Fan Fiction ❯ STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (a revision) ❯ ACT I ( Chapter 1 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: johnny_lee 
this will begin like clockwork from the film. but where my biggest goal was to revise Anakin's character, you may find pretty well most of the changes in this Alternate Universe center around him. the second chapter is the final act to this story.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Sci-fi | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.04.2005 | Pages: 114 | Words: 64.6K | Visits: 262 | Status: Completed
this will begin like clockwork from the film. but where my biggest goal was to revise Anakin's character, you may find pretty well most of the changes in this Alternate Universe center around him. the second chapter is the final act to this story.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Sci-fi | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.04.2005 | Pages: 114 | Words: 64.6K | Visits: 262 | Status: Completed
STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES (a revision)
Rating: PG-13 (stylized violence)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, George Lucas does. NO money is being made from this fiction.
Summary: This is a script treatment for Attack of the Clones, based from chunks of what are (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) the screenplay and shooting script. This was an exercise for me, to see if I could effectively make reasonable changes and make Anakin a more agreeable character. I, as a viewer, felt that it was too soon to make Anakin as impolite as he tends to be in the movie. I am not saying that my changes are a must or even all that good, it all depends on what you all think as you read it. Just know that I couldn't rest until I did some character work on Anakin.
EXT. SPACE
A vast sea of stars separates as a backdrop for the Main Title, following by a rollup, which crawls into infinity.
There is unrest in the Galactic Senate
Several hundred solar systems under
the leadership of the rebel leader, Count
Dooku, have declared their intentions to
secede from the Republic.
This separatist movement has made it
difficult for the limited number of
Jedi Knights to maintain peace and
order in the galaxy.
Senator Amidala, the former Queen of
Naboo, is returning to Coruscant
to vote on the critical issue
of creating an army to assist the
overwhelmed Jedi.
PAN UP to reveal the amber city planet of Coruscant. A yellow Naboo Fighter flies OVER CAMERA toward the planet, followed by a large Royal Cruiser and two more Fighters.
EXT. CITYSCAPE, CORUSCANT - DAWN
The ships skim across the surface of the city landscape. The sun glints off the chrome hulls of the sleek Naboo spacecraft as they navigate between the buildings of the capital planet.
EXT. CORUSCANT, LANDING PLATFORM - DAWN
Two Naboo Fighters land on one leaf of a three-leaf-clover landing platform. The Royal Starship lands on the central lead, and the third Fighter lands on the remaining platform.
A small GROUP OF DIGNITARIES waits to welcome the Senator. One of the members of the group is a well dressed JAR JAR BINKS, a member of the Galactic Representative Commission, and DORME, Senator Amidala's handmaiden.
One of the FIGHTER PILOTS jumps from the wing of his ship and removes his helmet. He is CAPTAIN TYPHO, SENATOR AMIDALA'S Security Officer. He moves over to a WOMAN PILOT.
CAPTAIN TYPHO:
We made it. I guess I was wrong,
there was no danger at all.
The ramp lowers. TWO NABOO GUARDS appear. SENATOR AMIDALA, ONE HANDMAIDEN, and FOUR TROOPERS descend the ramp. AMIDALA is more beautiful now than she was ten years earlier when, as Queen, she was freeing her people from the yoke of the Trade Federation.
The DIGNITARIES start to move forward. SENATOR AMIDALA reaches the foot of the ramp, when suddenly there is a blinding FLASH and a huge EXPLOSION. The DIGNITARIES and PILOTS are hurled to the ground as the starship is destroyed.
Klaxons blare, alarms sound! CAPTAIN TYPHO and the TWO ESCORT PILOTS get up and run to where SENATOR AMIDALA lies dying. Beyond, ARTOO DETOO drops down from the Naboo Fighter and rolls toward the wreckage. The FEMALE ESCORT PILOT kneels by SENATOR AMIDALA and takes off her helmet, revealing SENATOR PADMÉ AMIDALA.
PADMÉ:
Cordé...
She gathers up her decoy double in her arms. Cordé's eyes are open. She looks up at her.
CORDÉ:
... I'm sorry, m'lady... I'm... not sure I...
CORDÉ dies. PADMÉ hugs her.
PADMÉ:
No… No!
PADMÉ lowers CORDÉ to the ground. She gets up and looks around at the devastation. There are tears in her eyes.
PADMÉ:
I should not have come back.
TYPHO:
M'Lady, you are still in danger.
Amidala says nothing.
TYPHO:
This vote is very important. You did
your duty and Cordé did hers. Now
come.
PADMÉ doesn't respond.
TYPHO:
M'Lady, please!
She turns. They walk away. ARTOO lets out a small whimper and rolls off after them.
EXT. SENATE BUILDING - DAY
The massive Senate Building glistens in the afternoon sun. Small patches of fog have still to burn off.
INT. SENATE CHAMBER - DAY
The vast rotunda is buzzing with chatter. MAS AMEDDA, the Supreme Chancellor's majordomo, tries to quiet things down as PALPATINE confers with an AIDE, UV GIZEN, riding a small one man floating scooter.
MAS AMEDDA:
Order! We shall have order! The motion
for the Republic to commission an army
takes precedent, and that is what we
will vote on at this time.
Everything quiets down. The AIDE disperses, and SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE steps to the podium.
PALPATINE:
My esteemed colleagues, excuse
me… I have just received some
tragic and disturbing news. Senator
Amidala of the Naboo system… has
been assassinated!
There is a shock silence in the vast arena.
PALPATINE:
This grievous blow is especially
personal to me. Before I became
Chancellor, I served Amidala when
she was Queen. She was a great
leader who fought for justice, not
only in this honourable assembly,
but also on her home planet. She
was so loved she could have been
elected queen for life. She
believed in public service, and
she fervently believed in
democracy. Her death is a great
loss to us all. We will all mourn
her as a relentless champion of
freedom... and as a dear friend.
There is a moment of silence. ASK AAK, the SENATOR of MALASTARE, moves his pod into the centre of the arena.
SENATOR ASK AAK:
How many more Senators will die
before this civil strife ends! We
must confront these rebels now,
and they need an army to do it.
A second pod moves into the centre of the area with DARSANA, the
AMBASSADOR OF GLEE ANSELM.
AMBASSADOR DARSANA:
Why weren't the Jedi able to stop
this assassination? We are no
longer safe under their protection!
Senator ORN FREE TAA swings forward in his pod.
ORN FREE TAA:
The Republic needs more security
now! Before it comes to war.
PALPATINE:
Must I remind the Senator from
Malastare that negotiations are
continuing with the separatists.
Peace is our objective here... not
war.
The SENATORS yell pro and con. MAS AMEDDA tries to calm things down. SENATOR PADMÉ AMIDALA, with CAPTAIN TYPHO, JAR-JAR, and DORMÉ, manoeuvre her pod into the centre of the vast arena.
PADMÉ:
My noble colleagues, I concur with
the Supreme Chancellor. At all
costs, we do not want war!
The Senate goes quiet, then there is an outburst of cheering and
applause.
PALPATINE:
It is with great surprise and
joy the chair recognizes the
Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala.
PADMÉ:
Less than an hour ago, an
assassination attempt was made
against my life. One of my
bodyguards and six others were
ruthlessly and senselessly
murdered. I was the target but,
more importantly, I believe this
security measure before you was
the target. I have led the
opposition to build an army... but
there is someone in this body who
will stop at nothing to assure it's
passage...
Many of the SENATORS boo and yell at SENATOR AMIDALA.
PADMÉ:
I warn you, if you vote to create
this army, war will follow. I
have experienced the misery of war
first-hand; I do not wish to do it
again.
There is sporadic yelling for and against her statements.
PADMÉ:
Wake up, Senators... you must wake
up! If you offer the separatists
violence, they can only show us
violence in return! Many will
lose their lives. All will lose
their freedom. This decision
could very well destroy the very
foundation of our great Republic.
I pray you do not let fear push
you into a disastrous decision.
Vote down this security measure,
which is nothing less than a
declaration of war! Does anyone
here want that? I cannot believe
they do.
There is an undercurrent of booing... and groaning. SENATOR ORN FREE TAA moves his pod next to AMIDALA.
ORN FREE TAA:
My motion to defer the vote must
be dealt with first. That is the
rule of law.
AMIDALA looks angry and frustrated. PALPATINE gives her a sympathetic look.
PALPATINE:
Due to the lateness of the hour
and the seriousness of this
motion, we will take up these
matters tomorrow. Until then, the
Senate stands adjourned.
EXT. EXECUTIVE QUARTERS BUILDING - DAY
The giant towers of the Republic Executive Building seem to reach the heavens. Traffic clogs the smoggy sky.
INT. CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE - DAY
CHANCELLOR PALPATINE sits behind his desk with TWO RED-CLAD ROYAL GUARDS on either side of the door. YODA, PLOT KOON, KI-AD-MUNDI, and MACE WINDU sit across from him.
PALPATINE:
I don't know how much longer I can
hold off the vote, my friends.
More and more star systems are
joining the separatists.
MACE:
If they do break away-
PALPATINE:
No! I will not let that happen!
MACE:
But if they do, you must realize
there aren't enough Jedi to
protect the Republic. We are
keepers of the peace, not soldiers.
PALPATINE:
Master Yoda, do you think it will
really come to war?
YODA closes his eyes.
YODA:
Worse than war, I fear... Much
worse.
PALPATINE:
What?
MACE:
What do you sense, Master?
YODA:
Impossible to see… the Dark Side
clouds everything. But this I am
sure of…
YODA opens his eyes.
YODA:
Do their duty, the Jedi will.
A muted BUZZER SOUNDS. A hologram of an AIDE, DAR WAC, appears on the Chancellor's desk.
DAR WAC:
The loyalist committee has arrived,
my Lord.
PALPATINE:
Send them in.
They all stand as SENATOR AMIDALA, CAPTAIN TYPHO, JAR JAR, MAS AMEDDA, DORME, and SENATORS BAIL ORGANA, HOROX RYYDER and ORN FREE TAA enter the office. YODA and MACE WINDU move to greet the SENATOR, YODA taps AMIDALA with his cane.
YODA:
With you the force is strong,
young Senator. To see you alive
brings warm feeling to my heart.
PADMÉ:
Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you
have any idea who was behind
the attack?
MACE:
Our intelligence points to
disgruntled spice miners, on
the moons of Naboo.
PADMÉ:
I don't wish to disagree, but I
think that Count Dooku was behind
it.
There is a stir of surprise.
MACE:
You know, M'Lady, Count Dooku
was once a Jedi. He wouldn't
assassinate anyone, it is not in
his character.
KI-ADI-MUNDI:
He is a political idealist, not
a murderer.
YODA:
In dark times nothing is what it
appears to be. But the fact remains
Senator, in grave danger you are.
PALPATINE gets up, walks to the window, and looks out at the vast city.
PALPATINE:
Count Dooku has always avoided
any kind of conflict. It appears
he has no desire to start a war.
Why would he kill you? To what end?
PADMÉ:
I don't know, but everything in my
being tells me he was behind it.
After gazing out of the window for several moments PALPATINE turns to
MACE.
PALPATINE:
Master Jedi, may I suggest that
the Senator be placed under the
protection of your graces.
BAIL ORGANA:
Do you think that is a wise use
of manpower during these stressful
times?
PADMÉ:
Chancellor, if I may comment, I
do not believe the-
PALPATINE:
-"situation is that serious."
No, but I do, Senator.
PADMÉ:
Chancellor, please! I don't want
any more guards!
PALPATINE:
I realize all too well that
additional security might be
disruptive for you, but perhaps
someone you are familiar with. An
old friend like... Master Kenobi?
PALPATINE nods to MACE WINDU, who nods back.
MACE:
That's possible. He has just
returned from a Border dispute on
Ansion.
PALPATINE:
You must remember him, M'Lady...
he watched over you during the
blockade conflict.
PADMÉ:
This is not necessary, Chancellor.
PALPATINE:
Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I
will rest easier. We had a big
scare today. The thought of
losing you is unbearable.
PADMÉ sighs as the JEDI get up to leave.
MACE:
I will have Obi-Wan report to you
immediately, M'Lady.
YODA leans into her ear.
YODA:
Too little about yourself you
worry, Senator, and too much about
politics. Be mindful of your
danger, Padmé. Accept our help.
As the JEDI leave the office, PALPATINE continues to pace behind his desk.
PALPATINE:
I will not like this Republic that
has stood for over a thousand
years be split in two.
EXT. SENATE APARTMENTS - TWILIGHT
A graceful skyscraper twinkles in the evening light of Coruscant.
INT. ELEVATOR
TWO JEDI, Master OBI-WAN KENOBI and his 19 yr old apprentice ANAKIN SKYWALKER, stand still as the elevator goes up the huge skyscraper.
OBI-WAN:
You seem nervous.
ANAKIN shifts a bit in effort to compose himself.
ANAKIN:
No, not at all.
A brief pause.
OBI-WAN:
I haven't seen you this tense
since….
OBI-WAN grins.
OBI-WAN:
Since we fell into that nest
of gundarks.
ANAKIN looks up grinning, then looks down to OBI-WAN (just a few hairs shorter than ANAKIN), still grinning.
ANAKIN:
Now you know that it was more along
the lines of you falling into that
nightmare, Master. And if I recall
even more correctly, I think it was
me who came to your rescue.
OBI-WAN:
Oh…
They both look at the elevator door.
OBI-WAN: (sarcastic humor)
Oh yes…
They both look to each other, then share a light but hearty laugh. These two are obviously not just teacher and student, they are good friends. When the laughter ends, Anakin looks back to the door, and OBI-WAN notices that ANAKIN is sweating.
OBI-WAN:
You're sweating, relax…
(calmly) take a deep breath.
ANAKIN allows himself a light chuckle. He looks at OBI-WAN, his nervous behavior fairly evident now.
ANAKIN:
I'm sorry Master… it's just that
I haven't seen her in ten years.
That's a pretty long gap of time.
ANAKIN looks back to the door. OBI-WAN does the same. ANAKIN sighs.
ANAKIN: (to himself)
She's probably forgotten all about me.
The elevator comes to a stop.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, APARTMENT CORRIDOR - EVENING
The door to the apartment slides open, and ANAKIN and OBI-WAN exit into a richly-colored hallway. A richly-dressed JAR-JAR BINKS walks into the corridor, where the two Jedi exited the elevator. He recognizes OBI-WAN and becomes extremely excited, jumping around, shaking his hand.
JAR-JAR:
Obi?
JAR-JAR looks closer, as OBI-WAN looks 10 years older than when JAR-JAR last saw him.
JAR-JAR: (excitedly)
Obi!! Me-sa' so smilen to seeyen you-sa'!!
JAR-JAR takes OBI-WAN's hand and shakes it fast and rough.
OBI-WAN:
Good to see you again, Jar-Jar.
JAR-JAR peers at ANAKIN, not recognizing him.
JAR-JAR:
Oops! Where is me-sa manners?
Whou-sa' you be bringin' wit you?
JAR-JAR:
Annie? Iddy-biddy Annie?? Annie!!
You-sa' growin' so tall!
ANAKIN:
Thank you, Jar-Jar. It's a pleasure to
see you again.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, APARTMENT - EVENING
PADME is in a conference with CAPTAIN TYPHO and DORME. JAR JAR enters the room, followed by the TWO JEDI.
JAR-JAR:
M'lady, dee-sa Jedi arrivan. Lookie
-lookie!
PADME and TYPHO rise as OBI-WAN and ANAKIN stop before the SENATOR. OBI-WAN steps forward. ANAKIN stares at PADME. She glances at him.
OBI-WAN:
It's a great pleasure to see you again,
M'Lady.
PADMÉ:
It has been far too long, Master Kenobi.
I'm glad our paths have crossed again,
but I must warn you that I think your
presence here is unnecessary.
OBI-WAN:
I'm sure the Jedi Council have their
reasons.
She moves in front of ANAKIN.
PADMÉ:
Annie?
ANAKIN smiles.
PADMÉ:
My goodness, you've grown!
They look at each other for a long moment.
ANAKIN: (trying to be smooth)
As have you….grown more beautiful,
I mean.
OBI-WAN looks disapprovingly at his apprentice. PADMÉ laughs and shakes her head.
ANAKIN: (quick)
Uh, for a senator, I mean.
PADMÉ:
Oh Annie, you'll always be that little
boy I knew on Tatooine.
This embarrasses ANAKIN, and he looks down. OBI-WAN and CAPTAIN TYPHO smile.
OBI-WAN:
Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady.
CAPTAIN TYPHO:
I am very grateful you are here, Master
Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous
than the Senator will admit.
PADMÉ:
I don't need more security, I need answers.
I want to know who is trying to kill me.
OBI-WAN:(frowning)
We're here to protect you Senator, not
to start an investigation.
ANAKIN:
We will discover the identity of your
attacker, Padme. I promise you.
OBI-WAN turns to his student, stumped as to what just made ANAKIN speak as he did.
OBI-WAN:
We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan.
ANAKIN: (quick)
I beg your pardon, Master. I spoke only in the interest of protecting the senator.
ANAKIN knows that he's really done it this time. He realizes his first sentence was enough without the second. He bites his lip in frustration and shame. OBI-WAN gives ANAKIN a dirty look.
OBI-WAN:
Do not make promises that we cannot keep.
We will do exactly as the Council has instructed,
and nothing more. We will not go through this
exercise again, Anakin. You will pay attention to my
lead.
This statement brings shame into ANAKIN's heart. Rarely has he done much of anything that would earn recrimination (harsh or small) from his father-figure… and in front of the girl he loves, no less. ANAKIN's eyes flick from OBI-WAN to PADMÉ. They flick right back to OBI-WAN.
OBI-WAN turns to TYPHO and proceeds discussing security issues.
(quick pace)
*ANAKIN begins to feel strangely hot, though amidst a cool air-conditioned room.
*He begins to feel a sudden anger rise inside himself. It is mostly brought on by the shame of his actions. Though in the last year or so, it has occurred to ANAKIN that feelings of anger have been (somewhat) subconsciously been slipping out of his control. Yet in his mind, all he can see right now is that he was only trying to re-assure Padme of her safety, and his master is angry at him for that??
ANAKIN: (sharp tone)
Why?
OBI-WAN stops talking to TYPHO mid-sentence, turning to look at his student.
OBI-WAN: (calm shock/surprise)
What?
ANAKIN begins to feel the heat/anger die down quickly. He then realizes what he has just done.
ANAKIN: (composed)
I mean, why else would we have been sent here
if not to eventually discover who the assassin
is? Security is easy for a Jedi, and a situation
like this makes our positions seem more like
overkill. And besides, investigation is implied
in our mandate.
OBI-WAN glares angrily at ANAKIN. The padawan has crossed a very dangerous line.
OBI-WAN: (calm anger)
We will do as we have been instructed, and
nothing more.
ANAKIN, shamed, bows his head in acknowledgement.
ANAKIN:
Yes, Master.
OBI-WAN: (whisper)
And you will remember to keep your place,
young one.
PADMÉ:
Perhaps with merely your presence,
the mysteries surrounding this
threat will be revealed. Now if
you will excuse me, I will retire.
Everyone gives AMIDALA a slight bow as she and DORME leave the room.
CAPTAIN TYPHO:
Well, I know I feel a lot better
having you here. I'll have an
officer on every floor and I'll
be at the command centre downstairs.
JAR JAR:
Me-sa busten wit happiness seein
You-sa again, Annie. Dee-sa bad
times, bombad times.
TYPHO leaves.
ANAKIN:
She didn't even recognize me, Jar-Jar.
I thought about her every day after we
parted ten years ago... and she's
forgotten all about me.
JAR JAR:
She-sa happy. Happier den me-sa
see-en her in longo time.
OBI-WAN:
You're focusing on the negative again,
Anakin. Be mindful of your thoughts.
OBI-WAN leans toward ANAKIN and whispers to him.
OBI-WAN:
She was glad to see us.
OBI-WAN stands upright.
OBI-WAN:
Now, let's check the security here.
ANAKIN:
Yes, my master.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE - EVENING
The vast Jedi Temple sits on an endless flat plain, silhouetted by a against the traffic-filled sky.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, CORRIDOR - EVENING
MACE WINDU and YODA walk down the long hallways, silhouetted by a lit room at the end.
MACE:
Why couldn't we see this attack on
the Senator?
YODA:
Masking the future, is this
disturbance in the Force.
MACE:
The prophecy is coming true, the
Dark Side is growing.
YODA:
And only those who have turned to
the Dark Side can sense the
possibilities of the future. Only
going through the Dark Side can we
see.
MACE:
It's been ten years, and the Sith
still have not shown themselves.
Do you think they are behind this?
YODA pauses.
YODA:
Out there, they are. A
certainty, that is.
MACE:
Do you think Obi-Wan's apprentice
will be able to bring balance to
the Force?
Yoda stops, reflecting on that question. He looks up at Mace.
YODA:
Said before, I have, that clouded
is the fate of young Skywalker.
Yoda walks a bit further, talking as he walks.
YODA:
Come a long way, he has, since his
entrance into the Jedi Order. More and
more do we see him grow in his Jedi
skills.
Again, YODA pauses.
YODA:
The strongest of us all… one day, he
may be. Despite these things, for-see
his future, we still cannot. But remains,
the question does…… will he do as the
prophecy has fore-told, and bring balance
to the Force?
Yoda stops and looks up at Mace again.
YODA:
Only if he chooses to follow the
right path.
There is a long silence as they walk away. Only footsteps are heard.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - NIGHT
PADME is asleep in her bed, lit only by the light of the city outside her window coming through the blinds. ARTOO stands in the corner of the bedroom. His power is off.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT, MAIN R0OM - NIGHT
ANAKIN is standing in the living room. He is in a meditative state. It is quiet. We hear DISTANT FOOTSTEPS in the corridor outside the apartment. Suddenly ANAKIN'S eyes pop open. His eyes dart around the room. He reaches for his lightsaber, then smiles and puts it back in his belt.
The door to the apartment slides open, and OBI-WAN enters.
OBI-WAN:
Captain Typho has more than enough
men downstairs. No assassin will
try that way. Any activity up here?
ANAKIN:
It's been as quiet as a tomb. But
I don't like just waiting here for
something to happen.
OBI-WAN checks a palm-sized view scanner he has pulled out of his utility belt. It shows a shot of ARTOO by the door, but no sign of PADME on the bed.
OBI-WAN:
What's going on here?
ANAKIN shrugs.
ANAKIN:
She covered that camera. I don't
think she likes being watched.
Can't say as I'd blame her, really.
OBI-WAN: (flustered at the idea)
What is she thinking?
ANAKIN:
Don't worry, Master. I've
programmed Artoo to warn us if
there's an intruder.
OBI-WAN:
It's not an intruder I'm worried
about. There are many other ways
to kill a Senator.
ANAKIN:
I know, but we also want to catch
this assassin. Don't we, Master?
OBI-WAN looks at his apprentice, a curious look in his eyes.
OBI-WAN:
You're using her as bait?
ANAKIN shrugs his shoulders.
ANAKIN:
It was pretty much her idea, Master.
Anyways, no harm will come to her.
ANAKIN looks to her bedroom door. He breathes a breath of confidence.
ANAKIN:
I can sense everything that is going
on in that room. Trust me.
OBI-WAN:
It's too risky... and your senses
aren't that attuned, my young
apprentice.
ANAKIN smirks, looking to his mentor.
ANAKIN:
And yours are, sir?
OBI-WAN looks at his apprentice, his eyes crossed comically.
OBI-WAN:
Possibly.
OBI-WAN un-crosses his eyes, and he and ANAKIN share a laugh.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - NIGHT
As PADME sleeps, a PROBE DROID approaches outside her window. It sends out several small arms that attach to the window, creating sparks that shut down the security system. Then a large arm cuts a small hole in the glass. A FAINT SOUND is heard as the small section of glass is removed from the window.
ARTOO wakes up, and his lights go on. The PROBE DROID freezes. ARTOO looks around, makes a PLAINTIVE LITTLE SOUND, then shuts down again. The PROBE DROID attaches a little tube to the window. TWO DEADLY LOOKING CENTIPEDE-LIKE KOUHUNS exit the tube, crawl through the blinds and head toward the sleeping PADME.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT, MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
ANAKIN and OBI-WAN continue their conversation in the main room of the apartment.
OBI-WAN:
You look tired.
ANAKIN:
I don't sleep very well anymore.
OBI-WAN:
Why is that?
ANAKIN hesitates.
ANAKIN:
Dreams, Master. They are always
of my mother. She is in pain, crying out
for help.
OBI-WAN appears concerned, though rational in mind. Like a father would be for a son.
OBI-WAN:
Dreams pass in time.
ANAKIN:
I don't think that they are just dreams. I
think that the Force is talking through my
instincts… like how it used to before I
learned how to control it.
ANAKIN looks to OBI-WAN, seeing a look that suggests his master doesn't buy the idea.
ANAKIN:
I may be wrong, I understand that. But I've
actually been wondering if, since I'm supposed
to eventually become this Chosen-One, maybe I
should follow some of my instincts.
ANAKIN turns toward the window, looking out at the myriad of bright lights of the city.
ANAKIN: (aloud/to himself)
Maybe the dreams mean something… and if
they do, maybe that means I've attained the
balance required for Knighthood.
OBI-WAN:
Or maybe they are simply dreams.
ANAKIN turns to face OBI-WAN.
OBI-WAN:
Anakin, even Jedi dream normal dreams. Not
everything we dream is the Force telling us something, believe me. I once asked my master
Qui-Gon the very same question on dreams. He
told me exactly what I'm telling you…
ANAKIN:
……just dreams?
OBI-WAN:
Just dreams, trust me.
ANAKIN:
Well, I'd rather dream of Padmé anyway. Just
being around her again is... intoxicating.
OBI-WAN:
Mind your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you.
You made a commitment to the Jedi order, a
commitment not easily broken. And don't forget
she's a politician. They're not to be trusted.
ANAKIN:
She's not like the others in the Senate,
Master.
OBI-WAN:
It's been my experience that Senators are
only focused on pleasing those who fund
their campaigns. And they are more than
willing to forget the niceties of democracy
to get those funds.
ANAKIN:
Well the Chancellor doesn't appear to be
corrupt.
OBI-WAN:
Palpatine's a politician. I've observed
that he is very clever at following the
passions and prejudices of the Senators.
ANAKIN:
I don't think that's so. I think he's a
good man. My instincts are very positive
about-
ANAKIN spins his head back toward PADME's room. He looks sharply at OBI-WAN
OBI-WAN:
I sense it, too.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT, BEDROOM - NIGHT
ARTOO sounds an alarm and shines a light on the bed. THE KOUHUNS are inches from PADME'S face. Their mouths are open, and wicked stinger tongues flick out.
OBI-WAN and ANAKIN burst into the room. The KOUHUNS stand on their hind legs and hiss as PADME wakes up. ANAKIN throws himself in front of her, whacking in half the deadly creatures with his lightsaber.
OBI-WAN sees the DROID outside the window and races straight at it, crashing through the blinds as he goes through the window.
EXT. WINDOW LEDGE, APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
OBI-WAN flies through the glass window and flings himself at the PROBE DROID, grabbing onto the deadly machine before it can flee. The PROBE DROID sinks under the weight of OBI-WAN but manages to stay afloat and fly away, with the Jedi hanging on for dear life, a hundred stories above the city.
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
ANAKIN and PADME stare at the sight of OBI-WAN being carried off by the DROID. ANAKIN turns to her. She pulls her nightdress around her shoulders.
ANAKIN:
Stay here!
CAPTAIN TYPHO, with TWO GUARDS and DORME, enter the room as Anakin dashes out.
EXT. CITYSCAPE, CORUSCANT - NIGHT
The PROBE DROID sends several protective electrical shocks across its surface, causing OBI-WAN to almost lose his grip. As they dart in and out of the speeder traffic, OBI-WAN disconnects a wire on the back of the DROID. Its power shuts off! OBI-WAN and the DROID drop like rocks. OBI-WAN realises the error of his ways and quickly puts the wire back. The DROID'S systems light up again and it takes off.
EXT. SENATE APARTMENTS - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
ANAKIN charges out of the building and runs to a line of parked speeders. He vaults into an open one and takes off, gunning it fast toward the lines of speeder traffic high above.
EXT. CITYSCAPE, CORUSCANT - NIGHT
The DROID bumps against a wall, hoping to knock the Jedi loose. It moves behind a speeder afterburner to scorch him. It takesthe JEDI wildly between buildings and finally skims across a rooftop as OBI-WAN is forced to lift his legs, tenaciously hanging onto the DROID. The DROID heads for a dirty, beat-up speeder hidden in an alcove of a building about twenty stories up. When the pilot of the speeder, a scruffy bounty hunter called ZAM WESELL, sees the DROID approach with OBI-WAN hanging on, she pulls a long rifle out of the speeder and starts to fire at the JEDI. EXPLOSIONS burst all around OBI-WAN.
FINALLY, the DROID suffers a direct hit and blows up. OBI-WAN falls fifty stories, until a speeder drops down next to him, and he manages to grab onto the back end of the speeder and haul himself toward the cockpit. The JEDI struggles to climb into the passenger seat of the open speeder and sit down next to the driver, ANAKIN.
ANAKIN:
That was so wizard, Master! But I
almost lost you in the traffic.
OBI-WAN:
What took you so long?
ANAKIN:
Well, you know, I couldn't
find a speeder that I really liked,
with an open cockpit... and with
the right speed capabilities...
and then you know I had to get a
really gonzo color...
They zoom upward in hot pursuit of ZAM as she fires out the open window at them with her laser pistol.
OBI-WAN:
If you'd spend as much time
working on your saber skills as
you do on your wit, young Padawan,
you would rival Master Yoda as a
swordsman.
ANAKIN:
I thought I already did.
OBI-WAN:
Only in your mind, my very young
apprentice. Careful!! Hey, easy!!
As this conversation is going on, ANAKIN deftly moves in and out of the oncoming traffic, across lanes, between buildings, and miraculously through a construction site. ZAM WESELL continues firing at them.
ANAKIN:
Sorry, I forgot you don't like
flying.
OBI-WAN:
I don't mind flying, but what you're
doing is suicide!
They barely miss a commuter train
OBI-WAN:
Just slow down!
ZAM WESSEL and the JEDI race through a line of cross-traffic made up of giant trucks. The speeders bank sideways as they slide around right-angle turns between buildings. ZAM races into a tram tunnel.
OBI-WAN:
Wait! Don't go in there!
ANAKIN zooms into the tunnel after ZAM. They see a tram coming at them. They brake, turn around, and race out, barely ahead of the charging commuter transport.
OBI-WAN:
You know I don't like it when you
do that!
ANAKIN:
My apologies, Master. Don't worry, this
guy's gonna' kill himself any minute now!
ZAM WESSEL turns into oncoming traffic, deliberately trying to throw the JEDI off. Oncoming speeders swerve, trying to avoid ZAM and the JEDI. ZAM does a quick, tight loop-over and ends up behind the JEDI. She is now in a much better position to fire at them with her laser pistol. To avoid being hit by the laser bolts, ANAKIN slams on the brakes and moves alongside ZAM. She now fires point-blank at OBI-WAN.
OBI-WAN:
What are you doing? He's going to
blast me!
ANAKIN:
You're right… this isn't working.
ANAKIN slides underneath Zam's speeder. They race along in traffic, one speeder right on top of the other. The BOUNTY HUNTER skims over the rooftops, causing ANAKIN to drop behind. ANAKIN goes through his gears, zooming around traffic. They race at high speed across a wide, flat surface of the city planet. A large spacecraft almost collides with them as it attempts to land. They round a corner and clip a flag, which gets caught on one of the front air scoops.
OBI-WAN:
That was too close!
ANAKIN:
Clear that!
OBI-WAN:
What??
ANAKIN:
Clear the flag! We're losing
power! Hurry!
OBI-WAN leans out of the speeder, then crawls out onto the front engine, pulling the flag free of the scoop. The speeder lurches forward with a surge of power.
OBI-WAN:
Whooooaaa! Don't do that! I
don't like it when you do that!
ANAKIN:
Got it.
They chase the BOUNTY HUNTER through a power refinery.
OBI-WAN:
It's dangerous near those power
couplings! Slow down! Don't go
through there!
Huge electrical bolts shoot between the buildings as the speeders pass.
OBI-WAN:
What are you doing!?
ANAKIN:
We have to! If we don't, we might lose him.
As they zoom through the couplings, bolts of electricity jut at them, shocking them in the process.
ANAKIN/OBI-WAN:
Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow…
Finally, they speed away from the power couplings. Both speeders continue gaining speed. The BOUNTY HUNTER flies directly toward a massive transport ship. The BOUNTY HUNTER gets dangerously close to the other ship, but pulls up at just the right time, going up and then over the bigger ship.
OBI-WAN, knowing what this means, widens his eyes in fear.
OBI-WAN:
Anakin, don't you dare!
ANAKIN breathes in, determined to continue the chase and not be slowed down. He plows forward, pulling the same maneuver as the BOUNTY HUNTER. But as the speeder is pulling upward and almost passes over the bigger ship, ANAKIN suddenly widens his eyes. He feels something through the Force.
ANAKIN:
DAMN!!
With great skill, and a little physical persuasion through the Force, ANAKIN lurches the speeder into a far left. Just half a second after this, the BOUNTY HUNTER zooms past ANAKIN's speeder, only a hair away from the latter speeder. OBI-WAN watches, his eyes only widening more as he takes in the recent events. He watches the BOUNTY HUNTER speed past them, then looks back in time to see Anakin lurch the speeder around, just missing another speeder in common traffic. ANAKIN successfully maneuvers the speeder into another direct chase after the BOUNTY HUNTER.
OBI-WAN:
Oh, that was good...
ANAKIN: (serious)
That was crazy!!!
ZAM slides around a corner sideways, blocking an alley, firing point-blank as ANAKIN approaches.
ANAKIN:
Damn.
OBI-WAN:
Stop!!
ANAKIN:
No, we can make it.
ANAKIN barely misses the BOUNTY HUNTER'S speeder as he dives under it, and through a small gap in the building hitting several pipes and going wildly out of control. ANAKIN struggles to regain control of the speeder, narrowly missing a crane, barely clipping a pair of giant struts. A giant gas ball shoots up, causing ANAKIN to spin and bump a building, stalling the speeder.
OBI-WAN places his head in his hands.
OBI-WAN:
I'm crazy, I'm crazy, I'm
crazy.
ANAKIN can still feel the rush.
ANAKIN:
But it worked! We made it!
OBI-WAN:(angrily)
It didn't work, we've stalled!
And you almost got us killed!
ANAKIN works to get the speeder started. It quickly races to life.
ANAKIN:
I think we're still alive.
OBI-WAN:(very angrily)
It was stupid!
ANAKIN halts all movement, looking to his master.
ANAKIN:(sheepishly)
Yes sir...
OBI-WAN:(furious)
And now we've lost him.
Suddenly, there is an ambush. Laser bolts fire everywhere. EXPLOSIONS surround them. They look up to see ZAM WESSEL take off.
ANAKIN:
No we didn't.
Out of a cloud of smoke and ball of flames the JEDI tear after ZAM. They are smoking. OBI-WAN slaps out the small fire on the dashboard. ZAM goes up and down, through cross-traffic. There is a near miss as a speeder almost hits them. ZAM turns down and left between two buildings. ANAKIN pulls up and to the right
OBI-WAN:
Where are you going?! He went
down there, the other way.
ANAKIN:
This is a shortcut... I think.
OBI-WAN:
What do you mean, `You think?'
What kind of shortcut?! He went
completely the other way! You've
lost him!
ANAKIN:
Master, if we keep this chase
going, that creep's gonna' end up
deep-fried. Personally, I'd very
much like to find out who in the
hell he is and who he's working
for.
OBI-WAN:(sarcastic)
Oh, so that's why we're going in
the wrong direction.
ANAKIN turns up a side street, zooming up several small passageways, then stops, hovering about fifty stories up.
OBI-WAN:
Well, you lost him.
ANAKIN looks around front and back. He spots something. He seems to
start counting to himself as he watches something below approach.
ANAKIN:
Excuse me for a moment.
ANAKIN jumps out of the speeder. OBI-WAN looks down and sees ZAM's speeder about five stories below them cruising past. ANAKIN miraculously lands on top of the Bounty Hunter's speeder. The speeder wobbles under the impact. ZAM looks up and realizes what has happened.
OBI-WAN:
I hate it when he does that…
ZAM takes off, and ANAKIN slides to the back strut and almost slips off, but manages to hang on. ANAKIN works his way back to the speeder's cockpit, just as ZAM stops suddenly, and ANAKIN flies forward to the left front fork. ZAM shoots at him with a laser pistol. There is a BLAST near ANAKIN'S hand, which breaks off a piece of the speeder. ANAKIN slides to the right fork of the speeder, where ZAM can't reach him. He scrambles to the top, holding onto an air scoop.
OBI-WAN has jumped into the driver's seat of his speeder and is deftly gaining on the rogue speeder. The two speeders dive through oncoming traffic and then through cross traffic. Finally, ANAKIN is able to get hold of his lightsaber and starts to cut his way through the roof of the speeder. ZAM takes out her laser pistol and starts firing at the helpless JEDI, knocking the sword out of his hand. OBI-WAN races under the speeder and catches the Jedi weapon in the passenger's seat.
ANAKIN sticks his hand into the cockpit and, using the Force, pulls the gun out of ZAM'S hand. She grabs the Jedi's hand, and they struggle for the weapon. It goes off, blowing a hole in the floor of the speeder. The speeder careens wildly out of control. ZAM struggles to pull the speeder out of it's nose dive. OBI-WAN gets slowed down by traffic and loses sight of the Bounty Hunter's speeder.
Just as the dragster is about to nose dive into the ground, ZAM pulls it out, and it slides hard on the pavement in a shower of sparks. ANAKIN goes flying into the street.
EXT. ENTERTAINMENT STREET - NIGHT
ZAM exits the crashed speeder and runs. ANAKIN picks himself up off the pavement and runs down the very crowded street.
It's the seedy underbelly of the city. Broken sidewalks, garish lights reflected on the filthy puddles. It's pretty crowded with various ALIEN LOW-LIFES, PANHANDLING DROIDS, and the occasional group of UPPERCLASS SLUMMERS.
ANAKIN barges into several of them as he chases after the fleeing ZAM. He loses the Bounty Hunter in the crowd, them sees him again. The young Jedi is having a very difficult time getting through the crowd.
Ahead, ZAM turns in through a door and disappears.
A nightclub sighs is flashing over the door. ANAKIN is just about to follow ZAM when there is a sudden swirl of litter from downthrusters. PEOPLE start moving out of the way, and the open speeder lands in the street beside him. OBI-WAN gets out and walks over, holding out ANAKIN'S lightsaber.
OBI-WAN:
Anakin!
ANAKIN:
She went into that club, Master.
OBI-WAN:
Patience.
OBI-WAN hands ANAKIN the lightsaber.
OBI-WAN:
Here. Next time try not to lose it.
ANAKIN:
Thank you, Master.
ANAKIN reaches for the lightsaber, but OBI-WAN holds it back.
OBI-WAN:
A Jedi's saber is his most
precious possession.
ANAKIN:
Yes, Master.
He reaches for the lightsaber, OBI-WAN pulls it back.
OBI-WAN:
He must keep it with him at all
times.
Cue same manner of shot angles used for ANAKIN's “Anger POV”
ANAKIN: (flustered)
I know, Master.
OBI-WAN:
This weapon is your life!
ANAKIN: (blatantly pissed)
I've heard this lesson before!
OBI-WAN, shocked, finally holds out the lightsaber and ANAKIN grabs it.
OBI-WAN:
Anakin…
ANAKIN suddenly has mellowed. He looks at OBI-WAN, realizing what just happened.
ANAKIN: (serious/apologetic)
Master…I……I don't know what came over me.
I apologize profusely for my behavior.
OBI-WAN:
This is not the first time you've behaved
like this, Anakin. Do the dreams bring
these moods on?
ANAKIN:
I don't know, sir. But again, I apologize.
ANAKIN, trying to be respectful, bows his head to his mentor.
OBI-WAN begins to smile, placing a hand on ANAKIN's shoulder. ANAKIN looks back up.
OBI-WAN:
Well, I'm mostly taking the apology for the
crazy driving you did. Now, to business.
The TWO JEDI enter the bar.
INT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
OBI-WAN and ANAKIN enter the nightclub bar, and everyone stares at them.
OBI-WAN:
Why do I get the feeling that you'll be
the death of me one day?
ANAKIN:
Oh don't say that Master, you're
the closest thing I have to a
father. It wouldn't be logical
for me to wish you pain.
OBI-WAN:
Do you see him?
ANAKIN:
I think he is actually a she. And I
also think she is a Changeling.
OBI-WAN:
Then be extra careful...
OBI-WAN nods towards a room.
OBI-WAN:
Check it out.
OBI-WAN starts to walk away.
ANAKIN:
Where are you going, Master?
OBI-WAN:
To get a drink. I think I need one after
that chase.
OBI-WAN heads for the bar. ANAKIN blinks in surprise, and then moves into the room, where ALIEN FACES look back at him with hostility, suspicion, and invitation as he moves among the tables. OBI-WAN arrives at the bar. He signals the BARMAN.
CLOSE - Somewhere in the room a HAND moves to a pistol in its holster and unsnaps the safety catch. At the bar, a glass is placed in from of OBI-WAN. A drink is poured. He lifts the glass.
ELAN SLEAZEBAGGANO:
Wanna buy some death sticks?
OBI-WAN looks at him. He moves his fingers slightly.
OBI-WAN:
You don't want to sell me death-
sticks.
ELAN:
I don't want to sell you death-
sticks.
OBI-WAN moves his fingers.
OBI-WAN:
You want to go home and re-think
your life.
ELAN:
I want to go home and re-think my
life.
He leaves. OBI-WAN lifts the drink and tosses it back.
CLOSE. The gun is drawn from its holster and held down out of sight. The BOUNTY HUNTER starts to move toward the bar.
ANAKIN checks out ALIEN FACES. OBI-WAN signals for another drink. The gun moves toward his unsuspecting back.
The drink is poured. OBI-WAN reaches for it. The gun is raised to aim directly at his back, and suddenly OBI-WAN turns fast. His lightsaber flashes. There is a shrill SCREAM and ZAM'S ARM hits the floor. The gun drops from its twitching fingers. Blood spreads.
The room is silent. ALIENS rise menacingly from their seats, and ANAKIN is suddenly at OBI-WAN's side, his lightsaber glowing.
ANAKIN:
Easy folks! Official business. Go
back to your drinks.
Slowly, the ALIENS sit. Conversation resumes. Onstage, THE PERFORMERS pick up their routine. OBI-WAN and ANAKIN lift ZAM and carry her out.
EXT. ALLEY OUTSIDE NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
OBI-WAN and ANAKIN carry ZAM into the alley and lower her to the ground. OBI-WAN attends to her wounded shoulder. She stares up hatefully at ANAKIN. She winces in pain, then nods.
OBI-WAN:
Do you know who it was you were
trying to kill?
ZAM WESSEL:
The Senator from Naboo.
OBI-WAN:
Who hired you?
ZAM glares at OBI-WAN.
ZAM WESSEL:
It was just a job.
ANAKIN: (calm)
Please, tell us.
ZAM WESSEL:
That Senator's gonna die soon
anyway, and the next one won't
make the same mistake I did...
OBI-WAN:
This wound's going to need
treatment.
ANAKIN: (less calm)
Who hired you? Tell us... tell us
now!
ZAM glares hatefully.
ZAM:
It was a Bounty Hunter called...
There is a sudden FTZZZ sound. ZAM twitches. She blinks in surprise and dies.
There is a WEOOSH from above. OBI-WAN and ANAKIN look up and see an ARMOURED ROCKET-MAN taking off from a roof high above. OBI-WAN looks down at ZAM. He touches her neck and pulls out a small, wicked-looking dart.
OBI-WAN:
A toxic dart...
INT. SENATE BUILDING, AMIDALA'S APARTMENT - DAY
ANAKIN and JAR JAR stand near the door of the anteroom to PADME'S
bedroom. PADME and DORME move about packing luggage.
PADMÉ:
Representative Binks. I know I can
count on you.
JAR-JAR:
You-sa betchen me-sa bottums.
PADMÉ:
What?!
JAR-JAR:
(coughs, recovers)
Oh, pardone-ay, Senator. I mean,
I am honoured to accept this heavy
burden. I take on this
responsibility with deep humility
tinged with an overwhelming pride.
It is not every day that I am
called upon to...
PADME kisses him on the cheek and gives him a hug. JAR-JAR turns red.
PADMÉ:
You're a good friend, Jar-Jar. I
don't wish to hold you up. I'm
sure you have a great deal to do.
JAR-JAR
Of course, M'lady.
JAR-JAR bows and goes out. As he passes ANAKIN, he flashes a dazzling smile. PADME is in a very bad mood.
PADMÉ:
I do not like this idea of hiding.
ANAKIN:
Not to worry. Now that the Jedi Council
has ordered an investigation, it
won't take long before Master Obi-Wan finds
that bounty hunter.
PADMÉ:
(frustrated)
I haven't worked for a year to
defeat the "Military Creation Act"
only to not be here when its fate is
decided.
ANAKIN:
I can understand. It is no easy task to
leave when you are needed. But in focusing
on a larger picture, like the chance of
keeping you around to do more good, we
sometimes have to let go of our pride and
do what is requested of us.
PADMÉ:
Pride?!? Annie, you're young, and
you don't have a very firm grip on
politics. I suggest you reserve
your opinions for some other time.
ANAKIN:
I'm sorry, M'lady. I was only trying
to-
PADMÉ:
Annie! No!
ANAKIN:
Please don't call me that.
PADMÉ:
What?
ANAKIN:
“Annie”. Please don't call me by that name.
PADMÉ:
I've always called you that... it
is your name, isn't it?
ANAKIN:
If you remember correctly, I told you once
upon a time that my name is Anakin. When you
say `Annie', it's like you still see me as
a little boy. I may not be a full-grown man
yet, but I am not a child either.
PADMÉ:
I'm sorry, Anakin. It's impossible
to deny you've...
(looks him over)
...that you've grown up.
PADME smiles at ANAKIN. He becomes a little shy.
ANAKIN:
Master Obi-Wan doesn't always see that.
Funny how it's always at times where I
really need him to trust my ability to
carry something out.
PADMÉ:
Mentors have a way of seeing more
of our faults than we would like.
It's the only way we grow.
ANAKIN:
This is true. Obi-Wan is indeed a great
mentor. As wise as Master Yoda, and as
powerful as Master Windu. I am thankful
to be his apprentice. Only…
PADMÉ:
Only what?
ANAKIN:
Well, I hear the other Jedi talk about me.
They say that although I'm a Padawan learner,
in some ways... a lot of ways... I'm already
ahead of even Master Yoda. I've learned that
I'm part of an ancient Jedi prophecy. I'm
supposed to bring balance to the Force. Only
Obi-Wan is aware that I know. But I don't think
he believes I'm capable of what I'm supposed to
do. I do well in all of my training, even go
the extra mile when possible.
ANAKIN:
I'm ready for the trials. I feel that Obi-Wan
knows it too. He believes I'm too unpredictable.
Other Jedi my age have already gone through the
trials and made it. Though I suppose I did start
my training later than they did.
PADMÉ:
That must be frustrating.
ANAKIN:
I just wish he'd believe in me. If he does, he
never says so.
There is a brief silence. PADMÉ comes over to ANAKIN.
PADMÉ:
Anakin...
They look into each other's eyes for the first time.
PADMÉ:
Don't try to grow up too fast.
ANAKIN
I don't want to. But I have to.
PADME looks into ANAKIN'S eyes. He begins to return the gaze, a smile forming.
ANAKIN:
Besides, I am grown up. You said it yourself.
ANAKIN looks searchingly, maybe longingly, into PADME'S eyes.
PADMÉ:
Please don't look at me like that.
ANAKIN:
Why not?
PADMÉ:
Because I can see what you're
thinking.
ANAKIN:(laughing)
Ahh, so you have Jedi powers too?
DORME is watching with concern.
PADMÉ:
It makes me feel uncomfortable.
ANAKIN catches the truth in her statement, and his smile fades into a look of slight embarrassment.
ANAKIN:
I'm sorry, M'lady.
ANAKIN backs away as PADME turns and goes back to her packing.
EXT. CORUSCANT, SPACEPORT FREIGHTER DOCKS, TRANSPORT BUS - DAY
A small bus speeds toward the massive freighter docks of Coruscant's Industrial area. The spaceport is bustling with activity. Transports of various sizes moves supplies and passengers as giant floating cranes lift cargo out of starships. The bus stops before a huge intergalactic freighter starship. It parks in the shadows of an overhang.
INT. CORUSCANT, SPACEPORT FREIGHTER DOCKS, TRANSPORT BUS - DAY
ANAKIN and PADME, dressed in Outland peasant outfits, get up and head for the door where CAPTAIN TYPHO, DORME and OBI-WAN are waiting to hand them their luggage. DORME is dressed to look like Senator Amidala.
CAPTAIN TYPHO:
Be safe, m'lady.
PADMÉ:
Thank you, Captain. Take good
care of Dorme. The threat's on
you two now.
DORME:
He'll be safe with me.
They laugh, and PADME embraces her faithful handmaiden. DORME starts to weep.
PADMÉ:
You'll be fine.
DORME:
It's not me, M'Lady. I worry
about you. What if they realize
I'm not you?
PADMÉ:
Then my Jedi protector will have
to prove how grown up he is.
DORME and PADME smile. ANAKIN smiles. OBI-WAN pulls him aside.
OBI-WAN:
Anakin, you stay put on Naboo.
Do not attract any attention. Do
absolutely nothing without
checking in with me or the Council.
ANAKIN:
I understand, Master.
OBI-WAN: (to Padme)
I will get to the bottom of this
plot quickly, M'Lady. You'll be
back here in no time.
PADMÉ:
I will be most grateful for your
speed, Master Jedi.
ANAKIN:
It's time.
PADMÉ:
I know.
PADME gives DORME a last hug. ANAKIN picks up the luggage, and the TWO PEASANTS exit the speeder bus, where ARTOO is waiting for them.
OBI-WAN:
May the Force be with you, Anakin
ANAKIN:
May the Force be with you, Master.
They head off toward the giant Starfreighter.
PADMÉ:
Suddenly, I'm afraid...
ANAKIN:
I'm a bit frightened myself. This is my
first assignment alone, after all.
PADMÉ:
There's nothing to worry about...
we have Artoo with us.
The two laugh.
OBI-WAN and CAPTAIN TYPHO watch ANAKIN and PADME disappear into the
vastness of the spaceport with ARTOO trundling along behind them.
OBI-WAN:
I hope he doesn't try anything
foolish.
CAPTAIN TYPHO:
I'd be more concerned about her
doing something than him.
EXT. FREIGHTER DOCKS - CORUSCANT - DAY
The freighter slowly takes off from the huge docks area of Coruscant. It soon moves into the crowded skies.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, MAIN HALLWAY - LATE DAY
From high above, light streams down from the lofty ceilings. OBI-WAN crosses the floor of the great hallway, heading for the Analysis Rooms.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, ANALYSIS CUBICLES - LATE DAY
OBI-WAN walks past several glass cubicles where work is going on. He comes to an empty one and sits down in front of a console. A PK-4 ANALYSIS DROID comes to life. A tray slides out of the console.
PK-4:
Place the subject for analysis on
the sensor tray, please.
OBI-WAN puts the dart onto the tray which retracts into the console. The DROID activates the system, and a screen lights up in from of OBI-WAN.
OBI-WAN:
It's a toxic dart. I need to know
where it came from and who made it.
PK-4:
One moment, please.
Diagrams appear on the screen, scrolling past at great speed. OBI-WAN watches as the screen goes blank. They tray slides out.
PK-4:
As you can see on your screen,
subject weapon does not exist in
any known culture. Markings
cannot be identified. Probably
self-made by a warrior not
associated with any known society.
OBI-WAN:
Excuse me? Could you try again
please?
PK-4:
Master Jedi, our records are very
thorough. They cover eight
percent of the galaxy. If I can't
tell you where it came from,
nobody can.
OBI-WAN picks up the dart and looks at it, then looks to the DROID.
OBI-WAN:
Thanks for your assistance. You
may not be able to figure this
out, but I think I know someone
who might.
EXT. SPACE, STARSHIP FREIGHTER
The massive, slow-moving Freighter suddenly zooms away into lightspeed.
INT. STARFREIGHTER, STORAGE HOLD - DAY
The great, gloomy hold is crowded with EMIGRANTS and their belongings. To one side ARTOO is coming to the head of a food line, where SERVERS are ladling out bowls of mush. ARTOO holds two bowls.
SERVER:
Keep moving! Keep moving!
ARTOO slips tube into a tub of mush and sucks up a large quantity. With one of his little claw-arms, he grabs several chunks of something that looks like brown bread. A SERVER sees him.
SERVER:
Hey! No Droids!
ARTOO takes one last big suck and heads away from the food line. The SERVER shouts after him angrily. The little droid moves past groups of eating or sleeping EMIGRANTS and comes to where ANAKIN is sound asleep. The young Jedi seems to be having a nightmare. He is very restless.
ANAKIN:
No.. no, please!
He is sweating. PADME leans over to wipe some of the sweat from his forehead. He wakes up with a start, then realizes where he is. PADME simply looks at him. He stares back, somewhat confused. ARTOO fills up two bowls with mush.
ANAKIN:
What?
PADMÉ:
You were having a nightmare.
ANAKIN looks at PADME a little more closely, trying to see if he has revealed any of his secrets. She hands him a bowl of mush and bread.
PADMÉ:
Are you hungry?
ANAKIN:
Yes, thank you.
PADMÉ:
We just went into lightspeed a while
ago.
ANAKIN looks into PADME'S eyes.
ANAKIN:
I look forward to seeing Naboo
again. I've thought about it every
day since I left. It's the
most beautiful place I've ever
seen.
PADME is a little unnerved by his intense stare.
PADMÉ:
You were just a little boy then.
It may not be as you remember it;
time changes your perception.
ANAKIN:
Indeed it does.
PADMÉ:
It must be difficult having sworn
your life to the Jedi, not being
able to visit the places you
like or do the things you
like...
ANAKIN:
Or be with the people I love.
PADMÉ:
Are you allowed to love? I
thought that was forbidden for a
Jedi.
ANAKIN:
Well, attachment is what is forbidden.
Possession is forbidden. This is particular
to the life of a Padawan, as it would disrupt
their training. But there have been marriages
among the older Jedi. Master Mundi, for
example, has had three wives in his long
lifetime.
PADMÉ:
Three?
ANAKIN:
Oh yes.
They laugh.
ANAKIN:
But compassion, which I would define as
unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life.
So you might say that we are encouraged to love.
But things like marriage, children, the Jedi tend
to frown upon it… as it creates a heavy
distraction in the Jedi's life.
PADMÉ can only smile at ANAKIN
PADMÉ:
You have changed so much
ANAKIN:
You haven't changed a bit. You're
exactly the way I remember you in
my dreams.
ANAKIN:
I doubt if Naboo has
changed much either.
PADMÉ:
It hasn't.
ANAKIN:
I can't wait to breathe the sweet
breeze that comes off the rolling
hills. Whenever I try to
visualize the Force, those hills
are what I see.
ANAKIN looks at PADME when he says this.
ANAKIN:
I love Naboo.
There is an awkward moment.
PADMÉ: (changing the subject)
You were dreaming about your
mother earlier, weren't you?
A pause.
ANAKIN:
Yes.
ANAKIN folds his hands.
ANAKIN:
I left Tatooine so long ago, and my memory
of her is fading. I don't want to lose it.
Recently I've been seeing her in my dreams.
Vivid dreams. Scary dreams. I worry about her.
I worry that I'm seeing an important message
through the Force, and not just a normal dream.
PADMÉ gives ANAKIN a sympathetic look.
EXT. CORUSCANT, DOWNTOWN, BACK STREET - MORNING
OBI-WAN walks down the street. It is a pretty tough part of town. Old buildings, warehouses, beat up speeders and transporter rigs occasional "shiny freighters" hissing through.
OBI-WAN arrives at a kind of alien diner. On the steamed-up window it says "DEX'S DINER" in alien lettering. He goes inside.
INT. CORUSCANT, DEX'S DINER - MORNING
A young waitress, HERMIONE BAGWA, is wiping off a booth tabletop. There is a counter with stools and a line of booths along the wall by the window. A number of CUSTOMERS are eating - TOUGH-LOOKING WORKERS, FREIGHTER DRIVERS etc. HERMIONE looks up as OBI-WAN comes in.
HERMIONE:
Can I help ya?
OBI-WAN:
I'm looking for Dexter.
HERMIONE'S eyes narrow.
HERMIONE:
Waddya want him for?
OBI-WAN:
He's not in trouble. It's
personal.
HERMIONE stares at OBI-WAN. There is a brief pause. Then she goes to the open serving hatch behind the counter.
HERMIONE:
Someone to see ya, honey.
A Jedi, by the looks of him.
Steam billows out from the kitchen hatch behind the counter as a huge head pokes through.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
Obi-Wan!
OBI-WAN:
Hey, Dex!
DEXTER JETTSTER:
Take a seat! Be right with ya!
OBI-WAN sits in a booth.
HERMIONE:
You want a cup of ardees?
OBI-WAN:
Thank you.
HERMIONE moves off as the door to the counter opens and DEXTER JETTSTER appears. He is big - bald and sweaty, old and alien. Not someone to tangle with. He arrives, beaming hugely.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
Hey, ol' buddy!
OBI-WAN:
Hey, Dex.
DEXTER eases himself into the seat opposite OBI-WAN. He can just make it. HERMIONE sets two mugs of steaming ardees in front of them.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
So, my friend, what can I do for
ya?
OBI-WAN:
You can tell me what this is.
OBI-WAN places the dart on the table between them. DEX'S eyes widen. He puts down his mug.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
Well, whattaya know...
DEXTER picks up the dart delicately between his puffy fingers and peers at it.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
I ain't seen one of these since I
was prospecting on Subterrel
beyond the Outer Rim!
OBI-WAN:
Do you know where it came from?
DEXTER grins. He puts the dart down between them.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
This baby belongs to them cloners.
What you got here is a Kamino
Kyberdart.
OBI-WAN:
Kamino Kyberdart... I wonder why
it didn't show up in any analysis
archive.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
It's these funny little cuts on
the side give it away...
Those analysis droids you've got
over there only focus on symbols,
you know. I should think you Jedi
would have more respect for the
difference between knowledge and
wisdom.
OBI-WAN:
Well, Dex, if droids could think, we
wouldn't be here, would we?
(laughing)
Kamino... doesn't sound familiar.
Is it part of the Republic?
DEXTER JETTSTER:
No, it's beyond the Outer Rim.
I'd say about twelve parsecs
outside the Rishi Maze, toward the
south. It should be easy to find,
even for those droids in your
archive to find. Those Kaminoans
keep to themselves. They're
cloners. Damned good ones, too.
OBI-WAN then picks up the dart, holding it midway between them.
OBI-WAN:
Cloners? Are they friendly?
DEXTER JETTSTER:
It depends.
OBI-WAN:
On what, Dex?
Dexter grins.
DEXTER JETTSTER:
On how good your manners are...
and how big your pocketbook is...
EXT. NABOO SPACEPORT - DAY
The Starfreighter lands in the giant port city of Theed.
PADME, ANAKIN and ARTOO are among the EMIGRANTS streaming from the Starfreighter and into the vast docking area. They exit onto the main plaza.
EXT. NABOO PALACE, GRAND COURTYARD (NABOO) - AFTERNOON
The speeder bus pulls up and stops. PADME, ANAKIN, and ARTOO get out. The great courtyard stretches out before them, and they see the rose-colored dome of the palace on the far side. ARTOO WHISTLES. They pick up their gear and start to cross the courtyard. ARTOO trundles behind them.
ANAKIN:
You know, if I grew up here, I
don't think that I would ever find
reason to leave.
PADMÉ:
(laughing)
I doubt that.
ANAKIN:
No, really. When I started my
training, I was very homesick and
very lonely. This city and my Mom
were the only pleasant things I
had to think about.
They continue to walk.
ANAKIN:
The problem was, the more I thought
about my Mom, the worse I felt. But I
would feel better if I thought about
the palace… the way it shimmers in the
sunlight. The way the air always smells
of flowers...
PADMÉ:
...and the soft sound of the
distant waterfalls. The first
time I saw the Capital, I was very
young. I'd never seen a
waterfall before. I thought they
were so beautiful. I never
dreamed one day I'd live in the
palace.
ANAKIN:
Did you dream of power and politics
when you were a little girl?
PADMÉ:
(laughing)
No! That was the last thing I
thought of. My dream was to help
in the "Refugee Relief Movement."
I never thought of running for
elected office. But the more
history I studied, the more I
realised how much good politicians
could do. So when I was eight, I
joined the "Apprentice
Legislators", then later on became
a Senatorial advisor, with such a
passion that, before I knew it, I
was elected Queen. Partly because
I scored so high on my education
certificate, but for the most part
it was my conviction that reform
was possible. I wasn't the
youngest Queen ever elected, but
now that I think back on it, I'm
not sure I was old enough. I'm not
sure I was ready.
ANAKIN:
The people you served thought you
did a good job. I heard they
tried to amend the Constitution so
you could stay in office.
PADMÉ:
Popular rule is not democracy,
Anakin. It gives the people what
they want, not what they need.
And, truthfully, I was relieved
when my two terms were up. So
were my parents. They worried
About me during the blockade and
couldn't wait for it all to be
over. Actually, I was hoping to
have a family by now... My
sisters have the most amazing,
wonderful kids... but when the
Queen asked me to serve as
Senator, I couldn't refuse her.
ANAKIN:
I agree! I think the Republic
needs you... I'm glad you chose
to serve. I feel things are going
to happen in our generation that
will change the galaxy in profound
ways.
PADMÉ:
I think so too.
ANAKIN and PADME walk toward the palace. ARTOO continues to follow.
INT. NABOO PALACE, THRONE ROOM - AFTERNOON
QUEN JAMILLIA is seated on the throne, flanked by SIO BIBBLE and a COUPLE OF ADVISORS. FOUR HANDMAIDENS stand close by, and GUARDS are at the doors.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
We've been worried about you.
(takes her hand)
I'm so glad you're safe, Padmé.
PADMÉ:
Thank you, Your Highness. I only
Wish I could have served you
better by staying on Coruscant for
the vote.
SIO BIBBLE:
Given the circumstances, Senator,
you know it was the only decision
Her Highness could have made.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
How many systems have joined Count
Dooku and the separatists?
PADMÉ:
About two hundred. And more are
leaving the Republic every day.
If the Senate votes to create an
army, I'm sure it's going to push
us into a civil war.
SIO BIBBLE:
It's unthinkable! There hasn't
been a full-scale war since the
formation of the Republic!
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
Do you see any way, through
negotiations, to bring the
separatists back into the Republic?
PADMÉ:
Not if they feel threatened. The
separatists don't have an army,
but if they are provoked, they
will move to defend themselves.
I'm sure of that. And with no time
or money to build an army, my
guess is they will turn to the
Commerce Guilds or the Trade
Federation for help.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
The armies of commerce! Why has
nothing been done in the Senate
to restrain them?
PADMÉ:
I'm afraid that, despite the
Chancellor's best efforts, there
are still many bureaucrats,
judges, and even Senators on the
payrolls of the Guilds.
SIO BIBBLE:
It's outrageous! After all of
those hearings, and the four trials in
the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is
still the Viceroy of the Trade
Federation. Do those money
mongers control everything?
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
Remember, Counsellor, the courts
were able to reduce the
Federation's armies. That's a
move in the right
direction.
PADMÉ:
There are rumours, Your Highness,
that the Federation Army was not
reduced as they were ordered.
ANAKIN:
Even the Jedi have not been allowed to
investigate the matter. We were told
that it would raise too many unnecessary
questions, maybe frighten the masses.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
We must keep our faith in the
Republic. The day we stop
believing democracy can work is
the day we lose it.
PADMÉ:
Let's pray that day never comes.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
In the meantime, we must consider
your own safety.
SIO BIBBLE signals. All the other ADVISORS and ATTENDANTS bow and leave the room.
SIO BIBBLE:
(to Anakin)
What is your suggestion, Master
Jedi?
ANAKIN:
Well I-
PADMÉ:
Anakin's not a Jedi yet, Counsellor.
He's still a Padawan learner. I
was thinking-
ANAKIN:(nettled)
Hey, hold on a minute!
PADMÉ:
Excuse me! I was thinking I would
stay in the Lake Country. There
are some places up there that are
very isolated.
ANAKIN:
Excuse me?! I am in charge of
security here, M'Lady.
SIO BIBBLE and QUEEN JAMILLIA exchange a look. Something is going on here.
PADMÉ:
This is my home, and I know it very
well. That is why we're here.
I think it would be wise for you
to take advantage of my knowledge
in this instance.
ANAKIN:
(takes a deep breath)
Begging your pardon, M'Lady.
SIO BIBBLE:
(to Anakin, amused)
She is right. The Lake Country is
the most remote part of Naboo.
Not many people and a clear view
of the surrounding terrain.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
Perfect. It's settled then.
ANAKIN glares at PADME. Then QUEEN JAMILLIA gets up, and they all start to leave.
QUEEN JAMILLIA:
Padmé, I had an audience with your
father yesterday. I told him what
was happening. He hopes you will
visit your mother before you
leave... your family's very
worried about you.
PADME looks worried. They ALL exit down the main staircase.
EXT. JEDI TEMPLE - DAY
The main entrance at the base of the huge temple is bustling with activity. All sorts of JEDI are coming and going.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, ARCHIVES LIBRARY - DAY
A bronze bust of Count Dooku, stands among a line of other busts of Jedi in the Archive Room. OBI-WAN stands in front it, studying the striking features of the chiselled face.
On the walls, lighted computer panels seem to stretch into infinity. Farther along the room in the background, FIVE JEDI are seated at tables, studying archival material.
After OBI-WAN studies the bust for a few moments before MADAME JOCASTA NU, the Jedi Archivist is standing next to him. She is an elderly, frail-looking human Jedi. Tough as old boots and smart as a whip.
JOCASTA NU:
Did you call for assistance?
OBI-WAN: (distracted in thought)
Yes... yes, I did...
JOCASTA NU:
He has a powerful face, doesn't
he? He was one of the most
brilliant Jedi I have had the
privilege of knowing.
OBI-WAN:
I never understood why he quit.
Only twenty Jedi have ever left
the Order.
JOCASTA NU sighs.
JOCASTA NU:
The Lost Twenty, and Count Dooku
was the most recent and the most
painful. No one likes to talk
about it. His leaving was a great
loss to the Order.
OBI-WAN:
What happened?
JOCASTA NU:
Well, one might say, he was always
a bit out of step with the
decisions of the Council, much
like your old Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
OBI-WAN: (surprised)
Really?
JOCASTA NU:
Oh, yes. They were alike in many
ways. Very individual thinkers…
idealists…
JOCASTA NU stares at the bust
JOCASTA NU:
He was always striving to become
a more powerful Jedi. He wanted
to be the best. With a lightsaber,
in the old style of fencing, he
had no match. His knowledge of
the Force was... unique. In the
end, I think he left because he
lost faith in the Republic. He
believed that politics were
corrupt, and he felt the Jedi
betrayed themselves by serving the
politicians. He always had very
high expectations of government.
He disappeared for nine or ten
years, then he just showed up
recently as the head of the
separatist movement.
OBI-WAN:
Interesting… I'm still not sure
I understand.
JOCASTA NU:
Well, I'm sure you didn't call me
over here for a history lesson.
Are you having a problem, Master
Kenobi?
OBI-WAN:
Yes, I'm trying to find a planet
system called Kamino. It doesn't
seem to show upon any of the
archive charts.
OBI-WAN strolls over to an archive computer and draws up a view-screen.
JOCASTA NU:
Kamino? It's not a system I'm
familiar with. Let me see…
JOCASTA NU leans over OBI-WAN'S shoulder, looking at the screen.
JOCASTA NU:
Are you sure you have the right
co-ordinates?
OBI-WAN nods.
OBI-WAN:
According to my information, it
should be in this quadrant
somewhere, just south of the
R'ishi Maze.
JOCASTA NU taps the keyboard and frowns.
JOCASTA NU:
No co-ordinates? It sounds like the
kind of directions you'd get from
a street tout. Some old miner or
Furbog trader.
OBI-WAN smiles.
OBI-WAN:
All three actually.
JOCASTA NU does not return the smile. She eyes OBI-WAN questioningly.
JOCASTA NU:
Are you sure that this planet exists?
OBI-WAN:
Absolutely.
JOCASTA NU:
Let me do a gravitational scan.
OBI-WAN and JOCASTA NU study the star map hologram.
JOCASTA NU:
There are some inconsistencies
here. Maybe the planet you're
looking for was destroyed.
OBI-WAN:
Wouldn't that be on record?
JOCASTA NU:
It ought to be. Unless it was very
recent.
After a moment, JOCASTA NU shakes her head in defeat.
JOCASTA NU:
I hate to say it, but it looks
like the system you're searching
for doesn't exist.
OBI-WAN:
That's impossible… perhaps the
archives are incomplete.
JOCASTA NU straightens her composure, looking ever the knowledgeable-one.
JOCASTA NU:
The archives are comprehensive and
totally secure, my young Jedi.
One thing you may be absolutely
sure of… if an item does not
appear in our records, it does not
exist!
OBI-WAN stares at her, then looks back at the map.
EXT. THEED, RESIDENTIAL AREA, SIDE STREET - AFTERNOON
PEOPLE are passing through the little street, OLD MEN are sunning themslves, WOMEN are gossipping, KIDS are playing. ANAKIN, PADME and ARTOO turn onto a side street. ANAKIN is back in his Jedi robes. PADME wear a beautiful simple dress. She stops, beaming.
PADME:
There's my house!
PADME starts forward; ANAKIN hangs back.
PADME:
What? Don't say you're shy!
ANAKIN
Who, me?
ANAKIN follows with a weak attempt at a light laugh.
Suddenly, there are shouts from two little girils, RYOO (age 6) and POOJA (age 4). They come running toward PADME.
RYOO & POOJA:
Auntie Padme!! Auntie Padme!!
PADME:
Ryoo!! Pooja!!
PADME scoops up RYOO and POOJA and hugs them.
PADME:
I'm so happy to see you! This is my
good friend Anakin. Anakin, this is
Ryoo, and this is Pooja.
ANAKIN and the GIRLS say hello shyly. Then:
RYOO & POOJA:
Artoo!!!
As they see the droid, they hug him. ARTOO WHISTLES and BEEPS. PADME laughs. ANAKIN and PADME go on toward the house. The GIRLS stay and play with ARTOO.
INT. PADME'S PARENTS' HOUSE, MAIN ROOM - AFTERNOON
SOLA, PADME'S beautiful older sister, comes in from the kitchen carrying a big bowl of food.
SOLA:
They're eating over at Jev
Narran's later, Mom. They just
had a snack. They'll be fine.
SOLA puts the bowl down on the table, where ANAKIN, PADME and RUWEE NABERRIE (Padme's father) are coming into the room.
PADME:
Anakin, this is my sister, Sola.
SOLA:
Hello, Anakin.
ANAKIN:
Pleased to meet you.
SOLA sits, as JOBAL NABERRIE (Padme's mother) comes in with a heaped bowl of steaming food.
JOBAL:
You're just in time for dinner. I
hope you're hungry, Anakin.
ANAKIN:
A little, thank you.
PADME:
He's being polite, Mom. We're
starving.
RUWEE grins.
RUWEE:
You came to the right place at the
right time. Sit down, son.
EVERYONE sits and starts passing food.
JOBAL:
Honey, it's so good to see you
safe. We were so worried.
PADME gives JOBAL a dirty look. RUWEE smiles as he watches.
RUWEE:
Dear…
JOBAL:
I know, I know… but I had to say
it. Now it's done.
SOLA:
Well, this is exciting! Do you
know, Anakin, you're the first
boyfriend my sister's ever brought
home?
ANAKIN and PADME immediately choke in surprise at SOLA's assumption. ANAKIN blushes and grins uncontrollably. PADME looks warningly at her sister.
PADME:
Sola!! He isn't my boyfriend!
He's a Jedi assigned by the Senate
to protect me.
JOBAL:
A bodyguard?! Oh, Padme! They
didn't tell us it was that serious!
PADME:
It's not, Mom, I promise.
PADME glances JOBAL's way.
PADME:
Anyway, Anakin's a friend. I've
known him for years. Remember
that little boy who was with the
Jedi during the blockade crisis?
They nod.
PADME:
He grew up.
JOBAL:
Honey, when are you going to
settle down? Haven't you had
enough of that life? I certainly
have!
PADME:
Mom, I'm not in any danger.
RUWEE looks ANAKIN's way.
RUWEE
Is she?
ANAKIN looks to RUWEE, then at PADME.
ANAKIN
In truth…
ANAKIN looks back, and they all stare his way. ANAKIN lets out a sigh.
ANAKIN:
Yes, I'm afraid she is.
PADME: (quickly)
But not much.
JOBAL and RUWEE do not look convinced. PADME looks at ANAKIN, and he reads from her stare that he just said the wrong thing.
EXT. PADME'S PARENTS' GARDEN - AFTERNOON
ANAKIN and RUWEE are walking.
RUWEE:
Sometimes I wish I'd traveled
More. But I must say, I'm happy
here.
ANAKIN:
Padme tells me that you teach at the
University.
RUWEE nods.
RUWEE:
Yes, and before that, I was a
builder. I also worked for the
Refugee Relief Movement when I
was very young.
INT. PADME'S PARENTS' HOUSE, MAIN ROOM - AFTERNOON
PADME, SOLA and JOBAL are clearing the table.
SOLA:
Why haven't you told us about him?
PADMÉ:
What's there to talk about? He's
just a boy.
SOLA:
A boy? Have you seen the way he
looks at you?
PADMÉ:
Sola, stop it!
SOLA:
It's obvious he has feelings for
you. Are you saying, little baby
sister, that you haven't noticed?
PADMÉ:
I'm not your baby sister, Sola.
Anakin and I are friends. Our
relationship is strictly
professional.
PADME looks to JOBAL.
PADME:
Mom, would you tell her to stop it?
SOLA laughs.
SOLA:
Well, maybe you haven't noticed
the way he looks at you. I think
you're afraid to.
PADMÉ:
Cut it out.
JOBAL:
Sola's just concerned. We all
are.
PADMÉ:
Oh Mom, you're impossible. What
I'm doing is important.
JOBAL:
You've done your service, Padmé.
It's time you had a life of your
own. You're missing so much!
EXT. PADME'S PARENTS' GARDEN - AFTERNOON
ANAKIN and RUWEE are walking in the garden. RUWEE stops and faces ANAKIN directly.
RUWEE:
Now tell me, son. How serious is
this thing? How much danger is my
daughter really in?
ANAKIN faces RUWEE, wanting to be direct with the father of the woman he loves.
ANAKIN:
There have been two attempts on
her life thus far, and there could be
more. But my Master is tracking
down the assassins as we speak, and
I'm sure he'll find out who they are.
This situation won't last long.
RUWEE stares ANAKIN evenly.
RUWEE:
I don't want anything to happen to
her.
ANAKIN:
Neither do I.
INT. PADME'S PARENTS' HOUSE, PADME'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
PADME throws some things into a bag.
PADME:
Don't worry, this won't take long.
ANAKIN:
I just want to try to get there before
dark.
PADME goes on packing. ANAKIN looks around the room.
ANAKIN:
So, you still live at home?
PADME:
I move around so much, I've never
had a place of my own. Official
residences have no warmth. I feel
good here. I feel at home.
ANAKIN:
I don't recall ever having a real
home. Home was always where my mother
was.
ANAKIN picks up a framed hologram.
ANAKIN:
You?
The hologram shows PADME at age seven or eight surrounded by forty or fifty little green creatures. She is holding one in her arms. They are all smiling hugely.
PADME:
That was when I went with the
Relief Group to Shadda-Bi-Boran.
Their sun was imploding, and the
planet was dying. I was helping
to relocate the children. See
that little one I'm holding? His
name was N'a-kee-tula, which means
sweethear. He was so full of
life,. All those kids were. I did
everything I could to save him,
but he died... they all did. They
were never able to adapt... to
live off their native planet.
ANAKIN picks up another hologram. It shows PADME at age ten or eleven. She is wearing official robes and standing between two robed legislators. Her expression is severe.
PADME:
My first day as an Apprentice
Legislator. Notice the difference?
PADME pulls a face. ANAKIN grins. She continues packing. ANAKIN sets the two holograms down side by side: the beaming little girl, and the stern, unsmiling adolescent.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, MAIN HALLWAY - DAY
OBI-WAN walks through the main hallway to the training area.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, TRAINING VERANDA - DAY
OBI-WAN comes out onto the veranda and stops, watching TWENTY or so FOUR-YEAR-OLDS doing training exercises, supervised by YODA. They wear helmets over their eyes and try to strike little TRAINING DROIDS with their miniature lightsabers. The DROIDS dance in front of them.
YODA:
Don't think. Feel. Be as one
with the Force. Help you, it will.
YODA turns and sees OBI-WAN enter.
YODA:
Younglings, enough! A visitor we
have.
The CHILDREN take off their helmets and turn off their lightsabers.
YODA
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, meet the
mighty Bear Clan.
CHILDREN
Welcome, Master Obi-Wan!
OBI-WAN grins at the younglings.
OBI-WAN:
Hello.
OBI-WAN turns toward YODA.
OBI-WAN:
I am sorry to disturb you, Master.
YODA waves it off, smiling.
YODA:
What help to you, can I be?
OBI-WAN:
I'm looking for a planet described
to me by an old friend. I trust
him, but the system doesn't show
up on the archive maps.
YODA smiles playfully at the younglings.
YODA:
Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has! How
embarrassing… how embarrassing…
The younglings giggle.
YODA:
An interesting puzzle. Gather
round the map reader, younglings.
Master Obi-Wan has lost a planet.
Find it, we will try…
The map reader is a small shaft with a hollow opening at the top. The CHILDREN gather around it. OBI-WAN takes out a little glass ball and places it into the bowl. The window shades close darkening the room and the reader lights up, projecting the star map hologram into the room. The CHILDREN laugh. Some of them reach up to try and touch the nebulae and stars. OBI-WAN walks into the display.
OBI-WAN:
This is where it ought to be…
but it isn't. Gravity is pulling
all the stars in this area inward
to this spot. There should be a
star here, but there isn't.
YODA:
Most interesting. Gravity's
silhouette remains, but the star
and all its planets have
disappeared. How can this be? A thought,
hmm?
There is a brief pause. Then a CHILD puts its hand up. YODA nods.
YODA:
Liam…
JEDI CHILD LIAM:
Because someone erased it from the
archive memory, sir.
CHILDREN:
That's right! Yes! That's what
happened! Someone erased it!
JEDI CHILD MAY:
If the planet blew up, the gravity
would go away.
OBI-WAN stares. YODA chuckles.
YODA:
Truly wonderful, the mind of a
child is. Uncluttered. To the
center of the pull of gravity go,
and find your planet you will.
OBI-WAN:
But Master Yoda, who could have
erased information from the
archives? That's impossible,
isn't it?
YODA frowns.
YODA:
Much harder to answer, that
question is.
EXT. NABOO LAKE RETREAT, WATER SPEEDER, LANDING PLATFORM - LATE AFTERNOON
A water speeder driven by PADDY ACCU, the retreat caretaker, skims across the lake away from the island landing platform where a chrome Naboo Starship rests. ANAKIN and PADME are sitting in the speeder as it skims away to where a lodge rises on a beautiful island in the middle of the lake.
EXT. NABOO LAKE RETREAT, LODGE, GARDEN TERRACEM LATE AFTERNOON
ANAKIN and PADME walk up the stairs from where the water speeder is parked onto a terrace overlooking a lovely garden. Behind them, PADDY ACCU supervises two serving girls, NANDI and TECKLA, as they carry the bags into the Lodge.
ANAKIN and PADME stop at the balustrade. PADME looks out across the garden to the shimmering lake and the mountains rising beyond. ANAKIN looks at her silently.
PADMÉ:
When I was in Level Three, we used
to come here for school retreat.
See that island? We used to swim
there every day. I love the water.
ANAKIN:
Me too. Though that comes from
growing up on a desert planet.
PADME becomes aware that ANAKIN is looking at her.
PADMÉ:
We used to lie on the sand and
let the sun dry us and try to
guess the names of the birds
singing.
ANAKIN:
I don't like sand. It's coarse
and rough and irritating. Plus, it
gets everywhere.
ANAKIN looks around.
ANAKIN:
Not like here. No, this is a place
where one could find peace everlasting.
Here everything is soft, and smooth.
He touches her arm. PADMÉ has become receptive to the way he looks at her but is nervous.
PADMÉ:
There was a very old man who lived
on the island. He used to make
glass out of sand - and vases and
necklaces out of the glass. They
were magical.
ANAKIN gazes into PADMÉ's eyes.
ANAKIN:
Funny how magic comes in plentiful
forms and splendors.
PADMÉ
You could look into the glass and
see the water. The way it ripples
and moves. It looked so real...
but it wasn't.
ANAKIN
Reality is what we make it to be.
They look into each other's eyes. He touches her chin.
PADMÉ:
I used to think if you looked too
deeply into glass, you would
lose yourself.
ANAKIN:
Then I am lost…
ANAKIN kisses PADMÉ. She doesn't resist.
She suddenly comes to her senses and pulls away.
PADMÉ:
No… I shouldn't have done that.
ANAKIN, for a moment, looks hurt. He quickly changes this to a more stoic look. He then looks back at the lake.
ANAKIN:
I'm sorry, M'Lady.
PADMÉ:
It's the situation… the stress…
ANAKIN looks at PADMÉ.
ANAKIN:
...the view.
EXT. CORUSCANT, LANDING PLATFORM - LATE AFTERNOON
OBI-WAN's Starfighter is ready for takeoff. OBI-WAN and MACE WINDU stand beside it.
MACE:
Be wary, this disturbance in the
Force is growing stronger.
OBI-WAN:
I am concerned for my Padawan. He
is not ready to be on his own.
MACE:
He has exceptional skills. The
Council is confident in its
decision, Obi-Wan. If the
prophecy is true, he will be the
one to bring balance to the Force.
OBI-WAN:
But he still has much to learn.
And his abilities have made him...
well... too sure of what he can do.
I realize now what you and Master
Yoda knew from the beginning. The
boy was too old to start the
training.
OBI-WAN hesitates.
MACE:
There's something else?
OBI-WAN:
Master, he should not have been
given this assignment. I'm afraid
Anakin won't be able to protect
the Senator.
MACE:
Why?
OBI-WAN:
He has a... an emotional
connection with her. It's been
there since he was boy. Now
he's confused... distracted.
MACE:
Obi-Wan, you must have faith that
he will take the right path.
OBI-WAN climbs into the cockpit of the Starfighter.
OBI-WAN:
Has Master Yoda gained any insight
into whether or not this war will
come about?
MACE:
Probing the Dark Side is a
dangerous process. He could be in
seclusion for days. May the
Force be with you.
INT. JEDI TEMPLE, YODA'S QUARTERS - LATE AFTERNOON
YODA sits with his eyes closed, meditating. Silence.
EXT. NABOO, MOUNTAIN MEADOW - LATER AFTERNOON
PADME and ANAKIN are in the middle of an idyllic hilly meadow, its lush grasses sprinkled with flowers. At a distance, a herd of SHAAKS graze contentedly.
Beyond is the shimmering expanse of the lake. Several other lakes stretch to the horizon. The warm air is full of little floating puffballs. They sit on the grass, in a playful, coy mood, talking. PADME is picking flowers.
PADMÉ:
I don't know...
ANAKIN
Yeah you do, Padme. You just don't want
to tell me, is what it is.
PADMÉ:
Are you going to use one of your
Jedi mind tricks on me?
ANAKIN:
Nah, those only work on the weak-minded.
You are anything but weak-minded.
PADMÉ:
All right... his name was Palo.
I was twelve. We were both in the
Legislative Youth Program. He was
a few years older then I... very
cute... dark curly hair... dreamy
eyes.
ANAKIN:
I get the picture. Whatever happened
to him?
PADMÉ:
I went on to become a Queen. He
went on to become an artist.
ANAKIN:
Palo was the smart one.
PADME:
You really don't like politicians,
do you?
ANAKIN:
Oh I might like two or three, though I'm not
really sure about one of them.
They laugh.
ANAKIN:
I don't think that the system works.
PADME:
How would you have it work?
ANAKIN:
Well, I once thought we could use a
system where the politicians sit down
and discuss the problems, agree what's
in the best interests of all the people,
and then do it.
PADME:
Anakin that is exactly what we do, but-
ANAKIN:
- “The trouble is that people don't
always agree,”?
Padme nods.
ANAKIN:
This is true. So I gave that idea
up. But then I wondered if they'd all
listen to just one leader.
PADME:
Who?
ANAKIN:
I don't know. Someone.
PADME:
You?
ANAKIN:
Of course not me.
PADME:
But someone.
ANAKIN:
Someone very wise.
PADME:
That sounds an awful lot like a
dictatorship to me.
A mischievious little grin creeps across his face.
ANAKIN:
Well, if it works...
PADME stares at ANAKIN. He looks back at her, straight-faced, and can't hold a smile.
PADMÉ:
You're making fun of me.
ANAKIN:
Yeah I am. But in truth, I'd
normally be much too frightened
to tease a Senator. I might wake
up on some uncharted planet alone
and without clothing or one of my
limbs!
PADMÉ:
You're so bad!
PADME picks up a piece of fruit and throws it at him. He catches it. PADME throws two more pieces of fruit, and ANAKIN catches them.
ANAKIN:
You're always so serious, Padme. What
do you do when you aren't carrying the
weight of the universe on your
shoulders?
ANAKIN then starts to juggle the fruit.
PADME:
I do this!
PADME laughs and throws more fruit at him. He manages to juggle them too until there are too many, and he loses control and ducks, letting food fall on his head. They both laugh.
ANAKIN stands in front of a SHAAK, yelling at it and waving his arms. PADME starts laughing as ANAKIN runs in circles, chased by the SHAAK.
The SHAAK crosses in front of PADME. ANAKIN is riding it, facing the SHAAK'S tail. The SHAAK bucks, and ANAKIN falls off. PADME laughs even harder. ANAKIN lies still. PADME jumps up and runs to where ANAKIN is face down in the grass. She turns him over. He is pulling a stupid face at her. She yelps in mock fury and takes a swing at him. He catches her arm. She struggles. They roll over in the grass. Suddenly, they become aware of the contact between them. They let go of each other quickly and sit up, looking away.
ANAKIN stands up and holds out his hand to her. She takes it. He pulls her up. And now they are easy together, not self-conscious any more. PADME puts her arms around his waist and leans against his back. ANAKIN digs his heels in. The SHAAK starts forward, and they ride away.
EXT. SPACE
It's just like the star map hologram, plus the storm-shrouded planet of Kamino, which is exactly where it ought to be. Obi-Wan's Starship flies OVER CAMERA and heads down toward the planet.
EXT. TIPOCA CITY, KAMINO LANDING PLATFORM (RAINSTORM) - DAY
Heavy rains and hard-driving winds lash the platform as Obi-Wan's Starship approaches. The huge, ultra-modern city of Tipoca rests on great stilts that keep it above the pounding and ever-present waves that cover the surface of this watery world.
The Starfighter lands. OBI-WAN gets out and makes his way through the bowling wind toward a tower on the far side of the platform. A door slides open. A shaft of brilliant light pierces the swirling rain. OBI-WAN passes through it and goes inside.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, CORRIDOR ENTRANCE
A Brilliant white light. OBI-WAN pushes the soaking hood from his face.
TAUN WE:
Welcome to Tipoca City, Master
Jedi.
OBI-WAN wipes the rain from his face and blinks in surprise at a tall, pasty-white alien named TAUN WE. He has large, almond shaped eyes.
TAUN WE:
Everything is ready. The Prime
Minister expects you.
OBI-WAN:(warily)
I'm expected?
TAUN WE:
Of course! He is anxious to see
you. After all these years, we
were beginning to think you
weren't coming. Now please, this
way!
OBI-WAN masks his surprise as they move away along the corridor.
OBI-WAN follows TAUN WE cautiously.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, PRIME MINISTER OFFICE - DAY
The door slides open. OBI-WAN and TAUN WE enter and cross to where LAMA SU rises, smiling, from behind his desk, which, like all the furniture on Kamino, seems made out of pure light.
TAUN WE:
May I present Lama Su, Prime
Minister of Kamino... and this is
Master Jedi...
OBI-WAN:
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
LAMA SU:
Please...
LAMA SU indicates a chair. OBI-WAN sits. TAUN WE hovers. The room is bathed in brilliant white light. The whole place is ultra high-tech.
LAMA SU:
I trust you are going to enjoy
your stay. We are most happy you
have arrived at the best part of
the season.
OBI-WAN:
You make me feel most welcome.
LAMA SU:
And now to business. You will be
delighted to hear we are on
schedule. Two hundred thousand
units are ready, with another
million well on the way.
OBI-WAN: (improvising)
That is... good news.
LAMA SU:
Please tell your Master Sifo-Dyas
that we have every confidence his
order will be met on time and in
full. He is well, I hope?
OBI-WAN:
I'm sorry… Master- ?
LAMA SU:
Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. He's still
a leading member of the Jedi
Council, is he not?
OBI-WAN:
Oh, yes. Sifo-Dyas.
LAMA SU rises from his seat.
LAMA SU:
You must be anxious to inspect the
units for yourself.
OBI-WAN:
That's why I'm here.
EXT. NABOO LAKE RETREAT, LOUNGE, LATE AFTERNOON
The setting sun touches the mountain peaks. The lake glows in the rose-tinted light. Floating lamps glean softly like jewels at the lodge.
INT. NABOO LAKE RETREAT, DINING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
NANDI place dessert in front of PADME. TECKLA does the same for ANAKIN. The dessert is some kind of fruit. PADME picks up her fork and goes to spear a piece, but it moves! She frowns and tries again -the fruit moves. She looks up at ANAKIN. His eyes are on his plate.
PADME:
You did that?
ANAKIN looks up, wide-eyed with innocence.
ANAKIN:
Did what?
PADME scowls at him. PADME jabs at the fruit. ANAKIN subtly moves his hand and it lifts up from the plate and hovers in front of her.
PADME:
That! Now stop it!
PADME laughs. ANAKIN laughs. She reaches out for the fruit, and it loops.
PADME:
Anakin!!
ANAKIN moves his fingers. The fruit flies into his hand.
ANAKIN:
I'm not really supposed to do that.
For fun, I mean. If Master Obi-Wan
were here to see that, he'd be rather
grumpy.
ANAKIN is pleased. He cuts the fruit into several pieces and sends one back to PADME. She bites it out of the air and laughs.
INT. NABOO LAKE RETREAT, LODGE, FIREPLACE ALCOVE - TWILIGHT
A fire blazes in the open hearth. PADME is sitting in front of it, gazing at the flames.
She looks up as ANAKIN arrives. She makes room for him. Brief pause.
ANAKIN:
May I tell you something?
PADME:
I don't know.
ANAKIN:
Then how can I tell you?
PADME:
Maybe you should use your Jedi
intuition.
ANAKIN:
It doesn't work around you. My
mind is always a muddle. I can
only think of you.
PADME:
Anakin...
ANAKIN:
Please… I need to say this.
PADME remains quiet, allowing ANAKIN a chance to speak his mind.
ANAKIN:
From the moment when I met you all
those years ago, not a day has gone
by when I haven't thought of you.
And now that I'm close to you again,
I feel something bigger. The closer
I get to you, the more powerful the
feeling gets. You looked after me
during those days ten years back, and
I remember how innocent our connection
was. Before then, I had not known what
it meant to care deeply for one person.
But then you came into Watto's shop,
and we were thrown together into one
hell of an adventure. But during that
time, I think we both knew that we
cared very much for each other. That
suddenly came to a halt when I began
my training on Coruscant. While it's
true that I have friends at the Temple,
and Obi-Wan… who's been like a father
all these years…
ANAKIN pauses, searching for the right words.
ANAKIN:
It just wasn't the same without your
caring. Without you in my life, I feel
alone.
ANAKIN:
And then there's the kiss we shared. I
really can't say that I regret it… and
I'd like to think that you don't. Because…
well…
He breathes in and out, trying to regain whatever composure he has left.
ANAKIN:
Because I love you, Padme.
ANAKIN smiles pleasantly. He locks eyes with PADME.
ANAKIN:
I do. And I wanted you to know that.
Silence. The logs flame in the hearth.
PADME:
...I can't.
ANAKIN:
What?
PADME:
We can't. It's just not possible.
ANAKIN:
Anything is possible, Padme.
PADME:
No Anakin, listen to me now. We
live in a real world. Come back to
it. You're studying to become a
Jedi Knight. I'm a Senator. If you
follow your thoughts through to
conclusion, they will take us to a
place we cannot go, regardless of
the way we feel about each other.
ANAKIN:
Then you do feel something!
PADME looks sideways, away from ANAKIN'S eyes.
ANAKIN:
There's an extraordinary connection
between us, Padme. You can't deny
that.
PADME:
Anakin, it doesn't make any difference.
Padawans aren't allowed to be involved
in anything that could distract their
training. You swore an oath, remember?
You'd be expelled from the Order. I will
not let you give up your responsibilities
or your future for me.
ANAKIN:
I was destined to become a Jedi. Deep
down, I don't believe that I could be
anything else. But you are asking me
to be rational in the face of love. I
don't have a problem in taking advice,
but I can't in this case. I wouldn't
even wish my feelings away if given the
chance. I wouldn't, because love is what
keeps me alive.
PADME:
I am not going to give-in to this.
I'm not going to throw my life
away. I have more important things
to do than fall in love.
There is silence as they stare at the fire. ANAKIN is thinking.
ANAKIN
It doesn't have to be that way.
He looks her way.
ANAKIN:
We could keep it a secret.
PADME
Then we'd be living a lie… one we
couldn't keep even if we wanted
to. My sister saw it. So did my
mother. Anyone could read it
between us. I couldn't do that.
Could you, Anakin? Could you live
like that?
Silence for a moment.
ANAKIN:
I hoped you wouldn't say that… but
you are right. It would destroy us.
EXT. TIPOCA CITY, PARADE GROUND (RAINSTORM) - DAY
OBI-WAN, LAMA SU and TAUN WE come out onto a balcony. Below is a huge parade ground. The rain and wind are brutal. THOUSANDS OF STORMTROOPERS, faces covered by helmets, are marching and drilling in formations of several hundred.
LAMA SU: (beaming)
Magnificent, aren't they?
OBI-WAN nods slowly.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, CLONE CENTER, COMMINSSARY - DAY
LAMA SU conducts OBI-WAN through a large eating area. TAUN WE follows as they walk by HUNDREDS OF CLONES who look exactly alike, all about twenty years old, dressed in black. They are seated at tables, eating.
LAMA SU:
We modified their genetic
structure to make them less
independent than the original
host. As a result they are
totally obedient, taking any order
without question.
OBI-WAM:
Who was the original host?
LAMA SU:
A bounty hunter called Jango Fett.
We felt a Jedi would be the
perfect choice, but Sido-Dyas hand-
picked Jango Fett himself.
OBI-WAN:
Where is this bounty hunter now?
LAMA SU:
Oh, we keep him here. After a few
hundred thousand clones, the
genetic pattern starts to fade, so
we take a fresh supply. He lives
here, but he's free to come and go
as he pleases.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, CLONE CENTER, BARRACKS - DAY
The tour continues through a long corridor folled with narrow, transparent tubes into which CLONES are climbing. Once in the tube, the CLONE goes to sleep.
LAMA SU:
Apart from his pay, which is
considerable, Fett demanded only
one thing, an unaltered clone for
himself. Curious isn't it?
OBI-WAN:
Unaltered?
LAMA SU:
Pure genetic replication. No
tampering with the structure to
make it more docile... and no
growth acceleration...
OBI-WAN:
I would like to meet this Jango
Fett.
TAUN WE:
I would be most happy to arrange
it, for you.
TAUN WE bows, and leaves.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, CLONE CENTER, CLASSROOM - DAY
The tour continues through a classroom filled with IDENTICAL YOUNG BOY CLONES.
OBI-WAN:
You mentioned growth
Acceleration…
LAMA SU:
Oh yes, it's essential.
Otherwise, a mature clone would
take a lifetime to grow. Now, we
can do it in half the time. Those
items you saw on the parade ground
were started ten years ago, when
Sido-dyas first placed the order,
and they're already mature...
OBI-WAN looks at the BOY CLONES.
OBI-WAN:
And these?
LAMA SU:
About five years ago.
INT. TIPOCA CITY, CLONE CENTER, HATCHERY - DAY
They enter a space filled with great racks of glass spheres, which are filled with fluid in which EMBRYOS are suspended.
LAMA SU:
They're immensely superior to
droids, capable of independent
thought and action.
OBI-WAN:
Very impressive.
LAMA SU:
I'd hoped you would be pleased.
OBI-WAN gazes at the nearest embryos.
OBI-WAN: (carefully)
Tell me, prime minister, when my
Master Sido-dyas first contacted
you, did he say the order was
for himself?
LAMA SU:
Himself? Of course not. This
army is for the Republic?
OBI-WAN: (astonished)
The Repubic?
LAMA SU:
We are also very much against this
Count Dooku and his secessionist
movement. We are proud to be of
help to the Republic.
To be continued…..