CHAPTER TEN

SUN CRUISER DETENTION BLOCK FOYER

Loreanna and Han exit the detention block. The guards stand out of respect and Loreanna nods once to them. She and Han head for the exit. Right before they get to the door, without turning, Loreanna cries out in pain and grabs her arm. The detention block door opens in perfect timing with her yell.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (Phasma's voice-yells) "Ahhhh!"

Both guards are shocked. One comes out from behind the desk.

Guard C: "Captain Phasma, do I need to summon medical?"

Neither guard noticed that the detention door opened. Loreanna turns to look at Guard B. Both guards whole attention is focused on her. Neither of them notices Rey leveling a blaster in their direction. Rey shoots. The stun blast hit the guard still behind the desk. He slumps to the floor. The one by Loreanna manages to turn towards Rey before her second stun blasts hits him. Rey exits the detention block with Finn behind her. The door closes behind them.

Han: "Nice shooting kid. Now let's go. The sooner I am out of this armor the happier I will be."

The four exit the detention block foyer.

SUN CRUISER BRIDGE

Both Wardens are standing near a terminal where a technician is reporting the incoming data. Warden Exi is still standing erect while Warden Exivy meditates.

Techincian: "A probe has spotted the Falcon attached to one of our supply docking airlocks."

Warden Exi: "Excellent! I attack."

Warden Exivy: "I advise against that."

Warden Exi "…"

Warden Exivy: "Doubtless the wookie is still aboard the Falcon. Approach would not only alert them that we know they're here, it's likely the wookie would simply fly away."

Warden Exi: "He abandon companions?"

Warden Exivy: "Not exactly, this is Captain Solo and Imperial Hand Loreanna…two of the most cunning and brilliant minds in the galaxy. I am certain that they already have a prearranged secondary plan of escape or the wookie would return again undetected to meet them elsewhere. Either way, their direction would be difficult to determine and even we are not capable of protecting every part of this ship. But…"

Warden Exi: "Leaving ship alone. We know exactly where they go."

Warden Exivy: "Precisely."

SUN CRUISER MAINTENANCE DUCTS

Finn, Loreanna, Han, and Rey are crawling through the maintenance ducts.

Rey has been given an earpiece and is wearing the blaster she used earlier. Loreanna has ditched Phasma's armor and coughed up the voice adaptor, so she sounds like herself again. She's also removed the gray clothing she had on over her one piece dark green metallic combat suit. She has a control panel like Sabena in Rebels on her right wrist. Her blaster and energy whip are hanging visibly on her hips. She is also wearing one of the bubble bags that Han and Finn had hidden earlier. Han has also ditched the trooper armor. He's still dressed in gray. His blaster is out and he's wearing the other bubble bag on his back. Finn hasn't changed except for a blaster on his hip taken from one of the guards.

Rey: (into the comlink) "You sliced into the main frame and created false identities and prison orders?"

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (via comlink) "Among a few other things. The key to any rescue operation is to have a viable escape option or two."

The last comment seems more directed toward Han.

Han: "On that topic, I'd say it's time to cause a few problems to make the escape viable."

Loreanna smiles and enters a code into her control pad on her wrist.

He thumbs his comlink to a different frequency: "Chewie"

Chewie growls that he's listening.

Han: "It's time."

SUN CRUISER HALLWAY

The Wardens are on their way to the supply hanger bay area where the Falcon is connected when both their holo-wrist communicators beep. Warden Exi answers.

Warden Exi answers: (to the hologram) "Speak."

Crew Member: (small hologram image) "Two dozen Tie Interceptors have emerges from hyper-space. Commander has already ordered two squadrons to launch to intercept. There are also intruder alarms in areas 4, 6, and 11."

Crew member is a human male.

Warden Exivy: (to the hologram) "Confirm the identity of each pilot before they launch."

Crew Member: (small hologram image) "At your command Warden."

Warden Exi: (to Warden Exivy—little surprised) "Think Falcon diversion? They use fighters escape?"

Warden Exivy: (putting her thoughts into words—to Warden Exi) "Captain Solo would not easily abandon his ship. The Imperial Hand would stage an attack to steal a fighter or another ship. The Falcon may be misdirection."

Warden Exivy: (to the hologram) "Has someone confirmed a physical sighting of an intruder?"

Crew Member: (small hologram image) "No Warden. I've tried. There's a problem with communications."

Warden Exi: (to the hologram) "Fix"

Crew Member: (small hologram image) "At your command Wardens."

The Wardens turn off their comlinks.

Warden Exivy: "This situation is problematic."

Warden Exivy considers the situation as she reaches out to the Force.

Warden Exi waits impatiently and then interrupts her pondering: "You said simple solutions good against Hand and Solo. We split. I secure Falcon. You investigate alarms."

Warden Exivy: (tiny microscopic hint of mirth) "Simple is wise given our circumstances." (hint of mirth gone) "Very well; though I do not like the idea of only one of us facing them."

Warden Exi: "You doubt us?"

Warden Exivy: "No, I only wonder if this was their plan all along."

She turns around and heads for the bridge. Warden Exi watches her for a moment as if thinking over her words. Then he heads for the supply hanger bay area.

SUN CRUISER SUPPLY HANGER BAY AREA

An access hatchway to the maintenance ducts swings open upwards about half way up the wall and locks into place. Finn pokes his head out and scans the large near empty room. The room is large enough to fit twenty large supply ships. The spaces for each ship are numbered. Near each space are the necessary machines to offload supplies, scanning equipment, and a few crates. The large hanger door is shut. To the left and right of the door, there are three airlocks to access ships for smaller supply runs. The Falcon is connected to the middle one on the left. Finn sees no one in the room. He turns around and grabs the handles built into the maintenance duct access door. He pulls his body out of the duct and dangles with his feet about three inches off the floor. Then he lets go and drops the shot distance. The others follow his example. Out of habit, Finn pushes an area on the wall. A compartment slides out with an extendable rod inside of it. Finn takes out the rod, extends it, and uses it to push the button on the maintenance access door to close it. As he's collapsing the rod, Loreanna grabs his arms and gestures towards the airlock. Finn looks embarrassed and fuddles with the rod uncertain if he should put it back or not. He finally shoves it back into the compartment—though not perfectly—and leaves without closing the compartment.

The four quickly cross the hanger bay. About thirty feet away from the airlock and near the last space marked for a supply ship, Loreanna suddenly freezes. Han notices and also stops. Rey is only a heartbeat behind him. Finn takes a few more steps before stopping.

Finn: "Wh"

The words freeze in his throat as they hear snap-hiss. An orange lightsaber blazes into existence and Warden Exi steps out from behind some equipment.

Warden Exi: "I see Falcon not feint."

Loreanna immediately steps closer to Rey as she turns the dial on her bubble bag to full shield and pushes the blue button. Han does the same for Finn. The shield generates out a sphere large enough for both of them to move around comfortable. Then Loreanna grabs Rey's wrist and starts moving away from Han and Finn. Han gives Finn a gently nudge and they move in the other direction to flank Warden Exi.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (scans the room again) "You're alone?"

Warden Exi: "Yes, she investigating. I defeat you alone."

Han with his famous sardonic smile: "There's an advantage to having a Jedi for a brother-in-law, you learn a few tricks about dealing with force users."

Han pulls something from his belt and throws it at Warden Exi. Warden Exi Force grabs it and flings it high into the air. Boom! The small explosion explodes above everyone's heads. Han gives a couple of explosives to Finn. They both throw them together at Warden Exi. Warden Exi Force grabs the pair and also flings them above his head. Finn throws his second and last one. Warden Exi Force grabs it and throws it back towards Han and Finn. It explodes about three feet away. The explosion washes over their shield and the power meter noticeably goes down about an eighth. As Han and Finn threw explosives, Rey and Loreanna moved further away to catch Warden Exi in a cross-fire. As the explosion washes over Finn and Han, Rey and Loreanna both open fire. Warden Exi directs most of the bolts back at them, but the only hit the shield and disappear. Once the fire dies down, Han and Finn also open fire. Warden Exi struggles, but manages to block or dodge all the blaster bolts. He draws back his hand as if for a force push. A light on Loreanna's wrist control pad starts blinking.

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: "Get Ready."

Suddenly the artificial gravity in the hanger bay deactivates. The equipment, tools, and crates all begin floating off the floor. Loreanna, Rey, Finn, and Han also start lifting off the ground. Before they can get more than two inches off the ground, Loreanna turns the dial on her bubble bag so that it's balanced between shield and gravity generator. Han follows her example. All of them come back to the ground while everything else (unless it's inside their bubbles) continues to float higher off the floor. Loreanna quickly scans the power bar before bringing her gun to fire at Warden Exi. Her eyes go wide in shock. Instead of floating like everything else, he is standing firmly on the ground.

Rey notices the slight gleam on his boots: (spat) "Magnetic boots."

Warden Exi suddenly burst into movement. Though not as natural as his movements before, due to no-gravity, he quickly covers the distance between him and Han/Finn. His lightsaber strikes the shield several times. The power level drops to below half. Loreanna pulls out her energy whip and lashes out with it. The whip wraps around the lightsaber (Annakin Skywalker's old lightsaber) hanging from his belt and tears it free. Loreanna pulls the whip back and the saber flies directly into Rey's hand. Rey quickly frees it from the whip before igniting it. She and Loreanna move in together to attack Warden Exi. Rey strikes first: One hand on the saber and the other clenched into a first below it as if she is wielding a bow staff. Her swing is awkward, but it forces Warden Exi to break off his attack to block her. He does so easily. Loreanna activates the energy on her energy whip, which makes the whole whip glow slightly pink, and slashes towards Warden Exi's chest. He dodges by taking a few steps back. Loreanna presses the attack. Warden Exi blocks a few of the attacks on his lightsaber, but it doesn't damage the whip. Han and Finn resume firing between Loreanna's attacks. Warden Exi shifts over so that Loreanna and Rey and between him and Han/Finn. The two cease their firing. Warden Exi moves in close. He deactivates his lightsaber and ignites it as soon as it's cleared the shield. Loreanna grabs her whip near the handle—her shock gauntlets protect her from the energy—with the hand that isn't already holding onto the handle. She pulls her whip tight and blocks the saber. Warden Exi's pushes against Loreann's impromptu shield. His blade gets closer to her face. Suddenly Rey stabs the point of the lightsaber directly towards Warden Exi. He pulls his own lightsaber back to block her strike.

Han and Finn are at the airlock opening the hatchway. Warden Exi sees that they may escape. Letting go of his lightsaber with one of his hands, he force blast Rey out of the protective shield and gravity generator. Rey flies across the room—the lightsaber deactivates-and hits the wall hard one airlock away from where the Falcon is connected. She goes limp and hangs suspended in the air unconscious with the lightsaber floating next to her.

Finn: "Rey!"

He takes a step to run over to her. Han grabs him and pulls him closer. Finn turns to say something, but Han has already picked up his feet and is activating his own magnetic boots. He removes the bubble bag and hands it to Finn. The power bar is a little above a quarter.

Han: "Get Rey in the Falcon."

Han runs outside the protection of the bubble bag. Once he's clear, he jumps. The weakened gravity allows him to sore halfway to the ceiling. The magnetic dots on his own boots activate as he lands on a floating hovercraft. He scans the room. Finn has got to Rey and is already half carrying/dragging her towards the Falcon. The lightsaber is in his hand. He sees Loreanna being backed into the wall near where Rey had landed by the airlock. He looks at all the floating pieces before jumping from the hovercraft to a crate to another hovercraft to a large piece of equipment.

Loreanna's whip is wrapped around Warden Exi's lightsaber. (Her shild is smaller and only covers herself. The power bar is barely above half.) She pulls hard and succeeds in ripping it out of his hands. As she uses her whip to fling the lightsaber far away, Warden Exi force pushes the whip from her hands and it falls a few feet away. Loreanna grabs a viroblade from her boot and charges Warden Exi. He moves his arm up to defend and a thin-blue blade ignites from a bracelet on his wrist. The miniature lightsaber blade slices easily through the viroblade. Loreanna staggers from her own forward momentum and not meeting any resistance. She dives to the floor-missing a swipe from the blade on his other wrist. She barrel rolls and get back on her feet. However before she can fully turn around, Warden Exi grabs her in a force grip and lifts her off her feet. He's about four feet outside her shield. Warden Exi closes the mini lightsabers and summons his own back to him.

Warden Exi: "Supreme Leader reward your death."

He pulls back to strike. Han jumps from above and lands about two feet behind him.

Han: "Leave my daughter alone!"

Han fires. Warden Exi turns and manages to deflect the bolts away from him. Loreanna drops to the floor. Warden Exi swings his lightsaber to strike at Han. The tip barely misses Han as he pushes off the ground and flies back ten feet while firing towards Warden's Exi's feet.

A trick he learned from Luke that it is harder to direct shots back to their source when they are aimed at the feet.

Warden Exi deflects all the shots off to the side. He glances briefly towards Loreanna who has run over and reclaimed her whip before looking back at Han. Before Loreanna can take a step to move back to help her father, Warden Exi grabs Han in a force grip and drags him onto his extended lightsaber. The lightsaber pierces Han through the stomach.

Han gasps in pain.

Loreanna freezes in horror.

Warden Exi deactivates his lightsaber. Han floats there grabbing his middle-his face twisted in pain. Loreanna screams in agony. Han digs something round out of his belt. Loreanna activates her energy whip, but before she can move, Han reaches out and grabs Warden Exi's shoulder. The Warden turns his lightsaber ignited to slice off Han's hand. Han throws Loreanna an apologetic smile prior to releasing the trigger on a small, but powerful explosive device.

Warden Exi doesn't have time to draw back as the explosions envelopes both him and Han. Loreanna has time to crank her shield to full power before the blast engulfs her. The explosion expands outwards well past the three airlocks on the left.

Finn exits the airlock—having secured Rey and the lightsaber in the Falcon—right as the explosion consumes the hanger. His shield—still on fully size—flickers as the strain quickly drains the remaining power. It dies as the explosion dies. The weakened flames and remaining heat burn Finn's body.

Finn: "Agggggg"

Finn's cloths are charred and parts of his body are horribly burnt. He faints from the pain. Loreanna suddenly appears. She grabs Finn and gets him aboard the Falcon. She activates her comlink.

ONBOARD THE FALCON

Imperial Hand Loreanna Solfel: (into the comlink) "Chewie, tell the fighters it's time to leave NOW."

OUTER SPACE NEAR TAKODANA'S MOON

The Falcon detaches and flies away. Once clear, it disappears into hyperspace.

FALCON

Finn is lying down on the Falcon's basic medical table with an oxygen mask. Rey is awake and fiddling with her bow staff. Loreanna is standing so motionless and expressionless that she looks like a statue. Chewbacca is growling and pounding his fists against a crate that is already showing damage from the constant heavy pounding. Chewie pounds and pounds and pounds on the crate. The lid slowly bends and then snaps. He gets down on his knees and looks at Loreanna.

Loreanna moves for the first time: (to Chewie) "To one owed a life debt. The debt is now beyond paying. What will you do?"

Chewie growls that Han may be gone, but his memories are not.

Loreanna: "Then do you Chewbacca agree to bear well the memories of Han Solo—to guard what he would guard, defend as he would defend, and protect what he loved?"

Chewbacca growls yes.

Loreanna: "Then rise—your debt can still be paid."

Chewbacca rises. Nods to Loreanna and leaves the room.

Loreanna looks at Rey's curious face. A fraction of a hint of a smile lights her face.

Loreanna: "Surprised? I'll bet you've never seen a Wookie life debt formal pledge before."

Rey shakes her head.

Loreanna: (voice goes deadpan as she keeps talking) "You'll be more surprised when he comes back. Wookies love their fur. He'll be showing his grief in the most powerful way possible in his culture."

She pauses and then starts talking as if she doesn't know how to stop now that she's started.

Loreanna: "My father never approved of my decision to abandon the Republic in favor of the United Imperial Worlds. He grumbled something about all those sacrifices over the years." (hint of humor) "It didn't stop me from leaving." (deadpan) "There's a lot of parents who would have disowned a child for joining the "enemy," but he didn't. Dad was there when I was appointed as an Imperial Hand." (humor) "Of course he complained about the food." (emotional leaking into the voice) "Afterwards, he asked if I was happy. I said yes. He hugged me and said that while he and mom couldn't approve, they respected my decision and still loved me."

Loreanna starts crying and physically trembling. Rey reaches out and puts a hand on her shoulder.

Loreanna: (though her tears—firmly—growing anger) "As soon as that nav-computer is cracked, I'm going to the Unknown regions to strike back at the First Order."

PRIVATE COMMUNICATION ROOM ON THE SUN CRUISER

Warden Exivy is down on one knee before the communication table. The face plate of her helmet is only covering the bottom half of her face. Her eyes identical to Rey's are visible. She is talking to the Supreme Leader. On the holo-table is a projection of the symbol on Warden Exivy's uniform. Only the Supreme Leader's voice is heard.

Supreme Leader: "The Republic and Empire have dealt a hard blow." (sincere sorrow and disappointment) "Many of my dear followers have died. Your failure and the death of my warden are surprising. What punishment is fitting for this failure?"

Warden Exivy: "Assign me to inspection duty for as long as you see fit."

Supreme Leader: "You loathe inspection duty." He thinks for a while. "The punishment is fitting. Return my child to the safety of my flock."

Warden Exivy: "Sir, I have one more matter to report. I have found one with the key you need."

Supreme Leader: (surprise and joy at first—then deadly intention) "hahahah. Then there is no longer any need to wait. The time for playing with the Empire and Republic is finished. Now the Unknown will truly awaken to scourge those who oppose us."

OUTER SPACE NEAR AN IMPERIAL WORLD

An Imperial shuttle is connected to the Falcon.

COCKPIT OF THE FALCON

Rey and Chewie are in the cockpit of the Falcon. Chewie is missing large portions of his fur and looks like a gangster.

Loreanna Solfel: (over the comlink) "Thanks for the ride Chewie. Rey, I'll make sure Finn gets the best care we imperials have, but are you sure you don't want Chewie to take you back to Jakku? My father did promise we'd take you back."

Rey looks over to where she can see her own face reflecting back at her: "Yes, I'm sure. There's something I have to do and Jakku is no longer the place."

Lorenna Solfel: (bit suspicious) "Alright" (warmly) "Oh, you'll be pleased to know that BB-8 made it safely to Courscant. He'll be there when you arrive in about a week or so. Chewie, give her my regards. Rey, say hello to Master Skywalker."

OUTER SPACE NEAR AN IMPERIAL WORLD

The imperial shuttle disconnects and head for the planet. The Falcon disappears into hyperspace.

COURSANT AT A LANDING PAD

The Falcon lands on a landing pad near the senate building. The ramp drops. Chewie and Rey exit. Rey is stunned by the sheer size of the city, but tries not to gape. Waiting for them on the pad is a golden droid (C-3PO), a woman (Leia), and an astromech droid (R2-D2), a man (Poe), and BB-8.

BB-8 is back to the original orange and white design. Leia is wearing a simple flattering non-adorned dress. Poe is wearing black casual mourning cloths with a white over jacket with an orange ribbon the same orange as Marae's skin pinned to the front.

Leia notices how drastic is Chewie's haircut. A small tear drops from her eye. Chewie notices it and give her a big gentle hug. While they hug, BB-8 rolls up to Rey and happily greets her. The man also approaches.

Poe: "I understand you saved my friend."

Rey studies him for a moment before recognizing him as the man from the holo-image BB-8 showed her earlier.

Rey: "You're his family?"

Poe: "Yeah, anyways, thank you so much for saving him. BB-8 is all I've got now."

Rey is uncertain how to respond.

Poe: (realizing he made things awkward—zero romance) "Anyhow, I hear you're going to be learning here on Courscant. BB-8 and I would be happy to teach you how to fly a starship to say thinks if you're interested."

Rey: "I would love to learn."

Poe: "Then BB-8 and I will see you around."

He turns and leaves. BB-8 whistles good-bye before rolling after him. Rey turns to see Leia standing nearby.

Leia smiles bravely as she faces Rey.

Leia: "You must be Rey."

Rey: "Yes, and you must be L..Captain Solo's wife."

Leia takes her hand: (kindly) "Call me Leia."

Rey is surprised and confused by Leia's kindness: "I'm sorry! If I hadn't been captured!"

Leia shakes her head: "Han knew the risks better than you could imagine. Knew them and still chose to go."

Rey looks unconvinced.

Leia pulls her into a hug and whispers: "I DO NOT blame you, and if you truly wish to respect Han's decision, please forgive yourself. Guilt is a burden that only gets heavier with time."

Leia holds Rey for a bit: "Han's recklessness was one of the reasons I loved him."

Leia releases Rey: (more business toned) "My apologies, obligations require me to attend an emergency Council of Defense meeting, so I've brought R2 with me to guide you to Master Skywalker."

She beckons R2 to come forward. R2 beeps hello.

Leia: "Imperial Hand Solfel has already informed us about your desire to train as a Jedi. Master Skywalker is waiting for you near the new Jedi residence and temple."

Rey looks surprised to hear that the "Master Skywalker" is waiting for her.

Rey: "Thank you."

Leia smiles and gestures that Rey should follow R2. R2 has already flipped around and is heading off towards the destination. Rey waves good-bye and runs after R2.

COURSANT OUTSIDE THE NEW JEDI RESIDENCY AND TEMPLE

R2, with Rey following several feet behind, approaches a group of three robed people. The shortest has the hood on the robe down. It's a wookie padawan. The other two have their faces hidden by their hoods. When R2 reaches the group, the wookie padawan and unknown Jedi bow their heads to the other before leaving. The remaining figure reaches out to touch R2. A small glint of metal sparkles in the sun on the figure's hand.

Rey (about four feet from the figure) "Master Skywalker"

She unclips the lightsaber and holds it out towards the figure.

The figure approaches and takes the lightsaber with one hand while the other hand pulls back her hood. Rey stares at a woman with stunning red-gold hair. The woman warmly smiles at her.

THE END OF STAR WARS ALTERNATE: THE UNKNOWN AWAKENS

Mara Jade Skywalker, Luke's wife and Loreanna's master of several skills. Mara was an Emperor's Hand for Emperor Palpatine. Though unaware of the Emperor's true diabolical nature, she brought many traitors, pirates, and criminals to justice in hopes of creating a safe empire for all its citizens. She met Luke about five years after Endor when she was working as an intelligent/transportation agent in a non-government organization. At that time, she was consumed by a compulsion put on her by Emperor Palpatine to kill him. Circumstances forced them to work together and she wasn't able to kill him at that time. Later, after she'd learned more about the reality of what type of man the Emperor had been, she realized that she personally no longer had a reason to hate Luke Skywalker. The two became friends and assisted each other every now and then over the next decade. Shortly before the signing of the peace treaty between the soon to be United Imperial Worlds and New Republic, Mara was captured while gathering information by potentially deadly enemies. Luke abandoned his responsibility to the New Republic to go after her. During the rescue, Luke proposed and Mara accepted. They married shortly after the treaty was signed. After returning from their honeymoon, they spent weeks apart at a time. Luke's responsibilities at the main Jedi Temple on Yavin kept him there and Mara had to disentangling herself from a key role in the intelligence/transportation organization. After more than a year, she succeeded and began spending more time on Yavin with Luke.

Mara tends to wear official Jedi robes only when she is on Coursant. When on Yavin or missions, she favors combat suits like Loreanna (or to be more precise, Loreanna favors combat suits like Mara). While her lightsaber is her main weapon, Mara is almost always wearing concealed weapons. Her favorites are a hidden sleeve blaster and shock gauntlets like Loreanna's. Mara is extremely intelligent and skilled.