Parallel Universe Star Wars, Old Episode 4: THE IMPENDING DOOM
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FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE
TITLE CARD:
A long time ago in a parallel universe, in a galaxy far, far
away...
A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the main
title, followed by a roll up, which crawls up into
infinity...
STAR WARS
EPISODE IV
THE IMPENDING DOOM
Unrest stirs the Galaxy.
Meaning to restore the
REPUBLIC to its former glory,
the Galactic Senate has voted
to tax the trade routes to
outlying star systems.
Angered to lose profits, the
mighty TRADE FEDERATION seeks
to evade these measures by
convincing remote systems to
leave the Republic and accept
exclusive agreements.
While the Federation increases
pressure on the people of her
peaceful planet, QUEEN AMIDALA
of Naboo travels to the
capital of the Republic,
hoping to resolve the crisis
through diplomatic means...
PAN DOWN
Through a vast sea of stars to reveal a NABOO N-1 SPACE
FIGHTER zooming into view, followed by ANOTHER.
The fighters turn and fly back, while a larger NABOO ROYAL
CRUISER flies on at full speed.
Laser blasts hit the ship, explosions everywhere.
The cruiser is followed by a huge TRADE FEDERATION BATTLE
CRUISER, which relentlessly fires on the smaller vessel.
The two Naboo fighters attack the battle cruiser, but are
blown away.
The Royal Cruiser continues to get hit by the blasts.
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, CORRIDOR
CREW MEMBERS run around as the ship is rocked by an
explosion. Alarms whine.
Astromech droid ARTOO-DETOO (R2-D2) turns a corner and rolls
through the corridor. He lets out some worried bleeps and
whistles. A metallic blue PROTOCOL DROID shuffles behind him.
As Artoo moves on, the protocol droid disappears through a
door.
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, BRIDGE
On the bridge, CREW MEMBERS try to stay in control during the
hectic situation. A control panel is on fire. Smoke fills the
room.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
I want that fire put out now!
A GIRL of about eighteen years old tries desperately to get a
fire extinguisher to work, but the thing won't cooperate.
Artoo enters the bridge, pushes her aside and uses his built
in fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS turns to a figure sitting in a chair.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS (CONT'D)
Your Highness, I don't know how
much longer we can hold them off.
We've lost the hyperdrive.
The figure is QUEEN AMIDALA. She is elaborately dressed and
wears some kind of traditional make-up, hiding much or her
true features. It is clear however that she is young.
Other DIGNITARIES and a handmaiden, VERS�, stand near her.
QUEEN AMIDALA
Contact them again.
An OFFICER pushes a button. The queen looks at a screen
displaying the battleship.
QUEEN AMIDALA (CONT'D)
I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo.
Seize fire at once. This is a
diplomatic ship, you are committing
an act of -
The response comes in the form of another explosion.
The 'fire' girl - SAB�, another handmaiden - turns to the
queen.
SABE
We're past the point of talking!
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
They've got us. We have no choice
but to surrender.
SABE
I don't think they want us alive.
QUEEN AMIDALA
Order an evacuation, captain. We
must escape.
The captain pushes a button and speaks over the intercom.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
All hands abandon ship! Repeat, all
hands abandon ship.
He turns to the queen.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS (CONT'D)
We must get you to safety, Your
Highness.
The queen gets up and starts to leave with the other
dignitaries, guards and crew members, including Sab� and
Artoo.
SECURITY OFFICER
To the escape pods!
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, CORRIDORS - MOMENTS LATER
Everybody runs to various hatches which lead to escape pods.
The queen holds Sab� back.
QUEEN AMIDALA
We'll take separate pods. If one
doesn't make it -
Sab� starts sobbing.
SECURITY OFFICER
She's right.
The queen hugs her handmaiden and runs with a security
officer and Vers� through the corridor to an escape pod. R2
D2 follows.
Sab� runs with two officers and the captain to another hatch.
Explosions rock the ship.
EXT. SPACE
The battleship scores a massive hit on the helpless Royal
Cruiser, blowing a part of it up and setting it on fire.
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, ANOTHER CORRIDOR
Queen Amidala and her three escorts run through a corridor to
an escape pod.
The section of the ship is hit by an EXPLOSION. Part of the
floor COLLAPSES onto a lower level, taking the queen's group
with it.
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, MAINTENANCE CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
The group has fallen into a narrow maintenance corridor.
Smoke and debris everywhere.
The queen gets up and looks at the others. The security
officer is clearly dead - a piece of metal stuck in his body.
Vers� moans.
QUEEN AMIDALA
Vers�!
She holds her handmaiden in her arms, but it's clear nothing
can save the girl.
VERSE
G...go...I...
The girl dies in the queen's arms.
QUEEN AMIDALA
No...no...
More explosions SHAKE the ship. It's falling apart.
Artoo lifts himself up from the floor and bleeps in fear. The
queen turns and looks down the corridor as she hears a
rumbling sound - FLAMES!
QUEEN AMIDALA (CONT'D)
Go! Go!
She starts to run. Artoo rolls as fast as he can - he's
faster than the queen.
Amidala jumps on Artoo's back and rides on him through the
corridor, barely staying ahead of the rolling flames.
Artoo and Amidala both SCREAM.
Suddenly, they FALL through an opening into a ventilation
shaft.
They SLIDE through the narrow tube - and FALL down into the
hangar.
INT. NABOO ROYAL CRUISER, HANGAR - CONTINUOUS
Amidala gets up and looks around. Much of the hangar is
devastated.
Fire and smoke everywhere, a few crew members crushed by
debris.
She helps Artoo up.
QUEEN AMIDALA
Quick.
She runs to a NABOO FIGHTER.
QUEEN AMIDALA (CONT'D)
Get in!
She climbs into the cockpit.
Artoo-Detoo rolls underneath the craft, whistles, and from
the fighter a small CRANE comes down and picks up the droid -
loading it in the astromech socket. Artoo's dome-shaped head
pops up out of the top of the craft.
Amidala punches buttons and flicks switches. The canopy
closes, the engines are fired up.
Artoo whistles something.
QUEEN AMIDALA (CONT'D)
Just make sure we can jump into
hyperspace fast, I'll handle the
rest.
Some of the rest is straight ahead. The exit is blocked by
debris and machinery.
Behind the fighter, stuff starts to EXPLODE.
They're running out of time - The fighter lifts up, the
shields SIZZLE and PUSH the pilot's ladder away...
QUEEN AMIDALA (CONT'D)
Hang on!
Inside the cockpit, Amidala handles the controls, she pushes
a trigger on the stick -
- and a MISSILE shoots from the craft and BLOWS UP the debris
in front of the exit.
Amidala pushes the throttle and the fighter BLASTS through
the flames and out of the cruiser as the hangar BLOWS UP.
EXT. SPACE/INT. NABOO FIGHTER COCKPIT
The fighter zooms away from the cruiser as the larger craft
BLOWS UP in a series of HUGE EXPLOSIONS.
Several escape pods fly away - and are shot at by the
battleship. Several are destroyed.
Amidala's fighter flies towards the battleship - laser blasts
all around it.
QUEEN AMIDALA
Get us into hyperspace!
Artoo is hard at work and beeps furiously.
The small fighter flies over the surface of the massive
battle cruiser and PULLS UP just in time to avoid its bridge.
Laser cannons try to destroy the tiny craft.
An engine is HIT.
Artoo 'screams' a warning - and through the fighter's cockpit
Amidala sees the stars suddenly change into streaking lines -
as it enters HYPERSPACE.
The fighter BLASTS OFF off into hyperspace, leaving a
SPARKLING TRAIL behind...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE, NABOO
A small REPUBLIC DIPLOMATIC VESSEL approaches a group of
TRADE FEDERATION BATTLESHIPS and a massive CONTROL STATION in
orbit around the peaceful blue planet NABOO.
The space station is huge, with a sphere shaped center and
several long 'hangar-arms' attached to the side.
Communication dishes and antennae everywhere, as well as
laser cannons.
INT. REPUBLIC TRANSPORT, COCKPIT
In the cockpit, a HOODED FIGURE joins the CAPTAIN and the
COPILOT. The figure's face is hidden by the hood, but the
voice is female. This is JEDI MASTER QUI-GON JINN.
QUI-GON
Captain, tell them we wish to board
at once.
CAPTAIN
Yes, ma'am.
The captain pushes a button. On a screen in front of her, the
lizard-like face of the Neimodian RUNE HAAKU appears. He is
second in command of the Trade Federation.
CAPTAIN (CONT'D)
With all due respect, the
ambassadors to the Supreme
Chancellor wish to board at once.
RUNE HAAKU
(on screen)
Yes, yes, of course. The Republic
Ambassadors are more than welcome.
EXT. SPACE, FEDERATION STATION
The small diplomatic vessel approaches the massive Trade
Federation Space Station and enters one of its huge hangars.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HANGAR
The Republic craft lands in a hangar, watched by CLONE
SOLDIERS and FEDERATION CREW MEMBERS.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HANGAR EXIT - MOMENTS LATER
TWO HOODED FIGURES enter through the hangar's blast doors
into a huge corridor. They are welcomed by a silver protocol
droid: SEE-THREEPIO (C-3PO).
SEE-THREEPIO
Welcome, ambassadors. I am See
Threepio. Please follow me.
Threepio leads the two away.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CONFERENCE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The two hooded figures are led into a conference room on
board the station.
SEE-THREEPIO
Please excuse me, the President
will see you shortly.
The droid leaves and the door closes. The two finally pull
back their hoods -
revealing a strong Asian woman in her fifties and a handsome
man in his thirties: Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and JEDI KNIGHT
OBI-WAN KENOBI.
OBI-WAN
I have a bad feeling about this.
QUI-GON
I don't sense anything.
OBI-WAN
Not about the mission, something
else...more elusive.
QUI-GON
Concentrate on the here and now,
Obi-Wan.
OBI-WAN
But master Yoda says I should be
mindful of the future.
QUI-GON
But not at the expense of the
moment.
They walk to the large window and look at the beautiful
planet below.
OBI-WAN
Do you believe the Federation
President will agree to the
Chancellor's demands?
QUI-GON
He has no choice.
OBI-WAN
But if the Naboo choose to leave
the Republic there is little we can
do.
QUI-GON
They won't. And we'll make sure the
Federation stops its intimidation
campaign. These Federation types
are cowards, the negotiations will
be short.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
See-Threepio stands before Rune Haaku and a tall, aging,
bald, human man: Trade Federation PRESIDENT NUTE GUNRAY. Nute
is all class - well dressed - but there's something shady
about him. He looks like someone you just can't trust. Evil
and greed seem to have taken over his soul.
NUTE GUNRAY
What did you say?
SEE-THREEPIO
The ambassadors are Jedi Knights, I
believe.
RUNE HAAKU
Chancellor Valorum send them to
force a settlement!
NUTE GUNRAY
Then they've come for nothing.
RUNE HAAKU
Argue with a Jedi? They'll use
their powers against us.
NUTE GUNRAY
You see Rune, this is why I'm the
President. I am not as weak minded
as your kind.
RUNE HAAKU
Even so, the Jedi may discover more
than they should.
NUTE GUNRAY
Contact our ally. She will know how
to deal with them. I will keep them
busy. Come Threepio.
Threepio follows Nute off the bridge.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CONFERENCE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Nute Gunray and See-Threepio enter the conference room. Qui
Gon and Obi-Wan bow slightly as a form of greeting.
NUTE GUNRAY
Ah, welcome ambassadors. I am Nute
Gunray, President of the Trade
Federation.
QUI-GON
Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is
Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.
NUTE GUNRAY
Please, be seated.
The two Jedi sit down at one side of a large table, the
President takes a seat at the other side. Threepio stands
somewhat behind Nute.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT'D)
I must say I am honored that
Supreme Chancellor Valorum has send
two Jedi Knights on his behalf.
QUI-GON
The honor is ours, President
Gunray.
Qui-Gon smiles.
NUTE GUNRAY
Despite this honor I am somewhat
puzzled as to what you hope to
accomplish here, as keepers of
peace and justice. The Federation's
presence here is a sign of peace
and prosperity.
Qui-Gon keeps her smile, but raises an eyebrow.
QUI-GON
Including the battle ships?
NUTE GUNRAY
Come now, ambassador. These weapon
systems are perfectly legal means
to protect ourselves against
pirates and other dangers. Out here
we don't have the safety the inner
systems enjoy.
OBI-WAN
Yet in orbit of Naboo they could be
regarded as an attempt to force the
Naboo to leave the Republic and
evade the trade regulations.
NUTE GUNRAY
Ah, now we are getting to the
hearth of the matter! The taxation
of trade routes by the Galactic
Senate was a mistake of epic
proportions. Many smaller star
systems will never see the benefits
of this draconic measure. Can you
blame them for having enough of the
Republic and its bureaucracy?
OBI-WAN
The people of those systems will
decide for themselves what they
want. The Trade Federation has no
business dictating what's good for
them.
Nute Gunray is taken aback by the Jedi's straight
forwardness. Qui-Gon looks disapprovingly at Obi-Wan. He's
gone too far. Nute laughs.
NUTE GUNRAY
I like you, young knight. You waste
no breath and tell it like it is. I
assure you, it is very much our
business informing the people what
is best for them. The Trade
Federation has existed for many
centuries. We know what we are
talking about. It's a shame the
Senate and the Chancellor ignored
our experience.
QUI-GON
Nevertheless, the people of Naboo
will have to decide for themselves
which path to take. I hope we are
clear on that.
Qui-Gon's smile has faded.
NUTE GUNRAY
Of course. The prime minister of
Naboo has assured us that his
government will carefully consider
the issue. I'm sure he wishes to
see you as well. In fact, he's on
his way here right now.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are surprised.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT'D)
If you'll excuse me for a moment, I
will see to his arrival.
The President stands up and bows slightly, a smile on his
face. The two Jedi rise as Nute turns to leave. Threepio
follows him out. The Jedi sit down again.
OBI-WAN
Slippery guy.
QUI-GON
A strong willed individual. We must
be cautious - as always.
OBI-WAN
You haven't mentioned the queen.
QUI-GON
As long as it isn't clear if it was
an accident or not that destroyed
her ship, we should refrain from
any accusations.
OBI-WAN
I'm almost certain it was not an
accident.
QUI-GON
Even the Council couldn't see, but
you're willing to act on a hunch? A
feeling?
OBI-WAN
A Jedi must trust his feelings.
QUI-GON
And respect wisdom...
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
Nute Gunray returns to the bridge of the station and joins
Rune Haaku.
RUNE HAAKU
I have established contact. Do the
Jedi suspect anything?
NUTE GUNRAY
There's nothing they can do.
An unseen WOMAN speaks through a connection, with a voice
that's vicious and threatening, dark and evil.
DARTH KEEL (O.S.)
Do not underestimate the Jedi,
President.
NUTE GUNRAY
Lady Keel!
On a screen is the shady figure of DARTH KEEL, LADY OF THE
SITH.
A hooded figure; on the grayish screen it's impossible to
make out colors, but her skin appears to be pale white. Two
dark eyes that seem to be able to pierce through anything. A
mouth that has only ever smiled at the deadly expense of
others. This is one evil woman.
DARTH KEEL
(on screen)
It is unfortunate that the Supreme
Chancellor has brought in the Jedi.
Now we must accelerate our plans.
RUNE HAAKU
It is over! We dare not go against
the Jedi. They will -
DARTH KEEL
(on screen)
They will die, you miserably
coward.
NUTE GUNRAY
Kill the Jedi? But -
DARTH KEEL
(on screen)
I expect to honor our alliance,
President. It would be unfortunate
if you lost faith in my abilities.
Destroy the Jedi at once!
And with that, the transmission ends. Nute and Rune look at
each other.
NUTE GUNRAY
Make it so.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CONFERENCE ROOM
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are still in the conference room.
Threepio comes in and offers them drinks from a tray. They
decline.
OBI-WAN
Is it in their nature to make us
wait this long?
QUI-GON
No. I sense an unusual amount of
fear.
OBI-WAN
Good. We may be getting somewhere.
QUI-GON
Take it easy, Obi-Wan. We must talk
some sense into these people, not
bully them.
OBI-WAN
Reason may not be enough in this
case.
QUI-GON
Reason and common sense always
triumph over brutality and force,
my reckless friend. Patience won't
kill you, you know.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HANGAR
CLONE SOLDIERS run up to the Republic Cruiser.
INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER, COCKPIT (STATION HANGAR) - CONTINUOUS
The copilot spots the clone soldiers.
CO-PILOT
Captain, look!
CAPTAIN
Close the hatch! Raise shields!
The copilot points at a display, showing soldiers entering
the ship.
CO-PILOT
Too late!
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are still waiting. C-3PO stands at the
table with the tray.
Suddenly the Jedi sense something. Then the door slams shut
and gas starts to pour in through a grate.
The Jedi jump up and switch on their LIGHTSABERS.
SEE-THREEPIO
Oh!
QUI-GON
Dioxis.
The Jedi switch off their sabers and hold their breath.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER
A squad of SIX CLONE SOLDIERS has gathered outside the closed
door of the conference room.
CLONE CAPTAIN
They must be dead by now. Open the
door.
One of his men steps forward.
CLONE CORPORAL
Yes, Sir.
The corporal activates the door control mechanism. A deadly
green cloud billows from the room. The soldiers cock their
weapons as a figure stumbles out of the smoke. It is C-3PO,
carrying the tray of drinks.
SEE-THREEPIO
Oh, excuse me.
The protocol droid passes the armed camp.
CLONE CAPTAIN
Corporal, check it out.
CLONE CORPORAL
Yes, Sir.
The clone corporal cautiously moves forward when suddenly two
flashing LIGHTSABERS fly out of the deadly fog, CUTTING down
the poor clone.
CLONE CAPTAIN
Fire!
The soldiers fire their blasters, but the bolts are deflected
back at them by the lightsabers. Several soldiers go down.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon jump out of the smoke and start cutting
down the rest of the clones.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Nute and Rune watch the action on the view screen. Suddenly,
it goes black.
BRIDGE COMMANDER
Not sure exactly what...
An alarm goes off. Rune gives Nute a worried look.
NUTE GUNRAY
What in the blazes is going on down
there? Seal off the bridge.
RUNE HAAKU
That won't be enough.
The doors to the bridge SLAM shut.
NUTE GUNRAY
I want Sentry Droids after them at
once!
RUNE HAAKU
We will not survive this.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HALLWAYS
The Jedi run through the hallways of the massive ship. More
soldiers rush up to them.
Qui-Gon cuts down several soldiers. Weapons and body parts
fly around.
Obi-Wan raises his hand, sending several clone soldiers
crashing back into the hallway.
The Jedi move on.
Suddenly, they hear a whining sound. Obi-Wan turns around.
TWO SENTRY DROIDS fly towards them.
OBI-WAN
Sentries!
Qui-Gon joins Obi-Wan. The floating droids stop and hover and
start to BLAST at the two Jedi with their rapid fire twin
blasters. The Jedi have trouble deflecting all the bolts. The
bolts that are deflected back hit the SHIELDS of the droids.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
Shield generators!
QUI-GON
Go!
The Jedi dash out of the firing line into another corridor -
the laserblasts hit the wall. The droids stop firing and turn
to search for their target.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
Nute and Rune watch the view screen. The images of several
hallways flash by on the screen, but the Jedi are missing.
RUNE HAAKU
We have them on the run. They're no
match for sentry droids.
NUTE GUNRAY
Where are they?!
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CORRIDOR OUTSIDE CELL BLOCK
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon slide out of a ventilation shaft into
another corridor. They look around.
OBI-WAN
This way.
He starts walking.
QUI-GON
Careful.
Obi-Wan turns a corner and comes face to face with a CLONE
SOLDIER. Before the soldier can act, he is cut down by the
Jedi Knight.
STATION GUARD # 1 (O.S.)
Hey!
Obi-Wan looks to his right through an open door and sees
THREE FEDERATION GUARDS in a room.
One guard shoots, but Obi-Wan deflects the blast back and the
guard goes down.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon rush into the room.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CELL BLOCK - CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan takes care of the other two guards. Qui-Gon spots TWO
MORE GUARDS in a corner rushing up to them. She lifts her
hand and Force-Pushes them into a wall.
Obi-Wan closes the door.
OBI-WAN
We have to find a way out of here.
QUI-GON
Let's check these consoles for a
map.
They start checking out various consoles. Qui-Gon manages to
find a map of the ship on a display. Obi-Wan is looking at
another console.
In the back wall a walkway leads to several doors, all shut.
OBI-WAN
This appears to be a cell block.
There are prisoners in here. I
wonder who they are.
He activates some controls.
QUI-GON
Obi-Wan, wait! They could be -
The doors around the walkway slide open.
QUI-GON (CONT'D)
- dangerous...
From one of the doors a beautiful GIRL of about eighteen
years old peeks out.
OBI-WAN
Don't be afraid. We're Jedi
Knights.
The girl comes out of her cell. It's the queen's handmaiden
we saw earlier, Sab�.
From the other cells more people emerge, all men. Four of
them wear Naboo uniforms. They're the captain of the Naboo
cruiser and an OFFICER and TWO NABOO SECURITY GUARDS.
The fifth is a rough looking MAN who wears a jumpsuit.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
I'm Captain Osmosis from the Naboo
Royal Cruiser Utopis. These are
some of my men, and this is -
SABE
(quickly)
Sab�, handmaiden to queen Amidala.
QUI-GON
I take it your ship was not
destroyed in an accident.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
We were attacked by a Trade
Federation cruiser.
We managed to get away in an escape
pod, but were captured. I believe
the other pods were all destroyed.
OBI-WAN
The queen?
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
If you haven't heard from her, I'm
afraid she didn't make it.
SABE
I don't think so. She escaped in a
fighter, I saw it from the escape
pod. It had to be her!
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
The bridge crew is checking monitors. Several areas of the
ship flash by on the main screen.
Suddenly Nute and Rune tense up as the bridge doors open.
When they see who enters, escorted by clones, they relax.
It's a human MAN in his sixties, elaborately dressed, looking
worried.
NUTE GUNRAY
Ah, PRIME MINISTER HOAK. Welcome on
our little station.
Nute turns to the bridge crew.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT'D)
Now close the doors again!
The doors slam shut once more.
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
What is going on?
RUNE HAAKU
The Jedi! They have escaped!
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
Jedi? Here?!
NUTE GUNRAY
They will soon be in a state of
unlivingness.
Suddenly the cell block comes up on the screen, with the Jedi
and the prisoners.
BRIDGE COMMANDER
We found them. Cell block C-14.
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
What are they saying?
The commander presses a button. Now we can also hear what's
going on in the cell block.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
(on screen)
It could have been anyone.
SABE
(on screen)
No, I'm certain it was the queen.
She escaped into hyperspace, but
maybe her fighter was damaged. We
must search for her!
QUI-GON
(on screen)
First we have to get out of here.
NUTE GUNRAY
What did she say? The queen is
still alive? Impossible!
RUNE HAAKU
A Naboo fighter did escape during
the attack. We thought -
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
I thought you had dealt with her?!
On the screen we can see the group is about to leave. The
prisoners take the weapons of the defeated Federation men.
NUTE GUNRAY
Stop them!
INT. FEDERATION STATION, OUTSIDE CELL BLOCK
Obi-Wan stops the rough looking man.
OBI-WAN
You don't look like a Naboo
officer.
JANGO
I'm not. I'm JANGO PANAKA.
OBI-WAN
And why were you in here?
JANGO
Got in some trouble with these
Federation guys.
Didn't like I was transporting
some...goods without their
involvement.
SABE
So you're a smuggler.
JANGO
It was just a side job. I prefer to
be known as a soldier of fortune.
OBI-WAN
I'm not sure it's a good idea to -
QUI-GON
We'll do the formal introductions
later.
Jango turns to Sab� and the blaster in her hands.
JANGO
You know how to handle one of
those?
Suddenly a bunch of CLONE SOLDIERS comes running around a
corner. Sab� BLASTS two of them.
JANGO (CONT'D)
I guess so.
Everybody returns fire. They all start running through the
corridors of the ship.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, MORE CORRIDORS
The heroes run for their lives, pursued by soldiers.
Another SQUAD of CLONE SOLDIERS runs up to them from the
opposite direction, opening fire.
The Jedi deflect laser bolts while the others shoot the
clones.
Two Naboo guards are killed.
SABE
No!
OBI-WAN
Go! Go! Keep moving!
The Jedi slash the last of the soldiers in front of them. The
others shoot the clones behind them.
They continue.
Qui-Gon suddenly stops at a door. She CUTS it open with her
saber.
JANGO
An elevator shaft. Planning to fly?
Qui-Gon peeks down. An elevator cart hangs two levels below
them.
QUI-GON
Use the service ladders on the
side. Then we'll take the elevator
to the hangars.
SABE
Why not just press that button and
let it come here? It's much easier.
Sab� reaches for the elevator control. Obi-Wan stops her.
OBI-WAN
Because then they'll know we took
the elevator.
Qui-Gon jumps into the elevator shaft and lands two levels
down on top of the elevator cart.
Jango then enters the elevator shaft and starts to descend
using the tiny ladder on the inside of the shaft.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, ELEVATOR
The door of the elevator from the inside.
The display above the door shows that the elevator moves down
and sideways through the elevator tubes in the massive ship.
The elevator comes to a stop.
The door slides open - to reveal of squad of CLONE SOLDIERS.
The soldiers FIRE their weapons, BLASTING everything inside
the elevator.
The smoke clears.
The soldiers look.
Empty.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, CLONE STASIS BAY
The group of heroes slides out of a big ventilation shaft
into a giant area.
OBI-WAN
I've had it with this sneaking
around. It's beneath a Jedi.
Qui-Gon looks around.
QUI-GON
Don't worry, there are plenty of
bad guys here.
They all look around the room. The place is filled with
pillars reaching to the high ceiling.
Attached to the pillars are stasis-pods holding FEDERATION
CLONES. The Neimodian clones are in a state of hibernation,
with all kinds of support equipment attached to the pods.
The place is silent except for the humming of the life
support systems.
CAPTAIN OSMOSIS
Clones. Thousands of them.
SABE
It's an entire army!
They walk through the room to a door at the other end.
QUI-GON
Far beyond the regular compliment
of security forces. And illegal.
This is an odd play for the Trade
Federation.
OBI-WAN
Ready for action.
Sab� shivers.
SABE
They're all identical. Let's get
out of here.
Jango pauses to examine a clone.
JANGO
Very impressive.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, HANGAR
The Republic Cruiser still stands in the hangar bay. SOLDIERS
stand around the dead bodies of the two pilots. C-3PO
approaches them and turns to the CLONE SERGEANT.
SEE-THREEPIO
His excellency the President
commands that this vessel and its
(looks at the two dead
bodies)
- oh dear - crew...disappear. An
accident would be...appropriate.
The dim-witted clone zombie stares at the droid.
CLONE SERGEANT
Specify command.
SEE-THREEPIO
Ah. Put these bodies back on board,
so we can dispose of them and the
ship.
The clone sergeant turns to his men.
CLONE SERGEANT
Put the bodies back in the ship.
The clones start to do as ordered. C-3PO starts to walk away.
SEE-THREEPIO
Oh! Thank the maker I'm a droid!
From behind some crates, the heroic group looks at the
hangar.
OBI-WAN
They killed them. They'll pay for
this.
Qui-Gon holds Obi-Wan back.
QUI-GON
Not right now. There's too many,
and they're inside the cruiser.
It's better we take another ship.
(to Jango)
Do you have a ship in here?
JANGO
Those Federation bastards destroyed
it.
QUI-GON
Then I guess that transport over
there will have to do.
She points to a small and simple FEDERATION TRANSPORT CRAFT
(TF TRANSPORT) standing in another part of the hangar.
However, a group of SOLDIERS stands on guard in between them
and the transport.
SABE
But how do we get past those
guards?
OBI-WAN
Fight!
Obi-Wan jumps up, switches on his lightsaber and runs towards
the surprised clones.
Qui-Gon sighs and also gets up. The rest follows.
The Jedi SLASH the soldiers and DEFLECT BLASTS, while the
others FIRE their blasters.
SABE
Get to that ship!
The Naboo officer starts to run, but is shot down. Sab� stops
to check on him.
JANGO
He's dead, keep going!
Jango and Sab� and the captain make it to the transport,
while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon provide cover as more soldiers rush
towards them.
C-3PO is caught in the middle of the fight.
SEE-THREEPIO
Oh! Wait! Watch out!
Sab� and Jango enter the transport, but captain Osmosis is
SHOT in the back as he is about to enter.
Qui-Gon THROWS her lightsaber at the soldier who shot the
captain. The saber TWIRLS towards the soldier like a
boomerang and CUTS him down. Qui-Gon Force-summons the weapon
back in her hand.
Obi-Wan jumps in the middle of a group of clones. C-3PO
stands close.
SEE-THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Oh! Stop! I'm unarmed!
Obi-Wan CUTS down the clones, then SWINGS backwards and CUTS
OFF Threepio's head.
The droid's head falls on the ground and rolls to Obi-Wan's
feet. The headless body stumbles on.
The transport's engines fire up.
QUI-GON
Go!
Obi-Wan is about to run to the transport, but turns around
and picks up Threepio's severed head.
He runs to the transport and enters, while Qui-Gon deflects
laser bolts.
Qui-Gon enters and the hatch closes.
The transport lifts up from the floor and BLASTS out of the
hangar, FRYING a poor CLONE SOLDIER with its exhaust flames.
EXT. FEDERATION STATION, SPACE
The transport BLASTS away from the command ship.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
Nute Gunray and the others watch the transport escape.
NUTE GUNRAY
Destroy them!
EXT. SPACE, NABOO
The giant command ship starts SHOOTING at the small
transport. Several shots HIT the small craft's shields.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT
Jango is in the pilot's seat, Sab� in the copilot's. Qui-Gon
and Obi-Wan take place behind them.
Laser blasts all around the ship. The small vessel is hit by
blasts.
SABE
Get us out of here! Into
hyperspace!
She reaches for the hyperspace-lever. Jango stops her.
JANGO
It's not that easy. The
calculations...
SABE
Spare me the details, just do it!
QUI-GON
Make a short jump, we only have to
get out of range, then we can go
further.
Sab� points at objects outside.
SABE
What are those?!
Jango again pushes her arm back.
JANGO
Fighters!
OBI-WAN
They're closing in!
EXT. SPACE, NABOO
The Z-95 FIGHTERS come into range and open fire, but suddenly
the small transport BLASTS into hyperspace.
The Federation fighters break up, now that their target is
gone.
INT. FEDERATION STATION, BRIDGE
Nute Gunray is fuming.
NUTE GUNRAY
Gone! They're gone!
RUNE HAAKU
And the queen may still be alive.
The Jedi will tell the Senate.
We're finished!
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
How did this happen? This wasn't
supposed to happen! You've failed,
President Gunray!
NUTE GUNRAY
I never fail!
(to bridge commander)
Get me the clone captain!
BRIDGE COMMANDER
Yes sir.
The commander works some controls. The CLONE CAPTAIN appears
on screen. Nute Gunray walks over to a special control
station and presses some buttons.
NUTE GUNRAY
Captain, explain.
CLONE CAPTAIN
(on screen)
The enemy forces have escaped sir.
We are -
NUTE GUNRAY
This is YOUR fault, captain. I do
not accept failures.
Nute presses a control. The clone captain on the screen
suddenly FLINCHES and DROPS to the floor.
CLONE CAPTAIN
(on screen)
Aarch!
The captain lies motionless on the floor. The other CLONES
behind him take a step back.
NUTE GUNRAY
(to the other clones)
Throw him out of the ship.
Nute shuts off the screen and turns to Prime Minister Hoak.
NUTE GUNRAY (CONT'D)
As you can see, my Naboo friend, I
can control all our clones from
here. Failures are dealt with at
once.
I can activate them and put them
into stasis at a hearth's beat, and
issue them orders all from one
place. Full control by the
leadership always ensures
efficiency. I don't fail.
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
Yet the Jedi still escaped.
DARTH KEEL (V.O.)
I will find them.
The evil leaders turn around. Darth Keel has appeared on
screen.
NUTE GUNRAY
Lady Keel, I was just about to -
DARTH KEEL
(on screen)
I have heard enough, President. It
is a pity you are so incompetent. I
trust you will make sure Naboo
joins our alliance.
PRIME MINISTER HOAK
But the queen may still be alive.
If the Senate hears from this, it
could...
DARTH KEEL
(on screen)
Do not concern yourself with that.
It will be dealt with, as long as
you all keep your end of the
bargain.
The transmission ends.
RUNE HAAKU
(scared)
Perhaps we should not have made
this bargain.
EXT. SPACE
The small TF transport zooms through space.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT
Obi-Wan, Jango, and Sab� are in the cockpit.
SABE
And I'm telling you, queen Amidala
is still alive, and we must search
for her. She needs our help!
JANGO
She could be anywhere.
OBI-WAN
Perhaps not.
Obi-Wan turns to a console and calls up some data.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
This is where the royal cruiser was
destroyed. If queen Amidala entered
hyperspace she probably did as we
did - make a quick jump to get out
of danger. If her ship was damaged,
she could not have gotten far.
On the display, several clusters of star systems appear.
SABE
Wonderful! Great work!
JANGO
It's still a big area. And in the
Outer Rim.
SABE
We have to try and find her.
Jango studies the map.
JANGO
Hmm, Tatooine. I know that planet.
A lot of freighter pilots stop
there.
OBI-WAN
Not the most trustworthy pilots I
gather.
Jango ignores the Jedi.
JANGO
I've got some contacts there.
People who hear and see stuff, and
might be willing to tell. If we're
going to search, I suggest we go
there first.
(beat)
Just one more thing. My fee.
OBI-WAN
Your what?
JANGO
I'm not a charity organization like
the Jedi. I get paid for what I do.
OBI-WAN
A charity organization?!
SABE
I'm sure Naboo nobility will pay
you handsomely, Jango Panaka. I can
assure you of that.
OBI-WAN
Sab�, you're only a handmaiden. You
can't promise -
JANGO
Enough to buy me a new ship?
OBI-WAN
Oh, come on.
SABE
More than enough. I promise you by
the Plentiful Rivers and the
Fertile Hills of Naboo.
JANGO
Alright then. This might be an
interesting job. I'm all for
fertile hills.
He peeks at Sab�'s own fertile hills - her ample bosom - as
he says this. Sab� doesn't notice, but Obi-Wan sees it and
gets even more disgusted with Jango.
SABE
Great! It's settled then.
OBI-WAN
It's not settled at all. We have to
inform the Jedi Council and Supreme
Chancellor Valorum of what
happened.
QUI-GON (O.S.)
Without communications, that will
be a problem.
Qui-Gon walks in from the back.
JANGO
No luck fixing it?
QUI-GON
The entire com-system is fried.
Most of the other systems are fine
though.
OBI-WAN
We got lucky then. We barely made
it out of there alive.
JANGO
Luck has nothing to do with it.
It's all about skill.
OBI-WAN
I don't think we'll be needing your
skills anymore, mercenary.
QUI-GON
That's enough. I suggest we look
for the queen, before her enemies
find her.
OBI-WAN
But the Council -
QUI-GON
Will be informed soon enough. The
crimes of the Trade Federation will
not go unnoticed.
Obi-Wan sighs.
SABE
(to Jango)
Set a course for Tatooine. What's
it like? I hope it's a warm planet.
I'm freezing in here.
JANGO
Oh, it's warm, but -
Sab� buttons up her handmaiden's outfit, obscuring her
fertile hills from view. Jango shakes his head and grins.
JANGO (CONT'D)
- no fertile hills.
INT. SECRET SITH QUARTERS - NIGHT
The room is dark and gloomy. We don't know where it is, but
we wouldn't like to be there.
Darth Keel turns off a terminal and looks up.
DARTH KEEL
If the queen's ship was damaged,
she could not have gotten far. I
shall find her quickly, but the
Jedi may be there first.
A dark MALE VOICE responds. It is a voice drenched in evil,
coming from the depths of hell. It is the voice of DARTH
SIDIOUS.
DARTH SIDIOUS (O.S.)
Then you will confront the Jedi
first. The queen will not be a
problem.
DARTH KEEL
Yes, my Master.
Darth Keel walks over to her master. It is a figure in a dark
cloak, his features hidden in the cloak's hood and the
shadows.
DARTH SIDIOUS
You have been well trained, my
apprentice. The Jedi will be no
match for you.
DARTH KEEL
At last we shall reveal ourselves
to the Jedi, at last we shall have
revenge.
EXT. SPACE, TATOOINE
The small Trade Federation transport approaches the desert
planet TATOOINE.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT
Jango is at the controls. Qui-Gon is also present.
JANGO
There it is, Tatooine. We'll land
in Mos Eisley.
He looks at Qui-Gon Jinn.
JANGO (CONT'D)
You may want to change clothes.
They're not so hot for Jedi Knights
down there.
QUI-GON
You'll have to buy some for us.
We'll wait in the transport. I've
got some Republic Credits.
JANGO
Those might not be accepted out
here. Perhaps I can sell some of
the supplies from this transport.
Qui-Gon nods and exits the cockpit.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, PASSENGER HOLD
Qui-Gon enters the passenger hold. Sab� is asleep on a bench.
Obi-Wan is examining C-3PO's severed head.
QUI-GON
Why did you take that?
OBI-WAN
This droid was Nute Gunray's
servant. It may have some
interesting data stored in its
memory.
He puts the droid's head down and sighs.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
But without proper equipment, I
can't find out.
Qui-Gon pats her clever Jedi companion on his back.
EXT. TATOOINE, MOS EISLEY, DOCKING BAYS - DAY
The transport descents and lands in a docking bay.
EXT. TATOOINE, MOS EISLEY, STREETS - DAY
Qui-Gon, Jango, Obi-Wan and Sab� walk through the streets of
Mos Eisley. They now all wear ordinary clothes. HUMANS,
ALIENS and DROIDS go about their business. Qui-Gon and Jango
walk ahead, with Obi-Wan and Sab� a bit behind them.
QUI-GON
Moisture farms for the most part,
with towns like this for trade and
refuge for those that don't want to
be found.
JANGO
Like us.
They cross a street. Obi-Wan and Sab� are a bit behind.
SABE
I'm very impressed with the way you
handled yourself on the command
ship, Obi-Wan. You're very
powerful.
OBI-WAN
Just doing my duty.
SABE
And how you stood up to Jango!
You're a man who takes control, a
man of action. You're very brave.
Obi-Wan starts to feel a bit uncomfortable, but can't
disagree with these obvious truths.
OBI-WAN
You should be more impressed with
your own actions, Sab�. As a
handmaiden, you showed extra
ordinary skills.
SABE
Oh, I've had some self defense
training, but without you, I would
have been dead. I owe you my life,
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
She looks at him with love struck eyes. Obi-Wan tries to keep
his cool.
OBI-WAN
It wasn't just me. Qui-Gon -
SABE
I feel safe with you.
Obi-Wan gives up.
OBI-WAN
Then just stay close to me.
SABE
I will.
She grabs his arm and walks with him arm in arm, pressing
herself against him. Qui-Gon looks at them. She gives Obi-Wan
a disapproving look. Obi-Wan is embarrassed.
The group approaches the infamous Mos Eisley cantina.
JANGO
There it is. I know the guy who
runs the place. Many freighter
crews come here. If anybody has
seen the queen, he will know. Just
mind yourself, this place can get
rough.
QUI-GON
Don't worry, it hasn't been our day
for warm welcomes.
They enter the cantina.
INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA
The cantina as in 'Star Wars: A New Hope', only with somewhat
different furniture and the bar is also a bit different. No
droid scanners at the entrance. A BAND plays in one corner.
PEOPLE of all sorts are busy drinking, talking, drinking,
laughing and drinking.
Obi-Wan turns to Sab�.
OBI-WAN
Be careful.
A DRUNK ALIEN stumbles up to Sab�, grabs her and makes an
ALIEN INDECENT PROPOSAL.
Sab� grabs the alien guy's arm and judo-flips him over.
SABE
Hayaa!
Several of the patrons see it and laugh. The alien rushes to
the exit. Qui-Gon turns to Obi-Wan.
QUI-GON
Just stay close to her, you'll be
safe.
The bartender, a fat alien with four arms - DEXTER JETTSTER -
looks at the new guests and spots Jango.
DEXTER
Jango! Is that you, ya double
dealing space pirate?
Jango smiles.
JANGO
Hello Dex.
DEXTER
Take a seat, be right with ya.
Jango and the others take seats at an empty table. A WAITRESS
walks up to them.
WAITRESS
Waddayawant?
JANGO
The usual poison, and the same for
my companions.
OBI-WAN
I'll just have -
The waitress is already gone. Qui-Gon observes the place.
QUI-GON
Nice. I've already counted six
species I've never seen before.
Dexter walks over to the group of adventurers. Jango gets up
and the two shake hands.
DEXTER
Some folks said you were pasted.
JANGO
I don't go down that easily.
They sit down. Dexter barely fits in his seat.
DEXTER
So it seems! So it seems! Now, what
brings ya here with these
strangers? Whaddaya up to this
time?
JANGO
We're looking for someone. A girl.
Small fighter craft, damaged,
trouble. Heard anything?
DEXTER
Hmm, let me think. There were some
Nebulon Pirates in the neighborhood
the other day. Getting drunk,
bragging.
The waitress brings their drinks.
DEXTER (CONT'D)
Thanks honey.
Jango takes a swing from his drink and winces. Obi-Wan tastes
carefully.
QUI-GON
Pirates?
DEXTER
Yeah, scum of the Outer Rim.
Thieves, slavers, killers. Still,
good business.
Sab� takes a big sip from her drink and is on fire.
SABE
Aaah!
Qui-Gon pats her on the back. She composes herself.
SABE (CONT'D)
(coarse)
S...slavers?
DEXTER
Bastards bragged about raiding some
vessels. Caught some poor saps.
Maybe yar missing girl too. If I
had to bet on it, I'd say they took
them to Gardulla's mining operation
on Katann. They've got slaves
there.
JANGO
That's not more than a few
planetoids. If she's sold there, we
should find her.
OBI-WAN
If these pirates took her.
Dexter turns to an ALIEN at the bar.
DEXTER
Hey, Groondics, did those Nebulon
Pirates talk about some lone girl?
The alien RESPONDS in an ALIEN LANGUAGE.
DEXTER (CONT'D)
That's what I thought they said.
(to our friends)
Was there an astromech unit with
her by any chance?
SABE
Very possible, yes!
DEXTER
That's what he said. See I was
right.
SABE
That could be her. It has to be
her!
JANGO
It's a clue. Thanks Dex.
DEXTER
Anytime, Jango.
QUI-GON
You have been most helpful.
DEXTER
Lemme tell ya, Jango here can track
a Womprat to a Sarlacc's stomach.
If yar looking for someone, he'll
find her. And if yar in trouble,
he's the fastest shot in the Outer
Rim territories!
OBI-WAN
(mocking)
Just the Outer Rim?
Dexter bursts out laughing and SLAMS Obi-wan on his back with
two massive hands. Obi-Wan CRASHES into the table. Qui-Gon,
Sab� and Jango chuckle. Dexter laughs even harder and gets
up.
DEXTER
Whatever yar paying him, he's worth
it. I heard ol' Jango here even
wacked a Jedi once! See ya around,
Panaka!
Dexter walks away to break up a fight between two patrons.
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Sab� look at Jango. They are silent. The
fun is over.
Jango empties his glass and gets up.
JANGO
So the guy had a lightsaber.
Could've been anyone.
Jango walks away.
An angered Obi-Wan is about to get up and do something, but
Qui-Gon stops him.
EXT. SPACE, KATANN
The KATANN SYSTEM consists of several planetoids circling a
large gas giant.
It's a breathtaking sight.
We zoom in on the biggest of the planetoids: KATANN 3
EXT. KATANN 3, MINING TOWN, STREETS - DAY
Katann 3 is a black and brown rock planet, with huge mining
operations at the side of mountains.
Foundries to process the raw material; spaceports for various
spacecraft; etc.
People, slaves, droids and vehicles all over the place.
EXT. KATANN 3, SLAVE MARKET - DAY
PEOPLE have gathered in front of a stage, where an ape-like
pirate SALESMAN is showing his wares.
Several SLAVES stand in the background, held back by GUARDS.
A few DROIDS also stand in the background, including a
familiar looking astromech droid - Artoo-Detoo!
A small blue alien - flying like a hummingbird - WATTO, and a
slave woman in her 40's, SHMI SKYWALKER, join the crowd.
WATTO
(In Huttees)
Oh, look. They have an astromech
unit.
A man in his 40's and a teenage boy stand next to the
salesman.
They are CLIEGG and OWEN LARS. They look scared.
TRICOROUS, an alien slave master with eight arms, is bidding
on the slaves.
TRICOROUS
(In Huttees, subtitled)
One hundred and eighty thousand
Dactaries - for the boy only.
Father and son exchange anxious looks.
SALESMAN
Any more offers? Come on people, ya
can't be heartless and separate a
father and son. Besides, I don't
wanna keep the old guy!
Some laughter from the crowd.
SALESMAN (CONT'D)
Alright, four hundred and fifty
thousand Dactaries for both. That's
almost two for the price of one!
GUY IN CROWD
Yeah, if you don't know what one
costs!
More laughter. Watto laughs too.
Shmi doesn't like the show at all. She looks at the two
slaves with pity. She turns to Watto.
SHMI
(In Huttees, subtitled)
What about those two?
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
I told ya I want a female.
The alien slave master speaks again.
TRICOROUS
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Three hundred thousand Dactaries
for both, or you can keep them.
SALESMAN
Three hundred thousand?! Oh, you're
ruining me! Going once....going
twice...sold to the
kind...uhm...person with the eight
arms.
The guards push the two slaves to the side, where the alien
will take delivery of his purchase. Cliegg struggles.
CLIEGG
Bastards! We're not slaves! They
attacked our ship!
He's led away.
SALESMAN
Well, ain't that great. Now, whadda
we have next?
He motions for the guards to bring the next subject forward.
It's a pretty sixteen year old girl - could this be the queen
of Naboo? Yep!
She's without her queen's clothes. Instead, she wears a
simple outfit, something she could have worn underneath her
royal costume. Oh, and she calls herself PADM� now...(don't
ask).
A guard pushes the uncooperative girl next to the salesman.
SALESMAN (CONT'D)
Ah yes. Look at this fine sample.
What a beauty, what an offer! Young
and fresh, shape her the way you
want. Don't miss this one people.
Again some laughter, including from Watto. Shmi is disgusted.
SALESMAN (CONT'D)
Get her now for only two hundred
and thirty thousand Dactaries. A
bargain like this may never come
yar way again!
One of the SLAVE MASTERS in the crowd raises his hand.
SLAVEMASTER 1
One hundred and fifty thousand
Dactaries.
PADME
Only a hundred and fifty?! Forget
it, I'm outta here!
She turns and starts to walk away fast. To the amusement of
the crowd, the guards pick her up and place her back at the
salesman's side.
An unlikely TWO-HEADED ALIEN joins the bidding.
SLAVEMASTER 2 HEAD 1
(In Huttees)
One hundred and eighty thousand -
SLAVEMASTER 2 HEAD 2
- if she doesn't have any diseases,
like that Twilek you sold me last
year.
SALESMAN
Diseases?! My slaves don't have
diseases. Come on, look at her.
Look at this body, these fine
teeth. She's in excellent health.
As he says this, the salesman grabs Padm� and turns her
around, then opens her lips to show her teeth.
Padm� struggles to break free.
PADME
Keep your stinking paws off of me,
you damn dirty ape!
She kicks the salesman against his leg. The crowd laughs.
The guards restrain her.
Padm� looks at Shmi, and the older woman regards her with
pity.
Shmi turns to Watto.
SHMI
What about that one?
WATTO
Hmm...
The salesman quickly returns to his sales pitch.
SALESMAN
Well, look how strong she is. She
can do a ton of work, if ya can
handle her.
SLAVEMASTER 1
No more than two hundred thousand.
SLAVEMASTER 2, HEAD 1
(In Huttees)
Two hundred and five.
Watto is still thinking.
SLAVEMASTER 1
And five? Nah, she'll probably run
away anyhow - she's no good blown
up.
Shmi again turns to Watto.
SHMI
(in Huttees, subtitled)
I think she will do great.
SALESMAN
Then it's two hundred and five, for
the two-faced gentlemen in yellow.
Any more takers?
Watto thinks, then rises up in the air and raises a hand.
WATTO
Two hundred and six thousand
Dactaries!
Slave master 2 turns both his heads around to look at the
blue alien. The salesman looks much happier than they do.
SALESMAN
Aha! A new contender!
SLAVEMASTER 2, HEAD 1
(In Huttees)
And eight!
Watto hesitates, and looks down at Shmi. Shmi motions for him
to come down. He does so, and she whispers something in his
ear. Watto nods and flies up again, now more confident.
WATTO
Two hundred and twenty thousand
Dactaries -
The salesman is overjoyed.
WATTO (CONT'D)
- for the girl and that astromech
unit ya've got there.
Artoo Detoo whistles.
The salesman's broad smile fades. He looks at slave master 2.
Slave master 2 balls his fist and head number two curses. He
makes a throw-away gesture and gives up.
SALESMAN
Not a bad idea, sir. In fact I
believe they came as a package.
Now...going once, going
twice....SOLD to the Toydarian with
the keen business sense.
(the slave master 2)
And don't ya worry sir, we've got a
fine new Twilek for ya. Only misses
half a lobe.
The guards lead the protesting Padm� away as a poor scantily
clad one-and-a-half lobed blue Twilek slave-girl is pushed
forward.
Watto turns to Shmi.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
I hope I won't regret this.
INT. WATTO'S SHOP, MAIN ROOM - DAY
Watto, Shmi, Padm�, and Artoo-Detoo walk into Watto's used
parts shop.
Exotic looking parts are on display in racks. Deactivated
droids and droid parts are lined up in the back.
A counter in the front. A door leads to the backyard.
Shmi holds Padm�'s arm and leads her in.
Padm� is in a very foul mood.
SHMI
Anakin! Ani! We're back.
From the back-door a disheveled teenage boy of around
fourteen years old enters the shop.
This is ANAKIN SKYWALKER.
The handsome kid observes the newcomers.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Have you cleaned the racks?
ANAKIN
(In Huttees, subtitled)
I'm almost finished.
All this time, Anakin can't keep his eyes off the pretty
girl, who observes the place.
Then he notices her mechanical companion.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Wow, an astromech unit!
Now Anakin is distracted and walks up to R2-D2 - fit with a
restraining bolt. The droid bleebs.
Watto turns to Padm�.
WATTO
Time for ya to get to work, and ya
better not try anything funny,
girl. Ya're mine now.
PADME
I'm nobody's property! You can't
keep me here! It's illegal!
WATTO
Not here, honey. Now shut yar yap.
SHMI
Perhaps it's best if I take her
home, and get her settled in.
Explain the rules.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
What? Yeah, yeah, okay...just make
sure she's here at work first thing
in the morning.
SHMI
(To Padm�)
Come on.
Padm� holds her ground.
PADME
I will NOT cooperate.
Watto flies up to Padm�'s face, takes some kind of remote
control out of his pocket, and points it at her.
WATTO
Oh yes ya will. You will.
SHMI
Come.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Ani, take that droid home and clean
it. I want it shining like new. The
same goes for the girl.
ANAKIN
(In Huttees, subtitled)
You want me to clean her too?
Watto makes a slapping motion at Anakin.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Get out of here, Nexu food!
Anakin is glad he can leave.
ANAKIN
Come on droid.
Artoo bleeps and follows. Watto watches them go.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Ah, humans...hopeless.
EXT. SPACE, KATANN SYSTEM, KATANN 1
The TF transport flies towards a small planetoid, KATANN 1.
Several other spacecraft also fly around.
The ship flies towards a station with hangars on the
atmosphere-free planetoid.
INT. KATANN 1, DOCKING STATION
The TF transport is parked in a large hangar. Other craft
stand nearby. All kinds of people, slaves and droids go about
their business.
Obi-Wan and Jango are talking with someone a little further
away.
Closer to the transport, Sab� and Qui-Gon look on.
QUI-GON
Don't worry, we'll find queen
Amidala.
SABE
I'm not worried. I know we'll find
her.
(sighs)
When I'm with him, all my troubles
seem to fade away.
She looks at Obi-Wan like a lovesick puppy.
QUI-GON
Young handmaiden, you forget, Obi
Wan is a Jedi Knight. His love is
with the Force. What you desire is
impossible.
SABE
Nothing is impossible. Some things
are meant to be.
Qui-Gon is getting annoyed.
QUI-GON
But this is not one of those
things. Let go and focus your
energy on finding your queen. You
certainly have plenty of energy.
Sab� is getting annoyed too.
SABE
How can something that feels so
right be wrong? Isn't being a Jedi
all about following your feelings
and instinct?
Qui-Gon sighs.
QUI-GON
You're a young handmaiden and Obi
Wan is an older Jedi Knight. Now
what would your queen say of this?
I doubt she would approve.
SABE
You assume too much.
She walks away.
Obi-Wan and Jango walk back to Qui-Gon.
JANGO
Those pirates have indeed sold
slaves here.
OBI-WAN
And there was a girl with an
astromech unit among them. She's
probably on the main planetoid.
QUI-GON
Excellent.
Sab� has heard it and rushes back, straight to Obi-Wan.
SABE
I knew it! You found her!
She embraces Obi-Wan and holds him tight, eyeing Qui-Gon, who
sighs.
EXT. KATANN 3, SLAVE HOVELS - EVENING
The slave hovels are a bunch of small clay houses built
against and on top of each other. No luxury at all is found
in this part of the town.
INT. SKYWALKER HOME, MAIN ROOM - EVENING
The skywalker home is one of the slave hovels.
It's cramped. A main room with a table, and some chairs, and
a few personal belongings here and there. On one side is a
small kitchen block. An opening leads to two tiny (bed)rooms
and a small work area filled with machine parts and
equipment. A small bathroom in the back.
Shmi and Anakin are in the main room.
Anakin is cleaning Artoo with a cloth.
Shmi is working on some clothing at the table.
On one of the chairs sits a skeleton-like DROID. It doesn't
have any coverings and the head consists of merely two photo
receptor eyes on sticks. and a small box housing the
processor. It holds one end of the garment Shmi is adjusting.
SHMI
...I've been a slave longer than I
care to remember. Anakin was born
into slavery.
Some sopping sounds come from the bathroom.
PADME (O.S.)
His father?
SHMI
He...was killed when I was taken.
Anakin looks up, but quickly gets back to work.
PADME (O.S.)
Oh. I'm sorry. This is insane!
Slavery is outlawed in the
Republic.
SHMI
The Republic doesn't exist out
here. We have to accept it.
PADME (O.S.)
Accept life as a slave? How can
you?
SHMI
Watto is okay for a master. I've
had much worse.
PADME (O.S.)
If you, or Watto think that I will
stay here any longer then I need
to, you're very wrong. Right Artoo?
Artoo bleeps his agreement.
ANAKIN
We can't escape. Remember they put
an explosive in your body.
SHMI
That's what keeps the slaves
prisoner. If you try to escape -
ANAKIN
BOOM! They blow you away!
Padm� appears from the bathroom, covered in a towel.
PADME
How rude.
Anakin ogles Padm�. It's impossible for him to keep his eyes
off her.
PADME (CONT'D)
Nice one you've got there.
She points at the droid.
ANAKIN
Huh? Oh! Yeah, I built it myself
from old parts. Too bad I don't
have a brain for it. It can't do
much without a good head.
Artoo bleeps.
SHMI
So where are you from, Padm�?
PADME
Naboo. And I will do everything to
get back there.
ANAKIN
Is everyone on Naboo as beautiful
as you?
Ah! Anakin bites his lip. How could he have said something
like that?!
SHMI
Ani...
For the first time since she's there, Padm� smiles.
PADME
You're a funny boy.
Anakin blushes and looks away.
Shmi hands the girl the clothes.
SHMI
These should fit now.
PADME
Thank you.
Padm� takes off the towel so she can get dressed.
She stops when she sees both Anakin and his mother staring at
her as she stands before them in all her uncovered glory.
She quickly covers herself again. Shmi looks at her
disapprovingly.
PADME (CONT'D)
(blushing)
Different planets, different
customs, I guess.
Padm� hurries back to the bathroom.
Shmi turns to look at Anakin, who blushes, and quickly turns
back to Artoo - rubbing the droid furiously with the piece of
cloth.
EXT. SPACE, TATOOINE
A deadly spacecraft, the SITH INFILTRATOR, thunders into view
and flies to the desert planet Tatooine.
EXT. TATOOINE, MOS EISLEY CANTINA - NIGHT
The well known cantina is still open for business, as drunk
lowlifes stumble out of the seedy establishment.
The dark clad figure of Darth Keel walks across the street to
the cantina, her black robes waving in the gentle breeze.
INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA
A good TWENTY or so low-life scumbag drunk GUNSLINGERS are
wasting their money on unhealthy beverages, as Keel walks
into the establishment.
Some of the patrons look at the evil lady - an invisible aura
of darkness emanating from her...
She approaches the bar, where Dexter Jettster is busy serving
drinks. The big bartender notices the sinister woman.
DEXTER
Whadayawant?
DARTH KEEL
Some information. Concerning a lost
girl, and a damaged ship.
DEXTER
And what makes ya think I know
something about that?
DARTH KEEL
People like you hear all sorts of
things. Now think.
DEXTER
I think ya should order a drink, or
leave.
DARTH KEEL
I can see through you. You're
hiding something. You will tell me
all you know.
DEXTER
Or else what?
The men at the bar tense up. Keel stays calm, with a devilish
smile on her face.
DARTH KEEL
Or else I will rip you apart,
splatter your brain against the
wall, and read it for myself.
Darth Keel concentrates, and Dexter starts to feel uneasy. He
reaches for his throat with all four hands as an invisible
hand starts to STRANGLE him. Suddenly he is lifted off the
ground!
DEXTER
Ah! S...s...stop her!
A big alien, GORT, runs up to Darth Keel.
GORT
You there! Stop that!
Darth Keel lets go of Dexter, who falls down, and extends a
hand to Gort.
The big alien flies back across the room and SMASHES against
a wall.
One of his buddies rushes to him and checks the lifeless
alien.
BUDDY
She killed Gort! Get her!
The others draw their weapons and point them at Darth Keel.
Keel GRABS the two guys closest to her at the bar and HURLS
them with super-human strength across the room.
She extends her hands and FORCE-PULLS the blasters out of the
hands of two other guys into her's and starts BLASTING the
aliens.
Others start firing back and Keel DIVES out of the firing
line, all the while BLASTING back, killing several goons.
Several guests run towards the exit, but Keel FORCE-THROWS a
chair against the doors' controls and the doors SLAM shut.
The aliens try to open the doors, but are SHOT in the back.
Keel uses the Force to HURL aliens, furniture and weapons
across the room.
She throws the blasters aside and ignites a RED BLADED
LIGHTSABER.
A few men shoot at her, but the laserbolts are deflected
straight back at them.
Dexter comes up from behind the bar, brandishing a big shot
gun like weapon.
DEXTER
Take this, bitch!
Darth Keel SWINGS around and DEFLECTS the heavy blast.
The bolt SHATTERS Dexter's gun and makes him fly back.
Time to clean up.
Keel swings her lightsaber at the surviving guests, SLASHING
them in half and CUTTING them up.
She drives the red beam into them, and HACKS up already dead
bodies for good measure.
It's all over. Smoke fills the room. Dead bodies, lost
weapons ,and smashed tables and chairs everywhere.
Keel looks the place over and switches off her saber, a
satisfied look on her face.
She walks back to the bar and looks down. On the floor behind
it is Dexter - cowering.
Keel grabs his fat neck with one hand, pulls him up, and
looks him in the eyes.
DARTH KEEL
Let's talk.
EXT. KATANN 3, MINING TOWN, STREETS - MORNING
People of all sorts go about their business in the mining
town. Sab� and Obi-Wan are seated in a DROID-RIKSJA, which
drives them through the streets. They look around.
OBI-WAN
Now that we've split up, we'll find
Amidala soon.
SABE
The sooner the better.
She looks around.
SABE (CONT'D)
What a depressing place. These
people must lead miserable lives.
OBI-WAN
Slaves and slavers. Traders,
miners. There are plenty of places
like this.
SABE
It's just wrong. If they've done
anything to Pa... - the queen, I'll
make them pay!
OBI-WAN
We will make them pay. We will free
her, Sab�, I promise.
SABE
Oh, Obi-Wan, I'm so glad you're
here!
(smiling)
And I'm glad we're alone. Qui-Gon
doesn't seem to like having me
around.
OBI-WAN
The mind of a Jedi is a serious
one, but surely she has nothing
against you.
Sab� smiles.
SABE
Do you like me?
OBI-WAN
Of course. What's not to like?
SABE
Ask Qui-Gon.
OBI-WAN
Qui-Gon isn't here.
SABE
Good.
Before Obi-Wan realizes what she's doing, Sab� moves to kiss
him. She holds his head in her hands - there is no escape -
then suddenly she pushes his head aside.
OBI-WAN
Ack!
SABE
Look!
Obi-Wan breaks free and turns to look.
SABE (CONT'D)
An astromech unit. Just like the
one on the Naboo cruiser!
OBI-WAN
Driver, stop.
The droid driver bleeps and stops. Sab� and Obi-Wan get out.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
(to droid-riksja)
Wait here.
The droid bleeps. Sab� rushes over to the astromech droid.
SABE
You, droid! Wait!
It is Artoo-Detoo!
Artoo looks at Sab� and recognizes her. He starts bleeping
furiously, shaking on his legs.
OBI-WAN
Looks like he recognizes you.
SABE
Excellent! Is she here? Droid,
listen. The girl you escaped with,
is she here?
Artoo bleeps the affirmative.
OBI-WAN
I think that means yes.
SABE
Well, take us to her then!
Artoo bleeps and starts rolling.
EXT. KATANN 3, WATTO'S SHOP - MORNING
Artoo leads Obi-Wan and Sab� to Watto's shop. Obi-Wan stops
Sab� from entering.
OBI-WAN
It's best if we don't let on that
we know her. Let's just see what
the situation is.
SABE
Alright.
INT. WATTO'S SHOP, MAIN ROOM
Artoo, Obi-Wan and Sab� enter Watto's shop. Watto comes
flying from behind the counter.
WATTO
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Welcome. How can I help you?
OBI-WAN
This astromech unit here. It is for
sale?
Watto looks at Artoo.
WATTO
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Hey, I send you on an errand!
Artoo bleeps.
WATTO (CONT'D)
Whatever.
(to Obi-Wan)
Everything is for sale my friend.
As long as ya can pay for it.
There is some noise from the back.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
Just a little more!
PADME (O.S.)
It's slipping! Watch it!
Loud clattering as something falls.
PADME (CONT'D)
Oh! I'm just not good at this!
SABE
(whispering)
It's her!
Obi-Wan motions for her to be quiet.
WATTO
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Hey, be careful!
Watto turns back to Obi-Wan.
WATTO (CONT'D)
It's hard getting good slaves these
days. Now, this astromech. I've
acquired him recently myself.
Very good condition. So it's gonna
cost ya!
While Obi-Wan and Watto talk, Sab� starts walking around the
shop, checking out things. She walks to the backyard.
OBI-WAN
Looks like he's been through some
scrapes.
WATTO
It's nothing! It's in excellent
condition. Better than most -
EXT. WATTO'S SHOP, BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
While Obi-Wan and Watto haggle, Sab� walks through the back
door into the backyard where larger spare parts are kept.
Anakin and Padm� are at work picking up the parts they
dropped. Padm� looks up.
PADME
Sab�!
SABE
Shhh!
Sab� motions for Padm� to keep her distance. After all,
they're not alone.
Anakin eyes the new girl.
ANAKIN
You know each other?
Sab� ignores the boy.
SABE
Are you alright?
PADME
No!
SABE
Don't worry, we'll get you out of
here.
PADME
Meet me later, near the bank.
SABE
Okay. Let me try something first.
Sab� walks back in.
ANAKIN
You know her? What's going on?
PADME
I can't talk about it now, Anakin.
ANAKIN
Why not? I thought -
PADME
Not now!
Padm� walks to the door and listens in.
INT. WATTO'S SHOP, MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Watto and Obi-Wan are still haggling.
OBI-WAN
It's a bit steep, let me consider
it.
WATTO
Well don't wait too long and waste
my time. If someone else comes
along and wants -
SABE
Master, I've found a girl you may
like.
OBI-WAN
Huh?
WATTO
Master?
SABE
You don't want another slave-girl?
I thought you said you did, master.
WATTO
That girl is yar slave?
OBI-WAN
Ah, yes. Of course. Clever girl, a
bit stubborn.
WATTO
Stubborn? Ha! You should see my new
one. Now that's a piece of work! So
yar looking for another girl too,
huh?
OBI-WAN
Been looking around.
WATTO
Hey, girl! Get in here! Now!
Padm� walks in, and eyes Obi-Wan. Anakin follows.
WATTO (CONT'D)
I wasn't planning to sell her
either, but...as I said, for the
right price...
Obi-Wan walks over to the slave-girl, and starts inspecting
her, looking her over.
WATTO (CONT'D)
To yar liking?
OBI-WAN
Nice. A bit young though. And
short. Doesn't look very
productive.
Padm� is annoyed. Sab� rolls her eyes and looks at Obi-Wan.
Just get her, damned!
WATTO
Young is good! More value. They can
learn more.
Anakin is alarmed.
ANAKIN
You're going to sell her? But you
just got her!
Watto makes a slapping move, making Anakin flinch back.
WATTO
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Hey, quiet!
OBI-WAN
How much?
WATTO
Aha! This one is gonna cost ya! Two
hundred and eighty thousand
Dactaries. Three hundred and ten
together with the droid.
OBI-WAN
Dactaries? I can give you twenty
thousand Republic Credits.
WATTO
Republic Credits? Republic Credits
are no good out here. I need
something more real. Besides,
that's not nearly enough for a
slave and a droid.
OBI-WAN
I don't have anything else, but -
(waves hand)
Republic Credits will do fine.
WATTO
No they won't!
OBI-WAN
(waving hand again)
Republic Credits will do fine.
WATTO
No they won't! What are ya, a Jedi
or something, waving yar hand like
that? Unless ya got the right
money, or something to trade, yar
not getting anything!
Obi-Wan nods politely, but is gritting his teeth.
OBI-WAN
Perhaps I'll be back.
(to Sab�)
Come.
Obi-Wan barges out the shop. Sab� looks back at Padm�,
worried, then follows Obi-Wan.
WATTO
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Ah, outlanders. They think they're
so smart.
Padm� watches the exit, worried.
EXT. KATANN 3, STREET OUTSIDE WATTO'S SHOP - MORNING
Obi-Wan and Sab� walk away from Watto's shop.
SABE
Great! That was a total disaster!
What was that waving all about?
OBI-WAN
With the Force you can influence
the weak minded. Too bad he didn't
seem to be weak minded enough. Odd.
SABE
Enough of this. We just grab her,
and blast out of here!
OBI-WAN
It may not be that easy. Have you
spoken to her?
SABE
She told us to meet her later. Then
we shall act.
EXT. KATANN 3, SLAVE HOVELS - DAY
Shmi walks across the street carrying some droid parts. She
turns a corner and BUMPS into a man.
SHMI
Oh!
She looks up at...Cliegg Lars.
CLIEGG
Sorry. I'm terribly sorry. Here,
let me pick that up for you.
SHMI
No, it's alright. I wasn't looking.
Cliegg picks up some parts and looks at the pretty woman -
who stares at him. Shmi blushes.
SHMI (CONT'D)
You're the man who was sold to
Tricorous the other day. With the
boy.
CLIEGG
Yeah. Cliegg Lars. The boy is my
son Owen.
SHMI
Shmi Skywalker.
CLIEGG
We're slaves alright. You're a
slave too?
Shmi nods.
SHMI
Didn't you say your ship was
attacked?
CLIEGG
We were on our way to Tatooine,
when the freighter was taken over
by pirates. And now we're stuck
here. It's unreal.
SHMI
Welcome to the club.
OWEN (O.S.)
Dad?!
Shmi and Cliegg turn to see Owen walking toward them.
OWEN (CONT'D)
Dad, Tricorous wants us to pick up
some new power converters at the
freighter docks.
CLIEGG
Don't work too hard, son. I'm not
planning to stay long.
SHMI
I hear that a lot lately.
OWEN
Will we ever get to see our new
home on Tatooine?
CLIEGG
You better believe it. That's our
future, son. Now go ahead.
Owen walks away.
SHMI
Nice boy.
CLIEGG
I don't want his future destroyed.
Well, I guess I should be on my way
now.
He hands Shmi the parts, but he doesn't leave. An uneasy
moment.
SHMI
Yes. I guess I'll see you around.
Maybe you can tell me about your
home.
CLIEGG
I'd rather just show you.
He doesn't wait for a reply. He nods briefly and walks away.
Shmi watches him go, a smile on her face.
EXT. KATANN 3, STREETS - EVENING
Padm� walks quickly and cautiously across a street, looking
around to see if nobody's following her. She turns a corner
at the local bank.
OBI-WAN (O.S.)
Over here!
Padm� turns and walks to some shadows.
From across the street Anakin secretly follows her.
Padm� reaches a group of people: Obi-Wan, Sab�, Qui-Gon and
Jango.
PADME
Sab�!
SABE
Padm�!
The girls embrace and cry.
SABE (CONT'D)
I was afraid I had lost you.
PADME
I'm okay, I'm alright now.
Qui-Gon bows before Padm�.
QUI-GON
Your Highness, it is an honor to
finally meet you.
Obi-Wan bows too. Jango simply watches.
From his hiding place, Anakin watches in amazement.
PADME
Your Highness? What are you talking
about? I'm not -
Sab� laughs nervously.
SABE
Isn't she humble?!
OBI-WAN
Wait. You called her Padm�. Queen
Amidala's first name is Sab�, like
(realization hits him)
you...
Qui-Gon sighs and grins.
QUI-GON
(to Sab�)
Your Highness...
Jango simply grins, shaking his head.
SABE
Yes, I am Queen Amidala. Monarch of
the Naboo, Daughter of Eirt�,
Keeper of the Kyber Crystal.
Remarkably, nobody bows, so she continues.
SABE (CONT'D)
This is Padm�, my half sister. She
protected me by acting as my
double, my decoy.
Anakin can't believe what he's hearing.
Neither can Obi-Wan.
OBI-WAN
This is incredible! All this for
nothing. We could've gone straight
to Coruscant.
PADME
For nothing? Hello?! What about
me?!
SABE
Please understand. I had to find my
sister. I love her so much. She's
the only family I have, and it's
because of me she's in this mess.
Surely you would do the same.
OBI-WAN
I can understand, but your people -
QUI-GON
That is why we must hurry.
JANGO
Anybody got any ideas on how to get
this one here free?
PADME
They've put an explosive
transmitter inside me. If I try to
escape you'll be scraping my
insides from the pavement.
SABE
There's got to be a way. Come on!
You're Jedi Knights!
ANAKIN
Jedi Knights?! Oh!
Anakin stumbles out of his hiding place.
The others are on full alert.
PADME
Wait! It's Anakin.
SABE
The slave boy from the shop.
PADME
I live with him and his mother.
It's okay, we can trust him.
JANGO
Intergalactic Survival Rule Number
One: Don't trust anyone, honey.
QUI-GON
I suggest we leave before any more
people listen in on us. Obi-Wan, go
with Sab - the Queen and Padm� to
the boy's house, and protect them.
I will stay in the ship with Jango.
Contact me if there's anything.
OBI-WAN
Very well.
Sab�, Padm�, Obi-Wan and Anakin start moving. Anakin looks at
Obi-Wan.
ANAKIN
Anakin Skywalker.
OBI-WAN
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
ANAKIN
So you're a Jedi?
Obi-Wan nods and observes the overjoyed teenager.
INT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, MAIN ROOM - EVENING
Anakin and the rest enter.
ANAKIN
Mom!
Shmi comes in from the kitchen and is surprised to see the
newcomers.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Mom, these are friends of Padm�.
They've come to rescue her!
SHMI
Oh my. I -
ANAKIN
This is Sab�, she's Padm�'s half
sister, and this is Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Mom, get this, he's a Jedi!
Shmi is too surprised to speak.
OBI-WAN
It's nice to meet you, but we don't
wish to intrude.
SHMI
You're not. If you're with Padm�,
you're not.
EXT. KATANN 3, SLAVE HOVELS - NIGHT
Night has fallen over this side of Katann 3. All is quiet.
INT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
They are all seated at the table.
ANAKIN
Have you been on many adventures?
OBI-WAN
Several. Just doing my duty.
ANAKIN
I've always dreamt about being a
Jedi Knight. I can't believe I
finally met one. So how are you
going to free us?
OBI-WAN
(surprised)
We're not here to free all the
slaves, I'm afraid. Our mission is
to rescue Padm�.
PADME
You can't leave them behind. They
need our help. All the slaves here
do. You're a Jedi Knight. It's your
duty to fight against evil like
this.
OBI-WAN
There's only two of us, and we
don't have much time.
ANAKIN
But -
SHMI
He's right, Anakin. It's simply not
possible to free all the slaves.
SABE
So how are we going to free Padm�
then?
OBI-WAN
We've got nothing to trade. The
only way to free her is to somehow
deactivate the transmitter inside
her.
PADME
The only way to do that without
blowing me up is to deactivate the
main transmitter control - and
that's well guarded.
ANAKIN
It's on Katann Two, where GARDULLA
THE ABOMINABLE lives.
SABE
There's got to be an easier way.
SHMI
There isn't. You wouldn't be the
first to try, and fail.
OBI-WAN
Tell me all you know about this
transmitter system.
ANAKIN
I know a lot about it! Take it out,
and all the slaves would be free,
not just Padm�. It could work! Mom,
tell them it could work, you know
it could!
SHMI
Ani...it's impossible.
ANAKIN
Maybe not for a Jedi.
He looks at Obi-Wan, filled with hope.
EXT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, PORCH - NIGHT
Obi-Wan and Anakin are sitting on a ledge outside the
Skywalker slave hovel.
OBI-WAN
The Force is what guides us, binds
us. It's all around us.
ANAKIN
Even out here, so far from
everything?
Obi-Wan laughs.
OBI-WAN
Yes Anakin, even here. Between you
and me, and in you. It's what binds
the universe together. Without the
Force, life would not exist.
ANAKIN
In me?
OBI-WAN
The Force is in all of us. Some are
simply better attuned to it than
others.
ANAKIN
How do you know if the Force is
with you, that you can use it I
mean.
Obi-Wan thinks.
OBI-WAN
You just know. And there are tests.
Plus a Jedi can sense it.
He observes Anakin.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
I sense that the Force is strong
with you, Anakin.
ANAKIN
My mom says some of her ancestors
were Jedi Knights. So I guess it
could run in the family.
OBI-WAN
Skywalker! Of course!
ANAKIN
You heard about them?
OBI-WAN
There were some famous Skywalker
Jedi a long, long time ago.
ANAKIN
Then perhaps I should be one too.
Shmi appears in the doorway.
SHMI
Anakin, it's time for bed.
ANAKIN
My mom always says I'm special. And
I'm good at fixing things, and I'm
a pilot! I practically taught
myself! And sometimes...no, it's
silly.
OBI-WAN
(chuckling)
What is it, Anakin?
ANAKIN
Sometimes...it's as if I can see
things before they happen. I don't
know how to explain it, it's weird.
OBI-WAN
It's a Jedi trait. Perhaps you
should be a Jedi.
SHMI
Ani, I'm not going to tell again!
OBI-WAN
Get some sleep, we've got a busy
day ahead.
Anakin gets up.
ANAKIN
You think it will work?
OBI-WAN
We'll see.
ANAKIN
I want to be a Jedi, like you.
Anakin walks inside, leaving Obi-Wan behind in thought.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, PASSENGER HOLD - EARLY MORNING
Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Sab�, and Jango are in the TF transport.
QUI-GON
No. It will never work and we don't
have time for this.
Come up with something better, Obi
Wan. You're getting carried away.
OBI-WAN
It's the only way, and the best
way...for everybody.
JANGO
Except for us, because it's gonna
get us killed.
SABE
Come on, what kind of warriors are
you? Jango, if you want more money,
you've got it! Jedi, I expected
more from you. If you won't help,
then...then...to hell with you all!
I'll just do something myself!
Sab� grabs a blaster and storms out of the transport.
OBI-WAN
Sab�, wait!
Obi-Wan runs after her.
JANGO
On the other hand, it might just
work.
QUI-GON
Just...
INT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, WORK AREA - MORNING
Shmi and Obi-Wan are in the work area. Parts and equipment
everywhere.
Anakin's droid is sitting next to the workbench. Its
primitive head now lies on the bench.
Obi-Wan and Shmi are fixing C-3PO's previously severed head
onto the droid's body.
SHMI
Like this. Yes, that should do it.
Its carcass is from protocol droid
parts.
OBI-WAN
Okay, let's see.
Obi-Wan flips a switch on the droid and its inner workings
start buzzing. C-3PO's eyes light up.
SEE-THREEPIO
Ah! Stop! I'm unarmed! Oh!
(beat)
Wait, what's going on? Where am I?
Something's wrong....Oh no! What
happened to my body? Help!
Obi-Wan flips the switch again and the droid shuts up.
Shmi and Obi-Wan both laugh.
OBI-WAN
Well, it's working.
Shmi activates a machine.
SHMI
With this you can download its
memory, and you can erase it, give
it a clean slate so to speak.
OBI-WAN
That may be a wise idea. He wasn't
working for the nicest of people.
He looks at Shmi.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
Your son is an interesting boy.
SHMI
He's special. He knows he is.
OBI-WAN
I like to do a few tests with him.
SHMI
To see if the Force is strong with
him?
Obi-Wan nods.
SHMI (CONT'D)
I know it is. If he were free,
could he be a Jedi?
OBI-WAN
That depends on many factors.
SHMI
I so much want a better life for
him.
Obi-Wan looks in Shmi's eyes, feeling her sadness.
Just then Sab� and Anakin walk in.
Sab� stops dead in her tracks at the sight of Obi-Wan and
Shmi sitting so close to each other, looking at one another.
Anakin doesn't see a problem and is in a good mood.
ANAKIN
Later today I've got a shipment of
parts to Katann Two.
It's the best chance you've got of
getting there unseen!
OBI-WAN
Good, we'll make sure we're ready.
ANAKIN
Hey, what are you doing with my
droid?!
Shmi looks at Obi-Wan and smiles.
SHMI
Making it better.
Obi-Wan turns to Sab� who eyes them coldly.
OBI-WAN
Something wrong?
SABE
No, nothing's wrong. Should there
be something wrong?
She turns around and walks away to the porch.
Obi-Wan just doesn't understand. He gets up and follows her.
EXT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, PORCH - MOMENTS LATER
Obi-Wan finds Sab� sitting on the porch, sobbing.
OBI-WAN
Sab�? What's going on?
SABE
(sobbing)
It's over. Forget about it all.
It's over!
OBI-WAN
What is?
SABE
(sobbing)
Just go back to her! She's waiting
for you.
OBI-WAN
Wha - Shmi? Sab�, there's nothing
between Shmi and me.
SABE
(sobbing, angry)
Just like there's nothing between
you and me. I get it, so just
forget about it. Forget I ever
existed. Everybody else will.
Obi-Wan sits down next to her.
OBI-WAN
What are you talking about?
SABE
I've tried to be strong, but I
can't. I just can't take it
anymore, Obi-Wan. I'm a queen. My
people counted on me, and I failed
them. Now they're lost, at the
mercy of murderers; everybody from
my ship is killed; we are nowhere;
my sister has a bomb in her rib
cage; and by tomorrow we'll
probably be all dead.
Obi-Wan is at a loss of words.
SABE (CONT'D)
(laughing through her
tears)
Can't screw things up much worse,
can I? My mother must be spinning
in her grave.
OBI-WAN
We will make things right, Sab�, I
promise. We will not give up.
Never.
They look in each other's eyes, and Sab� starts crying
uncontrollably. Obi-Wan holds her and she buries herself in
his arms.
INT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, WORK AREA - MORNING
Shmi and Anakin are at work with C-3PO. R2-D2 is there too.
Shmi unplugs the droid from the equipment.
SHMI
That should do it.
Anakin holds a memory disc.
ANAKIN
I hope Obi-Wan can find something
useful on this.
Shmi activates the droid. It whirs to live, and its eyes
light up.
SEE-THREEPIO
Oh, ah.
SHMI
Identify.
SEE-THREEPIO
I am SEE-THREEPIO, human-cyborg
relations. How may I serve you?
SHMI
Okay, what do you remember?
SEE-THREEPIO
Remember, ma'am? I...nothing I'm
afraid. Oh my! Am I new?
SHMI
You're fine.
ANAKIN
You're great! Can you stand up and
walk?
C-3PO stands up and takes a few steps with his new home-made
skeleton body. Artoo lets out a flurry of beeps and whistles.
SEE-THREEPIO
I beg your pardon...what do you
mean I'm naked?
Artoo beeps. C-3PO looks at his own skeleton body.
SEE-THREEPIO (CONT'D)
My parts are showing? Oh, my
goodness. How embarrassing!
EXT. SPACE, KATANN
The Sith Infiltrator enters the Katann system, and heads
towards the planetoid cluster.
INT. SITH INFILTRATOR, COCKPIT
Darth Keel is in the pilots seat. She looks at the cluster of
planets and moons. She pilots the ship to them.
EXT. KATANN 3, MINING TOWN - DAY
The town is bustling with activity.
INT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, MAIN ROOM - DAY
Anakin stands in the middle of the room, blindfolded, with a
stick in his hands. Obi-Wan is seated at the table.
He holds a small hand-held viewing screen. In rapid
succession, images flash across the screen.
ANAKIN
A ship...a cup...a speeder.
Obi-Wan turns the screen off.
OBI-WAN
Very good.
ANAKIN
Why do I have to hold this stick?
And why the blindfold? I can't see
on the screen anyway. I feel
stupid, somebody could walk in and -
Obi-Wan suddenly throws a small stone at Anakin. It HITS the
young teenager.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Wha - hey!
Anakin takes off the blindfold.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
OBI-WAN
Concentrate. Put the blindfold back
on. Put it on.
Anakin hesitates, but puts the blindfold back on. He takes a
defensive stance, stick ready.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
Let go of your thoughts. Empty your
mind.
Qui-Gon Jinn walks in and is surprised to see Obi-Wan and
Anakin like this.
Obi-Wan again throws a small rock. This time Anakin
successfully deflects it with the stick.
QUI-GON
Well done, Anakin.
Anakin takes the blindfold off.
QUI-GON (CONT'D)
Now you'd better get to Watto and
get the carrier ready. You don't
want to be late.
ANAKIN
Okay. Just make sure you're on time
too.
QUI-GON
We will.
Anakin starts to leave. At the door, he turns to Obi-Wan.
ANAKIN
You know, it's almost as if I could
see the rock, just like those
things on the screen.
OBI-WAN
That's very good, Anakin. Now be on
your way.
Anakin leaves.
QUI-GON
What are you doing, Obi-Wan?
OBI-WAN
What does it look like?
QUI-GON
This is neither the place nor the
time to test the boy. It's not why
we're here.
OBI-WAN
Anakin is very strong with the
Force. I've never encountered
someone like him. He's a natural.
Testing him is the right thing to
do - as is freeing him...and
training him.
QUI-GON
I know you are eager to train an
apprentice of your own, Obi-Wan,
but it's not something to be taken
on lightly. Besides, the boy is too
old. The Council will not agree
with his training.
OBI-WAN
Students older than Anakin have
been trained.
QUI-GON
In recent times? No, Obi-Wan. You
must accept, and respect the
insights of your peers.
OBI-WAN
Anakin has the makings of a great
Jedi Knight.
Once the Council sees his
potential, they will agree with me.
You can't deny that he has the
potential, Qui-Gon. You must sense
how strongly the Force is with him.
QUI-GON
Feelings cannot always lead to
actions, my young friend.
EXT. SKYWALKER HOVEL, DOOR - DAY
Just outside the door, Anakin has been secretly listening in
on the conversation between the two Jedi Knights. He turns
away, sad and disappointed.
EXT. SPACE, KATANN PLANETOIDS
The cargo/ore carrier zooms through space, past an asteroid
planetoid.
The ship consists of a cargo and cockpit module and two large
engines in front of it, connected to the module by pipes and
cables.
INT. CARRIER, COCKPIT
Anakin is at the controls. Padm� sits behind him. R2-D2 is
present.
ANAKIN
I'm an excellent pilot! Everybody
says so. This one time, I flew
straight over that asteroid through
a canyon at top speed! Watto was
angry, but I didn't make a scratch!
Want me to show you?
Anakin starts steering the craft towards the asteroid. Padm�
stops him.
PADME
No thanks, not today.
ANAKIN
Yeah, yeah, you're right. We must
keep a low profile, so nobody gets
suspicious.
Artoo bleeps.
INT. WATTO'S SHOP, BACK ROOM - EVENING
Shmi is working in Watto's kitchen, preparing diner for
Watto, who sits at a table.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Ya look nervous Shmi. What's going
on?
SHMI
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Nothing. I just don't like it when
he has to fly on his own. You know
that.
WATTO
(In Huttees, subtitled)
What are ya worried about? The kid
is a good pilot. Besides, he's not
alone.
SHMI
I know.
She puts a plate of food on a table.
WATTO
Good, good, you can go home.
Shmi leaves.
EXT. KATANN 3, MINING TOWN, STREETS - EVENING
Shmi walks across the streets.
INT. TF TRANSPORT DOCKING BAY - MOMENTS LATER
Shmi enters the docking bay where the TF transport is parked.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - MOMENTS LATER
Shmi enters the cockpit of the transport where she finds
Cliegg and Owen Lars and C-3PO.
SHMI
I'm glad you're helping me, Cliegg.
CLIEGG
Anything to get our freedom back.
Shmi points at a transmitter.
SHMI
Anything?
OWEN
Nothing yet. I hope this
transmitter is working. It's got a
lousy range.
CLIEGG
(not convinced himself)
It'll work.
EXT. KATANN 3, PLAIN - EVENING
The Sith Infiltrator lands on a barren piece of land with a
thundering noise. Smoke hisses from its landing-gear.
The hatch opens and a ramp extends to the ground.
The horror that is Darth Keel exits the ship.
She looks out over the plain, then uses her ELECTRO
BINOCULARS.
She sees THREE TOWNS. Keel lowers the binoculars and presses
some buttons on her wrist-device.
From the ship THREE odd-looking, floating PROBE DROIDS
emerge.
Keel punches in some commands on her wrist-device, and the
three droids each go their own way - one to each of the
towns.
Keel watches the droids fly to their targets.
EXT. KATANN 2, LANDING AREA - NIGHT
The ground of the planetoid is covered in a blue haze. Light
from the gas giant and its moons is reflected by the mist and
casts Katann 2 in a strange blue light.
Buildings and landing platforms are built on rocks and
mountains that extend above the eternal mist.
The palace of the slavers is located on a mountain not far
from the landing area.
The carrier transport lands on a landing area where other
transports and ships are parked.
INT. CARRIER, COCKPIT, KATANN 2 - NIGHT
The carrier transport has landed.
Anakin shuts down the systems, and is about to get up from
his seat. Padm� stops him.
PADME
Anakin, before we go... I want you
to know...well, a lot can happen,
and I just want you to know that I
really appreciate what you're doing
for us.
ANAKIN
I'm also doing it for myself, and
my mother.
PADME
I know, but still... I think you're
very brave.
They look at each other. Padm� leans forward and kisses
Anakin on his forehead. Anakin blushes and looks deeply in
Padm�'s eyes. He moves to kiss her on her mouth, but she
holds him back.
PADME (CONT'D)
Whoa, kiddo. I think you're just a
little too young for me.
Anakin blushes and doesn't know where to look.
ANAKIN
(stammering)
Sorry, I...uhm...
He gets up again and turns to leave.
Padm� thinks for an moment and grins.
PADME
Anakin...
She turns him around.
She holds his head in her hands and gives him a soft, sweet
kiss on his lips, lasting just long enough to melt the
teenage boy.
Anakin is at a loss of words.
PADME (CONT'D)
For good luck.
She gets up and leaves a confused Anakin behind.
EXT. KATANN 2, LANDING AREA - NIGHT
SLAVES and DROIDS hurry about, tending to cargo.
Anakin, Padm�, and Artoo stand beside the carrier as a crane
removes several containers from the cargo module. The
containers are placed amidst others with a large "thud".
Padm� and Anakin wince.
The working crew moves away to attend to other work.
Anakin, Padm�, and Artoo wait till everybody is gone and walk
over to the containers.
Anakin opens one. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Sab� and Jango stumble
out.
JANGO
Next time I ride in the front!
Anakin points at the palace.
ANAKIN
That's where the slavers who run
this place live. Gardulla the
Abominable sure likes her luxury.
And that -
Anakin points at a big transmitter dish with antennae on top
of a mountain.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
- is the transmitter we need to
take out.
PADME
Looks dangerous.
JANGO
And I take it that -
Jango points at a huge cannon on another mountain top not far
from the palace.
JANGO (CONT'D)
- is the gun we need to blow up the
transmitter with.
ANAKIN
That's right. First get in the
palace and de-activate the slave
explosives, then blow up the
transmitter so they can't change it
back.
OBI-WAN
And the ensuing slave-revolt should
do the rest.
JANGO
If they revolt.
Qui-Gon checks a com-link.
QUI-GON
As soon as we've done it, we'll
contact Shmi and the rest. They'll
get things started.
ANAKIN
You can count on my mom! She's not
afraid! She -
OBI-WAN
- will be fine. Now let's start
moving.
EXT. KATANN 2, CANNON BASE - NIGHT
Obi-Wan and Jango sneak along a ridge to the entrance that
leads to the big cannon.
An elevator leads up to the weapon located on the top of the
mountain.
One GUARD stands near the elevator.
Beneath them, the blue mist stretches out.
JANGO
Anti-Orbital gun. Used against
attacks from space. Should be more
than enough firepower to blow up
that transmitter.
OBI-WAN
Wait here. I'll handle this.
Obi-Wan sneaks away.
JANGO
Jedi show-off.
Beneath Jango, in the blue mist, something appears to be
moving.
Obi-Wan runs to the guard and switches on his lightsaber.
Before the guard can react, he is CUT down.
OBI-WAN
Okay, let's go!
Nothing, Jango doesn't appear around the corner.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
Jango! Come on! What the -
Angered, Obi-Wan runs back around the corner of the ridge -
and stops dead in his tracks.
Jango lies on the ground, unconscious. A HUGE ALIEN hovers
over him.
Obi-Wan raises his saber, but he senses something and quickly
twists around.
A circular stun-ray HITS him - fired by a SECOND ALIEN.
Obi-Wan falls back, as his lightsaber has only deflected part
of the blast.
Both aliens open fire with their stun rays, and Obi-Wan
slumps down.
EXT. KATANN 2, PALACE, ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Qui-Gon, Anakin, Padm�, Sab�, and Artoo approach a side
entrance to the palace.
Several fighters fly away from a nearby hangar.
ANAKIN
They'll never expect anything.
PADME
Of course not. How is anybody
supposed to get in with THAT
guarding the entrance?
Padm� points at the alien GUARD at the door. He's huge, of
the same species as the aliens that captured the boys.
QUI-GON
I'll handle this.
They approach the guard.
PALACE GUARD
(in Huttees)
Halt! What do you want?!
QUI-GON
We are here to fix the transmitter.
We are expected.
PALACE GUARD
(in Huttees)
Fix? I don't know anything about
this. Show me your ID!
QUI-GON
(waves hand, mind
tricking)
You don't need to see our ID, you
can let us in.
PALACE GUARD
(in Huttees)
I don't need to see your ID, you
can go in.
QUI-GON
(mind tricking)
We are late, we must hurry.
PALACE GUARD
(in Huttees)
You're late. Hurry! Hurry!
The guard opens the door and our friends quickly go inside.
INT. PALACE, ENTRANCE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The group quickly moves through the hallway as the door
closes behind them.
SABE
Whew! I'm glad it worked this time.
INT. PALACE, CORRIDORS - MOMENTS LATER
Qui-Gon and the others walk through the hallways.
Several INHABITANTS and WORKERS are present.
From another hallway they spot a GROUP of people coming.
They quickly go through a door to hide.
INT. PALACE, DRESSING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Qui-Gon and the others hide in a room as a big yellow lizard
like alien passes through the hallway on a hover-sled.
It is GARDULLA THE ABOMINABLE.
Several other ALIENS, including a few HUTTS, and GUARDS
accompany her.
Qui-Gon peeks through the crack of the door. Gardulla and her
entourage move out of view.
PADME
Are we going to hide and mind trick
our way through this place? We're
bound to run into more of them.
QUI-GON
It's more crowded than I thought.
We could use a better disguise,
dress as guards perhaps.
Anakin looks around the room.
Clothes hang on racks. It's some kind of dressing room.
ANAKIN
I've got a better idea. Take off
your clothes.
INT. PALACE, CORRIDORS
Qui-Gon, Padm�, Sab�, Anakin, and Artoo walk through a
corridor in the palace.
Qui-Gon, Padm� and Sab� now wear the revealing outfits of
slave dancing girls.
Anakin is still in his own clothes and walks behind the
ladies at a slower pace, his eyes almost bulging out of their
sockets. He seems to be recovering from a shock.
They pass several GUARDS and the men look at the skimpily
clad ladies while making remarks.
Qui-Gon has her lightsaber hidden underneath her skirt. Her
outfit seems to fit. She even manages to look classy.
Sab�'s skimpy metal bikini outfit seems to have been made for
her. She looks like a perfect dancing girl.
Padm� continues to re-adjust her outfit, that was clearly
made for someone with six breasts.
PADME
It's too wide. I'm four short.
QUI-GON
Do not lament over that which you
cannot attain, celebrate that which
you are blessed with.
PADME
I'm not blessed with much to begin
with.
SABE
Give it a few more years, little
sister.
PADME
Are you okay, Anakin? You haven't
said a word.
ANAKIN
Uh-huh.
SABE
Too bad we couldn't find a costume
for you. Just pretend you're
helping us.
PADME
With what? Getting dressed?
SABE
He seemed to have an eye for it.
They walk to the entrance of the transmitter control room.
INT. PALACE, ENTRANCE TO TRANSMITTER CONTROL ROOM
Qui-Gon and the rest arrive outside the transmitter control
room.
One alien GUARD (not of the same species as before) stands
outside the room.
Qui-Gon starts towards the guard, but Sab� holds her back.
SABE
I'm best qualified to do the mind
job this time.
QUI-GON
Well, you've practiced on Obi-Wan.
Sab� ignores this remark and approaches the guard.
SABE
Hello. You guys are doing such a
good job, that Gardulla sends us to
thank you...in a special way...
The guard RESPONDS in an ALIEN LANGUAGE.
SABE (CONT'D)
Ha, ha. Now let's get inside, and
get this party started.
The guard again SAYS something ALIEN.
SABE (CONT'D)
Yeah...I don't understand, but I'm
sure you understand body language.
So just open the door and let us
in, alright?
The guard SHOUTS something ALIEN.
SABE (CONT'D)
Oh, whatever!
She SWINGS her leg to kick the guard in the face -
SABE (CONT'D)
Hay -
- but the guard CATCHES her leg, THROWS her down and PULLS
his gun.
SABE (CONT'D)
- Yaa!
In a lightning-fast move, Qui-Gon JUMPS, IGNITES her
lightsaber, and CUTS down the guard.
ANAKIN
Wow!
QUI-GON
Stand back.
Qui-Gon opens the door and goes inside.
We hear some SHOUTS, and the sound of a lightsaber swinging,
then -
QUI-GON (CONT'D)
Okay, it's clear!
Padm� helps Sab� up.
PADME
You don't have much luck with men.
ANAKIN
That was not a man.
SABE
What?!
Anakin, Padm�, Sab� and Artoo go in.
INT. TRANSMITTER CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
All kinds of equipment are humming.
TWO DEAD OPERATORS lie on the floor.
PADME
Artoo.
Artoo beeps, and plugs into a console.
Info starts flashing on a screen.
Qui-Gon works some consoles.
Images start to come up on another screen.
QUI-GON
Security feeds.
PADME
No unpleasant surprises for us
then.
Anakin steps over a dead body and sits down in front of a
console.
ANAKIN
We have to switch to the de
activation code, and transmit it
system-wide.
SABE
Hurry! Obi-Wan and Jango must be at
the gun by now.
QUI-GON
No, they're not.
Qui-Gon points at a screen.
On it, we see Obi-Wan and Jango being led handcuffed into a
large open area by guards.
PADME
Okay, there's an unpleasant
surprise.
SABE
We've got to help them!
QUI-GON
De-activate the transmitter, then
get out. I'll handle this.
ANAKIN
You're going alone? But -
QUI-GON
Just do as I say. Don't stay here
any longer than you have to.
Understood?
SABE
Understood. Don't worry.
ANAKIN
Be careful.
Qui-Gon smiles.
QUI-GON
I will.
Qui-Gon leaves.
INT. PALACE, PIT AREA
Obi-Wan and Jango are brought before the Katann rulers: the
giant yellow lizard Gardulla the Abominable, and her fellow
SLAVERS.
Several other SLAVERS and PIRATES are also present, as well
as numerous GUARDS. Several MERCENARIES and BOUNTY HUNTERS
make up the deadly audience.
In the middle of the room is a large pit, with a heavy door
on one side.
Gardulla says something in HUTTEES.
OBI-WAN
This is a misunderstanding. Release
us, and we'll forget about it.
The aliens laugh.
Once again Gardulla SPEAKS.
JANGO
I'm sure we can arrange something.
What if I told you...that he's a
Jedi?
Obi-Wan's eyes shoot fire. The aliens laugh.
GARDULLA
Jedi! Harharhar!
One of the huge guards presents Obi-Wan's lightsaber to
Gardulla.
Gardulla inspects the weapon and looks at Obi-Wan. She ASKS
him something in HUTTEES.
OBI-WAN
If I was a Jedi, you'd all be dead
by now.
Gardulla thinks this over, then GIVES AN ORDER to her men.
Two guards grab Jango and one of them takes off his
handcuffs.
JANGO
(uncertain)
Thanks.
Then the guards push him to the edge of the pit.
JANGO (CONT'D)
Hey! Not me. Take him!
OBI-WAN
I think I might enjoy this.
The guards PUSH Jango into the pit.
He DROPS to the bottom.
The heavy door starts to open.
The aliens cheer.
Jango recovers from his fall and is nervous.
Obi-Wan watches with some concern.
While the door is still going up, he hears GROWLING.
Then a BEAST enters through the opening.
It's a bull-like animal with three horns, the REEK.
The beast spots Jango and slowly approaches him.
Jango looks for a way out and staggers back.
The door behind the Reek closes.
The Reek eyes Jango for a moment, howls, and prepares to
charge.
Jango prepares for the worst.
The Reek howls and RUNS towards Jango, who JUMPS aside just
in time to avoid the beasts horns.
The aliens cheers them on.
The Reek turns, but Jango JUMPS ON TOP of the animal and
takes it by its horns!
The beast BUCKS wildly.
The aliens love it.
Soon the rodeo is over as the Reek TOSSES Jango of its back
and turns and prepares for another attack.
Jango RUNS with the Reek in pursuit.
There's nowhere to go.
Jango reaches the door and JUMPS out of the way as the Reek
CHARGES.
The Reek HITS its head against the door, and howls in pain
and anger.
Jango runs back and looks at Obi-Wan, who watches the
spectacle from above - held by two guards.
JANGO
I could use some help!
OBI-WAN
You seem to be doing just fine.
JANGO
Come on!
The Reek runs towards Jango who is backed into a corner.
Jango tries to jump to the side, but is HIT by the bull's
horns and FALLS down.
The Reek runs over him, almost trampling him.
JANGO (CONT'D)
Aah!
QUI-GON (O.S.)
Enough!
Jango comes to and looks up.
Everybody looks at the direction of Qui-Gon's voice.
The guards at the door twist around.
The slave-girl dressed Jedi Knight activates her lightsaber
and CLEAVES the guards in half.
The aliens react and pull their weapons.
Gardulla ORDERS her men to fire.
Laserblasts hit Qui-Gon's saber and are deflected back,
killing several guards.
The leaders take cover while the other aliens move with more
caution.
Obi-Wan concentrates.
Suddenly a blaster FLIES from the belt of one of the guards
and into the pit.
GUARD
Hey!
In the pit, the Reek turns and charges again.
Jango DIVES for the blaster, GRABS it, KNEELS, AIMS and
SHOOTS the poor animal between the eyes as it charges.
The Reek collapses, dead.
Above, Obi-Wan concentrates and his handcuffs SNAP open.
He quickly GRABS his guards and THROWS them to the floor with
his Jedi strength.
Obi-Wan FORCE-PULLS his lightsaber from Gardulla's sled into
his hand and starts fighting the aliens.
Qui-Gon moves closer and cuts down several bad guys.
Obi-Wan JUMPS towards Gardulla and SWINGS his saber at her -
and the blade HITS a FORCE-FIELD. Obi-Wan backs away.
Gardulla and the other slavers CURSE and move away on their
hover-sleds, protected by the shield.
INT. PALACE, TRANSMITTER CONTROL ROOM
Artoo and Anakin are still at work in the control room.
The girls watch the fight on the screen.
Artoo whistles. On the console, lights start flashing, and
info starts appearing on screens. Artoo disconnects from the
console.
ANAKIN
Done! The explosives are
deactivated and the signal is sent
system wide!
PADME
They can't blow us up?
ANAKIN
We're free!
SABE
If we get out of here alive. Let's
go.
ANAKIN
Wait! We have to contact my mom!
SABE
Well then get on with it!
Anakin moves to another terminal and starts adjusting
controls. Padm� hands him a small com-link. Anakin plugs it
into the console.
The com-link crackles.
ANAKIN
Mom? Mom, come in.
Padm� punches him.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Uh, I mean Gundark calling nest,
Gundark calling nest. Come in nest.
SABE
Which harfnagger came up with that?
PADME
What's wrong with it?
The com-link crackles.
CLIEGG (V.O.)
Gundark, this is nest. Go ahead.
Aha!
ANAKIN
This is Gundark. The Mynocks are
away. Repeat: the Mynocks are away!
Sab� looks at Padm�, and shakes her head in disbelief.
CLIEGG (V.O.)
Mynocks are away. Copy that and
out.
SHMI (V.O.)
Ani, are you okay?
ANAKIN
Ah, mom!
Sab� reaches for the controls and switches the com-link off.
SABE
Pathetic! And you want to be a Jedi
Knight? Let's get out of...hang on!
The transmitter array hasn't been
destroyed yet!
ANAKIN
They can change it all back, and
blow up the slaves!
PADME
Us!
ANAKIN
But we've already given the word!
PADME
Move it!
They get out of the control room. Padm� turns back and starts
blasting the controls.
ANAKIN
That won't do any good. They've got
back-ups. That's why we have to
destroy the main transmitter array.
Somehow.
PADME
This may slow them down. Now let's
find a way to blow that sucker!
They run away.
INT. PALACE, PIT AREA
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon take care of the last of the guards.
Others have fled away.
The doors to the area are closing.
Qui-Gon tries to open them, but they're locked from the
outside.
OBI-WAN
We're trapped!
Qui-Gon moves to a console and inspects the controls.
JANGO (O.S.)
Hey! What about me?
Obi-Wan looks down in the pit. Jango stands there, blaster in
hand, next to the dead Reek.
OBI-WAN
Can you open that door down there?
JANGO
If I could, I wouldn't be standing
here.
Suddenly, the big door in the pit starts to slide open.
Qui-Gon stands at the console, finger on a button.
She smiles, then runs to the edge of the pit and jumps in.
She lands with grace, and runs to the open doorway.
QUI-GON
Gentlemen.
Jango runs after her.
Obi-Wan jumps in the pit and follows them.
INT. PALACE, BEAST DWELLINGS
An open area with some bones in it, leading to a gloomy
corridor. The three warriors proceed with caution.
INT. PALACE, AUDIENCE CHAMBER
Anakin, Padm�, Sab�, and Artoo enter a large luxurious
audience chamber.
A throne is set up in the room, with a grate in front of it.
The place is empty.
ANAKIN
I think we took a wrong turn.
PADME
Which way to go?
They look around the room. There are several exits.
Sab� walks to one exit covered by a curtain.
SABE
Maybe this way.
She pushes the curtain aside - and stands face to torso with
ONE OF THE HUGE ALIEN GUARDS.
She looks up and stares in the hideous face.
She stands frozen.
The alien growls.
Padm� raises her blaster, but before she can shoot, the alien
picks Sab� up, and HURLS her across the room.
SABE (CONT'D)
Waah!
Sab� CRASHES on top of Padm�, and both girls FALL on the
floor. Padm� DROPS her blaster.
Anakin tries to grab a chandelier to use as a weapon, but the
thing is too heavy.
The guard approaches him, picks up the chandelier with one
hand and BATS Anakin away.
ANAKIN
Ow!
Anakin lands on the grate in front of the throne.
R2-D2 rolls for cover.
The huge guard moves to the two girls, who recover and get
back up.
Padm� reaches for the blaster on the floor, but the guard
quickly STEPS on it.
He looks down at the girl, a wicked grin on his face.
He picks up the weapon.
Suddenly Sab� BASHES the alien with a pot.
The pot SHATTERS against the guard, who stumbles forward
against the throne.
Padm� and Sab� YELL, and THROW themselves on top of the huge
alien.
Still on the grate, Anakin comes to and looks at the brawl.
Artoo joins him and opens a compartment in his droid body. A
WELDING TORCH comes out.
Artoo moves forward to zap the guard.
The guard GROWLS and the girls SCREAM and YELL.
Sab� is knocked off the guard's back and hits a LEVER.
Suddenly, the grate beneath Anakin and Artoo DROPS OPEN and
the two FALL down.
It's a TRAP DOOR.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Ho!
Sab� gets up from the lever and the grate CLOSES again.
She spots the blaster.
The guard finally dislodges Padm� from his neck and TOSSES
her away.
He turns to Sab� - and looks straight into the barrel of the
blaster.
FLASH
The alien slumps to the floor.
Padm� readjusts her wide clothes and her hair.
PADME
Are we still in one piece?
Sab� blows the smoke off her blaster, twirls it round her
finger, pushes her metal bikini back in position, and looks
around.
SABE
Were are Anakin and Artoo?
INT. PALACE, PIT OF DEATH
Anakin and Artoo have slid through a tunnel into a pit.
Artoo shines a light.
It's the Pit Of Death, decorated with the bones of very
unlucky people.
There's an opening at the other end. Darkness lies beyond.
ANAKIN
Hey! Help!
PADME (O.S.)
Anakin? How did you get down
there?!
Anakin looks up. He sees Padm� and Sab� staring down through
the grate.
ANAKIN
Get us out!
PADME
How?
Under different circumstances the look of two scantily clad
teenage girls bending over the grate would have made Anakin
speechless, but a HORRENDOUS SNARLING coming from an
impenetrable darkness tends to make teenage boys change their
priorities.
ANAKIN
Get us out now!
SABE
Give us a moment!
Another vicious snarl.
Artoo whimpers. Anakin moves back.
Suddenly a huge tiger/rat/monster-like creature LEAPS into
the pit through the opening.
This is the NEXU.
It LEAPS onto Artoo and ROLLS around with the unfortunate
droid.
Artoo screams. Anakin jumps back.
PADME (O.S.)
What's that?
ANAKIN
Help!
The big kitty rolls around and plays with Artoo as if the
poor droid is a toy.
It lets go of Artoo and spots Anakin.
It sniffs and turns.
Anakin backs into the wall.
INT. PALACE, AUDIENCE CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS
While Padm� stares through the grate, Sab� looks around.
PADME
Sab�, do something!
Sab� spots the lever at the throne.
SABE
That's it!
Sab� reaches for the lever and PULLS.
PADME
Aah!
The trap door opens - and Padm� goes down.
SABE
Oh, blast! Sorry!
She makes a decision. She gets a firm grip on her blaster and
JUMPS down into the pit after her sister.
INT. PALACE, PIT OF DEATH - CONTINUOUS
Sab� comes sliding down in the pit and lands on top of Padm�.
PADME
Aw!
Sab� jumps up, blaster ready - and stares in disbelief.
The Nexu stands in front of Anakin, shaking its head in
confusion.
Anakin just stands still, eyes closed.
The girls gasp.
SABE
How does he do that?
PADME
That's incredible!
Whoops.
Both Anakin and the Nexu are distracted.
The big cat regains its senses and opens its mouth -
revealing lines of razor sharp teeth.
It's about to jump Anakin -
FLASH, FLASH, FLASH
The Nexu drops dead.
Anakin turns and sees Padm� holding Sab�'s shaking hands, and
the smoking blaster in it.
The girls gaze at the poor animal.
ANAKIN
Let's get out of here.
They pull Artoo back on his legs, and move to the opening.
Two beams of highly concentrated light emerge from the
darkness.
The group stops. Sab� raises her blaster.
Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Jango step forward.
QUI-GON
What are you doing here?
PADME
We could ask you the same thing.
JANGO
We took a wrong turn.
SABE
Ditto.
Obi-Wan spots the dead Nexu and turns to Anakin.
OBI-WAN
Are you alright?
ANAKIN
Yeah, I think so.
QUI-GON
There's an exit back there.
The group walks into the corridor.
Sab� passes Obi-Wan, who can't help but gawk at her slave
girl outfit.
SABE
I'm alright too, thanks for asking.
PADME
And thanks for not blowing up that
transmitter array.
INT. KATANN 3, TF TRANSPORT DOCKING BAY - EVENING
The Federation Transport still stands were we left it.
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - EVENING
Cliegg, Owen, Shmi and Threepio are still in the cockpit.
Threepio is at the control panel that Cliegg was working on
earlier.
OWEN
Sure this will work?
Threepio is about to respond when a sharp signal comes
through.
SEE-THREEPIO
We are online.
Shmi and Cliegg look at each other. Shmi takes a deep breath.
EXT. KATANN 3, STREETS - EVENING
People are walking around, and sitting at porches.
Suddenly, an alarm signal whines, then stops.
The emergency speakers that are located around the place come
to life with a shrieking sound.
Everybody looks up.
SHMI (V.O.)
Attention all slaves! Attention all
slaves!
(beat)
Your slave-transmitters have been
de-activated.
INT. WATTO'S HOME, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Watto looks up.
WATTO
What?
SHMI (V.O.)
I repeat, your slave-transmitters
have been de-activated.
EXT. KATANN 3, STREETS - CONTINUOUS
SHMI (V.O.)
Now stand up to your masters, and
FIGHT for your freedom!
The SLAVES outside look at each other.
One brave slave, the Twilek girl from the slave auction,
decides to put it to the test.
She picks up a knife and approaches her master, the two
headed alien. The alien master quickly grabs a control out of
his pocket, activates it, points it at the girl, and pushes a
button.
Nothing happens.
The Twilek girl moves forward.
The master tries again.
Nothing.
The master runs.
The slaves cheer.
INT. PALACE, HANGAR AREA (KATANN 2)
Our heroes are battling a group of guards in an area that
leads to a hangar.
Anakin picks up a blaster from a fallen guard and joins the
fight.
A GUARD fires at Padm� who takes cover.
Anakin BLASTS him.
Finally all bad guys go down. Jango runs to the door to the
hangar.
JANGO
Go, go, go!
Sab�, Padm�, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Artoo follow.
Anakin pauses to look at the guard he shot. Jango sees this.
JANGO (CONT'D)
First time you blasted someone?
Anakin nods.
JANGO (CONT'D)
Don't worry, you'll get used to it.
They go through the door.
Qui-Gon lags behind to provide cover - which is wise, because
through the door behind them comes a new group of heavily
armed GUARDS and MERCENARIES.
INT. PALACE, FIGHTER HANGAR - NIGHT
TWO P-13 CLAW-WING FIGHTERS are parked in the hangar.
A fighter of a different type (R-41 Starchaser) also stands
in the hangar, but is clearly out of commission as an engine
lies beside it.
While Jango and the others blast the GUARDS and PILOTS in the
hangar, Obi-Wan spins around to see what's going on with Qui
Gon.
She is holding off the aliens with her lightsaber.
The heavy door to that area is closing.
The bad guys in the hangar are gunned down.
Obi-Wan tries to open the door, but it's locked from another
location.
Jango points at torpedoes attached to the wings of the
fighters.
JANGO
Those will do the trick.
SABE
Plus we can get out of here.
Anakin realizes that Qui-Gon is still in the other area - as
Obi-Wan has PLUNGED his lightsaber into the heavy steel door
to try and cut a hole in it.
ANAKIN
Qui-Gon!
OBI-WAN
Go ahead! Go! We'll catch you
later!
ANAKIN
But...
OBI-WAN
Go!
Anakin turns and runs to the fighter Padm� has already
reached.
Jango, Sab�, and Artoo are climbing in another fighter.
The P-13 CLAW-WING FIGHTERS are old fashioned, but cool.
Two large engines on the back. Two curved wings extending
from the top - with torpedoes attached on both sides of each
wing.
A hatch leads to a small cockpit - where the pilot sits in
the back and up. In the front is the gunners position - with
a swiveling DUAL-LASERCANNON mounted on the nose. In the
middle is a bit of room for some cargo - in this case R2-D2.
Jango takes place in the pilot's seat; Sab� in the gunner's.
Their fighter takes off, and blasts away.
Anakin and Padm� get in another fighter.
ANAKIN
I'll fly!
PADME
I'll fly!
ANAKIN
Take the guns. I'm flying!
PADME
(annoyed)
Boys!
They get in their seats and blast off.
Obi-Wan is still busy cutting a whole in the heavy door,
anxious to join the fight on the other side.
INT. PALACE, HANGAR AREA
Sealed off from her friends, and surrounded by bad guys, Qui
Gon Jinn shows just what a Jedi is capable of.
Guards, heavily armed mercenaries, and bounty hunters are all
around her, but she moves with incredible speed and SLASHES
bad guys left and right.
A fair amount of them already lie dead on the floor.
Molten metal leaks from the door - where Obi-Wan is
attempting to cut a hole from the other side.
It all happens very fast.
Several bad guys surround her, but she manages to swing
around and deflect blasts coming from both sides.
She JUMPS up out of the firing line - two bad guys HIT each
other - and lands near another unlucky soul, who is CUT down.
A CLAWDITE mercenary who stands on a higher platform throws a
GRENADE - Qui-Gon JUMPS up as the blast ROCKS the place and
kills another guard.
Qui-Gon lands near the mercenary and swings her saber.
She barely misses.
The mercenary loses his balance, and FALLS off the platform.
Another bounty hunter, AURA SING, aims a large rifle, but Qui
Gon moves fast and CUTS the weapon in half.
She's about to engage the bounty hunter - when the previous
mercenary throws another GRENADE at her.
Both Qui-Gon and the bounty hunter JUMP off the platform and
are thrown by the blast.
All this time, the circle of molten metal in the door
continues nearing completion.
Qui-Gon and the bounty hunter fall on the floor.
Qui-Gon loses her lightsaber. It clatters on the floor.
Qui-Gon shakes her groggy head and gets up.
The bounty hunter SCRAMBLES for the saber, but Qui-Gon FORCE
PULLS it back in her hand.
She runs to the bounty hunter and KICKS her in the face -
knocking her down.
The mercenary behind her pulls a blaster and starts FIRING at
Qui-Gon, who SPINS around, deflects all the bolts and starts
running.
Qui-Gon deflects all the laserbolts and reaches the
mercenary, who keeps moving back.
With a gracious move, Qui-Gon deflects the last bolt, CUTS
OFF the mercenaries' hand, swings around, and CUTS OFF his
head.
The headless body falls to the floor.
Qui-Gon sighs, then senses something.
Behind her the bounty hunter is on her knees and points a
blaster at the Jedi.
Qui-Gon swings around, and LAUNCHES her lightsaber at the
bounty hunter.
Like a spear the deadly weapon PIERCES the bounty hunter -
who slumps back on the floor.
A CLATTERING noise.
Qui-Gon looks at the door.
Obi-Wan steps through the smoldering hole - ready for action.
Qui-Gon laughs.
EXT. KATANN 2, OUTSIDE - NIGHT
One of the fighters makes a wide turn between the mountain
peaks.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
Jango is in the pilot's seat; Sab� is the gunner. Artoo in
the middle.
JANGO
Now let's blow that transmitter.
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH - CONTINUOUS
The fighter zooms toward the palace and the transmitter dish.
Suddenly anti-aircraft guns start firing at the tiny vessel.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
Jango pulls the stick back and flies out of the firing line.
JANGO
Whoa!
SABE
We'll never get through!
Bleep, bleep, bleep, bleep.
Four blips appear on the cockpit display in front of Jango.
JANGO
We've got company. Hang on.
EXT. KATANN 2, OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS
Fighter One takes evasive action as FOUR R41-STARCHASERS come
zooming down and open fire.
Jango has trouble evading them.
The four fighters are on his tail.
Suddenly a P-13 FIGHTER appears behind them - and opens fire.
One of the R41's is HIT and banks away.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Anakin is the pilot; Padm� at the guns.
PADME
That's a hit!
ANAKIN
Get them!
Padm� pushes the 'fire' buttons, and another volley of
laserblasts is directed at the other fighters.
The fighters break up and fly away.
Padm� misses.
EXT. KATANN 2, OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS
Fighter Two joins Fighter One.
They turn for another round of dogfighting.
INT./EXT. FIGHTER ONE/FIGHTER TWO/OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS
JANGO
Kid, switch to com-signal Eleven
Three-Eight. Move to above and
behind me. Stay close.
ANAKIN (V.O.)
Copy that.
SABE
Here they come.
The three enemy fighters come blasting in.
Sab� returns fire, and damages one.
The fighters banks and swerve - entangled in a deadly game.
SABE (CONT'D)
Stay on him. Almost...
She fires.
BOOM!
The damaged fighter EXPLODES in a ball of flames.
SABE (CONT'D)
Yeah!
JANGO
Good shot. Anakin, are you with me?
ANAKIN
I've got one on me!
Not one, but two enemy fighters are on Fighter Two's tail,
firing relentlessly.
PADME
Go down!
Anakin pushes the stick down.
The fighter NOSE-DIVES to the ground.
The others follow.
Jango goes in a LOOP to get behind the others.
SABE
Waaah!
Anakin has to put all his piloting skills to use as the enemy
fighters pursue him.
He skims the blue foggy surface, and steers his fighter into
a narrow CANYON.
Jango comes up behind the two enemy fighters, but he has to
slow down to avoid crashing into the canyon walls.
Anakin races at top speed through the canyon, fighters behind
him.
He is all concentration.
Padm� is all nerves.
PADME
Whoa!
Anakin approaches a corner in the canyon with an overhanging
rock.
He activates a target display and fires a TORPEDO.
The torpedo zooms to the overhanging rock and BLOWS it UP at
the base.
The rocks come TUMBLING down.
One of the pursuing fighters is HIT by the falling rocks,
CRASHES into the canyon, and BLOWS UP.
The other fighter continues the chase.
Jango tries to catch up, but he can't reach the others in the
deadly canyon with all its turns and obstacles.
JANGO
Ah!
Jango pulls up and out of the canyon.
Fighter Two enters a natural tunnel.
Inside, Anakin struggles to avoid all kinds of rocky
obstacles.
Padm� is losing it.
The pursuing fighter follows - a rock ahead...
The pilot screams...
He HITS a rock and the fighter BLOWS UP.
Fighter two exits the tunnel ahead of the flames.
PADME
Whew!
Anakin sighs.
Suddenly laserfire hits their fighter.
Anakin struggles to get out of the firing line.
The first, damaged fighter attacks them from above. Obviously
it wasn't damaged enough.
Inside the cockpit of Fighter Two sparks fly and electricity
engulfs the controls.
PADME (CONT'D)
Ah!
ANAKIN
You alright?
PADME
Yeah, but the controls are fried.
ANAKIN
Computer targeting is gone!
More blasts rock the fighter. This enemy pilot is good.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
I can't shake him!
The fighters zoom through the air, until - a TORPEDO hits the
enemy fighter, BLOWING it UP.
JANGO (V.O.)
You're clear, kid. Now let's get
back and blow up that array.
EXT. KATANN 2, LEADING TO DISH - MOMENTS LATER
The two fighters fly back to their target.
ANAKIN (V.O.)
We've lost targeting. You'll have
to do it.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
JANGO
Stay back, I'm going in.
SABE
Watch those guns.
JANGO
Got them covered.
His targeting display bleeps.
Jango fires.
EXT. KATANN 2, LEADING TO DISH - CONTINUOUS
Several anti-aircraft guns are ready to take on any attacker
that comes too close to the dish.
Two PROJECTILES come flying over the horizon towards two guns
(including the big gun) - and BLOW them UP.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
SABE
Yeah!
JANGO
Two gone.
The transmitter dish appears in front of them.
SABE
There it is.
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH - CONTINUOUS
Fighter One flies to the dish.
Another anti-aircraft gun targets the fighter and starts
firing relentlessly.
The swiveling cannons on the fighter return fire.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
Sab� has targeted the anti-aircraft gun.
SABE
Blow. Blow.
BOOM!
Sab�, Artoo and Jango are shaken as a volley of laserfire
hits their fighter.
EXT. KATANN 2, LEADING TO DISH - CONTINUOUS
Fighter One is on fire and careens out of control towards the
flat top of a mountain.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
A shocked Padm� watches Fighter One go down.
INT. FIGHTER ONE
They're approaching the ground fast.
SABE
Ooh!
JANGO
Hang on!
He fires the retro-rockets.
EXT. KATANN 2, ROCK PLAIN - CONTINUOUS
The fighter's retro-rockets ignite and slow the craft down.
The fighter CRASHES onto the rocky ground, SLIDES for a
while, losing parts left and right.
From the top of the palace, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon see the
fighter crash.
Finally, the fighter comes to a halt.
The dust has put out some of the fire.
The hatch opens...and Artoo-Detoo drops out onto the ground.
EXT. KATANN 2, OUTSIDE - NIGHT
At a distance safe from the anti-aircraft guns, Fighter Two
circles above the fog.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Padm� has tears in her eyes.
PADME
Sab�.
ANAKIN
We have to destroy that
transmitter.
Anakin starts to accelerate the fighter, and steers it
towards the transmitter dish.
PADME
We can't hit it. The targeting
computer is down!
ANAKIN
I'll just have to do it myself.
PADME
That's impossible. You can never
get close enough, not with those
guns out there.
ANAKIN
I have to.
INT. PALACE, BACK-UP CONTROL ROOM
Gardulla and part of her entourage are in a control room
where TECHNICIANS are working on some controls.
GARDULLA
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Re-activate the slave controls!
TECHNICIAN
(in Huttees, subtitled)
The system is scrambled!
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH/ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN - NIGHT
Fighter Two flies at high speed just above the mountain tops
toward the dish.
The CREW of the anti-aircraft gun that took down Fighter One
spots the fighter and open fire.
A hailstorm of laser-flak bursts around the tiny craft.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Laserblasts all around them.
Anakin peeks ahead, in total concentration.
The dish comes closer and closer into view.
PADME
Shoot! Shoot!
Anakin presses the fire button and a TORPEDO is launched from
one of the wings.
It flies past the dish, and BLOWS a hole in the palace roof.
An EXPLOSION from inside follows.
INT. PALACE, BACK-UP CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Gardulla and the others are still in the control room when
the torpedo's impact causes part of the ceiling to come down.
The shocked aliens takes cover.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
ANAKIN
Blast.
PADME
Pull up!
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH - NIGHT
Anakin pulls up the fighter and turns away, as the anti
aircraft gun relentlessly continues to fire.
Fighter Two makes a full turn, and comes back for another
pass.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Once again the dish is straight ahead.
Those laserblasts are coming very close.
PADME
Make it count.
Anakin concentrates.
He's about to shoot.
BLAM!
A laser-blast hits the fighter.
Anakin presses the fire-button. Torpedo away...
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH - CONTINUOUS
The torpedo hits the main dish. It BLOWS off a part of it,
but most of the transmitter array is still in one piece - it
got hit in the wrong place.
The anti-aircraft gun continues to fire.
Laserblasts all around the fighter as it once again turns
away.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
The fighter turns ones again, and continues to get rocked by
the blasts.
Once again the fighter is hit.
Sparks fly.
PADME
Get out of here! They're gonna -
Suddenly, the attack stops.
PADME (CONT'D)
They stopped!
EXT. KATANN 2, ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN - NIGHT
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are at the anti-aircraft gun, where
several BODIES lie motionless on the ground.
OBI-WAN
Come on, Anakin.
The fighter is back on target.
INT. PALACE, BACK-UP CONTROL ROOM
The technicians are still at work. Gardulla and her men look
on anxiously.
The control panel lights up.
TECHNICIAN
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Back on-line!
GARDULLA
(in Huttees, subtitled)
Activate the transmitters!
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Inside the fighter, Anakin calms down -
concentrates -
lets go -
The dish comes closer -
A beat -
All is calm -
Anakin presses the fire-button.
EXT. KATANN 2, APPROACHING DISH - CONTINUOUS
The last TORPEDO is launched from one of the wings and zooms
towards the array.
INT. PALACE, BACK-UP CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Watched by an anxious Gardulla, the technician is about to
press the button that will re-activate the explosive slave
controls...
EXT. KATANN 2, TRANSMITTER ARRAY - CONTINUOUS
The torpedo flies to its target, and IMPACTS right below the
main dish.
A BIG EXPLOSION.
Then nothing.
Then the entire transmitter array comes TUMBLING down and
CRASHES into the ground in hundreds of pieces.
Flames and explosions everywhere.
Then a HUGE EXPLOSION as a generator blows up.
Fighter Two flies overhead.
INT. FIGHTER TWO
Anakin sighs.
PADME
You did it! Ani, you did it!
Anakin smiles.
EXT. KATANN 2, OUTSIDE - CONTINUOUS
Fighter Two flies over the crashed Fighter One.
Sab�, Jango, and Artoo have made it out and are waving at
Fighter Two.
Fighter Two turns and heads to the anti-aircraft gun, where
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stand waving.
Fighter Two rolls around its axis in victory.
EXT. KATANN 2, PALACE, ROOFTOP - NIGHT
A large HATCH opens at the top of the palace and a TRANSPORT
comes flying out.
It zooms up into space.
INT. GARDULLA'S TRANSPORT
Several ALIENS are at the controls.
Behind them, Gardulla the Abominable is in a very foul mood.
Several other SLAVERS are also present.
Gardulla looks through a porthole back at the planetoid.
GARDULLA
(In Huttees, subtitled)
Vengeance shall be mine!
EXT. KATANN 3, STREETS - NIGHT
Back on the main planetoid the slaves have taken over.
Slavers and others are scrambling to leave. Several
spaceships take off and fly away.
Watto flies through the streets as fast as his stubby wings
can manage, two large bags in his hands.
He turns a corner and almost bumps into a figure.
It's Shmi.
WATTO
Wha...Ah! Oh, Shmi. It's you. I was
just...
He notices the blaster in Shmi's hand.
WATTO (CONT'D)
(In Huttees, subtitled)
It's okay, right? That whole slave
thing, let's just forget about that
okay?
SHMI
Watto -
She points the blaster against the tusk of the blue flying
alien.
WATTO
Ah! Wait! I've got money! How much
do ya want. No wait! Take it all!
SHMI
I want you to get out of here, and
never come back. Now hurry or
you'll miss your flight.
She lowers the blaster.
Watto isn't sure what to do. He's too scared.
SHMI (CONT'D)
Go!
WATTO
Ah!
Watto drops his bags, and flies faster than he has ever flown
before - and out of Shmi's life.
Shmi watches her former master go.
EXT. KATANN 3, ROCKY PLAIN - NIGHT
Darth Keel stands close to her ship, watching the slaves
revolt through her electro-binoculars.
She observes everything calmly, waiting for her prey.
EXT. KATANN 3, STREETS - MORNING
It's all over.
The slaves are free, and the slavers are gone.
The entire town is in disarray, but several people are
already putting things back in order.
A few buildings have been burned down and are now smoldering
ruins.
Several transports take off from the spaceport.
Several former slaves meet on the streets and shake hands and
embrace each other.
Children are playing.
It's a beautiful day.
EXT. KATANN 3, SLAVE HOVELS - DAY
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon walk through the street leading to the
Skywalker home. They are now once again dressed in their Jedi
robes.
QUI-GON
There is a very good chance the
Council will refuse to train the
boy, Obi-Wan.
OBI-WAN
I thought you finally agreed with
me.
QUI-GON
Anakin is strong with the Force,
but there are many uncertainties.
His age, his background. He may not
even wish to leave his mother.
OBI-WAN
I've already talked with Shmi.
Qui-Gon is surprised.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
She agrees. Anakin should come with
us.
QUI-GON
This is a great responsibility, not
to be taken lightly.
OBI-WAN
I know.
They enter the hovel.
INT. SKYWALKER'S HOVEL, MAIN ROOM
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon enter the room, where they find Shmi and
Anakin packing.
QUI-GON
Ready?
SHMI
Almost.
ANAKIN
So is Cliegg's farm big?
SHMI
Big enough, I'm sure.
QUI-GON
Tatooine is not the most hospitable
of places, but an honest person can
live an honest life there.
Obi-Wan scrapes his throat and looks at Shmi. She notices.
SHMI
Now you can make your dreams come
true, Ani. You're free.
(turns to Obi-Wan)
Will you take him with you? Is he
to become a Jedi?
OBI-WAN
Our meeting was not a coincidence.
Nothing happens by accident. You
are strong with the Force, Anakin.
ANAKIN
A Jedi! Mom, that's even better!
QUI-GON
Anakin, training to be a Jedi will
not be an easy challenge. And if
you succeed, it will be a hard
life.
ANAKIN
But it's what I want. What I've
always dreamt about. Can I go,
Mom?!
SHMI
I can't make that choice for you,
Ani. You must decide yourself.
Anakin thinks, looks to his mother, then to Qui-Gon and Obi
Wan.
ANAKIN
I want to go.
Obi-Wan smiles.
OBI-WAN
Then pack your things. We haven't
much time.
Anakin hugs his mom and starts for the other room, then
stops.
Shmi and Obi-Wan give each other a knowing look.
Anakin has realized something.
ANAKIN
What about mom? You're coming,
aren't you, mom?
QUI-GON
You need to face this challenge on
your own, Anakin. You must let go.
That is part of becoming a Jedi.
ANAKIN
But...
Shmi comes over to her son. Taking both of his hands in hers,
she draws him close.
SHMI
Son, I'll be fine on Tatooine. I am
free, and I'm ready to start a new
life, just like you. It's time for
you to let go...to let go of me. I
cannot go with you.
ANAKIN
I want to stay with you.
SHMI
You can't stop change any more than
you can stop the sun from setting.
Listen to your feelings; Ani, you
know what's right.
Anakin takes a deep breath, drops his head. Obi-Wan and Shmi
exchange a look of concern. When Anakin raises up, there are
tears in his eyes.
ANAKIN
I'm going to miss you so much, mom.
SHMI
I love you, Ani.
Anakin and Shmi hug.
Anakin runs into the other room.
SHMI (CONT'D)
Thank you.
C-3PO walks in with some luggage.
QUI-GON
We've got all the information we
require from that droid. You should
take it with you. He'll serve you
well, I'm sure.
(to Threepio)
See-Threepio, Shmi Skywalker is
your master now. Go with her.
SEE-THREEPIO
Very well, ma'am. If I may inquire,
where are we going?
SHMI
A new home.
Qui-Gon turns to Obi-Wan.
QUI-GON
Make sure the transport is ready.
I'll see to matters here.
Obi-Wan nods, and turns to Shmi.
OBI-WAN
We will watch after him. You have
my word. Will you be all right?
SHMI
He was in my life for such a short
time.
EXT. KATANN 3, LANDING AREA 2 - DAY
Several FORMER SLAVES enter a small freighter.
Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin say farewell to Shmi and Cliegg and
Owen. C-3PO is there too.
OWEN
Are you sure about this?
ANAKIN
Yes. I think so.
CLIEGG
We can't thank you enough, Master
Jedi. We owe you our freedom.
QUI-GON
Just take good care of yourselves
and Shmi. It's all I ask.
SHMI
I'll be fine on Tatooine.
Cliegg, Owen and C-3PO walk to the freighter, and enter with
the other refugees.
QUI-GON
Anakin will be safe with the Jedi.
I assure you.
Shmi nods, fighting her tears.
QUI-GON (CONT'D)
May the Force be with you.
Qui-Gon walks away and waits a little further, giving Anakin
and Shmi some room to say their farewells.
ANAKIN
I'm not sure I can do it, mom. I
just...
Shmi hugs Anakin.
Qui-Gon watches from the distance.
Shmi looks Anakin in the face.
SHMI
I know how strong you are, Ani. I
know you can do this. This is what
you always wanted. This is what you
should do, it's your destiny.
ANAKIN
Will I ever see you again?
SHMI
What does your heart tell you?
ANAKIN
I hope so...yes...I guess.
SHMI
Then we will see each other again.
ANAKIN
I...will become a Jedi, and I will
come back, mom...I promise.
SHMI
Now I must go.
ANAKIN
I love you so much.
They hug one last time, then Shmi turns around and walks to
the freighter. She doesn't look back, but she has to cry.
Anakin watches his mother enter the freighter.
The ramp retracts, and the hatch closes.
Anakin and Qui-Gon look on as the freighter TAKES OFF and
FLIES away.
EXT. KATANN 3, MINING TOWN, STREET - DAY
Anakin runs to join Qui-Gon, who has already started down the
street.
As they walk along together, Qui-Gon notices something out of
the corner of her eye.
Suddenly, without breaking her stride, she IGNITES her saber,
SWINGS around, and lunges forward, and CUTS a lurking PROBE
DROID in half.
Qui-Gon inspects the sparking and fizzing droid.
ANAKIN
What is it?
QUI-GON
Probe droid of some sort. Come on.
Qui-Gon and Anakin start running.
EXT. KATANN 3, ROCKY ROAD LEADING TO DOCKING BAYS - DAY
Qui-Gon and Anakin run towards the docking bay. Anakin is
having a hard time keeping up.
ANAKIN
Master Qui-Gon, wait!
Qui-Gon turns to answer and sees the SITH INFILTRATOR bearing
down at the docking bay.
QUI-GON
Obi-Wan!
INT. TF TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan, Jango, and Sab� are in the cockpit of the transport.
Obi-Wan senses Qui-Gon's warning and the danger.
OBI-WAN
Out! We must get out!
SABE
What's that?!
Sab� points at a huge shadow that's coming from above. They
all look out the front window.
JANGO
It's a ship!
OBI-WAN
Out now!
Suddenly the transport is rocked by EXPLOSIONS.
Control panels SPARK, fuses BLOW.
The attack is relentless.
The heroes run out.
EXT. KATANN 3, DOCKING BAY - CONTINUOUS
Obi-Wan, Jango, and Sab� hurry out of the transport.
Padm� and Artoo are already out and on the move.
The SITH INFILTRATOR hangs in front and above them and BLASTS
the already battered transport with its lasercannons.
The heroes run for their lives and dive down just as the
Federation Transport EXPLODES.
Qui-Gon and Anakin also take cover.
Qui-Gon looks up and spots FOUR PROBE-ASSAULT DROIDS
descending from the Sith Infiltrator.
The droids come baring down upon them.
Jango starts shooting at them.
The girls and Anakin start running.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon switch on their lightsabers.
The droids open fire, attacking the heroes with SONIC-RAYS -
knocking them down.
Jango blasts one droid, but is then KNOCKED OUT by a blast,
together with Padm�.
Sab� takes cover.
One droid attacks Obi-Wan, but comes too close and is
destroyed by the lightsaber wielding Jedi.
Qui-Gon is a little further away.
She jumps out of the way as a droid fires at her.
As she gets up she hears something. She turns around and
spots something fast baring down on Anakin.
QUI-GON
Anakin, drop!
Anakin DROPS to the ground just as Darth Keel SWEEPS over him
on a speeder bike.
Darth Keel JUMPS off her speeder bike, and before she has hit
the ground, the Sith has swung a death blow with her
lightsaber that is barely blocked by Qui-Gon.
Anakin picks himself up.
The two galactic warriors, Sith and Jedi, are BASHING each
other with incredible BLOWS.
They move in a continual cloud of dust, SMASHING everything
around them.
This is a fierce fight.
Anakin gets up, bewildered by the confrontation.
Qui-Gon struggles to fend off the relentless onslaught as
Anakin takes cover.
Obi-Wan continues to ward off the droids and destroys another
one, but is KNOCKED DOWN by a final blast.
Sab� meanwhile is running for her life as the fourth droid is
on her tail.
The droid fires a sonic-ray and the queen is KNOCKED DOWN.
She tumbles to the ground.
She picks herself up, but it's too late.
The droid looms over her and extends a metal robotic CABLE.
The cable WRAPS around Sab�'s body.
The mechanical menace picks the poor girl from the ground,
and flies up with her.
SABE
Help!!!
The droid takes the screaming girl into the hovering Sith
Infiltrator.
Padm� recovers just in time to see her sister being abducted.
PADME
Sab�!
Jango has recovered and starts blasting at the ship, but the
shots are too weak to do any damage.
The ship continues to hang over the docking bay.
Obi-Wan shakes his groggy head and looks up.
Sab� is gone.
He looks in Qui-Gon's direction, gets up, and runs towards
the fighting women.
EXT. KATANN 3, ROCKY ROAD - CONTINUOUS
Qui-Gon and Darth Keel continue their sword battle. They have
moved to a ridge.
Qui-Gon is having trouble blocking the furious attack by
Keel.
They leap over one another in an incredible display of
acrobatics.
Darth Keel is slightly distracted as Obi-Wan comes running
and yelling.
Qui-Gon takes advantage and SWINGS her saber.
Both warriors lose their balance and FALL of the ridge.
While falling, the two continue to exchange saber blows - in
mid-air.
They land on the rocky side of the ridge some ten meters
down. Darth Keel then rolls further down in a cloud of stones
and dust for another five meters until she hits the ground.
Qui-Gon is still on the side of the ridge.
She gets up and leaps down, landing behind Darth Keel, who
recovers from her fall.
Qui-Gon forces Keel back down with several forceful blows
with her saber. Keel barely manages to block the attack.
Obi-Wan reaches the top of the ridge and watches the two
warriors. He prepares to jump.
The Sith falls back on her knees; Qui-Gon is behind her.
Qui-Gon is about to deliver the final blow -
- from the underside of Keel's saber-hilt ANOTHER RED BLADE
suddenly shoots out - PIERCING Qui-Gon's stomach.
OBI-WAN
Noooooooo!!!!
Darth Keel retracts the blade out of Qui-Gon, who slumps
down.
Darth Keel looks up at Obi-Wan, who JUMPS.
Darth Keel presses a control on her wrist-device.
She runs away while Obi-Wan lands close Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan starts to run after Keel, but he hears a sound.
He DIVES down just as Keel's speeder bike soars over him.
Darth Keel jumps on her bike and races away, as the Sith
Infiltrator comes flying over the ridge with a thundering
noise.
The ship catches up with the evil woman, ramp extended.
On her bike Keel quickly enters the ship, which then blasts
off into the sky.
Obi-Wan rushes over to Qui-Gon, who is dying.
OBI-WAN (CONT'D)
Qui-Gon!
QUI-GON
It is too late... It's...
OBI-WAN
No!
QUI-GON
Obi-Wan...you were right
about...the boy....
The others come running to them.
Qui-Gon caresses Obi-Wan's face.
QUI-GON (CONT'D)
Train him...you were...right...
Qui-Gon DIES.
Obi-Wan cradles the Jedi Master, quietly weeping.
The others look on.
A devastated Padm� looks up in the sky, tears in her eyes.
PADME
Sab�...
FADE OUT.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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