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

 

 

OPENING

 

[The STAR WARS logo recedes onto a sea of stars followed by a ROLL UP of text that crawls away from the audience.]

 

OPENING CRAWL

 

Star Wars: Episode XI

The Rise of Skywalker

 

A galaxy at war!  Following in the footsteps of Darth Vader, SUPREME LEADER KYLO REN stands on the verge of ruling the galaxy through force and fear.

 

As world after world falls under the jackboot of the First Order, the citizens of the galaxy wonder: Where is General Leia Organa?  What has happened to the Resistance?  Is there any hope?

 

Above the planet Coruscant, the remnants of the Republic Fleet prepare to make their last stand against the forces of the First Order, a battle they cannot possibly hope to win...

 

 

EXT. SPACE - NEAR CORUSCANT

 

[The camera descends onto an image of the planet CORUSCANT.  Once the capital of the Galactic Republic, the planet has fallen on hard times since the days of the Empire.  The planet is much darker than it was in the past, suggesting a massive decline in population.  Several ships in the background can be seen jumping into hyperspace; away from the approaching danger.  The camera eventually focuses on the REPUBLIC FLEET; a ragtag collection of ships.  The flagship in command of the fleet is the ACKBAR.]

 

 

INT. ACKBAR - BRIDGE

 

[Within the ACKBAR, a SKELETON CREW goes about its business.  Stress levels are high, accentuated by one CREW MEMBER who drops whatever he was carrying.  The commander of the fleet, an ADMIRAL, has his back to the camera as he looks out the main viewport and onto the blackness of space.]

 

OFFICER #1 

(off screen)

Admiral Antilles.

 

[The ADMIRAL turns towards the camera and is revealed to be WEDGE ANTILLES, a former pilot of the REBELLION who flew with LUKE SKYWALKER's squadron during the days of the Galactic Empire.  WEDGE stands before a circular command table, rimmed by a number of OFFICERS.]

 

WEDGE

Yes?

 

OFFICER #1

Incoming message, sir.

 

[A HOLOGRAM of LEIA ORGANA appears over the table.  WEDGE recognizes LEIA immediately.]

 

WEDGE

Your Highness.

 

LEIA

(hologram)

I wish I had time for pleasantries, Admiral, but the First Order Fleet will be arriving any moment.

 

WEDGE

(sighs)

I know.  We’ve been ordered by the Senate to stand our ground and-

 

LEIA

(hologram, interrupting)

Listen to me, Wedge, you don’t stand a chance against them.  Abandon the Senate and join the Resistance.  Your only hope is to-

 

[The HOLOGRAM of LEIA begins to break up and cuts out.  An urgent BEEPING is heard from the command table.]

 

OFFICER #2

Admiral, a fleet of ships is dropping out of hyperspace in sector 5!

 

WEDGE

They’re here.

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[Dozens of FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYERS suddenly appear in space.  The REPUBLIC SHIPS are instantly overmatched; the ACKBAR being the only REPUBLIC SHIP comparable in size to any individual STAR DESTROYER.]

 

 

INT. ECLIPSE - BRIDGE

 

[The last STAR DESTROYER to appear is a massive command ship called ECLIPSE.  On the bridge of ECLIPSE, watching out of the main view port is SUPREME LEADER KYLO REN.  GENERAL HUX strides up to and stands beside KYLO REN.]

 

KYLO REN

(calmly)

Destroy them all.

 

HUX

(yelling)

All wings, open fire!

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The STAR DESTROYERS begin shooting at the REPUBLIC SHIPS while FIRST ORDER TIE FIGHTERS swoop in and engage the REPUBLIC X-WINGS and other FIGHTERS.  The action is fast and furious.  Things do not go well for the REPUBLIC and multiple capital ships are soon destroyed.]

 

 

INT. ACKBAR - BRIDGE 

 

[Onboard the ACKBAR, the crew is jostled as the ship is hit with cannon fire.  There is overlapping conversation among the BRIDGE CREW as orders are given and reports are received.]

 

WEDGE

(giving orders)

Picket ships, turn to point oh five and concentrate fire on the nearest Star Destroyer.  

(under his breath)

We’re not going to last very long.

 

OFFICER #2

Admiral, new contacts emerging from hyperspace in zone 9.

 

WEDGE

First Order?

 

OFFICER #2

No it's... It's the Resistance.

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[Several MEDIUM TRANSPORT SHIPS and STAR FIGHTERS drop out of hyperspace, led by the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

[POE DAMERON and CHEWBACCA (“CHEWIE”) are at the controls of the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

POE

(yelling over his shoulder)

How we doin’ on those lateral controls?

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

[In the PASSENGER LOUNGE of the MILLENNIUM FALCON are ROSE TICO, FINN and R2-D2 (“ARTOO”).  The three are working on some broken part of the ship.  ROSE is down inside of the access pit doing the dirty work while FINN and R2-D2 do their best to assist.]

 

FINN

(yelling back to Poe)

She's almost got it!

 

POE

(off screen, yelling)

Well I need it RIGHT NOW ten seconds ago!

 

[FINN places a hand on ROSE's shoulder.  ROSE is oblivious to FINN's touch.]

 

FINN

(to Rose)

I’d better get on the guns.

 

ROSE

(blindly agreeing)

Yeah.

(she then realizes)

Hey wait.

 

[ROSE reaches up and grabs FINN by his vest, leaving a greasy handprint.  ROSE pulls FINN down to her and kisses him lightly on the cheek.  R2-D2 coos.]

 

ROSE

For luck.

 

[FINN smiles and then jumps into the VENTRAL GUN PORT with a high amount of confidence.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Republic ships, this is General Poe Dameron of the Resistance, we are here to evacuate as many of you as we can.  We can’t have you throwing your lives away like this.

 

[POE closes the transmission and yells back at ROSE.]

 

POE

(yelling)

Rose!  Controls!  NOW!

 

[CHEWBACCA also yells in his native language, agreeing with POE.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

ROSE

I got it, I got it, I got it!!

 

[ROSE flips a switch which results in a welcoming WHOOSHING sound.  ROSE cheers her accomplishment.]

 

ROSE

(to R2-D2)

Can you finish up?

 

[R2-D2 BEEPS in the affirmative.]

 

ROSE

Thanks!

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

[ROSE climbs out of the access pit and heads up into the DORSAL GUNPORT on the MILLENNIUM FALCON as FIRST ORDER TIE FIGHTERS attack.]

 

FINN

You joined the party just in time, Rose.

 

ROSE

I couldn’t let you get a head start on me.

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON fights its way through the TIE FIGHTERS.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Finn, three of ‘em coming in, point two.

 

[CHEWBACCA roars.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

FINN

Got ‘em.

 

ROSE

Whoo!  Splash two more!

 

FINN

Yeah, but there's only about TWO HUNDRED more of ‘em out there.

 

[R2-D2 beeps.]

 

 

INT. ECLIPSE - BRIDGE

 

[On the ECLIPSE, KYLO REN and GENERAL HUX watch the action.]

 

KYLO REN

(calm but gritting his teeth)

Millennium Falcon.  The Resistance.

 

HUX

Destroy that BLASTED ship!!

 

 

INT. ACKBAR - BRIDGE 

 

[The ACKBAR is rocked by another explosion.  KLAXONS sound.]

 

OFFICER #1

Admiral, we have a hull breach along seam 17.  We can’t jump to hyperspace.

 

WEDGE

General Dameron, get as many of my people out of here as you can.  Leave us behind.  We’ll cover your escape.

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

With all due respect, sir, but to hell with that!  You were one of my heroes (OR “idols”) growin’ up and I ain’t leaving you behind.  Have your bridge crew stand by, we’re coming for you.

 

[CHEWBACCA growls at POE who shrugs.]

 

POE

(charming confidence)

What?  You don’t think we can do it?

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON fights its way to the ACKBAR and docks with it.  The ACKBAR CREW climbs onboard the MILLENNIUM FALCON and are greeted by R2-D2.  Once the ACKBAR  BRIDGE CREW has safely transferred, the MILLENNIUM FALCON detaches from the ACKBAR which explodes in short order.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

ROSE

POE!??

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Everybody, hang on!

 

[POE flies through the action as ROSE and FINN keep shooting.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

FINN

I got nine so far, Rose.  How you doing?

 

ROSE

Only nine?  You’re losing your touch!  I got-

 

POE

(yelling)

Look out!

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON takes a hit on its dorsal side.  ROSE is knocked out and the DORSAL GUN rendered useless.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

FINN

Rose?  Rose!

 

[FINN looks up the gunport shaft to see ROSE dangling in the seat above him.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

[A CONTROL PANEL near R2-D2 begins beeping, like Morse Code.  R2-D2 plugs into a terminal and is surprised to be receiving a transmission.  R2-D2 chatters rapidly.  WEDGE looks at one of his CREW MEMBERS.]

 

WEDGE

What's he (R2-D2) saying?

 

CREW MEMBER

(shaking her head)

Something about a coded transmission…

 

[Meanwhile, FINN has climbed up to the DORSAL GUNPORT and pulls ROSE out of the seat.  With the help of the FLAGSHIP CREW, FINN is able to lay ROSE down on the deck of the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

FINN

Rose?  Rose, can you hear me?  Are you all right?

 

[ROSE begins to moan.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Talk to me Finn, what's going on with Rose?

 

[FINN heads up to the cockpit.]

 

FINN

She's alive but she's hurt.  We gotta get out of here now.

 

POE

Couldn’t agree more.  Chewie?

 

[CHEWBACCA grunts and both he and POE reach for the hyperspace controls.]

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The remaining REPUBLIC and RESISTANCE ships jump into hyperspace followed by the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  Several TIE FIGHTERS jump into hyperspace, chasing after them.]

 

 

INT. ECLIPSE - BRIDGE

 

[On the ECLIPSE, KYLO REN turns away from the main view port and calmly walks to the exit.  He passes GENERAL HUX, who is standing over a control station.]

 

KYLO REN

Ready my shuttle.

 

 

EXT. HYPERSPACE

 

[The RESISTANCE SHIPS fly through HYPERSPACE.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

[On the MILLENNIUM FALCON, a rapid BEEPING comes from one of the controls on the cockpit.]

 

FINN

They’re still following us!

 

POE

You go take care of Rose, we’ll handle this.  All ships, we got TIEs on our tail and there's only one way to shake ‘em off.  Get to the rendezvous point.  If we’re not there in a hour, head back to base without us.

 

[POE looks at CHEWBACCA.]

 

POE

Ready for this?

 

FINN

Ready for what?

 

POE

Lightspeed skipping. 

 

FINN

How do you know how to do that? 

 

[CHEWBACCA groans.] 

 

POE

Yeah, well, Rey's not here, is she? 

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[POE drops the MILLENNIUM FALCON out of hyperspace.  All of the TIE FIGHTERS emerge from hyperspace, following the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON begins LIGHTSPEED SKIPPING from system to system.  The reckless maneuvering is especially dangerous for the pursuing TIE FIGHTERS whose numbers dwindle with each skip.  Eventually, there is only one TIE FIGHTER following the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  The MILLENNIUM FALCON jumps into hyperspace but the lone TIE FIGHTER is crushed.]

 

 

EXT. CORUSCANT - SUNSET

 

[The sun disappears behind the horizon as a COMMAND SHUTTLE descends into the atmosphere, accompanied by six TIE FIGHTERS.  The COMMAND SHUTTLE comes to a rest on a landing platform outside of the former GALACTIC SENATE building.]

 

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING - ROTUNDA

 

[KYLO REN, GENERAL HUX and a number of STORMTROOPERS exit the COMMAND SHUTTLE and proceed into the building.  They eventually enter the dilapidated and cavernous ROTUNDA.  HUX begins laughing.]

 

HUX

Victory!  Now that the First Order has conquered the galaxy, shall we continue to call you Supreme Leader?  Or Emperor?  Emperor Supreme, maybe?

 

[KYLO REN is not amused.  After a few moments, KYLO REN commands:]

 

KYLO REN

Send them in.

 

[STORMTROOPERS usher in a number of SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES and other ELECTED LEADERS of various races.  Some look very fearful, others stoic.  They all stand before KYLO REN who begins to pace as he speaks.]

 

KYLO REN

What a disappointing assembly.  You who represent what remains of the Republic Senate.  The last remnants of the of that sad, old establishment.  Let every leader of every planet, every industry, every tribe, everyone and anyone who commands others; let them understand this: I and I alone rule the galaxy.  There is no one who can oppose me.  It is useless to resist.

 

[The SENATORS look at one another, unsure of what they should do.  One stern and joyless looking man named ENRIC PRYDE steps forward.  PRYDE speaks confidently.]

 

PRYDE

Supreme Leader.

 

KYLO REN

And you are?

 

[HUX recognizes PRYDE.]

 

HUX

You’re General Pryde.  The Imperial strategist who routed the Rebels at the Battle of Catheel.

 

PRYDE

It's true.  I served Lord Vader himself.  There are many who wish to see the order, security and prosperity of the Empire return.  Many who support you in secret.  My (OR “Our”) loyalty is yours, Supreme Leader.

 

[PRYDE kneels before KYLO REN.  KYLO REN contemplates things for a moment, throwing a sideways glance at HUX.]

 

KYLO REN

Rise.  

 

[PRYDE rises to his feet.]

 

KYLO REN

You are now Allegiant General Pryde, Commander of the First Order Forces.

 

HUX

(interjecting, confused)

What!?

 

KYLO REN

(ignoring Hux)

Take command of my fleet, hunt down the remnants of the Resistance and crush them.

 

[PRYDE bows his head.]

 

PRYDE

It will be done, my lord.

 

[The look on HUX's face is as if he's eaten something extremely sour, but before he can say anything:] 

 

KYLO REN

As for the pretender Jedi.  The girl.  The one who calls herself Rey.  To every planet in the galaxy, hear my words.  If you are harboring her, surrender her immediately.  Or you …will …burn!

 

[KYLO REN's threat echoes in the chamber.]  

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - JUNGLE - DAY

 

[Over the past year, the RESISTANCE has grown by very modest numbers.  To keep themselves hidden, the RESISTANCE has split into several small cells.  Each cell establishes its own temporary base, moving to a new location every few months.]

 

[The RESISTANCE has built their CENTRAL BASE on the lush SUBTROPICAL MOON in the OSSEON BELT.  The camera pans through leafy greens.  A few small, scurrying CREATURES move past the camera position.  Suddenly, one of the CREATURES is zapped by BB-8's shock prod.  The CREATURE scurries away as BB-8 rolls past the camera and towards his destination.  Soon, REY's voice can be heard in the near distance, growing louder as BB-8 approaches.]

 

REY

(off screen)

I am one with the Force and the Force is with me.

 

[The mantra is repeated a number of times before BB-8 enters a clearing and the camera focuses on REY herself.  REY is standing on her hands with her eyes closed.  Using the FORCE, REY has lifted a circle of ROCKS - each about the size of a basketball.  The ROCKS gently circle around REY.]

 

[Eventually, REY changes the mantra:]

 

REY

I am one with the Force and the Force can SEE me.  See me.  See me.  Be with me.  Be with me.  Be with me.  Master Luke, please….

 

[REY opens her eyes and sighs with disappointment.]

 

[The ring of ROCKS around REY stop circling and suddenly drop to the ground.  One ROCK lands close enough to BB-8 that the droid reflexively backs away.  BB-8 beeps in protest.  REY summersaults to the ground, coming to rest just before BB-8.]

 

REY

Sorry about that.

 

[BB-8 squawks some more.  REY is amused.]

 

REY

I’ll be more careful next time.  I promise.

 

[BB-8 chirps at REY, informing her that she is to return to base.]

 

REY

All right, let's go.

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - DAY

 

[BB-8 leads REY back to the RESISTANCE BASE, a collection of ships, tents and temporary shelters at the base of mountain.  The afternoon shade provides little relief from the heat.]

 

[In one of the SHELTERS is MAZ KANATA.  MAZ is pouring over one of the eight JEDI TEXTS that REY liberated from JEDI TEMPLE on AHCH-TO.  MAZ is transcribing words from the book to a computer TABLET next to her.  MAZ seems frustrated.]

 

MAZ

(in Huteese, perturbed)

Why are we in such a stupid hot place like this?

(in English, still perturbed)

Come here, Threepio.

 

[C-3PO (“THREEPIO”) is in the SHELTER with MAZ and is helping her to translate the texts.  C-3PO shuffles over to MAZ.]

 

C-3PO

Yes, Madam Kanata.

 

MAZ

We’ve been over this a thousand times Threepio, just call me ‘Maz.’

 

C-3PO

Begging your pardon mad- ah, Maz… but we’ve only discussed your honorific preference three times prior to this.

 

MAZ

Stop being so literal and tell me what this phrasing means.

 

[MAZ points to a specific line in the book she is reading.  C-3PO peers over MAZ's shoulder.]

 

C-3PO

(translating)

Ghaka showhani na ta peacie oulmbrat.  Oh!  Yes.  Well, it seems to be saying-

 

[REY enters and interrupts.]

 

REY

BB-8 said you wanted to see me.

 

[MAZ hops down from her seat and approaches REY.  REY averts her eyes as MAZ is NAKED.]

 

REY

Maz, why aren’t you wearing anything?

 

MAZ

The heat on this moon is unbearable and I’m too old for shame.  Come here.  Look at this.

 

[MAZ leads REY to another corner of the shelter where a slug like creature with very large eyes named KLAUD is looking at another of the JEDI TEXTS.  MAZ removes several sheets of paper tucked into the book.]

 

MAZ

Klaud found this tucked away in the Rammahgon.  Here.  I don’t know how we missed it until now.  These notes here were written by Luke Skywalker himself.

 

REY

Are you sure?

 

C-3PO

Oh, yes.  That is most definitely Master Luke's handwriting.  Notice on the characters with a loop how the-

 

REY

What does it say?

 

++While not expressed in as many words, Rey is functionally illiterate.  While she can speak and understand several languages, no one on Jakku bothered to teach her to read.++

 

MAZ

Luke was writing a chronicle about his journey to find the Jedi Texts.  But it wasn’t just the books, nor was it the first Jedi Temple he was looking for.  He was looking for someONE.

 

REY

Who was he looking for?

 

MAZ

He never mentions the person by name.  But, here.  The trail went cold on the planet Pasaana in the Middian System.

 

REY

(whispering to herself)

Pasaana.

 

LEIA

(off screen)

Rey.

 

[EVERYONE turns to see LEIA ORGANA, Princes of Alderaan and supreme commander of the Resistance in the entrance, accompanied by BB-8.  REY approaches LEIA.]

 

REY

Master.  Have you heard anything from Finn and Poe?  Are they on their way back?

 

[LEIA shakes her head.]

 

LEIA

They engaged the First Order.  We’ve heard nothing since.

 

[REY, MAZ and C-3PO all look at each other.  REY sighs and looks up at the sky.]

 

REY

I should be out there with them.

 

[LEIA unhooks the LIGHTSABER from REY's belt and holds it up.]

 

LEIA

You should be out on the training course, young Jedi.

 

[REY shakes her head.]

 

REY

I don’t feel like it.

(or)

I’m not in the mood.

 

[LEIA slaps REY in the face.  Hard.]

 

LEIA

Do you think the First Order (OR “Dark Side” OR “our enemy”) cares about your mood?  You must learn to control your emotions, your fear.  Focus.  Maintain discipline no matter the situation.

 

[LEIA gives REY a stern look and shakes the LIGHTSABER, putting emphasis on her point.]

 

[REY, somewhat stunned, takes the LIGHTSABER from LEIA.]

 

REY

Yes, Master (OR “Mentor” OR “General”).

 

[REY heads off into the jungle.]

 

REY

C’mon BB-8.

 

[BB-8 chirps and follows after REY.  LEIA and MAZ watch REY go.]

 

LEIA

And Maz…

 

[LEIA undoes the light scarf around her neck and tosses it to MAZ.]

 

LEIA

(continued)

Cover up, will you?

 

MAZ

Why?  It's just us girls here.

 

[C-3PO and KLAUD look at each other and groan slightly.]

 

LEIA

That's an order.

 

MAZ

(impressed)

Yes, General.

 

 

EXT. SPACE - OVER CORUSCANT

 

[Over CORUSCANT, a distinguished looking transport called the NIGHT BUZZARD flies with immunity through the FIRST ORDER SHIPS orbiting the planet.  The NIGHT BUZZARD lands at the SENATE BUILDING and the KNIGHTS OF REN emerge from the ship.]

 

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING

 

[The KNIGHS OF REN enter KYLO REN's quarters.  Two of the KNIGHTS cary a CASE between them.  KYLO REN opens the CASE, revealing the charred and melted mask of DARTH VADER.  KYLO REN closes his eyes, places his hand on VADER's mask and begins searching for REY through the FORCE.]

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - JUNGLE - LATE AFTERNOON 

 

[Meanwhile, REY runs a TRAINING COURSE that weaves through the jungle.  The course is designed to test various physical skills including LIGHTSABER combat against floating TRAINING REMOTES.  While distracted and worried for her friends, REY proceeds through the course with little issue.]

 

[The hot and humid jungle seemingly becomes cold to REY as an unnatural shadow falls over everything.  REY experiences a familiar and unwelcome feeling: a DYAD MOMENT.  REY sees flashes of strong memories, many involving KYLO REN.  REY turns to see a FORCE PROJECTION of KYLO REN standing behind her.]

 

KYLO

(dyad moment)

Come to me.

 

[REY activates her LIGHTSABER and swings at the FORCE PROJECTION but KYLO REN disappears.  REY's LIGHTSABER cuts through a tree which falls to the ground.]

 

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING

 

[KYLO REN removes his hand from DARTH VADER's mask.  Smoke rises up from the mask.  KYLO REN holds back a deep rage.  KYLO REN grabs DARTH VADER's mask and throws it to the feet of a SITH ALCHEMIST named ALBREKH, a deformed creature.]

 

KYLO REN

Melt it down.

 

[ALBREKH nods as KYLO REN exits the room.]

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - JUNGLE - LATE AFTERNOON 

 

[REY deactivates her LIGHTSABER and looks around, the cold feeling has gone away; the jungle is once again a hot and humid place.  REY breathes heavily but her focus is soon broken by BB-8's quiet beeping.  REY realizes that the fallen tree has landed on BB-8, pinning him in place.]

 

REY

Oh, BB-8!  I’m sorry.

 

[REY works to free BB-8 but a booming noise overhead catches her attention.  REY looks up and sees the RESISTANCE and REPUBLIC ships fly overhead.  BB-8 chirps.]

 

REY

They’re back!

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - SUNSET

 

[REY and BB-8 return to the RESISTANCE BASE as PILOTS debark their ships and TECHNICAL CREWS get to work.  Standing amid the confusion is LEIA.  One of the lead pilots, SNAP WEXLEY removes his helmet and reports to LEIA.]

 

SNAP

(crestfallen)

General Organa, it was a massacre.  Just like you predicted.

 

LEIA

Poe, Chewie and Finn, where are they?

 

[REY approaches them with some urgency and asks the same question.]

 

REY

Where's the Falcon?

 

[SNAP shakes his head.]

 

SNAP

TIE fighters followed us into hyperspace.  Poe drew them off.  We waited for them at the rendezvous point for as long as we could.  But….

 

[REY turns away in disbelief and aimlessly wanders to the edge of the landing zone.  SNAP is at a loss for words.  LEIA puts a comforting hand on SNAP's shoulder.]

 

LEIA

It's all right, Commander.  Get some rest.

 

[SNAP heads off.  LEIA walks over to REY who fights back tears.]

 

REY

They’re alive.  They have to be.  I would have felt it if they…

 

[REY cannot bring herself to say “if they died.”  A few moments pass before LEIA speaks.]

 

LEIA

In all my years, all my adventures, all that I’ve seen and all that I’ve done there are two things I’ve always been able to count on.  And one of them is: the Millennium Falcon always comes home.

 

WIPE TO:

 

 

INT. FORGE

 

[KYLO REN stands on the periphery of a hellish looking room.  ALBREKH and his MINIONS go about their work.  They have partially reconstructed KYLO REN's mask - which KYLO REN destroyed in a fit of rage following criticism from SUPREME LEADER SNOKE.]

 

[DARTH VADER's mask is put into a crucible and melted down.  The glowing red liquid metal is then used to fuse the pieces of KYLO REN's mask back together - making it appear cracked and scarred.]

 

[ALBREKH presents the completed MASK to KYLO REN who holds it in his hands and admires the work.]

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - MOUNTAIN - MIDNIGHT

 

[REY and LEIA sit on the side of the mountain, above the tree line, looking out onto the stars.]

 

LEIA

You know, I think I rather prefer to be called Princess instead of General.  General is too “stuffy.”  Princess is…. good and bossy.

 

REY

He reached out to me.  When I was on the training course.  Kylo… Ben.  He told me to come to him.

 

LEIA

Now that he's conquered the galaxy, you are the only threat left to him.

 

REY

Don’t you mean we are?  Us?

 

[LEIA shakes her head.]

 

LEIA

I’m no Jedi.  All I can do is give you some advice, train you to a limited extent.

 

REY

You may not be a Jedi, but you are his mother.

 

LEIA

Rey.  When you confront him.  You must not show him mercy.

 

[LEIA's ruthless statement is perplexing to REY.]

 

REY

How can you-?

 

LEIA

(interrupting)

He will use your emotions to his advantage and destroy you.  I loved my son.  More than you can ever know.  But the Dark Side has taken him from me.  Whatever Kylo Ren is, he is not my son.  You are our last hope.

 

[REY is speechless for a moment as LEIA's words sink in.]

 

REY

I… I’ve been trying to contact Luke though the Force.  But he won’t answer me.

 

LEIA

Years ago, Luke would speak to me of balance in the Force.  Neither you nor Ben have a true master to guide you anymore.  If there is balance between the two of you, it's uncontrolled.  Unguided.  Unstable.  You have to follow your own path, Rey.  With your heart and soul as compass.

 

[Both LEIA and REY look into the sky and see a SHOOTING STAR which comes closer and closer and closer.  REY finally realizes that it's not a SHOOTING STAR at all.]

 

REY

The Falcon!

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - LANDING ZONE - MIDNIGHT

 

[REY runs to the landing zone as the MILLENNIUM FALCON comes to a rest.  The MILLENNIUM FALCON is on FIRE!  RESISTANCE TECHS clamor to help extinguish the flames.]

 

TECH #1

Come on, get over here! 

 

TECH #2

I need a fire crew here!  And another one in the back!  Go, go!!! 

 

TECH #3

Coming! 

 

[The survivors of the ACKBAR emerge from the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  REY watches in disbelief.  BB-8 approaches REY and beeps.  POE is the first familiar face to emerge from the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

POE

It's on fire!  Whole thing's on fire.  All of it.  On fire!

 

REY

Hey. 

 

POE

Hey.

 

REY 

How did it go? 

 

POE 

Really bad, actually. Really bad.  Could have used your help out there. 

 

REY

The Falcon…

 

[POE looks at BB-8 and notices the damage BB-8 sustained when the tree fell on him.]

 

POE

What'd you do to the droid? 

 

REY

What'd you do the Falcon? 

 

POE

The Falcon's in a lot better shape than he is. 

 

REY

BB-8's not on fire. 

 

POE

What's left of him isn’t on fire!

 

REY

Tell me what happened. 

 

POE

You tell me first. 

 

REY

You know what you are? 

 

POE

What? 

 

REY

You’re difficult.  Really difficult.  You’re a difficult man. 

 

POE

You… You are.... 

 

[POE and REY groan simultaneously and go their separate ways.  REY sees FINN who is attending to ROSE.]

 

REY

Finn!  Rose!  Are you okay?

 

ROSE

I’m fine.

 

FINN

She got knocked out.  You’re going to the medbay.

 

ROSE

I told you, I’m fine.  I don’t need a doctor.

 

FINN

Chewie.

 

[CHEWBACCA barks as he scoops ROSE up into his arms.]

 

ROSE

Hey!  Put me down!

 

FINN

Take her to see the Doc.

 

[CHEWBACCA grunts.]

 

ROSE

Ugh!  Chewie, you really need a bath!

 

REY

What happened?

 

[CHEWBACCA, as he walks away carrying ROSE, answers REY.  POE returns with a FIRE EXTINGUISHER.]

 

REY

You lightspeed skipped?

 

POE

Yeah, well, it got us back here, didn’t it?

 

REY

You can’t lightspeed skip the Falcon!

 

POE

Actually, it turns out you can!

 

FINN

All right, guys, we just landed.

 

REY

So, bad mood?

 

FINN

Me?

 

[REY points at POE who begins using the woefully small FIRE EXTINGUISHER on the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

REY

Him.

 

FINN

Always.

 

[While the young heroes argue among themselves, the veteran leaders WEDGE and LEIA reunite.  WEDGE approaches LEIA, holding his head in shame.]

 

WEDGE

Your Highness.  Ah, I mean, General Organa.  It-  It's good to see you again.

 

[LEIA smiles and hugs WEDGE, who was not expecting the affection.]

 

LEIA

Welcome home, Wedge.

 

[The two of them look at the commotion around the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

WEDGE

It's quite the crew you have here.

 

[LEIA chuckles.]

 

LEIA

Yes, they certainly are.

 

WEDGE

(sighing)

I guess it's over then.  The First Order has conquered the last remnants of the Republic.  There's nothing left to fight for.

 

LEIA

We still have Rey.  We still have hope.

 

[C-3PO and R2-D2 approach LEIA.]

 

C-3PO

Pardon me General Organa but Artoo has some important information.

 

[R2-D2 beeps.]

 

WIPE TO:

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - LATER

 

[Most of the RESISTANCE BASE CREW are gathered under the forward section of a CORELLIAN CORVETTE for a briefing.  Everyone is standing around a TABLE which projects holographic images into the air.  Several HOLOGRAMS of LEADERS at other Resistance bases are mixed in with the live crew.  POE and FINN lead the briefing.]

 

POE

There is a spy in the First Order.  During the battle, he sent an encoded information packet which Artoo intercepted.

 

[R2-D2 chirps triumphantly.]

 

FINN

The packet was sent in three streams but we jumped away before getting all of the information.

 

POE

But what we got was enough.  In order to subdue the galaxy, the First Order has built what they are calling Death Fleet.  One thousand ships, each one armed with a massive heavy cannon.

 

FINN

Do you remember the battering ram cannon they used on Crait?  It's the exact same concept only mounted on a new type of Star Destroyer.

 

++ YouTube animator Howard Day created the Magister-class Star Destroyer.  While the ships of the Death Fleet will not be as big as the Magister-class, I like the general design of the ship and imagine something like it for the Death Fleet ships.++

 

POE

Any individual ship has firepower greater than a dreadnaught.  And when that power is combined…

 

[POE projects a simulation of the DEATH FLEET.  One thousand ships surround a planet and fire upon it, destroying the simulated planet.  Everyone in the briefing is stunned.]

 

CONNIX

It's the Death Star all over again.

 

C-3PO

Oh, my!

 

BEAUMONT

At least the Death Star was a single target.  You said a thousand ships?

 

POE

That's right.  The intel indicates that the fleet will be operational in approximately sixteen hours.

 

FINN

And then they will choose one unsuspecting world for a demonstration.

 

[CHEWBACCA growls.]

 

WEDGE

Then we need to stop them.

 

BEAUMONT

Begging your pardon, Admiral, but with what?  

 

SNAP

We don’t have a big enough fleet to take them on.

 

CONNIX

And no one is willing to supply us with hyperfuel, munitions and parts for repairs.

 

[An argument breaks out with overlapping conversation.]

 

ROSE

(off screen)

Why don’t we steal one of their ships?

 

[Everyone grows quiet and turns to look at ROSE who is holding an ice pack to her head.]

 

ROSE

The schematics show that these ships have minimal crew.  We sneak onto one, assume control and use it to destroy as many of the others as we can.

 

[POE looks at ROSE and the wheels in his head begin to turn.]

 

CONNIX

But they’ll have nine hundred and ninety-nine guns pointing right back at us.

 

FINN

Yeah… one other big problem with that.  

 

[FINN keys some controls and a partial map of the galaxy appears.  Once section of the map is highlighted.]

 

FINN

(continued)

Artoo only got part of the coordinates before we jumped away.  We know the fleet's somewhere in the Bertholds Sector.

 

BEAUMONT

We don’t even know where they are?

 

CONNIX

There are at least a hundred and fifty systems in that sector.

 

[POE bites his lip and smiles as ROSE's plan sinks in.]

 

POE

Not if we make contact with the spy again.

 

WEDGE

What?

 

POE

We take the Falcon back to Core, run a few laps around the planet…

 

FINN

Evade all the star destroyers….

 

POE

(continuing)

…make contact with the spy again,…

 

ROSE

Get shot at….

 

POE

(continuing)

…get the information we need and steal one of those Death Ships.  We keep fighting.  We show the galaxy that the First Order is vulnerable and system after system will rise up and join us.

 

FINN

That's a pretty ambitious plan.

 

POE

How long have you known me?

 

CONNIX

No one came to help us on Crait.  Why should they help us now?

 

MAZ

Because tyranny has its jaws around the throat of freedom.  No one in the galaxy can deny that fact now.  Appeasement?  Ignorance?  Collaboration?  No.  Once a tyrant has risen to power the only way to restore liberty is with action.  To fight for it!

 

[MAZ looks at LEIA who nods in approval.]

 

[More overlapping conversation breaks out.  BB-8 begins beeping excitedly.]

 

C-3PO

Oh my!  BB-8 is picking up a galaxy-wide transmission from Coruscant.

 

LEIA

Let's hear it.

 

[C-3PO clicks a number of buttons on the control panel.  A HOLOGRAM of KYLO REN appears.  Both LEIA and REY have emotional reactions to seeing KYLO REN.]

 

KYLO REN

(hologram)

The galaxy is now under the control of the First Order.  I call upon all systems to submit my authority.  Failure to do so will be met swiftly and with the harshest of measures.  Hiding somewhere in the Outer Rim are the remains of the pitiful Resistance.  Among them is a girl named Rey.  Whoever brings her to me alive will be given wealth beyond imagination.  But I warn any world who harbors her, you will feel the full wrath of the New Order.  If you show her mercy, no mercy will be shown to you.  Her life will be your death.

 

[The transmission ends abruptly.  Everyone looks at REY who stands stunned at what she's just heard.  REY begins to realize that everyone is looking at her.  REY then shrinks away and leaves the briefing.]

 

FINN

Rey.

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE

 

[REY leads FINN a fair distance away from the briefing.  The two are alone.]

 

FINN

Rey.

 

REY

He's going to do it, Finn.  He's going to use that fleet and blow up entire worlds, destroy civilizations to get to me.  Me.  Why does he hate me so much?

 

FINN

Because you are everything he isn’t.  Rey, I know you….

 

REY

People keep telling me they know me.  I’m afraid no one does.

(OR)

People keep telling me they know me.  But who am I?  I’m just… Rey.  Rey nobody.

 

[REY walks off into the darkness.  FINN watches her go.  BB-8 approaches FINN and beeps, asking a question.  FINN does not answer and BB-8 beeps sadly.]

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - MOUNTAIN PEAK

 

[REY climbs the mountain.  Standing at the peak, REY watches as the sun begins to rise.]

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - LEIA’S TENT - MORNING

 

[The next morning, REY approaches LEIA's tent.  LEIA has changed her clothing and is wearing a more formal looking dress.  REY feels like she is interrupting.]

 

REY

I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to disturb you.

 

LEIA

Not at all.  Actually, I could use some help.

 

[LEIA indicates to the NECKLACE in her hands.  REY steps behind LEIA and helps with the closure on the NECKLACE.]

 

++This is the same necklace Leia wore during the award ceremony the end of A New Hope.  Google “Princess Leia necklace” if you really want to see it++

 

REY

I have to go.  It's dangerous for me to be here.  I’m putting everyone at risk.

 

LEIA

Rey…

 

REY

No!  My mind is made up.  I could have left last night but I didn’t want to leave without telling you…  Without saying… 

 

[REY becomes emotional.  A single tear runs down REY's cheek.  LEIA embraces REY.]

 

LEIA

I know.

 

 

EXT. SUBTROPICAL MOON - RESISTANCE BASE - LANDING ZONE - MOMENTS LATER

 

[REY, with a variety of gear slung over her shoulder, approaches the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  POE and FINN are standing at the entry ramp, waiting for her.]

 

REY

You were right.  It's time for me to get out there.

 

[POE slaps FINN in the chest.]

 

POE

Told you.

 

FINN

No, I told you.

 

POE

(to Rey)

We’re going with you.

 

REY

Absolutely not!  This is something I need to do alone.

 

FINN

Yeah, alone with friends.

 

[POE heads up into the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

POE

Chewie, you get that compressor working?

 

[CHEWBACCA, from inside the MILLENNIUM FALCON, grunts.]

 

REY

(to Finn)

It's too dangerous.

 

FINN

We go together.

 

REY

And Rose?

 

FINN

I told her to sit this one out.  She's not happy with me.

 

[BB-8's beeping grabs REY's attention.  REY turns to see BB-8, C-3PO and R2-D2 behind her.]

 

REY

Oh, not you three too?

 

[R2-D2 beeps.]

 

C-3PO

Artoo will be staying here to attend to Mistress Leia.

 

REY

All right, then.

 

[REY heads into the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  R2-D2 beeps and then extends a plug that couples with BB-8 who chirps.]

 

C-3PO

You’ve giving the data you already received to BB-8?  Why not give it to me?

 

[R2-D2 beeps angrily.]

 

C-3PO

Fair enough.

 

[BB-8 heads into the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  C-3PO turns to R2-D2.]

 

C-3PO

In the event that I do not return.... I want you to know that you have been a real friend Artoo. My best one, in fact.

 

[R2-D2 beeps happily.]

 

POE

(from inside the MILLENNIUM FALCON)

Hurry up Threepio or we’re leaving you behind.

 

C-3PO

Oh!

 

[C-3PO heads into the MILLENNIUM FALCON.  R2-D2 wheels over to the edge of the landing zone and joins LEIA and MAZ as they watch the MILLENNIUM FALCON depart.]

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON zooms past the camera position.]  

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

[Within the MILLENNIUM FALCON the heroes have gathered in the passenger lounge.  CHEWBACCA is seated at the table while everyone else mulls around.]

 

FINN

So?  What's our plan?

 

REY

(indecisive)

I guess we’ll go to Pasanna.  Luke Skywalker was searching for someone there.  We find out who and-

 

POE

Yeah… No we don’t.  

 

FINN

Poe?

 

POE

She wants to take us to Pasanna, leave us there and then go and confront Kylo Ren alone, on your own, right?

 

[CHEWBACCA growls.  ROSE unexpectedly enters the passenger lounge from the Captain's quarters.  BB-8 beeps at ROSE’s arrival.]

 

ROSE

(casually)

What's going on?

 

[EVERYONE is surprised to see ROSE.]

 

FINN

Wha-?  Where did you come from?

 

ROSE

I stowed away in the secret overhead compartment in the closet of the Captain's quarters.  I figured you’d find me eventually, so… no point in hiding any longer.

 

[EVERYONE just looks at ROSE.]

 

ROSE

(a bit sheepish)

Am I the only one who knew about the secret overhead compartment in the closet of the Captain's quarters?

 

[POE snaps back to reality.]

 

POE

Okay, fine.  Rose, welcome to our little suicide mission.  Rey was about to explain her plan to ditch us and go it alone.

 

FINN

Rey, is this true?

 

[REY, ashamed, says nothing.]

 

POE

Don’t feel bad, Rey.  You’re the best fighter we got but as a strategist… you always charge in with the direct approach.

 

FINN

High praise, coming from the source.

 

[CHEWBACCA laughs.  BB-8 chirps.]

 

POE

Uh-huh.  But Kylo Ren will use that fleet against the galaxy regardless if you surrender to him or not.  We’re not gonna let you sacrifice yourself like this.

 

[FINN nods his head.  CHEWBACCA grunts.  BB-8 chirps.]

 

ROSE

(agreeing)

That's right.

 

C-3PO

Together.

 

[C-3PO places a hand on CHEWBACCA's shoulder.  CHEWBACCA looks at C-3PO who abruptly removes his hand.]

 

[REY says nothing for a few moments.]

 

REY

Then we need to make contact with that spy again.  Go to Coruscant.  Learn where that fleet is.

 

POE

That's more like it.  Chewie?

 

[CHEWBACCA stands up, grunts, and heads to the cockpit.]

 

POE

Finn, Rose, you’re on the guns.

 

ROSE

Yes!

 

POE

BB-8, get ready to intercept that signal.  [Did] Artoo tell you what to listen for?

 

[BB-8 chirps.]

 

POE

Good.

 

REY

And me?

 

POE

It's your mission.  You fly the Falcon.

 

REY

Me?  You’re the better pilot.

 

POE

Better?

 

REY

By a very slight, almost imperceptible, margin.

 

POE

Imperceptible?  That's a big word.

 

REY

Yes it is, would you like a definition?

 

POE

Well, if you’re flying the Falcon, you won’t be tempted to jump into an escape pod and surrender to Kylo Ren.

 

[REY bites her tongue and the look in her eyes reveals that POE did indeed figure out her “plan B”.  POE taps his temple with one finger.]

 

POE

Ah!  See how I got you figured out.

 

REY

(unhappy)

You are a difficult man.

 

[REY, in a huff, heads to the cockpit.]

 

POE

(smiling)

Yeah, I know.

 

[C-3PO, standing behind POE, wonders:]

 

C-3PO

Um, General Dameron…  What is my role in all of this?

 

POE

I dunno.  Don’t annoy anyone?

(or)

I dunno.  Think you can get through one mission without annoying anyone?

 

[POE heads to the bridge, leaving C-3PO to himself.]

 

C-3PO

Well… I’ll certainly try my best.

 

 

INT. ECLIPSE

 

[TWO TECHNICIANS go about their work as KYLO REN and the KNIGHTS OF REN pass by them.]

 

TECHNICIAN #1

The Knights of Ren.

 

TECHNICIAN #2

Ghouls.

 

 

INT. ECLIPSE - CONFERENCE ROOM

 

[Meanwhile, in a conference room aboard the ECLIPSE, GENERAL HUX and the MASTERMIND COUNCIL - a collection of high echelon First Order Admirals and Generals - are waiting for KYLO REN's arrival.]

 

SAMAR BAJJ

This is ridiculous.  Why must we continue to hunt down the Resistance?  The galaxy is under our control.

 

RIJOH ONNASAN

The Supreme Leader's obsession with this Jedi is putting everything we’ve accomplished at risk.

 

SAMAR BAJJ

Is she even really a Jedi?  If the rumors are true and Luke Skywalker is dead, what sort of threat can she possibly pose?

 

VINNER RIKERSH

I’d choose your words more carefully.  They could be misconstrued as treasonous.

 

MORRICH QUANDARD

Personally, I am more concerned about our sudden change in leadership.  General Pryde was well respected in the days of the Empire-

 

RIJOH ONNASAN

(interrupting)

The “days of the Empire” are long gone.  He's done nothing in the service of the First Order yet he's given command over our entire military operation?  Leader Snoke would never have done anything so rash.

 

VINNER RIKERSH

You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet about all of this, General Hux.  How does it feel to be demoted so quickly after reaching the pinnacle moment of your career? 

 

[Before HUX can answer, GENERAL PRYDE enters the conference room.  There is an awkward silence as PRYDE wordlessly crosses the room and stands before his chair at the end of the table.]

 

[KYLO REN then enters.  HUX gives RIKERSH a deadly stare as everyone around the table rises to their feet out of respect.]

 

PRYDE

Be seated, all of you.

 

[All of the FIRST ORDER OFFICERS return to their seats.  KYLO REN remains standing and looks out of the window located behind GENERAL PRYDE.  KYLO REN has a panoramic view of the FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYERS in orbit of CORUSCANT.]

 

KYLO REN

I sense unease from you, General Hux.

 

HUX

Me?  Well… the new mask is a touch unnerving, Supreme Leader.

 

MORRICH QUANDARD

I like it.

 

PRYDE

I have analyzed all of the reports on Resistance activities in the Outer Rim.  The current theory that the Resistance is massed on a single world is incorrect.  The Resistance has reverted to the tactics used by the Rebellion and split into multiple, smaller cells.  Each independent but operating with the direction of a central command base.  

 

KYLO REN

The satellite bases mean nothing to me.  I want their leadership captured or destroyed.

 

PRYDE

Then I will have the location of their command base to you within the hour, Supreme Leader.

 

[Some of the other leaders, including HUX, scoff at the idea.]

 

SAMAR BAJJ

Supreme Leader, the war is over.  We must consolidate and pacify the core worlds, increase recruitments and harvest more of the galaxy's young; not spreading ourselves thin in the Outer Rim searching for one girl.

 

PRYDE

Careful General.

 

SAMAR BAJJ

My apologies, General Pryde.  After all, you are new here.  On this council, stating the facts has always been encouraged.  Something you’d be aware of if today wasn’t your first day on the job-

 

[SAMAR BAJJ begins choking.  KYLO REN continues to look out of the window and into space as SAMAR BAJJ rises to his feet and hunches over the table, gasping for air.]

 

KYLO REN

Allegiant General Pryde's command is absolute.  Is that understood?

 

ALL

Yes, Supreme Leader.

 

KYLO REN 

Good.  Now…

 

[KYLO REN watches as the MILLENNIUM FALCON appears out of hyperspace some distance away, heading towards CORUSCANT.  KYLO REN immediately releases his grip on SAMAR BAJJ - who is now blue in the face.  SAMAR BAJJ falls into his seat, coughing and breathing heavily.  Moments later KLAXONS begin to sound.  As the MASTERMIND COUNCIL clamors to learn what is happening, KYLO REN heads to the exit.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

[Onboard the MILLENNIUM FALCON, REY is in the pilot's seat with POE standing over her shoulder, uncomfortably close.]

 

POE

Patrol fighters coming in, point seven.

 

REY

Yes, I know how to read the controls, thank you.

 

POE

Finn?  Rose?

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

FINN

We’re on ‘em.

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

BB-8, anything yet?

 

[BB-8 chirps in the negative.]

 

POE

Let us know as soon as you get something.

 

REY

Here they come!

 

[CHEWBACCA grunts.]

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON fights through the first wave of TIE FIGHTERS.]

 

[Intense battle action, details TBD, culminating with:]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Turn to point three, there's a Star Destroyer on an intercept course.

 

REY

I see it.  I also see the one…

 

POE & REY SIMLUTANIOUS 

Coming in at point one-eight-oh.

 

[CHEWBACCA groans.]

 

[The two STAR DESTROYERS try to pinch the MILLENNIUM FALCON.]

 

POE

This is getting tight!

 

REY

Only one way to go.

 

POE

Yeah.  Up!

 

REY

Down!

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON noses over and heads straight down towards the surface of CORUSCANT.  Swarms of TIE FIGHTERS emerge from the STAR DESTROYERS.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - GUN PORT

 

FINN

Oh, yeah.  Rey, we got every TIE Fighter in the First Order coming right at us.

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

Keep heading to the surface.  We can shake ‘em.

 

 

EXT. CORUSCANT - SKY

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON heads into the atmosphere of CORUSCANT with scores of TIE FIGHTERS following it.  Leading the TIE FIGHTERS is one distinguished fighter flown by KYLO REN himself.]

 

[More intense battle action as they fly through CORUSCANT, details TBD.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

[BB-8 begins chattering rapidly as he picks up the signal from the FIRST ORDER SPY.]

 

C-3PO

Oh!  Oh, my!  General Dameron!  BB-8 is picking up the signal.

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

POE

‘Bout blasted time!  Rey, head back up to orbit.  BB, let me know when you got the whole thing buddy.

 

 

EXT. CORUSCANT - SKY

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON passes the old SENATE BUILDING with the swarm of TIE FIGHTERS following it.  Both REY and KYLO REN begin to lose focus, as if they can both hear some invisible call.]

 

[REY and KYLO REN experience a DYAD MOMENT.]

 

KYLO REN

(dyad moment)

What is that?

 

REY

(dyad moment)

You hear it too?

 

KYLO REN

(dyad moment)

Yes.  It-  It sounds like…

 

REY

(dyad moment)

Singing?

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

[Meanwhile, back in reality…]

 

POE

Rey?  Rey!  Ah, this is a really bad time to space out on us, Rey!

 

FINN

What's going on up there?

 

[CHEWBACCA growls.]

 

POE

Yep.  I’m on it!

 

[POE wraps his arms around REY and pulls her out of the pilot's seat.  POE places REY in the passenger seat behind CHEWBACCA.  POE then jumps into the pilot's seat.]

 

POE

How we doin’ BB!?

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - PASSENGER LOUNGE

 

[An indicator light near BB-8 clicks and turns GREEN.  BB-8 chatters excitedly.]

 

C-3PO

BB-8 reports the data is fully downloaded.

 

POE

Fantastic, let's get out of here!

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON heads into space followed by all of the TIE FIGHTERS.]

 

 

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

 

[REY is still in the passenger seat and acting strangely.]

 

REY

(to herself)

Master Luke…?

 

POE

Punch it!

 

[CHEWBACCA barks.]

 

 

EXT. SPACE

 

[The MILLENNIUM FALCON jumps into hyperspace.  The TIE FIGHTERS, led by KYLO REN continue on but do not follow the MILLENNIUM FALCON into hyperspace.  KYLO REN's TIE FIGHTER slowly comes to a stop, leading the swarm behind him to also slow and stop.  The fleet of TIE FIGHTERS hangs motionless in space.]

 

 

INT. KYLO REN’S TIE FIGHTER

 

[KYLO REN sits quietly in the cockpit of his fighter, a bit confused about what has just happened to him.]

 

TIE FIGHTER PILOT

(over speakers)

Supreme Leader, shall we pursue?

 

[KYLO REN says nothing and stares out into space.]

 

TIE FIGHTER PILOT

(over speakers)

Supreme Leader?  Do you copy?

 

 

EXT.  SPACE

 

[KYLO REN spins his TIE FIGHTER 180 degrees and flies back to CORUSCANT.]

 

 

EXT. CORUSCANT - SENATE BUILDING - EVENING

 

[KYLO REN lands his TIE FIGHTER at the SENATE BUILDING as a powerful thunderstorm sweeps through the city.] 

 

 

INT. SENATE BUILDING

 

[KYLO REN heads into the empty building and hears a SHRIEKING CRY.  KYLO REN follows the SHRIEKING CRY and eventually reaches a private office below the SENATE CHAMBERS - an office formerly occupied by EMPEROR PALPATINE.  The room is dark and in disrepair.  KYLO REN hears the SHRIEKING CRY again.  Reaching out with one hand, KYLO REN uses the FORCE to crush one of the wall panels, revealing a SECRET PASSAGEWAY.]

 

[KYLO REN walks down the narrow passageway which opens to a dim CHAMBER; empty except for the JET BLACK MONOLITH standing at the chamber's center.  Roughly seven feet tall, the MONOLITH seems to call out to KYLO REN.  KYLO REN removes his glove and places his hand just inches from the surface of the MONOLITH.]

 

KYLO REN

(curious)

What are you?

 

[KYLO REN turns to see GENERAL PRYDE enter the chamber.  KYLO REN says nothing as PRYDE strides up to the MONOLITH.]

 

PRYDE

It is called the Omen of Darth Bane.

 

KYLO REN

What do you know of the Dark Lords?

 

[PRYDE smiles.]

 

PRYDE

We are the Sith Eternal.

 

[PRYDE holds up his left hand.  In the palm is a TATTOO that seems to shimmer as if made with holographic ink.]

 

KYLO REN

I have no patience for conjurers and soothsayers.

 

[KYLO REN attempts to choke GENERAL PRYDE with the FORCE.  It has no effect.  The TATTOO on PRYDE's hand glows as if burning and painful.  KYLO REN appears confused.]

 

PRYDE

(straining)

We are the Hands in the Dark (OR “Hands of the Dark Side”).  The Jedi prophesied that the Sith would be destroyed.  Your grandfather fulfilled that prophecy when he killed Emperor Palpatine.

 

[KYLO REN ceases his attempt to choke PRYDE.]

 

KYLO REN

Luke Skywalker killed Palpatine.

 

PRYDE

The Sith Masters were prepared for the outcome, and so they poured their knowledge (OR “souls’) into this.  They knew a day would come when someone powerful enough would take the mantel and resurrect the Dark Lords of the Sith.

 

KYLO REN

Leader Snoke?

 

PRYDE

Was one of us.  A harbinger.  Sent to destroy any lasting legacy of the Jedi.  Removing any possible threat to the New Order.  Snoke was grooming you for this day.    

 

[KYLO REN watches as other DARK FIGURES enter the chamber in silence.  All of the DARK FIGURES have the same TATTOO in the palms of their hands as PRYDE does.  The DARK FIGURES begin to chant quietly.]

 

PRYDE

(continued)

Supreme Leader.  Master of the Knights of Ren.  Heir to Darth Vader and the Dark Lords of the Sith.  This power is rightfully yours.

 

[KYLO REN removes his MASK and reaches out to touch the OMEN OF BANE.  KYLO REN rests his palm on the surface of the OMEN OF BANE.  Nothing happens.  The DARK FIGURES stop chanting.  Both KYLO REN and PRYDE are shocked.]

 

KYLO REN

No.

 

PRYDE

(confused)

But... it called out to you.

​

[KYLO REN holds back his rage.]

 

KYLO REN

No...  Not me.  It called to HER!

​