STAR WARS
EPISODE III
THE REPUBLIC FALLS
by Stephen R. Burrows
(s_r_burrows@hotmail.com)
Revised Third Draft
September 2003
“Still…there’s something familiar about this place…
It’s like…something out of a dream, or, I don’t know. Maybe I’m just going crazy.”
– Luke Skywalker, The Empire Strikes Back
A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…
EXT. SPACE
A vast sea of stars serves as a backdrop for the MAIN TITLE, followed by a ROLL-UP which crawls into infinity.
War has ravaged the galaxy. For three years,
the Grand Army of the Republic has battled the treasonous
forces of Count Dooku and the Separatists.
Under the impression that they are combating
the Dark Side of the Force, many Jedi Knights have
reluctantly joined the ranks of the Clone Army.
Now, hoping to defeat the Separatists once and
for all, Republic warships have launched a final assault
on the planet Neimoidia, capital of the
treacherous Trade Federation…
As the words drift away into the heavens, PAN DOWN to reveal Neimoidia, a large world shrouded in an ominous cloud cover. Suddenly, three dozen arrowhead-shaped Republic BATTLESHIPS come into view and speed toward the mysterious gray globe.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Amidst a blur of pre-battle activity, two figures stand overseeing the final preparations for the attack. One of them is Senator BAIL ORGANA (late 40s), who wears drab civilian clothing. The other, bedecked in a white Republic naval uniform, is Admiral WILHUFF TARKIN (late 30s).
TARKIN
Neimoidia, at last. It’s been long in the coming.
BAIL ORGANA
Too long, I fear.
TARKIN
Indeed, we should have seized control of this rock when its sniveling inhabitants first invaded Republic space. Now, I’m afraid we’ll have to teach them a rather nasty lesson.
BAIL ORGANA
(sighing)
Let’s just get this over with, Admiral Tarkin.
TARKIN
But of course.
Tarkin turns to a fellow naval officer, CAPTAIN SAGONA (30s), who is standing at a computer console nearby.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
Captain, begin landing your troops.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
TARKIN
(to Organa)
This shouldn’t take long at all.
EXT. SPACE – REPUBLIC FLEET
Out of the hangars of several battleships, smaller assault GUNSHIPS are launched and begin their descent toward the planet’s surface. One of these crafts comes near and dominates the frame.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
The PILOT and CO-PILOT — both armored clones — handle the controls expertly. A VOICE coming from behind them doesn’t even break their concentration.
VOICE (O.S.)
Pilot, how long until we reach the planet’s surface?
PILOT
Approximately six minutes, General Kenobi.
REVERSE ANGLE on OBI-WAN KENOBI, older now, more weathered, and with just a hint of gray in his hair and beard.
OBI-WAN
Thank you. Inform me shortly before we land.
PILOT
Yes, sir.
Obi-Wan turns and walks back into the main compartment of the craft. He climbs through a hatch in the floor and down a ladder into …
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – WALKER MODULE – CONTINUOUS
A dozen clone TROOPERS are seated in two rows along the length of this detachable walker. Behind Obi-Wan, the door to the walker’s own cockpit is open and a clone DRIVER can be seen. Obi-Wan makes his way toward two cloaked FIGURES sitting near the rear of the vehicle. One of them is the green-skinned Jedi KIT FISTO (30s). The other is ANAKIN SKYWALKER. Anakin appears older as well, with broader shoulders and even more confidence. However, he still sports the braid of a Padawan learner. Obi-Wan reaches the pair of Jedi and addresses Kit Fisto first.
OBI-WAN
We haven’t much time to wait, Master Fisto.
KIT FISTO
Thank you, Master Kenobi.
Obi-Wan turns to his apprentice.
OBI-WAN
Are you prepared, Anakin?
Anakin looks up from adjusting his mechanical right arm, a glimmer of annoyance in his eyes.
ANAKIN
Yes, Master.
OBI-WAN
Have you remembered your lightsaber? Your combat gear?
ANAKIN
Master, this is hardly my first battle. I’m not a child anymore.
Obi-Wan sits down in the seat opposite Anakin, studying the younger man’s face as he does so.
OBI-WAN
No. No, you’re not. But you are still my Padawan learner.
ANAKIN
Of course, Master.
An uncomfortable moment follows. Without breaking Obi-Wan’s gaze, Anakin reaches up and tosses his braid over his shoulder, hiding it from view. Obi-Wan stares back at his apprentice, brow furrowed in concern.
The tension between the two is broken by the slight jolt of the landing craft beginning its final descent.
PILOT (VIA INTERCOM)
Two minutes until troop deployment.
Obi-Wan SIGHS and pulls his lightsaber from his robes.
OBI-WAN
Well, here we go again.
Anakin and Kit Fisto ready their weapons as well. Around them, the clones prepare for action.
EXT. UPPER NEIMOIDIAN ATMOSPHERE – DAY
The gunships plunge through a blanket of thick gray cloud. There seems to be no end to this barrier in sight.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin views the progress of the landing craft on a gigantic holographic monitor. The flashing symbols that represent the gunships are nearing a large empty area where the planet’s surface should be.
TARKIN
They should be nearly through the cloud cover now.
BAIL ORGANA
And then what?
TARKIN
We don’t know.
BAIL ORGANA
You don’t know?
TARKIN
No. We haven’t any clue what’s awaiting us down there because of these accursed clouds. We’ve picked up massive energy readings, but they’re being garbled by the thick moisture layer.
BAIL ORGANA
You mean, you have no reconnaissance? No tactical information?
TARKIN
Of course not. You forget, Senator: no one’s ever seen the surface of Neimoidia except the Neimoidians themselves. But that is about to change.
BAIL ORGANA
Sounds like an awful risk to me.
TARKIN
Which is why we’re sending in the Jedi.
Across the bridge, Captain Sagona turns from a communications console and calls to Tarkin.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral Tarkin?
TARKIN
Yes?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
The lead gunship has broken through the barrier and made visual contact with the surface.
TARKIN
Excellent. Route their signal to my screen.
(turning to Organa)
Let’s take a look, shall we?
Both men turn their attention to the large monitor.
EXT. LOWER NEIMOIDIAN ATMOSPHERE – DAY
One by one, the gunships burst out of the dark clouds and speed downward. Below them, the perfectly flat surface of the planet stretches away as far as the eye can see. At least, it appears to be the surface. Something is not quite right about the way the dark gray ground shimmers.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
The Co-Pilot is busy running scans of the planet.
CO-PILOT
I’ve pin-pointed the energy sources. They appear to be coming from under the planet’s surface.
PILOT
Which sector?
CO-PILOT
Oh-two-thirty-beta.
PILOT
Roger. Initiating landing procedures.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – WALKER MODULE
The Troopers are standing now, blaster rifles in hand.
PILOT (VIA INTERCOM)
All units prepare for attack module separation and troop deployment.
As one, the clones turn to face the large hatch at the rear of the module. The Jedi are already standing there at the ready. With a HISS, the hatch begins to open.
EXT. LOWER NEIMOIDIAN ATMOSPHERE – DAY
In perfect formation, the thirty-odd gunships settle over a nondescript section of gray soil.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
The Pilot nods to his Co-Pilot.
PILOT
Detach walker module.
CO-PILOT
Module detached.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
The gunships all release their attached walkers. The units fall a short distance and, for a moment, stand upright on the ground. Then, in unison, they all begin to sink rapidly downward. The “ground” is actually a layer of thick, tar-like mud.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
The clones are all moving toward the hatchway when a massive amount of gray mud spews through the opening. Obi-Wan and Kit Fisto manage to avoid most of the flow, but Anakin is standing in the center of the three and catches it full-on. He stumbles as his legs are entangled in the sticky substance.
Obi-Wan turns to shout toward the walker’s cockpit.
OBI-WAN
Driver, we’re sinking! Extend the vehicle legs.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
Slowly, the legs of the mired walker begin to extend until they grow to thrice their original height. Tentatively, the vehicle attempts to take a step. With a familiar sound of GRINDING GEARS, the armored walker lurches forward violently.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
Clones and Jedi are thrown toward the front of the walker as it attempts to free itself. Anakin, however, is pulled backwards as the slime wrapped around his legs snaps tight. Flailing for a handhold, he is dragged out of the walker and down into the sea of mud below. Obi-Wan sees him go and stumbles toward the hatchway.
OBI-WAN
Anakin!
Reaching the threshold, Obi-Wan peers down and spots his apprentice sinking deep into the mire.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
(sighing)
Always getting himself into sticky situations.
Falling back from the hatch, Obi-Wan lunges at a nearby equipment locker and pulls out a length of metallic cord. He again turns toward the doorway, but another lurch from the walker sends him hurtling backwards into a clone Trooper. Both of them collapse to the deck. Buried beneath the clone’s bulky armor, Obi-Wan raises his head and sees Kit Fisto standing near the hatchway.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Kit, help Anakin.
Obi-Wan tosses him the cord.
KIT FISTO
Right.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
Anakin is desperately treading mud, even as the thick substance sticks to his limbs. Suddenly, his mechanical arm starts to spark. With a GROAN, Anakin watches as it SPUTTERS and goes limp.
ANAKIN
Great. Guaranteed to function in over five thousand environments.
Without the use of his arm, Anakin starts to sink lower on his right side, the mud coming up to his lips.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Guess this wasn’t one of them.
Grimacing, he spits once, takes a deep breath and prepares to go under. That’s when the end of Kit Fisto’s cord plops down next to him. With his good arm, Anakin reaches out and grabs hold of it.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Good old Master Fisto. Always there to lend a hand.
He tugs sharply on the cord and it begins to pull upward. Anakin smiles as his body starts to slide out of the muck.
His smile instantly fades, however, when a loud, whooping SHRIEK resounds in the mud around him. The surface of the quagmire begins to tremble as the SHRIEKING increases in intensity.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
The Jedi and clones hear the ominous noise as well.
OBI-WAN
What the blazes is that?
Kit Fisto just shakes his tentacled head. Then the walls of the walker begin to SHUDDER.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
The SHRIEKING reaches an ear-splitting climax. Then, very near to Anakin’s still-submerged legs, an air bubble comes to the surface and pops. Anakin stares down at the vibrating gray mud.
ANAKIN
I have a bad feeling about…
Suddenly, a gaping, toothy mouth is thrust out of the mud directly to the left of Anakin. It is followed shortly by a head — a humongous, red-eyed worm’s head. And the head is followed by a long, tapered body with a myriad of flapping tendrils on both sides. This is a MIRESLUG, one of the native predatory worms of Neimoidia.The slug arcs high into the air, still SHRIEKING, and slams into the side of the walker.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
The inside of the walker looks as if a tornado has hit. Equipment, weapons, and soldiers are thrown everywhere. As Obi-Wan picks himself up yet again, he sees that Kit Fisto has somehow kept his balance and is still staring out the hatchway.
OBI-WAN
What hit us?
KIT FISTO
You better come have a look.
Obi-Wan stumbles to the hatchway and peers out. The sight that greets him is surreal. Dozens of gigantic mireslugs have surfaced and are attacking the other walkers. Although the vehicles stand tall on their extended legs, the worms are able to propel themselves high into the air with their tendrils, and whip around the walkers with devastating results.
OBI-WAN
I must have missed this part of the briefing.
KIT FISTO
Yeah. Me too.
As the Jedi watch, one mireslug throws itself full-bore at a nearby walker. It smashes through the vehicle’s walls and comes writhing out the other side.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
SIRENS wail as the visual footage from the lead gunship plays on the viewscreen. The battle with the mireslugs is laid out in a swooping aerial shot.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral, it appears our troops are under attack.
TARKIN
Under attack? By those … things?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir. They appear to be some sort of indigenous lifeform. Very territorial.
TARKIN
I don’t care what they are. Exterminate them immediately. Signal our gunships to open fire.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
Anakin, still grasping the dangling metallic cord, glances up just in time to see a gunship swoop by and blast the mireslug nearest him. The lasers catch the beast square in the head, and the mireslug leaps high into the air with an angry ROAR.
As the worm dives back down and enters the mud, Anakin reaches out with his good arm and grabs one of the last flapping tendrils of its tail. He is instantly jerked down into the muck after it.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
Standing near the open hatch, Obi-Wan glances down just in time to see his Padawan’s feet disappearing under the surface.
OBI-WAN
Blast it, Anakin!
KIT FISTO
He must be trying to get through the mud layer. If the Neimoidians live underground, the mud can’t go on forever.
OBI-WAN
Perhaps, but his actions are rash as usual. He’s in over his head this time.
KIT FISTO
True.
OBI-WAN
I suppose I should go after him.
KIT FISTO
It would be a good thing for a master to do.
OBI-WAN
But how to get through the mud? Are there anymore of those creatures nearby?
Kit is staring downwards.
KIT FISTO
Oh yes.
Obi-Wan steps forward to stare as well.
EXT. NEIMOIDIA SURFACE – DAY
The largest mireslug of them all explodes out of the mud, a darker shade than the others and with even more grinding teeth. It propels itself up and over Kit and Obi-Wan’s walker and then wraps around the vehicle, slowly contracting its muscular body to crush the thick metal.
INT. WALKER MODULE – DAY
OBI-WAN
Sorry I asked. Come on.
The two Jedi jump through the hatchway and onto the walker’s roof, even as the clones begin firing their rifles blindly upward.
EXT. WALKER MODULE – ROOF – DAY
Dodging laser blasts, Kit and Obi-Wan leap onto the back of the giant slug and begin to hack at it with their lightsabers. They make short work of the beast, and it soon falls back to the surface in two halves.
OBI-WAN
Can’t hitch a ride with that one.
KIT FISTO
There’s plenty more.
A dozen angry worms leap up to replace the big one. They converge on the top of the walker all at once.
OBI-WAN
Good. I like to keep my options open.
A torrent of squirming, gray bodies falls upon the Jedi.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
CLOSE ON Anakin, covered in mud and gritting his teeth as he is dragged along.
From Anakin’s P.O.V., a confusing swirl of gray muck races by. Yet, the ground seems to be growing harder and rockier.
Suddenly, Anakin’s mireslug bursts out of a hole in the now solid earth. It pulls its entire body out of the tunnel opening, which is in the ceiling of a large cavern, and flops to the stone floor below. Anakin jumps clear as the wounded beast goes into convulsions. From a safe distance, the Padawan surveys the place. Above him, the cavern ceiling stretches for miles, pocked with the entrances to hundreds of tunnels. Several worm bodies can be seen weaving in and out of these passages as they attack the walkers on the surface. All around Anakin are giant cages for the worms, and now, several worried NEIMOIDIAN ATTENDANTS are running to the wounded animal on his right.Anakin shrinks back into the shadows and draws his lightsaber with his left hand. When he flips the red ignition switch, however, the saber just makes a GURGLING sound. Looking down, he sees that it is uselessly spouting gray mud.
ANAKIN
(sighing)
How predictable.
EXT. WALKER MODULE – ROOF – DAY
Kit and Obi-Wan beat off worms left and right. As they fight, a gunship swoops low to assist them with its blasters.
OBI-WAN
Kit, I have to get under the surface. Can you handle this?
KIT FISTO
I can hack it.
OBI-WAN
Good. Bring reinforcements when you can.
KIT FISTO
But how are you going to…?
But Obi-Wan is already gone. With a single leap, he covers the space between the walker and the wing of the approaching gunship. He uses the Force to tear open the outside hatch of the flying craft, and then disappears inside.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
Anakin moves slowly away from the wounded worm and the crowd of Neimoidians, all the while desperately trying to shake the mud out of his saber. Without warning, the laser sword partially ignites but then dies again, HISSING loudly. As one, the Neimoidians look up and point in Anakin’s direction.
NEIMOIDIAN ATTENDANT
Look! Intruder!
Several of the aliens draw blasters and open fire. Anakin ducks behind a rather small rock.
NEIMOIDIAN ATTENDANT (CONT’D)
Don’t let it get away!
The Neimoidians close-in on the Padawan, laying down a constant blanket of fire as they come. The closest ones reach the rock and level their blasters at Anakin.
NEIMOIDIAN ATTENDANT (CONT’D)
Shoot it! Shoot it!
Just then, a terrible SCRAPING SOUND fills the cavern, and sudden flashes of light disorient everybody. The flashes are blaster bolts, and their source is the GUNSHIP that comes crashing out one of the tunnels above. The Neimoidians scatter as the battered ship, now wingless, careens down to the rock floor and skids to a halt.
Anakin breathes a SIGH of relief as Obi-Wan pops the hatch. The senior Jedi looks over his shoulder and subtly waves his hand at the clone Pilot and Co-pilot.
OBI-WAN
Thank you for the lift. Now contact the flagship and inform them that we’ve penetrated the surface.
PILOT
Yes, General.
Obi-Wan turns to Anakin.
OBI-WAN
Well, my young apprentice, it seems you were the first to discover the way in.
ANAKIN
You know what they say, Master: the early mynock catches the worm.
OBI-WAN
Yes, I know. But next time await my instructions.
ANAKIN
Yes, Master.
(beat)
Still, my method was a bit less destructive than yours.
OBI-WAN
But much more risky … and dirty. You’re filthy, Anakin. You know that mud can’t be good for your arm.
ANAKIN
No, Master. Or for my lightsaber.
OBI-WAN
What? Oh, not again. Just how many sabers are you planning to go through?
ANAKIN
It’s getting frustrating, I know. But I think I can salvage this one. I just need some spare parts from the gunship.
OBI-WAN
You’re going to repair it now? We’re in the middle of a battle.
ANAKIN
Exactly. I can’t let you win all the glory for yourself.
Anakin catches Obi-Wan’s look and hurries to add…
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Anyway, I think I can substitute a power converter for the casing. Give me a few minutes.
A distant SIREN begins to wail. Obi-Wan glances about anxiously.
OBI-WAN
Well hurry. The Neimoidians will be back, and in greater numbers.
Anakin all but rolls his eyes as he hurries toward the grounded gunship.
ANAKIN
Whatever you say, Master.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
A hologram of the clone Pilot flickers before Tarkin’s eyes.
PILOT (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Sir, we’ve broken through to the subterranean level. Requesting reinforcements.
TARKIN
Excellent. I’ll command the gunships on the surface to target your coordinates and soften up the soil a bit.
(as an afterthought)
I suggest you take cover.
PILOT (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Yes sir.
Tarkin turns to call Captain Sagona over, but the younger officer is already bustling toward him.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Sir, we’ve just received a priority one signal from Naboo.
TARKIN
Naboo? On a military channel?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
No sir, on the diplomatic channel.
Behind Tarkin, Bail Organa turns to listen with some interest.
CAPTAIN SAGONA (CONT’D)
It’s Senator Amidala. She’s…
TARKIN
Captain, I have a battle to coordinate. I haven’t time to listen to yet another of the Senator’s diatribes on peaceful negotiation.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
It’s not that, sir. She’s desperately requesting to speak to Commander…
Bail Organa quickly steps between the two officers.
BAIL ORGANA
(to Captain Sagona)
You heard the Admiral. This is no time for interruptions.
(to Tarkin)
Perhaps I can speak to the Senator and ascertain what the problem is.
Tarkin nods and Organa bows slightly. The politician turns and makes his way to the communications console.
TARKIN
Damned bureaucrats. Now, Captain, transmit these coordinates to the gunships and have them open fire on my command.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
Obi-Wan looks upward as explosive LASERBLASTS ring out and the cavern ceiling begins to shake. He glances over to the crippled gunship in time to see the clone Pilot and Co-pilot exit and hurry toward cover.
OBI-WAN
(shouting)
Anakin, we should leave this area.
Anakin peers out through the hatchway of the gunship.
ANAKIN
Yes, Master. I just need a few more resistors.
Small rocks begin to fall from the roof and pelt Obi-Wan.
OBI-WAN
You can repair your lightsaber some other time. We need to go NOW!
Something metallic CRASHES inside the gunship.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
I just found the hydrospanner. Be right there.
The size of the falling rocks increases as the cavern ceiling begins to glow bright red. The WHINE of gunship blasters is clearly heard overhead.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, it’s all about to come crashing down around us!
Anakin reappears with a power converter and a small welding torch in his hand. He strolls toward Obi-Wan.
ANAKIN
Don’t be such a pessimist, Master.
OBI-WAN
I’m being quite literal.
Obi-Wan points upward and Anakin follows his gaze. Molten fragments of blasted rock are shaking free now.
ANAKIN
Oh. We should probably get to shelter.
OBI-WAN
Yes.
The two take-off running, but it’s no good. They haven’t gone three steps before a quarter-mile segment of ceiling gives way and plummets toward them in thousands of pieces.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
It’s too late.
Reaching up quickly with his hand, Obi-Wan uses the Force to create a sort of shield over Anakin and himself. The first large rocks hit this semi-invisible barrier and slide off to the sides.
Straining visibly, Obi-Wan glances over at Anakin. Amazingly, the Padawan is calmly tinkering with his power converter.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
I could use some help here.
ANAKIN
Sorry. I’ve got you covered.
Anakin sets the mechanical device on the ground and joins his master in concentration. The Force shield is visibly thickened. As the two Jedi watch, several gunships drop through the gaping hole and take up hovering positions over the cavern floor.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
Inside the new lead gunship, Kit Fisto and female Jedi LUMINARA UNDULI (30s) watch as another pair of clone pilots guides the craft into the subterranean caves. Kit Fisto points out the window toward two figures huddled on the rocky ground.
KIT FISTO
Look. It must be Master Kenobi and young Skywalker.
LUMINARA UNDULI
Yes, that’s them. But what is that?
Luminara Unduli points to the right, where far away on the murky underground horizon, a huge conglomeration of red lights burns brightly.
PILOT
That is our target.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
A representation of these red lights appears on Tarkin’s computer display even as Captain Sagona runs over to inform him.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Sir, all units have reached the subterranean level. Also, we’ve identified what we believe to be their major city.
TARKIN
Good. Dispatch our entire force at once to neutralize it.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
And if we meet resistance?
TARKIN
Crush it, of course.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
The gunships all turn in unison to face the distant lights. The lead ship lowers its ramp to pick-up Obi-Wan and Anakin, then all of them race off toward the new target.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
The red lights are growing larger outside the cockpit window as Anakin and Obi-Wan enter.
LUMINARA UNDULI
Master Kenobi, it is well that you are unharmed.
OBI-WAN
Thank you, Master Unduli. The Force has been with us.
LUMINARA UNDULI
Let us hope that it continues to guide us. We are preparing to attack the Neimoidian’s largest stronghold.
OBI-WAN
How many life signs have you detected?
CO-PILOT
Just over two million.
OBI-WAN
That’s a lot of innocent civilians. I hope we can arrange a peaceful cease-fire.
KIT FISTO
Indeed.
The two clones exchange an unreadable look.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
The gunships race toward the underground city, which now takes on distinct shape. It’s formed mostly out of clusters of giant stalagmites with buildings and transit ways clinging to their sides. In the center of the city, one giant stalagmite rises above all the rest. This seems to be the gunships’ destination.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
The Jedi and clones all stare at the rapidly approaching city.
KIT FISTO
No defensive measures yet. Why aren’t they shooting?
They continue to stare, silently alert. Suddenly, a lightsaber IGNITES loudly and they all jump. Behind them, Anakin grins and shows off his new pale blue blade.
ANAKIN
It’s working! See?
He hands the saber handle to a flustered Obi-Wan for inspection. It’s missing the red activation button and the sleek design, but somehow it looks exactly like it should.
OBI-WAN
Crude, but functional.
Obi-Wan hands the saber back to Anakin without much ceremony and turns again to the view outside. Anakin makes a face.
ANAKIN
Well, I’m impressed with myself.
A mild ALARM goes off and the clone Co-Pilot begins hitting buttons rapidly.
CO-PILOT
We’ve reached the perimeter of the city. Still no sign of resistance. Initiating further scans of the area.
OBI-WAN
Try to isolate the life signs. They must be gathered in a central location.
KIT FISTO
If they are, I’ll bet it’s a pretty secure place.
CO-PILOT
I’ve found them. Straight ahead at oh-five-sixty-delta. All two million, gathered in the central tower.
PILOT
Roger that. Altering course.
OBI-WAN
Now we just have to find a way in.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES
The attack force sweeps around the gigantic stalagmite fortress and settles into formation near a large platform half-way up its side. One of the gunships tries out its blasters on the hard rock wall … to no effect.
INT. LEAD GUNSHIP – COCKPIT
LUMINARA UNDULI
Well, the rock is blaster proof.
OBI-WAN
Looks like we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way. Pilot, set us down on that landing platform. Then instruct what troops we have left to debark for ground assault.
PILOT
Yes, General.
INT. SUBTERRANEAN CAVES – LANDING PLATFORM
The gunships settle onto the landing pad, and perhaps thirty clone Troopers and a dozen Jedi rapidly unload. They gather into an offensive formation and hurry through a metal doorway cut into the side of the stalagmite.
INT. NEIMOIDIAN STRONGHOLD
The Republic troops follow a long, narrow hallway which leads into a large, empty cavern. They fan out along the vast chamber’s walls and move toward the open doorway on the far end. Obi-Wan and Anakin lead one column of soldiers.
OBI-WAN
(whispering)
Keep your eyes open, Anakin. This feels too easy. We may be walking into a …
Suddenly, a blazing red light snaps on, and the doors at both ends of the chamber CLANG shut. On all sides of the cavern, balconies unfold from the walls. Most of the central floor rises up to tower above the intruders. And all of these platforms are swarming with BATTLEDROIDS. Standard infantry troops, destroyer droidekas, even super battledroids — they’re all here, and they all have their weapons trained on the handful of Republic troops.
BATTLEDROID COMMANDER
Open fire!
On the cavern floor, Obi-Wan immediately turns to face a clone Trooper who wears an oversized backpack.
OBI-WAN
Now!
Even as several thousand droid guns CLICK and power-up to discharge, the Trooper throws a switch on the shoulder pad of his armor. A loud BURST of SQUEALING STATIC fills the air, after which all is deathly still. Then, slowly, one by one, all the droids slump over and let their weapons fall.
The Republic troops breathe a SIGH of relief. Obi-Wan smiles at the clone Trooper.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Nicely done. Inform Admiral Tarkin that we’ve successfully jammed the droid control frequencies.
KIT FISTO
We should have thought of that a long time ago.
Obi-Wan nods agreement, then addresses the troops.
OBI-WAN
Alright, we’ve knocked out their main army. Now let’s end all this.
ANAKIN
How are we going to do that, Master?
OBI-WAN
Simple. As usual, we just need to find the Viceroy.
INT. NEIMOIDIAN STRONGHOLD – CONTROL ROOM
Somewhere inside this colossal fortress, several NEIMOIDIAN OFFICIALS stand in a control room that overlooks the largest cavern of all: one that holds millions of their people. And there, in the center of the control room, is our old friend Viceroy NUTE GUNRAY.
NUTE GUNRAY
What? What did you say?
NEIMOIDIAN OFFICER
Our droids are not responding! They are useless!
ANOTHER NEIMOIDIAN OFFICER
And they have Jedi with them! Many Jedi! We must surrender.
NUTE GUNRAY
Enough! We will never surrender! Jedi do not frighten me!
There is an EXPLOSION outside the door. Gunray jumps and hurries to the other side of the room.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT’D)
(gesturing toward the door)
Quickly, everyone stand on that side of the room.
The Neimoidians all stare at him and do not move.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT’D)
Hurry. You must protect me.
Still, no one moves.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT’D)
This is outrageous! I am the Viceroy. If they capture me, the battle will be over.
At this, one or two Neimoidians exchange meaningful glances. Gunray is infuriated.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT’D)
Stand in front of that door now!
Suddenly, a bright glow appears in the metal doorway as one small spot is heated from outside.
NEIMOIDIAN OFFICER
It’s too late. They’re coming through!
All the Neimoidians back away. However, the bright spot does not grow. After a few seconds, it simply fades away.
NUTE GUNRAY
Ha! You see. I prepared for this. Our doors are Jedi-proof.
Then twelve bright spots appear … then twelve lightsaber blades, twirling in the heated metal. Within seconds, the heavy door crumbles to the ground. The Jedi and clone Troopers pour into the room.
OBI-WAN
Drop your weapons, all of you. We are peace-keeping forces of the Galactic Republic. Surrender and you will be spared.
The Neimoidians quickly comply. Anakin surveys the room.
ANAKIN
Where’s the Viceroy?
As one, all the Neimoidians turn and point at Gunray, who is currently attempting to crawl into a small storage cabinet. Anakin vaults over a computer terminal and jerks the Viceroy to his feet. He holds his lightsaber blade near Gunray’s face.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Finally caught up to you, creep.
Obi-Wan is at Anakin’s side in an instant.
OBI-WAN
Steady, Anakin.
Anakin lets go of the Viceroy and backs down, but he doesn’t extinguish his lightsaber.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Nute Gunray, I’m placing you under arrest for committing high treason and acts of war against the Republic.
NUTE GUNRAY
Please. Please don’t kill me.
OBI-WAN
Cooperate with us fully, instruct your people to do the same, and I assure you: no harm will come to you by our hands.
TARKIN (O.S.)
Ah-ah-ah. Not so fast, General Kenobi.
Obi-Wan turns to see a hologram of Tarkin emanating from a communications array that the clones have already set-up.
OBI-WAN
Admiral Tarkin, the situation here is under control. As you can see, we’ve placed the Viceroy in custody.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Yes, I see. You are to be commended for your excellent leadership skills, General. Now, I’ve just one task left for you. Execute the Viceroy.
OBI-WAN
What?
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE – CONTINUOUS
The shock on Bail Organa’s face mirrors that on Obi-Wan’s.
BAIL ORGANA
What?
Tarkin wheels to face him.
TARKIN
Stay out of this, Organa. Your Senate had Gunray in its grasp twice before, and you foolishly let him go. I refuse to do the same.
BAIL ORGANA
But this is not your decision. He must stand trial …
TARKIN
He already has. And yet, here we are again. General Kenobi, please carry out my orders at once.
BAIL ORGANA
Belay that order. As diplomatic representative…
TARKIN
You have no real power at all. Captain, please have the diplomatic representative escorted off the bridge.
Captain Sagona and two GUARDS step up behind Organa, blaster rifles at the ready. Tarkin smiles thinly.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
You see? Now, don’t cause a scene, Senator. Go write your strongly-worded formal complaint and you’ll feel better in the morning.
Bail Organa holds Tarkin’s gaze for a moment, and then his eyes fall. He is beaten. Slowly he turns and walks away without a word. Tarkin savors the moment, then turns back to the hologram.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
Now then, General. If you please…
INT. NEIMOIDIAN STRONGHOLD – CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan faces the hologram and braces himself.
OBI-WAN
I’m sorry, Admiral, but I cannot carry out that order. My code as a Jedi Knight prohibits me.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE – CONTINUOUS
Tarkin SIGHS and settles back in his seat.
TARKIN
Very well then. Commander Skywalker, please execute the prisoner.
INT. NEIMOIDIAN STRONGHOLD – CONTROL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Anakin doesn’t even hesitate.
ANAKIN
Yes, Admiral.
He strides purposefully toward Gunray, saber at the ready. But Obi-Wan steps between them.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, no!
With a SNARL of frustration, Anakin takes a swing at his master. Obi-Wan’s saber IGNITES just in time to block the blow. Stunned, the two men stare at each other through their crossed laser swords.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Stand down, Anakin.
ANAKIN
Sorry, Master. This is personal.
And with that, Anakin throws all his weight against Obi-Wan’s blade, pushing the unsuspecting Knight off-balance and to the floor. The Padawan then turns to face the Viceroy, raising his sword high to deliver the death blow.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
For all you did to Padmé…
From the ground, Obi-Wan stares up at his apprentice in shock. And without further ceremony, Anakin’s saber falls.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE – CONTINUOUS
Tarkin leans forward to observe the holograms before him.
TARKIN
Thank you, Commander. Now then, General, you and your fellow Jedi are finished down there. Return to the flagship for debriefing. As for the remainder of the operation, leave the clones to execute the rest of the Neimoidian government. Is that understood, Lieutenant?
A clone LIEUTENANT steps into the hologram.
LIEUTENANT (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Yes, Admiral.
TARKIN
Good. Then seal off the civilians in their refugee chambers and return to your ships. We’ll let our esteemed Senate take it from there.
LIEUTENANT (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Understood, sir.
TARKIN
Excellent. I think we can call this a great victory, gentlemen. Tarkin out.
He sits back in his chair with a smug smile.
INT. NEIMOIDIAN STRONGHOLD – CONTROL ROOM
The clone Lieutenant watches as Tarkin’s hologram fades, then steps over to his men to begin assigning tasks.
Anakin stands staring at the ground for a moment. Then he EXTINGUISHES his saber, turns in the opposite direction of his master and slowly strides away. Obi-Wan just watches him go.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE – REPUBLIC FLEET
Several assault gunships return to the Republic cruisers and dock.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – CREW QUARTERS
Anakin, now showered and wearing a clean tunic, sits in his cramped quarters tinkering with his detached prosthetic arm. He’s deep in concentration, scowling, when a RUSTLING NOISE catches his attention. He jerks his head toward the doorway, where Bail Organa stands watching him.
ANAKIN
What do you want?
Calmly, Organa steps into the room.
BAIL ORGANA
I have a communication you might be interested in, Commander.
He shuts the door behind him.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
It’s from your wife.
Anakin is out of his chair in an instant. He towers over Organa menacingly.
ANAKIN
What are you talking about?
Organa isn’t phased. He easily returns Anakin’s piercing gaze.
BAIL ORGANA
I know all about it, Skywalker. I’ve known about it since Padmé took her leave of absence from the Senate … nine months ago.
Anakin backs down a bit.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Your secret is safe with me. That is, if you’re willing to trust a politician.
ANAKIN
You said you had a message.
BAIL ORGANA
Actually, your wife is waiting to speak to you on a secure channel. Here are the access codes.
He hands Anakin a code key. The youth accepts it warily.
ANAKIN
I need to be alone.
BAIL ORGANA
Of course.
Organa quietly exits as Anakin stares down at the key.
WIPE TO:
EXT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – DUSK
A beautiful panorama, set ablaze by the departing sun. PUSH-IN on the familiar dome-shaped building that is Padmé’s home.
SEE THREEPIO (O.S.)
This is all your fault, Artoo.
CUT TO:
INT. LAKE RETREAT – HALLWAY – DUSK
Inside, SEE THREEPIO and ARTOO DEETOO make their way down a long passageway. Threepio is looking better than ever, polished and complete.
SEE THREEPIO
You were the one that suggested we offer our services in the birthing process. How was I supposed to know that Mistress Padmé doesn’t find Wookiee lullabies particularly soothing?
ARTOO DEETOO
(Beeps out a question.)
SEE THREEPIO
Of course I’m not going to try Hutteese next time. I doubt we’ll even be allowed in the room again, thanks to you.
Behind them, at the far end of the hall, a curtain is pulled back and CAPTAIN TYPHO (40s), Padmé’s chief of security, appears.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Artoo?
The droids spin around to face him.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (CONT’D)
We’re finally getting through with the transmission. We need your help boosting the signal.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Whistles an affirmative.)
The little droid rolls back down the hall and Typho steps aside to grant him entry. Threepio is not far behind.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
You can wait here, Threepio.
SEE THREEPIO
But, sir! I am fluent in over six million forms of communication. I am certain that I can be of some…
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Threepio. You can wait here.
Typho ducks back behind the curtain, leaving Threepio alone.
SEE THREEPIO
How typical.
INT. LAKE RETREAT – PADMÉ’S CHAMBER – DUSK
Artoo and Captain Typho enter a dimly lit and handsomely furnished chamber where DORMÉ (late 20s) and three other HANDMAIDENS (early 20s) stand anxiously around a couch in the center. On the couch sits a very beautiful and very pregnant PADMÉ AMIDALA. Padmé smiles as Artoo rolls across the room to a communications console.
PADMÉ
Thanks for coming, Artoo.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Chirps a cheerful reply.)
Typho follows Artoo to the console and watches as the droid plugs in.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Alright. Transmission commencing.
Padmé struggles to stand, and her Handmaidens quickly step forward to assist her. She waves them off and rises to her feet, facing a spot in the center of the room where lights are beginning to shimmer. Within moments, she is face-to-face with a life-size image of her beloved.
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Padmé.
PADMÉ
Anakin.
The two just stare at each other for several moments.
ANAKIN
I can feel your nervousness. What’s wrong?
PADMÉ
The baby is on his way.
Anakin tenses up.
ANAKIN
What? Are you alright? Is everything okay?
PADMÉ
Everything’s fine.
ANAKIN
You’re not in pain are you?
PADMÉ
(amused)
Well, no more than I should be. Don’t get so worried. I don’t even need the Force to sense your nervousness.
ANAKIN
It’s just that I’ve been so afraid for you. Being away from you like this makes me sick.
PADMÉ
There’s nothing to be afraid of, Anakin. People have been having babies for a long time. Just relax. Smile. You’re going to be a father.
Anakin does smile.
ANAKIN
Well, I have to come to you. I have to be there.
PADMÉ
Can you? The war is still raging.
ANAKIN
But not for much longer. Neimoidia just surrendered, Padmé.
PADMÉ
That’s wonderful news. Was there much bloodshed?
ANAKIN
No. Not much at all. Anyway, we should be headed back to Coruscant now. I can catch a freighter from there and be on Naboo in just a few days.
PADMÉ
What about Obi-Wan? What about your duty to the Jedi?
ANAKIN
I think I’ve served duty long enough.
PADMÉ
Anakin…
ANAKIN
Listen, I’ll make something up. I’ll get away. Let me worry about it.
His image steps closer to her.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
I will come to you.
PADMÉ
Anakin, listen. Don’t risk everything for me … or even for your son. Don’t throw it all away. I’ll understand if you can’t come.
ANAKIN
How can you say that? You’re my wife, my beloved. I will come to you, Padmé … I promise.
She smiles faintly.
PADMÉ
I know you will.
Anakin reaches out his flickering hand.
ANAKIN
I love you.
Padmé’s smile grows a bit mischievous as she clasps his holographic hand in hers.
PADMÉ
Truly?
Anakin grins back.
ANAKIN
Deeply.
They stare into each other’s eyes across the light years for several seconds and then, slowly, his image begins to fade away. Padmé watches him go. Just before he vanishes he whispers to her.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Be strong, Padmé. Be strong.
PADMÉ
(speaking loudly)
I will.
But he is gone. Padmé SIGHS and stands staring after him. Suddenly, she tenses up and gives a small CRY. Immediately, Typho and all the Handmaidens are at her side.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
What is it?
Padmé is grimacing and holding her belly.
PADMÉ
It’s beginning.
SEE THREEPIO (O.S.)
Oh dear! Whatever are we going to do?
Everyone turns to see Threepio’s head sticking guiltily through the curtain.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
(to the handmaidens)
You ladies make her comfortable. Artoo, call Theed and have them dispatch the royal midwife. And Threepio?
SEE THREEPIO
Yes?
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Go boil some water.
SEE THREEPIO
Oh. Of course.
He hurries off, a droid on a mission. Typho turns back to Padmé.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Everything’s going to be fine, M’lady.
Padmé just nods, eyes clinched shut in pain.
WIPE TO:
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – CREW QUARTERS
Anakin sits at the table, staring into space. He looks up as the door opens and Obi-Wan strides in. The older Jedi is exhausted.
ANAKIN
That must have been the longest debriefing ever.
Obi-Wan doesn’t look at him. He just goes to a bed and sits down. Anakin rises and crosses to his master. His right arm is now attached again and he holds it up for inspection.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
I repaired my arm, Master. Good as new.
Obi-Wan glances at the arm and then up at Anakin’s face.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, sit down. We need to talk.
Anakin sits on the second bed, facing his master.
ANAKIN
What’s wrong, Master?
OBI-WAN
What’s wrong? What’s wrong is you are out of control. Your actions on the planet today, they completely violated the ideals of the Jedi.
ANAKIN
I was only following orders.
OBI-WAN
I’m not going to debate it with you, Anakin. Obviously, you have not learned as much as I’d hoped. Perhaps I am to blame for that. I don’t know. What I do know is that neither of us can continue to fight in this war. I’ve requested our immediate dismissal from the Army of the Republic.
Anakin seems shocked at this news. Then he grins as the full impact of it hits him. Obi-Wan is surprised by his smile.
ANAKIN
Does that mean we’re going back to Coruscant immediately?
OBI-WAN
Yes.
Anakin’s smile grows. Obi-Wan is annoyed.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
And we’re going to remain there for quite some time. I feel we both need to focus on mediation and training.
ANAKIN
What if the Council assigns us another mission?
OBI-WAN
When the Council hears what happened today, I am certain they will agree with me. You had better enjoy the trip home, Anakin. It’s going to be your last chance to get off-planet for a very long time.
Obi-Wan stands and turns toward the bathroom door. Desperation flashes across Anakin’s face.
ANAKIN
Master, wait.
OBI-WAN
The conversation is over, Anakin. I’ve made my decision.
ANAKIN
But … but there’s something I need to tell you.
Obi-Wan stops and slowly turns around.
OBI-WAN
(sighing)
What is it?
ANAKIN
It’s about…
Suddenly, an ALARM sounds. Both Jedi stiffen.
OBI-WAN
That’s the combat alarm. We must be under attack.
Obi-Wan starts toward the cabin door.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
(over his shoulder)
You stay here and think about what I’ve said. And don’t leave the cabin.
The door slides shut behind him. Anakin stares after his master for a long moment. Then he rises and follows, his eyes filled with resolve.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin, Bail Organa and Captain Sagona are gathering around a holo-monitor as Obi-Wan hurriedly arrives. The ALARM is still wailing.
OBI-WAN
What is it?
BAIL ORGANA
Trade Federation battleship just came out of hyperspace. They’re firing up their weapons.
OBI-WAN
Don’t they know the planet has surrendered? The battle’s over.
TARKIN
Apparently it’s not over yet. Captain, order three of our destroyers to intercept the Federation ship and neutralize it.
BAIL ORGANA
(reluctantly)
Admiral, shouldn’t we at least wait until the enemy ship opens fire?
TARKIN
Oh, they’ll open fire … especially once our own ships engage them.
(to Sagona)
Relay the order, Captain.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
EXT. SPACE – FEDERATION CRUISER
Three of the arrowhead-like Republic ships move away from the fleet and toward the circular Federation craft. They fly closer and closer, but it does not discharge its weapons.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Captain Sagona stands by another console now, looking over a Scanning Officer’s shoulder.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
The Federation ship has not opened fire, sir.
BAIL ORGANA
Maybe they’re standing down.
Obi-Wan shakes his head, his eyes closed in concentration.
OBI-WAN
No. There’s something not right about this. Admiral, I suggest you order our ships to back-off at once.
Tarkin only SNORTS derisively. Then a light on the Scanning Officer’s screen begins to flash.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral, they’re opening their docking bay doors.
EXT. SPACE – FEDERATION CRUISER
As the Republic ships reach the Federation vessel, the enemy craft suddenly unleashes hundreds of droid-controlled starfighters. They swarm the three Republic destroyers and begin tearing them apart with their bristling laser cannons.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Captain Sagona whirls around to face Tarkin.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
They’ve launched droid-controlled fighters, Admiral. Several squadrons.
Tarkin takes it in stride.
TARKIN
Very well. Order all craft to move in and concentrate fire on the main cruiser.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
What about the fighters, sir?
TARKIN
They’re too small for our lasers. We’ll have to knock out the control ship.
BAIL ORGANA
That’s not going to be easy.
TARKIN
Of course, it’s not going to be easy. But I will not be intimidated by a lone Federation starship. Into the battle, Captain.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The entire task force now moves toward the Trade Federation cruiser. But before any of the Republic ships get close enough to do any real damage, more hatches on the cruiser’s surface open, and a whole new wave of fighters emerges. Lasers criss-cross the void as the droid ships ruthlessly pummel the larger vessels.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
More ALARMS are wailing now, and MUFFLED EXPLOSIONS can be heard.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral, we’re taking heavy fire … and they’ve just released more fighters.
TARKIN
Continue our attack on the cruiser.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
But sir, the waves of fighters are too thick. We can’t get through. None of our ships can.
OBI-WAN
Admiral, would it be possible to jam the droid fighters’ control frequency?
TARKIN
That would take time …
An EXPLOSION rocks the ship. Smoke begins to fill the bridge. An OFFICER (20) calls out to Tarkin.
OFFICER
Sir, we just lost our rear deflector shield.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Two of our assault cruisers have now been destroyed, Admiral.
TARKIN
(to Obi-Wan)
And it appears that time is something we just ran out of.
Tarkin pounds his fist on a computer monitor, silently seething. After a moment, however, he calmly turns toward Sagona.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
Captain, order all our ships to withdraw from the battle, and then prepare to make the jump to lightspeed.
Sagona is surprised by the order.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Sir?
TARKIN
I’ve decided that our work here is finished. They can defend this rock if they like, but they don’t even have a home to return to on the surface. That’s the irony. Now, relay my orders, please.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral. Preparing to leave the system.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
One by one, the battered Republic ships turn around and start to move away from the Federation cruiser. Tarkin’s flagship dominates the frame as it prepares to jump to hyperspace. Suddenly, however, a small SHUTTLE drops from one of its docking bays, engines already blazing.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin is sitting resignedly in his command chair.
TARKIN
How long until the jump, Captain?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
We’re ready now, Admiral.
TARKIN
Good. Give the order and take us home.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir.
Sagona is turning to relay the order to the portside crew pit, when a SECOND OFFICER (18) in the starboard pit demands his attention.
SECOND OFFICER
Captain Sagona?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes?
SECOND OFFICER
One of our long-range shuttles just made an unauthorized launch.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
What? What’s its bearing?
SECOND OFFICER
It’s heading away from the task force, sir … further into the battle.
Sagona glances nervously at Tarkin.
TARKIN
Problem, Captain?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
No, sir. We’ve just had an unauthorized shuttle launch. Probably a malfunction.
TARKIN
Then carry on with the jump.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir.
SECOND OFFICER
Wait, Captain. There’s definitely someone on-board the shuttle. And the way this guy flies — it’s the best piloting I’ve ever seen.
Across the bridge, Obi-Wan’s eyes grow wide.
OBI-WAN
Anakin.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The shuttle is flying right through the cloud of starfighters, heading for the empty space beyond the Federation cruiser. As it twists and turns, it avoids the myriad of hostile craft with incredible precision.
INT. REPUBLIC SHUTTLE
Anakin is indeed at the controls, his jaw clenched and his eyes focused. The shuttle’s comlink CRACKLES to life and Obi-Wan’s voice is heard above him.
OBI-WAN (VIA COMLINK)
Anakin, this is your master. I don’t know what you’re doing, but turn around now. We’re about to leave the system.
Anakin ignores the voice and throws the ship into a nose-dive.
OBI-WAN (VIA COMLINK)(CONT’D)
Anakin, listen to me. It is imperative …
Annoyed, Anakin reaches out and switches off the comlink.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The shuttle reaches the bottom of its dive and continues gunning for deep space.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Obi-Wan stands near a comm-unit talking into a handheld receiver.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, don’t try to be a hero. Return to the flagship at once.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
I don’t think he’s trying to be a hero. Looks like he’s trying to get to the other side of the battle so he can jump to hyperspace himself.
Tarkin rises from his chair, supremely irritated.
TARKIN
Then let him go! I thought I’d ordered a retreat, Captain. Why are we still in the system?
Obi-Wan strides toward Tarkin.
OBI-WAN
Admiral, that’s my Padawan out there.
TARKIN
I don’t care who it is. Do you hear that?
He cocks his head as more MUFFLED EXPLOSIONS are heard.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
That is the sound of this ship continuing to be torn apart while we sit here and visit.
OBI-WAN
But we have to go after him.
TARKIN
We most certainly do not. I will not risk a Republic command vessel and the lives of everyone on-board just because you cannot control your apprentice, Kenobi.
(to Sagona)
Captain, make the jump to hyperspace NOW!
Sagona turns to do so, but Bail Organa grabs his shoulder and stops him.
BAIL ORGANA
Tarkin, you’re not thinking straight.
Tarkin turns to Organa with death in his eyes.
TARKIN
What?
BAIL ORGANA
Think about the Chancellor. What will he say if you leave Skywalker out here?
Obi-Wan glances at Organa, completely baffled by what he’s saying. Meanwhile, Tarkin’s shoulders droop just a bit.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Do you really wish to be responsible for the death of Palpatine’s favorite protegee?
Tarkin slowly EXHALES. Then he makes a decision and turns to Sagona.
TARKIN
Captain, divert all shield power to the forward deflectors… And move to intercept that shuttle. I want tractor beam control standing by.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
Tarkin turns again to glare at the Senator.
TARKIN
You’ll pay for this someday, Organa.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Republic flagship dives back into the fray. Fighters simply explode against its hull as it accelerates toward the shuttle.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin grimaces as the EXPLOSIONS intensify and as damage reports ring out from various members of the bridge crew.
OFFICER
Sir, forward deflector is down to twenty percent.
SECOND OFFICER
We have a hull breech in section ten-one-thirty-eight!
Tarkin stalks forward to stand alongside Captain Sagona. Together they tower over the sweating TRACTOR BEAM OPERATOR (mid-20s).
TARKIN
(snarling)
Are we in tractor beam range yet?
TRACTOR BEAM OPERATOR
Not yet, sir. Just a few more seconds.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
He’s almost clear of the starfighter field. In a few more seconds he’ll make the jump to lightspeed.
TRACTOR BEAM OPERATOR
I know, sir.
INT. REPUBLIC SHUTTLE
Anakin dodges left and then right past the last starfighter. Then he sees that he has cleared the battle completely, and allows himself a small grin. The renegade Padawan reaches out and grasps the hyperspace lever. Slowly he brings it back. The stars begin to blur…And suddenly, Anakin is thrown forward as his ship violently jerks back.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
TRACTOR BEAM OPERATOR
Got him!
TARKIN
Then pull him in!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The underbelly of the Republic flagship looms above Anakin’s tiny shuttle as the tractor beam draws him in. Droid fighters are swarming all around the big ship, concentrating their fire in one place. The target area erupts in flames.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
A deafening EXPLOSION rocks the bridge.
OFFICER
Deflector shields are down. They’re completely gone!
Tarkin turns to the Tractor Beam Operator.
TARKIN
Hurry, blast it!
The Operator pulls one last lever, then nods.
TRACTOR BEAM OPERATOR
He’s aboard.
TARKIN
LIGHTSPEED! NOW!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The flagship throws itself into lightspeed, more fighters exploding around it as it does. On the far side of the battle, the rest of the Republic task force jumps into hyperspace as well.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Everyone EXHALES in relief. Captain Sagona lowers himself into a chair, while the Tractor Beam Operator wipes his brow. Tarkin, however, is still all business.
TARKIN
I want a squadron of troops sent to the docking bay to arrest that brat now.
Sagona jumps to his feet.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
Behind him, Obi-Wan is already on his way out the aft door, heading to the docking bay. Bail Organa follows.
INT. REPUBLIC FLAGSHIP – DOCKING BAY
Anakin’s shuttle is just coming to rest, guided by a large robotic docking arm, as Obi-Wan and Bail Organa enter. A dozen clone Troopers clamber up to the small craft and form a half circle around its hatchway.
CLONE COMMANDER
Set rifles to stun.
Slowly, the shuttle’s ramp begins to descend. Before it is even halfway down, however, Anakin shoots out, lightsaber swinging. The clones back-off, and Anakin desperately surveys the docking bay. He makes a leap toward another shuttle a few hundred yards off. Instantly, a dozen stun rays composed of blue circles shoot out to ensnare the Jedi in the air. Anakin expertly twirls his saber and deflects them all … all except the lowest one. It catches him in the legs, and he falls to the deck. Struggling to get to his feet, he stumbles again, his legs useless. The clones are on top of Anakin in an instant. They viciously beat him down with the butts of their rifles. Then they seize his lightsaber and lock his hands in binders. Anakin CRIES OUT in pain and anger. Deeply concerned, Obi-Wan rushes into the melee.
OBI-WAN
Wait!
He reaches out to help his apprentice, but immediately finds a blaster rifle pointed at his forehead. Slowly, Obi-Wan backs away. Six of the clones pull Anakin to his feet and then drag him off toward the docking bay door. Through the blood that is flowing from his brow, Anakin catches a glimpse of Obi-Wan.
ANAKIN
(yelling)
Master, help me!
Obi-Wan stares straight down the rifle barrel at the clone who has him at gunpoint.
OBI-WAN
Just stay calm, Anakin.
ANAKIN
Master, please!
Then Anakin notices Bail Organa standing quietly off to the side.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Senator Organa! You have to help me. I have to get off this ship. I have to go to her.
Organa looks away, helpless.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Please! I must be with my wife.
A clone Trooper clubs Anakin again with his rifle, and the Padawan is instantly silent. The soldiers haul him out of the docking bay, and the door closes behind them. The six remaining clones gather around to inspect the shuttle. The one guarding Obi-Wan pulls the rifle away and strides off without a word. Obi-Wan gathers his wits and pulls his cloak around him. Then, turning, he hesitantly approaches the silent Organa.
OBI-WAN
I am confused by what my Padawan said just now, Senator. Is there something I should know?
Organa avoids making eye contact with Obi-Wan. He is silent for a moment. Then…
BAIL ORGANA
It’s a long story.
Obi-Wan folds his arms.
OBI-WAN
Good. It’s a long trip back to Coruscant.
Bail Organa studies Obi-Wan’s face, and then nods.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE – CORUSCANT
The “bright center of the universe” is lit up in all its industrial glory. Tarkin’s flagship and the rest of the Republic task force swoop down in tight formation and head toward the planet’s northern hemisphere.
EXT. CORUSCANT – LANDING PLATFORM – DUSK
The sun is nearly setting as the fleet of warships settles onto a massive platform. A huge throng is assembled to give the returning warriors a hero’s welcome, and a giant banner emblazoned with the emblem of the Republic waves in the wind. In front of the banner, SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE (late 50s) sits on a raised speaker’s platform, along with many important DELEGATES from the Senate. On Palpatine’s right sits a short, bespectacled man wearing a stylish suit. This is GRENZ VERMILLION (40s), Minister of Information.
EXT. OBSERVATION BOX – DUSK
Slightly removed from the rest of the crowd, the Jedi Council has assembled in an elevated private balcony. MACE WINDU (mid-40s) and YODA (mid-880s) sit front and center.
EXT. LANDING PLATFORM – DUSK
A HORN FANFARE rings out. The crowd APPLAUDS as Tarkin, Sagona, Organa and the Senior Officers march down the flagship’s ramp and congregate before the speaker’s platform. Confetti fills the air. The Officers are followed by Obi-Wan, Kit Fisto, Luminara Unduli and the other Jedi Knights.
EXT. OBSERVATION BOX – DUSK
MACE WINDU
Our knights return from battle. They have done well.
YODA
Yes. But where is young Skywalker?
Mace Windu shakes his head and leans forward for a better view.
EXT. LANDING PLATFORM – DUSK
Palpatine stands and beckons for Tarkin to join him on the platform. As the APPLAUSE dies down, the Chancellor speaks into a translucent microphone.
PALPATINE
Citizens of the Republic, allow me to present our savior: Admiral Tarkin.
The crowd CHEERS anew.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
We are all indebted to you, Admiral. You and your forces have delivered a crushing blow to the enemies of liberty. For your valor and courage in battle, we are proud to confer upon you this title: Defender of the Republic.
The crowd CHEERS even louder as Palpatine hangs a large medal around Tarkin’s neck. Tarkin bows slightly and then descends the platform to stand with his troops.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
It is evident that we all agree Admiral Tarkin is deserving of the honor. And yet, even as we bestow it, we realize that his actions have outdated this very title.
A MURMUR runs through the crowd. Bail Organa exchanges glances with Obi-Wan.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Indeed, by defeating Neimoidia and subjecting it to Republic-rule, Admiral Tarkin has ushered in a new era of history. You see, my friends, the Senate has decided not to recognize Neimoidia as a member of the Republic.
Bail Organa frowns deeply.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Rather, it shall remain an occupied territory, subservient to the rule of the State. From this point forward, our central government shall no longer be viewed by outlying systems as a weak, splintered bureaucracy. No. Now we shall be feared as a powerful Galactic Empire.
The crowd GOES WILD.
EXT. OBSERVATION BOX – DUSK
The Jedi shake their heads in shock, uncertain what to make of this. Behind them, the sun sets.
EXT. LANDING PLATFORM – DUSK
Palpatine isn’t finished yet. He speaks over the still-CHEERING crowd.
PALPATINE
Yes, my friends. This is the dawn of a new age of order. And yet, let us be honest. Danger still lurks near at hand. Factions of separatists still threaten to destroy all that we have labored so hard to build. And Count Dooku still has not been apprehended. Until he is permanently silenced, all hopes for peace are fragile at best.
The crowd has grown still.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Therefore, I have decided to use the powers vested in me by the Senate to authorize the creation of ten million more clone soldiers. Only by resupplying our army in such a manner can we ensure that this age of order will last. Long live peace. Long live prosperity. Long live the Empire.
The approving ROAR of the crowd is deafening.
EXT. OBSERVATION BOX – DUSK
Yoda’s eyes are closed in concentration.
MACE WINDU
I think it’s high time we had a serious talk with the Chancellor.
YODA
Mmm … past high time it is.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – NIGHT
The Jedi Temple stands firm against the Coruscant skyline as a sea of frenzied traffic swirls all around.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – DETENTION CELLS – NIGHT
A group of clone Troopers leads Anakin through the corridors of the Jedi Temple to a block of holding cells. Obi-Wan stands there waiting. The clones deposit Anakin in a cell and activate a force-field around it. Their Commander hands Anakin’s lightsaber to Obi-Wan.
CLONE COMMANDER
He’s all yours.
OBI-WAN
Thank you.
The clones turn and march out. Slowly, Obi-Wan approaches the force-field. He stares down at Anakin, who is sitting on a cot. The Padawan cannot return his gaze. Obi-Wan is silent for some time. Finally, he speaks.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Why, Anakin? Why didn’t you tell me?
ANAKIN
I couldn’t. You wouldn’t have understood.
(beat)
You wouldn’t have let me marry her.
Obi-Wan is angered by this.
OBI-WAN
Of course I wouldn’t have. Anakin, don’t you understand what you’ve done? You have broken your vows, turned your back on everything a Jedi holds dear. You’ve lost your focus, and you’ve endangered the lives of those around you.
Anakin’s face is grim.
ANAKIN
I know.
OBI-WAN
But that’s not all. You’ve betrayed your master’s trust. You’ve betrayed me.
(beat)
I don’t know if things can ever be the way they were before.
Anakin’s face falls. He sits in silence for several moments.
ANAKIN
What will happen to me now?
Obi-Wan SIGHS.
OBI-WAN
I’m not sure.
ANAKIN
I have to go to her, Obi-Wan. I have to be there. I can’t fail again.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, try to have patience. It’s obviously not something you possess in great amounts, but try. I will petition the Council for your release. Perhaps they will allow you to go to Naboo. Perhaps they will even reinstate you as a Jedi. I don’t know. It is an uncertain time. But I will do my best.
ANAKIN
Thank you … Master.
Obi-Wan smiles sadly.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, whatever happens, I will remain your master. And you will remain my learner … and my friend.
ANAKIN
I hope so, Master.
They hold each other’s gaze for a moment. Then Obi-Wan turns.
OBI-WAN
I’d better go find the Council.
He strides out of the room. And Anakin stares after him.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – NIGHT
As the night grows darker, the lights in several senators’ office windows still burn bright.
INT. PALPATINE’S OFFICE – NIGHT
It seems that everybody who is anybody is in this room. Palpatine sits behind his desk and faces the entire Jedi Council. Also present are Bail Organa and several members of the Loyalist Committee, including ORN FREE TA (50s) and a somber JAR-JAR BINKS (30s). Grenz Vermillion and blue-skinned Senate Whip MAS AMEDDA (50s) stand in the shadows. The air is thick with tension.
PALPATINE
Friends, friends. I realize that my words on the platform may have been cause for some alarm, and I apologize for making such sweeping statements without first consulting you. But, in all frankness, who can argue with the measures that I have proposed?
The delegates and the Jedi exchange uneasy glances.
BAIL ORGANA
I can.
PALPATINE
Ah, Senator Organa. It has been far too long since we’ve had the privilege of your counsel here. Please, tell us what troubles you.
BAIL ORGANA
There is much that troubles me, Chancellor. But foremost is the creation of more clones.
PALPATINE
I assure you that it is necessary to replenish our army. Perhaps you have not seen the most recent statistics.
BAIL ORGANA
Whether or not it is necessary is beside the point. The fact that the Senate has no say in this matter is what I find disturbing. We have bypassed the voting process long enough to fund this war. Now that the conflict is nearly over, it is time to return to normalcy.
(beat)
It is time to lay down your emergency powers, Chancellor.
For a moment, no one says anything. All eyes are on Palpatine. The Chancellor holds Organa’s gaze for a few seconds, his face unreadable. Then he smiles.
PALPATINE
You’re absolutely right. For three years, I have awaited this day. I am greatly relieved that it has finally arrived.
Everyone in the room BREATHES in relief. Palpatine turns to the Jedi Council.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
And where do the Jedi stand on this issue? Do they agree with the Senator?
MACE WINDU
The Jedi have no interest in these political details. However, if this war is going to continue, it will have to be without our aid. We have already lost too many of our number in the fighting. And we feel that a successful peace has been reached.
Palpatine nods.
PALPATINE
I understand. Your knights have fought honorably, Master Windu. Your entire Order is to be commended.
The Chancellor rises to address them all.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Very well, my friends. We will call a special session of the Senate for two days hence. There, I will relinquish my emergency powers and move that we vote on the cloning issue. After all, this is still a democracy.
He LAUGHS good-naturedly.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Thank you all for your counsel.
Everyone rises to exit, greatly relieved. Everyone, that is, except Yoda. The little Jedi Master, who hasn’t said a word this whole time, continues to stare at Palpatine, his eyes narrowed and his teeth bared. Finally, Yoda turns and exits behind the rest of the Jedi. When everyone else has left the room, Grenz Vermillion steps out of the shadows and approaches Palpatine.
GRENZ VERMILLION
Do you want the holo-media to report this decision, Chancellor?
Palpatine smiles thinly.
PALPATINE
What decision?
WIPE TO:
EXT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – NIGHT
Two silver moons are reflected in the dark waters of the lake near Padmé’s villa. Overhead, a chrome speeder flies toward the cluster of domed buildings and lands behind one of them.
INT. LAKE RETREAT – HALLWAY – NIGHT
Captain Typho escorts an elderly woman toward Padmé’s chamber. This is IORETH (60s), the royal midwife from Theed.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Thank you for coming so quickly. We weren’t expecting to call you for another week.
IORETH
These things can never be scheduled, dearie.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Madame, I’m only a soldier, but even I can see that something is wrong. My lady is in far too much pain.
IORETH
Then I’m glad you called me.
They reach the end of the hallway and pass See-Threepio and Artoo Deetoo who are waiting outside Padmé’s chamber. Ioreth pulls back the curtain and steps through the archway.
IORETH (CONT’D)
I assure you, Captain, I will do my very best.
Typho moves to follow, but Ioreth pulls the drape down behind her.
IORETH (CONT’D)
Ah, wait outside please.
She smiles.
IORETH (CONT’D)
After all, you’re only a soldier.
Typho opens his mouth to protest, but the midwife disappears behind the curtain. The captain sighs and leans against the wall opposite the droids.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Not a word, Threepio.
WIPE TO:
INT. CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – CORRIDOR – DAY
Yoda and Mace Windu are walking through the cavernous halls of the Temple together.
MACE WINDU
I am uncertain of what you’re trying to say, Master Yoda.
YODA
Simple it is, Master Windu. Not to be trusted is Chancellor Palpatine.
MACE WINDU
Well, he is a politician, but he’s also quite reasonable. You saw yourself how he acquiesced to all our requests last night.
YODA
Keep his promises he will not, I fear. Some way to monitor his actions we need.
MACE WINDU
And how exactly do you plan to do that?
The pair rounds a corner and comes to a docking port for air-taxis. A public speeder has just arrived, and currently disembarking from it is ZIPH MIFWUB (25). He’s a long-snouted and colorful (blue, to be precise) computer slicer.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Uh, hiya Master Yoda! Allow me to introduce me-self. Ziph Mifwub, slicer extraordinaire, at ya’s service.
MACE WINDU
You’re a slicer?
ZIPH MIFWUB
Uh-ffirmative. Computers are my forte.
Mace Windu turns to Yoda, incredulous.
MACE WINDU
You hired a slicer?
YODA
Our key to discovering the Chancellor’s motives he is.
MACE WINDU
I see.
YODA
A room we have prepared for you, Mifwub. Your slicing equipment you may bring upstairs.
There is a loud CRASH behind them. The three turn to see a gargantuan load of monitors, cables, and hard drives that have just been dropped off the end of the taxi and are now lying scattered on the deck.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Uh, yeah. I think I’s gonna need a hand with that.
WIPE TO:
INT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – PADMÉ’S CHAMBER – NIGHT
HIGH-ANGLE on the dimly-lit room. Ioreth, Dormé and the rest of the Handmaidens are gathered around Padmé’s bed. PUSH IN on Padmé, who CRIES OUT sharply, her face contorted in agony.
IORETH
What is it, child? Where is the pain now?
Padmé clutches her lower belly.
PADMÉ
Here.
Ioreth’s brow is knit with concern.
IORETH
There? Child, listen. You’re going to have to start pushing again. Can you do that?
Padmé shakes her head.
PADMÉ
No. It’s too much.
IORETH
You have to be strong, Padmé. We need to get the baby out. Do you hear what I’m saying?
Padmé’s head is rolling back and forth on the pillow.
PADMÉ
Anakin … Anakin … Where is he? I have to see him.
Ioreth leans in close.
IORETH
Why do you have to see Anakin, Padmé?
PADMÉ
To say goodbye.
Ioreth closes her eyes in sadness.
IORETH
Don’t say such things, child. Everything is going to be fine. Just fine.
She runs her hand along Padmé’s cheek, and then turns toward Dormé.
IORETH (CONT’D)
You’d better make contact with Anakin. Do it quickly.
Dormé nods through her tears and hurries out of the room.
WIPE TO:
INT. CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Ziph Mifwub is just finishing the installation of all his hardware into a cramped, little room deep inside the Jedi Temple. Yoda and Mace Windu stand and look on as he makes his final adjustments.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Alrighty, that oughta do it to it.
MACE WINDU
You’re ready to get started?
ZIPH MIFWUB
Uh-ffirmative. Course, it would help if I knew what it was I’s supposed to get started at.
Mace Windu crosses to the open door and presses a button to close it.
ZIPH MIFWUB (CONT’D)
Ah, it’s mighty secretive I see.
YODA
An important task we have for you, Mifwub. Vital to our Order. The Supreme Chancellor’s communications you are to monitor.
Mifwub’s ears stiffen and he WHISTLES out his trunk. He turns to Mace Windu.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Did he just say what I thinks he did?
MACE WINDU
Yes. We want you to slice into the Senate’s communications array and run surveillance on Palpatine’s personal transmissions.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Is that legal?
MACE WINDU
Would we have hired a slicer if it were?
ZIPH MIFWUB
Ah. Well, ya are Jedi, I suppose. And that means I don’t really have much of a choice. I just hope ya knows what ya doing.
MACE WINDU
Yes. So do I.
Yoda turns to go.
YODA
Of anything suspicious, notify us at once.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Ya got it.
The Jedi open the door and begin to exit. Outside, waiting in the hallway, is Obi-Wan.
ZIPH MIFWUB (CONT’D)
Hey, wait. Ya gots a live holo-message coming in right now. Looks like it’s from Naboo.
Yoda and Mace Windu turn back around. Obi-Wan’s face tightens.
OBI-WAN
Masters, I must have a word with you.
MACE WINDU
Of course, Obi-Wan. Just one moment.
OBI-WAN
It’s urgent, Master Windu.
Windu hesitates for a moment, then turns back to Obi-Wan.
MACE WINDU
Then let’s go somewhere private.
ZIPH MIFWUB
What does ya want me to do with the message?
MACE WINDU
Refuse it.
The three Jedi stride off down the hallway.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Okay. Ya’s the boss.
Ziph hits a button on his keypad, and then sits back to survey the many monitors in front of him. He opens a bag and starts to MUNCH on what appear to be the distant relatives of potato chips.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – MEDITATION ROOM – DUSK
Yoda, Mace Windu and Obi-Wan sit in a circle facing each other. A tense silence fills the room.
MACE WINDU
(to Obi-Wan)
You’re sure this is true?
OBI-WAN
Senator Organa told me the entire story himself. Anakin has since admitted to all of it.
Another long silence follows. Yoda’s eyes are again clinched shut in meditation.
MACE WINDU
We will have to expel him. That’s the only course of action.
Obi-Wan is grieved but nods in submission. Yoda, however, opens his eyes quickly.
YODA
No. So hasty we must not be. A crucial decision this is.
MACE WINDU
But what other option is there? Anakin has broken the Code. Marriage disqualifies him to serve as a Jedi.
YODA
Agree with you I do. But more at stake there is here than the Jedi Code.
MACE WINDU
Master Yoda, the Code has held this Order together for millennia. It cannot be lightly ignored in this case just because the boy is talented.
YODA
About the Code I know, Master Windu. Founded upon compassion it was. Needed, perhaps, that compassion is here.
MACE WINDU
What is needed here is order. This is nothing larger than a simple matter of discipline.
YODA
No, misjudged its size have you. Grave danger I sense in this boy’s dismissal. Grave danger for us all.
Mace Windu SIGHS, and another long silence follows. Finally, Obi-Wan speaks up.
OBI-WAN
Masters, if I may?
Mace Windu nods.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
If Anakin were to renounce his marriage to Senator Amidala and swear allegiance once again to the Code, would that satisfy the Jedi traditions? Would he be allowed to remain in the Order?
Mace Windu ponders this.
MACE WINDU
Possibly. The Council would have to make that decision.
YODA
But would Skywalker for himself that path choose?
MACE WINDU
He doesn’t have any say in the matter.
OBI-WAN
(eagerly)
But I think he would. Anakin has the potential to become a very powerful Jedi, and I know he won’t throw that away.
YODA
Uncertain of this you are, Master Kenobi. The decision Young Skywalker’s must be.
Mace Windu stares at Yoda in disbelief. Finally he SIGHS once more and nods.
MACE WINDU
Very well. Bring him before us. If Anakin is willing to rid himself of these attachments, then perhaps the Council will reinstate him as a Jedi.
OBI-WAN
Thank you, Masters.
Obi-Wan rises and exits. The others continue to sit in silence. Slowly, Mace Windu levels his gaze at Yoda. The other Jedi Master, however, is already deep in concentration again, shaking his head in dismay.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – NIGHT
The towering government skyscraper is again aglow against the darkening horizon. PUSH IN on one unlit window.
INT. BAIL ORGANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Organa’s office is dark for a reason. In front of his desk, two CLOAKED FIGURES sit, conferring together quietly. At the moment, Organa himself is not behind this desk, but rather, inside a transparent cubicle off to one side of the room.
PUSH IN on this sound-proof chamber as Organa stares down at a flickering holographic display.
INT. BAIL ORGANA’S OFFICE – PRIVATE CUBICLE – NIGHT
The image of a nervous Captain Typho is projected before Organa in 1/4 scale.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
You say Skywalker is being held in custody by the Jedi themselves?
BAIL ORGANA
Yes. They have learned of his marriage to the Senator. Now Anakin must stand trial before them.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
When?
BAIL ORGANA
Tomorrow morning, I believe.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
What do you think the outcome will be?
BAIL ORGANA
(gravely)
Dismissal.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
I see. I will inform my lady of the situation.
(beat)
Though it will only make matters worse.
BAIL ORGANA
Tell the Senator that she is in my thoughts. And if there is anything else I can do, contact me immediately.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Thank you, Senator Organa.
BAIL ORGANA
And Captain? Do your job well. The Republic needs Senator Amidala now more than ever.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Yes, sir.
Typho’s image fades. Organa rubs his temples, frustrated and exhausted.
INT. BAIL ORGANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
The two Cloaked Figures straighten up as Organa enters the main office again.
BAIL ORGANA
I’m terribly sorry to have kept you waiting. I should really buy a protocol droid to handle all these messages.
Organa slides into the chair behind his desk and faces the Cloaked Figures.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Now, where were we?
CLOAKED WOMAN
You were just condemning our plans as treasonous.
BAIL ORGANA
Senator Mothma, I never called them treasonous. I agree with you that Palpatine needs to be held in check. I just don’t think the measures you are proposing are necessary at this time.
The Cloaked Woman is now revealed to be MON MOTHMA (25), a beautiful junior senator with a temper as fiery as her hair.
MON MOTHMA
Well just when are they going to become necessary? When Palpatine disbands the Senate? When he declares himself Emperor of his self-proclaimed Empire?
BAIL ORGANA
That’s all nonsense.
MON MOTHMA
Is it?
BAIL ORGANA
Yes, it is. I met with the Chancellor last night to voice my concerns, and he agreed with me that the time to lay his special powers down has come. He plans to do just that at the Senate session tomorrow.
MON MOTHMA
And you believe him?
BAIL ORGANA
You’ll see for yourself tomorrow.
MON MOTHMA
I hope you’re right, Organa. I really do.
The second Cloaked Figure — a tall man with a black mustache and keen eyes — begins to grow impatient. This is General JAGGED ANTILLES (mid-30s).
GENERAL ANTILLES
In either case, my pilots and I are ready to fight. Palpatine has already gone too far in Corellia’s opinion.
BAIL ORGANA
General Antilles, I understand your concerns. But I must urge you to be patient. There is a peaceful solution to all this. I know there is.
MON MOTHMA
Sorry Senator, but that’s an optimism the General and I just can’t share. We’ll wait and see what Palpatine does tomorrow, but if he does not lay down his powers, if he remains a threat to freedom, we will take violent action.
BAIL ORGANA
I hope to never see the day when that becomes necessary.
MON MOTHMA
When you do, you’ll know where to reach us.
Mon Mothma and General Antilles rise to leave.
MON MOTHMA (CONT’D)
Thank you for your time, Senator.
BAIL ORGANA
No. Thank you for yours.
Organa watches as the two exit out a side door. He sits motionless in the dark for some time after they are gone.
WIPE TO:
EXT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – DAWN
The sunlight drifts lazily through the wispy mists of the lake. Somewhere in the distance, a BABY CRIES.
INT. LAKE RETREAT – HALLWAY – DAWN
Captain Typho has pulled up a chair and sits dozing outside Padmé’s doorway. The droids stand opposite him. See Threepio is powered down, but Artoo is wide awake.
The baby CRIES again, and Artoo WHISTLES, rolling forward and ramming Threepio. The golden droid’s eyes light up as he comes to life. Captain Typho wakes with a start as well. Just then, Dormé ducks through the curtain.
DORMÉ
It’s a girl!
Typho jumps to his feet.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
A girl? Wait, is everything alright?
But Dormé has already vanished back into the chamber. The CRYING on the other side of the curtain continues.
SEE THREEPIO
How dreadful. It sounds as though something is terribly wrong.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
It sounds like a healthy baby, Threepio. I’m concerned for the mother.
SEE THREEPIO
Oh dear.
They stand staring at the curtain for several seconds. Finally, Typho SIGHS and turns away. Just as he does, Dormé comes through again.
DORMÉ
It’s a boy!
CAPTAIN TYPHO
A boy?
He shares a confused glance with Threepio.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (CONT’D)
But you said…
DORMÉ
A girl and a boy. It’s twins.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Beeps in surprise and excitement.)
SEE THREEPIO
Oh my goodness gracious!
CAPTAIN TYPHO
The Senator, how is she?
Dormé’s face falls.
DORMÉ
Not well.
(beat)
She wants to see Threepio.
Threepio stiffens in surprise.
SEE THREEPIO
Me?
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Him?
DORMÉ
Yes, and you as well, Captain. Please come quickly.
All of them duck under the curtain, Artoo trailing quietly along behind.
INT. LAKE RETREAT – PADMÉ’S CHAMBER – DAWN
Dim rays of light spill through the curtains and illuminate the peaceful room. Padmé is laying on her bed, exhausted and fragile. In her arms she cradles two small figures wrapped in blankets. As Typho and the droids quietly approach, she looks up and manages a weak smile.
PADMÉ
(whispering)
Hi.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
(nodding)
M’lady.
PADMÉ
There’s someone you should meet. This is Luke. And this is Leia.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
Are you alright, M’lady?
PADMÉ
Captain, I want you to take Threepio to Coruscant.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
But …
PADMÉ
Threepio?
Threepio nervously steps up to the side of the bed.
SEE THREEPIO
Yes, mistress Padmé?
PADMÉ
I’m sending you to Anakin … with a message.
SEE THREEPIO
Oh dear. What message?
PADMÉ
Tell him to let me go. Tell him that we were right … we couldn’t live in this secret.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
M’lady, you’ll soon be able to tell him yourself.
Padmé shakes her head. She’s growing weaker.
PADMÉ
Tell him, Threepio. Tell him to choose the path of a Jedi and not look back.
Her head falls back onto her pillow.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
And tell him…
SEE THREEPIO
Yes, Mistress Padmé?
She smiles sadly and closes her eyes.
PADMÉ
Tell him I love him.
The room is silent. Typho is staring at his boots, and Threepio is beyond bewilderment. Finally, Typho reaches out for Padmé’s hand.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
M’lady …
His body stiffens.
CAPTAIN TYPHO (CONT’D)
M’lady?
He starts to shake her shoulders. Instantly Ioreth is by the bedside, checking for a pulse.
IORETH
Oh no!
Dormé is aghast, but has the presence of mind to duck in and lift the babies out of the chaos.
IORETH (CONT’D)
Don’t do this, Padmé. Don’t do this.
CLOSE ON LUKE and LEIA in Dormé’s arms. As the sounds of Ioreth ATTEMPTING RESUSCITATION begin in the background, young Leia begins to CRY.
SLOW WIPE TO:
EXT. CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – DAWN
Fog lies thick over the city and blots out the weak morning sun. The Jedi Temple is veiled in shadow.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAWN
Anakin stands before all twelve seated members of the Jedi Council. He wears his full Jedi robes and his lightsaber hangs from his belt. Obi-Wan stands off to one side. The solemnity in the air is stifling.
MACE WINDU
Anakin Skywalker, you’ve been brought before us today on the charge of breaking the Jedi Code. Is this accusation true?
ANAKIN
Yes, Master.
MACE WINDU
You have entered into a marriage relationship with Padmé Amidala?
ANAKIN
Yes.
MACE WINDU
And you have thereby allowed yourself a level of attachment forbidden to a Jedi Knight?
ANAKIN
Yes.
MACE WINDU
I see.
(to the rest of the Council)
What else can be said? What other course of action is there but dismissal?
A MURMUR runs through the room. KI-ADI-MUNDI (70s) raises his hand for silence.
KI-ADI-MUNDI
But Master Windu, this boy may well be the Chosen One. Surely you have not forgotten the Prophecy.
MACE WINDU
No, I have not forgotten the Prophecy. But I have realized that it cannot apply to this boy. The Prophecy speaks of one who brings balance to the Force, not one who shows contempt for it.
There is another MURMUR. This time Yoda speaks up.
YODA
Peace, Master Windu. For himself the Padawan has not yet spoken.
Yoda turns to Anakin and his eyes shine with compassion.
YODA (CONT’D)
Young Skywalker, more have you to say? An explanation have you to give?
Anakin is beginning to lose patience.
ANAKIN
An explanation?
YODA
Yes. The Code you have broken. Your vows you have violated. For what reason?
ANAKIN
For love, Master. I love Padmé. And she loves me. That’s something I’ve never felt before, something the Jedi have never offered me.
(beat)
Within these walls I was taught to trust my feelings. And those feelings tell me that I am meant to be with Padmé … that I must be with her now.
(beat)
Master, does following my feelings violate the Jedi Code?
YODA
No!
MACE WINDU
Yes. You speak truer than you know, Anakin. Your choice is between your feelings and the Code.
KI-ADI-MUNDI
Think carefully now, Anakin. You have great potential, great talent. Are you willing to throw it all away for the love of this woman? Don’t be so rash, young Padawan.
Mace Windu SIGHS.
MACE WINDU
We can debate this endlessly, but ultimately Anakin, you must make a decision. And you must make it now.
(beat)
Do you choose Padmé or the Jedi?
All is silent. Obi-Wan stares at the ground. Yoda looks on with deep concern. And Anakin stands with his eyes closed. As he struggles to choose, voices arise from his past.
QUI-GON JINN (V.O.)
He is the Chosen One. You must see that.
ANAKIN (V.O.)
Someday … I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.
PADMÉ (V.O.)
I truly, deeply love you.
Finally, a grin works its way across Anakin’s face. He opens his eyes.
ANAKIN
(in a whisper)
Padmé.
(louder)
I choose Padmé.
Yoda and Ki-Adi-Mundi’s faces fall. Mace Windu, however, doesn’t miss a beat.
MACE WINDU
Very well. You are hereby stripped of your rank of Jedi Padawan and expelled from the Order. Vacate your room in the Temple and turn in your lightsaber. That will be all.
The grin on Anakin’s face twists and contorts into a smirk. There is rage seething under the surface.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
I said that will be all.
Anakin unclips his lightsaber handle from his belt.
ANAKIN
Oh, but it won’t.
He throws the saber at Windu’s feet and storms out of the room.
For a moment, all is still. Then Yoda slips out of his chair and follows.
MACE WINDU
Master Yoda, where are you going?
Yoda nearly glares at Windu.
YODA
The young one to console.
The smaller Jedi Master exits the room as quickly as his feet will carry him. Mace Windu SIGHS yet again.
MACE WINDU
Then I suppose we are finished here.
Windu rises and exits through another door. One by one, the other Council members also stand to go. Soon only Obi-Wan remains.
After a moment’s silence, the younger Knight slowly crosses the room and stands in front of Mace Windu’s seat. He bends down and retrieves Anakin’s lightsaber. For a few moments, he studies the jury-rigged handle fondly. Then, mournfully, he tucks the saber away inside the folds of his cloak.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CORRIDOR – DAY
Yoda is hurrying after the retreating form of Anakin.
YODA
Young Skywalker. A word with you I would like.
Anakin doesn’t slacken his pace, his face hard and determined.
YODA (CONT’D)
(softly)
Please … Anakin.
This stops Anakin and he slowly turns around.
ANAKIN
What is it?
Yoda opens his mouth to speak, but is cut short as Ziph Mifwub comes running around a corner.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Master Yoda! Master Yoda, I got something ya’s gotta see!
Yoda is annoyed and tries to wave Mifwub off.
YODA
No time have I right now, Mifwub. Wait for a moment, you must.
ZIPH MIFWUB
No, I’s just about to lose the signal. Ya gotta see this! Ya won’t believe it.
Mifwub appears almost fearful about what he has seen. Yoda glances at Anakin and their eyes lock. Then the Jedi Master looks away in regret.
YODA
Later I will speak with you, young Padawan.
Yoda spins and hurries off with Mifwub. Anakin’s twisted smirk returns. He shakes his head bitterly and stalks off.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – SECRET ROOM – DAY
On a holo-pad in the center of Ziph Mifwub’s computer setup, the shimmery image of a cloaked and sinister figure stands — DARTH SIDIOUS. On an adjacent holo-pad is the image of the pale alien that Sidious is communicating with, LAMA SU (50s), Prime Minister of Kamino.
DARTH SIDIOUS (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Excellent work, Prime Minister. When will the newest clones be ready for combat?
LAMA SU (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Within the year, I am happy to report. However, your order for the next ten million will take some time. We are unaccustomed to handling such large numbers.
DARTH SIDIOUS
I am a patient man, Prime Minister. I will bide my time.
LAMA SU
Of course … Master Sifo-Dyas.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Prime Minister, you play games with me. As you have no doubt discovered, I killed Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas some time ago. You may call me Lord Sidious.
LAMA SU
As long as you pay for your merchandise, it is little concern of mine what name you go by, my lord.
DARTH SIDIOUS
As I had hoped. Keep up the good work, my friend, and you will be rewarded in the new order.
LAMA SU
I look forward to seeing it established.
DARTH SIDIOUS
As do I.
The images flicker and fade. PULL BACK TO REVEAL that Yoda and Ziph Mifwub have been watching this entire exchange. Yoda stands staring after the holograms for a moment. When he finally speaks, it is slowly and deliberately.
YODA
From where this message came, tell me.
ZIPH MIFWUB
From Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s office.
YODA
Certain of this are you?
Ziph nods nervously.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Yeah. I’s triangulated the coordinates and recorded it all on this disk.
He holds up a square data disk. Yoda grabs it and turns briskly to leave the room.
YODA
(over his shoulder)
Done well you have, Mifwub.
He starts to exit.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Where’s ya going?
Yoda pulls out his lightsaber handle.
YODA
The Chancellor to confront.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – LANDING PAD – DAY
Three JEDI SPEEDERS take off from one of the Temple’s platforms. They swing around in formation and cut abruptly into the flow of traffic.
INT. JEDI SPEEDER – COCKPIT – DAY
Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi and three other Jedi are riding in this craft. Jedi Master SAESSEE TIIN (40s) is piloting.
YODA
Hurry we must if the Chancellor we are to apprehend.
KI-ADI-MUNDI
You’re certain about this, Master Yoda?
Yoda holds up the computer disk.
YODA
Proof I have.
Ki-Adi-Mundi shakes his elongated head.
KI-ADI-MUNDI
A Sith Lord controlling the Senate. We were warned of this but we never believed it.
Yoda’s face is set with deep resolve.
YODA
Believe it now we must .. and put an end to it.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
The three speeders ROAR up to Palpatine’s office building and hover over one of the landing pads. Fifteen Jedi jump out and rush into the tower.
INT. LOBBY OF PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
NAN TZEE (20), Palpatine’s personal secretary, sits behind her desk, filing her nails electronically. Suddenly, she is surrounded by a swarm of combat-ready Jedi. She jumps to her feet.
NAN TZEE
What is the meaning of this?
YODA
The Chancellor we must see.
NAN TZEE
Do you have an appointment?
YODA
An appointment we do not need.
Yoda reaches out with the Force and rips the heavy office doors open. The Jedi run inside.
NAN TZEE
I’m going to have to call security! Wait!
INT. PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
The Jedi enter the room and fan out in a defensive formation. They rush to the rear of the suite and find … Palpatine, in his Chancellor’s robes, seated calmly behind his desk. When he sees them, he rises and smiles.
PALPATINE
Ah, Master Jedi. This is an unexpected pleasure. To what do I owe the honor?
Yoda strides to the front of the Jedi ranks.
YODA
At an end your charade is, Darth Sidious. All we have discovered.
PALPATINE
I’m sorry. I’m afraid I don’t understand…
YODA
Your communication with Kamino, intercepted it we did.
PALPATINE
Communication with Kamino? But there hasn’t been any communication. We’re waiting for the Senate vote.
YODA
See through you we can now. Into custody we are taking you.
Palpatine’s eyes scan the line of Jedi. They mean business.
PALPATINE
Well, if you insist.
He starts to come around the desk.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
I am certain there must be some mistake. Perhaps we need to discuss …
At that moment, six crimson-robed IMPERIAL GUARDS burst into the office. As one, they level their deadly force-pikes at the Jedi.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Guards, wait! This is just a misunderstanding.
The Guards advance on the Jedi. The Knights turn to face them and IGNITE their lightsabers in unison.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Friends, please!
Ki-Adi-Mundi glances back at the Chancellor, then down at Yoda.
KI-ADI-MUNDI
Perhaps we should stand down.
But it’s too late. The Imperial Guards reach the Jedi. The Knights swing their lightsabers to slice through the force pikes … but find their weapons ineffective. The laser swords cannot cut through the electrified metal. The only result of the contact is a shower of sparks and a terrible electrical SQUEAL.
PALPATINE
Please! Stop!
Two or three Jedi lower their weapons in surrender … only to be skewered by the Imperial Guards. Saessee Tiin CRIES OUT in rage and begins twirling his lightsaber as he charges about the room, taking down quite a few of the Guardsmen.
As Saessee Tiin nears the Imperial Guard at the head of the formation, the Guardsman reaches into his robes and pulls out a THERMAL DETONATOR. Yoda sees it. Ki-Adi-Mundi sees it. And Palpatine sees it. All of their eyes go wide.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
NO!
The Guard hurls the explosive into the midst of the Jedi ranks.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
For a moment all is peaceful. Then a violent EXPLOSION rocks the building. The windows shatter and shrapnel tears through the air.
CUT TO:
A HOLO-SCREEN
Grenz Vermillion’s face dominates the frame as he reports the news.
GRENZ VERMILLION
… a terrible explosion. The details are still sketchy. However, it appears that members of the Jedi Order were somehow involved. Once again, there was an explosion in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s office just moments ago. However, the Chancellor is alive. We repeat, the Chancellor is alive and relatively unharmed. We should all be most grateful that this is the case. As Vermillion speaks, SLOWLY PULL-BACK TO REVEAL that the holo-screen is hanging high on a wall in…
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – TERMINAL – DAY
A cavernous building teeming with CREATURES of all varieties and spattered with kiosks and shops, this is usually a bustling place. Now, however, all activity has come to a halt, and every eye is turned toward the holo-screens in disbelief.
Through the shocked crowd steps Anakin. He carries a travelling bag and he hurriedly makes his way to a ticketing counter. A hammer-headed Ithorian TICKET AGENT (40) stands behind the station, his attention focused on a holo-screen.
ANAKIN
I’d like to book passage to the Naboo system.
The Ticketing Agent keeps his eyes on the screen.
TICKETING AGENT
Have you seen this? This is insane.
ANAKIN
Look, I need passage to Naboo, and I need it now.
The Ticket Agent shakes his head and focuses on Anakin for the first time.
TICKETING AGENT
What? Naboo? No, I’m sorry. All off-planet flights have been suspended.
ANAKIN
But I …
TICKETING AGENT
ALL off-planet flights have been suspended.
Anakin’s brow furrows in frustration.
ANAKIN
I don’t believe this.
TICKETING AGENT
If you’d like to remain in the spaceport, sir, I can notify you the moment anything opens up.
Anakin is attempting to control his anger.
ANAKIN
Fine.
He leans against the counter.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
I’ll wait right here.
TICKETING AGENT
It might be quite a while, sir.
ANAKIN
I’ve got nowhere else to go.
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – DOCKING BAY – DAY
Elsewhere in the spaceport, a silver Nubian cruiser is just landing. After it settles onto the deck, the ramp lowers and Captain Typho and See-Threepio emerge. Together they exit the docking bay through a large illuminated door.
A security camera above the door tracks their every move.
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – CONTROL ROOM – DAY
A uniformed CONTROLLER (30s) sits in front of a bank of surveillance screens. A SILHOUETTED FIGURE stands behind him and watches the camera footage over his shoulder.
SILHOUETTED FIGURE
There.
The Silhouetted Figure leans over and points to a screen with Typho and Threepio displayed on it.
SILHOUETTED FIGURE (CONT’D)
That’s them. Have your men take those two into custody.
CONTROLLER
Yes, sir.
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – CUSTOMS – DAY
Typho and Threepio are standing in front of a booth occupied by a CUSTOMS OFFICIAL (60s). A large metal gate stands a small distance to their right, separating them from the rest of the spaceport.
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Alright, everything seems to be in order.
The Official hands Typho back a data-pad.
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL (CONT’D)
Enjoy your stay.
The Customs Official hits a button and the large gate swings open with a BUZZ. Typho and Threepio prepare to go through.
Just then, two armored SECURITY GUARDS (30s) step out from a doorway off to the side and block the travellers’ path.
SECURITY GUARD
Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to come with us.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
But we were just cleared.
The Security Guard places his hand on Typho’s shoulder.
SECURITY GUARD
If you’ll just step this way…
The Guard rapidly leads Typho toward the side door he just came through. His counterpart pushes Threepio in the same direction. They are soon through the doorway.
Typho’s hand goes to his blaster.
CAPTAIN TYPHO
But I just told you…
The door SNAPS shut. For a moment, all is still. Then a BLASTER SHOT rings out. Then ANOTHER. Then nothing.
The large gate to the spaceport slowly swings shut. It closes and locks with a CLANG.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
Smoke is still billowing out the windows of Palpatine’s office. Droid fire-fighting crews hover outside, spraying the building down.
INT. LOBBY OF PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
Bail Organa hurriedly makes his way through the smoke and debris to what is left of the front door to Palpatine’s office. The Supreme Chancellor sits on the threshold, his head cradled in his hands. He is surrounded by Medics, Firemen and Imperial Guards. Mas Amedda is there as well.
BAIL ORGANA
Chancellor! I came as soon as I heard.
Palpatine looks up. Except for the bandage spread across his forehead, he is shockingly bald.
PALPATINE
Ah, thank you, Senator Organa. This is a tragedy. A tragedy.
MAS AMEDDA
You mean it was nearly a tragedy, Chancellor. We still have you.
PALPATINE
No. It is a tragedy that the greatest defenders of the Empire have become its greatest threat.
Organa looks past Palpatine into the remains of the suite. Several smoldering bodies lie on the floor, most of them wearing the brown cloaks of the Jedi.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
This is a terrible day. We must assemble the Senate at once.
The Chancellor rises to his feet and begins to brush himself off.
MAS AMEDDA
Of course. But you need medical attention first.
PALPATINE
No. Call the session to order immediately. We must take action to ensure that this will never happen again. Now, more than ever, the Senate must be unified. Agreed, Senator Organa?
Organa is still staring at the dead Jedi. He looks back to Palpatine.
BAIL ORGANA
Of course, Chancellor.
PALPATINE
I’m going to need your support today.
BAIL ORGANA
You have it in full.
PALPATINE
Good. Then let us go, Gentlemen.
Palpatine produces a toupee from the pocket of his robes and gingerly pulls it over his bandaged head. Placing a hand on the shoulder of each man, Palpatine guides them away down the hall.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
We have much to do.
INT. PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
Through the mangled doorway, Organa, Mas Amedda and Palpatine can be seen retreating down the hall with the Imperial Guards in tow. Most of the Medics and Firemen follow.
When they are out of sight, one of the brown-robed figures on the floor slowly starts to move. It is Ki-Adi-Mundi’s body, which is gradually rolled over. A singed Yoda crawls out from beneath his dead friend’s form. He surveys the room with sadness. Then he looks back to Ki-Adi-Mundi’s corpse and hangs his head mournfully.
After a few seconds, Yoda gathers his wits and flits away out the open window.
INT. SENATE ROTUNDA – DAY
The Senate chamber is packed, and as usual, everyone is TALKING at once. Palpatine, still looking very dishevelled, is standing on the central platform with Mas Amedda at his right.
MAS AMEDDA
Order! Order! The Chancellor wishes to speak.
Palpatine raises his hands for silence and the ambience dies down to a DULL ROAR.
PALPATINE
My dear colleagues, please! I assure you that no one is more alarmed by this chain of events than I. But, as disturbing as it all is, we must approach the situation level-headedly.
ORN FREE TA
Kill the Jedi now!
There are SHOUTS of approval as Orn Free Ta, the corpulent blue senator, floats up in his pod to face Palpatine. He appears quite outraged.
PALPATINE
Senator Ta, don’t be ridiculous. For over a thousand generations the Jedi have been our guardians. We must not forget that fact.
ORN FREE TA
We must also not forget the fact that only over an hour ago they tried to kill you, Chancellor.
PALPATINE
(icily)
I have not forgotten, Ta. But executing the Jedi is not the solution to this problem.
ASK AAK (50), the three-eyed delegate from Malastare, also hovers near the Chancellor’s platform.
ASK AAK
Are you certain of that? As far as I’m concerned, the Jedi have brought our Empire nothing but trouble.
PALPATINE
How can you say such a thing? Even in the last few months they have led our troops to countless victories.
ASK AAK
Yes, victories in a war that was started by a renegade Jedi. Without the Jedi there would have been no Clone Wars.
SEVERAL SENATORS
Hear, hear!
PALPATINE
I simply cannot believe this. We have always trusted the Jedi.
The beaver-like Senator TOONBUCK TORA (40s) enters the debate.
TOONBUCK TORA
But they’ve never trusted us. The holo-media is reporting that an illegal tap on Senate communications has been traced to the Jedi Temple. They’ve probably been spying on us for years.
ORN FREE TA
Well, they have gone too far this time. I move we outlaw the Jedi religion and arrest all those who practice it.
The Senate erupts into CHEERS of approval. Mas Amedda bangs his fist.
MAS AMEDDA
Order. We must have order.
PALPATINE
The Senate will entertain no such motion. I will not raise my hand against the Jedi.
Several loud BOOS echo throughout the hall. However, in the Alderaanian pod, Bail Organa nods approvingly. He glances down and left to where Mon Mothma sits with her delegation. Her eyes are smoldering as usual, but the rest of her face remains unreadable.
Now Palpatine is gesturing for silence once more.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
However … however, I will also not sit back and watch them destroy this Empire. It is obvious that a new emergency has arisen. And so, with a heavy heart, I once again shoulder the special responsibilities that you have given me.
Bail Organa looks up sharply. He is joined in his alarm by Jar-Jar Binks, who sits on the other side of the Rotunda.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
My friends, I have drafted a plan to protect us all. As Supreme Chancellor, I shall implement it immediately. I assure you, our beloved Empire shall not fail.
CHEERS of support ring out. Bail Organa jumps to his feet and grabs the microphone on the front of his pod angrily.
BAIL ORGANA
Palpatine…
He stops and looks down at the microphone. He thumps it on its side. It’s not working. He glares back at Palpatine and decides just to yell.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Palpatine, you can’t do this! You promised to lay your powers down.
No one hears Organa in the tumult of CHEERS and APPLAUSE. The Alderaanian Senator drops the microphone to the deck in frustration and turns again to look at Mon Mothma. She is already exiting her pod, her white cloak billowing behind her.
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – TERMINAL – DUSK
Movement has all but ceased on the spaceport floor. Many travellers have given up and gone home. The others sit in metallic chairs and stare bleary-eyed at the holo-screens. Grenz Vermillion is still reporting.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
I have just received word that the Senate has passed The Imperial Protection Act. This piece of legislation, proposed by Chancellor Palpatine himself, annuls the official position that the Jedi have always held in the Chancellor’s administration. Furthermore, it requires all Jedi to leave the planet within half a rotational cycle. Any member of the Jedi Order found on Coruscant after that time will be arrested and charged as a terrorist.
As Vermillion continues to drone on, SLOWLY PUSH IN on Anakin who sits on the floor, his back slumped against the ticket counter. He appears to be asleep.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM) (CONT’D)
Now, many of the Chancellor’s critics feel that this legislation is not tough enough. However, if Palpatine is willing to show a little mercy to the criminals who tried to kill him, perhaps we would all do well to follow his example.
Vermillion’s voice FADES OUT.
CLOSE-ON Anakin’s troubled face. Padmé’s voice drifts dreamily through his mind.
PADMÉ (V.O.)
Anakin. Anakin.
Anakin stirs.
ANAKIN
Padmé?
SEE THREEPIO (O.S.)
Anakin? Master Anakin?
Anakin’s eyes flutter open. From his P.O.V., the golden form of See Threepio comes into focus. The droid is bending over him, shaking him.
ANAKIN
Threepio? What are you doing here?
SEE THREEPIO
I come bearing a message, Master Anakin.
Anakin jumps up and grabs the droid’s shoulders.
ANAKIN
From Padmé? What is it? Is she alright?
SEE THREEPIO
Mistress Padmé bid me to tell you that she loved you.
ANAKIN
That’s all? That can’t be all.
SEE THREEPIO
No, Master Anakin. She also urged you to let her go.
Anakin releases Threepio’s shoulders and retreats in horror.
ANAKIN
Let her go? What do you mean, Threepio? Tell me what’s happened.
SEE THREEPIO
Oh dear. Oh dear, dear, dear.
ANAKIN
Tell me!
SEE THREEPIO
I’m dreadfully sorry, Master Anakin, but I’m afraid Mistress Padmé is … dead.
Anakin freezes. He just stands there, his face empty and his eyes unseeing.
ANAKIN
(whispering)
No. It’s not true.
Slowly, he turns his head to stare at one of the holo-screens. The words that Grenz Vermillion is saying gradually FADE-UP.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
… very sad day for the people of Naboo and, indeed, for the entire galaxy. The cause of Senator Amidala’s death is still unknown. What is certain is that she will be missed by us all.
Anakin’s gaze turns away from the screen.
ANAKIN
No. I can still feel her.
Suddenly, he clinches his eyes shut and throws his hand out in concentration.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Deep in the bowels of Coruscant, Darth Sidious sits in meditation. His hand is outstretched as well.
INT. CORUSCANT SPACEPORT – TERMINAL – DUSK
Anakin jerks his hand back as if he’s been shocked. A wild desperation comes into his eyes.
ANAKIN
I can’t. I can’t feel her. She’s gone.
Threepio moves in closer. It’s his turn to rest his arm on Anakin’s shoulder.
SEE THREEPIO
I’m so sorry, Master…
Anakin bats Threepio’s arm away. His face is contorting with rage once more.
ANAKIN
The baby. What about the baby?
Threepio sadly shakes his head.
SEE THREEPIO
I’m afraid…
ANAKIN
No!
Pure hatred flows across Anakin’s face. He Force-pushes Threepio away. The droid flies through the air and CLATTERS onto the deck.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
You lie. It’s not true. IT’S NOT TRUE!
And with that, Anakin bursts into tears and runs from the scene.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – NIGHT
The tall spires of the Jedi stronghold are engulfed by hundreds of flashing red lights as Coruscant police speeders evacuate civilians out of the area. Giant spotlights are strafing the sheer Temple walls.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT
The Jedi Council has assembled once more. The atmosphere is grave, and the empty seats of Ki-Adi-Mundi and Saessee Tiin only add to the gloominess. Mace Windu stands staring out the window. Yoda sits in his chair, twirling his staff on the floor. For a long while, nobody speaks. Finally, without turning, Windu breaks the silence.
MACE WINDU
So it has come to this.
No one answers him, so he turns around.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
When is our deadline for leaving the planet?
PLO KOON (40s) holds up a data pad and speaks through his breathing apparatus.
PLO KOON
They say their troops will advance at daybreak.
MACE WINDU
That gives us less than eight hours to make a decision.
YODA
What decision is there to make? On Coruscant we must remain.
MACE WINDU
Master Yoda, perhaps it would be wise if the entire Council had a say this time.
Yoda’s gaze quickly falls back to the floor. Windu sees this and softens a bit.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
But I agree with you. Knowing what we know now, we cannot leave this man to rule the Republic.
Female Jedi Master ADI GALLIA (mid-30s) glances up at Windu.
ADI GALLIA
To rule the Empire, you mean.
MACE WINDU
No, the Republic. For even if that is no longer its name, it is still our sworn duty to defend it.
PLO KOON
And if its citizens no longer desire our protection?
MACE WINDU
It is still our responsibility to keep them from evil. The Republic has been overthrown from the inside by a Sith Lord. It is our charge, it is our honor, to resist him. Or die trying.
Windu surveys their faces.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
Are we in agreement?
One by one, all nine remaining members of the Council catch Windu’s eye and solemnly nod. Yoda is the last to do so. Then Windu himself nods with finality.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
Good. Then let us make ready our defenses.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CORRIDOR – NIGHT
A large metal grate is being noisily welded into place to block one of the Temple’s entrances. Jedi and Padawans alike are hurrying in every direction, some carrying explosives; others, food and medical supplies. Everyone seems nervous but focused.
Yoda and Mace Windu are conferring over a holographic map of the Temple as Obi-Wan approaches in the background.
MACE WINDU
If we seal off the Archives, it should secure both the North and East Towers. Then we can hold-out here in the lower levels.
Obi-Wan reaches them and bows.
OBI-WAN
(breathlessly)
Masters.
MACE WINDU
Ah, Obi-Wan. Are the charges all set on the main level?
OBI-WAN
Yes, Master.
MACE WINDU
Good work. At least we’ll have a little surprise for them in the morning.
OBI-WAN
There’s something else.
YODA
What is it, Obi-Wan?
OBI-WAN
Master Koon has been monitoring the holo-media reports. Just now, he showed me this.
Obi-Wan reaches past them to the holo-projector and inserts a disk. The map vanishes and is replaced by the image of Grenz Vermillion.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
And, as if the attack on Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s life was not enough, the tragedies of this day have been compounded by the report that Padmé Amidala, beloved Senator from Naboo, has died while home on personal leave. This is a very sad day for the people of Naboo and, indeed, for the entire galaxy.
Obi-Wan reaches over and switches off the projector. Mace Windu stares after the fading image.
MACE WINDU
This is evil news. It means we have lost one of the greatest advocates of freedom.
Obi-Wan’s jaw is set in rare defiance.
OBI-WAN
What it means is that Anakin’s choice was all in vain.
YODA
No. No. Wrong you both are.
Mace Windu and Obi-Wan stare down at the little Jedi Master. His eyes are once again closed tight in concentration.
YODA (CONT’D)
Alive the Senator is.
WIPE TO:
INT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – PADMÉ’S CHAMBER – DAY
A very-much-alive Padmé sits in bed cradling her children. She’s looking much better. Indeed, she smiles brightly as little Luke reaches up and pinches her nose.
PADMÉ
Ah-ah, Luke. Don’t pinch Mommy … ’cause Mommy pinches back.
She tickles him lightly. He GIGGLES and smiles.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
You certainly have your father’s eyes.
This makes her hesitate for a moment. She looks off into the distance sadly, until Luke COOS again and demands her attention.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Oh, that’s a good thing. He’s got beautiful eyes.
In Padmé’s other arm, Leia starts to WHIMPER.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Now don’t get jealous, Leia. You’ve got his nose.
Leia starts to squirm.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Oh, and his feistiness too. It’s alright, baby. Mommy’s here.
Padmé kisses Leia’s head softly and nuzzles the infant’s thick brown hair with her nose.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Hmmm, looks like you’ve got my hair. That’s too bad. They’re gonna make you do all sorts of crazy things with it someday.
Now Luke starts to WHINE. Padmé turns to him.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Hey, you have very nice hair yourself, young man. And they’ll probably let you do whatever you want with it.
She kisses his blond head as well.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
From the looks of it, they won’t have much of a choice.
The curtain on the far side of the room is pulled back and a perplexed Dormé enters.
DORMÉ
Sorry to interrupt, M’lady.
PADMÉ
What is it, Dormé?
DORMÉ
It’s Jedi Masters Windu and Yoda. They’re calling on an emergency frequency and they’d like to speak with you.
Something in Padmé’s expression grows cold.
PADMÉ
Put them on right away.
DORMÉ
Yes, M’lady.
WIPE TO:
INT. CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – SECRET ROOM – NIGHT
Yoda, Mace Windu and Obi-Wan have all crowded into the little room that houses Ziph Mifwub’s equipment. The pudgy blue slicer is eager to be on his way.
ZIPH MIFWUB
Alrighty, ya’s getting a response. I’ll just pull it up on this holo-pad. Then I’s outta here.
OBI-WAN
What about all your equipment?
ZIPH MIFWUB
Ya can, uh, mail it to me. It’s gettin’ too crazy around here for a simple “extra-legal” slicer like meself.
He punches a few buttons and a hologram of Padmé starts to form on the pad.
ZIPH MIFWUB (CONT’D)
Alrighty, good luck and all. I hope ya’s rebellion works out okay. Uh, yeah, see yas.
He darts out the door and disappears down the hall. The Jedi turn their attention to the image of Padmé.
MACE WINDU
Senator Amidala. It is a great relief to know you are alive.
PADMÉ (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Where’s Anakin?
MACE WINDU
I wish we knew the answer to that.
PADMÉ
You’ve expelled him, haven’t you?
MACE WINDU
Based on his own decision to remain married to you.
YODA
Another time for this argument we can find. In serious danger you are right now, Senator.
PADMÉ
What do you mean, Master Yoda?
YODA
Much has happened since last you were on Coruscant. No time have we to tell it all.
MACE WINDU
Suffice it to say, Senator, that Palpatine has seized all political power here. He’s ordered the Jedi off the planet.
PADMÉ
What?
MACE WINDU
More importantly for you, he’s using his propaganda machine to make everyone believe you are dead.
PADMÉ
I don’t understand. Why? Why would the Chancellor do such a thing?
MACE WINDU
Because he knows that you will stand in the way of his new regime. That is why we believe he intends to make his holo-reports a reality.
PADMÉ
You mean…
YODA
Yes. Already dispatched an assassin has been I fear.
Padmé is flustered.
PADMÉ
I understand. And thank you for the warning. I’m afraid my security is quite low at the moment, but perhaps if I go back to Theed…
YODA
Senator, a knight we will send to protect you.
PADMÉ
That would be appreciated, Master Yoda. But can you spare anyone at this time? It sounds as though…
MACE WINDU
Senator, protecting you and your children is one of the keys to restoring the Republic.
YODA
Agreed am I. Dispatched Master Kenobi will be at once.
Obi-Wan steps up from the back of the room. He is shocked by this assignment.
OBI-WAN
But Master, my place is here at your side. I desire to defend the Jedi Temple with you.
YODA
Understand I do, Obi-Wan. But the Senator we must protect.
Yoda lowers his voice.
YODA (CONT’D)
A debt I think we owe her.
OBI-WAN
Yoda, I will stay here and die for the honor of our Order.
YODA
No, go and live for its future you must.
The gravity of this assignment hits Obi-Wan. Still not happy, he bows in deference to Yoda nonetheless.
OBI-WAN
As you wish, Master.
MACE WINDU
(to Padmé)
Very well then, Senator. Expect Master Kenobi’s arrival. And in the meantime, be very cautious.
PADMÉ
Thank you, Master Jedi.
YODA
(tenderly)
And Padmé … Young Skywalker you shall see again soon … I promise.
Padmé considers this for a moment and then gives a controlled nod.
PADMÉ
I hope you’re right.
Her hologram shimmers and fades.
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Shrouded in shadow, Darth Sidious continues to meditate. He doesn’t even look up when another cloaked man joins him. It is DARTH TYRANUS, the Silhouetted Figure from the spaceport.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Was your mission successful, Lord Tyranus?
DARTH TYRANUS
It was, my Master. Skywalker has been deceived.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Good. Everything is proceeding according to plan.
Tyranus looks over his shoulder and motions with one hand. See Threepio obediently steps forward into the partial light.
DARTH TYRANUS
What shall be done with this droid, my lord?
DARTH SIDIOUS
Wipe its memory clean once more.
DARTH TYRANUS
And then…
DARTH SIDIOUS
Fetch a good price for it.
DARTH TYRANUS
Of course.
Tyranus starts to go, but then hesitates. Sidious turns to looks his apprentice in the eye.
DARTH SIDIOUS
There is something else?
DARTH TYRANUS
You are perceptive as always, Master. I am merely curious. When Skywalker learns the truth about Senator Amidala…
DARTH SIDIOUS
She will already be dead.
DARTH TYRANUS
Ah, of course. Shall I travel to Naboo to ensure this?
DARTH SIDIOUS
No. That task is for another. I have need of you here.
DARTH TYRANUS
As you wish, Master.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Go and wait in the tower above. Young Skywalker shall soon meet you there.
DARTH TYRANUS
He will come to me?
DARTH SIDIOUS
Yes. I have foreseen it.
DARTH TYRANUS
And when he does?
DARTH SIDIOUS
Destroy him.
Tyranus smiles.
DARTH TYRANUS
Yes, my lord.
EXT. UNDERWORLD STREETS – NIGHT
The night is growing old in this, the worst section of Coruscant. Only a few Drifters remain on the streets, ambling along a dingy sidewalk in front of a run-down saloon.
INT. UNDERWORLD BAR – NIGHT
This seedy place has seen its share of low-lifes, but none quite so low as the brooding young man in the corner. Anakin sits slumped against a table, surrounded by empty alcohol bottles. The expression in his weary eyes is painful to look at.
To Anakin’s right, a holo-display is airing another news report. On-screen is a nighttime shot of the Jedi Temple. Grenz Vermillion can be heard in VOICE-OVER.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
… As the deadline to leave the planet rapidly approaches, reports indicate that very few of the Jedi have in fact departed. Fearing that these radicals may show continued aggression, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has authorized the deployment of a special peace-keeping force… Anakin turns his face away from the display. His eyes fall to the table beneath him and alight on a dull-looking knife. He considers it blankly for a moment. Then he takes it in his hand. Slowly but deliberately, Anakin reaches up and cuts away his Padawan braid.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – LANDING PAD – DAWN
The horizon is growing gray around the outlines of the nearby buildings. A lone JEDI STARFIGHTER sits on the landing pad, it’s engines already running, and one of its dual cockpits open and waiting.
Obi-Wan hurries along the walkway to the craft. Mace Windu stands next to the boarding ladder, waiting to see him off.
MACE WINDU
All set?
OBI-WAN
Yes, Master.
MACE WINDU
You have your holo-array?
Obi-Wan pulls out a palm-sized device with a blinking red light.
OBI-WAN
Yes.
MACE WINDU
Good. We will stay in contact as long as we can. When you lose our signal, turn your array off so that no one else will track you.
OBI-WAN
Of course.
Obi-Wan looks up at the waiting cockpit, then back to Windu.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Master, I can’t abandon you like this. I can’t just go off on my own.
Windu smiles grimly.
MACE WINDU
You aren’t abandoning us, Obi-Wan. You’re preserving our memory.
(beat)
And you’re not going on your own.
Obi-Wan frowns. Windu gestures with his head toward the closed second cockpit of the fighter. Obi-Wan looks through the glass and his frown deepens. Seated inside is Jar-Jar Binks.
INT. JEDI STARFIGHTER – COCKPIT – CONTINUOUS
Jar-Jar turns and looks out at Obi-Wan. The Gungan seems unusually sedate. Tentatively, he raises a hand.
JAR-JAR
Hello, Obee.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – LANDING PAD – CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan waves back halfheartedly. Then he turns to Windu with a scowl.
OBI-WAN
You have got to be joking.
MACE WINDU
He came and asked to go with you, Obi-Wan. He feels terrible about what he started in the Senate. Perhaps this is his chance to redeem himself.
Obi-Wan shakes his head in defeat.
OBI-WAN
Very well. But you’re not the one who has to ride with him all the way to Naboo. You always have given me the worst assignments.
MACE WINDU
Only because I knew you could complete them.
The two men stand there wordlessly for a long moment. Finally, Mace Windu reaches out and grasps Obi-Wan’s arm.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
The Force will be with you … always.
Obi-Wan nods and turns his face away. Windu holds his grip a bit longer, then releases it and walks slowly back toward the Temple. Obi-Wan climbs into the vacant cockpit and the canopy closes over him. The starfighter eases off the platform and ROARS away into the growing dawn.
PAN DOWN TO:
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAWN
Several stories down, hundreds of clone Troopers have assembled on the platforms surrounding the Jedi Temple. They’ve setup cannons and artillery, and are awaiting the order to attack. GENERAL EKRON, a grizzled old officer in his 60s, stands at the front of the clones’ formation. He gazes grimly up at the Temple as a young SERGEANT (early 20s) approaches.
SERGEANT
Sir, Chancellor Palpatine has given the order to move in.
GENERAL EKRON
It’s about time. Order your men to proceed. Tell them to kill everyone they find inside.
SERGEANT
Sir, I thought we were only to arrest the Jedi.
GENERAL EKRON
Orders have changed, Sergeant. Now move.
SERGEANT
Yes, sir.
The Sergeant hurries back to relay the command.
INT. UNDERWORLD BAR – DAY
Anakin sits with his head in his hands. The holo-display behind him is now playing some advertisement for a Rodian clothing line. Suddenly, an official-looking logo flashes across the screen and Grenz Vermillion’s face once again appears.
GRENZ VERMILLION
We interrupt this holo-cast for a breaking news report. It appears that the peace-keeping forces surrounding the Jedi compound are on the move. The deadline for the Jedi to leave the planet was actually one hour ago. However, the Chancellor graciously allowed the militants inside some extra time. Now, it seems that time is up…
Anakin shakes his head and heaves himself up out of his chair. He staggers away from the holograms, knocking over another chair as he does so. The BARTENDER (40s) watches him go without a word.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY
Most of the Jedi, including the Padawans and Younglings, have assembled in the large, multi-level corridor at the heart of the Temple. Yoda, Mace Windu, Plo Koon and Kit Fisto stand on the highest level, staring out one of the gigantic windows.
MACE WINDU
Are all our defenses in place?
KIT FISTO
We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.
MACE WINDU
Good. Because they’re coming.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – DAY
Indeed they are. Hundreds of clones are charging the Temple from connecting platforms on all levels. They steadily make their way squad-by-squad toward the bridges that lead to the mid-section of the Jedi citadel.
Now they’ve gained the bridges. Now they pick up the pace. Now a constant flow of white-armored bodies gleams in the sun as the clones race toward their target. One particular clone Trooper holds his position along the railing of one of the bridges. He notices a red wire wrapped around a metal support beam, so he waves a clone Lieutenant over.
TROOPER
Sir, what do you make of this?
LIEUTENANT
It’s probably nothing.
And with that, the bridge EXPLODES beneath them. PULL BACK as all the other bridges follow suit.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
General Ekron sees the explosion from a distance.
GENERAL EKRON
Blast! I knew this was too easy.
He waves his Sergeant over.
GENERAL EKRON (CONT’D)
Open fire with artillery. And request air support.
SERGEANT
Yes, sir.
GENERAL EKRON
This just got messy.
EXT. UNDERWORLD STREETS – DAY
Anakin exits the bar sullenly and shields his eyes from the dirty rays of sunlight. As he stumbles up the street without any real direction, he passes a store window with a display of holo-pads. Each of them projects Grenz Vermillion’s inescapable face.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
… just moments ago. Apparently the Jedi set charges to the bridges in a deliberate attempt to take more innocent lives. This has left the Chancellor with no choice but to use greater force…
Anakin resolutely ignores the news report and quickens his pace.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
A gigantic blaster cannon FIRES deafeningly.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – CONTINUOUS
The blast connects with one of the Temple’s spires and sends it hurtling in molten pieces down into the abyss below.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY
Pieces of rock from the ceiling are raining everywhere. A loud BOOM resonates throughout the chamber.
KIT FISTO
They’re taking out the towers.
YODA
Fortunate that we evacuated them.
MACE WINDU
Next they’ll try deploying troops on our landing platforms. We should each take a squad to meet them.
KIT FISTO
Let’s do it.
Plo Koon and Kit start to move off purposefully. Mace Windu and Yoda follow, a bit more somber than the others.
MACE WINDU
Fight well, my friends.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
General Ekron stands near the cannons and watches with satisfaction as another tower crumbles. Then he holds up his hand.
GENERAL EKRON
Very good. Hold your fire.
He turns to the Sergeant on his left.
GENERAL EKRON (CONT’D)
Now, send in the gunships.
SERGEANT
They’re on their way.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – DAY
Dozens of assault gunships swarm to the Temple and hover in formation near the few remaining landing pads.
INT. ASSAULT GUNSHIP – DAY
Roughly fifteen clones are packed into one such gunship, ready for deployment. The Temple looms large through the cockpit windows as the clone Pilot follows another craft in for a landing. The ship ahead sets down, lets off all its troops, and then takes off again. The Pilot of this gunship follows suit. The clones pour through the open hatchway onto…
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – WEST LANDING PAD – CONTINUOUS
The Troopers set foot on the landing pad and immediately rush toward the open doorway that leads into the Temple.
They never make it. Half a dozen lightsabers ignite in the darkened entry-way, and just as many Knights charge forward to meet the clones. Yoda leads the Jedi into battle once again. At least it appears to be Yoda. All that the clones can see of him is a crazy green blur. And it’s the last thing most of them do see. Within moments, all of the Troopers lay smoking on the deck.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – SOUTH LANDING PAD – DAY
A similar outcome is being reached on this landing pad as Mace Windu and his squad fall from an upper balcony and ambush the unsuspecting clones.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – EAST LANDING PAD – DAY
Here, Plo Koon and his company manage not only to take out four ship-loads of troops, but two of the gunships themselves.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – NORTH LANDING PAD – DAY
But things don’t go so well for Kit Fisto and his group of Jedi. They charge too early, and one of the gunships catches them with its blasters. Several Jedi fall. The rest of them form a defensive circle with their backs to each other, but it is to no avail. Within moments, Kit and the others crumble beneath the sea of white bodies that engulfs them.
When all is still, the clones wordlessly post sentries and then stream into the building.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
The Sergeant is pressing a pair of headphones to his ears.
SERGEANT
General Ekron, our forces have penetrated the Temple building.
GENERAL EKRON
Where?
SERGEANT
On the north landing platform. Shall I reroute the other troop transports to that location?
GENERAL EKRON
No, continue to send a steady stream to the other platforms. We’ll crush the resistance there as well.
SERGEANT
But sir, why continue to fight our way in when we already have an entrance?
GENERAL EKRON
Because, Sergeant, unlike the Jedi, we have unlimited troops at our disposal. Now relay my orders.
SERGEANT
Yes, sir.
EXT. UNDERWORLD STREETS – DAY
Anakin continues to wander aimlessly through the streets. The world passes by him in an ugly blur. Then a VOICE breaks through the drudgery.
VOICE (O.S.)
They’re finally killing those Jedi scum.
Anakin turns to find the source of the voice. A public holo-projector stands nearby and two STREET DWELLERS — a squid-headed Quarren and a winged Toydarian — are loitering next to it. The projector is displaying slow-motion footage of the air attacks on the Temple. Anakin steps toward the two Street Dwellers.
ANAKIN
What did you say?
QUARREN STREET DWELLER
Oh, the army. They’ve finally gotten into the Jedi’s big temple.
Anakin’s eyes are focused on the grainy footage from the holo-projector. A gunship is just opening fire on a tiny group of brown-robed figures. The holo-camera pushes in to capture more detail.
ANAKIN
You said they’re killing them?
QUARREN STREET DWELLER
Oh yeah. Watch this part.
The holographic clones surge forward toward the Jedi, blasters blazing. The footage slows down even further and plays frame-by-frame. Most of these frames are a blur of action, but one of them comes through with amazing clarity: Kit Fisto taking a blaster shot to the chest. Anakin recoils in horror.
ANAKIN
Who? Who authorized this?
TOYDARIAN STREET DWELLER
Chanc’lor Palpatine, of course. And it’s about time too.
ANAKIN
The Chancellor? No, he’s a good man.
TOYDARIAN STREET DWELLER
‘Course he’s a good man. He’s doing us all a favor. Die Jedi!
The Toydarian spits at the holo-display and LAUGHS. The Quarren turns to look at Anakin suspiciously.
QUARREN STREET DWELLER
You ain’t questioning the Chancellor’s good sense is you?
Anakin’s eyes are still on the holo-display. Slowly, he raises them and his gaze follows the side of the nearest building to its height far above.
ANAKIN
No. In fact, I’m counting on it.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
General Ekron is now sitting in a field chair, looking over reports from the various clone squads.
SERGEANT
General, the Jedi have just been driven back from the West Landing Pad.
GENERAL EKRON
That’s the last platform to be secured, is it not?
SERGEANT
Yes, sir. However, our troops are now encountering severe resistance inside the Temple itself.
GENERAL EKRON
Of course. Continue to land new squadrons of clones on all four platforms to replace the troops inside.
SERGEANT
How many new squadrons, sir?
GENERAL EKRON
As many as it takes, Sergeant. As many as it takes.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CORRIDOR – DAY
Dozens of clones are moving along a darkened hallway, laying down a constant barrage of blaster fire as they go. At the far end of the passage, Mace Windu and three other Jedi are attempting to deflect the blaster bolts with their sabers. However, they are being rapidly driven back. Windu and company come to the head of a T-intersection and meet up with Yoda and two other Jedi. This smaller party is holding off a squadron of clones advancing from the second branch of the intersection. Windu yells to get Yoda’s attention.
MACE WINDU
Yoda!
Yoda looks over at Windu, his eyes bristling with energy.
YODA
Master Windu. Several clones we have killed. Yet always more there are to replace them.
MACE WINDU
I know. There’s too many of them. We must fall back and regroup with the others.
A laser bolt SHRIEKS past Yoda and slams into the wall behind him.
YODA
Agreed I am. In the central chamber we will make our final defense.
MACE WINDU
Let’s go then. This way.
Windu leads the five other Jedi down the only remaining hall of the intersection. Yoda comes last and uses the Force to pull down the gigantic metal grate welded to the top of the doorway. It falls shut and blocks the passage with a CLANG, even as several angry laser blasts hit it and bounce off.
EXT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
Several large holo-screens have been set up on the sides of government buildings and in the Senate Square opposite the Rotunda. All of them are lit up with Grenz Vermillion’s sly mug.
PUSH IN on the Senate Office Building itself, where many repair droids are hard at work replacing shattered windows — their usual gig.
INT. LOBBY OF PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
Nan Tzee, the secretary, is digging through a partially-charred box of files on the top of her desk. A shadow falls across her and she glances up. She gives a sharp, fearful CRY and then sits back in her seat uneasily.
REVERSE ANGLE ON Anakin, who towers above her, his face haggard and his eyes piercing.
ANAKIN
I’m here to see the Chancellor.
NAN TZEE
I’m sorry, the Chancellor is busy.
ANAKIN
I have to see him now. He’s made a terrible mistake.
NAN TZEE
Sir, there’s no way you’re getting through those doors…
ANAKIN
I don’t have time for this.
With his left hand, Anakin motions violently at the metal doors that lead to the office. This time, they fly off their hinges and CRASH to the floor in pieces. Nan Tzee dives for cover.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Thanks for your help.
Anakin strides into the office. Nan Tzee slowly peeks out from behind her desk and surveys the ruined doors.
NAN TZEE
Blast, we just had those fixed.
INT. PALPATINE’S OFFICE – DAY
Anakin marches into the blackened main room of the suite, his face grim. Palpatine’s chair sits against the window with its back to him. The youth ignores the two Imperial Guards on either side of the doorway and walks right up to the desk, spreading his palms on it and leaning forward.
ANAKIN
Chancellor Palpatine, you must listen to me.
A VOICE comes from the other side of the chair.
VOICE
Ah, young Skywalker. You’re just as impetuous as ever, I see.
The chair slowly turns to reveal the figure of Darth Tyranus, a wicked grin twisting across his face. Anakin’s eyes narrow.
ANAKIN
Dooku.
DARTH TYRANUS
One and the same. How’s your arm?
Fast as lightning, Anakin’s mechanical hand grabs toward his belt … and comes up empty.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
What’s the matter? Lose your lightsaber again? Well, then I’m afraid this is going to be awfully anti-climactic.
Tyranus stands and motions toward the Imperial Guards. Their force pikes CRACKLE with electricity as they step towards Anakin menacingly. The young man’s shoulders slump in defeat.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
Oh, don’t look so glum. You’ll soon be joining your beloved Padmé. I count it a great privilege to have terminated you both.
ANAKIN
What?
DARTH TYRANUS
Of course. You don’t really think she died in childbirth, do you? She was much too strong for that. Stronger than some I’ve known.
Anakin is suddenly seething. The Imperial Guards have nearly reached him. They raise their force pikes in anticipation.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
With that knowledge, young Skywalker, it is time you met your destiny.
He nods at the Guards. As one, they begin to plunge their pikes down at Anakin’s shoulders.
ANAKIN
You’re right.
Anakin quickly steps forward and, in one smooth motion, Force-grabs a pike in each hand and sends both of them hurtling into the opposite Guardsman. Both Imperial Guards HOWL with pain as they are electrocuted.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
And it’s time you met yours.
Again using the Force, Anakin pulls the pike out of the nearest Guard and brings it to his hand. He whirls the weapon around and makes a stab at Tyranus. The Sith Lord anticipates Anakin’s thrust and ignites his lightsaber to block it just in time. The saber and force pike spark wildly.
DARTH TYRANUS
You know, boy, I’m almost impressed.
ANAKIN
I’m not here to impress you, Dooku.
Anakin pulls the force pike back against his chest.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
I’m here to kill you.
Anakin raises his other hand and Force-pushes Tyranus with all his might. Shock and surprise flash across Tyranus’ face as he is thrown backwards against the window. The glass shatters around him and he falls down into the mists below.
Anakin watches Tyranus’ descent for a moment. Then, still clutching the force pike, he jumps out the window after him.
EXT. LOWER SENATE BUILDING – DAY
Anakin plummets rapidly alongside the wall of the skyscraper. He penetrates the smog layer and the world becomes much darker. Suddenly, a large balcony appears on his left and he reaches out with the Force to pull himself toward it. He half-crashes, half rolls onto its surface and ends up lying on his back.
Tyranus is on top of him in an instant, taking swing after swing with his saber. Anakin rolls this way and that as he anticipates the saber blows. Then he kicks his legs upward and knocks Tyranus away. Anakin regains his footing and the duel of the saber and the force pike resumes. Slowly, Tyranus drives Anakin back through a doorway into the building itself.
INT. SENATE BUILDING – DAY
Tyranus and Anakin duel with amazing ferocity. Grabbing the electrified end of the force pike with his mechanical hand, Anakin uses the weapon like a bo-staff to block the Sith Lord’s sweeping saber thrusts.
Both intent on the other’s destruction, the two pass through populated sections of the building without slowing their combat. Senators and their Aides flee SCREAMING from the sight of them. Tyranus violently Force-pushes several Civilians out of his way. Finally, the youth and the Sith Lord reach a gigantic, decorative indoor waterfall. Their battle completely destroys the aesthetics of the place as they fight right up to the lip of the cascading stream. Anakin manages to get in a quick hit to Tyranus’ shoulder, but sacrifices his balance to do so. In rage, Tyranus throws all his weight against Anakin’s force pike and pushes him over the edge of the waterfall. Anakin disappears into the current below.
Tyranus stands there and catches his breath, smirking. Then he turns and boards an elevator which descends to the lower levels.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – DAY
Plumes of smoke billow from what was once the grand high rise of the Jedi Temple. Its towers have all been blown away, and its walls are riddled with blaster holes. But still the relentless waves of clone gunships roll on. Some are now dropping troops off on the very top of the building and leaving the soldiers to rappel down its sides. The place is literally crawling with white-armored bodies.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY
All of the remaining Jedi have gathered into a circle on the bottom level of the vast hall. On the upper balconies, a few Jedi sentries linger, biding their time until the clones break through. The MUFFLED EXPLOSIONS that ECHO throughout the chamber promise that it won’t be a long wait. Below, Yoda and Mace Windu stand next to each other on the outer ring of the defensive circle. The rest of the Jedi Masters and Knights make up this ring, while their Padawans stand in a circle behind them. The YOUNGLINGS are gathered together in the very center. The small children are confused and afraid. Yoda looks up at Windu.
YODA
Not long now have we to wait. Blocked all our exits are.
MACE WINDU
All except for one.
YODA
Kept an escape route clear, have you?
MACE WINDU
Yes, Yoda, for the Younglings.
(beat)
And for you. It’s time for you to go.
Yoda’s ears fall. A stern look crosses his face.
YODA
Go? No. Here my place is.
Suddenly, a massive EXPLOSION rings out on the upper levels. Shrapnel flies down from above and pelts the Jedi. Several Younglings begin to CRY.
From the highest level, Luminara Unduli yells down to her fellow Knights.
LUMINARA UNDULI
They’re breaking through!
From the opposite end of the corridor, Master EVEN PIEL (50) also cries out.
EVEN PIEL
They’re coming in from this direction too! We won’t be able to hold them for long.
The Jedi Knights on the main floor all ignite their lightsabers in unison. The circle is awash in the bold glow of their laser swords.
Mace Windu looks back down at Yoda.
MACE WINDU
This is our last chance. You have to get the children out of here now.
Yoda glances back at the Younglings, even as BLASTER FIRE is heard from above. Their cheeks are already streaked with tears, and the laser blasts only startle them and make them CRY all the more. Yoda’s face fills with compassion. Mace Windu leans down and speaks to him softly.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
It is your duty as their master.
Yoda EXHALES with decision. Then He gazes up at Windu.
YODA
A wise Jedi you are, Master Windu. And a compassionate one.
MACE WINDU
It’s never too late to learn. Now, hurry. Gather up the Younglings and use the secret stair. Our last transport is waiting.
Yoda doesn’t move. His gaze is distant.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
Yoda…
YODA
Sorry I am, all this to have caused. So blind I have been.
Mace Windu shakes his head.
MACE WINDU
Of any of us, you saw the most. I should have listened to you … about a lot of things.
The two stand in silence for a moment.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
But this is no time for regrets. You have to go NOW.
Yoda nods. Then he bows low towards Windu.
YODA
May the Force be with you, Master Windu.
Mace Windu solemnly returns the bow.
MACE WINDU
No, Master Yoda. May the Force be with you.
They sadly lock eyes one last time. Then Yoda turns and hurries off toward the children.
YODA
Younglings. Cry not, Younglings. Brave you must be now. Strong, yes.
Mace Windu watches as his old friend reassures the children and prepares them for their escape. The bittersweet smile on his face is heart-wrenching.
INT. SENATE BUILDING – WATER WORKS – DAY
Anakin falls and falls until he splashes down in a basin at the bottom of the waterfall. He is immediately pulled under the surface and sucked through a series of tubes and pipes that seem to go on forever. Just when it appears that Anakin can hold his breath no longer, he is flushed out into a large cesspool somewhere underground.
INT. UNDERGROUND CHAMBER
Anakin pulls himself out of the dirty water and surveys his surroundings. A doorway is cut into the stone wall nearest him, and a descending flight of stairs is visible beyond. He retrieves his force pike out of the reservoir and re-ignites it. The electricity that arcs across its blade proves that it is still functional.
ANAKIN
Nice to have a weapon that works for a change.
Holding the pike at the ready, Anakin passes through the doorway and begins to descend the stairs.
INT. UNDERGROUND PASSAGE
Anakin walks along a narrow and dimly lit corridor, his eyes gleaming in the darkness. A red glow is emanating from somewhere ahead of him, and he quickens his pace as the light begins to grow. Soon the crimson outline of a doorway is clearly defined in front of him. He begins to run toward it. At full speed, the fiery young Knight bursts out of the corridor into…
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD – CONTINUOUS
The cavernous room that greets Anakin is ominous, to say the least. Flickering torches throw harsh shadows, which accent the evil carvings in the stark rock walls. On the far side of the chamber, stone steps lead up to a high dais. And on the dais stands Darth Sidious, shrouded and silent. Anakin sees Sidious and sets his jaw in hatred. He strides toward the Sith Lord, even as a gigantic door snaps shut behind him with a thunderous CLAP. Anakin glances quickly over his shoulder.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Welcome, my young apprentice. Long have I awaited your coming.
Anakin directs his attention back to Sidious and continues to advance.
ANAKIN
I think you’ve got the wrong guy.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Oh no. I assure you that destiny has brought you here. Soon you shall call me Master.
ANAKIN
Not interested, thanks. I’ve had enough masters for a while.
Sidious cocks his hooded head to one side.
DARTH SIDIOUS
I’m sorry to hear that … for in that case, there’s no reason to keep you alive.
He gestures sharply, and Darth Tyranus falls from the ceiling, lightsaber twirling. Anakin looks up and tries to jump out of the way, but it’s too late. Tyranus’ blade digs deep into the youth’s right shoulder, and Anakin SCREAMS in pain. His good hand goes to the wound as he stumbles backward. Meanwhile, Tyranus holds his position and sneers.
DARTH TYRANUS
I’ve always wanted to finish that arm off.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Ah, I see you’ve already met Lord Tyranus. He’s rather eager to kill you, I’m afraid. But I’ve insisted on a fair fight.
Sidious pulls a silver lightsaber handle from his robes and sends it flying toward Anakin.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Now, take up the weapon of a true Jedi and destroy the man who murdered your wife.
Anakin looks at the lightsaber hilt, floating just a foot away. Then he turns to Sidious with a cool smile.
ANAKIN
I’ve had enough of lightsabers too.
Sidious frowns.
DARTH SIDIOUS
So be it. Lord Tyranus, you may proceed.
Tyranus turns toward Anakin, murder on his mind.
DARTH TYRANUS
With pleasure.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – EMERGENCY LAUNCH BAY – DAY
Three repulsor engines fire up with a loud ROAR. PULL BACK as a lone JEDI SHUTTLECRAFT lifts off the flight deck and heads toward a rapidly opening hatchway.
INT. JEDI SHUTTLE – COCKPIT – DAY
Yoda sits behind the controls. Outside the cockpit windows, the walls of the Temple race by as the little shuttle speeds into the afternoon sky.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
One of the clone artillery GUNNERS sees the shuttle escaping and swivels his cannon around to fire at it.
GUNNER
Look!
He opens fire, and within moments, five other guns are BLASTING away at the shuttle as well.
INT. JEDI SHUTTLE – COCKPIT – DAY
Yoda grits his teeth and throws the shuttle into a steep climb. Laser bolts are EXPLODING all around outside. One blast connects with the shuttle and knocks it into a spin. Back in the cargo compartment, the Younglings are SCREAMING.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
The Gunners track the spinning spacecraft with the computerized scopes of their cannons. One Gunner’s scope lights up red as he locks onto the shuttle.
INT. JEDI SHUTTLE – COCKPIT – DAY
Yoda’s ears prick up and he quickly reaches out and jabs a flashing button.
EXT. JEDI SHUTTLE – DAY
Somewhere on the hull of the escape craft, a large metal latch SNAPS open.
EXT. TROOP STAGING AREA – DAY
The Gunner’s finger pulls the trigger with finality.
EXT. CORUSCANT SKY – DAY
A violent EXPLOSION fills the heavens. When the smoke clears, the shuttle is gone.
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Sparks fly once more as Anakin and Tyranus duel to the death. Anakin swings his force pike around expertly now, keeping the Sith Lord on his toes. Tyranus distracts him with words.
DARTH TYRANUS
Come on, Skywalker. I expected so much better from you.
Anakin thrusts forcefully and Tyranus parries smoothly.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
But then I’m forgetting: you’re not even a Padawan anymore.
One of Tyranus’ strokes comes within an inch of decapitating Anakin.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
You’re just a Jedi outcast.
Anakin slams his force pike across Tyranus’ saber HARD.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
Rejected by Kenobi. Rejected by Yoda.
Anakin continues to swing the pike harder and harder.
DARTH TYRANUS (CONT’D)
Even rejected by Padmé. Or do you still think the child was your own?
Anakin bares his teeth viciously.
ANAKIN
YOU LIE!
He throws all his weight into a blow against Tyranus’ saber, pushing the red blade down toward the Sith Lord’s face. The SCREECH of unleashed electricity is appalling, and a shower of sparks flies everywhere.
Suddenly, the sparks cease. Anakin glances down at his force pike just as the energy current along its blade FIZZLES and shorts out. He pulls the pike back quickly and steps away, but Tyranus has already seized the opportunity. The Sith Lord raises his lightsaber and in one swift stroke, chops the force pike in two.
Electricity shoots everywhere, engulfing Anakin’s entire body. Tyranus steps back and smirks at him. He deactivates his laser sword.
DARTH TYRANUS
You should’ve chosen the lightsaber.
Anakin is in terrible pain, but he’s still lucid. He raises the two halves of the force pike, his limbs shaking in the electrical current that still spews from the broken weapon.
ANAKIN
You … should have … kept up your defenses.
And with that, Anakin lunges at Tyranus and spears him in the chest with both live pike halves. Tyranus SCREAMS and tries to fight back, but Anakin’s will is stronger. He forces the old man’s convulsing body to the floor, and only then does he let go of the electrified metal. Anakin crumbles to his knees and takes several deep breaths.
Sidious walks to the edge of the dais and looks on.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Good. Good. Your anger has served you well.
Sidious reaches out his hand and sends the lightsaber handle floating toward Anakin once more.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Now, strike him down and take his place at my side.
Anakin glares up at Sidious despite the pain. On the floor, Tyranus begins to stir.
ANAKIN
Never. I will never be your apprentice.
Sidious slowly descends the stairs.
DARTH SIDIOUS
But you already are. For ten years I have molded you, Anakin; guided your steps.
ANAKIN
What are you talking about?
DARTH SIDIOUS
From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew that you were destined to be mine. Together we will rule the galaxy. I shall be your master, and you shall be my apprentice.
ANAKIN
No, no. I won’t…
DARTH SIDIOUS
It is unavoidable. It is your destiny.
Sidious has reached the bottom of the stairs and is towering over the injured youth. When next he speaks, his voice is not quite so deep.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
After all, I have said it many times before, Anakin: I foresee you becoming the most powerful of all Jedi.
Anakin stares up in horror at these words.
ANAKIN
What? What did you say?
Darth Sidious reaches up and fingers the edges of his hood.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Yes. I’ve told you that before. And with my help, it will come true.
ANAKIN
You can’t be…
DARTH SIDIOUS
I am.
Sidious pulls back the hood. He is Palpatine. His bald head is badly scarred, but his lips are twisted into an evil grin.
Anakin looks away in turmoil.
ANAKIN
No. I don’t understand.
DARTH SIDIOUS
There is only one thing to understand, my young apprentice. I will make you more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
He grabs the floating saber and holds it out to Anakin.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Now, strike down this inferior with all your anger and your journey toward the Dark Side will be complete.
Anakin’s eyes are conflicted, strong emotions raging within. Suddenly, he stands up and grabs the lightsaber handle from Sidious’ hand. He holds it out for a moment and stares down at Tyranus. Then he turns and throws the saber across the room.
ANAKIN
No. I will not join you.
(beat)
I trusted you. I trusted you.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Then trust me again. This man does not deserve your pity. He has earned your hatred.
ANAKIN
Not in the way that you have.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Are you certain of that? After all, what do you really know of Lord Tyranus? His influence is vast. He commands many forces in this galaxy. The Separatists. The pirates of Bogden.
(beat)
Occasionally, even the Tuskens of Tatooine.
On the ground, Tyranus’ eyes widen. He attempts to push himself up to a sitting position, but fails.
Anakin turns his head slowly to face Sidious, death in his eyes.
ANAKIN
More lies?
Sidious’ smile is malicious but truthful.
DARTH SIDIOUS
No. Only the truth. See for yourself.
The Dark Lord throws out his hand, and before Anakin can move away, presses it to the youth’s forehead.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. TATOOINE – CANYON – DAWN (FLASHBACK)
From Anakin’s P.O.V. in the vision, a woman is seen below on a desert canyon floor. She carries a container of mushrooms and moves along peacefully. It is SHMI SKYWALKER (mid-40s).
Suddenly, THREE FIGURES come into the frame. They stand staring down at the woman from the top of the canyon. Two of them are wrapped in the beige bandages of the SAND PEOPLE. The other is clothed all in black.
The Figure in Black points at the woman commandingly. The Sand People hurry off to follow his orders. PUSH IN on Shmi as she is ambushed by several Tuskens. They brutally kick her and even beat her with their gaffi sticks. The Figure in Black observes all this from the top of the canyon. Finally, he turns and his face is revealed. It is Tyranus, of course, and his eyes sparkle wickedly.
CUT TO:
INT. TATOOINE – TUSKEN TENT – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Shmi lies cradled in Anakin’s arms.
SHMI SKYWALKER
I love … I love …
She dies. CLOSE ON Anakin’s tormented face.
INT. CORUSCANT – UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
It’s the same expression that Anakin is wearing right now as Sidious withdraws the hand from his forehead. The Dark Lord’s eyes are closed in delight.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Yes. Yes. Tyranus deserves the same death the Tuskens did.
The conflict on Anakin’s features reaches its climax. He backs away from Sidious.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Now, unleash your anger and experience your true potential. Release your hatred and avenge your mother.
For one second longer, the battle rages within Anakin. Then his face goes completely blank. His icy eyes stare straight ahead. Reaching out with the Force, Anakin brings the silver lightsaber to his hand and IGNITES it. Its blade is blood red.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Fulfill your destiny, my young apprentice!
The young Knight raises the saber. Tyranus SCREAMS. And Anakin smoothly slices him in half.
The instant the blow is dealt, a massive Force-explosion bursts out of Tyranus and fills the room. But Anakin can control it. Closing his eyes, he reaches out his hand and slowly draws the blue shock-waves back into his own body. In moments, Anakin has consumed the entire blast within himself. He stands with his eyes closed, breathing deeply.
Then his eyes open. And in them is the most haunting expression of all: pleasure. Deep pleasure.
Slowly, Anakin turns to Sidious, lightsaber still in hand. For a moment, Sidious almost looks shocked. The silence between the two is dreadful.
Then Anakin EXTINGUISHES his saber. He kneels before the Dark Lord.
ANAKIN
What is thy bidding, my Master?
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY
A large metal grate EXPLODES outward. As the smoke clears, hundreds of clones come pouring through the opening into the upper levels of the central corridor. On the main level below, Mace Windu and the remaining Jedi are all kneeling on the floor, their eyes closed in meditation. The clones fan out around the balconies, rifles leveled on the Jedi below. More blocked hallways are BLOWN open, and even more troops arrive. Soon they make their way down to the main level itself. Now every story of the central corridor is filled with white bodies and deadly weapons. A clone Commander surveys the situation from the top level. He holds up his arm so that all can see him.
CLONE COMMANDER
Fire at will.
He drops his arm. Nearly a thousand laser beams streak out to destroy the Jedi … but don’t. The blaster bolts come within three feet of the huddled Knights, then bounce back.
Now a shimmery outline can be seen around the circle of Jedi. Together they have created a huge Force shield. With his eyes still closed and his hand still outstretched in concentration, Mace Windu smiles.
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Darth Sidious and Anakin are walking side-by-side. Together they ascend the steps toward the dais.
DARTH SIDIOUS
The destruction of the Jedi is at hand. For ages they have polluted the religion of the Force and persecuted those who desired to wield its true power. Their tyranny ends today.
They reach the top of the stairs and Sidious turns to face Anakin.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
That is your task, Lord Vader: the complete annihilation of the Jedi Order.
Anakin’s face is unreadable. He makes no answer.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
You shall bring to justice all those who held you back, those who limited your development. And those who kept you from saving your wife.
Something sparks in Anakin’s eyes.
ANAKIN
As you wish, my Master.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Your hate has made you powerful, my apprentice. They shall not be able to stand against you.
(beat)
However, you shall not face them alone.
Darth Sidious turns and gestures toward the rock wall behind the dais. A secret door slides open.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
I have prepared another powerful weapon for this occasion.
He strides through the doorway and Anakin follows.
INT. UNDERGROUND STOREROOM – CONTINUOUS
They enter a chamber filled with ominous technology of all kinds. As Sidious leads him toward the back of the room, Anakin’s gaze falls upon a read-out of the Death Star prototype. The holographic space station has been broken down into its various components, and Anakin’s eyes linger on what must be the super laser array. Sidious, meanwhile, reaches the rear of the chamber.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Ah, here he is.
The Sith Lord stops in front of a large, cylindrical capsule. He throws a switch on its side, and lights begin to play across its polished chrome surface.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
For three years he has awaited this day. As his body has grown, so has his hatred for the Jedi.
The top panel of the cylinder slowly slides back.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Darth Vader, meet Boba Fett.
A naked BOBA FETT sits up inside the chamber. He appears to be in his 30s now and, of course, he looks exactly like his father, sans the scars and with longer hair. Sidious reaches down and unplugs the cord that connects Fett’s skull to the growth acceleration chamber.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Your day of vengeance has arrived, Fett.
Boba Fett smiles.
BOBA FETT
Then what are we waiting for? There’s Jedi to kill.
Sidious nods with pleasure.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Very good.
He turns to Anakin.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
Make certain they are all accounted for. And spare no one.
Anakin bows in deference.
ANAKIN
Yes, my lord.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE – DUSK
The sun is dropping toward the horizon as an Imperial army speeder races toward the troop staging area and sets down next to the command center.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE – CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DUSK
An impasse has been reached. The Jedi are still huddled on the floor in meditation, and the clones are still surrounding them on all levels. Now, however, the Imperial troops are standing at ease, awaiting some new development.
Suddenly, the clones SNAP to attention. Striding through the doorway on the bottom level is General Ekron, flanked by his Sergeant. Following them is a helmeted Boba Fett, clad in his father’s combat gear and armed to the teeth. Finally, behind them all, Anakin Skywalker enters, the black hood of his new Sith robes partially obscuring his face.
Ekron strides to the middle of the corridor and stands with his arms crossed, sizing up the situation.
GENERAL EKRON
This stalemate is at an end, Jedi. I’ve come here to offer you one last chance. Surrender, plead the mercy of the Empire, and you may survive. Continue to resist, and your Order becomes extinct, here and now.
Mace Windu looks up from his concentration.
MACE WINDU
You will never eradicate the Jedi, General. Not in a thousand years. Wherever there is freedom, wherever there is hope, wherever there is the Force, there we will be.
GENERAL EKRON
A rousing sentiment, I’m sure. It’s unfortunate you won’t be around to see it proven false.
(beat)
Very well then. As you have refused the goodwill of the Empire, prepare to experience its wrath.
Ekron steps back under the archways of the lowest balcony. He looks over at Anakin and gestures.
GENERAL EKRON (CONT’D)
Lord Vader. If you will do the honors…
Anakin nods and steps out from the shadows. He stalks to within twenty feet of the Jedi, then halts. For a moment, he stands completely motionless. Then he raises his left hand. All around the chamber, the clones take aim at the Jedi and lean in for the kill.
From where he kneels on the floor, Mace Windu catches sight of Anakin. His eyes go wide.
MACE WINDU
Anakin? No, Anakin, wait!
Anakin turns his gaze toward Windu. A cruel sneer twists across his face. Then, with one simple motion, he swipes his hand across the Force shield and shatters it. The shimmery aura surrounding the Jedi flashes brightly, then disappears.
The Knights are visibly jolted as their powers are utterly overwhelmed. Even as they jump to their feet, a thousand clone blaster rifles RING OUT. Several of the Jedi can’t ignite their lightsabers in time to deflect the blasts.
Anakin steps back to his place under the balcony and turns to survey the ensuing pandemonium. His face is cold and emotionless once again.
Boba Fett, meanwhile, powers up his rocket pack and flies right into the thick of things.
The battle that follows is quick and one-sided. The clones keep up a merciless barrage of blaster fire from all sides, and the Jedi cannot possibly deflect all of their laser beams at once. Hovering above it all, Fett shoots down lethal green spheres from his FUSION CANNON — an odd, bazooka-like gun that instantly disintegrates its targets.
A few Jedi attempt to break out of this death trap, and some of them actually jump to the upper levels. There, they manage to take a few clones with them before they too are shot down. Such is the fate of Plo Koon and Luminara Unduli. For the most part, though, many of the Knights fall before they even have a chance to react.
Surrounded by his dead and dying comrades, Mace Windu stands his ground. His arms and saber are a blur as he deflects laser bolts from all directions at incredible speed. Suddenly, the blaster fire ceases. Windu catches his breath as he searches for a new threat. He doesn’t have to look for long. Fusion cannon leveled, Boba Fett rockets down and stands before him.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
I thought I already killed you.
BOBA FETT
That’s the trouble with clones. We just keep coming back for more.
The Jedi Master glances around at the balconies filled with white-armored troops.
MACE WINDU
Tell me about it.
Now Windu levels his gaze at Fett’s dark visor.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
So what now?
BOBA FETT
Now you die.
MACE WINDU
Not without a fight.
BOBA FETT
Of course.
They hold each other’s gaze, their bodies tense. Then Windu jumps. Fett discharges his weapon a second too late. His fatal projectiles take out one of the massive windows in the corner, leaving a gaping hole in the wall. Windu pulls a half-flip in the air and starts down toward the ground, head-first. His saber slashes through Fett’s cannon. Then he pulls the other half of the flip and lands on his feet. Of course, Fett has another weapon out in less than a second, and the fight continues.
Anakin watches the contest between these two from the shadows, his face still betraying no emotion. Most of the other Jedi are dead, and the clones have all but ceased firing. Many of them also observe the duel between Fett and Windu.
Back and forth across the hall the two combatants rage. Fett goes through several weapons — pistols, a sawed-off blaster rifle, even vibro-knives — but still he cannot defeat Windu. For his part, the Jedi Master receives injury after injury, and still keeps coming back for more.
Finally, Ekron motions to one of the Troopers nearest Windu. The clone raises his rifle with deadly precision and fires. The laser bolt connects with Windu’s hand, and his lightsaber goes flying, smoking and useless. Fett seizes the opportunity. He engages his flamethrower and blows Windu back across the room to the lip of the shattered window. Then Fett rockets over and grabs the nearly unconscious Jedi by the neck. He holds him out over the abyss.
BOBA FETT (CONT’D)
For my father.
Fett pulls back his free hand and forms a fist.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
NO!
Fett hesitates. And Anakin strides forward to stand at his side.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Not yet.
Anakin grabs Windu’s neck as well and pulls the Jedi back in. Grudgingly, Fett backs off.
MACE WINDU
Anakin…
ANAKIN
Where’s Yoda?
Windu can barely speak … so Anakin tightens his grip.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Tell me where he is.
The Jedi manages a defiant smile.
MACE WINDU
He … he got out … in a shuttle.
ANAKIN
I don’t believe you.
Ekron’s Sergeant steps forward.
SERGEANT
A shuttle did attempt to escape in the fighting. We shot it down.
Anakin looks at the Sergeant, then back at Windu.
ANAKIN
You have failed, Windu.
He releases the Jedi in disgust, and the old Knight falls to his knees. Anakin turns to Fett.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
Kill him.
But Windu grabs Anakin’s heel weakly.
MACE WINDU
Anakin, wait. I was wrong about you.
The Sith Apprentice turns and looks down at the Jedi, his eyes icier than ever.
MACE WINDU (CONT’D)
The Prophecy is true. You are the Chosen One.
ANAKIN
I know.
MACE WINDU
Then you must … stop this madness. You must bring balance to the Force.
Anakin crouches down to look Windu in the eye. He pulls his saber from his cloak and presses the cold, metal handle to the Jedi Master’s forehead.
ANAKIN
I am.
Anakin throws the activation switch.
The sound of the saber igniting THUNDERS throughout the chamber.
EXT. SENATE SQUARE – NIGHT
The lights of the Senate Rotunda are ablaze. The humongous holo-screens on its walls transmit the proceedings inside.
INT. SENATE ROTUNDA – NIGHT
Palpatine is addressing the rowdy legislative body. He again wears his toupee and his forehead bandage.
PALPATINE
A great calamity. That is the only way to describe the events that took place at the Jedi Temple today. And yet, the message had to be sent. This Empire will not tolerate attacks on its citizens, nor its sovereignty.
The Senate bursts forth in APPLAUSE. Once again, only Bail Organa is not cheering. He sits resignedly in his pod and speaks not a word. Glancing down to his left, he notices that Mon Mothma’s place is empty.
Palpatine waits for the applause to DIE-DOWN.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
And yet, my friends, yet I fear the message has not been received. Already, reports have reached us of violent Jedi retaliation throughout the galaxy.
CUT TO:
INT. MON MOTHMA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Projected on a holo-pad, Palpatine’s image continues to speak. Mon Mothma and General Antilles sit in the darkened room and listen in dismay.
PALPATINE (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Therefore, to ensure that the members of this rebellious Order are brought to justice, I propose we send out a force of our own: a peace keeping armada under the command of Admiral Tarkin.
General Antilles shakes his head in disbelief, but Mon Mothma doesn’t seem the least bit surprised.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE ROTUNDA – NIGHT
Palpatine’s speech crescendos to its climax.
PALPATINE
Fellow Senators, we must not be content to protect Coruscant only. I personally will not rest until every system in the Empire is safe from the Jedi threat.
The CHEERS and APPLAUSE are now deafening. Palpatine acknowledges them with a regretful little nod. Then he returns to his seat.
Mas Amedda takes the floor now, gesturing for silence. Slowly the Senators QUIET DOWN.
MAS AMEDDA
Excellent. Excellent. Let this task force be assembled at once. And now, before we adjourn, let us consider one final motion.
He turns and looks at Palpatine.
MAS AMEDDA (CONT’D)
Senators, for nearly fifteen years, this galaxy has been guided and protected by one man.
CUT TO:
EXT. UNDERWOLRD STREETS – NIGHT
Several STREET DWELLERS are gathered around Amedda’s hologram, listening with interest.
MAS AMEDDA (VIA HOLOGRAM)
He has lead us through times of peace and prosperity, and provided for us in times of war and want.
The Street Dwellers react in enthusiastic agreement.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE ROTUNDA – NIGHT
MAS AMEDDA
Furthermore, it is the finding of this house that every Empire needs an Emperor. And it is the unanimous recommendation of every committee that Chancellor Palpatine be he.
Mas Amedda holds out his hands to Palpatine.
MAS AMEDDA (CONT’D)
The people have spoken. Long live Emperor Palpatine!
The Senate GOES BERSERK.
Amidst the enthusiastic uproar, Bail Organa stands and glances at his silent Alderaanian AIDE (20s).
BAIL ORGANA
Come on. I’m going.
AIDE
Going where, Senator?
BAIL ORGANA
Back to Alderaan. There’s nothing for me here now.
Shoulders square and head held high, Bail Organa turns and exits the Imperial Senate Rotunda.
INT. MON MOTHMA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
On the holo-pad, Palpatine is bowing humbly before his adoring followers.
Mon Mothma reaches out and violently switches off the display. At this point, the fire in her eyes is beyond smoldering.
MON MOTHMA
There can be no more doubt. The time to strike is now.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Yes, but strike what?
Mon Mothma considers this for a moment. Then her eyes grow even brighter.
MON MOTHMA
How about the new “peace-keeping” armada? If it’s a rebellion they’re looking for, it’s a rebellion we’ll give them.
Antilles nods.
GENERAL ANTILLES
I’ll check with my sources and find out their flight plan. We can set an ambush.
Mon Mothma throws him a fierce grin.
MON MOTHMA
Good. This is where the fun begins.
Antilles responds with a grin of his own as he prepares to leave. After the General is gone, Mon Mothma turns back and gazes at the empty holo-pad. Her smile fades.
INT. IMPERIAL WAR-ROOM – NIGHT
Tactical screens and battleship readouts fill this gigantic command center. Outside the massive windows, the Imperial Fleet can be seen, docked on enormous landing pads.
Palpatine stands staring out these windows as Tarkin briskly enters the room. The Admiral sports a brand-new olive Imperial uniform.
PALPATINE
Ah, Admiral Tarkin. Once again, we must call upon you to protect our Empire. The safety of us all is in your capable hands.
Tarkin nods politely.
TARKIN
I shall do my best, of course, Emperor Palpatine.
PALPATINE
Of course. And I have no doubt that you shall succeed. Still, when dealing with Jedi, it is wise to take advantage of all your resources. That is why I am sending Lord Vader with you.
Anakin steps forward to face Tarkin. The Admiral eyes him in surprise and distaste.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
Is there a problem, Admiral?
TARKIN
Of course not, my lord. It’s merely that the last time this boy served under me, the mission did not go entirely as planned.
PALPATINE
Ah, then rest easy. For he will not be serving under you this time. He will be in command.
Tarkin takes this in stride, all things considered.
TARKIN
I see, my lord.
Palpatine LAUGHS.
PALPATINE
Don’t worry, Admiral. Lord Vader will be in direct contact with me throughout your mission. Besides, he’s changed quite a bit recently. You might say he’s become a new person.
TARKIN
I understand.
PALPATINE
Good. Now enough of this pointless bickering. Your orders are clear enough: I want you to hunt down all the remaining Jedi and exterminate them.
Palpatine looks over at Anakin.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
And I want you to start on Naboo.
ANAKIN
Naboo?
PALPATINE
Yes. You see, we made certain to keep the Jedi Temple’s holo-transmitters engaged in order to track as many signals as we could. And there is one knight in particular that I know you both will enjoy pursuing. Obi-Wan Kenobi. He seems to be seeking refuge on Naboo.
Palpatine steps close to Anakin and speaks in a lower voice.
PALPATINE (CONT’D)
This is a test, my young apprentice. And it is a gift. Kill the man who kept you from everything you ever wanted and reaffirm your loyalty to me.
Anakin stares blankly back at Palpatine for a moment. Then he grins.
ANAKIN
With pleasure.
INT. MON MOTHMA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Mon Mothma and General Antilles sit working at different computer consoles. A few other CONSPIRATORS work alongside them. All are focused and intense.
MON MOTHMA
Jagged, look at this.
GENERAL ANTILLES
What is it?
He stands up and peers over her shoulder.
MON MOTHMA
It’s the armada’s flight plan. The entire thing.
GENERAL ANTILLES
What? Where’d you find that?
MON MOTHMA
It was sent to me over the holo-net. Just now.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Sent? By whom?
MON MOTHMA
Let me check the encryption.
She hits a few keys and then sits back with a smile.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Who was it?
MON MOTHMA
The message came from the Offices of the Alderaanian Delegation.
GENERAL ANTILLES
From Senator Organa?
MON MOTHMA
Looks like he’s finally seen the truth of the matter. This is his way of supporting our cause.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Well, let’s not waste the chance he’s given us. Let’s set our ambush.
MON MOTHMA
Where?
Antilles surveys the flight plan on the computer screen. Then he points to one entry.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Here. We’ll attack them here … at Naboo.
EXT. LANDING PLATFORMS – NIGHT
Half of the Imperial fleet is preparing for departure. The gigantic arrowhead battleships have powered up their massive engines and are taking-off one-by-one into the night sky.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE – NIGHT
Anakin stands in his black robes and gazes out the bridge viewport as the flagship rises into the air. He watches the cityscape grow smaller and smaller beneath him. To his right, the remains of the Jedi Temple can be seen. The ghostly building is still flickering with flames.
Anakin turns and looks away.
EXT. SPACE – CORUSCANT
The flagship and its entourage climb up out of the atmosphere. They gather into a colossal formation of starships and then, as one, jump into hyperspace.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE – NABOO
The lush, green planet hangs delicately in the heavens.
EXT. NABOO – LAKE RETREAT – LANDING PAD – DAY
Obi-Wan’s Jedi starfighter sits on the platform next to a large, multi-person speeder. Two Handmaidens are hurriedly loading bags and parcels onto the transport. Artoo Deetoo is assisting them.
INT. LAKE RETREAT – PADMÉ’S CHAMBER – DAY
Obi-Wan and Jar-Jar stand conversing with a cloaked Padmé as she packs a few last-minute items into a handbag. Dormé stands behind her, cradling the Twins.
OBI-WAN
Thank you for agreeing to leave on such short notice, Senator.
PADMÉ
Where are we going?
OBI-WAN
(hesitantly)
I already spoke with the Queen in the capital. She agreed that the safest place for you to hide would be…
PADMÉ
Where?
JAR-JAR
Wesa goin’ to Gungan City, M’lady. Gungans not lettin’ any ouchtime come to Pad-may.
PADMÉ
Otoh Gunga? How is it any safer than this retreat?
OBI-WAN
When you contacted us on Coruscant, the secrecy of this location was compromised, M’lady. We don’t know who was watching. Which reminds me…
He reaches into his robes and pulls out his holo-array. As Padmé and Dormé watch, he switches it off.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
We must make absolutely certain that no one can track us.
He tucks the device back into a pocket of his brown cloak.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
All communication devices must be turned off, except for emergencies.
Padmé and Dormé exchange a worried look.
PADMÉ
We shall have to rely on your judgement, Master Jedi.
OBI-WAN
Good.
He steps in and rests a hand on her shoulder.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Do not fear, M’lady. I will protect you and your children. I promise.
PADMÉ
I know. That is not what worries me.
She pulls away from his touch and continues to pack. From her night-stand, Padmé picks up a string necklace with a carved wooden charm. It is the japor snippet that Anakin gave her almost fifteen years ago.
OBI-WAN
Your thoughts dwell with Anakin.
Padmé nods as she fastens the string around her neck.
PADMÉ
Yes. What if he comes while I am away? Will he be able to find me?
OBI-WAN
I hope so, M’lady. I do hope so.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE – BELSAVIS
A strange purple planet fills the frame. A small spacecraft approaches it and heads toward the southern hemisphere. This is the detachable top half of the Jedi shuttle from Coruscant. Its belly has been scorched with flames.
The shuttle disappears down into the atmosphere.
EXT. BELSAVIS – JEDI COMPOUND – DAY
The shuttle sits on a wind-swept landing platform, its ramp lowered. All around the pad, lavender glaciers rise toward the azure sky. The closest such glacier houses a large metal doorway which currently stands open.
Gathered within the shelter of this doorway, the Younglings stand and talk with Yoda. The Jedi Librarian JOCASTA NU (80s) and two other SOMBER JEDI (40s) stand farther down the corridor that leads into the glacier.
YODA
Safe you will be here, Younglings. Yes, safe.
One of the children begins to CRY. She’s a very young redheaded girl named MARA (2 or 3).
MARA
Why you haf to go, Master Yoda?
Yoda smiles sadly.
YODA
Elsewhere I am needed, little one. Madame Nu shall take care of you now. Mind her you must.
An antsy little boy named TOBIE (6) pipes up.
TOBIE
Will we keep learning about the Force?
Yoda becomes very grave.
YODA
No. No, children. You must unlearn all that you have learned. Only then safe will you be.
TOBIE
But why?
Yoda smiles.
YODA
How many times must I say it, young Padawan? There is no “why.”
He puts on mock exasperation.
YODA (CONT’D)
Ah! Heed you nothing that I say?
The children CHUCKLE in spite of themselves. Yoda reaches out and tussles Tobie’s hair.
YODA (CONT’D)
A good learner you have been, Tobie. And you, Mara. And all of you. Miss you I will. But now depart I must. Be brave, children. Be brave.
Yoda turns and walks toward the shuttle. He stops at the base of the ramp and lifts a hand in farewell. The Younglings all wave goodbye. They continue to wave as the shuttle fires its engines and climbs into the darkening sky.
WIPE TO:
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Anakin, Captain Sagona, and several IMPERIAL OFFICERS (one of them a BLUE-SKINNED MAN in his 20s) all stand around Tarkin and make plans for battle. Through the bridge viewports, the mottled tunnel of hyperspace can be seen rushing by.
TARKIN
Very well. We shall send down two landing parties — one to find Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the other to assess the planetary government’s allegiance to the Empire. How long until we exit hyperspace, Captain?
Captain Sagona glances down at his console.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Fifteen seconds, Admiral.
TARKIN
Very good. Have the landing parties standing by. Dismissed.
The Imperial Officers hurry away and Tarkin turns to face the forward viewport. Anakin steps up to stand on his right.
ANAKIN
I will take Kenobi alone.
Tarkin surveys the young man with amused contempt.
TARKIN
And if you fail?
ANAKIN
I won’t.
Tarkin considers this as Captain Sagona motions to a CREWMAN in the portside crewpit.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Dropping out of lightspeed on my mark. Three … Two … One … Mark!
The Crewman pulls back on a lever. Outside the viewport, the mottled sky turns to starlines, then individual stars. Naboo abruptly hangs before them in all its glory.
TARKIN
Excellent, Captain. Now if you will order the…
The ship suddenly shakes with an EXPLOSION. Blaster fire sears past the viewports.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
What the …?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Sir, it would appear we are under attack!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Imperial Fleet is surrounded by a swarm of Corellian craft. From capital ships to smuggling vessels, the variety in size and shape of this rebel fleet is striking. One large CORVETTE BLOCKADE-RUNNER leads the attack.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma sits in close quarters with three CORELLIAN PILOTS (30s) who are busy coordinating the fleet and navigating the ship.
The Senator picks up a transmitter and speaks into it.
MON MOTHMA
Imperial fleet. Your presence is not welcome in this system. Stand down and withdraw your forces at once, or face the consequences.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma’s fiery voice plays over the intercom.
MON MOTHMA (VIA COMLINK)
I repeat, withdraw your forces at once. This is your final warning.
The transmission cuts off.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
What are your orders, Admiral?
TARKIN
What are my orders? Blow them out of the blasted sky! Those are my orders.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Imperial battleships open fire on the assorted rebel craft. The Corellian vessels answer back, and the void is instantly filled with SIZZLING laser energy.
FAST WIPE TO:
A HOLO-SCREEN.
Grainy footage of the escalating space battle plays as Grenz Vermillion’s voice reports.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
… a massive battle that began just minutes ago.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL that the holo-screen hangs on a wall in…
INT. CORUSCANT – BAIL ORGANA’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Bail Organa sits running his fingers through his hair as Vermillion continues to rattle on.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Once again, the Imperial Peace-Keeping Force has been maliciously attacked without provocation by a fleet of unidentified Corellian vessels. Early intelligence indicates that these two seditious individuals may be behind the ambush.
Unflattering holograms of both Mon Mothma and General Antilles appear on-screen.
GRENZ VERMILLION (VIA HOLOGRAM) (CONT’D)
Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrilla and General Jagged Antilles of Corellia.
Bail Organa switches off the screen in anguish.
BAIL ORGANA
Oh, the fools. The fools.
Just then, Organa’s Aide enters the office carrying a couple metallic crates.
AIDE
Your ship is ready to depart for Alderaan, sir.
BAIL ORGANA
Good. You loaded the diplomatic archive?
AIDE
Yes, along with your personal belongings and the new acquisitions.
BAIL ORGANA
Thanks, Trahtuum. I’ll certainly miss having you around.
AIDE
Thank you, Senator.
(beat)
There is one more thing. You had an un-viewed holo-message from Senator Mothma.
BAIL ORGANA
Senator Mothma?
AIDE
Yes. She merely said “thanks for the good advice.” I assume you know what she meant.
BAIL ORGANA
No, I don’t. “Thanks for the good advice?” I never sent her any…
Organa freezes, thinking it through. Then he lunges for his computer console and pulls up a display of archived holo-messages. He scrolls through them and then holds on one entry in particular. As he opens it, his eyes widen.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Did you send this?
AIDE
What is it?
BAIL ORGANA
A copy of the Imperial fleet’s flight plan. Did YOU send it?
AIDE
No, sir.
BAIL ORGANA
Well, the message was sent from this office. And I certainly didn’t…
The Aide edges in toward the computer.
AIDE
May I have a closer look, sir?
Organa moves out of the young man’s way. The Aide presses several buttons and his eyes flit rapidly over the message.
AIDE (CONT’D)
Actually, Senator, this didn’t originate in our office. But it was nerf-backed through the system in order to appear that it did.
BAIL ORGANA
Then where did the real message come from?
The Aide keys in a few more commands and surveys the results. Then he SUCKS in his breath sharply.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Where?
The young man turns to look at Organa, obviously confused.
AIDE
The message was sent to Senator Mothma … from the office of Emperor Palpatine.
Organa steadies himself against his desk.
BAIL ORGANA
That means … Palpatine set it all up. Mon Mothma’s ships are flying into a trap.
Organa SIGHS deeply, his muscles relaxing in defeat.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
No one anywhere near Naboo stands a chance.
The Aide slowly takes all this in. Then he turns his eyes to Organa.
AIDE
So, what are you going to do about it?
The Senator LAUGHS bitterly. But then he stops himself. Returning his Aide’s gaze, Bail Organa considers the question.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE – NABOO – BATTLEFIELD
A Corellian Cruiser EXPLODES and the eruption of flame fills the frame.
The rebel forces are taking a severe beating at the hands of the Imperial fleet.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Alarms are WAILING. One of the Corellian Pilots glances back at Mon Mothma.
CORELLIAN PILOT
We’re returning their fire, Senator, but we’re obviously out-matched. We won’t be able to keep this up for long.
MON MOTHMA
You’re right. They have the advantage when it comes to firepower. But we know a tactic that has crippled their fleet before.
She picks up the transmitter again.
MON MOTHMA (CONT’D)
Mothma to Antilles. Launch your fighters, General.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
Several of the large Corellian ships open their hangar doors and scores of white fighters come pouring out. These are basic Z-95 HEADHUNTERS with flat wings and limited maneuverability.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
General Antilles works the controls of his craft with expert smoothness.
GENERAL ANTILLES
All fighters form up into attack pattern Dybbuk. Wait for my signal to engage enemy craft.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The fighters gather into a large formation in front of the Corvette flagship. Antilles’ blue-striped Headhunter is in the lead.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma and the Pilots continue to monitor the battle.
CORELLIAN PILOT
Our fighters are in formation and ready to attack, Senator Mothma.
SECOND CORELLIAN PILOT
Wait, I’m picking up another group of signals. They’re coming from the planet.
Mon Mothma studies the read-out in front of her.
MON MOTHMA
It’s the Naboo. They’re joining the fight.
SECOND CORELLIAN PILOT
Yes, but on which side?
EXT. SPACE – NABOO
Dozens of yellow Nubian N-1 STARFIGHTERS streak up from the planet’s surface toward the escalating battle.
INT. LEAD NABOO FIGHTER – COCKPIT
RIC OLIÉ (50), veteran Naboo pilot, leads the N-1 fighters into the fray. He speaks into his comlink unit.
RIC OLIÉ
This is Captain Ric Olié of the Royal Naboo Starfleet, to the commander of the Corellian vessels. We don’t know where you people came from, but you seem to be no friends of the Empire.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma listens to Ric Olié’s voice with concern.
RIC OLIÉ (VIA COMLINK)
Well, the feeling’s mutual. Perhaps we can be of some assistance.
Mon Mothma smiles. She speaks into her transmitter.
MON MOTHMA
Captain Olié, this is Republic Senator Mon Mothma. We need all the help we can get.
INT. LEAD NABOO FIGHTER – COCKPIT
RIC OLIÉ
Roger that. Bravo Squadron, let’s form-up and show ’em how it’s done.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The N-1 fighters join the massive cluster of rebel craft. The laser fire of the larger ships is still blazing all around.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
General Antilles observes the Naboo fighters as they join formation off to his starboard side.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Nice to have you along, Bravo Squadron.
He throws a switch on his comm unit.
GENERAL ANTILLES (CONT’D)
All fighters, this is Sandpanther. Set-up for strafing runs on the Imp battleships. Blue and Green groups, target bogies in sectors 8 and 9. Red and Bravo, 10 and 11. Let’s do it.
A chorus of YELLS and WHOOPS erupts across the comlink.
GENERAL ANTILLES (CONT’D)
All craft ahead full throttle.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The entire formation of starfighters races ahead toward the bristling Imperial cruisers. Their attack pattern splits apart into two waves as they near their targets.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Captain Sagona looks over a holographic display of the battle.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral, their fighters are now approaching. They’re less than 4 parsecs away.
Still near the forward viewport, Tarkin turns to Anakin.
TARKIN
I seem to remember something like this happening on Neimoidia. Trade Federation fighters gave us quite a beating, didn’t they?
CAPTAIN SAGONA
3 parsecs and closing.
TARKIN
It almost seemed as if they’d found a weakness in the make-up of our fleet.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
2 parsecs and closing. They’re firing up weapons, sir.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The rebel fighters dive down toward the large Imperial battleships, their laser cannons glowing.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
TARKIN
Well, I’m happy to say we no longer have such a weakness.
(turning to Sagona)
Captain, you may launch our own fighter squadrons at will.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, sir!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
Even as the rebel fighters reach the Imperial craft and begin shooting, the launch-bay doors of the large battleships slide open to release …. myriads of shiny black TIE FIGHTERS! The sleek, prototypical TIES dive out of the launch-bays and SHRIEK toward the rebels, blasters already blazing.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
General Antilles jerks his head in surprise.
GENERAL ANTILLES
All craft pull up! We’ve got trouble.
He throws his fighter into a steep climb.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The rebel ships attempt to steer free of the deadly cloud of TIE Fighters flying directly at them. Some of them make it. The others plow into the enemy vessels head-on. The wave of TIE Fighters isn’t even phased.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin now watches the chaotic holographic read-out of the battle. Several blue signals flicker out as they converge with the red Imperial emblems that represent the TIEs.
TARKIN
Excellent. Captain, order half our pilots to pick off the remainder of the rebel fighters. Have the rest of them start on the larger capital ships.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
Tarkin turns and sees Anakin headed toward the bridge exit.
TARKIN
Lord Vader, wherever are you going?
ANAKIN
To find Kenobi.
TARKIN
Maybe you hadn’t noticed, but there’s a battle raging outside.
Anakin exits the bridge without another word.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
I suppose that’s never stopped you before.
Tarkin shakes his head and turns back to his holo-display.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The battle is indeed raging. The Corellians and Bravo Squadron have completely abandoned their formations and are darting every which way to evade the deadly TIE Fighters. And still the larger ships are firing away at each other. Dead and dying vessels light up the blackness of space. Ric Olié’s N-1 fighter dominates the frame, three twisting TIEs on its tail.
INT. LEAD NABOO FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Ric Olié is tense but focused.
RIC OLIÉ
This is Bravo Leader. I could use some help here.
He throws his fighter into a complicated corkscrew.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The TIES imitate his maneuver perfectly and stay right on his tail.
INT. LEAD NABOO FIGHTER – COCKPIT
RIC OLIÉ
Seriously, I need help.
GENERAL ANTILLES (VIA COMLINK)
Bravo Leader, this is Sandpanther. Alter bearing to oh-two-niner. I got your back.
RIC OLIÉ
Roger that.
Olié throws the steering column hard to the right.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The N-1 fighter banks starboard. The TIEs easily copy the move.
INT. TIE FIGHTER – COCKPIT
The masked TIE PILOT is efficient and emotionless. His computerized targeting grid locks onto Olié’s fighter and flashes red. He coolly pulls the trigger.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The center TIE opens fire. Its lasers drill into Olié’s hull.
INT. TIE FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Through the TIE’s cockpit window, the rear of the smoking Naboo fighter can be seen. Suddenly, the N-1 drops down out of the frame and is replaced by an incoming blue-striped Headhunter, its blasters already firing.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
Antilles’ fighter speeds toward the TIES, squeezing off two rapid-fire shots at each of them. All three enemy fighters EXPLODE, and the Headhunter accelerates through their debris.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
General Antilles’ smiles fiercely.
GENERAL ANTILLES
That, Bravo Leader, is how it’s done.
There is no response.
GENERAL ANTILLES (CONT’D)
Bravo Leader?
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
Olié’s fighter is drifting, nose-downward, toward the hull of an Imperial battleship. It starts to pick up speed.
INT. LEAD NABOO FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Olié seems amazingly calm.
RIC OLIÉ
Sorry, Sandpanther. They knocked out my propulsion and navigation. It’s been fun.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The N-1 smashes into the side of the warship and goes up in a ball of flame.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Antilles grimaces, then quickly steers his fighter away.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – HANGAR BAY
Anakin enters the bay, striding past the ATTENDANT (20) without a word. Walking through rows of parked TIE Fighters, he soon comes under the shadow of a larger ship. He stops and looks up at this craft with a critical eye. Then he smiles.
REVERSE ANGLE on Darth Maul’s old SITH INFILTRATOR. Anakin bounds up the lowered ramp and disappears inside.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The fighting continues at a ferocious pace. Now TIEs are swarming all over the Corellian ships. Some of the large vessels are already falling back.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma sits with a dismayed look on her face watching damage reports pour in. Her own ship is shaking with LASER IMPACTS. Slowly she brings the transmitter to her mouth.
MON MOTHMA
Mothma to Antilles. What’s your status?
There is a squeal of STATIC. Then General Antilles’ voice comes through over the sound of frenzied FIRE.
GENERAL ANTILLES (VIA COMLINK)
Not good. These new fighters of theirs … they’re too fast, too maneuverable.
MON MOTHMA
Understood. I’ll sound the order for retreat.
GENERAL ANTILLES (VIA COMLINK)
We’re not going to get another shot at this any time soon. We’ll have to go underground.
MON MOTHMA
I know.
(beat)
Gather your remaining fighters, Jagged, and get on board your transport. This war is going to last a lot longer than we thought.
GENERAL ANTILLES (VIA COMLINK)
Understood. Antilles out.
Mon Mothma SIGHS, then turns to the Corellian Pilot.
MON MOTHMA
Signal all vessels. Prepare to make the jump to lightspeed.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
Antilles’ Headhunter is flitting about, dodging enemy fire from all sides.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
General Antilles cranes his neck to spot the fighters in his squadron.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Sandpanther to blue and green groups. All wings report in.
Antilles waits for a moment, but no one answers. He maneuvers around a pair of TIEs, then tries again.
GENERAL ANTILLES (CONT’D)
Red and Bravo squadrons, report.
Still no answer. He blasts an enemy fighter out of the sky, then tries once more.
GENERAL ANTILLES (CONT’D)
All Corellian fighters sound off for retreat.
(beat)
Anyone?
Dead silence is the only thing coming over the comlink. Antilles realizes that he is alone.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
It seems as if every TIE Fighter in the sky has just made the same realization. Almost in unison, they all turn and target Antilles’ Headhunter, converging on it from nearly every angle.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
GENERAL ANTILLES
Great.
Taking a deep breath, Antilles’ reaches for a button on the control panel. He watches through his cockpit window as scores of TIE Fighters draw nearer and nearer. At the last moment, he grits his teeth and pounds the button.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The flat, straight wings of Antilles’ Headhunter suddenly split apart. They now form a distinct X-shape.
The jury-rigged starfighter sits there for a moment. Then it rolls over on its new wings and drops straight downward.
The TIE Fighters are completely thrown off. Several of them open fire on the space formerly occupied by the Headhunter and end up destroying their comrades. Many of them collide and burst into flame.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Antilles grins tightly and throws every ounce of his concentration into getting back to the rebel fleet.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
What follows is incredible. As maneuverable and swift as the TIE Fighters are, Antilles’ modified Headhunter is more maneuverable and swifter still. He literally flies circles around the swarms of TIEs in his desperate effort to escape. He is unstoppable.
Finally, Antilles reaches open space and guns his engines toward the departing Corellian ships. He is half way there. Now three-quarters of the way… A shadow falls across his white hull.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Antilles glances up through the top of his canopy even as the shadow engulfs his face.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Sith Infiltrator flies directly above Antilles, matching his break-neck speed.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT
Anakin grins wickedly, then he throws the steering controls downward.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Infiltrator drops threateningly and the Headhunter barely dodges out of its way. The chase resumes.
General Antilles is an incredible pilot. But Anakin Skywalker is the best in the galaxy. Even in the bulkier, less-wieldy Infiltrator, he always manages to keep one step ahead of his prey. As they weave in and out among the rebel ships, it is evident that Anakin is merely toying with Antilles, allowing him to run and then pouncing on top of him again.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Antilles understands what is happening. Still giving it all he has, he reaches over and throws his comm switch.
GENERAL ANTILLES
Antilles to Mon Mothma. I’m afraid I won’t be joining you.
MON MOTHMA (VIA COMLINK)
What? Jagged, what do you mean?
GENERAL ANTILLES
Fight the good fight, Senator. For my children. For all our children.
MON MOTHMA (VIA COMLINK)
Jagged, wait! Jagged!
Antilles switches off the comm unit. He sets his jaw and his eyes grow hard. Then he slams the steering column upward.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The nose of the Headhunter drives up toward the Infiltrator’s cockpit.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT
Anakin’s eyes widen. He throws the craft into a spin.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Headhunter shoots past the Infiltrator, barely missing one of its elongated wings.
INT. ANTILLES’ FIGHTER – COCKPIT
Antilles frowns. He reaches for another button, SIGHS, and gently presses it.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
General Jagged Antilles’ Headhunter EXPLODES violently. The force of the eruption sends the Infiltrator pirouetting away on fire.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma recoils in horror at the sight of the blast.
MON MOTHMA
No!
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Infiltrator spins wildly into the void.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT
Anakin glances upwards as his cockpit turns over and over again. Finally he gains control of his craft.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Sith Infiltrator levels itself out and then speeds away toward the green globe of Naboo.
INT. CORELLIAN FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Mon Mothma sits staring out the viewport in shock.
CORELLIAN PILOT
All ships are ready to make the jump, Senator.
(beat)
Senator?
Mon Mothma gathers herself.
MON MOTHMA
Oh, yes. Let us leave this place.
The Pilot turns back to his controls, and in a few moments, the stars outside begin to blur. Mon Mothma watches them in silence. The fire in her eyes is gone.
EXT. SPACE – BATTLEFIELD
The Corellian fleet flees into hyperspace.
WIPE TO:
EXT. NABOO – THEED – PALACE SQUARE – DAY
The tranquil, cosmopolitan atmosphere of the capital city is shattered as the Sith Infiltrator careens down from the heavens and lands next to the Palace. Gungan and Human PEDESTRIANS are sent scurrying for cover.
INT. THEED – THRONE ROOM – DAY
SIO BIBBLE (65), the white-bearded advisor to the Queen, is seated in one of the smaller chairs that surround the currently vacant throne. ROYAL NABOO GUARDS stand at either end of the great hall, sidearms drawn.
CAPTAIN PANAKA (50), the Queen’s head of security, hurriedly enters from a secret door in the rear of the chamber.
SIO BIBBLE
Is the Queen safe?
CAPTAIN PANAKA
She is secure. Have the pilots reported in from battle?
SIO BIBBLE
No. There’s been no communication at all…
Suddenly, BLASTER FIRE rings out from somewhere down the main corridor. It is just as suddenly silenced. Panaka draws his gun as well. Tension fills the air. Then Anakin explodes into the room, violently Force-pushing the Royal Guards aside. He marches directly up to face Sio Bibble.
ANAKIN
Where is Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Bibble squints at him.
SIO BIBBLE
Master Jedi? Is that you … Skywalker?
ANAKIN
Where is Obi-Wan Kenobi?
SIO BIBBLE
It is you! What is going on here?
ANAKIN
Tell me where Kenobi is, or you die.
Anakin whips out his lightsaber, IGNITES it, and holds the crimson blade to Bibble’s face. Immediately Panaka’s gun comes up. But Bibble bats his arm back down.
SIO BIBBLE
No, wait! I’ll … I’ll tell you!
ANAKIN
Yes?
SIO BIBBLE
He’s … he’s…
Panaka grabs Bibble’s shoulder.
CAPTAIN PANAKA
You can’t tell him! You’ll put HER in danger as well.
Anakin gives an impatient SNARL and quickly cuts Panaka down. The old soldier crumples to the floor.
Sio Bibble stares down in horror. Anakin steps forward and shoves his blade under Bibble’s chin, forcing the old man to look him in the eye.
ANAKIN
WHERE?
Bibble drops his gaze in defeat.
SIO BIBBLE
Otoh Gunga. He’s in Otoh Gunga.
Anakin glares at the trembling old man with distaste. Then he SHUTS DOWN his saber, turns, and strides from the room. Sio Bibble collapses onto the floor in anguish.
EXT. THEED – PALACE SQUARE – DAY
Anakin marches up the ramp of the Sith Infiltrator, a scowl set deep in his features.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT – DAY
Sliding behind the ship’s control panel, Anakin activates the main holo-screen. The image flickers, and then resolves into Tarkin’s face.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Lord Vader, nice of you to check in. We were just preparing to send down our landing parties.
ANAKIN
That won’t be necessary. I have determined Kenobi’s location.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Excellent. Where is he?
ANAKIN
Hiding … in an underwater city.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
How very interesting. You’re certain of this?
Anakin glances down at the Jedi holo-array he holds in his hand. Its display is inactive, signifying that no holo-signals are being received. He looks back at Tarkin smugly.
ANAKIN
Yes.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Well, since you know his location and you don’t require our assistance … why in the worlds did you call?
Anakin glares at Tarkin’s image.
ANAKIN
I know that the fleet is carrying an experimental weapon, Tarkin.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Oh?
ANAKIN
A superlaser for the Emperor’s new building project.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
This is all very intriguing, I’m sure, but I don’t see…
ANAKIN
Fire it on Naboo.
Tarkin becomes serious.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
You impetuous little boy. You presume to tell me what to do with my weaponry?
ANAKIN
I’m sure the Emperor would be interested to hear you call it your weaponry. Now, fire it on Naboo.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Your impetuousness is surpassed only by your stupidity. It’s only a prototype for the superlaser. It hasn’t nearly enough power to destroy a planet.
ANAKIN
I don’t intend to destroy Naboo. I intend to vaporize its oceans.
CUT TO:
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin stares down at the hologram of Anakin in disbelief.
TARKIN
That’s preposterous.
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
That is for me to decide. Fire the beam into Naboo’s oceans … now.
Tarkin sneers.
TARKIN
No, I absolutely will n…
Anakin’s holographic hand comes up, fingers in pincer position. Tarkin’s own hand flies to his collar, his neck muscles tightening.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
(gagging)
What … are you ….?
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
I grow weary of this game, Tarkin.
TARKIN
Vader … release me!
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
You will fire the superlaser?
Tarkin nods desperately. His eyes are beginning to bulge.
TARKIN
As you … wish.
Anakin’s hologram gestures, and immediately Tarkin EXHALES violently. His head pounds down on his computer console. He takes a few deep BREATHS, then comes up seething.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
If you ever do that again…
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
(coldly)
The laser, Tarkin.
Tarkin SIGHS.
TARKIN
Very well. It will take us a few minutes’ preparation
(beat)
I suggest you be off the planet’s surface when we fire.
ANAKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
How thoughtful. Just inform me when you’re ready. Vader out.
The hologram dissipates. Tarkin pulls himself up and straightens out his uniform. Then he glances angrily around. All the Bridge Officers stop staring and hurry back to work.
WIPE TO:
EXT. NABOO – OTOH GUNGA – DAY
The bubble city of the Gungans floats in the placid darkness of the deep ocean, beautiful yet fragile.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Padmé, Dormé and Obi-Wan are all seated in a small circular room at the heart of the city. Jar-Jar stands next to BOSS TARPALS (late 50s), the Gungan leader. Artoo guards the hover-crib in the corner that holds the Twins.
BOSS TARPALS
Mesa assurin’ you. Disa da most fort-ee-fied place wesa havin in ous’n entire city. Nuttin’ able to come bustin’ in here.
PADMÉ
Thank you for your hospitality, Boss Tarpals. My Jedi protector assures me that we will not burden your people for long.
She looks over at Obi-Wan for confirmation. His gaze, however, is distant.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Isn’t that right, Obi-Wan?
Obi-Wan quickly comes back to the moment.
OBI-WAN
Ah … yes.
Padmé cocks her head to one side.
PADMÉ
Something wrong?
Obi-Wan again glances out the window to the dark seascape beyond.
OBI-WAN
No.
He stands up and takes off his brown cloak. He tries to act casual as he hangs it up.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
I would just like to look over your defenses, Boss Tarpals. If that is acceptable.
BOSS TARPALS
Mesa be happy to show ousn’ bombad defencies. Right disa way.
Tarpals steps toward the open brass door. Obi-Wan bows to Padmé and forces a smile.
OBI-WAN
Just as a precaution, M’lady.
She eyes him with concern.
PADMÉ
Of course.
Tarpals, Obi-Wan and Jar-Jar step through the doorway and into…
INT. OTOH GUNGA – CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan turns to Jar-Jar and speaks in a low voice.
OBI-WAN
Jar-Jar, I want you to stay and watch over the women. I feel a great disturbance in the Force, and I fear something terrible is about to happen. Keep them calm and waylay their fears until I come back.
Jar-Jar nods.
JAR-JAR
Yousa can count on me, Obee!
OBI-WAN
Good. I will return soon.
Obi-Wan and Tarpals head down the corridor. Jar-Jar turns back and enters the fortified room, pulling the heavy door shut behind him.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Jar-Jar crosses to Padmé and bows.
JAR-JAR
Obee-Wun tinks tewwible things gunna happen. So mesa here to protect you.
Padmé manages a smile.
PADMÉ
Great.
EXT. UPPER NABOO ATMOSPHERE – DAY
The Sith Infiltrator bursts up through a cloud bank and takes its place in low orbit.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT – DAY
Anakin sits and stares down at the sunny planet beneath him. Then he hits a button and activates his holo-screen.
ANAKIN
Vader to Tarkin. What’s the delay?
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Good to hear from you as well. We’ve calibrated the superlaser and are just making a few adjustments.
ANAKIN
Good. Fire it now.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Certainly, Lord Vader. But just a few passing concerns on my part first. Based on our extensive history together, I’m predicting that your plan is to fly right into the ocean beds once we vaporize the water.
(beat)
If this is indeed the case, I just want to remind you that the water isn’t going to stay vaporized indefinitely. We estimate you’ll have a twenty minute window at most. Twenty minutes, I might add, during which you will be out of holo-contact.
ANAKIN
I am well aware of the risks.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Of course. I just know how crushed all of us would be to lose you.
ANAKIN
Dispense with the pleasantries, Admiral. Fire it now.
TARKIN (VIA HOLOGRAM)
Your wish is my command, Lord Vader … for now. Tarkin out.
The holo-screen goes black. Anakin sits in the darkened cockpit and waits.
EXT. UPPER NABOO ATMOSPHERE – DAY
The black Infiltrator hangs against the white clouds like a deformed vulture. For several seconds, nothing happens. Then a low RUMBLING is heard. It grows louder and louder until it is nearly deafening. The air becomes electrified. Small flashes of lightning CRACKLE everywhere. The clouds grow thicker, the sky darker. Then, for a moment, all is still.
Suddenly, a scorching beam of red energy as thick as a Coruscant skyscraper SEARS past the Infiltrator and down toward the planet. It strikes Naboo’s surface in the middle of a wide patch of blue. There is a ROARING HISS, and a massive cloud of steam races up into the atmosphere from the point of contact. But it doesn’t stop there. Soon steam is rising from every part of the globe. Still, the superlaser beam beats down upon the planet. The Infiltrator is completely engulfed by the rapidly ascending moisture.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT – DAY
Shaken and jostled by the turbulence, Anakin sits and stares out the viewports. The blood-red glow of the superlaser illumines his face. He is smiling.
EXT. OTOH GUNGA – DAY
The golden spheres of the city are violently tossed about as the water all around them begins to boil and turn to steam. As more and more water escapes, the floating metropolis begins to lose structural integrity.
INT. OTOH GUNGA -SECRET ROOM – DAY
The infants Luke and Leia are SCREAMING as the room violently shakes around them. The bubble windows on each sidewall POP, and steam comes shooting in. Padmé makes her way along the rolling floor to her children and throws herself on top of their crib, even as a portion of the ceiling above caves-in.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – PROMENADE – DAY
Hundreds of Gungans stand in this large common area, staring with horror out the erupting bubble windows. Obi-Wan and Boss Tarpals both CRY OUT as the deck beneath their feet buckles and then abruptly plummets away.
EXT. OTOH GUNGA – DAY
Now all the water is gone. Otoh Gunga collapses in on itself completely.
EXT. UPPER NABOO ATMOSPHERE – DAY
The steam continues to rise faster and faster, billowing past the Infiltrator at incredible speeds.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR – COCKPIT – DAY
Anakin sits and watches the racing clouds, still smiling. The red glow on his face fades as the superlaser disengages and he is left in deep darkness. Then, from across the light years, his master speaks.
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
Yes. Yes. Well done, my young apprentice. You have stripped your enemy of his cover. Now seek him out and destroy him once and for all.
ANAKIN
Yes, my Master.
Anakin takes hold of the piloting controls and engages the ship’s drives, even as the last clouds of steam streak past outside. Then he looks down at the planet’s surface. Not a speck of blue remains.
EXT. UPPER NABOO ATMOSPHERE – DAY
Underneath the dark blue layer of moisture that now hangs above the atmosphere, the Sith Infiltrator turns and dives voraciously down toward the planet that was once Naboo.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Sizzling water drips from the gaping hole in the ceiling. Padmé lays motionless over her children, partially buried in a pile of debris. Artoo and Dormé are desperately attempting to uncover her.
DORMÉ
Padmé! M’lady, are you alright?
Padmé stirs.
PADMÉ
The children…
She pushes herself up and peers down at her babies. They are WHIMPERING, but safe. Padmé pulls her legs out of the pile of rubble and gingerly stands up, an infant cradled in each arm.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
We’re okay. We’re fine. Where’s Jar-Jar?
JAR-JAR (O.S.)
Mesa over here.
Padmé turns and sees Jar-Jar cowering in a corner, his floppy ears covering his eyes.
JAR-JAR (CONT’D)
What was dat?
PADMÉ
I don’t know.
JAR-JAR
Everyting going all nutsy.
PADMÉ
Yes, but I think the worst is over.
A chorus of SCREAMS erupts from somewhere outside the heavy door.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Or not.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – PROMENADE – DAY
A black abyss is all that remains of the central deck upon which Obi-Wan and Boss Tarpals stood. On the outer decks, Gungans are fleeing in every direction away from one of the bursted bubble windows.
Framed in the bronze ring of the window stands the dark form of Anakin. His glowering gaze scans the room quickly. Then he steps forward and Force-pulls a nearby GUNGAN SOLDIER around to face him.
ANAKIN
Where is Kenobi?
GUNGAN SOLDIER
Mesa not knowin’ what…
Anakin violently throws the Soldier aside. He turns to face all the Gungans and begins to shout.
ANAKIN
Where is Kenobi?
The Gungans continue to flee. Anakin SNARLS and IGNITES his lightsaber. He leaps after them.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
The sounds of Gungans PANICKING continue to pour into the room. Now the SCREAMS are joined by the echoes of LIGHTSABER CRASHES. Padmé and Dormé exchange a worried glance.
DORMÉ
Something terrible is happening, M’lady.
PADMÉ
Obi-Wan is out there. He’ll protect us.
DORMÉ
But what if he can’t? We should contact the capital.
Dormé turns and makes her way toward the wall where Obi-Wan’s cloak is hanging.
DORMÉ (CONT’D)
I think we should do it now.
PADMÉ
How are you going to…?
The handmaiden reaches into the pocket of the cloak and pulls out Obi-Wan’s holo-transmitter.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Dormé, wait! No!
It is too late. Dormé switches the handheld unit on.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – PROMENADE – DAY
Anakin has another Gungan by the throat. Just then, an ALARM begins to sound from within the folds of his Sith robes. He drops the Gungan and pulls out his own holo-array. Its display shows him the exact coordinates of Obi-Wan’s flashing signal.
With a savage grin, Anakin starts toward the large bronze door on his left. He walks directly past the gaping hole in the central floor.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Dormé lowers the transmitter in frustration.
DORMÉ
I can’t get through. There’s too much interference.
Padmé has crossed the room now. She grabs the transmitter and shuts it down.
PADMÉ
Good. That means no one intercepted our signal.
A LOUD BOOM resounds throughout the chamber. Someone is pounding on the door. Padmé’s face pales.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – CORRIDOR – DAY
Anakin is hurling large pieces of debris at the fortified doorway with the Force.
ANAKIN
Open the door, Kenobi.
He stops to catch his breath. Then he reaches out with the Force to sense the room beyond.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. CORUSCANT – UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Darth Sidious is again in meditation, his hand outstretched to block Anakin once more.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – CORRIDOR – DAY
A look of frustration crosses Anakin’s face. Then he throws his own body at the portal, hacking at the metal repeatedly with his lightsaber.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Padmé and Dormé back away from the door as it SHUDDERS and begins to glow red. Jar-Jar, still crouched in a corner, WHIMPERS and attempts to shrink further back into the shadows.
DORMÉ
We have to get out of here.
Padmé glances around the room frantically.
PADMÉ
There’s nowhere to go.
(beat)
But we must hide the children. Artoo, get inside that ventilation shaft.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Beeps a hurried affirmation.)
The droid rolls toward a small grill-plated opening near the floor, his maintenance claw extending outward.
On the other side of the room, the door splinters with a loud CRACK. Dormé turns and sees it rapidly disintegrating.
DORMÉ
I’ll take the door.
The handmaiden crosses the room toward the entrance, pulling a tiny blaster from her boot as she goes. She levels the gun at the doorway. Artoo rips the grill plating off the ventilation shaft and then eases himself into the duct, tilting his body back horizontally to fit. One last BLOW hits the door and it shatters into pieces. The barrier is completely gone now and smoke pours into the room. Dormé tenses, her blaster still poised. Padmé glances up, both children in her arms. For one second, all is silent. Suddenly, Dormé’s blaster goes flying from her hands, disappearing into the smoke of the doorway. Then, with a SCREAM, Dormé herself is thrown backwards. She hits the wall hard and crumples to the deck, unconscious.
Padmé glances over at Artoo, just a few yards away, two claws extending from his base to receive the children. Her eyes flit back to the doorway, and widen. A tall, black-hooded figure strides in. Padmé freezes. And from the shadows, Jar-Jar attacks. He springs onto Anakin, punching and kicking for all he is worth.
JAR-JAR
Aiiiiieeeeee!
Anakin quickly throws the Gungan off, but not before Padmé has the chance to leap over to Artoo. She passes Leia to the waiting droid just as Jar-Jar hits the floor. The still-hooded Anakin reaches out with the Force and instantly crushes the Gungan’s throat. Jar-Jar convulses violently on the deck, then lies still. Padmé is just handing Luke to Artoo as well, when she is grabbed from behind. Clutching only Leia, Artoo rolls farther back into the duct, even as Anakin spins Padmé around to face him. Their eyes lock. And they both GASP.
ANAKIN
Padmé?
INT. CORUSCANT – UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
Darth Sidious slowly withdraws his hand.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Yes. It is Padmé, alive and well. How she has deceived you, Lord Vader.
INT. OTOH GUNGA – SECRET ROOM – DAY
Anakin stares at Padmé, his face twisted with every possible emotion.
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
How she has played you for the fool. Now, rid yourself of this attachment. Kill her.
Anakin’s face becomes calm. He raises his lightsaber.
PADMÉ
Anakin? Anakin, wait …
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
Give in to your hatred. Kill her now.
Anakin pulls his saber back to swing.
PADMÉ
Anakin, this is your son. Our son.
She holds up Luke for him to see. Anakin’s saber wavers.
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
Only by destroying her can you reach your true potential. Kill her now!
Anakin is BREATHING HEAVILY. Glaring, he slowly brings the saber around until the tip of the blade is within centimeters of Padme’s throat.
PADMÉ
Anakin, I love…
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
KILL HER NOW!
Anakin’s blade burns through the string around Padmé’s neck. The good-luck charm falls to the ground.
PADMÉ
I love…
The saber point begins to dig into Padmé’s skin.
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
TRUST YOUR FEELINGS!
PADMÉ
I love you.
Anakin freezes. His gaze locks once more with Padmé’s. The terror in her eyes, the hatred in his — it all melts away.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
(whispers)
I love you.
Anakin’s shoulders deflate. The tip of his saber wavers and drops a few inches.
ANAKIN
I .. I …
OBI-WAN (O.S.)
Anakin, stop!
WIDE ANGLE on the room as a filthy and bleeding Obi-Wan bursts through the shattered door, lightsaber blazing. From Obi-Wan’s P.O.V., it appears that Anakin is still about to kill Padmé. Anakin glances at the advancing Jedi, then turns back to Padmé regretfully.
ANAKIN
I’m sorry.
Spinning his lightsaber up into a defensive position, Anakin whirls about to face his former master.
PADMÉ
No! Wait! Obi-Wan, it’s alright.
Obi-Wan closes in, aggression in his features.
OBI-WAN
I will not allow him to harm you, M’lady.
ANAKIN
I’m not going to harm her. I’m here for you, Kenobi.
OBI-WAN
If it’s a fight you’re looking for, traitor, I’m happy to oblige.
Obi-Wan leaps forward at Anakin, his blue saber arcing through the air. Anakin’s crimson blade swings outward to meet it, and the two sabers connect with a deadly CRACKLE.
Anakin and Obi-Wan glare at each other through their crossed blades once more. Then, with a fierce CRY, Anakin pushes the older man backwards. With dozens of quick, angry strokes he drives Obi-Wan through the brass door and out of the room.
Padmé stands in shocked disbelief. Slowly, her gaze turns toward the fallen forms of Dormé and Jar-Jar. A single tear rolls down her cheek as she looks away again. Then her sadness gives way to resolution. Still holding Luke in one arm, she heads toward the door. From the ventilation shaft, Artoo watches her go.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Calls after Padmé inquisitively.)
As if in a trance, Padmé just keeps walking, her face expressionless. She stops momentarily in the broken doorway to kneel and pick something up. Then she rises and disappears into the darkness beyond.
EXT. OCEAN FLOOR – DAY
Anakin and Obi-Wan are fighting fiercely among the towering coral formations of the Naboo planetary core. The steaming remains of Otoh Gunga lie in disarray behind them. Anakin is on fire, jumping from formation to formation with lightning speed. Obi-Wan parries all of his stabs, but is obviously having trouble keeping up. The Jedi’s foot catches on an outcropping of coral and he nearly goes down.
ANAKIN
What’s the matter? Getting slow in your old age?
OBI-WAN
Hardly.
Obi-Wan jumps up and flips over Anakin’s head. As he lands, he brings his saber slashing down across Anakin’s mid-section. But Anakin’s blade is already there to block it. The youth grins.
ANAKIN
I’m not going to fall for your favorite move, Kenobi.
The duel continues. As the two combatants fight, the ground starts to slope downward toward a large subaquatic mining pit. On their left, a beached Opee Sea Killer convulses and dies.
Gradually, Obi-Wan begins to cool down, releasing the flash of anger that started all this.
OBI-WAN
We should stop this now. It’s only going to end badly.
ANAKIN
That’s the general idea.
OBI-WAN
Anakin, listen…
ANAKIN
That name no longer holds any meaning for me.
OBI-WAN
Oh? Then what do we call you?
ANAKIN
Vader. Darth Vader.
Obi-Wan sneers and takes a step back.
OBI-WAN
Well, what creativity you Sith lack in wardrobe, you certainly make up in ridiculous names.
(beat)
I liked Anakin better.
And with that, Obi-Wan coolly charges and drives Anakin to the edge of the steep-sided pit. Anakin teeters back and forth but quickly regains his balance. So Obi-Wan hurls himself at the younger man with even more force. This time, however, Anakin sidesteps him. Obi-Wan flies off the lip of the pit and rolls head-over-heels down toward the mine shaft at its center. Anakin stands and watches Obi-Wan roll away for a moment. Then he bounds after him.
EXT. SPACE – IMPERIAL FLEET
The task force is regathering after the battle. The last few TIE Fighters are preparing to dock with the large cruisers.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Tarkin sits glowering in his command chair as Captain Sagona nervously approaches.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
The fleet is nearly prepared to leave the system, Admiral.
(beat)
Still no word from Lord Vader.
TARKIN
Thank you, Captain.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Sir, we’ve projected that the moisture layer in the atmosphere will begin to fall in another five minutes. If Lord Vader isn’t off the surface before that time, he will not survive.
TARKIN
That will be all, Captain.
Sagona nods and hurries off. Tarkin continues to glare darkly out the viewports.
TARKIN (CONT’D)
You’d better hurry, Vader. Kill or be killed. But do it now.
INT. NABOO – GUNGAN MINES
In the inky blackness of these caverns, Obi-Wan and Anakin exchange blow after blow. As they fight, they move toward a bright blue glow at the far end of the tunnel. Soon they are passing row upon row of blue Gungan energy balls. The “boomer” balls are stacked roof-high in this munitions factory.
As Obi-Wan deflects Anakin’s blows, he suddenly finds one of these deadly blue spheres flying toward him. Acting on reflex, he slices it in two. It EXPLODES. As blue plasma shoots out and briefly envelopes him, Obi-Wan CRIES OUT in pain.
Anakin grins and motions to a nearby rack of even bigger boomers. Half a dozen of them soar off the shelf toward Obi-Wan. This time, however, Obi-Wan is prepared. He sends them all hurtling into the corners of the room with one powerful Force-push. Anakin is shocked.
OBI-WAN
What did you I tell you? I will always be the master. And you…
Obi-Wan makes a quick thrust and nicks Anakin’s left leg.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
…will always be the learner.
Fury burns in Anakin’s eyes. He lunges at Obi-Wan savagely.
ANAKIN
I’m no learner of yours.
He returns the hit and nearly takes off Obi-Wan’s head.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
There is nothing you can teach me.
The fighting reaches a frenzied pace as master and apprentice truly try to kill each other. Anakin drives Obi-Wan to the far end of the cavern and through a large door into…
INT. GUNGAN MINES – PLASMA SMELTING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The source of the blue glow at the tunnel’s end is revealed. This gaping hall is where the Gungans harness the energy for their boomer balls. Catwalks and assembly lines crisscross the room, all of them suspended above a vast CRACKLING sea of blue plasma.
It is onto one of these catwalks that Obi-Wan quickly leaps, Anakin right behind him. They push each other back and forth along the metal bridge-way, but ultimately Anakin prevails. His hatred consumes him as he hammers Kenobi with blow after blow.
Eventually, Obi-Wan reaches the end of the catwalk and Anakin pushes him hard. The Jedi takes a step back and his foot meets only thin air. Kenobi’s surprise throws off his defense, and Anakin’s blade connects with his limply held saber, sending it flying into the abyss. Obi-Wan topples backwards from the blow, his hands outstretched and flailing. His fingers close around the edge of the catwalk as he falls, and he hangs there, helpless.
Anakin stomps down a boot on each of Obi-Wan’s hands, holding them in place. Obi-Wan glances down to see his saber splash into the plasma with a spark of flame.
ANAKIN
Oh yes, it’s gone. And now you’ll be joining it.
Anakin raises his red saber above his head to deliver the coup de grace.
OBI-WAN
Anakin … Anakin, wait.
ANAKIN
Who are you talking to, old man?
OBI-WAN
Anakin, this is not your path. You were not meant for evil. I can feel the conflict within you.
Anakin looks at his former master for a moment, his face unreadable. Then he smirks.
ANAKIN
There is no conflict.
His saber plummets downward, aimed directly at Kenobi’s skull.
OBI-WAN
ANAKIN!
The saber freezes mid-swing. Anakin’s shoulders arc backwards and his teeth clinch together in pain. Only then is the BLASTER SHOT heard. PULL BACK TO REVEAL Padmé standing near the beginning of the catwalk. The blaster falls from her hand and CLATTERS to the deck. Her face is twisted in shock as she begins to HYPERVENTILATE. Anakin turns to face her, a dark scorch-mark in his back. He drops his disengaged saber onto the catwalk as confusion and betrayal flicker in his eyes.
ANAKIN
Padmé?
Obi-Wan uses the distraction to push himself up and regain his footing. He lays a firm hand on Anakin’s shoulder.
OBI-WAN
It’s over, Anakin.
Anakin jerks away from him and stumbles a few steps down the catwalk.
ANAKIN
No!
Now Anakin turns and reaches out with the Force for his saber handle. Obi-Wan’s hand shoots out as well. The saber flies toward Anakin … slows … and then reverses direction. It lands in Obi-Wan’s palm. Anakin shakes with rage. He hurls himself at Obi-Wan.
ANAKIN (CONT’D)
NO!
Obi-Wan’s eyes widen. The red saber IGNITES. Out of pure reflex, Obi-Wan brings the sword crashing down on the crazed figure of Anakin as the two collide. The blow strikes hard and cuts deep into Anakin’s forehead.
PADMÉ
No!
Both Anakin and Obi-Wan stand in shock. The gaping hole above Anakin’s right brow is cauterized but ghastly nonetheless. He teeters slightly, fighting for consciousness. Obi-Wan lowers the saber and EXTINGUISHES it. A horrified Padmé slowly approaches. Quietly, she begins to weep.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Anakin. Oh, Anakin.
Anakin’s dazed eyes flicker toward Padmé as she takes the last few strides and stands a few feet away, still holding baby Luke.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Don’t fight anymore. Let us help you.
Anakin looks to Obi-Wan. The older man steps closer to him.
OBI-WAN
Listen to her, Anakin. Come with us now. Everything can be as it was before. Everything can be forgiven.
Anakin glances down at his dark Sith robes silently. Obi-Wan stretches out his hand invitingly.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Come with us, Anakin. It is the only way.
Anakin’s cloudy eyes connect with Obi-Wan’s one last time. A sad smile plays on his lips.
ANAKIN
It’s too late for me. Goodbye … Master.
Anakin lets himself go.
Obi-Wan steps in to grab him, but is indeed too late. Falling backwards, Anakin topples off the catwalk and slowly plummets head first into the voracious plasma below. The searing energy engulfs him. As he desperately attempts to inhale, the plasma pours into his open mouth and down into his lungs. Finally surrendering, Anakin Skywalker closes his eyes and sinks beneath the waves of the crackling blue sea.
EXT. UPPER NABOO ATMOSPHERE – DAY
The deeper blue clouds of the moisture ring have started to move together and coalesce. Now a few tentative drops of rain begin to fall. Now a few more. Now a torrential downpour.
Within seconds, a wall of water is plummeting through the sky toward the devastated surface of Naboo.
INT. GUNGAN MINES – PLASMA SMELTING ROOM
The cavern walls begin to shake and catwalks begin to RATTLE. A small stream of water flows into the chamber and falls into the plasma with a SIZZLE. Obi-Wan jerks his head toward the sound.
OBI-WAN
Senator, I think we had better go.
Padmé still stands staring at the place where Anakin fell.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Senator, please…
PADMÉ
Killed him…
Obi-Wan reaches out to grasp her shoulder. She starts at his touch.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
I killed him. I killed him.
OBI-WAN
No, M’lady. I am responsible for that. I am responsible for everything.
(beat)
But we must not dwell on it now. We have to get off the planet.
The flow of water rushing into the cavern has increased. An ominous THUNDERING from somewhere above promises more to follow.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Come. We have to at least try.
Padmé doesn’t move. Obi-Wan gestures toward Luke, still cradled in her arms.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Please, M’lady, for your children.
Padmé looks up, coming back to the moment.
PADMÉ
Leia…
OBI-WAN
Yes, there’s still a chance to save Leia. But we must …
Padmé is already racing down the catwalk toward the cavern door.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
… hurry.
Obi-Wan hastily follows her, even as the catwalk begins to give way.
INT. GUNGAN MINES – CORRIDOR
Padmé and Obi-Wan SLOSH hurriedly through the rising water as chunks of ceiling rock hurtle to the ground all around. Several energy balls have been knocked free and are rolling around the corridor, EXPLODING upon contact with the walls and with each other. As Padmé avoids one such rolling bomb, she trips on a piece of submerged metal and falls into the stream. Baby Luke begins to CRY. Obi-Wan is instantly at Padmé’s side, helping her up.
OBI-WAN
Here, let me take Luke.
Padmé looks at the Jedi for a moment, then nods. The infant Luke Skywalker is passed from the arms of his mother to the care of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
Now hurry. The outlet is straight ahead.
They dash toward a ladder at the end of the corridor. Padmé reaches it first, and Obi-Wan uses his free hand to boost her up. He then climbs after her, Luke pressed tightly to his chest.
EXT. OCEAN FLOOR – DAY
Obi-Wan climbs out of a steaming hole in the coral-strewn ground while Padmé stands nearby, staring into the sky. The Jedi turns toward Otoh Gunga, ready to make a run for it.
OBI-WAN
Come on. There is still hope.
PADMÉ
No. There’s not.
Obi-Wan follows her gaze upwards. And all hope leaves his face.
The black wall of THUNDERING water is plummeting down straight toward them.
EXT. THEED – DAY
The deluge strikes the capital city. The domed palace crumbles and is swept away in the waves, even as several fleeing Nubian ships dart out and attempt to take to the skies. They never make it.
EXT. OCEAN FLOOR – DAY
Obi-Wan turns his gaze away from the heavens and looks toward the forlorn figure next to him.
OBI-WAN
I’m sorry, Padmé. Sorry for everything.
He reaches out and takes her hand.
And with the CRASH of a thousand breakers, the water engulfs them both.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE OF UNDER-WATER SHOTS:
– Padmé and Obi-Wan’s hands slipping apart as the water pushes them in opposite directions.
– Obi-Wan searching frantically for Padmé in the murky blackness.
– Padmé floating away lifelessly.
– Obi-Wan covering Luke’s mouth and nose with his right hand, paddling desperately upwards with his left.
– Padmé’s dark hair drifting in front of her closed eyes, her face serene.
– A mechanical claw grasping Padmé’s shoulder.
– Artoo Deetoo securing his hold on Padmé. Deploying his side-panel rockets. Firing them up.
– Obi-Wan still pulling for the surface. Losing strength, weighed down by his robes. Giving up.
– A reptilian hand weakly tugging on Obi-Wan’s shoulder.
– A half-conscious Jar-Jar Binks trying to help Obi-Wan swim. Obi-Wan shaking his head. Handing him Luke instead. Pushing Jar-Jar and the child upward with all his might.
– Artoo speeding up from the depths, Padmé in tow.
– Jar-Jar jerking his arms and legs through the water, his head lolling, his eyes clenched shut. Light trickling down from above.
– Artoo’s rockets sputtering. The droid jettisoning the boosters and gaining one last push upward. The red sun rippling through the waves…
END MONTAGE.
CUT TO:
EXT. WATER’S SURFACE – DUSK
Jar-Jar Binks breaks the surface, SPUTTERING and COUGHING. Weakly, he holds Luke up above his head. The baby INHALES deeply, holds his breath for a moment, and then CRIES like he’s never cried before.
EXT. WATER’S SURFACE – ELSEWHERE – DUSK
Artoo also bursts out of the inky water with a SPLASH. Bobbing like a buoy, he reels in his maintenance claw and pulls Padmé up to the surface as well. She shows no sign of life.
Quickly, Artoo unfolds his communications dish and begins transmitting a frantic SQUEAL in binary.
INT. IMPERIAL FLAGSHIP – BRIDGE
Captain Sagona cautiously approaches Tarkin once again.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Admiral? The moisture layer has collapsed.
Tarkin is grimly silent.
CAPTAIN SAGONA (CONT’D)
However, we are picking up a handful of weak distress signals on the surface. One of them may be Lord Vader’s.
Still Tarkin is silent. Sagona begins to stammer.
CAPTAIN SAGONA (CONT’D)
Shall I dispatch a scouting party to find out?
Tarkin finally turns to face Sagona, cold irony in his eyes.
TARKIN
But of course, Captain. Anything for our dear friend.
CAPTAIN SAGONA
Yes, Admiral.
EXT. WATER’S SURFACE – ELSEWHERE – DUSK
Artoo continues to transmit his frantic distress call until a deep RUMBLING is heard in the sky above him. Swivelling his eye-scope upward, he sees a strange SPACECRAFT breaking through the clouds and swooping down toward him and Padmé. It is a sleek, white ship with elaborate, curled wings.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Burbles for joy.)
The starship hovers over the two survivors as Artoo pulls Padmé toward its rapidly lowering ramp.
EXT. WATER’S SURFACE – DUSK
Jar-Jar watches with half-opened eyes as, in the distance, a shiny white ship rises away from the water’s surface. He can just make out three figures huddled on its ascending ramp. The craft grows smaller and smaller as it climbs into space.
JAR-JAR
Wait… Wait…
But now the ship is gone. And with it go the last rays of the sun. Slowly, Jar-Jar’s eyes close. With great effort, he turns to float on his back, clutching Luke to his chest.
JAR-JAR (CONT’D)
Wait…
And with a RATTLING SIGH, Jar-Jar Binks breathes his last. His body floats there, the waves lapping at it gently. Luke is only WHIMPERING now, miserable and alone. Gradually, in the background, a circle of light appears through the mist. Slowly, it moves down the frame and settles above the water. Then it begins to grow larger as its source moves closer to Luke and his make-shift life raft. The light grows to a blinding intensity and fills the frame.
EXT. UNDERWATER – DUSK
Obi-Wan’s body is motionless, but his eyes remain open. A bubble is slowly forming on his lips. From his P.O.V. upward, a dark, triangular shape can be seen moving across the surface of the water with a bright light projecting outward from its point. The triangle stops over the dark speck that is Jar-Jar’s body, and soon the silhouette of the Gungan is pulled into the darker outline of the shape itself. There’s a smile playing on Obi-Wan’s face now as his eyes slowly close. The bubble escapes his lips and floats toward the surface, even as the Jedi’s head droops forward. His robes fan out around him as his body begins to sink down, down into the depths. Then he stops. His body is suddenly suspended in the middle of the water. Slowly, he changes directions. Slowly, he floats upward. Now he gathers speed. Something is pulling him forcefully toward the surface. The light draws near…
EXT. WATER’S SURFACE – CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan’s limp body shoots out of the water and hangs suspended in the air. From the lowered ramp of his triangular Jedi shuttle, MASTER YODA gestures with his outstretched hand and brings Obi-Wan to rest safely inside the craft. Only then does Yoda open his eyes and give a small SIGH of relief.
YODA
Just in time I have come.
The Jedi Master approaches his unconscious friend and kneels beside him. Closing his eyes in meditation once again, Yoda reaches out and places his hand on Obi-Wan’s forehead.
EXT. SPACE – WHITE SPACECRAFT
The enigmatic starship carrying Padmé and Artoo powers away from Naboo and speeds toward deep space.
INT. WHITE SPACECRAFT – GALLEY
A hand rests on Padmé’s forehead as well. PULL BACK TO REVEAL that the hand belongs to Bail Organa, who kneels next to Padmé’s unmoving form. Artoo stands nearby and looks on with as much concern as his robot features can muster.
As Bail Organa checks Padmé’s neck for a pulse, he begins to whisper to her.
BAIL ORGANA
Padmé. Padmé. Come back. It’s not over. The Republic needs you.
But Padmé remains absolutely still, not even breathing. Organa shakes his head in dismay and glances at Artoo.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
It’s no use. She’s lost everything. There’s nothing for her to come back to.
At this, Artoo perks up and rolls forward.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Chattering excitedly.)
BAIL ORGANA
What? What is it?
With a small shower of sparks, Artoo splits his cylindrical torso in two. Inside his very core is a secret compartment of considerable size. And inside this compartment, filthy but safe is …
PADMÉ
Leia.
Bail Organa turns and finds Padmé struggling to sit up. Her cloudy eyes are focused on only one thing: her infant daughter.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Leia.
Organa tenderly lifts the grease-smudged cherub out of Artoo’s rusty innards and hands her to her mother. Padmé lays back and begins to weep.
PADMÉ (CONT’D)
Leia. Oh, Leia.
Bail surveys mother and child with concern for a moment. Then he rises to his feet and pats Artoo’s split dome.
BAIL ORGANA
Well done, my friend. Now watch over them. I need to get us out of here.
He throws one last anxious glance at Padmé, and then heads toward the cockpit
EXT. SPACE – WHITE SPACECRAFT
The Alderaanian space yacht slows its acceleration and aims its prow toward the stars. It flickers for a moment, and then it is gone … leaving the sad, shrouded world that was once Naboo far behind.
EXT. SMALL ISLAND – NIGHT
On the stricken planet’s surface, Yoda’s Jedi shuttle has found one narrow strip of earth to settle upon. Its landing beacon is the only source of light in this dismal wasteland of fog and floating debris.
INT. JEDI SHUTTLE – CREW CABIN – NIGHT
Yoda cradles young Luke in his arms and sits opposite a now conscious Obi-Wan. The younger Jedi is wrapped in a blanket and is drinking from a steaming thermos.
YODA
A terrible day this has been. For all the galaxy.
OBI-WAN
Yes, Master. All hope has failed.
Yoda continues to stare into Luke’s wide blue eyes.
YODA
No, Obi-Wan. Not all.
OBI-WAN
You refer to young Luke here? He is a special child.
(beat)
Only in his veins does Skywalker’s blood now run.
Yoda does not respond to this. His face is distant and knowing, his thoughts elsewhere.
OBI-WAN (CONT’D)
We’ll have to hide him. Protect him from the powers of the Dark Side. Perhaps in time, he’ll grow strong enough to face them.
(a beat, then hopefully)
Perhaps this child is truly the Chosen One.
YODA
What? Eh? No. The Chosen One Anakin was. Balance he was to bring. Balance he has brought.
Obi-Wan’s face falls.
OBI-WAN
I wish he were still alive.
Yoda nods and reaches out a hand to comfort him.
EXT. SMALL ISLAND – NIGHT
All is silent outside the Jedi shuttle but for the sound of the black waves lapping gently against the shore.
Then, a few hundred yards away, the surface of the water begins to BUBBLE. Within moments, a bulbous metallic head is thrust upward, followed by several robotic arms. It’s an IMPERIAL PROBE DROID, and hanging from its mechanical claws is a lifeless cloaked figure. The droid hovers above the water for a moment, surveying the Jedi shuttle. Then it turns and speeds silently away.
WIPE TO:
EXT. HYPERSPACE
Bail Organa’s starship hurtles through the infinite blue tunnel of lightspeed.
INT. WHITE SPACECRAFT – GALLEY
Organa returns to the living compartment and finds the scene much the same as he left it. Padmé continues to cradle Leia in her arms while Artoo keeps a faithful vigil. The little astromech droid is also beginning the painstaking process of reattaching his torso. Quietly, Organa crosses the room and kneels next to Padmé.
BAIL ORGANA
I want you to know that we are out of danger, Padmé.
Padmé doesn’t acknowledge him. Her thoughts are anywhere but here. Dauntless, Organa continues.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
I’ve set a course for Alderaan. You can stay there with me and my family. You’ll be happy there.
At this, Padmé turns and looks at Organa, studying his face. Then she slowly shakes her head, “No.” Organa is a bit put off by this, but he persists with the conversation.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Anyway, we can plan our next step there. Our next battle. We’ll contact Mon Mothma. We’ll unite our forces and together…
Organa realizes that Padmé isn’t hearing a word of this. She simply stares straight ahead and goes back to rocking her baby. Overwhelmed by the sight, Organa reaches out and clutches her shoulder.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Oh, Padmé. I was so late. I’m so sorry.
Organa regains his composure and runs his hand over the damp material of her tunic.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
Anyway, we need to get you out of these wet clothes. I have a new droid on-board. He’ll take good care of you…
He reaches up and presses a button on the overhead compartment.
BAIL ORGANA (CONT’D)
… I hope.
The cabin door behind them SWOOSHES open, and who should enter but See-Threepio, looking shinier than ever.
SEE THREEPIO
You called, Master Organa?
BAIL ORGANA
Yes, Threepio. We have guests and…
SEE THREEPIO
Oh my goodness! Guests! Greetings. I am See Threepio, human-cyborg relations. I am fluent…
Artoo rolls forward eagerly.
ARTOO DEETOO
(Beeps excitedly.)
SEE THREEPIO
I beg your pardon. I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. Just what is your name, my slightly ill-mannered industrial friend?
ARTOO DEETOO
(Whistles something like a sigh under his breath.)
SEE THREEPIO
What do you mean, “here we go again?” Why don’t you pull yourself together?
Bail Organa grins slightly at the confusion of his new protocol droid. His smile fades, however, when he sees that Padmé takes no notice of Threepio at all. Indeed, with every passing moment, her eyes only grow more distant.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SMALL ISLAND – NIGHT
The Jedi shuttle’s engines are powered-up and its running lights are burning. At the bottom of the lowered ramp stands Obi-Wan. He holds a sleeping Luke in his arms and he faces Yoda, who stands on the soggy ground nearby.
OBI-WAN
You’re sure you won’t come with me, Master?
YODA
Yes. The child Skywalker’s path lies only with you … for now.
OBI-WAN
But why must you stay here? Why this planet?
YODA
For penance. Transformed this planet has been. Broken. Much as our Order. Much as myself.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL that Yoda speaks the truth. The waters are still receding, but a new landscape is taking shape. The twisted black trees stand out against the swirling gray mist. All in all, there’s something familiar about the place … like something out of a dream.
YODA (CONT’D)
Here I shall remain, Obi-Wan. My home this is.
CLOSE ON Obi-Wan. He knows there’s no room for argument.
OBI-WAN
I understand, Master. May the Force be with you.
YODA
May the Force be with us all.
Obi-Wan sadly turns and enters the shuttle. It’s engines ROAR to life and it climbs into the sky.
Yoda’s face is awash in the red light of the departing ship.
YODA (CONT’D)
Farewell, Obi-Wan. Remember the prophecy you must. All of the prophecy…
EXT. SPACE – DAGOBAH
Obi-Wan’s shuttle breaks through the cloud cover of the gray planet and climbs toward the glittering stars.
YODA (V.O.)
“In a time of great turmoil, the Chosen One shall arise.”
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – NIGHT
The remains of the desecrated citadel still smolder. A shroud of black smoke still drifts above the cityscape.
YODA (V.O.)
“He shall bring balance to the Force, but not harmony.”
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ALDERAAN – PADMÉ’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Padmé cradles Leia and sits staring out a window at the blue, moon-lit plains of Alderaan. Her eyes are unseeing. Her face is unfeeling. She is un-living.
YODA (V.O.)
“He shall bring emotion to the Jedi, but not compassion.”
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE – IMPERIAL FLEET
Tarkin’s task force tears through the cosmos, obliterating everything in its path. New prototypical Stardestroyers are flanked by TIE Fighters, and the colossal flagship is now joined by Boba Fett’s SLAVE I.
YODA (V.O.)
“He shall bring order to the galaxy, but not justice. And for a time, evil shall reign.”
FLASH-CUT TO:
INT. CORUSCANT – UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD
The torches burn dimly in Darth Sidious’ lair as what remains of Anakin Skywalker’s body floats in a bacta healing tank. His skin has been bleached white by the plasma and all his hair is gone.
FLASH-CUT TO:
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD – LATER
Anakin, still unconscious, lies on a surgical table, a breathing mask covering his mouth and nose. Various mechanical body-parts are being attached to his torso by the six MEDICAL DROIDS that huddle around him.
FLASH-CUT TO:
INT. UNDERGROUND STRONGHOLD – LATER
Now Anakin is clothed in metallic black body-armor and held upright between two iron bars. Only his head remains uncovered, his mouth still attached to the breathing machine.
Darth Sidious steps out of the shadows and surveys his transformed apprentice with pleasure. He waves his hand commandingly and Anakin’s eyes snap open.
DARTH SIDIOUS
So, my young apprentice, you have rid yourself of all attachments?
Sidious reaches out and snatches the breathing mask away from Anakin’s lips. Anakin’s eyes widen as he begins to GASP for breath.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
You have given yourself over to the Dark Side?
Anakin nods desperately in response, his GASPING growing even louder.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
And you have made yourself completely mine?
Anakin can barely speak the word.
ANAKIN
Yes.
DARTH SIDIOUS
So be it.
Sidious raises a finger and machinery WHIRS to life. Above Anakin’s head, two metallic clamps begin to descend. Between them they bear an ominous black helmet with a demonic faceplate.
Anakin stops gasping and levels his gaze at Sidious, cool hatred burning in his eyes. As the descending helmet slowly covers his skull, Anakin continues to stare straight ahead — seeing through Sidious, seeing through everything. Then, just as the mask slides over his eyes, he drops his icy gaze … in regret.
The helmet locks into place with a HISS of air. For a moment, all is dreadfully quiet. Then, for the first time, Darth Vader BREATHES through his mask. And the underground chamber ECHOES with the terrible sound.
DARTH SIDIOUS (CONT’D)
And now, Lord Vader, let us discuss the future of our Empire.
DARTH VADER
As you wish, my Master.
Sidious LAUGHS wickedly.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DAGOBAH – NIGHT
Yoda continues to stare up into the sky. Even though Obi-Wan’s shuttle is long gone, he still recites the prophecy.
YODA
“But do not be dismayed at the balance that the Chosen One shall bring.”
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE – TATOOINE
The nighttime side of the desert planet fills the frame, as dark as if in a total eclipse. Obi-Wan’s shuttle drops out of hyperspace and speeds toward the silhouetted sphere.
YODA (V.O.)
“For in it, goodness shall yet endure.”
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TATOOINE – LAR’S HOMESTEAD – NIGHT
The horizon is just graying as Obi-Wan stands outside the domed entrance of this humble home and converses with OWEN and BERU LARS (late 20s).
WIDE ANGLE of Obi-Wan reaching out and offering the two farmers the bundled form of Luke. Owen Lars shakes his head at first, but Beru reaches out and clutches her husband’s arm. Reluctantly, Owen accepts the child from Obi-Wan.
CLOSE ON Luke as he is passed from one set of arms to the other.
YODA (V.O.)
“Hope shall yet be born anew.”
WIDE ANGLE again as Owen gruffly points off to the horizon. Obi-Wan nods, takes one last look at the child, and then turns to go.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA – DAWN
Obi-Wan has just climbed the first dune out of a thousand. He turns back and surveys the small speck that is the Lar’s homestead, even as the first rays of sunlight hit it.
YODA (V.O.)
“And out of the deepest darkness, the brightest of all lights shall spring.”
Obi-Wan takes a deep BREATH, and then turns around to face the lonely desert. Ahead of him, the TWIN SUNS are rising in all their glory. They are beautiful and hopeful indeed.
IRIS OUT.
THE END.
Written by Stephen R. Burrows
Characters and Star Wars Universe are copyrighted by LucasFilm, and this original story is not meant to infringe upon those rights. This is a fan story treatment, written in tribute to George Lucas’s enduring saga.
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