She strode through the bridge towards the solitary man, standing with his back towards her, watching the blackness of space through the view screen.
Breathing in heavily she could feel the nerves building within her stomach. Although she had been summoned to see Ren before, it was still unusual for her to be here. As she walked along the raised platform her presence drew some glances from the crew who were busy attending to their own duties.
She ignored everyone, kept her focus of the person who had summoned her here. She knew why she was being called. Had even expected it. She had planned for it, had rehearsed what she would say. But it being so close to her goals, to her escape. It made her nervous. She had to keep calm.
She stopped as she reached the man in black. She didn't speak, the click of her heals on the polished floor as she stood to attention was the only indication that she was there.
Shade knew Ren was aware she was there, but he kept her waiting. He did not move. She felt a wave of nervousness wash over her.
Keep calm...
When Ren finally turned around to speak to her, Shade wished that she was still waiting for him, suddenly feeling unprepared for the interaction.
"One of your troopers has been found dead Captain Shade."
Shade nodded "Sf-9178. Yes Ren. I've just been informed. Most unfortunate. I am, however, surprised that you are taking an interest in the death of such a low level foot soldier".
The inscrutable Kylo Ren stared at her "Aboard my ship i miss nothing Captain Shade. You would be wise to remember that. I find your arrogance disturbing. Do you care to explain why one of your hand picked team has met their demise aboard my ship?"
"I'm letting security handle the details Ren. But my own thoughts are that it's probably just something that got out of hand. Maybe 9178 finally antagonised the wrong person. She was...an abrasive character sometimes..."
Shade felt a fleeting tingling in the back of her head. A sensation that she had previously experienced a couple of times before in recent days. She imagined closing a door. She concentrated hard, knowing somehow that this would make it stop.
Behind his mask, Ren narrowed his eyes. His mind probing had been the lightest he could muster, but she had sensed it. Had stopped it.
"Is there something you want to tell me Captain Shade?"
Shade shook her head, "No. I don't think so. I'll head up to her quarters now. Do you want a further update?"
"If I do, it will not be from you." Ren could feel the anger flowing through him, but he didn't want to give in to it yet. There would be a time for that very soon. He turned away from Shade, silently contemplating this development.
Shade left the bridge. She needed to prepare for her next move, and her time was running out.
Standing alone once again, Ren opened his private communications channel. "You are clear to depart immediately. Remember what I told you...One last thing. I have decided that you are authorised to use any force that you feel is necessary..."
