Zer0: …..Fuck, I don't have anything, I don't have a joke to make.
BioshockerN7: Why even bother? Some folks are just gonna take this little back and forth of ours as your imagination and think that I, a real flesh and blood human being (Who you can find if you simply look up my name), am not in fact...real.
Zer0:...Good point. Alright everybody! We're back! Sorry for the long hiatus, I've been going through some personal stuff, plus some gaming and reading.
BioshockerN7: Quarantine has mostly consisted of me browsing through TikTok and sending clips I find to Zero on Discord.
Zer0: But without further ado, let's get into the review responses.
Hellfire45: Thank you, and yes I couldn't agree more, Damien has been quite what should I say? A burden? Yes, yes he has, and that is the point. (BioshockerN7: The basis of most of the crew was designed to work around that. He might be the captain, but he's not exactly the first guy to jump out and fight.) He's a lover, not a fighter….until a little bit later. Like the next chapter or something.
Emoryjmorrill: Okay then.
Canadiangunner11: Thank you, thank you. Yes, we really worked hard on trying to make these characters seem more presentable or more…...less Disney. Trust me, what we have planned…..Like we said in the first chapter: We have a plan. And it is one big ROADMAP. (BioshockerN7: Yeah, we've basically written out an entire timeline and storyboard for how this trilogy is gonna go) Not kidding btw, a literal timeline.
SupremeSongLeader: HUZZAH! Thank you, I still can't say we deserve the same level as Filoni and stuff, but we like to put work in. It's always fun to build characters and watch them evolve over a franchise. Yeah, tho we're not gonna lie it was basically how he appeared in Episode IX, but obviously in the first movie and more dialogue. Don't worry I will tell you how I feel at the end of this story, one last big old rant. No more ranting after that. Okay so I like the harem, problem is that a lot of the girls are shall we say…...how do I put this? (BioshockerN7: They're fucking dead!) Yeah, that. I appreciate the ideas tho.
Ssj1998: Uh…..okay I guess, I would like a better explanation, but I'm not gonna change my character for the sake of one guy/girl. (BioshockerN7: Fair enough, you do you, I say...unless what you do is morally questionable.)
ABEBOABDU: Um…..I can't promise what you're asking, but I am glad you are enjoying the story.
Bob the Kraken: Thanks. Yeah, Rey is essentially the wide eyed girl who is always entranced by everything. Trust me, you will get so much more from Kylo, especially in Episode 8. HYPE TRAIN!
Guest: Thank you. Yes, we like to think of less identity politics and more of…..philosophical and deeper understanding of oneself, accepting fate and destiny, good vs evil, etc etc. Enjoy!
SaiyatonianSage: Thanks my dude. Yes I will admit we may have sidelined him, but hell man we got like eight people to focus on. I mean, it took two movies, and that was like a three-four year time gap? That's a pretty good romance. And thank you, the romance is pretty simple, like Romeo and Juliet…..Except no suicide at the end. Yes, that scene was fun to write. Highkey: I fucking hate you. Higherkey: Yeah….I'd suggest you go back and read the entirety of the story.
IN fact, everyone, go back and read up to the last chapter. (BioshockerN7: In other words, we've done a bit of rewriting and editing, adding in some scenes to better explain certain moments)
PJShiper: …...You wanna take a crack at this? (BioshockerN7: This is like the second person to say I'm not real.) Man, Bio is not having a good time. I can't stop laughing tho. Yes, just in case anyone says it again, I'd like to point out that Bio is an Author named BioshockerN7. He is my Co-Author and Destiny comrade, and possibly my twin brother, it's not confirmed yet. (BioshockerN7: We share the same thoughts enough that we may as well be long lost brothers.)
Well, everyone, I suggest you go back and reread the previous chapters since we've redone them and added more scenes, because you might be confused as hell. With that out of the way, Bio, will you do the honors. Ladies and Gents, we present you:
BioshockerN7: Star Wars!
Within the Unknown Regions, at the heart of the Ilum System, was once the sacred world that Jedi traveled to for the trial of beginning their Lightsaber's formation. Rich in kyber crystals, and a deeper connection to the Force. What was once a divine and holy land...had been turned into a weapon of fury and destruction. The now home base of the First Order, built thirty years before the Battle of Yavin in secret. Only the highest of the former Imperial Command knew of its existence, and those who had helped in its construction...were never heard from again.
Starkiller Base.
Aboard the flagship of the First Order, Chimera, General Pryde stared at the planet size base of operations. He couldn't help but gaze at the marvelous red chasm that dig into the crust of Ilum, like a giant eye staring back at you. He had waited years for this moment, one of the very few who knew of Starkiller's existence, and will be one of many who were once part of the original Empire to see it's activation. Sadly, he will not be the one to give such a command, he who should be the Supreme General of the First Order, after all he has done for the rebirth of the Empire. No, that belonged to that little stuck up boy who clung to the Supreme Leader's boot.
Supreme General Armitage Hux. Oh how he loathed Hux, the man had an air of arrogance, as if he was the machination for the First Order's rise. He sadly could admit that the General was very intelligent, one cannot become the Supreme General without being a tactical genius.
And Hux was one such genius...an incredibly ruthless one as well.
"General Pryde." Pryde turned around to see Captain Tierny walk towards him with a datapad in hand. Tierny was an up and coming Captain, recently promoted over the battle of Malastare. She was a young dark skinned female donning First Order Security Bureau armor which consisted of black chest plate and pads covering her body, with the dome-like helmet covering everything but her face.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Preparations are going perfectly, in just a few short hours the weapon will be ready." Tierny said, handing Pryde the datapad as he overlooked it. "Shall I inform Kylo Ren?"
"No, the Dark Lord is on his ship. He will not be joining us on Starkiller." Pryde said, as Kylo was still on the hunt for the map of Luke Skywalker. He sees the activation of Starkiller as nothing but a 'pointless' show of the First Order, when Skywalker was still out there.
"What of Lady Lumiya? What of Lord Desann or Lord Carnor?" Tierny asked, shivering at the mention of the Dark warriors that call themselves Sith. Both Lumiya and Desann were the hands of the Supreme Leader with Carnor Jax being the Lord of the Sovereign Protectors, the Praetorian Guards.
"Only Lord Carnor will be attending on his ship the Colossus, the Knight's and Sith are hunting what remains of Skywalker's acolytes as we speak." Pryde said, handing her the pad.
"What of General Hux?" Pryde let out an annoyed sigh before fully turning to the Captain.
"Where is the General?"
"I believe he is in his office, Sir. He gave explicit orders not to be disturbed." Pryde huffed in annoyance before walking down the deck with Tierny behind him.
"We are hours away from our moment of ascension, and he wishes to be inside of his office at a time like this." Pryde said, exiting the deck with Tierny behind him. He could not believe such insolence from Hux, he truly has the nerve to not be prepared for such an occasion. As they walked down the corridors, Pryde turned the corner to see Phasma walk in his direction, the silver durasteel wearing Stormtrooper boots echoed across the hall.
"General Pryde." Phasma saluted the General, who saluted in return.
"Captain, have you spoken with General Hux?" Pryde asked as Phasma followed the two down the hall.
"No, I was hoping he would be on the command deck. Commander Pyre has returned from Castilon, rooting out and exterminating all Resistance Fighters there." Phasma stated. "He was a cadet and comrade to the traitor FN-2187." Phasma informed, piquing Pryde's interest.
"Tierny, inform the Commander to meet us at General Hux's office." Tierny nodded, reaching for her commlink as Pryde turned back to Phasma.
"Did Pyre and the traitor have bad history?" Pryde asked, wishing to gain as much information as he could.
"No. Pyre and FN-2187 were the top of their class; once they graduated, Pyre was given Commander while FN-2187 would have been in the Sith Troop Corps. However, on a mission to kill a Resistance Spy, the soldier failed to kill the target. He was demoted to Squadron Leader while Pyre went on to lead elsewhere in the Outer Rim." Phasma stated as they entered an elevator, heading down towards Hux's office.
"Does the Commander know of FN-2187's betrayal?" Tierny asked.
"No. He has been out of communications ever since he was on Castilon." Phasma said.
"Has FN-2187 voiced such disagreements?" Pryde asked as the elevator opened up.
"No, he was a true Stormtrooper through and through. However, I've noticed every report he has made that there were no civilian deaths. Nor have there been executions under his command." Pryde nodded as they turned the corner to Hux's office, and saw Commander Pyre walking in their direction. Pyre wore durasteel Stormtrooper armor like Phasma but unlike the high Captain, his armor was gold with a black pauldron on his right shoulder, and a golden baton behind his back.
"General Pryde, Captain Phasma, Captain Tierny." Commander Pyre saluted the three who saluted back.
"Congratulations on your victory on Castilon, Commander." Tierny said.
"I am just glad I arrive just in time for the ceremony, Captain." Pyre said, lowering his hand.
"Commander Pyre, Phasma has informed me you were a cadet with Squad Leader FN-2187." Pryde stated, Pyre nodding his head.
"I was." Pyre said. "What about it?" He asked.
"Has he ever voiced his dislike for civilian casualties?" Pryde asked.
"What's the point of these questions? We're troopers. We keep our concerns to ourselves. They only get in the way of the mission." Pyre said.
"About five days ago, FN-2187 committed an act of treason by disobeying direct orders, and colluding in the escape of the famed Resistance Pilot Poe Dameron with the map to Luke Skywalker." Pryde stated. Pyre said nothing, but Pryde saw the Commander's shoulder tense up, before balling his fist.
"What?" He asked. His voice sounded strained, like he was holding back a lot of anger.
"With him colluding alongside a group of smugglers, reports state they were on Bracca a day ago, with General Solo." Pryde stated as Tierny handed Pyre a datapad. The Commander saw the bounties and mugshots of the smugglers: Two males, One female, one female Twi'lek, a male Trandoshan, Dameron, and FN-2187. "We believe by now the Resistance already has the map to Skywalker." Pryde said as Pyre continued to stare at the mugshot. "Commander, Captains, General Hux is unaware of the situation….do try to keep it quiet," Before Tierny could protect, Pryde opened the door and the three followed him in only to be met with darkness as the doors closed. Save for only the light in the center with holographic monitors surrounding a chair with its back turned to them. Pryde and the three looked around the darkness with confusion etched on their faces. Before Pryde could take another step, several lights activated, each light supporting four statues on both sides of the room.
Tierny looked at the statues with awe and shock, she had heard that Hux was considered a patron of the arts by some of the other officers, but nothing like this. The statues were golden durasteel with humanoid-like figures taking dramatic poses, one in some thinking posture, others crying out in fear, and some seemed to just be dancing. Pryde ignored the statues as his attention was mainly focused on the chair on the other side of the room. Taking three more steps he stopped in his tracks as a growl echoes in the room. Pryde and the three watched as a four legged creature walked from behind the chair growling at the three. It's black fur short enough that it appeared to just be naked, face long and narrow revealing canine like features and long jagged teeth, a long and sharp tail whipping around like it had a mind of its own.
Vornskr. Hunters of the Night, and Creatures of the Force.
The Vornskr growled at Pryde, snapping at him as it inched closer to him. Pryde took a single step back while Phasma and Pyre reached for their blasters. Tierny looked to her side hearing another growl, seeing another Vornskr appear behind a statue. The two beasts circled the four like prey, snarling and snapping at the four High Officers, before taking a stance ready to pounce.
SNAP
Like whipped creatures, the Vornskr ears drooped and the two beasts left the four walking over to the chair. The Vornskr sat on both sides of the chair, acting as royal guards for their master. A low, guttural chuckle was heard from behind the chair.
"Seems you have visitors." A voice spoke from the hologram, sounding primal and raspy.
"Indeed. Carry on with your mission, I will have more work for you soon." Another voice said as he reached for his monitor. All the holographic monitors turned off as the chair swiveled around, the man sitting in it had his hands together in front of his face with a calm expression.
General Armitage Hux, a man in his thirties, wearing black First Order Officer attire, with the Supreme General Rank on his chest. Hux lowered his hand to pet one of his Vornskr ears, the creature remained stoic as it watched the four, prey in the eyes of the animal.
"General Pryde, Captain Phasma. I apologize for my absence, I was preoccupied with an associate of mine." Hux said as he stopped petting his Vornskr, reaching for a strange looking jar and studied it.
"The bounty hunter. I fail to understand how you find scum like him useful. He holds no loyalty to anyone." Pryde said with disdain. He held no respect for bounty hunters. In his eyes, they were worse than the Resistance, they only held loyalty to whoever had the most money, which often meant they could switch their allegiances if they desired.
"He has proven his worth time and time again. Loyalty can be bought, and sometimes my dear Pryde, loyalty can be easily broken." Hux said, pressing a button, the mugshot of FN-2187 appeared. "Isn't that right, Commander Pyre?" Pyre said nothing, merely staring at the traitor, his once brother-in-arms.
"I assure you, General." Tierny said stepping forward. One snarl from the Vornskr stopped her in its tracks, the growling stopped once Hux pet the creature, letting Tierny continue. "It is only a matter of time before we find the homebase of the Resis-!"
"D'Qar." The sudden statement caught the four by surprise as Hux pressed another button showing a star map to the inner rim, and one small planet. "They are on D'Qar."
"How do you know that, General?" Phasma asked.
"The Resistance is running out of worlds to hide. Castilon was their second to last base of operations. D'Qar is merely a system away from Hosnian Prime, and it is their only way of getting supplies unnoticed. Chancellor Mothma, despite her denial in colluding with the Resistance, I have gained full access to all their information thanks to some…..help on the inside." Hux said leaning forward. "My Bounty Hunter has also interrogated a few Resistance Sympathizers in revealing a few of their locations, hence the attack on Castilon. The Resistance is no army, they do not have the forces to take on the First Order, but they do have the voice of Senator Leia Organa Solo. It is because of her, the Republic has turned a blind eye to this Militia, and has been secretly supplying them. Beyond that, the Republic is too clouded by their hubris."
"Hubris?" Pryde asked.
"Yes. They believe just because we do not have the same force as the Empire we are not a threat. Oh such hubris." Hux said leaning back in his chair. "The map is now in the hands of the Resistance, and Skywalker will soon be with them. That is, if we allow them to escape." Hux said as the map zoomed in on their Base, Starkiller. "Look at it, such beauty, such destruction, such death. Truly the Empire left us such a marvelous gift in their final hours." Hux said as he reached out to the hologram.
"The weapon is fully functional, General." Tierny stated. "I suggest we destroy D'Qar and end the Resistance once and for all."
"Hmm. Excellent idea, Captain. General?" Hux turned to Pryde. "Do you agree with Captain Tierny?"
"I do. I see no reason why we should allow the Resistance to run amok." Pryde said. Hux closed his eyes rubbing his chin in deep thought, yet it was as if he peered through his eyelids staring at the four. "Captain Phasma? Commander Pyre?"
"Should we destroy the Resistance, there will be no one to stand in our way." Phasma said.
"I agree, General." Pyre said standing tall. Hux nodded his head in consideration, staring at the four.
"I thank you for this contribution in the ceremony. However, I believe it is best we take our eyes and aim for the home of the New Republic, the Hosnian System." Hux said as the hologram changed to a Solar System.
"But why Sir?" Tierny asked. "Would it not be wise to destroy the ones who have been a thorn at our sides?"
"Yes. However, the minute we destroy the Resistance, the sooner we catch the attention of the New Republic." Hux stated. "Despite our numbers, the New Republic our number us one hundred to ten. The New Republic is unaware of our forces nor do they know of the power we wield. And to say if we destroy the Resistance, we will be simply inspiring the Galaxy to take their place. They will be Martyrs, and we will be monsters." Hux said, lowering the item he held. "Now, if we destroy the New Republic, it will inspire fear across the Galaxy. The New Republic is the anchor of hope for this Galaxy, the creator of the chaos they made after destroying the Empire. Destroy the anchor, and who is to hold that chain?" Hux asked. Tierny nodding in understanding, she had to admit hearing Hux explain this, it almost was fool proof.
"The New Republic army is vast, as you are already aware, Hux." Pryde said.
"Yes, they are. But, most of their forces are in the Hosnian System. We not only have the perfect target but we also have Imperial Sympathizers in the Galaxy, who have promised if we take down the Republic they will join us." Hux said standing up from his chair as the hologram deactivated, followed by the statues. "We are all that remains of the Empire, we are the ones that will bring the purest form of order in the Galaxy." Hux said, walking past the four with his Vornskr behind him, followed by the officers.
"What of the Resistance?" Phasma asked. Hux held his hand out to Pyre, who upon realizing it handed the General the datapad.
"Captain Tierny, Commander Pyre: You will both join Kylo Ren on his ship, and you three will head to D'Qar to destroy the Resistance once and for all. You see, two wompas with one stone." Hux said as they exited his office. Tierny and Pyre walked in the opposite direction from the three, all orders set and mere hours away from the Ascension.
(D'Qar)
"I am sorry, Senator Solo, but we cannot send anymore supplies." Mon Mothma, Chancellor of the New Republic, said via hologram as she sat at her desk staring across from her old friend. Across from her was a woman in her fifties, someone who has fought in the name of freedom for years, led battles, and gave people hope.
Leia Organa Solo.
"Mothma, you can't give up now, we are so close." Leia said from her seat. Today was not a good day, she had just gotten word that the Resistance Base on Castilon has been destroyed, the only other base they had.
"I'm not giving up, Leia. I am merely accepting facts." Mothma said sighing. She knew Leia for a long time, she knew how much the girl can get paranoid. "This First Order is nothing more but remnants of the Empire, a few thousand at most."
"We don't know that. For all we know they have an army as big as the Empire, if not bigger." Leia said standing up. "And I know you heard the reports of the Sith, and those Knights of Ren."
"Acolytes for a dead order, the Sith are gone Leia, your brother made sure of that. They have no chance against the New Republic." Mothma said. "You may have gotten Ackbar paranoid, but a line must be drawn, Leia. I'm sorry." Mothma said.
"Sorry? Sorry? There are people dying out there, Mothma, the Galaxy is afraid to admit it. I should know because I was like them too. My brother is missing, my husband is off trying to keep order in the Galaxy, and now one of my most trusted friends is denying me help? All because the Senate is afraid if they reveal the truth of the First Order." Leia said, before sighing in defeat. She knew this day would come, but it hurt just thinking about it. The two women sat in silence, Mothma knew Leia missed her brother, and she knew how painful it is after all she has lost: Who she lost.
"I…..I am sorry, old friend." Mothma said. "But I cannot let the Galaxy go in disarray, we have finally reached a time of peace and clarity. I cannot let all that come crashing down. Goodbye, Leia. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force…..be with you." Leia sighed as the hologram turned off, and she was all alone. Leia looked down at the narrow box in her lap. Opening up it she stared at the content inside, hoping it would all come to fruition.
"Please come home Luke, we need you. Han needs you, I need you…..They needed you." Leia said. Suddenly the door opened, a golden protocol droid walked in.
"Princess Leia, oh I have such wonderful news." C-3PO said wobbling in, his red and gold arms up in the air.
"Not now, 3PO." Leia said.
"Oh but you must hear it. Han Solo and Chewbacca have returned, with Captain Dameron and some strange fellows." Leia was already out of her chair at the mention of Han, scooting past the droid and down the hallway.
Damien and Rey looked around in awe as soldiers walked around them. While those two stared in awe, Rhasar was rather unimpressed by the place, holding his helmet by his side. It was rather dull and the air seemed rather dread and empty, almost like everyones mood has been shattered by something or someone.
"This is it? The Resistance? Not much to see." He said.
"Oh my Corellia! Is that a T-70 X-Wing Model? Only the New Republic Navy has these." Karine said admiring the ship with IG behind her copying her movement.
"Yeah, it's not much to look at." Poe said standing by Rhasar. "What were you expecting? An entire fleet?"
"Something that actually looks like it would last in a fight, for one." Rhasar said. Arthon snorted in agreement.
"It may look ugly, but never judge a ship but it's cover." Lando said, shaking Han and going off to meet with fellow fighters.
"Yeah, we may not be pretty but we pack a punch." Han said.
"Didn't your best guy get captured by us?" Finn asked, walking up to the three.
"Sometimes we're just unlucky." Han said nonchalantly as he walked further and further into the base. "Now that we have the map, we might be able to turn the tide."
"I'm glad we were able to help, General." Damien said as the group followed behind Solo. As they walked inside, Damien felt his heart drop a bit, the Force feeling on the pain of these soldiers. He looked around and noticed a medbay nearby, several soldiers wrapped in bandages or being given robotic limbs.
"I don't think we're welcome here." Rhasar muttered to Karine, having noticed the dirty looks some of the Resistance members were giving them. Finn kept his best to hide his clothes underneath as he kept close to Rhasar, noticing a few shocked looks.
"Agreed." Karine muttered back trying to keep her distance so she didn't anger anyone. Rey on the other hand was too much in awe to notice her bump into someone, an Abednedo, who quickly turned around and started speaking in an alien language that Rey could not understand and by the looks of it he wasn't very happy.
"So sorry about that, Sir." Damien said, stepping between Rey and the alien. Truthfully he couldn't understand the alien but wasn't that dumb. "Me and her are new here, we promise it won't happen again." The Abednedo said a few unflattery words about Damien before pushing him into Rey. Before he could leave, Arthon placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'd watch what you say, flesh bag. Unless you want to get a new pair of limbs." He growled. The Abednedo spoke in its tongue letting out a few curses, but before it could go any further, Damien stepped between the two.
"Hold on guys, we don't need to fight. Let's just all calm down an-!"
"Is there a problem, Ello?" A Resistance soldier asked standing next to the Abednedo. "Are these Sleemo's bothering you?"
"Bothering him? He got angry because of a mistake." Karine said standing beside Damien.
"I didn't mean to bump into him." Rey said from behind Karine.
"You think they'll care about that, flesh bag? Look at them all. It's quite clear they don't want us here." Arthon said with a snarl.
"Okay, let's take a deep breath." Damien said. "We don't want any trouble, we just want our money and we wi-!"
"Of course! It's all about the money for you smugglers, you don't care about anyone but yourselves." Another Resistance fighter, said as she walked over. "I bet if the First Order fell on top of you, you poodoos would turn a blind eye. You even brought a Stormtrooper to our base!" She said, pointing at Finn.
"I deserted the First Order. Not that you'd care, but I may as well mention it." Finn said curtly.
"A Stormtrooper is still a Stormtrooper, deserted or not." The Resistance fighter said.
"I guess some parts of First Order training was right on you guys. You get so emotional over the smallest of details." Before the Resistance Fighter could get any closer Damien stepped between them.
"Listen, we're just trying to survive out here." Damien said stepping forward. "Finn is our friend, he is also one of the only reasons Poe was able to escape the First Order." Finn's eyes widened at the mention that he was a friend, surprised by the statement.
"I don't think they care. That's the thing with guys like this. So certain of their opinions, they'll fight anyone who disagrees with them." Rhasar said.
"Rhasar," Damien whispered harshly. "Listen, I understand what you gu-!"
"How could you possibly understand what the hell we are going through, Smuggler?" The first Resistance soldier asked, pressing his finger against Damien's chest. "We've bled for this Galaxy, lost hundreds, and while we're out fighting, you Smugglers, you and your dirtbag coworkers are doing what Smugglers do best: Run." Damien narrowed his eyes, but calmed down as he pushed the finger away.
"Look, we're not trying to start something but I would kindly appreciate it if you don't insult my cre-!" Damien's face went sideways from the right hook from the Abednedo, hearing enough from the Smuggler, and for Rhasar to catch his captain.
The next sound to be heard was a loud roar as Arthon instantly grabbed the Abednedo, and lifted him up by the throat. One of the Resistance soldiers trying to hit Arthon only to be sucker punched by Karine. Soon more Resistance fighters appeared and tried to hold Karine only to be grabbed by IG and thrown elsewhere. Finn jumped out of the way as a Soldier charged at him, tripping him at the last second. Rhasar set Damien down on a box shaking his head while Rey joined them away from the fight.
"Still looking for that adventure, huh?" Rhasar asked Damien, before clipping on his helmet. He then drew his pistols and pointed them at a few approaching members trying to go at Arthon. "You lot are just as irritating as I expected you to be." Before he was tackled to the side by a bigger Resistance Fighter. Soon the room broke out into an all out brawl. Arthon snarled as he tossed the Abednedo around, IG holding two soldiers at once, Karine kicking a soldier in the chest, Finn utilizing his superior combat training to effortlessly neutralize anyone who tried to take him down. Rhasar punched the man off him before getting back up and blocking against an attack. Meanwhile, Damien was massaging his cheek while Rey hit a soldier with her staff. The entire room was in chaos with a lot of the soldiers surrounding the group.
"What the hell?!" Poe yelled as he pushed past some of the soldiers with Chewie and BB behind him. Once he made it into the circle he saw the commotion.
"Enough! Enough everyone!" Poe said getting between both Finn and a soldier trying to break up the fight. Chewie grabbed a soldier and flung away from them, while BB tazed anyone who tried to hurt both Poe and Karine.
"ENOUGH!" A deep and guttural voice yelled stopping everyone in their tracks. The group stopped, Arthon holding two fighters in his arms, IG stepping on one, Karine holding a female fighter in a choke hold while the fighter held her tails, Rhasar and Finn standing back to back, same with Damien and Rey as they were being held by the Abednedo. The soldiers departed to reveal an older, gruff Mon Calamari in a general attire. "What in the Moon of Endor is going on here?! A fight in our darkest hour and you are all fighting like children?" The Mon Calamari asked as the soldiers and smuggler grouped stepped away from each other.
"We're sorry, Admiral Ackbar." A Resistance soldier said, surprising Damien at the mention of his name.
"Ackbar? The Admiral Ackbar?" Damien muttered in shock.
"Who's he?" Rey asked, staring at the Mon Calamari.
"He is a Rebellion Hero, the Admiral of the New Republic Army." Damien explained.
"Was, it seems." Karine said as Ackbar studied the groups. He studied both groups before seeing Dameron standing by the Smugglers.
"Why is it whenever a fight breaks out, you are always in the middle of it, Dameron." Ackbar said, staring at the pilot, shaking his head.
"For the record, Admiral, this fight had broken out way before I got here." Poe said.
"And yet, here you are." Ackbar said before turning to the freedom fighters. "And why is it that the Resistance finest are fighting amongst each other."
"Sir, it is just an insult while we're fighting for our lives, then we hear word about these smugglers and we should just praise them for saving Poe." The Resistance fighter said. Ackbar shook his head, turning his back to them.
"And your answer is to fight like children? Had you been in the Navy, you would have been demoted." Ackbar said. "But we have so little forces, the last thing we need is to fight amongst each other, whether they be Resistance, Smuggler….even a Stormtrooper." Ackbar said, gesturing to Finn.
"I'm beginning to question this attire the more I wear it." Finn muttered.
"Back to your stations." Ackbar ordered the Resistance fighters, who walked away before Ackbar turned to the smugglers. "Now which one of you is the captain of this smuggler crew?"
"That would be him." IG stated pushing Damien forward. Damien glared at the droid before turning to the very intimidating Admiral. Ackbar studied the boy, in his teens, tall, very nervous.
"You…..you are quite younger than what I was expecting." Ackbar said, holding his hand out. "I am Admiral Ackbar of the Resistance."
"Uh…..Damien, Captain of the Crimson Goddess Crew." Damien said, shaking the Admiral's hand. "These are my friends-"
"Associates."
"-Rhasar, Arthon, Karine, IG, Finn, and Rey." Damien said, gesturing to each member.
"The ones who saved our most rebellious, but best pilot. For that I am grateful." Ackbar said. "General Solo is waiting for us." Ackbar said, leading the group after him. As the group walks, Damien stops in his tracks as he sees something out of the corner of his eye. Looking over he saw something in the corner of the room, making sure no one was looking he made his way over to it. It was an R2 Astromech Unit, white durasteel plating and blue around it's dome. The droid was deactivated and was merely collecting dust. Damien rubbed the back of his head as he reached over to the droid, running his hand across the dome.
"Be nice to BD, R2." A child said giggling.
"Beep, beep! Whoo!" A droid whistled as did another smaller one.
"Hey." Damien jumped at the sudden voice, turning to see Finn standing behind him. "The others won't wait for you."
"R-Right." Damien said walking away only to be stopped by Finn.
"About what you said before, about us being friends? Did you mean it?" Damien smiled and nodded his head. "But why? Had I not deserted the First Order we could have met but at the end of a blaster."
"Yeah, I guess." Damien said as the two walked. "But you risked your life to save Poe, maybe it was for selfish reasons, but you still did it. It's not so far as what I am doing, all of this so I could have an adventure of a lifetime…...and maybe learn more about myself." Damien muttered the last part.
"I am gonna have to agree with Rhasar, Damien, this adventure you want. It is only gonna remain a fantasy, I know what the First Order has and now that they know what you are they will not stop until you are done. My suggestion is to keep running." Finn said. Damien eyes widen at the suggestion, before frowning.
"You and everyone else think so far." Damien muttered. "But what do you plan to do once this is all over?"
"Hopefully get my own ship and hop off into the farthest planet in the Galaxy." Damien's expression turned sour at the idea, was that his fate too? To run until there was no more running? He looked at Finn and felt loneliness in him, clearly seeing that ever since he left the First Order he has felt alone.
"Well…...if you want to run, you can run with my friends." Finn was surprised by the suggestion. "I think you guys would get along great after a while." Before Finn could ask Damien caught up to the others who joined Han.
"Took your time, heard about the brawl. Don't let them get to you, everyone is on edge, we lost our last base on Castilon." Han explained.
"And they decided to take their anger out on us." Arthon said with contempt.
"I'm sure you've had the same experience before." Han said, before Arthon could retort, Han turned his back to them as he watched Lando walk over to him, but what caught his attention was the one who stood behind him.
"Leia." Han said as husband and wife stood across from each other. It was a moment Han wished that could last forever, only for a second later to be ruined coming face to face with C-3PO.
"Oh Han Solo! It is so good to see you again! I know it must be hard to recognize me without my other arm, it is quite a long stor-!"
"I got it 3PO." Han said pushing the droid aside. Han and Leia stood across from each other before Han brought his wife into a hug.
"You changed your hair?" Han asked, making Leia chuckle.
"New jacket?"
"Yeah, the last one got burned by a buckethead." Han said. The two departed as Leia walked up to Poe, nodding her head at the ace pilot.
"Dameron. You look like you've been through hell." Leia said, noticing the bruises on Poe's face. "Start another fight you couldn't finish?"
"For the record, I finished several fights, Senator." Poe said. Leia smiled before turning to the smugglers, studying each and every one of them. Damien felt a little nervous as Leia stared at him a little longer than the others. It was as if she was seeing through him, for such an older lady she could be a little intimidating.
"And you must be the smuggler crew that has reached the Resistance. Not what I was expecting." Leia said, stepping forward and holding her hand out. "I am Senator Solo, but you may call me Leia."
"Uh…..it is an honor to meet you, Senator." Damien said, shaking her hand.
"Now…..where is the map?" Upon the question BB rolled up whistling and beeping at the Senator. "Good, let's move someone a bit more private." Leia said leading the group elsewhere in the base. Damien rubbed his head, before groaning in pain as the headache returned. He sees flashes, memories maybe? He doesn't know, but he saw a young woman smiling at him, red hair? No, there were two. One brown, and the other red. They smiled down at him when a hand was put on his shoulder, the last thing he saw was the silhouette of a man before gasping for air. He looked around to see he was still in base.
"Hey, you okay?" Han asked, seeing the boy stop. Chewie made a few growls making Han give him a stink eye. "No, he isn't Chewie, I'm sure the kid is fine and that is it." Han said, grabbing Damien and dragging him along. "Sorry about Chewie, he has been acting weird."
The group was led into a command center away from troops with a table, several chairs around it, enough for everyone but IG and Arthon. Everyone sat around them as BB opened up a secret container, Poe pulled it out and plugged it into a port. The star map appeared on the table as Leia studied it, but was shocked that it was missing a piece.
"This is it?" Leia asked, turning to Poe and Han. "After years of searching for this thing, Lor finally reveals his location and that he has the map, did he fail to mention that he doesn't have the entire thing?"
"He died before he could tell me anything else, Senator." Poe said with a solemn expression. "The First Order showed up and stormed the place...they massacred the village after Kylo Ren struck Lor down." Leia sighed as she leaned back in her seat.
"Lor was a good man, he was the few people to see Luke, him and…." Han reached over and held Leia's hand in his own gripping it tight. Damien felt through the force her pain, her loss, it was deep. "Without this final piece, I….I don't know what we can do without Luke. He is the only one that can turn this fight, this war."
"I'll head back out there, Chewie and I will see if we can find some old friends who might have seen Luke." Han said reassuring his wife.
"No, Han. You don't understand, D'Qar is our only base of operations left. This is all we have. I can't risk losing you to find this final piece." Leia said, holding her husband's hand.
"What if he destroyed the last piece? Seems to me like Skywalker doesn't want to be found." Rhasar said. "Hell, what makes you certain he's still out there? There's been nothing from him for years. Either he's given up...or he's dead."
"Luke isn't that kind of person. He wouldn't turn tail and run, I can't say for certain what he is doing, but this is the same man who saved the most evil person in the Galaxy, and was one who jumped first into danger. I know Luke, he must have his reasons." Han said. Rhasar said nothing, but he could tell Han was more telling himself that than he was the Mandalorian.
"Why won't the New Republic look for him?" Karine asked. "Luke Skywalker is a hero, wouldn't the Government want a galactic icon to return?" A snarl gained their attention, everyone turning to the standing Trandoshan.
"Asking Skywalker for help would've been seen as a sign of weakness to most of the politicians. If they couldn't handle the growing problems of the First Order, and turned to someone like Skywalker for help, they'd be seen as weak. People would be more inclined to see Skywalker take charge...and politicians would rather die than lose even a minor fraction of their power and influence to someone more suited to their job." Arthon growled.
"It is also because Luke hasn't been part of the Republic since the battle of Endor. Since he went to make the New Jedi Order, he has only been involved when it has something to do with the real fight." Leia said. "They don't believe the First Order is a growing threat, or at least don't want to admit it."
"Politics and religion don't mix either. Probably why they never really sought him out." Arthon added.
"Indeed. Things are not looking good for us, Han." Leia said.
"We've been through worse, wasn't it you that told me to believe in hope?" Han asked with his signature smirk.
"It doesn't make it any better, because now we have no one to supply us with weapons and ships." Leia said.
"What do you mean?" Poe asked.
"Chancellor Mon Mothma has cut off all secret supplies to the Resistance." Ackbar informed, knowing from when Leia told him before the group joined them. "We have also now lost Castilon. This is all that is left." Ackbar said gesturing behind him to all that was the Resistance. "Our only flagship is the Raddus, a few cruisers, and nearly a hundred fighters."
"Well it is a good thing we have an ace up our sleeve." Lando spoke up, gesturing to Damien. "Our very own Force Wielder. I'd say that makes us even now."
"I think you're a little over your head, old man." Rhasar said, his hands resting on his helmet. "Damien isn't exactly what you'd call an expert in this field. It's a wonder he can even do anything with how often it backfires on him." He said. "No offense." He said to Damien. The Force Wielder said nothing but the stoic expression said it all, before he turned to Leia.
"What fight? The fight between the Resistance and the First Order?"
"The only fight that matters. The fight Luke has taken ever since he left his home on Tatooine. The fight between the Light and the Dark." Leia said, leaning forward. "My brother has been through many battles, and has carried the legacy that is the Jedi. A legacy that has gone on for thousands of years in the making, between the Jedi and the Sith." Leia said. "The First Order is under the control of a Sith Lord, how we do not know, but Luke mentioned his name once. He called him Snoke, and because of this Snoke the First Order is rising from the ashes, by his side are two Sith Lords who served as his Hands, and the Knight's of Ren. Their shadow is spreading across the Galaxy, silently and swiftly. For all we know he has even more Sith that serve him. But none of them have been more of a scourge in this Galaxy then-!"
"Kylo Ren." Finn said, his tone very shaken as if the mere mention of the man's name was enough to horrify him.
"The Master of the Knights of Ren has spread carnage and death everywhere he goes. There were once Jedi during the time of the New Republic, sent out to face this threat. Every single one was slaughtered by him." Leia said with a tired look on her face. No one said a word as dread filled the room, Damien shivered at the thought of Kylo Ren, knowing how Finn felt meeting the Dark Lord.
"I told you it was pointless to go against them. There's no line they won't cross. They've destroyed the Jedi. And the things they've done...nothing in the galaxy could prepare for what they've created...what they plan to do." Finn said.
"Finn, you can't believe that this Galaxy doesn't stand a chance?" Poe asked. "After all we done, you're still gonna run away?"
"The Trandoshans tried to fight. Look what happened to them." Finn said, which resulted in a growl from Arthon. "There's no reasoning with them. They seek only order in conquering the galaxy. Burning down the old and replacing it with their banner...I only heard rumors of what they've been doing...but what I've heard terrifies me." He said. "Elite troopers, men turned into machines, the dead returned to life...fighting the First Order is a suicide mission. One that will only lead to a fate worse than death." He said.
"And you wish to run?" Leia asked, and while Finn didn't answer, his face said it all. She slowly turned to the others studying them. "And do you all wish to run?"
"I…..I just want to go home." Rey said sinking back into her chair trying to be invisible as possible.
"Least you got a home. I was kicked out of mine. And let me tell you, I'd probably be shot if I ever tried to go back." Rhasar said. Karine didn't say anything, holding her arm and trying not to look at Leia.
"I am sure your Mother would understand." Leia said shocking Karine, before turning to Damien. "And you?"
"Why are we even entertaining this discussion?" Arthon asked. "Nothing good will come from any of this." He said.
"I'll stay and fight." The surprise statement made everyone turn to Damien in shock. "I…...I have to stay and fight."
"Did you hit your head or something?" Rhasar asked.
"This is different, Rhasar. It's more than just this war, I need to know who I am. Luke has to be the answer." Damien said, turning to Rhasar. "You look after them, take Finn too."
"Have you lost your damn mind?"
Everyone turned to see Arthon, whose face looked like he was barely holding back fury. "What could possibly lead you to think this is a good idea?" He asked.
"I can't keep being a smuggler, Arthon. That's not what I am, I-!"
"You're no hero, Damien!" Arthon said, slamming his fists on the table. "None of us are! We're all just a group of broken people trying to act like everything is alright! Well, guess what?! There is no grand adventure to be had!" He said, before his eyes closed. "Only one tragedy after the other. Karine's mother, Rhasar's exile...my homeworld burning...we only exist to suffer. You're no different than that. If you think you'll find some holy battle of good and evil...you have no clue how the galaxy really works." He said.
"I…..I'm sorry, Arthon. But this is my choice, and one I made after we left Bracca. I cannot ignore my calling anymore, I am a Force Wielder. This is what I want." Damien said, standing up to face Arthon. The Trandoshan glared at Damien, before sighing and lowering his head.
"You're going to kill yourself, flesh bag. I won't have any part of it." He growled, before he turned to leave.
"What happened to that life debt?!" Damien called out, stopping the Trandoshan. "You made a vow, what happened to it? What about your honor?"
"...Honor was the death of my people. I was a fool to believe I could hold onto our traditions. Nothing good came from them, anyway." Was all Arthon said, before he walked out of the room. Damien was shocked to hear this, before he balled his fist in anger, why couldn't he believe in his calling. Why couldn't he answer his calling, and then Arthon goes back on his vow to protect him.
"Fine! Go on and leave." With that Damien turned the other way and left the group wishing to clear his head.
"...Well, that went well." Rhasar said, before he got up, and looked at Poe. "Let me know when you've got my payment." He said, before he grabbed his helmet, and walked where Arthon left, with Finn following him. Karine slowly stood up and bowed her head to Leia.
"Thank you for your time, Senator." Karine said before grabbing Rey and leaving with IG behind her. The five Resistance fighters sat in silence with Chewie letting out a low saddened growl.
"Truly, this is our darkest hour." Ackbar said with a shake of his head.
"What do we do now, Leia?" Han asked hoping his wife had something. Leia said nothing as she turned to watch Damien's fleeting form. She let the Force guide her as she felt the boy through the Force, his connection to it was quite strong, she hasn't felt this connection since….
"We might have something, Han." Leia said standing up and leaving the four.
"Poe." Said pilot's head shot up seeing Ackbar staring at him. "How much did you promise the smugglers?"
Damien walked through the base just trying to find a place to vent, was he selfish for wishing to know who he is? No! He didn't want them to get hurt, it was the whole reason he told Rhasar to look after them. He sighed as he shook his head, maybe he was reacting too harshly, he just…..he just needs answers. He has all these questions in his head, and not a single answer for them.
"HAHA! Come on Ben!" Damien's eyes widen hearing a child's laughter. Looking around he realized he was in some crossroad corridor.
"Wait for me!" Damien turned to his right looking down the hall. He felt his chest being tugged, like the Force was calling him down there. He looked around to make sure no one was looking before slowly walking down the hallway. He heard children cheering and droids whistling, each step echoed like thunder in his head. He wondered if these visions were from the Force, or just memories. He felt his heart beat faster with every step before he stood in front of a durasteel sliding door. The door slid open and Damien peeked inside.
The room was fairly simple with a bed and dresser in one corner, and another one of those table holograms. Damien stepped inside and looked around when he realized this must be Senator Leia's room. He knew he shouldn't be in here and quickly turned around to the door, before a sudden deep feeling stopped, like weight was pushed on his shoulders. Something called to him, something in this room. Looking over his shoulder he saw something in the corner of the room, where the Force was at its strongest. A box, a rectangle box laying on the chair across from him. Damien slowly turned around and made his way towards the box. He kneeled down in front of it and slowly unlatched it, licking his lips in nervousness yet his heart beat in anticipation before opening the box and seeing the content inside.
A silver cylinder, with a black pommel on the bottom, and a button on the side. Damien stared at the object with curiosity, having never seen such a thing before. He looked around to make sure no one was coming before looking at the object, he felt the Force pull him towards it. Slowly reaching inside Damien pulled the object out, testing its weight. It felt so light in his hand, observing its craftsmanship and the button on the side, slowly reaching for it.
BZZ
LIGHT
Damien jumped at the sudden sound, having no idea where it came from as he dropped the object. He gasped for air as the world around him turned dark, before lights turned on to find himself in a dark corridor.
"NO!" A voice cried out, Damien eyes widened realizing it was his own. Looking around he saw that the hallway went on for miles and slowly reached out.
HHHHHOOOHHHHH….PPPPRRRRR
DARK
He stopped in his tracks to hear some form of breathing noise, before hearing that same sound a second ago. Turning around he saw a dark figure in the shadows, a red energy blade in hand before swinging at him. Damien felt his world go flying as he landed on his back, rocks crumbling around him.
"Its energy…...surrounds us…..and binds us."
Damien pushed himself up feeling cold and yet warmth on his cheek. He looked over to see a burning temple, and near it was a boy in robes resting at a droid's side. Suddenly he felt a drop of rain hit his head before it started to pour and the world changed once more. Damien pushed himself back up to come face to face with a dead man, a red blade in his chest. Damien realized the man must have been a Jedi, a few years older and the cylinder object in his hand that held a green blade died as did the man. Damien watched in horror as Kylo Ren stood before him, water bouncing off his helmet as dozens of bodies laid around them. Damien saw that Kylo was not alone, six warriors stood behind him with a variety of weapons and blasters. He however saw cylinders at their waists, clear indicator they also had the same weapon as Kylo. Behind the seven warriors were four figures, one an man in dark robes, by his side was a woman covered in black armor and some form of energy whip, a man in black and red armor with a double bladed sword, and the final a large dinosaur-like creature.
"BEN!" Kylo head shot up as did Damien, turning around to come face to face with himself, a few years younger and wearing robes. In his hand was the object, a blue blade ignited as the younger Damien charged and swung. Damien shielded himself only to feel the cold winds, opening his eyes he found himself in a forest at the dead of night, flakes hitting his face. He did not recognize the place, hearing more voices in his head.
"Give Ben time, my boy."
"Yes, Master Skywalker."
"Don't worry, I'll be back, I promise…...cen" Damien heard a name but it was so quiet it was like a whisper. He made his way through the forest before coming before a tree, he was about to take another step before he hit something. Looking down at his feet he saw a broken Mandalorian helmet: Rhasar's helmet. Damien cried in horror landing on his feet, crawling away.
BZZ
LIVING
Hearing the sound again he looked up to see Kylo standing above him, his helmet cracked revealing a man with raven dark hair, and deep hatred with his eyes. Kylo pulled his sword preparing to swing, Damien jumping back up at the last second and trying to back away before tripping.
"...You have taken your first steps into a larger world."
UNIFYING
Damien gasped for air, clutching his chest in pain, realizing he was back in Leia's room. He looked at his feet to see the object inches away, the cold breathing echoing in his mind, the screams of pain burning in his soul. Looking around his eyes widened in shock seeing Leia standing at her door, one hand on the door and the other to her chest.
"I…..I can't believe it." Leia whispered loud enough to hear. Damien quickly stood back up wiping the sweat off his face.
"I-I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come in here. I shouldn't….." Damien stuttered trying to think of some excuse but he was quite surprised by the calmness on Leia's face. She slowly walked up to the boy and took his hand, calming him.
"Shh, it's alright." Leia said as Damien took deep breaths. His heartbeat returned to normal and wiped what remained of the sweat on his face before looking down at the object.
"What…...What is that thing?" Damien asked as he took a step back, as if being near it was hard enough.
"That, my dear boy, is a Lightsaber. The fabled weapon of the Jedi, the Guardians of Peace and the Light. It was my brothers, and our father's before him." Leia said as she kneeled down and picked up the Lightsaber, standing back up and holding it out to Damien. "And now, it calls to you."
"Calls to me?" Damien asked with a raised eyebrow. "How can that thing call someone, it's just a piece of junk." Damien said as Leia walked up to him.
"There is much more to this thing then meets the eye, Damien." Leia said as she held the Lightsaber in her hands. "Is it the cylinder, or what is inside that calls you?" Damien said nothing as he stared down at the object, the Lightsaber, a small object yet held something powerful within. He felt its pull, the call, and slowly reached towards it. The Force flowed all around him, he felt everyone's pain, their happiness, their love, their sadness. He stopped, looking over his shoulder he stared outside the door, like he could see Rhasar and the others out there. He felt their pain, their happiness, and their losses. He slowly turned back to Leia and sighed, lowering his hand.
"I…..I can't. I thought I could stay and find my answers…. But I can't." Damien turned to step away but a hand on his stopped him. He turned back to Leia, who looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"Damien, I know how you feel for your friends. I can sense, feel your pain for them. I can also sense your sadness inside, how you really feel." She turned Damien back to her as they stood in front of each other. "My boy, you have been running for so long you don't even know what it is you are running from." Leia said, placing a hand on his chest. "You seek the answers of your past, but are afraid of what it will bring. I know of such pain, I know of such longing for understanding. It wasn't until the end of the Empire that I discovered Luke was my brother. I see your eyes, Damien, you can deny all you want but the answer isn't with them, on that ship with those credits. It is right here, with this." Leia said, holding out the Lightsaber. Damien stared at it, a sense of longing etched on his face. "You cannot escape your destiny, child."
"If you want it to be used, why don't you use it?" Damien asked. "You're a Skywalker, can't you use the Force?"
"I can." Leia said opening her hand and letting the Lightsaber float above it. "My brother trained me for some time, but I stopped training after…..I had a family. Besides, I am not fit to be a Jedi. And while I am no Jedi like my brother, I however, know the Force." Leia said as the Lightsaber spun above them. "It flows through all things like a stream, the Light and the Dark. I sense a block within your head. I cannot heal your lost memories, but perhaps you can with your first steps." Leia let the Lightsaber back in her hand. "Close yours eyes and let the Force flow through yo-!"
"I've already tried that, like a dozen times." Damien interjected, before being bonked on the head.
"Then you are not doing it right. You are merely using the Force, no you must open your mind. Close your eyes, and let it flow. You will see." Leia said opening her eyes and holding out the Lightsaber. "Take it."
Damien stared at the Lightsaber, the object beckoning him to take it. Ever so slowly, Damien reached for the Lightsaber, the answers he seeked within his grasp. The moment he touched, however, he felt the flood of pain and horror pierce his mind: Death, Darkness, Cold, Sith.
Kylo Ren.
"I…..I'm sorry." Damien gasped as he backed away in horror. Leia watched in shock as Damien backed out of the hallway. "I thought I was ready…..but I'm no Jedi." With that Damien bolted down the hallway, Leia walking out her door, reaching out for him. She sensed the fear within him, but also a feeling of familiarity. Damien pushed past several Resistance Fighters, accidentally bumping past a Protocol droid.
"Excuse me, that was very-!" 3PO stopped in his tracks seeing the boys face before Damien ran off. "Wait! Wait! Is it re-!" 3PO was cut off as a Resistance fighter carrying boxes didn't seem him, pushing him over. Damien ran out of the base, scanning the field before he saw them, Rhasar and the rest loading boxes onto some ship. He smiled as he slowly walked towards them…...only to stop in his tracks. He knew now that if he walked there he would not only be leaving all he could know, but he will also put them in harm's way. Kylo knows of his existence, and he will not stop until he is found, and Rhasar's broken helmet. He didn't know if that was a vision or a hallucination but…..he couldn't take the chance. He slowly backed up and ran away from it all, the Resistance, Rhasar, Arthon, Karine, Finn, Poe, IG…..Rey. He ran from it all as he ran into the forest hoping to clear his mind.
Rhasar leaned on the side of their new ship, it was nothing but a Republic NU Attack Shuttle, but it was in one piece and not falling apart. He watched as Arthon and IG loaded credits into the ship, Finn was standing besides him, Poe was delivering more credits, Rey was sitting on one of the credits, and Karine…...well she was staring off at the Resistance Base.
Karine couldn't help but stare out at the base, watching as soldiers were preparing for war. She remembered when her brother told her of their mothers many adventures in stopping the Empire. She had thought long and hard, with the stories that Poe had told her, seeing how rough it was for the Resistance, and now thought of her future now. She looked at the box of credits, then back at the base.
"What are you thinking, Tails?" Rhasar asked. "I can already tell it's probably something I won't like." He said. Karine slowly turned back to them as she held her arm awkwardly, she really hated awkward conversations.
"I'm thinking of joining the Resistance." The statement made Poe drop a box of credits, everyone turned their heads to her. "I think it would be best if I stay and help."
"I figured you'd say that. You always were more of the bleeding heart out of all of us." Rhasar said, sighing as he crossed his arms.
"Don't do that."
"Don't do what?"
"Do the whole guilt trip you always love to do." Karine said glaring at Rhasar. "Whenever you don't like an idea, you love to point out someone's flaws and guilt trip them. You've done it with Damien so many times….I can't say I disagree with them, but you have done it." Karine said, shaking her head. "Look Rhasar, I know you don't care about the rest of the Galaxy, but they are right. This is so much bigger than us, than these boxes of credits, than the next job. We can actually make a change, maybe even be remembered for something." Karine said. "I'm staying, for the Resistance, and for my Mother's Legacy." Rey watched Karine stand with determination, she had never seen the woman stand on such a belief before, even if she had only known the girl for a short while.
"Legacy?" Rhasar asked, before he scoffed. "Man, how I hate that word. That was all I'd ever hear back on Mandalore. 'We are the Legacy of the Mandalore.' That word hung over my head for my entire life, and when I stepped one foot away from what they wanted of me, they pushed me out. Threw me aside to die on my own." He said. "That's how my life's always been. Moving from place to place, one job to the next...it's lonely, but lonely is what I'm good with." He said. "Besides...nobody's ever given a damn about me. My whole life before being exiled, I never had a choice. Why should I fight for a galaxy that never let me be who I wanted to be?"
"Did you ever wonder why they cared about their legacy, or yours?" Karine said, stepping up to the Mandalorian. "Look at us, Rhasar. Is this how you want to be remembered? A Mandalorian who simply died for the next big credit? Or a Stormtrooper who ran away from the First Order?" Karine asked, turning to Finn. "I don't know what made you go into exile, but I do know how painful it is to leave the thing you love so much." Karine placed a hand on Rhasar's shoulder plate. "There are good people who care about you, Rhasar. One of them has been our captain for years, and while he isn't the smartest drive in the ship, he does care about you…...And now we abandoned him." Karine said with a sigh. A snarl escaped Arthon as he leaned on the ship.
"...No. HE abandoned us. He chose to kick off this whole thing. He knew the rules, and he broke them." He said. Rey stared at Arthon in shock, slowly gripping her staff as Arthon walked out of the ship. "He gets his shot at his big adventure, and he leaves us all in the dirt. Because not everyone shares his naivety of the galaxy."
"...You….You monsters!" Rey yelled standing up and walking towards Arthon with rage in her eyes. Her staff in hand as she pointed it at Arthon. "How could you say that about him?! The one person who gives a single damn about any of you! Who gave you a chance at survival!"
"Easy, Rey." Karine said stepping forward and lowering the staff. "Arthon doesn't mean it in the harsh sense, he ju-!"
"Yes, he does! Yes, he does! He does mean it!" Rey said, pulling her staff back.
"And what if I do mean it, flesh bag?" Arthon asked with a growl. "Why do you even care? You've only known him for a few days."
"I've known him long enough that you should be lucky someone like him cares about you." Rey said. "My life has been a race to survive, I have been on that rock for most of my life, no one even cared about if or even when I die…...then he comes along and I am thrusted into some adventure and…..and….." Rey sighed as she held her staff tightly. "He has been the nicest person I have ever met. And I also know how he cares about you three." Rey said pointing her staff at the three. "He may have accepted Leia's offer, but I know he chose it, he wanted to protect you three because he didn't want you too get hurt. If I had known someone like him as long as you did…...I would never let go. I've lost so much in my life. I won't lose my first friend." With that, the Scrapper turned and left hoping to clear her head, heading towards the forest. BB, who watched by Poe, whistled and followed after the Scrapper leaving everyone in silence.
"...Damn." Poe muttered under his breath, when he noticed one of the credit boxes completely smashed flat.
"I see everyone's in a solemn mood. Perhaps my singing shall help." IG said before placing a hand on his chest. "OH-!"
"IG?" Rhasar asked.
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
Rey walked through the forest pushing branches with her staff, muttering curses under her breath about the three. She couldn't understand the life of her how Damien could handle those three, here he was offering them homes and all they do is degrade him and ridicule him. She thought she had it rough on Jakku, at least the silence couldn't talk back. BB whistled behind her, stopping the Scrapper, who sighed in annoyance.
"Listen, I don't need you following me. I wish to be alone." BB whistled a few times. "No, a droid's company is not better than silence, I should know." Rey said continuing her walk with BB slowly rolling behind her. She was about to curse the droid out when she felt…..something. She felt a pull, it was strange. Almost the same thing she felt when she met Damien. She slowly followed the pull with BB following after her. After some time walking she cleared some branches to see him, Damien, sit at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Slowly walking up to him, Rey sat down next to Damien and saw the stoic expression on his face.
"I didn't think anyone would find me here." Damien said, not looking at Rey.
"I needed to walk…...your friends are very rude." Rey said, putting her staff down. The two sat in silence with BB rolling between the two, his head swerving looking at both of them.
"I…..I know they can be harsh, Rey. But they mean we-!"
"No, they don't." Rey said abruptly with venom in her tone. "I'm sorry Damien but I cannot for one understand how you can stand being with them! They are rude, they constantly argue, they ridicule you! How can you stand bei-!"
"Because it's all I have, Rey!" Damien yelled standing up and glaring at Rey, the scrapper girl surprised by the boy's anger. "I can't survive in this Galaxy! I have no idea who I am, I don't know where I belong in this Galaxy, and all I have is the power to use the Force. They have so much more than me, Rhasar is a Mandalorian, Karine is an amazing pilot, and Arthon is Arthon. I have nothing! Finally, when I had the chance to accept the call…..I…..I ran." Damien muttered as he sat back down. "I ran from Leia, the Force, you, Rhasar, Arthon, Karine, all of them. I ran…...because that is all I can do. I...I don't know what I have to do, Rey." Damien said as they both stared up into the sky. Rey sat there in silence processing all the information dumped on her. She couldn't say anything, having no idea what to say, so she merely placed a hand on his shoulder, her best way of comfort. "I'm sorry I yelled."
"It's alright."
"No, no it isn't." Damien said, turning to her. "I'm the reason you were forced on this whole endeavor, I almost got you killed several times…..I'm a mess." Damien said, crossing his feet. "I don't belong anywhere." The two sat in silence as they stared across the sea, Rey couldn't believe how beautiful it was. She looked at Damien and saw tears appearing, she slowly inched her way closer and rested her head on his shoulder.
"You can come with me." Damien eyes widen at the suggestion, looking down at her. "I know it's sudden, but we can go back to Jakku…..together?" Damien blushed at the last part, before slowly smiling.
"An interesting idea, but I think we have a problem."
"What?"
"I can't fly very well. You?" Damien asked.
"No…...Plus now that I think about it, I hate the idea of Jakku…...I hate sand." Damien chuckled making her smile as the two stared out towards the ocean. "Damien?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For bringing me on this adventure. If it wasn't for you, I would never have had the greatest adventure of my life." Damien smiled as he rested his head on hers, the two staring up at the stars above, hoping this moment would never end.
(Starkiller Base) (Play Star Wars: Admiral Thrawn EPIC VERSION by Samuel Kim)
Hux walked towards the edge of the podium, his two Vornskr standing at his side as he stared out at the vast legions of the First Order. Behind him General Pryde and Phasma stood with arms behind their backs, all high ranking officers wearing their formal attire for this very moment. A row of Sith Troopers standing behind them nearly matching the large sigil of the First Order. Before Hux was a vast legion of Stormtroopers, Pilots, Gunners, every rank and every Stormtrooper on Starkiller passing over ten of thousands. Above the world pass the energy shield were over twenty Star Destroyers, and one larger ship above the planet. The entire First Order stands before General Hux for the day of Ascension. And the Galaxy will see the full wrath of the First Order, fully broadcasted.
Across the Galaxy, in every Republic controlled System, from the Inner Rim to the farthest they could reach. A broadcast that was being sent thanks to the First Order sympathizers. On Hosnian Prime, Mon Mothma finished another report, when the hologram of General Hux appeared on her monitor. On D'Qar, Resistance soldiers gathered around as their monitors showed the Supreme General of the First Order. Leia, Han, Lando, Ackbar, and Poe stood in front watching in shock and curiosity. Aboard every Star Destroyer, on every monitor was the face of Hux.
"My brothers and sisters, children of the First Order!" Hux spoke, his voice booming across the field, he needed no microphone, he needed to fully hear his voice. "We stand here today to mark the day of reckoning. The day of rebirth. The day of Ascension." Hux said, holding his arm out.
"Forty Eight years in the making, we stand on the very foundation of the First Order, on the last gift of our forerunners, the Galactic Empire!" Hux stated. He stared at each and every one of his troops. Far away on the base of the Supreme Leader, Snoke watched with interest as his Praetorian Guards stood by his side. "The New Republic believed us to be nothing but a bunch of fanatics and a remnant of the Empire! Their hubris will be their greatest downfall, for systems away the New Republic lies to the Galaxy within their precious Hosnian System. We are real, we are the First Order, reborn from ashes of the Empire to make anew! A new order upon this machine that we stand on, on which you have poured your blood and sweat for!"
"The First Order will bring true justice to this Galaxy! We will be the anchor for this chaotic world, and no one, not the New Republic, not the feeble Resistance, no Skywalker, no Jedi, will stand in our way!" Hux boomed as he stood before his men and women, children and servants of the First Order.
"Let this be the day, my brothers and sisters, let this be the last day of discord, the last day of the Senate, of their pathetic army! LET THIS BE REMEMBERED AS THE LAST DAY OF THE REPUBLIC! LET THIS BE THE DAY OF ORDER! THE DAY OF ASCENSION!" Hux boomed, and every single Stormtrooper took one step and turned around, saluting to the mighty General. Within the command center several officers activated several engines and charged the core, targets locked onto the Hosnian System. Within the center of the planet, the large chasm glowed with dark energy, the Dark Side flowed through it, anything within the chasm was reduced to nothing.
"FIRE!"
The world cried in anguish, before Hell was unleashed.
Zer0: And we are done, man, did we get shit done, right Bio?
Bio: Mostly, apart from the bit when I fell asleep around the end of the chapter since it was pretty late that night when we were working.
Zer0: Lol. We were working very hard to make this chapter good. A lot has happened, you met our version of General Hux (Since I replaced Hux with Pryde in the other chapters), Damien and the crew had an outing, Damien sadly has run away (Again) from his problems, and Starkiller has fired. Oh boy, things are not looking great.
Bio: In case you couldn't tell, our take on Hux is a bit different than how he is in the films. Hell, just from the song we placed for his speech, our biggest inspiration for this take on him is Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Zer0: One of the best villains in all of Star Wars. One of my favorite parts was his intro, I loved the idea of Hux having pets, and what better thanthan Vornskr? My other parts were Damien and his struggle to accept his destiny, despite his dream. All talk, that was really the point, and you will see that in chapter eight. Now we are at the halfway mark of the story.
Bio: We've got a couple more things to throw your way in this story. So stay tuned for more.
Zer0: We also made mention of a certain Sovereign Protector…...we can't promise he will have a prominent role in the movie/story, so sorry. However we also included Commander Pyre and Tierny. One of the only things I enjoyed from Star Wars: Resistance was Pyre (Look wise and sometimes of how he acted), so I thought he deserved more justice. It is going to be so much fun in the next chapter. Anything else?
Bio: Not really. Just keep your eyes peeled for the next update, and again, we've done some slight editing of the previous chapters, so give those a look-see and everything will make more sense.
Zer0: With that we shall say goodbye Ladies and Gents, and may the Force be with you.
Bio: Always.
Zer0: PS: I hate you Saiya, fucking update a story dammit! Okay love you (No homo) bye!