Hux stared down at the TIE pilot and glowered. "You lost him," he muttered. "You... lost him. We can't afford to have him exist. Where did you last pick up his trace?"

"Gamma Quadrant, Master," replied the Stormtrooper, nervously. "He just ... disappeared."

As he spoke, Phasma arrived at the Throne Room door. She stepped purposefully towards the Supreme Leader, watching him closely as he leant back against the golden seat. Around him, stood his 8 Praetorian Guards, their bodies motionless, but their cold, expressionless masks turned directly towards the black suited pilot, who moved uncomfortably on the spot.

"Master," she said. "We have news of the Resistance base."

Hux's head snapped towards her. He nodded, and stepped from the Throne, passing the pilot as he headed towards his Commander.

"Guards," he said, waving his hand as he stepped towards Phasma. She stepped in beside him, and both proceeded to exit the Throne Room, moving instead into the elevator. The pair spun around, and watched as the doors closed upon his Guards slowly circling the Stormtrooper, their hands moving to their sabre holsters.

The doors closed with a clunk, and the elevator started to accelerate towards the lower floors.

"Tell me," said Hux.

"We picked up a communication from their allies. Ciphered, but targeted at the tiny planet of Zuarilia. A scout picked up a freighter trail. It looks like they are smuggling in new blood."

"Excellent, Phasma. Excellent," Hux's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Then we have them. Set a course, but let's not jump just yet. Timing on this is crucial."

"Yes, Master," she replied.

He turned his head towards her. "And how do preparations go?"

Phasma waited a beat, before speaking, "We have the texts. It appears Snoke completed his Gifting in the months before he formed the First Order. But it's not an easy ceremony to complete. There's also not the small matter of getting the the Guards to agree..."

"Leave that with me," continued Hux. "I recognise their need for a leader. It will come naturally, at the right time."

"There's also the - effects," she continued. "Master, are you sure this is what you -"

"It's the only way to secure our complete, and final, control." he replied, firmly. "The Dark side has always led our side, and it cannot be any other way. Also... I admit, I'm curious."

"It could kill you, Sir," she replied, bluntly.

"I think not," he replied.

He then continued, "Meanwhile, Kylo Ren's escape is.. unhelpful. I suggest we send another team to track him down."

"Where do you think he would be headed?"

"He's lost, like a wounded animal. So I imagine, back to the past. Whatever he may have called home."

The elevator slowed, and stopped. The doors hissed open, and Hux stepped out. He turned, and their eyes locked.

"Is there something more?" he asked. "You...hesitate."

Phasma's expressionless mask remained motionless, as she considered herself. Finally, she spoke. "Master. Is Kylo Ren really a threat? Our focus should perhaps be on the ..."

Hux raised a hand. Stop.

Slowly, he spoke. "Kylo Ren is broken. His own feelings are tearing him apart. But as long as he lives, he represents Hope, to the Resistance. Hope that perhaps he will find his way back.

"And for that, he must die."