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TITLE CARD : A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....
A vast sea of stars serves as
the backdrop for the main title, followed
by a roll up, which crawls up into infinity.
EPISODE 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE
Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlaying star systems is in dispute. Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo. While the congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict.....
PAN DOWN to reveal a small space cruiser heading TOWARD CAMERA at great speed. PAN with the cruiser as it heads towardthe beautiful green planet of Naboo, which is surrounded by hundreds of Trade Federation battleships.
INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - COCKPIT
In the cockpit of the cruise, the CAPTAIN and PILOT maneuver closer to one of the battleships.
QUI-GON : (off screen voice) Captain.
The Captain turns to an unseen figure sitting behind her.
CAPTAIN : Yes, sir?
QUI-GON : (V.O) Tell them we wish to board at once.
CAPTAIN : Yes, sir.
The CAPTAIN looks to her view screen, where NUTE GUNRAY, a Neimoidian trade viceroy, waits for a reply.
CAPTAIN : (cont'd) With all due respect for, the Ambassodors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately.
NUTE : Yes, yes, of coarse...ahhh...as you know, our blockade is perfectly legal, and we'd be happy to recieve the Ambassador...Happy to.
The screen goes black. Out the cockpit window, the sinister battleship looms ever closer.
EXT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - DOCKING BAY - SPACE (FX)
The small space cruiser docks in the enormous main bay of the Federation battleship.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - DOCKING BAY - SPACE
A PROTOCOL DROID, TC-14, waits at the door to the docking bay. The door opens, and the Republic cruiser can be seen in the docking bay. Two darkly robed figures are greeted by TC-14.
TC-14 : I am TC-14 at your service. This way, please.
They move off down the hallway.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - CONFERENCE ROOM
A door slides open, and the two cloaked shapes are led PAST CAMERA into the formal conference room by TC-14.
TC-14 : I hope you honoured sirs with the most comfortable here. My master will be with you shortly.
The droid bows before OBI-WAN KENOBI and QUI- GON JINN. He backs out the door and it closes. The JEDI lower their hoods and look out a large window at the lush green planet of Naboo. QUI-GON sixty years old, has long white hair in a ponytail. He is tall and striking, with blue eyes. OBI-WAN is twenty five, with very short brown hair, pale skin, and blue eyes.
OBI-WAN : I have a bad feeling about this.
QUI-GON : I don't sense anything.
OBI-WAN : It's not about the mission, Master, it's something...elsewhere...elusive.
QUI-GON : Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs.
OBI-WAN : But Master YODA says I should be mindful of the future...
QUI-GON : .....but not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, my young Padawan.
OBI-WAN : Yes, Master...how do you think the trade viceroy will deal with the chancellor's demands?
QUI-GON : These Federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be short.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
NUTE GUNRAY and DAULTRAY DOFINE stand, stunned, before TC-14.
NUTE : (shaken) What?!? What did you say?
TC-14 : The Ambassadors are Jedi Knights, I believe.
DOFINE : I knew it! They are here to force a settlement, eh. Blind me, we're done for!
NUTE : Contact LORD SIDIOUS.
A hologram of LORD SIDIOUS appears.
DOFINE : My lord. The blockade is finished. We dare not go against the jedi...
LORD SIDIOUS : VICEROY, I dont want this stunted slime in my sight again.
NUTE : And the Jedi.
LORD SIDIOUS : The Chancellor should never have gotten them involved. Kill them immediatley.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - HALLWAY
CAPTAIN : Look!!
A large weapon comes down from the ceiling and blasts the ambassadors ship. QUI-GON and OBI-WAN Stand and ignite their lightsabers. Gas begins to fill the room.
QUI-GON : Dioxides.
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN hold their breath.
A hologram of NUTE , surrounded by BATTLE DROIDS, appears in the conference room hallway.
NUTE : They must be dead by now. Blast, what's left of them.
The hologram fades off, as a BATTLE DROID, OWO-1, cautiously opens the door. A deadly green cloud billows from the room. BATTLE DROIDS cock their weapons as a figure stumbles out of the smoke. It is TC-14 , carrying the tray of drinks.
TC-14 : Oh, excuse me, so sorry.
The PROTOCOL DROID passes the armed camp just as two flashing laser swords fly out of the deadly fog, cutting down several BATTLE DROIDS before they can fire.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
The bridge is a cocophony of alarms.
NUTE : What in blazes is going on down there?
RUNE : Have you ever encountered a Jedi Knight before, sir?
NUTE : Well, not exactly, but I don't...(panicked) Seal off the bridge.
RUNE : That won't be enough, sir.
The doors to the bridge SLAM shut.
NUTE : I want droid decars up here at once!!!
RUNE : We will not survive this.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - HALLWAY - OUTSIDE BRIDGE
QUI-GON cuts several BATTLE DROIDS in half, creating a shower of sparks and metal parts. OBI-WAN raises his hand, sending several BATTLE DROIDS crashing into the wall. QUI-GON makes his way to the bridge door and begins to cut through it.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
The CREW is very nervous as sparks start flying around the bridge door. QUI-GON and OBI-WAN are on the view screen.
NUTE : Close the blast doors!!!
The huge, very thick blast door
slams shut, followed by a second door, then a third. There is
a hissing sound as the huge doors seal shut. QUI-GON tabs the
door with his sword. The screen goes black as a red
spot appears in the center of the blast door.
RUNE : ...They're still coming through!
On the door, chunks of molten metal begin to drop away.
NUTE : This is impossible!!
RUNE : Where are those droid decars?!
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - HALLWAY - OUTSIDE BRIDGE
Two destroyer WHEEL DROIDS roll down the hallway at full speed. Just before they get to the bridge area, they stop and transform into their battle configuration. QUI-GON can't see them but senses their presence.
OBI-WAN : Master, destroyers!
The WHEEL DROIDS, led by P-59, rush the entry area from three hallways, blasting away with their laser guns. The WHEEL DROIDS blast away at the two JEDI with their laser swords.
OBI-WAN : They have shield generators!
QUI-GON : It's a standoff! Let's go!
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
NUTE and RUNE stand on the bridge, watching the view screen as the WHEEL DROIDS' POV speeds to the doorway.
RUNE : We have them on the run, sir...they're no match for destroyer droids.
TEY HOW : Sir, they've gone up the ventilation shaft.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - MAIN BAY
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN appear at a large vent in a giant hanger bay. They are careful not to be seen. Thousands of BATTLE DROIDS are loading onto landing craft.
QUI-GON : Battle droids.
OBI-WAN : It's an invasion army.
QUI-GON : It's an odd play for the Trade Federation. We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum. Let's split up. Stow aboard separate ships and meet down on the planet.
OBI-WAN : You were right about one thing, Master. The negotiations were short.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
TEY HOW recieves a transmission.
TEY HOW : Sir, a transmission from the planet.
RUNE : It's Queen Amidala herself.
NUTE : At last we're getting results.
On the view screen, QUEEN AMIDALA appears in her throne room. Wearing her elaborate headdress and robes, she sits, surrounded by the GOVERNING COUNCIL and FOUR HANDMAIDENS, EIRTAE, YANE, RABE, and SACHE.
NUTE : (cont'd) Again you come before me, Your highness. The Federation is pleased.
AMIDALA : You will not be pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy...Your trade boycott of our planet has ended.
NUTE smirks at RUNE.
NUTE : I was not aware of such a failure.
AMIDALA : I'm aware the Chancellor's Ambassadors are with you now, and that you have been commanded to reach a settlement.
NUTE : I know nothing about any Ambassadors...you must be mistaken.
AMIDALA, surprised at his reaction, studies him carefully.
AMIDALA : Beware, Viceroy....the Federation has gone too far this time.
NUTE : Your Highness, we would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much.
AMIDALA : We will see.
The QUEEN fades off, and the view screen goes black.
RUNE : She's right, the Senate will never....
NUTE : It's too late now.
RUNE : Do you think she suspects an attack?
NUTE : I don't know, but we must move quickly to disrupt all communications down there.
INT. NABOO PALACE - THRONE ROOM
The QUEEN, EIRTAE, SACHE and her Governor, SIO BIBBLE, stand before a hologram of SENATOR PALPATINE, a thin, kindly man.
PALPATINE : The negotiations havent started because tha ambassadors arent there. ...How could that be true? I have assurances from the Chancellor...his Ambassaodrs did it right.
The hologram of PALPATIONE sputters and fades away.
AMIDALA : Senator Palpatine?!? (turns to Panaka) What's happening?
CAPTAIN PANAKA turns to his SARGEANT
CAPT. PANAKA : Check the transmission generators...
BIBBLE : A malfunction?
CAPT. PANAKA : It could be the Federation jamming us. Your Highness.
BIBBLE : A communications disruption can only mean one thing. Invasion.
AMIDALA : Don't jump to conclusions, Governor. The Federation would not dare go that far.
CAPT. PANAKA : The Senate would revoke their trade franchise, and they'd be finished.
AMIDALA : We must continue to rely on negotiation.
BIBBLE : Negotiation? We've lost all communications!...and where are the Chancellors Ambassadors? How can we negotiate? We must prepare to defend ourselves.
CAPT. PANAKA : This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness. Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army.
AMIDALA : I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war.
EXT. SPACE LANDING CRAFT - TWILIGHT (FX)
Six landing craft fly in formation toward the surface of the planet Naboo.
EXT. NABOO SWAMP - SHALLOW LAKE - TWILIGHT
Three landing craft slowly descend through the cloud cover of the perpetually gray twilight side of the planet. One by one, the Federation warships land in the eerie swamp.
Troop Transports (MTT's) emerge from the landing craft.
EXT. NABOO EDGE OF SWAMP / GRASS PLAINS - TWILIGHT (FX)
The droid invasion force moves out of the swamp and onto a grassy plain. OOM-9, in his tank, looks out over the vast ARMY marching across the rolling hills. A small hologram of RUNE and NUTE stands on the tank.
RUNE : ...and there is no trace of the Jedi. They may have gotton onto one of your landing craft.
OOM-9 : If they are down here, sir, we'll find them.
NUTE : Excellent.
EXT. NABOO SWAMP - TWILIGHT
QUI-GON runs through the strange landscape, glancing back to see the monstrous troop transports, emerging from the mist. Animals begin to run past him in a panic. An odd, frog-like Gungan, JAR JAR looks up and sees QUI-GON and the other creatures running like the wind toward him. One of the huge MTT's bears down on the JEDI like a charging locomotive. JAR JAR stands transfixed.
JAR JAR : Oh, noooooooooo!
JAR JAR grabs onto QUI-GON as he passes. The JEDI is caught by surprise.
JAR JAR : (Cont'd) Hey, help me! Help me!!
QUI-GON : Get out of here!
The machine is about to crush them as QUI-GON drags JAR JAR behind him. Just as the transport is about to hit them, QUI-GON drops, and JAR JAR goes splat into the mud with him. The transport races overhead.QUI-GON and JAR JAR pull themselves out of the mud. They stand watching the war machine dissapear into the mist. JAR JAR grabs QUI-GON and hugs him.
JAR JAR : Oyi, mooie-mooie! I luv yous!
The frog-like creature kisses the JEDI.
QUI-GON : Are you brainless? You almost got us killed!
JAR JAR : I spek.
QUI-GON : The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. Now get outta here!
QUI-GON starts to move off, and JAR JAR follows.
JAR JAR : No...no! Mesa stay...Mesa culled Jaja binkss..Mesa yous humble servaunt.
QUI-GON : That wont be necessary.
JAR JAR : Oh boot tis! Tis demunded byda guds.
In the distance, two STAPS burst out of the mist at high speed, chasing OBI-WAN. The two STAPS barrell down on OBI-WAN.
JAR JAR : (cont'd) Oh, nooooo! Weesa ganna....
QUI-GON throws JAR JAR into the mud.
QUI-GON : Stay down!
The two troops fire laser bolts at OBI-WAN. QUI-GON deflects the bolts back, and the STAPS blow up. One-two. OBI-WAN is exhausted and tries to catch his breath.
JAR JAR : Yousa sav-ed my again, hey?
OBI-WAN : What's this?
QUI-GON : A local. Let's go, before more of those droids show up.
JAR JAR : Mure? Mure did you spay??!?
OBI-WAN and QUI-GON start to run. JAR JAR tries to keep up.
JAR JAR : (cont'd) Ex-squeeze me, but da moto grande safe place would be Gunga City. Tis where I grew up...Tis a hidden city.
They all stop.
QUI-GON : A city! (JAR JAR nodshis head) Can you take us there?
JAR JAR : Ahhh, will...on second taut...no, not willy. No...
QUI-GON : No??!
JAR JAR : Iss embarrissing, boot... My afrai my've bean banished. My forgoten. Der Bosses would do terrible tings to my. Terrible tings if my goen back dare.
A PULSATING SOUND is heard in the distance.
QUI-GON : You hear that?
JAR JAR shakes his head yes.
QUI-GON : (cont'd) That's the sound of a thousand terrible things heading this way...
OBI-WAN : When they find us, they will crush us, grind us into little pieces, then blast us into oblivion!
JAR JAR : Oh! Yousa point is well seen. Dis way! Hurry!
JAR JAR turns and runs into the swamp.
EXT. NABOO SWAMP LAKE - TWILIGHT
QUI-GON, OBI-WAN and JAR JAR run into a murky lake and stop as JAR JAR tries to catch his breath. The TRANSPORTS ARE HEARD in the distance.
QUI-GON : Much farther?
JAR JAR : Wesa goen underwater, okeyday?
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN pull out small capsule from their utility belts that turn into breathing masks.
JAR JAR : (cont'd) My warning yous. Gungans no liken outlaunders. So don't spect a warn welcome.
OBI-WAN : Don't worry, this has not been our day for warm welcomes.
JAR JAR jumps, does a double somersault with a twist, and dives into the water. Breath masks on, QUI-GON and OBI-WAN wade in after him.
EXT. NABOO LAKE - UNDERWATER
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN swim behind
JAR JAR, who is very much at home in the water. Down they swim
into murky depths. In the distance the glow of Otoh Gunga, an
underwater city made up of large bubbles, becomes more distinct.
They approach the strange, art nouveau habitat. JAR JAR swims
magically
through one of the bubble membranes, which seals behind him. OBI-WAN
and QUI-GON follow.
INT. OTOH GUNGA - CITY SQUARE
GUNGANS in the square scatter when they see the strange JEDI. Four GUARDS armed with long electro-poles ride two-legged KAADUS into the square. The GUARDS, led by CAPTAIN TARPALS, point their lethal poles at the dripping trio.
JAR JAR : Heyo-dalee, Cap'n Tarpals, Mesa back!
CAPT. TARPALS : Noah gain, Jar Jar. Yousa goen tada Bosses. Yousa in big dudu this time.
CAPT. TARPALS gives JAR JAR a slight zap with his power pole. JAR JAR jumps and moves off, followed by the two JEDI.
JAR JAR : How wude.
INT. OTOH GUNGA - HIGH TOWER BOARD ROOM
The Bosses' Board Room has bubble walls, with small lighted fish swimming around outside like moving stars. A long circular judge's bench filled with GUNGAN OFFICIALS dominates the room. OBI-WAN and QUI-GON stand facing BOSS NASS, who sits on a bench higher than the others.
BOSS NASS : Yousa cannot bees hair. Dis army of mackineeks up dare tis new weesong!
QUI-GON : That droid army is about to attack the Naboo. We must warn them.
BOSS NASS : Wesa no like da Naboo! Un dey no like uss-ens. Da Naboo tink day so smarty den us-ens. Day tink day brains so big.
OBI-WAN : After those droids take control of the surface, they will come here and take control of you.
BOSS NASS : No, mesa no tink so. Mesa scant talkie witda Naboo, and no nutten talkie it outlaunders. Dos mackineeks no comen here! Dey not know of uss-en.
OBI-WAN : You and the Naboo form a symbiont circle. What happens to one of you will affect the other. You must understand this.
BOSS NASS : Wesa no care-n about da Naboo.
QUI-GON : (waves his hand) Then speed us on our way.
BOSS NASS : Wesa gonna speed yousaway.
QUI-GON : We could use a transport.
BOSS NASS : Wesa give yousa una bongo. Da speedest way tooda Naboo tis through da plantit core. Now go.
QUI-GON : Thank you for your help. We go in peace.
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN turn to leave.
OBI-WAN : Master, whats a bongo?
QUI-GON : A transport, I hope.
The JEDI notice JAR JAR in chains to one side, waiting to hear his verdict. QUI-GON stops. JAR JAR gives him a forlorn look.
JAR JAR : Daza setten yous up. Goen through da planet core is bad bombin!!
QUI-GON : Thank you, my friend.
JAR JAR : Ahhh...any hep hair would be hot.
JAR JAR's soulful look is counterpointed by a sheepish grin.
OBI-WAN : We are short of time, Master.
QUI-GON : We'll need a navigator to get us through the planet's core. This Gungan my be of help.
QUI-GON walks bact to BOSS NASS.
QUI-GON : (cont'd) What is to become of Jar Jar Binks here?
BOSS NASS : Hisen to be, pune-ished.
JAR JAR : (grimacing) Oooooh...Ouch!
OBI-WAN looks concerned. QUI-GON is thinking.
QUI-GON : We need a navigator to get us through the planet's core. I have saved Jar Jar Binks' life. He owes me what you call a "life.debt."
BOSS NASS : Binks. Yousa havena liveplay with thisen hisen?
JAR JAR nods and joins the JEDI. QUI-GON waves his hand.
QUI-GON : Your gods demand that his life belongs to me now.
BOSS NASS : Hisen live tis yos, outlauder. Begone wit him.
JAR JAR : Count mesa outta dis!
Better dead here, den deader in da
core...Yee guds, whata mesa sayin?!
EXT. NABOO CITY - UNDERWATER - SUB (FX)
A strange little submarine propels itself away from the Otoh Gunga, leaving the glow of the settlement in the distance.
INT. SUB COCKPIT - UNDERWATER
OBI-WAN in the co-pilots seat, JAR JAR guides the craft.
JAR JAR : Dis is nusen. Ooh gooberfish.
JAR JAR : Hey, ho? Where wesa goen??
QUI-GON : Just relax, the Force will guide us...
JAR JAR : Ooooh, maxibig..."da Force"...Wellen, dat smells stinkowiff.
JAR JAR veers the craft to the
left and turns the lights on. The coral
vistas are grand, fantastic, and wonderous.
OBI-WAN : Why were you banished, Jar Jar?
JAR JAR : Tis a long tale, buta small part wawdabe mesa...ooooh...aaaa.....clumsy.
OBI-WAN : You were banished because you're clumsy?
As the little sub glides into the planet core, a large dark shape begins to follow.
JAR JAR : Mesa cause-ed mabee one or duey lettal bitty axadentes...yud-say boom da gasser, un crash Der Bosses heyblibber...den banished.
Suddenly there is a loud CRASH, and the little craft lurches to one side. QUI-GON looks around and sees a huge, lumimnous OPEE SEA KILLER has hooked them with its long gooey tongue.
OBI-WAN : Give me the controls.
As the sub remains in the mouth of the fish, they see a larger set of jaws, munching on the hapless KILLER. The jaws belong to the incredible SANDO AQUA MONSTER. The lights on the tiny sub begin to flicker as they are released and they cruise deeper into the gloom.
QUI-GON : There's always a bigger fish.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
NUTE and RUNE stand before a hologram of DARTH SIDIOUS.
NUTE : The invasion is on schedule, My Lord.
DARTH SIDIOUS : Good. I have the Senate bogged down in procedures. By the time this incident comes up for a vote, they will have no choice but to accept your control of the system.
NUTE : The Queen has great faith the Senate will side with her.
DARTH SIDIOUS : Queen Amidala is yound and naive. You will find controlling her will not be difficult. You have done well, Viceroy.
NUTE : Thank you, My Lord.
DARTH SIDIOUS fades away.
RUNE : You didn't tell him about the missing Jedi?
NUTE : No need to report that to him, until we have something to report.
INT. SUB COCKPIT - UNDERWATER
Sparks are flying, and water is leaking into the cabin. The sound of the power drive drops.
OBI-WAN : .....we're losing power.
OBI-WAN is working with the sparking wires. JAR JAR panics.
QUI-GON : Stay calm. We're not in trouble yet.
JAR JAR : What yet? Monstairs out dare! Leak'n in here, all'n sink'n, and nooooo power! WHEN YOUSA TINK WESA IN TROUBLE?!!!?
OBI-WAN : Power's back.
The lights flicker on, revealing an ugly COLO CLAW FISH right in front of them.
JAR JAR : Monstairs back!
The large COLO CLAW FISH is surprised and rears back. The sub turns around and speeds away.
JAR JAR : (cont'd) Wesa in trouble now??
QUI-GON : Relax.
QUI-GON puts his hand on JAR JAR's shoulder. JAR JAR relaxes.
OBI-WAN : You overdid it.
The COLO CLAW FISH leaps after the fleeing sub as it shoots out of the tunnel and into the waiting jaws of the SANDO AQUA MONSTER.
OBI-WAN (cont'd) This is not good!
JAR JAR : Wesa dead yet?? Oie Boie!
JAR JAR's eyes bulge, and he faints. The sub narrowly avoids the deadly teeth of the AQUA MONSTER. The COLO CLAW FISH chasing them isn't so lucky. It is munched in half by the larger predator. The little sub slips away.
QUI-GON : Head for that outcropping.
EXT. THEED - MAIN ROAD INTO THEED - DAY (FX)
The long columns of the DROID ARMY move down the main road leading to Theed, the Naboo capital.
EXT. THEED PLAZA - DAY (FX)
As the QUEEN watches helplessly from a window in the palace, a transport carrying NUTE and RUNE lands in Theed Plaza. They exit the transport.
OOM-9 : We have captured the Queen.
NUTE : Ah, victory!
INT. NABOO LAKE - UNDERWATER - SUB (FX)
The little sub continue to propel itself toward the surface, which is brightly lit.
EXT. THEED - ESTUARY - DAY
Paradise. Billowing clouds frame
a romantic body of water. There is a LOUD RUSH OF BUBBLES, and
a small sub bobs to the surface.The current in the estuary begins
to pull the sub backward into a fast
moving river. OBI-WAN switches off the two remaining bubble canopies.
QUI-GON stands up to look around. JAR JAR lets out a sigh of relief.
JAR JAR : This is moverly.
EXT. THEED - PALACE - DAY
The waterfalls of Theed sparkle in the noonday sun.
INT. THEED - PALACE THRONE ROOM - DAY
QUEEN AMIDALA, SIO BIBBLE, and FIVE OF HER HANDMAIDENS (EIRTAE, YANE, PADME, RABE, SACHE) are surrounded by TWENTY DROIDS. CAPTAIN PANAKA and FOUR NABOO GUARDS are also held at gunpoint. NUTE and RUNE stand in the middle of the room.
BIBBLE : ...how will you explain this invasion to the Senate?
NUTE : The Naboo and the Federation will forge a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I've have assurancesd it will be ratified by the Senate.
AMIDALA : I will not co-operate.
NUTE : In time, the suffering of your people will persuade you to see our point of view. Commander. (OOM-9 steps forward) Process them.
OOM-9 : Yes, sir! (turns to his sergeant) Take them to Camp Four.
SERGEANT : Roger Roger
The SERGEANT marches the GROUP out of the throne room.
EXT. PALACE - PLAZA - DAY
QUEEN AMIDALA, PADME, EIRTA, YANE, RABE, SACHE, CAPTAIN PANAKA, SIO BIBBLE, and FOUR GUARDS are led out of the palace by ten BATTLE DROIDS. The plaza is filled with tanks and BATTLE DROIDS, which they pass on their way to the detention camp. Unbeknownst to them, QUI-GON, OBI-WAN, and JAR JAR sneak across on a walkway above the plaza and jump from a balcony to begin an attack to rescue the QUEEN. FOUR BATTLE DROIDS are instantly cut down. MORE DROIDS move forward and are also cut down by the JEDIS' flashing lightsabres. QUI-GON puts his hand up and sends two droid slamming into a wall.
JAR JAR : Yousa guys bombad!
QUEEN AMIDALA and the OTHERS are amazed. JAR JAR is getting used to this. They move between two buildings.
CAPTAIN PANAKA : Get their weapons.
QUI-GON : Your Highness, we should leave the streets.
QUI-GON : Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor.
BIBBLE : Your negotiations seem to have failed...
QUI-GON : The negotiations never took place. Your Highness, we must make contact with the republic.
CAPTAIN PANAKA steps forward.
CAPT. PANAKA : They've knocked out all our communications.
QUI-GON : Do you have transports?
CAPT. PANAKA : In the main hanger. This way.
INT. CENTRAL HANGER - HALLWAY - DAY
CAPTAIN PANAKA cracks open a side door to the central hanger. QUI-GON looks in over his shoulder. OBI-WAN, JAR JAR, and the rest of the group are behind him. They see several Naboo spacecraft pilots guarded by about twenty BATTLE DROIDS.
CAPT. PANAKA : There are too many of them.
QUI-GON : That won't be a problem. (to Amidala) Your Highness, under the circumstances, Isuggest you come to Coruscant with us.
AMIDALA : Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is here with my people.
QUI-GON : They will kill you if you stay.
BIBBLE : They wouldn't dare.
CAPT. PANAKA : They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her.
QUI-GON : The situation here is not what it seems. There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you.
BIBBLE : Please, Your Highness, reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us... Senator Palpatine will need your help.
CAPT. PANAKA : Getting past their blockade is impossible, Your Highness. Any attempt to escape will be dangerous.
BIBBLE : Your Highness, I will stay here and do what I can...They will have to retain the Council of Governors in order to maintain control. But you must leave...
The QUEEN turns to PADME and EIRTAE.
AMIDALA : Either choice presents a great risk...to all of us...
PADME : We are brave, Your Highness.
QUI-GON : If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now.
AMIDALA : Then, I will plead our case before the Senate. (to Bibble) Be careful, Governor.
INT. CENTRAL HANGER - DAY
The door opens to the main hanger. QUI-GON, OBI-WAN, JAR JAR, CAPTAIN PANAKA, TWO GUARDS, and THREE HANDMAIDENS (PADME, EIRTAE, RABE), followed by QUEEN AMIDALA, head for a sleek chrome spacecraft. SIO BIBBLE, YANE and SACHE stay behind.
CAPT. PANAKA : We need to free those pilots.
CAPTAIN PANAKA points to TWENTY GUARDS, GROUND CREW, and PILOTS held in a corner by SIX BATTLE DROIDS.
OBI-WAN : I'll take care of that. OBI-WAN heads toward the group of captured pilots.
QUI-GON and the QUEEN, CAPTAIN PANAKA, JAR JAR, and the rest Of the GROUP approach the GUARDS at the ramp of the Naboo craft.
GUARD DROID : Where are you going?
QUI-GON : I'm Ambassador for the Supreme Chancellor, and I'm taking those people to Coruscant.
DROID GUARD : Where are you taking them?
QUI-GON : To Coruscant.
DROID GUARD : Coruscant. Uh. that doesnt compute. Wait you're under arrest!
The DROID GUARD draws his weapon, but before any of the DROIDS can fire, they are cut down. OTHER GUARDS run to their aid. OBI-WAN attacks the GUARDS around the PILOTS. QUI-GON stands, fighting off DROIDS as the OTHERS rush on board the spacecraft. OBI-WAN, the FREED PILOTS (including RIC OLIE), GUARDS and GROUND CREW MEMBERS rush on board the ship. The OTHER PILOTS and GUARDS race to SIO BIBBLR. After everyone has made it onto the ship, QUI-GONjumps on board. ALARMS sound. MORE DROIDS rush into the hanger and fire as the ship takes off.
EXT. THEED - HANGER ENTRY - DAY (FX)
The ship exits the hanger.
EXT. SPACE (FX)
The sleek spacecraft speeds away
from the planet of Naboo and heads for the deadly Federation blockade.
INT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - COCKPIT
The PILOT, RIC OLIE, navigates toward the massive battleship, QUI-GON and CAPTAIN PANAKA watch.
RIC OLIE : ....our communications are still jammed.
INT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - DROID
HOLD
JAR JAR is led into a low, cramped doorway by OBI-WAN.
OBI-WAN : Now stay here, and keep out of trouble.
OBI-WAN closes the door. JAR JAR looks around and sees a long row of five short, dome-topped ASTRO DROIDS (R-2 units). The all look alike, except for thier paint color, and they all seem to be shut down.
JAR JAR : Ello, boyos. (no response) Disa wanna longo trip...hey?
The deadly battle station opens fire on the Naboo spacecraft and hits the shield generator.
RIC OLIE : Shield generators been hit.
An alarm sounds and all the droid begin to move up a small elevator. One bumps into the back of JAR JAR.
JAR JAR : How wude.
The droid begin to repair the hit shield generator.
CAPT. PANAKA : If they cant get that shield generator fixed will be sitting ducks.
Droids are hit and are knocked off of the ship.
OBI-WAN : We are loosing droids fast.
The last droid finally manages to repair the shield generator and enter.
RIC OLIE : Powers back! That little droid did it. He bypassed the main power drive. Deflector shield up, at maximum.
The lone BLUE DROID finishes his repairs and goes back into the ship. The Naboo spacecraft races away from the Federation battleship.
RIC OLIE : There's not enough power to get us to Coruscant...the hyperdrive is leaking.
QUI-GON : We'll have to land somewhere to refuel and repair the ship.
QUI-GON studies a star chart on a monitor.
OBI-WAN : Here, Master. Tatooine... It's small, out of the way, poor... The Trade Federation has no presence there.
CAPT. PANAKA : How can you be sure?
QUI-GON : It's controlled by
the Hutts...
CAPT. PANAKA : The Hutts??
OBI-WAN : It's risky...but there's no alternative.
CAPT. PANAKA : You can't take Her Royal Highness there! The Hutts are gangsters... If they discovered her...
QUI-GON : ...It would be no different than if we landed on a system controlled by the Federation...except the Hutts aren't looking for her, which gives us an advantage.
CPATAIN PANAKA takes a deep breath in frustration.
EXT. SPACE - NABOO SPACECRAFT (FX)
The Naboo spacecraft races away.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - CONFERENCE ROOM
NUTE and RUNE sit around a conference table with a hologram of DARTH SIDIOUS.
NUTE : We control all the cities in the North and are searching for any other settlements...
DARTH SIDIOUS : Destroy all high-ranking officials, Viceroy...slowly...quietly. And Queen Amidala, has she signed the treaty?
NUTE : She has disappeared, My Lord. One Naboo cruiser got past the blockade.
DARTH SIDIOUS : Viceroy, find her! I want that treaty signed.
NUTE : My Lord, it's impossible to locate the ship. It's out of our range.
DARTH SIDIOUS : ...not for a Sith...
A second SITH LORD appears behind DARTH SIDIOUS.
DARTH SIDIOUS : (Cont'd) ...Viceroy, this is my apprentice. Darth Maul. He will find your lost ship.
NUTE : Yes, My Lord.
The hologram fades off.
NUTE : (Cont'd) This is getting out of hand...now there are two of them.
RUNE : We should not have made this bargain.
INT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - QUEENS CHAMBERS
QUI-GON, OBI-WAN, CAPTAIN PANAKA, and the LITTLE BLUE DROID stand before QUEEN AMIDALA and her THREE HANDMAIDENS, PADME, EIRTAE and RABE.
CAPT. PANAKA : ...An extremely well put together little droid. Without a doubt, it saved the ship, as well as our lives.
AMIDALA : It is to be commended...what is its number?
The LITTLE BLUE DROID lets out a series of bleeps.CAPTAIN PANAKA leans over and scrapes some dirt off of the side of the DROID and read the number:
CAPT. PANAKA : R2-D2, Your Highness.
AMIDALA : Thank you, Artoo Detoo. You have proven to be very loyal...Padme!
PADME bows before the QUEEN.
AMIDALA : (Cont'd) Clean this droid up the best you can. It deserves our gratitude...(to Panaka) Continue, Captain.
CAPTAIN PANAKA looks nervously to OBI-WAN and QUI-GON.
QUI-GON : Yor Highness, with your permission, we are heading for a remote planet called Tatooine. It is a system far beyond the reach of the Trade Federation.
CAPTAIN PANAKA : I do not agree with the Jedi on this one.
QUI-GON : You must trust my judgement, Your Highness.
AMIDALA and PADME exchange looks. PADME moves next to the DROID.
INT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - MAIN AREA
PADME sits in the Main Area, cleaning R2-D2, the brave little Astra Droid. JAR JAR pops out of an open door.
JAR JAR : Hidoe!
Both PADME and ARTOO jump and let out a little SCREAM. The Gungan is embarrassed that he frightened them.
JAR JAR : (Cont'd) Sorry, nomeanen to scare yousa.
PADME : That's all right.
JAR JAR : Mesa Ja Ja Binksss...
PADME : I'm Padme. You're a Gungan, aren't you? (Jar Jar nods) How did you end up here with us?
JAR JAR : My no know...mesa day starten pitty okeyday witda brisky morning munchen. Den boom....getten berry skeered, un grabbed dat Jedi, and before mesa knowen it...pow! Mesa here. (he shrugs)...getten berry berry skeered.
JAR JAR : Mesa getten berry berry skeered
ARTOO BEEPS a sympathetic beep.
INT. ANBOO SPACECRAFT - COCKPIT
OBI-WAN, QUI-GON, and CAPTAIN PANAKA watch over RIC OLIE'S shoulder. A large yellow planet appears directly ahead. RIC OLIE searches his scopes.
RIC OLIE : There's a settlement...
QUI-GON : Land near the outskirts. We don't want to attract any attention.
EXT. TATOOINE - SPACE (FX)
The ship heads toward the planet of Tatooine.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - NABOO SPACECRAFT - DAY (FX)
The Naboo spacecraft lands in the desert in a swirl of dust. The
spaceport of Mos Espa is seen in the distance.
EXT. NABOO SPACECRAFT - MAIN AREA
OBI-WAN : (Cant'd) The Hyperdrive generator is gone. We will need a new one.
QUI-GON moves closer to OBI-WAN and speaks quietly to him.
QUI-GON : Don't let them send ant transmissions. Be wary...I sense a disturbance in the Force.
OBI-WAN : I fell it also, Master.
QUI-GON goes into the hallway to meet up with ARTOO and JAR JAR. They head to the exit ramp.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - SPACESHIP - DAY
They start their trek across the desert toward the city of Mos Espa. In the distance, a strange looking caravan makes its way toward the spaceport.
JAR JAR : Dis sun doen murder tada mesa skin.
From the spaceship, CAPTAIN PANAKA and PADME run toward them.
CAPT. PANAKA : Wait!
QUI-GON stops as they catch up. PADME is dresses in rough peasant's garb.
CAPT. PANAKA : (Cont'd) Her Highness commands you to take her handmaiden with you. She wishes for her to observe the local...
QUI-GON : No more commands from Her Highness today, Captain. This spaceport is not going to be pleasant...
CAPT. PANAKA : The Queen wishes it. She is curious about this planet.
QUI-GON : This is not a good idea. Stay close to me.
He gives PADME a stern look.
EXT. MOS ESPA - STREET - DAY
The little GROUP walks down the main street of Mos Espa. They pass dangerous looking citizens of all types. PADME looks around in awe at this exotic enviroment.
QUI-GON : ...moisture farms for the most part, but also a few indigenous tribes and scavengers. The few spaceports like this one are havens for those who do not wish to be found...
PADME : ....like us.
JAR JAR is in a constant state of panic. ARTOO whistles along, with perfect confidence.
JAR JAR : Dissen berry berry bad. (steps in ooze) Ooooh...icky...icky...goo.
EXT. MOS ESPA - JUNK DEALER PLAZA - DAY
The GROUP comes to a little plaza surrounded by several junk spaceship dealers.
QUI-GON : We'll try one of the smaller dealers.
They head for a little junk shop that has a huge pile of broken spaceships stacked up behind it.
INT. WATTO'S JUNK SHOP - DAY
QUI-GON, JAR JAR, PADME, and ARTOO enter the dingy junk shop and are greeted by WATTO, a pudgy blue alien who flies on short little wings like a hummingbird.
WATTO : (subtitled) Hi chuba da naga? (What do you want?)
QUI-GON : I need parts for a J-type 327 Nubian.
WATTO : Ah yes, ah yes. Nubian. We have lots of that. (subtitled) Peedenkel! Naba dee unko (Boy, get in here! Now!)
QUI-GON : My droid here has a readout of what I need.
A disheveled boy, ANAKIN SKYWALKER, runs in from the junk yard. He is about nine years old, very dirty, and dressed in rags. WATTO raises a hand, and ANAKIN flinches.
WATTO : (subtitled) Coona tee-tocky malia? (What took you so long?)
ANAKIN : (subtitled) Mel tassa cho-passa... (I was cleaning the bin like you...)
WATTO : (subtitled) Chut-Chut! Ganda doe wallya. (Never mind! Watch the store) Me dwana no bata. (I've got some selling to do here.) (to Gui-Gon) Soooo, let me take- a thee out back. Ni you'll find what you need.
ARTOO and QUI-GON follow WATTO toward the junk yard, leaving JAR JAR with PADME and the young boy ANAKIN. JAR JAR picks up a gizmo, trying to figure out its purpose. QUI-GON takes the part out of his hand and puts it back.
QUI-GON : Don't touch anything.
JAR JAR makes a rude face to QUI-GON's back and sticks out his long tongue. ANAKIN sits on the counter, pretending to clean a part, staring at PADME. She is the most beautiful creaure he has ever seen in his life. PADME is a little embarrassed by his stare, but she musters up an amused smile. Finally, he gets the courage to speak.
ANAKIN : Are you an angel?
PADME : What?
ANAKIN : An angel. I've heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the Moons of Iego I think.
PADME : You're a funny little boy. How do you know so much?
ANIKAN : I listen to all the space pilots and traders that come through here. Im a pilot you know.
PADME : Youre a pilot?
ANAKIN : All my life.
PADME : How long have you been here.
ANAKIN : Since I was very little, three, I think. My Mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us, betting on the Podraces.