Ben was not impressed by the quantity of weapons. Most of the blasters he has inspected were outdated or needed maintenance. The village resistance fighters had laid out all there weapons in a tent for him to look at.

"You cannot effectively fight the First Order with these," said Ben to the village head. "I will see to it that the republic will supply you with better weapons."

"We need training," said the village head. "They can shoot alright but these men, these boys don't know how to fight. Not like a soldier they don't. We've made it up as we went along and we've done a pretty bang up job so far but the First Order is closing in. Guerrilla warfare isn't making enough progress."

"Yes, I know," said Ben with a wave. "A head on confrontation with the First Order is inevitable. Your people will continue to suffer under their oppression but I promise you that it won't be for long. The republic will prevail. The wars coming to a close."

The village head nodded to him. "Thank you Captain Solo. And for all our sakes I hope your right. I take it it's onto the next village now?"

Ben stepped out. "Yeah but first I gotta take a look at the tent across from us."

The village head furrowed his eyebrows. "Why is that?"

"You have women here worth fighting for my friend," said Ben with a wide smile.

A movement in the starry Jakku sky caught his eye and his smile dissipated. "Damn, its always just before things get good."

The nearly indistinguishable object the sky came into view fast becoming an easily recognizable imperial shuttle with its escort of tie fighters.

"To arms your under attack!" Ben yelled.

As villagers all around him armed themselves or scrambled behind what little cover was available, he made his way to his X-wing fighter which was parked just over a small rise in the sand. Before he could take off however a blaster bolt volley from a tie fighter struck the engines, cooking them.

"Fantastic," Ben muttered. He settled for his blaster rifle and went back in the direction of the village.

First Order storm-troopers poured out of the shuttle, the villagers blaster shots bouncing off the ships armor, barely leaving any visible damage. It was a pitiful show. The First Orders well trained, well equipped, and well organized troopers cut down the resistance fighters with little effort.

Ben knew it was a n uphill battle so he focused on sneaking the women, children, and old away from the battle under cover of darkness.

"Make for the nearest settlement and don't stop till you get there!"

Ben aimed his rifle and squeezed off a shot, hitting a stormtrooper in the neck. Laying down surpressive fire, he made his way to the slumped body of the village head.

"C'mon old man we gotta move," he said.

The old man was dead though. A blaster shot had torn through his chest. Ben sighed and turned his attention back to the fight. It was over in seconds. Ben and the four remaining fighters were forced to their knees before the shuttle.

"Don't be snarky and maybe they'll make it quick," Ben said the the others.

"Hands up and shut it," said a storm-troopers sergeant.

Ben reluctantly obeyed.

Heavy footsteps could be heard descending the shuttle ramp. A tall well built figure in black hooded robes stepped onto the Jakku sand. An armored mask clearly made in the tradition of an ancient way covered his head. When he spoke his voice was cool, calm, and collected, a leader of clear prowess.

The masked figure towered over Ben. For the first time in a while Ben felt the slightest hint of fear. The deep voice that came from behind the mask did not come booming yet overwhelmed his mind.

"The force," Ben managed.

"To think that the infamous General Leia Skywalker would send her only son on such a dangerous mission," began the masked man. "Such commitment to the republic...."

"More has and will be sacrificed for liberty," said Ben confidently. "Empires built on tyranny always fall."

"And yet they always rise," came the cold reply. "It seems we are destined to be locked in conflict forever. One must ask why it is worth resisting at all."

Ben picked his ear. "You a First Order philosopher or something? Gotta say this is the first time I've had an intellectual discussion with one of the First Order."

The resistance fighters laughed to his taunt.

Ben flashed them a quick smirk.

"We are above the First Order," said the masked man, turning his attention to the women kneeling on Ben's right. Ben's smirk disappeared and he felt his blood start to turn cold.

"Alright take me but leave them alone," Ben stammered. "I'm your big prize remember?"

Ben swore he could actually feel the man's wicked smile behind that mask.

"I can do better."

Ben nearly fell back as the jagged red blade of a lightsaber burst into view. Two smaller beams jutted out to the side to serve as a cross-guard.

As the man brought his weapon down on the screaming woman Ben let out a pleading, "No!".

With a hiss the lightsaber cleaved right through the woman. Succumbing to animalistic rage, Ben got to his feet but the Sith Warrior shot out his palm and Ben found that he could not move a muscle. He was suspended like an object frozen in time by the powers of the Dark Side.

"A young Skywalker who has learned nothing from those who have come before," said the Sith Warrior. "Do not test your adversary unprepared."

He lowered his saber to point at the woman's corpse. "Remember that lesson the next time you think of her."

"You can hear me in here can't you?" Ben thought. "I fell your presence trying to break in. The Jedi have returned and they will stop you. When Grandmaster Skywalker comes for you buddy, it will be your end I promise you that."

The lightsaber shut off. As stormtroopers led Ben away the masked warrior's voice filled his mind. "Empires rise and fall, rebellions with them. But the Force remains, the light....and dark to meet it."