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Because I'm a big geek: another rewrite

Author
Time
STAR WARS
Episode I
Attack of the Clones

For over a thousand generations, the JEDI ORDER has kept the peace in the great GALACTIC REPUBLIC, through use of the mystical energy field known only as THE FORCE.

But now the civility is in jeopardy, rivalries between the various guilds and factions, has given way to rising tension near the galaxies outer rim territories.

Among the Jedi assigned to patrol the Republic’s border, OBI-WAN KENOBI and his apprentice DRAKE VECTOR find themselves in pursuit of a mysterious vessel, which has just emerged from the outlaw regions of space…


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

PAN DOWN through the stars. We see a sleek silver spacing guild shuttle as it zooms through space towards us. The ships tiny cannons fire a few blue lasers blasts into its wake where a Republic Blockade runner pursues them, returning fire with yellow laser blasts from its own weapons.


INT. SPACING GUILD SHUTTLE - NIGHT

DOULTRY DOFINE a cowardly Nemodian stands huddled in the bridge of the small vessel as it is rocked by another blast. He is a tall alien with large eyes and clammy green skin. He is adorned in ornate purple robes, and his bulbous head sports a tall headdress. The ship is small, barely more then one room. Two spindly droids sit at the ships helm, mechanically punching buttons and pulling switches as they pilot the beleaguered vessel. To Dofine’s left is another robot, C3P0 a silver protocol droid made to resemble a human.

C3P0
This is hopeless! Sir you must surrender or we’ll be destroyed!

He speaks in a prissy aristocratic tone.

DOFINE
Better that then in the hands of the Jedi.


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

The Blockade-runner closes in on the Spacing guild shuttle.


INT. SPACING GUILD SHUTTLE - NIGHT

The ship lurches and then goes still. Dofine hammers his fist on the arm of his captain‘s chair.

DOFINE
What has happened? Why have we stopped?

PILOT DROID S6P1
We appear to be caught in their tractor beam.

DOFINE
Curses!


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

The Nemodian’s ship, now disabled, sits motionless in space as the blockade-runner floats up beside it, extending a tube shaped bridge to board the outlaw vessel.


INT. SPACING GUILD SHUTTLE - NIGHT

At the back of the bridge is a short corridor ending in a single door. Dofine gets up from the ships controls, reading a laser pistol in his defence.

Suddenly the door slides open, and Jedi Knight OBI-WAN KENOBI enters the ship. He is adorned in white armour and robes. A sleek white helmet covers his head, a white cape flows behind him. He is a young man in his mid to late twenties. Clean cut and has a twinkle in his eyes.

Next to Obi-wan is his apprentice, DRAKE VECTOR. A tall well built alien with shaggy red hair and a ridged forehead. His eyes are sunken and dark. His nose is similar to the snout of a dog. From the sides of his mouth jut small tusks. Drake wears the robes of a Jedi apprentice, white and formfitting.

Dofine moves to attack but before he can fire a single shot Obi-wan extends his hand, and as if by magic the pistol flies through the air out of Dofine’s hand and into the Jedi’s.

Remaining calm, Obi-wan surveys the bridge. Inside the blockade-runner behind the two Jedi stand a few Republic guards. Obi-wan hands the confisPadmed pistol to GARRET ANTILLES, their captain.

Kenobi folds his arms in front of him.

OBI-WAN
Leave him to me.

Garret nods, signalling for his men to remain in the doorway, as Obi-wan enters the shuttle.

Obi-wan takes a step towards the desperate alien.

OBI-WAN
Tell me, what business does a chief magistrate from the spacing guild have in the lawless regions of the outer rim territories?

DOFINE
I am not afraid of you! You can’t prove a thing!

As Dofine is speaking, Drake walks over to a number of tin crates piled on one side of the cabin. With cold indifference he puts the heel of his boot against one and kicks it, knocking it to the floor. The crate breaks open and thousands of silver coloured coins come spilling out. Obi-wan looks to the money on the floor, and raises an eyebrow as Nemodian shivers with worry.

DRAKE
This sure seems like a lot of currency credits to be traveling with, wouldn’t you agree master?

Obi-wan raises an eyebrow.

OBI-WAN
Indeed.

C3P0 interjects.

C3P0
Sir please you must co-operate! If you tell them about the plan perhaps they will grant you amnesty…

Dofine grows angry, snapping at C3P0 and then at Obi-wan and Drake.

DOFINE
Shut up you fool! Do your worst Jedi! I will tell you nothing!

Obi-wan still calm, takes another step forward, holding out his hand and gesturing with his fingers.

OBI-WAN
On the contrary, you will tell me everything.

Dofine, clutches his temples, resisting Obi-wan’s Jedi mind control technique.

DOFINE
Your mind trick… will not work… on me…

Obi-wan makes the gesture again, taking another step forward, keeping his eyes locked on Dofine’s.

OBI-WAN
You will tell me about your plans, and who else is involved.

DOFINE
No! No he’ll kill me!

Obi-wan waves his hand again.

OBI-WAN
Tell me what I want to know, and we will protect you.

The Neomodian continues to resist, squealing and running over to one of the cockpits opening a small compartment

DOFINE
No!

He grabs a silver sphere with a red button and clutches it desperately in his hand.

C3P0
Master Dofine no!

Obi-wan’s eyes widen in fear as the Dofine begins to cackle insanely and the silver ball begins to hum louder and louder.

The two Jedi jumps out of the shuttle back aboard the republic vessel.

DRAKE
Thermal detonator!


INT. BLOCKADE RUNNER - NIGHT

They jump through the doorway, as one of the men hit’s the button, which seals the outer door. Garret has only enough time to hit an intercom for a brief warning.

GARRET
Raise the shields! Brace for impact!


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

Still side by side with the republic cruiser, the guild ship explodes in a violent fireball.


INT. BLOCKADE RUNNER - NIGHT

Obi-wan, Drake and the men are rocked violently as their ship shakes from the blast. Sparks fly from nearby panels and the lights dim. A moment passes and then emergency red lights activate.

Obi-wan gets up, patting the nearest soldier on the back.

OBI-WAN
Everyone alright?

The small crew of men nod, no worse for wear.


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

Debris from the spacing guild vessel floats lifelessly all around the blockade-runner, which is blackened on one side from the blast.

Panels open on the sides and magnetic collectors extend, drawing pieces of the debris towards them.


INT. MAGNETIC CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT

In a darkened room aboard the ship Obi-wan, Drake and Garret supervise a young officer who sits at a control station.

GARRET
Looking for anything specific?

OBI-WAN
There was a protocol droid on board. If we can recover his memory systems, it may shed some light on this mystery.

The young officer perks up, turning some large dials at his controls. The light from the computer screen is the room’s only illumination.

MAGNETIC OPERATOR
There. I think I’ve got him.


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

Battered and burnt but still intact, C3P0’s head as well as most of his torso and a few other pieces of the ill-fated droid are drawn to the magnets and pulled into the ship.


INT. MAGNETIC RECOVERY ROOM - NIGHT

Hi-tech doors slide open and a small conveyor moves the remains of the golden droid towards Obi-wan, who looks at them with dismay.

GARRET
We’ve been without a droi
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time

EXT. PHOENIX - NIGHT

At the far end of the hanger, Obi-wan approaches the spice freighter known as THE PHONIEX. The ship is sleek and impressive in all respects. CAPTAIN CHORUS, the commanding officer approaches him. He is tall man, middle aged, well built and proud. He has tanned skin and a moustache.

OBI-WAN
Your ship looks impressive for a freighter.

CHORUS
Thanks, you must be Kenobi. I’m Captain Chorus. This is the Phoenix.

OBI-WAN
Yes I know, your manoeuvres at the battle of Ryloth are well documented

The captain gives a humble smile.

CHORUS
Greatly exaggerated, I assure you.

The two men turn and walk towards the ships landing ramp.

CHORUS
Captain Antilles has already brought over that damaged droid you requested. We can leave as soon as you like.

OBI-WAN
Thank you Captain, time is against us.

Obi-wan turns and enters the ship.


EXT. PLANET ALDERAAN - NIGHT

THE PHOENIX zooms away from ALDERAAN into space.


INT. PHOENIX NAVIGATION ROOM - NIGHT

Obi-wan enters the navigation room. It is dark except for many blinking lights and computer read outs.

Anakin is slumped in a chair nearby. He turns as he hears Obi-wan enter the room.

OBI-WAN
Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’m looking for the ships navigator.

ANAKIN
You're looking at him.

Obi-wan is a bit surprised, given Anakin’s age.

Anakin stands up to shake his hand.

ANAKIN
I’m Anakin.

OBI-WAN
Obi-wan Kenobi.

ANAKIN
I suppose you have some co-ordinates for me.

Obi-wan retrieves the tracking device from his cloak.

OBI-WAN
I’ve been tracking the movements of another ship with this.

He hands it to Anakin, who plugs the device into his computer. The two stand over the monitor, their faces illuminated by it.

OBI-WAN
I need you to chart a course that will allow us to intercept them before they reach this planet.

He points to the monitor.

ANAKIN
Tatooine?

OBI-WAN
Yes. Can it be done?

ANAKIN
I’ll figure something out.


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

The Phoenix soars through space.


INT. PHOENIX NAVIGATION ROOM - NIGHT

Anakin punches a few keys on his computer then leans back in his chair, grinning with pride.

ANAKIN
There.

Obi-wan gets up from his chair and moves to join Anakin.

ANAKIN
It’ll be tight, but we’ll get there with a few minutes to spare.

OBI-WAN
Are you sure? You calculated that rather fast.

ANAKIN
Trust me, I’m never wrong about this stuff.

Obi-wan smiles.

OBI-WAN
You must be strong with the force. I’ve never seen anyone calculate navigation that quickly, much less someone your age.

Anakin smiles back knowingly, then leans forward to an intercom, to speak with Captain Corrus.

ANAKIN
All the co-ordinates are set Captain.

CORRUS
[VOICE OVER]
Alright, strap yourselves in.


EXT. SPACE - NIGHT

The ship zooms away into space.

INT. PHOENIX MESS HALL - NIGHT

Obi-wan sits in the cramped mess hall, which only has two tables, and sips some tea, lost in thought.

Anakin enters, a mischievous grin on his face.

ANAKIN
I’m not bothering you am I?

OBI-WAN
Not at all.

ANAKIN
I wanted to show you something.

He unrolls a piece of cloth, Obi-wan’s eyes widen as Anakin reveals its contents: a lightsaber.

ANAKIN
I’ve been working on it for a while now. It’s a Jedi laser sword.

Obi-wan is awestruck.

OBI-WAN
You constructed this yourself?

Anakin nods.

ANAKIN
Its not finished yet, I’m not sure why, but the crystal keeps overloading the plasma resonator.

He picks it up.

ANAKIN
Watch.

Obi-wan watches with amazement as Anakin activates his lightsaber. The blade glows a brilliant green. The hum growing louder and louder. The blade of light begins to crackle and destabilize. Sparks fly out of it, and electric current shoots off of the blade hitting the metallic tables and walls. The energy is growing more and more out of control, then its fizzles out, a few sparks fly from the handle and it goes silent.

Anakin looks down with dismay.

ANAKIN
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, It does that every time.

OBI-WAN
Well no wonder, you’re trying to make it far too powerful.

He chuckles, as he stands up. Anakin hands him the lightsaber and he begins to examine its inner workings.

OBI-WAN
Here…

Obi-wan’s excitement gets the better of him and he takes out his own lightsaber and ignites it.

The blade hums quietly as it cuts through the air, the blade glows blue, but does not overload like Anakin’s.

OBI-WAN
I’m only utilizing a fraction of the power you were attempting, yet my blade is balanced, stable, and more then adequate against any adversary I might face.

He swipes the saber through the air, he smiles then shuts it off. He picks up Anakin’s saber and makes some quick adjustments.

OBI-WAN
Still it’s remarkable that you were able to construct one at all. It’s an ancient technique that even many fully trained Jedi knights have difficulty mastering.

Anakin completes the modifications.

He hands it back to Anakin.

OBI-WAN
Here, try this instead.

Anakin holds out the saber, and activates it. It hums, blue and stable like Obi-wan’s.

Anakin waves it through the air grinning.

OBI-WAN
Less is often more. Sometimes too much strength is actually a weakness.

Suddenly Obi-wan gets an idea, and reaching into his bag retrieves a white spherical remote used for training Jedis.

OBI-WAN
Here. You can use this remote for practice if you like.

Anakin’s eyes light up as he takes the remote from Obi-wan.

ANAKIN
Thanks.


EXT. HYPERSPACE CORRIDOR - DAY

The SLAVE MASTER soars beyond space and time.


INT. SLAVEMASTER - DAY

Uzi approaches Jango.

JANGO
What is it?

UZI
We’ve detected a foreign device on our hull. It appears to be emitting a long-range signal.

Jango grits his teeth.

JANGO
A homing beacon.

UZI
Yes sir.

JANGO
Did you reverse the signal to its source?

UZI
Yes Colonel, they’ve tracked us from Alderaan, and it appears they’ll be waiting for us when we get to Tatooine.

Jango leans in close to Uzi.

JANGO
Engage the cloaking device.

UZI
Yes sir.


EXT. HYPERSPACE CORRIDOR - DAY

The Phoenix soars through the kaleidoscope of time and space.


INT. BRIDGE OF THE PHOENIX - DAY

Obi-wan enters the darkened bridge as Chorus turns in his captain’s chair to speak with him.

CHORUS
We’ll be coming up on Tatooine soon, thanks to our trusty navigator.

Obi-wan grins.

OBI-WAN
He’s a remarkable boy.

CHORUS
He is indeed. Skywalker has brought us great fortune.

At this Obi-wan goes pale.

OBI-WAN
Skywalker?

He steadies himself sitting down in a nearby chair, looking faint.

OBI-WAN
You say Anakin’s last name is Skywalker?

CORRUS
Yeah. Why, what’s wrong, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.

Chorus looks confused as Obi-wan shakes off his puzzlement.

OBI-WAN
Well there’s no such thing as ghosts.
(beat)
But sometimes the past does comeback to haunt us.

Obi-wan is lost in thought for a moment. As a signal sounds, Chorus turns in his chair and speaks to his first officer.

CHORUS
Prepare to drop out of hyperspace.

From the bridge window, the stars streak back to normal as the ship slows, the golden brown orb of Tatooine is in the distances.


EXT. SPACE - DAY

The Phoenix looms to
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time
EXT. MOS EISLEY – SUNSET

We see the bustling frontier town of Mos Eisley amidst the rocky canyons and sandy dunes, a futuristic bus zooms towards it.


EXT. MOS EISLEY TRANSPORT TERMINAL – SUNSET

The transport slows to a halt and Obi-wan steps out. He is cautious as he walks through the spaceport, careful not to draw the attention of the many dangerous aliens and interstellar thugs who loiter the run down streets.


EXT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA – SUNSET

Obi-wan walks by a run down cantina, there is a scream and man’s body comes fly through the door and lands several meters away. A moment later the deadly droid bounty hunter IG-88 steps out of the bar, turning back to face the door way and drawing his laser pistols firing a barrage of blasts back into the cantina at an unseen foe.

Then the lanky and sinister droid holsters his weapons and walks off.

OBI-WAN
(To himself)
Well isn’t this a lovely place.


EXT. STREETS OF MOS EISLEY - SUNSET

Turning down another street, Obi-wan spots a short blue skinned man JORBIS QAY who looks likely to be peddling information.

OBI-WAN
This planet is controlled by Hutt gangsters is it not?

JORBIS
Hutts? Yes. Control? Yes.

He has a reptilian way about him, hissing as he speaks.

OBI-WAN
And where may I find the one who presides over this spaceport?

JORBIS
Me no have such information, no.

But then he looks up at Obi-wan and holds out his hand suggestively.

Obi-wan rolls his eyes and reaches into his pocket, a second later three coins have been dropped into Jorbis’ hand. He snatches them up and eyes them carefully.

JORBIS
Republic credits! Republic credits are no good here, no.

Obi-wan moves his hand, using his Jedi mind trick.

OBI-WAN
Credits will be fine.

Much like Dofine, Jorbis becomes entranced.

JORBIS
Credits will be fine.

OBI-WAN
Now. Who is the Hutt in charge, and where can I find him?

JORBIS
Big Hutt in charge is Jubbo. You can find him in there? Yes that’s his palace it is.

OBI-WAN
Thank you.

He drops another three coins in Jorbis’ hand and heads down the street to the large building the lizard man pointed to.


EXT. JUBBO’S PALACE – SUNSET

Obi-wan is now just down the street from the palace, which looks similar to Jabba’s. Suddenly he spots the familiar form of Jango soaring away from Jubbo’s lair with his rocket pack.

A moment later the palace explodes, and crumbles to the ground. As the Mos Eisley citizens flee for cover Obi-wan runs down the street towards an open hanger, where Jango seems to be headed.


INT. DOCKING BAY 12 – SUNSET

Jango lands next to the ramp of Slave I where Boba is waiting. Suddenly Obi-wan comes running in.

JANGO
Blast him!

The man and his clone open fire with their deadly blasters, but quick as lightning Obi-wan has drawn his lightsaber and activated the glowing blue blade.

With precise and quick moves he deflects the incoming blasts back at the ship, sparks fly as they impact.

JANGO
Boba get on board! Take off!

Obi-wan eyes Jango and his menacing helmet, the two warriors circle each other in a tense stand off.

OBI-WAN
Why did you attack the Alderaan conference?

Jango lunges at Obi-wan in a fit of rage, activating his jet pack and tackling the Jedi.

They collide violently into some barrels.

At that moment Slave I begins to lift off the ground. Jango punches Obi-wan, who kicks him, knocking him free. As he does so, Obi-wan rips the yellow armoured pad off of Jango’s shoulder.

Kenobi gets up and the two men exchange another set of violent blows. As Obi-wan is knocked on his back again he sees his lightsaber on the ground several meters away. He summons the force and it flies into his hand.

Jango sees this, and his own weapon being too far way, he decides instead to escape, activating his rocket pack to fly up to Slave I, which he enters before it disappears into the night sky.

Obi-wan watches in frustration as his prey escapes justice again. He deactivates his lightsaber, and looks at the stolen shoulder pad.

Its bright yellow and bears the image of an alien skull with long tusks. Obi-wan studies it for a second, then exits the hanger.


EXT. STREETS OF MOS EISLEY – SUNSET

Obi-wan walks out to the street, there is still panic from the explosion. He walks over to a surly looking alien who is leaning against a swoop bike.

Obi-wan extends his hand uses his mind trick.

OBI-WAN
You should sell me that swoop bike.


EXT. SKY – NIGHT

Slave I soars through the atmosphere and back into outer space.

INT. BRIDGE OF SLAVE I – NIGHT

Jango and Boba sit in the cockpit.

JANGO
Its just you and me now son. We have to complete this mission together.

Boba does not answer, he seems annoyed at what Jango is saying.


EXT. LARS HOMESTEAD – NIGHT

Obi-wan zooms up aboard the stolen swoop bike. Owen, Beru, Padme and Anakin all walk out to meet him.

ANAKIN
What happened?

OBI-WAN
He’s gone. And I have no way of knowing where.

Suddenly the roar of star ship engines can be heard approaching, as the group turns to look, the battered by functional form of the Phoenix appears landing next to the homestead.

Obi-wan walks towards the ship, he watches as the ramp lowers and Captain Chorus appears in the doorway.

CHORUS
Obi-wan? You might want to have a look at this.


INT. PHOENIX REPAIR ROOM – NIGHT

Obi-wan, Anakin, R2-D2 and Captain Chorus enter the cramped room where Jetter is sitting at a worktable, the damaged C3P0 laying in front of him.

Obi-wan looks confused.

CHORUS
Jetter was able to get your protocol droid working.

Jetter flicks a switch and C3P0 activates.

C3P0
No master not a thermal deto…

The poor droid looks around a bit confused.

C3P0
Oh thank the maker I’m alive!

Obi-wan begins to smile.

OBI-WAN
Are his memory systems intact?

JETTER
They should be.

C3P0
I am C3P0 human cyborg relation. How might I be of service?

OBI-WAN
Your master the guild magistrate, what was he planning?

C3P0
I advised him many times to reconsider, but he wouldn’t listen to me! He was determined to go through with the attack.

OBI-WAN
On Alderaan?

C3P0
Oh yes. We were sent by the Viceroy of the spacing guild to pay a group of mercenaries.

OBI-WAN
Then the spacing guild is behind all this?

C3P0
The Viceroy is in league with several other parties. They conspired together to plan the attack.

OBI-WAN
Who? And why?

C3P0
I’m afraid I’m not sure sir, I only know what magistrate Dofine told me. After all I’m just an interpreter, but I am fluent in over six million forms of communication and can readily…

OBI-WAN
Where is the Viceroy now?

C3P0
It’s a distant planet known as Annarasis, far beyond the outer rim. What they’re planning next I do not know.

Obi-wan clenches his fist in satisfaction. He turns and exits into the corridor, Anakin, Chorus and Jetter follow.


INT. PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT

OBI-WAN
Captain make ready for immediate departure to the Annarasis system.

Anakin looks confused.

ANAKIN
Wait.

OBI-WAN
What is it?

Anakin begins to explain his desire to stay with the Lars, as R2 rolls up to the table to greet C3P0 with a series of cheerful chirps and beeps.

C3P0
Oh hello, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.

R2 beeps again.

C3P0
R2-D2, a pleasure to meet you, I am C3P0 human cyborg relations.


INT. PHOENIX CORRIDOR – NIGHT

Obi-wan is very serious wi
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time
EXT. PLANET TATOOINE – NIGHT

The Phoenix soars away from the sandy planet and back into the depths of space.


INT. NAVIGATION ROOM – NIGHT

Anakin sits back in his chair, punching buttons at the controls. Padme watches him, quietly admiring his skill.

ANAKIN
I have the course plotted for Annarasis.

Chorus replies over the intercom.

CHORUS
(voice only)
Its good to have you back Skywalker.


EXT. SPACE – NIGHT

The Phoenix zips into hyperspace disappearing amongst the stars.


INT. SHIPS MESS HALL – DAY

Obi-wan stands explaining his plan as Anakin, Padme, Captain Chorus and the two droids sit listening.

OBI-WAN
We’ll have to land undetected if possible, then we’ll find the Viceroy and with any luck our elusive assassin.

He takes a deep breath.

OBI-WAN
This is going to be very dangerous.

PADME
Why don’t we just contact the senate, once you tell them what C3P0 said surely they’d send re-enforcements, more Jedis…

OBI-WAN
All we have at the moment is evidence, what we need is hard proof. Until then I’m afraid we’re on our own.

CHORUS
He’s right. Besides, the spacing guild has a lot of influence in the set and corporate sector. Any number of senators may be on their payroll. If we call for help we may lose the element of surprise.


EXT. HYPERSPACE CORRIDOR – DAY

The Phoenix continues to zoom through space and time.


INT. MESS HALL – DAY

Captain Chorus’ men are preparing their blasters. Behind them Obi-wan is teaching Anakin to fight with his lightsaber. Padme watches with interest while sitting on one of the tables, Chorus approaches her.

CHORUS
Have you ever fired a gun?

She looks a bit shocked as he hands a blaster rifle to Padme.

PADME
Yeah. I think I can manage.

Though she doesn’t seem entirely confident.

As Chorus shows her how to properly use the blaster, we focus on Anakin and Obi-wan.

Anakin is practicing with his lightsaber deflecting tiny laser blasts that fire from the hovering remote orb, as Obi-wan watches with interest. Anakin misses one of the blasts and it strikes him in the shoulder.

ANAKIN
Ah!

OBI-WAN
Don’t try to react to the remote. Listen to your instincts and act as they tell you, anticipate what it will do next, and you’ll find that it is the remote that reacts to you.

Anakin shakes his head in frustration.

ANAKIN
I just can’t wrap my mind around that.

OBI-WAN
Tap into your unconscious the same way you do to chart a course for this ship. Chart a course for your hands then they need only follow the path you lay out for them.

Anakin nods in understanding.

ANAKIN
I’ll give it a try.

OBI-WAN
That’s all I ask.

He steels himself for another round with the remote. In a flash he deflects three blasts, anticipating the remotes moves.

He turns, smiling in disbelief to Obi-wan.

ANAKIN
I don’t believe it!

Obi-wan smiles back. As Anakin continues to practice, Kenobi approaches Chorus, handing him the shoulder pad he took from Jango.

OBI-WAN
I’ve been meaning to show you this.

Chorus studies it carefully.

CHORUS
It’s a Reek skull. Where did you get this?

OBI-WAN
From our assassin, does it mean anything to you?

Chorus seems hesitant to elaborate.

CHORUS
It’s probably nothing, but…

Obi-wan raises an eyebrow.

CHORUS
But I have heard stories, in the cantinas of distant space ports late at night, stories about an elite team of republic commandos, operating in secret, carrying out missions all over the galaxy.

OBI-WAN
Missions for whom?

CHORUS
Nobody knows. But supposedly the leader of this group is a man named Jango Fett, a hardened Colonel who bares the Reek skull as his emblem.

OBI-WAN
Is their any validity to these stories?

CHORUS
I never use to. It seemed like little more then the ramblings of drunken pilots who’d been out in space too long. But given everything that’s happened since we left Alderaan…
(beat)
Well let’s just say I’m becoming a believer.


EXT. ANNARASIS – NIGHT

The planet is harsh and inhospitable. A series of large grey craterous islands sit surrounded by lakes of bubbling green acid. The air is hazy and urine in colour, there is no wild life save for a few beasts that soar through the acrid fog like giant bats on great leathery wings.

The various rocky islands are connected by a series of bridges, which are elevated over the deadly sea of corrosive fluid, and bare tracks for futuristic train.

Near the base of one of the smaller more remote islands at the base of the summit close to the acid lake sits Slave I.


INT. BRIDGE OF SLAVE I – NIGHT

Jango is conversing with the holographic image of Commander Tarkin again.

JANGO
I’ve reached Annarasis, and I’m ready to execute the final phase of the operation.

TARKIN
Good, we’re running out of time, can your team have the charges planted within the hour?

Jango hesitates a moment before answering.

JANGO
My team is dead, all save one.

Tarkin does his best to suppress his shock and rage.

TARKIN
Dead? How?

JANGO
A rogue Jedi, he tracked us from Alderaan. Do you know anything about this?

TARKIN
He is acting alone, in violation of his orders from the senate.

JANGO
If you knew this, why didn’t you warn us? My team could of…

TARKIN
My superior was very specific that I was not to take action against this rogue Jedi, or impede his investigation.

Jango is becoming angry.

JANGO
This is insane! How can you do this? Those wizards are the enemy!

TARKIN
I believe he is being used as contingency, should fail in your mission, which you now look in danger of doing so.

Jango slams his fist down on the console.

JANGO
I will see this operation through to the end, and if I see that Jedi again I’ll make him wish he died back on Alderaan with all the others!

TARKIN
Just make sure those charges go off Colonel! Or this Jedi will be the least of your problems.

Jango deactivates the hologram and exist the bridge.


EXT. SLAVE I – NIGHT

Jango walks out of his ship, a large laser rifle in one hand, and a heavy pack filled with military equipment slung over his other shoulder. Boba is already standing outside the ship, two more packs of equipment at his feet.

JANGO
This is it Boba, we’ll have to split up to get all these charges planted on time.

He picks up a high-tech looking device with an antenna.

JANGO
Did you program the trigger frequency into this detonator like I asked?

Boba nods.

BOBA
Yes.

JANGO
Good, then we’ll rendezvous back here when we’re done, and I’ll set them off. Lets move.

Boba looks a bit annoyed, but throws the two packs over his shoulder and follows Jango onto the ghastly new planet.


EXT. PLANET ANNARASIS – NIGHT

The ship drops out of hyperspace and soars towards the sickly green planet.


INT. BRIDGE OF THE PHOENIX – NIGHT

Our heroes look through the window at the ominous new world, Obi-wan is now wearing his Jedi knight uniform again.

JETTER
I’m detecting high concentrations of sulphur and other acidic compounds.

CHORUS
Are you reading any ships or life forms?

He studies the computer screen for a moment.

JETTER
I’m picking up a lot of activity just below the planet’s surface. It’s some kind of underground complex from what I can tell, but its too deep for me to do a proper scan.


EXT. ANNARASIS CANYON – NIGHT

The Phoenix lands in narrow canyon, a moment later the landing ramp lowers and Obi-wan w
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time
INT. INTEROGATION CHAMBER – DAY

Obi-wan stands shackled and chained in the center of the dark circular room. The door opens and Assadi enters.

He eyes her angrily. Even with her true allegiance revealed she is as lovely and seductive as she was before.

ASSADI
Ah good you’re awake.

OBI-WAN
Assadi whatever master Grievous has told you it’s a lie. He is about to declare war on the republic.

ASSADI
You should know me better by now Obi-wan. General Grievous didn’t try to convince of anything, quite the opposite actually.

Obi-wan looks at Assadi with new eyes, seeing her the first time for the monster she truly is.

OBI-WAN
You set this plan in motion.

She smiles evilly.

ASSADI
Yes.

OBI-WAN
But why?

ASSADI
I have my reasons.

OBI-WAN
And the Mandalorian army, was that your idea as well?

ASSADI
They made ideal candidates for the cloning process. Humans would have been too difficult, after all nobody has ever cloned one successfully. General Grievous’ people on the other hand are not mammals, their race evolved out of insects, which made their genetic material far easier to replicate.

She smiles with pride at her machinations.

ASSADI
And they are a dying people, their entire race on the brink of extinction. Grievous may have served the Jedi order for many years, but he is a Mandalorian first and foremost. All I did was suggest a means for him to revitalize his culture, and he was quick to cast aside his loyalties to the Republic. Once we acquired the viceroy’s allegiance, we had all the means to make our war.

OBI-WAN
And to what end do you make this war?

ASSADI
As I said before, I have my reasons.

She turns to leave the chamber.

OBI-WAN
Assadi if you think by telling me all this you will turn me to your cause, then you’re wrong.

She turns to look at him, only her yellow eyes visible within the shadows of the arched doorway.

OBI-WAN
I will never join you.

ASSADI
It’s not you that I’m trying to turn.

And with that cryptic remark she turns and exits, leaving Obi-wan very confused.


EXT. ANNARASIS CLIFF FACE – DAY

Anakin walks along a ledge over the bubbling lake.

FIRST MANDALORIAN
Halt!

Anakin stops in his tracks, there are two Mandalorian soldiers behind him with their guns raised.

SECOND MANDALORIAN
Put down your weapons.

Suddenly the first soldier is shot from above, a yellow laser blast piercing his helmet on the left side. The second soldier turns to retaliate but is shot in the next and his body falls along side his comrades.

Anakin turns around, it is Boba who has shot the two menacing aliens, he points his pistol cautiously at Anakin.

BOBA
Who are you?

ANAKIN
My name is Anakin. Who are you?

BOBA
You can call me Boba.

The two young men stare at each other a bit uneasy.

All of a sudden Anakin’s eyes widen.

ANAKIN
Look out!

Boba drops to the ground as Anakin draws his blaster and fires. A third Mandalorian about fifty meters behind Boba is struck by the blast and falls over the ledge into the acid.

Boba stands up.

BOBA
I guess that makes us even.

Anakin looks around.

ANAKIN
I was looking for a way inside.

BOBA
There’s a door up there.

He points to the ledge he has been climbing up to.


INT. CORRIDOR – DAY

The rusty door opens and Anakin and Boba enter, both are now wearing the armour, cloaks and helmets of the dead Mandalorians over their close to conceal their identities.

They walk through the corridor passing several Mandalorian clones and a few Nemodian henchmen as well.


INT. UNDERGROUND COMPLEX – DAY

They enter a new room with several staircases leading in various directions.

Anakin overhears RUNE HAAKO the viceroy’s second in command talking to two clones.

RUNE
Where did they take the prisoner?

THIRD MANDALORIAN
He’s in the interrogation room on level three.

RUNE
Good. Proceed with his mind probe I want to know if there are more Jedi lurking about.

THIRD MANDALORIAN
Yes sir.

Anakin turns to follow the soldier up one of the staircases, but notices Boba is headed in another direction following Rune deeper into the complex.

BOBA
This is where you and I go our separate ways.

Anakin nods under his grey helmet, and watches as his mysterious ally disappears around a corner.


INT. INTEROGATION ROOM – DAY

The door opens and Obi-wan sees a Mandalorian guard in the archway.

Obi-wan glares at him, employing his mind trick yet again.

OBI-WAN
I think it should unlock these chains and binders right away.

THIRD MANDALORIAN
Nice try Jedi.

Obi-wan looks shocked.

THIRD MANDALORIAN
Didn’t you know that my species is immune to mind tricks?

OBI-WAN
Yes but it was worth a try, you are just a clone after all.

The clone guard draws a jagged knife from his belt and steps forward in anger, but before he can do Obi-wan any harm the luminescent blue blade of Anakin’s saber strikes the guard across his shoulder blades, and he falls to the ground dead.

Anakin steps into the room looking rather proud of himself.

OBI-WAN
Anakin? What are you doing here? I thought I told you to leave at sunrise.

ANAKIN
Would you rather I left you here?

OBI-WAN
No.

Anakin chuckles as he cuts Obi-wan loose, he rubs his sore wrists, nods towards Anakin’s lightsaber.

OBI-WAN
Given the circumstances I think it would be best if I borrowed that until we got out of here.

Anakin hands the saber to Obi-wan then picks up the blaster of the slain guard.

OBI-WAN
We have no time to lose, we must warn the senate before these fiends are able to set their plan in motion.

ANAKIN
Don’t worry we transmitted the message just like you said.

They walk towards the door to leave.




INT. HALLWAY – DAY

ANAKIN
Then I decided to come and rescue you.

As they walk out the doorway the two friends are stopped in their tracks as they see general Grievous standing at the other end of the hall, his lightsaber activated it glows a bring yellow. Behind him are over fifty of his clone soldiers.

Replies to Anakin coyly.

OBI-WAN
Good job.

Anakin raises his blaster and Obi-wan ignites the blue saber.

Grievous points his yellow blade at the two heroes.

GRIEVOUS
Kill them!

The clone battalion charges forward at Kenobi and Skywalker who quickly realize that retreat is their best option.

They run down the long corridor laser blasts flying past them.

Grievous watches the pursuit then turns down the hall the way he came, a second later he is approached by Assadi, Nute, Rune and Boba.

ASSADI
My liege I think you should hear this.

Boba steps forward, removing his helmet.

GRIEVOUS
Who is this?

RUNE
He says that Colonel Fett is here, and has rigged the fuel cells of our battleships with explosives.

NUTE
If this is true, then we must evacuate at once!

BOBA
That’ll just trigger the bombs. But for the right price I can give you the deactivation codes.

Grievous turns to Nute.

GRIEVOUS
We don’t have time for this. Pay him whatever he wants.

He points a threatening finger at Boba.

GRIEVOUS
But if I ever see you again…

BOBA
You won’t.

The mighty general eyes him for a moment, then turns to leave.

GRIEVOUS
Evacuate the troops to their ships. Our war begins today.

Assadi follows him down the corridor, leaving the two Nemodians who turn and look at Boba. Jango’s clone smiles with sinister satisfac
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time
INT. REMOTE HANGER – DAY

Obi-wan runs into the hanger as Assadi slays the last of the three Jedi. He falls to the floor with a thud as Assadi turns to Kenobi from the ramp of her ship.

OBI-WAN
Not so fast.

She turns to face him from the ramp of the enormous battleship where two clone guards stand at attention.

OBI-WAN
You’re coming with me.

ASSADI
Is that so?

OBI-WAN
Yes. The Jedi council will decide how best to deal with you.

ASSADI
And if I resist?

Obi-wan raises his saber showing that he will kill her if necessary.

Assadi smiles slyly.

ASSADI
I expected no less.

The two friends charge forward and exchange a furious series of saber blows, the hiss of their lightsabers echo’s throughout the large enclosure. Obi-wan swipes at Assadi but she executes a back flip landing several meters away. The two foes circle each other preparing for the next engagement.

Assadi points her pale finger at a control panel and the ceiling begins to open, an ever-expanding circle of day light fills the room.

OBI-WAN
You’re Assadi. The dark side of the force has diseased your mind.

ASSADI
Then come Obi-wan, put me out of my misery.

He charges her again and there is another furious exchange of swordplay.

Their lightsabers lock and the two stare into each other’s eyes.

OBI-WAN
There’s still time to stop this insanity. You’re still a Jedi.

ASSADI
I was never a Jedi! I am something far more powerful.

OBI-WAN
What are you talking about?

ASSADI
I am a Sith!

This comment takes Obi-wan by surprise and he loosens his hold on his saber, she swings at him and he barely avoids losing his head to her. Obi-wan retreats again drawing her away from the winding stairs where he spots Anakin tiptoeing down into the hanger seemingly undetected.

Obi-wan nods ever so slightly to him, then turns back to Assadi, distracting her so Anakin get within striking range.

OBI-WAN
You’re lying Assadi the Sith are extinct, the last of dark lords has been destroyed for centuries.

She eyes him like a cat playing with a mouse before eating it.

ASSADI
My master has revived the old ways.

OBI-WAN
Your master? You mean Grievous.

ASSADI
No Grievous is a fool. My true master has always been lord Tyrannus.

Out of the corner of his eye Obi-wan watches as Anakin picks up a lightsaber from one of the dead Jedi.

OBI-WAN
Anakin now!

Anakin ignites his saber as Obi-wan charges towards Assadi who turns towards Anakin, he stops in his tracks as soon as he sees her face.

ANAKIN
Aeryn?

She smiles in recognition.

ASSADI
Hello brother, it’s been a long time.

The unexpected reunion startles Anakin and he drops the saber to the floor as Obi-wan hurries to close the distances between him and Assadi.

OBI-WAN
No Anakin no!

Without remorse Assadi slashes Anakin with her purple lightsaber severing his right arm, He collapses to the floor screaming as Assadi turns just in time to avoid Obi-wan’s blade. She twirls around exploiting his exposed left shoulder with a nasty slash. Instinctively he reaches for his wound with his other hand and Assadi takes advantage using the force to knock him off his feet and send him sliding across the floor where he hits his head on some crates. She turns off her lightsaber and walks towards the ramp of the ship.

ASSADI
Bring the boy.

The guards run forward and grab Anakin, dragging the back to the ship, he offers them no resistance due to the pain and shock from his wound.

ASSADI
Freeze him in the hibernation chamber. We have a long journey ahead of us, and when he awakes I will have much to teach him.

The ramp rises with her on it as Obi-wan shakes off his daze, standing back up. He runs towards the ship but he is too late as it has already begun to take off.


EXT. REMOTE HANGER – DAY

Obi-wan walks out of the hanger still cradling his wounded arm onto a large flat ledge overlooking the acid sea, and looks to the sky as dreaded armada of battleships disappears into the heavens to begin their evil attack.

Suddenly a red laser blast hits him in the thigh. He screams and collapses. Jango walks up to the wounded hero, who lies sprawled out on the plateau. Jango eyes his prey through his menacing helmet. Laser rifle in hand.

JANGO
Are you happy? Now the republic is doomed.

Obi-wan grits his teeth.

JANGO
Always a pleasure to kill a Jedi.

He takes aim to deliver the final blow.

DRAKE
Obi-wan!

Jango looks up as Drake comes running out onto the ledge he tosses Nova’s lightsaber to Obi-wan as he uses his own to deflect blasts from Jango’s rifle.

Obi-wan catches the saber and as it snaps to life he slashes and Jango severing his left leg at the knee.

The mercenary screams and then losing his balance topples backwards off the plateau.

The two Jedi deactivate their sabers as Drake helps Obi-wan to his feet. The loyal apprentice puts his arm around his mentor, taking the weight off his wounded leg and helping him back towards the hanger as Bail and Padme coming running out to check on them.


EXT. GRAVEL BEACH – DAY

Jango is still alive, he screams as he rolls around on the gravel beach a few feet from a ledge, which sits just ten feet over the surface of the acid lake.

Boba approaches still wearing the Mandalorian helmet and chest plate over his military garb. Jango looks up to him help.

JANGO
Boba… help me…

Without mercy for the wounded man Boba unhooks his jet pack and straps it on his own back.

JANGO
Please… you’re my son…

Boba shakes his head.

BOBA
No I’m just a clone.

His voice is empty and without emotion. In a final act of cold indifference he kicks Jango over the edge into the acid.

The man who called him son splashes into the horrible green liquid and disappears as Boba ignites the jetpack and flies up to where Slave I sits docked.


EXT. PLANET CORUSCANT – NIGHT

The city planet is covered in tiny specks of light, and the atmosphere is full of traffic as many space ships arrive and depart the galactic capital.


EXT. CHANCELLORS TOWER – NIGHT

The large skyscraper stands out as the most impressive of the many glass and steel structures of the densely populated world.


INT. TARKIN’S OFFICE – NIGHT

Commander Tarkin sits at his desk in a small dark office, conversing with the hologram of one of his agents.

TARKIN
Are you certain of this?

AGENT
Yes commander.

The agent bows and the hologram disappear. Tarkin looks a bit disturbed, getting up from his desk and leaving the office.


INT. PALPATINE’S OFFICE – NIGHT

Tarkin enters an enormous office with red carpet and a huge panoramic window overlooking the city.

There is a desk with a high back chair by the window, the occupant of which is obscured from our view.

Tarkin waits for the door to slide shut behind him to speak.

TARKIN
I’ve just received word that Colonel Fett is dead, he was killed by Kenobi before he could set off the explosives.

The large chair swivels around, in it sits supreme chancellor Palpatine revealed at last as the mastermind of the Alderaan attack. His wears a black robe now and his benevolent façade is replaced with the cold look of malice.

PALPATINE
So there is no one left to implicate us?

TARKIN
No sir.

PALPATINE
And general Grievous’ forces?

TARKIN
Escaped sir. Deploying across the mid rim as we speak.

Palpatine stifles a smile, trying to conceal his satisfaction.

PALPATINE
Then the war has begun.

He rises from his chair and Tarkin
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.
Author
Time
this post is just to bump this thread because I have links to it in other forums
And I dance. And I sing.
And I'm a monkey, in a long line of kings.