Episode I: Duel of the Fates (Phantom Menace overhauled)

A long-running staple of the TPM Basher's Sanctuary; nearly complete, after nearly a year in production; ladies and gentlemen, it's...

STAR WARS - EPISODE 1: DUEL OF THE FATES

By George Lucas and Ryan "Darth Geist" Alexander

EXT. SPACE

The OPENING CRAWL scrolls upward.

STAR WARS
EPISODE I: DUEL OF THE FATES
For five thousand years, the Republic has flourished under the guard and guidance of the JEDI KNIGHTS. But now, even in the semblance of peace, a crisis stirs.
What began as a simple trade dispute has erupted into military action--the TRADE FEDERATION has blockaded the small, defenseless world of Naboo.
As the Senate's rhetoric drowns the planet's cries for justice, Supreme Chancellor Valorum secretly dispatches two Jedi to settle the conflict...

A small, unarmed starship, the RADIANT VII, flies cautiously forward. Ahead is the Federation?s blockade, composed of several dozen WHEEL-SHAPED BATTLECRUISERS. The blue-green planet is surrounded.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT

Two BROWN-ROBED FIGURES stand behind the young female CAPTAIN and her FIRST MATE, both of whom pilot the ship.

The younger figure is OBI-WAN KENOBI, a handsome, freshly knighted JEDI whose mouth is nearly as quick as his swordarm.

The older man, QUI-GON JINN, stands with his arms folded, calm and serious. He is a veteran, and his aging, white-haired body hides a resilient spirit.

OBI-WAN
Tell them we wish to board immediately.

CAPTAIN
Yes, sir. (Activates comm) In the Chancellor's name, permission to board immediately.

OBI-WAN
Impressive.

She smiles back at him.

The Federation's Viceroy, NUTE GUNRAY, appears on a screen above the cockpit windshield. He is a NEIMODIAN, a grey, scaly humanoid who speaks in a fast and fluid alien tongue. After issuing his reply, the Viceroy cuts the transmission.

QUI-GON
That was a yes. They?re frightened.

OBI-WAN
Naturally.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - HANGAR

The Radiant makes its entrance and docks. The two Jedi start down the access ramp. Qui turns to the captain.

QUI-GON
Stay alert.

She and Obi-Wan trade flirtacious smiles as he walks away.

QUI-GON (CONT?D)
And you stay focused.

A golden PROTOCOL DROID, C-3P0, greets them at the nearest doorway.

C-3P0
Hello. I am C-3P0, human cyborg relations. This way, please.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - MEETING ROOM

The droid leads the two Jedi into an antiseptic meeting hall. Naboo fills the window.

C-3P0
Please make yourselves comfortable. Master Gunray will be with you shortly.

Threepio departs, closing the door behind him. Qui halts mid-step, looking around warily.

OBI-WAN
Qui-Gon?

QUI-GON
I have a bad feeling about this.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
Royally dressed Nute Gunray, flanked by his second in command RUNE HAAKO, stares down a flustered Threepio.

NUTE
(in subtitled Neimodian)
Say that again.

C-3P0
(subtitled)
The ambassadors are Jedi Knights, I believe.

The Viceroy's calm, arrogant facade drops momentarily, then reforms.

NUTE
Entertain them.

Threepio bows and heads out. Nute turns to his second.

NUTE
Inform our guest.

RUNE
I don't think he needs to know.

NUTE
Do it, Rune!

RUNE
I?m not going in there! ...Send the droid.

One short step from the exit, Threepio turns around. Close on the door...

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - MEETING ROOM

Qui-Gon sits in a relaxed position. Obi-Wan paces anxiously.

QUI-GON
Be strong and straightforward. Make sure they know who they?re dealing with.

OBI-WAN
Don't I always?

QUI-GON
If I should tap this finger--

OBI-WAN
Master, you?re worried about nothing. These people are harmless.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - DARK ROOM

In the shadow-cloaked room, a DARK-ROBED FIGURE stands perfectly still at the window, facing the planet.

The door slides open, and a petrified Threepio takes a step inside. The figure turns, quickly but slightly. The droid freezes.

FIGURE
Speak.

His voice is low and menacing, but r

 

NUTE
Jam their transmissions!

CREWMAN
Yes, sir.

ANOTHER CREWMAN
Message from the planet, sir!

Maul steps out of sight as the comm screen opens on QUEEN AMIDALA. Dressed in bright royal garb and white makeup, the 14-year-old ruler of Naboo gazes stoically and formally from her seat.

Nute tries his hand at the Basic language.

NUTE
Queen Amidala. At last, you honor us.

AMIDALA
Disband the blockade, Viceroy.

NUTE
You know my terms. Meet them.

AMIDALA
If you and I cannot settle this, the ambassadors will.

NUTE
(whispering to Rune, subtitled)
What did she say?

Rune whispers back a translation.

NUTE
(to Amidala, in Basic)
These ambassadors; when will they arrive?

AMIDALA
I know they are with you. Defy them at your own risk.

NUTE
Our actions are legal, Highness. It's you who are in defiance.

AMIDALA
We will see.

End transmission. As Nute and Rune converse in unsubtitled Neimodian, Maul looks up, then heads back to his room.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - DARK ROOM

Maul kneels before a circular holographic projector on the floor. The transparent form of DARTH SIDIOUS materializes within the circle. His image stands before Maul, a hooded, faceless ghost.

MAUL
Master Sidious. Valorum has sent the Jedi.

SIDIOUS
Chancellor Valorum. Ever the fool. Where are they now?

EXT. SPACE

The Radiant approaches the atmosphere.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT

Obi pilots, with Qui in the copilot?s seat. The young Jedi battles the ship?s instruments.

QUI-GON
We?re losing power.

OBI-WAN
Chancellor, do you copy? Does anyone copy?
They?re jamming us.

The old Jedi winces, and slowly reaches down to the burn in his side. Obi-Wan looks his way, his frustration becoming concern.

OBI-WAN (CONT?D)
I?m sorry.

QUI-GON
It was my fault.

EXT. SPACE

The starship continues its approach.

EXT. CITY OF THEED - PALACE - DAY

A beautiful palace, surrounded by a calm, utopian city.

INT. THEED PALACE - MEETING ROOM - DAY

Amidala sits behind a desk. Standing beside her is CAPTAIN GORDON PANAKA, an early middle-aged black man.

Across from her sits Prime Minister SIO BIBBLE, an old and portly statesman. Rounding out the group are two other OFFICIALS, one of Panaka?s GUARDS, and three of Amidala's HANDMAIDENS.

A holotransmitter projects the image of SENATOR COS PALPATINE, a handsome, kind-faced man in his early fifties. His face conveys his concern.

PALPATINE
The ambassadors aren't there? How can that be? I have assurances from the Chancellor; his ambassadors did arrive...

Static disrupts his transmission, then cuts it completely.

AMIDALA
Senator Palpatine.

PANAKA
Check the reception.

The guard flips on his comlink, then shakes his head.

BIBBLE
I'll wager they're jamming us.

AMIDALA
That would make no sense.

PANAKA
Unless they were going to invade.

AMIDALA
They'd never go that far; it would enrage the Senate! They'd...

Panaka?s look says otherwise.

AMIDALA (CONT?D)
Allow us a moment.

Bibble, the other statesmen, and the guard bow and leave. Panaka and the handmaidens stay. Amidala stands up and walks to the window, looking out at her city.

PANAKA
Ready our defenses.

AMIDALA
How can this be happening?

PANAKA
It?s not your fault.

She slowly shakes her head.

 

EXT. NABOO FORESTS - DAY

The Radiant shakes its way across the late afternoon sky. One engine?s in flames. Another is in pieces.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT - DAY

Obi wrestles with the controls, annoyed.

OBI-WAN
Engine?s critical. I have to shut down.

EXT. NABOO FORESTS - DAY

The Radiant cuts out and goes into a glide.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT - DAY

Both Jedi search the horizon for a landing spot.

QUI-GON
The lake.

OBI-WAN
I?m on it.

The young knight pulls hard on the control yolk.

EXT. NABOO FORESTS - DAY

Descending rapidly, the ship banks, broadsides the lake and skids to a floating stop.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT - DAY

The Jedi take a moment. Qui-Gon collects himself first and looks upward with a worried expression.

OBI-WAN
What?

QUI-GON
Scan the battleship.

EXT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP

Hangar doors slide slowly open.

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE

Maul watches a holoscreen displaying a wide shot of the hanger interior. A multitude of FIGHTERS and TRANSPORTS stand ready. Nute cowers behind the man in black.

MAUL
Launch and attack.

NUTE
(subtitled)
You're sure this is legal.

MAUL
We will make it legal.

EXT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP

Fleets roar out from every battleship, toward the helpless planet.

INT. RADIANT - COCKPIT - DAY

A tactical scanner shows hordes of blinking dots.

QUI-GON
Hundreds of them.

OBI-WAN
Bah.

The young knight has had enough for one day. Opening the door and extending the ramp, he steps out onto the lake, his back to his master. AMBIENT SOUNDS fill the air.

QUI-GON
Obi-Wan? We have to warn the Naboo.

OBI-WAN
We have to get back. The Chancellor--

QUI-GON
--can wait. The Naboo can not.

Obi turns and advances up the ramp. Qui-Gon slowly stands.

OBI-WAN
We've got an army on our hands! I count two of us. We need to get off world, report to the Chancellor--

QUI-GON
--by which time Queen Amidala will have disappeared into a Federation brig, or an unmarked grave. I need your help, Obi-Wan. She needs your help.

Obi-Wan?s expression softens, and his eyes drift down to the late captain. He then looks past her, at an object hidden under a large sheet.

The sheet flies off. Qui and Obi stand before a pink speeder bike.

QUI-GON
You drive.

OBI-WAN (CONT?D)
Master, it?s pink.

Qui gives him a look.

EXT. FOREST LAKE - DAY

With Obi in the driver?s seat, the duo speeds away from the battered Radiant as it sinks into the lake.

EXT. NABOO - UPPER ATMOSPHERE - DAY

Halos of fire ring the Federation fleet as it makes its entrance.

EXT. CITY OF THEED - SUNSET

SOLDIERS rush to their stations.

EXT. THEED PALACE - OUTER WALL - SUNSET

More SOLDIERS mount cannons on balconies and windows.

INT. THEED PALACE - WAR ROOM

A large, round table with a black polished sheen dominates the floor. TECHS man consoles on the circular wall. As Amidala, Padme and Panaka look on, the table displays a real-time holographic projection of the city.

PANAKA
We have just enough time to get you out.

AMIDALA
My people die so I can run? That's not a plan; it's murder.

PANAKA
Highness, I swore to your father I'd keep you safe.

AMIDALA
You have your station, Captain. I have mine. (To a tech) Wire me in.

The tech flips a switch, then points to her.

AMIDALA (CONT?D)
Attention, citizens of Theed!

EXT. CITY OF THEED - CHECKPOINT B - SUNSET
Three dozen TROOPS, aided by two armed SPEEDERS, stand guard at a bridge over a wide canal. Over a speaker on a pole (hard-wired to the ground, thus circumventing the transmission block) Amidala?s voice echoes around them.

AMIDALA
(over speaker)
The Naboo have never been warriors, but neither do we lack the will to fight.

INT. CITY OF THEED - CIVILIAN HOME - SUNSET

Two FAMILIES duck behind cover. Outside, SOLDIERS rush past, shouting indistinct orders.

AMIDALA
(over speaker)
Without provocation, they attack us. They believe we are defensel

 

EXT. NABOO FORESTS - NIGHT

A small, sleek cruiser--a SITH INTERCEPTOR--hovers over the Radiant?s resting place.

INT. INTERCEPTOR - COCKPIT

Bathed in a red glow, Maul presses a button. Sideous? face appears on a screen above him.

MAUL
The Jedi live.

SIDIOUS
And the Queen?

MAUL
She is secure.

SIDIOUS
She must sign the treaty. Keep the Jedi from her--but stay hidden.

MAUL
Please, Master, allow me to strike.

SIDIOUS
In time. Go to Theed, and await my command.

MAUL
Your will is mine.

EXT. NABOO FORESTS - NIGHT

The Interceptor turns and starts toward the palace.

INT. INTERCEPTOR - COCKPIT

Maul reaches for an overhead switch.

MAUL
The world is blind.

EXT. NABOO FORESTS

The ship CLOAKS and disappears.

EXT. THEED PALACE - NIGHT

Battle droids patrol the courtyard.

INT. THEED PALACE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Rune Haako walks with Threepio, cataloguing their newly acquired loot.

RUNE
(subtitled)
One vase from the Sandage dynasty... (Threepio nods) One crown from Chandrilan royalty... (Threepio nods again) One pile of junk... (smashes a glass sculpture)

They turn a corner, reaching a wide open hangar.

INT. THEED PALACE - HANGAR - NIGHT

A regal silver ship, the MARIE CELESTE, rests in front of the open hangar doors. Rune is in love.

RUNE
(subtitled)
Get it airborne by sunrise.

He smiles in anticipation of the test flight.

EXT. HILLS OUTSIDE THEED - NIGHT

The pink speeder hits the top of the hill. Obi-Wan calls a halt as they look down on the wounded city.

QUI-GON
Quickly.

Obi guns the throttle.

EXT. THEED - CANAL - NIGHT

The two Jedi tear through the canal, ducking under a low bridge as they go. Qui has his eyes closed.

OBI-WAN
Anything?

QUI-GON
Not yet.

Obi weaves through assorted floating obstacles.

Qui?s eyelids flicker.

QUI-GON (CONT?D)
Turn right!

The young Jedi makes the turn, splashing water everywhere.

EXT. THEED - STREET - NIGHT

A dozen battle droids herd Amidala and her entourage down a rubble-littered street.

EXT. THEED - CANAL - NIGHT

Four battle droids kneel on a bridge as the speeder approaches. Obi yaws sideways as they open fire.

QUI-GON
Duck!

Obi-Wan ducks down. Qui-Gon thrusts his palm at the droids. An unseen force knocks them off their feet, off the bridge and into the water. Obi smiles as the droids rain down around him.

QUI-GON (CONT?D)
Up there.

A wooden ramp leads down to a small pier. Obi jumps the bike up onto the ramp and takes it up to the street.

OBI-WAN
Lead on.

EXT. THEED - STREET - NIGHT

The droids guarding Amidala meet up with a tank. The hum of the speeder gradually fills the air. Everyone stops.

Qui and Obi turn the corner, advancing full throttle. The tank rotates and opens fire. The first shot misses, tearing a broad scar into the cobblestone.

The speeder dodges a second shot--by a much smaller margin. The turret aims straight at them.

OBI-WAN
Jump!

Qui jumps off to the side. Obi stands up in his seat, and leaps forward as the tank fires. The blast obliterates the speeder, sending pink shrapnel flying and launching Obi-Wan into a controlled glide.

The young knight flies straight over the tank, slashing its cannon, then flips over, lands on his feet, and takes out the nearest droid as he slides to a halt.

As the other droids turn his way, Qui-Gon breaks into a telekinetic run and blows into them from behind. Panaka and the guards grapple with their captors.

It?s over in seconds. Qui-Gon wastes no time with introductions.

QUI-GON
Do you have transports?

AMIDALA
...In the main hangar. Who are you?

QUI-GON
We're Jedi Knights. Now, quickly.

The group takes off at a fast walk.

PANAKA
Who sent you?

QUI-GON
Valorum. We were here to negotiate.

BIBBLE
You succeeded admirably.

OBI-WAN
I told you we should have left.

INT. THEED PALACE - GRAND STAIRWAY - NIGHT

Swiftly but quietly, the entourage makes its way up the s

 

Last installment for tonight; what's everyone think so far?

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT - NIGHT

Obi-Wan pushes a lever.

OBI-WAN
Power up at maximum.

AMIDALA
Captain, get everyone strapped in!

Panaka and Qui-Gon step back into the passenger hold.

OBI-WAN
We?ll have to rush the blockade.

AMIDALA
Give me double-front deflectors.

OBI-WAN
Of course, Your Highness.

A VIDEO DISPLAY shows a rendering of the ship, enveloped by two lens-shaped shields. The shields shift and align.

EXT. SPACE

The Celeste breaks away from the atmosphere. The blockade looms ahead.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

The guards and handmaidens fasten crossing shoulder straps. Qui and Panaka end up side by side.

QUI-GON
Has she done this very often?

PANAKA
No, we don't get many blockades. Has he?

EXT. SPACE
The battleships open fire.

INT. MARIE CELESTE--PASSENGER HOLD

Everyone is strapped in--except Threepio.

C-3P0
Could anyone... share a seat?

INT. MARIE CELESTE--COCKPIT

Ami takes a tight grip on the control yolk and twists through the laser barrage. The ship rocks lightly, but sustains no serious hits.

OBI-WAN
Shields are holding.

Amidala hisses through clenched teeth as she continues her evasive maneuvers.

OBI-WAN
Relax.

AMIDALA
When I want a massage, I'll call a servant.

Obi leans back and raises a brow.

EXT. SPACE

The Marie Celeste weaves through the downpour of laserblasts, advancing toward a gap in the blockade.

The Neimodian battlecruisers' guns fire relentlessly, but between Ami's maneuvering and Obi's angling the shields, none of their shots come to fruition.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT

Ami, still very tense, keeps weaving.

AMIDALA
Start calculating the jump!

OBI-WAN
Right.

The young knight starts punching in coordinates.

AMIDALA
We're going to make it.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

Threepio clings to an overhead pipe. Panaka fixes his eyes on the forward windshield. Qui-Gon leans his head back, eyes closed.

Suddenly, the elder Jedi's eyes snap open. Panaka turns to him with a worried expression. Qui's gaze slowly drifts toward the aft wall--

QUI-GON
Rear deflectors NOW!

EXT. SPACE

Darth Maul's Interceptor roars from the void behind them, opening up a relentless barrage of green cannon fire.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

The ship rocks violently.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT

Obi looks back over his shoulder.

EXT. SPACE

The Celeste continues to buckle under Maul's assault.

INT. INTERCEPTOR - COCKPIT

Maul grins sadistically, his black-gloved hand fiercely gripping the controls.

MAUL
Jedi!

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT

A considerably more concerned Obi swivels back to his instruments.

OBI-WAN
Light speed in five, four, three...

EXT. SPACE

A shot punches through the Celeste's shields, striking a panel in the upper hull.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT

Obi's display goes dead.

OBI-WAN
Never mind!

AMIDALA
Deploy the R2's!

The Jedi's hands dart back and forth across his controls, searching for the right button. Amidala slams it for him.

EXT. SPACE

Maul continues his pursuit, clipping the Celeste's port wing. He's just playing with them now.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

The ship quakes again. A luckless Threepio slides across the floor on his face, stopping at the ship's rear compartment.

As he jockeys for balance, a LOW, SQUAT BLUE DROID--R2-D2--knocks into him from the side, shoving him away, then continues on its path toward a lift.

C-3P0
How rude!

Several of the R2 droid's COMPATRIOTS follow their leader. As they reach the lift and rise toward the outer hull, R2 turns his optical unit toward Threepio, and beeps to him.

Threepio lies on the floor, helpless and too overloaded to care.

C-3PO
(groaning)
Apology accepted.

EXT. SPACE

The Interceptor fires a single precise shot, shearing the Celeste's starboard win

 

EXT. NABOO LABOR CAMP - DAY

BATTLE DROIDS supervise a ragged mob of SLAVE LABORERS.

Above, a NEIMODIAN SHUTTLE cruises toward the landing pad.

INT. SHUTTLE - DAY

Escorted by FOUR BATTLE DROIDS and a NEIMODIAN PILOT, Prime Minister Sio Bibble sits on a bench in binders.

EXT. LABOR CAMP - LANDING PAD - DAY

The shuttle lands, opening its ramp. Bibble looks about in disbelief as the droids lead him toward a large compound.

INT. COMPOUND - SUITE - DAY

A comfortable guest room. Bibble's escorts show him in, then close the door, leaving him by himself.

As he takes in the scene, a holographic projector displays a recorded message from Rune Haako, who speaks in Bibble's language with a slight accent.

RUNE
Good day, Prime Minister. I am Rune Haako, second to the Viceroy. I apologize for your people's condition, but I trust that you and I can find a solution...

EXT. HYPERSPACE

The Celeste flies through a tunnel of light.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

A battered threepio sits propped up against the wall. R2 goes to work on rudimentary repairs.

C-3PO
Oh! Careful!

With the ship on autopilot, Amidala holds court. Qui sits down. Obi stands in the corner, while Panaka paces the room, giving his report.

PANAKA
The repairs will take days. The starboard thruster's gone, port thruster's at half of capacity--

AMIDALA
Can we reach Coruscant?

Panaka shakes his head.

PANAKA
The hyperdrive's leaking. We haven't got the fuel. Wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for R2...

He looks to the astromech droid. One of his men reads its number, and mouths it to him.

PANAKA
D2 there.

QUI-GON
We'll have to land somewhere.

PANAKA
The Federation's all over this sector. Where can we--

OBI-WAN
Tatooine. No Federation presence at all. It's controlled by the Hutts.

PANAKA
You can't take Her Royal Highness there! The Hutts are gangsters!

AMIDALA
But they aren't looking for me.

Panaka turns to his queen.

AMIDALA
We'll do it.

EXT. HYPERSPACE

The battered ship continues on its way.

 

It's nice to have you posting here too, Mr Geist!

 

Thanks, Oakes!

EXT. THEED PALACE - SUNDOWN

Federation tanks and turrets surround the palace.

INT. THEED PALACE - THRONE ROOM - SUNDOWN

Nute looks out the window at his beautiful new city. Rune steps up behind him. Without turning around, Nute speaks.

NUTE
(subtitled)
The Queen?

RUNE
(subtitled)
Gone.

NUTE
(subtitled)
The Prime Minister?

RUNE
(subtitled)
We have him.

NUTE
(subtitled)
What about... him?

INT. NABOO PALACE - TOWER SANCTUARY - SUNDOWN

The room is a ring of pillars, surrounded by the red sky.

Maul stands perfectly still in the center of the room, blindfolded and stripped to his trousers--his body is as thoroughly tattooed as his face. Around him are six tall poles, each with several lights set into them.

The man in black draws a TRAINING LIGHTSABER--the blade is holographic--and waits.

One of the poles' lights turns itself on, and gives out a musical chime. Maul spins with a shout, striking the light with perfect precision--it chimes again for him. Another light follows suit, and Maul repeats the process.

The lights around him go off at random, creating a cacophony of chaotic music. Maul falls into a rhythm, striking each target in turn.

His holographic transmitter, mounted on the windowsill, suddenly comes to life, interrupting him. The transparent image of Sidious materializes, his dark blue cloak contrasting the red sky behind him.

SIDIOUS
Darth Maul.

Maul immediately extinguishes his saber and kneels.

SIDIOUS
What of the Queen?

MAUL
She is... no longer their guest.

SIDIOUS
They have broken their bargain.

MAUL
Shall I... (reaches for his saber)

Sidious turns his head, entertaining the thought, then turns back to his apprentice.

SIDIOUS
The Federation has always had the Senate's support, and now look what it's come to. They brutalize a world of innocents. They force the Queen to abdicate. How could the Chancellor allow it, Maul?

MAUL
(playing along)
Perhaps Valorum is no longer fit to rule.

SIDIOUS
But who would take his place? (Smiles)
Bring the Queen back--see that the Federation
follows through. And Maul...

The man in black waits intently for his master's command.

SIDIOUS
See that you vote for me.

Maul smiles.

Wipe to:

INT. MARIE CELESTE - CARGO HOLD - DAY

Dim florescent floor panels light the rounded room. Qui-Gon sits cross-legged on the floor, in deep meditation.

Quietly, Obi-Wan comes down the stairs, looking for him. Finding his master, the knight watches him silently.

AMIDALA (O.S.)
Sir Kenobi?

Hearing her voice, he starts to turn away.

A violent coughing fit interrupts Qui's meditation. Obi turns back to his master in abrupt concern.

Hacking uncontrollably, he reaches into the pocket of his robe, pulls out a tube of pills and swallows one. The coughing gradually subsides.

With a silent sigh, Obi-Wan heads back up the stairs. As he exits, Qui-Gon watches him go.

 

Any lurkers out there?

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD

Obi returns to the main hold, making his way through the Queen's entourage as he heads for the cockpit. Amidala sits in the pilot's seat.

AMIDALA
Take us out of light speed.

Obi-Wan sits down and obliges her. The dust-brown planet of TATOOINE, with its binary suns, fills their field of vision.

AMIDALA
Lay in a course for the nearest settlement.

OBI-WAN
Aye aye.

EXT. TATOOINE SPACE

The ship shakes toward the atmosphere.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT

Obi-Wan keeps the heat shields angled as they descend. Amidala holds a tight grip on the controls.

OBI-WAN
We're heading for Mos... Espa. Four hundred kilometers off.

AMIDALA
Keep to the outskirts.

EXT. DESERT PLAINS - DAY

The Queen's ship comes to a rough landing on the flat desert sand. On one horizon stands a wall of cliffs; on the other, a small walled city.

INT. MARIE CELESTE - COCKPIT - DAY

As the ship powers down, Obi-Wan smiles and deflates. Amidala puts on her game face, stands and heads for the passenger hold.

AMIDALA
Captain.

PANAKA
Highness.

AMIDALA
Take inventory. I want to know exactly what we have, what we need, what we can barter. I want a team assembled to search that town for parts.

QUI-GON (O.S.)
We'll handle that.

A refreshed Qui-Gon emerges from the cargo hold, beckoning Obi-Wan with a nod of his head.

Panaka throws the older Jedi a comlink.

PANAKA
Stay in touch.

As the Jedi collect their gear, Threepio tests out his joints.

C-3PO
Fully functional. R2-D2, your skills are remarkable!

Artoo responds with a beep of modesty.

The Jedi start down the ramp.

AMIDALA
Master Jedi.

Qui turns, followed by Obi.

AMIDALA
Might I suggest you take the droids?

C-3PO
Excuse me?

EXT. DESERT PLAINS - DAY

The two Jedi lead the two Droids away from the ship.

C-3PO
I wasn't built for this.

QUI-GON
Go back if you wish. You're not a prisoner.

Threepio looks down to the utterly compliant R2-D2, rolls his head melodramatically and keeps walking.

PANAKA (O.S.)
Wait!

The Queen's captain comes after the quartet, accompanied by the handmaiden Padme, who now wears a light blue dress.

PANAKA
The Queen sends her handmaiden with you.

C-3PO
A handmaiden? What a brilliant disguise, Highness!

Both she and Panaka give him irritated glares.

C-3PO
Oh, I'm--I'm sorry, I...

PADME
Padme Naberrie. Pleased to meet you both.

QUI-GON
This is not a good idea.

PADME
My people are in danger, Jedi. And I've never been one to place myself above them.

The master Jedi thinks it over.

QUI-GON
Be wary.

The two Jedi continue walking. Padme hesitates, looking to Panaka for approval.

PANAKA
Your father would be as proud as I am.

She smiles.

PADME
Thank you.

She starts after the Jedi.

QUI-GON
(discreetly, to Obi-Wan)
Whatever attacked the ship is a very powerful force. Do not let her out of your sight.

OBI-WAN
Yes, Master.

QUI-GON
And Obi-Wan? She's royalty.

 

This is really interesting! Im enjoying it!

 

Thanks!

EXT. LABOR CAMP - NIGHT

Battle droids patrol the concrete, herding prisoners into barracks.

INT. LABOR CAMP - GUEST SUITE - NIGHT

Bibble looks out at the scene from his suite, shaking his head.

BIBBLE
My queen...

The door yawns open, startling him. In walks Rune Haako, unarmed and unaccompanied. Bibble regards him with a glare.

RUNE
The Viceroy sends his greetings.

BIBBLE
The Viceroy can go to hell.

RUNE
Hardly the words of a diplomat. Sit.

He gestures toward the dining table. Bibble holds his ground.

RUNE
Please?

Eyes locked on the Neimodian, Bibble takes a seat. Rune nods toward the door. A FLOATING DROID carries in tray bearing two wine glasses and a bottle. As the droid sets the tray down, Rune sits and serves his guest.

BIBBLE
You will gain nothing from me.

RUNE
I seek nothing. It's you who stands to gain.
(Sips the wine) Your world is broken, your people enslaved--and your queen has abandoned them.

BIBBLE
The Queen will see to it that the Senate--

RUNE
You trust your fate to the Senate? Do you honestly think that those hundreds of factions will all come together for her? For a child (dramatic pause) who never should have ruled in the first place?

Bibble finds himself caught off guard.

RUNE
Is it true that you claim direct descendence from the Zariel dynasty? I understand, you lost the succession to a technicality.

BIBBLE
It's in the past. Legality's legality.

The Neimodian smiles and nods.

RUNE
So it is.

From the folds of his robe, Rune produces a copy of the treaty.

RUNE
Under Article four-oh-two of your Principal Law, in the absence of a monarch, the Prime Minister receives certain emergency powers, including the authority to sign a formal treaty.

Bibble draws back slowly.

RUNE
Legalize our actions, and your people go free.

After a moment's hesitation, the Prime Minister finds his answer.

BIBBLE
In the name of the true Queen Amidala, I denounce you.

Unfazed, Rune stands and backs toward the door, which opens behind him.

RUNE
They suffer. And they look to you.

The door slams shut. Bibble drops the facade; shaken, he turns back to the window and squeezes his eyes shut.

Wipe to:

EXT. MOS ESPA - STREET - DAY

ONE CONTINUOUS TRACKING SHOT:

A small brown rat-creature, a JARBO, scurries up the pole of a fruit cart, pouncing on its breakfast. The VENDOR, a greenish-brown alien with curved horns on the sides of its head, shakes its four-fingered fist.

As the vendor's shouts chase the jarbo down the dusty market street, a short hooded JAWA sees its chance, and filches his own meal from the cart. He strides away casually, and presently he brushes against a TALL, BONY-FACED ALIEN in an environment suit.

Paying the Jawa little heed, the alien turns the corner, toward a residential street with many domed, multilevel houses. A rumble draws his attention, and he suddenly lurches to the side, just in time to avoid...

A RUNAWAY BANTHA, who rushes through a mob of fleeing bystanders as its OWNERS give chase. The bantha passes a CANTINA, from which we hear several gunshots and subsequent thuds--after which a SMUGGLER swaggers out, holstering his pistol and hopping onto his SPEEDER BIKE.

Astride the bike, the smuggler makes a beeline for the town gate, under which Qui, Obi, Padme and the droids now walk as they enter town.

OBI-WAN
Do we have money?

PADME
Nothing I could touch without drawing attention.

QUI-GON
Republic credits wouldn't do us much good. We're too far from the Core.

OBI-WAN
Then what do we do?

Qui-Gon mimics the Jedi mind trick wave. His apprentice returns the wave with a nod and a smile.

As the Jedi start down the street, Padme turns to Threepio in confusion, and does the wave. Threepio spreads his arms and shakes his head.

R2 beeps out a verbal shrug.

 

INT. WATTO'S JUNK SHOP - DAY

In the dimly lit and cluttered shop, the flying blue insectoid WATTO hovers behind his counter, DATAPAD in hand. Off to the side, a HOLOSCREEN displays a news broadcast.

Qui and the group step inside, setting off a bell. Watto rises over the counter to greet them. His manner is shrewd, and outwardly friendly, but short-tempered.

WATTO
(subtitled)
Welcome, welcome. What can I do for you?

C-3PO
He welcomes us into his establishment and offers his services--

Recognizing the basic language, Watto switches over to it.

WATTO
Ah! Outlanders. What brings you all the way to Watto's junk shop, eh?

Forgetting herself, Padme steps forward.

PADME
I need--

She stops, falls back into character and moves back.

QUI-GON
We need parts for a type J-327 Nubian. R2?

The astromech droid raises his antenna. On cue, Watto extends his datapad; the pad's screen quickly fills with information. Mumbling, Watto nods.

WATTO
Boy! Where are ya?

A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY peeks his head out from a side door. Meet ANAKIN SKYWALKER.

WATTO
Come here! Watch the store!

The boy goes into a stumbling run toward the front counter. Watto shakes his head in disapproval.

WATTO
(to Qui-Gon)
Slaves.

Qui-Gon quivers with anger momentarily, then steadies himself. Padme stands back, taking in the scene.

WATTO
Come on back. You'll find what ya need.

The dealer floats toward the back lot, followed by Qui, Obi R2 and Threepio. As the knight reaches the archway, he turns back to Padme--who's suddenly fixed on the holographic broadcast.

The holoscreen displays a rendering of Naboo, complete with a superimposed question mark. Alien anchorman GOL THE INFORMER fills us in.

GOL
As Naboo's communications blackout enters its fifth standard day, debate continues over whether to spend the resources for an investigation.

Padme watches in guarded silence.

GOL
We take you now live to the Senate Chamber. Naboo's Senator Palpatine has the floor.

The screen cuts to an image of the cavernous SENATE CHAMBER, where delegates from hundreds of worlds stand on individual hovering platforms. In the center of the vast room, the beleagured SUPREME CHANCELLOR VALORUM presides from his raised pedestal.

The aging Senator Palpatine directs his platform toward the pedestal, eyes fixed on the Chancellor.

PALPATINE
Chancellor Valorum, whether the Federation or any other force is behind this disaster, the citizens of Naboo have a right to be heard!

Padme watches the senator speak. He's her only hope.

 

EXT. WATTO'S JUNK SHOP - BACK LOT - DAY

Watto leads the Jedi and droids down a path between two heaping piles of ship, droid, speeder and weapon parts.

WATTO
Can I interest you in this excellent Gonk droid? I'll make it half price.

QUI-GON
Not today, thank you.

WATTO
(in between mumbled Huttese curses)
Can't give that thing away.

A lagging Threepio comes across the scattered remains of a rusted protocol droid.

C-3PO
Poor fellow.

A passing Jawa examines the remains, then turns his gaze to Threepio. The golden droid looks back in apprehension.

WATTO
(reading his datapad)
A T-16 hyperdrive. Just picked one up the other day--but you might as well buy a new ship.

OBI-WAN
We're a bit rushed.

WATTO
I see, I see. So, eh, how're you gonna pay for all this?

QUI-GON
You have our marker. We can pay once we're offworld.

WATTO
Credit to an outlander? Never been good for business.

QUI-GON
We don't have anything else. (Mind trick wave) But credit... will do fine.

WATTO
No. It won't.

QUI-GON
(Trying again)
Credit will do fine.

WATTO
No, it won't! You think you're some kinda Jedi wavin' your hand around? I'm a Toydarian! Mind tricks don't work on me. Only money. No money, no parts, no deal!

Qui breaks into another coughing fit, and reaches for his pills.

WATTO
And no one else has a T-16 hyperdrive, I promise ya that!

OBI-WAN
We have other means of acquisition.

QUI-GON
(between coughs)
Obi-Wan...

WATTO
I'd think twice about such things. You don't go far here without protection from the Hutts, if ya know what I mean.

Obi-Wan backs down.

(Questions? Comments?)

 

I like it so far. Keep it coming!

 

This is so cool!!

 

Thanks, everyone!

INT. WATTO'S JUNK SHOP - DAY

Padme continues to watch the holoscreen. Behind the counter, the boy regards her curiously and quietly.

GOL THE INFORMER
In other news, Alderaan scientists made another breakthrough today in the field of...

Padme finds the remote and mutes the volume. Anakin tilts his head.

ANAKIN
You're sad.

His voice is quiet, level and sincere.

Padme tries to smile.

PADME
It's nothing.

ANAKIN
I want to help you.

PADME
There's... not much you could do. But thanks.

Getting the impression that it's none of his business, Anakin shyly shrinks back.

ANAKIN
I'm sorry; I didn't mean to--

PADME
No. No, it's... (shakes her head) I'm Padme.

ANAKIN
Anakin Skywalker.

Qui-Gon walks back in, concealing his frustration. Obi and R2 follow.

QUI-GON
We're leaving.

As they head out, Threepio comes hobbling in from the back lot, struggling to fend off a persistent Jawa.

C-3PO
No! I'm not for sale! Get away! Get away!

Padme turns back to the boy, bids goodbye with a smile and leaves with the rest.

As Anakin watches her go, Watto floats up behind him.

WATTO
(subtitled)
Outlanders. (grumbles) Clean the racks, then get out of here.

Anakin scrambles back to work.

ANAKIN
(subtitled)
Yes, Master.

EXT. TATOOINE SPACE

Maul's Interceptor cruises slowly toward the planet.

INT. INTERCEPTOR - COCKPIT

Sidious stands superimposed over Maul's viewscreen.

SIDIOUS
Qui-Gon Jinn is a master--he may prove a challenge. The other is a child.

MAUL
Shall I take them together?

SIDIOUS
One might escape. Separate them.

MAUL
Into how many pieces?

The hooded specter chuckles, then draws a straight face.

SIDIOUS
We are the eyes...

MAUL
The world is blind.

SIDIOUS
We are the flame...

MAUL
The world is cold.

SIDIOUS
We are the heart...

MAUL
The world is dead.

EXT. TATOOINE SPACE

The Interceptor hits the atmosphere.

 

EXT. MOS ESPA - OUTDOOR RESTAURANT - DAY

The establishment rests on a raised terrace. Various human and alien PATRONS enjoy their lunch.

Obi-Wan and Padme sit facing each other across a stone table. Padme speaks into a comlink, while Obi-Wan watches her back.

PADME
What's our inventory?

INT. MARIE CELESTE - PASSENGER HOLD - DAY

As the rest of the Queen's entourage go about their business, Panaka responds over his comlink.

PANAKA
A few supply crates, our weapons, clothes, maybe--everyone'll help, I'm sure.

EXT. MOS ESPA - OUTDOOR RESTAURANT - DAY

PADME
It won't be enough. I'll keep in touch. Thank you.

She cuts the transmission, and shakes her head at Obi.

PADME
We can't barter.

OBI-WAN
I'm sure Qui-Gon'll find us something.

PADME
He's your master?

OBI-WAN
Since last year. I used to study under Yoda. (chuckle) As hard as it is to do anything *under* Yoda. (Holds his hand two feet off the floor)

Padme nods politely, but her attention's on something behind him.

PADME
Is that...

Obi looks over his shoulder to see the slave boy Anakin, walking down the street in their direction.

OBI-WAN
Hmm. Where was I?

Behind him, a wiry alien with hands for feet, a DUG, gives Anakin an audible smack. Padme winces as the boy falls hard.

The Dug, SEBULBA, stands over the fallen slave, one of his four hands reaching over to the spilled contents of the boy's backpack.

As Anakin squirms under Sebulba's grip, the Dug holds up a small white stone, examining it.

SEBULBA
(in subtitled Huttese)
What's this, Ani? You making a jappor snippet? Who's the girl?

Up on the terrace, Padme looks around at the indifferent crowd.

PADME
This isn't right.

Obi sees his chance.

OBI-WAN
Wait here.

Vaulting over the side of the terrace, Obi-Wan advances, fighting the temptation to reach for his saber.

SEBULBA
(subtitled)
How's your mother? Is she out of the cage yet?

ANAKIN
Get off me.

SEBULBA
(subtitled)
Tell her I miss her.

ANAKIN
Get OFF ME!

An invisible force throws Sebulba back with an angry whoosh. The Dug skids to a halt at Obi-Wan's feet. The Jedi stops in his tracks.

Sebulba scrambles to his feet and glares.

SEBULBA
(subtitled)
Don't go out at night, slave boy.

He shoves his way through the crowd. Obi-Wan and Padme both stand where they are, frozen in surprised awe.

Flanked by the droids, Qui-Gon watches from the crowd.

 

EXT. MOS ESPA - OUTDOOR RESTAURANT - DAY

A nervous Anakin sits across from Padme, and beside Qui-Gon. Obi stands behind his master, while the droids look on.

PADME
Anakin Skywalker, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Master Jinn.

QUI-GON
(offering his hand)
Qui-Gon.

With a hesitant smile, Anakin shakes Qui-Gon's hand. Obi sends him a courtesy smile. Anakin regards the two curiously.

ANAKIN
You're Jedi.

QUI-GON
Yes.

The master gives his apprentice a quick glance, then turns back to the boy.

QUI-GON
Anakin, where did you learn that?

ANAKIN
Learn what?

Qui-Gon shifts his eyes toward a glass of water, and telekinetically slides it toward the boy.

ANAKIN
I... I didn't learn it. Am I in trouble?

QUI-GON
No. Not at all.

An alarm begins to buzz around the group. The city's DENIZENS grumble in irritation.

PADME
What's that?

ANAKIN
Sandstorm.

OBI-WAN
We should get back to the ship.

ANAKIN
Is it far?

PADME
On the outskirts.

ANAKIN
(matter-of-factly)
You wouldn't make it.

The older Jedi looks out at the town wall; the storm is already visible.

QUI-GON
He's right. We'll have to find a place to stay.

ANAKIN
I know a place.

 

UP!!

 

One thing which I didn't mention before, Darth Geist, is that I really liked the way you gave a name to the Queen's starship. As it really served the purpose that the Millenium Falcon did in Star Wars, I think it really needed a name, to almost humanise the vechile, if that makes sense. Anyway, keep up the good work! Of course, this isn't as good as my rewrite, of course....

 

Thanks, QueenSabe7!

Oakes: You wanna go? Let's go!

EXT. MOS ESPA - SLAVE COMPOUND - DAY

A two-story, hexagonal structure with a large central courtyard, located in one of the town's poorer districts.

EXT. MOS ESPA - STREET - DAY

As the sandstorm begins to gather around them, Anakin leads the way to the building. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Padme follow, with the droids lagging behind.

QUI-GON
The dealer was right. There's nowhere else in town with a T-16.

PADME
We could try another town.

QUI-GON
I did.

OBI-WAN
We could call the Council, bring a transport.

QUI-GON
The Federation would trace the signal. And they'd beat the Council here.

Padme looks away in thought as the group keeps walking.

C-3PO
This sand is murderous!

R2 beeps casually and rolls along.

EXT. SLAVE COMPOUND - COURTYARD - DAY

Anakin steps into the courtyard, moving toward an iron cage hanging from a pole. Various DELINQUENT SLAVES inhabit the cage, and his eyes search among them.

Failing to find what he seeks, he turns to the nearest KEEPER, a green, hoggish GAMORREAN.

ANAKIN
Where's my mother?

The Gamorrean looks away dismissively. As the Queen and Jedi look on, Anakin rushes back inside.

INT. SLAVE COMPOUND - SECOND FLOOR - DAY

The slave boy runs up a stone staircase, almost colliding with the door to his quarters as he bursts through it.

INT. SLAVE COMPOUND - ANAKIN'S QUARTERS - DAY

Anakin's aging but still-beautiful mother, SHMI SKYWALKER, turns quickly as her son rushes in.

ANAKIN
Mom!

He throws his arms around her, and she quickly and lovingly reciprocates.

SHMI
Anakin, they found the money. I'm sorry.

ANAKIN
Mom, it's okay. You're okay.

Shmi pats her son on the back, then looks to the doorway, where Anakin's guests now stand. Qui-Gon clears his throat.

QUI-GON
I'm Qui-Gon Jinn. Your son was kind enough to offer us shelter.

PADME
If it's any bother...

Anakin manages a reassuring smile. Shmi nods.

SHMI
No, please, come in. I... (chuckle) I'm always glad to help the less fortunate.

Qui-Gon smiles.

EXT. GARDULLA'S PALACE - SUNSET

The opulent domed structure stands above Mos Espa's slums.

INT. GARDULLA'S PALACE - AUDIENCE CHAMBER - SUNSET

Surrounded by SEEDY ALIEN FLUNKIES, the enormous slug-beast GARDULLA THE HUTT reclines on a raised dais. A trough of multicolored sludge lies before her.

Reaching out with her stout, stubby arms, Gardulla takes a double armload of the trough's contents and shovels it into her mouth, licking up the mess luxuriously.

The sounds of battle interrupt her meal, and Gardulla's beady eyes snap toward the room's main archway. From down the hall, we hear blaster fire, and the hum of a lightsaber.

Then silence.

Cloaked and hooded in his usual black, Darth Maul strides in, casting slight glares and soft growls at anyone who moves. Gardulla regards him with curiousity--and fear.

MAUL
(in subtitled Huttese)
I'm looking for someone.

 

Once I finish this, I have outlines for Episode II: Warrior's Honor and Episode III: King of Shadows (both working titles).

 

Sorry to interrupt (love the story ), but did you get my mail, DG?

M. Scott

 

I got it; I'll get back to you soon.

EXT. SLAVE COMPOUND - NIGHT

Scattered lights dot the city. Stars shine above.

EXT. SLAVE COMPOUND - ROOF - NIGHT

Padme stands alone, looking up at the stars.

INT. SLAVE COMPOUND - ANAKIN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

The droids sit side by side, powered down. Qui-Gon meditates nearby, casting occasional glances at Anakin, who helps his mother with dinner.

Obi-Wan looks through the window at Padme, then turns his focus to his own reflection. Looking himself in the eye, he does the mind trick wave.

OBI-WAN
You will be confident.

Behind Obi-Wan's back, Qui-Gon gives him a reluctant smile.

EXT. SLAVE COMPOUND - ROOF - NIGHT

Obi-Wan climbs the stairs behind Padme, who smiles in greeting before looking back to the stars.

PADME
Which one's mine?

OBI-WAN
(pointing randomly)
That one.

PADME
How do you know?

OBI-WAN
Jedi intuition.

In spite of herself, Padme lets out a quiet laugh--but it quickly becomes a sigh.

PADME
How are we going to do this?

OBI-WAN
We'll find a way. I'm sure.

PADME
I don't know what's sure anymore.

Obi takes a breath.

OBI-WAN
Qui-Gon believes that the Force has a path for each of us, and that nothing can keep us from it.

PADME
What do you believe?

The young knight raises the hilt of his saber.

OBI-WAN
I believe in this.

Padme gives the saber an inquisitive glance, and looks up at its owner. Obliging her, he holds it out for her to take.

The queen-turned-handmaiden ignites the blade, bathing the two of them in a bright blue glow. Slowly and calmly, she waves it through the air.

Slipping momentarily, she nearly shears off Obi-Wan's braid.

PADME
Oh! I'm sorry!

He laughs it off. She offers the saber back to him. He rests his hand on the hilt, near hers.

They hold there for a moment--then Padme looks over his shoulder.

PADME
Anakin.

Blinking away his irritation, Obi-Wan turns to face the slave boy, switching off the saber as he does so.

ANAKIN
Dinner's ready.