Chapter 5

Summer POV

"You're leaving? Why?" I asked Kylo after I swallowed my mouthful of food.

He decides to drop this on me as we're eating breakfast in the cafeteria, when there was plenty of time to tell me earlier this morning. I could sense something was bothering him since his odd awakening last night, so maybe this is for the best.

"Only for a day or two," Kylo replied, finishing his plate surprisingly quickly. He looked like he was in a hurry, as if he was going to be late to something important. "You will be fine here until I return. Just wear your helmet. People will respect you."

"But leaving me with General Hux..." I don't care if I sounded whiny. THIS was worth whining over. Hux hated me as much as I hated being around him.

"Summer, please cooperate. I need to do this." He slipped his helmet on and stood from the table.

"But where are you going?"

"I can't say," Kylo said, his voice now buzzing from the voice apparatus in the mask.

"What about my decision?" Maybe I'll get an extension before I have to answer to him.

"Did you make it?"

I gulped. "No..."

He paused before he spoke, worrying me. Mainly because I couldn't see his expression. "You can have until I come back."

Score! More time to live.

"Now Hux will be here in a moment. I really need to leave."

He left the cafeteria before I could say anything else. Not that it would have made a difference, but still.

I sighed, looking back down at my near-empty plate of food. I don't know why I had to be constantly watched over by someone. And Hux of all people to stick me with...

Speaking of the Brit, not even a minute after Kylo left he entered, crossing the crowded room to my table. "I hear I am to look after you today. Joy..."

Well, good morning to you too. "It is unfortunate, but I shall make the best of it," I threw back at him, not wanting to deal with his sassy demeanor first thing in the morning.

I could see he was strongly holding back a comment that wanted to escape his lips so badly. "Are you finished? I don't like being held up from my work."

I nodded and stood from the table, putting my helmet on. I know it won't bother Hux, but if I can freak out a few Stormtroopers it's worth it.

Hux took the lead and I followed him out, keeping up with his steady pace. I moved up to his side right when he was about to open his mouth, probably to tell me to stay close to him. I knew it was only so he could watch me. He could care less if anyone bothered me here.

Hux didn't say a word as we walked down the corridor, making me feel very awkward. Surely this guy knows how to properly community with another person.

"So why did Kylo have to pair us together?" I asked him, trying to break the ice. My electronic voice also startled me. "I mean, I could have just stayed in his room."

"He gave me an order to look over you while he's away, and I don't plan on breaking it," Hux replied, leaving no room for negotiating my way out of this.

I hesitantly glanced in his direction. "So...where are we going?"

"Main bridge," he answered, as if I should know this already. "I still have my duties to execute."

"What about me?"

"What about you?"

"Well, what am I supposed to do while you work?"

"Were you expecting me to entertain you all day?" The Sass is strong with this one. "You Earth people don't know the first thing about work."

I hate how he keeps referring to me like I'm another species because of where I'm from. "Um, that's the only way anyone can survive on Earth," I corrected him. "It pays the bills and puts food on the table."

"But for military purposes-"

"Every country there has a military of some sort, General," not caring about cutting him off. "And there are people who are just as skilled as any officer you have enlisted on this starship."

"If I sent my men down to Earth, we would annihilate the population of the planet who resisted, and enslave those lucky enough to survive," he proudly stated. How arrogant. Though I hate to think the First Order is strong enough to complete such a feat.

"You would certainly be surprised by how brutal that fight would be."

"My men fight to death, so your people ought to consider how disastrous the outcome would be for them," he fired back at me.

Whatever. This is a useless subject to argue over with someone so stubborn minded as him.

"Anyway. So about the work you have to do-"

"I'm not skipping."

"I wasn't asking for you to skip," I clarified. "I was going to offer help, but-"

"Never going to happen," he rudely interrupted again. "Everything I do is strictly confidential and will never have an-" He glared at me. "-outsider's eyes looking over such things."

I huffed out my irritation, jumping at how I just sounded like Darth Vader. Hux didn't seem fazed by it, probably used to Kylo trying to mimic the same sound too often.

"So why the new...whatever you're wearing." Hux scanned me over, especially taking note of my helmet. "Are you trying to be like Ren or something?"

"Kylo said there is a strict dress code here, so he had droids make me a new wardrobe."

"Of course he did," Hux said with a sigh, sounding annoyed yet not surprised. "I tell him we have a budget, and he squanders what little we have on menial things."

"I had no say in this, just so you know," I clarified, not wanting to get part of the never-ending feud they had between them. "Kylo demanded I wear clothes that is acceptable to the First Order dress code."

"But...a helmet?"

I shrugged. "Again, I had no say in this."

Hux suddenly turned down a different corridor, leaving me to catch up to him.

"But I am starting to figure out the reason why..." I said, the presumption on my mind since yesterday.

"Pray tell."

Should I tell him? Well, he probably knows anyway.

"Kylo offered me training beneath him as-"

"HE WHAT?!"

Hux suddenly jumped in front of me, making me nearly run into him, not expecting that. He didn't look too fond of what I just said.

"Now you mean to tell me Kylo Ren offered you an apprenticeship?!" Hux questioned, raising his voice despite being two feet from me.

"Yes," I softly replied, regretting I ever brought the subject up.

His icy blue eyes studied me. "You're Force-Sensitive?"

I nodded, though the thought of having this power within making me feel ill. "I suppose so."

He continued to stare at me, making me feel very uncomfortable.

Hux POV

I knew there was a deeper reason behind her being here besides the excuse he gave me. I would have never agreed to anything if I knew this would be the result.

The flipping jerk lied to me. And if there is one thing I don't take very well, it's being lied to.

But beyond that, there are worse problems I'm going to face. Much worse...

If she becomes Kylo's apprentice, she will most likely succeed him if he was ever to die. Instead of me.

I was supposed to take over all operations, have complete control of the First Order without having to answer to anyone but Snoke (who maybe I could get rid of as well)...and now I'm third in line to the "throne".

I will not tolerate or accept this treachery, especially since it was done behind my back. I was not even consulted for my opinion once.

How dare he. How. Dare. He.

Though on another note, I still can be second in line to owning everything, if I just remove one little thing from the picture...

Summer POV

"Are you alright?" I asked, waiting for Hux to do something other than stare weirdly at me.

He snapped back into reality, a devious expression on his face. Even more than normal. That frightened me. I don't even want to know what goes on in that psycho head of his.

"Yes, I'm perfectly alright," Hux replied, still in the same cold tone he always uses. He glanced at his watch and immediately started back down the corridor, leaving me once again to catch up. "Just really late to work."

When does this guy not work?

"I wasn't trying to anger you before, really," I said, hoping to cover up the situation I made. "I thought Kylo would have mentioned it-"

"He didn't," he interrupted. "And believe me, he will certainly hear about this..."

We finally entered a large room full of computer terminals with an officer working diligently at each one. Hux led me off to the side, making me stand far away from anyone and anything.

"I can't read Aurebesh," I pointed out, hating to feel like such an annoyance to him. "It just looks like characters to me."

"I don't believe you," Hux flatly said, motioning a Stormtrooper to come over and stand by me, which he did. "Remain here with her until future notice."

"Yes, Sir."

Hux glared at me then walked away, joining a few officers awaiting for him by the largest of the computer terminals.

I sighed and leaned my head against the wall, bored. I bet Kylo's day is more interesting than this.

Kylo POV

I was thrown back against the wall for the third time, falling onto my hands and knees, needing rest. Snoke wasn't holding back at all with his training, and I was having a hard time keeping up.

"You are losing focus Kylo Ren," Snoke's voice boomed down at me. His red lightsaber illuminated his ghastly pale skin. "You have only lost progress since we last trained, and we both know why..."

"The girl," I groaned as I wearily stood up, knowing that was the truth. "She has done this to me."

Snoke nodded. "Correct. Now come at me again, and truly put some effort into it. The other Knights of Ren could even do better than you."

That made me feel so much better. "I'll try-"

"No! There is no such thing as try!" he scolded. "That is why you're not fighting as well as you should be. That is why your mind is not in its correct state. That is why you are failing!"

I lowered my head in shame. "My apologies, Supreme Leader. I will do better."

He looked down upon me, as he always does. And not just because he's naturally over seven feet tall. "Let us hope so Kylo Ren. Let us hope so..."

Summer POV

The Stormtrooper was even colder than General Hux. Not one flipping word out of his mouth. Maybe it's because it was against the Stormtrooper code to speak while on duty, or maybe he was just a jerk. With how people are here, I'm tempted to go with the second one.

Another Stormtrooper entered the room and, at sight of me, instantly came over. "I'll take it from here. Have a break," he said to the original guarding Stormtrooper.

They switched without problem, the first Stormtrooper seeming relieved to be able to leave.

The new one stood next to me, also silent. From one awkward guy to the next...

"So, you're the new girl here, eh?"

My head snapped in his direction, surprised he even said a word to me. "Who? I mean, what?"

"You're the girl Kylo brought on board a few days ago?"

I slightly nodded. "Um, yeah."

"Speak softly if you want to talk," the Stormtrooper said in almost a whisper. "If either of us get caught, we will be in a lot of trouble."

I nodded again, keeping my voice down as I spoke. "No problem. I prefer to avoid trouble as much as I can."

"Then you're on the wrong side. All the First Order does is cause trouble."

I lightly laughed, not knowing afterwards if it was meant to be a joke or not. "So you're basically the only person here, besides Kylo and not even him at times, who wants to have a conversation with me. Why?"

"Why can't I?"

"Oh, no reason," I said, taken aback from his reply. "I don't really know how things work here yet in my defense. And I truly don't mind talking with you. Everyone else here seems to just toss me to the next person to be watched over. I'm a flipping teenager, I can look after myself."

"That's not why they do it," the Stormtrooper corrected. "No one trusts you, so they want you to be constantly guarded at all times."

I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess you have a point."

He let a few higher-ranking officers pass before he continued. "So you're from Earth, right?"

I hesitated, not wanting the only semi-friendly person I met here to suddenly treat me like a freak. "Yes. I am."

The Stormtrooper looked at me for a moment then went back to staring straight ahead, like a dutiful soldier. "Interesting. I have never met someone from Earth before, nor have I been there. Though I've heard many stories about it and it sounds very beautiful."

"It is," I said, reminiscing on all the sights I've seen on the planet.

Then I remembered my family, and thought about how worried they probably were about me since I never returned home from Disney. I tried hard not to cry, and managed to hold it back well, but I did shed some tears.

"Kylo kidnapped you from there, didn't he?" The Stormtrooper asked, sounding compassionate.

All I could do was nod, being too choked up to talk.

"You miss your family?"

A dumb and obvious question, but I nodded anyway.

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but withheld himself from doing it. Though after a few minutes passed, he asked something I never thought I would hear: "Want to see them again?"

Kylo POV

I gave a few blows and dodged some from Snoke, feeling myself getting stronger with every passing minute. I used the pain within me as fuel, and ignored every thought of Summer. She was a distraction, and something I needed to learn to deal with for when I return to train her.

Our lightsabers locked, both of us wanting to overpower the other. I suddenly felt a burst of energy within me and used it, shoving Snoke back and making him nearly fall to the ground.

He seemed impressed by my sudden exertion of strength. "Excellent, my student. I see the true Kylo Ren returning. Let the galaxy fear you. Feel it. Use it. Let the Dark Side run through your veins like your grandfather did..."

Anything. I'll do anything to be like Darth Vader.

I darted towards him, remaining hard on the offense. Snoke managed to block every move I made, but he also continuously missed me. I felt powerful though, like no one could stop me.

After some time passed, Snoke backed away, lowering his lightsaber and retracting it.

I raised an eyebrow, though he couldn't see me behind my mask. "Why stop now?" My heart was pumping and I was ready to duel the day away.

"Because I sense something...do you feel it?"

I was fired up from before, so it was hard for me to calm down enough to put myself with the Force. Though I didn't feel anything. "What is it, Supreme Leader?"

It was a moment before he replied. "A shadow of Darkness...and a matching beam of Light. Someone is gaining power, but has not yet chosen a side. He is being torn between them, unable to make a decision."

I sighed, knowing who it was. Certainly not a he. "It's the girl. She has discovered her power but has not decided if she will be my apprentice yet."

"And when were you planning on informing me, Kylo Ren?" Snoke shouted down at me, making me once again feel two inches tall. "I strictly ordered you to update me whenever necessary. So why wait until now? When did this happen?"

I bit my lip. "Yesterday. Late morning. She had a calling to the helmet, and it gave her a vision of Vader's life."

"So the Dark Side is calling to her, but she is resisting..." Snoke rubbed his wrinkled chin. "You must take this upon yourself to turn her immediately. If she discovers her true power, the pull towards the Light will make her flee to the Resistance as their ally. She is not resilient enough to ignore it like you. And whether she agrees or not, you must make her your apprentice. Or...she will have to die."

I slowly nodded, knowing that this was the only way she could stay with me. "As you wish, Supreme Leader. But what if the feelings arise for her again? What if she weakens me?"

"You must push all those thoughts from your mind," Snoke answered. "View her as, and only as, a weapon for the First Order. A relationship would be fatal, and you can clearly see that it would ultimately fail."

I nodded again, trying not to let that bother me. I had to get rid of any feelings for her, once and for all. No matter how painful it might be, this had to be done.

"You will soon have control over your emotions, and she will mean nothing more to you than a speck of spacedust. Though the question is, are you strong enough to handle this?"

I stood tall and proud in front of him, holding my head up high for the first time since I arrived. "Yes, Supreme Leader. I will not fail you."

Summer POV

I stared dumbfounded at the Stormtrooper. "I don't understand...you're offering me a chance to see my family again?"

"Well...yes, I am," he replied. "Would you like to leave this stupid starship and come with me?"

"Is this a trick?"

He shook his head, which looked weird because of the helmet.

I felt my heart beating faster, getting excited about the thought of leaving. "You seriously will help me get back home?" It seemed too good to be true.

He leaned closer yet tried to remain inconspicuous to the surrounding officers. "I can fly a ship as good as Poe Dameron. We can steal a TIE Fighter and get the heck off this Star Destroyer. I'll drop you off on Earth, then head back to my base."

"What base?"

The Stormtrooper fully turned towards me. His voice was so low I strained myself to hear him. "The Resistance of course."

I stepped back, shocked by his mentioning of the "enemy" in this place. "Then...you're not a real Stormtrooper, are you? Unless you're defecting..."

I could picture a smirk beneath that helmet. "I'm a spy for the Resistance. And once I heard about a kidnapping from the Launch Bay at Disney, I knew that the First Order was behind it. Once I get back to D'Quar, I will alert the Resistance that these guys have started a base up on Earth. They won't last long, I assure you."

I leaned back against the wall, feeling faint. The "Stormtrooper" held onto my arm in case my legs would give in. "Calm down. Everything will be alright."

My head was spinning with excitement and fear. "So how do we get out of here?"

"I will help you, but I have to be able to trust you. Are you willing to come along despite the possible result of death?"

I thought about this for a minute. This could get me killed. Finn and Poe barely survived their escape, and I don't want to suffer a worse fate.

If I stay, I will have to become Kylo's apprentice or he will probably kill me. If I try to leave, I may get blown out into the galaxy once our TIE Fighter takes off. Or we could be caught or killed before even making it there.

"Well, are we in on this?" he impatiently asked, knowing that every second counts.

I let out a breath and nodded in agreement. "Yes. Let's do it."

"Good. Here is what we're going to do. First I'll-"

"Three-zero-zero-eight. Why aren't you at your station?" a familiar, accented female voice said from behind him. I know that voice too well...

Captain Phasma walked in front of us, her metal armor clanging with every step, staring intensely at me but mostly the "Stormtrooper". She was taller than I expected, standing a few inches taller than me. Her armor was so shiny I could see my reflection, and the Sonn-Blas FN-11D blaster rifle she held proudly at her chest reminded me to keep my distance.

"General Hux requested me to stand guard over this girl, Captain," the spy replied.

Phasma looked me over, her helmet bobbing as she tilted her head up and down. "You are the girl Kylo brought back from Earth, am I wrong?"

Her voice sounded so angelic apart from the electrical buzz in her helmet, that I had to keep reminding myself who she was and what she has done while working here.

"No, you're correct," I hesitantly answered, not sure if I should tell her.

"You climbed the ranks rather quickly."

Knowing she was referring to what I was wearing, I quickly replied, "Kylo gave me this outfit to wear. And I don't work here."

"Then why are you here?"

I didn't respond, remembering how Hux freaked out earlier and didn't want her to as well.

She stepped closer. "I asked you a question..."

"Kylo is making me his apprentice," I admitted.

"You weild the Force?"

"Sort of."

Phasma gave back my personal space, studying me to see if I was lying. "Interesting. I didn't expect Ren to enlist an apprentice to our team. Certainly he is powerful enough to handle things on his own."

"That's what I thought too," I said, just agreeing with her. "Though I guess another ally is always good, right?"

"Unless the ally turns against you," she said, her tone as cold as the temperature on Hoth. "I have my eyes on you...new girl. One person may have defected and gotten away with it, but I won't let it happen twice..."

"Understood," I replied, my voice cracking slightly from nerves.

"Report to my division when you're shift is done," she said to what she thought was one of her Stormtroopers.

"Yes, Captain."

Phasma glared at each of once one last time then marched out of the room, continuing her patrolling walks she made daily. No Stormtrooper could slack when she was around.

"You're Force-Sensitive?!" the spy exclaimed, shocked, once Phasma had left.

"Well, its not like that's something you just go around telling everyone," I fired back defensively. "And I didn't even knew I had it until yesterday."

"That is going to make a big problem with our escape plan because now Kylo can sense your location and contact you through the Force." He went to rub his head but bumped his hand into his helmet instead.

"Kylo isn't even here right now."

"Well, he has to return sometime!"

I was once again on the verge of tears. "So what? You're not helping me now?" I knew getting out of here was too good to be true.

The spy sighed and shook his head. "No, I'm still going to help you. But you haven't pledged yourself to his teachings yet, right?"

"No, and I really don't want to..."

"Well, I guess it will be okay then," he said. "But we will have to go back to my base instead of Earth because it's too risky. You will have to hide from the First Order, mostly Kylo Ren, until the Resistance believes it's safe for you to return."

I nodded, knowing staying there will be better than remaining on the Finalizer.

"Now before anyone else walks by, here is the plan. Do listen closely because it's too risky to repeat."

I nodded again, giving him my full attention.

"I'm going to sneak down to the landing bay at the opposite end of the Star Destroyer," he explained, "and detach a cable from a TIE Fighter. Then we're all set to leave once you arrive."

"When do I get there? And how do I get there?" I asked, not even knowing where the restroom is on this starship.

"Start coming to me about ten minutes after I leave. That should be enough time lapse for me to complete what I need to do, but not have too much leftover so I don't look suspicious standing there by a Fighter. As for getting there..."

After double checking over his shoulder for anyone watching us, he snatched a holopad lying on a nearby desk, pressed a few buttons, and handed it to me. "I typed in the coordinates on how to get to the landing bay. Just press the center when you need to see the map."

I admired the small device in my hand. "Press the center for the map. Got it."

"And hey." He rested his hand on my shoulder, making me look up at him. "Don't worry about anything or anyone. We can do this if we work together. Okay?"

I smiled, though he couldn't see me. "Okay."

"Good. Now remember, ten minutes."

"I'll be there. Just...please don't leave without me."

"I promise," the spy said reassuringly.

After one last glance, he turned away and left the room, leaving me alone with all the First Order officers. Including General Hux, who thankfully hasn't noticed I'm alone yet.

I started counting in my head, knowing that every second is crucial. This person is risking all to rescue me from the clutches of Kylo Ren, and the last thing I want to do is arrive late.

I hope this works.

Two minutes passed...five minutes passed...so far so good...

"Where is the Stormtrooper?"

I muttered a curse word as Hux approached me. I quickly crossed my arms behind my back, hoping to hide the holopad from him. "Um, restroom."

"And he didn't leave another trooper in charge?"

I shook my head, trying to continue counting correctly.

He eyed me suspiciously. "Alright...what are you hiding?"

"Nothing."

Hux grabbed my arms and I fought back, attempting to break free of his strong grip before he saw the holopad. He didn't care how he twisted or yanked on me, so badly wanting to see what was behind my back.

Despite my intense squirming, he managed to force me back against the wall face-forward, easily removing the device from my hand. And, somehow but I truly don't know how because of the latch, my helmet was knocked off in the process.

All of the commotion drew the attention of other officers, everyone watching and waiting to see if they need to call for backup.

"That's none of your concern," I said breathlessly to Hux as I peeled myself off the wall. Even Kylo wasn't so physically brutal with me.

"Everything here is of my concern, so shut up," Hux snapped, pressing the holopad and studying the holographic map that appeared. His head shot in my direction, his eyes like tasers. "I demand to know the meaning of this immediately."

"I didn't know there was a map in it," I lied, wondering how I'm going to get out of this.

And now I've forgotten what number I was on, shoot. The spy will probably wait like he promised, but I know sooner or later he will eventually leave without me.

"Don't play stupid with me. I can see right through your lies." Hux removed his hidden blaster and took the safety off. I can tell this won't end well. "Now young lady, let's try this again. The map leads right to the launch port, so you are obviously planning an escape of some sort. Care to explain how?"

I stood strong, not giving in. "You're insane."

"No, you're a liar. But what puzzles me is the complexity of this map..." He knitted his brows, confused. "You don't have knowledge of the Finalizer's layout, and you're clueless to where the corridors go to. So how..."

His eyes suddenly widened, and I knew I was losing this battle. "Unless...you had help."

I tried not to look bothered by his accurate guessing. "Maybe I'm just not as clueless about this place as you think."

"Or you're an idiot for thinking you could outsmart me." He turned to all of the workers in the room. "I want this whole place on lockdown. Every officer and trooper needs to be on alert for a traitor or intruder, especially in the landing bay. I don't want a single ship taking off or coming in the Finalizer. Am I clear?"

An echo of acknowledgement filled the room. Everyone started frantically running to their computer, sending out an alert to the entire base.

Hux put the holopad in his coat's pocket, not needing it because of his photographic memory. He grabbed my arm again and forced me to walk in front of him, his blaster dangerously close to my neck.

"You're making a big mistake," I tried to say but was shoved along anyway.

"I rarely have an error in my speculations," he boldy stated. "What you should be worried about are the upcoming consequences for your mistake."

I have only been thinking about that since you walked over to me...

We finally arrived in the launch port. Captain Phasma, who was first to respond to the alert, approached us as we entered. "Sir, about the possible intruder-"

"You have him?" Hux inquired, still having a firm grasp on my shoulder, making me occasionally wince.

"Unfortunately no," she replied. "But I have my troops searching every inch of this bay. I assure you we will find whoever is behind this."

"That's not good enough," the general criticized. "You need to analyze the men working this shift for I suspect a traitor may be afoot."

I could just picture the steam coming off her helmet from anger. "I will not stand for traitorous behavior." Phasma faced the patrolling Stormtroopers. "Fall in line for inspection!"

They immediately ran over, forming two rows, one on each side of us. The troopers stood at attention with their blaster at their chest, ready for their next order.

As this was happening, I glanced over their heads, counting the TIE Fighters along the wall, feeling sick at sight of one being missing. I can't believe the spy ditched me, even after repeatedly promising he would wait on me. I guess the lockdown alert scared him off. But now I'm in double the amount of trouble.

Hux shoved me to the center of the lined-up Stormtroopers, releasing me but holding his blaster to my head.

"Now," he said to his surrounding men. "This girl here has made an attempt to escape, but has possibly been aided from one of our own." His eyes met with every helmet. "If you, the traitor, is among us, I suggest you surrender yourself now or the girl dies."

Not one Stormtrooper moved. Even if the Resistance spy was still here, why would he give himself up for me?

"I'm getting impatient," Hux warned. "All I have to do is pull the trigger..."

I was trembling from fear, seeing my life flashing before my eyes. I tried not to cry, but couldn't help it. "Don't do this-"

"Shut it or I'll shoot you now!" He pushed me to the ground, his blaster still aimed at me. He faced the Stormtroopers one more time. "Last chance to give yourself up traitor. I assure you, I have no problem pulling this trigger..."

Hux is automatically assuming that the "traitor" is here. But if he isn't, it looks like I'm just going to get shot anyway.

A smirk grew on the general's face when no one moved. "Fine. Then say goodbye to-"

"STOP!"

A Stormtrooper suddenly moved out of line, his blaster aimed at Hux. The other troopers immediately aimed at him in response.

"Drop the weapon or I'll shoot you," the spy warned Hux. "And if anyone tries to hurt me or the girl, your precious general joins the dead."

"So you're the backstabber..." Hux said, smirking. "I suggest you hand over your blaster or be shot to death."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Let's make this simple-"

"Certainly. Hand over the girl and I'll leave without giving anyone a scratch."

"You see you are at the losing end of the strick, hm?" Hux said in a manipulative tone. "You are outnumbered, and I commend you for going this far. But the fun is over. Drop the blaster."

When the spy resisted, Hux added, "No need to make this complicated. You do see that there is no way out of this, and you will ultimately die in the end."

"I don't mind taking a few bodies along with me."

"The only bodies that will be dying are you-" He motioned to me. "And her. So this is the final time I will say this: Drop your weapon."

The spy looked at me and I nodded, telling him to give in. He couldn't hold out against two dozen Stormtroopers, and we both would end up dead like Hux said.

The spy sighed, tossing his weapon in front of him. He was instantly swarmed by the surrounding Stormtroopers, who dragged him away.

"There. You caught him," I said to Hux, who was still pointing his blaster at me. "Can I go now?"

"Young lady, you committed treason just as much he did. You're under arrest." The general yanked me back to my feet and pushed me into two Stormtroopers who stayed behind. "Take her away to an available detention cell. Kylo Ren will deal with her when he returns."

My mouth gaped open as the troopers dragged me away. "What?! No! I wasn't a part of this! I don't even work here! LET ME GO! GENERAL ARMITAGE HUX YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!"

He smirked the same old devious smirk. "We shall see..."

Hux POV

Once she was out of the port, I picked up my comlink and put it near my mouth. "Lieutenant Mitaka?"

It wasn't long before he answered. "Yes, General?"

"Contact Kylo Ren immediately. Tell him we had a Stormtrooper try to defect and the girl was involved with his attempt to escape."

"Sir, Kylo strictly ordered not to be disturbed while he was away."

I narrowed my eyes at the device, as if Mitaka could see my face. "I did not ask for your opinion, Lieutenant. Contact Kylo Ren. That is an order."

I heard a sigh. "I'll get to it immediately, General."

That's the only answer I wanted to hear.

* * * * * *

Summer POV

I was practically thrown into the small detention cell by the Stormtroopers, neither having a single regard towards me.

I shot them a look. "When I have full control of my power, you two are the first to go."

They laughed, obviously finding my comment funny. "Oh, how scary. A girl is going to hurt us."

The door slammed shut to the cell before I could counter their mock. Jerks.

I looked around the cell, finding similarities to the one Princess Leia was stuck in on the Death Star. Plain, white, and small. Only a shelf was sticking out of the farther side of the wall, which is to be considered a "bed".

I stood up and walked over to the "bed", sitting down on what really was just a cold steel ledge. How...comfortable.

I sighed. So this is what jail is like. Never thought I would ever see the inside of one of these.

The door opened and the spy, now wearing only the black body glove of the usually concealed part of a Stormtrooper uniform, was harshly shoved into the room by troopers and fell onto the floor like I did. The door then shut and this time I heard a loud click of a lock. Great. So I'm- well, we're -officially stuck in here.

The spy, who looked like he had been beaten from the bruises on his face, slowly rose to his feet. I studied him, now since I could actually see him.

He had light, fair skin, and short brown hair, wearing it combed off to the side in a style similar to Hux, but with no sideburns. Beneath the bruises, he had a kind face, a breath of fresh air compared to what I have seen. He also looked fairly young, probably in his lower twenties, for doing such a daring mission as this.

"May I?" he asked, motioning to the ledge I was sitting on.

I nodded, scooting over to give him room as he sat down.

He loudly exhaled, staring down at his bloody hands as he spoke. "I'm sorry to have brought you into this. It's all my fault."

I noticed a slight British accent in his speech, which I couldn't distinguish before due to the buzz of a Stormtrooper helmet. But unlike Hux, it made him sound cute and sweet.

"Don't be so hard on yourself," I said, trying to make him feel better. I rubbed his shoulder and he winced. "Sorry."

"It's not you. They beat me up pretty badly, trying to make me talk. I didn't admit anything and just took whatever came my way. Good thing is, they think I'm a defecting Stormtrooper, not a Resistance spy."

"That's good, but the abuse you took..."

He shrugged. "Not the worst I have endured." He looked me over and smiled. "I'm Brake, by the way. Brake Atomgold. May I ask your name?"

"Summer," I answered, returning the smile.

His green eyes had a beautiful sparkle in them. "That is a lovely name. My favorite season of the year."

I felt myself blushing and looked away. "Um, thank you."

"So you have the Force," Brake said. "Do you know how to use it at all? Have you trained?"

I shook my head. "Kylo showed me how to heal myself, but if I tried to do it now, I wouldn't know how. I can't do anything like a Force-Push or mind tricks."

"A shame, because you could probably break us out. Open the door, then trick a guard, and steal his blaster."

"Well, I feel so much better..."

"No, I didn't mean it like that," Brake clarified. "It's not your fault in any way that you don't know how to use the Force." He paused before continuing. "You know...instead of giving your power to the Dark Side, the Resistance could always use more help. We could find someone to train you, and you can become a Jedi."

The thought itself was just extraordinary. I could be a Jedi. A real Jedi. But then I would have to give up ever returning home. Not to mention how Kylo would have my head...

"That sounds great, but..." I sighed. "If I don't become Kylo's apprentice, he will probably kill me. I don't have a choice. Sorry."

"Don't let someone control your destiny and make choices for you," he said. "You are in control. Not Kylo. Not anyone else. You."

"He's threatening my life, Brake."

"Then fight for where you want to be, and how you want to live your life." He looked deeply into my eyes, looking truthful and sincere. "Summer, use your Force. It will help you when you least expect it, even if you don't know how to properly wield it. I promise it will not ever fail you."

I nodded, hoping he was right. Maybe he was a Force-Sensitive himself, who knows. I wasn't going to ask. I don't think it's appropriate. "Okay. I'll try."

He smiled again. "That's all you have to do, Summer."

"But what about when Kylo returns?" I asked, the thought of him frightening me. "He will be so angry-"

"Then let him be. That's his problem, not yours."

"Well, it ends up becoming mine..." Especially once the lightsaber gets ignited.

"Just stand up for what you believe in," Brake said. "Don't be afraid of him. Kylo Ren thrives on fear of others. It's like an energy source for him...in a really weird and creepy way."

"You are so optimistic," I complemented. "I wish I could look at my future like you can."

"Well, with the Force, anything is possible."

Perhaps that is an indirect way of saying he's Force-Sensitive like me...

Suddenly, the cell door opened, and who walked inside made any courage I had immediately leave my body.

Kylo Ren stood in the center of the room, fully suited with his helmet and everything, staring straight at us. I glanced at Brake and he appeared to be brave, but I could tell there was some fright hiding beneath.

Kylo stepped to the side and a Stormtrooper entered, forcing binders on Brake's wrists and making him stand up. I wanted to help the spy, but knew I would be quickly thwarted by the Dark Knight himself.

Brake gave me one last encouraging smile before being shoved out of the room by the Stormtrooper. As the door slammed shut behind them, I had a feeling that this was the last I would ever see of him again.

Though it's not like I don't have BIG problems of my own, because now it was just Kylo and I alone in this very small room...yay...

He didn't say one word, just staring at me. I couldn't look at him. Just the mask, and the face I had to imagine behind it, was too much for me right now.

After a few awkward minutes, which felt like hours to me, he finally spoke. "I should title you as a traitor, and punish you as deserved."

Very much to my surprise, his voice didn't sound angry. It was stern, but not the usual threatening tone.

I didn't reply to him though, still not wanting to look directly at him. I'm sure there was fear in my eyes, and I don't want to give him that satisfaction.

Kylo titled his head to the side, a noted characteristic that meant he was studying me, and debating on what to say next. "I gave you everything. Food. Water. Shelter. Even partial amounts of freedom. So what do you do? You betray me, and try to escape when I was away." He lowered his head slightly, appearing hurt. "Shows what you think of me."

I slowly turned to him, confused by his behavior. "What I think of you? What does it matter what I think of you?" I stood up, fully facing him. "You kidnapped me, changed my life, and is forcing me to become your apprentice or basically die. So no, I don't think very highly of you. And I'm quite surprised you think I would."

He stepped towards me, leaving no space between us. "Has it really been so bad? Have I not answered nearly every request you made?"

Well, I'll give him that. He has been halfway decent there. "In a way yes, but-"

"Realize I have treated you better than anyone else who has laid foot on this blasted starship. Maybe even too well, since you seem to take it for granted."

I took a step back, almost feeling guilty for what I said. But my thoughts toward him shouldn't matter; he doesn't like me. He may have come on to me before, but I doubt it was for actual feelings. This man doesn't know what feelings are anymore.

"Kylo, why do care how I think about you?"

He shook his head, backing away. "It's better this way anyway. We shouldn't be close, especially if I will be training you. It should never change."

Now I was truly puzzled by his behavior. Yesterday he was hitting on me, and now he says there should be no relationship at all.

"I don't understand-"

"There's nothing to understand," he snapped, rudely cutting me off. "Get it?"

I was getting sick of his attitude. "Well, excuse me for asking. Just because you don't know what love actually is-"

He jerked out his arm and I suddenly flew across the room into his grasp. My feet were dangling, and I could scarcely breathe.

"How dare you..." he snarled, his voice with a deep growl. If he squeezed me any harder, I think my neck will crack. "After all I've done for you..."

I tried to speak but couldn't get enough breath. I bet my face was turning blue.

"Don't ever judge me of such a thing AGAIN!"

A quick Force-Push and I was slammed back against the wall and then to the ground. Only by luck was I not knocked unconscious, for I hit that thing hard.

After coughing repeatedly and once able to breathe properly, I managed to sit up. "And that shows what you think of me."

He half stepped back, not expecting that comment. It bothered him though, I could tell by his body language. There might even be some regret.

"Look, I will withhold the charges for what you did if you tell me about the Stormtrooper." Well, I guess it really did affect him.

I slowly stood up, my muscles aching as I moved. "Shouldn't you know everything about him? You hired him."

"I will not tolerate any attitude from you whatsoever, unless you wish to experience my power again..." I took that seriously, not wanting the lightsaber to be involved next time. "Now what do you know about your friend? Why does he have interests in deserting the First Order?"

The fact that Kylo didn't know that Brake was a spy was a relief. I decided to play along, certainly not going to reveal his true identify. "I barely know him. And for what reason he wanted to defect, is beyond me. He invited me along for the ride and I accepted. Simple as that."

Kylo examined me, seeing clearly through my lie. "No. There is more than that." He extended his arm, holding it in front of my head. "Now...you will tell me what really happened."

I felt his Force paralyze me, then attempt to enter my mind, prying it for the truth I wanted to keep hidden. I fought with all the strength I had, trying to resist his power. I owed Brake one for standing up for me back at the launch port, and I will repay him by protecting his identity.

"Fighting will only make it worse..." Kylo said, increasing his hold on me.

Tears ran down my face, the pain getting nearly unbearable. I must press on. I can't give in to him.

"It's useless to resist me..." Though his voice sounded unsure. That fueled me.

My head felt as if it was going to explode with how much pressure Kylo was putting on it. But seeing how I was managing to keep him out, just barely, showed I was stronger than I thought.

Perhaps it was the Force within me...perhaps Brake was right about how my power would never fail me, and surprise me when I least expect it. This gave me an idea.

I couldn't keep this up forever, so my only option was to use his power against him as a blockade like Rey did. It would be extremely complicated, for I would have to concentrate on the Force within me yet keep him from entering my mind at the same time.

I desperately tried to relax despite the relentless pain continuously being thrown at me. It was getting worse by the second, and I felt myself starting to crack beneath his power.

"Just let yourself go..." Kylo urged.

"Never!" I choked out, finding it suddenly hard to breathe.

I could practically see his narrowed eyes piercing me. "Fine. Have it your way."

A sudden rush of his power broke my defenses, and I felt him enter my mind. I have to work fast before he sees too much.

I remembered what Maz Kanata said to Rey when she discovered Luke's lightsaber: "I am no Jedi, but I know the Force. It moves through and surrounds every living thing. Close your eyes... Feel it... The light... it's always been there. It will guide you."

I did as she said and suddenly felt submerged within my subconscious, grasping hold of a spark of power. I brought it forth, and reopened my eyes, looking determined as ever.

With all my strength, I pushed Kylo out of my mind, and it became a war of who could overpower the other. I can't believe I was actually doing this.

I could see this was a shock to him, never expecting this. I used that to my advantage, pushing as hard as I could against him when I saw a slight weakening in his power.

Suddenly I was no longer paralyzed, but Kylo was, his arm still extended. He was trying to fight back but seemed contained in a frozen state. Am I really doing this?

I pushed further and entered his mind, reading the first thoughts I could see. "You're afraid...that I will become more powerful than you and fulfill your destiny!"

Kylo jerked himself away, stumbling back into the wall behind him. His chest rose and fell quickly, breathing heavily, disturbed by what just happened. He looked at his hand then back at me as if I just cursed him.

I was also breathing faster, but from shock of what feat I just accomplished, and the recognition that I do indeed have the Force and can potentially learn to control it.

"And...you're heartbroken," I added, recalling another thought I saw in his head. "Since you wanted us to rule the galaxy together as a couple, but you're now banned from being in a relationship at all."

"ENOUGH!" Kylo shouted, enraged that I saw what was in his mind. "None of what you say is true! It's all lies!"

I studied his reaction, just sensing (from my power perhaps?...) raw emotion and feeling for me. This wasn't the usual anger, this is actual frustration and pain because he wants to be with me, but can't.

I never knew that was the true way he felt towards me. I thought it was just lust...but could it be love?

And this just added to the conflict within him. He didn't need anything more than what he was forced to deal with, and I admit, I felt compassionate for him. He deserves better, for a change. Not that I think the way he's been living or the things he's done for the past six years are good, but maybe some positivity in his life will change him.

"Kylo...I'm sorry."

He looked me over, seeming to slowly calm down. "What did you say?"

"I really...I didn't know...that's how you felt-"

"Drop it, Summer," Kylo interrupted, sounding like a plea. "Just...drop it."

"I'm sorry," I repeated.

He shook his head, turning away and starting towards the exit.

"Kylo, wait-"

He walked out and the door shut behind him, locking itself. The sound echoed through the small cell, giving me shivers.

I sighed, sitting back down on my "bed", trying to process what happened. I found out how I can use my power, and Kylo Ren actually has feelings for me. Deep, true feelings.

This is the first time he has probably ever had emotions like this and I repeatedly turned him down. Which I don't blame myself for, because he came at me in the wrong way. But in his defense, does he know any better?

Kylo POV

I stared at the detention cell door, hearing her calls for me to go back inside. I just couldn't do it. I had to get control of my emotions before I could be around her again. She was a weakness, like the Light that constantly tugged at me. I needed to get rid of both in my already complicated life.

I should be able to do this without encountering as many problems as I have already. I do it all the time with the Light. Just shrug it off, shut it out, try to ignore any pulls towards it. Though for some reason, Summer is not as simple to handle as everything else...why is she so hard to control?

"Sir?"

I jumped, the Stormtrooper startling me. I'm so messed up I let my guard down. Only I should be the one sneaking up on people here and freaking them out. "What is it?"

"The traitor is in the interrogation chamber, as requested," he replied.

"Excellent." I smirked, recalling an important thought I saw in Summer's mind, despite her constant resisting me. This interrogation will certainly be interesting indeed...

* * * * * *

The prisoner was struggling to escape from the interrogation chair when I entered, making me nearly laugh. How stupid to even attempt such a thing.

I waved my hand and he cried out in pain, the restraints tightening on his wrists and ankles.

He looked up at me with fire in his eyes. "A jerk will be a jerk, I see."

"I would choose your words wisely if you wish to live longer," I threatened, standing directly in front of him. "So...how long have you been working with the Resistance?"

He tried not to show surprise by my accurate guess of his true identity. "I have no idea what you're going on about. I'm a Stormtrooper."

"Lying won't get you anywhere. I know the truth."

I held my arm on front of his head, encountering barely any problem entering his mind. His eyes were squeezed shut and he tried to fight me, but I overpowered him ten to one. He stood no chance to my Force.

I saw everything. His past, his current ties with the Resistance, and I could even see plans for the future. I savored every moment, for any upper hand the First Order might be able to have is crucial for our future. Though he didn't seem to know much at all. I guess his rank wasn't high enough, if a "spy" is considered a rank at all.

I released him and he sighed relief, panting like a dog. I'm powerful, what can I say?

"Brake Atomgold," I said, discovering his name before. "I may be able to grant a less tortuous punishment for intruding if you give me what I want."

Brake slowly raised his head, narrowing his eyes. "You just went inside my thoughts. Not satisfied? Not my problem."

Mouthy. That's an easy fix. "Just so you know, you will die if you don't release information I desire."

"I don't know what you're looking for-"

"You know exactly what I desire."

The map to Skywalker. Even just a radius of the true location. That is more valuable to me over anything else. I didn't see it in his mind, but perhaps if he even saw a glimpse of it, I could extract it from his thoughts. He needed to be strictly thinking about it though.

Brake held his ground. "I know nothing."

I studied him, checking for a lie. I quickly jumped back into his thoughts, certainly surprising him, for he wasn't excepting another round of me. Though when I still saw nothing, I left his mind.

"Perhaps you are telling the truth..." I said, removing the lightsaber hilt from my belt as a taunt. "In that case...you are of no use to me."

"Now h-hold up," Brake begged, his voice sounding like a broken record. Fear was something he could not hide from me now. "Let's just t-talk about this."

"There's nothing to say, except..." I extended my lightsaber, the eerie red light illuminating the dim room. His eyes pleaded mercy but I didn't care. "Goodbye."

I ran the lightsaber through his chest, not wanting to waste any more time with him. Brake didn't scream out, much to my surprise, but I could see the intense and brutal pain in his face. He tried to speak, but couldn't, his mouth barely moving instead. I watched as his eyes slowly shut and his head slumped forward.

I yanked my weapon out of him, smirking at his dead body.

Quick. Easy. Done.

Now as for the girl...

> > > > > >

So Chapter 5 is here! Hope everyone enjoys it :)

Don't hate me for the cliffhanger, I know they're annoying but also awesome in a way, am I right? Keeps you excited for the next chapter (which btw, is already under way) ;)

Like the twist I made with a spy sneaking on board? And how about Summer's display of power? (I know it's similar to Rey right now but Summer will be completely different honestly) Let me know in comments! :D

If you like this story, and if it's not too much to ask, please share it on social media. I'd love to get this story really out there for everyone to have a chance to enjoy. Just credit me please :)

And also thank you for the continuous support! It means a lot to me that you guys enjoy this book as much as I do ♡

Pics of the chapter: (header) General Hux, (bottom) Captain Phasma. I chose them for this chapter because they both have a larger role in it, with Hux discovering the prisoner and arresting Summer, to Phasma's first appearance in the story. Plus both are underappreciated characters, and in my opinion deserve way more recognition and respect for the roles they play.