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Star Wars Episode 1: A False Dawn

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 (Edited)

Rough Draft of a prequel rewrite. Apologies in advance for wonky formatting -- best I can do to preserve screenplay format in this context. Will be uploading in installments to skirt character limits. It's pretty long!

Oh, and I should point out that I'm only using the first three films as canon. Looked up a thing or two on a wiki (e.g., dactaries, Chandrilla), but otherwise, all characters, continuity, and lore are my inventions based on the events of Episodes IV-VI.

Feedback more than welcome.

A LONG TIME AGO, IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY...

               STAR WARS EPISODE ONE: A FALSE DAWN

               CRAWL:

               The Galactic Republic is in decline, assailed from within as

               well as without. An all but entirely corrupt senate enriches

               itself at the expense of the people, even as it loses control

               over its vast holdings. Regional governors do what they will,

               free from the strictures of Republic law. And, more and more,

               petty warlords claim Republic space for their own.

               The Jedi, in ancient times the protectors of peace and

               justice in the Republic, have faded into legend and rumor.

               Called charlatans, wizards, or outright myths by most, there

               are still those, even in the highest echelons of the Senate,

               who believe in the Jedi, and the mystical power they wield,

               known as The Force.

               On the edge of space, in a free system, a mysterious and

               monstrous armada is gathering to some evil purpose. The dark

               fleet is a threat only the Jedi can meet. And, if a lone

               pirate vessel, in the wrong place at the wrong time, can

               escape with the news... 

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM

               The blue and orange orb of Jatari II is enveloped by

               starships, dark, sharp, and glossy amidst the wreckage of

               what might have been an orbital defense force. If there was a

               battle, it's over now, and invader transports are shuttling

               back and forth between the planet's surface and a strange

               hulking vessel -- not a battle ship, but something else.

               Suddenly, a frigate, boxy but fleet, gayly decorated -

               clearly not a unit in the dark armada -- screams past, and

               the camera follows it, landing in a shot that mirrors the

               opening of A New Hope. 

               But, in pursuit is not one massive Star Destroyer, but five

               capital ships, one of them a massive dreadnought, and

               multiple squadrons of interceptors. Laser fire lights up the

               star field, but the Falling Star, for that is this frigate's

               name, is no sitting duck. Nimble for its size, armored,

               shielded, and heavily gunned, it returns fire on the

               interceptors even as it outpaces the capital ships.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               This is a pirate's cockpit, rich and eclectic with the spoils

               of numerous conquests.

               At the helm, Captain Renzo Kitch, as handsome as a humanoid

               mollusk can be, strains at the ship's controls, navigating

               this very dicey escape. At his side, first mate Manx Orulian,

               a cute tomboy, flips switches, turns dials, monitors gauges. 

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                             (in an alien tongue)

                         Where the hell is he?!

                                   MANX

                         Stay focused Captain, whaddaya say?

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         I'll kill him.

                                   MANX

                         Sure thing, Cap. But first, we

                         gotta -- INCOMING!

               Kitch takes evasive action. The ship rolls, and then shudders

               with the impact of a near miss.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         Damn it, Manx! How long until

                         you've got the jump plotted?!!

                                   MANX

                         Well, if you'd shut up for two

                         seconds...

               Kitch flips a switch on the ship's intercom.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         Damage Report.

               INT. FALLING STAR, ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph Tosca, the ship's mechanic, a big guy with round pecs, a

               rounder gut, and bionic arms, welds for his life. A small

               crew of astromech droids scurry about him, sparks flying.

                                   HEPH

                         Under control, Cap'n.

                             (to the droids, almost

                              threateningly)

                         Right boys?

               A string of beeps and whirs signal assent.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH (O.S.)

                         Whatever you do, keep that

                         hyperdrive online.

                                   HEPH

                             (sweat beading on his

                              brow)

                         Aye aye, Cap'n.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                             (muttering to himself)

                         All trouble, no profit. This is the

                         last blasted time! He's a dead man.

                             (to Manx)

                         I said how long until we can make

                         the jump?!

                                   MANX

                         T-minus three minutes.

               Kitch hits the intercom again.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         Gunners, give them everything

                         you've got!

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE

                                   ALIEN GUNNER ONE

                         Aye aye.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET TWO

                                   ALIEN GUNNER TWO

                         Aye, Captain.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET THREE

                                   ALIEN GUNNER THREE

                         Giving them the goods like a pack

                         of holbets on Gurshan Eve!!

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM - CONTINUOUS

               The goods are most definitely given. Interceptors exploding

               hither and thither. Strafing runs aborted.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx are lit up by the glare of nearby explosions.

                                   KITCH

                         Hahaha! The Falling Star hasn't

                         been caught yet!

                                   MANX

                         Aye Cap, and she never will.

                                   KITCH

                             (growling)

                         Damn right!

                             (intercom again)

                         Alda! I need you to find our

                         passenger.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

               Alda Contana, a lithe, laconic humanoid, reclines with his

               booted feet up on a console, smoking from a lean space pipe.

                                   ALDA

                         Nothing to broadside right now

                         anyway, boss. Those capital ships

                         are all on our six. 

               Alda stands, taking a blaster off the console and sliding it

               into a hip holster.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH (O.S.)

                         In two minutes, I'm going to give

                         you a nice fat target to starboard,

                         but right now...

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         GET ME KENOBI!!!!

               INT. DARK DREADNOUGHT, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star can be clearly seen through the bridge's

               expansive viewing panel as it dives and rolls, surrounded by

               exploding fighter craft.

               Observing the situation with chilly concern is Otto Rohn --

               tall, powerfully built, of black beard and hair, commander of

               this fleet.

               An officer approaches Rohn hurriedly -- pale white skin,

               almost translucent, hairless, something like a seam running

               down the middle of his face -- humanoid, but somehow...

               unfinished.

                                   OFFICER

                             (in a gurgling hiss)

                         Commander Rohn, scans indicate that

                         the ship is preparing for the jump

                         to hyperspace.

                                   ROHN

                         Our quarry must not be allowed to

                         escape. They have witnessed too

                         much.

               Rohn's eyes stray to that mysterious hulk of a ship, visible

               through the panel.

                                   OFFICER

                         A lone pirate ship, Commander, out

                         matched and out of its depth. What

                         have they witnessed, but a glimpse

                         of their own future?

                                   ROHN

                         Out-matched, and yet about to

                         escape! Or have you already

                         forgotten what you came to report?

               The officer cowers in shame and fear.

                                   ROHN (CONT'D)

                         No matter. This is a perfect

                         opportunity to test our Hawker

                         Class gunships. Give the order.

                                   OFFICER

                         Immediately, Commander.

               The officer departs with haste. Rohn closes his eyes, inhales

               through his nose. Reaches... out. He smiles ever so slightly,

               a menacing smirk, and then opens his eyes again.

                                   ROHN

                             (quietly, deeply)

                         Fly if you can. Jedi.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               A man's silhouette against the imposing picture of the

               pursuing fleet. It is none other than a young Obi Wan Kenobi,

               looking like a dashing rogue in his tight clothes, half cape,

               and high boots.

               Kenobi ignores the sights and sounds of the battle, analyzing

               the colossal mystery ship receiving its planetary shipments

               of.. what?

               Then something catches his eye - a deployment of a half dozen

               gunships from the invader flagship.

                                   KENOBI

                         Hello, what's that?

               He closes his eyes in a ritual that mirrors that of Commander

               Rohn. Then his eyes snap open, and he frowns.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         And, who are you?

               Suddenly, behind him, Alda appears in the doorway.

                                   ALDA

                         Come with me, Kenobi.

               Kenobi doesn't turn around - just points out the window.

                                   KENOBI

                         You see that gigantic ship there,

                         Alda, the one surrounded by all the

                         traffic? What do yo make of it? 

                             (pointing straight ahead)

                         And how about that squadron there?

                         It's approaching rather quickly,

                         eh?

               Alda's blaster is in his hand, pointed at Kenobi's back.

                                   ALDA

                         Now.

                                   KENOBI

                         Put the blaster away, Alda.

               Alda complies. Seemingly against his will.

                                   ALDA

                         I... Captain Kitch wants to see you

                         in the cockpit.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, yes. Maybe after we've

                         escaped. Now run along back to your

                         post.

                                   ALDA

                         I'll just run along back to my

                         post.

               And he does.

                                   KENOBI

                         Good boy. Now let's see what we can

                         do about those gunships.

               And once again, Kenobi closes his eyes.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Cap, six on our six. Heavy gunners,

                         looks like, and fast.

                                   KITCH

                         Yeah, I see 'em.

                                   MANX

                         If we can slow 'em down just a

                         little...

                                   KITCH

                         Then we'll ditch them like a bad

                         memory.

               Kitch hits the com.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Alda, are you back on the cannons?

                                   ALDA (O.S.)

                         Aye, Captain.

                                   KITCH

                         Then where the hell is Kenobi?

                                   ALDA (O.S.)

                         I... he... I left him at the stern.

                                   KITCH

                         You what??!!

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

               Alda looks confused.

                                   ALDA

                         I dunno Captain, I had him at

                         gunpoint, and then, next thing I

                         know I'm manning my post...

                                   KITCH (V.O.)

                         That sneaky, conniving, chicaning,

                         prestidigitating...  

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT

               Kitch and Manx exchange a knowing, irritated look.

                                   KITCH

                         Never mind. I'm about to go hard

                         starboard. If you're not too far

                         gone, I need you to scatter those

                         gunships, and see if you can give

                         one of their big boys something to

                         remember us by while you're at it!

                                   ALDA (O.S.)

                         YES SIR!

               BOOM. The cockpit shakes violently. Sparks fly. Boom. Boom.

               Boom.

                                   KITCH

                         Ow!

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM - CONTINUOUS

               The Hawkers let loose a barrage of laser fire, rocking the

               Falling Star with multiple small explosions.

               INT. FALLING STAR, ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph Tosca strides across the room to put out a fire.

               Kneeling, he swings up his extinguisher. An astromech has

               followed him and begins repairing one of his robotic arms. 

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         Heph?! How are we looking?

                                   HEPH

                             (shaking off the

                              astromech)

                         Leave me alone!

                             (beat)

                         Not you Cap'n.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Cap, one of those heavy gunners is

                         peeling off. Almost looks like he's

                         drifting.

                                   KITCH

                         About time he joined the fight.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi's body is taut. His right arm is extended - the

               drifting gunship visible through the window, and apparently

               under his control.

               INT. DARK FIGHTER - CONTINUOUS

               The pilot, a pale soldier just like the officer on Rohn's

               ship, tries to steer his ship back on course. His comms

               crackle.

                                   DARK PILOT (O.S.)

                         Alpha three, you're drifting into

                         my flight path. Alpha three,

                         correct course!

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM - CONTINUOUS

               The two ships collide in a hail of sparks and small

               explosions. The damaged vessels spin out, their pursuit

               ended.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Two down, Cap -- ran into each

                         other, looks like!

                                   KITCH

                         Hahaha. That son of a gundark!

                                   MANX

                         Thirty seconds, Cap.

                                   KITCH

                         Here we go.

                             (to Alda)

                         Cannon's ready!

               Kitch jerks the stick hard.

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star fishtails, showing it's starboard side, and 

               two rows of cannons, to the pursuing fleet with no apparent

               loss of speed.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY

               Alda leans into a set of wall mounted goggles, not unlike the

               sight of a periscope.

               In the gun sight we see one, no, two heavy gunners, and

               behind them, one of the pursuing capital ships.

                                   ALDA

                         Gotcha.

               EXT. SPACE, THE JATARI SYSTEM - CONTINUOUS

               A thunderous broadside from the Falling Star obliterates one

               of the gunships, sheering the wing off another, and

               scattering the other two.

               And then, in the distance, a series of explosions rock the

               bridge of the targeted capital ship. It sinks out of

               formation in slow motion.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Three, two...

               Kitch is laughing maniacally.

                                   MANX (CONT'D)

                         PUNCH IT!

               INT. INVADER CAPITAL SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               While Otto Rohn is forced to take evasive action, his quarry,

               The Falling Star, appears to elongate, and vanishes in a

               flash of light.

               Through the viewing panel, he watches the two remaining

               Hawkers regroup.

               And suddenly, they too make the jump to hyperspace. 

               Rohn nods tersely, turns his back to the viewing panel, and

               stalks off.

                                                             

Author
Time

  WIPE TO:

               INT. FALLING STAR, MESSDECK - SOMETIME LATER

               The entire crew of the Falling Star is assembled, standing

               around, leaning on walls and counters. 

               Obi Wan is in the center of the room, seated with his feet up

               on the dining table. Now that we have time to look, we can

               see that his clothes, though flamboyant, are worn and dirty. 

               Captain Kitch paces back and forth in front of him.

                                   KITCH

                         That was some fancy work with those

                         two heavy gunners, I'll give you

                         that...

               There is some muttering among the less senior crew - "That

               was Kenobi?" "He's a Jedi, don't ya know?"

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         But a little too little, a little

                         too late, don't you think? 

                                   KENOBI

                         I thought it was just right.

                                   KITCH

                         I was a lot more impressed with

                         Alda's contribution.

               Some "hear, hears" and back slaps. Alda nods in

               acknowledgment.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, well, he had cannons. Look

                         here Kitch, I owe you and your crew

                         an apology...

                                   ALDA

                         Nearly got us all killed!

               One of Heph's droids beeps in agreement.

                                   KENOBI

                         Indeed. Myself included. And for

                         that I'm deeply regretful, but...

                                   KITCH

                         But nothing! I swear Kenobi, I've

                         had enough of you. When we land,

                         it's good bye. Forever.

                                   KENOBI

                         Kitch, old friend...

                                   KITCH

                         It's always the same with you. "I

                         just need a ride, Kitch, old

                         friend. Nothing to worry about -- 

                         nothing you can't handle."

                                   KENOBI

                         Don't forget...

                                   KITCH

                         "Don't forget about that time on

                         Seppik." How could I, with you

                         reminding me all the time! Well,

                         that's it! This time it's gone too

                         far. Did you see the size of that

                         fleet?! And the ships, they were

                         so... pointy. 

                                   KENOBI

                         What were they doing there?

                                   KITCH

                         Picking that poor planet's bones,

                         looked like. And we were next on

                         the menu.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, but why?

                                   KITCH

                         I don't know, and I don't care. I'm

                         a pirate, Kenobi. I steal things

                         for a living. You're the Jedi. That

                         sort of business, well it's your

                         business. And as long as we're

                         asking questions: why are you

                         sitting? It's my ship. I should be

                         the one sitting!

                                   KENOBI

                         By all means, sit.

                                   KITCH

                         Don't you tell me what to do.

               Kenobi rises abruptly.

                                   KENOBI

                         Then stand. And listen to me.

                         You're right. That fleet is my

                         business, and dark business it is.

                         I don't know what they were doing

                         out there on Jatari II, but I heard

                         disturbing rumors, I had to

                         investigate, and I needed you to

                         give me a ride. The truth turned

                         out to be much worse than I

                         imagined. Yes, that fleet was

                         massive. And extremely pointy. And

                         unless I'm sorely mistaken that was

                         but one of many. Did you see that

                         one vessel - the giant with all the

                         transport traffic? What do you

                         think it was?

                                   KITCH

                         Looked like a cargo ship to me. A

                         repository for all their loot.

                                   KENOBI

                         The transports were filled with

                         people.

               Some frowns from the crew of The Falling Star - Manx in

               particular.

                                   KITCH

                             (darkly)

                         A slave ship, then.

                                   KENOBI

                         Maybe. But I fear it's worse than

                         that. And I felt a presence on

                         their flagship - the Dark Side of

                         the Force.

                                   KITCH

                         See. Jedi problems. All the more

                         reason to leave us honest thieves

                         out of it.

                                   KENOBI

                         Kitch, you fool, if that fleet was

                         just part of an armada and they're

                         in league with fallen members of my

                         order, there won't be any staying

                         out of it. It'll be war.

                                   KITCH

                         And? War's good for business.

                                   KENOBI

                         You've never seen war like this

                         Kitch and neither have I. If I'm

                         right...

                                   KITCH

                         If...

               An alarm sounds.

                                   MANX

                         Approaching our destination,

                         Captain.

                                   KITCH

                         We'll discuss this further after we

                         land, Kenobi.

               Kitch and Manx make for the cockpit, and Kenobi follows.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx walk briskly, followed by Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                         That's another thing, Kitch. Those

                         heavy gunners they sent after us...

                                   KITCH

                         The ones we blew up?

                                   KENOBI

                         Your two, my two -- that leaves two

                         more. I think they know where we're

                         headed.

                                   MANX

                         No way. They could never guess.

                         It's a real backwater, and not the

                         closest. It ain't the most likely

                         place for us to dock, and not the

                         least likely either, if you follow

                         me. Drop of water in the ocean. 

                                   KITCH

                         Grain of sand in the desert more

                         like.

                                   KENOBI

                         I don't think they're guessing. I

                         think we're being tracked.

                                   KITCH

                         Impossible. Can't track a ship

                         through hyperspace.

               WHOOSH. The lock to the cockpit irises open.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx take their seats and start prepping for

               deceleration from light speed. Kenobi stands behind them.

                                   KENOBI

                         Kitch. Battle stations and shields

                         up. That's all I'm suggesting.

                                   KITCH

                         Noted.

                                   KENOBI

                         When have I lead you astray?

               Kitch gives Kenobi the eyeball of all eyeballs.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Fine. I'm going back to the aft

                         viewing deck. Just in case you need

                         me to save your hind quarters.

                         Again.

               Obi Wan departs, the lock closing behind him.

                                   KITCH

                         Save our hind quarters. Pain in the

                         hind quarters.

               Kitch eases them out of light speed, the blue streaks in the

               viewport contracting into stars, the view in front of them

               dominated by the planet of Tatooine -- dead center.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Nicely done, Manx. Right on target.

                                   MANX

                         Thank you, Capt...

               BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MESSDECK - CONTINUOUS

               The crew staggers, rocked by the explosions, gunners dropping

               the bags of ice they were holding to their heads. Everyone

               scatters to their posts.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         Battle stations!

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi stumbles, then double-times it. 

                                   KENOBI

                         That was quick.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               One of the hawkers pummels the Falling Star as the other

               emerges from hyperspace.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx take evasive action, Tatooine swerving wildly

               in the viewport.

                                   KITCH

                             (through clenched teeth)

                         Kenobi. When he's wrong it's bad

                         news, and when he's right, it's

                         even worse.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               The swivel gunners hustle toward their stations. Gunner One

               opens the air lock leading to his turret, and FOOM - a ball

               of fire knocks him back into his comrades.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               The remnants of one of the Falling Star's gun turrets burns

               while a hawker hits a second with a burst of laser fire.

               Hawker Two targets the rear thrusters. And connects.

               INT. FALLING STAR, ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               One of Heph's droids, 4B-T1, is blown apart as a section of

               the ship's engine explodes.

                                   HEPH

                         Forbee!!

               The engines are rocked by more explosions, knocking Heph to

               the ground. Struggling to his feet, he grabs a nearby droid

               under his arm and runs for the air lock.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Give it up, boys. It's no good.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Heph makes it out and stands by the lock, ushering a stream

               of droids out past him.

                                   HEPH

                         That's it. Hurry it up now.

               When the last droid makes its exit. Heph rushes back in and

               reappears moments later holding the remains of his droid. He

               punches a switch, and the lock slams shut. He punches

               another.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Cap'n. Too hot in there. We're

                         sunk. Dead in the ether.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Through the viewport, Tatooine drifts slowly past.

                                   KITCH

                         I noticed.

               He takes a moment to strap in. Manx follows suit.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         All hands, brace for impact.

               Kitch looks at Manx. She grabs his hand tightly.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi runs in, presses his face against the glass, and scans

               around for the hawkers. Nothing. Then, suddenly they buzz

               past, and just like that, they're out of sight again.

                                   KENOBI

                         Damn.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               The hawkers put some distance between themselves and the

               Falling Star, then form up for a lethal run on the listing

               ship.

               They begin their approach.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               As Obi Wan looks out into space, his hands pressed against

               the glass, a third fighter screams past.

                                   KENOBI

                         Hey!

               Kenobi scrambles for a new vantage.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi finds a small portal in the passageway, and there's

               the fighter -- and it looks like it's about to engage the

               hawkers!

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Cap! On the scanner...

                                   KITCH

                         I see it.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               The fighter, a real hot rod of a ship, though a little junky,

               beelines for the hawkers, taking a position right on their

               tails.

               The hot rod lets loose with a sustained beam, heating up the

               wing on one of the hawkers, blowing out a thruster. The

               gunships break off in different directions.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY

               Kenobi watches through the portal as the dogfight continues.

                                   KENOBI

                         The force is strong with that one.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               The hot rod pursues the damaged hawker, following it into a

               steep dive. The second hawker joins them, appearing on the

               hot rod's six.

               The second hawker fires at the hot rod, but the agile

               starfighter avoids the incoming fire with assured poise,

               maintaining its position behind the first hawker. Then the

               hot rod fires it's beam cannon again. The first hawker's tail

               glows a deep orange, as the particle beam burns the hull. 

               INT. HAWKER TWO, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The pale pilot, a dead ringer for the rest of the dark

               fleet's personnel, lines up a shot on the hot rod -- his

               targeting display locking on.

                                   HAWKER PILOT

                         You're finished.

               But, suddenly the first hawker explodes, and the hot rod

               disappears into the blast. And then the second hawker's

               viewing panel is obscured by the same explosion, as it too

               passes through, and a moment later when the flames clear --

               the lone starfighter is heading straight for him.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - CONTINUOUS

               The hawker opens fire, but the fighter craft swings wide and

               pivots, nailing the hawker with its beam for a few moments

               before the heavier ship can change course.

               And then, the fight's over. It's just the hot rod, The

               Falling Star, and some black debris.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - MINUTES LATER

               Kitch and Manx stride briskly down a corridor. The captain

               steals a glance down at his first mate's hand, hitched on her

               belt, as she walks. Manx notices, frowns, blushes. Kitch

               pretends not to see.

               An airlock opens in front of them.

               INT. FALLING STAR, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               The rest of the crew is watching the hot rod dock, cheering

               and applauding its arrival. On close inspection the ship

               really is a junker -- beautiful in its day, but that was a

               long time ago.

               Kenobi, at the back of the crowd, turns to face Kitch and

               Manx as they approach.

                                   KITCH

                         Not a word. Remember who got us

                         into this mess in the first place.

               Kenobi nods -- fair enough -- and turns his attention to the

               starfighter.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         More than a little curious about

                         our savior though.

                                   KENOBI

                         That makes two of us.

               The cockpit glass is tinted, and the crew strains to make out

               the pilot. The canopy begins to open and the cheering

               crescendos, and then, doesn't die off exactly, but...

               In the pilot's seat is teenaged girl who looks like a

               farmer's daughter. And she seems pissed.

               The girl pushes herself out of the cockpit and climbs down

               awkwardly, revealing behind her, a teenaged boy, Anakin

               Skywalker -- an only slightly less likely pilot. She must

               have been sitting on his lap.

               When the girl, Beru, hits the ground, she stalks right past

               the confused crew and out of the hangar bay.

               Anakin hits the floor a second later.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Beru! Hey Beru, don't be like that.

                         I'm sorry!

               Beru appears again, walking in the exact opposite direction,

               and pauses in front of Anakin only long enough to deliver a

               withering slap, before turning on her heals and leaving

               again.

               The crew of the Falling Star watch her go and then turn back

               to regard Anakin, dumbstruck, in the middle of the hangar

               bay. Everyone breaks out into sudden, raucous laughter.

               Anakin rubs the back of his head and smiles sheepishly.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MESSDECK - SOMETIME LATER

               A jovial scene, the crew, minus Manx, drinking and laughing,

               mugs in every hand except Anakin's. He's seated at the head

               of the table, quite happy to be the center of attention, but

               a little overwhelmed.

                                   KITCH

                         Joyriding!??

                                   ANAKIN

                         I've been dying to get behind the

                         controls of that ship ever since I

                         can remember.

                                   KITCH

                         And your pretty friend with the

                         temper?

                                   ANAKIN

                         I was trying to impress her. Me and

                         a pal have a bet to see who can

                         kiss her first.

                                   KITCH

                             (cackling)

                         I think he just won.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (dejected)

                         I think you might be right.

               Kenobi, seated at the other end of the table savoring his

               drink in silence, leans forward.

                                   KENOBI

                         Whatever possessed you to attack

                         those ships?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Well, I don't know. I saw the

                         trouble, and Beru was yelling at me

                         to turn around, but I could see you

                         needed help. And...

                                   KENOBI

                         And...

                                   ANAKIN

                         And I knew I could take 'em.

               Alda shakes his head as he packs his pipe.

                                   ALDA

                         Unbelievable. Kid's first time up.

                         Never been in a fight. Never

                         trained. Girlfriend sitting on his

                         bleedin' lap.

                                   KENOBI

                         And never had any doubt.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Well, I was worried the gun might

                         not work. I never tried it!

                                   KITCH

                             (laughing)

                         That calls for a drink!

               Heph slams a frothing mug down in front of Anakin. Anakin

               hesitates.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         That's good stuff, tadpole. From

                         the governor of Malorin's private

                         stock.

                                   ANAKIN

                         How'd you get it?

                                   KITCH

                         The governor used to keep quite a

                         collection aboard his yacht.

                                   ALDA

                             (smirking)

                         Used to keep a yacht.

               Anakin gulps, sips at his drink, coughs, then takes a good

               long swig, wiping the liquid from his lips with the back of

               his hand. Heph claps him on the back so hard he almost spills

               his drink. More laughs.

               Manx enters the messdeck. The room quiets slightly.

                                   MANX

                         She'll be fine. She's taking a nap.

                         Gave her quite a scare, kid.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I'm sorry about that.

                                   MANX

                         Don't apologize to me. I'm just

                         sorry for you that she's not as

                         impressed as I am. Somebody hand me

                         a cup!

               Cheers again, and the clanking of mugs.

                                   HEPH

                         Not to darken the mood none, but I

                         should remind you we're still dead

                         in the water here. Drifting.

                         I can start repairs, but we're

                         going to need to dock planetside

                         for a major overhaul, and I can't

                         promise it won't be a rough

                         landing.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I work at a shipyard -- the best in

                         Mos Eisley! I'll call my boss, and

                         she'll give you a tow no problem.

                         You got dactaries, right?

                                   ALIEN GUNNER THREE

                         Course we do, we're a bloody pirate

                         ship!

                                   ANAKIN

                         P-Pirates?

                                   KITCH

                             (chuckling)

                         Fortune smiles on us today. Let me

                         shake your hand, tadpole.

                             (extending a hand)

                         Captain Renzo Kitch of the Falling

                         Star. Perhaps you've heard of me.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (taking Kitch's hand)

                         Can't say I have, mister, but I

                         don't hear much all the way out

                         here. Anakin Skywalker, and I'm

                         pleased to meet you all the same --

                         this is absolutely the most

                         exciting thing that's ever happened

                         to me.

               Kitch'll take it.

                                   KENOBI

                         Skywalker -- that's a fitting name.

               Obi Wan looks hard at Anakin, assessing. Anakin squirms a

               little under his gaze, but Beru walks in tentatively and the

               tension breaks. She looks at the alien gunners with suspicion

               as she passes by.

                                   BERU

                         Anakin?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Oh hey...

                             (Anakin stands)

                         Glad you you're not still sore.

                         You're not gonna believe it, I'm

                         having a real drink with a famous

                         pirate!

               Beru faints into the arms of the gunners.

Author
Time

 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.

Author
Time

               EXT. TATOOINE, SKY - DAY

               High Noon. The twin suns burn brightly.

               EXT. TATOOINE, DESERT - DAY

               Obi Wan Kenobi, viewed from a distance through a pair of

               electronic binoculars (telephoto compression, overlays, a

               double-circle mask) hikes up the gradual slope of a large red

               rock toward a sheer cliff.

               Anakin, laying prone on another rock, drops the binoculars

               from his eyes for a moment to wipe his brow and squint, then

               raises them again.

               Kenobi approaches the cliff and kneels at the edge. Then he

               does... absolutely nothing.

                                   ANAKIN

                         What's he doing?

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. TATOOINE, SKY - LATER

               The twin suns have passed their apex. It is afternoon.

               EXT. TATOOINE, DESERT

               Anakin snacks on a a foil-wrapped bar and drinks from a

               canteen. He looks through the binoculars again. Kenobi hasn't

               budged.

                                   ANAKIN

                         All right.

               Anakin slings the binocs and stands up, dusting sand off his

               knees, and begins the trek toward Kenobi.

               Obi Wan's unmoving back is slowly revealed as Anakin crests

               the rock. Anakin approaches him slowly.

                                   KENOBI

                             (without turning around,

                         You've finally decided to join me,

                         eh young Skywalker?

                                   ANAKIN

                             (startled)

                         How did you...?

               Kenobi stands and turns around.

                                   KENOBI

                         A Jedi knows a great many things.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Will you cut it out with the Jedi

                         stuff? There's no such thing.

                                   KENOBI

                         Might I have a sip of water?

                                   ANAKIN

                         If you tell me who you are and what

                         you're doing out here.

               Kenobi casually raises his right hand, and Anakin's canteen

               flies off his belt into Kenobi's palm. Kenobi takes a modest

               sip.

               Anakin watches in disbelief.

                                   KENOBI

                         Thank you. And now for my end of

                         the bargain. As I've said from the

                         beginning, I'm Obi Wan Kenobi, Jedi

                         Knight. 

               He tosses back the canteen. Anakin catches it robotically.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         As for what I'm doing -- would you

                         believe me if I told you?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Try me.

                                   KENOBI

                         You see a lot of ships at your

                         shipyard?

                                   ANAKIN

                         What's that got to do with

                         anything?

                                   KENOBI

                         From all over the galaxy, yes?

                                   ANAKIN

                         This planet might be a sad little

                         rock to you, but I've seen ships

                         from a hundred systems -- and I

                         haven't found one yet I couldn't

                         fix.

                                   KENOBI

                         Then you must have seen fighters

                         like the ones you shot down a few

                         days ago. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         Well, now that you mention it...

                                   KENOBI

                         Captain Kitch and I stumbled on to

                         a whole fleet in the Jatari System. 

                         Hundreds of ships. And there's

                         evidence to suggest it's not the

                         only one.

                                   ANAKIN

                         An armada?

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, and we've no idea how large. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         What do they want?

                                   KENOBI

                         I can only guess, but Jatari II is

                         lost, and I fear it is only the

                         first of many.

                                   ANAKIN

                         For crying out loud Mr. Kenobi, if

                         that's true, what are you doing

                         wasting time out here? Don't you

                         think you should tell somebody?

                                   KENOBI

                         And who would listen to a crazy bum

                         like me?

                                   ANAKIN

                         I'm sorry about that, but...

                                   KENOBI

                         But you're right, there's no time

                         to waste. We needed a strategy, and

                         now we have it. That's what I've

                         been discussing with the Jedi

                         Council. 

               Anakin looks around -- where are they? Obi Wan smiles and

               points to his head with his index finger.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         The Force is powerful young

                         Skywalker, and those who learn its

                         ways can accomplish the impossible.

                         Like an untrained pilot saving the

                         lives of a notorious criminal and a

                         Jedi Knight.

               Anakin has a look on his face like, "Who, me?" Kenobi let's

               that sink in.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         This is a good spot -- the mind can

                         travel far from here.

               Anakin seems to grapple with this new conception of the world

               as he approaches the cliff's edge. He looks out over the

               desert.

                                   ANAKIN

                         No.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, young Skywalker.

                                   ANAKIN

                         No, look. Sand people. It's a

                         raiding party, and they're heading

                         toward the farm!

               Obi Wan turns and steps to the edge, and there they are,

               twenty raiders atop banthas, trotting along in single file.

               Anakin is studying them with his binocs.

                                   KENOBI

                         Sand people, eh?

                                   ANAKIN

                         It's just Arna and Owen back there.

                         And there's no time to raise the

                         farmers' militia. Blast it, I don't

                         even have the landspeeder. 

                                   KENOBI

                         Leave it to me.

               EXT. TATOOINE, DESERT, RAIDER COLUMN - MOMENTS LATER

               The rear-most raider's bantha stops ubruptly, shakes its

               head, snorts, and then collapses to its knees, almost tossing

               the rider.

               The Tusken dismounts and starts tugging on the reigns, trying

               to get his bantha up. The next raider in the column looks

               back and notices.

               The two raiders begin braying at each other, and word moves

               up the column. The chieftain at the fore glances over his

               shoulder, raises his gaffi stick in the air, issues a

               trumpeting command and spurs his bantha onward.

               The column leaves the last raider behind to argue with his

               mount.

               As the column disappears into the horizon two blurry figures

               approach from the other direction, appearing from behind a

               large rock. The raider walks toward them, braying threats,

               while his bantha lolls about in the sand.

               The figures continue their approach, and as the Tusken's

               threat display reaches its crescendo, the smaller figure

               stops for a moment. Suddenly the raider is knocked backward

               by blaster fire to the head. Smoke rises from his face as he

               layss dead on the ground. 

               Anakin Skywalker slings his rifle.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Come on.

                                   KENOBI

                         I didn't tell you to shoot him.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Who made you the boss? It's my

                         family they're after.

               Obi Wan shakes his head as he approaches the bantha. He

               mounts, gives Anakin a look, and Skywalker gets in the saddle

               behind him.

               Kenobi closes his eyes for a moment and puts his palm on the

               bantha's neck. The bantha hoots and rises to its feet. Kenobi

               grabs the reigns.

                                   KENOBI

                         Hyaaaa!!

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM - LATER

               Arna fiddles with a control box attached to a slender pole

               that extends about 8 feet into the air, and presumably, at

               least as far underground. Her attention is drawn by a low

               rumble.

               Arna pauses what's she doing and listens, and then she hears

               it -- the donkey bray of the Tusken raiders.

                                   ARNA

                         No.

               Arna starts running, toward the domicile and around it.

                                   ARNA (CONT'D)

                         Owen! Anakin!

               As she rounds the building, she sees Owen standing

               dumbfounded next to the idle extractor. In the distance, the

               raiding party charges toward them, a cloud of sand

               surrounding their advance.

                                   ARNA (CONT'D)

                         Where's Anakin?

                                   OWEN

                         I don't know.

                                   ARNA

                         Owen, where's Anakin?

                                   OWEN

                         He went off after Mr. Kenobi.

               Arna grapples with the state of affairs for a moment, but

               just a moment.

                                   ARNA

                         Inside, now!

               Arna pulls Owen around by the arm, and they run inside the

               domicile.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DOMICILE - CONTINUOUS

               Arna shutters windows, as Owen digs out a blaster that looks

               like a shotgun and another pair of binoculars.

                                   ARNA

                         Give it here.

               Owen tosses her the blaster.

                                   ARNA (CONT'D)

                         How many?

               Owen takes a position near the one remaining open window and

               raises the binoculars.

                                   OWEN

                         Fifteen, maybe twenty.

               Arna joins him at the window.

                                   ARNA

                         Owen, whatever happens...

                                   OWEN

                         Wait, there's someone else out

                         there.

               Arna takes the binoculars. Through the lenses we see the

               raider column thundering forward, but scanning past them we

               find two riders atop another bantha, gaining from the rear.

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, RAIDER COLUMN - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and Skywalker push their bantha as hard as it will go 

               - they've almost caught up with the raiders. Obi Wan raises a

               hand to his temple.

                                   KENOBI

                         These sand people are simpleminded,

                         aren't they? But their mounts are

                         even simpler...

               Kenobi closes his eyes. A bantha toward the front of the

               column rears and collapses, tossing its rider. The Tusken

               directly behind can't adjust in time and rides right into

               them, trampling the fallen raider.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DOMICILE - CONTINUOUS

               Arna and Owen watch as the column, closer now, collapses on

               itself, banthas and raiders tripping and flying over each

               other. Not all the Tuskens succumb, but over half the party

               is left in the sand as the column charges on.

                                   OWEN

                         Did you see that?!

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, RAIDER COLUMN - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and Anakin ride through the traffic jam in hot pursuit

               of the remaining raiders, who fan out and start riding

               abreast.

               One of them looks behind at the carnage and spies Kenobi and

               Anakin. Honking at the others, the raiders break off their

               charge and swing around on our heroes, bringing long, slender

               blasters to bear.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Can I start shooting now?

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, please.

               Anakin steadies the barrel of his blaster on Obi Wan's

               shoulder and drops a Tusken.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DOMICILE - CONTINUOUS

               The Larses watch a second Tusken fall to blaster fire. Owen

               grabs back the binoculars and looks again.

                                   OWEN

                         Mom, it's Anakin! Anakin and Mr.

                         Kenobi.

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, RAIDER COLUMN - CONTINUOUS

               The raiders have completed their maneuver and are charging

               straight for Kenobi and Anakin, five blasters pointed

               straight at them. A volley whizzes past their heads.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Mr. Kenobi??!!

               Kenobi extends an arm and makes a pulling gesture with his

               upturned palm. Four raider blasters are pulled from their

               owners' hands and soon whiz past Kenobi and Skywalker, but

               one of the braves manages to hang on to his.

               Kenobi flips his palm the other way and pushes, and the four

               unarmed raiders fly off their banthas, but that one stubborn

               brave, the chieftain, clings hard to the reins, almost

               topples, but succeeds in righting himself.

               The raider chieftain continues the charge.

                                   KENOBI

                         So be it.

                             (to Anakin)

                         Take the reigns and steer clear.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Wait, what?

               But Kenobi has hopped to his feet -- standing tall in the

               saddle with perfect balance.

               Obi Wan leaps into the air and back flips, Anakin passing

               under him, and lands in the sand on one knee -- his forward

               momentum causing him to slide forward several feet.

               Anakin glances over his shoulder, amazed, then quickly makes

               a hard turn to avoid colliding with the oncoming bantha. Once

               clear, he comes to a halt to watch the ensuing duel.

               Kenobi rises to his feet, his half-cape snapping in the wind.

               He pulls his lightsaber from his hip, ignites it, and holds

               it down and to the side, squaring off against his opponent.

               The raider brays a challenge and fires as he rushes on.

               Kenobi deflects easily and resumes his posture of challenge,

               not moving an inch.

               The raider closes to within feet.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         Obi Wan!

               Kenobi leaps once more into the air, his lightsaber flashing

               as he passes, not by, but through the raider chieftain. As

               Kenobi lands, the raider's weapon falls to the ground behind

               him. Then the raiders torso. Then the rest of him. And the

               bantha slowly comes to a halt. 

                                   KENOBI

                             (sadly)

                         The fool.

               Turning around, Kenobi strides past the chieftain's corpse,

               toward the heap of confused raiders and mounts. At his

               approach, they redouble their efforts to get out of there,

               throwing their wounded on the backs of banthas and riding

               off.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Never return here! Only death

                         awaits you!

               Anakin pumps his fists and hoots in celebration.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DOMICILE - MOMENTS LATER

               Anakin and Obi Wan approach the farm astride their new

               bantha. They are greeted by an elated Arna and Owen. Anakin

               dismounts and Arna throws her arms around him.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DOMICILE - SUNSET

               The bantha's hitched outside. Anakin and Obi Wan are sitting

               watching the suns set. Anakin is inspecting Obi Wan's dormant

               lightsaber.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I real Jedi laser sword.

                                   KENOBI

                         We call them lightsabers.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You cut through that Tusken like he

                         was made of clay.

                                   KENOBI

                         Mmm. The lightsaber is a powerful

                         weapon. But, while a Jedi must

                         never fear to use it when

                         necessary, he should not relish it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         My real family died in a Tusken

                         attack just like that one. I was a

                         baby. All Sand People do is raid

                         and kill. They deserved what they

                         got.

                                   KENOBI

                         I'm very sorry, Anakin. That is a

                         tragedy. But, I suspect the

                         Tusken's are native to this planet?

                         And to them, perhaps, the settlers

                         deserve to die.

                                   ANAKIN

                         So, it's OK for them to burn homes

                         and murder families?

                                   KENOBI

                         No, it is not. We did what we must,

                         and I do not regret it. But neither

                         did I glory in it.

               A contemplative pause. Obi Wan puts his palm out and Anakin

               returns the weapon. One of Tatooine's suns is almost eclipsed

               by the horizon.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Have you been to many planets?

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh yes. A hundred? Two? A Jedi's

                         duties can take him many places.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Do all Jedi travel as much as you?

                                   KENOBI

                         I suppose I'm more of a wanderer

                         than most. Some of us settle in a

                         planet or system, call it home,

                         protect it from harm. Some patrol a

                         larger route. Some, like myself, go

                         wherever the Force guides us.

                             (beat)

                         And that's how we end up in places

                         like this.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Most boring planet in the galaxy.

                                   KENOBI

                         It's not as bad as all that. You

                         should try Fynder VI. No one to

                         talk to but rocks, moss, and few

                         worms no bigger than your

                         fingernail.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I'd still like to see it. 

                                   KENOBI

                         I suspect you'll see many places in

                         your lifetime. You're an

                         exceptional pilot... and strong

                         with the Force.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Me?

                                   KENOBI

                         Indeed, under different

                         circumstances... but never mind.

               Only a sliver of the second sun remains above the horizon.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You said the Jedi had a plan? To

                         stop this armada?

               Kenobi stands, looking ahead. He takes a few steps forward.

                                   KENOBI

                         I don't think we can stop it. Not

                         by ourselves. We must bring proof

                         of this invasion to the Senate so

                         that this war isn't lost before

                         it's begun. A thousand years ago,

                         armies would have mustered at

                         nothing more than our word, but the

                         Jedi are not what they once were.

                         We are few and spread wide --

                         cautious. We work from the shadows

                         with few to call friend or ally. If

                         we are to meet this enemy however,

                         I believe we'll have to stand

                         together in the light.  

               Anakin stands up behind Kenobi. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         I want to help.

                                   KENOBI

                         Good, because I want you back at

                         the shipyard. If I know Renzo,

                         he'll skip out on me as soon as his

                         ship's ready, and we can't let that

                         happen. I need a man on the inside.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Of course, but...

               The sound of Hamish's speeder draws their attention. The

               vehicle approaches the property, piled high with equipment

               and supplies.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                             (he was going to say

                              something else)

                         But, I'm still grounded.

               Arna has stepped outside to greet her husband and tell him

               the day's tale. Kenobi nods in her direction.

                                   KENOBI

                         I'm sure Arna will see to that.

Author
Time

WIPE TO:

               INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA - DAY

               The bustling bar with the motley patrons we all remember. A

               band -- unfamiliar -- sets up on stage.

               Alda Contana reclines against the bar, his arms around two

               females, one of them human. They share his pipe.

               In a booth, a bit of the inverse, as the three alien gunners

               vie for the attention of a single alien female, grotesque and

               bulbous with huge feminine eyelashes.

               In another booth, Kitch and Manx sit across from a pair of

               Jawas.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         No way I'm paying you up front,

                         boys -- and the fact that you even

                         proposed it makes me think you're

                         wasting my time.

               Incomprehensible squeaks and squeals from the Jawas.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH (CONT'D)

                         You get a cut of the profits IF

                         your information proves accurate -

                         that's what!

               More Jawanese.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH (CONT'D)

                         What choice do you have? Your hot

                         tip's worthless in a week. Maybe I

                         stiff you and maybe I don't, but

                         I'm your only shot at a payday.

                                   MANX

                         Come on, Cap. Let's get out of

                         here. Trying to bargain with Jawas

                         is like... well, it's like trying

                         to bargain with Jawas.

               Manx and Kitch move to stand. They're halted by more

               Jawanese.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         Ok. Glad you see it my way. Now

                         tell me about this military supply

                         convoy.

               Across the cantina, the band strikes up a tune. And through

               the front door walks Obi Wan Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                             (shouting across the room)

                         Renzo, my friend. There you are!

               The Jawas at Kitch's table scramble like it's a raid. Kenobi

               waltzes over and takes their seat.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Who were your friends, Renzo? They

                         seemed skittish. Hi, Manx.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         Kenobi.

                                   MANX

                         Hey, Obi Wan.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         What do you want?

                                   KENOBI

                         I just got this funny feeling --

                         you know how I get those sometimes 

                         - that you were going to leave

                         without me. But, we had an

                         agreement, so I certainly hope that

                         isn't true.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         We agreed to talk, Kenobi. And,

                         here we are talking, just like we

                         would have talked a couple of days

                         from now, if you had been a little

                         more patient and trusting.

                                   KENOBI

                         A conversation I'm sure we would

                         have had via communicator as you

                         left this planet's orbit.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         A conversation in which I would

                         have told you, good luck, and may

                         the Force...

                                   MANX

                         Be with you.

                                   CAPTAIN KITCH

                         That's it. But it's time to go our

                         separate ways. Because we have

                         pirating to do, and you probably

                         have something a little more

                         suicidal on your agenda.

               Heph suddenly appears at the table, pushing his way past

               patrons, with Forbee, looking much better, in tow. He doesn't

               immediately notice Kenobi.

                                   HEPH

                         Cap'n, Kenobi's on his way. I hope

                         you got what we need from those

                         Jawas, because we have to shove off

                         NOW.

               Kitch and Manx close their eyes and shake their heads. Forbee

               beeps and whirs at Heph, who looks down and sees Kenobi.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Or else we'll never get back in

                         time to pick him up... you up.

                         And surprise you with our hold full

                         of riches.

                                   KENOBI

                             (looking at Kitch)

                         A couple of days from now, eh

                         Renzo? If I were more patient. And

                         trusting?

                                   HEPH

                         Yeah, in a couple of days. That's

                         right.

               Kitch looks Heph in the eye and shakes his head. Heph slumps

               in defeat and walks away.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Sorry Kenobi. Nothing personal.

               Forbee beeps and whistles.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         I didn't have to fix your

                         vocalizers, you know?

               Exeuent Heph and Forbee.

                                   KITCH

                         Like he said. Nothing personal.

                                   MANX

                             (failing to conceal some

                              shame)

                         Yeah. Just business.

                                   KENOBI

                         I completely understand. After all

                         the things I've put you through.

                         And, as you so often remind me,

                         you're pirates -- hardly the type

                         to enlist in profitless adventures

                         for the common good.

                                   KITCH

                         Exactly.

                                   KENOBI

                         And yet, I do. Time after time.

                         Under false pretenses. Trying to

                         make heroes out of thieves and

                         cutthroats. Paying you in honor and

                         virtue, righteousness and justice,

                         when all you want are cold,

                         pitiless credits.

               The guilt trip is working on Manx, even though she can see it

               for the ploy that it is, but Kitch nods along happily.

                                   KITCH

                         Couldn't have said it better

                         myself.

                                   KENOBI

                         Which is why, this time, I've come

                         to you with an opportunity.

                                   KITCH

                         Here we go.

                                   KENOBI

                         A ship filled with valuable cargo.

                                   KITCH

                             (facetiously)

                         Why, that's right in our line!

                                   MANX

                         How'd you hear about this ship?

                                   KENOBI

                         Another Jedi. He's keeping an eye

                         on it for us, but we have to move

                         quickly.

                                   KITCH

                         That's a new wrinkle. Another

                         Kenobi. And I suppose there's

                         nothing in it for you and your

                         comrade, right? You're simply

                         trying to pay us back for all the

                         trouble you've caused over the

                         years. Or have you taken a sudden

                         interest in piracy?

                                   KENOBI

                         Of course, I have my reasons, but

                         it doesn't mean there's nothing in

                         it for you.

                                   KITCH

                         And what about your war? The big

                         one? The greatest threat of our

                         lifetimes?

                                   KENOBI

                         It's not going anywhere.

               And, then Anakin rushes in just like Heph, catching stares

               from the crowd of old crooks.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (out of breath)

                         Oh good. You found them.

                                   KENOBI

                             (playing dumb)

                         What are you doing here? This is no

                         place for a boy.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I wasn't sure you got the message.

                         I was afraid they'd take off before

                         you got here.

                                   KITCH

                         You got one of your feelings, eh

                         Kenobi?

                             (to Anakin)

                         You been sabotaging the repairs,

                         tadpole? How long ago could we have

                         left, huh?

                                   ANAKIN

                         You kidding me? You're a week ahead

                         of schedule thanks to me.

                                   KITCH

                         What's the angle there?

                                   KENOBI

                         Anakin, you should wait outside.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (to Kitch)

                         The angle is to get you ship-shape

                         as soon as possible. There's a

                         galaxy to save, or haven't you

                         heard?

                                   KENOBI

                         And wealth, Kitch -- you'll see.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Huh? You think the Senate will pay

                         you for bringing them evidence of

                         an invasion?

               Kitch stands, and Manx follows reluctantly.

                                   KITCH

                         I've heard enough.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Where are you going?

                                   KITCH

                         I've got a pair of Jawas to find.

                         Boys! Alda.

               Alda reluctantly leaves his darlings, ordering them a drink

               to ease the blow. The gunners reluctantly leave theirs,

               jockeying and shoving each other to get the last word.

               EXT. MOS EISLEY STREETS - MOMENTS LATER

               Kitch, Manx, Alda, and the gunners march down the street. Obi

               Wan and Anakin trot after them, catching up.

                                   KENOBI

                         I wasn't lying to you, Renzo. It's

                         all true. The ship. The Jedi. The

                         cargo.

                                   KITCH

                         The Senate. The evidence. The

                         invasion.

                                   KENOBI

                         I said I had my reasons.

                                   KITCH

                         And I have mine.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Ah, forget about him, Obi Wan, you

                         can do better.

                                   KITCH

                             (insulted)

                         You're welcome to try.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Plenty of crooks with ships in this

                         town.

                                   KITCH

                         None like the Star, and none with a

                         crew like mine.

                                   ANAKIN

                         What good's a solid ship and crack

                         crew, if you're a coward?

               Everybody stops. Kitch turns and closes on Anakin, putting a

               finger in his face.

                                   KITCH

                         Last person who called me a coward

                         has a pile of ashes where his face

                         used to be. And the fact that you

                         saved our skin out there is the

                         only thing keeping you from the

                         same fate.

               Anakin doesn't even flinch. Kitch turns to Kenobi.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Tell me straight -- is there any

                         money in it?

                                   KENOBI

                         Not a credit.

                                   KITCH

                         I'll do it.

               Kitch strides off, his crew close behind. Alda is shaking his

               head.

                                   MANX

                             (sarcastically)

                         You showed them, Cap.

                                   KITCH

                         Shut up.

               Still standing in the street. Anakin raises his eyebrows at

               Kenobi. Obi Wan claps him on the back.

               EXT. PUDA'S SHIPYARD - NIGHT

               The crew boards the Falling Star. Kitch and Kenobi are the

               last aboard -- Kitch letting Kenobi on before him with an

               exaggerated bow.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, BOYS' ROOM - NIGHT

               Anakin lays in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He's wrestling

               with a thought, then he makes a decision.

               Anakin springs out of bed and begins dressing quietly.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, DINING ROOM - MINUTES LATER

               Anakin types the finishing touches of a letter on a datapad

               and puts it down gently on the table. 

               EXT. LARS MOISTURE FARM - MOMENTS LATER

               Anakin throws a pack in the speeder and jumps in behind it.

               He starts her up.

               INT. LARS MOISTURE FARM, PARENTS' ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Hamish snores, but Arna's awake. She hears the sound of the

               speeder and smiles through her tears.

               EXT. TATOOINE, DESERT - MOMENTS LATER

               Anakin rockets across the sand in the landspeeder, he sheds a

               few tears of his own.

               EXT. BERU'S FARM - LATER

               Anakin's parked outside, knocking at Beru's window. She

               appears in night clothes and opens the window.

                                   BERU

                         Anakin, what are...?

               Anakin pulls her in for a deep kiss.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Good night, Beru.

               Anakin turns around and heads for the speeder.

                                   BERU

                         Anakin?

               EXT. PUDA'S SHIPYARD - LATER

               Anakin pulls up, grabs his pack and runs toward the dry dock.

               Turning a corner, he finds the Star... gone.

               Anakin throws his pack on the ground. Puda steps out of her

               office.

                                   PUDA

                         That Kenobi said you might show up.

                         If you hurry, you might catch them

                         before they jump.

               She nods towards the hot rod, parked in the hangar, door now

               open.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I might not be able to bring her

                         back.

                                   PUDA

                         She's yours, kiddo. Belonged to

                         your mom. Hamish nearly busted a

                         thruster when I told him you

                         started fixing her up, but you've

                         always had a ship-sense -- figures

                         you'd recognize your own craft.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Arna?!

                                   PUDA

                         No, your real mom. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         What are you talking about? My real

                         parents were farmers.

                                   PUDA

                         Don't know who they were kid, but

                         they weren't from around here, and

                         they sure as hell weren't farmers. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         But...

                                   PUDA

                         Get going! I'll get that speeder

                         back home for you.

               Anakin nods.

               EXT. TATOOINE, SKIES - MINUTES LATER

               Anakin's ship climbs fast, leaving the surface below.

               INT. ANAKIN'S SHIP, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin's face shows a confusion of determination, regret,

               elation, and uncertainty.

Author
Time

 INT. FALLING STAR, MESSDECK - CONTINUOUS

               The crew sit at the table or lean on counters. Obi Wan paces

               before them.

                                   KENOBI

                         We're headed for the Yorvath system

                         to rendezvous with an old comrade

                         of mine -- another Jedi. 

                                   ALIEN GUNNER ONE

                             (to Gunner Two)

                         Long trip. We've got some time

                         then.

                                   ALIEN GUNNER THREE

                         Before the end, you mean?

                                   KENOBI

                         He's been investigating the dark

                         fleet, just like I have.

                                   ALDA

                             (puffing on his pipe)

                         Who'd he almost get killed?

               Kitch gestures for him to stow it for now.

                                   KENOBI

                         As far as I know, he's been working

                         alone.

               Alda opens his mouth to make another crack, but Manx glares

               him into submission.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         He says the enemy has dispatched

                         only a small force to Yorvath. One

                         capital ship, a light fighter

                         escort, and our prize, one of those

                         hulks.

                                   MANX

                             (disgust in her voice)

                         One of the slave ships?

                                   KITCH

                         I don't think so Manx, Yorvath is

                         uninhabited.

                                   KENOBI

                         On the contrary, it's teeming with

                         life.

                                   KITCH

                         Beasts and pests, sure -- nothing

                         of use to a slaver.

                                   KENOBI

                         I agree. But one of the hulks is

                         there nonetheless, and according to

                         my friend, the planet is being

                         ravaged.

                                   HEPH

                         So, what's the big ship for?

                                   KENOBI

                         That's the question, isn't it?

                                   KITCH

                         You want to get on board.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes. And furthermore, I want to

                         steal it. If only... Kitch old

                         friend, do you know any pirates?

               Heph chuckles. Alda rolls his eyes.

                                   KITCH

                         All right, you heard him. Rest up

                         now, because things get serious

                         when we hit Yorvath. Dismissed.

               The crew shove off for some R and R. Kitch, Manx and Kenobi

               head for the cockpit.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               The trio approach the helm.

                                   KITCH

                         You may consider a capital ship and

                         fighter escort to be light

                         protection...

                                   KENOBI

                         We handled more than that the last

                         time we faced them. And this time,

                         I thought we might try a stealthier

                         approach.

                                   KITCH

                         Now you're talking some sense. But

                         what do we do with the prize once

                         we've got it?

               The hatch to the cockpit hisses open.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx slide into their seats. Manx starts flipping

               switches and punching in data.

                                   KENOBI

                         One step at a time, old friend. I'm

                         sure the path will present itself.

                                   KITCH

                         Because you had mentioned something

                         about going to the Senate. Capital

                         ships I can handle, but I'm a

                         wanted man on Coruscant, Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, yes. Let's not get ahead of

                         ourselves.

                                   MANX

                         Course set for just off Yorvath.

               Kitch's hand pauses over the jump controls.

                                   KITCH

                         I've got a bad feeling about this.

               Despite his reservations Kitch makes the move.

                                   KENOBI

                         Wait a moment, would you?

                                   KITCH

                         You're getting cold feet now?

               A monitor flashes.

                                   MANX

                         Ship incoming.

               Kitch looks at Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                         We've got room for one more.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF TATOOINE - MOMENTS LATER

               Anakin's ship floats into the Star's hangar bay, and the Star

               shoots off into hyperspace.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH

               The lush green planet plays unwilling host to a modest

               detachment from the dark fleet, just as Kenobi described: a

               massive destroyer with escort, another of the mysterious

               hulks, and significant transport traffic. 

               EXT. YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               A vast landing field has been clear-cut amidst dense jungle.

               Transports ascend and descend. Herds of exotic animals are

               shepherded aboard the ships by troops of the dark army,

               wielding coercive apparatuses.

               Atop a distant ridge, still dense with trees and ground

               cover, a hooded figure in green camouflage observes the

               proceedings with weathered electro-binoculars. His face is

               concealed by his cowl, except for the tip of a protruding

               beak.

               Down in the landing field, a lone creature, of a larger

               species than the rest, easily ten feet tall, breaks free of

               its restraints and begins terrorizing troops, flinging bodies

               this way and that.

               The beast's handlers struggle to bring it under control as it

               inflicts damage upon a nearby transport. 

               And then another commotion from a hundred yards away -- an

               imposing figure with a bull-like head and crisp officer's

               dress stalks toward the fracas, also flinging troops out of

               his way, sometimes with his hands and sometimes without them.

               The Force.

               Reaching the raging animal, the bullheaded Jedi raises his

               arm and clenches his fist. The creature's knee twists and

               buckles. The dark Jedi raises his other hand, and the

               creature's second knee breaks.

               The escaped beast topples, and the stroke of a red lightsaber

               ends its life.

               The handlers line up at attention before their commander. He

               regards them angrily, and without a second thought, he

               executes them with another single swipe of his bright red

               weapon. 

               A row of bodies hit the ground almost simultaneously, but not

               before the dark Jedi has already turned his back and begun

               walking away.

               The figure atop the ridge lowers his binocs.

                                   HOODED FIGURE

                             (spit out like a curse)

                         Donzin Faal.

               EXT. HYPERSPACE - LATER

               The Falling Star barrels through the blue and white of

               hyperspace.

               INT. FALLING STAR, CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - LATER

               The cabin is tiny but lavishly appointed. Kitch snores

               loudly, a mask over his eyes.

               INT. FALLING STAR, ENGINE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Two of Heph's droids play holochess.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MESSDECK - CONTINUOUS

               Alda and the gunners are playing a drinking game with

               battered chrome cards -- Alda and Gunner Three on one team

               and the other two gunners on the other.

               As Alda gloats over a winning hand, Manx sweeps by and steals

               the exotic bottle, pulling on its iridescent contents as she

               leaves.

               INT. FALLING STAR, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Heph, Anakin, and Forbee have opened up various parts of

               Anakin's fighter and are working away. Forbee's in the

               cockpit.

                                   HEPH

                         Beautiful bird. Don't make 'em like

                         this anymore. 

                             (peeling back a panel)

                         Clever what you've done here --

                         subbing the capacitor from a P3.

                                   ANAKIN

                         It was the closest fit I could

                         find, but it still took some doing.

                                   HEPH

                         I can see it. Autolaser?

                                   ANAKIN

                             (with pride)

                         Arc torch.

                                   HEPH

                         You did it manual?! That's a real

                         steady hand there, Skywalker.

               Anakin beams.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         How're the comms coming along

                         Forbs?

               Forbee flips a switch with a manipulator arm. His ensuing

               beeps and bleeps are audible over a PA in the hangar bay.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         All right. We can hear you.

                             (under his breath)

                         Brat.

               Forbee beeps his offense over the PA. Anakin laughs.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Hey, you think we can get more

                         output from the canon?

               Heph leaves what he's doing and walks over to take a peak.

                                   HEPH

                         Big gun not big enough for you?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not even close. Seems like she's

                         got more in her, but I can't figure

                         it out.

                                   HEPH

                         Let me see here.

                             (peaking around with a

                              small penlight)

                         Ok. Ok. Might just have a couple

                         ideas ideating.

               Obi Wan approaches behind them.

                                   KENOBI

                         How's the restoration coming?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Oh hey, Obi Wan. We're just working

                         on the weapons systems.

                                   KENOBI

                         Good. You'll be wanting those at

                         peak performance. But put down your

                         tools for a moment, grab that

                         bucket, and come with me -- it's

                         time for your first lesson.

                                   ANAKIN

                         What lesson? We're kind of busy

                         right now. 

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh, I see. I suppose you can always

                         train to become a Jedi another

                         time.

               Anakin drops his tools. Heph looks only slightly less

               surprised.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - LATER

               Silhouetted against the lights of hyperspace, Anakin and Obi

               Wan sit facing each other, a few feet between them, legs

               crossed.

               Anakin has Kitch's sleeping mask over his eyes. Obi Wan has

               the bucket in front of him. He pulls a small metal nut out of

               the bucket and throws it at Anakin's head.

               The nut hits Anakin squarely on the forehead.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Ow!

                                   KENOBI

                         Clear your mind. You're not

                         focusing.

               Kenobi throws another one off to the right of Anakin's head.

               Anakin ducks directly into it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Damn it.

                                   KENOBI

                         Don't anticipate. Reach out with

                         your senses. Feel the space around

                         you. Feel the object move through

                         it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         That doesn't make any sense. How

                         can I feel what I'm not touching?

                                   KENOBI

                         The Force touches all things at all

                         times. If you are one with the

                         Force...

               Kenobi throws another nut. Another collision with Anakin's

               skull. Anakin tears off the mask.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I can't do this.

               Anakin stands and looks out at hyperspace.

                                   KENOBI

                         What's troubling you?

                                   ANAKIN

                         I... I just found out that my

                         parents aren't who I thought they

                         were...

                                   KENOBI

                         You wouldn't be the first Jedi to

                         have been born to farmers, but I'm

                         not surprised to hear it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I have no idea who they are. Who I

                         am. And now...

                                   KENOBI

                         And now you are being introduced to

                         a world you didn't even know

                         existed.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Yeah, I mean the Force? I know it's

                         real -- I've seen it. But...

                                   KENOBI

                         Anakin, I am only teaching you to

                         control and strengthen a connection

                         you already have. You use the Force

                         every time you sit behind the

                         controls of a ship. You just don't

                         know it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Maybe. I don't know.

                                   KENOBI

                         I wish I could tell you who your

                         parents were -- perhaps with a

                         little digging...

                         But, I can help you discover who

                         your are. No, not discover exactly.

                         Become.

               Anakin looks at Obi Wan.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Come, let's try again.

               Anakin takes a seat.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         When you fought those gunships, how

                         were able to dodge their laser

                         fire?

                                   ANAKIN

                         I had my eyes open, that's for

                         sure.

                                   KENOBI

                         So you saw all those blasts with

                         your eyes, and then told your hands

                         to tell your fighter to roll this

                         way and then that?

                                   ANAKIN

                         No. No, it wasn't like that. It was

                         more like... instinct.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes. Instinct. Intuition. Feeling.

                         That is the way of the Force. Now

                         put your blindfold back on and try

                         again.

               Anakin does. Kenobi throws a nut. Anakin tilts his head out

               of the way.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Good.

               Kenobi throws another. Anakin dodges again.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Yes, Anakin.

               Kenobi grabs a few more nuts in his hand and throws three in

               rapid succession. Anakin tilts his head side to side,

               avoiding the first two, but then the third stops in mid air

               and hovers right in front of him.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                             (taken aback)

                         Goodness, that was fast.

               Anakin slowly peels off the mask and watches the nut hover in

               front of him with wonder. Am I doing that?

               An alarm sounds, less urgent than the signal for an incoming

               attack, but more pressing than an alarm clock. The nut

               clatters to the floor.

               INT. FALLING STAR, CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch snaps awake and bumps his head on a shelf. He reaches

               for his mask, but to his confusion, finds it has already been

               removed.

               Kitch splashes water on his face from a tiny sink and walks

               directly through a hatch to the ship's passageway, the hatch

               irising open at his approach and closing behind him.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               A mere five steps take Kitch to the cockpit. Never far from

               the helm, this one.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch slides into the captain's seat and pops off the alarm,

               then eases the ship out of lightspeed. The planet Yorvath

               hangs in the distance, the size of a tea saucer.

               Manx walks in and sits beside him, offering the bottle she

               grabbed from Alda. Kitch waves it off. Manx raises an

               eyebrow. Kitch reconsiders, grabs a tin mug off a console,

               and extends it. Manx pours.

                                   MANX

                         Kenobi's intelligence was good.

                         Scanners are showing a much smaller

                         force than we ran up against at

                         Jatari II. 

                                   KITCH

                         That's one potential disaster

                         averted.

               Kenobi enters the cockpit.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Speak of the devil. Manx says your

                         intel checks out. So far.

               Kenobi hands a baffled Kitch his sleeping mask.

                                   KENOBI

                         Of course it does. I've alerted my

                         friend to our arrival. He should be

                         sending coordinates shortly.

                                   KITCH

                         Does his telepathy work on ships'

                         computers, because how...?

               A series of beeps.

                                   MANX

                         Coordinates received. He's on the

                         surface, well clear of those ships'

                         visual range. With our jammers, we

                         should be able to get to him

                         undetected.

               Kitch looks at Kenobi suspiciously.

                                   KENOBI

                         It wasn't the Force, old boy -- he

                         has a transponder.

               Kitch blinks.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         What? He ran recon on the area, and

                         located a position suitable for a

                         covert rendezvous. We're Jedi

                         Knights, Renzo -- do you think we

                         know nothing of combat tactics?

                                   KITCH

                         Well, I've only ever met you. I'm

                         sure your friend will forgive me

                         for jumping to conclusions.

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh please.

Author
Time

EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - LATER

               The Falling Star burns toward Yorvath -- the dark fleet

               barely visible around the curve of the planet.

               EXT. YORVATH, UPPER ATMOSPHERE - MOMENTS LATER

               A thick layer of clouds obscures the planets surface as the

               Falling Star continues its descent.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx are flying via their instruments as the heavy

               clouds deposit water onto the viewing panel, the ship rocking

               and bucking with turbulence. Kenobi and Anakin steady

               themselves on the backs of the pilots' seats.

                                   MANX

                         Almost through it.

               And then the turbulence stops and the clouds dissipate,

               revealing dense, verdant jungle.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Whoa.

                                   KENOBI

                         Nothing like Tatooine, is it?

                                   ANAKIN

                         It's so... wet.

               EXT. YORVATH, SKIES - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling star cruises above the two-tiered canopy of a

               rainforest -- incredibly tall, slender, Seussian trees above

               and squat, alien oaks, with kelpy leaves and mammoth trunks

               below.

               Brightly colored, paper-flat, ray-like creatures, with

               flowing wings and tails, undulate through the air like

               sentient kites.

               In the distance, a cloud of transport traffic darkens a

               portion of the sky. 

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Approaching his position.

                                   KITCH

                         Should be fun trying to land in

                         this tangle.

               A clearing in the trees appears in front of them.

                                   KENOBI

                             (smug)

                         That should suffice for a landing

                         zone.

               EXT. YORVATH - MOMENTS LATER

               The Falling Star touches down in the clearing, and the

               camouflaged Jedi emerges from the treeline.

               The Falling Star's ramp descends, and Kenobi leads Kitch,

               Manx and a fascinated Anakin off the ship and toward the

               stranger. As they approach, the Jedi removes his hood,

               revealing a feathery crest atop his head and a long beak.

                                   KENOBI

                         Jardin, my brother.

                                   JARDIN

                         Obi Wan Kenobi, as I live and

                         breathe.

               The Jedi embrace. Pulling away, Kenobi gestures toward Kitch.

                                   KENOBI

                         Captain Renzo Kitch of the Falling

                         Star, Jardin Canaris, Jedi Knight.

                                   JARDIN

                             (extending his hand)

                         Captain Kitch, your reputation

                         precedes you.

               Kitch and the Jedi shake hands.

                                   MANX

                         Really?

                                   JARDIN

                         Absolutely, Miss...?

                                   MANX

                         Orulian. Manx Orulian, first mate.

                                   JARDIN

                         The exploits of the dire pirate,

                         Captain Kitch and his crew are well

                         known to those who take an interest

                         in such things.

                                   KITCH

                         I hope you won't hold it against

                         me.

                                   JARDIN

                         I'm tempted, believe me, but Obi

                         Wan insists that you are his true

                         and trusted friend.

                                   KITCH

                         He does?

               Kenobi makes a small shrug -- aren't you?

                                   JARDIN

                         And that earns you my respect and

                         gratitude. 

               Kenobi nods approvingly.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                         And deepest sympathies.

                                   KENOBI

                         Hey.

                                   KITCH

                         He DOES make things difficult.

                                   JARDIN

                         Difficult? That's the most polite

                         word I could possibly imagine to

                         describe the man!

                                   KITCH

                         I thought it was a Jedi thing.

                                   JARDIN

                         Heavens no.

                             (then, looking at Anakin)

                         Who is the boy?

                                   KENOBI

                         Anakin Skywalker, a gifted young

                         pilot from Tatooine. He has begun

                         the training. 

                                   JARDIN

                         An apprentice?! Now?!

                                   KENOBI

                         I know, but I feel it's the right

                         thing.

                                   JARDIN

                         Your every impulse the will of the

                         Force. But, it's no use arguing

                         with you. 

                             (to Anakin)

                         Pleased to meet you, young

                         Skywalker.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Sir.

                                   JARDIN

                         Jardin will do. 

                             (beat)

                         Perhaps you've chosen well, Obi

                         Wan.

                                   KENOBI

                         Do you doubt me, Canaris?

                                   JARDIN

                         Constantly. 

                                   KENOBI

                             (laughs)

                         Is it near?

                                   JARDIN

                             (pointing)

                         Yes, about one kilometer that way -

                         one of many satellite landing

                         fields, much smaller than the main

                         site. Ready your away team, and

                         we'll move out.

                                   KENOBI

                         Alright. Kitch, you'll come with

                         me, and we'll take Alda and two of

                         the gunners.

                                   KITCH

                         Agreed. Manx, Heph, and Anakin will

                         stay with the ship.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not a chance. First new planet I've

                         ever seen, and you want me to watch

                         from orbit?! Forget it.

                                   KENOBI

                         This one's too dangerous, lad.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I can use a blaster.

                                   JARDIN

                         Listen to your master. Obi Wan

                         rarely counsels caution -- when he

                         does, he should be heeded.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Master? Who said anything about a

                         master?

                                   JARDIN

                             (to Kenobi)

                         I thought you said you were

                         training him.

                                   KENOBI

                         We've only just begun.

               Canaris raises a feathered eyebrow.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         It's been rather informal.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Great. I'll get ready. 

               Anakin marches toward the Falling Star.

                                   JARDIN

                             (to Kenobi)

                         Hotheaded. He reminds me of you

                         before your beard grew in.

                                   KENOBI

                         I knew there was a reason I liked

                         him.

                                   JARDIN

                         Listen, Kenobi, another thing...

               The two of them walk a few steps away from Manx and Kitch.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                             (hushed)

                         Parts of your report may have been

                         treated with suspicion, but you

                         were right. The commander of this

                         fleet is a disciple of the Dark

                         Side.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - LATER

               Gunners One and Two pull blasters out of a weapon locker.

               Alda affixes a second gun belt, one blaster pistol on each

               hip. He grabs a third and tosses it to Anakin, who nods

               proudly.

               EXT. YORVATH - LATER

               Jardin Canaris leads Kenobi, Kitch, Alda, Anakin and the

               gunners through the jungle. Kitch wears a giant blaster

               pistol in a shoulder holster.

               Kenobi mops moisture from his forehead.

                                   KENOBI

                         It is wet.

               Anakin smiles. He's watching a butterfly-like insect crawl on

               the back of his hand.

               Ahead of the away team and off to one side of their path, in

               a small clearing, a large object is mostly concealed by a

               camouflage tarp.

               Gunner One points it out to Gunner Two.

                                   KITCH

                         What's that up ahead?

                                   JARDIN

                         It's my ship.

                                   KITCH

                         You're OWN ship?

                                   JARDIN

                         I didn't walk here.

                                   KITCH

                         You hear that, Kenobi? When he

                         needs to go somewhere, he just

                         takes his own ship.

                                   KENOBI

                         Where's the fun in that?

                                   JARDIN

                         It isn't too much farther now. Try

                         to keep it down.

               The sound of a ship's thrusters is heard nearby and then a

               transport of the dark fleet appears above the canopy, headed

               for space.

               Jardin darts ahead toward where the ship took off and

               positions himself behind a tree toward the edge of another

               clearing, this one unnatural. Trees have been felled and

               cleared, the forest floor scorched. Jardin waves the rest of

               the party on, gesturing for them to find cover.

               In the clearing rests one last dark transport. Two armed

               guards secure the ship.

               Alda begins to move toward a flanking position, but Jardin

               stills him with a gesture.

               A loud rustling from some trees nearby causes the guards to

               look that way. Out of the forest, come five more of the

               identical pale soldiers, struggling to herd three captive

               animals in electrified collars.

               The animals look like a hybrid of rabbits and chimps --

               largish, sentient but sub-human, and damn cute. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         What the hell?

               Kenobi and Jardin glare at him in unison.

               The soldiers herd their captives onto the transport.

                                   GUARD ONE

                         That's a full load. Make ready for

                         departure.

               The transport's thrusters warm up. 

               Kenobi and Jardin nod at each other, and Jardin begins

               circling the clearing, like Alda had done, but much more

               quietly. Kenobi turns to the rest of the away team.

                                   KENOBI

                         Leave this to us.

               Anakin receives an extra pointed look.

               When Jardin reaches his position, Kenobi makes a strange

               tossing gesture in the opposite direction.

               An extremely loud honking, like that of a gigantic goose,

               cuts through the forest, echoing over the noise of the

               transports thrusters.

               The four pale soldiers who are still outside the transport

               pause to look in that direction. A fifth peeks his head out

               the cargo door.

               And then a bright orange flash streaks across the clearing

               from Jardin's position, and the five soldiers are instantly

               replaced with five corpses (one of them shy a head), all

               felled in one deadly-fast stroke. 

               And just as suddenly, Jardin is visible, standing just past

               them, orange lightsaber in hand.

               A sixth crewman appears in the door, sees the carnage and

               yells toward the cockpit. Jardin swings his arm, and the pale

               soldier is pulled from the ship directly through the orange

               lightsaber, falling in a heap a few feet past Canaris.

               The transport begins to lift off, but Kenobi is in the

               clearing now, eyes on the cockpit, fingers to temple. The

               transport's ascent falters, then it descends haltingly, and

               the thrusters cut out.

               The ship's canopy opens slowly -- Kenobi standing directly in

               front of it, unmoving -- revealing two pilots, each drawing a

               blaster pistol. Alda and Kitch take aim.

               But, before they can fire, the pilots simultaneously fire on

               each other and slump over, dead.

               Kenobi shakes his head and shoulders, and makes a brrr sound

               with his lips.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Nasty, that.

               Alda and Kitch exchange a look -- wow -- and stow their

               weapons.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You heard I'm training to be a

                         Jedi, right?

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - MINUTES LATER

               Manx sits in Captain Kitch's seat. The comms crackle to life.

                                   KITCH (V.O.)

                         Alright, Manx -- here goes nothing.

                                   MANX

                         Roger that, Captain.

               EXT. YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star lifts off.

               EXT. YORVATH, SECONDARY LANDING SITE - CONTINUOUS

               The captured transport rises off the jungle floor.

               INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch is at the helm, Canaris seated next to him, Obi Wan

               hunched between them.

                                   KITCH

                         Those guys we killed. Know where

                         they came from? Don't think I've

                         ever seen their kind before.

                                   KENOBI

                         No, I don't.

               Jardin shakes his head.

                                   KITCH

                         I don't like it. This plan better

                         work, Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                         Tell him not to worry, Jardin.

                                   JARDIN

                         Don't worry, Captain Kitch, I'm

                         fairly certain that I, at least,

                         will make it through in one piece.

                                   KENOBI

                         You see, if he were concerned, he

                         wouldn't joke.

               Kenobi opens the hatch to the cargo bay and steps through.

               INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, CARGO BAY - CONTINUOUS

                                   JARDIN (O.S.)

                         Who says I'm jo-

               The hatch hisses shut behind Kenobi. The cargo bay is filled

               with force field cages housing the rabbit/chimps, dozens of

               them. The most recently captured creatures -- let's call them

               eeps -- are loose, investigating their surroundings,

               communicating with their caged friends, etc.

               One of the eeps is sitting on Alda's lap. It's much too large

               to be comfortable, but it doesn't seem to mind. Alda, on the

               other hand looks less than comfortable. Anakin's petting it.

                                   KENOBI

                         Alda, you've made a friend.

                                   ALDA

                         He's made me, more like. Get him

                         off me, would ya?

               Anakin scratches the eep under its chin. It purrs and coos.

                                   ANAKIN

                         He's awful cute.

                                   ALDA

                         Cut it out, would ya?

               Kenobi paces in front of the cages, a pensive look on his

               face.

                                   KENOBI

                         What could they possibly want with

                         you, my friends?

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - MINUTES LATER

               The captured transport falls into formation with other

               transports heading toward the dark hulk.

               INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               A transmission on the comms.

                                   FLIGHT CONTROL (V.O.)

                         Ship one four seven seven. You are

                         cleared for landing. Acknowledge.

                                   KITCH

                             (in crisp English)

                         Roger.

               Jardin gives him a look.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         I know a few words. Don't tell

                         Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI (O.S.)

                         Don't tell me what?

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The dark hulk looms in the foreground as the captured

               transport approaches.

               INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The hatch opens, and Kenobi steps in behind Jardin and Kitch,

               who both look a bit awed, a hard edged shadow rising through

               the cockpit and over their faces.

                                   KENOBI

                         There's no use pretending you

                         didn't say...

                             (stopped short by the view

                              through the port)

                         Goodness, that is a big ship.

               Over their shoulders and through the viewport, the dark hulk

               grows ever larger. A hangar door yawns open, ready to swallow

               the captured transport and the other ships in its formation. 

               Kitch hits the comms.

                                   KITCH

                         Manx, we're going in. Are you in

                         position?

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Through the viewport the hulk and the rest of the ships are

               visible at what seems like a safe distance.

                                   MANX

                         Aye, Cap, we see you. You be

                         careful in there, Renzo, you hear

                         me?

                                   KITCH (V.O.)

                         It's too late for careful, I think,

                         but I'll try my damndest not to

                         die.

               INT. DARK HULK - CONTINUOUS

               The captured transport cruises into a giant hangar bay.

Author
Time
 (Edited)

 INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch pilots the transport toward a landing zone demarcated

               with flashing lights.

                                   KITCH

                         I've boarded a lot of ships Kenobi,

                         but never one this big, and never

                         with a crew this small.

                                   KENOBI

                         Never with two Jedi.

                                   JARDIN

                         There's a lot of ground to cover,

                         to be sure, but it's our theory

                         that the ship is lightly manned,

                         relatively speaking.

                                   KENOBI

                         It's not a war ship, we know that.

                                   KITCH

                         It's true, I didn't make any guns

                         on her. And who would be crazy

                         enough to board when she's

                         surrounded by a fleet?

               Kitch sets the transport down. The hatch to the cargo bay

               opens.

                                   KENOBI

                         Who indeed?

               Kitch smirks as he pops out of his seat. Kenobi, Kitch, and

               Jardin cross into the cargo bay.

               INT. CAPTURED TRANSPORT, CARGO BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Alda, Anakin, and the gunners are on their feet -- Alda's eep

               squats by his side, Alda's hand on his head.

                                   KENOBI

                         Alright boys, we were just telling

                         your captain that the ship is

                         poorly defended for her size, but

                         she's a giant, so be ready for a

                         fight.

                                   JARDIN

                         And possibly more than one as we

                         make our way to the bridge.

                                   ALDA

                         I ain't worried. We've seen what

                         you two can do.

                                   KITCH

                         And now we show 'em what we can do.

                                   ALDA

                         Damn right.

               The gunners sling their blaster rifles over their shoulders.

                                   GUNNER ONE

                         Aye aye, Captain.

                                   GUNNER TWO

                         Aye aye.

                                   JARDIN

                         Let's begin then.

                                   KENOBI

                         Ready Anakin?

               Anakin nods resolutely.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         May the force be with us.

               Kitch punches the button to open the cargo bay door, and it

               opens slowly, revealing a bustling hangar bay before them. 

               Dozens, maybe hundreds, of the pale troopers are escorting

               floating cells-- mostly eeps, but some other creatures large

               and small as well, including a couple of the monstrosities

               that caused a stir at landing field -- toward a corridor at

               the rear of the bay.

               INT. DARK HULK, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and his team step out onto the hangar floor

               cautiously, weapons in hand. Kitch looks toward the corridor

               where the captives are being taken, then turns in the other

               direction and spots a hatch nearer to them.

               Kitch taps Kenobi on the shoulder and points to the hatch.

                                   KITCH

                             (whispering)

                         That way to the bridge.

               Kenobi and Jardin nod.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         If we're lucky, we get there

                         without much fuss and vent the ship

                         before we make the jump to

                         lightspeed.

                                   JARDIN

                         Agreed.

               Kenobi nods.

               The team makes for the hatch to the bridge, their heads

               swiveling in all directions as they try to evade detection. 

               Ducking behind ships and architecture, with most of the

               traffic going the other way, they're able to make it almost

               to the hatch, though they'll have to expose themselves to get

               there.

               Kenobi holds up his fingers. One, two, three. The team makes

               their move.

               Across, the hangar bay, a trooper is struck in the back by a

               floating cage. As he turns to yell at whoever bumped into

               him, he spots the team in the distance.

                                   PALE TROOPER

                         Intruders!

               Nearby troopers reach for their comms.

               Kenobi and company sprint for the hatch, but just as they

               arrive, a security door slams tight over it, and alarms

               sound. Lights flash.

               The team turns their backs to the hatch in resignation.

                                   KENOBI

                         It was a good plan.

                                   KITCH

                         I thought so.

               A laser blast scores the security door between Kenobi's and

               Kitch's heads. They exchange a look.

                                   JARDIN

                         Attack!

               The team breaks off and a major fight ensues. The crew of the

               Falling Star darts from cover to cover firing on the pale

               troopers with their blasters. They're crack shots, especially

               Kitch with his big hand cannon and Alda with his twin

               blasters.

               Alda is agile, leaping and dodging this way and that, nailing

               targets mid-air.

               Kitch relies more on cover and a steady hand. His big blaster

               disintegrates his targets, or sometimes just portions of

               them, leaving only ash. And, he proves good with his fists,

               dealing with a few disarmed troopers in close quarters.

               Anakin, too, acquits himself admirably -- he makes a short

               range blaster do long range work.

               The two Jedi do most of the damage, of course. Flinging ships

               and cargo this way and that, knocking back groups of

               troopers, cutting them down with lightsabers.

               Kenobi and Kitch bail each other out as a trooper almost gets

               the drop on each of them.

               The eeps and some of the larger creatures even join in the

               fight. The eeps are surprisingly vicious, and frighteningly

               strong. 

               Alda's buddy gets him out of a scrape near the captured

               transport -- pinning a trooper, biting at him with previously

               hidden predator's teeth, sending a severed arm flying, and

               popping up with his cute face covered in blood. 

               Gunner One takes a blast to the chest, signalling the arrival

               of enemy reinforcements. One whole squad of them are

               incinerated by a thermal detonator thrown by the surviving

               gunner in a fit of vengeance.

               The rest are no match for the two Jedi. Jardin's style

               recalls that of a musketeer, one handed, elegant,

               swashbuckling. Kenobi fights more like a samurai, two-handed

               primarily, economical movements, death and stillness.

               The two Jedi display a remarkable combat coordination despite

               their differing technique. It's as if they can anticipate

               each others movements in addition to those of their

               opponents.

               And eventually, the troopers are defeated. Kitch, Alda and

               Gunner Two kneel over the corpse of their crewmember, while

               Kenobi and Anakin study the corpses of the pale troopers, and

               Jardin works at a console on the wall. 

               A few sparks fly, the alarms stop ringing, and the security

               door opens.

               Kenobi ends his inspection and puts a hand on Kitch's

               shoulder.

                                   KENOBI

                             (gently)

                         Jardin has the door open.

                                   KITCH

                         Right. Don't worry boys, he'll get

                         a funeral. We're taking this ship,

                         aren't we?

                                   ALDA

                         Aye, Captain.

               They make toward Canaris and the door, but Obi Wan stays

               where he is.

                                   JARDIN

                         Are you coming, Kenobi?

                                   KENOBI

                         These men we're fighting. These...

                                   JARDIN

                         Things.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes. You sense it too?

                                   JARDIN

                         They're somehow less than... whole.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes. Incomplete. Empty. Unnatural.

                         You continue on to the bridge, I'm

                         going that way.

               Kenobi points in the direction the pale troopers were taking

               their captives.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         I want to know what's happening

                         here.

                                   KITCH

                         We're venting the ship when we hit

                         the bridge, remember?

                                   KENOBI

                         Not anymore. I believe that was the

                         bulk of the resistance.

               Alda's eep trots up to him.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         And we don't want to hurt our new

                         friends. We'll just have to capture

                         or kill any opposition on our own.

                                   KITCH

                         I know which I prefer. 

                             (tossing Kenobi a

                              communicator)

                         Here.

               Kenobi catches it.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Keep in touch.

               Kenobi, in turn tosses the communicator to Anakin.

                                   KENOBI

                         Come on.

               Kitch and crew step through the door. Jardin nods at Kenobi,

               who nods back, before departing. The door closes behind him.

               Kenobi and Anakin head the other way.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - MOMENTS LATER

               Blips on a scanner. Manx checks it out, then squints out the

               viewing panel.

               Troop transports are traveling from the dark capital ship to

               the hulk.

                                   MANX

                         Here we go.

               She engages the throttle.

               INT. DARK HULK, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch, Jardin and the others make their way toward the

               bridge. A transmission comes through.

                                   MANX (V.O.)

                         Captain, you got transports coming

                         your way from the capital ship. I'm

                         going to try and keep them off you,

                         but be ready in case any get

                         through.

                                   KITCH

                         We're en route to the bridge. Hold

                         'em as long as you can.

               A unit of pale troopers rounds the corner on Kitch's party

               and opens fire.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                             (returning fire)

                         Talk to you later.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Laser fire is heard on the comms, and then the transmission

               cuts out. The enemy fleet is growing rapidly in the viewing

               panel.

               Manx punches a comm button.

                                   MANX

                         Swivel guns.

                                   GUNNER THREE (O.S.)

                         Linked.

                                   MANX

                         Fire when ready.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE - CONTINUOUS

                                   GUNNER THREE

                         Always ready.

               Gunner Three opens fire, and a twin stream of laser fire

               connects his gun to an enemy troop transport. Two more

               streams converge on the transport from the other guns, and

               the enemy ship explodes in a ball of flame.

               Gunner Three pivots the gun toward a new target.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH

               The three swivel guns of the Falling Star turn in unison and

               another transport explodes. An aim adjustment, and then

               another explosion.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The explosions are visible through the viewing panel.

                                   MANX

                         Keep it up.

               More blips on the scanner.

                                   MANX (CONT'D)

                         Wonderful.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               A fighter squadron bears down on the Falling Star.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx punches the comm again.

                                   MANX

                         Swivel guns, we've got company.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE

                                   GUNNER THREE (V.O.)

                         Roger that.

               Pivoting toward the capital ship, the fighters pop into view.

               Gunner Three acquires his new targets and fires.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The view through the panel rolls and twists as Manx evades

               the fighter squadron, laser blasts terminating all around.

                                   MANX

                         Heph.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

               Heph sits at the controls for the main gun, Forbee at his

               side.

                                   HEPH

                         Aye, Ma'am.

                                   MANX (V.O.)

                         I'm taking evasive action, but I'm

                         gonna try and keep those transports

                         in front our cannons as much as I

                         can.

                                   HEPH

                         I'll take 'em when you give 'em too

                         me.

               Forbee beeps and whistles.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         You are not the better shot. You

                         can't even use the controls!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               A squadron of dark fighters hounds the Falling Star as Manx

               tries to ride the line between evasion and targeting. The

               swivel guns pop a few pursuers, but there are plenty more. 

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx's face is intense, focused.

                                   MANX

                         Heph, I know I'm not giving you

                         much to work with, but you have to

                         take out those transports.

                                   HEPH (V.O.)

                         You're not giving me much to work

                         with, Ma'am.

                                   MANX

                         I just said that, damn it. I'm

                         doing the best I can. Flying

                         without a copilot here.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

                                   HEPH

                         Alright, alright.

               Heph squints into the periscope. The view sways and twists

               wildly. He tries to center the crosshairs on something,

               anything.

               Forbee beeps at him.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Quiet, you.

                             (pause)

                         Alright now...

               Heph fires.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               An impressive barrage shoots forth from the Star's big guns,

               but the result is lackluster. Two transports explode, but the

               rest of the blasts are wide.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The explosions are heard, but not seen, through the ship's

               view panel.

                                   HEPH (V.O.)

                         Tarnation and tesseracts!

               Forbee's whistles of admonition can be heard over the comms.

                                   HEPH (V.O.) (CONT'D)

                         I said shut u-

               Manx shuts off the comms.

               INT. DARK HULK, PRODUCTION FACILITY - CONTINUOUS

               Obi Wan and Anakin lurk cautiously through sterile

               passageways. Mobile force field pens filled with eeps and

               other Yorvath wildlife surround them.

               Large, forklift-like droids collect the hovering pens and

               carry them further along. Obi Wan and Anakin follow. Strange

               noises intermingle with the cries of the animals -- hissing,

               bubbling, pumping.

               The pens are being carried in the direction of gigantic vats

               with tangles of tubes emerging from them. The vats, clear on

               the sides, look to be filled with a glowing pink liquid.

               Obi Wan and Anakin watch as one of the pens has its contents

               emptied into a vat. We don't see the result, we only hear it,

               and see the horror on their faces, as the animals are

               dissolved in the glowing solution. 

                                   KENOBI

                         Horrible.

               Obi Wan moves to cover Anakin's eyes, but Anakin slaps his

               hand away. Tears well up in his eyes, but his anger keeps him

               from looking away.

               Kenobi uses the force to pull several large pieces of

               machinery and empty pens to block the path of the slaughter.

               The cargo droids begin piling on top of each other as they

               attempt to deposit their loads.

               Pens spill over, and animals break free.

               Alarms sound, like at a factory when the assembly line goes

               down, and maintenance droids emerge to fix the issue. Kenobi

               cuts a few down with his lightsaber -- it's not a fight, just

               the quickest way to disable them.

               Anakin follows suit, shooting maintenance droids with his

               blaster. You can tell he'd rather be shooting something else.

               Obi Wan and Anakin follow the largest tangle of tubes down

               another corridor, occasionally disabling approaching

               maintenance droids without breaking stride.

               The corridor ends in a vast chamber, filled with rows and

               stacks of roughly human-sized pods that extend to the

               ceiling. The tubes he's been following also terminate here,

               feeding into the pod stacks. 

               Medical and science droids oversee whatever is happening in

               this facility.

                                   ANAKIN

                         What is this place?

               Obi Wan approaches one of the pods. A skeletal medical droid

               notes his presence, and turns to a nearby comrade.

                                   MEDICAL DROID ONE

                         There is an unauthorized humanoid

                         in the hatching chamber.

                                   MEDICAL DROID TWO

                         We are not programmed for security.

                         Please continue with your

                         assignment.

                                   MEDICAL DROID

                         Affirmative, but the long term

                         viability of our assignment is in

                         jeopardy. If...

                                   MEDICAL DROID TWO

                         Your communications are

                         distracting. Please cease.

                                   MEDICAL DROID ONE

                         Affirmative, but...

                                   MEDICAL DROID TWO

                         Cease!

               Obi Wan, with Anakin just over his shoulder, puts a hand on

               the surface of one of the vertical pods.

               At first, it appears that it is made of some sort of frosted

               glass, a shadowy figure visible underneath. 

               But, as Obi Wan runs his hand across it, it's clear that it's

               not a quality of the glass, but condensation. Obi Wan wipes

               some away and reveals a torso with a tube of glowing pink

               fluid attached at the naval.

               He reaches up and quickly wipes away more condensation. And

               there it is.

               A face. Exactly like that of the identical pale troopers. 

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh no.

Author
Time

INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER

               The body of a pale trooper hits the floor near the boots of

               Captain Kitch, a light sprinkling of ash falling on top of

               it. 

               The room is strewn with bodies -- Kitch and his team have

               taken the bridge. Kitch and Alda holster their weapons,

               Jardin powers down his lightsaber.

                                   KITCH

                         You know, I really thought this was

                         gonna be a lot harder.

                                   JARDIN

                         You lost a man.

                                   KITCH

                         I figured we were all done for, so

                         I'd say we're pretty lucky. 

                                   JARDIN

                         Pirate through and through.

                                   KITCH

                         Speaking of which, it's time to get

                         this ship out of here.

               Kitch moves to the controls. Alda and his eep follow. As they

               fiddle around, Kitch raises his communicator.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Kenobi, haven't heard from you in a

                         while. The ship is ours, I

                         repeat...

               The door to the bridge hisses open, and Kenobi and Anakin

               step through. Anakin is visibly shaken.

                                   KENOBI

                         Well done, gentlemen.

                                   KITCH

                         Hey, they're alive.

                                   JARDIN

                             (noting Anakin's face)

                         What did you find?

                                   KENOBI

                         Are we ready to make the jump to

                         lightspeed?

                                   KITCH

                         Working on it right now, I just

                         need to replot. They already have a

                         course programmed into the ship's

                         computer, so... uh oh.

                                   KENOBI

                         What is it?

                                   KITCH

                         This ship was headed for Alderaan.

                                   JARDIN

                         Alderaan?!

                                   KENOBI

                         So, that's where it begins.

                                   ALDA

                         These guys are bold, I'll give 'em

                         that.

                                   KITCH

                         Ok. Got it. Course set. Just need

                         to bring her around for a clean

                         getaway.

               Kitch raises his communicator again.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Manx, we're ready to blow this

                         snarp stand!

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx is sweating. The star field in front of her rolls

               wildly.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         Manx? It's all aboard.

                                   MANX

                         Aye aye, Cap. Except, I'm kind of

                         in the middle of something.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star climbs, falls, spins and twists amidst a

               swarm of fighters and a line of transports, doing everything

               she can to stay alive while Heph and the gunners shoot down

               what they can.

               Meanwhile, the dark capital ship has initiated maneuvers.

               It's bringing its guns to bear on the hulk.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

                                   KITCH

                         I don't wanna hear it. You get your 

                         butt docked immediately. You

                         understand me, First Mate?

                                   MANX

                         Aye, Cap, doing our best, believe

                         me, but Heph's no gunner, and...

                                   ANAKIN

                             (looking out the viewing

                              panel)

                         Oh boy.

                                   KITCH

                         What?

               Anakin points a finger at the dark destroyer as it moves to

               engage.

                                   ANAKIN

                         It looks like they're cutting their

                         losses.

               Kitch's back stiffens.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx looks desperate.

                                   MANX

                         You've got to make the jump, Cap.

                         I'll follow as soon as I can shake

                         these guys.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Alda's locked eyes with Kitch.

                                   ALDA

                         You heard her. Let's make our exit.

                                   KITCH

                         We're not leaving the Star.

                                   ALDA

                         She'll be right behind. This ain't

                         no battle ship, remember? We've got

                         no guns, and we can't outrun that

                         destroyer. 

                                   KITCH

                         We go to lightspeed with Manx in

                         the hangar. That's the plan, and

                         we're sticking to it.

                                   JARDIN

                         I respect your loyalty, Captain

                         Kitch, but we can't just sit here

                         and wait.

                                   KITCH

                         Who said anything about waiting?

                         Alda, hard to port!

               Alda glares at Kitch, but ultimately chooses to follow

               orders.

                                   JARDIN

                         What are you doing, Kitch?

                                   KITCH

                         Spark up that laser sword, or shut

                         your beak, bird boy. I'm buying her

                         some time.

                                   JARDIN

                             (looking at Kenobi)

                         Bird boy??!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The hulk is on a collision course with the capital ship. The

               dark destroyer lets loose a barrage of laser fire.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch stands at the controls with Alda, the capital ship

               coming straight toward them, slow but sure, rocking the hulk

               with laser blasts. 

                                   MANX (O.S.)

                         Cap, what are you doing?!

                                   KITCH

                         Losing my damn mind.

                                   MANX (V.O.)

                         They're coming right for you!

                                   KITCH

                         We're coming right for them. I'm

                         betting they'll blink first.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx looks angry.

                                   MANX

                             (to herself)

                         Blasted maniac. Thinks he's saving

                         me -- now I've gotta save them.

                             (on comms)

                         All guns, I need you to clear me a

                         patch of space to bow.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE - CONTINUOUS

               Gunner Three pivots and fires, pivots and fires.

                                   GUNNER THREE

                         Amazing as I am, there's only so

                         much I can do.

                                   MANX (O.S.)

                         I'll only need a second.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star quits it with the evasive action and bee

               lines for the dark capital ship -- as a result, she starts

               taking heavier fire.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The cockpit jolts from incoming fire. The capital ship, some

               distance away on its crash course with the hulk, is centered

               in the viewing panel. Much closer, enemy fighters

               continuously zip past the viewing panel, occasionally

               succumbing to the Star's swivel guns.

               Manx is hurriedly flipping switches and turning dials.

                                   HEPH (O.S.)

                         What are we doing Manx? We're

                         getting pummeled.

                                   MANX

                         Just brace yourself.

               Manx flips one last switch.

                                   MANX (CONT'D)

                             (to herself)

                         Got it.

               She takes a breath, steadies her hands, watches for a break

               in the fighter traffic.

                                   MANX (CONT'D)

                         Come on.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE - CONTINUOUS

               Gunner Three's face is alight with the glow of laser fire.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Star is surrounded, but it doesn't deviate from its

               course.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx grits her teeth.

                                   MANX

                         Come on.

               A fighter explodes directly in front of the panel, and just

               for a moment, the path is clear.

               Manx punches it.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Star makes the jump to lightspeed, disappearing from

               amidst the fighter swarm, and reappearing a moment later just

               clear, and that much closer to the enemy capital ship.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx is a bit shell-shocked -- that took expert timing -- but

               she shakes it off.

                                   MANX

                         Coming for you, Renzo.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Alda are still at the helm.

                                   KITCH

                         How are we holding up?

                                   ALDA

                         We're taking a lot of damage, but

                         so far so good. This baby's

                         massive. Hull like a tortola hide.

               Kenobi slowly approaches the viewing panel, the oncoming

               capital ship looming ever larger.

                                   KENOBI

                         There it is again. Do you feel it,

                         Canaris?

               Jardin approaches, closes his eyes.

                                   JARDIN

                             (hatefully)

                         Yes ,I do.

               A buzz from the helm console.

                                   ALDA

                         Captain, we're being hailed.

                                   KITCH

                         Well, patch them through.

               An image feed fills the left third of the towering viewing

               panel -- it's Donzin Faal.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Greetings to the soon-departed. Who

                         are the fools I have the

                         displeasure of addressing?

                                   KITCH

                         The dire pirate, Captain Renzo

                         Kitch, Terror of the Larnican--

               Kenobi and Canaris appear at the helm, recognition narrowing

               Canaris's eyes.

                                   KENOBI

                         Jedi Knights, Obi Wan Kenobi and

                         Jardin Canaris. And who are you,

                         apostate?

               Kitch is a little annoyed at the interruption.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Oh ho. Jedi? I am Donzin Faal, and

                         I want my ship back.

                                   KENOBI

                         Then you should have taken better

                         care of it.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         You live up to your reputation. Mad

                         Kenobi, ever the fool, consort of

                         petty criminals and hedge knights,

                         like my old friend Jardin.

               Jardin can only glare, anger making him rigid.

                                   KITCH

                         Who are you calling petty?

                                   KENOBI

                         Criminals and hedge knights who

                         just stole your most important ship

                         right out from under your nose.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Indeed. And that is why I must

                         offer you surrender, before I'm

                         forced to destroy you.

                                   KITCH

                         Good luck with that. Don't think

                         you have the fire power.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Alas, we will soon see.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               There is movement near the bow of the capital ship, a

               shifting of plates and flaps, the emergence of a large

               apparatus from the interior.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Through the viewing panel, this apparatus is plainly

               recognizable as a huge cannon -- pointed right at them.

                                   ALDA

                         Uh, Captain?

                                   KITCH

                         Brace for impact.

               A visible flow of energy surrounds the cannon, as it charges

               up for a volley. Kenobi and Jardin exchange a look. Alda's

               eep clutches his leg.

                                   ALDA

                         Captain!?

                                   KITCH

                         You heard me.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The cannon's blast seems a split second away, when BOOM, it

               explodes under heavy fire from The Falling Star, which has

               just swooped in and unleashed a vicious broadside.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

               Heph pumps his fist as Forbee does a little celebratory spin.

                                   HEPH

                         Got 'er, Ma'am! I got her!

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx slaps the console in front of her.

                                   MANX

                         Atta boy, Heph!

                             (in the comms)

                         Direct hit, Cap.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The explosion is greeted with cheers. Donzin Faal in the

               image feed, stumbles with the impact.

                                   KITCH

                         Manx, you're an angel.

                                   JARDIN

                         Now, turn aside Faal, or it is you

                         who will be destroyed!

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Never.

                                   KITCH

                         Then open wide, because this giant

                         hunk of metal's going straight down

                         your throat.

                                   KENOBI

                         We'll see you on Alderaan.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         What?! How did you...?

                                   KENOBI

                         Short one army.

               Kitch cuts the transmission.

                                   KITCH

                         Ok, now where's Manx?

               A crackle on the comms.

                                   MANX (O.S.)

                         Almost there, Cap.

               Through the viewing panel, the capital ship, almost upon them

               now, begins to change course.

                                   ANAKIN

                         He's flinching.

                                   KITCH

                         Of course he is.

               But, even as it effects its ponderous turn, a swarm of

               fighters emerge from the ship's hull.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                             (in the comms)

                         Manx, we've got more fighters. I

                         want you docked now.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

                                   MANX

                         Aye aye, Captain.

               Manx jerks the controls.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF HORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star weaves through oncoming fighters, its swivel

               guns popping off continuously. As it speeds toward the hulk's

               hangar we get a close up view of the two giant vessels and

               how close they were to collision.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Canaris steps forward.

                                   JARDIN

                         Kitch, begin the countdown.

                                   KENOBI

                         Are you sure we shouldn't wait

                         until she's aboard?

                                   KITCH

                         She'll be here. Ten!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF HORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star races toward the hulk -- almost there.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch looks nervous.

                                   ALDA

                         Five seconds.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               A thick formation of fighters stands in between the Star and

               its destination.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx raises her eyebrows.

                                   MANX

                         Oh boy.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star barrel rolls past enemy fighters.

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

                                   ALDA

                         Two, one...

               Anakin looks at Kitch with concern. Kenobi's expression is

               steely. 

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The Star dives under one last ship, does a full loop to right

               it's course, and shoots into the hangar bay.

               INT. DARK HULK, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               The Star touches down roughly, screeching and skidding

               hundreds of yards across the hangar floor.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx is jostled about as she slides to a stop.

                                   MANX

                             (in the comms)

                         Clear!

               INT. DARK HULK, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch closes his eyes in relief, then he smirks.

                                   KITCH

                         Hey Canaris, I just remembered we

                         left your ship behind.

                                   JARDIN

                         I'll come back for it later!!

               Kitch starts cackling.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                             (to Kenobi)

                         He's crazier than y--

               Kitch punches it.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF YORVATH - CONTINUOUS

               The dark hulk elongates and disappears in a flash, leaving

               the fleet in its dust.

Author
Time

WIPE TO:

               INT. DARK HULK, PRODUCTION FACILITY

               The entire crew is assembled, surrounded by birthing pods and

               medical droids, standing in audience before Kenobi.

                                   HEPH

                         Clones?!

                                   KENOBI

                         That's right, an army of clones,

                         constructed from, or fed by, the

                         liquefied bodies of living things.

                                   MANX

                         That's monstrous.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You didn't see it.

               Alda looks down at his eep.

                                   JARDIN

                             (piecing it together)

                         When you conquer a planet, you have

                         to control it -- resources

                         committed, loyalty of the conquered

                         uncertain. But this...

                                   KENOBI

                         Who knows how many fleets there are

                         out there, but they're harvesting

                         worlds beyond the outer rim. They

                         could be building an army vast

                         enough to topple the Galactic

                         Republic, and I believe that's

                         exactly what they intend to do.

                                   KITCH

                         And they're starting with Alderaan.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Seems crazy. Isn't that the

                         capital?

                                   JARDIN

                         You found him on Tatooine? Do they

                         have schools there?

                                   KENOBI

                         Alderaan was once the most powerful

                         planet in the galaxy, yes -- it's

                         kings and queens drawing many

                         planets under its rule, but that

                         was a long, long time ago. It was

                         Alderaan, in coalition with the

                         Jedi, that founded the Republic,

                         handing control of government to

                         the people. Coruscant is the

                         capital now, as it has been for

                         centuries, and the seat of the

                         Senate. 

                                   ANAKIN

                         I knew that. I'm not an idiot. I

                         just thought Alderaan was.. also

                         the capital.

                                   ALDA

                         There's just one capital, kid.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Ok, ok. Either way, isn't that a

                         bad place to start? Alderaan has to

                         be well defended.

                                   JARDIN

                         It's the perfect place to start.

                         Alderaan ceded much of its power to

                         the Senate, its defense left to the

                         armies of the Republic.

                         It is a great planet, yes, but

                         great in philosophy and art, no

                         longer in war.

                                   KENOBI

                         And, as young Anakin can attest, a

                         powerful symbol still.

                                   KITCH

                         So, the bad guys are going to

                         conquer the Republic with an army

                         of clones. Clones of who? Who are

                         these guys? What do they have to do

                         with evil Jedi? And why do they

                         know you?

                                   KENOBI

                         I must say, I didn't realize I had

                         a reputation.

                                   JARDIN

                             (to Kenobi)

                         You do. 

                             (to everyone else)

                         Obi Wan doesn't know him, but I do.

                         The commander of that ship is my

                         old brother in arms, Donzin Faal --

                         suspected of killing his master

                         years ago, before disappearing. He

                         had a reputation too -- for

                         cowardice and short temper -- and

                         it is well-deserved. Faal should

                         never have been a Jedi.

                                   MANX

                         Sounds just right for eradicating a

                         planet of helpless creatures.

                                   KITCH

                         OK, and then what? How does he end

                         up in charge of a fleet of clones.

                                   KENOBI

                         I don't know. I only know that

                         there are more, and they're coming.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. SPACE

               Otto Rohn's vast fleet is joined by Donzin Faal's much

               smaller one as it drops out of lightspeed.

               A shuttle emerges from Faal's battle-scarred capital ship and

               heads for Rohn's.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, COMMANDER'S ANTEROOM - MINUTES LATER

               Rohn sits at a desk awaiting his subordinate. The door hisses

               open, and Faal aggressively pushes his way past a few guards,

               storming in.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         I make no apologies, Commander. A

                         terrible loss, yes, but an entirely

                         unpredictable ambush. Give me

                         another factory ship and delay the

                         attack one week, and I promise...

                                   ROHN

                         You come to me alone?

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Commander?

                                   ROHN

                         You haven't forgotten to bring

                         anything?

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         You mock me?

               Rohn stands.

                                   ROHN

                         I assign you to a planet with no

                         resistance, and you lose an entire

                         army!

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         The Jedi...

                                   ROHN

                         I was merely reconnoitered by a

                         Jedi, and I fell to my knees before

                         the High Suzerain. But you, you

                         disgusting heap, make excuses when

                         you should be begging for your

                         life.

               Faal snorts and flings back his cape, revealing the

               lightsaber at his hip.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Do not anger me!

               Rohn extends an arm, palm splayed, fingers slowly clenching. 

               Faal falls to his knees in agony, clutching his head, roaring

               in pain.

                                   ROHN

                         Do not anger you? Why not? Why

                         shouldn't I?

               Blood begins to drip from Faal's bull nose.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Please.

                                   ROHN

                         Please what?

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Please, spare me. Please. I'm... a

                         fool.

               Faal screams. Rohn releases his grip.

                                   ROHN

                         Good. Remember this lesson.

               Faal, wipes blood from his face, catches his breath. Rises

               from all fours.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Thank you... Commander.

                                   ROHN

                         There will indeed be a delay while

                         I try to right your mistakes, but I

                         will not entrust you with another

                         cloner. Pray that our fate has not

                         been sealed by your incompetence.

                         As penance, you will lead the

                         vanguard of the ground invasion.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         The vanguard, but...

                                   ROHN

                         But, you do not deserve such

                         lenience? You are right. Even so,

                         if you survive the battle, I will

                         consider not executing you. You may

                         leave.

                                   DONZIN FAAL

                         Yes, Commander.

               Faal turns abruptly, head bowed, and hurries out.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. SPACE, OFF CORUSCANT

               The Falling Star hangs in space next to, and dwarfed by, the

               captured factory ship. 

               Behind the two ships, a great many thousands of miles away,

               the capital planet of Coruscant bustles with traffic, and

               glows with a million tiny lights.

               An object, shrouded in silver foil, is ejected from the

               Star's hangar, spinning slowly as it drifts away.

               INT. FALLING STAR, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               The entire crew, Gunner Three excepted, is assembled,

               somberly watching the object drift away. Manx holds Kitch's

               arm. Gunner Two cries on Alda's shoulder.

               The object is a body. This is a funeral.

               Kitch raises a communicator to his lips.

                                   KITCH

                         Ready.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET THREE - CONTINUOUS

               Gunner Three, grave for once, has his gun trained on the

               corpse.

                                   GUNNER THREE

                         Aye aye, Captain.

                             (quietly)

                         Goodbye, brother.

               He fires.

               INT. FALLING STAR, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               The body of the fallen gunner explodes in a burst of sparks.

                                   KITCH

                         He was one of us, but now we commit

                         his body to the stars. 

                             (Looks at Kenobi)

                         May the Force be with him.

               And all present repeat the words - "May the force be with

               him."

               The mourners disperse slowly. Manx and Kitch walk side by

               side.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         That stunt you pulled with the

                         hyperdrive... the calculations, the

                         reaction time ... it's the boldest

                         move I've ever heard of.

                                   MANX

                         Thanks, Cap.

                                   KITCH

                         But, if you ever chance something

                         like that again...

                                   MANX

                         Me? I saved your life! 

                                   KITCH

                         You could have...

                                   MANX

                         Yeah?

                                   KITCH

                         ...destroyed my ship.

                                   MANX

                         That's just great, Cap, and what

                         about you?! At least my plan wasn't

                         one hundred percent suicidal!

                                   KITCH

                         I was buying you time.

                                   MANX

                         You risked the whole mission!

                                   KITCH

                         I don't leave crew behind!

                                   MANX

                         No, the only thing you were about

                         to leave behind was your smug

                         corpse.

               Manx storms off in one direction, Kitch in the other. Then he

               realizes they're both headed to the same place, and he

               sheepishly changes direction.

               Obi Wan, walking with Anakin, notices and smiles.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Obi Wan... Donzin Faal and the

                         others you keep hinting about...

                         what's the Dark Side of the Force?

                                   KENOBI

                         Kitch and Manx care for each other,

                         do they not?

                                   ANAKIN

                             (rolling with it)

                         Sure seems like it, the way they

                         were fighting.

                                   KENOBI

                         They are angry at each other,

                         because they feared they would lose

                         one another.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Yeah, sure.

                                   KENOBI

                         Their fear and anger then are

                         connected to their love, entwined.

                         So it is with the Dark Side and the

                         Light.

                                   ANAKIN

                         But isn't that just natural?

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, yes, of course, nothing is

                         more natural -- and that's what

                         makes it so dangerous. We all fear,

                         we all rage, but if a Jedi forgets

                         the love that moves us to those

                         emotions, lets those dark feelings

                         consume them, then they will fall.

                         And a fallen Jedi is a powerful

                         enemy indeed.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Kitch and Manx are all right,

                         though.

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh yes. The most virtuous villains

                         I've ever met.

               Obi Wan puts a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder, and they

               exit the hangar.

               Only Canaris remains behind, staring off through the force

               field into the darkness of space.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF CORUSCANT - MINUTES LATER

               The flashing, bustling nucleus of Coruscant pulses with

               activity, surrounded by orbitals of ships and satellites, gun

               platforms and extraplanetary docks.

               Radials of heavy traffic stream in and outbound. The Falling

               Star joins an inbound lane.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch is at the helm, Manx at his side, Kenobi and Canaris

               behind them.

                                   JARDIN

                         And we think the cloning ship is

                         safe back there?

                                   KITCH

                         Who's gonna take it? I'm more

                         worried about whether I'll be safe

                         up here.

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh, stop being so dramatic.

                                   KITCH

                         You know they've issued a Class

                         Five Galactic Level warrant for my

                         capture, don't you?

                                   KENOBI

                         Class 5 is it? I hadn't realized.

                                   MANX

                         He's very proud.

                                   KITCH

                         Stupid is what I am, touching down

                         on Coruscant.

                                   KENOBI

                         Relax Renzo. I know people.

                                   KITCH

                             (mumbling)

                         He knows people.

               EXT. CORUSCANT SKIES - MOMENTS LATER

               The Falling Star descends through the atmosphere, beneath it

               a shining metropolis unparalleled throughout the galaxy.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin, Heph, Forbee, and Alda gaze in wonder at the view

               through the panel.

               Heph looks at Anakin's slack jaw and laughs heartily.

                                   HEPH

                         I could fit an issel egg in that

                         gob of yours.

                                   ANAKIN

                         It's grander than I ever imagined.

                                   ALDA

                         Heh. Listen to this kid.

               Forbee beeps.

                                   ALDA (CONT'D)

                         That's what I'm saying.

                                   HEPH

                         Aw, leave him alone Forbee. 

               Suddenly, a blocky vessel, large, with lights flashing and

               guns protruding prominently, ascends into formation directly

               behind the Star, filling the viewing panel.

               A stern voice, amplified through loudspeakers: "Captain Renzo

               Kitch, you are under arrest."

               EXT. CORUSCANT SKIES - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star is surrounded on six sides by armored law

               ships.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch, head turned, is glaring at Kenobi, who raises his

               hands in a gesture of reassurance. Kitch petulantly flips

               open a channel.

                                   KITCH

                         You don't have to shout. Captain

                         Kitch, here. I...

               Kitch frowns at Kenobi.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         I surrender.

               EXT. CORUSCANT, LANDING PLATFORM - DAY

               On a platform located amidst shiny skyscrapers, the Falling

               Star has come to rest, surrounded by those beefy security

               ships.

               Thirty or so armed guards stand at the ready as The Star's

               boarding ramp descends.

               Kitch is the first to exit, hands in the air, followed by

               Kenobi, Anakin and the rest. A security officer steps

               forward.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         Captain Renzo Kitch, by order of

                         the Galactic Republic, I hereby

                         place you and your crew under

                         arrest for one hundred and eighty

                         seven counts of piracy -- and other

                         crimes too varied and numerous to

                         mention.

                                   KITCH

                         Kenobi?

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         And, I have to ask, what insanity

                         led you to believe that you could

                         just land on the capital

                         unapprehended?

                                   KITCH

                         That's a very good question.

                         KENOBI?

               Obi Wan puts and arm around Anakin and approaches the

               officer.

                                   KENOBI

                         I'd like to shake your hand,

                         officer. It's been a terrible time

                         being trapped aboard that wretched

                         ship.

                                   KITCH

                         You son of a...

               Kenobi kicks Kitch in the shin.

                                   KENOBI

                         Take that, you brute.

               Alda's eyes go wide, and he reaches for his blaster.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                             (to Alda)

                         Don't try it.

               Alda drops his hand.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         I've had enough of your torments.

                         My business partner and my boy were

                         abducted over a month ago when

                         these devils captured our

                         transport. Idiots didn't understand

                         that all our money is tied up in

                         assets.

                                   JARDIN

                             (catching on)

                         Yes, none of it liquid you see.

                                   KENOBI

                         And, they took us hostage, and

                         abused us mightily, talking

                         incessantly about riches and

                         plunder.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         Hostages, eh?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Are we finally free, father?

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, my boy. It's over.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         What kind of operation do you run?

                         You don't dress like business

                         types.

                                   JARDIN

                         You don't need to know our

                         business.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         What am I saying? That's none of

                         our concern.

                                   KENOBI

                         Release us immediately so that we

                         can refresh ourselves after our

                         ordeal.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         Make way men, these gentlemen have

                         been through a terrible ordeal.

                                   SECURITY GUARD

                         But sir, shouldn't we at least

                         debrief them?

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         There'll be time enough for that

                         after they've had a square meal and

                         a good night's sleep.

               Kenobi, Jardin, and Anakin shuffle off hurriedly.

                                   KENOBI

                         Thank you, officer. We'll be in

                         touch tomorrow.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         Good luck to you, sirs.

                                   KITCH

                         I'll kill you for this, Kenobi.

               The security officer puts the butt of his blaster into

               Kitch's stomach.

                                   SECURITY OFFICER

                         They'll hear no more threats from

                         you, scum!

               Doubled over, Kitch looks at Manx, who can only shake her

               head in disbelief.

Author
Time

 EXT. CORUSCANT, STREETS - CONTINUOUS

               The two Jedi and the young apprentice walk with a purpose.

                                   ANAKIN

                         We're not really gonna leave them

                         are we?

                                   KENOBI

                         No, my boy. I wasn't lying when I

                         said I knew people. This is merely

                         the quickest way.

                                   JARDIN

                         So, where are we going now?

                                   KENOBI

                         To the Senate.

                                   JARDIN

                         You have allies in the Senate?

                                   KENOBI

                         In the Quintumvirate, actually.

                                   JARDIN

                         You're telling me that you have the

                         ear of one of the five most

                         powerful people in the galaxy.

                                   KENOBI

                         Don't sound so surprised.

                             (spying a row of air

                              taxis)

                         Here we are.

               Kenobi hails a taxi. An alien driver pops the door open for

               them.

                                   TAXI DRIVER

                         Where to?

                                   KENOBI

                         To the Senate Chambers.

                             (to Jardin)

                         You have money, right?

               INT. SENATE LOBBY - LATER

               Obi Wan, Jardin, and Anakin stride confidently up to the

               reception desk, staffed by a mantis-like alien.

                                   RECEPTIONIST

                         How may I help you?

                                   KENOBI

                         I require an audience with

                         Quintumvir Mothma.

               The receptionist scrutinizes him dubiously.

                                   RECEPTIONIST

                         Do you have an appointment?

                                   KENOBI

                         Tell her it's Obi Wan Kenobi.

               EXT. PRISON COMPLEX - DAY

               A massive and robustly defended prison floats above the

               outskirts of the city.

               INT. PRISON CELL - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and company share adjoining cells. Force fields and

               guard droids abound.

               Kitch sits on a cot, staring woefully at a tray of prison

               food. Manx is one cell over, doing the same.

                                   KITCH

                         Look at this garbage. If we ever

                         get out of here, I'm trading in

                         piracy for murder.

                                   MANX

                         I still can't believe he'd do us

                         like this, Cap.

                                   KITCH

                         You know, I actually thought he was

                         my friend?

               Scraping an gulping noises cause Kitch to look up. Several

               cells over Heph is eating lustily.

                                   HEPH

                         Hey, at least the food's good!

               Kitch throws his tray to the floor.

               At that moment, a line of human guards, armed and armored,

               enters the cell block. The force field barriers blink off as

               a pair of guards, blasters out, stop in front of Kitch's

               cell. Ditto, down the line.

                                   PRISON GUARD

                         On your feet.

                                   KITCH

                         Where are we going?

                                   PRISON GUARD

                         You'll find out soon enough.

               Kitch looks over at Manx, nods at her, and steps out of the

               cell.

               EXT. PRISON COMPLEX - MINUTES LATER

               An armored transport takes off from a fortified landing pad

               and heads toward the capital city.

               INT. ARMORED TRANSPORT - MOMENTS LATER

               Kitch and Manx are seated next to each other, hands cuffed,

               guards in the aisle.

                                   MANX

                         Moving fast for a trial, right?

                                   KITCH

                         Maybe. Big fish like us, could be

                         they want to show off their catch.

                                   MANX

                         You'd like that.

                                   KITCH

                         Hey, I didn't issue that Class 5

                         warrant on myself. The people have

                         spoken.

                                   MANX

                         It's not an award, Cap.

                                   KITCH

                         Says you.

               Manx is looking out the viewport by her seat.

                                   MANX

                         Uh oh.

               Kitch leans forward to see what she's looking at. It looks

               like the transport is heading toward a very large structure --

               gleaming, but ancient, steel and even more ancient stone.

                                   KITCH

                         That's the Senate.

                                   MANX

                         I didn't know they held trials

                         there.

                                   KITCH

                         As far as I know, they don't.

               INT. SENATE, CORRIDOR - LATER

               The crew of the Falling Star is being marched down a very

               long corridor. Fashioned mostly of stone, it's wide with high

               ceilings, Romanesque columns and statues. Illumination

               emanates from floating orbs. Holographic calenders and

               announcements pepper the floor.

               The crew approaches a set of gargantuan stone double doors,

               and is brought to a stop at their base. The guards uncuff

               them, much to their confusion. 

               As Kitch looks at Manx with wry puzzlement, the doors grind

               slowly open - revealing the grand Senate floor.

               INT. SENATE FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and company shuffle cautiously into the chamber. It's

               gigantic. Rows and rows of stone benches with hundreds, if

               not thousands, of hovering seats spaced inches above them,

               extend in a steep semicircular rake around the floor. They

               are all empty.

               In the center of the floor, seated at a broad dais, are five

               robed figures -- the Quintumvirate.

               Standing just to one side of the dais are Kenobi, Canaris,

               and Skywalker in clean clothes. Kenobi is smiling. Anakin

               waves.

                                   KENOBI

                         Hope your stay wasn't too

                         unpleasant, old boy. So sorry about

                         that.

               The quintumvir just right of the center, a human with dark

               hair slicked back and a gaunt face with high cheekbones

               flashes annoyance at Kenobi's impertinence. This is

               Quintumvir Tarkin.

                                   TARKIN

                         Step forward, Pirate Kitch.

               Kitch hesitates, but Obi Wan waves his hand encouragingly.

               Kitch approaches the dais.

                                   TARKIN (CONT'D)

                         You replotted a hyperspace jump on

                         board the cloning ship.

                                   KITCH

                         You know about the ship?

               The man at the center of the dais, an affable looking fellow

               with thick eyebrows and sideburns -- Quintumvir Arnot --

               leans forward.

                                   ARNOT

                         It is in our possession.

                                   TARKIN

                         Answer the question.

                                   KITCH

                         Yes, I did.

                                   TARKIN

                         And the original destination?

                                   KITCH

                         Was Alderaan.

               The man at the far left of the dais shifts uncomfortably.

               He's middle-aged, handsome, and has a royal bearing --

               Quintumvir Bail Organa.

               At the far right of the dais, a wrinkled old man speaks

               without moving - Quintumvir Palpatine.

                                   PALPATINE

                         This proves nothing.

                                   ORGANA

                         On the contrary. It would seem to

                         demonstrate that this fleet was

                         heading for my home planet.

                                   PALPATINE

                         So says a criminal in collusion

                         with a so-called Jedi.

               The final quintumvir, a beautifully androgynous young woman,

               with a placid mien, seated just to the left of center, speaks

               up -- Mon Mothma.

                                   MOTHMA

                         So called because that is exactly

                         what he is. As I said, Obi Wan

                         Kenobi is a personal friend of mine

                         and an ally to my planet.  

                                   PALPATINE

                             (with a cough that turns

                              into a laugh)

                         Have Chandrila's fortunes fallen so

                         far that it takes vagrant wizards

                         for allies and... personal friends?

                                   MOTHMA

                         The Jedi are much more than that.

                         They were very great once.

               Tarkin spits out a laugh. Palpatine sneers.

                                   KENOBI

                         We were great once, it is true. You

                         might think it legend, but it is

                         history.

                                   TARKIN

                         Please, enlighten us.

                                   KENOBI

                         And we are not so diminished now as

                         you believe.

                                   TARKIN

                         Are you threatening this august

                         body?

                                   KENOBI

                         Not at all, but if I were to

                         threaten you, you should not take

                         it lightly.

               Palpatine cackles heartily.

                                   ARNOT

                         That's quite enough of that. The

                         business at hand is a possible

                         attack on Alderaan.

                                   ORGANA

                         Yes, the trustworthiness of this

                         ... Jedi aside, I see enough

                         evidence to suggest a possible

                         invasion. 

                                   TARKIN

                         Do you?

                                   ORGANA

                         The cloning ship is real, is it

                         not? Have you ever seen anything

                         like it?

                                   PALPATINE

                         Admittedly, the technology is

                         fascinating. I look forward to

                         further study.

                                   ORGANA

                         And I see no reason they would have

                         falsified their testimony about its

                         destination. I am formally

                         requesting three legions and a

                         fleet until such time as the threat

                         has passed.

                                   TARKIN

                         Three legions?!

                                   ARNOT

                         A reasonable request for the

                         defense of a core world.

                                   TARKIN

                         And where would these legions come

                         from, eh? Which war would you

                         suggest we jeopardize?

                                   MOTHMA

                         It would hardly harm us to slow our

                         expansion in the Uth system. We are

                         a Republic after all, not an

                         Empire.

                                   PALPATINE

                         And now she shows her hand. This is

                         your true motivation, is it not

                         Mothma? Just a maneuver in your

                         quest for pacifism?

                                   ORGANA

                         The Uth system is a quagmire. I

                         agree with her.

                                   TARKIN

                         You would deny the people of Uth

                         the rule of Republic law? I thought

                         you were a patriot, Organa.

                                   PALPATINE

                         I propose two cohorts of Republic

                         infantry and a flotilla.

                                   ORGANA

                         What?! Two cohorts for the defense

                         of Alderaan? Are you mad,

                         Palpatine? I am a quintumvir of the

                         Republic, not some far flung

                         governor.

                                   PALPATINE

                         A quintumvir indeed -- and with

                         three legions at your disposal, who

                         knows what you might become.

                                   ORGANA

                         Outrageous!

                                   TARKIN

                         Even this Kenobi says the invasion

                         fleet is small. And we have their

                         cloning ship.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Obi Wan believes the threat is

                         larger.

                                   TARKIN

                         Utter nonsense. A galaxy-wide

                         attack from an invading army that

                         no one has seen? Who could mount

                         such an attack? What is their

                         purpose?

                                   KENOBI

                         With enough cloning ships, such a

                         war could easily be waged. And

                         evidence of this army has been seen

                         -- all over the outer rim by my

                         fellow Jedi.

                                   TARKIN

                         Pish posh.

                                   KENOBI

                         Their purpose is to destroy the

                         Republic and dominate its people.

                                   PALPATINE

                         You've spoken with them, have you?

                                   KENOBI

                         With one of them yes, and I could

                         feel his intentions plainly enough.

                         I don't know who they are, but I

                         know they are in league with the

                         Dark Side.

                                   TARKIN

                         Now I've heard enough. Two cohorts

                         and a flotilla. What say you?

                                   ORGANA

                         Not nearly enough. I don't know if

                         I believe everything this man is

                         saying, but if there's even a

                         chance that he's right... There's

                         too much at stake. My people. My

                         family. Alderaan must be protected.

                                   MOTHMA

                         I trust Kenobi with every fiber of

                         my being. I believe in him, and I

                         believe in the power of the Force.

                         We must send more troops.

                                   ARNOT

                         I feel the proposed commitment is

                         sufficient. I understand your

                         concern, Bail, but I think you're

                         overreacting. If the menace proves

                         greater, then we will send more

                         aid.

                                   TARKIN

                         The Uth wars are too important, and

                         the threat too uncertain.

                                   PALPATINE

                         This whole pageant is ridiculous.

                         Be happy you're getting anything at

                         all.

                                   ARNOT

                         The vote is concluded. Sorry, Bail.

                                   ORGANA

                         I won't forget this, Palpatine.

                                   MOTHMA

                         I expected more, even from you.

               The Quintumvirate rises from their seats.

                                   KITCH

                         Hey, what about me?

               Palpatine offers a dismissive gesture as he struggles to his

               feet.

                                   PALPATINE

                         Have it your way, Mothma. Pardon

                         him for all I care.

                                   TARKIN

                         Really!?

                                   PALPATINE

                         Come Tarkin, we can't have her

                         thinking we've never done anything

                         for her.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. SENATE, CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER

               Mothma, Kenobi, Canaris, Anakin, and Kitch stride briskly

               down the mammoth hallway, as the rest of the crew follows a

               short distance behind.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Captain Kitch, an aide is on his

                         way to show you to your ship.

                                   KITCH

                         I don't know what to say. Thank

                         you.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Thank our friend, Obi Wan -- he's

                         the one who insisted that your

                         contributions merited a reward.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, and your contributions still

                         to come, eh?

               Kitch nods reluctantly.

                                   KITCH

                         I still can't believe you two know

                         each other. Must be some story.

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh, it is, but I'm afraid now is

                         not the time to tell it.

               The crew of the Falling Star stay put as Kenobi and the rest

               continue on.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Obi Wan, I am so sorry.

                                   KENOBI

                         You did all you could, my dear.

                                   MOTHMA

                         The disrespect was galling.

                                   JARDIN

                         We are accustomed to worse Madame

                         Quintumvir.

                                   KENOBI

                         And it won't be us who need

                         apologies, nor will it be you who

                         must make them if Alderaan falls.

               At that moment, Bail Organa catches up to them -- he has been

               sprinting down the corridor.

                                   ORGANA

                         Sirs Kenobi and Canaris, do you

                         think there is any hope for

                         Alderaan?

                                   JARDIN

                         Its best hope died in your Senate

                         chambers, but all is not lost.

                                   ORGANA

                         I know the evidence points to an

                         invasion, but I just can't believe

                         it's as bad as you say.

                                   JARDIN

                         You don't want to believe,

                         Quintumvir, and it is hard to fault

                         you for that, but we are telling

                         the truth.

                                   KENOBI

                         There will be no mercy for your

                         people. This army does not conquer,

                         it consumes. Your whole planet will

                         be turned to feed.

               Organa looks into the eyes of Kenobi, Canaris, and then

               Kenobi again.

                                   ORGANA

                         Sirs, I implore you to return with

                         me to Alderaan. You have seen the

                         enemy, and we will need your help.

                                   KENOBI

                         And you shall have it.

                                   MOTHMA

                         And mine. Chandrila will lend what

                         aid she may.

                                   ORGANA

                         Thank you. Though I fear it won't

                         be enough.

                                   KENOBI

                         As do we. That is why the Jedi have

                         decided to intervene. We are coming

                         to Alderaan.

                                   ORGANA

                         How many?

                                   KENOBI

                         All of us. More or less.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Obi Wan, is it true?

                                   ORGANA

                         How many of you are there?

                                   JARDIN

                         A few hundred.

                                   ORGANA

                         I fine gesture, but...

                                   KENOBI

                         Oh, it's much more than that. The

                         most powerful warriors in the

                         galaxy are gathering to Alderaan's

                         defense, and we are willing to lay

                         down our lives.

                                   ORGANA

                         But, there are so few of you.

                                   JARDIN

                         Our worth cannot be counted in

                         numbers.

                                   ORGANA

                         When do they arrive?

                                   KENOBI

                         Some may have arrived already. All

                         the rest who can are on their way,

                         from all parts of the galaxy.

                                   ORGANA

                         What?!

                                   KENOBI

                         Today's meeting is not the only one

                         we've attended. The Senate may see

                         fit to await the outcome of this

                         battle. The Jedi Council does not

                         agree.

                                   MOTHMA

                         All the Jedi together, in one

                         place. Nothing like this has

                         happened...

                                   KENOBI

                         In a thousand years.

Author
Time

WIPE TO:

               EXT. CORUSCANT, MILITARY AIRFIELD - EARLY MORNING

               Two cohorts of Republic infantry, clad in armor not unlike

               that of storm troopers but without helmets, pile into troop

               transports.

               A flotilla of fighters, reminiscent of X and A wings,

               gunships, frigates, and a single destroyer also make ready

               for departure. It's not a small force, impressive to behold

               actually, but for a planet, it seems miniscule. 

               The Falling Star and Bail Organa's personal shuttle, large

               and white, are almost ready for lift off as well. Heph and

               Alda board their ship as Kitch and Manx shake hands with

               Organa, Kenobi and Mothma.

                                   KITCH

                         See you on Alderaan.

                                   KENOBI

                         See you soon, my friend.

               Kitch and Manx turn toward the Star.

                                   MANX

                         How does it feel now that you're

                         not wanted anymore?

                                   KITCH

                         I wouldn't say I'm not wanted.

               Manx raises an eyebrow.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                         Look here, I'm a brilliant and

                         daring frigate captain with the

                         finest ship and the best damn crew

                         around. And if we're not pirates

                         anymore, then I guess we'll just

                         have to be war heroes.

               Manx can't suppress a broad smile.

                                   MANX

                         Aye aye, Cap.

               As they approach Organa's shuttle, Anakin tugs on Kenobi's

               sleeve.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (whispering)

                         So, he's a king and a quintumvir?

                                   KENOBI

                         King of Alderaan, Quintumvir of the

                         Republic, yes.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (unsure)

                         Got it.

                                   KENOBI

                         The former title is traditional,

                         honorary. As I said before,

                         Alderaan used to be the monarchic

                         seat of the galaxy, but now it

                         sends a senator to represent its

                         interests just like any other

                         planet of the Republic. Of course,

                         with the relatively recent rise of

                         the Quintumvirate, Organa is no

                         mere senator.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Sure, sure. Of course.

                             (pause)

                         What's a quintumvir?

               INT. ORGANA'S SHUTTLE, DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

               The party enters a richly appointed dining room, with droid

               butlers standing against the walls awaiting orders. A droid

               valet takes coats from Organa and the rest -- even a startled

               Anakin. It is absolutely nothing like the mess deck of the

               Falling Star.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (whistles)

                         So, you're the king of Alderaan,

                         huh?

               Jardin shakes his head, Kenobi puts his hand to his head but

               can't suppress a bemused smirk.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         Huh... your highness?

               Organa laughs.

               EXT. CORUSCANT, MILITARY AIRFIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Organa's shuttle lifts off, surrounded by dozens of other

               ships.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. DEEP SPACE

               Rohn's fleet hovers amidst the black. The cloning ship hums

               with activity.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, COMMANDER'S ANTEROOM - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn stands behind his desk, back to it and the door, hands

               clasped, gazing through a viewing panel, pondering the void.

               The door to his chambers hisses open, and a clone

               intelligence officer marches in.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

                         Pardon the interruption, Commander,

                         I bring a report from our spies on

                         Coruscant.

                                   ROHN

                         Proceed.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

                         News of our invasion has reached

                         the Quintumvirate... 

               Rohn scowls.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (CONT'D)

                             (proceeding timidly)

                         Our stolen cloner was presented by

                         the Jedi as evidence.

               The intelligence officer pauses to attempt a read on Rohn's

               emotional state, but can deduce nothing from his unmoving

               back.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER (CONT'D)

                         However, the Republic is sending

                         only a token force.

                                   ROHN

                         How small is this token?

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

                         The report indicates two cohorts

                         and a flotilla.

               An uncomfortable pause and then Rohn begins laughing, much to

               the intelligence officer's relief.

                                   ROHN

                         Faal's failure has cost us nothing!

                         And the Jedi's great coup is

                         meaningless.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

                         Uh, yes Commander.

                                   ROHN

                         Once again, the power of the Dark

                         Side proves superior.

                                   INTELLIGENCE OFFICER

                         Hail the High Suzerain.

                                   ROHN

                         Summon my captains. We depart for

                         Alderaan immediately.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. ALDERAAN, JEDI ENCAMPMENT - EVENING

               In a beautiful field of tall, pale, blue grass, surrounded by

               mountains and in view of a shining castle, a motley ring of

               ships encircles a camp of varied tents and temporary

               enclosures. 

               The inhabitants are just as varied, over a hundred Jedi from

               all over the galaxy. Some are gigantic, some slight. Men,

               women, human, alien, young, old, dusty, refined, ostentatious

               -- they have in common only the lightsabers on their hips and

               their essential goodness.

               One hardened female, a scar on her face, dress not unlike a

               samurai, is overseeing the lessons of her pupils, seven young

               Jedi in similar garb, each balanced on a single finger, a

               coin spinning slowly in front of every one.

               The roar of ships distracts her, and looking up, she sees the

               arrival of the Republic forces, Organa's shuttle, the Falling

               Star.

               The ships fly past on their way to the glistening crystal

               castle. Beyond the castle are the residences and shops,

               studios and schools, of the capital city, large and urban,

               yet ancient -- a modernist Athens.

               Several of the Jedi in the camp look up and wave at the

               ships' arrival, and a few friendly cheers go up.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE - LATER

               The castle landing pad is a flurry of activity.

               Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, trailed by Kenobi, Jardin,

               Anakin, Kitch and Manx stride toward the castle proper atop a

               wide gangway.

               Striding toward them is a small party of nobles -- the queen,

               Elspet Organa, a counselor, a general, and their retinues.

               Bail and his wife meet and embrace.

                                   ORGANA

                         Elspet, my love. It has been too

                         long.

                                   ELSPET

                         I've missed you too. If only the

                         circumstances were different.

               Elspet takes a moment to size up the two Jedi.

                                   ELSPET (CONT'D)

                         Are these our brave Jedi?

               The Jedi offer shallow bows.

                                   ELSPET (CONT'D)

                         Alderaan offers her deepest thanks.

                         Rooms have been prepared for you

                         and your party.

                                   KENOBI

                         Thank you your highness, but if I

                         may, I'd like to pass the night

                         with my fellow Jedi -- there are

                         dear friends among them who I have

                         not seen for many years.

                                   KITCH

                             (piping up from the back)

                         Me and mine gladly except your

                         offer, your highness!

                                   ELSPET

                         And you would be... the pirate?

                                   KITCH

                         Recently pardoned, your highness. I

                         promise we won't steal anything.

               Organa's white-haired counselor, Dyson Honoré steps forward.

                                   HONORé

                         Your highness, a conference of our

                         generals has been scheduled for

                         dawn. 

                                   ORGANA

                         Very good. The Jedi will send a

                         delegate?

               Kenobi nods and kisses Elspet's hand.

                                   KENOBI

                         We take our leave then, your

                         highness.

                             (shaking his hand)

                         Quintumvir.

                             (nodding at her, a look

                              passing between them)

                         Madame Mothma.

               Kenobi turn, putting a hand on Anakin's shoulder.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Come Anakin.

               But Anakin is distracted, his eyes locked on one of the

               queen's young handmaidens, blond, beautiful, and steely.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         Anakin?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Sorry, yeah, nice meeting you all.

               Kenobi, Canaris, and Skywalker head back toward the landing

               pad.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         She's beautiful.

                                   JARDIN

                         She's the queen of Alderaan.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not her.

               Anakin looks over his shoulder one more time.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, JEDI ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT

               The stars are out, bright and beautiful. Small campfires dot

               the site, with one large bonfire at its center.

               Kenobi, Canaris and Skywalker approach the bonfire where a

               dozen or more Jedi are swapping stories, contemplating,

               playing tunes.

               A very large, gregarious ogre of a Jedi, Odo Luff, friendly

               looking despite his mass and monstrosity, stops what he was

               saying, pauses, and then turns his head.

                                   ODO

                             (roaring)

                         Obi Wan Kenobi?!

               Kenobi draws closer

                                   KENOBI

                         Is that Odo Luff? Yes, it's me old

                         boy. And Canaris, and my apprentice

                         Anak...

                                   ODO

                         Obi Wan bleedin' Kenobi!

               Odo draws Obi Wan up into his trunk-like arms and crushes him

               against his stony chest.

                                   ODO (CONT'D)

                             (a tear forming)

                         My stars it's good to see you.

                                   KENOBI

                             (struggling to breathe)

                         You too, my friend.

                                   ODO

                             (yelling)

                         Kenobi's arrived, brothers and

                         sisters! And that old bird Canaris!

                         Invite us all to their party and

                         show up late. I expect it from this

                         one...

                             (gives Kenobi a squeeze)

                         But you've always been a punctual

                         pidge, Jardin.

               More Jedi have started to gather around the reunion, laughing

               and smiling, shouting their greetings.

                                   CANARIS

                         Haven't changed a bit, I see.

               Odo practically drops Kenobi.

                                   ODO

                         All right, that's enough of that --

                         I'm not the only one you need to

                         say hello to.

               Odo sticks a giant hand in front of Anakin's nose.

                                   ODO (CONT'D)

                         You're the apprentice, eh? Anak?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Actually it's Anak...

                                   ODO

                         S'what I said, boy. Mind the

                         manners, and let's have that

                         handshake.

               Anakin complies, managing to get his hand around two fingers.

               Kenobi catches his breath and dusts himself off. He looks

               around him at all his companions, turning in a circle.

                                   KENOBI

                         My my, what a beautiful sight.

                                   ODO

                         And more on their way.

                                   KENOBI

                         What of master Yoda?

               A slightly officious Jedi, Uther Halladan, approaches from

               the darkness at the edge of the bonfire. He is well-groomed,

               crisply-dressed, and has excellent posture.

                                   HALLADAN

                         He summons you before the Council.

                         Please follow me. 

               Obi Wan hesitates. Halladan looks at Canaris.

                                   HALLADAN (CONT'D)

                         You too, sir.

               Halladan turns.

                                   HALLADAN (CONT'D)

                         The apprentice may come as well.

               Kenobi, Canaris, and Skywalker do as they're told.

               EXT. COUNCIL TENT - MOMENTS LATER

               The Jedi stop before a large round tent, lit from within.

               Halladan pulls open a flap and holds it for the summoned.

               They enter, Halladan follows.

               INT. COUNCIL TENT - CONTINUOUS

               Ten wizened Jedi sit cross-legged in a semi-circle around a

               hovering, glowing crystal. They are as varied in appearance

               as the rest of the Jedi, but older and more serene. 

               Yoda, wearing robes not unlike those we're familiar with, but

               silken, with large flowing patterns in pale colors, is near

               the center of the half-circle.

               Obi Wan and Canaris kneel before them. Anakin awkwardly

               follows suit. Halladan kneels by the entrance to the tent.

               Kenobi and Canaris bow they're heads, and the members of the

               Council return the gesture.

                                   YODA

                         Grown you have, Obi Wan, since last

                         I saw you.

               Kenobi allows a familiar smile that cuts the formality

               somewhat.

                                   KENOBI

                         I doubt that, I stopped growing

                         years ago.

                                   YODA

                         Grown greater, stronger. But

                         recognize you, I do. Daring still,

                         yes, but wise and kind.

               Kenobi nods, touched.

               Atothka Kama, a very, very aged woman, brown leather for

               skin, straw-like hair -- a benevolent, vivacious mummy --

               speaks up.

                                   ATOTHKA

                         You have set us along a perilous

                         path.

                                   CANARIS

                         Our deepest apologies, Master Kama.

                         We know we've acted rashly, but

                         circumstances demanded...

                                   KENOBI

                         The path is the path, perilous or

                         not, and it is not I who have set

                         us upon it.

               Anakin looks a bit shocked at his master's nerve. Canaris is

               a bit offended. Kama, however, nods sagely, and Yoda

               registers pride.

                                   ATOTHKA

                         Boldness and wisdom rarely walk

                         hand in hand, but what is rare is

                         often precious.

               Dalu Dalu, an alien like a large stick bug, speaks.

                                   DALU DALU

                         We are here now. This may have

                         begun as Kenobi's crusade, but it

                         is much larger than one young Jedi.

                             (pause)

                         The peril Atothka Kama speaks of is

                         real, however, and it does not come

                         the looming battle or even the wars

                         that may follow, terrible though

                         they might be.

                                   ATOTHKA

                         The Jedi were almost consumed by

                         the Dark Side long ago, when we

                         were at our mightiest and our will

                         shaped the course of history. That

                         was no coincidence.

                         And it is no secret that you yearn

                         for the old way.

                                   KENOBI

                         The Republic is crumbling. We try

                         to hold it together without

                         interfering, but we are too few

                         now, too subtle -- and we are

                         failing. I know, I've seen it with

                         my own eyes. My apprentice comes

                         from a planet ruled by gangsters,

                         whose Senator is content to let his

                         people suffer while he luxuriates

                         in Coruscant's comforts. So it is

                         everywhere. I've been to the Senate

                         chambers. I've seen the empty

                         chairs. The galaxy belongs to The

                         Quintumvirate now. Mothma is a

                         great woman, and I believe the

                         Organas have not fallen as much as

                         I thought. But, Arnot is useless.

                         The Republic truly belongs to

                         Palpatine. So many lives in the

                         hands of a villain.  

               Anakin watches his master with awe.

                                   ATOTHKA

                         You are not alone in your opinions.

                         We hear such talk from more than a

                         few young Jedi, travelers like

                         yourself. You talk of our failures,

                         yet you forget the failures of old.

                                   KENOBI

                         We have been chastened for a

                         thousand years. I would like to

                         believe we have learned from the

                         mistakes of the past.

                                   ATOTHKA

                         But you were not there. You have

                         not lived those thousand years. Nor

                         have I, nor anyone else, not even

                         your old master.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes, but...

                                   DALU DALU

                         Eh, eh -- we do not dispute the

                         necessity of our gathering.

                         Alderaan must not fall.

                         These armies of the Dark Side must

                         be faced. But we must proceed with

                         the utmost caution.

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes. Of course. But do you not see

                         the glory of it? Outside this tent,

                         so many of us together. Together!

                         It's such a joyful thing.

                                   YODA

                         Hard it can be to see the light,

                         when the darkness occupies one's

                         mind. That is why chosen you we

                         have to lead the Jedi in this

                         fight.

                                   CANARIS

                         What?!! With so many veteran

                         knights at the ready?

                                   YODA

                         Like you, Jardin?

                                   CANARIS

                         It would be my honor, certainly.

                                   KENOBI

                         He's right. I have my charms to be

                         sure, but I'm no leader.

                                   YODA

                         And yet, led us here you have.

                                   DALU DALU

                         Alderaan requires a Jedi liaison --

                         a representative in their high

                         command. This is exactly the type

                         of entanglement most of us frown

                         upon. 

                                   YODA

                             (warmly)

                         Accustomed to that you should be.

                                   KENOBI

                             (smiling)

                         Yes, Master.

Author
Time

  EXT. JEDI ENCAMPMENT - EARLY MORNING

               The sun is just beginning to crest the mountains.

               INT. JEDI TENT - EARLY MORNING

               Anakin sleeps fitfully on a cot. His eyes are pressed closed

               tightly, his face twitching.

               We can hear violent sounds, quiet at first but growing

               louder, the sounds of his dreams. Laser fire, explosions...

               and a cacophony of screams.

               Suddenly Anakin awakes, breathing hard and sweating, and just

               as suddenly the sounds cease. There is only the sound of his

               own blood pumping filling his ears and ours. Then that sound

               is slowly replaced by the sounds of the morning -- chirps and

               clicks, crackling fire, quiet chatter... and pipes.

               Anakin rubs his eyes and rises from his cot. 

               EXT. JEDI ENCAMPMENT - CONTINUOUS

               Wandering outside, he sees a few Jedi up and about, but many

               are still asleep. Canaris is nearby, sitting cross-legged on

               a stump, playing his pipes. Jardin finishes his tune and

               looks at Anakin.

                                   JARDIN

                         Troubled dreams?

                                   ANAKIN

                         The whole galaxy at war with those

                         clones. So much death.

                                   JARDIN

                         Perhaps it was the future you saw --

                         visions do come to us. Or perhaps

                         it was just your fears.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I hope it's the second one.

                                   JARDIN

                         If Obi Wan were here, he'd suggest

                         breakfast.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not hungry.

                                   JARDIN

                         Then perhaps we'll calm your nerves

                         a different way.

               Jardin pops up and approaches Odo Luff who's fallen asleep

               over a half-eaten plate. He puts a hand on the giant's

               shoulder, and Luff starts awake, flipping his plate.

                                   ODO

                         Huh? What? Oh look what you made me

                         do.

                                   JARDIN

                         What's the point of getting out of

                         bed so early if you're just going

                         to fall asleep again?

                                   ODO

                         Just trying to be like my friend

                         the early bird.

                                   JARDIN

                         Sorry to disturb you, but may I

                         borrow your weapon?

               Luff sees Anakin waiting nearby, lost in thought.

                                   ODO

                         Ah. Sure thing, Jardin.

               Luff hands Canaris his lightsaber. Canaris has to hold it in

               two hands.

                                   JARDIN

                         Of course.

               A nearby Jedi, human, streaks of grey in his long hair, eye

               patch, throws Jardin his weapon. It hangs in the air by

               Jardin's head, while Jardin gives Luff his giant lightsaber

               back. Then, Jardin plucks it from its suspension and walks

               back to Anakin.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                         You know what this is, yes?

               Anakin is distracted, feeling the tall grass with his hand.

                                   ANAKIN

                         It's grass, right?

                                   JARDIN

                             (laughing)

                         Yes, that's right. But I meant

                         this.

               Canaris holds up the lightsaber.

                                   ANAKIN

                         A Jedi lightsaber.

                                   JARDIN

                         Here. Take this one.

               Anakin takes a step forward.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                         Uh uh. Use the force.

               Anakin closes his eyes, extends a hand, and the lightsaber

               floats slowly from Jardin's open palm into his hand.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                         Obi Wan has trained you very well

                         indeed.

               Jardin takes his own lightsaber in hand and ignites it.

               Anakin follows suit.

                                   JARDIN (CONT'D)

                         Things aren't so frightening with a

                         lightsaber in hand are they?

                                   ANAKIN

                         No, they aren't.

                                   JARDIN

                         Good. Now, let's teach you how to

                         use it. Come at me.

               Obi Wan approaches the camp from the direction of the castle.

               He stops short to watch Jardin train his charge -- the Jedi

               and the apprentice engaged in mock battle, stopping from time

               to time to demonstrate technique.

               Luff has woken up and interjects his own advice, as does the

               owner of Anakin's lightsaber. A few other Jedi watch casually

               from where they sit.

               Yoda appears at Kenobi's side.

                                   KENOBI

                         When was the last time a young Jedi

                         could learn our ways from so many

                         gifted warriors?

               Yoda grunts and nods.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         They just made me a general. If I'm

                         to command forces in the battle, I

                         must have an appropriate rank.

                                   YODA

                         Follow you, they will. Doubts I

                         have, but you, trust I do. Ranks,

                         politics, power -- it is these

                         things I dislike.

                                   KENOBI

                         I know. You must think me an

                         arrogant fool.

                                   YODA

                         I do, yes, I do. And me, an even

                         greater fool, so proud I am, Obi

                         Wan.

               Kenobi swells with emotion, then releases it in a sigh.

                                   KENOBI

                         Perhaps this is all the will of The

                         Force.

                                   YODA

                         Maybe. Hard to know the Force's

                         will is. Like a mind it is not.

                         This choice, this reason. No. The

                         will of the Force like a great wind

                         is. Lifts us up it does, carries us

                         through time. Feel, a wise Jedi

                         can, the direction it blows. But

                         where, why -- this we cannot know.

               Obi Wan nods, watches his apprentice. After awhile...

                                   KENOBI

                         I won't see battle. I must lead

                         from the rear. I don't like it. I

                         want to stand beside my brothers

                         and sisters. My apprentice.

               Yoda nods, pats Obi Wan's hand.

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         And what about you? You said my

                         betters accept my leadership. Will

                         you be fighting under my command?

                                   YODA

                         Me? Under your command?

                             (Yoda laughs)

                         Thank you Obi Wan, good to laugh it

                         is, at times like these. But no,

                         fight the Council will not. Many

                         battles ahead, save our strength we

                         must.

               Yoda points to a nearby peak.

                                   YODA (CONT'D)

                         There we will be, deep in

                         meditation.

                         Channel the Force we will to make

                         sharp the minds of the Jedi. Make

                         strong their hands. Make brave

                         their hearts. Killing, I love not,

                         Obi Wan. Even so, fight with the

                         rest I would, but, the price of

                         leadership I too must pay.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE SQUARE - DAY

               The citizenry mass in the square. Bail Organa stands at a

               balcony to address the crowd. At his side are Elspet, Honoré,

               other nobles, a protocol droid.

               Organa's image is magnified via hologram, and his voice

               amplified.

                                   ORGANA

                         People of Alderaan, our planet will

                         soon come under attack from a foe

                         whose origins and motives we do not

                         know. We know only that they intend

                         to annihilate us. Our fellows in

                         the Quintumvirate, save for the

                         brave and true Mon Mothma of

                         Chandrilla, have all but abandoned

                         us to our fate. Nevertheless, we

                         will use what meager resources they

                         have lent us, and we owe our

                         deepest gratitude to the Republic

                         soldiers who will fight for us.

                             (pause)

                         However, in this dark hour, we have

                         received aid from the unlikeliest

                         of places. From out of the

                         histories, Alderaan's ancient

                         allies, the defenders of the Old

                         Republic, the Jedi Knights have

                         come to our defense.

                             (murmurs and gasps

                              throughout the crowd,

                              scattered "I knew its")

                         Yes. It is true. It would appear

                         the Force is on our side. And as

                         Madame Mothma and our new friends

                         have reminded me, there is perhaps

                         no greater ally.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - DAY

               A row of soldiers salute Obi Wan as he strides by to oversee

               the battle preparations -- he nods quizzically. Before him is

               the field of battle, where soldiers and Jedi, together under

               Canaris' guidance, dig trenches (with the help of the Force)

               and mount artillery.

               Behind Obi Wan are the homes, businesses, studios, factories

               of the capital, and behind that the castle.

                                   ORGANA (V.O.)

                         Together, Jedi and soldier will

                         fight at the front to defend the

                         city, and in orbit to protect us

                         from bombardment.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK

               Mon Mothma observes a network of orbital platforms thrusting

               into their final positions around Alderaan as Kitch, Manx,

               and Anakin stand beside her. In the center of the viewing

               panel is the largest and most ornate of the platforms.

                                   ORGANA (V.O.)

                         To this end, Chandrilla has given

                         us the use of its planetary shield

                         system. Her people assemble it as

                         we speak.

               Mothma raises a communicator.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Ready?

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH (O.C.)

                         Ready for ignition.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Please proceed.

               The large platform sparks into life, energy coiling at the

               tips of its many spokes and shooting out toward the other

               platforms. The energy spreads from relay to relay and a

               glowing energy shield begins to envelope the planet.

                                   KITCH

                         Very impressive.

                             (raising a communicator)

                         Learning anything, Heph?

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph is inspecting the gleaming consoles of the interior,

               flanked by his droids, and surrounded by the beautiful,

               androgenous Chandrillan engineers, bustling about their

               duties. 

                                   HEPH

                         It's complicated tech, to be sure

                         Cap'n, but I think I've got my head

                         around it. This thing's not going

                         down on my watch.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - DAY

               Able-bodied men and women, including the queen's young blonde

               handmaiden collect blasters from Republic troopers. Nearby,

               the samurai-like Jedi and her pupils lead a group of

               civilians in meditation.

               Odo Luff wrestles with a group of children, a full ten of

               them hanging from his massive body.

                                   ORGANA (V.O.)

                         Should the enemy breach the trench

                         line, you, people of Alderaan, be

                         you thinker, merchant, or courtier,

                         will protect your homes and

                         families, with a detachment of

                         soldiers and Jedi to fight beside

                         you. As for the children and

                         elderly, they are to take shelter

                         in the castle.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - DAY

               The room was once a throne room, and the gleaming throne can

               be seen against the far wall -- but Obi Wan, Organa, Elspet,

               two Republic officers, Dyson Honoré, a protocol droid, and a

               few others are gathered at a circular table in the middle of

               the hall.

               Holographic projections of the planet, the battleground, and

               key units hover above the table, and the assembled animatedly

               discuss strategy.

                                   ORGANA (V.O.)

                         The castle will also serve as

                         command center. In ancient times it

                         was a fortress, and mighty, so the

                         histories say.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE - DAY

                                   ORGANA

                         We will soon see whether this is

                         still true. If it is anything like

                         all of you, my brothers and sisters

                         of Alderaan, then it can never

                         fall!

               Another cheer erupts from the crowd.

               EXT. ALDERAAN LANDING FIELD - MORNING

               Amidst the Republic ships prepping for battle, Anakin is

               giving his fighter one last tune-up while a few of Heph's

               droids apply a fresh coat of paint via integral sprayer

               attachments -- yellow, with red and blue accents. 

               Anakin, wearing half a flightsuit, an undershirt, and a

               blaster on his hip, looks up as Obi Wan approaches.

                                   KENOBI

                         Do you think your ship is ready?

                                   ANAKIN

                         Ready as she's gonna be.

               Anakin puts down his tools, wipes his hands with a towel,

               walks over to Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                         I'm sorry there wasn't more time.

                         Your training has only just begun.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Thanks for reminding me.

               Kenobi puts a hand on Anakin's shoulder, looks him in the

               eye.

                                   KENOBI

                         And yet, I think it will be enough.

                         Anakin, I believe in you. Inside

                         that ship of yours, you have no

                         match. Stay with your squadron, and

                         let the Force guide you.

                             (tapping Anakin on the

                              forehead with a finger)

                         And if you need me, I am here.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (extending a hand)

                         Thanks, Master.

               Kenobi draws him in for a hug.

                                                               WIPE TO:

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN

               Rohn's dark fleet exits hyperspace -- several destroyer class

               vessels, including Faal and Rohn's super destroyers, and a

               cloner.   

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn stands at the helm, hands clasped behind his back,

               Alderaan centered on the panel in front of him.

                                   ROHN

                         There she is. Unguarded. Naked.

                         Afraid.

                             (into a com)

                         Faal. Make ready the troops.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               A shot of the humming cloner establishes Faal's whereabouts.

               INT. CLONER - CONTINUOUS

               In a large bay, thousands of armed clones file into

               transports and other large, armored vehicles under Faal's

               supervision.

                                   FAAL

                         As you command.

               Faal strides into a transport and surveys the troopers of the

               vanguard.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

                                   ROHN

                         When the capital city has fallen,

                         we will begin the collection of

                         material. Until then: total

                         eradication.

                                   FAAL (O.S.)

                         My pleasure.

                                   ROHN

                         Then let us proceed.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The dark fleet advances toward Alderaan.

Author
Time

 INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               A holographic image of the fleet is seen making it's approach

               toward Alderaan. The commander of the Republic forces, Tet

               Leore is the first to spot it.

                                   LEORE

                         Enemy fleet, inbound.

               Kenobi and Organa exchange a look.

                                   KENOBI

                         At least the wait's over.

                             (into coms)

                         Fighters ready. They're here.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Republic ships hang in formation. The Star and Anakin's

               fighter are there too, floating side by side.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin, in a flight suit and helmet, takes a deep breath and

               looks out toward the darkness, trying to make visual contact.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         You name her yet?

                                   ANAKIN

                             (a little sheepish)

                         I was thinking I'd call her the

                         Infinity Lance.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         I don't know tadpole, kind of a

                         mouthful. What about --

               And just then, the dark fleet peeks into view. Specs at

               first, growing larger by the second.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (interrupting)

                         Captain Kitch?

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx are looking at the same thing.

                                   KITCH

                         I see 'em. High alert, we have

                         visual.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Mothma steps up to the battle map.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Raise shields.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph and his droids sit on a step as Chandrillan techs go

               about their ignition sequence.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         Raising shields, ma'am.

               Forbee beeps and shuffles.

                                   HEPH

                         Then play some Solusteen Solitaire,

                         if you're bored.

               Two more droids are beeping at each other. One slaps the

               other with a manipulator arm.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Hey!

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Alderaan, now much larger in the panel, is rapidly encircled

               in a glowing shield.

                                   ROHN

                         What's this?

               A clone science officer looks up from his monitor.

                                   CLONE SCIENCE OFFICER

                         Planetary shield, sir. Chandrillan

                         in design. Our ships may pass

                         through, but the surface will be

                         protected from orbital bombardment.

               Rohn sneers.

                                   ROHN

                         Mon Mothma, friend to the Jedi.

                         Launch fighters! Destroyers, focus

                         fire on the capital ship, and then

                         target the shield relays.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               A cloud of fighters stream out of the dark destroyers, and a

               first volley of cannon fire is loosed.

               INT. REPUBLIC CAPITAL SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               In the view panel the dark fleet has grown larger, and the

               enemy fighters can be seen approaching like schools of fish. 

                                   REPUBLIC ADMIRAL

                         Fighters, hold your positions until

                         they --

               The ship is rocked by that first volley.

                                   REPUBLIC ADMIRAL (CONT'D)

                         Report!

                                   REPUBLIC OFFICER

                         Shields holding sir, but I don't

                         know how long we can last under

                         sustained fire from all of their

                         destroyers.

                                   REPUBLIC ADMIRAL

                         Weapons still online?

                                   REPUBLIC OFFICER

                         Yes sir.

                                   REPUBLIC ADMIRAL

                         Then fire!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Fire from the Republic capital ship scores the hull of a dark

               destroyer, but next to it, Rohn's dreadnought is unveiling

               its big gun.

               INT. REPUBLIC CAPITAL SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Another barrage shakes the bridge. Alarms sound.

                                   REPUBLIC OFFICER

                         Shields at fifty percent, sir.

               The Admiral is watching the dark fleet approach, the fighter

               swarm almost in range.

                                   REPUBLIC ADMIRAL

                         Fighters hold. Enemies in range in

                         twenty, nineteen...

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The big gun has locked into place, visible from the bridge.

                                   ROHN

                         Fire.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Republic capital ship explodes after being struck by a

               giant beam of red light.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The explosion is clearly visible and the shock wave shakes

               the ship.

                                   KITCH

                         Screw this.

                             (into comms)

                         All fighters, this is Captain Renzo

                         Kitch. They're damn well close

                         enough, you hear? Scramble and

                         attack, attack, attack!

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin pulls hard on the controls.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You don't have to tell me twice.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and the others stare at the battle map in dismay.

                                   LEORE

                         Gah! Our only destroyer.

                                   KENOBI

                         Our forces are engaging.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigates and fighters of the Republic, The Falling Star

               and the Infinity Lance scatter as they are met by a swarm of

               inbound enemies.

               The two fleets create a roiling mass -- fighters in dizzying

               dogfights, lasers flashing all about. The Republic frigates

               and the Star chart looser, slower spirals, their turrets and

               mounted guns popping enemies in all directions.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE - CONTINUOUS

               Alda sneers as he guns down dark fighters. 

               The Infinity Lance streaks through his field of vision,

               brakes, spins, fires -- the particle beam, a hot red verging

               on pink, tears through three enemy fighters, the successive

               explosions creating an image not unlike a shish-kabob, with

               the Lance's laser as the skewer.

               And the beam just keeps on going...

                                   ALDA

                         Holy...

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx and Kitch watch in awe.

                                   MANX

                         Heph wasn't kidding about that gun.

                                   KITCH

                             (into comms)

                         I changed my mind, the name works,

                         just watch where you point that

                         thing!

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin smiles proudly, then sets his jaw, and resumes the

               fight.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin is an absolute prodigy, the Lance climbing and

               rolling, stalling and accelerating, it's particle beam

               ripping through dark fighters in sweeping arcs.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn stands square and firm at the helm.

                                   ROHN

                         All destroyers, focus fire on the

                         shield relays. Faal, begin the

                         ground assault.

               INT. CLONER - CONTINUOUS

               Faal is observing the battle from a large viewing panel.

                                   FAAL

                         But Commander, you have not yet

                         begun bombardment.

                                   ROHN (O.S.)

                         No.

                                   FAAL

                         The shield is still up.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn smiles.

                                   ROHN

                         Yes it is.

                                   FAAL (O.S.)

                         I'm sure our destroyers will have

                         it down in short order, there's no

                         need...

                                   ROHN

                         You are ready now, are you not?

                         Then you will strike immediately,

                         while their fleet is occupied.

                         Artillery strikes will begin in

                         short order.

               INT. CLONER - CONTINUOUS

               Faal crushes the communicator in his fist and makes for his

               transport again.

                                   FAAL

                         We launch now.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - MOMENTS LATER

               Troop transports and armored vessels pour out of the cloner.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi sees the transports.

                                   KENOBI

                         Enemy troop transports on approach.

                                   LEORE

                         Don't let them through.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE - CONTINUOUS

               A Republic frigate captain clenches his teeth at the helm. 

                                   REPUBLIC FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         These fighters have us outnumbered

                         four to one, it's all we can do

                         just to stay ali--

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigate explodes under heavy fire, as the enemy troop

               transports begin to penetrate the scrum on their way to the

               surface.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx watch the transports fly by.

                                   MANX

                         Seems these Republic boys can't do

                         two things at once.

                                   KITCH

                         We'll only be able to thin the herd

                         a bit Kenobi, but they won't pass

                         this way without paying a toll. All

                         gunners, prioritize transports!

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET ONE - CONTINUOUS

               Alda blasts a fighter.

                                   ALDA

                         One for me...

               Then he targets a transport.

                                   ALDA (CONT'D)

                         And one for you.

               INT. FALLING STAR, SWIVEL GUN TURRET THREE - CONTINUOUS

               Gunner Three roars and laughs as he lets lasers fly in all

               directions.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin's pulling hard on the stick, effecting a quick one

               eighty.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (to himself)

                         Gotta get as many as we can.

               He checks his rear -- fighters are in pursuit -- and lines a

               transport up in his sights.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The particle beam erupts from the Infinity Lance and takes

               out two transports. 

               INT. CLONE TRANSPORT - CONTINUOUS

               Armed and armored clones are incinerated.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The fighters on Anakin's six open fire, but he takes evasive

               action, destroying the transports ahead whenever he has the

               opportunity.

               INT. FAAL'S TRANSPORT - CONTINUOUS

               Faal stands by a viewport, watches the closest transport

               burst as Anakin's particle beam zips past. Quailing at the

               sight, he runs to the helm and tears the pilot out of his

               seat, taking the position himself.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Faal's transport veers away from Anakin's wrath and descends

               through the atmosphere. Many more ships follow -- Anakin and

               Kitch can only do so much.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Organa flares his nostrils.

                                   ORGANA

                         They're getting through.

                                   ELSPET

                         It was inevitable.

                                   LEORE

                         Soldiers, dig in, and weapons at

                         the ready. Your battle's about to

                         start.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD, TRENCHES - CONTINUOUS

               A long row of Republic troopers bring blasters and mounted

               guns to bear. A Republic Lieutenant holds a communicator.

                                   REPUBLIC LIEUTENANT

                         Yes sir.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Clone transports touch down hard, and clone troopers stream

               out of them. Faal emerges from a transport with shock troops

               close behind.

               Faal ignites his lightsaber, red, and gestures his troops

               forward. The clones double-time toward the trench. 

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Dark destroyers fire upon shield relays, but the blasts

               aren't penetrating.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph is looking over a tech's shoulder.

                                   HEPH

                         Holding up nice, but what happens

                         when the relays start to go down?

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         If they start to go down, then

                         holes will open up in the shield.

                         But they don't have the firepower

                         to do any damage from out there.

                         The relays are only vulnerable from

                         the other side of the shield.

               Heph nods and walks back over to his droids.

                                   HEPH

                         Nope, still nothing to do. But, it

                         won't be long now, I wager.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               A clone officer approaches Rohn.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Commander, our weapons are failing

                         to damage the shield relays.

                                   ROHN

                         I can see that.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         What are your orders?

               Rohn flinches, puts his fingers to his forehead.

                                   ROHN

                         Something's wrong.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         The shield is simply too strong.

                                   ROHN

                         No, not that. Send fighters to

                         attack the relays from within the

                         force field.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         As you command.

               The officer departs.

                                   ROHN

                         No, something else is terribly

                         wrong. The force, it's far too

                         strong.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Faal strides amidst his advancing shock troopers, the

               Republic trenches almost within firing range.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD, TRENCHES - CONTINUOUS

               Faal's troops are almost within their range as well. From

               this perspective, the superiority of the enemy's numbers is

               clear. A great horde approaches.

                                   REPUBLIC LIEUTENANT

                         Ready... aim....

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi is observing the impending confrontation.

                                   KENOBI

                         And men, do aim carefully, eh?

                         We're good, but we're not perfect.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Out of an unseen trench, a hundred yards in front of the

               Republic soldiers, leap a row of Jedi, a hundred of them.

               Canaris is standing squarely at their center.

               Not quite simultaneously, a hundred lightsabers, in a rainbow

               of colors, ignite.

               His troops still advancing, Faal stops in his tracks.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn's closed eyes snap open.

                                   ROHN

                         It can't be!

               EXT. ALDERAAN, MOUNTAINTOP - CONTINUOUS

               High above the battlefield, the Jedi Council is deep in

               meditation.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Canaris draws in a deep breath.

                                   CANARIS

                         Can you feel the power of the

                         Council? We are strong with the

                         Force today. Charge!

               The Jedi dash forward to meet the mass of clones. The clone

               troopers fire their blasters as they approach, but the Jedi

               easily deflect anything that comes close.

               Behind the Jedi, the Republic soldiers open fire, felling the

               foremost clones before the Jedi meet them. One young soldier

               fires a blast just past the head of an intimidating alien

               Jedi -- she tilts her head slightly to dodge it. Turning her

               head briefly, without breaking stride, she glares at the

               soldier, who gulps and sheepishly looks around at his fellow

               soldiers.

               The opposing forces close on each other, and the Jedi wade

               through the clones just as easily as they do through the knee

               high grass of Alderaan. Clone bodies are flung this way and

               that, weapons shatter in their hands, lightsabers cut through

               clone flesh.

               One Jedi with four arms pulls enemy blasters from clone hands

               into his own, discharging them in multiple directions, even

               as he deflects and strikes with his lightsaber. Another Jedi,

               a hovering blob-like organism with no limbs, wields its

               lightsaber with the invisible arms of the force.

               The clones that the Jedi leave in their wake are picked off

               by the Republic soldiers before they near the trenches. It's

               a massacre, but transports full of reinforcements are still

               landing, and the armored vehicles of the clones start to take

               the field -- shielded gun platforms perched high atop long,

               stilt-like legs.

               Donzin Faal, still rooted to the ground, looks behind him as

               more of his forces land, then ahead at the slaughter. Turning

               his fear to anger, he rushes into the fray.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               An explosion, as one of the shield relays goes down and a

               small hole appears in the shield.

               Dark fighters are swarming nearby relays. The relays are

               protected by automated turrets, and several of the fighters

               succumb, but so do several more relays -- and the breach

               widens.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Bail Organa turns from the battle map and rushes to a large

               window. From a distance, the dominance of the Jedi is more

               apparent.

                                   ORGANA

                         Kenobi, they're magnificent!

                                   KENOBI

                         Yes they are.

                             (beat)

                         I should be with them.

                                   MOTHMA

                         We have a problem. They're punching

                         a hole in the planetary shield.

               The damage is visible on the battle map.

                                   KENOBI

                         Their fighters are targeting the

                         relays.

                                   MOTHMA

                         It was only a matter of time.

                             (into the comms)

                         Shield team, report.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH (O.S.)

                         We've lost several relays, but

                         we're working on increasing force

                         field output. I don't think we can

                         close the breach, but we can

                         minimize it, if we don't lose too

                         many more relays.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Get to work. 

                             (to war council)

                         We've got to protect the relays.

                                   LEORE

                             (into comms)

                         Fleet status?

                                   REPUBLIC CAPTAIN (O.S.)

                         Outnumbered, sir -- fighters

                         everywhere. But we're holding our

                         own.

                                   KENOBI

                         We need you to send a squadron to

                         protect the shield relays.

                                   REPUBLIC CAPTAIN (O.S.)

                         I'll try, sir, but our hands are

                         full. Calling all available units,

                         repeat all available units...

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The breach in the shield is centered in the Star's view

               panel.

                                   KITCH

                         All available units on me!

               The Lance whizzes by.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin smiles.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Way ahead of you.

Author
Time

 EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Infinity Lance, the Falling Star, and a small squadron of

               Republic fighters sweep into the breach. Between Kitch's

               squadron and the automated turrets on the nearby relays, the

               dark fighters are dispatched relatively quickly.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin grins and nods his head.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not too bad, huh Captain Kitch?

               Suddenly a huge bolt of energy streaks by.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The destroyers of the dark armada have approached the breach,

               and are firing upon the planet. Their second volley destroys

               two Republic fighters on its way to the surface.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx grits her teeth.

                                   MANX

                         We've got to plug this hole.

                                   KITCH

                             (into comms)

                         Heph? How's it going in there?

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph is in the midst of a heated discussion with a tech.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         We've diverted as much power as we

                         can, the breach is as small as we

                         can make it.

                                   HEPH

                         Spread out the relays, get more

                         coverage.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         Heph? Report.

                                   HEPH

                             (into comms)

                         There's a hole in the shield.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         We know. Can you seal it?

                                   HEPH

                         Gee, I dunno Cap'n. Sure would be

                         nice. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK

                         WE"RE TRYING TO DO OVER HERE??!!

                             (to tech)

                         Sorry about that.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         If we spread out the remaining

                         relays, gaps will develop all

                         around the planet.

                                   HEPH

                         Sounds like we need more power.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         Impossible.

                                   HEPH

                         We'll see about that. Boys!

               Heph's droids wheel over toward a row of consoles, extend

               datalink appendages into ports and begin scanning the

               platform's systems.

               Heph strides towards an important looking apparatus, studies

               it closely, then hits it hard with a wrench, knocking a piece

               to the floor in a hail of sparks. The lights flicker, and

               everyone in the control room looks his way.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         What?

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Canaris cuts his way through the clones. Suddenly, the long

               leg of a stilt walker crashes into the earth right in front

               of him.

               Canaris cuts it in two, and as the walker dips forward, off

               balance, Canaris leaps atop it, quickly slaying the entire

               crew and diving off before it falls.

               Across the battlefield, Faal deflects blaster fire with his

               light saber, his palms, clone troopers.

               A tall insectoid Jedi appears before him and beats him back

               with a flurry of quick saber strikes and a blast of Force

               energy. 

               Faal rights himself, bends his head, and charges forward,

               tackling the Jedi and driving him into the dirt. As Faal

               rises to his feet, he casually beheads the prone Jedi.

               Back across the battlefield, Jardin spies Faal. He sneers,

               and starts to move in Faal's direction, but stops short as a

               massive artillery blast flies overhead and an explosion hits

               the Republic trenches. Another huge explosion follows

               closely, and a third, striking amidst the melee of the

               battlefield.

               More, explosions scorch the battlefield -- hitting the

               trenches, the Jedi, even the clones.

               The tough looking alien who dodged the friendly fire closes

               her eyes briefly mid-combat, senses an imminent strike, and

               dodges, narrowly avoiding an artillery blast. As she recovers

               her footing, she is incinerated in a second blast.

               The Jedi fight on, valiantly holding back the horde as best

               they can, felling the tall stilt walkers with their

               lightsabers and the Force, causing the grass to ensnare the

               legs of the clones, and then cutting them down, confusing

               their minds and making them fire upon each other. But they

               cannot stem the tide.

               Clone troops begin to overwhelm the trenches, thermal

               detonators blasting dirt into the air, blasts from the stilt

               walkers disintegrating Republic soldiers, clone boots

               trampling bodies.

               The clones push toward the city.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Leore screams into the comms.

                                   LEORE

                         Fall back to the city! I repeat

                         fall back, fall back.

               Kenobi closes his eyes.

                                   KENOBI (V.O.)

                         Yoda. We need you.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, MOUNTAINTOP - CONTINUOUS

               On a mountaintop overlooking the field of battle, Yoda nods,

               wind blowing through his wispy hair. He is surrounded by the

               rest of the Jedi council.

               They look toward the sky, arms outstretched, and begin to

               exhale slowly.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi's eyes are still closed.

                                   KENOBI (V.O.)

                         Odo, they're beginning to break

                         through.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               Odo Luff stands in the middle of a main street, with the

               sensei and her pupils. He looks at the window of a nearby

               home, where a citizen of Alderaan grips his blaster and nods

               grimly.

                                   ODO

                             (bellowing)

                         To your positions! These are your

                         homes now, your shops, schools,

                         your families. Fight hard and true,

                         and the Force will protect you.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn stands tall, his hands clasped behind his back,

               observing the orbital barrage.

                                   ROHN

                         And what will you do now, proud

                         Jedi? 

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Incoming transmission.

               A holographic image of a clone captain appears before Rohn.

                                   CLONE CAPTAIN

                         Commander, we're caught in some

                         sort of tractor beam, but we're not

                         picking it up on our sensors.

                                   ROHN

                         A tractor beam strong enough to

                         move a destroyer? Reverse thrust,

                         all engines. 

                                   CLONE CAPTAIN

                         Commander, it's no use, it's too

                         strong.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Another transmission.

               A second hologram appears.

                                   CLONE CAPTAIN TWO

                         Commander, we can't find it on the

                         scanners, but...

               INT. CLONE DESTROYER, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The clone captain looks in horror at the giant view panel in

               front of him, as Alderaan draws nearer and another destroyer

               drifts in front of his.

                                   CLONE CAPTAIN TWO

                         ...we're being pulled toward the

                         planet's surface by a tractor beam,

                         and we're not the only ship.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Two destroyers are being pulled from formation, even as the

               rest continue to bombard the planet's surface. One of them

               drifts into friendly fire.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               One of the holograms starts to flicker.

                                   CLONE CAPTAIN

                         Commander, we're taking heavy

                         damage. Cease fire, I repeat, cease-

               The hologram disappears. Rohn slams his fist against his

               palm.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The destroyer breaks apart in a series of explosions. The

               second destroyer picks up speed as it is pulled closer and

               closer to Alderaan.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               The battle drags on, the ground littered with mounds of clone

               corpses, artillery continuing to take its toll on Republic

               soldiers and Jedi alike, as the soldiers make a ragged

               retreat and the Jedi hold the field. 

               Clone reinforcements are still taking the field and dying in

               droves. 

               Uther Halladan and the Jedi with the eye patch fight back to

               back, an impervious barrier that no clone passes through

               alive.

                                   EYEPATCH

                         We can't keep this up.

                                   HALLADAN

                         We have to.

                                   EYEPATCH

                         These orbital strikes...

                                   HALLADAN

                         Trust in the Force. Trust in Kenobi

                         and the Council.

               An nearby artillery blast sends them both flying. As the dust

               clears and they gain their feet, Jedi One looks up at the

               sky.

                                   EYEPATCH

                         You were right.

               The clone destroyer has entered the atmosphere, glowing with

               the heat of reentry.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, MOUNTAINTOP - CONTINUOUS

               The council focuses hard as they bring the ship down. The

               falling destroyer sweeps past the field of battle and into

               the side of the mountain, where it explodes without causing

               collateral damage.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               The sight of the smitten destroyer invigorates the Jedi, and

               their surge of morale is measurable in clone losses.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               The crash of the capital ship is clearly visible, even from

               here.

               The citizens of Alderaan fire upon the approaching clones

               from makeshift bunkers and barricades in streets and homes. 

               Odo, the Sensei, her pupils, and a handful of other Jedi cut

               down as many clones as they can, leaping onto and off of

               roofs and through shops and living rooms. Odo fights with

               surprising daintiness, dancer-like in his light movements --

               a hippo in a tutu, but ever so deadly.

               The blonde handmaiden fires from the window of her apartment,

               just off a main street. A brother and two parents fight

               alongside.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph, holding a large steel component argues with a

               Chandrillan tech. Forbee backs him up.

                                   HEPH

                         I'm telling you if we reroute power

                         from the thrusters into the

                         generator, we can compensate for

                         the loss of those relays!

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         It'll overheat the system, short

                         the hole shield.

               Forbee beeps angrily.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH (CONT'D)

                         It most certainly will!

                                   HEPH

                         But not instantaneously, right? How

                         long will we have?

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         Before the whole shield goes down?

                             (dourly)

                         Two hours maximum.

               Forbee whistles.

                                   HEPH

                         Two hours! Two hours?! That might

                         as well be a bloody lifetime.

                             (into a communicator)

                         Kenobi, I can close the gap, but

                         we'll fry the system in under two

                         hours.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi claps his hands together.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Mr. Tosca, waste no more time

                         talking to us. Get it done.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The ship lurches.

                                   CLONE OFFICER TWO

                         Commander, the enemy tractor

                         beam...

                                   ROHN

                         That's no tractor beam.

               Rohn closes his eyes.

                                   ROHN (CONT'D)

                         Aim canon one half degree

                         starboard, tilt up point one three

                         degrees.

                                   CLONE OFFICER TWO

                         It's just a mountaintop, minimal

                         life form reading.

                                   ROHN

                         I wouldn't say that. Fire!

               EXT. ALDERAAN, MOUNTAINTOP - CONTINUOUS

               The council all stop what they're doing and look at each

               other. Kneeling in a circle they spread their arms out to

               their sides.

               Suddenly the massive blast from Rohn's canon strikes them...

               and doesn't. A huge explosion, but deflected somehow.

               As the smoke and fire clear, Yoda and the council become

               visible -- dirty, weakened, but all alive.

               Then the ground beneath them begins to shift, the mountain

               top is beginning to collapse. Cracks appear in the ground,

               large boulders break off and tumble past.

                                   DALU DALU

                         Go! I'll hold it.

               The Jedi nod their deep respects and retreat down the

               mountain side in great leaps and bounds. Yoda jumps from a

               shear ledge in a controlled fall, thousands of feet down. He

               lands at the feet of the mountain decelerating before

               touchdown.

               And then the top of the mountain crumbles and collapses.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Obi Wan winces and a tear forms in his eye.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               The ship stops.

                                   ROHN

                         Let that taste fill their mouths.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Mothma looks sympathetically at Kenobi.

                                   KENOBI

                             (to himself)

                         Heph, tell me you're close.

Author
Time

 EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Shield relays are repositioning, spreading out. The shield is

               failing as a result.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               A tech types furiously at a console.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         Relays in position. This had better

                         work.

               Heph is on his knees next to the generator, tools all around

               him. His droids are cannibalizing components from all over

               the facility, dropping them at his side, as he pulls out

               parts from the generator and replaces them at breakneck

               speed.

                                   HEPH

                             (to one of his droids)

                         I said a conduction amplifier not

                         an induction amplifier! 

               The droid beeps.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         No you stay and weld this bit into

                         place.

                             (to another droid)

                         You, if your audio receptors are

                         working, get me a conduction

                         amplifier!

                             (into a comm)

                         Forbee, progress report!

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Forbee shuffles along the hull of the platform toward a

               control box. It's slow going, as each step requires the

               activation and release of magnets.

               Ships and laser fire whiz all about. Forbee's head literally

               spins as he draws closer to his destination and beeps his

               reply.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               A droid wipes Heph's brow with a towel on the end of a

               manipulator arm.

                                   HEPH

                         Well, it's no picnic in here

                         either.

               Heph waves away a droid trying to hold a thermos of water to

               his lips.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         Hurry it up!

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Forbee approaches the control box tentatively -- a tiny droid

               practically floating out in space, surrounded by total

               mayhem. 

               He studies the cover on the control box; several knobs need

               to be turned to unlock and open it. Forbee raises his various

               appendages in front of his optics -- none of them look like

               they'll work particularly well on smooth knobs. Forbee makes 

               a sad whine.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph slaves away at the generator. The Chandrillan tech types

               furiously at his console.

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         If your calculations are correct,

                         the power will be more than

                         adequate.

                                   HEPH

                         What'd I tell ya?

                                   CHANDRILLAN TECH

                         In fact, there will be an initial

                         energy surge, just for a moment,

                         that will destroy any ship caught

                         in the force field. 

                                   HEPH

                         Hot damn!

                             (into comms)

                         Cap'n, I'll have this shield up in

                         half a minute, and when I do, any

                         ship hanging about between those

                         relays is a goner. You got me?

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch pilots his way through the massive star battle.

                                   KITCH

                         Us out. Them in. Gotcha.

                             (into comms)

                         All units, lure as many ships into

                         the force field as possible --

                         right on it, now you hear? My

                         Heph's cooking up a surprise for

                         them, so when he says break, you

                         break! 

                                   ANAKIN (O.S.)

                         And then we go to work on those

                         destroyers, right?

                                   MANX

                         Sure thing, you little lunatic.

                                   KITCH

                         In fact, that's the perfect way to

                         hook 'em.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Star and the Lance make for Rohn's destoryer.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER

               A jolt causes clone officers to lose their footing, though

               Rohn keeps his balance.

                                   ROHN

                         What was that?

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The explosion of a recent cannon blast is visible against the

               hull of Rohn's destroyer as the Falling Star fires another

               broadside.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               A clone officer looks up from his console.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         A lone frigate, sir. Our shields

                         are holding.

                                   ROHN

                         A lone frigate, you say?

               Rohn closes his eyes, opens them again.

                                   ROHN (CONT'D)

                             (to himself)

                         You will not escape this time.

                             (to his crew)

                         Destroy it.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Affirmative.

               INT. FALLING STAR, MAIN BATTERY - CONTINUOUS

               Alda smirks.

                                   ALDA

                         There's more where that came from

                         you sack of sunyips!

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin can see a several squadrons of fighters converging on

               their position, some of them fresh from the belly of Rohn's

               behemoth.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Looks like we got their attention!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Star and Lance make for the shield, multiple squadrons in

               pursuit.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph slams one more component into place and begins welding.

                                   HEPH

                         That should do her.

                             (into comms)

                         You ready yet, Forbee?

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Forbee's most hand-like appendage -- a three-pronged hook --

               scrapes uselessly around one of the control box knobs. He

               just can't get a grip.

               Forbee beeps his frustration.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph jumps to his feet.

                                   HEPH

                         What do you mean you haven't got it

                         open yet?! What've you been doing

                         out there?!

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Forbee has switched to a blow torch. This appears to be

               working, but it's very slow going. He beeps and whirs, as if

               to say, "I'm doing the best I can."

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi watches the continued bombardment devastate the

               battlefield.

                                   KENOBI

                             (into comms)

                         You must get the shield up, Tosca.

                         They can't take any more out there.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph paces back and forth.

                                   HEPH

                             (into comms)

                         I'm trying. Believe me I'm trying.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         You ready yet?

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star, Infinity Lance and a host of other Republic

               ships are orbiting the planet, dodging relays, dragging enemy

               fighters behind.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Relays fly by at high speed.

                                   KITCH

                         See, first you set the trap, but

                         after that, you've got to spring

                         it, or it's no good.

                                   MANX

                         First rule of traps.

                                   KITCH

                         First rule of traps.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin is smirking as he pilots his way through the gauntlet

               with ease.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Don't let them get to you. I could

                         do this all day.

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               A swarm of ships buzzes the platform, enemy laser fire

               scoring the hull all around Forbee. He quits it with the

               blowtorch and shuffles for his life.

                                   HEPH (O.S.)

                         Forbee! How long, Forbee?

               A blast hits right in front of the little droid, who pulls a

               one eighty only to be stopped short by another blast.

                                   HEPH (O.S.) (CONT'D)

                         Do you almost have it? Talk to me!

               A ship screams by so closely that it almost takes paint off

               Forbee's head. He beeps and quivers with fear.

               And then another enemy fighter strafes the platform, a line

               of laser fire approaching Forbee, passing narrowly by and...

               blowing open the control box cover.

               Forbee does a double take, then shuffles toward the control

               box as fast as he can.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph's on his knees, screaming into a communicator.

                                   HEPH

                         Forbee! Are you all right out

                         there? Forbee!

               Forbee beeps and whistles into the comms.

                                   HEPH (CONT'D)

                         I thought I'd lost you, buddy. Now,

                         what the blazes is wrong with you?

                         Hurry it up.

               EXT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               The interior of the control box looks like a highly complex

               fuse box. Forbee is flicking switches with blinding speed.

               Upon hitting the last switch, a few sparks fly from the box.

               Forbee beeps his completion.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               The lights go out, then hum back to life. Various indicator

               lights on the generator go green.

               Heph strides toward the tech and his console.

                                   HEPH

                         Atta boy!

                             (into comms)

                         All right Cap'n, we got it. On my

                         signal...

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - COCKPIT

               Kitch looks at Manx.

                                   KITCH

                         Music to my ears.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph's finger hovers above the keyboard.

                                   HEPH

                         Break!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The defenders of Alderaan break hard in all directions.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph hits it.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The shield re-ignites, a wave of energy encircling the

               planet, and setting off a cascade of explosions -- enemy

               fighters bursting like popcorn.

               The nose is sheered off of one of the destroyers, and then it

               breaks apart in a series of detonations.

               And then the surge is over, and the shield is restored.

               INT. PRIMARY SHIELD PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

               Heph is hugging the Chandrillan Tech. An air lock opens and

               Forbee rolls in. Heph turns and runs over to Forbee, scooping

               him up in his arms and spinning him around.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Mothma hugs Kenobi's arm as Bail Organa shakes the other

               hand.

                                   ORGANA

                         Those bucaneers of yours may just

                         have turned the tide of this

                         battle.

                                   KENOBI

                         They may have, but it's not over

                         yet.

                                   LEORE

                         Indeed. We've neutralized their

                         orbital artillery, but our defenses

                         have been weakened, and those

                         clones keep coming.

                                   KENOBI

                         We need to destroy the cloner.

                                   ORGANA

                         So, we send in the rest of our

                         frigates.

                                   KENOBI

                         No. I have some direct experience

                         with this. We don't have the

                         firepower, but they do.

                             (into comms)

                         Captain Kitch, we have a new

                         primary objective -- the enemy

                         cloner.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx and Kitch are looking at each other.

                                   KITCH

                         All right. What do you have in

                         mind?

                                   KENOBI (O.S.)

                         Well, I'm afraid it's all getting a

                         bit repetitious...

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi is eyeballing the hologram of Faal's ship.

                                   KENOBI

                         But, I believe it's time for

                         another act of piracy.

Author
Time

EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               In the absence of bombardment, the Jedi rally -- reforming

               their ranks, cutting off the flow of clones into the city. 

               They are able to beat back another wave, but, out from the

               lingering smoke, emerges another. A few Jedi exchange weary,

               uncertain glances.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin scans his surroundings. The density of enemy fighters

               has greatly diminished, and for the most part Republic star

               fighters have them under control.

               He watches as the Falling Star speeds toward's Faal's

               destroyer.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Got anything for me to do?

                                   KENOBI (O.S.)

                         We must seize the momentum. We're

                         sending the frigates to assault

                         their command ship. Join the

                         attack.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You bet, master.

               Anakin banks and accelerates toward Rohn's ship.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi's eyes are grave.

                                   KENOBI

                         But be careful, Anakin. The

                         commander of that ship is strong

                         with the Dark Side.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Even as Anakin joins a formation of frigates, the Falling

               Star approaches its prey.

               INT. FALLING STAR, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch, Contana, and the Alien Gunners strap on weapons and

               grenades.

                                   KITCH

                         We drop directly into the bridge.

                         Take it, hold it long enough to do

                         the job, and get out. Quick and

                         clean, got it?

               Aye's from the crew as the gear up.

                                   KITCH (CONT'D)

                             (into comms)

                         Manx, are we close?

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx is close enough to the bridge or Faal's ship to make out

               the crew, gesticulating frantically.

                                   MANX

                         I'd say so.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Star evades incoming fire from the destroyer as it rushes

               the bridge and alights atop it. A boarding tube descends from

               the hull.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Manx bolts out of her chair and exits the cockpit.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and the crew unroll cords from winches and latch them

               to their belts. They assemble around a circular lock in the

               floor. Kitch holds a blaster rifle.

               Manx charges in, grabs a cord of her own, latches in, and

               Kitch tosses her the rifle.

                                   MANX

                         Well, what are we waiting for?

               Kitch hits a switch and the lock opens.

               INT. FAAL'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               A circle is burned instantly into the ceiling, and then a

               blast blows open a hole.

               A surprised clone crew watches as a few thermal detonators

               drop through the breach and skitter across the floor. A

               moment, and then a scramble for cover.

               BOOM. BOOM, BaBOOM.

               In the immediate aftermath of the detonations, Kitch and his

               crew drop in on their lines and open fire.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Infinity Lance falls into formation with the Republic

               frigates en route to Rohn's destroyer -- itself flanked by

               smaller dark destroyers.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               A frigate captain hails Anakin from his command chair, a

               faint smile on her lips.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         It looks like we have a fighter

                         escort.

               A few of the frigate crew laugh good-naturedly.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin looks earnest.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Skywalker here in the Infinity

                         Lance, reporting for duty.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The captain looks a little confused.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                             (to her XO)

                         Sounds like a boy.

                             (into comms)

                         On whose orders?

                                   ANAKIN (O.S.)

                         Under direct orders from General

                         Kenobi, ma'am.

               A pause as the captain looks even more confused.

                                   ANAKIN (O.S.) (CONT'D) 

                             (his pride audible)

                         I'm his apprentice. Jedi apprentice

                         ma'am.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin considers whether to continue.

                                   ANAKIN

                         And if I may offer a report. Those

                         shields are tough. Real tough. I

                         think the thrusters are exposed,

                         but I don't really see her running

                         for it anyway, you know what I

                         mean? Ma'am?

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                             (a bit taken aback)

                         Roger that. Good hunting.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigates converge on Rohn's ship.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               A clone officer straightens his back.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Commander, we have a squadron of

                         frigates inbound.

                                   ROHN

                         Launch reserve fighters and divert

                         all surplus power to shields. Now

                         we test this ship's mettle.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigates take positions in range of the destroyer --

               several rows of heavy Republic firepower, but still dwarfed

               by Rohn's dreadnought.

               Dozens of enemy AA turrets open up on the Republic ships, and

               the frigates return the light fire.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The captain's eyes are hard.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         Fire.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigates let loose their big guns. A mighty barrage

               peppers Rohn's destroyer, but no damage is visible.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin looks uncertain. He steels himself and dives in.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance banks and rolls into a strafing run, above the

               plane of his comrades. Anakin fires the particle beam,

               dragging it across the hull of Rohn's ship. It doesn't

               penetrate.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin looks over his shoulder.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Not good. Let's try another pass.

               But, as he swings about he sees a squadron of enemy fighters

               pouring out of the destroyer.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         How many does he have in there?

               INT. FAAL'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               In a room full of clone corpses, Kitch takes the helm, while

               Alda and one of the gunners work on sealing the hatch to the

               bridge. Manx and Gunner Three have taken up positions behind

               consoles, blasters trained at the hatch.

               A small column of clones double-times it toward the bridge,

               but Manx and Gunner Three fell them before they make it in --

               Manx dropping the last one late enough that his momentum

               carries his body through the hatch. 

               Alda gives her a look over his shoulder.

                                   ALDA

                         Cutting it a little close, aren't

                         we?

                                   MANX

                             (raising an eyebrow)

                         Then shut the door already.

               Kitch swings the ship about, the cloner sliding into view and

               landing dead center.

                                   KITCH

                         Here's hoping they repaired that

                         cannon.

               Kitch flips a switch.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The giant cannon emerges from the destroyer's hull.

               INT. FAAL'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch laughs.

                                   KITCH

                         I like it a whole lot better from

                         over here. Alda, would you like the

                         honor?

                                   ALDA

                         Give me a few more seconds.

                                   KITCH

                             (smiling)

                         Sorry.

               He fires the cannon.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The blast from the cannon is truly epic, a huge, brilliant

               bolt of energy blazing across the distance from the destroyer

               to the cloner.

               It's a direct hit, and a series of explosions erupt across

               the cloner's hull, but the damage is less than catastrophic.

               Manx watches over her shoulder. She looks quizzically at

               Kitch, who shrugs.

                                   KITCH

                         Guess we would have made it.

                                   MANX

                         Don't tell Heph. He was very proud.

               Alda and the gunner seal the hatch. Alda slaps some

               explosives on it -- a booby trap -- and approaches Kitch.

                                   ALDA

                         So, I guess it's Plan B.

                                   KITCH

                         My favorite plan.

               Kitch locks in the destroyer's heading and sets thrust to

               maximum. He and his crew head back to the breach and reattach

               their lines. Kitch hits a button on his belt, and the winches

               pull them all up and out.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Republic frigates hold formation, even as they are

               swarmed by clone fighters. Swivel guns track the bogeys as

               best they can, but between the fighters and Rohn's destroyer

               the losses begin to mount.

               And worst of all, the frigate's fire is still not

               penetrating.

               The Infinity Lance really does constitute a one-man fighter

               escort, though. It seems to be everywhere all at once, lasing

               through clone ships with abandon.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn looks pleased, as he views a holographic representation

               of the action.

                                   ROHN

                         And soon their fleet will be so

                         much dust. Our clones will travel

                         to the surface unopposed, the

                         planetary shield will fall again,

                         and the Jedi will be swept away

                         like vermin by a flood.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Commander! Lord Faal's ship!

                                   ROHN

                         What about it?

               Rohn replaces the hologram of his ship with that of Faal's

               and its surroundings. He can see what's happening.

                                   ROHN (CONT'D)

                         No.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star detaches from the destroyer and thrusts to a

               safe distance.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch grins widely as he and Manx pilot to safety.

                                   MANX

                         I knew you were disappointed the

                         first time around. You love a good

                         crash.

                                   KITCH

                         But not from the front row. And not

                         without my first mate.

               Kitch winks at her and starts flipping switches.

                                   MANX

                         What are you doing, Cap?

                                   KITCH

                         Autopilot.

                                   MANX

                         There's a war on in case you

                         haven't noticed.

                                   KITCH

                         It's just for a second.

               Kitch unstraps and holds out a hand.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn turns from the hologram to the viewing panel. He can see

               the impending disaster with his own eyes. It won't be long

               now.

                                   ROHN

                             (into comms)

                         Open it! Or I will open you.

               INT. FAAL'S SHIP, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               A unit of clones works to unseal the hatch to the bridge.

                                   CLONE SOLDIER

                             (into comms)

                         We have it now.

               A clone subordinate activates the door control. The hiss of

               the opening hatch is followed by an explosion.

               Those closest to the hatch are incinerated, but the clone

               with the communicator and a few others survive. They stagger

               to their feet and take the bridge.

               INT. FAAL'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               It's too late. The cloner looms very large in the viewing

               panel.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn quivers with rage, his eyes red and moist. He stares at

               his ships in horror. They collide in a brilliant flash.

               INT. FALLING STAR, AFT VIEWING DECK - CONTINUOUS

               The crew is assembled, Manx and Kitch side by side, the

               explosion framed perfectly before them.

               The crew laughs, hoots, hugs. Alda pats his eep on the head.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The explosion continues, awesome to behold. Clone transports

               too near the blast are engulfed.

               INT. FALLING STAR, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Kitch and Manx head back toward the cockpit, Kitch's comm in

               hand.

                                   KITCH

                         Captain Kitch reporting. Scratch

                         one command ship and one cloner.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Applause all around, as the two ships vanish from the

               holographic battle map.

                                   LEORE

                         Copy that, Captain. Well done!

                                   KENOBI

                         Bloody amazing!

                                   ELSPET

                         We're going to win aren't we?

                                   ORGANA

                         I think so, my love.

                                   KENOBI

                             (into comms)

                         I owe you one, my friend.

                                   KITCH (O.S.)

                         One?! You cheap son of a gundark.

               Laughter all around, but Mothma's eyes drift to the window,

               and Kenobi's follow.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Won, but not over.

                                   KENOBI

                         No.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn turns his back to the viewing panel, and marches toward

               the exit.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Orders, commander?!

                                   ROHN

                             (still walking)

                         We are lost. Kill as many as you

                         can. I must report our defeat.

                                   CLONE OFFICER

                         Commander?

                                   ROHN

                         Kill, and then die. That is all. 

               Rohn passes through a hatch and off the bridge.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               The fighting in the city is chaotic. Republic troops arrive

               from the same direction as the clones. There is no order or

               clear objective other than survival.

               The handmaiden and her family continue to hold their

               apartment, firing from windows. On the street below, a clone

               rocket team readies their heavy shoulder-mounted weapon and

               takes aim.

               INT. HANDMAIDEN'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

               The handmaiden's father sees the plasma bazooka pointed in

               their direction.

                                   HANDMAIDEN'S FATHER

                         Get back. Everybody back!

               He turns from the window, but it is too late. He, his wife,

               and one of their sons are caught in the blast.

               The handmaiden and her other brother, firing from a different

               window are knocked back and dazed, debris falling around

               them.

               Stunned and woozy, the handmaiden surveys the corpses of her

               family. He brother finds his feet and rushes the gaping hole

               in the wall, blaster in hand. 

               The handmaiden screams for him, but he ignores her... and is

               dropped by blaster fire.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               Odo Luff glances back at the ruins of the handmaiden's

               apartment -- more casualties. 

               The rocket team takes aim at another nest, but as the

               projectile leaves the launcher, Luff stops it mid-air with a

               wave of his hand and flings it back at them. They are killed

               instantly.

               Luff quickly ducks behind a building, taking a moment while

               he is out of the line of fire. He puts fingers to his temple.

                                   ODO (V.O.)

                         Obi Wan, I don't know how much more

                         we can take.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Obi Wan is watching the field of battle. The battle rages on,

               but the stream of clones into the city, past the trenches,

               has been stemmed. 

                                   KENOBI (V.O.)

                         Stand firm, Odo. There will be no

                         more reinforcements, so stay alive

                         and save as many as you can,

                         because it is only a matter of

                         time.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The frigates continue their fruitless assault on Rohn's ship,

               and one more of them succumbs to enemy fire.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The captain grips the arms of her chair.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         Analytics. Report!

                                   REPUBLIC TECH OFFICER

                         There's a weak point, at the shield

                         generator itself -- sort of like a

                         funnel emanating from that single

                         point. Readying visual.

               A hologram appears in front of the captain's chair. An energy

               field surrounds Rohn's ship, but it originates from a tiny

               spot atop the ship, about midway down the length of it. It

               looks kind of like a navel.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         Damn, that's small.

               In the viewing panel a pair of fighters materialize, heading

               straight for the helm in kamikaze run. The captain winces in

               anticipation. 

               Suddenly, the Infinity Lance appears and destroys the clone

               fighters with a sweep of its particle beam.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN (CONT'D)

                         Skywalker!

Author
Time

INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin nods as he leaves the explosions in his wake.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN (O.S.)

                         Thanks for that. We need to take

                         out the shields on this destroyer

                         or we'll never bring her down. And

                         I think you're just the pilot for

                         it.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Happy to help, ma'am.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN (O.S.)

                         The shield generator's located on

                         top of the ship, about halfway

                         between bow and stern. We'll send

                         you the targeting data now.

                                   ANAKIN

                         No good, ma'am, the Lance isn't

                         equipped for that sort of thing,

                         but I'll find it, I promise.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN (O.S.)

                         The target's miniscule, and

                         practically invisible -- if you're

                         off by an inch...

                                   ANAKIN

                         Then, it's a good thing you're

                         sending a Jedi.

               Anakin pulls back on the stick.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                             (to himself)

                         You sound like an idiot.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance jets up and out of sight, climbing high into space,

               leaving the battle far behind.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The captain strains to see Anakin's departing fighter.

                                   REPUBLIC TECH OFFICER

                         Where's he going?

               The captain just shakes her head.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Canaris helps a wounded Jedi to his feet with one hand, while

               deflecting laser fire with the other.

                                   CANARIS

                         On your feet now. It's almost over.

               The Jedi nods back with appreciation and determination. As

               Canaris returns the nod, he spies, well behind the wounded

               Jedi, Donzin Faal.

               Faal duels another Jedi. Pulling him violently in with the

               Force, Faal grabs him by the throat and raises him off his

               feet. A quick snap, and Faal discards the limp body.

               Canaris sneers, and begins cutting his way toward Faal. Faal

               notices Canaris just as the Jedi is encircled by a unit of

               clones.

               Canaris returns the stare and clears away the pack of

               surrounding clones with a violent blast of Force energy.

                                   CANARIS (CONT'D)

                         Donzin Faal!

                                   FAAL

                         Jardin Canaris, my old comrade.

                                   CANARIS

                         I call you to account!

                                   FAAL

                         I do not recognize your authority.

                                   CANARIS

                         You will submit or you will die.

                         The murder of our master will not

                         go unpunished.  

                                   FAAL

                         We shall see.

               Faal grips his lighstaber in both hands and runs at Canaris.

               Canaris runs toward Faal, and then their lightsabers meet in

               a flash of light.

               Canaris and Faal trade blows, the rapidity of their strikes

               gradually increasing beyond human capabilities. A massive

               swing from Faal drives Canaris to his knees and sends him

               sliding back a dozen feet, until he comes to a stop against a

               small mound of upturned earth.

               Faal roars, and Canaris shakes it off. 

                                   CANARIS

                         Why did you do it, Donzin? He took

                         you in. Sheltered you, trained you,

                         trusted you. I trusted you.

                                   FAAL

                         Had he not, I may never have been

                         able to destroy him.

                                   CANARIS

                         But why? To what end?

                                   FAAL

                         The Dark Side called, and I obeyed.

                                   CANARIS

                         Can evil be so simple?

                                   FAAL

                         So very simple. And so very

                         powerful.

                                   CANARIS

                         I'll kill you!

               Canaris leaps into the air, closing the entire distance

               between them, and brings his lightsaber down heavily.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Infinity Lance climbs high into the stars, leaving the

               battle and Rohn's ship far below.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin takes a breath.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Okay. Here we go.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance stalls, rolls, and dives straight down.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, HOLO-COMMUNICATION DECK - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn kneels before the giant display of the High Suzerain's

               bust, still framed as to obscure our view.

                                   ROHN

                         We are defeated, High Suzerain. My

                         failure is total.

                                   HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME

                         Your failures are mine, brother.

                                   ROHN

                         The Jedi, they...

                                   HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME

                         I understand.

                                   ROHN

                         Was this not foreseen?

                                   HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME

                         No. Yes. I do not know. Perhaps I

                         have failed to divine the greater

                         design of the Dark Side.

                                   ROHN

                         I have instructed my forces to

                         fight to the death. What are your

                         instructions for me?

                                   HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME

                         The very same. Make your way to the

                         castle. Kill the king and queen of

                         Alderaan. This first blow may yet

                         sting. I pity you that you shall

                         not see what will follow.

                                   ROHN

                         As you command. It is enough that

                         you will see it. My eyes are yours,

                         my lord, my brother, my... father.

               With that, we finally see the face of the High Suzerain. It

               is Rohn's.

                                   HIGH SUZERAIN PRIME

                         Die well, my son.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star speeds toward the formation of frigates and

               Rohn's destroyer.

               INT. FALLING STAR, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               The view from the cockpit clearly illustrates the Republic's

               firepower deficit. The frigates can only manage superficial

               damage.

               Another frigate goes down.

                                   KITCH

                         Blast it, she's tough.

                                   MANX

                         And no way we're boarding her in

                         the middle of this mess.

                                   KITCH

                         That sounds like a dare to m--

                                   MANX

                         Wait, what's that?

               A faint red beam has appeared atop the destroyer shooting 

               straight up into space. It begins to increase in brightness

               and concentration.

                                   KITCH

                         Skywalker.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Behind Anakin's closed lids, his eyes roll side to side.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance dives, dives, dives, executing a slow, graceful

               pirouette -- the particle beam unerring. Rohn's ship is just

               a speck below, but growing larger.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The tech officer can't believe what he's seeing.

                                   REPUBLIC TECH OFFICER

                         He's right on it, ma'am. Twenty

                         kilometers out and right on it.

                                   REPUBLIC FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                             (under her breath)

                         Come on, kid.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn thunders down a corridor, a unit of elite clones falling

               in behind him from an adjoining passageway. A hatch hisses

               open in front of him, revealing a massive hangar bay.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Ships launch, soldiers and crew scurry to and fro, but all

               who find themselves in Rohn's path clear the way and stand at

               attention. The line of clones on either side of Rohn and his

               personal guard frame his destination -- a jet-black cruiser.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance continues its dive. Far below, the beam terminates

               mere inches above the exterior of Rohn's ship. The otherwise

               invisible shield begins to glow at the point of impact.

               As the Lance draws closer, some wreckage obstructs its

               vector. It maneuvers easily around the debris.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - COCKPIT

               Anakin's eyes are still closed and his face serene, even as

               he dodges debris.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The particle beams sways off target ever so slightly, this

               way and that, as the Lance avoids wreckage. As it does, the

               termination point of the beam jumps significantly farther

               from hull of the ship, demarcating for us the shape of the

               shield and highlighting the tininess of the target.

               Above, the Lance passes through the debris field.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The tech officer's eyes are glued to the holographics.

                                   REPUBLIC TECH OFFICER

                         Enemy shields failing, ma'am. He's

                         punching through.

                                   FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         All frigates, discontinue cannonade

                         and ready for a salvo.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The shields of Rohn's destroyer glow red hot at the point of

               impact and then flash a brilliant white. 

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, PASSAGEWAY - CONTINUOUS

               Clones scatter as the particle beam drills a whole in the

               ceiling and tears through the floor.

               INT. ROHN'S SHIP, HANGAR BAY - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn's cruiser and a small fighter escort take off as the

               Lance's particle beam shoots through the cavernous hangar

               like a thin red column, destroying an outbound fighter craft.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance is almost on top of Rohn's ship now, the beam

               cutting straight through the behemoth.

               INT. REPUBLIC FRIGATE, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               The tech officer turns to face the captain.

                                   REPUBLIC TECH OFFICER

                         Shields down!

                                   REPUBLIC FRIGATE CAPTAIN

                         Fire!

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Falling Star flies over the formation of frigates as they

               unleash a simultaneous barrage of artillery. Explosions tear

               at the structure of the dark destroyer.

               The Star too fires a broadside, generating the largest

               explosion yet and breaking the destroyer's back.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin's eyes snap open and he releases the trigger. Rohn's

               ship rushes toward him, explosions rocking its starboard

               side. Anakin jerks the controls hard.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Infinity Lance buzzes the port side of Rohn's ship as

               fire bursts through the hull from the interior. 

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin looks over his shoulder as he continues his dive,

               Rohn's ship disintegrating behind him.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Wooohoooohoo!

               Facing front again, Anakin sees Rohn's cruiser. His face

               falls. He senses something dark, disturbing. His fear and

               revulsion turn to determination.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               More celebration, but Obi Wan has his back to the crowd and

               his hand to his temple. Anakin's voice can be heard, faint

               and echoey.

                                   ANAKIN (V.O.)

                         Master Kenobi... the enemy

                         commander... in my sights. It's

                         him... know it.

                                   KENOBI (V.O.)

                         Anakin, do not engage. He's too

                         powerful.

                                   ANAKIN (V.O.)

                         Heading for the surface. I can take

                         him.

                                   KENOBI (V.O.)

                         Anakin, listen to me. He's a master

                         of the Dark Side. You're no match

                         for him. Anakin. 

                             (aloud)

                         Anakin!

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin shakes his head. He looks grim, angry.

                                   ANAKIN

                         You said it yourself, when I'm

                         inside this ship, I have no match.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               The Lance comes up on Rohn's tail. The particle beam makes

               contact with Rohn's cruiser, but it glances off as the ship

               takes quick evasive action.

               As Anakin course-corrects, the beam sweeps through and

               destroys one of Rohn's escorts.

               INT. ROHN'S CRUISER, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn pilots the ship himself.

                                   ROHN

                         Strong with the Force, this one,

                         but a mere babe.

               Rohn puts a single finger between his eyes, shuts them,

               clenches his jaw.

               INT. INFINITY LANCE, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin's eyes roll back, and then he screams and grabs his

               head. Wracked with pain, he passes out, his head slumping

               against the glass of the cockpit.

               INT. ROHN'S CRUISER, HELM - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn opens his eyes and returns his hands to the controls.

                                   ROHN

                         A lullaby for you.

               EXT. SPACE, OFF ALDERAAN - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn's cruiser speeds toward Alderaan throwing off sparks

               where Anakin hit it.

               The Lance plummets behind it, off-kilter, unmanned, but also

               heading for the planet's surface.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               The clone ranks have thinned considerably -- the Jedi are

               mopping up now. 

               In the tall, blue grass, Faal and Canaris strike at each

               other wearily. A blow from Canaris sends Faal reeling. As he

               steadies himself, Faal makes a gripping gesture and Canaris

               begins to choke, his eyes wide with panic.

               As Canaris watches Faal laugh, something shifts in him, his

               eyes narrowing into slits. No longer straining for air, he

               relaxes into Faal's grip and begins to take slow, deep

               breaths, even as Faal struggles to maintain his hold.

                                   CANARIS

                         Is that all the Dark Side has to

                         offer?

                                   FAAL

                         Think Canaris, was I ever a match

                         for you before? You, the perfect

                         student. And yet today, you doubt

                         whether you'll survive. You're

                         right to doubt it. Your anger

                         weakens you, but it makes me

                         strong.

                                   CANARIS

                         Funny, I don't feel weak.

               The duel resumes.

               Above them, Rohn's cruiser descends toward the castle.

               Seconds behind, and falling much more rapidly, the Infinity

               Lance's trajectory suggests a crash in the middle of the

               city.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               The fighting is hot and heavy here. 

               Odo Luff uses the Force to topple a crumbling bit of statuary

               atop a small unit of clones. Looking up, he sees the Lance

               barreling down.

                                   ODO

                         Anakin.

               Luff drops to one knee and extends both arms out in front of

               him in a pushing gesture -- slowing the Lance's descent,

               righting its orientation. 

               The ship hits the ground hard but doesn't break apart. The

               Lance loses a bit of wing as it skids to a stop in the middle

               of a tiled square, a few hundred feet from Luff's position.

               Luff takes off at run, but is knocked to the ground by an

               exploding facade -- a university building perhaps. Shaking it

               off, Luff sees that the source of the blast is a large

               armored vehicle, like a tank atop six spherical wheels. 

               Luff looks at the tank, looks toward Anakin's position, back

               at the tank. In the distance, he spies the Sensei -- occupied

               by some clones, but relatively unencumbered.

               Dodging another blast from the tank -- this one aimed at him 

               - Luff closes his eyes for just a moment.

               The Sensei, fighting alongside a few of her pupils,

               dispatches the last of the clones in her immediate vicinity,

               then pauses as she hears Luff's projected thoughts.

                                   ODO (V.O.) (CONT'D)

                         The fighter that went down... It's

                         Kenobi's apprentice.

               The Sensei nods and makes for the Lance, its location easily

               marked by a column of smoke. Approaching the wreckage, she

               flings the canopy off with the Force, and reaches into the

               cockpit to pull out an unconscious Anakin.

               She pulls off his helmet and places her hand on his forehead.

               Anakin's eyes flutter open. She smiles at him, and he back at

               her -- but then he sees something behind her.

                                   ANAKIN

                         Look out!

               The Sensei shields Anakin with her body, and then there is a

               blinding flash of light and a cloud of thick smoke.

               As the smoke begins to clear Anakin sits up, rolls the Sensei

               off of him.

               He shakes her, and keeps shaking, desperately, but she does

               not rouse.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         On no. No, no.

               And then, the cloud of smoke dispels completely, and Anakin

               is kneeling on the ground next to the wreck of his ship and

               the corpse of a brave Jedi -- the massive barrel of a tank's

               main gun pointed straight at him.

               He braces for the worst, but suddenly, the tank is completely

               upended, rolling over onto its roof and sliding into the side

               of a building which collapses on top of it.

               Odo comes running around the corner.

                                   ODO

                         Anakin, are you alright?

                                   ANAKIN

                         She's dead.

                                   ODO

                         Bastards.

                                   ANAKIN

                         It's my fault.

                                   ODO

                         Stop it, boy.

                                   ANAKIN

                             (blubbering)

                         I didn't listen to him. I should

                         have listened, and I got her

                         killed.

               Odo nods as if he somehow understands the whole story, and

               maybe he does.

                                   ODO

                         Then you get up, and you make sure

                         she didn't die for nothing. With me

                         now.

               Odo helps Anakin to his feet, then turns his back and runs

               off into the fray. Anakin wipes tears and snot from his

               bruised and bloodied face.

               Something catches his eye -- a flash of yellow. Turning to

               look, he sees the handmaiden running for cover, a group of

               four clones in pursuit.

               He looks down at the dead Jedi at his feet, sees her

               lightsaber on the ground. For those of us in the know, we

               recognize it as Luke's father's lightsaber.

               Odo turns to say something to Anakin, and discovers he's not

               there.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE - CONTINUOUS

               Rohn leads his elite troopers along the battlements, his

               cruiser and a litter of corpses behind him on a landing pad.

               He easily dispatches a few royal guardsman in his path.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Organa watches the battle in the city anxiously.

                                   ORGANA

                         Damn it, Leore, your men are

                         useless.

                                   LEORE

                         How dare you? My soldiers are dying

                         out there for your pack of artists

                         and philosophers.

                                   ELSPET

                         Watch your tone, General, you

                         address a king!

               Kenobi stands with his back to the altercation, still, eyes

               closed, searching. His eyes suddenly snap open.

                                   KENOBI

                         Quiet, all of you, and arm

                         yourselves.

                                   LEORE

                         Are you joking? You mean for us to

                         lead a sortie?

                                   KENOBI

                         The enemy commander is here, and he

                         is a master of the Dark Side.

                                   ORGANA

                         But, the palace is too well

                         guarded.

                                   KENOBI

                         Not well enough.

               Kenobi makes for the exit.

                                   MOTHMA

                         Where are you going, Obi Wan?

                                   KENOBI

                         To meet him.

Author
Time

EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               The handmaiden turns a corner and takes cover behind a wall.

               Kneeling, she brings her blaster up to her shoulder and peaks

               around the corner. The five pursuing clones stop to take aim

               at her.

               The handmaiden drops one with a well-aimed shot but a volley

               of return fire sends her back behind the wall, her blaster

               shot from her hands -- a smoking ruin on the ground.

               She turns to run, but it's a dead end alley. The three

               remaining clones make the turn and raise their weapons, and

               suddenly one of them stumbles hard as if struck in the head.

               He falls into the other two, throwing everyone off balance.

               And then Anakin appears around the corner and cuts one of

               them down with his bright blue lightsaber. The remaining two

               back up a few steps and draw. With a gesture, Anakin delivers

               an invisible punch to the nearest clone's face, snapping his

               head back.

               With a pulling gesture, Anakin yanks the second clone's

               blaster from his hand, striking the first one in the back of

               the head, and knocking him forward. Anakin staggers him

               further with a series of Force blows -- head, gut, head, leg 

               - as the other one scrambles for his lost weapon.

               Anakin rushes the dazed clone and slashes him across the

               chest. As he turns to finish off the last one, he sees the

               handmaiden pointing the clone's blaster right at its owner.

               She pulls the trigger as Anakin watches with appreciative

               awe.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, BATTLEMENTS - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and Rohn meet face to face on a bridge between two

               towers. One of Rohn's elites fires a blast at Kenobi. Obi

               Wan's lightsaber ignites, deflects the blast back at the

               trooper, and is hung back on his belt in one deft motion.

               Rohn raises an eyebrow in appreciation as the trooper falls

               limply off the bridge behind him.

                                   ROHN

                             (to his elites)

                         Advance to throne room. I will

                         follow.

               The elites charge forward and so does Rohn, striking at

               Kenobi as the clones rush past. Even as Kenobi defends

               against the onslaught of Rohn's red lightsaber, he manages to

               fell two of the elites, but the rest of the unit makes it

               past.

               Kenobi and Rohn trade blows -- Rohn on the offensive with

               lightning quick strikes, always met by a cool and steady Obi

               Wan. Kenobi parries an attack, and Rohn glides back 20 feet,

               his toes skimming the surface of the bridge in elegant

               retreat.

               As soon as he stops moving, Rohn raises his off-hand, and

               flames shoot forth. Obi Wan looks surprised -- he's never

               seen that one before -- but he manages to back-flip out of

               the attack's range, just in the nick. 

               Rohn sneers. Kenobi smirks serenely.

                                   KENOBI

                         You can't win, you know.

                                   ROHN

                         The battle is lost, true, but the

                         war has just begun. And there's

                         still the matter of this little

                         contest.

               Kenobi squints, searching his opponent's mind.

                                   KENOBI

                         Otto Rohn... that's right, isn't

                         it? I've heard the name before.

                         What do you want?

                                   ROHN

                         The galaxy.

                                   KENOBI

                         To do with as you please? You, a

                         few of your apostate friends, and

                         your clone armies?

                                   ROHN

                         You are amazing. All the trouble

                         you've caused, yet you understand

                         nothing.

                                   KENOBI

                         I understand there's nothing lower

                         than a fallen Jedi.

                                   ROHN

                         But, I am no mere fallen Jedi. I am

                         a true servant of the Dark Side.

                                   KENOBI

                         Words.

                                   ROHN

                         Only one word: Sith.

               And now it is Obi Wan who attacks.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin and the handmaiden fight in the streets -- he with his

               new lightsaber in one hand, blaster pistol in the other, and

               limited Force arsenal, and her with her clone rifle and

               newfound fury. They make a good team.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - CONTINUOUS

               Canaris and Faal continue their fight, but they are tired,

               ragged, desperate. Faal is gaining the upper hand,

               overwhelming the slight Canaris with his brute strength.

               Faal rains blows down upon Canaris, who blocks every one but

               is driven down to his knees.

                                   FAAL

                             (laughing)

                         Pathetic. You burn with rage, but

                         you have no idea what to do with

                         it. You want vengeance, but you'll

                         never have it. 

                                   CANARIS

                         I hate you.

               Faal raises his weapon to deliver the death blow.

                                   FAAL

                         Not for long.

               Canaris' eyes glow darkly. He laughs ruefully, like he's just

               unlocked a secret.

               Faal looks confused for a moment, but he shrugs it off. He

               brings his lightsaber down, but it stops, forzen, inches

               above Canaris' head. The bull struggles to move his weapon,

               trembling, sweating, but he cannot move it.

               Canaris looks up at him and smiles, then strikes upward

               knocking Faal's lightsaber out of his hands and toppling the

               dark Jedi.

               Faal struggles to get up, but one of his arms has been

               shattered, and his legs don't seem to work right. Crawling on

               hands and knees toward his lightsaber, he reaches out for it,

               begins to pull it toward him, but Jardin, up and stalking

               toward him, raises a hand and the lightsaber falls back into

               the grass.

                                   CANARIS

                         Oh, I think I'll have my vengeance,

                         Donzin.

                                   FAAL

                         Please, Jardin.

                                   CANARIS

                         You beg?

                                   FAAL

                         I beg you, yes. Let me go. We've

                         lost. I'll disappear.

                                   CANARIS

                         Indeed you will.

               Faal flips onto his back raises a hand to shield himself.

                                   FAAL

                         Mercy.

                                   CANARIS

                         Mercy? I'm not sure I know what

                         that means anymore.

                                   FAAL

                         You're better than this. Yes, you

                         were always the good one. You're -- 

               Jardin swings his weapon. Blood stains the feathers of his

               face.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, BATTLEMENTS - CONTINUOUS

               Kenobi and Rohn battle back and forth across the bridge.

               Their fighting styles are not dissimilar -- quick, powerful,

               but also halting and quiet, with very little wasted motion.

               Rohn has another trick up his sleeve. He dashes quickly

               around Kenobi, striking from behind, from the left, from the

               right -- moving with such speed he's practically teleporting.

               Obi Wan, however, is up to the challenge, anticipating Rohn's

               movements, his lightsaber always in the right place, barely.

               He calls out as he fights.

                                   KENOBI

                         The Sith are gone.

                                   ROHN

                         Then who are you fighting?

                                   KENOBI

                         The Jedi destroyed you all, long

                         ago.

                                   ROHN

                         You know I speak the truth.

               Kenobi beats Rohn back for a moment, the brief pause allowing

               a quick venture back into Rohn's mind. Then the fighting

               resumes.

                                   KENOBI

                         You are what you say. But I know

                         you serve another.

                                   ROHN

                         I serve the Dark Side.

                                   KENOBI

                         No, you have a master.

                                   ROHN

                         I am both servant and master.

               The two warriors lock lightsabers, faces pressed close.

                                   KENOBI

                             (realization dawning)

                         You are a clone.

                                   ROHN

                         Yes. My sire is a thrall to the

                         Dark Side. As am I.

                                   KENOBI

                         Your lord serves only himself.

                                   ROHN

                         No, you do not see. But I can open

                         your eyes.

                                   KENOBI

                         The Dark Side brings only

                         blindness.

               They push off each other, each sliding back to opposite ends

               of the bridge. Rohn calls out.

                                   ROHN

                         You are strong, resourceful, but

                         you are a fool. If you cannot

                         defeat me, then I will murder the

                         Organas... 

                             (a sly smile plays across

                              his lips)

                         ...and all the others.

                                   KENOBI

                         That will never happen!

                                   ROHN

                         Then you will have to summon all of

                         your wrath, and the moment you slay

                         me, you will belong to us.

                                   KENOBI

                         Come on then!

                                   ROHN

                         Yes.

               Rohn and Kenobi sprint toward each other, Rohn's lightsaber

               held high and Kenobi's low. 

               This time, it is Kenobi who reveals a new trick: he runs

               right off the side of the bridge, then under it, running

               upside down, then back up the other side -- a corkscrew

               maneuver right before the moment of collision. 

               They pass each other, striking as they do, and stop with ten

               feet between them, backs to each other.

               Rohn drops to his knees, again flashing that sly smile.

                                   ROHN (CONT'D)

                         How did it feel, Kenobi? To kill

                         with hate in your heart.

               Kenobi turns toward Rohn, approaches him slowly, walks around

               to face him. He doesn't look angry. He looks calm and sad.

                                   KENOBI

                         But I don't hate you. I pity you.

               Rohn's face falls.

                                   ROHN

                         But... how could you have defeated

                         me?

                                   KENOBI

                         The Dark Side feeds off of hate,

                         fear, anger. But I am nourished by

                         the Force -- all I have to do is

                         let it in.

                                   ROHN

                         I don't understand.

                                   KENOBI

                         I know.

               Rohn glares up at Kenobi, then pitches himself over the side

               of the bridge. Kenobi watches him fall for a moment, then

               suddenly remembers...

                                   KENOBI (CONT'D)

                         The throne room!

               EXT. ALDERAAN, CAPITAL CITY - CONTINUOUS

               Anakin and the handmaiden fight on, slaying all nearby

               clones. They pause for a moment, thinking they have cleared

               the area, but to their left appear a group of clones. They

               run right -- more clones. Ahead, behind, they are surrounded.

               Anakin and the handmaiden exchange a look of grim

               determination -- this is where they die.

               All around them, the clones raise their weapons, and...

               nothing. They are frozen. Anakin and the handmaiden don't

               know what to make of it.

               The clones all drop their weapons, almost in unison, and then

               their knees buckle, and they thud to the ground, seated and

               vacant.

               All around the city, all the clones do the same, while the

               citizens of Alderaan look on with cautious hope.

               Hovering in the air above the streets and rooftops of the

               city appear the remaining members of the Jedi council, their

               arms and hands in varied gestures of control and focus. A

               cheer goes up.

               Anakin, straining to see what the commotion is about, spots

               Yoda.

                                   ANAKIN

                         That's Master Yoda! He's my

                         master's master!

                                   HANDMAIDEN

                         Your master?

                                   ANAKIN

                         You and I met just the other day.

                         Don't you remember?

               An awkward silence.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         What's your name?

                                   HANDMAIDEN

                         Serai. I'm sorry, yes, I remember

                         now. I... I lost my whole family.

               Serai looks away. Anakin's face falls.

                                   ANAKIN

                         I'm so sorry. I didn't know. My

                         name's Anakin Skywalker.

               Serai looks back at him, her eyes moist.

                                   ANAKIN (CONT'D)

                         I'm an orphan too.

               As the soldiers, Jedi, and citizenry slowly realize the

               battle is over, weapons are dropped, hugs and laughs are

               shared, tears fall -- and Anakin and Serai only have eyes for

               each other.

               INT. ALDERAAN CASTLE, COMMAND CENTER - CONTINUOUS

               Obi Wan bursts through the door. The bodies of clone elites

               and palace guards litter the floor. The holographic battle

               map flickers and sparks.

               Weapons slung over their shoulders, Elspet inspects a wound

               on Bail's arm while he looks at a cut on her face. They nod

               at Obi Wan.

               Kenobi nods back distractedly and scans the room. Over in a

               corner, he sees a wounded Leore being helped to his feet by

               Mon Mothma -- his arm slung around her shoulders.

               Kenobi sighs with relief. Mothma sees him and smiles. Kenobi

               smiles back.

               EXT. ALDERAAN, BATTLE FIELD - SUNSET

               The field is dotted with bonfires -- small groups of Jedi

               gathering at each one, with a larger crowd of soldiers and

               citizenry observing from a polite distance. 

               Anakin stares into one of the fires, and we see that it is,

               in fact, a Jedi funeral pyre. This one belongs to the Sensei.

               Next to Anakin are the Sensei's young pupils.

               Anakin turns from the fire and sees Obi Wan approaching. When

               Obi Wan sees Anakin's sullen look, his face falls a little.

               Anakin bows his head and extends his hand toward his master --

               borrowed lightsaber in his open palm.

               Kenobi closes Anakin's hand over the weapon, and Anakin looks

               up at him with surprise, eyes glistening with tears. Anakin

               looks tentatively over his shoulder at the Sensei's students,

               who nod somberly. 

               When Anakin turns back, Obi Wan pulls him into a firm

               embrace.

               Further from the pyres, alone, the shadows and flames playing

               on his face, Jardin Canaris glares coldly into the dark. His

               face is angry, bitter, his eyes are hard. 

               Jardin's head tilts like he hears something. He listens for a

               moment, then flings his lightsaber to the ground and stalks

               off.

               Far away, standing before the pyre of Dalu Dalu, Yoda watches

               Canaris' departure with sage concern.

               EXT. ALDERAAN CASTLE - MORNING

               A very large crowd is assembled before the palace. In front

               of the throng, the heroes of the battle of Alderaan are

               arrayed. 

               Quintumvirs Mothma and Organa, Elspet Organa, trailed by

               Serai, and Tet Leore, supported by space crutches, bestow

               medals upon the honorees. 

               Leore pins a medal on the frigate captain. Elspet does the

               same for Odo Luff.

               Bail grants awards to a proud Kitch and Manx. He gives

               another to Anakin. Serai smiles, and Anakin blushes.

               Mothma gives a medal to a bashful Heph, Forbee at his side.

               And finally, smiling gently, she presents Kenobi with his.

               Kenobi returns the smile, and then looks past her at Yoda. 

               The old master appears to approve, but he is distracted by

               something, disturbed. He looks up and away, studying the sky.

               Yoda's thoughts are interrupted by applause. The crowd cheers

               and claps -- Alda and the gunners more raucously than most.

               The heroes stand at attention and look warmly about at each

               other.

               It is a good day.

                                                                THE END

Author
Time

For now, I only read the opening crawl and a little every page, I have to read it all, but what I read from the opening crawl seems quite interesting.

But only three things:
First, could you put the date on which the episode occurs?
Second, describe a little more physically (hair style, hair color, eye color, etc) the main characters and supporting characters and their ages (you know, instead of saying a young Obi-Wan Kenobi or an a teenager Anakin, you could put an Obi-Wan of thirty years or something like that).
And third, you could put in bold the names of the characters? You know, to make it easier to read and differentiate who speaks.

That's all for now, when I read it completely, I will give a fuller comment.

Author
Time

The episode takes place roughly 40 years before A New Hope.

Most of the characters get a brief physical description, highlighting the elements that matter to me and leaving the rest a little open to interpretation/imagination. But, if it helps, I'd say Obi Wan is in his early thirties and Anakin is 15 or 16 with Leia's coloring (brown hair and eyes). I'd put Manx in her mid-twenties, Rohn and Bail Organa in their early forties, and Palpatine in his seventies.