Star Wars: Chapter One, Altered Destiny SPECIAL EDITION/PT era/Completed 2/25/02!!

Yes, some of you may remember my large project a while back of rewriting the ENTIRE SW saga. Well, Episode one was well received by those who read it, and I am continuing on in my effort. Episode II is on it's way in a while, so I went back, spiffied the original TPM rewrite up with new and altered scenes, a new prologue, and changed the title.

So, without further adieu, here's the prologue. Enjoy.
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PROLOGUE: Altered Destiny

Every so often, an event happens that changes the course of history. More often than not, those events go mostly unnoticed by the public, and their implications are not fully understood until too late...

The cold steel atmosphere of the conference room kept Lott Dodd focused on the blue hologram sitting across from him. The shadowy figure it portrayed was expressionless, the upper half concealed in blackness. Whether that was done purposely or just happenstance, Dodd did not know, and his mind could not help but wonder what was behind the cowl.

"The word has come through the Senate earlier than expected," the hologram sneered. "Queen Amidala is arrogant and naive, you should have no trouble with her."

Dodd nodded. "What of Minister Gunray? He should be kept in the dark about this?"

The shadow hissed angrily. "You should know better than to ask a question like that. He will know what I want him to know. In due time. Now, you will dispatch your ships to Naboo and make sure this trade dispute is settled."

Dodd nodded and closed the hologram link, erasing all knowledge from the computer's databank.

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STAR WARS
CHAPTER I: ALTERED DESTINY

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactice Republic. The taxation of trade routes to the outlying star systems is in dispute.

Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly starships, the Trade Federation has stopped all transportation and shipping to the small planet of Naboo.

While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates the disturbing turn of events, Chancellor Valorum has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict...

A Republic starship, a diplomatic transport, cruised along the invisible winds of space towards the glistening orb that is known as Naboo. It's course was altered slightly as it arced toward one of the many enormous silver Trade Federation battleships surrounding the planet in the great blockade.

On board, two figures shrouded in the shadows stood behind the two pilots of the ship, arms folded in front of them. A hand slipped out of the cloak covering one of the men and rested upon the shoulder of the pilot.

"Contact the Federation battleship. Let them know the Ambassadors of the Republic wish to board."

In a fine display of obedience, the pilot opened a communications link with the other ship.

"Republic Diplomatic Transport Redemption requesting permission to dock. The Ambassadors sent by the Chancellor are on board."

"Permission granted, you may proceed to docking bay fourteen, two escorts are on their way."

The cruiser sped around the wide U-shaped battleship and slowed it's speed as it neared the docking bay.

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Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn was guided into a long, elegant dining hall by a silver plated protocol droid. Followed by his older friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, he greeted the Federation leader Nute Gunray and his aide/secretary Lott Dodd.

"Welcome aboard, Ambassador." Gunray's demeanor was pleasant enough. His record showed he was non-confrontational and a rather quiet Nieumodian. Obi-Wan followed suit and grasped for Gunray's forearm, a greeting typical of the Nieumodian race. Despite the warm greeting, Obi-Wan felt something...different...in the air.

The Jedi were seated and the usual pleasentries were exchanged. The Federation expressed it's willingness to cooperate with the investigation and the ambassador's wishes. Qui-Gon Jinn was becoming increasingly suspicious of the secreta