Defect

VII

Pain riddled the prisoner's face as he was thrusted back into the table. I could see the cadet shudder from the display; the more the screams rang out, the more he would fidget where he stood. On the other hand, I was fascinated; it was quite the sight to see when you weren't on the receiving end, but I don't recall it being painful; it was like having someone pressing their fingers into your temples. Maybe it was a different method? Regardless, anyone could see his efforts were about to gain traction. With one more flicker of his hand and one final bellow. The rebel had sub come

"E-en-enough!" the prisoner wailed, gasping between breaths. "Please no more, I'll tell you where the file is. Just don't hurt me anymore..." he sobbed,

"I'm glad we have finally reached an understanding." Kylo Ren scoffed, leaning closer to the prisoner. "Now where is it?" he threatens

"I...I gave it to the trooper that helped me escape!" tears began to run down his furry face, feelings of betrayal, no doubt.

I felt the same; it's almost hilarious how you can easily sympathize with the enemy. I had a sinking feeling in my gut as heat engulfed my face; I was livid. It had to be a lie, right? It was terrible enough helping this fool escape but had she fully defected by supporting the rebels, that was a point of no return. My head throbbed; with each knock of my heart. Kylo Ren stepped back from the table, taking in the broken man as if he was admiring what he just accomplished. Maybe Nine-One's theory held some merit; perhaps he did enjoy watching others suffer, but now wasn't the time for jokes. I stepped closer to my commander, my hand gripping my EC-17 hold-out blaster handle.

"Sir, do you mind if I chime in?" I asked,

"By all means, Captain. He is all yours." He said, stepping back even further to the frightened cadet.

I hovered over the prisoner; his eyes were pressed closed, attempting to cease his tears. I took a deep breath; he was still in a weakened state of mind. This would be the opportune time to get what else I needed out of him.

"You said you gave it to the defective trooper?" I leaned in, his glossy eyes devoid of life stared up at me. " She wasn't apprehended last night; so, where did she go? I know you scum have holes everywhere that you all hide in, like the womp-rats you are." I said, bringing my helmed face to his ear; with no reply, I placed a firm hand upon the knee that I kicked the night before. With each second unanswered, my grip became tighter.

His sobs resumed, with his breathing becoming more labored with each inhale. With my fingertips managing to cup the cap of the joint completely, I could say that I partly admire his tenacity for wanting to protect his silly "cause." However, it was far too late for any more praises, and this routine was already becoming tidies.

"Where. Is. She?" my tone more severe, the pursue in my hand as tight as I possibly make it.

"We split on Batuu! I told her to meet one of my connections there so she could find her own way off that rock, but I swear to the Maker that is all I know!" he wailed, breathing a hefty sigh of relief with my grip loosened from him finally telling what I wanted to hear.

"See, was that so difficult?" I rose to my feet, facing my commander.

"Good work, Captain. I don't think we will be able to get anything else out of this one. Trooper, dispose of him." Kylo Ren commanded; the poor cadet was stiff, holding his rifle as if it would bring him comfort.

"Dispose of, Sir?" the trooper asked, awkwardly fondling the grips of his rifle.

"Was that order not to your liking?" he said, taking a great stride towards that trembling young man, who shook his head aggressively. "Then do it."