Taking Command Book 1 (Kylux) (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Eight: Fate

Kylo PoV

I knew Hux was furious. In all honesty, it amused me greatly. I knew his secret now, and while his attraction might be unorthodox it was not a taboo. Despite that, I still did not think that the Supreme Commander would be happy about it.

All of us, Hux included, needed to remain focused, and if he was busy admiring my appearance, well, not much would get done.

I would tell the Supreme Leader should it become a hindrance. For now, however, I was happy to watch Hux squirm in discomfort.

Once we got back from the mission, I decided to exercise my skills in the training area. While it was primarily for troopers, I doubted that anyone would deny me the right to work in there.

I made my way over to the barracks type area and let myself into the gym. Boasting a wide open area, and high ceilings, the troopers mainly ran and played various ball games during free time in here.

For me, however, it would serve as a place for me to practice my lightsaber skills. I stripped off my heavy cloak and tunic and balled it up into a corner leaving me in just pants, boots, and a sleeveless shirt. I ignited my saber, spun it one hand then vaulted into the air and somersaulted, landing perfectly on the floor. I turned and parried a blow from and invisible attacker and returned a blow twice as harshly. I defended from invisible foes, performing defenses, parries, and cutting blows.

As I finished with that, I moved into a slower pattern of stances and strikes, perfecting each one. As impatient as I was to end the Jedi, I realized that I needed to perfect my skills to the utmost level.

After about an hour and a half of this, I was sweating and ready to eat something. I did not care what, as long as I could sit and rest and null over what I had pulled out of Lando Calrissian's head.

As I pulled my clothing back on and left the training area of the barracks, I mused in my head the odd reunion I had experienced.

I had known Lando all of my life, as he had been a close friend of my family. I had grown up seeing him and his ship the Lady Luck fly in and out of our home. Lando had been as much a part of my childhood as Luke and my parents.

How things had changed. I doubted he would recognize me anymore. Not that I cared. He was like my parents, foolish, and weak. He ascribed to the lie that the Jedi had brought freedom.

No, the Jedi had not liberated the galaxy from the Empire. The Empire had been stopped from healing the galaxy from the terror of the Clone Wars and other conflicts. They had stopped the work of my grandfather, my predecessor.

I walked to the dining area and ate... something. I was not sure what it was, in all honesty, but I just needed the energy. I walked back to my quarters, and on the way, I was intercepted by Hux.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

"You never told me where Calrissian hid the map to Skywalker." Hux said, all uneasiness and anger at me seemingly forgotten.

"I'm sorry. You were too busy being attracted to me." I retorted. "I assume you'll want to tell Snoke about how you salvaged the mission, and that I am a complete idiot?"

"I would like nothing more," he said, blood rushing to his cheeks, "but professionalism would dictate I do otherwise. For the good of the First Order, of course."

"Of course," I replied, patronizingly,"wouldn't want to upset the First Order." Or your chances to get close to me, I thought viciously.

"Good. So where?" He asked. He seemed impatient and uneasy now, all pretense of confidence abandoned.

"It's hidden on Kamino." I replied. "A Force forsaken, rain lashed, ghost of a cloning society. They reached their peak in the Clone Wars but then they plummeted later on."

"I'm guessing it's in Tipoca City." Hux said, his pompous manner returning, most likely because he knew things.

"Yes," I replied,"the capital of Kamino, and the main city. Now that you know what you want, leave me alone, unless we are about to leave for Tipoca City or the Supreme Leader requires my attention."

I walked away from him, fully intending to go and relax in the privacy of my quarters. Inside, however, something was bubbling up to the surface. It was... admiration. I was impressed with Hux's persistence, gall, and passion. He had to be dedicated to put up with all of this. Not only that, but it was obvious that he was just as dedicated to restoring order as I was.

Perhaps fate had brought us together to rule the galaxy. I would never know. I had no attraction to him, persay, but I felt a magnetic pull to him at the same time. There was something about him that made me want to dig deeper and figure out why the Force, or maybe just fate and luck destined that he meet me and that we would have to partner.

Normally, I would have never worked with him, and thus I felt that this truly was fate out stretching its hand and leading me on. I would have to work with him longer. And maybe I could learn to live with it.