Hunted

Chapter 4: Em

"You should be more careful." The Commander's modulated voice filled the empty air between the two of you. You had been sat, staring at each other, in a small conference room for several minutes. He was studying you.

"What do you mean?" You asked, genuinely curious.

"You are arrogant. It will get you killed."

You smiled subtly, trying not to seem like you were mocking the Commander. Even though he did not scare you, you did not want to set off his temper.

"With all due respect, Commander, I don't get much emotion coming from you other than arrogance. Has it not made you a successful and feared leader? There is always a reason for arrogance. It is earned. You have earned yours and I have earned mine."

Commander Ren cocked his head but said nothing. You weren't sure what that meant, but he moved on.

"Please make no mistake. If you betray me, and I will know if you do, I will not hesitate to kill you." As these words processed through his modulator, you were hit with a sudden and indescribable pain. Your head felt as through it was being slowly peeled open, flesh separating from skull. Your skin was burning as a scream threatened to erupt from your throat. You were seeing blurry memories flash through your mind, like scenes from a holo-drama. As quickly as the pain came, it went. At some point during the excruciating 60-seconds of torture, you slipped from the chair onto the floor and were crumpled on your knees. Your palms were on the cool, metal floor below you, barely coming into focus. Breath was ragged but appreciated.

"Hmm." The Commander stood above you. As you craned your neck to see him, he leaned down to meet you at eye level. "I thought that would be more impressive. My faith may be misplaced."

"I..." before you could begin to protest, Kylo Ren had exited the room. A Trooper then entered and was almost running to help you.

"Here, miss, take my hand." A female voice came from beneath the white bucket-shaped helmet. You reached for her and she helped you steady yourself as your head was still pounding and your limbs were trembling.

"I guess I pissed off your Commander." You tried to laugh but it sounded more like a wince.

"Most people cry, throw up, and pass out. You must be tough." She placed a hand on the small of your back and gently nudged you towards the exit. "Let's get you back to your quarters so you can rest."

"Wait- there's a training center I am able to utilize, right?"

"Of course, miss."

"Great, can you show me?"

"Are you sure you're up for it?

"Yeah, it'll make me feel better. I'm fine, I promise. What should I call you?"

"EM-4830, miss."

"No offense, EM, but I am definitely not going to remember those numbers. Is it okay if I call you Em?" You asked.

"Sure thing, miss. Right this way."

Em escorted you through winding, metal hallways for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, a set of double doors hissed open to reveal a training center that you couldn't have dreamed. A hexagonal room with flooring made of mats. On the far side was a rack full of weapons; knives, blasters, staffs, swords, and more. There were combat droids to practice with as well as protective gear and a shooting range.

"Damn." You said, out loud, gazing at the glorious room. You heard Em laugh as she stood against the wall at attention, waiting for you to figure out what you wanted to train with.