CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - SOMETIME LATER
A tow ship slowly approaches the Falling Star.
INT. TOW SHIP - CONTINUOUS
Puda, a fat female alien, and Anakin's boss, pilots the tow.
PUDA
(on comms)
Commencing tow. You'll be ankle
deep in sand in no time.
Puda hits a button - the hiss of de-coupling.
EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS
Four repulsor lift drones detach from housing in the tow's
hull.
INT. TOW SHIP - CONTINUOUS
PUDA
And tell Anakin I appreciate the
business, but if he thinks he's
getting off easy, he's got another
thing coming.
EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS
The four drones thrust over to the Falling Star and attach
themselves to the hull. They power on, and the ship rights
its tilt.
The tow positions its aft in front of the Falling Star and
engages a tractor beam. Forward thrust, and the two ships
make for Tatooine.
EXT. TATOOINE SKIES - MINUTES LATER
The two ships descend through the atmosphere, rocks and dunes
visible below, and beyond that, the port of Mos Eisley.
INT. TOW SHIP - CONTINUOUS
PUDA
(on comms)
That's Mos Eisley up ahead at one
o'clock. My shipyard's just on the
edge of town. And the rest is
desert. Welcome to Tatooine.
EXT. TATOOINE SKIES - CONTINUOUS
The ships begin their descent over Mos Eisley.
WIPE TO:
EXT. PUDA'S SHIPYARD - DAY
The sky is a sharp blue, and the twin suns set the sand and
stone ablaze. Ships and hangar stalls in various states of
repair are littered about in a seemingly random arrangement.
From a slight remove, Obi Wan watches Anakin and Beru watch
Puda slide a hangar door shut on the hot rod fighter and lock
it. The kid looks disappointed.
PUDA
(to Anakin)
If it weren't for the intervention
of Mr. Kitch, you'd be out of a
job. So quit sulking.
ANAKIN
But you should have seen me out
there. And not a scratch on her.
Why are you even letting me fix her
up if I can't fly her?
PUDA
But that's just it, sonny - I'm not
letting you fix her up.
Puda exits on that one while Anakin turns to Beru dumbstruck
- but she just walks off on him too.
Obi Wan turns his head and as he begins walking, he's joined
by Kitch.
KENOBI
Dry type of planet, eh?
CAPTAIN KITCH
Three weeks, Kenobi. And forty
thousand dactaries.
Kitch and Kenobi stroll past the Falling Star where Heph and
his droids, including a barely repaired Forbee, are
inspecting the damage.
KENOBI
At least you don't have to pay for
labor.
CAPTAIN KITCH
This planet isn't so bad for a
night or two, but I hadn't planned
on moving here.
KENOBI
Listen, I'm sorry Renzo, old
friend. Truly. I'll pay for the
repairs if that's what you want.
CAPTAIN KITCH
Ha. Unlikely.
But Kitch seems to accept the apology.
KENOBI
Do you know what you're going to do
three weeks from now?
CAPTAIN KITCH
I have some ideas. Most of them
don't involve you.
(holding up a fist)
SOME of them DO.
KENOBI
I understand how you feel. But
remember what I said about what's
coming.
Anakin approaches.
ANAKIN
Do you know where you're staying
yet?
Kitch looks at Kenobi, then at Anakin.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
I have a cot here, but I think I'm
heading home -- keep clear of Puda
for awhile. It's a ways out, not
much of a place, just a moisture
farm, but you'd be welcome.
KITCH
Kind offer, my lad, but I've got
quarters aboard ship, and I like to
stay close to the cantina.
ANAKIN
(disappointed)
Oh.
KENOBI
I'll take you up on the offer. A
home-cooked meal sounds delightful.
ANAKIN
(wary)
Oh, ok. Great.
KENOBI
Well, Kitch, old boy. I suppose
it's goodbye for now. Remember what
I said.
KITCH
I remember, Kenobi. We'll talk.
KENOBI
Good. Good man.
KITCH
(under his breath, as he
walks away)
When we're both old and gray.
WIPE TO:
EXT. TATOOINE, DESERT - SOMETIME LATER
Anakin pilots a land speeder, much like the one his son will
someday own, but an older model. Beru sits in the passenger
seat, Obi Wan in the back.
Wind and sand blow in their faces -- only Kenobi seems to
mind, though Anakin is aided by a pair of goggles.
ANAKIN
You've got to start talking to me
sometime, Beru.
Beru raises an eyebrow.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
They might have died if we hadn't
lent a hand.
BERU
WE might have died! To save a bunch
of...
KENOBI
Pirates.
BERU
Exactly!
KENOBI
Well, not me, but all the rest --
quite notorious actually.
BERU
That's just great.
ANAKIN
I didn't know that at the time, ok?
The speeder comes to a halt at a moisture farm -- adobe
domiciles, a sunken courtyard, strange equipment and droids
scattered about. It's similar to, but definitely not THAT,
moisture farm.
Beru gets out of the speeder, starts walking home.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
Can I pick you up next week?
Beru stops walking but doesn't turn around.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
No dogfights this time, I promise.
Me and some of the guys are gonna
drag race speeders -- thought you
might want to ride along.
Beru looks at Anakin, a smile coming reluctantly to her lips,
and she nods.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
(slapping the steering
wheel)
All right!
Anakin guns it more than is really necessary and makes a
dramatic exit. Despite herself, Beru's smitten.
Back in the speeder, Kenobi leans forward.
KENOBI
You know, young Skywalker, you may
have acted rashly, but you saved
more than just a few freebooters.
ANAKIN
You mean you? Why, what's your
story?
KENOBI
In due time. Suffice it to say that
the whole galaxy may be thanking
you before long.
ANAKIN
Oh brother. I'm gonna get a
mouthful from Hamish as is, and now
I'm bringing home some crazy bum.
Kenobi just laughs.
WIPE TO:
EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM - NIGHT
The speeder is parked outside Luke Skywalker's future home.
INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A very awkward dinner. Hamish Lars, large and imposing, sits
at the head of the table, his wife Arna to his right. Across
from Arna, sitting next to each other are Anakin and Owen
Lars, a boy approximately Anakin's age.
Kenobi is seated opposite Hamish, eating with gusto. Everyone
else seems a little tense.
OWEN
So, did you do it?
ANAKIN
No.
Owen seems relieved.
HAMISH
Do what now?
ANAKIN
Nothing.
HAMISH
I've decided I don't want you
spending so much time at the
shipyard.
ANAKIN
But, I'm already grounded!
HAMISH
And lucky you didn't get a beating
too. Mos Eisley's a bad influence
on you.
ANAKIN
We could use the credits.
HAMISH
Mind's made up. Need another hand
around the farm anyway. Put your
skills to use on our equipment
instead of just starships.
Anakin's face falls. Arna looks at him sympathetically. A bit
of an awkward silence. Kenobi slurps his stew with relish,
and everyone looks his way.
KENOBI
Delicious stew, Mrs. Skywalker.
ARNA
Oh, thank you -- and it's Lars,
Arna Lars.
KENOBI
I see -- so Anakin's not yours?
HAMISH
He's ours.
KENOBI
Of course, my apologies.
HAMISH
So, Mr. Kenobi, you were onboard
this merchant ship that Anakin
rescued?
KENOBI
(spoon constantly moving
from bowl to mouth)
Merchant ship... That's right.
You've got quite the pilot on your
hands.
HAMISH
You don't look like a merchant.
KENOBI
Mm.
HAMISH
What do you do then?
KENOBI
Jedi Knight.
Anakin puts his head in his hand. Owen spits out his drink.
HAMISH
Very funny. Suppose it's none of my
business, though I would like to
know how long you plan on staying.
KENOBI
About three weeks, if it's all
right with you. I doubt I'll find
food this good anywhere in town.
Everyone looks surprised.
HAMISH
Out here we work for our meals. You
ever worked a moisture farm?
KENOBI
I've never even seen one! And I'm
afraid I'll be quite busy while I'm
here.
Hamish begins to fume.
KENOBI (CONT'D)
(hastily)
But, if the opportunity to help out
in some way presents itself, I most
certainly will. Perhaps I can be of
some use around the kitchen.
HAMISH
Now look here!
ARNA
Stay as long as you like Mr.
Kenobi. We're not as desperate as
all that.
Hamish balls up his napkin, pushes back his chair and takes
his leave.
HAMISH
I'm finished.
EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM - NIGHT
Bright stars illuminate the desert night. A small, strange
lizard-like creature does a few pushups and skitters off
across the sand.
INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, BOYS' ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Anakin and Owen lay in adjacent beds. Anakin stares up at the
ceiling.
OWEN
(whispering)
You think he's really a Jedi?
ANAKIN
Of course not. Jedi aren't real,
and if they were, what would a Jedi
be doing hanging around Tatooine of
all places with a bunch of pirates?
OWEN
You said they were merchants!!
ANAKIN
Don't you say a word, Owen -- I'm
in big enough trouble as it is.
OWEN
I should tell father.
Anakin sits up, delivers a threatening stare.
OWEN (CONT'D)
But I won't. I promise.
ANAKIN
Even if he let me go back to the
shipyard, Puda won't let me
anywhere near that fighter.
OWEN
Why don't you just forget it?
ANAKIN
Why don't you just forget Beru?
That shuts Owen up for a second.
ANAKIN (CONT'D)
I gotta get off this planet or I'll
just die. Maybe Captain Kitch will
take me with him.
OWEN
You swear you didn't kiss her?
ANAKIN
Geez, Owen, believe me, if I had,
you'd know about it. Good night.
Anakin lays back down.
OWEN
Good night, Anakin.
Anakin's eyes don't close.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM
The dark fleet hangs like a kettle of vultures above the
carcass of Jatari II. There is no more traffic between the
fleet and the planet.
EXT. JATARI II, SURFACE - DAY
A pale officer flanked by a few troops surveys his
surroundings as he approaches a dark transport. He walks
through something reminiscent of a frontier town, but larger
- rusted steel in place of wood, orange moss in the street
instead of dust, a deep blue river nearby.
The town is battle-scarred, smoke clouding the atmosphere,
but what really stands out is that it is absolutely empty --
a ghost town.
INT. ROHN'S DESTROYER, PASSAGEWAY - MOMENTS LATER
Otto Rohn strides forcefully through the bustling corridor,
past nearly identical crewman, bald and pale.
An officer appears at his side, via hologram projected from a
hovering disk. He's maybe the same one as before, or maybe
another. They certainly look similar -- white-skinned,
hairless, seam down the face, subhuman.
OFFICER
Jatari II has been milked dry,
Commander.
ROHN
Good.
OFFICER
Orders, sir?
ROHN
The fleet remains here until
further notice. Production is to
continue at maximum rate.
OFFICER
And then, commander?
ROHN
That is all.
The officer, dismissed, blinks off as Rohn approaches a door
guarded by armed soldiers. The guards step aside as the doors
hiss open and Rohn passes through.
INT. INVADER CAPITAL SHIP, HOLO-COMMUNICATION DECK -
CONTINUOUS
The doors shut behind Rohn as he presents himself before the
holoprojector. A gigantic holographic bust appears, but we do
not see the face -- only the blue glow on Rohn's.
ROHN
High Suzerain.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
Commander Rohn. Please report.
ROHN
Jatari II has been exhausted.
Resources lost in the conflict:
under ten percent. Casualties:
under two percent. A highly
efficient conquest.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
Excellent.
Rohn bows his head.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (CONT'D)
What is it?
Rohn takes a knee.
ROHN
We were reconnoitered, High
Suzerain. A Jedi. We sent our
Hawkers in pursuit, but he escaped.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
I see.
ROHN
(eyes on the floor)
I am sorry for my failure.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
Yours is not the first such report.
Yet it matters little.
Rohn looks up, encouraged.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.) (CONT'D)
What can the Jedi do with this
knowledge, what little they may
have learned? You know as well as I
their fecklessness. Scattered,
disorganized, weak.
ROHN
But, if they were to gather. If
they were to alert the Republic.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
By the time that ponderous order of
fools assembled there would be no
one left to alert. And who would
listen to them if they did -- a
rabble of disgraced drifters?
ROHN
Of course, you are right, High
Suzerain.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME (O.S.)
Fear not -- our forces are ready at
last. The time has almost come. You
need only wait for Commander Faal
to finish on Yorvath.
ROHN
Faal is a buffoon.
HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME
Perhaps, but you will be glad of
his reinforcements. For, I have
chosen you, my brother, to take
Alderaan.
EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM - EARLY MORNING
Owen is perched atop a mobile surface-mositure extractor --
looks a like a futuristic John Deere with water tanks on the
back. Anakin kneels next to it with a tool box at his side.
Slamming shut the engine cover, Anakin rises to his feet.
ANAKIN
Try it now.
Owen tries the ignition and the machine whines to life,
hovering inches off the ground. He reaches out to Owen for a
bottle of water, and Owen passes it over. As he drinks, he
watches Kenobi leave the domicile and walk out into the
desert.
OWEN
Where do you think he goes all day?
There's nothing out there.
ANAKIN
I don't know, but today's the day I
find out.
OWEN
You can't. Hamish'll kill you.
ANAKIN
He won't be back from Tosche
Station until nightfall, and
besides, the extractor's fixed
isn't it?
Anakin runs inside and emerges with a long blaster on his
shoulder and a long scarf wrapped around his face. Owen
shakes his head.
Anakin waves cheerily as he sets off.