INT. THE STAIRCASE- DUSK

Anakin leads Amidala up the stairs.

How can you leave him there alone?

Obi-Wan is a strong fighter. He defeated a Sith on Naboo.

He may need you.

I need to get you to safety. Hurry.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DUSK

The courtyard of the palace has been taken over by the Jedi. Hundreds of TIE fighters circle above the city. Mace, Organa, the security troops, Artoo and Threepio rush out of the palace and join the Jedi in the courtyard. Anakin and Amidala follow moments later. Yoda approaches Mace, who is watching the TIE fighters.

What's happening?

The Republic fleet is landing. Occupy this planet they will.

Anakin and Amidala join them.

Where is Obi-Wan?

Inside the palace. The Sith warrior is with us, Master Yoda. I am going back inside to aid my master.

He turns to Amidala and gently touches her cheek.

I'll be back shortly.

Let me go with you. I can help.

It's too dangerous. Padmé, we need you alive. Stay here, please.

Anakin hurries to leave the group. Yoda calls after him.

Exercise caution, Anakin!

And Anakin is gone.

Organa approaches to Amidala.

We should seek refuge until it is safe, Your Majesty.

Yes.

But her concentration is on Anakin, who sprints up the palace steps.

INT. CORRIDOR- UNDERGROUND BUNKER- NIGHT

Obi-Wan walks cautiously down a corridor. It gets darker and darker the further he goes. When it is so dark, he can barely see, a red lightsaber ignites and slashes down on him. Obi-Wan backs away, ignites his own lightsaber, and defends himself as he backs out of the corridor. Aurra Sing is visible in the light, and she attacks. Obi-Wan counters with a few of his own blows but is caught off guard and pushed through a metal doorway. He jumps to his feet but the metal door closes between him and Sing, leaving Obi-Wan alone in a dimly lit room. He reaches for the electric door panel but before he touches it, it explodes into sparks and smoke. Sing has sabotaged the door form the other side. Obi-Wan tries but it is no use, the controls are completely fried. Starting to lose his cool, Obi-Wan starts searching for another way out.

INT. THE ROYAL PALACE- NIGHT

Anakin jogs across the atrium, down a hall and through a doorway. The doorway leads to

THE STAIRS

Anakin runs down the same stairs he and Amidala just came from. He runs into the bunker and

THE ROOM WITH THE WELL

He looks around and sees that it is empty. There are two corridors in the back. Aurra Sing emerges from one and sees Anakin. They ignite their sabers simultaneously and exchange several powerful blows. Sing is striking as hard as she can. Anakin, caught slightly off-guard, steps back and parries her blows. Still taking steps back, Anakin is soon backed against the low wall of the well. Before he notices where he is, Sing slashes hard and knocks him over the edge. He yelps as he falls into

THE WELL

Where he dangles above the deep abyss. He has managed to keep his lightsaber in his left hand. He looks up to his right hand and sees Aurra Sing peering over the edge of the well- tightly holding Anakin's hand and forearm. He is confused by this. Sing holds Anakin with both hands and slowly pulls him out of the well. She backs away when he is safe. He rests beside the wall of the well, catching his breath as Sing waits with her lightsaber handle in hand.

Why didn't you let me fall?

And give up the chance to defeat the Chosen One? On your feet, Jedi.

She ignites her saber and comes after him, very aggressive. Anakin is quick to roll out of the way and block her attacks. They regroup and stand facing each other, both ready for their opponent to advance.

I wish I could say I was the one who killed your mother but I cannot. I only played a small part in her death.

This makes Anakin very angry.

And I will play a large part in yours.

Anakin attacks with more fury than he knows he has. A hot exchange of lightsaber blades follows. The match is even but Anakin's anger gives him the edge. He backs Sing down a different corridor and knocks her to the floor. Before he can strike the final blow, Sing Force moves a small metal crate behind Anakin. The crate soars and strikes Anakin in the back of the head. He falls- Sing gets to her feet. Anakin is not injured and is able to quickly regain his composure.

Your weak powers are no match for me.

Before he can strike another blow, Sing drops a small white ball on the floor. It explodes into a wall of smoke. Anakin struggles to see, ready to defend himself from another attack. When the smoke clears, Anakin can see Sing has escaped down some kind of metal chute in the floor.

INT. THE BUNKER- NIGHT

Obi-Wan runs down the stairs and into the large room. It is empty. He goes down the corridor where he fought Sing. Anakin runs from the opposite corridor, just missing Obi-Wan. He runs around the well and up

THE STAIRS

He runs into the atrium and heads deeper into the palace.

INT. THE CORRIDOR- NIGHT

Obi-Wan sees the fried controls beside the metal door. He knows Sing and Anakin are close.

INT. A MARBLE HALLWAY- NIGHT

Anakin runs down the hallway and takes the downside of a fancy staircase on the right. He gets to the bottom and reaches a balcony overlooking a giant water garage, housing an elegant ocean liner. Just below him, Aurra Sing lurks along a ramp that borders the water on three sides. She isn't aware of Anakin. He readies his lightsaber and jumps over the side. His blade is out before he lands. Sing hears him coming and turns on her blade, just as Anakin's feet firmly touch the ground.

There's no way out and I will not accept your surrender.

He strikes and puts Sing on the instant defensive. She blocks his blows and staggers backwards until she regains complete balance. Knowing she is outmatched, she looks for a way out. She blocks one of Anakin's chops and Force tosses a pile of ropes and wires at him. He ducks away and Sing takes her chance to jump to platform above them. Before Anakin tosses the wires aside, Sing is gone. He turns off his blades and looks for another staircase.

INT. A STORGE ROOM- NIGHT

Part of the garage can be seen through the window of this storage room. Sing moves quickly and gets out.

INT. THE ATRIUM- NIGHT

Obi-Wan is standing in the atrium, trying to feel Anakin and his attacker. He senses something and runs across the atrium. He gets to a large doorway and bumps into Sing as she rounds the opposite corner. They fall and hurry to get to their feet. After they lock eyes, their lightsabers are glowing. Obi-Wan is very relaxed. Sing is starting to feel overwhelmed. Obi-Wan attacks first. There is more space here and Sing can move around. This gives her a chance to catch her breath. She is able to focus solely on her opponent. Their blades clash again and Sing manages to knock Obi-Wan's blade free. His saber grip rolls across the floor and Obi-Wan dives after it. Sing wastes no time sprinting away from the scene. Obi-Wan gets to his feet as Mace Windu and two other Jedi rush to his side.

Which way did she go?

I didn't see. She was too quick.

We're going to fill this place with Jedi. She's not getting out of here.

Come on, let's find her.

Obi-Wan rushes the way he thinks Sing went and the three Jedi follow.

Is there any place for her to hide in the city?

She's not getting out of the building, Obi-Wan.

(Louder) Is there a place she can hide?

No. Republic troops have taken over the city. The palace is surrounded on three sides.

Three sides?

The water.

EXT. THE BEACH- NIGHT

It is night but the area is well lit. Sing is standing against the wall of the palace, catching her breath. The water is before her, beyond a thirty foot stretch of rocky beach. Republic TIE fighters and other aircraft fill the air. Sing inches along the wall, looking behind her, hoping she can hide. Anakin is suddenly standing in front of her in the darkness. Waiting. She stops just short of him and looks. She is quick to dive out of the way as Anakin's blade strikes from above. Her blade is out and they face each other on the beach. The fierce duel continues along the rocky beach. They fight near the water, with the palace in the background. Obi-Wan, Mace and the three Jedi run out of the garage and see the blades clashing in the distance. It is so dark, Anakin and Sing's bodies are silhouettes. Only their lightsabers are visible. Mace starts to run into the battle but Obi-Wan puts his hand on Mace's shoulder.

No.

Mace is perplexed but soon understands. They watch and wait, clearly impressed by Anakin's skills. Anakin is fighting hard and beating Sing. There is fury in his eyes and he loves it. He backs Sing along the edge of the water. She steps over the rocks but trips, drops to one knee but quickly regains her balance. She is barely able to deflect Anakin's trusts.

EXT. A KNOLL BESIDE THE PALACE- NIGHT

From the palace courtyard, the beach is visible below the knoll. Amidala, Organa and their entourage as well as dozens of Republic troops watch the battle. Amidala is worried, everyone else is stunned.

EXT. THE BEACH- NIGHT

Anakin knocks Sing's saber free. It falls to a small slit between two rocks. She stumbles on a boulder and falls over, landing on her back. Anakin Force-summons her saber to his hand and ignites it. He holds both glowing lightsabers at her throat.

Your mind is not fit for combat.

She gets to her feet and runs. Anakin doesn't move. He watches her go and Force summons rocks in front of her, so that they float into her path and she runs into them. Injured but unable to give up, Sing keeps running along the beach. Anakin's rock attacks cease and Sing is free. But there is nowhere to go. Water before her, the palace behind. Only a cliff at the end of the beach is a possible escape. Sing breaks into a full sprint, headed for the cliff.

Anakin chases her this time.

Obi-Wan and Mace give chase.

Amidala and her group watch Sing head for the cliff. It is a very long way down.

She's going to commit suicide.

Sing is getting closer to the cliff. She can see how far the drop is, and is aware she will not survive the fall. Nevertheless, she doesn't stop. Anakin hurries to catch her. He wants the satisfaction of the kill.

Sing is mere yards from the edge of the cliff when Boba Fett jumps out from behind a rock and fires a blue laser blast into Sing's chest. She disintegrates before his eyes! Only her ponytail remains smoldering on the rocks. Boba Fett steps forwards and picks it up. Anakin slides over a rock and stops next to the bounty hunter. He sees Sing's ponytail in his hand and the pile of ashes that used to be her body.

Boy, you're not kidding!

Boba Fett says nothing. He clips the ponytail onto his belt and slings his rifle over his shoulder. Republic troops rush to arrest him.

Let him go. He's okay.

The troops look Fett over.

He's a Mandalorian.

(Sternly) Let him go. He's not with them.

The troops release their grip and Boba Fett runs into the night.

Obi-Wan and Mace appear beside Anakin. They look at the ashes, then to Anakin, then to the cliff.

(To Obi-Wan) I let her get away.

Obi-Wan senses Anakin's frustration and doesn't like it.

You're alive and she's gone, Anakin.

I let that bounty hunter get her before I could.

Don't let that get the best of you.

Anakin looks Obi-Wan in the eye, smiles and nods. Obi-Wan takes Anakin's shoulder and gives it a friendly squeeze.

EXT. THE COURTYARD- MOMENTS LATER

The troops have gone back to their task of clearing the city of Mandalorian presence. They clean the streets, process prisoners and maintain control. Amidala, Organa, Obi-Wan and Admiral Tarkin stroll through the crowd. Threepio and Artoo are behind them.

I don't know how we ever survived.

Artoo beeps.

But a lovely planet in peace times, I'm sure.

Artoo whistles again.

Tarkin addresses the group.

Indeed the Mandalorians cannot withstand the power of our fleet. This was only the first step in the Chancellor's plan to halt the spread of evil in the galaxy.

Thankfully, the damage to the city was minimal.

The Chancellor has requested your help in wiping out the Mandalorian threat, Chairman. And you as well, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Organa and Obi-Wan share a look.

Although Alderaan is opposed to military action, we must prevent further large scale attacks on our sovereignty. We will offer our help to the Chancellor.

(Smiling) He will be pleased.

They are interrupted by Anakin, who comes jogging towards them.

Your Highness!

Amidala is happy to see him.

Anakin!

They hug each other and smile.

I saw the way you fought. Who was she?

Someone we no longer need to think about. Padmé, are you okay?

For the time being.

Alderaan thanks you, Anakin. We are all impressed by your skills.

Thank you, Chairman.

He looks to Amidala, wants to say something but the group is watching. Anakin takes the Queen aside.

Marry me.

(Shocked) What?

You heard me.

(Awkward) Anakin, do you know what you are saying?

Yes, Padmé, I do. I want you to marry me. I don't ever want you to leave my side and I never want to leave your side. I need you, Padmé.

(Amused) You need me?

I love you.

You do?

Yes!

I love you.

They kiss, wth the beautiful palace behind them. Oh, how romantic!!!

EXT. ALDERAAN- OUTER SPACE

The Republic fleet no longer surrounds the planet. Only a few small cruisers patrol the system. Obi-Wan and Anakin's ship is leaving the planet.

INT. THE SHIP- OUTER SPACE

Anakin is in the ship's main hold watching the planet. He is lost in thought. Obi-Wan enters from the cockpit.

We're almost ready for lightspeed, Anakin. Come, strap yourself in for the trip to Coruscant.

Anakin remains at the window. Obi-Wan approaches him.

We have saved another planet, Anakin. And you found a wife in the process. You should be happy.

Anakin manages a half-smile.

I feel powerless. I've discovered new love but sense I will lose it before I have the time to enjoy it.

Obi-Wan senses the disturbance in Anakin.

Your focusing your energy on your anxiety, Anakin. Don't. Your mental powers have excelled in recent times. Do not let sorrow harm your strong mind.

Anakin nods. Obi-Wan turns to return to the cockpit. A lightsaber ignites OS. Obi-Wan turns and sees Anakin facing him with Aurra Sing's red lightsaber glowing in his hand.

What are you doing with that?

Souvenir.

It is a relic of evil. Get rid of it.

Yes, Master.

He switches it off and hooks it onto his belt. Obi-Wan is satisfied.

It's time to make the jump to lightspeed.

Obi-Wan enters the cockpit. Anakin gives Alderaan one last look.

I'll return quickly, Padmé

And he runs into the cockpit.

EXT. THE SHIP- OUTER SPACE

Their ship rockets into hyperspace.

EXT. CORUSCANT- OUTER SPACE

The planet is surrounded by traffic. A Republic Destroyer floats nearby.

EXT. THE JEDI TOWER- DAY

The tip of the tower stands above the city.

INT. THE JEDI COUNCIL CHAMBER- DAY

Obi-Wan and Anakin kneel before Yoda. No other Jedi are present.

Indeed, you have learned quickly, Anakin. Danger we feared in your training but you have passed the trials. Confer on you the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does. Still, much anger I sense in you.

I feel no anger. Only love for the Queen.

Yoda is doubtful.

Returning to Alderaan to marry are you. Perhaps love will dissolve your anger and bring you joy.

Yes, Master. I am eager to see her again.

You will soon be on your way. Although the Mandalorian advance on the Inner Rim has been subdued, Aurra Sing's mysterious master is still at large. This battle is not yet over.

We are alert, Master.

Yes, you are.

Yoda pauses to think.

Return to Alderaan, Skywalker and marry Queen Amidala. Her love may be your salvation.

Yes, Master.

May the Force be with you.

Anakin and Obi-Wan rise and bow. They leave Yoda alone. He waits until they are gone before moving to gaze out the window. Yoda lets out a deep sigh.

INT. A CORRIDOR- MOMENTS LATER

Anakin and Obi-Wan leave the chamber and walk down the hall.

A Jedi Knight. I am very proud of you, Anakin.

Thank you, Master.

(Pause) Do you agree with Yoda? About sensing anger?

There are times when you have worried me. But you have proven your devotion to the Jedi. All that matters at this time, is your wedding.

Anakin grins.

I will meet you on the platform.

He starts to leave.

Where are you going?

I have one errand to run before we leave for Alderaan.

Do as you must.

Anakin rushes off the other direction. Obi-Wan keeps walking the way he was going.

INT. CHANCELLOR PALPATINE'S CHAMBERS- NIGHT

Palpatine is wearing fancy Chancellor's robes. He is staring out the window, watching Coruscant's busy skyways. Anakin silently enters behind him. Palpatine knows he's there.

Come in, young Skywlaker. I have been expecting you.

Anakin steps forward and waits for the Chancellor to turn but Palpatine doesn't take his eyes off the city.

You were very brave during the Battle of Naboo and an even greater force in this recent war with the Mandalorians. Your combat skills are excellent, as are those of your master. Obi-Wan will aid the fleet in the destruction of the Mandalorians. But I have other plans for you.

Sir?

Palpatine turns to face Anakin. He smiles and Anakin takes a step back. Anakin is very nervous in the Chancellor's presence.

Events were set in motion before this battle. Events that will make a lot of people angry. Although the Mandalorians will soon be forgotten, I still fear for my life. Who better to serve as my personal protection than the Chosen One himself?

I am pleased you thought of me, Your Highness.

Do you accept?

A position as your bodyguard? Yes, yes, Your Highness. It is an honor.

The Chancellor comes closer and stands beside Anakin.

There is another reason I brought you here. There will be a New Order. A method of control to intimidate the enemies of the Republic. You will see that rule by force is now the only way to protect the galaxy from oppression. We have the firepower of the star fleet but there is another technique that is not so visible.

(Pause) You fought with anger and hate for Aurra Sing. Did you not?

She may have played a part in the death of my mother.

And you fought with anger, like I told you?

Yes.

How did it feel?

Good. It made me feel very strong. Unstoppable.

Did you like it?

Yes. Very much.

Has Obi-Wan taught you these skills?

No.

Will he?

I doubt it.

You are right. It was Obi-Wan who delayed your training and prevented you from stopping the threat to your mother. Obi-Wan is to blame for her death.

Anakin doesn't want to believe this but he can't ignore the new outlook Palpatine has given him.

What better way to protect your bride than to learn every possible aspect of the Force? Would you like to learn what Obi-Wan has refused to teach?

Certainly.

Anakin thinks the Chancellor's questions are hypothetical and doesn't understand what the Chancellor is doing. Palpatine puts his arm around Anakin's shoulder and leads him onto

THE BALCONY

They stand above the city as Palpatine takes his arm off Anakin's shoulder.

Your reward for fighting hard, as I promised.

Yes?

Palpatine closes his eyes. Anakin watches intently. Palpatine raises his arm a fraction, and thunder rumbles in the distance. It grows slightly louder and lightning flashes across the night sky. And again. And again. Anakin knows it is the Chancellor who is causing this! After a few seconds, the lighting and thunder subside and all is quiet.

(Grinning) Did you feel that?

I felt something. I felt something in you. The Force. You have it. I never knew...

No one knows. It has been a secret to all until now.

Why me?

You are the only Jedi fit to learn the true power of the Force. How did it feel?

Overwhelming. Yet...sensual. Almost erotic.

Attractive?

Yes. Teach me.

Palpatine places a gentle hand on Anakin's shoulder. They look over Coruscant.

All in good time, young Skywalker. All in good time.

Anakin nods.

Bury your feelings. No one can know what I've taught you today. Not your master, not even your bride. Hide what you have learned, Anakin. Marry the Queen on Alderaan. Your joy will cover the darkness within.

Anakin nods, obviously intoxicated with curiosity. Palpatine leaves Anakin on the balcony, alone with his thoughts.

INT. THE JEDI COUNCIL- NIGHT

Yoda is at the window. He senses the danger.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- ALDERAAN- DAY

The wedding ceremony is taking place below the steps of the palace. The city has been cleaned and is decorated for the wedding. There is no sign of the recent battle. A priest wearing white robes stands alone at the base of the marble stairs that lead to the palace. Anakin is beside him, with Obi-Wan alongside as the best man. Both Jedi wear their best white formal attire. They're both beaming with joy but only Anakin's face has the glow of a man in love. The crowd is divided by an aisle, of which R2-D2 occupies alone. He slides towards the priest with a fancy red pillow attached to his dome. There is a shiny ring on the pillow. As he travels up the aisle, we see the guests, all dressed in their best outfits. They include, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Mace Windu, Yoda, several Jedi, Panaka, Ric Olie, Sio Bibble, Tarkin and Palpatine himself- who appears to be happier than anyone. At the far end of the aisle, Queen Amidala stands in her white wedding gown, her most beautiful dress yet. Her handmaidens are behind her, also dressed in beautiful white.

She begins her slow walk to Anakin, a band off to the side of the steps plays music.

Anakin smiles into Amidala's eyes during her walk to the alter.

She reaches Anakin and gently takes his hand. They smile at each other.

You look beautiful.

Thank you.

They turn and face the priest who smiles to both of them.

Dearly beloved...

EXT. CORELLIA- OUTER SPACE

The shipyard has deployed six Star Destroyers- the kind we are used to seeing. The hover ominously in formation.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DAY

The ceremony continues...

...to join Queen Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker in holy matrimony...

EXT. OUTER SPACE

Two Star Destroyers approach a planet. They launch endless squadrons of TIE fighters towards the planet.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DAY

Anakin and Amidala are facing each other, smiling into each other's eyes. The priest continues:

...to have and to hold. Until death do you part?

I do.

EXT. OUTER SPACE

TIE fighters engage Mandalorian spacecraft. The TIEs will easily win this battle.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DAY

Anakin is holding Amidala's hands. He smiles.

I do.

EXT. ABOVE A CITY- DAY

TIE fighters soar above this city and fire upon Mandalorians on the surface. There is no doubt the Republic TIEs will defeat the Mandalorians on this planet.

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DAY

Palpatine watches the ceremony with cunning attention. Obi-Wan is behind Anakin, smiling at the bride and groom, who are holding hands and smiling at each other.

You may kiss the bride.

Anakin and Amidala kiss. The crowd applauds. They break apart and start down the aisle as confetti flies and the music starts.

EXT. A SMALL CITY- DAY

Mandalorian troops runs through the streets. Explosions rock them from every angle. They are being chased by a legion of stormtroopers!

EXT. THE ROYAL PALACE- DAY

The reception is happening on the palace steps. All the guests laugh, dance and congratulate Anakin and Amidala as the music plays. From overhead, the palace is surrounded by the wedding party. The crowd is cheering, streamers fly, music plays. It is a very joyous celebration.

TIE fighters soar overhead and drop fireworks. The music plays on...