Episode IX

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Kylo Ren is the new Supreme Leader of the FIRST ORDER. Although he supports the expansion of its domination over the galaxy, he ceases action against the Resistance. The officers are distrustful of him and the atmosphere in command is tense.

THE RESISTANCE is decimated and desperately looking for allies. Rey, after her Master's death, is undergoing Jedi training under the supervision of Leia Organa.

The Resistance command meets at its base on Ajan Kloss to develop a plan to restore freedom to the galaxy…

A few dozen people gathered in the spacious hall in the Resistance base on a jungle moon Ajan Kloss. Their faces were tired and resigned, but also determined. General Leia Organa stood with her back to the assembly, adding some symbols to the data on a large, transparent board.

Poe Dameron was speaking in the center of the room. "Leaders of the delegations are asked to report to Maz Kanata for coordinates, codes and additional ammunition. You know what to do. The meeting's over."

There was a movement and murmur of conversations in the hall. Poe walked over to Chewbacca, Finn and Rose. "You're coming with me. Tomorrow we are flying to Bespin."

Later that day Rey was training, floating in the air with rocks around her, her eyes closed. Her loose hair moved gently in the breeze, while birds were chittering in the distance. Suddenly she felt something and frowned slightly.

"I know you can hear me." Kylo Ren was somewhere in his quarters. Rey ignored him and continued her practice.

"I realize that I was only a tool for you to help your real friends," Kylo said, turning towards her.

Rey lost control over her exercise and the rocks fell to the ground. She opened her eyes, landed and came close to him.

"It was you who thought only about the power over the galaxy," she answered with frustration in her voice. "I did want to take your hand. Ben's hand. This is not who you are." She pointed angrily in his direction.

"Am I?" he asked somewhat tensely.

He showed her his memory. It was night or late evening. A boy was peeking through the door. Silhouettes of Han Solo and Leia were visible on the other side of the room.

"Seriously, I'm scared, Leia. I'm scared of my own son," the man said.

"I understand," the woman answered quietly.

The memory stopped. Rey gazed at Ben with confusion.

Chewie, Poe, Finn and Rose were flying in the Millennium Falcon to Bespin, accompanied by R2D2 and C-3PO. They landed in the Cloud City during a stunning sunset.

"What do I see here!" They left the ship and heard Lando Carlissian's voice. "The best ship in the whole galaxy." He laughed. "Hello, old friend." He hugged Chewie and he shook hands with everyone else. "My name is Lando Carlissian. Welcome to Cloud City."

He led them towards a conference room and sat down at the top of a long table.

"So." He smirked to himself. "Did Leia send you?"

"Yes," Poe answered with a serious face. "The Resistance is looking for allies. We hope you can become one of them."

"That's all Leia. Always fighting. And so were your parents." Lando pointed his finger at Poe. "I'd love to discuss the topic with you, however my schedule is full. We will meet tomorrow. Tell Leia I'll think about it. Now you can enjoy the charms of Cloud City. E3 will show you to your quarters." He pointed at a silver droid.

The group stood up and left the room.

"I don't like this," Finn muttered to Poe.

"Me neither," Poe answered tensely.

Kylo Ren was in his quarters, looking out the window. On his left, a few meters away Luke Skywalker appeared. Kylo became pale and rapidly turned towards the ghost, drawing his lightsaber.

"Ben… " Luke said softly.

"Go away!"

"I'm sorry, Ben. I'm so sorry." Luke sighed. "I could not forgive myself for raising my saber on you. I saw evil in you, but now I know it wasn't yours, but Snoke's."

Ben lowered his saber.

"We failed you… we were too busy rebuilding the world and made you an easy prey for Snoke."

They stared at each other for a while.

"It's too late," Ben said quietly.

"It's never too late."

The Darth Vader mask lying nearby was reflecting soft light.

"The Baron Administrator invites you to a meeting," E3 said in a robotic voice. Poe, Finn, Rose and Chewie followed him into a conference room.

"Good morning, my friends," Lando greeted them with a smile and sat down at the table. "I have been thinking about your question. Please tell Leia not to fool around."

Poe, Finn and Rose became pale. Lando smirked.

"Tell her I feel almost offended that only now she is asking me." He paused. "Of course I will help her!"

They sighed loudly with relief. Chewie roared.

"You know it would be like that?!" Poe looked at him indignantly. Chewie barked back. Poe theatrically shook his head.

"Chewie," Lando said, "I would be honored if you stay here and help me prepare for Leia's call."

Chewie roared.

"Then it's settled. Thank you, old friend."

"Thank you, Baron." Poe shook Lando's hand, then Finn and Rose did the same.

They left the room and headed towards the landing spot.

"So where are we going now?" Finn asked.

"Lessu, the capital city of Ryloth in the Outer Rim," Poe answered.

They entered the Falcon.

General Hux was sitting in a conference room with the First Order command.

"Every shot we fired into that Jedi could have been one rebel scum less. Every shot proves his insanity."

The commanders nodded approvingly.

"He claims that the Resistance is not worth our attention," Hux continued. "His leadership poses a threat to the First Order's domination over the galaxy. Do you agree?"

"We do," they replied.

"We need to save the First Order from his leadership. Do you agree?"

"We do," the commanders responded with more confident voices.