#In Return of the Jedi the first step of Luke and Leia's plan

[saphronethaleph]

Extra Extra

“It’s like one of those logic puzzles,” Lando said, looking down at a Dejarik table that had been turned off an hour ago. “We know most of the ingredients we need, right?”

“We know most of the ingredients of one way to do it,” Leia amended. “Though I can’t use the Boussh disguise for both of them. I’d have enough trouble using it on one of them, though I think Jabba would be a bit easier to fool.”

“Relatively speaking,” the Socorran replied. “What do you think, Chewie? Jabba’s not kept on top of a crime ridden world like that for decades by being gullible.”

“That may be true, but he’s arrogant,” Chewbacca replied. “And, unlike with Luke, we at least know where Han is.”

“I get the point,” Lando admitted. “Problem is, none of us three are from Tatooine. Luke is, but… like I said, logic puzzle. The easiest way to rescue Han is to already have Luke – and the easiest way to rescue Luke is to already have Han.”

“Rescuing Luke, we could at least call on the resources of the Rebellion,” Leia offered. “Being able to actually kill Darth Vader would be an enormous blow to the Empire.”

Lando chuckled. “Yeah, sure, but – I hate to admit it, but Han’s better with the old girl than I ever was. If we were okay with Luke’s death, then an insane plan like attacking Darth Vader’s Super Star Destroyer would be a bit easier to stomach… if you want to get him out, Han’s touch with the Falcon can only help.”

Leia sighed.

“I have the feeling that doing Han is going to be easier,” she said. “I’ve got a few contacts I can call upon… and if we do manage to get Rebellion resources involved, then Jabba’s palace is a much softer target.”

“We’re going around in circles,” Chewbacca declared. “We need more information. Even knowing where Darth Vader was would help, because that way we’d be able to make better plans.”

He frowned. “Jabba’s strength comes from being a big fish in a small pond. But getting Han out means being inside the defences – and if he realizes what’s going on, he can use Han’s safety as a hostage.”

Lando nodded along.

“I actually wonder if we shouldn’t hope that Luke can rescue himself,” he said. “Or – if we are going to try and rescue Luke, we should abandon the idea of doing it with the Falcon directly. The YT-1300 might be common, but any light freighter of that class is going to stand out.”

Chewbacca looked curious.

“That sounds like you have a plan,” he said. “Care to share?”

“I most certainly do,” Lando answered. “That giant ship has to get supplies, right? Giant standard containers. I wonder how many old style battle droids we could fit in a giant container alongside the Falcon to provide a distraction – then jump out from inside the ship once we’ve retrieved Luke.”

“Now there’s a crazy idea,” Leia said, but she was looking contemplative. “That might work. Audacity can win the day when lesser plans simply don’t have a chance to-”

“Mistress Leia!” C-3P0 interrupted, hurrying down from the cockpit. “Mistress Leia! There’s something very strange on the holonews!”

Lando, Chewbacca and Leia exchanged curious glances, then Lando hit a switch and turned on a holoprojector.

“I didn’t know that was there,” the wookiee admitted, then they all stopped and stared at the news.

“Admiral Piett, this is most irregular!” Grand Admiral Tigellinus declared. “Your authority does not run to the Imperial Center Oversector – explain yourself at once!”

“My authority derives from Vader,” Piett replied, evenly, facing the viewscreen showing Tigellinus’s face.

The Grand Admiral was apparently not on board his capital ship, and the other displays around the Executor bridge were showing that the Empire’s Central Fleet was both out of position and unprepared for combat.

In the second part, at least, Piett fully knew how they felt.

“Vader’s authority also does not run here,” Tigellinus retorted. “Power down your weapons and shields immediately.”

“That request is out of order, Grand Admiral,” Piett replied. “I am under no obligation to stand down.”

Someone began speaking to Tigellinus, their voice a little too quiet for Piett to hear through the connection, and the Grand Admiral turned a rather entertaining shade.

“Admiral, you are violating my direct orders,” the Grand Admiral declared. “One of the ships of your fleet is making a full power burn for the surface of Imperial Center! They must stand down immediately or they will be destroyed!”

Piett’s gaze flicked to the displays, and it took all of a lifetime’s military politicking to avoid reacting visibly.

Tigellinus was very much telling the truth. One of the Star Destroyers of Battle Group Executor was burning for the surface at full power, and scattered fire from the defensive platforms was already striking home on it.

It wasn’t responding, though, and Piett had a sinking feeling that he was starting to understand what was going on.

It wasn’t that he necessarily disagreed with the idea of a coup d’etat, or at least that was what he would certainly say if Vader had asked him about the subject. Partly because denying Darth Vader was a good way of getting choked to death over a video call, but also partly because… something had changed in Vader in the last few months.

Since Bespin.

But he would very much have appreciated being told any of the details more than five minutes before the Executor had left hyperspace.

“The destroyer may have engine problems,” he said, instead. “It was undergoing refit and was mostly evacuated for that very reason.”

“That is not an engine problem!” the Grand Admiral snapped. “You are relieved of command and placed under arrest!”

Piett made a gesture, and the viewscreen deactivated.

“I suspect that conversation was going nowhere productive,” he said. “All batteries ready. I want a full ion cannon salvo on the first capital vessel of the Central Fleet to fire on our wayward destroyer.”

He folded his hands behind his back, and tried to seem like he knew what was going on.

Palpatine was not ready for the situation he had just found himself in.

In principle, assassination was always a risk for someone like him, and he had many means of protection.

He had a ferociously competent security service. He had his guards, armed and trained to a degree of furious perfection that was then hidden under ceremonial outfits. He had the mighty apparatus of Imperial power, grown for twenty-five years. He was the most powerful single individual in the galaxy, with the might of a thousand years of Sith learning and alchemy buttressing his own powerful hatred.

He also had flashbacks to the last time he had been utterly out of control of the situation, which was when he had been on board a crashing Confederacy capital ship.

And now there was a durasteel triangle sixteen hundred metres long, crashing down out of the Coruscant sky. Even as he watched it collided with the Imperial Palace shields, and the shields lost, collapsing with a CRAAACK like the sky splitting open, and the Emperor summoned the Force to himself – ready to do whatever it took to survive.

Whatever it took.

Then he noticed the bright red letters painted on the front of the Star Destroyer. Every single character a hundred and twenty metres high, spelling out a name.

AMIDALA.

Palpatine’s eye twitched, then the nose of the Star Destroyer made contact, and the next ten seconds was an incredible cacophony of rending metal and collapsing supports and energy as several reactors ruptured.

When the debris finally stopped and the smoke began to clear, the entire room was on a fifteen degree slant. The transparisteel windows had exploded inwards, and a horizontal rain of giant shrapnel had killed every one of the guards and functionaries in the room.

There were several fires going on, and it rather looked as though most of the palace complex was in the middle of collapsing.

Then two curved TIE/Advanced wings landed with a crash on the floor to his right, coming in through a hole in the roof, and Palpatine’s gaze snapped in that direction. He drew his lightsaber with a single quick motion, concealing it in his sleeve for now, and he saw two figures step off the pieces of curved metal.

One was entirely familiar. Darth Vader, his apprentice. His slave… but it was immediately clear that Vader was his slave no more.

Just from his posture, if it hadn’t also been apparent from the events of the last few minutes.

Vader was reminding him unpleasantly of Anakin, on the days when Palpatine had touched the wrong nerve.

But the other could only be Luke Skywalker. He looked different, now, to any time Palpatine had seen him before. Older, maybe. More touched by pain and loss, perhaps – but mawkishly certain of his convictions.

Like a teenaged queen he remembered. Or the same woman, as a twenty-something senator who had ruined far too many of his plans without even realizing whose plans they were.

“Ah, young Skywalker,” Palpatine said. “I see your father has brought you here to die.”

Vader ignited his lightsaber, and Luke drew his own as well – activating it with a flash of blue light.

It was Anakin’s old one, from Mustafar, and Palpatine could feel that the Force liked that.

He hated that, and that hate gave him strength.

Strength he was unpleasantly sure he was going to need.

For a moment, the Emperor dismissed Vader. He knew Vader, knew his weaknesses and his strengths.

A moment was all he could spare, but he needed to understand the younger Skywalker. The boy’s lightsaber was held in a form that looked almost like Soresu, or almost like Niman, but there was a touch of Djem So there as well.

Except that the weapon in Luke’s left hand was a blaster, with the flowing chrome lines of one from Palpatine’s own home world.

Luke glanced at Vader for a moment, then settled himself.

“I call for a vote of no confidence in Emperor Palpatine’s leadership,” the boy said, and Palpatine’s eye twitched violently.

Then everything was a blur of blue and red, of crackling lightning and the high pitched whine of a blaster.

“You know,” the Emperor said, most of a week later, as the latest bureaucrats left in a state of some confusion. “I expected that you’d be the one actually in charge, Father.”

Vader shook his head, implacably.

“I will upend the galaxy for you, my son,” he said. “Be your strong right arm. Your enforcer. Your teacher. I will place you on the throne of all eternity. But I will not do datawork.”

Luke smiled slightly.

“It’s not dramatic enough, is it?” he asked. “I looked up that quote, you know.”

Vader was silent for a long moment.

“It felt… appropriate,” he said.

“I’m sure it did, father,” Luke replied. “Now… I need to try writing my next letter to Mon Mothma. Somehow I am going to convince her to help me turn the position of Emperor into one with constitutional limitations.”

Anakin looked across at his son.

“I believe you might just do that,” he said.

“I must say, I didn’t expect this,” Obi-Wan mused, materializing in front of the throne.

“What didn’t you expect?” Luke asked.

“Well, take your pick,” Obi-Wan replied. “But if there’s one thing… it’s how you killed Palpatine. It seems that the Banite legacy of the Sith earths itself into the killer, meaning that the killer becomes the new leader of the Sith… a vessel for Palpatine, in other words.”

Vader gave Luke a concerned look.

“And?” Luke asked. “I don’t think I’m a vessel for Palpatine.”

“The connection requires a Khyber crystal,” Obi-Wan clarified. “And now I need to face that the galaxy was saved because you killed Palpatine with a blaster, of all things.”

Anakin started laughing, then coughing, then laughing again.

“Father?” Luke asked, concerned.

“Who’s uncivilized now, Obi-Wan?” Anakin asked, holding on to the side of the throne so he wouldn’t collapse.

[phoenixkaptain]

I love it when pre Original Trilogy era shows how much effort went into making the Death Star. It took decades, literal decades, and it took so much money and so many people and it was such a secretive thing and it’s staffed by millions because it’s the size of a small moon.

I cannot express how much all of the added information makes it so much funnier that Luke blew it up.

Luke destroys literally everything Palpatine built. He blows up the Death Star, which was referenced in universe as early as the second movie. He blew up the weapon of mass destruction twenty years in the making. And he blew it up pretty much directly after it’s first and only successful attack. It was operational for fifteen minutes, fifteen minutes that Palpatine had the thing he’d been building for longer than Luke has been alive, and Luke blows it up. First day retirement, but first hour retirement.

Luke convinces Darth Vader to turn back to the light side, a feat thought literally impossible by literally everybody. Sidious clearly doesn’t see Vader’s betrayal coming. Vader’s betrayal was not in his plans, nor was it something he was prepared for. Sidious is a powerful Force user with all four limbs while Vader is a man in the tin can Palpatine put him in. If Palpatine had seen Vader turning coming, he would not have allowed it to happen.

Luke literally should not even be alive. Palpatine almost definitely got Padme out of the way on purpose, and he almost certainly was trying for her unborn child as well (there was way too big of a risk that a cute liddol bebe would bring some humanity back to Anakin, and Palpatine did not want Anakin to have any humanity) Luke living is literally the first step in Palpatine’s ultimate downfall, especially once Vader finds out that Luke is his son. His very alive son. His son that is not dead, despite Palpatine claiming Anakin killed Padme. Implying that Anakin killed Padme and she posthumously gave birth. But, she didn’t give birth on Mustafar, which was the last place Anakin interacted with her. And once the mother dies, you have to get those fuckers out fast or they die too.

I imagine Darth Vader piecing all of this together is that meme with all the math floating around his head, because how could Padme have died by his hand and then given birth like two hours later?

Luke killing Palpatine is what ultimately leads to the dissolution of the Empire as an omnipotent entity. Luke killed the Empire. Luke spends a good amount of his adult life killing Empire remnants. We see that in the Mandalorian, since he’s so recognizable that Gideon immediately knows he’s fucked just by seeing an X-wing. We read it in Legends’ continuity, where Luke terrifies Imperials because he can walk into their changing room and stand in their for a minute and they don’t even notice.

Luke destroyed Palpatine’s life’s work. Everything Palpatine spent his whole life working towards, and Luke kills all of it. He blows up not one, but two Death Stars (he may not have pulled the trigger on the second Death Star, but without him, it never would have been destroyed). He convinces not one, but multiple Sith and Dark Jedi to return from the Dark Side. He is the only reason that Obi-Wan Kenobi, the biggest pain in Palpatine’s ass ever born, lives long enough to make it to the Death Star.

Palpatine went through so much effort. And just when he had finally won, when he finally had a weapon capable of destroying entire planets with a single blast, making it impossible for any planets or peoples to go against him, Luke shows up nineteen years late to the Jedi party with space Starbucks and a droid twice his age and almost singlehandedly destroys everything Palpatine ever had a hand in creating.

Luke manages to become even worse than Obi-Wan Kenobi, the ultimate thorn in the side of politicians, and Luke doesn’t even understand any politics. He wasn’t trained in diplomacy like Obi-Wan and Leia, no, he’s a farmboy who left home for the first time in his entire life, just this morning. And he is the one to destroy the Empire.

If they rewrote Star Wars and had it entirely from Palpatine’s perspective, Luke Skywalker would be his greatest foe. Luke Skywalker would be the final boss. Luke Skywalker is the antithesis of everything Palpatine believes in and he is the one character that Palpatine cannot predict. He isn’t as moldable as Anakin, he doesn’t respond to threats very well, he’s apparently impossible to kill via Force lightning (still the funniest scene of all times, the progression of Palpatine’s face falling and him looking like “what the fuck??? Is this kid rubber??? I’ve electrocuted him eight times???”), his unwavering faith in his father’s goodness makes Darth Vader want to be a better person, Luke Skywalker is the big bad of Palpatine’s story and—

There is nothing in this world that is funnier than someone’s biggest antagonist being Luke fucking Skywalker. Luke Skywalker, who saved the galaxy with the power of love and who shouldn’t exist, by Jedi rules and by Palpatine’s own attempts, and whose best friends are literally droids, which Palpatine canonically hates!

Everything about this is hilarious, this is the funniest thing in all of media, Palpatine loses absolutely everything to some backwater farmboy who fucking likes droids.

[ladystoneboobs]

i present: small and non-verbal but very funny star wars moments:

ep. V: the empire strikes back--the millenium falcon achieves hyperspeed again, despite the imperials' best plans to the contrary. admiral piett and his men are terrified of vader's reaction, all trying to stay out of his path. but he's still too busy brooding on his loss of luke to even force-choke anyone. that's how thrown off he was by his newly-mutilated son running away from him!

the sole exception to this collective terror being this guy, so intent on his own important work, that he doesn't even notice his scary boss until darth vader has walked right past him.

ep. III: revenge of the sith--padme's droids somehow getting her unconscious body back on her ship.

in the novelisation, r2-d2 just drags her up the ramp with his gadgetry, but in the script it's c-3po who carried her up bridal style. which would be impossible to film when 3po could barely manage to move around under his own weight. what makes it really funny for me is that there was no need for any of this. why not just have obi-wan pick her up as he's hurrying outta there after failing to kill her husband? i mean, it's surely not good to be lying out in the open on a volcanic world with poisonous gases, but it wouldn't be good for obi-wan running around out there either, and this lady was about to have broken heart as her only known cause of death. when has science ever held back star wars? and i can't imagine that being dragged by wires from artoo or dropped every few steps by threepio could've been too good for her body either. just makes for an absurd little (offscreen) background detail amid the tragedy of the end of padme's life, imho.

ep. IV: a new hope--obi-wan vanishing into thin air when struck down and vader's (very understandable) bafflement afterward.

by this point in the second screencap, luke is shooting at him in retaliation and the stormtroopers are all shooting back at luke, but anakin is still dealing with this unprecendented vanishing and busy searching for any corporeal remains of obi-wan kenobi with his boot. "where did you go, my old master? how could this happen? i wasn't done fighting with you yet."

ep. V: the empire strikes back--vader inviting lando calrissian, chewbacca, han solo, and princess leia to share a meal with him and boba fett, before taking chewie, han, and leia prisoner and torturing han.

i think a lot of people must assume there was no actual meal, but it's not like vader had to go to all that trouble in the first place of setting out an entire banquet table with proper containers and utensils. just because that was lando's pretext to bring them to vader does not necessitate actually having a table set. darth vader could have had them led into any other room with boba fett and stormtroopers waiting to just arrest them right away. instead, as we can see in the second screencap, (over lando's shoulder and leia's bun), vader did sit down at the head of the table, waiting for his prey to join him. and i swear, in one of the earlier drafts of empire's screenplay there is actually a scene showing their awkward meal together. or rather, han and leia being served food and drinks while darth vader just sits there, watching evilly, explaining his great villainous plan to use them to trap luke. it's like dr. evil making austin and vanessa sit down at his table in the first austin powers movie. darth vader really did always live for drama

ep. VI: return of the jedi--leia telling han that she loves luke, but not that way. he's her brother, silly! as if this is something they all knew all along, with zero follow-up explanation. you can just see han wordlessly processing this bombshell of brand new information through his facial expressions alone. (this lasts so long that i wouldn't even count it were it not likely overshadowed by everything else in the ending of rotj.)

wh-what did you say? your brother? since when?

wait-wait-wait. i've seen you mouth kissing luke right in front of me before. i'm so confused now.

just what kind of weirdo family have i gotten myself mixed up with here?

oh, well, she's only kissing me now. that's good enough, i guess. maybe?

hey, as long as you do love me and luke in different ways ...

i don't know much about families, but i've heard they all have their weird traditions. so who am i to judge you, babe? as long as we're together now, that's all that matters.

[ahsokathegray]

Pent Up in the Skywalker Penthouse || Part One

Pairings: Rexsoka, Anidala

Prompt: Rexsoka Monthly Oct. ‘23 - Body Heat

Summary: The war is won and the holidays have arrived. Ahsoka's plans for the solstice have fallen through, but Anakin's made it his business to make sure she isn't spending them alone while house sitting.

Tags: 18+, language, explicit sexual content, accidental voyeurism(?), accidental drug use, angst

Word Count: 6,313

A/N: If you haven’t already, go give @rexsoka-monthly a follow and join us in supporting and creating prompt-based Rexsoka content! 🫶

read on ao3! / masterlist

The wrinkles between Ahsoka’s brow markings deepened, the lines staying longer than they used to. Anakin tried not to notice. 

She glanced between him and Padmé, swallowing any words her younger self would’ve blurted without second thought. “Of course,” she settled on, forcing a smile upon her cracked lips and attempting to appear opposite than how she felt. 

Typically, on the annual Winter Solstice, they were side by side on the battlefield. War never halted for special occasions, birthdays, or even holidays, but Master and Padawan always found a moment to celebrate — even if it was sat atop a heap of clankers and splitting one more ration bar than they ought to have. 

But the war had ended, Ahsoka had returned to the Jedi Order as a Knight, and Anakin had stepped down to be a husband and father. Naturally, he’d want to spend the holidays with his real family. 

It was rare now that they even saw one another. There was no more passing by him in the Temple or finding him arguing with Master Kenobi in the war room. They had been actively mending that absence these last several months over a series of dinners. Though strained, their relationship was improving. Ahsoka had even watched the twins for him and Padmé a few times while on leave so that they might have a date night to themselves. 

She had assumed that she’d get to spend the solstice with the Skywalker family — this time at an actual table rather than a makeshift one made from a still-smoking spider droid, sharing a tender roast nuna instead of stale rations. 

Except the galaxy had changed and, with it, their pitiful tradition. Ahsoka recalled the previous year’s Winter Solstice. She’d spent it in a hungry, teeth chattering, loneliness in the Coruscant Underworld — save for the orange tooka that found its holiday feast in the trash bins beside her. 

This year was supposed to be different, warm, stable. Instead, she would be spending it alone again, house sitting in the Skywalker penthouse. 

“It’ll be nice to get away. Luke and Leia can’t miss their first Festival of Light,” she added, trying not to dote on her collapsed plans and instead recalling how brilliant the Naboo festival had been while the war still waged. The first one after the execution of Chancellor Palpatine was sure to be a monumental event. 

“Thank you, Ahsoka. We’ll be back in just a few days,” Padmé smiled softly, her comforting eyes empathetic and reassuring. It was impossible to fight off her contagious, radiant positivity. 

Anakin nodded at his wife’s words. “I’m sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise. When we get back, we’ll have you and Obi-Wan over for dinner. Even Rex… and Cody too if he’s around. It’ll be just like old times,” he grinned, crossing his arms and donning his signature smirk. 

He noticed how the lines in Ahsoka’s face softened at the Captain’s name, followed by a flash of pain behind the blue of her eyes as the lines redrew themselves. 

Padmé had kicked her husband’s foot under the table on countless occasions, warning him not to speak too long on the subject of Rex. Each time the good Captain had come up in casual conversation, Ahsoka’s responses became curt. It was always the same dance:

“Have you seen Rex lately?”

“Not really.”

“He was over here a few nights ago for dinner and asked about you.”

“Oh? I’ll have to catch up with him then.”

Ahsoka noticed how the tired Senator leaned into Anakin and gave him a discreet nudge with her elbow. “We’ll return the day after the celebrations and not a moment later,” Padmé said, walking over to a (surely priceless) bowl to retrieve the passkey to the apartment and placing it in Ahsoka’s open palm, squeezing it with her own before she let go. “Don’t worry about watering Ani’s Felucia fern. It’s long dead. He’s a much better parent to the kids than he is to plants. We’ve got a stocked kitchen and the guest bedroom has already been prepared for you. Please, make yourself at home, Ahsoka. Comm us if you need anything at all.”

“Oh and Snips, don’t clean me out of candied bofa fruits this time,” Anakin teased, knowing she wasn’t the culprit that one time and also that she was too old for that nickname now — but using it anyway to lighten the mood. 

It worked. Briefly. 

Staying in a penthouse was wildly different than staying in the Jedi Temple. Ahsoka knew well that this didn’t account for even half of the luxuries to be had in the galaxy, but it was still something that left her stunned when opening something as simple as the utensil drawer. 

What was previously Padmé’s apartment, was now the family apartment. Ahsoka couldn’t comprehend how one person could have a need for so much space. Even with the addition of her husband and two kids, the home still seemed to have a faint echo lingering about. 

She found quickly that said echo could be somewhat muffled inside the master refresher — which was its own overly large area, shimmering in gold and encrusted with precious gems. The walls were painted to resemble the lake country of Naboo, frescoes depicting waterfalls, boats, and springtime flora in full bloom. If Ahsoka had to guess, Padmé spent much of her time in this room. 

A glance to the sonic told her that the water cascaded from the multiple shower heads in a mock waterfall style. Of course it did. Spending the solstice on Naboo made more sense now. Coruscant was not Padmé’s home — it was Anakin’s and his wife was homesick. 

She looked at the claw-foot bathtub in the center of the room. It was so large that it could’ve fit two people comfortably. Ahsoka pressed her cracked lips together and the ache in her muscles felt as though it had doubled. This wasn’t the case, however, it only felt like it at the proximity of such promised relaxation. 

Massaging the knot in her back, Ahsoka decided on her plans for the night. 

Back in the guest’s quarters, she’d found that Anakin had a hand in making sure that her stay would be as comfortable as possible. The heat was on, her favorite snack food was stacked on the nightstand, and a Shilian holo drama was on the big screen. She smiled to herself. 

The other nightstand had a different selection available — snacks she recognized but didn’t reach for often. Perhaps Anakin just wanted to give her more than enough variety during her stay. He really was serious about the bofa fruit, then. 

Her own refresher wasn’t nearly as decadent as the master, but still just as impressive. Fluffy towels were stacked on the counter space and Ahsoka clutched one to her chest before padding back across the apartment to the massive claw-foot tub surrounded by murals of the lake country. 

Her right montral soon cradled the lip of the tub and her eyes grew heavy with the warmth. The combination of the candles, the dark, and the pink bath crystals were working to whisk her off to sleep, making each moment lasting longer than was supposed to. Ahsoka sank deeper and the soapy water lapped at her skin, swallowing more of her the longer she was in there. All that stuck out above the surface now was her shoulders and head. Her lekku swayed in the water and grazed the hardened peaks of her nipples, pulling a gasp from her cracked lips. 

Her eyes opened long enough to see that it was now snowing on Coruscant. Flurries danced downward through the floor length windows, looking like stars in a light polluted sky. 

Stars were never visible from the surface of Coruscant. 

Ahsoka’s breathing picked up just a little bit, briefly forgetting that the windows were made of one-way glass. She sank back down beneath the bubbles anyway and had more peace of mind for when she did eventually decide to exit the bath. 

She was so relaxed and so… alone. She was never really alone like this anymore — not since she’d walked away from the Order. This level of solitude and comfort didn’t exist in the Jedi Temple. Maybe house sitting wasn’t all as bad as she’d predicted. Maybe some types of loneliness weren’t so bad. 

One of her hands drifted downward to the bone of her hip, the contact making her jolt. It had been quite a while since this kind of touch had been there. She sighed. Ahsoka was reminded of the fingers that last touched her like this — fingers that hadn’t been her own. 

Rex had delicately taken hold of her here, his other hand on her left hip, as he’d thrusted into her aching center and pressed hot kisses to her neck. She remembered the way small bruises had peppered her skin the next morning and the sounds he’d made in her montrals.

A soft moan vibrated on her lips and she gave a breathy laugh at herself. 

Her core fluttered, squeezing around nothing but a memory. Everything that had transpired between them on Mandalore, the journey there, the journey back… all of it had led to a stolen rendezvous in the Tribunal after it had been stationed back on Coruscant. 

They’d delivered Maul to the Temple and stopped by the barracks to check on the men. Rex had insisted on accompanying her to the Venator shipyard to do a round of inspection after the inspection team had finished — after the lights had half gone out and suspiciously way after hours. 

For what seemed like a split second of a rip in the seam of time, neither one of them had a responsibility to their titles. 

She was a citizen and so was Rex. 

There was no rank, there was no war, there was no Captain, or Commander, or Jedi, or advisor — there was only what they had for one another. There was only the resolution of so much charged banter. There were only them in the General’s quarters on the Tribunal. Only them on Coruscant. Only them in the galaxy. 

Ahsoka felt the sting on her lips as a gasp escaped her lungs, ragged as she circled her clit in the same, slow and torturous pace Rex had done. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth before letting it go with a moan. The water around her had begun to ripple, now a product of the movements below the bubbles. She sank further into the water and threw her head back, recalling the drag of Rex’s thick cock between her thighs. 

The sensation felt impossibly heightened. 

Choking out another moan, Ahsoka bravely lifted one leg out of the bath and hooked it on the edge of the tub, giving herself more room to move and allowing her fingers to drift lower.

Rex fished the passkey to his former General’s apartment out of his pocket and waited for the light to flash green. The doors parted for him and closed softly as he stepped into the entryway. 

It was notably odd being here alone without the usual hosts present and greeting party of astromech and the protocol droid. He almost welcomed the silence had it not been so eerie. 

They could’ve left the lights on in the foyer at least. 

When Skywalker had asked him to house sit, he’d raised an eyebrow but accepted nonetheless. What else was he supposed to do? Clones didn’t really celebrate the solstice. They celebrated everything and nothing and all of it with a drink in hand and a headache the next morning. 

If bets were being taken, he’d put all his credits on the boys piling into 79s this week. 

He hadn’t stayed with the GAR after the war had been won. And as much as he’d wanted to, he couldn’t allow himself to accept the permanent position of being Ahsoka’s Commander. 

Being that close to her yet forbidden from being with her, would’ve been too heavy on the heart — not to mention dangerous for her, himself, and the men. So he left. Being a soldier was all he knew how to do and he regretted his choice every day. But it was necessary. He had to learn how to be something other than a clone, other than a soldier, and something other than a man in love with his superior. 

Sighing, Rex tossed the passkey into the dish by the door and noticed that the spare one was missing. He stilled and slowed his breathing, checking a second time to confirm. 

Skywalker had been specific. There were supposed to be two. 

Reaching for the pistol strapped to his leg, Rex began making a sweep of the penthouse, aiming first for where most of the valuables would be residing. He took a left into the apartment and stalked towards the master bedroom, finding the door wide open. A glance around at the other doors told him this was indeed the right call — every other door was sealed. 

His former General was still on speed dial. He could reach them if he needed, even if they wouldn’t do much good from Naboo. 

Ahsoka was also still on speed dial as well. 

Rex took a moment to glance down at the first button on his wrist comm. She was currently on leave if he wasn’t mistaken. A coil tightened in the center of his chest (maybe a little to the left). As war hardened as he was, the pain of losing her still cut deep. He ground his teeth.

They were adults. She’d come if he called. 

No disturbances were coming from the main suite. The bed was made and tucked with droid-like precision. All of the drawers were closed and the curtains hung undisturbed. No glass or debris littered the floor. For a brief moment, Rex relaxed his grip on his blaster, but that was only until he saw the faint flicker of light coming from the crack in the ‘fresher door. 

The lavender and gold doors flew open, ricocheting against the painted walls and chipping the lovely paint. His eyes were narrowed and brows furrowed as he scanned the refresher, not at all expecting to find lit candles in a dark room and a very naked Ahsoka in the largest bathtub he’s ever seen. 

His eyebrows slowly rose upward in shock. Gone was the instinct of a soldier ready to strike. 

She would’ve stopped it if she could, but it was far too late. Her eyes would’ve stayed squeezed shut had Rex not entered the room — the very image of what brought upon her orgasm was now standing directly across from her. She didn’t have to picture his fingers anymore. She could see them. His chest was heaving, his skin glowing, eyes reflecting the flicker of the candles, his pretty lips parted. Ahsoka was helpless but to choke out a moan, helpless to control the jolts of pleasure coursing throughout her body as she came, eyes locked with his as she came undone to the thought of him. 

Three candles only provided so much visibility, but she didn’t need them to be able to tell that Rex had gone deeply red in the face. 

He was frozen where he stood, unable to move, unable to divert his gaze. He’d only witnessed the climax of her pleasure for one night, engraved it into his memory, certain he’d never see it again. Yet here it was, here she was, legs trembling as she came right in front of him. 

Ahsoka’s hands moved beneath the water, her arms following as she removed them from between her thighs. She was still holding eye contact with Rex, who began to notice that the only sound in the room was their combined, panting breaths. He’d been standing there, looking at her for far too long. 

Discreetly, he stuffed his shaking hands into his pockets and adjusted himself, now looking anywhere but her and delayed in picking up on the scent of some recreational spice. 

Chancing a look up to the small table next to the bath, he saw the pink dust. Perhaps her pupils were only dilated due to the drugs and not because of him. Ahsoka's head lolled against the side of the tub and Rex was all too aware that her eyes were still on him, watching him try to not watch her as she came down from just one of her highs. 

Of all the things he’d been trained for, this certainly hadn’t made the list. He should leave. He should step out of the room and wait for her to be clothed. But his feet remained still. Stuck. What was he supposed to say now?

“I thought Jedi weren’t permitted the use of recreational spice,” he said, hearing his words tremble in his throat as he motioned towards the jar of dust. 

Not the right thing to say. What are you doing? She’s in the bath. You need to leave. 

Ahsoka giggled and looked at the spice and then back at him, pulling her one leg back into the water. He swallowed thickly. She licked her bottom lip, her mouth presumably very dry at this point. “The Jedi are quite different than you and I last remember,” she responded slowly, still laughing. 

“Of all the rules they revised, I somehow doubt this was one of them,” he retorted, leaning against the marbled countertop and crossing his arms. You shouldn’t be in here. 

Rex forced himself to push off the surface, to put a stop to this and not let himself grow comfortable here. Comfort was the furthest from what he was feeling, but something about Ahsoka made it feel so natural, even when it was anything but. In fact, it was most unnatural for a clone and a Jedi to be caught in this situation. 

It was wrong before and it was still wrong now. 

“You wouldn’t be wrong.”

His heart lodged itself in his throat. 

She continued, sounding far away, “I thought it was bath crystals.”

He coughed and rubbed the back of his too hot neck, readying to take his fleeing steps from the room. Rex didn’t know what to do with his hands. At this moment at least. He absolutely knew what he’d be doing with them later, in the privacy of his own apartment and with an amount of guilt that would last him to the next solstice. 

His disapproval of the drugs seemed to amuse her. She leaned forwards and crossed her arms, folding them under her chin on the edge of the bath, prompting him to cough again. Only the soap covered her chest, slipping between…

“Will you be able to get out?” Rex asked, clearing his throat and keeping his eyes fixed on the pink powder on the small table in front of her. If he didn’t, he’d be wholly incapable of keeping his eyes at appropriate levels. 

Her confidence was… intoxicating. In this state, Ahsoka felt zero ounce of embarrassment from the act he’d just seen her complete. 

Blinking lazily, she slipped a little on her knees and giggled. Well past her limit to exit the tub without injury, Rex concluded. He ground his teeth. Karking hells. Leaving the room alone certainly wasn’t in the question now. The soldier in him shifted into gear again, finding the towel that sober Ahsoka had set out for herself and thanking their makers that she’d done so. He stepped around the tub and held it up, letting the material unfold itself and shield her nudity from him. Rex put his back to the mirrors. 

Ahsoka giggled again from the water as she bit on her lower lip, looking at Rex through half-lidded eyes. 

Fuck. 

Tearing his gaze away from her, Rex approached the edge of the porcelain tub and took great interest in the colorful tiles at his feet. The cool air coming from being near the windows told him he was sweating. “Can you stand?” he asked. 

“I can try,” Ahsoka said, gripping the edges of the bath, wet fingers grazing Rex’s pants. He bit down on his tongue hard. 

From what he could tell out of his peripheral vision, her movements were entirely uncoordinated — like a newborn kybuck walking for the first time. Taking a second to regain her land legs, Ahsoka rose with wobbly knees to her feet, the dripping of the water off of her body filling the room. Rex tried not to imagine it, he really did, the way the water traveled down her breasts and gathered by her navel. He tried not to imagine the shine and slip of her sienna skin, the water streaking down her torso and the swell of her ass, collecting there and trailing down her thighs. 

It was an image he remembered all too well and an image concealed to him now only by a towel. 

Yes, Rex remembered — all too painfully well. He was cursed to remember. The feel of her lips between his, her supple skin under his fingertips, the flutter of her eyes, the sounds passing over her tongue. He’d memorized the curve of her breasts, the taste of her kiss, the way her hands scratched along his scalp, the way she breathed his name, how slow they’d taken it at first, the way her cunt sucked him in and wrapped so tightly around him, how wet she’d been… and how they’d washed one another in the sonic after. 

It was almost ironic that they meet like this now. Rex could’ve laughed if the memory hadn’t— 

Ahsoka suddenly fell forward and took a frantic hold of the towel, thinking it would break her fall but pulling it from Rex’s grasp completely. It dropped to the floor in a heap and her hands scrambled for the next available thing, pulling him into her with two fistfuls of his white shirt. Reacting quickly, Rex’s arms shot out to both hold her close and prevent his own fall, placing one hand at the small of her bare back and the other on the lip of the tub. 

But he was only successful at one of those attempts. His shins were flush against the bath and Ahsoka was flush against him, the soap in the water unwilling to allow her feet to grip the bottom. Finally slipping, Ahsoka took Rex along with her, yelping as they fell and the bubbles engulfed them. 

Unscrewing his eyes, the first thing Rex saw were small heaps of bubbles falling around them and framing Ahsoka’s face. The warm water lapped at his neck, having soaked through his tee and trousers. He blew away the bubbles on his nose. Two lekku were draped on either side of his head and both of his hands were holding… holding her hips.

She’d either landed on top of him by sheer accident or he’d somehow managed to cradle her fall while they were going down. But the only thing he knew for certain was that a dark, hardened nipple had just grazed over his chest. He bit the inside of his cheek, keenly aware of the twitch of his cock and the way Ahsoka’s hot core was seated against his belt. 

He’d turned his head but seeing the white marks situated above her opening had been completely unavoidable. Heat seared across his face as though he’d been slapped.  

Water continued to slosh around them and Rex tore his hands away from her naked frame, desperately trying to move in a way where she couldn’t feel the stiff erection in his pants. There’d be no tent and no hiding it. The water would allow Ahsoka to see and feel everything. His frantic reaction prompted her to leap into action, accidentally grinding herself against him in attempts to mend their situation and causing Rex’s hips to buck. 

A moan was stifled in both of their throats and again he caught sight of the pretty white markings above her pussy, screwing his eyes shut to avoid a third. “Ahsoka,” he choked out, “Just follow my lead and I’ll get us out of here.”

What was left of the contents of the tub sloshed around them as Rex sat up. With his eyes closed, he reached out for her arms, which she gratefully offered to him so that he could pull them up together. Ahsoka swallowed, trying to wet her dry mouth, and found that looking down only made it dry up more. Rex was undeniably hard, the head of his thick cock outlined by his soaked pants. 

A whine escaped her. 

“Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?” Rex asked. 

“M’okay,” she squeaked, watching his boots as they left the tub. He cracked an eye open to look for the towel that had dropped, only to find that it too had been drenched. 

He sighed and Ahsoka witnessed the flush occupying the shells of Rex’s ears. “Put your arms around my neck,” he instructed. 

For the first time that evening, her heart leapt into her throat. Her senses were dulled and nowhere near the end of their fog, but this still made her insides flutter. Ahsoka did as she was asked, her eyes locked on Rex’s face as she hooked her hands behind him. Force, he looked as beautiful as ever. 

She hadn’t seen him… hadn’t spoken with him since…

Rex’s hands connected with her hips again, lingering for a fraction of a second and not even giving her time to gasp before he bent and slotted an arm under her knees and one behind her back. 

The small gasp fell past her lips as he lifted her up. Ahsoka looked past him and into the mirror behind them, witnessing the way his muscles rippled under his wet, white t-shirt. If her mouth wasn’t already dry, it surely was now. She giggled again to herself, kicking her feet in a girlish sort of way. It couldn’t be helped. Rex just made her feel so giddy and—

Ahsoka kicked the jar of spice onto the floor. 

“Fuck me,” Rex sighed, defeated. 

Pink dust swirled around them and they each coughed, his boots crunching the shards of glass now littered on the tiles. Ahsoka’s giggling ceased only for a moment before it started up again. She threw her head back in laughter as Rex walked them out of the room, shaking his head. 

But Ahsoka saw the slight twitch in the right corner of his mouth. 

His head was starting to feel light as he approached the guest bedroom. Ahsoka was humming and kicking her feet to whatever tune she had in her head. It almost sounded like a cheesy solstice carol, but Ahsoka was never one to hold the correct tune or even learn the proper words or melodies to songs. She was exceptional in everything she did — everything but singing. 

It was like listening to a choir of porgs. No, actually, it was like a choir of porgs being grilled alive for solstice dinner. 

And he loved her for it. 

The lamps and holo tv cast a dim glow in the room and Rex was grateful. He nudged the switch for the fan with his shoulder, turning it off, and placed Ahsoka gently onto the mattress, feeling himself sway as he leaned down. She released her grip on his neck but her fingers lingered, trailing under his jaw and causing him to choke on a hiss. 

His pants were already clinging to him and she was just making it worse. 

He had to look up to the bed canopy to prevent his eyes from drifting any lower. The doors to her ‘fresher were open and he spotted a stack of towels, lifting himself off the mattress for it and grabbing up a fresh one. Switching the light off, he sighed. 

He’d have to go back into the master ‘fresher and blow out all those candles Ahsoka had lit. 

Placing the towel on the edge of the bed, he began the journey back down the hall. The less he looked at Ahsoka the better. 

When he returned to the scene of the crime, the room was in a thin cloud of pink dust. One of the candles had already been put by their splash. 

Rex pulled his shirt up over his nose so as to prevent any more inhalation and mopped up the puddle on the floor. By the looks of the painted walls, he doubted that Senator Amidala had ever intended to add a real lake to her Naboo themed refresher. 

Quickly, he found proper cleaning supplies in a hall closet and erased the mess. It was like it had never happened. 

He was blowing out the last candle, however, when he saw the remnants of the spice being sucked up into the vents. Of course this couldn’t be easy. If he didn’t turn off the entire system, it would spread throughout the apartment. 

The walk back down the hall wasn’t as smooth as the first time around. His steps were noticeably less coordinated. As a soldier, it enraged him that he had no control over it. How much spice was safe to inhale in one sitting? 

Ahsoka was shivering on the bed when he returned, toweling off her lekku and still stark naked. His dick twitched helplessly and he leaned into the wall. 

“Rex,” Ahsoka slurred his name. He leaned further into the wall. She was looking down at her lekku. “I think the white is turning blue.”

“You’re not turning blue.”

“But—”

“I had to turn off the heat,” he explained, handing her one of the Senator’s robes. 

She finally looked up at him and her lekku dropped back down to her chest. Her towel drifted down past her collarbones and Rex offered the housecoat more urgently.

Ahsoka pushed it aside, delighted amusement painting her face. “Rex, what are you wearing?”

“The same thing you’re about to be wearing,” he answered, “Take it.”

Orange fingers took the luxury housecoat and blue eyes went wide. “This is expensive,” her blown pupils tried to narrow, “Wait. If this one’s… Is that Anakin’s?” 

Rex looked down to where Ahsoka was pointing. In the haze of shucking his wet clothes and pulling the robes on in the dark, he’d missed the monogram. Silver embroidery decorated the chest of the blue garment, reading in curly letters: Ani. 

Karking hells. 

He’d never seen Ahsoka laugh so hysterically. She fell onto her back with laughter, her face and lekku beginning to flush. Even Rex couldn’t keep a straight face this time. It looked ridiculous on him. He couldn’t tell if it was the spice, Ahsoka’s guffawing, or the image of General Skywalker wearing a fur lined, baby blue housecoat with his nickname on it that made him join her in hysterics. 

Tears collected at the corners of Ahsoka’s eyes and somehow Rex was now face to face with her. Had he collapsed onto the bed in laughter? He couldn’t pick himself up or make himself stop long enough to answer. It felt like if he’d were to try and lift his head up that it would weigh thousands of pounds. 

With his face smushed into the bed, their laughing slowly started to cease, turning into only a smile as they watched one another. 

The towel was millimeters away from exposing Ahsoka’s breasts. 

Rex reached for her forgotten housecoat and pulled it up for her to grab. “Put this on. It’s gonna get cold. I’ll call someone t’come fix it in the morning.”

Ahsoka nodded and opened the robe to access the arm holes. She got one in successfully and pulled the excess material over her chest to hunt for the other. She missed. And missed. And missed. And missed again. 

“Rex,” she whined, “Help.”

Her plea broke him out of his daze of watching her, not even realizing she was struggling. Something about the way her back kept arching off the mattress made his cock slap against his stomach and he’d been lost in the motions. 

His fingers didn’t feel like his own as he moved the robe around to find the other arm hole and hold it open for her. Ahsoka fit it inside and smiled in triumph, allowing Rex to lean over her to close the robe shut, tying it securely. The hands that didn’t feel like his own stayed motionless at her sides. 

A lone orange finger roamed over his knuckles before Ahsoka turned to look out the window. The snow was falling harder. 

Rex swallowed and pulled away, collapsing back into the bed at her side and looking in the other direction. 

Why were all of his favorite, guilty pleasure treats on the nightstand?

“‘Soka?” he asked, his voice cracking. 

She hummed. 

“Did you do this?”

Turning to face him, her brow markings turned inward. “What d’you mean?”

He licked his lips. Now his mouth was dry. “I mean why are you here? Why are my favorite things on the night table? Why is that Shilian classic on the tv with the woman I said looks like you? Did you know I’d be here?”

The crease between her brows had deepened. “Rex, what are you talking about? I didn’t d—”

Her words trailed. 

He��

No. 

Oh, when he gets back!

“Anakin,” she breathed, shaking her head and staring up at the ceiling. “He thinks he’s so slick…”

“I’m confused,” Rex said slowly, propping himself up onto pillows that cost more than his life. 

Ahsoka did the same, pressing her nose into the fuzz that lined the collar of her similarly monogrammed robe. “Did Anakin ask you to house sit while he was away?”

His features didn’t move. “Well, yeah, but—”

“When?”

“Yesterday.”

She nodded to herself and laughed at seemingly nothing, that was, until Rex remembered the passkeys. 

“That kriffing— He—”

Ahsoka finished for him, “Orchestrated this whole thing.” She definitely butchered the first word. 

Rex looked at the opposite nightstand and found that their guess was confirmed. All of Ahsoka’s favorite treats were sitting atop it — everything he knew her to love. And the film. She’d said once that it was her childhood favorite. 

He should be angry. He should be outraged at Skywalker and he ought to return his passkey to the bowl and leave her to house sit. This wasn’t a two person job, afterall.

But he didn’t move. If he did, it might take thousands of pounds of effort. 

“When did he ask you?” 

“Just before he left. I’d come to surprise them for dinner,” she answered, her voice less musical than before. 

They sat in silence for a long while, neither of them paying any real attention to the holo drama. With no heat running, the apartment’s silence was loud. They could even hear the snow falling outside. Ahsoka pulled the towel over her to retain more warmth. 

Rex reached for the nightstand and downed half of the bottle of water Anakin had presumably left for him. He was trying to focus on sobering up and not think about how he and Ahsoka had found themselves in a bed together. How could the Gener— Skywalker do this? All those countless dinners. He and Padmé both know how painful the subject of Ahsoka was for him. 

Her voice was quiet when she finally spoke — so quiet that he thought it was part of the program playing on the holo tv at first. 

“Why did you leave?”

The silence between them suddenly felt heavy, like it could weigh thousands of—

“You resigned without even telling me first,” she continued, glancing at him once, bravely, before turning back to the window. 

She was hurting just as badly as he was. 

Rex felt like that shattered jar of spice. 

“I– I couldn’t serve with you anymore,” he choked out. “I couldn’t serve under a superior I’d slept with. You’d agreed to rejoin the Jedi and… it wouldn’t… it wouldn’t have been in the best interest of the men if I’d had sexual relations with—”

“Is that all it was to you?” Ahsoka cut him off, her voice louder and wavering. “Sexual relations?”

The pain in her voice sent a crack running straight through the largest vessel in his heart. “Ahsoka. Of course not.” 

His eyes were still adamant not to focus but he fought against the high to train his gaze on her. 

“Ahsoka, it’s all I’ve thought about since. It’s all I’ve thought about for months. I thought… I thought leaving the GAR was what you wanted me to do. At the time, it’s what I wanted to do too. We’d finally been given the choice, all of the clones, and I made mine. I couldn’t choose the Republic and choose you too. It wasn’t even in the question to have both. I’d be failing the men, failing my government, and failing you if I stayed. You don’t know how I’d dreamed of one day being your Commander, calling you General. I thought after Maul, that’s what we’d get. I knew Skywalker would transfer me to you permanently. But when we got back… we— we got so much more than that,” he paused, “And then it just…”

She sighed, her eyes glittering with tears threatening to spill. “And then it just didn’t happen.”

“Just once. That’s all we got,” Rex laughed at himself to avoid breaking down. “I’d never regretted a decision more. I should’ve let you inspect the Tribunal yourself. I shouldn’t have come into your quarters with you. I should’ve turned in at the barracks, kept the promotion, and served with you and the 332nd. At least, that way, I’d still be able to see you. Even if you only spoke to me because you had to, we’d still be near, and I’d still die for you even then — gladly. We should’ve gotten so much more than we did.”

Moodboard by @ventresses

Pent Up in the Skywalker Penthouse (Part Two)

[queenlucythevaliant]

Okay, @laurelindorenan and @catkin-morgs were interested in my Star Wars thoughts, so here ya go. No particular order, just gonna ramble. Idk what all to discuss exactly, so this will be pretty broad-strokes.  

I am an Original Trilogy girl at heart and I do maintain that all three are actual masterpieces. All other Star Wars media, good bad or otherwise, is secondary in my book. Not an unusual opinion or anything, but maybe a little out of step with a lot of folks my age. I didn’t actually even see the prequel trilogy until the runup to The Force Awakens. 

And I just. I can’t even articulate the fondness and joy and giddy love that I have for those first three movies. For Luke, Leia, and Han. The whole supporting cast. The sound of Darth Vader’s breathing. Wookiee noises. Lightsabers and blasters and the jump to hyperspace. The sets! Hoth and the Death Star and the Millennium Falcon and Cloud City and -- and-- they’re so immersive and tangible and lived in and it always feel likes I could just step into them. The music!

I adore every single solitary thing about the romance between Leia and Han, which was probably the first love story I ever encountered that fully captivated my heart. It’s not just the bickering, it’s the fact that they change each other! They’re fire and steel together, but also Han learns to stay and to care because he loves Leia and Leia steps away from the rebellion to go after Han. He’s blind and frightened and he asks “who’s there” and she replies, “someone who loves you.” 

The themes of family tragedy and legacy and love and REDEMPTION! Han coming back to the Death Star and Lando the rebellion general and “I’ve got to save you!”/”You already have.” Luke, Luke the boy who throws aside his weapon and says “I am a Jedi like my father before me.” Who risks everything on the foolish, stupid hope that his father can be rescued from the Dark and he’s right. 

Thanks heavily to the influence of my dad, I’m an old fogey Star Wars fan who vehemently rejects the special editions. I alluded to the fact that I switched over to the despecialized edition to show my roommate the original Han/Greedo scene, subtitles be damned. I plan to do the same with the ending of Return of the Jedi. Idk, maybe that’s a little too rigid of me, but I can’t help it. I’m my father’s daughter. 

My personal ranking of the current cannon:

The good stuff, in order of preference: Jedi Empire, ANH (tentatively- my favorite OT movie is the one I've watched most recently), Clone Wars season 7, rest of Clone Wars, The Mandalorian seasons 1 and 2.

Revenge of the Sith is compelling in spite of itself, but I can't quite bring myself to call it good. I’m ehhh on Rogue One and Obi-Wan. I have a complicated relationship with The Last Jedi.

I actively dislike Solo, Attack of the Clones, The Force Awakens, Phantom Menace, and The Rise of Skywalker (UGH), in ascending order of badness.

Haven’t seen Andor, Book of Boba Fett, or any of Rebels apart from like, 4 episodes. Waiting to watch Mandalorian s3 with my Dad over Christmas.

I also read a whole bunch of the old EU books as a kid and while the quality is highly variable, I still have very fond memories of quite a lot of it. I fully maintain that the sequel trilogy should have pulled from the New Jedi Order series. I miss Jaina Solo.

The prequels are. Um. They’re less than the sum of their parts. The opening to Revenge of the Sith is straight fire and you know I love me a good doomed romance and I swear I could get high on “This is how liberty dies: with thunderous applause.” But like. Sigh. They’re not good movies, guys. I know a lot of people my age will defend these movies, but I just. No. Y’all are nuts. The older crowd is right, the prequels are, in fact, bad, but hey, at least they gave us Clone Wars. 

On the other hand, the sequel trilogy is just a blot on the series. In a vacuum, I do rather like The Last Jedi as a movie, particularly the last hour, but in the context of the original films it's terribly unfair and cruel to Luke. It had some great themes and striking visuals, though. I never much liked The Force Awakens once the initial high wore off because it was super bland and not nearly interesting enough to distract me from the fact that it broke up Han and Leia!! Like what the heck. And of course The Rise of Skywalker is utter garbage. 

I wish Disney would stop it with all the new Content(tm), or at least slow down. It's just too much.

idk what else to say. I reblog Star Wars stuff on my other blog sometimes, but ironically (because it’s the biggest franchise in the world basically), Star Wars is really personal to me. I’m always, always, always gonna connect it with my dad.

[heaven-s-black-box]

Side Project- Luke & Leia

Return to File- Event Masterlist

Recovery date: July 25th, 2022

Description: Luke and Leia are forced to take a break, but even then they can't sit still.

Notes: An entry from my 2022 research project into the universe of Star Wars. You can find the next entry here.

Word count: 647

Back to directory

Sometimes the twins were far too much like their parents. It was something both R2 and C3PO could agree on when they spoke -which was rarely-, since R2 left with Luke to form a new Jedi academy.

In this case, it was their work habits that forced the comparison. Leia spending late nights in her office drafting up proposals and arguments for the senate, much like their mother, and Luke training from dawn till dusk like their father. It was ridiculous, and neither of them showed signs of stopping. A trait their parents had in common and they shared, dragged them on, stubbornness. 

“Alright goldy, what is it?” Han huffed.

He was leaning back in the pilot's seat of the Millenium Falcon, arms crossed and legs kicked up on Chewwie’s seat.

C3PO had been looking for him all day, assuming it was some political quest from Leia, Han had tried his damndest to avoid him. The droid had finally found him in the cockpit getting ready to head out on a supply delivery run.

“It’s about Master Luke and Mistress Leia, R2 and I are very worried about them.”

Han dropped his feet and leaned in a bit more to the droid, arms now propped up on his knees.

“What d’you mean?”

“Well, neither of them have taken a break since the battle of Endor and they both spend all day working. It cannot be healthy, the human body requires rest or else it will burn out.”

Han sighed, “Look, I’m sure if they needed a break they would take one. Now, I’m heading out, so unless you’d like to come with me, get off the ship.”

“Mistress Pamde and Master Anakin wouldn’t,” 3PO huffed and left the cockpit. “It was no use,” he exclaimed to R2 as he left the Falcon, “we have to find some other way to make them relax.”

“Hey droid!” 3PO turned around to find Han standing in the doorway of the Falcon. “What did you have in mind?”

---

“There’s a folder of drafts that need to be sent out for approval, things like trade agreements, treaties, everything. It’s all in the drafts folder… Oh and!”

“Do not worry mistress Leia, I will make sure everything runs smoothly in your absence.”

She took a deep breath and smiled at him.

“I know you will, thank you 3PO.”

“You sure you don’t want me to drop you two off? At least on Naboo?” Han asked, handing the last duffle up to Luke. He was kind of surprised the droids’ plan worked.

“Nah, we’re good. Besides, I’m thinking of letting Leia fly for a bit.”

The two looked back at her, giving some last minute directions to her stand-ins.

“I wish I could be there to see that.”

Luke chuckled. “Leia, come on. The sooner we leave, the sooner you can be back.”

“I’m coming! I’m coming,” she waved. 

“Okay, I gotta know, what’s so special about this trip?

Leia pulled the X-wing helmet on and Luke helped her fasten it before she got into the back seat.

“It’s a chance to let us get to know our parents,” Luke shrugged.

“When I first met Obi-Wan, he seemed so sad talking about them. I guess, now I know why but… I want to understand why, I want to understand who they were,” she shrugged, leaning over the side a bit.

“I grew up on Tatooine, our father’s home planet, but I want to see where our mother grew up.”

Luke hopped into the pilot seat and pulled on his helmet.

“So what, the droids convinced you to take a break by going on a journey of self discovery?”

Both twins shrugged.

“Closing the hatch, bye Han.”

Leia waved and settled in, saying something to Luke once the hatched closed. Han couldn’t hear them anymore, but he could tell they were already relaxing. Luke laughed at whatever Leia said and waved bye to him and the droids.

As Han stepped back, he watched the twins take off on a much needed vacation.

[yestolerancepro]

Tolerance Project extra a long time ago in a Galaxy far far away

Part 2 a lost sequel an ice planet and a forest moon

Introduction

Hello there and welcome to the second chapter of a revised blog that looks at the first 6 episodes of the Star Wars saga the first chapter covered the making of Star Wars and my memories of the Toyline and seeing Star Wars on Television for the first time in 1982 this chapter covers the lost sequel Splinter of a Minds eye from 1978 The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

So Star Wars is a big success how do you continue the story?

Well the first plan was not the Empire Strikes back but a low budget sequel planned by George Lucas and the writer Alan Dean Foster called Splinter of Minds eye written in case Star Wars was a big flop,

Screenrant recently published this article about the book with it celebrating its 46th birthday.

Before The Empire Strikes Back, there was Alan Dean Foster's "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" - the original sequel to Star Wars, 46 years old today. It's hard to believe, but back in 1977, even George Lucas wasn't confident Star Wars would be a success. He approached well-established science-fiction writer Alan Dean Foster to write a low-budget sequel, which evolved into the first tie-in in what would become the old Star Wars Expanded Universe.

"Splinter of the Mind's Eye" was officially published on February 12, 1978, and it is officially 46 years old today. The book is no longer considered canon - Disney effectively rebooted the entire timeline, rendering the Expanded Universe "Legends" - but that doesn't mean it had no influence. In fact, there are striking similarities to The Empire Strikes Back, while Solo: A Star Wars Story and tie-ins to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker have brought some of its most interesting ideas back into canon.

"Splinter of the Mind's Eye" continued the adventures of Luke Skywalker, with the would-be Jedi traveling to the swamplike planet Mimban as an escort for Princess Leia. There, they discover a wizened old lady named Halla who served as something of a mentor to him in the ways of the Force, and he came face-to-face with Darth Vader for the first time - triumphing even though Darth Vader wielded Force powers Luke had never seen before. Han Solo was entirely absent - Foster seemed to assume he had returned to his old life as a smuggler - and the book is brimming with romantic tension between Luke and Leia.

It's easy to see how "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" impacted the real Star Wars sequel - in which Luke Skywalker traveled to a swamplike planet named Dagobah where he met a wizened old Jedi Master named Yoda. In fact, there's evidence Dagobah was itself based on concept art for Mimban. Luke wound up dueling Darth Vader in the movie as well, although he didn't fare quite so well as in Foster's book. The Empire Strikes Back even featured the infamous Luke-Leia kiss, a moment Lucas surely came to regret when he decided to make them brother and sister.

Empire Strikes Back the second Chapter in the trilogy and the first change of director calling the shots

Empire Strikes Back was included in an article on the Screenrant website titled 10 Movie sequels that changed director and beat the original these are there comments on Empire Strikes Back

While George Lucas continued to write for all of Star Wars: Episodes I through VI, he stepped back from directing episodes V, and VI. A New Hope set up the elaborate universe and a stage to play out the space opera that is Star Wars, but The Empire Strikes Back is arguably the best entry in the entire series. Characters like Yoda, and Lando Calrissian made their debut in Episode V, along with the shocking reveal that Darth Vader is Luke's father. This film completely changed the trajectory for all future films in the franchise and formed the foundation of what Star Wars became, and part of that should be attributed to the wonderful direction of Irvin Kershner.

The Perfect Sequel

The Collider website recently punlished an article called 25 movies that are perfect from start to finish included The Empire Strikes Back in their list at number 16  this is what collider film said about Empire Strikes Back.

For as good and groundbreaking as the original Star Wars from 1977 was, it was the sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, that cemented Star Wars as more than just a fad that swept cinemas one summer. It's about as perfect as movie sequels get, bringing back all the key characters from the first movie and pushing them further, physically, emotionally, and even psychologically. In every way, it raises the stakes and makes the beloved galaxy far, far away feel even more vast.

As the title implies, the tyrannical empire does not take their defeat at the end of the first movie well, with The Empire Strikes Back kicking off with the heroic Rebels on the defensive and scattered following a spectacular opening battle scene. From there, Luke Skywalker learns some dark truths about himself and his family while Han Solo and Princess Leia find themselves falling for each other, even if fate looks like it might keep them apart. It's space opera storytelling at its best, and a perfect sequel to an already great movie in every way.

The Best Science Fiction film of 1980

The movieweb film website published an article called the best scifi movie of every year in the 80s for 1980 they chose Empire strikes Back these were their reasons why.

In 1977, George Lucas changed the face of cinema forever with what would become one of the most popular and highest-grossing film franchises of all time. Three years later, The Empire Strikes Back hit theaters and featured the first-ever battle between Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Darth Vadar (David Prowse).

After the retrieval of Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) in A New Hope, the Rebels are pursued by the Death Star across the galaxy. Realizing that he can't win his fight against Darth Vadar without training first, Luke seeks the help of Jedi Master Yoda to guide him on the path to becoming a Jedi. The second film's masterful finale sets up the pace for what is technically the "last film" in the trilogy.

What Makes It the Best

1980 was a relatively slow year for sci-fi as far as major films go. However, the largely anticipated release of the second installment in the Star Wars franchise would outshine any other film by far. The Empire Strikes Back utilized the popularization of space exploration flawlessly, right down to Yoda's puppet effects. The use of practical effects throughout the film adds to the overall charm of those early Star Wars movies. Empire Strikes Back explores more territory and spends more time in space, as more creatures and characters are introduced throughout.

Star Wars and Me Empire Strikes Back

The first thing I knew about the Empire Strikes Back is when Mum and Dad took me and Matthew on Holiday or a day trip somewhere, and Matthew managed to pick up a Star Wars Empire Strikes back comic book that was hidden in a newspaper stand I was most envious.

The first Star Wars computer game I ever played was the 1982 Empire Strikes Back Parker Bros game for the Atari games console remember those ? you used to have to plug the unit into the airiel socket at the back of your TV for hours of arcade fun 

Those of you who have not played the Empire Strikes back computer game you are Luke Skywalker in your Snow speeder trying to stop the AT ATs from attacking your base on the planet hoth you had a limited time in which to do it or you would loose the game.

It was good for its time I thought the graphics were very good when I played it with my family as a 5 year old but its one of those games you could never win as the evil Empire would always get to your base in the end .

The first picture is an example of the graphics featured in the Empire Strikes back game not bad for 1982 the 2nd picture is the cover the Atari cartridge came in.

  I didn’t get to see Empire till Dad hired it for the weekend from the video store on watching I can remember not liking it but on repeat viewings I have changed my mind I can see why its now regarded as the best film of the original trilogy it would be a while befoe I would see on televison . it wasn’t shown on the ITV network till Christmas 1987.

Toys

As mentioned in this the first chapter of this blog Star Wars introduced a whole new toyline Empire Strikes back would build on that success one of the first Star Wars toys I ever got was Luke Skywalkers Snowspeeder from Empire Strikes Back.

Empire would introduce new planets and baddies into the Star Wars universe.

These included the Planet Hoth where the opening battle with the evil empire took place. Dagobar where we meet former Jedi Master Yoda for the first time as well as Cloud City where Han Solo attempts to escape capture by Darth Vader and an army of bounty hunters including Bobba Fett

Further Watching

Those 2 videos from Anolog toys show the best of the Toys from Empire Strikes back including Yoda and the planet Daygobar to watch Dagobar dreaming click here DAGOBAH DREAMING | A Kenner Star Wars Retrospective (youtube.com)

To learn more about the toy version of Bobba Fett click here Star Wars | Best Boba Fett Figure Ever? (youtube.com)

Further Watching

Click here for the original 1980 trailer to Empire Strikes Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz_YWNhKOkM&list=PL17vqAEJv6CV3Y85xphI3YrPVq3Q5wI_7&index=5

Click here for 10 things you didn’t know about Empire Strikes Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_UhJkzKaA&t=9s

To watch a video review of Empire Strikes Back from the Oliver Harper Youtube Channel click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDlnOsWu27E&list=PL17vqAEJv6CV3Y85xphI3YrPVq3Q5wI_7&index=19&t=17s

Further Reading

This interesting article from the Screen rant website how Empire Strikes Back changed Hollywood forever to read it click here 10 Ways The Empire Strikes Back Changed Hollywood Forever (screenrant.com)

Read about Leigh Brachketts draft of Empire Strikes Back by Clicking here Leia Wasn't Originally Luke's Sister In Star Wars — And Darth Vader Wasn't His Dad (slashfilm.com)

Find out why George Lucas changed the ending to Empire Strikes Back 3 weeks after the films release click here Why George Lucas Changed The Empire Strikes Back Ending... Three Weeks After The Movie's Release (screenrant.com)

Return of the Jedi or should that be Revenge of the Jedi ?

Did you know that Return of the Jedi’s original title was going to be Revenge of the Jedi which was a total mistake on the production team of the film you can find out more here Star Wars: Return of the Jedi's Original Title Was a Total Accident | Den of Geek

Further Watching

The Revenge of the Jedi traler from 1982 click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAW1E3JIQZE&t=14s

Star Wars and Me Return of the Jedi

I always felt sorry for Return of the Jedi it always seems to get a bad rep after the the first 2 episodes in the original trilogy Star Wars A New Hope and The Empire which is seen as the best Star Wars fiilm of the original trilogy and often cited as the best film of the series when campared with the other 9 films in The Skywalker saga.

Return of the Jedi is often critised by some for its plot for copying story elements from Star wars being the building of the Death Star and the rebels having to destroy it at the films end the cute teddy bear creatures the Eworks are also not liked by some Star Wars fans

When George Lucas orignally wrote the Star Wars script in the early 70s he had planned to use Chewbacca's own people the Wookies to help out the rebels instead

Return of the Jedi is the Star wars film I have the best memories of

with it being the final film of the trilogy it seemed to be everywhere and the merchandise machine was into overdrive including your local Supermarket yes you could now eat Star Wars as well. around 1983 C3PO from the Star Wars films had his own cereal I never eat these by the way ha ha

There was even an advert to go with it you can watch it here C3PO Cereal from Kellogg's 1984 (youtube.com) but I do remember eating some Star Wars biscuits themed around Return of the Jedi from what I remember they tasted ok

After eating Star Wars I did buy quite a bit of Return of the Jedi merchindise with the help of my Mum and Dad

who went to a parents evening at Rawthorpe infants and Junior school school and while me and Matthew stayed at my Nans,my dad brought back a pair of Storybooks he said bought one of my teachers one of them was the Return of the Jedi storybook.

Dad went on another one of trips to a garden centre and brought back a couple of storybook tapes for me and Matthew one was the 24 page storybook and tape of Return of The Jedi .I listened to that quite a lot I am surprised I didn’t wear the tape out. to listen to the storybook click here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSZeN7fW8Q8...

Then I went to local yearly fair with my Grandparents and cousins and brought back this badge.

I didn’t see Return of the Jedi till it made it début on VHS in 1984 it didn’t appear the TV till the ITV network showed it on Boxing day 1988 .

Dad once again hired it from the Local video story for the weekend and we must have watched it about 10 times in about 3 days

By far the most bizzare piece of merchandise I ever got relating to Star Wars was the 1984 Return of the Jedi annual which my Nan bought me for Christmas. Its rather strange in that even though it says Return of the Jedi on the front cover its got nothing to do with the film. 

The front cover artwork though Very good looks nothing like Mark Hamell’s Luke Skywalker.Though the artist does a good Job with the  other elements on the cover like Princess Leia The Emperor and the Scout Walker.

From my memory of reading it apart from one image in the book it doesn’t feature Harrison Fords Han Solo as part of the story, as a consequence of that Chewbacca is missing from the book as well.

Return of the Jedi the Computer game

I also remember playing a computer game based on return of the jedi according to Wikipedia it was originally released in 1985 but I think mum most have bought a later version .

It was the Spectrum 2 version where you had to load onto computer via a cassette I thought it was very good I played it quite alot the graphics and game play were very good.

it featured 3 levels The player takes control of three different vehicles in stages based upon the Return of the Jedi film. Gameplay is from an isometrically projected perspective and is broken into three stages. In the first, the player pilots a speeder bike to the Ewok village. The next stage involves piloting the Millennium Falcon to destroy a reactor. Another speeder bike stage follows. The final stage involves piloting both an AT-ST and the Millennium Falcon in rapid succession in a fight against a Star Destroyer.

Further Watching

Click Here for the orignal 1983 Trailer for Return of The Jedi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ocn-_ZCPSg&list=PL17vqAEJv6CV3Y85xphI3YrPVq3Q5wI_7&index=2

Click here for 10 things you didn’t know about Return of the Jedi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1HpzaAclFk&t=7s

To watch a video review of Return of the Jedi from the Oliver Harper YouTube channel click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2tL4w8qgpk

What next after Return of the Jedi ?

After Return of the Jedi they were 2 Ewok themed TV Movies Caravan of Courage and The Battle of Endor I have a dim memory of watching both on VHS rented from the video store by my dad you can watch a video about both films by clicking here 10 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars Ewok Movies (youtube.com)

Further Watching

Caravan of Courage an Ewok Adventure trailer click here (4) Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) Trailer - YouTube

Eworks Battle for Endor Trailer click here (4) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor Trailer 1985 - YouTube

Further Reading

Read about Return of the Jedi's much darker ending from an article from the Collider fillm website click here ‘Return of the Jedi’ Originally Had a Much Darker Alternate Ending (collider.com)

Revisiting the Original Star Wars Trilogy for its 20th Birthday and those special editions.

If we are going to complete the Orignal Star Wars story. we need to include something about the Special edition versions that George Lucas made in 1997 to celebrate Star Wars 20th Anniversary.

I know these versions of the Star Wars films can be a bit like Marmite to some fans you ethier love them or you hate them, a bit like Star Wars Episodes 1 to 3 in that respect ha ha .

Anyway here is a half an hour video with the team that made the special edition trilogy why they did it. How they did it, and the reasons they did it. Thanks to Trent Pruitt on youtube for this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzApL8nUyT0

I am Star Wars fan and even I am not sure if I love the changes to the Star Wars films or not. Here are 2 more videos from youtube to help you if like me your undecided.  To watch a video called  Star Wars: 10 Brilliant Changes George Lucas Made To His Saga  click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OscvXBdK3jQ&t=26s 

And just to be balanced  to watch a video called Top 10 Worst Star Wars Special Edition Changes click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p9ozSFOMQY From the youtube Channel watch majo.com

This article lists some of the multiple changes made to the orignal Star Wars trilogy https://insidethemagic.net/2023/09/disney-plus-star-wars-edits-cj1mmb/

Star Wars Special edition Trailers 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ticuVxpz6I8 thank you to flcl4evrlaserdisc

Epilogue Star Wars The Artwork

Years later me and Matthew went on holiday with mum and dad and we would pass this bookshop everyday and we would look lovingly in the window at Star Wars portpholios full of lovely artwork. We told mum and dad about these thinking we would never get them  they were too expensive.

Then on the last day Mum and dad went into the book shop and bought them both me and Matthew were floored but so happy 

The artwork was amazing Matthew told me he found it fascinating

Pictures

1)Splinter of the Minds eye book cover from 1978

2Empire Strikes Back poster from 1980*

3)Parker Bros artwork for the Atari Empire Strikes Back game

4(Graphics for the Atari Game

5)The Return of the Jedi Storybook

6)The Return of the Jedi Badge with Darth Vader and the Emperors guards)

 7)The bizzare Return of the Jedi annual

8 and 9 The covers for the Star Wars and Return of the Jedi portpholios

 10) Star Wars Special edition posters

Remember If you have read this blog and liked it please consider giving a donation to the Tolerance project by clicking on the above link thank you

Notes

Thank you to the Minty Comedic arts youtube chanel for the 10 things about Star Wars Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi videos IMDB for the original Star Wars release dates and Den of Geek website for their article When did the original Star Wars become A New Hope and finally the Oilver Harper Youtube Channel for his respective review video series on the Star Wars films 

Thank you to Google images for the viarous pictures my family and my brorher for playing with me and jogging my memory for the first part of this blog

*The Poster for Empire Strikes back designed by Roger Kastel was included in the Calider film website 25 best movie posters of all time making number 3 in their list they had this to say about Kastel’s work

1977's Star Wars may have blown people's minds upon release, but its acclaimed 1980 sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, was the one that ultimately shattered any and all expectations. Things got darker for the main characters after their victory against the Empire at the end of the first Star Wars, and if anything, said Empire "striking back" - as suggested by the title - is kind of underselling it.

The Empire Strikes Back kicks off with Rebel forces being crushed in battle and then scattered across the galaxy, leading Luke Skywalker to seek training while Han Solo and Leia - among others - flee the Empire forces. It's a non-stop thrill ride through space, and the poster features glimpses of numerous "greatest hits" throughout the film: romance, space battles, a snowy setting, and Darth Vader's helmet looming ominously over all. It might be up for debate which of the Star Wars posters truly is the best-looking, but The Empire Strikes Back's would have to be a contender.

Next week the final chapter Spoofing my Childhood/The Boy will bring balance to the force

[jackzillanyanut8008]

Star Wars TLJ Rewrite: Part 4

Author’s Note:

This rewrite is completely fan-made. I am not the creator of these characters. They belong to George Lucas, Lucasfilm Entertainment, Lily and Mikaila Orchard, and Disney+ Entertainment. I am not claiming any of these properties of my own. In the event that I do otherwise, I will take full legal responsibility for the misuse of these characters. Please support the official creators and there content. Thank You

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12: The Next Vader?

Kylo enters Snoke’s throne room and kneels before his master. “Kylo Ren, I hope you succeeded in the capture of Luke Skywalker as we had planned?” the old man says as he rises from his throne. Kylo looks to the floor, trying to suppress his anger “No, a woman from Jakku jeopardized the-” Kylo says before Snokes interrupts him. “Take off that damn mask! I can hardly understand you…” he snaps as Kylo looks up. The Dark Jedi removes the mask as ordered, his scars still fresh from his battle on Starkiller Base.

“I assume these weren’t from your knights, my apprentice” Snoke sneers as he gently points at Kylo’s facial scars, shuddering at the Supreme Leader's bone-like fingers. “Y-yes sir, they were caused by the enemy insurgents as they fled the base” Kylo says as the Supreme Leader scoffs in annoyance as he returns to his throne. Kylo stands up to interject before being struck by a torrent of Force Lightning, “You are supposed to be the next Darth Vader, but you…” he says as he points to the Dark Jedi “You, with all your training, were bested by a girl who had never held a lightsaber, YOU FAILED!!!” Snoke yells, his voice almost shaking the throne room as Kylo Ren shudders in fear of his master’s wrath. “Find the girl, the Sith, and Luke’s apprentice” he says as he slouches in his black throne “Maybe then, you will redeem yourself… Dismissed” he says as he waves his hand.

Kylo stands in the elevator, holding his black helmet in his hands…

Snoke insulted HIM

Insulted his HERO

The rage in Kylo was so immense it boiled over as he smashed the helmet into the elevator wall, screaming his rage and anger out while doing so…

As he steps out he leaves the smashed, smoldering helmet pieces in the shaft as he heads to the hangar.

“Prepare the Shipbuster Cannon, notify Captain Phasma and General Hux, it’s time for the Resistance to end… Permanently” Kylo orders his officers as he heads to his modified TIE Silencer and leads a swarm of dropships onto the Finalizer.

Chapter 13: Battle Plans And Speeder Gossip

Rey and the others gather around a terminal inside Fort Solo, the mining facility turned headquarters for the Resistance as Leia stands before everyone and gives them a debriefing. “Alright soldiers listen up! According to our scouts the First Order has reached Vandor, they’ve brought a shit ton of troops and a shit ton of weapons, but they’re missing one thing: Hope.” Leia says as she pulls up a holodeck image of their biggest weapon yet “Finn, they’re all yours” she says to the former Stormtrooper as he clears his throat. “This is the Mark 3 Ionic Lazer Cannon, or The Ship Buster for short, it generates enough heated plasma to melt through everything except Mandalorian Beskar” Finn says as he points to the massive cannon. 

“However, it needs to be pulled by 2 First Order Tug Walkers, take out the walkers, and it’ll stop dead in its tracks” he says as he highlights a pair of ATHH Walkers on the holodeck image. “So we’ll need a strike team to take them down. I’ll lead the assault due to my knowledge of the machinery. Captain Dameron will lead a bombing squad to blow up the cannon after the walkers are dealt with, all clear?” Finn says finishing the debriefing. Everyone gives out a series of nods and affirmatives “All right let's blow up some walkers, FOR THE REPUBLIC!!!” Finn yells holding his blaster, everyone else following suit as they leave the control room. 

Rey runs into Commander Tico, who’s helping build Finn and the other members of Team Buckethead (the name being picked out by Poe) speeders for the mission. “Hey Commander Tico, how are the speeders going?” Rey asks as she looks down at the Commander. Tico hits her head as she pulls out from under the old speeder and dusts off her overalls “Not bad, thanks for the spare parts from the Falcon by the way Rey, it’s been a real help” she says with a smile.

Rey giggles at the commander “Thank Chewbacca, technically it’s his ship, I just flew it once or twice” Rey says with a blush. Tico gets a smirk “Soooo, you and Amorosa huh? Are you guys going on strong or taking it slow?” she says with an eyebrow raise. Rey laughs a little before clearing her throat “The concerns of the Jedi and Sith are none of your business Commander Tico” she says before leaning in for a whisper “But yeah, it’s been great, we’re planning on going to Naboo for our first date” she says with a little squeal. Tico smiles “Well good for you two, I wish you both the best” she says as she heads back under the speeder “Oh and Rey, Rose is fine, only Leia and the other higher ups call me Commander okay?” she says as the Jedi starts to walk off. Rey gives the Commander a gentle smile “Not a problem Rose”.

Chapter 14: Tugs Of War

Vandor looks out to the massive snow covered tundra, keeping an eye out for any tanks with the other scouts, and Aliana. “See anything V?” Aliana says from across the room. “No, it’s quiet… too quiet” Varax says as he looks back to his binoculars. Then, deep in the white fog, Varax sees it, The Ship Buster. “GOT EYES ON THE SHIP BUSTER!!!” he yells as Aliana hits the alarm. 

Finn and Tico line the speeders up against the entrance. “Alright guys you know the drill: Get in, plant the bombs, get out, blow ‘em up!” He says as he hops onto the speeder and puts on a pair of pilot goggles. 

Varax runs down the stairs and heads for the speeders, “Hey Finn! Me and Aliana are coming with, we can help some of you guys get inside those walkers!” Varax says as Aliana follows suit. “Smart thinking Koslov, Hop on!” he says as Varax jumps behind him in the gunner seat. “Ever drive a speeder before Finn?” Varax asks as he puts on his helmet. “Not outside a simulation, we’ll be fine… I think” he says nervously. “WAIT WHA-” Varax asks before being cut off by Finn and the others shooting out the fortress and skidding across the tundra.

As they get closer the walkers rain down a barrage of cannon fire as the speeders scatter and head under the legs. “GO GO GO GO!” Varax orders as he grapples up to the belly of the massive walker. “Alright, watch your head!” he says before igniting his cyan lightsaber and carves a hole into the metal beast as the others meet up with him. Varax climbs in and hides behind a pile of crates, signaling the others to stay down. He sneaks up behind the pilots and discombobulates them as the others climb in “Alright let's make this quick, Aliana how are you doing on your end?” he says into his wrist commlink. “Almost done here V, on our way down now!” Aliana says as the bombers give Varax the thumbs out as the group repels down the walker and takes off. “Oh please,please, please work!” Varax says as he presses the detonator. Luckily, the Tug Walkers explode in a fiery mess as the speeder team heads back

“YEAH, TAKE THAT DARTH GREASE BAG, WOOOO HOOOO!!!” Varax yells as the group heads inside before his stomach sinks into his feet.

A First Order TIE Fighter flies overhead and launches a torpedo above the main entrance to the Fortress.

Chapter 15: Trench Madness

Varax and the others look in shock and fear as the TIE Fighter starts to circle back “HEAD TO THE CAVES HE CAN’T REACH US THERE” Varax yells through his mic, but it’s too late… One by one the speeders are picked clean. Leaving only Finn, Aliana, Rose, and Varax. The four survivors ditch the speeders and duck into a nearby trench near the main entrance, as a First Order Dropship lands nearby. “HEAD INSIDE ME AND ALIANA WILL COVER YOU BOTH, GO!!” Varax says as he ignites his cyan blades to block the blaster bolts.

Inside Fort Solo, Rey gets up after being knocked unconscious by the blast before looking over and seeing Leia, who was knocked against the stone wall and knocked out. “LEIA, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? SPEAK TO ME!” Rey exclaims. Leia doesn’t respond, Rey tries to heal her through the Force but it isn’t enough. “rey…“ Leia whispers, trying to touch Rey’s cheek, “Get out of here…. Save yourself…” she says, wincing in pain. Rey starts to tear up, “No! I won’t leave you” she says. Leia just looks at her “Rey… Do what needs to be done…” she says as her eyes slowly close.

Varax and Aliana eventually reach the control room, seeing Rey hold Leia’s corpse in her arms, her eyes full of tears. Varax soon realized who was responsible for the attack, and it infuriated him. “Aliana, Rey, get the survivors onto the Falcon and the cruisers, I’ll deal with that bastard in the air” he says as he grits his teeth and heads for the main entrance.

Kylo looks down at the Jedi as he lands the TIE Interceptor in front of the fortress. “Come to barter a peace, Jedi?” he asks Varax. But the Jedi doesn’t respond, only walking towards Kylo, saber in hand. “Your armies bombard my home, threaten the lives of innocent people, and ruin the once peaceful galaxy I call home…” Varax says as he stops a few meters from Kylo “But worst of all, you killed your own mother, and made my student break down in tears” he says holding the blade up as he disconnects the dual saber into a pair of single blades “Peace? Don’t make me laugh, I’m gonna feed you your fucking heart” he says angrily. Kylo notices his master's eyes, the dark emerald green color being replaced by the bright yellow color of the Sith “So be it… Old friend” Kylo says as he ignites his crossguard and charges at the Jedi. 

Chapter 16: Varax’s Vengeance

Varax roars in fury as he charges at his former pupil, swinging his dual blades wildly like a crazed maniac. Kylo struggles to keep up the defensive, getting slight burns and cuts on his tunic. “SHE LOVED YOU, SHE CARED ABOUT YOU, AND YOU KILLED HER!!” Varax roars as he kicks Kylo’s ribs, launching him into the ship. “YOU PREACH ABOUT BEING THE NEXT VADER, BUT YOUR NOTHING LIKE HIM!!! CAUSE AT LEAST HE CARED ABOUT HIS MOTHER, YOU’RE JUST A WHINEY, GREASY, SPOILED ROTTEN LITTLE BASTARD” Varax roars as he disarms Kylo and slices his arm clean off before unleashing a barrage of Force Lightning directly into his face, burning his once white, peach colored skin into a red and bubbly mess as he screams in agony.

Varax deactivates his blade as Kylo writhes on the ground in agony, cursing the Jedi as the Fortress doors seal behind him “CURSE YOU KOSLOV, I’LL FIND YOU AND KILL YOU, AND THAT SCAVENGER BITCH TOO” he screams before being grabbed through the Force as Varax starts to strangle him “You aren’t gonna do shit Ben, the only thing you’re gonna do is die in the snow like a good little dog” he says before throwing Kylo into the cold, slamming him against his ships as the ground support lands all around him.

Hux and Phasma exit the ship and see the Dark Jedi. His once perfect tunic now a mess of burnt cloth, his face a red and bubbly mess leaving only his scar from Rey as the last piece of untainted flesh, his severed arm meer feet away as he looks to Hux “Kill them all… leave no survivors” Kylo says, blood spewing from his lips. 

Hux clears his throat “Phasma, send a search party in and bring out any soldiers you-” he says before being cut off by the ships flying out of the atmosphere. “Hmm shame, wanted to win this one for the Supreme Leader’s favor” he says with a sigh “Get Kylo Ren onto one of the dropships, the Supreme Leader will fix him up right away” he says as he and Phasma head to the shuttle to return to Snoke.

Varax sits on the couch in the Fury alongside some other survivors. “Hey Varax, are you doing okay?” Poe asks as he sits down next to him “I saw what happened between you and Kylo, gave him one hell of a facial job didn’t huh?” he says with a chuckle before clearing his throat. “But serious man, you wanna talk about it?” Poe asks before Varax gets up and heads to his room, locking the door.

Chapter 17: A Cut Deeper Than Any Lightsaber

Kylo screams as he lays on the operating table, as a group of medical droids try to heal his injuries. Eventually, after much screaming and flailing from Kylo, the work is done. His former helmet being incorporated as a medical device used to cool his head, his ribs being replaced with new metallic replacements, and his right arm being lined with a Beskar plating from the harsh winter world of Mandalore. 

Kylo looks at himself as he steps down from the table, as Snoke enters the operating room “How are you feeling my apprentice?” Snoke asks as he walks in, his golden robe shimmering in the light of the operating room. “Powerful, where is-” Kylo says before Snoke lifts up his hand to stop his pupil.

“Patience Ben, Master Koslov will get what he deserves, but for now, your Knights will be in charge of front line duty, at least until you are more accustomed to your suit that is” Snoke says as Hux enters the room.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Resistance fleet land on Naboo, in the Gungan jungle outside Theed. Rey runs out and breaths in the fresh air “Finally, fresh air and solid ground” she says giggling with joy. Varax follows her out alongside Aliana, who smiles at her girlfriend as she spins around gleefully. “Don’t go too far, there’s plenty of creatures here that’ll eat you!” Varax calls out with a sigh “I swear she’s like a child when she does that” he says as he moves the supply crates onto the ground. Aliana tilts her head up  “I think it’s cute, on the plus side Naboo is middle ground, so the Republic forces on Hosnian Prime that relocated to Coruscant should be here within a week.

Varax grumbles a little under his breath, “I don’t trust Mothma, Rebellion Founder or not she’s not a fan of Sith or Jedi, we better tread lightly” he says crossing his arms. “Chewbacca said that he, Lowbacca, and Master Gungi are on their way here. Maybe they can back us up?” Aliana says with her hands behind her head. Varax shakes his head “What we need is NUMBERS not MANPOWER” Varax explains as the other ships begin unloading soldiers. “Which takes both time and resources”. Aliana scratches her chin, “My mother used to help in the Senate in Outer Rim trade deals, maybe we can contact them?” Aliana suggests with a shrug. 

Varax ponders for a moment “At this point, we’ll take anyone who can hold a blaster” he says as he signals for a speeder.

[blueopinions49]

[SW OT] Luke Skywalker INFP 9w1 so/sp

Zodiac:Aries

MBTI 

INFP (Fi-Ne-Si-Te)

Fi (Introverted Feeling)

When it comes to Luke’s decision making he focuses on his internal emotional values and his morality. We can see that he focuses on on seeing the best in others and maintaining a steady principals. Ive seen the argument for him being an INFJ personally I don't see how Luke has a certain ideal of how things should go in his life creating long term goals. His sense of morality comes first. Even when it comes to his detriment, in The Empire Strikes Back he decides not to finish Yoda’s training to save his friends while they where in danger.

Ne (Extroverted Intuition)

When it comes to looks aux function I consider both Se and Ne for his preference however I believe that Ne suits him better than Se.Extroverted Intuition is focused on looking through all objective futures in a moments time, while Extroverted Sensing focuses on the current objective present. They can be quite similar however I see Luke leaning more to Ne. He seems to be interested in looking through all option before engaging in any capacity while in Tatooine he seemed to be thinking of all the ways he could get out of that planet. If he were an Se user he would've only focused on the moment and try to make the best of it. 

Si (Introverted Sensing)

In the original Trilogy we can see how Luke develops Te-Si. His development is all about centering himself and becoming more careful when it comes to his decision making. In Yoda’s training he urges him to center himself and become more intone with his inner self. In The Return of the Jedi we can see how Luke has fully develop his Si. He no longer decides to rush with plans and would rather take a more careful approach to things. he decides to negotiate with Jabba rather than jump I like he did in A New Hope. Later on in the sequel trilogy we can see him going to a Fi-Si loop his moral code and retreats himself to his Si methodically thinking about the something time and time again. 

Te (Extroverted Thinking)

As stated previously In the original trilogy he focused more on his use of fi rather than Te. He later on develop his Te even if he doesn't use that much of it. Luke struggled to think things in a more objective lens and focus on efficiency he tend to follow his Fi rather than taking a step back and being more logical about things. In the Last Jedi we can see how he goes to Te grip when it came to his vision about Kylo Ren. He became hyper focused on a result and became incredibly ruthless making a huge mistake that eventually landed  him on an Fi-Si loop. 

Enneagram: 9w1 so/sp

Though a common typing for Luke is 9 I believe Ive seen people type him as a 1 I personally disagree with this since 1 are incredibly ambitious and focused on working hard for their goals and believe they must be incredibly moral. they tend to subdue their anger and distaste for things in order to be more appealing. When it comes to his instinctual variant ive seen the sp/so as a common typing for her him however I disagree I don't see how Luke looks for physical comfort in order to thrive in life compare him to Harry Potter (ISFP 9w8 sp/so) who's need was to find his own physical comfort. To me Luke looks like a social 9 these types of 9s tend to focus on groups and helping others in them Luke in particular seems more interested in joining the Rebels rather than focusing on his own needs to self preserve. these 9s may look like 2s or 3s. Furthermore social types crave a sort of need to belong somewhere while self preservation subtypes care about their own needs rather Than looking for any external need. Luke starts the series saga wanting to be away from his home to belong somewhere In the galaxy he longs to find a purpose rather than focus on his wellbeing. 

Next is Leia Organa...

[reyturnofbensolo]

IMAGINE IF D/LF HAD REALLY INVESTED IN MAKING THE DOTF STORY GREAT INSTEAD OF JUST GIVING UP ON IT!!! Trevorrow/Connolly had some good ideas. Chancellor Hux, more Knights of Ren, Luke/Leia, Lando, Finn/Rose(Poe should’ve been with them), the droids…if they had just reworked Ben and Rey…it ALL would’ve fallen into place!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

EPISODE IX

DUEL OF THE FATES

Supreme Leader KYLO REN has disappeared! The iron grip of the FIRST ORDER has spread to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Only a few scattered planets remain unoccupied. Traitorous acts are punishable by death.

Determined to suffocate a growing unrest, CHANCELLOR HUX has silenced all communication between neighboring systems.

Led by GENERAL LEIA ORGANA, the Resistance has planned a secret mission to prevent their annihilation and forge a path to freedom...

It’s REY.

Not the girl we last saw. A grown woman. Powerful. Strong.

FINN: What are you doing here?

Rey spins and BLOCKS A LASER BLAST we didn’t see coming. Her robes fall from her shoulders, revealing a battle-ready outfit of ALL BLACK.

REY: A simple “thank you” would do.

She THROWS THE DOUBLE-BLADE LIKE A BOOMERANG, ducks behind a power regulator as the spinning saber slices all in its path, then rises in time to CATCH IT.

This is a new weapon of her own design, made from the pieces of Anakin’s broken lightsaber and her own staff. She wields it with grace.

INT. KUAT ORBITAL - COMMAND CENTER - DAY

An Officer races to Admiral Vonn.

ADMIRAL VONN: What happened down there?

OFFICER: The last Jedi is with them, sir.

Vonn’s confidence turns to fear.

ADMIRAL VONN: Alert the Knights of Ren.

EXT. KUAT ORBITAL RING - SPACE

The Eclipse blurs and VANISHES. Silence.

We TILT UP, stars raining down... WHOOMMMM. A jagged, sinister ship appears from hyperspace.

EXT/INT. KUAT ORBITAL - EXTERNAL LANDING AREA - SPACE

Knife 9 lands on an exposed landing pad, protected by quantum shield from the cold dangers of space.

The KNIGHTS OF REN appear from their ship.

TALON, the leader, armored and caped in black, eyes the scene in studied silence. The Knight gives a ominous, masked gaze to Admiral Vonn.

ADMIRAL VONN: W-we uploaded a veil cipher to the droid. You’ll have the Jedi’s location…

TALON: Where is Kylo Ren?!

ADMIRAL VONN: The whereabouts of the Supreme Leader are unknown.

Talon draws a RED lightsaber AND CUTS VONN DOWN.

A few Stormtroopers instinctively raise their weapons. The other Knights RAISE THEIR DISTINCTIVE WEAPONS.

Officers and Stormtroopers back away. Tense, afraid.

The Knights return to their ship, leaving Admiral Vonn’s body in their wake.

EXT. MUSTAFAR - DAY

The terrain is obsidian-like, black and reflective. Jagged mountains spike in the distance.

A cloaked figure in tattered robes rises into frame.

KYLO REN, bearded and weary. He checks the stars for navigation, climbs over a rock precipice...

...to reveal VADER’S ABANDONED CASTLE in the distance. A drone droid, VX-20, floats just behind him.

KYLO: Stay here.

EXT. CORVAX FEN - DAY

Supreme Leader Kylo Ren cut a swath of blood and destruction through the pathetic Mustafarian colonists. He battled through the gloomy woods of Corvax Fen, one of the few patches on this hellscape of a lava planet that was cool enough to support native growth. A few more steps and the ground became soggy.

EXT. WEBBISH BOG - DAY

As Kylo approached, the water bubbled up in the center, sending tiny waves to lap at his boots. A giant emerged from the oily water with a spidery creature draped over its massive bald head. The two were locked in symbiosis.

CREATURE: I am the Eye of Webbish Bog. I know what you seek.

KYLO: You will give it to me.

The Eye cocked its head, making an eerie squealing noise. It took a moment for Kylo to realize the creature was laughing at him.

CREATURE: No need for that. Do you really think my lord would have trusted it’s whereabouts to one who could be swayed by a trick of the Force?

Kylo supposed not.

CREATURE: You’ve been seeking it for a while, yes? I must warn you, our fiery planet burns away deception. If you proceed down this path, you will encounter your true self.

Kylo was growing impatient. He glared in silence.

CREATURE: Fine. In accordance with Lord Vader’s wishes, you have defeated my protectors and earned it. I’m sure you’ve noticed that the Corvax Fen has begun to heal…much like Ben Solo. Good luck with the girl.

Had the creature read his mind? He had been thinking of her a lot lately. The blind giant beneath the Eye raised its enormous hand from the water and pointed toward a small island in the lake. Kylo turned off his lightsaber and hooked it to his belt. He waded into the shallow lake, soaking his boots and cloak. On it was a secret underground entrance to Vader’s fortress. Kylo looked up, and was startled to discover that the Eye of Web­bish Bog was gone, slipped back beneath the surface of a lake so still it was as though nothing lived within it at all.

INT. VADER’S CHAMBER - NIGHT

A forgotten, decrepit cathedral. Crumbling. Pieces of structure litter the ground, untouched for decades.

Kylo lights his red crossguard lightsaber, holds it up as a torch. Tiny creatures scurry at the disturbance.

A WIND blows against his cheek.

KYLO: Leave me alone.

LUKE(VO): This is where the dark path leads. An empty tomb.

KYLO: And where did your path lead? You’re a ghost.

LUKE(VO): I know what you’re searching for, Ben. Your Master promised you strength, but you feel hollow. The dark side has failed you, like it failed my father.

KYLO: Anakin Skywalker was weak.

LUKE(VO): His love for his family saved him. I wish it could save you.

Luke looks deep into his former student’s pained eyes.

KYLO: I did what I had to do.

LUKE(VO): You chose hate.

KYLO: I chose power! Soon I will be more powerful than any Jedi. Even you.

Luke appears before his former student.

LUKE: Are you sure?

Kylo FIRES his saber and ATTACKS. But Luke CATCHES THE BLADE, stopping it in midair, stronger than Kylo could possibly imagine.

LUKE: Go home, Ben...go home to Leia...

Luke disappears. Kylo is shaken. But on the altar beyond, the artifact he came here to find.

A SITH HOLOCRON.

He kneels before it. Holds out his palm, channels the Force.

The three sides of the pyramid pull away, revealing an energy within. It grows in intensity and PROJECTS A HOLOGRAM.

EMPEROR PALPATINE, recorded decades ago.

EMPEROR PALPATINE (HOLOGRAM): Lord Vader. I have rediscovered the well of the Living Force, the source of the galaxy’s birth. Young Skywalker will soon be ours, I have foreseen it.

The Holocron’s blue light swirls RED. It emits a laser that SCANS KYLO’S BODY.

EMPEROR PALPATINE (HOLOGRAM) (CONT'D): You will take the son of Skywalker beyond the Unknown Regions where he will learn to harness the untapped power of Mortis. At last we will realize--

The holocron ALARMS--BEN SOLO is not Darth Vader. Palpatine’s image stutters.

EMPEROR PALPATINE (HOLOGRAM) (CONT'D) (breaking up)

-- the d-destiny...po-potential--

A blast of RED LIGHTNING shoots from the pyramidal device into Kylo’s eyes.

The invasive pulse of energy SPREADS OVER HIS FACE like a cancer. Horrible, raw purple veins streak through his skin. Kylo SCREAMS in deep, unbearable pain.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - KORILEV - DAY

A pair of blue eyes SNAP OPEN.

LEIA: Ben.

LEIA ORGANA grips a stone wall, regaining balance.

Her hair is long and grey, her robes white. A wise elegant leader, Leia has suffered more loss than a human can endure. She stands overlooking a terrain of rainforest dusted with crisp white snow. KORILEV, the Resistance’s secret base.

LUKE (VO): He’s in pain.

She responds to Luke as if he speaks to her often.

LEIA: I feel it too.

Luke’s Force Ghost steps forward, at her side.

LUKE: He’s MORE powerful than our father.

LEIA: So is she.

LUKE: She feels too much. Love. Anger.

LEIA: Don’t we all?

LUKE: This is why the Jedi live in isolation. The pain of loss only leads to the Dark Side.

LEIA: I’ve lost everything, and everyone. But I’d still choose to love. Leia regards her brother. Missing him.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER - BRIDGE - DAY

Leia approaches Finn.

LEIA: How’s she doing?

FINN: Hard to tell. Maybe you can talk to her?

LEIA: She doesn’t need a master right now. She needs a friend.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER - CORRIDOR

Finn approaches Rey, tentative.

FINN: You okay?

REY: I failed.

FINN: Don’t say that. They know our tactics. We’ve been fighting this war for too long.

REY: Those people, the children. I saw hope in their eyes.

FINN: They believe in you. We all do.

Those words add more weight to Rey’s heavy shoulders.

REY: I can’t be who they need me to be. I’m not strong enough.

FINN: That’s not true.

REY: Every night I wake up screaming. Every night, another bad dream.

FINN: It’s him isn’t it?

REY: No. I mean yes. It’s complicated. There’s something between us. I can’t explain it.

FINN: You love him…don’t you?

REY: I don’t know.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

Rey trains with Luke.

LUKE’S VOICE (VO): Your pain is an illusion.

REY: It isn’t actually.

Rey senses a disturbance in the force.

INT. MUSTAFARIAN HUT - NIGHT

KYLO, in worse shape than we left him, damaged veins stretching down his neck.

KYLO: Why are you helping me?!

The colonists say nothing and continue to dress his wounds. Kylo grits his teeth.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

Rey touches her cheek. Feeling a sharp but distant pain.

INT. MUSTAFARIAN HUT - NIGHT

Kylo feels a soothing presence…it’s Rey. She could feel his pain. Kylo is suddenly WRACKED BY A VISION...

A MOUNTAIN

Snow on the jagged peaks. A TEMPLE older than all known time.

AN ANCIENT CHAMBER

Two massive thrones built into the rock. A WELL OF LIGHT, pulsing from deep below.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

Rey is wracked by the same vision...but it continues...

A DARK FIGURE

Hooded, masked. Kylo Ren. He activates his red lightsaber, facing off with Rey before the two thrones.

They fight, vicious, intense.

Kylo knocks her down and removes his mask. Rey sees herself! She’s petrified by the revelation. Her POV changes…she’s standing over Ben Solo. He looks heart broken.

INT. MUSTAFARIAN HUT - NIGHT

KYLO: No!

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

REY: No!

INT. MUSTAFARIAN HUT - NIGHT

Heartening words echo in Kylo’s mind…

Go home, Ben...go home to Leia...

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

LUKE’S VOICE (VO): What did you see?

REY: I saw a mountain. Two thrones in the rock. Kylo Ren was...changed.

Rey didn’t want to tell Luke what she really saw.

LUKE SKYWALKER steps into the light. A more tangible form of Force Ghost, similar to his projected self on Crait.

LUKE: You saw the future.

REY: Kylo saw it too. I could feel him. Like he was...there with me.

LUKE: Where?

REY: Mortis.

Luke turns grave. He sits, as Obi-Wan once sat beside him.

LUKE: What do you know of Mortis?

REY: It’s an ancient place. From a time before the Jedi, before the Sith. Two thrones, two powerful beings. One of darkness, the other of light. Together, they brought balance. (disbelief) But it’s a myth.

LUKE: So was I, if you remember.

Luke is almost present now. All traces of blue light are gone.

LUKE: Beneath the Temple of Mortis lies a power beyond anything the Jedi have ever known. If Kylo reaches the Temple, all we’ve fought for will be lost. You have to confront him.

Rey scoffs, petulant, angry.

LUKE: The Force guides us toward balance. It doesn’t always show us what we want to see.

REY: “Balance”. Dark suffocates the light. Light extinguishes the dark. Over and over. How is that balance?

LUKE: I know that anger. I had it. My father had it too.

REY: So says my master. And his master before him. A thousand masters, so eager to tell us how to live.

LUKE: The Force is speaking to you, Rey.

REY: Maybe I’m not who it thinks I am.

LUKE: Who are you?

REY: I’m no one.

LUKE: If that’s what you believe, the last Jedi is dead.

REY: Maybe he is.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - CORRIDOR - DAY

Rose catches up with Rey.

ROSE: Hey. Finn and I are worried about you.

REY: I have to bring an end to all this. I have to confront Kylo.

ROSE: You mean Ben.

REY: I stopped calling him that after the stunt he pulled on Chandrila.

ROSE: You don’t mean that. He’s as stubborn as his mother. Don’t give up on him. It’s never too late to change. Look at Finn. He left the First Order. What will you do?

REY: I’ve got to find Mortis. In the unknown regions.

ROSE: Mortis is a myth.

REY: It isn’t. I saw it.

ROSE: And how do you plan on finding it?

Rey hesitates, unsure.

REY: I’ll...figure it out.

ROSE: I might know someone who can find what you’re looking for. Well, Paige knew her. A navigator, lives on Bonadan.

REY: Do you trust her?

ROSE: Paige did. She’s been all over the galaxy. If this place exists, she can find it.

REY: Thanks Rose!

ROSE: Hey, that’s what friends are for!

EXT. RESISTANCE BASE - SPACECRAFT HANGAR - DAY

REY: Leia. I...

LEIA: You don’t have to say it.

REY: Right. Force-sensitive. I know the Resistance is counting on me…

LEIA: Rey, be careful.

REY: Master Luke trained me well.

LEIA: Some things you can’t train for.

REY: I don’t-- What?

LEIA: Come on. A mother knows.

REY: I can’t. There are rules. Jedi rules.

LEIA (scoffs): Written by who? Some old man, a thousand years before you were born.

Leia speaks to Rey like her own daughter.

LEIA: My whole life, I heard one word. Balance. I never really understood what it meant. Until the first time I saw you. I heard that word again. Like it was whispered to me. Balance.

Leia takes her hand. Intimate. Close.

LEIA : You’re not like my father. Or my brother. You’re new. Whatever happens, remember: the Force chose you, Rey. Your story isn’t written by anyone else.

Rey, Chewbacca, and BB-8 leave Korilev in the Falcon.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - SPACE

BOOM!! The Falcon quakes. Damage alarms blare. The ship is hammered with laser fire. Relentless. Chewbacca WHINES.

A familiar ship enters frame in blazing pursuit. The dark and jagged KNIFE 9.

INT. KNIFE 9 - COCKPIT

Ap’lek at the helm. Kuruk and Cardo flank their leader in elevated gunchairs. Ushar and Vicrul press buttons on a nav computer. In the deep background, Talon floats in an electro-oxygen chamber, tubes weaving around like snakes.

Kuruk and Cardo unload waves of targeted blasts on the Falcon.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

REY: Who’s this?

Rey eyes the pursuing ship on the rearview graphic monitor.

REY: I’m going to the gunner seat!

Chewie ROARS in agreement.

Rey stops at the display for the Falcon computer. She places her hand on the screen.

REY: Hey girl! Please plot a course to Bonadan. Thanks!

EXT. KORILEV - SPACE

Knife 9 pursues the Falcon. Chewie shows his skill as a pilot! He manages to get behind the enemy ship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Rey fires on the Knife 9. She hits the ship sending it wildly off course.

REY: We’re clear! Punch it!

Light bends ahead and they ROCKET INTO HYPERSPACE.

INT. KNIFE 9 - COCKPIT

Alarms blare as they spin out. Kuruk regains control, righting the ship. The Falcon is gone.

Vicrul approaches the electro-oxygen chamber, eyeing Talon through the glass. Wires protrude from Talon’s mask into the main computer. The Knight is in some kind of induced sleep.

VICRUL: What do you see?

Vicrul places hand on the glass. Suddenly Talon does the same, hand flat on the glass against Vicrul.

The others look on, waiting for the answer. Vicrul’s head tilts up. He nods, removes his hand from the glass.

VICRUL: Set a course for Bonadan.

EXT. RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

A lone guard stands in a tower high above the landscape, surveying the countryside. He tracks Kylo’s TIE Silencer as it enters the atmosphere of Korilev and lands on the base. The entire Resistance arrives with guns pointed at the ship. Kylo exits and drops his lightsaber to the ground.

KYLO: I’ve come to surrender to LEIA ORGANA.

He is quickly placed in cuffs and escorted to Leia.

INT. LEIA’S QUARTERS - DAY

Leia’s son had finally returned to her. She smirks.

LEIA: Take the mask off.

KYLO: I’m not much to look at these days.

LEIA: I want to see the face of my son.

Kylo removes his helmet. Leia walks over to him.

LEIA: I’ve missed you so much. I should’ve never sent you away. Please forgive me.

BEN: Forgive you?

Ben begins to cry. Leia cries too. It was like seeing Han again on Takodana all those years later. They embrace.

BEN: I…I’m sorry…I wish I could bring him back…

LEIA: You’re back. That’s all that matters to me now.

BEN: Mom. I love you.

LEIA: I love you too. Now, let me look at you.

Leia touches her son’s face. She closes her eyes and uses the force to heal his wounds. A hum resonated in her chest as she gathered something inside her. Her own energy. Her own life. She felt Ben’s pain receding. The purple veins in his face began to disappear along with the scar that he’d received from Rey on Starkiller Base.

BEN: Where did you learn that?

LEIA: Ask me again sometime. We have to leave.

BEN: Leave? I just got here.

LEIA: We stole one of your Star Destroyers sweetie. The First Order will be here soon. Maybe I can win this war now that I have you and Rey.

BEN: Rey! Where is she?

LEIA: You just missed her. She left for Bonadan just awile ago.

INT. BONADAN - NAVIGATOR’S DEN

NOMI: You seek a place.

REY: A planet.

NOMI: Mortis is the place.

REY: Yes, I saw it in --

NOMI: The mouth on the Jedi stops and the mind makes the picture. The Force fills the Jedi and reveals the destination.

Rey closes her eyes and breathes.

The tiny marbles in the floor RISE INTO THE AIR, taking the three-dimensional shape of the galaxy all around them.

NOMI: The destination is very old. The first to know the Force. The first where the good was done. And the evil too.

Rey opens her eyes, surrounded by FLOATING MARBLES.

REY: Which one?

NOMI: The destination lies within.

The marbles swirl above Rey, a galaxy around her.

NOMI: The eyes close. Only the Jedi knows the path...

Nomi’s voice grows distant as Rey falls deep into meditation.

FLASH TO:

MORTIS

Snow on the peak. Autumn leaves in the valley below.

THE TEMPLE

NOMI (VO): There the two will meet. Drawn together by the Force.

Two thrones in the rock. A well of light, pulsing from deep within the mountain below.

NOMI (VO): The dark side and the light, but not as it once was…

A flat black oval stone at the center of the marble array falls from orbit into Nomi’s palm. She hands it to a rabbit-sized astroscrivener, GEB, seated at a tiny easel. He paints a starmap of the chosen location.

Geb the Astroscrivener tears the drawn planetary map off his easel, limps to Rey and hands it over.

REY: Thank you.

NOMI: The Jedi will make the journey. The journey will answer the question.

INT. LEIA’S QUARTERS - DAY

Ben enters the room to see that his mother has left him a change of clothes(white robes not too different than the ones he wore at Luke’s Jedi Academy). He stares across a table. He sees his father…Han Solo.

HAN: I’m so proud of you son.

BEN: You’re just a memory.

HAN: Your memory.

BEN: Dad.

HAN: I know.

BEN: I know what I have to do, but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it.

HAN: You do!

Ben looks down at the weapon that killed his father. When he looks back up…Han Solo is gone. He holds up the lightsaber…so different now than when he’d first constructed it. He uses the force to remove the outer casing. He takes the cracked red crystal in his hands and closes his eyes. He heals it. It’s pure white. He places it back inside the weapon and turns it on. The vents on the hilt explode off the sides as the bright white blade is ignited. Ben picks up a black case and places in front of him on the table. He opens it and gazes down at Darth Vader’s burned mask, speaking once more to the grandfather he never knew.

BEN: I understand you now. Your weakness. Your pain. Your love.

Ben floats the Dark Lord’s mask up and watches as his laser sword slowly melts it away.

EXT. BONADAN NIGHTMARKET - SUNSET

Rey spots the KNIGHTS OF REN, through the separating crowd.

INT. LEIA’S QUARTERS - DAY

Ben senses Rey is in danger. He says her name aloud.

BEN: Rey.

EXT. BONADAN NIGHTMARKET - SUNSET

REY: Ben.

Rey rises, backing away from the oncoming Knights.

She reaches for her lightsaber...

Rey eyes the children and peasants in the market. She can’t take more casualties.

Rey clenches her fist and FORCE PUSHES EVERYTHING AROUND HER-- a powerful concussion blast that knocks everything away.

Rey jumps onto the dock, and unhooks a RAZORSAIL, powered by a Dyson-like air cannon.

Rey channels the Force and FILLS THE SAIL with a gust of wind that launches her into the bay.

EXT. BONADAN BAY - SUNSET

Rey speeds across the bay toward the landing array. This boat is VERY FAST.

Something fires from above, exploding the water all around. Rey looks up.

Knife 9 SPEEDS OVER THE WATER TOWARD THEM.

Rey has no way to fire back at them and drive too. Suddenly something…someone activates the laser harpoon mounted on the front. It’s Ben…from Korilev…across the galaxy! They were together again just like in the hut on Ahch-To!

Ben BLASTS AWAY at Knife 9 while Rey steers them toward the Falcon’s docking array.

INT. KNIFE 9

Talon pilots with cold precision. Ap'lek, Kuruk, Ushar, Cardo, and Vicrul sit in surrounding cockpit chairs. TALON motions to the others and points down at the boat.

TALON: KYLO!

The Knights could actually see Ben!

EXT. BONADAN BAY - SUNSET

The Razorsail now takes fire from all sides. Ben thinks fast, turns the harpoon and SHOOTS THE SAIL CORD.

He reaches out to Rey.

BEN: Hold on!

Rey joins him and holds on tight.

The disconnected sail lifts them up like parasailers onto the first revolving landing pad of the docking array.

The Razorsail hits the shore and EXPLODES.

Knife 9 banks away from the explosion, but turns right around. They’re not done yet.

EXT. LANDING PLATFORM - SUNSET

Chewbacca is waiting by the ship.

An adjacent landing pad lowers into view.

Knife 9 rests on it. The six Knights of Ren stand ominously out front with weapons of beskar, their platform rising even with the Falcon’s. Talon ignites a lightsaber!

Rey and Ben activate their lightsabers.

They leap onto their landing pad and take them on, spinning and striking fast, outmatched but relentless much like their fight against the Praetorian Guards in Snoke’s throne room.

Chewbacca unloads his blaster at Kuruk, who deflects with skill while firing a pistol with one free hand.

Ben fights Talon and Vicrul.

TALON: You are no longer worthy of the Ren’s power Kylo! Kill him!

Vicrul lunges forward, but is force-pushed back into Talon. Talon’s mask is knocked off…we see a WOMAN beneath…a RED twi'lek! Talon performs some quick acrobatics and she’s on Ben! They wrestle until they both — fall off the edge of the landing array fifty feet to the next pad below. Rey screams and twirls her blade at the Knights in front of her.

Ap'lek and Ushar stay on Rey, moving in coordination, an unseen hive communication keeping their deadly attacks in sync.

Chewie can’t get a shot in on Cardo — his arm cannon fires FAST, fully-automatic.

Chewie is GRAZED, he’s in pain.

ON REY AND THE KNIGHTS

It brings Rey RAGE. She kicks Ap'lek away, buying a moment of one-on-one with Ushar.

She slices through him, dropping him cold. Then she spins on Ushar, reaches out...

...and FORCE PULLS HIM INTO HER LIGHTSABER, impaling him. A ghostly screech as Talon RETURNS, swinging wildly.

Rey disconnects her double saber and BLOCKS HER STRIKE--one saber blade still impaled in Ushar’s chest, the other clenched with Talon.

BENEATH THE FALCON

Chewbacca peppers Cardo with bowcaster fire. Cardo struggles to deflect the shots while Chewbacca advances.

He reaches Cardo, grabs him by the neck and HURLS him off the landing pad.

Then he lifts his bowcaster and FIRES, hitting Cardo in midair like a clay pigeon.

TALON STRIKES AT REY

Brutal swings, sparking when it hits the concrete. She grazes her. Rey drops her lightsaber and falls back. Unarmed.

Talon stands over her. Raises her weapon for the kill.

REY: Where’s Ben?!

The twi’lek responds with a evil grin.

TALON: I killed him!

This stirs a deep, vengeful ANGER in Rey.

Talon brings her blade down...but Rey extends her good hand, teeth clenched, eyes burning.

Ben climbs back up to the landing platform. He sees Talon standing over Rey.

FORCE LIGHTNING flows from Rey’s fingertips.

Talon’s skull flashes as the electricity destroys her.

The body falls, smoking.

Rey rises. Chewbacca is watching her, disturbed. Ben runs to her side.

REY: I- I had no choice.

BEN: It’s okay…

REY: It’s not the Jedi way.

Ben begins to fade from Bonadan.

BEN: I’m losing our connection. We can go to Mortis together. Wait for me…

Chewbacca HOWLS.

BB-8 looks up at Rey, ever faithful. She’s purposefully cold.

REY: Go!

BB-8 BEEPS mournfully and follows Chewbacca onboard.

Rey watches as the Falcon’s ramp RISES, obscuring Chewbacca from her sight.

The Falcon rises into the sky, Rey’s sari robes whipping in the wind.

INT. KNIFE 9 - SUNSET

Rey enters the cockpit. Places Nomi’s hand-drawn map on the console. Rests her lightsaber on top of it.

Her left hand is cut and bleeding. She wraps it with the sash from her sari, then removes the civilian robes to reveal the black warrior’s clothing beneath.

She catches her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t even recognize herself anymore. Her reflection speaks to her.

REY: Don’t be afraid of who you are!

EXT. RESISTANCE BASE - SPACECRAFT HANGAR - DAY

Buzzing energy as the Resistance evacuates the base.

BOOOOOMMMM! A massive blast shakes the mountain. Dust crumbles, alarms blare. Massive blips on radar screens.

RESISTANCE TECH: Resurgent Class Star Destroyer detected, we’re taking fire!

INT. LEIA’S QUARTERS - DAY

Ben is back on Korilev.

BOOOOOM!! The entire place shakes. The First Order was here. He rushes to find his mother.

INT. RESISTANCE BASE - SPACECRAFT HANGAR - DAY

Alarm lights FLASH. Pilots run for their ships.

COMMAND INTERCOM (VO): Emergency evac. All personnel and craft to Rendezvous Point Crimson.

Ben locates Leia. She is surrounded by RESISTANCE GUARDS.

LEIA: Route all unarmored transports to the Eclipse, it’s our only way out.

Leia locks eyes with Ben.

BEN: I’ve got to find Mortis! Rey needs me.

LEIA: Get to your ship and Ben…may the FORCE be with you!

Ben gives a familiar Solo nod.

INT. TIE-SILENCER - DAY

The Silencer rises out of the deep sinkhole to the surface, where the jungle is ON FIRE. Laser blasts pound the mountain base from above, relentless.

Just inside the shield barrier, transports and fighters fly into the open docking bays of the Eclipse Destroyer, like bees into a hive, safe inside.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER - BRIDGE - DAY

Leia takes her command position on the bridge, now fully manned by Resistance personnel.

She takes one last look at Korilev. Another home taken from her.

INT. TIE-SILENCER - SPACE

LUKE(VO): Never thought I’d be in one of these. Good to have you back kid.

BEN: Good to be back.

Ben focuses on Rey. She was looking at the map.

BEN: I see it. A mountain in winter. No, fall.

He punches some buttons on the nav computer as he feels the heat of the explosion all around him. Light bends ahead and he ESCAPES INTO HYPERSPACE.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER - BRIDGE - DAY

Leia closes her eyes, feeling the loss of the men and women left behind as the Eclipse MAKES THE JUMP TO LIGHTSPEED.

EXT. KORILEV - DAY

The Eclipse VANISHES in an instant.

The Finalizer’s superlaser finally cracks the shields. The base ERUPTS.

The entire planet EXPLODES IN HELLFIRE.

EXT. DEEP SPACE - DAY

Rey drops out of lightspeed to find herself in swirling clouds, half red, half blue. An ominous and violent atmosphere surrounding a black circle.

The Galactic Void.

Suddenly the navigational equipment blinks out. The ship rattles. Alarms sound.

Rey braces herself, re-calculates for lightspeed and MAKES THE JUMP INTO THE VOID.

The stars streak into infinite straight lines ahead, then TWIST AND BEND as she passes through the black hole.

Rey’s face becomes a echo of itself, in fifteen places at once, like the mirrorcave on Ahch-To.

NEARLY-SUBLIMINAL FLASHBACKS:

--Finn taking her hand on Jakku.

--Han Solo handing her a blaster on Takodana.

--Leia smiling fondly on her return to D’Quar.

--Touching Kylo’s hand on Ahch-To.

--Feeling Luke pass into the Force on Crait.

...until it all STOPS.

Rey opens her eyes. There is a planet ahead. No stars visible around it, only deep black.

Heavy clouds swirl over one third. Another third is a rich green. Another orange and red.

Suddenly the power DROPS OUT. Lights on the dashboard go dark. The ship goes into free fall.

EXT. MORTIS - WESTERN WOODS - DAY

Knife 9 skims over treetops and CRASH LANDS in a riverbed. Tiny fish leap out of the water and run away.

Rey pries herself out of the wreckage and sloshes to land. She looks back at the smoking ship. No turning back.

She hikes into the leafy forest, SUMMER TURNING TO FALL at an accelerated pace around her.

The trees clear to a steep ledge. A towering mountain ahead. A TEMPLE barely visible at the summit. The valley below is alive with autumnal oranges, yellows and reds.

She journeys on.

EXT. MORTIS - EASTERN PLATEAU - DAY

Ben’s Silencer lands in a clearing of dead trees. No leaves on the branches, covered in snow.

He looks up at the mountain ahead. Visibility is low.

A NATURAL STONE BRIDGE over a deep precipice. Tall granite on either side, vaguely shaped into primitive faces.

It feels like a gate.

A WHISPER ON THE WIND swirls around him. The Force is strong here.

He journeys on.

EXT. MORTIS - WESTERN CLIFFS - DAY

Rey scales the icy peak, blasted by wind and sleet. She reaches a plateau, finds her footing.

There are statues of ROBED ANCIENTS here. Not Jedi.

A STORM OF SNOWDUST obscures her vision. Voices ECHO.

A temptation from the DARK. She is visited by the Mortis SON…Maul!

REY: Who are you?

MAUL: I am Son. I am your fate. Join me. Together we can change the balance of the universe. My friend.

EXT. MORTIS - EASTERN FOREST - DAY

Ben hikes through winter. Glimpses of the Temple break through the canopy above.

Suddenly the wind dies. There’s someone approaching.

BEN: Who are you?

AHSOKA: I am Daughter. You are Anakin’s grandson. You must find Rey quickly. My brother wants her.

EXT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - DAY

Ben Solo ascends the steps to a sealed stone door.

The Temple is cut into the mountaintop. Uninterpretable carvings, runes and statues allude to civilization and knowledge long lost.

He reaches out. The door bends to his will and OPENS. A millennium of dust spills from its cracks.

But he does not enter. He knows he’s not alone.

Ben turns to face DARK REY.

REY: The Force is strong in this place. Can you feel it?

BEN: Rey, I love you.

She FORCE-PUSHES HIM BACK. His feet slide back a few inches, but he withstands it, steadfast.

REY: Love is for fools! I finally feel the power that Darth Vader desired!

BEN: But you’re still afraid.

REY: Of what?

BEN: Of what you’ve become. Don’t push me away. Remember Ahch-To…you’re not ALONE!

REY: With the power of this place, we could rule the galaxy as the Ancients did. The Dark Side and The the Light.

BEN: I don’t want power. I only want you. I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it. Come with me. Let’s leave this place. We can help my mother defeat the First Order.

She circles him like a lion. She ignites her lightsaber. It burns RED!

EXT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Rain pounds the grey stone, lit by flashes of white and red.

Lightsabers CLASH as Ben and Rey fight on the steps of the Temple. Ancient statues crumble--Ben stops them in midair, pushing them back. Ben allows Rey’s barrage to hammer him, taking careful, controlled counter strikes through her wild assaults, but she finally disarms him. His lightsaber falls to the stone. Rey kicks Ben and he falls backwards down the stone steps. Motionless. Unconscious.

REY: Goodbye, Ben.

Rey enters the Temple of Mortis, leaving Ben on the steps.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Rey’s long shadow precedes her into the cavern of stone.

Statues of the ANCIENTS look down into a deep void in the center.

LUKE (VO): I feared this would happen. You went straight to the DARK.

LUKE SKYWALKER steps into the light. A thin blue glow traces his form.

REY: Some teacher you turned out to be!

EXT. TEMPLE MOUNT - NIGHT

Ben lies motionless on the stone steps.

Then his hand MOVES. His eyes open.

BEN: Luke...

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Luke’s expression changes, sensing him.

LUKE: Come back to us Rey.

REY: Us?

LUKE: You are not alone.

EXT. TEMPLE MOUNT - NIGHT

Ben drags his shattered body up the Temple steps. His arm gives out. He collapses. The pain is too much.

LUKE (VO): We’re connected. All living things. The Force surrounds us. It penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. We are one. Bound by the Force.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER - BRIDGE - SPACE

Leia looks beyond the battle, feeling Ben’s pain.

EXT. TEMPLE MOUNT - NIGHT

Ben into the rain. He feels the connection from across the galaxy. A surge of hope.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Luke gives his former student a faint smile.

LUKE: And we will not be broken.

EXT. TEMPLE MOUNT - NIGHT

With all his strength, Ben Solo rises.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Luke VANISHES.

Beyond him, BEN STANDS IN THE ARCHED DOORWAY.

BEN: The Jedi. The Sith. They’re wrong. I will not

deny my anger. And I will not reject my love.

His fallen lightsaber flies into his hands.

BEN: I am the darkness. And I am the light.

REY: You are a SKYWALKER and I’m over you!

She ignites the blades. They crackle. Rey CHARGES. Their blades meet and SIZZLE.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Ben counters Rey’s every move. They are evenly matched, two sides of a coin, flame and shadow.

A vicious swing and Ben’s lightsaber SHATTERS at the hilt. DESTROYED.

He looks at it with disbelief, stumbles back toward the Well of Mortis. Falls to one knee.

Rey stands over him. Anger flowing.

She points her blade to Ben’s chest.

Ben is stunned by the powerful being before him.

Rey clenches her teeth...eyes furious...

She reaches out her hand...

....and projects FORCE LIGHTNING at Ben.

He SCREAMS TO THE SKY.

She looks beyond Ben to the Well of Mortis.

BEN: Rey...

Ben is almost gone. He summons all his strength. Reaches out.

With the last of himself, he OFFERS HER HIS HAND.

BEN: Rey...please...

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER BRIDGE - SPACE

Leia feels the disturbance. It PAINS her. Into the vastness of space, she says Rey’s name.

LEIA: Rey...

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Then Rey hears LEIA’S VOICE, carried by the Force.

LEIA (VO): Rey.

She STOPS. Hearing her. Feeling her close.

LEIA (VO): Come back. Come back to us.

Something HAPPENS to her! Han and Leia had been like the parents Rey never had.

INT. ECLIPSE DESTROYER BRIDGE - SPACE

Leia speaks to Rey through the Force.

LEIA: Ben loves you. Please don’t make the same mistake I made.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

She looks at Ben’s outstretched hand...and TAKES IT.

Ben and Rey collapse into one another.

Rey is close to him now. Their foreheads touching.

REY: Ben!

Rey smiled and stared into his eyes. She reached for his face, let her fingers linger against his cheek, and kissed him.

Ben smiled at her. They both collapsed to the ground.

INT. TEMPLE OF MORTIS - NIGHT

Ben and Rey lie flat on the stone.

Silence.

Glimmers of energy flicker like fireflies in darkness.

One of the distant glimmers grow larger than the others. It moves toward them.

ANAKIN SKYWALKER.

BEN: Grandfather!

ANAKIN: I see why Leia named you after Obi-Wan! Ben. Rey. They want me to tell you…

REY: Who?

ANAKIN: The Whills. They want me to tell you that you succeeded where the Jedi and Sith failed. Their point of view was too narrow. You chose to embrace the Dark Side and the Light. To find balance within. They must co-exist in all of us. You’ve earned the right to stay here on Mortis, in serenity…peace, or go back to that galaxy in turmoil.

We hold on their faces as they consider their life TOGETHER.

BEN/REY: Thank you.

EXT. MODESTA - DAY

A serene, sun-dappled ranch surrounded by rolling green fields of tall grass. Smoke curls from the chimney. The children race about the pasture. BROOM BOY from Canto Bight is among them.

They race around a NERF FOAL, trying to hook a ring around its tiny horns. BB-8 races with them, beeping excitedly.

Leia steps onto the front porch. C-3PO and R2-D2 greet her. Poe, Finn, Rose, and Chewie are all here.

Two figures blur on the horizon. Familiar silhouettes. Dirty, ragged. Walking for a long time.

BB-8 rolls forward, beeps excitedly. The kids hear the droid, stop their game, look to the fields beyond.

The kids run toward them, joined by BB-8, who is faster. The two walk on toward the homestead.

ON THE HORIZON

Rey and Ben.

Here a new generation of SKYWALKERS will learn the ways of the FORCE with an understanding that only the balance within can lead to peace and justice in the galaxy.

THE END

[foreteller-ava]

Fallen Star: Chapter 14

[Previous Fic] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

AO3 | FFN

Fic Summary: The Clone Wars have raged on for three years. With Dooku dead, the war’s end is finally within reach, and peace may come to the galaxy.

For Jedi Knight Padmé Naberrie, Senator Anakin Skywalker, and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, the world seems to have too many other plans to let it.

[Or, a Revenge of the Sith Roleswap AU]

Chapter Summary: Anakin tries to talk Padme down.

A/N: I don't really have anything to say, next week's upload will be wonky because I picked up overtime next Friday but we'll get it up!

Anakin lowered the ship to the ground gently, trying to focus on piloting safely over anything else. Padmé was here. He could reach her. He just had to remember those two facts. They had to be true.

If they weren't, he wasn't sure what he would do. She was his everything, and the only thing that even possibly rivaled that was Luke and Leia.

This was for their sake. He could remember that.

"Anakin, are you sure you want to…" Obi-Wan let the sentence fall as he sensed the determination coming off of the Senator. "Very well, but please, be careful. I can't lose you too."

Anakin gave a grin, hoping to appear much more confident than he felt. "Don't worry, if things get out of control, that's what you're here for."

Distantly, Anakin was aware that he was arriving on a planet covered in lava, going to meet a Jedi who had very recently fallen, and likely still had a normal Lightsaber rather than the glowing red of the Sith and thus could be confused for a Jedi in any visions Padmé may have had. But that fact didn't matter. Reaching her was more important.

He stepped down the ramp slowly at first, exiting the ship, only to pick up his pace as he saw Padmé. He pulled her into a hug, and it was jarring to even vaguely feel her in the Force. It wasn't just cold, everything about her Force signature felt wrong, felt so unlike Padmé as he'd known her.

Palpatine would pay for doing this to her. Anakin was sure of that.

They pulled apart moments later. "Ani, what are you doing here? You were supposed to stay on Coruscant."

Anakin shook his head. "I couldn't stay." He had to pick his arguments carefully, at least for now. "Obi-Wan came by to visit."

"Obi-Wan's alive?" Padmé's voice softened, and for a moment, even if her Force presence was clouded by darkness Anakin could feel her deep in there. She was still his wife, somewhere. He just had to reach for that glimmer of light and pull.

"He is. He survived an attack from his clones and returned to Coruscant." Anakin frowned. "He said that you led the attack on the Jedi Temple." He waited for a response, a denial he knew wouldn't come. "He told me that I can't trust you Padmé."

A flicker of hurt appeared on Padmé's face, but it was quickly buried as her face hardened. "Then he was with the Jedi." She shook her head, as though she were disappointed. "Anakin, you can't trust Obi-Wan, he's turning you against me, against the Republic."

"He's not trying to turn me against you." Anakin shook his head. "He was trying to find you. He doesn't want to hurt you."

"Then why would he tell you that?" Padmé shook her head. "If he was with me, he would've known that the Jedi were wrong. He would be joining me in trying to stop them, he wouldn't have mentioned me killing them like it was a bad thing."

Anakin wanted to protest, but right now, he just needed to get through to her. His wife had to be in there somewhere. "I don't care that you did it." Padmé looked at him, startled. "I've never cared what you've done. Nothing short of hurting Luke or Leia could ever make me stop loving you." She remained silent, so he continued. "We need to go, we can hide out anywhere, just you, me, Luke, and Leia. We can raise them as a family. No Sith. No Jedi. No anybody but us."

Padmé shook her head, and grabbed one of Anakin's hands. "I need to stay here. I need to learn how to protect you from the Emperor."

"Protect us from what?" Anakin asked. "The Jedi? Well you took care of that problem when you killed all of them. Obi-Wan wouldn't kill me, that's clear." He shook his head, disappointed by how she just accepted all of this. "There are no more threats. You don't have to learn anything anymore."

"There's always a threat." Padmé argued. "You're powerful in the Force. Our children are powerful in the Force. Somebody will want them. We will never be able to run far enough."

"Because you're working for the one person who would want to hurt us." The moment those words left his mouth, he knew it was the wrong thing to say. He felt her anger spike, but he didn't regret them. Palpatine was the only threat to them that could hurt him, that wanted Luke and Leia. He couldn't back down now. "The person you're working with? He'll want our power for himself. He'll take our children and he'll twist them until there's nothing left of them but his tools. Don't let him ruin them."

"You're lying! Palpatine would never!" Padmé defended the man, and that made Anakin see red. He'd attempted to try to see her reason, to avoid fighting her because that wouldn't bring her back to him, but her stalwart belief in Palpatine broke that. He had manipulated and turned her into something she would hate, and would do the same to her children if he had his way.

"He will, because that's exactly what he did to you."

Despite the magma around them, the hot environment around Anakin felt nothing but cold, and he looked up to see Padmé's normally warm brown eyes to be a cold, liquid gold. Despite himself, despite knowing that Padmé would never hurt him, he felt a flash of fear.

Because right now, whoever was in front of him might have worn her face, but she wasn't Padmé.

"Nobody ruined me, Anakin. I made this choice, I'm not the victim you seem to think I am." She was closing herself off, shutting him down. He needed to come up with something fast to reach her.

"Padmé, Angel, please. You don't have to do this. You don't have to become a Sith."

"You don't understand."

"Of course, I do, more than anything!" He was sure if he was in her position, he'd do the same thing to protect her.

"Then why are you trying to stop me?"

"Because this isn't you!" Anakin snapped. "I love you, more than else in this world, but right now I don't even know who you are!" His words hung in the air for a moment, and the tension that had built between them, the anger, was ready to overflow. "I don't know why I bothered to come here, I thought maybe there was a chance I could reach you, but I was wrong. Obi-Wan was right, you–"

Before he could keep talking, it felt like the air was suddenly rushing out of his lungs. Somebody was grabbing his throat, and he couldn't breathe. There was no air left. No way for him to get more. He was lifting in the air, and Padmé was the one causing it. She was Force choking him. Killing him.

As black spots filled his vision, he heard somebody shout, and Padmé let him drop to the ground.

His final thoughts before he lost consciousness were of how hot he was, and how it seemed as though their visions would come true after all.

-x-

Obi-Wan had entertained Anakin's request, no matter how ridiculous it seemed. Padmé was a Sith, there was no reaching her. Yet as they reunited, even he couldn't deny a small amount of hope for his Padawan. It was clear that she still cared about Anakin more than most. Maybe the Senator was right, maybe he could reach her, maybe he could save her.

It was only a few short minutes as he realized his hopes were dashed. Padmé's presence was getting darker, and darker with every passing second, and they were no longer embracing. He doubted either of them noticed, but Anakin had been slowly backing away from the very woman he claimed he loved.

There wasn't time to keep hoping, not if he wanted to save Anakin. He left the ship to arrive on the surface of Mustafar just in time to see Amidala holding up Anakin by the throat, the poor Senator scratching at his throat desperately in an attempt to get air. "Let him go!"

She released him, and for a moment, there was pure terror on her face at what she had done, but it hardened moments later into a cold mask. "You both were working together! You turned him against me! To kill me."

Obi-Wan let the devastation he felt seeing her like this show on his face, but this wasn't Padmé. Padmé would never hurt Anakin. This was Amidala, and Amidala was a Sith that needed to go. "I did no such thing. Anakin was here to try to save you. You're the one who pushed him away."

Amidala shook her head, and rage sparked in her eyes, seeped out of every facet of her. "You're lying, I wouldn't push him away if he wasn't trying to hurt me first."

Obi-Wan stepped around Anakin's unconscious body. He leaned down next to him to feel for a pulse. Anakin was still alive. That was good. "No. You've let the Sith turn you into something unrecognizable. Something you aren't." Something dark. Something evil. Something not Padmé.

He just had to keep reminding himself of that. Maybe if he thought it enough, it would become true.

Instead, Amidala just laughed. "If you really believe this isn't me, then maybe you didn't know me at all."

Obi-Wan winced, but in a way, she was right. He'd never thought that it would be possible for this to happen. It was only in his worst nightmares had he ever considered the possibility that Padmé would fall. "What would make it worth this?"

"You wouldn't understand." There was a sorrow in her voice, as though she genuinely believed that. And maybe she was right. Obi-Wan loved Satine, he loved Padmé, he loved Anakin, but despite how much he cared for them all, he would never have sacrificed himself, never would have fallen for them like this.

Obi-Wan simply shook his head. "Perhaps you're right. I couldn't imagine anything would push me to do this. I wouldn't want to put anybody through what I'm feeling right now."

For a moment, Amidala winced, as though his words had hurt her. Rather than react, she reached out. "Obi-Wan, we don't have to fight. We can work together to save them. All of them."

She would never know how tempting it was to join her. He wouldn't have to use the dark side, he could stay with her.

It was also just him lying to himself. Sidious would never let him near Amidala after this. He would never have a chance to save her. He'd be lucky to be alive until Amidala decided she no longer cared for his fate. "I can't do that, Padmé. You know that."

She didn't answer. "Then you're my enemy." He didn't have to be, but she wouldn't see it any other way. It wasn't in the Sith's nature to see things from another point of view.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes." Obi-Wan took a breath to steady himself for what would come next. "I will do what I must." He pulled out his lightsaber, igniting it. There was only one way this confrontation could end, an inevitability from the start.

"As will I." She charged, her lightsaber in her hand, and the two glowing blue blades met. Amidala placed strike after strike, on a constant offense as she started to drive Obi-Wan back. It took all of his energy, his focus, his effort just to continue to keep up with her strikes. With the exception of how much more angry and violent she was, he could almost pretend that the two of them were simply sparring, practicing. The moves of the deadly dance were familiar, her fighting style might have been the only one he knew as well as his own. But her eyes were gold, and she wasn't slowing, she wasn't stopping. She wanted the kill. He wouldn't let her.

Slowly, as he moved backwards and away from Anakin's ship, he became aware that he was being forced into the building where the Separatists had been hiding, it was obvious they were there given the bodies littering the floor. Obi-Wan stepped over them as he blocked another of Amidala's relentless strikes before finally launching his first attack at her, a weak strike.

If he was honest, a part of him didn't want to return any of her attacks. Blocking was one thing, but if he attacked, then he'd be hurting Padmé. And while he knew she was gone, maybe he could keep stalling. If he could keep the fight going long enough, if she was tired out, then he could get her on the ship, he could try to reach her. He could do something.

Amidala struck again, Obi-Wan deflected the strike into the controls, and it sparked, causing them to separate to avoid the electrical surge. She lunged moments later, but rather than use her lightsaber, she kicked him, causing Obi-Wan to fall to the ground on the floor and his lightsaber to leave his hand. She raised her saber, preparing for the final blow, but he managed to pull his back to his hand and activate it just in time to block before standing back up. And then their lightsabers were locked again, constantly clashing against one another with no reprieve, no slowing, no stopping. Obi-Wan tried to push Amidala, she tried to push him, and they both flew backwards.

The moment Obi-Wan hit the wall, he heard an alarm start to blare in the building, but he didn't have time to contemplate it as once more he was forced to begin deflecting Amidala's strikes. He fell onto the balcony, giving up ground once more. He tried to put space between them, walking onto the pipes, but Amidala refused to stop for even a moment. She jumped after him, and the two continued trading blows, ignoring the steam that proved a distraction and made the fight worse. He jumped off onto a bridge, continuing to fall back, still doing all he could to avoid every single hit.

The magma from the planet exploded behind them, melting the bridge, and suddenly they were climbing up what was now a tower, desperately trying to avoid falling into the lava. Despite the fact that Amidala was only holding on with one hand, she continued trying to strike, and so Obi-Wan continued blocking, not allowing her to land a single hit. He looked behind him to see a waterfall of magma ahead, and he grabbed one of the disconnected ropes, swinging around while blocking more of Amidala's strikes, all the while desperately looking for a platform to land.

He saw one, and with a final swing on the rope, he landed on a sheet of metal in the river of lava. With Amidala still looking for somewhere to land, he took it as a moment's reprieve. (He hoped she wouldn't, that the magma would do her in. He wouldn't have to kill Padmé then.)

She jumped, and landed on a small droid nearby, and they were fighting again, lightsaber meeting lightsaber one after the other. "I'm so sorry, Padmé."

"No, no you're not." Her eyes narrowed, and all Obi-Wan could see was that sickly gold. But she didn't strike. Maybe she was too far, or maybe she was fighting regrets too. He could never know.

"It's not too late, you can stop serving Palpatine." He wanted her to take him up on his offer. He needed her to take him up on his offer. "You can come back with Anakin and I."

Amidala simply laughed. "I won't be able to have Anakin again until you're dead." She jumped onto the platform, striking at him once more, an attack that despite starting to feel fatigue, Obi-Wan managed to block as they started striking once more.

There was no saving her, this one exchange was just further proof. Padmé was gone.

He saw a bank with a hill to the side that he could arrive on and made the jump, landing on his feet as he looked at the piece of metal that he had been standing on earlier. Amidala stood there, a miasma of anger and rage in the Force. Neither moved. It would be a mistake for Amidala to make the strike, even as illogical as she was right now, she had to know that.

Then suddenly, she jumped, aiming to hit Obi-Wan by surprise. He'd planned on simply blocking her strike, but the suddenness gave him no time to think through his action, and he swung his lightsaber, slicing cleanly through her legs and forcing Amidala to tumble to the ground, now missing legs, her lightsaber fell to the ground as she used her two hands, one flesh and one metal, to keep herself on the slope and away from the lava.

Neither moved. Amidala had fallen behind him on the hill, and was using her metal arm to support her body as she looked him dead in the eyes, making it impossible for him to miss her anger at him. "Obi-Wan!"

"Please, Padmé! Come to your senses! You can't believe this is right." She couldn't, he wouldn't let her.

"It's the only way to protect my husband! My children!" And she thought that, she really did. And it just left Obi-Wan feeling numb, overcome by the feeling of loss as he looked at a face so familiar that he could no longer recognize. "You'll kill them, just like you are me!"

His voice fell quiet as he responded. "I didn't have to kill you Padmé, you did that to yourself." He walked to where her lightsaber lay and picked it up, beginning to return his trek to Anakin's ship, so they could leave this cursed system. This terrible place.

"I hate you!" Obi-Wan froze, and turned around to take one final look at Padmé. Though her glare was murderous, there were tears in her eyes. He didn't know whether she was crying because of potentially conflicted feelings towards him, or if she was crying for everything she'd lost. Perhaps she was simply goading him to try to get him to kill her? (he didn't have to, the planet would do it for him.)

Whatever the reason was, he didn't need to know Amidala's reasoning. Instead, held Padmé's lightsaber a little tighter in his hand. "You were my sister, Padmé! I loved you!" He still did, if he was honest, but Darth Amidala wasn't Padmé Naberrie, even if she wore his Padawan's face. And though she continued her screams of anger, he ignored them, walking away. He stopped by Anakin's still unconscious form to pick him up and load him onto the ship before setting the hyperdrive coordinates to Polis Massa, the space station Bail had set up as a rendezvous point for after their missions were complete.

As the ship shot off into hyperspace, Obi-Wan desperately tried to ignore the tears stinging in the corner of his eyes as he finally took the time to process everything he had just lost, and grieve.

[goldens0422]

How Anakin and Padmé would've ruled the Empire

So, obviously, we've seen many, many fanfictions and AUs about Padmé joining Anakin and ruling the Empire with him. They've all given their takes on how their Empire would go, and this is no different.

So, without further ado, here's my take (this'll be pretty long):

If Padmé joins Anakin, he'll be a lot more composed once he faces Obi-Wan, and something tells me Padmé would've just shot Obi-Wan before the two could begin their duel (sorry, Obi, but at least you're not necessarily dead). Padmé gives birth like normal, so Luke and Leia are pretty alright.

Anakin's still very much pissed off by the Jedi, so he won't let any of the surviving Jedi return and will still have them on their hitlist, but instead of saying that the Jedi committed treason, he'll simply say that the Jedi failed to protect the galaxy, so he and Padmé will do it themselves. That's also his explanation for his hatred towards the Jedi to Padmé.

Anakin, however, will eventually put a bounty on Ahsoka in the hopes to get to her, with an "Alive Only" condition along with stating his genuine intentions to get to her.

Once he is sure Padmé, Luke, and Leia are alright, he'll excuse himself to make an official announcement.

By this point, he'll reveal his marriage to Padmé and name her his Empress, explain the Jedi's failure, open up the military force to the population, put Padmé in charge of the Imperial Senate, and establish a new Order for Force Sensitives, but of course, the people registered into that Order will be allowed to form attachments and get to know their parents (let's call it the Skywalker Order)

Eventually, Ahsoka will be found and brought in, and Anakin will explain everything. She appears super reluctant at first but will eventually give in to her gripes with the Jedi Order and join Anakin. She'll be the Master of the Skywalker Order, only behind Anakin who is the Grandmaster.

Anakin will return to Padmé, and she'll be a tad bit confused as she fell asleep after giving birth. He'll explain that he was now the Emperor and she was now the Empress and that they could make their dreams come true, whatever they were.

Anakin and Padmé will live in Padmé's apartment for a while. Anakin will manage just about every part of the Empire for a bit as Padmé takes baby duties. She'll also eventually meet Queen Jamilia who states that Naboo will remain loyal to the government. She'll resign from being Naboo's senator.

Anakin and Padmé will eventually meet the Naberrie family. All will wonder why Padmé suddenly sided with an Empire but will understand it at some point. Sola, Jobal, and most of the family will warm up to Anakin quickly, but Ruwee will remain skeptical for quite some time. However, eventually he'll warm up himself.

There'll be some assassination attempts on the two for a while, but people will eventually warm up to the Empire as Anakin continuously targets slavery across the galaxy. Like the brilliant couple that Anakin and Padmé is, they'll scuff out the rebellion with time.

Anakin will probably write the Skywalker Code at some point (with some help from Padmé to make it sound more poetic):

With passion, I am strong.

With peace, I am strong.

Passion fuels my heart, and peace fuels my mind.

With only heart, I am unwise.

With only mind, I am unkind.

Forever should I hold passion and peace, then forever will I be strong.

I will not shut away my emotions, I will control.

I will not be ran over by emotions, I will control.

Forever should I control, then forever will I be strong.

Forever am I strong.

The Skywalker Order will not expect all Force Sensitives to be in it, however, but all Force Sensitives should be expected to be registered as Force Sensitives and will be given basic training to control their inherent powers. Still, the Skywalker Order will be a whole lot better than the Jedi Order and Sith Order.

Once Padmé is a lot more capable of heavy workloads, Anakin will hand over the entirety of political affairs to her while he focuses more on the military affairs. Speaking of the military, he'll also make Ahsoka the Supreme Commander.

Anakin also eventually finds a way to scientifically slow down one's aging, and he uses the serum that his team developed on him and Padmé. The two are also considering using it on their children as it didn't have much drawbacks.

Once the two get really comfortable in their new Empire, they'll establish a dynasty, so the Skywalkers remain in power. Anakin and Padmé will also adopt Ahsoka because that's been one of their dreams for a while, but they won't decide who'll inherit their throne just yet.

So, now, we have:

His Majesty The Emperor (Anakin)

Her Majesty The Empress (Padmé)

His Royal Highness The Prince Luke

Her Royal Highness The Princess Leia

Her Royal Highness The Supreme Commander (Ahsoka)

Eventually, Anakin will get a hold of Yoda who would've reminded him of Ahsoka had she not sided with him, but she did so...Yoda just gets killed. Obi-Wan is possibly dead already, so no point in bothering with that.

Anakin and Padmé planned on having only one more child, but they loved each other too much and ended up having five (not that they didn't love the five so much).

Once Ahsoka reaches her late 40s, she'll step down from Supreme Commander and simply be the Master of the Order, and Luke becomes Supreme Commander. Leia eventually ascends to the throne and falls in love with Han.

Padmé established a rule that the sovereign can choose to either make their spouse a coregent or a consort. Leia makes Han a Prince Consort instead of Emperor (not that Han is salty about it or anything - it made sense).

All of their kids end up happily married because as much as they're all so different, they're all drop dead gorgeous.

While all that is going on, Anakin and Padmé, still drop dead gorgeous in their 60s, eventually step down and retire to a private vacation house temporarily as they sought to enjoy the rest of their lives together.

[jasontoddiefor]

Title: threads spun

Summary: In another life, Obi-Wan Kenobi would have fought plenty of other Jedi Masters for the right to train little Luke Skywalker. In this one, Luke is 19 and just lost his family when Obi-Wan teaches him how to do a proper Padawan braid.

AN: I’M BACK FROM NANO WITH NEW FANFICS.

The boy just lost his whole world, and he clings to Obi-Wan's robes with shaky hands. His eyes are bright blue, his hair a fair gold color, and for just one short moment, Obi-Wan isn't sure whether the child in front of him is nine or nineteen, whether his name is Anakin or Luke.

It is the reason he gave Luke to his family in the end, even when the Force and all his selfish desires were screaming at him not to. The newborn, the son of his Padawan, the child that was Luke Skywalker, had deserved better than a broken man who didn't even know who he was without a thousand lights illuminating him. A man who'd risk forgetting that he was not holding the child he had raised, the child he had left to burn.

Obi-Wan closes his eyes and the moment passes. 

He doesn't ask the boy if he's alright because it is obvious that Luke is not and it would be cruel to demand an honest answer. Luke can't be standing straight after he experienced such tremendous loss for the first time, nobody would, and Obi-Wan is saddened that he can't give Luke the time to grieve.

Despite all this pain, Obi-Wan still dares to hope for light and life.

He is relieved to see that Luke doesn't take all the hurt and anger to hide it within himself. Obi-Wan has never taught Luke a single lesson about Jedi philosophy, the way they grieve and handle all the emotions that are too large for this world, those that are capable of tearing the galaxy apart. And yet Luke controls his feelings exactly as a temple-raised youngling would, not pushing them aside or letting them overtake him. He takes timed breaths, centers himself on the world surrounding him and not on his anxieties. Pride fills Obi-Wan's heart as he watches peace and balance return to Luke's mind.

In another life, Obi-Wan would have fought plenty of other Jedi Masters for the right to train him.

He can almost hear his family laugh at him, playful jabs about him being so eager to train yet another Skywalker and see what colors they could draw nebulas in. It isn't Obi-Wan's fault; he has always loved a challenge, and Luke, racing in Beggar's Canyon at an age no boy should step into that death trap, would have certainly been a joy to teach and guide.

He could have taught him so much, so much he still needs to teach him, but the clock is ticking and time has always been a cruel mistress. Not purposefully, she wouldn't dare, but she is absolute and eternal, and like death, she takes.

Obi-Wan silently wonders how much time he has left. He knows exactly where they are heading and despite the legends he has wrapped around himself in his exile, he's neither crazy nor a fool. They are attempting to pull off a plan that they wouldn't even have dared to suggest during the Clone Wars, not with so many untrained people. He's been called reckless plenty of times, his ability to talk himself out of seeming like an adrenaline junkie being his only saving grace. Still, Obi-Wan is acutely aware of the danger they are in.

But they have no other choice. They may have the Death Star plans in their hands – and wasn't it utterly predictable that it would be Artoo to carry the plans for a weapon of mass destruction? – but Leia can't stay in the Empire's hands.

Luke and she were so strong in the Force at their birth already. While Obi-Wan is convinced that Bail must have taught Leia at least some shielding techniques, half-trained children can't withstand a Sith Lord for long. Should Vader or worse, Palpatine, learn what Leia could become capable of, they would have so much more to worry about in the future.

The Rebellion might as well be lost.

"You have grown into a fine young man, Luke," Obi-Wan tells Anakin's son instead.

"I have?" Luke echoes, curiosity coloring his voice, highlighting a cadence similar to Padmé's despite his heavy Outer Rim accent.

"I brought you to Tatooine," Obi-Wan tells him. The journey hadn't been an easy one. They had to change ships multiple times and every time somebody had mistaken Obi-Wan for Luke's father, he had wanted to stop and cry like the infant in his arms. "You were a very sweet baby."

"Oh." Luke falls silent again, but his hands have stopped shaking. In his dirty white robes, he reminds Obi-Wan just a bit of a messy Padawan. He wears Anakin's lightsaber well, even if he doesn't know how to execute even the simplest of lightsaber forms. Frankly speaking, it is a bit terrifying to see how quickly he picked up the weapon and had gotten comfortable with it. The Force curled around Luke's every movement, guiding him like a beloved teacher.

Luke will need a teacher if he is to face the darkness that would catch up to them soon.

Obi-Wan feels much older than he actually is. The fault lies partially with the harsh marks that Tatooine has left on his body, but also with the life he has led. He isn't sure if he can teach another student, no matter how much he wants to, but he has to try at least for Luke's sake. That is, if the boy truly intends to follow the path of the Jedi.

"Luke," Obi-Wan says seriously, thinking of the one who gives life, the name granted to such a young child, "Do you truly want to become a Jedi?"

"Yes." There is no hesitation in Luke's reply. "I want to follow my father's footsteps."

No, Obi-Wan wants to weep. You don't. You can't ask me to cut you down as well; I couldn't bear it.

"It is admirable to want to follow the path of someone you respect," Obi-wan starts carefully instead. He can't tell Luke what became of Anakin Skywalker. The child deserves better. "But I am asking about your own inclinations. The path of a Jedi is not an easy one, and you have to follow it for your own sake if you want to succeed."

Now Luke does hesitate. He looks down at his hands, curls them into fists and relaxes them again.

"Yes," Luke finally replied. "Yes, I want to be a Jedi."

"Then I'll hope you'll give me the honor of teaching you. I'd like to take you as my Padawan."

Obi-Wan had said these words over three decades ago to another lost blond boy, the language a little different, their surroundings certainly more peaceful than the ship of a smuggler. He tries to banish the image from his mind.

"Padawan," Luke repeats slowly. "What does it mean?"

You should know, Obi-Wan thinks. You should know what it means and be overjoyed and celebrate this day.

He can't hold it against this boy, not even against himself or, dare he think it, Anakin because choices had been made, but away from it all, Obi-Wan can only blame the Sith who ruined them, continues to hurt them.

"It means that I want you as my student, teach you all I know so that you may surpass me someday."

Bring us back to the light, rebuilt all that we lost. Obi-Wan is asking him for so much when just days ago it would have been enough for him to someday see Luke marry that boy he's been crushing on for years and live the rest of his days happily, far away from the war.

And now he dreams of home again, the rooms full of plants and droid parts, poetry collections, board games, and warmth so kind and all-compassing that no nightmares can haunt you.

"You'd really teach me?" Luke asks as if he'd be honored and the right to be taught not already something he possessed since his birth.

"Of course."

"I'd be honored to accept," Luke replies with a shy smile.

Obi-Wan returns his smile and reassuringly squeezes his shoulder once. Luke leans into the touch and so Obi-Wan lets his arm linger around the boy's shoulders as he continues to explain traditions long lost. "Traditionally, we would now braid your hair and put in the first bead."

"Braid my hair?"

Obi-wan nods and thinks of all the times his Master ran his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair, tugging at his braid and saying one thing or another he hadn't paid any attention to because he'd been too awestruck by the fact that he had a Master at all. "Yes, all Padawans of the Jedi Order have a braid. It shows your dedication to your studies and how serious you are about them. It means that you know that this is not an easy task or an easy path to take, but that you are willing to walk it anyway."

Luke thoughtfully looks at Obi-Wan, then he reaches up with his hand, putting a strand of hair behind his ear.

"My hair is not long enough to braid it properly," Luke mutters, dismayed.

He's pouting more than he is actually hurt by the thought. Nevertheless, if he lingers on it, he might ask more questions about what other chances life has denied him and because of it, Obi-Wan wants to distract him quickly.

The distraction comes at the price of remembrance, a fourteen-year-old Padawan clinging to what remained of his braid, burying his head in his Master's chest, and crying after enduring days of torment. Obi-Wan had fixed Anakin's hair then as well so he wouldn't have to deal with too many looks once they were back at the Temple. His braid had been short, but it had been there. For a moment, Obi-Wan tries to recall who had assigned that mission to them, whether Sidious had already sown his seeds of discord then.

He lets the moment go. "Don't worry, I can help you."

He had done plenty of braids during his as a Padawan and later as a Master. When the war had been going on, he had helped frenzied Padawans countless times with their braids.

There was an almost meditative process to the act of braiding and letting others braid your hair. It had soothed innumerous over the centuries and now it will once more calm another. Luke sits still when Obi-Wan begins to part the stray strands of hair on the left side of his head into three. Luke's hair really isn't all that long, but it is definitely more than enough to work with. Slowly and withs steady fingers, Obi-Wan braids another bond with his second Padawan. Luke is a kind child and this war will hurt him incredibly. Obi-Wan can only hope that what he will pass onto him will be enough to have him keep his path, to wander in the light even when the darkness reaches for him with the intent to consume.

Once Obi-Wan is finished with the braid, he reaches for his belt, takes an old leather cord from there, and wraps it around the tip of Luke's hair.

"And finished," Obi-Wan announces.

Luke, who had closed his eyes, opens them and immediately reaches for the hair, twirling it between his two fingers in a fashion reminiscent of Obi-Wan in his youth. He had only managed to get rid of that nervous habit after his won braid hat been cut. Whether Luke would act similar, Obi-Wan doesn't know, but the thought of seeing Luke ascend to the rank of Knight of the Order, no matter how small, splintered and broken it is right now, it makes his heart beat a bit quicker.

"How does it look?" Luke asks.

"As it is supposed to," Obi-Wan replies. "I believe Mr. Solo has a mirror in his fresher if you want to take a look."

Luke races off before Obi-Wan can say anymore. He returns a few minutes later, already with more color in his face than he had in the hours before.

"Thank you. Master." Luke tags on the honorific only belatedly, unsure whether it fits and it is all the convincing Obi-Wan could ever need.

"You are welcome, Padawan."

Obi-Wan Kenobi has a student once more and he will not fail him.

[eyayah-oya]

Was wondering if you had an opinion on an aspect of TBB - the chips and choices. Most of what I know of TBB is from Tumblr, but I gather Howzer decided what the Empire was ordering them to do was wrong, and talked some number of other clones into agreeing with him. Crosshair got his chip out but decided he liked the Empire better than his brothers. An article described this as "Star Wars has always been about people's choices." But if a clone can choose to disobey, to think, to choose, (1/2)

This is an excellent question and thank you for sending it it to me.

The main overall theme of Star Wars is Hope (which I personally think TBB is lacking, but that's me so take my opinion with a healthy dose of salt) but one of it's other themes is that of Choices. In the Original Trilogy, it's Luke's choice to talk to Vader and then Vader's choice to turn on the Emperor. Han chooses to return and help Luke destroy the first Death Star. Luke chooses to go with Ben instead of staying on Tatooine. Leia chooses to fight instead of remain a politician. Etc. The Prequel Trilogy continues this theme with Anakin's choices leading up to his Fall.

The issue of Choice in TBB is interesting to think about. I do not like the idea of the clones willingly betraying the Jedi. There might be some that would be willing to, based on various appearances in TCW, the novelizations, and fanon, but it would be very difficult to convince me that Cody or Bly or even Gree would voluntarily try to kill their Jedi. Let alone someone like Rex or Jesse who was extremely close with Ahsoka and would never voluntarily hurt her. And I doubt Appo would want to kill the younglings in the Temple.

Which leads to some very interesting possibilities for Howzer, the Bad Batch, Grey, and Crosshair. (This is going to be a long post, so more under the cut)

First, Howzer. I thought about the issue of his chip when the episode first aired and this is what I came up with for Howzer:

I don't think Howzer had a Jedi. The way Cham and Eleni trust Howzer so completely would not happen if they watched Howzer and his men kill their General. I think they were one of the Jedi-less companies that worked directly with General Syndulla. (It makes sense from Palpatine's perspective, too, since he needs the Jedi to be involved in the war to wear them down. They would be a bit safer stationed on Ryloth indefinitely.) Ryloth is in the Outer Rim Territories, on the edge of Hutt space, and so news of the Empire and what the Empire was doing would not make it out there. As far as Howzer and his men were aware, the Empire was just the Republic under a new name and with Palpatine gaining even more power (big surprise to everyone involved). It's not until they see what's going on with the refinery and how Hera is treated that Howzer realizes that things aren't right. Especially when they were tasked with hunting down Gobi and his followers.

Howzer's chip was never activated and neither was his men's. That's why his speech was effective for some of them. For the others, I think it would be difficult for them to defy and betray the very institution they fought and died to protect. They were able to choose for themselves.

Crosshair, however, is another thing entirely. I'll admit, I haven't watched either finale episodes, but I've seen a lot of spoilers to get an idea of what happened. That being said, if I got anything wrong, let me know.

Crosshair's chip was removed at some point (not sure if it really was with the Empire or if the Bad Batch removed it) but he had the opportunity to work with the Empire. And for some people, the Empire is great. We've seen that with Admiral What's-His-Face that was one of the villains in this season, Tarkin, the hundreds of Imperial officers, and the thousands of Stormtroopers and other soldiers that went to the Imperial Academy. Crosshair feels betrayed by the Batch and has found his purpose with the Empire. He made his choice. (I personally think it is ridiculously lazy writing but I've also thought that about the entire show so far. Lazy writing and poor characterization.)

The other clones, however, are probably a mix of being under the chip's control and being free. The ones who had Jedi are controlled and the others are monitored closely to make sure they're loyal to the Empire. But the longer the Empire rules and the more Stormtroopers start filtering in and the more atrocities they're forced to commit, the more the clones will be likely to rebel. A clone rebellion is very likely in the future and I would be very interested in that plot. BUT. This also leads to the possibility of both a clone rebellion as well as Purge Trooper Cody.

One last comment on TBB. I think it's really weird that Echo still had his chip. It doesn't make any sense. The whole point of the Bad Batch's chips not working at first was because they were created different. Echo is a reg. Echo's chip should have activated instead of Crosshair's. It would make more sense and I just want you to imagine how terrifying it would be to have Echo hunting down the Bad Batch. They would not be able to hide on Ord Mantell, that's for sure. Echo would be one step ahead of them and they'd barely be able to escape. Also imagine how horrible it would be for Rex to see Echo being controlled for the second time in his life. I plan on writing a one-shot with Imperial Echo at some point.

TLDR: Clone chip activation depended on Jedi presence and TBB has really lazy illogical writing that isn't consistent.

[chaoticevilbean]

Inspired by Redemption and Far From Home, Close To Heart

Luke stumbles into the shuttle, heaving as he carries his father’s body the final few steps. The ground shudders beneath, a sign of the impending destruction. His mind is numb, not letting anything slip into his head. He has no thoughts but one, as though he’s on autopilot. He has to get into the air. Now.

Somehow, he manages to get into space and out of range just moments before the Death Star explodes. The shuttle rocks a little from the waves of energy, but settles quickly enough. Luke can’t tell if he’s about to pass out or throw up, or maybe both, but he still manages to turn his head to the controls, prepping to return to the Rebellion.

He stills as he does a double-take of the view outside the transparisteel.

A void. Absolutely devoid of stars, planets, and ships. Where are the Rebels? Where is Endor? Where is everyone?

A light catches his attention. A star pops into existence, shining brightly. As he watches, another pops up on the other side of his view. Another at the top. Another by the first. Suddenly, the pinpricks that are stars are materializing from nowhere, filling his vision with a brilliant white. He feels the need to look away, but doesn’t. The Force is screaming at him to look, to keep his eyes forward. He obeys, despite his eyes trying desperately to blink away the overload, despite his mind pressing him to call for the Rebels, for Leia and Han, despite the part of him that is numb with pain and grief and exhaustion.

The last speck of black disappears, and suddenly, Luke is constricted. He feels something compressing him, and he can barely breathe, but he trusts the Force.

Just as it all grows to just below too much, it stops. The light is gone, the constriction is gone, and Luke feels like he’s floating in the center of space.

It only takes a single second between his eyes closing at the sudden darkness and them opening for Luke to know something has changed drastically.

For starters, his head feels a little clearer, and he can actually form thoughts now. He passes that off as the Force’s help. His body is still pumped full of adrenaline, leaving his pain as null as it can be.

The larger difference is the shuttle… which is no longer a shuttle. Instead he sits in some sort of starfighter, equipped with technology that looks at least two decades old. Luke’s sitting in it as though he’s been flying for hours, the security belts wrapped snugly across his chest. A quick glance back shows him that his father’s body isn’t there. Granted, the ship would be too small, but Luke is still disappointed when he sees nothing but more outdated tech.

He’s still in his singed clothes, and he can see the faint lines from being shot full of electricity. Instinctually, he wraps a hand around his lightsaber, startling at the feel of another weight. He looks down, and takes a deep breath as he tries to remain calm.

Five lightsabers. Five. Kriffin’. Lightsabers. One is his own green blade, and he recognizes the one next to it as his father’s, the one that’d made him check his belt. Two more radiate darkness, and he guesses them to be the Emperor’s own blades. The last saber is one he has no clue who it belongs to, but it’s light is brilliant in comparison to the three shadows between it and Luke’s own weapon.

A large boom draws his focus to the open space in front of him. He swiftly takes the controls, letting the Force and his own knowledge of engineering and ships take over as he adjusts to the old machinery. He sees a planet nearby, he himself having been facing enough away to not notice initially. Outside the planet’s atmosphere, Luke’s breath is taken away.

Two Venator-class Star Destroyers battling three Munificent-class frigates, a flurry of fighters surrounding them and causing small explosions that left small bursts in Luke’s vision. He can see vulture droids mixed in, and it seems that most of the fighters belong with the destroyers and the droids with the frigates.

He startles at the beeping of a comm from his controls. He’s cautious, uncertain of where he is and what just happened, so instead of simply accepting the call, he makes sure it’s only audio first. Then, with a deep breath to steady himself, he presses the answer button.

“Trooper, state your designation.” Oh. They think he’s a stormtrooper.

Don’t answer, the Force whispers to him. He doesn’t, instead starting towards the battle.

“Trooper, state your designation or you will be targeted.” Luke notices the voice is nervous, hidden under a professional steadiness. The Force whispers more. Good. Not Imperial. Fight. Fight with them. Luke has never been one to ignore the Force. With a renewed determination and energy funneling into him, he revs the engine, shooting off like a bolt towards the battle.

Instantly, there are droids seeking him out, targeting the fighter as an enemy. Luke doesn’t hesitate to blast them, quick and clean shots. They collide with each other, blowing up as the vacuum of space pulls them apart. Other fighters unthinkingly attack anyone tailing him, and he responds in kind. He ignores the voice that calls for his designation again, only noticing when the call clicks off. Perhaps the officer believes his ship is unable to connect properly, and took his joining the battle as him trying to prove himself not an enemy without comms.

The battle’s tide is slowly turning to the side of the troopers, who apparently aren’t Imperial, which is strange. But the frigates are still firing, and it’s not a guarantee of victory yet. Luke decides to change this.

Remembering his flight against the first Death Star, he passes right next to the main frigate, close enough to draw the attention of a large group of vulture droids. The other fighters do their best to shoot the enemies down, realizing that one of their own has some sort of plan. With little hesitation, Luke fires directly at a small weapons port. He remembers the main layouts of these sorts of frigates, having studied them with Han because “Ya gotta know the basics first, kid, and these are what I grew up with.” The plasma hits, and it’s just like he planned.

A chain reaction, like the Death Stars. The port blows up. Being so small, there’s no shielding, and nothing stopping it from blowing up the port next to it. There’s a series of explosions along the frigate, followed quickly by the shields going down as their generators are hit. In truth, it’s a clever blueprint, only expending power on the bigger weapons, which are more likely to be targeted. But the smaller ones are made closer together, and they make a path straight past the protection of the generators.

With nothing between the walls and the oncoming attacks, the main frigate fails quickly, and Luke barely makes it away before it explodes, splitting in half and taking out another of the enormous ships with a collision. The last ship is swiftly decimated, all droids going lifeless without their command centers. Fighters rush to destroy them fully, before the one-person ships return to their destroyers.

Luke’s comm lights up again, and this time he doesn’t hesitate to answer it- just audio again, because he’s sure he’ll be blasted into oblivion if he reveals his true face.

“Trooper, good work out there. Return to the Resolute and we’ll see if we can fix that receiver of yours.” He responds by ending the call, a signal he was listening, hopefully. He moves his fighter to obey, about to follow the starfighter that looks most like his own, at least from his limited angle, but halts at the humming negative from the Force. A nudge directs him towards the planet, so he turns right around and launches off towards the surface. The comm lights up again, but he ignores it once more.

Upon breaching the atmosphere, it’s clear what the Force wants. A large amount of outdated droids, ones that look straight out of the Clone Wars era, face off against a legion of- wait. As Luke flies closer, his mind reels. He’s in a ship at least two decades from the past, and fought droids with troopers who aren’t Imperial. Not to mention that many of the ships had some sort of personalization to them. Even the legion below looks more varied in color than stormtroopers would be. And more droids, more Clone Wars era droids, are fighting against them.

A flash of blue catches his attention, and seals the conclusion. He’s in the Clone Wars. The Force somehow brought him back in time to when the clones haven’t been brainwashed and turned against the Jedi. Luke knows it’s true, not just from the humming energy around him, but also from the fact that a Jedi is among the clone troopers, currently slicing apart B1’s like they’re flimsi.

Deciding that flying will make him too much of a target, Luke drops down at a high speed, pulling up just enough to not crash and barreling through the droids far enough away from the troopers that he won’t hurt any. They’re in a city, one with earthen buildings and green roofs. The transparisteel pops up and he jumps out, using his green blade to destroy the machines around him. The Force leaps to his aid, and he directs it to push back at his enemies, clearing the area swiftly as the poorly made droids crumple. He doesn’t feel bad about their demises, knowing they’re only partially sapient. Nothing like Artoo or Threepio.

With a small pause in fighting, he closes his eyes, raising a hand up to help concentrate on the Force around him. He senses the droids for a good chunk of distance, and manages to stretch himself to the troopers and the Jedi without overexerting his already low reserves. He’s still rather numb from his battle on the Death Star, but wounds have never stopped him before. Gently but quickly nudging the Force away from the living beings, Luke closes his fist slowly. He can hear as well as feel the metal being crushed as the Force wraps tightly around each piece, pressing inwards with a strength that can’t be fought.

The droids for roughly a square mile around him are destroyed, pummeled into nothing by his will. He doesn’t rest, instead rushing towards the Jedi, even as he feels their presence rush towards him. They’re bright, radiating peace and serenity.

Luke rounds the last corner just as they do, coming face-to-face with the troopers and their leader.

The Jedi wears brown robes of varying shades, covered in dust. A Human male, with auburn hair and a beard. He seems taken aback at the sight of Luke, although who can blame him. The young man probably looks a few inches from death.

The Force doesn’t wait for the Jedi or his troopers to recover, instead pressing Luke in a new direction. He turns his head towards it, letting his senses enhance with the urges of his ever-present companion. There’s more droids. He guesses that the Force wants all of the destructive machines gone, so he doesn’t waste a second to rush off, ignoring the exclamations behind him as he dashes to obey.

His feet are numb as he runs, but he feels every impact jarring his body, and knows he can’t keep up the adrenaline much longer. He exits an alleyway straight into another group of troopers battling B1’s, and hurries to slice the enemies to scrap. He sees another Jedi, his heart soaring as much as it can at the thought of more of his new people being alive. The purple blade doesn’t halt in its attack, even though Luke can feel the scrutiny of the wielder on him.

Once more, the moment there’s a big enough break, Luke’s eyes close and his hand raises, and he crushes as many enemies as he can from his position. He feels the Force pressing on him again as he opens his eyes, and he distantly hears the sound of something clunky and metal heading towards their area. He follows the directions, saber aloft as he goes to meet the fast-paced enemy in the middle. Whatever is there moves fast and without worry.

A strange sight greets him, his mind struggling to comprehend for a moment before finally clicking the pieces of history into place. General Grievous, a mostly cybernetic Kaleesh.

He is more droid than organic. The thought attempts to slip through, only to be grasped by the Force, energy pulsing in agreement. Grievous sees him, lightsabers drawing in a menacing action.

“Ah, a Jedi,” his raspy but deep voice calls. “Your sabers will be a fine addition to my collection. And you have so many.”

Luke bows his head in concentration, disengaging his saber and putting it on his belt so he can raise both hands. He hears the movement of the CIS general, but trusts in the energy that swirls around him. He wraps it around Grievous, much like he did the droids, but this time only uses it to take hold of his limbs. Said limbs move without the commands of their attached brain, instead twisting around each other. Grievous roars, perhaps in pain, but definitely in rage, as he loses control so quickly, watches his own body warp into a cage for him. The lightsabers he holds fly from his cloak and hands, straight onto the belt of his victorious opponent, one who did so little and yet so much.

Luke opens his eyes, waiting for the next command of the Force, hoping that it will lead him a step closer to whatever reason the energy of the galaxy has for bringing him here. He receives only a nudge to wait a moment. He does, hands gripping his singed shirt tightly. A voice that sounds like Leia tells him to get medical attention as soon as possible. A voice that sounds like Han tells him to demand a reward. He brushes both away with a small smile.

Both Jedi he encountered barrel into the open area, lightsabers out and ready, only to pull up short at the sight before them. Luke gives them a small wave, still smiling a little.

He knows that it truly is a sight to behold. Grievous was always portrayed as a sort of monster-under-the-cot in his history lessons, and the cyborg truly did look it. To find said monster twisted into a Tatooian knot is surprising, to say the least. Then Luke himself is singed and sweaty and has five lightsabers on his belt, along with whatever ones Grievous had been carrying with him.

But just as they observe him, Luke himself attempts to memorize the features of the Jedi.

The one with the purple blade is also a Human male, dark-skinned and tall. His head is smooth-shaven, and his clothes match his peer’s. He gives off an aura of control, of a determination born of practice. His eyes are distrusting but curious, but what else can be expected in a literal war zone?

The blue-sabered one hasn’t changed in the time between Luke first seeing him and now, but now Luke can make out some of the details. The man has bags under his eyes, and a gash on his cheek that is sluggishly bleeding. Both Jedi’s clothes show marks where blaster bolts barely missed their targets.

“Hello there,” the first Jedi calls over, eyes darting between Luke and Grievous with partially concealed shock.

“Hello.” Luke winces at the word, raspy and painful. He attempts to clear his throat, only to find himself coughing horribly at the rough feeling. The Jedi look concerned, the dark-skinned one a bit more mildly, at the small fit. Once he’s recovered, Luke tries again. “Hello.”

“Well, it seems you’ve done us a great favor. That is, if you were the one who crushed the droids and did that,” he waves his hand in a vague gesture at the still growling and twisted Grievous, “then we have much to thank you for.” Luke nods in affirmative, already feeling the adrenaline starting to fade a little. His head is getting a little more fuzzy, and his body is feeling more unbalanced. To counteract this, at least temporarily, Luke calls on the Force for support, clearing his head and grounding himself in the moment.

“Who are you?” The purple-sabered Jedi speaks up now, eyes narrowed in suspicion. Luke sees him glance down at his belt, where so many weapons are clasped.

“Luke Starkiller.” Rebellion protocol has been drilled into him, that he has to give a fake name until he can figure out if he’s safe.

“Mace, as much as I know you wish to question him, and goodness knows I would love answers as well, I think it best we get him some medical attention. It’s amazing that he hasn’t gotten psychic shock yet.”

“Psychic shock? What’s that?” Luke receives two extremely worried looks in response, signs that perhaps Yoda and Ben missed something important in his training. It’s practically confirmed when the two men turn back to each other, instantly engaging into what Han loves calling “let’s not die” mode.

“I’ll get Grievous and him to the transports, along with all the other wounded. You move forward in the campaign.”

“Master Koon should be down soon to help us.”

“Well, that’s good then. We no longer need three generals down here, so I’ll simply trade off positions with him.”

“Make sure Skywalker’s cleaned up everything before you lift off.”

The two of them clasped arms, probably switching to communicating through a Force bond. Then, with a quick nod to each other, the two launch into action. The dark-skinned Jedi, Mace, the other called him, disappears further into the city, gone in an instant. Luke watches the movement with tired but keen eyes, then starts as their words finish registering. Did Mace say Skywalker?

But he had said his name was Starkiller. Even if they saw through the lie, it didn’t make sense for them to instantly know he’s a Skywalker. Unless… if this really was the Clone Wars, then his father is still a Republic general. Alive, fighting against the Sith, having not Fallen yet.

It’s a bit too late when Luke realizes the remaining Jedi is now standing next to him. Behind the man, Grievous levitates a few feet off the ground, silent as though having given up on making noise.

“Are you alright?”

“Fine. Just a little tired,” Luke reassures the elder being, trying to sound as little croaky as possible.

“I would think so,” he responds, clearly not convinced. Without asking, he loops an arm around Luke’s shoulders, directing the two of them back the direction they’d come. The young man lets him, keeping a determined gaze on their surroundings and letting the Force fill him. Grievous is pulled after them by the other Jedi, who seems perfectly at ease despite the famous CIS general being close enough to murder him- if he had use of his limbs, that is. Even though Luke didn’t learn much about him in his lessons, he knows the Kaleesh is dangerous, always managing to escape and often taking many lives with him.

They walk quickly, towards the presence of a large group of troopers, but Luke still manages to notice there’s no one else around.

“Where’re the locals?” he asks hoarsely, swiveling his head to peer through windows and into alleys.

“We got them out just before the assault picked up. They should be waiting a little ways away from the city, but far enough away they won’t get caught in the crossfire.”

“How large are the CIS forces?”

“The what?”

“The Confederacy.” Luke is pleased to hear the rasp in his voice beginning to die a little.

“Ah. Well, we were pretty much at a stand-off until you came along. It shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to finish off the rest of the droids, and I still don’t know how you managed to best Grievous.”

“I was already manipulating the droids, so I just went for his metal. It’s rather terrifying that he’s more cyborg than Vader.” Luke internally winces at the name as it slips out, but makes sure he remains as neutral as possible in demeanor. He does receive a very curious and confused expression, but it swiftly disappears as the clone troopers come into view. He barely keeps himself from recoiling away at the sight on pure instinct.

“General!” A trooper rushes over, his armor painted yellow in several places and scuffed and dented from many battles. He comes to a halt right in front of the two Humans and the Kaleesh.

“Commander.”

Sensing the tension from the commander’s gaze, Luke steps away from the Jedi, moving back a little and coming to stand a few feet closer to Grievous. His actions are acknowledged by a glance over, before the Force-user continues speaking.

“Has Anakin checked in yet?” So his father was alive. A version of Anakin Skywalker that hadn’t yet been Darth Vader, one that was still loyal to the Jedi Order.

“Yes sir. It appears that the enemy frigates have been destroyed and General Koon is on his way down as we speak.”

“Good. And the men?”

“A few major injuries, but the rest we can treat on the go. We’ve prepped the ones that need bacta to join you on the transport.”

“Excellent. Then I want to make sure the troops are ready to move out soon. Send word to the civilians that the city is almost taken. They should be good to return by sunrise tomorrow. Help Windu with the clean-up and I’ll contact you once we’re aboard the Resolute. I’ll need to contact the Council as well.” At his last words, the auburn-haired man sends another glance towards Luke, who only just catches it. Most of his attention is on the gold-eyed glare coming from his left.

“Sir, if I may, who is that?”

“Luke Starkiller. He’s the one that took down both the droids and Grievous. I’ll be bringing him back to the Resolute with me, seeing as he needs, at the very least,” a pointed look is thrown Luke’s way, “a check-up with Kix.” Luke bristles at first, before remembering how many of the Rebels avoided medical attention unless forced to or in major need. He himself only received timely care due to Leia’s authority.

“Copy that, sir. I’ll get the troops moving.” The commander nods once, before swiftly turning on his heel and barking off orders. The clones, in yellow or purple themed armor, begin moving instantly, obviously trained well.

“Well, come along, Mister Starkiller. We’d best get moving.” The Jedi’s arm is suddenly back around his shoulders, pressing him forward. Luke is willing to let this happen, as the older man seems trustworthy, his presence filled with light. But the Force is still swirling around him, whispering directions into his mind.

The ship. The fighter. Return. Follow.

“Actually, I have my own ship. I just need to know where to go.”

“Ah, yes. The starfighter, I presume?”

“Yeah. I don’t think it’d be good to leave it in the middle of the streets, especially if the locals are coming back soon.” The duo stops, Grievous still behind them, and the Jedi regards Luke with a neutral expression. He worries for a moment that he might have to make a run for the fighter, but the anxiety fades quickly as the other being smiles warmly at him.

“If you wait to take off just yet, then I can comm you when Master Koon arrives and you can escort the transport back to the Resolute. That way you’ll know which ship it is, and-”

“-you can keep an eye on me, seeing as I’m not exactly trustworthy just yet.” He receives a small chuckle as an answer, and, surprisingly, the Jedi turns to continue heading to the landing zone. He waves once over his shoulder, a flick of his wrist in the air. Luke grins, forcing himself into motion once more and relying on the nudges of energy to find his way. He really hopes they get to the Resolute soon, seeing as he’s relatively certain that not being able to feel one’s lower half is considered bad. He assumes that the (probably) Star Destroyer is equipped with a medbay.

The starfighter is right where he left it, transparisteel raised. He leaps inside and settles down, securing himself and preparing to take off as soon as he gets the all-clear. It comes sooner than he expected, the comm blinking as the call is picked up. Luke answers without changing the settings, leaving his audio on and his feed off.

“Starkiller.”

“This is CT-5852, Stump, clearing you for escort.”

“Thanks, Stump. Liftin’ off.”

“Copy that, sir.”

Luke starts the engine up as the call drops, checking his systems before lifting the ship off the ground, retracting the landing equipment as he does so. His nav-system picks up the Republic transport’s signal, and he sidles over to it. Through the transparisteel, he can see the pilot, Stump, sitting there. The moment the trooper looks over, Luke gives him a thumbs-up, receiving one in kind. Just like flying with the other Rogues.

The Rogues. That could be fun.

Luke latches onto the transport’s comm number, punching it in and waiting for it to pick up. It does, and he can see the look he gets through the clear material. He grins with mischief, and enjoys Stump’s double-take.

“This is Stump to Starkiller.”

“Rogue Leader, reporting. Rogue One still in action. Fly high and may the Force be with you.” Laughing at the waves of confusion and amusement he can feel from the other, Luke tilts the fighter, pulling closer and performing a barrel roll around the bigger ship. He rises back to level to see the trooper holding tight to his controls. Stump looks over at him as he smirks back, and he does the maneuver again, this time staying underneath the transport and waiting. He’s a little surprised but not at all disappointed by the reaction he gets.

“Rogue Leader, bogey check,” Stump practically crows through the comm. Luke responds with an actual crow, remembering his first time being taught the phrase among the Rebellion. Hopefully it’s the same among the clones.

The fighter zips out from under the ship, rising fast right in front of it but without colliding. He spins as he rockets skyward, then diving back down, making sure to get a full view of all angles around Stump. Finally, he rushes over the top, narrowly avoiding the durasteel, and loops around to resume escort position.

“Bogey free, you are clear, Stump.”

“You are absolutely insane, Rogue Leader.”

“Aren’t we all?”

A laugh escapes over the mic, before the call is ended again. Luke’s smile shrinks to something softer, reminiscing about training flights with the Rogues. He misses those, having not had time in quite a while. But right now isn’t the time to spend remembering them. The Force clearly wants him to fix the past. Why else would he be brought back in time to when his father isn’t evil and the Jedi and the Republic are still alive? If he plays his cards right, perhaps he can save the galaxy from the Empire. Maybe even establish something similar to the Rebellion’s forces, only this time for fun or to protect planets with the aid of Core Worlds.

The transport and its impromptu escort make their way outside the atmosphere of the planet with ease. Luke pulls back a little, allowing Stump to lead him to one of the Star Destroyers. Belatedly, he realizes that the officer that commed him earlier said to ‘return’ to the Resolute, the very place where he’s now moving his fighter to dock. The landing gear descends as proper gravity once more takes hold, and Luke puts out the engines the moment the fighter settles.

Before opening the ship, he takes a moment to look around at the inside of the Destroyer. He sees a plethora of blue troopers, mixed with several yellow and red troopers. Grievous is being dragged off by several of them. Starfighters and transports and small frigates are docked all around, along with piles upon piles of crates. He sees the auburn-haired Jedi standing beside a young Togruta, the elder listening as she speaks animatedly to him. She, too, has the lightsabers and bright presence that mark her a Jedi. However, every ounce of Luke’s attention is drawn by the man that enters the hangar from the nearest entrance.

Dressed in dark robes, with dark blonde hair and a scar that travels down from his hairline to just past his eye in a straight line. His presence is bright, as bright as the two suns of Tatooine at midday. Another Jedi, but one that seems to ripple with energy, the Force swirling like a whirlpool around him. Luke recognizes him from holos Han showed him, ones saved from a Corellian childhood in the midst of the Clone Wars. The Hero Without Fear was the only thing Luke could get his friend to call the Jedi. Han had lied when he said he didn’t know the man’s real name, but Luke hadn’t pushed.

Transparisteel lifts as the unwitting time traveler finally manages to overcome his hesitation, sliding down the side of the fighter to the ground.

Almost instantly, a screeching astromech nearly barrels into him, circling him before finally hiding behind his legs and nudging them a bit harshly. Following close is a pair of yellow troopers, eyes angry but turning to shock at the sight of the singed stranger. Glancing back, Luke’s heart momentarily aches at the sight of Artoo, which he pushes aside. This version of his partner doesn’t know him yet.

“Is something wrong?” he asks innocently, moving slightly to the right to hide Artoo more. The action is noticed, as well as the clearly exaggerated expression on his face.

“That little osik zapped us!”

“What’s an oh-sik?” The troopers freeze, clearly not expecting that to be the part questioned. Slowly, as though scared Luke is going to press for an answer, the two back away, turning around after a few steps and hurrying off. Artoo trills happily at their retreat, circling around to face Luke.

[Thanks for the save. They deserved it.] Luke laughs at the familiar bluntness.

“I’m sure they did. But be careful next time.”

[I’m always careful.]

“Is that why you were hiding behind me?”

[Strategic retreat.] Luke laughs again, even though his head is once more feeling lighter than it should.

“And who’re you?” The voice draws his attention, and he turns to see the Hero Without Fear looking over at him in curiosity, as well as concern.

“Luke Starkiller.”

“So you were the mystery pilot!” the Togruta exclaims. Her voice cuts through the hangar’s overall noise, yet is ignored entirely. It likely only seems so brash to Luke because of the slight ache growing at the back of his skull.

“Mystery pilot?” Luke’s voice has suddenly returned to the hoarse rasp from before, the first Jedi’s worry seeping out at the sound. The young Togruta looks at him with a surprised expression, but returns to her previous energetic words.

“Yeah, no one recognized your fighter, but it shows up as Republic so the bridge tried to contact you. According to them, your comm wasn’t working, but you joined the battle so you definitely weren’t an enemy. And then you blew up the central command frigate, and you took down so many droids, and when the bridge tried to call you back you looked like you were heading over. But then you went down to the surface and you weren’t picking up any calls and we got word from Cody that a fighter had landed in the middle of the city. And then-”

“Breathe, Snips,” the Hero Without Fear reminds his companion. She does pause, smiling sheepishly upon realizing she’d been rapidly speeding up her speech. He chuckles at her good-naturedly, turning to face Luke with a smile not at all affected by his scar.

“Sorry about my Padawan, she gets rather excited sometimes.” Padawan. That’s what Jedi call their students.

“It’s alright,” Luke rasps back, then tries to clear his throat, forgetting his earlier attempt. He doubles over as a large coughing fit wracks his body. Someone grabs onto his arm, supporting him from the left, but he can’t tell who. There’s a faint ringing that’s growing fast, the ache from his head moving to between his eyes as well.

Suddenly, the energy that has been keeping him up drains quickly. It feels as though something is wedging itself between him and the Force, cutting off the support he’d been using since planet-side. Pain courses through him, piercing every organ and straight through his skull. He’s coughing too much to do more than gasp at the agony. Waves of numbness intersperse with the stinging, and he’s vaguely aware that he’s dropped to his knees. Whoever’s on his left grabs his shoulders, and there’s so much noise, so much light, so much-

The world goes black and silent.

[optimistic-dinosaur-nacho]

A Boy - Kylo Ren Fic

Kylo Ren x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Kidnapping, violence, interrogation, language 

Summary: You’re in the Resistance and The First Order raids your base, killing almost everyone there, leaving you. As the witness who knows where Luke Skywalker was. And the Knight of Ren was bound to have it at once.

A/N: Whaattt? Something that is not Chris Evans? SHOCKING!! This is so new to me, never in my life I was going to write someone different. This might be a one time thing, I need to relax on the requests from a lot of people so I’ll decide if I will do other characters like Bucky Barnes, Loki, Peter Parker or others.

Everything in here is a little bit different from the movies.

This is requested by my lovely friend, @just-one-ordinary-fangirl​

You ran through the halls of the Resistance base to find the comms. The sirens blaring throughout the structure, pilots and the Resistance people ran through in panic and rush. Many people were pulled in with wounds and you heard someone scream.

“The First Order is here!” 

You saw a woman fall to the ground and you knelt down to hold her up, “I got you. You okay?” You ask her. She nods and you helped her into another room. “Stay here, I’ll have someone grab you, okay?” She nods and you hear blasters down the hall. People on your side fell to the ground and Stormtroopers began to push through. You lock the room where the woman was and you run the other way.

You took another route to communications and saw people dead on the floor. “Oh God...” You ran to the screen and flicked a few switches. “Millennium Falcon, this is Y/N from the Resistance Base.”

“What’s going on?” You hear Rey ask. You hear explosions behind you, “The First Order is here. They’ve killed everyone, but whatever you do. Keep going. This is about Skywalker, you find him before they do.”

“What about you and survivors?”

You hear a loud humming sound of what sounded like the leader. Ren. “I don’t think there will be, Rey.” The next thing you hear is the static of her voice and when you hear the humming become louder, you run out of the room. There was no chance you could just leave on a X-wing. You weren’t specialized for that. So you ran out into the forest. You could hear stormtroopers talk back and forth. “Find survivors. The leader said no survivors.” You kept running and slid down the hill.

Coming up to a rock, you look over to see if anyone followed. And when you heard a twig snap, you whipped around and dodged a bright red light as it crackled in your ears. You fall onto the ground and look up to see the leader. Kylo Ren. 

His lightsaber glowing red with the crackling sounds of it. You kicked yourself up and ran down the forest. When you make a turn, you hear a blaster fire and you fall to the ground with a shout. You look down to see your leg bleeding from the burn of the blaster, you stand back up and run up the hill, limping. On the urge of crying, you turn to see Kylo walking up to you like a predator.

You raised your small blaster up and fired. He swings his saber and blocks your firing and his other hand reaches out towards you and you froze. You budged yourself to move and your hand releases the blaster in your hand. He walks up to you, towering over you. 

“Who are you?”

You flinched and gritted your teeth, “I’m no one.” The grip in your body tightens and you sucked in the air as he leans in. “I doubt that.” His hand reaches out to your head and sweat begins to form on your forehead as he forcefully reaches into your mind. “You’ve seen the map. You know where the Jedi is.”

“No...” You stuttered.

“Supreme Leader. This place is rigged to blow in five minutes,” One of the troops behind him says. You shake and whimper softly as the Supreme leader stares at you darkly behind the mask. “Fall back the troops. We have what we need.” his hand waves over your face and your eyes close. You fall limp into his arms and he takes you back onto the ship, heading back to the larger ship in space.

.

When you woke up, you had your arms held and your feet dragged against the floor as two troopers began to drag you. In an instant, you kicked one of the troopers legs and used his blaster to knock him out. Before you could shoot the other, he smacks your blaster out of your hands and points his at you. “Go on, kid,” He says, “You’re surrounded by a thousand more here. You won’t make it out.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Before you went to take a step, something stops you and the stormtrooper turns down the hall and straightens his posture. “Supreme Leader.” You look at the corner of your eye to see the dark figure approach. “We need her alive.”

“Yes, sir.”   

“Restrain her.” The stormtrooper follows his order and takes you down the hall into a room. He gets you to the large restraint and binds your wrists as your sides and your ankles as well. “I don’t want any games from you.” You glared towards him and heard someone walk in. “Leave us.”

The trooper nods and turns to leave the room. And the Supreme Leader stands in front of you with his hood off, showing his mask. It was quiet as he looked at you, you weren’t sure where his eyes were at the moment, but your fists stayed clenched. “Do you know who I am?” He asked.

You straighten your back and sighed softly, “I know who you are. You’re just a boy.”

“A boy?” He walks up to you slowly, you swallowed hard as his mask inches closer to your face. “That boy... is dead.” He leans back and you swipe your tongue over your chapped lips. “Dead?” You stuttered out, Kylo watched you coldly, almost fearing to upset him. But if he killed you, he would have nothing. “I still see him. Whether you choose to look at yourself, you’re a boy hiding behind a mask.” He raises his gloved hand up to your face and you felt a headache form slightly. 

“Whether you choose to give me the location of Skywalker or not. I will always get what I want. But don’t worry...” He says, “... your strength is weak. It’ll be easy.” You felt the headache begin to grow and your eyes clench tight as he pushed into your head. You closed your thoughts and tried to push him out with unnecessary thoughts. His hand twists as it hovers in front of your face, “Your parents died on Alderaan. They left you...” He reads in his own mind as you clenched your jaw, “You dream of a place... It’s peaceful... No life... Trees and a waterfall.” His head turns to finally look at you. 

“How nice. But... I want the map to Luke Skywalker,” He pushes his hand towards you and the force slams your head into the metal as you screamed out. You kept pushing your thoughts and the map of Skywalker like a needle in a haystack. After another minute, his hand drops and you gasp for air, letting your head fall forward. Sweat building on your forehead as you choked a sob and raised your head up to him.

He noticed your eyes had tears and without another word, he walked out of the room. You finally relaxed your head back and suffered the hours of the headache. Eventually you fell asleep uncomfortably and you probably only got a few hours in till you hear the door open. And Kylo returned, this time without his cloak. Just him in his helmet. You knew he would try again to get into your head, he would’ve had the chance if he did it in your sleep. But you are pretty much a light-sleeper.

He sits down in front of you and his elbows lean on his thighs, watching you. “Comfortable?” He asked. You would’ve shouted at him but there was something in you that you can’t. “I rather be sitting on that chair than be restrained to this.” 

He nodded once but it was a half-nod. “We can figure something out.”

“Figure something out, you mean, after you get what you want you’ll kill me.”

“I don’t plan on that last one,” He says. You tilt your head back and he watched you swallow weakly. He noticed your leg was bleeding overtime. The blood began to pool around. “You’re hurt.”

You don’t reply as you silently glared at him. He lifts himself up onto his feet and he walks up to you and reaches around. You felt the restraints unlatch and you limp down into his arm. He held you up, “If you pull anything, I will leave you here to bleed.”

“You wouldn’t do that. You need me,” You breathed out, he didn't reply but he grabbed your arm and began to guide you to the Med Bay. One of the medical droids began to operate on your leg as Kylo stood off to the side watching. You couldn’t tell if he was watching the droid or you. But you could feel his gaze behind the mask.

When the droid finished its stitching, your skin had a scar and you didn’t budge out of the chair until Kylo had said to. But the droid leaves your side as Kylo stands in front of you. You lifted your gaze up to him and you lightly shook, “Thank you.”

He turns his head away to look out the large window that faced the hangar. When you watched him, you could almost see... Ben Solo. Leia had told you a lot about him. You only knew his family name. He turns to look at you again and he faces you. The silent started to get a large tension and so you spoke.

“I see you...” You say, “Who you are. I know what you’re capable of.”

“What do you know what I’m capable of?” He says. You swallowed hard and inhaled sharply. “Take your mask off. I can tell a lot more with features of someone.” He takes a step up and silently, he stares at you. “Tell me. You won’t know what I’m capable of,” He said. You froze slightly when he reached up with both hands for his helmet.

Pushing it up, the helmet unlocks with a hiss and he lifts it up. Your breath gets caught to see... a boy. His dark hair, dark eyes and scar that dragged down from his brow to his neck. You took a shaky breath as he tilts his head down. “See? Nothing,” His voice was deep, not dark with his helmet on. You lifted yourself from the chair and slowly walked up to him. He doesn’t move when you make your way over slowly.

“Nothing is not what I see...” You said, “... even if I told you, you would refuse to accept it. Because you’re afraid to come back.” His bottom lip quivers as you look into his eyes. “People betrayed you. People who didn’t see what you were capable of.” Your hand reached up to touch his skin. Some way of showing him something.

When your hand was inches from his face, his hand grabs your wrist to stop you. But reassuring, your eyes didn’t change. When he didn’t sense your fear for him, something inside him made him let go of your wrist, allowing you. Your fingers touch his cheek bones first before your palm touches his jaw. The slight push of his head into your palm made you look up to him. “Ben.” His own name falling from your lips, he sucked in a breath and shook like a feather. 

Just like you said. He was scared. A scared boy. “I know what I have to do... but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it.” You shook your head at him, “Not what you have to. Do what you want.” His eyes looked for some kind of sign in yours. He wasn’t sure what sign. 

What sign?

Sign of hope? A new hope? You felt the leather of his glove touch your cheek and you sucked in a breath. His eyes switched between yours and nodding once, he spoke. “I see you...” You felt the corner of your lip tug into a small grin, one that didn’t show much of your full smile. And your other hand laps over his on your cheek. “You can still join the light, Ben. End this war now.” His expressions were softened as you spoke in a low whisper. 

“Snoke, Darth Vader, Palpatine, they can’t control you no more. Come home.” You noticed he seemed hesitant, it made him pull away from you and you flinched back. He shivered as he looked at you, terrified. His breathing picked up and he takes his helmet and slips it on, walking out of the room without another word. “Ben, wait!” You called out. He doesn’t come back and you went to chase him but once you turned that corner, he was gone.

There was something still pulling him back. Everyone he looked up to, Snoke, Palpatine and Darth Vader. They were dead. No one can keep him for themselves. It was Kylo Ren. Keeping a scared boy in a helmet and using the force for the Dark side. For the rest of that moment, you didn’t see Ben.

.

Walking down the halls with two pairs of others behind you, you started to feel angered. Annoyed. You stopped and whipped yourself around to face the two stormtroopers that had followed you throughout the ship. “Can you leave me be?”

“Wherever you go. We go. General Hux’s orders.”

“Who ordered him?” You asked, the stormtroopers go silent and they look at each other to see who had the answer. Your shoulders lift up into a better posture. “Where’s Kylo?” You asked. One of the stormtroopers looks over to the other and nods down the right hall. “We’ll take you.” You followed the troopers down the hall to meet with Ben. On your way over, a man in a vest steps in your way.

“Just where do you think you’re going?” He asks. One of the troopers nods at him, “She asked where the Supreme Leader is, General.” The man turns and he glares. “I’m sorry, he’s not seeing anyone at the moment.”

“He’ll see me,” You said coldly, “I suggest you move or I’ll move you myself.” Hux chuckles at that, “You watch yourself, girl. He will kill you once we get the map of Skywalker. You’re nothing but flesh on bones.” You kept your mouth shut as General Hux walked by and left you to continue your walk. When you reached his private chamber. Walking in, he was standing with his back facing you and you stopped just at the entrance.

“I’ve been looking for you,” You said.

Kylo doesn’t budge to your voice as he stared out to the hangar. “Well, you found me.” You turned your head to look at the two troopers behind you. “Did you order them to follow me around?” You asked, “I don’t like being stalked, they’re lucky to be alive still.” His head turns an inch towards his shoulder, “No. I never ordered them to. General Hux doesn’t trust you.”

“I can tell,” You reply. His hand flicks out and his two fingers make a shoo motion and the stormtroopers turn their heels and leave the room. Letting you engulf into the quiet and open room. “What is it that made you look for me?” You took a step up to him, “I can’t give you the map to Luke Skywalker,” You said. His head turns. “But I can give you a chance.” His shoulder turns so his body faces you. “I felt you, Ben. There’s still so much light in you, I can see it-”

Your hands reached up slowly hesitantly but his other hand takes your other cheek. Eyes closing, you placed your hands over his and down his forearms. His lips pull away from yours but his forehead stayed against yours. His breathing was slow huffs, you could feel his chest lift up and down. Looking up to his face, you held his hands on your cheeks. He opens his eyes and you tilt your head. Reaching up to his cheek and whispering his name softly, you spot the realization in his face. 

“You don’t see anything. You believe there’s a place for you to live in peace, a place where no life is at. This is it, your way of escaping war. Every thing you dream of is no longer a place. It’s war.”

“You can stop it...” You say. Your body tightens and you felt yourself get pushed forward and you’re face to face with him. You felt yourself shiver out of fear as his stare grown dark. You shakily breathed in, “Please, Ben...” He huffs out a breath almost like a gasp and he noticed how you looked at him. You felt your body loosen and you let out a sigh before his hand takes your cheek and when you lifted up your head, his lips touch yours. 

With a nod from him. You realized this isn’t Kylo Ren. This is Ben Solo.

I won’t be tagging the Chris Evans official tags because I don’t know who loves who and be tagged for nothing! I don’t know! If you’re into Kylo Ren/Adam Driver, you can tell me and if I do another fic, I’ll tag you in it. 

Random Tags (but also a couple who asked to be tagged) : 

@morby​ @just-one-ordinary-fangirl​ @kylorenxreader​