Fandom Star Wars

[Lucyfer]

“I’m sure,” Kylo gave a nod. “If one thing can be said for Mira, she’s smart.” Her focus also helped, but not much got by her. She saw to Paquin’s Force Sensitivity in an environment that wasn’t even testing it. That meant something, for both Mira and Paquin.

Kylo could sense her hesitation. Years ago, there wouldn’t have been much of a choice, but now Kylo had a sufficient group of individuals under his command. The Knights were of a good size now, and none were a threat. None would go rushing to Luke. Paquin was with the First Order, so it was unlikely she was a threat. “It would be preferred,” Kylo said.

As to her job, he offered, “Have you ever heard of Darth Plagueis?” He knew the story from Snoke, who knew it as one of Vader’s inspirations. So it was one of Kylo’s, although the legend was…bewildering. Kylo could not imagine the power Plagueis must have had to stop death and control the body on the level of the midichlorians. It was impressive and intimidating.

One day, Kylo had vowed, he would be that good with the Force. He waited for Paquin’s answer, not wanting to rehash the story if she already knew it. It was just a good point to let her know that her trade as a medic could work with the Force.

~***~

“Of course, General. I should not need to in the future,” Mira noted, but offered no elaboration. One was usually not pushed in that way to discover if they were Force Sensitive. Mira just did it to save time. The cells were closer now, and Mira allowed a quiet chuckle to escape, a laugh that lived in the throat but didn’t quite pass the lips.

‘I am not afraid of Kylo. Do you think I am worried over Paquin?’

Saying as much was not allowed, lest it carried to Snoke. Mira had a healthy fear of Snoke, the one who had corrupted Ben Solo and would exterminate the Jedi if he could. He was ruthless and calculating, with enough charisma to bring Hux and Kylo both under his sway.

If Mira feared anyone, it was Snoke. With a word, he could command her killed. “That is up to the medic. No one is forced to be a knight. We all have a…choice,” though the way it was spoken suggested that wasn’t quite accurate. The situation with Paquin, however, was different. “Paquin is one of yours. If she denies it, there is little Kylo can do, but I imagine he will not be pleased.”

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


“The quiet ones always do turn out to be the smart ones.” Paquin had observed that Mira was very intellectual, she spoke very eloquently. At least during the brief time the medic had been around her. It was intimidating, really. If Mira two feet tall, she’d still feel intimidated. Maybe it wasn’t because of that, but rather due to Mira being a complete mystery accompanied by her apparent smarts. There were no rumors of her like there were Kylo or Hux, no one had even heard of her before she arrived on the base.<br /><br />


Paquin wasn’t exactly sure if ‘it would be preferred’ actually meant she’d have a choice, but she wouldn’t question it now. She’d cross that bridge when she came to it. “Darth Plagueis? I’m afraid not.” She barely knew who Darth Vader was. She’d only picked up on bits and pieces from the planets she lived on as a child and some of the things muttered by the First Order. Her parents had tried their damnedest to keep the past from her as well. To this day, she wasn’t exactly sure why.<br /><br />


It was funny how she worked for the First Order, the offspring of the Empire, yet knew so little about the history or politics. She’d moved from planet to planet as a kid, never picking up much information. Even when she was in school, the subject seemed to slip passed her. Maybe if she’d been as interested in history as she was in medicine, her knowledge wouldn’t be so deplorable.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


Hux picked up on the slight hesitation in Mira’s words. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out how much of a willing participant Mira had been in joining the Knights. He recalled her saying that Kylo Ren ruined the set up at the Jedi academy, when he killed everyone. Or maybe Hux was wrong in his assumptions, maybe she was more willing than she let on. At that moment he wouldn’t have it confirmed or denied, the two of them had shared enough for the day.<br /><br />


“Whatever the medic decides, she is Kylo’s problem now,” maybe Mira’s as well, depending on how much longer she’d be around. Hux doubted he’d have to deal with anything related to the medic, unless it was something to do with her status as a member of the First Order. <br /><br />


They’d reached the guards stationed at the cells, Hux immediately being let through. The troopers attempted to search Mira, obviously not recognizing her as a Knight without her helmet. With a dismissive wave of his hand and a simple ‘no’, the Stormtroopers backed away from the blonde before even touching her. He ordered them to strap one of the chambers made specifically with torturing in mind. With two of them walking off to do as he ordered, he turned to Mira.<br /><br />


“How skilled are you in the art of mind tricks, Mira?” If he couldn’t get anything out of the rebels by torturing, hopefully, he could turn to her for help instead of Kylo. Mira’s assistance wouldn’t hurt his pride too much, he was not at battle with her as he was with Ren. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Behind Kylo's mask his eyes lit up at the prospect of getting to talk of Darth Plagueis. It was always odd to him how few knew the name considering what Plagueis could do, but he supposed that was the fault of that accursed apprentice.

“Darth Plagueis was a Sith Lord who had such great power over the Force, that he could manipulate the very midichlorians that inspire life,” Ren knew not all accepted the fact that midichlorians gave life, since they were rather intangible, but he certainly did. “Through that control, that power, Darth Plagueis was able to stop others from dying. Unfortunately, that knowledge is now lost to us, but he learned it on his own. It could be learned again. You, Paquin, could unlock those mysteries.”

He made a gesture out, and the plates left behind by Mira and Hux were lifted easily, “The Force is not all about violence. There is much it can do to aid in a fight, of course,” that he wouldn’t deny. That was the major way that he used it, “but it can do so much more,” the plates gently floated towards the trash can, dumped what food remained on the plates into the trash, and then returned to the desk to rest at the same spot.

“Think on it,” he said, offered, “Mira or myself can assist you, if you have further questions,” he’d put Mira on the spot now, too, since she had figured out. Besides, if Paquin was going to become a Knight, she was going to have to get to know all of them.

~***~

‘All of Kylo’s problems will be yours.’ Mira did not say as much, though. If Hux preferred to think of them as different, so be it—but the Knights were another part of the First Order. It all came back together. She simply crossed her arms behind her back, until they reached the cells.

She’d already been searched too soon in recent memory. She would have gone for her saber to remind the guards of who she was, but Hux took care of it before such a thing could happen, and she was allowed to trail after him unmolested. Relief painted her expression for a moment, and she observed as others moved quickly to follow Hux’s orders.

Then came his own query to her. Were he anyone else, she would have showed him rather than spoken, but he was the General—and he didn’t need to know how easy it would have been for Mira to get the truth out of him about anything. “In that area, Kylo Ren and I are not equals—that is my forte,” out of necessity. She couldn’t have Kylo reading her own mind, so she learned all the tricks until he was just too frustrated with even trying anymore.

Much as he was often frustrated by not knowing what she was feeling. ‘But of course he won’t have me among the rebels like Kevan.’ Even though she would have excelled there. Not that she was doing bad in Wild Space.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Midichlorians had been a subject that was briefly debated over during her days in school. Some teachers believed in them, some thought they were a ridiculous concept. If someone had asked Paquin for her opinion before she joined the First Order, she would’ve been a disbeliever. But now that she knew the Force was real, it would be stupid of her to dismiss the possibility. Especially if Kylo believed in them.<br /><br />


Her eyes followed the plates as he moved them. “That would undoubtedly be convenient,” she commented. She wasn’t only talking about being able to move things with the Force but also stopping people from dying. Paquin was aware of how unlikely it was that she’d reach that level, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be able to do minor things. <br /><br />


Paquin didn’t let herself get too worked up over it, she hadn’t even agreed to train yet. <br /><br />


Her gaze returned to the Knight. She had many questions running through her head, but those all could wait. There was only one truly important question, “What exactly would I be signing up for, with joining the Knights and training? Would I have to kill anyone?” The Knights weren’t exactly known for much else within the Order. <br /><br />


Paquin had lost people while they were in her care, but that was vastly different than pointedly killing a person. The whole reason she had so intensely studied medicine and had taken drastic actions to learn it was to keep people alive. It seemed that would all be pointless if she were to kill someone.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


Hux was pleasantly surprised at Mira’s revelation and he didn’t bother trying to conceal it. It was no secret that Ren was quite skilled in utilizing the Force to get information out of people’s minds and, more often than not, he liked to rub it in Hux’s face. He was shocked that another could be even comparable to Kylo. “I hope you don’t mind showcasing that ability if need be.”<br /><br />


A trooper came back not long after the General’s orders were issued, “Sir, the prisoner’s ready. We selected the calm one to be interrogated first,” he informed. Hux gave the Stormtrooper a nod and continued his stroll to the cell.<br /><br />


The cell door was accompanied by two more guards, but Hux shooed them from his position down the hall. The only reason they were actually there was for his own protection, which made him inwardly roll his eyes. He didn’t need to be protected. It was often that Hux was underestimated, not that it was surprising. <br /><br />


Upon entering the cell, Hux’s face contorted into a scowl. The prisoner was pale and barely conscious, but he wasn’t dead. The medic had done her job. Unfortunately, the ginger wouldn’t be able to use any of his usual techniques without the rebel likely bleeding out. It would be wise to ask Mira for assistance, but he felt some form of shame in asking her before he even asked the prisoner a question. <br /><br />


Hux swallowed his pride for the good of the Order, though. He couldn’t risk letting the Resistance scum die if there was a possibility of him having pivotal information. “Mira, it would appear you have the opportunity to exhibit your usefulness once again." Mira had turned out to be quite handy, much to the General's surprise. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Kylo Ren could sense Paquin’s doubt, but then, that was expected. After all, to say that one could save lives with the Force, when it was mostly used for killing? “It is possible,” he said, added, “Anakin Skywalker was born of midichlorians. If it can create an entire person, it must be able to save them.”

Kylo believed that Anakin was born of the Force, though others liked to cast doubt on the idea. After all, his mother had been a slave. It wouldn’t have been unheard of for someone to force themselves upon her, and for her to just make up a story about Anakin’s birth rather than reveal the truth. Kylo ignored those naysayers, though.

After all, the strength of the Skywalker family—of his blood—was great.

“You would be signing up to serve the Knights, as well as the First Order. Killing comes with that,” it came with the First Order, as well, though he knew it was not as overt in her current position. “You would be put in situations where you would have to kill,” there was no sugar coating it, “We are the elite fist of this new world, and we must enforce the Order that will bring peace to this universe by ridding it of the Jedi.”

An odd declaration for most, but Kylo Ren truly detested the Jedi and what they stood for.

“When that is finally done, there will be no one else to kill. So long as they remain, and resist, then this war will continue and there will be endless people dying and getting injured in the war,” Kylo knew a medic wouldn’t be inclined to kill, but he did hope Paquin would see that the only way to stop it from occurring was to end the war—and the sooner it was over, the better.

That would unfortunately mean others had to die, those who refused to see the ways of the First Order.

~***~

“If need be,” Mira had said. She was not here to steal Hux’s thunder, after all. She was just as interested in getting the information as he was, though. After all, both of them had nearly been assassinated. She watched as Hux dismissed his own retinue, and smiled to herself, wondering if it was faith in her, or faith in himself, that made him arrogant enough to enter the cell of the ‘calm one’ without anyone else.

‘This one would die quick.’ Mira glanced him over, noting the wound to the leg. Apparently, it had struck an artery and he had nearly bled out. Mira had little sympathy for him.

Hux had enough sympathy, or enough smarts, to not even try. He spoke to her, and Mira arched an eyebrow, but then calmly strode forward to the restrained individual. He tensed just a bit at her approach, recognizing who she must be by the name Hux had used and her black attire. “Relax,” she cooed the word as she removed her gloves and let them fall to the floor.

The Force always flowed easier if she was not hindered in its use—if she could feel it. It was, in a way, why she did like the armor of the Knights. It improved their ability with the Force when in environments that were not friendly to Force users. Mira lifted her hand to the man’s hand and ran her fingers back through his hair, pushing his head almost gently back against the chair he was strapped to. “This will hurt if you resist.”

Unfortunately, most didn’t know how not to resist. It was why she’d hesitated with Hux, though he offered. Resisting was natural to the body, to the mind, when such an invasion happened. “You can tell me who leaked Hux’s position, though. You can answer the questions and we won’t have need of this.”

There was a moment’s hesitation, and then, “Go to the Void, sith whore.”

Mira smiled. Her fingers clenched in the dark hair, and the man let out a scream as she dove right into his head, piercing his barrier as if it were nothing and finding the information about the informant—and much, much more.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Paquin knew that Anakin was also known as Darth Vader, that much information had been available to her. Something that wasn’t, was that he had been born of midichlorians. That was quite the theory, again one that she couldn’t discount. Anything was possible at this point. But if it were true, he had a point. If the Force could create an entire being, why couldn’t it save someone?<br /><br />


The medic didn’t acknowledge the sick feeling that came at the mention of killing someone. She had expected that answer, but it still didn’t make her any less nervous. Fearful, rather. She certainly was capable of murder, there was no question about that. But there was a lack of willingness.<br /><br />


‘Yes, because the Jedi are the problem.’ Her sarcastic thoughts helped ease her nerves. Though, she had to consider the fact that she knew little to nothing about the Jedi. Kylo did pose a good argument, nonetheless. Maybe not so much the Jedi part, but the Resistance was the problem. The whole reason they were at war. If they would just let the First Order take control, there would be no fighting, no deaths.<br /><br />


As she thought on it, she realized it was likely that there would be more people she couldn’t save than people she’d have to kill. If the Knights and the Order could actually, finally put a stop to the war, that is. Either way, Paquin had made up her mind, despite her initial hesitation.<br /><br />


“I hope you understand why I’m so hesitant with this. Not all of us are built to kill. Mentally, at least. Most species are beyond built to kill, including humans like us.” She was rambling, but it was a coping mechanism. It helped with what she was about to sign on to. “Anyway, the sooner the war is over the better. If I can assist more than I am now, I guess I’ll do it.” If it weren’t for her rambling and odd way of phrasing her agreement, there would be no sign of her anxiety. None that a normal person could pick up on, anyway.<br /><br />


But she was still sure of this decision.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


Hux eyed Mira’s movements as she approached the prisoner, as well as watched the rebel himself. It was apparent in the way the man held himself that he knew who Mira was. Or maybe it was simply because Mira was, in fact, intimidating, even without her helmet. But then she opened her mouth.<br /><br />


Mira sounded calming in the way she spoke, in her actions toward the prisoner. While it didn’t ease the rebel in any way, Hux was sure if he were in his place he’d be oddly relaxed. ‘No, you wouldn’t.’ His thoughts were right, the General wouldn’t let himself be so easily swayed. In a different context, maybe.<br /><br />


Hux found the Knight’s techniques oddly intimate, especially compared to Kylo’s. Maybe that’s why she claimed to be more efficient, the way she probed minds was somehow better. He didn’t know, nor did he care much. As long as the job was done and he had the information he needed, he didn’t care how she got it.<br /><br />


Of course, the prisoner defied, even in his severely injured state. Hopped up on drugs and barely conscious, he still spat something less than nice at Mira. Not too much longer were his words followed by his own screaming.<br /><br />


The prisoner’s screaming didn’t halt while Mira continued to probe, the noises reverberating off the walls of the cell. Hux was mostly unaffected by the yells, not minding them much. But they were giving him a slight headache. But that pain was laughable compared to what the rebel must be feeling. Hux knew that if the Force just grazed the thoughts of someone, a migraine would follow. But the General felt no sympathy.<br /><br />


He remained quiet for a time, letting Mira focus on the thoughts she was searching through. But even the General grew impatient. “Are you finding anything useful in there?” His voice wasn’t demanding nor did it express any of his impatience. There was no sense being snippy with her like he would with Kylo, especially since Mira wasn’t required to help or even share any information in the first place.<br /><br />


It was safe to say that Hux had a favorite Knight. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

There was awe, and then there was sickness. Kylo felt it at the mention of killing people, as he had expected. A medic would never be comfortable with that idea.

Fortunately, she thought on it as he spoke and made his arguments for why she should join. Less death would eventually be the outcome. “I understand your hesitance. I would have given you more time if you needed it,” but she did not. Her decision was made with a sense of finality, and Kylo Ren nodded, pleased.

“I need to go speak with Snoke about this development and how the First Order needs to proceed forward. You should come. You will not be permitted in at first, but Snoke will want to meet you when I mention that I have found another Force sensitive to join our ranks.” He wouldn’t mention Mira, there was no need. He was the one who persuaded Paquin to join, after all. That was the truly difficult part. “Come,” he made a gesture, and turned from the room.

He doubted Paquin would know the way to where Snoke was met in this ship, so he decided to follow Hux’s trail to ask him. Only the General should know where that room was, and so he would have to ask him in order to learn.

At least Hux should be pleased he was going to follow the General’s orders.

~***~

The blond knight hardly heard the screaming through the wave of memories that moved into her own mind. It was a loudness of its own kind. The human mind was only meant to contain so much information, and at a certain rate. Mira defied that, and it hurt; how could it not? However, she didn’t show it. As she felt her nails dig into the scalp of the prisoner, she had to take a deep breath.

It shook, and she heard Hux asking about information. Her own thoughts mixed with the rebel’s, and she pulled away before that open door gave the rebel a chance to look. Her hand lowered from his head and she walked back to where her gloves had fallen, picking them up and sliding them on. The rebel visibly relaxed, though he gasped at the air, tried to resume a steady heart rate and a steady breath, no doubt amazed he was still conscious.

“The information of our location was fed to the rebels through a mole here, and given to a Sylus, or Kevan.” Sylus had been his name while he worked with the rebels to hide his identity as a knight.

A breath, “It was taken by torture.” Kevan had been found out, and Kevan had been forced to use his ties to the First Order and the Knights to get information and feed it to the rebels, rather than just simply killed.

Kylo Ren, of course, would kill him for this treachery. It did not matter that it was under threat; he would have to die for caving to the demands of the rebels.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Paquin stood, grabbing her bag and quickly trailing after him. A new fear had developed, a fear of Snoke. If Kylo Ren and General Hux both reported to this guy, it was safe to say her fear wasn’t unwarranted. “Is there anything I should know before I meet Snoke? Do I bow or something?” She wouldn’t be surprised if she had to. This was a man who liked to be called Supreme Leader, after all.<br /><br />


The brunette strode along next to him in silence for a few moments before speaking up again, “Should I be afraid of Snoke?” Yes, she should, even if he told her she’d be fine. If Snoke had the Knights of Ren wrapped around his finger, he was someone who should be feared. “Are you afraid of him?”<br /><br />


Paquin was envisioning some sort of masked giant, like Kylo or Darth Vader. Scary and radiating power. No one in the First Order knew what the Supreme Leader looked like, other than Hux and the Knights. For all she knew, Snoke could be a Force-sensitive ewok that spoke Basic or something silly. She chuckled at the thought, ‘Is that even possible?’ <br /><br />


She then realized that they were heading in the direction of the cells, likely heading for Hux. Neither of them knew where to meet Snoke, and Kylo knew that. Not only did the familiar halls give away their destination, but also the distant screams that could be heard as they neared. She recognized who they must’ve been interrogating, the weak one. “Stars, what are they doing to him?” Nothing good, that was obvious.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


Hux’s jaw clenched as the name Kevan left her mouth. The Knights seemed to be the center of all his problems. Kylo caused the destruction of his super weapon and now Kevan had been the reason for an assassination attempt on him. “Did the Resistance kill him yet?” If he wasn’t dead now, Hux would make sure he would be. <br /><br />


Who knew what other information Kevan had? If he was still alive, Hux would have to send someone to get him. He couldn’t risk any more information getting out. Of course, he’d have to discuss it with Snoke, but it was likely the Supreme Leader would agree with Hux’s plan to have the Knight executed. Kevan had bent over for the Resistance, after all. <br /><br />


“If not, we should call on Snoke, converse about how to move forward.” He didn’t mention anything about having her fellow Knight terminated, but he figured she’d know already. She must have known how such treachery would be dealt with, Hux doubted Mira would be clueless. Even the simplest people would be able to understand.<br /><br />


He felt sympathetic towards Mira, she had just spoke to him about how the Knights were family to her and now she’d learned one of them was a traitor. “Is that all the information you can get from the rebel? Otherwise, he serves no further purpose, no sense in keeping him alive.” It wouldn’t take much to kill him, all he had to do was reopen the wound and wait a few minutes. He just needed the go ahead from the blonde. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Hux, too, was concerned with the death of Kevan. He didn’t have to say it; it was in the clench of his jaw and his tone.

In many ways, Mira could not blame him for it, but Mira felt sympathy for Kevan. She’d been in his shoes, once. She would know better than to cave again, but Kevan never had to learn that lesson. “No, Kevan Ren is not dead,” Mira shook her head in answer to Hux’s question.

That meant he had to be dealt with. She cast a glance back at the weak one, and shook her head again, “I tried to discover who was in direct contact with Kevan, but it seems he protected his source from this one. I do not know about the other.” This one’s use, in this matter, was up, “He does not know the direct base of General Organa. He does not know where Luke Skywalker is,” the important things were unknown to this one.

His use, had thus, expired. Mira had searched and found nothing else but the information on Kevan. At least, that was relevant. She’d sifted through plenty of memories to know other things about the one condemned to die, but they were not relevant. “Excuse me, General. Kylo seems to be approaching,” she alerted, before walking by him and out of the cell. It would be best to tell Kylo Ren this herself.

~***~

Kylo chuckled at her question about bowing, “No,” it wasn’t necessary. None of the knights bowed to Snoke unless the situation just seemed to call for it. It was rare when it did. “Snoke is worthy of fear. He is far more powerful than I am with the Force. He has taught me everything I know.”

He would give Luke no credit. Luke had only hindered him. “However, there is no need to fear him. There is no reason you would have to fear him,” if she stayed with the Knights. If she remained loyal. Snoke would do her no harm, then.

Screams reached them, and Kylo lifted one shoulder in a shrug, “From the sounds of it,” Kylo was rather familiar with the screams of physical pain, and well…this sort, “Mira has gotten her hands on the prisoner.” It cut off before they reached the cell, and just as Kylo stepped by the guards, who knew better than to check Paquin this time, Mira Ren was exiting the cell.

“Already done with that one?” Kylo asked. “I’m not here to interrupt, I only—”

“Kevan Ren has betrayed us to the Resistance.”

And Kylo stiffened. “General Hux will want to speak to Snoke immediately. You should be in attendance.”

Kylo took the words, but made no comment. He moved right by Mira and into the room where Hux still was, immediately grasping at the Force as he strode towards the prisoner and snapping, “HOW DO YOU KNOW KEVAN?” Apparently, Kylo’s words about ‘not interrupting’ were now thrown out the window.

The prisoner’s mind was already weakened, so the thoughts came easily into Kylo’s own mind as the prisoner hadn’t even the strength of voice left to let out much more than a pained whimper.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Hux made no move to follow after Mira, anticipating Kylo’s reaction to the news. Which is why he remained unflinching upon Kylo’s rather explosive entrance into the cell. The General knew better than to make a comment on Kylo’s poor grip on his knights, at that moment it wasn’t a great idea. “Hurry, Ren,” was all he offered before leaving the cell. He didn’t intend on loitering around for much longer.<br /><br />


Paquin, however, did flinch at Kylo’s shouting. She then understood why a majority of workers were afraid of Kylo Ren, so cautious around him. She wouldn’t want to be the target of his anger either.<br /><br />


It didn’t take a genius to figure out why Kevan Ren’s betrayal caused such a reaction. It was a Ren that had betrayed the Order and the Knights themselves, not just some lowly spy of Hux’s. Paquin knew it was likely that he’d receive the same punishment that anyone else would— death. <br /><br />


“Sorry about Kevan,” she mumbled to Mira. She wasn’t sure if that was even the right thing to say. She didn’t know Kevan or his relationship with his fellow Knights. And it wasn’t like Kevan had been killed or anything, he was a traitor. Paquin didn’t think much further on it, as Hux joined the two women outside of the cell.<br /><br />


The ginger’s glare settled on Paquin as he took a stance in front of her and Mira, but didn’t open his mouth to comment. He didn’t have to. Hux knew that the medic would further be involved with the Knights as long as she said all the right things, his glare was silently telling her that he was just about done with the Ren’s shenanigans, he wouldn’t have any patience with her if she decided to be a pain. If Paquin did end up joining the Knights, he’d explain that to her verbally. <br /><br />


His gaze shifted to Mira, the intensity of his glare lessening, “Snoke may want you or Kylo to sift through the other prisoner’s mind. There might be a chance that he knows where Kevan Ren is located. If not, it’s still not as much of a waste of time as sitting and torturing him until he provides answers.”<br /><br />


“The difficult one knows the name Ben. He called Kylo that.” Paquin didn’t know if that was common knowledge among the rebels, but it was worth mentioning, “He also mentioned someone named Han.” The mention of Ben and Han had caused a great enough reaction, although it was subtle, in Kylo when she’d been treating the prisoners. <br /><br />


Paquin’s words made Hux wonder how much information medics actually picked up on when dealing with Stormtroopers and officers. “Hm. Mira, did the other one know of Ben Solo?” He questioned. It was entirely possible that General Organa was simply telling everyone of her son, but if not the other prisoner could be privy to very useful information.<br /><br />


“Either way, he’ll have to wait until after the meeting with Snoke.” And with that, Hux brushed passed Mira and Paquin, beginning his march to the private location where he’d usually call on the Supreme Leader. He’d figured that the two women would follow and that they wouldn’t get far before Kylo realized they were gone. The Knight could easily catch up. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Mira fixed Paquin with a stare for her apology, but kept it without emotion. Any other day, Mira might have accepted it calmly, but she felt something like disgust creep into her gut. It was irrational, but she could hear Kylo Ren speaking of Paquin’s timing as fortuitous—as if Paquin could replace Kevan.

‘Never.’

Mira shook the bitter thoughts away as Hux stepped between them. “Thank you,” she offered. The words were without ill intent. Mira knew that, rationally. She would not dare let her emotions get the best of her, not now, not when Kylo was doing enough of that for the both of them.

Attention was brought to the other prisoner, and Paquin noted he knew the name ‘Ben Solo’. At Hux’s query, Mira shook her head, “No, he didn’t know that name.” Interesting discovery. The other might be closer to General Organa, then. Hux dismissed it, though, and strode off.

Mira gave a nod to Paquin, “Go on. I’ll get Kylo,” she said, doubting Paquin would care to go anywhere close to him in one of these moods. She didn’t wait, though. She turned back to the door with the prisoner in it and walked in.

Kylo was now silent, of course. The prisoner was devoid of screams, practically devoid of life. Mira could smell the charred fabric from the lightning that must have flowed from Kylo. “What?” He snapped the second she was in.

“General Hux is going to Snoke. You should accompany him.” Kylo snapped his attention away from the prisoner to look at her through his mask, “I will look into the other prisoner.” Snoke rarely wanted to see her. The other Knights, in truth, didn’t matter him to him nearly as much as Kylo Ren did, and Mira was just fine with keeping it that way. “I’ll learn where Kevan is, and I will be waiting for you after the meeting. You have much to tell Snoke.”

And he would not want Hux to get there first.

Without a word, Kylo illuminated his red blade and lopped off the head of the prisoner, done with him, before he put the saber away and walked right after Hux. Mira left the room seconds later, but went to go to the second prisoner.

As expected, there was a guard, but she didn’t let it hinder her. With a gesture, she gave the command, “Remove the prisoner from the torture chamber and prepare him for cremation. Then strap this one into that room.” Jedi Mind tricks. She doubted the guard would be able to resist.

~***~

Kylo quickly caught up with Hux, not at all leisurely in his stroll, “Paquin will join us eventually,” he decided to note, even though her joining of the Knights was not nearly as important as this breach, “She has agreed to join the Knights of Ren,” he couldn’t help but sound a little smug, “And just in time.”

He was going to destroy Kevan when he found him. He was going to tear the man to pieces.

They were supposed to be brothers!

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Paquin followed after Hux once Mira left to get Kylo, but at a slower pace. She didn’t need to be right up there with Hux and she’d been jogging after Kylo all day. Once Kylo did catch up to Hux, she sped up her own pace but remained a few feet behind them. She was still within hearing range of them, cringing when she heard ‘just in time’, it sounded like she was a replacement. Now she kind of was.<br /><br />


It made her wonder if anyone else would see it that way. Hopefully, no one would hate her for it.<br /><br />


“I’m sure you’ll be able to keep a better grasp on this one.” Hux couldn’t help but let out an insult, he was thoroughly aggravated by Kylo and his knights. But at the same time, Paquin was one of his own so he couldn’t insult her loyalty without insulting himself and his people.<br /><br />


Hux glanced back at the medic, silently judging Ren’s choice in warriors. She certainly didn’t look capable, but he guessed that’s what training was for. He also noticed that Mira wasn’t accompanying them. “Is Mira not coming?” He questioned, although it didn’t matter much. Between Kylo and Hux they had all the information they needed.<br /><br />


The trio soon approached the doors leading to the meeting room. The location was isolated, much like the cells. Only the meeting room was not guarded by people, no one but Hux was allowed in that part of the ship. Hux entered the code to the door, a code only he had access to. He’d have to give it to Kylo now, though. “Stay,” he instructed Paquin, to which she nodded.<br /><br />


Hux entered the very large, very dark room. The only sources of light were on a walkway, towards Snoke’s throne, as well as a control panel in the corner. Hux approached the latter, to connect with Snoke, wherever he may be. Hux was rarely privy to the Supreme Leader’s whereabouts, only knowing when it was necessary.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


The guard was not able to resist, not that he tried. “I will remove the prisoner from the torture chamber and prepare him for cremation. Then I’ll strap that one into the room.” He repeated monotonously before setting off to work. He barely realized what he was doing as he moved the body as well as it’s severed head.<br /><br />


It took the guard a moment to follow the orders since it was only him. But luckily the second prisoner was quite loopy as he was transported, barely putting up any fight. As the rebel lazily struggled against the Stormtrooper, his eyes caught Mira’s form. A glare settled on her, grumbled slurs flowing from his mouth.<br /><br />


The guard not so gently nudged the rebel with his weapon, telling him to shut his mouth. A groan was the prisoner’s response as he felt himself getting strapped one limb at a time to a metal chair. His gaze lowered to the floor, spotting blurry colors. One distinct color he picked up on was red, which caused him to sober up as much as his body allowed him to.<br /><br />


It was blood and it was fresh, that much he could tell. While it hadn’t been confirmed whether it was his partner or not, he still knew it was. It had to be. It would be confirmed one way or another while he was being tortured, he figured. A feeling of despair and anger mixed within him, prompting a growl to form in his throat. He didn’t have much energy to do any more than that, the large dose of sedative he was given rendering him drained. <br />


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Kylo could sense the unease in both Hux and Paquin. It was more apparent in Paquin, but Hux was annoyed. Uneasy. He did not like this situation at all—he was losing someone to Kylo, and it only fueled Kylo’s sense of superiority in the moment.

Paquin had chosen the Knights over the First Order. Sure, they worked together now, and there was a good chance they would until the end—but even so. Her loyalties and her place in the hierarchy had now substantially changed. Hux was going to hate that so much as it solidified.

“No, Mira isn’t coming,” Kylo answered. “There is no need for her here.” Hux’s understanding of the Knights was limited, which made Paquin’s ascension all the more fun.

He watched as Hux put in the code, too fast for Kylo to memorize it, but he didn’t note that. He walked in, and the set-up was as familiar as it was anywhere else. The throne was empty, but Kylo walked with Hux to the console, and he walked in front of Hux then to insert that familiar code to let the Supreme Leader know his presence was being requested.

“We’ll start with the good news,” Kylo said. It would be better to end on the bad note, since those would lead to actions. He did not want Paquin to meet Snoke while he was angry. It wouldn’t be a good introduction then.

It did not take long for Snoke to materialize before them, larger than life. Kylo inclined his head to the Supreme Leader, tempted to take off his helmet before he remembered—Hux.

He wasn’t letting him see the scar just yet.

“Supreme Leader, it is good to see you again. We have news, good and bad,” Kylo began, “A Force Sensitive has been identified among the First Order. I feel she has potential enough to be a Knight and have asked her already to join. She has accepted. With your permission…,”

Snoke’s gaze was calm, but ever-alive. “Who is this? Why were they not identified sooner?” His gaze moved over Kylo, to fall upon Hux, as if the General should have been able to identify them. It was not quite accusatory in nature, though. Hux was a well-respected man to even be allowed an audience with Snoke, after all.

~***~

The guard moved seamlessly, without ever questioning what he was doing, and Mira did not interrupt or add new instructions. She allowed it to flow, and followed the second prisoner into the torture room.

When the guard left, she shut the door behind them, and locked it this time.

Mira saw where his eyes fell, “Kylo Ren cut the head off your friend,” she answered. There was no losing here. Not for her, anyway.

Her eyes lifted from the bloodstain to the face of the rebel. “I understand you know him as Ben Solo, and also know of Kevan Ren.” It would be easy to just rip it from his mind, but Mira’s mind was still turning.

What fate did she want for Kevan? ‘Not death.’ That much had been determined, and there might be a way to make sure of that in this rebel. How, she hadn’t yet decided…but it wasn’t worth just tearing into their mind.

Not yet. "If you do not want to end up like your friend, perhaps you will tell me where I can find Kevan Ren."

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Hux bowed his head slightly at the appearance of Snoke, raising his head once he heard the sound of Kylo’s voice. His blue eyes settled on the towering hologram, his face resting into its seemingly natural sneer as the discussion began. Soon enough the Supreme Leader’s own eyes landed upon the General.<br /><br />


“A medic named Paquin,” he began. Hux couldn’t tell Snoke much more than that, he didn’t even know her name a few hours before. Hux almost felt ashamed of himself. He was the General, he should know who was working for him. Hopefully, Snoke wouldn’t request any further information on the girl. Not from him, at least.<br /><br />


“Neither Ren or I have had much contact with her until just recently.” Hux decided against telling Snake that it was Mira who discovered Paquin’s Force-sensitivity. If it were any other situation he would have gladly discredited Kylo, but with the news of Kevan’s betrayal coming soon he didn’t think it would be wise. Too much disappointment.<br /><br />


“How attuned is she with the Force?” the Supreme Leader’s stoic gaze barely shifted from the ginger to the masked Knight. It didn’t truly matter, anything can be built upon. All that mattered was that she was Force-sensitive and that they had a grasp on her before anyone else did. “I trust that you’ve brought her with you,” Snoke knew that they had, otherwise they’d be discussing the bad news first.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


The prisoner snorted, a sarcastic laugh escape his throat. “It’s funny. My partner is dead, and so is your precious Kevan.” That was a lie, but he figured it was Kylo who had tortured his friend. And he knew that if Kylo Ren had rummaged through his fellow rebel’s mind that they knew he was alive. But there was a chance that Mira didn’t and he’d play on that.<br /><br />


“He was a little bitch, surprisingly so. Gave up the position of you and the General faster than expected,” He was now trying to get some sort of reaction out of the blonde, knowing he’d end up like his friend no matter what he said. He wasn’t lying about how quickly Kevan had given up, he thought it would take much more than it did. It still took quite a bit, though.<br /><br />


He wouldn’t give up the Knight of Ren’s position as easily as Kevan had. <br /><br />


“It seems the First Order is just full of traitors, doesn’t it? There was Finn and now Kevan. If you keep on going down this path, the Order won’t last very long.” His words were still slurring as he continued to try and provoke an explosive reaction out of her, like the kind Kylo Ren was known for. He hoped to get her to kill him in a blind rage before she attempted to prod his mind. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

General Hux played along with the good news first, and informing the Supreme Leader of how little they’d known. Kylo Ren couldn’t argue it, but with him it was understandable. He paid little mind to the First Order individuals.

Hux simply couldn’t identify Force-sensitives. “She is not attuned to manipulate it herself, yet, but it responds to her. It has protected her from harm,” Kylo Ren answered, making it clear she was something of a ‘natural’. “She is right outside,” he gestured towards the doors he and Hux had entered through.

Snoke gave a single nod, “Bring her in.”

Kylo echoed the nod, and swiftly turned on his heels to fetch Paquin, walking the length of the bridge to the doors.

He heard Snoke inquire of Hux, “Was your recent diplomatic mission successful?”

‘Right.’ A conversation that Kylo was not needed for, and not bad news. Not…terribly bad news. It would become that later. He trusted Hux to stick only to what was good at the moment, as he opened one of the doors and peered out for Paquin.

Upon catching sight of her, he said, “The Supreme Leader would meet you now,” and he gestured for her to move forward and follow him.

~***~

The prisoner was obvious in his attempts to upset her, as his friend had been with his foolish attempt to call her a ‘sith whore’. Her expression was impassive as he declared Kevan dead, and spoke the rest of his spiel. She waited until he was finished, gaze never moving, lips never flinching into either a snarl or a smile.

“I know that Kevan lives. It is the only reason you live.”

Mira crossed the floor to him, taking her left glove off, “I am not Kylo Ren, nor am I Kevan Ren,” she noted, wanting to make it clear he was dealing with someone else entirely, and to also make it clear that the Knights—though they promoted that look—were not all the same masked terror. “I knew Luke, though.”

Off went the right glove. “All I want is Kevan’s location. You know how easily I could grasp it from your mind,” intimidation tactics were not her style, “Especially with your drug-addled mind. Consider this, however: I want Kevan, and I want him alive. You are more useful to me alive than dead.”

And she spelled it out for his drugged mind: “I want to trade you for Kevan. Will that work?”

Kylo would never agree to it, nor would Hux, but Mira could find ways to hide it. She was arrogant; that wasn’t a lie. She was quite certain the truth would never get to Kylo, after all. Not from her mind, and this prisoner would be long gone by then.

‘And Kevan safe in the Outer Rim….’

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


“Yes, Supreme Leader, it was,” Hux began, not missing a beat, “It took some convincing, but we reached an agreement.” He knew better than to elaborate on why they needed convincing, then he’d have to bring up the assassination and Kevan Ren. All that would be brought up soon enough, though. But now was not the time.<br /><br />


Thankfully, no further questions on the matter arose from Snoke, “Good,” he grumbled. It wasn’t apparent to Hux if that eased the Supreme Leader, or if the Supreme Leader was even worried at all about the bad news. What was apparent was Snoke’s shifting attention, prompting Hux to glance behind him.<br /><br />


Paquin’s head snapped up at the sound of the doors opening, quickly standing from her position on the ground, leaning against the wall. She hurriedly ran a hand over her uniform, straightening her appearance. First impressions were important. She mustered up as much confidence as she could before following Kylo into the darkened room. <br /><br />


Upon entering, though, all confidence seemed to dissipate. Mentally, at least. She didn’t let it effect the way she held herself. ‘Nothing to be afraid of my ass.’ She thought as she warily approached the towering figure. What she saw was not what she was imagining— this was worse. Though she took notice that it was simply a hologram, it did little to ease her. <br /><br />


His gaze followed her as she stopped next to the General. It wasn’t judgmental, he was simply observing her. She felt inclined to bow, even though Kylo had said that wasn’t necessary. She opted to cast her gaze downwards to show some sign of respect.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


Disappointment fell upon the prisoner at the lack of reaction he’d achieved and the fact that he hadn’t been able to trick her into believing Kevan was dead. Even with his drug-hazed mind, he knew that wasn’t the way to go. Just like she’d said, she was neither Kylo or Kevan. And she further proved that with her proposition.<br /><br />


He didn’t fully grasp what she was suggesting until she spelled it out for him. A trade, him for the Knight. Would it work? Yes, it would. The question was if the prisoner would agree to it. It wasn’t like he’d be killed upon returning, that’s not how General Organa ran things. At first, he nodded in response, but then quickly shook his head ‘no’. His thoughts were moving slower than usual, but he was still able to think on it further.<br /><br />


If she were to trade him for Kevan, she’d have to know where Kevan was being held. The base. Who’s to say she wouldn’t take that information and turn around to tell Kylo or the ginger General? He was almost certain that’s what she’d do. “I’m not falling for that,” there was a chance that she genuinely wanted to trade.<br /><br />


But then he didn’t think that that’s how the First Order worked. They were not negotiators, not with the Resistance, at least.<br /><br />


“You’ll have to rip it from my mind,” his hiss was weak and lazy. No doubt that’s what his mind was like, there would be no ripping. She’d be able to reach in and pluck out whatever information she wanted easily. Again, he thought on the situation. She’d get the information one way or another, maybe she was being genuine in her trade proposal.<br /><br />


“Unless you prove that I can trust you,” he added. <br />


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Kylo Ren felt anxiety at introducing Paquin to Snoke. She was not like the others. The others had all been fighters of some sort, or had a particular strength of character that made it clear they were willing and able to do the dirty work that the Knights did.

Paquin did not have that. Not yet. “How did you discover her?” Snoke asked.

“She was put in harm’s way,” Kylo answered vaguely, “the Force reacted to her emotional state and made sure she was unharmed.”

“Was it her, or was it you, Ren?”

Ren’s back stiffened at the query, not wanting to even consider what the Supreme Leader’s question meant, “It was her.” He seemed to balk at the idea that he had done it, uncertain why he did except that he knew that showing any indication of weakness or caring before the Supreme Leader did not go over well.

Snoke continued to assess her in silence. “She has a natural talent,” he agreed. How he could feel the Force of her from so far was a grand mystery, “She will need to be trained to use it…I leave that to you, Ren, while the Scavenger evades us.”

“Thank you, Supreme Leader.”

“Paquin,” he addressed her directly, “You are not yet a Knight of Ren. You will have to prove yourself…worthy,” what that meant was always up for debate.

Snoke did not linger on it. His attention shifted, “On the matter of the Scavenger, has anything been discovered of her, or Luke?”

Kylo canted his head, “Ask our Grand General.”

‘You’re in trouble now.’ It was a melody in Kylo’s head.

~***~

In wine there was truth—or so the saying went. So, too, in drug addled minds. The prisoner’s nod was enough to let Mira know he was important—important enough to trade for Kevan. ‘Careful.’ She knew how bad this could go, and how quickly it could go badly. This prisoner’s mind could be ready by Kylo Ren, after all, which would give away her own secrets and plans if she was not careful.

He wanted proof. Mira didn’t need to give it to him, hands free, she reached out as she had with the other prisoner, but didn’t grasp into his head. She merely pushed his hair back with her fingers, seeming to examine him, “Kevan is dead if Kylo or Hux get to him first. I do not want him dead. That is how you can trust me. I care little about the Resistance or the First Order at this moment, my reasons are wholly selfish,” she flicked his ear and then withdrew her hand, “If you have an idea of how I might prove myself, tell me. Otherwise, agree—and I’ll get you Stormtrooper armor so we can walk out of here.”

It’d be simple enough to lie to Kylo and tell him the man was dead, and easy to hide the rebel in the white armor of the Stormtrooper. “Or, I rip the information from your mind, put you in Trooper armor anyway, and go to trade you. Your call.”

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Paquin's gaze remained on the ground in front of her as Snoke and Kylo spoke of her. She didn't comment on anything, knowing that she wasn't supposed to speak unless spoken to. That's what she was taught and this situation seemed to call for such. She didn't even comment on 'was it her, or was it you'.<br /><br />


She didn't blame Snoke for doubting her Force-sensitivity. If it wasn't for Kylo himself telling her that she was, she wouldn't have believed it either. After all, he had thrown Mira, he could have easily stopped Paquin from falling down. But they wouldn't be where they were if that were the case. And all doubted were erased when Snoke declared her 'a natural'. How he could tell, Paquin didn't know.<br /><br />


Her head rose upon hearing the Supreme Leader address her. 'Prove myself worthy? How?' She kept her queries to herself, not that she could voice them. Snoke had moved on before she could. But she did turn to Kylo with a raised eyebrow. Maybe he knew what Snoke was talking about.<br /><br />


It was Hux's turn to tense. No matter how much he vehemently proclaimed that the Scavenger and Luke Skywalker were not his problems, he wouldn't dare say that in front of Snoke. Technically they had been his problem while Kylo had been away. "I'm afraid not. We've been keeping an eye out, but they've not been spotted," he spoke hesitantly. <br /><br />


"But, we have a prisoner that may have some clue," Now was as good a time as any to bring that up, he figured. Not to mention that the Supreme Leader's anger would likely be more directed at Kylo, that would please the ginger. "Kylo may have more information on this subject." Ren had searched through the prisoner's mind, after all. It wasn't the General simply passing the blame onto the Knight. But that was apart of it as well.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


The prisoner attempted to shrink away from Mira's hands as she reached out. His eyes narrowed at her as she simply brushed his hair back, seemingly examining him. Before he could make a snippy comment on whether or not his rebel-ness was up to her standards, she spoke.<br /><br />


He considered her for a moment, flinching as she flicked his ear. She was serious, he decided. Either that or she was a very good actor. Though that was dismissed when she threatened to rip it from his mind and shove him in Stormtrooper armor anyway. His face scrunched at the prospect of wearing it.<br /><br />


The things one does to survive.<br /><br />


He sighed, "You've proven yourself," Kevan was of little use to the Resistance anymore, anyway. Especially now that the Order was aware that they had him. Not to mention he himself would get to survive. "The name's Rollo, by the way. In case you need something to call me." He figured his name was as important as the lunch he'd had the day before, but he was sure he'd get sick of being called 'prisoner', or 'rebel', or quite possibly 'Resistance scum'.<br /><br />


"You'd better hurry and get that armor before your buddies find out that you're a traitor, too." Technically she was a traitor, she was doing something against the wishes of General Hux and Kylo Ren. But she'd only be labelled that if she were to be caught. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

The Knights had usually proven themselves through overcoming whatever their temptation was to the light—or what it was suspected to be. Kylo Ren had questions about both Mira and Kevan in that regard, but considering Mira had slaughtered younglings and her parents…it was hard to believe she was not truly loyal.

Kevan just wore too many masks to know. Now, though, Kylo knew. He had betrayed them, and he felt that rage bubble up as Hux once again shoved responsibility onto him.

It was a game they played. ‘Who had the duty of giving Snoke the bad news? Who upset him first?’

They were like children, and Snoke the long-suffering father. “Two prisoners, they attempted to kill General Hux and Mira Ren,” Kylo clarified, shooting Hux another glance from beneath his helmet, before continuing, “They knew Mira and Hux’s location from Kevan.”

“WHAT?”

Snoke’s hands were on his throne and he lifted himself up to stand. “Kevan Ren has betrayed us?”

“Yes. I am sorry, Master,” Kylo returned to that phrase rather than Supreme Leader, “I failed to make sure he had conquered his temptation to the light. I will not fail again.”

But the rage in Snoke’s gaze was clear. There was doubt there, towards Kylo Ren, who had failed with one Knight already. “Mira remains on the ship, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Inform her that she is to remain for now. The kyber crystals she has found are enough to work with the blue prints from Korriban. We will extract them soon. For now, I want her to make sure you do your job in breaking all temptation towards the light in Paquin.”

Kylo wrinkled his nose, but said only, “Yes, Master.”

Snoke’s gaze shifted to Hux again, “Prepare to find out where Kevan is, and then destroy him.”

~***~

There was agreement, with no tricks. Mira could reach into his head to find out if he was concocting treachery of his own, but that was a given. He was a rebel. “I’ll see if I can find you an RO unit’s suit, Ro,” Mira made note of his name. It was unlikely they’d cross paths again, but if ever—she’d see him spared for his assistance.

Yes, she was acting a traitor now, but it didn’t sting. There was no doubt; she wouldn’t get caught. Her true loyalties were still to the First Order, but Kevan had been at her side on Endor. Kevan was important enough to risk everything for.

“I will be back,” she told him and left without further harming him or undoing the straps. She shut the door behind herself, and then sought out the guard near the area, “Leave.” It was a Force command, quickly done, as she made her way to the armory and found nothing for the RO units. She did find and RL that looked like it might fit him. RL-0022. Mira took it, and immediately made her way back to the prisoner, hoping this meeting with Snoke would take a while.

‘Still have to be there for Kylo. What reason can I use to leave…?’ If Snoke didn’t dismiss her, she’d need a good reason. ‘Ariel.’

Before entering the prison cell, she glanced to her wrist and the small band there. She tapped it and quickly sent a call out to Ariel.

The red-headed girl soon answered, a hologram appearing, “The hell do you want, Mira?”

“I thought you needed some help,” Mira noted, “Somewhere in the Outer Rim. Right?”

Ariel canted her head, eyes misty. Ariel was the only Knight who shucked the idea of the helmet whenever possible. “Mm. I think so, yeah. Your research touch would help me dig up some things on Vader on Tatooine.”

“I’ll be there soon,” she was glad she didn’t have to explain to her, as she ended the call and then walked into the room with the prisoner. “RL unit. Demolitions. Play it off that we’re going to the Outer Rim to investigate some ruins another knight needs help with.” As Mira let the bits of armor drop to the floor, she utilized the Force to undo the straps holding the prisoner in place.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


“As you wish, Supreme Leader.” Hux took note in Snoke’s choice of words. Destroy. Not simply kill or execute. Snoke was enraged and it was…intimidating, to say the least. It wasn’t the first time Hux had witnessed the Supreme Leader’s anger, but that didn’t make it any less unsettling. <br /><br />


“Is there anything else?” The Supreme Leader questioned, remaining in his standing position.<br /><br />


“A few attacks on a few Resistance outposts have been put into motion,” he refrained from mentioning who’s fault that was, “I have confidence they’ll be successful, but it’s unlikely we’ll be able to proceed the way we have been.”<br /><br />


“Then so be it. I have confidence you’ll be able to command the Order appropriately,” and with that, his gargantuan form disappeared.<br /><br />


Paquin was the first to speak after a few moments, “I won’t let you down.” She spoke to Kylo. She’d taken note of the doubt Snoke had expressed. She had no idea what ‘temptation’ to the light they were speaking of and it was quite possible she’d actually let him down, but assurance never hurt anyone.<br /><br />


“I’m sure you’ll be causing me more anguish than you will him.” Hux couldn’t help but comment, bitterly at that. The Knights always seemed to somehow bite him in the neck and he was sure Paquin would at some point. He wasn’t shy about showing his distaste. “I’m also sure you’ll want to be apart of Kevan’s destruction, as it were,” the change in subject was directed at Kylo.<br /><br />


-<br /><br />


The thought of possibly double-crossing Mira passed through the prisoner’s mind while the Knight was out of the room. That way he wouldn't have to actually take her to his base, he could get out on his own. But he realized that wasn’t a very smart thing to do, for a multitude of reasons. For one, he was injured and drugged. Weak. Second, she was Force-sensitive, she’d probably sense any strange feeling he’d experience. There was no way he’d get passed even thinking it. <br /><br />


Rollo stumbled as his limbs were released from the straps, utilizing the metal device he was strapped to, to stabilize him. “I think I can do that. Stand up straight, but walk like I’ve got a stick up my ass.” He slowly began to pull the trooper armor over his clothes as he spoke, careful not to perturb his injured leg too much. He was lucky he could still walk, unlike how his friend wouldn’t be able to. <br /><br />


He hoped his leg wouldn’t serve to be much of a problem. As long as they didn’t have to run, he figured he’d be fine. He pulled the final piece of armor on, the helmet. His face scrunched in disgust, not only from having to wear the uniform, but it didn’t smell too fantastic either. “Are these things ever cleaned?” He mumbled, not expecting an answer.<br /><br />


He took his first steps shakily, as his drugged mind made him dizzy. His leg wound was nothing more than a dull ache, luckily. He was sure that once they’d walked for a while the dizziness would go away. He began to lead out the door, but realized he had no clue where he was supposed to go. He could only remember bits and pieces of the ship, from when he was so carelessly dragged into his old cell.<br /><br />


He stopped at the doors, turning back to Mira. “Well, this is your starship base. Lead the way, Blondie,” he gestured to the doors as he called her by the oh so original nickname he’d given her. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Mira hardly expected civility from the prisoner, but she certainly wanted it. She didn’t dare to turn her back as the prisoner dressed. He didn’t remove his clothes, which was fortunate for both of them. She did shrug at his question about the armor. So far as she knew, they didn’t—they didn’t care half as much about those things as the Knights did their armor.

He was able to walk, though. Mira was half-tempted to use the Force to keep his back straight and his posture good, but she knew that would draw too much attention, so she didn’t. A roll of her eyes followed his nickname, “This way,” she didn’t waste her breath with commentary, but walked out of the room, intending to go meet Kylo Ren as she had promised, and then make her exit.

Ariel had the story. Rollo had the story.

This would go smoothly.

~***~

Kylo Ren wanted to believe Paquin, and he did to some degree or he never would have thought to recruit her. However, his thoughts were tainted by Snoke’s words. He had to grit his teeth together not to shoot a comment at her.

Instead, he turned his gaze to Hux. “FN-2187.” He reminded harshly. It somehow felt necessary to remind Hux of his own traitor that caused them no end of agony. After all, that one was responsible for Starkiller’s destruction. “And yes. Kevan will be handled by myself.”

He wouldn’t let Hux have that—he had to show the Supreme Leader he could clean up messes that the Knights made.

“Come, Paquin. Mira should have news by now,” he didn’t wait, though. He walked to the doors and opened them with the Force.

Fortunately, Mira was right there, looking as if she’d been waiting a while. He didn’t know if it was true or not. “Well?”

Mira arched an eyebrow at Kylo’s tone. She didn’t look back to the Trooper; she’d draw no attention to him if she could manage it. Hux would likely be the more difficult one to fool. “The prisoner knew where Kevan had been, but he had been moved. He was at Organa’s base, but moved when it was decided that was too risky.”

“So…he knew Leia…is he still alive?”

“No,” Mira gave a curt nod, “Unfortunately, his last interactions with her were a while ago. He had little current information. I executed him.” It was a lie, but Mira moved from that topic, “Ariel Ren reached out to me during the interrogation.”

“Oh?” That was rare.

“She needs assistance on Tatooine. Something relating to Vader,” Mira gave it a dismissive wave, “It should not take long, then I can return to Wild Space.”

“No,” much as Kylo hated it, he had orders. Mira’s expression didn’t even shift or become confused at his denial. “The Supreme Leader would like your assistance in training Paquin in the dark side of the Force,” Kylo noted, “You are to…stay. After you assist Ariel.”

“Very well….” That was odd indeed, but from the way Kylo said it, Mira knew better than to ask.

This was, evidently, not his idea.

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Hux’s jaw clenched at the mention of FN-2187. As much as the General tried to convince himself that FN-2187 was not his fault, it was. His program had failed, but at least, it was only one. One that managed to destroy Starkiller, a super weapon built within an entire planet. ‘No. That was the scavenger. Kylo’s prisoner.’ Hux refused the blame, glaring after Ren and Paquin as she followed after him.<br /><br />


Rollo followed Mira, intently attempted to keep his posture straight and conceal his limp. He was playing the part of a Stormtrooper, though. Demolition, maybe a limp wouldn’t be so unheard of. If anyone questioned it, he could simply say it was during a mission. As Mira stopped outside a set of doors, he went to question what they were doing. But Kylo Ren burst through the doors before he could.<br /><br />


The prisoner glared at Kylo Ren and the girl he’d recognized as the medic, but he attempted to calm himself. Ren would be able to sense his disdain, and there was no reason for a trooper to feel such hatred. Fear, maybe. But if he didn’t calm himself he’d blow this whole operation.<br /><br />


Paquin stopped behind Kylo as he spoke with Mira, not finding herself important in their conversation. Instead, her eyes landed on the Stormtrooper trailing behind Mira. RL-0022, she recognized him by the distinct scuff marks on his armor. 0022 was a regular in the med bay, frequently injuring himself during missions. Friendly guy. She offered a small wave in his direction, to which Rollo panicked. <br /><br />


Whether or not he should wave back raced through his mind. Would she know something was up if he didn’t? Or if he did? He settled on making a barely noticeable motion with his hand. ‘Good enough.’ He thought, and if Paquin noticed anything off, she didn’t show it.<br /><br />


Paquin’s attention shifted to the conversation as her name was mentioned. She was still unsure of whether or not Mira held some sort of dislike for her, but if the Knight would be involved in her training, it would have to be discussed at some point. Now was not that time, though. <br /><br />


She felt like a burden now, in her mind she seemed to be causing more trouble than she’s worth. She almost felt like apologizing.<br /><br />


Hux, who had joined them a few moments before, let his eyes rest upon the Stormtrooper. He’d heard what Mira’s plan was, to join Ariel Ren on Tatooine. “Will this Stormtrooper be accompanying you?” He decided to ask. Troopers did hold valuable information that could be used against the Order. Hux was paranoid now, what little faith he had in the Knights of Ren had diminished to almost nothing now. “What unit are you in?” He addressed the trooper this time.<br /><br />


Rollo’s panic returned, knowing that once he spoke it was possible that Ren or the medic would recognize his voice even with the helmet on. ‘Disguise it, simple as that,’ he told himself. “RL, demolition.” He made his voice a little gravelly, deeper. Altered the way he would typically pronounce words, attempting to remove any signs of an accent he may have had. He took note of the way Paquin's eyebrows furrowed as he spoke, mentally cursing. He'd momentarily forgotten that she knew whoever he was pretending to be.<br /><br />


Thankfully, she didn't say anything.<br /><br />


“I’ll assign someone of lesser value if you truly need a Stormtrooper’s assistance,” Hux spoke to Mira again, deciding an RL may know a bit too much to risk it. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Rollo was lucky that Kylo was so distracted by the meeting, for she could feel his anger. Fortunately, it started to shift into panic. That was far more appropriate given the circumstances, and Mira listened as the conversation swirled around her between the new Knight and Rollo.

He played his role well. ‘There’s a real RL here somewhere.’ That would be problematic later. Mira could deal with later.

If anyone remembered; Stormtroopers got overlooked most of the time. ‘Of course not this one. Of course not.’ Mira noted the way Hux addressed the situation. “Have I upset you, General?” Mira inquired, but went on, rather than let him answer that. He certainly wouldn’t want to with Kylo Ren, it was more to make him consider that she was not Kylo Ren.

Separating herself from the others had been proving advantageous so far. “I would not take a Stormtrooper if I did not need one, General, and so I am only taking one at that. I need an individual who understands explosives and can use them, like this RL unit,” she gestured to him, “I will return him.”

“Why do you need a demolitions expert?”

Mira shook her head, “Ariel. I’m not sure what she’s found yet, but she can’t seem to clear it with the Force and asked for one.”

Kylo canted his head, seeming to question the story, but Mira’s resolve remained ever the same, her face impassive. He shook his head then, knowing how difficult Ariel could be. “Come back sober,” he dismissed, as if that was ever a real concern.

Now Hux and Paquin just had to let it lie, and Mira could leave with Rollo....

 

[KyloGlenn]

<p>


Hux let out an inaudible sigh as he thought on it. Mira hadn’t upset him, that was true. If anything, she’d shown she was more trustworthy than Kylo Ren himself. He trusted that she would not go down the same path as Kevan had. There was Ariel, but she was a drunk and Mira would be there. Not to mention there likely wasn’t anyone or anything on Tatooine that needed information on the Order. <br /><br />


“Alright, have at it. Keep him alive, I need at least one left. In case the group Ren sent out fails.” He took one last shot at annoying Kylo, “Speaking of the groups Ren deployed, I should reach out to them and see if they can snag any prisoners of significant rank. We still need to find Kevan Ren.” He reminded them.<br /><br />


“I’m sure I’ll be seeing you once you return,” Paquin moved to stand next to Rollo, who she still thought was RL-0022, quietly speaking to him. It was her telling him to come see her, just not outright demanding it of him. “It sounds like you have strep throat.” <br /><br />


Rollo almost sighed with relief. She didn’t suspect anything other than him being sick. He gave the medic a low thumbs up in response, wary of speaking any further. He didn’t want to arise any suspicious, although some certainly would rise once Mira returned and RL-whatever didn’t. But that would be the Knight’s problem, Rollo would be long gone. Hopefully.<br /><br />


They just needed to get the hell out of there.<br /><br />


Paquin didn’t question any further, satisfied with the thumbs up he gave as she returned to her previous position. She figured since he was on duty that he wasn’t allowed to converse all that much. Especially in front of the General. Although, Hux likely didn’t dwell too much on trivial details like that.<br /><br />


Rollo gently nudged Mira as subtly as he could, silently telling her that the should get out of dodge while they had the chance. He was sure if they loitered around any longer more questions may be asked. 


</p>

 

[Lucyfer]

Kylo’s helmeted head turned towards Hux as he dared insult him again. He made note of it for now, but did nothing. He’d see Hux tumble, fall. ‘If this keeps up with Mira, I may be able to suggest he’s a temptation to the light.’ And then it’d be off with his head.

Kylo took a breath as he clenched his hands into fists, reminded himself that Hux was still necessary.

If anything, he’d lose Mira over that, and though they disagreed, though at times he was paranoid, Kylo did not want to consider losing another Knight. Kevan’s loss would sting for a long while. “Let me know when you have more prisoners from my orders,” Kylo spat to Hux, “I’ll get the information out of them.”

He wouldn’t leave Hux with an option this time; there simply wasn’t time to waste.

He shifted his attention then to Paquin with the stray thought, ‘And Mira would suggest Paquin was….’ It didn’t complete as he asked, “Do you have immediate business to tend to?” If not, it was certainly time to begin her training in using the Force. Only through that, would Kylo ever learn what her temptations might be, and how to ensure she didn’t turn from them as Kevan did.

~***~

Mira didn’t need the cue from Rollo to know it was time to go. She didn’t nod to signify she felt it, but turned, and hastened her pace. A gesture to Rollo to follow was all he was given before she turned the corner towards the docking bay her own ship was in.

‘This can’t go right. This is too easy.’ Nerves started to eat at her then.

She knew the loose ends, though. RL-0022. She would have to find that one later, and see if she could put a false suggestion into his mind. She’d also have to explain this to Ariel, but Ariel was easier to convince.

‘And the Resistance? What will you do if Luke is there?’

Mira didn’t even want to think of it.

She didn’t want to think of seeing General Organa again, either. It wasn’t temptation to the light, but guilt from it. For a thousand reasons, she was glad not to have stood before Snoke that day. It seemed he rattled Kylo, and Mira was never certain if Snoke could pierce through her walls to know her feelings and thoughts.

Fortunately, she wouldn’t be finding out then. “That’s my ship,” she gestured to the black star ship. It wasn’t near as bat-like as Kylo Ren’s ship. It was a bit larger, though; she needed to live in it most of the time. After all, she was often in Wild Space. “We’ll get out of here and discuss how to proceed,” she informed him as with a gesture, the ramp fell and the door opened. Another gesture, and the cables binding her ship were released.

She walked up the ramp. She’d close it, and go to the cockpit once Rollo was in.