Star Wars Legends - Page Seven
Star Wars Legends
page 7
INT UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT - MAIN ROOM - DAY
Kin hands a rolled up parchment to Vader. Vader opens it, breaking the seal. He quickly scans the message, then looks around as if searching for something.
VADER KESKAR
So that's it, then?
KIN
That's all he told us.
VADER KESKAR
Were you followed?
KETH
For a while, but we lost 'em.
VADER KESKAR
I have a very bad feeling about this.
Elbani looks up sharply from her reading. She gets up and takes the paper from Vader.
ELBANI
Let me see.
She turns it over, inspecting the royal seal closely. A small wire sticks out of one side, almost unnoticeable.
ELBANI
It's a beacon. They're coming.
CUT TO:
EXT CORUSCANT - CAPITAL CITY - DAY
The four warships descend on the city, following the beacon. One of them lands in a park, crushing several statues. The ship disgorges dozens of armored soldiers. They race toward the run down buildings nearby.
INT UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUING
Vader hurries everyone out.
VADER KESKAR
Everyone out, now! Contingency Four. We meet in one hour. If you're late, find your own passage to Botham Caruz.
Shonna, Grumble, Nigus, Elbani, and Jedi await specific instructions.
VADER KESKAR
Shonna, you go with Grumble.
SHONNA MURRIN
No.
Shonna crosses her arms stubbornly.
VADER KESKAR
Fine. Stay with me. Jedi, take Gold group. Prepare the transports. Grumble -
A cry of terror cuts Vader off.
JIN BOLEMAR (O.S.)
Don't leave me!
VADER KESKAR
Take our friend. Show him some hospitality. Human kindness.
GRUMBLE
I am not human.
VADER KESKAR
Then show him some Vendag hospitality.
Grumble smiles slowly. He pulls open the cell door and yanks Jin Bolemar out.
GRUMBLE
Allow me to show you our ways.
Grumble shoves Jin toward the exit.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
What do you want us to do?
VADER KESKAR
Nigus, protect her. Protect the book. May the force be with you both.
Nigus ushers Elbani and the Book out the door.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Where are you going?
Kin and Keth fidget nervously.
VADER KESKAR
To show our friends the back door. Kin and Keth, come with me.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Vader, don't do anything stupid.
VADER KESKAR
This is me you're talking to, Jedi.
JEDI KIZEDEK
I know.
Alarms blare as the perimeter is breached.
Kin and Keth whip out an arsenal of weapons hidden in their armor.
KETH
Where's the bad guys?
KIN
Yeah. I wanna bust some heads.
VADER KESKAR
Right this way, brethren.
Vader points them to a dark door. Through the door lies dark tunnels - the sewers. A rank odor assaults the group as the door opens.
KETH
Whew, that smells worse than you.
KIN
So do you.
KETH
Shut up. I took a bath last week.
VADER KESKAR
Through there are the bad guys. You go that way. We'll go this way.
Shonna slings a blaster rifle over her shoulder. Vader takes out his energy blade and holds it defensively in front of him.
JEDI KIZEDEK
May the force be with you.
Jedi shuts the door behind them.
Vader takes the lead. Shonna follows closely behind him.
Kin and Keth splash through the tunnels and disappear into the inky darkness. They holler out.
KIN (O.S.)
Hey! Bad guys!
Blaster fire echoes off the walls. Silence.
KETH (O.S.)
I'm okay.
CUT TO:
INT UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT - MAIN ROOM - CONTINUING
Jedi stares at the locked door for a brief moment, then turns to look wistfully at their makeshift home.
JEDI KIZEDEK
On the run again.
EXT CORUSCANT - CAPITAL CITY - SLUMS - CONTINUING
Jedi exits into the street. He pulls his hood over his head.
Three IMPERIAL SOLDIERS look at this stranger hurrying away.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
He doesn't belong here. HEY!
Jedi keeps walking. He senses exactly where the Soldiers are, in relation to his position.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
I'm talking to you. Don't you walk away from me.
The Soldiers quicken their pace to catch up to Jedi.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
By order of the Galactic Law, I command you to stop.
Jedi keeps walking. The Soldier grabs him by the arm and spins Jedi around.
Jedi's eyes veritably glow with inner strength barely held in check.
JEDI KIZEDEK
You have no power over me.
The Soldier steps back in surprise. Jedi steps into his verbal attack.
JEDI KIZEDEK
I am a servant of the Force. By the power of the force, I command you to leave.
The Soldiers stare blankly at him for a moment, then their gazes drop to the ground. They shuffle their feet, ashamed.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
I'm sorry, Sir. We'll leave you now.
The Soldiers turn and shuffle away.
Jedi continues his journey toward the hangars.
CUT TO:
EXT CORUSCANT - CAPITAL CITY - STREETS - CONTINUING
Nigus and Elbani hurry toward the hangars. Two squads of Soldiers stand guard at the entrance to the hangars. Nigus pulls Elbani into the protective shadow of a building.
ELBANI
We can't fight them. We don't have time.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I finished it.
ELBANI
Oh, Nigus, no. Please. Not here.
Nigus pulls the hilt of an energy blade out of his cloak. He snaps out the blade. It hums to life, crackling noisily.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
We can be through them in less than ten seconds.
ELBANI
No. Please. Too many people have died already.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
This is for freedom, Elbani.
Nigus snaps off his blade.
ELBANI
Then let them be free.
Nigus storms out from behind the building. He hides his energy blade hilt in his voluminous sleeves.
He walks up toward the Soldiers. Elbani watches from behind the building. A tear flows down her cheek. She mouths one word silently "NO".
Nigus smiles broadly as he slows his pace. He tenses to snap out his blade and cut the twelve soldiers down. The soldiers sense something amiss.
Nigus brings up his hand to snap out his blade. Someone grabs his arm from behind, pinning it to his side. Anger flashes in his eyes. His head whips around to see-
Elbani. Her eyes plead with him to stop. His eyes flash to the Soldiers. They show no mercy in their countenances. Elbani softly whispers unheard words. The Soldiers step aside and let the couple pass.
Elbani leads Nigus to the hangars.
CUT TO:
INT HOVERTAXI - CONTINUING
Grumble sits across the taxi from Jin Bolemar. The taxi races through the raised tunnels leading to the spaceport.
JIN BOLEMAR
I'm not your enemy.
GRUMBLE
The friend of my enemy is my enemy, also.
JIN BOLEMAR
I don't support the Council any more than you do. Look, I'm on your side.
Jin Bolemar waves his hand in the air, drawing Grumble's attention.
JIN BOLEMAR
I'm your friend.
GRUMBLE
No, you are not.
Jin waves his hand again.
JIN BOLEMAR
Yes, I am.
GRUMBLE
No. You are not. If you wave your hand again, I will break it off.
Jin slumps back into his seat, disgruntled.
JIN BOLEMAR
Mind tricks don't work on you, do they?
GRUMBLE
They do. But they won't overcome the fact that I despise you.
CUT TO:
INT SEWER TUNNELS - CONTINUING
Vader leads the way through the tunnels. Pursuit sounds behind them. Vader's energy blade lights the tunnel sufficiently for them to see a short distance in the slime covered passage.
SHONNA MURRIN
They're getting closer.
VADER KESKAR
We're fine.
SHONNA MURRIN
They're only a few shiplengths back.
VADER KESKAR
I feel them.
Vader suddenly stops at an intersection. He closes his eyes for a moment.
VADER KESKAR
They've got us trapped.
SHONNA MURRIN
So is this it?
Vader smiles mischievously.
VADER KESKAR
Not yet.
Vader takes Shonna's hand and leads her down the right-hand tunnel. He turns off his energy blade. Blaster shots fire out, bouncing off the walls.
Soldiers run from every direction. They meet up at the intersection.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
Where'd they go?
A splash sounds from the left-hand tunnel.
IMPERIAL SOLDIER
There!
The whole squad, save CAPTAIN ROMA, runs down the left tunnel. The Captain turns slowly around, sensing something behind him.
Vader and Shonna smile at him.
VADER KESKAR
Very good, Captain. You show potential.
CAPTAIN ROMA
They'll kill you.
VADER KESKAR
Yes.
CAPTAIN ROMA
What?
VADER KESKAR
I said yes.
SHONNA MURRIN
Vader, come on.
VADER KESKAR
Hold out your hand.
Captain Roma stubbornly refuses. Shonna buts him in the ribs with her blaster rifle. He glares at her, but holds out his hand.
Vader snaps out his energy blade. All the color drains from the Captain Roma's face. He starts visibly shaking.
VADER KESKAR
Just a token.
Vader barely taps the tip of the blade on the palm of Captain Roma's hand, scorching the flesh. Captain Roma hisses sharply in pain.
VADER KESKAR
I could have killed you. Don't forget.
Captain Roma bites his lip, desperately trying not to cry out.
Vader and Shonna turn and disappear down the tunnel.
CAPTAIN ROMA
Down here! Get them!
The squad of Soldiers rush past Captain Roma and down into the darkness. The Captain tucks his hand inside his uniform and slowly follows them.
CUT TO:
INT SEWER TUNNELS - CONTINUING
In a different tunnel, nearby, a huge EXPLOSION shatters the air. The debris falls to the ground. Kin and Keth peek around the corner of the tunnel to see their grenade's handiwork.
KIN
Nope. Nobody here, either.
KETH
Let's try the next one.
CUT TO:
EXT CORUSCANT - PLANET - DAY
A small fleet of ships, led by Vader's ship - THE RECLUSE - leave the planet.
VADER KESKAR
Just settle in. We've got a ways to go until we reach Botham Caruz.
The ships race out into the dark emptiness.
CUT TO:
INT JEDI'S SHIP - CONTINUING
Nigus pilots the ship. Elbani sits behind him in the navigator's seat. She keeps glancing at Nigus, trying to catch his attention.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Your thoughts betray you, Elbani.
ELBANI
I don't like what you're becoming, Nigus.
Nigus turns around in his seat. He pushes a button that closes the cockpit off from the ship.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
And what am I becoming, Elbani? Powerful?
ELBANI
That's not the kind of power you need.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
When we get to Botham Caruz, we can go our own way. Live our own lives. That's what you want, isn't it?
ELBANI
Yes.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You don't sound too happy about it.
ELBANI
I'm happy.
Nigus reaches into his cloak. He pulls out a small box. He opens it. An emerald glitters within. He holds it out to Elbani.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Here.
Elbani looks at the glittering stone, then meets Nigus' gaze.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I was going to use it for the focusing crystal in my energy blade, but ...
Elbani throws her arms around Nigus' neck.
ELBANI
It's gorgeous. Thank you.
Nigus does his best to return the awkward embrace. He winds up just patting her on the arm.
CUT TO:
INT THE RECLUSE - CONTINUING
Vader and Jedi sit across a small table from each other. Jin and Grumble sit across the room. Shonna sits in the cockpit, just out of view.
JEDI KIZEDEK
We can't let them beat us to Botham Caruz.
VADER KESKAR
Adrum is waiting for us. He's taken care of everything.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Your brother?
VADER KESKAR
I know. But he wanted to help.
JEDI KIZEDEK
So we've got a place to stay.
VADER KESKAR
The last I heard, we had a whole nation.
JIN BOLEMAR
What?
VADER KESKAR
My brother has enlisted the favor of some very wealthy sentients. They have opened their nation for our people.
GRUMBLE
How strong are they?
JEDI KIZEDEK
If it does come down to it, what happens, Vader?
VADER KESKAR
The force is with them.
JIN BOLEMAR
If Amon Rama sends the Armada, they can't possibly-
VADER KESKAR
You have no faith in the force, do you, Jin Bolemar?
Jin shuts up.
VADER KESKAR
You think that because you came to me, I would accept you with open arms, and welcome you as one of us. You've done nothing but complain and gripe since you have been with us.
GRUMBLE
And you smell bad.
JEDI KIZEDEK
And you snore when you sleep.
JIN BOLEMAR
I do not.
VADER KESKAR
When we arrive on Botham Caruz, you will leave.
JIN BOLEMAR
But I-
Grumble elbows Jin, knocking him into the wall.
VADER KESKAR
Understood?
CUT TO:
INT CAPITAL BUILDING - WAR ROOM - NIGHT
Amon Rama steeples his fingers in front of him. The Council of Elder Guardians sits quietly around the table.
AMON RAMA
So they are gone?
FEZ ANDAE
We have many allies on Botham Caruz.
AMON RAMA
Why do you want him dead?
FEZ ANDAE
He defies our sacred rites and traditions. He mocks the force.
AMON RAMA
How many followers does he have?
LESSIDAUD
He is a popular man. He has drawn many away after him.
Moriah Likaanis picks up on this line of reasoning and continues.
MORIAH LIKAANIS
Enough to be called an army. He is a threat, not only to us, but to you, Chancellor.
AMON RAMA
I can see this. Is your man with him still?
FEZ ANDAE
Yes. He should be in position right now.
CUT TO:
EXT BOTHAM CARUZ SPACEPORT - NIGHT
The ramp on THE RECLUSE lowers. Jin Bolemar stumbles out. He looks fearfully behind him. Grumble follows him out of the ship. Jin runs away and disappears behind a loading crew.
Everyone exits the ship.
VADER KESKAR
That wasn't necessary, Grumble.
GRUMBLE
I enjoyed it.
The other ships land nearby. Their passengers disembark. Nigus and Elbani join Vader and Jedi.
ELBANI
Is this the place?
JEDI KIZEDEK
Yes. This can be a place of peace for us.
A door slides open. Two large figures appear silhouetted against the bright light. One of them wears the finery of royalty.
ADRUM KESKAR, Vader's brother, a blonde man with sharply handsome features, smiles as he sees the group. His light clothing contrasts with Vader's dark rainment.
BARON VEITCH SALMA, a balding man of portly stature, extends a hand to Vader.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
Lord Vader, I am Baron Salma. I welcome you to Botham Caruz.
CUT TO:
INT BOTHAM CARUZ - SALMA ESTATE - GUEST ROOM - LATE
Nigus and Elbani rest comfortably in the room. Nigus hunches over a table, his energy blade in pieces before him. He makes minute adjustments, refining the power connections.
ELBANI
What do you want to eat?
Nigus grunts noncommittally.
ELBANI
You have to eat. You can't fiddle with that thing all night.
The door slides open. Jedi enters. He looks in mild surprise at the energy blade on the table.
Nigus stands up quickly, trying to hide the weapon.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Jedi. What a surprise.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Apparently so. You know, Nigus, you shouldn't have that.
Elbani looks quickly between their two faces, looking for some hint of anger or defiance. There is none.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You aren't angry.
JEDI KIZEDEK
I've been watching you for a long time. Since we left Ganthrocil, actually. You will be a good leader when we are gone.
ELBANI
"We?" I thought it was just Vader.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Many years ago, I told you that you don't have to die like this.
JEDI KIZEDEK
I know. But it's something I promised Vader I'd do.
Nigus slams his fist on the table, frustrated and angry.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Why are you so stubborn?! You don't have to die!
JEDI KIZEDEK
Nigus, you forget your place.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I know my place! I've spent the last ten years of my life defending you. And you're willing to just walk away and die? That's the coward's way out.
JEDI KIZEDEK
That is enough, Nigus.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
No it isn't.
ELBANI
Nigus ...
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Stay out of this, Elbani.
Nigus drops into a defensive posture and advances toward Jedi.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I beat you once, old man. Maybe this time I'll knock some sense into you.
The door whistles open. Vader strides in. He takes quick stock of the situation.
VADER KESKAR
Nigus!
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
So, you made it.
VADER KESKAR
Calm down, Nigus.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
Why? So I can be asleep when you go to die? So I can stand idly by and watch you throw away your lives? I don't think so.
VADER KESKAR
So that's what this is about.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You're a fool.
VADER KESKAR
And yet you still follow me.
Nigus turns to face Vader. Anger burns hot in Nigus' eyes.
VADER KESKAR
Don't even think about it.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
You're getting old.
VADER KESKAR
And so I should back down to you? Is that it? So long as I live, I lead this people. Not you.
Vader turns to Jedi.
VADER KESKAR
Baron Salma wishes to discuss the terms of the agreement before we sign it.
(to Nigus)
We'll continue this later.
Vader and Jedi exit.
NIGUS ELE'AGAR
I'll finish it.
Elbani watches the rage in Nigus. Worry clouds her eyes as she turns out to face the night.
CUT TO:
INT BOTHAM CARUZ - SALMA ESTATE - ROYAL HALL - CONTINUING
Baron Salma sits on a throne of exquisite workmanship. Advisors, servants, and sycophants crowd at his feet, despite the lateness of the hour.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
Ah, Jedi Kizedek. Welcome. You like?
JEDI KIZEDEK
How does all of this make you a better leader?
BARON VEITCH SALMA
Ah, ha ha. You are clever. Come, sit. Hungry?
Vader and Jedi sit at a table of burnished gold. Immediately servants place exotic meats in front of them.
VADER KESKAR
You said you had a new proposal for the division of land?
JEDI KIZEDEK
I thought we had an agreement.
VADER KESKAR
It's all right. Adrum mentioned it a few minutes ago.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
Yes. It appears there is a new player in the game.
Fez Andae, followed by a groveling Jin Bolemar, enters the room.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
If I sell the land to him, I triple my power in the Senate.
VADER KESKAR
And you lose all integrity in the process.
FEZ ANDAE
Your philosophies are overrated, Vader Keskar.
VADER KESKAR
Some think so.
JEDI KIZEDEK
Let's go.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
I'm afraid I can't let you do that.
Guards appear at every exit.
BARON VEITCH SALMA
You see, you are part of the price for my newfound power.
CUT TO: