Star Wars: Episode III - Page Six
Star Wars Episode III
The Path of Darkness
page 6
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - CORRIDORS - DAY
Anakin hurries through the corridors. He shoves the sentries out of the way. Aurra Sing shows her identification, clearing him.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - MEDICAL FACILITY - CONTINUING
Anakin throws open the doors. Amidala lies in bed, looking pale and weak.
Obi Wan stands nearby, a grave expression on his face.
ANAKIN
Where are they?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Where are who?
ANAKIN
The children. Where are they?
Amidala looks away, not daring to face Anakin.
ANAKIN
(continuing; panicking)
What happened to the children?
Obi Wan puts a hand on Anakin's back. He leads Anakin from the room.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Come with me.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - MEDICAL FACILITY -
INTENSIVE CARE - CONTINUING
Rows of empty critical care chambers line the walls. Several bacta tanks sit empty on the far wall.
Obi Wan leads Anakin to a small oxygen chamber. LUKE sleeps soundly inside.
ANAKIN
What happened?
OBI WAN KENOBI
He's had some trouble breathing. The medics say he'll need to be in here for several weeks.
ANAKIN
No. They can rebuild whatever's damaged. They have the resources.
OBI WAN KENOBI
He is barely four days old, Anakin. Would you risk his life on that?
ANAKIN
What is his name?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Luke.
Anakin rolls the name around on his tongue, enjoying the sound of it.
ANAKIN
Luke Skywalker.
OBI WAN KENOBI
A noble name.
ANAKIN
Where is the other?
Obi Wan's countenance falls. Anakin pales.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - MAUSOLEUM - CONTINUING
Beneath the palace lies a great mausoleum. Hundreds of thousands of Alderaanian citizens have had their remains placed in here.
Obi Wan leads Anakin to a new wing. He stops before a small plaque on the wall.
Anakin scarcely breathes as he slowly reaches out and touches the plaque, denying its reality. He shakes his head slowly not believing that this could happen to him.
The plaque reads, "Vanther Skywalker, two days".
OBI WAN KENOBI
Your mother chose the name. Vanther was the name of her father.
Tears well up in Anakin's eyes. He slumps against the wall, his head bowed. Sobs rack his large frame.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I'm sorry.
Obi Wan walks away, leaving his friend behind.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - MEDICAL FACILITY - CONTINUING
The droids confer with Amidala. Bail Organa stands nearby. His wife holds Amidala's hand as she talks to her.
Everyone looks up as Obi Wan enters. He nods grimly.
OBI WAN KENOBI
It is done.
BAIL ORGANA
You two droids, come with me.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Where are you taking them?
BAIL ORGANA
To have their memories wiped.
C3PO
What? Oh my. Master Kenobi, don't let them take my memory.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I'll go with you.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - CORRIDORS - CONTINUING
Bail and Obi Wan walk in silence. C3PO whines to Artoo as they progress toward their supposed doom.
C3PO
I thought my behavior pleased the Organa family. They never expressed any anger with me. Oh, Artoo, I don't deserve this.
An AIDE approaches Bail, almost running.
AIDE
My lord, we have a problem.
BAIL ORGANA
What?
AIDE
We've lost all communication to our fleet.
Bail looks at the droids. Then at Obi Wan.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I'll take care of it.
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - DROID SERVICE CENTER - CONTINUING
A cheery fellow, MILES BANNO, smiles at the droids as they enter.
MILES BANNO
Good day, my friends. It is good to see you down here among the lowly servants again.
C3PO
Master Kenobi, if there is anything I can do to convince you-
Obi Wan cuts him off with a wave of his hand.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Bail Organa wants their memories wiped.
MILES BANNO
No problem. When do you need it done?
OBI WAN KENOBI
As soon as possible.
Miles Banno fits a restraining bolt on C3PO. Threepio immediately shuts down. Miles goes to place a bolt on Artoo. Obi Wan stops him.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Not that one. How much does it cost to wipe the memory?
MILES BANNO
Hmm. For this one, I'd say about three fifty.
Obi Wan pulls a card from his pocket. He hands it to Miles.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Take three-fifty for the memory wipe, and another five hundred for keeping your mouth closed.
He looks at it, then scans it.
MILES BANNO
Is there something special about this droid?
Artoo beeps and whistles excitedly.
OBI WAN KENOBI
There is.
(to Artoo)
Don't you forget this, my little friend.
As Obi Wan leaves, Miles calls after him.
MILES BANNO
What do you want me to do when I'm done?
OBI WAN KENOBI
Send them to the loading dock. Put them programming load lifters, or something.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - MEDICAL FACILITY - EVENING
Anakin sits in a chair next to Amidala's bed. She strokes his hand and tries to comfort him.
AMIDALA
We just have to go on.
ANAKIN
How can you say that? That was your child.
Tears form and trickle down Amidala's cheeks.
AMIDALA
I have to. I can't bring him back any more than you can.
ANAKIN
We can heal Luke.
AMIDALA
I won't let them do surgery on him.
ANAKIN
With the force. We can heal him.
AMIDALA
Do you know how to do that?
ANAKIN
I know someone who does. Come with me back to Coruscant.
AMIDALA
I don't want to leave Luke.
An AIDE enters.
AIDE
Anakin Skywalker? You have a message from Coruscant.
CUT TO:
INT ALDERAAN - ROYAL PALACE - PRIVATE ROOM - CONTINUING
The holographic image of Emperor Palpatine addresses Anakin.
PALPATINE
I received a message from Mandalore, War Chief of the Mandalorians. He is willing to negotiate a truce. You will take Aurra Sing and negotiate on behalf of the Empire.
ANAKIN
Where is he?
PALPATINE
He has agreed to meet at Kashyyyk.
ANAKIN
It shall be done.
PALPATINE
Now, I sense you have something to ask me.
ANAKIN
Can you heal broken lungs?
PALPATINE
The force is strong, but it takes time. You must turn yourself completely over to the will of the force.
ANAKIN
My son, Luke, is not breathing well.
The door opens and Amidala enters. She gasps as she sees Palpatine standing there.
PALPATINE
Greetings, Lady Skywalker.
(to Anakin)
Bring him to me. I will heal him.
The image fades out.
Amidala's eyes grow fearful. She shakes her head slowly, backing towards the door.
AMIDALA
No.
CUT TO:
EXT ALDERAAN - DOCKING BAY - DAY
Amidala, Shmi, and Rabe stand with Obi Wan. Anakin and Aurra Sing stand by Anakin's ship.
ANAKIN
I have some business to take care of. I'll meet you on Coruscant.
OBI WAN KENOBI
The Council needs all the Jedi they can get. We need you, Anakin.
ANAKIN
We will see when we get to Coruscant.
AMIDALA
Your mother and Rabe will stay with the children.
ANAKIN
Children?
Amidala quickly turns to Rabe, panic evident in her eyes.
RABE
It is a Naboo tradition to stay at the burial place of a child until the child's soul is with the ancients.
ANAKIN
How long is that?
RABE
Seventeen days.
SHMI SKYWALKER
We will take care of Luke, Anakin. You just come back to us. We miss you.
ANAKIN
I'll be back.
Amidala kisses Anakin goodbye.
AMIDALA
I'll see you on Coruscant.
Anakin gets in his ship with Aurra Sing and takes off.
Amidala turns to Rab, genuine thanks shining in her face.
AMIDALA
Thank you ... for covering my slip.
SHMI SKYWALKER
We will protect the children. I will not let them be taken.
CUT TO:
EXT KASHYYYK - DAY
A huge Mandalorian flagship orbits the planet. Several warships accompany the flagship. Fighters swarm around the ship.
Anakin's ship approaches without escort. A squad of fighters surround his ship, preventing him from doing anything but proceed.
Anakin pilots his ship into a docking bay.
INT MANDALORIAN FLAGSHIP - HANGAR - CONTINUING
Anakin exits. Aurra Sing follows. Mandalorian Supercommandos immediately take Aurra Sing's weapons. However, they leave Anakin's lightsaber alone.
They lead Anakin and Aurra Sing away.
INT MANDALORIAN FLAGSHIP - CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUING
The conference room is empty. Anakin and Aurra Sing look out the large windows to the planet below.
AURRA SING
Why are we here? And don't give me any more cryptic answers.
ANAKIN
Mandalore is willing to negotiate.
AURRA SING
And so Palpatine picked you? Not a negotiator?
ANAKIN
I don't question his motives.
AURRA SING
You should.
The doors slide open. Mandalore and his SECOND enter. The Second wears a war mask, hiding his identity.
MANDALORE
You are Anakin Skywalker?
ANAKIN
Yes. You must be Mandalore.
MANDALORE
Your Emperor speaks highly of you.
Mandalore turns to Aurra Sing. His eyes seem to burn right through her.
MANDALORE
And this must be Aurra Sing, your Second.
AURRA SING
I work alone.
MANDALORE
So I have been told.
ANAKIN
What do you want to negotiate?
MANDALORE
There are certain individuals that must be removed before we can proceed with peace in your Empire.
ANAKIN
I'm sure we can work a compromise.
MANDALORE
There will be no compromises. Your Emperor assured me of this.
Anakin looks to Aurra Sing to gauge her reaction.
AURRA SING
Anakin, I don't think we should be here.
MANDALORE
Feeling out of place? Uncomfortable? Frightened? You have no more mask to hide behind, Aurra Sing. You betrayed the Emperor.
ANAKIN
What?
MANDALORE
I see she hasn't told you. She was hired to kill you. That's why she brought you here.
ANAKIN
Wait a minute?
AURRA SING
He's lying. I was never sent to kill you.
ANAKIN
You were going to kill Amidala.
AURRA SING
Yeah, but I didn't.
MANDALORE
She has been hiding for the last four years.
(to Aurra Sing)
You cannot run anymore.
Aurra Sing reaches for her lightsaber, but it is gone.
Mandalore's Second steps forward into the light. He removes his helmet.
Aurra Sing's already white face grows three shades lighter as she pales.
AURRA SING
I killed you.
MANDALORE'S SECOND
There can be only one Boba Fett.
He raises a disintegration blaster.
AURRA SING
(very frightened)
Anakin!
The Second fires. Aurra Sing turns to Anakin as the disintegration beam hits her. Her eyes plead for help. She disintegrates right in front of him.
Anakin flashes out his lightsaber. Mandalore steps between the two of them.
MANDALORE
You see? Now we can proceed.
ANAKIN
You didn't have to kill her.
MANDALORE
We could not have done it without you, Anakin Skywalker. Your betrayal will be long remembered.
CUT TO:
INT CORUSCANT - IMPERIAL PALACE - ENTRYWAY - SAME TIME
Amidala approaches the stormtroopers stationed on duty.
AMIDALA
I demand to see Emperor Palpatine.
STORMTROOPER
Let me see your identification.
AMIDALA
I am Amidala Skywalker.
Two red cloaked Imperial Guards approach silently. The Stormtrooper looks up at them. He stands aside and lets her pass. The guards turn and escort Amidala to the elevator.
INT CORUSCANT - IMPERIAL PALACE - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM - CONTINUING
The Imperial Guards stop at the elevator doors. Amidala continues and stalks right up to the base of the stairs leading to the throne.
Palpatine slowly turns his throne around. His dark cowl shadows his features, but it is obvious that his face is showing tremendous signs of aging.
PALPATINE
Welcome Queen Amidala.
This catches Amidala off guard. She falters momentarily.
PALPATINE
I know of your little charade. But you don't fool me.
AMIDALA
What are you doing with Anakin?
PALPATINE
Skywalker has chosen the path of darkness. Even now, his betrayal has killed another friend.
AMIDALA
What are you talking about?
PALPATINE
The assassin, Aurra Sing, will no longer be a nuisance.
AMIDALA
(shakily)
He ... killed her?
PALPATINE
He betrayed her. Now she is dead. Her death makes him more my servant.
AMIDALA
You leave him alone!
Amidala pulls a blaster from under her robes. She points it directly at Palpatine. He laughs at her pathetic threat.
AMIDALA
I'll kill you. I swear I will.
PALPATINE
Your puny weapons are insignificant compared to the power of the force.
Palpatine waves his hand. Her blaster flies away. She looks up at him in horror.
PALPATINE
And now, Amidala, you will die.
Bolts of force lightning stream down from Palpatine's fingers and shoot into Amidala. She falls to the ground, writhing in pain and screaming.
AMIDALA
Anakin!
And still she fights to get up. She glares at Palpatine through tear-filled eyes.
Smoke rises from her burning body. Palpatine stops and laughs at her.
PALPATINE
You will die slowly. I want you to suffer and know that your child is mine.
Amidala mouths the word, "No" before collapsing.
PALPATINE
(continuing; to Imperial Guards)
Take her away.
CUT TO:
INT JEDI TEMPLE - COUNCIL CHAMBER - SAME TIME
Obi Wan enters quickly. He looks at the dark faces of his fellow Council members.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Who?
MACE WINDU
Adi Gallia is dead.
YODA
The Dark Side grows stronger.
MACE WINDU
They wrote the word "SITH" in her blood on the wall.
OBI WAN KENOBI
What would you have me do?
MACE WINDU
Where is Anakin Skywalker?
OBI WAN KENOBI
He had some business to attend to. He should arrive on Coruscant shortly.
YODA
When he arrives, bring him before us.
CUT TO:
INT JEDI TEMPLE - TRAINING ARENA - CONTINUING
The arena is empty. All the available Jedi knights and Padawans have gone to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Obi Wan winces in pain as a scream for help lances through his mind.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Amidala.
CUT TO:
INT CORUSCANT - SKYWALKER RESIDENCE - CONTINUING
Amidala lies sprawled on the floor. Her wounds ooze onto the carpeting.
Obi Wan opens the door and sees her on the floor.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Amidala!
He rushes to her side and checks her pulse.
OBI WAN KENOBI
Hold on.
He pulls out his comlink.
OBI WAN KENOBI
I have a medical emergency in apartment three five oh one. Send a medical crew up here immediately.
Anakin appears at the door.
ANAKIN
Amidala!
Anakin throws Obi Wan away from his wife.
ANAKIN
What did you do to her?
Anakin cradles Amidala's body in his arms.
CUT TO: