Chapter 1

The elite of the elite

Five years later

Things have changed for the First Order in recent years. Young Arya has begun to be trained, the Order's ranks have grown tenfold and their power is now reaching new heights. In the midst of all this, the White Storm was making its way. As the most efficient squad, they were given certain freedoms. Unlike others, they have access to some leisure activities and have more time to eat.

The eight members of the squad made their way to the cafeteria of the Servitor, the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer to which they were assigned. As soon as they enter, the silence is heavy. The other Stormtroopers are not allowed to speak, otherwise they won't have time to finish their meal. Everything is calculated to the second to prevent them from talking to each other.

As the White Storm members finish collecting their meals, they head for a distant table reserved for them. Once there, they settle in and remove their helmets. All were easily recognizable.

Dorvaas has black hair, brown eyes and a light beard. Doc has brown hair and eyes. Bullseye is bald with blue eyes. Brains has black hair, blue eyes and a balbo beard. Corny has medium-length orange hair, like his eyes. Cyclops has brown hair, with an imposing lock falling over his forehead. His left eye is green and several unclosed scars cover the outline of his missing right eye. Reaper has rather short black hair for a woman and blue eyes. Butcher has blond hair and blue eyes.

"And to think that just a few years ago we were like that too..." observes Cyclops, looking at the other troopers.

"I'd like to change things, but we know how tough the rules are." replies Dorvaas.

"Still, I'm glad we can finally enjoy the privileges accorded to the best squads." adds Corny.

"Yeah, we mostly know you're happy about it because you can finally watch Twi'Lek porn on your holo-tablet." says Reaper in the calmest of tones.

Many laughed as Corny tried to justify himself.

"I don't see- How the fuck do you know that?" he says.

Reaper continues to eat in silence.

"If only we had separate quarters." continued Corny.

"We wouldn't have to put up with you, that's for sure." Butcher laughs.

"Come on guys, stop the horseplay." adds Doc.

Everyone eventually calmed down and continued eating.

On the bridge of the Servitor is Colonel Shon Drayen, the ship's commander. Despite his high position in the Navy, he prefers to watch the battles and enjoy the vastness of space, rather than supervise the assaults from Starkiller base like any other colonel. He's a handsome blonde man with blue eyes, wearing a teal officer's uniform and a greatcoat as well as a band on the left arm. The Aurebesh inscription on it commemorate the Imperial Warlord Kaplan, like for all First Order colonels.

"Bring on the White Storm." he says to one of his officers.

"Yes, sir." replies the young lieutenant.

Colonel Drayen swiveled his head to face the space immensity once again. It's a sight he'll never be able to stop seeing. Here he finds calm and serenity despite the military environment in which he is surrounded. He is a man of exceptional intelligence and strategic sense, surpassing many officers of the First Order. That's why he wants to put his skills to direct use in battle.

He joined up when he could, after his parents were mistakenly killed by a rebel group when he was just five. It was just before the battle of Jakku, he remembers it well. The Rebel Alliance was seeking information on the declining Empire, and it was while destroying a cruiser that debris landed on Shon's home, killing his parents. It's as if his life has always been linked to this war. He was born on the very day of the Battle of Yavin, the day the Empire lost the Death Star. He grew up listening to his parents watching holonews about the war, even though he didn't understand anything about it because he was so young. But as soon as his parents died, and the Empire signed the surrender shortly afterwards, he had no means of revenge. Until the birth of the First Order.

"Sir, they're here."

The young lieutenant broke the silence and snapped the colonel out of his thoughts. Shon turned and saw the eight stormtroopers standing at attention in front of him.

"Dismiss, soldiers." he says, and the members of the White Storm assume a more relaxed posture. "You can also remove your helmets."

In perfect synchronization, everyone takes off their helmets and keeps them on under their arms at hip level.

"I have orders to pass on to you, which come directly from our guide, Supreme Leader Snoke." continues Shon.

Snoke. His name made a few members of the White Storm shudder. No one had seen him in real life, not even Shon, but his name was enough to maintain the mystery and power surrounding this sinister being.

"Furthermore, Kylo Ren himself has confirmed his decision in this regard, you'll understand why."

Colonel Drayen grabs a tablet emblazoned with the First Order at the back and strolls in front of the eight soldiers, never taking his eyes off the screen. He paused to look up at Dorvaas.

"FN-2687, Sergeant Dorvaas if I'm not mistaken. That's what your teammates call you, isn't it?"

"That's right, sir." he replied.

"An exceptional soldier, ever since you were a cadet. Captain Phasma herself praised your exploits as she was your instructor, which explains your many military distinctions. You excel in combat tactics even under the pressure of enemy fire, and yet you've refused all promotion..."

Dorvaas remains stony-faced.

"I have my reasons, Colonel."

"I believe you."

Shon stepped forward to face Brains.

"Brains, right? Your memory is exceptional and has served you well since you graduated top of your class at the Academy. You could have been a lieutenant at the very least, yet you chose to fight on the front line, very honorable."

"I don't regret my choice, sir." Brains says.

"What's more, you speak... thirty-five languages, right?" continues the colonel.

"Thirty-eight, Colonel."

Shon couldn't believe it. Many officers only speak Basic. He's one of the few to speak several languages, an incredible eleven in all, and he's facing a trooper who speaks almost forty.

"Thirty-eight, yes... I apologize. And you can read and write another five, correct? I wouldn't want to be wrong about you again."

Brains nods his head in approval.

"It's admirable, and on top of that, you can infiltrate any computer system. A man like you is the pride of the First Order."

He continues his speech.

"Bullseye, you're a sharpshooter capable of taking down a target from up to ten kilometers away. It's almost inhuman, but your marksmanship is unrivalled in the First Order army. I don't think a soldier will ever be capable of such performances."

As usual, Bullseye says nothing and simply glances at Shon. The Colonel now turns his attention to Cyclops.

"Cyclops, your right eye was a precious asset in battle. It gave you the record for most enemies killed in ground combat. However, a shrapnel snatched it away from you. This injury could have been the end of your career as a soldier but you didn't give up. You continued the fight and even managed to beat your own elimination record. This left eye has become your new major asset."

"Thank you, sir!" Cyclops says.

Shon turns to the only girl in the squad.

"Reaper, your skills with heavy weaponry are remarkable. You are able to assemble a standing laser cannon in less than five minutes from scratch. Cadets are generally given two weeks to do this and during your exam, it only took you an hour. In theory and in practice, heavy weapons hold no secrets for you."

Reaper keeps a serious face and just lowers her head as a sign of respect and thanks. Colonel Drayen directs his gaze to Butcher.

"Butcher, explosives specialist. Unlike your heavy soldier colleague, your talent largely concerns detonators and missile weapons. You two seem to complement each other well. I have heard of certain sabotage missions carried out to perfection and those thanks to the creation of your explosives, the Order thanks you."

"And I thank the First Order for everything it has given me." replies Butcher.

The colonel moves again, this time to face Corny.

"Corny… What can I say about you? Your way of dealing with fights and difficult situations with humor is a... very unorthodox method. However, you bring group cohesion to this squad and this strengthens you all."

Corny smiles and takes a proud posture.

"And to finish..." Shon goes in front of Doc. "Last but not least, Doc. Reading your file, your knowledge of medicine impressed me, I admit. You have saved so many soldiers and military personnel even in the middle of battle by providing them with first aid. Your courage is unfailing and I understand the confidence of these soldiers at your side when they go to fight with a man like you to help them."

"I am only doing my duty, Colonel Drayen." says Doc with modesty.

Shon puts down his tablet.

"Colonel, if I may ask... why did you give each of us a brief? We already know each other." Dorvaas asks suddenly.

"I know that you and your men know each other well, Sergeant, but if I called you by your given names and gave this overview, it is not for you."

Emerging from a dark corner of the bridge, Kylo Ren approaches to stand next to the colonel. The members of the White Storm are each surprised and lower their heads to greet the warrior of the dark side.

"Troopers, you will now be assigned to Kylo Ren as his personal squad." explains Shon.

Dorvaas cannot believe the honor granted to him and his men. Kylo Ren may be a mysterious figure and almost as terrifying as Snoke, there is little greater honor than being his arm in combat as Vader's Fist was as a legion during the Empire.

"The honor is immense, sir. My men and I will not disappoint you!" Dorvaas says, greeting Kylo Ren with respect.

The warrior approaches the sergeant.

"From now on, you will only answer to me and your colonel, is that understood?"

"YES SIR!" exclaimed the eight soldiers in unison.

Shon spoke again.

"In addition, with the mutual agreement of the Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren and myself, you are now authorized to use your pseudonyms in combat as well as the customization of your armor. This will allow other soldiers to distinguish you and give them orders more easily even if they exceed you in rank. Please note that these privileges are a first in the First Order army and are granted to you solely thanks to your exploits."

Each of the members of the White Storm reacts differently, internally at least to maintain a composure in front of Kylo Ren.

"Well, we will prove ourselves worthy of these privileges." Dorvaas says on a determined tone.

"Perfect, you can return to your quarters." Shon adds.

Still in unison, each trooper greets Colonel Drayen and Kylo Ren before leaving the bridge in single file. It was at this moment that Dorvaas noticed a young girl, an almost adult teenager, in a corner of the bridge. That blond hair... those gray eyes, he recognized her immediately. It's this girl that he, his men, Kylo Ren and Phasma had met five years ago on Mustafar. Arya.

The White Storm arrives at its quarters. This announcement clearly shocked them. Everyone takes off their helmets and while Reaper and Cyclops lie down on their respective beds, Corny does not seem to have the same ode.

"Are we really not going to talk about the crazy thing that just happened? We are officially THE best squad in the First Order." he says over excited.

"And with this new assignment, we're going to have to redouble our efforts to meet Kylo Ren's expectations, we know." replies Cyclops looking at the ceiling from his bed.

Doc is heading near Dorvaas.

"Is everything okay, buddy?"

"Yeah, but I don't think you saw her."

Doc is perplexed.

"The kid from Mustafar, she was on the bridge." continues Dorvaas.

"Eh? How did you see her?"

"As we were leaving, she was on our right watching. It was Ren who brought her."

The two men stay aside, still talking while Corny continues to bawl.

"But I think about it, we were given the right to customize our armor. That's crazy stuff too!"

"Misery... I don't want to know what you're going to draw on yours." Reaper says, rolling over in her bed to face the wall.

Butcher notices Dorvaas and Doc in a corner.

"Hey boss, are you following the discussion or are you hiding something from us?"

"I'm listening" begins Dorvaas "Corny was just talking about customizing our armors."

"Yeah, we will do like the clones." Corny adds.

This takes Dorvaas by surprise.

"You know about that?"

"Obviously, you're not the only Clone Wars fan here." Corny takes a proud and teasing tone.

"You impress me, I admit it."

"I think this is the case for everyone." Butcher adds.

Everyone laughs a bit.

"Okay you want to be smart? I challenge the sergeant to a general knowledge test on all things clone-related." provokes Corny.

"I don't have time for this." exhale Dorvaas.

Corny giggles.

"Afraid you might lose?"

"Afraid that I might get pissed." Dorvaas adds.

Everyone is taken by surprise by this remark.

"Damn what a burn!" Butcher says hardly believing what he just heard.

Once again, everyone laughs at Corny.

A little further from there, in the destroyer hangar, Kylo Ren goes to his shuttle accompanied by his young apprentice Arya.

"Master, these soldiers are truly worth the honor you gave them?" she asks.

"If you question my decisions, then you probably don't learn anything from my lessons."

Arya swallows before speaking.

"Sorry master, that's not what I was implying. I just wanted to make sure they were effective."

Kylo stays silent for a moment.

"Just listen to what I tell you, we'll see about the rest later."

"At your orders, master." replies Arya on a low voice.

Both force users arrive at the Upsilon-class command shuttle. They sit in their respective places before the shuttle takes off and leaves the Servitor hangar. Kylo Ren turns his head towards Arya.

"Training session as soon as we arrive at the base."

Arya just nodded, probably overthinking about her past as usual...