Chapter 37 - Mortality
Takodana
The Jedi Temple
"The death toll remains unaccounted for, but estimates are believed to be in the hundreds. Rescue teams are still attempting to comb through the ruins of the upper levels Senate building, looking for any possible survivors.
"Chancellor Borealis is confirmed to have survived the explosion, however Vice-Chancellor Villecham as well as many other political officials remain unaccounted for.
"The Minister of State has declared a state of emergency and all traffic coming in and out of Chandrila have been restricted to Government and aid personnel only. Citizens of the planet are advised to remain calm and not to attempt to vacate the planet. Violators will be detained.
"The Executive Press Secretary has stated that while no suspects behind the assumed bombing have been found, investigations are still ongoing. However, warrants for the apprehension of Leia Organa-Solo, and any Ranger and associated personnel on Chandrila have been issued. If the public has any information regarding their whereabouts-"
Chewbacca suddenly growled for someone to shut off the damn news broadcast, punctuating his point by slamming his wroshyr prosthetic into the table. Quickly someone obliged, knowing better than to anger a grieving wookie. Chewbacca then growled a question down at his human companion, but Han Solo wasn't listening.
Through the holographic projection transmitted from a Ranger Blockade Runner, he watched as the medical personnel were plugging his wife-his dying wife who had nearly been crushed by a falling ceiling-into a medical pod. A breathing tube was put down her throat, the machine having to pump air into her body for her as restraints and cushioners were installed to keep her body still and unmoving.
The air was filled with the rhythmic beating of her BPM's spiking up and down, Han Solo's own breathing becoming ragged as he clenched the arms of his chair with white-knuckled hands. He had to resist every urge to scream the obvious damn questions; to run to the Falcon and go to her. He knew it wouldn't help but...
He sighed exhaustively, shaking his head as he dread within him was the same one when Leia was almost taken from him on Cloud City; when the last thoughts he had before being frozen in carbonite was that he was never going to see her again. Now, here she was, barely clinging to life as air had to be fed to her via a respirator.
Someone had tried to kill his wife, and she was beyond his ability to help.
"First my son, then Luke, and now Leia," he whispered scornfully, his hands clenched into fists, "what the hell do you want with me? What more can you take from me?"
"Captain Solo? Are you alright, sir?" Han looked up to find a holographic C-3PO looking across at him. Normally, Han would've told the goldrod to shut up and leave him the hell alone, but he didn't have the energy or the willingness to.
"Am I alright?" he asked with a scoff, "What about her?"
"It's too early to tell, unfortunately," 3PO replied with some hesitancy, "but the doctors here are confident."
"Of what? That she'll pull through?" Han snapped, "Can you tell me that at least, professor?"
"I…" 3PO shook his head, "I don't know."
"Then what do you know?" Han growled, rising to his feet and coming face to face with the droid to glower down at him. Normally, 3PO would've slunk away in fear, but not this time. If he had a normal organic face, Han concluded, 3PO would glaring back.
"I know this, Captain Solo. I know that we are safe, that we have escaped Chandrilla's blockade unharmed, that Princess Leia is in the best care she could possibly be in, and that no matter what happens, I will not leave her side. On that, you have my word."
Han stared at the reflective gold-plated droid, his craggy face staring back at him. After a moment, he chuckled softly at the oddity of the situation. Who knew it would take a crisis for 3PO to grow a spine?
"I know you will, 3PO. Thank you."
"Sir?" a Ranger appeared at the doorway, "The Boss wants you in the war-room."
Han nodded. "Keep me apprised, 3PO."
"Of course, Captain Solo."
As the holographic projection faded out, Han casted a lasting look at the one and only woman who had made an honest man out of him. Well, maybe not too honest, if his scoundrel heart was anything to go by.
"I'll be back, honey. Stay in there."
"I'll be quite honest," the holographic projection of Lando ran his hand across his hair, grimacing, "the only reason me and 3PO are alive is because Leia was there to keep the ceiling from falling on us. I can't say the same for everybody else though."
"That bad, huh?" Antilles snorted, "I knew this was a bad idea from the beginning. Putting all our eggs in that giant target of a basket?"
"She knew the risk, Wedge," Han replied, looking over at Shrike, "any idea who was behind this?"
"That should be pretty obvious," he answered, blowing dragonsfire into the void, "when confronted with a mystery, ask this: who has the most to gain?"
"So Armitage Hux, then?" Rey asked, "I suppose he would be the obvious choice. But the man was standing right next to Villecham when the place lit up and the holonet reported him still missing."
"Knowing a bomb's about to blow in advance gives a little credence on how best to get out of the way, kiddo," Shrike countered, "but the question still stands: what do they have to benefit from blowing up the Senate building?"
"Well, the planet's pretty much locked down," Lando replied, "I can't get off, and neither can any of the other Senators, Representatives or even military personnel. We were honestly lucky to have even gotten Leia off planet before the curtain dropped."
"What about the Ackbars and Hera?" Antilles asked.
"Leia had them leave planet just in case something happened. Still, considering an APB's been put out on basically everybody she associated with in the last couple of days-"
"Does that include you?" Han asked.
"At the moment, no. But considering they're not letting me leave, and I've got security trying to bend every law to figure out what me and Leia were up to? Well, I suppose you can figure the rest out."
"What about Shysa and Nabrie? Or even Fey'lya for that matter?"
"I honestly don't know, or even if they're still alive. They're not letting me talk to anybody. Hell, I'm just lucky power-of-attorney hasn't been suspended yet. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to talk to you now."
"So what was this? A hit?" Antilles pondered, "Get everybody when they're in the same room and take out half the government while they're at it?"
"You mean while Grand Admiral Hux's son is in the same room?" Rey countered, "From what I've seen, the First Order doesn't like to waste lives and I don't think they have the luxury to do so anyway."
"Besides, there are better ways to pull off a hit like this than to just bring the ceiling down," Han looked over at Lando and shook his head, "this almost feels like something Jabba would do if he wanted to send a message."
Lando nodded at the thought, "What was it he used to say? 'Chaos presents the best time for opportunity.' Regardless, me and just about everybody is stuck here and the galaxy's in complete turmoil."
"So what's next? An invasion? Maybe a strike to the Core Now would be the time to do it."
"Not yet, Wedge," Shrike countered, "this isn't the opening move, this is posturing; redirection. It's not a coincidence they did this right when Leia told the whole galaxy about the Forge, or after they failed to get the last piece in the chase. No, they're setting up the opening move."
"So what do we do?" Rey suddenly inquired, all eyes turning to her, "I mean, we can go back and forth on who did and why all we like, but is that really important? It happened. So what are we going to do about it?"
"We need to get the Forge," Wedge answered promptly, "that's what this is all about. We find and secure it. Without it, the First Order will have to back down from whatever hell they're thinking about unleashing. How close are we to deciphering that last piece?"
"Hours. A day at most. Well have it on a hard copy soon. But," Shrike sighed, letting the smoke trail out of his mouth, "this goes deeper than that."
"What do you mean?" Lando asked.
"I don't believe in coincidences. Under Borealis, Antiga happened, the Jedi were snuffed out, and now this. Lando, does Borealis strike you as an outright incompetent man?"
"Honestly? No. He's many things, but incompetent isn't one of 'em. He was always sure of what he wanted and how he was going to get it."
"And what does he want?"
"His own words? Peace in our time."
"And how far do you feel he would go to ensure we get peace in our time?"
Realization crossed Lando's face like he'd been hit by lightning, "You're not planning another coup, are you? The Republic barely survived the last one you pulled."
"No, not exactly a coup," he twirled the pipe in his hand as he pondered his answer, "the First Order have ironically given us the means to remove Borealis and his cabinet legally. After all, Article 1 of the Constitution states that in the case of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor being deemed unfit, incompacitated or dead, then a new Chancellor would have to be selected. Leia would be on the short list, considering she's an ex-Chancellor."
"Now wait just a blazing second!" Han exclaimed, "My wife is barely on the medical table, fighting just to stay alive, and you're talking about plopping her right back in her old job that almost got her killed in the first place!? Also, what happens when Borealis refuses to cede power? What then?"
"Simple, we make him."
"How? By storming the Senate building like you did last time?"
"If it comes to it. We don't have the luxury of time or being artful. We need to be back on our feet before the schmucks knock down our door. And that means putting the right person in charge when it happens."
"And what about after?" Lando replied, "Look, I'm not dismissing what you're saying. I agree that Leia's the best person for the job, but think about it. Her legitimacy, and the legitimacy of the New Republic is going to be laid out by what we do now. Forcefully removing a Chancellor? That's not something you can easily walk away from."
"We did last time, and that was a threat a lot closer to home."
Han scoffed at that, "You mean after you threw a man out a window? You ever wonder if you going rogue, everybody else be damned, is actually the right way of doing things? How many things have actually gone right because of it?"
"And what the hell would you suggest, smuggler? Let a traitor remain in office?"
"Master, we have no proof of that," Rey began but Shrike cut her off sharply.
"We had no proof Palpatine was Sidious, but the signs were there. And by the time we got to moving against him, it was already too late and billions died. I'll be damned if I'm letting that happen again."
"Yes, but think about it, Master. Lor San taught us that Palpatine played the Jedi right into confronting him, and that very act was enough to damn the Old Order. What if the same happens here?"
"The alternative is letting the enemy come to us, Knight. If we give ground now, they will never stop taking ground. First Coruscant, then everywhere else. We need to stop them here and now before it starts."
"There is something else to consider, gentlemen," Antilles interrupted, "I'll be the first to admit that the last few decades have stained the New Republic legitimacy. I mean, we lost half the Outer Rim to criminals and we've mismanaged our fair share of brush fires and crisis. If the First Order gets the Core and the Forge, and we do nothing? Well, what happens when people lose faith in their government? They walk."
"Wedge, this isn't the same as 'doing nothing,'" Lando retorted, "but we've got to consider how we do this and when. As you just said, our legitimacy is on the line, and an illegitimate coup is about as damaging as doing nothing. You're right in that we've made some very public mistakes, but we need to win back trust or otherwise we're just a bunch of criminals."
"As I said," Shrike snorted, "we don't have time for months of Senate debate. We either move now, or let the enemy take the initiative."
"Let them take the initiative," Han suddenly said.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean exactly that. The First Order want the Forge so badly? Make 'em fight for it. Let them make the first move and show the whole galaxy what they're really on about."
"Take away their moral high ground?" Rey asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah. Shrike's got a point about Hux there. The whole reason he was there was to paint the First Order as being the victim in all this, especially when he posed the question about the Forge being in their territory. I say we use that against them."
"So, paint the First Order as the bad guys," Wedge nodded, "and public opinion will force Borealis to either confront the problem or step down."
Slowly, Shrike nodded at the formulating plan, "That might work."
"It will work," Han reiterated, "because as much as the First Order's put us into a corner, they've also put themselves on a road with only two ways: war or back, and they can't go to war without the Forge."
"But what do we do at the moment?" Rey asked, "I mean, this is all long term we're talking about. What should we do now?"
"I for one am planning on the 'schmucks' showing up here any time now," Wedge stated, "I've been having my analysts going over what Commander Dameron told us of how the First Order's been operating. I'll have my fleet running combat drills, just in case."
"Would they even know where to look?" Lando asked.
"The Empire found us on Hoth, remember? I'm not planning on being caught with our pants down again."
"Agreed," Shrike replied, "and we'll do the same on the ground. We need to be ready to move as soon as our cartographers finish deciphering the last piece."
"What about Leia?" Han inquired, "Is there anywhere we can take her where she'll be safe?"
"Considering what happened here on the capital world, Han? She's better off staying on that ship, 'cause I doubt anywhere is safe at this point," Lando suddenly turned his head to the side, talking to some off screen before he turned back again, "I gotta go. I'll contact you again as soon as I can."
As his holographic form dissipated, Wedge nodded in concurrence, "And I need to get to moving my fleet. I doubt I'm needed much here anymore anyway," and his hologram flickered out.
"So, I suppose that leaves me, then," Rey said aloud, "What are my orders?"
"The same one as before, Knight. Train."
"Are you certain? Damn. My son, thank you for the news… as bleak as it is."
Armitage Hux, Ambassador of the First Order, waited patiently for Chancellor Indrik Borealis to finish his latest round of emergency holo-calls. Judging by the despondent look on the man's scarred face, Armitage already knew what the news was but decided to ask anyway.
"Trouble?"
"Indeed, trouble. The Vice-Chancellor was found a few minutes ago. Deceased."
"I'm so sorry, Chancellor," Armitage replied with faux-sympathy, "I didn't know Lenevar long, but he was a good man."
Borealis didn't reply, he just sat there over his desk with his head hung. Hux imagined it would've only been sadder if it were raining, like in those sappy tragedies the Republic media was into these days. The thought almost made him puke, but the sickly expression just made him all the more convincing.
"Chancellor, please allow me to extend a sincere apology for this days tragic events. If there is anything the First Order can do to alleviate this crisis-"
"I should have known."
"I beg your pardon?"
Borealis turned to face him, his saddened expression turned into rage. "You understand how I got these scars, yes?"
"You were protesting the Jedi on Yavin when their Temple was bombed."
"And do you know why I protested them, hmm?"
Of course he knew, but he didn't show it. Instead, he just shrugged his shoulders. Borealis sighed and slumped into a chair heavily.
"When people think of the Jedi, they think of Luke Skywalker. They see heroes, protectors. People with magic powers. Think of anything else though? I doubt they ever do. Too easy for them not to, probably. They like good stories."
"And what do you see, Chancellor?"
"Vigilantes. That's what I thought of them then, more so now. Not heroes at all, but boundless people with powers who think themselves the law while ignoring the actual law. What they leave behind when they do their heroics, they never seem to care. Applaud them for being brave, the people do, but that's what they do for all celebrities. Not that special, I think."
"It's funny you say this considering they were the ones who saved your life on Yavin."
"Yes, conflicting that makes it. For a time I wondered if I was wrong about them. But just a month later, my fears about them were all but confirmed when those Wannabes who follow them around like good pups staged a coup. A coup with no legal authority, I should stress."
"Some people say they were justified. What with the Chimera and all."
"Perhaps so, but that is the problem. The Jedi view the law as being a hinderance, a thing to ignore. If it were anybody else, or if you replaced green and blue swords with red, people would see them as tyrants. Luke Skywalker again is the reason they do not. Heroes," he scoffed at the word, "not much would turn them into villains. Worse still was after."
"After?"
"Oh, when they left the government, of course. Under powerful people like Mothma, they could be controlled. Forced to obey the law, like they should. But on their own they did as they please, and probably would still if they were still here. I mean, how many times did they work against the very government the people they protect voted in? In an indirect way, they worked against the people. But too stupid they are to see that."
"That's a little harsh, Chancellor. I mean, many of the people I've spoken to, even in your party, agreed that the Jedi are necessary."
"Necessary? Oh, I disagree with that. As extreme as the Chimera were, they were right, too. Look at the track record, you should. Force-Sensitives in our long history have started many of the galaxy's wars and founded three of it's most terrible governments. The most recent one was Palpatine, and he came to be because of the Jedi."
"Some would say that the Jedi were responsible for Palpatine's fall. Luke Skywalker after all-"
"Would not be necessary if it were not for his predecessors blunders. That's the thing, you see? The Old Republic relied on them like a crutch, had them solve all their problems while they became weak in turn. Like it or not, the Jedi held power without checks, without balance. Look where that ended up, hmm?"
"Perhaps you judge them too harshly. The Jedi helped found the Republic and kept them in power for 25,000 years."
"Surprised I am that you would be defending them, Ambassador Hux."
"I'm just playing Sith's Advocate, Chancellor. I learned a long time ago that it is important to understand the other side's argument."
"Oh, I understand perfectly. Judge, Jury and Executioner, they view themselves to be, especially of those they view to be evil. They would tuck us into our bed, tell us we'll be alright and safe, but what happens when they think you not their definition of good? As I said, nobody is above the law, nor should anybody be. Especially for those with powers."
'And you wonder why they don't trust you.' Armitage thought to himself with no small amount of ironic satisfaction. "And you think this relates to Leia Organa-Solo?"
"As unfortunate as it is, I do. She breaks intergalactic law to pursue not only her interests, but those of her Jedi. She would no doubt plunge the galaxy into war if it meant slaying her imaginary dragons in you, Ambassador."
"Surely you don't think she's behind this bombing?"
"That I cannot say, but until the truth is found, she is a suspect. She and her compatriots will be apprehended for the time being, and her vacating the world makes the matter all the more suspicious."
"Well, a ceiling was dropped on her head."
"On ours, too. Ambassador, someone killed my best friend. Until the truth is found out, I shall not rest nor leave any stone unturned. I was elected on the promise of peace in our time, and I will uphold it."
"The things we do in the name of peace, Chancellor," Armitage nodded, "what of my situation? I have been questioned already by police forces, and the First Order will want me back in light of the recent situation. I can't remain in the consulate forever."
"All in good time, my friend. Now, I have matters to attend. We shall speak soon."
"Of course, Chancellor," and as the hologram flickered out to leave the Ambassador alone in his office, he couldn't help but laugh. There was no one to hear him, after all.
"'Peace in our time.' Ha."
Suddenly, his holocom began blaring and he tapped the responder to see his secretary on the line, "What is it?"
"Sir, you have a red-line call."
"Ah, I see. Have all the signals been confirmed and checked?"
The Secretary nodded her head as the coded phrase, "The line is encoded, sir. It's a Naval frequency, top-clearance."
Armitage sighed at the news, "Of course it is. Send it through."
"Yes sir."
Armitage Hux ran a hand through his slicked red hair, preparing himself for yet another of his father's lectures, nevermind the good work that had just been achieved. It greatly surprised him then when not only Grand Admiral Ramius Hux appeared before him, but also Captains Phasma and Sydow, and most surprising of all, Kylo Ren.
"Well, this is quite the curious meeting. I expected you, father, but not everyone else here."
"Blame me," Kylo Ren answered, "I felt it important that everyone affected by what you just did attend this meeting."
"What I just did, Lord Ren? I haven't the foggiest idea of what you mean."
"Son, do us all a favor and stow it," Ramius snorted, "this is an encoded call. We know you were responsible for the bombing."
"And what if I was?" the younger Hux grinned, "Would it surprise you that my plan was run up all the way to your precious high command and approved on all counts?"
"And why were we not informed, Armitage?" Phasma asked imploringly, "Your operation directly impacts our operation regarding the Star Forge. Only Lord Ren knew inklings of your plan. Your father had clearance, and by extension so do I. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I will make it very simple for you, Phasma. You were not told because matters of my Department do not concern you. Your mission remains unchanged."
"Oh, I beg to differ, Ambassador," Sydow snorted, "you just bombed the Senate Building."
"And?"
"You just poked the dragon."
"Forgive me for not understanding your analogy," Armitage growled, his patience wearing thin.
"Allow me to dumb it down for you, laddie. As I understand it, yer goals center around securing the Forge and a great deal of the Core, which I suspect be part of some secession movement. Well, now you've just poked the New Republic in the face. What happens when they bite back?"
"They're not going to, Captain, at least not with the idiot in charge. Oh, there will be noise, but he'll keep matters calm and controlled long enough that it honestly won't matter. Appeasement and peace in our time and all that."
"What exactly did you hope to achieve here, Armitage?" Phasma asked.
"Simple. I've just given the fool Borealis enough of an excuse to ensure that Leia and her supporters will be unable to stop us. After all, a great deal can be done in a state of national emergency."
"Oh, I think yer goin' to be greatly surprised, laddie. These are the same people who toppled your pappies bosses, no offense, Admiral."
"No, they're not. This is the same government after all that turned a blind eye to all the Jedi's problems. I dare say they even toasted when the Jedi were wiped off the galactic map. You honestly expect them to stop us at this point?"
"I'm not talkin' about some suits and speeches, laddie. I'm talking about the folk with guns and fire in their bellies. When they fight, so will everybody else."
"Hmm, I see. Well, I have only one thing to say to you, pirate. Do your job. Bring us the Forge."
"I'll do my job. I'm just pointin' out yer on the fast track to losing."
"We'll see. And what of you, Phasma. Any aged, barbarian advice for me?"
"Just this, Armitage. Any foe who shows his hand normally loses it."
"Fascinating. Are we done here? I actually have a great deal of work to finish here."
"Admiral?" Phasma asked.
"You're dismissed. I need to speak to my son alone."
"Yes sir," and she and Sydow both disappeared.
The Admiral turned his head to look at the still standing Kylo Ren. "That goes for you too, son."
"As you wish. I already got what I came here for."
As the Lord of Ren turned and flickered out of sight, Ramius sighed exhaustively as he addressed his son. "Who authorized the mission, Armitage?"
"I have no recollection, Admiral. It went through quite a few people, I'd imagine."
"Stop it," Ramius growled, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair before jutting a finger at him, "I've tolerated your insolence and meddling in the past, but that was because you never actively sought to impede upon my operations. Now you have, and you will answer my question."
"I'm afraid I don't answer to you, father. At least, not in these matters."
"You're an officer in the First Order Navy."
"Technically I'm an Ambassador first. So, I answer to the Home Secretary."
"Oh I see. More of your black projects, hmm? You're no better than the rebels I fought under the Empire."
"Well, maybe you all should've learned something from Saw Garrera. After all, violence is the supreme authority. Nothing is gained without it, and it takes decisive violence to achieve the greatest gains."
"How? By turning the galaxy against us? We're supposed to be better than that, son. Under the Empire and Palpatine, we-"
"Lost sight of what was important? Yes yes, I've heard that a thousand times now."
"No, that was not what I was going to say. Under the Empire and Palpatine, we were just as brutal. Everywhere we went, we created our enemy. They grew stronger as our gripped tightened, and you are acting just like them."
"And that's the problem. You and the rest of the Empire failed to understand that you were at war the moment the Empire was declared. That everyone who disagreed with your rule were enemies, not subjects. You instead treated them like disobedient children, even after they destroyed the Death Star."
"It was that sort of talk that lost us Endor."
"Well perhaps if the Emperor had just treated Luke Skywalker as an enemy to be dispatched, perhaps things would've turned out differently."
"You weren't there."
"I don't need to be. I have hindsight and the understanding that people like you lost us the war. I'm just simply doing what you lack the courage to."
"As Sydow said, all you did was poke a dragon."
"Poke? I dealt the New Republic a wound they will never recover from. Oh, there will be people who wish to fight, but they will be held back by those who wish for peace. By the time the dogs of war are loosed, it will be too late, and the measures those dogs would've had to go to will finish the job for us. They barely survived their last coup, afterall."
"Arrogance is unbecoming, son. I taught you better."
"You taught me? Hmm, I think you're more occupied with your blond pet than me, father."
"That's not true at all."
Armitage laughed at that, "Isn't it? Well, she's certainly turned out better than I did in your eyes, father."
Ramius shook his head at that, "When are you going to grow up and take responsibility for yourself? You can't blame me forever. You made your own choices."
"We all start somewhere, father. Now, don't you have a Forge to find?"
"We're not done here."
"Yes, we are. Goodbye, father," he turned around, pressing a receiver button and his father's image faded out. Snorting out an annoyed breath, Armitage key his comm, "Katlyn, can you please bring up some of that Aquillan Wine? I'm in desperate need of good spirits."
"Of course, sir. I shall send someone up your way."
"Thank you. Are there any other calls?"
"None at the moment."
"Good, keep it that way," he replied, rubbing his hands into his aching eyes, "if there are any, tell them I am indisposed."
"Of course, sir."
A moment later, another consulate staff came into the room. Armitage eyed the woman keenly, smiling at the fine product of the First Order's breeding program. As she handed him a tray with a bottle and glass, he grinned up at the woman. "Your name is Dejan, is it not?"
She smiled, "That it is, sir."
"I thought so. I may need your assistance in a stressful matter later in the day. You wouldn't mind coming in to assist me?"
She smiled again, "Of course, sir."
She turned turned and walked out the door, Armitage watching her go with a wolfish grin. Sometimes, it truly paid to have this job, even with the matters he had to deal with-
"Ambassador, there is another blue-line call for you."
"Katlyn, I told you. No more-"
"Sir, it's got high-level authorization."
"How high?"
"Lord level, sir."
'Again? Lord Kylo wants to talk to me again?' Armitage thought, finding the whole matter strange. Still, he poured himself a glass and shrugged his shoulders, "Send it through."
Behind him, he heard the the hologram flicker on and he swiveled in his chair to meet the masked man, his glass of wine held in his hand. "Lord Kylo, I didn't expect to see you so short-"
Inexplicably, Armitage felt a sudden stab of pain in his chest so powerful that his body began to uncontrollably spasm as his glass fell to the floor. His hands clawed feverishly at his chest, suddenly finding himself unable to even breathe. Everything felt hot, like his body was on fire.
"Wha-!?" was all he managed to get out before the sound of thundering blood in his brain became all he could hear. Even as his mind grew faint however, he still chanced a look down at the man he realized was killing him. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw at his hip his hand locked in a clenching movement.
Immediately, Armitage went for the frequency shut-off button. He got no less than 3 inches from it when his hand suddenly stopped and was suddenly slammed into the metal desk like as though an invisible weight forced it down. The sudden pain was staggering but brief, until he felt a growing pressure on his hand forcing it into the table.
"N...no!" he gasped. The pressure increased, and Armitage felt the all-too-familiar sensation of bones starting to fracture, like little hot knives stabbing into them. White in his vision was soon replaced by black, and Armitage felt his whole world slipping away.
Then like that, it all came back. The pressure released, Armitage stumbled out of his chair onto the floor and struggled desperately to breathe once more. Even so, his chest still felt as though someone had put a lead weight where his heart was, and every pulse of it made his ribs scream.
"I want you to remember this moment, Armitage," he heard in his ear. He turned just slightly right, and found Kylo Ren kneeling in front of him; Armitage's face staring back at him from the man's cold obsidian visor. He had never seen himself so afraid than in that moment.
"I want you to remember, even in your most private of moments, that if I ever wish or you provoke me, your life is mine. And there is nothing you can do, nowhere you can run that I cannot find you."
"Why?" Armitage croaked, "The Forge?"
"I don't care about the Forge. That is your government's goal, not mine. You went after someone I personally care about. Consider this a warning, Armitage, because next time I won't be so forgiving."
His image flickered out, leaving Armitage Hux alone with the sudden understanding of his own mortality. He did not like the feeling.
Update from the Authors:
Hey everybody, this is JSailer and Squasher here and we have three points to address.
First, we apologize for uploading the chapter a week late, but this was done due to Squasher being on Vacation and me finishing up my summer job. Because of this, we fell behind on our backlog and we needed to buy ourselves some extra time to get caught up.
Second, we want to thank you for the wave of reviews we've been getting for the story. Namely, we want to thank Terminator57, Transformers g1's-Prime, SWEULover2007, We'retheDesperateMeasures-ODST, Networkruler, Charles123, and Alexeij for y'all's reviews.
Finally, the Guest's question: "While I do not remember if you addressed this, did Leia forbid Anakin from talking to her son like she does in canon? Does she talk to him?"
Answer: Leia has long since come to terms with her biological father, which means she did not forbid Anakin from speaking to Cale. The reason for Anakin not showing up to talking to him (or any of the other ghosts for that matter) is that an external force is purposely blocking this connection. As Leia describes in Chapter 15, the Force has become a murky sea she cannot navigate. In short, someone is doing some serious Force Bullshitery.
Also, the next chapter will be published August 18th.