Daughter of the Jedi - Page One
Star Wars
Daughter of The Jedi
"Seeds of Rebellion"
by
Tarl N. Telford
Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away ...
Against a backdrop of stars, the opening crawl text begins...
STAR WARS
DAUGHTER OF THE JEDI
Seeds of Rebellion
The Galactic Empire has crushed the Old Republic. Wave after wave of Imperial troops conquer all pockets of resistance throughout the galaxy.
Emperor Palpatine has decreed that all JEDI KNIGHTS are to be exterminated. Thus the Jedi Purges begin.
On the small planet of ARCA, in the EMPRESS TETA SYSTEM, a young woman seeks her destined birthright. Against all wishes of her family,
she practices in secret, yearning one day to become a Jedi Knight.
This girl, DANNA TIMRI, holds not only her own fate, but the fate of many others in her hands. She feels deep within, that soon, very soon,
she will embark on a journey that will take her to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Until that time, she dreams, and prepares herself...
EXT FOREST - DAY
DANNA TIMRI (22 yrs), dark haired and bright eyed, runs through the forest. A sword hangs at her back, slapping against her heavy tunic as she races along.
Suddenly she stops. The forest is still. Not even the birds chirp in the treetops. She leaps to the ground behind a tree and rolls to her feet. Her sword jumps to her hand instinctively. She takes one deep breath and leaps out and slashes -
At a crude mannequin, clad in stormtrooper armor.
DANNA TIMRI
You think you can just come in here and take over? Well, not if I have anything to say about it.
She stabs her sword through a gap in the armor, piercing the cloth stuffing of the mannequin.
Danna whirls, and thrusts outward with her hands. Imagined foes fall backwards to the ground.
Danna waves her hand in front of the imagined foes.
DANNA TIMRI
I am not the jedi you're looking for...
A voice from behind startles Danna.
SHARLA TIMRI (O.S.)
Danna? What are you doing?
Danna fumbles with her sword. It drops to the ground. Both Danna and Sharla look at it. An uncomfortable silence hangs over them.
DANNA TIMRI
Um, hi, Sharla.
SHARLA TIMRI
You promised your mother you would forget about it.
DANNA TIMRI
She doesn't have to know. Please?
SHARLA TIMRI
My mother is waiting for you. This is the third time you've been late for this fitting.
DANNA TIMRI
I don't want to get fitted for that gown.
SHARLA TIMRI
We've been through this. Danna, you have to be there. Everyone in the family does.
DANNA TIMRI
I've got plans.
SHARLA TIMRI
No, you don't.
DANNA TIMRI
I do so. I'm going to... Toff Less'in ... to get some paints. Yeah.
SHARLA TIMRI
Nice try.
Sharla returns back the way she came.
Danna picks up her sword slowly.
SHARLA TIMRI (O.S.)
By the way, you might want to work on that parry. It's a little sloppy.
Sharla disappears down a heavily overgrown path.
DANNA TIMRI
(mimicking Sharla)
You're parry's a little sloppy. Like you could do better, witch.
Danna sheathes her sword and glumly follows after Sharla.
CUT TO:
EXT TIMRI ESTATE - DAY
The estate is dominated in the center by a large domed arena. Smaller buildings, ornately carved from indigenous rock, surround the arena. Dozens of people, all part of the Timri Family, flock to the arena.
Danna, still dressed in her plain clothes, stands in stark contrast to the brilliant hues of her family members. She ignores the pointing fingers and the stares as she crosses the pavilion to one of the other buildings.
INT TIMRI ESTATE - DANNA'S HOME - CONTINUING
Danna unbuckles her scabbard and sets it down on a table. She removes her plain tunic, revealing a pastel top underneath. She tosses the tunic behind a chair. Danna grabs a cloth and wipes off the smudges of dirt on her face.
Danna's mother, AISHA TIMRI (41 yrs), a darkly beautiful woman with flashing eyes, leans in cool amusement in the door behind Danna.
Danna stops, sensing her mother's presence. Then she picks up her sword very deliberately and sets it in the corner.
DANNA TIMRI
I was hunting.
AISHA TIMRI
I didn't say a thing, Danna.
DANNA TIMRI
You didn't have to. Fine, am I grounded again?
AISHA TIMRI
You're an adult, Danna. What you do is up to you.
DANNA TIMRI
Sure. Whatever you say.
AISHA TIMRI
Bronti has been here for over an hour, waiting for you.
DANNA TIMRI
I don't want to go.
AISHA TIMRI
The entire family is going, Danna. They all expect you to be there, too.
DANNA TIMRI
I've got plans. I'm going-
AISHA TIMRI
To Toff Less'in to get, what, some circuits for Tek? Or is it some herbs for Paij?
DANNA TIMRI
Paints. For me.
AISHA TIMRI
Paints? That's a new one. When did you decide to become an artist again?
DANNA TIMRI
I don't expect you to understand.
Danna makes as if to push past her mother. Aisha pulls a handkerchief from her sleeve, licks it, and dabs at a smudge on Danna's face.
AISHA TIMRI
You missed a spot.
Danna exits without another word.
CUT TO:
INT TIMRI ESTATE - BRONTI'S PARLOR - AFTERNOON
BRONTI TIMRI, a pleasant woman in her late forties, steps back to admire her work. Danna stands on a pedestal, swathed in fine fabrics.
Aisha, Sharla, and Bronti all share a pleased look. Only Danna looks uncomfortable.
SHARLA TIMRI
Don't look so uncomfortable, Danna, you look perfect.
DANNA TIMRI
Easy for you to say, you don't have needles poking in your-
BRONTI
Needles? Oh my. Where?
Bronti looks around and pulls a needle from the fabric.
BRONTI
I'm so sorry, Danna. You should have said something earlier.
DANNA TIMRI
And spoil the fun?
AISHA TIMRI
You look gorgeous, Danna. Brandt will be so pleased.
DANNA TIMRI
Can I go?
SHARLA TIMRI
Oh, that's right. You've got to get your paints.
DANNA TIMRI
Yeah. So can I?
BRONTI
We're all finished here. If it's all right with you, Aisha.
Danna eagerly steps down and goes behind a changing screen. She shucks the dress and tosses it over the screen. Bronti catches it and casts a withering glance at Danna.
AISHA TIMRI
As long as you're back by sundown. I don't want you out in Toff Less'in at night. There are a lot of unsavory characters that go there at night.
DANNA TIMRI
Sure there are.
Danna emerges, clad in a bright, flowery ensemble.
AISHA TIMRI
I mean it, young lady.
DANNA TIMRI
See you.
Danna rushes out the door.
BRONTI
I honestly don't know how you put up with her, Aisha. She is so headstrong.
SHARLA TIMRI
If I were you, I'd sent a camera to follow her.
AISHA TIMRI
Not yet. She still trusts me a little bit. I think I should do the same for her.
SHARLA TIMRI
If that's what you want...
CUT TO:
EXT ARKUS PLAIN - AFTERNOON
Danna races her small speederbike across the flowing grassland. Her plain tunic covers her more vibrant clothing.
EXT TOFF LESS'IN - AFTERNOON
Toff Less'in is a relatively small city. It has the necessary amenities of civilization, but the wealthy families that populate the surrounding lands go elsewhere for their needs. Therefore, Toff Less'in is composed primarily of beings of lower social class and transients.
Danna pulls her speederbike up in front of a small hovel. She runs her fingers through her windblown hair to somewhat straighten it. She checks her belt for her hidden knife. Confident in her security, she enters the hovel.
INT PAIJ ZELVA'S HOVEL - CONTINUING
The hovel is dark and filled with aromatic smoke. A small flame burns some sweet-smelling herbs in one corner. Trinkets, charms, and various symbols adorn every available space.
DANNA TIMRI
Hey, Paij, you here?
A sickly cough comes from the darkness in back of the hovel. Danna follows the sound. She passes through a thick curtain, emerging into a small bedchamber.
PAIJ ZELVA, the Anumbrite Witch, lies weakly on her old bed. She reaches out her hand towards Danna.
PAIJ ZELVA
You came.
DANNA TIMRI
Sorry I took so long. I brought you something.
Danna reaches underneath her tunic and pulls out the brilliant top she had on earlier. She shakes in and holds it up to show Paij.
PAIJ ZELVA
It's beautiful.
DANNA TIMRI
It's yours. Here.
Danna folds it neatly and sets it next to Paij's bed.
DANNA TIMRI
Have you heard anything?
PAIJ ZELVA
No one wants to heal a witch.
DANNA TIMRI
Don't say that.
PAIJ ZELVA
It's true. Everyone would be happy if I just quietly passed away, and didn't bother them anymore.
DANNA TIMRI
I'd miss you.
PAIJ ZELVA
I know you would. You're a good friend, Danna. But I think my time is come.
DANNA TIMRI
No. Paij, you've got too much to live for.
Paij starts to laugh, then breaks down in a fit of coughing.
PAIJ ZELVA
Like what? The Imperial garrison is already here. My family's gone. All I've got left is this house, and maybe a couple of books, if they haven't been stolen.
Danna reaches out and brushes a damp lock of hair off Paij's forehead.
DANNA TIMRI
What about me? You promised to teach me about the visions.
PAIJ ZELVA
I'm sorry.
Danna bites her lip, trying to keep herself composed.
Paij closes her eyes, exhausted.
DANNA TIMRI
Paij...
Without opening her eyes, Paij responds softly.
PAIJ ZELVA
I'm so tired.
DANNA TIMRI
Paij?
PAIJ ZELVA
So... tired.
Danna stands and exits quietly.
DANNA TIMRI
I'll be back later.
CUT TO:
EXT PAIJ ZELVA'S HOVEL - CONTINUING
Danna exits and walks aimlessly down the street. Behind her, a young man, dressed smartly in dark clothing, detaches himself from the wall and follows her.
CUT TO:
INT TIMRI ESTATE - BRONTI'S PARLOR - AFTERNOON
Bronti pours some steaming liquid into three cups. Sharla and Aisha each take a cup.
AISHA TIMRI
She needs a little bit of freedom.
SHARLA TIMRI
She needs discipline.
BRONTI
I remember when you were her age, Aisha. You fell head over heels for that young man. Oh, Mother was so angry. Then when you ran off with him, I thought she would die.
AISHA TIMRI
(narrowly)
That was a long time ago.
SHARLA TIMRI
Bronti has a point, though. Danna could do the same thing that you did. I think you should watch her closely.
Sharla leans closer, conspiratorially.
SHARLA TIMRI
Just between us, she is doing the Jedi thing again.
AISHA TIMRI
No.
SHARLA TIMRI
Yes. Out in the forest. I saw her. Aisha, you've got to get this out of her head.
AISHA TIMRI
I've tried, but she just has too much of her father in her.
BRONTI
What happens if she finds out more about him?
AISHA TIMRI
I don't know. I don't even want to think about it.
(changing the subject)
Did you see what Vandecutt was wearing today?
SHARLA TIMRI
Oh, I know. White after the Labruk Festival? Someone really needs to talk to her.
BRONTI
I heard that she bought her clothes in Toff Less'in.
Shocked laughter bursts from both Sharla and Aisha.
CUT TO:
INT TOFF LESS'IN - BAZAAR - EVENING
Merchants of every description peddle their wares. Danna peruses the selection of tunics. The CLOTHING MERCHANT, a blue-skinned alien, moves a small piece on a gameboard in front of him. His opponent grumbles unhappily.
Danna holds a forest green tunic up to her.
DANNA TIMRI
(to merchant)
How much for this one?
The humanoid merchant leaves his gameboard.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
(subtitled)
I could give it to you for maybe sixty-five.
DANNA TIMRI
Sixty-five? Are you crazy? I could buy this in Angkor for fifty.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
(subtitled)
Yes, but you're not in Ankgor.
DANNA TIMRI
Forget it.
The smartly dressed young man, TEK WYZER (20's), interposes himself between the two of them.
TEK WYZER
Excuse me, but I couldn't help but overhear your dispute.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
What do you want?
TEK WYZER
I can help. You see, I've recently come into a sum of money.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
Perhaps we might be able to do business.
DANNA TIMRI
Um, I was here first.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
(subtitled)
Go away, girl. My clothing is for paying customers.
TEK WYZER
Actually, I was thinking of buying this for her.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
What? Oh, of course, of course. Please. Examine the fabric - it is of the finest fibers in all of the Empress Teta system.
Tek looks over the tunic. He turns it inside out, examining it very closely. Danna looks around, bored, ready to leave.
TEK WYZER
There's a spot.
The merchant's gaming OPPONENT snorts derisively.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
(to Opponent)
Silence! I'm with a customer.
DANNA TIMRI
I'm leaving.
Danna walks away. Tek turns to follow her. The Merchant grabs the tunic, preventing Tek from walking away with it.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
No one steals from me.
The Opponent snorts again.
TEK WYZER
Look, I'm sorry. I've got to go.
Tek hurries after Danna.
CLOTHING MERCHANT
Humans, they think they know everything.
CUT TO:
EXT TOFF LESS'IN - BAZAAR - CONTINUING
Danna makes her way among the booths, on her way out of the bazaar. Tek falls into step beside her.
TEK WYZER
Say, beautiful, looking for a good time?
DANNA TIMRI
If you find one, let me know.
TEK WYZER
Ouch. Okay, I guess I deserved that.
DANNA TIMRI
What was that all about back there? And what's with those clothes? You never dress up.
TEK WYZER
I just thought- well, no. I don't know. I just wanted something different. Something special.
Danna throws her hands up in exasperation and walks away.
TEK WYZER
Oh, come on, Danna. Not like that. You know I still love you.
Danna doesn't even turn to look back at Tek, just sticks out her hand, palm facing Tek.
TEK WYZER
Okay, wrong thing to say.
Tek hurries after Danna again.
TEK WYZER
So, what are you up to this evening?
DANNA TIMRI
I'll redesign your face if you don't stop bothering me.
TEK WYZER
Redesign? Ooh, the artist is back.
Danna stops and faces Tek.
DANNA TIMRI
Tek, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but, please, don't.
TEK WYZER
Sorry, I'm just trying to help.
DANNA TIMRI
You're not trying to help. You're trying to ... I don't know, you're trying to do something... but it's not helping.
A vendors stall crashes to the ground nearby. A THIEF pushes his way through the crowd, clutching his ill-gotten gain close to him. The thief shoves Danna aside, and she stumbles into Tek.
TEK WYZER
(to Thief)
Hey!
Then he realizes Danna is in his arms.
TEK WYZER
Thanks.
Danna extricates herself from Tek's grasp. She turns to watch the Thief push his way through the Bazaar.
Suddenly two STORMTROOPERS step into the thief's path. He skids to a halt and tries to escape. The Stormtroopers grab him and carry him forcibly away.
DANNA TIMRI
There's the boys in white, here to save the day.
TEK WYZER
Hey, I heard your cousin made Captain. Congratulations.
DANNA TIMRI
Yeah, some achievement.
TEK WYZER
It is. Look at it this way, he's helping to bring peace to the galaxy, one thief at a time.
DANNA TIMRI
Sure, whatever you say.
CUT TO:
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