It's here! The part you've all been waiting for -- the rescue battle that marks the beginning of the Clone Wars!
Enjoy!
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, HIGH AUDIENCE CHAMBER - DAY
ANAKIN and PADMÉ are standing in the center of what looks
like a courtroom. Seated before them in a tall, boxed-off
area is POGGLE THE LESSER, Archduke of Geonosis.He is
accompanied by his underling, SUN FAC.Off to one side the
Separatist Senators PO NUDU, TESSEK, and TOONBUCK TOORA.
Next to them are the Commerce Dignitaries, SHU MAI, NUTE
GUNRAY, PASSEL ARGENTE, WAT TAMBOR and SAN HILL of the
Intergalactic Bank Clan. Along the wall about a HUNDRED
GEONOSIANS wait for a verdict.
SUN FAC POGGLE: You have been charged and found guilty of
Espionage.
POGGLE: Do you have anything to say before your sentence is
carried out?
PADMÉ: You are committing an act of war, Archduke. I hope
you are prepared for the consequences.
POGGLE laughs. COUNT DOOKU simply smiles.
POGGLE: We build weapons, Senator... that is our business!
Of course we're prepared!
NUTE GUNRAY: Get on with it. Carry out the sentence. I want
to see her suffer.
POGGLE: Your other Jedi friend is waiting for you, Senator.
Take them to the arena!
FOUR GUARDS take hold of PADMÉ and ANAKIN. They are
escorted out of the chamber to the sounds of chuckling.
INTERIOR: COCKPIT, NABOO STARSHIP - DAY
ARTOO beeps.
C-3PO: Yes, it has been rather a long time. Do you suppose
something's happened to them?
ARTOO BEEPS and WHISTLES.
C-3PO: (continuing) Danger? Oh no, I shouldn't think so. It
looks a very dull planet to me. They should be back shortly.
Just stop worrying, Artoo.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TUNNEL TO EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
In the gloomy tunnel, ANAKIN and PADMÉ are tossed into an
open cart. The murmur of a vast crowd is heard offscreen.
GUARDS extend their arms along the framework and tie them
so that they stand facing each other.
The DRIVER gets up onto his seat.
ANAKIN: Don't be afraid.
PADMÉ: I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit
each day since you came back into my life.
ANAKIN: What are you talking about?
PADMÉ: I love you.
ANAKIN: You love me?! I thought we decided not to fall in
love. That we would be forced to live a lie. That it would
destroy our lives...
PADMÉ: I think our lives are about to be destroyed anyway.
My love for you is a puzzle, Annie, for which I have no
answers. I can't control it... and now I don't care. I
truly, deeply love you, and before we die I want you to
know.
PADMÉ leans toward ANAKIN. By straining hard, it is just
possible for their lips to meet. They kiss.
The DRIVER cracks his whip over the ORRAY harnessed between
the shafts. The cart jerks forward. Suddenly, there is a
HUGE ROAR and blinding sunlight as they emerge into the
arena
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
The great stadium is packed with tier upon tier of yelling
GEONOSIANS. The cart trundles to the center, where OBI-WAN
is chained to one of four upright posts that are three feet
in diameter. The cart stops. PADMÉ and ANAKIN are taken
down, dragged to posts, and chained to them. ANAKIN is in
the center. PADMÉ pulls a wire from her clothing and places
it in her mouth.
OBI-WAN: I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my
message.
ANAKIN: I retransmitted it as you requested, Master. Then
we decided to come and rescue you.
OBI-WAN: (looks at his handcuffed hands) Good job!
Their arms are pulled high above their heads, and the cart
drives away. There is another ROAR as POGGLE THE LESSER,
COUNT DOOKU, NUTE GUNRAY, THE FETTS and DIGNITARIES arrive
in the archducal box and take their places.
SUN FAC: The felons before you have been convicted of
espionage against the Sovereign System of Geonosis. Their
sentence of death is to be carried out in this public arena
henceforth.
The crowd ROARS and CHEERS. In the box, POGGLE THE LESSER
rises. The crowd becomes quiet.
POGGLE: Silence! We must have silence!
The crowd becomes quiet.
POGGLE: Let the executions begin!
The crowd goes wild.
From different gates around the arena, THREE MONSTERS are
driven in. One is a REEK (bull-like), one is a NEXU (lion
like), and one is an ACKLAY (a kind of dino-lobster). They
are driven in by PICADORS carrying long spears and riding
ORRAYS. The PICADORS poke the MONSTERS toward the center,
then retire to the perimeter.
From different gates around the arena, THREE MONSTERS are
driven in. One is a REEK (bull-like), one is an ACKLAY (a kind of
dino-lobster), and one is is a NEXU (lion like). They are driven in
by PICADORS carrying long spears and riding ORRAYS. The
PICADORS poke the MONSTERS toward the centre, then retire
to the perimeter.
ANAKIN: I've got a bad feeling about this.
The MONSTERS toss their heads, looking around, ROARING or
SCREECHING. Then they catch sight of the THREE CAPTIVES and
start moving toward them.
OBI-WAN: Take the one the right. I'll take the one on the
left.
ANAKIN: What about Padmé?
PADMÉ has used the wire she concealed to pick the lock on
one of the hand restraints. She turns around and pulls
herself up by the chain to the top of the post. Within a
moment, she is standing on top of it, trying to pull the
chain free.
OBI-WAN: She seems to be on top of things.
The REEK charges ANAKIN. He jumps up, and the beast hits
the post hard. ANAKIN lands onto its back, wrapping part of
his chain around its horn. The REEK backs off, shaking its
head angrily, which tears the chain from the post.
OBI-WAN ducks around the post as the ACKLAY charges. It
knocks the post flat, sending OBI-WAN sprawling. The ACKLAY
crunches the post between its claws, freeing the chain.
OBI-WAN leaps up and runs towards ONE of the PICADORS. The
ACKLAY takes off after him.
The NEXU arrives at PADMÉ's post and rears on its hind
legs. On top, PADMÉ struggles to tear the chain free. The
NEXU ROARS, displaying wicked, dripping fangs.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY beams and rubs his hands.
OBI-WAN ducks around the post as the ACKLAY charges. It
knocks the post flat, sending OBI-WAN sprawling. The ACKLAY
crunches the post between its claws, freeing the chain.
OBI-WAN leaps up and runs towards ONE of the PICADORS. The
ACKLAY takes off after him.
PADMÉ has used the wire she concealed to pick the lock on
one of the hand restraints. She turns around and pulls
herself up by the chain to the top of the post. Within a
moment, she is standing on top of it, trying to pull the
chain free.
The NEXU arrives at PADMÉ's post, displaying wicked,
dripping fangs, digging its claws deep into the post as it
reaches the top. PADMÉ hits the creature with her chain.
The cat-like creature takes a swipe at PADMÉ. She turns and
the claw barely catches her shirt ripping it off, leaving superficial
claw marks across her back. The creature backs off down the pole.
The REEK charges ANAKIN. He jumps up, and the beast hits
the post hard. ANAKIN lands onto its back, wrapping part of
his chain around its horn. The REEK backs off, shaking its
head angrily, which tears the chain from the post.
In the arena, OBI-WAN runs at the PICADOR. The ORRAY rears
up. OBI-WAN grabs the PICADOR'S long spear and pole vaults
over him. The chasing ACKLAY smashes into the ORRAY. It
goes down. The PICADOR tumbles onto the sand, where he is
grabbed by the ACKLAY and crunched.
ANAKIN's REEK starts to buck.It charges around the arena
withANAKIN hanging on for dear life. He whirls the free
length of chain around his head and casts it into the
REEK's mouth. Its jaws clamp hard on the chain. ANAKIN
yanks hard on the chain, turning the REEK, beginning to
ride it.
The NEXU's claws dig deep into the post. The cat-like
creature reaches the top of the post and takes a swipe at
PADMÉ. She turns and the claw barely catches her shirt
ripping it off, leaving superficial claw marks across her
back. She hits the creature with her chain and it backs off
down the pole. Then, PADMÉ jumps off the post into the air.
She swings around on the chain and whacks the beast hard on
the head with both her feet. It tumbles back onto the sand.
PADMÉ climbs back up the pole, scrambling to the top.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY fumes.
NUTE GUNRAY: Foul!! She can't do that... shoot her or
something!
In the arena,OBI-WAN runs out from behind the fallen ORRAY
and throws the spear at the ACKLAY, hitting it in the neck.
It lets out a terrible SCREECH and turns on him. The NEXU
is about to springs up and makes to leap up at PADMÉ again. She finally
manages to work the chain loose. ANAKIN comes charging up
on the REEK, killing the NEXU.
ANAKIN: You okay?
PADMÉ: (nods, gasping) Sure!
ANAKIN: Jump!!!
The NEXU springs. PADMÉ leaps from the top of the post to
land on the REEK behind ANAKIN. The REEK charges away,
around the arena.The NEXU bounds after it. The REEK passes
the wounded ACKLAY and OBI-WAN. OBI-WAN runs and jumps on
the back of the REEK behind ANAKIN and PADMÉ.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY turns angrily to COUNT
DOOKU.
NUTE GUNRAY: This isn't how it's supposed to be! Jango,
finish her off!
COUNT DOOKU motions for the bounty hunter to stay put. BOBA
FETT is enjoying the spectacle.
COUNT DOOKU: (smiling enigmatically) Patience, Viceroy...
patience, she will die.
DROIDEKAS roll to the center of the arena where they
transform and surround the REEK and contain the JEDI.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
In the archducal box, amid the uproar, MACE WINDU ignites
his lightsaber and holds it to JANGO FETT's neck. COUNT
DOOKU turns to see MACE WINDU standing behind him. COUNT
DOOKU masks his surprise elegantly.
COUNT DOOKU: Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us.
You're just in time for the moment of truth. I would think
these two new boys of yours could use a little more
training.
MACE WINDU: Sorry to disappoint you, Dooku. This party's
over.
MACE WINDU signals, and at strategic places around the
arena there are sudden flashes of light as about ONE
HUNDRED JEDI switch on their lightsabers. The crowd is
suddenly silent. COUNT DOOKU's lips curl in slight
amusement.
COUNT DOOKU:(to Mace Windu) Brave, but foolish, my old
Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered.
MACE WINDU: I don't think so. The Geonosians aren't
warriors. One Jedi has to be worth a hundred Geonosians.
COUNT DOOKU looks around the great theater. His smile
grows.
COUNT DOOKU: It wasn't the Geonosians I was thinking about.
How well do you think one Jedi will hold up against a
thousand Battle Droids? We'll see.
COUNT DOOKU signals. THOUSANDS OF DROIDS start to pour into
all parts of the arena.
JANGO FETT fires his flamethrower at MACE WINDU, igniting
MACE's robe. MACE WINDU jumps into the arena. The battle
begins. GEONOSIANS fly away everywhere. DROIDS fire at
JEDI, who deflect the bolts and cut down the DROIDS. The
GEONOSIAN TROOPS fire ray guns that are more difficult for
the JEDI to deflect. SEVERAL JEDI run to the center of the
arena and throw lightsabers to OBI-WAN and ANAKIN.
The REEKand the NEXU are is spooked by the battle. The REEK
bucks the riders off its back and stampedes around the
arena, trampling DROIDS and JEDI that have moved into its
path. PADMÉ picks up a discarded pistol and joins the
fight.
Among the crowd, JEDI cut down swaths of GEONOSIANS and
DROIDS. On the sand, JEDI fight, attacking DROIDS. OBI-WAN
and ANAKIN swing their lightsabers, cutting DROIDS in half.
PADMÉ blasts away at DROIDS and GEONOSIANS.
PADMÉ jumps on top of the ORRAY pulling the execution
wagon. ANAKIN runs, jumps, and lands in the cart,
deflecting laser blasts with his lightsaber. PADMÉ blasts
Battle Droids as the two ride through the arena.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
MACE WINDU runs to the center of the arena and fights back
to-back with OBI-WAN, as they swipe and mangle DROIDS.
Among the tiers, JEDI are slowly being driven back. They
have killed heaps of GEONOSIANS and have knocked out piles
of DROIDS, but sheer numbers are telling. Individual JEDI
are being cut down or blasted. The rest are retreating into
the arena.
ANAKIN and PADMÉ are back-to-back, fighting DROIDS and
flying GEONOSIANS.
ANAKIN: You call this diplomacy?
PADMÉ: No, I call it aggressive negotiations.
THREEPIO's body with the Battle Droid head enters the
arena. The droid is fired upon and knocked back. The Battle
Droid head goes flying off THREEPIO's body.
PADMÉ jumps on top of the ORRAY pulling the execution
wagon. ANAKIN runs, jumps, and lands in the cart,
deflecting laser blasts with his lightsaber. PADMÉ blasts
Battle Droids as the two ride through the arena.
The Battle Droid body with THREEPIO's head enters the
arena, carrying a blaster rifle.
C-3PO: Where are we? A battle! Oh, no! I'm just a protocol
droid. I'm not made for this. I can't do it. I don't want
to be destroyed!
Jedi KIT FISTO uses the Force to knock the THREEPIO Battle
Droid backward onto the arena floor. A downed Super Battle
Droid falls on top of THREEPIO's Battle Droid body, pinning
him to the ground.
OBI-WAN and MACE WINDU fight back-to-back, lightsabers
flashing.The REEK charges and separates the two. The REEK
chases MACE WINDU across the arena. MACE WINDU slashes at
the REEK but loses his lightsaber.JANGO FETT, watching
from above, rockets down into the arena to battle with MACE
WINDU.
MACE WINDU retrieves his lightsaber, and the REEK tosses
JANGO FETT away. JANGO FETT ends up under the REEK,
avoiding the creature's massive hoofs. Finally, FETT is
free and kills the REEK.MACE WINDU fights fiercely with
JANGO FETT. Finally, the bounty hunter falls. His helmet
goes flying. The bounty hunter's body falls to the ground.
OBI-WAN is attacked by the ACKLAY and finally slays the
beast with his lightsaber.
ARTOO finds the Battle Droid with THREEPIO's head attached.
He shoots a projectile from his body that attaches a
suction device to THREEPIO's head, and pulls the head away
from the Battle Droid. ARTOO drags THREEPIO's head across
the arena and reattaches it to THREEPIO's body, using an
extendable welding arm.
C-3PO: Artoo, what are you doing here? Wait! No! How dare
you! You're pulling too hard. Stop dragging me, you lead
head. Artoo, be careful! You might burn my circuits. Are
you sure my head's on straight?
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
MACE WINDU, OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, PADMÉ and an exhausted group
of about TWENTY JEDI stand in the center of the arena
surrounded by a ring of BATTLE DROIDS. The bloodied sand
around them is strewn with the bodies of DEAD GEONOSIANS,
SHATTERED DROIDS and JEDI.
KI-ADI-MUNDI and the SURVIVORS from the raiding party are
herded into the arena by SUPER BATTLE DROIDS. From the
encircling tiers above, THOUSANDS OF BATTLE DROIDS level
their weapons menacingly.
In the archducal box, COUNT DOOKU lifts his hand. The
DROIDS lower their weapons. The COUNT calls out to the
JEDI.
COUNT DOOKU: Master Windu! You have fought gallantly.
Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi
Order. Now it is finished. (pauses briefly) Surrender - and
your lives will be spared.
MACE WINDU: We will not be hostagesfor you to barter with to be bartered,
Dooku.
COUNT DOOKU: Then, I'm sorry, old friend. You will have to
be destroyed.
The DROIDS raise their weapons. ANAKIN and PADMÉ look to
each other. COUNT DOOKU raises his hand to give the order
to fire. PADMÉ looks up suddenly.
PADMÉ: Look!
Above, SIX GUNSHIPS are descending fast through the open
area in the arena ceiling. They land in a cluster around
the handful of JEDI. CLONE TROOPERS spill out and start
firing at the DROIDS. There is a hellstorm of laserfire
that bounces off the laser shields created by the Gunships.
YODA appears at the door of one of the Gunships.
YODA: Circle the Jedi. A perimeter, create, around the
survivors.
The SURVIVING JEDI dash to the Gunships and scramble in.
MACE WINDU hangs on tight as the Gunship, firing all its
weapons, rises out of the arena up and over the topmost
rim.
On the arena grounds, ARTOO beeps as THREEPIO tries to sit
up.
C-3PO: What happened? I had the most peculiar dream.
Inanother part of the deserted arena, BOBA FETT finds his
father's battered helmet. Kneeling down, he picks it up and
lowers his head in sorrow.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TERRAIN OUTSIDE EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
The massed lines of parked Trade Federation Starships and
the DROIDS surrounding the arena, are themselves surrounded
by thousands of Republic Starships, disgorging TENS OF
THOUSANDS OF CLONE TROOPERS. Beyond, more Republic
Starships are landing and spewing out troops.
The Republic Gunships circle towering stalagmites as they
head toward the assembly point. WINGED GEONOSIANS fire
laser cannons up at the Gunships.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
MACE WINDU stares at the incredible sight.
YODA: If Dooku escapes, rally more systems to his
cause, he will.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY
DOOKU, POGGLE, NUTE, and RUNE enter a huge command center.
In the center of the room there is a large circular
viewscreen and, around the perimeter of the room, GEONOSIAN
SOLDIERS monitor the CLONE ARMY's advances on large
semitransparent maps. In one corner of the room there is a
large monitor flashing a variety of images, like schematics
to a familiar planet-sized mechanized weapon.
POGGLE: All our communications have been jammed, We are
under attack.
NUTE GUNRAY: The Jedi have amassed a huge army.
COUNT DOOKU:Where did they get them? That doesn't seem
possible. Howdid could the Jedi come up with an army so quickly?
NUTE GUNRAY: We must send all available droids into battle.
COUNT DOOKU: There are too many. They will soon have us
surrounded.
POGGLE: All our communications have been jammed, We are
under attack.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
Ground fire and explosions rock the Gunship. PADMÉ, ANAKIN,
and OBI-WAN steady themselves.
OBI-WAN: Hold on!
DOOKU signals thetwo BEAK-WING fighters start flanking his ship the Gunship. They veer
off left and right, loop around, and come up behind our
heroes' Gunship. To avoid the BEAK-WING fire, the Gunship
banks up a steep dune but is still hit. The ship lurches on
its side, and PADMÉ and a CLONE OFFICER tumble out.
ANAKIN: Padmé!!!
ANAKIN stares down in horror as PADMÉ hits the ground
below.
ANAKIN: (continuing; to pilot) Put the ship down! Down!
OBI-WAN: Anakin! Don't let your personal feelings get in the way.
(to the pilot) Follow that speeder.
The Gunship continues its pursuit of DOOKU's speeder,
followed by the TWO BEAK-WING fighters.
ANAKIN: (to pilot) Lower the ship!
OBI-WAN: Anakin, I can't take DOOKU alone. I need you. If
we catch him we can end this war right now. We have a job
to do.
ANAKIN: I don't care. (to the pilot) Put the ship down.
OBI-WAN: You'll be expelled from the Jedi Order.
ANAKIN: I can't leave her.
OBI-WAN: Come to your senses. What do you think Padmé would
do if she were in your position?
ANAKIN: (resigned) She would do her duty.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
The Gunship lands. MACE WINDU, KI-ADI-MUNDI, and CLONE
TROOPERS spill from the Gunship and join the ground battle.
The Gunship lifts off with YODA on board.
YODA: To the forward command centre.
The CLONE TROOPERS open fire with artillery. EXPLOSIONS
wreck the parked Battle Starships. CLONE TROOPERS advance,
firing at the massed DROIDS. FIGHTER DROIDS fly overhead,
exchanging fire with the Gunships and JEDI fighters.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
The Gunship lands at the Command Center. YODA disembarks.
CLONE COMMANDER: Master Yoda, all forward positions are
advancing.
YODA: Very good. Very good.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, DUNES - DAY
On the ground, a CLONE TROOPER approaches PADMÉ.
CLONE TROOPER: Are you all right?
PADMÉ:I think so. Uh-huh.
CLONE TROOPER: We better get you back to the Forward
Command Center.
PADMÉ: No, no. Gather up what troops you can. We've got to
get to that hanger. Get a transport. Hurry!
CLONE TROOPER: Right away.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
Gunship #2 skims the battlefield, firing down, deflecting
answering fire from the droids.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY
COUNT DOOKU, POGGLE THE LESSER, NUTE GUNRAY, andRUNE HAAKO GILRAMOS LIBKATH
stand around the viewscreen.
NUTE GUNRAY: This is notgoing well looking good at all.
RUNE HAAKO GILRAMOS LIBKATH: We must get the cores of our ships starships back into
space.
POGGLE: Order a retreat. I am sending all my warriors deep
into the catacombs to hide.
RUNE HAAKO: We must get the cores of our ships back into
space.
COUNT DOOKU:I'm going to Coruscant. My Master will not let
never allow the Republic to get away with this treachery.
POGGLE: I am sending all my warriors deep into the
catacombs to hide.
POGGLE crosses to the holographic schematic and downloads
it into a cartridge. He gives it to COUNT DOOKU.
POGGLE: The Jedi must not find our designs for the ultimate
weapon. If they have any idea of what we are planning to
create, we are doomed. Take them.
COUNT DOOKU: I will take the designs with me to Coruscant. They will be
much safer with my Master.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
MACE WINDU stares at the incredible sight.
MACE WINDU: Captain, land at that assembly point ahead.
CLONE CAPTAIN: Yes, sir.
The Gunship lands. MACE WINDU, KI-ADI-MUNDI, and CLONE
TROOPERS spill from the Gunship and join the ground battle.
The Gunship lifts off with YODA on board.
YODA: Capture Dooku, we must. If escapes he does, he will
rally more systems to his cause.
The CLONE TROOPERS open fire with artillery. EXPLOSIONS
wreck the parked Battle Starships. CLONE TROOPERS advance,
firing at the massed DROIDS. FIGHTER DROIDS fly overhead,
exchanging fire with the Gunships and JEDI fighters.
YODA: More battalions to the left. Encircle them, we must,
then divide.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
Gunship #2 skims the battlefield, firing down, deflecting
answering fire from the droids.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
OBI-WAN, ANAKIN and PADMÉ watch from the open Gunship.
On the battleground below, CLONE TROOPERS riding speeder
bikes advance toward the battlefield. TRADE FEDERATION
SPIDER DROIDS fire at the CLONE TROOPERS and Republic
Gunships. Lightsaber-wielding JEDI slash through BATTLE
DROIDS. The battle rages on.
Gunship #1 flies low toward TECHNO UNION starships.
ANAKIN: Aim right above the fuel cells.
Laser fire pelts the base of the TECHNO UNION ship. Rocked
with explosions, it begins to tilt over and the Gunships
split up, flying past.
OBI-WAN: Good call. Those Federation starships are taking
off. Target them quickly.
One TRADE FEDERATION starship begins to rise from its
docking port. Gunship #2 fires on the starship, with no
apparent damage.
ANAKIN: They're too big, Master. The ground troops will
have to take them out.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
The Gunship lands at the Command Center. YODA disembarks.
CLONE COMMANDER: Master Yoda, all forward positions are
advancing.
YODA: Very good. Very good.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTRE HANGAR - DAY
POGGLE, NUTE, and RUNE board their shuttle.
It takes off into space.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
The Gunship continues to fire on the TRADE FEDERATION
starships. The starships continue to lift into the sky.
INTERIOR EXTERIOR: COMMAND CENTER - DAY
YODA: Concentrate all your fire on the nearest starship.
CLONE COMMANDER: Yes, sir. Move all quadrants to sector 5-1 -5.
The TRADE FEDERATION starship finally begins to weaken
under the constant fire. The starship begins to fall and
then explodes in afireball dust cloud.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
OBI-WAN, ANAKIN and PADMÉ are at the open sides of the
Gunship. CLONES fire down at the DROIDS below.
The Gunship slows, circling over a droid gun-emplacement.
It blasts it, but suddenly the Gunship is rocked by a near
miss. It lurches violently.
OBI-WAN: Look over there...
ANAKIN: It's Dooku! Shoot him down!
Through the other side of the Gunship, they see a Geonosian
Speeder racing past. In the open cockpit is the
unmistakable figure of COUNT DOOKU.
CLONE CAPTAIN: We're out of ordinance, sir.
ANAKIN: Follow him!
PADMÉ: We're going to need some help.
OBI-WAN: No, there's no time. Anakin and I can handle this.
DOOKU signals the two fighters flanking his ship. They veer
off left and right, loop around, and come up behind our
heroes' Gunship. To avoid the BEAK-WING fire, the Gunship
banks up a steep dune but is still hit. The ship lurches on
its side, and PADMÉ and a CLONE OFFICER tumble out.
ANAKIN: Padmé!!!
ANAKIN stares down in horror as PADMÉ hits the ground
below.
ANAKIN: (continuing; to pilot) Put the ship down! Down!
OBI-WAN: Don't let your personal feelings get in the way.
(to the pilot) Follow that speeder.
The Gunship continues its pursuit of DOOKU's speeder,
followed by the TWO BEAK-WING fighters.
ANAKIN: (to pilot) Lower the ship!
OBI-WAN: Anakin, I can't take DOOKU alone. I need you. If
we catch him we can end this war right now. We have a job
to do.
ANAKIN: I don't care. (to the pilot) Put the ship down.
OBI-WAN: You'll be expelled from the Jedi Order.
ANAKIN: I can't leave her.
OBI-WAN: Come to your senses. What do you think Padmé would
do if she were in your position?
ANAKIN: (resigned) She would do her duty.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
On the battlefield, all CLONE TROOPERS and BATTLE
DROIDS open fire in the dust cloud.
EXTERIOR: COMMAND CENTER - DAY
YODA stands next to the CLONE COMMANDER. He senses
something is wrong with PADMÉ.
YODA: Hmmmm...
CLONE COMMANDER: The droid army is in full retreat.
YODA: Well done, Commander. Bring memy a ship.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, DUNES - DAY
On the ground, a CLONE TROOPER approaches PADMÉ.
CLONE TROOPER: Are you all right?
PADMÉ: I think so.
CLONE TROOPER: We better get you back to the Forward
Command Center.
PADMÉ: No, no. Gather up what troops you can. We've got to
get to that hanger. Get a transport. Hurry!
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
ANAKIN and OBI-WAN watch as COUNT DOOKU's speeder parks
outside the tower; the Gunship parks next to it. OBI-WAN
and ANAKIN leap down and run inside the tower.
TBC...
Enjoy!
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, HIGH AUDIENCE CHAMBER - DAY
ANAKIN and PADMÉ are standing in the center of what looks
like a courtroom. Seated before them in a tall, boxed-off
area is POGGLE THE LESSER, Archduke of Geonosis.
accompanied by his underling, SUN FAC.
Separatist Senators PO NUDU, TESSEK, and TOONBUCK TOORA.
Next to them are the Commerce Dignitaries, SHU MAI, NUTE
GUNRAY, PASSEL ARGENTE, WAT TAMBOR and SAN HILL of the
Intergalactic Bank Clan. Along the wall about a HUNDRED
GEONOSIANS wait for a verdict.
Espionage.
POGGLE: Do you have anything to say before your sentence is
carried out?
PADMÉ: You are committing an act of war, Archduke. I hope
you are prepared for the consequences.
POGGLE laughs. COUNT DOOKU simply smiles.
POGGLE: We build weapons, Senator... that is our business!
Of course we're prepared!
NUTE GUNRAY: Get on with it. Carry out the sentence. I want
to see her suffer.
POGGLE: Your other Jedi friend is waiting for you, Senator.
Take them to the arena!
FOUR GUARDS take hold of PADMÉ and ANAKIN. They are
escorted out of the chamber
INTERIOR: COCKPIT, NABOO STARSHIP - DAY
ARTOO beeps.
C-3PO: Yes, it has been rather a long time. Do you suppose
something's happened to them?
ARTOO BEEPS and WHISTLES.
C-3PO: (continuing) Danger? Oh no, I shouldn't think so. It
looks a very dull planet to me. They should be back shortly.
Just stop worrying, Artoo.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TUNNEL TO EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
In the gloomy tunnel, ANAKIN and PADMÉ are tossed into an
open cart. The murmur of a vast crowd is heard offscreen.
GUARDS extend their arms along the framework and tie them
so that they stand facing each other.
The DRIVER gets up onto his seat.
ANAKIN: Don't be afraid.
PADMÉ: I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit
each day since you came back into my life.
PADMÉ: I love you.
love. That we would be forced to live a lie. That it would
destroy our lives...
PADMÉ: I think our lives are about to be destroyed anyway.
My love for you is a puzzle, Annie, for which I have no
answers. I can't control it... and now I don't care. I
truly, deeply love you, and before we die I want you to
know.
PADMÉ leans toward ANAKIN. By straining hard, it is just
possible for their lips to meet. They kiss.
The DRIVER cracks his whip over the ORRAY harnessed between
the shafts. The cart jerks forward. Suddenly, there is a
HUGE ROAR and blinding sunlight as they emerge into the
arena
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
The great stadium is packed with tier upon tier of yelling
GEONOSIANS. The cart trundles to the center, where OBI-WAN
is chained to one of four upright posts that are three feet
in diameter. The cart stops. PADMÉ and ANAKIN are taken
down, dragged to posts, and chained to them. ANAKIN is in
the center. PADMÉ pulls a wire from her clothing and places
it in her mouth.
OBI-WAN: I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my
message.
ANAKIN: I retransmitted it as you requested, Master. Then
we decided to come and rescue you.
OBI-WAN: (looks at his handcuffed hands) Good job!
Their arms are pulled high above their heads, and the cart
drives away. There is another ROAR as POGGLE THE LESSER,
COUNT DOOKU, NUTE GUNRAY, THE FETTS and DIGNITARIES arrive
in the archducal box and take their places.
espionage against the Sovereign System of Geonosis. Their
sentence of death is to be carried out in this public arena
henceforth.
The crowd ROARS and CHEERS. In the box, POGGLE THE LESSER
rises.
POGGLE: Silence! We must have silence!
The crowd becomes quiet.
POGGLE: Let the executions begin!
The crowd goes wild.
From different gates around the arena, THREE MONSTERS are
driven in. One is a REEK (bull-like), one is a NEXU (lion
like), and one is an ACKLAY (a kind of dino-lobster). They
are driven in by PICADORS carrying long spears and riding
ORRAYS. The PICADORS poke the MONSTERS toward the center,
then retire to the perimeter.
From different gates around the arena, THREE MONSTERS are
driven in. One is a REEK (bull-like), one is an ACKLAY (a kind of
dino-lobster), and one is is a NEXU (lion like). They are driven in
by PICADORS carrying long spears and riding ORRAYS. The
PICADORS poke the MONSTERS toward the centre, then retire
to the perimeter.
The MONSTERS toss their heads, looking around, ROARING or
SCREECHING. Then they catch sight of the THREE CAPTIVES and
start moving toward them.
left.
ANAKIN: What about Padmé?
PADMÉ has used the wire she concealed to pick the lock on
one of the hand restraints. She turns around and pulls
herself up by the chain to the top of the post. Within a
moment, she is standing on top of it, trying to pull the
chain free.
OBI-WAN: She seems to be on top of things.
The REEK charges ANAKIN. He jumps up, and the beast hits
the post hard. ANAKIN lands onto its back, wrapping part of
his chain around its horn. The REEK backs off, shaking its
head angrily, which tears the chain from the post.
OBI-WAN ducks around the post as the ACKLAY charges. It
knocks the post flat, sending OBI-WAN sprawling. The ACKLAY
crunches the post between its claws, freeing the chain.
OBI-WAN leaps up and runs towards ONE of the PICADORS. The
ACKLAY takes off after him.
The NEXU arrives at PADMÉ's post and rears on its hind
legs. On top, PADMÉ struggles to tear the chain free. The
NEXU ROARS, displaying wicked, dripping fangs.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY beams and rubs his hands.
OBI-WAN ducks around the post as the ACKLAY charges. It
knocks the post flat, sending OBI-WAN sprawling. The ACKLAY
crunches the post between its claws, freeing the chain.
OBI-WAN leaps up and runs towards ONE of the PICADORS. The
ACKLAY takes off after him.
PADMÉ has used the wire she concealed to pick the lock on
one of the hand restraints. She turns around and pulls
herself up by the chain to the top of the post. Within a
moment, she is standing on top of it, trying to pull the
chain free.
The NEXU arrives at PADMÉ's post, displaying wicked,
dripping fangs, digging its claws deep into the post as it
reaches the top. PADMÉ hits the creature with her chain.
The cat-like creature takes a swipe at PADMÉ. She turns and
the claw barely catches her shirt ripping it off, leaving superficial
claw marks across her back. The creature backs off down the pole.
The REEK charges ANAKIN. He jumps up, and the beast hits
the post hard. ANAKIN lands onto its back, wrapping part of
his chain around its horn. The REEK backs off, shaking its
head angrily, which tears the chain from the post.
up. OBI-WAN grabs the PICADOR'S long spear and pole vaults
over him. The chasing ACKLAY smashes into the ORRAY. It
goes down
grabbed by the ACKLAY and crunched.
ANAKIN's REEK starts to buck.
with
length of chain around his head and casts it into the
REEK's mouth. Its jaws clamp hard on the chain. ANAKIN
yanks hard on the chain, turning the REEK, beginning to
ride it.
creature reaches the top of the post and takes a swipe at
PADMÉ. She turns and the claw barely catches her shirt
ripping it off, leaving superficial claw marks across her
back. She hits the creature with her chain and it backs off
down the pole. Then, PADMÉ jumps off the post into the air.
She swings around on the chain and whacks the beast hard on
the head with both her feet. It tumbles back onto the sand.
PADMÉ climbs back up the pole, scrambling to the top.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY fumes.
NUTE GUNRAY: Foul!! She can't do that... shoot her or
something!
In the arena,
and throws the spear at the ACKLAY, hitting it in the neck.
It lets out a terrible SCREECH and turns on him. The NEXU
is about to spring
manages to work the chain loose. ANAKIN comes charging up
on the REEK, killing the NEXU.
PADMÉ: (nods, gasping) Sure!
ANAKIN: Jump!!!
land on the REEK behind ANAKIN. The REEK charges away,
around the arena.
the wounded ACKLAY and OBI-WAN. OBI-WAN runs and jumps on
the back of the REEK behind ANAKIN and PADMÉ.
In the archducal box, NUTE GUNRAY turns angrily to COUNT
DOOKU.
NUTE GUNRAY: This isn't how it's supposed to be! Jango,
finish her off!
COUNT DOOKU motions for the bounty hunter to stay put. BOBA
FETT is enjoying the spectacle.
COUNT DOOKU: (smiling enigmatically) Patience, Viceroy...
patience, she will die.
DROIDEKAS roll to the center of the arena where they
transform and surround the REEK and contain the JEDI.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
In the archducal box, amid the uproar, MACE WINDU ignites
his lightsaber and holds it to JANGO FETT's neck. COUNT
DOOKU turns to see MACE WINDU standing behind him. COUNT
DOOKU masks his surprise elegantly.
COUNT DOOKU: Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us.
You're just in time for the moment of truth. I would think
these two new boys of yours could use a little more
training.
over.
MACE WINDU signals, and at strategic places around the
arena there are sudden flashes of light as about ONE
HUNDRED JEDI switch on their lightsabers. The crowd is
suddenly silent. COUNT DOOKU's lips curl in slight
amusement.
COUNT DOOKU:
Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered.
MACE WINDU: I don't think so. The Geonosians aren't
warriors. One Jedi has to be worth a hundred Geonosians.
COUNT DOOKU looks around the great theater. His smile
grows.
COUNT DOOKU: It wasn't the Geonosians I was thinking about.
How well do you think one Jedi will hold up against a
thousand Battle Droids? We'll see.
COUNT DOOKU signals. THOUSANDS OF DROIDS start to pour into
all parts of the arena.
JANGO FETT fires his flamethrower at MACE WINDU, igniting
MACE's robe. MACE WINDU jumps into the arena. The battle
begins. GEONOSIANS fly away everywhere. DROIDS fire at
JEDI, who deflect the bolts and cut down the DROIDS. The
GEONOSIAN TROOPS fire ray guns that are more difficult for
the JEDI to deflect. SEVERAL JEDI run to the center of the
arena and throw lightsabers to OBI-WAN and ANAKIN.
The REEK
bucks the riders off its back and stampedes around the
arena, trampling DROIDS and JEDI that have moved into its
path. PADMÉ picks up a discarded pistol and joins the
fight.
Among the crowd, JEDI cut down swaths of GEONOSIANS and
DROIDS. On the sand, JEDI fight, attacking DROIDS. OBI-WAN
and ANAKIN swing their lightsabers, cutting DROIDS in half.
PADMÉ blasts away at DROIDS and GEONOSIANS.
PADMÉ jumps on top of the ORRAY pulling the execution
wagon. ANAKIN runs, jumps, and lands in the cart,
deflecting laser blasts with his lightsaber. PADMÉ blasts
Battle Droids as the two ride through the arena.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
MACE WINDU runs to the center of the arena and fights back
to-back with OBI-WAN, as they swipe and mangle DROIDS.
Among the tiers, JEDI are slowly being driven back. They
have killed heaps of GEONOSIANS and have knocked out piles
of DROIDS, but sheer numbers are telling. Individual JEDI
are being cut down or blasted. The rest are retreating into
the arena.
ANAKIN and PADMÉ are back-to-back, fighting DROIDS and
flying GEONOSIANS.
PADMÉ: No, I call it aggressive negotiations.
THREEPIO's body with the Battle Droid head enters the
arena. The droid is fired upon and knocked back. The Battle
Droid head goes flying off THREEPIO's body.
PADMÉ jumps on top of the ORRAY pulling the execution
wagon. ANAKIN runs, jumps, and lands in the cart,
deflecting laser blasts with his lightsaber. PADMÉ blasts
Battle Droids as the two ride through the arena.
The Battle Droid body with THREEPIO's head enters the
arena, carrying a blaster rifle.
C-3PO: Where are we? A battle! Oh, no! I'm just a protocol
droid. I'm not made for this. I can't do it. I don't want
to be destroyed!
Jedi KIT FISTO uses the Force to knock the THREEPIO Battle
Droid backward onto the arena floor. A downed Super Battle
Droid falls on top of THREEPIO's Battle Droid body, pinning
him to the ground.
OBI-WAN and MACE WINDU fight back-to-back, lightsabers
flashing.
chases MACE WINDU across the arena. MACE WINDU slashes at
the REEK but loses his lightsaber.
from above, rockets down into the arena to battle with MACE
WINDU.
JANGO FETT away. JANGO FETT ends up under the REEK,
avoiding the creature's massive hoofs. Finally, FETT is
free and kills the REEK.
JANGO FETT. Finally, the bounty hunter falls. His helmet
goes flying. The bounty hunter's body falls to the ground.
OBI-WAN is attacked by the ACKLAY and finally slays the
beast with his lightsaber.
He shoots a projectile from his body that attaches a
suction device to THREEPIO's head, and pulls the head away
from the Battle Droid. ARTOO drags THREEPIO's head across
the arena and reattaches it to THREEPIO's body, using an
extendable welding arm.
C-3PO: Artoo, what are you doing here? Wait! No! How dare
you! You're pulling too hard. Stop dragging me, you lead
head. Artoo, be careful! You might burn my circuits. Are
you sure my head's on straight?
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
MACE WINDU, OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, PADMÉ and an exhausted group
of about TWENTY JEDI stand in the center of the arena
surrounded by a ring of BATTLE DROIDS. The bloodied sand
around them is strewn with the bodies of DEAD GEONOSIANS,
SHATTERED DROIDS and JEDI.
KI-ADI-MUNDI and the SURVIVORS from the raiding party are
herded into the arena by SUPER BATTLE DROIDS. From the
encircling tiers above, THOUSANDS OF BATTLE DROIDS level
their weapons menacingly.
In the archducal box, COUNT DOOKU lifts his hand. The
DROIDS lower their weapons. The COUNT calls out to the
JEDI.
COUNT DOOKU: Master Windu! You have fought gallantly.
Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi
Order. Now it is finished. (pauses briefly) Surrender - and
your lives will be spared.
MACE WINDU: We will not be hostages
Dooku.
COUNT DOOKU: Then, I'm sorry, old friend.
be destroyed.
The DROIDS raise their weapons. ANAKIN and PADMÉ look to
each other. COUNT DOOKU raises his hand to give the order
to fire. PADMÉ looks up suddenly.
PADMÉ: Look!
Above, SIX GUNSHIPS are descending fast through the open
area in the arena ceiling. They land in a cluster around
the handful of JEDI. CLONE TROOPERS spill out and start
firing at the DROIDS. There is a hellstorm of laserfire
that bounces off the laser shields created by the Gunships.
YODA appears at the door of one of the Gunships.
survivors.
The SURVIVING JEDI dash to the Gunships and scramble in.
MACE WINDU hangs on tight as the Gunship, firing all its
weapons, rises out of the arena up and over the topmost
rim.
up.
C-3PO: What happened? I had the most peculiar dream.
In
father's battered helmet. Kneeling down, he picks it up and
lowers his head in sorrow.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TERRAIN OUTSIDE EXECUTION ARENA - DAY
The massed lines of parked Trade Federation Starships and
the DROIDS surrounding the arena, are themselves surrounded
by thousands of Republic Starships, disgorging TENS OF
THOUSANDS OF CLONE TROOPERS. Beyond, more Republic
Starships are landing and spewing out troops.
The Republic Gunships circle towering stalagmites as they
head toward the assembly point. WINGED GEONOSIANS fire
laser cannons up at the Gunships.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
MACE WINDU stares at the incredible sight.
YODA: If Dooku escapes, rally more systems to his
cause, he will.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY
DOOKU, POGGLE, NUTE, and RUNE enter a huge command center.
In the center of the room there is a large circular
viewscreen and, around the perimeter of the room, GEONOSIAN
SOLDIERS monitor the CLONE ARMY's advances on large
semitransparent maps. In one corner of the room there is a
large monitor flashing a variety of images, like schematics
to a familiar planet-sized mechanized weapon.
under attack.
NUTE GUNRAY: The Jedi have amassed a huge army.
COUNT DOOKU:
possible. How
NUTE GUNRAY: We must send all available droids into battle.
COUNT DOOKU: There are too many.
surrounded.
POGGLE: All our communications have been jammed, We are
under attack.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
Ground fire and explosions rock the Gunship. PADMÉ, ANAKIN,
and OBI-WAN steady themselves.
DOOKU signals the
off left and right, loop around, and come up behind our
heroes' Gunship. To avoid the BEAK-WING fire, the Gunship
banks up a steep dune but is still hit. The ship lurches on
its side, and PADMÉ and a CLONE OFFICER tumble out.
ANAKIN: Padmé!!!
ANAKIN stares down in horror as PADMÉ hits the ground
below.
ANAKIN: (continuing; to pilot) Put the ship down!
OBI-WAN: Anakin! Don't let your personal feelings get in the way.
The Gunship continues its pursuit of DOOKU's speeder,
followed by the TWO BEAK-WING fighters.
ANAKIN: (to pilot) Lower the ship!
OBI-WAN: Anakin, I can't take DOOKU alone. I need you. If
we catch him we can end this war right now. We have a job
to do.
ANAKIN: I don't care. (to the pilot) Put the ship down.
OBI-WAN: You'll be expelled from the Jedi Order.
ANAKIN: I can't leave her.
OBI-WAN: Come to your senses. What do you think Padmé would
do if she were in your position?
ANAKIN: (resigned) She would do her duty.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
The Gunship lands. MACE WINDU, KI-ADI-MUNDI, and CLONE
TROOPERS spill from the Gunship and join the ground battle.
The Gunship lifts off with YODA on board.
YODA: To the forward command centre.
The CLONE TROOPERS open fire with artillery. EXPLOSIONS
wreck the parked Battle Starships. CLONE TROOPERS advance,
firing at the massed DROIDS. FIGHTER DROIDS fly overhead,
exchanging fire with the Gunships and JEDI fighters.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
The Gunship lands at the Command Center. YODA disembarks.
CLONE COMMANDER: Master Yoda, all forward positions are
advancing.
YODA: Very good. Very good.
EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, DUNES - DAY
On the ground, a CLONE TROOPER approaches PADMÉ.
CLONE TROOPER: Are you all right?
PADMÉ:
CLONE TROOPER: We better get you back to the Forward
Command Center.
PADMÉ: No, no. Gather up what troops you can. We've got to
get to that hanger. Get a transport. Hurry!
CLONE TROOPER: Right away.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
Gunship #2 skims the battlefield, firing down, deflecting
answering fire from the droids.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY
COUNT DOOKU, POGGLE THE LESSER, NUTE GUNRAY, and
stand around the viewscreen.
NUTE GUNRAY: This is not
space.
POGGLE: Order a retreat.
into the catacombs to hide.
RUNE HAAKO: We must get the cores of our ships back into
space.
COUNT DOOKU:
never allow the Republic to get away with this treachery.
POGGLE: I am sending all my warriors deep into the
catacombs to hide.
POGGLE crosses to the holographic schematic and downloads
it into a cartridge. He gives it to COUNT DOOKU.
POGGLE: The Jedi must not find our designs for the ultimate
weapon. If they have any idea of what we are planning to
create, we are doomed. Take them.
COUNT DOOKU: I will take the designs with me to Coruscant.
much safer with my Master.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
MACE WINDU stares at the incredible sight.
MACE WINDU: Captain, land at that assembly point ahead.
CLONE CAPTAIN: Yes, sir.
The Gunship lands. MACE WINDU, KI-ADI-MUNDI, and CLONE
TROOPERS spill from the Gunship and join the ground battle.
The Gunship lifts off with YODA on board.
YODA: Capture Dooku, we must. If escapes he does, he will
rally more systems to his cause.
The CLONE TROOPERS open fire with artillery. EXPLOSIONS
wreck the parked Battle Starships. CLONE TROOPERS advance,
firing at the massed DROIDS. FIGHTER DROIDS fly overhead,
exchanging fire with the Gunships and JEDI fighters.
YODA: More battalions to the left. Encircle them, we must,
then divide.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
Gunship #2 skims the battlefield, firing down, deflecting
answering fire from the droids.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
OBI-WAN, ANAKIN and PADMÉ watch from the open Gunship.
On the battleground below, CLONE TROOPERS riding speeder
bikes advance toward the battlefield. TRADE FEDERATION
SPIDER DROIDS fire at the CLONE TROOPERS and Republic
Gunships. Lightsaber-wielding JEDI slash through BATTLE
DROIDS. The battle rages on.
Gunship #1 flies low toward TECHNO UNION starships.
ANAKIN: Aim right above the fuel cells.
Laser fire pelts the base of the TECHNO UNION ship. Rocked
with explosions, it begins to tilt over and the Gunships
split up, flying past.
OBI-WAN: Good call. Those Federation starships are taking
off. Target them quickly.
One TRADE FEDERATION starship begins to rise from its
docking port. Gunship #2 fires on the starship, with no
apparent damage.
ANAKIN: They're too big, Master. The ground troops will
have to take them out.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY
The Gunship lands at the Command Center. YODA disembarks.
CLONE COMMANDER: Master Yoda, all forward positions are
advancing.
YODA: Very good. Very good.
INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTRE HANGAR - DAY
POGGLE, NUTE, and RUNE board their shuttle.
It takes off into space.
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
The Gunship continues to fire on the TRADE FEDERATION
starships. The starships continue to lift into the sky.
YODA: Concentrate all your fire on the nearest starship.
CLONE COMMANDER: Yes, sir. Move all quadrants to sector 5-1 -5.
The TRADE FEDERATION starship finally begins to weaken
under the constant fire. The starship begins to fall and
then explodes in a
OBI-WAN, ANAKIN and PADMÉ are at the open sides of the
Gunship. CLONES fire down at the DROIDS below.
The Gunship slows, circling over a droid gun-emplacement.
It blasts it, but suddenly the Gunship is rocked by a near
miss. It lurches violently.
OBI-WAN: Look over there...
ANAKIN: It's Dooku! Shoot him down!
Through the other side of the Gunship, they see a Geonosian
Speeder racing past. In the open cockpit is the
unmistakable figure of COUNT DOOKU.
CLONE CAPTAIN: We're out of ordinance, sir.
ANAKIN: Follow him!
PADMÉ: We're going to need some help.
OBI-WAN: No, there's no time. Anakin and I can handle this.
DOOKU signals the two fighters flanking his ship. They veer
off left and right, loop around, and come up behind our
heroes' Gunship. To avoid the BEAK-WING fire, the Gunship
banks up a steep dune but is still hit. The ship lurches on
its side, and PADMÉ and a CLONE OFFICER tumble out.
ANAKIN: Padmé!!!
ANAKIN stares down in horror as PADMÉ hits the ground
below.
ANAKIN: (continuing; to pilot) Put the ship down! Down!
OBI-WAN: Don't let your personal feelings get in the way.
(to the pilot) Follow that speeder.
The Gunship continues its pursuit of DOOKU's speeder,
followed by the TWO BEAK-WING fighters.
ANAKIN: (to pilot) Lower the ship!
OBI-WAN: Anakin, I can't take DOOKU alone. I need you. If
we catch him we can end this war right now. We have a job
to do.
ANAKIN: I don't care. (to the pilot) Put the ship down.
OBI-WAN: You'll be expelled from the Jedi Order.
ANAKIN: I can't leave her.
OBI-WAN: Come to your senses. What do you think Padmé would
do if she were in your position?
ANAKIN: (resigned) She would do her duty.
EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY
On the battlefield, all CLONE TROOPERS and BATTLE
DROIDS open fire in the dust cloud.
EXTERIOR: COMMAND CENTER - DAY
YODA stands next to the CLONE COMMANDER. He senses
something is wrong with PADMÉ.
YODA: Hmmmm...
CLONE COMMANDER: The droid army is in full retreat.
YODA: Well done, Commander. Bring me
On the ground, a CLONE TROOPER approaches PADMÉ.
CLONE TROOPER: Are you all right?
PADMÉ: I think so.
CLONE TROOPER: We better get you back to the Forward
Command Center.
PADMÉ: No, no. Gather up what troops you can. We've got to
get to that hanger. Get a transport. Hurry!
INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY
ANAKIN and OBI-WAN watch as COUNT DOOKU's speeder parks
outside the tower; the Gunship parks next to it. OBI-WAN
and ANAKIN leap down and run inside the tower.
TBC...
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