A GALAXY IS NOT ENOUGH
Chapter 6: The Second Reception – Part One
Rey awoke the next morning in a haze, her head heavy and her feet sore and aching. She stretched inside the bed, arms moving under the cool comfort of the covers. As she looked about, she realized that she was alone in the vast space, the other side was empty, but the blankets had been neatly pulled up. She yawned as she stretched again and sat up, Hux was gone, already up it seemed, and for how long?
Rising slowly from the bed, she made her way to the fresher first and then to the closet where she pulled on a pair of black leggings and thick black boots with a substantial sole. Then she removed her shirt and wrapped the breast band around her chest, binding it until it felt comfortable and secure. Lastly, she selected a knit cream top that was cut to her mid-thigh, and she finished by clicking her belt around her hips.
She felt naked without her lightsaber, she'd boxed it up, placing it with her stored items. She'd been instructed, as per their agreement, that she wasn't to have it on her person. Though strangely enough, they hadn't requested that she turn it over. But if she was seen using it, well, the marriage might be annulled, and so the treaty with the Resistance as well. Not that the agreement would matter much once she killed Hux. By then, she hoped that Leia and her friends would be in hiding again, or at the least, they could demonstrate no prior knowledge that Rey had intended to kill her husband.
Well, except for Leia, but Leia was too important for them to kill, wasn't she?
Rey shook her head; she shouldn't think so hard about what might happen after she killed Hux. Leia had told her not to worry about it, most likely because she doubted that Rey would survive, and it would all be up to the General to handle what came after.
She poured herself a glass of water in the kitchenette and downed it in seconds, she must've been dehydrated from all the drinking last night. Leaning against the counter, she surveyed her new home, it was beautiful in the synthetic daylight. It made her feel so foreign. Like she didn't belong here in this cold metallic place.
And where had her husband gotten off to?
Ducking around the corners warily, she looked for him. But he wasn't in the lounge or the kitchen. That's when she noticed the light peeking out from around the durasteel door of the office at the end of the hall. Since she wasn't sure exactly what to do with herself till the reception that evening, she felt she ought to at least check in with Hux. Perhaps, he might direct her to the training room he'd created for her. After all, she felt like training, she needed some sort of exertion to get her frustrations out— perhaps on a droid or—or something.
Pressing the pad for the door, it slid open, startling Hux at his desk. He sat, stooped over a datapad with a cup of hot tea, and he had dark circles under his eyes. When the door opened, and she leaned into the doorway, he looked up, surprised, and curious. He gave her a tight, almost painful smile, and then grimaced. His eyes raked over the cream knit fabric of her tunic and the black boots and leggings.
Apparently, her choice of attire wasn't exactly to his liking, but he'd ordered all her clothing, hadn't he?
On the other hand, he was already dressed, a white uniform shirt, and though she couldn't see his trousers from behind the desk, she assumed he was wearing the black ones that were part of the uniform. He also wore his gloves, though that wasn't a surprise as he had rarely taken them off since she'd known him. His hair lay flat against his skull, already oppressively gelled back, and he looked as if he'd shaved only that morning. A pity, since it looked better when he appeared less formal.
She supposed they could both be disappointed with how the other looked, she wasn't going to say anything.
"Good morning," he offered kindly. "I trust you slept well?"
"Did you sleep at all?" She asked softly, dismissing his question. She wasn't going to let him know that the bed was too comfortable, a luxury she felt she hardly deserved.
Oddly, she also felt embarrassed at the fact that he'd been up, most likely for hours while she had slept so soundly. It made her feel. . . Useless. Something she'd never quite felt before. Or perhaps she felt directionless. He had work to do, and she—she was nothing but a trophy.
"I rarely sleep," he replied with a frown.
"Oh."
The silence carried on for what felt like an eternity before Hux finally spoke again.
"What would you like to do today?" He asked, setting the datapad on the desk and leaning forward as he clasped his hands together.
"I—I don't know what there is to do," she said weakly. "I was hoping you might show me the training room?"
His eyes lit up at the suggestion, "of course, I don't know why I didn't think of that. I'd be happy to." He almost jumped out of his seat, moving to stand next to her. He reached an arm out, and Rey thought he was going to take her hand. But then he gestured out the doorway.
"After you," he said, a tinge of excitement in his voice.
The Galactus was indeed the most massive Star Destroyer that Rey had ever seen; for not being a dreadnought, it was enormous but felt more like a cruise ship rather than a battle station. Which might've been because the interior wasn't the chrome and black, she'd seen on other First Order vessels.
Instead, the insides were white and plastetic, like the old Republic ships she'd scavenged. The interiors were a strange contrast to the dark grey of the exterior, and Rey mildly wondered why they had designed it to look more like an old Republic vessel, rather than its formidable Imperial Star Destroyer cousins.
Hux led her through twisting corridors and along a shaky walkway with no railings. Rey followed quietly, taking in the sights and sounds of the ship. There were stormtroopers and officers everywhere, bustling about on errands. Not to mention the droids and radar technicians, and she even saw some civilians working in a maintenance shaft.
It was almost overwhelming to be surrounded by so much action, but Rey tried to keep her nervous feelings to herself. No, this was a good thing. If she killed Hux, then it might be slightly easier for her to disappear amidst a sea of troops and fade into the galaxy. She just needed to think positively.
They finally came to a stop in front of a transparisteel viewport. Hux pressed a code into the keypad at the door, and it slid open. He stopped, bowing his head for a moment, and ushering her into the room with a smirk.
It was obvious he was extremely pleased with himself, even more so when he saw her reaction. Her eyes were the size of dinner plates as she marveled at her surroundings.
The training room was fitted with thick flooring mats and a hologram display. Melee weapons and other various styles of dangerous-looking things lined one wall. There was a rather strange looking black droid that stood motionless against the far wall, possibly a training droid, she couldn't be sure. It was a design that seemed quite human, like the protocol droids but much larger and far more intimidating.
"This is—," she started, realizing quickly that she didn't possess the words to properly formulate her awe.
"It's yours," Hux said proudly, head tipped up and chin jutting out as he spoke. "I spared no expense. The best designer and top of the line—"
She cut him off, "It's beautiful. But, I hope you realize that I would've been just as impressed if it only had a mat and a training droid."
At that, Hux huffed, "Nonsense, nothing but the best for my wife."
The word wife fell out of his mouth before he could stop himself, and suddenly his ears began to prick with heat. His cheeks flushed too, and he cleared his throat, trying not to meet Rey's eyes. It was embarrassing, this thing he couldn't name, that made him feel wholly inadequate when it came to conversing with her.
Rey swallowed too, feeling strangely comforted by Hux's kind words as she went to the hologram display and began leafing through the simulation options.
"I can't believe how many simulations there are," she said in delight.
"Over 6.8 billion options for simulations," Hux replied smugly. "But I've designed an algorithm that allows the artificial intelligence to select the best simulation based on your needs."
Rey chanced a glance back at him, and his green eyes sparkled for a moment before he looked away. All these gifts made her feel so odd. She'd learned on Jakku that gifts were never given freely, most came with a price attached, and usually, one she couldn't afford.
She studied her husband for a moment before she went back to examining the display, he was pretending to look about the room, eyes wandering to everything but her. With newfound excitement, she turned her attention to the weaponry lining the wall and pulled a long metal staff down from the rack. It was a lighter weight than it looked, and she spun it through her hands, back-and-forth, testing the balance.
"You're free to come here any time," Hux said politely, watching her as she twirled the staff over one shoulder and then the other. "Perhaps, in time, we could even spar together."
It was a statement, but something in his tone made it come out as a question. Rey came to a halt and leaned against the staff as she pressed the butt of it to the ground.
"I know you're military, but do you actually possess any training, or did you just become a General because of your father?" She asked suddenly.
Hux's face heated again, but this time the look was unpleasant, withdrawn and distant.
"I will only say this once," he said menacingly. "But don't ever mention my father again."
Rey blinked, confused. Somehow she'd stumbled upon a sore spot, and it intrigued her to no end. Why not mention his father? She'd read about Brendol Hux, only a little, but she still felt that she knew enough to assume that his son would admire the former leader who had founded the First Order. But perhaps there was something else that Rey didn't know about the man.
"And I suppose," Hux continued, "that while we're on the subject of my father, I should warn you about my mother. She isn't a particularly friendly person. Some would even call her cold and harsh. But she will be at the reception tonight, and I'd prefer it if you keep conversation with her to a minimum. She's not to be trusted."
His own mother? Not to be trusted? Rey said nothing, just stared at him like she was trying to put together a puzzle that was missing too many pieces.
"Alright," she replied tightly.
Hux balked, "that's it? Just, alright?"
Rey nodded, "I'll keep conversation to a minimum. Not that I'd even know what to talk with her about."
Letting out a sigh, Hux leaned against the durasteel wall and gave her a wary look. "Very good."
With that, he left her in the room alone, proclaiming that he'd come to fetch her when it was time to get ready for the reception.
—
The hours ticked by, far faster than Rey realized. She was kept busy with one hologram simulation after another, though she felt they didn't quite provide the same level of training as the real thing. She was slightly afraid of trying the training droid, mostly because it looked far too menacing, and the helmeted shape in a way reminded her too much of Kylo Ren.
It wasn't long before she felt the need to take a break. So she lay down on the mats, breathing heavy and staring up at the ceiling. She'd only just let her mind drift and her eyes fall closed for a second.
A throat clearing noise from across the room startled her, and she sat up abruptly to find Hux had returned. If it was possible, he looked even more exhausted than he had only that morning.
"Is it time to get ready for the reception?" She asked, slowly rising to her feet.
"Not exactly," he said hesitantly. "I realized I brought you to training without providing you with breakfast. I—I often don't eat till dinner, mostly just tea and stims, and I apologize I forget about food. And I didn't consider that you might actually need to be fed."
He was rambling again, so he snapped his mouth shut. Stars, the way he spoke to her, made it sound like she was a pet and not a person.
"Oh," Rey replied. "I don't often eat more than once a day, but food would be—good."
"Perfect," he said approvingly. "Follow me."
She thought at first that he would take her to the mess hall, like what she'd experienced with the Resistance. There was usually a large room where the Resistance members ate their meals and gossiped about the daily events. She assumed that the First Order held meals the same way, and Hux would eat with his crew. Instead, however, Hux led her back their quarters where a veritable feast was laid out on the dining table.
Then again, Rey supposed, Hux was a Grand Marshall, and even General Leia Organa often took her meals in her quarters.
—
While Rey surveyed the table, covered in platters of steaming dishes, with a large pot of caf and an equally large pot of tea in the center, Hux shifted uncomfortably.
Was it too much? Was he doing too much? Perhaps she would be offended that he'd taken more liberties?
"I ordered for you," Hux said quickly. "I wasn't certain what you'd prefer to eat, and I assumed you might be hungry already—so I ordered—though next time you can look through the options—"
"Thank you."
He swallowed anxiously, "you're welcome."
Without another word, he pulled out the chair for her to sit. She did, somewhat stunned at the gesture. It was a strange feeling to have someone doing everything for you. She'd always done everything herself. It was odd, though not unpleasant, to have someone take care of the minute details.
He was trying so hard, and it was rather kind of him. The training room, the clothing, her ring, his hesitancy about their wedding night, it all made Rey feel slightly guilty about her intention to kill him. If only a little. He'd still murdered Ben. And she couldn't forgive him for it.
Hux took the seat opposite her and gestured to the two pots on the table.
"Tea or Caf?" He asked.
"Caf," she replied quickly. He frowned slightly but poured her a mug and set it in front of her. Then he poured himself a mug of tea and blew on the steam that coiled up from the cup.
"Please, eat."
Rey looked over the table again. There were so many things, so many options. Her mouth had begun to water, and she licked her lips before she began piling food on her plate. She didn't need to be asked twice as she dug into the food. For a moment, she thought that Hux might reprimand her again as she gorged herself, but he said nothing, just watched her eat while he sipped his tea.
When she finally came up for air, she noticed the peculiar way he was looking at her. His eyes met hers for a moment before he looked away, back down at his tea.
"I'm sorry for—for how I spoke to you yesterday."
"What do you mean?"
"When I commented on your table manners," he said quietly. "It was rude of me. I had a rather harsh disciplinarian growing up, so I sometimes forget that others didn't receive the same level of education I did."
"You think I'm uneducated?" Rey snapped, eyes narrowing. "You think I'm some sad little desert rat without any manners?"
"That's not what I meant—"
"Perhaps it'd be better if you didn't talk at all." She bit out. "If the only things that come out of your mouth are rude comments about my upbringing, it'd be better for both of us if you just shut up."
Hux's eyes blazed, "if me pointing out the truth to you makes you this upset, then perhaps you're right, and we shouldn't speak at all."
He rose from the table, still scowling, and marched out of the room before she could reply. His steaming hot mug of tea sat forgotten behind him.
—
It was four hours later that he finally returned, Rey had eaten so much food she'd become sleepy and laid down in the bed for a nap. The nap had only lasted a good thirty minutes before she was awakened by the arrival of more First Order beauticians. Apparently, they intended to make her what they'd determined as "presentable" for the second reception.
So when Hux returned to his quarters, he found Rey sitting on the chaise in a form-fitting white silk gown with impeccable her hair and makeup. Even if she was a desert scavenger with little to no formal education, she did manage to clean up well. He ignored her, however, and went to tend to his own preparations for the reception. It wouldn't do for his mother to see him looking so tired. She would be sure to comment. And her comments were the last thing he needed right now.
He took a stim and then went to the fresher, where he scrubbed and cleaned himself. It would be difficult to match the level of elegance his wife had reached. She no longer looked the part of a scavenger, except when she was stuffing her mouth full of every piece of food available at the table. He stifled a laugh. She definitely wasn't going to be easy to win over.
—
The second reception was held in the grand hall aboard the Galactus, and if possible, seemed even more decadent than the first. Small white floating lights had been placed about the room, creating a soft glow and dreamlike quality. Tables and chairs were set around the dance floor, and there were white marble columns of beautiful and ornately carved flowers and wild animals of various species. There was a dance floor set in the center of the room. And elegant drapes of silk around the edges of the room like a curtain.
It was stunning, and Rey couldn't believe the number of lovely things she'd seen in only the past few days. The First Order may have been about the destruction of the Republic, but at least they could appreciate the beauty in things.
Hux hadn't spoken so much as a word to her since his return but led her into the room on his arm. He looked stressed, and if she didn't know better, Rey would've thought he looked slightly afraid.
A tall, dark-skinned woman with a full head of thick curly gray hair and dressed in a white Grand Admiral's dress uniform greeted them as they entered.
"Armitage!" She said with delight, flashing them both a blindingly white smile. "You look so handsome, my dear."
The woman rested a gentle hand on Hux's shoulder and turned to Rey. Hux didn't stiffen under her touch, and Rey couldn't help but feel puzzled.
What exactly was Hux's relationship with this woman?
"I'm Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, and you must be Rey of Jakku." She gave Hux a soft look before she turned back to Rey.
"I must be," Rey said shyly. The woman had a presence about her, much like Leia. This woman, too, was important and strong-willed, and she made Rey feel every bit, the unrefined Jakku scavenger that she was.
"Well, well, Armitage," Rae Sloane said with smirk. "Your wife is lovely, how did you manage to get so lucky?"
Hux's cheeks blossomed pink again before he replied, "I've never been lucky in my life. I don't believe in luck. You know that."
"Well, luck might just be turning your way," Rae Sloane replied, still smirking. "I've known Armitage since he was no taller than a Jawa. He's grown a bit since then."
Rey smiled back. The thought of Hux as a small boy, had he been so stiff then? This woman had known him since he was a child and had seen him grow into the man is now. And what did Grand Admiral Rae Sloane think of him?
"I'll leave you two," Rae said kindly. "I have to check on the food. It might surprise you to know this was quite an ordeal to orchestrate, and Maratelle has nearly driven me up the wall with her incessant complaining."
"I can't thank you enough, Grand Admiral," Hux said, something like a genuine smile creeping onto his face. "For this and for putting up with my mother."
"I don't know why you insist on calling her that," Rae Sloane said with a shake of her head. "She's hardly been that to you. But you know I'd do anything for you, dear. It was lovely to meet you, Rey."
With that, the Grand Admiral left them alone, and Hux's mouth formed a disapproving line as he watched her go.
"Maratelle?" Rey asked curiously.
"You'll refer to her as Madam," Hux said sourly. Then he led her to their table for dinner.
—
This reception was much larger than the previous one, and Rey noted that there were no stormtroopers present. Officers were there, dressed in their formal attire, and there were a few lieutenants. However, the majority of officers in attendance were captains, generals, grand admirals, and other Grand Marshalls. There appeared to be nearly everyone within the First Order junta present, a pity that Rey was alone, and there weren't any Resistance fighters with her. No friends here, she was all alone.
She took to observing the room, noting the only nonhuman was a tall blue-skinned and red-eyed male in white that was discussing something with a human female with short-cropped black hair. Next to the blue-skinned male was another human, a tan-skinned male with short dark brown hair. The three of them looked very comfortable together like they could be friends, and it made Rey's heart ache.
Hux pretended to focus on eating his dinner, one small bite at a time. He was still furious with Rey. Though in truth, it hadn't been her fault that she'd found his sore spot. Once she met his mother, it might be even worse.
And almost as if conjured by some absurd irony, she appeared. Maratelle Hux, marching towards them with cold determination. Hux rose from his seat on instinct and gave Maratelle a slight bow, then held out his hand to Rey to help her stand as well.
"Rey of Jakku," he said, some nervous tremor seeping through the steady tenor of his voice. "This is Maratelle Hux, my mother."
Rey did the only thing that seemed sensible, she bowed. It was an awkward gesture, devoid of the grace that might've made it look natural.
"It's lovely to meet you, madam," Rey said sweetly, trying not to startle when Hux's hand trembled in her grasp, and then he squeezed her fingers gently.
The woman, Maratelle, looked over her, through her even. Her mouth had wrinkles around it as if she took every effort to frown rather than smile. And she didn't smile when she looked at Rey either, she squinted and scowled.
"You're awfully young," Maratelle Hux said. "You're still nearly a child."
"I'm in my twenties," Rey replied, taken aback. Hux's face had gone pale, and his grip on her hand tightened.
"Still too young to be married to someone who could almost be your father," Maratelle said coldly.
Though Rey knew Hux wasn't that much older than her, she felt offended on his behalf and started to reply with something equally as disdainful when Maratelle cut her off.
"Fetch me a drink, Armitage." She snapped.
Hux released Rey's hand suddenly and headed to the bar immediately. Leaving Rey alone with this cruel woman.
They stared at each other, Rey trying to feel anything through the Force. She felt nothing but icy cold bitterness and hate. Hate towards Hux, hate towards her, towards life. A hatred so all-consuming that it made Rey feel sick, like even just being near such a poison, was enough to infect her.
"Have you consummated yet?" Maratelle asked dryly.
Rey couldn't help the flush of her cheeks, "not yet."
Maratelle snorted, "of course not. He's a coward. He's always been too weak to take action. He likes to hide behind others, the foolish little boy."
If mothers were like this to their children, then Rey was decidedly glad that she didn't have a mother. Now she understood Grand Admiral Rae Sloane's comment, this woman was no mother at all.
"He's not a coward," Rey replied, white-hot anger beginning to simmer beneath her calm exterior. It was ridiculous that she should find herself defending this man. "He's patient and methodical."
"Oh?" Maratelle said. "You sound as if you've gotten to know him so well in the whole day you've been married. But, perhaps I ought to give you a piece of advice, my dear."
Rey swallowed and pursed her lips. This woman was evil, whatever goodness she may have once possessed had all but burned away from years of resentment and anger.
"Count yourself lucky this is a political marriage and not one for love. The Hux men have a tendency to disappoint their wives." Maratelle offered. "You may be able to hold his interest for a bit, while you're still young and pretty. But he's just like his father. He'll throw you away once he's done with you. Once he's ruined you."
Hux had returned, carrying two drinks, he stopped short at Maratelle's words. His face had gone ashen, but he said nothing as he handed Maratelle a glass and then set the other one in front of Rey.
"Mother, I—" He started, but Maratelle gave him a silencing glare.
"I wish you both a happy marriage," Maratelle scoffed. "However long that might be."
She took a sip of her drink and turned on her heel, leaving Hux pale and shaken and staring after her. He Didn't meet Rey's eyes as he sat down beside her. He just stared at his plate. Then he darted up and mumbled something about needing a drink and headed back to the bar.