Well folks, after so many months, the first draft of Son of the Suns is finished. For those who kept up, I thank you. For those just discovering this, the previous posts have been edited with the updates, and I hope you’ll like it. Read along as Star Wars: Episode I draws to a close…
Cut to Alderaan, a lush and beautiful place, filled with colorful fields and clear blue skies. The architecture looks remarkably naturalistic, often built into natural land formations, such as hills and mountains. The clothing of the citizens is simple, but with touches of elegance. Few citizens barely take notice of the small freighter landing at the port
As the ship lands, Prince and Field Marshal Bail Organa rushes over, dressed in a military uniform and no nonsense haircut. He embraces Darelda and tells her he was just about to order every Republic ship he could get to find her. She tells him that he needs to get the council and whatever forces they can muster; it’s about to be the worst day in the history of Alderaan.
Cut to the capital cruiser ship where Bracett reports that their armies not control every major center on the planet. Phakerem and Kwade’s attention is only focused on the large fleet of coalition ships formation in orbit. The general orders the last test and its confirmed that none of them can be seen with Republic equipment. The two share a look. Phakerem says they’re ready.
Cut to a grand hall on Alderaan where various officials are abuzz as Darelda shows the off the invasion plans. She says that a transport has already been sent to Coruscant to inform the senate and people are being evacuated, but the officials yell they don’t have enough ships to get civilians out of danger in time. Bail steps in and makes it clear various defenses are already being prepared and armies readied. This doesn’t convince them as they counter that their soldiers lack enough experience for something like this.
The field marshal emphasizes that Republic support will come and that they need to hold old off any attackers until then. When the shouts start again, he silences them and says with the help of a Jedi Knight they will protect this planet from harm. The mention of Kenobi alleviates some of the more emotional council members, but many still look worried.
Cut to an Alderaan hangar where Anakin looking at various local vessels, his brow furrowed. Carima appears and comments on him not finding anything to his liking. Skywalker explains that while they’re good ships, he’s not sure there’s not enough time to get familiar with them. She attempts to bring up his spirits, pointing out that if he got them here safe in that bucket of bolts then surely he can take on any of these.
Things turn more serious when she asks if he’s really gonna do this, (participate in the battle) and he reiterates that no one else in the galaxy right needs more help than these people right now. She sighs and asks if he’s always been this foolhardy and she just didn’t notice all these years. He manages a smirk and says she must have been distracted by his small town charm.
He gently grabs her hand and tells her get to a planetary safe zone wherever it might be, and that if something does happen to him to get into contact with Ben back home and tell Beru he loves her. Niwir struggles to respond and tells him to get some good fighter support when he’s flying around up there and wishes him luck. They warmly hug before they part ways.
In a darkened war room Bail and Obi-Wan amidst a buzz of various officers, look over various war plans establishing that Kenobi will lead the armed forces on the planet if and when enemy soldiers land. The Jedi Knight notes that they have the element of surprise and that will be their greatest asset before they can get reinforcements. Organa quietly counters that the invaders might want to occupy the planet entirely, weapons cache be damned and if that’s the case surprise can only do so much.
When Anakin’s role is brought up, Organa asks how he managed to end up with an apprentice. Obi-Wan clarifies that he’s not Skywalker’s teacher yet, as he’s still debating it. The prince reminds him that he’s known Kenobi for a long time and if he’s stalling it means he’s already decided and is just reluctant to reveal it. At the Jedi’s silence Bail tells him that if he thinks he’s not the right master for him, he owes to the boy to not lie or keep him in suspense. He gets back to the plans as Obi-Wan considers what he said.
Cut to Darelda looking over the Alderaanian city at sunrise from a high rise balcony. HX arrives and the two converse about her home’s future and the she expresses her quiet panic at the galaxy at war. 81 tells her the Republic’s been in war in millennia past and survived. “Not one with this Senate, and certainly not one with these problems.” Organa replies. The droid says they have the soldiers, have the Jedi, and have enough Senators still worth a little something.
These words seem to have an effect and she warmly thanks him. She asks “Is all that programming too?” There’s a pause. “I’m not programmed to answer that.” Darelda smirks and they head back inside.
Cut to hangar with Anakin getting ready to get into a medium sized fighter. Kenobi walks up and asks if he’s ready. Skywalker says he thinks so. Obi-Wan tells him to not ignore his instincts and to never let the Force stray from him. The younger man gives his assurance he’ll do that. He says regardless of how it turns out, and whatever master he ends up with, he’s grateful that everything Ben’s did for him and just wants to thank him.
Kenobi says he can thank him when they’re victorious. Anakin doesn’t seem as convinced, and offers a half hearted “Yeah.” He begins to say “May the Force be with you” but instead just tells him to be safe. Obi-Wan nods back and the two part ways.
Skywalker gets inside his cruiser and sees Carima is his co-pilot. He starts to address her and she cuts him off, going on a rant that even if he wants her safe, she’s there’s no way he’s going to be up there by himself, and however dangerous it might be, the two of them are doing this together, so he might as well accept it. Anakin takes this in and initially sits down without a word before finally saying “Well at least you won’t fall asleep on this one.” Niwir rolls her eyes at that but secretly smiles when after Anakin straps in.
Cut to Darelda giving an address to the various citizens of Alderaan. This plays over various shots of Anakin and Carima’s ship taking off, Obi-Wan and 81 readying ground forces, enemy ships coming out of hyperspace, Kwade basking in confidence in his command chair, Phakerem placing her command helmet over her head while standing amongst Mandalorian troopers, and Bail Organa seriously studying the holographic map of his soldiers.
The senator’s speech speaks of the treasured nature of the planet and its long history and culture. She iterates that they have not spent centuries molding, building, and loving their homes to see it destroyed for the purpose of criminals and despots. Darelda speaks that if the Republic is to go to war than this world will demonstrate to these invaders what their sovereignty and their welfare means to members of the Republic. “Let history write that this was our home’s greatest day.”
The various fighters and armies report in, and soon the battle begins. Kwade reacts with noticeable anger when he realizes the world is already prepared for an attack. Realizing that Republic forces might be coming he tells heavy cruisers to land on the Alderaan and deploy their units as quickly as possible and for all fighters to tie up planetary defenses. From the command center Bail orders all fighters to slow down and damage any cruisers they can and to evade enemy fighters for as long as possible.
In space Anakin’s ship skillfully avoids getting blasted by various fighters, with Carima doing the actual fighter blasting. She says with the sensor cloak it’s hard to hit anything and he suggests firing to confuse them or keep them away and consider any direct hits as an added bonus. They along with various other ships attempt to halt and delay the big cruisers but some get through, including the one carrying the general.
In that ship Phakerem prepares for landing and is told that many major areas are scanning as abandoned or heavily shielded. When asked if they should begin occupation movements she states negative and that their primary targets are the fortified weapons cache bunker and the capital, adding that once both are taken the rest of planet will not matter. The ship sets down just outside the weapons cache area as she leads a large battalion forward.
In the fortified bunker holding the wapons cache Kenobi and HX stand ready behind unit after unit of Alderaan troops, the soldiers themselves looking quite nervous. The droid says if what’s out there is anything like on Nar Shadda, this defense could be gone real quick. Kenobi tells him that the most of the Mandalorian troops relied on enemy unfamiliarity to win, and they won’t have that advantage this time.
81 replies “No, just overwhelming numbers, advanced weapons, and fanatical devotion. You’re right; I can practically see our victory now.” They hear the sound of approaching troops and Obi-Wan tells him they’re about to find out.
Cut to the war room with the field marshal trying to direct evasions and attacks with him clearly frustrated that the sensor cloak is crippling their movements. Darelda suggests they coordinate ship formations so their smaller ships have a visual view of the battle at all times. Bail orders this, and when his general notes that with the number of ships they’ve they can’t afford to spare many, Organa responds that until they can see the enemy, they’ll lose a lot more.
Skywalker and Niwir manage to shoot down a fighter, and initially celebrate, but have to refocus as more enemies appear forcing them to evade once again.
On the planet the first wave of the enemy race towards the bunker, a mix of Mandalorians officers, with general soldiers utilizing artillery and acting as infantry. A series of small weapons platforms on the building blasts away at them, hitting a few scattered targets. Phakerem leads near the front, commanding her seconds no backwards movements unless ordered otherwise.
Inside the bunker Obi-Wan and HX have their weapons ready, until the droid stares at something on the ceiling. He points it out and asks Master Kenobi if he cares to climb.
In the fighter Carima and Anakin are starting to sweat under the pressure with the latter noting there’s just so many enemy fighters and the former wondering how much longer they’re supposed to evade everything and actually make a hit. He says they’ve got to keep going.
Back on the planet enemy forces destroy the gun platforms and breach the bunker. The initial forces manage to get inside, only to be engaged by the Alderaan troops. Before infantry can gain any ground 81 and Kenobi drop down from behind and take a number out. The Jedi knight orders everyone to move forward and spread out against the invaders as the two sides begin to really take each other head on. Closer to the entrance, Phakerem marches to the front and personally leads a Mandalorian platoon inwards.
With a rush of fighters swarming their ship, Skywalker and Niwir are just about crack with her telling him to retreat. He starts doing so as swarms of lasers blast all around them, his face full of panic. By happenstance he gets a look at the sun in the system. Staring at it with quiet intensity, he doesn’t hear Carima’s hurried questions directed at him. He briefly closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, focuses with the Force, and then without a word turns back and zips towards the fighters.
Niwir asks what the hell he’s doing and Anakin clarifies that he can sense where they are, effectively overcoming the sensor cloak. He proves this in predicting a squadron of fighters coming up the rear and successfully luring them into crashing into one of their own larger cruisers. He signals for other fighters for form up with him and follow his lead and instructions.
On the planet, the various soldiers on both sides get closer with individual small fights becoming scattered all over the front sections of the bunker. Kenobi and Phakerem take out various soldiers before finally the former spots the latter. Realizing she’s the greatest threat, Obi-Wan gets her attention and with the generals obsession with Jedi, she gladly follows him when he lures her away from the main battlefield.
In the war room Bail and Darelda notice Anakin’s success and spotting fighters and the fleet general asks how he’s pulling that off, to which the Senator answers that the Force is with him. He replies that they’ll have to hope it’s with the rest of them as well. He gets a communication to Skywalker and tells him to lead and inform a squadron.
In the fighter Anakin does just that, getting a group of fighters in position and ordering them to attack one of the larger freighters on his mark.
On the Dynasty Bracett tells Kwade that one of the enemy ships is appears to be spotting their fighters, in spite of the sensor cloak. Traezin can only mutter “Jedi…”
In the bunker 81 battles various lower ranked Mandalorian soldiers, at one point literally jumping over them onto the wall, latching on to it, and firing on them below.
Not too far away, Phakerem and Kenobi finally clash with the Jedi seeing her activate her energy gauntlets and state that they’ve been waiting centuries for this day.” Obi-Wan grimly inquires “To subjugate innocent people, to destroy the Republic?” She smiles. “To save the galaxy.” She swings at him.
Kwade watches enraged as Anakin’s squadron is starting to gain some progress in the battle. He directs more units to target all ships in it, the leader especially.
Skywalker is getting a bit tired giving various orders and Carima asks how long he’s going to keep this up, and he declares that until back up forces arrive, they’ve got no choice. Suddenly they both notice a large misslie shot out by one of the cruisers heading straight for them. They break off from the squadron as he tells Niwir to focus on enemy fighters; he’ll deal with the missile.
In the bunker Kenobi and Phakerem go toe to toe as its her energy gauntlets vs. his lightsaber, with both barely missing each other all the time.
She lays out how weak the Republic has become over the centuries and that the Jedi are have grown to blind to see that the body they’ve sworn to protect is worthing nothing except to put out of its misery. Kenobi forcefully responds that their oath to justice doesn’t end in imperfect times and they they will fight for peace no matter the circumstance, and certainly no matter the enemy. Phakerem with a devilish smile asks if that platitude goes for his young Jedi ally, which Obi-Wan immediately reacts to, even more so when she guesses “not just an ally, an apprentice.”
In the war room, Bail states with uncertain optimism that they’ve reached a stalemate in the orbital fight, however Darelda alarmingly yells that enemy units have started overruning their planetary forces. Various artillery weapons start hitting the building as even underground, those in the room sense shaking. The fleet admiral starts ordering a small number of ships back the planet saying they have got to hold on.
81 is in the thick of battle, being told that enemy forces have breached another defense in the bunker. “Damn the maker, they aren’t getting to those supplies!”
Above the planet, Skywalker’s fighter is being chased by the missile with them keeping ahead some small distance while Niwir’s laser shots doing nothing to take it out.
In the Dynasty, Kwade stares stonefaced at the readings and orders another missile shot out. Sure enough Anakin and Carima spot it, with the former’s eyes going wide and quickly looking at Niwir who shares his expression at but then surprisingly looks at him with a small smile and says “Anakin, you are that good.” Skywalker’s spirits lift up immediately, and with a sigh he closes his eyes and concentrates with the Force.
In the bunker, the general is gradually winning the fight with the Jedi, grabbing his lightsaber with both hands and slowly moving it towards Obi-Wan’s throat. She gloats that Kenobi’s student will fall or realize his place in the new galaxy that will soon be born. “There will be no new Jedi, because the Jedi are not fit to live anymore.” This sets off Obi-Wan and with a roar he pushes her off using the Force. Looking her right in the face he states “That boy will be Jedi, and so will many others.” They both rush forward at each other.
Outside both missiles are heading towards the fighter, but with great effort Skywalker shifts the trajectory of one missile just enough to crash it into the other, destroying both in a huge explosion. Anakin and Carima both scream in celebration while on his ship Traezin completely loses it, ordering every single bit of firepower they’ve got in reserve used as quickly as possible. “I want these fighters gone. I don’t care how you do it.”
At that various large cruisers start readying their heavy weapons and more fighters released. Realizing their odds, Niwir and Skywalker share possibly their last conversation; him speaking first with a sad smile. “Wish I could have gotten you those droids.” She shrugs. “I’ll live.”
On the planet, a slightly damaged 81 and Alderaan soldier defeat the last of a platoon, but the latter spots another unit coming in the distance and HX confirms that several larger ones are already on their way. They share a look and then ready themselves for whatever arrives.
The war room is almost falling apart as the building shakes more and more from the damage by the enemy. Bail reports ground forces overrun, orbiting fighters outnumbered, and that they can’t take more structural damage. He starts to prepare evacuations, but Darelda points out the readings on the scanner showing vessels coming out of hyperspace
On the Dynasty Kwade witnesses the same thing, but Bracett verbalizes what it means. “Those aren’t ours.”
Sure enough a load of Republic ships start appearing in the system and start blasting away at the enemy and heading towards the planet. Anakin and Carima embrace in celebration, with the former so into the moment, he kisses her on the cheek. There’s a pause, but she smirks and the two embrace again.
Obi-Wan and Phakerem are caught in a stalemate, but once she recieves the news about the Republic ships via her headset, her concentration notably slips. When Kenobi snarks about there being no new galaxy today, she angrily takes a swing, ony for him to trip her, causing her to briefly lose her balance and bend her head over. Finally given his chance, he kicks in the right elbow, driving her gauntlet right at the edge of her helmet, just scorching her head.
She cries out in pain, but before the Jedi can finish her off, a platoon of enemy soldiers arrives and starts firing, driving him away as she and the various units start to flee.
Traezin on the Dynasty orders a massive evacuation, telling all forces back to Nar Shadda. He spots Anakin’s ship one last time and glares before getting the cruiser to hyperspace. All coalition fighters flee quickly with large cruisers either following shortly afterward or picking up infantry on the ground, including an injured Phakerem, now more angry than pained. Massive amounts of forces quickly depart all over.
Anakin and Carima’s ship, (along with other Alderaan fighters) flies over the planet, and eventually hovers near the bunker. To their great relief they see both Obi-Wan and HX just outside it waving them down.
Wipe to the war room where the Organas discuss the immediate repairs and supplies the planet needs, with him giving her support when she says it’s going to be a nightmare getting anything from the Senate with the invasion. She adds that the upcoming election has been completely thrown in disarray with Montross’ reelection bid likely dead in the water and Valorum’s backers probably diverting their support elsewhere. Bail brings up Palpatine running, but she doubts him given he’s a virtual nobody in the Senate.
He says for the moment they need to focus on what they can do here. 81 comes in and says one of the medical teams discovered something from a blood test on the enemy soldiers. He hands them a pad where they examine the data and react. Bail says they’re all the same, and struggles to speak to what it means. Darelda, however has no such reservations and states it out loud. “It’s a clone army.”
Cut to the capital cruiser where Kwade reads aloud to someone offscreen the report from their forces. “We’ve already taken a dozen planets. Alderaan or not, advance warning or not, I call this a victory.” Camera follows his gaze where we see from behind raw cybernetic implants implanted onto Phakerem. “Not yet.”
Cut to the Lars homestead where Anakin is in the middle of an explanation of Owen and Beru, stating that with what they’ve already accomplished he’s now in a good position the make things better for a large number of people in the galaxy. Owen can only stare at him stone faced with Beru doing her best to put on a sympathetic air, but the disappointment is still clear on her face. Skywalker mentions that he’ll send some credits back the farm when gets the chance, but Owen speaks up and cuts him off.
With barely restrained anger, he tells Anakin that they don’t need occasional money while he’s off on some ridiculous quest. They need him back home. Anakin looks to his sister for support, but she looks back at him sadly and points out he said he would be back, but he’s returned just to say they won’t be in their lives anymore. She asks if he expects her to just be on a happy face and be thrilled that she’ll rarely see him anymore.
This weight of the words clearly hangs over Anakin, but he replies that surely there’s a way for him to do what’s necessary but still be part of their lives. However Owen can only shake his head and respond that man he wants in his live is the loyal, hardworking, farmer; the man he’s grown to respect. "Whoever this crazy fool standing in front of me is, I don’t want him on this farm. He walks out the room, frown hiding the sadness in his eyes.
Skywalker tries one last time to appeal to Beru, but she tells him that he should go for now. Anakin is hurt by the sentiment, but holds his composure and hugs Beru, telling her he’ll be alright, and they’ll be okay with the farm no matter what. “I wish I could believe that as much as you do.” she replies with a sad smile. The two share a final look before going off in separate directions.
He walks out of the home and he along with the audience see Carima leaning against the spice freighter, with her already sensing his hurt and appearing sympathetic. She asks how bad it went, as Anakin can only quietly retort in a quiet voice that it was indeed quite bad. She throws in a quick reassurance that Owen will get over it eventually, but even she doesn’t seem to fully believe it.
Anakin confirms that she’s gotten a lot of her compensation and he asks what she’s planning now that she’s home. She notes that with Nar Shadda occupied and the trade routes no longer safe thanks to the war, she’d prefer some more permanent work, maybe something on Coruscant. He’s a bit confused, but asks if she has anything specific plans in mind.
She grins, and says “Yeah, one thing” before embracing him in a kiss. He’s pleasantly surprised, and says that can work. She walks to the ship, commenting that is she’s changing jobs, she could use a nice cruiser. Anakin’s eyes go wide. “A new cruiser?” She shrugs and sly smirk on her face states “I told you’d owe me big Skywalker.” The young man pauses, shakes his head with a smile, and walks after her.
On the ship Kenobi notices Niwir with a raised eyebrow, and Anakin casually mentions that Carima will be joining them. Obi-Wan gives a knowing nod and says nothing. Everyone gets in their positions and Anakin wonders if he can handle Coruscant. The Jedi master replies that he’ll have to come with him to Coruscant if he is to learn the ways the Force, that is if he still wants him as his master.
Anakin looks back at Carima, who’s happy for him, and he gives a small but energetic smile before replying “Offer accepted, Master Kenobi.” Skywalker says nothing afterwards, his look towards Ben clearly is one of thanks. From outside the ship blasts off to hyperspace.
The End.
As I’ve said before, any feedback would most appreciated. Those who want a full copy, just hit me up and I’ll send it to you. Don’t know how soon I’ll start heavy work on episode II, but just completing Son of the Suns (even a first draft) is tremendous relief.
