it spilling all over the stones now. Hux did not even feel any remorse at the sight.

Taking his hand, she helped him up. "Let's take the cable car down the cliff into town."

As she led him to an ancient looking contraption a bit further along the cliff, the small wagons swinging freely in the air, he frowned. "Is this even safe?"

Selene rolled her eyes and bought two tickets from a smiling conductor. "It has been in operation for over two centuries. Of course it is." That was what he had feared.

Despite his misgivings, he let her steer him into a wagon, sitting down opposite her, his stomach lurching slightly, as it started moving. He watched her, as she was looking out of the window, her eyes soft.

She looked like summer incarnate today, he thought, in her bright skirts, her hair tumbling in soft waves around her shoulders.

So beautiful and young. He could not help wanting to touch that brightness, loose himself in that warmth.

And what in the blazes of the universe was he doing? Pretending that he actually could have something real with her? Stars, he was more delusional than that caf shop boy.

"Selene," Hux said solemnly, making her look over at him. "You realize we can't really run around playing tourists for a day. There are countless things…"

"When was the last time you took a day off?" Her eyes met his, their expression beseeching. "And I mean a real day off. Not doing some shady business for the First Order." He honestly could not remember. "Come on, Armitage. Who knows what will happen. That might be the last chance."

The General looked out of the window for a moment, absentmindedly noting were the most important landmarks were located in town. As beautiful as Ellesmee looked, it was actually a nightmare regarding defenses he mused and it would be all too easy…

When he realized what he was doing, he stopped himself, angry at his own thoughts.

Selene gave him a sassy smile. "Would it help if you pretended that this is some kind of reconnaissance mission?" Her eyes flashed and she leaned closer to him. "You could try to seduce all our secret defenses out of me." She glanced out of the window to the giant tree. "I would advise you to go for the heart immediately, if it ever comes to it. It will break any further opposition." She tilted her head. "But then you probably already know that."

He stared at her, aghast. "Don't joke about that."

Her smile turned more than a little sad. "Someone once said we joke in order not to cry. I always found that very apt."

She shook her head. "Now, we both know the city is impossible to defend. In a bombardment the trees will go up like cinder." She took a deep breath. "If the Order ever moves against us, we are done for." Her fingers trailed along the glass, as if she wanted to touch the city below. "It's fragile. Like most beautiful things."

If he were a better man, he would let her be. This could only end in a catastrophe.

However, there was a desperate, needy part of him that was longing for even a small touch of her light, as pathetic as it probably was.

Would it really be so bad to give in for a day?

He caught her fingers, tangling them with his. "And you want to pretend that all of that does not matter today?"

She smiled at him, that brilliant smile that caressed him with its warmth. "Yes, let's pretend. We can be just a boy and a girl. Having a free day in town." She pressed his fingers for a second. "Just Selene and Armitage."

He liked the sound of that words a lot more than he should. With a slight smile, he pressed her fingers back.

Not letting go of his hand, she dragged him out of the cable car, the moment it came to a stop at the station. To Hux' amusement, she took her role as tour guide rather seriously, pointing out the sights to him and explaining Ellesmee's history in the last centuries, as they strolled through town.

Up close, the General was even more impressed than before. The streets were bright and airy, interspersed by vegetation and not at all like the hectic buzzle and oppressive dim of the Core World cities, he knew. Nonetheless, people were at work everywhere, shops and craft stores busy with customers. The Zi'daya were a proud, but friendly people, he noted, many greeting Selene with a smile and a few words in their melodious language, but no one being in any way subservient towards her.

While his uniform did garner a few looks, nobody commented, her people obviously sure that Selene knew what she was doing.

After some time Selene steered him into a smaller alley and towards a distinctive green door. "That is where I got your tea." She smiled. "They have a really nice courtyard in the back. We can have lunch here."

As she had promised, the courtyard was beautiful, a lot of small, secluded seating places around a big jacinda tree, the red and golden leaves giving them shade to Hux' relief. While the climate on Ellesmee was quite temperate, it was summer and it had started to become more than a little warm under his uniform jacket.

The shop owner, a colorfully dressed woman in her forties, perked up immediately, when Selene mentioned that the tea she had bought some time ago had been for him. "Oh, a fellow tea enthusiast," she said happily. "Unfortunately, most people on Ellesmee are only fond of that oversweetened caf concoctions." She went along an impressive row of jars holding hundreds of different tealeaves. "Mmm, if you like tarine tea, I might interest you in that one. White tea from Yocanda."

She brewed him a cup to try, while Selene picked out their lunch, before they sat down at one of the more secluded tables.

"Oh, that is really good," Hux commented, as he tried their food, a salad mixed with fruits and spicy meat, the taste exotic, but really nice. The fruits were actually amazing, incredible fresh and sweet. It had been some time since he had any food that had not been kept in cryo storage onboard of a starship. As good as the cooks on the Finalizer were, something fresh did taste quite different.

Selene smiled. "And here I thought you were only fond of nutritional milk."

He scoffed. "Please, no one is fond of that. It tastes like crap."

The Zi'daya laughed. "So what are you favorite foods then?"

It was funny Hux mused, as he answered her. Normally he hated small talk, but with her it was kind of easy. Perhaps, because he was really interested in what she thought about things…

"…You honestly think Ewoks are creepy?" An hour later, they had long finished their meal and were just talking. Hux laughed at Selene's last answer, which planet she liked least in the galaxy. "Oh come on, they might be cute looking on the outside, but I swear they are hiding something. They are probably cannibals or something gruesome like that," she grinned at him. "And which planet do you like best?"

Hux paused for a moment. It wasn't, as if he had spent much time in his life planetside. And when he had, it had not been for any joyous occasions.

"Arkanis, probably. From what I remember, it was a little bit like Ellesmee, fresh air, the sea…But perhaps I would actually be disappointed, if I ever returned."

"Mmh, or it would feel just like home." Selene gave him a pensive look. "I am not more creative. I would probably say Ellesmee. Or perhaps Solei. My family owns a house there, directly on the beach. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen," she grinned. "I should take you there one day."

She suddenly paused, the grin vanishing from her face, obviously remembering, who she was really talking too.

Clearing her throat, she used her fork to capture one last piece of dessert on her plate, clearly trying to change the topic. "You are sure you don't want to try the chocolate cake? You liked it the last time."

"Fine," he gave in with a small sigh and obediently opened his mouth, when she reached over to feed him. There was distinctive heat in her gaze, as she watched him lick the chocolate of her fork. "Perhaps…" she said slowly.

"Selene! What a surprise to find you here. And in such company!"

A loud voice interrupted them suddenly, the owner, a portly grey-haired woman in her sixties, stepping closer to their table. Her companion, a pale thin blonde ten years her junior, followed her with a curious expression on her face.

"Councilor Galdonia, Councilor Atemis." Selene slowly put the fork back on her plate, her face holding a softly pleasant expression, as if it was quite normal to be caught feeding a General of the most threatening military force in the Galaxy chocolate cake.

The two women just smiled politely, not batting an eye, so for the Zi'daya it perhaps was?

"We have just returned to Ellesmee in the course of the mission we discussed in the council. I was using the opportunity to show General Hux the city."

"Ah, yes. The Shue has already promised us a detailed mission report in the next council meeting." Galdonia's smile grew a little wider, as she turned to him. "Well, you could not get a better person to show you the charms of Ellesmee, General. Always so enthusiastic, our Selene."

Or they were just really good at sending out hidden messages.

His Co-Commander only smiled again, obviously hoping the two would vanish, but Atemis tilted her head in question like a bird, her blue eyes blinking.

"You will come to the festival of the arts district this evening?" She fluttered her hands animatedly. "Everyone will be so excited that we have guests."

Selene paused for a moment, but then nodded. "Of course we will. I would never miss it."

Galdonia took her fellow councilwoman by the arm, preparing to leave. "That is good to hear." She winked. "You can't keep the young man all for yourself after all."

Selene made a noncommittal sound and waved at the two in parting. The moment they were through the door, she sighed. "Let's pay quickly. Before more council members turn up here."

"Did you like the tea?" the shop owner inquired when they went to the counter. "Oh, yes, it's very good." Not as bitter as tarine tea, but very subtle.

Selene gave the woman a smile. "If you could pack a batch for him? And put everything on my personal account."

"What? Selene wait…" As he caught the tea's price on the jar, Hux shook his head. "You can't…"

But his Co-Commander just grabbed the bag and pushed it in his hand, ignoring his protests.

As they left the shop, she grinned at him. "Don't worry. The last tea I bought you was more than double that price. And you already drank that one."

"You should not buy me things that expensive," he grumbled.

"Why not? Afraid you will be accused of being corruptible?" She laughed. "Or that people will say you are my kept man?"

"Very funny." He shook his head at her antics. "I did not know we are going to a festival tonight. Anything you want to tell me regarding those council members?"

Selene shrugged. "The ruling family is always invited, so yes it might be prudent to go. As for the council members. Atemis is harmless. Galdonia not so much. For all her grandmotherly looks, she is a shrewd one. Head of house Finance. She has argumented vehemently in favor of First Order support in the past." She tilted her head. "Are you paying her?"

Hux smiled. "No, actually not. Perhaps the woman is just intelligent. After all, she got you quite right. You can be very… enthusiastic."

"Ha," his Co-Commander raised her eyebrow. "If I were you, I would not be so cheeky. Or I might deliberate if I will ever be …enthusiastic ever again with you."

"Now," he leaned a little closer to her, letting his breath caress the skin under her ear. "that would be punishing yourself, wouldn't it be?"

She closed her eyes for a moment, slowly licking her lips, before looking along the road again. "There is actually one other place I wanted to show you."

With those words she led him to another part of town. Here the streets were narrower, the shops actually open in the direction of the street, craftmakers and artisans working on the pieces the customers could buy. When they reached the shop Selene had obviously been searching for, Hux knew immediately, his eyes catching on several finely made knifes.

His Co-Commander smiled, when she saw the interested expression on his face. "They are a little like your blade, aren't they?" she said.

"Mmh," he murmured, letting his finger trail over an especially impressive blade nearly reverently.

"Can I help you?" The weapon smith, an older, grizzled-looking man, had come over to them from his workstation.

Hux paused. He actually did not need another blade for himself. But…his thoughts returned to that moment on Venya, when Selene had been attacked. He would probably feel calmer, if she had another weapon besides her blaster.

He led his monomolecular blade slip out of the hidden sheath in his uniform sleeve. "Something like this, only smaller?"

The old Zi'daya's eyes gleamed in appreciation. "That's a fine blade. Made on Ganthel?"

"Yes." Hux nodded. The man obviously knew his blades.

The weapon smith took it from him and let it snap open two more times. "A perfect blend of technology and craftsmanship. There is a slight catch in the mechanism, though. Nothing major, but you should have let it done, before using it again."

Hux frowned. "Could you do it?"

"Sure, it won't take long. You can already have a look at the blades in that row. There should be something like you search for there." The Zi'daya took the blade to his workstation, starting to work on it immediately.

Selene stepped next to him, as Hux scrutinized the weapons. "Where did you get your blade from? It means somethings to you, doesn't it?" she asked curiously.

"It was a gift from Grand Admiral Sloane. To celebrate my graduation from the Academy." There was a small engraving along the side of the blade. 'Through order we achieve peace.' Hux threw a look at Selene. "It has saved my life quite a few times."

"Mmmh," Her eyes were pensive. "You have quite the regard for the Grand Admiral, don't you?"

Hux nodded absentmindedly, as he tested one of the blades. "I own a lot to her. And she is one of the most admirable Commanders the Order ever had." He sighed. "Things might have turned out quite differently, if she had become the Order's leader."

"Oh, that is beautiful." Selene reached for an elegant blade, inlayed with small gemstones that shone in nearly the exact color of her eyes and diamonds. Hux had passed it over as too feminine looking for his tastes, but now that he thought about it, it suited her really well.

He looked up, as the weapon smith returned with his blade. "How much is this one?"

The answer made him blink for a moment. "Wait," Selene interrupted. "You can't buy me something that expensive."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "But you could? With the way you get in danger constantly, I would feel better, if you had a good weapon."

"You can't fault a man for that," the old Zi'daya commented.

Selene looked at the blade with more than a little longing on her face. "I don't know…that is probably nearly a month's wages."

What did she think he earned at the First Order? That was going more in the direction of half a year's income. But then it was not, as if he did anything else with the money.

He plucked the blade from her hands and passed it to the shop owner. "Do you have a matching sheath for it?"

Selene put a hand on his arm. "I think I would need something else. I don't wear my uniform all that often after all."

The Weapon smith gave her a smile and retrieved a smooth leather sheath from a shelf. "Most ladies prefer this in those cases. You can wear it around your thigh or your arm, as the occasion warrants."

"Oh," Selene's eyes lightened up. "Elodia does it like that." She threw a challenging grin at Hux. "Well, want to help me put it on?"

Five minutes later, after the old Zi'daya had told them they would have more privacy in the back of the workshop with a very amused expression on his weathered face, Hux found himself on one knee on front of his Co-Commander, his heartbeat speeding up considerably, as she raised her skirt for him. He could not resist the temptation to let his hands wander over the smooth skin of her leg, as he positioned the knife sheath on her thigh.

She breathed in deeply. "Mmmh, thank you for the knife," she murmured. "My pleasure," Hux answered softly. With a quick glance to check, if they were undisturbed, he bent forward to let his lips follow the path of his hands, drawing a sigh from her. The thought that she would wear the knife he had bought her at such an intimate place, was more than a little satisfactory, he had to admit.

After teasing her a bit, a telling flush appearing on her cheeks, he got up again not able to keep a smug smile from his face. "You can show me the rest of your gratitude later."

Selene swatted at him, but laughed. When they left the shop, she pointed towards the end of the road. "Do you want to see the beach? It is not far from here anymore."

He nodded, actually feeling excitement flash through him. It had been a few years since he had last seen the sea.

He could actually smell its scent in the air some time, before they saw it. A strangely familiar scent that made long forgotten memories whisper at the edge of his mind.

A tender hand holding his, as he padded eagerly along the water's edge, jumping back every now and then, when the next wave crashed, with an excited squeal. The cries of some avian creatures in the air, as the strong wind blew threw his hair, icy cold on his skin, until someone deposited a woolen cap on his head with a laugh.

As they passed the last row of buildings, he could finally hear it as well, the rhythmic sound of the waves breaking on the shore. Despite the good weather, there was a slight wind blowing here today as well, making the sea a little agitated.

As they made their way down a small path that led to the water's edge, they had both fallen silent. Hux caught up in fragments of memories, while Selene had obviously noticed the change in his mood, her eyes soft, as she watched him.

"Are you not too warm?" she asked. "You should take off your uniform jacket." He gave her a look, shaking his head. "Definitely not."

"Well, I will put my feet in," she commented, throwing off her shoes and gathering her skirt in one hand to keep it away from the water.

Hux watched her with a slight smile, as she splashed into the water, shrieking at the first touch. "Uh, that's cold." She got in a bit further. "But really refreshing."

She glanced back at him and motioned for him to join her. "Come on, Armitage. At least your feet." She cupped some water with her hand and threw it in the air, the drops glistening. Her laugh was joyous and her eyes shone. "Or I will have to call you a chicken."

Hux sighed, not really able to deny her any request, when she looked like that. "Fine, but no splashing." After getting off his boots and carefully rolling up his uniform trousers to her delighted whoop, he buried his feet in the warm sand for a moment, the sensation surprisingly nice. The first touch of the water on his skin was as cold as he had feared, but as Selene had said it soon felt mostly refreshing.

Selene beamed at him, as he reached her in the water. "And? Is it so bad to let me convince you to do something out of line?" she asked.

For a long moment, he just took in her face: those shining golden eyes, a soft flush of excitement on her cheeks, her lips smiling at him. Her words from earlier flashed through his head. So fragile. Like most beautiful things.

"No," he breathed. "I just wished it could last."

His words froze her expression.

"We are not making such a big mistake, aren't we?" There was suddenly a stark vulnerability in her golden eyes, sending a jolt through Hux' heart.

His hand went to her face, his fingers slowly trailing along her cheek, strands of her fair hair being tangled around them by the wind.

"Selene," Kriff, he wanted to…

"Aunt Selene!" the excited voices of several children cut through the moment, making them both look over to the shore. Hux had only a second to step backwards, before they splashed through the water, throwing themselves at the Zi'daya heir.

After a surprised intake of breath, Selene laughed loudly in joy, grabbing the smallest child and swirling her through the air, the two boys jumping up and down excitedly next to them.

"My favorite little troublemakers." Carrying the little girl back to the shore, his Co-Commander stroked the boys' hair, her face happy.

When the children had calmed down, she turned back to him, motioning to the three dark-haired children. "Taran, Kieran and Alona. My brother's children." The oldest was around the age their recruits normally started the stormtrooper training program at, his siblings each a few years younger.

Selene looked along the beach. "Ah, there is Deacon. I actually really have to talk with him. If you will excuse me." And with those words, she was gone, making her way over to her brother.

And leaving him with three big-eyed children that were staring at him in open curiosity. The middle boy actually walked around him, before leaning closer to his brother, whispering something.

"I am sure your aunt will return soon," Hux said, feeling strangely insecure. His contact with children in the Order had always been minimal.

"Are you a monster?" The oldest boy's voice was questioning, as he looked at him with dark eyes.

"What?"

"I told you. He doesn't have a tail," the middle one interrupted, his voice annoyed.

"Yeah, but Grandpa says all First Order people are monsters," the older one insisted.

"But all monster have tails. Everyone knows that," his brother gave him a shove.

"Monster. Tail. Grrr. Grrr," the little girl growled and tried to bite into her brother's leg.

Oh, stars.

Hux stared at the waves, unsure what to say.

"No, I am not a monster," he muttered after a while.

"Have you ever seen a monster?" the oldest asked again, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.

Hux hesitated for a moment.

"Mmh, well, actually on my homeworld Arkanis there are those very big sea creatures called Naga and some people…"

---

Tank threw another look at his comms, as he stood in front of the Research and Development building, waiting for Fayth to arrive. The Zi'daya lieutenant had told him he would not need long, a cheerful tone to his voice that indicated that he had something planned.

"Are you searching for something?" a melodious voice interrupted his thoughts, making him look up. A slim, dark-haired girl stood a few feet away, smiling at him, the lab coat she was wearing indicating she was working in the center. Two other girls stood a bit further down the way, whispering with each other, obviously her friends.

Tank gave her slightly confused look. "Mmh, no thank you miss." He smiled. "I am just waiting for a friend."

She grinned, looking him up and down. "Well, if your friend does not turn up…"

Before she could finish her sentence, the distinct sound of a hoverbike sounded over the plaza. The bike drove over to them swiftly, the rider bringing it to a stop directly in front of Tank.

"There you are!" Tank had to swallow a little at the way Fayth' lean legs hugged that bike. The Zi'daya lieutenant pulled off his helmet, a bright grin on his face.

The girl that had talked with him, returned to her friends with a shrug. "Typical!"

Fayth gave the stormtrooper sergeant a look, his dark eyes glittering. "Already collecting fans?"

Tank blinked and laughed. "Where are we going?"

Fayth shook his head. "It's a surprise!" He got another helmet out from underneath his seat and motioned behind himself. "So hop on."

Feeling slightly insecure Tank did so, not knowing for a moment where to put his hands. Fayth chuckled, taking them and placing them on his hips without any hesitation.

"You will definitely have to hold on."

And with that they were off, the sudden acceleration making Tank's heartrate speed up considerable. Although that might have had something to do with the way, Fayth's body pressed against his at every curve he drove the hoverbike through.

Soon they had left the city behind, the elegant buildings giving way to the broad river on the one side and green, rolling hills on the other. Tank had begun to wonder, where Fayth was taking them, when he finally took a turn to the right. They had reached a cluster of low builidings, many of them with big glass windows on all the sides, in the middle of a spacious garden.

The Zi'daya lieutenant stopped the bike and turned to Tank with a smile. "This is the Zi'daya center for botany. I have a friend here who can let us inside the greenhouses." His face turned a little unsure suddenly. "I thought you might like it? I mean if you would have preferred to go into the city…"

Tank quickly shook his head. He was a little overwhelmed that Fayth had put so much thought into this. "No, this is perfect."

Fayth smiled. "Good. Then let's go."

As they made their way over to the greenhouses, Tank asked. "So you had some things to do for the Commander last evening and this morning?"

The lieutenants face closed up for a moment and then he sighed. "I actually might not have said the truth about that." He looked at the path in front of them, a pained expression on his features. "As cowardly as it is, I just tried to avoid an ex-boyfriend."

"Oh," Tank stared at him. But who…

"Yeah," Fayth frowned. "Tayshen y Sa'onserei and I have been … a thing for a while, I guess. But it did not work out, so…"

Tank felt his heart sink. So Fayth had practically been dating the Zi'daya prince.

He threw an inconspicuous glance at his companion, wondering at his intentions suddenly. Sure, it had felt, as if they were flirting now and then, but he…

He was just a stormtrooper sergeant and Fayth clearly so far out of his league that it was not even funny.

"I'm sorry." Tank cleared his throat, reailizing how that sounded. "I mean I am not. I mean I am sorry that you felt bad?"

But Fayth winked at him. "Don't worry. I am kind of already forgetting about him."

He waved at the nearest house, a young man dressed all in browns and greens waiting in front of it. "Ah hi Jeremy, thanks for letting us have a look today."

After talking with Fayth's friend for a while, Tank deeply impressed by his knowledge about all sorts of plants, they entered the first greenhouse.

Tank breathed in deeply, feeling a little dizzy at all the green around him. Following Fayth along the path he tried to take everything in. This was amazing.

"You actually missed quite the dinner yesterday," he commented. "Oh, really? What happened?" there was curiosity on the lieutenants' face.

After recounting the events while walking through the greenhouse, Tank realized that Fayth was frowning, obviously concerned about something.

"You are worried. About the Commander?"

Fayth nodded his dark eyes solemn. "Whatever there is between General Hux and her. It can only end badly."

Tank swallowed. "You know, it might be surprising, but I really think the General…he might…"

Fayth sighed. "You might even be right. But it doesn't change things." Something dark passed through his eyes for a moment. "Selene is still the Zi'daya heir. She has a duty. And in the end she will have to do what is best for her people. Whatever she or he may feel."

Tank stared at him. That had sounded more than a little sad.

But then Fayth shook himself and smiled again, his eyes twinkling. He pointed at a door leading to the next greenhouse. "I actually saved the best for last."

Tank followed him through the door, anticipation drumming in his veins.

There were flowers all around them. Bright and colorful. So many. More than he had even seen. And the air was oppressively humid.

The colors began to flash and swirl around him, his breaths turning to painful gasps. This was just all too much and he couldn't… He couldn't breath.

"Sit down." Firm hands supported him, helping him down. The room still spinning around him, he was dimly aware of Fayth rubbing soothing circles on his back, his voice speaking in a calming tone.

"I am sorry." Tank murmured after a while his eyes on his knees, feeling more than a little ashamed for his weakness. "I completely ruined this."

Fayth sighed, his hand on his back continuing its soft circles. "No, it isn't your fault. If anything, it is mine. I should have considered that this might be a bit…overwhelming."

After a few more deep breaths, Tank sat up a little, actually really taking the green house in for the first time. The intense colors made his head buzz for a moment again, but he concentrated on separate flowers and that did the trick his mind calming down.

He got up and walked around slowly, trying to take in more details. Those small blue flowers that looked like stars near the floor and those bright yellow ones that were growing along a tree stump. And near the waterfall there were some that shone in such a bright red, they seemed to glow.

Soon he was clambering all over the path, ducking here and there, discovering new plants and flowers in every corner. He could feel a big grin on his face. He would have never imagined something like this could exist.

After a while, he realized he had not looked at his companion for minutes. As he did so, he found Fayth leaning against a tree patiently and watching him, a slight smile on his face.

"I am sorry, I completely forgot time." Still, he could not help beaming again at the wonders around him. "It is just…this is such a wonderful sight!"

"And so is this," Fayth had stepped closer to him, his brown eyes warm, as he touched his face. "I think that is the first time, I see a real smile on your face." And then he crossed the distance between them and pressed his lips to Tank's.

The stormtrooper froze for a moment, surprise flashing through him. It quickly morphed into excitement, but before he could react, the Zi'daya lieuteneant had leaned back, insecurity on his bronze face. With a slight flush, he murmured. "I am sorry, I did not want to overstep…"

"No." Tank stopped him with short gesture. "I was just surprised. That is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me." He took a deep breath. "Thank you."

Warmth flooding every fiber of his being he let his hand wander into the other man's dark hair, drawing him closer for another kiss.

---

Selene tried to reign in her emotions, as she made her way over to her oldest brother, who sat a few hundred feet further down the beach, his bare feet comfortably buried in the warm sand in front of him.

She knew her behavior today had probably been anything but wise. Tay's accusations from last night would have made many people pause and reconsider their actions. In her they had awakened a strange urge to behave even more reckless. Blast all the consequences.

However, there was more than a little desperation mixed into the defiance she felt.

She looked back over her shoulder to the point, where she had left her Co-Commander with her nephews and niece.

The fun they had today, had nearly made her forget, who she was actually spending her time with. She had brought a wolf in her house and now she was in danger of lowering all her defenses like a fool.

But while her head was warning her, there remained a strange longing in her heart to get closer to him.

He saw her. Selene.

Not Oilena's granddaughter. Not Rhea's heir. And definitely not the most sought after bachelorette in the galaxy. Just her.

And while she had joked earlier, that her people were not the kind to treat her with much reference, that had not been completely true. Who and what she was always colored any interactions she had, especially with men. There were actually two types in her experience. Those that were intimidated by her reputation and completely awkward, when talking to her. And then those that saw her as a prize they wanted to win, bragging and paying her outlandish compliments. Both cases were thoroughly exhausting.

That was not how Armitage treated her, though. She suspected she would never get any flattery from him. No, if he said something appreciating there was always a cool undertone in his voice, indicating this was just an honest assessment. And he was after all not shy in criticizing her. He saw her as an equal and not a conquest or someone on a pedestal.

It made her feel…

It should not matter what it made her feel, because this was turning into insanity.

"Hi Deacon," she murmured, sitting down next to him. "Hey, little star," he answered, softly bumping her shoulder.

She laughed. "You have not called me that in years," she commented. "Mmh," he said his brown eyes warm. "Seemed fitting. You have a glow around you."

He did not add anything else though, not even a questioning look. In contrast to the rest of the family Deacon was definitely the most balanced, his good-natured attitude very rarely wavering. He was like Dad, Selene thought. Calm. Contend with his lot in life. And he would never grill her about anything. If she did not want to talk about it, he would let it rest, until she was ready.

"I am sorry about yesterday evening," she gave him an apologetic look. "If I had known what grandmother planned I would have told you in advance that I would bring the First Order to dinner. It might have been less stressful for Mel, if she had not attended."

He shook his head. "You know grandmother. If she has put her mind to something it is impossible to get her to reconsider. Mel is just anxious that you might be upset with her."

"Stars no. Of course not," Selene touched his arm. "I will come over for a visit before I leave, just to calm her down."

"That would be nice," Deacon smiled at her.

"Why are you even here? I would have expected you on Terenia."

He gave her a look. "Grandmother insisted on it. She is more worried than she wants to admit about those attacks. I will actually leave again in a few days. I only brought Mel and the kids. I thought it might be nice for her to have her mother close by before the little one is born. The last two months are always the most exhausting."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure having her parents around will help?"

Deacon rolled his eyes. "Well, I caught Quell telling his wife, he was glad nobody expected them to live with us on Terenia in our cow shed, as he called it. Ellesmee is at least half way civilized, in his opinion."

"Charming!" The farmhouse her brother, Mel and the children lived in on their agriculture planet was one of the most cozy and wonderful places Selene had ever been to, but trust the Quells to have no appreciation for something like that. "Four children and eight years and he hasn't changed."

Her brother laughed. "He still calls me Outer Rim riff raff, when he thinks I can't hear him." There was a twinkle in his eyes. "So my pity yesterday evening was not very pronounced." His eyes turned pensive as he glanced over at the children. "They love the kids, though."

As he took in the way all three were sitting around Hux on the sand, him obviously telling them some kind of story, he frowned slightly. "Is that a good idea?"

Selene looked over as well. Hopefully, whatever he told them was age appropriate. Alona was only three after all. "He would never do anything to them."

"Mmh, I am their father and I want to strangle them regularly," Deacon commented. "He is quite good at it, though. I don't think I have seen them sit still for more than five minutes ever before."

Selene felt a little surprise at that. She did not think her Co-Commander had a lot experience with children. As they watched, Kieran, always the biggest troublemaker of the three, jumped up and started to pull on Hux' arm. After a moment, his siblings joined him, clearly pleading with him to do something. While the General shook his head a few times, he did get up finally, obviously not able to deny them. Selene could relate. Those three were experts at using the puppy eye look on everyone unsuspecting.

When her Co-Commander started to stomp along the beach after the excitedly squealing children, his hands raised in mock threat, Selene's eyes widened. "What is he doing?"

"Playing the sea monster, I would guess," Deacon said with amusement in his voice. "Stars, Mel is going to have my hide, when she finds out."

"Well, don't tell her," Selene could imagine that having the man, who destroyed her home planet, play with her children, would only upset her sister in law.

Her brother raised an eyebrow at her, pointing over. "With those tattletales? No chance."

His eyes turned soft, as he regarded her. "Hey, are you okay?"

For long seconds Selene stared at the waves, not sure how to answer him, too many conflicting thoughts in her head.

"I fear I am caught up in that loop of making one shitty decision after the other," she murmured at the end, letting some sand rinse through her fingers absentmindedly.

Deacon chuckled. "Welcome to adult life."

She gave him a look. "Is that supposed to be uplifting?"

"You want some uplifting advice?" he grinned. "Take every day as it comes. And always choose the option that is a little bit less shitty."

They were interrupted by a loud splash and the shrieking laughter of the children. When Selene looked over, she nearly did a double take. While Taran, Kieran and Alona where jumping up and down in the shallow part of the water excitedly, her Co-Commander had obviously lost his footing in some sand hole and gone completely under water. As she watched, he got up again cursing vehemently. "Oh stars, I have to save him," she commented, standing up quickly, Deacon following her.

Reaching the children, she had to hide her laugh behind her hand at the sight of the General. His uniform was soaked through and he was blinking hectically, as he tried to shake the seawater out of his hair.

"We slayed the sea monster," Taran commented triumphantly, his siblings whooping.

"That is great," Deacon said, putting an arm around his eldest son. "I am sorry, General."

Hux shook his head, blushing a little. "Don't be. It was my own kriffing fault. I stumbled."

"Language," Selene admonished with a grin, no longer able to hide her glee. "You look like a disgruntled cat. A wet disgruntled cat."

Her Co-Commander opened his mouth to retort something, but before he could do so, suddenly something shoved her and she went into the water as well, stumbling into the same hidden sand hole he had fallen into.

When she emerged again, spluttering, it was to a laughing Kieran, his eyes bright in excitement. "Sneak attack!"

"Oh you little…" she started after him, completely soaked as well, her hair and skirt dripping, making him shriek.

The sound of the General laughing made her look over at him. Time slowed down, as she just stared at him. There was real joy shining in his eyes, their intense green as bright as a gemstone. The sun caught in the fiery red of his hair, making it shine. Something about the carefree look on his face, the genuine happiness she saw there, made her draw in a deep breath. Oh, how she wished she could capture this moment and hold on to it. Even just for a while. She…

"Selene?" The tone of her brother's voice indicated, he had not called her name for the first time. "Oh sorry, yes?"

There was a knowing look on Deacon's face, as he glanced from her to Hux, but he did not comment. "You two probably want to get some dry clothes. We will see each other on the festival tonight?"

After she had nodded in assent and they had said goodbye to him and the children, Selene and Hux made their way in the direction of the city again.

"I have to say I am surprised. You were very good with the little ones," she said with a smile, while trying to wring a little water out of her wet hair. "If you are not careful you will destroy all my notions about you as that stern, imposing military type."

The expression on his face was ironic. "Contrary to the rumors I am not eating little children for breakfast, no."

He raised an eyebrow. "Nor am I torturing small kittens or puppies in my secret lair of evil." She laughed. "I would never have believed that one. You love cats."

She tilted her head at him. "So the one that you drink your morning caf out of the skulls of your defeated enemies is exaggerated as well, I guess?"

Hux scoffed. "Utter bantha crap. You know that I don't drink caf," he shuddered. "And that's not even sanitary." The disgusted face he made, prompted her to laugh again.

"So it is back to the palace again?" He asked her. "I definitely need a new uniform."

"Mmmh," Selene put a finger to her lips in thought. "I actually have a better idea."

Not waiting for his answer, she took his hand again and dragged him along a few roads. "Shima and Samara live around here." She explained, while walking. "I am sure she can borrow us some clothes. She is actually a fashion designer."

Her Co-Commander frowned, as she knocked on a wooden door painted in bright blue. Probably already afraid he would be forced to wear something else than his uniform she suspected.

"Selene! What a nice surprise. Shima is out with Becca and his mother, though." Samara beamed at her, as she opened the door, her shoulder length black curls artfully tousled around her cute pixie face. Her dark eyes widened a little, when she realized the Zi'daya heir was completely drenched. "What have you done? Taken a bath fully clothed?"

Selene laughed. "Something like that. Deacon's little troublemakers sent us swimming. I hoped you might have some clothes for us. It is not all that long till the festival after all."

She gestured to the General. "May I introduce, Armitage Hux. My…" for a moment she wondered what to say. Ally? Companion? Enemy? Partner? Friend? She nearly laughed hysterically. Lover? She was driving herself crazy by now. "Co-Commander," she finished finally.

"Yes, Shima told me." Samara smiled and shook Hux' hand. Selene could not read on her face, what exactly Shima had said to her. "Samara noe Ta'sherie. Selene's dressmaker."

"Ah," Hux commented. "So you are responsible for those unusual designs. They were one of the first things I noticed about her." Selene gave him a look at that reference to the first weeks of their acquaintance, when she had tried to provoke him by wearing some of the more provocative pieces in her wardrobe. But Samara's smile widened, her friend clearly happy about his words.

As they walked through the villa's spacious courtyard, a jacinda tree swaying slightly in the breeze in its middle, the General glanced around obviously impressed. "That's a very beautiful property."

Samara nodded. "Oh, thank you. It has been in Shima's family for centuries now. And the best part is, there is actually space for my workshop." She led them to a door on the ground level behind which a spacious atelier was located. Clothes in all imaginable colors were strewn over every available surface, shimmering mech fabrics pooling here and there.

"Mmm," Samara looked around in thought. "I actually have something special I would love for you to wear tonight, Sel. After all half the city will be in attendance." The young woman was quite aware that Selene wearing one of her designs to an occasion like that would considerable boost her other sales. "I have it upstairs though." Her eyes wandered to Hux. "Let's start with you then."

Selene grabbed a turquoise men's shirt from one of the racks with a laugh. "How is that?" Her Co-Commander's eyes widened in something akin to horror. "Don't you have something a little more subdued? Perhaps in black?"

Selene rolled her eyes. "There are other colors in the galaxy, you know."

"Let me have a look." Samara vanished between a few more racks of clothes. After a few moments, she returned with some clothes on her arms. "The trousers are black, but I fear the best I can do for the shirt is dark green."

The Zi'daya heir saw the General's expression turn tormented at the slight shimmer of the shirt's fabric, but she did not let him protest, taking the clothes from Samara and pushing them in his hands. "That's perfect, thank you." She made a shooing motion at him. "Well, go change."

Samara grinned and pointed at a curtain behind her. "You can use that as a changing room." She touched Selene's arm. "I will go and get your dress."

When the designer had left, Hux gave Selene a suffering look. "Are you sure we can't just go back to the palace…"

"No," she grumbled, a little annoyed. "I want to show you something before the festival and we won't have the time. Stars, it won't kill you to wear something else than this uniform for one kriffing time."

Her Co-Commander sighed, but finally started to move behind the curtain.

Selene absentmindedly wandered through the workshop, her thoughts turning to the festival tonight. Since it was likely the whole council would be in attendance as well, she would need to be careful, how she interacted with the General in public later.

The sound of his wet uniform jacket hitting the floor made her look over to him. She suddenly realized that from the point she was standing at, there was a visible gap in the curtain, allowing her to watch him undress. She stared unabashedly, her mouth opening a little without her noticing. He slowly pulled up his shirt, revealing the taut lines of his stomach. Even in the dim light of the workshop, his pale skin seemed to nearly glow. Selene felt heat rise up violently inside her, as her eyes travelled over his form. His trousers were next, the clink of his belt loud in the silent room. She breathed in deeply, as he began to tug down his boxers. Oh, she wanted him so much and…

And she was ogling him like some crazed madwoman. Despite knowing that it would probably bother him. His reluctance yesterday to leave the lights on, had made something inside her clench. After the things Tank had told her about his childhood, she suspected more than one sad reason from his past for it. Her cheeks burning, she averted her gaze and stepped back to the entrance.

Unfortunately, she could not shut up her mind though. Just knowing that he was close and naked made such need burn through her that she had to press her legs together for a moment, to stop a groan from escaping her.

This physical awareness of him was getting worse and worse. Fine, she would admit there had been traces of it for much longer than she was comfortable with, but since they had started sleeping with each other, it had ramped up considerably. It was as if her hormones were going crazy, urging her to drag him somewhere and rip his clothes of nearly constantly. Even now, part of her was seriously contemplating, if she could not just go over to him and sneak in a few touches, before Samara returned.

Thankfully, her friend did just that in that moment. "Here is your dress," she said, a curious expression on her face, as she took in Selene's still flushed face.

Hux stepped out from behind the curtain, still fidgeting with his shirt. Selene nearly sighed. This was patently unfair. He was looking good enough to eat with his red hair a lot more disheveled than usual and the shirt bringing out the color of his eyes. The cut of the shirt's collar was revealing a lot more pale skin, than she was used to, drawing her eyes to that distracting freckles she had noticed once before. Rhea help her, she could not really be blamed for any irrational behavior under those circumstances, could she?

Quickly grabbing the dress out of Samara's hands, Selene stepped behind the curtain herself, trying to hide her reaction from her Co-Commander. When she slipped out of her wet skirt and blouse, she realized that her bra and panties were drenched with seawater as well. She contemplated asking Samara for something, but then she glanced at the dress.

Mmm, might work like that as well.

She put the dress over her head, letting it fall over her form, it reaching nearly to the floor. The skirt was covered in soft little feathers, ranging from white over rose to a bright pink around her hips. Birds in the some colors were decorating the top, the waterfall cut leaving her arms bare.

As she watched herself in the mirror, two birds took flight, chasing each other over her stomach.

She smiled, like she had thought, her lack of underwear was not visible, despite the rather high slit in the skirt that showed off her leg. She had to adjust the knife Hux bought her a little bit, to make sure it remained hidden, though.

She bit her lip for a moment, her heartbeat speeding up, as an idea crossed her mind.

---

"That armor is really impressive," Hux complimented the young Zi'daya designer honestly, after she had told him, that she was not only responsible for Selene's dresses but for her mech armor as well. Misses Ta'sherie smiled in thanks. "I do hope to have it available for mass market soon. The fabric is not easy to make, though."

Before he could answer, Selene stepped out again and the sight of her made him speechless for a moment. She looked breathtaking in a white and pink dress, feathers swirling around her legs. Utterly exotic and tempting. And the only thing he could think of was how to get it off her.

He felt heat rise on his cheeks. Her golden eyes shone, as she took in his reaction.

"Oh, you look splendid, Selene," her friend exclaimed. "Only thanks to you," his Co-Commander lauded the designer's work, before turning to him.

"The sun will set soon. I know quite the place where we can watch the sunset before the festival." She looked at Misses Ta'sherie. "We will come back and get you and Shima before we go over then?"

The designer smiled. "Ah, you want to go to Seaside Tower." She winked. "Don't get caught."

Selene laughed, her expression excited. "Never."

While Hux narrowed his eyes a little at that, he followed her without comment, as she made her way back to the streets and guided him to a small watchtower only a few corners away. Shaking his head, as she ducked under the wooden plank that barred the entrance, he nonetheless went up the steep stairs after her.

"Breaking the rules again, Sa'onserei?" he asked, as they reached the top, half of the roof and one wall gone, letting in the sun and fresh sea breeze.

Selene looked over her shoulder at him, her golden eyes sparkling. "You know me, I am just a natural born rule breaker." With a sweep of her arm, she pointed at the sun that had begun to sink, already nearly touching the sea in the distance. "But isn't that a gorgeous view? The Zi'daya sunsets are the most amazing in the Galaxy."

The way the waves crashed below, nothing between them and the golden and red tinged horizon certainly was. But Hux' eyes were on her, on the way the fiery sunrays made her hair and eyes shine, as he answered. "The most gorgeous I have ever seen."

She gave him one of her brilliant smiles then, obviously quite aware, what he really meant.

The birds on her dress fluttered around each other in a wild explosion of white and pink colors. Dragging him to a few crumbled stones and sitting down closer to the edge, than he was comfortable with, she regarded him for a moment.

"You actually like the sea, don't you? You seem a lot more relaxed near it."

Hux stared at the waves for a moment, contemplating what to tell her. "I remember it from my childhood," he said slowly. "In fact, in a lot more detail than I thought. It is my most vivid memory of Arkanis. My mother used to take me to the sea all the time. No matter the weather. She loved it." He frowned, a thought passing through his mind. "I think it was the only place, where she felt truly free."

Selene looked at him, her eyes compassionate. "She was not happy there?"

Hux sighed. "She was very young, when she had me. And my father…" he swallowed. "he was not the easiest of men."

The Zi'daya heir reached for his hand, her touch soft. "What happened to her?"

"She was killed. During the Republic's attack on the Academy on Arkanis."

Because you left her there… The guilt going through him was a familiar ache.

Selene's hand pressed his for a moment. "I am sorry."

He closed his eyes, before shaking his head and looking at her. "It all happened long ago."

Her gaze was warm. "That doesn't mean it does not still hurt."

Hux let go of her hand, moving his own to her hair, letting a curl twirl around his fingers. It was still slightly damp from their unintended bath.

"What you asked earlier," he murmured, moving closer to her. "If we are making a mistake." He could feel her breath on his lips, her eyes holding the by now familiar gleam of desire, when they met his.

"Yes, undoubtedly." He buried his hand in her hair. "But blast it, I can't stop myself from doing it."

As he covered her mouth with his, she gasped, her hands grasping his shoulders. There was an unexpected wildness to the way she kissed him back, her tongue tangling with his, her teeth sharp against his lip, nearly drawing blood. She let go of him after a few moments, but only to pull up her dress and move one of her legs over him, sitting herself astride him.

His hands automatically reached for her, gliding under the slit in her dress, her skin smooth and warm under his touch. Those golden eyes were blazing down at him, as she rolled her hips against him, the friction making him harden immediately against her.

Selene sighed softly, when his hands pushed up her dress further. Hux groaned, as he realized that it was only her under that dress and nothing else. "Selene, you…"

She laughed breathlessly and let the top of the dress slide over her shoulders, exposing her breasts. "Mmh yes, I am naked underneath that dress." Her hands went for his trousers impatiently. "And I really really hope Samara forgot to bring you any underwear as well."

That was actually the case, but…"What if someone comes here?" he tried to be the voice of reason. A look of pleasure flitted over her face, when she was able to open his trousers enough to finally touch skin. Her hand around his cock made him nearly forget, why this was not a wise idea. Positioning herself over his lap, Selene gave him a cheeky look. "Don't worry that tower has been blocked for years because it is so ramshackle. Nobody comes here."

"What?"

But then she moved down, taking him inside her and the sensation made him moan, all concerns gone. She was wet, but so tight and… "Stars, woman, you are going to be the death of me."

Something flashed through her eyes at his words and she let her head fall back, as she started to move up and down on him. "No," she breathed. "not yet."

Hux let her set the pace, his hands on her hips, completely captured by the way she looked like with the setting sun caressing her naked skin and the expression of rapture on her face, as she lost herself to the pleasure. Blast it, the way her breasts bounced every time she moved down on him, taking him in completely, was enough to drive a man to insanity.

He watched her as she sped up her movements, soft moans escaping her, a flush rising on her cheeks.

And in that moment he realized that he did not care, if this was madness. Because if it was, it was the most beautiful madness imaginable and he would not let go of it. Even if it was the death of him in the end. There were a lot worse ways to go after all.

Selene's eyes met his, wild need blazing in them and her fingers dragged over his arms. "Please, I need…"

Hux drew her closer swiftly, thrusting up hard inside her a few times. It was enough to make her come with a soft cry, the way she clenched around him, triggering his own release, lights exploding in front of his eyes.

She collapsed on top of him, her breath hot on his throat. After staring at the waves for a while, the sun a ball of molten fire vanishing in them by now, his fingers playing with her hair, he looked down at her. Her golden eyes met his, their expression so tender it felt like a caress. "Hey," she said softly. "Hey," he answered and kissed her forehead.

"You were right," he muttered. "Those Zi'daya sunsets are quite amazing." She chuckled and buried her nose in his shirt. "Careful. You know what they say. Once you go Zi'daya there is no turning back."

He moved against her, glancing down where their bodies were still joined. "No problem. I am quite contend where I am right now."

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him, nibbling on his lip slightly. "We could stay here."

"In this decrepit tower?" he asked incredulously.

"You could catch some fish in the waves and I could collect some seaweed."

"Mmh, tasty," he made a face.

She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Perhaps, but you could make love to me every night under the stars."

Selene froze, alarm flashing over her face. "I mean that is only a joke of course." She sat up quite suddenly, moving away from him and starting to righten her clothes. Hux watched her in surprise for a second, before he did the same.

What had changed her mood so abruptly?

Her words echoed through his head. "You could make love to me every night under the stars."

'make love to me'. Not fuck me, sleep with me, have sex with me. Or a dozen other ways to say this.

"We should get back to Samara's and Shima's house." There was a deliberate note of light-heartedness to his Co-Commander's voice, as she prepared to leave the tower. "We don't have much time before the festival."

As he followed her down the stairs, he wondered, if he should say something. Perhaps this meant nothing. Just an unintentional phrase.

However, the way she had reacted, told a different story. There had been something like panic on her face. Because she had realized, what was between them was more than physical after all?

He glanced over at her. Her face was composed, her true emotions hidden under an unassumingly pleasant expression.

The birds on her dress had caught on to her mood, hiding their heads under their wings.

And what did he feel about this? The rational part of his mind practically screamed at him to stop this foolishness. But the rest was too busy replaying the expression on her face, as she had said he could make love to her every night. And kriff, he wanted to. More than he ever wanted anything else in the galaxy.

When they arrived back at the Khi'sheko house, the Captain was just returning with a small sleeping girl on his arms as well, an older woman with the same blue eyes accompanying him. He gave them a smile, as he saw them, motioning at the house silently, before vanishing inside. He came back out after a few minutes, his wife at his side, dressed in a bright blue dress that looked, as if someone had captured a summer sky complete with small, fluffy white clouds.

"Are you sure it is okay for your mum to stay with Becca tonight?" the designer asked her husband with a little frown.

"Definitely," he put his arm around her. "Dad will be there tonight, so it is the last place where she wants to go." He kissed her head. "And I am looking forward to a night of only you and me very much."

His wife laughed and linked her arm with Selene's. "And I to having a drink undisturbed with the girls for once."

As they made their way along the city streets, Captain Khi'sheko threw a glance at Hux. "So General, how is your first impression of Ellesmee?"

Hux took in the glittering streetlights for a moment, people milling around everywhere in the still balmy evening air. "It is … surprisingly pleasant."

The Zi'daya laughed. "And from you that is probably a ringing endorsement?" He nodded to an archway decorated with white flowers to their right. "There we are, the entrance to the art festival."

After passing through the archway, they were in a big courtyard filled with people, lined by dozens of alcoves. There was a stage in the front, where some musicians played, but it wasn't the only place were performances took place, artists displaying their talents in every corner.

Hux had never been more than passingly interested in the fine arts, his life much too busy with other things for that, but he had to admit the lively atmosphere held a certain appeal.

"Oh, there are Elodia and Mitaka," Selene exclaimed, waving them over. Mitaka quickly let go of the Zi'daya aide's hand with a guilty expression, when he saw his superior, making Hux nearly roll his eyes. Did his aide really think he was not aware of their relationship?

"I will have to say hello to a few people," Selene excused herself with a short glance at Hux, clearly eager to get away from him. Before he could answer, she was gone, mingling with the crowd. Hux watched her, as he listened with half an ear to Mitaka gushing about his day in the city. He frowned, as he saw more than one Zi'daya greet her enthusiastically with a kiss to the cheek. It was probably a cultural thing, but stars was that really necessary?

"Ah, General Hux. I see you have made it to our little festival," a cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. An innocent expression on her face, Council Member Galdonia regarded him, the bright orange dress she was wearing, making her look like an enormous fruit. "But without our dear Selene now, I see."

"Council member," he nodded his head in greeting. She smiled. "Perhaps better this way, though. There is something I want to discuss in private with you." She took his arm and led him to one of the alcoves.

"You know, General," there was a certain hush to her voice that told Hux she did not want this discussion to become public knowledge. "I just want to make sure that you are aware that although it might not seem that way, there are certain…" she paused for a moment. "factions in the council, that are quite supportive of the First Order."

"Indeed," he commented softly, scrutinizing her. He began to wonder what her aim was. Did she think the Order would try to bribe her and those other council members?

Galdonia coughed. "In the case that you plan a more permanent establishment here."

Hux narrowed his eyes at her. "And what would be your advantage in that?" She shrugged. "The business with the order has been very lucrative in the last years. There are many who would prefer to intensify it."

The General's voice turned colder. "And the ruling family?"

"What?" The council member gave him a scandalized look. "They would remain of course." Red spots appeared on her cheeks, her grey hair bopping. "I thought you held Selene in quite the regard. I would have never…"

"Don't worry Council Member," Hux interrupted her, before she could draw any attention to them with her blustering. "Selene has nothing to fear from me."

Galdonia took a deep breath, obviously still quite flustered. "Good. In that case think about it." She winked, her cheerful mood returned. "It might be to everyone's advantage after all. Oh, and enjoy the festival. Lendark will sing later."

Hux nearly shook his head in amusement, as he watched her leave; it seemed even when conspiring the Zi'daya remained impossible loyal.

His eyes searched for his Co-Commander again, a slight frown appearing on his face, when he found her near Miss Brentiss, an elegant, good-looking man in his sixties having an arm around each of them. "Oh, a man could die happily like that. One of the most beautiful girls in the galaxy in every arm."

"Dad," Captain Khi'sheko's voice was pained. He added something in Zi'daya.

"That is …" Hux could not keep the astonishment out of his voice. "Shima's father. Lendark y B'araka." Deacon y Sa'onserei greeted him with a polite nod, as he stepped next to him. "One of our most renowned singers." He grinned. "And one of the most notorious womanizers."

"Mmh," Hux felt annoyance stir inside him, as he watched the older Zi'daya drag Selene to a group of musicians near the stage, obviously his friends. One of them took her hand and pulled her to the dance floor, the feathers on her dress fluttering, as he spun her around.

She was ignoring him on purpose since they came here, he was sure of it.

"So, are you enjoying the festival, General?" The older Sa'onserei brother asked. "Yes, of course," Hux answered, his eyes still on his Co-Commander.

"You know," Deacon y Sa'onserei's voice was soft. "One of the things you have to learn to deal with, if you have a beautiful sister, is all the men who look at her like they want to undress her."

Hux' gaze flickered to him in surprise. "I.."

But there was no anger on the other man's face, only faint amusement. "Don't bother. Unfortunately, I also learned to distinguish between those, who only dream of seeing her naked and those who already have and want it to happen again, over the years.

The General breathed in deeply. If this continued, he would have a conversation like that with every man in Selene's life at some point. "And you surely came over here to warn me."

Sa'onserei laughed, his brown eyes sparkling. "Oh stars, no. Selene does not need me to protect her. If you hurt her, she will deal with you herself. Or Grandmother will. A much more dire prospect," he grinned broadly. "No, I came here, because I was curious about something."

"About what?" Hux asked, feeling more than a little at a disadvantage.

"Mmh," the playful look on his face made the other man look disconcertingly like Selene for a moment. "I already found out what I was looking for."

Before he could comment on that cryptic remark, a melodious voice interrupted them. "Ah, here you are, Deacon Darling."

Dressed in a floor-length dark red dress Oilena noe Sa'onserei made her way over to them, a slight smile on her lips, accompanied by the excited looking council member Atemis. "And you have General Hux with you. What a surprise," the Shue gave him a piercing look. "I hope Selene has not abandoned you, General?"

Was that whole family on his case tonight?

"No," he answered stiffly. "We are both enjoying the festival."

"Mmh," she glanced over at Selene, who was twirled around on the dancefloor by another of Lendark's friends. "I can see that."

The Shue turned to her grandson. "Atemis and I were just discussing this year's Midsummer Festival, darling. Since Selene will probably be too busy with her mission, somone else from the family should perform."

The oldest Sa'onserei sibling shook his head, his brown eyes wide. "Definitely not. If Sel is not defending the family honor, I fear there will be no performance. Tay and I would only sent people run away in horror."

"I do wonder for what I paid all that tuition money," Oilena grumbled. "Well, your brother's flute lessons probably pay off in a way, I guess," she laughed cheekily.

"Grandmother," her grandson threw an embarrassed look at Hux. "Could you at least try to behave in front of the guests?"

"Why?" She raised her eyebrow. "I never understood why one should be especially well behaved in front of guests. If they are unwelcome guests it might cause them to never come back. And if they are friends, they should accept you as you are."

She touched her grandson's arm. "And now make yourself useful and get me something to drink. I do love those fruity little drinks they have here. And don't forget to bring something for the General as well. We are not savages after all."

Deacon y Sa'onserei left with a smile and a shake of his head, Atemis excusing herself and accompanying him.

The Shue's eyes focused on Hux again, her intense golden gaze more than a little disconcerting. "So General, I assume our dear Galdonia has promised you the council's support?"

Hux stared at her, taken aback by the direct question. Then he barked out a laugh. "Even if that were the case it would be very unwise for me to confirm it, wouldn't it be?"

She smiled and winked at him. "Well, we will let her have her fun. She is one of those council members that are the happiest when they think they can plot and conspire behind my back. It will keep her occupied, while we make the real decisions."

The General raised his eyebrow at her. "I thought the Zidan system was a democracy."

Oilena scoffed. "Oh, it is, we have elections every five years. But as much as I love my people, I never forget that they voted that scatterbrain Atemis on the Council the third time in a row now. A little guidance here and there is definitely in order." She looked around with a thoughtful look on her face. "Although the woman does know how to plan a party, I will give her that."

Letting his gaze flow over the gathering as well, Hux became aware of a group of richly dressed older man and woman standing a little to the side and watching him and the Shue. There was clear disapproval and scorn on their faces, even more noticeable next to the laughing, festive people around them.

"Don't worry," Oilena commented dryly, when she noticed the direction of his gaze. "This time I am the focus not you. The Te'anna family has hated me for years." She smiled brightly and waved at them, prompting them to look even angrier. "I have always found there are two ways to deal witch such open adversary. Duck your head and cower or stand up proud and smile at them." She laughed. "Oh, they hate when I do that."

"Is there a reason for their disapproval?" Hux could not help but ask.

"Oh, I would say so. I was engaged to the family's eldest son once." She sighed with a slightly theatrical flair. "Before I turned up after being lost for six months on an uninhabited outer rim planet, pregnant by the man, who was sworn to protect me. That was a scandal for the ages!" Her laugh was more than a little self-satisfied, Hex thought. "Broke the poor boy's heart, though. He never married after that." The Shue's face had turned a little melancholy.

The General scrutinized her, more than a little unsure, if she was making fun of him. "I always thought your people married, who you like," he said finally.

"I never said I didn't pick the man myself in the first place. We women can be fickle creatures, my dear." She patted his cheek. "Never forget that."

"And now hush." She turned towards the stage with a sparkle in her eyes. "Lendark is singing and that man's voice can charm a woman right out of her clothes."

Indeed an expectant silence had fallen over the gathering, as the elegant Zi'daya had entered the stage, preparing his performance.

He went to the microphone and smiled at the crowd. "Since we have guests tonight, I will sing the first song in Basic." *)

Nothin' goes as planned
Everything will break
People say goodbye
In their own special way
All that you rely on
And all that you can fake
Will leave you in the morning
But find you in the day

Oh you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out

Even Hux had to admit that the soft timber of the man's voice was extraordinary. What hit him more though, were the words of the song, making him look over at his Co-Commander against his better judgement.

Everything will change
Nothing stays the same
And nobody here's perfect
Oh but everyone's to blame
All that you rely on
And all that you can save
Will leave you in the morning
And find you in the day

Oh you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out

No I cannot get you out

Feeling his eyes on her, Selene's gaze met his. The world seemed to fade away, as he lost himself in warm gold. There were so many emotions smoldering there he could not name: longing, confusion, desire, regret and a hint of despair that resonated through him.

Everything is dark
It's more than you can take
But you catch a glimpse of sun light
Shinin', shinin' down on your face
On your face
Oh your face

Selene nearly violently ripping her gaze away from his, as the song ended, demonstratively turning towards Miss Brentiss next to her, made him aware of his surroundings again suddenly.

Oilena noe Sa'onserei was watching him closely, her face pensive. And fool that he was, he had probably let her read him like an open book, all his weaknesses on display.

To his surprise, she only smiled, the expression in her eyes strangely soft. "Ah yes, always so poignant his songs."

---

* The song is "In my veins" by Andrew Belle.

So I guess Ellesmee is doing what it was since I changes my plans again ;-)

This turned out a lot more fluffy and emotional than I thought.

The Shi'seko Family drama will now happen in the next chapter and we will get a lot more Brie and Masir ;-)
And some more jealous Hux on the festival. And an interesting breakfast conversation between Selene and her grandmother.
Oh, and finally some revelations regarding our mysterious enemy!

As Always I would love to hear your thoughts!
All the best!