Standing in the physical presence of Snoke was like swimming in a pool polluted with pure evil. It invoked fear in all who experienced it. The dark energy surrounding him drained the life of any who could bear even just a few brief moments of conversation with the Supreme Leader. His countenance ripped its way through the toughest of souls and oppressively brought them to their knees. It was absolute oppression ripped from the scripts of the most horrific of nightmares.

Kylo Ren was an exception to the norm. He fed off of the darkness of his Master as if it were the very nourishment his young body needed. Snoke was terrifying to him, but in a way that empowered him. Where others were driven to the edge of the brokenness of insanity, Ren found his Master's presence to be an exhilarating boost of confidence and a means to achieve the self-gratification he had sought after since his betrayal of his uncle and former Master, Luke Skywalker.

I will give my life for you, Master, Ren thought while kneeling at the throne of Supreme Leader Snoke. I will serve you well…

"Be mindful you are serving the right master, Kylo Ren," Snoke's voice boomed in the expansive throne room aboard the Supremacy. "I sense in you a great torment. It pulls you towards the light and the darkness simultaneously. It is futile to attempt to serve two masters at once."

And be aware of my thoughts as they will betray me, Ren thought. He brought both of his knees to the deck plating and looked up at Snoke.

"Precisely," Snoke replied with a sinister grin. "Your thoughts are your weakness and will be your undoing. Your obsession with the past will be as well. Embrace Vader as an example and an influence. But refrain from trying to emulate him as he betrayed his Master." Snoke approached Ren and leaned over him. "I sense the same spirit of conflict within you, Ren. Bridle it and control it before it consumes you. I will not fall to betrayal as did Palpatine."

"Master, I will never take it to that level," Ren said with a slight hint of uneasiness in his voice. "I know you are testing me. You are purifying me through the fires of your judgments. If this spirit is to leave me, then I will relinquish it without hesitation."

"And my corrections of you have a specific purpose, as does this conversation," Snoke said, stepping away from Ren and taking a seat on his throne. "Have you sensed the reason I summoned you to come before me?" He gestured with his right hand. "You may rise before responding."

Ren stood to his full height. "Master, I sense my purpose for being here is related to the reappearance of Admiral Prolov and his fleet. But further details elude me. Forgive me, Master."

"Another weakness of yours. Apologetic mumblings will earn you no favor from anyone," Snoke said. His eyes narrowed while his face twisted in disgust. "A true master of the Dark Side will never stoop so low. Apologies lead to compassion for enemies. Compassion leads to submission. A soul worthy of learning the Dark Side does not need such foolishness." Snoke waved his hand dismissively. "Enough of that for now. We have great use for Admiral Prolov. And you will be central to guiding him into our grasp."

Ren nodded. "I will do as you ask, Supreme Leader. I will bring Admiral Prolov before you."

Snoke chuckled while listening to Ren. "You do have your grandfather's ambitious nature. Though bringing Prolov to me solely by military force is an insufficient method of accomplishing our goals. We must entice him to draw closer to us. We have a need that must be fulfilled, and Prolov will satisfy it well."

"Supreme Leader, I am under the impression that Captain Phasma was personally chosen as Prolov's liaison," Ren stated. "Are her efforts not successful?"

"My boy, she is fulfilling her duty with aplomb so far," Snoke replied while leaning back in his chair. "Though she does not know of the true nature of her meeting with Prolov. She is under the guise that she is meeting with her hero, but the actual reason for her assignment remains safely hidden from her."

Snoke's words piqued Ren's interest. "Supreme Leader, what are your plans for Prolov?"

Snoke rested his hands on the arms of his throne. "The ancient Sith Archives describe a weapon of immense power created by one of their own who went rogue thousands of years ago. Its presence cannot be detected by existing technology, nor can it be destroyed by conventional means."

Ren's eyes narrowed beneath his helmet. "What kind of weapon, Supreme Leader."

"It is known as the Heart's Blaze. And the Dark Side of the Force has revealed to me that a Holocron holding the key to the weapon is in Admiral Prolov's possession." Snoke replied as he gazed over Ren's head.

Ren reached out with the Force. His mind took him across time and space. It whispered in his ears while revealing information about Admiral Prolov. "He is a native of the Outer Rim World S'Varia. The only surviving member of House Prolov, the ruling house of the S'Varian star system. And-" Ren's Force-driven mental voyage across the heavens abruptly stopped. He gazed up at the Supreme Leader. "Is the Force telling me the truth, Master? Is it painting an accurate portrait of Admiral Prolov?"

Snoke shifted his posture and clasped his hands. "It is revealing the truth about the Admiral. He is the heir to the S'Varian throne by birthright. S'Varia aided the Republic during the Clone Wars and embraced its successor, the Empire. There is a great secret concerning S'Varia. Has the Force revealed it to you?"

Ren nodded. "Yes, Supreme Leader. S'Varia is a dangerous world if crossed. The former Emperor knew of the weapon and its S'Varian origins."

Snoke exhaled and kept his eyes on Ren. "The Emperor also knew that attempting to land on S'Varia without invitation is as fatal as drinking a chalice full of poison. Which is another reason why we must exercise caution."

"S'Varia is an untouchable world," Ren remarked. "Even Brendol Hux avoided it in his search for warriors suitable for the First Order's needs."

"Untouchable, my apprentice," Snoke agreed with a smirk. "Except for the likes of you and me. And Admiral Prolov. He is the key to unlocking S'Varia's full potential."

Ren relaxed his rigid stance. "Supreme Leader, surely you know the S'Varian people are an enigma to most in the galaxy…and a threat to us all."

Snoke leaned forward. "They are nothing more than drifting vessels in need of a steady hand at the helm. We will place Prolov on S'Varia's throne and his fleet in command of the star system. And then we will reap the benefits of that world and its people."

"Is Captain Phasma to lead an assault to secure this weapon?" Ren enquired. He stepped towards the Supreme Leader. "I would presume that is why she was assigned to be Admiral Prolov's liaison."

"Partially correct," Snoke corrected Ren in a benevolent tone. "She genuinely admires Prolov. I decided to use her admiration for him as a method of gaining control of the weapon. My apprentice, to control the weapon is to control the S'Varian people. It is a secondary means of obtaining their throne."

Ren pursed his lips beneath his mask. "If it is the secondary means of obtaining the throne, then what is the primary method?"

"One must be born into House Prolov," Snoke replied while locking a cold gaze on Ren. "Or one must obtain favor by entering into marriage with the next in line for the throne."

From Ren's perspective, Snoke's words were like a light piercing a solid wall of darkness. "You intend Phasma to enter into House Prolov in such a manner? Would that not become a risky endeavor? What if it were to alter her allegiance to the First Order?"

"We both know that Prolov and Phasma are too dedicated to their respective military positions to be involved that kind of relationship. But if she were to maintain her status as a military liaison to Prolov when he is placed upon the throne then she could gain an advantage for the First Order," Snoke answered with a hint of a growl. "And you are correct. There are tremendous risks for her. However, she is just a tool for us to bring the S'Varian star system under our control and she is expendable. Once we have the weapon in our grasp and coupled with Starkiller, no one will be able to challenge us. We will have complete reign over the entire galaxy."

Ren nodded. "How do you wish to proceed, Supreme Leader?"

"I summoned you to witness the next step in our process of obtaining the weapon," Snoke said while pressing a control on the armrest of his throne.

The holograph of Commander Sven Jerek wavered into view. "Supreme Leader, how may I serve you?", Jerek asked as he bowed in respect.

"The time has come to begin phase two," Snoke ordered in a firm tone. "I am promoting you to General to keep Hux from exercising any authority over you. Send the conscripts you have assembled to the provided coordinates. And continue your efforts to secure additional conscripts for the dimensional gate project. Before you do so, order Captain Peavy on the Finalizer to recall Captain Phasma from Prolov's star destroyer. We have a use for her elsewhere."

"Consider it done, Supreme Leader, and thank you," Jerek replied just before his hologram faded.

Snoke turned his attention back to Ren. "Now, allow me to describe what I have in mind. Before I engage in conversation with you, I must emphasize that this information is to be kept between us." Snoke paused and glanced up at the others in the room, including the Attendants. "Everyone must leave us immediately." He watched as all of the individuals filed out of the throne room before resuming his discussion with Ren.

Kylo listened intently as the Supreme Leader spoke. Ren began to detect a muttering within Snoke's dialect as the disfigured leader's voice filtered into his ears. It was almost as if a pirate sideband had infiltrated an encoded subspace message. Ren drew from the Force and listened closer. The mumbling became a distinct and prominent voice. Ren furrowed his brow as the clearness of the voice became instantaneously recognizable. The voice he heard embedded within Snoke's raspy vocals was none other than Emperor Palpatine.

With that revelation, Ren smiled beneath his mask. He now had an angle with which to play Snoke to his advantage shortly. I will not move upon this information until the appropriate moment arises, he thought. Snoke is blinded by my unwavering loyalty to him and the First Order. He focuses primarily on the spiritual matters and leaves the rest for imbeciles like Hux. I will continue to faithfully play my hand until opportunity presents itself for me to rise as the new Supreme Leader.

Phasma laid her chromium covered hand on the edge of the duristeel frame holding the bridge viewports in place on the Apollyon's bridge. She gazed down at the yellowish brown surface of Jakku far below. Beneath her helmet she grinned in arrogance. The fools below were scavenging from the broken wrecks while she was glaring at them from a working Imperial Star Destroyer. In her mind, she was far above and superior to those simpletons.

I have bested every single one of you, she thought as she continued to gaze at Jakku. She turned away from the viewports and visually scanned the bridge crew. And I will best every single one of you as well. You will all bow to me and call me your Captain soon.

"Captain, please excuse our backtracking to the bridge," Prolov said as he stepped up to her. "I thought it would be prudent to check with Captain Aveen to see if he had made progress on identifying the vessels on the surface. It never hurts to be sure of anything in life."

"It will suffice, Admiral," Phasma replied coldly. "And I could provide you with their identification, if you wish."

Prolov shook his head. "That will not be necessary, Captain. We are more than capable of finding out on our own." He smiled at her and thought, No, Captain, I am not going to take the bait and allow you or Hux to infiltrate our systems with any software that will install tracking or any other harmful programs. Nice try, though. "Captain, I would be remiss to ask if there are any other questions you have for me in regard to the fleet," Prolov said, breaking from his thoughts.

You better believe I have questions, Admiral, Phasma hissed in her mind. Why did you take me into the past to see Annalisa and then lead me into a vision with that woman who threatened me? Who is she? And why do either of them, mere ghosts of the past, have any control over you? They will not take you from me and my plans for you without a fight to the death. Phasma shook off her mental venting. "I believe you have answered all of my questions, Admiral," she replied.

Prolov smiled and gestured towards the corridor beyond the bridge. "Good, Captain. If you will walk this way-" A loud chime on the bridge cut him off. He looked over to Captain Aveen. "What is it, Captain?"

"Sir, we have a request from the Finalizer for Captain Phasma to be returned immediately," Captain Aveen said after approaching Prolov and Phasma as they walked through the corridor. "They expressed it was an emergency."

Prolov looked over to Phasma. Her posture had tensed significantly. Her breathing had increased as well. She is unaware of this. It is not her doing, he thought. "Very well," he replied, turning back to Aveen. "We have no choice but to honor their request." He glanced up at Phasma. "Captain, my apologies. It appears we are going to have to end the tour here. May I have the honor of escorting you to your shuttle?"

"Of course, Admiral," Phasma said in a tone that lightly veiled her frustration. She glared out of the bridge viewports at the Finalizer in the distance. Damn you, Hux, she thought while staring at the blackened ship before moving alongside Prolov to leave the bridge.

The walk to the hangar bay was a silent one save for the footsteps. Boots contacting with the deck plating resounded through the corridors like an army marching in parade formation. There was nothing that could be said about the unexpected emergency that had arose. It was a test of resolve and both Phasma and Prolov knew that fact well. Experience had instructed both of them of that reality.

If the First Order desired to raise my suspicions, then they succeeded. What in the hell is going on here? Prolov thought as he stepped out into the Apollyon's hangar bay. I am glad I followed through with preparing this fleet for surprises from them. There will be more, that much I can be assured of.

Next to Prolov, Phasma bit her lip. She wanted to vent her anger at the meeting that had been cut short. She enjoyed her time with Prolov as his company was much more pleasant than the "all business" persona of General Hux. You better have a justifiable reason for ending my time with Prolov so quickly, Hux. If this is another one of your schemes, I'll make sure you pay you, insolent bastard.

Prolov turned to Phasma as they reached the landing ramp of the bird-like Ravage-class shuttle. "Captain, my apologies for having to end the tour so quickly. I can only hope that your mission is successful. Perhaps we can meet again sometime soon."

"We will meet again, Admiral Prolov," Phasma replied in her beautiful voice. "And it will be very soon."

With that said, she turned and motioned for her troops to board the shuttle before walking majestically up the ramp herself. She paused at the top and glanced down at Prolov. Orders aside, I am developing a more personal interest in you, Prolov. Perhaps I should follow it more than the wishes of Hux and Snoke. Time will tell, she thought as the ramp closed with a hydraulic whine.

Prolov spun on his heels and moved quickly out of the hangar bay. As he walked through the corridor, a chime on his commlink rang out. "This is Admiral Prolov. What is it?"

"Sir, this is Colonel Veriss. May I meet with you momentarily?", a voice responded.

Prolov nodded as he let out a chuckle. "Good timing, Colonel. I was about to remind you of your scheduled meeting with me. Can your information wait until then?"

"Of course, sir," Veriss replied. "I believe we have a lot to discuss regarding our First Order friends."

"Indeed, we do, Colonel," Prolov answered. "Continue to analyze your talking points, and I'll see you at the appointed time. Prolov out."

In the TIE Fighter control center that he called the "Lair", Veriss turned his elevated chair to a holoscreen to his right. He studied the shuttle's approach to the Finalizer. He glanced down at the deck below to a silver third-generation RA-7 droid, personally reprogrammed and upgraded by Veriss himself. "VS seven three, monitor the Finalizer's headings when it turns to make a hyperspace jump. Captain Revii and I will analyze the vectors of the fighters and shuttles."

VS-73 began his monitoring as TIE pilot, Captain Revii, stared up at Veriss. "Sir, are you detecting what I am?"

Veriss nodded while maintaining his smug expression. "I am, captain. They claim to be confronted with an emergency. Still, their trajectory and velocity say otherwise." Veriss noticed the shuttle slowing and heading towards the main hangar on the screen before him while the fighters followed it closely. "In an emergency, the proper procedure would be to direct the fighters and shuttle to separate hangers to allow for rapid recovery. The fact that they are doing the opposite reveals much about their alleged emergency."

Once the smaller ships were aboard, the massive First Order star destroyer turned on its axis and soared into hyperspace. Veriss kept his eyes on the now empty space above Jakku as he crunched numbers and data in his head.

"Sir, there are thousands of possible destinations from the Finalizer's jump point," VS-73 stated in his robotic voice. "It will take quite some time to analyze them all."

"That's why I upgraded your central processing unit, V S seven three," Veriss stated in a blank tone. "I suggest you get to work on those projections."

Veriss continued to lock his eyes on the stars on the holoscreen before him and thought, Do not think for a moment you have fooled me, General Hux. Your actions are intentional. You desire to mislead us. The First Order came from the same stock as the Empire. Examining you is like examining a wayward and inferior twin sibling in a mirror. We know your weaknesses and how to exploit them for our benefit.