By Travers and Kenyon Jordan

(this script is about as copyrighted as it can get with Star Wars still belonging to George Lucas)

Scene 001 EXT. SPACE — 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 into infinity.

EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

For hundreds of years, the GALACTIC REPUBLIC has grown. While this has led to a time of peace, it has also meant bureaucracy and taxation, which has put an increasing stranglehold on free enterprise and bankrupted many businesses.

The newly formed TRADE FEDERATION, with the support of seven systems, has announced plans to secede from the Republic. They have now begun advancing on mid-rim systems, starting with the small planet of Naboo.

Disturbed by this action, the Jedi Council, the guardian of peace and justice in the galaxy, has dispatched two Jedi Knights to attempt to settle the problem before it escalates into galactic war.

PAN DOWN to reveal a small space cruiser heading TOWARD CAMERA at great speed. PAN with the cruiser as it heads toward the docking bay on the beautiful green planet of Naboo.

Scene 002 INT. REPUBLIC STAR CRUISER – SPACE - DAY

Two Jedi Knights, QUI-GON JINN and OBI-WAN KENOBI sit in the cockpit of the cruiser around a table. QUI-GON, sixty years old, has very 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.

They are in a holographic conference with SENATOR PALPATINE, representative of Naboo.

PALPATINE

I must assure you, I really don’t believe your presence is required in this situation, Master Qui-Gon. The situation has clearly escalated past the point where two Jedi can deal with it. The matter is in the hands of the Senate now.

QUI-GON

With all due respect, Senator Palpatine, that is for the Jedi Council to decide. And they believe negotiations may still bear fruit without coming to open hostilities. We all want to avoid war after all.

PALPATINE

(ingratiatingly)

Of course we do, of course. But those are my constituents down there… I do expect you to keep yourselves in check.

OBI-WAN

(somewhat angered)

You know quite well that Jedi Knights would never—

QUI-GON

What my young Padawan is trying to say, Senator, is we will avoid hostilities if at all possible.

PALPATINE

I am sure you will do your best. Pray, give my regards to the queen. You will be meeting with her, I assume.

QUI-GON

Immediately upon landing.

PALPATINE

Very well. Coruscant out.

The hologram fades out. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exchange glances.

Scene 003 EXT. NABOO LANDING PAD - DAY

The Star Cruiser lands. The Jedi exit. They are met by a diplomatic entourage, headed by PADME AMIDALA, young intern to the QUEEN OF NABOO. She is about 14 years old, with long auburn hair braided simply.

PADME

(smiles)

Welcome to Naboo. I’m the Queen’s assistant, Padme Amidala.

The two Jedi bow. She starts to lead them inside..

OBI-WAN

(aside to Qui-Gon)

Awfully young assistant.

QUI-GON

Jedi start at a young age, too, Obi-Wan.

(to Padme)

We understand you’re having a bit of a dispute.

PADME

(grimaces slightly)

The Queen doesn’t seem to think it so very volatile.

OBI-WAN

But?

PADME

It’s not my place…

QUI-GON

(raises an eyebrow)

I would like to know your opinion.

PADME

Well, I just get this feeling… as if someone, somewhere, WANTED this war to happen…

Scene 004 INT. REBELLION HQ – NABOO – DAY

COUNT DOOKU’S holographic head is transmitting to the assembled leaders, ACKBAR (a Mon Calamari), GENERAL ANTILLES, and MELDORN VELDAR (a Neimodian), viceroy of the trade federation.

ANTILLES

So, here we sit but still no word from the Republic. You said this show of force would get them to the table.

DOOKU

Patience, General Antilles, patience… the Republic is… difficult… to deal with.

Meldorn

That is not what you said before. The funding of the anonymous benefactor you represent has helped us gain the support of several mid-rim systems, but the Republic isn’t talking.

DOOKU

Come come, things change… we all know that. I do hope your resolve is not fading.

Ackbar

This wasn’t supposed to escalate into all-out war.

DOOKU

Of course not… but I did say to be prepared. After all, Ackbar… you know firsthand what the Republic is capable of. Surely you haven’t forgotten the exploitation of your world.

ackbar

(Ackbar grimaces and blinks his bulbous eyes.)

Some do say that those were rogue agents…

DOOKU

Regardless, the Republic hasn’t done much to rectify the situation. And that is why I have called. The Republic is taking the offensive again.

Antilles

What do you mean?

DOOKU

Two Jedi Knights are at this very moment landing only miles from your base.

Meldorn

Jedi Knights?! Here?

antilles

(flustered)

We’ll have to figure this out¾ Give them reassurances and¾

DOOKU

There is only one thing that can be done. They must be removed from the picture.

Ackbar

We will not commit murder!

DOOKU

No, of course not… but that is what they have come to do to you. These are not normal Jedi… these are assassins. I know, your benefactor was in the Senate when it was discussed. Think it over, my friends… or are your ideals not even worth fighting for?

Dooku’s head flickers and fades. The three leaders look at each other, concerned and uneasy.

Scene 005 INT. NABOO ROYAL PALACE – DAY

Padme and her accompanying guards lead the Jedi into the royal conference room. The Queen sits at the head of the table. By her sides are her SUPREME ADVISOR and the CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. Several other ATTENDANTS and GUARDS stand near the Queen.

PADME

May I present Masters Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Jedi bow gracefully.

QUEEN

I am honored to meet you, though your presence may not be necessary.

qui-gon

Senator Palpatine seemed quite sure that this government was in imminent danger of attack.

obi-wan

He thinks we are an insufficient force.

captain

Hard to blame him, what with these rebels practically standing on our doorstep. Seven systems have gone without a fight… and we don’t have the forces to put up one of our own.

obi-wan

Have they made any overt threats?

supreme advisor

Not as yet. It seems Naboo is just another bargaining chip in their dispute with the Republic.

Qui-gon

It is our task to ascertain the true nature of the threat. I—

Qui-Gon stops and leaps from his chair. Obi-Wan follows suit. Both Jedi’s lightsabers flare online and not a moment too soon. A large force of Trade Federation troops have entered the building led by General Antilles.

antilles

No one move!

(to his men, hands in the air)

Hold fire.

queen

What is the meaning of this!?

captain

Stand down, Antilles! Unless you want blasters through your gullet!

antilles

This is a defensive move. We require only the Jedi.

Captain

Like hell!

The Captain signals his men, who open fire and then all hell breaks loose. The Jedi position themselves in front of the Queen and her entourage as they dive under the large table. The Trade Federation troops find cover and return fire. The Jedi deflect the blaster salvos.

qui-gon

Your highness! Get out of here!

The Queen, Padme, her entourage, and a few guards make a mad dash towards the exit, their flight covered by the Jedi. Through the windows, more rebels can be seen invading. Several Naboo guards meet their maker in the crossfire.

Obi-wan

(deflecting blaster bolts)

Master, mightn’t this be a good time to retreat?

Qui-gon

(also deflecting)

That is an excellent suggestion, my young padawan.

Qui-Gon whips out some Force mojo and tosses the conference table at Antilles and his forces. Several are bowled over immediately, the rest dodge. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, along with the remaining guards and the Captain, make good their retreat.

Scene 006 INT. HANGAR BAY – DAY

The Queen and her entourage race inside, followed closely by the Jedi. In hot pursuit are several rebels.

The running firefight continues as the Jedi cover the retreat into their starcruiser. The rebels fire at them, but the ship lifts off and blasts into space.

Scene 007 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – DAY

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are in command of the ship, the Queen and Padme standing behind them.

Obi-wan

That was close.

qui-gon

We’re not quite out of it yet.

Scene 008 EXT. NABOO AIR SPACE – DAY – SPACE

Several Trade Federation fighters break formation in front of the Jedi ship, unleashing a salvo of missiles and blaster fire. The Jedi craft takes evasive action, diving back towards the planet. One missile detonates on a geostationary satellite. The fighters bank and come around for another pass. Their laser fire begins to penetrate the starcruiser’s shielding.

Obi-Wan takes the ship into a low orbit, skimming the atmosphere. The front of the craft begins to superheat.

Scene 009 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – DAY – SPACE

qui-gon

Obi-Wan… the heat shields are wearing out. What are you trying to accomplish?

obi-wan

Just trust me, master.

Scene 010 EXT. NABOO AIRSPACE – DAY – SPACE

The missiles streak in behind the starcruiser, but they too superheat in the atmosphere and detonate. The starcruiser pulls up, a fire trail sizzling behind. Smoke issues from its sublight engines.

The Trade Federation fighters continue the pursuit, launching one last missile.

Scene 011 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – DAY – SPACE

obi-wan

(watching the missile’s trajectory on the monitor)

We have a problem master…

qui-gon

The computer hasn’t calculated the hyperspeed jump yet!

obi-wan

Master!

The missile’s trajectory is closer, the console’s alarm sensor beeping wildly.

Padme

Jettison the cargo bay!

Obi-wan

Of course!

(he leaps to his feet and activates a valve handle near his station)

Scene 012 EXT. NABOO AIRSPACE – DAY – SPACE

The spare parts jettison and the missile is pulled off course, detonating behind them. The Trade Federation fighters shoot off a few more blaster shots, but are too late. The starcruiser jumps into hyperspace.

Scene 013 INT. GALACTIC SENATE – DAY

Inside the gigantic, spherical Senate chambers, representatives from thousands of worlds are gathered. Palpatine’s booth floats in the center of the massive room. A general cacophony is sounding in the room as thousands argue. CHANCELLOR VALORUM stands in a booth near Palpatine’s, banging a gavel.

Valorum

Order! We shall have order!

He is unable to quiet the mob.

palpatine

(his hands in the air)

(loudly)

Friends, friends!

Heads turn to Palpatine, his powerful charisma drawing their attention.

valorum

(relieved)

Thank you.

palpatine

(normal voice now)

My friends… great troubles beset us! I have just received word that our very own Jedi have been attacked at the trade hub on Naboo! But this insignificant uprising should not cause us to fall to the level of beasts, bickering amongst ourselves like children. No… the situation calls for far more drastic action. Now is the time to rekindle our military might.

The Senate erupts into heated argument again. Valorum bangs his gavel, but to no effect. SENATOR GARM BEL IBLIS of Corellia floats forward.

BEl Iblis

The Republic has not seen war in years! Are you suggesting creating an army from scratch to battle this insurrection?

palpatine

Perhaps you overestimate their chances, senator. It has been some time, but… I am prepared to come out of military retirement.

(grandstanding)

I move that we recruit a new army for the defense of the Republic!

SENATOR TARKIN of Coruscant raises his hands.

Tarkin

I second that motion. Cheers for General Palpatine!

The Senators begin to applaud. Palpatine nods and smiles at Tarkin and the two briefly exchange a glance. A smile crosses Palpatine’s face.

Scene 014 EXT. EMPTY SPACE – NIGHT - SPACE

The Jedi Starcruiser falls out of hyperspace, smoke trails issuing from multiple ventral ports. In the near distance can be seen the tan orb of Tatooine.

Scene 015 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – NIGHT – SPACE

Obi-Wan emerges into the cockpit from the maintenance shaft, wiping grease from his fingers with a rag. Qui-Gon, in the pilot’s seat, turns to face him.

Qui-Gon

Well?

Obi-wan

(shakes his head)

It’s no good, the hyperdrive motivators are fried. And I believe we’re venting atmosphere.

queen

(to Qui-Gon)

Well, fix it! I am not enjoying this little escapade, master Jedi!

Qui-gon

Dear lady… we are not currently capable of repairing the hyperdrive. Unfortunately… we jettisoned our spare parts.

(he casts a glance at Obi-Wan and Padme)

obi-wan

Master…

padme

Of all the—

Qui-Gon

Which, fortunately, saved all our lives.

(pause, he turns to Obi-Wan)

Now, we have a task before us. We need to reach Coruscant. Any ideas, Obi-Wan?

Obi-Wan scratches his chin as Padme moves to the window.

Obi-Wan

Well, master, our long-range communications have unfortunately also been disabled. We have approximately 12 hours of breathable oxygen and no working hyperdrive nor means of repair.

padme

(pointing at the distant Tatooine)

What about a stop-over?

Qui-Gon

(following her line of sight)

A most excellent suggestion.

obi-wan

(activating the nav computer)

Records indicate that is Tatooine, master. Small, out of the way, poor… the Trade Federation hasn’t bothered with it.

queen

(huffily)

And why is that?

qui-Gon

(smiling jovially)

Because the Hutts control it.

Supreme advisor

I must protest entering the presence of such vile gangsters as the Hutts. Why the very idea!

Obi-wan

(dryly)

If you’d rather we just let you off here…

The Supreme Advisor scowls, but sits without protest.

obi-wan

(to Qui-Gon)

I do hope this is a good idea, master.

qui-gon

As you just said, my young padawan… we don’t have much choice.

Scene 016 EXT. APPROACH TO TATOOINE – NIGHT TO DAY

The Jedi Starcruiser flies toward the desert planet, air and smoke leaking from the hull. It is not in good shape. As the ship hits the planet’s atmosphere, the starboard engine bursts into flames.

Scene 017 EXT. TATOOINE – DAWN

The sun is rising over a small village built of mud bricks. All is quiet in the mid-morning hours as one of Tatooine’s suns begins to peak over the horizon. In a small yard behind one of the hovels is a boy, ANAKIN SKYWALKER. He is about 14 years old, wearing a dirty sand-streaked tunic. His hands are covered in engine grease from a machine he is working on. It is a pod racer.

He looks up towards the sky and spots the Jedi Starcruiser, coming in out of control. He quickly covers the pod racer, grabs his jacket hanging on the nearby fence, and leaps over, causing quite a racket. He takes off toward the ship.

The door to the hovel opens. SHIMIA SKYWALKER emerges quickly.

SHIMIA

(calling after him)

Anakin! Where are you going? Watto wants you in an hour!

anakin

(calling back, but not stopping)

I’ll be back by then, Mom!

Scene 018 EXT. TATOOINE DESERT – DAWN

The Jedi Starcruiser is coming in out of control. Both the starboard and port engines have cut out, both of them on fire.

Scene 019 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – DAWN

Obi-Wan is wrestling desperately with the controls, trying to pull the ship out of its descent. Qui-Gon is activating numerous systems, but to no effect.

obi-wan

It’s no good, master. I can’t pull her up!

qui-gon

There is one last thing we can try.

He holds out his hand, stretching out with the Force. The ship begins to shudder, straining against his attempts to turn it from its present course. Qui-Gon’s face contorts with the effort.

Scene 020 EXT. TATOOINE DESERT – DAWN

Anakin races toward the Jedi Starcruiser, which is now not very high up, nor very far away. He watches as the ship begins to shake violently, resisting Qui-Gon’s might.

Anakin pauses and looks up at the ship. He gives a sigh… and stretches out his hand. He closes his eyes.

Scene 021 INT. JEDI STARCRUISER – DAWN

The ship begins to shake less violently as its wings catch the air. The warning lights cease their flashing.

Obi-wan

Master! She’s leveling out! You did it!

Qui-gon

(opening his eyes)

(softly)

I’m not sure it was all my doing. There was something else… a power like I have never felt…

obi-wan

Master?

qui-gon

(shakes his head wearily)

Nothing, my young padawan. Good work.

Scene 022 EXT. TATOOINE DESERT – DAWN

The Jedi Starcruiser hits the sand hard and skids to a halt, but its hull is undamaged. It comes to a standstill on its side not far from Anakin, who approaches slowly.

The ship’s hatch opens and the two Jedi exit, their lightsabers at the ready, though not ignited. The other passengers on board also begin to exit, climbing out of the vertical exit hatch.

Anakin reaches them, a look of awe on his face.

anakin

You’re Jedi!

qui-gon

(nods)

Greetings, I am Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. It would seem our ship needs some repairs.

anakin

(lop-sided grin)

From what I saw, it may need more than that. I think you must have ionized the entire system during re-entry.

obi-wan

(nods to Qui-Gon)

He’s good.

qui-gon

(studying the boy intently)

(in a low voice)

Perhaps in more ways than one…

anakin

(approaches the ship, begins examining one of the engines)

(eagerly)

It’s burned out all right, but we should have some parts at Watto’s. I could—

He pauses as Padme climbs out of the hatch. She is somewhat disheveled from the crash, but Anakin is transfixed.

padme

The Queen isn’t very happy about—

(she notices Anakin)

Oh. Hello.

Anakin grins a bit stupidly and waves a hand at her.

qui-gon

Ah, miss Padme, meet our new friend, um…

anakin

(finds his voice)

Anakin. Anakin Skywalker.

Padme

(reaches the ground and bows courteously)

A pleasure to meet you, Anakin.

anakin

Padme. Is that what they call you?

padme

Yes. I have a full name that is much longer, but…

obi-wan

(impatient)

You mentioned a place we could get repairs?

Anakin

(distracted)

What?

(turns back to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon)

Oh, Watto’s shop. Yeah, I can take you there.

qui-gon

Excellent.

He turns to the ship, where the Queen is attempting to climb out of the ship with the help of her attendants.

qui-gon

Your highness, I would suggest you and your aides remain here. Obi-Wan and I shall enter town and take care of this.

queen

Master Jedi! I demand that you cease this disrespectful treatment! First you instigate conflict on my planet, crash us on this godforsaken rock, then expect me to just follow your recommendations!? I demand that—

qui-gon

(patiently)

Your highness, of course you may come along. But I should prepare you for the hardships of the desert. It is likely to be in excess of 120 degrees before long. Also, the Tusken Raiders, or “sand people” tend to lurk in wait of travelers. They have a rather gruesome habit of kidnapping people in order to perform all manner of atrocities upon them and—

queen

I have decided that we shall remain here.

Obi-Wan grins as Qui-Gon turns with a wink.

anakin

It’s not far, follow me.

Scene 023 EXT. MOS ESPA MARKET – MORNING

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan enter the market led by Anakin. Their lightsabers are hidden from view, and they are bundled in their robes like hermits. The street is fairly well-populated despite the early hour. The people do not look savory.

They all pause as a group of shifty-looking aliens cross their path.

obi-wan

I have a bad feeling about this.

qui-gon

Steady, my young padawan.

They follow Anakin into a dingy shop, the entrance nearly blocked by several derelict spaceships.

Scene 024 INT. WATTO’S SHOP – MORNING

Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon enter the dingy junk shop and are greeted by WATTO, a pudgy blue alien who flies on short little wings like a hummingbird.

watto

Customers! Welcome to’a my shop!

(in Huttese to Anakin)

You’re late, boy!

anakin

(in Huttese)

Dock my “pay” then.

watton

(in Huttese)

Don’t take that lip with me!

(in Basic)

Lookin’ for parts, hm?

qui-gon

I believe young Mr. Skywalker may have a good idea of what we need.

watto

Well, boy?

anakin

Two Sienar sublight class S-45 engines, a Sienar Class 2 hyperdrive, and an astromech droid.

qui-gon

(to Obi-Wan)

Is he right?

Obi-Wan

Completely.

The two Jedi share an impressed look.

watto

(punching the data on a hand-held inventory computer)

Yah, yah, we got all that, I thinken, exceptin’ the droid. Best be’a checkin’ the yard, eh?

(he gestures toward the back door)

The two Jedi follow his invitation, Watto hangs back a moment with Anakin.

watto

(in Huttese)

You pullin’ some stunt, boy? Where you been runnin’ off to? You know I need you for the big race. I may have to whip your mother again.

anakin

(in Basic)

You leave her alone.

watto

(in Huttese)

Ha! Watch that temper, “Annie”, or I may have to whip you, too!

Scene 025 EXT. WATTO’S JUNKYARD – MORNING

The two Jedi look back, to see Watto and Anakin inaudibly arguing. Watto slaps Anakin across the face and then flutters out to the junkyard.

watto

So… how you be’a payin’ for all dis?

qui-gon

(cold stare)

You don’t seem to treat your employees very well.

Watto

Whaat!? Employee, ha! Boy belong ta me, I do what I want. Now, I thinken your hyperdrive parts is over here…

(he flutters off to a corner of the junkyard)

obi-wan

(to Qui-Gon)

Slavery! But that is illegal!

Qui-Gon

You forget, Obi-Wan, we aren’t in the Republic. This is the Outer Rim, in fact, a Hutt Territory.

obi-wan

That does not make it right, master.

qui-gon

What would you suggest?

obi-wan

We are Jedi, master. Surely we can do something about it.

qui-gon

Something, indeed. But we are far from aid, and no one knows we are here. Let us recall our purpose here— get parts and go.

Obi-Wan scowls as Watto returns, followed by some JUNKYARD DROIDS carrying various engine parts.

Watto

Got’a it all right here.

Qui-Gon

But no astromech droid?

Watto

Not’a here.

Qui-Gon

Then do you know of some other supplier who—

Watto

Where you think’a you are, Coruscant? You don’t find it at Watto’s, you no find it.

Qui-Gon

Unfortunately, none of these

(gestures at the parts)

will do us much good without a droid.

Watto

Oh, I didn’t say’a I couldn’t get’a you one. The boy here, he can build it. Maybe a day or two.

Qui-Gon

Why am I not surprised?

watto

But enough small’a talk. All gonna be real’a expensive. Whatchoo payin’ with?

qui-gon

I can give you a direct transfer of Republic credits, they’ll be in your account before the transaction is complete.

watto

(laughs)

Do I be’a lookin’ like a bank? I be’a wantin’ money, not worthless credits!

qui-gon

(waves his hand)

Regardless, credits will be fine.

(with a glance at Anakin)

And the boy comes with us.

Obi-Wan raises an eyebrow.

watto

What you think’a you are, some kinda Jedi waving your hand like that?

Qui-Gon

We’re just honest customers, trying to reach an arrangement.

Watto

I’m’a thinken you’re’a robbers. Jedi robbers, trying to steal’a my property.

(nods meaningfully toward Anakin inside the store)

Obi-Wan’s hand slips near his lightsaber. Watto spots this.

watto

And I’m’a thinken that’a you is Jedi: Jabba might like that.

(he punches a button on a device attached to his wrist)

As Watto laughs, an automatic defense grid activates on the compound, and a bewildered Obi-Wan is struck from multiple sides by stun rays. A shield covers the store and yard, shimmering about thirty feet from the ground in a spherical coverage zone.

Qui-Gon leaps out of the line of fire, his lightsaber igniting in mid-air. Several of Watto’s hidden DEFENSE DROIDS rumble to life, and fly at the Jedi Knight.

Qui-Gon dispatches several, but the defense grid’s shield closes it coverage, casting the Jedi to the ground, his lightsaber clattering out of reach. The droids cover him, clapping him in irons.

Obi-Wan

This is an outrage!

watto

Whosa robbin’ who now? Hm, Jedi? Ha ha ha ha ha!

Anakin stands impotently by, breathing hard with anger, as the Jedi are taken away.

Watto

(in Huttese to Anakin)

Might as well be fixin’ that ship of theirs, eh? Be good money, har har. Take a tug with the parts, boy. And don’t get any ideas. That slave chip is still in your neck.

anakin

(touching neck hatefully)

How could I forget?

Scene 026 EXT. JEDI STARCRUISER CRASH SITE – DAY

The Queen sits at a makeshift seat in the shade provided by the starcruiser, her attendants fanning her. The Captain and his guards stand idly by, along with the Supreme Advisor. Padme leans against the hull near the hatch. The ship has been rocked into a better position, with the entrance ramp now useable.

Anakin approaches from the direction of Mos Eisley, aboard his pod racer towing a transport tug covered in parts behind him. Padme rushes out to meet him.

padme

Where is Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan?

anakin

(grimace)

Watto is selling them to the Hutts.

queen, captain, advisor

What?!

Padme

Oh my, what happened?

Anakin sets his jaw, and prepares to tell the story.

Scene 027 INT. JABBA THE HUTT’S PALACE – DAY

The Jedi are led in by Watto. They are bound in chains. JABBA, a massively fat Hutt, sits on his throne before them. His many minions are deployed about, though a gold-plated translator protocol droid, C-3PO, stands next to Jabba.

jabba

Ho, ho, ho.

(in Huttese)

What be these?

WATTO

(in Huttese)

Jedi invaders, master Jabba. I captured them and am’a in mind of a trade. Jedi be’a very valuable to th’ Republic, I thinken.

jabba

Ho, ho, ho.

Qui-Gon

We are not slaves to be bartered, Jabba. You’ll pay dearly for any transgressions.

jabba

Ho, ho, ho

(he speaks in Huttese)

3pO

Master Jabba believes that it will be the Republic that will pay the most for you.

Qui-gon

The Republic doesn’t make deals with gangsters and terrorists.

Jabba is angry at this and randomly swats 3PO.

watto

(in Huttese)

So, perhaps, uh, reimbursement of’a my debts for these’a Jedi?

jabba

(in Huttese)

I like you, Watto… ho, ho, ho. Not too ambitious.

(to his minions)

Clear the toydarian’s debts. And take the Jedi away!

3pO

Master Jabba, perhaps it would be wiser to not anger the Republic and—

One of Jabba’s minions blasts 3PO, sending scattered pieces about. The Jedi are man-handled by Jabba’s henchmen and led away.

Obi-wan

This just gets worse and worse…

qui-gon

(shrugs)

There’s always a way out, my young padawan.

(though he does appear concerned)

Scene 028 EXT. JEDI STARCRUISER CRASH SITE – EVENING

Anakin is covered in engine grease, lying on his back underneath the starcruiser, Padme sits near him with a look of concern. Nearby, the Queen and her entourage are speaking.

Padme

Is that your whole life then… just working for Watto?

Anakin

Oh, I’m allowed one hobby.

Padme

That… pod racer, as you call it?

Anakin

Watto used to just let me test repaired models… to make sure they wouldn’t blow up during real races.

padme

That sounds dangerous.

anakin

It is. The last one did explode. But by then I’d nearly broken the course record… and jumped clear. That’s when Watto decided to make me the driver of his pod in the next race.

Padme

And that’s good, right?

Anakin

There’s just one catch. If I lose, he’ll beat my mother. Hard.

padme

But that’s terrible. I—

anakin

(finger to his lips, nodding toward Queen)

Listen.

The Camera pans over to the Queen and her aides as Anakin and Padme watch.

supreme advisor

I still recommend we get this ship repaired and head straight for Coruscant. The Jedi aren’t our concern… after all, they did get us into this mess.

captain

(shrugs)

He has a point, your highness. Surely the Jedi Council can mount a rescue or somesuch later.

queen

And just abandon them? I don’t know…

They continue to speak as the camera pans to Anakin and Padme.

anakin

They sure love to chat it up.

padme

They have a lot of things to discuss… and many responsibilities.

anakin

(wrenching a bolt ever tighter)

They’re talking about the coward’s way out, is what they’re doing.

padme

(distantly)

It is said wisdom comes with time…

anakin

(sits up)

What happened back there was my fault. And I’m going to fix it.

padme

Anakin…

anakin

Hammer.

She hands him one. They sit silent for a moment as Anakin pounds something underneath the ship.

padme

What are you going to do?

anakin

Watto keeps spare blaster parts in the back room. Jabba won’t expect it at all. I’ll get them out.

padme

(horrified)

You’ll be killed! And even if you do get in, Watto could just activate that slave chip in the back of your neck!

anakin

(growl)

You have a better idea?

padme

(looking at the pod racer)

When’s the next race?

anakin

Why?

padme

(smiles)

I think I do have an idea.

Scene 029 EXT. JEDI STARCRUISER CRASH SITE – NIGHT

Anakin is loading parts back onto the transport tug as Padme helps him. The Queen steps forward.

queen

(imperiously)

The ship is repaired, I trust?

anakin

(scowls at her)

The computer is still down until I can get ahold of an astromech droid.

Supreme Advisor

So when can we expect to be off?

anakin

Not tonight.

captain

Then when?

Anakin

We’re working on it.

Padme hops into the pod with Anakin and they speed off into the night.

Captain

(shakes his head)

Our fate in the hands of a kid…

Scene 030 INT. SKYWALKER HOME – NIGHT

Shimia Skywalker is sitting nervously in a dilapidated chair by the door. Two plates of uneaten food sit on the table behind her.

The door opens to admit Anakin, Padme close behind.

shimia

(jumping up)

Anakin Skywalker! Where have you been? I heard sand people and—

(notices Padme)

Oh, hello, dear. Welcome to our home…

(back to Anakin, gestures towards the back room)

Anakin?

anakin

(following)

Yes, mom.

Anakin and Shimia remove to the back room, which is a cluttered work area.

shimia

Anakin! What is this? Who is that girl?

anakin

A ship crashed in the desert, mom. I’m helping them out.

shimia

Does Watto know? If you keep getting into trouble like this…

anakin

(scowls)

I’m taking care of it, mom.

Shimia

(sighs)

I do hope so, Anakin… I don’t want what happened to your father to… happen to you.

Anakin

(hugs her)

It won’t, mom. I promise.

Scene 031 EXT. MOS ESPA MARKETPLACE – MORNING

Anakin and Padme walk down the street together, Padme obviously a bit unnerved at the unsavory characters walking about. Padme is wearing native apparel now, basically a simple tunic and skirt with desert tones.

anakin

I have to go to Watto’s shop or he might start to suspect something.

padme

And I should get that, what did you call it, main AI chip?

aNAKIN

Yes. I can build the rest of the droid from spare parts, I think.

Padme

But how do I pay for it if—

anakin

(reaches into his pocket and hands her a fistful of coins. She looks surprised)

I’ve been palming that out of Watto’s register for awhile.

Padme

But why?

Anakin

There’s this droid shop on the edge of town. It’s where Watto always goes. Here, I’ll draw you a map.

(he begins making her a map)

Scene 032 INT. DROID SHOP – MORNING

Padme walks through the swinging door into a massive pile of deactivated droid parts, covering numerous shelves. She carries a shopping bag. A lone JAWA mans the front desk, grunting something at her in his own language.

Padme browses the shelves, coming across a protocol droid’s head, C-3PO. She takes a look at it, and accidentally hits the power switch.

3po

Oh, my, what a headache. Oh, dear, I can’t see! What’s happened? Don’t shoot!

padme

Shush! Where’s the rest of your body?

3po

Oh, dear me, I’m dreadfully sorry, I forgot my manners. I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. I am also fluent in over 6 million forms of communication.

padme

I’m sorry, but I don’t really need a protocol droid. I’m looking for the AI chip from an R4 unit, I think.

3po

Well, in all truth, I do think the R2 series was far superior. the internal apparatus in the newer model contained a wiring box that failed to take into account the modulating levels of—

Padme switches him off, but drops the head into her bag.

Scene 033 EXT. ANAKIN’S BACKYARD – DAY

Anakin is at work on what appears to be an R2 unit. 3PO’s head is on a table nearby.

3po

No, no, the negative flow coupling goes below the fuel line.

anakin

I’m rerouting the primary power circuit to give him more juice.

3po

Very non-standard design.

Anakin rolls his eyes. Padme enters the yard from the house, wearing baggy-looking but somewhat regal attire.

Padme

I’m not sure about this plan.

anakin

It is your plan.

padme

(frowns)

But if he doesn’t buy the act…

Anakin

(snorts)

I wouldn’t worry about that.

Padme

If the Queen finds out I raided her luggage…

Anakin

(snappishly)

Will you quit worrying? This is hard enough.

Padme

Sorry.

They sit in silence as Anakin continues to work. He crawls under the R2 unit and then realizes he needs a tool out of his reach and starts to get up to get it. Then he stops, a frown on his face. He holds out his hand towards the tool, concentrating. It rises about six inches into the air before dropping back to the ground. Anakin grunts and goes to pick it up.

Padme

(staring at the tool)

How did you do that?

Anakin

(settling in to work again)

I don’t know exactly… I’ve just always had this feeling, you know, that I could do things… do things with my mind.

Padme stares at him.

Anakin

But it comes and goes. I can’t seem to focus it.

Padme

Just like a Jedi…

Anakin has finished what he was doing. He picks up the R2 unit’s head module and attaches it.

Anakin

Okay, here we go…

He activates R2-D2, who sputters to life with a flurry of beeps and whistles, his little head looking side to side. Seeing 3PO, he emits an amused twitter.

3po

Well! How improper!

Scene 034 EXT. TATOOINE RACEWAY – DAY

Three days later, an EXTREME HIGH WIDE ANGLE reveals a vast arena in the Tatooine desert. A large semi-circular amphitheater that holds at least a hundred thousand people dominates the landscape. Large viewing platforms loom over the racetrack.

The Tatooine Raceway is abound with pod racers, arrayed about the track with mechanics and droids hard at work in their assembly and maintenance.

Sebulba, the favorite and pod racing champion, is waving to his fans.

Anakin walks onto the arena floor towards the assembled pod racers. Watto floats next to him.

Watto

(pulling out a device from his belt)

I’ll have to’a be removin’ the slave chip for’a the race, so’a you don’t get blown up.

(the device finds the chip in Anakin’s neck and is removed)

anakin

(rubbing his neck)

Gee, thanks, Watto.

Watto

The race is’a monitored, boy, so don’t’a be tryin’ ta run away.

(he grins)

Now, make’a Watto rich and mebbe he be nicer to your mom, huh?

Laughing to himself greedily, Watto flaps off. Anakin grunts and heads for his racer, double-checking the pod’s mechanics.

Scene 035 EXT. RACEWAY STANDS – DAY

Jabba the Hutt and his minions have high-row seats, really nice ones inside a windowed luxury booth. The two Jedi are brought to the booth and are strapped up by the windows on display. They are bound and gagged. The two lightsabers sit in a glass display case near Jabba. A new translator DROID is at Jabba’s side. Jabba turns to the Jedi.

jabba

(speaks in Huttese)

droid

The esteemed Jabba hopes you enjoy your seats.

jabba

Ho, ho, ho.

The two Jedi exchange annoyed looks, but remain helpless to do anything. Several of Jabba’s men remain discreetly behind them, blaster pistols casually pointed directly at the captives.

Unexpectedly, BIB FORTUNA, a humanlike alien with long tentacles protruding from his skull approaches Jabba.

bib

(subtitled from Huttese)

A visitor for you, Master Jabba.

Jabba looks up, as Padme enters, bedecked in fancy clothes that still don’t quite fit.

Bib

Queen Amidala, of Naboo.

Padme attempts to imperiously toss her hair, but it looks a bit silly. The two Jedi have now noticed her though, with incredulous looks on their faces.

Padme

Greetings, great one. I give you greetings.

jabba

(speaks in Huttese)

Droid

The great Jabba wishes to know what brings you to the raceway.

Padme

(now attempts to laugh haughtily, but also doesn’t quite pull it off)

Like everyone else, great Jabba, I come to wager.

Jabba is now interested, his wormy tail flops.

Padme

(blows out a small nervous breath)

I wish to wager on your two Jedi.

Jabba doesn’t take this too well, swatting both Bib and his unfortunate translator. The translator crawls to his feet.

droid

(scrambling to translate for the angry Jabba)

The wondrous Jabba would expect quite the offer to even consider such a thing.

Padme

How would 100,000 credits sound?

Apparently not too good. Jabba thrashes his tail and snarls in Huttese. But then he stops, getting a better look at Padme. He looks her up and down and licks his lips.

Droid

The illustrious Jabba finds that insulting.

Padme

(notices Jabba’s gaze. She swallows)

Very well, as a counter-offer, I am willing to bet… myself.

The two Jedi’s eyes widen as they shake their heads, but Padme ignores them.

Jabba

Ho, ho, ho.

(says something in Huttese)

Droid

The magnificent Jabba would like to know what racer he’s betting against.

Padme

The boy, Anakin Skywalker.

Jabba

Ho, ho, ho.

Droid

The immeasurable Jabba accepts your offer.

The Jedi cast Padme a rather worried glance. Padme smiles with something resembling confidence.

Scene 036 INT. PILOT’S READY ROOM – DAY

Sebulba is in the locker room, donning his gloves, goggles, and other equipment. DORL KELFORN, one of Jabba’s beefy henchmen types, enters.

They begin to speak in subtitled Huttese.

Dorl

Sebulba! How’s it going?

sebulba

Hey, what’re you doin’ here, Dorl? I don’t like ta be bothered at race time.

DORL

Master Jabba see things different.

Sebulba

Ha! Jabba should be happy. I bring him enough winnings.

Dorl

More or less, but this race is special to Jabba. He needs you to beat a guy.

(pauses significantly)

Whatever it takes.

Sebulba

It never takes much. What’ve I got – eight, nine in a row? I’ve lost count. Just one guy, you said?

DOrl

Just one.

Sebulba

Who? Mawhonic?

Dorl

Pfft, no. That human kid.

Sebulba

(guffaws)

Skywalker? I could run him off the course in my sleep.

Dorl

(snarls, grabs Sebulba’s neck)

See that you don’t fall asleep. Lose to the kid, and it will be your hide.

(he releases Sebulba)

Sebulba

Jabba worries too much. I’ll win the whole thing, you tell him that.

(Dorl continues to glare)

… whatever it takes.

Dorl snorts and leaves.

Scene 037 EXT. RACEWAY START – DAY

The pods are arrayed for the race. Aliens of all kinds are scattered amongst the racers, which also vary considerably in design, though they are all essentially a seating pod attached to two huge engines via a length of cable.

Anakin sits in his pod, slowly squeezing and releasing the controls in the cockpit. He looks a bit nervous.

In the background, we hear the racers being introduced by a two headed announcer, FODE/BEED.

beed

The Boonta Classic is getting underway, we have a lot of racers here today!

sebulba

Finally in a race, eh, boy? Hah, hah, now I get to show you what it means to crash.

beed

Gasgano in his new Ord Pedrovia…

anakin

Just try and hold onto that lap record, Sebulba, cause I’m coming after it.

beed

Two-time winner Boles Roor…

Sebulba

(spits)

Watch it, slave-boy, or I’ll see to it Watto gets you back in pieces.

(he laughs)

Beed

And two-time champion, Sebulba of Pixelito!

Sebulba stands up in his pod, responding to the adulation of his fans. Anakin rolls his eyes.

Fode

And let’s not forget, the underdog here tonight, first-time racer Anakin Skywalker!

Anakin does a half wave and grins as Sebulba sneers and takes his seat.

Beed

That’s right, he’ll be racing for Watto’s Spare Parts Emporium, right here in Mos Espa!

In the stands Watto puffs out his chest, then he suddenly pauses, looking down at Anakin’s pod.

Watto

Hey…

(he starts to flutter down the stands)

Jabba

(emerges from his windowed booth)

(speaks in Huttese)

Today’s race is brought to you by these two Jedi!

Jabba laughs hideously as the crowd cheers for the captive Jedi. Padme, in a lower stand, grits her teeth. A fair number of other people in the stands are not particularly happy about Jedi being held captive.

R2 and 3PO enter the stands. 3PO’s body has been apparently repaired, as he is no longer a disembodied head.

3PO

My goodness, R2, what a crowd. I do hope miss Padme and master Anakin know what they’re doing.

r2

(emits a concerned beep)

A SIGNAL LIGHT DROID floats into place above the pods, its light red. The pod racers activate the binding couplings between their engines and the racers roar to life.

Anakin

(turns back to Sebulba)

I’ll wait for you at the finish line.

Sebulba

(nasty look)

I’ll help them fetch your corpse.

(he laughs)

fode

Get ready…

Beed

Get set…

The signal light turns yellow.

Jabba

(in Huttese)

Go!

The light turns green, and the Podracers shoot forward with a high-pitched scream. Anakin’s engine floods and coughs—then dies. All the other Podracers except one swerve around him and disappear down the track. Anakin struggles to get his racer restarted, grimacing. The two-headed announcer reports.

Fode

And they're off!

Beed

Oh… wait. Skywalker has stalled.

Padme, joining R2 and 3PO in the stands, looks quite concerned. Watto reaches the bottom, suddenly angry.

Watto

That is not’a my pod!

Finally (after about 10 seconds), Anakin's engines ignite. Watto is blown onto his back from the sudden rush of air. Anakin zooms away after the receding pack of competitors, leaving one quadra-Pod racer still trying to get started.

BEED

And there goes Skywalker... He'll be hard pressed to catch up with the leaders today… though he does seem to have a pretty powerful racer. Too bad.

Scene 039 EXT. RACETRACK — DAY

The Podracers fly across the desert. Sebulba is running neck and neck with MAWHONIC. They round the first turn in the track, side by side. Sebulba drives his Pod into his rival, forcing him into the wall of a large rock formation. Mawhonic crashes in a spectacular display of fire and smoke.

Anakin is much faster than the back-end stragglers and passes them easily.

One of the drivers, GASGANO, won't let Anakin by. Anakin tries to pass him on one side and is cut off. He then tries to pass him on the other side and is cut off. As they come up on a cliff drop-off, Anakin backs off, then guns it as Gasgano goes over the cliff. Anakin accelerates so fast that he sails right over the top of Gasgano and speeds away.

Four TUSKEN RAIDERS perched above the race course fire their rifles at the Pods racing in the canyon below them. One shot ricochets off the back of Anakin's Pod. He worriedly half-smiles.

FODE

Looks like a few Tusken Raiders have camped out on the canyon dune turn.

beed

Probably a bit riled up about their ancestral lands being converted into racetrack.

Fode

Which reminds me, drink Tusken Ale! A product of Jabba Imports.

Scene 040 EXT. RACETRACK START — DAY

Massive view screens hover at a fair height above the stands at a comfortable viewing level. They display key turns and straight-aways on the track.

The driver of the quadra-Pod, BEN QUADINAROS looks worried as he continues to punch his ignition key.

Fode

Hm, usually Ben Quadinaros is one of the leaders, but looks like his pod just doesn’t want to turn on today.

Beed

Four engine designs are always finicky. Not nearly as reliable as twin engines.

Reflecting in the announcer booth window as they speak is one of the screens as a pod racer explodes.

Scene 041 EXT. RACETRACK - DAY

Anakin is powering around corners and over hills and cliffs, passing other racers right and left.

Sebulba is in the lead. He is being challenged by another racer, XELBREE.

Sebulba slows a little, and as Xelbree pulls alongside, he opens a side vent on the racer's engine and the exhaust starts to cut through the alien's engine.

The blast cuts along the engine until finally it explodes. Sebulba deftly veers away, cackling.

Anakin works his way through a dense mass of racers as they zoom over a dune sea, kicking up

dust. His Pod shakes violently as he goes over a jump. One of the Podracers, ODY, catches one of his engines in the sand, and the whole thing explodes.

Scene 042 EXT. RACETRACK START – DAY

Sebulba and the leaders appear in the distance, closing fast on the starting line. The crowd screams. Watto, now recovered (though a bit singed), is flapping his way to the Official’s Table.

The quadra-Pod engines start just as the racers come around the corner. Ben Quadinaros, puts it in gear, and the four engines go off in all directions, exploding in a spectacular display. The Pod drops to the ground as Sebulba enters the arena, closely followed by all the other racers.

Beed

There goes Quadinaros' power couplings.

Fode

Sebulba in record time!

Lap two. Sebulba and the pack race past the main arena. The crowd stands and yells as the pod racers scream off into the distance. Padme is a bit worried.

Padme

Come on, Anakin…

Coming around the bend is ANAKIN, quickly gaining on the pack. The two-headed announcer describes the action. The crowd goes wild. Padme and the two droids cheer as Anakin passes.

Beed

It looks like Skywalker is moving up through the field. He's in...

Fode

Sixth place. Who knows? Maybe he could still get second or third. Which wouldn’t be bad for a kid in his first race.

ANAKIN continues to gain on the pack. Ody stops in the pits. Droids work on his engines. DUM-4 stands in front of the engine and is sucked in, causing the engine to die. DUM-4 is spit out the back of the engine, very bent up. The engine lets out one final wheeze, then explodes in a puff of smoke. Ody swears in his own tongue.

FODE

Ouch! Ody Mandrell going to need more than just a little work to get that running again!

Beed

And that’s why you shouldn’t settle for low-cost pit droids when you can have an Industrial Automation Astromech droid! Available in our intragalactic catalog!

Scene 043 EXT. RACEWAY CANYON - DAY

TERTER is getting close to SEBULBA, who purposely breaks a small part off his pod, sending it into Terter's engine, causing him to veer into Anakin. The pod dislodges the starboard side engine strap, and Anakin’s pod begins to spin out of control as Terter’s pod sputters and skids to a halt.

Scene 044 EXT. RACEWAY START – DAY

The screen has a camera right on the action as Anakin heads to his doom

Beed

Uh, oh. Looks like Skywalker’s passing run is over.

Fode

Looks like his life might be over.

Beed

Brought to you by Kessel Spice!

Watto has reached the Official’s Table, though he isn’t getting much attention over the roar of the crowd.

Judge

What?

Watto

That is not’a my pod!

Judge

But it’s in the race