EXT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE - BALCONY - SUNSET

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stand out on the balcony, looking out at the city lights beyond.

QUI-GON : Skywalker will not pass the Council’s tests, and you know it. He is far too old.

OBI-WAN : Anakin will become a Jedi. I promise you.

QUI-GON : Don’t defy the Council, Obi-Wan.

OBI-WAN : I will do what I must.

QUI-GON : They will not go along with you this time.

OBI-WAN : There is still much for you to learn, Qui-Gon.

INT. CORUSCANT - HOTEL - AMIDALA’S CHAMBERS - SUNSET

Amidala is sitting in a grand chair, facing the window, watching the sunset. Her face is expressionless, her eyes sunken and dark. Silently, her door opens, and a guard steps in.

GUARD : Your Highness, you have a visitor. He wishes to speak with you.

AMIDALA : I told you I don’t want to be disturbed.

GUARD : It is a Colonel Bail Organa that wishes to speak with you, milady. He says he has news on the Senate’s decision regarding the situation on Nabu.

Amidala stands up, turning to face the guard.

AMIDALA : Send him in.

The guard moves aside, allowing Bail to step inside. The guard leaves the room, closing the door to allow them privacy.

AMIDALA : Well, what has happened? Will the Senate send a second fleet to liberate Nabu?

COL. ORGANA : The Senate debated the issue ... and many good arguments in favour of the mission were put on the table ...

AMIDALA : And?

COL. ORGANA : They decided that the crisis on Nabu is too much a burden to deal with at this time. They voted not to send another fleet.

AMIDALA : (enraged) No! Dammit! Damn them all!

Amidala races over to her night stand, picking up a solid metal statuette. With a scream of pure rage she heaves the piece at her window, cracking it in several places. The door to the room is quickly opened and the guard pounces in, levelling his blaster at Organa.

GUARD : What is it?! What’s going on?!

AMIDALA : It’s ... there’s no problem. I just reacted to some very bad news.

GUARD : (lowering his blaster) You’re okay?

AMIDALA : I’m fine ... You can leave, now.

The guard retreats back through the door and closes it. The Colonel and Princess turn their attention back on each other.

AMIDALA : So there’s no hope for my people. There’s nothing.

COL. ORGANA : The Senate won’t sanction a second liberation mission, no.

AMIDALA : In other words, “No, there isn’t”.

COL. ORGANA : I said the Senate wouldn’t. I can.

AMIDALA : What are you talking about?

COL. ORGANA : I’m a member of the Royal House of Alderaan, remember? I can use the influence on my homeworld to arrange the formation of another fleet. It’ll take some time, but I’m sure -

Amidala embraces Organa, wrapping him in a big, tight hug.

AMIDALA : Oh, thank you! Thank you, Colonel! I’ll never forget this!

COL. ORGANA : Princess ... you’re hurting me ...

AMIDALA : Oh ...!

Amidala releases the Colonel. He rubs his shoulder.

COL. ORGANA : Has anyone ever told you’ve got a strong grip?

AMIDALA : Only all the time. (cont’d) Thank you again, Colonel. I can’t thank you enough.

COL. ORGANA : Think nothing of it. You just stay here on Coruscant and relax, and I’ll have everything taken care of on Nabu.

AMIDALA : No, Colonel. I’m returning to Nabu.

COL. ORGANA : What!? No! There’s no way -

AMIDALA : Nothing you say or do is going to keep me from going back. (con’t) My brother needs me. I’m going back for him.