Taking Command Book 2 (Kylux)

Chapter 49: Deadly Revenge

Hux PoV

Our hyperdrive was failing when we returned to Base, and I was furious. I was sure it was Kylo. I had never been one hundred percent sure of his demise, and this proved it. I would find him, and I would wring him limb from limb. He had betrayed the wrong emperor. Not only had he left me, but he had decided to work for the people who had tried so hard to undermine our original plans. It was infuriating. He could have been my dark knight, my shadow prince. He could have been the one who ruled beside me and been my most trusted consort.

I needed someone. I had FN-2187 as my general, but I needed a consort, someone to be with me both during my time as a ruler and the time when I was merely a man. I had summoned Captain Phasma for that purpose, but it was unknown if she would answer my call. I hoped she would. But for now, I had something else to deal with.

I got out of my ship and stormed through the hangar and into the main palace that I ruled. I had it all, and yet I had nothing. I used to think that that was just a cliche, but now I lived in that reality.

"Have you received any reply from Phasma?" I asked FN-2187 as he fell into line next to me, having come to see my return.

"Not as of yet, but we are waiting for one." The trooper replied solemnly. "I highly doubt that you will get one, however. Once she has made up her mind, she will not go back."

"It's worth a shot." I retorted. I walked to my quarters. I was reminded by a notification on my computer that I had a meeting with the now deposed leader of Naboo. Apparently he wanted to work out an agreement that would give his people more rights and autonomy. It was worth our while to meet with him. If I could satisfy him without giving up too much power, I would.

I changed into a simple and elegant uniform of navy blue with gold trim and braid. I made sure my boots were polished and I combed back my ginger hair. It was best to look as presentable as possible. I took my sword, which was both functional and ceremonial, and I walked into the main room to meet with the ambassador. I could keep myself busy as I waited for a response.

About an hour into it I was bored stiff. The man only wanted to rant about the injustice I had done by conquering his planet and making it my base of operations. I offered him relative autonomy, the freedom to control taxes, family, basically everything but military, but he just wanted me to leave his planet, something I was not planning on doing.

"Guards, take this idiot away, I don't want to see him in my palace again." I snapped after he informed me that he was going to find a way to bring me down.

"Hux, Phasma has replied." FN-2187 ran in. "Here's the comm."

I activated the recorded message.

"You idiot. Kylo got tired of your imperialistic outlook. You are a power hungry fool with some small potential for genuine success. I will not be your consort or your puppet. If you should want my bounty hunting services, I am on the planet of Vohai. Otherwise, leave me out of this." Phasma's voice was all ice as she spoke.

"Well, that could've gone better." I sighed. It was not that surprising that she had replied that way. But that not mean I liked it.

"Sir," FN-2187 began,"if you wanted her to help, you could hire her to kill Kylo."

I looked at my most trusted military commander. "That is a novel idea. Perhaps I should take that course of action."