Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Knights of Ren have always been a silent presence. If requested, they accompanied their Master aboard the ship, where Snoke requested their service. And the simple fact that they could observe but not be observed now gave them an advantage.

The Knights spoke to no one. Not out loud. They were able to communicate with the Master through the Force. And that was enough. But now all the Knights sensed something bad was happening. Snoke was gone. And their Master became Supreme Leader. So the Knights stood by, unused, watching their Master sink deeper into madness every day. The Master refused further help in finding the girl strong in the Force, instead leaving his Knights on the ship and disappearing. The Knights spent long hours in meditation. There had to be something that would help their Master. The Master needed to strengthen his connection to the Dark Side. But the conflict within him was very strong. And so, after another of many meditations, the Knights made a decision. For the first time in their service to their Master, they would need outside help.

And in their minds, there was only one person who could do that.

Hux was well acquainted with the concept of pain. It was an integral part of his past and, it seemed, now his future.

The general sighed and pressed an ice pack to his side. Bacta was a useful thing, but it couldn’t work miracles. So he resorted to the outdated method of ice packs and rest.

For the first time in all his years of service to the First Order, Hux questioned the purpose of it all. After the horrific incident on Crait, where their new Supreme Leader was shown in the worst light, Hux saw clearly where it would all lead. Kylo Ren was too influenced by the Light Side or whatever other mystical nonsense both Ren and Snoke liked to talk about. Hux didn’t care about the Force. Now there were more important things. The resistance was on the run, thanks to Ren. As it turned out, much to the general’s disgust, Ren was literally obsessed with a Jakku scavenger. Whoever she was, Ren kept babbling about the need to convince her to join him on the Dark Side. Hux couldn’t imagine why Ren couldn’t see that this behavior was going to get them all killed. The entire First Order stood on the edge of the precipice, and Ren didn’t care.

Hux sighed and tossed the ice pack on the table. He had to get dressed, get himself in order, and get to the bridge. Even with all the chaos, the general had to set an example for his soldiers.

Before he could get up from the couch, there was a firm knock on his quarters door. The general barely had time to sit up when the door opened and the Knights of Ren began to enter his quarters.

Hux quickly stood up and pulled his robe close to his body. How did they know the code to open the door? Had Ren heard his treacherous thoughts and sent his knights to bring the traitor to him for punishment?

„What are you doing here?!“

The Knights were silent for an eerily long moment. Hux would never admit it out loud to anyone, but the presence of so many masked strangers in his quarters made him nervous. He’d seen and experienced what Ren had proven himself. What could the Knights of Ren have done as a group? And why were they even here?!

Then one of the Knights stepped forward and made what looked like a bow.

„The Knights of Ren need your help, General Hux. The Force demands you.“

The General has seen a lot of strange things in his life. And the truth was, most of them revolved around Kylo Ren. But this, this was a whole new level that Hux had no idea what to think.

„You want to do what exactly? Betray Ren?“

„No!“ blurted out the Knight, who seemed to be the only one speaking. „The Master needs help! His mind is clouded!“

Hux fully agreed, though he would have used slightly different words. Like crazy.

„And how am I supposed to help him? He won’t listen to me. He won’t listen to anyone. All he cares about is that… scavenger…“

Disgusting, really. How low could someone as powerful as Kylo Ren sink.

The Knights of Ren began to turn on each other. Hux suspected they were probably using the Force to communicate.

„Master needs rest. Get away from the influence of the Light Side. Strengthen the bond.“

„And how can I help? Should I kidnap your Master and lock him in his room?!“

„We thought…“

And then the Knight paused. And Hux began to feel very uncomfortable.

„The General has a good idea. Let’s move Master to a safe place where we can help him.“

Hux blinked in shock.

„You want to kidnap him? He’ll kill us all! He’s insane!"

At that, Knight rose from his chair at Hux’s desk and strode over to Hux.

„Watch your words, General! It is our Master you speak so inappropriately of! It is our duty to help him!“

Hux moved to the other side of the sofa, as far away from Knight as possible. For a moment there was a stifling silence in the room, but then Knight sat back down and Hux let out a sigh of relief. He would have to watch what he said in the future. Even though the Knights seemed cooperative, they were still serving Ren.

„Well… Even if this plan succeeds, you’re forgetting one thing. Ren is the Supreme Leader. The people will notice that he is missing. They will look for him. And when they find him, they’ll execute us for treason.“

The knights began to turn on each other again. Hux tried to look unconcerned, but inside he was panicking. Despising Ren was one thing. But to participate in treason and kidnapping? Public execution for betraying the Supreme Leader was not something Hux wanted to experience.

„I will replace the Master in his role. No one will know anything through the mask.“

Hux raised his eyebrows in question.

„And his lightsaber?“

„I’ll borrow it. It will be an honor to do great deeds in his name with my Master’s lightsaber.“

„But you’d have to be Supreme Leader! To lead the First Order! It’s a lot of duties, meetings…“

„Of course you will help me with this role, General. We’ve been watching you. You’re a good leader. I’ll do as you say. We will lead the Order to victory and save our Master. The Force will guide us.“

The other Knights nodded. Hux just watched in horror as the Knight stood up and everyone simply left. Didn’t they wait for his opinion? This was a terrible plan! No one would believe them, someone would expose the whole thing and it would be over!

Hux sighed deeply and looked at the time. He was already late. He’d better get to the bridge and wait and see how the situation developed. Doing something unprepared could be disastrous.

Chapter Text

„Um… sir?“

Hux lifted his head from the datapad, where he had been reading a scouting report on the damage the First Order had sustained on Crait. Lieutenant Mitaka appeared beside him.

„Yes?“

„Sir, there are… The Knights of Ren are here…“

Hux unconsciously looked around the bridge. But he didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. All the better. It would be better if no one knew about this strange alliance. It would be suspicious if he started spending too much time around the Knights.

„Where are they?“

„In your quarters, sir.“

Hux sighed and put the datapad away. So much for being cautious.

„All right, guard the bridge for now.“

Mitaka saluted and quickly walked away. It seemed to Hux as if Mitaka wanted to run away. The man really needed to learn some courage.

Hux’s office was a small room with a large window on the side looking out. Perfect for a meeting of two or three people. Certainly not for six Knights of Ren and one irritable general. Hux managed to sit down at his table after a moment’s shifting.

„Our Master will be back soon,“ came the voice of the Knight Hux had last spoken to. „His mission has failed. The girl has escaped. We must act and begin our plan.“

Hux frowned. It could hardly be called a plan. And starting something that had no solid form could be fatal. And Hux wasn’t going to die.

„What’s your plan?“

The knight reached into the folds of his cloak, then placed the collar on Hux’s desk. Hux looked at it with interest. The collar looked ordinary. Metal, rough metalwork. Nothing interesting. But Hux was sure that while the Knights had many negatives, naivety was not one of them.

„What does it do?“

„We traveled to places strong with the Force. This artifact was used by the Sith.“

And then it dawned on Hux.

„It limits the Force, doesn’t it? Would he be defenseless?“

„Only in the Force. But it can help us.“

Hux found the idea of Kylo Ren, finally without the Force, at Hux’s mercy, strangely appealing.

A clearing of throat echoed through the silence of the office. Hux looked up and noticed the Knight looking sideways. As far as Hux could tell, because of the stupid helmet.

„And what’s the plan? I doubt Ren’s going to have that thing put around his neck willingly.“

„That’s our part of the plan. You must be prepared to take on the duties to keep our plan secret.“

Hux barely stopped himself from making the ironic remark that he’d done that job here a long time ago. Kylo Ren was a lousy Supreme Leader. He never did any of his duties. And Hux was tired of covering up his incompetence to others to preserve the integrity of the First Order.

Even Knight didn’t seem to have anything to say. He simply nodded, took his collar back, and then they all left again without further explanation.

When the door closed, Hux leaned back in his chair and stared thoughtfully out the window. The Knights of Ren were obviously doing all this for their beloved Master. But what was Hux to get out of it? If Ren managed to return to the Dark Side, whatever that meant, everything would go back to the way it was. Ren would become Supreme Leader. And Hux would be his lackey again. Just remembering what Ren did to him on Crait made Hux wince in pain. Hux wasn’t going to be a chew toy anymore. What he needed was to secure his future and victory for the First Order. And maybe the Knights of Ren could help him do that.

Kylo Ren’s arrival was a stormy event. Once he got off the ship, he barely responded to Hux’s greeting. Hux was waiting for him in the hangar bay with a formal greeting, though he had other business that required more attention. Still, he was there, and he watched in silence as Ren jogged past and headed off somewhere.

But before Hux could return to the muster, he got a message. The Supreme Leader had requested his presence in the general’s private room.

Hux didn’t like it. Ren, if he wanted to see Hux again, would visit him, on the bridge or in the chamber. Never in a private room. He wanted to talk about something privately? Did he find out about the plan the Knights were hatching? No, Hux was certain that if Ren knew of their treachery, the execution would be public. Ren loved drama.

Hux took his last breath, straightened his uniform, and opened the door to his room. He was expecting Ren, having another tantrum. Maybe a complaint about another mission gone wrong. Hux certainly wasn’t expecting Kylo Ren kneeling in the middle of the room. A metal collar clung to his neck, a piece of lath in his mouth like a makeshift gag. His hands were bound, jerking frantically, trying to free himself. As soon as he saw Hux, Ren started screaming into the gag.

Shocked, Hux turned to Knight, who was standing next to Ren.

„What did you do?!“

„The plan went faster than we expected,“ Knight announced as if it was nothing important.

„Why is he here?“

„The place is safe. We need time. The Master is safe here.“

Hux gasped in frustration.

„Wait! This wasn’t part of the plan. I have to command the ship! I have my duties! I can’t stay here with him all day and guard him!“

„You agreed, General.“

Hux shook his head and took a step back.

„Not with this! He can’t stay here like this! We’ll have to untie him, and when we do, he’ll kill us with his bare hands.“

The growl that came from Ren was just further confirmation of how bad this plan was.

Then the Knight turned to Ren, then back to Hux. Hux watched with displeasure as the other man took a few steps closer, until Hux was staring directly at his own reflection in Knight’s helmet.

„We need to move on. The conflict within him is growing stronger by the day. His connection, with the girl, is weakening him. We will see to it that the bond is broken, that the Master is freed. I sense a great disturbance in the Force. We must not slacken in our efforts.“

Hux swallowed. He’d never liked the Force and all the mysticism around it. It was something he couldn’t rationalize, couldn’t use to his advantage. The Force was usually something Hux associated with pain. Both for others and for himself. Why would he help someone who hated him to begin with. If Ren deteriorates and betrays the First Order, they lose. If he gets better, the Order might win. But Hux will lose. Ren never recognized his value as a man or an officer. He certainly won’t start now that he knows Hux was involved in Ren’s kidnapping.

„I feel the agony…“

Hux turned away.

„Get out of my head.“

„I can’t. I can feel it. I can help.“

Hux shook his head.

„I don’t want anything to do with that bullshit…“

But the Knight said nothing. Hux felt it again. The same strange pressure Hux had felt when Ren had one of his Force-related tantrums. But this time, Hux felt no pain or discomfort. It was like… heat? A feeling of comfort?

„I can help,“ the Knight said quietly.

Hux took a deep breath.

„How much time do you need?“

„The others have already left to do their part.“

„And you?“

Knight took a step back.

„And I’ll do my part. Tell me what to do, General.“

Chapter Text

Within two hours and several datapads, Hux was able to put together a basic outline of what a Knight posing as Kylo Ren should do as a fake Supreme Leader. They both agreed that the less the fake Ren was seen, the better. After all, Ren spent most of his time either in his room or off the ship. Too much presence could raise questions. If he kept things as orderly as they had been, there was a chance they could keep everything under wraps.  

At the end of the day, the Knight left. Hux watched anxiously as he cuffed Ren's hands forward with little difficulty, wrists close together. Ditto his feet. This allowed Ren to move a little, but with considerable restriction. Coupled with the fact that the general's rooms could be locked with a code only he knew, it should guarantee that Ren wouldn't escape. Hux was skeptical. But they didn't have time to move Ren anywhere. Certainly not away from the ship. The hangars were full of soldiers. And so at the end of the day, Hux found himself alone, with a handcuffed Ren sitting on his couch. 

"You're going to get executed for this," Ren said after a moment of silence. 

Hux didn't respond. He had nothing to say. He knew full well that it was true. 

"Hux..." 

Hux sighed and put down his dataped. 

"What do you want from me, Ren? This wasn't my idea, if you ask me." 

"You teamed up with my Knights behind my back," Ren snapped angrily. "You betrayed me!" 

"And you betrayed the Order the moment you started chasing after that scavenger! Can't you see that?" 

"You don't understand anything. Force..." 

"I don't want to hear any more nonsense about how the Force is forcing you to join with her... It's disgusting," Hux smirked. "If you'd done what you're supposed to, we could have won on Crait." 

"You hate the Force so much, but you allied yourself with those traitors." 

"Hardly traitors," Hux dismissed the idea. "They're too loyal to you. They're probably scouring the galaxy right now to save your pathetic existence." 

Ren frowned. Hux was sure Ren wasn't thinking straight enough to see what was going on around him. 

"Save me? You think I don't know what you're planning? Vicrul will take my place, pretending to be the Supreme Leader, and together you will rule the galaxy?" 

Hux ignored most of Ren's babbling, but the name caught his attention.  

Vicrul. 

Was that the name of the mysterious Knight whose suggestion Hux had heeded and orchestrated this little coup? 

"He will betray you." 

Hux tore his gaze from the window and turned to Ren. He didn't like the smirk Ren had on his face. 

"What do you mean?" 

"I heard them. Their treacherous thoughts, before they put the collar on me. They already have another master. They used you to get me out of the way, and put one of their own in my place. When they don't need you, they'll kill you." 

Hux frowned. 

"Then why didn't they kill you right away? Why the game of kidnapping you and hiding you here?" 

Ren shrugged, but that wasn't enough for Hux. These were too serious an accusation for Hux to settle for a half-truth. 

"Answer me, Ren! Why would they do that?" 

"I don't know! But I felt it! Just before their betrayal! Something big was set in motion in the Force." 

"So more nonsense with the Force. Isn't it more like you know you can't get back to the girl to drag you back to your mother?" 

"Why would I lie!" 

"And why not! You never respected me! You never..." 

Hux shook his head and took a breath. No, screaming was not an option. Ren could lie all he wanted. But Hux intended to keep the First Order going and ensure victory.  

"Why is this ship important?" 

Hux frowned and folded his arms. Vicrul sat across from him in Hux's office, already dressed as Kylo Ren. As Supreme Leader, he was supposed to be attending a meeting with the First Order leadership to discuss, among other things, the fate of Hux's ship.  

"The Finalizer is the Supreme Leader's flagship." 

"And yours." 

"Yes." 

"Will the fate of this ship be discussed?" 

Hux hated to admit defeat, but from the window of his own office he could see the state his ship was now in. 

"We suffered damage in the last battle. Extensive. Nothing that can't be repaired, though." 

VIcrul cocked his head to the side. Hux tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling he always had when he looked at Ren's mask. Not being able to read facial expressions was always a bummer. 

"Your management doesn't agree with the repair?" 

"The matter will be officially discussed today." 

"And unofficially?" 

"I have my sources. Some, especially Pryde, are demanding that the ship be put out of commission and the leadership moved to his ship, the Steadfast." 

"I feel disgusted... and anger..." 

"You should have stayed out of my head." 

"I'm sorry, General," Vicrul shrugged. "I'm not well trained in the Force there, like our Master. Control is difficult. Sometimes I can feel other people's emotions, especially when they're strong... Is this man, Pryde, a problem?" 

Hux sighed and leaned back in his chair. 

"He's an old Imperial knock-off. He doesn't concede authority to anyone who hasn't served under the Empire." 

"Not even to you." 

"Especially me. He makes it clear that as a higher rank, I am to answer to him." 

"Your military ranks are strange... The Knights of Ren have no such thing, only Master... This Pryde is above you then?" 

"He's an Allegiant General," Hux snorted. "He was given that title by Snoke. I'd have to be a Grand Marshall to match him. I didn't get that honor, though, thanks to our deceased Supreme Leader. Anyway, I need to push for this ship to be repaired, and commissioned, and the leadership to stay here. If we want to succeed with our plan to save Ren, we can't afford to move to another ship." 

Vicrul nodded. 

"I can try." 

Hux frowned. 

"I need more than that. You can't let them destroy this ship. If that happens, this plan is over." 

"If something happens, you can help me." 

"Hardly," Hux grinned with contempt. "I wasn't invited to this meeting. Instead, I'm supposed to put together some guidelines on how to proceed with the Resistance. Apparently they wanted to convince Ren and turn him to their side." 

"You think the Order leadership is planning treason?" 

"I have no idea... I have a lot of sources. Some say that members of the leadership, the old Imperials, are planning something. But none of my people have been able to find out what. I can't act without details." 

"I'm not very good at reading minds, like Master... But they might say something if you're not present. If they were planning to get Master on their side, this would be a good opportunity." 

Hux nodded. Vicrul was right about that. And he seemed determined to do what Hux said. Yet, unconsciously, Ren's words of betrayal appeared in Hux's mind. 

"Now that Ren is out... Is he still your Master? Or do you have another in his absence?" 

"Why the question?" 

Hux shrugged. He had learned to feign innocent interest as a young cadet, gaining such important information. 

"We never had a chance to talk. We've met a few times, but only in the presence of Ren..." 

"That's right... It's true that I was... curious, if you can call it that..." 

"Curious about what?" 

"To you, General... The Master has spoken of you several times. I don't know about the other Knights, but I was interested... To have the opportunity to speak..." 

Hux rolled his eyes. That was an unexpected admission. Why would a Knight of Ren be interested in him, a First Order General? 

"I hope you're not disappointed, then." 

"I don't think you can disappoint me, General..." 

Chapter Text

Hux was not usually a man who was easily surprised. He was the commander of armies, one of the most powerful men in the First Order. He was known for being prepared. For anything, at any time.  

But now, standing in the middle of his office, staring at Vicrul, Hux was speechless.  

"What did you do?!"  

Vicrul had the nerve to shrug as if it was nothing.  

"You were right. The leadership of the First Order really does have their own intentions. Those you called the old Imperials have their own goals. I thought this might help."  

"But... we didn't talk about..."  

Vicrul stepped forward before stopping in front of Hux.  

"No need to be modest, Grand Marshal. You have earned your position. We've been watching you. Now you are due what you were entitled to."  

Hux swallowed. This was his dream. Finally, after years of hard work, of humiliation, of insults, he could stand up in front of those old fools and they could say nothing. But it was so sudden!  

"What... What about the ship?"  

"I pushed for quick repairs. You were right, Pryde disagreed. I explained to him that it was Supreme Leader's wish."  

Hux nodded. It didn't happen often, but he had no idea what to say. Things were escalating so fast...  

"You're not happy."  

"I... I wasn't expecting it..."  

Vicrul nodded.   

"I could feel it from them. The anger. The desire to rebel. They hate you."  

"I know."  

"Why?"  

"They have no vision. They're stuck in the past..."  

"But you have a vision, don't you?"  

"Yes..."  

Vicrul nodded again. And then, to Hux's surprise, he took off Ren's helmet. Hux himself had no idea what to expect. Until recently, he had wondered if the Knights were even human. Although Hux had no idea what the other Knights were, Vircul was definitely human. Short dark hair, dark eyes. Face was interesting, features distinct.   

"Tell me, Grand Marshal. What is your vision?"  

"Why do you ask?"  

"Our paths have crossed. Our short-term goals are also common. I was wondering... This promotion seemed to be your dream. But I'm sure you were wondering what to do next..."  

"There is no further," Hux muttered. "Only the Supreme Leader. Or Emperor."  

"Emperor... I know the rumors, about Emperor Palpatine. He was mighty in power... You'd make a good emperor..."  

"You can't be serious!" Hux blurted, looking around, perhaps out of habit to be carefull. "This is treason! To your Master! The one we're trying to save by committing another betrayal!"  

Vicrul nodded again, not taking his eyes off Hux. Hux didn't like how he felt under the other's gaze. Vicrul's eyes were far too perceptive. Though he claimed he couldn't read minds like Ren, Hux believed it less and less.  

"We'll never speak of it again," Hux said firmly, stepping around Vicrul to the door. "I have to go..."  

"Of course, Grand Marshal."  

"I never thought you'd be so naive, Hux."  

Hux sighed and rubbed his face wearily.   

It had been a few days since Ren had become a fixture in Hux's rooms. Though he usually kept quiet and offended, refusing to communicate, spending his time meditating or doing other mystical crap, other times he talked too much. And Hux was sick of the talk.   

"Are you done with your agonizing silence?"  

"He's using you."  

Hux irritably put down the datapad and turned to Ren.   

"Who?"  

"Vicrul."  

"Ren..."  

"Why do you think he arranged the promotion?"  

"Maybe he's finally the first person to see and acknowledge the things I've done for the First Order," Hux snapped angrily.   

This was the event of his life. He wasn't going to let someone like Ren spoil it for him.  

"Can you believe it? They need to have someone in a high position to do what they want."  

"Who?"  

"The ones behind this betrayal! It's their plan to take over the Order! We need to team up with Rey, she's strong, she'll help us!"  

Hux didn't believe what he was hearing. What had happened to Ren? Had the Light Side of the Force really brainwashed him like Vicrul said?  

"No."  

"Damn it, Hux! How can you not see that!!!"  

"I don't see your nonsense! All I see is a man who is a danger to everyone around him! You tortured my crew. You almost killed me several times! And you know what? I've had enough!"  

Hux had no idea when he got up from his chair and started screaming. But it was so freeing to finally tell Ren what he thought to his face.  The memory of all the bruises, sleepless nights, and terror came back in one big crashing wave.  

"This isn't about you. We need to..."  

But Hux cut Ren's babbling off firmly.  

"No. I've had enough of you caring only about that scavenger, not caring about the Order, not caring about anything around you! Ever since you killed Snoke, you.... have been so obsessed with that girl! Five years! Five years I've been forced to endure your moods, the destruction of my ship, the violence!"  

"Is that what this is about? Are you jealous?!"  

Hux straightened up and straightened his uniform.  

"I won't stoop that low. Now I have someone who will finally listen to my ideas."  

"What? You mean Vicrul?! Hux, he's using you, all of them! As well as they did to me! They've never been loyal to me, they serve another master."  

"Who? You worked for Snoke. He's dead."  

"I told you I don't know! But I felt it! It's been hiding, but soon it'll be ready to show itself."  

"Of course. A mystical something, creeping through the galaxy."  

Ren frowned. Hux didn't care.  

"Why don't you believe me?  Because of him? What did he promise you?"  

"You really are crazy! My loyalty is to the Order!"  

Ren grinned. Hux didn't like that expression at all.  

"To the Order... Can't you see what you're doing? Just last year, you would have been painstakingly analyzing, planning, and deciding everything. And now a group of strangers suggest you kidnap your commander, you get a promotion for it, and it doesn't seem weird to you! What's changed, Hux?!"  

Hux sat back in his chair, watching Ren's face flush with rage for a moment.  

"Remember that day, on Crait?"  

Ren was silent, but Hux ignored it and continued on.  

"Until then, I... I was kind of hoping that despite all that, maybe you'd turn out to be able to do it. With help, of course. But that maybe you could be the leader the First Order needed. But on Crait, I realized that wasn't going to happen. You're selfish, you're raw, you look down on anyone who isn't important to you. You betrayed us. You chased your past, and you left the Order in ruins. So tell me, who do I turn to for help? The leadership is full of old Imperial officers who want to see me dead. I have no resources, morale is at an all-time low. Why shouldn't I get help from someone who understands what I've been trying to do all my life?"  

"They're lying to you," Ren argued quietly. "And when you're not useful, they'll kill you..."  

Hux shrugged. He was too tired of everything.  

"You'd do the same thing. Then where's the difference?"  

Ren didn't have an answer for that, but Hux didn't wait for it. He walked around Ren and headed to the bedroom, where he locked himself in. He needed to be alone, at least for a few hours.   

Chapter Text

Hux looked skeptically at the strange artifact one of the Knights had placed on his desk in his office. The object was shaped like a pyramid, pulsing with an ominous red light. Hux had never felt the Force, but even he knew this was a bad thing.   

"What will it do?"  

"The artifact will strengthen the Dark Side in our Master. If all goes work, as the old Sith scrolls say, repeated contact should break the bond between Master and the girl."  

Hux eyed the artifact skeptically again. He knew nothing of such things, so he could hardly offer an opinion.   

"We can start now."  

While the rest of the Ren Knights left, Hux slowly stood up.   

"Good... How..."  

"Just place the artifact near the Master. With the help of the Force, it will trigger. But it already has a beautiful energy to it."  

It was strange to see someone like Vicrul say the word beautiful.   

"I'll believe it," Hux shrugged and was about to leave as well.   

However, a hand on his wrist stopped him.   

"Would you like to give it a try?"  

"What do you think?"  

"Feel it?"  

"I can't. I'm not Force sensitive."  

"I can help you. Taste the power of the Dark Side."  

Hux suddenly irrationally hated that Vicrul had stopped wearing a helmet in his office. Staring at the helmet would be better than staring into those dark, possessed eyes. Hux knew full well what the Knights of Ren were, and what cruelties they had committed. Vicrul's gaze looked far too dangerous for this to be wise. But Hux was not only cautious, he was also curious. Ren had never discussed these things with him. In the beginning, Hux had wanted to, had asked questions. But he quickly found that Ren wasn't interested in answering.  

"You crave knowledge, don't you..."  

"Just professional curiosity..."  

Vicrul grinned, and Hux turned away. This wasn't right.  

"Come, let me show you," Vicrut continued, taking Hux's hand, which he held in a tight grip, and guiding it to the artifact. Hux waited with bated breath to see if anything would happen as his hands touched the smooth surface of the artifact. But to his disappointment, nothing happened.  

"Told you," Hux sighed. "I'm not..."  

And then it happened. Vicrul closed his eyes, and Hux felt something in that moment. It was like fire, but inside himself, licking his body, threatening to burn him. It was as if Hux was here and nowhere at the same time. It must have been immense energy, the air tingling in the same way Hux knew it from Ren. But it was always around him. Now Hux could feel it inside.  

"It's good, isn't it?"  

Hux nodded dumbly, opening his eyes. He had no idea when he closed them. And then he noticed Vicrul's intent gaze.  

"I think you could achieve great things, Grand Marshal."  

Hux realized, to his own displeasure, how much he was beginning to enjoy being addressed that way by Vicrul. He had no idea why, but he couldn't even address it now. Whether it was the Force or something else, the room was full of it, almost suffocatingly so, but still Hux longed for more.   

"Many things can be accessed through the Force. Knowledge, for others, long lost in time. Such things can help certain people achieve greatness..."  

"You mean..."  

Vicrul leaned closer, while Hux held his breath. He should stop this, right now!  

"Would you like to know? You know, the Dark Side is the path to great power. There are things, or places, where you could find the means for your dreams and goals."  

"What do you mean, I..."  

"I know of your wish to keep quiet about it," Vicrul nodded. "But I sense it in the Force. You could accomplish such beautiful things. Remember Starkiller? That could be just the beginning..."  

"A beginning? It was a whole planet! What could be bigger..."  

"I can show you. Do you want it?"  

And after a few seconds of hesitation, Hux nodded.  

"Is this how it's supposed to look?"  

Vicrul nodded without hesitation, but Hux was skeptical.   

The first session with the mysterious artifact was over. And while Hux personally liked the artifact and its aura quite a bit, it had the opposite effect on Ren. Ren looked tired, pale, his face covered in sweat, his body shaking. Hux didn't like it at all.  

"The artifact helps fight the Light Side of the Force. The fight will be long and painful. But Master is strong, he can handle it. We will be his support until then."  

Hux still didn't like that much. Skeptically, he picked up the artifact from the table Ren was sitting at and looked at it. While the thing had flashed a furious crimson red in Ren's presence, now it just pulsed quietly.   

"How do we know we've succeeded?"  

"We can sense it with the Knights in the Force. Don't worry, we'll take good care of our Master."  

Hux had no idea what to do. He was suspicious. He didn't trust the Knights as blindly as Ren thought. But then again, he had no idea about the Force. And being insensitive to the Force, he couldn't judge if what was happening was right. Further observation would be needed to say anything more.  

"It's killing me..."  

Hux sat up a little nervously. It had been hours since the Knights had left with their mysterious artifact, but Ren still looked miserable. He was lying on the couch, barely moving, just staring apathetically in front of him most of the time.  

"What do you mean?"  

"That thing... It's stealing my Force... I'll die without it..."  

"I don't think your Knights are trying to kill you. That thing is to help break that stupid bond you have with the girl. Not kill you. Vicrul said it would be unpleasant."  

"Do you trust him? More than you trust me? I know the artifact..."   

Hux turned away. Those questions were completely unnecessary. This wasn't about faith, it was about reaching a common goal.  

"The artifact is fine! I touched it, and nothing happened. It wasn't a bad feeling. That's what makes the bond..."  

Ren sat up with a groan of pain. He was silent for a moment, staring somewhere at the door of the room. But then suddenly his face contorted with confusion, and Ren turned to Hux.  

"What do you mean it didn't feel bad? You shouldn't feel anything, you don't feel the Force."  

Hux shrugged. He wouldn't share that memory.  

"I know, but Vicrul... He did something so I could feel the artifact too. It wasn't unpleasant."  

It seemed normal to Hux. But from the way Ren was staring at him, Hux was unnerved.  

"What!?"  

"He... He used the Force on you? And you agreed?"  

"He didn't cause me any pain," Hux objected. "He didn't throw me into the console and break my ribs! He asked me questions, and I wondered about the subject of the Force."  

"You've always despised the Force!"  

"Because you mistreated me and my crew! Do you have any idea how many people you've traumatized? Look at Mitaka. Do you think that boy deserved your actions? You almost broke his neck. He's afraid of you! And for what? You're supposed to terrorize our enemies, not our soldiers!"  

"If he's pathetic enough to fear a little violence, he has no business in the First Order," Ren snapped, clearly outraged by Hux's rebuke.  

Hux shook his head. That way, half the officers might as well leave. These people ran missions, did administration. They weren't soldiers in the field, fighting.  

"Until you understand why this is wrong," Hux finally said, "it's not worth dealing with."  

"So my actions are wrong?"  

"Yes!"  

"And yours? Messing with the enemy?!"  

"Excuse me?!" Hux blurted out in surprise. "What messing?"  

Ren grinned evilly. It was clear to Hux that Ren was looking for an argument to vent his energy, and usually he would just walk away. The arguments could be endless and tiring. But this accusation was too much.  

"And what is it you're doing with Vicrul, huh? I know exactly how much time you spend with him in your office. You come in here hours later, long after your shift on the bridge is over."  

"I'm working! I've always worked overtime to hide your ridiculous mistakes when you were flying around the galaxy doing who knows what instead of running the First Order!"  

"And Vicrul helps you, huh? Come on, Hux, I'm not blind! I've seen the way he looks at you! Damn, even someone as emotionally incapable as you must know that!"  

Hux blinked in shock. Both at the terrible insult and at what Ren was implying.  

"How dare you! Vicrul is... An ally! How dare you question that when you yourself are chasing some strange girl across the universe for some Force bond!"  

"At least she cares about me! I've been here for over five years and all you've done is hate me!"  

Hux laughed coldly.  

"So because I haven't patted you on the back for every success you've had, you've decided to betray us? Poor Kylo, he didn't get his praise! This is the First Order, not the Republic! I don't know what you were used to before when you called yourself Ben Solo, but that's not how it works here! Emotions like that have no place here."  

"You don't know anything about emotions," Ren snapped. "Look at you... You serve anyone who offers you a little recognition, a new medal and rank... Did it take you long to convince him to push for your promotion? I bet you had to work hard..."  

Hux didn't know when he got up from his chair, but as soon as Ren fell silent, Hux was on him in a blink of eye and slapped him in a fit of anger.  

"You suggest something like that again, Ren, and I'll talk to the Knights about how you can be more useful to us dead."  

Ren blinked in shock, his face flushed from the blow. Hux took several deep breaths to calm himself, then returned to his desk and his work without a word.   

Such an outburst and argument was unacceptable. Ren had been here a while and had already managed to make Hux's nerves go away. There was a need to calm down, and give things some control.  

And maybe spend less time in this room, for good measure.   

Chapter Text

"Is something wrong, Grand Marshal?"  

Hux looked over the edge of the holopad at Vicrul, who sat across from him.  

Hux had no idea when the occasional visits for Ren had become routine. Whenever Hux was in his office, working on paperwork, Vicrul somehow found out he was there. Usually he would then show up asking if Hux was free and if he could keep him company. Sometimes he brought a book, the real thing, looking on the verge of falling apart. He never explained how he knew where Hux was.  For some reason, Hux didn't bother to ask. Vicrul didn't interrupt, so Hux eventually let him come as he pleased.   

"You don't have to call me that. No one else is here."  

"But you like it."  

"My name will do in private."  

"But you still haven't answered my question... Hux."  

Hux looked back at the datapad to avoid further eye contact. Looking Vicrul in the eye was somehow more difficult in private than when the other Knights were around. Hux had no idea why.   

"It's about Ren... How long is it going to take for him to snap out of it?"  

"Unfortunately, I can't say. The bond is really strong. Breaking it takes time. And after that, rest will certainly be needed. Is Master giving you any trouble?"  

Hux grinned. That's what it could be called. They hadn't spoken since their last argument, a few days back. Ren just sat, or lay, barely moving from the couch. It was creepy. But better than when he was making those... pointless accusations.   

"I'd like to have my rooms to myself again... I'm forced to spend all my free time here."  

Vicrul cocked his head to one side. Hux noticed the gesture, usually when Vicrul thought Hux wasn't telling the truth. It was uncanny how observant the man could be. Hux attributed it to the Force.   

"You're upset... I could feel it... Maybe it would be a good idea to rest..."  

"I can't rest," Hux replied automatically. "We need to keep an eye on repairing the ship, still not clear what to do with the Supremacy. The ship may be in two halves, but leaving the wreck will be dangerous. The leadership of the Order wants to appeal for repairs, even if it's economically disadvantageous and they know it. We have no information on where the Resistance is hiding. If we could at least get rid of Organa or the girl, it might be enough to weaken their morale..."  

"The Supremacy was a beautiful ship," Vicrut nodded. "Do you think the Order needs more ships, that's why they're insisting on repairs?"  

"I doubt it's because of that," Hux replied, amused. "She's the symbol, and they're clinging to her. It's just that even if we got the ship back up and running, which would take months, she's too big, too conspicuous. More smaller ships would be more helpful now."  

"Then let's build more ships. I might suggest it, like the Supreme Leader."  

"Hardly," Hux shook his head. "It takes too much time to build, too. The ships would have to be finished by now. But it's unrealistic to get that many ships equipped with your technology. We have to get everything that's been damaged back into service. We have no idea when the Resistance might show up."  

Vicrul nodded slowly. Hux noticed how thoughtful the man looked.   

"Is something wrong?"  

"No, I'm just watching the goings on... Knights usually operate on a much smaller scale. Being in the middle of the action of an operation this large is different..."  

"Yes, I suppose so... Managing that many people is challenging," Hux admitted. "Hopefully when the war is over, and the Order finally wins, things will be better."  

"What are you going to do, after the war?"  

Hux slowly put down the datapad. The truth was, he hadn't given much thought to that scenario. But it was a good question - if he survived, and this whole scam worked and defeated the Resistance, what would he do? Hux had always been a military officer. But the last time the Empire had won, most officers had started new lives. What should Hux do then? Would he still be needed, or would he be forced to settle on a planet and start a new life, subconsciously waiting for the next conflict to come up here?  

"I have not experienced peace," Hux admitted. "I have no idea what I should do... A lot of officers usually settle down, start a family..."  

"You have a family?"  

"No. They're dead."  

"You're not sad."  

Hux liked Vicrul, but not enough to share his miserable past and childhood with him. Those were things Hux had long ago buried very deep.  

"We weren't close," he said formally. "And you, Knights of Ren? Do you have families?"  

"No... We gave up our former lives to learn about the Dark Side of the Force. It freed us from the shackles of our past and allowed us to gain the power we have now."  

It sounded a little rehearsed to Hux. But he had made enough speeches himself to know propaganda when he saw it. There was nothing wrong with a little motivation, as long as it served a purpose.  

"So what are you going to do? If Ren is cured, we win, and Ren takes the throne as Supreme Leader, will you still serve him?"  

"If he asks... Sometimes we have our own goals that we pursue. I like to look for old artifacts, books and other things left in the galaxy after the fall of the Empire, or even older ones. It's exciting to uncover new knowledge."  

Hux had to admit that it had been a long time since he had been in the company of someone who wanted to know more. Most officers were content with the way things were now, their only ambition being a possible promotion. But there was more to be gained than rank in the army.  

"I've seen the books you've read here..."  

"If you're interested, I can show them to you."  

"What language are they in? Basic?"  

"Unfortunately, most of them are in the Sith language."  

Hux scowled. While he knew a few languages, like any senior officer, this language really wasn't one of them.  

Vicrul leaned closer, bracing himself on the table.  

"I can translate for you if you wish. I have some very interesting books that are the last of their kind..."  

Hux thought quickly. It sounded like a friendly offer. Books in any form, physical or digital, were always a sure way to get Hux's attention. But Vicrul's expression was everything just not innocently friendly. And Ren's words resurfaced in Hux's mind.  

What was this, anyway? Were they allies? Friends? And what did Vicrul think they were? And how was Hux supposed to find out?!  

"Well... If it's not too much trouble, you can bring a book. I might have time after my shift is over."  

It could have been a friendly offer, after all. Ren could simply be exaggerating, saying things in a way that made Hux feel uncomfortable.   

"I'd like that," Vicrul said, almost managing to sound contrite. "But some of those books are very valuable, in poor condition. Would it be inappropriate to ask you to come to my rooms? I would not like the books to be damaged."  

Or maybe Ren wasn't making anything up. Hux might not be as skilled in relationships as he was in fighting the Resistance, but this was too obvious. Hux knew that. And he knew that Vicrul knew that Hux knew. Which meant that Vicrul didn't care that Hux knew. Which probably meant that was the intention. Which meant that Ren was right.   

But Hux was still a little curious. And not just about books.  

"Well... When?"  

Chapter Text

"Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?"  

Hux shook his head slowly, trying to keep his attention on the book Vicrul held in his hands. However, he could barely see the letters on the book's cover. They were faded, dulled by time. And the room was dark, the lights at maybe thirty percent. Together with the strange spicy smell that carried heavily through the air, it all created a strange mystical atmosphere. It seemed more like some sort of initiation of old cults than a talk about books. Hux figured that drama must be a part of the Knights of Ren.  

"I see, it's not something that's well known today," Vicrul nodded in a low voice. "It's an old legend. It speaks about a Sith Lord so powerful that he could do anything, even affect life and bring the dead back to life. I have heard many versions of this story, but this book should be the one that tells the right, true version. And it should even describe a few rituals through which such power could be obtained..."  

Hux blinked a few times, still staring at the worn book.   

"Where did you find this?"  

"Darth Sidious had many hiding places. Some still remain undiscovered. But some I managed to discover..."  

"Darth Sidious... You mean Emperor Palpatine?"  

"Oh, not many know this information..."  

Hux shrugged and blinked again. Maybe it was a just feeling, but he felt a little lethargic, maybe even sleepy.  

"People are always talking. And my father valued information as much as I do. For the right price, everyone talks."  

"Very clever," Vicrul nodded with a smile. "Yes, the Emperor... In my travels, I have found that there are many who would wish for his return..."  

"I hope not," Hux sighed, not knowing where the desire to speak out had come from. "The Empire should stay dead. You can't conquer the entire universe by force."  

"You seem to have thought about this forbidden topic..."  

Hux shrugged and glanced off into a nearby wall, avoiding Vicrul's gaze.   

"Violence is useful. But if you rule through violence, people will rebel. People must want to serve, not be forced. At least they must think they want to. Then they have no need to betray you. Palpatine ruled for what, 20 years? That's nothing. An empire should last generations with the right leader..."  

Vicrul was silent for a moment. Hux mentally scolded himself - perhaps he was speaking too bluntly. After all, the Knights of Ren professed to be what the Sith used to be. To speak bad about either of them could be dangerous. Hux had no idea why he'd said it in the first place. As always, around Vicrul, he spoke too flippantly.  

"There's something to that idea," Vicrul said after a moment of silence. "Knights have always professed violence. It is the way we exist. But we have never aspired to rule..."  

"They're just thoughts. It never pays to dwell on the past... Rather tell me, what evil dark Sith secrets are in that book?"  

Vicrul grinned and carefully opened the book. Hux couldn't remember the last time he had seen a real book this close. Maybe back home when he lived in the family home. Too far in the past.   

"As I was saying, this book would contain rituals to gain enough Force, through which one could then do interesting things."  

"For example?"  

"Defeat your enemies... Make people to do what you want..."  

"What I want?"  

"Yes, anything..."  

That sounded too tempting.   

"Interesting..."  

"Tell me... If you could influence people... What would you do?"  

Hux laughed at the idea.   

"Such a silly idea. I'm not Force-sensitive! I can't do that."  

"But if you could?"  

One possibility popped into Hux's mind immediately.  

"I could probably make Pryde and his minions to jump out of the airlock."  

At this answer, both men burst out laughing.  

"How sincere!"  

"I don't even know why I'm telling you this," muttered Hux, sighing. "I shouldn't say things like that to other people... It's still a betrayal..."  

"Your secrets are my secrets too," Vicrul replied without hesitation. "Besides, I must admit that Pryde is a bit of an unpleasant man... Very bossy."  

"Yes, bossy would be an appropriate word. Arrogant too..."  

"But then what if they all disappeared?"  

"Nothing... The Supreme Leader would remain at the head of the Order. And I, as a loyal Grand Marshal, would help him find suitable officers to fill the missing positions. Perhaps they wouldn't be needed so much. The leadership has too many members who are always arguing over petty things. It slows down decision-making, especially during wartime."  

"You have an interesting perspective."  

"I think you overestimate my views," Hux replied honestly. "Why is it so dark in here anyway?"  

"I always leave the lights on like this. It creates a pleasant atmosphere for meditation and calming the mind."  

"Meditation... Ren meditates all the time, especially when he's offended and refuses to talk," Hux grinned amusedly. "I've never understood what he sees in that."  

"You've never tried it?"  

"No... It sounds like nonsense."  

"Would you be interested in trying it?"  

Hux paused for a moment. He was usually quite skeptical of such things. But here he was, sitting on the floor on a sort of cob in the room of one of the Knights of Ren, a Sith book between them. The whole thing was a bit out of Hux's usual standards. A little meditation couldn't hurt.  

"Well... What should I do?"  

Vicrul carefully set the book down and moved closer until their knees were touching.   

"Just close your eyes and breathe slowly, deeply... It is necessary to calm your mind..."  

Hux felt a little foolish, but he did as Vicrul told him. It sounded easy. Just breathe and don't think. But could he just stop thinking?  

"I can feel it, your mind is restless," Vicrul spoke up after a few minutes of silence.   

"I'm trying," Hux muttered.   

"Concentrate on your breathing."  

"I'm breathing."  

"Yes. But you're not concentrating."  

Hux sighed in exasperation and opened his eyes.   

"This isn't going to be for me..."  

Vicrul shook his head and stood up. And before Hux could say anything, Vicrul walked around Hux and sat behind him.  

"What are you doing!"  

"I can help."  

"With what?!"  

Instead of answering, two surprisingly strong arms appeared around Hux's waist, and Vicrul pulled Hux closer to him without hesitation. Hux was shamefully aware that he was almost being hugged.  

"This..."  

"Shh. Concentrate on my breathing. Close your eyes and do the same..."  

Hux couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so stiff and uncomfortable. Perhaps the audience at Snoke's wasn't so bad either! Personal space was something that people in the First Order respected each other for. But personal boundaries and space was something the Knights of Ren didn't seem to care about. Or maybe it was just Vicrul. Hux refused to think why.   

Hux put the whole dilemma behind him and closed his eyes again. But how was he supposed to center himself when all he could feel instead of some inner peace was the other man's body pressed tightly against his, and those arms wrapped lightly around his waist? And how long had it been since someone had touched him like that?  

Vicrul's breathing was slow, steady. Hux tried to adjust, to ignore everything else until they got into at least a somewhat similar rhythm. Somewhere in the back of Hux's mind, it occurred to him that he was too open and impressionable to it all. But such things could wait.   

"Right... Your mind is calm... You're a little tired, aren't you?"  

Hux nodded slowly. It seemed to him that the longer he meditated, the more tired he became. Probably from the stress of the past few days.  

"Oh yes, I can feel it..."  

"You feel a lot of things," Hux remarked quietly. "You keep saying that."  

"It happens with some people... It's like a connection..."  

"Who did it happen with?"  

"With the other Knights. We feel each other through the Force. We know when someone is suffering, when someone is happy."  

"With anyone else?"  

"No... It hasn't happened yet..."  

Hux exhaled softly. That sounded strange. The bond between the Knights was understandable. But this?  

"But I'm not..."  

"I know... Would you like to feel it?"  

"How... Like the artifact?"  

Vicrul took Hux's palm in his without a word. Hux watched a little dreamily as their fingers intertwined. And after a few moments of tension, he felt it. Hux had no idea how to describe it. Like a pull, somewhere deep inside him? Was he alone in his mind, and yet, a little like he could feel the presence of someone else as well? Hux recognized the feeling. He'd felt it from Ren and Snoke before, when they'd tried to force their way into his head, to explore things that were his own. But this wasn't violent or painful. The bond was just there, a quiet presence in the background.   

Vicrul cupped Hux's palm in his, and the bond trembled slightly.   

"It happened a few days back... It shouldn't have been. Bonding with someone who can't feel the Force doesn't usually happen..."  

"Usually?"  

"There's an exception to everything..."  

"That sounds vague..."  

"Shh... Feeling better?"  

Hux nodded. Still tired, but maybe calmer? He couldn't describe it yet.  

"That'll do for today. We can continue later... If you wish..."  

A nod seemed like a natural thing to do to Hux in the moment.  

Chapter Text

Hux didn't know exactly how, but Ren seemed to be prevented from leaving the rooms. Whether it was something technical or Force stuff, Hux refused to know. For one thing, Ren couldn't make Hux free him that way. And two, Hux was becoming strangely apathetic towards Ren. The more Ren kept saying the same thing over and over again, about something dark in the Force, and a girl who would help them, the more Hux ignored him. Vicrul was probably right, Ren was mending from his inner conflict.   

But after midnight, when Hux had returned to his rooms after that strange encounter, Hux might have appreciated it more if Ren had run away. Even that would have been more pleasant than the stares he'd gotten from the door.   

"We need to talk," Ren blurted out as soon as the door closed behind Hux.   

"No, we don't have to," Hux shook his head. "I'm tired, I need to sleep."  

"Where have you even been! We need to talk, there are things we need to deal with!"  

Hux couldn't think of anything Ren could say that would interest him. But he also knew that if he didn't give the other man some attention, Ren would just start to get angry. And that wasn't pleasant.  

"Do you have another theory?"  

"Where you've been."  

"What I do is none of your business."  

"You were with him, weren't you?"  

"What? What does that have to do with anything?"  

"I can smell it on you! The scent, it's always all over his room..."  

Hux folded his arms across his chest.   

"And even if I was. I still don't see why you care."  

Ren sighed and rubbed his face.   

"I warned you... You don't know what he's capable of..."  

"He can't be worse than you," Hux snorted ironically.  

"What do you even know about him, huh? I spent years with the Knights. I know more than you do."  

Hux knew exactly where this topic would lead.  

"Now, are you going to tell me some scary story where Vicrul turns out to be a vicious torturer?"  

"Vicrul was always one who could play with his victims. Mind manipulation was never a problem for him."  

Hux paused.   

"Vicrul said he couldn't use the Force to read minds..."  

Ren frowned.  

"He lied to you. I was with them every day during my training. I saw him act with my own eyes. He's more than capable of it. While he doesn't have the control of the Force that I have, or the training that Jedi or Sith have, he is the strongest of all the Knights in the Force."  

Hux was silent for a long moment. Why would Vicrul lie to him? Or was he lying to Ren? Was there even a way to find out the truth? Hux had never spoken to the other Knights. And if this was some nefarious plan, the Knights would support Vicrul. Was everything that had happened between them so far just a manipulation by Vicrul to gain Hux's support?  

But then why the meditation, why the touching? If he was lying, Vicrul had already gotten what Ren thought he needed - Hux was in a high position in the Order, and they were negotiating everything together. Why would he pretend any closer affection?   

"I...  I get it, Hux," Ren spoke up. "He gave you what you didn't have here. You think he has some... affection for you. But he's just playing with you, that's all. When he doesn't need you, he'll kill you. He's killed dozens before you, and he'll keep doing it."  

"Why are you telling me this?"  

"To warn you..."  

"Yes. Why are you doing this? What do you think you're going to get? Hoping that I'll help you escape, get to the Resistance, and what, join them?”  

"Rey could help us, with her abilities..."  

Hux laughed contemptuously.  

"Are you listening to yourself? Do you think she'll help you? You murdered her people! I destroyed five planets! Even if she agrees, the other Resistance members will oppose it. They'd rather see us dead than on their side."  

"I can convince her! Come on, I know there's hatred between us! But do you really want to die just for the Knights and their plans?"  

"And you? Why do you want her so much?! She came out of nowhere, and it's only because of Snoke that you got close enough to start this obsession of yours. Can't you see it's not real?! You think she's interested in you? Or is she interested in getting Ben Solo back on the side of the Light?"  

"You don't understand! You don't know what she wants!"  

Hux crossed his arms over his chest.  

"So she's decided to accept you like this - Master of the Knights of Ren and Supreme Leader of the First Order. Or was she telling you about how she's going to help you come back?"  

Ren was silent, his face hidden behind a veil of dark hair. But for Hux, that was answer enough.  

"You need to get rid of that," Hux sighed, rising from his chair. "I'll get Vicrul to get that thing..."  

"No!"  

"I'm not asking you, Ren! You can't see straight, you barely seem to grasp reality!"  

"It's killing me, can't you see that! They want my Force, they want to get rid of me so they can take over the Order!"  

"Ren..."  

"Why can't you trust me for once in your life! Just once, Hux! You have no idea what horrors will happen in the galaxy if they take over the Order! I only felt it for a few seconds and it was pure agony!"  

"Is something wrong, Grand Marshal?"  

Hux was so preoccupied with Ren's next burst of rage and paranoia that he didn't even notice the door to the room open. Very careless and dangerous, Hux chided himself wearily. He was really losing his touch.   

"You!" Ren growled, pointing at Vicrul. "It's your fault!"  

Vicrul took off his helmet and looked at Hux with a questioning look. He just shrugged. Hux had nothing else to say to this.   

"Is something wrong, Master?"  

"Tell me, how long have you been poisoning Hux's mind here, huh?"  

"I think you need to rest, Master," Vicrul replied.  

But Hux noticed the haste with which Vicrul said it. It was as if he was trying to silence Ren.  

"I don't need rest," Ren said, standing up abruptly. "I want you to tell me who you serve!"  

"You, Master!"  

Ren just laughed coldly and stood directly in front of Vicrul. Though the threat of violence was clear in the air, Hux was strangely impressed. Even though Vicrul was the smallest man in the room, at least by height, he faced the much taller Ren without blinking an eye. Admirable courage. Or madness. Maybe both.  

"You're lying. You've never been faithful to me. I felt it for some time before you teamed up with my general and pulled this coup. We fought dozens of battles together, protected each other. For that, at least, I deserve to know who you betrayed me for."  

And to Hux's surprise, Vicrul remained silent. No more repetition of his loyalty to Ren, as before.   

Ren turned to Hux, and Hux didn't like the triumphant grin Ren had on his face.  

"See! I told you... He's been serving another master for a long time..."  

Vicrul said nothing in response, and that was enough for Hux. Without hesitation, he reached for the blaster at his waist and pointed it straight at Vicrul's head.  

"Explain, now."  

"Hux..."  

"Do it!" snapped Ren urgently.   

"Shut up, Ren! And you, speak!  

"The situation is much more complicated than it first appears," Vicrul finally replied.   

"Bullshit!"  

Hux ignored Ren's screaming. He needed to get to the truth, and fast. If Ren was right, everything was in jeopardy. If not, Ren was crazier than Hux thought.  

"What's going on? What kind of things are going on?"  

"Many things are in motion. I can't reveal more, I can't say anything yet."  

"Then why should I trust you?" Hux asked simply.   

"I have no reason to lie. I and the other Knights serve our Master. Despite his weakness to the Light Side, we hope we can help enough to bring him back to the Dark Side."  

"That is not proof. Why shouldn't I have you arrested?"  

Vicrul nodded.   

"I can't say anything. But I can show you," he added, holding out his hand to Hux.  

"It's not... You believe him? Hux!"  

Hux ignored Ren's scream again, and after a moment's hesitation, took Vicrul's hand.  

Chapter Text

Hux had felt the Force before. It was always pleasant, even slightly seductive. The dark side of the Force certainly had a lot to offer to people, who couldn't normally feel it.  

But now it was like standing in a wild storm. Images flashed through Hux's mind, one after another. An abandoned planet, the dark stone corridors of a fortress of some sort. A view of the sky, filled with ships bearing the First Order emblem.   

The last image stayed in Hux's mind the longest. It looked like the throne room of the Supremacy. Flames licked the deep red walls. The throne where Snoke ussualy sat was empty. And around it stood the Knights of Ren, included Kylo Ren.  

Hux jerked his hand out of Vicrul's grasp in shock and took a step back.  

"What the..."  

"The Force is with you, Grand Marshal. But time is almost up..."  

"Where are other Knights?"  

"They're gone. And I must go too."  

Hux shook his head.   

"I can't let you go... You didn't answer me!"  

Vicrul smiled. And Hux hated how almost tender Vicrul looked at that moment.  

"I did. You know it, somewhere inside. You felt it."  

"I can't...  This is supposed to happen?"  

"The future is always uncertain, based on our actions. My leaving is one of them."  

Hux shook his head. How he hated this mystical crap...  

"Go... You have ten minutes. Then I'll have you arrested..."  

Vicrul nodded, and with one last look at Hux, walked away.  

"What... You let him go!" said Ren, after door closed. 

"Shut up! Shut up for once!"  

However, Ren ignored Hux and continued.  

"Do you know what's going to happen now? When they get to their Master, then they'll come back. And they'll slaughter us!"  

"That's not what I saw!" Hux objected with false confidence.   

Ren shook his head. Suddenly, the tension in the air seemed to break. Ren looked several years older at that moment. And Hux finally noticed how tired and pale the other man looked.  

"He was just playing with you... He can show anyone anything... it's just a game of the Force..."  

"You mean like what you did?" Hux asked bitterly.  

But Ren shook his head dismissively and took a step towards Hux. Hux hated himself at that moment as he took an involuntary step back.   

"Yes, I've invaded your mind several times, mostly at Snoke's behest. He always wanted to check on your loyalty. He feared that if you started a rebellion, the Order would follow you. But I never put any visions in your mind..."  

"I would have known," Hux defended. "I always knew when you were in my mind! Vicrul, he..."  

And then Hux realized it. Meeting in Vicrul's room, meditating. That feeling of inner connection that Vicrul had spoken of, Hux could still feel, in the background.   

And then Ren had shown himself to be much more receptive than Hux would have expected of his condition.  

"You let him in willingly, didn't you? That's why you didn't feel any attack and pain like with me..."  

"I don't want to talk about it," Hux shook his head,  

What was the truth? Was Ren lying? Was Vicrul lying? How could Hux tell if what he saw was the truth or just a manipulation so Vicrul could escape?

"Hux... I know you don't trust me... But this isn't you. It's Vicrul, in your head..."  

"Just like the scavenger in yours? When you joined us, you wanted the death of the Resistance and your past, without mercy. And when I dragged you half-dead from Starkiller, you cried for your father. You couldn't even kill your mother. And yes, I know that," Hux nodded at Ren's surprised expression. "She was on that ship, all you had to do was shoot. Instead, you flew away. Then the girl in the interrogation room. In the past, you didn't hesitate to torture to get what you wanted and then kill. And instead you started babbling something about the Force and let her get away. And then Snoke? Do you think anyone in the Order believes she killed him? What were you planning, huh? Get her to the Dark Side and rule with her? Or go back and play the hero who betrayed the Order and saved his family?"  

"You don't know anything about that! The family..."  

"I know all about family," Hux spat back, his anger returning. "I sacrificed my family to be who I am now!"  

"Yes? The Grand Marshal, elected to help destroy the First Order?"  

"No one destroys the First Order," Hux snapped, heading for the door. "Not while I'm alive! But you should think about where your loyalties lie. It seems that soon it will be crucial. You're either with us or against us."  

Once Hux was far enough away from Ren, he headed straight for Vicrul's room. If the knight had indeed left, it was possible he might have left something behind in his haste. Some clue, some detail that would help Hux understand the man's motives.   

The room looked as Hux remembered. The lights down, that strange scent. Hux walked around the room, searching for something, anything, that might help him. It was only after a few minutes of searching that he noticed the dark bag lying on the bed.  

Hux suspected it wasn't a good idea to touch something unfamiliar in Knight's room. But everything else was gone. Either Vicrul had forgotten it, which Hux doubted, or he wanted Hux to find it.  

Hux sat on the edge of the bed and carefully untied the bag. As he looked inside, he blinked in surprise.  

It was the book. The one Vicrul had shown him in this room.   

Confused, Hux pulled the book out and set the bag down. Vicrul had mentioned several times how valuable the book was supposed to be. Why would he leave such a thing here?  

After a moment of hesitation, he finally opened the book. HUx hadn't directly touched the book before. But now he could literally feel the age in his hands. Even though the book seemed fragile, and the pages quietly crackled as he turned them, Hux still had the strange feeling that the book would survive anything. How many years must it have been in existence, traveling through the galaxy from owner to owner, before it got here?  

And then, when he got about halfway through, a loose sheet of paper fell out onto the floor. As Hux picked it up, he noticed that this was written in Basic.   

Grand marshal,  

if you're reading this letter, I'm gone. I only hope the Force has allowed me to speak to you and explain my actions.   

Yes, there are things I have not been honest about. I couldn't. The Knights and I tried to save our Master, but we failed. And the Knights of Ren cannot remain without their Master. And so we made a choice.  

Our new Master will be revealed to the galaxy when he is ready. We all look forward to the moment when he will shine in the Force.   

Please keep this book as a memory. The book would not be safe where I go.  

Our bond is strong. I trust you will feel it when the time comes.   

Vicrul  

So it was true. The Knights of Ren had a different Master than Ren. And the Knights failed save Ren. Did that mean Ren couldn't be saved? That the Light Side of the Force had consumed him too much?  

Hux sighed softly, put the letter back in the book, and clasped the book tightly in his hands. Here, hidden from the eyes of the others, Hux finally allowed himself to relax a little.  

As irrational as it was, Hux still somehow believed that Vicrul hadn't lied to him. Of course, if Ren was right, and Vicrul really could not only play with the minds of her victims, but also shape these visions, whatever Hux thought might not be true. Was Hux even fit to be an officer then?   

Or was there a problem with Ren, his vision of joining with the enemy that could have cost them not only victory, but their very existence? If Ren teamed up with the girl, they would be invincible. And the Order couldn't afford that. So Ren had to either be returned to the Dark Side or killed.  

The artifact used on Ren was where the Knights had left it, which surprised Hux. He had somewhat expected it to be the first thing they took away.  

But no. The artifact was in its place, in Hux's desk, motionless, pulsing softly with a red glow.   

Hux sat back in his chair and took the artifact in his hands. Nothing had changed - as soon as he touched it, he felt that strange warmth again, like fire, surging from the artifact straight into Hux's body and mind. It got better and more intoxicating with every touch, and Hux found himself touching the artifact more times than he needed to. With each touch, Hux understood more and more why Vicrul was so obsessed with the Dark Force. He almost wished they had more time to examine the book. If it was as interesting as talking about the Sith legend, Hux would have liked to hear it. Any information was worth its weight at the right time.   

Finally, Hux put the book in the cabinet in his desk and placed the artifact on the table. Though he couldn't explain why, he simply felt better in the presence of the artifact.   

"Can we talk?"  

Hux was ready to tell Ren that he wasn't interested in any conversation, not after what happened last time. But he had inadvertently noticed that although last time Ren had seemed determined to argue to his heart's content, now he was just sitting on the couch waiting for an answer. Either it was another mental game, or Ren had finally calmed down. Hux allowed himself to be a little naive.  

"What's going on?"  

Ren was silent for a moment, only the rattle of the chains Ren was playing with could be heard.  

"I... I was thinking about what you said..."  

"Specifically, Ren?"  

"I think there's something going on... Something too big just for Vicrul to be behind..."  

Hux just remained silent. What was he supposed to say? After a few hours in the office, when he finally managed to calm down, he was sure that Ren had lost his mind. Being in the presence of the artifact had really helped Hux clear his mind, and now he could see it more clearly.  

"Yes, you've been saying that for weeks. And nothing has appeared. Nothing happened except for the Knights escaping. We're stuck here, repairs to the ship are nearing completion, and then we'll go looking for the Resistance and end the war."  

"No, listen to me!" Ren blurted out, "I've been thinking about it! Someone really powerful in the Force would have to be behind this. not Vicrul, not the Knights. They're powerful, but not that powerful and they don't have the training. Most of what they can do, they learned on their own."  

"Snoke was the strongest. He's dead."  

Ren nodded quickly. Hux didn't like how frantic his gaze was. Maybe it was time to bring the artifact and continue the treatment.   

"Yes, yes, Snoke. But you saw him. He was so weak! What if it wasn't Snoke, what if someone was using Snoke as a cover to infiltrate the Order!"  

"And who would that be? And why infiltrate the Order? Nothing happened the whole time Snoke was here!"  

"It has."  

"What?"  

"We discovered Rey. And thanks to us, she discovered her Force, the Resistance, and the path to Skywalker."  

"Why would someone pretend to be Supreme Leader to help the Resistance?"  

"Because of her Force! She's not trained all the time, it takes years. But she's very strong. And so am I. If your theory is correct, and someone made the bond between us on purpose, they wanted us to meet!"  

"This is a war, Ren, not a date," Hux snorted. "Let's just say it's true. Someone used the Order to find the girl. To meet you. Why?"  

"Come on, Hux, think! I've been sitting here tied up with that stupid collar for weeks now, and you yourself assisted in stealing my Force through that artifact. If the same thing had happened with Rey, and then someone got the Force..."  

"So?"  

"You can do anything with that much Force... Maybe bring someone back to life..."  

Hux frowned. Bring someone back from the dead? That sounded crazy, it wasn't possible...  

And then he realized it. Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise. Vicrul spoke of how this Sith was so powerful that he could bring the dead back to life. But Darth Plagueis had to be dead. Is that the point? Someone wanted to resurrect him?  

"But who! Who would they want to bring back?"  

"Darth Sidious."  

"What... Emperor Palpatine? He died a long time ago!"  

Ren nodded again and grabbed Hux's arm to make him sit up. Before Hux could object, Ren continued.   

"Exactly! But remember - when did Palpatine die?"  

"About thirty years ago..."  

"Exactly, like my grandfather. But while my grandfather's body was found, the Emperor's was not. No one knows what happened to him. Snoke has been appearing to me since I was a kid, and he kept talking about my grandfather and my importance to the future!"  

"Ren, this is too wild... If Palpatine were alive, someone would have found out... Why wouldn't he revive the Empire, why would he infiltrate the Order..."  

"What if he infiltrated the Order to find me and Rey? The Order's been around for what, thirteen years? I was sixteen when the Order officially started. Rey must have been a little kid. But as soon as Snoke showed up, everything started moving this way. Maybe that's how it was all set up for us to meet her, conflict arose, and the bond grew stronger!"  

"So you're admitting it's all fake now? Your bond with the scavenger?"  

Ren frowned.   

"It doesn't matter what I think. We need to rouse the entire First Order and prepare. If the Knights have left to help Palpatine, it could be the end of us."  

"It doesn't make sense," Hux shook his head, still trying to make sense of everything he'd just heard. "How is Palpatine supposed to get your Force and the girl's Force?"  

"The artifact!"  

"Nonsense," Hux waved his hand. "The artifact is still here."  

"What?!"

Chapter Text

Ren didn't take this revelation well. First he was angry at the fact that such a dark thing was aboard the ship, then he declared that he needed to meditate on it. Hux took advantage of this to retire to the bedroom for some rest.  

Only, even though an hour had passed since Hux had laid down, instead of getting some well-deserved sleep, he just lay there staring at the ceiling.  

Instead of clearing things up, things were even worse, and Hux had never been so hopeful that Ren was crazy. Because if he was right, Vicrul and his lies would be the last of it. Palpatine's return would be crushing. Surely there would have to be someone there to help. And who knows how deep the corruption would have gone into the foundation of the Firts Order. There would need to be a quick and very subtle internal review of the staff. But there were too many people on the ship. Senior officers will have to do for now. Again during the last few days, Hux regretted that Phasma had died in the destruction of the Supremacy. If she had been here, she would have been able to advise him. The woman always had a unique perspective. And the fact that she was a skilled fighter could only help.  

"I feel sadness..." 

Hux jerked in shock and looked around the room. He was alone, but he still swore he heard someone. Ren, perhaps?  

"I'm glad you're okay..." 

And then it dawned on Hux whose voice he was hearing in his mind.  

"How did you..."  

"The bond is stronger than I expected..." 

Hux rubbed his face and lay back down. This was just too much.  

"Where are you?"  

"Far away. Did you find my gift?" 

"Gift?"  

"I managed to translate a few pages that reminded me of you. I hope you find them useful..." 

Hux didn't check the book, putting it aside after finding the letter. But the translation might have been interesting. Had it been at a different time. Under different circumstances.  

"Vicrul?"  

"Yes?" 

"Did you betray us?"  

"My actions may seem treacherous," Vicrul admitted, and Hux's heart sank. "But in the end, order and peace will reign in the galaxy. Something great and beautiful is coming, Hux. We are all proud to be a part of it."  

Great and beautiful. That's how Hux heard Pryde and the others talking about the Empire.  

"Are you safe?" 

"Do you care?"  

"Of course," Vicrul replied without hesitation. "You... I enjoyed your presence... The other Knights are what others call family. But... They have no interest in such things as books... They're more interested in weapons..."  

"Says the man who has a scythe as a weapon."  

"I collect the souls of my enemies, which make me stronger." 

Hux just rolled his eyes. He recognized this fanatical tone safely from Ren when he babbled about his lightsaber.  

"Romantic, really..."  

"You sound... Relaxed..." 

"I wanted to go to sleep... I don't even know why I'm talking to you..."  

"Please, don't stop..." 

"Why?"  

"I...I like talking to you... It's... Nice..." 

Hux grinned.  

"If you likes talk to me, you could have stayed here. Not leave me, betray me and run off to who knows where..."  

"I couldn't... Sometimes duty calls, and you know it... We must fight for our future... It had been many years since the Knights of Ren had taken so much interest in the future of the Galaxy. It takes sacrifice on all sides. But if the Force permits, when it's all over, we will be reunited... I would like to..." 

"Can you believe it? That we'll survive?"

There was silence for a while. Hux wouldn't admit it, but he could feel the nervousness taking hold of him.  

"The future is uncertain. It will take great sacrifices... But even if our meeting is the last... It was... Pleasant..." 

Pleasant. Hux had a feeling that wasn't the best he could hear. On the other hand, he'd never been told anything better.   

"What's next, huh?"  

"With the Knights?" 

Hux shook his head, though perhaps only to himself.  

"With you... With me..."  

"Were you thinking of me, Grand Marshal?" 

"Your overconfidence may be your end," Hux replied, ignoring the slight heat he felt in his cheeks.   

"I am willing to take that risk." 

"You've been gone for a few hours."  

"Yes. I've been thinking about you." 

"Stop it..."  

"Why?" 

"No... We can't do this," Hux stammered. "You're a traitor. I'm an officer of the First Order..."  

"Designations change, souls remain...The bond that exists between us is unique... It will survive, even through the wars and destruction that await the galaxy..." 

"Will there be war? Bigger than this?"  

"The galaxy needs a purge." 

"Why?"  

"For the greater glory of the future." 

Hux had no idea what to say to that. If the new Empire was to provide any future, Hux was sure there would be no place for him in it. He had never shared the ideologies of the old Imperials. And he wasn't going to start with that. He'd rather die on his own terms and values than grovel before Pryde and Palpatine.  

"Where are you?"  

"I can't..." 

"I know," Hux interrupted him. "I just... What's it like out there?"  

"Cold... It's a desolate place, heavily in the Dark Side of the Force... I've grown accustomed to the comfort of your ship... The place is desolate and inhospitable..." 

"Few would call this ship comfortable."  

"It was a pleasant experience. I enjoyed it..." 

"My ship?"  

A low, dark laugh echoed through Hux's mind.  

"The ship too..." 

"Vicrul..."  

"I'm sorry... I'm not... I'm not familiar with the rules of honesty... Knights of Ren don't usually talk to anyone..." 

"I've noticed that the others keep their silence," Hux realized. "Why don't you?"  

"It was... A vote on who would be the Knights' spokesman..." 

"So you were elected?"  

"I applied." 

"Why?"  

"I had... personal reasons..." 

 "What? To help Ren?"  

"You."  

Hux covered his face with his arm. This man owed him one hell of a lot.  

"Don't say that... Not because of some... New galaxy..."  

"My thoughts are my own," Vicrul objected. "You don't trust me?"  

"Vicrul..."  

"I understand... Perhaps proof of my loyalty to you, Grand Marshal?" 

"What proof?"  

"Whatever. Say it and you'll have it." 

"Don't say that..."  

"Why?" 

"I don't care for empty promises," Hux replied irritably.  

"I showed you... No promises..." 

"Ren told me! About your... abilities... You said you couldn't do anything like that..."  

"I see... You don't believe I showed you the truth..." 

Hux wanted. He wanted so badly to believe that what he saw was the truth. But even as a young boy, lying on the ground, beaten by his own father, he had learned that fairy tales weren't real. He had to fight hard for everything he ever had.  

"No..."  

"I understand... In due time, you will believe." 

"How?"  

But Vicrul didn't answer that anymore.   

Chapter Text

"Lieutenant Mitaka... Sit down."  

Hux watched Mitaka silently as he sat down in the chair across from him, clasping his hands in his lap. Mitaka was an excellent officer, but he needed to work on his nerves.   

"Yes, sir?"  

"For start, this conversation must remain completely confidential, do you understand?"  

"Yes, sir."  

"We have another battle coming soon, bigger than the last one. And before it begins, we will need to make sure that all members of the Order, especially the senior officers, are loyal to the First Order. Do you understand?"  

"Yes, sir."  

"What do you think?"  

Mitaka was silent for a moment, clearly nervous.   

"Permission to speak freely?"  

"Yes."  

"It's about... Is it about General Pryde and the others?"  

Hux was glad that even though Mitaka was clearly shaken from Ren's attacks, his mind was fine.  

"Why do you think?"  

"I... I've heard, from other junior officers, that Pryde and the others often meet in conference rooms, have private meetings. General Pryde has a departure scheduled for tomorrow on his private ship, but the records don't indicate a destination or a return date."  

"Interesting information... Where did you get it?"  

Mitaka looked around.  

"I have... Friends who work in the hangars."  

"Officers?"  

"No, sir. Workers. Officers, especially the senior ones, usually ignore them..."  

"So they have access to a lot of things and information, right?"  

"Yes, sir."  

"So Pryde is flying out tomorrow... When?"  

"Before the start of the morning shift. The workers said he was in a hurry to get the ship ready."  

So Pryde was going to disappear. Apparently, the whole thing with the new Empire had to start.   

"We'll... Let the General leave?"  

Hux was intrigued by the question.  

"Any ideas, Lieutenant?"  

"I... Perhaps it would be advisable for General Pryde not to fly to his destination..."  

"Yes, perhaps," Hux nodded slowly. "Do we have the way to make such a thing happen?"  

"My friend has a friend. He has other friends."  

"Are they loyal to the Order?"  

"They are loyal to you, sir."  

Hux honestly didn't expect that answer.  

"Does it make a difference to them?"  

There are a lot of people on this ship who... Who see the Order and you, Grand Marshal, as one. Ordinary soldiers, workers in the hangars. The older senior officers, the ones from the Empire era, are not usually kind to them..."  

"I'm not a kind man, Mitako," Hux objected, as if kindness were an insult.  

Well, for Hux it was an insult, something humiliating. Soldiers were only in the military to accomplish missions. Junior officers for menial jobs. That was all that mattered. Hux didn't share that attitude. Although he never developed close relationships with junior officers and other crew members, he respected their work. A happy crew was usually a loyal crew, too. And loyalty was something that seemed to decide a lot now.   

Mitaka shook his head quickly.  

"No, sir. I mean... Yes, sir..."  

"Mitaka, relax," Hux sighed. "I know who and what I am. Go on."  

"Thank you, sir... There are simply people in the crew who are here for you. If the chain of command should change..."  

"Could they betray the Order?"  

"Probably."  

"So hypothetically... If these people were asked to do something against the Order, but under my orders..."  

"Your order will be obeyed..."  

Hux reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. Useless these days, but paper didn't leave a mark on the system like datapads did.  

"I'll have one order. It needs to be followed to the last details Do you understand?"  

"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it."  

Hux got up early that morning, and made sure he was on the bridge, surrounded by all the officers from the morning shift, when the terrible news reached them.  

"We have no idea what happened," Admiral Griss said, his face floating in a hologram. "Allegiant General Pryde's ship exploded shortly after takeoff, Grand Marshal Hux. We immediately dispatched TIE fighters, but there were no survivors."  

"Terrible news," Hux nodded. "According to the records, Allegiant General Pryde refused a full preflight check, rushing to depart. Unfortunately, he didn't specify his destination."  

"That doesn't sound like Allegiant General Pryde," Griss nodded. "The Supreme Council will be meeting on the Finalizer in a few hours. Is the Supreme Leader still out?"  

"Unfortunately. He left Finalizer with a destination in the Unknown Territories. He warned us ahead of time that it might be impossible to contact him."  

"At our first meeting, the Supreme Leader left instructions. In his absence, the First Order will be led by Allegiant General Pryde. If he is also absent, it is you, Grand Marshal Hux. I'll make sure the other Council members are contacted, sir."  

"Thank you, Admiral Griss, we'll expect you aboard."  

As soon as the hologram disappeared, Hux turned to Mitaka, who was watching him silently.   

"We heard the Admiral. Get everything ready for the Council meeting."  

" Yes, sir."  

"You killed him."  

Hux barely had time to remove his coat when Ren appeared beside him.   

"You know better than to make false accusations."  

"So Pryde's ship exploded on its own?"  

"The universe is full of dangers," Hux shrugged, and without hesitation headed for the bar he had stashed next to his desk.   

If ever he deserved a drink, it was now. It was time to celebrate!  

"Now what?"  

"The Council has put me in charge of the First Order until our beloved Supreme Leader returns from one of his missions to parts unknown."  

"And which Supreme Leader is to return? Me or Vicrul?"  

Hux poured himself a glass of bourbon and downed it in one gulp.  

"You both suck," he said finally, pouring himself another glass.   

Ren raised an eyebrow.  

"You're in a good mood."  

"Murder will do that to a man."  

"You should let me go."  

"To run off after that girl and kill us all? No, thanks."  

"I don't want to go after her anymore," Ren sighed, and sat down on Hux's desk. "I was thinking... Maybe we're both victims here..."  

"Victims?"  

"Mind games are serious business... I've been meditating, for hours. I tried to remember the first moments I felt this... connection with Rey. It all goes back to Snoke..."  

"If you're not lying, I'm glad you finally see what nonsense it would be to go back to her... She would never accept you," Hux added with a smirk, downing his second glass.   

Maybe he should slow down. But getting rid of Pryde was too intoxicating. And he didn't have an afternoon shift until the next day. Plenty of time to sober up and clear his conscience.  

"And you? Would you accept me?"  

Hux laughed at the question.  

"What, you think you'd be too scary? Come on, you're talking to someone who's slaughtered entire planets. What do you expect?"  

"You think it's okay to take violence so lightly?"  

Hux shrugged. Violence was all he knew. As a boy, then at the Academy, then early in his service. Why would it be better for others? No one had asked him if it was what he wanted either.   

"Violence is the language of the Galaxy. We must win. Either our enemies kneel before the First Order and surrender, or we annihilate them."  

"Ruthless."  

"You used to be like this too... When I was a general, and you and the Knights of Ren were pillaging and murdering entire settlements. They were afraid of you, just by hearing about you. And look at you now... crying for a strange girl and your family."  

"Family is important!"  

"Of course. Especially yours."  

"What do you mean?"  

"From the way you made the entire First Order chase your mother and uncle around the galaxy, I gather they weren't fans of your work as Master Ren. And I doubt if you showed up at your mother's house right now, she'd pat you on the back. She's probably already adopted the scavenger and turned her into the child she never had."  

"How can you..."  

Hux shook his head and reached for the bottle again.  

"I've been there. Do yourself a favor - find the rest of your family and kill them."  

"And that's supposed to help me?"  

"I don't know," Hux admitted. "But you won't have to worry about your family suddenly showing up somewhere and ruining everything again. You'll get used to it in time."  

Ren just stared at Hux for a moment. Hux usually got annoyed or nervous. But now, maybe thanks to another glass of bourbon, he didn't care.  

"I always thought you had a good family," Ren admitted. "The only son of an Imperial officer... Now, I have a feeling there was more..."  

" That there was more, " Hux grinned with disdain. "You don't know anything... But this isn't about me. Even if you'd like to go back to the Dark Side and go kill, I'm not going to help you."  

"Why!"  

"No matter how the handcuffs and collar are removed, I don't have the key."  

That silenced Ren reliably for a few moments.  

"But... Who has it?!"  

"I don't know. Vicrul? I didn't have time to ask when I pointed the blaster at his head."  

"You should have shot him," Ren growled, tugging at the cuffs.   

"Come on," Hux sighed, setting his glass down. "We don't know what he did or why. It's just your speculation..."  

"Why are you still defending him? You must see that he's manipulating you."  

"And why do you care what Vicrul does to me? Are you suddenly worried about the First Order? Not long ago, you probably wanted to see this place in flames."  

"I don't care about the Order," Ren sighed. "Vicrul may have been a better Supreme Leader than I was... At least he didn't strangle anyone while on duty..."  

"Wow," Hux gasped in shock.  "I'm surprised by that confession..."  

Ren just grinned at that.  

"Command isn't as much fun as exploring the galaxy... And I don't like paperwork."  

"Yes, I've noticed."  

"You've been doing it for me all along, haven't you?"  

"What else did you expect? Paperwork is the basis of administration. It has to be done. it's a duty, not a pastime."  

"Were you happier with him?"  

"He did what I said..."  

"Nothing more?"  

"What are you referring to?" Hux asked bluntly.  

"You know what I mean."  

"My privacy is none of your business."  

"So there was something private."  

"Nothing I'd want to confide with you."  

"Hux... I know him..."  

"Yes, you said so."  

"Yes... No... I think... Even if it's not some... mind game with the Force... He's not the one for you..."  

Maybe it was the bourbon and Hux was dreaming. There was no way he was in his room listening to Kylo Ren's romantic advice.  

"Please enlighten me, Ren. How someone suitable for me looks like."  

Ren fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable. Hux wasn't going to give him the relief of ending this topic.   

"He... He's a Knight of Ren!"  

"I noticed. The helmet and the scythe gave me a clue."  

"Hux..."  

"What are you trying to tell me, Ren? I'm tired. Tell it straight so I can go to sleep. I've got to schedule a command tomorrow, since Pryde left us so unhappily."  

"He's rude. Violent. He... He likes to hurt others..."  

"Oh, you're worried about me?"  

"Yes! I've seen what he can do just because he finds it amusing! You have no idea what he could do to you!"  

"It's still none of your business, Ren."  

"Fine!" Ren blurted out, throwing his hands up in an impatient gesture. Then he stood up and walked back to the couch. "You'll see for yourself... Nothing good awaits you with him..."  

Chapter Text

"You're relaxed today..."  

Hux just shrugged and continued to take off his shirt.  

"It's been a good day..."  

"I heard."  

"Really?"  

"News travels fast. There are people who were not pleased by Pryde's death."  

"Please," Hux sighed, throwing his shirt on the dresser. "Enough about politics... I'm too tired and drunk for that..."  

"Okay," Vicrul agreed, and maybe Hux was imagining it, but it sounded pleased in his mind. "Are you still okay?"  

"Worried about me?"  

"Of course."  

"You and Ren seem to have something in common."  

The subsequent pause in Vicrul reply was a little awkward.  

"What do you mean?"  

Hux wouldn't usually speak so bluntly. But now, in a slight alcoholic haze, he found the whole thing strangely amusing.  

"He's supposedly worried about me. Funny idea, after all he's done to me..."  

"He's worried about your safety because of Pryde?"  

"Because of you."  

"I see... Is he concerned for your welfare?"  

Hux grinned at that and finally got into bed.   

"How nicely put..."  

"I was worried about that."  

"Of what?"  

"His... The effect on you..."  

"Are you afraid I'll let him go to his family and give them the Order?" Hux asked a little irritated.  

"No. I know you're fully loyal to the First Order. It's... it's an interesting trait... Loyalty is hard to find..."  

"You know it from personal experience, don't you," Hux didn't forgive the caustic remark. "I have your former Master chained up in the living room..."  

"It was necessary... We tried to save him... Maybe if there was more time... But things changed too quickly."  

"What changed?"  

"Our decision."  

"Come on," Hux grumbled wearily. "Speak plainly. Why did you leave him here?"  

Vicrul was silent again for a moment. Hux's eyes were closed, almost on the verge of sleep.  

"Kylo Ren was a good Master. He led us through many battles where we celebrated victories. But there was always a dilemma in him. And in time, it became a problem. Usually a new Master is chosen by fighting the old one. It's an honorable way to gain power. But... Now we had to choose someone else. The circumstances were... In our disfavor. Kylo Ren was on the outside, yearning for the light side of the Force. And someone new, strong, had emerged. So we chose."  

"So you're all about power."  

"Is that bad?"  

"I have no idea," Hux admitted, "Things are so confusing... So much has changed in such a short time... I wish..."  

"Yes?"  

"I wish it was over," Hux muttered. "The end of the war, the end of waiting for the Empire to come back from beyond the grave... That terrible Resistance... I want it all to end... I'm tired..."  

"I had no idea..."  

"I know... I shouldn't be talking to you about this... I shouldn't talk to you at all..."  

"Then why do you do it?"  

"You're the only one who listens," Hux admitted with shame.  

"Oh... I... I like talking to you too... Even if only like this, in secret..."  

"The others know you're talking to me? Do they know about this... bond? "  

"Yes. They are wise. They sensed the change through our connection."  

"Does it bother them?"  

"No... Things work differently for us than they do in your army..."  

Hux had no idea why, but he was glad the other knights didn't mind. Somewhere inside, he had an irrational feeling of fear that if the other Knights didn't approve of the bond, Vicrul would somehow break it. And then what would Hux be left with? A chained Ren in the living room? Ren, unfortunately, was never the best person to discuss things with, too wrapped up in himself and his plans.  

"Sadness does not suit you, Grand Marshal."  

"What would suit me?"  

"You're very honest today..."  

"I got drunk," Hux admitted reluctantly. "I was mourning our dead General Pryde."  

"With Pryde gone, and me, as Supreme Leader too, you're in charge."  

"Yes... The Council met today and confirmed everything. I am now the Commander of the First Order. Even if only temporarily. One day we'll have to let Ren go, whether he stays or runs away to his mother. If he does, I may be able to defend my position. If he wants to stay, not likely. At least he doesn't want my execution anymore..."  

"You should be in charge."  

"Kind words from our fake Supreme Leader."  

"I was only doing what you asked..."  

"Yes, you were good at it," Hux agreed.  

"I can be good..."  

"Ren said otherwise... Something about how you like to hurt others..."  

"We all have different kinds of fun, " Vicrul replied honestly.   

Hux appreciated the lack of excuses. He wasn't in the mood for bad lies.  

"Violence can be pleasurable..."  

Hux slowly opened his eyes. He recognized that tone.   

"What do you mean..."  

"I saw your speech on Starkiller... It was beautiful..."  

Hux had heard a lot about his speech. Inspiring. Terrifying. Worthy of a First Order general.   

But no one used the word beautiful.  

"It didn't last long," Hux replied, a little uncomfortably.   

He wasn't very used to praise.  

"Unfortunately... But it was a clear message to your enemies, showing what you're capable of..."  

"You mean what the First Order is capable of. It was the work of the Order."  

"How modest," Vicrul chuckled, his voice dropping to those seductive low notes Hux had heard during their meditation. He felt a slight shiver just from the memory. "I know that was your plan. Your thoughts and ideas."  

"Vicrul..."  

"You're not used to... I can feel your embarrassment... There's no need... I always knew you would achieve great things... Seeing one of your achievements was amazing..."  

"Then why did you leave," Hux blurted out, clutching the blanket in his hands. "Why..."  

 "You know why... You saw it..."  

Hux grinned. Yes, he did. But he could hardly believe it now. Not after what Ren had told him.  

"You still don't believe me..."  

"No," Hux admitted.  

"I don't mind. You will."  

Hux was a little surprised at the certainty with which Vicrul said that  

"You should go to sleep, Grand Marshal. You've got a big day ahead of you..."  

Chapter Text

Hux didn't expect much from that day. He had literally been wading through paperwork all day regarding Pryde's death, the future of the Order, and the change in leadership.

It was beginning to look like Hux was going to find some free time for a little caf, but then the entire ship went into combat mode and the alarm sounded.

Hux ran to the bridge, where all the officers were already scurrying back and forth. The ship was repaired, but a sudden attack by the Resistance could be still fatal.

"What's going on?"

"A Resistance X-Wing has appeared ahead, sir!"

"How many?"

"Only one."

Hux turned in confusion at the view outside, and indeed, a single fighter had appeared in front of their ship, probably from hyperspace. Wings wasn't even in attack mode. Hux recognized the fighter immediately - Poe Dameron.

"Stand by shields and cannons. Send TIE fighters on patrol..."

"Yes, sir... According to our scans, the fighter appears to be abandoned..."

"Abandoned?"

"Yes, sir. No life signs."

That was suspicious. Was it a trap? The fighter could have come here on autopilot. But how did the Resistance know where they were? And why would they give up a working fighter?

"Sir, the pilots report a dead body in the fighter."

"What?!"

Mitaka turned to the other officer and they talked for a while. Then he turned back and nodded.

"It's confirmed, sir. There's a dead body in the cockpit of the fighter. The fighter is on standby."

Why would the Resistance send a fighter with a dead body!

"Pull the fighter into the hangar. Clear the area, I only want a few officers in there. Everyone else out."

Mitaka nodded and the hux made its way to the hangar. He wanted to see this for himself.

Although Hux still expected it to be some kind of trap, and the fighter might explode when they got it to the hangar, nothing happened. The fighter skeletally hit the hangar floor, and at Hux's command, the workers went to open the cockpit. And after a few moments of tense waiting, they managed to get the body out.

Hux had seen a lot of dead bodies in his time with the Order. So he quickly recognized that this man had been tortured, long and brutally. It was only after a closer look that Hux realized it was actually Dameron. His facial features were almost gone, his face was bloody and broken. Someone must have beaten him. There was blood everywhere, cuts and stab wounds were visible on his whole body.

"Sir... What is this..."

Mitaka sounded confused and little scared. Hux was no better off. Losing the Resistance's star pilot was an incredible advantage for the Order. But who had done this?

"Examine the fighter. I want all the data in it on my datapad. Examine the body, then put it on ice. It may still be useful. See if the Resistance knows their pilot's missing."

It wasn't until the end of the day, after all the research, that Hux had time to sit in his office and rest. He had originally wanted to go to his rooms, but he wasn't in the mood for Ren and his questions.

He ended up reading the translation that Vicrul had left him. The book lay safely on his desk while Hux flipped through the sheets of paper. It was a translation of that Sith legend they had been talking about. Though Hux didn't understand much of it, it was interesting. The idea of such power, the ability to do almost anything, was truly enticing. Winning against the Resistance would be a matter of thought, not a pointlessly long war.

"Would you want that kind of power?"

Hux felt it this time. Only a brief moment before he heard Vicrul's voice, but he felt it. A bond, apparently, fluttering slightly in the back of his mind.

"Who doesn't..."

"There are those who will refuse the power the Dark Side of the Force has to offer."

Yes, Hux knew that stupid people could be found anywhere. But there was one big problem.

"I read it," Hux said, pointing to the translation, though he had no idea if Vicrul could see it. "It's... Interesting... But I'm not Force-sensitive..."

"You're really not?"

Hux looked up.

"What do you mean?"

"You can feel it, can't you? Now. That slight tingle."

"Yes, but... that's the bond, isn't it?"

"Exactly. But before I showed it to you, you didn't feel it."

Hux set the papers down on the table and sat up straighter in his chair.

"What do you want to tell me?"

"Our bond was... One-sided, until that night in my room. Your mind opened to mine, and the bond was solidified."

"Yes, that's what you said," objected Hux impatiently. "That's why we can talk..."

"I have access to your mind. With a little training, you'd have access to mine. But through that bond, the Force can be shared... Obviously, you must have had at least a slight sensitivity to the Force. The bond helped it..."

"Wait... are you telling me that because of this bond with you... I can use the Force?"

"Yes. It's going to take training, a lot of it. And of course strengthening the bond..."

"What do you mean, strengthening?"

"The bond is like... Something you have to take care of... If it's not done, it can fail."

"So it can be broken."

"Yes... If you wanted it..."

Hux noticed how uncomfortable Vicrul sounded. Hux could almost imagine the look on his face.

"What would that entail?"

"Same thing as with Kylo Ren. On a much smaller scale. This bond is new, weak... I think I could break it myself if I wanted to."

"But you don't want."

"No."

"Why not? Would you lose the advantage, for your new Master?"

"I would lose you."

Hux closed his eyes. He shouldn't be talking to Vicrul anymore. The more they got into this new, unexplored territory, the more Hux came to see himself as a traitor.

"We can't... You know I can't trust you..."

"Not even after my gift?"

Hux slowly opened his eyes.

"What present?"

"I know the pilot was giving you a hard time."

"You... That was you?!"

"Yes."

Hux unconsciously remembered the state the pilot's body was in.

"You tortured him."

"Yes. Things have been a little dull these last few days. It was refreshing to have a little fun. Somewhere in the middle of the interrogation he started talking..."

Hux forgot to take offense at the carelessness with which Vicrul spoke of torturing other people. The information sounded more interesting.

"What did he say?"

"Are you interested?"

Hux frowned at how smug Vicrul was starting to sound. He knew full well that Hux needed information.

"You know I'm interested. What did Dameron tell you?"

"What are you willing to give for that information, Grand Marshal?"

Hux stood up abruptly.

"Are you blackmailing me?"

"I'm asking what the information is worth to you."

"I don't even know what information you're talking about! I have no way of judging its worth."

"How about the whereabouts of General Organa."

Hux leaned back against the table. That would change everything. Getting rid of the woman would be the key. And Vicrul continued.

"Dameron flew to explore the Unknown Regions... Even with his stay with us, there's still a few days left before he's due back. No one is looking for him, he admitted to reporting possible communication problems. There's a few day's time to get to one of the Resistance bases where Organa is and attack."

"Where are they?"

"It's a hidden location. Well secured. They can see the Finalizer from miles away."

"What do you suggest."

"Leave it to us. We'll find her."

"Why would you do that?"

"General Organa is tormenting our Master. It is our duty to do something about it."

So Palpatine wanted to get rid of Organa? That was an understandable move. Now that Skywalker was gone, the girl and Organa were role models for the Resistance.  If she disappeared, the Empire could easily destroy the rest of the Resistance if they wanted to expose themselves.

The question then was whether the First Order would be next.

"What do you want from me."

"It was more a matter of informing... Perhaps it would be wise to keep this a secret, for the sake of our former Master, his connection to General Organa is strong. His reaction could be... Unpredictable..."

"So let's summarize. You're offering to get rid of Organa because it's what your Master wants. You're telling me for the good of your soul, of course. And you're urging me to keep it a secret from Ren that his former Knights are about to murder his mother."

"I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my soul," Vicrul objected. "But otherwise, yes. He could hurt you. He can be aggressive, and I know he hurted you in the past."

"How considerate..."

"You wanted proof. I'm giving it to you."

"Then what? You're going to kill Organa? What happens then?"

"You'll see."

Chapter Text

Hux was never so grateful in his life that Ren was cut off from the Force. He was sure Ren would feel it when his mother died.

And Hux was sure that Organa would die. Palpatine, no matter what state of revival he was in, had to trust the Knights to make it through. And the actions of a few people might have been better in this case than a frontal assault of several cruisers and TIE fighters.

But what was he supposed to say? What if Ren found out Organa was dead and Hux knew it? In the last few days Ren had been more subdued, talking more about his awareness of the manipulation of the bond. Could this information turn him back to the Light Side? Or would he go for revenge on Palpatine and the Knights?

So Hux did what Vicrul told him to do - nothing.

Ren had no idea that Hux could talk to Vicrul. So officially, Hux had no way of knowing that the Knights were sent to kill Organa.

Hux didn't even know when it was going to happen. And then what happens? If Organa disappeared, would Rey be next, or did Palpatine want her for himself for the reasons Ren said? Then that would mean the Order could be next.

"Is something wrong?"

Hux shook his head, silently cursing Ren's mindfulness. Ever since Ren had stopped crying for the scavenger and his family, his attention had shifted to the one person he could see - Hux. And he was too good at it. Hux regretted not paying so much attention to the Order earlier, as Supreme Leader, before he had to be replaced.

Fortunately, Hux was also good at lying.

"No, nothing happened. The usual worries about the Order."

"Is no one still surprised that the Supreme Leader is missing?"

"No. You used to disappear for long periods of time. So far, so good."

Ren nodded. but Hux noticed how Ren looked. Could it be called sadness?

"Out with it, Ren, what's up?"

"Am I that easily replaceable?"

"What do you mean?"

"You kidnapped me. I've been gone for weeks. Then Vicrul was here, going to meetings, around the ship, meeting with the rest of the Council, and no one recognized anything?"

"People see what they want to see."

"You know what I mean..."

With a sigh, Hux set the papers he'd been reading down on the table and turned to Ren.

"Are you asking me why no one is looking for you?"

"Yes! Damn... Really, no one in the Order cares?"

"And what have you done for the Order? You chased a scavenger. You showed us on Crait how easy it is to manipulate you. You kept talking about your grandfather, but what did you take from him? Darth Vader inspired terror throughout the galaxy. You didn't. Most of the crew is just glad you're gone so they don't have to worry about falling prey to your moods."

Ren nodded slowly and turned away. Hux was a little taken aback by the apathy with which Ren was listening to all this.

"I wanted to be like him, you know... Like my grandfather... Strong, feared. Luke told me I was too passionate to be on the Light side of the Force. I thought the Dark Side of the Force would be the answer, but..."

"I think you were too much under the influence of your Masters," Hux admitted. "I don't know about Luke Skywalker, but Snoke, or Palpatine, or whoever he really was... He just made you into an attacking vicious dog that bit around... You should be on your own, not constantly expecting and praising someone... Maybe it's time to admit if this is what you want..."

"What do you mean!"

"Do you even want to be in this war? You don't have to be on our side or theirs. You can be on the outside. It's not your destiny, written somewhere in the unknown, to sacrifice yourself for anything you don't want to."

"You want me to desert and run?"

"I'm giving you a chance to rethink your life. You're young. And if you don't want to be here and fight for the First Order, you'll die for nothing."

"You think we're gonna die?"

"I don't know... But if you're going to die, you should set your terms. This war will get worse. If you were right about Palpatine... I don't know if we have a chance... We're weakened because of the fight with the Resistance," Hux admitted with a tired sigh. "We're short of ships and officers... I have no idea what we're facing..."

"Should I run away, somewhere on the other side of the galaxy, and leave you at the mercy of Palpatine and the Knights?"

"You can do whatever you want. No one can force you to fight. I've always told you that the loyalty of our soldiers is important. Now we'll see how much it pays off."

"I think I'll stay," Ren finally said with a shrug. "If the Emperor is around here somewhere and has mysteriously returned from the grave, I'd like to see it."

"Give me the blaster."

"What?"

"I don't need a key! Just shoot it away!"

Hux looked in shock at Ren, who was still tugging at the collar around his neck.

"I'll kill you accidently!"

"Suddenly you care," Ren snapped irritably. "I can't take it anymore! It has to come off!"

"I'm not using the blaster! How is it supposed to come off?"

"Using the Force! We have to find someone who wields the Force to take it down! It's driving me crazy!"

Hux frowned in concern. Ren had been cursing the whole time he'd been here. But now he looked really desperate, not just angry.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's like an itch... But everywhere! It's getting worse and worse every day... My body isn't built to be without the Force!"

"Okay, okay, calm down... How does it work? Someone with the Force just... does what?"

"It won't be hard to take it off. It doesn't have to be. Whoever's trapped is cut off from the Force, so there's no need for it to be difficult to take off. A small child would take it off."

Hux frowned. He'd been watching Ren for a few days now, and he really was looking worse and worse. What could happen if he stayed in the collar any longer? Would he go insane? Would he die?

"Okay, show me..."

"You don't have the Force, Hux. We have to find someone."

Hux waved his hand and pushed Ren's hair aside to look at the back of his collar. There was a visible groove where the clasp had snapped into place. Hux put his hand on the collar and closed his eyes.

Vicrul kept saying that he needed to concentrate. Hux had tried meditating several times during the night when he was alone, concentrating on the bond. It was stronger than when Vicrul left. Maybe it could have worked.

"Hux, what are you doing?"

"Shut up."

Ren staggered, but remained silent. Hux tried to concentrate until he felt the bond humming quietly in the back of his mind. And then he tried the collar. After a few moments of tension, he could feel another buzz, much weaker. It had to be the collar. Hux had no idea how to get the Force drawing on the bond to open the thing. So he just tried to imagine the collar opening.

And then, after long seconds of silence, the collar clicked and fell to the ground.

Hux gasped and took a step back. Such an easy thing to do, but Hux felt tired. The collar was taut, buzzing more than Hux could ever remember. Surely Vicrul would know what Hux had done. But that was a worry for later.

"What... Hux! How the hell did you do that?"

Ren picked up the collar from the ground in obvious shock and looked at it. And then he stood up and turned to Hux. Hux just watched in silence as the shackles Ren had on his wrists and ankles just fell off to the ground.

"You're not Force-sensitive! I would have noticed!"

Before Hux could even open his mouth, Ren fell silent, and came closer.

"No... Something's changed... I can feel it now..."

"I don't know what you mean..."

"Hux... What did you do?"

Chapter Text

The return of Supreme Leader was a wild affair. Ren didn't bother to heed Hux's words to at least pretend to return in a ship of some sort. Instead, he put on his clothes and began to walk around the ship, Hux behind him, barely keeping up.  

"Ren! What are you doing!"  

"It's around here somewhere... It wasn't here before, but I can feel it," Ren said as several stormtroopers barely jumped out of their way. "Source of the Force..."  

"Isn't that the artifact?"  

"No, this is different, much darker..."  

Hux swallowed. He moved the artifact to a safe that was on the ship before freeing Ren from the collar. Only Ren had access to it, with Hux as temporary commander. But Ren didn't face the vault. Instead, he started heading for Hux's office.  

"There's something here... it wasn't here before..."  

Hux headed to his desk, standing next to the desk to tactfully cover the door of the small cabinet. It probably wouldn't help, but Hux was desperate.   

"Maybe it's a remnant of what you're feeling from the artifact. It's in the vault."  

Ren shook his head, looking around. Then, without hesitation, he looked at the table.  

"What's in there?"  

"There's nothing, Ren. We have more important things to do! We need to find the Resistance, then..."  

"Hux. What's in that desk?"  

Hux gasped. But finally he bent down and pulled the book out.  

As soon as Ren saw the book, he reached out his hand, but Hux pulled the book to his chest.  

"No. It's my book..."  

"Hux... How did you get this... I thought it was lost or destroyed..."  

"I don't know why it matters. it's a book, now you know. Can we get back to looking for the Resistance?"  

"No. First you tell me how you came to have the book Darth Sidious last possessed! Do you know how dangerous that thing is!"  

"It's a book!"  

"A book literally soaked in the Dark Force! How long have you had it?"  

"None of your business!" Hux blurted out. "It's mine now!"  

Ren stopped dead in his tracks.  

"Who gave it to you?"  

"That's my business."  

"It was Vicrul, wasn't it?"  

Hux was silent, but Ren took that as an answer.  

"He always revelled in such obscure objects...  There are legends about that book, Hux... They say it contains the great secrets of Darth Sidious and his Master... But he is also said to be able to poison the minds of those too weak to handle it..."  

Hux frowned. He could literally feel the Force pulsing from the book. It made the bond come alive again, still a little strained thanks to the collar. But the presence of the book was pleasing to the bond. Hux didn't understand how he knew. He just knew. It was as if it fed on the book.  

"So I'm weak, is what you're saying. You'd surely be better, so you want the book for yourself!"  

"What, no! This is one of the things everyone needs to watch out for! Palpatine was obsessed with such things. He was supposed to give me more power, more Force. Vicrul is the same way about this. He's hoarding old relics, hiding them, even the other Knights don't know where. Why did he leave that thing here?"  

"He gave it to me," Hux shrugged. "For reading."  

"Hux... You can't read the Sith language..."  

"Why are we even talking about this! It's just a book. Vicrul had it, he left it for me. It's none of your business."  

"It's not just a book. It's a powerful artifact... Hux... Since when are you Force-sensitive?"  

Hux frowned.   

"I don't recall agreeing to any interrogation! It's my business!"  

Ren glared at Hux for a moment. He didn't blink. Hux took an involuntary step back and gripped the book tighter.   

"You let him in... I can feel him inside you... That time you came back from his room, late at night. You didn't want to say what happened. But you looked strange... not as stern as usual, focused... You were a little off... I thought you slept with him... But you did something worse..."  

Hux gasped at the accusation. Him, sleeping with Vicrul?!   

"How dare you! I didn't do anything! We talked, then I came back, that's all!"  

"Hux, I can sense it... there's something of him in your mind... Oh my..."  

"I refuse to listen to it anymore!"  

Hux tried to leave the office. But before he could reach the door, he found himself pressed against the wall. The book was sandwiched between his and Ren's bodies, while Ren pressed Hux against the wall with his palm on Hux's chest.  

"What did you do..."  

"I didn't do anything," Hux breathed in exasperation.   

"Why did you... You saw what it did to me... How the bond can affect you... Why with him?"  

Hux frowned.  

"What's your point? About the bond? Or about the bond with him?"  

"Why him! What he has that I don't!"  

"What..."  

"From the first moment he spoke to you, you've only seen him! He got into your head, into your thoughts... You're talking to him, aren't you, in your head..."  

"I don't want to talk to you about it!"  

Ren nodded and stepped back after a few seconds of staring. And then he left without a word.  

Hux hid the book in his bedroom. And then he closed the door to his rooms with a new set of codes that would be almost impossible to crack. Ren would have to break in through the door. And Hux hoped the book wouldn't be worth the trouble.   

When it was the first night without Ren returning to his own rooms, Hux settled back on the couch, glass in hand. It had been a terrible day.   

"I'm sorry..."  

Hux exhaled softly and closed his eyes.   

"Why?"  

"I shouldn't have left you the book..."  

"How do you know?"  

"I sensed your agitation..."  

"You know Ren will come looking for you."  

"Yes. By freeing him, you set things in motion. Everything is about to change..."  

"What do you mean?"  

"I'll see you soon... I desire to see you again..."  

Hux froze. See you soon? Does that mean Vicrul will be back? Or will it not be just him who is to come?  

"When?"  

"Soon."  

"Damn it, Vicrul... How soon!"  

And before Vicrul could say anything, the ship's sirens sounded, announcing the attack.  

Chapter Text

Hux had barely managed to button his uniform when he reached the bridge. There was chaos everywhere, with officers running everywhere. Hux quickly turned around to find someone to explain this horrible chaos to him. But then he looked at the view outside and froze.   

There were at least ten battleships in front of the Finalizer. They looked like Imperial ships, but such ships shouldn't have existed long ago!   

"Mitaka, what's going on here!"   

"We don't know, sir! They appeared from hyperspace! They're prepared for battle!"   

Hux barely had time to answer before another officer spoke up.   

"Sir, Admiral Griss is calling!"   

"Put him through.”   

"Grand Marshal, what's going on? Our ship is surrounded!"   

Hux turned to the hologram in confusion.   

"Are they near Steadfast?"   

"Yes! Around ten ships, ready to attack! The commanders of the other ships are reporting the same thing! Who is it?!"   

Hux gasped. This had to be Palpatine.    

"Hux, what's going on!"   

Ren appeared on the bridge and headed straight for him. Hux just pointed outside, at the battleships.   

"The other our ships are reporting the same thing... They knew exactly where we were..."   

"Who is it?"   

"Officially, we don't know..."   

Hux noted with concern that even though the unknown ships were ready to attack, they remained in place. Were they waiting for something? For an order to attack? The Finalizer was repaired and ready now, but she couldn't face this. If they attacked, everyone on the Finalizer would die.   

"Palpatine... Those are Imperial ship designs..."   

"Ren... Could it be him?"   

"I don't know..."   

"Sir, another call!"   

"Who?"   

"We don't know. It's coming from one of the ships ahead."   

The entire bridge fell silent. Hux swallowed, and looked at Ren, who just nodded. So Hux waved his hand and the officer took the call.   

Hux had no idea what to expect. He'd only seen Palpatine in the old Imperial records he'd seen at the Academy. But when the hologram appeared, it wasn't Palpatine.   

It was Vicrul.   

"Grand Marshal Hux. We are here to negotiate the future of the First Order."   

"Vicrul," Ren growled, stepping forward before Hux could say a word. "Surrender, now!"   

"You are no longer our Master," Vicrul shook his head. "We will speak only to the Grand Marshal."   

Hux was unconsciously glad that Vicrul had his helmet. He had no idea how he could handle the look on the face of the man that had betrayed him so much.   

"This is Grand Marshal Hux," Hux replied, straightening his stance. "What do you want to discuss?"   

Vicrul nodded.    

"Grand Marshal. You are invited to the command ship for negotiations. You are guaranteed safety for the duration of your stay on the ship, and your eventual return to the Finalizer. We expect you immediately."   

"That's crazy," Ren spat out. "I am the Supreme Leader of the First Order! If you wish to talk, I will be there too!"   

Vicrul was silent for a moment. Finally, he nodded.    

"If you ask, you can both come. No one else will be allowed on the ship. Our ships are ready for attack. If there is an attack from your side, we will attack your ships."   

Hux swallowed. Unless Griss was lying, which was unlikely, all First Order leader ships were surrounded. How many ships could Palpatine have? Dozens, at least. Hux was terrified of all the secrets the man could be hiding.   

But outwardly, Hux gave no sign. He simply nodded, and after a moment's hesitation, Ren did the same.   

"We'll take Upsilon."   

Vicrul nodded again and ended the call without a word.   

"They've disconnected, sir."   

Hux took a deep breath and let it out.    

"We can't go in there," Ren muttered, grabbing Hux's arm without hesitation and pulling him aside.    

Hux could feel the officers staring at him. They were all waiting to see how he would decide.    

"We have to... You heard him. Palpatine is going to smash our ships to pieces. Have you seen their ships? How many ships do they have, dozens of them? Palpatine must have planned this long before Vicrul! They will destroy us!"   

"So you want to surrender without a fight?!"   

Hux shook his head. There was no question of fighting here. It would be genocide.   

"Are you coming with me?"   

Ren sighed but nodded.   

"I'll be piloting..."   

"What if they try to capture us?"   

"We'll defend ourselves," Hux shrugged. "I'd rather die fighting than as Palpatine's prisoner."   

"Good..."   

"You?"   

"Fight or die."   

"How dramatic," Hux smiled a little.   

Ren nodded. And after a moment of silence, he reached out and took Hux's hand in his.   

"What..."   

"If we die... Which we probably will... Just... Damn, there's so much I wanted to tell you," Ren finally admitted, staring ahead.    

Hux swallowed. He hadn't expected this.   

"Just... I'm glad I got to work with you... Even though we were at each other's throats most of the time... I wish we had more time... But if something goes wrong, I won't let them take us... I know what the Knights do with prisoners..."   

Hux involuntarily remembered the corpse of Dameron. Hux was no stranger to pain. But this...   

"Are you going to kill me?"   

"Is that what you want?"   

Hux had no idea he'd ever do something like that, but he nodded in agreement.   

"I know too much. I don't care about torture. But if they use the Force... I know all about the Order. Palpatine can't know it..."   

"Good... I promise..."   

Hux took another breath to calm his beating heart. The battleship in front of them was rapidly growing larger, and Hux's nerves were peaking.    

Upon landing, Hux expected anything. A violent ambush. An attack. But when the Upsilon door opened, the hangar bay was empty. Next to their ship was the Night Buzzard, the Knights' ship.   

"I don't like it," muttered Hux. "Where's the crew..."   

"Grand Marshal, Supreme Leader. Welcome."   

Hux turned to see Vicrul heading towards them from the nearest corridor.    

"Vicrul... What's going on?"   

"I'll answer any questions. In a more appropriate place. Follow me."   

Hux would like to counter that Vicrul explains his actions and advice right away. But the memory of the threat to destroy the Finalizer came up, and Hux just nodded at the last moment. He had to keep his cool.    

Feeling walking on the shipboard was horrible. The corridors were empty, silent. The complete opposite of what Hux knew. It wasn't until they reached the level where the bridge was supposed to be, that Hux heard the first voices.   

The door to the bridge was open. And as they walked past, Hux saw the officers sitting in their seats. Their uniforms were black, but with no markings, only rank. That could mean that each ship had at least a basic crew, capable of running the ship and possibly leading it into battle. This only reassured Hux that he had to be careful when dealing with Knights and Palpatine.   

After a few minutes, they entered a room near the bridge. Hux looked around and stood surprised on the doorstep.    

It was the same room that Vicrul had shown him in his visions. A replica of the throne the room. But not exactly like in the vision, here everything looked untouched and clean.   

"What... what's going on?"   

"Unfortunately, the remaining Knights cannot join us now. They staying on other command ships, watching them."   

"Where's Palpatine," Ren said suddenly, stepping forward. "Where is your Master? I want to talk to him!"   

"He's here."   

"Vicrul... Where is Palpatine."   

"Palpatine is dead. He died on Exegol, a few weeks ago."   

Hux blinked in surprise. The shock was too much for him to say anything.   

"What...How is that possible?" Ren stammered.   

"The Emperor tried to come back to life. He resorted to extreme efforts to save himself from death. And when the time came, he called us to serve him. His followers worked for years on a fleet that would, at right time, help the Emperor take control of the galaxy and started a new age, the Final Order. In a few months, it was all about to begin."   

"So what's this?" Hux finally spoke, growing more and more confused by what Vicrul was saying.   

"When we were summoned, we were given the task of bringing the girl and our Master to Exegol. Pryde, working for Palpatine, was to take command of the First Order, which would then become part of the Final Order, under the command of the Emperor."   

"With Palpatine dead... And Pryde too... Who will lead the Final Order?"   

"You, Grand Marshal."   

"What?!"   

"Palpatine planned your death. We stopped it and killed Palpatine."   

"But... Why? Why did you turn against him when he was your Master?" asked Ren uncomprehendingly.   

Vicrul, however, shook his head.   

"Palpatine was never our true Master. It was you, Kylo Ren. And when your bond with that girl made you unfit to be our Master, we chose a new one."   

"That's not possible..."   

"We chose the General."   

"This doesn't make sense," Hux shook his head. "No..."   

"So when Palpatine told you about his intention to kill Hux..."   

"We protected our new Master."   

"And the Final Order?"   

"After Palpatine, Pryde, and the other officers from the old Empire, who were already on Exegol, died, we took control of the fleet. Each Knight oversees one part of the fleet now."   

Hux's mind was racing. If Vicrul was telling the truth, and this wasn't some cruel game...   

"How many ships?"   

"About two hundred in the space. The others are on Exegol. They have no crew. They're safely hidden, capable of flight."   

"How many in all?"   

"Thousands."   

"Oh my..."   

Hux shook his head. He must have dreamed this. This just couldn't be true!    

"How did you do this? Palpatine would have known about your betrayal long before you did anything!" Ren objected, still clearly suspicious.   

"Palpatine underestimated the origin and wisdom of the Knights of Ren. We have our own will and our own goals. We chose our own path."   

Hux watched wordlessly as Vicrul turned to him and removed his helmet.   

"I promised you a future. Here it is. All you have to do is just take it."   

"Take it?"   

"The galaxy needs a leader. So does the Final Order. And we need our Master."   

"Hux... This is insane," Ren said in concern. "You can't agree to this!"   

Hux ignored Ren.   

"If I decide... Is there a hitch?"   

"No. I promised you proof of loyalty. Here it is. The Knights of Ren and I give you the Final Order. Just take command."   

"Hux, you can't do that," Ren said, standing in front of Hux. "He's lying! He's probably trying to lure us into a trap!"   

Hux was silent for a long moment. The whole thing sounded crazy. Absolutely unbelievable. But inside, Hux liked the way it all sounded. If only the number of functional ships was true, they would crush the Resistance once and for all. The Resistance wouldn't stand a chance.    

"I want to see the bridge and the crew."   

Chapter Text

Clones.  

The whole ship was full of clones. Hux walked around the bridge, staring at the same face on each of the officers. None of them seemed surprised to see strangers on the bridge. They just kept working, not reacting to their presence, nothing. 

"Every ship is the same. The same number of officers, basic crew. The remaining ships are unmanned in hangars. Our information is that Palpatine was waiting for more clones to be delivered. We haven't been able to locate them yet. Once we had control of the fleet, we headed here. On Exegol, the place where Palpatine was hidden, there are many documents, both new and from the Empire." 

"But why clones?" 

"They're obedient. They don't care what happens. They are ready to serve the new Emperor.” 

"This is crazy," Ren shook his head. "You can't just decide who the new Emperor will be! I am the Supreme Leader of the First Order!" 

"That's not our decision," Vicrul answered. "If the Grand Marshal agrees, he can take over the Final Order and be crowned Emperor. He will decide." 

"Hux... You can't leave us and take over First Order," Ren breathed urgently as Hux remained silent. "This isn't real!" 

"What if it is?" asked Hux bluntly. "Ren... Two hundred ships! Can you imagine what could be done with that? Resistance would be finished! All our enemies would have to surrender to us! We could take over the galaxy!" 

"Hux..." 

But Hux shook his head. He could see it in his mind. Even with two hundred other ships, they could be nearly invincible. But to prepare a crew for the other ships... There had never been a larger fleet in the galaxy. And he, he could command it all.  

Emperor Hux...  

"You are beautiful, Master..." 

Hux jerked and looked at Vicrul, who turned away.  

"I'm sorry..." 

Hux shook his head. He'd have to deal with this later. 

"Is there anything else? Another surprise?" 

"We captured General Organa." 

If Ren was upset about Hux's plan to control Final Order, the information about his mother would literally drive him insane. He immediately demanded to see her, to which Vicrul retorted that it was only on Hux's orders as the commander of the Final Order. After much arguing, Hux managed to calm Ren down enough to return to the Finalizer and await Hux's return, promising that Hux would do nothing against his mother. 

Honestly, the information about Ren's mother was the perfect trump card. With Organa in prison, the Order could dictate terms. But Organa wasn't the person who was Hux's focus right now. 

"Are you satisfied, Master?" 

Hux leaned back against the table in the empty conference room where he and Vicrul had taken some quiet moments. While it was probably true that the clones on the bridge didn't care what was going on around them, as long as it didn't involve orders, Hux wanted his privacy. 

"All of this... Because of me?" 

Vicrul shrugged as if it was no big deal. As if he wasn't ridding the galaxy of one of its greatest threats and offering Hux a path to victory on a silver platter. 

"We chose you. When we found out there was a possibility you were Force-sensitive, our decision was done." 

Hux frowned. 

"So that's why the bond? Because of your plan?" 

"No!" Vicrul snapped, coming closer, stopping just in front of Hux. "The bond... It was formed outside of all this... I was worried when you talked about breaking... I was worried it was something you didn't want..." 

"You were a traitor... You kept talking about your Master, about a new galaxy... Ren then started talking about Palpatine..." 

"Secrecy was necessary," Vicrul nodded with a sigh. "Things got too fast. We had to act..." 

"Did you ever really want Ren to get rid of that scavenger? Or was that just a cover?" 

"Both. With the collar, he disappeared from Palpatine's sight. He was so focused on the girl. But he couldn't do anything, he was too weak. It was clear to us that there was no way Kylo Ren could continue to be our Master. He was too influenced by the Light Side. And so we made our choice. I should have talked to you. But... things got complicated..." 

"Complicated?" 

"You were not as our old Master said you were. My mind was too restless after our meeting. The other Knights noticed... So we decided that hiding Kylo Ren from the Force would give us time to act. And I... took advantage of it to be closer to you..." 

Hux shook his head. This was so... 

"What now?" 

"You will take your place. Where you belong, as Emperor. Force helped us. We will help you defeat your enemies." 

"And as your Master? I know nothing of the Force..." 

Vicrul took a final step closer.  

"I could... Show you..." 

Hux was sure, just from the way Vicrul was looking at him, that he definitely wanted to show Hux something. But Hux doubted it was the teachings of the Force. But that didn't bother him in the least.  

Hux just nodded, watching silently as Vicrul leaned closer. When their lips finally met, Hux closed his eyes with a sigh. This had been too long of a wait. But when Hux found himself in Vicrul's tight embrace, he had to admit to himself that it had been worth it. 

"What about the other Knights?" Hux asked thoughtfully as he watched Finalizer from the bridge.  

"They're in their positions." 

"Yes, you said that. I mean... What are they saying, on this one... Change of command..." 

"They agreed. It was the consensus of all of us." 

"And about... About us?" 

Hux had no idea what to call it. He really wasn't very experienced at this. It had been too long since he'd allowed himself such a distraction, like a relationship. But Hux's latest partner had brought a bottle of good brandy as a gift, not a fleet of a thousand Star Destroyers.  

"They're... Curious..." 

Hux turned away from the window. 

"What do you mean?" 

"We have a strong bond with the other Knights. Kind of like ours. It's been going on for years, and we're very open about what we share with each other... There have been a few times when my... thoughts have gotten to the others... They haven't had a chance to get to know you as I have, and so they're curious..." 

"Like you... Wait, you mean..." 

Vicrul shrugged. His lack of social graces and rules experienced elsewhere was shocking.  

"We share our minds. Sharing is normal for us." 

It seemed the surprises that had come to Hux weren't over yet.  

"You didn't say anything like that!" 

"You haven't had a chance to see them privately. We decided that if any of them were interested in showing you any affection, they would do so in person." 

"And you're okay with that?!" 

"Yes." 

Hux had to laugh at that. This was so insane.  

"Is that unusual?" 

"Very," Hux nodded. "People are usually more... Possessive. Jealous when someone else is interested in their partner." 

"I hadn't thought of it that way," Vicrul admitted. "I'll meditate on it with my brothers." 

And so it was settled. Hux almost envied Vicrul, the rigid sociability of resolving everything by simple meditation. Maybe he should learn to do that. It would certainly save him a lot of nerves.  

"I'll have to go back," Hux finally said. "Ren's probably freaking out. The leadership of the Order is freaking out too. I need to... explain to them what happened." 

"We can help you, Master." 

Hux grinned when he saw Vicrul's expression. The man knew exactly what he was doing. 

Hux always found the arrival of the Knights of Ren at the Finalizer unnecessarily theatrical and dramatic. Their ship was too ostentatious and impractical. Their stomping down the corridor was annoying. And watching Hux's soldiers literally jump out of their way was embarrassing.  

Of course, now Hux had to admit it was time to change his mind a little.  

Once they landed in the Finalizer hangar, Hux was sure that perhaps the entire crew had some necessary work to do right there. They all stood around, talking to each other in low voices that quickly died down as Hux walked past with the Knights of Ren at his back. It was a satisfaction that made Hux's mood a little better, thinking of the meeting with the Council that awaited him. 

"This is crazy! " 

Hux stared blankly at Admiral Griss, who stood on the other side of the table, his face red with rage.  

"I wouldn't say it in this way..." 

"First Order won't surrender to anyone, not even some weird Final Order that came out of nowhere! We will fight!" 

Hux had expected such resistance. And he was prepared to deal with it. He wasn't going to give up on the First Order. It was his, long years of hard work suffering.  

"Vicrul?" 

"Yes, Master?" 

"Are the ships still ready to attack?" 

"Yes, Master." 

"Target Steadfast.” 

"Hux! You can't do this!" 

"I can, Griss," Hux shrugged. "I figure that as the newly appointed commander of a fleet of over two hundred Star Destroyers, I can do anything I want. And I want the First Order." 

"Sir," another of the generals spoke up. "If I may..." 

"Yes?" 

Is there any way to... To agree to terms?" 

"What?" Griss snapped. "You're giving up?!" 

"The formal leader of the First Order is Supreme Leader Kylo Ren. If he agrees, my ship is ready to follow the order and join Final Order." 

Griss turned to Ren, who had been sitting quietly at Hux's side the entire time. 

"Sir?" 

"Leave, I need to talk to Hux alone." 

"But sir..." 

"Go!" 

No one seemed to want to face Ren's bad mood. The members of the Council fled, and Hux eventually sent the Knights away as well. It looked like Ren only wanted to talk in private. 

When the door closed, Ren stood up and faced Hux. 

"So this is what you want? To start a war between the First and Final Order? Kill the people who served you?" 

"No. But I know Griss won't take that risk. Besides, the decision isn't his to make." 

"You want me to surrender to the Final Order... Just a few hours ago, you were begging me to kill you if Palpatine was going to capture you and you were going to spill the secrets of the First Order! Now, all I have to do is show you a fleet of ships and you'll switch sides?" 

"I'm not siding with Palpatine! He's dead! Ren... We can end this war... End it, defeat the Resistance, and win..." 

"And what about me, huh?! Will you get rid of me? To take command again?" 

"Ren..." 

"No, Hux... I want an answer... If the First Order surrenders and submits to the Final Order and you... what happens next?" 

"Is that what you want? To rule the First Order?" 

Ren turned away. Hux couldn't see his face, but he recognized this discussion. And he knew what was bothering Ren. 

"Weren't you better off before? Like Master Ren?" 

"You're Master now." 

"And would you like to return to the Knights of Ren?" 

Ren was silent for a long moment.  

"Just like that?" he finally asked. 

"Command is not for you," Hux said flatly. "But as a Knight of Ren, you could accomplish so much more." 

"Are you trying to manipulate me?" 

"You said yourself you hate paperwork." 

"I just wanted to prove something..." 

Hux sighed softly. And after a few moments of hesitation, he reached closer and took Ren's hand. Ren jerked in surprise but didn't pull his hand away. 

"You can do a lot. In the things you can. I can command. You can fight. You're great at the Force. Let's not do something that goes against our nature." 

"This is manipulation, I can see it." 

"Does it work?" 

Chapter Text

"Grand Marshal... Or... Sir?"

Hux shook his head and motioned for Mitaka to come closer.

"Yes, still Grand Marshal. What's wrong?"

"I... The crew members have... Concerned... It's been a few days since the Final Order showed up and we don't know... The crew is worried..."

"Mitaka, get to the point."

Mitaka straightened up and folded his hands behind his back.

"The crew of the Finalizer would like to know if ship remains under your command when you relinquish your position as Grand Marshal and control Final Order like commander?"

"The reason for this question?"

"We... If you leave, command of this ship should pass to Admiral Griss, as long as Kylo Ren remains as our Supreme Leader and the Finalizer remains his command ship."

Hux was beginning to get an inkling of where this talk was going.

"Am I correct in assuming that this talk is unofficial, Lieutenant? Otherwise, your next words would likely be considered treasonous."

Mitaka straightened up even more. Hux was almost impressed. The boy had learned so much in his time on the Finalizer...

"Yes, sir... It's very unofficial. Most of the crew doesn't want to serve under Admiral Griss. I wanted to find out what your intentions are with the Finalizer and her crew, sir."

"What will you do if I decide to leave the ship to Griss?"

"I don't believe so, sir," Mitaka replied confidently.

Hux was truly fascinated by this loyalty. Mitaka had an amazing future ahead of him. If only he would stop shaking around the Knights Ren and Ren all the time.

"It seems you have your theory, Lieutenant..."

"I think you want to make the Finalizer your command ship for the Final Order when you become Emperor. I've seen you talking to the Supreme Leader a few times. There are rumors that the Supreme Leader wants to give up his position..."

Hux was surprised. He had always known that gossip and rumors were an unfortunately inevitable part of any ship's crew. But he hadn't been expecting this kind of cunning. Nothing had been said officially. But it seemed people already had their own opinions.

"If you're sure about that, Lieutenant, why did you come here to ask me?"

"I... I don't want to serve under someone else, sir," Mitaka blurted out. "If you would leave the Finalizer, I was going to ask to chance follow you to another ship, sir."

Truly, admirable loyalty.

"An official announcement will be forthcoming," Hux replied, standing up. "All I can tell you is that it won't be necessary to pack your things just yet. Do we understand each other?"

Mitaka nodded and saluted.

"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir! "

Hux waved his hand, watching silently as Mitaka almost ran out of the office. He was sure the rest of the ship would know soon enough.

"Soon it will be time to show yourself to the Galaxy, Master..."

"You know you don't have to call me that when we're alone."

"Yes, Master... You want a coronation? Like it used to be?"

After a moment's thought, Hux shook his head and leaned against Vicrul's shoulder. The two ended up on Hux's couch, resting after a long day, after some discussion about the problems of the two Orders. It was strangely comfortable and comforting to be so close to another human being. Hux was all too used to being alone. Vicrul must have felt at least a little bit the same way, since he had finally been convinced to put away almost all of the weapons he usually carried on his body.

"Crowning is not something the galaxy needs right now. Planets devastated by war and the Republic will only see an expensive event for a select few followers of the Order. I can see the advertising now - people die and we celebrate. We need to look like we have sympathy for the planets and worlds that were destroyed by the previous war and the Republic's disinterest. And now the Resistance."

"You thought about it..."

"I had the morning off... A small announcement will be enough for now. I don't need a big coronation with the people who wanted me dead six months ago."

"We wouldn't allow it."

Hux smiled. Then he remembered something.

"How's it going with Ren?"

"You know, technically, we're all Ren."

"I know," Hux waved his hand. "But calling him Kylo would be... weird..."

"Because of your intimacy with each other?"

Hux lowered his head, silently fiddling with the hem of his shirt. He could tell that Vicrul knew about this. It was impossible to keep something secret from a group of people who were connected through their own minds.

"It's complicated..."

"Tell me, why?"

"Ren... Kylo is... a complicated person... There's been a lot of bad things in his past..."

"He hurted you, badly..."

Hux just nodded. Everyone knew what had happened, even if only a few people were there in person.

"Are you afraid of him?"

"No, I... When he was here, locked up, I kind of... I could see a little into why he was doing what he was doing. But... I don't know if I can just put the whole past behind and pretend nothing's going on... I don't even know why I'm telling you this?" Hux admitted honestly.

"I can listen to people."

"You mean your interrogations and torture?"

"They talk and I listen."

Hux was still getting a little used to how open Vicrul was about what he was doing. Interesting and morbid at the same moment.

"I'm glad we dispensed with the torture here."

"What are you going to do, with Kylo Ren?"

"Do I have to do anything?"

"Kylo's been hidden in our room for the third day. He has repeatedly asked not to be disturbed, immersed in meditation."

"Sounds like he's fine."

"He's not fine. He's hiding. Our bond with our former Master has grown a little stronger again in the last few days. We can feel his split. He needs help. He's not used to... To want something... His previous Masters treated him badly..."

"Why are you defending him so much? I thought the Knights didn't accept the weak."

"He's one of us. He needs help. But there are some kinds of help we can't give."

"Speak directly. What do you want me to do?"

"You're so... guarded... Your feelings, you hold them close..."

"Keeping my feelings close was the only way to survive..."

"They won't hurt you anymore... He knows what he did. His soul suffers, we all feel it... He needs a purpose. His whole life has been used for someone else's purposes..."

"You think he won't be happy, like another Knight?"

"I don't know... his connection to the Force is damaged. He needs an anchor and certainty of future..."

Hux sighed a little dramatically. It was probably the bad influence of Vicrul and the other Knights.

"Alright, I'll talk to him... I'll try... I'll try to think of something. Okay?"

"Yes, Master."

"Oh, come on..."

 "You asked for me?"

Hux nodded, pointing to the vacant seat next to him on the couch. He hoped he'd managed to set a comfortable atmosphere. He wanted to try and talk to Ren a little more in a comfortable atmosphere than usual.

"Yes... Please sit down..."

Ren did sit down, but Hux didn't miss how tense he looked.

"What's going on? Do you want a formal transfer of command?"

Hux waved his hand at that. As good as the last few days had been, they were still at war. There was no time for formalities.

"No, that's not important right now... I thought we'd... Spend some time, together? Talk?"

Hux wasn't good at this. He never learned to put feelings into words. And in the end, he had no desire to learn. How was he supposed to talk to someone as impulsive as Ren now?

Apparently Ren hadn't expected such a talk either, suspicion was literally written all over his face.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, on the contrary... I thought that now that we have the opportunity for a little... peace, so to speak, we could take advantage of it. We've been through a lot these past few days. I thought I'd talk about what's ahead of us... Me, and you..."

Ren was silent, just staring. Hux found it extremely uncomfortable.

"What do you mean?"

"I was thinking... You went back to the Knights... Is that something that suits you?"

"I don't understand your questions."

"I'm trying to show concern."

"I don't know why. It's okay. I was with them before I became Master."

"Well... And is that okay, or would you prefer maybe some... separate mission?"

Hux had hoped to help with the question, but the reaction was exactly the opposite. Ren literally threw himself off the couch and started pacing around the room.

"So that's what this is about? My title isn't enough for you?!"

Hux blinked in shock. What was Ren talking about?!

"What..."

"What more do you want! You took my title of leader, you took my Knights, you're holding my mother in prison! And now you want to get rid of me?!"

"What... No! I don't want to get rid of you! Why would you think such a thing!" Hux yelled, standing up as well.

"Then why do you want to send me somewhere!"

"I thought you'd like to get away for a while!"

Instantly, Hux found himself in Ren's iron grip. Ren grabbed him by the shoulders and literally started shaking him. In retrospect, Hux was ashamed of how easy it had been.

"Don't you get it? I don't want to leave, I want to be here! With you! And you still don't see it! It's so... Frustrating! You're so stupid!"

Hux tried to pull out of Ren's grasp to tell him what he thought of such a useless insult. But it seemed Ren had had enough of talking. So he pulled Hux closer and simply kissed him.

Hux gasped, his palms resting uselessly on Ren's broad chest. But then he just closed his eyes and returned the kiss. Maybe that was better than trying to show some empathy with idle chatter for nothing.

Chapter Text

"Looks like your conversation with Kylo Ren went well."

Hux managed to ignore all the Knights crowding into his office for a full fifteen minutes before Vicrul had to speak. Hux peripherally saw Kylo sitting up nervously.

"Does your question lead anywhere?" Hux asked directly. "Why all of you are here, anyway?"

It had been a miserable day since morning. The entire Council had finally agreed, with a lot of conditions and arguing, that the First Order would become part of the Final Order. Hux was now working on the official speech that would be broadcast to the crews on all the ships, to properly explain what had happened. Hux already knew what rumors were going around. And it needed to be channeled. Hux was writing about the fifth verse. He didn't want to sound too cocky, so people will start feel that Hux didn't need them anymore, just because of the new crew of clones. But he also wanted to send a clear message to the Resistance.

"We are looking out for your well-being."

Hux slowly raised his head.

"Excuse me?"

Vicrul nodded as if it was no big deal.

"My brothers and I were meditating this morning, and felt a disturbance in the Force. We decided it would be better to watch over your safety."

"That's why you're following me around the ship."

"Yes."

"I don't have time for this," Hux shook his head. "I need to finish the speech, negotiate the integration of the new crew into the Final Order, from uniforms to medical checks, meet with Admiral Griss, order a technical check of the new ships..."

"You'll do all that personally?"

"If necessary, yes."

"You have the people to do it," Kylo spoke up. "Let them do it."

"I have to supervise," Hux objected. "It's important stuff."

"You have Mitaka, he..."

And then Kylo froze. He just stared into space for a moment, and then the other Knights turned to look at him.

"Is that her?"

"Yes," Kylo nodded slowly.

Hux stiffened.

"Who is she? Scavenger?"

Kylo nodded again.

"Yes... I felt her existence very faintly before, the bond with her was severely broken."

"She's looking for Organa," Hux grinned.

Why else would the girl go looking for enemies? It had been days. Apparently she had somehow found out their location.

"We need to get ready," Vicrul nodded and stood up. "Come with us."

"I can take care of myself! I am a Grand Marshal of the First Order! Commander of the Final Order!"

"Of course Master," Vicrul nodded, but continued escorting Hux through the corridors of the Finalizer.

Hux stopped near the bridge and pulled his hand out of Vicrul's grasp. The other Knights all nearly bumped into each other.

"Enough! I'm staying here, in command."

"It's dangerous to..."

Hux interrupted Vicrule's explanation with a raise of his hand. There was no time for this.

"I don't care. I'm going to the bridge, in command. Kylo will stay with me as second in command. You can go and find the scavenger and kill anyone you will see from the Resistance."

Neither Knights want obey, Hux could see it in them even though they were wearing helmets. Eventually, though, they bowed and left.

"I didn't expect them to listen..."

Hux frowned at that. He didn't need reminding that he didn't think Kylo was qualified to order a few men around when he had commanded entire armies without his help up until now.

"Come on, we need to find out what's going on."

The ship's alarms hadn't gone off yet, which meant they had time.

But hours had passed, and the alarms were still silent. Hux paced nervously across the bridge, his bad mood having already forced two officers to flee back to their posts. There was no Resistance. The scavenger did not appear. And the Knights did not answer. If Hux hadn't known better, he would have thought they'd run away. A terrible display of lack of discipline. He should punish them, all of them. And Kylo, too. All the while he just stood by and stared, not helping anything.

"Where are they! You said she was coming!"

"I felt it in the Force!"

Hux sighed in exasperation, nodding to the door leading away from the bridge and walking out.

"What's going on," he said impatiently, once the door had closed behind them and they had some privacy. "It's hours!"

Ren shrugged, but said nothing more.

"Kylo... What's wrong?"

"Nothing..."

Hux folded his hands behind his back. His already limited patience was quickly running out, and Hux would have preferred to go to the other ship, to the prison where Organa was, and beat the position of the Resistance out of her.

"Kylo!"

"I saw her!"

"You what?! How?"

"It was just a glimpse, not like before... When you took my collar off that time... Maybe that's how she found out where we were... Since then, I've had the feeling that she's somewhere close..."

"So the bond still exists," Hux frowned. "And it hasn't gotten better... Can she find you?"

"I'm trying to stop her," Kylo replied, but Hux didn't sound too sure.

"Are you trying, or are you doing it?"

"Are you telling me I'm not doing enough?!"

"Maybe you are not!"

Kylo leaned in closer, and Hux realized again, uncomfortably, that even though Kylo was only a little taller, he was just too massive. It was like staring at a wall.

"And how much do you know about the Force, huh? You think because Vicrul put you in the role of Master because you sleep with him, that makes you an expert?"

Hux stepped back in shock. That was pathetic, even for Ren.

Kylo didn't say more, Hux only heard his rapid breathing through his helmet. But Hux didn't even want to hear anything more. It was probably good to know what Kylo really thought of him. That kiss seemed to be more the result of an argument than a change in Kylo's feelings.

"Honesty is always refreshing," Hux nodded, straightening up. "You're excused from the rest of your shift for today."

Hux headed straight back to the bridge, ignoring Ren's babbling to wait. No, he wouldn't wait anymore. It was time to seize the power Vicrul and the other Knights had given him and begin the hunt for the Resistance.

Hux stepped off the ship, accompanied by several stormtroopers, and looked around the empty hangar bay. Having so many new ships gave a huge tactical advantage, but Hux still had no idea where he was going to get so many new crew members. It was thousands of people. It was going to take a big recruitment drive to get people into the Order. Or more clones. They'd have to turn up somewhere if Palpatine ordered them. Hux need discover place of their born.

Hux finally only managed to get halfway there when Vicrul greeted him.

"Master, is something wrong?"

"Yes, it is," Hux grunted, nodding for Vicrul to follow him. "Ren is still out. He didn't sense the girl, he saw her! And he didn't say anything! I should arrest him for treason..."

"Master, maybe it was just..."

"Don't make excuses! He knew she saw something, and instead of reporting it, he hid it behind some fake Force sensing! We put the entire fleet on combat alert! Do you know how many people that is?!"

"Yes, but..."

"No! I want to see Organa! She knows where the Resistance is, and she'll tell me."

Hux waved the soldiers away. As soon as they disappeared around the corner, Vicrul grabbed Hux by the arm and pulled him aside into an empty meeting room. Hux jerked out of his grasp. He was growing tired of people dragging him around like a rag doll.

"I understand that you feel anger, I feel it too, but..."

"You don't know anything! I'm sick of you all understanding and feeling something! If you understood things, the Resistance would be on their knees by now! All we're doing here is you guys have some Force vision, we have a giant fleet stuck in place, and we're doing absolutely nothing! This is war!"

"I understand your bloodlust," Vicrul nodded with an understanding that tortured Hux's nerves. "But will it be responsible to interrogate General Organa, with her connection to Kylo Ren?"

Hux straightened to gain those few inches of advantage over Vicrul.

"You refuse to follow orders?"

"Kylo Ren will suffer for it. He needs help, not more pain."

Hux remembered well the last thing Ren had said to him. No, Ren didn't need help. He needed to choose whose side he really stood on.

"Hux!"

Hux sighed and looked towards the door. Ren, of course. He had his helmet in his hands, it looked like he had been running the whole way. He must have chased him from the Finalizer. Undignified.

"Aren't you supposed to be on the Finalizer, commanding our flagship, when I'm not on board?"

"I gave it to Mitaka... What do you want to do?"

Hux sometimes liked to reminisce about when he was just a general. Ren was somewhere on a mission for Snoke, chasing after a mysterious relic, and Hux was alone, at peace, commanding his ship. And now he found himself in this mess.

"There is a Resistance commander aboard this ship. What do you think I'm going to do, Ren?"

"You're not going to hurt her!"

Ren stepped closer, but Hux didn't hesitate this time, pointing his blaster at Ren's face.

"This isn't going to stop me," Ren growled.

"Maybe, but I'm happy to try," Hux replied coldly. "I won't let you hurt me again. If you want to join your dear mother, just say the word. We'll judge you both."

"Judge me?!"

"If you try to stop her questioning, it will be judged treason."

"Master..."

"And you? Will you join Ren? Or will you come with me to start the interrogation?"

"Vicrul?! He's going to kill her! Damn it, Hux, you saw what he did to Dameron!"

"So you're going to do it yourself? You're going to interrogate her?"

Ren's shoulders slumped. Hux's blaster stayed in place.

"Okay... You can go back to Finalizer, I'll do it..."

Hux just grinned at that and returned the blaster to its place.

"I'm sorry, but I don't trust your ability to figure out what I want. I'm coming with you. Vicrul will wait in the hallway, in case your methods fail. Just in case, of course."

"General Hux..."

"Not anymore," Hux replied, standing next to the cell door.

General Organa seemed fine, within reason. Tired, stressed. But she was breathing, and that had to be enough for Ren for now.

Organa raised an eyebrow questioningly, completely ignoring her son's presence. Interesting. Even Ren managed to stand his ground, without screaming fits. Maybe it was the fact that he was hiding behind his mask.

"Soon Emperor Hux."

Organa frowned.

"Emperor? And what does your Supreme Leader have to say about that? Ben?"

Ren was silent. But Hux didn't need Ren to say anything.

"We want information. Location of the Resistance, number of fighters, ships, secret hideouts. Everything."

"And you'll let me go for that?" Organa asked teasingly. "Come on, Emperor Hux..."

Hux frowned at the disgust with which Organa said that.

"No. But if you say it willingly, it will be less painful."

Organa turned to Ren. Hux grinned when he saw the tears in her eyes. Family reunions, really...

"Ben... Are you really going to do what he wants? Go back home..."

"Ren, you know why you're here. Come on."

Ren looked at Hux, then at his mother. Hux sighed. This was obviously going nowhere, as expected. If he listened to Ren, and left him alone, he'd probably free the woman and they'd escape together. It was looking more and more like Ren was going to have to be locked up somewhere. Who knew where his loyalties really lay.

But then, to the surprise of both Hux and Organa, Ren raised his hand and reached out to his mother. And her expression froze in shock.

Hux could feel it much better this time. The interrogation room was filled with that tingling sense of energy that Hux had sometimes noticed around Ren in the past. But never to this extent. Apparently Hux was more sensitive to the Force than he thought.

Organa gasped a few times. For a moment it looked like she was going to get up from the metal bench she was sitting on against the opposite wall. But eventually she fell back, gasping for breath.

"She's resisting me," Ren muttered in a hollow voice. "If I push too hard, it'll kill her."

Hux still didn't know much about the Force, but he understood the delicacy of the gentle approach.

"No, don't push... We need her alive... Slowly..."

While Organa was still panting and trying to sit up straight again, Ren crouched down strangely and leaned towards Hux.

"I... I can't..."

Hux frowned.

"Ren... Shall I call Vicrul?"

"That's not the point! I'll do it, dammit! But... I can't do it slowly! Snoke wanted get the informations quckly, not care about suffering and pain..."

Hux nodded. He could understand that. Ren was like a bomb – a lot of damage for nothing.

"Try not to push... Can you get into her mind?"

"She's resisting... But she's tired..."

"Okay," Hux nodded, quickly thinking what would be a good course of action on something he hardly knew anything about himself. "Can you make her more tired?  If she's tired, she won't be able to resist so much..."

Ren nodded slowly.

"Yes, I... I can try..."

Hux reached out and put his hand on Ren's shoulder. He had originally wanted to leave, but it looked like maybe Ren had finally gotten his bearings.

"I'll be here, okay?"

Ren nodded and turned back to Organa. Hux silently prayed to whatever was listening that it would work.

Chapter Text

"How's Kylo?"  

"He's not telling you anything?"  

"He's quiet. I can feel the concentration in the Force. Is he doing well?"  

"Maybe... Organa is probably stronger than he expected. Or maybe he's not able to do it."  

"He can do it. We all send him power through the Force."  

So that explained why Hux had been feeling his bond with Vicrul literally vibrating for minutes now.   

"He has to do it. He needs to break free from his family."  

"I agree... Are you okay?"  

"Yes..."  

"Really?"  

"What's your point?"  

"When this is over... Can we have a night together?"  

Hux pressed his lips tightly together to keep the expression on his face. What was Vicrul thinking!  

"Why?"  

"I... I liked our last meeting... I thought... You'd like to..."  

Hux remembered it well. Meditation, an old book, and then...  

"Are you going to show me another old book?"  

"I thought... I found another artifact... When we defeated Snoke, we searched his citadel. There were a lot of interesting things in there. The remaining Knights found weapons. I found artifacts."  

"No interesting weapons?"  

"Nothing that would make me a better warrior."  

Hux involuntarily recalled the pile of weapons Vicrul usually carried. He doubted there was even room for another weapon on Vicrul's body.  

"So... Another dark thing?"  

"Yes..."  

"What does it do?"  

"Come and see..."  

Hux sighed softly. That was probably enough for today.  

Ren went to his room after returning to the Finalizer with the excuse that he wanted to be alone. Hux didn't stop him, and retreated to his rooms himself. Vicrul didn't seem to wait for any approval, and simply followed Hux.  

"So?"  

Hux hoped he could change in the bedroom, and then they would both settle down for a consultation in the living room. Instead, Vicrul brazenly shuffled into the room and sat on the bed. Hux watched uncomfortably as the sheets became rumpled. And about Vicrul's surely dirty clothes...  

"The living room is next door," Hux said bluntly, putting his uniform coat in the closet.   

"It's better in here. Comfort will be needed. The meditation will be deep."  

Hux sighed, loosened a couple of buttons at his neck, and sat down across from Vicrul. He already knew there was no point in questioning what the Knights were doing. In the time the Knights had been around, Hux had found that they all had their strange habits.   

"So?"  

Vicrul reached deep into one of his many pockets, and pulled out a ring. It was quite massive, with a carved black stone set in what looked like gold. A rather gaudy thing, but Hux saw the point. Snoke liked gaudiness and ostentation.    

"Is that it?"  

"Yes... It was in one of the hidden treasure chests, along with other artifacts and credits."  

"Credits? How many?"  

"I wouldn't have guessed you for such a material person, Master."  

Hux frowned, ignoring the twitch of Vicrul's lips. Not that he was looking there!  

"Both the First and Final Orders need credits. Fuel is expensive, and we have new ships. If Ren can somehow get informations out of Organa, we can go into war. And that's expensive."  

"We found enough credits. Tomorrow the Knights will put them in your hands."  

"Well... So - the ring?"  

"Yes... I found a reference to this ring in one of the many books I own. It is an artifact that supports Force feeling. When worn for a long time, it should improve your Force perception. And in the meantime, we can start with exercises and group meditations."  

"Wait wait, what group meditations?"  

"You are our Master. Your presence is requested by the remaining Knights. They would like to spend more time with you."  

Hux suddenly remembered what Vicrul had said about sharing.   

"Shall we all embrace and strengthen our bond?"  

Vicrul shrugged.   

"If you want, yes."  

Hux sighed and shook his head. It was late in the evening for such a discussion.  

"Better tell me about the ring... What's it supposed to do then?"  

"You'll be more receptive to the Force. Just with the ring for now. But the book I have mentions improved perception with prolonged wear."  

"Some... Side effects?"  

Hux was cautious. And it didn't escape his notice that Vicrul was holding the ring in a piece of black cloth, not his bare hand.  

"It's a dark artifact. The dark side of the Force has... different effects."  

"Like what?"  

"Jedi believe in mind control and rules. Sith believe in passion and desire."  

"I hope I don't have tantrums like Kylo?!"  

"He's just expressing his emotions."  

"He's destroying my ship."  

"He's passionate."  

"He's impulsive."  

"I thought you liked his impulsiveness when he kissed you."  

Hux rolled his eyes in shock.  

"How do you know!"  

"The bond."  

"Is there any privacy at all? Or is everyone else here with us now through your bond?"  

"If I ask, the other Knights can... shield the emotions that flow through the bond? It's very hard to explain. But it's the maximum privacy we can have. Sometimes we use it..."  

Hux was sure he could see the reasons. So he nodded to the ring instead.  

"So... is there a ritual, or should I just... put it on?"  

Vicrul took Hux's hand and placed the ring on the little finger of his right hand. The ring fit perfectly. Hux expected to smell something, like the artifact they used on Kylo. But nothing happened. A little disappointing.  

And then, out of nowhere, he felt amusement. But the feeling wasn't his, it wasn't strong enough for that. Hux lifted his head and noticed Vicrul's satisfied smile.  

"It's you... I can feel you!"  

And then more feelings were added, though much weaker. Admiration, respect, satisfaction. Hux could barely hide the flush in his cheeks. He rarely felt anything like this directed at him. Usually, it was more of a clear disdain.  

"That... Is that them?"  

"Yes," Vicrul nodded. "With our bond and a bit of the Force, I can include you in the bond we have with the other Knights. It's quite easy... sort of like sharing emotions. As long as you wear the ring, you'll feel us and we'll feel you."  

The feelings were pleasant, except for one. Though Hux had to concentrate, he also felt a slight whiff of distrust.  

Hux was willing to bet Finalizer that it was Kylo's feeling.   

"Give him time," Vicrul echoed gently. "His soul is wracked with conflict. He needs support from the other Knights."  

"So he needs your help."  

"Ours. You are one of us."  

Hux fell silent, the rest of his planned sentence evaporating from his mind.  

"What do you mean, one of you?"  

Vicrul cocked his head to the side.  

"You are our Master. Master of the Knights of Ren. So you are a Knight of Ren."  

Hux blinked a few times. In all the confusion about Palpatine's death, taking over the Final Order, and joining the First Order, Hux hadn't had time to sit down and think about his second title.  

Master of the Knights of Ren...  

What did that even entail? Were there any responsibilities? Had Hux neglected those duties through his lack of interest?  

"You don't have to worry," Vicrul said, snapping Hux out of his thoughts. "We are well taken care of. We are accustomed to living in modesty. And we know you're... you're not like any other Master the Knights have had."  

Agreement with Vicrul's words echoed through Hux's mind. So this is what it's going to be like now? To have seven more Knights in his head? Obviously, he should have found out these details beforehand. On the other hand, no one had asked him if he wanted to be someone's Master. Such a strange situation. Hux was probably the first person to become the leader of a group of warriors and he had no idea how it happened.  

"You're not happy..."  

"Just... I'm used to being alone in my head..."  

"We already had our own bond before... You didn't mind..."  

"That was different! It was..."  

"Intimate?"  

Hux wasn't sure if that was the word he would use, but the meaning was similar, so he let the semantics go.   

"It was just you and me. This is already a crowd..."  

"I thought you wanted to get to know the others..."  

Hux might have thought so, but Vicrul sounded a little hurt.   

"Yes, but normally!"  

"This isn't normal?"  

Hux sighed. It seemed that the Knights had an even stranger life than he had previously thought.  

"It's... different. Usually, it's personal contact. Talking... One at a time!" He added, realizing that all of the Knights could appear in his room at once.  

Vicrul was silent for a moment. Eventually, however, he nodded, a little reluctantly.  

"I think I see your concern... I can talk to them..."  

"Thank you... Now... Did you say something about meditation?"  

"Oh yes... We can try something deeper. It will strengthen the effects of the artifact and your mind. If you were exposed to something so dark too often, it might damage your mind."  

Hux nodded. And then stopped when he realized what he had actually heard.  

"Wait! So the darker the thing, the more danger, yes?"  

"Yes, you could say that..."  

"But... What about the book!"  

"The book?"  

"The one you gave me... Kylo said it's really dark!"  

"And you only came into contact with that book a few times, though. Where is it now anyway?"  

"In my writing desk in my office! I sit there for hours, every day!"  

Vicrul's smile vanished. And Hux panicked. It was dozens and dozens of hours he had sat there. And he felt well the Force the book exuded. In time, maybe better than at the beginning, but he didn't care. He figured he'd just get used to it.

"I insisted you keep the book. After I left... I hoped you hadn't ruined it..."  

"I wouldn't do that! It's... A valuable object..."  

It's a valuable object. A valuable object sounded better than the remainder of Vicrul that Hux couldn't shake.   

"Interesting?"  

"Interesting?! Did you just say it can damage my mind?!"  

Vicrul waved his hand as if it were nothing.   

"Yes, usually something like that could happen. It's been my experience that an ordinary person is easily driven insane by such artifacts... But if you've been in close proximity to that book that often, you would have felt it by now."  

Hux blinked again, a little stupidly. So he could have had porridge for brains long ago, but it didn't happen - success!  

"I hate this mystical crap... Okay, I'm not crazy. What does that mean?"  

"Maybe things are further away than I thought... We can try something more advanced... I wanted to introduce you and your mind to the depths of the Dark Side. But it seems that won't be necessary. Your mind seems to welcome the Dark Side... Everyone is good at something different. I have a feeling you might be good at mind arts and manipulation... Even without knowledge of the Force, you were easily able to captivate and influence the masses... With the Force, you can go much further..."  

"So I'll be able to do what you do?"  

Vicrul was thoughtfully silent for a moment.  

"Maybe... I think so... but there's an obstacle..."  

Of course, there's an obstacle, Hux thought sourly.  

"What is it?"  

"I am proficient in the mental arts of the Force. But...I don't know how to pass on my knowledge to anyone. Most of my knowledge is practical experience. It will take someone who has already been trained and knows the procedures..."  

Just as Vicrul finished speaking, Hux felt a strange twinge of anxiety.   

"You mean Ren."  

"We're all Ren," Vicrul replied automatically. "So are you."  

"I'm not. I already have a name."  

"You can have another. Hux Ren. You are the Master."  

That was literally weird. But not exactly the most necessary thing to deal with.  

"Names aside... Do you want Kylo to teach me?"  

"Yes. He's been through the proper training. The basics for the Force are the same for both the Light and Dark sides..."  

Hux rubbed his palms together a little nervously. Teaching wasn't new to him. He had spent half his life learning something new that was supposed to advance him in some way. But this could be a problem.  

"Any doubts?"  

"I... Kylo doesn't like me. Especially after what happened with Organa. I think he'd rather strangle me again than impart any knowledge..."  

Hux wasn't entirely sure why he was speaking so bluntly. He hadn't spoken to anyone like this in what felt like years. But the Knights were probably the closest thing Hux had right now. This was no time to be picky. And the truth was, even though the Knights were a special group of people, they did a lot more for him than anyone else. If the Knights had decided otherwise, Palpatine would be back, the First Order in ruins, and Hux probably dead. He might have been a little grateful and amenable to their efforts to get closer after all.  

"Kylo needs a sense of security... He was under Palpatine's influence for years, just like us. We were born in darkness. But Kylo didn't. And what Palpatine did... It was a plan from the beginning. Kylo's abilities were misused, and his training was deliberately incomplete. Palpatine was probably afraid that Kylo would actually follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Darth Vader. So he tried to prevent it."  

"And he didn't recognize your intentions?"  

"Palpatine was very powerful and strong. But that very strength and power clouded his ability to perceive details. He always expected the attempt on his life to be something spectacular and dramatic. He didn't sufficiently guard the people around him, whom he considered less valuable..."  

"So you stabbed him in the back. And now you want me to take his place and you swear you won't stab me in the back..."  

"We were bound to him only by loyalty based on necessity. But the Knights do not recognize things like emperors. Palpatine wasn't even our Master. And the Master is the only one to whom we are fully loyal."  

"So if I, as Emperor, were forced to fight someone else for my position as Master, and lost, would you leave?"  

"It would depend on the Master," Vicrul nodded. "But... The situation is a little different now."  

"Why?"  

"You're the first Master we've won by choice, not by fighting. None of the other Knights desire the title. We have everything we want. We are no longer bound by any rules."  

Hux could clearly feel the approval and satisfaction of the other Knights in his mind, even Kylo.  

"So... Now you do what you want..."  

"Until you give us a task."  

Hux rubbed his face wearily with a sigh.  

"I have no idea what to do with you," he finally admitted.  

That made Vicrul laugh.   

"We understand you have a huge army and thousands of soldiers behind you. When something comes up that we can help with, we'll be here. Until then, we can do other things..."  

Vicrul's voice dropped lower, and Hux became alert.  

"As our Master, you should be well acquainted with your Knights."  

"What... How..."  

"Close your eyes."  

Hux would rather do anything else at that moment. He was just so bad at this stuff! He could have easily commanded the entire First and Final Order stood before hundreds of thousands of his soldiers and led them into war. But this?  

But in the end, Hux nodded and closed his eyes.  

"Well... Do you feel our bond?"  

Hux felt more than a bond as Vicrul stealthily moved closer. For someone who was supposed to be the feared ruthless Knight of Ren, he was strangely eager for close contact. Though Hux never mentioned it aloud, he was well aware of every 'accidental' touch he received from Vicrul. In the office, in the rooms, on the bridge. The man had no boundaries. And the other Knights, apparently in some frame of a rush of possessiveness, had started him down the same path. The touching was never inappropriate. most of the crew would certainly take it as something friendly. But Hux never touched anyone, and those around him respected that. But for the Knights, such mundane rules didn't apply.  

Hux sighed softly again, preferring to do as Vicrul said.   

It was absurdly easy to feel a bond these days. It was no longer something fragile, ready to shatter into pieces. Now it was a solid thing through which Hux could almost easily feel if Vicrul was nearby. The bond had been purring like some animal for most of the day, content and happy.  

"Can you feel it?"  

"Yes."  

"Well... I can help you feel others through our bond. Try to focus on that. We'll test how much the artifacts have affected you so far."  

"What should I look for?"  

"Don't worry, you'll find it."  

Hux argued ready about finding something he didn't even know. But then the bond seemed to grow stronger. And even if nothing else changed, Hux suddenly had the feeling that the other Knights were feeling more than just flashes of emotion. Almost a presence, as if it wasn't just him and Vicrul in the room.   

"Can you feel them?"  

"Yes, but..."  

"How much?"  

Hux frowned. how was he supposed to know?  

"I don't know... How..."  

"Use the Force. Everyone has a different signature in the Force. That way you can see how many of them you can sense."  

"I know how many of you there are."  

"Us. And they're not all here. We have ways to briefly hide from the Force. Several of us are hidden."  

"Traitor."  

"Focus."  

Hux didn't understand how he was supposed to use something that wasn't tangible to count someone he couldn't see. But it was clear to him that there was no room for argument here. So he tried Vicrul's way.  

Vicrul felt Hux without any problems, physically and in the Force. He was used to his presence by now. Another presence, or signature as Vicrul called it, was near. Much weaker, but somehow Hux just knew which direction to look. And since he knew the blueprints of the ship, he was fairly certain he had identified it as Kylo.   

Other signatures were nearby. The Knights' rooms were there as well. But Hux couldn't tell the difference between the Knights.  

"Kylo is in his rooms... The others are also... But I don't know the number..."  

"Can you tell where they are?"  

"I can estimate the distance. And only your rooms are in that part of the ship, for security. The crew is afraid of you, and Kylo was too moody."  

"Do you remember the plans for this floor?"  

"No, the whole ship."  

"Amazing..."  

"The commander must know his ship."  

"Well... Direction finding is also good... Estimating the number?"  

"I'm a First Order officer, not some lying psychic," Hux said. "I'm not going to guess!"  

The others seemed amused by this answer. But thanks to their emotions growing a little stronger, Hux managed to notice a few differences.   

"Four?" Hux finally tried, opening his eyes.  

"Five," Vicrul nodded. "But excellent... That's a good development for someone new to the Force..."  

Hux snorted. Five... Who knew? They all look the same...  

"Are you offended?!"  

"I'm a grown man, I'm not offended!"  

"Of course, Master," grinned Vicrul. "Do you want to try to find someone else? It's fun."  

Hux just rolled his eyes. It seemed Vicrul's version of fun was even worse than his own.  

Chapter Text

Hux didn't usually find an officer and senior command meetings boring. The numbers and charts were reassuring, they always let him know what was going on and where the Order stood.

But today's meeting was probably arranged to bore him to death. The two senior officers in charge of personnel had finally finished integrating the hundreds of clones into the Order's system. And they gave a three-hour presentation full of charts, graphs, and talking points. One of them even had a pointer.

Hux glanced out of the corner of his eye for the umpteenth time at Kylo, who was sitting next to him, staring at the officer with the pointer. Surprisingly, officer ignored the look full of promises of a slow painful death, and he and his colleague smoothly moved on to the next chart on the cost of uniforms. Admirable ignorance of death.

"I'll kill him..."

The voice sounded so clear that for a moment Hux thought Kylo had spoken aloud. But no one showed any sign of hearing anything.

'Don't do it,' Hux thought, wondering if Kylo would hear.

And indeed. Kylo turned to Hux in confusion, who just shrugged.

"Can you hear me?"

"I... Yes..."

Kylo was silent for a moment. And then his gaze went to the ring on Hux's hand.

"You're brave... Or stupid..."

"Why?"

"First the book, now the ring... You're surrounded by dark artifacts..."

"Is that why you think I'm stupid?"

"The dark side has much to offer. But it can also take something away."

"For example?"

"Common sense. I can literally feel the stench of the Dark Side from you..."

"Many would argue that someone "secretly" nicknamed Starkiller has long since lost his sanity..."

"You don't mind? That they talk about you like that?"

"Why should it? Soldiers follow me out of loyalty, or for credits. Officers more for the credits. They don't care what I am, as long as it gets them to victory and more credits. My job is to lead the Order to victory and show even the last private that following me was a good idea. Everyone wants to be on the winning side."

"That's millions of people..."

"Yes. And they're all watching us. That's why I always told you about representation. The faithful admire us. The greedy ones are waiting for us to make mistakes so they can exploit it."

"It sounds crazy..."

"See, there's your answer," Hux nodded, waving his hand so the meeting could move on to part three, this time increasing the maintenance costs on the ships.

"Does that help you sleep?"

"I sleep well."

"Maybe that's why the Knights chose you... They needed someone just as heartless..."

"I'm not heartless... I just save my feelings for the people I care about..."

"That must be a short list..."

Hux frowned at that statement.

"It's longer than it should be," he finally replied. "I know people who would deserve to be kicked off the list..."

"Then why don't you get rid of that person? You're informally the emperor. You can do anything and no one will say anything..."

"True... I could get rid of that man... A public execution always lifts the mood... This one might even be televised..."

Kylo was silent. And Hux didn't need to be Force-sensitive to feel how tense he was.

"Maybe I'm waiting to see if the man will finally understand what's good for him and act like it..."

"What if... What if the person doesn't know what's right? He's been through too much... Betrayals and lies..."

"I know what it's like... I've also been surrounded by people who lied... but I had no way of knowing. This man has a way. He should use it."

"Nobody liked it when this guy used those abilities for himself. They always wanted it for their own gain..."

Hux looked around at the people around him. When he was sure everyone was engaged in the presentation or at least pretending to be and deep in their own thoughts, he reached under the table and took Kylo's hand in his.

"Those people are gone. If the man doesn't want to do something anymore, he doesn't have to. All he has to do is understand that we are at war. And that comes with casualties."

"What about when the war is over?"

"Then most of us will be able to do whatever we want."

"Even you?"

"I'm afraid not. If I live to see a real coronation, it will be more duties. The ruling is a lonely thing..."

"You'll have your Knights."

"Yes, true... We'll see if they stay till the end..."

"Do you doubt their loyalty?"

"I don't want . But the last emperor they served is dead. Twice. Betrayed first by Darth Vader, now by the Knights. The resemblance is obvious... Always the betrayal came from those closest to us..."

"You need not fear... They are loyal to you..."

Hux turned his head and looked at Kylo.

"All of them?"

"Do you think they'll believe it?"

"That girl will follow her and look for her. When Organa disappears, it will cause panic. We're close to the full mobilization of the ships. And Kylo still hasn't gotten all the information from Organa. The woman says very little about her being a general. Probably that's what she's hiding from us."

“You are patient.”

Hux refused to look at Vicrul and continued filling out another form. The Knights had been hanging around since morning, and Hux felt a little oppressed. For being the future emperor, he still had his old office. And it was small.

Hux had been here for about three hours. At first, Knights just stood around and stared. After half an hour of Hux indirectly indicating that they either find their jobs or leave, most settled either in the vacant chairs or on the floor, and began to focus mostly on weapon maintenance. Hux was a little bothered by the noise, but somehow he just knew they weren't going anywhere. And it was better than having them stand around and stare at him like some kind of victim for a dark ritual.

"I want information. It won't do us any good if Organa dies."

"I'm trying," Kylo muttered as he sat on the floor leaning against Hux's desk, wringing his lightsaber in his hands. “But her mind is… Complicated…”

"Is she strong?"

"No, as you think," Kylo refused. "But she's still Darth Vader's daughter. And Luke Skywalker's sister. Her mind is... Complicated. I could break through, but... She'll suffer. And it'll probably kill her."

"No, we don't want that… We'll give her the collar. Without the Force, they won't find her. And she'll be weaker to your influence… She's supposed to give us information, but she has to survive."

"Why?"

Hux looked up in surprise as he heard one of the Knights speak. Interestingly. Hux was beginning to think the others weren't talking.

"General Organa is the hero of the Resistance. If I have her executed and broadcast it to every corner of the galaxy, it will be satisfying, but useless. She will become a martyr. If we execute her, the Resistance will use it and they will only be angrier. The general is more valid for us for now alive. The collar just makes sure she doesn't do something stupid."

"I'll go and arrange it," one of the Knights nodded and walked away.

"Okay," Hux sighed, finishing the form and putting the datapad away. "What now? I'm out of work for the rest of the day... Everything's ready. The crew on the new ships are ready, the ships are checked... We just need a target. So it's quiet for now... You can... I don't know, go do what you're doing ..."

"I'm training," Kylo said after a moment of silence.

Hux thought. Physical training was never a big part of his existence. He was in shape, as a general should be. But after being on his feet all day, walking up and down the ship, Hux usually had enough and went to bed. It had been a long time since he had time to go do something just for free time.

"No hobbies?"

"Fighting is a hobby," Kylo shrugged.

“This reminds me of the academy era… We had close combat… shooting and fencing…”

"Fencing? Can you use a sword?"

"Of course. Everyone at the Academy learned it. Many of them dropped it later, it's not very practical in battle. The shooting was more popular. But some of us continued to do it. I liked it."

"We can have a duel."

Hux looked at Kylo who was still playing with his lightsaber.

“I appreciate the offer, but you're going to kill me with that thing.

"Not with this… Do you have anything to practice?"

“Yes, there are practice swords in the officers' gym...”

Kylo scrambled to his feet and nodded toward the door.

"Shall we go?"

Hux had to admit that was the last time he fenced. But it only took a few minutes with Kylo as an opponent to see the first problems.

Hux dodged another blunt strike and easily slashed to where Kylo's stomach was.

“And another… Is this how you fight?

Panting, Kylo straightened up and wiped his sweaty forehead. While Hux only had to dodge and strike at the right time, Kylo looked like a rabid dog unable to bite.

"Yes! A problem?!"

"Yes. You use it like an axe... Why do you strike with it so much, why with such force? It is not necessary to beat the other with the sword."

“My lightsaber will go through.

"Even though another lightsaber?"

Kylo frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the injuries you had on Starkiller. The girl and the stormtrooper both injured you. I doubt either had any training. So I think the problem was your technique."

"And what kind of problem is that?!"

"You have no technique. You just hold the sword and swing it around you."

"A lightsaber works differently!"

Hux sighed. Apparently, Kylo was in a wild mood again. But teaching the man to fight better was important. And so Hux decided to be conciliatory, much more so than he usually would be.

"Okay, I admit, I've never held a lightsaber in my hand. Can I borrow yours?"

This approach apparently surprised Kylo. The man just stared at Hux for a moment. But then he nodded, his expression relaxed a little. Kylo reached out and his lightsaber flew into his hand. An impressive trick.

Kylo handed the lightsaber to Hux and pointed.

"Here's a button... but... it's a little troublesome..."

Hux looked at the lightsaber with interest. He knew Kylo built the thing himself, he heard him talk about it. It was an interesting piece of technology, although not much to speak of in terms of elegance.

"It is broken?"

"The crystal is cracked. Hence the side vents. They release excess energy."

"Wouldn't it be better to take a new crystal?"

“I like it this way.

Kylo's voice sounded a little defensive. Hux let it go, the purpose of this discussion was not to argue.

"Okay, okay… Can I turn it on?"

Kylo stepped aside and nodded. Hux pressed the button.

Hux never held a lightsaber in his hand. But in the first second Hux was sure there was something damn wrong with the thing. The entire lightsaber vibrated strangely, the heat from the blade almost burning Hux's fingers. Resisting the urge to throw the thing far away, Hux tried to distribute the weight. For a plasma that shouldn't weigh anything, the weight distribution was suddenly very good. That surprised Hux. Hux tried a few slow movements as he was used to from training, still watching his fingers. The side outlets were a bit scary.

“It's good… The whole thing shakes strangely, but… I expected much worse… It's a well-built weapon…”

It wasn't very good. But Hux knew Kylo wanted the praise. And from the way Kylo turned away and mumbled something, the guess was correct.

"Thanks..."

"Too bad we don't have two. We could try some practice combat…"

"I got another one," Kylo shrugged like it was nothing.

Hux turned off his lightsaber and turned to Kylo.

"Where did you get them?"

"I… I found some… I've traveled to places that used to belong to the Sith… I have one that would fit you…"

“Okay… If you lend it to me, we can try…”

Hux knew more or less nothing about lightsabers. Today was the first time he had held one in his hand, and he had always been a general. Generals were not expected to be with the soldiers on the front lines. and if he was going to be anywhere, he was damn good at shooting. Fencing was more of a hobby now.

But now, waiting for Kylo to return, he hesitated a little. Fighting with practice swords could only cause bruises at most. But if Kylo loses his temper, Hux will lose a limb at best.

Kylo ran into the gym a few minutes later and handed Hux a second lightsaber.

"Here... It should be better than mine... It won't fit you exactly, but..."

"Why? Because of the material?" Hux asked, examining the smaller lightsaber.

Matt black, no side outlets, shorter length. It definitely suited him better.

"No... Everyone makes their own lightsaber. The crystal inside chooses you. When you use someone else's lightsaber, it's not like having your own... But for training purposes, it doesn't matter."

Hux didn't feel like this lightsaber felt any different than the first one. But he nodded and headed to the middle of the gym with Kylo.

"Alright… Before we start - it's just a practice session, okay?"

"I know," Kylo grumbled.

"I know you know that, but... You're a little explosive sometimes. I just want to show you something I learned in the beginning, maybe this one will work. And we'll take it slow so no one gets hurt."

"Are you afraid I'll hurt you?"

Hux didn't like the smirk on Kylo's face too much. As if he expected Hux to accuse him of some nefarious intention. Which, admittedly, Hux would have done not too long ago.

"Yes... We must not get hurt, you or I. I am to lead the Final Order and you are one of the Knights and second in command."

Kylo frowned.

"Second in command?"

"Of course. If something happens, you're next in line."

“I… I thought it was just a formality…”

"No… I don't expect anything to happen to me anytime soon, but just in case… Well, so… shall we begin?"

Hux ignited the lightsaber and circled his wrist a few times. Kylo did the same and the two men faced each other.

"Okay... So something basic... Try to strike, slowly, and I'll cover. We'll see where the problem is..."

Chapter Text

"It hurts..."  

"You're not used to it... Maybe we can do it again later..."  

Hux breathed a sigh of relief, wiping his sweaty face with a towel and tossing it onto the locker room bench.  

A planned demonstration of a few fencing exercises turned into three hours of training. Hux felt pain in every part of his body. The gym was not far from his rooms, but now it felt like endless miles to Hux. At least the shower was next to the gym, though Hux realized with disgust that he hadn't brought any spare clothes.  

Disgusting.  

"I'm not sure... Everything really hurts... But it was good... Did you like it?"  

Kylo shrugged. He had been rather taciturn in the last few minutes, but Hux noticed that Kylo seemed much more relaxed than he had in recent weeks. Maybe there was something to the exercise after all.  

"It was nice... There were some things I didn't know... When I was training with Skywalker, it was... He only knew lightsaber fencing techniques. But not normal swords. It's interesting to combine..."  

"I'm glad," Hux nodded in satisfaction.  

Kylo looked like he wanted to keep going. But then he froze. And Hux felt it too. A strange tremor of his bond in his mind. But he couldn't get more than that.  

"Something happened..."  

At that moment, the door to the dressing room opened and Mitaka ran in. He looked at Hux and opened his mouth to speak. And then he noticed Kylo and stopped in his tracks. He then looked back at Hux who nodded impatiently.  

"Yes?"  

"I... Sir... We... I don't want to disturb..."  

"Mitaka! What's going on?!"  

“We… We were contacted by Admiral Griss…”  

"And what does he want?"  

"He..."  

"Mitaka!"  

“Admiral Griss hijacked the Steadfast and its crew."

Hux blinked several times in shock before fully realizing what he had just heard.  

"What?!"  

"He... Demands to speak with you."  

Hux sighed deeply while Kylo was saying something to Mitaka next to him. That was predictable. Hux should have known that Griss was not happy with his position as future emperor. But hijack a ship?

"We're going to the bridge... I want to talk to him..."  

All the way to the bridge Hux was painfully aware of how poorly he was dressed. A singlet and sweatpants were hardly a uniform worthy of a Grand Marshal and future Emperor. People almost jumped out of his and Kylo's way, and as soon as they reached the bridge, the people around started whispering furiously to each other. It was terrible. Hux relied so much on the perfect appearance that he demanded it from his subordinates as well. And now he was running around sweaty, disheveled... Another reason to hate Griss.  

As soon as Hux got to his place, Mitaka literally fell into chair and within a few moments, a hologram appeared. Kylo stood next to Hux and they both waited for Griss to appear.  

“Oh, finally, our emperor…” 

Hux refused to respond in any way to the clear tone of disdain Griss had.  

"Did something happen that forced you to become a traitor, ex-admiral?"  

"Funny. I had no idea that joke was in your repertoire. Yes, something happened. You killed Pryde. And then you and your Knights of Ren took over the First Order by force." 

"Pryde's death was an unfortunate accident," Hux replied without hesitation. “And there was no violence.  

Griss shook his head. Hux noticed that several other officers appeared behind him tending to the Steadfast. And Hux also noticed that neither looked too happy.  

"Does your crew agree? They also want to be executed for treason?"  

The officers froze. Griss didn't seem to notice.  

"You want to have thousands of people executed, Hux? That's how you're going to be the emperor? No, the people here are loyal. They've disabled the tracking system, so you won't find our ship." 

"What you want?"  

"Me? To see you dead and the Final Order burning! You destroyed everything we worked so hard for! You took our future. So now I'm going to take yours from you." 

And the holo call ended.  

Hux clenched his hands into fists in anger. How could Griss afford this?! Steal his entire ship, crew, and equipment, and just disappear somewhere? And threaten him?!  

"Relax, breathe..."  

"Don't talk to me about relaxing," Hux retorted furiously. "Mitaka!"  

Mitaka ran over and nodded.  

"Yes sir?"  

"Who's going to explain to me how Griss managed to disappear with a battlecruiser and a thousand men on board and no one here noticed?!"  

“Sir, we… Steadfast has reported a change of course, officially, for some search…”  

"Searching for what?!"  

“We don't know, we… the admiral… the former admiral said he spoke to you…"

"And you believed him? Just like that? Anyone who says they talked to me now can take one of my cruisers and disappear with it?!"  

“Sir, I… I'm sorry…”  

Mitaka looked like he was about to cry. But that only made Hux angrier. He turned to the crew, who were watching him tensely from their seats.  

"If you know what's good for you, you'll find me that ship!"  

"Yes sir!"  

Hux walked past Mitaka and Kylo and walked away. If he was chasing another traitor across the galaxy, he could at least change into his uniform.  

"You should sit down. The crew will find them..."  

Hux completely ignored Kylo's well-intentioned advice, as did the rest of the Knights who had been wandering among the working officers on the bridge for several dozen minutes. Their presence visibly unnerved everyone, but Hux didn't care. This was punishment for the idiocy that had everyone stuck here looking for the missing destroyer.  

"Mitaka! It's been two hours already!"  

"Sir, they've deactivated the trackers. That means..."  

"I know what that means! I don't want to hear what's wrong, but how do you solve it? That ship has dozens of trackers on it, don't tell me Griss disabled them all! The man barely knows how a datapad works!"  

Mitaka started to look like he was going to cry again. This annoyed Hux more and more. What happened to him?!  

"I… We're looking for them, sir…"  

Hux had a response ready, describing what would happen if the search failed. But then Vicrul appeared and leaned towards Mitaka.  

“If you wish, Master, we can torture him… For motivation…”  

Mitaka paled so quickly that Hux expected him to pass out. His eyes widened in horror, he took a step back.  

"Sir..."  

"If I want to torture him, I'll do it myself," Hux replied. "You're going to turn his brains to mush. I'll have to find a replacement for him."  

“We'll refrain from using force, Master… Just some knives… It's been a while, Master...”  

“Look what you did to Dameron."

Mitaka paled, even more. He probably remembered well in what condition they found the body of the Resistance pilot.  

Another of the Knights began to circle around Mitaka. However, after a few painful moments, he apparently found the remnants of his courage and took a shaky step forward.  

“Sir… Escape pods have their own system… Tracking system… If we can activate it… We can use it…”  

"Then why are you still standing here and not going to do it?"  

Mitaka did what was apparently supposed to be a salute, arcing past Vicrul and then almost running away.  

"You were needlessly mean to him," Kylo muttered.  

"You strangled him before!"  

"No torture?" said the Knight standing next to Vicrul.  

Hux figured it was about time he found out what the others were called.  

"No, not yet. Once we find Griss and his crew, you can pick someone."  

The Knight nodded, and though Hux felt a clear sense of disappointment, apparently in the absence of blood and screams, the Knight left to join the others who were still walking across the bridge.  

"Too bad," Vicrul sighed. "Boring..."  

"An attempted coup is boring?"  

“There is no one to torture."  

Hux turned to Kylo in disbelief. He shrugged.  

"They are like that. I told you Vicrul was violent. The others are the same."  

"Such flattering," laughed Vicrul.  

Hux noticed out of the corner of his eye how the sitting officers jerked in surprise at his laughter. Hux himself preferred to remain silent.  

It took long hours, but eventually, Mitaka and the others managed to find a signal from the rescue pods on the Steadfast.  

"Shall we pursue him, sir?"  

"Is the ship moving?"  

"No, sir. The Steadfast was supposed to have refueled tomorrow. It looks like they've used most of the remaining fuel for the escape hyperjump now. If the information is correct, they won't be able to escape far."  

"Good. Calculate the route, I want the Finalizer and three other ships. Inform ship management."  

"Three? Sir..."  

"It is a problem?"  

Mitaka quickly shook his head.  

“No, I… We'll arrange it right away."  

"isn't four destroyers too much?" Kylo asked doubtfully as they moved away from the crew.  

"They are. But I want Griss and his crew to see what happens to the traitors. If the crew is on his side, we could take unnecessary damage in the fight. I'd rather see the Steadfast in flames, with those traitors inside."  

"Do you want to take off that ring for a moment?"  

Hux turned to Kylo in confusion.  

“What? How does the ring relate to Griss?  

Kylo grabbed Hux by the elbow and dragged him aside, away from the others.  

"You're acting weird, during wearing that thing. Normally you're pretty nice to Mitaka. You don't threaten him. And usually, you wouldn't want to kill the entire crew of one ship for Griss!"  

"What are you implying?!"  

"That this thing is changing you! I've known you for five years, this is not you!"  

"And what would your plan be, hm?"  

“Just capture Griss."

"How? It's our own ship! We can't even get to the hangar without them seeing us and opening fire. And even if the TIE fighters get close, the hangars have shields!"  

"We will destroy the shield generators!"  

"They're inside the ship! We can't get in without serious damage. So I can blow the ship to pieces in no time, and spare the fighters and pilots! At least the others will see what's happening to the traitors."  

"Hux..."  

"Kylo, no. The Steadfast is going to burn. Are you with me?"  

"Yeah..."  

Synchronizing the hyperjump of four ships was difficult, and preparation took time. After personally making sure the commanders of the other three ships understood what was about to happen, Hux handed over command to Kyle.  

"You're not staying here?" Kylo asked confused.  

Hux shook his head and nodded at the Knights who stopped torturing the crew and walked over to him.  

“I'm coming with them, we'll fly to Steadfast."  

"Why?"  

"Because I want."  

Kylo was visibly tired of arguing and protesting, but Hux stopped him.  

"Will you do it?"  

"Do I have a choice?"  

"Come on… You like to destroy things. When it's over, we can get back to training, okay? I enjoyed it, it was fun…"  

"Okay..."  

"Get ready, the jump is in ten minutes."  

Chapter Text

"What do we do?" 

"We'll see if Griss doesn't decide to cooperate when he sees us. If not, I can watch the Steadfast burn." 

As the Night Buzzard emerged from the hype jump next to the Finalizer, Hux immediately noticed that the shields on one of the gates to the Steadfast hangar were down. What was it about?! 

"Try to contact the Steadfast crew. We'll give them one last chance." 

It took a long time before someone answered the call. But instead of the expected Griss, an officer unknown to Hux appeared. 

" Sir! You must… " 

"Where's Griss?!" 

" Off the bridge, sir! " the officer blurted out. According to the holo call, it looked like he was hiding behind something. " We've managed to take the bridge and close the doors. We've taken control of the ship. But the admiral's troops are trying to get in! " 

Hux cursed. This was what he was trying to avoid! 

"How many are there?" 

"We don't know! Some soldiers ran away when the fighting started..." 

Hux was sure that any soldier he will meet would either be executed or sent to rehab. Steadfast was an example of pure anarchy!

" Sir! " 

"Hold your position, defend the bridge. We'll try to get to you as quickly as possible." 

The call ended. Hux cursed again and rubbed his face. Now it was certain that he must get to the ship. Maybe it was time to take a closer look at some battles. He quickly texted Kylo for reinforcements. 

"Head to the hangar, we'll get in. If all goes well, we might be able to save this ship... Whoever opposes us, kill them. We don't have time for a prisoner, except Griss." 

"Will you stay here Master?" 

Hux turned to the other Knight standing next to Vicrul. 

"Why?" 

"We can get to the bridge... Master can wait on the ship, safe..." 

Hux sneered at that. Was he poor enough for Knights to hide like some Imperial rat while his people fought? 

"I know the security codes for the service elevators, it'll cut our way. I'll take care of myself."

Hux silently checked the two blasters he had with him while the Knights around him remained silent. Hux headed for the door and turned to the others. 

"You think I'm useless?" 

"No!" Vicrul blurted out and the others quickly shook their heads. “You are… You are our Master…” 

"So when Kylo was your Master, he didn't fight with you on the battlefield?" 

"Yes, but..." 

Hux had a good idea of where this was going. With all the Knights close, he could sense their emotions well. Worry, fear. 

"So? I'm not good enough? Worse than Kylo?" 

The further silence that followed and the nervousness that poured over him from the handcuffs was enough of an answer. Hux declined to comment. He was used to being underestimated. 

The Night Buzzard finally landed smoothly in the hangar. When there was no gunfire on the ship, Hux opened the door and ran out. He had more important things to do than the distrust of his Knights. 

It was exactly as Hux had imagined and hoped it wouldn't be. There were small fights in the corridors, soldiers against soldiers. Hux managed to avoid a few fights and finish off some with a few well-aimed shots. All the soldiers who were against Griss were sent by Hux to clean the ship. They needed to get rid of all the traitors quickly. He and the Knights eventually made it to the passageway leading to the bridge but were stuck there. The corridor was long and without corners to hide. And there were enough soldiers at the bridge door that they immediately started shooting at them. Hux ducked behind a corner at the end of the corridor and shook his head. 

"This is pointless, we're wasting ammo. Any ideas?" 

“I have grenades."

Hux turned in surprise to the Knight crouching on the ground beside him. 

"Grenades?" 

"Yes. I like explosions." 

Hux decided that once they got out of there, he will be more interested in what the Knights were actually carrying with them. 

"Okay, try it..." 

Knight must have spent his daily dose of words because he just nodded, switched places with Hux, and pulled out of his pocket… something? Hux considered himself a pretty knowledgeable weapons expert. But he had never seen anything like it. 

It was a small silver cylinder, pulsing with a subdued blue glow, on the ends were… screws? 

"Handcrafted," said another Knight. 

Hux nodded. What else could he do? The thought of Knights walking around his ship for several years with explosives and weapons made on their knees made him faint. Have these people ever heard of basic gun safety?! 

Knight pressed something, the grenade began to pulsate much faster. And with a well-aimed throw, Knight threw it around the corner, In a few seconds, a small explosion shook the corridor. When they looked towards the bridge, most soldiers were crippled enough to fight them with no problem. 

Hux eventually made it to the door, where after talking to a frightened officer who had no idea if he should believe it was him, they made it to the bridge. The whole place was destroyed by the fight, people were injured. But as much as Hux looked around for the soldiers outside the door, Griss was not among them. 

"Where's Griss?" 

One of the officers rose to his feet and leaned against a nearby console. 

"He ran away, sir… When it broke out… When we managed to get the upper hand, he ran away…" 

"Classic," Hux snorted irritably. "Coward..." 

And at that moment, it happened. 

Someone screamed. Hux turned, following the sound, towards the corridor. And then a shot rang out. Hux only realized after a few moments that he had been shot. He barely felt how hard he hit the floor when everything around him disappeared into the darkness. 

Hux blinked a few times, eyes sore from the bright light. It wasn't until a few seconds later that he managed to focus to realize that he was lying on the floor of the bridge with Vicrul and the other Knights bending over him. 

How undignified. 

“Master!” 

"I can hear you, don't scream... What happened..." 

Hux tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his chest sent him back down. Involuntarily, he felt his chest, where he felt the edges of the burnt fabric under his fingers. 

"He shot you! We got him!" 

Hux turned his head to the side and slowly tried to sit up. Not far from him, Griss lay on the ground in a mess of clothes and blood. He whimpered while one of his palms was pinned to the floor with a large knife. 

“He was running,” said one Knight. "He won't be anymore." 

Hux turned away and let out a contented breath. It was a good idea to bring a bulletproof vest, but even better to bring his Knights. 

"Help me up. We don't have time to lie on the floor." 

After securing Steadfast's command, the remaining soldiers set out to apprehend the traitors. Hux wanted to participate and supervise, but to his humiliation, he was literally restrained by the Knights, who decided not to even let him get out of his chair. 

Hux had already taken off his ruined uniform coat and jacket, as well as the vest that had saved him. While he tried to ignore the horrible feeling of strange nakedness, sitting on the bridge in just a shirt, Knights were very preoccupied with the vest. 

"It's a prototype," Hux clarified. "I worked on it in private. Unfortunately, it was very theoretical work, not that there was an opportunity to test it." 

As soon as he finished, the curious interest of the Knights disappeared. 

"What?" 

Hux looked up from his vest, looking around at the Knights. 

"It was a private project. And there are cameras on the range. They can't be disabled without being noticed." 

"You put it on for your protection without testing?" 

Hux frowned at Vicrul's tone. 

"I did the calculations myself. The material, the thickness, the number of layers, I took into account the power of the blaster used among the soldiers." 

"Your soldiers?" 

"With Pryde at the helm, it was to be expected that he would try to get rid of me. Kylo was out. Who was I to rely on?" 

“You were alone,” said one Knight. 

"You are no more," said the other. 

"We are here." 

It was kinda cute. If Hux wanted to admit such a thing. 

"Thank you… Can I get up now?" 

"No. You're hurt." 

Hux frowned. 

"I'm not. Rib pain is normal. I took that into account in my calculations." 

"We don't like it," Vicrul said coldly. 

"Yeah, I can feel it in my head," Hux snorted. "It worked." 

“Master needs a new uniform." 

Hux noticed that when it came to Hux's private matters, the Knights were very talkative. 

"I have more uniforms. When I get back to Finali-" 

"No. New. Better." 

Hux shut his mouth. 

"What do you mean?" 

"You are a Master. You don't look like one," Vicrul clarified. 

Hux looked around at the other Knights. 

"No... No... Wait! I'm not going to dress like you! I'm supposed to be an emperor, I can't look like a member of some shady weird cult!" 

One of the Knights took a step back. Although Hux did not see their expressions, he was suddenly overwhelmed with a strange feeling of betrayal. 

Vicrul folded his arms across his chest. 

"We're going back to the Finalizer. Then Kylo will take care of you." 

No one has spoken to Hux since then. Hux returned to his ship and was escorted to the infirmary where he was met by Kylo. And then the Knights walked away without a word. 

Hux sighed softly and rubbed his aching chest as he waited for the final report from the doctor. Maybe he overdid it. The bond was strangely silent. As if others were blocking him. And the thought made him genuinely sad. 

“You are mean to them.” 

Hux turned quietly to Kylo, who was standing next to the examination table. 

"You know about it?" 

"Yes. I could feel your pain from the shot through the bond. They were going crazy, they wanted to kill Griss. I managed to talk them out of it, I knew you wanted him alive. They thought they had lost you... And you are like this to them..." 

"Then why are you here? Why didn't you leave with them?" 

"Do you want me to leave?" 

Hux bowed his head. 

"No..." 

"Get dressed. I'll take you to your room when the doctor comes." 

After the adrenaline of taking the ship back wore off, Hux realized how tired he was. And how his ribs hurt. Even though the blaster shot didn't go through the vest, it was still a wave of energy that stopped against his sternum. In the end, Hux was grateful that Kylo helped him to his room and spared him the humiliating limp through the corridors of the Finalizer. 

Once inside the room, Hux allowed himself to be taken to the bedroom and put to bed without objection. Other times he would have resented such attention, but he no longer had the strength to argue. 

With a painful sigh, Hux lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. 

“I screwed up." 

The bed buckled under Kylo's weight as the other man sat on the edge. 

"Yes. They gave you everything. You'd be dead without them. They were never interested in a... relationship, with anyone. They have a lonely life, they only have each other. They... We... It was always just us. But now the Knights have allowed you to open up, to accept you among them. They changed a tradition hundreds of years old to make you a Master without you fighting me for the title. I allowed it. I had the right to challenge you to a duel..." 

"Then why didn't you?" Hux asked curiously. 

"I didn't, because I could see they were... content. More than they were with me. But even if they try to get closer to you, despite all the differences... They are not used to talking to anyone at all. And you push them away! You just keep letting Vicrul hang around you while the others stand by and wait for some of your attention... It's horrible to watch," Kylo sighed in a tone that made Hux open his eyes. 

"What do you mean?" 

"We are the Knights of Ren. You have no idea how old and powerful this order is. The way they interfered with the events and the future of the galaxy because of you is so… This never happened, do you understand? They… Knights of Ren never do anything selflessly for others. That is not our nature. They do what the Master tells them or just for their own gain. But here they went, and they gave you everything you wanted. And what did you give them?" 

"I... I didn't know..." 

Kylo waved his hand. Hux noticed with some concern how angry Kylo was beginning to look. 

"You don't even know their names! Damn, can't you see how you treat us?!" 

Hux was used to being scolded. But it was a long, long time ago when it had a reason. And Hux suddenly felt like a little boy again, cowering in front of his screaming drunk father. 

"I didn't know... There was so much... Final Order, new ships, clones..." 

"Yes. You did it in record time to immediately seize power and then take over the First Order," Kylo sneered coldly. "But you were too busy to notice the people who made it possible for you." 

"Come on... You know how it was! Negotiations, endless meetings..." 

"Don't make excuses! You're just using us as a tool, just like Palpatine did!" 

Hux swallowed and turned away. now he longed to feel something through the bond in his mind, those feelings of affection that had all too quickly become a normal thing for him to barely dwell on. But the bond was almost dead. It was there, yes. But that was all. This made Hux sick. 

Kylo finally let out a breath, in an obvious attempt to calm down. He stood up and after a few seconds of awkward silence turned to face Hux. 

"Get your act together,  Master ," he added wryly, then simply walked away. 

Hux listened wordlessly as the hydraulic door closed and the lock clicked. When he was sure he was alone, he rolled onto his side, ignoring the pain in his chest, and pulled his knees closer. He needed to be alone. 

Chapter Text

"Sir?" 

Hux winced and looked at Mitaka, who was standing a respectful distance away, several datapads clutched in his hands. Only now did Hux realize that Mitaka must have been talking to him, but he was too lost in his thoughts. 

"Yes?" 

"These... These things need approval. And there's a list of dead soldiers and Steadfast crew. After the coup attempt. Plus a damage estimate. It's no big deal. If you approve, the crew said they'd start repairs right away, Sir." 

Hux nodded tiredly and watched as Mitaka quickly placed the datapads on the table and walked away. Mitaka has always been a bit odd. Some would say too loyal. Arriving as a fresh graduate from the Academy, Hux noticed him for high results, rivaling his own. The only thing the man wasn't good at was fighting. But Hux didn't even want that from him. Otherwise an ideal officer. And Hux realized with a little pang of guilt that another person who had helped him greatly. It was Mitaka, and his acquaintances, that helped him get rid of Pryde. But now, apparently after the last incident with the Knights on the bridge, Mitaka was very distant. His work performance was flawless, but he seemed willing to do anything to avoid being too close to his commander. 

"Is there something wrong?" 

Mitaka quickly shook his head. He looked a little nervous. 

"No, sir. If that's all ..." 

Hux sighed. He hated this. Interaction with other people. He was always terrible at it. It was one of the things they didn't teach at the Academy. 

"I wanted to talk to you... What happened last time, with the Knights, it wasn't appropriate... There is no reason to question your loyalty and performance. I wanted to... Apologize for the incident..." 

Mitaka stared fearfully as if waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, after a few seconds of awkwardly staring at each other, Mitaka gave a quick nod, as if only now realizing that Hux was waiting for his answer. 

"Oh... I... No, sir, it's... It's fine, I... thank you, sir..." 

Hux raised his hand to end Mitaka's torment. 

“That's all for now, you can go." 

As Mitaka fled away, Hux put his head in his hands. Indeed, interpersonal relationships were so complicated… 

And if the day started out bad, it continued to get worse. 

Hux usually had other junior officers handle tasks below his pay grade. But when he looked at his itinerary after his lunch break and found that he was supposed to be in another meeting, lasting two hours, with the suspicious title of 'Preparations for the Emperor', he became confused. He usually took a few minutes in the morning at breakfast to familiarize himself with the day's schedule. Where to be, who to talk to. But the morning of that day was so disastrous that after a sleepless night, Hux was glad to get to the bridge. So he had to admit in shame that this slob didn't mean anything to him. 

And so when he arrived at the place, he found that it was a real preparation for Hux to become emperor. 

Several people from their promotional team were already waiting at the meeting, then people responsible for uniforms, people responsible for propaganda, and information channels. Hux usually liked to bypass these people. They liked to talk over each other, they were annoying, and Hux didn't need to worry for an hour about whether the First Order uniforms had high enough collars, or whether the latest promotional video was promotional enough. 

To Hux's surprise, Kylo was also in the room. He sat in the corner, staring blankly at all the people talking at the table, completely ignoring Hux's presence. Hux expected nothing else. 

"Sir! We have some important matters to discuss!" blurted out one of the officers, Hux had a feeling it was the one from the uniform department. "We have to make the official announcement of your new title, the promotion, the publicity, the coronation…" 

Hux turned to Mitaka who was standing next to him. In the years they had known each other, Hux could safely tell Mitaka was trying not to laugh. He always had a strange tic in his jaw. Mitaka knew full well how Hux felt about this nonsense. He would rather spend the day sitting around planning a new type of weapon than dealing with the coronation. But while Hux still thought the war was no time for any ceremonies, perhaps it was time to go public and make it official. 

"Okay… We have two hours… What's first?" Hux asked tiredly, sitting at the head of the table. 

Mitaka took a seat next to him and then quickly pushed a cup of caf over to Hux. 

Hux smiled gratefully. Mitaka was truly irreplaceable. 

"We all agreed that it would be important to have your coronation site first, sir. We have several planets where that could be done." 

"We're at war," Hux argued. "If we do it on a planet, and the entire command of the Final Order is there, we'll be an easy target for the Resistance." 

The officers looked at each other unsatisfied. Hux knew them well. Most of them were hosting Starkiller launches. The bigger, the better. But this wasn't Starkiller. And Hux wasn't going to let himself be killed as an emperor who had been in office for a few minutes. The Resistance had a nasty habit of appearing in the wrong places at the wrong time. And if they somehow find out that there will be so many important people in one place, it will be a tempting target for them. 

"Yes… We have a throne room on one of the new ships… We can do it there, and for the rest do it in broadcast form. It'll be a small event, but… It might make an impression," said another officer. "We will show the new Final Order as something that understands the time of war, and instead of having great celebrations, we pay attention to the bad time of war. The planets that are with us will surely welcome this as a symbol of solidarity." 

Hux nodded at the appropriate moments, thankful that he had learned this skill at a young age as his father gave long speeches about the Empire and repeated them over and over. 

"It might as well be a safety precaution. They'll expect you're on the Finalizer, sir. If something happens, they won't know you're on another ship." 

Hux hadn't thought of that. He was going to keep the Finalizer as his ship, but the throne room was elsewhere. Something will have to be done about it later. He could make a whole new throne room. Something more like himself and not like Snoke. Or Palpatine. Or who it was at all. 

"Okay, that's fine," Hux nodded. "Another thing?" 

"Yes, sir," nodded the promotional officer as his assistant furiously typed something into the datapad. "We have a list of people here that it will be appropriate to invite. We will have to change it, so many people will not fit in the hall on the ship, but there are people who must be there in person. Mainly representatives of important planets. After that, it will be appropriate to have a party to celebrate. These people like events like this, it strengthens relationships." 

Unfortunately, Hux also had to nod to that. The Final Order needed to show it had solid foundations, and the strange death of Snoke and then the abdication of Kylo Ren and the rise of Hux as Emperor is not a problem. And the parties were perfect for that. Endless talking, alcohol, and deals made in dark corners. Hux used to enjoy such encounters. He was a major, young, and eager for contacts. But it soon got boring. At such gatherings, there were few people to really talk to. 

"Surely something can be arranged," Hux nodded. "Next?" 

Hux noticed how amused Kylo was beginning to look. Bastard. He was probably amused at how Hux was suffering here. And they've only just begun. 

Another hour later, while deciding whether or not to change the logo for the transition from the First to the Final Order, Hux would rather be anywhere than here. Yes, these things were important. But these people had the quality that something could be solved immediately, stretched out for hours. Maybe he should send them to negotiate with the Resistance, Hux would bet that after hours of talking back and forth, the Resistance would rather give up. 

Fortunately, once the details of the coronation were settled, half the officers left. Thus Hux ended up in an endless debate about the shape of his uniform. 

"We have a few suggestions," the officer said excitedly, launching a slide show. 

Mitaka intervened at that moment and handed Hux another cup of caf. 

Sketches of several uniforms appeared on the screen, most looking suspiciously like something from the Imperial era. And they were all white. 

Hux frowned at that. 

"Are these the coronation uniforms?" 

"No, sir, these are daily ones. This one is for the coronation." 

The presentation jumped forward. And Hux was looking at another white uniform, only more gold. There was also a cloak and a ceremonial sword. 

Sword? 

"But the Final Order uniforms are black," Hux countered slowly. "Rather, they just stay the same as they were for the First Order... Why is mine white?" 

“You are the Emperor, sir. 

Hux looked at the pictures with displeasure. The uniforms were well made. But somehow it wasn't the way he wanted it to be. And besides, he's already used to the comfort of black. 

"This will have to be dealt with," Hux said finally. "We don't have much time left. Can we meet about this later?" 

The officer nodded and turned off the presentation. Taking advantage of this, Hux nodded to Mitaka and the two quickly left. That was enough presentations for one day. 

Hux couldn't sleep. Even though he was still tired, his ribs hurt. Sleep was certainly adequate. But Hux just couldn't. So he got dressed again and went for a walk around the ship. 

There were only a few people on the night shift, the basic crew. Hux walked through and wandered towards the hangars. It was strangely quiet here at night, there was rarely any scheduled boat launch. The TIE fighters were in place, and Kylo's ship was nearby. And behind her was the Night Buzzard. 

Hux moved silently closer. In his rush to find Griss, he didn't even have time to take a good look at the ship. It looked like one of the prison ships used on  Osseriton . But many changes had to be made there. There is not much left of the original appearance of the ship. The Knights probably tweaked it to match their look more. Even though Hux was more used to the smooth design of First Order ships, there was something about this. The Night Buzzard definitely looked menacing. 

Hux sighed. It was horrible to admit, but he was getting used to the Knights. Walking down the halls without having at least three of them on his back was uncomfortable. He had no idea where they were. Kylo disappeared again, the rest were who knows where. Just the fact that the ship was in the hangar indicated that the Knights were on board. 

Hux hoped there would be some opportunity to do something about it.

Chapter Text

And soon Hux realized that the absence of the Knights would be a bigger problem than just his comfort. 
The next day, Hux set aside an entire afternoon to visit Griss in prison. Hux's plan was initially clear - to take Vicrul with him and turn Griss into a drooling, bleeding pile of flesh. 
But Vicrul was gone. And Hux was just too stubborn to put his head down, go to him, and do what Kylo said - just use Vicrul to achieve his goal. So Hux decided to do it himself. Because why not? Hux had years of experience in harming others. Physically, and emotionally. He knew what to do to hurt others. Although he seemed to be doing it more unintentionally now. 
  

"Well well... The Emperor in person," Griss smirked as he yanked the bonds that held him to the interrogation table. “What an honor.” 
“I heard from the guards that you tried to convince them to let you go."
Griss frowned. It amused Hux all the more. He had no idea how things worked on Steadfast, but the people on Finalizer were loyal. 
"I have nothing to tell you," Griss spat, trying to squirm again. "The others will not suffer your tyranny anymore. Do you think that once your people have stopped Emperor Palpatine that is the end?" 
"It doesn't matter anymore. Palpatine is gone." 
"And you think your people are loyal to you?" Griss laughed coldly. 
Hux frowned. 
“They are loyal to me, I'm sure."
Griss just grimaced at that. And Hux had just enough of that. 
"What do you mean?" 
Griss, however, remained silent. Hux shook his head at that. It looked like he was going to have to find out what Griss meant by his own means. 
  
  
Hux sat down heavily on the floor of the interrogation room and threw away his dirty, bloody gloves. Griss was lying on the table wheezing, apparently choking on his blood. Hux didn't care. He got what he wanted. Even though he ruined another uniform. Two hours were spent torturing this Imperial fossil. And Hux finds out almost nothing. Apparently, Griss was true to his ideals to the end, and would rather take his secrets to his grave. Expect one thing.
"Master?" 
Hux jerked his head up and looked towards the door of the interrogation room. And there he found Vicrul. And behind him stood the rest of the Knights. 
Vicrul walked in and looked at Griss. He was still grunting a little, even though he was probably nearing the end. 
"Did you do that?" 
Hux grinned tiredly and pointed to his bloodied uniform. 
"I did my best." 
"Don't you have people for that?" 
“I don't mind getting my hands dirty."
"Did he say anything?" 
Griss let out one last loud gasp. Hux grimaced at that again. As dramatically as the bastard lived, he died. 
"No... Just... When he lost his first finger, he started babbling about Exegol. Then he was just screaming and whining again." 
“He could have lasted longer."
Hux leaned his head against the wall. Blood began to seep through the layers of his uniform, he was tired, and everything hurt. He didn't have the strength to think about whether he had cut too deep somewhere, or cut off too many fingers. He just wanted to crawl somewhere and hide. Maybe it was better when he was a general. Before this, it all started. Kylo, Knights, The Force, chasing some scavenger. It was just war, crossing galaxies. All quiet and comfortable. 
"Leave it to someone better next time." 
Torture was another thing not taught at the Academy. Although when Hux thought about it, he didn't see why not. Perhaps as Emperor, he could arrange it. The Academy needed a lot of changes. Mutual bullying and poor teaching could hardly prepare one to be a good soldier or officer. 
Vicrul sat down next to Hux on the ground. And after a while, the others sat around. 
"I'm sorry," Hux mumbled. “I know I'm a heartless bastard." 
“We felt your guilt that day."
"Then why didn't you say anything?" 
“We meditated."
Yes, that might have occurred to Hux as well. 
“Besides, you've been busy picking up your coronation uniform."
Hux closed his eyes in agony. 
"Please, let's not talk about this..." 
"Come on. We have work to do." 
  
  
Hux hoped to return to his room, to bed. Instead, he made his way into the office, and everyone, including Kylo, settled around. Hux may have added a couch to the corner of the room. But that was just for practical purposes, of course. 
"Griss was talking about Exegol?" 
Hux nodded and poured himself a large mug of caf. 
"He just repeated Exegol over and over. Then he screamed and cried. Pathetic." 
"Why did he scream?" Kylo asked. 
“I pinched his finger with the pliers.” 
Vicrul looked pleased. Kylo disagreed. The others were quiet. 
"What was there when you left the planet?" asked Hux.
"The ships. The grounds of Palpatine's hideout. There's the Sith Citadel. A place strongly connected to the Dark Side." 
"Did you search for it?" 
"No. Not all of it. It took time to get the ships in the air and to the Finalizer. We killed every living thing there, that's all." 
Hux didn't know what to make of that. Griss could be lying. But Hux knew the man was in agony. He barely had the strength to think of anything. Could there be something, hiding? 
"We have to get there..." 
"That's pointless," Kylo argued. “Griss was just rambling." 
"What if it's not? What if there's something important? What if someone can use it against us?" 
"Like what?! The stuff the Sith left there, it can only be used by someone..." 
Kylo fell silent. 
"Someone?" 
"Someone with the Force... Rey..." 
Hux frowned. Again, she - a scavenger. Hux would prefer to cut the girl's throat personally. 
"You know where she is?" 
"No," Kylo blurted out. "I... When I was meditating... I saw her... She spoke to me..." 
Hux had something to do to contain the rage he suddenly felt. Again. Scavenger and Kylo again. What was this about? Was it just the bond Palpatine had made between them? Or did Kylo really have feelings for her? Just hearing Kylo say her name made Hux sick. 
Was he to fight not only the Resistance for their future but also that girl for Kylo? 
"How?" 
"That bond..." 
"That bond again?" Hux exploded, standing up. "I thought we were done with this nonsense!" 
Kylo rose from his chair. 
"I'm not doing it on purpose!" 
"Tell the truth already! What's the deal with her and you!" 
"What… it's nothing! Palpatine did it! I don't care about her!" 
"Really? Just recently you were crying about wanting to run to the Resistance to be with her!" 
"I wanted to save us from Palpatine! And I didn't cry!" 
"You were whining like a baby! You just kept babbling about how Rey was going to take care of you, how Rey was going to help you!" 
"Are you jealous?!" 
"Fuck you, Ren!" 
Kylo reached forward and before Hux realized what was happening, Kylo pulled him closer and kissed him roughly. 
Hux tried to wriggle away, but Kylo's arms wrapped around his waist. And after a few seconds, Hux let out a defeated breath and returned the kiss. 
It's been a damn long time. Too long. Kylo was kissing exactly the way he lived - too wild and rough, but Hux didn't care. It was as if the stress of the last few days had disappeared. 
“I don't care about her,” Kylo muttered as they finally pulled away from you. 
"Why should I trust you?" 
"Bastard." 
There was a cough behind Kylo. And Hux was horrified to realize that there were six other people in the room. 
A horrible day.
 
 

"You... Where are you going, sir?" 
"Exegol. I'll give you the coordinates. It's time to get started. We have a few places that we suspect the Resistance might be hiding in. We'll split up the fleet and check it out. I and the Knights will go to Exegol. I'll leave orders for a few days. Kylo will be here, like my second commander." 
Mitaka nodded and wrote everything down on the datapad. 
"You'll be there for Kylo. Try to… Keep him calm, okay?" 
“I'll try, sir."
Hux rubbed his face with a sigh. That might be enough. 
  

But as soon as Mitaka left, Kylo appeared. And Hux observed with some concern that the door locked as soon as it closed behind him. 
"Yes?" 
“The Night Buzzard is ready… They are waiting for you."
"Yes, I'll go..." 
"Hux, wait," Kylo blurted out, stepping out of Hux's way. “I… You shouldn't go there…” 
"What?" 
"It's the Sith Citadel! A place is dark, really dark... I don't feel good about it..." 
"I think you know what I'm going to tell you… Do you mind staying here?" 
Kylo quickly shook his head. 
“No, I know I'm… second in command, whatever… Hux, I know you've delved into it… Artifacts, the Force, and all that… but I think there's something behind it… " 
"What do you mean?" 
"Vicrul told you that you gained Force sensitivity through the bond, didn't he?" 
"Yes?" 
“It doesn't work that way… Everyone is born with some level of sensitivity… You can train, you can improve, but… You just can't get it… And I've never felt that from you… We've known each other for five years, Hux, I would have noticed...” 
"So? What do you think happened?" 
"I don't know," Kylo admitted. Hux didn't like how caring Kylo sounded. "But it has to do with that place. Vicrul was there when it happened. When your bond deepened. Something must have happened there." 
Hux frowned. He didn't need another reason to suspect his Knights of something. 
"What do you want me to do?" 
"Just... Be careful out there... Look around. Look for something strange, even in that place... If Vicrul did it, we need to find out what it was..." 
“I think even if Vicrul did something, he must have known what he was doing...” 
Kylo didn't look pleased. But he finally shrugged. 
"Just... Check it out. The place is very old. Anything can happen and be found there..." 

Chapter Text

Hux had already traveled aboard many ships. From large cruisers to private little speeders. But the Night Buzzard was really something special.   

The inside of the ship looked as unwholesome and terrifying as it did from the outside. Comfort was apparently not primary.   

Hux eventually settled into the co-pilot's seat while the rest of the Knights hid somewhere around the ship. Hux realized that it had been a long time since he had felt this awkward. After the impromptu reconciliation, where things had somewhat returned to the way they were before, Hux realized that he had to quickly change everything. But planning something and starting something was different.   

"Kuruk."   

Hux flinched in alarm at the Knight's voice.   

"What?"   

"My name. Kuruk."   

Hux sat down with a sigh.   

“I'm sorry… I should have been more interested."  

"Never mind. We didn't know your name either."   

"Kylo didn't tell you?"   

"Kylo called you General. Or rabid cur."   

Hux frowned. Typical. Not a day went by that Hux wasn't reminded of who he was. And where he comes from.   

"What does it mean?"   

Hux didn't like to talk about it. And the people who talked too much about it were dead. But the Knights were something else.   

“I'm a bastard."   

"You're not."   

Hux smirked at Kuruk's slightly scolding tone.   

"No, I don't mean by nature... Well, that too. I mean by blood. Father was important. Mother wasn't his wife. And my father liked to spend the rest of his life reminding me where I came from. Snoke did the same. Snoke liked bloodlines. The more interesting ancestors, the better. That's why he liked Kylo so much and preferred him. Kylo was the grandson of the great mighty Darth Vader. I was the son of a crazy officer and a maid. Snoke probably expected me to go crazy too. And... That's probably happened."   

“You killed him. Your father."   

"Yes."   

"He hurt you."   

Hux closed his eyes for a moment. He didn't want to think about it. He always promised himself he wouldn't do it again. But it's hard to erase his entire childhood from memory.   

"He hated me. His friends too. They're dead."   

"Good."   

"Where we're flying... What's it like there?"   

"Dark... The sky is storming... You can feel the Force there..."   

"Won't it be… Dangerous?"   

"How?"   

"Too dark?"   

"I do not understand."   

Hux understood that. There was probably nothing too dark for the Knights.   

"I mean… Kylo warned me that the Dark Force can even… It can hurt. You're used to it. I'm not."   

"You are. We can feel it."   

Hux frowned a little at that. Was it because of the ring he still wore and the book? Or because of what Kylo said? Did Vicrul do anything?   

"Rest. Long journey."   

Hux nodded quietly and sat down in the bumpy pilot's chair. In the end, he'll probably find out for himself soon.   

When Hux woke up, he wasn't sure where he was for a moment. It wasn't until he drowsily looked around that he realized he was crouching in his chair when he saw a small blue planet in front of him through the view.   

"This is it?"   

"Yes."   

Hux turned and noticed Kuruk was gone. Vicrul sat in his place. Then Hux realized that a heavy black cloak was draped over him.   

"How... How long have I been out?"   

"A few hours. You needed it."   

Hux tried to sit up, ignoring the crackling in his back from sleeping in that uncomfortable chair. He pulled his cloak around his shoulders when he noticed how cold it was on the ship.   

"You need heating... And maybe some proper insulation for the ship's walls. It's not very comfortable."   

"I saw your bedroom. It looks the same."   

Hux rubbed his eyes to shake off the sleepiness.   

"My bedroom is functional. There is a bed and a wardrobe."   

"Nothing personal."   

"What personal?"   

"Souvenirs from conquered planets? From battles?"   

"I didn't go to battle. I was a general. I stood on the bridge and gave orders."   

"Boring."   

“I'm not an interesting person."   

"You are. You just have bad taste."   

Hux smiled.   

"Is this how you're supposed to talk to your Master?"   

"We are alone."   

"You are cheeky."   

"Maybe."   

"What's in that citadel?"   

"Power."   

"What kind of?"   

"You will see."  

The ship landed near the citadel. Hux slowly walked out and looked around. It looked a little scary. Lightning crossed the sky, like some strange storm without fear. No sun. And everywhere a bare plain. Except for the citadel itself.   

"This is it?"   

"Yes."   

Hux shuddered involuntarily. It was a really strange place. Something told him to keep going and at the same time to run away as fast as possible.   

When they finally reached the citadel itself, thanks to the large circular platform that slowly descended with them, Hux couldn't help but look around. The place was visibly long abandoned. The large space they reached was lined with giant statues of ancient Sith. Hux could have sworn he could feel their dead stone stares watching them. Then he noticed the technical equipment that was on the left.   

"What is it?"   

"The cultists here worked on cloning. They created Snoke. And they kept Palpatine alive."   

"Are we alone here now?"   

"Yes," Vicrul nodded. "They are dead."   

"Okay… Where… Where are we going?"   

Vicrul pointed forward. And there was a stone wall in which there was a narrow passage, shining with a bright light. It looked pretty ominous.   

"What's there?"   

"You will see."   

Hux swallowed. The feeling that he shouldn't be here grew strangely.   

The place where the Knights took Hux was a giant. On the sides were what looked like stone stands. The light was miserable, one moment it was dark, and the next lightning dramatically lit up the whole space.   

And in the middle of it, all was a throne. A large, stone, with strange pointed formations behind it.   

Hux slowly stepped closer. He had barely taken a few steps when he heard it.   

Voices. Dozens of voices, resonated throughout the space. But when he looked around, it was just him and the Knights.   

"Who is it?"   

"Can you hear them?"   

"Who is it?!"   

Hux quickly looked around again as the voices rang out again. And then he saw it. Just out of the corner of my eye. But as soon as lightning flashed again, Hux felt for a moment that the stands around him were full.   

Vicrul stepped closer. The rest of the Knights did the same until they were standing around Hux. Hux didn't like it at all.   

"What's this about?"   

"I have to apologize. All of us have to. We needed to get you here."   

Hux turned to the remaining Knights.   

"Get me here? Why?"   

“There's something we need to finish."  

Hux pointed out.   

“So Kylo was right… You did do something… When you killed Palpatine."   

"Yes. It was necessary."   

"What did you do?"   

"Palpatine was powerful. Too powerful. He worked his whole life to be the most powerful Sith to ever live. And he did… several things that went against the laws of nature. We knew his death could be a waste, all that power, lost because of his death."   

"What do you mean?"   

"The Force. Palpatine possessed great Force. But not all of that Force was his. He gained more Force in his life through various paths and rituals. And that Force would now be wasted."   

Hux stared at Vicrul in shock. And suddenly what Kylo was saying made perfect sense.   

"You took it and gave me. That's why the bond was created. You took advantage of it."   

"No. The bond wasn't planned. But it came in handy. You were sensitive to the Force but it was barely noticeable. That's why Kylo never knew. It wasn't planned. We were supposed to kill Palpatine and give you the possibility of the Final Order. And Kylo should have remained our Master. But when we found out how much Force Palpatine had collected and stolen through artifacts and rituals... We found a way. How to capture it and give it to someone else."   

"How?"   

"Blood Sith Ritual."   

Hux didn't know what to say, his mind was frozen in shock. They lied. Vicrul kept saying something about a bond, and instead, it was some Sith ritual and Palpatine.   

"What… What does that mean? Damn… What if it kills me!"   

"The Force had to go somewhere. It was contained, but not for a long time. I… believed you could handle it. So we did it."   

"What do you want from me? How could you know Griss would tell me about this place? You couldn't…"   

And then it dawned on Hux.   

"Griss didn't do it willingly, did he? You put it in his head."   

"Yes… When he shot you, we realized you were still too vulnerable. We wanted to kill him. But Kylo said you wanted him alive and to interrogate him. So I put the thought of this place and the secret that it's supposed to be in his mind. I knew you'd be curious."   

"You lied… Damn Vicrul, you lied, again! What will happen next time, Palpatine is alive and hidden?!"   

"He's dead. But his power didn't have to die with him. We made a decision."   

Hux shook his head. He suddenly regretted Kylo not being here. Surrounded by Knights who seemed to share Vicrul's attitude, he didn't feel entirely safe. Absurd thought. Maybe it was the place that was doing it to him. Voices were suddenly heard more and more.   

"What do you want from me?"   

"To finish what we started. Palpatine found more artifacts to help him become stronger. They require a ritual, performed in a place strongly connected to the Dark Side of the Force. That's why we're here. We can use the first one."   

"So you lured me here… Do you even care what I want?! Or did you just decide to turn me into another power-crazed lunatic?!"   

"I know you. I know you want this."   

"What..."   

"I know you want more. I know you took the book from the office to your rooms. I know that when you're alone, you go through it, read it, and look for answers."   

"How..."   

“We are one,” the Knights said at once.   

"Let me show you what we have to offer," Vicrul said, holding out a hand to Hux.  

Chapter Text

Hux always tried to be careful, even though no one around him could tell if he was scared or afraid. With his father, at the Academy, as a starting junior officer. Most of the people around him were just impatiently waiting for him to show some weakness and they could take advantage of it. And Hux refused to give them that pleasure.   

But now, in this Sith citadel, Hux was terrified. Although the bond between him and the Knights vibrated with feelings of comfort and support, Hux barely felt it.   

The only thing occupying his attention was a large stone altar that slowly rose out of the ground. The voices around them began to sound like some sort of chorus singing in a language Hux didn't understand. But it was scary.   

As the altar stopped, Hux nervously turned to Vicrul. He put his helmet on the altar.   

"We'll begin."   

Knights around nodded. Hux rubbed his sweaty palms.   

"What... What are we going to do?"   

"We will prepare you. Then you will lie down on the altar and we will perform the sacrifice."   

"Wait... Sacrifice?! You're going to sacrifice me?!"   

"Don't worry," Vicrul smiled condescendingly. "Not you."   

Hux would like to see Vicrul's smile another time. But now, in this place, it felt more threatening.   

"So who..."   

Vicrul waved his hand. And from behind the throne came two members of Snoke's Praetorian Guard. Hux flinched, but Vicrul put a hand on his shoulder.   

"Don't worry. They serve the Emperor. To you. The last two of their kind."   

The members of the guard walked up to the altar and knelt as one.   

"What..."   

“The ritual calls for sacrifices."   

“You will kill them."  

"Yes."   

Hux closed his eyes for a moment. This wasn't right, it wasn't natural. But could Vicrul be right? Was there anything he could gain by doing this? Hux himself has already killed enough people for personal gain. What were the other two people?   

"Okay… What next?"   

One of the Knights pulled out an old-looking clay pot from his cloak.   

"You have to drink it. And then undressed. Then we'll prepare you for the ritual to begin."   

A powerful bolt of lightning pierced the sky and Hux blinked. Now he was almost certain there was someone in the stone stands. Hundreds and hundreds of hooded figures without faces. And then Hux realized what he had heard.    

"Undress?!"   

"Yes."   

"What is this supposed to be?! Some kind of ritual orgy?!"   

Hux tried to ignore his voice rising in panic. Then he noticed Kuruk tilting his head to the side.   

"Ritual orgies, as you call it, don't happen anymore," Vicrul replied slowly. "Although... It is true that in the past when the rule of two was in effect... Some Sith also took advantage of the... more personal connection between Master and apprentice..."   

"We can," Kuruk said, stepping closer. "Passion is the path to the Dark Side..."   

"True," said another Knight. "We will strengthen the bond..."   

"What... No! No! This is..."   

"Why not?"   

"There are six of you!"   

"We have plenty of time..."   

Hux felt it. Interest. Excitement. Lust. The bond trembled and Hux couldn't tell what was the Knight's emotions and what was his own.   

"Don't think so much," Vicrul muttered, cupping Hux's face in his palm. "It could be amazing... I've read so much about it... What better connection between us all..."   

"Is this about a ritual or do you just want sex?"   

"I want you. We all want you... You're too pretty for your own good..."   

Hux swallowed, staring into Vicrul's dark eyes. And then a clay pot appeared in front of his face.   

"Drink it."   

Hux had a thousand questions in his mind. What was he supposed to drink? What will it do to him? Why the hell didn't he run away already?   

He finally let it go. The more questions he had, the more pointless they seemed. But one remained.   

"How... Everyone..."   

"Don't worry," Vicrul reassured him, handing him a clay pot. "Drink it. Then everything will be better."   

And Hux obeyed him.   

The liquid inside the pot tasted so strange. Perhaps something herbal, burning deep in the throat. The smell was earthy, a far from what Hux safely knew from the Finalizer.   

Hux barely noticed that someone had taken pot from his hand, and Vicrul pressed against him.   

"You're going to be so powerful," he mumbled hoarsely as his lips slowly trailed over Hux's exposed throat. "During our meditation, we had a vision... There was so much Force..."   

Hux's mind slowly began to cloud over, only slightly aware of more hands appearing on his body as Vicrul continued the kisses.   

"Wait," Hux breathed. "How..."   

Another question was stopped by the other palm on his face. Hux turned his head and before he could say anything he was kissed. Force help him, he didn't even know who it was! But the longer they kissed, the less it mattered. After all, they were his Knights.   

“Good… Relaxed…”   

Hux had no idea who was talking. His mind was strangely heavy and slow with all the feelings pouring out of him through the bond.   

"It'll be fine, don't worry..."   

Hux gasped softly as he felt a sharp bite on the sensitive skin of his neck. And then the hands returned to his body and began to unbutton his uniform. Hux had no idea what was going on. As the clothes disappeared, and the bare skin was marked by more touches, after a while he realized that he was slowly being pushed to the ground.   

"Rest," someone told him.   

Hux let out a soft breath and lay down on the rocky ground on his coat. Only now did he notice that there was an entire opening in the ceiling of the citadel. Hux watched silently as the lightning crossed the sky. Maybe he was dreaming, but suddenly he felt as if he could feel the energy of the lightning and the storm.   

"It's the Force," he heard. "It'll be so much better when we're done..."   

"Really?"   

"Yes... I read many books about it, old Sith books... The only thing we were missing was you..."   

Hux closed his eyes as insistent hands began to remove the rest of his uniform.   

"You're using me," he snapped.   

Someone gently bit his bare stomach. Hux was too deep in his head to dispute that he was lying here naked, in front of the Knights, in such a horrible place.   

"We use each other."   

"Yes" came another voice. "We gave you us. You give us yourself."   

Hux nodded and reached out to touch someone's hair. It certainly wasn't Vicrul. This hair was long, tickling his bare skin. Hair almost like Kylo's.   

Kylo . Why wasn't Kylo here anyway? He was also a Knight...   

"Don't think about him..."   

"Why..."   

Hux gasped loudly as another kiss silenced him. He had never seen this face before. But it didn't matter.   

"Focus on the present," said another voice.   

Hux blinked a few times as the kiss ended. The sky above him was slightly blurred, the sounds of the storm a little distant. But the murmurs of the crowd in the stands became more and more distinct. They were delighted with what was happening here. Hux had no idea how, but he just knew.   

Then Hux's legs slowly spread and thoughts of anything else vanished.   

"We've wanted this for so long..."   

There was a loud moan. It was only after a few moments that Hux realized it was him. The fingers, still covered by the leather glove, began to lightly circle his hole before one began to stuff itself inside. Everything was pleasantly smooth, and Hux relaxed slightly. It's been too long...   

"You like it."   

It wasn't a question. But the next moan that escaped Hux's mouth was a clear answer anyway.   

"I want it," Hux blurted out, not entirely sure what he was talking about.   

Agreement and pleasure echoed through the bond.   

"Yes... It's yours... Take it..."   

Hux's back arched as the fingers went deeper and another finger was soon added. Someone leaned closer, and without waiting Hux reached in for another kiss.   

"Enough," he gasped into the passionate kiss. "I... I'm ready..."   

“Really?” the voice said sarcastically, and the fingers went deeper.   

Vicrul, who else. Hux would recognize that disrespectful voice anywhere.   

"You wanted to give me something, didn't you..."   

Vicrul chuckled darkly and pulled his fingers out. Then he stuffed himself roughly between Hux's legs.   

"Ready?"   

"Do it already!"   

Hux was already too excited, hypersensitive from all the touching and kissing, his skin sweaty and flushed.   

“Someone's greedy here,” Vicrul sneered as he bent lower.   

"You're rude," Hux muttered, putting his arms around his neck. “I should… Oh,” he sighed as Vicrul bit his neck again. "I should have... I should have you whipped... In front of the whole crew..."   

The feel of Vicrul's clothing and armor against his bare skin was driving Hux insane. He was about to say something when he finally felt Vicrul begin to slowly push into him.   

"Would you do it?" Vicrul asked breathlessly as the initial tension faded. "Or... Or would you assign it to someone?"   

Hux noticed, a little distractedly, that he wasn't the only one to react that way. Vicrul's gaze darkened, lips parted in short breaths.   

"I... I would... You deserve... At least fifty lashes..."   

Vicrul cursed softly and finally started to move. Hux wanted to laugh at how easy Vicrul could be. But someone pulled him closer and kissed him again.   

"Let's begin," Vicrul said in a breathy voice, slowing his pace. "Bring it on."   

Hux was only vaguely aware that one of Knights had left before another began to demand his lips. But when Hux tilts his head, he sees a knight upside down, carrying a large wooden crate. And Hux realized that he had almost forgotten why he was here.   

Vicrul nodded in satisfaction, pulling Hux closer and sitting on his knees with him in his arms. Hux snuggled closer. This position only made Vicrul go deeper and Hux bucked his hips in satisfaction. It was so good...   

Knight who had brought the box knelt beside them and Hux turned his head quietly. He had no idea what was there, but it had to be something fascinating. Hux felt the surroundings begin to tingle pleasantly. Or maybe it was just the way Vicrul started to move, his hands firmly gripping Hux's hips and controlling the rhythm. He too seemed to forget why they were here at least for a few moments and they just enjoyed each other for a while.   

"This won't work," Vicrul finally breathed, holding Hux down. "I... I didn't expect this..."   

Hux didn't have to ask what he meant. He could feel the Force boiling beneath the surface. And judging by how eager the Knights kneeling around looked, they felt the same. But the thought of him stopping now was horrible.   

"We're not stopping," Hux murmured, pulling Vicrul into a kiss.   

"I... I have to recite... the text..."   

Vicrul looked really distracted, his hands roaming over Hux's naked body.   

"I have to... Oh... I have to recite a long text..."   

Hux didn't care.   

"After then!"   

"I have to read it at the end... Before you finish... I can't, with you on my lap..."   

Hux grimaced at Vicrul's breathless tone. It was amazing to see an otherwise self-assured man stammer and babble. Hux slowly rocked his hips again just so he could hear another moan.   

"It has to be you, who will say it?"   

“Yes… I… Our bond is the strongest."   

Hux nodded, though he barely understood what it was.   

"You first... And then you can recite the text..."   

"But you..."   

Hux chuckled softly.   

“There are five more Knights… Surely one will help me, right?"   

Hux wasn't like this before. Sex and masturbation were something annoying, rather clinical, done for bodily needs that Hux only dealt with as a last resort. He always had better things to do. But now, now he didn't understand why he hadn't indulged in such pleasure long ago.   

His proposal met with approval, Knights began to stare at each other as if challenging each other to see who would be first. Hux felt so good, wanted, and attractive. He had never experienced such feelings. It was addictive, he loved it.   

"Okay… I…"   

Hux didn't need to hear any more of Vicrul's babbling and got moving. He was so tempted to just take it in hand and end it. But the growing tingle of Force he felt from the crate reminded him to keep his arms around Vicrul's shoulders. This ended up with a few deep thrusts before he kissed Hux deeply with a final moan.   

Hux gritted his teeth as Vicrul pulled out of him. He needed a few breaths to calm down a bit.   

"Alright… Let's get started…"   

Hux sat down next to the crate and tried to lift the lid, peer inside. However, as he reached forward, one of the Knights grabbed his arm and pulled him close. Hux had no idea how, but he knew it was Ushar. Thanks to the bond? Thanks to the artifact in the crate? Hux had no idea what caused the sudden knowledge, but he didn't care at the moment and Hux let himself be kissed. It was demanding, and rough, and as soon as Hux could do anything himself, he found himself back on his back.   

It took long seconds before he realized he could hear Vicrul and the others chanting something. Then Ushar took Hux's hand and pressed it to his side. Hux wanted to protest, but then he felt something. He turned his head and saw a large glass ball sitting in a wooden case. The whole thing glowed with a red light, and Hux couldn't take his eyes off it. Involuntarily he reached out, pressing his fingers against the hot surface.   

Vicrul said something. Ushar lifted Hux's legs, wrapped them around his waist, and roughly entered. Hux's scream was muffled by another wild kiss as Vicrul continued to chant.   

The surface of the mysterious orb was starting to heat up quickly as the humming of the dead Sith around them increased in intensity. Hux winced as the surface of the orb began to slowly burn unpleasantly. He tried to put his hand away, but someone pressed his hand back.   

And then two Knights rose from the ground. Hux watched as they moved past the kneeling guards. And then blades appeared in their hands. And the Knights cut their throats.   

Vicrul began another part of the chant, but Hux almost didn't hear him. The roar of the dead Sith was too loud, echoing from all directions.   

There was a patch of red in the corner of Hux's vision. Hux turned his head, staring at the pool of blood slowly forming at the feet of the dying guards.   

Ushar dipped his fingers in the blood and then began drawing unknown symbols on Hux's chest. It was only blood, yet it burned, as did the orb under Hux's fingers. And as Ushar drew the final symbol on the bottom of Hux's chest, the orb burst into flames.   

The crowd screamed around. Hux screamed too. His body, mind, and everything was on fire. It was just overwhelming pain. Hux had no idea how much longer he could last.   

And then everything suddenly ended, and Hux passed out.  

Chapter Text

Hux fidgeted a little. It was cold around, but he was covered with a warm blanket, which he pulled closer to his body. He still wanted to sleep. He felt so tired. Hux was almost falling asleep again when someone started stroking his hair.   

"No..."   

“Master… You must get up…”   

Hux shook his head. Whatever happened, it wasn't important.   

“Master…”   

Then there was the sound of the door opening. Hux involuntarily wondered why all these people were in his bedroom.   

"Is he awake yet?"   

"No..."   

"Master?"   

And the other pair of hands.   

Hux sighed exasperatedly and opened his eyes, ready to give a piece of his mind to anyone who dared disturb his sleep. He was an emperor, he was entitled to sleep! But then, when he finally looked around, he sleepily noticed that this wasn't his bedroom. He heard a strange hum, which he soon recognized as the hum of the ship's engines. And by the looks of the cabin, it had to be a Night Buzzard.   

Hux blinked a few times. And then he slowly began to remember everything that had happened. Sith citadel, dead Sith, strange orb, altar... oh...   

And then Hux realized he was naked.   

Hux pulled the blanket closer to his body and slowly sat up. Kuruk sat on the edge of the bed while Vicrul stood next to him.   

"What..."   

"You passed out," Kuruk said.   

"And the ritual?"   

"Succeeded."   

Hux didn't feel much more powerful. More like an AT-AT fell on him.   

"You must rest," Vicrul nodded. "It was wilder than I expected... Probably because of the place..."   

"You had no idea what was going to happen?!"   

Vicrul shrugged as if it was nothing.   

“I was planning a different kind of ritual.”  

Realizing what Vicrul was talking about, Hux had to do something to keep himself from crawling under the covers in shame. Ritual! How he didn't realize it right away! Although he remembered the whole thing a bit hazy, probably because of whatever was in that clay pot...   

"Okay... I... Where are my clothes?"   

Vicrul nodded at the pile of black fabric in the corner of the bed. Hux noticed that the pile was suspiciously small.   

"Where's my coat?"   

"Destroyed," Kuruk shrugged.   

Hux looked from Kuruk to Vicrul, but neither seemed to want to clarify.   

"Destroyed..."   

“The Finalizer spoke,” said Vicrul. "They found a small Resistance base on one planet. Something about scout droids. They want us back. We'll be there in about half an hour."   

Hux nodded and waited impatiently for the two men to understand that they were to leave. As soon as the door closed on them, Hux fell back into bed.   

He slept with Vicrul. And then with Ushar. He honestly hoped that was all because after Ushar. He didn't remember anything after.   

Hux rubbed his face and carefully stood up. The door to the bathroom was open next to the cabin, Hux took his clothes and locked himself in the bathroom.   

He froze in shock as he looked at himself in the small battered mirror. He had bruises on his neck. Even in the lousy lighting, Hux was sure to recognize the teeth marks. He had more bruises on his chest. Even lower. And he still had bloody marks on his chest.   

Hux exhaled and leaned against the sink for a few seconds. He looked... awful. Like some kind of victim... Wasn't he technically a victim of a dark ritual?   

Remembering the blood of the two cut guards, he still might have ended well. Better bruises, like a cutthroat.   

Hux finally shook his head at that. If it served the purpose, the blood wasn't a problem.   

He was going to think about the orgy part too later.   

The uniform was crumpled. Sometimes dirty. Hux still preferred not to think about the fate of the coat. Maybe rolling around the floor of the Sitsh Citadel in uniform wasn't the best idea. But still, Hux got into the best condition he could muster in a place like Night Buzzard, and made it to the door just as the ship was landing in the Finalizer hangar.   

"Plan?"   

"We'll find out what they found. If it was the scavenger, I think Kylo be on a rampage. But any destroyed Resistance base is better than nothing."   

Knights around nodded. Hux barely made it down the ramp when the door opened, and Mitaka appeared at his side.   

"Sir! You're back!"   

Hux tilted his head in question. He was gone for what, two days? But Mitaka looked like he was going to cry with happiness. Hux sincerely hoped not.   

"What's happening?"   

Mitaka clutched the datapad tightly against his chest. Hux didn't miss how he looked around.   

“We… We found the Resistance base…”   

"Yes, I know that. But that's not all, is it?"   

Mitaka continued to press the datapad in his palms. Hux knew full well that it was his datapad and he always squished the thing in his palms when he was nervous.   

"I… I tried sir! I tried… To help Kylo Ren to… Have a comfortable command…"   

So Kylo again.   

"Yes, I see what you mean. What happened?"   

Mitaka looked around again. There was hardly anyone in the hangar, it was the night shift. Still, Mitaka looked around as if Kylo was going to jump out of nowhere and try to kill him.   

Maybe it already happened.   

“We… had a shift on the bridge, in the morning… Everything was fine… We sent the drones on a search operation on the planet where the Resistance is supposed to be…”   

"Yes, I see. What happened?"   

“It was fine, but… About an hour into the morning shift, Kylo Ren apologized that he had to leave…”   

"Yes? What's next?"   

"Well... He..."   

"What, Mitaka?! Did he break something again?"   

"He disappeared."   

"What?! How did he disappear? The Silencer is here," Hux argued, pointing to Kylo's ship, which was partially hidden behind the Night Buzzard.   

"We... We don't know where he is... We were in his cabin, I personally went through the Knights' rooms as well... I just peeked," he blurted out as the Knights turned to him. "But he's nowhere! We've gone through the camera footage, soldiers and officers are looking for him!"   

Hux rubbed his face. He didn't need this. He had a Resistance base she needed to destroy.   

"Alright... Go to the bridge and monitor the Resistance. I'll try to check it out."   

Mitaka quickly saluted and ran away. When he was far enough away, Hux turned on the Knights.   

"Do you know anything about it?"   

“He's here, on the ship.”   

Hux gave Kuruk a blank look.   

"The Finalizer is over nine and a half thousand feet long. There are tens of thousands of people. Do you have any more accurate information?"   

"He closed himself off from us," Vicrul shrugged. “He's here, but… We don't know exactly.   

Playing hide and seek with Kylo was not the plan after returning. But it was necessary to find out what happened.   

"Okay... I'll go to my place. We'll meet on the bridge in half an hour and sort this out."   

Hux unlocked his cabin and walked inside with relief. he would prefer to go back to sleep. After a long hot shower. But that had to wait. Hux headed to the bedroom and unzipped his jacket to throw in the laundry basket. But when he walked into the bedroom and turned on the lights, he screamed in shock.   

"Kylo… What are you doing here?"   

"Leave me alone," Kylo said, pulling a black coat over his head. And Hux realized by the stripes on the sleeve of the coat that it was his own old coat that he had worn as a general.   

Hux didn't remember Kylo being so sentimental. But screaming would surely lead nowhere in this case. Kylo was moody most of the time, but this was unlike him. So Hux finally sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled back his coat so he could see Kylo's face.   

"Kylo… Talk to me… Is something wrong?"   

"Do you want me to leave?"   

Hux was taken aback by the question. Kylo looks surprised for a moment like he doesn't want to say it out loud.   

"No, I… How did you figure that out?"   

Kylo looked away for a few seconds as if trying to piece together a good answer.   

“I… When you were gone… I wanted to meditate that evening…”   

Hux quickly understood where this was going.   

"Scavenger."   

Kylo nodded slowly.   

"She was asking about my... she was asking about Organa. Where is she, if she's alive? I tried to get rid of her... But she had to connect with Organa somehow before we collared Organa... Organa told her about you, about the Knights, about me..."   

Perhaps it was the result of a ritual. but Hux just knew instantly what he was going to hear next.   

"She told you I was using you, for power. To become the rightful emperor. And then I'll get rid of you... She also called you Ben again..."   

Kylo blinked in surprise.   

"How... How do you know..."   

"Maybe it's ritual," Hux shrugged. "Unfortunately, I didn't have time to get to know everything more closely."   

Kylo frowned at the mention of the ritual.   

"Ritual... Is that why you didn't want me there and tasked me to hang out here? So I wouldn't disturb your... wild orgies?!"   

Hux realized that he must indeed have gained some new power. Because through Kylo's growling and barking, he could see what it was all about. That scavenger. She forced the idea that Hux would leave him. Just like people before. And he will be alone again. She played on his insecurities, told him to come back, that he wouldn't be alone like Ben Solo.   

"I missed you there," Hux admitted with unusual sincerity in his voice. "I didn't know what Vicrul and the others were planning... They told me on the spot. But... It would be better to have you there..."   

Kylo just stared at Hux for a moment. Hux took advantage of the moment and stole a quick kiss for himself.   

"Hux… What happened there? Why… You're so different," Kylo breathed and Hux frowned at the regret he heard. "This isn't you... Not the general, the one I knew..."   

"General Hux would rather put a vibroblade in your ribs for what you did to him. He died. He died when others betrayed him. Just like Ben Solo died. Do you want to be that weak boy dependent on others again?"   

"No! You know... you know I don't..."   

Hux nodded in satisfaction.   

“Alright… There's no more Snoke, Palpatine, Skywalker, no one to stop you.   

"You too?"   

Hux chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind Kyle's ear.   

"Oh, Kylo… As if I could ever hold you back… You've always done what you wanted, the opposite of what I told you… To tame such potential would be a sin..."   

"Do you tell others this too? So that they do what you want?"   

"Why don't you take a look yourself? I know you tried to dampen the bond. Why?"   

Kylo turned away again. And Hux noted with amusement how Kylo's scarred face flushed slightly.   

"I... When... Since the ritual began... When you and Vicrul..."   

Kylo was a complicated personality. He had many faces and wild mood swings. Hux knew all this well. But shy Kylo? His face softened strangely, eyes cast down - Hux wanted to eat him alive.   

"Kylo… Did you feel it? Did you look?"   

"Hux..."   

"Would you like to see the result?"   

Kylo jerked his head up. Hux leaned a little closer and slowly began to unbutton the buttons of his shirt as Kylo's eyes darkened a little.   

"Do you think this is enough? That you will undress and I will fall at your feet?"   

Hux shrugged.   

"Sorry for the assumption... I only wanted your help with my injuries... But I'm sure someone else..."  

Hux didn't get around to further explanation. Before he could finish his sentence, he found himself on his back on the bed, Kylo's hand gripping his throat tightly.   

"Do you think I don't know what you're trying to do?! Do you think you can play with me, offer yourself as a cheap whore, and then run off after the others?! Why can they and I can't!"   

Kyle's grip tightened dangerously, but Hux forced himself to stay still. Kylo was apparently more confident when he felt in control of the situation.   

"Kylo… There's no them and you. You're not standing off to the side," Hux replied, gulping as Kylo's fingers dug into the sore spot on his skin. "You're… You're one of us… Whatever's theirs is yours…"   

Kylo's face relaxed a little, though the grip of his fingers remained mercilessly firm.   

"This is what you want? To be… shared?"   

Hux refused to let the shame he would have surely felt before as a general spoil anything. He was now the emperor. He could have anything he wanted. Even an eccentric relationship with the seven Knights of Ren.   

"It's been pleasant so far," Hux admitted. “We should hold a meditation together… You know, after we get rid of the Resistance base, what we found.   

"The Resistance base?"   

"Yes. While you were crying into my coat, the scout droids finally found something."   

Kylo's grip tightened until Hux whimpered.   

"Watch your mouth..."   

"Are we going to go kill some Rebels or… or are you going to keep strangling me?" Hux struggled. "It hurts..."   

"Why I guess," Kylo spat, leaning closer until the two men were staring each other in the eyes. "Look at you, how you look..."   

Hux made no comment. He had no reason to. Kylo finally realized that Hux wasn't going to take this bait and got up.   

"Get dressed," Kylo snapped, heading away from the bedroom. “I want to see that base.”  

Chapter Text

When Hux reached the bridge about ten minutes later, he nearly tripped over Mitaka, who appeared next to him, like out of thin air. 

"You're here, sir!" 

Hux blinked in incomprehension. What was wrong with the man? And then he noticed that Cardo was standing next to Mitaka's workstation. The other Knights were milling about the bridge as usual. But Cardo stood his ground, staring at Mitaka without question. 

"What's wrong?" 

Mitaka went back to squeezing the datapad. 

"Nothing, sir! I... I've got satellite imagery, and..." 

"Mitaka... What's wrong?" 

Kylo, fortunately, understood that Mitaka would say nothing around him, and left to join the rest of the Knights. It took Mitaka a few breaths to speak. 

"Sir... They... the Knights have been waiting for you here... But... That one..." 

"Did he do something?" 

"He... He's standing there staring, sir!" Mitaka blurted out. "The whole thirty-four minutes we've been waiting for you, sir! I haven't done anything, sir! I am loyal to you!" 

Mitaka continued his babbling before Hux stopped him with a raise of his hand. 

"I know you're loyal, no one disputes that. He... Cardo... He's just wary..." 

"The people here are loyal to you, sir!" 

"Yes, I know that, don't worry. They're just intense. Ignore it." 

Mitaka looked like he'd rather jump out of the airlock than approach any of the Knights. But he finally nodded and pointed to the bridge.  

"We have a status report for you, sir." 

The target was clear. In a backwater settlement on an even more backwater, the planet was an old abandoned steel mine. And that was where a handful of Resistance members were supposed to be hiding. Probably not a scavenger hunt, but Hux wasn't picky. It had been a long time since they'd boasted any success. There needed to be something to see. 

While the stormtrooper units were getting ready to board the transporters, Hux stood next to Upsilon. While he was on the bridge working out the best strategy, the Knights had gone off somewhere. And while Hux was now ready to take off, cutting short his wait by checking the blasters he had on him, the Knights were still nowhere to be seen.  

Hux finally put the blasters back in place and unconsciously tugged on the sleeve of his new uniform. He was just about to leave the bridge when Mitaka informed him that the new uniform was ready in his quarters. And Hux conceded that with this being the first battle of the Final Order and his first as Emperor, he might as well look good. The uniform was basically what everyone in the Order still wore. Hux liked the cut, he'd been used to it for years. It was the better and more expensive jacket and coat material, the material of the cloak was the same as what Kylo wore. A detail that Hux liked. He'd rather look like the Emperor and Master of the Knights of Ren than run around in white and gold like some old Imperial reminiscing about his dead career. The gold decorative buttons on his jacket and coat were quite enough. But since Emperor wasn't technically a military rank, the sleeves were woefully empty. Hux had grown too accustomed to the stripes denoting his rank as a general. Hux finally tugged on the sleeves one more time to compensate for the non-existent wrinkling of the fabric. The uniform was still stiff and a little uncomfortable to wear. 

"Master!" 

Hux watched uneasily as the Knights walked through the hangar. Their arrival was indeed impressive, as always, but Hux would have appreciated less menacing elegance and more speed now.  

"Where have you been? I've been waiting for you for ten minutes!" 

"We... We were preparing for battle..." 

Hux turned to Kuruk and squinted his eyes.  

"You're lying, aren't you?" 

"Can you tell?" asked Vicrul with interest. "Remarkable... How would you describe the feeling?" 

Hux knew a decoy when he saw one.  

"I would describe it as trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. What were you doing?" 

"It's complicated." 

Hux sighed in exasperation. He didn't have time for that right now. And unless it was another dark ritual or a dead emperor rising from the grave, it wasn't important now. So he nodded to Upsilon. 

"Can we finally get going?" 

"Nice," Vicrul nodded, looking around as they all came aboard.  

"You've never been here before?" 

"The others always took the Night Buzzard," Kylo explained.  

"I want to fly," Kuruk said. 

"No," Hux shook his head and settled into the co-pilot's seat. "Kylo's flying." 

"Why?" 

"Because you're lying to me." 

Hux watched disinterestedly as Kuruk stood in the corner of the cockpit and folded his arms across his chest. He wasn't impressed; he'd seen that pose all too often with Kylo.  

Hux somehow secretly suspected that the whole thing wouldn't be much of a success. And he was right.  

The rest of the galaxy would learn a different story. They'll learn of the Final Order's overwhelming victory, they'll see footage of cowardly Resistance minions running away and surrendering.  

The truth, unfortunately, was that there were dozens of Resistance sympathizers in the mines with lousy training and even lousier weapons. Defeating them was like murdering children. Fun, maybe, but not very satisfying.  

But among all the screaming rebels, they found a woman Kylo had no hesitation in identifying as a close friend of General Organa. A former Republic politician, now in hiding in exile after the destruction of the Hosnian system. What good memories. Hux didn't much think the woman would have any important information, but it was worth questioning. 

Hux walked thoughtfully through the makeshift camp deep in the mine. Everything seemed to be basic equipment, some food, and ammunition. Not enough for all the people hiding here. Maybe this would be a nice example of propaganda, showing the galaxy how poorly the Resistance took care of their people. The propaganda people would weep with happiness if they could release another war movie.  

"Hux?" 

"Huh?" 

Kylo appeared beside him and looked around. 

"Something wrong?" 

"I was hoping for something more," Hux admitted.  

"Oh, you wanted to spill the blood of your enemies in the heat of battle?" 

Hux folded his arms across his chest. 

"And you didn't?" 

"I admit, it was boring," Kylo nodded, taking one last look around. "Let's go back. We can go practice after return if you want. And then we'll interrogate the woman." 

"Come on, one more..." 

Hux shook his head, barely able to catch his breath. 

"No, I can't anymore..." 

However, Kylo remained stubborn, completely oblivious to the fact that Hux was barely on his feet. 

"You can. It's only the third round!" 

"No!" 

"I can last all day!" 

"That's stupid!" 

"I've done it before..." 

Hux snorted in disdain, but finally nodded and picked up his practice sword from the ground. They must have been in the gym for hours. And Hux had to admit with shame that his physique was much worse than he expected. While Kylo looked perfectly at ease, repeating the agreed-upon series of moves in a practice match, Hux felt that he might pass out soon. His style has improved, and so has his speed. But there was still room for improvement. 

"Sir!" 

Hux stopped in mid-motion and looked towards the gym door from where Mitaka was running towards him. Hux pointed out. Mitaka never ran around the ship. Even Kylo looked suspicious. 

"Yes?" 

"Rebels! They sent us a message!" 

"What?!" 

Mitaka stopped snugly in front of Hux, completely ignoring any form of greeting from a superior officer, and shoved the datapad in Hux's face. 

The message was short and clear. In a week, the leaders of the Resistance demanded a meeting on an unknown planet. It had to be somewhere beyond the Edge, the planet only had a number. According to the report, it was supposed to be a peaceful meeting. Before Hux could reread the message to make sure he hadn't missed anything, Kylo ripped the datapad from his hand. 

"It's a trap!" 

Hux rolled his eyes. Everyone saw this fact. 

"Where is that planet?" Hux asked. 

Mitaka was about to reply and reached for the datapad, perhaps to show the map. But Kylo growled and crushed the datapad in his hands. 

"I know the place! It's a trap!" 

And then he threw the broken datapad to the ground and ran out of the gym. 

Hux sighed tiredly, watching Mitaka pick up the remains of his datapad from the ground. 

"Come on," Hux nodded and put the sword in the stand, "we'll go check it out... And I'll get you a new datapad on the way.." 

Mitaka gave a quick nod of gratitude and the two made their way to the bridge. However, when they got to the elevator doors, Mitaka cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. 

"Yes?" 

“You… You are the commander of the Knights of Ren, sir?” 

"You could say that," Hux nodded, and they both entered the elevator. "Why the question?" 

Mitaka fidgeted nervously. Hux noticed that when it came to things outside of the Knights, the Force, or Kylo, Mitaka was still the brilliant young officer. But when it came to the mentioned things, Mitaka was already very traumatized. 

"I... They... I wanted to... I want to file an official complaint," Mitaka finally blurted out. 

"To whom?" 

"On... On the Knight?" 

"Which one?" 

"I don't know the name," Mitaka admitted. "The one that stares like that! He's always somewhere nearby, sir, watching. It's... annoying..." 

"Yes, they can be a little insensitive. But Cardo has no reason to watch over you, he just..." 

The door of the lift opened. And there stood Cardo. 

Mitaka gave Hux a significant look. It didn't go unnoticed by Hux that Mitaka hid behind him a bit. Okay, this was weird. Hux was ready to say that Mitaka was just imagining that Cardo was following him. But the Knights were supposed to be in the hangar, they claimed to be working on the Night Buzzer. There was no reason for Cardo to be here. 

"Is there something wrong?" 

"No," Cardo replied. 

And then he turned and disappeared around the corner. 

"Weird," Hux nodded thoughtfully. 

"He's a little scary, sir," Mitaka admitted in a whisper as if he was afraid Cardo would hear him. 

"I'll talk to him. They... They're a little strange, yes..." 

Hux was never a fan of having personal conversations with NCOs. But now, as emperor, he could only talk to the Knights. Everyone else was below him. Plus... Mitaka has always been a bit of an exception. The man was so loyal that he would do anything. He has NEVER shown any particular desire for promotion. It seemed his only interest was to serve Hux. 

"They're... Scaring the crew, sir... Rumors are spreading..." 

"Yes? What kind?" 

Gossip and gossip were always good sources of information, even if it was mostly nonsense. 

Mitaka slowed down as they neared the bridge. 

“We… Just… You've changed, sir,” Mitaka muttered, staring at the ground. “The crew is worried… Are you all right sir...” 

What loyalty. Hux could almost feel Mitaka's concern and care he felt. He certainly didn't deserve the stalking and surveillance that Cardo tormented him with. 

"There's no need to worry," Hux replied. "Everything is fine. You better show me the map of that planet, We'll see what the Resistance is up to." 

Chapter Text

Hux managed to get through the first five minutes of the hastily called meeting where High Command was dealing with the Resistance report before all the Knights burst into the meeting room. The officer standing by the holoprojector was startled and accidentally tripped over a chair behind him.  

Hux rubbed his cheeks. He could feel it, an impending headache.  

"It's a trap!"  

"That's what you said, yes," Hux nodded at Kylo. "Twice. That's why we're here. We're trying to figure out what kind of trap it might be."  

"They will want to kill you!"  

Kylo was clearly on a killing spree. Hux appreciated this display of returning to the Dark Side but now was not the best time or place for it.  

"Sit down," Hux replied, pointing to an empty chair next to him. "Let's discuss this, shall we? You said you knew the planet. What exactly do you know?"  

Kylo liked to cause scenes. But he was also happy to be useful. And so he finally sat down and nodded at the holo map.  

"It's a mining centre, abandoned since the fall of the Republic. There are hundreds of IL tunnels. Perfect for ambushes. There is an asteroid strip around the planet. They know we won't be able to get close with the big cruisers."  

"Yes," nodded the officer who had been talking about the holomaps earlier. "Communications are down there due to frequent electromagnetic storms. If something were to happen, we wouldn't be able to react quickly. We're trying to find maps of the mines, but many of the Republic's archives have been destroyed."  

Of course. Hux was certain that the Resistance had chosen the planet for these conditions. But there was something else.  

"Okay. Try to find what you can. See you tomorrow this time."  

Hux waited for everyone to leave before remotely locking the door.  

"Why would they choose a place you know so well?"  

"Maybe they don't know," Kylo shrugged.  

Hux didn't need the Dark Ritual of the Sith to know that Kylo was hiding something again.  

"What happened?"  

“We… We have a plan,” Vicrul began slowly. "But... You won't like it..."  

Hux sighed, the headache slowly getting worse. Another plan he doesn't like...  

"Who will we sacrifice this time?"  

"Kylo."  

Hux stopped.  

"What?!"  

"It's a good plan," Kylo replied quickly. "It occurred to me that… That scavenger is still trying to connect with me. We can take advantage of that!"  

"How?!"  

“I will betray and run from the Final Order.“  

A heavy silence filled the meeting room. It took Hux a few seconds to find the words.  

"Wait... So you want to run after her. Just pretending. And how is that going to help us?!"  

"I'll get to them!" Kylo blurted out. "I'll talk them into taking me to that meeting. We'll strike there."  

"Good plan," Kuruk said.  

"No, that's not a good plan! What if something happens!"  

"Scavenger believes Ben Solo can come back. So I'll give him to her. She's desperate, she'll believe it."  

Hux hated how determined Kylo looked.  

"You don't care what I say... You'll leave..."  

Kylo bowed his head.  

"It's a good solution... We don't know where they are. The war has been going on for too long..."  

"What if they capture you? What about Organa? They'll wonder why you ran away, and she... Oh... You want to free her. Run away with her so they'll trust you..."  

"Yes."  

Hux turned to the remaining Knights.  

"You agree with this?!"  

"It's a good chance," Vicrul shrugged. "It will take weeks to find the Resistance. This is good."  

"Good?!"  

"Organa will defend her son. He will be safe."  

They had made up their minds, Hux realized. Another plan without any of them bothering to tell him anything. So much for being someone's Master.  

“Master, we…”  

Hux stood up abruptly and walked around the table to the door.  

"Do as you think. I have other work to do."  

Even as Kylo tried to stop him, Hux slipped past and quickly walked away.  

Within an hour, Hux was informed that General Organa had escaped from prison under strange circumstances. According to reports, a woman stole a TIE fighter and jumped into hyperspace before anyone could do anything.  

Hux could only sneer at that. Kylo really didn't wait for anything and got away as fast as he could. At least he didn't kill anyone. It looked more like Organa had run off on her own.  

At the end of the day, Hux retired to his room, took a bottle of whiskey with him, and crawled into bed. What will he do next? Should he have publicly called Kyle a traitor? That would certainly be convincing. But then how will he explain what it was just like?  

And was it a pretence? Or did Kylo yearn for his old life, full of resentment for Hux taking the Order and the Knights from him?  

Hux finally put the half-empty bottle on the table and turned off the lights. It was pointless. Kylo was already gone, and there was no going back.  

The next day the mood on the ship was very grim. The escape of General Organa was perceived as a big problem. The officers preferred to avoid Hux in the morning. And they did well.  

Hux was incredibly disturbed from the morning. Hitting headache from night drinking, along with the feeling of being abandoned, just confirmed to him that Kylo might not have played it. Maybe he just took advantage of the situation to finally get out of Hux's influence. This would correspond to the speed with which he gave up the First Order command. Old Kylo Ren would fight for every draw of power he could have. But now? He simply agreed and signed everything Hux submitted to him. Previously, Hux hoped it was a symbol of his loyalty as a renewed Knight of Ren. But now, the more Hux thought about it, standing on the bridge, he saw it more like betrayal.  

"Master?"  

Hux did not bother to turn his head, now feeling the presence of the remaining knights behind without problems. Looks like Dark Ritual worked perfectly.  

"Yes?"  

"He didn't do it..."  

Hux frowned. This was not the right place or time for such a discussion. The Final Order just lost the advantage over the Resistance. And it was necessary to do something quickly. Hux noticed it. The crew was loyal to him. But the mood was at the freezing point. And Hux knew that if it would go on that way, someone could start a rebellion.  

"I don't want to hear it now," Hux said sharply and looked out of the bridge. Several cruisers were around his ship, all on alert. Hux, of course, sent reconnaissance units to General Organ hunting, even though he knew they couldn't find her. All thanks to Kylo.  

"Master..."  

Hux turned and frowned.  

"Didn't I talk enough clearly?"  

The Knights nodded slowly. Except Vicrul. Hux has noticed for a long time how Vicrul was doing what he wanted. And Hux had enough of this rebelling. The potential disobey of the orders was not something that Hux could now afford.  

"Master, we think..."  

Hux took a step closer to Knights. He was too aware that the whole bridge's crew had observed them.  

"Do you have something you would like to discuss in my office?"  

There was silence for a moment.  

"No, Master..."  

Hux leaned closer so only Vicrul could hear him, no one else.  

"Remember your place," Hux said coldly and left the bridge.  

Hux passed through the corridors of the Finalizer, a vigorous step pounding the way to the bottom of the ship. Vicrul and the rest of the Knights joined him without prompting, which only worsened Hux's mood. Their unwillingness to listen to any command was terrible. Hux often wondered how they managed to serve so long without being executed for treason.  

"Where are we going, Master?" Kuruk asked after a while.   

"Into prison. We still managed to capture one woman from the former Senate. I don't believe that the woman knows anything important. I want to know everything she has in her head."  

Kuuk nodded slowly. At least someone in this group knew when to talk and when to remain silent.   

"I feel restless, master..."  

Hux frowned and stopped, turning to Vicrul.   

"I don't remember asking for some kind of opinion or health analysis."  

Vicrul took a step closer. Hux refused to take a step backwards.   

"I just think... that the whole situation may have been a bit dramatised, Master"  

Hux frowned deeply.  

"What do you mean?"  

Vicrul looked at the others. And Hux felt it.   

Doubts.   

"Do you intend to betray me like Kylo?" Hux asked directly.   

"No, Master!" Cardo said quickly.   

The others also shook their heads. But Hux was too paranoid to take this to trust them.   

"And why should I trust you? After you supported Kylo's plan, he escaped and took our only lever against the resistance?"  

"We swore loyalty," Vicrul said.  

Hux grinned. As if words meant something today.   

"I don't need oaths. I need results."  

Hux looked as Ushar took a step near and bow his head.  

"How can we prove loyalty, Master?"  

Hux pointed to the door to the part where there was a prison.   

"She's there. I want everything she knows. And I want her to breathe at the end. At least a little. Then she'll serve us a little later."  

Ushar nodded without hesitation and went to the prison. The others followed him.  

Except Vicrul.   

Hux crossed his hands on his chest.   

"Your actions could be seen as a betrayal."  

"We're worried about you, Master," Vicrul said.  

Hux frowned as he heard the gentle, caring tone.   

"The reason for your worries?"  

Vicrul looked around.   

"We meditated..."  

Hux snorted. Maybe if all the Knights were more likely to follow orders than meditation, this damn war could have been over.   

There was a muffled screaming through the corridor, coming to prison. Hux ignored it.   

Vicrul sighed and took off his helmet.   

"Mediated," he repeated. "And we're worried... worries if the ritual we did wasn't..."  

"Wasn't that?"  

"Too much."  

Hux frowned even more.  

"What does that even mean?"  

"We... We acted on the basis of... Let's say a vision..."  

Hux was cautious. Vicrul could usually talk for hours about the Dark Side of Force and all those things around. But now he was strangely unwilling to say more. Moreover, now the strong bond between Hux and others was strangely trembling.   

Concern and unwillingness.   

"There's something you have hidden from me again? Because this is getting really like a rebellion attempt," Hux asked coldly.   

Vicrul took a deep breath.   

"We weren't... quite honest... Not the way you mean! We're loyal to our Master! Just..."  

Hux leaned closer to Vicrul's personal space, fully using the fact that he was higher.   

"My patience is running out...."  

Vicrul bow his head.  

"You... You weren't born as Force Sensitive...."  

"I know it" Hux barked.   

Vicrul nodded again. His unwillingness to reveal more was literally tangible.   

"We... Already during the first ritual, at the death of Palpatine, we... took advantage of the ritual that artificially creates this sensitivity. But... Previously they were just experiments what old Siths were performing for... scientific reasons. It has always been a little bit of power, the small amount Siths used in the experiments. So far you..."  

"While I got more Force..."  

Vicrul nodded.   

"A lot. We gathered everything we could get from Palpatine at his death. We kept Force in the form of the Orbs you saw in Exodus... But..."  

"How many orbs do you have?" Hux asked directly.  

"Three," Vicrul murmured.   

Hux leaned his head.  

"So it's about... Are you afraid I will die in the next ritual?"  

Vicrul shook his head.  

"There are much worse things than death..."  

Chapter Text

The room was full of painful sighs and whining. Hux stood by the wall, watching the blood drops dripping on the steel floor of the interrogation room.   

The woman tied to the table barely breathed. But a small medical droid, working hard on her tortured body, will certainly make sure that the woman does not get out of her misery as easily as death.   

Ushar came to Hux and bowed.   

"Everything went successful," he said, almost in a pleasing voice. "She spoke. A lot."  

Hux looked at a woman, now unconscious.   

"Who is it exactly?"  

"As Kylo said, a former member of the Senate. And close friend of General Organa," Vicrul said. "It seems that after the general disappeared, the members of the Resistance decided to hide her on the planet that your soldiers occupied. Therefore, there were so few soldiers. They probably did not expect you would find that planet, Master."  

Hux nodded slowly. The member of the fallen Senate. And the friend close to the general. This might be useful for a future meeting that the Resistance was so convincing to make.   

It would be a trap. Or the Resistance feels they losing.  

"We found something else," Kuruk said quietly. "City."  

"City?"  

Kuruk nodded.   

"She remembered it only briefly. It was where they hid her before she was being transported to the mining planet. She did not know the name. But according to the description, I knew what place she was talking about during interrogation."  

Huxe was interested in this information. It seems that Kuruk's pilot experience came in handy.   

"What is this place?" Hux asked.  

"They seem to hide the remaining members of the Senate and other high leaders who were not on planets that were destroyed in the Starkiller attack."  

Hux has started to like this more and more. It was clear to him that even though Starkiller destroyed several planets, many were certainly out of other places. If the resistance hid them in one place...  

"Where is it?"  

Kuuk came closer and handed Hux the data pad.   

"Here. The whole planet is an abandoned business place that was used by Empire. After the fall of the Empire, nobody did not try to restore the place. It is an abandoned planet, with only a few local inhabitants."  

Hux looked at the map, investigating the planet and its surroundings. It was a good choice for shelter. The planets like this are all around. Small planets that served for trade. When the Empire fell, the traders scattered and left everything behind."  

Hux nodded slowly. Perfect. It is a pity that Starkiller still did not exist anymore. It would be a question of one order. Shame...  

"You should build another one."  

Hux lifted his head from the date and looked at Cardo.  

"Excuse me?"  

"Starkiller. It was a unique thing. Build another one."  

Hux laughed a little for himself. Cardo was a fan of technical things, Hux already knew. But this was a little over the line.   

"You can't just say 'build another Starkiller'. It was a project for several years. Thousands of people. Credits."  

"You're Emperor. You can build more."  

Hu blinked. That was true. He was the Emperor, although still without coronation. He could do what he wanted...  

But it will have to wait now. Now there were more urgent things to solve.   

"Even if it sounds tempting, it will have to wait. Now we have to figure out what to do with this planet... Where is the city located?"  

"In the north" Kuruk replied.   

Hux nodded.   

"We have to do a survey. Quickly before finding out that this woman is gone and the rest is dead."  

Meeting  of the Final Order was mess. The room was full of higher officers, each with a lower officer as a help. Hux had a Mitaku by his own side, who managed to recover from the last confrontation with Cardo, and at least act as a proper soldier.   

One of the commanders of the other cruisers turned to Hux.  

"Sir, we must attack immediately! We have the cruisers, and the planet is close. One hyperjump, we will surprise them, and bomb their city!"  

Before Hux could just open his mouth, another commander of cruiser started talk.  

"That's too risky! We don't know how many are there, who is there! We can lose the valuable prisoners!"  

Hux looked around a room full of arguing people. Amazing. This was supposed to be the Final Order command.    

"Gentlemen," Hux said, letting his words resonate over room.   

It was only necessary to use a fraction of the Force in his speech to turn the heads of all in his direction and everyone fell silence.   

Hux looked around the room.   

"As has been said, the bombing is not possible. Although I would like to see this planet burn, we do not know who is on its surface. Every important member of the former Senate of the republic is key. We need to do a survey, and quickly. According to the information we got from the prisoner, the city is located in the northern part of the planet, near the former shopping centre. Archivists managed to find several older maps. And in this part of the planet, there are several underground spaces that could resist as a shelter. "  

Hux waved his hand, and the projector clicked and showed a large map with several points marked.   

"These are the places. Some ideas?"  

People were quiet for a long time. Surprisingly, one of the younger officers, Hux recognized him from the Department of weapons, raised his hand.  

"Sir?"  

Hux nodded.   

The officer looked nervously around.  

"It looks like an easy place to scounting. But I think that if there are important people hiding there, there will be some security around these places. The cruiser or larger ship will see on their radar, so..."  

"We know that," Hux said. "I want to hear a solution."  

The officer nodded quickly.   

"We... Our department is working on new drones. Stealth. We used the radar what was in the Poa Demeron fighter, for training. And the radar didn't catch our drones."  

Hux leaned closer with interest. He has always been able to appreciate good technique. Even other older officers and commanders looked biased.  

"How many drones are ready?"  

"Twenty, sir," the younger officer quickly replied. "We can get them on the far side of the planet with the small transporter and release the drones. So they will not see us.  Drones will give us up-to-date information in real-time."  

Hux was surprised. Finally, someone on this damn ship was doing their job!  

"Mitako, I want a complete documentation of this project. And the managers of this project in my office in an hour."  

Mitaka quickly saluted and quickly left for the meeting room.   

The young apparently were the future.   

"Great," Hux nodded. "Such drones can bring us an advantage..."  

The younger officer nodded and thanked, visibly almost overwhelmed with praise.  

Hux slowly walked through the Department of Weapons Development, looking for new drones. Although the meeting was supposed to be in his office, after a while of the interview Hux decided to visit the department in person.  

After advancing to the commander of the whole Final Order and taking over the role of the future Emperor, he had to admit that he had lost closer contact with many things he had previously watched carefully. There was just no time. But now Hux returned to the lower floors of the Finalizer with love.  

Hux leaned closer, ignoring the Knights who scattered around the department, apparently interested in the new technology that people worked on here. The drone itself was small and inconspicuous. Something that everyone could easily overlook.  

"How long will it last?"  

The chief officer of the department rushed with the answer.  

"Three days, sir. They have a more limited battery capacity due to size. Active camouflage also consumes a large part of the battery.”