CHAPTER EIGHT

DOCKING BAY OF THE SUN CRUISER

Warden Exivy exits a shuttle. A trooper behind her is carrying Rey's unconscious form.

Warden Exivy: "Order the remaining fighters to return. Once they are on board, tell the captain to retreat."

SPACE ABOVE MAZ'S PALACE

All the remaining First Order fighters turn and flee for the safety of the Sun Cruiser which turns to escape. Its engines are in flames with small explosions occurring here and there. The star destroyer and Tie Interceptors continue to fire, but do not pursue. A medical ship from the Lucente is already diving into the lake.

MEDICAL BAY OF THE STAR DESTROYER LUCENTE

Han approaches Loreanna. She is standing in front of a giant window that overlooks the medical wing. Inside Sal's legs are covered in medical braces as two droid doctors poke/prod to stimulate nerve and muscle activity. His body is covered in thin bandages where burns are slightly visible. Nearby, Stella is floating in a bacta tank wearing thin white shorts and a white sleeveless shirt. Her entire body is covered in burns and several deep cuts. On another bed is a small body covered by a white cloth.

Han puts a hand lightly on Loreann's shoulder. She clenches her teeth so hard that the sound is audible. Her fist tightens: "What I want right now is to order this ship to follow that cruiser and completely destroy it."

Han remains quiet his hand still on her shoulder. After a few moments, she gently brushes his hand off as she turns to look at him.

Loreanna takes a deep breath: "Thank you."

Han: "You're welcome Loreanna."

Loreanna opens her mouth to say something when she notices someone approaching: a non-human junior officer.

The junior officer is a young duros alien male.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel turns. Any emotion of pain disappears as she faces the officer: "Report."

Junior Officer: "Agent Solfel, the salvage team has recovered most of your ship, and they found the Dark Millennial's vault."

Han: "Droid in the vault?"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel looking back at the medical wing her eyes focusing on Ferguson's dead body: "Pray it is or else this ship is going after the sun cruiser."

She turns her head forward and walks towards the hanger bay. Han also glances briefly at the medical wing before following. The Junior Officer falls in behind Han.

SMALLER HANGER BAY ON THE STAR DESTROYER LUCENTE

Loreanna and a human male Imperial technician crew member are crouched in front of a large round sphere. A data pad is hooked into a port on the sphere and Loreanna is quickly entering codes. Chewie and Han are standing a few feet away. Finn is sitting head down on a nearby supply crate. Whole pieces of the Dark Millennial's haul, intact storage rooms, and other equipment are piled in organized heaps on one side of the hanger. The data pad chimes success and a light on the vault flashes green. The vault opens like a blooming rose. Loreanna and the Imperial crew member step back. BB-8 can be seen inside. The droid twitters cautiously as it opens and then happily as he sees his allies. He rolls out chirps hello to everyone. When he gets to Finn, he chirps but gets no response. He bumps into him, but Finn doesn't move. BB-8 rotates his head—noticing that people are missing—and ask where are they.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (voice heavy) "Come, there's a lot to explain."

BRIDGE OF THE STAR DESTROYER LUCENTE

Han, Chewie, Finn, and BB-8 stand in the background while Loreanna has a heated discussion with the Commander of the Star Destroyer Admiral Ozzard.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (heatedly) "You think I'm too young to know what I'm doing."

Admiral Ozzard: (controlled) "The Emperor clearly has faith in your abilities and I trust his judgment. I'd be happy to give you any ship and lend you a reasonable number of fighters, but the Lucente cannot escort you to Coruscant."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (tartly) Admiral Ozzard, you are of course aware that I have the authority seize command of your ship regardless of your feelings.

In the background, Han cringes: (he mutters) "Diplomacy was never her strong point"

Admiral Ozzard: (firmly) "Imperial Hand, your authority does indeed outrank mine in most situations, but this is red alert military zone. The military has top authority here. The Lucente will not leave its assigned area unless the Emperor himself commands it."

Loreanna's face shows a mixture of emotion. She opens her mouth anger etched on her face when Admiral Ozzard's second-in-command approaches.

Second-in-command: "Sir! The Emperor has contacted us."

The Second in Command is Vice-Admiral West. She is a middle aged alien humanoid female with brilliant green her hair tightly done up in a ponytail that almost reaches the floor and dark skin. Her eyes have an orange glow to them.

She belongs to a species that lived on a planet in the Outer Rim that didn't know about space travel before explorers from the United Imperial Worlds found her tribe's people. The species incredible skills to analyze and lead in the midst of battle have made those that chose to join very popular in the higher rankings of the military

Both Loreanna and Admiral Ozzard straighten as they move towards the private communication center. Han and Chewie automatically follow. BB-8 rolls forward and then stops. He turns his head around and looks at Finn and beeps for him to follow. Finn hesitates before taking a step towards where the others have gone. BB-8 happily chips and rolls along with him.

PRIVATE COMMUNICATION CENTER OF THE STAR DESTROYER

In a small private communication room; Loreanna, Han, Admiral Ozzard, Vice-Admiral West are all standing around a holo-table. On the other side of the table is a full body holo image of the Emperor. Chewie, BB-8, and Finn stand a little further back.

The Emperor is a Chiss-human. His blue skin is a shade lighter than a full Chiss while his hair is the same dark blue-black. He keeps it cut short. He has no facial hair. His has the red Chiss eyes. He is around 30 to 40 years old.

His father was Chiss while his mother was human. Seven months after the peace treaty between the New Republic and Empire, the Empire was reorganized into the United Imperial Worlds with a new Emperor—the current one—and council.

Admiral Ozzard taps a few buttons. The holo-table displays Takodana with its nearby moon and the sun cruiser stationed behind it.

Admiral Ozzard: "Scouts report that they've already started repairs. The technicians estimate it will take four standard hours for them to finish all their repairs. There are also a couple of squads of First Order fighters in orbit." (He shows them on the holo-display.) "They've followed, but haven't attacked any of our scouts yet"

Emperor: "They won't. Not unless the hyperdrive is activated."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Sir?"

The Emperor enters a command into the holo-table on his end and a display of the last few minutes of the battle when the flair destroyed the Dark Millennial is shown. As the Millennial falls into the water, the display ends.

Emperor: "The top priority of the First Order is the droid. Moving in to rescue the Dark Millennial told them it was on board. Now, they are waiting to see if it was destroyed."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Attacking in a manner that looks like we're trying to take the ship intact with its nav-computer would be the best way to dispel that belief.

She sighs.

Admiral Ozzard: "Best and most unlikely to succeed since the wardens would never allow it. Where's a Jedi when you need one?"

Han: "Staying would arouse suspicion and leaving would confirm the droid survived."

The Emperor waves over an aide who hands the Emperor a data pad. After opening a specific application, he types something in before handing it back to the aide who exits out of the hologram.

The aide is an adult middle aged human male.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Any ship that leaves will have to fight its way through. Damage is almost guaranteed and with the First Order as powerful as it is with the scum of the galaxy, if we're traveling in anything less than a Star Destroyer, they'll have every bounty hunter and pirate on route to intercept us and there's a chance they'll succeed, which means my friend will have died for nothing."

Admiral Ozzard: (gently) "Then what of the lives of those in this area. If the Lucente leaves, the droid will get to Coruscant safely, but the First Order could launch a counter attack and without the Lucente, civilians and innocents will die."

The aide returns and hands the emperor back his datapad. The emperor reads the information.

Emperor: "Admiral Ozzard, I applaud your dedication for the safety of our citizens. In this instance, the droid must be prioritized. You are ordered to escort the droid all the way to Coursant."

Admiral Ozzard: "Understood Sir!"

Emperor: "As for the safety of the citizens in your sector, I've already informed every world to be on high alert until reinforcements arrive in five standard hours."

Admiral Ozzard: "Five hours? Sir, I'm unaware of any Imperial forces that near."

Emperor: (with a smile) "The nearest Imperial forces are twelve standard hours from Takodana."

Admiral Ozzard's eyes widen as he realizes the Emperor is implying Republic reinforcements. His mouth twists in a bitter expression. Then he takes a breath and releases the hostility.

Admiral Ozzard: "Please offer them my sincere thanks."

The Emperor smiles and nods understanding that old wounds can still leave painful scars, but that a true leader accepts new realities

Emperor: "You're to leave immediately."

.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "My Emperor, I ask permission for a freelance endeavor."

Emperor: (good humor) "Would this be an additional freelance endeavor or merely an extension of your current freelancing?"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel looks slightly embarrassed, but stands tall. (un-bashful and slightly defensive) "My Emperor trains his hands to be where he cannot. I was investigating if the Red Scar pirates are working with the First Order when a scout reported the distress call."

The Emperor chuckle warmly. (more serious) "You wish to rescue your comrade?"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Yes, Rey's assistance was critical in securing this droid. I cannot allow her to remain imprisoned."

Emperor: (gently) "You are no match for two Wardens child"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (determined) "That is correct, but as a hand, it is my duty to protect all of the United Imperial Worlds' citizens. This Star Destroyer is needed to protect BB-8, but I personally cannot leave when Imperial lives are in danger.

Han: "Nor can I. Although it's not so much for Imperial lives as lives in general."

Chewie rumbles his agreement.

Han: "The Falcon and I may have a trick that can get us there undetected. But if we're going to navigate through a ship that size…" He looks at Finn who seems shocked at what they are proposing.

Finn also steps forward: (stutters) "I'll go as well. (with more confidence) I can get us around the ship undetected."

Emperor (with a small trace of amusement) "It seems you have yourself an excellent crew." (more serious) "You have my permission. Take care my hand—your loss would be great indeed."

SMALLER HANGER BAY ON THE STAR DESTROYER LUCENTE

Lucente crew members have moved the five small hidden storage closets of the Dark Millennial away from the rest of the equipment while Loreanna and the others were away after freeing BB-8. Some crew members are still organizing pieces in the background. The hidden storage closest, like the vault, operated on a closed circuit system. Thus when the sun flair fried all the equipment in the ship, it didn't destroy what was in the vault. Loreanna, Han, and Finn approach one of the storage closets.

Han: (sincerely) "Sorry about your ship."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel glances over the mess and unbroken hull pieces: "The hull wasn't damaged, so it will be an easy matter of rebuilding the interior. Though, it won't be the same without Ferguson."

There's silence for a moment. Loreanna starts punching in a code into one of the storage rooms.

Han: "I'm surprised these are in one piece."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "The locks and everything inside operate on a closed circuit, so the flairs power surge shouldn't have affected it. Ferguson designed it that way for security purposes. (softly) This one was his."

The door clicked and opened. Green blinking lights on blasters and other equipment indicate everything is fully operational. Ferguson's hidden closest contains rows of equipment including explosives, magnetic boots, grappling guns, data pads, different colored key cards, various identity cards, voice copier (like Obi Wan used in the Clone Ward), and four turtle shell shaped slim backpacks with green lights above two of them and orange above the other two.) Loreanna enters the room and starts grabbing supplies. Han and Finn remain by the door. Finn's mouth and eyes are wide in shock. Han calmly scans the various supplies. Vice-Admiral West approaches. Han steps back to meet her several feet from the storage closet.

Vice-Admiral West: (to Han) "The probe droid you requested has been programmed to your co-pilot's specifications and released. Is there anything else you need before we enter hyperspace?"

Han: (to Vice-Admiral West) "And the other item I requested?"

Vice-Admiral West expresses mild dissatisfaction: (to Han) "That has been given to your co-pilot as well."

Han nods in thanks.

Vice-Admiral West approaches the storage closet. Finn is inside and holding several items for Loreanna. Loreanna notices her approach and faces the Vice-Admiral.

Vice-Admiral West: (formal and respectful) "Agent Solfel, the Lucente is ready for light speed. Admiral Ozzard proposes traveling a couple of light years away before you leave on your mission. Is that acceptable? ."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Yes, it is acceptable. Tell Admiral Ozzard thank you for his concern for both missions."

Vice-Admiral West nods. Then turns and leaves.

Loreanna goes back to gathering some equipment. Han watches for a moment: "Dare I ask if you have a plan for once we're on board?"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "I have a few ideas." She picks up two of the turtle shaped backpacks.

SUN CRUISER INTERROGATION ROOM

Rey is strapped onto a vertical interrogation table. The room is circular and open leaving room for an interrogator to walk all the way around the table easily. There are no torture devices visible, but outlines of various shaped slide out compartment sections are all around the room. The doorway blends in with the other compartments. One of the compartments has been slide out to make a table on which Rey's things such as her comlink, her blaster, her holo-locket, and Annakin's old lightsaber rest. Rey has been straining uselessly against her binds. She slumps back against the table apparently defeated. Then her gaze focuses on the lightsaber. She reaches out with the force—straining—towards the saber. It seems to quiver, but it doesn't move.

Rey (strain) "come on—here saber saber—fly into my hand"

Suddenly the lightsaber twitches noticeable and then lifts slowly before flying toward Rey. Her cry of elation is cut short at it flies directly into a white gloved hand that appears next to hers.

A soft laugh is heard as Warden Exivy steps around the table and into view.

Warden Exivy: "Your technique is rather amusing," (she ignites the lightsaber and holds it close to Rey's face.) "Understand that it takes training to wield the force."

Rey: "Are you a force wielder or some evil type of Jedi?"

Warden Exivy: "I am a Warden: My kind ward against weakness within and enemies without. Our loyalty is to Order by whatever means necessary."

Warden Exivy deactivates the lightsaber and attaches it to her belt.

Rey: "Why did you save me?"

Warden Exivy: "A better question is why did you fall?"

Rey remains silent.

Warden Exivy: "There is no need for stubbornness. I have already answered one of your questions. It is only fair you answer one of mine."

Rey's eyebrows knit as she thinks before giving a decisive nod.

Warden Exivy waves Rey's hand and the arm and chest restraints unlock. Her feet are still secure, but she can sit up and follow Warden Exivy's movement around the room.

Rey: "I had a force vision and lost my grip."

Warden Exivy (curious tone) "A force vision?"

Rey: "My turn to ask a question."

Warden Exivy halts suddenly…before laughing gently and waving for Rey to continue.

Rey: "Why did you save me? The First Order is evil, so why would you save me?"

Warden Exivy: "Evil? Hmm. Before I answer your question, I must ask: Do you know why the First Order is called by that name?"

Rey: "I don't"

Warden Exivy: (calmly yet it sends a chill up your spine kind of tone) "It was the first order that the Unknown Regions of the galaxy had ever known. Before the First Order, there was only death and chaos as the strong ruled the weak. Thousands suffered under tyranny so cruel that the former emperor of your empire seemed compassionate by comparison. Civility had no place. Now there is order."

Rey: "Your 'Order' destroyed my family."

Warden Exivy suddenly reaches out and grabs Rey's arm. Rey jerks back, but Warden Exivy only holds on for a moment before letting go.

Warden Exivy: "Family can mean many things: Close friends, chosen companions, and blood." (Moves to stand directly in front of Rey.) "You asked why I saved you." (she removes her helmet.)

Warden's Exivy's face is identical to Rey's.

AROUND THE MESS/GAME TABLE ON BOARD THE FALCON

The game/mess table is full of equipment taken from the Dark Millennial's storage closets.

Finn has removed Poe's jacket and it only wearing his uniform minus the green stripes. Loreanna is also wearing gray clothing with a red stripe to show a specialization that explains her odd tool belt. The fit suggest it's her own clothing, but the style wouldn't bear a close scrutiny as a First Order uniform. She has a belt full of tools; as well as her energy whip hidden under her clothing. Her blaster is hanging over her clothing. Han's also dressed in gray and also has a tool belt. His is wearing a borrowed military uniform. It's a loose fit in some areas and there are patches where rank markings and insignia were torn off the uniform, but it looks more like a First Order uniform. Han's also wearing his iconic blaster.

Han is putting on new boots that have metallic glint on the bottom. Loreanna is standing nearby putting the voice adapter and slicer cards into her belt. Her hands looks bear, but they shimmer like sun off metallic snake skin when the light hits at the right angle. On the edge of the table is a hologram projector projecting an image of a Sun Cruiser. Areas such as the detention center, physical training area, entry point, and maintenance ducts are labeled. Finn is looking at everything in disbelief.

Finn: "I don't believe it."

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Do you see a potential problem?"

Finn: "Problem? No, I don't believe that I actually think this will work."

Han finishes testing the magnetic strips: "Kid, you get the right people and any job is possible. With your knowledge, Imperial Hand Loreanna's tools and skills, and my…"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Your chicanery."

Han pulls the 'Who me' look.

Finn: (slightly stressed—a hint of panic—and determination) "Still…This, this is crazy. It's the three of us against an entire sun cruiser crew and two wardens and sure we've got slicer cards (he picks up a credit card sized silver computer access card with white code lines running across the back and front of the card), bubble bags (the turtle shaped backpacks), voice adapters (like the one Obi Wan Kenobi used in the Clone Wars) and stuff; but this is insane. It shouldn't work. Order says it's not possible. Then why do I believe it's possible. And even if it weren't, why do I still want to try?

Bubble bags look like two toned turtle shells. The controller that goes on the wrist is an elongated oval. On one side is a blue button while one the opposite side has an orange button. Next to the orange button is a slider that can be moved up and down. Between the two buttons is a small dial that can be turned toward either button. Above the dial is a power bar indicator.

The blue button activates a personal shield generator and the orange button activates an artificial gravity zone, which artificial gravity can be lighter or heavier (the up and down slider) than the current gravity. The dial controls how much of the power is being put into the shield or gravity bubble. The more power in the shield the larger the shield and vice versa—the more power in the gravity generator the more heavier or lighter in comparison to the surrounding gravity the zone can be. Bubble bags also have small thrusters so that when the user is in a light gravity field, he or she can move in any direction silently. Bubble bags do not generate umbrella like shields as seen in Episode I. In other words, the shield energy does not go up and then umbrella down to cover the wearer. Instead, the shield is like a shield on a droideka: A sphere forming from the generator.

The voice adaptor looks the same as the one Obi Wan Kenobi used in the Clone Wars when he went undercover as a bounty hunter after faking his own death.

Han: "That is a question you'll have to answer for yourself: As does everyone who joins a cause greater than themselves."

The way he speaks implies he's speaking both about himself and Imperial Hand Loreanna.

Han's ship comlink chirps. Han answers. Chewie growls that the calculations are done and they are ready for hyperspace.

Han looks at the others and they nod once before they all turn and head back towards the cockpit.

SUN CRUISER DETENTION BLOCK FOYER

The cell block foyer is identical to the interrogation foyer. There's the half circle desk with two guards behind it, and the door to the cell block is off to the right. Security is similar. The door to the foyer opens and Rey with two troopers enter. Behind them is a long hallway with several blaster doors that dead ends at a lift. As they enter. One of the guards behind the desk comes around with a voice analyzer. The other draws his weapon in a relaxed yet ready to fire pose. One of Rey's guards steps forwards and declares his name and code number. Then the trooper returns to stand behind Rey. The other trooper steps forward and states his name and code number. Once both have cleared, the foyer guard takes out a datepad and shows the trooper the combination he'll need for the cell. Then he shows them another code.

Guard B: "Cell 26" (as he shows the trooper the combination while the other trooper opens the door.)

SUN CRUISER DETENTION BLOCK

The one guard nods once he has it memorized and rejoins his partner to escort Rey down the hallway to her cell. The guard who had memorized the combination steps forward and punches in the code. The door slides open. With the other trooper behind her, Rey takes a step forward before her right leg gives way. She falls. As she scrambles to get back to her feet, her hand brushes the keypad.

She sees a guard's hand touching the keypad and entering the code.

The guards roughly grab her and throw her into the cell. She glares briefly at the door as it slams shut. Once the footsteps of the troopers are gone, her fingers move as she mouths the code to herself.