Star Wars: Episode II - Page Five
Sanctuary Lost
page 5
EXT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - DAWN
The large palace rises up out of the rocks. Loud music rages from within.
Anakin and Amidala approach the huge entry. A small panel in the door opens and the robotic eye emerges. A strange voice jabbers in Huttese.
STRANGE VOICE
Te chuta hhat yudd!
Amidala steps nervously behind Anakin.
AMIDALA
I don't think this is a good idea, Anakin.
ANAKIN
We'll be fine.
(to robot eye)
We need to speak with Jabba. Now.
The robot continues to jabber in Huttese.
ANAKIN
Not later, now.
The eye retracts.
AMIDALA
I don't think they're going to let us in.
The door doesn't move. Obviously, Amidala is right. They're not going to let the two in.
ANAKIN
Then we'll just have to find another way in.
CUT TO:
EXT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - HANGAR - CONTINUING
Behind the palace, a large hangar door yawns wide.
ANAKIN
See? I told you.
Anakin and Amidala creep into the hangar. Droids of every shape and description repair machinery and load merchandise into ships. This is the heart of Jabba's illegal shipping business.
INT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - HANGAR - CONTINUING
Anakin creeps in, staying low. He looks for any life forms. Seeing none, he gestures for Amidala to join him.
ANAKIN
There's no one here. Just droids.
Anakin stands and walks confidently toward a gold-skinned droid, C3PO.
ANAKIN
Excuse me.
Amidala pulls her blaster out. She is quite nervous about being caught.
C3PO
Oh my. Don't shoot.
ANAKIN
(to Amidala)
Put that away. We'll be fine.
(to C3PO)
Take us to Jabba.
C3PO
I must get these binary load lifters operational.
Anakin recognizes that voice.
ANAKIN
Threepio?
C3PO
I am See Threepio. How may I serve you, Master...?
ANAKIN
It's me, Anakin.
C3PO
Master Anakin! It is so good to see you. When Master Jabba took me away, I thought I was doomed.
ANAKIN
You've got skin.
C3PO
Master Jabba insisted that I be covered. He said-
Amidala looks around. She sees something move near the hangar door.
AMIDALA
Anakin...
A dark silhouette appears in the hangar door. It is Aurra Sing.
ANAKIN
Come on.
Anakin grabs Amidala's hand, and they race to the nearest door.
INT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - CORRIDORS - CONTINUING
Anakin and Amidala creep towards the sound of raucous laughter. Amidala stumbles on a dish on the floor. A toadlike watchdog barks at them.
ANAKIN
There.
The corridor opens up into Jabba's throne room.
INT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUING
Vile aliens of various races congregate here. They laugh and drink, and in general wreak havoc. Jabba sits upon his raised dais. Two dancers sit next to him, looking very uncomfortable.
SHMI SKYWALKER, looking very tired and aged beyond her years, brings a bowl of steaming slop to Jabba.
INT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - CORRIDORS - CONTINUING
Anakin sees his mother. He tenses to leap out there and rescue her. Amidala feels this and grabs on to him.
AMIDALA
No. You can't.
ANAKIN
This is what I came here for.
Anakin stands up and strides out into the middle of the floor, stopping just outside of the rancor pit trap door. Amidala refuses to run away, so she follows right behind him, scared to death.
All activity stops as these two intruders are noticed. Everyone looks at Anakin.
JABBA THE HUTT
(subtitled)
Who is this?
Jabba's marjordomo, BIB FORTUNA, steps forward and whispers in Jabba's ear hole.
ANAKIN
I am Anakin Skywalker.
Jabba laughs.
JABBA THE HUTT
(subtitled)
Little Skywalker. The pod racer. Why have you come back?
ANAKIN
I have come to free the slaves.
Everyone laughs at this outrageous proposition.
JABBA THE HUTT
(subtitled)
I like my slaves.
He gestures to Shmi, who stands next to him.
JABBA THE HUTT
(continuing; subtitled)
They serve me well.
Anakin steps forward, threateningly. He now stands on top of the rancor pit.
ANAKIN
Free them, or die, Jabba.
Jabba laughs, mockingly at Anakin's feeble threats.
Aurra Sing steps into the throne room and takes position on the back wall to watch this exchange.
Anakin reaches out with the force. He raises his hand and chokes Jabba.
Jabba's eyes bulge out as he struggles for breath. Anakin squeezes tighter. Jabba's tongue flops around. All mocking laughter is silenced. Shmi looks with grave concern at Anakin. Dark determination clouds his face.
Anakin releases Jabba.
ANAKIN
Release the slaves.
Jabba gestures to Shmi.
JABBA THE HUTT
(subtitled)
Take her. Leave.
ANAKIN
If anyone follows us, I will come back and kill you.
JABBA THE HUTT
(subtitled)
Worthless slave scum!
Anakin smiles slightly and turns back to face Jabba.
ANAKIN
Mark my words, Jabba, one day you will die at the hands of a Skywalker.
Bib Fortuna pushes Shmi in the direction of Anakin. She falls. Anakin and Amidala rush to help her up.
Several alien henchmen rush at Anakin's back. A blaster bolt hits right at their feet. Aurra Sing steps forward.
AURRA SING
Nobody touches him.
In the shadows, Boba Fett watches, unmoving.
CUT TO:
EXT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - DAY
Shmi leans on Amidala for support. Anakin prepares the speeder. C3PO follows a short distance back.
Aurra Sing approaches Anakin. He notices the lightsaber at her belt. He pulls out his lightsaber, just in case.
AURRA SING
You're good.
ANAKIN
What do you want?
AURRA SING
I was sent to kill your woman.
ANAKIN
Who sent you?
AURRA SING
Doesn't matter. It's more fun to watch you than to kill you.
Shmi stumbles. Amidala helps her to her feet again.
ANAKIN
Mother!
SHMI SKYWALKER
Oh, Annie. You came back.
ANAKIN
I promised I would.
AMIDALA
She's hurt.
SHMI SKYWALKER
I'm fine.
ANAKIN
We'll get you somewhere safe.
AURRA SING
There is nowhere safe for you, Anakin Skywalker. You have some powerful enemies.
ANAKIN
I can take care of myself.
AURRA SING
Yes. But can you take care of them?
Anakin ignites his lightsaber.
ANAKIN
(to Amidala and Shmi)
Get in.
C3PO
Wait for me!
Aurra Sing smiles sardonically.
AURRA SING
I've killed Jedi three times your age, boy. I could kill you just as easily.
A blaster bolt lances out from the hangar entrance. Anakin deflects it. Several more shots fire. Aurra Sing takes out her lightsaber and walks back toward the hangar door. The blasts stop.
AURRA SING
Don't forget this.
CUT TO:
EXT TATOOINE - DAY
Anakin's ship streaks away from Tatooine, heading to Alderaan.
INT ANAKIN'S SHIP - CONTINUING
C3PO and R2D2 sit in the back of the ship. Artoo whistles and beeps.
C3PO
Yes, Master Jabba ordered that I be covered. Apparently he doesn't like his droids naked.
Artoo beeps and clicks.
C3PO
It isn't as dreadful as I thought a starship would be. It is, perhaps, quite and adventure.
Artoo whistles agreement.
CUT TO:
INT JABBA THE HUTT'S PALACE - CORRIDORS - DAY
Aurra Sing strolls through the corridors. Boba Fett steps out in front of her, blocking her path.
BOBA FETT
You let him go.
AURRA SING
Yes, I did.
BOBA FETT
Lord Sidious will not be pleased.
AURRA SING
Like I should care?
BOBA FETT
The girl must die.
AURRA SING
She will.
BOBA FETT
If you will not do it...
AURRA SING
This is my hunt. You stay out of it.
Boba Fett says nothing. He just crosses his arms defiantly.
AURRA SING
Out of my way.
Aurra Sing attempts to push her way past Boba Fett. He grabs her arm and shoves his blaster into her ribs.
AURRA SING
Oh, so you're going to shoot me now? Is that it? Some warrior you are.
BOBA FETT
If you will not serve Lord Sidious, I will.
Aurra Sing shakes herself loose from Boba Fett.
AURRA SING
Fine. I've got two rules, though - I'm in charge; and NO disintegrations.
BOBA FETT
As you wish.
CUT TO:
INT ANAKIN'S SHIP - DAY
In the rear of the ship, away from the cockpit, Shmi sits exhausted on a chair. Amidala stands behind Shmi, brushing through Shmi's hair.
SHMI SKYWALKER
You've grown up so much since I saw you last. You're so beautiful.
Amidala smiles at the compliment.
SHMI SKYWALKER
And Anakin is so handsome. Just as I always dreamed he would be.
Shmi stops for a moment. Amidala pauses in her brushing.
AMIDALA
Is something wrong?
SHMI SKYWALKER
Do you love him?
Amidala is taken aback by the question. She moves around next to Shmi and kneels down beside her.
AMIDALA
So many things have happened. It's been so many years. I've got my people to think about. And this war with Concord Dawn-
Shmi gently places her hand on Amidala's head. Amidala looks up to Shmi.
SHMI SKYWALKER
Look within your heart, Amidala. Do you love him?
Amidala looks within. A small smile appears on her lips.
AMIDALA
I do. I really think I do.
SHMI SKYWALKER
You bring a smile to this old woman's heart.
Amidala leans her head down on Shmi's lap. Shmi strokes Amidala's head with a mother's tender caress.
CUT TO:
INT DARTH SIDIOUS CHAMBER - NIGHT
Darth Sidious sits in his throne, overlooking the night lights of Coruscant. Darth Rezin enters and kneels.
DARTH SIDIOUS
You failed.
DARTH REZIN
The boy is strong in the force.
Darth Sidious turns his throne to face Darth Rezin.
DARTH SIDIOUS
And yet you foolishly rushed to face him.
DARTH REZIN
Next time I will slay him.
Darth Sidious rises from his throne.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Arise, Darth Rezin. You were the most promising of my students, and yet you have no understanding of the dark side. Approach me, that you might learn the full power of the dark side.
As Darth Rezin steps toward Darth Sidious, streams of force lightning pour from Darth Sidious' hands. The lightning strikes Darth Rezin and drives him to his knees.
Darth Rezin grits his teeth. The pain is killing him, but he refuses to cry out. As the bolts shoot through his body, he collapses to the floor in agony.
Darth Sidious sits back in his throne and turns back to the window.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Do not question me again.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - DAY
The peaceful planet buzzes with commerce. Several warships orbit the planet on patrol.
EXT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - DAY
The city of Aldera sits on an island in the middle of a tranquil lake.
Great spires rise up in the majestic city. The tallest of these being the royal palace.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - CONTINUING
Obi Wan Kenobi enters the throne room. Bail Antilles rises to greet the Jedi courteously.
BAIL ANTILLES
Greetings, Jedi.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Senator Antilles, I bring grave news from the Jedi Council.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - WAR ROOM - NIGHT
Bail Antilles rests his head in his hands. Obi Wan looks over star maps. They sit at a large table. It has a holoprojector in the middle of it.
BAIL ANTILLES
We need more troops if we are to help the Jedi.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Over two hundred Jedi Knights were lost in our last attack.
BAIL ANTILLES
Have you heard from your apprentice at all?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Not yet. I don't know where he is.
Sabe (as the Queen) enters, flanked by her handmaidens.
SABE AS AMIDALA
Senator, have you made your decision?
Bail Antilles rubs his eyes. He is exhausted, and stressed beyond belief.
BAIL ANTILLES
Not yet. We just cannot spare the ships to liberate Naboo.
OBI WAN KENOBI
(to the queen)
What happened?
Obi Wan turns to the Queen. He reaches out and touches her mind. He recognizes it isn't Amidala. He gets a puzzled look on his face. Sabe notices and puts her finger to her lips to quiet his question. She gestures to Bail Antilles, signifying that he doesn't know about the ruse.
SABE AS AMIDALA
The Mandalorians invaded Naboo. Most of our people escaped. I fear the Gungans are all but dead.
OBI WAN KENOBI
The Council has decreed that we will destroy the cloning facilities. They have appointed me General.
An AIDE opens the door to give a message to Bail Antilles.
AIDE
Lord Organa, the Senator from Chandrila wishes to speak with you.
BAIL ANTILLES
Thank you. I'll be there in one moment.
Bail Antilles sees the quizzical look on Obi Wan's face.
BAIL ANTILLES
It is my family name. I choose not to use it in the Senate to protect my family.
The Aide brings in an encrypted disk. This is the descrambling code for the tightbeam transmission.
Bail Antilles places the disk into the holoprojector on the war table. A hologram of Mon Mothma appears.
MON MOTHMA
Greetings Bail.
BAIL ANTILLES
Mon Mothma.
MON MOTHMA
General Kenobi.
(to Bail)
You look tired.
BAIL ANTILLES
We don't have the strength to aid the Jedi in their cause.
MON MOTHMA
I have won us some allies. Admiral Ackbar has pledged the loyalty of the Mon Calamari. Their starfleet rivals even that of the Galactic Senate.
BAIL ANTILLES
That is welcome news. But I fear that Palpatine will use our armies against us.
MON MOTHMA
That is why we are not entering this conflict.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What?
MON MOTHMA
We support the Jedi in their bid for peace, but we are not willing to risk our own safety and the safety of the galaxy by supporting Palpatine's war. I am sorry, General Kenobi.
OBI WAN KENOBI
How can you claim to support peace and turn your back on the Jedi?
MON MOTHMA
There are more lives at stake than even you know, General.
SAB AS AMIDALA
The Mandalorians have already conquered Naboo. Is there nothing we can do?
MON MOTHMA
We wait.
BAIL ANTILLES
This is the only way.
OBI WAN KENOBI
You're wrong. And every life that ends because of your blindness will be on your heads.
Obi Wan storms out of the room. He uses the force to throw open the doors. They rattle back on their hinges.
BAIL ANTILLES
We can ill afford to lose the support of the Jedi now, Mon Mothma.
MON MOTHMA
If our children are to know freedom, this is the only way.
CUT TO: