: Thank you for the review. To clarify, Palpatine is not making his galaxy wide announcement at this moment. He is issuing secret communications to his loyalist soldiers and officers within the First Order. Palpatine knows that he needs to build up his faction within the First Order before he can begin making visible moves for power. The fact that Snoke is still alive and Kuvira is well known for her contempt of him, makes secrecy all the more important. As such I think it is a decent time for Palpatine to begin to prepare.

Guest: Thanks for your review. I am thinking of reviving Titan Squadron if I can find an opportunity for them to really shine in combat.

Ahsokafanboy1138: Thanks for your review and thanks for your understanding. I know this has been another long delay in chapters. But work and lockdown have been intense and it is hard to sit down and write more after a long day. As for your suggestion I will not deny I have been considering it.

Auguste the Clown; Thanks for your review. I am glad you enjoyed the last chapter and that you like this one as well as we go into the Rise of Skywalker. To you question about changing the name of the First Order, I have given it some thought. You are right in that the FO acts like a private military rather then a government. But in a way that is the point. For them there is no separation between military and state. While that makes it efficient it is also the same trap that the Empire fell into by having everything serve the needs of the military. The client world system allows the First Order to spread its influence and power across the galaxy while allowing their system to remain separate from single worlds. This prevents or limits cause for rebellion and eases the galaxy into line rather then through force. In time the First Order might become the new Empire or the galactic dominion. But for the moment, it will remain the First Order. Kuvira also likes the reminder of the lesson Admiral Sloane provided when they arrived in the Unknown Regions.

Rollingstones: Thank you for your review. I certainly understand your feelings. I wrote this story partially to try and merge canon and legends to something better where both sides can work. I also I think the Rise of Skywalker could have been so much better if the writers had not made some crucial mistakes. So, I hope I can make that better.

Lordbrrt: Thank you for your review and all your suggestions. I will see what I can make from them. Once I finish this story.

Loken 16: Thank you for your review. Yeah, grammar has never been my strength and I tend to rely on autocorrect to tell me if something is not right. I also don't have a beta reader and since I tend to finish chapters late at night I often just read through, then upload and go to bed. In regards to the ROS. I wrote this story partially to add some fairness to a very one-sided story in Star Wars. But I wrote also this story partially to try and merge canon and legends to something better where both sides can work. I also I think the Rise of Skywalker could have been so much better if the writers had not made some crucial mistakes. So, I hope I can make that better.

Shade: Thanks for your review as always. I am glad you enjoyed the last chapter and I hope you enjoy this one too.

GS9 go so hard: Thanks for your review. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

.2021: Thanks for your review. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Guest: I am all the Sith!

WildWeaver: Thanks for your review and your suggestion. I have been subscribed to the Templin Institute for a long time. I have watched their remodelled First Order video and have taken some inspiration from it. I would recommend their Warhammer video's if you have not already watched them.

Wildk: Thank you for review. Currently Kuvira's changes to naval doctrine have focused on tactics, more focus on smaller attack craft. Greater focus on pilot and soldier survival rates and diplomatic handling of surrendered or client worlds. She remembers that the Empire's philosophy of Bigger equals better was a massive detriment that Vader and Thrawn disapproved of. She sees the Empire military doctrine as a Warhammer. Blunt, big and devastating only if it hits is target. She prefers to think of the First Order military doctrine as a rapier. Sharp, deadly, focused, efficient and versatile.

Chapter 36 – One Year Hence

Supremacy - Throne Room

Snoke – POV

Supreme Leader Snoke sat upon his throne in the central throne room of the Supremacy Mega Star Destroyer. As always, he was garbed in his usual golden robes and gold slippers, with his black signature ring on his gnarled finger. He spent the vast majority of his time sat on this throne, and many could be forgiven for assuming he never left it.

In truth he had once travelled extensively in his many years before he had joined and then taken over the rulership of the First Order. He had even travelled often after he was proclaimed Supreme Leader. He had taken his apprentice (and occasionally his apprentice's knights) to various locations across their dominion. He had showed them ancient Sith worlds and others that were similarly saturated in the darks side of the Force.

He had even visited worlds that were strong in the Force naturally, as long as they were not too steeped in the light side of the Force. He certainly had no concerns for himself falling to the pull of the light side. But during the years when his apprentice's commitment to the dark had been so tenuous, he simply could not risk exposing Kylo Ren to such temptation.

But since the events of Starkiller, he had taken his apprentice to many worlds that he had previously denied him, including Ossus and Ilium. He and his apprentice had walked across the surface of worlds both alive and dead, ancient and newly discovered, famous or almost unknown to the wider galaxy. During these trips he had continued to impart his wisdom and knowledge on to his apprentice as he taught him the nature of the Force and the ways of the Dark Side.

He had watched as the intense flow of the light side of the Force washed over Kylo Ren. He had searched his face and his presence in the Force for any sign of a crack or chink in the dark side aura that constantly enveloped Kylo Ren these days.

But there had been nothing.

No reaction.

No loss of conviction.

No decrease in power.

Whether it was on a planet of light or darkness. On a ship or in hyperspace. The dark side burned within Kylo Ren like a fusion torch. The constant weakness and doubts that he had long sensed within his apprentice were gone, and he had seen no sign of their return.

Snoke smiled as he contemplated the change in his apprentice. Kylo Ren's power in the force was growing stronger and stronger. While he was not quite at the level of his grandfather Darth Vader. Snoke was now confident that in time, Kylo Ren's power would not only match, but surpass the power of his legendary relative.

Especially since Kylo Ren had not sustained crippling injuries or a lost a large amount of organic tissue as Vader had on Mustafar. Without such a tragic event, Vader could have surpassed even his master Darth Sidious. But after that battle, that power was forever beyond Vader's reach. While his power was certainly formidable and beyond what many Jedi and Sith had attained. The power of the promised 'Chosen One' would never be realised.

But now it was within Kylo Ren's grasp. All that was needed was for him to reach out and claim it.

Snoke leaned back into the padding of his throne as he contemplated his apprentice. But as he did so, he began to consider all the other changes that had occurred over the past year.

It had been just over one standard galactic rotation since the Hosnian Cataclysm and the war between the New Republic and the First Order had begun.

The 'war' if it could even be called that had moved quickly. The full might of the First Order borne from over three decades of preparation and planning had been unleashed upon the entire Republic frontier. The war fleets commanded by his Admirals and the smaller squadrons under each of them had thrust hard into Republic territory and quickly began to spread out.

Planets were cut off as hyperspace lanes such as the Hydian Way and the Coreillian Run were closed and blockaded across the Mid-Rim. The supplies needed to keep Republic fleets and armies (such as they were) fed and operation vanished from the Mid and Outer Rims almost overnight.

Republic loyalist worlds which had refused to surrender or secede from the New Republic as the First Order advanced had begun to capitulate one by one as they were starved into submission or faced internal revolt among their less patriotic citizens. One way or another they had lowered their flags and weapons and joined the First Order's expanding dominion as client worlds. Each had negotiated its terms of submission and tribute with the First Order Diplomatic Corps. But each planet was soon overseen by a First Order administrator in addition to their previous government. A small military force was also placed near the system for rabid response. Unnoticeable to the populace as was standard in the new annexation doctrine. That was how it would remain, at least for the moment.

New Republic forces stationed within the Mid and Outer Rims quickly found themselves in enemy territory, fighting desperately on all sides as worlds they had considered friendly denied them aid or outright turned on them.

With the First Order fleets closing in on them. The New Republic forces had been forced to scatter into smaller groups, before desperately fleeting to the Core.

The Republic fleet retreated to buy themselves time and to avoid complete annihilation. But in the process, they had abandoned hundreds of worlds to the First Order. Worlds that many of their service and enlisted men and women called home. Worlds that had proceeded to issue a general call for all citizens currently within the Republic military or services to return home.

This was coupled with the fact that the First Order had issued a general pardon for all Republic pilots and soldiers who laid down their arms. In addition to the seemingly endless list of defeats and retreats they had suffered. These events caused many in the Republic fleets to reconsider just where their allegiances resided.

Despite the best efforts of Republic legends like Garm Bel-Iblis and Hera Syndulla to keep the Republic military together. It had not been enough.

Desertion rates skyrocketed as soldiers, companies, squadrons, entire divisions abandoned the Republic fleets to return home, or to seek a more favourable career in what they called 'the winning side'.

Unable to maintain their fleet numbers due to the attrition, and unable to even consider confronting the First Order's fully manned and armed fleets. The forces under Garm and Hera had joined together to form a united force of Republic loyalists and old rebel diehards to oppose the First Order.

With no known connection to a civilian leadership body and no secure planet to establish a base on. The fleet was operating as a Republic government-in-exile. Operating as more of a nomadic force then as the army of a galactic government. The Republic fleet (often called the New Rebellion) had waged hit and run tactics on multiple worlds and installations across the galaxy. The focus of the attacks was always on claiming supplies, weapons, ammunition and food from the target to maintain their fleet and keep it in action.

The First Order strategists had not taken long to realise that the Republic fleet was making it a point to only attack worlds and outposts of systems that had willingly submitted to the First Order (or simply refused to fight them). It was clear that the leaders of the Republic were trying to maintain good will across their supporters in the galaxy by not attacking what they considered Republic worlds under occupation.

Grand Admiral Kuvira had quickly seen through their tactic, and proposed her solution to him almost immediately.

In response to the Republic tactic, she re-deployed all available forces in defensive positions around worlds where the First Order held strong public support. While stripping Republic aligned worlds of all their defensive forces. Leaving behind only enough to honour the obligations of their treaty to their new client world.

Kuvira's description of her plan was summarised in one of the many ancient proverbs she took great inspiration from. 'He who tries to defend everything, defends nothing.'

Kuvira would make the Republic fleet bleed ships, men and material if they decided to attack the now heavily fortified First Order worlds. All things that the First Order had in abundance, but that the Republic fleet could not afford to lose.

Meaning that if the Republic fleet did not want to bleed itself white in these attacks. They would have to attack softer targets. While it was true the First Order could not be everywhere. Now virtually the only place they were not present was at worlds friendly to the Republic cause. Therefore, the Republic fleet only had one option for viable targets.

Naturally these pro-republic worlds might be willing to donate supplies and resources to the Republic fleet. But that would cost them a fortune that they certainly could not pay indefinitely and for nothing in return. The Republic fleet had nothing to offer them beyond idealistic sentiment. They certainly could not offer protection from the First Order as even a single medium sized First Order fleet would be enough to either crush the Republic force or bleed it to the point of non-existence, even in victory.

Not to mention each of the Pro-Republic worlds was still bound by their treaty as a First Order client world. The treaty carefully forbids negotiation or deals of commerce of any kind with enemies of the First Order. It was also made clear that doing so would be a violation of the treaty and the First Order would be well within their rights to lay waste to their world and install a full occupation.

Not that Kuvira had any great intention to do so. She was ever focused on her hearts and minds campaign. But she was well aware that it was always an advantage for your enemies to overestimate your capabilities and resolve.

With FOSB agents everywhere and FO sympathisers in every system. No planet was willing to risk such a dangerous undertaking so that they could give away wealth and resources for free. It was simply a ludicrous proposition for any world to consider.

The plan was simple, but effective.

With no other options the Republic fleet was forced to either dwindle down to nothing or to begin attacking worlds that were supportive of their cause.

They had at first followed the former option. Abandoning smaller and less well armed vessels so that they could concentrate their resources and personnel in the larger capital ships and escort frigates. This had slowed the problem but it had not stopped it.

They then turned to the black market and other sources of material. But criminals were not known for their charity and were not about to provide large supplies without some benefit to them. The Republic fleet had needed to swallow their pride and principles and occasionally provide protection and transport for the illicit materials and products of the criminal syndicates in exchange for goods they needed.

They had supposedly managed to avoid transporting spice. But given how lucrative that product was, no one knew how long that arrangement could last.

More recently their agents had reported the Republic fleet resorting to outright piracy in the depths of the hyperspace lanes and trading outposts. So far, the attacks committed by the Republic fleet were easy to identify as they tried to limit casualties and some captains even offered apologies to the victimized crews as their cargo was 'requisitioned' for the war effort.

Snoke could not help by laugh. The Republic could give it any name they wished. Piracy and theft were the truth behind the fancy labels.

Still, evidence showed that the ruthlessness and aggression of the attacks was increasing as the Republic became used to these tactics and more determined to squeeze all they could from the people the robbed. More radical Republic captains seemed to be convincing themselves and others that anyone who did not want to do all they could to help the Republic fleet was a First Order sympathiser and deserved whatever they got.

Deaths, injuries and loss of ship was steadily increasing and becoming more obvious across the Hyperspace lanes.

Of course, this had led to more work for the First Order military as they had been called to defend transports and cargo shipments as part of their obligations to their client worlds. But such activities were hardly an inconvenience and in fact allowed the citizens of the galaxy to begin associating the First Order as protectors.

The Resistance was faring even worse.

With Leia Organa and the vast majority of their leadership captured on the battered husk of the Raddus. The rest of the feeble organisation had scattered across the galaxy. There had been no sign of Luke Skywalker, or the force sensitive Jakku girl that Kylo Ren had duelled and defeated on Starkiller. It was not hard to theorise that the Resistance had sent her to reach out to Skywalker through the map that they had recovered.

But despite the Resistance having won that race. Jedi Grandmaster Luke Skywalker had not materialised on the battlefield to lead the Resistance against the First Order.

Snoke had been concerned at first that this was some form of strategy. Or that Skywalker was lying low while he rebuilt the Jedi Order back to its previous numbers.

But he had soon dismissed the idea.

Such a concentration of light side force users would have been very hard to hide in a galaxy under the scrutiny of the First Order. Even more so with all the planets with strong Force energy under constant surveillance. In addition, the few sightings of the Millennium Falcon over the previous year had shown that Han Solo and Chewbacca had returned to the fray to fight for the Resistance.

The presence of the ship, absent Luke Skywalker seemed to indicate only a few viable solutions. That the Resistance had either failed to locate Skywalker. Or they had found him. But had not brought him back to the fight.

The mystery of Skywalker was something that Snoke did not like to leave unresolved. But eventually he had been forced to consider that maybe his military commander was right. Maybe Kuvira was correct in her predictions that Skywalker simply wished to avoid the war altogether.

It had left Snoke simultaneously elated while frustrated at the same time.

On the one hand he was glad that Skywalker did not seem to be a factor in this war as he had original predicted he would be. But the fact that he could not find and end him permanently, meant that he was forced to continue with the ever-present threat hanging over his head.

Still, he had eventually been forced to turn his attention away from Skywalker and back to matters ruling the galaxy at his Grand Admiral's insistence. The lack of Skywalker had nevertheless been a significant boon to his conquest of the galaxy.

Devoid of leadership, direction, a chain of command and the immense presence inspired by the names of Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. The Resistance had gone to ground.

Small scattered cells were uncovered now and again in remote corners of the galaxy. But the unity of the movement seemed to have been shattered. All evidence and interrogation (including very forceful means) indicated that communication between the cells to a larger unified body was almost non-existent.

Part of the problem lay with the fear the First Order inspired and the skill of the FOSB. Unwilling to risk exposure by communicating with allies or other cells across the galaxy. The cells, factions, tribes of people who might be considered Resistance were cut off from each other with no co-ordination.

But this was not the only reason for the seeming lack of communication between the fractured members of the Resistance. Apparently, this isolation from each other was sometimes as much by design, as by circumstance.

The numerous cells and resistance bands out there were divided by ideology and goal as much as by distance. In the absence of a great unifying figure like Leia Organa or Mon Mothma. Multiple factions had arisen, each with their own long-term goals. Their own methods of fighting. Their own codes of conduct, and their own views on the galaxy as a whole.

Reports indicated that Poe Dameron had made numerous appearances in raids and small battles over the course of the year. The FOSB also reported that he had travelled to many separate Resistance cells and possible allies in effort to keep the Resistance unified and to try and step into the roles left behind by Leia, Luke and Ackbar.

But the simple truth was that while Dameron was a skilled pilot and maybe even a skilled leader. He just did not have the political clout and notoriety that this new position he was trying to claim required. As such his efforts had amounted to little beyond annoying the First Order and his temper had even driven a wedge between possible allied groups.

Some wanted what the main Resistance body had championed. The reservation and restoration of the Republic. Peace, democracy, liberty, fraternity and other such short-sighted notions.

But the rest of the groups fluctuated from wanting independence solely for their world to increased rights and privileges under the First Order.

With this lack of cohesion and unity it was almost woefully easy for the First Order to maintain its control of the galaxy and their client worlds.

Grand Admiral Kuvira had relocated her command centre to the Supremacy. With the Reclaimer currently docked on one of the Mega ships docking backs.

For months, she had been based with the rest of the First Fleet as it was rotated through the newly claimed territories in the Core and Inner-rim. She had been preparing to fight against the fleets of General Garm-Bel-Iblis as she careful followed his movements throughout the galaxy.

She knew that Garm and his second in command, General Syndulla were the last spark of power in the galaxy that still flew the Republic banner. As long as they existed, the deluded of the galaxy would continue to have hope in their eventual victory. If she was able to crush that symbol of hope, it would make the despair their enemies would feel that much more potent.

But as of yet, she had not been able to bring Garm to battle. The aged General was showing remarkable prudence in his actions so far. Never risking is entire fleet and never allowing himself to be lured into a direct confrontation with Kuvira's fleet.

No doubt it was the calming and tactical presence Hera Syndulla by his side that had allowed caution and tactical sense to win out over Garm's passionate defiance. She had served in a small rebel cell and the fledging Rebel Alliance when it was nothing more than an annoyance to the Empire. She was well versed in preserving your strength for a more favourable time.

Still, this state of affairs could not last much longer. Soon Garm and Hera would be forced to either make a move or see their forces slowly diminish from action, desertion and lack of support. Garm-bel-iblis would not allow that to happen. Soon he would be forced to make a stand and face the First Order openly.

When that happened Kuvira would be ready to move at a moments notice. For now, she was content to wait. Time was on her side in this war of attrition and only a fool charged into battle when there was no need.

Since then, she had taken command of the Bridge as she transferred her flag to the First Order capital in this time of relative stability. With her presence on the Supremacy, she had allowed the power of the First Order to full concentrate on the mobile capital. Kylo Ren had recently returned from a mission and had also taken up residence on the mega ship and with both his apprentice and his right-hand commander at his side. Snoke was free to bask in the complete dominance of his power.

Or at least he would have been, if it were not for recent developments.

The New Republic had been crushed beneath the boot of the First Order. The Resistance was running scared while it fractured into ever smaller pieces. And the Jedi Order had seemingly abandoned the galaxy in its moment of greatest need.

The power of the dark side was rising unchallenged. Snoke should have been basking in its power as the supreme focus of the darkness. He had reached the pinnacle of galactic power and all rivals who could challenge him were gone or already dead. He should have been more powerful then ever before as the dark side anointed him with its well-earned power.

But that had not occurred.

While the power of the Force flowed through him as powerfully as it ever had. It was not reacting to the galactic events as Snoke had anticipated. He also had a strong suspicion that what he suspected, was becoming more and more prevalent.

For some months now, he had been plagued by a disturbing presence in the Force. It was hard to describe, even for him. But the Force felt heavier these days. Almost like a weight that he had not noticed before was suddenly permeating throughout the Force in a way that was suddenly impossible to ignore.

It had originated a number of months ago. That was when he had begun to consciously feel the presence in the force at all times. But a part of him held a sneaking suspicion that the presence had been there for longer. But that it had been hidden beyond his force awareness.

Such a theory was definitely troubling.

The fact that this presence in the Force was truly able to hide itself from a being as powerful as him. But now chose to make itself perceptible. Hinted at many unpleasant things.

It showed key intelligence and purpose in its actions, to the point that it must be emanating from an individual wilful being as opposed to a naturally occurring phenomenon.

The presence itself was strange.

It was mostly obscured from his perception as the Force wrapped around it in a shroud that clouded his vision and did not allow him to clearly identify what the entity was. But what little he was able to discern was that it was powerful. Any forceful being in the galaxy that was able to hide themselves from the Supreme Leader of the First Order was clearly a power to be reckoned with.

However, the most fascinating and strange thing about this presence within the Force, was how it resonated to the Supreme Leader directly. The presence felt incredibly strong and mysterious. Like a writhing mass of tangled power within the Force. But Snoke could not shake the feeling that it was strangely familiar as well.

Snoke did not like it. Nor did he like the ramifications of what this presence could represent. This feeling had only grown stronger in the last few weeks.

Slowly the presence in the Force had begun to call out to him. The entity at the source was still hidden from his sight and even his power was not able to pierce the veil that the entity had wrapped around itself. But the call in the Force now allowed him to begin to pinpoint the location of the entity.

It would take more time and more intensive focus to narrow the location down exactly. But as he continued to dwell on the matter, he was able to conclude that the call in the Force was emanating from the Unknown Regions.

But what was more interesting (and concerning) was that this call was originating from an area in the Unknown Regions that had already been mapped by the First Order during its time spent hidden in the dark of the galaxy.

That in itself was deeply troubling. He had already called up the galactic maps of that region to see if any habitable planet were present in the area of space, he could sense the presence in. But the star maps came back negative. Apparently that region of space was empty of everything except dangerous nebulas and violent electrical storms.

Snoke had called up his own extensive knowledge of lost planets and hidden Sith secrets that were buried in the Unknown Regions. But so far, nothing in all his research or experience indicated that there should be anything within that system.

The fact that everything he knew was conflicting with what the Force was telling him was deeply troubling for a variety of reasons. Not least of which, being that this presence, which was so strange yet so familiar. Was calling him to a place that according to all his extensive knowledge, should not even exist.

Snoke had considered all the ramifications of this strange development in the Force for many days before he had been forced to face the facts.

This presence must be investigated. And if need be, destroyed.

But how to go about it?

In most situations when he needed something destroyed or someone silenced. He would dispatch his apprentice to handle them. He had proven more then capable of taking down nearly any threat that rose against him. The mission that ended with him slaying a Zillo Beast single handed had confirmed beyond doubt that he was beyond the comprehension of most beings in the galaxy.

But that course of action would not work here.

As powerful as Kylo Ren had grown over the last year. Snoke had his doubts that he would be able to overcome the strange entity that he sensed across the galaxy. It was possible that he would triumph and return with all his master wanted. But it was also very possible that he would die in the attempt.

Snoke had not spent years training and guiding Kylo Ren to the ways of the dark side to simply let all that time and effort be wasted on a mission like this. Unlike previous Sith masters, he did not have the luxury of a well spring of willing replacements to take over in case his apprentice suddenly died.

Not to mention that the loss of the Vader bloodline would be a heavy blow for the future of the Sith in the galaxy.

No, sending Kylo Ren to handle this alone was not an option.

Another option was sending a fleet to the location to determine what the presence in the Force was.

But he had quickly dismissed the idea.

A fleet of being's blind to the Force would be useless in the search for an entity that resonated with the Force. Even if they were able to locate it. Even one as talented as Kuvira would be of no help. They would not be able to describe of explain what the source was in any way that would be useful to Snoke. It would leave him in the same situation and no better off. There was also the risk that the fleet might fall under the sway of this presence. After all, it had clearly displayed intelligence and purposefulness. There was no reason to doubt that it harboured ambitions as well.

If he lost one of his fleets to the control of this thing. It would be a disaster. That was something he could not allow.

No, there was only one viable option to this problem.

He raised a finger to activate the comlink that was installed in the armrest of his throne with the Force. At the same time, he sent a mental command through the Force to his apprentice. Summoning him to the throne room directly. Within a few seconds, the miniature image of the Supremacy's Captain Canady appeared in front of his armrest. The blue glowing image of the captain quickly stood to attention and bowed at the waist.

"Supreme Leader, how my I serve you?" Canady repeated with perfect surety in his tone. As Captain of the Supremacy, Canady interacted with Snoke on a much more frequent level then other officers in the First Order did. It allowed him to swallow his surprise and fear a little quicker.

But never entirely.

Snoke did not waste time. "Captain, have my personal shuttle prepared. My apprentice and I will be making a journey." Snoke ordered.

Canady hesitated for a moment before replying. "Supreme Leader, do you intend to take an escort with you? I have not received any alerts about changes to the fleet route or composition." The captain said in as respectful a tone as he could.

Snoke did not react to the question and instead simply answered. "My apprentice and I will be making this journey alone, captain. My Praetorian guard will accompany us and no others. Snoke replied in a tone of voice that was heavy with finality.

But to his credit. Canady intended to argue the point. "Supreme Leader, with all respect." He said, bowing in deference once again. "But you will be very exposed on this journey. If you allow me a few hours, I can have the several destroyers ready to escort you to your chosen destination. I can arrange for a squadron of fighters or an entire legion of troopers to accompany you. Your safety is paramount, my lord. The First Order, and now the galaxy cannot afford to lose you." Canady trailed off as he felt he had made is point and request clear at this point.

Snoke was silent for a few seconds. Just enough to allow Canady's fear at overstepping his bounds to sink in. It was never a bad idea to remind your subordinates that they obeyed your orders and did not question them. Regardless of the level of reasonability behind their argument.

When he saw Canady's, eyes begin to contract as his heart rate and adrenaline spiked, he responded. "Your concerns are noted, Captain. But I will be making this journey personally, with my apprentice and my personal guards. No others shall follow." He stated in a way that made it very clear that his words were a command. And not a suggestion.

Canady clearly was observant enough to understand that as he bowed a third time and made no further comment on security or lack thereof. "Yes, Supreme Leader. I will order your shuttle to be prepared for your departure immediately. Would you like me to inform the Grand Admiral?" He asked.

Snoke smiled slightly. His mangled face making the expression more of a grimace. But with no malice behind it.

"No captain, that will not be necessary. She will be informed separately." Snoke replied with a tone of voice that seemed to indicate that he knew some private joke.

If Canady noticed the sudden mirth, he made no indication of it. "Yes, Supreme Leader. As you say." Snoke nodded as he closed down the connection.

Almost on que, the door to the throne room opened and his apprentice strode into the room.

Snoke regarded his apprentice as he made his way into the room. He was wearing his iconic mask as usual. His hood was down and his black cloak billowed out behind him as he made his way across the entry way. His black clothes, gloves and boots in addition to his mask and cloak gave him the look of a Sith Warrior of the ancient Sith Empire.

But the power his apprentice conveyed went beyond mere aesthetics and fashion choice. His pace was measured and controlled but with the unmistakable sign of intimidation and power. Gone was the uncertainty, masked by blunt aggression. Now his power was more subtle but unmistakably more potent. In the Force, the change was even more obvious.

He had gone from a flamethrower; powerful, deadly and furious but ultimately limited in power.

To a fusion torch; efficient, controlled, directed and powerful enough to cut through anything.

Snoke nodded slightly in approval as his apprentice made his way to his throne and went to one knee with his head bowed in supplication. "Master." Kylo Ren said as he knelt before Snoke. His devotion, subservience and respect all conveyed in that single word.

Snoke regarded his apprentice for a moment longer before he gestured with his hand. "Rise my apprentice. We have an important matter to discuss."

Kylo Ren rose to his feet. His lightsaber clipped to his belt as usual swinging as he stood at his full height. He never came into his master's presence unarmed. Which was as it should be. If he had ever made such a grievous mistake. Snoke would have punished him severely.

Kylo stood up but remained rooted to the floor as he waited for his master to elaborate. After a few seconds his master obliged him.

"I have sensed a presence within the Force." Snoke stated.

Kylo looked at him with his helmeted head tilted in curiosity. "A disturbance? I have not felt anything like this Master." He said in puzzlement.

Snoke raised a finger to ward off further questions before he clarified. "Not a disturbance as you would recognise it my apprentice. A presence within the Force has been calling out to me from a far-off location in the Unknown Regions. This presence is unperceivable within the Force. But is existence and purpose is certain. It is call to me to come and find it."

Kylo Ren considered quickly. "Any being or entity with that much power and control in the Force is definitely worth our attention. Do we know what planet this presence is located on? Anything that might give us an indication of what it might be?" He asked.

Snoke shook his head. "According to all records, there should be nothing in that section of space, beyond nebulas and electrical storms. Even though our forces have already scouted that area many times." He added.

Kylo's stance did not change but his aura in the Force spiked with sudden intense interest. "So, either our scouts and probe droids are stupid enough to miss an entire planet. Or, there is something else going." Kylo Ren finished with a tone of understanding.

Snoke had always been impressed by Kylo Ren's ability to shift through the data and quickly come to the root point. He would be a worthy successor. Assuming he proved worthy enough to claim the position.

"You and I will be departing on my shuttle within the next few hours. We will go to the location of this presence within the Force. Whatever it is, we will neutralise it." He said with conviction.

Kylo Ren nodded his understanding. "Will the guards be accompanying us?" He asked, having already theorised that the fleet would not be making the journey.

Snoke nodded. "Six of the guard will accompany us, while the remaining two stay with the Grand Admiral." Snoke said. "No one else will be making the journey." Snoke's tone was clear and brooked no argument. Not that Kylo Ren had a problem with this arrangement. In fact, he was glad that not all the guards would be accompanying them, for reasons that would remain his own.

Snoke allowed his apprentice a moment before he brought the conversation to a close. "The shuttle will be ready to depart shortly. I will summon you when the time to leave is approaching. I suggest you make the necessary preparations before we depart." Snoke instructed his apprentice as he allowed himself once again to feel some mirth at what he was orchestrating.

Kylo Ren bowed his head once more. "Yes, my master." Before he turned on his heel and marched (somewhat quickly) towards the door. Once he had left the chamber, Snoke rose and began to make his way towards his private chambers to gather what he would need for the journey. The praetorian guards following in his wake.

Kylo Ren - POV

Kylo Ren moved towards the door that led to the private quarters of the Grand Admiral of the First Order. As always, the two Praetorian guards assigned to her were stationed at the door standing watch.

Normally they would have barred the way for anyone entering the Grand Admiral's chambers unannounced. But by now they were very used to seeing Kylo Ren come and go as he pleased. And they had quickly grown tired of asking Kuvira for clearance only to be given the same answer each and every time.

Instead, the guards stood to attention as the dark lord made his way past them and entered the living quarters.

Kuvira was sitting at the living room table. In one hand was a steaming mug of caff. In the other was a data pad that she was reading carefully as she scrolled through the information detailing ship movements along the borders of Hutt space.

Kylo could not help but be amused as he took in the sight of her.

She was meant to be sleeping as she had only recently come off a 24-hour shift. She should have been in bed. Instead, she was still working. Not that he had expected her to be doing anything else.

She was clearly not expecting company at this time. She was wearing her black uniform trousers and boots. But her jacket, gloves and greatcoat were folded up in the corner to be collected by her personal droid attendance to be laundered. She was only wearing her black tank top over her torso and one strap had slipped off her shoulder during her late-night reading.

The orderly and disciplined part of his mind wanted to move it back into place. The more deviant part of him, wanted to pull the other one down as well.

Her jet-black hair was out of its usual tight bun and was instead cascading down her back and the side of her face in a way that left her looking dishevelled but dominating in a primal sort of way.

She was not looking at him when he entered. She was so engrossed in her work and she was confident that whoever her guards had allowed in here, was no threat to her. Then again, the number of people her guards allowed in unannounced was limited to Nephitina and Kylo Ren himself.

Still, Kylo could just make out her instinctual tensing of her muscles as she readied herself for sudden action. He also noticed her hand briefly twitch in the direction of a concealed vibro-knife that was hidden under the table.

Kuvira had weapons of all variety hidden around her quarter's. Just in case an assassin was ever to make an attempt on her life. Clearly, she had subconsciously began to reach for one before her mind caught up with her instincts.

She turned to face him as he entered the room.

She did not smile at him or rush to give him a hug or kiss as other couples might have done.

Instead, she nodded her greeting and placed the data pad she had been studying down on the table as she quickly adjusted herself to look somewhat more presentable.

To many, this would seem a woefully inadequate reaction to seeing your (boyfriend?) …...significant other enter your room. But Kylo Ren was very content with the reaction he got.

Kuvira would rather cut off her own finger with a rusty blade then neglect her duty, or forsake her responsibilities. But the fact that she had instantly stopped her work without any prompt or hesitation. Made it very clear to him that she viewed his arrival as more important then even her duty.

At least, this minor duty done in her spare time. But he as willing to accept that for the greater gesture it was, however it might have appeared.

As he approached her, she rose to her feet and turned to face him. As he walked, he reached up to his mask and quickly released the restraints that kept it in place. He proceeded to pull the mask from his head and face Kuvira with his head unadorned.

As they reached each other they stopped and regarded each other for a small moment. Then they slowly moved closer together until they were pressed against each other. They stared at each other as golden eyes met emerald for a few seconds as they became used to the closeness.

Finally, Kuvira broke the silence. Aware that it was considered 'her turn' to initiate the intimate moment. "I missed you." She said, hesitantly but with no deception or exaggeration in her voice. She simply left it at that as she awaited his response.

Kylo Ren allowed himself a smile at the small but very significant statement that the Grand Admiral had never offered to anyone other than him.

"I missed you too." He replied, honestly and forthrightly. He meant it too.

These days with his commitment to the dark side stronger then ever. He found himself hard pressed to truly care about anyone. His previous life, the life he had lived as Ben Solo, might as well have been lived by someone else for all the impact the memories of that life stirred within him.

Even the feelings of his uncle and parents. Once so raw and full of resentment and pain. Now there was nothing left by the burning desire to put them all into the ground. Previously those feelings had been dominated by painful anger and resentment accompanied by desperate need.

But now all he felt for any of them was an intense hatred of them and all that they stood for. There was nothing personal or deeper connection burning within the hate. He hated them simply because they were the people that they were. Because Luke Skywalker was a deluded hypocrite Jedi. The ancient enemy of his own order. And because his parents were both ineffective, self-righteous bastards. Each one a determent to the galaxy in their own way.

It was all he could do these days not to march right down to the brig of the Supremacy and put his lightsaber through the face of Leia Organa and be done with her.

The only reason he resisted was because he knew she still had value to the First Order. And he would only wring the life from her once her usefulness was at an end.

He found he cared for nothing and no one previously involved in his life up until this point. Even his master Supreme Leader Snoke was no longer a replacement paternal figure to him anymore. While he respected him as a powerful mentor and teacher. He was more aware of him as a font of wisdom, knowledge and power. A front that once he had drunk dry, would cease to be anything but an obstacle to him.

But with Kuvira it was different.

He cared for her in a way that was strange but oddly symbiotic with his new connection with the dark side.

She did not chase away his darkness. Her presence did not drive him to the light as some soft-hearted fools might have expected. Indeed, if she had been a completely different person; sweet, kind, caring and self-sacrificing. Like his grandmother Padme Amidala had been. Maybe that would have happened.

But Kuvira was not that person.

Instead, her passion, resolve and personal iron strength of will, raised feelings in him he thought he would never feel. When she was around, the passion she fuelled within him blew embers on the burning fire of the Darkside within him.

And when they were physically intimate, it was like she had poured a cannister of petrol on his inner fire.

He cared for Kuvira like he cared for no one else in the galaxy. So, when he said that he had missed her. He and she knew that he meant it.

For a few moments they both simply stood there. Then they slowly but purposefully moved their lips together for a kiss as they took in the scent and warmth of each other while they enjoyed the moment of closeness that they very rarely got to enjoy.

The kiss deepened as they began to breath faster and heavier while they used their arms to bring each other as close as possible.

After a few minutes of this, with their passion and hormones rising. They broke the kiss. But they still remained in their position holding each other close.

This was their typical stopping point

Despite the fact that their…'relationship' was a year old at this point. They had not advanced physically beyond kissing and small instances of groping.

The reasons for this were twofold.

Despite having been 'together' for a year now. They had spent the vast majority of that year apart.

Between Kylo Ren's commitment to the Sith and Dark side. As well as Kuvira's many responsibilities as the Commander in Chief of the entire First Order. They had hardly had any chances to see each other and spent months apart at a time.

The only chances they had to interact was when their missions happened to coincide with each other. Which was a rare occurrence.

Neither were willing to go public with their relationship yet. So purposefully arranging it so their missions allowed for more alone time was out of the question.

As such they had spent less then a dozen times together over the course of the last year.

The second reason was due to a personal fact.

Both of them were still very awkward when it came to physically displays of emotion. They were fine with rage, aggression, anger, grim resolve, and stoicism.

But kissing, cuddling, sweet words were still very unfamiliar to them. They were slowly getting a grip on it. Initially at the start of their relationship, they had begun each date with a simple nod of greeting.

That had developed into a formal handshake.

Later they managed to improve that to a hug. It was only in the last few meetings that they had been able to kiss each other when they reunited. The fact that these kisses were growing ever more passionate indicated that the next advancement would be soon.

But greater physical acts of intimacy were still somewhat beyond them at the moment. But he was confident that soon they would truly unite in their passion. When time allowed them the moment.

For now, they simply sat on the sofa together as they held each other and enjoyed a rare moment of peace from their demanding lives and destinies. They did not speak or really do much of anything. They simply held each other as they allowed themselves the opportunity to bask and take comfort in each other's warmth and presence.

Finally, knowing that time was a quickly diminishing commodity, Kylo Ren broke the silence.

"I will be travelling away from the fleet. With the Supreme Leader." He stated flatly.

That caught Kuvira by surprise as she raised her head from his shoulder so she could look him directly in the eyes. "What reason does the Supreme Leader have to travel with you? He has not left the Supremacy in years. Is this some form of training? She asked before considering for a moment. "Or is this due to some threat in the Force? Skywalker perhaps?"

Kylo grinned slightly at how quickly she had put the pieces together from his simple off-hand comment. Her intellect was one of the many qualities he truly valued in her.

"The Supreme Leader has sensed some presence in the Force. Some entity that has begun to manifest as a possible threat. He has decided that the best way to identify this threat and destroy it is for the two of us to make the journey together." He explained.

Kuvira nodded her understanding. "I assume this matter is not able to be handled by the military or the Knights of Ren?" She asked. She was the first to concede that matters of the Force were not her area of expertise. As such, she was willing to defer to the judgement of Kylo Ren and the Supreme Leader in these matters. That did not mean, however that she was eager to allow both the Supreme Leader of the First Order and her…. boyfriend? To walk into unknown danger if there were other alternatives.

Kylo Ren shook his head. "Whatever this presence is. It is too strong to be handled by the Knights. We do not wish to send the fleet after it as we do not know what effect it might have on the minds of our crews. This needs to be handled by us and it needs to be done before it becomes a clear threat to the First Order."

Kuvira accepted that as they both rose from the sofa and engaged in a final kiss. It was less passionate then the first one. They both knew they could not afford to drag this out as they would need to return to their separate duties.

Kylo Ren needed to make his way down to the hanger bay. Meanwhile, Kuvira did intend to get some sleep before she returned to her next shift.

Still, they enjoyed the sensation of running their tongues over each other's lips and mouths in ways that they had not attempted before. Their previously sheltered lives had not allowed for experimentation during their young adulthood. But they were enjoying making up for their formative years each time they were alone. Each moment was a brand-new experience for both of them.

Even they broke apart they remained close while they took in the moment. Eventually Kylo Ren pulled away as reached for his mask.

Kuvira watched him place it on as she debated the appropriate words for her to say to him before he left. Eventually she made her selection that she felt melded professionalism and conveyed her concern for him. "Take all necessary precautions in your mission. And please be careful." She stated with a mixture of formality and personal warmth.

Kylo Ren nodded as he reached out with his hand to briefly grasp her own as it hung at her side.

Kuvira accepted the gesture and returned it with a small squeeze of her own hand. But no more was done or said in farewell.

With that Kylo Ren left the room as me made his way down to the hanger to join his master. Soon their reinformed shuttle was jumping to light speed as it headed to the far reaches of the Unknown Regions. Snoke guided the shuttle as he reached out to the Force to slowly home in on the source of the strange presence that was at the hard of this matter.

As the unfathomable distance between them and the strange presence diminished. Snoke began to gain a greater insight into the entity.

While he was still not able to pierce the veil of darkness that the presence had wrapped around itself. But he was able to discern certain things about the entity. In that time, he was able to learn one thing for certain.

Whatever this thing in the Force was.

Its source was undeniably,

Sinister.