Star Wars: Episode II - Page Nine
Sanctuary Lost
page 9
INT JEDI MEDICAL FRIGATE - NIGHT
A medical droid closes a hatch on Anakin's new mechanical hand.
Obi Wan watches closely. Anakin looks up at him, exhausted.
OBI WAN KENOBI
We won.
ANAKIN
You won.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Now it's just a matter of cleaning up the rest of the galaxy.
ANAKIN
They're still out there. They're waiting for me.
OBI WAN KENOBI
It's back to Alderaan for you. You deserve a hero's reward. All of you do.
ANAKIN
I don't feel like a hero.
CUT TO:
INT DARTH SIDIOUS CHAMBER - NIGHT
Aurra Sing and Boba Fett report to Darth Sidious.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Only one of the cloning facilities was destroyed?
AURRA SING
That's right, just one.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Perhaps that can be used to our advantage. And the Jedi?
BOBA FETT
Sixty percent are dead.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Excellent. And what of young Skywalker?
AURRA SING
Boba Fett shot him.
DARTH SIDIOUS
One day you may regret that choice, Journeyman.
BOBA FETT
I followed orders.
AURRA SING
For once in your life.
Darth Rezin enters, followed by his dark Jedi. He stops short when he sees Aurra Sing, and the lightsaber hanging at her belt.
DARTH REZIN
Who are you? What is the meaning of this?
DARTH SIDIOUS
Darth Rezin, this is Aurra Sing, one of my many tools.
DARTH REZIN
This is preposterous! I am your Second, not her.
DARTH SIDIOUS
Foolish apprentice. Did you think that my plans were dependent only on you? I have much greater plans for the galaxy. If you survive, you may even have a place in my Empire.
DARTH REZIN
IF I survive? Is there any doubt?
AURRA SING
Anakin has beaten you twice.
DARTH REZIN
You stay out of this.
DARTH SIDIOUS
The boy will return to Alderaan. Find him there. Darth Rezin. Do not return until the prophesy is fulfilled.
DARTH REZIN
It will be fulfilled in me.
Darth Rezin and his entourage exit. Boba Fett follows. Aurra Sing turns at the door for one final comment to Darth Sidious.
AURRA SING
Give my regards to the Senate.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY
Amidala paces nervously. Shmi sits worriedly in the Queen's seat.
AMIDALA
They should have been back by now.
SHMI SKYWALKER
They are coming.
AMIDALA
How can you be so strong?
SHMI SKYWALKER
If I don't have hope, I have nothing. I must keep my hope alive.
The door creaks open. Anakin leans heavily on Obi Wan. Amidala runs to him.
AMIDALA
Anakin.
Anakin manages a weak smile. Shmi and Amidala help him to a seat, Bail Organa's throne.
OBI WAN KENOBI
You should be proud of Anakin. He withstood four Dark Lords by himself.
ANAKIN
They're still out there.
AMIDALA
You're hurt.
ANAKIN
I'll be fine.
SHMI SKYWALKER
Your hand is so cold.
Anakin pulls back his sleeve to reveal that his right hand is mechanical.
AMIDALA
By the stars... who did this to you?
ANAKIN
It's a small price to pay for my life.
AMIDALA
Who did this?
Bail Organa enters. He sees Anakin in his throne, and he stops. His smile disappears.
BAIL ANTILLES
That is not your throne, boy.
Amidala fiercely confronts Bail.
AMIDALA
He's hurt. He fought bravely. Where were you during the battle? On your flagship, protected by legions of soldiers.
BAIL ANTILLES
You forget your place, handmaid.
Obi Wan steps between them.
OBI WAN KENOBI
The war is not yet complete. There are still many planets left that we must liberate. We cannot fight among ourselves.
BAIL ANTILLES
(to Anakin)
I'll be watching you.
Bail exits through the door behind the throne.
AMIDALA
Don't mind him, Anakin.
SHMI SKYWALKER
You need rest. We'll talk later.
Shmi and Amidala help Anakin to one of the back rooms.
Obi Wan turns to exit through the main door. Crix Madine enters. He carries a small datapad.
CRIX MADINE
General, we just received this report.
Obi Wan looks over the report.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Four more cloning facilities. We don't have the strength to destroy them.
CRIX MADINE
There's more. Our scout ships report part of the Mandalorian fleet has turned toward Alderaan.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What forces do we have left?
CRIX MADINE
The Senate forces still battle at Concord Dawn. The Jedi are cleaning up some of the captured planets. All we have is Alderaan's fleet. Maybe a few more ships beyond that.
OBI WAN KENOBI
How much time do we have?
CRIX MADINE
We estimate not more than two days.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Call a meeting.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - WAR ROOM - NIGHT
All the ranking officers in Alderaan's fleet are present. The higher ranks sit around the table. The lower ranks stand behind them.
Obi Wan and Bail Organa sit at the head of the table.
From the Jedi Council, SAESEE TINN, an Iktotchi pilot, and Yarael Poof, sit to Obi Wan's right.
OBI WAN KENOBI
As you have heard, a Mandalorian fleet is headed towards us. We have just over a day until they arrive. We welcome Masters Saesee Tinn and Yarael Poof from the Jedi Council.
BAIL ANTILLES
It is imperative that we protect Alderaan. More now than ever before, the galaxy needs free planets. Palpatine is gaining too much power. If Alderaan falls, the galaxy will fall.
Saesee Tinn stands. Bail Organa sits, respectfully letting the Jedi Master speak.
SAESEE TINN
Among my people, we have a saying. It roughly translates to mean the smallest creature can stop the largest attacker, if he bites in the right place.
Heads nod in agreement.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What do you suggest, Master Tinn?
SAESEE TINN
Small, one-man fighters will serve as the primary assault. The larger, capital ships will follow.
BAIL ANTILLES
If we can destroy their command ships, the smaller ones will be without direction.
In the back, Anakin and Amidala listen to all of this with half an ear. Amidala strokes Anakin's good hand gently.
ANAKIN
They're coming for me.
AMIDALA
Can't you run away? Hide somewhere until they're gone.
ANAKIN
He will follow me wherever I go. I can't risk your life anymore. I must face him.
AMIDALA
No. Anakin, I'll go with you. We can run far away from here. We can live our lives together.
ANAKIN
I wish it were that easy.
AMIDALA
Beneath the palace, there is a maze of caverns. We can hide there until this battle is over. We will be safe there.
ANAKIN
Safe. I can't even remember what that feels like.
Amidala reaches out and takes Anakin in her arms.
AMIDALA
It will be all right.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - WAR ROOM - MIDNIGHT
Bail Organa confers with Mon Mothma through holographic interfacing.
BAIL ANTILLES
We need your help, Mon Mothma.
MON MOTHMA
I cannot risk this fleet, Bail. We are the last hope against Palpatine.
BAIL ANTILLES
Without your help, Alderaan will fall.
MON MOTHMA
If I help you, I risk everything - including my children's freedom. I am not willing to do that.
BAIL ANTILLES
Mon Mothma, I beg you. Not for myself, but for the children. Help us.
MON MOTHMA
There have been rumors that Palpatine will proclaim himself Emperor.
BAIL ANTILLES
Mon Mothma, please. Help us now. We will worry about Palpatine later.
MON MOTHMA
General Ackbar supports my decision. May the force be with you, Bail.
Mon Mothma severs the connection.
BAIL ANTILLES
No! By the stars, why won't that woman listen to reason?
Obi Wan steps out of the shadows.
OBI WAN KENOBI
So we're on our own. It is time to step forward and be heroes, Bail. Whether we live or die is irrelevant, so long as Alderaan is safe.
BAIL ANTILLES
I don't want my children to see me as a coward.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Lead the fighters. Fight the battle at its heart. Your children will remember that.
Bail nods slowly.
BAIL ANTILLES
All right. Will you join me?
OBI WAN KENOBI
I will.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - DAY
The Mandalorian fleet approaches Alderaan.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - WAR ROOM - CONTINUING
Crix Madine coordinates all efforts from the war room. Communications and tracking equipment has been hastily set up, to make the war room the command center of the battle.
CRIX MADINE
All fighters, may the force be with us. Good hunting.
EXT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - CONTINUING
Waves of fighters lift off from the hangars and shoot towards the sky.
In two different types of fighters, Obi Wan and Bail Organa give each other a thumbs up.
OBI WAN KENOBI (O.S.)
May the force be with you, Bail.
BAIL ANTILLES (O.S.)
Copy that, Jedi leader.
Saesee Tinn boards his fighter and follows Obi Wan.
SAESEE TINN (O.S.)
May the force guide me in my actions.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUING
Yarael Poof sits in meditation, alone in the throne room. The doors burst open. Darth Rezin strides in, followed by his company, Boba Fett, and Aurra Sing.
DARTH REZIN
Ah, a Jedi Master.
Yarael Poof opens his eyes. He sends a burst of mental energy towards Darth Rezin. Darth Rezin stops momentarily. He smiles at Yarael Poof.
DARTH REZIN
Very good. I had forgotten about that.
Yarael Poof pulls out his lightsaber.
DARTH REZIN
You won't be needing that.
Darth Rezin slashes downwards, cutting through Yarael Poof's robes. Yarael Poof disappears, giving himself over to the force.
Darth Rezin picks up the fallen lightsaber.
DARTH REZIN
(continuing; to Aurra Sing)
A trophy.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - DAY
Amidala leads Anakin by the hand through the dimly lit caves. Carved pillars and catwalks high on the walls show these caves had use earlier in their history.
Anakin stops. Amidala tugs on his hand, urging him on.
AMIDALA
Come on. There's a safe place down here. It's just a little further.
ANAKIN
He's here.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - DAY
The Mandalorian ships disgorge swarms of fighters. They race toward the Organa Alliance fleet.
BAIL ANTILLES
Here they come.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Jedi group, follow me.
Obi Wan leads his group straight through the middle of the oncoming Mandalorians.
Bail Antilles veers off toward the capital ships.
BAIL ANTILLES
Target their shield generators.
Bail swoops low across the flagship's bow. Two Mandalorians move to pursue.
BAIL ANTILLES
Two on my tail.
KING TWO, wingman of the King group, swoops in after them.
KING TWO
I've got them.
King Two blows one out of the sky easily.
KING TWO
Break left, King leader.
Bail (King Leader) breaks left. The Mandalorian moves to follow, and flies into blaster fire from King Two.
Obi Wan leads the Jedi group to attack another capital ship. They destroy the shield generator.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Jedi leader to Flagship One. Move in. Shields are down. I repeat, shields are down.
Two Alderaan capital ships move in for the kill.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - CONTINUING
Anakin pushes Amidala behind him protectively.
ANAKIN
Hide! Now!
Amidala runs behind a stack of crates. Anakin pulls out his lightsaber.
Three laser bolts fire from the darkness. Anakin easily deflects them with his lightsaber.
DARTH REZIN (O.S.)
You are young and foolish.
ANAKIN
Show yourself.
DARTH REZIN (O.S.)
Don't mess with me, boy. You'll only get hurt.
ANAKIN
Leave now, and I'll let you live.
A SCUFF on the ground behind Anakin. Anakin whips around, narrowly blocking a death blow from a Dark Jedi. Anakin leaps into the Jedi with a fury heretofore unseen. He cuts down the Jedi easily.
The dark Jedi falls dead next to Amidala's hiding place. She gasps quietly, then covers her mouth so she won't scream.
ANAKIN
There's only two more of you. Show yourselves.
Darth Rezin and the last Dark Jedi step out of the shadows. The Dark Jedi has both a lightsaber and a lightdagger.
Anakin calls the slain Dark Jedi's orange lightsaber to him. Anakin brandishes the two lightsabers.
DARTH REZIN
Two? You can barely control one.
ANAKIN
Come find out.
The dark jedi charges Anakin. They trade blows quickly. Anakin steps back and hurls the orange lightsaber at his opponent. The dark jedi dodges out of the way. Anakin uses that moment to his advantage, cutting the dark Jedi down.
A soft footstep on the catwalk above Anakin. Boba Fett looks down at him. He raises his blaster.
DARTH REZIN
No. He's mine.
BOBA FETT
As you wish.
Aurra Sing is nowhere to be seen.
Darth Rezin shrugs off his black cloak. He steps into the open. Anakin steps forward to face him.
DARTH REZIN
Now we see who is the Chosen One.
They both leap at each other, slashing and parrying with their laserswords.
A soft footstep falls behind Amidala. She whirls. Aurra Sing reaches out and covers Amidala's mouth, and grabs her.
CUT TO:
INT ORGANA ALLIANCE FLAGSHIP - CONTINUING
R2D2 and C3PO hurry down the corridor. A blast rocks the ship.
C3PO
We'll never win. We're doomed.
Artoo whistles a short reply.
C3PO
That's easy for you to say. You don't have any delicate circuits.
Artoo beeps angrily.
C3PO
Watch your language. I should have never listened to you.
Artoo plugs into a wall outlet. He interfaces with the computer.
C3PO
What are you doing? You're going to get us both in trouble.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - CONTINUING
An Alderaan capital ship explodes. Two more Mandalorian capital ships fall in the fray.
A WORLD SHATTERER opens its primary weapon.
SAESEE TINN
That's a World Shatterer. Obi Wan, we can't fight that.
OBI WAN KENOBI
We have to. King group, target that World Shatterer.
The King Group breaks off their attack and streaks toward the World Shatterer. They fire at the primary weapon.
BAIL ANTILLES
Weapons ineffective. What do we do now?
Obi Wan looks at his targeting readout.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I'm getting a readout. What? Target the engines. Who's sending this transmission?
BAIL ANTILLES
I'm getting it, too.
SAESEE TINN
It is the will of the force. Follow me.
Saesee Tinn streaks ahead of Obi Wan. Obi Wan follows his lead.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - CONTINUING
Darth Rezin and Anakin clash in mighty battle. Neither one seems to be getting the upper hand. Anakin leaps up to a catwalk. Darth Rezin tosses his lightsaber, cutting the catwalk supports. It collapses, but Anakin is nowhere to be seen.
Darth Rezin walks carefully around, looking for Anakin.
Anakin hides behind a pillar in the shadows.
DARTH REZIN
You have been taught well. But you don't know the power of the dark side.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
I know enough.
DARTH REZIN
You cannot hide from me.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
I sense your fear. You are going to die.
DARTH REZIN
I am the Chosen One! I will cut you down and bring balance.
Anakin winces in pain. Darth Rezin tries to invade Anakin's mind.
DARTH REZIN
Yes. Use your anger. Rise up against me and cut me down.
Anakin sweats nervously from his hiding place.
DARTH REZIN
If you will not fight me. Perhaps... Amidala. She's here.
Anakin charges from his hiding place, battering Darth Rezin with a flurry of blows. He backs Darth Rezin up against the wall. Darth Rezin kicks him away.
DARTH REZIN
Your sacrifice will seal my power.
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - DARK CAVE - CONTINUING
Aurra Sing pulls Amidala back into the darkness. Aurra Sing leans close and whispers in Amidala's ear.
AURRA SING
Don't say a word.
Aurra Sing stealthily moves to the cave entrance.
Boba Fett steps in front of the cave entrance, blocking Aurra Sing's path.
BOBA FETT
Where is the girl?
AURRA SING
You killed her, remember?
BOBA FETT
You betrayed Lord Sidious. He will destroy you.
AURRA SING
No one kills me.
BOBA FETT
I'll kill you. That topknot will be my next trophy.
AURRA SING
Over my dead body.
BOBA FETT
That's the idea.
Boba Fett whips up his blaster. Aurra Sing flashes out her lightsaber.
Amidala cringes and hides her head in the corner. A body hits the ground in the darkness.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - CONTINUING
Saesee Tinn races towards the engines. He lets loose a volley of fire. Obi Wan and Bail Antilles follow suit. The Mandalorian flagship engines flicker and die.
A swarm of Mandalorian fighters scream toward them.
SAESEE TINN
I see what I must do.
Saesee Tinn breaks off his run and races toward the flagship bridge.
SAESEE TINN
Target the shield generator.
Obi Wan and Bail Antilles, pursued by Mandalorian Fighters, push their craft to the extreme, and target the shield generator.
Bail uses his targeting computer, and misses. Obi Wan closes his eyes and fires. He hits the shield generator. It explodes.
SAESEE TINN
The force will be with you, always.
Saesee Tinn rockets toward the Mandalorian World Shatterer primary weapon. The primary weapon charges, drawing energy from the surrounding ships. Saesee Tinn, very tiny compared to the huge weapon, crashes his ship into it.
The weapon explodes, beginning at the end, and moving inward. The entire World Shatterer is crippled.
BAIL ANTILLES
He did it! All Capital ships, move in.
The Organa Alliance moves in for the kill.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - CONTINUING
Darth Rezin and Anakin circle each other warily. Both are exhausted and breathing hard.
DARTH REZIN
Now you see. I am the master.
ANAKIN
Only a master of evil.
DARTH REZIN
It is the source of all power.
They clash again. Anakin presses his attack. He kicks Darth Rezin back into a pillar. Darth Rezin slashes out. Anakin leaps over the blow, and slashes down, severing Darth Rezin's hand.
Darth Rezin falls to his knees. He glares up at Anakin with hate-filled eyes.
DARTH REZIN
Strike me down, and you will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - DARK CAVE - CONTINUING
Amidala cautiously feels around the floor of the cave. She closes her hand around a fallen lightsaber, and nothing else. The cave is empty, save for her.
She exits the cave, and follows Anakin's voice. She rounds a corner.
Anakin stands with his lightsaber at Darth Rezin's throat. Amidala watches in horror.
DARTH REZIN
You can't strike me down. You are weak. You have no anger. Lord Sidious was wrong.
Darth Rezin reaches behind his belt, hiding something in his hand.
ANAKIN
You are no longer a threat to me. I have defeated you.
DARTH REZIN
I will always be with you. In your dreams. In the shadows just outside your vision. I'll be there.
ANAKIN
No. I am a Jedi.
DARTH REZIN
I'll come after her.
Anakin turns around to see Amidala watching him.
AMIDALA
Don't do it, Anakin.
Darth Rezin uses the force to knock Anakin backwards. He ignites a lightdagger and hurls it at Amidala. Anakin lashes out and severs the projectile in the air. He slashes down, severing Darth Rezin's other hand.
ANAKIN
You will not harm us any more.
Anakin cuts down Darth Rezin.
AMIDALA
No!
Amidala runs to Anakin. A cold, dark stillness sets itself on his face. He slowly picks up Darth Rezin's red lightsaber. He shows it to Amidala.
ANAKIN
A trophy.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - CAVES BENEATH PALACE - LATER
A being in battered Mandalorian Armor emerges from the shadows. The being ties Aurra Sing's topknot to it's shoulder. They speak in a voice mechanical and unrecognizable.
MECHANICALLY DISGUISED VOICE
A trophy.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - DAY
A huge celebration. This is Anakin's and Amidala's wedding day. Amidala is resplendent in her ivory gown. Anakin wears solid black. Two lightsabers hang from his belt.
The heroes of the Battle of Alderaan line the aisle. Amidala and Anakin kiss, sealing their vows. Amidala smiles, and wipes a tear of joy from her eye. Anakin remains stoic and withdrawn.
Obi Wan Kenobi watches Anakin with some measure of worry. He sees that something traumatic happened to change Anakin.
CUT TO:
EXT JEDI TEMPLE - BALCONY - EVENING
Mace Windu and Yoda look out the window.
MACE WINDU
Two of the Council are gone.
YODA
Sacrificed themselves, they did.
MACE WINDU
They boy is turning.
YODA
Yes.
MACE WINDU
He will destroy us all.
YODA
No. Not all.
CUT TO:
INT DARTH SIDIOUS CHAMBER - CONTINUING
Darth Sidious speaks to the personage who appears to be Boba Fett.
DARTH SIDIOUS
My apprentice is gone. It is time. The force must be balanced.
Darth Sidious looks out his window.
DARTH SIDIOUS
(continuing; whispering)
Anakin.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - QUEEN'S CHAMBERS - EVENING
Anakin stands at the window, looking out at the emerging stars.
Amidala rises from her seat on the bed and goes to his side. She touches his arm, trying to comfort him.
Anakin looks out, as if listening to something.
DARTH SIDIOUS (V.O.)
Anakin...
FADE OUT:
To be continued...
Continue reading the saga. Star Wars Episode III - The Path of Darkness