The sound was like a gentle call to him lighting his dark path. Kylo felt his muscles twitching as his body slowly began to feel warm once again. Quickly realizing that the sound he heard was heartbreakingly sweet he knew that he recognized the voice. As a gentle song soothingly wrapped around him he wasn't sure if it would possibly pull him into a deeper sleep, or help him to wake up. With a groan Kylo turned his body then jolted when his hand landed on someone next to him. Heart drumming inside of him Kylo wished his eyes would open so he could see who was next to him. His mind had been continuously weaving in and out, where he had only fragments of what had happened. He briefly remembered warmth being transferred to his body, taking away the ache in his stomach while softness brushed against him leaving his mind to crave more. He was familiar with that touch, he knew who it belonged to. He had tasted her so many times before that even if he wanted to he wouldn't be able to place her with anyone else.

Falynn.

His mind was foggy but he remembered what happened before the grenades even struck him. Kylo didn't think that he could ever forget that moment. Memories flashed to where he saw her, before the world around him melted into red. Her sea-colored eyes had been wide, frightened. Something on his wife had looked so terribly broken, a visual he had recognized so many times in himself. An emotion he did not recognize came over him as he watched her being grabbed by the Resistance and suddenly he couldn't see anything else. He could not have gotten there fast enough as he watched her body giving in. He had killed them all, and would have killed so much more for what they had come for, if he had not been attacked.

Kylo didn't believe in his entire life he had ever taken such a wound. He had always done what he needed to, to survive, to prove his power. At that moment though nothing else mattered, just keeping her safe. He needed her to live.

The melodic sound slowly began to fade out and Kylo knew where the sound had come from. It had been Falynn's voice. She had been singing to him, her voice had somehow helped his mind to become more alert but he still felt it hard to move his body.

Damn it, Kylo, move! Move your damn body!

He would need to wait a bit longer as impatient as he felt. He knew that his body needed to rest a bit more, until he reached its full recovery. Until then he would savor the warmth that was next to him.

Waking up, Falynn was surprised to see that it was still dark outside. Blinking a few times as she sat up she took her time studying the room that she had slept in before looking back out the port window. Instead of being met by a harsh sun, it was still the calming ambiance of shimmering darkness. Beside her laying down and asleep Kylo was gently breathing his chest rising steadily. It had not seemed like he had woken up, but there had been some small change. He was no longer on his back, but now on his side. This was a good sign, he had been able to move on his own even if it was while he was still unconscious. Smiling Falynn smoothed some of his hair back away from his face, before she crawled out of their bed and wandered over to the closet. All she wanted to do was to stay in their room and to keep an eye on him, but she knew that sooner or later she would have to leave. Even if no one did call for her, it was her duty as the Empress to at least check a few times to see where everyone was at. She would need to check several places. What research had they found on the grenades, had the command deck seen anything unusual, how were the troops from Geonosis faring? She knew all of it would be at least half a day's work. While she was away she would leave Henne in charge of looking out for Kylo. She knew she could trust Henne along with Mayea. She didn't know if she felt too comfortable with anyone else being alone with her husband, for more reasons than one.

Opening her wardrobe Falynn let out a sound of exasperation at all of the clothing. She had no idea what she should wear today, and there were too many options from her to choose from. She was a bit tired of tunics, but she didn't care to wear a dress either. She wanted to look like a leader, not some pampered Queen. Frustrated, Falynn shut the wardobe's doors. She didn't feel awake yet to make these even simple decisions. Maybe once Henne came in she could give her mistress her opinion on the matter along with giving Falynn some practical hairstyle. Henne was good at things like that, especially when Falynn didn't have the energy to think on style. Going over to the large port window of their bedroom Falynn pressed a hand against the glass as she admired the vast view. Not long ago being space born frightened her, now she believed she felt more secure on the Star Destroyer than she did on any planet. It had become a world of its own.

"What are you looking at?"

Falynn's heart leapt in her chest from the deep voice that came out of nowhere from behind her. Falynn spun around to see Kylo had moved himself to his other side, his eyes wide open as they looked up at her. Rushing away from the port window, Falynn fell down onto her knees beside the bed as she took Kylo's face in between her hands. Without saying a single word Falynn leaned in and pressed her lips against his own. It was a brief kiss and when she pulled away Kylo's eyes were widened in surprise before he smiled at her. The gentle expression caused something in Falynn's chest to constrict. This was the first time her husband had ever really smiled at her, and she didn't think she had even seen him looking at her so sweetly. Now that his eyes were open she took in the color of his deep colored hazel eyes that were scanning over her face.

Eyes brimming with tears Falynn returned the smile to her husband as she reached up and ran her fingers down his face, "it's good to see you again." She whispered. "Ren than-"

She didn't have time to finish as Kylo leaned in and once again pressed their lips against one another. Falynn closed her eyes as she savored the warm touch leaning in to him. Kylo shifted his body upward where he could cup his hands around her face.

"Kylo, you need to lay down," Falynn barely ordered out against his mouth.

He ignored the command as he parted her lips with his and brushed his tongue against hers. As much as Falynn wanted to drown in the taste of him, it would be bad if the two of them got carried away. Pulling back Falynn placed a hand on his shoulder as she stood up. Kylo looked up at her, looking rather offended. Quirking her mouth up Falynn sat herself back down on the bed beside him. Pulling out the wet cloth from the bowl she gently took Kylo's arm and began to wipe him down again. Kylo observed silently as she repeated what she had done the night before, until she cleaned what she could. When she set the cloth back into the bowl she turned back to Kylo whose eyes were still fixed on her face. Normally Falynn would turn away due to feeling sheepish, but she was afraid to. She wanted to soak up her husband's face as much as he could

"You did that for me last didn't you?" he asked.

"Did what?" Falynn arched an eyebrow.

"You cleaned me up," Kylo stated slowly sitting himself up. "You also fed me...and sang to me." She could not hide the blush that rose to her cheeks as a smirk touched his lips. "You have been taking care of me this whole time haven't you?"

Trying to look neutral and unfazed Falynn shrugged a shoulder. "Some parts. Mayea has done most of the work."

"Ah yes," Kylo reached his hand back wincing as his fingers brushed against his shoulders. "Did she say when she thought I could be up and moving again?"

Frowning Falynn shook her head. "No. It shouldn't be too much longer though, before she comes in to remove the bandages and do your stitching."

"Stitching!"

Falynn pursed her lips furrowing her brows in distress. "The grenades left quite a mark on you. Deep enough where they are not able to completely close on their own. Don't worry though!" Falynn smiled at him reassuringly. "You're recovering much quicker than they said you would. You should be able to move around again in the next few days."

"I can't wait a few days," Kylo growled, throwing off the covers. "I need to make reports...and-" hissing in pain Kylo clutched onto his shoulder. "Damn it."

Sighing Falynn gently pushed him back down as she explained. "Don't worry about any of that. I have taken care of all of that."

"You what?"

Straightening her shoulders Falynn continued. "I already explained to everyone what happened and told them that if they are to report to do so with me. We could not hide the fact that you are injured, Ren. Everything is being worked out." Falynn smirked as memories from yesterday's meeting resurfaced. "They take me seriously now."

Kylo arched an eyebrow in curious amusement before he reached a hand up and cupped the side of Falynn's face. "My Empress has become quiet the woman hasn't she?"

Falynn chuckled to cover her embarrassment, "I just don't want you to have to worry."

"How can I when I have a doting wife?" Kylo pointed out teasingly before his face hardened to a more serious expression. "Those were some hell of grenades to have injured me like that. I had not been expecting them to do an attack like that. Seemed like a cheap trick."

Falynn swallowed from the internal injury that ran deep inside of her. The Resistance had cut her deeper than she believed anyone ever could, and she wasn't sure how long it would take from her to heal from it.

"I had the grenades retrieved," she said. "They should be reporting the mechanics of the weapons soon. I believe they made those grenades specifically for you, Ren."

Kylo snickered as he looked up his expression going distance, "I guess this proves their desperation. It also means that they will be using more of their time to attack specific individuals instead of an entire fleet. That could somehow buy us some time. Has General Jase been helping with you while I have been here?"

Falynn went silent as her insides cracked. Clutching onto the silk purple fabric of her nightgown, Falynn looked away from Kylo. "He...The General didn't make it."

"What?"

Closing her eyes Falynn swallowed as she choked out. "General Jase...he was shot while protecting me. I...I'm so sorry, Kylo. I'm so sorry."

A gentle hand placed itself warmly on her back. "He followed orders." Kylo's voice came out firmly, but he could not hide the sadness behind it. "I have no doubt he knew what he was doing. Don't worry, Falynn. I am not angry with you."

Opening her eyes wiping at the tears that slipped down her face Falynn reached down and cupped Kylo's face. His eyes were hard, but she knew that that harshness was not aimed towards her, but towards the situation. This wasn't what any of them planned. Of course Kylo knew that Falynn wanted to bring the General back with them. Her and the older man had grown quiet close. Still she couldn't help, but to blame herself for it.

"Don't," Kylo whispered.

That surprised her, she realized that she had left some of her walls down. Kylo could probably read her emotions right now. At that moment she didn't mind, she knew that he was probably feeling the same. They had both lost a friend.

They didn't have time to continue the conversation when there was a knock on the door. Falynn called out permission to access, as the doors opened revealing Mayea who came in carrying a bag of her medical supplies. Mayea's face switched over from calm to shock when she saw Kylo pushing himself up on the bed. Mayea gave a respectful bow before she walked over to the bed and set her supplies down on the floor next to her.

"Happy to see that you are awake, my lord," the medic smiled. "I am hoping that your body is feeling better now and well rested."

"It is," Kylo answered, keeping his eyes on Falynn. He hadn't even bothered to look at Mayea. "I had my own personal song bird."

Falynn looked at Kylo horrified. Mayea only chuckled as she wrapped her arms around the Supreme Leader to reach his bandages. Falynn leaned in close to Kylo to support his weight.

Leaning into his ear she whispered where only the two of them could hear, "I am not your personal songbird."

Kylo returned the comment with a side glance, his eyes sparking with what looked like satisfaction. Falynn glared at him, and swore she could feel him laughing at her. Since when had her husband become so full of himself in such a mischievous way? Did his injuries perhaps alter his personality? Before when she had seen her husband's face he had seemed much more brooding. Now there was some spark in his eyes, and even a twitch to the side of his lips. It seemed different than how it had been before. Falynn wasn't sure if this pleased her or terrified her. She didn't know what this meant for the two of them.

As the bandages fell Mayea let out an "oh!"

Stiffening Falynn asked hesitantly. "W-what is it? Is he alright?"

"I'd say," Mayea straightened up her eyes wide. "It seems we don't have to stitch our lord up after all. I guess energy returning back to his body did that for us."

Shifting her body back where she could look at her husband's bare back, Falynn imitated the "oh" that Mayea had just done. She had spoken the truth. Kylo's wounds had completely closed, though they still looked a bit raw. Two grenades couldn't even completely take Kylo Ren down. All he really needed was a day of rest and he was already almost completely healed. It was frightening in a way, she knew his body healing so quickly mainly drew from how strong he was with the dark side. Many strong Siths had miraculous self-healing abilities, but she didn't think it would be this quick, or that she would ever feel grateful for such powers. She did not allow the truth of it to sink deep into her. She could only hope it was just due to her husband's strong powers rather than it being solely focused on relying on the dark side.

"Does this mean he is able to get out of bed?" Falynn asked.

"I would still advise against it," Mayea shook her head then optimistically added. "However, I believe by tomorrow he should be ready as long as he is not going off into any sudden battles."

"That isn't the plan," Kylo gruffed rolling his shoulders.

Reaching into her bag Mayea pulled a container of ointment that she handed to Falynn.

"I don't really need to be here much anymore," Mayea noted before instructing. "You will need to put this on his wounds every few hours or so starting now. You can call for me if you see any changes."

Grabbing her case Mayea stood back up and smiled down at the couple. "I am glad to see that the two of you are doing well and getting along. Excuse my bold words, but I believe this is a much better adjustment than Dantooine wouldn't you agree?"

Without another word Mayea quickly left the room perhaps realizing her words might have been too bold. Falynn looked at Kylo who didn't seem the least bit bothered by the doctor's words. Instead he seemed to be rather relaxed as his shoulders slumped. Falynn couldn't help but to grin herself in agreement. It was better, at least when it came to their relationship. There was still the fact that there had been a hole left in both of them.

Grabbing the ointment Mayea had left on the nightstand Falynn dipped her fingers into medicine. The ointment felt tacky against her fingers as she tried to smear it onto Kylo's wounds. The aroma of it was rather pleasant, refreshing in a way but the texture of it was so thick Falynn had a hard time spreading it. After a few attempts of trying to spread it, she ended up gently dabbing onto his injuries. Kylo remained silent as she applied the appointment, but he could not hide the way his muscles twitched every time her fingers had to brush against the wounds. When she was done, Falynn took the new bandages and began to wrap them around Kylo, who watched her as she did it. She could feel his breath on her neck as she moved her arms around him where she made sure the bandaging was secure behind his broad back.

"Thank you," he whispered, the breath from his words sending her chills down her spine.

"It's my duty," she simply answered as she scooted back. "Just as it is my duty to go see where everyone is at with the orders I gave." Getting off the bed Falynn raised an eyebrow at the wardrobe then back to her husband. With a smile she asked. "Would you be interested in helping me pick an outfit for the day?"

"I like what you are wearing now," Kylo answered as he leaned back. "That color somehow suites you."

Falynn looked down at her deep colored violet night gown as a warmth spread throughout her body. She hadn't really thought of the color much when she had gotten dressed last night. The color itself closely resembled her beloved lightsaber. The fact that Kylo commented on how the color complimented her, unaware of her greatest treasure Falynn couldn't describe how it made her feel. In a way it felt like he was acknowledging and approving that part of herself, even if he wasn't aware of it. Turning her back towards him where he couldn't see the expression she now had, Falynn walked towards the wardrobe.

"Unless you want all of your men to see me in my nightwear," she noted sarcastically. "I was thinking of something a bit more professional."

"You make your point," Kylo responded dryly. "This is not something I am not practiced with...but show me what you were thinking."

It didn't take long for them to decide on what Falynn should wear. Within the next hour, Falynn had gotten dressed, and had her hair intricately braided back, while she was dressed from head to toe in black. They had both decided for Falynn to wear something similar to Kylo's usual attire. Falynn was taken aback when she took a look at herself in their full length mirror that was inside of the fresher. She even wore a similar cape that flowed around her curved frame. When she had left the fresher Kylo's eyes had been wide as he took his wife in. His face for some reason looked solemn, but he had given her his approval.

With darkness flowing behind her, Falynn excited their bedroom and headed down towards her duties.


Falynn repressed a groan as she stared at the navigational screens in front of her. Despite the chaos and the headache that was beginning to form in her mind she remained regal in her stance. There weren't many on the command deck, but the few who were quickly stood at Falynn's arrival even saluting her. She was pleased with how quickly they had recognized her as a leader figure. It was a nice change compared to being ignored or silently insulted. Matter of fact she was so pleased with the change she didn't want to peep a word she still had no idea how to read the navigational maps. It was one thing for her to show her power through force, and sharp tongue, it was another thing entirely when it came to this. Pretending to look bored and unimpressed with the screens, Falynn turned her attention away from flashing lights and moved down the steps that led to the center of the deck. The holographic map was still up and she studied it closely marking every detail inside of her mind. She wasn't sure when the next time would be when they would travel, but this time she wanted to become familiar with the planets as much as she could before they did. She was so focused on the map she hadn't realized when someone had joined her company. It wasn't until they cleared their throat that Falynn's attention snapped away from the map and turned to the man who stood beside her. It was the commander from the day before, who had insulted her. Curious as what he had to say to her now Falynn tilted up her chin.

"How is our Supreme Leader doing?" he inquired stiffly.

"Quickly recovering," she replied clipped.

She didn't want further questions asked, nor did she want to give away that Kylo would probably be up by tomorrow morning. She was afraid if she did they would all come knocking at their quarter's door demanding to speak with her husband. She didn't give a damn if Kylo was doing cartwheels in their room, until Mayea gave the word she wouldn't let anyone near him. Even if it meant going against Kylo's stubborn word. As far as she was concerned unless they were well trained in the medical field she wouldn't listen to any of it. The two of them already had enough on their shoulders as it was.

She decided to change the subject quickly. "Did you come here to report anything to me, commander?"

"Yes, I went down to the lab today to see what they had on the grenade," the commander's voice smoothed out into a business-like manner.

Falynn now turned away completely from the map where she could fully face the commander. "Go on."

"It seems," he continued, his dark eyes narrowing. "That you were correct, my lady. Those grenades were specifically made to take down the Supreme Leader. It looked like they had been altered by a power per say."

"A power?"

Shaking his head the commander corrected himself. "Not literally speaking. It was like the grenades were injected with something. There is a strange energy reading from the weapons. I can't explain what it was, but I have never seen anything like it."

Falynn felt her nerves churning at the commander's words. She didn't understand what that could mean. That didn't sound like the type of technology the Resistance would normally carry, but perhaps they were becoming desperate. Did the Resistance plan to continue to make such weapons if they haven't already? She wasn't too concerned with the rest of the First Order, but what did that mean for her and Kylo? What if they attacked him with something stronger the next time they got a chance? Would Leia allow that? Kylo may have made many mistakes, but he was still her son. Falynn was finding it hard to believe Leia would order anything to be made specifically to end her son's life. The General had only spoken on hope for her son, believing who he once was laid beneath the dark surface. Perhaps Leia herself was losing her grip on the Resistance, but that didn't seem realistic either.

"My lady?"

The commander's voice came through her thoughts, she hadn't realized she had distanced herself away for a moment. Extending her hand she asked, "lead me to the lab. I want to see this for myself."

"Yes, my lady," the commander bowed. "If you could follow me please."

Falynn followed the commander down the steps and into the large corridors. She would have gone to the lab herself, but she didn't know the Star Destoyer's complete layout yet. She wasn't about to admit that aloud either. Especially not to this man. The commander was a good few inches taller than her, he was built sturdier than Kylo and even what General Jase had been. Though she didn't see any visible scars on him, his squared shape was hard and his lips looked like they were always in a constant frown. That was to no surprise though, she hardly found any smiles amongst the First Order. She was beginning to find that she herself was having a hard time smiling. Falynn didn't believe that had much to do with the First Order though. It was just the way the galaxy was working at the moment. The commander's eyes kept going over to her, which she tried ignoring. He no doubt still didn't trust her, and she frankly didn't care, as long as he kept his snarky remarks to himself. When she felt his eyes no longer on her, she casually looked over at him. A twang of loneliness rose inside her. The commander's demeanor and presence was so very different from that of the gentle General she had to leave behind. If he had made it out alive, he no doubt would be the one walking beside her at this very moment. He would have been with her yesterday looking smug right along with her. He would have been the one to report to her, not this big blurrg.

Later. She reminded herself. We can't dwell on grief right now.

The lab was a floor beneath where the command deck was along with the hanger and most of the main rooms and controls that were on the Star Destroyer. It also wasn't as big as she anticipated it would be. The room equaled to perhaps two large sleeping quarters combined. Falynn didn't excuse the commander's presence as he waited in the doorway. She also didn't speak another word to him as she walked to the table where she recognized the two large grenades. The researcher who stood at the table wore a thick white goat with a hood over their shielded face. By the stature she would say that the worker was a female, but she couldn't tell for sure, with their face being covered. Whoever it was they stopped working when they looked up from the grenade and their tools when they saw Falynn looking down at the grenade.

"My-my lady?" The voice was definitely female.

The researcher sounded confused and Falynn realized this was probably the first time that she had ever seen Falynn. Her and Kylo's wardrobe choice did well, giving her the image of a strong authority letting everyone automatically assume who she was.

"Have you been the one working on the grenades?" Falynn asked as she picked one of them up, and almost immediately dropped it.

Falynn's eyes went wide as the woman answered. "Mostly, my lady. There have been a few others, but this has been mostly my project."

Goosebumps rising on her arm, as the grenade felt like it was throbbing in her hand Falynn quickly set it down. She understood what the commander had meant, she could definitely feel something was off with the grenade. It felt like it had been pulsing as if the grenade itself was some type of creature. It could have been memories attached to it, that wanted to cling to her. Memories that were strongly connected to her emotions that it had a hold on her, but no force vision came into view. Had they somehow injected the grenade with some type of...strange power? That seemed cheap, and uncharacteristic for the Resistance, but Falynn couldn't help but doubt their intentions now. Not after what had happened with her, and ruthless they had been. She wished there was a way for her to connect with Leia, to ask her questions, but she had never made that bond with the General, only a brief friendship. Falynn eyed the weapon as her muscles began to twitch underneath her skin. This was not going to be a day project, or even a week. She wanted this to be thoroughly studied and dissected, until she got her answers.

"I want these worked on until we get an answer," Falynn demanded. "Switch out when need be for rest, but I want this to be a continuous project until it's sorted out."

Unsure of what to say to further explain Falynn was back out of the lab and heading back in the directions towards her room. Unease fell over her and all she wanted to do was be back by Kylo's side. She dreaded the fact that she knew she had many more errands to do, before she could return to her husband's side.