Star Wars VII - Revised and Redacted

Chapter 15: Intruders

The Falcon came out of lightspeed and angled its course behind one of the planetary moons of Starkiller base.

"How do we know when the shields are rerouted?" Han asked.

"As the power is drained from the star, it will flow toward the planet in a stream," Finn explained. He pointed out the window to a flaming line lancing outward from the sun. "It should look just like that."

"Let's hope they haven't upgraded their shield systems," Han muttered.

"What do you mean upgraded their shields?" Finn questioned.

"If they put in auxiliary shield generators, they could have a secondary field in place, and we'll run right into it," Han answered.

"What is your problem telling people things up front?" Finn complained.

Han shrugged.

The surface terrain nearest Starkiller base was held in the icy grip of winter with snow covered mountains and trees draped in layers of white. The Falcon dove into a canyon, turning hard to port and flying on one edge in order to slip through the narrow confines of the ravine.

Han altered the controls, causing the ship to swoop upward and barely miss the rim of the cliff. It did catch the tops of a few trees, tearing them off and leaving a scattering of branches and leaves in its wake.

"Where's the nearest entry point?" Han asked.

"Over there," Finn answered, pointing through the cockpit window.

"Chewie, set her down beyond that cluster of trees," Han instructed. "It'll be a hike, but less chance of the ship being seen while we're inside."

   ***   

Kylo Ren entered Rey's interrogation room. A wave of his hand caused the restraints to unlock and swing back from her arms and legs.

"You're going to see my master, Supreme Leader Snoke," Kylo announced. "It would seem he..."

Kylo trailed off, turning to gaze back down the corridor a moment before returning his attention to Rey.

"We have uninvited guests," Kylo told her. He looked toward the stormtroopers standing guard. "Escort her to the transport ship in bay three. Snoke has requested her. Fail to deliver her, and I'll kill you myself."

Kylo turned and stalked out of the room while saying, "I'll deal with our visitors personally."

   ***   

The outer doors opened, letting in the snow and cold. Finn hurried inside, followed by Han and Chewie.

"I was sure they would've deleted my access codes by now," Finn said in bewilderment once everyone was inside and the door sealed behind them.

"Overconfidence," Han answered in a low voice to keep from making more noise than necessary. "They never expected you to come back, so they didn't think it would ever be a problem. Which way do we go?"

"The targeting center for the point defense lasers is this way," Finn replied. He started to head down a hallway, but Han laid hold of his shoulder and stopped him.

"Is it heavily guarded with lots of people inside?" Han questioned. Finn nodded. "We don't need to get in there, just close enough to foul their gear."

"There's a relay station on the deck below," Finn offered. When Han smiled his approval, Finn took the lead, setting off down a different corridor.

   ***   

Kylo Ren entered the primary command deck for the base. Large windows were positioned between computer consoles, offering a nearly complete view of the surrounding terrain. General Hux stood in the center of the command deck, overseeing operations for primary firing.

"General Hux," Kylo said to get the man's attention. "A strike team has entered the base."

"And you know this how?" Hux asked, but Kylo ignored the question.

"They are few in number, but they are likely only the forward elements of a much larger attack," Kylo continued.

Hux nodded as he realized where Kylo was going. Turning to a lieutenant, he gave an order. "Ready all fighters, and prep our assault cruisers for launch.  Also, signal the intercept fleet and have them standing by."

Hux returned his attention to Kylo. "If more enemies are coming, we'll give them a proper welcome."

"Good," Kylo agreed. "Alert your people quietly to the presence of the intruders. No alarms. I don't want them realizing we're on to them."

Kylo spun around in a swirl of his black cloak and marched out of the command area to seek his prey.

   ***   

Captain Phasma heard the report of intruders through her helmet earpiece a few seconds before she spotted a large shadow in a nearby service hallway. Stepping back, she placed a finger to the side of her helmet to transmit a message to command.

"This is Captain Phasma," she reported quietly. "Possible sighting of intruders, section sixteen delta three. I'm leaving my comm channel open, listen in and respond accordingly."

Phasma walked straight into the service hallway. The hairy and very strong arm of a Wookiee reached out and grabbed her, dragging her further in and out of sight.