Zer0: (Hums to tune of the Rise of Skywalker Final trailer music)
Bio: Yo, we got work to do.
Zer0: Huh? Oh, right. Hold on let me get my Narrator voice on. *Clears throat* Hello everybody! Welcome back to Star Wars! How long has it been? Weeks? Months? Years?
Bio: Only a few days.
Zer0: Holy shit, it has been only a few days. But we are on that grind like I've been with Destiny 2's recent Season of Dawn. Yes, I'm a Destiny player, my story tells that. Regardless we see that everyone has been enjoying the story so far. I'm really glad you guys love the story so much. So let's get into the reviews:
TF2Scout: Well yeah maybe it isn't dead, I can agree on that…..but it was pretty much beaten to near death.
Bio: Shot, stabbed, beaten, and left to die in a dark and dirty alley, with the only sign of help so far being an ambulance driven by The Mandalorian and Jedi Fallen Order to be taken to the hospital to receive the treatment that is Clone Wars.
Zer0: Yeah. Well I hope you enjoy the story.
Hellfire45: Oh don't worry, you'll love what we have. Enjoy.
Dracus6: One: Thanks for the suggestion but I must kindly decline. Two: Why the hell is Axl with Yang? Blonde Squad forever (And I ain't even blonde). Thanks though.
Human dragon: Thanks.
Bob the kraken: Thank you so much. I am glad you really love this story, and yeah I thought it'd be best that Han kept his ship but we still used the way he was introduced and actually explained it. Sure it was a sentence or two but felt that was all needed. Yes, farewell oh beautiful Crimson Goddess, you will be missed.
Bio: For now. Yeah, the route we're taking with the canon characters felt like it was the route that made the most sense. After all, when you really look at TFA, Han basically reverted back to the beginning of his OT arc, working as a smuggler who runs away from his problems rather than confront them like he does by the end of RotJ. So we made him technically part of the Resistance because that felt the most consistent with his character by the end of the trilogy.
Zer0: You're gonna learn a lot more in this chapter. Yeah, Damien totally gonna wreck ass (Looks around nervously). Heh, heh. Um…..limbs might be lost, just don't blame us on who it was. But please enjoy, onwards.
Aspiring-Creator: I understand and respect your decision. Also what the fuck? How can you say that the OT doesn't reach the heights? ESB is one of the most beloved movies of all time, and they beat the ST by a landslide. But again, I'll respect your opinion. (I know we said we wouldn't respond but I felt a sentence or two wouldn't hurt.)
Bio: If it wasn't for the OT, we wouldn't have any of this. There wouldn't be a Prequel Trilogy, or a Sequel Trilogy, or Clone Wars (undisputed masterpiece), Rebels (decent series and characters, some questionable moments), Resistance (I never watched it, but honestly, everything I've seen just feels...off). Still, you do you, and I'll do me, and we won't do each other...probably. Markiplier fans will get that one.
SupremeSongLeader: Thank you Good Sir. The one consistent praise is we are better than Disney is nice. Like we said in the first chapter: All part of the plan, and most of the series is planned out, just the dialogue needs work.
Bio: Comparing us to Jon Favereau and Dave Filoni? That's high praise...not sure we deserve it though. Those guys are the ones who truly have potential to influence the direction of the franchise. We're just two fans showing our vision of how the ST could've been.
Zer0: We (Or I, depending on how it goes) might make a Clone Wars-style story. We have one in production but….it's a crossover and we're not sure if it is 100%. I finished season one of Resistance and for a kids show it is fine, but for Star Wars its…...well fuck it's something I guess. Uh, two more girls I guess, got one ready and possibly a fourth. If you have suggestions, I'm open.
To everyone, you can write as long as you like. We probably just won't respond to it like we did with Creator.
Anime PJ: (Looks at praise for IG) *Throws head phones* FUCK YEAH!
Bio: Welp, you went and made Zero feel validated in making IG, man. (Even though he's technically also my creation)
Zer0: I'm out! I have Ascended and all I needed was one praise for IG, that's it. I'm out…..Hold on, let's finish the response. Yeah Bio and I are really proud of what we did for Finn, and it was mostly Bio's idea btw. Kylo's character was my idea, at least in terms of power and driven force. Yeah Han felt like he would have been better being the General since, again, it fits his character better. Yes, I hope you enjoy Damien and Kylo….I'm going to enjoy it. Again, write as long as you like.
Bio: Probably the biggest inspiration for this take on Kylo is Vergil from Devil May Cry, what with his desire for power.
Zer0: All the characters are gonna be fun throughout the series, and have a bigger part than Finn yelling "REY" everyday.
Bio: He speaks Rey, bro. Whole different language from the planet Rey. Only the most cultured individuals can speak the tongue of Rey. For example...REY!
Canadiangunner11: Do you mean the peace between Han and the Gangs? Or me, Bio, and Creator? Both pretty much didn't work regardless. Yeah, poor Goddess. It was a piece of junk, but it was THE piece of junk.
SaiyatonianSage: Thank you, and yeah it might have not been much but it does help push the story along. Are you talking about that scene where Rey tells Han, the guy who owned the ship for decades, where the compressor was? Yeah that sucked. Yeah the Bromance is awesome. (Rhasar is secretly Tsundere/Anti-Tsundere)
Bio: Sorry to break it to you potential shippers, but that's as far as it will go with them. Purely platonic friends. Nothing sexual whatsoever...kinda like Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine with the Chrisposters. Resident Evil fans will get what I'm saying there.
Zer0: Glad you enjoyed Kylo, yeah wasn't too much but you do get an idea of his character. Plus it does get better, at least in terms of action for Kylo. Everything will all make sense, we try to make sure there are no Plot Holes. May the Schwartz be with you…..God I miss that movie.
The1whoknox: Thank you. Yeah I don't want to get into spoilers, but be prepared for whatever happens. We promise we will make it amazing, so please understand.
Super Comrade: Thank you. Yeah we get that a lot.
Guest: (I'm guessing the three guests are the same so we will respond to all three) Thank you and interesting concept story. And no I have never read that story, and it's probably because I've never seen Ranma. For me I'd go with Shaak Ti.
Bio: Aayla Secura. (Stares at each other with intensity.)
(CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR)
Zer0: All jokes aside, everyone I hope you enjoy the story. I'm gonna go celebrate with my waifus Diana, Ghia'ta, Aya, and Tala (Saiya will get the joke) for the liking of IG. I'm out!
Bio: Whereas I'll be here, merely spectating and watching every waking moment. For all ya know, I could be watching you at this very moment...and you'd never know.
Zer0/Bio: ENJOY!
(Hyperspace)
"Kriff!" Karine muttered as sparks flew over her tails. Both Han and Karine started twisting and pressing buttons to stop the ship from blowing up. Right now the cockpit was releasing a loud alarm system indicating an overload.
"Electrical Overload." Han stated in panic as he reached for some buttons to stop the alarms.
"Give me a second, I can fix this!" Karine said as she jumped out of the seat to reach for the lid and fanned her face as smoke exploded in her face.
"Coolant's leaking. Need to transfer all auxiliary power to the secondary tank." Han said as he spun his seat to reach for one of the consoles.
"Good idea, I'm gonna try and give this ship a little more juice." Karine said as she reached for one of her pouches around her belt. In the other room everyone was in disarray: Rey was sitting on the sofa holding on for deal life as the ship shook with intensity. Damien was off to the side with Rhasar holding onto something to keep himself from falling. Meanwhile Poe, Finn, and Arthon were trying to restrain Chewie and patch him up.
"Chewie, come on!" Finn said as he tried to wrap the bandage around the Wookiee's arm.
"I've seen worse injuries than this, Wookiee! Stop squirming!" Arthon snarled, practically forcing Chewie to stay down so the two humans could treat his wound.
"We need help with him, stop moving, Chewie!" Poe yelled. BB happily beeped as he rolled over to them. However, Chewie roared in pain and anger, making the droid roll away in fear behind Rhasar.
"You hurt Chewie, you're gonna deal with me!" Han yelled from the cockpit before going back to fixing the ship.
"Hurt him? I'm tempted to kill him at this point." Arthon muttered.
"He's nearly killed me six times!" Poe stated, looking back where Han voice came from, only to be grabbed by Chewie and nearly shoved into his face. "Which is fine."
"Chewie." Damien walks up putting a hand on the Wookiee's shoulder. The Wookiee looked over at Damien who simply frowned at him. "Calm down, it's alright. Just give the guys a chance to patch you up."
Everyone was silent as the Wookiee let out a low growl before leaning back in the bed releasing a small but gentle growl as everyone calmed down. Damien let out a sigh of relief letting the Force calm the Wookiee, but others like Rhasar saw something different. With everyone besides Han, Chewie had a stoic expression or anger in case of Arthon, but with Damien it was familiarity.
"Do giant monsters have a soft spot for you?" Poe asked looking at Damien as Finn finished patching up Chewie.
"Say that again, flesh bag, and I'll make sure you never see the light of day again." Arthon growled, before getting up and making his way to the cockpit to see if he was needed.
"This hyperdrive blows, there are gonna be pieces of us in three different systems." Han said as he flipped another switch as Karine tweaked with something inside the console.
"For a legendary war hero, your ship sure seems like it's one flight away from crumbling to pieces." Arthon said, crouching through the entrance to fit in.
"Mine's still standing, Scales." Han retorted not turning to the Trandoshan.
"State it's in...pretty debatable. When's the last time you even got a decent repair job? This looks like it hasn't seen a mechanic in decades." Arthon said. As the two bickered, Karine found the problem and used her solution injecting a strange screwdriver into one of the ports inside the console. The alarms turned off gaining the others attention as Karine pulled her smudge covered face away from the console and sat down, reaching for her towel.
"What'd you just do?" Han asked as Karine cleaned her face of the smudges. The Twi'lek showed her screwdriver to the General.
"The ship was overloading, I designed this screwdriver to release a small EMP wave to stop the overloads on my ship. It usually works…...about ninety percent of the time." Karine said as she put the screwdriver away.
"EMP huh? Quick thinking, reckless, but quick." Han said. "I think' I'm starting to like you."
"You may regret that." Arthon said offhandedly. Han ignored him as he left the cockpit with the two right behind him. Damien smiled at Arthon and Karine before noticing Rey's scared expression. He walked over to the Scavenger placing a hand on her shoulder making her nearly jump.
"You okay?"
"We almost just died, how can I be alright?"
"I mean, yeah...but we didn't. That's a plus." Damien said, giving her his signature smile. Despite the situation she was in, Rey couldn't help but smile at his calm demeanor.
"Ah don't be like that." Han said to Chewie who let out a low grunt. "You did great. Just rest." Han said as he turned to the others. "Good job Poe, you did great. Same with the rest of you, thanks."
"You're welcome." Finn said from the seat he took around the table, leaning forward only to activate something. Finn leaned back as several holograms of alien-like creatures appeared. He calmly turned it off as Damien chuckled a bit before Han continued.
"I guess I owe you all one for helping Poe, despite his reckless nature, you saved his life." Han said, nodding his head to Damien.
"Reckless? Sounds an awful lot like how you were back in the Rebellion, General." Poe retorted.
"It's the least we can do, he did promise to pay us." Karine said as Han raised an eyebrow at her.
"The sooner we can get this map out of our hands, the better." Arthon muttered.
"Karine. We have successfully stolen this ship." IG states from the corner he stood in.
"Stolen?" Han asked, turning to Karine.
"What he means is uh….liberated?" Karine asked with a nervous smile.
"Objective Complete: Millenium Falcon stolen. I shall keep this in my memory banks." IG adds making Karine groan.
"You are the worst droid I've ever known." Arthon said.
"Right." Han said hoping to move this along, looking down at BB. "Show us what you got, Ball." BB chirped happily before showing the hologram to everyone, extending the map to focus on the planets. The group stared at it with some mild curiosity, Damien scanning the map as did Han.
"I'm sure as you all figured it out, this map is not complete. Just great." Han said with a deep exhausted sigh.
"Yeah. This only covers a small sector. Can't really get a recollection of where, though. Probably need the rest of the galaxy to figure out where this fits." Rhasar said, his hands tapping his helmet, which he had placed on the table next to Finn.
"Is it true?" Damien asked, looking at Han. "Does this map truly lead to Luke Skywalker?"
"Yes. I trust Lor San Tekka to have good info. He was one of the last people to speak with Luke before he disappeared. When the First Order started to mobilize across the Outer Rims, he went into hiding like Luke. Thanks to Poe, we found him. But judging from the First Order presence around Jakku, I'm guessing he's….." Han looked at Poe, who frowned as he nodded his head.
"Kylo Ren struck him down. Spoke to him for a minute, then cut him down with his Lightsaber before destroying the rest of the village." Poe said solemnly, Han sighed before continuing.
"Tekka was a good man and was one of the few who helped Luke rebuild the Jedi." Han explained. "Once Luke disappeared however, people have been looking for him: Some within the New Republic, Gang Lords, Bounty Hunters, and the First Order. None have found him for the past six years." Han said.
"Why did he disappear, anyway?" Rhasar asked. "A Jedi doesn't just cut and run like that without a reason. So why did he leave?"
"He was training a new generation of Jedi." Han answered walking around and staring at each planet. "He hoped to restore order across the Galaxy with them….however, one boy, an apprentice, turned on him. The Order was destroyed, but from what we heard there might be a few Jedi besides Luke left, but they've all gone into hiding, if not dead." Han said looking down, and Damien felt the anger in Han, and the shame. "Luke felt responsible and he went off somewhere. He didn't tell me or Leia where he was going, he only said he needed to find answers. A lot of rumors spread that he died, he left the Galaxy, but Leia knew. She always does." Han let out a low chuckle as he turned to Damien. "She believes Luke went out to find the first Jedi temple." Han said as he stared at the red planet that revealed the location but no pinpoint. Damien stared at the worlds in wonder, feeling the Force call to him for this Luke.
"So the Jedi could still be alive?" Damien asked.
"Possibly. You know it's kind of funny, I used to think they were nothing but mumbo-jumbo." Han said looking back at the group. "A magical power holding together good and evil, the dark side and light. Seeing Luke though, seeing what he has done, I saw it. I saw Hope." Han said. "Now with this map, we have a chance to bring it back. The Force, the Jedi, all of it."
"Why doesn't the New Republic deal with the Bucketheads?" Karine asked. "Also did you say Leia? Why is one of the most influential Senators, and one of the legendary heroes, part of the Resistance?"
"Because she's Luke's sister and one of many that destroyed the Empire, of course she would be involved. After we stopped the Empire, it took some time to rebuild the Republic. I became General and Leia became a Senator, though she's always been better at the whole rebellion thing than I was." Han explained.
"And the New Republic is still brand new, relatively speaking." All heads turned to Finn, who sighed. "They're a government that formed from the fall of the Empire. Numerous voices that were once silenced now debate each other to figure out whose problems are more important. The First Order...they began from Imperial Remnants. They followed the teachings of the Empire, but they also learned from their mistakes. They made sure that if they were to go to war...they wouldn't lose a second time. Because they don't squabble among pointless debates. It's only one voice, one power, and a thousand soldiers ready to throw their lives away for the ideals of a regime that fell years ago." Finn said.
"You know a lot for a Stormtrooper." Han said to Finn, surprising him.
"How d-!"
"I know Buckethead clothes when I see them. Finn is right though, the Republic is new, but it wasn't just that. After we formed it we got arrogant, believing that whatever remained of the Empire would be nothing. How wrong we were, how wrong I was." Han said, shaking his head. "It took a few years, it took the destruction of an entire race to make me realize how powerful the First Order has become. Leia saw it as well, so we started helping the Resistance, giving them weapons and supplies. Others in the Republic disagreed and stopped all assistance…so Leia and I did what we did best: Rebelled." Han said, turning to them.
"A destruction of a race? You mean?" Karine didn't finish it as a growl was let out.
"He means Trandosha. MY people." Arthon said.
"I'm sorry. I don't have a good history with Trandoshans, but even they didn't deserve it. What the First Order did, it was-!"
"It wasn't just THEM." Arthon said, his fists clenched, his eyes narrowed as if he had remembered something that truly infuriated him. "The First Order may have finished us off...but we were dealt a more crippling blow before they dealt theirs." Arthon snarled. "We were betrayed."
"Betrayed?" Damien asked, shocked, Arthon never talked much about the Trandoshan Purge, and now he was hearing it, he still couldn't believe it.
"They had help...from one of our own. A member of the Honor Guard, like me...Kargon Karizz, my brother." Arthon growled. This shocked the crew, since they didn't know Arthon had a brother. Damien slowly walked over to Arthon and put a hand on the Trandoshan's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Arthon." Damien said, knowing it won't do much, but it was all he can do. "I know it doesn't mean much, but I am sorry."
"It won't change anything. Doesn't change that he escaped Trandosha and has evaded me for years. Everyday, I wonder if I'll ever find him again...and if I do...I will kill him." Arthon said.
"There aren't that many of your kind left, Arthon. You sure you'd be fine with killing your own brother?" Rhasar asked. Arthon merely snarled in return.
"He's no brother of mine. Not anymore. All he is to me now is someone for me to kill." He said.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, Scales. I don't think you will have time when the First Order tracks you down." Han said. "They have ways to, things you have never seen…...though that may all be changed once we land." Han said, making some of the Goddess crew look at him.
"What do you mean?" Karine asked.
"I can tell you kids aren't one to get involved, but I hate to break to you lot: You're involved. So I think you have two options: Join the Resistance and fight, or run away and die." Han offered.
"We'd likely die regardless." Rhasar said.
"Possibly, but at least you'll be fighting for a greater cause other than some next payment." Han said, looking at Rhasar. "Have we met? You look familiar." The Mandalorian shook his head.
"No. Though my father's mentioned you once or twice. He doesn't speak much of his bounty hunting days." Rhasar said. "Either way, this isn't really our war. Just two sides trying to fight over what rule should stay. Endless debates of an upstart Republic or the fractured remains of a fallen Empire...not really a fight I'm looking to take part in." Rhasar said.
"Is that what you think?" Han asked looking at Arthon who merely growled and nodded his head. He looked at Karine who looked away with a frown, like she was ashamed of this choice. "What about you, Finn?"
"I just want to get away from the First Order. The things I've seen, what they've done...they can't be stopped. I wanna get as far away from them as possible." Finn answered. Han sighed, turning to Rey, who simply stared at her hands.
"And you?"
"I….I just want to go home, alone." Rey said looking away trying to appear as invisible as possible. Han finally turned to Damien who had his arms crossed.
"Damien, right?" Said teen turned to Han. "I know what you are, I've seen what you did. Now I need to ask, did you know Luke?"
"I…..I uh…..I don't know." Damien said rubbing his head.
"No memories. Doesn't really have much of a path he wants to take, Solo." Rhasar said.
"Well kid, let me tell you." Han walked up to Damien. "Whether you wanted it or not, the Force is with you, and I can't tell but I know you might be our best chance at finding Luke." Han said, putting a hand on Damien's shoulder. Rhasar couldn't deny something was up with these two as he stared at them. "I can see you know how the Galaxy is now, I bet you heard stories of the First Order. Don't you want to restore order and peace? Don't you want to know who you are?" Damien remained silent as he looked down at his own feet, he was about to speak up but Arthon beat him to the punch.
"Restore order and peace? Find a lost Jedi? What could any of us possibly do to turn the tide in this conflict? No offense, Damien, but you're not really attuned to your power, or what people would consider a 'savior'." The Trandoshan said. Damien frowned but did not retort since he didn't really have one to make. Han noticed the conflict on the kid, so turned to others.
"Regardless, you're stuck on this ship for a while. Once we reach our location we can get a ship for you and be on your way…..if that is what you want." Han said as BB turned off the map.
"It is." Han grunted at Rhasar's answer, before walking over to a nearby console.
"Where are we going?" Karine asked.
"Going to Bracca, Leia's got an informant to meet me once I get Poe. They'll take us to the Resistance Base." Han answered.
"Why don't you take us there?" Finn asked.
"The Resistance doesn't always stay in one place, all field operatives don't have the information of the next base location just in case we get captured. They moved once Poe left to find the map, and I don't know where it is. We've got a whole web of people working outside the Resistance to keep us up to date. This informant will tell us once we land, so everyone settle down and take a breather." Han said as he walked away, once he left everyone started to scatter. Arthon went off to the cockpit to be away, while Rhasar went to a nearby chair and tinkered with his blasters, Karine was fixing IG, Poe and Finn were talking, and Rey was off by herself wishing to be alone. Damien was merely sitting watching everyone tinker or talk with each other, but his mind also drifted to what Han said.
Despite worrying what his past was, he yearned for what he truly was. Luke was some form of connection and he wanted answers, but he also didn't want to hurt his friends, he felt the call but feared what it might bring. He knew that some of them, like Arthon, did not want to be part of the war. He knew this war was going to chase them, and he knew of the choice he would have to make.
"Hey kid." Damien turned to see Han sitting next to him. "Got a lot on your mind?"
"Yeah. Something like that." Damien said as he crossed his arms. "Listen, Solo. I know you have good intentions, but I….I just want what's best for my crew."
"I know, I can see it. You care for them, don't know why, but you have a good heart kid." Damien chuckled as the two looked at the occupants on the ship.
"They act rude, but they are good people. Arthon has his reasoning, as does Rhasar. Just give them time."
"If they have time." Han said, turning back to Damien. "Why did you become a Smuggler?"
"I was saved by some and I had to make a living. It wasn't easy, but we managed." Damien said.
"You did good for someone without any memories. Nothing?" Han asked.
"Nothing. No parents, no past, nothing." Damien said as he rubbed the back of his head, before lifting up his shirt, Han looked to see some scar in a circle like shape. "The smugglers said the wound healed since it was cauterized, I don't know how I got it, and I'm worried for the answer. But I feel the Force calling to me, like ever since I found BB it wants me to follow this map."
"Maybe it's because you are part of something bigger, kid." Han said.
"That's what I'm afraid of." Damien muttered before wishing to change the subject. "Look Han, I know you are fighting for some greater good, but I don't know what I can do to help."
"You can help by finding Luke." Han said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "The Galaxy doesn't see it yet, but it is only a matter of time before the First Order show its hand, and we have no idea when. I am not gonna force your hand kid, but the Galaxy needs the Jedi again." With that Han stood up patting Damien shoulder as the young Force Wielder took in his words to heart.
"Relax a bit, it will take some time to get there." Han said, Damien nodded, stood up from his spot, and walked away as Chewie joined Han letting out a small growl.
"What?" Han asked confused until his eyes widened in shock. "No, it ain't him. He died, Chewie, and Luke blames himself for it…...as do I."
Meanwhile, Damien walked to another part of the Falcon when he groaned in pain and leaned on the wall for support. He heard the sound of children laughing, followed by a Wookiee growl.
"Come on, Chewie, don't let BD escape." A child said as a droid chirped happily. Damien gasped for air as he looked around in shock, wondering what just happened. Damien didn't know why, but that voice sounded….familiar.
(Finalizer)
Kylo Ren, Master of the Knights of Ren, wielder of the Force, and second hand to Supreme Leader Snoke was currently in his chamber. The helmed warrior sat on his knees in a meditative position in front of his bed. His Lightsaber laid before him, dormant and only active at his call. His head hung low staring at his hands which held a broken item split in two pieces.
"Forgive me." He muttered, the filter making it louder then it had to be. He gained no response, he did not expect one, but continued anyway.
"I feel it again." Kylo looked up at the object of his admiration: The rusted and melted helm of Darth Vader. He found it on the Moon of Endor at the burial site of the redeemed Dark Lord in his quest for power and mastering the Shadow. Once the mask of fear now molten scrap but inspiration as Kylo built his helmet to be like Vader's.
"The Force pulls me apart, both sides wishing to control me." Kylo said as he set the item down next to his Lightsaber. He never told Snoke about his struggles with the Light and Dark, both sides wishing to tear him apart. However, Kylo had no care for it, at least he kept telling himself that.
"The Supreme Leader senses it. I cannot let it stop me though, I must control both sides. I must…..find him." Kylo whispered as he stared at the remains, hearing the faint breathing could be heard in the back of his mind as if Vader himself was with him. He stared back down at the item, a toy figurine broken in half, a symbolism of his struggles.
"I will become more powerful than you, I will defeat Snoke, I will be the most powerful Wielder of Light and Dark in history. Show me again, let me finish my training, I must have control…...I need it. I need more power." Kylo said as he grabbed his blade and holstered it at his side before standing up, staring down at the mask, leaving the toy at his feet. He had no care for the First Order as Snoke did or Hux, they were a means to an end. He will not be the First Order's puppet, he will not be Snoke's or Luke's lapdog, nor the Force. He will destroy Snoke, and will find what he truly wanted.
Luke.
Power.
…...Him.
"I will find them, but I must have full control, I will not be defined by Snoke or the Light and Dark. You must show me…...show me the power of the Shadow, only then will I have full control. When I am complete, nothing will stand in my way, and I will finish what you started…...Grandfather."
(Millennium Falcon)
"Alright everyone, get ready!" Han said, gaining everyone's attention from the entrance to the cockpit. "We'll be at Bracca in a minute."
"About time." Karine muttered as she finished her last tightening on one of IG joints.
"You got the coats, right?" Poe asked, before Rhasar stepped into the room, wearing his helmet, as well as a poncho.
"Why?" Rey asked as Damien took two ponchos.
"It rains on Bracca. A lot." Rhasar said. The group headed into the cockpit with Karine sitting behind Han, and Poe behind Chewie as the others stood behind them watching as they exited Hyperspace. Rey had never seen hyperspace before and had to admit it was amazing to look out and stare, and wonder on how it works. The Falcon exited hyperspace and flew down towards the dark planet before them.
"It looks….dark." Rey muttered.
"Bracca's mostly temperate, but when it rains...it rains very hard." Poe said, slipping on his poncho. Loud footsteps were heard behind them as Arthon stood near the entrance, his poncho's hood already pulled up, and his fingers grasping the goggles hanging around his neck.
"It's also a junkyard planet. You'd be right at home here, scrapper." Arthon said to Rey. Rey said nothing as they entered orbit when they heard small tapping hit the glass and watched as rain appeared in their view. To most it was just a normal occurrence with Bracca, to Rey however, it was like staring at something magical.
"I've never seen this much water before. I didn't know this much existed in the whole Galaxy." Rey said in awe as the rain bounced off the glass, Damien noticed her awed expression and smiled seeing she was enjoying this, which Rhasar also followed but voiced what came to mind.
"Really? We passed like three other planets with similar amounts of water. If you really wanna see a water planet though, go visit Kamino." He said. Han flew the Falcon towards the nearest Spaceport, entering a security code to be allowed in. Once it was cleared Han drove the ship into the west docks and landed with a mighty thud.
"Alright, everyone keep a low profile. First Order Squadrons are most likely in the area so try not to get attention." Han warned as he slipped on his poncho and opened the landing bay door. Before anyone could stop her, Rey ran past Arthon and towards the exit.
"Rey, hold on!" Damien said holding her poncho. Rey ignored him as she ran outside and was met with a downpour of rain. To occupants that lived in the city this was just a nuisance, but that didn't stop the smile on Rey's face. She held her arms out and opened her mouth drinking whatever water landed on her tongue. Her hair and clothes were instantly soaked but she just couldn't stop, until a poncho was dropped on her head.
"You best put that on before you get cold." Rhasar said, the rain dripping off his helmet. Damien joined their side as Rey slipped on the poncho but kept the hood off, as he reached for his belt and pulled out his blaster that Rhasar gave him before.
"Here, you might need this." Damien said as Poe walked out with BB right behind him. Rey stared at the blaster in confusion then looked at Damien.
"I think I can handle myself, Damien." Rey said as Damien smirked.
"Yeah, but I wouldn't take chances, when have you ever been off planet?" Rey glared at him but nodded in understanding as she took the blaster before stretching her arm out and aiming down the sight. "You…...held a blaster right?"
"No. But how hard can it be? You pull the trigger." Rey said.
"It's a little more complicated." Damien said.
"How so?" Rey asked as Damien lowered the blaster so she didn't accidentally fire at someone.
"Well, for one thing, scrapper, you're right-handed and aiming with your left eye. That's mistake number one. Second, the safety's on. So even if you wanted to fire, it won't fire until you've released the safety." Rhasar said. Damien chuckled as Rey pouted a bit before an idea came to mind.
"Rey." The Scrapper turned to Damien as he fiddled with his poncho pocket. "I've been thinking…..if we turn down Han's offer, and keep on moving we could use an extra hand around the ship." Rey could not believe the words that were coming out, as did anyone else that can hear.
"Are you offering me a job?" Rey asked.
"Pretty sure Arthon isn't keen on more people filling up the crew." Rhasar said.
"...I'm thinking about it." Damien said, and before he could continue, Han walked past him and gained their attention.
"Alright, Chewie stay here and fix the ship." Han ordered as he flipped his hood over his head.
"IG and I will stay to help fix the ship. Be careful." Karine said as IG stood behind her, as she stared at Rhasar.
"Try not to tear the ship apart like the last one." He said.
"Try not to get shot like you always do." Karine retorted as she walked into the ship with IG standing there staring at Rhasar.
"What are you looking at?" Rhasar asked.
"Do Flesh bags express love through aggression?" IG asked. Rhasar merely gave a shooing gesture before he turned to face the others. With that, everyone walked out of the docks and into the port.
"Keep your blasters close, and your money closer. Thieves can be anywhere." Han warned as they walked through the crowd. Rey, despite enjoying the rain, was trying to keep up with the others as creatures big and small pushed against her. She had to admit one thing she did enjoy about Jakku was that it wasn't crowded. She noticed how the others simply moved through the crowd like it was natural. She hated to admit it but she was jealous of how confident the others were. They weren't afraid of many things, or afraid to get into fights, while she wasn't afraid to fight she was not used to such large groups.
"I've never seen this many people in one place before." Finn said, his hands gripping the hood of his poncho to keep his face hidden.
"Welcome to city life, Finn. Crowds are commonplace in these kinds of places. Coruscant and Hosnian Prime are probably the biggest examples you can find in the galaxy." Poe said.
"So where is the informant, Han?" Damien asked, escaping the sight of a hungry female Zygerrian.
"They said we will meet them at some place called the 'Happy Hutt'." Han explained as he scanned the area for any place like that.
"You mean that?" Arthon's voice rang from behind, as everyone looked to see him pointing at what looked like a bar. Sure enough, in Aurebesh, the sign read 'The Happy Hutt'.
"That's the place, come on. Keep your head low and out of trouble, Poe." Han warned again looking over his shoulder at the pilot.
"That was one time! That Rodian was asking for it!" Poe said. The group walked into the bar except for Rey who took one look at the place and did not want to be in there. She took a step back and looked around when something caught her attention, she looked over at the group. It wouldn't hurt if she left for just a few minutes to look around, after all she was new to all this and should learn the ropes. With that she walked away and towards the center of her attention. Damien turned around and saw Rey wasn't behind him, letting out a small curse, before turning back to Rhasar.
"You and Arthon stay out of trouble, I got to find Rey." Damien said as he walked towards the door.
"You know, you two are turning this into a real romantic holovid. Guy pursues the girl, all that mushy stuff. If Karine were here, she'd probably gush at this." Rhasar said. Damien rolled his eyes smiling as he flipped his hood back on and walked out.
"Let's get this over with." Arthon growled.
"Take it easy, Scales. The informant doesn't seem to be here. We'll have to wait for them." Han said, taking a seat with the five joining him.
"What makes you so sure this informant will even be here? Or that they're still on your side? For all you know, they could be like the turncoat here." Arthon said, his eyes glancing at Finn with the last part of his sentence.
"Leia sent them personally, and if Leia trust them, so do I. Besides if it is who I think it is, I trust them."
"Forgive me if I don't share your faith in people." Arthon snarled, before hissing.
"You don't seem to like anyone is what I'm getting at. Then why do you stick around with them?" Han asked, gesturing to Rhasar.
"The same reason I'm guessing the Wookiee hangs off your shoulder everywhere you go." Arthon retorted. "I owe Damien a life debt. I may not like this crew, but some traditions must be upheld. And given I'm one of the few Trandoshans left in the galaxy...I have to maintain some of our customs, with a few exceptions." He said. "For thousands of years, my people hunted, killed, and died in the name of a god that never listened. I see no reason to worship the Scorekeeper, for she did nothing to save my people." He said.
"So why don't you help the Resistance fight, get revenge for what the First Order did to your people? There are people who lost so much because of them and joined, this is your chance." Han said, trying to show Arthon a reason for taking a side. To be honest, a part of him wants Arthon to join so that could make Damien join and help search for Luke. He didn't know why, but Damien was part of some bigger picture, he was sure Leia would see it when she meets Damien...if she can.
"Join the Resistance? Why would I do that? They were nowhere to be found when the First Order destroyed Trandosha. The New Republic did NOTHING to help us. When we asked for help...the galaxy left us to die." Arthon snarled. Han said nothing as the group was silent, before Han leaned forward.
"My wife, before I met her, was forced to watch as her planet was destroyed by the Empire." Han started as the group listened. "Instead of shedding tears, wallowing in her pain, do you know what she did?" When the group didn't answer he continued. "She continued fighting because she knew if she didn't fight back the Empire would continue to do what they did to her planet. She'd rather die fighting then submit defeat against a greater threat, and it's what we are doing now I'm sorry we couldn't save Trandosha, but if we don't stop the First Order every System in the Galaxy is going to meet the same fate if they don't bow to them."
"I don't understand." Everyone turned to Finn who was staring at Han. "How can you believe that you stand a chance against the First Order? I've seen their ships, I've seen their armies. You don't stand a chance."
"Well kid, we've always had the odds against us." Han said leaning back. "Instead of running you should look back at what you left behind. When I did it, I was never the same." Arthon said nothing, he had nothing to say, he did however ball his fist in anger. Poe heard BB chirp and whistle warning the group when he looked out the window.
"Company, and not the good kind." The group looked to see some First Order troopers outside. They turned back with their hoods on and hoped the Stormtroopers would leave, until Rhasar remembered something.
"Dammit. Damien and Rey are still out there." He said.
Rey kept to the ledge of the walkway, looking over to see lower parts of the Port only to gasp seeing the port was somehow floating above some weird black abyss. Feeling a little light headed Rey took a step back from the rails. Her nose wrinkled a bit as she smelled something, something very good. Walking towards the sound of steam and the smell of meat she saw an aquarium of strange looking fish in front of some food stand. The fish was yellow in a triangle like formation.
("Muttr nu euto?") Rey jumped at the deep tone to see a four armed creature staring down at her from the stand, two knives in the lower ones. He was big, very big, very frightening as well. The Alien stared at Rey, who could do nothing as she didn't understand what he was saying.
("Nu euto?") The alien asked again with a bit more anger, Rey only stared at him in confusion trying to back away only to feel a hand on her shoulder.
"Two Burras, please." Damien asked as he handed the Besalisk two credits. The Besalisk grunted but took the money as he reached into the Aquarium. Damien looked over at Rey and gave her a smirk.
"Besalisk, big guys. Very mean, but I did know an old one who owned a diner on Coruscant. He was nice, you'd like him." Damien said as Rey muttered thank you before they turned back to the Besalisk grabbing the fish.
"Burra Fish aren't rare, and they are pretty good…..depending where you are eating them from." Damien explained as Rey watched the Besalisk cook raising his knife. She jumped a bit hearing a small squeal come from the fish before the alien tossed the fish into a pot and followed with another beheading with the final fish into the same pot. Rey noticed she was holding onto Damien's arm, letting go with a bit of flush on her cheek.
"Sorry."
"Don't be, I don't mind." Damien said as Rey now gave him a confused look. "Too much?"
"Why are you being so nice to me? Why are you like this? You know nothing about me, we met a day ago!" Rey said as Damien merely stared at her.
"I would like to." Rey's eyes widened as they both stared at each other. Everything that was happening around them seemed to disappear as they stared into each other's eyes. Damien seemed to lean closer, Rey feeling her cheeks burn with heat, only for both to jump at the sound of slapping. They turned to see the Besalisks with Burra wrapped in a sheet, Damien nodded thanks and took the food and guided Rey to a spot where it wasn't raining.
"The port here is the only good place that has better food, plus if you don't like it, Ibdis Maw will." Damien said, pulling his good off.
"Ibdis?" Rey asked in confusion.
"It's like a giant Sarlacc pit beneath us. Sarlacc are giant creatures with big teeth, lots of tentacles, and a large appetite, so imagine that but bigger." Damien explained. Rey looked down at her feet and even though she couldn't see it, she realized if she listened carefully she could hear a loud rumble. She shuddered at the idea before looking at her hot meal, wondering if it was even worth it.
"If it makes you feel better, I've had these plenty of times and they don't taste bad once you had them a couple times." Damien reassured her as he opened his wrap and took a bite. Rey was hesitant but followed suit and opened her wrap, taking a bite of the hot fish. It wasn't as good as what Damien made but it wasn't terrible, she'll take anything after all she had her whole life. The two sat in silence as they enjoyed their meal under some cover away from the rain. After a bit of eating, a question popped in Rey's mind, turning to Damien.
"Damien?"
"Mmm?"
"...Are you going to join Han and the Resistance?" Damien swallowed his food as he stared at Rey, surprised by the question before sighing as he wrapped what remained of his food and tossed it into the trash can near them. He leaned on the wall in front of Rey crossing his arms.
"I…..I don't know, maybe. I want to do what is good and help them, I really want to go on an adventure, who wouldn't? But I guess that is also a problem, my friends want to stay out of it and I don't want them to be hurt." Damien said, sighing in defeat. The two stood in silence before Damien looked back at Rey. "You ever feel like there is more to this?"
"I don't understand."
"What we are. Me, a smuggler. You, a Scrapper. That there is some greater purpose…..I feel it, Rey." He said as he used the Force to hold the raindrops above his palm, forming it into a small sphere. "I have this power, some sort of magic, and all I use it for is to move a few objects and people. Something is calling me, and I don't know if I should risk losing my friends, but I...I need to know who I am." Damien said as the raindrops around him stopped in midair. Rey stared in wonder as the rain started to form into worm-like forms and move around the two.
"Incredible." Rey stated in awe, as Damien shrugged.
"It's nothing special."
"It is to me." Damien smiled as he continued to use the Force, letting the water move around Rey. Once again he felt all his troubles leave him as the happiness he gave Rey made him happy. He then thought of what Han said, if Luke was the source of all this….perhaps he should do what he thinks is best.
"You!" Damien and Rey jumped in shock turning around to feel dread as a Stormtrooper aimed his blaster at them. "Hands up, now!" Damien and Rey held their hands up as the Trooper reached for his comm.
"All units, I have found the main target, meet me at Sector 6-7." The Trooper stated. Damien stood in front of Rey, looking around for help. Seeing none in sight he knew only one way out, and he hoped it would work. Holding his hand out he let the Force flow through him.
"We are not the targets you are looking for." Damien said in a commanding tone. The Trooper tilted his head to the side, before resuming his posture.
"Hands up!"
"We are not the targets you are looking for." Damien repeated.
"Damien, it's not going to work." Rey whispered, but Damien ignored her. If he couldn't save Rey with the Force then why does he even have it. To his surprise the Stormtrooper head jolted a bit as he groaned.
"Ugh...We….are…" The Stormtrooper growled as he rubbed his helmet in pain as Damien realized it was working.
"We are not the tar-GAH!" Damien roared in pain as something metal slammed into his chest knocking the wind out of him. Crumbling to his knees, Rey lowered to his level to hold him only to hear some mechanical footsteps and a large shadow above them. Looking up she saw what was probably the second droid she had ever seen. It was all black, with some silver outlines, it had an egg like body with thin legs and arms. It looked so simple but very menacing.
"Do not resist or you will be terminated." The Droid said as more troopers arrived, eight in total. The Captain stared down at Damien looking at the pad with the young man's face on it. When their Commanding Officer was informed to search for Smugglers they were lucky to find bounties already made for this crew.
"This is him, cuff them." The Captain ordered as two Stormtroopers walked past him and grabbed Damien and Rey. The area was pretty empty with the arrival of the Stormtroopers, as Rey struggled out of her cuffs. "Inform General Hux we have apprehended one of the targets, search the area for the rest."
"Search won't be necessary, my friends." The troopers turned to see Rhasar walking toward them, his poncho flipping with the wind. "I'm not really trying to hide." He said.
"Take one more step, and we open fire." The Captain warned as four of them clicked their blasters ready.
"You realize your blasters could barely leave a dent on my armor, right?" Rhasar asked.
"We have you eight to one." One of the Stormtroopers said.
(Play Star Wars: The Mandalorian Theme EPIC Version by Samuel Kim)
"...I like those odds." Faster than anyone could see, Rhasar had drawn his blaster pistols and shot down four with his quick firing. The Captain and the rest quickly drew theirs and fired at the Mando. Rhasar jumped to the side and hide behind cover only to be pulled out by the KX Security Droid. The droid gripped Rhasar's neck tightly only to be tackled, letting go of Rhasar in the process. The droid pushed back to see a Trandoshan snarling at it, the two now in an arm lock.
"Another scrap bucket to add to the list of things I've destroyed!" Arthon growled. The Stormtrooper Captain pulled out a riot baton and charged at Rhasar swinging at the Mando. Rhasar had to admit that Finn wasn't lying, he saw some style of Mandalorian combat in this Stormtrooper…..to others, it would be intimidating, but to a true Mandalorian, it was insultingly sloppy. The other troopers prepared to fire at Arthon only for one of them to be shot as Han, Finn, and Poe joined the fight. Damien guided Rey away from the bolts, using the Force to unlock their cuffs. Hearing a battle cry Damien turned around to see another squad of Stormtroopers arrive with one carrying a riot baton and heading straight towards him.
Back with the others Finn slid to his knees grabbing one of the dead troopers blasters and rolled into cover, firing back at the Stormtroopers. He grabbed another one near him and saw Poe next to Han with no blaster.
"Poe!" Poe watched as Finn tossed him a blaster, the pilot nodded his thanks as the three shot back at the troopers. Arthon meanwhile punched the droid with enough force to break metal and leave a dent in the droid's chest. However, the droid met Arthon with equal force that would have knocked a human's head clean off. Arthon stumbled a bit but regained his footing and lunged at the droid slamming against its chest. The droid kicked Arthon into the wall, standing back up and tackling him through it. Arthon rolled to a stop as the droid grabbed a piece of slab and tried to bash Arthon head with it. The Trandoshan ducked under the droid and grabbed it's legs, flinging it around and tossing it into another part of the building, before roaring and lunging towards it.
Rhasar sidestepped the Captain's strike which broke a lamp post sending sparks around them. Rhasar was mostly dodging the Captain's attacks because if he did make some mistake it would mean he might lose something. His pride most likely. Ducking under another swing, Rhasar reached for his combat knife and sliced at the Captain's arm, making him let go of the Baton. The Captain reached for a healing stim and stabbed it into his arm, looking for his baton only to see Rhasar kick it off the edge, as the Mandalorian tossed his blade into the air.
"You know our fighting style...but your technique is sloppy." Rhasar said. The Captain growled in anger before reaching his own blade. He charged first swinging his blade only to be met with sparks as Rhasar smirked under his helmet. Meanwhile, Finn and the others were still in a shootout with the other troopers.
"Why is it every time I am with you, there is always a shootout!" Han said as he shot a trooper sending him flying. BB whistled in agreement as he behind Poe, a bolt flying over them again.
"You can't pin this one on me! I had nothing to do with this starting!" Poe said, firing back at the remaining enemies. Finn looked up and saw some sort of levitating platform with a cleaning droid on it, right above the Stormtroopers.
"Poe, look!" Poe looked to where Finn was pointing and understood the idea. The two aimed and fired at the platform taking out the thrusters which made the platform blow up sending the droid flying. The troopers looked up at the explosion only to be sent flying from the large debris of fire and metal. The three walked out of cover as Poe patted Finn's shoulder.
"Good idea, Finn."
"Thanks."
"YOU!" Finn pushed Poe away as Stormtrooper from behind them attacked with a Riot baton, Finn doing his best not to get blown away.
"You're a traitor to the cause, FN-2187!" The Trooper said as Finn ducked under a fatal blow backing away from him. The Squads have heard of 2187 deserting the First Order, and if givin the choice execute on sight.
"I left because I saw what they are, the First Order are monsters!" Finn argued as the trooper tried to swing down on Finn, but he quickly grabbed the Stormtroopers arms keeping the baton in the air. The two pushed against each other before a bolt echoed with the trooper screaming in pain. Finn caught the trooper seeing Poe behind him.
"You betrayed the Order….for terrorist….Trai…" The trooper crumbled to the ground at Finn's feet while the deserter stared at his body. He took a small gasp for air as he stared at his once fellow soldier, who was just like him: Alone.
"Hey, hey you okay?" Poe asked shaking Finn a bit, the deserter wiped the sweat off his head and nodded in response while Han watched the two only to hear grunting in the distance. Back with Rhasar, he jumped over the Captain's head and thanks to the wet metal slid away from him. The Captain charged once more, swinging madly at the Mando, once again being blocked by the Warrior's knife. Rhasar hit the trooper in his chest plate with his knee before sending a right hook shattering parts of the Captain's helmet and sending him flying into the wall. The Captain got right back up trying to act like it was nothing.
"You act tough Mando, but if this is all your so-called 'Warrior' society has! It's nothing!" The Captain roared as he started swinging the knife around. Rhasar rolled his eyes.
"You had to bring the creed into this."
...Before casually pulling out his blaster pistol and shooting the Captain in between the eyes. He spun the gun in his finger before holstering it, when the wall behind him exploded. Turning around he saw the Security droid in bad condition with sparks flying everywhere. Arthon slowly walked out of the hole he made and grabbed the droid by its shoulders. With a mighty roar, he latched his mouth on the droid's head, his jaw muscles tightening as metal was crushed inside. With a mighty pull he ripped the head off the droids and spat it out of his mouth, letting the body drop. Han and the others joined them as the dead Stormtroopers laid around them.
"Everyone alright?" Han asked as he dusted off his arm from the bolt missing it.
"So much for a low profile." Arthon muttered, when the sound of smashing and loud grunts echoed in a nearby alleyway.
"Damien!"
The Force wielder teen stood between Rey and the Riot Trooper, ducking under his raging swings. Damien picked up the lid of a trash can and used it as a makeshift shield, only for it to be sent flying from his hands as they entered into another walkway with civilians running away. Damien pushed Rey away from him as the Riot Trooper swung at him again, hitting him square in the chest. Damien felt his feet leave the ground as he flew into the air and slammed back first into the wall of a building.
"DAMIEN!" Rey screamed as she took her staff and swung it at the Stormtrooper, only for him to block it with his arm and punch her in the face sending her flying into a trashcan. Damien coughed out some blood as he stood back up using the wall for support hearing the faint footsteps of the Stormtrooper with his baton sizzling from the water evaporating off it. Damien stood back up as the Trooper prepared to swing at him, time seemed to slow down once again as he stared at his possible death. He once heard your life flashes before your very eyes at the brink of death, for Damien he wouldn't know what it is like.
"Trust in the Force, let it guide you."
Damien's body felt extremely light as the Force flowed through him, the headache that was usually there now seemed so faint as he stared at the Baton. With quick speed he blocked the blow with his arm, ignoring the electricity flow through his arm emitting pain. But he ignores it as he strikes the Stormtrooper with the Force sending him flying. The others run out of the alleyway they were originally in to watch in surprise as a Stormtrooper flew past them. They saw Damien with his arm out with such a shocked expression, even Damien couldn't explain it. He felt like years of some combatic arts flowed through him….or was it always there? He didn't know why but it just felt natural in a way, his train of thoughts were cut short as the Stormtrooper charged at him again. Damien used the Force to pull Rey staff into his hand blocking the strike, followed by a spin attack knocking the Trooper off balance. Damien used the Force to once again send the Trooper flying and this time into a wall, the Stormtrooper body going limp signalling he wasn't gonna get up for a while. Damien's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the bo staff in hand before letting it go and looked at his own hands. He couldn't believe he just did such a thing, and it felt…..right? Like it was just natural….if a little sloppy.
"Woah." Han said, impressed by the kids' movement, and he had seen that before. Only one person he has seen move with such mobility and power.
"Luke."
"Behind you!" Arthon roared, Damien turned around to see another Security Droid charging at him. However, a bolt fired out and hit the droid straight in the head, the droid fell to the ground and everyone was surprised to see IG standing behind him.
"That shot was meant for the other droid, correct?" Damien was confused by the question when he turned around to see Rey with her blaster out.
"I….I did it! I got one!" Rey said smiling in victory and looking at the others. Finn, Poe, and Han duck down to make sure she isn't going to shoot them. Rhasar sighed as he walked over and lowered her blaster arm.
"Don't swing the blaster around like that. You could end up shooting someone." He said.
"I just shot someone." She said.
"You could end up shooting someone important." Rhasar emphasized, before turning to Damien. "What in the name of Mandalore was that?!" He asked.
"I….I don't know." Damien answered as he stared at his hands. "It felt…..reflexive, like I knew how to do it already."
"I can see Karine's hypothesis was correct. You could not go a few minutes without being attacked." IG stated as he reached for a Stormtroopers blaster. "She sent me to make sure everyone was alright."
"Yeah, we're good. No thanks to you." Rhasar said.
"I detect no hostiles in the area." IG stated as he walked over to them, only for a click to echo and everyone saw another Stormtrooper aimed at them. "Hostile detected."
"Great powers of observation, scrap bucket." Arthon muttered.
"Any of you move, I will shoot!" The Stormtrooper threatened. However before anyone could react, the stormtrooper was sent flying from another bolt shot. The group turned around to see an armored man with a blaster in hand. The man was accompanied by two other soldiers, but Poe recognized the soldier's armor.
"It's alright guys, it's the Resistance." Poe said smiling as he walked up to them, one of the soldiers recognized him and smiled, shaking Poe's hand. The armored figure walked over to Han staring at him, reaching for his helmet.
"Been a while Han, glad to see an old friend." The man said, pulling off his helmet and revealing a dark skinned old man around Han's age.
"Good to see you, Lando." Han said, smiling and shaking the man's hand. Damien eyes widen at the mention of Lando Calrissian, famous war hero of the Empire Era who helped the Rebellion destroy the second Death Star.
"This is Lando, Resistance Reconnaissance and an old friend." Han said, gesturing to Lando.
"Who?" Rey asked, confused.
"Another war hero of the Rebellion." Rhasar said, remembering hearing stories from when he was younger about Lando. "Even sold them out at one point." He said.
"What?"
"That was a long time ago, I made mistakes." Lando said walking up to the group. "You must be the Smugglers I've been hearing so much about. Nice to meet you."
"An honor to meet you, Lando." Damien said, smiling as he shook Lando's hand. Lando raised an eyebrow as he studied Damien figure, but before he could say anything, Han stepped forward placing a hand on Lando's shoulder.
"I think it is time we head back to the Falcon before more Stormtroopers arrive." Han said when they heard the sound of footsteps running towards them.
"I assure you that Karine has ordered you will not be harmed." IG stated as he took one of the Stormtroopers grenades. He activated it and tossed it over his shoulder plate to a squad of Stormtroopers. Before they could react, they were sent flying from the explosion. "I never fail an objective."
"He's right, let's head out." Lando said. With that Lando and Han guided the group with Damien handing Rey her blaster. It took some time but they made it back to the Falcon with Karine walking out removing her goggles.
"I knew I couldn't let you guys leave for one minute without being shot." Karine said tapping Rhasar's shoulder plate.
"Yeah, yeah. Good for you, Tails." Rhasar said, pushing past her.
"Sheesh, what went up his helmet?" Karine asked as she turned to see Lando. "Uh…..uh…..Are you….."
"Lando Calrissian, an honor to meet you Ms….?" Lando asked, holding out his hand.
"Karine…..Just Karine." Karine was shocked to be in front of another hero of the war. Lando took her hand and kissed it, putting on his charms.
"A wonderful name, Ms. Karine."
"Don't be weird, Lando." Han said as Lando let him go and the two walked inside.
"I can't help it, it's my charm, Han." Lando said as the two laughed while Karine stared at them confused, before turning to Damien.
"What happened?"
"A lot of shooting, learned to fight, oh and we met Lando who is part of the Resistance." Damien explained in the short term of things. Karine nodded her head as everyone walked into the Falcon.
"Great, but how about we skip to the part where you get us to the Resistance base?" Rhasar asked.
"How's the ship, Chewie?" Han asked as the Wookiee walked in, making a few roars and grunts but went to hug Lando.
"Haha. I missed you too, Chewie." Han rolled his eyes as Karine walked over.
"Chewie got the ship up and running, I was able to find a few spare parts here at some nearby shops." Karine explained as Chewie left Lando and hugged Damien, Rey watching as the large ball of fur played with Damien. "Sorry I couldn't do much, I'm not use to this ship yet." Han smoked patting the Twi'lek shoulder.
"You did good, kid. Your Mom would be proud." Karine eyes widen at the mention of her Mother.
"How did yo-!"
"Alright, Chewie! Let's start up the ship! Lando, where are we heading?" Han asked as he walked into the cockpit with Chewie.
"D'Qar, in the Ileenium System." Lando said. Once Han got the ship back up they flew offworld and into Hyperspace.
"It will take some time," Han explained as he exited the cockpit as everyone relaxed. "How did you figure it was us?"
"Wasn't too hard, just followed the shooting, figured it was Poe again." Lando said chuckling.
"Why does everyone blame me for the shooting?! That only happened once!" Poe said.
"Bespin." Han said in a deadpan.
"Twice." Poe said.
"Coruscant." Lando retorted.
"...Okay, maybe more than once." Poe relented. "But it's not my fault. Those other people started it!" Han turned back to Lando, giving him a serious expression.
"What is happening with the others? How are they holding up?" Lando sighed, shaking his head.
"It's not good, Han. We lost several outposts in the Outer Rim, D'Qar is our last base of operations for the time." Lando explained as Han grimaced.
"And Leia?"
"She's holding out, you know how she is when the odds are against us."
"Don't I ever." Han said.
"So I take it you found the map?" Lando asked, looking down to see BB happily roll over to him. "Hey little guy, I see you still hang around Poe." BB whistled happily making Lando smile before turning to the Smugglers, specifically Damien. "And you guys risked your lives for them, that was very brave of you."
"It was nothing, Sir." Damien said rubbing the back of his neck.
"You gave us a chance against the First Order, it was much more." Lando said, "And with your help we have a chance at finding Luke and taking out the First Order."
"Not this again." Arthon muttered.
"Look, we're just looking to get paid. We were hired to do a job, and far as I can see, we've done it." Rhasar said, crossing his arms. Lando noticed the look of agreement on this crew's face, all but Damien's.
"And you believe this, kid?" Damien didn't say anything so Lando continued. "I don't know how much Han has told you but I can tell what I've seen. We're low on soldiers, ships, and belief. This map is our last chance at giving the galaxy hope-!"
"Hope? What hope? The New Republic didn't even acknowledge the First Order until it was already too big to simply intimidate into silence. Even now, they do nothing." Arthon snarled.
"You're right, the Republic doesn't, but there are others who know how serious this is. We have gained their support, but the Senate has fully decided and are still debating it as we speak on Hosnian Prime. However, Leia knows the First Order won't wait, so this is why we need Luke again." Lando explained and turned to Damien. "Kid, I saw how you fought out there against that Stormtrooper, it reminded me of-!"
"It doesn't matter who he reminds you of!" Arthon snarled, stepping forward. The two Resistance troopers standing by activated their blasters but one hand up from Lando stopped them. "We've made it clear time and time again. We. Are. Not. Interested." He said, a snarl following every word.
"We'll go to D'Qar." This made everyone look at Damien, as he stared at Lando with a stoic expression.
"Statement, unusual." IG stated tilting his head at Damien.
"Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten the rules we made?" Arthon asked.
"You're not joining Arthon, the crew will tag along until they give us the money. Then...a ship will be needed." Damien said.
"Since you saved Poe and the droid, it's the least the Resistance can do." Lando said. Damien nodded his head and took his leave to another part of the ship, and everyone soon scattered. Damien climbed into the ladder and into the seat of the turret looking out into Hyperspace in deep thought. He hoped the others would soon understand, this is something that came to mind when Poe told him the stories, and how the Force reacted ever since he came to Jakku.
"Damien?" Damien looked up to see Rey climb down and sit on a spot next to him, the two sat in silence for a minute, until Rey spoke up. "I never did thank you for saving me back on Bracca."
"And you never have to, Rey." Damien said, giving her a reassuring smile.
"But why? You owe me nothing, you don't owe the others anything when you gave them this job. You barely know them, they seem to just ridicule you." Rey said stretching her arms out like she meant the whole ship, she just couldn't understand why someone like Damien just let them disrespect him. From what she can understand he is the reason they even have a home or purpose. Damien gave a small smile that did not reach his eyes.
"I didn't think I needed a reason to help people, I just want what is best for them. Just give them time, you'll see what I see." Damien said, Rey nodded in understanding before she realized something.
"You said Arthon wasn't going to join the war, but it also sounds like you didn't want them to join but you…." Rey didn't finish as Damien looked at her and smirked.
"I'm not perfect Rey, I don't enough enough of what I should know, and I have no idea what my purpose in this Galaxy is. But I do know one thing….it's connected to Luke, and he knows the answers I need." Damien said as the two now sat in silence. He knew deep down that he must make the choice, and that choice is to leave the crew and find Luke Skywalker. His eyes widened, feeling a head on his shoulder and looked to see Rey resting on him, staring out into the Hyperspace.
"It's so beautiful."
"It truly is."
The Falcon flew through Hyperspace for what felt like forever, until finally it left and appeared above orbit of a green like planet. The group watched as they flew down into the clouds, watching as it parted to reveal a green landscape with mountains, rivers, lakes, and large plateaus. Damien and the others saw a base nearby with dozens of X-Wings landed outside and soldiers running around moving crates or cleaning the ships. Once the Falcon landed and the landing bay opened the group walked outside with Han in the lead. He turned to Damien and gave him a smile, gesturing to the Base.
"Welcome to the Resistance."
Zer0: CUT! It's over! That's a wrap, it's a wrap everyone. End of Episode Seven, we're done here…...Naw, just kidding.
Bio: Anyway, that's the end of that chapter.
Zer0: Oh boy what a lot of stuff that happened: We learned a bit about the Republic, Kylo's ambition, Damien's decision, And LANDO IS HERE?! WHAT?!
Bio: You're probably wondering why we chose Bracca as a location in this story.
Zer0: It's quite simple: No Takodana. I had no problems with this part, but we didn't see a reason since we had Han as the General. Nothing against Maz, however we felt it be more necessary to just jump straight to the Resistance, plus we got Lando. Why Lando? We felt like he needed a bit more than just a max ten minutes at best. Also did you like the choice of music? Expect a lot of Samuel Kim music (all of it belongs to him/Disney/Lucasfilm. Love his music, which yeah it's just remixed of other music but that doesn't take away the epicness of them.). While this story does have a lot of the past stuff (respecting it of course.), this is of course about the new generation and the coming of age.
Bio: There's also the deal with Luke's lightsaber. Seeing as we're not dealing with Takodana, this means you'll be seeing it somewhere else. Where? You'll find out soon enough.
Zer0: As you can see, Damien has regained some skills that he may or may not remember, isn't that fun?! And no, instant answer: he did not download information.
Bio: I'd say it's basically like The Bourne Identity. He has little memory of who he was, but in certain instances, the skills he possesses can come back to him depending on the situation and what he's feeling.
Zer0: Yeah, it is gonna be so much fun for the final fight at the end. We are at the halfway mark of the story. One last note, Han seems to know something about Karine. Interesting, very interesting. A little summary for the next chapter. Also Bio and I will most likely not do much ranting throughout the series, maybe save it for the end of Episode 8 and leave it at that. We'll explain why we did certain things and used a lot of old concepts. Let me just say this in advance as well: Kanan concept of the Force contradicts not only the movies, but also George's vision of it. Oh and his math is laughable at best.
Chapter Summary: Spoiler alert , everyone fucking dies. The end.
Lowkey: Damien and the others see the side of the Resistance, Damien must make the ultimate choice. Meanwhile the First Order unleashes their greatest weapon: Starkiller Base.
Zer0: Alright that's all we have for now. Please enjoy, review, pm for ideas, etc. And remember, the Force will be with you.
Bio: Always.
Zer0: Lowkey, Saiya you're killing me without Borderlands.
Final Preview:
(Play Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Trailer OST)
"We've lost."
Damien kept his balance as the world shook with rage, the ground cracking and splintering, the trees falling into the large crevices made. He heard the sound of a Lightsaber and turned to see Kylo float down from the large rock, taking a battle stance.
Prepare for the fight.
Rhasar grunted in pain rubbing his arm while the Sith Trooper twirled his Electro Staff, the purple lightning burning the ground. Rhasar twirled the Lightsaber before taking another battle stance, the Sith Trooper following suit. The two charged and met, sparks flying from the clash.
"I've been waiting for this moment a long time." Kylo said as he circled around Damien, holding him in place. Damien grunted in pain from being unable to move, before he felt the burning heat of Kylo's lightsaber at his neck.
That will decide his destiny.
"Come on everyone, form up!" Poe ordered as the X-Wings took formation. Karine flew beside Poe as they flew towards the gargantuan Super Weapon, her breathing hitched as she tried to relax. However her anxiety took in effect as soon as she saw the hundreds of TIE Fighters flying towards them.
"KARINE!"
"I...I don't know what I have to do, Rey." Damien said as they both stared up into the sky.
"I know who you are."
"NO!"
Han and Leia embraced each other tightly, as if this was going to be their last moments together. Han has no idea if he will make it back alive, but he knows this: He must save Damien.
"You can't save them."
Arthon roared as he charged at Kylo Ren, unloading his rotary blaster at the dark warrior. Kylo used the force to fling the blaster out of Arthon's arms, but the Trandoshan jumped into the air with his arms above his head roaring.
IG charged at the group of Security Droids, knocking one's head clean off, before one grabbed him and started ripping his arm off. More grabbed onto IG as metal creaked and bent.
"Not from the First Order. Not from the Force."
Finn grunted as he was kicked aside, Rhasar jumping over him with his arm blade raised high. However his momentum as he was caught mid-air, and flung into the wall held in place by Captain Phasma.
"Mando Scum."
"I want several ships on those X-Wings!" Hux ordered as TIE Fighters flew towards two X-Wings: Poe and Karine.
"Not from me."
"They might be our last hope." Lando said as they watched the Falcon take off into the sky, but Leia let out a small sigh.
"No….there is another."
Kylo reached for the Lightsaber, using the Force to pull it towards him, the weapon that his Grandfather held. He was shocked however as the blade seemed to ignore his pull, so he reached out harder and crushed the ground around it from his power. Then he saw it, the Lightsaber wiggled a bit before it flung out of the snow. His eyes widen seeing his prize inches from his grasp, only for it to fly past his face. He turned at the last second to finally see the one it landed in, the one who has been in his mind ever since Jakku, the one the Force has called out to.
Damien.
STAR WARS EPISODE VII: A Spark of light