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The two days that they had to wait seemed like a lifetime.
Falynn spent most of her time walking around the halls of the farmhouse or laying in her bed. By the time they had finally boarded onto the command shuttle, she could almost weep with gratitude that they had finally made it. She didn't think that she would miss it so much until now. Anxious to board, Falynn hadn't even bothered to grab her bag only taking with her the clothes she already had on her back. Henne had been the one to hand Falynn the small case as she boarded a smirk on her face, the light finally returning to her eyes. Falynn smiled at her friend before she turned her attention to who was sitting in the lead captain's seat. Her husband's back was turned towards her helmet still upon his head, as he maneuvered some controls. In the last couple of days, Kylo nor Falynn had spoken to one another or sought the other one out. Falynn spotted the empty chair that was just behind his own for a long silent moment before she had finally sat herself at the back controls next to Henne.
Mayea had also joined them on the ship to make sure that Falynn still remained in good health and to keep an eye on her progress. The doctor had taken the seat behind Kylo before turning around with a questioning look to Falynn. Her only response was a small nod. She wasn't sure when she would be able to be close to Kylo again, but she was at least glad that they were leaving Dantooine. She didn't even mind the loud rumbling that shook her feet as the shuttle began to lift off the grasslands.
All she could think of was at last.
Falynn didn't even want to peer out the large windows hoping she would never have to see those grounds again. It was sad on how Dantooine could become such an ugly place when at first she had found it to be rather pleasant. What a difference two weeks could make. As relieved as she was to be leaving the small planet, she was nervous about what Geonosis would be like. Would it be another Dantooine or would they find more success on it? She was at least familiar with Geonosis...it had been the planet Leia had found her on. The planet where she had spent her short time with the Resistance. This time she would not try to seek them out. Falynn decided that she would stay positioned where the Supreme Leader was, and with Henne and she could go from there. Placing a hand on her shoulder with its new forming scar she vowed that to herself, if they did happen to come across the Resistance she would figure something out then. She knew now going off on her own had caused more trouble than it was worth.
Falynn had been more trouble than she felt she was worth.
To everyone.
Especially her husband.
Tried as she may no matter where Falynn looked on the shuttle her eyes always moved back around to the back of Kylo's seat. Even when the shuttle reached light speed Falynn's eyes remained where he sat. She jolted when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Henne was now intently studying her.
"We're away my lady," Henne softly said to her mistress. "You should rest until we reach Geonosis."
"I am not much in the mood for rest," Falynn replied as she fidgeted in her seat. "I have been resting for two weeks. I am ready to go-"
Eyes catching the dim light that was now outside of the shuttle's windows Falynn's words caught in her mouth. Moving her hands to the clasp of the straps of her seat Falynn quickly unbuckled herself before she stood up. Henne began to protest but Falynn ignored her as she moved towards the windows and looked out into the vast glittering darkness before her. Falynn was unable to control the tears that rimmed her eyes as the milkyness of the stars enveloped them in a somewhat cool embrace. Falynn placed a hand on the thick glass savoring the cool touch against her fingertips. She had not realized how much she had to come to miss being amongst the stars. How lonely she had felt without their presence and the calming effect they had on her. The calming darkness had become her home in a way, a world she had come familiar with as if it was a planet of its own.
"You shouldn't be up and moving around," a soft and now unfamiliar voice spoke to her. "Even though we are off Dantooine you should still be taking it easy."
Falynn's gaze moved away from the stars as she turned towards her husband, surprised that he was speaking to her, and disheartened by the monotone voice that came through his helmet. She wished she could ask him just to remove it again, for him to show his face to her once more to her, but she refrained. She didn't have the power or the right to demand that from him.
"I am just stretching my legs," she calmly reassured him. "I will sit back down in a moment. Just let me look out the window for a moment."
"Go sit back in your chair," even thru the helmet she heard the hard demand in his voice. "Matter of fact," Kylo turned to look at Mayea. "Go sit with Henne. I would like to keep a closer eye on my wife."
Falynn's eyes narrowed as she pursed her lips. "Where exactly do you think I am going to run off to on your command shuttle? Do you think I am going to miraculously fly out into space?"
Both Kylo and Mayea ignored Falynn's sarcastic come back as the doctor bowed her head, before unbuckling herself and moving to sit in the back with Henne. Kylo didn't speak another demand just kept his helmet facing Falynn. She didn't argue any further with him as she took in a deep shuddering breath pushing down her powers that had come back, before moving herself to sit behind her husband. Silently Falynn strapped herself in the seat before folding her arms across her chest and leaning her head back where she could still see out the large windows. It was silent between the two of them for what could have been an hour. The only thing being exchanged between the two of them was the tension that Falynn could easily feel without using any power. She wasn't exactly sure what to say to him and she was certain that he had felt the same way. What could be said between a husband and a wife when he no longer trusted her, and when she never really trusted him. At least she thought she didn't. Now she was uncertain about what to think or feel anymore. Back on Dantooine she thought that she was going to die in that dusted abandoned base, that she would either bleed out or starve to death. The only reason she was now back on the shuttle and flying away was because of Kylo. He had found her, and brought her back and made sure she retrieved the medical attention that she needed. Whether it was out of duty or something else he still searched for her, even sparing Henne's life from her own lies.
She thought when she had left Naboo after realizing who her father was that her life was complicated then. Those memories and that time was nothing more than murky water to what she was feeling now. Back then it was about surviving and sorting out the truths she had learned about her family. Now the lines seemed even more distorted and out of balance more than ever.
Falynn was so lost in her thoughts she jumped when Kylo's modified voice suddenly spoke. "You seemed to do much better with take off. Are you becoming more comfortable with flying?"
Falynn softly laughed as she shook her head. "I absolutely hated that place."
That wasn't exactly an answer to his question. She wasn't able to stop the words from coming out. The truth that weighed so heavily on her tongue she wasn't able to contain it.
She had said it so softly that from her husband's delayed response she didn't believe that he had heard her until he finally replied back with an equal quietness. "Me too."
The family in the vision surfaced back to Falynn's mind. The simple happiness that they were carrying with them. Someone had led such a pleasant life in a place that had only been a nightmare to Falynn. She knew it wasn't just like that on Dantooine but all over the galaxy, individuals were making the most of their lives. Starting families, careers, creating a life for themselves all the while smiling. A goal that Falynn once herself thought she would achieve, and still hoped that maybe one day she could.
"I miss it," she barely whispered out her eyes going back towards the stars.
This time she did not believe he heard for he never responded back.
General Jase along with two Stormtroopers were waiting in a deserted red landscape with speeder bikes as Kylo made began to land the command shuttle. Every nerve in his body was ringing as the shuttle hissed settling itself on the ground before the ramp opened. Two weeks...he had been away from his troops for nearly two weeks now and he was more than ready to be with them again. Removing himself from his chair Kylo took a quick glance at Falynn who was already unbuckled and out of her chair. However, she made no move to continue, her sea-colored eyes watching him in question. He did a quick check on her from the top of her head all the way down to her toes. Falynn wore a red sleeveless top that clung to her body, and a pair of black fitted trousers and boots. Her copper-colored hair was braided on either side of her head and pulled back connecting into a ponytail. Her shoulder was unbandaged revealing the skin that was beginning to form a fleshy scar.
Kylo pushed back the memories of finding her crumpled and nearly out of life on the base's floor. If he lingered too much on the thought it was possible he would not be able to control the force exploding out of him. Tentatively he held out a hand for Falynn who just as hesitantly took it, and allowed him to pull her through the command shuttle till the both of them were both exiting off of the command ship together. General Jase placed a fist on his chest as he did a low bow.
Straightening back up the General gave Kylo a brief smile, "it is good to see you again, my lord." A small smile touched the General's lips as he gave a gentle bow of his head towards Falynn. "I am glad to see you have recovered well, my lady."
Falynn returned the gesture as she bowed her head. "My apologies, General, for any setbacks that my injuries have caused."
General Jase's eyes crinkled, shaking his head. "I am just glad that you are well, my lady."
Kylo arched an eyebrow inside of his helmet wondering when his wife and the General found the time to form such a friendly relationship. He pushed back the question as he knew there were more important matters at the moment.
"What information have you gathered to relay to me?"
General Jase's soft demeanor instantly grew serious once more when he motioned with his hands towards the speeder bikes. "We have made a fair amount of progress, my lord. I recommend we go to where the troops have set up for further discussions on the matter."
Kylo nodded, there was no point in them standing around in the ruins of rocks. Not to mention it would delay more on time as well.
Extended a hand forward Kylo anxiously urged, "let us go then."
Leading Falynn over to one of the speeder bikes, Kylo let go of her hand for a moment. The Supreme Leader quickly mounted himself on the speeder before reaching out towards Falynn. His wife skeptically stared at the bike leaning her head back for a moment examining it. Sighing Kylo grabbed her hand and roughly pulled her towards the bike, before realizing he was yanking on the arm where her shoulder had been injured as she winced. Quickly loosening his grip he placed his free hand in front of him where there was space for Falynn to sit.
"Don't worry," he encouraged tilting his head. "This is not the first time that you have ridden on one of these with me."
Narrowing her eyes for a moment in confusion Falynn made no attempt to get closer. Of course she wouldn't remember she had been unconscious the entire way back to the Farmhouse. She stared at the bike for a moment longer before recognition lit in her eyes.
"That was how-," she began then stopped herself as she quickly threw one of her legs over the seat "Sorry. We can go now."
Kylo didn't respond as he took note of Mayea and Henne who were now mounted on the speeder bikes with the Stormtroopers then motioned for General Jase to begin. The speeder bikes in unison began to buzz loudly before they took off into the red-tinted landscape of Geonosis. Leaning forward Kylo gripped onto the handles of the crushing his chest into Falynn's back. The wind whipped around the two of them as Falynn clutched onto her ponytail so her hair wouldn't fly back in Kylo's helmet. The few strands that had escaped from her fingers pushed Falynn's floral scent up in the sensors of Kylo's helmet. This was the first time that the two of them had been even remotely close since they had left his Star Destroyer. At least while they were both conscious. He had almost forgotten what she smelled like and resisted the urge to lean in further to that scent. A sudden sound flowed between them, a sound that Kylo wasn't expecting to hear. Moving his head around where he could see her face Kylo's eyes widened to see his wife's wide smile that was now spread across her full lips.
Falynn was...laughing.
He believed it was the first time he had heard such a joyous noise coming from her since the two of them had been married.
Falynn's fingers had slowly slipped away from her ponytail as she leaned forward. Panicked Kylo wrapped an arm around Falynn's waist pulling her closer to him.
"What do you think you are doing?" Kylo tried to shout over the roaring wind. "Do you want to fall off the bike?!"
"Sorry," she laughed leaning back. "I have just never experienced anything so fun before."
"Fun?" Kylo scoffed. "You believe this to be fun?"
"Don't you?" Falynn tilted her head back where she could look up at him. "I thought you liked flying?"
"This isn't flying."
"It feels like it," she said through her giggles. "I want to spread my arms out."
"You better not even think about it."
"Don't worry," Falynn placed a hand on his arm that was around in an assuring touch. "I do not intend to be so foolish again, Ren."
The words bit at him.
Kylo wasn't sure if he liked Falynn being so obedient or if he missed her comebacks and fiery remarks. As he leaned forward examining his wife's smile, and the sparks that were in her eyes as her copper hair whipped around her face, he realized something. That fire had not gone out.
At least not completely.
Perhaps she was still his stubborn, flamed Empress.
The same woman who he had chosen above the others and Dantooine had not completely broken her.
Kylo tightened his arm around her waist before letting go and using both of his hands to grip onto the handles once more before kicking the bike into a jolt of power sending them to speed forward. As the wind kicked around them another joyful shrill came from his wife, Kylo wondered if his own smile was hidden somewhere beneath his helmet.
The Supreme Leader had to admit that he was impressed with how well they had set up their base in the two weeks he had not been with them. Control stations were set up, along with some smaller ships secured on the ground for bunking purposes. It was a smart move. The way everything was placed allowed them a low profile until making them unnoticed until they made their first official move. General Jase had taken their small group where a transportable hanger had been made revealing at least a dozen unoccupied speeder bikes. The small hangar had been made with a slate metal roof that was being held up with several thin titanium poles giving them plenty of space to enter in before they parked their bikes. The speeders hummed softly as they slowly lowered to the ground before powering off. Kylo scooted back on the seat before he slid his legs off his feet landing on the red ground beneath him. Reaching over he took Falynn by the waist and began to lift her up off the seat.
Red staining her cheeks Falynn scowled. "Ren, I am not a child."
"Injuries," Kylo simply stated as he finished lifting her off the bike and gently setting his wife on the ground.
Falynn sucked in her lips as she looked down. He couldn't help but feel a bit smug that he might have just embarrassed her just a bit. He looked over at General Jase who was looking at them with an arched eyebrow then motioned for them to follow as he turned away. Kylo followed, but not before he checked behind him to make sure Falynn had not suddenly disappeared. She responded silently lifting her eyebrows as if to say, calm down I am not going anywhere. If she were to see his face, she would have seen that his own expression would answer, that doesn't mean I want to take my chances. He wasn't sure when he would be ready to remove his helmet again. He was afraid to let his guard down, especially with her. Perhaps he would never reveal himself to her again, that was the safer choice for both of them. With those thoughts in mind, Kylo still reached his hand behind him and felt the gentle touch of Falynn's fingers brushing against his own.
They followed the General towards a few control panels that were set up towards the center of where the ships had been stationed. The officers that were around the controls saluted Kylo before giving him a small bow.
He wasted no time before he demanded. "What have we found?"
"The ships are no longer on the planet," General Jase explained looking down at the screens illuminated by the many control lights. Kylo's body stiffened for a moment until the General continued. "However, we are certain that the Resistance has a base located here on Geonosis. We had sent a few spies out, who had located some of its members."
Kylo's chest contracted inside of his black suit. "Is...is she with them?"
"Not that we are aware of," General Jase honestly answered placing his hands on the control. "However, there is a strong hand that we had found to be here. A member who we have come across before. They could prove to be a bit problematic depending on how many of them are on the planet right now."
Kylo's mind buzzed for a moment his power flickering within him.
Could Rey possibly be with them? Fist clenching everything that surrounded him faded out briefly remembering the last time he had seen her. Rey's green eyes had looked at him so hatefully before she had completely shut him out. Would he be able to contain himself and his anger and ache if he saw her again. Facing his mother...it wasn't the same as facing Rey. He had chosen to leave his family behind...but Rey...she was the one who had left him behind. For a moment she had fought by his side before turning away from him when he had offered her everything.
"Ren," came a soft voice from behind him.
Kylo's mind snapped back his vision coming back into focus.
Turning his head Falynn was looking up at his mask her brows creased.
A wave of guilt rushed over him, when he realized for a brief moment he had forgotten that she was there. It dug itself deep enough into him that he had to to turn away from that piercing gaze of hers. Like she was cutting deep into the dark layers and even with his helmet on she could still see him. He didn't need his wife knowing what was cutting into him. That for a moment she wasn't what was in his vision.
"Who is it?" Kylo managed to rasp out.
General Jase lifted his head his dark eyes becoming hard. "Poe Dameron."
The feeling that Falynn had felt moments ago from Kylo quickly shuddered out as the familiar name rang in her ears. She swallowed hard down the dry air that had formed in her throat trying to keep her powers from splintering out from the lack of control. She had not been a fool not to think that some of her old companions were possibly still on Geonosis, but she wasn't expecting Poe to be one of them as busy as the man was. He had been with her through most of her time with Leia. The memory was still clear where Falynn had sat and watched in amusement as the two of them argued back and forth amongst themselves. If Poe found them, or if they found Poe he would instantly recognize Falynn and she wasn't confident he wouldn't quickly open his mouth revealing her past to the Supreme Leader.
"Poe needs to be quickly taken care of," Kylo stated darkly. "I don't want that man being alive more than necessary."
Air becoming thin inside of her, Falynn tried to level her breathing in fear that Kylo would be able to hear the change in her pulse. She had hoped for Leia, the General was more rational than the quick-witted commander. Falynn knew that if she had come across Leia that she could explain before everything fell apart or erupted. Poe Dameron was a completely different story. One look at her and who she was next to there was a chance he would act out. Poe liked to be a hero, a rebellious one. In his mind, he would see Falynn as someone who was trapped. It wasn't far from the truth but that would only create more chaos. Looking at Kylo she wanted to know exactly how he planned on taking care of the commander. He had just demanded Poes' quick death, the thought of it turned Falynn's stomach.
Before she could stop herself she blurted out, "I don't think that is such a good idea!"
Kylo turned towards his wife along with General Jase lifting an eyebrow.
Swallowing willing her eyes not to give away the shaking emotions that were bubbling inside of her as she continued. "Killing Poe, if he is what you say he is could possibly cause a rather large riot in the Resistance could it not? Isn't our plan to take down the Resistance one by one, in a way where we are not taking down large numbers. If this Poe Dameron is affiliated so strongly with the Resistance then I am going to assume that his death would definitely reach far beyond before we can even make our next move."
Kylo folded his arms, and Falynn wished he would remove his helmet where she could see his face. Two of them had gone silent, and behind her, she felt the tense energy coming off of Henne and Mayea. Falynn bowed her head and realized that she must have spoken out of turn or perhaps given too much of herself away.
After a moment of them being silent Kylo finally answered. "I don't think you are completely wrong." Eyebrows flicking up Falynn lifted her head. "Poe does carry a threat to us, but I suppose that his sudden death would create something much more problematic. I appreciate your words, Falynn."
Relief and flattery mixed inside of her. Relief that she perhaps delayed Poe's sudden and quick demise, and the fact that Kylo had acknowledged her advice. Since she had become his Empress she had barely spoken out much other than in their own private conversations. She had been mostly silent as his bride, and the fact that Kylo had approved of her words sent something warm-up through her veins into her chest. Even General Jase's eyes twinkled a bit and she gave the older man a small smile. She didn't know much about the General yet, but so far all of her interactions with him had been good and kind. Much better than it had been with Hux...just thinking about him froze her blood and the memory of his taunting face glinting up at her own. She even believed that General Jase carried some good in him...at least more than the rest of the individuals who worked under Kylo.
"Very well, I suppose our next move is to quietly track the Resistance down," Kylo said. "General, I would like to prolong our discussion on this so this time there will be no more room for error." Turning around Kylo held out his hand. "Falynn you come with us. Henne and Mayea we will call for you if needed."
The two women bowed their heads before exchanging glances towards one another as they walked off towards one of the bunker ships.
Kylo grabbed onto her hand once more. The touch felt warm even with his thick black gloves on. She gripped onto it a moment as she looked around at the troops and officers. Yes, the lines had indeed become a blur, and as she took a step with her husband she wondered where exactly it was leading her to.
