A Seam Within the Galaxy • Kylo Ren

Ch.8

Following one more day of staying in the med wing to run tests, per medical staff's orders, I was released to go about how I please. The first place I found myself was the door of the General's personal office, after receiving word that he wanted to speak with me. On most days I would be reluctant to agree upon an informal meeting with the General, just him and I.

We often caught up with one another at debriefings before the planned invasion of a certain planet, to where I would lead troopers to precise coordinates at the exact time that was expected. We were somewhat friendly, and sometimes unfriendly, clashing ideas across from each other in a meeting.

He didn't audibly doubt my capabilities per se, as I reigned successfully in my past endeavors, but I couldn't help but feel that he had a secret, sexist agenda against me. I felt that at times he was able to get along with who I was as a person, but who I was as a trainer was not met to his standards. He seemed to respect me up front, but who knew what he said about me behind closed doors to his personal staff.

As my position was usually taken, and carried out by a man, I could see that this could potentially tick him off. I found this ludacris; sex doesn't matter when it comes to what titles we all hold above our heads. What matters is character, and our devotion to our cause. I happened to out-perform and rise above other men and women around me, and was appointed as a Major because I stood out from the others. There's no special qualifications to this, I just so happen to be a woman while doing it. I was chosen because of my capabilities and my willingness to serve The Order no matter what my condition, nor the occasion. If Snoke could get on board with this idea, I couldn't see why Hux had a problem with it.

Today, I stood outside of his office with confidence, feeling that I have already dealt with a wide range of my emotions within the past few weeks, as well as many tiring situations with different people, the Commander, Kaz, the three men. It had been an eventful few weeks, so speaking with the General shouldn't present any more obstacles for me to jump through, I at least told myself it wouldn't to keep myself calm.

The door slid open quickly and I obliged as he turned over his shoulder and beckoned me to enter, he was sifting through files within a cabinet against the wall.

The room was spacious, bigger than my office. He turned after putting papers back into their individual files, shaking off his cowl as he slinked into his seat gracefully. "Please, Major. Rest your leg." he offers, motioning to the seat across him at his desk. I didn't plan to stay long, staying standing would have ensured that. As he was my superior, I listened, feeling the lingering pain on the backside of my upper leg just as I was reminded of it.

I let out a quick breath as I sat, pursing my lips as the air escapes through them. "Lively day, General?" I ask, my eyes flickering to the other papers spread out on his desk. He smirks, letting a small huff past his lips. "Not as lively as your week has been, I'm sure." he begins, keeping the same grin on his face.

"You are quite the talk of the town, Major." he adds. I swallow a lump in my throat, looking down at the papers on his desk to inspect them, training my mind to go elsewhere other than thinking back on those men. I blink my eyes and search for something logical to respond back with, but I am pinned, far too uncomfortable to give my failures any more thought. There is a silence between us and I feel his gaze fall back onto me due to my lack of response. He catches up.

"I apologise," he shakes his head to himself, "that was not meant to be a jab at you, simply observing, that is all. How are you recovering?"

I sit back to show some kind of comfortability, too afraid he could actually see how vulnerable I was. My first conversation alone with a man since the incident. I crossed one leg over another and flattened out the shirt of my black uniform. So much darkness in this room, it's hard to find somewhere for my eyes to settle that isn't a muted color. I settle on his face and his neatly slicked back ginger hair. I sigh.