Chapter 5

Kylo Ren's quarters within the Star Killer base

"Snoke has requested to meet you."

I gulped, suddenly encased in terror. I couldn't believe that the evil dictator had so quickly learnt of my presence on his ship. Holding back tears, I looked up at the cold mask which had given me the dreaded information. Noticing my concern, Kylo removed his mask in an attempt to comfort my growing nerves.

"One of my guards informed him, still suspicious of my intentions. Snoke was curious as to why I had took an interest in you, so he ordered that he see you in person."

My hands began to tremble uncontrollably. I gasped for air as my heart rate dramatically increased from the stress I was experiencing. Feeling lightheaded, I replied to Kylo, knowing what his careful words really meant.

"He's going to kill me himself!" I cried hopelessly. My despair angered an impatient Kylo, who looked dissatisfied at my reaction.

"No he won't! Now listen to me! You will make sure that you keep that mouth of yours shut and do as I say. If he suspects anything then you can guarantee we will both be thrown off of the back of this ship!" He paused, regaining his composure. "The meeting will be this evening, and Snoke has made the effort to hold it in person."

I looked at him confused. Snoke was an incredibly busy creature, so why would he make the effort to come and see me in the flesh?

"What does this mean?" I asked wearily, unsure of what Kylo's response would be.

"It means that he sees more value in you than I do."

I clenched my jaw shut at his harsh words and looked away from his guiltless eyes. If Snoke caught us out, I would spare Kylo no sympathy after the despicable way he had treated me. In a dominant move, he grabbed my chin and turned my head back so I was once again facing him. He ignored the way that his careless words made me feel and showed no signs of remorse to me.

"Before we go you must eat. It has been days since you've digested any solid substances. Follow me to the dining hall, but do not utter a single word to anyone! You will keep your head down and avoid any eye contact."

In an instant I felt worthless. To the first order, I was nothing but a lowly slave from Jakku. It was a far cry from the respectful position I held in the resistance. Yet I knew that there was no way I could return there after meeting Kylo Ren. I had no idea whether Han and Leia were aware of what Ben had turned into, but I couldn't bear to be the one who told them.

As he prepared to direct me through the many corridors of the base, Kylo re-attached his mask. Yet again I was grateful that my blaster had been returned; it was the only thing which gave me the confidence to encounter the masses of Stormtroopers which would surely be roaming the ship. He walked out of the door of his room and I silently followed behind. I was aware that I had more than enough to worry about, without angering Kylo being one of them.

It wasn't long until I watched Kylo's feet come to an immediate stop outside of a large doorway. Once opened, it revealed the large dining hall full of starving soldiers which were eagerly devouring their meals. My eyes bulged at the selection of foods on offer. The place reminded me of the bustling markets on Jakku. A jolt of sadness filled me as I realized that all of that was now destroyed. Kylo broke me out of my daze and ushered me to a small table for the two of us.

"Take a seat and stay here."

Without another word, he left me to get us both our meals. I kept my focus on the surface in front of me, not daring to catch the attention of anyone else around. After a few minutes Kylo returned, armed with a tray full of a variety of different foods. I was surprised to see that he had gotten nothing for himself, but chose not to ask any questions as I rapidly wolfed down all of my meal. My lack of nourishment had definitely took its toll, causing my hunger to be stronger than ever.

It felt like only seconds before I was left staring at an empty tray. I looked up from the table, but was swiftly overwhelmed by the considerate number of troopers which had been staring in my direction. Feeling self – conscious, I returned my gaze back downwards. Kylo's mechanical voice regained my attention.

"Have you finished?"

"Yes." I murmured meekly. Being forced into following his orders made the situation all the more uncomfortable.

"Good. It is time for our meeting with the supreme leader."

Kylo rose from the table and commenced to leave it. I took this as my cue to follow him out of the grand room. Fear pulled at me as time went on and we got closer to seeing Snoke. I attempted to swallow it down and put up a brave front. The last thing I wanted was for him to sense my weakness. The hallways became more lavish as we continued to travel through the ship. I knew that this was a sign of us getting closer to the meeting room.

After a short 10 minute walk, we finally reach the royal hall. Kylo soundlessly opened the door and discretely grabbed my arm, to prevent me from trying to escape now that we were here. I was shocked to see the frail body of Snoke seated on a dark throne across the room.

"Good evening master."

"And to you Kylo. I see you've brought me the little fighter I've heard so much about."

At this point Snoke paused to look me up and down. I felt myself squirming under his authoritative gaze. He was likely picking me apart for any vulnerabilities I had, which he could use to his advantage if needed. I looked over to Kylo, hoping he would respond to Snoke so that I could be spared from the critical scrutiny I was subject to. He disappointed me by remaining silent and impassive.

"I must say Kylo, you have picked well with this one!"

I was astonished by Snoke's complimentary statement. However, I couldn't understand why he thought so well of me after all of the trouble I had caused on board the Star Killer. Regardless of my inquisitiveness, I didn't dare speak up and interrupt the conversation.

"What makes you think this Master Snoke? This girl is simply a slave taken from Jakku."

"You haven't sensed it Kylo? Despite being weak, I can feel the force within her."

Kylo immediately looked over at me. Even though his face was obscured by his mask, I knew he was just as shocked as me at this revelation. I had no idea what to think of the new information. Never in my life had Luke ever informed me of my powers; such a great Jedi like him must have sensed it in me. In one way I felt betrayed that I had never been told of this up until now. If Snoke knew that I was force sensitive, he would surely exploit it.

"How do you feel this, master? I sense no force within her."

"It is untrained and hidden away, but it is present inside of her. You must train her and show her the ways of the dark side."

The supreme leader's sinister smile added to my disgust. I would sooner die than join the first order. Knowing that I was force sensitive only gave me more spur to try and escape this destructive ship. I noticed Kylo curl his hands into fists and could tell he was frustrated that he hadn't discovered my powers up until this point.

"Yes master. I will teach her to harness her powers."

"You must start as soon as possible! We will need her well – trained by our next attack on the resistance in a few months."

"I will try my best."

His calm voice was very deceiving at hiding his obvious anger. Snoke dismissed the both of us, seemingly content that he had a new recruit. I was just grateful that my powers served as a distraction as to why I had really been summoned to him. If he had searched my mind then I would have been totally exposed to him. He would have surely learned why Kylo had actually saved my life.

The walk back to Kylo's room was spent in a tense silence. I was still in too much shock to worry about his temper. Once we reached our destination, both of us entered his chambers. I jumped in fear as he violently slammed the door shut behind him. The mask on his head was thrown off in a fit of rage. His eyes were full of fury as he looked at me in repulsion.

"How can you have the force?! I should have sensed it in you, no matter how weak it is!"

"I don't know Kylo." I replied monotonously, trying not to spike his anger.

"How can I not feel it?!"

This time the question was directed at himself. I watched his outburst in silence as he punished himself for never sensing my powers. He then directed his rage towards me, searching through every part of my body, attempting to find the force which had been concealed away from him. The longer he continued, the more determined he became to find it.

My body filled with pain as he used a stronger force to search through me. Every inch of my body was being ravaged mercilessly in his quest to sense the powers which his master had found within me effortlessly. I cried out as the agony became unbearable.

"Stop Kylo! You're hurting me too much!"

Relief encompassed me as he withdrew from hunting through my body. I collapsed to the ground with exhaustion. Kylo noticed me falling and kneeled down next to me. He was too consumed with resentment to notice the tears pooling in my eyes.

"It was Luke! He knew of your powers and hid them away from everyone, knowing that you would join me!"

"I would never join you." I managed to weakly mumble. Hearing my strained voice caused Kylo's eyes to refocus on the scene in front of him. Noticing my trembling form, he gently picked my body up and carried me to his bed. After placing me down I saw his face again. The disappointment was still evident in his eyes, despite being much calmer now. I struggled to stay awake from the fatigue of his onslaught. My eyes began to drift close and I let myself be pulled into unconsciousness. Just as I was consumed by sleep, I heard a soft whisper by my ear.

"I'm sorry Ana."