The Only News That Matters, The Holonet News

GABRIEL LUNA // have you met ALTON KASTLE yet? HE is a THIRTY-EIGHT year old CISMALE HUMAN. they’re originally from KUAT and now show loyalty to THE EMPIRE. they are best known for being a BROADCAST JOURNALIST, and i hear they’re pretty COMFORTING yet also DECEPTIVE at times; i hope they survive the galactic civil war. (Devin, 23, EST, He/Him/His)

“Do you?”  Hux murmured with a dark, intent stare. He considered himself an accomplished liar and couldn’t quell the uncomfortable feeling that he had been weak to let Alton so close. The mention of a partnership turned Hux’s blood cold.  “That’s… I don’t see why you would be anything but the same, equally enjoyable person many, many years from now.”  He emphasized the length of time in a dry tone, hoping that teasing Alton might divert him.

“You are absurd,”  he said as Alton’s nose touched his. Not a protest, or even ridicule. Fond. His stomach warmed at Alton’s gentle touches and promises of devotion. Hux no longer had any idea what this arrangement of theirs could be called. Perhaps it was better that it wasn’t called anything at all. But he was satisfied with it, too. He might even tell Alton so. Might tell him that he was the only person Hux had ever met who chose to spend time with him, who wanted him. Might even be able to convey some tiny fraction of how much that meant.   (Perhaps… next time.)   Unable to reach the words, Hux kissed the top of Alton’s head and gripped his arms tightly.  “You’re sublime.”

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   Alton listened, smiling as Hux talked, he could tell he was enjoying himself, despite himself. This was more open then Hux had been in the past and if Alton had said anything like this when they first met months ago, then Hux would have ran.....as fast as he humanly could from wherever they were. Yet here, and now he was staying, his tone was almost matching Alton’s and the kiss to the top of his head.....it was perhaps the most affectionate thing Hux could muster.....but it was enough of a message to Alton to know that Hux shared some sort of feelings that Alton had towards him. It was.....reassuring. As much as he enjoyed his arms being in Hux’s grip, he pulled them away, something else on his mind now....round two. Pressing a kiss to Hux’s neck, 

“I do enjoy indulging you.”  Hux smirked, tracing up and down Alton’s spine with his fingertips. He enjoyed this physical closeness afterwards, at ease and without expectations, even though he so often denied himself with an excuse and a hurried exit. His chest tightened as the conversation turned… sweet. He barely suppressed a sneer at Alton’s use of the word magical, but Hux had to concede he wasn’t wrong. The Rift was strange — supernatural, even — in its own category that seemed beyond even Ren and Snoke’s precious Force. Hux used it to divert from the dangerous direction Alton had taken.  “Ah, but how do you know I haven’t already met you? Perhaps we have a little May-December scandal going on in the future. You would have no choice but to believe me.”

His diversionary tactic didn’t last long before the conversation drifted back into emotional territory.  “Yes… well…”  Hux stuttered. He really seemed to mean that. Hux knew the scent of flattery and this wasn’t it. They were far past the point where such endearments were a necessary pretense, a thing that was said simply because it was supposed to be said.   (Alton values his presence.)   The thought overwhelmed him — he simultaneously craved it and wanted desperately to push it away.  “I’m glad you’re satisfied with the arrangement,”  he said, his voice just a touch colder. Sensing a reaction from Alton, he was compelled against his better judgment to add:  “I see no downside in continuing it.”

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   Alton raised his eyebrow thinking about it, before he chuckled. “Because, Armitage, I know when you’re lying or not, and I highly doubt you’d be able to lie about that.” He knew that that was the other’s way of being playful, but part of him liked to believe it was true, even if Alton would have been....considerably older than Hux. “Though it’s nice to think that even as an old man, you would have found me enjoyable enough to be in a partnership with.” Alton could sense it was going outside the realm of comfort for Hux, but part of him wanted to keep pushing the other. Alton wanted to feed his emotional urges, just as much as his physical with Hux. 

Hux pulled Alton against him as he caught his breath, his hand grasping idly at Alton’s shoulder and hair. Stars. Composing himself after their dalliances took longer with each visit. He considered dispensing with composure altogether, had considered it every time since Alton had seen his pathetic stump leg and invited him back into bed anyway. Just being here like this was so pleasant that Hux had completely forgotten his resolve to leave until Alton asked him to stay.

“It’s all hands on deck until we identify who’s responsible for Hapes. I’m needed on the bridge in a few hours.”  Was he? Did the First Order need Armitage Hux, specifically, or just any ruthless officer in the proper uniform?  For all that he had worked to make himself indispensable, Hux had never truly felt needed the way he did when Alton captured him with those gorgeous damnable eyes of his.  “Although… one of my more ambitious lieutenants has been pestering me for more chances to take command of the bridge. I suppose I could indulge her….”  Hux would grab his comm to send the message… in a moment. Alton still grasped his hand firmly and he was in no hurry to extricate it.  “If you insist. Only for my favorite asset.”

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   Alton smiled a little, his hands letting go of Hux now that he knew he didn’t have to cling to him. Drawing a small circle on his chest with his finger. “Indulge her, so then you can remain here, indulging me. Indulging your favorite asset.” Alton pulled himself up on top of Hux, resting his head on his chest. Alton had a good life, he would never deny that, he had almost everything anyone could possibly want, but it was in this moments, when he was alone just with Hux, that he was truly happiest. It felt like they were the only two in the entire galaxy, and he would never change that. He didn’t want that to change. His hand moved to run through Hux’s hair, feeling it’s texture. 

It was automatic, the way his breath stilled when Alton’s tongue traced his lip and the distance between them vanished. Hux knew the steps of this little dance of theirs, now. Some pretense to muddle the line between business and affection   (which was the affectation?)   as if this was anything other than a transaction between men with compatible objectives and desires. Gentle kisses were superfluous to the exchange but he leaned in all the same. Hux chuckled low at Alton’s suggestion.

“You are incorrigible, soldier.”  He covered Alton’s hands with his own and pressed lightly once. Pulling away, he went to sit on the edge of Alton’s bed.  “Well? What are you waiting for?”

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   Alton smiled when Hux took his hands into his, before he moved to sit on the edge of his bed. “Just the way you like me, sir.” When Hux asked what he was waiting for Alton gave a small wink before quickly shedding his clothes, and Hux’s, before pulling him further into the bed..............

After some time, Alton now laid in bed with Hux, their bodies sweaty, and their legs tangled up together, Alton was resting his head against Hux’s chest, their breathing heavy. Alton moved his hand to wrap his fingers with Hux’s as he peppered light kisses against his chest. “Once again, General, your lessons have proved monumental to my training, and I’m left a better solider.” Tightening the grip he had on Hux’s hand, Alton didn’t want him to leave. “I would like it if you stayed the night with me........I don’t want you to leave me.” 

Hux’s stomach squirmed when Alton pressed him on ‘private influence.’ He had perhaps paid a few more visits than strictly necessary. Alton was much more pleasant to return to at the end of the day than his chilly, empty quarters on base. When he could spare the time had legitimate business on Coruscant. Which included maintaining a good working relationship with the media!  So it was really in the Order’s best interest that he murmured, eyes glinting,  “I thought my enjoyment was evident.”

He admired the focus etched into Alton’s face as the second shot cast him in a plasma glow. Handsome.   (Like the hero from the old Imperial holodramas.)   Hux’s eyes widened when Alton threw his arms around his neck with his blaster in hand.  “Your accuracy is much improved,”  he crooned, delicately retrieving the blaster.  “We will, however, have to work on your blaster discipline. There’s more I should teach you, much more. For your own safety. I’ll simply have to delay my departure this evening. That is…”  His free hand rested on Alton’s waist.  “If your schedule allows.”

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   Nodding his head as Hux talked, telling him he needed more training with blaster etiquette. Feeling as the blaster was taken from him, and a hand moved to rest on his waist. His own eyes studying Hux’s features, he ran his tongue along his bottom lip, nervous. “My schedule?” He moved in closer to Hux, pressing his hips against the other’s. “I can always make time for you to work on me, Hux.” 

   Alton sighed softly, while the truth had always been a fickle thing to Alton, it was malleable, and he had always been able to make it whatever he wanted....this situation with these aliens was far different.

"The only truth that matters right now is that these aliens must be destroyed, every last one of them. That, or they will destroy us all."

   "Then what is it like? My viewers right now are scared, and it is my job to make sure they feel safe and informed. IF the Jedi apparently cannot sense these monstrous invaders, then how can we have any faith that they will keep us safe?"

Hux bristled at the big, strong officer comment, his slim shoulders stiffening reflexively.  “You would prefer the alternative? Carelessness in the face of a real threat?”  he snapped. His nerves prickled when Alton asked if he was a valuable asset. He was — of course he was; he knew that, surely! Hux would not be here otherwise.   (Must Alton make him say it?)   Hux cleared his throat briskly, keeping his tone professional.  “Your public influence is of great use to the Order.”

He spotted several errors in Alton’s form immediately, but kept them quietly sealed behind a smirk. Warmth rose in his stomach as he watched Alton’s attempt go wide.   (Amusement. Obviously.)   He shook his head, still smirking as he lifted Alton’s chin in his hand.  “It helps when you look at your target. Eyes open,”  he added more softly, shifting to stand behind Alton as he slid his feet into the correct stance. Light touches along Alton’s arms guided his aim. Hux held him steady.  “Try now.”

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   Huffing at Hux, “I suppose not.” Alton raised an eyebrow at the comment that his public influence was of great use to the Order. “And what about my private influence with you? You’ve broken into my apartment, and spent enough nights with me that you must have some kind of enjoyment of it.....with me.” After his shot was so bad, and he saw the smirk on Hux’s face he frowned, before his face was lifted in the other man’s hand, smiling a little at his touch. Feeling as Hu moved to stand behind him, fixing his stance, and aim. Alton instinctually pressed his body into Hux’s wanting to feel his warmth. Nodding when he was told to try again, Alton shot again, this time hitting the bottle. Getting excited, he jumped up and down a little, smiling. 

Hux threw an irritated glance over his shoulder. He did not have time to pacify Alton’s ego while a potential threat lurked around the corner. But on further inspection, the threat was nothing but an errant maintenance droid.   (Jumping at shadows. Brilliant.)   As his attention returned from its singular focus, he took in Alton’s adorable pout. His annoyance ebbed, replaced by a peculiar sensation behind his chest. Like heartburn, but — not unpleasant?   (Best visit medbay later.)

“Sort of will not keep you alive. I will. After all, it’s my duty to the First Order to protect our most valuable assets.”  Hux set an empty bottle on a ledge across from Alton. Striding back to meet him, he offered his blaster.  “Show me your form.”

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   Alton smiled when Hux came back, an eyebrow raised. “So that deadly little threat you were so worried about, turned out to be nothing, Hux? Good thing I have a big, strong officer like you to keep me safe from what an unruly mouse droid?” Nodding his head when Hux told him that sort of would not keep him alive, but that Hux would before he called him a valuable asset. “You think I’m one of your most valuable assets?” Watching as Hux set up an empty bottle and then offered him his blaster, he nodded knowing what the other wanted. 

Hera  didn’t  know  what  these  people  were  but  they  were  not  going  to  let  them  hurt  her.  Not  now.  Not  when  everything  seemed  like  it  was  falling  into  place  for  the  first  time  in  so  many  years.  But  where  were  the  others?  She  hoisted  up  her  leg,  kicking  the  Hapan  guard  hard  in  the  chest,  watching  them  go  down.  “  Do  yourself  a  favor  and  stay  there.  “  Already  they  were  moving  away,  eyes  constantly  moving,  trying  to  find  their  family,  even  as  every  part  of  her  body  was  telling  her  she  needed  to  stop.  It  wasn’t  a  voice  she  wanted  to  hear,  but  it  was  one  they  recognized.  Their  shoulders  straightened,  eyes  narrowed  as  they  turned  to  face  Alton.  She  immediately  moved  to  tell  him  to  kriff  off,  but  stopped  herself.  Another  set  of  eyes  wouldn’t  be  so  bad.  “  Stay  on  lookout  for  my  crew,  Kastle.  And  maybe  you’ll  live.  “  

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Plo paused when he heard their name, turning to the man with a questioning hum. Ah, a reporter. He’d grown used to dealing with those during the war, at least when he wasn’t in battle.

“Ah thank you. I am grateful to have been returned when the galaxy is in need of protectors.” They said, considering for a moment what they could actually say. “What happened on Hapan was a terrible tragedy, one that the Order is doing it’s most to address.” They said politely “The galaxy can rest assured that the Order will work to ensure their safety.”

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“work calls.” he responds simply, with a subtle nod towards the crowd, filled with new republic officials and the like, jedi in finery and criminal leaders dancing side by side. “i assume the same in your case?” the reporter was almost certainly here to collect information, or in hopes of witnessing a disaster like onderon had become. “the hapans certainly were fair in their invitations. although how they hoped to not offend the new republic, i’m not sure.”

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Alton narrowed his eyes at the Lasat, chewing his lip a little. "There is always something to see, regardless of what you think, especially to a trained eye like mine."

There was no way that the former rebellion would even know where to begin to looking, all he knew was how to blow things up and ruin lives.

   Alton huffed a little when Hux told him to remain where he was, after Hapas Alton had felt utterly useless, and now the other was certainly doing nothing to help that mood. "I can help you, I'm not some helpless media figure that can't do anything. I know how to use a blaster....sorta."

Tw: Mentions of violence, death, and genocide 

Summary: Alton Kastle, HHN’s Primetime Anchor shares his reflections on the Crisis at Hapes, and how the galaxy should respond going forward

“Excuse me, Siri Tachi, were you at the Hapan event when those aliens attacked?”