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Lucyfer · May 15, 2016

Gnaeus was able to bow his head at the end, and he waited for Kylo to get to his feet. He followed last, and when they turned the corner to leave Snoke’s sight, Kylo stumbled. 

Gnaeus expected it. ‘Training’ with Mira had usually resulted in training his own mental guards, and it hurt to have those shattered. It was like his mind was melting out, so he didn’t blame Kylo for stumbling. He just wrapped an arm around his upper torso, under his shoulders, and helped to hold him up. 

Kylo didn’t have the thoughts to stop him. “Yeah,” Gnaeus answered Paquin, “We’re all peachy here. Let’s go.” There was nothing to grab in his opinion. “We can go to a planet to get some food stuff and hygiene supplies and then get on our way to Korriban.” He wasn’t sure how stocked Korriban was for them, but he didn’t trust it. 

Kylo remained silent. 

~***~ ‘So a teenager is an adult now?’ 

Mira did not argue, but a lazy smile remained on her lips. Poe was in for hard times if he wanted to stick to his current belief systems, and Mira felt terrible for wanting to see how Poe broke, either to keep them, or to change them. Something terrible must have happened to him. 

As she followed BB-8, it was easier to not think ill of Kylo, recalling he had only been a teenager as well. She didn’t go as fast as BB-8, and she planned to get some sort of food on a stick or a sandwich so that when Leia wanted her, she’d be ready to go. 

Finn was with the other pilots, and Mira hung back as BB-8 told its story, and at the end of it, Finn seemed to recall her. A part of her wanted to say ‘I told you’—in regards to Hux being different than he expected. Instead, she said, “At least one great power has divided. The Knights will be weaker for it,” not the First Order. 

Finn should know that, though. He saw the havoc Kylo Ren brought. “Finn, do you know if there are any instruments or tools that could turn these into beads?” Mira asked, opening her hand to show the small kyber crystals. She’d decided she wasn’t going to ask for beads, she was just going to make a few herself. The problem was, she didn’t know how, exactly, to make the holes through the crystals. 

~***~ 

“Is that all then, Lieutenant?” Leia asked, to make sure it. 

“It is, ma’am.” 

“Very well. I will see Hux at dawn. Thank you for bringing the message,” Leia stated, and with that the connection between the two was broken. Leia let out a sigh as her hands fell to the central console. She shut her eyes for several seconds, just breathing, just focusing, just feeling. 

With one last deep breath, she straightened, and sent one off to find both Poe and Mira. They were likely not together, but they both knew the way to the command center by now.

KyloGlenn · May 15, 2016

Paquin felt insanely bad, seeing Kylo stumble. She then understood why Kylo didn’t want to retreat from the kyber crystal planet. She felt bad that Ariel and herself had further laid into him afterwards. And then had him return to Snoke where his head was invaded so painfully. Paquin just nodded at Gnaeus’s words, a concerned glance being shot towards a silent Kylo Ren. 

Paquin and Ariel continued on at a slow pace for Kylo. The brunette had a thought, though, so she dismissed herself, “I’ll meet you guys at the ship, I need to grab something.” She broke off from the other three, heading towards the rooms. She wasn’t sure how long they’d be gone, but just in case, she’d bring the kyber crystal. 

She wasn’t sure she’d need it with them, but it was clear they wouldn’t have a chance to get another. She didn’t want to risk something happening to it. At the very least, she could juggle with it. Use it for entertainment. 

She was glad she didn’t throw her First Order uniform away, as the crystal was shoved in the pocket. She snagged it and immediately turned around to return to the other Knights. She held the crystal in her hand since her armor didn’t have pockets. ‘Stupid.’ 

- 

Finn could almost sense that she wanted to say ‘I told you so’, and he didn’t blame her. She had told him, he’d give her that. Never in a million years would Finn have thought Hux would actually break from Snoke or be having some sort of diplomatic meeting with the Resistance. 

Finn sort of hoped it all would work out, despite his distaste for Hux and the Order. Whatever would keep everyone safe. 

“Beads? Like for jewelry?” Finn chuckled at the idea. It was actually pretty creative. Finn studied the crystals for a moment, trying to think of a way to make small holes through them. “Hm, I’m not sure. I haven’t really dealt with kyber crystals before. You could try a tiny laser or something?” He suggested. 

BB-8 beeped then, an arm shooting out and pointing at the ground. A tiny laser beamed out, burning the ground a little bit. As an astromech droid, BB-8 was equipped to make some small repairs. “I’m not sure how tough the crystals are, but it’s worth a shot?” Finn offered, patting the droid on its dome head. 

“Vallens!” A woman’s voice called out, walking towards them. “General Organa is looking for you. The details of the meeting have been confirmed. Poe’s already headed to the command center.” She informed upon reaching them. Finn was tempted to say congratulations on the meeting. “Come when you’ve gotten something to eat.” She finished, offering Mira a small smile.

Lucyfer · May 15, 2016

It was storming when the three returned outside. It hadn’t been before. “More to my theory that Snoke literally controls the weather.” Gnaeus said. 

At that time, it was not a happy thought. If Snoke could control the weather, what else could he do? And, more importantly, how? Was it through the Force, or was it something his species was good at? Gnaeus didn’t even know what Snoke was. Kylo had hinted that Snoke no longer looked how he did when they first meet, but he had still looked pretty messed up. 

Over the years, Gnaeus had noted him changing, too. “You want to pilot, Kylo?” 

Kylo shook his head, removing himself from Gnaeus to straighten up and stand in the rain. 

Gnaeus didn’t like silent Kylo. At all. He also didn’t want to piss Kylo off to make him talk. Before he could, Paquin was returning to them. “All right, let’s get on to a store. We can get ice cream or something, too.” 

He could feel the annoyed look from Kylo, and he realized then Kylo had left his helmet. ‘And there is no way in hell you’re running back to get it, are you?’ Gnaeus was still wearing his. Kylo realized it at the same time he did, as he saw his reflection in the black. 

He just walked forward first, Gnaeus letting him as the ramp fell down and the door swung open. “What’d you need?” Gnaeus asked Paquin. He didn’t see anything new. 

~***~ 

Mira was so used to taking commands that when she heard her name called in that tone, she knew. She was already turning to take a step towards the command center, hands closing around the beads, when the woman gave her permission to eat. ‘Poe is already going, though.’ 

“I’ll be there soon. I’ll get something I can walk with.” Mira informed the woman, “Thank you for delivering the news so quick,” she must have looked starved, or else Poe told her where she was going. 

The woman gave a nod, and left them. Mira immediately reached for Finn’s hand and placed the crystals in his open palm, “If you work with BB-8 on this while I’m away at the meeting, I’ll fill you in,” she promised, closing his fingers over the kyber crystals. 

She didn’t give him an opportunity to argue, but sprinted off towards the mess hall and grabbed the first couple of things on sticks she could find. She grabbed a cup of tea, but made sure to put a lid on it so she could jog back to the command center. There really wasn’t any masking her excitement, so Mira was giving up on that part, even if a few objects did rise and fall as she passed. ‘The first Force sensitive person must have had a hell of a time.’ Mira thought as she walked into the command center to see Poe already there, and Leia, of course, still there. 

Leia nodded as she saw her, “You can sit and eat, Mira. I did not mean to rush you.” 

“It’s better to rush,” Mira also didn’t want Poe alone with Leia for too long. “What is the news?” 

“General Hux has set the meeting place at Crim Academy, in their union, at dawn,” Leia reported the facts first, “We are each allowed one weapon.” 

“Allowed,” Poe scoffed. He didn’t like the idea of taking orders from Hux.

KyloGlenn · May 15, 2016

Ariel knew what she would be getting at whatever store they came across, as long as they had it. A drink, it was well deserved. They all needed a drink, really. 

Especially Kylo, who she followed after. 

Ariel wondered if Snoke would be upset if they all just ended up getting drunk while they were supposed to be training. Probably. 

Paquin held up the kyber crystal in response to Gnaeus asking. "Just this." It was a little awkward to hold, either because Paquin's hand was small or the kyber crystal was big. Maybe she'd pick up a little pouch to store it in until a use is found for it. "Let's get going, my hair's getting wet." Part of it was a joke, part of it was actual concern. Her hair would get uncontrollably frizzy. 

'Damn humidity.' She thought as she walked up the ramp and into the dry ship. The mystery birds let out a goodbye squawk. Ariel had taken her usual seat as a co-pilot. "You should rest," she told Kylo. She wasn't exactly sure what the effects of Snoke's invasion had, but resting one's eyes usually helped. 

Ariel spoke from her seat, "We can wake you when we get to Korriban." Unless he wanted to pick out what food he wanted wherever they stopped. But Ariel wasn't sure Kylo would agree to rest. 

- 

"At least we're allowed a weapon at all." Leia knew Poe would have thrown a fit if Hux had said no weapons. Well, he probably would have thrown a fit about just about anything Hux had said. "Don't think of it as orders. I'm sure they'll limit themselves to one weapon as well, it's just fair." 

"And what about the time? Dawn on Cimarosa is in a few hours. He clearly doesn't want us to be prepared, he could be planning something." Poe cautioned. 

"He very well could be, Poe. But keep in mind, he might be thinking the same things about us. We need to plan on this being an actual diplomatic meeting but also be prepared if it's not. And that's why you two are here." 

"Why did you pick me to accompany you, General?" 

"Because I have faith that when or if it comes to it, even if you don't like it, you'll agree to what's best. Now. Poe, I'm trusting you with organizing a backup plan. Another means of escape if need be. Nothing on the planet, keep in mind. It's against the rules." Poe scoffed at 'against the rules' but nodded. 

"Hux will point out our flaws and we'll point out the Order's, but we really should remain open-minded. We should come up with some idea of how to make this work, with our differences in politics and techniques. But still, don't get your hopes up," the last sentence was directed at Mira. She would try, but Leia wasn't positive that some form of agreement could be reached.

Lucyfer · May 15, 2016

“That one’s real, isn’t it?” Gnaeus frowned a bit, “Well, I guess it’ll have to work,” they wouldn’t be getting any new synthetic ones. “There should be some pieces on Korriban. I’ll help you make a new lightsaber.” 

Gnaeus slid into the pilot’s seat and gave a nod to Ariel. Seemed she was going to be his constant. He had expected Kylo to steal the seat. 

He was told to sleep. Again, he was silent, and leaned on the wall for a few moments before he pushed away from it and walked off. Gnaeus turned as he heard the heavy steps and then saw the mass of black fall onto one of the benches set into the wall. He frowned, “I don’t like this,” he spoke in a whisper to the other three. “Do you think Snoke…?” 

Could Snoke have reprogrammed Kylo, or was he just that injured? 

It worried Gnaeus as he started up his ship, lifting it up and fighting against the wind that tried to keep him grounded. He was quick to move his ship up and above the stormy clouds, though. 

~***~ 

Mira was actually glad that Leia had chosen Poe. Poe was firm, and Poe would not sacrifice the Resistance’s goals for an ‘easy way’. In this, he could be trusted. Mira was not sure how far his stubbornness against the First Order would go, but if Leia had faith in him, then Mira would. “Hux will not be able to prepare much in this time, either,” Mira offered, “Especially considering he just severed from the Knights. I’m certain that was not peaceful.” 

Meaning he didn’t have as much resources, either. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Poe grumbled, waving it off. 

Mira finally started to eat then, knowing she’d likely not be able to get any sleep. Eating would be smart. 

“I’ll prepare. I’ll have some X-Wings nearby, but I’m also setting a few Skiffs nearby,” X-Wings couldn’t pick them up. Skiffs could, and Skiffs could be fast. They could also hold ground troops if they needed it. “How’s the area look?” 

Leia turned to the console, and quickly brought up a scale model of the area around Cimarosa, making it large enough so moons and nearby planets could be seen. Poe stared at it for a while, then nodded, getting a good idea of where to send people. 

“I can work with this,” he gave a nod. “It’ll just be Black Squad,” his own squad, of course. His own hand-picked pilots. 

Leia gave a nod, “That should work,” she agreed. “Mira,” she looked to the other woman, “you are coming with us, but I believe it has been made clear that you are playing a neutral role. Are you comfortable with this?" 

Mira nodded, “Someone,” she stopped herself before finishing the backhanded insult towards Luke. ‘Someone has to play Jedi.’ 

Luke was more a Jedi than she would ever be. Her treachery and Kylo Ren's meant he couldn't play the role, and she shouldn't dare to even speak ill of him. “has to know both sides. I know a bit about each of you. I feel comfortable trying to mediate.” 

“Yeah? And if the differences can’t be reconciled, are you going to go run off with Hux?” Poe sneered. 

Mira actually bristled at that, “No.”

KyloGlenn · May 16, 2016

Paquin had no clue what the differences between a real kyber crystal and a synthetic one. Either way, she appreciated Gnaeus's offer to assist in making a lightsaber. She'd have to try and milk as much information on lightsabers as she can, out of all three of them. 

Or maybe just the two of them, as Kylo didn't seem to want to talk. 

"I don't know," Ariel whispered back to Gnaeus. She was concerned, as well. They all were. But would Snoke really reprogram Kylo? Yes, especially after all these failures. 

"We'll see when he wakes up," Paquin chimed in. "That wasn't pleasant to watch. Imagine how it would feel." She wondered if any of them had felt it before. Paquin was frustrated. This wasn't something she could diagnose. It wasn't like a concussion and she couldn't look in his head and figure out what happened. 

She just hoped he could sleep it off. 

'Maybe he really is traumatized.' "I'm not really sure what else to do." If she went and asked him how he felt or what they could do to help, she expected to be met by silence. 

- 

"Poe," Leia warned. Now was not the time to pick fights within themselves. Even if Mira did side with Hux, it would be her choice. People change their minds. It would be the wrong one, of course, and it would mean Mira would once again be the enemy. Luckily, by Mira's reaction, that wouldn't happen. 

Mira had come far, certainly she wouldn't turn back. 

Oddly enough, Poe was pleased by Mira's defensive reaction. It didn't really mean much to Poe, he wasn't convinced in the slightest. She still had to really prove it to him, which he figured would come soon. When the meeting failed. Leia said his name, her voice taking on a warning tone like it had many times since Mira had joined them. 

Poe didn't apologize, just slumped back into his seat. 

"The point here is that Mira doesn't favor either side." Leia reminded, considering the past few sentences were confirming Mira's ability to mediate. "Beyond the meeting, it doesn't matter." Well, it did. But the point was to quell the tension between them, for then. "Understood?" 

"It does matter," would be Poe's final comment on the matter. Leia was being too forgiving with Mira. Maybe it was something to do with making up for her non-existent relationship with her son or something. As long as it wouldn't interfere with the Resistance, which Leia was too smart for. 

"Now, we should prepare. We don't have all that long. Poe, get the pilots and some troops ready and get something to eat. Mira...keep eating. Any questions?" 

"Yeah, do droids count as people?" 

"Not people, but a companion I'm sure." She wasn't positive, but she wasn't going to risk it by letting BB-8 tag along. She was sure Poe would probably station the droid in a Skiff, which was acceptable.

Lucyfer · May 16, 2016

“Don’t need to imagine,” Gnaeus muttered. He shook his head. A part of him wanted to warn Paquin—she’d probably have to feel something like it on Korriban, to learn of her mental guards and to learn how to build them up to protect from intrusions like that. 

However, he left that out. 

Best not to scare her anymore. This was not a good way to be introduced to the Knights, even if it was honest. “We’ll wake him up for food,” Gnaeus determined. “If he gets any seafood we’ll know something’s wrong.” 

It was a joke, but not a very good one. Kylo Ren didn’t like seafood. Usually a joke about sand would follow and Kylo would be frustrated. Somehow, it just wasn’t as funny without Kylo there to react and complain about this ‘sand’ joke that was far too long running. “There’s a few good Mid-Rim planets that get some decent imports.” 

Usually the ones more tied to the Core than the Outer Rim, “Anyone have a preference?” He looked to Paquin and Ariel both. He imagined if any of them did, it’d be Ariel, who would insist on some place with good booze. 

At this point, Gnaeus would probably join her in that endeavor. 

~***~ 

Mira smiled just a little at Leia’s ‘order’ to her compared to her order to Poe. Her meal was just about finished with. The meat on sticks went quickly. Likely wasn’t filling, but Mira was going to pretend it was. 

“Two companions, each,” Mira found herself clarifying. “If Hux tries to bring three by logic of a droid it’ll be dismissed as well.” Droids were smart, and droids were also weapons in many ways. They could hide extras, and they had the ability to cause harm. Given, no one would probably worry about C-3P0, but the droid who escaped the First Order? 

It’d be like bringing Finn as the other mediator. Not a good way to start things off. “And I like BB-8.” 

“Yeah,” Poe agreed with a slip of a smile, “And the droid likes you, too.” Poe still couldn’t figure out why. He pushed himself up from his seat, “I’ll go prepare Black Squad for when the meeting fails.” ‘If.’ Mira didn’t say it, but let Poe leave. 

Mira rose as well, “Thank you, Leia,” her voice was a touch softer, the sincerity unmistakable. This was not something Leia wanted to do. This was not something Leia expected to do. Yet, she was doing it, much as Hux was. Now Mira just had to see if it would be enough. “I’ll be ready at dawn.” 

“Try to sleep, Mira.” 

Mira just smiled and nodded. She might try, but it would be a half-hearted attempt. 

First things first were returning the plate to the kitchen, and see if Finn was still there with his pilot friends and BB-8. Then probably laundry, since she didn’t have much to wear in the first place.

KyloGlenn · May 17, 2016

Kylo Ren didn’t like seafood. That was an interesting, yet completely useless fact to know. 

Ariel shot Gnaeus a look saying ‘guess’. Her preferences were obvious, any place with booze. If it was good, that would be a bonus. Paquin actually opened her mouth to speak of a preference, “Hestria.” If she was going to have any input, she was going to take the chance to suggest an agriworld, where she could get reputable food. 

“They’ve got everything,” she added. She’d been there quite a few times. Her parents would always take her to planets like Hestria to stock her up on food before they dropped her off on some planet and left wherever it was that they went. 

“Alcohol? More specifically, whiskey.” Ariel questioned. Hestria was known for wine, but Ariel preferred something stronger. She had once bought a few casks of Corellian whiskey. Expensive, but so worth it. 

Paquin frowned at that, but nodded. Ariel was going to brutally murder her liver and herself. “Everything.” Even Gnaeus’s beloved processed food could be found in some places. Not everyone was a farmer and not everyone wanted the natural foods. “It’s a nice planet. Peaceful, neutral.” It would be a good atmosphere for Kylo, as well as safe for them to shop around. 

- 

Leia patted the woman’s shoulder as she passed, gently squeezing. She moved on to eat herself, and maybe sleep. Likely not, she had much to plan out herself. Coffee would likely be her drink of the day. 

Finn and BB-8 sat on the ground in the mess hall, working on burning holes through the tiny kyber crystals. At his side was a sandwich with potato wedges that he nibbles on from time to time. He was able to carry on conversations with his company of pilots, naming himself an expert multitasker. 

Poe, of course, had to come and ruin the fun. “Did Vallens give you those crystals?” Poe questioned, although he already knew. He was curious what the purpose of them were. 

“Yep. They’re going to be beads.” Finn finished the second to last bead, the laser that BB-8 provided proved to be the perfect tool. 

“Well, good job, you two.” Poe praised his droid and his friend. BB-8 let out an appreciative beep, waving the laser proudly in the air. A smile worked its way onto Poe’s face. Yeah, he really did like that droid. “Anyway, I’ve gotta get Black Squad together. We’re gearing up for when the meeting goes south.” 

“Good luck,” Finn wasn’t sure how much faith he had in the meeting. He didn’t really want an alliance with the Order, either. He’d seen the way they worked. 

Poe took his pilots that Finn had been spending lunch with, all exchanging goodbyes for then before they moved on to find the others. Jessika was said to be hanging around Snap. Snap obviously had to sit this one out. 

And that left Finn and BB-8 alone to finish Mira’s beads. They were pretty proud of them.

Lucyfer · May 17, 2016

"Hey, I've got to check," Gnaeus said to Ariel's look. "You might surprise me one day and want milk." That was as likely as Kylo wanting shellfish. 

Hestria was suggested and Gnaeus quickly set course for it, "Good enough for me," he wasn't picky. He did want ice cream though. If they had ice cream he'd be happy and grab plenty of other food that would keep. He wasn't sure how long Snoke wanted them out of sight. 

They really fucked up. 

Soon enough the peaceful green planet showed up. "Kylo, you up?" 

Silence. 

"I can sense your sulking. Get up. We're going to be adults and get groceries for our camping and training trip." 

It took a few moments but the esteemed leader of the Knights of Ren rose as Gnaeus came to the docks and started to land. "Do you have money?" 

Kylo shook his head. 

Gnaeus snapped and rose as the ship landed roughly and grabbed Kylo by the collar of his shirt. "Motherfucker, if you don't say something I will leave you here!" 

~***~ 

Mira found Finn alone with BB-8, on the floor, working on the last bead. She allowed herself a moment to feel touched as she looked upon the focused work and holes in the other jagged crystals. They remained clear, too. 

She made her way over and joined Finn on the floor, picking up a bead as soon as she did. She turned it over a few times as BB-8 beeped excitedly over the progress. "They do look good," she agreed. 

The crystals were once the only things that gave her any life, scattered about Echo with a hundred different lightsaber pieces. She couldn't explain why even now. It was the only mess and excess she allowed in the otherwise minimalist life she had. 

This seemed fitting. "Jedi padawans wore beads in their braids to signify their status," she told Finn, picking up each one and examining it. "I never really became a Jedi." A small reminder that so few would understand, but Finn deserved to. "Thank you." 

She could get used to saying that. It was much nicer than apologizing. 

"No problem!" Finn said as the droid beeped the equivalent. Finn held the finished bead then and acted as if he was a jewelry inspector, "I still can't believe these make lightsabers." 

"And much else," Finn tossed the bead to her and she caught it. "So, what do you already know?" A promise was a promise.

KyloGlenn · May 17, 2016

The two girls were jarred as the ship landed roughly. “Oh my fucking—“ Ariel grumbled as she rose from her seat. 

“Gnaeus!” Paquin scolded his actions, both in landing the ship and in dealing with Kylo. She grabbed at his wrists and gave a small pull. “He was just attacked by Snoke, do you think attacking him some more is going to get him to talk?” Her voice lowered down to a quiet hiss, even though Kylo was right there and it was essentially pointless. 

Maybe it would get him to talk, Paquin hadn’t dealt with this before. And she didn’t think Gnaeus or Ariel had either, based on their worry. Gnaeus’s actions came from a good place, Paquin knew, but she still didn’t think they were right. She’d seen a lot of troopers react badly to that, especially after being in battle. Was this the same, though? 

“Hey, guys. How about we just go shop and if Kylo doesn’t say at least one thing what he wants, he doesn’t get anything.” Ariel didn’t bother lowering her voice. The plan wasn’t fool proof, Kylo might not even care about food in his state. “I have money.” She had a pouch for it and everything. She couldn’t believe she was playing peacekeeper, of all people. 

Paquin released her hold on Gnaeus, hoping he’d do the same with Kylo. 

- 

"Well, there's the Knights. And then I heard about some meeting with Hux, and from there it wasn't hard to guess that it was because he separated from Snoke. Right?" Leia had said she'd consider a meeting with Hux during when Mira arrived and they had that gathering of their own. General Organa hadn't confirmed anything to him or to most of the Resistance. 

BB-8 beeped confirmation, having been there when Mira was trying to convince Leia. 

"And I'm assuming it's about peace? Or a temporary alliance? With the Knights and the clone army and everything..." He didn't think it was a trap on their part. Finn had thought about the meeting and the reasoning behind it, and the only thing he could reason with was a temporary truce to take down Snoke and the Knights. Excluding Kylo Ren, the real problem, of course. 

"And that's it." He shrugged. No other details had trickled down to him or anyone else. The only ones who knew more than that seemed to be Poe, Leia, and Mira. And BB-8, apparently. The Black Squadron would probably know the specifics now, but Finn suspected that Leia didn't want to cause an outrage just yet. 

Because there would be. 

"I guess you were right about General Hux." At least in terms of his agreement to the meeting. They still had yet to see if it was all a ruse on the Order's side.

Lucyfer · May 17, 2016

Gnaeus wanted to scream. 

He wanted to cry. 

He wanted to attack Kylo, because it was the only language they shared, in the end. It was the only language the Knights truly knew, because it was what brought them together in a twisted way. Violence, and something to run from—something to fight. For, against, it hardly mattered—they fought. 

He’d never seen Kylo’s fire so dead. If Snoke re-wrote him, he might jump ship with Mira, just so they could save Kylo Ren—if he had to pick, Gnaeus would pick Kylo, every time. 

His grip loosened. A soft curse in that alien language slipped his lips again, and he turned away, disappointed, and walked after Ariel. He had money, too—it seemed just him and Ariel, and he was honestly surprised that Ariel did. 

Gnaeus shoved his fists into his pockets as he heard Kylo follow, still mute. 

Kylo couldn’t seem to get his tongue to wrap around words. He had all the cognitive functions, despite how it seemed, but after his last words to Snoke, he couldn’t find his voice. His mind was still in ribbons. He desperately needed an aspirin, but he knew it wouldn’t work. If anything, he needed more time to meditate—but he hated meditation. He had always hated meditation. 

Kylo knew he needed to talk, but he felt defeated. Deflated. He was the leader of the Knights, and he had lost so much lately, he hardly felt like he ought to bother. They were just going to ‘train’ on Korriban, what did it matter? ‘What if Snoke finds he doesn’t need us?’ 

That was, perhaps, the though that kept occupying Kylo. 

What if they became irrelevant? 

It cycled over and over in his head. 

He couldn’t even enjoy the sun as it fell upon him and the others. 

“I fucking hate black,” Gnaeus complained, taking his helmet off and shaking out his hair. Today, Gnaeus also hated sentences without profanity. 

~***~ 

BB-8 beeped confirmation as Mira nodded in agreement. “Peace,” she echoed the word. 

Her smile was crooked as Finn spoke of her being ‘right’. “I know you don’t like it,” she knew Poe didn’t like. “I know most won’t like it,” thus the outrage that lay before them. “Not on this side, nor on Hux’s. That’s the problem with war. You have more reason to be outraged than anyone, though.” 

From Finn, she’d understand it, far more than she ever would from Poe. “In a nutshell, we’re going to meet Hux in the Mid-Rim.” 

BB-8 beeped the name of the planet, apparently deciding Finn was allowed to know because of his traitor status, and friend status to both Poe and Mira—even if Leia hadn’t okay’ed it. 

Finn’s frown was evidence that he didn’t like any of this. Not truce, not peace. The First Order had done too much wrong to be trusted, but he didn’t say it. 

“Tomorrow around dawn. We’ll have everything sorted quick, and no time for anyone to prepare traps,” not truly. “There’s not much to know beyond the boring details and rules.” 

“What boring details and rules?” Finn had to ask. 

BB-8 beeped out the rule stipulating the number of people. 

Mira nodded agreement, “And limited weapons. Poe is Leia’s plus one. I can guess who will be Hux’s.” 

“Phasma.” Finn spat the name. 

Mira, again, nodded. “I’m playing mediator, so,” she opened her hands, crystals in either palm, “tell me what I need to know, from your perspective, Finn. I don’t know the Stormtrooper side. I know officers and knights.” Not the grunts. Poe would know that better for Leia’s side, as Leia knew the higher workings of the Resistance. 

Finn wrinkled his nose, gave her a queer look, “You sure you wanna hear it?” 

“Yes.”

KyloGlenn · May 18, 2016

Paquin remained in Gnaeus’s ship for a second after everyone else left. She took a moment to wonder what she’d gotten herself into like she had done a lot yesterday. 

When she agreed to be a Knight, she didn’t really think everything would be so dysfunctional. But with Kylo as the Knights’ poster boy, her ignorance was her own fault. She wasn’t sure if she wasn’t sure if she was regretting it or not. Not much good had come from joining the Knights, she had every reason to regret it. 

With a sigh, she followed after a mute Kylo. He hadn’t even reacted to Gnaeus’s assault on him. Angry or otherwise, nothing. At this point, they all would probably take an annoyed look, just something to show Kylo was in there. It made Paquin wonder if they stabbed him if he’d react. "Please don't make us stab you." She whispered, quiet enough for only herself to hear. 

“It’s even worse on Tatooine,” Ariel spoke, Paquin tuning in. 

Paquin took in their surroundings, all familiar to her. They were a short walk away from Hestria’s version of a city. She wondered if anyone would recognize her. She was a weird kid, but maybe not memorable. She didn’t look much different, though. She hadn’t grown much taller, her face was pretty much the same but less chubby. She did look grown. 

She seemed to be the only one enjoying the surroundings, based on Gnaeus’s complaints and Ariel fanning herself. Kylo probably didn’t like anything at the moment. She trailed behind Kylo, afraid that if he was left unattended he’d wander off. Like a child. “What kind of climate does Korriban have?” Paquin questioned as they neared a town. She’d get food based on how they’d keep in the climate. Her food list was short, dried fruit and water. That could last a few months if need be. 

- 

Finn looked from Mira to BB-8, then back to Mira. “It might be biased, as I switched sides. I’m not a trooper anymore.” He reminded. He didn’t think she’d be swayed by his recounts of the Stormtroopers, but if she was, how could she then be a mediator? BB-8 encouraged Finn with a beep, knowing Mira would just confirm. 

“They’re all mean, Mira. I don’t think you even realize. Phasma, Hux, the other officers. They’re cruel and uncaring. The Stormtroopers aren’t even people to them. Phasma may be an exception,” he didn’t like her but he had to admit she was better than some, “but otherwise the troopers are just things that get the dirty work done. And the troopers don’t even mind!” He refrained from including himself in anything he said, not wanting to be grouped with the Stormtroopers. 

“They’re ripped from their families. Though I guess some wouldn’t even remember that. They’re unpaid, trained in anything and everything until they drop, fed crap food and sleep in crappy little beds,” Finn was bitter and it showed in his voice. “Empathy is discouraged. Can you believe that? I’m sure that if they could, they’d take away the troopers emotions. Being loyal to anything or anyone other than the Order itself was frowned upon. Even your own squadmates. Have to leave them behind.” Like Slip. 

“People outside of the troopers were just to either be killed or listened to. Seriously, they’ll kill you, no hesitation. Be careful.” He took a break to caution her. No one would hesitate like he had before. “Anyway, they’re treated horribly and continue to blindly support the Order. It’s not like here, where if something happens to you, people care. You’re not an object here. You have a voice.” His voice grew soft as he spoke about the Resistance. 

He realized he was derailing. Finn knew he couldn't fault the troopers, the way they were brought up was all they knew. They couldn't all be like him. So, he went on to bash Hux, “Hux is manipulative, perfectly fine with using people as means to an end, destroying planets. He can’t possibly want peace with the Resistance or the galaxy.” Finn had trouble believing that’s why Hux agreed to the meeting. “He just wants power and control over people. The troopers are a fine example of that," he finished.

Lucyfer · May 18, 2016

“Of course we couldn’t get the cold planets like Hoth,” except for Mira, but Gnaeus wasn’t—wait, yes he was, “Except Mira, of course. 

Nothing from Kylo, when he glanced back. It was as if he hadn’t heard. 

He noticed Paquin trailing behind and with a gesture, invited her to walk between him and Ariel. He’d slow his own pace if necessary, if she seemed willing to come forward. She asked about Korriban. “Korriban is cold,” he answered. 

That was true in more ways than one. “There’s not much vegetation or life there, but it’s dry. Better than the never-ending rain of Kamino. It’s basically a cold dessert,” it was the best way that Gnaeus could think to describe it. He actually liked Korriban, but he didn’t know how to make it sound pleasant. 

“It used to have life.” 

Finally, Kylo said something! Though he spoke, he still didn’t sound as if he was fully there. At least he was aware of his surroundings, though. 

Gnaeus had to clench his jaw to keep a smart remark in check. “Its life was exhausted during the wars with the Jedi. Korriban was the home planet of the race Sith, as well as the organization that eventually became known as the Sith,” Gnaeus offered the history. 

They started to get into the city proper, and it seemed they were going to go overlooked, despite how Gnaeus was holding the mask under his arm. Perhaps their infamy hadn’t reached Hestria. “So how do you know this place, anyway, Paquin?” 

~***~ 

The universe was not sunshine and roses. Mira had not expected Finn to say much differently, but even so, she needed him to say it. She listened attentively, without interruption, and when he was finished she shifted the crystals all to one hand and placed that empty hand over one of his. “I mediate, Finn, but the Resistance can’t have such an organization of soldiers continue. It was wrong when the Jedi did it, and it is still wrong today." 

For the Jedi had, a part of their history they liked to keep in the shade or discard. “It will be brought up. I have a good feeling about Phasma.” 

If the woman would speak up, it could change the course. Mira had seen the way Phasma interacted and knew her troopers—it seemed she knew every single one. 

The destruction of Starkiller base must have been painful for her, even if to Hux it was just the loss of tools. ‘But Hux will listen to her.’ She squeezed, and then parted from Finn, “I promise you, even if it hurts, I won’t force the Resistance into supporting something like that.” 

And it would hurt. Mira saw how effective it all was, but she also knew how stunted those Troopers were in their own growth and development. She knew how much better they could be, and how much better Hux could be if he could truly win hearts and minds. “You take care tonight, Finn. If there’s more you have for me, leave a note and I’ll read it before I go.” 

With that, Mira rose, collecting the crystals into a pocket and retreating to the room she’d slept in before. It seemed others were now leaving it open so she could have it to herself, despite the other 

She felt heavy as she took her coat off again, and hung it up near the bed. She told herself that she would not sleep, but as she sat with her back pressed to the wall, that resolve shook until it broke, and Mira drifted, only to dream again of how all the ways the meeting could go up in literal flames. It was rather vivid, for a planet she’d never seen, and a building she’d never been in, so she was grateful to be woken suddenly by an apologetic, round droid. 

“Mm?” 

She didn’t catch all that it was saying, but it started to make sense as she looked at the tunic she fell asleep in and cursed. 

The sleeves were ripped to shreds, and Mira didn’t need BB-8 telling her about the lightning to know. “Did anyone see?” 

BB-8 denied. 

“Good,” Mira pushed her fingers through her hair. “It’s close enough to the time to be awake,” she forced herself to rise. Well now the tunic was ruined even if she washed it. The dress wasn’t clean, but it could work if she had time…then BB-8 started beeping again and Mira took her attention from those thoughts. “Really?” 

An affirmative beep and BB-8 rolled over to the trunk near Mira’s bed and bumped into it. Mira went to it. The dress was folded there, cleaned, and there were other tunics. Mira couldn’t help but laugh as she grabbed the whites. It’d be a wonderful contrast with the coat, or so she told herself. “Leia must have had a few of these lying around,” Mira briefly wondered if they had been hers. She hadn’t grown much since leaving. Not physically. “I’m going to go get cleaned up and if we’re not meeting in the command center, come get me to tell me where.” 

More beeps, and then the droid rolled off, as Mira took her attire with her towards the showers.

KyloGlenn · May 19, 2016

'Looks like we won't be stabbing you, then.' Paquin felt relief when Kylo spoke, not even registering what he said for a few moments. She then let herself walk ahead of Kylo to join Gnaeus and Ariel, trusting him not to split from the rest of them. Her pace didn't slow, she could keep up with the rest of them. Her leg muscles had significantly developed in the past few days. 

She learned some brief history of Korriban along with the climate. She really didn't know all that much about either Jedi or Sith, and she was prepared to cling to the little information Gnaeus provided. And then the subject changed. She was going to learn more later, that was definite. 

"My parents brought me here quite a bit as a child, to stock up on food and what not." Most of the time she'd spent with her parents was while they were shopping together. They had figured it was best to let her pick her own food than to come back to find her near starved. That had happened when she'd decided meat was the most disgusting thing to touch her tongue. 

Her parents came back to tons of strange situations. "Don't know how they found out about it." Probably during whatever they did when they were away. 

They came to a strip of little shops. They were small but had whatever anyone could need from clothes to food to hygiene items. "It looks the same from the last time I was here." She hadn't expected any different. Hestria wasn't a revolutionary planet. "Kylo, take your pick." Paquin would attempt to get Kylo engage with them some more. 

- 

BB-8 returned to the command center without Mira, to which Poe questioned where she was. BB-8 beeped, informing him that she was getting ready. The BB unit shared nothing of Mira's ruined tunic. BB-8 knew she wouldn't want anyone to know of that, especially not Poe. "She should've done that earlier." They had time to wait, but Poe was growing anxious. He had a bad feeling about this. He always had. But especially now. 

Poe was reminded of the piece of paper in his hands. "Oh, BB-8. Give this to Mira and tell her to meet us in hangar two," a different hangar than the X-Wings, since he had to ride with Leia and Mira. He liked it better that way, anyway. He could watch out for Leia, and keep an eye on Mira. The only problem was there would only be one ship for immediate escape. 

"It's from Finn. It just says good luck and a smiley face. He didn't sign his name, I don't want Mira to think it's from me." BB-8 beeped its disappointment in Poe, for both reading someone else's things and for his distaste for Mira. The droid reminded him that Mira was not much different than Finn. 

Nonetheless, a compartment popped out to hold the note. Poe folded it and placed it in the compartment. "Oh, shush. Tell Mira Leia's meeting us in the hangar with coffee," and donuts, but Poe didn't want Mira to share those. They'd probably be gone before she joined them, anyway. 

BB-8 sounded its compliance and rolled away to the showers to inform Mira and give her the supportive note.

Lucyfer · May 19, 2016

“Sounds like you lucked out.” 

Gnaeus couldn’t stop the words before they were out as he commented on Paquin’s parents and how she knew the world. He had half-expected her to be like most the other Troopers, drafted at birth, but it seemed she was spared that. It made it more interesting as to how she got involved with them in the first place. 

It didn’t seem like most joined of free will. 

He still wondered about Phasma. Now he’d probably never know. 

Gnaeus was in awe when they finally came to the strip, more surprised that a planet like this could offer such variety, “Don’t buy too much alcohol, Ariel,” he warned her. It might be her money, but he wasn’t going to let her spend it recklessly on only alcohol. 

Kylo was addressed, and Gnaeus offered, “Ariel and I are paying, so don’t go ham and get surf and turf.” 

Ah, there was that annoyed flicker in his brown eyes. Gnaeus could have hugged him for it, but Kylo didn’t say anything. He did go to one of the stalls that seemed to be offering meats, though. “It’s Korriban, Kylo! I’m not sure if we still have a working freezer there….” He wasn’t sure what amenities were left to them on Korriban. He remembered they’d tried to make the Academy livable. 

Kylo waved him off. He had a better idea of the amenities on Korriban and there was, in fact, a working freezer. He wanted to sink his teeth into something. 

Gnaeus glanced around, then gestured, “We’ll meet back at the fountain,” it was his way of giving them all permission to go find what they wanted. 

He was finding ice cream. He wanted it now, he wasn’t concerned with it making it to Korriban. 

~***~ 

Mira washed fast, and did her hair quickly, utilizing the Force. It was such a practical tool, after all—why did no one ever seem to think of that? Mira formed two braids around her head in a crown, but only used a bit of her hair. It fell down the back of her head as one braid brought together, but that was not where the beads were placed. 

That braid was done by hand, off to the left side of her head, a stand-alone—as it ought to be. The beads were woven into the strands. 

She donned the white, and then the black coat, and found the droid waiting for her. Immediately there was a cheerful beep and then a compartment opened. Mira knelt and took out the note, “That man…,” she murmured. 

She folded the note. She placed it in the same pocket as the holocron and then knelt down to place a kiss upon the domed head of BB-8, “Thank you,” yes, she liked those words. “C’mon. All I want is coffee.” She didn’t feel like food. 

Rather like Poe, she had a bad feeling. She didn’t have much of an appetite because of it, and though the droid scolded her, it led her towards the hangar where she found Leia and Poe waiting, with donuts and coffee. 

There was still one glazed when she arrived, though Poe grabbed it almost immediately, earning a harsh look from Leia. He bit into it before she could say anything on the matter. Childish, yes. 

Leia let out a sigh, then turned her attention to Mira. She noticed the braid, the beads, but only smiled before saying, “Good morning,” and then gestured, “There’s still plenty of coffee. If you need to get something to eat, we have some time.” 

Mira shook her head, “No, but thank you,” she took a cup of coffee and sipped the warm beverage, wrapping both hands around the cup. 

“Thanks, buddy,” Poe said to the droid. Then, “You should get to the others now. I don’t want you to get left behind,” BB-8 might not be joining them, but the droid would be with the others when it all went south. 

BB-8 beeped out its agreement, and then with a quick flicker of a flame thumbs-up, it wished them farewell and sped off. “Are we all ready?” Leia asked once the droid was gone, breaking the silence that threatened to grow tense. 

“Ready as I can be,” Poe answered. 

“Yes,” Mira responded. It was on the tip of her tongue then to warn them, but she couldn't place why. She didn't want to stop the meeting, either, so she held it in. She didn't ask Leia if she felt something...off. 

“Let’s not waste any time then.” Leia turned then to the ship, one based on Naboo royal fleet designs, and led them in.

KyloGlenn · May 19, 2016

Paquin wasn't going to deny Gnaeus's words of her being lucky. Compared to others, like Kylo and the troopers, she was. 

Paquin was again pleased by Kylo's reactions to them, even if they were in annoyance. It was something and she'd take it. "Get me hand sanitizer if you find it," she asked of them. She didn't care if that would be the only thing she'd get there, she was getting it. 

"I'll be looking at the alcohol," Ariel stated, not caring much for what Gnaeus had said to her. She'd at least leave enough left for food and basic necessities. 

Both Paquin and Ariel split in different directions from the others. Ariel went to find a liquor store, which wasn't all that hard in the tiny place. Paquin knew her way around, but everything was pretty much on the same strip. She went in search for the small things first, that had to be gotten first. Like asparagus and dried fruits. She could happily live off of those items. 

Here she had more variety in choice than she did with the Order. So far, that was the only upside of losing her job. 

She made her way to the minuscule 'pharmacy' of the planet. It was mostly soap and first aid kits, but she'd loved it as a kid. It was there that her wonder of someone recognizing her came true, the man who'd always ran the stall greeted her. "Paquin?" He looked so much older now. 

Paquin offered him a smile, accompanied by a nod. "I'd know those eyebrows anywhere. I thought you were dead or something! How are ya, kid? Ever get that med license?" He spoke just the same way he'd always had. 

Paquin hadn't been surprised that she was thought to be dead. "I'm fine. And I did get a medical license." It wasn't in use at that moment, but he wouldn't know that. 

"Well, go on and buy stuff, so I feel like I'm contributing to saving people's lives." 

- 

Poe finished the donut before following after Leia. He took his usual position in the pilot's seat. He was tempted to close the ramp on Mira and then leave her. But really, this was her meeting. And if she wasn't there, she wouldn't be able to see her precious meeting go down in flames. 

'Easy, Poe.' That was a harsh way of describing the inevitable, even for him. 

With the temptation of leaving Mira gone, a new one arose. This one was about just not going at all. His gut instinct told him to just lock Leia and Mira in a closet until the next morning. And usually his instinct was right. Like on Jakku all those weeks ago. Things had been going well with San Tekka, he relaxed, then boom. The Order attacked, he was kidnapped. But good did come out of it, eventually. Rey, Finn, the destruction of Starkiller. 

He brushed it off. Maybe it was just his distaste for the Order and this meeting. "Everyone in?" He questioned, looking at Leia to make sure she was settled. He even looked at Mira to make sure she was seated. And only then did he close the ramp and lift from the ground. 

He remained hesitant, not really wanting to leave D'Qar's atmosphere. He didn't enter lightspeed until they were well out of D'Qar, the X-Wings already speeding past them to station themselves elsewhere. Then he told himself that there was no backing out now, the meeting was going to happen. 

And they were in the Mid-Rim in no time, Cimarosa just in front of them. He remained stationary for a moment, radioing the Black Squadron. "You guys in place?" 

"We're good, Black Leader." Jessika's voice answered a few moments later. 

With a sigh, Poe began to lower the ship. "Ready to see your best friend, Vallens? I think he's gonna love your new look." His antagonizing words were met by a shush from Leia. She wasn't going to deal with any of that from that point onwards.

Lucyfer · May 19, 2016

Kylo did not tell them where he was going, but he did not really need to. It was all one long strip, so Gnaeus made sure to keep Kylo in sight wherever he went as the man wandered about. Gnaeus was pleased to see he did grab some things, mostly meats. Ariel would be getting alcohol. Paquin, he noted, was grabbing up dried things. ‘All right, fine, I can get like…pasta and a few fresh vegetables and fruits.’ Those would go fast. 

Noticing the kinds of things Kylo was grabbing, Gnaeus also took a risk and grabbed some frozen vegetables as well, hoping they did have a place to store them on Korriban. 

Then he finally grabbed his decadently sweet, fudgy, too-chocolate for sanity ice cream. 

Kylo did lean more towards the meats, but he made sure to grab some dried jerky as well and not just meat to cook up. He snatched up bread for sandwiches. Those were easy enough to make. ‘What else?’ 

His mind seemed to buzz then, as he held the bag of bread, not really certain what he needed or wanted then. ‘Drink.’ Ariel was getting the drinks. ‘You cannot be drunk the entire time.’ If he thought Snoke was mad now, he’d have one hell of a wake-up call if Snoke found out they stayed drunk on Korriban the entire time. 

He wandered until he found gallons of water, not sure what else to get for drinks that wasn’t alcoholic right then. It was flavorless, but it was what they needed, right? He stared at the water for far too long, until eventually he shook his head to get rid of the buzzing. He walked to the fountain to await the others. 

~***~ 

On the trip, Mira had taken a seat, and then she had closed her eyes. Meditation, and a futile attempt to figure out where the source of her anxiety was. Unfortunately, it all seemed internal, a constant throb that replayed the dream. The bombs around a building she’d never seen. Soldiers. Burning chaos. ‘It’s just a dream.’ 

It was never just a dream to a Force sensitive, and Mira wasn’t stupid. ‘What happened when Anakin listened to a dream?’ With that, Mira turned away from such thoughts. Acting had made it happen. 

Mira would do nothing to halt the meeting, but she’d have to remain vigilant. 

When they landed, Poe made another snappy remark and Mira raised her eyebrows at, then, “He’ll like it better than my Knight attire,” she stated. She just didn’t have another dress to wear to the meeting. The tunic seemed more fitting for it anyway, “And no one can pull off Resistance orange like you.” It was not a compliment. 

Poe allowed himself a glare at her for that shot, before he noticed the look Leia was giving him. ‘Fine.’ He’d stop antagonizing her for now. They needed to look good before the Order. He understood that much. 

Mira was first off the ship and in the docking bay, her eyes automatically looking for signs that the First Order had arrived first. ‘Bingo.’ A ship that Mira was almost certain was First Order make was in the docks, but no signs of Hux. Perhaps they were already at the Union. “Do either of you know where the Union is?” 

“I have directions,” Leia answered, as Poe exited his own ship last. “It is not far.” College kids needed a docking bay to travel home and such, so this one was quite near. 

~***~ 

Captain Phasma was not in her silver armor. Phasma wore a white military suit with silver lining and the First Order insignia on the side of her right arm. It had seemed inappropriate to come to a diplomatic meeting in armor, though as she stood in the Union at the counter to the coffee shop, waiting on her smoothie, it felt odd being outside of it. 

She had wanted to ask Hux if it would be Finn that Leia brought. She was not enthused at the thought of Finn being Leia’s 2nd, but it was possible. Unlikely. Finn held no rank of note in the Resistance, that any of them knew. 

Sleepy and bleary teenagers stumbled through the union to get coffee and breakfast that morning. Few took the time to glance around. Those few that did weren’t surprised at the sight of Phasma or Hux, likely not knowing who they truly were—their school hosted people in fancy dress now and then. It was just another nuisance to the day and the feel that the Union was supposed to have as theirs. 

“Phasma?” The barista called, and Phasma turned to get her smoothie, thanking the woman before stepping away from the aptly named ‘Study Grounds’. 

She noticed, briefly, how one person lit up on hearing the name and nudged the friend he was studying with. They were not all ignorant of the world outside—in fact, Phasma had noticed a few with either First Order or Resistance swag upon their bags or electronics.

KyloGlenn · May 19, 2016

“Hey, don’t wait another how many years to come around, ya hear? I might not be around for that long.” The man offered her a smile as he handed her a bag full of stuff. Like toothpaste and her beloved hand sanitizer. She had no idea what they had on Korriban and it didn’t seem like anyone else did. Other than an uncommunicative Kylo. 

Paquin forced a lopsided grin onto her face, “I won’t.” Paquin might not be around for that long either, based on how things were going with the Knights at that moment. Things weren’t going so well for them. They had both the Order and the Resistance as enemies and more importantly, Snoke was growing increasingly agitated with them. 

They just needed for things to go right for once. 

Paquin returned to the fountain to find Kylo there. She inspected the items he grabbed, mostly meats. But there was bread and water, which was good. It was almost silly, the sight of Kylo holding groceries. 

Ariel joined them then with a small crate and a bag on top of it. Ariel looked quite proud of herself. “I got enough alcohol to get everyone sufficiently drunk. And I didn’t buy just alcohol, I have cheese, crackers, and a can of soup. Gnaeus can fight me.” She sounded like she already had a sip of something. 

- 

Poe closed and locked up the ship. Kids were wild, he wouldn’t put it past anyone to want to sneak into a Resistance ship. He would have done it when he was their age, Resistance ship or otherwise. 

He let Leia take the lead since she had the directions, but he didn’t walk far behind. He was paranoid, but it didn’t show. Other than looking around every once in a while and a few close watches on some people who walked too close, he looked as calm as ever. But inside he was anxious. He was ready to get this over with. 

It wasn’t much of a walk to the Union like Leia had said. Poe pulled ahead of Leia and pulled open the door. He walked in first, being welcomed by the smell of coffee and the sound of typing mixed with light chatter. Nothing too suspicious, but Poe didn’t chalk his nervousness up to overreacting just yet. 

He held the doors open for Leia and Mira, following in after them. He paused to look around, spotting mostly just kids. There were unmistakable insignias of both the Resistance and the First Order on some devices, as well as patches or pins on bags. Despite some having Order insignia’s on them, Poe still smirked when he saw some with the Resistance. 

And then his eyes met two figures. It took Poe a second to realize who the tall blonde had been, surprised by her looks. He wasn’t sure what he expected to be under that armor, but he knew he hadn’t thought it would be anything pretty. Pretty, but still incredibly intimidating. And then there was the ginger General, next to her. 

General Organa spotted them, as well, wasting no time in maneuvering over to them. 

- 

General Hux was donning his usual charcoal colored uniform, hair slicked back, not one strand out of place. And the look would be incomplete if his greatcoat resting on his shoulders, no arms within the sleeves. He had multiple coats laying around on base, not missing the one Mira had taken. 

He wondered if she’d still be wearing it. Probably not, since she was with the Resistance. They wouldn’t appreciate that. 

Hux simply observed the tired teenagers mulling about. It was starkly different than his experiences at their ages. If he so much as yawned he would have been screamed at, no doubt. And here they were, some even falling asleep at tables. Hux wasn’t bitter, though. 

He was groomed for war. That unpleasantness should be reserved for select people. Not the entire galaxy. 

Phasma’s name was called and it drew Hux back into the real world. He joined her as she stepped away from the study grounds and the coffee shop. He almost found Phasma’s purchase of a smoothie humorous. “Come, we should head up to the room.” Mira, Leia, and her plus one would certainly be showing up soon. 

And it seemed soon would be now as Hux heard from his left, “Doesn’t he know his arms go in the coat?” That was the voice of the pilot, Poe Dameron. Hux couldn’t contain an eye roll, turning to greet the three of them. To his surprise, Mira did have the coat. Hux held back a smirk, wondering what kind of reactions that had earned. 

“General Organa," He greeted, holding his hand out for the small woman to shake. Her grip was firm as she shook his hand. "Dameron, Mira." He acknowledged the other two. He turned to the Captain, "This is Captain Phasma, I'm sure you've heard of her."

Lucyfer · May 19, 2016

Gnaeus was the last to join them. He had grabbed some extra clothes as well, and frowned as he noticed that only Paquin seemed to have thought of hygienic items and things besides food. 

And Ariel…. “Don’t tempt me. I could knock you on your ass,” Gnaeus stated as he came up behind her with his bags. Kylo had food, thankfully. Meats and breads. “The can of soup is mine. I will fight you for it.” Gnaeus didn’t even know what the soup was. He just felt like saying it. “Anyway, Kylo, you paid for that stuff yet?” 

He shook his head. 

“No, Kylo doesn’t pay for anything.” The voice that spoke wasn’t heard by Gnaeus or Kylo. It came from Ariel’s right side, male, and completely and utterly exasperated. 

“Let’s go buy it. Do you need clothes on Korriban?” Another shake of the head. “Ariel, Paquin?” He assumed Ariel bought her things already, but he didn’t know if Paquin had. If not, he’d go with her to the stall to buy it. He wasn’t even questioning how Kylo got away from the stall with his things, nor Paquin—he just assumed it was how it worked. 

That or Kylo was somehow also terrifying to others when he was in this state. Gnaeus could buy that. 

~***~ 

A historic moment was occurring right under the noses of so many students, and perhaps the only one to realize it was the one who had woken upon hearing ‘Phasma’, and the nudged friend. They stared openly as they heard the ginger man speak, giving them the names ‘Organa’, ‘Dameron’, and ‘Mira’—the last, a mystery, but they saw the woman it meant, a woman with a lightsaber. Or what they thought was a lightsaber—they’d never seen one, obviously. 

A Jedi? 

A Sith? 

The two young adults wondered as history happened before their eyes. 

Mira was half-tempted to slap the back of Poe’s head, but she resisted and smiled as she saw Hux. The anxiety remained, and she could feel it in Poe, too. Not Leia. ‘Ignore it. Ignore it.’ As she looked upon Phasma, she had the sudden sensation that she was very, very small. It was odd how seeing Phasma in that military suit could do that, but not Phasma in all her armor. 

The stoic woman nodded her greeting, but did not offer her hand. 

Leia returned the nod as she let go of Hux’s hand, looking upon the much taller woman as if she were no different than anyone else, recalling all the stories that Finn had told of Phasma. This was, admittedly, not what she was expecting either. “General Hux, Captain Phasma,” she addressed both, “It is good to finally meet you both. I have heard interesting things of both of you.” 

Though the results might not be good, Leia meant it. They should have met a while ago, perhaps, when all of this began…but Kylo got involved, and that put a strain on everything, and everyone. She was not exempt from acting rashly then. 

Poe didn’t offer his hand. “Glad you remember me, Hux. I remember you,” that was said to Phasma. He remembered her. He remembered the order to kill everyone in Jakku. He didn’t offer either their title. “Shall we get this charade on the road?” 

“The room is this way,” Phasma indicated towards the stairs, and then turned to lead the way to the stairs, and to the room they had reserved for the entire day. How long they’d need it was still to be seen.

KyloGlenn · May 19, 2016

Ariel was startled by a voice. It came after Gnaeus questioned if Kylo had paid for anything. It was quiet, but it sounded like 'no'. It didn't come from Kylo, it didn't sound like Gnaeus. It definitely wasn't Paquin. She didn't jump but did shoot a glance to her right, where it sounded like it came from. 

Nothing. 

No one else seemed to hear anything either. So she shook it off. "I'm golden." They sure as hell wouldn't have let her leave the stall without paying. How Kylo did it, she didn't know. 

Paquin wasn't sure how Kylo did it either, other than his intimidating stature. She was able to walk away because the man knew her. "I need to pay," and upon eyeing Gnaeus's extra clothes, she might grab some of those as well. The armor she was wearing wouldn't be comfortable to sleep in and she couldn't live in it for however long they'd be on Korriban. 

She really missed her room back on the First Order base. They probably took all her belongings and burned them or something. "You guys might want to look at this stuff before we buy it." Paquin held the bag open so they could view the products. Maybe they were allergic to something, she didn't know. 

- 

Leia gestured for General Hux to follow after Phasma first, to which he complied. As soon as Hux was turned and walking up the stairs, Leia flicked the back of Poe's head. She'd had enough of his snappy little comments, she brought him along to be her consultant. Not a child. 

"Ow." He grumbled at his General as she followed after the others. But he got the message. He wouldn't make any promises, but he'd keep as many comments to himself as he could. But the occasional one he wouldn't be able to help. Or his bad attitude. 

At this point, Mira would have to play mediator for the Resistance alone. 

"Thank you for meeting with us, General," Leia spoke as they were welcomed by a bright room, smelling less of coffee. "I'm sure it was a difficult decision to make." 

"I could say the same for you." Hux shrugged the coat off of his shoulders, placing it to rest over the back of a chair. 

The lecture room wasn't large. It was basically a few rows of seats and tables. A table had been moved to the front, a couple of chairs placed around it. It had been moved for them, so they could all face each other and discuss while seated. There were two chairs on each side and then one on the end, for Mira. 

Hux gestured to the chairs. "Sit. Let's discuss peace." Since that was the goal. 

Poe pulled a chair out for Leia to sit in, earning a 'thank you', before plopping down in his own. Mira could pull out her own seat. Hux suppressed an eye roll this time. This was a diplomatic meeting, not a dinner date. "I suppose we should begin with our differences. The issues in both of our ways." Hux suggested, glancing over at Mira for approval. This was her idea, surely she knew if that was the right thing to discuss or not. 

They needed to address the problem before it could be fixed, right?

Lucyfer · May 20, 2016

“Oh, finally someone can hear me. I’ve only been trying to get to you lot for years.” The voice continued, still irked, still apparently not caring how weird it would look if Ariel actually responded to him. 

Anakin Skywalker had been trying for a while to reach Kylo Ren, that was true. It seemed that every time he tried, though, he failed. Even when he tried to reach him through Vader, he was blocked from it. He knew all too well who was behind it, too. His ‘Force Ghosting’ wasn’t perfected. Not like Obi-Wan and Yoda, who were too busy hanging in exile with Luke to be bothered. 

And Jinn was Force knew where. Not like Jinn could even be seen. 

Anakin always missed Jinn, though. Jinn had believed in him—Jinn had been right about him, too. 

“In a moment, Paquin. First, let’s go pay for the things. Kylo’s stuff first,” since Gnaeus trusted Paquin, and he assumed that whoever Paquin got it from trusted her, too. He wasn’t so sure about Kylo. “Show us the stalls, Kylo.” 

And Kylo led the way to each stall, where Gnaeus paid the very relieved and grateful people. It seemed Kylo had been intimidating enough, in spite of his state. Once they visited the three stalls Kylo had grabbed food at, Gnaeus turned to Paquin. “Okay, there’s stuff we should look at?” He remembered her saying that and opening up her bag. 

He wasn’t sure what she wanted them to look at, but he’d do it and try to figure it out. 

~***~ 

Mira put a hand to her lips to suppress the laugh at Leia’s flick of Poe, and had it wiped completely from her face when they entered the room. Her seat was apparent, and she walked to it, not expecting anything from Poe. 

The differences were stark in many ways. Phasma pulled her own seat, of course, and took it besides Hux. Poe waited until Leia was settled before pulling his own seat. 

Hux began, his inner director showing. “A good idea, General, but I would like to propose another,” Mira suggested, looking between the two parties, before speaking on, “As I’ve spoken to both of you, General Organa, General Hux, I’ve come to learn that neither of you believe the other to be on the same page. This is unfortunately standard in war,” dehumanization, “If we are going to hope for peace, we must begin with each party’s goals, philosophies, and mission statements. I would like you each to introduce your side, with your hopes and ideals for the universe. With the big picture in mind, it will be easier to see the flaws and to begin to work on them, constructively, instead of nit-picking at things when you do not fully understand the goals or where these ideas are coming from.” 

Mira let both of her hands come to rest on the table then, “It does not matter who begins.” 

Poe looked to Leia, raising an eyebrow, and Leia smiled gently, “I think that this way is good as well,” Leia consented, “General Hux, you grew up in the aftermath of the Galactic Empire, but I grew up under its reign. I served as Senator of Alderaan, before it was destroyed. I was also a Resistance leader then, as I am now the founding leader of the Resistance and one of many working to restore the New Republic. I do all of this because I have endured the tyranny of a military dictatorship under Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Their war machines spread across the universe and devastated planets—not only through destruction. There were many that they sucked dry of resources and ruined economically, and these planets remain in that state today.” ‘With no help from the New Republic.’ But Mira did not add that. She could see how Phasma postured herself though, as if she might say it—but didn’t. This was not a time for rebuttals. 

“It is not possible for a Universe that is so vast to be run by only one, and, pardon, not one that demands absolute conformity either,” there were too many differences, and too many issues to address. One blanket rule could never work across the board. “The Senate is flawed, but I believe in the Senate. The Senate allows for a multiplicity of voices to speak and be heard. It is the only way for the universe to come together and help each other. It is not easy, and it is full of disagreements and biases. It can even be slow, but it is the only system that offers a hope for all to be heard.” 

Leia did not understand how any other system could truly bring peace, while preserving the uniqueness of those it served. Hux’s methods would likely involve the lockstep conformity that stripped the planets of their uniqueness. Their voice. It wasn’t unity. It was brainwashing. 

However, she kept herself civil. She was only to present her side, not to dismiss Hux’s side. 

She hadn’t heard it yet. “I hope you can understand where I am coming from, General.” 

“We can,” Phasma said, speaking for them both. She did understand where Leia was coming from, but there were plenty of reasons she disagreed. Mostly because the Senate was not as open as Leia claimed it to be. It was a pleasant lie, but a lie all the same.

KyloGlenn · May 20, 2016

“What the…?” Ariel mumbled quietly. Ghosts were the first things that came to Ariel’s mind, but it was immediately dismissed. Ghosts weren’t real, Force or otherwise. And wouldn’t the others hear it as well? But that would mean Ariel was just hearing things. Surely insanity wasn’t brought on just like that. Or maybe it had all been building up and now she was snapping. Like Kylo or something. 

‘What was in that sample?’ Ariel should have known better than to take a drink from a stranger. But no alcohol had ever made her hear voices. At least not alcohol alone. 

“Yeah, look at the hygiene stuff. In case none of you like an item or are allergic to something, so we don’t waste money. There was this situation with a Stormtrooper—“ Paquin stopped herself from retelling the tale. Every time she spoke or thought of the Order and her old job, her mood would dampen. “Nevermind. It’s not like there’s much of a selection to choose from, but still. Ariel?” 

“What?” The redhead snapped back into reality. Paquin held the bag up to which Ariel responded, “Yeah, it’s fine.” 

“You didn’t even—okay.” It would be Ariel’s own fault if she ended up with a rash or lackluster hair, Paquin told herself. Still, despite her thoughts, Paquin noticed Ariel was a little more spacey than she had been a minute ago. She couldn’t have drank that much in the time they were split up. 

- 

Hux let Phasma speak for them. Hux could understand where Leia was coming from, based on the way she spoke of her views. And he could agree on some points. The poor excuse of an Emperor and his apprentice had left the galaxy in a state of despair, but the Old Republic hadn’t been doing much better before. He could agree that the galaxy needed to be listened to, but that wasn’t happening much now, either. 

General Organa was blind to many things, but as was he. 

“I grew up with stories of the Galactic Empire. It’s brilliance as well as Palpatine’s and Darth Vader’s.” He heard it from his father, the Empire’s remaining officers. He’d heard it from Kylo Ren and Snoke. “I’ve seen many errors in their ways. Absolute conformity is a tactic of war, not a way to run a galaxy. That’s something that Emperor Palpatine didn’t realize, not that he was really trying. He’s an unfortunate example of an Emperor. He simply wanted power for him and the Sith.” Isn’t that what dictatorship was? Rising to absolute power and maintaining it using scare tactics? Maybe that wasn’t the right word to describe Hux’s goals. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the disarray the Galactic Empire has left the galaxy in. And it remains that way today due to neglect from the New Republic. All the people that form the New Republic can’t seem to run the vastness that is the Universe, either. So many planets from the Inner Rim to the Outer are being neglected. As long as their homes are fat and happy, the Republic couldn’t care less about the rest of the galaxy. The Republic is comprised of self-important, greedy politicians who care for only their worlds. Some of the planets represented be damned, some senators sway so easily if the right amount of money is waved in front of their faces.” Hux had seen it first-hand, how readily a senator dismisses their better judgement for some quantity of credits. “The Senate is chaotic.” 

But he was veering off topic. They weren't to discuss the Republic's issues, not yet. 

If only he’d thought to write down a speech. Alas, there’d been no time, nor would he have known what to write. 

“One person who genuinely wants the galaxy to return to its rightful state of peace and unity can rule successfully. With the right amount of firm enforcement of laws combined with the ability to listen, the neglected planets economies can be rebuilt, the planets can form beneficial relationships. Each planet can have its representatives like the Senate has now, but with someone to make the final decision. No votes, no biases.” 

Like the Imperial Senate, almost. The one Leia had served for. Under Palpatine’s reign, it had been rendered powerless, completely ignored and useless. Under the right person, however, it could have the ability to thrive.

Lucyfer · May 20, 2016

“I don’t have any allergies,” Gnaeus noted, but looked at it. He frowned at one, “I don’t much care for that scent, but,” he shuffled through the contents as Paquin addressed Ariel, who was being spacey. 

He blamed it on the alcohol, “I can deal. There’s other stuff in here. Kylo?” 

“It’s fine,” Kylo had glanced in the bag. “I’m not allergic to anything, either.” Not that he knew of, anyway. Good genes. ‘That is what Snoke thinks, too.’ He sighed. Good genes and still a failure. “Let’s buy these and get out of here.” 

“That’s the most you’ve said in a while,” Gnaeus said it as praise, and was quite pleased to see the glare cross Kylo’s face. 

“Yeah, they can’t hear me,” Anakin stated. 

“Let’s just go buy everything,” Kylo said, “Show us to the pharmacy, Paquin.” 

Gnaeus let his relief manifest as laughter. Kylo was even ordering again. Thank the Force! Gnaeus did not want to be leader. 

“They’re blocking me out. You’re uninhibited enough to hear me now,” Anakin continued as the Knights organized to follow Paquin. “I’m Anakin Skywalker by the way. His grandfather.” If Ariel saw, he’d be gesturing at Kylo’s back with a scowl on his face. “I’m not sure if I should be more disappointed in him, or my children.” 

But the disappointment was real. 

Not to mention he could only talk to the drunk knight. 

Because of course he could only talk to the drunk knight. 

Fuck his death. 

~***~ 

Leia and Hux were two different worlds coming together, Mira knew, but Mira saw that they weren’t yet snapping at each other yet. Leia listened without interruption, much as Hux had. She tried not to be overly optimistic, but she was—damned hope, she was. 

She sipped her coffee. She was here to mediate, and only that. To direct the flow of the conversation. 

Leia bit her bottom lip as Hux finished, clearly searching for the words, so Mira spoke first: “The obvious disagreement that should be looked at first is the long-term governmental organization of the universe,” she said. In truth, she agreed more with Hux than Leia. Ideas brimmed in her mind of how to combine them, because she certainly understood Leia’s fears. 

A leader was only good while the leader was good. A system like that was chaotic every generation. If a leader was bad, everything went to hell. “The First Order proposes a system with one head. The Resistance proposes a system with multiple leaders. Both have their obvious pros and cons.” 

Mira would set the framework for them. “The Single Leader is only as good as that leader. Without checks or balances, a single leader can cause more chaos than all the disorganization of a group.” The key she hoped they would both notice was the ‘without checks or balances’—it was her way of noting a bias and suggesting a way to make it work. Term limits, a group of representatives who could—through majority vote—oust a bad leader, and other such things could work to keep such an individual in their place. 

“A multiplicity of leaders may have more voices represented, but those voices are a majority that neglect a weaker minority in many cases,” in current cases. “It has also been show in the past that this system is slow at acting, causing planets to fall into ruin.” The case of Naboo. Fortunately, Senator Amidala had acted on her own. “So for now, let us take this conversation in the direction of leadership.” 

Leia nodded. She wasn’t foolish enough to not hear the bias that was present, to know how Mira felt about it. “Strong and powerful leaders who can be trusted with the universe are few and far between, General Hux,” Leia stated bluntly. “The system may last for one leader, but once that leader is gone, it falls apart.” 

Her smile was a bit condescending, “Even if you or I were capable and trustworthy of holding that power, how do you propose this system continue, General?” The Senate had obvious ways of continuing. The people elected their representatives. “And how would this system of yours keep a leader like Palpatine from taking control?” 

Phasma bit the inside of her cheek. She had no answer for that—not that it was addressed to her, but she had not thought much beyond the time with Hux. 

~***~ 

What Snoke dreamt, he manifested. 

He had known Mira’s mind when it was weaker. Far away, he could not reach out to her the way he wanted to, but he could feel when she slept, and he could probe, shift, and alter. Her dreams lingered on the dreams any self-respecting Jedi would have—peace. ‘But peace is a lie.’ 

If anyone ought to know that, it ought to be her—her, who couldn’t live with her emotions. Her, who knew no peace. 

He hadn’t realized her use as a diplomat, though. He’d seen her instabilities as weakness and so isolated her to Wild Space, but it seemed he underestimated what the Jedi had taught her. She could force a calm unlike the other Knights, and so, bring together two parties who ought never to come together—the First Order and the Resistance. 

This had to stop. 

Fortunately, the leaders were gathering in one place…nearly defenseless. 

Snoke had many clones. Some were escalated to positions of power over the others, and Snoke had summoned one to him to fill them in on the situation and to prepare to turn that dream into a dream of the Knights—to bring down both Resistance and First Order in one, smooth, sweep.

KyloGlenn · May 22, 2016

“Darth Vader,” it slipped from Ariel’s mouth as a tiny squeak. Luckily the other three seemed too occupied to hear it. The voice didn’t sound like what she expected Darth Vader to sound like. It wasn’t incredibly deep and there were no breathing noises. This seriously couldn’t have been real. But the reasoning the voice—Anakin—gave made sense. 

Paquin previously dampened mood lightened as Kylo spoke more than five words, even ordered her around. She almost pulled them into a hug. “Gladly,” and so show them she did. 

Ariel didn’t follow after them. Instead, she placed the crate of alcohol on the edge of the fountain, beginning to open it up. “I need more alcohol.” Because that would clear her mind. But then she stopped, an idea forming. She looked to the three heading towards the pharmacy as she spoke, “I need to get them drunk.” She couldn’t believe she was actually talking to the voice that may or may not have been real and may or may not have been Anakin Skywalker. 

“Then we can prove if you really are real.” 

The walk to the tiny pharmacy wasn’t a long one. “You’re not here to beat me up, are ya?” The same man greeted jokingly, a grin on his face. “I think I can take these guys, Paquin.” 

“I’m sure you could. But we’re here to pay, not beat you up.” Paquin chuckled as she swapped out the one product that Gnaeus didn’t like and grabbed the only alternative. She felt bad for not being able to pay for her own things, even if all of them would make use of them. Maybe the Order hadn’t frozen her account yet… 

- 

A thought of hereditary rule had once crossed Hux’s mind. But he deemed that the worst idea he’s ever had. One ruler may be good, but their kid wouldn’t be the same. If General Organa ever ended up as the leader of the galaxy, that meant Kylo Ren would be the successor. 

“Election. The Senate aren’t the only ones who can use that method, General. But instead of a Supreme Chancellor being elected by a band of Senates, it’s galaxy-wide for a single leader. Each person on each planet. The galaxy knows what it needs and can choose based on that. “ That was the best way, the fairest for all. “It would be a long, difficult process. And it certainly wouldn’t be foolproof.” Rules on who can run and who couldn’t, how many times, all that would be set, but even then it can be undermined. A bad leader could be chosen. 

Any way it would go would be able to be attacked. A hereditary rule, appointed by the current leader, elections. The Resistance’s way as well. It had been before. 

“For keeping away another Palpatine, absolute power can not be granted. Checks and balances,” a brief glance towards Mira, “would have to be put in place. A way to force a bad leader out of power,” by people who couldn’t be bought off. Hux would even consider the Jedi if it came to that, if the rest of them were anything like Mira. “They’d have to operate in rules of their own, like a constitutional monarchy.” If the title ‘Emperor’ or ‘Empress’ is used, they wouldn’t truly be one. They wouldn’t have sovereign power. 

“I’ll be honest, there’s always the possibility of another Palpatine. All precautions taken could be bypassed. All that can be done is the best of the leader’s abilities. Palpatine certainly wasn’t dumb, he’d managed to work his way around the Old Republic. Someone of equal intelligence could do it again. Which leads me to my next question, General Organa. How will your system stop someone like Palpatine from taking control? History seems to have a habit of repeating itself.” 

“We won’t be that blind,” Poe spoke up, even if it wasn’t him that was being spoken to. He was there as an advisor, wasn’t he? 

“Palpatine passed under the noses of the Jedi. I’m sure they could pass under yours.” If the Jedi were all they were said to be, they could most definitely be fooled. 

“We’ve learned from the past—“ 

“Have you? It doesn’t seem like it, with the reformation of the previously failed Republic.” The discussion was quickly losing its civility. Mostly because of Poe, but it was slipping away nonetheless. 

- 

It didn’t take long for the clone trooper to present himself to the Supreme Leader. Not because the Snoke shouldn’t be kept waiting—which he shouldn’t—but because most of the clones remained unoccupied. The mission of gathering kyber crystals didn’t work out, and no other missions were scheduled. 

Upon entering the throne room, the trooper removed his helmet as a sign of respect, it’s not like it would help identify him. His head was kept bowed for a moment before the face of Jango Fett looked up at the Supreme Leader. It wasn’t actually Jango Fett. Just a clone. There were many others of him, but Fett’s genetic template hadn’t been the dominant one that was cloned. 

There was a good amount of clones in general and they were quickly, consistently growing. 

“Supreme Leader Snoke. My presence was requested?” The same voice came out, but it wasn’t the same man. Not the same name either, just numbers. Known as Captain 5177. To the other clones he had a nickname, though. 

He made no assumptions of what Leader Snoke needed, but it was so obviously a new mission. One that he would be responsible for.

Lucyfer · May 22, 2016

“Don’t call me that.” Anakin said as he heard ‘Darth Vader’. That was his shame. His deepest regret. The one that had killed Padme, had separated him from his children, had killed his mentor, had done…so much. 

He stayed with the drunk one as she suggested the others needed to get drunk. “Not too drunk,” he advised, “They don’t need to think I’m a hallucination.” But yes—drunk would work. He could see that allowing him to then contact the rest of them. The one he really needed to speak with might still block him out. Though Kylo was likely unaware of it, he was purposefully doing it. 

Something taught to him by Snoke, no doubt. 

Snoke and Anakin didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye. 

Gnaeus chuckled at the man’s joking nature, “Go easy on us, yeah? We came back to pay so you wouldn’t harm us.” 

Kylo just rolled his eyes, “Ignore him. He thinks working out in a gym teaches you to fight. Meathead.” Gnaeus said as he placed the credits down for the man, “Do I owe you more?” Kylo had strode off by then to look at the items in the store with curiosity. 

~***~ 

Mira was pleased Hux had put some thought to this, although he did not speak of term limits yet. He spoke of a huge election. Ambitious. Difficult, too. However, this was just the beginning stage—it seemed he did want to give power to people over politicians. 

She wondered if Leia saw that. 

She wondered much about what Leia was thinking as the small woman listened to it all, her brows knitting now and then, but otherwise, she was peaceful. Calm. That seemed to radiate out from her, but had little effect on Poe. 

“Hux.” Mira’s tone was sharp as she said the single-word. “They allowed you the time to explain, allow them the time.” Poe could be antagonistic, but in this case, Poe was right to begin. It was his and Leia’s turn—Hux had put a question to them. 

Mira then looked to Poe, and with a nod, noted he could go on if he liked. “We have learned from the past. The Resistance won’t set up a government that ever relies on one person. We know that’s slow.” 

“And we understand the need for fast decisions, especially in times of war. Rather than elect one dictator again, we intend to have the New Republic elect three. If two are in agreement, that can override the one who disagrees, but it will keep the power out of one hand. It has its risks, as well. People are imperfect.” 

And so any system involving people was imperfect. “But by keeping it out of the hands of one person, and setting limits to the amount of time a triumvirate can exist, it should fair better. There will be no more electing any triumvirate forever, and the triumvirate should even be cycled out if they are in power too long. They can serve as advisors to the new triumvirate that steps up.” 

“But this is all in the senate,” Phasma said. “The senate elects them, the senate chooses who replaces them, and the senate’s concerns will be addressed.” 

“The Senate’s concerns are the concerns of the people.” 

“They are a tree in a forest.” As in, they did not address nearly enough. 

“I am not sure I see how your system would do much better. The Core planets have a higher population than all of the Outer Rim. Their candidates would win most elections, and so their candidates would address their issues.” Leia pointed out to Phasma. “With a triumvirate, we could insist that one represent each sphere—one Core, one Mid, one Outer.” 

Poe nodded, added, “And the Senate gives each planet an equal number of representatives. It isn’t based on population.” 

~***~ 

“Yes, Captain 5177,” Snoke turned to him. The system of numbering and dehumanizing these things had always seemed a good one, even if it was difficult to get them to act that way when they were alone. 

But, they followed orders. 

In the end that was all Snoke needed. “I need you to take a group of good soldiers to Cimarosa, some in civilian garb. Those in civilian garb are to go to the university ahead of the rest of you, Crim, and set bombs in the Union building. It is where the leaders of our enemy organizations are gathering.” 

If he could blow them up, it’d be easy. 

Snoke was not foolish enough to think it would work out that easily. 

“The rest of you are to swarm the area when the bombs go out to check for any survivors. Do I make myself clear? You should expect General Hux, General Organa, Poe Dameron, Captain Phasma, and Mira Ren to be there—and all are your enemies.” 

News of Mira and Hux’s defection had spread, of course, but he needed it clear that this was not a conversion mission. Snoke did not want them brought back into the fold. “If any survive the explosions, make an effort to capture, but kill if necessary.” He still needed to know where Luke was. “I would rather have them all dead than to have even one escape.”

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I made something that'll love me even when I won't

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I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

either born in hell or heaven sent

I made something that'll love me even when I won't

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