Taking Command Book 2 (Kylux)

Chapter 51: Paying Homage to a Goddess

Hux PoV

Phasma refused to come to us, and demanded that we meet her on a planet not ruled by the First Order. "I want to discuss business," she had said,"and I want to be on even footing, meaning I don't want to be somewhere with a hundred of your lackeys running around."

She was worth it. Her services were, at least. Already she was gaining a reputation as a skilled bounty hunter, specializing in assassinations. She told me to travel to the planet Taris. It was a neutral planet, something I respected. It paid the First Order a small amount of tribute to keep from being attacked.

Only myself and FN-2187 went on this trip. She had made it clear she did not want me bringing a large amount of security. She was unlikely to try to kill me, however large her disdain for me was. She was more professional than that.

When we arrived on Taris, I walked through the streets with FN-2187, who had donned civilian gear. We planned to blend in. I had given him the name of "Finn". It was short, unremarkable, and easy to remember. It fit him well. Perhaps I would let him use it like Captain Phasma had used her name.

"She said to meet us in this tavern." I said to Finn. "Let's go."

"Yes, sir." He followed behind me.

"Don't be so formal," I said,"I'm Jacen Crise, if you catch my drift."

"Of course, Jacen." He grinned at me, understanding the need for a facade of casualness.

We reached the bar with little difficulty and walked inside. Phasma had instructed me to walk in and tell the bartender that I wanted the Twilight Special. I was supposed to tell a specific bartender. He was a Nautolan with blue skin, apparently.

I found the being I sought for. Nautolans stood out, due to their head tails. I walked up to him and repeated the request.

"Finn's with me." I said coolly as he showed us back and tried to block Finn out.

"Well, I'm surprised you showed. Who's this? My replacement? Or your new boyfriend." Her voice was icy. In mannerisms she had not changed, but in appearances Phasma had changed a little bit. She now wore light, Mandalorian armor and carried many guns. Her colors seemed to be blue and silver. She looked like a goddess of war, and in a way she was. She was already one of the foremost women in bounty hunting.

"He is my second in command, just as you and Kylo once were." I responded, trying not to let her comment get to me. "People aren't staying around, so I have some new help. Finn is the finest trooper I have." I smiled at Finn who looked at the floor.

"So you say. So, Hux, what do you sang from me? You could hire any bounty hunter, but why me?" She looked at me, her blue eyes piercing me through.

"You already know the target. I want to kill Kylo Ren." I looked at her right in the eyes now.