Star Wars Alternate
A United Front
UNDER THE ORDERS OF THE EMPEROR, THE STAR DESTROYER LUCENTE TOOK A DROID CARRYING A VITAL STAR MAP OF THE UNKNOWN REGION TO CORUSCANT THE CAPITAL OF THE NEW REPUBLIC. FOLLOWING REY'S SUCCESSFUL RESCUE, SHE AND HER ALLIES HASTENED TO A NEARBY IMPERIAL WORLD WHERE THEY STAYED UNTIL FINN'S CRITICAL INJURIES HAD STABILIZED. THEN, LOREANNA SOLFEL PARTED WAYS WITH REY AND CHEWBACCA TO GET FINN BETTER LONG TERM MEDICAL CARE AND REPORT IN-PERSON TO HER EMPEROR. REY CHOSE TO FORGO RETURNING TO JAKKU. SHE AND CHEWBACCA TRAVELED TO CORUSCANT. THE NEW REPUBLIC CRUISER SENT TO PROTECT IMPERIAL SPACE REPORTED THAT THE SUN CRUISER WAS GONE BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED. TWO WEEKS HAVE PASSED SINCE THEN AND THE LUCENTE IS ALMOST HOME.
UNKNOWN POINT IN EMPTY SPACE
Empty space and then the Star Destroyer Lucente comes into view.
LUCENTE'S BRIDGE
Technicians are running self-check scans on the Lucente's systems before making the final jump to the rendezvous point with the New Republic ship named the Lone Star that has been guarding the Lucente's assigned sector of space. Admiral Ozzard is standing at the main holo-table talking to a hologram of a New Republic Admiral in command of the New Republic vessel.
The New Republic Admiral is a human male. His name is Admiral Red. He isn't as old as Admiral Ozzard.
New Republic uniforms reflect what the rebels wore in the early days of the rebellion.
Admiral Ozzard: "You and your crew have my thanks and the gratitude of the United Imperial Worlds, Admiral."
New Republic Admiral Red (hint of a Texas accent): "Haven't done much. Place has been dead quiet ever since we got here."
Admiral Ozzard: "There hasn't been any First Order activity?"
Admiral Red: (hint of a Texas accent) "Not a blooming peep. It ain't right and I don't like it."
Admiral Red's Aide Garnet: (off screen) "Sir, there's something you should see."
Aide Garnet is adult female wookie with a translation collar that interprets her grunts and growls into basic as she speaks.
BRIDGE OF THE NEW REPUBLIC CRUISER
Admiral Red turns away from the holo-table to look out the view ports.
LUCENTE'S SECTOR OF IMPERIAL SPACE
A single ship has emerged from hyperspace far from the New Republic Cruiser. The front part of the ship is a triangular prism slightly smaller than the Falcon. The rest of the ship behind the triangular prism is a large cube like structure with huge hanger bay doors in the back through which the Falcon and Dark Millennial could easily fly through together. The ship turns slowly so that the hanger bay doors are facing the New Republic Cruiser.
NEW REPUBLIC CRUISER BRIDGE
A female technician alien: (human bird like voice) "Sir, scans indicate no heavy weapons, low personal, extremely heavy shielding, and no fighters.
She is humanoid bird like creature. She has short feathers growing from her wrist to her elbow on both arms. Her hands are talons. She has a normal human face through a bit more pointed, so that if she turns her head, only one eye is visible.
LUCENTE'S SECTOR OF IMPERIAL SPACE
The hanger bay doors open.
NEW REPUBLIC CRUISER BRIDGE
The female alien technician's computer starts buzzing: "Sir, I'm now detecting ships."
She hits a few keys.
Female alien technician: "Sir, they're First Order bombers."
Admiral Red: (hint of a Texas accent) "Battle alert!"
An alarm rings through the ship.
Admiral Red: "Launch a fighter squad. Orders to engage with caution."
He turns back to the holo-table.
LUCENTE'S BRIDGE
Admiral Ozzard: "What's happening?"
Admiral Red: "A cargo ship apparently full of bombers has appeared. We may yet earn that gratitude of yours and."
The transmission suddenly ends.
Admiral Ozzard: (as he attempts to reestablish contact) "Admiral Red, come in Admiral Red."
The transmission refuses to reconnect. Hearing Admiral Ozzard's tone and noticing the problem, Vice Admiral West approaches.
Admiral Ozzard turns towards her: (urgently) "Order an immediate halt of all diagnostic checks and make the jump to lightspeed."
Vice Admiral West: "Is the Lone Star in trouble Admiral?"
Admiral Ozzard: "I don't know. I've just got a bad feeling about this."
CORUSCANT
Rey is standing in front of Master Jade-Skywalker who is holding the lightsaber Rey gave her. Suddenly, a wicked grin flashes across Mara's face and without warning, she throws the lightsaber over her shoulder. The weapon sails towards the ground and right before impact, suddenly halts and then zooms into an outstretched cyber electronic hand of a hooded Jedi who had been approaching. The Jedi removes his hood. It's Luke Skywalker.
Mara: (sincere admiration) "Your reflexes are as skilled as ever farm boy."
Luke: (respectfully) "Still can't match your senses Mara."
R2-D2 whistles a hello and Luke puts one hand on top of his dome while he hands the lightsaber back to Mara as he comes to beside her. Then he turns his attention to Rey.
Mara's attention also turns back to Rey and she holds the lightsaber loosely in her hand as she gives Rey a judgmental up and down sweep with her eyes. Rather than flinch away from Mara's intense gaze, Rey looks Mara directly in the eyes as if daring her to judge her as beneath her.
Mara notices Rey's determination and smiles in mirth.
Mara: "You are exactly as Loreanna described you. Now I understand why she wanted us to both meet you."
Rey is still trying to wrap her head around everything: Master Skywalker being Mara Jade-Skywalker, Mara and Luke's interactions, and Mara's sudden change in attitude.
Rey: (still confused) "I'm sorry, us? I thought the lightsaber belonged to Master Skywalker."
Mara: "It does. I am Mara Jade-Skywalker. Luke's wife and Loreanna's former master."
Luke: "I gave that blade to Mara years before we married. It was lost when a pirate captain decided to self-detonate his own ship." (pondering tone) "Of course, it's now called out to you...which makes you a very interesting person."
Rey looks puzzled and guarded: "Interesting how?"
Mara: (amused and serious) "Interesting in the sense that should you desire to learns the ways of the Force, Luke will be your master."
R2-D2 whistles in surprise as Rey's eyes widen at the realization that the legendary Luke Skywalker is offering to personally teach her.
Mara: "I see that you understand the significance of the offer."
She clips the lightsaber to her belt: "What say you Rey from Jakku? Do you accept the offer made by the will of the Force to study as a padawan learner under him?"
NEW REPUBLIC COUNCIL OF DEFENSE CHAMBER
The New Republic Council of Defense chamber is a simple and elegant room. One wall is a row of floor to ceiling windows that overlook Coruscant's skyline. The two walls adjoining each have three framed colored image displays. Every three or so minutes, one of the images changes to another picture. The displays shows various images including wonders from planets from around the Republic, revered and respected historical individuals/groups, scenes from the rebellion and Clone Wars, problems everyday common citizens face, etc. Their purpose is to be a constant reminder of the responsibility of leadership and the consequences of their actions. The mural walls are about thirty feet from the table to allow for secondary tables for the advisors to sit. Opposite of the windows, are a set of double doors leading out of the chamber. In the center of the chamber is a round disguised holo-table with twenty seats around it. At each seat, is a pull out control panel to enter commands to display various things on the holo-table. There are only twelve counselors. The extra eight seats are for visiting parties such as military commanders, senators, representatives, Imperial visitors, etc. There is over eight feet of space between the main desk and windows. During a presentation, sliding shutters (like thin blast doors) cover the windows and all the chars in the room can swivel to face that direction. There is a built-in holo-projector in the floor that presents holo-images that presenters can use in their presentations.
In addition to having a senate and chancellor like the previous republic, the New Republic has seven councils. The council of finances, the council of defense, the council of commerce, the council of health and medicine, the council of transportation, the council of technology, and the council of development. These councils oversee everything under their jurisdiction and bring the key or most relevant points to the senate. In emergency situations, they have the right to act temporary without senate approval. Though the issue of the First Order is known to most in the senate, in a galaxy as large as the New Republic, it is only one of many issues facing a republic recently reformed in the last decade. Due to the high number of other obligations and fact that the First Order is currently seen as only a minor threat to the galaxy as a whole, the authority to handle matters dealing with them has been given by the senate to the Council of Defense. There are eight civilian counselors and four military leaders on the Council of Defense. The counselors are called Counselor [last name]. Each civilian counselor has two advisors (generally one military and one non-military). The military members of the council have aids (both of whom are generally military). Leia is one of the counselors.
Advisors may stand in for a council member who is unable to attend in-person or via hologram due to health or absence.
All twelve member of the Council of Defense are present. (The other eight seats at the council table are empty.) Advisors generally only attend regular council meetings. They generally do not attend emergency or top secret meetings...although they may be informed and involved in the planning that follows afterwards.
Civilian Council of Defense Members: Counselor Ern'Est a Bothon male who is heartfelt and concerning, Counselor Solo (Leia), Counselor Crudgem a human male who is rude and blunt, Counselor Jaqueline a human female who is curious and determined, Counselor Summatime a human female who is commanding and to the point, Counselor Bittem a human female who is bitter and authoritative, Counselor Forp Eas a mikkian female who is peaceful and unbreakable, and Counselor Reub a togorian male who is attentive and deliberate.
Military Council of Defense Members: New Republic Lieutenant Pryree a human male who is soft-spoken and thoughtful, New Republic General Ito Tokko a Togruta male who is unyielding and bold, New Republic Captain Mahogany a human female who is knowledgeable and moderate, and New Republic Admiral Van Olel a Mom Calamair male who is strong defender of the Republic and intelligent.
Displayed on the holo-table is the complete wreckage of the remains of the New Republic Cruiser: Lone Star.
New Republic Cruisers are very similar to Mon Calamari Cruisers since many in the early fleet (and some still are) either partly rebuilt or refurbished Mon Calamari Cruisers.
Counselor Crudgem: "Clearly, the First Order wanted to retaliate aggressively after losing their star charts."
Counselor Crudgem is a large like an American football player human male with club like fist.
Counselor Crudgem was a mercenary turned solider turned politician. Having survived and relied on nothing more than his own brute strength, Crudgem understands that there are no kid gloves in war.
Counselor Ern'Est: (to the currently unseen holo-image) "You say there were no survivors."
Following a near civil disaster, scores of Bothons rose up in a cultural revolution against their spying, lying, backstabbing heritage. Counselor Ern'Est was one of the revolutionist. Though his ideals are not popular with the majority of his people, they support him as a way of cooling any sparks left from the civil unrest only half a dozen years ago. He got into politics six years ago and the council six months ago.
The holo-image of the ship moves off-center as a waist up three-quarter size hologram of Vice Admiral West appears.
Vice Admiral West: "That is correct. The Primary scout just reported that scans indicate the Lone Star was destroyed by overwhelming bombing by small bombers."
There's a moment of silence as everyone studies the holo-image of the wreackage.
Lieutenant Pryree: "Bombers? Were there no signs of sun flairs?"
Lieutenant Pryree is a mid-aged human male.
Lieutenant Pryree served first to his own government military and later the semi-legitimate Republic. He's seen many friends and soldiers die. He is soft-spoken and deeply committed to the ideals of the New Republic.
Vice Admiral West: "None. Admiral Red reported a cargo ship transported the bombers."
Captain Mahogany: "It's unusual for the First Order to operate that way."
Captain Mahogany is rather plain save for her striking mahogany hair.
Counselor Reub: "I concur. Was there anything else gleamed from the wreckage?"
Counselor Reub is a male togorianwith red fur.
Vice Admiral West: "Part of the wreckage had been salvaged already by the time we arrived."
About half the group looks at the holgram of the ship and mutter under their breath.
Counselor Jaqueline: "Forgive me. I don't see the significance."
Counselor Jaqueline is a beautiful middle aged South American female with long dark hair.
Counselor Jaqueline is the newest member of the Council of Defense.
Admiral Van Olel: "The significance is how could a single freighter of bombers destroy the Lone Star and salvage parts before the Lucente arrived?"
There's a moment of silence as everyone ponders that question.
Leia looks directly at Vice Admiral West.
Counselor Solo: "What does the Emperor think?'
Vice Admiral West: (to everyone, but looking at Counselor Solo) "He said, 'The First Order has always been careful in their strategic raids. Never have they attacked for pure aggression. To do so now, implies a confidence in something previously un-utilized. That something must be discovered.'"
JEDI TRAINING HALL ON CORUSCANT
Rey follows Luke and R2-D2 into an immense atrium of a natural world. At first glance, the ceiling appears to be a glass sunroof until one realizes that the color of the blue sky doesn't match the sky of Coruscant. Soft lights emulate sunshine. A waterfall gently cascades down a giant boulder in several different waterfalls into a clear deep pool. Several fish like creatures are visible through the transparent liquid. Water from the pool flows into a bubbling brook that winds its way across most of the atrium before disappearing into the ground. From where Luke and Rey entered, there is a gentle curving cobble-stone path that goes from the corner where they entered, through the center of the atrium—crossing the brook via a bridge made from a tree trunk cut in half, and ending at a giant Wroshyr tree that stretches almost all the way to the ceiling. Near the Wroshyr tree is another clear pool, which has no waterfall or brook. The cobbled path also branches out to several flat circular areas. In one of which, is a pair of padawans are training with practice lightsabers. Located mostly near the brook and waterfall, though there are half a dozen scattered throughout the room, are raised flat rocks for meditation. A teenage female Dathomirian Jedi is sitting on a meditation rock near the waterfall. While there are plenty of plants such as bushes and flowers, there are no other trees aside from the massive Wroshyr tree. About two stories off the ground (though still seven or so stories short of the roof), is an observation balcony that overlooks the atrium. As well as a place to meditate, the atrium doubles as a training hall with over a dozen built in obstacle devices that can be activated as needed.
R2-D2 turns down a side path leading towards a door beneath the balcony. Luke continues to lead Rey a couple of steps along the path before pointing to a natural crater depression in the ground next to a knee-high pile of small round rocks.
Luke: "You'll report here for training every day and every time you come, move one of those rocks into that area."
The order surprises Rey, but she straightens her face: "Yes…Master Skywalker."
Luke remains standing there until Rey realizes that he means for her to start now. She leans over, grabs a rock, and throws it into the natural crater. As she straightens, Luke gives her an odd expression though he doesn't say anything before motioning her to follow. They walk along the path until reaching the base of the giant tree where Luke gestures Rey to sit on a nearby meditation rock. Once she is settled, Luke takes a place standing near her.
Luke: "What do you know about the Force?"
Rey: "It's a power that Jedi have to impose visions and make things float."
Luke's eyes widen slightly in mild surprise and mirth. He doesn't say anything as he bends down and grabs a foot-long blade of grass. He studies it as if pondering what to do. As the silence continues, Rey shifts uncertainly.
Luke: (suddenly) "Close your eyes."
Rey: "Wh"
She stops at Luke's Master to apprentice look. She closes her eyes.
Luke: "Breath"
Rey breaths
Luke: Now, reach out."
Rey reaches out a hand. Luke shows a hint of mirth before tickling her hand with the blade of grass.
Rey: "I feel something."
Luke: "Really?"
Rey: "Yes, I feel something. Is that the Force?"
Luke lightly whips her hand with the blade of grass.
Rey: "Ow!"
She opens her eyes to look at Luke and seeing the blade of grass in his hand near her hand realizes what she had been feeling. Her expression turns slightly angry, but Luke speaks before she can.
Luke: (determined and gently) "Lesson zero, whatever you think you know, forget it. The Force is not a power you or any Jedi or Force-wielders have. It's the energy between all things, a tension, a balance that binds the universe together."
Rey calms down: "Okay, but what is it?"
Luke smiles gently: "That is a question that can only be answered once you have allowed yourself to feel the Force."
Rey looks like she wants to argue, but then nods in acceptance.
Luke: "The Force is all around us. I want you to meditate here and reach out—not with your hand—but with your feelings, your senses. Then tell me what you felt when I get back."
Rey: "Alright..get back? What do you mean get back?"
Luke looks over to the observation balcony where Leia is standing: "My sister has something that must be urgent to discuss with me. I should be back in an hour."
Rey looks stunned, but Luke walks away before she can say anything. A massive Force leap and a push off the wall get him up to the observation balcony. He and Leia exit the atrium. Rey blows out a puff of air in exasperation before settling in to meditate for an hour.
PRIVATE ROOM IN THE JEDI TRAINING HALL
Luke is standing by the window with, the traffic of Coruscant passing by visible, his eyes closed as he reaches out to the Force his back to Leia. Leia is seated erect on a meditating chair her right side facing Luke and her eyes focused on the door. R2-D2 is standing near the wall.
Luke opens his eyes and turns towards Leia: "I see nothing Leia. I cannot tell you about this freighter or how it may or may not be a threat."
Leia: "Can you try again Luke. We really need to know what we're facing."
Luke gives her a measuring look: "We need to know. I've made it clear that my responsibilities lie elsewhere."
Leia: (almost snappish) "I mean the Council of Defense, the New Republic, that we is who needs to know."
Luke: (calm and measured) "Force visions are not my strength."
Leia: "I know that."
Luke: "Yet you still chose to come to me instead of someone gifted such as Master Usee?"
Leia: "Isn't Master Usee on break?" She practically spat the last word.
Luke looks sad: (calm) "She returned yesterday and is ready to serve."
Leia gets up and paces around the room briefly before ending up at the window next to Luke.
Leia: (softly) "She's not you Luke."
Luke: (gently) "No, she isn't someone who's suffered loss and fought besides you for years." (pause) "That doesn't alter her strength or ability."
Leia sighs deeply and then stand up straight wearing her political face: "Excuse me, I'm going to go find Master Usee."
She turns and heads towards the door.
Luke: (right as Leia gets to the door) "Leia."
She turns.
Luke: "It's okay to grieve for Han."
Leia stiffens and a harsh laugh breaks her political masks: "Murders don't have the right to grieve for their victims."
Luka: (warning) "Leia."
Leia: (emotional) "Han knew the risks all right. Knew and didn't want to go, but he did because I asked him. It's my fault. He was only there because I asked him. If I had just listened, if I had retired like he suggested, he wouldn't be gone. But I asked because it was important and now he's gone and the galaxy is still in danger. There, it's all my fault. Are you happy now?"
She storms out of the room.
Luke smiles as R2-D2 rolls towards him.
R2-D2 twitters a question
Luke: "Actually, I am happy now."
R2-D2 beeps why.
Luke: "That's the first time she's really let her emotions show since hearing the news. It's a step—a small step—towards healing."
R2-D2 twitters about human emotions
Luke: "Yes, living beings are emotional. Leia wants to spare others the often harsh consequences of failing. She's rather bear it all alone. After all, she knows better than most the possibility that loss can break someone."
R2-D2 twitters about Luke
Luke: "I miss Han too. The difference is I was content with the time I had with him. Leia...Leia has a long journey if she is going to forgive herself for always putting the galaxy before her family."
JEDI TRAINING HALL ON CORUSCANT
The artificial sky of the Jedi training hall shows late evening. Rey walks into the Jedi training hall and picks up and stone with her hand and throws it into the natural depressions. There are 12 other stones. She walks over to where Luke is meditating by the large pool without the waterfall. She is wearing her bow staff. Luke stands as she approaches.
Rey: "Master Skywalker."
Luke: (good humor) "You've lost the wide-eyed look."
Rey "I've adapted mostly...though some things are still unusual."
Luke: "Coruscant is very different from a hot desert world."
Rey: "In appearance perhaps, but the same rules of being aware of your surroundings and watching your own back haven't changed."
Luke: "Spoken like a survivor."
Rey: "Will we be meditating or dueling again today?"
Luke: "Dueling...I've noted that you learn best when you're in danger."
Rey looks around the calm peaceful environment and looks at Luke as if saying what danger is here.
Luke: "Can you swim?"
Rey (taken aback) "No."
Luke: "I expected as much."
He Force gestures and two circular platforms each about two feet in diameter rise from the still water. The two platforms are so close to each other they are almost touching. Luke Force jumps onto the further platform. He turns and gestures to Rey to follow. She looks scared, but takes several steps back to get a running start to race and leap for the nearer platform. She lands awarkdly and almost tumbles off the platform. Luke Force catches her.
Rey: (bit out of breath from fear) "Thanks."
Luke: "I won't do that again."
Rey looks confused.
Luke: "I won't Force catch you again. If you stumble and fall, I won't pull you out of the water. Is that enough danger for you?"
Rey's eyes widen in fear and understanding. Luck reaches out and Force summons a bow staff that had been by the meditation rock.
JEDI TRAINING HALL ON CORUSCANT
The artificial sky shows sunset. Luke attacks and Rey smoothly defends. Sweat covering both their bodies. R2-D2 rolls up and blows a sharp whistle. Luke and Rey stop. Luke Force jumps to land next to R2. Rey steps onto the other platform to get some type of running lead. She jumps in an arch higher than is humanly possible, but still barely lands outside the edge of the pool.
Luke (to Rey) "What did you feel as you made that jump and during the duel?"
Rey: "What do you mean? I felt what I always feel when I fight and do something risky."
Luke: "Force instinct. You're using the Force without realizing it."
Rey: "Then why can't I do anything else with it?"
Luke: "As I said, it's instinct. Tied to your survival."
Luke is silent a moment.
Luke: "Tomorrow, R2 will take you to the library. From now on, you'll spend two hours a day studying an assigned topic."
Rey: (objective) "The library, but Master Skywalker why?"
Luke: "A good question. Ask me again later when you have your own answer."