Settle Grey Marks

Twelve : Homecoming Pain

Hux's POV

"General Hux. Welcome back."

The Supreme Leader's voice vibrated against the solid rock wall foundation of his hologram throne room. His hoarse, deep, breathy voice bounced from the walls, colliding with the soft stepping of my footing as I made my way up the walkway. Ren was already present, looking over his shoulder at me hearing the mention of my name. His gaze returned back to the Supreme Leader once I reached the small circular platform.

"Supreme Leader Snoke." I greeted back, standing besides Ren.

I stood patiently with a fresh appearance in a new set of uniform. I was glad to have freshened up before coming here as I needed time to cover up things in my mind. No matter if Leader Snoke could easily read my mind, but still.

"Finally, you've greeted us with your presence. Your absence was concerning." The hologram image of him flicked for a second, displaying his eyes to be switching between me to Ren.

"My apologies Supreme Leader. The mission had taken much more effort than we originally thought."

Snoke furrowed his brow bone, tightening his short lips and hummed in response. His head tilted upwards, casting a shadow down his face before he tilted it back down to us. A single ray of light from the rock walls had shone through and highlighted the right side of his upper face, only displaying his right eye in clear view.

"I expect the mission didn't cause too much interference, or delays for you, General Hux?"

I noticed the slight tilt of the head Ren did to look at me without causing suspicion of concern.

"The proprietor of the establishment was close to causing a scene when we had visuals on the correct target." I didn't stop myself from turning towards Ren, making sure I emphasized on the word 'correct'.

Snoke grinned and gave a short 'yes', making Ren tilt his head higher and ignoring me. I contained my smirk and faced back at Snoke.

"(Continuing) It was nothing I couldn't handle. The target came willingly after much deliberation when faced with the truth of being cornered and had no will to fight."

It was so far from the truth of what really happened but this was the Supreme Leader I was speaking to. I had to give him something to make it believable for him, not for Ren. I no longer cared if Ren believed me or not, or if he managed to find the truth. In the end what would it matter as the target resides in the Unknown Regions where no one dares to venture by will. Besides, the location of the second base is already being relocated. Again, what would it matter?

"A success. Information has been retrieved I suspect?" Snoke extended a hand, gesturing towards me as I nodded my head in response to his question.

"Supreme Leader, reports from the General's mission don't bear truth to what General Hux just stated. I'm afraid there's more than he's letting on."

My jaw tightened instantly, feeling my nose flare out as I took a deep breath. The thought of back handing Ren was there and I didn't do much in trying to hide the image. Snoke leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at us.

"Careful General, you're exposing yourself. As for you Kylo Ren, nothing you say or come to find will change the outcome of the successful mission General Hux fixed from your mistake."