He had seen his guests to their ships, had wished them all safe travel and, in the future, to see them in the next Galactic Senate to hear what they'd decided. Of course, it took time, no matter how short or quick he was to see them off, that he'd rather go and see Rey and see the starting progress of the detox.
But, there was another important matter that needs his attention.
"Roc Brarut!" He yelled, stomping towards the Shistavanen, who was brought in to an Interrogational Sector, by Trudgen and Ushar, but not chained to the interrogation chair.
The sentient fur-covered biped snarled at the approaching Supreme Leader, but dare not make any movement to attack him, just as he contained himself to not fight the two Knights of Ren.
"What is the meaning of this?" He demanded, his tone low and grumbling. "Why am I brought here, as if I were that scrawny fur-ball that spoke out of line?"
Kylo, with his mask on, glared at Roc.
"You dare spoke of such disrespect towards my Sonellia. -He pulled out his lightsaber, igniting it.- That, I won't tolerate from anybody, especially from one of my honored guests that, to my surprise, would accept my invitation when your people are known for distrusting others."
Roc glared at the man that covers his face with his mask, but even with the modulate changing his voice, he can hear how much he truly cares, loves the woman.
"I mean no disrespect towards you, or your choice on who you decide to be your Life-Mate, Supreme Lead-"
He soon found himself being lifted in the air, choking at an invisible force and thrusted to the wall.
"And now you mock me, trying to speak of some apology that only reveals how you truly see the woman I love as unworthy?" Kylo stated, having his right-hand held up towards the struggling Shistavanen. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you, go to Uvena Prime and give it the same punishment I have towards Selonia?"
Roc could only grasp his neck, struggle with what he soon realize is the Force, itself. And, realizing his mistake that this man before him could kill him and everybody else within the room, he tried to cough out a plea.
"I'm- *Gasp* Sorr- *Cough! Cough!* Please!"
Kylo, Trudgen and Ushar know he wasn't really sorry for speaking illy towards Rey, but knew he was sorry for being disrespectful and now understand he's completely leagues beneath the human before him.
After the plea, the thirty year-old released him.
The Shistavanen stood on his hands and knees, with one hand to his throat, as he gasps and pants for breath.
The lightsaber, remaining on, was now aimed to the sentient fur-covered biped, almost touching his left-shoulder.
"Well?" He pushed. "Do you have a reason to speak to Rey like that, let alone insult my decision to whom my heart yearns for?"
Roc, knowing fully well that he's at Kylo's mercy and was literally up against the wall, he knew that his only chance of survival is to submit.
"You must understand, Supreme Leader, that the voices of others can have people to believe one opinion over another, whether they're the truth or a lie." He stated, slowing his breathing when his air came back normal. "Since the Resistance revealed her as the Last Jedi, many had been trying to figure out who she is and where she came from. Judging from her choice of clothing, we all can figure out that she's Low-Born; living in poverty or, likely, a slave. But, it wasn't until some pity thugs at Aunt Z's Tavern, located on the Colossus from Castilon, that they told all that she was a slave-girl from Jakku. And, as you are aware, Supreme Leader, any who are native or forced to live on Jakku, received poor reviews and are immediately viewed as criminals. More so, since she's bought and owned, a Troq."
If Ap'lek was with him, Kylo would be given the immediate signal that he's being lied to or not. But, even without the youngest knight, Kylo, Ushar and Trudgen are still able to tell that he's speaking the truth. Besides, many who ends up with a lightsaber nearly touching the face or neck, will likely choose to not test the patience of a former Jedi and would rather live to see the next day.
Seeing that the Shistavanen not making any move to get up and waiting patiently on what he would do, Kylo slowly pulled his weapon away and turned it off.
Roc let out a deep sigh of relief, but remained on his hands and knees.
"If you're speaking the truth, then I would have you allow my knights to enter your thoughts and see these thugs you speak of."
It wasn't an order, but it wasn't a request, either. Still, he no longer wants to take out his anger on the Shistavanen and focus on the thugs that started giving out information about his Rey.
Without any hesitation, nodded his head.
"Of course," he answered.
Hearing the answer, Kylo turned and started to walk away, while Trudgen went to get Roc to his feet and Ushar raised a hand towards him, readying to use the Force to look into his thoughts.
Before he left, Roc called out to him.
"Supreme Leader! -Kylo slightly turned his head, but did stopped in his steps.- ...I had to know, for myself, on how serious you are with the girl. I had to see it, before my eyes, how far you'll go for her... And, after your speech and right now, on how you didn't use the Force during the speech, I'm more inclined to believe you and the First Order. And, I solemnly swear to you, that I'm truly sorry, if I sounded as if I was being cruel towards your Life-Mate."
That, he can hear, as clear as day, that it's sincere and true. And though it wasn't a wise choice to stir up trouble by bringing up his Sonellia, Kylo knew that the Shistavanen, in spite of being distance from all planets of the galaxy, would never lie to save their skins.
He slightly nodded his head.
"Thank you, Roc Brarut."
Roc nodded his head back.
"If there comes a time, whether you do come to Uvena Prime or we send an unannounced message to meet you in person, it may mean a great change will be starting, because of you. And, the woman who captured your heart and who is more than worthy to rule by your side."
The Shistavanen turned back to Ushar, waiting for the Mind Probe procedure, leaving Kylo to stare at him, contemplating to what Roc just suggested, maybe even hinting at, before he continued on for the Med Bay.
He needs to see Rey.
In Med Bay...
"Stats under normal, but somewhat steady. Oxygen, however, still too low."
"Increasing oxygen level to another four percent, waiting to see results before decision to further increase oxygen."
"Heart rate slowly increasing from oxygen. Continue to keep steady."
Dr. Skid and Lo watches their unconscious patient slowly rising and falling within the tank of the Bacta Detox, as XLR-8 and other doctors keep track of her vitals and observing the process of the detox. Above her, a hologram of an image of her body and organs.
All around, they see multiple colors and spread of light-grey, representing the Crystalized-Silica. More found all within and around the lungs and kidneys. And, to their greatest concern, her heart. They only hope they weren't too late and the detox would save her, before it had progressed to any serious Heart Disease.
Even with specialized surgeons, the heart remains and will always be the trickiest to heal.
Dr. Skid turned to Lo, who folded her long-arms in front of them.
"I'm not doubting your efforts or credibility if your detox will work or not... But, I still have to ask-"
"The likelihood of her contracting Heart Disease, is very likely." Lo answered, but remained staring at Rey. "Fortunately, Batuu is more equipped to help treat her heart, while our surgeons are focused on her lungs and kidneys transplants."
The human-doctor raised an eyebrow to her declaration.
"You make it sound as if we're going to stay on Batuu."
The female-Kaminoan, this time, turned to her peer.
"That's because, we are."
The doctor wasn't in the least amused by the news.
"They may be returning and were given high-tech equipments, after the First Order removed all the smugglers and help rebuild Batuu from being a Backwash Planet, but it's still a planet of jungles, farms and ocean."
"True, Dr. Skid." Lo acknowledged, nodding her head slightly. "But, what you don't know is that some of my people, along with some of our allies with enhanced equipments of their own, went to Batuu and, in a matter of three months, were able to construct a much advanced laboratory and testing quarters. And, yes, there are still farms and oceans, but travelers are regrouping and assisting our people with supplies to help further our technologies. Plus, we recently were given word that a loading dock and fueling station had been constructed and made in our honor. So, really, at a time like this and, if we're to head for Naboo, now is a time for the First Order to rest and refuel. Which means, for the time being, temporary stay and business for the Supreme Leader to oversee."
"Medical equipment, upgrades and replacement are needed, immediately." XLR-8 butted in, walking towards the two. "Records indicate a concerning level of Finalizer's Oxygen System depleting eleven percent more from increase of prisoners and workers. Not only that, number of Stormtroopers are scheduled to adapt to planet gravity, climate changes and adaptability to environment. -It turned to Dr. Skid.- Some time on Batuu will allow First Order Mechanics to perform Ship Status Update and go through all tasks to ensure resources, fleet and weaponry are all according to standards."
Those were all viable point as to why they should take shelter on Batuu, especially if it's to seek help from others who can focus on caring and treating their patient's heart. His main issue, is if Kylo Ren would agree to the suggestion and is willing to remain on Batuu for a good while.
"Even if it's for the sake of his Mistress' health and the good of the fleet, will the Supreme Leader allow it?" He questioned. "Even with the best care, moving her after surgery through outer space, whether it be from the lungs or kidneys transplant, even through Hyperspace could put strain on her weakened body."
"Perhaps." XLR-8 agreed, staring at the unconscious girl. "...Not unless the Supreme Leader, or at least a skilled Force-User, one of the Knights of Ren for example, could use the Force to encase her in a field-like bubble, so the strain and force of the ship and change of gravitational pull won't cause complication to her recovery until we reach Naboo."
The two doctors turned to the droid, then to each other... And, simultaneously, they were in an agreement.
"It could work." Lo replied.
"So long as the Force-User keeps her in exact status she needs to be in for hours. Maybe, even an entire day, at most." Dr. Skid pointed out, though not sounding against it.
"The Supreme Leader is on his way!" A medic announced, running through the doors.
Lo lifted a brow.
"It's best to tell him now, and see what he thinks." She suggested, unfolding her arms and, as soon as the thirty year-old came in, all bowed at his presence.
"Dr. Skid, Nurse Puhua." He greeted, but didn't stop in his steps before heading towards the tank, laying a gloved-hand against the glass-surface where Rey's right-hand was closest. "How is she?"
The Kaminoan decided to answer him.
"As normal as it can get," she explained. "The detox had progressed, as we expect it to perform."
"But, due to concern of unexpected changes, as a formality, the progress will commence at slightly slower than average speed, so we'd have more than ahead of time to get her out. However, everything shows to be normal and, if proven successful, the detox will be complete within four days, in the earliest." Dr. Skid jumped in, hoping that the Supreme Leader won't assume they're not taking their jobs as serious as he wants them to.
He didn't answer or made any response to their reports. His main focus was on his beloved, floating within the clear-silver liquid.
"...I can feel our Bond." He hummed softly, slightly turning his head to the right. "And yet, I feel her conscious being shrouded and unclear."
This time, XLR-8 intervened.
"Patient's stress level rose to concerning level, as she was brought in for the first procedure to her recovery. That, and our concern of constant removing out of the tank, all to administer Force-Suppressants in her system, risk a forty-five percent chance of detox to not fully complete it task. And, due to patient's continuous request to not proceed to give her aid and best to prepare her early on for her coming up surgeries, an early Medical Induced Coma was initiated."
The doctors waited for the yelling. The part where he would use the Force, and choke them to death.
Instead, he simply stared at them and then turned back to the girl in the tank.
"...I see..." He said, almost in a mournful tone if the modulate wasn't disguising his voice. "...That is-... Most unfortunate."
Now, they feel sad and deep sympathy for their leader, as he continued to look at Rey.
"Anything else that I should know about?" He asked, still staring up at his love.
Dr. Skid fears that if any of them gives him any more news that he's not going to like, then they'll be the new source to turn his anger on with the end of his saber.
Lo, as if she can sense his fear on answering their leader, laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and gave him a slow nod. Silently telling him that she'll tell him of what they just agreed to.
"Supreme Leader." She started, turning to the thirty year-old. "We've been discussing on the next step to Re-... *Cough* Forgive me. Mistress Rey's recovery. And... Well, it may not be as planned, but it'll not only be of her best interest for when she's to undergo her two other surgeries, but also good for a routinely analysis and preparation protocol for the fleet. Possibly, a good idea of time, until you get word of either Empress Pooja or Baron Administrator Calrissian of seeking an audience with you."
Kylo turned his head to the female-Kaminoan.
He stared up at the angelic-like alien, not saying a word, making the atmosphere tense and anxious for the other doctors.
Then, he nodded his head.
"State what you've been discussing." He ordered, granting her permission to tell him her thoughts.
Meanwhile, with Finn and his Group...
"I'm still not buying it. There's no way he's being serious!" Finn growled, pacing in his cell, shared with Rose.
Across from them, Jessika stood in her cell against the bars, alone, since Poe hadn't been brought back from wherever the guards took him. Connix, to the right of her cell, was with Snap.
"If he was lying, why would he make a Galactic speech, telling them that he would set us free?" Jessika questioned, still at a loss and not certain what to think.
"Well, he did say most of us will go with General Organa." Snap reminded, sitting on the bottom bunk of his bed. "No doubt, he'll probably keep you here, Finn, since you were a former Stormtrooper. Though, I wanna know who else he's gonna keep with him."
"Which is all the more reason that we need to try and break out of here!" Rose argued, leaning against the bar and trying to look out as far as she could within her cell. "I'm not going to let them keep Finn as their prisoner and let that monster force Rey to marry him, while they let the rest of us go!"
"Prisoner 7072!" A Stormtrooper guard yelled, stomping over to their cell and slammed his blaster against the bar to make her back away. "Cease your ill talk towards the Supreme Leader, or be placed in Solitary Confinement!"
"I have a name, Asshole!" She yelled, spitting at his helmet to provoke him even more.
That got the guard to snap and, with the card to open the door, entered and grabbed her by the arm.
Almost instantly, Finn was in action.
"Rose!" He cried out, jumping on the Stormtrooper and pulling him backwards away from his girlfriend.
That earned him to being stunned by another Stormtrooper that came to help his companion and pinned to the door, while the Stormtrooper that grabbed Rose to snatch her back and cuff her.
"Let them go!" Connix yelled, making a grab for the guard's arm.
"Settle down, or you'll join your friend!" The Stormtrooper threatened, tightening his hold on Rose and leading her towards the direction for the Isolation Center.
"Coward!" Connix blurted out, as the other Stormtrooper began to lead Finn towards the other direction. No doubt, to punish him.
Without much thinking, she removed one of her shoes and, ignoring her friends' protests and fighting from Snap's hold from taking away her choice for a weapon, threw it at the Stormtrooper's head.
It hit him in the back of his helmet, not causing any form of damage, but it still made contact.
He turned to a seething Connix, who glared back at him, then motioned another guard to come forward.
"Take her, too!"
The blonde remained standing against the bars, promoting the third Stormtrooper to aim his blaster at her.
"Back away from the bars, or be stunned!" He warned, charging his weapon.
Finn struggled against his captor's hold, wanting to save his friend, but still under the effect from being stunned and could only hunch over unsteady legs.
Connix simply glared, not caring she'll be shot.
Jessika called to her friend, urging her to back away, while Snap, knowing he won't be much help if he ends up disobeying, kept close to the wall.
"Connie, step back!" He begged, as the guard aimed for her.
"I'm not going to let them rule over me!" The blonde replied, glaring at the Stormtrooper. "Besides, I want to see Rey and one of those men in black told us that we'd be able to see her when we can! Well, I'm not waiting any longer and I demand to see our sister!"
The Stormtrooper scoffed at her words, his finger towards the trigger.
"Fat chance, Bit-"
Before he could finish his sentence, he soon let go of his blaster and was grasping his neck, making choking sound.
Connix, Jessika and Snap was taken back by the sight, as he was then lifted in the air.
The Stormtrooper that still held Finn was frozen in fear.
"What?"
Then, he, too, was grasping his neck, falling to his knees and releasing Finn, who ended up sliding against the wall.
He was the first to see a figure, wearing a black-cloak to cover their body, and instantly believed it to being Kylo Ren.
"...Ren?" He grunted.
It was when he heard the person's voice that he realizes that he was wrong.
"What is the meaning of such behavior, DG-0320?"
It was Ap'lek, with both hands extended towards the two guards.
"Even if they're our prisoners and are with the Resistance, that still doesn't give you any right to speak so ill and disrespectful towards any woman." He continued, slowly walking towards his two victims. "You were given orders to not harm them. Why have you disobeyed your orders?"
Now feeling scared and fearful for the two Stormtroopers, Connix turned to Ap'lek.
"Stop! You're choking them!" She pleaded, reaching a hand out to the Knight.
"Ignoring orders given by the Supreme Leader, himself, is classified as treason and the punishment for treason, is death." The knight stated, keeping his focus on the two guards. "Even if they believe they're in the right, any act of treason that dares threatens his attempt to bring order and forming alliance with all within the galaxy, is a serious crime and cannot go unpunished."
Both guards clawed at their necks, feeling the burning of their oxygen being taken away and their visions going blurry.
"Pl-*Gasp!* Ha-...!" The Stormtrooper that isn't DG-0320 choked out, unable to fully get his words heard but knew that they knew what he was asking.
Ap'lek simply stared at them, as his fingers trembled, as if eager to decide to clench and break their necks.
Connix turned to the Knight of Ren, reaching a hand through the bar and grabbing for a small-piece of his robe.
"Please, spare them." She begged.
The twenty-eight year-old Lothalite slowly turned his head to stare at the girl that still has a hold on his robe, staying quiet. Then, he turned back to the two Stormtroopers at his mercy and nearly at death's door.
...Finally, he made a decision.
The two guards collapsed. Their necks released from his hold, and left panting on the floor.
Finn was at a loss on what he just witnessed, as Ap'lek walked towards DG-0320 and grabbed him by the shoulder, dragging his form to the cell where Connix and Snap was being held.
"She pleaded for mercy, for you ungrateful lards of Hutt-shits. What do we say to our guest?" He asked, his masked face staring down at the Stormtrooper in his grasp, as the other guard slowly crawled towards them.
Both were at their hands and knees, and then both bowed their heads to the blonde.
"Thank you, for asking us to be spared. Please, forgive us, for our rude behavior." They both said, simultaneously.
Pleased by their response, Ap'lek snapped his fingers and signaled two other Stormtroopers that followed him to grab the two guards.
"Take them to their quarters, under house arrest." He ordered. "Have them reassigned and stationed to one of our Dreadnoughts in the Outer Rim Region, as well as two new Stormtroopers to take their place."
"Yes, Master Ap'lek." One of them confirmed, taking DG-0320 to his station with his companion.
As soon as they were gone, Ap'lek turned to a still panting, paralyzed Finn, who was still breathing heavily and trying to get any of his limbs to move.
The Knight of Ren walked towards the traitor, and pulled him to his feet, making him stare at the mask that would cause children to have nightmares for many years in their childhood.
"Attack any of our men, again, and not even I shall intervene for your just deserved punishment."
Rather than wait for a response, he pulled Finn towards his cell and tossed him in, not caring that he landed on his face in the middle of the floor.
The twenty-three year-old scrambled, but could only so much as turned his body to watch the Knight of Ren close his cell-door and proceed to leave them.
"W-Wait...!" He grunted. "Rose...!"
Ap'lek stopped, and turned to the ex-Stormtrooper.
"She shall return, after she silences her tongue within the five hours of Isolation Center." He informed him, and then went to walk away.
This time, however, Connix stopped him.
"We want to see Rey!" She yelled. "That's what started it! We were told that we would get the chance to see her! We request to see her, now! Especially, since your leader told the entire galaxy that he was going to release most of us to join General Organa in exile to Cloud City!"
The youngest knight turned to her, staring at her, for a moment... Then, he let out a sigh.
"I shall ask my master and see if he'll allow you to see her, before he sends you to Cloud City." He suggested, hoping it will be enough to keep them quiet and not cause any more ruckus. "That is all I can offer you, and those who truly care for our Empress."
Jessika scoffed at his words.
"You mean you and your master's 'unwilling' Empress?" She hissed. "And what about Poe? He hadn't been seen, after you took us off Sarvchi."
Ap'lek wasn't amused in the slightest to her words. Though, he admires her stubbornness to keep fighting and challenging him to show her bravery and loyalty. Still, she's speaking out of line and he won't have the First Order, let alone his master, to be labeled a liars or murderers.
He walked towards her cell, standing before the bars to be face-to-face with the blonde as he could... Then, to her and Snap's shock, slowly removed his mask and revealed his face to the woman.
"Neither you, nor the few that truly care for Kylo's Bond-Mate know the true nature of their relationship. Let alone, the mistreatment and lies she had to endure that lead her to believe she's nothing but a curse and Troq from Jakku." He whispered, low and deep. "As for the one you call Poe, he's being held for his past crimes he committed and must be isolated before he can be allowed to rejoin you."
Jessika, hearing his words, joined in the. conversation.
"If you're referring to the Dreadnought we took down months ago, then we're all as guilty as Poe!" She yelled. "Yeah, Poe disobeyed orders and decided to take the lead to bring down one of your ships, but he already paid for it from his demotion! Besides, we all ignored our general's orders and went along with it! So, if you're going to punish Poe, then you should punish us, too!"
Ap'lek turned to the other woman, glaring her down to make her tremble and to go quiet.
"It is true, that he lead the attack of the dreadnought and that many had died." He confirmed, informing her and the group that he knows the details that transpired all those months ago. "But, during that time, the First Order was still under Former-Emporor Snoke's authority. So, whatever the outcome or consequences that resulted lives to be lost, is the fault of the leaders that were in control. Therefore, the deaths of those killed by your member is no concern of ours when that war you were in was against Snoke, not Kylo."
Connix could see his face as clear as day. He looked so young, that none would ever suspect him on being a Knight of Ren. But then, she and the others from the Resistance, excluding Leia, don't know what Kylo Ren looks like underneath his mask. Let alone, the rest of the Knights of Ren.
And, in his eyes and on his face, she can see that he speaks the truth that he doesn't hold anything towards Poe on leading the attack of the dreadnought they took down.
He pulled away from Connix, putting his mask back on his face.
"However, while we're not going to hold him accountable for the dreadnought, there's a more serious matter that needs to be addressed. Thus, he'll have to face serious punishment that could result life in prison if found guilty... If not, possibility of death sentence, should evidence prove his actions resulted many lives to be taken."
The others were at a loss for words.
Finn, thrusting one of his hands to the bar and ignoring the pulsing of pain from metal hitting skin and bone, grabbed at one of the bar.
"He had to take life, in order to get back to his group!" He hissed, tilting his head up as Ap'lek went to take his leave. "He was only doing Westend it took to survive! He can't be held accountable for t-!"
"It's not his actions as a Resistance Member is what placed him on trial. -He turned back to face the group a final time... His gaze lingered towards Connix, before he finally spoke out the answer to their question.- He's being placed on trial, for his past action of transferring illegal substance of Spice."
He stood before her, watching her hover within the tank. Besides the beeping of the machines, both droids and equipment, along with a few doctors discussing amongst themselves while keeping visual on Rey's stats, the room was, somewhat, peaceful.
He kept his hand against the glass nearest to her hand. The closest he can get to her, physically. More so, from the few times her hand would hover towards the glass and barely graze the surface, before returning to its spot.
She appeared peaceful. As if sleeping, for the first time in so long. Though, she didn't appear as calm, let alone at ease, as she looked when he found her on Jakku... When she made her second attempt at-...
Kylo rested his forehead against the surface of the tank, breathing deeply through his nose. His emotions are still on edge, ready to break through and unleash his fury and terror on those that pushed his love to the breaking point.
'They'll pay for this, Rey.' He thought, not wanting to share any of his thoughts and plans to those he doesn't want to hear. 'I swear it. Those who wronged you, shall pay for what they've done.'
What Roc said, about hearing from thugs that revealed her past as a slave on Jakku, made him want to go to Aunt Z's Tavern and hope to find any trace of them. Then, after he extracts the information out their minds, he'll kill them.
Any who dare cause any harm to Rey, deserve to die. And seeking justice on her behalf, is the most important thing that matters to him.
[Master? I know that you ordered us to leave you, but... May I speak to you?] Ap'lek
Kylo didn't answer him, but he sent out a presence through the Force to let the youngest knight know that he's allowed to enter.
It's rare of Ap'lek to speak to him when given instructions that he wishes to be alone, and each of those rare moments have always good intentions for him to come to him.
Even if all of his knights ask to seek him when he wants to be alone, Kylo won't dare turn them away if they feel they must speak with him.
The doors opened, and Ap'lek slowly entered the room.
Through the mask, he glared at all of the medical equipments. He'll never say it out loud, but the Knights of Ren knew of his unease around anything that's involved with medical, since the orphanage he grew up in would treat the children like lab rats that needed to keep getting shots, which they were actual testers when the owner of the orphanage allowed the doctors to use them for extra credits.
"Ap'lek." Kylo greeted, but kept his back to his youngest knight and his eyes refused to look away from Rey.
Even when not looking, the thirty year-old knew that the younger-male bowed to him, still showing his loyalty to his master/brother-in-arms.
"Master." He answered, his head low until he pulled up and stared at Kylo. Then, he sent a half-nod/bow to the woman in the tank. "Sister."
That caught Kylo's attention, and turned to his knight. Even with his face covered by his own mask, he raised an eyebrow at Ap'lek.
"You know that she cannot see or hear what is going on before her?" He stated, though not in the least upset or angry by his action.
Ap'lek turned to his master.
"I know that, Master." He answered. "Even so, she had earned your respect the very day you both first met. Being the first to, not only wound you in battle, but capturing your heart and soul. As such, she had earned my deepest and humble respect towards her, as well, as our Empress and sister. -He turned back to the tank, his arms folded behind his back within his cape.- Not to mention, she's like us and had went through a difficult, harsh life like we all had in our childhood and life. And-..."
As soon as he realized what he was about to say next, he bit his tongue. Cutting himself off.
Kylo glared at the younger-male through his mask.
"Forget that last one, Master."
The thirty year-old had his suspicious on what Ap'lek was about to say, and knew that his hunch was right when he requested him to forget it.
...Then, he laid a hand on his shoulder. His hold tight and strong, but also comforting.
"Ap'lek."
The younger-male let out a tiring sigh... Then, he said what he wasn't going to say.
"Even if she is cursed, as she claimed to be from the goddess of the planet she was born on... She still had the strength to go along what we could never bring ourselves to do, and choose her own path."
There it was. What it was that has the youngest-male of the Knights of Ren to give his respect, and loyalty to his Sonellia. To call her sister.
Even if it was out of reach, Rey would choose her freedom to be death as a conscious choice to being a free individual, rather than continue to be used by others that either mocked her or turn their backs to all she'd done for them as a useful tool and slave.
And that's what Kylo respects Ap'lek and views him as a strong member within the Knights of Ren. His honesty, and no hesitation to speak his mind of the truth.
The younger-male turned to Kylo.
"Her friends, including FN-2187, were causing a ruckus within their cells." He got straight to the point. "They demand to see her."
Kylo stared down at the floor.
He didn't want anybody, excluding his knights and the healers, to be within an inch of his beloved. She was his, and his, alone. And he's not going to hide his protective and possessiveness towards her.
The hand against the glass slightly twitched.
"Barely been on the ship for a few days and, already, they dare demand an audience to see her?" He groaned, annoyed. "They knew she was suffering, and they did nothing to help her. Let alone, see the signs when she insisted on going to Ahch-To, with only Chewie to accompany her."
Silence grew between them for a moment.
Ap'lek knows how hard it is for Kylo to allow others he doesn't trust to get close to him and anything that he holds dear. So, really, even if his beloved knows them and bonded with them, it was no surprise that he doesn't want to allow any of them to come and see her. Especially, in the state she's in and believes that they were the cause for her to grow so ill. So vulnerable.
...Yet, he knows that if Kylo truly wants to show all that he is making a change for the better, even if he doesn't accept it to being the right thing, then he must do what the Force, itself, would require of him to do.
"Either they had seen it, and truly did nothing to help her when they had the chance to prevent it... Or, perhaps, Master, that Sister had pushed them within arms reach and kept distance from those who truly cares and loves her, that they couldn't do anything to help her and weren't able to catch the sign to save her. -He placed a hand against the glass. Watching Rey float within the tank.- ...The same way that you kept yourself from us, when you were Ben Solo, until that fateful night that Skywalker gave in to his fear and helped turned you into Kylo Ren."
Kylo turned to stare at his knight.
They don't normally bring up their past, when they were training to become Jedis. Let alone, where others could hear them, at their most vulnerable... Where they can hear the time, when he was Ben Solo.
His eyes narrowed at the youngest-male. But, it wasn't out of anger.
He knows that Ap'lek was trying to tell him something... Trying to convince him to allow her friends to see her.
"Why are helping them, Ap'lek?"
Ap'lek turned to Kylo, their masked-faces staring at one another.
"You know that even if you do let most of them go with your mother to Cloud City, with the exception of FN-2187 and Poe Dameron, they'll refuse to leave and would risk staying as slaves for the rest of their days. -He nodded his head towards Rey.- For her."
It took him to realize what the Lothalite was telling him.
"You believe that their loyalty is strong with Rey, that you trust them to become part of the First Order?"
Rather than answer him, Ap'lek removed his hand from the tank and turned to leave.
"Such bonds are so strong, they could even rival to be as strong as Force-Bond. -He paused in his steps, stopping where the doors opened to let him out.- ...Perhaps, even a Force-Dyad, if they're willing to stay for her."
His footsteps echoed for a few seconds, then went silent when the doors closed.
Kylo stared at the door for a full minute, then turned back to look up at Rey.
...He leaned forward, resting the forehead of his helmet against the glass.
The thirty year-old knew what Ap'lek request for him to do... Reminding him to do the right thing.
...Even if he doesn't like it.
TBC
...
...
...Ever since Safeway/Albertsons put in those florescence lights in the store, it's been messing with my head.
Lightheadedness. Migraines. Nausea. Confusion... Effecting sleep problems. I have to wear a hat, in order to deal with it, and even that has limit to help me deal with the lightings, with my light-sensitivity towards florescence light.
...And, for the fact that they don't seem to care, let alone bother, look in the danger of having those lights in and how it's effecting the customers. Let alone, those with epileptic-seizures that can have their seizures triggered, from the brightness of those lights... I'm just gonna wait for the lawsuits to happen.
Sorry for the delays, you guys. I'm really hoping to getting back to story writings, but it's getting difficult, because of the changes of the lighting in the store. If any of you go to a Safeway/Albertsons store, I urge you to wear shades or at least a hat. Because, seriously, those lights are really, really, REALLY, bad.
Take care and, hopefully, we'll have a decently good New Year!
R&R