Episode II
By Mark McGinty (C Creepio)

Dedicated to all the wonderful folks at the JC whose ideas and thoughtful discussions gave me enough story
points to rip off and use in this script. This is your Episode 2 script. May the real thing put this one to shame.
Contact me at: miranda_j_99@yahoo.com

May the Force be with you.



...Part 2...

EXT. MOS ESPA- DAY

Mace Windu has arrived in town to seek out Shmi. He is able to slip through the commotion unnoticed. He sneaks around town, ducking into alleys and hiding behind buildings to avoid the Mandalorian patrols.Mace senses something and suddenly looks urgent.

EXT. JABBA'S PALACE- DAY

Boba Fett is escorting a group of slaves onto his ship. He has the situation under control, everything is calm. Aurra Sing is watching the action from a cliff several hundred yards away. She holds a lightsaber grip in her hand and moves down the cliff. Boba Fett is escorting the slaves onto his ship. Shmi is the last in line. Her age, and years of labor, have made her tired and weak. Sing has come down from the cliff and is approaching Boba Fett. She is stopped by two Mandalorian patrols, who appear on either side of her.

PATROL #1
What is the nature of your business?

SING
I work for Jabba the Hutt.

PATROL #1
Wait here while we check you in.

Sing obliges as the guard speaks into his radio.

PATROL #1
This is Trooper 14-01, requesting an identification check.

RADIO (VO)
Go ahead.

PATROL #1
(To SING) What is your name?

But she has disappeared. They look around and see her running towards the cliffs.

PATROL #1
Stop her!

They chase her. Sing runs up a slope, around the edge of a giant rock. The troops follow her. As they round the edge, Sing jumps out with her red lightsaber glowing. She strikes at the first troop and he goes down. The second ducks away and fires several shots, which Sing deflects behind her. She Force summons a rock above her, which shakes and falls, barely missing the Mandalorian. It gives her time to get away. The trooper loses her in the dust and reaches for his radio.

PATROL #2
This is 12-14. A transient has just attacked us! I need air support! I'm sending the coordinates now.

He punches some buttons on his radio and then runs to follow Sing.

EXT. A SPACEPORT- DAY

A Mandalorian ship takes off and heads over the desert, to chase Sing.

EXT. A CANYON- DAY

Sing runs through the canyon. She can see her ship at the other end. She rounds a corner and is ambushed by Mace Windu, who strikes at her with a blue saber & misses. She ignites her blade and steps away from Mace, positioning herself for battle.

SING
Who are you?

MACE
You remember me.

SING
Mace Windu.

MACE
You're Aurra Sing. The student who failed the Jedi Order. I never thought you'd turn to this.

SING
You'll find I'm full of surprises.

They engage in a fierce duel on the canyon floor. They move along the canyon, fighting over rocks, boulders and dry creek beds. It is an even match.

EXT. BOBA FETT'S SHIP- DAY

Shmi, the last of the slaves, boards the ship. Boba Fett closes the door behind her and moves to the cockpit of his ship. The Mandalorian support ship is approaching from the distance. Fett launches his ship and it rises slowly from the floor. It moves above a ledge, right into the path of the oncoming Mandalorian ship.

INT. THE COCKPIT OF THE SUPPORT SHIP- DAY

The pilot and copilot react quickly when Fett's ship rises directly in front of them.

COPILOT
Look out!

EXT. ABOVE THE SURFACE- DAY

The Mandalorian ship swerves to miss Fett's ship, but the collision is unavoidable. There is an explosion as both ships deflect off each other and fall to the sand. The support ship explodes on impact but Fett's ship manages to skid to a relatively safe landing.

EXT. THE EDGE OF A CLIFF- DAY

The lightsaber duel continues as Sing backs Mace to the edge of a cliff. The rocks give way and Mace falls out of view. Sing looks over the cliff for a moment and turns off her blade. She turns and runs towards her speeder. She does an impressive jump and lands in the cockpit, speeding away in seconds.

EXT. BOBA FETT'S SHIP- DAY

The smoking ship is partly buried in the sand. Fett jumps out of the cockpit and runs to the back. He opens the door and runs into the cargo hold. The room is smoking and many of the slaves are bleeding or dead. A few near the back appear to be only slightly injured. Fett runs in, grabs two slaves and hurries to get them out. He lays them on the sand and runs in for more. He grabs Shmi and carries her out of the ship. She is not injured. As he lays her in the sand, his ship explodes. Sand and debris shower Fett and his three slaves. When the dust settles, Fett sees the first two have been killed by shrapnel. Shmi is alive, but badly injured. Mace Windu is suddenly beside them. He has a cut on his face but is okay.

MACE
This slave is worth the price of all the others.

BOBA FETT
My mission has failed. I can never return to my master.

MACE
Let me help you.

They both lift Shmi and carry her away.

INT. ANAKINS'S CHAMBER- NIGHT

Anakin is frantic. Obi-Wan and Yoda are trying to calm him.

ANAKIN
I could have helped her! I should have been there!

OBI-WAN
Mace Windu is on Tatooine with your mother. He has informed me that she is still alive.

YODA
Control your anger you must, Anakin. The Dark Side of the Force it is.

ANAKIN
I must go to her!

Obi-Wan looks to Yoda for approval. Yoda closes his eyes and nods.

YODA
Obi-Wan will go with you.

EXT. CORUSCANT- OUTER SPACE

A spaceship speeds above the planet and soars into space. After a short course correction, the ship enters hyperspace.

INT. ANAKIN'S SUITE- NIGHT

Anakin sits in his suite, quietly meditating with his eyes closed. Obi-Wan enters through the metal doorway.

OBI-WAN
We've just made the jump into hyperspace.

Anakin is silent for a moment. When he opens his eyes, he appears angry. After a pause, he looks to Obi-Wan.

ANAKIN
It's too late.

Obi-Wan sits beside Anakin.

OBI-WAN
It's not too late. Your mother is still alive.

ANAKIN
I can't help her from here.

Obi-Wan places a hand on Anakin's shoulder.

OBI-WAN
Don't center on your anxiety. It was one thing Master Qui-Gon taught me. Be mindful of the living Force, Anakin. Don't let fear and anger control your thoughts lest they will control your destiny.

ANAKIN
Yes, Master.

OBI-WAN
It will turn out alright, Anakin.

Anakin nods at his master's wisdom. He puts a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.

ANAKIN
You're a good master. And an even better friend. Thank you for coming with me.

Obi-Wan smiles with genuine compassion.

EXT. ALDERAAN- OUTER SPACE

The fleet of Republic Destroyers continues to orbit the planet.

INT. THE BRIDGE- OUTER SPACE

Tarkin approaches a group of officers.

TARKIN
I've just received word from the Chancellor that the Senate has reached a compromise. Move the fleet away from the Alderaan system. Captain, set your course for Coruscant.

CAPTAIN
Yes, sir.

The Captain turns to a junior officer as the other officers rush off to their duties.

EXT. ALDERAAN- OUTER SPACE

The fleet turns away from the planet.

EXT. MOS ESPA- DAY

Anakin is running through the streets with Obi-Wan hurrying to keep up. Obi-Wan manages to fade into the surroundings. Anakin makes no effort to be unnoticed. He reaches a building, looks at the number and enters without waiting for Obi-Wan who follows moments later.

INT. THE HOVEL- DAY

Anakin rushes into a room where Shmi lays on a bed. Bandages on her arms and forehead tell Anakin his mother is badly injured. Mace and Boba Fett are nursing her. Mace has some kind of medical instrument in his hand. Anakin is horrified to see his mother in this condition. He eyes Boba Fett and then gives Mace an inquisitive look. Mace's eyes sadly look to the floor.

ANAKIN
No.

He rushes to his mother's side and gently touches her forehead. Obi-Wan enters and watches from the back.

ANAKIN
Mom.

She reaches up and gently touches Anakin's face.

SHMI
Anakin. I knew you would come.

ANAKIN
Mom!

SHMI
Shh. Quiet, Ani.

She appears to smile at him. Tears roll down Anakin's face.

SHMI
I will always be proud of you, Ani.

ANAKIN
No, Mom. Don't go!

He holds her but she dies in his arms. Anakin cries as Mace and Boba Fett watch sadly. Obi-Wan's eyes drop to the floor. Anakin holds his mother for a moment and then gently breaks away.

ANAKIN
(To MACE) You tell me what happened.

BOBA FETT
We were attacked.

ANAKIN
(Angry) By who?

MACE
Anakin-

ANAKIN
By who!

There is an awkward pause.

MACE
A former student. She failed as a Jedi several years ago. We thought she was dead but has apparently returned. Boba Fett's ship collided with another Mandalorian when they were called to the chase. You mother was aboard when they crashed.

ANAKIN
She?

This also has Obi-Wan's attention.

OBI-WAN
A she, Master Windu?

MACE
Aurra Sing. She had a long pony tail, white skin. We fought, she escaped.

Anakin suddenly looks very angry.

ANAKIN
You let her get away?

BOBA FETT
She is responsible for the destruction of my ship and the deaths of my slaves.

MACE
It was a surprise attack, Anakin.

ANAKIN
Where did she go!

MACE
We can't say.

OBI-WAN
Anakin, calm.

Anakin looks at his mother's body. There seems to be more anger than grief.

ANAKIN
I could have prevented this.

Anakin's eyes go to Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan meets his stare and looks away, almost as if he's accepting the blame.

EXT. ORBITAL SHIPYARDS- CORELLIA- OUTER SPACE

With the planet in the background, we see a large orbital shipyard buzzing with activity. Several Star Destroyers are under construction. Service ships of every type are flying back and forth, delivering supplies and labor. This is a very big operation. A small shuttle observes the activity from a distance.

INT. THE SHUTTLE- OUTER SPACE

Darth Sidious watches the construction from a forward window as Aurra Sing enters from behind. She approaches Sidious and drops to a knee. Sidious does not turn to face her.

SIDIOUS
You have returned with good news, I presume.

SING
Not everything occurred as planned. There was a Jedi. They know about me.

SIDIOUS
I see. And the Mandalorian operation?

SING
The planet is under their complete control.

SIDIOUS
Yet the Jedi were able to land? Perhaps the Mandalorians are not as perceptive as I thought. Good. Their weakness is my advantage.

There is a long pause. Sidious watches the shipyard.

SING
I am ready for my next mission, Master.

SIDIOUS
Rest, Aurra Sing. You will need your strength.

Sidious moves away from the window. Sing keeps her eyes at the floor.

EXT. THEED PALACE- DAY

Waterfalls spill from the cliffs of the capital city that glows in the midday sun.

INT. THE THRONE ROOM- DAY

Amidala and SIO BIBBLE sit side by side watching a hologram transmission from Bail Organa.

ORGANA
The compromise was successful, Your Highness, the Chancellor has moved the fleet away from Alderaan and back to Coruscant.

AMIDALA
Congratulations, Chairman. But what of production?

ORGANA
That was part of the compromise. The Chancellor sided for a temporary halt of the Republic space patrol but he insisted production of the Republic Navy would continue.

AMIDALA
Then there was no compromise.

ORGANA
Your Majesty, it was a small victory.

BIBBLE
The threat of the Mandalorians still looms. What protection will the Republic have without the fleet?

ORGANA
Only the Jedi Knights, Governor.

BIBBLE
Will the Jedi be a match for the Mandalorians? Those warriors are powerfully numbered. Perhaps the fleet should continue their patrol.

AMIDALA
Do not underestimate the power of ten thousand Jedi, Governor.
(To Organa)Although I prefer action over reaction, Chairman Organa, we will continue to mark time until the Republic's next action.

Organa bows and disappears. Bibble and Amidala share a worried look.

EXT. A GRAVEYARD- DESERT OUTSKIRTS- DAY

Anakin stands next to his mother's grave. Her name is etched onto a small, modest tombstone. Anakin looks lost, as if nothing could draw his attention away from her grave.

EXT. MOS ESPA- DAY

Anakin is strolling through the streets on a sad personal memory lane. He sees familiar buildings and faces, none of which seem to interest him. Mandalorian soldiers patrol the streets. There is a small riot on the far end of town which has most of their attention. Anakin goes unnoticed.He comes across Watto's junkyard. The building is worn, dirty but still in business. Anakin seems reluctant, but goes inside.

INT. WATTO'S JUNKSHOP- DAY

Anakin walks in and looks around. The shop is pretty much how he left it, only run-down and in need of a cleanup. WATTO comes hovering around a corner. He as aged poorly and seems ready to retire or die, whichever is first.

WATTO
Yes? What can I do for you?

ANAKIN
How's business?

WATTO
Well, not that good since the Mandalorians took over this place. They keep me in business because they have since become my only customers. You are here to buy spare parts, I think.

Anakin smiles. Watto obviously does not recognize him.

ANAKIN
I'm looking for a protocol droid.

WATTO
Protocol droid, yes! I have one in the back. He is not finished but...

ANAKIN
Can I see him?

INT. A BACK ROOM- DAY

Watto flies ahead of Anakin as they enter a cluttered workshop to the back to the building. The room is a mess of spare parts, partial droids and the familiar deactivated body of C-3PO. His chest plate, arms and legs have been assembled but his face is still incomplete. Anakin breaks a small, sad smile when he sees Threepio.

ANAKIN
This him?

WATTO
Yes. His joints are frozen and he needs a memory wipe, but he works. You want to purchase this droid? Yes?

Anakin ignores Watto and flips a switch below Threepio's chin. His eyes take a moment but eventually flicker to life. Threepio sits up slightly and tries to speak but his voice is a mess of electronic gibberish.

ANAKIN
He's perfect.

WATTO
You will take the droid then?

ANAKIN
Yes.

EXT. WATTO'S JUNKYARD- DAY

Anakin has loaded a deactivated Threepio into the back of his own land speeder. Watto flutters beside the vehicle.

WATTO
You bring him back if you need parts for his brain, eh?

ANAKIN
I wouldn't worry. I swear I'm never coming back to this planet again.

He starts the ignition and speeds away.

EXT. MOS EPSA- MOMENTS LATER

Anakin rounds a corner in his speeder and turns into a small group of Mandalorian patrols. The lead patrol motions for Anakin to stop. Anakin stops and the troop approaches his speeder.

PATROL
What is the nature of your business?

ANAKIN
I'm taking this droid to the junk yard. He's up for sale if you want him.

PATROL
Let me see your identification.

ANAKIN
(Waves hand) You don't need to see my identification.

PATROL
(Pause) I don't need to see your identification.

ANAKIN
(Waves hand) I'm no one you could be looking for.

PATROL
You're no one I could be looking for.

ANAKIN
(Waves hand) I can go about my business.

PATROL
You can go about your business.

ANAKIN
Move along.

PATROL
Move along...

The patrol waves Anakin away. Anakin smiles a cunning smile as he rounds a corner.

INT. THE JEDI COUNCIL- NIGHT

Obi-Wan and Mace Windu stand before the entire council. Their focus is on Yoda, who sits beside Windu's empty seat.

YODA
Aurra Sing. Remember her, I do. She was angry. Too angry to pass the trials.

MACE
Her agility had improved since we last saw her. I would say she has turned to the Sith, Master Yoda.

YODA
Ten years have passed since a Sith was last encountered.

MACE
Enough time for their mysterious master to train another apprentice.

YODA
No leads do you have?

MACE
Other than contact with Aurra Sing, we have nothing, Master.

Yoda takes a moment to think.

YODA
Rising again, the Dark Side is. Careful and alert all of us must be. Obi-Wan, where is your apprentice?

OBI-WAN
He requested time off to grieve. And I gave it to him. He is on Tatooine, his home. Away from the danger.

YODA
Much anger in him, Obi-Wan. Mind what he is taught. The boy's powers have grown deep with the Force. Too deep, I fear.

OBI-WAN
Master, Anakin is a cunning warrior with the Force as his ally. He will get through this.

YODA
His mind is...cluttered. Difficult to read. And with the death of his mother, matters are worse. Watch him, Obi-Wan. Do not let his anger dominate his thoughts.

Obi-Wan bows.

OBI-WAN
Yes, Master.

Obi-Wan leaves. Mace looks to Yoda.

YODA
A threat to the Force, the Chosen One has become.

EXT. A BALCONY ABOVE CORUSCANT- NIGHT

Palpatine is watching the tip of the Jedi Council tower from his balcony. He is grinning!

EXT. THEED PALACE- DUSK

Nearing the end of another average day in Theed City.

INT. THE PALACE HANGER- DUSK

Anakin has parked his ship in the hanger and is moving down the walkway. He is met on the floor by a TECHNICIAN.

ANAKIN
I have a protocol droid in the cargo hold. See to it that he has a memory wipe and that he's cleaned.

TECHNICIAN
Yes, sir.

The technician summons to an astromech droid in the corner, R2-D2, who comes forward. Anakin pauses to look around the hanger. For the first time since his mother's death, he looks somewhat happy.

INT. AMIDALA'S QUARTERS- DUSK

Two handmaidens are busy removing a fancy headpiece from Amidala's hair. Panaka enters.

PANAKA
Your Highness, you have a visitor.

AMIDALA
Who is it?

PANAKA
Anakin Skywalker.

Amidala is surprised but she seems to be expecting him.

AMIDALA
Send him in.

Panaka nods and heads for the door. Anakin enters a moment after Panaka leaves. Anakin is happy but preoccupied. He approaches the queen and bows.

ANAKIN
Your Majesty.

AMIDALA
Hello, Anakin. What brings you to Naboo?

ANAKIN
(Struggling for words) Some things have happened...my mother, she has. She has been killed.

Amidala gasps as the handmaidens pause at their work.

AMIDALA
(To Handmaidens) Have you finished?

The headdress comes off. Amidala has suddenly become Padmé.

HANDMAIDEN #1
Finished, Your Highness.

The handmaidens leave. Amidala stands and leads Anakin to a couch near the door. They sit. Amidala waits for Anakin to explain.

ANAKIN
She was attacked. I could have been there, I could have...helped.

Anakin begins to weep. Amidala pauses and eventually hugs Anakin. He hugs her back and cries on her shoulder.

AMIDALA
We all experience loss, Anakin. How we deal with it is more important.

Anakin is silent. His head stays on her shoulder.

AMIDALA
Come. I want to show you something.

Anakin lifts his head.

ANAKIN
What is it?

AMIDALA
Follow me and I will show you.

Amidala stands and waits for Anakin, who slowly rises to his feet. Amidala leads him out the door where Panaka is waiting.

AMIDALA
(To Panaka) The Jedi and I are going to the cliffs.

Panaka eyes Anakin and sees the queen will be safe. He nods and Amidala and Anakin leave.

EXT. THE CLIFFS OF THEED- DUSK

The sun is about to set behind a cliff. Amidala and Anakin are walking along the edge. Amidala is talking.

AMIDALA
This is where I come whenever I need time for me.

Anakin stares quietly over the water below. He looks lost.

AMIDALA
It's nice to be away from the city, the politics.

ANAKIN
Can you see yourself doing anything else?

AMIDALA
(Long pause) Not anymore. I wanted to be a scholar when I was a little girl. I wanted to study nature and the galaxy and be an authority on those kinds of things. But my childhood took another path.

The sun drops below the horizon.

ANAKIN
You are a strong leader. You've earned the respect of the entire galaxy.

AMIDALA
As have you, Anakin. You helped save this planet. My people owe you a debt of gratitude.

Anakin hangs his head modestly. Amidala takes his hands in hers.

AMIDALA
We're important people, Anakin. We must not forget that. Important to the entire galaxy.

ANAKIN
Me? I'm just a kid with dreams of becoming a Jedi. I'm no hero. I sure don't feel like one now.

AMIDALA
The time will come when you are a Jedi, Anakin. You will accomplish great things. And help a great many people.

ANAKIN
That's nice to hear. But you don't have to-

AMIDALA
I mean it, Anakin. I'm confident you will rise above your grief. You are strong, Anakin.

Anakin looks Amidala in the eye. He wants to kiss her but knows he shouldn't even try.

ANAKIN
You've always been strong. I thank you for that. Especially now.

Amidala smiles and hugs him gently.

EXT. THEED PALACE- NIGHT

Anakin escorts Amidala back to the palace. They stand in the courtyard for some last words as dozens of guards watch from a distance.

ANAKIN
Unfortunately, I must return to Coruscant.

AMIDALA
You have to complete your training.

ANAKIN
Yes. But we will see each other again.

Amidala smiles and drops her eyes to the pavement. There is an awkward beat. Anakin struggles to voice what he's trying to say.

ANAKIN
These are dangerous times for you, Your Highness. But you will always be safe...

After a long moment, their eyes meet.

AMIDALA
Is that a promise?

ANAKIN
One I would stake my life on, Padmé.
(Taking a step closer) If ever you should be in danger, ease your mind and know that you are protected.

Amidala smiles. Anakin leans forward to kiss her but there is a sudden commotion in the courtyard. Anakin and Amidala break away quickly and turn to see: R2-D2 & C-3PO are back together. They ride aboard a small transport vehicle, driven by the technician from the hanger. Artoo is welding Threepio's new faceplate to his neck. Threepio is wailing at the pain while Artoo continues to work.

THREEPIO
Ouch, ouch! My parts are delicate. Please, be careful!

Artoo lets out a whistle that sounds like an electronic laugh. The worker speeds towards Anakin and Amidala and parks beside them.

TECHNICIAN
(To ANAKIN) Your droid needs a lot of work. We wiped his memory but his gears are badly rusted. It will be some time until we can finish.

AMIDALA
(Amused) Is that the droid you built on Tatooine?

ANAKIN
Yes, C-3PO. I went back to Watto's junk shop and bought him back. Threepio's the only tangible memory of my mother, since I made the droid for her.

Amidala understands and nods respectfully.

Threepio gets a shock from Artoo's welding tools.

THREEPIO
Stop that! Stop that!

ANAKIN
(To THREEPIO) Threepio, you remember R2-D2.

THREEPIO
R2-D2? I don't recall ever-

Sparks fly from Artoo as he welds Threepio's faceplate.

THREEPIO
Ohh! Watch what you're doing!

ANAKIN
(To TECHNICIAN) I'll leave the droid here for repairs.
(TO AMIDALA) That way I'll have to return.

Amidala smiles and gently touches Anakin's hand. The technician turns the vehicle and speeds away.

THREEPIO
(Departing) I have a bad feeling about this.

We can hear Threepio & Artoo trading commentary as the vehicle speeds into the darkness.

Anakin and Amidala share a final look.

AMIDALA
Goodbye, Anakin Skywalker.

ANAKIN
Goodbye, Queen Amidala.

He leans forward and kisses her gently on the cheek before turning and walking to the hanger.

EXT. JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE- DAY

The palace rests on the edge of a cliff. The desert is vast beyond the building.

INT. JABBA'S THRONE ROOM- DAY

Boba Fett is addressing Jabba and his assembly.

BOBA FETT
Since all the slaves were destroyed by this attacker, I can never return to my master.

JABBA
(Subtitled) Your attacker, Aurra Sing, was a resident of this planet. After she failed as a Jedi she came to work for me. But she disappeared while she was on a mission. Now, I see she has returned.

BOBA FETT
She killed every slave I purchased. And my punishment would be severe if I were to return to my army.

Jabba laughs.

JABBA
And now you want revenge? Without a master, you may be of some use to my empire. I'll even give you a new ship as an advance. Find Aurra Sing and bring her to me. I'll pay a handsome price for her scum. Dead or alive.

BOBA FETT
As you wish.

He nods and leaves the throne room.

EXT. THE DESERT- NIGHT

Slave I rises off the desert floor and speeds into space.

EXT. CORUSCANT- DAY

Obi-Wan Kenobi stands alone on the edge of a landing platform above the city. Anakin's ship is landing before him. Obi-Wan takes a few steps closer and waits for the runway to descend. He waits and Anakin makes his way to the platform.

OBI-WAN
Where have you been?

Anakin appears to have lost some respect for his master. He walks right by and forces Obi-Wan to hurry to keep up.

ANAKIN
Grieving.

OBI-WAN
I know grieving. Grieving where? Not on Tatooine like you said.

ANAKIN
No. I went to Naboo, to see the Queen.

Obi-Wan somewhat respects this excuse.

OBI-WAN
Well, you've returned at the right time. Come, the council has called a full assembly of the Jedi Order.

ANAKIN
A full assembly? What is the trouble?

OBI-WAN
We will soon find out. Hurry.

They rush off.

INT. JEDI ASSEMBLY HALL- NIGHT

Thousands of Jedi sit in a large auditorium that resembles the Senate but is much smaller. There is a small stage in the center where Mace Windu and KI-ADI-MUNDI sit. Yoda stands at the center of the stage, addressing the Jedi.

YODA
A dark presence is here. It is the Sith, we suspect. They are prepared to strike. A move against the Republic, the Jedi Order will not allow.

Obi-Wan and Anakin hurry to take their seats near the back of the room.

YODA
Be prepared, Jedi. Remember, our ally is the Force. Be cautious, when you return to your missions. We must not be overcome by this new darkness.

Yoda takes a seat as Mace rises to speak.

MACE
The Senate is currently debating a course of action. Regardless of their verdict, if the Mandalorians strike, we will be called to duty. Jedi Masters, take charge of your Knights and maintain contact with the Council. We may have to act sooner than we think. May the Force be with you.

The Jedi stand after their dismissal.

INT. THE SENATE- DAY

The Senate is in session. Palpatine pounds a gavel on the center podium.

PALPATINE
The votes are in. We will increase production of the Republic Navy, including a second fleet of Destroyers and their accompanying fighters.

Bail Organa is watching from his pod. He is disgusted.

INT. AMIDALA'S THRONE ROOM- DAY

A Bail Organa hologram is before the Queen and her assembly.

ORGANA
The Senate has voted to increase production. We have been defeated, Your Highness.

AMIDALA
What course of action do you suggest?

ORGANA
We are at a dead end, Your Highness. We may have to accept the results of the Senate's vote and move on. But there are alternatives.

AMIDALA
(Growing anxious) Like what, for instance?

ORGANA
The Mandalorians are a legitimate threat. Perhaps it would be wise to ask the Senate for additional military support. For our safety, Your Majesty. It's all we can do.

Amidala's eyes slide to Sio Bibble. He nods.

AMIDALA
(Resigned) Do as you must.

EXT. CORELLIA- OUTER SPACE

With the planet in the background, the shipyard has become a traffic jam of ships. Production has tripled and the operation is running smoothly.

EXT. NABOO- OUTER SPACE

The planet appears peaceful until two large Mandalorian spacecraft appear and coast side by side towards the planet.

INT. AMIDALA'S QUARTERS- NIGHT

The last of the Queen's handmaidens have left. Amidala is in a fancy nightgown, at a large desk in her bedroom. She opens a diary and begins to write. She gets into her writing and is suddenly startled by a buzzing. She goes to a computer console and presses a button. A live hologram of a smiling Anakin appears.

ANAKIN
Greetings, Your Highness.

AMIDALA
(Overjoyed) Anakin!

ANAKIN
I wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.

Amidala reaches to her neck and touches the snippet.

AMIDALA
Yes. Me too.

ANAKIN
Are you troubled?

AMIDALA
The Senate has sided with the Chancellor. One of my closest allies has become my arch rival.

ANAKIN
So goes the way of things, Padmé. Trust me, you will always be safe.

Amidala lowers her eyes, slightly embarrassed.

AMIDALA
I wish you were here, with me.

ANAKIN
So do I. My training takes up all my time. But I've learned quickly. Soon, we will see each other again. I have to get Threepio, don't I?

AMIDALA
(Innocent laugh) Yes, you do.

A loud explosion in the distance suddenly shakes the room. Anakin's hologram begins to flicker.

ANAKIN
Padmé? What's wrong?

But the hologram flickers away as Amidala looks to the window. She hurries to her window and sees a building in Theed is burning. Several small fighters are landing. She looks back to the console but Anakin's imagine is flickering away.

EXT. ABOVE THEED- NIGHT

There is a small battle as dozens of Mandolorian ships land in the city. They do not hesitate to fire upon Naboo fighters, laser batteries and buildings as they land. The Naboo fighters are no match for the powerful Mandolorian ships.

INT. AMIDALA'S QUARTERS- NIGHT

Amidala runs to a nightstand and takes out a laser pistol. Just then, her door swings open. She turns to fire but lowers her weapon when she sees Panaka.

PANAKA
We've got to get you out of here.

Amidala quickly agrees and runs out of the room with Panaka. Several Naboo troops are waiting in the hallway.

INT. THE HALLWAY- NIGHT

Amidala enters the hallway as a building explodes outside the window. The group starts down the hall with their weapons ready. They reach a corner.

PANAKA
This way!

He opens a door and the group hurries down a staircase.

EXT. THE CLIFFS OF THEED- NIGHT

The Mandalorian ships have flooded the sky above the city. Naboo fighters put up a small fight but are overpowered. There is a small balcony against the face of the cliff, halfway down. A stone walkway leads down the cliff, to the river below. Panaka and Amidala run onto the balcony from inside the cliff. The security troops surround them.Mandalorian foot soldiers appear at the edge of the cliff and fire shots from above. The Naboo troops return fire while protecting the Queen. A Naboo soldier is shot and falls from the cliff.

A pair of Naboo fighters fly from above and fire shots at the Mandalorian soldiers. This gives the Queen's party some room until a Mandalorian ship appears and blasts both Naboo fighters.Debris falls from the sky and lands close to the Queen's party. They are running down the stone path with a long way to go.

AMIDALA
We have nowhere to go!

A large silver ship suddenly hovers around the side of the cliff and stops below the troops. It is the Queen's Royal Cruiser!

PANAKA
Now's our chance!

Everyone jumps onto the roof of the ship. Panaka opens a hatch and turns to push the Queen into the ship. The troops follow.

INT. THE SHIP- NIGHT

Amidala jumps down to the deck and hurries to

THE COCKPIT

Where RIC OLIE watches the action of the roof of the ship through a monitor beside the controls.

AMIDALA
Set a course for Alderaan!

Panaka runs into the cockpit.

PANAKA
We're aboard! Go!

EXT. THE CLIFFS- NIGHT

The ship slowly rises and turns away from the cliffs. It begins to accelerate and rise to the sky. A Mandolorian ship is giving chase. It fires shots but it is out of range. Two Naboo fighters appear and fire at the Mandolorian ship. The Queen's ship has time to escape to outer space.

EXT. NABOO- OUTER SPACE

The Queen's ship hurries away from the planet.

INT. THE COCKPIT- NIGHT

Amidala and Panaka watch over Ric Olie's shoulder.

PANAKA
Alderaan is too dangerous, Your Highness. Coruscant is a safer destination.

AMIDALA
We may not make it to Coruscant, Captain! Alderaan is our only hope.

RIC OLIE
We're ready for lightspeed!

AMIDALA
Go!

Ric Olie pulls a lever and the stars extend towards the cockpit as lines of light until the ship rockets into hyperspace.


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