Chapter Text
Armitage Hux, 34, broke, stared at the woman across the desk and resisted the urge to bounce his knee. She looked a bit over half his age, brunette, with a smudge of ink on her chin. Unimpressive. “And you’ve had all the listed vaccinations?” The likely source of the ink, its cap savaged, tapped against her notebook.
Even if he’d not, Hux would have lied. Being disowned came with disadvantages, removal of his trust included. Once he had the funds he’d find a shark of a lawyer and make an ugly, public spectacle of Brendol’s decision.
Once he had the funds.
“I have. Based on the list, I’m assuming some of the travel is to remote locations. Why would I be traveling there, if you don’t mind me asking?”
A grimace flickered across her face. That didn’t bode well. “We need a fact checker on-location.” Not a lie, but rehearsed. “Ben prefers that any new information is assessed immediately.”
“That I do.” Hux stood, nerves spiking, and offered his hand to the mountain of a man who sauntered in. Solo was taller in person and broad shouldered, with warm hands—very warm hands. “Great to meet you,” he said. “Ben Solo.”
“Yes, I’ve seen your show.” He’d be a piss-poor applicant otherwise. “I’m here for the research position. I speak five languages, and—“
“Great, hire him,” Solo interrupted. “Rey’ll get you set up with all the paperwork. We offer health insurance, dental, and life insurance.”
“No vacation?” Not all sarcasm could be contained, much as Hux tried.
Ben Solo grinned, and fuck—it was a nice smile, a bit more crooked off-camera, but oozing charm regardless. “We’re going to the most fabulous places on earth! Why would you need it?”
“Of course.” This was a mistake. “I accept.”