I didn't care for the plot line of the new trilogy, so I wrote my own version. It's in script form.

Star Wars Alternate

The Unknown Awakens

FIFTEEN YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF EMPEROR PALPATINE, PEACE BETWEEN THE NEW REPUBLIC AND THE REMAINS OF THE EMPIRE IS REACHED. A TREATY SPEARHEADED BY SUPREME IMPERIAL COMMANDER PALLAEON ALLOWS FOR BOTH A CEASEFIRE AND PROFITABLE TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO RULING GOVERNMENTS. THE EMPIRE IS REORGANIZED INTO THE UNITED IMPERIAL WORLDS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A NEW EMPEROR AND COUNCIL. THE GALAXY PROSPERS! FOUR YEARS LATER, SUPREME COMMANDER PALLAEON IS ASSASSINATED BY A GROUP CALLING THEMSELVES THE FIRST ORDER. SOON AFTER, THE FIRST ORDER BEGINS SEIZING BOTH REPUBLICAN AND IMPERIAL SUPPLY SHIPMENTS. AGENTS OF THE UNITED IMPERIAL WORLDS DISCOVER THAT THE FIRST ORDER IS BASED IN THE UNKNOWN REGION: AN AREA OF SPACE BEYOND THE OUTER RIM. NEITHER THE NEW REPUBLIC NOR UNITED IMPERIAL WORLDS HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON HYPERSPACE ROUTES. AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS IS FORMED. TEAMS FROM BOTH THE UNITED IMPERIAL WORLDS AND NEW REPUBLIC ARE SENT TO STEAL A STAR CHART OF THE HYPERSPACE LANES OF THE UNKNOWN REGION

OUTER SPACE ABOVE JAKKU

Empty space and then a large rectangular prism freighter comes into view

Poe (off screen): "Imperial fleet, this is Poe Dameron of the New Republic Star Map Reconnaissance Team. Please respond. Repeat. This is Poe Dameron of the New Republic Star Map Reconnaissance Team. Please respond."

INSIDE THE FREIGHTER COCKPIT

Poe is leaning forward in the pilots chair as he sends his message. Underneath the instrument panel by the nav-computer is a female twe'lik visable from the waist down. Close by is a sphere shaped droid with a half circle for a head called BB-8 plugged into a droid socket.

Poe is wearing what he wore in the movie along with a uniquely designed flat wedding ring on his ring finger on his left hand.

Poe: "RESPOND!" He growls and then stands and kicks the communication computer.

The woman slides out from under the dashboard: "Poe! It was hard enough bypassing the hardwired frequency damper the first time."

The female twe'lik has orange toned skin the same shade as BB-8. She is wearing dark brown overalls like a mechanic would wear with a light blue undershirt. Around her waist is a tool belt with various tools clipped onto it or in the pockets. On each of her wrist are thick bumpy metal bracelets (like Cad Bane wears in the Clone Wars which hold his flame thrower and cable) with various notches and holes in them to attach various types of tools or weapons on occasion. She has gloves on both hands.

Poe: "Do you think those blasted imperials heard?"

Her expression shows she disapproves of his tone, but she calmly replies: "Don't know. I can only guarantee that I've successfully bypassed the frequency limiter.

Poe sits back down but obviously still full of restless angry energy: (to BB-8) "Any progress?"

BB-8 twitters a sad no.

Poe: "How can you not read a star map? You're an astromech."

BB-8 launches into an explanation.

Twe'lik: "Are you saying only their systems can read their maps?"

BB-8 beeps an affirmative.

Twe'lik (hint of humor) "Then maybe it's a good thing we had to steal an entire ship."

Poe: "Tell that to Calrissian before he tans my hide for getting his experimental stealth ship destroyed."

BB-8 chortles and the twe'lik laughs gently.

Twe'lik: "I will."

He returns the smile and then his eyes look at the viewport and his face goes serious.

Poe: "There's no way we got away unnoticed. How long do you think until the First Order find us?"

A proximity alarm wails. The twe'lik and Poe share a quick glance. Then both of them gaze out the viewport.

OUTER SPACE ABOVE JAKKU

A Sun Cruiser emerges from hyperspace.

A Sun Cruiser looks similar to a Star Destroyer, though a bit smaller, with a round small hump painted bright yellow in place of where the bridge tower would be on a Destroyer. Originating from the yellow hump, are several yellow zigzag lines that look like glow panels. The lines run the length of the ship and merge at the prow.

The lines are conduits for energy to be gathered into a single attack flare, which is fired from a cannon on the very prow of the ship.

ONE THE BRIDGE OF THE SUN CRUISER

The sun cruiser ship commander approaches to two similar figures (a male and female force user known as wardens) dressed in white.

The Sun Cruiser Ship Commander is Commander Bearin.

Commander Bearing is an alien humanoid male dressed in a white military uniform. His skin is purple toned.

Wardens are force wielders that defend or ward the First Order. Similar in appearance to the Imperial Inquisitors who served under Palpatene and Vador, except that Wardens wear white instead of black. Warden Exi wears a helmet with a face plate that only covers the bottom half of his face. His yellow snake like eyes are visible. Warden Exivy has the same helmet as Warden Exi, but her face plate covers her entire face. While Inquisitors of Palpatine's Empire were trained to hunt down Jedi, Wardens were like a police force trained to maintain order as planets in the Unknown Region were conquered or became allies. Wardens have comlinks built into their helmets.

Warden Exi (pronounced x-sigh) stands taller than Warden Exivy. He is broad shouldered and fit. He has three fingers on each hand.

He is a naturally gifted warrior. He is well liked by the First Order troops and command. They see him as a fellow solider. He wears a white Warden uniform that has five large black stripes running up each of his arms. Then there is one black stripe on his helmet making a total of 11 black stripes. From his left side hangs astandard looking lightsaber.

Warden Exivy (pronounced x-sigh-vy) is the same height and build as Rey. She's shorter than Warden Exi. She has five fingers on each hand. She also wears a white Warden uniform with a full face mask. There are seven black stripes running up each of her arms, so 14 in total. The stripes are slightly thinner than the ones on Warden Exi's uniform. Her helmet has no stripes. She speaks very calmly and crisply, like Tempest Shadow from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Warden Exivy has two lightsabers—one of each side-strapped horizontally to her belt so that only the base of each lightsaber is visible.

While she has more blacks stripes, they are thinner, so she actually has the same amount of black as Warden Exi. The number of stripes simply represent the order in which one became a warden rather than ranking. Since the amount of black is the same, commands from either Warden Exi or Warden Exivy are to be taken with the same level of obedience.

Warden Exivy is highly intelligent and clever. She is respected, but not liked by the troops and command of the First Order. No one doubts her loyalty to the Order, but she gives off the vibe of having a higher agenda than what's happened around her at the moment.

Printed in red on the left side chest of Warden Exivy's uniform is an infinity symbol with sun rays coming out from behind it. This is a mark of those who not only dedicate themselves to the First Order, but also the personal philosophies of the Supreme Leader. In other words to these people, the Supreme Leader is akin to a prophet as well as being the leader of the First Order. One of those philosophies is that one should not take a life until all other options have been tried and exhausted. While homage to this philosophy is very common among the ordinary members of the First Order, it is strange to see one in the military—especially a high ranking person like a Warden—honor it. That is another reason why she puts the troops on edge.

Commander Bearin: "Target directly ahead."

Warden Exi: "Capture intact!"

Commander Bearin: "At your command Warden!"

INSIDE THE FREIGHTER COKCPIT

Poe has taken the pilot seat. The twe'lik straps in next to him: "Think your fancy flying can get us out of this one?"

Poe: "My flying could get us out of anything, but this bolt bucket? Honey, I've seen Hutts move faster than this ship."

Twe'lik: (pointing to the distress beacon she'd activated) "Then may the Force bring help."

Poe: (humor to lift a stressful situation) "Imperial help? I'd almost rather kiss a rancor than be rescued by imperials…even if they are our allies." (pause) "Still, (as he throws the ship into a steep dive) better them than the First Order. The food's better."

The twe'lik smiles.

OUTER SPACE ABOVE JAKKU

We see the freighter weave in crazy twists and turns as the First Order fires on it, but it's too slow and several shots hit the freighter.

INSIDE THE FREIGHTER COCKPIT

Twe'lik: (shouts over the sound of blaster bolts hitting the ship as she studies the control panel) "Something's wrong! We're not taking critical damage."

Poe: "That's impossible!" (A blast rocks the ship.) "They're hitting us with everyth…(snorts as he figures it out) powered down blasters-seems they want their ship back."

The ship lurches and the pair are thrown hard against their restraints as a tractor beam takes firm hold of the freighter.

Looking up at the distant cruiser that is slowly getting closer: Twe'lik: "Along with a few captives to show their Supreme Leader."

OUTER SPACE ABOVE JAKKU

The freighter is being pulled towards the Sun Cruiser. It turns slightly sideways as full power is directed towards the engine.

INSIDE THE FREIGHTER COCKPIT

Poe is throwing all power to the engine. His eyes roam the room as if there's an answer hidden somewhere when they fall on BB-8. He suddenly orders the twe'lik: "Pull out the nav-computer."

Twe'lik: "What?"

Poe: (urgent and commanding tone) "Pull out the entire nav-computer. Only their systems can read their star maps, so we'll have to get the whole computer to the Republic."

Twe'lik: (She climbs under and starts to disconnect the nav-computer) "Whatever you're planning is crazy and I mean Solo worthy crazy.

Poe: (with a smile) "Thank you. That's a complement."

He looks over his shoulder at BB-8

HALLWAYS OF THE FREIGHTER

Poe is running down the hallways of the freighter with BB-8 close behind. Poe is holding a round ring and another small circular device. They stop when they reach an airlock for an escape pod. Poe pushes the release and the two enter the pod. He puts the ring on the floor and BB-8 (who is twittering and beeping randomly throughout this) rolls onto it. A distinct sound is heard as the magnetic ring locks BB-8 into place.

Poe: (as he places the other device on BB-8) "I'm sorry about this buddy"

BB-8 lets out an electronic squeal as a shock pulse from the device shuts down his systems.

Poe: (as he pats BB-8) "May the force be with us all my friend." He exits the escape pod and shuts the door before pulling out a comlink: "Now"

OUTERSPACE ABOVE JAKKU

The freighter engines, which the freighter is now only a few minutes from being inside the Sun Cruiser, flare to full power. The ship though stuck in the tractor beam, slowly turns so that its underbelly is facing away from the Sun Cruiser. Then all the life pods are launched towards a nearby desert world.

INSIDE THE SUN CRUISER BRIDGE

A crew member calls out to the Wardens from one of the terminals.

Crew member: "Wardens! All escape pods have been launched. Should they be captured intact?"

Human crew member dressed in a grey military First Order uniform.

Warden Exi: "Scan life and droid signals. Intercept those. Let others fall."

Warden Exivy "Track the positions of those that fall. We will send ground troops to collect them once we are finished up here.

Crew Member: At your command Wardens!

Warden Exi: (only to Warden Exivy) "Collect? Such bother."

Warden Exivy: (only to Warden Exi) "Resources are not unlimited."

Warden Exi looks at her knowing there's more: (only to Warden Exivy) "That only reason?"

Warden Exivy: (only to Warden Exi) "Perhaps, it's possible they hid data in a pod for an agent on that planet to retrieve. If I am wrong, we get our pods back and the assignment will still give Commander Failiem the opportunity to prove his boastful words."

Warden Exi: (complementary—only to Warden Exivy) "Devious as ever."

Warden Exivy: (sincerely humble and serious—only to Warden Exi) "Not at all. I think only of warding the First Order from any weakness. If Commander Feiliem's cannot lead as well as he boost, he will prove himself a blight to be removed."

THE HANGER BAY OF THE SUN CRUISER

The freighter is brought and locked into place in the hanger bay of the Sun Cruiser. A First Order boarding party is cutting through the door.

First Order Troopers wear gray armor similar to clone and stromtroopers, but the helmet is different. Emperor Palpatine refused to send out trained stormtroopers to the Unknown Region since there was such a demand for them within the current boundaries of the empire. As a result, commanding officers of the Unknown Region had to recruit and train their own troopers from the cadets the emperor had given them and local species who embraced the empire. Black was a color of power for many cultures in the Unknown Region, so gray was chosen for regular troops in the army. Those of distinction in battle wear silver. Those of higher rank or command either have white added to their uniform or if their rank is high enough, wear a white uniform. Those in higher authority than an all white uniform are permitted to have a black stripe. The more black, the greater one's authority. Only the Supreme Leader is allowed to dress in all or majority black.

For armored troopers, the symbol of the First Order is on the left shoulder pad. For all other military and government uniforms, a large First Order symbol is printed on the back.

FREIGHTER'S CARGO HOLD

A trooper finishes cutting a large oval hole in the main door of the cargo hold. He places a round device in the center of the door before moving back to stand behind a blast wall with his fellow troopers. Once in position, he nods and another trooper pushes a detonator. The device fires out like a rocket and the door is launched into the hallways of the freighter. It slams hard into the wall before the thrust fizzles out and dies. As the piece falls to the floor, four troopers rush in and take up defensive positions. When there's no attack, two carefully lift the lids of two crates large enough to hold a person. They shake their heads to indicate the targets aren't there. The other two move towards the hallway ready to return any fire as one of the troopers who examined a crate gestures for the remaining troops to join them. Nine more troopers enter the hold.

Eight are regular troopers and one is the troop commander. The troop commander has has a few small white stripes on his grey armor.

The troop leader surveys the empty room: "Team one will search the crew quarters, Team two search the maintenance areas including the ventilation shafts, and Team three with me will patrol the halls and search the bridge. Glory to the First Order!"

All Troopers: "Glory to the First Order!"

All the troopers move out. A bare empty corner of the room suddenly folds in on itself reveling Poe and the twe'lik hiding behind a screen of chameleon cloth. The chameleon cloth continues to fold in on itself until it's about the size of the twe'lik's hand. The twe'lik puts it into her belt.

Chameleon cloth unfolds to form an instant wall or ceiling. As the name implies, it mimics its surroundings so that it appears that nothing is there.

Poe: (whispering—trying to lighten the mood in a stressful situation) "Splitting up like that. It's almost unfair. It's like they're asking us to ambush them."

The twe'lik smiles.

A sound in the distance like a laser cutter operating catches their attention.

Twe'lik: "Sounds like they are trying to access the bridge."

Poe: (as he reaches for his blaster he whispers—humorous) "Then that's our cue. You ready?"

The twe'lik smiles, pats her belt, and the two leave the cargo area.

FREIGHTER'S HALLWAY IN FRONT OF THE LOCKED BRIDGE DOOR

The troop leader is standing in front of the locked bridge door. A trooper behind him is cutting open the bridge door with the laser cutter. He is about a fourth of the way done. Sounds of blaster fire can be heard in the distance and reports are flooding in over the comlinks.

Trooper A (over the comlink to the troop leader): "I've spotted them in the crew quarters. They're AGGGG"

Trooper B: "Sir! We need reinfor"

A blaster shot ends the report.

Trooper leader: (into the comlink) "All forces converge on the crew quarters." (to the trooper cutting open the door) "Leave that and come with me."

They run off towards the crew quarters.

FREIGHTER'S CREW QUARTERS NEAR THE BRIDGE

Poe and the twe'lik are thrown onto the floor with hands bound behind their backs. Hardly poking out from under the binders on the twe'lik are two small cylinders. Her glove on her left hand was ripped during a fight and is almost falling off her hand. Behind Poe and the twe'lik are five dead troopers. The troop leader is also dead. Two of the seven still alive are injured. The troopers all straighten up—one with obvious pain-as Warden Exi enters the area. He stops several feet from the captives and surveys the battlegrounds. Finally his eyes rest on two wounded troopers who are struggling to stand upright

Warden Exi: "You two! Leave-get treated immediately. You two! Take dead—honor them properly as First Order Warriors. You! Come! Others, watch them!"

All troopers: "At your command Warden!"

The two wounded limp off while two others begin picking up their fallen comrades and taking them off the ship. Warden Exi and a trooper leave heading toward the bridge. The remaining two troopers take up guard positions around Poe and the twe'lik. In the distance, the sound of a lightsaber igniting and cutting open a door is heard. Then a loud thump as something heavy falls to the floor. Poe and the twe'lik look at each other. The Twe'lik slowly rotates her wrist as heavy quick footsteps are heard coming back. Poe shakes his head knowing what she is thinking, but the twe'lik ignores him. Before Warden Exi can re-enter the room, the twe'lik's binders suddenly pop off her wrist. Leaping to her feet, she ignites the two small lightsabers attached to her bracelets. The thin blue-white blades barely extend past her fingertips. In the tight quarters, she manages to slice through the two guards' blasters and kicks one trooper down, but not out. She is moving in to knock down the other guard when she is suddenly thrown against the far wall. Her left handed glove falls off her hand. Warden Exi re-enters the room with his hand outstretched.

Poe: (screams in a heart wrenching tone) "Marae"

Marae struggles to free herself, but Warden Exi's force grip keeps her left arm and side pinned to the wall.

Warden Exi: "Wielder. Pathetic."

Marae: (with difficultly) "At least I chose. You are nothing more than a slave."

Warden Exi force throws her onto the floor hard next to Poe.

Warden Exi: "I master. You powerless!" (he lifts her up and force pins her to another wall) "Where nav-computer?"

Marae: (struggling to speak) "On the bridge where it is supposed to be"

Before anyone can move, Warden Exi snaps Marae's neck. He releases his force hold. She slumps to the floor dead with her left hand extended towards Poe. On her ring finger, is a slightly smaller version of the same unique design of Poe's ring.

Poe: (screams out in pain as he reaches for his wife) "Marae!"

The twe'lik's name is Marae (pronounced Ma-Ray). Marae is an expert mechanic and mildly skilled thief. Raised on Royloth, a planet and people greatly changed within the past 20 years by continuous need to defend against assault—first by the Separatist and then the Empire, Marae learned many skills that otherwise wouldn't have been taught two generations prior. She developed a great interest in mechanics. After reaching adulthood, she and a few friends "borrowed" a spaceship to have a fun adventure. They decided to explore a planet in Hutt space, which they had been told many, many times to stay away from the Hutts. While exploring, they were captured by pirates. After three months of enslavement, during which Marae and her friends worked as grunt labors maintaining and building ships, Marae and her friends escaped. Forced to separate while fleeing, though they all eventually made it back safety, Marae met and allied herself with a human female thief. She kept the thief's ship and tools in peak condition, and the thief kept her safe and fed. During the year she spent with the thief, Marae picked up several thieving skills. After that year, she returned home. Though happy to be safe and see her family again, Marae soon found herself longing for the thrill of overcoming a challenge—though she had no interest in thievery herself. Marae joined a ship designing company. There she met one of the test pilots: Poe Dameron. He was a test pilot for both military and civilian crafts. (His ability to fly basically anything is one reason he was chosen as one of the Star Map Reconnaissance Team Members. Marae was also chosen for her thievery and mechanical skills.) While his piloting skills secretly impressed her, she bragged that she could make an engine that even a mediocre pilot could outrace him. He accepted her challenge stating that he'd make it easier by flying an old Clone Wars B-wing and a date was set a month later. Marae slaved away over that month and while her engine didn't win the race, it certainly impressed Poe. The two started dating and married six months later.

Warden Exi looks at Poe and then back to the dead twe'lik. He notices the unique rings on both their hands.

Warden Exi: "Leave her. You and You" (pointing to two of the troopers) "take" (waving his hand towards Poe) "interrogation. You" (speaking to the last trooper—a female) get others-search ship. Find nav-computer!"

All troopers: "At your command Warden!"

The two troopers jerk Poe to his feet and half drag him out of the room and away from Marae. All the life seems to have gone out of him and he doesn't struggle and the look on his face is pure anguish. The remaining trooper heads off to summon help and search the ship. Warden Exi stays only a moment longer to look around the room. Then he kneels down and removes Marae's bracelets with the miniature lightsabers attached before sweeping out of the room.