Taking Command Book 2 (Kylux)

Chapter 38: Why Conquer?

Kylo PoV

Two months of soul searching had led me nowhere. What was worse, I needed food badly. The small amount of supplies that I had brought from my ship had run out, and I needed to get back to Mos Eisley to acquire essentials.

When I reached the town, I found the place in a state of shock, and for good reason. General Hux had firebombed the Republic planets of the Hosnian system and turned them into ash. What was more was that he had proclaimed himself emperor of the First Order. He was ruling from Naboo now, and he had been coronated this morning. Apparently hundreds of delegates and representatives and leaders from all over the galaxy had gone to pledge allegiance to the new dictator. He had threatened death to any who opposed him.

"Why, Hux? Why couldn't we be content with just living on Naboo by a lake? Why do you have to conquer?" I asked quietly as I walked into a store to buy food.

-

I made up my mind that evening as I rode back to the ruins at which I had been staying. I had to go and change Hux's mind. He would destroy not only himself, but the galaxy if he continued this path. I could not let this rest. I loved him too much.

I would sleep here for a final time tonight, then I would fly to Naboo. I needed to confront Hux and take the man I loved back away from the sadistic sociopath who was ruling Naboo.

But what if the man you love is the same man as the megalomaniac who now calls himself emperor? The nasty voice in the back of my head caused me to second guess my resolve. You just want him back. Redemption is just your excuse.

"Shut up." I said aloud as I skimmed across the surface of the desert. It was deathly quiet that night. I wish it had been louder. The quietness enveloped me, offered me no retreat or solace from the thoughts that plagued my mind.

When I finally reached my hideout, I unloaded my supplies and kindled a fire. I then ate and subsequently curled up to sleep outside. I needed my strength to make it through what was to come. I needed to strengthen myself physically and mentally.

I lay awake that night, staring at the stars above me. I wondered why I was bothering. Who was I to deny Hux his dream and ambition when I had slaughtered children to gain mine. Who was I to try to take him away from that path, just because I thought it wasn't right. It was a never ending circle of conflicting morals and ideas, and I did not know when it would stop. I wished that it would, however. I wanted to sink into the blackness that sleep offered, but my thoughts kept me awake until the early lights of dawn, at which point I drifted off into a nightmare filled, restless sleep.