Taking Command Book 2 (Kylux)

Chapter 59: Taking Risks and Cheating Death

Poe PoV

(WHOA A GOOD GUY POV)

Phasma gave me the signal. I sent the ransom offer to the First Order. I had some doubts about this plan. Hux could choose to keep Ben imprisoned, Hux could just kill Ben, or he could completely obliterate us then leave with Ben. I clenched the rim of my desk, my knuckles turning white.

"Are you okay?" A voice startled me. I turned to see Rey there. She smiled at me. It was rare to see the smuggler on base.

"No. I'm not." I said tersely. I normally welcomed seeing the pretty starship pilot. She was smart, skilled, and attractive. She had a talent for cheering me up. "I've made a huge mistake."

I told Rey about the idea I had come up with Ben and Phasma. Even though it had been Ben's idea, I felt responsible for the situation.

"It's not your fault. Ben is an adult. He made this call. He knew the risks and was willing to take them. He would do anything to see Hux come back to him. He loves Hux more than just about anything aside from his morals." Hearing Rey say that confirmed what I already knew. Kylo did not want me romantically. Yes, there might have been a spark, but in the end, I should have known that his one love and flame would always be Hux.

Rey must have sensed my upset state. "Are you alright? Did I say something?" She asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"It's nothing. Just hopeless dreams and fantasies." I replied wistfully. I sighed. I needed to snap out of this. I sent a reply to the Emperor demanding that we meet on this planet and that he come alone, with only one guard. Now I had to wait.

It took only a few minutes to get a reply, but I did end up getting one. It was one word. "Yes."

"Well then," I said. "I guess I'll need to get a million credits."

"No problem." Rey said smirking. "Who should I steal from?"

I rolled my eyes at her. I was too stressed to appreciate her sarcasm at the moment. "We have the money in the vault. General Organa left that money for us."

"You're no fun." She said grinning at me before going to get the credits. The agreement said that the meeting would occur tomorrow at dawn. That meant I had about twelve hours to best decide how to do this. Ben's life was on the line here. All he wanted was for Hux to come join him. I wished he would realize that it was a lost cause, but I simultaneously admired his stubbornness and hoped someone would love me like that.

Enough of the romantic wistfulness. I had to figure out how to win this. If I played it right, I still might be able to capture Hux. It was time for me to cheat death. Not that I had ever done that before.