AN: Thanks to everyone for the continued support! and don't worry, next chapter we'll be going back to Rey and will be examining things from her perspective once again. I was just bored and needed a break from writing from her perspective, or even just writing about her in general. So for now I hope you enjoy this chapter. I hope you enjoy!
"General Hux? What brings you here today, I do not believe that it was time for my reports yet," Kylo stated as he looked down at the redheaded general from his throne.
"Sir, our engineers have designed plans for the ultimate superweapon, or, if I were to be more accurate, superweapons," Hux spoke confidently as he held the reports by his side, ready to show the plans and logistics to the new Supreme Leader.
"What are these plans?" Kylo asked with the slightest hint of fear in his voice.
'Strange,' Hux thought, while careful to keep his observation hidden, 'Why is he afraid? I will need to do snooping later, to find out why.'
Hux cleared his throat briefly before continuing, "We plan to create several smaller cannons to destroy planets or bases. The idea is that the Resistance is like ants, and we've been targeting them with a cannon, but with these plans it would be like targeting them with a magnifying glass, creating minimal collateral damage and preventing them to gain any sympathizers. However," Hux continued, as if revealing his final trump card, "If we get a large enough group of them, and place it strategically around a planet's tectonic plates we could destroy a planet. The best part about this entire plan is that, unlike Starkiller Base, it would take dozens of highly skilled pilots to prevent a planet's destruction, instead of just one. If you approve we could start production immediately, Supreme Leader," Hux finished as he handed Kylo the reports.
The look that Hux observed on Kylo's face was one of being trapped, as if he were ruined no matter what choice he made. That just intrigued Hux even more, as it meant there was a reason, likely personal, for his lack of immediate signing. Hux watched every move as Kylo took out a quill and dipped it in ink, quickly signing his name in the designated spot on the page in a neat scrawl before handing it back to the general. Hux carefully tucked away the documents, leaving the room with a brisk pace as he had what he needed, and likely information that could topple Kylo's rule.
Once he had given the document to his personal droid for distribution to the engineering sector, Hux decided to try and sneak his way into Kylo's room, to see if he could find the reason for Ren's apparent behavior from earlier. He carefully slunk his way through the halls, ensuring that his thoughts and actions were well hidden from the force user, as he made his way towards the Supreme Leader's room. Outside of the room two stormtroopers were positioned, bizarrely enough with their masks off, and appeared to be having a conversation.
"... and then he just ran out of the room as if he were being shot at. I honestly don't know if this is better or worse than his temper tantrums, at least we could walk away when he was having those," grumbled a brown haired man as he crossed his arms.
"And then, after a few minutes of chasing him we lose sight, and he comes back with a book! I mean, was it really that pressing to get that book right then?" said a younger blonde man, with all of the annoyance that he could muster.
"I know! Still not as weird as those conversations he has with himself," The brunette said, briefly taking on the tone of his companion for a moment.
"I don't think it's to himself. Do you think he has an imaginary friend? Maybe he's schizophrenic..." the blonde queried as he appeared to look uneasy at the thought.
"So do you think those episodes are just caused by his pills wearing off or something?" The brunette asked sarcastically.
"Maybe, it's my best bet," The blonde answered, not seeming to pick up on the lack of interest from his companion.
"Honestly, once the first Supreme Leader died we were screwed," The brunette stated as he quickly changed the topic.
"What makes you say that?" The blonde asked with genuine curiosity.
"Well on one end we have Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, and on the other we have General Hux. We know quite well the issues with Kylo from firsthand experience, but I've heard from the Echo Squad that Hux isn't much better. Apparently he only cares about three things, the goals and leadership of the First Order, Captain Phasma, and his cat." The brunette said flatly as he uncrossed his arms and leaned against the durasteel wall.
"He has a cat?" The blonde asked in amusement.
"Seems like it. Have you not heard Kylo complaining about it?" The brunette asked back, bewildered that his friend had not known about this.
"I just thought it might be like an imaginary enemy, because you do need to admit that Millicent is a pretty cool sounding villain name," The blonde said as he momentarily drifted off into his own world.
"I suppose you're right. Let's just focus on the task at hand though for a while. This conversation is getting kind of strange," The brunette deadpanned as he moved back into a perfect standing position, picking his weapon off the ground.
After their conversation had been over a few minutes Hux had put together a strategy of sorts to get in.
"Troopers, who allowed you to take your helmets off. I do believe you are on duty still," Hux stated in a passive aggressive tone, hoping they would take the hint.
"It is part of the new ruling, bill C-6178, which allows stormtroopers of the same division to keep their helmets off when on duty so long as they are not fighting or in a position that would require them to fight frequently, general," The brunette stated as he straightened his slumped shoulders.
Shocked by this new revelation that he had heard nothing about Hux quickly changed his strategy. Looking at their numbers he stated in an authoritative tone that he rarely used off of the bridge, "A-9645 and A-2167, go grab me a copy of this report, as well as your direct leading captain to explain to me all of the changes implemented by this bill."
"Yes sir!" They both stated nervously as they went to go and grab those things for him.
Once they were out of sight Hux quickly picked the lock, sneaking into the room with next to no issues. He made quick work of hunting the place, as he was on borrowed time. He peered under the bed to find several books there, and deciding they were his best bet he left the room with them. He quickly locked the door and went down the hallway a bit, hiding the books in a ventilation shaft that was around the corner to raise minimal suspicion. He then proceeded to quickly make his way back to the door, and waited for the stormtroopers to arrive. He would review those books later.
AN the second: I know that it's a bit shorter than the previous two chapters but I felt it was an appropriate time to end, seeing as the important revelations from the books will come a bit later. I hope you all enjoy this, seeing as this was my favorite chapter to write, although that might just be because Hux is my favorite character (Yes, I even prefer him over Kylo). Anywho, in the time before my vacation I am going to try and get as many chapters done as possible for you guys, and when I get back I shall reveal a personal project idea in the AN to see if you guys would like it or not. Until next time, this has been Tanzanite for Jade.