The Spark [1]

Chapter 9

I was standing by Poe and my mother. We were standing around a holo map of an icy planet. The Resistance leaders were spread through the room. All were listening to Poe.

"The scan data from Snap's reconnaissance flight confirms Finn's report," he announces.

"They've somehow created a hyper-lightspeed weapon built within the planet itself," Snap says.

I shake my head. My brother's done it again.

"A laser cannon?" and officer asks.

"We're not sure how to describe a weapon of this scale," Snap continues.

"It's another Death Star," Major Ematt says.

"I wish that were the case, Major," Poe starts.

"After analyzing everything, this was the Death Star," I say and push a few buttons on the control and a holo of the the Death Star appeared. I push another button and the image shrinks down to almost nothing. "But this is Starkiller Base," they all murmur in shock.

"So, it's big," Dad says.

"How is it possible to power a weapon of that size?" Admiral Ackbar asked.

Finn steps forward. "It uses the power of the sun. As the weapon is charged the sun is drained until it disappears."

An aide stepped up to my mom. "Ma'am," she handed her something. 

I watch her as she sighs. "What?" I ask, softly.

"The First Order they're charging the weapon again now. Our system is the next target," she says.

"Blast," I mutter.

"Oh, my. Without the Republic fleet, we're doomed," C-3PO says.

"Okay. How do we blow it up? There's always a way to do that," Dad says.

"Han's right," my mother says.

I take a step back. She hates agreeing with him. But he's right.

Statura spoke. "In order for that amount of power to be contained that base has to have some kind of thermal oscillator."

"There is one," Finn says. "Precinct forty-seven. Here," he points to a hexagonal shape, moving in between Poe and I.

"If we can destroy that oscillator it might destabilize the core and cripple the weapon."

"Maybe the planet," Emett says.

"We'll go in and we'll hit that oscillator with everything we've got," Poe says.

"They have defensive shields that our ships cannot penetrate," Ackbar says.

"We disable the shields," Dad and I say together.

"Kid, you worked there. What do you got?" Dad asks Finn.

"I can do it."

"I like this guy."

"I can disable the shields, but I have to be there. On the planet."

"We'll get you there."

"Han, how?" Mom asks Dad.

He looks at her. "If I told you, you wouldn't like it."

I smile to myself before addressing the room. "We disable the shields, take out the oscillator, and blow up the big gun," Chewie roars. "May the Force be with you all."

"All right. Let's go!" Poe says dismissing everyone.

~~~

Everyone is running around base getting ready. I'm on my dad's team. I'm sure Poe would much rather have me in the sky, but my Dad wants me with him. I walk behind Finn, and we pass Poe. Poe slaps Finn's shoulder, but stops me.

"Ree, we could really use you in the air."

"I know, Dameron. But my dad asked me to be part of his team, and I can't pass that up. You know it's been seven years since I've seen him. I have to. The fact that we most likely will see Ben again, I need to be there. Please be careful."

"I know. I will. You too, Solo. I need you back in one piece," he kisses the top of my head as he pulls me in for a hug. "May the Force be with you."

"It is, silly," I say making him laugh. I hug him then let go. "I'll see you when we get back."

I walk off to help Dad with the ship. When I get there I see my parents speaking. I walk over to the ship. I watch my parents hug without saying a word. I sense sadness in them both. I watch my dad tear up. No doubt they were talking about Ben. I sigh at the thought of my brother who is on the wrong side. I haven't told anyone about me and Kylo's run in. If I did they would make sure I was okay, and I'm fine.