The New Empire

Chapter 8 - The Change

Liv's eyes widened, when she saw the ship. It was massive. She was expecting Ben to park in the main hangar, and was already preparing herself for the ruction, when she noticed that they flew past it. On the side of the ship there was a smaller door. It opened and Ben gently put down the ship.

"This isn't the main hangar." Liv couldn't decide if Rey was happy or disappointed.

"I can't just burst into the First Order with you." He stood up and the ramp opened. "I have my private quarters."

The doors opened with a light hiss, and they could see the Supreme Leader's room. It was big and modern with the newest technologies, yet it was empty. Only with the most basic needs. Liv spotted a bed and a wardrobe in the back, and a little table with a single chair. The only interesting thing was the window that stretched across the room. It was more like a glass wall. There were two more doors, but she couldn't figure out which one led to the bathroom and which one to the corridor. Everything was sleek, spotless and of course black.

The girls didn't dare to say anything, but they curiously watched as Ben walked up to the wall opposite his bed. It was like he was searching for something alongside it. All that Rey and Liv could hear was a little hiss and an another door opened seemingly from nowhere.

"I know this doesn't really suit the First Order, but it's a secret passageway." Ben felt a bit weird and uncomfortable.

They walked up to it and Liv could catch a glimpse of the room. It was definitely smaller and a bit more light.

"Liv, this one is your place." Liv stepped in. "Hopefully it has everything you'll need."

"Thanks." She was a bit surprised, but also glad.

"You can find new clothes in the wardrobe."

"You know that I have clothes." She looked a bit crossed.

"Come on." Ben tried to repress a smile, but failed. "Those are fit for a shepherd, not a Force-user. Try them on."

Liv didn't say a word, just sighed and the door closed.

"I don't have any new clothes for you." Ben said uncomfortably while showing Rey her room. "But if you need anything just ask."

"Thank you." She looked into his eyes. "What will you do now?"

"First of all I'm going to get some food, then I have to make sure that everything went smooth in the last month. But you mustn't leave your quarters. They still don't know anything." He was strict, but he didn't want Rey to get hurt.

"When are you going to announce it?" Her eyes sparkled with hope.

"Tomorrow." His gaze was somewhere far away. "I'm too tired, and you should rest too."

"I understand." She shyly smiled at him and closed the door.

Ben headed to the entrance door, but before he could step out he stopped. He realized, that he was full of feelings and emotions he never had before. He took a deep breath and tried to erase every tiny sign of emotions from his face. Now he had to be Kylo Ren.

When he stepped out, he knew that nothing has really changed. As he walked he noticed the familiar fear in the eyes of the officers, and that they always walked slightly faster when he was nearby. He also saw a hint of surprise on the faces. He knew that he was far away for a bit too long, and was risking a riot.

When he entered the bridge everyone froze for a split second and then continued working, but the loud conversations faded to whispers. His loud steps echoed in the room as he walked up to General Hux. Hux was like an open book, and he could easily read his thoughts. Now he seemed a bit disappointed, probably because he hoped than Ben would be away for too long. He was always thirsty for power and Ben knew that. The only reason he kept him was his ingenious tactics. He couldn't deny how necessary and useful he was.