Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by Lucasfilm/Disney
Author's Notes:
DanGuy96 - First of all, I would just like to say how excited I am to finally upload this project I have been collaborating with a friend of mine for nearly over two years. We're both massive Star Wars fans, so this project means a lot to us, especially since, like many others, we were... less than happy with the end results of Disney's Sequel Trilogy. After watching a few others take a crack at rewriting/reimagining the ST, and after looking over the info we know of the scrapped version of Episode IX, "Duel of the Fates", I decided to try my own luck at a reimagining of the Sequel Trilogy, and I eventually managed to get a co-writer for this; my good friend, Dttf.
For this rewrite, our goals are to give fans a more satisfying ending to the Skywalker Saga, building upon what's been set up in both the Original and Prequel trilogies, as well as the Expanded Universe, and better honoring the legacy of the stories told by George Lucas, as well as the many talented people who've helped shape Star Wars into the cultural icon it is. Now, for this reimagining, along with using elements from the actual movies, my friend and I have also decided to use elements from the old Expanded Universe/Legends canon, along with some of the better stuff introduced in the Disney era (think of this as being similar to the "Aligned Continuity" of The Transformers franchise). Though, be on the look out for certain plotlines, locations, and even characters being reimagined different ways, with some being minor and some being drastic. Also be on the lookout for some original characters we created as well.
Before we begin, I'd like my friend and co-writer, Dttf, to say a few words of his own on what this project means to us and what Star Wars means to him.
Dttf - Star Wars was an integral part of many of our childhoods, stretching far into our adult years. We saw fit to put forth a story that took our favorite elements from both the old Expanded Universe and the stories that Disney created. After so much time spent crafting this fic, we can only hope that it brings a sense of excitement, wonder, and closure. I speak for both DanGuy96 and myself when I say that we hope you enjoy the story and that we can't wait to continue.
DanGuy96 - Again, even though this is our first entry into what'll certainly become a long-running series, I hope you all will enjoy reading this thrilling tale of the challenges the New Jedi Order and the New Republic will face, as sinister forces gather to threaten the fragile peace our heroes have desperately tried to maintain.
But first, I would like to dedicate this story not only to George Lucas, but also to the original cast, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, the late great Carrie Fisher, the late great Peter Mayhew, the late great Kenny Baker, and Billy Dee Williams.
Now, with those introductions out of the way, let's get on with the show.
P.S. For added bonus effect, I recommend playing the opening crawl theme, to complete the effect.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
STAR WARS
Episode VII
THE FORCE AWAKENS
It is a time of chaos and conspiracy. Three decades have passed since the fall of the Empire. The Rebel Alliance has formed a new GALACTIC REPUBLIC, bringing freedom to the galaxy. The peace is kept by the new JEDI ORDER, founded by Luke Skywalker.
But, the Empire did not fall quietly. Formed from the territories of numerous Imperial warlords, the UNITED GALACTIC CONFEDERATION has struck a balance in the galaxy. Now, that balance might be destroyed as the sinister FIRST ORDER sends its forces to assist the UGC under the orders of the mysterious SUPREME LEADER SNOKE.
Working with the RESISTANCE to uncover the extent of this dark relationship, Senator Leia Organa has dispatched her most trusted agent, POE DAMERON, to find the truth. Meanwhile, Jedi Grand Master Luke Skywalker, having sensed a dark presence within the First Order, has summoned some of his finest JEDI KNIGHTS to undertake a secret assignment. If the First Order's work is not stopped, it may spell doom for the Republic and all it stands for….
Prologue
The world hung as a blue marble in the inky blackness of space. No orbital stations or patrol ships circled it as it sat, isolated, in its own corner of the galaxy. A frigate emerged from hyperspace near the planet's moon, its engines humming as it approached the temple world of Ahch-To. In contrast to the blocky and utilitarian ships that the Galactic Republic used, the shuttle was sleek and quiet as it drifted closer to its destination. Emblazoned on its side was the insignia of the Jedi Order. A symbol that had quickly become familiar in the post-war galaxy. The lone vessel descended through the atmosphere and past the cloud cover, undaunted by the heat of entry. Over the ocean, it sped across the sky towards an isolated island chain, its shield glowing as it went. Haste was needed and safety wasn't a matter that was paramount. The sky was dark, but the two pilots could see the volcanic archipelago, silhouetted by the low morning sun.
The shuttle came to a rest near a beach on the largest island with sand and ocean spray being kicked up by the descent. The ramp lowered, as steam flowed from the craft and onto the beach outside. The two robed figures emerged from the ship, its hull still creaking from the rapidly cooling metal. The smell of fresh saltwater and oceanic flora met the pair. The shorter of the two walked to the shoreline, a light smile visible under her hood as her boots crunched in the sand. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of low tide and seaweed. To her, it smelled like home. The taller Jedi looked up, towards the dormant volcano and the structures on its side. The buildings were made of white stone and lined with polished bronze. Quietly, he nudged his companion, urging her to follow. Together, the Jedi made their way up a worn stairway that led to the peak. Though the Jedi couldn't see them, they could sense the Keepers of the island. The sorority of diminutive aliens kept a vigil over the Jedi Enclave located up above. Their tedious work began long before the sun started to rise. No doubt, they feared that the new arrivals would disrupt their strict schedule. Still, the pair ascended up towards the Enclave.
Bundled against the morning chill, the pair eventually reached the main doors, taking in the view of the ocean and the sound of seabirds for only a moment more. The taller Jedi pulled the doors open with a grunt as his smaller compatriot shuffled inside to the inner courtyard. As soon as the doors closed, they heard a small clamor. A small astromech droid rolled towards them, suspicious of the new visitors. The monastery was hidden away for a reason and guests were rare. The pair removed their hoods, making the droid squeal in glee. R2-D2 sped across the courtyard to meet his old charges, circling the two before stopping. The smaller Jedi knelt, giggling and hugging her old friend. "We've been summoned," the taller of the two Jedi said as he smiled down at the astromech. Artoo beeped knowingly. Together, they followed the droid, making their way into the main temple complex.
Most of the students were still asleep or in the middle of breakfast. Only the senior most Jedi went about their tasks so early in the morning. They were few, but they took time to greet the new arrivals quietly in passing. The Jedi shared a look as they followed the astromech. They'd seen the enclave when it was only prefab Republic buildings amid the ancient temple. Now, it blended seamlessly with its surroundings. It was almost as grand as the temple on Coruscant, save for its own rustic charm. In the library, Keepers arranged the many tomes that graced the shelves upon the many tiers of the room. A massive tree dominated the circular chamber, several floors having been built around it to house the old Jedi texts. Beyond the tree, another set of double doors were situated down a small hallway. The doors were ajar, but no light escaped the room.
The pair of Jedi looked at each other with worry before proceeding. They made their way around the tree, towards the entryway. They stopped just short of the circular antechamber when soft chanting could be heard. The shades were shut, but small rays of sunlight still managed to permeate into the room. In the center sat a lone man in Jedi robes, his eyes shut and his face strained. Both Jedi sat and watched their master as he mumbled quietly to himself. With each twitch of his eyes, the old man could see new visions. 'I am one with the Force…' He could see a tower on the lava-covered surface of Mustafar. He could see a snow covered forest. A lone figure in black robes stood in a blizzard, a red cross-guard lightsaber in his hand. Finally, he could see the horizon of Tatooine, dotted with wreckage among its dunes. A young woman picked through the debris as the visions changed from day to night. A stormtrooper stood in a transport as it bore down on a village in the Jundland Wastes… 'And the Force is with me.' Suddenly, the dusk in the vision turned darker still. The sounds of the desert were drowned out by the demoniac laughter of dozens of voices at once. The old man leaned forward, awake. He looked at his students as if noticing them for the first time.
Adjusting his cloak, Luke Skywalker stood and trudged over to a small table near one of the windows. "I… I've sensed a disturbance in the Force," he said after a moment, his voice raspy and quiet. Without looking at one another, both Jedi rose at once. "Whatever it is, you know we're ready to help," said the young woman. Luke nodded and reached for the shades. Instead, he merely picked up a carafe of water and poured a cup for himself. With a sigh, the Jedi Master slumped into one of the seats that lined the chamber. Luke could see outside, through the cracks in the shades. The sun gleamed against the lining of the stone structures outside. Neither Jedi said anything, but they quickly noticed how old their master looked. Whatever he had seen, it'd weighed heavily on his mind. "I've felt an awakening," Luke said at last. "And, if I've felt it, so too have agents of the Dark Side."
"What kind of... awakening, master?", inquired the smaller Jedi. "What are they after?"
Luke composed himself, finally looking like the Jedi Master he was. "Not what, Jaina. Who," he explained. Jaina and her fellow Jedi shared a look of confusion. Luke, finishing his drink, set his glass aside and continued. "As you both know, Master Horn has dispatched other members of the Order to go and seek out new aspirants so that they could be trained in the ways of the Jedi arts. That said, I've sensed two prospects that I want you both to go and find personally." Luke poured cups for his two students. The taller Jedi looked at Luke with blatant skepticism, accepting the drink. "You wouldn't send us out to go for a simple Padawan retrieval." he stated, bluntly. "Very good, Jacen. Your insight is correct. There's something special about these two and I'm not sure what it is. If it's a question of destiny, I don't want to leave them alone. An old friend of the Order, Lor San Tekka, has confirmed that the First Order is preparing for war. They must not retrieve these two aspirants." Jacen stopped mid-sip while Jaina's eyes widened. "Uncle Luke, what does the First Order have to do with this? Are we splitting up to investigate?", she asked quickly. Luke smiled awkwardly. "San Tekka has his own agents watching the First Order. You two just have to focus on finding the two Force sensitives. You'll both begin your search on... on Tatooine."
Jaina groaned quietly. "How does that ball of sand keep getting tangled up in every fight the galaxy has?" she asked, pinching her brow. She smiled until she saw the look on Luke's face. "I'm warning you both for a reason. The First Order has agents acting in the shadows. For a mission like this, Snoke will send the Knights of Ren." The room seemed to go cold. The two Knights felt numb for a moment before Luke snapped them out of it. "We don't know the connection between these aspirants and the machinations of the First Order. In time, it will be made clear. But, until then, you both will have to rely on the most important tool a Jedi has. Patience." With that, the two Jedi rose again and bowed to their master. "We'll return soon, uncle." Jacen said, quietly, as they departed.
As the twins shut the chamber doors, Artoo rolled up to Luke's side. The Jedi Master shook his head, rubbing his eyes with his palms. After a heavy groan, he looked almost normal. Still, his longtime companion could see how frustrated his friend was. "We can only hope for this... connection... to reveal itself before we're too late, ol' buddy," murmured Luke. Artoo gave off a sad coo as beams of sunlight continued to shine into the chamber. Luke stood, dusting off his cloak before walking out to greet the few Jedi who were awake.
The twins boarded their craft and settled in the main cabin. Behind them, a protocol droid began punching in commands as the systems powered up. After a moment, the ship was away, flying towards the clouds. The briefing didn't even last half an hour. Jaina watched the island disappear over the horizon as Jacen took the vessel into space. As she adjusted her flight harness, she thought back to the disquiet in her uncle's eyes. All her life, he seemed to resonate with an air of calm and control. He enjoyed time with his family as he was meant to, but he considered his Jedi status as the most important part of his identity. Everything he did was to reform the old Jedi Order and build a new one that would have a strong foundation. The idea of Uncle Luke feeling doubt was almost frightening.
She thought back to her training and attempted to calm her mind, but everything came back to the Knights of Ren. As the new Jedi Order flourished, the Knights of Ren had risen as its dark reflection. Several Jedi had betrayed the Order and joined its ranks. They had established themselves as the most dangerous foes of the New Republic and the Jedi.
"Did you hear me? Hey!", Jacen said impatiently. Jaina whipped her head around to look at her brother. "How are we supposed to find two people on Tatooine?" he complained. "I know it's not Hosnian Prime, but still." Jaina grinned as she brought up information on a small console. "You're too negative," she chided. "Look. Artoo uploaded all the information we need. Stuff from the... the Republic archives, too!" A face popped onto the screen. A man with a mane of dark hair and a mischievous gleam in his eye. His jaw was lined with a shadow of stubble that accentuated his tanned skin. Jaina chuckled to herself softly. "What is it?" Jacen asked, puzzled. She turned the screen so her brother could see. "It looks like mom sent in her own agent. Poe Dameron". Jacen laughed, despite himself. Jaina scrolled down his mission briefing, but most of it was classified. "It doesn't say if he's looking for our aspirants," Jaina murmured. Jacen shook his head. "He wouldn't be. If anything, he'll be investigating the First Order. He'll cause a mess. Still, we can use it as a window of opportunity".
Jaina's brow furrowed. "I don't know," she began. "The First Order is easy enough to catch off guard... but, the Knights of Ren are different". Jacen looked grimly at the navicomputer. "Then we have to hurry. If we lose the aspirants, then that's two more Dark Jedi that'll be fighting us if war breaks out." Jaina watched the stars as they accelerated. "If," she said softly. The ship lurched for only a moment as it jumped to hyperspace.
A/N's:
DanGuy96 - And so, we have our opening scene for this installment of Episode VII. In contrast to the movie, I wanted to start this story off with a a more relaxed, slower opening which sets up part of the conflict. I also though it'd be an interesting contrast to Episode IV, where in that film it started off with action right off the bat, we have something that's somewhat similar to the introduction of Episode I, where we're introduced to two members of the Jedi Order, in this case Jacen and Jaina Solo from the old Expanded Universe/Legends continuity (and trust me that they're not gonna be the only Legends/EU characters we'll see in these stories). Though, I assure you that familiar elements from TFA will make themselves known in future chapters, as we already have a brief mention of Poe Dameron by name, who will actually have a larger role than he did in the movie, as well as cameos of other familiar characters, whom we actually plan to reimagine a little bit.
Also, though Luke will play an even bigger role in VIII and IX, we've decided to show at least a bit of what he's been up to for the past 35 years in-universe, as while there is still an air of mystery to Luke, we can see so far that he's rebuilt the Jedi Order, though much smaller than it was before (we took the approach of both Legends and what George Lucas was going to do with his Sequel Trilogy treatments, and decided on the Order consisting of any remaining survivors of Order 66 and brand new members brought into fold, be they young or even older), and while the Jedi Order is still standing, that doesn't mean it still doesn't have some issues, as we'll see later down the line. Though one issue, the new Jedi Order is facing are the Knights of Ren, who you'll soon see as being one of the first elements Dttf and I have reiamgined, and plan on using to a greater extent than they were in the ST. I can't say too much about them right now, but the most I will say for now is that all the Knights of Ren are all Dark Jedi. They're a new type of Dark Jedi our heroes have to face, but they are Dark Jedi nonetheless. Think of them to the First Order what the Inquisitors were to the Empire.
Speaking of reimaginings, the conflict we decided to go with here is an escalating Cold War between the New Republic and the United Galactic Confederation (the successor state of the Empire, made up of several remaining Imperial Remnants), with the Resistance being used as a proxy army to fight the First Order in the Outer Rim and Neutral Territories (the New Republic still has a standing army, similar to both Legends canon and in the Templin Institute's "The New Republic: Reimagined" video, but they currently don't wish to be dragged into another full-blown conflict), while the UGC itself is in a tenuous alliance with the First Order (I decided on going back to the original idea of the First Order being a military junta before its scope became inconsistent, with a bit of inspiration from the Templin Institute's "The First Order: Reimagined" video, though here I would like to clarify that the FO split off into its own smaller state in comparison to the UGC, even though both governments have their origins in the Galactic Empire, but we'll get further into the details of their true relationship with each other later on).
Anyway, tune in next time, when the story really begins to kick off, and we get to see some both some familiar faces, as well as a few new ones as well. In the meantime, make sure to follow/favorite for updates, leave a review if you wish, and I hope you all stay safe and happy. Oh, and be on the lookout for this story on Archive of Our Own as well.
Until next time, I hope you all have you all have a Merry Christmas, if you celebrate it, a Happy Holidays, and may the Force be with you.