Kylo Ren entered the dark council room with Hux at his side, both moving swiftly to fall to their knees before the looming presence of Tor Valum's hologram. The room was cold and dimly lit, the flickering blue light from the hologram casting eerie shadows on the walls.
The hologram of Tor Valum, the God Emperor of the First Order, stood tall and menacing. His dark robes flowed around him, and his eyes, though ethereal, pierced through the air with an intensity that demanded respect and fear.
Hux, ever the loyal servant, was the first to speak. "My Lord, it is done. Captain Phasma has retrieved the second datachip. There are two more left."
Tor Valum's expression remained unreadable, but his voice carried a tone of satisfaction. "Excellent work, General Hux. Your efficiency is commendable. The completion of our mission is within sight."
Kylo Ren, still on his knees, took a deep breath before speaking. "My Lord, I must report that Wedge Antilles is dead. However, during the battle, I sensed a presence. They were not on the battlefield but aboard a shuttle heading towards it. The girl I have told you about before—the one strong with the Force—she was there."
Hux scoffed, unable to hide his disdain and amusement. "Are we really to concern ourselves with some girl, Kylo? Or is this just some childish infatuation? A crush on a girl you can't stop thinking about?"
Before Hux could finish his sentence, Kylo's anger flared. He stood up abruptly, extending his hand. The Force surged through him, lifting Hux off the ground and slamming him against the wall with a resounding thud. Hux gasped, struggling for breath, his eyes wide with shock and fear.
Kylo's voice was a low, dangerous growl. "You dare mock me, Hux? This girl is a threat to our plans. Her connection to the Force is unlike anything I've ever encountered. She must be dealt with."
Tor Valum watched the exchange with a calm, almost amused expression. When he spoke, his voice was a cold, calculated whisper. "Enough, Kylo. Release him."
Kylo hesitated for a moment, his hand still outstretched, but then he lowered it, letting Hux drop to the floor in a heap, gasping for air.
Tor Valum's eyes shifted between the two men, his expression growing darker. "Kylo is correct, Hux. Do not underestimate the significance of this girl. The Force is strong with her, and she could become a formidable enemy if left unchecked. Focus on retrieving the remaining datachips, but also ensure that this girl is found and dealt with."
Hux, still catching his breath, nodded weakly. "Yes, my Lord."
Kylo, his anger barely contained, bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I will see to it personally, my Lord. She will not interfere with our plans."
Tor Valum's hologram flickered, and his voice echoed through the dark council room, carrying a tone of unyielding authority. "Kylo, Hux, your next task is to draw the girl out. Capture her and bring her to the Bastion. She could be valuable to us. Do not fail me."
With those final words, the hologram faded, leaving Kylo Ren and General Hux standing in the cold, dimly lit room. The tension between them was palpable, but they both understood the gravity of their orders.
Kylo turned to Hux, his expression a mix of determination and calculation. "We need to find a way to draw her out without creating a massive battle. A direct assault would attract too much attention and risk."
Hux, still feeling the lingering effects of Kylo's earlier outburst, nodded reluctantly. "Agreed. If we provoke a large-scale conflict, the New Republic and the Resistance will undoubtedly respond in full force. We need to be strategic about this."
