chapter one

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It made sense to me now why uptight and stressed these officers were. The double-breasted tunic and matching trousers were unbearable. Having worn them for a few months, I still haven't gotten used to the uncomfortable feeling. It seemed the First Order cared more about how they looked rather than comfort.

I shifted in my seat as the vessel flew close to the Star Destroyer. I was assigned to lead a group of stormtroopers to track down the rebels that were causing an uprising on a couple of planets and take them out and bring a few for interrogation.

The mission was a success, unfortunately. I could have easily sabotaged the mission, but I didn't. I was given orders to follow and couldn't afford a failure if I'm ever going to reach a higher rank to gain access to their secret plans.

As the vessel landed, I stepped out and made my way to the command center to report to the general about the mission. The three prisoners we captured were being dragged roughly by troopers. There he was with his back turned to me and watching his subordinates like a hawk. Upon hearing me approach, Hux swiftly turned around and spoke.

"Mission accomplished, general. We caught the ones leading the riot and they're ready for interrogation." I informed him with my hands behind my back.

"Well done, officer Shepard." He said to me with a nod and turned to the troopers. "Take them to the cells. We'll interrogate them shortly." He ordered them then his gaze focused on me.

He always looked intimidating and sombre. It was hard to tell when he was in a good mood. His body always stood straight and stiff like any other trained soldier. However, even soldiers got to unwind and relax a bit. I've never seen him less stern since the day I stepped foot on the ship. It shouldn't matter to me anyway, Hux wasn't my main mission.

"You have done exceptionally well so far, officer." Yet another compliment from Hux in one day. Maybe he was in a good mood.

"Thank you, general."

"I could use someone with your remarkable skills when I head to Starkiller base."

I wasn't expecting to tag along so soon. The surprise was evident on my face as my eyes widened and I remained silent for a moment. Then I finally came to my senses and responded with "I'd be honored."

"We shall discuss this further privately, later. Come to my office before dinner. Now back to work." He ordered and I gave a curt nod before walking away and heading over to my desk.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't trying to be the best officer under his command. All those months of hard work and obeying his every order and boot-licking had paid off. It had been exhausting since the general was tough to please. Not all my missions had gone smoothly and he did yell at me a couple of times. I felt pity for the ones starting the riots and had left a few escape my grasp. Then I came to realize that this was what I was trained for. The mission came first no matter what and there had to be casualties.

"I guess congratulations are in order." I heard my coworker say as I sat down. His name was Ethan and we go on missions together occasionally. Friendship wasn't something I had planned to have, but everyone could use a friend. Besides, I had to socialize with fellow officers to blend in and build a reputation so they wouldn't suspect a thing.

"What do you mean?" I said without looking his way and focused on my screen.

"Oh please. You're going to Starkiller base with the general. That sounds like a promotion to me."

"No, it's not. It's just another mission, Ethan."

"It's a test, really. If you impress him he'll definitely promote you." What he said could possibly be true. Hux didn't just take any low ranking officers with him. However, it was difficult to get a promotion under his command.

"He's hard to please, I can tell you that." I let out a loud sigh while tapping on my touch-pad.

"That's true. Well, in any case, we should celebrate tonight because guess what...I'm going too." I could see him grinning widely out of the corner of my eye.

"Damnit! And here I was trying to get away from you. Do you have to follow me everywhere?" I faked my annoyance and turned to finally look at him.

He chuckled and said while placing his hands behind his head. "You're stuck with me forever, Victoria. Embrace the fact."

"Shut up. But seriously, I'm glad I'm not alone in this." I smiled at him before focusing back to my work. I was truly grateful that Ethan was coming along with me. Honestly, he was the only friend I've had in years. Although, it's a bad idea for me to get attached to him but I wouldn't let my friendship jeopardize my plans.

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"You coming?" Ethan asked after our work was done for the day.

"I'm supposed to meet Hux in his office, but I'll see you in the cafeteria soon." I answered turning around to leave.

His expression turned to confusion as he said "Odd. He didn't tell me to come to his office when he told me I was chosen to go to Starkiller base."

I shrugged "Maybe he wants to talk about something else."

He stopped for a minute thinking about it and didn't seem really convinced, but said nothing about it. "Just don't be late. We're going to celebrate, remember?" He said pointing a finger at me. We didn't really have to celebrate, he just wanted an excuse to drink again. Honestly, I couldn't blame him since I could use some alcohol after a long day's work myself.

"I'll be there." Was the only thing I could promise him before heading to Hux's office.

Thankfully, it wasn't a long walk to reach my destination. I greeted the people as I passed by them and bid them a good night. Finally arriving at his office, the metal door was surprisingly open so I entered. The ginger barely glanced up to see who had walked in before turning his attention back to his holopad.

"Have a seat." He said gesturing with his hand and as soon as I sat down the metal door hissed indicating that it closed. The thought of being alone with the general had me worried and he could sense it.

Woot chapter one! Next chapter will be their discussion and the small celebration with Ethan. His face claim is Sam Claflin. Hot. I know. It's starting off slow, but the good parts are coming soon xD Let me know what you guys think. Vote & comment <3

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