Red Opus

Chapter 6: Your Concern

You had not seen Kylo Ren since that day in the training room. He was avoiding you, that much you were pretty sure of. You couldn't quite figure out why, however. Yes, he had destroyed a perfectly good training room and expelled a hell of a lot of force energy in the process, but the room was fixed now. His energy would have replenished, and you could see no reason why he should not want to continue training with you.

You hugged your knees to your chest, resting the muzzle of your helmet on them, staring out into the vast expanse of space. The more time you spent around other people, the more you realised you were completely different to them all. They were ruled by their emotions, driven by them to do great or terrible deeds. You felt very alone.

The hustle of the communications staff below you provided calming white noise in the background, and the steady silhouette of General Hux at the bridge provided you a focus point. From your nest in the corner you observed various officers scurrying around, leading important lives and hoping that someday they might be noticed for it. Recognition for work, you thought to yourself, was unnecessary to feel true pride at your achievements. You dropped your knees down, shifting your weight forwards and twisting around, hanging from the vent by your arms like a Ghoel before silently dropping onto the bridge. You straightened up and approached Hux from behind.

"General", you said in greeting.

"Kriffing hell", he flinched, whipping around. He lowered his hands and exhaled sharply. "Get yourself some boots like Ren, at least then I'll be able to hear you coming". He returned his gaze to the command console, running a hand absentmindedly through his auburn hair and straightening his back.

You liked General Hux. He commanded respect yet did not flounce his authority over you. At times, you thought, he seemed almost pleased to see you. You guessed he preferred you to the other apprentice of the supreme leader, which was understandable given the knight's temper and lack of respect for property. You were used to men like Hux, in a position of power who enjoyed the simple fact that they ruled supreme over their own little world. It gave them simple and clear motives; made them easier to understand.

"Apologies, General." You stepped back, folded your hands behind you, inclined your head forwards and braced your legs shoulder width apart. The general peered around and considered you for a moment, an unreadable emotion crossing his face before he turned to you.

"As I speak, we are currently tracking the main fleet of resistance ships. However, there have been reports of a small number of resistance fighters making a temporary base on Takodana. I have requested Commander Ren to disperse them, but as of yet I have been unable to get a response from him." He turned his body fully to you and set his jaw square, staring into your visor. "I need those fighters destroyed. It's not a question of who does it."

You didn't need him to say anymore. Bowing your head, you turned on your heel and strode from the bridge, trying to hide your eagerness. You allowed yourself a moment to square your shoulders as you descended the elevator down to the lower levels. Practically skipping once you were inside your quarters, you picked up your effects; blaster in its holster strapped to your right leg, lightsaber strapped to the belt against your other. You tightened the straps of your chest plate and replaced the binding bandages around your chest with fresh ones. You decided against wearing your long cloak. Opening the storage against the wall, you pulled your full armour from the rails and strapped yourself in. Biceps straining against the tight synth-leather, you pulled your gloves up to meet the sleeves, conscious of any skin that might be showing on your arms. You attached your shoulder plates, gleaming domes that made you look even a tiny bit scarier, clicking your shorter cape onto your left shoulder. The cape was much more suited to combat than the long dress cloak. It stopped at the top of your thigh, asymmetric and only covering your left side, allowing you better range of movement and still breaking up your shape to discourage blaster shots. The other paddings you attached with equal enthusiasm. In full combat attire, you felt like you could conquer the galaxy.