Known initially as the Steadfast by its original owner, the Libertine is a Star Yacht that served as the means of escape from Canto Bight for Finn, Rose Tico, BB-8, and DJ. The yacht was previously owned by Korfé Bennux-Ai, a Sienar-Jaemus corporation executive who engaged in arms dealing with independent worlds during the First Order and Resistance conflict, also known as the war.
A unique Star Yacht crafted by Guild d'Lanseaux within the Chardaan Orbital Yards approximately a century before 34 ABY, the Libertine was meticulously hand-built by organics to showcase the affluence of its proprietor. Like all Guild d'Lanseaux creations, the Libertine boasted a distinctive design. Its sleek hull was adorned with chromium detailing, incorporating radiation shielding woven into its plates and a highly reflective coating, all encapsulating a wealth of technology. The Libertine's bow, characterized by two frontal projections, housed the sensor spines and repulsorlift maneuvering vanes on both the port and starboard sides of the starship.
A communications spine was situated on the hull of the bow. Originating from the vessel's front tips, the sensor spines extended to the midsection, where atmospheric processors were located on either side. Within these spines were power relay conduits, power converters for forward systems, and 12 stage dynamo power generators. The repulsorlift maneuvering vanes contained overlocked forward repulsors, enabling precise micromaneuvers.
The bow's interior contained the forward deflector shield projector, an emergency beacon, and a sensor node, along with external atmospheric intake vents. Inside, the Libertine was replete with luxurious features, including a top-tier holoprojector pedestal centrally positioned in the lounge. The lounge accommodated up to fourteen individuals and featured secure compartments for storing valuables. Located in the bow, the deluxe sleeping cabin was furnished with exotic woods, while the midsection provided a deployable staircase for boarding. A flight computer hub was also situated in the midsection. The exterior of the midsection housed turbo injectors and portions of the custom d'Lanseaux engines, which extended towards the ship's rear, providing exceptional speed for a civilian craft as part of the recessed sublight drive.
Positioned at the rear of the vessel, the slightly elevated cockpit included a navigator's station, a comms station, and a captain's chair. Beneath the cockpit were the ship's hyperdrive, rear landing gear, the magnetic turbine casing, the hydraulic system, the thrust cupola, maneuvering thrusters, power cells, and a compact fusion reactor. The rear stabilizer, located at the stern and utilized for atmospheric flight, contained the aft repulsorlift array and an acceleration compensator. Furthermore, the Libertine was outfitted with an anti-theft mechanism, a safe, and antishock fields which, in conjunction with the acceleration compensator, ensured a smooth journey akin to that of a high-end airspeeder or groundcoach.
Despite its sporty nature and high speed, the Libertine lacked both weaponry and robust defensive systems, a reflection of a more peaceful era in the galaxy. This also mirrored the security associated with wealth and status.
The Guild d'Lanseaux constructed the Libertine in 66 BBY at the Chardaan Orbital Yards. According to records from the Bureau of Ships and Services, the initial owner of the spacecraft was Valis of Kuhlvult, a Kuati diplomat who originally named it the Steadfast. The ship was eventually renamed the Libertine and acquired by Korfé Bennux-Ai, a wealthy individual born on Celanon and a high-ranking manager at the Sienar-Jaemus corporation. Bennux-Ai used funds obtained from war profiteering to purchase the vessel. He amassed a considerable fortune by selling starfighters to apprehensive star systems seeking to reinforce their defenses against the First Order. Bennux-Ai utilized the lounge aboard the Libertine for negotiating deals, celebrating successful transactions, and, in instances of misfortune or failed sales, seeking solace.
In 34 ABY, a failed negotiation with Zygerrian enslavers led Bennux-Ai to instruct his pilots to redirect the Libertine to Cantonica, so he could enjoy the night on Canto Bight. While on Canto Bight, the Resistance astromech droid BB-8 and DJ, an unscrupulous criminal and slicer who had escaped from the Canto Bight police headquarters with BB-8, stole the Libertine. DJ managed to steal the Libertine by evading security personnel and employing a computer spike and key bypass to override the anti-theft measures, allowing him and BB-8 to board the ship.
With intentions of using the Libertine to leave the planet, BB-8 and DJ flew the vessel to rescue Finn and Rose Tico, who were Resistance members escaping the Canto Bight Mounted Police on a fathier. Finn and Rose had previously encountered DJ during a mission to Canto Bight to find and recruit the Master Codebreaker, a skilled slicer located on Canto Bight. However, Rose and Finn were apprehended by the Canto Bight Police Department for illegally parking their Resistance transport pod on a beach. After everyone boarded the ship, DJ quickly began looting the Libertine's cabinets, secure compartments, and safe, also gaining access to its databanks, where he discovered a catalog of starfighters for sale. After escaping Canto Bight, Rose and Finn successfully recruited DJ to assist them in slicing the Shipboard Tracking Control Complex, a device used for hyperspace tracking aboard the First Order Mega-class Star Dreadnought Supremacy, so that the besieged Resistance navy could escape the First Order's grasp, by offering her medallion as payment.
Upon the Libertine's arrival at the attack on the Resistance fleet, it docked with the Supremacy, enabling DJ, Finn, Rose, and BB-8 to board the vessel. There, they disguised themselves in First Order officer military uniforms, with BB-8 concealed in a canister. They successfully deactivated the Shipboard Tracking Control Complex but were subsequently captured by Colonel Ansiv Garmuth of the First Order Security Bureau and Captain Phasma after BB-9E exposed their presence. Following their capture, DJ betrayed the Resistance by selling their evacuation plan to Crait in exchange for his freedom and a substantial sum of money.
The debut of the Libertine occurred in Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi, which was released on December 15, 2017. It was simultaneously identified in both Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary and Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Incredible Cross-Sections, which were released on the same day as the movie.
The set used for the Libertine, as shown in the blooper reel of The Last Jedi, contained a refresher with instructions. This is the most recent instance of several references in the Star Wars films to 2001: A Space Odyssey.