Author's Note: We get to see that certain individuals know more than they appear to. Unfortunately, Kylo and Rey are reminded that people are conspiring against them.
Chapter 16 - Show yourself.
JK-2187 had just emerged from Rey's bathroom in the blue scrubs he had commandeered. The first thing Rey noticed about him was his striking green eyes. They were warm, inviting and the colour of moss. She beheld the rest of his exterior which included short sandy blonde hair and a natural sun-kissed olive complexion that was flawless. He was a handsome man and surprisingly he didn't even know it.
She dropped her gaze and he silently moved behind her to tuck his blaster in the back fold of her wheelchair. She could sense his nerves at being seen without his armour.
"You're the second stormtrooper I've seen without a mask now," she offered.
He snapped his head up. "Are you referring to FN-2187 my lady?"
"Yes, I am." She peeked over her shoulder at him. "Do you know him?"
He was pushing her out of her room towards the turbolift. "I know of him, my lady." He inspected the hall before he lowered his voice and continued. "We were assigned to the same squadron, but I didn't grow up with him. He's several years younger than I am."
Rey found herself whispering too even though she could sense no one was near enough to hear them. "Kylo mentioned you've probably never seen each other without a helmet on."
"That's correct my lady," he confirmed.
The door to the empty turbolift opened and they made their way inside. "How's that possible?"
"As children, we are given our designations and assigned to particular squadrons. Only when we come of age and complete our training do we join the front-line battles," he explained. "It was his first mission when he defected, but it wasn't mine." The door whizzed close behind them and they made their descent to the ground floor as he clarified. "We can only remove out helmets when we're advised to which mostly occurs when we're off duty. I didn't get the opportunity to officially meet him, my lady."
"Can you stop saying, my lady?" Rey griped. "I would prefer us to drop the formalities when we're alone."
"Of course." He relaxed a little. "Permission to speak freely?"
"Go ahead," she said.
He expelled a breath. "Why is it so important for you to be in the crowd when our Lord reveals his face?"
"Watching it on the holonet would not be the same," she replied. "I want to hear the reactions first hand when people discover he's not a disfigured monster below the mask."
JK-2187 was attempting to understand. "Are you wanting to know what the people think of him?"
"I need to know for my own reasons." If they accept him. Maybe they'll accept me. "Now, JK-2187 is there something shorter I can call you? Your designation is a mouthful." She allowed a subtle smile to creep across her face.
He seemed more at ease around her with every passing second. "JK is fine," he replied.
The automatic door opened to the foyer of the hospital and she could observe a large crowd forming outside. She could see hundreds and hundreds of creatures and humanoids. The excitement was like a free-flowing current. It hit Rey all at once. Leading her to let out an audible gasp.
"Are you alright?" JK asked with genuine concern.
She nodded. "I didn't realise there would be this much..." people, emotions. "… of a reception." They joined the line that was filtering outside.
"It's one thing to know of someone, but another to put a face to a name," he stated. Once they had stopped off to the side, he leaned down and whispered to her. "They're eager to see who your husband truly is."
She turned her face towards him slightly. "How did you know?"
He flashed a dashing smile in response. "The ring gives you away."
Rey's attention was then drawn to her left hand where her wedding band was still snugly fit on her finger. Before she had a chance to respond she heard a female's voice she didn't recognise address the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you all here for a momentous occasion," she declared.
30 Minutes earlier...
Kylo had marched through the halls of the hospital and made it back to the conference room. The administration had elected to use it as a private waiting room for the Emperor and the General. Hux was leaning against the one-way window that looked out over the courtyard that housed a newly erected stage. He was watching the large crowd form with members of the press filling out the multiple rows of seating before the podium. He pushed off the glass when Kylo entered.
Hux acknowledged Kylo's presence once the door had shut. "Are you ready for this?"
"Are you?" Kylo's voice came through his helmet.
"Of course, I am. I was born to give speeches," Hux snorted in response. "Will the Empress be making an appearance?"
"Now's not the time to overwhelm the galaxy with her existence." Kylo surveyed the room and noticed that a certain stormtrooper was absent. "Where's JK-2187?"
"Your wife called him away," Hux smugly replied.
He knows! "My wife?" Kylo smoothly queried.
"Don't play coy. I was notified the moment the certificate was lodged," Hux smirked. "I was surprised that you put the date that Starkiller was destroyed... but each to their own. I'm curious... where have you been stashing Ben Solo?" he inquired.
"It doesn't matter now that he's dead," Kylo retorted. "I killed him... just like his father." Kylo was thankful that he was revealing this information while wearing his mask. There was no way he kept his face neutral, even though he managed to keep his tone level.
"Why am I not surprised?" Hux grumbled. "You missed the opportunity of a public execution."
"Hosnian was enough. We don't need to show the galaxy the power of the First Order," he responded. "They already know."
A knock interrupted them and the door slightly opened. "They're ready for you General Hux."
Hux smoothed his gelled hair and nodded to the man who had peered into the room. Hux went to follow him and turned back to Kylo. "Continuing to display our power will keep them in line. We cannot show weakness."
"Inciting fear is not power." Why did I say that? Rey's thoughts must be influencing me. "If we continue down that path it will only lead to further rebellion."
"Fear is power," Hux scoffed. "Don't let your personal interests make you think any different." Hux left without a backwards glace.
Kylo exhaled slowly. Sadly, Hux was right. Fear is a path to the dark side and Kylo certainly knows it's power. Again, he was conflicted. He knew that even though he held the position of Emperor now, it may not last. Fear was a powerful motivator and death was often a necessary evil. It got him into the title he now held. Plenty of people had lost their lives to lead him to this point in his life.
But at what cost? His master's death was welcome, but the loss of every blood relation he held dear. His mother, his father, his uncle. For all their differences and beneath the anger and hostility. He loved them. How could he not? They were his family. He may not have chosen them, but he got them all the same.
Which lead him to Rey - his little ray of light - his beautiful wife. The last surviving family member he had left. She's the only person in the whole galaxy who can still see the good in him. She has accepted his mistakes and doesn't hold them against him. She loves him. Him.
Kylo Ren - The Dark Emperor - The Jedi Killer.
How the kriff did that happen? Clearly, she fell for his other half first.
Ben Solo - The Last Skywalker - The Jedi.
The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa. The light part of himself that is gentle with her. That wants to be her teacher. The man that answered her call and soothed the aching parts of her lonely heart. That was who she fell for and yet she married herself willingly to Kylo Ren too. That's why he needs to make this change. He wants to try to be better for her. His knee-jerk reaction cannot be to kill everyone in his path. He needs to find another way.
That's why he's choosing to show his face and step out from the shadows and into the light. Hopefully, people won't be afraid of him anymore. He wants to be the best version of himself. Only he can make that choice. It wasn't up to Rey to save him - he needed to do that himself. He was consumed by his inner musings when the same man from earlier had returned.
"It's time Emperor."
He's right. It is time.
Rey tuned out during Hux's long-winded speech. He had waffled on about the Resistance being a 'terrorist organisation'. 'Their blatant theft of supplies cannot be tolerated' - something about 'consequences.' She wasn't really paying attention. His voice was like nails on a chalkboard in comparison to Ben's. There were multiple people who clapped and fawned at the appropriate moments. The energy, for the most part, seemed positive.
As she scanned the crowd she found the occasional scowl and clenched fist. They didn't like the man that was on stage. But who could blame them? Her feelings were mutual. Brushing against their minds revealed most of their hostility was due to the destruction of the planet Hosnian. I promise he's going to pay for what he did. She vowed to them without their knowledge. I'll kill him if I have to.
She took notice when he began the introduction that she had patiently been waiting for.
"Without further ado. May I present our Emperor… the mighty Kylo Ren."
Rey bared her teeth. That sounded like an insult.
Hux knitted his brows and adjusted his collar on stage as he stepped away from the podium. Rey took a deep breath when she felt her husband coming closer and Hux visibly relaxed again.
Did I do that? Rey could feel Ben long before she saw his masked figure step out onto the stage to a thunderous applause. So far so good.
Hux turned his head to Kylo and Rey could see the subtle turn of his helmet to watch Hux as he passed by. An unspoken accusation passing between the two.
I knew you couldn't stay away. Kylo's velvety voice spoke into her mind with amusement. He stepped up to the microphone with his face still hidden by his mask. She could imagine that his gaze was directed at her.
As if I'd miss my husband's first public appearance.
Well, I'm glad you're here.
He raised his arms for the cheers to die down. "Thank you for the introduction, General Hux. I would like to start with this."
He lifted his hands up to his helmet and unclipped the latches at the side. He slowly removed it and shook his hair free. When he dropped the mask onto the stand that housed the microphone there were a few gasps and whispers.
A woman near Rey turned to the lady next to her. "I wasn't expecting that."
"You're telling me," the other replied. "He's young and … I can't even describe him."
"You can say his attractive," the first lady offered. "It's not a crime."
"It should be. To be young and attractive and rule an entire galaxy," the other giggled. "I don't even mind the scar." A mischievous grin on her face. "I wonder if he's single?"
Rey was overcome by a possessive wave of darkness. She looked up to the stage and locked eyes with Kylo. He had been casually watching her and ignoring the reactions of the crowd around him. Just breathe sweetheart. I can feel your dark energy from here.
He viewed the crowd and spoke his words with a regal conviction. "You have known my name and now it is time that you know my face. No longer will I rule from the shadows," he announced. "It's time for a new governing order."
Cheers erupted again. Kylo had to raise his hands to quiet the noise.
"I am not Snoke and my actions from this point forward will be to benefit the galaxy as a whole. I know you have a certain expectation of your ruler and I plan to not only met them, but surpass them. All I ask for is your patience." He shook his head. "Change cannot happen overnight even though we wish it could. The First Order has been involved in questionable behaviour in the past and I am here to confirm that we will not repeat the same mistakes of the past."
More cheers could be heard. He pursed his lips to withhold a smile and waited a little longer for the applause to lessen.
"Today I am here to present Inusagi Medical with a donation to continue to provide the outstanding medical care that I have seen them provide firsthand. I understand there have been rumours surrounding my health and I wish to acknowledge that although I appreciate the concern, I'm in perfect health." He gestured to Dr Stephens standing to the side behind him. "Now if Dr Stephens would please step forward."
Dr Stephens marched up to his side. They both turned towards each other.
"I cannot thank you enough for looking after a precious cause that is close to my heart. Please take this donation as an expression of that gratitude." Kylo pulled out a credit chip and offered it out towards Dr Stephens as well as his other hand for him to shake.
"On behalf of the hospital, I humbly accept your donation and your expression of gratitude." Dr Stephens gripped his hand and gave it a firm shake. "It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve our Emperor." He tilted his head and Kylo tilted his back in return. The flashing of cameras went off around them. They released each other and Dr Stephens stepped back and took his previous place on the stage. Kylo turned back to the microphone.
"I would like to open up the platform for the press to ask any questions."
An older gentleman in the front row stood up. "I'm Sav Manata from the Inusagi Daily. Is it true that a member of your family was admitted here for treatment?"
Kylo kept his expression calm. "Where did you hear that?"
"My sources are anonymous my lord." He inspected his notepad and glanced up at Kylo. "Apparently her name is Lady Ren."
Rey stiffened at the mention of her title. Kylo was being enveloped in darkness.
It's okay. Tell them what you have to. Rey assured him.
Hux did this. I know it.
We'll deal with him later. Just breathe. Be vague.
Kylo took a deep breath to centre himself before asking his own question. "Did the source mention anything else?"
"No my lord," Sav responded.
Kylo could feel the sincerity behind his words. They don't know we're married. "Yes, it is true. Lady Ren has been admitted."
Keep it that way.
A variety of people shouted at him their own questions. "When will we see her? Are you married? Does this make her our Empress?"
Time for the galaxy to think of me as two separate people. Just like you.
"Silence," Kylo loudly commanded. He took a breath. "I can confirm that I am married and that Lady Ren is, in fact, your Empress."
"Will your wife's injuries permanently limit her capabilities as Empress?" A female voice inquired without identifying herself.
"I didn't say that Lady Ren and my wife are the same person." Even though she is. "As for my Empress, she will be discharged shortly and is expected to make a full recovery. She will assume her throne in due course."
Whispers began. Manata spoke again. "Who is your wife then?"
"I know you have a lot of questions about her. For now, she will remain anonymous," Kylo smirked. "I don't believe she has chosen to acknowledge our union yet."
Nice touch.
"Are you saying that you and your wife are currently estranged?"
Another voice asked. "Are you getting a divorce?"
Never. "I'm saying that it's up to her to reveal her identity when the time is right. Enough questions. I would like to thank you all for coming out here today." He grabbed his helmet and tucked it under his arm and stepped away from the microphone. He began marching back towards the conference room and out of sight. I'll see you soon love.
Rey turned in the wheelchair towards JK. "Take me back to my room and station guards outside of it," she quietly hissed. "I don't want anyone getting anywhere near me or seeing my face."
Kylo spiraled around to confront Hux when they were back in the conference room. "What is wrong with you?" Kylo boomed.
"Whatever do you mean my Lord?" Hux frowned.
"Cut the bantha shit, Hux." Kylo was grinding his teeth. "Your the anonymous source aren't you? We both know this has you written all over it."
Hux appeared offended. "I had nothing to do with this," he counteracted. "It was probably the same person who tried to kill your wife."
"Tried to kill my wife?" Kylo copied with skepticism. He was failing to understand why anyone would want to cause harm to Rey.
"Really Ren?" Hux deadpanned. "Did it completely escape your notice that a pilot disobeyed my order and shot her out of the sky?" He scrubbed his face with his hand. "I knew love was blind, but this is ridiculous."
You could hear the creak from Kylo's gloves. "What is that supposed to mean?" Give me a reason not to kill you.
"Someone is targeting Rey," Hux huffed.
Kylo belittled his suggestion. "And why would they be doing that?"
"The best way to get to you is through her," Hux stated confidently. "Your compassion for her is your weakness."
She can't be in the hospital because of me. Kylo's eye twitched. "Love is not a weakness."
"Isn't it though? Her death would mean your destruction and you just openly publicised to the entire galaxy that you not only have one person to target... but two." He pointed at Kylo and then himself. "You and I know they are the same person, but not many others do."
Kylo was trying to process all this information. "Why do you care?"
"I don't." Hux glanced away quickly. "Her death would serve me no purpose. I kill her and you kill me. In the end, nobody would win." He casually began pacing back and forth. "You need to ask yourself who has the most to gain with you out of the way?"
"You," Kylo snorted.
"I thought we already covered this," Hux grunted in frustration. "Besides me."
Hux had a point. When did he start making sense? If Hux didn't do this - which is a pretty big if. The only other person who would stand to gain anything would be my second Knight.
"Lancel Ren," Kylo breathed out his accusation.
Author's Note: Hux is a clever man and he's very good at strategy. He wouldn't be the General if he wasn't. Why do you think he's survived being surrounded by powerful force users for so long? Through this exchange, we can see why Kylo is reluctant to kill him even though he pushes the boundaries. At this point, Kylo is still shaken by Rey's accident and he's struggling to think clearly. Hux hasn't had a personality transplant if that's what you're all thinking. He knows when to make a move and when to wait...