...On Monday, I went and saw "The Last Duel"...
...
...
...GO WATCH IT! IT WAS AMAZING! THE ACTORS WERE OUTSTANDING! ADAM DRIVER WAS PERFECT IN HIS ROLE!
I promise you, it's worth the watch, and leaves you wondering, pondering on who was telling the truth and who was lying!
GO SEE IT!
"On Crait, Luke and I fought, for the final time. However, I didn't realize he wasn't really there and had used up what's left of his entire life energy to have an illusion of himself to seem he came from where he hid himself for seven years. By the time I figured out what he did and why, he no longer has the strength to keep the illusion. And, in the process, he became one with the Force."
Chewie watches the man on the screen, once was a boy he call his own nephew, relaying what went on when they were making their escape on Crait.
He was disappointed when Rey came to him, after leaving the escape pod she rode in, alone and clinging to the broken pieces of the lightsaber. He knew, seeing the disbelief and reluctance to accept, that she couldn't reach Ben and could only leave him behind. He was more saddened to learn Luke had, also, died, in a result to hold Kylo back and give the remaining Resistance time to leave.
"What I'm going to say, is what I had informed General Organa and her group after finding them on Sarvchi. And, as I said earlier, everything I say, will be nothing but the truth: At barely ten years old, my parents, Han Solo and Leia Organa, sent me to my uncle, Luke Skywalker, himself, to train me on becoming a Jedi and learning how to 'control' the dark powers within me... I want to make it clear, that I never, not even once, ever wanted to become a Jedi. It was never my dream on being a Jedi. And, no, I assure you, that I had no interest or ties on serving the Way of the Sith. In actuality, I wanted to be a Governor, a general, even, like my own mother, to help talk for peace and find ways to stop conflicts. That was my greatest desire. But, instead of listening to what I want to be, they left me in the care of a legend, to turn me into a weapon. A tool. And while many of you can argue of such claims, those who live in the time where there was many Jedis and know how they recruit new ones, even had worked with them, had truly seen that, while noble in their own way, the Jedi Order are just as bad and corrupted as the Sith and the Orders before the First Order."
Chewie turned to his left, staring down at a silent, distance Rey, who sat up in her bed and simply stared down at her hands resting on her lap. The five Porgs, to his relief, are all curled up against Rey and are sleeping, snuggling against her bare-arms and blanket-covered sides.
Even before the speech, before joining the Resistance and before working with Luke to rescue Leia, the Wookiee had always felt that the Jedi Order had failed him and many others, time and time, again. Doing nothing, unless they believe the Force is 'unbalanced', not bothering to make any attempt to help make a difference to help others. But most of all, what makes him hate the Jedi Order back then, was the fact that they'd take innocent children away from their families, especially at barely three years old, enforced them into a war that they had no part of being in, and to end up dying for 'their cause' but never to be remembered and to only be replaced with more innocent children.
And, like the Jedis before him, Luke followed the same path that destroyed Anakin Skywalker and brought a great travesty all over the galaxy.
"For thirteen years, I and others who are Force-Sensitive that my uncle took in, I did all that was asked by my parents and uncle, did all that I could to get even the slightest of praise or just a simple compliment of making the Skywalker and Organa Family proud. But, as I expected, I received nothing but criticism and scolding for 'falling deeper to the Dark Side'. The other students who use the Light Side would be praised, while I and others who followed the same side of the Force would be shunned and be treated as outcasts. Very rarely, I'll get any form of contact from my parents, but not once had they ever made any attempt to come see me, as the others would. Still, foolishly hoping for a miracle to happen, I continued to do whatever it takes to please them... Until, that very night, something unforgivable happened that changed me into the very person you see before you. When Luke Skywalker, a hero, gave into fear and made an attempt to kill me, as a lay asleep."
The Wookiee got to his feet and, feeling the immediate rage and disgust that one of his friends tried to kill his nephew, let out a massive roar.
The Porgs were startled out from their nap and squealed, flying around and banging against the walls, cabinets and door.
Rey could only blink, but didn't dare move a single muscle. She already expressed her anger towards Luke, back on Ahch-To, after she looked through Ben's memories. It still made her furious that he gave up on his own nephew, and believed he was a lost cause.
It doesn't matter, anymore; Luke is dead, and Kylo killed Snoke and is now influencing balance and order to the galaxy. Becoming a better example, and a beacon to many.
The one, and true hope... Without her being a hindrance.
"Many of you had heard that, after attempting to kill Luke, I took some of his students to influence the darkness within them and killed off the rest of the children. As I had revealed to had started the false claim that Rey, herself, killed Snoke... I tell you, that my uncle had lied. For I wasn't the one who destroyed the temple, let alone killed the students. Snoke, who had made many steps to influence me to the Dark Side, in the time that I was still within my mother's womb, had summoned Force Lightning and killed the students, while they slept, and destroyed the Jedi Temple. The six students that I took with me were never seduced to do any act of evil doing, and had taken upon myself to help them learn how to control and use the Dark Side of the Force. And, right before your eyes, those six students, ones that I'm proud to reveal and announce to call my own brothers, had become the Knights of Ren you see before you. And, no, Snoke never lured them to work for him, and were task to do other missions that I, myself, would assign them to accomplish. For the Knights of Ren are neither Sith, nor are they Jedi. For the way that my knights and I follow, are our own way. But, I assure you all, we never cross any boundaries that we know is not the right decision and will continue to order."
The two baby Porgs snuggled into Rey's arms, slightly trembling as their parents and uncle continued to flap around and squeal. Chewie did stop roaring, but a rumbling, growling sound vibrating from his chest.
Rey did slowly moved her hands to gently stroke their feathers, but did nothing else. Not even when Chewie sat back down in his seat or gently laid his paw on her right-leg.
Eventually, the three adult Porgs calmed down and settled on Chewie, though seemed a bit hesitant to get comfortable or nuzzle into his fur.
"Forgive us, Supreme Leader, but while you continue to point the blame towards General Organa and Luke Skywalker to being the fault for all you went through, you had revealed that you had carried out the Former Supreme Leader's orders and had caused the many deaths in the seven years underneath Snoke's supervision. And even if you are the son of the Queen of Alderaan, why would any planet within the galaxy come to accept you as their new ruler, when you should be punished for your past sins?"
There it was. Somebody, a female-Chandrilan Governess, had asked the million credit question that many, including Chewie, are dying to hear.
And, as with the other questions given to him, Kylo Ren didn't seem worried in the slightest. He didn't even look so much as angry or offended in any way by the question.
"...Who said that I was just going to walk away, with merely a slap on the wrist, with no reason as to take the position of Supreme Leader without first accepting the punishment that comes with it?"
"The punishment?"
"Yes... My punishment, as it's my penance, for working underneath Snoke, is to take on the role as Supreme Leader of the First Order... And, as for penance for the sins that my own mother, my uncle, and-... Most of all, my own grandfather, the one known as Darth Vader."
A moment of silence passed by. Even the Porgs seemed to gone silence, as if they understood what was going on and were just as stunned by his revealing on what his punishment was.
...And, for the first time, Rey slowly lifted her head and stared at the screen. Her expression still showing nothing but a calm numbing response, but she feels that she needs to hear what he has to say.
"You all may be thinking that being a leader, a Supreme Leader to be exact, would be just as simple as being a ruler, an emperor. But, I know that this title holds much more responsibility than any ordinary political leader. Unlike them, Supreme Leaders are honorbound, by both their oaths and their blood, to follow a specific code that they, alone, follow to the very end. But, as they are honored to follow certain rules and codes, they also have to make the most difficult of decisions that many can't bring themselves to follow. Which also includes taking matters into their own hands, and take lives from all that dare defy the rules and laws they, themselves, had forsaken from their oaths. Which I had been doing to recent planets, due to their neglect and corruption towards their own home they swore to protect and care for."
"Which means, you still plan to murder other leaders?"
"No. I kill them, yes, but never murder; Snoke murder, only to display dominance, to show he can take away anything that stood in his place and would leave nothing. It wouldn't matter if the planet does provide important resource that the First Order would value, so long as all get to witness the pointless killing that will help display his power. While I had killed governors and leaders, I do so when I found that they broke their oaths. Had tarnished what they swore to uphold, in order to take on such a harsh but honorable role that only the most worthy are blessed to be given. Not only that, as soon as I revealed their sins, I had helped aided those planets on finding much more worthy leaders and governors to take on the heavy burden that had grew over time from the past wars that had befallen in the galaxy. The path before them will be treacherous, but I believe that they're more than capable for the task. And, as I assured them and had made agreements to terms on foraging our alliance, will help them in any way that I can, should they be in great danger. So, it's very likely that I shall take more lives that had dare upset the balance and peace, I won't they're commit senseless murder and will uphold my oath to follow the code of what being the Supreme Leader means."
A moment of silence went on, with a few whispers being faintly detected, until another asked a question.
"...You spoke that Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker and, of course, Darth Vader had committed. We all know the sins your grandfather caused, but what of your mother and uncle? And... If you can, please, tell us what punishment you shall enforce yourself towards, in exchange for us to accept you as the proper candidate for Supreme Leader?"
Chewie was just as curious to hear what Ben was going to say of the sins his mother and uncle had committed. But, mostly, what punishment he will have himself fulfill. The Wookiee only hope that everyone will find it justifiable and won't demand he dies.
He won't be able to handle losing his nephew, another time.
"...As I already revealed, my mother saw that her duties as a general, a governess, was much more important than the active duty as a caring, loving mother towards her own son, whose been gifted with the power of the Force. She would be gone for days, weeks at a time, so it makes it difficult for me to know when she'd be back. And yet, she was around more than my own father was, in spite only be gone for days and being at home when it suits him or whenever he learns that my mother has returned from her job. And, long before she decided to have me sent to my uncle's care and train me to become a Jedi, she had every opportunity to help teach me how to control my powers. To love me and help me, while I was raised by droids and left in my loneliness for Snoke to make me believe they hated me and how he was the only one that understood me, cared for me. But, what I found more offensive than denying me for her love, support, which included my dreams to become a governor like her, was her decision to deny her true title and destiny: Taking her rightful place as the Queen of Naboo. To help her cousin, Pooja Naberrie, on her birth planet and, like her mother before her, truly help both her birth people and adoptive people, and all those she swore she wanted to help and save. However, all these years,and even after being on the run and still strive to her goal, her efforts has proven to be in vain and showed lots results than any had expect from her to make."
Chewie didn't have much opinion to his claims... But, if he was honest, he can openly agree that his pseudo-nephew was right.
Since the defeat of Palpatine and Darth Vader, he had thought that Leia and Luke would go claim the home of their birth mother's as their own and take up the title as prince and princess of Naboo. Or, at least, after claiming their birthright on Naboo, find other Force-Sensitive people and start a new Jedi Order that was far better than those from before.
Imagine by surprise to learn neither did such task, and ended up choosing separate paths: Luke continuing the old ways of the Jedi Order, and Leia choosing a lesser title that demanded more of her time than focusing on her family with Han.
He knew that Han and Leia lived Ben, with all their hearts, but was very much annoyed and displeased that neither tried harder to be there for the boy or helped him with his problems when he showed a strong nack on using the Force. But, what drove the Wookiee to almost tear Han's arms off was when learning they sent ten year-old Ben to his uncle, not once make any attempt to see him during the thirteen years away from home, and neglecting their duties as parents. Let alone, husband and wife towards each other, when their jobs kept getting in the way.
And though Leia does the best she could to bring democracy and freedom to many, at times he efforts would go in vain, or would be the wrong choice... With revealing to the entire galaxy that she's the daughter of Darth Vader, without discussing it with Han... Or even hiding the truth from Ben until hearing it on a holonet from Luke, being the worst choice of action she made.
Chewie can see, to this very day, her choices had wounded her son greatly back then and still haunts him to this very day, today.
"She may not wanted the title, but by rights and for the sake of her people, she should've realized that it's both hers and her brother's duty to continue their mother's work. And yet, both failed to do so and left the role to a family member that had to bear the burden on her own, whether they knew her in person or as a complete stranger. And, if not for her birth mother, then at least for the family that raised her and her as their own, let alone the title she still carries from said family as the Princess of Alderaan."
One of the two from Naboo spoke out.
"Neither General Organa or Luke Skywalker had made any to reach out to Empress Pooja, let alone offered assistance to Naboo when in dire need of aid when dealing with the dealers that brought in Spice onto our planet. Or, when a few Alderaan that weren't on their planet when it was destroyed came asking for the whereabouts of their princess and sent out a request for help, she was too focused on staying hidden too avoid being found by Snoke instead of trying to find any other surviving Alderaans to rebuild them from the ashes."
"Not only us and Alderaan, but others who cried out for the Resistance's help, whether it be First Order involvement or political issues, would receive no answer from General Organa before it's already too late."
Rey stared back down at her lap. She didn't know what to think, let alone believe if what they're saying is true or not.
"...Is that true, Chewie?" She whispered, slowly stroking one of the baby Porgs' head.
The Wookiee knew it was going to hurt, but he needed to answer her.
"She tried to help as many as she could... But, as Han, Lando and I had warned her and failed to convince her to accept help from others, she wasn't able to help all who begged for her aid when she had other duties that needed her attention more. And, because of that, the Resistance were left a handful of allies that she was able to help, but not enough to get on by when facing issues with small resources or how to afford to care for all the members that joins her cause."
The nineteen year-old didn't like the answer the Wookiee gave her, but it was the answer that she has to hear to confirm that the two governors from Naboo are right.
"As for my uncle's sins, while very few, they're much greater than what my mother had committed... By trying to bring back the Jedi Order, itself, when he had little understanding about it. And, yes, he had found and obtained the Jedi Texts, even kept up with his Jedi Training, unlike my mother. But, even with the texts, books that contain information that occurred in the past, wouldn't had been able to help learn secrets for future generations. As such, he had started writing his own opinions and thoughts to certain topics within the texts, as he removed other informations that might've helped him with some of his students who struggled with the training he, himself, didn't undergo in most of them. And those Force-Sensitive children that he had, all of them were children, more than half grew up in families that loved them and easily given up when hearing they'd be trained under a legend that fought Darth Vader and helped ended Emperor Palpatine, himself. Yet, even when he ensured them that they'll remain in contact and can visit, Luke still repeated a great sin on taking away children from their happy lives and attempted to turn them into future weapons, soldiers, like the Jedis before him did. And forcing them to follow the same order, when the other students, like myself, proved to be more in tune with the Dark Side, had resulted negative results and he had already given up on us in favor of his most 'promising' students, who like to rub in our faces on how they're more perfect Jedi material than we were and provoke us to attack them when their verbal abuse would keep pushing us. He knew about them, and still, Luke did nothing and punishes us, while his star-students merely get a slap on the wrists and no source of privileges being taken as ours were. However, despite his cruelty and criticism, he was still family and continued to do all that I can to gain his approval... Then, that night, he came to my room, his lightsaber drawn... The night he attempted to kill me, believing that I was too far gone and corrupted, when he was actually sensing Snoke's presence entering my dreams of a nightmare that made me lose any hope on having a dream I longed for."
*Knock-knock-knock*
Rey and Chewie turned to the door, and watches it open. Mitaka, along with some of the doctors, came in.
"Forgive us for the intrusion, but-..." Mitaka apologized, voice quivering a bit at the sight of the large-Wookiee. "They're ready to proceed. We've come to take you, for the first part of your surgery."
Rey stared at the baby Porgs nuzzling against her arms. She let out a tiring sigh, as she hears Chewie getting out of his chair and making rumbling sounds to the doctor and officer.
"Please, take care of Little Light."
She felt her eyes stings, as four male-doctors, who are also well trained in combat and were instructed to guard her as they take her away for surgery, came to her bed and started wheeling her away.
Before she went past Chewie, her right-hand instantly went out and grabbed for his furry-arm.
"...Please..." She whispered, looking up at the concerned Wookiee. "...I can't go through with this. -She turned to the doctors, who stopped to let her talk to the Wookiee, then to a nervous Mitaka.- You mustn't let me live, or I shall bring great suffering to all if I continue to live. Please...!"
Chewie laid his right-paw on her left-shoulder. His gaze still soft, but serious and sharp.
"...You are not cursed, Little Light." He growled. "...I've lost Han. I've lost Luke. I'd lost my mate and son, long before I met my friends... Even my own brother, barely reached to adulthood, lost the fight to continue on when his own mate died. -He learned forward, resting his forehead against hers, as he used both of his paws to gently scoop the babies away from her.- I've lost so much and nearly lost Starfighter, my nephew, in the process. I won't allow myself to lose you, too. Even if you claim to be cursed, I refuse to let you die because others made you feel you're a Troq, when you're so much more than anything in the galaxy to us. To Starfighter."
Once he had the baby Porgs in one hand, he pulled his head away and patted Rey on top of her head, before pulling away and letting the doctors take her away.
...He won't ever forget the broken expression on her face, as the tears finally broke through.
Mitaka turned to the Wookiee. Stop a bit on edge, but trying his best to appear brave when he answered the Wookiee's request.
"We'll do all that we can, to ensure that she's comfortable and well cared for. We promise, that she'll make a speedy recovery."
Not wanting to stick around and see the Wookiee's reaction, he quickly followed the doctors, as he was given orders, by the Supreme Leader, himself, to keep an eye on her and inform Kylo how the detoxification was going as soon as he finishes his speech.
Chewie watches the nervous officer leave, as the adult Porgs nestled against his shoulders and head.
On the screen, Kylo continued his speech.
"He made grave errors, mistakes that were so easily avoidable, that rather than face the problem or even inform anybody the truth, Luke chose to self-exile himself in the Unknown Region. The Resistance needed him back then, and he decided to wait a slow death from natural cause. He didn't bother to make things right and help them, not even for his own sister. And when Rey found him, he made it clear that he wasn't going to come out of hiding and help. And that's where a final error that needs to be addressed: Many of you claim that, because she was the last to find Luke and was with him for a few days, expecting that she was being trained under him, that she's to be known as 'The Last Jedi'... My friends, my loyal subjects and all lived across the galaxy, whoever informed you with such insults, such false accusation, is what I tell you: Rey is not, and never was, the Last Jedi. For Luke Skywalker is, was, the Last Jedi that had existed. Even though my mother had tried to continue her own Jedi Training with her brother, she had turned her back and ceased the teachings. The only one that had kept its secrets and all that remains, was my uncle. Rey never learned anything to what being a Jedi means; only two lessons and reasoning as to why the Jedi Order had to end and never to be brought back, again."
Many whispers went by, while most still needed a moment to register what he told them.
"If that's true, why would the Resistance, or whomever it was that started it, would dare speak of such false claims that gave those who still believe in the Resistance's cause, by labeling a girl from Kriff knows where?"
Kylo glared at the individual who spoke out like that, a Shistavanen, a surprise to all but the Supreme Leader, himself. But made no move to use the Force to hurt him.
But, with the slight twitch of his fingers, he signaled his knights to get him when the speech was over.
"More likely, the first possible reason, because of her background from being born on Jakku, many don't view her as an individual civilian and are more than happy to have her take the fall when the time came for her to 'die for their cause', besides the thought that she was going to be a weapon from her time with my uncle on Ahch-To. The other reason, should that person be Leia Organa, herself, decided to put Rey on a pedestal, as a beacon, for others to keep putting their faith to the Resistance, which made Rey believe she has to perfect herself as an unbreakable weapon. I cannot say for certain which could be the answer, but whatever it was that's the true cause, it was bound to have the same results that left her feeling that she has to push herself and be a sacrifice for the Resistance until the pressure had finally gotten to her to commit suicide for a second time."
Finn, still having a blaster pressed against him, winced from both the pressure of the weapon against his head and from the hurt of hearing his sister-figure had, indeed, purposely attempted to take her life. Rose and the others lowered their heads from the news, also hurt to hear what they learned on Sarvchi was true.
"My mother and uncle, along with my father, had failed to help me. We're given so much time to correct the errors of their choices, and it costed them, heavily... And yet, even with those high charges, no matter how high the consequences of their actions brought upon to others, doesn't excuse my own actions. And for that, I know that I must pay for my sins... And with that said, because my uncle and father are dead and my mother shall pay part of her punishment in exile, I shall serve for their sins, too. Along with my grandfather's, as padence for his involvement in the war and serving alongside Palpatine."
"And what might those punishments be, Supreme Leader?"
Kylo let out a deep sigh, before he answered.
"First, the payment for my mother's sins: Alongside Leia Organa, I shall release most of her fellow Resistance Members and/or followers, who shall serve out their punishment to however Lando Calrissian, General of the Rebel Alliance, sees fit."
Many eyes grew wide from the first announcement of the punishment. It was obvious that none expected to hear that.
"While I think all who followed Leia Organa deserved to serve out your sentences on planets that holds high treasonous prisoners for the rest of your days, I know that not all are at fault for being misguided and, if I wish to prove that I'm going to be a fair Supreme Leader, then those who only committed minimal crimes for believing in a lie that they thought to be true will only be given justifiable minimum, but strict punishment for their misleading causes. But, those who I found to have serious past records are to remain and be dealt with by me, personally, however I see fit. But, as of right now, the Resistance is dead."
Finn had no doubt that he was going to be one of those who will be staying on the Finalizer, since he's so labeled and classified as a traitor to the First Order. But, even then, there was no way he was going to leave Rey behind.
"Second, the sins of my Uncle Luke: The Jedi Order is dead. But, across the galaxy, there are many lifeforms that are coming out as Force-Sensitive and, with the Jedis dead, they still need teachers to help him learn how to control their powers, without having to be pressured or force to shun whatever side of the Force they're in tune with. With that said, as soon as I have a planet to cash my own to rule, my knights and I are going to help train the generations of Force-Sensitive individuals to use and control their powers. Which, I say to all, that they won't be trained to be Jedis, nor Siths. But... As a new generational Force-Users known as: Skywalkers. So, for those who are open to the offer when we're ready, I shall inform your leaders in the next Galaxy Council Meeting and have them bring you to me when it's time. Until then, I urge those who are confused and scared, uncertain and unease with their powers... To stay calm. To remain with friends and family, who you feel safe and comfortable with, to help you and be by your side. To not push others away, thinking you'll end up hurting them, when they'll be your rock to center yourself and make you see that you're not monsters. That you're not freaks, but are gifted with something very unique by the Force, itself. And, when you do receive word that we're ready to take you in and teach you how to use your power, I assure every single one of you, that you'll still be in touch with your loved ones. You won't be closed off from the life you love and, when you're ready, you get the choice to decide if you wish to return to your home planet and become its protector. Or, if you wish, to remain on the planet that's to be our home and help future generational Force-Sensitive people to control their power and pass on the goal to pay it forward for the future. -He lowered his gaze to the ground.- My uncle failed to see the opportunity to help Dark-Side Users to control and use their power to do good when my knights and I needed his help, but I refuse to let others to suffer as I had from my own uncle and will make certain that history won't repeat itself."
Hux looked like he was going to have an aneurysm; having one Force-User, especially one that had became the Supreme Leader, was bad enough. Having two, was like walking on eggshells. Seven, feeling as if paranoia had seeped in and is being muzzled.
But, hundreds, maybe even thousands of Force-Sensitive beings from all over the galaxy... Yeah, that's his great and eternal nightmare.
'If only Supreme Leader Snoke had left behind some clue as to have Kylo Ren under control... If only I hadn't drew back on ending him, this appalling behavior and action wouldn't be taking place! The First Order would've been mine!'
He looked over towards Phasma, who continued to look on ahead... He glared at Kuruk standing behind her. How he knew that the rifleman of the Knights of Ren, with his left-hand resting against her back, has claimed one of the best female Stormtroopers in the First Order... The ideal partner that Hux, himself, would want as his empress, if he'd only killed Kylo Ren and claimed the First Order as his own.
'Next time, when I get that second chance to bring him down, I'm taking it. And, along that, what I ended up losing, from one of his lackeys and their cursive, abominating power!'
"And, lastly, the greatest sin of all: The sins of my grandfather. A former-Jedi Knight, once known as Anakin Skywalker. One that everyone, all over the galaxy, knew him as Darth Vader. -He looked back up.- And, it's because of him, that there's a reason why I must keep my position as Supreme Leader... And, why I tell you, that me being the Supreme Leader of the First Order, taking the title, is the greatest punishment of all that I must serve out."
"Is all ready?" Dr. Skid asked Lo, who watches the silver-liquid fill up the tank, along with the status being given to her by the tank's monitor screen.
"Once the tank is filled, then we can proceed." The Kaminoan nurse and First Order's top scientist informed.
XLR-8, with a few droids nearby and checking over the machines, turned to the two doctors.
"I just been given the report that the organs had finally reached the ship, and is being delivered to the surgeons, as we speak." He reported, calm and collective. "They'll be analyzing, and testing out the donated organs, to ensure the successful rate of the patient's status will be as they expected it to be."
Dr. Skid and some of his colleagues are very relieved to hear the reports. Though, a few of them didn't seem as happy as the rest of their peers.
And, when the four nurses came in, with their patient on the stretcher, they were even more unease on if they were really doing the right thing or not.
Nurse Puhua, seeing their patient, simply stared at the girl for a couple of seconds, before turning back to the tank.
"It's almost ready," she announced. "The Bacta Detox is almost done."
XLR-8, after seeing that the machines are stable and fully functional, walked towards the stretcher and did an immediate skin over Rey's body. She turned her head away, still uncomfortable that anybody, a living individual or even a droid, will be able to see and report on the state of her body.
"Patient's signs are slightly elevated," he reported. "I, also, detect a strong reading of distress on both mind and heart. Shall I proceed to sedate the patient?"
Dr. Skid came over to Rey. He had a solemn look on his face, as she kept her face turned away from them and her eyes clenched shut.
"Not yet." He answered, holding a hand out towards the droid. "The procedures will be for quite a while, and I have a high hunch that our patient hadn't been given the information on what's going to happen. It's best that we tell her in what week take place, before we start."
The droid didn't have an opinion to the suggestion, so it took a step back.
Puhua and a few of the others, on the other-hand, weren't so certain that it would be wise. Even if she's going to be asleep for a good while, the news can still cause her stress levels to rise and they don't want to risk any further strain on her ailing body.
But, until she's ready for surgery and is in the care of the surgeons, Dr. Skid is in charge on the decisions he makes. And, if his choices does any harm to the girl, then he'll be left with the consequences.
And he knows it.
He turned to Rey, and gently laid a hand on her left-shoulder to gain her attention.
"The first thing we're going to do, is an immediate detox." He started, as he pointed a finger towards the tank for of silver-liquid. "Nurse Puhua and her colleagues had developed a Bacta Detoxification liquid, specialized for expelling foreign and/or harmful substances within the body of any species in the galaxy, which includes the silica-crystals within your body, caused by your Silicosis."
Rey didn't seem in the least impressed. In fact, she glared at the tank. Her skin feeling itchy and crawling, recalling the discomfort of being placed in the Bacta tank and nearly drowning in the tank. Even if this tank was bigger, she wasn't anywhere near willing to go back in small-spacing.
XLR-8, seeming to understand her displeasure of the tank, took over.
"You'll be unconscious, for the time being. The procedure will last, at most, a full week. But, if all goes well, then the earliest will be four days."
Unfortunately, his way of trying to reassure Rey that she won't be awake for the detox had only made her distress even worse.
"...Please..." She whispered, looking up at the droid and doctor. "I can't. I don't-..."
Lo let out a soft sigh to the girl's plea.
It was no surprise that she still refuses help. To plea for them to not go through.
Sadly, for her, they've been given orders, by the Supreme Leader, himself, to save her. And, whether she sees it or not, they care about her, no matter how minimal they know her, to not want her to give up living.
The machine tank made a beeping sound, signaling that it's done and ready for detox.
"It's time," she announced.
Almost instantly, Rey tried to jump out of her bed, but the doctors had been giving her small-dosage of sedatives in her IV to slow her reflex and the four nurses made a grab for her, pinning her to the bed.
"Please! Don't!" She begged, continuing to struggle and pull free from their hold. Her attempt remained futile, showing little to no
Dr. Skid gave her a sympathetic look, as he pulled out a syringe and signaled XLR-8 to come forward.
"I give you my word, Rey, that you're in the best care, possible." He reassured, watching XLR-8 spray alcohol on her left-arm from its finger before stepping in place to firmly but gently grasp her arm.
The nineteen year-old made a last ditch effort to bite him, only for one of the nurse to force her head to lay against the pillow. Angry tears spilled.
"At what cost?!" She yelled, shaking as she feels the needle inserts into her arm. "My freedom?! To be judged and ridiculed even more, to the point on being hated more than being known for being a Troq from Jakku?! To keep suffering from the after effect of my disease, even if the surgeries turn out to be successful?!"
"If recovery proves to be successful, the likelihood of permanent effect to health are: Chronic fatigue, temporary weakness to muscle, never regaining lost body mass, high-sensitivity to cold weather, weak immune system and some growing pain in your nerves." XLR-8 answered in a calculative tone.
For the first time in her life, even if it's because of her anger and distress, Rey hated a droid. And it was the droid that didn't know when to stay quiet in a serious, stressful situation.
"And how is that something to look towards, as if that's acceptable to live with, when I'm still going to suffer and my body will be more damage to possibly die quicker?!" She hissed, as she fought, with all her strength, to fight off the pull of sleep.
Dr. Skid knew she's right to see that, think that and speak out the truth of the issue, but he refuses to let her think she'll live with the consequences of other people's neglect and abuse towards her.
"It may not seem it, at first, but after some time of rest and gaining some strength in you, we'll help fix the remainder of the damages to your body, as possible." He reassured, gently stroking her hair as if calming a scared child. "And though we can't fully cure all the problems, we'll help treat them to the best of our abilities so they don't interfere with the new life you deserve to have. And, hopefully, when you finally see that, when you truly see that we do care for you, how far. the Supreme Leader will go to prove his love and devotion to you, your heart will be open to live and not wish for death so soon."
Rey clenched her eyes and gritted her teeth. She had no intention to believe his word, let alone accept his comfort of touching her hair.
"You keep me alive, and I promise you, that death and misfortune will befall upon you and your loved ones." She swore. "I'll end up bringing the First Order down, just by me being here. All that Kylo Ren had done, will be burned within the heat of a thousand suns and become atom amongst the emptiness of space. -She could barely lift her head up, but was at least able to have her eyes stare at the doctor.- If you truly are happy with the changes within the First Order, care for yourself and your fellow peers, and wish to continue to serve under him to truly make a difference to the galaxy, then you must put an end to me. You must kill me!"
Lo shook her head.
'It's worse than we thought,' she thought. 'She's completely convinced that she's cursed, and that she must die. Even if we do have a counselor to talk to her, it will surely not be enough to help her see she isn't going to be the downfall for anyone. We must find a different way to get her to see that she's not what she's been labeled as, no matter what she heard from a story that those on Jakku believe to be true.'
"Vitals lowering. Patient is nearing to sleep-like state." XLR-8 reported, as Rey slowly losses her fight to stay awake.
"...Please..." She whispered, a last attempt to beg anybody to stop the procedure and let her die.
None made any comment, or any attempt to stop the procedure. And, after the last of her inner-strength slipped, Rey fell asleep.
Dr. Skid felt guilty to ignore her plea and the betrayal he saw in her eyes. But, he knows that he's making the right choice and he intends to help her, even if she refuses their help.
"Let's get her prepped." He said to the nurses, guiding them towards the tank.
Then, Lo held up a hand.
"Wait," she said.
All the doctors and droids turned to her, as she made her way towards the unconscious girl. The Kaminoan's face was blank, but deep concern within her eyes told them that she's been thinking of a serious decision.
"We can't keep administering the Force-Surpressment in her, during the detox." She stated. "Continuously pulling her out of the tank, just to keep inserting the suppressant, could result delaying her surgery and the chance of the Bacta Detox not completing on eliminating the Crystalized-Silica in her systems. That, and continuous dosage of anesthesia could cause a negative result to her body, even with machines and droids on standby. -She turned to Dr. Skid.- We'll have to perform an early Medically Induced Coma."
Some of the doctors were taken back by the news, but Dr. Skid seemed a bit defeated and very much disappointed.
"...I had hoped to avoid the decision, until she's ready for her first surgery. But, -He looked down at Rey.- I fear she'll still be a risk to her safety, if she's completely dead on sight to end her life."
Lo slightly lowered her head a bit.
"Then, we're in an agreement."
Dr. Skid nodded his head, then turned to XLR-8.
"Do it."
"I wasn't alive, during his reign as Palpatine's puppet, his instrument of destruction. But even then, hearing the tale from Luke, even from Lando Calrissian, I speak the truth when I say that his downfall on becoming the most dangerous and powerful tyrant in the galaxy is the fault of both the Sith, and Jedi. Clearly, Palpatine, a Sith Lord, is the highest source to blame for the side of the Sith. But, the Jedi are much to blame, for they did nothing to prevent such tragedies to come down on Anakin Skywalker."
All stayed quiet, giving Kylo the silence and attention to tell him to continue.
"When Jedi Knight, Qui-Gon Jinn, and his Padawan at that time, Obi-Wan Kenobi, went to Tatooine and found Anakin Skywalker and his mother, they could've gotten the both of them out of slavery, even helped his mother, Shmi Skywalker, find a home and employment nearby, so she could see her son. Instead, Qui-Gon chose to only take a child, an eight year-old boy, away from his mother and turn him into a weapon, a future soldier. The least they could've done, is to keep tabs on her and ensure her safety, so nothing would cause my grandfather to fall into darkness. But, once again, they chose to do nothing and by the time he found his gravely wounded mother, Shmi Skywalker died in her son's arms and was hurt that the Jedi Order didn't do anything to even help him find her. Once again, they did nothing, all because the balance of the Force 'wasn't imbalanced', until it was already too late."
He looked around the room, staring down at his prisoners, both from the Resistance and prisoners that violated the law for their own agenda. He didn't care if any regretted their actions or still refuse to believe him. What he says now, will decide who they believe is truly at fault and if the galaxy will see that he intends to fix the mistakes of his family's past.
"Luke told me, when his father died that day, he asked to see him with his own eyes, as he was once known as Anakin Skywalker and, when he died on the second Death Star, came to him as a Force Ghost, as Anakin Skywalker, once more. He told me, once, that he wanted to change the Jedi Order and make it better, but all he tried to do was repeat the same sins and rebirth an order that will results more innocent souls to become disposable weapons. And, for that, the Jedis are to be blamed for Anakin Skywalker, my grandfather, to be turned evil, not because he turned his back from the Light and chose to wield from the Dark Side of the Force."
"But that still doesn't excuse Vader for all he'd done!" A female-Selonian spoke out, hissing lowly that had two Stormtroopers to aim their blasters towards her. "He destroyed planets, thousands of lives, if not millions, for serving under Palpatine! Brought war and chaos, even to the point of genocide! How are you any different, after destroying planets when serving under Snoke?! For killing and taking lives?! Even earlier, you revealed and stated that you'll continue to take lives! HOW ARE YOU ANY DIFFERENT, THAN VADER?!"
Kylo glared at the Selonian general that dare spoke out, as if challenging him and his honor.
"I'm not saying that he didn't cause genocide, taken lives and brought war." He stated, calmly and clearly to the musteline carnivorous sentient specie. "And I'm not making any excuses to why he did those deeds, even if he was seduced to the lies of the man that deceived him and owed Palpatine his very existence for saving his life on Mustafar. And don't think that pinning my past-dues on me, when I know that you, the other generals and even queen had done great evil amongst your people? Specifically, the few males being treated as nothing more than breeding livestocks and the illegal act of selling off your daughters to other planets when entering adolescence, in exchange for illegal substances to enhance the male's hormones and testosterones that leaves them to be infertile at earlier ages and decrease the chances of having strong children?"
The general did took a step back, completely taken back that he would dare reveal such a claim that was, indeed, true.
"...How-...?" She growled out, ignoring the evil and disgusted glares.
"You can thank one of the few males, Roz Solu, that I rescued from your planet and revealed to me the true turmoil of Selonia. Which, I assure you, that I'll be paying Selonia a visit, very soon and, if you dare make any attempt to attack me or any fleet from the First Order, expect the same fate as other planets to befallen upon Selonia and your people's new home to be Geonosis, with the most deadliest prisoners in the galaxy as your new neighbors in the prison. Or Jakku, and suffer from what the males, the slaves, and yes, Rey, my Sonellia, had to endure."
She dare not argue or even challenge him, but there was still one thing she'll demand from him.
"The male does not belong to you; he shall return with me, to Selonia." She declared. "Have him brought forth, and I swear that my queen won't question your authority and will pledge an immediate alliance to the First Order."
The thirty year-old simply glared at her... Then, with a just of his hand, the two Stormtroopers grabbed her and bound her in cuffs. And, before she could snap her fangs, a third Stormtrooper went up and clamped a muzzle-like cuff over her mouth.
"Have her taken to Solitary Confinement," he ordered. "And if she dare attack or make any attempt to break free, even to go as far as go after Roz Solu, she's to be sedated and bound. If she takes any lives on board this ship, have her pay it with her own."
Muffled yelling and growls left the female-Selonian, as the three Stormtroopers took her away.
As soon as she was gone, Kylo turned back to stunned prisoners and the much astonished and even appalled visitors by what they just witnessed. And he knew, that the disapproval and clear sign of disapproval wasn't towards him.
He continued with his speech, as if the Selonian General hadn't interrupted.
"I swore, that I will only take life, if it's necessary and I'm going to keep my word on what I'll do and not do." He stated. "And now, as you see, I'm not going to follow the same examples as Darth Vader demonstrated. I will be demonstrating what Padmé, my grandmother would do... And, as he begged his son to do, I shall follow what Anakin Skywalker wanted: To right the wrongs. And for that, I must right the wrong of the organization that Darth Vader lead, in the name of a Sith Lord that corrupted the very Jedi that was supposed to be of legend. -He laid a hand on his chest.- A legend I'm a part of, that flows through my veins. And that is a burden I must carry, as penance for the sins of my grandfather, both a victim and an assailant of the cause."
Finn, Snap, Rose and the others all looked very nervous and on edge, as they see the guests appearing to be buying and accepting what he said to be the truth. But, nothing could prepare them, when he revealed one more thing.
"A new legend shall make amends and fix the wrong of the past war, and that legend won't be Anakin Skywalker: But, through a new bond, one that has not been seen in many generations. A bond that exist through me, and, of course, the one who now owns my heart and strengthened my souls to break free from history almost repeating itself. Rey of Jakku. And, I leave you all, with this final notice: At this very moment, Rey is being treated, by the best medical staff in the galaxy, to help treat her Silicosis. And, as soon as her surgery is complete, as soon as we find a planet to call our own, we shall be wed. She's to be your Empress and, as you would me and accept me, as your Supreme Leader, she shall be given the same love and respect as you would show and give me. I thank you all, present or through the droids recording this very matter, for your time and lending your ears to hear what must be said. And, for any who don't believe any chance of change to happen, all I ask from you is to wait, and see what the First Order shall do. And through them, what I shall do to bring a new order, balance and peace to all... Thank you."
TBC
*: Honestly, I can see Hux and Phasma being paired as a couple (Even more than Hux and Rose would [Clearly, I'm into Finn and Rose being together]). But, I think that if the movie/show had taken a different approach, I think Phasma would've went for somebody else, instead of Hux. My opinion, it would be one of the knights of Ren. And, after going through their personalities, skills and equipments, Kuruk appeared to be the best and highly likely choice to be with her, if not Hux.
If you guys are curious to my reasoning on how Ben's choice and actions would justify (Or not; you're all entitled to your own opinions) his decisions... It's, actually, inspired by YouTuber: Bron Kyrro, from his YouTube Fandom of MLP: Friendship is Terrifying. I assure you, you guys need to watch it. It's amazing!
WOA (Word of Advice): S2E8 of Friendship is Terrifying had been removed from YouTube, due to "Inappropriate discussion" (Calling Bull on that... Though, at the same time, would understand, for those who are uncomfortable of the topic, despite it trying to being the voice of reason to explain, in their own way that doesn't involve insulting or berating them in general, would have people not want it on YouTube.). To watch the episode, watch it on BitChute.
In case you notice, S1E2 had also been taken down, though I don't know why. Check that episode on BitChute, too.
R&R