Star Wars Legends - Page Two
Star Wars Legends
"Prophesy of Light"
page 2
EXT CORUSCANT - CAPITAL CITY - GRAND AUDITORIUM - BALCONY - DAY
Amon Rama and King Ahbi'el look over their city. Guards and Assistants stand a respectful distance behind them.
AMON RAMA
We will not be able to accomplish anything without the aid of the Guardians.
KING AHBI'EL
They want to put a temple right there. Right in the middle of that coliseum. We'd have to tear everything apart. I can't stand those sanctimonious charlatans. All that talk; all they ever do is talk. You can't build a dynasty by talking. You've got to DO something.
AMON RAMA
Nevertheless, the people will not support this Galactic Republic without the support of the Guardians.
KING AHBI'EL
What do you want me to do? You're the Supreme Chancellor.
AMON RAMA
You control this sector. You have the contacts. Arrange a meeting. Let them talk. Agree to whatever terms they set.
KING AHBI'EL
What? Are you insane? They'll take away all our power.
AMON RAMA
Trust me. They'll talk themselves into a corner. They are diplomats, not warriors.
KING AHBI'EL
When do you want this meeting?
AMON RAMA
Let them build their temple. That will give me time.
KING AHBI'EL
Ah. I see.
AMON RAMA
Go, my friend. We have much to plan for. I'll join you in a moment.
King Ahbi'el exits. His guards and Assistants flank him and disappear through the door.
Amon Rama breathes deeply of the Coruscant air.
AMON RAMA
What a good day.
CUT TO:
INT GUARDIAN'S COMPLEX - LABRYINTHINE CORRIDORS - DAY
Deep beneath the surface of the planet, these corridors stretch for miles. Moisture drips down the hewn walls. The smell of damp and rotting wood permeates the very air.
A black-cloaked man, NIGUS ELE'AGAR (20's), stalks through the corridors. His booted footsteps echo in the fetid darkness.
At the end of the corridor, torchlight flickers. Nigus walks into a small chamber. He slams a dagger into the table. It splits the wood as the blade pierces the tabletop completely.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You promised I would be your apprentice! Now you're leaving?
Vader Keskar turns his head from packing up some old manuscripts carefully piled on the floor.
VADER KESKAR
Yes. I don't belong here anymore.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
That's a load of krakenweed, and you know it!
VADER KESKAR
Nigus, you are a good student. The force is with you. But I cannot teach you. Not if you want to stay here.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I'll go with you. I'll follow you wherever you go.
VADER KESKAR
I don't think so. My road does not end well.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Teach me. I hate these ... these ... I hate them so much I don't even have a word for them.
VADER KESKAR
How about "blind fools"? How about "steeped in tradition"? How about "can't see the future for the past"? Nigus, if you want to be a Guardian of Peace ... no, I won't even say that.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Let me come with you. I know what it means to follow the force.
VADER KESKAR
Then choose your own path. You cannot follow me down mine.
Nigus bends down and picks up some manuscripts.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
What are these?
VADER KESKAR
Poems. Songs. A few recipes. Odds and ends that I picked up.
Vader takes the last manuscripts from Nigus' hands.
VADER KESKAR
Learn well, Nigus. Perhaps we shall meet again.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I won't let you leave.
VADER KESKAR
Nigus, Nigus, Nigus. Two cycles together, and you haven't changed one bit. You know what that shows me?
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
That I'm stubborn.
VADER KESKAR
And that, no matter what, you're never going to be happy here.
Vader makes as if to pass by Nigus. He refuses to budge.
VADER KESKAR
Well?
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Well, what?
VADER KESKAR
Are you going to just leave you dagger there? Come on.
Nigus lets Vader pass, and then pulls his dagger out from the table.
CUT TO:
INT KESKAR APARTMENT - DAY
Jedi and Shonna wait for Vader.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Well, he does own them. Legally, he can do that.
SHONNA MURRIN
But it's wrong.
JEDI KIZEDEK
The law says it's not.
SHONNA MURRIN
Just because he has the right to do it, doesn't mean it's right. Think about it.
JEDI KIZEDEK
You had best watch your tongue, girl.
SHONNA MURRIN
Why, so your ego doesn't get bruised by a woman?
JEDI KIZEDEK
I'll have you know-
The door opens. Vader and Nigus enter.
SHONNA MURRIN
You'll have me know what?
VADER KESKAR
Was Shonna abusing you again, Jedi?
(to Shonna)
How are you doing, Shonna?
Shonna embraces Vader. He sets the manuscripts down on a table.
Nigus positions himself squarely in the corner. He watches everything with a critical eye.
SHONNA MURRIN
Are you coming to the show tonight?
VADER KESKAR
I suppose I could. I don't have anything to keep me around here anymore.
SHONNA MURRIN
Why not?
VADER KESKAR
I'm leaving.
SHONNA MURRIN
What?
Jedi idly flicks a piece of lint off his cloak.
JEDI KIZEDEK
He said he's leaving. Do you need for me to write it down for you?
SHONNA MURRIN
Shut up.
VADER KESKAR
I don't belong here anymore. Master Zhaggie has already depleted his garden on my behalf.
SHONNA MURRIN
Meaning, what?
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
He threw a plant at him.
Shonna is taken aback by this. She laughs in shocked amusement.
SHONNA MURRIN
Master Zhaggie threw a plant at you?
VADER KESKAR
I'm just packing my things. I figure I can work for a while and earn passage off Coruscant. We'll see what happens from there.
SHONNA MURRIN
Do you have someplace to stay tonight?
VADER KESKAR
I figured I'd just stay in Jedi's ship.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Assuming I'd let you.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Who's going to stop him?
Nigus steps forward menacingly. Vader holds up a hand to calm him.
VADER KESKAR
That's all right, Nigus. If you have someplace you need to go ...
Jedi tries to keep a stern face, but he can't do it. His composure cracks, and he smiles.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Of course you can stay.
Vader sits down at the table and shuffles through the manuscripts, thinking the conversation is over.
SHONNA MURRIN
You never asked me, Vader.
VADER KESKAR
Asked you what?
SHONNA MURRIN
If you could stay with me.
VADER KESKAR
Oh. Yeah. Well, I thought about it, but...
SHONNA MURRIN
But what?
Jedi and Nigus look earnestly at Vader, anticipating a witty comeback.
VADER KESKAR
But ...
SHONNA MURRIN
Yes?
VADER KESKAR
I just didn't think it would be right.
Shonna gets offended. She steps back and opens her mouth to unleash indignant fury on Vader.
VADER KESKAR
To impose, I mean. I didn't think it would be right for me to impose on you, like that - asking to stay with you. Yeah.
Shonna points her finger menacingly at Vader. Jedi and Nigus exchange a quick look and nod knowingly. They exit quickly.
SHONNA MURRIN
You. You are one fast thinker.
Vader relaxes a little and nods self-righteously.
VADER KESKAR
I know. That's why you love me so much.
SHONNA MURRIN
And cocky, too.
Vader turns in his chair to face Shonna. She sits down on his lap and puts an arm around his shoulders.
VADER KESKAR
Like no one else.
SHONNA MURRIN
I want to be with you, Vader. Forever.
VADER KESKAR
I can't promise you forever, Shonna.
SHONNA MURRIN
Mmm. I'll take right now, then.
VADER KESKAR
I can work with that.
CUT TO:
EXT KESKAR APARTMENT - CONTINUING
Jedi and Nigus stand outside the door.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
What's happening in there?
Jedi closes his eyes and reaches out with the force. His eyes pop open and he tries to cover a smile.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
What? What did you see?
JEDI KIZEDEK
The force is with you. You look.
Nigus closes his eyes and tries to concentrate on what is happening in the other room. His brow furrows, but he can't quite get through.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I sense ... great desire. And a hunger.
Amused, Jedi questions Nigus.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Hunger for what?
Nigus deepens his concentration. He suddenly opens his eyes and looks confused.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Pastries?
INT KESKAR APARTMENT - CONTINUING
Vader and Shonna both sit on the floor. Shonna rests her head on Vader's arm. He holds out one of his manuscripts, a recipe.
VADER KESKAR
Bavarial chocolate poofs.
SHONNA MURRIN
I love those.
VADER KESKAR
Maybe sometime ... you know.
SHONNA MURRIN
I'll make them after the show tonight.
Vader just grins. He didn't even have to influence her with the force.
CUT TO:
EXT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - EVENING
The grandstand is packed with spectators. Three arenas on the ground, and one aerial arena draw approving applause and encouragement.
EXT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - CENTER ARENA - CONTINUING
Grumble and Shonna race on their speeders after a running Sprongbuk - a muscular beast with fierce horns. Shonna throws a bola at the Sprongbuk's back legs. It catches on one leg. The beast kicks out, catching Shonna's speeder and sending it crashing to the ground.
The Sprongbuk turns and runs back toward Shonna. She tries to pull herself out from under her speeder, but her leg is caught.
Grumble races his speeder right next to the Sprongbuk and leaps off, grabbing it by the horns. He wrestles the beast to the ground and ties all its feet together with the bola.
Grumble lifts his hands to the crowd triumphantly. The Announcer cheers over the loudspeaker.
ANNOUNCER
And have you ever seen anything like that before? Wyneth Ol'Cheq, Grumble, to all his fans, has incapacitated the Sprongbuk in thirteen point five seconds. A new record! You saw it here first. What a show!
The Sprongbuk bellows and grunts, struggling vainly to free itself.
Grumble easily pulls the crashed speeder off of Shonna. Vader runs over from the side of the arena. He drops to his knees next to Shonna.
VADER KESKAR
Are you all right?
Shonna winces in pain as she moves her leg.
SHONNA MURRIN
It's not broken.
VADER KESKAR
Good. Can you stand up?
Vader helps her to her feet, but she can't put any weight on her bad leg.
VADER KESKAR
Here.
Vader sweeps her off her feet and carries her to the side of the arena.
SHONNA MURRIN
My hero.
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
And it looks like there could be love here in the air tonight, folks.
CUT TO:
INT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - STABLES - CONTINUING
Short aliens lead the Sprongbuk into the stables. Vader gently sets Shonna down on a bench. Grumble watches from a short distance away.
Vader gingerly probes Shonna's ankle. She bites her lip in pain.
VADER KESKAR
Right here. It doesn't feel like anything is damaged, but I don't think you'll be able to walk for a few days.
Halron Budne storms into the stable. He marches right up to Grumble and shoves him. Grumble steps back to regain his balance.
HALRON BUDNE
What in the name of the thirteenth valley of Sheol was that all about? You could have injured the Sprongbuk. That's my star beast!
GRUMBLE
Shonna would have been gored.
HALRON BUDNE
Oh, and that makes it all right?
GRUMBLE
She is my friend.
HALRON BUDNE
Listen, you gray-skinned oaf. I run this show, not you. If she gets gored, more money for me. Understand?
GRUMBLE
You would kill her for entertainment?
HALRON BUDNE
Not me, you idiot, the beasts. People like that kind of thing.
Grumble looks back over Halron's shoulder. Halron turns around, just in time to catch Vader's fist in his face.
CUT TO:
INT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH - CONTINUING
A young Rodian runs up to the booth and holds out a message. The Announcer takes the message and reads it quickly. He folds it up with his lesser arms (he has four arms), and grabs the microphone excitedly.
ANNOUNCER
Well, folks, it looks like we have a surprise for you this evening. It looks like Halron Budne, the owner of the Qalamis Rodeo, is going to be in this closing act.
EXT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - CENTER ARENA - CONTINUING
A small, green-skinned alien with large ears, YODI, giggles as he looks at Halron Budne, lying unconscious on the ground.
Grumble hoists Yodi into his saddle atop a THRANTA (a flying beast). Vader checks the ropes around Halron's ankles.
YODI
He he he. Angry he will be.
GRUMBLE
Remember to fly next to the cameras.
Grumble steps back and gives the thumbs up sign. Vader backs away to stand next to Shonna.
SHONNA MURRIN
You really didn't have to do this. I would have just quit.
VADER KESKAR
Sometimes people just have to be given a taste of their own medicine.
The Thranta takes off into the air. The crowd "oohs" and "aahs" appropriately.
VADER KESKAR
Hmm. That's not quite the message I want to send.
Vader holds out his hand and concentrates. Halron's trousers split open in the back, baring his backside to the audience. They erupt in laughter and mocking.
Shonna's mouth drops open in stunned disbelief. Then she giggles.
VADER KESKAR
That's better.
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
And there you have it, folks. The true face of Halron Budne revealed.
CUT TO:
EXT CORUSCANT - PLANET - NIGHT
Jedi's ship blasts away from the planet.
INT JEDI'S SHIP - CONTINUING
Jedi and Nigus sit in the pilot's seats.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
How long will we be gone?
JEDI KIZEDEK
Until he calls us back.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
And this doesn't bother you?
JEDI KIZEDEK
On the contrary, I am immensely perturbed.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You're sure hiding it well.
JEDI KIZEDEK
I'm relying completely on my training.
Jedi takes a deep breath to calm himself.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Nigus, why do you want to be a Guardian?
Nigus sits back and stares into space for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
When I was a boy, in Botham-Caruz, I saw people beaten in the streets every day. And not because of anything they did. It was because of the government. The leaders didn't want to deal with the problems of poverty. So they hired brute squads.
JEDI KIZEDEK
So you want to enforce justice?
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
That's my plan, yes.
JEDI KIZEDEK
The Guardians of Peace don't do much enforcing. It's mostly just talking anymore.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
That's why I follow Vader. He actually does something.
JEDI KIZEDEK
But it gets him in trouble more often than not.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
That's the kind of trouble I want to be in. Fighting for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi smiles wisely at Nigus' impetuousness.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Adventure. Excitement. A Guardian does not crave these things.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Yeah? Well they should.
CUT TO:
EXT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - NIGHT
Vader, Shonna, and Grumble peer around the corner of the large stone gate. A squad of guards stands watch.
VADER KESKAR
There's only five of them.
SHONNA MURRIN
Why don't we just go around?
VADER KESKAR
Come on. We can take them.
GRUMBLE
I think she may be right.
VADER KESKAR
Come on.
SHONNA MURRIN
Vader, I'm already hurt. If you want to go off and get yourself killed, go right ahead. I can't run fast enough to stop you.
VADER KESKAR
You don't want me to go, do you?
SHONNA MURRIN
Oh, so you picked up on that?
VADER KESKAR
(to Grumble)
Let's go around.
CUT TO:
INT QALAMIS RODEO GROUNDS - GUARD STATION - NIGHT
The GUARDS watch a holo of Halron Budne being flown around "mooning" everyone. They all laugh uproariously.
Halron storms in, slamming the door behind him. They snap off the holo and jump to their feet.
HALRON BUDNE
You find that funny?
GUARD
Yeah, I thought it was... no, Sir, I didn't find it funny at all.
Halron surveys the face of each guard carefully. They are well trained, so they manage to keep their laughter hidden.
HALRON BUDNE
Where is he?
GUARD
Who, Sir?
HALRON BUDNE
You know who. The one who tied me up. The one with Shonna.
GUARD
They left, Sir.
HALRON BUDNE
You let them leave?
GUARD
Yes, Sir. They said they were going to get something to eat.
HALRON BUDNE
Didn't it strike you as odd that they would leave as I'm hanging from my ankles, baring my nether regions to the galaxy, and say they were getting something to eat?
The Guard swallows nervously.
GUARD
When you put it that way ...
HALRON BUDNE
Well?
GUARD
We'll find them, Sir.
The Guards all salute and rush out of the room.
Halron pulls out a comlink.
HALRON BUDNE
Jessa? Find me some bounty hunters.
CUT TO: