Fragments in itallics are used to dive into specific characters' heads throughout the narrative.
Chapter 19: "A change of heart"
"They have a point, don't they?" Terr asks his friends, while the three sit down and eat outside the cave.
"What, are you serious?" Waldenhur confronts him, "It's the food talking! Some cheap trick they're using to work us into joining them!".
"No, but… But it's true," Terr says, "I would've liked to have a normal life! And yet me being a Stormtrooper was robbing other people from having that opportunity… it's kinda hypocritical… I almost feel shame in trying to have something I stole from so many people".
"Your mind's playing games on you, man," Cade says, shaking his head in disappointment.
"I feel filthy," Terr insists, "We fought for years supposedly thinking the First Order did any good… that it was a just cause," he says as he leaves his plate and spoon on the ground, "Years and years fighting and ruining people's lives… and now that I've escaped, all I'm gonna do with my freedom is run away from them? Run away from something I was a part of, actively? It feels wrong. I have to clean up the mess I helped create, and I have the chance right here".
"You're letting that woman get into your head!" Cade says, while aggressively holding his partner's shoulder.
"…That's what the First Order did" Terr says, pulling away from Cade's grip. Waldenhur remains silent, absorbing what he just witnessed. Cade stands up, leaving his plate on the ground, and walks off. The other two remain sitting down, quietly. Waldenhur breaks the silence.
"I guess it's pointless to stay here," he says, as he stands up, brushes off the dirt on his clothes, and hands his plates to Terr, "I'm leaving. You should, too". Then, he walks off. Terr grabs all the plates, stands up, and walks back into the cave. Inside, Rey, Finn, Poe, and Rose unpack their backpacks and store their cargo with the help of the local Rebels. Rey sees Terr walking towards them and approaches him.
"Where are your friends?" she asks.
"They left," Terr responds, indignated, "I guess it's too naive to hope they will turn their hearts".
"And where do you stand?" she inquires.
"I won't be in peace if I'm not trying to clean up the mess I helped create," he admits, "I don't know if I'm a Rebel, but I'll fight with the Rebellion".
Rey smiles. She disagrees entirely with what he said about naivety. And further, he's living proof that it isn't too naive. She pats him on his arm, friendly.
"Welcome to the Rebellion," she says.
If, despite years of violence and being told he was right in being with the First Order, he can still turn… maybe we can win.
And, galaxies away, just as the Rebellion has had a small and unceremonious victory by saving a Stormtrooper and gaining another warrior for their cause, the First Order prepares for a launch on the ruins of a port in Coruscant. After kneeling before their master, Ducan, the Knights of Ren board a swift shuttle. Thousands of Stormtroopers surround them. Hux watches, with a neutral expression. Even he isn't sure what he feels. Cardo Ren is the last one to approach the Supreme Leader.
"Do not return until you have found the throne of the Sith," he says, "If what I gave you isn't enough… find resources on your own. Serve your purpose". The shuttle takes off. Ducan and Hux walk off to the Senate Building, as they talk privately.
"You said I was the real Supreme Leader," Hux says, nervously.
"You are. I will not contradict your will," Ducan responds, confidently, "But this was necessary for the cycle".
"And if I had been against it?" Hux asks, now looking directly at his apparent equal.
"I believe you still do not get this," Ducan says, somewhat disappointed, "I'm here to fulfill a role, for the sake of the cycle. I let you have say because I believe you share the vision of the Empire, so you are part of the cycle as well. If you divorce yourself from your beliefs and ideas, you will be replaced by someone who has them, and I will be his voice instead of yours".
"So you would have ignored my refusal?" Hux asks, to clarify, elevating his voice.
"And disposed of you," Ducan responds, "Of course, and then replaced you. But you needn't worry. You know that finding the throne of the Sith will get us closer to re-creating the Empire and thus continuing the cycle. As long as you keep fulfilling your place in this story, you can remain calm".
Hux swallows, anxiously, but tries to keep an air of confidence. The slightest misstep could cost him his life. More and more, it seems like his eternal pursuit of power will lead nowhere except to a grave that no one will visit. Is this a path worth following?
