ESCAPE FROM REN - ACT 1
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119 Imperial Shuttle — Int. 119
The shuttle is only for Kylo and two servants. It's kept clean and without distractions. Rey is alone is a simple bedroom, wearing plain rags. Rey looks from the viewport at the now small blue dot that was Bezdize. Then they enter hyperspace. Rey grabs where her earring would be, watching the cascading blues. Kylo enters, setting a metal case down.
KYLO It's good to see you again.
REY I can't say the same...
KYLO Ah, of course... You've done very well with the Traitor. In every recording we have, your face is never without the mask. Not to mention the feats you've pulled off.
REY Luke gave it to me to help with my focus. I will still need it for training.
KYLO No, we'll destroy it here. Nothing can identify you.
REY Speaking of... have you found a way to hide my midichlorian count?
KYLO Yes. At long last, and after many risks: Yes.
Kylo opens the box, showing an injection tool.
KYLO This nanotech injection will give a false negative. You will need to take it regularly.
REY It's that easy.
KYLO Taking it was the challenge.
Kylo reaches out to inject Rey, but she backs away. He is disappointed but holds nothing against her,
KYLO Of course, this is only half your disguise. We have made a cover.
Rey looks with some optimism now.
REY "We?"
KYLO Yes, you have a family that loves you, Rey. And we have done all we can to ensure your safe return.
REY So... if I can't be Rey Galencia, who am I?
KYLO Rey is best, and so is Galencia. You are a slave I took from an Imperial stock crate on Bezdize that I will make my wife.
Rey is sickened, Kylo finally takes off his mask.
KYLO (continued) It, of course, won't be pursued between us in reality. My sisters have boasted my accomplishments, and I have earned wide renown. I never failed in my military duty, assisting other Houses as a loyal Knight of Ren; I have gained political power concerning the Emperor. Our family created a doubt in his mind that I diffused the bomb he planted. He currently has no means to control any further ascension by me. When given the suggestion that I could marry, he gave me a new legal allowance for a Knight of Ren.
Kylo sits down, Rey stays standing,
KYLO (continued) He will expect you and the supposed child to stay behind as hostage to ensure my continued loyalty. He wants one of the other Houses to arrange with me, but if I take a random slave, it would be an act of slight defiance befitting of me.
Rey sits next to Kylo.
REY Won't he sense something is amiss?
KYLO I trust Aquila's judgment. Emperor Zaltan will feel insulted, not betrayed.
REY Aquila?
Kylo's face lights up.
KYLO I boast many accomplishments, but she is how our house holds power. There are no woman as beautiful, nor as cunning, nor as loving, as her. And she is the most excited to meet you, Rey.
Rey gets up and grabs the injector.
REY I'll be ready to meet her.
Rey injects herself. Then turns to Kylo.
REY (continued) Can you tell me more about my family, Kylo?
Kylo smiles.
KYLO In private, my family calls me "Jon."
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120 Republic Military Headquarters – Int. 120
Poe is in Republic military dress uniform with his Alderaanian pilot's jacket over it. Staring wordlessly through a pristine window at the Republic's Death Star: The Gammalann. It hovers faithfully in the sky, protecting the beautiful green valleys, gushing waterfalls, and regal domed buildings of Naboo. The soft jade of these domed buildings is mimicked in color by the Gammalann. Poe is silently pondering on that connection.
Poe is waiting outside General Organa's office with Finn. Finn remains in his dark blue suit with the maroon lapel. He submitted his weapons earlier as the Jedi are not an officially allied party. Finn sits patiently.
FINN Will we need to get anyone else's approval other than General Organa's?
Poe sighs and returns his thoughts locally.
POE Nah, nah. We only need Organa's. He is the great protector of the Republic Cluster of Planets.
FINN That's a lot faster than I was expecting.
POE Worried about a slow bureaucracy?
FINN With so many planets in a democracy, it seems unavoidable.
POE Ha, yeah, but it's not really "the Republic Cluster of Planets." We have a couple of moons and city-states in the Cluster.
Finn smiles at that.
POE (continued) And it's not really a cluster since members are spread far apart in our Republic.
Finn laughs.
POE (continued) And we're not a republic: We have General Organa.
Finn stops smiling.
POE (continued) Doesn't matter what he decides. It happens. Failing war campaigns, secret mass genocide weapons, ravaging planets' economies, all approved —no matter who is elected.
FINN Poe... should you be saying this here?
POE What? Do you think our supreme leader with Jedi training will hear through the doors and strike us down?
Finn gets up to get closer to Poe, keeping his voice low.
FINN ...could he?
POE Of course not, He doesn't have any black robes.
The door opens, Finn turns fast slightly panicked. Poe only moves his eyes. Several men leave the office as a robot secretary meets with our heroes.
CHEERY DROID Captain Poe Dameron, Jedi Finn. Thank you for waiting. The general has concluded his prior Meeting and wishes to see you immediately.
POE Thank you very much! Let's head on in.
Finn awkwardly follows Poe into the general's office.
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121 General Organa's Office -— Int. 121
We enter a sizable opulent room. On the left is a massive hologram of the galaxy, detailing battle plans. On the right is a smaller desk for the secretary droid to record the events. Two-meter-wide one-sided windows bath the room in light. Directly in front of the entrance is a white stone desk and with General Organa standing behind it.
Poe and General Organa salute each other. General Organa sits down, leaving them to stand.
ORGANA Poe, Jedi Finn. This operation you both began can be classified as aiding the Empire. I can court-martial Poe for this today.
POE I could use the off time.
ORGANA Unfortunate. While I am outraged by this unapproved espionage, I am more intrigued by its potential. Finn, from Poe's report, you claim to have your ally planted into House Galencia of the Imperial Family.
FINN Correct, your excellency.
ORGANA Call me "general," please, Finn.
FINN Ah! Of course...mhm.
ORGANA Infiltrating one of the eight houses is entirely unprecedented. Even better, House Galencia owns the Sienar-Cygnus Monopoly and thus knows the weaknesses on every ship in the fleet... including the MDS Krannek.
FINN We'll have to wait to meet up with her to know that last part.
ORGANA Ah, "entering Coruscant." The blockade around there is the most formidable in the galaxy. Even between the veins of great three great trade routes, none of ours have even been to the surface. Yet, you make this similarly unprecedented feat out as effortless.
FINN That is correct your, Generalship.
General Organa grimaces at Finn's wording. He ignores this and returns to his probing.
ORGANA Orbital ports surround the Planet, controlling all planetary entrances and exits. You claim Port 24, however, is a secret passage for the Imperial Family.
FINN Yes, House members assassinate each other regularly. This port acts as an anonymous bridge to avoid these planned attacks. Though House Hux owns its check point, it remains neutral.
ORGANA How do you know for sure it exists?
FINN In my service to the Empire, I was under Vice Admiral Jacob Hux, and Main Branch son to House Hux. He once boasted the port's hidden role to Kylo Ren.
ORGANA He's a fool.
FINN He did not live long.
ORGANA Ha-ha. Very well. And you say this earring can connect you to the Imperial Family?
FINN Yes, this super-composed diamond is exclusive to them. With this in hand, an expensive spacecraft, and likely a hefty bribe, I believe we can enter Coruscant unchecked through a perceived Imperial allowance.
ORGANA Interesting. Would it be possible to sneak a larger craft without an internal inspection?
FINN That I don't know, we will survey the spaceport for that potential once there.
ORGANA And after you enter the planet, you rendezvous on this "Imperial Graveyard." We have no information on this place. Why here?
FINN Oh, the Imperial Graveyard is the island with the least military protection on the planet. It's very quiet. It's uhh... it's not tactical. It's the most sacred.
ORGANA Of course. So, we have filled an entire island, eh?
FINN ...yes.
ORGANA That makes me happy to hear. You have my full approval for this mission. It will be considered top secret. You have some time before your scheduled meeting on this Imperial Holiday. Any reason for this date, Finn?
FINN The Ides of Juzar begins the holiday season. It's the day with the most off-duty troopers.
ORGANA Hmm, seems simple enough. I will need to speak with my fellow Alderaanian on the staffing. You are free to leave.
Organa gestures to the door as the robot opens it.
Finn eyes Poe, whom shrugs back. Finn takes his leave while Poe stays behind.
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122 Republic Military Headquarters – Int. 122
Finn returns to the lobby. The door shuts behind him. Finn walks down the hallways and begins contemplating his meeting with the General. He rounds a corner and misses the figure leaning on the wall.
LUKE SKYWALKER Still getting distracted, kid?
A startled Finn turns around to see the very man he was on his way to meet.
FINN Master Luke... funny seeing you here.
LUKE SKYWALKER From a certain point of view. The guards and my nephew wouldn't think so.
Luke stares at Finn expectantly. He waits with eyebrows raised.
FINN ...you already know.
Happy the conversation began, Luke leaves the wall and joins Finn on his walk. Luke nonchalantly mind tricks soldiers that notice him.
LUKE SKYWALKER I knew before. I was still surprised it ended so soon.
FINN I'm sorry, Master. Rey is too.
LUKE SKYWALKER There is no need, I kept you both even knowing your histories. I accepted your paths will go beyond my influence, I couldn't see this plan of yours, however.
FINN ...have you already seen how this will all end?
LUKE SKYWALKER That's why I'm here. I have seen the many different endings. You are entering a tangle of possibilities filled with danger,
FINN I... don't see how.
LUKE SKYWALKER It's not your home anymore, Finn. Death is around many corners. You may find yourself in the worst situation. Exhausted, maimed, broken. failed... then all you can do is escape.
FINN With Rey coming with us. We won't leave without that.
LUKE SKYWALKER ...that's not a path I see.
FINN Then it is the one I will make.
LUKE SKYWALKER With the level of power you have now?
FINN Yes. That's what it has to be.
LUKE SKYWALKER No, no, Finn. To change your fates, YOU will need to change. Your ability with the Force, your precognition, your fighting style, your planning, your
temperament—
FINN Everything?
LUKE SKYWALKER No. Keep your faith, Finn. In yourself. And those you love. It's your best feature.
They arrive in front of The Eagle at the garage.
LUKE SKYWALKER (cont.) Oh, and keep the ride. It looks good.
Luke pats Finn on the arm with a smile and heads off for what may be the last time. Finn still has questions. Things left to say.
FINN Luke!
Luke turns around. There is too much, but he summarizes in a sentence:
FINN (cont.) Thank you... for everything.
Luke smiles and silently waves, Finn stares as the legend leaves, then looks at The Eagle, trying to take what Luke said within him. He must improve.
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123 Imperial Throne — Int. 123
The throne room is circular with walls of glass, It gazes over the entire horizon, the city in the distance, and the eight lower skyscrapers surrounding.
The throne itself is between the center of the room and the wall. It is long and narrow, with seven steps leading to the seat. Zaltan sits here, a man in control of all he sees. Sitting on the steps beneath, the decrepit ghostly Emperor's Aide, Attorn, makes notes on a digital pad. Beside the throne are four thin pillars where the most elite Knights of Ren stand. Marked by the red trim on their helmets and shoulders, these are the Cardinal Knights:
(wish I had concept art for this)
Amatsang Ren covers the back left. His helmet skeletal, its back bent and stretched out behind him. Tall and narrow, but draped robes hide his body. He has two giant metal spheres orbit around him and his Emperor.
Johton Ren covers the front left. The face of his helmet constantly shifting shape. The cap above his helmet is a solid half-dome around the back and opening at his face. Tall and wide, the body armor a black mass morphing in waves. When Kylo speaks, the waves prickle into spikes.
Howlett Ren covers the front right. His helmet has curving metal bars closely caging a matte black base. Reflective black optical lens are shaped into scowling eyes. Wart-ish nozzles are attached to the bars at the chin, both jaw edges, and behind both ears. These dot his body like leprosy, over his arms, chest, and legs. Medium height, strong build.
Tzal'aska Ren covers the back right. Her helmet matte black with small metal wings wrapping around the top of her head like a wreath. Her armor covered by two black clothes, designed like wings seperately covering her top and bottom. Short and slender, but hanging on her shoulder a massive black gun taller than herself.
In the center of the room are a standing Kylo Ren with his helmet still on, and a kneeling Rey with her head down. Rey is now in a modest dress, Various nicks and cuts on her arms, legs, and chest.
ZALTAN So, you have chosen to waste your marital grant?
KYLO I do not believe I have, your grace.
ZALTAN You could have had any princess, heiress, monopoless, even a daughter of my House. Instead, you took... a helot-harlot.
KYLO I see more in her.
ZALTAN Ah? Very well, then let us have a see. Slave, stand. Show me what is worth more than every other woman in the galaxy.
Rey has a face of concern. As she slowly stands, up she eyes Kylo. Kylo doesn't move, doesn't change his focus from the Emperor.
ZALTAN Hmm. What do you think Attorn?
ATTORN Plain from this single angle.
ZALTAN Agreed. Slave! Turn around. Slowly.
Rey holds back anger and begins to obey. Once turned around, they comment:
ZALTAN Barring the face and skin... there is potential.
ATTORN Your grace, you judge her skin from an incomplete survey. We must have her modesty stripped.
An enraged Rey turns around, covering her chest.
REY The dress comes off, it goes down your throat!
ZALTAN HA! Potential indeed! That will be fine, Kylo. I accept your gutter queen. May the masses rejoice in a commoner entering this family. You both may go.
KYLO May the Empire never fall!
Rey bows. Kylo takes her hand, and they exit.
ATTORN Not the temper of a shameless pleasure slave.
ZALTAN We have officers who enjoy a challenge. Patricians.
ATTORN Kylo sees YOU as the challenge Herod.
ZALTAN Agreed. His bitter loyalty has expanded into deft mockery at my expense.
ATTORN He has placated our attempt to bind him.
ZALTAN Not so, he has folded to us.
ATTORN Your grace?
ZALTAN Kylo chose a slave he cares nothing for, true. But he will love the child they make much more than he expects. And we will hold the child here, with a dagger in a bottle. His love will betray him. Onto Bezdize, how fares the occupation?
ATTORN You see, sir, we have had to cede the southern seas—
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124 String Elevator — Int. 124
From the elevator, Rey gets a better view of the Imperial City of Ren: Eight Babelesque towers branched out at the edges of a raised square base above a circular artificial island. Some towers have black string connecting them to another. Government buildings stay at the House's feet. The remainder of the square base is devoted to the rampant opulence of gardens, statues, mazes, and execution platforms. The bottom circular island is for the military with shield generators along the rim. In the center of the island (and thus the eight towers) is the Emperor's spire. Only two black strings connect to this domineering edifice; Kylo and Rey ride inside one of them.
The black strings are thick one-way glass tubes with spherical transparent elevators. These are for spouses between Houses to visit each other, but mostly are a public demonstration of the Houses' union. Kylo's floor is connected to the Emperor by string elevator, the chord beginning at the bottom of Galencia Tower and stretching to the throne. As this is the longest string elevator in Ren, it makes the awkward silence between Kylo and Rey drag out.
Kylo and Rey stand shoulder to shoulder in the rolling elevator. Rey is nervous as they are about to enter Galencia Tower, where she will meet her family. Only an elevator trip away. Rey looks at the sights below her and back to Kylo several times, trying to start a conversation, but his imposing stance is hard to approach.
KYLO How is Master Luke?
Rey's eyes open wide as a new quiet comes between them.
REY ...what?
KYLO Master Luke, He was my master before he was yours.
REY Oh, uh, of course. He's doing fine... Fine.
KYLO To be expected.
A second silence.
REY He's.. never actually mentioned you.
KYLO His silence honors me. I know my continued betrayal must hurt him.
REY You tried to kill him.
KYLO ...
Rey senses conflict in Kylo for the first time.
KYLO I lacked the power back then. Has his training with you been more fruitful?
REY I have made... progress.
KYLO We need to challenge the Emperor. The level you are at now is insufficient.
REY I agree.
KYLO I... am not the teacher that Master Luke is. He is still the foremost master of the Force, the dark side, all the old ways. But I will teach you my new discoveries. What has kept me alive.
REY I accept.
The elevator has arrived at the station.
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125 Kylo's Elevator Station — Int. 125
The station has no windows. Depressing military lighting. Most of the station is machinery to work the elevator. They walk up to the door of the family room.
REY They're... right behind this door?
KYLO Yes.
REY My family. My real family.
KYLO Not all of them, only our Main Branch cousins who made this plan.
REY I— now that I'm here...
KYLO This has always been your house. You have always been here.
Rey looks back to Kylo, feeling an inviting warmth. He gestures to the door's keypad.
KYLO Take as long as you need to return. We will always wait for you.
Rey closes her eyes and takes a breath,
REY We have all waited long enough.
Rey opens the door.
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126 Kylo's family room (Welcome Home Rey) – Int 126
Each floor of the tower is a mansion. Kylo keeps his spartan to improve meditation and training, and this family room can be more accurately called a waiting room. The women have designed this room with care, as they spend a long time here waiting for him to wrap up his practices.
White marble floors. Long white walls with white columns and gold trim, White ceiling. The left wall is entirely glass, with an ocean view and the neighboring city skyline behind it. While there are no doors, the room has several sections separated by walls broken by open gaps. Elegant furniture of red and black dot each section. In the corners are abstract art or cages of exotic animals.
Rey enters first, The natural light oversaturates her vision. She can hear the chirping of birds and the chatter of women. This section of the room is empty. As Rey starts to walk forward, she gawks at the unreal wealth around her. As she gets close to the next section, the chattering ends with a hush. Footsteps rush over; these cause Rey to stop before reaching the opening. Suddenly blonde woman near Rey's age appears, face flush, breathing fast, her over-styled hair slightly disheveled, and her wide eyes meeting with Rey's.
A pause between the two women. Kylo enters.
EPHRATH ...Rey?
REY ...yes.
Ephrath dives into Rey's arms, embracing her close.
EPHRATH Welcome home!
Rey cannot process all the new information and sensations going on at once and goes along with the woman. A second woman enters, another blonde, slightly older, and far calmer.
JAEL Easy, Ephie! She could kill you if you surprise her like this!
EPHRATH She wouldn't do that!
JAEL You don't know her.
EPHRATH Yes, we do. And you need to join us! Family isn't real until you squeeze them in your arms!
REY What?
JAEL Ah, Ephie...
Jael looks at Rey's eyes as her calm demeanor slips for a second into an overcome happiness. Before any tears can well up, she joins them.
JAEL Welcome home, Rey.
The third and final woman walks in. Also blonde, the tallest and oldest of the girls. Her face bears a rehearsed smile.
AQUILA Girls, you have yet even to introduce yourselves.
EPHRATH That can come after.
AQUILA How hopeless.
Aquila glides over, resting her arms lightly over the pile. Kylo takes off his helmet and smiles at the sight. Aquila stares into Rey's eyes, perfectly composed.
AQUILA Hello, Rey. My name is Aquila Galencia. These are my reckless sisters.
The two younger sisters start to introduce themselves now. Aquila leaves to greet Kylo.
JAEL Sorry, I got sucked into this one's pace. I am Jael, the middle child.
EPHRATH And I'm Ephrath, but pleaseee call me Ephie. The youngest, obviously.
JAEL Oh, hush.
Rey laughs at their interaction, herself sinking into this familial environment. Both the girls take gleeful surprise at Rey's soft laughter.
REY I am happy to finally meet you all!
EPHRATH Oh, this isn't our whole House, of course, you'll meet the rest of the branches just under main at the "engagement" banquette tonight.
REY Yes, I uh look forward to that.
JAEL We'll tell them the truth someday. After we have a better position against the other houses.
EPHRATH It doesn't matter too much anyway. Everyone's looking forward to meeting you! They're giving you every perk our house can provide! We're taking you to the opera, the dances, the LeMondi Pod Races, the backdoors of the galleries, everything there is!
JAEL With the proper protection of course.
Jael gestures to the section they came from. Rey sees seven Knights of Ren silently standing watching them. Their dark robes and black masks unnerve her. Jael notices this.
JAEL Oh! I almost forgot you're a Jedi! You fought Knights of Ren before. You don't need to worry; they'll only protect you from now on.
REY They'd need the protection if they ever tried.
Both girls raise their eyebrows at that.
EPHRATH That is so cool. You really did survive Faldur all on your own!
REY Oh, haha, it wasn't all on my own. But... the people who helped me then.. aren't here anymore.
The girls' jubilation dries.
JAEL Then you are a part of the Imperial Family.
REY Kylo had told me your parents were assassinated.
JAEL That's right.
EPHRATH Aquila is our Head of House now. And the Monopoless of Sienar-Cygnus. Since she was nineteen.
REY Wow. That's my age... I can't imagine that... Kylo didn't say... I'm so sorry. It must have been hard.
JAEL It's okay. We know what you have been through too Rey.
EPHRATH ...we should visit the Imperial Graveyard first. You haven't paid respects to your mother yet.
REY Oh, it's too soon for that.
This draws a curious glance from the girls and Kylo.
JAEL Too soon?
Rey realizes she let her guard down and thinks fast.
REY Yes, I... I know it sounds wrong to say but... I just don't know her yet, or my aunts, or my uncles... I... I don't want to go there and have their graves not mean something to me. I want to know who they were when alive before anything first.
This relaxes the girls, but Kylo scrutinizes for a little longer before returning his focus to Aquila.
EPHRATH I understand you completely. We will tell you everything they were. When you are ready, let us know.
REY Thank you for your patience. I apologize for my weirdness.
JAEL Considering you're a Jedi, I expected much worse!
EPHRATH Seriously, I was worried you'd be as terrible at gabbing with as Jon is!
REY Speaking of...
Rey turns to look at Kylo and Aquila talking in the distance.
Kylo laughs at something she said.
REY (cont.) ...I never thought I'd see him like that.
EPHRATH Oh, you don't. That's Aquila. An apex socialite. There's a reason she's been the head all this time.
JAEL Well, back to our plans for tomorrow, where would you like to go first?
EPHRATH Oh! I forgot to mention the spa pods!
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