Demoted (Hux X Reader)

An Embarrassment

I was demoted.

I messed up. I really messed up. An entire brigade of stormtroopers plus the backup ships were wiped out by the resistance because of me. I took the bait so foolishly and now tens of thousands are dead. I should have known it was a trap. I was just so anxious to snuff out that damn resistance base that I completely overlooked so many obvious signs. And now my reputation is stained with the blood of my own brigade.

I was demoted.

And subsequently transferred.

I sit at the desk with my head down, too ashamed to even fake any type of confidence at my new superior. My shoulders slouch slightly inward as I wallow in my own humiliation that I brought upon myself. My attention is simply to my lap, taking in the new grey uniform pants of the downgraded rank of Captain. I already miss the dull teal color that once symbolized my rank of Colonel.

"Look at me when I speak to you." He snaps at me from the other side of the desk- his desk.

I slowly scan my eyes up, purposely taking my time just to avoid his neverending cold glowering gaze at me. The General is leaning back in his chair. In his right hand is his datapad with my file pulled up. He reaches his left arm to his desk over the ashtray. His thumb and middle finger holds a half burnt cigarette as he slowly taps it with his index finger, letting the ashes fall. I inhale the secondhand scent. The smell is the only thing that is somewhat warm and comforting in this inhospitable office.

I trail up his shiny jet-black leather gloves to his charcoal black sleeve and two barred armband signifying his rank among the First Order. My eyes make their way past his stiff collar and linger onto his pink lips. He squeezes them together as he discreetly dampens his lips with a flick of his tongue before he takes another quick drag of his cigarette. I'm almost too afraid to continue, but I don't really have a choice in the matter. Finally, I meet his blue glaring eyes that seem to burn frigid holes into me with each second that passes by. I'm frozen in place. His piercing glare makes it difficult to maintain a direct stare, but it's what he has demanded. And as his subordinate, I must follow orders.

"My ship has no place for officers who can't seem to lead properly." His quick and angry words almost make me flinch. He closes the digital file. "It is very unfortunate to have you here rather than a more competent officer. But I suppose I'll have make due with what I was given. Have you been assigned to your quarters yet?" He flicks his chin to the bag by my feet, still not breaking his intimidating stare at me.

"No, General." I answer sheepishly.

He squishes his cigarette into the ashtray. "Then go. You are dismissed for the day."

I silently get up and swing my duffle bag over my shoulders. I turn around towards the door.

"And Captain?"

I look back at him. "Yes, General?"

"A quick word of advice I give to all of my new transfers: If you see a man in black robes and a mask, steer clear of his path."

I scrunch my eyebrows quizzically but thank him for his advice, regardless of my many questions. Whatever he meant by it, I assume the reason for telling me is valid. I take my leave and check in with a specialist that assigns me to my new living quarters. The downgraded size is that of a rectangular room with in wall storage and a single person bed at the furthest point of the room. A little desk is connected at the bed's footboard along with a chair pushed in.

I unpack my bag of civilian clothes and lounge outfits and pajamas. I pull out my old teal uniform and hesitate at it before hanging it up in my closet. I can't bare to look at it again. It now resides at the very end, behind my other clothes, and out of sight.

I order dinner through my datapad and request it to be sent to my quarters. I peel off my grey uniform and lay it neatly on the desk. I fall back on my single sized bed in my underwear and stare at the white ceiling of dim lights. The quiet hum of the vents and cool air forces me to slide under the covers. I silently let my tears flow down my face. This is my life now. I just know that once the other officers catch wind of my demotion, that I will be ridiculed all over again. Once it becomes too much for my superiors to deal with, I will be transferred, again. I bet General Hux is already filling out the documents. How could this get any worse?

A chime of my door bell pulls me out of my growing existential crisis. Is my food here already? I slide out of bed and throw on my silky teal robe. Ugh. Teal. I half hazardly tie it just to cover enough to retrieve my dinner from the droid. I press the button and wait for the door to slide open.

It isn't a droid. The tall black First Order uniform wears a familiar face. His frown and distant blue eyes unapologetically looks down at my very short thin robe and then back up at me, unphased and unamused. "Charming." He says sarcastically.

"General Hux." I breathe out quickly crossing my arms to avoid my robe from loosening up. "I'm sorry. I was expecting a droid."

He holds out a clearance card from behind his back. "I failed to hand this back to you after your clearances were updated."

I take it from him. "Oh. Thank you."

He sniffles his nose. "Hm. Yes." He steals another quick glance. "I should be going." The General twirls his heel and paces off. I close the door and immediately place the card in my uniform pocket to have ready for tomorrow.

Great. I guess things can always get worse. I mentally take note to never answer the door in my robe again.

How embarrassing.