STAR WARS: Episode XI: A Shadow Over Coruscant
It is a dark time in the Galaxy.
After the Rebellion on Jakku the
REPUBLIC is left in turmoil. With its
strength in question and fleet scattered
across many systems, It is only a matter
of time before its power is challenged
once again.
Far away from the Inner Core,
LUKE SKYWALKER and MARA JADE
run the JEDI ACADEMY, struggling to
train the next generation of Jedi Knights.
They are yet unaware of a sinister threat
looming just over the horizon...
Stars, Camera pans down to the Forest Moon Yavin, Scene cuts to the jungle on the surface.
Rey stands on a cliff top amid the jungles of Yavin, she wears light brown tactical gear and carries a small pack. She shades her eyes against the mid day sun and stares out across the expanse of vegetation.
Presently she moves forward and down a slope to the base of the cliff, she starts jogging through the thickening underbrush, dodging and weaving between trees and jumping over tangles of brush.
After a few minutes she reaches the base of a ridge and starts climbing the steep slope, moving with obvious haste. Finally she reaches the top; Standing upon the crest of the ridge, staring out the way Rey had come is Luke Skywalker.
As Rey arrives he turns and gives her a serious look.
Luke: Almost five minutes slower that time, did you take the valley again?
Rey: (Breathing hard) No! The cliffs, had a little trouble on the way down.
She sits next to him, her breathing slowly recovering to normal.
Luke: Were you doing the meditations I asked you to do?
Rey: Yes...just I don't know how well it actually worked, I was feeling a lot of stuff but just vague impressions mostly, i still can't slow down my thoughts enough to fully perceive my emotions, not when i'm crashing through
the jungle worrying about shaving minutes off my time!
Luke: But Rey, that's exactly when you will need your training the most. In those times when you are rushing, panicking, being forced to move faster than you are comfortable with. Or just being stressed in general. What good is the force to you if you can only use it from your meditation cushion?
Rey: (Smiling) Not Much!
Luke: Exactly
Rey sighs and breaths deeply, closing her eyes, obviously trying to internalize what Luke is saying.
Luke: When your sitting meditation becomes more developed the standing and running meditations will get easier, and when they do, the force will guide your actions and show you the pathways of least resistance.
Rey sits quietly and Luke finally joins her, crossing his legs and sitting in meditation pose, they are silent for a few moments.
Rey: Master Luke, is the force alive?
Luke: (Opening one eye) Yes it is, its part of all life, life creates it but it also creates life, they exist together and can never be separated. So yes, the force is alive, but not just alive in the sense that you or I or these trees, the force is the very fabric of life.
Rey: Then how can the force effect inanimate objects?
Luke: There are no inanimate objects.
Rey: How can that be?
Luke: We all emerge from the same universe, the same matter and energy, how then, i ask could one piece of such a world be conscious and another not? No, consciousness is a basic principal of reality, we are simply more complex than the trees, the rocks, the air, the fire, but no different in the end. And all equally bound and sustained by the force.
Rey: oh...
They sit quietly for a few moments, Rey is pensive.
Rey: Master Luke?
Luke: Yes?
Rey: What is the Dark side of the force?
Luke: The dark side...
He sits pensive for a moment while Rey waits expectantly.
Luke: The dark side....is a path, it is also a state of emotional being. A way of life based on unleashing the force to fulfill the base desires of your emotions instead of using meditation and discipline to move with the will of the force, to act as part of the force and thereby become it. The Dark side uses the force, the light side, moves with it.
Rey: So the point of the light side is to suppress my will?
Luke: Not exactly, its more about harmonizing your will with the force and allowing your will to become part of it instead of working against it. Its like a boat, it goes this way and that, following currents, dodging rocks and shoals, following wind, dodging storm. The boat is not free to roam where it pleases, no! The will of the sea must be followed, yet, would you not say the boat is still under your control? As the pilot you must take into account the tides and currents, storms and wind, and make your passage through the flow of these things. Much is the same way a Jedi must navigate the force, the force is all around us, its ebbs and flows are our currents and trade winds. As long as we follow its patterns we are safe and nothing in this world can harm us, save when the will of the force deems it time for the final return.
They sit quietly, Rey still seems lost in thought.
Rey: I'm still having trouble understanding how a thing can both be under your control and controlling you at the same time.
Luke: I think maybe we should be heading back, its nearly high noon.
Rey looks up at the sun, shielding her eyes.
Rey: I think your just avoiding my question!
Luke: (Smiling) Well, your right about that one, come on, lets go get some lunch.
They stand and together descend the ridge back the way they had come.
Poe and Finn stand with rakes working in a garden, others are spread around digging or tending to crops. Rey is seen presently entering the garden, she waves excitedly to Poe and Finn.
Rey: Hey!
Poe: Hey! Hows the training coming young Padawan?
Rey: Oh its good, difficult, I think i'm getting the hang of it though!
Finn: oh i'm sure you are, there's nothing you couldn't do if you set your mind to it!
Rey: Nothing!
She beams with exaggerated prowess.
Rey: and you to are looking right at home among the peas and cabbages! I'd hardly have known six months ago you were part of the Republic's feared shock troops!
Finn: Well you know what they say, it's better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war!
Poe: You got that right!
Rey: Do they say that?
Finn: I always heard it growing up, i guess now its really hitting home for me.
Rey: Well i'm glad you find this place so therapeutic, I was about to head to the mess hall, care for a break?
Poe: Sure!
They leave together, heading for the dinning hall.
The dinning hall, Poe, Rey and Finn enter, there are a few people eating or lining up to get more food from the buffet style setup. A droid is serving food into the hot bar. Ben is seen to be serving himself a plate of food.
Presently Jaina and Jacen enter from the far side of the cafeteria, they get in line behind Ben. Rey, Poe and Finn find themselves seats and are putting their things down when they hear a commotion break out from the direction of the bar.
Ben: (Yelling) Can you just keep your damn hands off me?
Jaina: The Hell I did, I wouldn't touch you if you payed me!!
Ben: Someone pushed me! Your right behind me! Why the hell are you always picking on me? What the hell did i do???
He throws down his food dish, rice and beans flying every which way, Jaina and Jacen jump back, Ben storms from the room.
Jaina: (Screaming after Ben) You little twit!!!
Jacen takes her shoulder and whispers something into her ear, she is shaking with rage.
Finn: Those two really are something.
Rey: I still can't understand why they treat him like that!
Poe: That's because you grew up an only child!
Rey: Oh stop, how many siblings did you have?
Poe: I have four brothers! Got into fist fights with everyone.
Finn laughed.
Finn: Go figure, i guess there never was time when you kept your mouth shut.
This time they all laugh.
They stand up and walk to the food line. The scene cuts to the outside of the cafeteria, the three presently exit and walk down a path toward the forest. They work their way down towards the water, talking and laughing, the shots are from a distance and scenic, music calm. Presently they reach the lake side.
Rey: You in first! (She pushes Finn)
Finn: Gaah no way its freezing!
Poe: You know what we need here is a Sauna! Jump in the cold water after sweating for hours!
Finn: Thats masochistic
Poe: its perfection
Finn rolls his eyes and looks over at Rey, she shrugs and sits down on the beach, Poe and Finn join her. They sit for a few moments in silence, Poe skips a rock.
Rey: I have to go soon, training with Master Jade.
Finn: aw seriously, already?
Rey: Ya, this training is no joke, im sore as hell every day.
Poe: Whats she got you doing?
Rey: Probably just meditation today, last time she had me doing a head stand for almost an hour! it was insane.
Finn: jeez that's crazy
Poe: I think its pretty cool, your a legit warrior monk!
Rey smiles.
Rey: I hope i can live up to Lukes teachings. I can't believe he destroyed the death star AND helped kill the emperor! Hes such a hero! And Mara Jade is so powerful and motherly, I just couldn't ask for two better teachers.
Finn smiles at her genuinely, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Finn: That's great.
Poe: You'll be enlightened before you know it! You'll be teaching those prats on the Jedi Council a thing or two!
Finn punches Poe lightly on the shoulder.
Finn: Shut UP! jesus can you just let her enjoy something?
Poe: You can relax, trooper captain!
Finn: Don't start with me Airman! I'll straiten you right out!
Rey: (Laughing) Cut it out you two! God, i have to go!
Poe: Don't get lost Master Rey! Use the force!
Finn: (Punching him again) That's serious stuff!
Poe: (Punches Finn back) I am being serious.
Rey: (rolling her eyes) Later you to.
She walks off going around the bend, then suddenly she stops, her eyes widen, she turns and walks back the way she came. She comes around the corner and sees Poe and Finn kissing passionately, embracing each other. Rey's face shows surprise, then she laughs and smiles, turning she walks away with a grin.
Scene cuts to Mara Jade sitting under the Gazebo. Presently Rey Joins her.
Rey: Sorry I'm late Master Jade.
Mara: You're never later Rey.
Rey: Oh I forgot, right, the will of the force! I'm always where i'm meant to be!
Mara: And you always see what your meant to see.
She gives Rey a knowing look who smiles with surprise.
Mara: Today we will be meditating on aspects of the force you have yet to consider. It will be a purely mental exercise, unlike yesterday.
Rey: Thank god (rubbing her back)
Mara: The force is an energy field that binds us together, penetrates us, connects the stars and the planets, the air and the water. There are a great many things about the force that take one a lifetime to comprehend, if ever we do, and still many things about the force yet to be ever comprehended.
Rey: And as you say, things we will never comprehend!
Mara: Yes! the Force is truly unknowable in its entirety, for only its will played out can see the intended manifestations. And we are but a part of that whole, guided and nourished by the force so that we might fulfill our ultimate purpose. When we meditate, we can feel the force flowing through us and we can let it show us the truth of our destiny, and we can move with it so that life is easy and not difficulty, for no matter where we travel, if the force is our ally, the path is easy.
Rey: (Chocked with emotion) I just... Love you.
Mara: (Looking at Rey with a sly smile) And your openness with your feelings is why I love you my young student. You are truly a beam of hope in this dark world.
Rey: (Smiling) I'm so happy to be here, it's like my old life is a nightmare i'm just forgetting, all the green, and the friends, everyone so happy all the time! Training with you, Luke and the other masters! It's the ultimate privilege of my life. Thank you.
Mara: As I have told you before, I feel honored and privileged as well to teach you Rey. After these months of getting to know you its as if you are the daughter Luke and I never had. I just want you to know that we would both do anything for you, and for your friends, you will always be welcome here and always in our thoughts.
Rey: (Smiling and tearing up) Thank you!
Mara: Now lets get back to our training. I wish the things i had to tell you were as beautiful and pure as your heart my young student. But alas, the will of the force has always its polarity. The Dark, and the Light.
Always, they are at play in every situation, always they must be heeded together, as one, thought of as one, this is truly the will of the force.
Rey: But Master Skywalker told me the Dark side was a path? Your saying its actually a real thing out there?
Mara: Yes, I am, or more precisely, its a part of the pattern. The whole universe is exactly that. Whole. All. It contains the light, the dark, and the in between. The will of the force is what causes everything to flow together, to happen, to come alive. The will of the force can be followed or it can be ignored. If it is followed, then we will tend toward the light side, if it is ignored, the dark side will trap us in its blindness. This is what Master Skywalker was referring to when he called the Dark side a path.
Rey: So it is a choice also, but also a thing existing out there.
Mara: Yes, it is something deeper even still, something nameless and wordless. Only when you are at peace, passive, can you truly know the difference between the light and the dark. Nothing I can say beyond that will help you, but you will know when the time is right.
Rey sits thinking for a few moments.
Rey: Why do we have destinies? Why can't we do what we want with our lives?
Mara: Because the force wove the universe as a tapestry, as a whole, with every thread in its place, every pattern just so, in such a way that the entire tapestry is balanced in harmony, with the dark and the light in equilibrium. If we are part of this tapestry then our lives are bound by its shape, we can do nothing about it but escape the tapestry, but that would be foolish for it would deny all the reality of our senses and our experience, traded for some philosophical notion that escaping destiny is important, desirable or even possible.
Rey: So your saying its best to embrace your destiny?
Mara: Live your life as if you had the choice, but know in your heart you are bound by destiny.
Rey: I see...
She sits thinking.
Rey: If were all bound by destiny, can we really help anyone else?
Mara: Those who are meant to be helped will be, and through our actions the will of the force will be known. But only by living as your truest self can you be this type of action in its truest manifestation. The dark side is as much the will of the force as light, but it is a corruption of it, a turning away, the part of that which must of necessity leave in order that there can be return.
Rey: It is evil then.
Mara: Yes, it is. But we don't shun its existence, attempt to snuff it out entirely, instead we accept it, transmute it. Expunge it from our sphere of influence. We work as agents of something higher, the will of the force, and thereby are of the Light by moving past the dark and the light themselves.
Rey: That seems counter intuitive.
Mara: It is. That's part of the point. One thing you will come to see in time is that things that are real don't have to be true, and sometimes things that are true lack reality. It is up to your heart to determine these things. It is your ultimate sense. Trust it.
Rey: So its beyond logic?
Mara: Logic is power, but the force is a really existing thing. You can't logic it away, so in that sense it is beyond logic.
Rey: (Smiling) Wow. that's so simple and elegant.
Mara: The truth often is.
They are silent for a few moments.
Rey: I had this feeling when we started talking, like you felt this was my most important lesson. I want to know why that is.
Mara: (Smiling) Because the will of the force is always change. And as spring passes to summer and then fall and winter, the will of the force passes from light and ease to darkness and burden. I know you have sensed it as well on the horizon.
Rey: (Perplexed) But why must it be so?
Mara: Because your journey is just begun. Your heart is fresh, your soul untainted by the harsh bitterness of the world. The love you have has a purpose, should its purpose go unfulfilled it will wither and rot away, you must have bravery, face what is coming.
Rey sits for a moment, looking worried.
Rey: Master Jade, I'm afraid.
Mara: Oh Rey.
She goes to her and holds her.
Mara: You must let the fear flow away down the river, acknowledge it, don't suppress it, let it have its reality and then move on.
Rey closes her eyes tightly, concentrating, then she relaxes.
Rey: Thank you.
Mara lets her go and they sit back, grounding themselves
Mara: Your lesson is over.
Rey: (Surprised) That was it?
Mara: Yes.
Rey: I, I don't know what to say, i feel transformed, i can't explain it.
Mara: The will of the force is beginning to act in you, you must accept it and learn to flow with its influence. Be at peace with its movements.
Rey: Ok, i can do this.
Mara: (Smiling) Yes you can.
Rey: I will see you tomorrow, goodnight master Jade.
Mara: Goodnight Rey.
Rey stands and leaves, her expression serious.
Scene changes, Luke is stands at the top of the Jedi temple pyramid, he looks over the jungle. Presently Ben
walks up.
Ben: Master Skywalker, you wanted to see me?
Luke: Yes! Ben, I wanted to talk to you, don't worry it isn't about anything official, i'm concerned about the way
Jaina and Jacen have been acting, it's been to long since Coruscant for the three of you to still be fighting. I just want you to know how much i respect you over those two trouble makers, It's always been you Ben, your the true prodigal, those two wont ever amount to anything. They are heartless, you are a lover and I've always admired that about you. That's why I made sure you came here with me. I just was feeling like it had been so long since we had a real conversation, I wanted to talk, you know.
Ben. (Taken aback) Master..uh Uncle, i, that means so much to me, really I didn't think you understood. These past few months have just been horrible! Those two they follow me around, gossip about me, use their abilities to undermine everything I do! They torment my dreams! Harass my waking moments!
Luke: Now Ben, don't let yourself resort to anger, i know your better than them, even if you let your control go sometimes. I understand, Jaina and Jacen are probably the two hardest people in the world to deal with.
Ben: You got that right!
They both chuckle.
Luke: I'v really been missing our private training sessions!
Ben: (Smiling) Me to!
Luke: Have you developed those Force push katas you where working on any further?
Ben: No, well a little maybe, been giving it some thought, i just imagined after going through all our literature that there would be something on how to train force push techniques in a formal manner.
Luke: Well you know our archives are highly incomplete. I'm sure they had ways.
Ben: Exactly, these things can be rediscovered! Especially with the force as our ally!
Luke: Yes! We really need to work more on this stuff, I feel the knowledge is so limited its always our responsibility to be adding to it.
Ben: Thanks for thinking of me uncle, I'v really been having a hard time. Its just difficult with those two, everything so tumultuous, i don't know who my friends are, i guess i don't have any, i just wish i could get a chance to talk to Rey.
Luke: You still like her?
Ben: I don't know, shes so...powerful, but her heart is pure, i can sense it, iv never felt anyone like that, shes like a goddess.
Luke: (Smiling) That's how i felt when i met Mara.
Ben: (Smiles) Ya its really the best feeling, I just wish i had the courage to talk to her.
Luke: Just talk to her.
Ben: How? Shes always with those two...
Luke: They don't fancy her, i promise you that...
Ben: (Looking up at him) Really? Neither one?
Luke: Yup, just have some faith.
Ben: (Smiling) I dunno, well..
Luke: trust me
Ben: I do. Really i do uncle.
Luke: And i trust you, and i always will.
He embraces Ben, they hold each other, eyes closed.
Luke: Good night Ben.
Ben: Good night uncle.
Ben leaves, Luke sits and closes his eyes, meditating.
Scene changes. Ben is walking down a path, it is dark, he seems to be pensive. Suddenly he stops, he is alert, he turns and stares at a spot in the darkness. Nothing happens. After a moment he moves toward it, walking into the forest. He wanders about, seeming confused, yet, with intent. He is following something.
Suddenly Blue and Green light sabers flash in the dark. It is Jaina and Jacen. They attack. Ben is in shock, but he draws his saber and defends, his movements are powerful and graceful in juxtaposition with Jaina and Jacens direct and brutal style. The fight is grueling. Jaina and Jacen's faces are full of triumphant rage and hate, Ben Gets Angry.
Ben is swinging his light saber with fury, screaming with rage, Jaina and Jacen are taken aback, he Kills them both. Their bodies lay on the ground in front of Ben, he is horror stricken. Withdrawing his saber, he steps forward. Their faces have transformed. They are Mara and Luke.
Ben Cries out with horror and pain, he is so stricken with grief he stumbles back and falls, his light saber lost somewhere in the dark. He cries, retrieving his blade he stumbles from the forest, sobbing he runs toward the camp. Into the light, and there, standing alive and in full pompous glory are Jaina and Jacen.
Ben is struck with wonder. He stands still for a few moments. His mind lost.
Finally he starts walking, automatically, not sure where he is going, he walks to the garden and curls up among the vegetables, sobbing.
Rey enters, having either heard or sensed Ben. She comes up to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.
Rey: Ben...what...whats wrong?
Ben starts slightly, he looks up and his eyes focus on her in surprise, fear, shock, horror, wonder...love...
Ben:...Rey?
Rey: (Smiling) Yup.
Ben: What are you doing here?
Rey: Wondering the same about you!
Ben: (Smiles weakly) I..I..Its been a rough night.
Rey: Looks like it!
Ben: Thank you, your....your...one of the only nice people I know.
Rey: (Smiles) Aw, that's sweet, but master Jade is the most compassionate person iv'e ever met!
Ben: She never has time for me any more...
Rey: I..she.. has a lot going on..i dunno, ya it sucks
Ben: (smiles) ya it does
Rey: (smiling back)...ya...um...well, i should get going...have good night, can i walk you back or something?
Ben: No! No, i'm ok, thanks! Thanks for talking.
Rey: You to.
Rey walks away leaving Ben sitting in the garden, disoriented.
Rey is seen walking down a path, heading home. Suddenly she stops, her eyes widen. She turns and face a spot in the darkness. She walks forward as if drawn toward something. She continues into the woods, moving through the trees and underbrush, her expression curious and pensive.
Suddenly, before her there is a cave, its mouth dark and ominous. She stares at it, her breath quick and frightened, her eyes wide and terrified.
Then she moves forward, drawn by some unknown courage, she moving into the pit. So dark, oppressive. She feels stifled, her hearts fire almost quenched. Only but an ember to keep her going. She pushes on, feeling something so important is coming she can't turn her back. Mara's words echoing in her head.
Then she hears a sound, at first it is slight, then becoming more audible. A Cry. Then more clearly, the cry of a baby. Her heart drops, what can this be? She moves toward it, louder and louder it becomes, until finally there in front of her, wrapped in white clothe, is a baby, impossible as could be. Rey is utterly stunned and horrified.
She moves forward and picks up the baby who whimpers pitifully.
Rey: Oh no, you poor thing, oh god, what am i going to do? oh god...
She turns and looks back, shrouded in darkness.
Rey: What the..how.. oh god.
She starts moving pushing her way back through the darkness. Soon she is lost, frustrated, crying hopeless.
Rey: Please, get me out of here!
She stumbles about, helpless, crying.
Rey: Please: Someone!
There is nothing but the stone wall, her, the baby.
Rey: Please! Anyone, I can't do it! I can't i cant, oh god. no please someone help me, i can't do this alone!
Suddenly, the stone slides apart, there is a door, light, heat.
Rey turns with surprise, pushes her way forward, suddenly, she is outside, it is morning, the rising sun greeting
her. She looks down, and the baby is no where to be found.
She is shocked, worn, exhausted, she stumbles back towards the camp, the camera leaves her as she enters the Jedi temple, it turns, flying towards the Hanger. Ben is seen with a bag, he moves stealthily towards a shuttle craft.
Luke: Ben. Where are you going?
Ben: Anywhere! Anywhere but here.
Luke: But why?
Ben: Because...because i can't hurt anyone I love.
Luke: Ben!!!
Ben turns and enters the shuttle craft, not looking back.
Luke drops to his knees.
Luke: Ben....no
The shuttle craft powers up and takes off, Luke is left, tears run down his cheeks.
The scene changes, it shows the planet Coruscant, an entire world covered in City.
Bens transport fly's past the camera, headed for the surface.
Camera switches to a fly over of the buildings. Sky scrapers a mile high, lines of flying vehicles, the horizon an infinite cityscape
Cuts to inside a building, the feel is of a martial arts Dojo, rows of students sit with eyes closed, meditating, at the head is an old man. His hair is white, he wears a silver robe, casual, yet, an hair of dignity. His posture is flawless, rigidly upright and powerful. His beard is long and braided. He is Master C'baoth (Pronounced Sabioth)
C'baoth: You must feel the force flowing through you. The force penetrates us, surrounds us, binds the galaxy together, it is the deep power of the universe, beyond time and space! It is the true power, you must let it work through you, but also make it work for you! Be your servant! Then only will you be a Jedi.
The doors burst open. Ben is there, he has a dark look in his eyes.
Ben: If you control the force, how can you hope to work with it..."Master"
C'baoth open his eyes, his expression ecstatic.
C'baoth: Young Ben! I'v been expecting you!
Ben is stunned standing without anything to say so C'baoth continues.
C'baoth: Your entrance is most, Timely. I was just educating my students on the will of the force. Will you not join me?
Ben is quiet for a moment.
Ben: Your teachings seem...unwise, how am i to know your really a Jedi.
C'baoth: Because I can feel everything you do...my young apprentice!
Ben narrows his eyes in anger.
C'baoth: I know....everything about you young Ben...Your struggles with those bullying siblings, not feeling worthy of your Uncle and Aunt, not feeling worthy...of young Rey. How it plagues you. not feeling....worthy.
Ben: (Angry) Shut up!
C'baoth: (Standing) Oh, but young Ben, you would not want me to "shut up", when, for the first time, someone speaks the truth to you, treats you like...an equal, with True respect. You are more powerful than those fools could ever imagine. They treat you like dirt, but I...I know your true Power!
Ben is speechless.
C'baoth: (Walking towards him) Join me...and never again in your life will you worry about being on the losing side, worry about weakness, about foolishness, about...Anything.
C'baoth is close to Ben now.
C'baoth: And even, I can bring Young Rey to you. For...I sense it is your hearts truest desire. Let free your passions. Even now, you make yourself ever my pupil and successor, Heir to my power! Does that not sound promising my young apprentice?
Ben: Get back you creep.
Ben backs up, raising his arms.
Ben: You know to much about me.
C'baoth: I know everything about you. I know exactly what you want. Why your here. Its written all over your face. The need for power over others. The need for acceptance. Purpose. I can offer you all of that. You need only test the water. But i will not force you, young Solo, if you want to leave, there is the door.
Abruptly he turns with a sweep of his cloak and strides back to the front of the room, his students eyes following him with rapped wonder. Ben stares at the retreating C'baoth, his anger edging towards frustration.
Ben: (Yelling) Ok if your a really a Jedi master like you claim, show me some force techniques!
C'baoth stops in his tracks, he turns with a sly smile and gleam in his eye.
C'baoth: Very well.
He lifts his hands, the lights explode in showers of sparks leaving the room in darkness. after a moment, a soft glow radiates from the broken lights, glowing brighter and brighter, until C'baoth is revealed floating several feet above the floor, his arms still outstreched, his eyes triumphant.
C'baoth: You see, I am a Jedi master of considerable power!
Ben is cowering on the floor, awestruck, C'baoths students seem equally effected.
C'baoth: Now if you will consider my offer Ben Solo, I would give you a chance to seize everything Master Skywalker has denied you and his other pupils! The chance to unleash your power and truly make something of yourself, the chance to make a difference in the world.
Ben stands again, the lights return to normal, C'baoth lands back at the head of his class, sitting on his cusion.
C'baoth: You see! The will of the force truly is great! For we are the inheritors of a legacy of power, that which only the unwise would deny to their students. So it falls on us to bear the burdon of such profound history. To carry forward the torch of those teachings which are lost to the corrupt Jedi of the New Repulic and to the Jedi of the Temple.
Ben stands with his arms crossed, expression skeptical.
Ben: You keep talking about these teachings, and you prove yourself to have power, but what have you got to offer?
C'baoth: Oh young Ben! You are so eager to prove yourself! I can offer you a challenge! The chance to spar with my most disciplined students! I believe you should prove no match for them, if you do, i will be..most pleased.
Ben narrows his eyes.
Ben: Your toying with me, you know perfectly well I can best your pathetic lackeys.
C'baoth raises is eye brows.
C'baoth: Do I?
Ben: You also know I can't turn down a challenge, but don't think for a second this means i'm training with you or coming back here after.
C'baoth: I do. Come here first thing tomorrow, you will get your challenge young Solo.
Ben turns and walks out, obviously still vexed, C'baoth smiles and sits in front of his students. The scene changes, the dark windows are replaced by daylight flooding the Dojo, there are no students or C'baoth now, the Dojo is empty. Presently Ben enters. He looks around confused.
Ben: C'baoth!
C'baoth: Im here.
C'baoth steps from the shadows at the far end of the dojo, flanked by two of his students in black masks.
C'baoth: Your challengers are here, are you ready?
Ben: I'm ready
Ben throws off his jacket and pulls back his sleeves, he moves into the center of the dojo. C'baoth raises his right hand, the student flanking his right moves forward.
Wordlessly they face off. Ben is concentrated. Suddenly the student attacks, his movements a flurry of quick blows, Ben is hit lightly a few times, breaking his concentration, he strikes back in fury but the assailant is to fast, darting back to safety, only to shift forward again to land a successful strike. Ben is incensed. He leaps forward now in full concentrations, landing a hard punch to his enemies torso who lurches back, but manages to land a punch on Ben's side. He stumbles back, C'baoths student drives forward but Ben recovers and catches his fist, returning with a well placed elbow to his opponents skull, the student falls back, stumbling and then hitting the ground with a hard thud. Only down for a second he scrambles to his feet, but C'baoth gestures to his left.
The next student leaps forward. This time he is flurry of fast strait punched and kicks, direct and without relent, but now Ben is in full steam, he is dodging, blocking and returning, finally striking a series of body blows to his opponent. He recovers and returns full force only to be soundly boxed around the head by Ben who moves in to strike again and again, his opponent falling back in a daze.
C'baoth: Enough, young Solo, you have proved yourself worthy of this next challenge.
Ben turns. leaving his opponent to fall in a heap. Standing beside C'baoth is another student. C'baoth gestures and he moves forward. There is something visibly different about his energy. Ben attacks aggressively, his opponent moves with equal strength and speed, suddenly overcoming Ben's energy and tripping him to the ground, Ben kick and punches from his back in vain, moving past his flailing legs the masked student levels punch after punch, battering down Ben's defenses and hitting his face again and again, finally, the student dives on top of him and the two writhe in ground combat for a moment before the student makes a skilled move and
Ben's arm is in his grasp, the rest of his body pinned helplessly beneath his weight.
C'boath: You've just met a member of the First Guard, don't feel bad, you never really stood a chance. They have twenty years military experience under their belts not to mention my conditioning. Now, if you've come to your senses you'll see you are of barely superior material to my lowest pupils, despite being a Jedi yourself! Your only path to greatness is through me! Through my training! Without training, even the most powerful Jedi are nothing!
Ben is silent, the student releases him returning to C'baoths side. He lies on the floor for a few moments, regaining his breath. C'baoth turns, several other students have entered.
C'baoth: Get him cleaned up and take him out for a drink or something.
Student: Yes Master
The students help Ben up and the limps off, Scene changes to a bar, the mood is quiet, the air thick with smoke, the ambiance shadow and gloom. oldtimers and grimy looking maintenance workers occupy the bar stools. A surly looking Gran (three eyed goat alien) sits clutching a drink down the way, bantering in his load dialect with the other patrons.
Presently Ben and four other youths enter, they are two women and two men, one of the women is slightly taller than Ben, thin, her hair braided in a spiral around her head, her face is thin and shapely, freckled, but with such a hard edge Ben could hardly stand meeting her eye. She gestures at the Gran seated near the far end of the bar.
Becca: Lets sit over by the door, (Turning to Ben) Master C'baoth wants us to keep our distance from...things like that (She nods at the Gran).
Ben: (Narrowing his eyes) Why is that?
Becca: Because Coruscant was once a human world, the New Republic's vision is of a thoroughly mixed species society, even where the different races mate! Where there are no more aliens and humans, just hybrids everywhere!
They Walk to a table and take a seat, a server droid approaches and they start ordering drinks off a tablet.
Corris: (A young, dark skinned man with a scarred face) The point is ever since the fall of the empire our leaders have betrayed our interests to those of foreign worlds, they are opening up immigration to Coruscant in order to pacify resistance to their agenda, to breed us all down into weak alien hybrids who can't resist, can't breed without the state, can't live without handouts.
Ben: There's no way any of this crap is true! Iv lived my whole life close to the Republic, trust me they are much more concerned about keeping the fragile order together and stamping out another rebellion than they are about "race mixing" or whatever.
Becca: You just saw what you were supposed to see.
Orthan: What your parents wanted you to see.
Ben: (Angry) Keep my parents out of this!
Corris: (Arms crossed) And why should we?
Ben: Because even if what you say is true, theres no way they would knowingly go along with it!
Becca: Your naive Ben, you think your parents never kept a secret from you? Never made a mistake? What do you even know about the war against the Empire? Luke, Han and Leia take all the credit but it was rebel soldiers, Humans, of Coruscantan bloodline, who won that fight, who blew up the death star, hell, Darth Vader killed the emperor not Luke. No, your parents are war hero's because it was convenient for the Republics image, convenient for propping up the story of the evil empire against the good rebellion and now the good Republic.
Corris: But its all a farce! Because nothing they said has come true! We are all going hungry! Theres no work, no future! We had it better under the Empire.
Ben: Now THAT is absurd, maybe YOU had it better...
Samantha: My parents died in the attack on the Imperial Remnant, killed by the Republic, i'v been an orphan ever since, making my way to Coruscant, doing horrible things to survive on the streets, until C'baoth found me, took me in, trained me and told me the truth.
Ben: The Empire enslaved entire planets!
Becca: You mean integrated them into an economic collective. Tell me you think the empire didn't make it's subjects rich? They left well enough alone and let the regional governors run their systems, they didn't care if aliens got rich, or ruled their own worlds, they just wanted order, peace, stability!
Ben: You weren't there, how do you know?
Corris: Neither were you.
Ben: But lots of my family were! They also fought the Imperial remnant.
Server Bot: Drinks!
They take the drinks and sit quiet for a moment, expressions dark.
Becca: Look Ben, I think the point is, we know you see the same things we do, the Republic is a sham, Luke
Skywalker and the other Jedi are a farce. Your family has betrayed you, abandoned you and left you to the wolves. Where here together because we all have something in common, we were all unwanted, but now, we have something to live for, something to fight for!
Corris: C'baoth calls it "The First Order"
Ben: The First Order? THAT is a corny name.
No one laughs, they stare at Ben with a serious look.
Becca: That soldier who could have snapped you in half like a twig, that was Akkarno, hes a junior member of the First Guard, they are over two hundred in number, all as powerful as Akkarno or greater.
Corris: Much great.. (He says running his fingers thoughtfully over a massive scar on his left temple)
Becca: We may seem funny to you be we are real revolutionaries fighting for a better future, it actually hurts my heart to see you pushing us away, after everything youve been through, being toyed with, being strung along by these false rebels and teachers. This...This is the real deal. We have a fighting force, we have a teacher! A master Jedi, do you know how rare it is to find a Jedi outside the power structure of the Republic?
Ben: Rare enough apparently that i'm the only one in your whole group.
Samantha: C'baoth's been waiting for you for some time Ben.
Corris: Watching you.
Orris: Waiting until you were ready for his teachings, when Luke and the others had finally pushed you away.
Becca: Your were you belong Ben! You must feel it.
Ben pushes back his chair.
Ben: I...I need to think...i'm not making any decision about anything right now, I have to go, you all are really working into me...
Becca: (Laughing) Oh toughen up, Skywalker.
Ben: (Suddenly very angry) Dont EVER call me that. EVER.
They are silent, Becca is visibly shaken. Ben storms out without another word.
Scene Changes, C'baoth sits in a private study, there is a knock at the door.
C'baoth: (Without looking up) Come in young Ben.
Ben enters, looking at him darkly.
C'baoth: So..you've tired of bantering with my pupils have you? Ready to face the master are we?
Ben: Not sure about a master, but i'm ready to face YOU.
C'baoth: (Laughing) Oh Ben, your wit and sarcasm never cease to amuse me. Come, come, sit, have some tea, have another drink, whatever you want. Your here by choice, your my guest. No training, no pitch. nothing. Just hospitality.
Ben: (Still looking unsure) Ok, but you have to answer some questions.
C'baoth: It would be my honor (He bows in an overly dramatic fashion and pulls out a seat for Ben who sits.
C'baoth hands him a tea cup and then pours steaming liquid from an ornate teapot.
Ben: Thank you.
C'baoth: (Sitting back with his own cup) The finest Corolong Tea grown on the Hills of Arkamaas, its very rare you know, I save it for special occasions. Iv'e always let my pupils try it as well, as a sign of equality, solidarity, comradery.
Ben: Stop.
C'baoth: Stop? But I feel the questions yearning to burst forth from your chest! And now, the wellspring of answers sits before you! No, you don't want me to stop.
Ben: You keep setting me up to shut you down, then when i do you use my energy against me and keep working your way further under my skin.
C'baoth: Very perceptive of you.
Ben: It's not going to work.
C'baoth: And why are you so sure of that?
Ben: Because its a dumb game, its so obvious, i'm not going to play it. Instead, your going to play my game.
C'baoth: (raising an eyebrow) Oh?
Ben: Tell me about the first order.
C'baoth: So they filled you in on my little organization did they? That means you were deemed worthy.
Ben: Yes, but i haven't deemed you worthy yet. And whats all this crap about xenophobia and conspiracy?
C'baoth: But the truth my young friend.
Ben: The truth? Its hateful crap. Its devisive, dangerous, its just wrong.
C'baoth: In the end you will see that it is you who are mistaken about a great many things.
Ben: ....such as??
C'baoth: Such as what some members of the Senate knew about the attack on Coruscant.
Ben: (Heated) What are you implying?
C'baoth: That, despite all appearances, the Imperial Remnant was allowed to gain access to the planetary shield, allowed to occupy the capital district, allowed to commit genocide. And why? Because leaders of the Republic wanted an excuse to scourge the Loyalist systems, which they did.
Ben is speechless.
C'baoth: And of course, you know as well, the ultimate results of these events for YOU, and the way your whole family left you alone in a war zone for THREE MONTHS, while Jaina and Jacen had their little adventure and Luke, Han and Leia got to relive their rebel past again for just a moment, you were broken. You were but a child! Alone on the streets of an occupied city! Abused! Exploited!...
Ben: Alright! I get it! You have ANY proof of this?
C'baoth: Well of course, there is endless proof, we find more everyday.
Ben: I'm waiting...
C'baoth: Very well, have you heard of an "Admiral Thalia"? He was a close associate of your Mothers during the Rebellion. After the war Thalia became involved in a loose association of powerful figures in the Republic, both military and civilian, these elites engineered the failure of Coruscants defenses at the precise moment they knew Thrawn would launch his attack, rendering our city defenseless and leading to the butchery that followed. I have acquired a vast file on Thalia and many other members of the conspiracy.
C'baoth hands Ben a small chip. Ben is silent.
C'baoth: This is the whole file, you can verify anything with the public records. Thalia DID betray the Republic. Your parents may or may not have known, but they still left you to die. You only survived because of your own strength, and its that strength that brings you here now.
Ben: I...I'll take a look at this.
C'baoth: Please do, take your time, once you have proven to yourself everything you need to, I have something to ask of you, return to my office when you are ready, I will be here at the right time.
Ben stands and exits silently, C'baoth watches him, smiling ominously.
The Scene changes, it is light, the Dojo. Presently Ben enters, he walks through and knocks on a door at the far end.
C'baoth: Come in.
Ben enters, scene changes to C'baoth's study.
Ben: You were right, I even checked the public archives, its all there in little pieces. Thalia, Durant, Kerrigan, Orrus.
C'baoth: Yes. I know this is difficult.
Ben: No, actually, its the easiest thing iv ever felt, its like a burden lifted, the uncertainty gone!
C'baoth: Good, good. Then I believe you are ready for what I am about to ask of you.
Ben turns to look at him.
C'baoth: Tonight, there will be a mission, an important one to acquire valuable resources for the First Order. The Republic doesn't just give away the things it has, they must be taken. This will be a challenging mission, that's why i'm asking you, because truly you are the best, Ben. You didn't use the force to fight my First Guard, you could have fought twice as hard! But you have a sense of competition! Of fairness! Sport! That's what I admire about you! Why i'm trusting you with this mission.
Ben looks unsure.
Ben: I don't know about this, what exactly do you want me to do?
C'baoth: Three First Guard will be with you, they will make sure the operation goes smoothly, you will command a squad of the four junior pupils you met the other day, i had the four of them assigned to you for a reason, they are my most junior students and will serve well as your attendants. Once I order it, they will obey you without question!
Ben: And the job?
C'baoth: In the 84th district there is a Republic depository where we have an inside man. Tonight your squad will go in through the service entrance and storm the complex, our operative will cut the power so no one will even know you are there until to late. The goal is seize the entire depository, load it onto our speeder and escape into the tunnels where we have drop spots ready. Your job is to make sure the payload is secure aboard the speeder, then return to one of our safe houses.
Ben: A Republic Depository? Are you nuts?
C'baoth: No, but you are naive if you think this is our first time.
Ben is silent.
Ben: Ok...so you know what your doing. I still don't know about this, if we get caught we could be...
C'baoth: It's not possible. Not with my planning and support.
Ben: (Sighing and shaking his head) god i can't believe i'm going along with this.
C'baoth smiles.
Ben: I guess I have nothing better to do, seeing as how everything else I believed was a lie.
C'baoth: You always knew in your heart it was true. Being a true rebel isn't easy, its the most difficult decision you will ever make.
Ben: I'm feeling that, but I also feel....strong, i am ready to do this, i feel excited actually. Its hard to explain.
Its like suddenly a fire burning in me that wasn't there before!
C'baoth: That's the true power of the force! That's what Luke has been denying you this whole time!
Ben: Thank you!
C'baoth: Thank me by completing this mission and becoming the warrior and rebel you where always meant to be.
Ben: I'll do my best.
C'baoth: Good, that is all i can expect of you. Return here in four hours with your weapons and gear, i will have the rest prepared.
Ben: I will.
He turns and leaves.
Scene changes to later in the day, a small group of C'baoths students are milling around the Dojo, tightening gear and preparing weapons. Ben enters.
Becca: So, you've joined the Order after all!
Ben: Not yet i haven't just along for this damn fool adventure.
Orthan: Its a start!
Three of the others are unknown to Ben, Two are men, one is a woman, they all look tough as nails. One of the men steps forward.
Blair: My name is Blair, this is Appylonia and Marcus. You must be Ben, as you probably guessed were with the First Guard. I'm going to be in command on this mission, ill be in direct radio contact with Master C'baoth, you will command your squad but take orders from First Guard members. Do you understand?
Ben: I do.
Blair: Great. Lets get you geared up, then we brief on mission details.
They start to strap harnesses and tactical gear on Ben. The scene changes, it is night, a main street of Coruscant, still with occasional car passing. Presently the Squad of thieves moves quickly down a sidewalk in close formation, faces covered in black masks, keeping to shadows, they approach a large building with the Republic crest emblazoned on its doorway. Slipping through a back alley they make their way around the the back, where a large metal door stands firmly closed, the words, LOADING BAY emblazoned on its face in bright yellow letters.
Blair: 35 seconds. Stay sharp.
A few moments pass and then suddenly there is a whir and click, the door slides suddenly open with a whoosh revealing a large loading dock lit from the ceiling.
Blair: Wait.
A few more moments, the power flickers and dies, leaving the room dark.
Blair: Night vision.
They pull goggles over their eyes, the darkness now illuminated to them as day.
Blair: Move.
The squad moves into the loading dock, taking cover behind towering crates, moving their way quickly through the room to a door at the far end. Up flights of emergency stairs, red battery powered lights flash brightly in their night vision. Suddenly there is a guard in one of the stairwells, the three First Guard Brutally beat him with batons and then throw him down the stairs where he crashes in a heap.
Blair: Lets go!
They run up the stairs until finally Blair signals a stop. He points at Ben.
Blair: Take your squad, Rear guard. You two, guard the stairs to the next level.
He turns and pulls a complex looking box from his bag, it has wires coming off all sides and key pad, he places it over the locking mechanism and starts connecting the wires to various ports. Ben signals to the other four junior members and they move part way down the stairs, crouching in the darkness watching the lower level for any movement.
A few moments later there is a quiet beep from the box Blair is working on, the door pops open.
Blair: (Pointing at Ben) Your squad follows me, You two (Pointing to the other First Guards) keep up rear guard!
Blair moves into the room, a small blaster drawn pointing it this way and that, suddenly there is a burst of fire and Blair dives for cover, returning fire, it is chaos, there are at least four shooters, Ben and his squad stay back as the Two First Guards shoot through the doorway trying to give Blair some cover.
Appylonia: (to Ben, growling) Split your squad up and cover the two sides of the stairs. NOW!
Ben nods to Becca and Orthan, they move up the stairway and aim blasters, The other three move down the the lower level. The blasting continues, Appylonia and Marcus both dodge into the room one after another. The blaster fire continues for a few moments then ceases.
Appylonia: Secure, payload is behind the vault door.
Blair: Cover me, ill break the lock.
Appylonia steps out of the doorway and looks down at Ben.
Appylonia: Stay where you are, don't let up your guard!
She turns and walks back into the room. Suddenly there are blaster shots from the upper stairwell.
Becca: Contact Contact!
They are firing and falling back. Suddenly shots fly from the lower stairway as well. Ben dives for cover, squeezing the trigger of his blaster again and again. He can just see shadowy figures dodging this way and that in the scope of his night vision. Suddenly Marcus is at Ben's side, he tosses a grenade down the stairwell.
There is a flash of light and the shadowy figures are obscured. Without waiting Marcus leaps forward down the stairs firing a hail of blaster fire.
Blair: We have the Payload lets go lets go! You two at the top stairwell lets go!
Ben just sees Blair and Appylonia with two large bags over each shoulder, complete with snub style blaster in one hand, grenades, black mask and night vision goggles. They look truly absurd and terrifying at the same time. Ben jumps up and runs forward with Corris and Samantha running ahead of him, down the stairwell, he turns to see Becca and Orthan behind him, Blair takes up the rear still trading shots with guards in the upper stairwell. They fight their way down the stairs and back into the loading bay which is surprisingly empty, out the doors where a large speeder is waiting, another First Guard at its controls, they load the large bags into the hatch of the speeder and then Blair and Appylonia hop into the passenger compartment.
Marcus: I'm taking you juniors back to one of the safe houses, lets go!
They run down the street as the speeder takes off, dodging through alleys, the blare of emergency sirens just now audible as the authorities scramble to respond, to late.
Scene changes, Ben and the others are entering a safe house, it is well stocked and comfortable with two rooms, one room full of cots and the other a common room. They spread out and throw down bags and gear next each selecting a cot. Sitting they pull off shoes and strip off their black tactical suits, leaving them in their regular clothing underneath.
Marcus enters the sleeping room, he is carrying a tray with shots of clear liquor.
Marcus: To a job well done, you all cut your teeth tonight. We all made it out safe, got the loot!
They all take shots from the tray and clink glasses!
Becca: To the loot!
They laugh!
Others: To the loot!
They drink their shots.
Marcus. Now get some rest all of you, C'baoth wants the four of you back for regular training in the morning.
He turns to leave, but then stops, producing a three quarters full bottle of liquor from his jacket pocket he places it on an end table.
Marcus: Don't get carried away.
He leaves, Corris grabs the bottle and pours each of them another shot. Ben takes his quickly.
Ben: That was...just unbelievable.
Corris: Pretty wild right? Been waiting months for the chance to go get in on one of those missions!
Ben: So this really happens all the time?
Corris: Not quite this high profile, this was something special, that's why C'baoth wanted you along.
Ben: What a rush..jeez
Ben puts his hand on his forehead, his face is slightly pale. Reaching forward he pours himself another shot and downs it quickly. Moving to the floor by his cot he sits with is arms wrapped around him self. Presently Becca joins him, she sits down next to him with the liquor bottle and moves to pour him another drink.
Ben: No...no iv had enough.
Becca: Nonsense, it will help, i promise.
Ben: Ok, just a tiny bit, half one, perfect.
He drinks and then leans his head back against the cot.
Becca: You know, i thought you looked pretty cool out there today.
Ben opens his eyes.
Ben: Really? You think so?
Becca: Sure! You were really good under fire, kept everybody together, made us all feel like we were a team!
Ben: We would have been screwed without the guard.
Becca: Well of course, that's why they were there! That's why were training to become part of the guard! They are the best you can be without being a Jedi! But that's where your lucky, you can do things we never can! Be great like C'baoth!
Ben: Ya, its not so great being a Jedi trust me.
Becca: (Putting her hand on his shoulder) Aw why not?
Ben: Well, i guess it could be ok, but i always had those two arrogant bullies overshadowing me, its not like they are any stronger, just they do EVERYTHING together, its actually creepy, you know?
Becca: Ya i know, trust me, Jaina and Jacen are basically the archetypes of the kind of Jedi we despise in the First Order. If it means anything to you, I think your a much better person than those two could ever be. They are monsters and your powerful and beautiful.
Becca suddenly blushes, Ben looks at her amused also blushing, the silence is awkward, then Becca leans in and kisses Ben on the mouth, they continue kissing and move onto the floor, the scene changes. It is C'baoths Dojo. C'baoth stands at the head of the classroom, it is empty but for him, his back is to the door. Ben enters.
C'baoth: (Turning) Young Solo, you have returned victorious from your mission. I have been told you distinguished yourself, helped keep your group together, held the line under withering fire.
Ben: Well, i suppose that's true, the way i see it the Guard did all the work...
C'baoth: (Stepping forward and patting the air with his hand) As it should be...as it should be......And now, i sense, you wish to discuss the nature of your torment at the hands of your siblings, for as i perceived in the beginning, this is the true root of your discontent.
Ben: Your right, It's on my mind all the time now, i can't stop thinking about what happened, the memories just keep flooding back more and more. If you will hear me out, i will tell you the story.
C'baoth: I would hear you out. Take a seat young Solo.
Ben sits, C'baoth remains standing a few feet back, watching Ben intently.
Ben: I was visiting my Parents on Coruscant, it was the second year of my Jedi training. They start training young, you know?
C'baoth: Yes, (He closes his eyes and nodds) yes i do.
Ben: I was seven, Jaina and Jacen were 9, they always made fun of Master Skywalker and Master Jade behind their backs, didn't practice or train ever! And yet somehow they were always the best, Luke saw them as prodigals, looked the other way when they caused trouble! We were there on Coruscant when the Imperial Remnant occupied the capital. At first we were hiding with Luke, Mara, my mother and the others. The battle got close to us, people started dying, Luke and Mara left to go fight, then Jaina and Jaicen just ran out into the battle! No one knew where they went! Turned out they found some light sabers and started fighting the occupation, but my mother and the others where in a panic, running after them through the fighting, I was separated. Soon there was no where to run, i found out later everyone was in a bunker deep bellow the capital building, I spent the first night in an abandoned building. Freezing, huddled under a piece of plastic. For three months, Three months i was out on my own, stealing food, eating rats or just starving, id be dead if i didn't have the force. By this time, my parents had given up. They looked, for a bit, but then went back to dukeing it out with the Remnant like good heroes. They never would tell me how long they looked for me. Never. (Ben is almost crying) When I was on my own, I was assaulted several times, I was forced to kill three people. I was seven. Do you know what Luke said when they found me. Its the will of the Force! What a load of crap. The will of the force? He doesn't know a damn thing about what i went through, and not a damn thing about the will of the force.
C'baoth: You are correct. Your uncle is wrong, the will of the force was really your will, your will to use the force to keep yourself alive. What you did makes you truly right, you were innocent, they are all guilty, Jaina, Jacen, Abandoners! Self serving and treacherous. Luke, the ultimate patronizing authority, telling you what is right, what is wrong, standing on an ivory tower dictating morality to those fightin their way through the mud! Mara, the matriarchal tyrant, hiding behind the cloak of motherhood to disguise her violence and backstabbing.
Ben: I see everything clearly, how wrong iv'e been about everything, the fire is burning in my chest, i can feel its promise, its power! What did you do C'baoth?
C'baoth: Nothing, You unleashed your emotional energy, now, reach out with your feelings and move the world.
Ben throws out his hands, his eyes intent, expression serious, he rises into the air and suddenly a blast of energy emanates from him, moving out in an invisible circle, pushing everything with it, C'baoth deflecting it easily to stay rooted in his spot, Meditation pillows and various other items clatter against the walls, Ben returns to his seat on the ground, lowering his arms, his face ecstatic.
Ben: I want to train with you. I want to be your apprentice..Master C'baoth.
C'baoth: So you were when you walked in this door.
Ben rises and stands facing C'baoth.
C'baoth: Your lessons begin first thing in the morning, return to your quarters and rest.
Ben: Yes master.
Ben leaves.
Scene changes again to Dojo in the early morning, C'baoth is there, Ben enters.
C'baoth: So, my young apprentice, your training has now begun. Please, choose a cushion, for now we will meditate.
Ben moves to the closest cushion and sits, he assumes a cross legged position and closes his eyes.
C'baoth: A Jedi must feel the force Flowing through him! The Force is what gives a Jedi his strength! (Turning to Ben) Do you feel the force flowing through you now young Solo?
Ben: (Eyes still closed) Yes! I do, very strongly, Its of a strange quality, it, it seems in tune with my feelings, its like everything iv been fighting to overcome my whole life is now working with me, giving me power!
C'baoth: That's because Luke had you denying your true self, suppressing your true emotions instead of channeling them. Now, let the fire in your heart fill your body, then once you are filled with its strength, you will be able to reach out with your feelings and change the world in whatever way. It is your goal as a Jedi to realize this power, to solidify its influence into your body! Once you have done this, using its power will become as simple and easy to you as breath.
Ben sits meditating, his face concentrated.
C'baoth: I will leave you now, for an hour you must maintain this energy, this is not something i expect of you today, but hold it for as long as you can, then I will return and our physical training will begin!
C'baoth turns and enters his private study leaving Ben sitting. The scene changes, C'baoth returns.
C'baoth: You can return to the world of the living now my young apprentice, for i have much to show you.
Ben stands and stretches.
Ben: Should I bring anything?
C'baoth: Only your Light saber.
Ben straps his belt on, then follows C'baoth out another door, leading into a stairwell, they climb until finally reaching another level, C'baoth opens the door, revealing a massive Gymnasium complete with obstacle courses and every kind of exercise equipment you could imagine.
C'baoth: (Looking back at Ben with a wry smile) Lets see what your made of!
Ben looks at the Gymnasium with awe and delight.
Ben: Where do we start?
C'baoth: Stretching, then Boxing, Cardiac, Gymnastics, then Remote Saber training followed by obstacle course. IF you make it through that, you run the gauntlet.
Ben: The Gauntlet?
C'baoth: (Pointing to the wall) You see how there's one massive obstacle course running the entire span of the room? We call THAT the Gauntlet, its also customary to use all four remotes while running the Gauntlet.
Ben: Four? Iv never even done three...
C'baoth: Then this should be interesting.
Montage of Ben training, boxing, doing flips, climbing on a climbing wall, then blocking orange blaster bolts from a grey training remote with his light saber, finally he runs an obstacle course as C'baoth looks on.
C'baoth: Good, good, most impressive!
Ben jumps down and faces him, breathing hard!
C'baoth: And now, i would see how you fair against the most difficult of tasks, only members of the First Guard have ever run this course without being hit.
Ben: With four remotes going?
C'baoth: Four, You will be surprised I think, what you can do with just a little training under your belt. Imagine running this course every day for ten years!
Ben: I guess i can see that...Ok lets go!
Ben steps up to the platform, the gauntlet is a long series of platforms, some long runs with swining blocks that C'baoth activated with a remote. Others with a series of jumps or blocks which needed to be climbed. The whole thing would take about ten minutes to jog at regular speed with no obstacles. Then their were the remotes. C'baoth set them loose and they buzzed and whirled around the room in a seeming chaos.
C'baoth: Begin!
Ben runs forward, taking the first jump at a hard sprint, Two of the remotes hot on his trail leaving blaster bolts in his wake, he runs and dodged through a series of swinging blocks, jumping and climbing onto a large block standing in his path, seeing him in the open, the remotes move in and unleash a barrage of fire, Ben rolls with frantic pace right off the edge of the block careening down and landing on his back on the next platform, he dodges another blaster bolt, throwing himself beneath a swinging block, another swings through and hits him square in the chest, he saves himself from being thrown off by swinging his momentum to flip onto the other side of the platform. Dodging more blocks he starts a series of jumps, now he is in the open, pulling his light saber he deflects blast after blast, taking jumps whenever he can manage, getting hit again and again, until finally, taking a shot to the leg during a jump, he hits the next platform on his shins and goes down hard on the floor.
Ben: Uhhhhgg.
C'baoth: Your performance was not unimpressive young Ben! Indeed I was lying when i said my First Guard ran this course with four remotes, they of course only use one. Get cleaned up and get some rest, tomorrow will be another hard day.
C'baoth turns and walks out. Leaving Ben speachless.
Scene changes, C'baoths study, Ben enters.
Ben: Master, you wished to speak with me?
C'baoth: Yes, please sit down, here, have some tea. There is something very important I must tell you, with your training progressing well over the past weeks, I'v decided to offer you an opportunity. Tomorrow morning, the sun rises on a new Coruscant. For years i have been working towards realizing freedom from the yoke of the New Republic, and finally that day has come. I want to invite you, Ben to be part of this new dawn.
Ben: Of what do you speak master?
C'baoth: Tomorrow we strike the Republic, finally put an end to their tyranny! We move to retake our city! To bring the First Order to life, give it a body, and to declare its meaning in a way that the good citizens of
Coruscant and the New Republic can't ignore.
Ben: (Taken aback) You mean War?
C'baoth: Yes, you are indeed perceptive, and i would not endeavor to hide the truth from you, indeed i could not. We must do what must be done, what the others refuse to do, cannot do!
Ben: And what part in this do you imagine for me?
C'baoth: Oh, what I imagine, young Ben, is for you to have your glory, to sit atop the throne of victory and be recognized by your peers, nay your inferiors, as the greatest among them all! That is the part I see in this for you. I see you leading my green troops into battle! On the front lines! You will distinguish yourself in front of everyone! This is the opportunity I grant you!
Ben: The front lines?
C'baoth: Yes, just as the robbery, I trust you with the most important part of the mission! You are my strongest pupil, my most trusted assistant, for indeed, as the only other Jedi, we understand each other more deeply than the others ever can.
Ben: I see, I, I am honored! Tell me where to go and what to do, I will serve the First Order!
C'baoth: Good, the juniors are assembled in the training room, you will go there and tell them our mission, i have outlined everything you need to know on this tablet. (He hands a small tablet to Ben). Now go, and wait for my command! May the Force be with you!
Ben: And with you, Master C'baoth!
Scene changes, C'baoths theme begins low and light, it is a steady drum beat, deep and war like, slowely building. The setting is the rooftop of a building on Coruscant, it is night, storm clouds can be seen on the horizon, the wind whips, C'baoth's hair and beard blow in the breeze, his eyes glow with extatic fire. Assembled before him is the whole First Guard, not in battle armor but in full black uniform, faces covered by Black maskes, Hair covered in black bandanas, they stand at attention, eyes serious, in perfect formation. C'baoth stands before them his arms raised.
C'baoth: Warriors of the Guard. Today, the First Order strikes at the Heart of the Republic, you are the hammer fist of that blow, today, you will do what you have been training your whole lives to do. End the Republic! Take Back Coruscant for Humanity! Let the streets run with blood and the entrails of the occupiers! Show no alien mercy, for what mercy would we be shown if we occupied their home worlds! No! Its Coruscant for the Coruscantans, Let humanity reign over its historic territory! Let those who stand in our way perish in Fire and Blood, in the purity of war we reestablish our sovereignty! Only the strong will survive, leaving the world cleansed of filth! Burn everything to the Ground! Leave no survivors! No Women, Children, Beasts! Take what you want, it is all yours! Let nothing stand in your way! Now Go, First Guard, go and make terror known in the heart of the New Republic!
First Guard: (Raising Fists) In the name of Blood! Master C'baoth, The First Order! Our day has come!
They run through a doorway together, scene changes to a montage of the First Guard Gearing up, strapping on body armor, blasters, batons, grenades, flame thrower tanks are screwed into nozzles, Black armor helmets pulled on. C'baoths theme is now raging, drums play with a fury. The troopers strap jet packs on, sheath knives, swords, hatchets, and other unorthodox weapons, finally they move out and assemble again on the building top, where an open topped transport barge waits, the troopers step on board and lock their boots into slots on the barge deck, they grab handholds and wait for their companions to board.
C'baoth stands triumphant watching, finally the guard is loaded and the barge takes off, C'baoth stand wordlessly watching.
The camera follows the barge as it makes its way over the city, the First Guards holding on as the wind whips passed them, feet secured to the deck. The shot cuts back to C'baoth on the roof top, he pulls out a small communicator.
C'baoth: Captain, launch the strike.
Radio: Yes master.
The shot cuts back to the barge, they are still flying high above Coruscant. Suddenly the trail of a missile is seen and an explosion rocks the city, then another, and another and another, countless more, hundreds, it continues for several minutes, target after target are hit, finally the barrage quiets down, you can hear from high above the chaos unleashed. One of the First Guards radios crackles to life.
Radio: Code Sigma. Code Sigma.
The trooper looks back at his compatriots and gives a signal, then one by one the guard release their boot locks and fire up jet packs assembling in formation in the air until finally all 200 are flying together, the barge turns and drops away. The troops begin to spread out. They have a wider radius between them, individuals start to peel off and go their own way, finally the camera follows one as he glides quickly down to the surface. The music is at a raging crescendo. Past the fire and smoke to land on the pavement bellow, the guard raises his short blaster and unleashes a barrage of fire, targeting any aliens, people run in a panic, the guard is walking confidently, gunning down dozens of people. a Jedi leaps out, light saber blazing, he cuts down a Guard, but another places a well aimed blaster shot and he crumples to the ground. Scenes of Carnage. Everywhere guards are killing, with blasters, flame throwers, beating with batons, stabbing with knives, They come flying in on jet packs to slaughter any alien in their path, or sometimes the non aliens as well. The slaughter continues.
Cut to Ben, standing with his helmet off, he is in front of a few dozen young looking soldiers, they are all in armor and have weapons, Ben is staring off into the distance where the battle rages, smoke and fire rising a mile into the sky.
Soldier: Good god that is incredible.
Soldier 2: Beautiful...
They stand watching, suddenly Ben's radio cracks to life.
C'baoth: Commander, Your unit needs to head towards mark 29.53, on the double, encountering some Jedi resistance.
Ben: You heard him lets move!
Ben starts jogging down the street, pulling on his helmet and getting his light saber ready, the rest of his troops follow close behind. They run for a few moments past scenes of carnage and destruction. Then suddenly up ahead there is a light saber flashing, blaster bolts careen around, the battle is raging.
Ben: Halt. Let me take care of this.
He steps forward, holding his light saber unlit, the rest of his squad staying behind. He walks forward, approaching the Jedi who is battling a First Guard soldier with a baton, the Jedi finally beheads him and turns. Ben activates his light saber, Running forward with a yell, the Other Jedi is taken aback, they duel fiercely, after a few moments, Ben cuts him in half, withdrawing his saber, he stands over the dead man with a look of intense unease.
The rest of the troops come forward.
Becca: Good work! God your incredible!
They pat him on the back and offer congratulations, Ben stares down at the Jedi's corpse. Finally he turns and joins his fellow soldiers as the continue up the way, blasting at anything that moves, the camera zooms up into the sky, the city burns, the battle rages, C'baoths theme is at its crescendo. The sky pulses with lightning. We see C'baoth standing at the peak of a building, his arms outstretched his, eyes triumphant. More lightening in the background, the camera starts to zoom out. Bolts of lightening strike C'baoths finger tips, seeming to flow outward into the sky for a just a moment, then they are gone, the camera backs out until C'baoth is indistinguishable among the buildings. Cut to Credits, music grim and intense.
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