Authors Note: This chapter has some of my favorite moments between Kylo Ren and Joline. I also noticed that towards the end of the story I switched Tremarc's name, and there quite a few errors, apologies. I have edited it a little bit. Here is the link to the story Kylo is telling: .dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheLittleMatchGirl_ Please enjoy!

Joline looked at herself with dire uncertainty, her eyes taking in the black halter dress with sheer sleeves and neckline. It was very revealing without necessarily being so. The fabric hugged her every curve, before ending three quarters down her thighs.

"You look nice." Armitage hummed, as her blankets swallowed him.

"You aren't supposed to jump on beds."

"I fell to the side more than jumped." He beamed, his bright green blue eyes flickering across her curves. "Two questions: Who did you dress up for? And how long have you had that dress?"

"Violi and I were going on planet for a party." Joey replied, nerves sang a chorus through her, as she neatly placed on some strappy black heels. "I got the dress for an event at the restaurant."

"But… you didn't choose it…. Did you?"

"No, my boss did."

Armitage nodded, quietly making a note to confront the old human chef next time they are on Coruscant, before absently flicking his fingers for her to go back to work. It was strange watching her get ready for a party without him being the one forcing her to dress in something sexy, yet tasteful, though he enjoyed watching as she twisted her hair into an intricate series of braids.

"You remember how to be safe at a bar right?" The general hummed, too easily falling into his overprotective shell. "Don't leave your drink with anyone… even if you trust them, go to the bathroom in a group… and please don't forget-."

"Remember to hydrate, don't drink on an empty stomach, and most importantly don't get drunk." She intruded sardonically, her eyes rolling slightly. "I'll be fine."

"I was going to say… don't leave with anyone that isn't Violi." He smirked. "If she leaves with a man, call me and don't leave a well populated area…"

"I've done these enough times to remember the rules." Joey smiled, trapping her hair up with another hairpin. "Thanks for your concern, I'll be fine."

"I know you will be I'll be here when you come back."

"Asleep I'm hoping, goodnight Army."

Joey knew better, she knew for a fact that Armitage would be perched on her couch with his arms crossed in front of his chest half asleep when she came back. Lightly, she placed a kiss on his cheek, a gentle reminder that she appreciated his watchful eye. She soon left the room, donning a light jacket -just in case the planet was cooler than she expected. Armitage sighed, resting against the thick duvet of her bed, debating if he should at least nap for an hour or two.

"Look at you," Violi chirped when Joey came into the hanger. "Don't you clean up nicely."

Violi donned at deep burgundy dress that seemed to be nothing but straps and a prayer. Beautiful but by no means conservative when it came to skin. Her honey brown hair was twisted into a rose like bun, tied by an equally deep colored ribbon.

"You look… fantastic, and I now feel overdressed."

"Don't worry too much about it." Violi smiled, her fingers reaching around her companion. "The boys are already planet side."

After a second Violi jolted Joline to the left, taking her from the transport area, to where many of the TIE series, and officer ships, were held.

"Where are you taking me?"

"We are going to arrive in style." Violi hummed, as they approached a sleek Delta 7. "The trooper who usually rides this is taking us down."

"Is that even allowed?"

"Don't worry so much, no one will even notice." Violi squealed, when a large stormtrooper rounded the ship. "Ready to go?"

"I am," the piolet responded, his large hands running along the edges of the bandage like dress.

There was a story here, one that Joline would have been interested in, had Violi not yanked her forward. Mischief sang through the Mando's eyes, as the two women continued on the ship. It was much smaller than the transport ship Joey had flown in on, but it had more space and was shockingly clean. It wouldn't be until they were halfway planet side, that Joey wondered whose personal ship this was.

"What time is he going to pick us up?" Joline questioned, as the two women settled into their take off seats.

"He'll be planet side with us… just not with us." Violi smiled, watching as the trooper started the launching sequence. "We fool around periodically… to answer your question."

"I didn't-"

"I saw the look in your eyes." After a moment, she looked into her friend's eyes. "Tremarc is meeting up with an old lady friend of his, so he'll be around… but probably won't be too fond of hanging out. I just like to dance and drink. If we get separated, meet me at the bar. If we can't do that try and remember where the ship lands."

"Ok… why wouldn't we be able to meet at the bar?"

"You know, gang rivalries and such…" Violi laughed, seeing the shocks of confusion flash across Joey's features. "They don't happen often here, but when they do… they are intense… Don't worry though, there'll be lots of tourists there. I'm sure it's all safe, and all legit."

Music pulsed loudly through the large warehouse, bodies swaying as if they were seaweed in a current, and bottles with glowing liquid being passed around. Joline had enjoyed the first few rounds of dancing, but the constant vibration made her insides twist a little too much for her liking. Violi had been right, since arriving the women had only seen Tremarc twice.

"Where are you going?" Violi shouted dragging Joey back towards her.

"I'm going to get a drink."

"Don't order any specialties… they lace it with Elixir of Infatuation. Instead choose something familiar." Violi's voice barely rose over the music, but Joey was grateful for the advice. "I'll be there in ten minutes, don't meet anyone's eyes. Ok?"

"Roger, Roger."

A few more hours passed, drawing the tired girl to and from the dance floor. Sometime during her last trip for water Joline lost track of Violi, so she worked on following the directions she was given during the flight over. Most of those on the dance floor kept with darker tones, with a couple of bright highlights to catch the pulsating lights. She paused mid-step, watching as two men started brawling at the bar, an automatic deterrent.

"I could find Tremarc… see if he's seen her." Joey hummed to herself, before redirecting her pace.

The last time she saw him, was about an hour or so ago, and if memory served her correctly, he had been led to one of the corners nearest the front entrance. Careful to avoid anyone's attention she reconsidered her life choices. This had been fun in the beginning, but now has lost its appeal. Armitage's offer to pick her up sang a fast tune in the back of her mind, as she made her way through grimy curtains.

Sexual sounds echoed through the slightly quieter area, as she kept walking forward. Curtains made of some type of clothe separated different areas, some larger than others. Couples came and went, from room to room, grasping to each other like there was no other person in the world. Those who found passion during parties such as these often-found quiet areas to elope with another person of their choosing, and Joline was not going to make any judgments, however she was starting to rethink bothering Tremarc.

When she turned to leave, a Zabrak male stood in the way. His horned head tilted to the side, as if questioning her reasons for coming to the area alone, as he took another step forward. Soft black swirls danced along his pale green skin, as the lights flickered in red.

"Excuse me." She responded quietly, hope that was enough to allow her by.

"You seem a little lost." His gravelly voice hummed.

"I-I was looking for a friend…"

"I could be your friend." He chuckled, deeply inhaling from a pipe.

"Th-thanks, but I should be going."

"You just arrived. You haven't even had time to play in a room." Smoke tumbled through his lips with each word, as he leaned into her ear. "Do you want to… play?"

"Perhaps later, I really should find my friend."

Without saying anything else, the Zabrak stepped aside, watching as she quickly walked towards the entrance. A light smile touching his lips, before turning back to the room he'd just left. She would be back, women like that often did.

Smoke twisted and curled around Joey as she stumbled towards the bar the only stable surface she could find. Everything started to warp around her, people were stretching out, the walls coming closer in. She didn't like the feeling of whatever this was, and she quietly begged for it tall to stop. In the hopes to settle the world, the normally calm chef, rested her head against the bar taking in deep breaths.

"Joline," A deep baritone echoed from behind her. "Joe-"

The voice paused, as a set of hand cradled her shoulders reassuringly.

"I don't like it." She murmured childishly.

"You've been exposed to Black Hole." The voice purred, as the hands slowly lifted her up. "Who did you come with?"

"T-Tremarc, h-he's in the corner with a lady friend." She slurred, "a-and Violi is just gone."

Kylo Ren sighed, shifting the young chef in his arms to best fit the situation. He wasn't sure if he should tell either of her friends, being that they were off doing whatever they were doing. After a moment of consideration, he walked towards the corner she'd motioned towards. Joey didn't stand much of chance, falling asleep as soon as he'd placed her against his chest.

His fingers dug into Joey's side, as he pushed the draped curtain aside. Smoke licked at his features, as he pushed forward, passing a couple as they left their "room", only to have it filled by another waiting couple. Kylo Ren breathed in deeper, mulling the taste of the smoke in. There was something familiar about it… almost as if he'd tasted it before. Light giggles hummed through the room to his left, as a woman wearing a dark stripped dress pushed into an already occupied room. Just like she said, Tremarc was standing near the corner, adjusting his pants, while his lady friend did the same with her own clothes.

"I'm taking Joline." Kylo Ren hissed.

"C-commander Ren." Tremarc stuttered, going into a salute.

"Did you hear me?"

"Y-yes s-sir."

One of the brightest lights Joline ever came across shifted across her eyes, shocking her awake. Unlike the warehouse, and Delta 7, Joey's new surrounds were dark -nearly pitched black- helping with the low-grade headache trying to form in the back of her eyes. It was strange, waking up somewhere she hadn't fallen asleep, and since joining as the officer's chef, it has happened too many times. A loud groan left her, as she pushed her heavy body into a sitting position.

"I'm glad you're awake." Kylo Ren's voice hummed through the static.

"Please stop yelling." Joey whined, holding her head. "Wh-where am I?"

"On my TIE fighter." The knight responded, turning his pilot seat around to face her. "You've been out for an hour… I didn't want to leave the atmosphere just in case something happened."

"Were you at the party?"

"No."

"Then why did you-"

"You called out to me." He answered in clipped manner. "I came, because you sounded scared and alone."

"Thanks, I'm sorry I interrupted you."

"It's fine… but I wouldn't suggest it happening again. Black Hole can have permanent effects that would cripple the average person."

"Black hole?"

"The drug you took." He sounded so disapproving, as he stood from the chair. "It's what the Empire used to train force sensitive kids. Those who were weaker in mind, would maintain the hallucinations well past the time it was administered." Kylo Ren's fingers gently pushed Joey down onto her back. "I'm going to take a few scans to make sure no permanent damage had developed."

Allowing herself to be pushed onto the less than comfortable metal slap, Joey closed her eyes as the bright light rainbow around her. This was the most Kylo Ren ever spoke to her, at least out in the open and not in her dreamscape. The sound of his voice happened to be quite nice, so much so she didn't like when he stopped to look at the results.

"What happened to those who were affected?" She finally asked.

"They were discarded." He sighed, taking in the stress lines along her brows. "You shouldn't party with irresponsible people."

"Excuse me?"

"Your friends were both in the pleasure alley." He shot back matter-of-factly. "Neither was even aware you were incapacitated."

"I mean, I was going to call… someone."

"You did," The knight of Ren responded flatly. "You don't seem too badly damaged, tomorrow you'll wake up feeling like a death star hit you, but you won't have any cognitive damage."

"Thank you." She whimpered, sitting up once again.

"You'll need to hydrate." He continued, pulling out an I.V. taking a moment to glance at her, before pushing her on the slab again. "Stay down, I'm going to start the hydration process. You'll need something greasy in the morning, and lots of water."

"Can you talk to me?" Joey questioned, as she tightly closed her eyes. "I don't like needles, so your talking will distract me."

"What do you want me to say?"

He was taken back by the simple request, wondering why this woman had such a mundane fear, when there was a galaxy of war. Her brows twitched in the silence, too afraid to open her eyes, but wanting more than anything to see what in the galaxy Ren was doing. Kylo Ren hung the IV fluid bag above the console, as he admired the way her brows crunched forward joined with the slightest of frowns tugging at her glossy lips.

"Tell me a story?" She hummed, "It doesn't have to true, just tell me a story."

The knight of Ren sighed, thinking hard on any story he could remember, without getting too personal.

"It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark. Evening came on, the last evening of the year. In the cold and gloom a poor little girl, bareheaded and barefoot, was walking through the streets. Of course, when she had left her house, she'd had slippers on, but what good had they been? They were very big slippers, way too big for her, for they belonged to her mother. The little girl had lost them running across the road, where two carriages had rattled by terribly fast. One slipper she'd not been able to find again, and a boy had run off with the other, saying he could use it very well as a cradle some day when he had children of his own. And so, the little girl walked on her naked feet, which were quite red and blue with the cold. In an old apron she carried several packages of matches, and she held a box of them in her hand. No one had bought any from her all day long, and no one had given her a cent."

His fingers lightly dragged across bend of the chef's arms, getting her used to the touch, so that he could soon jab her. "Shivering with cold and hunger, she crept along, a picture of misery, poor little girl! The snowflakes fell on her long fair hair, which hung in pretty curls over her neck. In all the windows lights were shining, and there was a wonderful smell of roast goose, for it was New Year's Eve. Yes, she thought of that!"

A light smile touched her lips, as she got lost in his voice. Joline hadn't heard the story, and if he'd chosen to tell it again, it would still be new. Once her breaths slowed down, and her features relaxed, the knight took the opportunity to sink the needle into her vein. He was gifted with a light gasp, as her eyes shot open.

"You poked me!"

"I distracted you first." He smirked. "I'm going to leave the atmosphere now. We should be back on ship in an hour."

"Could you finish the story?" Joey yawned tiredly. "I really like the sound of your voice."

Kylo Ren, the dreaded force sensitive male could easily say no, but he simply sat back down in the piolet's chair. Could he even recall the end of the story? He wondered as the rest of the tale left his lips, barely paying attention to the launch sequence.

"Good morning Joey." Armitage's voice hummed, through the darkness.

"What time is it?" Joline hummed, wrapping her bed sheets around her to properly cocoon.

Having said words, Joey noticed the cotton mouth sensation as she opened and closed her mouth. Everything ached, limbs feeling far too heavy to actually be attached her body, and her head… It felt as if two X-wings crashed with her skull in the middle of it. None of this was good, she didn't remember much of last night, not even recalling how the hell she got home. The only thing singing in her memories, was the Zabrak male she'd encountered in the sea of curtains. His glowing gold eyes glowing with excitement.

"Time for you to wake up. You shouldn't party all night if you're going to be exhausted." Hux smiled, running his fingers through her matted hair. "I put some aspirin and water on the nightstand. I have to go, so you have to promise to wake up now."

"What if I promise to attempt to wake up?"

"Unfortunately, that's a no deal." The general chuckled, lightly kissing her hairline. "Is everything ok? You normally don't feel this bad."

"I-I don't remember much of last night to be honest." She admitted, slowly pushing herself into a sitting position.

"I told you not to drink too much."

"I didn't, I swear… but there was a lot of smoke around."

"Do you think you were drugged?"

"Calm down Army… I'm sure things will come to." Her fingers extended, pausing whatever protests Armitage was about to make. "If not, I'll go to the doctor during lunch."

"Fine, but I'll be checking up on you."

"Have a good day Army."

"You too, I'll drop by the kitchen when I can."

With another kiss at her temples, General Armitage Hux marched from her home, tiredness tugging at his features. He waited up nearly the whole night for her, and as the clock etched closer towards 0200 hours, he was deeply contemplating going planet side. The Joline he knew, didn't stay out past 2400 Hours, and she certainly didn't stroll through the door half dead. Something had happened planet side, and he had hoped she would be able to elaborate the goings on. No such luck.

Joline sighed deeply, before falling back into her bed, her eyes closed tightly. It would have been nice to sleep, just for a little while longer, but she knew better than that. Her muscles ached, feeling as though they were tearing with each movement she made. Breakfast would be simple for each officer, and she would by no means go out and deliver each breakfast. Hopefully, this hangover would be over with, by mid-day.

"Thank the Stars!" Violi's voice shrieked through the kitchen. "You're ok Joey. You had me worried sick… and then Tremarc told me that Kylo Ren took you." Tight squeezes from the frantic woman were chorused with displeased groans. "You are ok… aren't you?"

"Yes… who did you say took me home?"

"Commander Ren… apparently he whisked you into his arms and threatened Tremarc." The Mando woman whispered. "Trem said you didn't look good."

"I… don't remember much of last night." Joey half chuckled.

Violi's tone echoed through the main parts of the kitchen, giving a slight musical inflection to the whole situation, as Joey gathered the supplies she needed. Much of what she spoke of was how the night ended. Thankfully after Joey left the party, a rather large shoot off started, causing the party goers to scatter. That's when Violi noticed that she hadn't see the newest chef in a couple of hours, and where Tremarc told her the harrowing tale of Kylo Ren's threats… Much of which Joey considered an exaggeration.

"Are you going to deliver breakfast to the officers?" Trem questioned, as his large hand patted at her back.

"No, I feel sore all over."

"Did the Knight of Ren slip you some drugs?" Violi questioned in a whisper.

"Where would he get drugs Vie?"

"I don't know, he could have dealer."

The two bickered like siblings, as three stormtrooper's marched off with the officer's food. Whilst her companions argued amongst themselves, Joey sipped on her third cup of water for the day. It tasted strange, almost like the filtration unit was out of sorts, but she continued sipping, vowing to call a technician to fix things… and who knew, it may be from whatever was making her feel like fried Bantha Fodder.

"What's the last thing you remember?" Trem half shouted over his companion. "That will settle it."

"Only if we knew when Kylo arrived."

"I remember a light green Zabrak…" Joey hummed, as her finger settled her cup against the counter. "He was something that smelled faintly of rainwater and damp soil."

"You don't think she ran into Hargun… do you?" Tremarc half whispered to his companion.

"No, he hasn't been to a party in years… Right?"

"Did he have tattoos on his face?"

"Yeah, it looked like there were two birds of some sort moving away from the bridge of his nose."

"Well, Druk… Looks like we aren't going planet side for a while."

"Um… Who's Hargun?" Joey questioned, as she started cleaning the kitchen.

They didn't have much time to clean and set up for lunch… and the other two were perfectly pleased to stand there chatting about the other night. How they ever got work done amazed Joey.

"He's a drug dealer that works for the hugs… the problem is he also dabbles with other things, and we unfortunately we owe him a little bit of money."

"The two of you owe a drug deal money?"

Joey glanced at the two dubiously, before resting her hip against the sink. This could be serious, not for the First Order of course, but for the safety of her friends. The Hutt's weren't to be played with, even if they were slowly becoming weaker with the other factions grasping for power.

"Yeah… It's from years ago, before we applied for the First Order." Violi responded finally. "We had worked with the Hutt's for a bit, and Hargun had asked us to play a friendly game of Sabacc."

"When someone who works with the Hutt's ask for a friendly game of… anything really. The smart answer is to say no." Tremarc interjected.

"So, the Hutt's aren't after you… but Hargun is?"

"Not necessarily after us. Just… wanting to get paid." Violi retorted quietly. "As long as we are sheltered by the First Order, we should be good. Did he ask who you were with?"

"Nope." The three paused, hearing a light knock on the door. "Hey Ar-General."

"I said I'd be checking in on you." He responded, eyeing the two other chefs suspiciously.

"Go speak with the general, we'll start lunch." Tremarc grunted, forcing a wince of a smile onto his features.

The silent order, don't tell him, echoed through the wince. Joey wouldn't tell on them, especially not to Armitage, he didn't take lying well, not that she would ever blame him. Lies got you killed, and they had fibbed about something with some grievous repercussions. Hutt's, no matter which one, weren't known for their patience.

"What were you three talking about?" Army hummed when they were outside of the mess hall.

He would have preferred having this conversation somewhere more private, but there were only a few precious moments before she had to start making lunch. Or at least, she chose to help make lunch for the troopers, before making the officers their own food. Her kindness always amazed him.

"We were talking about what happened last night." She responded, not giving anything more. "How did I get home?'

"You came stumbling in, muttering something about being your limbs feeling like lead."

That was certainly no lie, her limbs were only now starting to feel light enough to walk normally. Armitage's fingers lightly caressed the side of her hand, as if to ask if she was ok. It was strange now, being older hand having his fingers feel her so willingly… almost as if they were lovers.

"I'm much better, and pieces of last night are coming back." She responded sluggishly. "You don't have to worry too much. I needed fluids is all."

"Fine, but you'll call in as soon as anything feels off. Right?"

"Of course."

"Good, now… I need to talk to you about Supreme Leader Snoke's arrival."

"Is that today?" Joey half squealed.

"No, he and a few delegates are arriving tomorrow morning." The General hummed, "I'll show the party around the ship, then we'll do lunch, we'll have an arm show, a few displays of power, and you'll serve dinner where you'll be in the room answering questions."

"Sounds like a busy day." Joline nodded, half wishing she brought a pad. "Did I hear you delegation?"

"Yes, it's really just the other Knights of Ren and his red guard… They will be eating as Stormtroopers, so you won't have to worry about them."

"I most certainly will be worrying about them, Trem and Violi are already swamped."

"You make me tired… did you know that?" Hux sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine, you'll have twelve more people to your usual load."

"Understood, are you going to send me a schedule, so that I can have the food ready."

"I'll send it to you tonight."

Armitage's green-blue eyes flickered across the hallway, taking anyone who may see the affection he intended to have her. No one was there, just the two. His fingers traced along the pillar of her neck, taking in the soft skin, and light redness of irritation on it.

"We'll eat dinner together." He smiled.

"Slumber party again?"

"Yes. Have a good day."

The General moved as though he was going to kiss the top of her head but stopped himself as soon as he realized. Instead, Armitage smiled weakly at his friend, withdrawing his fingers from her form. The sound of the large male walking away echoed through the empty halls. For all the Stormtrooper's on this ship, Joline found it exceeding fascinating that the halls always seemed to be so empty. Once the tall red head disappeared, Joline made her way back into the kitchen.

Joey sighed, taking in a deep breath of the mock dinner she'd made for the delegation. They would have to make a quick planet side stop in the morning to get enough food for everyone, but she took pride in the choice she made. Sometime after the lunch rush and clean up, her data pad chirped, letting her know that she received a message. Though she didn't have much time to check it, not until now, when she sat neatly at the dining table.

Time increments, many probably painstakingly planned, with a title and location flickered across the screen. She knew what it took for Armitage to create a schedule. He had the meticulous organization that it took to walk through the day and time things perfectly, so that the schedule he hands out, was as accurate as possible. It was that dedicated organizational skill that Joey envied so much. During their report she could have a light lunch delivered to keep everyone's energy up.

"Sorry I'm late." The General hummed, walking through her front door.

"There's no worries, we didn't exactly set up a meet time." Joey chuckled, slightly rolling her eyes. "How was your day?"

"Long, yours?"

"It was fine, I figured out what I want to make for the dinner."

With her best show hostess pose, Joline's fingers splayed so that Armitage could see the hard work she'd placed into the plate. She'd gone for technical difficulty, versus visuals complexity. It looked beautiful in a simplistic way. Inside a midsized ramekin she'd placed a healthy serving of Garlic Buttered Mushroom Risotto (a dish her boss was well known for.), and beside it a charred salmon fillet on top of a bed of arugula.

"It's pretty." He smiled, sitting down. "Tell me about it."

"I made for you, a Garlic Buttered Mushroom Risotto, with charred salmon, on top of a bed of arugula."

Despite trying to make it seem as professional as possible, Joline couldn't help but giggle at the overly interactive faces Armitage made. With the stiffness only a person from high society could possess, Armitage took a small bit from each, before taking a bite. A low hum left his lips, as he continued to eat.

"They'll love this." He half moaned.

"Sometimes I wonder if you are just sucking up." Joey smiled.

"Me? Never, I'm a straight as they come." He paused, glancing at the wrinkled mess of her forehead. "Is everything ok?"

"Yes, I will need to drop planet side in the morning to get enough supplies for the group."

"I'll contact the Commander, from my understanding, he too wants to go to the planet." Hux hummed. "I'll also send a couple of Troopers with you, they can help carry stuff, and keep eyes out… just in case anything happens."

"Thanks, I appreciate the help."

While Joline washed the dishes, Armitage made up his message to Commander Ren and a threesome of troopers. Three probably was too many to keep a low profile, he knew that, but he wasn't leaving her alone with him.

"What's the plan for tonight?" Joey asked, noticing Armitage's creased brows.

"Have you been able to remember anything more from last night?"

"For the most part, I have a couple of blank spaces, but talking to Tremarc and Violi has helped." She smiled too naturally. "Apparently there's this drug called Black Hole, and the Zabrak I ran into was smoking it. I'm fine, just got extremely dehydrated."

"No more parties with those two… They might be the death of me." He retorted tiredly.

"I discovered I'm too dang old for partying all night." Mischief sparkled in her grey eyes, leaving Armitage what she was thinking. "I would have preferred to be sleeping."

"Let's do that then."

It was earlier than usual for Joline and the three Stormtroopers that accepted their early morning mission. She's placed her hair in a sloppy looking bun, before running from her bedroom, only partially dressed. Zeltron seemed warm enough that she wouldn't need the thick uniform jacket nor the gloves, so she left them folded neatly onto her coffee table. Having invited herself onto Kylo Ren's trip, she and troopers arrived hours before either would have woken up naturally, so she decided they would arrive ship side again before her first breakfast ship.

"Good morning Commander Ren!" She chirped happily when the tall knight rounded the corner.

"We will be on planet for an hour and a half, if you do not meet me at the ship by then, I'll be leaving you." He paused, turning to watch the four's reactions. "Is that understood."

"Yes." Joey responded, as the more proper response 'sir, yes sir' chorused her.

"Good, now let's go."

The three Stormtroopers glanced at each other momentarily, and unspoken conversation being exchanged, before they followed their orders. Sometimes, on the rare occasions she saw this, Joey liked to make up her own dialogue that went on. Some being comical, others being very serious, though in this occurrence she liked to think they were admiring the great force sensitive male.

"Ms. Joline, follow." Ren spoke possessively.

"Um… Ok."

Glancing towards the Stormtroopers momentarily, she stood from the launch seats, and slowly followed the commander to the cockpit. The door hissed shut when she joined him. This space was significantly bigger than the TIE fighter he piloted the other night. Her fingers twisted at the edges of her uniform as she waited for him to acknowledge her presence.

"Come here."

Another few steps and her knees pressed against the console separating the pilot and co-pilot's chairs. Ren's fingers gently gripped her jaw, drawing her features closer to his, before moving them about as if inspecting her. The sterile mask said nothing of his thoughts, or even expectations, for this strange behavior.

"You haven't been drinking enough water." He simply remarked, letting go of her jaw. "I told you to stay hydrated."

"I wasn't expecting that." She half chuckled.

"What?"

"You mothering me… it's very General Hux-y of you."

Ren scoffed indignantly, before turning back to console. "When I give out advice, I don't expect it to be so blatantly ignored. The last thing I need, is hearing the General bitching at me."

"I apologize, I'll drink more today." Confidently, Joline shifted so that she sat in the co-pilot's chair. "I don't imagine you telling him anything about what happened that night."

"No… I expected that you had."

"I didn't, when I woke up, I had a wee bit of memory loss, and got an ear full about that." Joey rolled her eyes slightly. "I didn't want to hear more when I ended up remember what little I had…" She paused glancing towards the stoic mask, while the ship departed. "Did you really threaten Tremarc?"

"Why would I do such a thing?" Came the bored remark. "He's mildly competent when he isn't on drugs…"

"He just made it seem like you were going to kill him because I was passed out." Joey shrugged. "I'm glad you didn't."

As soon as the ship touched down, Commander Ren marched off into the city, almost instantly disappearing in the sea of people. The shops that had what she needed weren't too far away from the ship, so Joey leisurely walked through the small tent like shops, with her entourage of stormtroopers in tow. Her fingers grazed along interesting trinkets, as she distractedly searched for the ingredients she needed.

"Welcome back, friend."

At first, she hadn't realized that she was being spoken to, not until the light green, yellow Zabrak leaned further into her range of sight. He looked relatively the same, however, instead of donning the black robes he wore clothes that suited higher end business. Something more independently wealthy than Hutt cartel.

"I didn't see you there." Joey hummed, forcing an unsure smile to the corner of her lips.

"You left so quickly the other night, we didn't get to play." The male responded, glancing over her shoulder. "You work for the First Order?"

"Sort of, I'm filling in a position until they can get the right person."

Carefully she glanced back, taking in the protective stances of the troopers. Their fingers nonchalantly draped over their blasters, waiting for any behavior that would warrant a skirmish. Joey was grateful to have them, unsure how confidently she could turn him away without a few sips of liquid courage. Too naturally Joey waved over one of the troopers, uncertainty shinning in her eyes.

"This is the last items we need. How much time before we need to lift off?"

"Ten minutes ma'am, we should head back to the ship." He responded, completely understanding her silent request.

"The shipyard is a few minutes away. You'll have enough to grab a bite to eat with me." The Zabrak smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "The name is Hargun, but I'm sure my friends told you that."

"I… excuse me?"

"Your two friends Tremarc and Violi… They owe me quite a bit, so I was hoping you could talk to them for me." Hargun smirked, his tongue gliding across his teeth.

"Are you threatening my secretary?"

The familiar hiss of Kylo Ren's mask echoed through the silence, drawing both parties' eyes over. Almost instantly Joline sighed with relief, the Stormtroopers were great deterrents, however, having a knight of Ren standing behind her was a blatant dare. He was daring Hargun to say or do something out of line.

"Of course not, I was asking her for help though." Hargun responded smoothly. "Your secretary and I got rather close at the party the other night."

"Are you the one who got her high on Black Hole?" Kylo questioned, invading the other male's space. "Troopers, take her back to the ship, we will be leaving now."

"Sir, aren't you going to come too?"

"I'll be right behind, but it would be rude to leave without finishing this conversation."

"Tell Trem and Vie, that I send my regards."

One of the troopers hummed, telling Joey that it was time to go, before guiding her away from the two men. If a skirmish were to transpire, Ren would be able to handle himself. The ship hummed with energy after a trooper disappeared into the cockpit, anticipating a need for a quick take off, while Joey and the others lock down the purchases for the Supreme Leader.

"Joey, come with me." Ren mentioned as soon as he entered the ship.

"Yes sir?" She questioned, once they were in the room alone.

"You will not be going out with your two friends again." Ren quipped starting the launch process. "I've talked the man down, but he's bad news, why does he know the chefs?"

"They have a history together…." Ren snorted indignantly.

He thought the vetting process for the First Order was better, but lo and behold, two servants of the Hutt's were within their folds. During one his meetings with Supreme Leader he will mention this interaction, perhaps leaving out some key details. However, right now, they needed to leave the planet.

"Sit down and buckle up."

Kylo Ren hummed, watching as Joline buckled herself in, in a less than appropriate way. Pilot buckles differed from most, having a buckle that was similar to car seats. He paused in the launching sequence, to unbuckle himself, and lean across the center console. Buckling her up was quick work, as the knight matched the right buckle to its attachment, all the while, her eyes were glued to his mask.

"You're doing it again." She chirped when the final click of her belts echoed through the room. "I appreciate the correction."

"I can see why you failed piloting." Was his only response.

Chaos echoed through the halls as trooper, technicians, and other personal alike rushed around the ship. The entourage would be there in an hour, and there was still so much to get done. Much of it was arguably just for looks shining armor, cleaning weapons, making sure there wasn't a single piece of dust. Others were important, like searching for any malfunctions in the systems and other safety protocols. If there was to be an attack, everyone on ship would make sure that the Supreme Leader and his men were safe.

"Why is it that when I get on the Finalizer It's always so busy?" Joey chuckled with an arm full of groceries.

As expected, no one replied, not that she had thought anyone would. The group would be on ship in less than an hour, leaving sparkles of nervous energy over everything. Joline, along with one Stormtrooper walked quietly to the mess hall caring the much-needed supplies. Only two people sat in the mess hall, eating their food slowly, when she arrived. Normally the silvery white room would have been bustling with laughter and conversation, at least during the days. She didn't know what the night shift was like.

"Thank you for everything," Joey replied as she neatly placed the supplies onto the counter.

The FN unit simply nodded, following her lead, before leaving in a rush. With all the craziness, she forgot that he too needed to be a part of the last-minute drills that Phasma was running. At some point, she would need to do something nice for the units that escorted her -by the generals demand of course- so that they knew she appreciated their work.

"Girl, I don't envy you." Violi replied, pausing in her own work.

For the other chefs their schedule, nor their menu, changed much. Her two companions simply worked through the usual menu items, though the lunch for A group was pushed up and B group back by thirty minutes, so that the emperor could see the entirety of the ship unencumbered.

"Will you need help?" Tremarc asked.

"I should be fine; this isn't anything different from when I worked in the restaurant." Joey chirped, starting to pull out the needed supplies. "I bought you guys somethings too."

"I love gifts!" Violi giggled. "What did you bring back from your travels?"

"I got your special coffee Tarmarac," Joline chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I also found some silks for you Violi."

"You even got my colors!" Violi cheered, rubbing the silk against her cheek. "You are my favorite co-worker."

"This is the mess hall." General Hux's voice boomed through the large room.

It was a subtle admiration of how confident commanding officers had to be, that sang through Joline as she and the other chefs buzzed through the kitchen. Violi and Tremarc were busy finishing up the last touches of the second wave of lunches, while Joline was plating the food for their guests. By no means would the Supreme Leader and his elite staffers would eat in the mess, but as soon as they were done in here, they would go directly to the officer's mess hall.

"I guess Kylo Ren wears a uniform." Violi giggled quietly, nudging Joey's shoulder. "I always thought he just liked looking intimidating."

"Perhaps, he set the uniform." Tremarc joined in. "He is the leader of the Knights of Ren."

"The two of you need to grow up." Joey sighed, rolling her eyes for what seemed the millionth time that morning.

Though the comment sounded harsh, her friends heard the teasing threads weaved into her voice. Heavy thumps danced through the mess hall as the conversations continued, though less directed at the Supreme Leader's group. Mid-conversation the doors leading from the mess hall to the kitchen opened, silencing the group as they eyed the two stormtroopers suspiciously. The intrusion wasn't expected, at least not with those sent of doors.

"Thank goodness, I placed all the food for our guests on the cart by the side door." Joline smiled at the two FN unites. "Bellow is bubbly water with some fruit, and a slightly sweetened tea. Thanks again for doing all of this."

"It's our pleasure."

With those words Joline knew that Phasma was not happy with the drill performance. Most troopers found these errands and favors bellow them, an insult to their uniform really, so having them happy to help was a red flag. Her normally soft smile sank into a slight wince as she walked the men to the cart, all the while explaining exactly what was being served and the tags with names near each plate.

"If you forget anything I have information on this dangling tag, just let them know I needed to start on dinner and will answer any questions they still have after I'm finished."

It was obvious when the exercises were finished, and all the officers were locked in their own space, when all the stormtroopers sat hunched over the mess hall tables. They looked exhausted, beaten down by the abnormal grind of todays events. Rarely was it silent enough that you could hear a pin drop, but today each poked around their food heads down and silent.

"This is sad." Violi hummed, glancing around the area. "I've never seen them this defeated."

"I'm going to take the food to the officers, I'm sure they'll be hungry soon, and the others need rest." Joey smiled weakly.

"Good Luck!"

Neither Violi or Tremarc wanted to face the most important people of the First Order, and they didn't understand why Joline did. Since day one they saw the admiration in her eyes as she worked with each stormtrooper, and they wondered why. Sure, they appreciated what the First Order gave to them, but to sweet Joey, the First Order was everything. Often, during late night excursions, the two would whisper about what her life must have been like for her to worship the leaders. They watched as she checked, and rechecked the cart making sure everything was perfect and ready to go, grateful that she left them each a plate of the special meal.

Joline hummed as she pushed the cart through the sterile halls of the Finalizer within the six months of practice, she was starting to know the ship. Every hallway may look the same, but there were differences. On one's way to the I.T. wing more technology filled the walls, where as the armory had more cage like walls singing of the prisoners that would be locked there. Fewer panels line the walls on the way to the ships helm, and office took up more space. It was the subtleties that signaled her where she was going.

"Right on time." She whispered, as the officers room opened.

None of the officers were there just yet, being that they needed to freshen up for such a meal, which gave Joline more than enough time to set up the table. Having disliked the bare steel table, she pulled out a soft cream-colored tablecloth, being sure to spread it with no wrinkles. Then she neatly placed the plates onto the table with name tags. By the time she had finished, the doors opened once again, revealing two Knights of Ren and the general.

"Oh, sorry." She chuckled nervously. "I wanted to be finished before anyone arrived. Food was just finished and should still be warm."

"Good, thank you for all your hard work."

Hux's general voice echoed in the small space, drawing her attention to him. Obviously, he didn't trust his guests, which was probably his reasoning for coming in so early. He didn't want them to know that Joline and himself were more than officer and chef, a role she wasn't surprised by.

"I'll leave it to you." She chirped, saluting the general and nodding to the knights.

"Supreme Leader Snoke wishes for you to stay." The highly distorted voice echoed from one of the knights. "He wishes to know the chef who worked so hard today."

"Um… I-I need to clean the kitchen, would it be ok if I dropped by after?"

Neither knight spoke, though their helmets slowly shook from side to side, leaving Joline no other options. Slowly the others filed in wearing their fancy uniforms, or best outfits, leading Joline to a corner in the room. She shifted from foot to foot, waiting patiently to be dismissed so that she could finish her work in the kitchen. Both Violi and Tremarc worked too hard to have to clean up after her.

"You must be the young lady who cooked for us." Snoke chittered once he'd finished his food.

"Yes sir, it is an honor to have fed you Supreme Leader." Joline hummed with revery.

"It's very nice to be speaking to you, I've heard much about you from Brendol." Snoke's voice vibrated through the room, demanding all to admire him. "Tasting this meal, I'd have to agree with his assumption that you are very talented."

"Thank you, I appreciate the high praise, but I couldn't do it without the other chefs in the kitchen."

"Nonsense," The supreme leader smiled, glancing around the table. "I only regret that my friend wasn't able to come, he would have loved to see what the competition would be."

"Sir?"

"Yes, I'm sure you've heard of Them." Snoke paused, as though thinking hard on a solution. "How about you and those on the Finalizer come to my home as guests." He smiled. "That way you can interact with Them, and of course, we can continue these discussions."

"That would be great, sir." Joline hummed, unsure if she should ask the next part. "But wouldn't that interfere with the mission of Finalizer?"

"I'll worry about that. Thank you for such a wonderful meal."

Joline nodded, taking just a moment to hesitate before leaving. His comment sounded like a dismissal, though she allowed a second to see what he was asking of her. She rushed through the halls once the door shut with whoosh behind her, hoping that she was quick enough to finish the cleaning. If not, she would have to make something nice for her companions.

"I'm back!" She gasped, bursting through the doors.

"Oh good," Violi hummed, looking her friend up and down. "We wanted to make sure you were alright before leaving."

"You cleaned everything." Joey pouted.

"Yeah, you can make it up to us by cleaning breakfast." Tremarc chuckled, meshing her hair in his hand. "For now, get some sleep."