IMPERIAL PLANET
A convoy of supply ships and a dozen escort ships and two dozen Tie interceptors are rising from a planet's surface on their way to space.
Escort ships are heavily armored small warships like tanks. They are rectangular prism in shape heavily armored with three guns on each side and a larger gun on top. Imperial escort ships have the New-Imperial symbol painted on them.
HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
A hyperspace vector is a point where ships drop out of hyperspace to take readings and change hyperspace vectors. Due to the nearby nebula, ships wanting to get to things on the other side have to travel around the nebula. That requires several stops to calculate the several jumps around the nebula.
Waiting near the nebula is a sleek red elegant fighter called Marae's Victory.
Marae's Victory was designed and created by Marae and gifted to Poe on their fifth wedding anniversary. When she gave it go him, she announced that if this had been the ship flown in their competition, she would have won. After hearing that, Poe named his new ship Marae's Victory. The V-like wings fold in when the ship lands, which makes it look like a straight line. Poe loves that feature since it allows him to dock the fighter in ports for smaller ships thus paying a smaller docking fee. The wings can also—through it's dangerous—be retracted during flight. Poe has only used that feature once outside of test flying and it saved his life. The ship has great afterburners and a top of the line hyperdrive.
The fighter has wide V-like wings that extend from the central body. Marae's Victory can carry two individuals and a droid in the socket behind.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe Dameron is sitting in the pilot's seat with a human woman behind him. The woman is very busy programming her equipment. BB-8 is in the droid socket.
The woman's name is Rose Tico. She is Asian in appearance. Rose is an engineer and analyst.
BB-8 chirps out the irony of this situation.
Poe: (to BB-8) "I know buddy: Never thought we'd be out here on the emperor's personal request."
BB-8 toots his agreement.
There's silence for a moment.
Poe: "That convoy should be getting here any moment." (to Rose) "Are you ready with that doohickey thing yet?"
Rose: (a tad angry) "It's not a doohickey. It's an analyzer that I personally designed."
Poe: (non-apoligectic) "Alright, alright. Anyways, is it ready?"
Rose quickly runs over the status report: (calmly) "Yes, it's ready. Provided that you can get us in close enough to launch it inside that ship, it will give us the information the emperor wants."
Poe turns his attention to the sensors board. Rose keeps talking.
Rose: "Now remember the angle of launch is very important."
BB-8 interrupts with a warning.
HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The convoy of supply ships and a dozen escort ships and two dozen Tie interceptors appear from hyperspace.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe: "There they are."
He fingers his flight controls.
Rose looks out and studies the ships that haven't moved: "What are they doing?"
Poe: "Getting around the nebula takes several jumps and pilots have to take nav-readings before each jump. They'll have to drop out of hyperspace at pre-known specific points."
Rose: "Doesn't that make it easy to ambush them?"
HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The convoy disappears into hyperspace.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Rose: (worried) "Oh, they're gone."
Poe: "Don't worry. We'll easily beat them to the next point"
He grabs the flight controls and points the ship in the same direction: "And yes, routes like this make ships great targets…and bait."
HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
Marae's Victory disappears into hyperspace.
PIRATE BASE UNKNOWN LOCATION
Two Weequay males are wrestling a lid off a large crate. Both have a patch on their clothing that looks like a large red scar. In the background, half a dozen other Wequays both male and female as well as a Wookie and a female Duro are unloading other stolen goods. All of them also have the red scar patch somewhere on their clothing. The pirate captain, a female Weequay, approaches the two wrestling with the crate right as they manage to remove the lid. Inside the crate are two dark green protocol droids with armor around their middle section instead of exposed wires.
Weequay One: "Ain't nothing but a couple ov protocol droids."
Pirate Captain studies the droid and sees the minor differences.
She whacks Weequay One upside the head: "Fool, they're bodyguard protocol droids. Can't you see the extra armor and larger power pack on their back for hidden weapons?"
Weequay Two: (to keep himself from getting hit) "Ahh you're right Captain. No wonder you're the captain. Got a good eye you have Captain. Always said Captain was the smartest. That's why even the Imperials fear you Captain."
The Pirate Captain glares at him and he immediately stops talking.
Pirate Captain: "Have the droids wiped and reprogrammed. Then bring them up to my office."
She turns and walks away to inspect the rest of the loot.
Weequay One: (same time as Weequay Two) "Got it Captain."
Weequay Two: (same time as Weequay One) "Of course Captain."
The two Weequay glare at each other before moving to obey orders.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
Marae's Victory is again waiting near the nebula at a hyperspace vector point.
The convoy emerges from hyperspace.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe: "There's the convoy." (Frustration that his mission might be a bust if the First Order doesn't show) We're almost around the nebula."
Suddenly BB-8 squeals in alarm.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The First Order cargo ship emerges from hyperspace.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe: (his tone is glad, grateful for a chance to strike back, and determined to make it count) "They're here."
Rose looks up her face full of built up stress and nerves as well as determination.
BB-8 whistles solemnly.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
All two dozen Tie interceptor fighters along with two escort ships break off from the convoy and quickly fly towards the cargo ship. The First Order cargo ship has already turned around and opened the hanger doors. Suddenly, two at a time, forty-two First Order fighters soar out at full speed from the ship and meet the escorts. Marae's Victory leaves its holding position and races towards the action. Two First Order fighters break off and fly towards it as it approaches. Poe swings left and fires easily destroying the lead First Order fighter before sliding back towards the right and destroying the second. By this time, he's reached the thick of the firefight. At least four more First Order fighters have been destroyed and only two Tie interceptors. Eight First Order fighters are attacking each of the two escort ships while the remaining fighters are dog fighting the Imperial fighters. As half a dozen Ties take out eight more First Order fighters, the escort ships take out ten each, and Poe take out another four; the First Order destroys one of the escort ships. Three Tie fighters move in to protect the other escort ship. Poe destroys another three First Order fighters.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Rose: "We need to get closer to the cargo ship!"
Poe: (focused on flying) "Got it." (to BB-8) "You ready pal?"
BB-8 whistles affirmative.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
One of sixteen Tie fighters remaining destroys the last First Order ship. Poe swings the Marae's Victory towards the cargo ship when suddenly another twenty-four fighters (two at a time) launch out of the hanger doors one at a time this time at full speed.
MARAE'S VISTORY COCKPIT
BB-8 squels in alarm
Rose: "Poooe"
Her words are lost as to a mild scream mixed with a squeal from BB-8 as Poe pushes the Marae's Victory into a tight drop.
Poe: "That must be the rest of their fighters."
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
As Poe finishes speaking, another twenty-four First Order fighters and a First Order escort ships fly out of the hanger one at a time.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Surprise shows on both faces.
Poe: "Impossible. There isn't enough room."
A bolt hits the shields of the Marae's Victory and BB-8 twills in fear. Suddenly there is no time for anything except flying to survive.
JEDI TRAINING HALL
Rey is climbing a rope without a harness or safety rope. Luke is Force throwing small common household items (mixing bowls, datapads, a treasured toy) for Rey to catch and throw back to him. Rey successfully catches a bowl and a datepad and throws them back to Luke as she continues to climb. Luke catches the returned items in a Force grip. R2-D2 hands Luke a child's toy and he Force throws it. Rey successfully catches it, and has a Force vision.
A young girl happily runs across a grassy field with the toy in her hand.
Rey falls. Luke catches her with the Force right before she hits the ground and then puts her down gently. Rey clutches the toy to her chest breathing slowly and deeply to slow her beating heart. Luke waits a bit.
Luke: "What did you see?"
Rey: "A young child playing."
Luke: "How old was the child?"
Rey: "Maybe six or seven."
Luke: "That would be about twenty standard years ago. Your gift is indeed strong."
Rey: (angry) "It's not a gift. It's a curse." (pointing to the rope) "Look, I know all of this is supposed to help, but it isn't.. Nothing's changed. I'm still the same. Unwanted"
Luke: (gently) "Unwanted by whom Rey?"
Rey: "Doesn't matter."
Luke: (after a moment) "I sense great conflict of desire in you Rey. You want the power and yet you are holding yourself back."
Rey: (scoffs) "That's...why would I hold myself back?"
Rey storms out of the Jedi training hall.
Luke watches her go. R2-D2 rolls a bit closer and beeps a question.
Luke: ""No R2, she isn't like Leia or my wide eyed self. Rey lacks confidence when pushed outside her comfort zone."
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
First Order troop carriers are already locked onto hatchways of all the convoy ships and some of the ships in the convoy that have already been seized are already heading towards the First Order cargo ship. The last escort ship explodes and eight First Order bombers fly away from it back towards the cargo ship. Only two Tie fighters remain and both are being pursued by at least three First Order fighters. Marae's Victory destroys a First Order bomber on the far outskirts of the battle on the opposite side from where the First Order cargo ship is holding position. Two First Order bombers-both about twenty-five seconds from firing range—fly towards Marae's Victory. Marae's Victory swings around and holds position facing the scene in front of it.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe's teeth are clenched. He looks out the viewport and studies the hopeless situation. His gaze locks on the cargo ship on the far side of the battlefield and the nearly three dozen First Order ships between it and him.
Poe: (half wild) "We're going in."
Rose: "Poe, STOP!"
Poe looks back at her.
Rose: "I know what you've lost and throwing your life away in a crazed last stand effort to take down as many as you can with you won't help."
Poe stares at her.
Rose: "Let's withdraw. Winning isn't fighting what we hate. It's saving what we love. That includes your own life."
Poe looks back out towards the cargo ships.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The two First Order bombers are now ten seconds from firing range.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
He drops his left hand down and firmly grips a side lever.
Poe: (calmly) "BB-8, chart a short hyperdrive jump into the nebula."
BB-8 twills in shock
Rose: (shock) "The NEBULA?"
Poe: (hint of his famous humor) "Don't want them following us." (calm and serious) "You're right. Our lives matter."
He releases his grip on the side lever.
Poe: "Of course that doesn't mean we're failing the mission."
Rose starts to speak and BB-8 chirps a question
Poe: (confidently) "Trust me…and be ready on my mark."
BB-8 beeps an affirmative and Rose hesitates only briefly before nodding.
Poe looks towards the bombers now within firing range. He glances at the side lever and then to the ring on his left hand: (quietly to Marae) "I'm counting on you dear."
Poe pushes a button on the control board.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
Marae's Victory afterburners activates and the ship shoots forward at an incredible speed. The bombers laser bolts strike empty space as Marae's Victory zooms between them. The ship dives straight into the fray heading directly towards the First Order Cargo ship at a shocking speed. Marae's Victory weaves and twists between and around all the First Order ships barely avoiding colliding with most of them.
Three First Order bombers near the cargo ship scramble to form a tight triangle blockade directly into front of the open cargo bay. They get into position right as Marae's Victory races out of the main mass of ships.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe: (shouts) "GET READY!"
He reaches down with his left hand and pulls hard on the side lever.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The V-wings on Marae's Victory fold into the body of the ship turning the ship into a straight line. The now straight line ship flies right through the center of the triangular blockade.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe releases the lever
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The V-wings of Marae's Victory spring out. The ship flounders briefly and looks like it will spin out of control.
MARAE'S VICTOARY COCKPIT
Poe pulls on the flight controls to bring the ship back under control.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
Marae's Victory comes to a controlled halt and the ship holds position with its underbelly directly facing the open cargo ship doors.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Poe: "NOW!"
Rose hits the launch button.
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
Rose's small analyzer spike followed by an explosive on a slightly different launch vector flies into the hanger of the cargo ship.
MARAE'S VICTORY COCKPIT
Rose: "They're away."
Poe turns the yoke to face the ship towards the nebula
Poe: "BB-8!"
OTHER HYPERSPACE VECTOR IN IMPERIAL SPACE NEAR A NEBULA
The droid activates the nav-computer and Marae's Victory disappears into hyperspace towards the nebula.
MEDITATION ROOM IN THE NEW JEDI TEMPLE
Luke is watching a hologram training of Annakin Skywalker (the same one Asoka watches in Star Wars Rebels). The door opens and Mara enters the room. She walks over and puts her arms around Luke. Luke reaches up and holds one of her hands. The pair quietly watch the last part of the holo-training.
Mara: (compassionately) "She's still struggling."
Luke: "Yes, I'm at a loss of what to do."
Mara: (kindly) "You also struggled when Master Yoda first began training you."
Luke: (hint of mirth at an old treasured memory) "I struggled to believe that such things were even possible. Rey believes in the power of the Force. What she lacks is confidence. Confidence in herself and her decision. Confidence to accept the consequences of her choices. And I don't know how to teach such confidence."
Rey waited all those years on Jakku for her family to come back because deep down, she believed that if she left to find her family, she would fail. Rey only knows how to survive on Jakku. She doesn't see herself as someone brave enough to face a galaxy of difficulties and overcome them to find her family. She is afraid to try because if she fails, all her fears of never finding her family will be cemented as truth.
Annakin was a cocky kid who saw himself as near invincible from almost day one. Luke was a wide-eyed kid who jumped in without understanding what he was doing. Rey is a survivor who approaches everything with extreme deliberate caution. Annakin's fault was rashness often due to emotions, Luke's fault was patience, and Rey's is confidence.
Mara is silent for a moment. A flicker of grief flashes across Luke's face.
Mara: (noticing the tiny shift in Luke's emotions) "Leia's still hurting that much?"
Luke: "Yes...Han called it the downside to Jedi twins. The closer we are, the more futile it is to hide how we feel."
Mara says nothing, but she settles next to Luke and gives his hand a comforting squeeze. He smiles in thanks.
Luke: (clearly changing the topic): "How was your visit with Loreanna during those two days you went off alone?"
Mara: "She wanted help with a dilemma and she left with her own answer."
Luke: "I see that my talented and beautiful wife is working her wonders."
Mara: (leans against him) "Are you resorting to flattery now Master Skywalker?"
Luke: "No, simply reminding you that there is much I couldn't do without you."
Mara: "Ohh...I like that. It's nice to be reminded"
She stops as an idea crosses her mind.
Luke: (noticing the scheming glint in her eyes) "Mara?"
Mara: (smiles) "That's what they both need: A reminder."