𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐌 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓 ▹ KYLO REN [1]

𝘪𝘹. 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦

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SINCE BEFRIENDING MERI AND GREER, Cassus often bided her time watching the guards and the clock, committing their habits and schedules to memory. No opportunity for escape would come immediately or without preparations.

Luckily, the scenery was given some variety as her complacency in the cell was awarded with a daily portion of time in the Pen: the central, open portion of the ship where the prisoners were allowed to roam and mingle...for the most part. Lengthy conversations would be interrupted by any nearby guard to avoid plotted escapes or riots. But this did not upset Cassus; she had no plans to make any more acquaintances than she already had.

The cartel that ran the ship was generous enough to provide books to allay boredom. One specific corner of the Pen was the mercenary's favorite spot to sit with her chosen novel. Of course, she didn't read it; she hadn't even bothered to see what it was about before choosing it. It's large size and hard cover were enough to make it a suitable choice if anyone decided to confront her.

In the amount of time that she was given in her little nook every day, Cassus had gathered enough information to make a plan.

There were roughly one hundred syndicate members monitoring the ship, the maintenance and security droids operated at a consistent schedule, and most of the power seemed to originate from one primary control panel that was secured with a single room, judging by the path of the wiring. Any odd supplies needed could be easily acquired from any trading member of the prison; such criminals still managed to keep contraband in this place.

The complex appeared to be built to hold up about three hundred prisoners, but the exact number would be nearly impossible to figure. There were plenty of others milling about the Pen in a sea of dark prisoner clothes, but there was talk of others held in solitary confinement.

Cassus could not help but wonder if that was where Kylo Ren was being held. Even though she had never seen his face, she was certain that none of the dull-eyed people that paced in the Pen could possibly be the Force-wielder.

Despite her best attempts, she could not completely rid her mind of him. An escape was hard enough to plan; one that included rescuing him would be nothing short of impossible. But the thought of leaving him behind left a bad taste in her mouth.

Cassus watched silently as two of the six guards that monitored the Pen went to switch out with the next shift's replacements. She had just settled into her corner with a book after closing a game of Dejarik; she could only lose to Meri so many times.

However, her book nearly slipped out of her hands when a voice called to her.

"Cassus." It was much stronger than it had been the day before.

"Ren," Cassus called frantically, leaning back and bringing her book up closer to her face. She prayed that this conversation would not end up like yesterday's.

"What happened to you?"

"Are you alright?"

Their questions came out at the same time, and a pause fell as both waited for the other to answer. Cassus felt a smile grow on her face and relieved laugh bubble in her chest. He is alright.

"Cassus," Ren's anxious words broke the pause, "Are you still there?"

"Yes," Cassus answered immediately, "I'm fine. I'm being held as another prisoner. Where are you?"

"From what I can tell, solitary confinement. All I've seen are white walls and a toilet."

"Well, that sounds lovely," Cassus said wryly before becoming serious, "Ren...what happened?"

"We were betrayed and ambushed." She could feel the frustration pulsing from his thoughts; he never took failure well.

"Obviously, but how? Who did this?"

"I don't know. Sol didn't say much during the few minutes that I saw him, only vague statements," his next words burned with anger, "I would give anything to wipe the smug look off of his face."

"Don't we all..." Cassus said before pausing, "He told me that he's going to hold you for ransom...and deliver me."

A silence fell as Kylo Ren did not respond for a moment. A harsh wave of coldness came from him.

"Deliver you to who?" he finally asked, his words tense.

Cassus shook her head even though Ren could not see. "I don't know."

A heavy fear fell over her as the question ran through her mind. Who would go to such lengths to acquire her?

An employer? Unlikely; there were easier ways to make contact.

An enemy? Probably.

"We'll get out of this, Cassus," Ren spoke quietly, having sensed her fear.

Cassus scoffed, but it came out shaky. "How? Do you have a plan?" she asked incredulously.

"No," Ren countered, "I figured you would."

Glancing around the Pen, Fett sighed. "I'm working on it."

"Well, you might want to work on that quickly. Sol said delivery is going to happen soon."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Cassus quipped.

A buzzer sounded through the speakers. Recreation time was over; now for the resting time. Fett sighed; since her eventful, first night here, she never slept soundly. Every little noise caught her full attention.

"I have to go," she said reluctantly. When she first woke up here, Cassus was able to eventually become accustomed to not speaking to Ren constantly. Now that the familiarity had returned, she was hesitant to let it go.

"Alright," Kylo Ren said lowly, "Be careful, Cassus."

Returning her book to the makeshift library in the Pen, Cassus started towards her cell. Meri and Greer soon appeared by her side, but instead of offering their usual greeting, both stayed oddly quiet.

Cassus looked back and forth between them. "What?" she finally asked, "What is it?"

Greer glanced at Meri before leaning close to Cassus and whispering, "There's rumor that there's going to be another fight tonight. And your name was specifically mentioned."

Fett's insides ran cold, but she steeled herself. Well, tonight is going to be interesting.