Guest: Thanks for the review. I am glad you like my method of dealing with Hux. I personally felt that these kinds of punishments are much more interesting than simple execution. Whether or not he will return is up for debate at the moment.
Setress: Thanks for the review as always. I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters for the Last Jedi. I really enjoyed the movie, but I agree many things can be changed without 'plot armour'. I am glad you liked that I have brought Tam into the story. With her being one of the first main characters to join the First Order I can do a lot with her character. I just hope we see her in a new season of Resistance soon.
TishaLiz: As always thank you for the reviews. They are greatly appreciated. I am glad you liked the mock trail for Hux and the other Admirals. I wanted to give the impression that the First Order is larger than the main guys we see in the movies (which it is). I also wanted to add a bit of theatricality to the trail as it was an opportunity for Kuvira to make it clear that there was no escape for traitors no matter their ranks.
I agree that Kylo Ren and Kuvira should have had some time together to discuss what has developed between them. But Snoke's orders came to recall Kylo Ren back to the Supremacy as he wants to study and contain this before he knows what to do with it. Also, I honestly think that Kuvira and Kylo Ren would take any chance they had to escape from this. They are simply not sure what the hell happened or how to even proceed. It flies in the face of everything they have ever known or been taught. With that in mind they did not put up much of a fight to gain some time to think and get back to what they know.
Still, they will need to confront this soon. I hope you enjoy.
Scarlettsky: Thanks for the review. I am glad you like the story. I hope you will enjoy the future chapters.
buzzsaw935: Thanks for reviewing. I am glad you liked what happened to Hux. I agree that Kylo Ren and Kuvira should have had some time together to discuss what has developed between them. But Snoke's orders came to recall Kylo Ren back to the Supremacy as he wants to study and contain this before he knows what to do with it. Also, I honestly think that Kuvira and Kylo Ren would take any chance they had to escape from this. They are simply not sure what the hell happened or how to even proceed. It flies in the face of everything they have ever known or been taught. With that in mind they did not put up much of a fight to gain some time to think and get back to what they know.
Kai: Thanks for the review it really meant a lot to read that. There are a lot of really great authors on this site I have at least 300 favourite stories. I am really glad you consider me one of them. I hope you enjoy the future chapters as much.
Guest (2nd): Thanks for the review. Yes, that was a reference to Admiral Spire from Battlafleet: Gothic Armada. I am glad you caught that as no one else seemed to catch on. I felt I needed someone to take over for Hux and the 10th fleet. If I was going to have a competent commander in charge of defending a large space Empire. Could I really ask for better then High Admiral Spire?
Sage-Faerie of The Marsh: Thanks for the review as always. I am glad you like the direction I am taking Kylo Ren. Like you I always felt that he had so much to be potential to match Vader or even surpass him and be what he never had the chance to be. But he was held back by this need to create drama between him and the idealistic Rey and to keep their whole 'redemption' message going. Well I am sick of redemption. So now that Kylo has a thing for Kuvira, a woman who has no loyalty to the New Republic or Jedi. I hope we can make him what he could have been and hopefully will be in the ninth movie.
JtDS6889: Thanks for the review. I am glad you like the drama that I am trying to work in with Snoke knowing about the relationship between Kylo Ren and Kuvira as well as the promotions for Kuvira and Spire.
I am really glad you like the inclusion of Tam in this story as she has quickly become one of my favourite characters in the Star Wars universe. Her betrayal by Kaz and Yeagar and her joining the First Order are providing some well needed balance to the story of the two sides. I also like how she is not so blind to the need for order and stability that the New Republic ignores. And like you I was cheering at the screen when she joined the First Order properly.
I regards to Hux I have taken what you said into account. It is also one of the reasons I did not have Kuvira just shoot him on the spot. More opportunities for the future if he is still alive.
Mnmaloney: Thanks for the review. I am glad you like the story and hope you like the new chapters. With the Last Jedi here, things will start to become more defined with Kuvira and Kylo Ren.
Guest (3rd): Thank you for the review. They are all really a pleasure to read. I have taken what you said about Hux into account. It is also one of the reasons I did not have Kuvira just shoot him on the spot. More opportunities for the future if he is still alive.
TheRealTayler13: Thanks for the review. I hope the wait for the new chapters was worth it.
Shade Thanks for the review: As always it is great to read them and to know that people are still enjoying the story. Thank you for you vote for House Aeducan. I have not received many responses to the poll so hopefully one will be easy to select.
Yodaface: Thanks for the review. No Kuvira will keep her usual black First Order uniform. The Grand Admiral Title has only just been officially created in the First Order and as such there is no official separate uniform. Even if there was Kuvira is heading out to crush the Resistance and then command a galactic war. She would not be willing to waste time being measured for a new uniform.
Chapter 22 – Preparation
Resurgent Class Star Destroyer – Reclaimer
"Grand Admiral, the Defiance has confirmed their location and will re-join the rest of the fleet within ten minutes. Meanwhile the Victory and the Intrepid have also confirmed that they will be re-joining the fleet once they complete the pacification of their designated worlds. Both planets are sparsely populated and heavily out gunned. The issue of terms and the anticipated surrender is expected within two hours and from another two hours to complete the rendezvous with the rest of the 1st Fleet." Captain Pacorus reported.
Kuvira stood on the bridge as she studied the tactical readout on the bridges main monitor station. "And the Indomitable. When will that be able to rejoin the fleet?" She asked curiously.
Pacorus checked his readout briefly before he offered a response. "Unfortunately, the Indomitable was dispatched to the far side of Wild Space. They are making full speed to the rendezvous point at Dantooine but they will not make it there by the confirmed time." Pacorus reported regretfully as the planet of Dantooine became visible through the bridge transparasteel windows as the planets orbit carried it in front of the ship's view.
Kuvira nodded in disappointment. The Indomitable was aptly named as it was one of the 1st Fleets most successful capital ships behind the Reclaimer itself. Having it in the upcoming battle would be a great boast to both their firepower and their overall morale.
But the galaxy and simple logistics were not in her favour today. She had ordered all the ships of the 1st Fleet to reassemble at Dantooine as fast as possible after that eternal fool Hux had scattered them to the far ends of the galaxy. She had so far managed to build the fleet back up to a strength of ten Star destroyers and one Mandator IV-class Siege Dreadnought, the Fulminatrix.
Unfortunately, none of the four Interdictor cruisers that typically accompanied the fleet had been able to make it to the assembly pointy yet. She knew that she would probably be forced to leave without them. She could not afford to delay the attack on the Resistance base any longer. The more time she spent waiting for missing ships was more time that the Resistance could evacuate the base and disappear into the depths of the galaxy.
She was confident that with ten-star destroyers she would have the Resistance's scrapheap of a fleet overmatched. But without any of the Interdictor cruisers and their gravity wells. She could not cut off the Resistance forces from retreat into hyperspace.
She shook the thought away. Being concerned with facts and events she could not change was a waste of time and energy she could devote to another matters.
She turned back to Pacorus. "Are any other ships expected to make it to us within the next half hour?" She asked.
Pacorus did not need to check his information display as he shook his head. "I am afraid not Grand Admiral. The next ship to arrive is the Resolute, in just under fifty minutes." He responded regretfully.
Kuvira nodded and stood up straight from the viewscreen. "We cannot wait here any longer. We must attack the Resistance now, while we know where they are. Tell all the remaining unaccounted for ships that they are to assemble here at Dantooine and are to await my orders."
At the captain's nod of acknowledgment, she turned away and began to walk down the bridge central walkway. As she walked through the bridge she raised her voice so all the command crews could hear her orders. "Send the order to the fleet. Battlestations, all crews to their fighters. Set a course for the D'Qar system and prepare to jump into Hyperspace on our mark." Kuvira ordered as she left their bridge to the sound of a chorus of 'Yes, Grand Admiral' from each member of the command crew.
Kuvira left the bridge with her black greatcoat billowing out behind her. As she passed the doors to the bridge the two Praetorian guards who had been standing guard at the entrance fell away from the walls and took up position at her sides.
She had dismissed the guards from active duty when she had finished with her sentencing of Hux. She had been aware that while the guards might have great skill and endurance. They were still mortal men. As such she had dismissed them so they could eat and sleep before the next phase of the war began.
They had departed and had returned in just over three hours to resume their duties. She had no idea if they had some way to function on less sleep. Whether it was biological, technological or some unnatural gift of the Supreme Leader she did not know.
But one day she would ask. If she could function adequately with less sleep then she currently needed. She would be able to achieve so much more in every given day.
For now, she was returning to her quarters. She had no intention of sleeping as they would be leaving for D'Qar in moments and the journey would only take about an hour for the fleet to make it to the Resistance base.
She certainly was feeling like she could use a full night's rest after the stress of the last few days. Stress physical and emotional. Most came as a standard prerequisite of her job. But the majority of the emotional stress was related to matters far more personal and far more recent.
But she had a job to do and she was able to function normally for a few more hours without resorting to regulation stimulants. After that she would hopefully be granted a moment to rest and then focus on the next stage of the war.
If not she would work for as long as she could before needing to turn over command due to her focus being compromised.
But for now, she had a matter to resolve as she entered her quarters and her eyes quickly locked on the one person in the room.
Tamara Ryvora.
The young woman jumped up from the chair she had been sat in and turned her eyes away from the impressive collection of holobooks that filled the shelves on the walls of the living room. She also dropped the virbosword that she had taken from the weapons rack in on the opposite wall and the blade clattered to the floor as the power pack caused sparks to ignite as it hit the metal floor.
Thankfully the weapons automated safety settings ensured that the weapon deactivated once it was lying on the cold floor.
Kuvira stared at the deactivated weapon on the floor for another second before she raised her stare towards Tamara who was looking like she dearly wished she had made a better impression then to be caught fiddling with the Grand Admiral's personal belongings.
Kuvira stepped into the room while the Praetorian guards took up their usual position on the outside of the doorway. Then she closed the door panel and moved closer towards her nervous guest.
Tam had no idea why she was currently waiting in the personal home of the Grand Admiral of the First Order. In truth when she had been brought here and told to wait for Kuvira's return by Agent Tierny. She had briefly wondered if she was expected to perform 'services' for the Grand Admiral if she was so inclined.
In truth the real reasons were much less sordid.
Standard protocol dictated that when a new recruit was first brought into the First Order. They were taken to the nearest recruitment station to be evaluated. They were tested on physical, mental and moral attributes. There were also quizzed on their political leaning and their willingness to authority.
Once that was done they were taken to a training facility; either on one of their planetary bases or on special ships dedicated to training like the Absolution. There they were trained in weaponry, combat, flying, tactics and other military skills. In addition, there were also given an education in history, medicine, politics, mechanics, and espionage just to name a few. They also underwent extensive psychological analyse and refitting.
Once they had completed their training they were assigned to a role and a unit based on their score and talents during training. Those that showed skill in piloting and naval tactics were naturally assigned to the fleet. Those who were soldiers at heart were sent to the stormtrooper core. Those with skills in other area's were sent to the First Order's various other services like the FOSB or the First Order Outreach Bureau.
But in Tam's case that had not been possible.
The Fleet needed to get moving to D'Qar as soon as it was amassed to the full strength it could be in the given time. They had no time to make drop off runs on one of their training facilities. In addition, she could not be placed in one of their barracks with all the soldiers and pilots being prepared for battle without potentially getting in the way and endangering lives.
She also carried potential valuable information about the Resistance and their activities on Castilon and potentially other worlds. That alone made her too valuable to be simply discarded on some world or ship at this crucial time of war.
With all that in mind Kuvira have given her orders to be taken to her personal quarters. Here she would not endanger the preparations the fleet was undergoing. And it would give Kuvira a chance to question her personally and see what Tierny had seen in her.
With that in mind she walked over to Tam who was still rooted in place (picking up the vibroblade as she walked) until she was stood directly in front of her.
Tam looked up into the Grand Admiral's emerald green eyes that were so hard that they looked like they were cut from jade. She wanted to speak or to have something happen to break the crushing tension she was feeling but she had no idea what to say.
Then the Admiral held out her hand and Tam realised she was still holding her holobook from the record shelf. With hands that were almost shaking she handed the book back to Kuvira who turned it over in her hands to study the title.
'The Huk Wars: The Campaigns of Qymaen jai Sheelal' She read
She looked up at Tam's nervous face. "Why did you select this one?" She asked with no hint of her feelings in her voice.
Tam took a moment to compose herself before she summoned up the courage and resolve that had led her through the darkest and most disheartening days on Castilon. She squared her shoulders and stared the older woman full in her imposing face. "It was the first one that came up on the index system. It was registered as the most recently read and one of the most often read. I wanted to take a look to see why you found it so interesting." She said, managing to keep the tremor out of her voice as she gulped down the hutt ball sized lump in her throat.
Kuvira nodded. "It is one of my favourites. Qymaen jai Sheelal was a military genius. His victories with a smaller force and less weaponry deserves to be studied. His motivations for his people also deserve respect." She mused as she walked over to the wall and placed the holobook back on the shelf. Then she went to the weapons rack on the adjacent wall and placed it back in the support holders next to a small collection of other personnel weapons both ranged and melee.
Once that was done she turned back to face Tam who had not moved as she watched the Grand Admiral walk around the room.
She then moved back towards the seating area and sat down on the unadorned but comfortable chair that sat in the right side of the room. Her quarters on the Reclaimer had been hers for years and in that time she had taken the time to do some personnel decorating.
Her quarters were not overly spartan, but they were strictly utilitarian. Her main sitting room consisted of the sofa and two chairs. There was the weapons rack on the wall, the holobook shelf and vidscreen connected to the holonet and the ships communication network. He bedroom and bathroom were through the closed doorways to the side of the room and the was no evidence that the room had ever been anything other then organised and well defined.
The only decorations aside from the weapons rack, bookshelf and vidscreen were the red and black First Order banners hanging from the walls. If the bedroom was more a personal space, Tamara would never find out.
Kuvira now gestured to the second chair that sat across from her and Tam (after a moment of hesitation) made her way over to it and sat down.
She saw in the young woman's body language that she was nervous and uncomfortable. She knew that was expected given the situation she found herself in. But it would not make her more open to talking about her experiences with the Resistance. It might also undo the work that Agent Tierny had no doubt done to make the girl more relaxed and at home among the First Order.
She needed to ensure she remained compliant and relaxed in the organisation that would hopefully become her home.
With that in mind Kuvira allowed body posture to relax (but never entirely) and she regarded Tamara with an unthreatening gaze. She did not smile or attempt to be overly friendly as she could see that Tamara was not an idiot and had seen Kuvira for the stern disciplinarian that she was right away. She would know that friendliness would screaming fake. So, she simply settled for neutral.
"I apologise for the unorthodox reception you have had Miss Ryvora. Typically, new recruits go through a very well defined and planned process. But you have come to the First Order at an unfortunate time. Would you like something to eat, or some refreshment?"
Tamara hesitated for a second before she responded nervously. "I could really go for a Cirilian Sour Paste, sir umm maam." She hurriedly corrected.
Kuvira raised an eyebrow at the unknown drink but her beverage droids had access to virtually every cocktail and concoction in the known galaxy. She was sure they could manage it.
Kuvira keyed her commlink and activated her personal frequency to the Reclaimer's officers mess hall and her personnel droid attendant. "T1-N1, please bring me a glass of my usual Meiloorun Juice. Along with a cup of Caf." She ordered before she placed the communication on hold and turned to regard Tam. "And please bring a Cirilian Sour Paste as well as some Tepasi taffy." She ordered as she closed down the commlink.
She saw Tam looking at her in surprise at the last comment and offered a small shrug. "I try not to indulge, but even I have my guilty pleasures. Being a Grand Admiral comes with some privileges." She offered by way of explanation.
Tam nodded in understanding and before long the door chimed, and the serving droids walked in and placed the drinks and the tray of taffy on the table between the chairs and adjacent sofa.
(They would normally check the food and drink then and there for poison. But Kuvira subtly waved them away so as not to freak out her young guest.)
After a small sip of her juice and seeing that Tam seemed to be more relaxed now that she had a familiar drink in her hands. Kuvira placed the glass down and regarded Tam, who seemed to get that now was the time to talk.
"Miss Ryvora. Agent Tierny has given me a preliminary report on the situation on Castilon. But she then needed to return to her duties with the war. She asked me to inform you that she will be following your progress with great interest. Also, that if you were to select a position in the First Order Security Bureau. She would happily mentor you through the training program." She said in the effort to make Tamara feel that she had a friend within the Order already.
Tamara did not respond but she was clearly uplifted by those words.
"But I understand that your desire is to be a pilot. Is that the case?" Kuvira inquired, eager to get the conversation flowing by asking her about her dreams.
"Yeah that's right. I've always wanted to be a pilot ever since I was small." Tam said as she lost herself in her memories and her visions of the future. It was hard to tell which one she was more focused on. "I used to have my own ship. But I eventually had to put it up as collateral for this big race to afford important repairs and equipment."
Tam paused as her previous euphoria was washed away in the painful memories. "I lost the race and my ship. All in one day." She signed. "That was how I made my way to Castilon and ended up working for…" She stopped as she seemed to struggle with the words that seemed to cause her deep anger and personal pain.
Kuvira waited as she seemed to force the words from her mouth. "For Yeager." She spat the word out as if it tasted bad in her mouth. But beneath the bluster Kuvira could sense great emotional distress at the mention of the Resistance agent.
"Yes, Mr Jarek Yeager. A former Rebel pilot and veteran of the Galactic Civil War. Participated in the Battle of Jakku and a former member of Fireball squadron. Family includes a younger brother and a wife and daughter who are long deceased. Retired to the Outer Rim Territories, roughly twenty years later and since then has worked as a mechanic on Castilon." Kuvira recited from memory.
When she noticed Tamara's overwhelmed expression she offered a small smile. "The First Order Security Bureau is very good at what they do. They have to be to make sure that the criminals, fanatics and terrorists of the galaxy remain in check." She explained. "Especially if they have any previous or current affiliations with the Rebellion or the Resistance."
Tam nodded as she was once again reminded of Yeager's real identity.
"You worked for Mr Yeagar for a number of years. In that time were you ever aware of his association with the terrorist group known as the Resistance or any other criminal organisations?" Kuvira asked neutrally.
Tam instantly shook her head in denial. "No! I had no idea!" She blurted out before she got herself under control. "I mean I knew he fought for the New Republic. I mean the Rebellion." She hastily corrected, worried that Kuvira would not recognise the enemy by their official name. "But Yeager always told me that he had come all the way out to Castilon to get away from the military life."
She paused as her expression grew dark once again. "I guess that was just one more lie he told me." She muttered bitterly.
Kuvira simply hummed in response. She saw no need to confirm or enforce conclusions that Tamara was already coming to by herself. But that did not mean she would not build on them. "With what we know and what you have told us it seems likely that Mr Yeagar was sent to Castilon directly on the orders of General Leia Organa. They knew that our border would soon reach Castilon as more surrounding worlds asked for our protection. They probably wanted him their to have a spy who could send them reports on our patrols." She 'theorised'.
"While I cannot be certain, he likely hired you and your Nikto friend, Neeku Vozo, in order to make his cover as a mechanic more viable. Not even the best mechanic in the galaxy can operate an entire garage alone. And droids are not suitable for most complex maintenance tasks. Therefore, he would have been forced to at least have a presentable staff to ward off suspicion." Kuvira mused as she allowed Tam to interpret her words as she saw fit.
By the way Tam's fingers gripped her Sour Paste container it was clearly having the effect she had been aiming at. And it gave her an opportunity to present her with a new foundation.
"You should not blame yourself for not seeing Yeager for what he truly was Tamara. He is skilled in his work and he would have been careful to make sure your never thought to question him or saw him without his public mask." Kuvira said in condolence.
Tam continued to scowl down at her knee's but Kuvira could see her shoulders rising and falling rabidly and shakily as she fought to contain her sorrows at this abject betrayal of one she clearly trusted. "I should have known what he was. How he always condemned the Empire even though many good people, like my grandfather served it. How he always sided with Kaz when he talked about the Resistance and how he was always against the First Order!"
She paused. "I should have seen it. But he was like a father to me." She whispered as her voice finally began to crack as the stress an emotion of the recent days finally caught up with her.
Kuvira was not one to offer hugs of comfort and whisper sweet nothings in someone's ear. But she was considerate enough to move beyond the painful topic. "And what was your first impression of Mr Kazuda Xiono when he arrived on Castilon." She asked as she studied her young guests body language.
Tamara looked up with an expression of annoyance. But Kuvira was confident that it was directed at the subject of their conversation rather than her. "Kaz?" She asked with a huff. "Not long ago I thought I knew him well enough to answer that. But apparently I never knew him at all." She snarled as she gave vent to her frustrations.
"Yeager brought him to the Colossus and they told me and Neeku that he was just another poor kid who dreamed of being a famous racer. I first thought he was just another guy with delusions, but he quickly showed everyone that he could fly really well. When I saw that I thought that he and I were cut from the same cloth. Both poor, both pilots and both trying to become aces and make a name for ourselves."
She paused as she considered. "I should have known he was no mechanic. He could barely tell one end of a hydro spanner from the other. But I guess his rich family and their servants always took care of that for him!" She said with clear bitterness in her voice.
Kuvira nodded. "Yes, far from being poor. Kazuda Xiono is in fact the son of a New Republic senator. He was enlisted into the New Republic navy due to his father pulling some strings in the admiralty. He certainly had the piloting skills necessary for the job but his academics were, less than impressive." She said as she carefully stoked Tamara's obvious resentments and jealousies.
Tam gapped for a moment before she put down her drink in disgust. "No wonder he was always such an idiot. He has never had to actually think for himself!" She bit out.
Kuvira raised a placating hand. "Maybe so. But he was clever enough for the Resistance to recruit him and to maintain his cover as a spy." She reminded her guest.
Tam nodded. "I guess he was always much cleverer than he pretended to be. Just one more lie he told me." She said.
Kuvira had heard all she needed about the Resistance agents on Castilon. Anything more she could learn from the FOSB. Now she decided to get to the heart of the matter. "I can understand your desire to escape from people who lied and manipulated you to such an extent, Miss Ryvora. But I have to know, what made you accept Agent Tierny's offer to come with her and join the First Order?"
Kuvira showed no change in her posture or in her voice. But she was now paying very close attention. This was important. If Tamara was simply here because it was a convenient escape from the madness of Castilon or purely in an act of spite against her former friends. Then she would be no use to the First Order.
Kuvira needed to see if beneath all that, there was a spark of true belief in what the Order stood for and what they were truly fighting for.
Tamara hesitated as she seemed to be considering that question for the first time. It was quite possible that she had not really thought about it despite taking Tierny's offer. However, given the situation she had found herself in at that moment, it was understandable.
Finally, however. She seemed to find her words.
"I never gave much thought to actually joining the First Order before now. I was always so focused on finishing my jobs for Yeager and doing all I could to get the Fireball working so I could re-join the racing circuit. That was all I ever wanted. All I ever dreamed about." She paused.
"But I never really agreed with Yeager or Kaz about the Rebellion and the New Republic. I mean what had the New Republic ever done for us on Castilon or in the Outer Rim? The New Republic and the senate were only ever interested in staying in the nice rich core and mid rim worlds. They claimed planets in the outer rim but only so they could tax them and use the trade routes while providing nothing." She said as the passion in her voice began to become more noticeable.
"Yeager and Kaz always talked about how wonderful and heroic the New Republic and the Rebellion were. But I never saw any of that. The New Republic to me was an uncaring government of bureaucrat and lobbyists that had no reach or power beyond the core. And even that power was weak and more given out of courtesy then out of respect for it."
Meanwhile they both always talked about how evil the First Order and the Empire were. But I never agreed. My grandfather worked in an Imperial factory to support his family. The Empire gave him work when the Old Republic didn't, and it did not turn him into an evil tyrant like they always implied!" She said as her voice rose in anger and indignation.
Kuvira made no move to stop or interrupt her as she continued in her talking. Her explanation steadily becoming a full-blown speech.
"I always looked at the Empire and felt that it could have been so much better if the Rebels had just been patient and done what they were told. If it had not been for them and their war the Empire would never have had to build up the military so much and put the strain on the economy. Yes, the Empire took firm control but why was that a bad thing? The Clone Wars had just proven that leaving each planet to run its own affairs with no group loyalty was a bad idea. You could not trust them or their people to act for the good of the galaxy."
"And yes, I know that the Empire was forced to do some bad things like Alderaan. But that would never have happened if Alderaan and Bail Organa had not been funding the rebellion and arming them to cause more destruction. I never liked how he is remembered as a hero when he is literally the reason his entire world was destroyed."
Kuvira nodded as she saw the unmistakably signs of passion and fervour burning in Tamara's eyes as she reached the end of her spiel.
"The rebels and now the Resistance just seem to be constantly tearing the galaxy apart because they don't like how it is run. They rebelled against the Empire to build their New Republic and now that it has become corrupt and useless they are rebelling again in the Resistance. It proves that what they want does not work and is not realistic. They will just keep throwing the galaxy into war after war, again and again for their deluded dreams until someone stops them!" She finished, breathing heavily as she seemed to realise that her voice had almost reached shouting level.
Kuvira waited as the crescendo seemed to pass and as Tamara's allowed herself to get her emotions under control. She could see that she was also beginning to look slightly ashamed or embarrassed by her outburst.
Kuvira stood up (which immediately got Tamara's attention). She watched her for a moment before she turned around and walked over to the weapons rack on the wall.
Out of the corner of her eyes she could see Tamara flinch. Doubtless she felt she had failed in the test somehow and was about to be executed for it.
Not that Kuvira would have killed anyone for something so trivial. Even if she had failed she would have simply been escorted from the ship, given a new personal shuttle as compensation and allowed to leave to the location of her choice.
When she was facing the weapons rack, she spoke while turned away from Tamara. "You are right Tamara. You are completely right about all you have said. The rebels tore down an Empire that had united the galaxy under one law and one vision for the first time in millennia. They were willing to plunge the galaxy into yet another war less then 10 years after the fall of the Confederacy. And all this for either their selfish desires or their delusional ideals." She said as her disgust became apparent.
"Save the Rebellion. Save the dream." She said with heavy sarcasm.
Then she turned back to face Tam. "But what the Rebels never understood. And what the Resistance still does not understand. Is that many in the galaxy loved the Empire and its dream. Just as much as they loved their Republic." She proclaimed.
"They never acknowledged that there were billions of people, like your grandfather who served the Empire not through force, or intimidation or blackmail. But because they genuinely believed in it. I will admit the Empire made mistakes. Under Palpatine those mistakes cast a shadow on all that he had built. But even so, there were many accomplishments that were achieved. Foremost of which was the trillions of people who lived their lives on peaceful planets that never once saw a stormtrooper or heard the howl of a TIE fighter."
"That tranquillity and potential is what the Rebellion shattered into anarchy. And for the last three decades the New Republic has limped and stumbled onwards. Sustained by nothing but indulgence and nostalgia. But what did they expect when they tore down the lawful government and replaced it with a lose coalition of selfish governments, influenced by terrorists and partisans?" She asked with clear contempt and sardonic bafflement
She took a few steps towards Tam and stopped right in front of her as she sat in the chair. After a few seconds she reached into her coat and pulled out her commlink. But instead of setting the comm to connect with anyone. She simply activated the holoprojector.
Instantly a blue light projected the First Order insignia. The sixteen-rayed symbol inscribed within a hexagon that Tam stared at with clear interest in where this was going.
"But the dream of a united, ordered and prosperous galaxy can not be killed so easily. That is why the First Order exists. To restore what was taken from all of us by the Rebellion. To restore the only kind of government that can guide the galaxy through the dangerous times."
"The New Republic, like the Old Republic is a social experiment doomed to failure. It is doomed because its only foundation is childish idealism. Destructive ideals that encourage selfishness, promote divided loyalties, fuel rebellions, cause wars. The simple fact is every person, every choice, every opinion is not equal, no matter how much they want it to be. The strong and the capable will always rise and every living being is safer and happier knowing their place in the order of things." Kuvira proclaimed with passion.
As she spoke she moved closer and rested her hand on Tamara's shoulder as she looked into her eyes. "Like you and me." She said proudly. "Like me you have been forced to struggle, sacrifice and strive for everything you possess. You know that only the strong and capable individuals know what is best for the galaxy, because they have actually experienced the galaxy and bent it to their will. They know what it takes to keep a station, a planet and whole galaxy filled with people stable."
"That's why we have a duty to lead." She finished softly as Tamara looked at her with increasing awe. Then she closed down her commlink and took a step away.
"That is something those like Bail and Leia Organa, Mon Mothma and your own Kazuda Xiono will never understand. They have had life handed to them from the start and as a result they can believe the unrealistic idealism that they spout. It was probably very easy to be a democratic saint from their palaces on Alderaan and Hosnian Prime."
She hummed in annoyance at the notion and turned to regard the First Order banners hanging on the walls around her room. Perhaps in some efforts to fill the slightly uncomfortable silence after the impassioned speech. Tamara asked the question that had been burning in her mind for a while now. "So, what will happen to me now, Grand Admiral?" She asked
Kuvira regarded her appraisingly. "That choice remains yours miss Ryvora. You accepted Agent Tierny's offer on Castilon but you are not yet under any obligation to the First Order. You have now been told what we are fighting for in more detail and I have seen what Tierny no doubt saw in you. Potential that should not be wasted." Kuvira explained calmly.
Therefore, I offer you two choices. If you say that you want to leave you may do so. You will be provided with a ship and a fair monetary contribution for your information on the Resistance spies. After that you may leave our hanger and you may go wherever in the galaxy you wish." She said in a tone that was completely neutral. As she said those words she watched Tam's face and body language closely.
She noticed immediately how her shoulders slumped and her expression fell as her eyes took on a distant look. No doubt the prospect of being cast adrift in the galaxy with e possession, no allies and no destination was not appealing to the young woman.
Just as Kuvira anticipated.
"My other offer is this." She said as Tamara looked up from her musings. "Stay here and help me and the First Order bring peace to this galaxy through strength and order, the right way. The only way."
"If you accept you will be enrolled in our pilot training program. You will be given the chance to prove you pilot skills in our state-of-the-art TIE fighters. If you succeed and pass the tests, you will be given the chance to be placed in our most elite fighter squadrons. Possibly my own squadron of Alpha unit." She added offhandedly.
"From there you will advance as far and as fast as your talents allow you. But Tierny said you might have the potential to live up to Major Vonreg. If that is true you future and potential are limitless. You will fly with the finest pilots in the First Order, as part of the strongest military force in the galaxy. You will fly as you have always dreamed and escape the chaotic underworld races that you were forced to survive in. But more then that, you will finally have a chance to make a life for yourself by fighting for a cause and a vision that I suspect you have always believed in." Kuvira finished as Tamara looked on with her features slack from the weight of all she had been told.
Kuvira said nothing more and simply waited. She had said all she needed to say. If Tamara did not accept her offer now then she never would. It was better to have it decided rather then waste more time on it later.
She did not have to wait long.
Tamara Ryvora looked up at her and this time. There was no hint of confusion, uncertainty or hesitance in her eyes. Now the fire of conviction blazed in them and Kuvira knew what was coming.
"I want to join the First Order, Grand Admiral. I want to fly with you, but I also want to help the galaxy in the only way it can be helped." She said firmly.
Kuvira nodded and walked over to the wall by the door where a large silver suitcase had been leaning. Tamara had been so focused on the room and the conversation that she had not noticed it. Kuvira picked up the case that her hanger droid had taken from her TIE fighter and made her way back to Tam. Carefully measuring her with her eyes as she did so.
"I had this made for another young woman who showed great promise. It was my hope that she would eventually see the justice of our cause and join us. But we lost her in the recent battle. But I think this will suit you, just as well. Maybe even better." She said with a hint of respect in her voice.
Tamara took the case from Kuvira and watched as the Grand Admiral walked back to the door. "I must leave you now Tamara. We are jumping to lightspeed within 10 minutes for the D'Qar system and I must be on the bridge. I will send an aide to collect you and take you through the recruitment process."
She paused and turned back to the young woman with a small smile on the corner of her lips. "I will anticipate the reports of your success Tamara. If they materialise then one day soon we might join together as wing mates."
Tamara snapped to attention with the case in her arms. "Thank you, Grand Admiral Kuvira." She uttered with conviction.
Kuvira nodded in approval. A fast learner. Very good.
Then she turned and left the room, leaving Tam alone in the Grand Admiral's suite.
Tam stood still for a moment before she looked down at the case in her arms and opened it carefully. Inside was the newly pressed and shining back material of the uniform of the First Order. Her uniform now she supposed.
As she looked from the fine black material to the worn and filthy mechanic's outfit she was wearing. She felt, (for the first time in a long time) that her life was finally with a sense of destiny.
Authors Note
Welcome back everyone. For those who were hoping for a more action-packed chapter after the break. I am sorry that this was more of a filler chapter. But I needed it to develop Kuvira some more and to explain Tam's real inclusion into the First Order and her thoughts behind it.
Anyway, the next chapter takes us to D'Qar. Hope you will all enjoy that.
As always please read and review.