Star Wars: Episode III - Page Two
Star Wars Episode III
The Path of Darkness
page 2
INT REPUBLIC BATTLESHIP - NIGHT
Obi Wan Kenobi and Oppo Rancisis communicate with a hologram of BAIL ORGANA. Bail is the chief voice in opposition to Palpatine.
BAIL ORGANA
Palpatine has just declared himself Emperor.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Perhaps he can unite the galaxy against the Mandalorians.
BAIL ORGANA
You don't understand, General Kenobi. Palpatine now has absolute control. The people support him.
OPPO RANCISIS
And what does the Jedi Council say of this?
BAIL ORGANA
They-
Static interferes with the transmission.
BAIL ORGANA
You must-
More static.
BAIL ORGANA
-Only hope.
The transmission ends suddenly.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I'm going back.
OPPO RANCISIS
Shall we turn the fleet back to Coruscant?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Continue on to Kashyyyk. Free the Wookies. They can be powerful allies.
OPPO RANCISIS
May the force be with you, General Kenobi.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Yes.
Obi Wan exits.
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INT CORUSCANT - LOWER LEVELS - MEDICAL ROOM - NIGHT
Four bodies lie on tables, covered with white cloths. Darthine Jez and Silmus Wombar communicate with Palpatine via hologram.
DARTHINE JEZ
They're all down here. Mace Windu was supposed to be there, not this cone-headed freak.
SILMUS WOMBAR
What shall we do with them, Master?
PALPATINE
It is unfortunate that young Skywalker stands against us.
DARTHINE JEZ
He will die, just like the others.
SILMUS WOMBAR
Can we put them with the others?
PALPATINE
See that the Jedi Master is never found.
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INT MANDALORIAN FLAGSHIP - DAY
MANDALORE, a leader among the armies of Concord Dawn, speaks with his second in command. The second in command stands in the shadows.
MANDALORE
The clones have outlived their usefulness. When the time comes, we will ascend to our rightful place in the Empire.
The Second in command turns to look out the window. He is dressed in fine Mandalorian armor, just like Boba Fett.
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INT JEDI TEMPLE - COUNCIL CHAMBER - MORNING
Obi Wan enters without announcing himself. Mace Windu studies a readout of the days events. Noticeably absent is Adi Gallia.
YODA
Returned so quickly, Obi Wan?
OBI WAN KENOBI
What happened the night I left?
MACE WINDU
Chancellor Palpatine declared himself Emperor.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What else? I haven't been able to get anything but the Imperial Holonet.
YADDLE
Ki-Adi Mundi is gone.
MACE WINDU
No one has seen him since that night.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What happened to him?
YODA
Strong with him the force was, now gone, almost.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Can you sense where he is?
MACE WINDU
No. Even if we could, we cannot afford to send any Jedi after him. Our numbers are too few.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Bail Organa tried to tell me... , but I couldn't understand.
MACE WINDU
We are being called charlatans and wizards. The people no longer trust us.
OBI WAN KENOBI
But how...?
YADDLE
The people all hate us. They want us to leave.
YODA
Much darkness is upon us, I fear. Skywalker must not join the Emperor.
MACE WINDU
Obi Wan, you are his master. Only you can prevent this.
OBI WAN KENOBI
But Master Yoda only told me to teach him.
MACE WINDU
Yes. You must teach him, but you also must defend the Jedi. We cannot allow him to embrace the dark side.
OBI WAN KENOBI
And if Anakin does turn to the dark side?
MACE WINDU
Kill him.
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INT CORUSCANT - SKYWALKER RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Anakin sits in a corner in the darkness. Shmi walks out of her room, clothed in a sleeping gown. She stops as she sees her DOLL on the table. She picks up the doll and looks closely at it, verifying its authenticity.
Memories of happier times shine in Shmi's eyes.
Anakin shatters the moment by speaking.
ANAKIN
I think you owe me an explanation.
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INT CORUSCANT - SKYWALKER RESIDENCE - BEDROOM - MIDNIGHT
Amidala and Rabe sit on Amidala's bed. Rabe brushes through Amidala's long hair.
AMIDALA
He's getting more and more distant.
RABE
He is a man. They never listen.
AMIDALA
But I see it in him. He understands, it's just ...
RABE
He loves you, but he can't show it. Not like he used to.
Amidala sniffs and wipes away a stray tear.
AMIDALA
No.
RABE
Will you have his children?
AMIDALA
Yes. But I want them to know their father. He is a good man.
RABE
Do you believe that Anakin is the Chosen One?
More tears spring unbidden to Amidala's eyes.
AMIDALA
He's my Annie. I don't care if he's the Chosen One or not. I just want my Annie back.
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INT CORUSCANT - SKYWALKER RESIDENCE - CONTINUING
Shmi quietly and deliberately explains her mysterious past to her son.
ANAKIN
Why didn't you tell me all of this before?
SHMI SKYWALKER
You were not ready, Anakin.
ANAKIN
When were you going to tell me?
SHMI SKYWALKER
I had hoped I wouldn't have to tell you. That you would become a man by yourself, and not be hindered by the knowledge of your royal birthright.
ANAKIN
They had no right to do this to you.
SHMI SKYWALKER
It wasn't them. It was Jezi. She was to be the mother of The Chosen One. Everyone had decided that. She had the highest midichlorian count of the girls her age.
ANAKIN
But then she had you tested.
SHMI SKYWALKER
Yes. I never wanted to be anyone special. But then you were born. And I knew I had found my calling.
ANAKIN
What happened to her?
SHMI SKYWALKER
I don't know.
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INT INT SITH COMPOUND - TRAINING ARENA - MIDNIGHT
Darthine Jez whirls a polished blade around. Training droids circle around her, brandishing stun guns and blades.
Darthine whirls and leaps, spinning and slicing. Droid parts clatter to the ground. She leaps high in the air, backflipping over the droids. She whips out a circular blade, her CHAKRAM, and hurls it at the droids.
The Chakram arcs in midair, controlled by the force. Darthine Jez holds out her hand, guiding the Chakram. It decapitates the last two droids. The Chakram flies back to her. She catches it in her gloved hand.
A lone figure enters the arena, clapping slowly.
PALPATINE
Very good, my student.
DARTHINE JEZ
Take me as your apprentice. Skywalker is nothing.
PALPATINE
Skywalker is everything. He will bring us to power.
DARTHINE JEZ
You are already Emperor.
PALPATINE
So long as the Jedi live, there cannot be peace.
DARTHINE JEZ
Let me kill them.
PALPATINE
In due time.
Palpatine reaches out a hand and takes Darthine's chin. He looks into her eyes, reading her soul.
PALPATINE
What of the Jedi Master?
DARTHINE JEZ
He is of no concern.
PALPATINE
You are foolish and inexperienced.
DARTHINE JEZ
So was Rezin. You took him as apprentice.
PALPATINE
He sought to kill me. You do not.
Darthine's grip tightens on her Chakram. She tenses to swing it.
PALPATINE
Ah, good. Hate. Your hate will make you powerful.
Palpatine turns and walks away. As he gets to the arena entrance, Darthine hurls the Chakram at Palpatine with all her might.
Palpatine puts out a hand and diverts the Chakram slightly. It narrowly misses striking him, burying itself deep in the wall.
DARTHINE JEZ
(solemnly)
It will make me your apprentice.
CUT TO:
INT JEDI TEMPLE - LIBRARY - DAY
Anakin Skywalker hunches over a large book. He slowly turns the ancient pages, poring over every detail. He sits back, frustrated.
Palpatine speaks from behind him.
PALPATINE
Giving up so soon, young Skywalker?
Anakin whirls around, half rising from his chair. Palpatine holds out a calming hand.
ANAKIN
What do you want?
PALPATINE
I merely wish to offer my assistance.
ANAKIN
I don't want your help.
Palpatine glances down at the large book set in front of Anakin.
PALPATINE
The Journal of The Whills? Now why would a history book be of interest to a young Jedi?
Anakin tries to close the book, but Palpatine puts down his hand, keeping the page open.
PALPATINE
The House Of The Sun. Interesting.
ANAKIN
I have to leave.
Anakin stands and starts walking away.
PALPATINE
I can give you knowledge.
Anakin pauses, tempted, but then continues on his way.
PALPATINE
knowledge that the Jedi Council cannot.
Anakin turns to face Palpatine.
ANAKIN
How?
PALPATINE
As Emperor, I have many resources that the Jedi Council, great though they may be, do not have.
ANAKIN
What do you want from me?
PALPATINE
I only wish to give you knowledge. Why must there be a price?
ANAKIN
There is always a price.
PALPATINE
In your studies, have you learned of the Jedi Holocron?
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INT JEDI TEMPLE - TRAINING ARENA - DAY
Obi Wan kneels on a high balcony, overlooking the arena. Only a few padawans train now. The rest have all gone to war.
Obi Wan closes his eyes and tries to relax. He clears his mind and opens himself up to the force.
A voice from behind startles him.
ANAKIN (O.S.)
You're losing your touch, old man.
Obi Wan gets up slowly and faces Anakin.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I didn't expect to see you here.
ANAKIN
What do you know of the Jedi Holocron?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Where did you learn of those?
ANAKIN
I have my sources.
OBI WAN KENOBI
They've been safeguarded for years by the Council. Only masters get to see them, and then only on occasion.
ANAKIN
How can I get one?
OBI WAN KENOBI
No. I cannot allow you to even ask. Such knowledge must be kept sacred.
ANAKIN
You mean secret.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Anakin, years ago when I promised Qui Gon that I would train you, I had no idea what would be required of me. In the same way, you have no idea what you ask.
ANAKIN
Are the Jedi Masters afraid of letting their secrets out? Are they afraid that I will discover their precious knowledge and destroy them?
OBI WAN KENOBI
I must protect the Jedi. At any cost.
Obi Wan crosses his arms stubbornly.
ANAKIN
I see how it is. I guess I'll just have to look elsewhere.
Anakin turns on his heel and storms out, slamming a door behind him.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Anakin, you're going to get yourself in trouble.
Obi Wan follows after Anakin.
CUT TO:
EXT PLANET KASHYYYK - DAY
The Jedi fleet battles the Mandalorian Clones. Battleships engage in ship to ship combat. Drop ships plummet toward the planet. A slaver ship, full of Wookies, breaks past the Jedi blockade and rockets into hyperspace.
INT REPUBLIC BATTLESHIP - CONTINUING
Oppo Rancisis sighs, and turns to the holographic projection of Mace Windu.
OPPO RANCISIS
Another one got through. I sensed at least two hundred Wookies aboard.
MACE WINDU
Can you retake the planet?
OPPO RANCISIS
I fear we cannot. Our forces fight valiantly, but we do not have the strength to win this battle.
MACE WINDU
Return to Coruscant.
OPPO RANCISIS
As you wish.
The hologram fades. Oppo Rancisis turns to a LIEUTENANT standing nearby.
OPPO RANCISIS
Give the order.
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INT JEDI TEMPLE - COUNCIL CHAMBER - CONTINUING
Mace Windu sighs and slumps down in his seat. The other Council members exchange worried looks.
YADDLE
Shall we hide?
MACE WINDU
Master Yoda?
YODA
Hide we must. But not yet. Soon. After the darkness falls.
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INT HANGING GARDENS OF NOLYAB - DAY
Exotic plants festoon every corner of the huge atrium. Birds and other small creatures chatter busily in the foliage high above.
Anakin and Amidala walk hand in hand along a narrow path.
AMIDALA
Annie, why don't we talk anymore?
ANAKIN
There's a lot going on. In both of our lives.
AMIDALA
But we used to spend so much time together. What happened?
ANAKIN
I am a Jedi. You know that.
AMIDALA
Annie ... I don't want to lose you.
ANAKIN
You won't.
AMIDALA
You're always so distant now.
Anakin steps off the narrow path and walks into the darker foliage. He stoops to lift a drooping flower.
ANAKIN
Come here.
AMIDALA
I can see from here.
ANAKIN
Are you afraid of a little darkness? Come here.
Anakin lifts the flower up so Amidala can see. The vine is severed on one end, causing the beautiful flower to fall into darkness.
AMIDALA
Who could have done this?
ANAKIN
It's cut off from the light. Someone didn't want it to grow any more. Look, this cut is from a pruner.
Amidala pulls on Anakin's arm, tugging him back toward the light. She shivers and looks around anxiously.
AMIDALA
Come back into the light. The shadows are cold.
Anakin lifts the vine and drapes it over a nearby branch.
AMIDALA
It can't live there. It's too dark.
ANAKIN
It will adapt.
Anakin rejoins Amidala on the path. In the shadows behind them, the blossom shines in mournful hope. A petal falls to the ground.
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EXT CORUSCANT - BAZAAR - EVENING
Shmi and Rabe pick out some fresh fruit. Their baskets are already full of brightly colored foods.
Boba Fett walks past them, hiding armor under a dark cloak.
Shmi looks up, unease evident on her face.
RABE
What is it?
SHMI SKYWALKER
We must leave. Now.
They put down the fruit and hurry away. Boba Fett turns to follow them through the thronging crowd.
RABE
Down there. In that shop.
They turn down into a dressmaker's shop.
INT CORUSCANT - BAZAAR - DRESSMAKER'S SHOP - CONTINUING
Shmi and Rabe enter and duck behind an elegant display. Rabe takes out her small blaster.
The DRESSMAKER, a lithe Twi'Lek female, looks down at them in surprise.
RABE
Don't look. Please. Someone is after us.
The door opens. Boba Fett enters. In a mechanically disguised voice, Boba Fett speaks.
BOBA FETT
You. Out.
The Dressmaker refuses to budge. Boba Fett pulls up a blaster rifle. The Dressmaker hurries out.
Boba Fett pulls the curtains. Darkness falls in the room. A blast lances out from Rabe's blaster. Boba Fett turns, dodging the blast.
RABE
(to Shmi)
I'll distract him. You run.
SHMI SKYWALKER
No. I can't run anymore.
Shmi stands up. She steps out from behind the display.
SHMI SKYWALKER
I will not run from you anymore.
Boba Fett's rifle doesn't waver. It stays pointed at Shmi.
BOBA FETT
I was hired to kill you long ago. I let you live.
SHMI SKYWALKER
Yes, you did.
Rabe slowly stands up from behind the display. Her blaster remains on Boba Fett.
BOBA FETT
That blaster will not penetrate this armor, girl.
RABE
Care to bet your life on that?
BOBA FETT
Do you? And hers?
Boba Fett gestures to Shmi. Rabe lowers her blaster. Another blaster hides in her other hand behind her back.
BOBA FETT
Drop it.
The blaster drops to the ground.
Boba Fett sets down the rifle, and slowly takes off the Mandalorian helmet. To reveal ...
The white skinned face of Aurra Sing! A blast wound scars her otherwise beautiful face.
Rabe's other blaster drops to the ground in shock.
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