FN-3043 gasped for breath as he recovered from the sprint it took to stay alive. FN-1217 clapped him on the shoulder.

“I told you we’d make it,” he said, his tone through the helmet oozing relief.

3043 nodded. “Yeah, we did.” But then his attitude darkened. “Too bad Two-Three didn’t.”

There was a moment of silence as the two troopers thought of their dear friend, FN-2358, who had to be left behind if they were to survive. She could still be alive. We should be there to help her. Those thoughts only saddened him so he forced himself to stop thinking about those things.

“Come on,” Seventeen said as he rose to his feet. “Let’s avenge Two-Three.”

3043 nodded, grabbing his blaster which was lying a few inches away on the palace floor. Once he was standing they ran toward the sound of battle.

They soon found themselves in a grand courtyard where mayhem was ensuing. Troopers were hiding behind anything they could find–columns, furniture, statutes–as enemies held them at bay on the far side of the yard.

Kylo Ren was easily visible as he danced among his adversaries with his red blade.

FN-3043 pointed in his direction.

“Let’s follow him,” he said.

FN-1217 looked at him. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“He’s our best chance of staying alive.”

1217 cocked his blaster. “Then let’s go.”