Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.
Let's get to it.
MR11: No, we will not
tristian5: Unsure about that right now
Rico: Yes, there are still some of those ships in service, and we will see some
MatbeK01: 1) Yes, we will see Ahsoka's other son. 2) For Pryde's rank, maybe. 3)Maybe. 4) I might explain that, but I might not. 5) Well, I already showed Zelda. And yes, there will be at least one more non-human war hero. 6) I'll try and work on the wiki, but lately, it's easy for me to forget about it
Chapter 38- The Supreme Leader
As Kylo Ren's personal Upsilon-class shuttle travels through hyperspace, in the main passenger bay/cockpit, Rey is sitting silently in her seat, not even looking out of the window at the blue lights of hyperspace. She simply stares ahead, meditating into the Force.
A few feet away, Kylo Ren stands behind the shuttle's pilot. "How much further?" he asks impatiently.
Keeping his voice calm and collected to avoid upsetting Kylo, the pilot responds simply, "The navicomputer shows that we will be reaching the end of the run in just three minutes."
"Good," Kylo responds simply before he turns away from the pilot. He goes and sits down in a passenger seat right across from Rey. He looks at her and says, "You will not be able to stand against Snoke. When the time comes, Rey, you will turn, or you will suffer."
"I will not turn, Jacen," she says, using his real name because she knows it will get under his skin, and maybe begin to force him to think twice about himself and his actions. She pauses before she continues, "Jacen, I can sense the conflict within you. You cannot get rid of the guilt for all you have done. You will turn back."
"No. The dark side is my path, and it is yours as well. It is now just your choice as to how painful this path will be," Kylo retorts, dismissing her claims. Rey does not dignify him with a response.
Several minutes pass in silence. Then, the pilot pulls back on the hyperspace throttles, and the shuttle drops out of hyperspace. And out of the viewport, the flagship of Supreme Leader Snoke comes into view, surrounded by 18 escort ships.
Rey's eyes widen in shock at the sight of Snoke's ship. The massive ship, christened the Supremacy, had never been seen by the Alliance or Resistance. It was known it was massive, as it essentially served as the First Order's capitol, but now that she sees it for herself, Rey is stunned at it's size. The ship is of an unusual shape for such a ship. Looking at it, it actually looks very similar in shape to the old B-2 Spirit bomber once operated by the US Air Force, which Rey had seen in a museum during her time on Earth. It far surpasses even the Terran Super Star Destroyers, with a wingspan that Rey guesses to be almost 40 miles across, and maybe 8 or so miles from front to back. The massive ship is also covered with weapons. Thousands and thousands of turbolasers, ion cannons, missile launchers, and point defense turrets dot the surface of the ship.
As Rey sees the ship, she begins to feel a sense of despair. This massive ship could easily turn the tide of battle in favor of the First Order wherever it appeared. She begins to think to herself that if she succeeds in her primary mission, she then needs to try and find a way to destroy the ship. However, she quickly pushes those thoughts from her mind in case Kylo has the ability to sense her thoughts.
The shuttle flies in front of the Supremacy's bow and underneath the bulk of the massive ship. The pilot guides the shuttle towards one of the massive hangar bays on the underside of the ship. As the shuttle enters the hangar, Rey is shocked to see that the massive hangar is so big, a Resurgent class Star Destroyer is docked within it.
The shuttle lands on the floor of the hangar and the pilot begins to shut down the engines. As he does, Kylo stands up from his seat and motions to the two stormtroopers aboard. The troopers haul Rey to her feet and follow Kylo out of the shuttle.
Kylo leads the troopers and Rey through the hangar towards the section of the ship where a multitude of lifts sit that connect to most of the central portion of the ship. Given the size of the hangar, and the extensive passageways, the journey takes quite a while. All the while, Rey is completely silent, avoiding looking at anything or anyone. Concentrating all of her thoughts on positive thoughts to help prepare her mind for the moment she will come face to face with Snoke.
Eventually, they reach the lifts. Kylo issues a quick order to the stormtroopers, who step aside and allow Kylo to lead Rey into the lift alone. The doors then close behind the two, and the lift begins rising up towards its destination.
After moments of silence, Rey says one more thing, "It's not too late, Jacen. I know you don't want to bow to Snoke. Let this go." But her statement is answered only with silence, and so she remains silent the rest of the ride up.
At last, the lift comes to a halt. Rey internally braces herself and takes a deep breath. As she does, the doors to the lift open up, revealing the throne room. A path leads over a pit between the lift and a large platform, at the other end of which rests the throne, with the background covered in red drapes. Eight Praetorian Guards line the perimeter of the platform, and on the form, still somewhat indiscernible at this distance, sits Snoke.
Kylo grabs hold of her arm and pushes Rey out of the lift, forcing her to start walking. Kylo leads Rey across the path to the platform as Snoke's harsh laughter begins to echo through the chamber. "Well done, my young, faithful apprentice. My faith in you is truly restored," echoes through the chamber in Snoke's harsh, gravelly voice.
As they reach the chamber, Rey finally gets her first good look at the dreaded Supreme Leader of the First Order. Even seated, Snoke towers over her. Just at first glance, Rey estimates him to be almost 8 feet tall. The Supreme Leader wears a gold robe that hides most of his body, but what she can see is scarred and sunken in in places, though she can't be sure if this is war wounds or his species' natural appearance. But what she knows is definitely not natural is the massive scar in his head over his right eye that runs from his forehead almost to the back of his head. She remembers Luke telling her of his one encounter with Snoke that had ended in Luke giving Snoke that scar.
Kylo pushes Rey forward a few steps in front of him, then bows to one knee before Snoke. Rey is motionless, standing definitely before Snoke. Snoke looks back at her, amused by her defiance, and speaks in a slightly softer voice, "Young Rey. Welcome."
On the bridge of the Supremacy, the bridge crew are busy with their normal duties. Nothing is out of the ordinary, and the crewmen are running standard operational tests on their systems.
At one of the stations, a junior officer is monitoring the hyperspace tracker. Not the tracker meant to track ships through hyperspace, but the tracker to alert the ship when ships appeared out of hyperspace. He's only half focused on his duty, while the rest of his attention is on the conversation he's carrying on with one of his fellows next to him.
However, as he's talking, the officer thinks he sees something out of the corner of his eye. He glances at his screen, and sees a flickering dot on the edge of his screen, and hears what sounds like only the beginning of a beep. However, both the dot and sound vanish as soon as they appeared. The officer taps his screen, but neither the dot nor sound reappear. The officer dismisses it as a technical glitch. Of course, such glitches were not uncommon on such a large ship. He returns his attention to his conversation.
But he is quite wrong. Far from the First Order's fleet, three ships have just dropped out of hyperspace. Leading is the Hades shuttle carrying Ben and the strike team. Flying off either side of the shuttle is a Zero from the 352nd Wing assigned as escorts. All three ships have technology designed to hide their emergence from hyperspace, hence the reason why their appearance on the detection systems looked like a brief technical glitch.
In the cockpit of the shuttle, Ben looks through the viewport at the First Order's fleet, and catches his first sight of the Supremacy. He mutters under his breath, "Damn. I knew Snoke's ship was big…but I didn't expect a monster of that size." He pauses, then says, "Alright. Let's see if they saw us."
The shuttle and the two Zeros approach the fleet. After closing a certain distance, Ben says, "Alright, I think it's safe to say they haven't seen us. Work your magic guys." He then turns and walks back into the passenger bay.
As he enters the passenger bay, Ben begins speaking to his strike team in his authoritative tone, "Alright, people. We're out of hyperspace and we're now on our approach to Snoke's flagship. The tracker shows that Rey is aboard the ship, and is likely in Snoke's presence now." Ben pauses, then says, "You know the drill. You've trained for this. Keep the First Order busy and their attention away from me while I go find Rey and kill Snoke. You guys are the best of the best, so show me why you've earned that reputation. We get through this, beers are on me." This brings some excited muttering from the team.
Ben then turns to Anakin Hall, the one who is commanding the strike team itself. "You got this, Anakin?" he asks.
"You know I've got this, Ben. No offense, but we know which of us is the better warrior," Anakin responds, and the two shares a chuckle. There is a pause between the two, and then Anakin says, "The boys could probably handle this themselves. You shouldn't go after Snoke without me."
"I know you think so, Anakin, but even though the boys are good, they're going against hundreds of thousands of troopers and other crew. They're going to need you. Rey and I can handle Snoke," Ben says confidently.
"Alright. But if you die in there, I reserve the right to make fun of you at your funeral," Anakin says, and the two share a laugh again.
As this conversation is going on, the pilots of the shuttle and the two Zeros begin their approach to the Supremacy. The three craft fly under the fleet where they will not easily be seen, then pull up into a sharp climb straight towards the bottom of the Supremacy and punching the throttles. The two Zeros pull ahead, but with the shuttle close behind.
As they approach the ship, on board the shuttle, an expert hacker gets to work. He is wearing a suit that is a follow of the suit debuted by the CIA during the Battle of Anaxes all the way back in the Clone Wars. He plugs into the Hades' computer system and gets to work. The shields of the Supremacy are some of the best in the galaxy, and are strong enough they could not just fly in. The hacker, an American named Tate Smith, starts working with his mind and cybernetics to hack into the First Order's systems. After seconds, he gets into their system, and manages to temporarily open a small breach in the shield, just big enough and for just long enough for the strike team to get through.
The two Zeros streak through the breach in the shields, and a second later, streak up into the hangar. The two pilots level off the Zeros and snap into tight turns away from each other before squeezing their laser cannons. Bolts of laser fire streak out from the Zeros in all directions, destroying docked TIE fighters and other equipment, blasting holes in the floor and walls of the hangar and killing dozens of stormtroopers and other crewmen. The hangar instantly erupts into chaos at the sudden appearance of the two Zeros, everyone immediately caught off guard. The shock of the sudden appearance and the explosions from their laser fire shock the people in the hangar so much they aren't even able to muster a defense. The Zero pilots continue turning as tight as they can, firing their laser cannons at anything they can see.
Moments later, the Hades shuttle flies up into the hangar and manuevers so that it is over the floor of the hangar. Stormtroopers and hangar crew look up as the shuttle halts in midair and its back opens. Then, several dozen individuals in Mandalorian armor come streaming out of the shuttle, flying out with their jetpacks and firing their blasters at anyone in range. The stormtroopers and other crew are shocked at their appearance. Given the appearance of the Zeros and some of the markings on the armor, they know that these are members of the feared Zulu Force. The Zulu Force had been expanded since the Galactic Civil War as the Alliance itself grew bigger, and this was made possible by additional suits of Mandalorian armor that were provided to the Alliance as gifts by Din Djarin during his early years as Man'dalor. The Zulu Force now numbers 150 commandos from 32 countries and 3 other planets, drawn from 5 races, as well as several military dogs and hundreds of support staff to keep the group operating. And now, 32 of those commandos are aboard the Supremacy and attacking the First Order crew in the hangar.
Stormtroopers and other crewmen scatter in all directions as the Zulus begin setting down, continuing to fire their blasters at anyone in range. Several Zulus hurl grenades in the direction of the greatest number of troopers and some equipment, destroying the equipment and killing a number of troopers.
As the Zulus start organizing to continue their attacks, Anakin leaps out of the back of the Hades shuttle, flipping as he sails through the air, landing in between the Zulus and most of the troopers. Anakin lands on one knee, head down, then looks up at the troopers and First Order crewmen. The troopers and crew stare in a bit of horror as, with flames flickering around him from fires started by the Zeros, Anakin looks up towards them, an iron look on his face, and his lightsaber springs to life. Anakin then springs forward, surging to his feet and sprinting towards his enemies. Troopers and crewmen flee from the charging Anakin, but it is all for naught, as Anakin, his speed boosted by the Force, catches up to them very quickly, and begins tearing through the troopers, cutting down at least one trooper with every stroke while deflecting every blaster bolt fired at him. As he begins his attack, the Zulus start following him, some in the air via their jetpacks, to join him in the attack.
As the Zulus and Anakin begin their attack, the shuttle and the two Zeros turn to leave the hangar. However, as they do, with all attention focused on Anakin and the Zulus, Ben quietly leaps out of the shuttle, tucking and rolling to soften the impact as he lands on the hangar floor. Ben then starts sprinting in the direction of the lifts, careful to avoid being spotted as much as he can. He pushes himself as fast as he can, determined to get to Rey quickly before Snoke can do too much damage.
Rey watches as Snoke sits motionless for several long moments. Then, he motions with a finger, and there's a slight beep as the cuffs around her open up and fall to the ground. He smirks, a terrifying look, and says, "Come closer, child."
Rey does not move. She just continues to stare defiantly at Snoke, keeping her mind as clear as possible to not allow Snoke any look into her mind or any advantage over her. Snoke lets out a single chuckle as he says, "So much strength. Darkness rises and light to meet it. I warned my young apprentice that as he grew stronger, his equal in the light would rise." He then flicks out his fingers, and Rey's lightsaber flies off of Kylo Ren's belt, across the chamber, and into his hand. He lets out another chuckle and continues, "Skywalker, I assumed. Or his sister. Wrongly."
Rey is again silent, unmoving. Snoke continues to smile, finding her defiance and silence honestly amusing. After a moment, he lowers his voice and says to her, "Closer, I said." He then opens his hand a bit, and Rey suddenly feels herself being gripped with the Force. She lifts an inch or so off the ground, and then begins moving towards Snoke.
Rey takes a deep breath as she gets closer to Snoke. As she reaches the slight incline leading up to the throne, she finally begins to speak, "You underestimate Skywalker. And Jacen Solo. And me. It will be your downfall." As she says this, she can feel something. Something deep within her. A familiar presence. And somehow, she knows that Ben is now on the ship. She only hopes he can get there in time.
Snoke is completely unbothered by Rey's words as he stops her right in front himself. "Oh, have you seen something in my young apprentice? A weakness, perhaps. Is that why you came?" He laughs and says, "Oh, young fool. You played right into my hands. I always knew you were too soft hearted. You could not resist trying to save Kylo Ren. And now, you are before me." He then reaches up slowly towards Rey's head with his hand, whispering in a terrifying voice, "And now, you will give me Skywalker and his family."
"No. Never," Rey snarls, her voice full of emotion and defiance.
Snoke only looks more sadistically pleased. "Oh? Have I touched a nerve?" he says with dark glee before using the Force to throw Rey about 10 feet from him, but hovering about 8 feet in the air. Snoke begins using secret torture techniques with the Force, mentally and physically torturing her while trying to rip the knowledge he wants from Rey's mind. "Give me everything," he growls.
Rey struggles against Snoke's hold, drawing on all of her training under Luke and Kelly, throwing up every mental shield she can. However, the pain and struggle is becoming too great, and she begins to scream from the pain and effort of trying to resist Snoke.
Suddenly, she feels something. Rey opens her eyes slightly, and sees Ben a short distance from her. But she doesn't see Kylo, which feels weird, as she should. Ben looks up at her as he's running, and then raises a hand. Almost immediately, she feels a surge of strength within her, and despite the pain Snoke is inflicting, Rey is able to bear it.
Snoke begins to feel frustrated that he has not yet broken into Rey's mind. However, he also feels a twinge of excitement, as he realizes just how powerful Rey is in the Force, and the extent of her training she has received so far. He also senses something else. Something intriguing within her mind. He can't tell what it is, and tries to probe deeper. But, frustratingly, Rey's mental defenses seem to only be getting stronger.
Suddenly, the room shakes slightly, and several distant explosions can be heard. Snoke is distracted, and finally allows Rey to fall to the ground. He narrows his eyes as he looks in the direction of the sounds, and his face contorts in anger as he hears more explosions. These are not small ordnance explosions in the hangar. This can only be from heavy weapons.
Snoke looks down at Rey. Rey, still somewhat dazed from the torture inflicted on her, smiles, and lifts the leg of her trousers on her right leg, just enough to reveal the beacon. Snoke stares at it before he begins to laugh in amusement. "Oh, well done, young one. I must say, I did not expect you to be so wise. Giving yourself up to lead the Terrans to us, hoping to kill me. Well done. But not enough to overcome your foolishness. You are too strong to remain alive. You will die now, and then I will see that your friends' fleet is destroyed. And then, we will hunt Skywalker to the ends of the universe, until he is at last dead!"
Rey growls as she gets to her feet and charges Snoke, using the Force to yank Kylo's saber from his belt as she does. She ignites the saber and leaps towards Snoke. As she does, the eight Praetorian Guards heft and ready their weapons. But with a simple wave of his hand, he sends Rey tumbling back across the ground. She loses her grip on Kylo's saber, which slides across the floor and stops in front of Kylo, who looks down at it before looking back up at Snoke.
Snoke laughs at Rey's futile effort to attack him. "Oh, such spunk. You have the spirit of a true Jedi! And because of that, you must die." With the Force, Snoke then yanks her up onto her knees and turns her around to face Kylo. "Now, my young apprentice. Son of darkness. Heir apparent to Lord Vader. Where there was once conflict, I now sense resolve. Where there was weakness, strength. Now, fulfill your destiny and prove yourself to me!"
Kylo now stands up, picking up his lightsaber as he goes. He pauses for a moment before he says, "I know what I must do."
"No," Rey tries to dissuade him, but it is immediately clear he will not be dissuaded.
Snoke laughs. "Foolish child. I cannot be betrayed. I cannot be beaten! I see everything! I see his mind! Nothing can be hidden from me!" he declares before closing his eyes and looking deep into Kylo's mind. He laughs as he says, "I see him turning the lightsaber to strike true."
As he says this, Kylo indeed begins rotating his hand so that his lightsaber is pointed directly at Rey's chest. But, at the same time, almost hidden behind his leg, he extends his pointer and middle fingers on his left hand. And beside Snoke, Rey's lightsaber begins to rotate on the armrest of Snoke's throne. Snoke is completely unaware of this, so he continues to speak, "And now, foolish child, he ignites it…and KILLS HIS TRUE ENEMY!"
And right then, Kylo snaps the two fingers on his left hand back into a fist, causing the Force to press down on one of the buttons on the saber. And with a hissing snap, one of the blades of the saber ignites…straight into Snoke's side, through his stomach, and out the other side. Snoke gasps in shock as the blade enters his body, and his grip on Rey is instantly released. Rey falls back to the floor and whips around, seeing the blade sticking through Snoke. Kylo then flicks his hand, causing the lightsaber to fly towards Rey, sending the blade the rest of the way through Snoke's body, cutting him in half. The saber flies towards Rey, and Rey reaches up to grab it. The saber flies into her hand, and Rey grasps it tightly, the second blade of the saber springing to life. She then does a kip up and turns to face Kylo as the Praetorian Guards draw their weapons and start moving towards her.
Rey and Kylo look at each other for several moments before the snap of Kylo's lightsaber igniting is heard, and a red glow comes over his face. But on his face, Rey can see the look on his face, and knows his intentions. She gives the slightest, almost imperceptible nod, and then she and and Kylo both turn away from each other to face the Praetorian Guard.
And, I'll end the chapter there.
So, there will be two more chapters of this whole arc, each about as long as this one, if not longer. Originally, my plan was for two chapters, but I ended up having to split it into 3.
Next chapter will be focused on the duel with the Praetorian Guard and Ben arriving in the throne room, and his rematch with Kylo. It should be up soon. Until it is, please leave a review, and stay tuned!