Sylphi: Glad you liked the chapter. Yeah PC issues are something which are inevitable but always seem to happen at the worst possible time. I am alright. Recovering from a botched foot surgery. But nothing serious, just hindering. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter.
TishaLiz: As always glad to hear you liked the chapter. I am glad you liked Rose's death. Without the chase scene I could not see much reason to keep her around. And given her fanatical hatred for the First Order I could not see her surrendering to captivity. She would want to launch a desperate suicide attack to hurt the First Order as much as possible before dying to join her sister. I hope you enjoy this chapter and the development in Kuvira and Kylo's relationship.
Guest: Glad to hear you liked the chapter. I am glad that you enjoyed the interactions between Leia and Kuvira. They are both similar and yet different in so many ways it allows for a mutual respect. And I have always found those enemies to be much more interesting than those that simply hate each other. I am going to continue to update while I put my plan together for incorporating Episode 9.
Sage-Faerie of The Marsh: I admit that there is a difference between the two chase scenes in Episode 4 and 8. I try to give the writers a break as we Star Wars fans are almost impossible to please. As for your question about Kuvira turning on Snoke. Yes if she felt he had become a determent to the First Order she would turn on him. Kuvira is loyal to the First Order, not to any one individual. But as long as Snoke continues to be an effective ruler she will stand by him. She is not willing to risk a civil war in a struggle for the throne. As for Rose, without the chase scene I could not see much reason to keep her around. And given her fanatical hatred for the First Order I could not see her surrendering to captivity. She would want to launch a desperate suicide attack to hurt the First Order as much as possible before dying to join her sister.
buzzsaw935: Thanks for the review. This meeting was hard to write but I hope you enjoy it.
Guest: I am still putting my plans for Episode 9 together. But Kuvira hates Palpatine with a passion and will not be bowing to him. That much I can promise.
Guest: The majority of First Order Stromtroopers are still human. However due to Kuvira's new reforms there are a large number of Near-Human stormtroopers. Races like Twi'leks, Chiss, Mirialans, Pantorans, Epicanthix, etc are welcome to join the First Order ranks. Kuvira wants to extend that to all races. But even she is having trouble getting the Imperial old guard to accept Duros, Neimodians, Genosians, and other more alien races.
Truth's Hierarch: As always I deeply appreciate the length of your reviews and the obvious though your put into them. Glad to hear you liked the chapter. I am glad that you enjoyed the interactions between Leia and Kuvira. They are both similar and yet different in so many ways it allows for a mutual respect. And I have always found those enemies to be much more interesting than those that simply hate each other. Besides Kuvira knows that it was the Empire's endless iron fisting that led to its downfall. She is determined to have the First Order be different. Relentless in war, Merciful in victory.
In regards Hays Minor. Kuvira is not blind to what happened there. Kuvira as we have seen is perfectly willing to condemn entire planets to destruction. But for her the difference between her and people like Hux and Palpatine is that she takes no sadistic joy in what she does. She does not enjoy cruelty. For her violence is a tool, not a crutch. So a case like Hays Minor to her only highlights everything wrong with the old mind set she is determined to change. She was after all the protégé of Grand Admiral Rae Sloane. She remembers what Sloane told her the First Order is meant to be. 'To start over, and to get it right this time.'
As for Snoke, yeah I believe that he should have been around for longer. But from what little I saw he seemed to be a much more competent leader then Palpatine who was a complete megalomaniac. Kuvira will be loyal to him as long as he remains a competent leader. If he however starts to place then needs of the Force over the First Order. That might change.
In regards to the status of the Resistance. After this chapter I am going to write out some Interlude chapters. We will have a glimpse of the rest of the galaxy and the Resistance then.
ChaosStar44: Thank you for your comment. That means a lot to hear.
Kai: Thank you for your very welcome review. It always means a lot to hear things like that from my readers. Hope you had a good Christmas.
kanukaianderson123: Glad to hear you are enjoying the story. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as well. Reviews are always welcome and help to inspire me to continue it.
Richiesarah: Very glad to read your review. I am glad you are enjoying the changes in the story. Though I try to give the writers a break as we Star Wars fans are very hard to please. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Guest: I am still putting my plans for Episode 9 together, though I have some ideas. As for how Kuvira will react to Palpatine's return. Well she hates Palpatine and will not be bowing down to him. That much I can promise.
AWriter159: I am really glad you are enjoying the story. I am still putting my plans for Episode 9 together. I am conflicted about the movie. It was a great visual treat. But I take issue with some parts. Most of all Kylo Ren's actions, Rey's ancestry and the endless damn plot armour. So I will definitely be making some changes.
C.E.W: Kuvira does take issue with Snoke's priorities some times and she is loyal to the First Order over him. But as long as remains a capable ruler she will continue to be loyal to him. She is not willing to risk a civil war for the throne unless sees no other choice. As for Episode 9, I am still putting my plans for Episode 9 together, though I have some ideas. As for how Kuvira will react to Palpatine's return. Well she hates Palpatine and will not be bowing down to him. That much I can promise.
Guest: Thank you for your review. I confess that episode 9 has forced me to rethink a few things. But I am putting a plan together to incorporate it into this story.
CatNich: Thanks for the review. I don't mind when they come in as I always enjoy reading them. I am glad you like the story. I am an Imperial and First Order supporter as well. I am going to see how well the 'heroes' do without plot armour.
WitchofDuva: Thanks for the review. Glad you are enjoying the story. I hope you like this chapter as much.
Kksambo: Glad to hear you liked the chapter. I am glad that you enjoyed the interactions between Leia and Kuvira. They are both similar and yet different in so many ways it allows for a mutual respect. And I have always found those enemies to be much more interesting than those that simply hate each other. I am glad you liked Rose's death. Without the chase scene I could not see much reason to keep her around. And given her fanatical hatred for the First Order I could not see her surrendering to captivity. She would want to launch a desperate suicide attack to hurt the First Order as much as possible before dying to join her sister. In regards to your point about Kuvira and Phasma bonding. That might be tricky as we know that Phasma is only loyal to herself rather than the First Order. A fact that Kuvira already suspects and will not tolerate. Especially not if she finds out she shut down Starkiller's shields. As for Snoke, yeah I believe that he should have been around for longer. But from what little I saw he seemed to be a much more competent leader then Palpatine who was a complete megalomaniac. Kuvira will be loyal to him as long as he remains a competent leader. If he however starts to place then needs of the Force over the First Order. That might change.
As for my Percy Jackson story. I will think about uploading the intro chapters.
Guet: Thanks for the review. I am glad you like the story. As for Terex he might reappear. I like him as well which is why I changed his fate and made him the head of the FOSB. As for how much he will appear I cannot say yet. I will be looking for an opportunity to include him if possible.
Chapter 28 – The Talk
The Supremacy
Kylo Ren – POV
Kylo Ren stood in front of the door to the Grand Admiral's quarters. This suite was reserved for her while she was on board the Mega Star destroyer and was one of the finest accommodations within the giant mobile capital of the First Order.
The two Praetorian guards that guarded the Grand Admiral were positioned as usual on either side of the door. The weapons were deactivated and they showed no weariness from his arrival. Clearly they had been told to expect him. It irked him a little that the Grand Admiral had simply expected him to heed her summons like some kind of underling. But that feeling was quickly brushed aside in the face of what he was here to discuss.
He paused outside the door for a moment as he tried to summon the will to open the door. The guards made no effort to hurry him. Clearly they were used to people showing this kind of hesitance when summoned to the Grand Admiral.
He considered the events that had led him to this moment. Starting with the battle on Starkiller and his encounter with his father. The lightsaber battle on Starkiller base. And ending with the make out session with the Grand Admiral in the cockpit of her own TIE fighter.
He had no illusions what Kuvira wanted to discuss with him now. In truth he had been eager to resume their conversation immediately after Hux's banishment. But his master and her obligations had not allowed that. But now the dark side had brought them back together and she clearly demanded to finish what they had started. It was something he had awaited with anticipation for many days.
So why was he standing outside her door like a lost gizka?
He forced his nerves and his doubts to the side and called on his passion and his pride. He was Kylo Ren, heir to Darth Vader and apprentice to the most powerful being in the galaxy! He would not hesitate in front of a girl's door like a child on his first date!
Summoning his power and resolve he opened the door and stepped inside with no obvious hesitation.
Kuvira was standing opposite him across the room as she read through the datapad in her hands. The datapad (from what he could see of it) was a detailed description of the movements, targets and projected timetables for the 2nd and 3rd fleets. She was scrolling her hand across the screen as she made adjustments and predictions of when Coreilla and Chandrila would be in their possession.
The sooner they were under First Order rule. The sooner the Resistance would be cut off from valuable allies and they could begin their advance into the deep core systems.
As he entered, she looked up. There was no surprise or visible emotional reaction of any kind that he could see. In the force it was a different story.
She experienced a brief flash of elation when she saw him enter. But it was quickly snuffed out as her discipline locked down. Then he felt, reluctance, uncertainty and even a note of fear enter into her aura. Clearly this was a meeting that she was just as conflicted about as himself. But before he could feel anymore her mental barriers went up and he would have had to exert more power to uncover her feelings.
He was not willing to do that. One way or another, he would know where both of them stood by the end of this conversation.
He stopped in the centre of the room as Kuvira placed her datapad down and moved forwards to meet him. They stopped in unison when they were about a metre apart almost as if they had each slammed into an invisible wall between the two of them. He supposed that was accurate in many ways.
For a long moment, nothing happened as they both stared at each other. His newly molten gold eyes connected with her emerald green eyes. It was a contest of strength as with so many things in their lives. But unlike those, this contest had no defiance or malice behind it. It was simply a match of wills to see who would break first and acknowledge the situation they were in.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was at most a minute. Kuvira grew tired of this childish game and broke the silence.
"The capture of the Resistance leadership is a major victory Lord Ren. I trust I can rely on your aid when interrogating the leadership for information on their escaped comrades?" She asked in the same professional voice she always used when discussing military matters.
Ren was silent for a moment before he responded. "I will aid you in the interrogations. However I will not be able to assist in the questioning of General Organa. Her force abilities and mental training will prevent me from entering her mind. If I tried to force my way past her barriers, it will likely render her brain dead." He said, even though he knew that was not the only reason he did not want to be in Leia Organa's presence.
Despite his increase in power and new commitment to the dark side. He was worried that seeing his mother again might make him hesitate. That it might lead to him falling back into his weak habits. That was something he was not willing to risk. At least not yet.
He was certain that the Grand Admiral knew it as well. But she did not press the issue.
Instead she simply nodded and continued. "The Supreme Leader has commanded that in addition to our invasion plans. We must increase our efforts in the search for Luke Skywalker. Since we have lost the map and Rey. We will needed to carefully monitor the Resistance's movements. They will undoubtedly run to retrieve him the first chance they get. If they have not done so already."
"Will you and the Knights of Ren be able to assist in this? Search for them through the Force?" She asked as she acknowledged her limited interest and understanding of the ways of the Force.
Kylo Ren was silent as he considered it before he responded. "I can deploy the Knights and will search for the girl. Skywalker himself is too well protected." He paused as he regarded the Grand Admiral. "But this is not the conversation you called he here to have Grand Admiral, is it?" He asked. Even though it was clear his words were a statement rather than a question.
He continue before she could respond. "Why don't you say what you brought be here to say." He said bluntly.
Now Kuvira gave a personal reaction. Even she could not stop the blush that flared up in her face as she took in his words. She remained silent and still as a statue for a few moments before she glared in aggravation and replied.
"Take it off." She ordered.
Behind his mask, Kylo Ren choked (despite not having anything in his mouth to choke on) as her exact words hit him like a speeder on full throttle. Had he heard her correctly?!
He had known what kind of conversation they would likely be having but he had not expected anything like this to be said and definitely not so bluntly.
Behind his mask he gapped and finally managed to get his tongue untied. After a few deep breaths and multiple small coughs. Kylo Ren managed to get his thoughts in order. He saw that Kuvira was still staring at him expectantly, as if she expected him to obey her command without any question.
"(Cough)…um…what did you say?" Kylo Ren asked. It was the only question he could quite force out of his mouth at the moment.
The Grand Admiral looked at him askance. She did not roll her eyes or show any outward signs of irritation at the question. But Kylo Ren got the distinct impression that she was wondering if he was mocking her. Regardless she quickly elaborated.
"I refuse to have a conversation of….." She hesitated as if trying to find words that would be clear but also maintain her self-respect. "….of this nature, with a mask." She explained as she looked into the dark visage of Kylo Ren's iconic mask. "Remove it so we can discuss this like adults." She said, her words both a request and a command.
Kylo Ren instantly felt a sense of relief (and a tinge of something else) at the clarification.
While he would normal never remove his mask by anyone's command, except his master's. Kuvira was rabidly becoming an exception. Besides her point was a valid one. They could not discuss matters this personal through a mask. And Kylo Ren was not such a coward that he would hide his face from this.
Reaching up he activated the releases on his mask and heard the distinctive his as the components worked into their positons. Soon he pulled his mask free and set it on the table next to the sofa. Then he turned back to the woman who was still waiting expectantly with her arms folded in patience.
For a long while they simply looked at each other. Golden sith eyes locked onto emerald green eyes as they waited for this long overdue conversation to begin.
Kylo Ren waited and waited. But it soon became apparent that neither of them was ready or willing to initiate this talk. The Grand Admiral was simply standing there regarding him. She was standing at military rest but she remained as ridged and stiff as an iron rod. She was also working her lips as if she was struggling to decide what words to say.
The young Sith was confused at the situation and the silence that was rapidly becoming uncomfortable. The Grand Admiral had called for this talk. Did she not have any idea of what she wanted to say to him?
Confused. Kylo Ren reached out with the force. He did not directly invade Kuvira's mind. He respected and owed her too much to do that.
What he found was surprising to say the least.
He found apprehension, uncertainty and most astonishing of all. Fear.
She was riddled with fear and indecision in thus moment. He felt her need to begin the discussion and that she was mentally flailing to find some way to begin. But she seemed to be drawing a blank. Unable, rather than unwilling to speak about their relationship.
He was stunned.
None of these were emotions that he would ever have associated with Grand Admiral Kuvira. In fact if anyone had even suggested that she was capable of these emotions he would have force chocked the life out of them for their disrespect.
But as he searched her feelings and his own he soon realised what the problem was.
Neither of them knew how to proceed!
He had spent most of his childhood alone. With his parents as famous as they were and their criminal and political careers. He had never had much of an opportunity to make friends. Most of the children he had grown up with had been the children of fellow politicians on Hosnian Prime or children of his mother's sycophants.
They had never been a stable source of friendship with the constant shifting loyalties, alliances and logistics of the senate. One month they were there and the next they were gone. It was not long before he stopped bothering to know them to spare any pain of loss.
Once he grew up the problem became more developed and his parents had commented on how he always seemed to be alone. The friends he had made at school had quickly been revealed to be either ambitious social climbers hoping to use him. Or rebel worshipping idiots who wanted to be friends with the son of Han and Leia Solo rather than with Ben.
Once he had joined his Uncle Luke at his newly formed Jedi training temple. He had secretly hoped that this would be the start of his own life. That the reason that he had been unable to form tight bonds with others was due to his situation and his power in the force. But that now he would be able to meet people like him and who understood him. Away from the miasma that Hosnian Prime had become. And away from his parents suffocating shadow and their thinly concealed fear of him.
But he had quickly been disappointed. While on Hosnian Prime he was separated by his birth. Among the Jedi he was separated by his power and his views. Views which the old hypocrite had quickly made clear were not to be tolerated in a Jedi and a potential future Jedi Grandmaster.
Once again Ben Solo had failed to live up to his families' expectations, image and legacy. It was not long afterwards that Snoke had contacted him and he had thrown off their chains once and for all.
And in all this time there had been little chance or time for friends. Much less a girlfriend.
Kylo Ren was confronted with just how unexperienced or knowledgeable he was in matters like this. He had no idea how to talk to a woman about this. Or how these relationships typically started. He was essentially a confused boy facing his first romantic experience. And he had no idea what to do.
He almost found the situation laughable. He was Kylo Ren, heir to Darth Vader, apprentice to Supreme Leader Snoke, one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy. And he was defeated by simple interaction with a woman!
He also now understood why Kuvira was equally quiet.
She had been part of the First Order since she was four years old.
In that time she had been trained in weapons, tactics, mechanics, physical health, unarmed combat and many more military based skills.
As she got older and rose through the ranks she had been instructed in diplomacy, command, campaigning, languages, logistics and many others.
All this had led to her rise from a four year old orphan cadet to the Grand Admiral in just over twenty years.
And in that time she had devoted little to no thought whatsoever to romantic interests. It had not been for lack of offers. Since she had entered her teens Kuvira had been an attractive woman with a warrior's body that many would kill for.
Other troopers, officers and prospective allies had all shown interest in her. Sometimes through hints and flirting. Others through obvious displays of affection. Fraternisation between troopers was punished severely in the First Order. What soldiers did on leave was their own business but the Order did not tolerate open relationships between soldiers on duty.
But such restrictions had never fully stopped romantic involvement in any other army in history. And the First Order was no different.
But it had seemed to go unnoticed by the Grand Admiral. If she had even noticed the attention she had made no evidence of it. Some had claimed at first that she was simply too dense to see the obvious signs that were sent her way.
Later it had been suggested that she was simply uninterested in companionship of any kind. Others claimed that she was married and mother to the First Order. That she would allow no other distraction from her life's great cause to see the Order rise to become the dominant ruling galactic power.
As a result, Kuvira also now found herself in a situation that she had not planned for.
She had spent most of her life focused on military planning and combat situations. Her life was defined by her ability to plan, strategize and develop tactical responses for whatever the situation demanded. If she was caught off guard in battle (rare as it was) she was able to develop a response because she understood military facts.
But now for possibly the first time in years. Kuvira had been thrown completely off balance.
She was flailing for something to say. But she had no knowledge, experience or natural ability to draw on. When she had demanded to speak with Kylo Ren. She had done it, knowing it had to be done before it compromised their ability to work together effectively. And because she expected that she would be able to analyse this situation and find a solution as she had all other aspects of her life.
But now she found that she was floundering with no idea how to proceed. It was an incredibly unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation that she found herself in. She could count the times she had been this stressed and lost on the fingers of one hand.
All this left Kylo Ren amazed and adrift.
They had come together to discuss their relationship. And he did not know how. Nor did she. Neither of them knew!
They had spent their entire lives training for their respective destinies. But they had both become so focused that it had never even occurred to them. That they might need to know how to begin a romantic relationship!
So two of the three most powerful individuals in the First Order found themselves simply looking at each other like confused children!
Kylo Ren searched his mind and the force for inspiration of what to do in the situation. He would not allow a moment this important to him to be destroyed so utterly by this embarrassing display.
It was then that it hit him.
They were standing here like idiots trying to puzzle out their feelings and lusts for each other and to express them in words. But neither of them had ever learned how to talk about such things to a romantic partner.
Fighting, Conquest, Reacting, Dominance.
Those things they knew. That was what they both understood! That was a course of action they could follow on equal footing.
"Through Passion I gain Strength." He whispered quietly.
Kuvira's fumbling expression gave way to confusion as she raised an eyebrow at his words and waited for him to elaborate.
She was taken completely off guard however, when Kylo Ren moved forward in two steps and captured her lips with his own as he closed his golden eyes.
Kuvira's own eyes widened in surprise as she felt his mouth on hers and his arms captured her face on either side. She stared forward for a moment. Her eyes so wide they almost bugled while staring straight ahead at nothing as she stood in poker stiff shock like an animal in the speeder headlights.
For along moment she simply stood there like a statue as her mouth was assaulted by the dark lord. The last time they had done this they had just come from the heat of battle and near death. It was simple instinct that had driven her. Now she was focused with her analytical mind. Right now she was not sure if she should respond or pull out her blaster and shoot him for his audacity!
His tongue then connected with her teeth and demanded entry. Still in her shocked state, she gave way and soon found her tongue in a virtual wrestling match with Kylo Ren.
It was this that brought Kuvira back to herself. She now found something familiar she could latch onto. This she could understand. Kylo Ren had taken the initiative, and he had gain the advantage in this contest between them. She was on the defensive and must respond with her own actions, least she be overwhelmed.
Kuvira raised her arms and locked her hands on the sides of Ren's face just as he had placed his own. She took it a step further and proceeded to run her hands into his hair and intertwine her fingers in his impossibly fine black locks.
At the same time she responded to Kylo and began kissing him back with a ferocity that momentarily stunned him.
Sensing her opening Kuvira pivoted on her heels, dragging the dark lord with her. She then aggressively strode forward (never once breaking the kiss) and continued until she rammed Kylo Ren against the wall of her chambers. Thankfully unlike her chambers on the Reclaimer. Her room on the Supremacy was unadorned and the walls were clear of any decorations that might get in the way.
With his back to the wall (figuratively and literally) Kylo Ren was not to be outdone. Removing his hands from Kuvira's face he wrapped one arm around her back pulling her even closer to him while he deepened the kiss that had become a virtual wrestling match of passion between them.
At the same time he moved his other arm around her until his gloved hand came to rest directly on her arse. He quickly got frustrated that her black greatcoat prevented him from getting a firm grip. With his passion boiling and the dark side burning in him. He threw the fabric aside and clamped his hand on Kuvira's firm buttcheek and squeezed.
Kuvira jolted at the sudden and very unfamiliar physical contact. For a moment she was too stunned to react. Only a day ago, if anyone had touched her in such a way. She would have beaten them to within an inch of their life, and then thrown them in a Sarlacc pit.
Kylo Ren sensed her hesitation and immediately took advantage as he used his new grip on her backside to puller her closer and go on the full offensive in the war of tongues that was raging between them.
Feeling her defences falling, Kuvira resorted to desperate measures to regain her advantage. She pulled Kylo Ren away from the wall and swung him around. As she did so she hooked her leg behind his foot and threw him off balance.
Before the dark lord could regain his footing. Kuvira stepped close, placed both her hands on his toned torso and shoved him to the floor.
The Sith apprentice let out a surprised 'oof' as his body hit the floor. But Kuvira gave him no time to recover as she leapt on top of his prone body. Using her hands, she pinned his writs to the floor above is head as she straddled him to prevent him moving his hips. Her legs were tactically placed to prevent him from using his own legs to dislodge her.
For a moment the two of them simply stared at each other from their new position.
Then Kuvira moved to cement her victory as she leaned down and once again locked lips with Ren as she forced her tongue past his teeth and almost down his throat.
All the while she made a valiant effort to ignore the feeling of the fully hard piece of anatomy in Ren's groin that was poking her in a very distinct area of her own body.
But Kylo Ren was not prepared to lose this strange war just yet. Moving quickly he slid his hands out of her grip and placed them squarely on her chest as he began to massage her breasts. Just when she thought that was all he was doing. She felt a jolt of power and intense pleasure as Kylo Ren displayed his new power in Force lightning.
Small but powerful jolts of lightning were being channelled through his hands directly into her tits as he continued to fondle them. The sensation forced Kuvira to arch her back as she stared at the ceiling with wide eyes. Her teeth barely managing to slam down on her own tongue to prevent her from crying out loud.
She would not grant Kylo Ren victory so easily. Nor would she allow her cries of passion to he heard by her guards outside. Secure room or not she would not have her conduct and lapse of judgment known to anyone! Least of all her two Praetorian guards stationed outside.
She was driven to the edge of her emotional control but she was not sure what else to do. She was captivated in Kylo Ren's erotic attack and she had no way to counter his efforts. She was on the defensive and she knew that she did not have the strength left to resist his onslaught.
If this carried on much longer. She would be forced to admit defeat and to surrender in this war of dignity. That was something she could not accept. While Kuvira had long ago accepted that no General, Admiral, Warlord or Warrior goes through life undefeated. She had resolved to never surrender when she still had a weapon at her disposal.
She remembered a quote from an ancient warlord. One of her favourites in all her studies in the art of war. 'Opportunities multiply as they are seized!'
Filled with an emotion she could not describe. Passion, anger, defiance, stubbornness; perhaps all of them at once?!
Kuvira lunged forward. Using the arch of her spine to spring herself towards Kylo Ren with sudden and unexpected speed.
The young sith lord had clearly not been expecting such an attack. He must have thought that Kuvira was not capable of retaliation. That thought only drove Kuvira as she drove towards her target.
As she brought her torso down on Kylo Ren's she ripped aside the fabric of the dark lords robes and bit him in his neck.
The flash of pain, and sensual pleasure that Kylo Ren experienced as he felt Kuvira's teeth pierce his skin as she drew blood like a ravenous she-wolf, was like nothing he had expected or experienced in the past. The combination of shock, pain, anger, pleasure and lust shot through his system and overloaded his synaptic system.
Unable to control it. The carefully controlled force lightning he had been channelling from his hands. Was instantly stopped as the energy was changed from a smooth channel into an internal detonation. Unable to control his passions, the power of the dark side flooded into his corporal body faster than he could control it.
He had no way to control the flood of power as he felt Kuvira's body pressed atop his and with her teeth knawing at his neck in a very pleasant way.
The best he could do was disperse it. And to try to keep the effect as contained as possible.
The force erupted from his body in a powerful (but thankfully non-lethal) force repulse. The blast of power that sent a shockwave of dark energy across the room from within his corporal body. It was only by his own will and immense power that the repulse did not reduce all the walls and furniture in the room to debris. And the two people in the room to organic ash!
But he was not able to contain the effects fully.
Kuvira was thrown from his body where she had been straddled and was flung across the room. Meanwhile he was also hurled from the floor and tossed towards the opposing wall.
Kuvira and Ren slammed into the walls of the suite at almost the same interval in time. Both the Grand Admiral and the Dark Lord coming to rest in a crumpled black heap of clothing on the ground as they faced the full effects of the blast of involuntary force power.
They were both too shaken to move for a while. They were both struggling to throw off the residual effects of the blast. While and the same time trying to clear their heads of the raging storm of emotions and sensations that had threatened to overwhelm them.
For a few seconds, both of them just lay there as they collected their wits and allowed their hormones to settle down. Then they (almost simultaneously) sat up as they rested their battered bodies against the mercifully cold metal walls that they had been hurled into. A foolish person in the room might have commented that their bodies were so flushed that steam should have appeared when they touched the cold walls. Thankfully no one was present to make such a comment. Or to suffer the gruesome death that both man and woman would have visited on them for such a joke at their expense.
Kuvira shook her head slightly as she tried to get a grip on herself. She was finding it very hard to concentrate in this moment. Her mind, which was normally so logical and analytical was suddenly awash. It was as if a fog had been laid over her mind, preventing her from thinking clearly.
She did not like that feeling.
With renewed effort she forcibly began to rip the veil of emotion haze out of her mind as she allowed her blood to cool and her emotions to stop roiling. Slowly, but steadily she found that the primal side of herself was fading back into her subconscious and she was once again able to think in her typical manner.
As she did so, she realised that she was currently slumped against the wall with her hair a dishevelled mess and her uniform greatly ruffled and askew.
Her face once again burned red. But this time with shame and self-recrimination. She bolted to her feet and spun around to face the wall as she quickly began to set her uniform to rights.
Her shirt needed to be tucked back in and her belt reset as it had come loose during the 'struggle'. Her collar had also come loose as well as a few of the fastenings on her shirt. Hands moving at the speed of thought she quickly managed to re-dress herself.
She then turned her attention to her hair and face. She quickly combed back her hair from her face where it had fallen into several hanging strands that had been knocked loose from her braid. Then she tied it all back into her typical braid and re-fastened it in her usual braid in the back.
She could do nothing about her face or make up. (Kuvira was not an avid user of cosmetics. She was not one to go about looking like a painted cantina dancer. But she was also reluctant for her soldiers and officers see her in an unkempt state. As much as she wished it was otherwise. She knew appearances were important for someone in her position of authority. Therefore she used a daily routine of moderate lip-gloss and mascara).
But it was now smeared and distorted in ways that could not help but be noticed. She quickly wiped away what she could with her gloved hands. But the rest would need to be washed off and re-applied properly before she left the suite and met with others on the ship.
With her appearance repaired to the full extent that she could manage at the moment. She turned back around to face Kylo Ren.
Ren was also standing on his feet. His robes reset and his hair once again in place down to his shoulders. Beyond that he had not had to recover too much. Though the love bite that Kuvira had given him on his neck would need to be carefully concealed until it healed.
Once again they found themselves staring at each other in silence across the room. It was almost as if the…..event…..had not even taken place.
Except that it definitely had occurred. Though personally Kuvira was glad that it had ended when it had.
Not that she had not enjoyed herself. She had definitely enjoyed it. More so then she would have thought possible. But in that moment she had lost herself in the emotional whirlwind that it had become, and had lost control of herself.
She was not certain she could have trusted herself to maintain her composure and dignity if that moment had gone any further.
Kuvira had never once in her entire life considered herself as the kind of woman that was….easy. In fact what had just occurred was the furthest she had ever gone with a man. If anyone had ever suggested that she was that kind of woman they would have been demoted to sewage duty for the next year.
Yet in that moment she had seemed to lose all reason and her dishevelled clothes seemed to act as evidence towards her own latent promiscuity. That forced her to ask the difficult question of what would have happened if Kylo Ren had not sent out that force blast? Would she have had the presence of mind to pull back at a certain point? Or would she had allowed herself to be led into all manner of depravity?
Would all that she had worked for, all that she was have been swept aside by an action as simple as an unexpected kiss? It had happened once before in the cockpit of her TIE fighter in the hanger of the Reclaimer. Who could say that it would not have happened again?
For a moment and possibly the first time in her life. Kuvira was deeply shaken.
The foundations of her life were seeming to be crumpling beneath her feet.
Was she truly that weak-willed?!
Was her logical mind merely a cover for the much stronger primal nature beneath it?!
Was the First Order and its military not in the hands of a competent and deserving Grand Admiral. But instead in the feeble grasp of an emotionally desperate child?!
Kuvira might have imagined it. In fact she must have imagined it. But she could have sworn her eyes felt as if they were growing glassy.
But then she threw the thoughts away as if they had been painful to the touch. She would not allow herself to do this! She would not allow this simple if complicated moment she destroy all that she was. All that she had ever aspired to be!
If she allowed that to happen then she truly was as weak and pathetic as she had briefly feared she was. Whatever feelings and issues both for Kylo Ren and herself had been awoken this day. She would not allow them to shake her composure. She would maintain her pride and dignity and would resolve them each in her own time on her own terms.
Until then there was nothing to be done but to march forward into the unknown boldly. It was not only expected of her it was demanded!
Kuvira straightened as her spine was snapped to attention like an iron rod. She was Grand Admiral Kuvira and she had had enough of wallowing in her emotional distress like a thirteen year old child.
Whether or not Kuvira and Ren would have gone further without the interruption was irrelevant. She would not allow what if's to disturb her and she would not allow them to make her second guess herself or her identity.
She knew who she was and what she valued. And that was enough for now. The rest could wait.
She cleared her throat as she set her once again focused gaze on Kylo Ren who had not moved from his own position and was in fact watching Kuvira very intently. "I confess, Lord Ren. I found that to be an enjoyable experience." She said with all the emotion of someone commenting that the weather was a little chilly.
If Kylo Ren was surprised by her sudden change in demeanour. He made now sign of it. "I agree Grand Admiral. I confess that I have been considering this, moment for some time." He admitted to Kuvira as she raised an eyebrow in interest at his confession. "But I am unsure where we go from here. What did this mean to you?" He asked pointedly, wanting to get this matter resolved one way or another.
Kuvira paused for a moment. Clearly she was choosing her words with care before she responded. "I admit that I also had some thoughts about us for some time. But I must confess I am very inexperienced in matters…..like this." She hesitated but only for a moment. "If I really must say it out loud. I do like you very much Lord Ren. And while I have no experience to draw on. I can see some potential in a deeper relationship between the two of us." She admitted. Her words as composed as ever even as her face continued to burn red.
Kylo Ren nodded, he was aware that his own heart rate was racing and he was wishing he had his mask on in that moment. "I feel the same way, Grand Admiral. I am not sure how to proceed and we both have our duties. But I have grown fond of you. And I am interested in taking this relationship further." He said with his voice composed in contrast to his emotional state.
Kuvira started walking towards him and after a few steps he also moved toward her. They met in the centre of the room. Almost in the same place that they had started their romantic activities.
They stared at each other for a while as their eyes locked. It was strange. They had seen each other uncountable times and lately they had been eye locking more often as their feelings evolved. But somehow this moment seemed to be the first time they truly saw each other.
After a while of silent soul searching. Kuvira gestured to the door to her chambers. "Out there we are the Grand Admiral and the Dark Lord. We have our duties and whatever this is between us. It will remain strictly between us. It will not affect our duties and our responsibilities to the Supreme Leader and the First Order." Kuvira stated bluntly. Making it clear that her words were a statement of fact and not a suggestion.
Then she paused, and her words become noticeably more tender. "In here and in other places, when we are alone." She hesitated before she looked directly at him. "When we are alone, we can be Kylo Ren and Kuvira. We can see each other and be…fond of each other." She finished slightly lamely as her composure cracked slightly at what she was suggesting.
Kylo Ren knew how difficult this was for her. It was just as difficult for him as well. But he was determined to follow through on this. He reached out and gently cupped his gloved hand against the side of her face in a gesture that could not be taken as anything other than affectionate. "I would like that a lot, Kuvira." He said gently with emphasise on the last word as he used her actual name.
Kuvira stiffened under his touch and again as she heard him say her name in that tone.
Her right hand rose to her head, before she stopped the motion and her hand fell back to her waist. She had been about to offer her standard salute. The gesture that she had always used with him when their conversation ended. But then she thought better of it as even she realised that it was not appropriate for this discussion.
Her hand then rose again as she directed towards Ren, before it once again fell back to her waist. That time she had been about to offer a handshake as a way of farewell. But she realised that this too was not a sufficient gesture to end this talk on.
Finally she heaved a sigh of frustration and quickly leaned in to him. Before Kylo Ren could react she had placed a quick but noticeably tender kiss on his cheek before she pulled away and quickly made her way towards the bathroom.
Her pace was just above walking as it was clear she had explored her emotional side enough for one day. Before she reached the bathroom she turned back to face him. "I must make myself presentable for the war meeting later today, Lord Re…..Kylo." She finished, catching herself from using his formal title and changing to his actual name. Ren liked how it sounded on her tongue. "I will see you later at the meeting." She said quickly.
With that she entered the bathroom and the door closed and locked behind her.
Kylo Ren stared at the door for a moment. Then he picked up his mask, placed it back on his head and exited the room. The two Praetorian guards not reacting as he left.
It was good that he wore his mask. Otherwise people would have wondered by he was smiling. Or why his golden eyes where virtually glowing with the power and passion of the dark side.
Authors Note
I can say without a doubt that has been the hardest chapter to write yet. I have never written one of these scenes before. And it was really hard to have these two strong and stoic characters let their armour down in a way that felt real. All the while delving into their deeper emotions while they were in a vulnerable moment.
But it is finally done. I hope you enjoyed it.
As always Reviews and feedback is appreciated.