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Hux stood in parade rest, watching as the ship dropped from hyperspace and the streams of light coalesced back into individual stars. The efficient hum of the bridge surrounded him, like a comforting blanket.
"General."
He cocked his head. "Yes, Lieutenant?"
"There's a ship starboard; a shuttle."
"Can you identify it?" They were in the middle of nowhere, they certainly shouldn't have stumbled upon another ship in this sector.
"Markings are New Republic, it seems the ship is called 'Nabooian Princess.' I'm running it through the database now." The ship appeared on the viewfinder.
"No need," Hux interrupted, "That is New Republic Senator Kylo Amidala's ship." He stepped forward to inspect the image more closely. "It appears to be in distress," he added lightly, lying through his teeth.
"Sir?"
Hux smiled. "Block their outgoing communications, lock on the tractor beam, and tow it to hangar 9. Open comms."
"Yes sir," the hum of the electronics warmed him. "Comms open."
"Unidentified ship, this is General Armitage Hux of the First Order Finalizer. You are inoperable in open space, in a sector well known for piracy. We will bring you aboard and render assistance. Hux out." The Lieutenant cut the feed.
"Sir, an escape pod has been jettisoned. No signs of life aboard. Shall we target it?"
"Let it go," Hux ordered. He knew what was onboard the pod. He had read his histories; especially anything surrounding Grand Moff Tarkin. The distress request likely onboard was necessary to the plan forming in his head. "Alert the hangar and security that diplomatic prisoners are en route, and they are to be handled with the utmost delicacy. I want regular reports. Procedure Alta Hober."
"Yes, General. Relayed to hangar 9 and security."
Hux returned to admiring the view with satisfaction settling into his chest.
*** **
He was working in his quarters when his comm alerted. Without looking away from the projection, he tapped the datapad. "Hux."
"General, the Senator has a request."
"Why is this not something that security could handle?"
"It had to do with the prisoner's rations."
"And?" He manipulated the holo, changing the view of the complex design.
"Senator Amidala has a very specific request. It goes beyond even the normal diplomatic allowances."
Hux blinked. "What is it?"
He frowned as the officer read an extensive menu, beginning with appetizers, roast opder beast done extremely rare, several items Hux didn't even recognize, and ending with a sweet wine and something that sounded extremely decadent. Typical, he sneered to himself.
"Did you explain that the items they were offered are the same menu the Officers aboard receive? We're a ship, not a planet."
"Yes sir, we explained that their rations were the best available onboard. The Senator suggested we make a quick detour to pick up supplies. He offered his chef, who would be able to prepare everything to his particular liking. He also asked when he would be welcomed officially, as a Senator of the New Republic."
Honestly, Hux was surprised it had taken him so long to start throwing his weight around. Politicians, especially of the New Republic, weren't known for taking things quietly and in stride.
"Please inform the Senator that I apologize for any inconvenience. They'll have to make do with the food we have available. I will be down to greet them in person at the first opportunity in my schedule."
"Yes, sir."
*** **
"General Hux, sir. Senator Amidala has a request."
Hux sighed and glanced over the bridge. Everything was running smoothly as usual. "What is it now?" After the menu, he had requested access to their luggage, then added further changes of clothing for himself and everyone in his entourage, including day wear, sleepwear, and formal wear. Also reading material, which had required datapads being distributed to each prisoner--which were only connected to the extensive First Order libraries, of course. Hux had taken satisfaction in the thought of the New Republican Senator and aides having to entertain themselves with only First Order propaganda.
"He insists on speaking to the highest-ranking officer onboard. Personally."
He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Fine. I suppose I've put him off long enough. Any word from the New Republic yet?"
"No, sir."
Hux took his time making his way down to the detention block. He continued working on his datapad in the lifts.
When he finally arrived he was escorted to the Senator's cell.
The door slid back and a regal figure, lounging on the bench, glanced up. "Well, hello." A jingling sound emanated from somewhere on his person. Between the jewelry and the headdress it was difficult to tell.
Hux had seen the holos of Senator Amidala but had never seen him in person. He had no other thought than a passing awareness that, under all the ridiculous flounce and makeup, he was a tolerably handsome man.
He was very different in person.
"Senator. I am General Hux, the senior ranking officer onboard the Finalizer. You requested to speak with me?"
He slowly rose to his full height which, even from the cell door Hux could see was possibly taller than himself. Moving languidly, he was far more graceful than expected of a man of his size. "I have been awaiting your visit, General." His voice was deep and silky. "Hux was it? Any relation to the Commandant?"
Hux gritted his teeth. "Commandant Brendol Hux is my father," he answered tightly. "What can I do for you, Senator?" He had work to do.
"First, I just wanted to thank you. We were completely unaware that we were having problems with our ship. If you hadn't come along there's no telling what might have happened."
"You're quite welcome, Senator. My best technicians are working on your shuttle now. I'm afraid they've had no luck diagnosing the problem yet." There had been quite a few of his people on board, and indeed there had been much dismantling.
The Senator seemed uninterested in the technical particulars. "Also, I have the simplest request," he smiled demurely and Hux was able to appreciate that his full lips were not a product of his extensive makeup. "You say we are visitors aboard your quite spacious vessel. Yet, I can't help asking myself, why would an esteemed guest be stored away in a room resembling a cell in such an alarming way?" His voice was light, but Hux was not drawn in. He could see the light in the man's eyes. He was intelligent, and one to be watched closely.
"I fear, Senator, that it is for his own safety, as we are technically a warship, even in peacetime, with the potential for attack by pirates. I'm afraid you picked the wrong sector to need repairs."
The Senator moved in uncomfortably close, but Hux refused to blink or shrink away. "I can assure you, General Hux, I would feel quite safe in regular quarters. Preferably ones with better food service and amenities." He turned and, with a long arm and positively humongous hand, gestured to his belongings that dominated an entire side of his cell. It had taken security nearly a whole day to search and clear his luggage, once Hux had agreed to furnish it from their ship.
Deciding the request was harmless enough, the man could be locked in his quarters just as easily as a cell, Hux agreed. "Please give me a little time to arrange something suitable for you, Senator."
Amidala had graciously allowed it.
Hux returned personally to escort his prisoner. It was always better to know one's enemies and keep them close. The Tarkin histories had belabored that point.
Amidala radiated pleasure like a sun. As he flowed through the doorway, he paused, again, far too close. "It's so good of you to take care of all my needs, and personally, too. I know what a busy man you must be." Hux was shocked into silence when the man booped his nose with the tip of a painted finger. His jewelry jingled as he swept around the small hallway, robes brushing both walls and bowed deeply. "Lead the way, my General."
Caught off-footed, Hux marched down the aisle, hearing the rustling of robes and chiming of bracelets following.
"And where would my staff be? Have they been moved as well?"
Pulling himself together, Hux smiled tightly. "I can assure you, they are all quite comfortable." In their cells, he thought to himself with satisfaction. This man was not going to get the better of him. Especially not on his own ship.
His satisfaction did not last long, however. While Hux was busy running a ship, a fleet even, if the High Council would just listen, Amidala had nothing but free time to scheme.
One evening, Hux found himself outside Amidala's door, for the fifth time that cycle. Thankfully, there had been different guards each time, and Hux made certain to rotate to a new squadron every few hours. It wouldn't do for the ship's General to look like an errand boy for a prisoner; esteemed or otherwise. Tarkin would never.
Hux's cylinder code beeped and he stepped in. Only a rustling and a tinkling to his right alerted him that Amidala was nearly on him. Senses on high alert, he dodged what he thought was a blow.
Instead, he was met with laughter.
"General Hux! You're such a slippery one." The man was nearly giddy. Hux would have to check that no one had delivered alcohol, or something stronger.
"What do you mean?" Hux asked, wary. Again, he had to force himself not to flinch or step back as Amidala invaded his space.
"Why General," the man purred in his ear, "I was simply coming to welcome you, and you stepped right out of my grasp." He wiggled his long fingers.
Hux took in his hooded eyes, the half smile upon his lips. His military training searched Amidala for potential weapons, as if a man his size needed them, and realized with a jolt he had nowhere to hide them.
His clothing was skin tight, and at first sight, covered in intricate patterns. After a moment's observation, however, it dawned on Hux with a growing horror that the articles were transparent, and the designs were tattoos, directly on Amidala's skin.
"Welcome," Amidala rumbled over his ear.
With rising alarm, Hux shoved the package into the man's hands. "You requested this," he announced and fled for the door.
"Why thank you, darling. Your generosity is much appreciated."
Hux reached the hallway, feeling the door slide closed and lock behind him. He took a breath, snapped his uniform back into shape, and glared at the guards, daring them to notice anything amiss.
As he marched away his brain caught up.
'Darling?!' When did Kylo start calling him that? When did he start calling the senator Kylo??
*** **
Hux thought that the day would never come. If he didn't know any better, he would swear that the New Republic hadn't wanted Kylo Amidala anymore than he did. They had dragged their heels in negotiations. They had made endless counter-offers, even undercutting themselves when Hux had already been amenable to the terms. He had plans for the money, a new squadron of ties, but had agreed to less simply to end things.
But finally, Hux would be rid of the nuisance. He could finally see an end to the endless trips back and forth, the special deliveries, and having to deal with that insufferable man who insisted on flirting outlandishly and was wearing less clothing each time he saw him.
But now, the ship was on its way to pick up the Senator and his entourage. Hux had actually negotiated for more money for the aides than for their employer, as the rest of the party had been quiet and well-behaved. Unlike some.
It wasn't until the ship was late that he began to worry.
When it was far past time, Hux went to see Kylo. He didn't see how, but he feared the man's influence. He wouldn't have put much past him at that point.
Kylo was dressed down, as though not expecting to go out at all, much less going home, finally. His hair was free, falling in soft black curls across his shoulders. He had on only the barest makeup, his dark moles on display.
He had on no shirt, which hardly surprised Hux at that point. His voluminous bottoms were low-slung enough to show the V at the top of his groin and the dark ink crawling all over his skin. Hux had spent so many credits on all the clothing he had requested, yet he always seemed half-naked. But perhaps he had an uncomfortable traveling outfit, and he had already packed the rest to leave.
To distract himself from the perfectly cut chest and abs, and the suggestion of more, Hux demanded, "Why are you not prepared to leave yet? Your ship was supposed to have been here hours ago!"
Kylo was lounging on a First Order chair that was absolutely not for lounging on. He smiled. Hux was almost afraid to hear him speak.
"Oh, darling. Didn't I tell you? I sent them on a little errand for me. They won't be arriving for another day or so."
The room seemed to dim. "How. How could you send them on an errand? You haven't been in contact with anyone in weeks."
Rising gracefully, Kylo approached him and slid a finger down the front of his uniform jacket, stopping at his belt buckle. His bracelets jingled.
"I've been communicating with my Special Forces Unit, the Knights of Ren. We're all force-sensitive, you know. It's not the most perfect form of communication, but quite effective when necessary." He plucked at the belt buckle and his smile grew mischievous. "I sent them to pick up a special gift, for my most generous host."
Hux's chest heaved and vibrated. "You've been talking to them. This entire time?"
"I put them off as long as I could, darling, I promise. I knew you would have been distraught if I had to leave you too soon. But I'm afraid I've run out of excuses and must return to my duties. But I know I'll be seeing you again soon."
It sounded like a threat.
*** **
Once he finally was rid of the man, Hux thought he was done. Surely, Amidala (as he firmly corrected himself) was talking on a whim. Hux had no fear that the man hadn't already attached himself in some ridiculous way to a new victim.
Then he received a transmission. On his private line.
"My darling Hux, I know you must miss me terribly, as I miss you. Your affections were clear from the beginning, as you worked so diligently to bring me into your ship, and keep me enthralled by your constant, yet tantalizingly brief, visits. It pained me to leave your sight. But never fear, my beautiful General. I am working on a plan to reunite us as quickly as possible. I will contact you soon with details. Much love, your favorite Senator, KA"
Hux sat for a long moment, staring at the statuette sitting on his desk. Kylo--Amidala--had gifted it to him, but he suspected it was not as innocent a gift as it seemed. Hux reopened the datapad and spent several moments searching madly, before sending an emergency communique to his Lieutenant.
"Mitaka, we are needed on a special mission at these coordinates. We must leave immediately to reach it as quickly as possible."
After a brief, but eternal moment, Mitaka messaged back.
"Sir. I've been requested to confirm that our destination is in the Outer Regions, beyond even First Order borders."
"Just do it, Mitaka. Quickly." Even the Grand Moff himself would approve of a strategic retreat. A regrouping, so to speak.
Moments later, the ship gave a vibration as the hyperdrive was engaged. Hux didn't release his breath until he felt them enter hyperspace.
But, just as he allowed himself to relax in his stiff chair, a sound caught his attention, and he sat bolt back up again. His eyes searched his empty office frantically.
The jingling of bracelets.
*** **