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This is my Revised Seventh Draft of my screenplay rewrite of Star Wars Episode II. It is titled ‘Clone Wars’. If you haven’t already done so, I would strongly suggest reading my full screenplay rewrite of Episode I before reading this. There are a lot of plot points and revelations that come to fruition in this story from Episode I. I would suggest that my vision for the Star Wars prequels is far different to that of George Lucas, but my chief aim was to rewrite these to my own satisfaction, which means consistent with the Original Trilogy. Please read it and tell me what you think. Again, I must stress that all criticism of dialogue, plot, and characterisation is welcome, but DO NOT CRITICISE THE ENDEAVOUR ITSELF. If you hate fan-fiction on principle, then reading this is not going to change that, nor is criticising the endeavour going to stop me. I have finished re-writing Episodes I and II, and I’m halfway through Episode III, why the hell would I stop now? However, if you hated George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels, this may resolve the story in your own mind and give you some satisfaction.



STAR WARS

Episode II

THE CLONE WARS

Written by
Adam Redsell

Revised Seventh Draft
November 23, 2005

Based on the film
‘Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones’

by
George Lucas.

1 EXT SPACE

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….

A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the Main Title, followed by a rollup, which crawls into infinity.

The Republic is in tatters. The galaxy is on the brink of war as tensions rise between loyalists and separatists.

The Galactic Senate is gripped with panic as the Jedi Knights struggle to maintain peace in the galaxy. Systems secede for fear of retribution as Grievous’ clone armies swell in numbers. With the Mandalorian presence all but wiped out, the Confederacy turns it attention towards the Republic.

In a bid to unify and strengthen the Republic, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has moved the Senate to increase its military expenditure. Ever vigilant, loyalist forces lie in wait on the Republic border…

PAN DOWN to reveal fleets of REPUBLIC CRUISERS, NEBULON-A FRIGATES, and ASSAULT GUNBOATS cruising in stasis.

2 EXT CORELLIA/CHANDRILLA/KASHYYYK/ MON CALAMARI/SULLUST/ITHOR – MONTAGE

BATTALIONS of REPUBLIC SOLDIERS have been deployed on the outer systems of the Republic to defend its borders from the growing Separatist threat.

3 EXT DANTOOINE – GRASSLANDS – PATROL TOWER – AFTERNOON

AT-WALKER VARIANTS patrol the grasslands of Dantooine. A REPUBLIC OFFICER looks out with his electrobinoculars from the patrol tower.

4 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – MEDITATION CHAMBER – NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN are training in the Meditation Chamber. ANAKIN uses the Force to lift large objects in the room, but he momentarily loses concentration and drops everything.

ANAKIN
Wha–?!

OBI-WAN
How many times have I told you, Anakin? Control. You must learn control…What’s wrong?

ANAKIN
Padmé’s in danger.

ANAKIN and OBI-WAN run out of the chamber.

5 INT CORUSCANT – PADMÉ’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

ANAKIN runs into the chamber, drags Padmé out of bed.

PADMÉ
(groggy)
Anakin…what are you doing?

ANAKIN runs, carrying Padmé, and OBI-WAN follows.

ANAKIN
Ugh!

They jump as the chamber EXPLODES behind them. The explosion floors Anakin, and he lands on his back. PADMÉ lands straddled on Anakin, creating an awkward situation. OBI-WAN hits the wall on the other side of the corridor. He observes Anakin and Padmé’s embarrassing situation. PADMÉ and ANAKIN stare at each other for a few seconds until they realise their embarrassment. PADMÉ rolls away from Anakin

PADMÉ
(still groggy)
Anakin…what is going on?

ANAKIN
(in between breaths)
I think…someone…is trying…to kill you.

REPUBLIC OFFICERS rush in to attend to the Queen, and to clean up the area.

6 INT CORUSCANT – CHANCELLOR’S CHAMBERS – DAY

SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE sits in his chair, gazing out the window at the cityscape, until OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, and QUEEN AMIDALA enter his bureau. PALPATINE swivels his chair around, and rises to greet them.

PALPATINE
Your Highness! Thank goodness you’re still alive…And Anakin, I am eternally grateful for your swift and heroic action.

OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, and QUEEN AMIDALA exchange bows with PALPATINE.

ANAKIN
(clearing his throat)
It was no problem, really.

PALPATINE sits down behind his desk again and gestures towards the seats in front of him.

PALPATINE
Please, take a seat. We have a great deal to discuss.

OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, and QUEEN AMIDALA sit down.

OBI-WAN
Do you have any intelligence on who may be behind this attack?

PALPATINE
The attack was no doubt perpetrated by one of General Grievous’ assassins.

OBI-WAN
But why would Grievous still consider the Queen to be a threat?

PALPATINE
The Queen remains the recognised leader of Onderon, and as long as she remains so, Onderon is officially a Republican system…She is a symbol of the Republic, and Grievous would love nothing more than to completely sever Onderon’s ties with the Republic…You must understand the seriousness of the situation. This is an act of war. I suggest that the Queen be taken to another system to lay low for a while, until the danger subsides…with a Jedi protector, yes. Anakin would be perfect for the job.

OBI-WAN
Thank you for your advice, Chancellor, but the decision will ultimately lie with the Council.

PALPATINE
(looking at Anakin)
Yes, of course. I am confident they will make a wise decision…

AMIDALA
And what say do I have in this?! This will take me away from my Senate meetings!

PALPATINE
I know this is difficult for you, your Highness, but you must understand that your safety is our primary concern at this time. I will be delivering an ultimatum to General Grievous in the next session of the Senate tomorrow. For your own safety, he cannot know that you are still alive.

AMIDALA
I know. You are right. But who will take my place in the Senate?

PALPATINE
You *could* delegate one of the regional governors…perhaps Governor Tarkin is suitable for the task…

AMIDALA
I trust in your judgement, Chancellor.

PALPATINE
Then the matter is settled. I will contact the governor immediately. Assuming he accepts the responsibility, you may confer with him via comlink at any time, but you must be discreet.

AMIDALA
I understand. Thank you for your counsel, Chancellor.

QUEEN AMIDALA, ANAKIN, and OBI-WAN rise.

PALPATINE
As long as you are safe, your Highness.

OBI-WAN
(bowing)
Thank you, Chancellor.

QUEEN AMIDALA, ANAKIN, and OBI-WAN leave the chamber.

7 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS – DAY

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN stand before the Jedi Council.

MACE
How did the meeting go?

OBI-WAN
They believe the attack was perpetrated by one of Grievous’ assassins. The Chancellor recommends that the Queen be assigned a Jedi Guardian and taken to another system until the danger subsides.

KI-ADI
I agree. The Queen must be protected at all costs.

OBI-WAN
The Chancellor recommended Anakin in particular.

MACE
Hmmm…They are friends, and Anakin had the initial premonition of her danger. All in favour?

YODA
I agree.

MACE
Then it is settled. Anakin, you will take the Queen to Alderaan and remain there until notified.

ANAKIN
Yes, Master.

MACE
Obi-wan, you will go to the moon of Dxun to investigate the disappearance of a group of Jedi Knights.

OBI-WAN
What were Jedi doing on Dxun?

MACE
Master Sifo-Dyas led a group of Jedi Knights to fight the Mandalorians against the will of the Council…It was later we discovered that a Separatist clone army had already landed for an invasion. The Mandalorians were all but wiped out, and the Jedi have not since returned. We fear the worst.

YODA
Yes…the Dark Side we sense.

OBI-WAN
Very well. I will go to Dxun.

KI-ADI
May the Force be with you both.

8 INT/EXT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – CORRIDOR/DOCKING BAY – DAY

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN walk through the Temple corridor towards the docking bay. OBI-WAN looks at Anakin for a while and smiles. ANAKIN looks back at Obi-wan suspiciously.

ANAKIN
What?

OBI-WAN
What? Aren’t I allowed to smile?

ANAKIN
(smirking)
That all depends…on what you’re smiling about…

OBI-WAN
(as if he’s reciting poetry)
Your first mission alone…You’ve grown so much.

ANAKIN
Ah! Knock it off!

ANAKIN pauses for a moment, then turns towards Obi-wan again.

ANAKIN
(pointing at Obi-wan, jokingly)
I know, you don’t think I can take care of myself!

OBI-WAN
No, it’s Padmé I’m worried about!

ANAKIN looks slightly annoyed.

OBI-WAN
I’m only kidding!

OBI-WAN places his hands on Anakin’s shoulders.

OBI-WAN
I trust you, Anakin. Even with my own life if I had to…but don’t do anything unless the Council instructs you.

ANAKIN
Yes, Master.

OBI-WAN
May the Force be with you.

ANAKIN
May the Force be with you too, Obi-wan.

ANAKIN and OBI-WAN turn away from each other and walk their separate ways.

OBI-WAN
(turning back around)
Anakin!

ANAKIN stops and rolls his eyes back.

ANAKIN
(turning about-face)
What now?!

OBI-WAN
Take care.

ANAKIN
(smiling, shooing him off)
Alright, alright. Get out of here, you’ve got a mission to accomplish!

OBI-WAN finally boards his fighter and sets course for Dxun.

9 INT CORUSCANT – GALACTIC SENATE

SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE stands before the HOLOSCREEN IMAGE of GENERAL GRIEVOUS. Hundreds of SENATORS look on.

PALPATINE
Today, the Republic presents you with a choice.

GRIEVOUS
Oh, how generous of you all…

PALPATINE
Stand down. Or be forcibly removed.

GRIEVOUS
Ha! Some choice! The same thing in different packages. Very clever. Tell me, Chancellor. You didn’t honestly expect me to choose between the two, did you? Very well. You back me into a corner and I’ll burrow through you. Be warned. A landing on Onderon’s soil will be interpreted as an act of war against the Confederacy of Independent Systems!

A RABBLE rouses in the Senate, then dies down again.

PALPATINE
Have no illusions, Grievous. It is your treachery that has brought this upon your house!

GRIEVOUS
Ha! Tell that to the galaxy when war is on their doorstep!

The holo-screen FIZZLES out. A RABBLE rouses in the Senate.

MAS AMEDDA
Order! Order!!

CHANCELLOR PALPATINE turns around to face the Senate.

PALPATINE
Mark my words, General Grievous will be brought to justice, and the throne returned to Queen Amidala. The people of Onderon will be liberated! It is with this resolve that I motion for military action in Onderon!

The SENATORS rise to applaud his decision.

Yes, I am crazy. And yes, I have finished my rewrite of the screenplay for Star Wars Episode I. This is the 8th Draft - my proof-read and probably final screenplay. If you were dissatisfied with George Lucas' Prequel Trilogy, please take the time to read this and tell me what you think. Screenplays for Episodes II and III ('The Clone Wars' and 'Fall of the Jedi' respectively) are forthcoming.



STAR WARS

Episode I

THE PHANTOM MENACE (REWRITE)

Written by
Adam Redsell

Revised Eighth Draft
November 11, 2005

Based on the film
‘Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace’

by
George Lucas.



1 EXT SPACE

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….

A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the Main Title, followed by a rollup, which crawls into infinity.

The Galactic Republic has thrived for centuries in peace and unity under the guardianship of the Jedi Knights.

But the peace has been disturbed in recent times as rumours of a Mandalorian resurgence on the Onderonian moon of Dxun reach the Senate. The Mandalorians have settled there anonymously for decades, but their reputation as intergalactic conquerors precedes them.

Concerned by these developments, General Grievous, military leader of Onderon, dispatches spies to monitor their activities.

PAN DOWN to reveal the jungle moon of DXUN, with ONDERON in the backdrop. PAN with Mandalorian ship as it descends to land in the Mandalorian Base Camp.

2 EXT DXUN – JUNGLE – NIGHT

Two of General Grievous’ spies, CRIMSON THREE and CRIMSON FIVE, dressed in jungle camouflage, are hiding behind a cliff-face outside of the Mandalorian Base Camp.

CRIMSON THREE
Yep, that’s them alright. Pass me the electrobinoculars, will ya?

CRIMSON FIVE rummages around in his backpack until he finds them and passes them to CRIMSON THREE. CRIMSON THREE checks out the base through the electrobinoculars. He sees the MANDALORIAN WARRIORS training intensely, stockpiling assault weapons, and rebuilding their assault transports (BASILISKS).

CRIMSON THREE
(into comlink)
Crimson Three to Azure Base, over. Crimson Three to Azure Base, do you copy?

AZURE BASE
(over comlink)
We read ya, Crimson Three.

CRIMSON THREE
(into comlink)
I have visual of the settlement, it’s as we’ve feared. They’re stockpiling assault weapons, rebuilding Basilisks, everything.

AZURE BASE
(over comlink)
Can you see anything else?

CRIMSON THREE
(into comlink)
Wait…I think I can see –

Two BLASTER SHOTS sound. The comlink lies in the grass on the jungle floor.

AZURE BASE
(over comlink)
Crimson Three! Do you read me?! Crimson Thr –

A silvery boot steps on the comlink and crushes it.

3 INT ONDERON – IZIZ – PALACE THRONE ROOM – AFTERNOON

GENERAL GRIEVOUS enters the room and bows before QUEEN AMIDALA. A highly decorated military leader, Grievous has a broad jaw-line and chiselled facial features. He is aging, with greying hair and a beard, but well-built nonetheless. He wears a green military uniform, with multiple medals, and a black, flowing cape. QUEEN AMIDALA, wearing her elaborate headdress and robes, sits in her throne.

GRIEVOUS
Two of our spies on Dxun have been killed, your Highness. The Mandalorian presence on the moon is stronger than ever. They have enough firepower to make a landing on –

AMIDALA
Withdraw all surviving personnel.

GRIEVOUS
It will be done, your Highness. Your Highness…

AMIDALA
Yes, General?

GRIEVOUS
If I may make a suggestion…We have the technology at our disposal, I propose we build an army to defend Onderon…

AMIDALA
Cloning for military purposes would be a direct contravention of Republic law!

GRIEVOUS
But your Highness, the Mandalorians –

AMIDALA
I will not condone an action that will lead us to war!

GRIEVOUS
As you wish, your Highness…

GENERAL GRIEVOUS bows again and leaves the room. QUEEN AMIDALA watches him distrustfully.

4 INT ONDERON – IZIZ PALACE – CORRIDOR

GRIEVOUS walks down the corridor. The LIEUTENANT stops him in the corridor and salutes him.

LIEUTENANT
Shall we proceed with the operation, General?

GRIEVOUS
You may proceed. But be sure to exercise extreme caution.

LIEUTENANT
Yes, sir!

The LIEUTENANT salutes the General, about-turns, and leaves.

5 INT ONDERON – IZIZ – PALACE THRONE ROOM – SUNSET

QUEEN AMIDALA rises from her throne and stands in front of the window. She looks out at the sunset.

AMIDALA
Sabé.

SABÉ, one of the Queen’s handmaidens walks over to the Queen. She kneels before her.

SABÉ
Yes, your Highness?

AMIDALA
I want you to keep an eye on General Grievous. I think he’s up to something,

SABÉ
Yes, your Highness.

SABÉ rises to her feet and leaves the room.

6 INT OBI-WAN’S STARFIGHTER COCKPIT – SPACE

OBI-WAN KENOBI is flying in a JEDI STARFIGHTER on the OUTER RIM. OBI-WAN is twenty five, with long brown hair, beard, pale skin, and blue eyes. A small hologram of MASTER YODA materialises before OBI-WAN.

OBI-WAN
Why did you send me out here anyway, Master?

YODA
A master must have an apprentice, and one you must find.

OBI-WAN
I am to find an apprentice?

YODA
Yes. No more training do you require.

OBI-WAN
But where do I begin?

YODA
Concentrate. Feel the Force around you. And your apprentice you will find.

OBI-WAN
Thank you for your guidance, Master Yoda.

YODA
May the Force be with you, Obi-wan.

YODA bows and fades away.

OBI-WAN
Concentrate…

OBI-WAN closes his eyes and pauses in silent reflection. Suddenly, OBI-WAN opens his eyes as if waking from a nightmare. He pulls the flight controls to the far left.

OBI-WAN
What in the blazes?!

OBI-WAN narrowly averts a collision with a SPICE FREIGHTER. Once the danger has passed, he calms down and catches his breath.

OBI-WAN
That presence…it feels as though it came from…

OBI-WAN presses a few buttons and looks at the screen.

OBI-WAN
(continuing)
…Tatooine…

He steers his ship towards the awesome yellow planet, her two moons glowing against the darkness.

7 INT MOS EISLEY – HANGAR BAY

ANAKIN SKYWALKER, eighteen years old, is a tall, mousy blonde starship mechanic. He works in a hangar bay, which is more like an old garage. It’s cluttered with junk-piles, toolkits, and starships. SCAVENGER DROIDS zip around the hangar bay, helping out the mechanics. ZIG, a mechanic, crouches down behind a starship, with a customer beside him. ANAKIN is busy repairing a starship, with his back turned to Zig.

ZIG
(whispering to customer)
Watch this…

ZIG throws a hydrospanner at Anakin from behind. With reflexes like a steel trap, ANAKIN shoots his hand up, gripping the rogue hydrospanner with ease. The CUSTOMER applauds his ‘party trick’. ANAKIN looks at his hand in disbelief and shakes his head.

ZIG
Nice catch!

ANAKIN
I told you, Zig, I hate it when you do that!

ZIG
Ah, come on Skywalker! The customers love it!

ANAKIN gets up, wipes his hands off with a towel, and walks over to ZIG. ANAKIN drops the hydrospanner at his feet and points at ZIG.

ANAKIN
Yeah, well cut it out, or you’ll be the one dodging hydrospanners! And fix up that loose power cuplink before some unlucky customer gets grinded into space-dust!

ZIG
(saluting Anakin in a mocking fashion)
Yes, sir!

ANAKIN turns and walks back to the STARSHIP he was working on.

ANAKIN
And someone help this Rodian out here!

ZIG
Hey Skywalker, where ya goin’?

ANAKIN
Anywhere but here! I’m taking this thing for a test-flight…

ANAKIN climbs into the cockpit. ZIG shakes his head smiling, and gets back to work.

8 INT TATOOINE – STARSHIP – COCKPIT

ANAKIN flies the STARSHIP over the Tatooinian desert. ANAKIN looks down from the cockpit and sees another ship on the ground.

ANAKIN
What the heck is that? Looks like…a Jedi Starfighter…

ANAKIN makes another pass just to make sure.

9 EXT TATOOINE – DESERT WASTELAND – DAY

OBI-WAN stands at a distance from his starfighter. The desert winds blow his cloak around. He turns to shelter the comlink.

OBI-WAN
(into comlink)
I felt an echo in the Force.

YODA
(over comlink)
An echo, located around a person?

OBI-WAN
(into comlink)
Yes, Master. I traced it here to Tatooine. I can feel the presence getting closer.

YODA
(over comlink)
Careful you must be.

OBI-WAN
(into comlink)
There’s a ship coming, I’d better go.

ANAKIN lands next to Obi-wan’s ship. He opens the cockpit and climbs out. He walks over to the JEDI STARFIGHTER to check it out. He runs his hand along the smooth surface.

OBI-WAN
Why, hello there!

ANAKIN
(startled)
Oh, what?! So, you’re the Jedi!

OBI-WAN
What makes you think I’m a Jedi?

ANAKIN
You’re flying a Jedi Starfighter, aren’t you?

OBI-WAN
I see that you’re familiar with spacecraft…

ANAKIN
I’m a starship mechanic. It’s my job to know these things…I’m guessing that lightsaber on your belt isn’t ornamental, either…

OBI-WAN
Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him.

ANAKIN
Yeah right. No one can kill a Jedi.

OBI-WAN
If only that were true…

ANAKIN
So…what brings a Jedi to these parts?

OBI-WAN
Why, the Force brought me here…

ANAKIN
The Force? What kind of ‘force’ are you talking about?

OBI-WAN
I am searching for my apprentice…

ANAKIN
Well, what does he look like? Maybe I can help you find him…

OBI-WAN
Well, he’s tall, he has astoundingly quick reflexes, and he can see things moments before they happen…

ANAKIN
(eyeing off the Jedi Starfighter)
That’s a pretty strange description, but okay…

OBI-WAN
(noting Anakin’s interest in spacecraft)
Perhaps you’d like to fly my ship and help me find him?

ANAKIN
Would I ever! (clearing his throat) I mean, sure I could help you…the name’s Anakin Skywalker, by the way (stretching out his hand).

OBI-WAN
(shaking Anakin’s hand)
Obi-wan Kenobi. Pleased to meet you, Anakin.

ANAKIN and OBI-WAN climb into the cockpit of the JEDI STARFIGHTER.

10 INT OBI-WAN’S STARFIGHTER – COCKPIT – TATOOINE – DAY

ANAKIN studies the controls.

ANAKIN
Let me see…

ANAKIN flicks switches, presses buttons and pulls levers. The Starfighter JOLTS and takes off.

ANAKIN
There we go…now…where should we look first? I know, let’s check out Beggar’s Canyon. I wonder how fast this thing can go…

11 EXT/INT OBI-WAN’S STARFIGHTER – BEGGAR’S CANYON – DAY

ANAKIN flies the Starfighter at maximum throttle and barrel-rolls into the canyon.

OBI-WAN
Slow down, for goodness sake, slow down!

ANAKIN barrel-rolls out of the canyon again, narrowly averting a collision with the cliff-face.

12 EXT/INT OBI-WAN’S STARFIGHTER – JUNDLAND WASTES – DAY

They fly above a desert plain, dotted with BANTHAS. ANAKIN weaves in and out of the rocky columns.

OBI-WAN
What in the blazes are you doing now?!

ANAKIN
Just testing out the machinery…Don’t worry I do this all the time…

OBI-WAN
Look out for the –

ANAKIN BLASTS the two criss-crossing columns blocking their path. The boulders TUMBLE down and block the path of passing JAWAS, who beat their fists at the passing ship.

13 EXT/INT OBI-WAN’S STARFIGHTER – KRAYT DRAGON CAVE – DAY

They fly above the open desert plains again, this time approaching a cave. A KRAYT DRAGON THUNDERS out of the cave towards them, SHRIEKING.

OBI-WAN
You’re going to get us both killed!

The KRAYT DRAGON swipes at the starfighter with its gargantuan claw and misses, as ANAKIN swerves the ship out of harm’s way.

OBI-WAN
(continuing)
Oh, I give up…

They continue flying over the desert plains for a little while. ANAKIN turns to look over at Obi-wan.

ANAKIN
Well…that was fun…Let’s go back for another look.

OBI-WAN
Okay, okay, he’s definitely not here! Can you just land the blasted thing already?!

ANAKIN
All right, all right! Take it easy…

14 EXT TATOOINE – DESERT WASTELAND – AFTERNOON

ANAKIN sets the ship back down where it took off. OBI-WAN and ANAKIN climb out of the cockpit.

ANAKIN
(looking down at the ground)
I’m sorry we couldn’t find your apprentice.

OBI-WAN
Oh, but we did find my apprentice…he’s you.

ANAKIN
(astonished)
Wha?! Me? A Jedi?! How can this be?

OBI-WAN
Before I arrived, I sensed a strong presence in the Force, coming from this planet. It’s only when I met you that I knew.

ANAKIN
But how?!

OBI-WAN
Don’t be so surprised. You have Jedi reflexes. You see things before they happen. All traits of a being gifted in the Force.

ANAKIN is excited, but he hesitates.

OBI-WAN
I sense you are troubled. What’s the matter?

ANAKIN
(looking at the ground again)
It’s my mother. A few years ago, my people were attacked by slave-traders and they kidnapped my mother. I don’t know where they took her. I’ve circled the planet countless times. She’s not here…

OBI-WAN
Perhaps on the path to becoming a Jedi, the answers might present themselves…

ANAKIN pauses, looking back and forth between the old hangar bay and the JEDI STARFIGHTER.

ANAKIN
There’s nothing for me here. I want to see the galaxy; make something of my life. I want to become a Jedi and learn the ways of the Force.

15 EXT/INT MOS EISLEY – HANGAR BAY – AFTERNOON

ANAKIN climbs out of the cockpit of the STARSHIP, throws his towel down and starts walking out.

ANAKIN
Seeya later, Zig. I’m going.

ZIG
What? ! Hey Skywalker, what are you doing?! You forgot your…

ZIG shakes his head and puts Anakin’s toolkit down.

ZIG
Not again!

ANAKIN walks towards his LANDSPEEDER, parked outside the hangar bay. He climbs inside it.

ANAKIN
(to Obi-wan)
Come on, hop in.

OBI-WAN
(climbing into the LANDSPEEDER)
Where are we going?

ANAKIN
To say goodbye to an old friend.

ANAKIN REVS up the LANDSPEEDER and drives off.

16 EXT TATOOINE – WASTELAND – AFTERNOON

ANAKIN races across the wasteland in his battered LANDSPEEDER.

17 EXT TATOOINE – MOISTURE FARM – LATE AFTERNOON

ANAKIN pulls up the LANDSPEEDER beside the moisture farm. ANAKIN and OBI-WAN get out of the LANDSPEEDER. ANAKIN walks towards the hovel.

ANAKIN
(calling out)
Owen! Owen!!

OWEN
(calling back)
Hold on! I’m just finishing up. Why aren’t you still at work?

OWEN LARS walks out of the hovel with a towel over his shoulder. He cleans his hands with the towel as he approaches Anakin.

ANAKIN
Owen. (motioning towards OBI-WAN) There’s someone I’d like you to meet: Obi-wan Kenobi. Obi-wan, meet Owen Lars.

OBI-WAN
(shaking Owen’s hand)
Pleased to meet you.

OWEN
(suspiciously)
Sure…

ANAKIN
What’s taking you so long, anyway? Don’t tell me you need me to repair those moisture vaporators again!

OWEN
No, no, no, no…you ‘fixed’ quite enough the last time. I’m just busy at work, which is where you should be…

ANAKIN
Ha! Perhaps you should consider buying some droids!

OWEN
I’ll tell you what. How about I finish up here, and then we meet back at the homestead for some refreshments?

ANAKIN
Sounds good to me.

18 INT LARS HOMESTEAD – DINING AREA

Owen’s wife BERU, a young, beautiful woman, fills some pitchers with blue fluid from a refrigerated container in the well-used kitchen. She puts the pitchers on a tray and places them on the table.

OBI-WAN
(to Beru)
Thank you.

OWEN
So…Obi- wan, where are you from?

OBI-WAN
I came here from Coruscant.

OWEN
Ah! The bright centre of the universe! What brings an off-worlder like yourself all the way out to the Outer Rim?

OBI-WAN
I am a Jedi Knight on a mission to find an apprentice.

OWEN
Well, good luck finding a Jedi all the way out here! All you’ll find on this rock is Hutt-spawn and Bantha tracks!

OWEN raises his pitcher to his lips and starts drinking.

ANAKIN
Owen, I’m going with him…

OWEN spits out his drink in surprise.

OWEN
You’re what?

ANAKIN
I’m going with him, to Coruscant. I’m going to become a Jedi.

OWEN
Anakin, can I speak with you outside?

ANAKIN gets up from the table and OWEN places his hand on his shoulder as they walk out onto the balcony.

19 EXT LARS HOMESTEAD – BALCONY – BINARY SUNSET

OWEN
Have you lost your mind?! Didn’t anyone ever tell you to stay away from their kind?

ANAKIN
What are you talking about?

OWEN
The Jedi are dangerous! You’re a good mechanic, Anakin. You should stay here on Tatooine where it’s safe.

ANAKIN stares longingly out at the binary sunset.

ANAKIN
There’s nothing for me here. Besides, this might be my chance to find my mother.

OWEN
Your mother’s gone. Accept it. There’s nothing you can do about it. Just let it go.

ANAKIN
No, I won’t let it go! It’s a dead-end for me here. I want to make something of myself…

ANAKIN drags Owen back inside.

20 INT LARS HOMESTEAD – DINING AREA

OBI-WAN stands up.

OBI-WAN
I can see that you do not approve of Anakin’s decision, but his gifting in the Force is too formidable to ignore.

OWEN
Is this really what you want, Anakin?

ANAKIN
More than anything.

OWEN gives ANAKIN a hug and pats him on the back.

OWEN
Hey…take care of yourself.

ANAKIN
Thanks for looking out for me, Owen. Good luck with your moisture farm.

OBI-WAN
Come Anakin, it’s time to leave. Owen, Beru, thank you very much for your hospitality.

OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, OWEN, and BERU walk out through the front entrance.

21 EXT TATOOINE – LARS HOMESTEAD – BINARY SUNSET

OWEN and BERU stand in the doorway and wave to ANAKIN as he and OBI-WAN walk towards the LANDSPEEDER.

22 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS – NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN stand before MASTER YODA, MASTER MACE WINDU, and the JEDI COUNCIL. The twelve JEDI MASTERS are dressed in their Jedi robes, seated in a circular formation around OBI-WAN and ANAKIN.

MACE
You have summoned us, Obi-wan?

OBI-WAN
Yes, Master Windu. I have come to request approval for the training of this boy.

ANAKIN walks around the chamber, shaking hands with the JEDI MASTERS, who are taken aback by this strange custom.

ANAKIN
(still shaking hands)
The name’s Anakin Skywalker. Pleased to meet you.

YODA
This was the one whose presence you felt?

OBI-WAN
Yes. It is him. Of that I have no doubt. It’s astounding. His reflexes, precognition…He has an instinctive strength and potential in the Force. I’ve never seen anything like it…

MACE
Obi- wan! Sorry Anakin, can you please excuse us for a moment?

ANAKIN leaves the chamber quietly.

YODA
Obi-wan. Careful you must be. Mindful of what you say. Or over-inflate the boy you will…I sense much fear in him.

OBI-WAN
He’s lost his mother and he’s light years from home, of course he’s –

YODA
Excuses we need not, Obi-wan. Fear is the path to the Dark Side…

OBI-WAN
You’re expecting him to run before he can walk! He has nothing to lose and an eagerness to learn. I can train him, I know I can!

YODA
Already the boy can run, by the sounds of things. The walking we’re concerned about.

OBI-WAN
But Master –

MACE
Don’t fret, Obi-wan. We have already approved the boy’s training. We just want to make sure you understand the seriousness of the task before you.

OBI-WAN
Thank you! Thank you…I will train him well, I promise. I won’t let you down.

MACE
(smiling)
Okay, okay! Get out of here and train that boy!

OBI-WAN
Don’t worry, I will. Thanks again!

OBI-WAN bows and runs out of the chamber. YODA shakes his head, smiling.

YODA
May the Force be –

The door SLAMS behind Obi-wan. The JEDI MASTERS cringe at the sound.

YODA
(continuing)
…with you.

MACE
There’s something about that boy. I felt an immense power about his presence; a sense of destiny.

KI-ADI
I felt it too.

YODA
Hmmm…so too did I. But the future surrounding him, too difficult to see.

23 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – HALLWAY OUTSIDE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

OBI-WAN walks down the hallway towards ANAKIN, pretending to look a little disappointed.

ANAKIN
What did they say?

OBI-WAN
(smiling, almost imitating Yoda)
We may begin…the training. Come this way…

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN walk down the hallway together.

24 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – MEDITATION CHAMBER – DAY

OBI-WAN gives ANAKIN a tour of the Meditation Chamber. The room is covered in white tiling. There are bookshelves against the side walls containing Jedi teachings, and red velvet cushions sitting on the floor. The entire rear wall is a window, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the room.

OBI-WAN
This is the Meditation Chamber. Quiet place. Minimal distractions. This is where you’ll learn to clear your thoughts and centre yourself in the Force.

ANAKIN
Tell me about the Force…

OBI-WAN
The Force is an energy field. It binds and flows through all living things. It holds the universe together…

ANAKIN
So, the Force controls everything?

OBI-WAN
Well yes, and we control it, to an extent. See, we are a part of the Force as well, and it is a part of us. When we acknowledge this truth, the Force can be a powerful ally.

ANAKIN
Does that mean I can use the Force to move objects?

OBI-WAN
Yes. With the proper training, you will be able to move anything in this room.

ANAKIN
Can you show me now?

OBI-WAN
Very well. See that book over there? Focus all your energy on it. Stretch your hand out towards it. Good. Now, close your eyes, and concentrate. That’s it. Now, think of nothing but that book. It is just a part of the living Force. Now…lift it!

The book hovers about a foot above the ground. ANAKIN keeps his arm outstretched with his palm facing upward. He opens his eyes slowly and gapes in awe.

ANAKIN
I did it! I did it!

The book floats gently back down again.

OBI-WAN
Well done, Anakin! Now come, there is much to learn…

25 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COMBAT CHAMBER – NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN walk past a series of ancient Jedi hieroglyphs on the wall of the Combat Chamber.

OBI-WAN
See, in this picture, the warrior and the blade are separate. It is a struggle to become a warrior, even with the goal of bringing peace to the galaxy. We begin at odds with ourselves, and our weapon.

ANAKIN
This next one over here, what does it mean?

OBI-WAN
The warrior and the weapon are one. With the Force as our ally, even a blade of grass can become a weapon.

They walk further along the wall and stop in front of the final hieroglyph.

OBI-WAN
And in the final picture, there is no blade…

ANAKIN
(pausing for a moment)
So, the warrior becomes the blade!

OBI-WAN
(slightly concerned by this interpretation)
No, no…not quite. The ultimate ideal of the warrior is to finally lay down his weapon. The warrior is at peace with the galaxy. But for now, let’s just focus on number two!

OBI-WAN throws a staff into Anakin’s chest. ANAKIN grips it awkwardly. They begin to spar with each other. ANAKIN responds purely with reflex actions, surprising himself.

OBI-WAN
That’s it. Good. You are trusting your instincts and anticipating my movements.

26 ONDERON – IZIZ – OUTER CITY LIMITS – CANYON – NIGHT

GENERAL GRIEVOUS walks down into the canyon, glancing around suspiciously. SABÉ follows him at a distance and hides behind a large rock. The ground opens up before General Grievous. A platform rises from underground to receive him. He boards the platform and descends underground. SABÉ runs towards the opening as the ground closes up behind him. She gazes down in awe at what lies below as the ground closes up.

SABÉ
(into comlink)
Your Highness…

27 ONDERON – IZIZ – UNDERGROUND CLONING FACILITY

GENERAL GRIEVOUS steps off the elevator platform and looks around the facility. The factory line produces armour and weaponry as HUMAN CLONES are being formed in kolto tanks. Potential CLONE SOLDIERS of differing maturity levels are being trained in separate rooms. The LIEUTENANT walks up to GRIEVOUS and salutes him.

GRIEVOUS
State your progress, Lieutenant.

LIEUTENANT
Your first squad of clone troopers is ready, General. Would you like to inspect them?

GRIEVOUS
Yes. That is what I’m here for.

The LIEUTENANT leads the General to a platform overlooking the first squad of CLONE SOLDIERS. The CLONE SOLDIERS march perfectly in rank and file until they come to a halt. They turn uniformly on the incline and present arms.

GRIEVOUS
Good. Increase production to maximum output. I want the army completed within the month.

LIEUTENANT
As you wish, General.

28 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COMBAT CHAMBER – SUNRISE

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN stand before a chasm in the Combat Chamber.

OBI-WAN
See that chasm over there?

ANAKIN
(warily)
Yes…

OBI- WAN
You are going to jump it.

ANAKIN
Are you crazy?! That’s impossible!

OBI- WAN
Yes. It is…according to your conscious mind. But not with the Force. In time you will learn to let go of your conscious mind and rely on instinct.

ANAKIN
But this chasm…it’s too big.

OBI-WAN
It’s no different from stepping over a tiny crack. Use the Force, Anakin.

ANAKIN
All right. Here goes…

ANAKIN closes his eyes to focus, then rubs his hands to the mantra of “just a crack”. He takes a big run-up, sprints, then leaps across the chasm. He comes up short, gripping the edge with his fingers. ANAKIN hangs on, closes his eyes, and concentrates. All of a sudden he pulls himself up the wall at speed, somersaults, and then lands on his feet.

OBI-WAN
Well done, Anakin! I knew you would make it!

ANAKIN peers back over the edge.

ANAKIN
What was down there anyway?!

OBI-WAN
Just the trash compactor…

ANAKIN does not look impressed.

OBI-WAN
(continuing)
I knew you were going to make it!

29 INT ONDERON – IZIZ – GRIEVOUS’ OFFICE

GENERAL GRIEVOUS sits behind his desk. A BEEP sounds from his desk. He presses a button on the comlink.

OFFICER
(over comlink)
The Lieutenant is here to see you, General.

GRIEVOUS
(into comlink)
Send him in.

The LIEUTENANT enters his office.

GRIEVOUS
Report status.

LIEUTENANT
(saluting)
Troop production is on schedule and the first army is nearing completion, General.

GRIEVOUS
Good. Prepare to move through to the next phase of the operation.

A BEEP comes from his comlink again.

OFFICER
(over comlink)
The Queen requests your presence immediately, General.

GRIEVOUS
(into comlink)
Inform her Highness that I will arrive shortly.

GRIEVOUS rises from his seat and fastens his cape.

GRIEVOUS
Lieutenant, gather what troops you can. It is time.

LIEUTENANT
(saluting)
Yes, General. We await your orders.

30 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COMBAT CHAMBER – NIGHT

OBI-WAN puts his hand on Anakin’s shoulder as they enter the Combat Chamber.

OBI-WAN
Congratulations, Anakin. You’ve almost completed your basic training.

ANAKIN
It’s about time. I was starting to get bored…

OBI-WAN
Patience, Anakin. Patience. I have a gift for you.

ANAKIN
A gift? What for?

OBI-WAN
For the final tier of your basic training…

They walk over to a leather-bound chest on a stand.

OBI-WAN
Go on. Open it.

ANAKIN opens the chest slowly and his eyes widen. He unwraps the velvet to reveal a lightsaber hilt.

OBI-WAN
Your very own lightsaber.

ANAKIN looks astonished. He ignites the lightsaber and marvels at its blue light. He swings it from side to side, listening to its melodious HUM.

OBI-WAN
Hey! Be careful with that thing! It’s not a toy!

ANAKIN
Sorry, Master.

OBI-WAN
(clearing his throat)
Your first exercise is to block against this remote.

ANAKIN
Block against a droid?! Surely you can do better than that…

OBI-WAN
Good. You’ll be doing it blind-folded.

ANAKIN
(looking dismayed)
…But how am I supposed to –

OBI-WAN wraps the blind-fold across his eyes.

OBI-WAN
That’s the point. Your eyes deceive you. Don’t trust them.

ANAKIN swings his lightsaber around in anticipation.

ANAKIN
Great.

ANAKIN waits for the remote to strike, but swings too early. The REMOTE ZAPS him.

ANAKIN
Ouch!

ANAKIN changes hands and shakes his wrist, preparing himself for the next attack.

31 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COMBAT CHAMBER – DAWN

Anakin’s blind reflexes have increased at an incredible pace. He deflects every shot the REMOTE takes.

ANAKIN leaps towards the remote with a downward strike followed by a sideways strike, slicing the remote into quarters.

ANAKIN
Got ‘em!

ANAKIN puts away his lightsaber, pulls off his blindfold, and smiles.

OBI-WAN
(surprised but dismayed)
You were supposed to block against the remote, not destroy it!

OBI-WAN shakes his head.

32 INT ONDERON – IZIZ – PALACE THRONE ROOM – DAY

GRIEVOUS kneels before Queen Amidala and then rises. The Queen is guarded by FOUR ROYAL GUARDS, two on either side of her, dressed in full ceremonial armour.

GRIEVOUS
You called for me, your Highness?

AMIDALA
You deliberately disobeyed my orders. Your actions have jeopardised our relations with the Republic and Onderon’s very safety.

GRIEVOUS
No, your ‘Highness’, it is your incompetence of leadership and the weakness of the Republic that jeopardises Onderon. The Mandalorians threaten our very existence and yet you see fit to ignore it!

AMIDALA
Guards!

AMIDALA motions towards Grievous, and her FOUR GUARDS apprehend him, tying his arms behind his back with binders. GRIEVOUS struggles.

AMIDALA
You are under arrest on the charge of treason, and the violation of Republic law –

GRIEVOUS
Oh no, I’m not!

Grievous’ CLONE SOLDIERS CRASH through the throne room window and BLAST through the entrance. They point their blaster rifles at the Queen and the Royal Guards. A CLONE SOLDIER frees General Grievous.

GRIEVOUS
Weapons! Now!

The ROYAL GUARD lower their weapons and throw them down. CLONE SOLDIERS gather up the guards’ weapons and place them all in binders.

AMIDALA
You won’t get away with this treachery, Grievous!

GENERAL GRIEVOUS holds her pretty face in his hand.

GRIEVOUS
Watch me, your ‘Highness.’

GENERAL GRIEVOUS looks at her face more closely.

GRIEVOUS
Wait…this one’s an impostor! Search the palace…Find her! I want her alive!

A SQUAD of CLONE SOLDIERS run out of the throne room to search the palace.

33 INT ONDERON – IZIZ PALACE – HANDMAIDEN’S QUARTERS

QUEEN AMIDALA is disguised as one of her handmaidens. She presses a button to relay an emergency message to the Jedi Temple.

AMIDALA
(into holotransmitter)
Master Yoda…Master Yoda…anyone! General Grievous has captured the palace…he’s taking over…please…send help!

THREE CLONE SOLDIERS rush into the room. QUEEN AMIDALA BLASTS one of them with a laser pistol.

CLONE SOLDIER
Set to stun!

The CLONE SOLDIER BLASTS her with a stun ray from his blaster rifle. QUEEN AMIDALA falls unconscious on the floor and the comlink goes static.

CLONE SOLDIER
We got her!

34 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – YODA’S QUARTERS – SUNSET

MASTER YODA is sitting on a cushion, meditating in his small chamber. Orange light pierces through the cracks in the louvres. A HOLOGRAM of QUEEN AMIDALA appears before him. Yoda’s eyes bolt open.

AMIDALA
(over holotransmitter)
Master Yoda…*STATIC*…please…*STATIC*…send help!

The image FIZZLES out.

35 EXT ONDERON – IZIZ – CITY SQUARE – SUNSET

CLONE SOLDIERS sweep across Onderon, marching in formation. They come to a halt in the Iziz City Square, turn on the incline and present arms. GENERAL GRIEVOUS stands on the palace balcony overlooking the City Square. GRIEVOUS looks proud of his conquest. The LIEUTENANT walks out onto the balcony.

LIEUTENANT
You called for me, milord?

GRIEVOUS
Build more cloning facilities and begin full-scale production. Soon we will commence the attack.

LIEUTENANT
As you wish, milord.

36 INT CORUSCANT – GALACTIC SENATE

The Senate chambers are huge. Hundreds of SENATORS sit in
the circular assembly area. SUPREME CHANCELLOR VALORUM sits in an elevated area in the centre. PROBE DROIDS hurry about as the Senator’s aides, translating and transferring documents into their data pads.

VALORUM
Next on the agenda is the discussion of trade routes between Chandrilla and Corellia. Will the representatives for these two systems please –

The large holo-screen on the wall goes STATIC and GENERAL GRIEVOUS appears.

VALORUM
General Grievous!

GRIEVOUS
I interrupt this meeting to bring an urgent request before the Senate.

VALORUM
Continue.

GRIEVOUS
Two of our…diplomats reported heightened military activity on the moon of Dxun. Mandalorian forces are stockpiling weapons and rebuilding Basilisks. Sadly, our diplomats did not survive. I fear that the Mandalorians are preparing for an attack. In the interests of protecting Onderon and its neighbouring systems, I request that military aid be sent from the Republic to pre-emptively strike the settlement on Dxun.

REPRESENTATIVES from RODIA, KINYEN, RYLOTH, SRILUUR, GAMORR, DURO, and ANDO rise from their seats.

REPRESENTATIVES
(in alien tongues)
Here, here!

VALORUM
The Mandalorians haven’t attacked a Republican system in years. They wouldn’t dare! Nonetheless, Onderon’s request for military aid cannot be verified unless it comes from Queen Amidala herself. Have the Queen present this request to the Senate, so that we may defer this matter for investigation by a committee.

GRIEVOUS
I am the new leader of Onderon. My request can now be verified.

VALORUM
What have you done with the Queen?! Where is she?! Put her on!

GRIEVOUS
The Queen did not take this threat seriously, so I acted in the interests of my people. And if the Republic will not take this threat seriously, then it is in the interests of Onderon’s security to secede from the Republic!

VALORUM
Grievous, you –

The holo-screen FIZZLES out. A RABBLE rouses in the Senate.

MAS AMEDDA
Order! Order! We shall have order!

37 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS – NIGHT

MASTER YODA holds a special meeting of the JEDI COUNCIL. YODA replays the HOLOGRAM of QUEEN AMIDALA.

AMIDALA
Master Yoda…*STATIC*…anyone! General Grievous has captured the palace…*STATIC*…he’s taking over…*STATIC*…please…send help!

The image FIZZLES out.

MACE
It appears that General Grievous has overthrown the Queen, and seized Onderon in a military coup.

SHAAK
Finally, the General reveals his true colours.

KI-ADI
Did the Queen survive the attack?

YODA
Difficult to see…

MACE
We believe he would opt for a public execution as a demonstration of his power.

KI-ADI
Then there is still time to dispatch a rescue mission!

SHAAK
But whom shall we send?

MACE
Jedi who will act in stealth, Jedi who are –

YODA
Young and agile.

KI-ADI
What about young Skywalker and his master, Kenobi?

MACE
Any objections to sending Obi-wan and his apprentice?

YODA
The boy’s first mission it may be, but young and agile he is.

MACE
Then it is agreed. Anakin and Obi-wan will go to Onderon…

YODA
Inform them, I will.

YODA hops out of his seat and walks out of the chamber with his walking stick.

38 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COMBAT CHAMBER

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN are sparring with their lightsabers. ANAKIN parries Obi-wan’s blade, sending his lightsaber flying out of his hand. ANAKIN pushes Obi-wan to the ground with the Force, and points his lightsaber at him.

ANAKIN
I have you now!

OBI-WAN
Are you so certain?

ANAKIN
Well, you are unarmed, and I am not!

OBI-WAN
Do you not remember the lesson of the second hieroglyph?

ANAKIN
Huh?

OBI-WAN quickly rolls out of harm’s way, pulling his lightsaber to his hand with the Force. He knocks Anakin’s lightsaber out of his hand and pushes him to the ground with the Force. Now Anakin is on the floor with a lightsaber pointed at him. YODA approaches them, disapproving of the cocky display, but vaguely amused.

YODA
(clearing his throat)
Ahem.

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN are startled by the Jedi Master’s presence. They both look over at him at the same time, putting their lightsabers away.

OBI-WAN/ANAKIN
(at the same time)
Master Yoda! We were just –

YODA
A mission the Council has for you…

YODA walks over to Anakin, and starts nudging him in the side.

YODA
(jokingly)
Anakin’s first mission, hmmm? Proud you must be, Obi-wan!

OBI-WAN
Yes Master, I am very proud. But tell me, what is the nature of this mission?

YODA
Rescue Queen Amidala you must.

OBI-WAN
The Queen is in danger?

YODA
Yes. Terrible danger. Seized Onderon the General has.

OBI-WAN
Grievous…Where is she being held?

YODA
If still alive she is, in Onderon’s capital she will be.

OBI-WAN
Very well. We will leave for Iziz immediately.

YODA
Careful, Obi-wan. The shroud of the Dark Side covers Onderon…

OBI-WAN
Thank you for your concern, Master. I only hope we can shed some light on the situation.

YODA
May the Force be with you both.

YODA hobbles away on his walking stick.

OBI-WAN
Come Anakin, we’ve got work to do.

39 INT SITH CHAMBER – NIGHT

A cloaked figure, DARTH SIDIOUS is sitting in a kind of throne, with Sith gargoyles on either side of him. He meditates in the dark chamber, overlooking the depths of space. His face is hidden completely in the darkness. Another cloaked figure, DARTH TYRANUS, enters the room, removes his hood, and bows down.

TYRANUS
What is thy bidding, my Master?

SIDIOUS
Everything is going according to plan. It is time for you to do your part.

TYRANUS
It will be done, my Master.

This scene is kept deliberately cryptic, so that the audience cannot identify the Sith Lords, nor understand their plan.

40 INT SECLUDED MOON – SPACE STATION

GENERAL GRIEVOUS holds a secret meeting with REPRESENTATIVES of Onderon’s neighbouring systems. They sit at a table across from each other. PROBE DROIDS hurry about, translating and transferring documents into their data pads.

GRIEVOUS
It is inevitable. The Mandalorians are prepared for another invasion. We must strike now, before it’s too late.

TWI’LEK SENATOR
(in Twi’lek)
But we need Republic support to even stand a chance against those barbarians!

GRIEVOUS
Forget the Republic! They are no help to us. It is clear that Valorum and the Senate do not take this threat seriously. I urge you, sign this treaty, free yourself of the Republic’s shackles, and together we can utilise the technologies at our disposal to defend ourselves against the Mandalorian scourge!

DURO SENATOR
(in Duran)
What ‘technologies’ are you referring to?

GRIEVOUS
Cloning. For military purposes. Illegal under Republic law, but not under this new treaty. Just think: a Clone Army for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. This will provide us with all the security we need. Security that the Republic will not afford us.

RODIAN SENATOR
(in Rodian)
Where do we sign?

41 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS – DAY

MASTER SIFO-DIAS stands before the JEDI COUNCIL.

KI-ADI
You summoned us, Sifo-Dyas?

SIFO-DYAS
Yes. I wish to lead a force of Jedi Knights on Dxun.

YODA
Why? Help Grievous you will, if to Dxun you go.

SIFO-DYAS
I do not agree with Grievous’ rule, but the Mandalorians are a threat to the Republic. If we do not take this threat seriously, systems will lose faith in the Jedi and the Republic.

YODA
Grievous cannot be trusted. Overestimated the threat may be.

SIFO-DYAS
But what if Grievous is right? We cannot afford to take that chance. If Onderon falls, the Republic will fall, and we will be forced to fight as soldiers in a war we cannot win. I only ask for the means to defend the Republic!

MACE
If it were defence you were proposing, we would have no reservations about granting your request. But what you are proposing is something entirely different. A pre-emptive strike is not the Jedi way.

KI-ADI
Patience, Sifo-Dias, patience. I sense there is a greater evil at work.

SIFO-DYAS
But our inaction will only allow the evil to grow!

YODA
No. We must wait. Wait for the true enemy to reveal itself.

SIFO-DYAS
Clearly, we do not see eye to eye on this matter. I can see that we will not come to an agreement. I wish you well. Goodbye.

SIFO-DYAS leaves the chamber.

42 INT CORUSCANT – JEDI TEMPLE – FORUM

SIFO-DYAS holds a forum of JEDI KNIGHTS.

SIFO-DYAS
The Jedi Council has decided to take no action. They believe we should wait for the Mandalorians to invade Republican systems before we respond. The Republic will fall if we do not act now. The Mandalorians have conquered many systems in the past. They are stockpiling weapons and rebuilding their arsenal as we speak. They will only grow more powerful with time. Come, stand with me, and together we will battle this menace.

A group of JEDI KNIGHTS cross the floor and stand beside Sifo-Dyas.

SIFO-DYAS
Join us. The Jedi Council is wise, but will take too long to deal with this threat. We must act now to stop the Mandalorians. The Jedi are not called to apathy, but to compassion and peacemaking. When systems burn and people suffer, will we still sit idly by while we ponder our response? No! If we allow this to happen, systems will lose faith in the Republic and the Jedi.

Another group of JEDI KNIGHTS cross the floor and stand beside Sifo-Dyas.

SIFO-DYAS
I am proud that we will be taking up our lightsabers for the good of the Republic. The Council will continue to watch, to debate, while entire systems fall to the Mandalorians. If we don’t act now, there may be no Republic army to assist in the future.

JEDI KNIGHTS
(raising their lightsabers)
For the Republic!

43 EXT ONDERON – IZIZ - OUTER CITY LIMITS – CANYON – NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN land their JEDI STARFIGHTERS and hide them in the foliage. They run fully cloaked across Onderon’s rocky terrain with speed and stealth. They hide behind a large rock as a SENTRY of CLONE SOLDIERS march past.

44 EXT ONDERON – IZIZ – CITY STREETS – NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN sneak through the streets of Iziz. OBI-WAN peeks around the corners to see another SENTRY of CLONE SOLDIERS approaching. They back up against the wall. The soldiers walk past, inspecting the area. Obi-wan and Anakin are no longer there. Instead, they lie flat on the roof of a nearby building. Once the danger is passed, they get up and leap from building to building.

45 EXT/INT ONDERON – IZIZ – PRISON BLOCK - NIGHT

OBI-WAN and ANAKIN use their lightsabers to cut a hole through the wall of the prison block, using the Force to pull the slab out. OBI-WAN looks through the hole and inspects the area. OBI-WAN uses the Force to make a sound outside.

CLONE GUARD #1
What was that?

CLONE GUARD #2
I don’t know. Let’s go check it out.

The CLONE SOLDIERS walk out through the front door. OBI-WAN and ANAKIN leap down into the prison corridor. ANAKIN sees a beautiful woman, trapped in a force cage, and runs over to her.

AMIDALA
Who are you?

ANAKIN
Shhh…The name’s Anakin Skywalker.

QUEEN AMIDALA looks puzzled, as if she’s supposed to know who he is.

ANAKIN
I’m a Jedi Knight; I’m here to rescue you. Step back for a second…

ANAKIN gestures to Obi-wan. ANAKIN and OBI-WAN push their lightsabers in both ends of the force cage to disrupt its field.

AMIDALA
They’re coming!

A SENTRY of CLONE SOLDIERS come running down the corridor. They stop to fire at the three fugitives with their blaster rifles. OBI-WAN and ANAKIN deflect their fire with their lightsabers, rebounding to hit some of them. ANAKIN picks up a blaster rifle with the Force and hands it to the Queen.

ANAKIN
Here, take this!

AMIDALA, taken aback, holds the blaster awkwardly and fires at the clone soldiers. The Jedi deflect enemy blaster fire and carry the Queen back through the wall opening they created.

OBI-WAN
Any clues on what Grievous is up to, your Highness?

AMIDALA
I’ll show you…follow me!

46 EXT DXUN – JUNGLE – AFTERNOON

SEPARATIST DROPSHIPS land in the jungle of Dxun, CRUSHING the trees beneath them as the CANNOKS, MAALRAAS, and BOMA BEASTS STAMPEDE to get away. Their hangars open uniformly and battalions of clone troopers march onto the surface of the jungle moon. They march towards the Mandalorian Base Camp…

47 EXT ONDERON – IZIZ – OUTER CITY LIMITS – CANYON - NIGHT

OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, and QUEEN AMIDALA hide behind a rock overlooking the canyon. They spot a SQUAD of CLONE SOLDIERS scrutinising their starfighters.

ANAKIN
Damn! They’ve uncovered our transports!

OBI-WAN
Stifle your disappointment Anakin, or that won’t be the only thing they uncover. Now, here’s our chance.

The ground opens up in the canyon, and a BATTALION of CLONE SOLDIERS marches out into the hangar of a SEPARATIST DROPSHIP. Once the dropship takes off, the three run towards the opening before it closes. OBI-WAN jumps down the shaft.

ANAKIN
Quick, get on my back!

AMIDALA
I’m not –

ANAKIN
Sorry, your Highness, we don’t have time to discuss this.

48 INT ONDERON – IZIZ – CLONING FACILITY

ANAKIN slings the Queen over his shoulder and climbs down the wall with Obi-wan. They slide down to land on the elevator platform as it descends. The elevator comes to a complete stop. They witness the awesome spectacle of human soldier production at every level.

OBI-WAN
Good Heavens…

ANAKIN
These soldiers, they all look the same…

AMIDALA
They’re clones.

49 EXT DXUN – JUNGLE – LATE AFTERNOON

The CLONE ARMY marches through the jungles of Dxun, eliminating any MANDALORIAN SENTRIES along the way with BARRAGES of blaster fire. The clone army commander sees the JEDI DROPSHIP above them.

CLONE COMMANDER
Squad, halt!

The DROPSHIP lands in front of the clone army, CRUSHING the trees beneath it. The hangar opens.

SIFO-DYAS
Wait here. I will discuss the attack with the commander.

JEDI KNIGHT #1
I have never seen such discipline and uniformity in an army.

JEDI KNIGHT #2
Do not underestimate the Mandalorians. They are cunning and unpredictable above all things…

SIFO-DYAS walks out to meet the clone army commander.

SIFO-DYAS
Impressive. We have come to aid Onderon in its struggle against the Mandalorians.

CLONE COMMANDER
Yes. The General has been expecting your arrival. We will commence the attack shortly.

SIFO-DYAS
And we will lead you.

COMMANDER
Very well. Just give the order.

The JEDI KNIGHTS join the front ranks of the clone army. The army marches onward. Finally, they reach the entrance to the Mandalorian Base Camp, where the MANDALORIAN ARMY is waiting for them.

SIFO-DYAS
Attack!

MANDALORIANS
For Mandalore!

The Jedi run towards the Mandalorians, brandishing their blue lightsabers as blaster fire ERUPTS from the ground. The CLONE SOLDIERS follow their lead and storm the gates.

Okay, now the first thing I intend to change in my rewrites of EPI and II is the names of two characters:

- Khameir Sarin/Darth Maul
- General Grievous

I am changing the name of Khameir Sarin, as I found out a few weeks ago that it is not the original name of Darth Maul. It is in fact a name formulated by none other than Supershadow. Anyway, I finally pulled the gun away from my temple and decided to change the name. I am thinking very seriously about naming him 'Sifo-Dyas' instead, as the Jedi will discover in EPIII that he ordered the clones for the Republic. I also think that 'Darth Tyranus' is a better Sith name than 'Darth Maul'.

I am also changing the name of General Grievous, as it is a name that is so obviously evil, which leads me to a few problems (you won't understand these unless you have read them). Why would Queen Amidala appoint him or trust him in the first place if his name is evil in itself? Anyway, I am thinking of calling him 'General Volenta', but I am open to suggestions...

I was thinking of perhaps making a name based on some great generals of the past like Erwin Rommel, Georgi Zhukov, Chiang Kai-shek, Ghenghis Khan ('Temujin'), Sun Tzu, and Mao Zedong/Tse-tung.

Another name I thought of was General Dai'a, but I dunno...

A penny and a world of gratitude for your thoughts...

I figured you guys would appreciate this more than most Star Wars forums, so here are my rather detailed rewrites of Episodes I and II. Episode III is in the works at the moment, and after I've finished that, I will try my hand at a script, and format it all as a screenplay (once I learn how to write a good screenplay). These are all working drafts, so feel free to tell me what you think.