REWRITE: STAR WARS - EPISODE VII - THE DARK RESURGENCE

by jlopes5000

The present fanfic is a rewrite of the first film in the sequel trilogy. This is essentially the result of a writing exercise to rethink and fix a story that has several inconsistencies and is lacking in character development. Some characters and locations are preserved, others are abandoned. Key scenes in the film tend to be preserved as well.

23. Chapter 22

Rey and Finn are walking in the crowded streets of Takodana city. She has her hood on. There is anti-Republic graffiti everywhere and advertisement boards defaced with the insignias of the Empire. The Takodonians are a disillusioned people, and where Finn and Rey are there are beggars and dark alleys with shady looking individuals

"What are we doing?" says Finn, worried.

"Will you stop asking me that? We're taking a walk."

"Han told us to stay in the Falcon."

"Finn, look at me," says Rey, holding his shoulders. "Are you a stormtrooper or a womp rat?"

"I'm neither!" he says, insulted.

"Good. I want to know why this city hates the Republic so much."

Rey lets go of Finn and approaches the clerk of a shop selling mechanical parts - a Chadra-Fan. He whistles in his native language when Rey looks directly at him.

"I'm sorry, can you speak basic?" requests Rey.

"You outworlder. Rich. Why here?" squeaks the mousey alien. "Buy power couplings. Yes?"

"What's up with the city's fascination with the Empire?" asks Rey.

"Empire make Takodana rich. They gone but now Republic weak. Is come back soon."

Rey looks at Finn in concern.

"Thank you for your time," says Rey walking away.

"Buy magno-polariser? Hyper-flux compressor?" squeals the clerk to Finn.

"M- maybe some other time," he says, before hurrying after Rey.

The clerk shakes his fist at Finn as he disappears into the crowd.

Behind Finn there is a menacing figure in a dark cloak, wearing a dark first order helmet under his hood. This figure disappears under the shroud of a stealth field.