I apologize that this chapter is not as long or as detailed as some of my other chapters but I wanted to give you guys an early chapter amidst all of the chaos that is happening. I hope that everyone is safe and well out there! Thank you all so much for your support! Enjoy your read.
Falynn stood outside of Quad B's ship with her arms crossed over her chest as she steadied each inhale of breath. She needed to keep control of herself no matter the outcome of what was about to happen.. Especially with her husband nearby. Kylo had followed Falynn and the General silently leaving her to wonder what exactly he was thinking. His response to her request didn't surprise her, but it did frustrate her. She had wanted them to create a plan together. The fact that she had gone to him personally, Kylo had to know that had taken guts. She thought that going to him personally would at least show him that she was at least trying to be different from before. Falynn shifted on her feet fighting the urge to look behind her. Falynn understood her husband's feelings, she did. She knew that the last time she had attempted anything on her own it ended in a complete disaster. She had tried to explain that to him, but he had refused to listen to her. Instead, Kylo had trapped her and spoke to her like she was some sort of object. An item he would lock up if she so much uttered another word against him.
It was enough for her to feel the force shuddering throughout her body.
A moment later General Jase headed down the ramp with the tall, burly officer behind him. The General was holding two red spears in each hand, while the officer blinked his eyes in confusion. This was going to be interesting. Falynn had never intended for the situation to pan out this way. She had thought that she would have at least been able to explain herself properly to Kylo, who instead barely allowed her to get a whole sentence in. In all honesty, Falynn was becoming fed up with the majority of individuals looking down at her. No she wasn't perfect, and of course, she knew that she was flawed, but she had been through hell. She had to dig her way through trenches of doubt, taught herself basic combat, then was able to polish it with some help. She carried the force within her, and was the daughter of a strong admiral of the First Order. It was about time they all learned what she could be capable of, that she wasn't just some accessory to the Supreme Leader. As the two men reached the bottom of the ramp Falynn made sure that her eyes locked briefly with the officer's. As soon as he realized who she was, his face flashed in anger, which Falynn easily turned her gaze away from as she smiled at the General.
"Thank you General Jase," she bowed her head as she extended out a hand. "May you hand me one of the spears please. Why don't we give our soldier some time to wake up before we get started."
Glowering over General Jase's shoulder the officer spat. "Why have I been woken up from my sleep? The light hasn't even risen yet. Am I being repositioned again?" He spat out the last word harshly which Falynn brushed off with a wave of her free hand as she took the spear in the other.
"I wouldn't possibly do such a thing," Falynn gasped feigning wide innocent eyes. "Now come this way please."
The officer opened his mouth ready to bark something else at her, until he noticed Kylo who was watching him closely behind his helmet. Quickly shutting his mouth the officer wordlessly followed Falynn. Clasping his hands behind his back, Kylo stepped up next to Falynn as he bent down so only the two of them could hear him speak.
"Are you sure you won't regret this?"
"I'm sure," she replied.
"Why did you call for that officer?" Kylo inquired briefly looking back over his shoulder. "Is he someone particularly special that you know?"
"I called for him to teach a lesson," Falynn looked up at her husband.
Kylo's helmet stared down at her for a minute but he never responded. Straightening back up Kylo made space for Falynn as she led them to an open space that was close by to a few ships. Halting in her steps Falynn spun on her right heel until she was facing the officer.
"Name," she cooly demanded.
Glaring at her the officer bared his teeth, seeing that Kylo was still nearby he cleared his throat and roughly answered. "Officer Telc."
Falynn cocked her head as she arched an eyebrow. "How long have you been in my husband's services, Officer Telc?"
A vein twitched in his neck, but Telc was able to tightly answer. "I have been serving in the First Order since I was a young lad." A smile spread across his thin lips as he held his chest out proudly. "Before I served my father was a loyal admiral to the previous Supreme Leader."
Falynn's insides began to burn with bile, from Telc's words. Darred's lineage was probably the same. He never spoke much of Falynn's grandfather but she was sure he had once served the First Order as well, or some other previous bastard. Promoting death, hierarchy, and destroying lives. Her bloodline. That filth rain through her veins as well. Somewhere along the line who knew if her father maybe even had rubbed shoulders in a friendly way with Telc's relatives. The thought of it had Falynn pressing down internally on herself, willing those powers to remain cool and collected.
"Are you familiar with the spear at all?" Falynn questioned as she casually rotated the one she had in her hands like it was some kind of festive toy.
Telc swallowed his adams apple visibly shifting beneath his skin. "I have had my experiences with it, yes."
"Well that's good," a slow smile confidently spread on Falynn's lip. "There should be no problem then." Turning to a bewildered General Jase Falynn set the end of her staff down while extending her free hand towards the officer. "General Jase, would you please be so kind to hand Officer Telc the other spear."
Both of the men's eyes widened at Falynn who kept her smile. Kylo had perched himself against one of the ships, arms folded as he watched silently. Falynn took note of the few ships that she had led them over to. Perhaps if she was lucky, the two of them would make enough noise to lure others out. Allow the rest of the troops to see her demonstrating her skills against this wampa.
Rolling her shoulders Falynn spread her legs out grounding her feet into the red earth. "Alright," extending out her spear, Falynn grinned wickedly. "Shall we begin?"
"My lady!" General Jase exclaimed, raising his dark eyebrows. "You...you can not be serious."
"Oh I am quite serious," Falynn assured before instructing Telc. "Now raise your staff, officer."
Telc had the nerve to look as if he was being inconvenienced in some way as he rolled his green eyes. "What is this some sort of game, your ladyship? I am not doing this."
Shrugging Falynn casually said. "Have it your way then."
Falynn quickly moved her feet across the red earth as she swung the spear and extended it towards Telc's face.
"Shit!" cursing Telc held up his spear just in time before Falynn could make contact with his body.
She didn't give Telc a chance to recompose himself or retaliate against her sudden attack, as she bent forward spinning the spear over her back in a swift motion. The spear's quick movement landed itself into Telc's chest. Letting out an "oof!" the officer staggered back on his feet, lifting his head up green eyes flared at Falynn. Arching an eyebrow she smirked at the officer fueling his rage. Letting out a roar, Telc charged at Falynn extending his spear towards her chest.
"My lady!" General Jase cried out in shock.
There was no need for the warning, Telc's movements were almost embarrassingly predictable. Falynn moved her staff down, locking it under Telc's trapping his arms between on her own, before she twisted the weapon around him. Snarling like some beast Telc let go at one end of his staff as he swung his fist directly towards Falynn's face. Cursing loudly Falynn quickly ducked her head before lifting her fist up and ramming it into the man's stomach. This was a fighting she was all too familiar with. How many brawls had she been before, she figured out dirty tricks. Dropping into a crouch, Falynn swung her spear until it rammed into the back of Telc's ankles, knocking him hard down onto his back. The officer was gasping now, as a hand went to his stomach. Falynn stood back up, moving herself over his body, narrowing her sea colored eyes.
"What kind of soldier fights with cheap shots like that," Falynn spat down at him. "Get back on your feet, and fight correctly. You told me you could fight with a spear...so far I have yet to see that, officer."
Barring his teeth at the Empress, Telc pushed himself back on his feet, wiping away some saliva that had dribbled out his mouth with the back of his hand. Falynn's blood froze as Telc lips curled up into a cruel smile, with a flash of his teeth.
"My apologies, my lady," his voice sounded like gravel as he bowed. "I didn't believe you were being serious."
Falynn cursed again as Telc came at her again, this time more steady on his feet. His movements seemed smoother as he swung the staff over his head and swung it down on Falynn's shoulder. Fortunately he had not hit her injured shoulder which she didn't doubt was his aim. Turning with just his torso and extension of his arm, Telc sent the spear flying towards Falynn again, who ducked before lifting her spear up, jabbing the end of it into Telc's stomach. Grunting Telc moved the spear towards Falynn's feet but she jumped over it, allowing her muscles to flare as she extended the spear again, hitting it into Telc's chest. The spear wasn't her violet lightsaber, but she could imagine that it was, allowing it to be an extension of herself. This was different from her training with Kylo, when she had trained with Kylo she had no intention of hurting him or proving a point. It was to polish her skills, even when she had done her training with Leia and Haymond. This however, was allowing herself to set free the fire that was buried within her. To show this bastard and everyone else who she was. It was survival.
Again and again Telc came after Falynn, aiming mainly for her head and chest. He was purposely trying to cause damage to her. As he maneuvered the spear towards Falynn's chest again, Falynn turned, but it had been a mistake. Instead of hitting her chest, the spear slammed against Falynn's back, directly onto the fresh scars. Falynn fell forward as the air was knocked out of her, within the short distance Falynn could feel Kylo's powers tensing up.
"My lady!" General Jase called out as he rushed over to her.
"Don't!" Falynn shouted, lifting a hand up. "I am fine. Stay where you are." Spitting onto the ground and pushing her hair out of her face Falynn pushed herself up, slowly steadying her feet back on the ground. Smearing some of the red dirt that coated her hands onto her arms Falynn turned glaring at Telc who was smiling smugly.
Just finish him with one move, Falynn, she silently told herself. We don't have time to be playing this bastard's game all day. Be done with it!
Spitting one more time onto the ground Falynn gripped onto her staff with one hand before she moved towards Telc once again. The officer grinned, baring his teeth inviting her to come at him. Swinging his spear around his back, Telc aimed down toward Falynn again, but he was too slow. Falynn ducked before moving her spear between Telc's legs then grabbing the other end and twisting. Telc let out a yell as the spear twisted in between his thighs causing him to fall on his back once more. Before he could get up Falynn knelt over him slamming her spear by his head. Looming over him, Falynn leaned down, locking her eyes in with his seething green.
"Next time," she whispered close to his ear. "Be mindful of who you call a bitch. We are done here."
Snatching Telc's spear out of his hand, Falynn stood stepped over his body before walking over to General Jase whose dark eyes were still wide.
Falynn held out both of the spears to him.
"Thank you," she smiled at him.
"My lady...I had no idea," he shook his head as he stared in disbelief at Telc's large body that was gradually standing up.
"I am a daughter of an admiral," Falynn reminded him as she moved her gaze over to Kylo. "Not to mention I have had some extra training." She waited for Kylo to respond, but the Supreme Leader stayed still against the ship. She couldn't tell whether he was looking at her or at the man who was now brushing dirt off of his black undershirt and pants. "I wanted to show you that display," Falynn continued turning her attention back to General Jase. "Because, I want to discuss the Resistance and why I should be the one to go into it."
The General furrowed his brows but nodded. "Very well, my lady. Follow me then. My Lord and I had already made plans to discuss such matters."
"Thank you, General," she smiled at him once more before turning to Kylo.
Her blood froze over when she saw him personally escorting Telc back to his ship.
Rage rippled through Kylo as he dragged Telc back towards Quad's B ship. He knew that Falynn was the one who instigated it, that she was the one who dragged the man out. Perhaps Telc wasn't to really blame but the image kept replaying of the man hitting Falynn on her injured back. Not to mention the way he had kept looking at her, as if his wife was some type of prey to the officer. He didn't know what had conspired between the two of them, but if the officer thought his day had started off bad, it was about to get much worse. He had plans for Officer Telc once they were on board of the ship, he was going to teach a lesson to any of them who had decided to display such disrespect again.
"Ren, wait up!"
Stopping Kylo turned to see that Falynn was running up to them, her sea colored eyes wide. It took a moment to briefly scan over her. In all honesty Telc hadn't done much damage to Falynn. She had a few visible bruises on her arms and her shoulder. She was covered in sweat, with strands of her copper clinging sticking to her forehead and to the back of her neck. Her arms due to her own action were now caked in thick red earth along with it sticking to her black tunic and leggings. Instead of turning her angered gaze at Telc who had inflicted the injuries on her, Falynn was glaring at Kylo.
"What are you doing with him?" Falynn demanded.
"I am escorting him back to his ship," Kylo replied calmly as he kept a tight grip on Telc's arm. "Why aren't you with General Jase? No need to follow us. I will join the two of you shortly."
"I am not going anywhere until you tell me where you are taking him," she gritted her teeth. "You are planning on killing him aren't you?"
The color in Telc's face drained, but he didn't attempt to pull away. He knew that there would be no point. If he had tried, no doubt Kylo would end his life in that split second of him trying to escape. Which was true, Kylo wouldn't hesitate to kill the imbecile for his own stupidity however he had decided to disrespect his wife. Kylo didn't answer her, which seemed to anger her even more as she walked around him and grabbed Telc's other arm.
"Let him go!" she ordered. "I didn't fight with him just so you could kill him after."
Kylo's own temper flared up as he snapped back. "How dare you speak that way to me in front of an officer! Do as you're told and go with General Jase. I will be with you momentarily."
Lightning flashed in Falynn's eyes as her lips pressed together, and yanked hard on Telc's arm. The officer's eyes widened, seeming more confused than frightened as he was being held both by the Supreme Leader and his wife.
"Fuck your orders!" she shouted. "This is why Telc thought he could disregard me the way he did. No one respects me because of you!"
Taken back by the accusation, Kylo's grip loosened slightly on Telc's arm. "What do you mean? As my wife of course you are respected."
"Bullshit?" Falynn let out a bitter laugh. "They respect me when you are around this is true." Falynn's looked at Telc with an expression that Kylo couldn't read. It wasn't anger. Perhaps disappointment. "When you are not around it is completely different. They try to trick me, talk down to me." looking back towards the ships Falynn's voice dropped into a whisper. "They see me as your object, Ren, not as your Empress. I need them to respect me without my attachment to you."
Falynn's words settled into him and had him wondering what exactly had happened when he hadn't been around. What was the real reason behind her duel with Officer Telc? She wanted to teach a lesson on her value as an Empress. She was tired of being side lined as Kylo's wife, and wanted to prove to be something more. He admitted watching her this time had been different from when she had briefly attacked Hux, or even in their training. Falynn had seemed in control of her movements. She still had much more room for improvement but watching her fight it had been something admirable. He had a feeling that she wasn't wanting to just prove her point to the officer but perhaps to him as well. Kylo still wasn't sure if he was going to send her off into the Resistance base, but he was at least now he was willing to listen to what she had to say about it. That being said he still didn't let go of his grip on Telc. He wanted to know what he had done to enrage Falynn enough that she would specifically call him out.
"What exactly happened between you and the officer?" he glared down at the officer.
"It doesn't matter now," Falynn pulled on Telc's arm again. "Now let him go. I have already taken care of it."
Rolling his eyes inside of his helmet, Kylo wondered if there would ever be a day when Falynn, his Empress, wouldn't be so damn stubborn. If there was perhaps ever a day when the two of them would just settle and there wouldn't have to be arguments or negotiations. Well damn it all, Kylo Ren could be just as stubborn as she was.
"If I let him go I will not listen to your reasoning for what you had suggested to me earlier or," Kylo's lips lifted up into a secret victorious smile. "If you let me escort him back and tell me everything that happened, I will sit down and speak with you and highly consider what you have to say."
Falynn opened her mouth then closed it looking dumbfounded.
He had snagged her, and he wasn't afraid to admit he felt damn smug about it.
Falynn looked at the officer for a moment whose green eyes were wide and pleading with her. She took a look back behind her towards the ships, she was quiet for a moment, the internal battle she was having written all over her face. Finally Falynn let go of Telc's arm and took a step back.
Crossing her arms over her chest Falynn looked down at her foot that she kicked into the dirt as she unfolded what had happened. "Henne didn't want me to be alone last night, but I told her I needed my space so we decided to give her a room close to mine. When we went to officer Telc's room to tell him that we wanted to exchange him somewhere else for Henne he had refused, and insulted Henne. He was not willing to move from his room until I mentioned that I would report it back to you." Falynn lifted her eyes to meet with Kylo's helmet. "That's it."
"I don't believe you."
As skilled a fighter as Falynn was she had a hard time hiding the truth from her face.
Sucking in her bottom lip Falynn shook her head as she finished. "I also heard him calling me a bitch. That's all though. So I wanted to beat him around a bit for the way he had talked to me and Henne." Furrowing her brows she quickly added. "I don't think that is enough for a death sentence though."
"I will be the one to decide that," Kylo reached his free hand running his index finger and middle finger down Falynn's face. "Go meet with General Jase. I will be there shortly and we can discuss what ideas you had."
Falynn's eyes shattered for a moment as she looked at Telc who was now looking directly at her. His greens looked as if he wanted nothing more but to burn where Falynn stood. She had given him up, knowing very well that it could end his showed Kylo enough how important it was for her to speak with him. Lowering her head Falynn wrapped her arms around herself before she walked away. Kylo watched after making sure she was headed into the direction of General Jase's ship before he bent down to Telc.
In a soft but lethal voice Kylo almost purred. "Now then...shall we show the rest of the troops what happens when you call my wife a bitch?"
