A Seam Within the Galaxy • Kylo Ren

Ch.11

Agitated beeps filled the area around my feet as I gathered paperwork, returning them into their individual files. It was funny, we still were required to have hard copies on deck when concerning troopers background, status, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Although we were mainly digital, all important matters were still printed and filed away neatly. I almost felt like a normal human, going about a normal job on some beautiful planet far out of this galaxy.

The beeps grew faster and more irritated, noticing I had slipped into my mind for a bit.

"I'm done! I'm done! You sure you have everything you need?" I asked BB-9E, jokingly. He didn't answer the question, understanding the joke and giving me a few low-toned beeps as a response. I secured my holopad under my arm, pausing by the door.

I didn't necessarily need BB-9's assistance while working in my office, but I liked the company. I was still timid toward interactions with others, not ready to be trusting in the presence of strangers. It was still unknown as to who had poisoned me two days ago, but everyone was aware that the deliverance of any kind of information was vital toward tracking them down. The poisoning itself was on the down low, Commander Ren had made sure the medical staff within the training room did not discuss it further, except for passing word to the Supreme Leader.

It had been some time since hearing from Kaz as well, she had sent me voice messages on my transmission earpiece, which resided in the junk drawer in my office. The idea of being accessible to anyone at any time, carrying such a device around with me was silly; the holopad was already enough work in itself. I wasn't ready to speak with her about the attack, or about anything for that matter, too timid to air any dirty laundry between us. For all I knew, she could be angry with me for something I had done.

As days went by it was still difficult to piece together that night, but one thing that stood out boldly within my memories was the odd feeling she gave me. I recall not feeling safe in her presence, within the booth as well as travelling down the hall with her.

I wasn't ready for whatever interaction lied with the Commander, whenever it came time to have it. At some point we would have to discuss the obvious pull between us, and what it meant. How it came to be and what could eventually become of it. I was still harbouring some amount of bandwidth dedicated to him, but I kept my eye on it. I didn't let myself carry on too far, not even daring to think back too intimately on the training room. How he had helped me, all the compassion he had shown within a few short minutes.

If I didn't keep track of my wandering mind, I could definitely find myself recalling back to laying in his arms, blood covering both of us as he waited on my hand and foot, not wanting to miss a thing while he waited for help to arrive. I could easily get caught up in the gentleness he gave off, how caring and assistive he was with me. How easily it was to let my eyes settle on him, as if it were the last thing I were to see. There was a comfort in seeing the man behind the mask and the side to him nobody knew of. He was so quick to reverse roles to help save me, forgetting the hierarchy and titles, being a genuine human being.

BB-9 beeps hesitantly and I look over to him. I shake my head.

"Yes, I am okay. I'm hoping you'd like to join me in the main training room? I could use you today."

He beeps in support, excited to tag along; I'm certain he can tell I have a lot on my mind. He adds on, asking if I am ready to do more than just face-to-face follow ups and jotting information into my holopad. I grin, wiggling my eyebrows at him.

"I have my doubts, but it's time. If you're by my side, I think I can manage." I answered him. He beeps, self assured with his capabilities and mentions something along the lines of his dedication to me, as he was made for me after all. The meager sentiment gives me a small boost.