Episode I
On the Republic capital world of Coruscant, an attempt is made on the life of Supreme Chancellor Valorum as he is walking out of the Senate Building by a mystery assassin. Fearing that his own security may not be enough, Valorum asks for help from the Jedi Knights. Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his disciple, Obi-Wan Kenobi are assigned the task of protecting the Chancellor. Kenobi is adventurous and eager for excitement, by contrast, Jinn is soft spoken and reserved. Whilst on guard duty, the two discus how they both sense a disturbance in the force. Inevitably, another attempt is made on the Chancellor's life, this time in his private residence. The assassin is once again unsuccessful thanks to the intervention of the two Jedi. The assassin flees on foot and a chase ensues. Upon capturing the killer, Jinn and Kenobi attempt to question him, he refuses until they use the Jedi mind trick, but before he can deliver so much as a name, he is killed from long distance by someone else. The Jedi pursue the shooter via speeder to a small hanger bay. The 2nd assassin boards a ship and takes off, unknown to him however, Kenobi and Jinn have stowed away on board, hoping that he will lead them to whomever is behind the assassination attempts. Meanwhile, Chancellor Valorum is attempting to regain his composure when he is killed by two members of his own security personnel. Other guards come to his aid and kill the traitors, but are too late to save him. Upon removing the false guards helmets, they are shocked to find not men, but hideous creatures of unknown origin.
Meanwhile, Kenobi and Jinn, still hiding aboard the assassin's ship, arrive on a mysterious planet in the Outer Rim. The assassin leaves his ship in a small hanger and enters a large industrial facility with Qui-Gin and Kenobi quietly following him. He approaches a mysterious black cloaked figure and informs him of his failure to assassinate the Chancellor. The black figure proceeds to Force strangle him until he is told to relinquish by another man surrounded by guards. Qui-Gon identifies him as "Dooku". Dooku assures the black figure that the assassination has been successfully carried out. The Jedi follow Dooku and his two henchmen further into the lair and discover that it is a massive cloning facility. Dooku speaks with an alien scientist about the state of the clones, the scientist informs Dooku that the clones will soon be ready for combat. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon realize that Dooku is planning to use these clones to start a war with the Republic. They know that they have to return to Corusant to warn the senate of this impending attack, but before they can leave, the black figure notices them and orders the guards to fire. The Jedi activate their lightsabers and deflect the blaster bolts as they retreat. Dooku orders the black figure to kill the assassin for allowing himself to be followed. He then instructs the black figure he calls "Lord Maul" to pursue the Jedi and make sure they don't escape.
Jinn and Kenobi commandeer the assassins ship and attempt to leave the planet, but are chased by Lord Maul and a squad of fighters. Kenobi mounts the ships turret and destroys the fighters just before making the jump to light speed. Only Maul is left alive to follow them. While they have a moment of rest from the combat, Qui-Gon tells Obi-Wan about Dooku. He explains that Dooku was once his master and a great Jedi Knight, but became disillusioned with the ways of the Jedi and their willingness to be (as he saw it) servants of the Republic. Suddenly the Jedi are alerted to a problem with their ship, one of the engines was damaged in the fight and is in danger of blowing out. They are forced to land on the nearby planet of Tatooine. They land on the outskirts of the town of Mos Espa where they head in search of a replacement engine. On their way, they come across a man being beaten up by a group of thugs, they come to his aid and send the thugs running off. The man thanks the Jedi and introduces himself as Jar Jar Binks. Binks explains that he is down on his luck, constantly, and is often getting into trouble with people whom he owes money. He takes them to a mechanic/junk dealer whom he promises can fix their ship quickly.
Meanwhile, back on Corusant, the Senate is in process of nominating a new Chancellor in the absence of Velorum, among those nominated are Senator Bail Organa, and Senator Palpatine, Velorum's former adviser.
Back on Tatooine, the Jedi meet with Watto who informs them that he does indeed have the part they require, it will take a few days to repair. While Jinn and Watto are discussing payment, Obi-Wan meets one of Watto's slaves, a young man named Anakin Skywalker. Anakin is good spirited, and dreams of one day being able to free himself and his family from slavery, and exploring the Galaxy. He lives with his mother, Shmi, and his sister, Beru whom are also slaves to Watto. Very quickly, Obi-Wan senses Anakin has a strong connection with the force, he discusses it with Qui-Gon, who feels the same. Anakin invites the Jedi to stay at his home for the night while their ship is repaired. The following day, Kenobi spends time with Anakin, talking to him about the force and the ways of the Jedi, but Anakin feigns interest, reluctant to believe in something so fantastical. Anakin shows Obi-Wan his land speeder which he has been repairing with his friend, Owen, in his spare time. He shows considerable skill while driving with it, but cannot keep it functioning for very long, which frustrates him. Obi-Wan tries to help him keep a meditative state in attempt to find a solution. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon attempts to make contact with Cocrusant to warn the Senate of the Dooku's plot, but is unable to do get a signal through. Anakin reluctantly agrees to meditate with Obi-Wan, but they are quickly interrupted by Watto, who shouts at Anakin, physically grabs him, and tells him to get back to work. Anakin becomes visibly tense, balling up his fist and looking away from his master with a scowl. Obi-Wan comes to Skywalker's aid and defuses the tension by using a mind trick to calm Watto down. After sending Watto away, Anakin relaxes, impressed at Kenobi's power, he begins to take the Force more seriously. They resume meditation and eventually, Anakin becomes clear minded enough to finally figure out what is wrong with his speeder. He and Owen take a celebratory ride around the outskirts, as Kenobi watches. Later, he tells Qui-Gon of his desire to train Anakin to become a Jedi, Qui-Gon is skeptical as to weather or not Obi-Wan is truly ready to take an apprentice as he himself still has so much more to learn. Kenobi say's they'll learn together, and that he is every bit confident that this is the will of the Force, Qui-Gon is impressed by Obi-Wan's passion and agrees, trusting in his student's judgment. Obi-Wan asks Shmi for permission to teach her son, she agrees, but says that the ultimate obtsicle is Watto. Obi-Wan asks Watto if there is any way he will sell Anakin to him, Watto names his price, which is considerably steep, and Kenobi realizes he does not have nearly enough, to pay for the ship's repairs and Anakin. Qui-Gon suggests that they sell the speeder, Jar Jar takes them to "a guy he knows" who will buy the speeder. They do not get nearly enough, but Kenobi uses another mind trick to sweeten the deal. Owen learns of Anakin selling the speeder and is upset, he urges Anakin not to go with the Jedi, convinced that such a life will bring him nothing but trouble. Anakin tells Owen not to worry, and that he wont be gone forever, he only asks that Owen watch after his family, Owen promises. Shmi and Beru say their goodbyes to Anakin, who leaves with the Jedi. As they're leaving the city, Jar Jar asks if he can come with since it is no longer safe for him on this planet, and that the dealer they sold the speeder to realized he was cheated and holds Jar Jar responsible. They agree he should come with. As they are boarding the ship, Lord Maul suddenly arrives on a speeder bike, and engages them, Oui-Gon activates his Lightsaber, Obi-Wan attempts to do the same but is told to get everyone aboard. Lord Maul activates a lightsaber of his own and the two begin a fierce duel. Obi-Wan tells Anakin to start the ship and fly in low so he can grab Qui-Gon from the entrance ramp. Jinn force pushes Maul into the distance and escapes. Maul contacts Dooku via hologram and informs him of his failure. Dooku tells him not to worry because it is now too late for anyone to stop the invasion, "An invasion, which you will lead, my friend" says Dooku.
Back on the ship, Obi-Wan offers to relieve Anakin of pilot duties, but Anakin turns down the offer because he's been dreaming of flying a ship like this his whole life. Eventually, the group arrives on Corusant, the two Jedi immediately report to the senate, who are reluctant to believe that such a massive cloning facility could even exist so far from the core worlds. The Senators nominated for Chancellor discuss what to do, knowing that eventually one of them will have to make a decision on the matter. Senator Organa is convinced that the Jedi tell the truth, and that they should form a strike force to investigate the threat. On the other hand, Senator Palpatine thinks it is too soon to make such a rash decision, and advises that they await for more evidence, the other Senators agree. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan take Anakin to the Jedi Temple, where they hope to train him. Anakin asks what they mean by "hope to" and is told that he must first be brought before Master Yoda the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan describes Yoda as the most powerful and wise of all the Jedi, but when Anakin meets Yoda, he is surprised to find how small he is. Master Yoda laughs it off and says that "More to power there is, than height". Qui-Gon tells the council of Dooku's turn to the Dark Side, the impending attack on the city, and the possibility of war. The Council knows that the Jedi will be called to serve in combat, and that such turmoil could endanger the Order, as it has in the past. The Council then studies Anakin and agrees that he is in fact very strong in the force, but are not certain that he has the potential to become a Jedi. Anakin and Obi-Wan are disheartened, but Yoda tells them to have hope, that "Clouded are The Council's minds, over other matters. Nothing to worry about this is, pass in time it will". Outside the Temple, Obi-Wan and Anakin meet Senator Organa and his understudy Padme' Amidala who is studying to become a Senator. Accompanying them is a silver plated Protocol Droid who attempts to introduce himself "Hello, Master Jedi! I am C-3P0, Human Cyborg relations and..." but he is quickly silenced by Organa, because there are important matters to discuss. Organa says that he needs the Jedi's help to convince the Senate to invade the Cloner's planet, but Obi-Wan says that it is not the Jedi's place to decide weather or not a War is needed. Organa understands but still asks that they try to convince the senate that the threat is at least real for no once else but he, seems to believe the claim of a Clone Army. Obi-Wan assures Bail that the Jedi are more troubled by this threat than can be imagined and they must first decide for themselves if they even wish to get involved at all.
The following day, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, with Jar Jar in tow (because he "Had no where else to be") meet with the Senators on behalf of the Jedi order a to inform them of their decision to stay out of the Republic's affair. Bail is disappointed, but Palpatine is understanding, and claims to admire the Jedi's commitment to their beliefs. Suddenly, at that very moment, huge battleship appears over Corusant, hundreds of dropships land on the planet surface and dispense thousands of Cloned soldiers wearing dark armor. The Clones begin to wreak havoc on the city killing everyone in sight, making their way to the Senate building. Senate security is no match for the fearsome Clone Troopers, and eventually the hoard makes it's way to the top office, where the nominated Senators, Binks, and the Jedi are. A few guards make their way up to the office first and attempt to barricade the door, but to no avail. The Clones burst in and open fire on the Senators. Palpatine, Organa, and Binks avoid the fire, diving behind chairs and alike, while Kenobi and Jinn kill the Clones with their Lightsabers. The other Senators and guards are killed. Suddenly, Lord Maul appears, taking off his heavy black robe to reveal his tattooed face and Zabrak horns, he activates his Lightsaber, which is in fact, double bladed. Qui-Gon and Kenobi tell Binks to get the two Senators out of the building to safety and engage Maul in combat. Binks and Organa grab blasters off the floor and attempt to make their way with Palpatine to the Jedi Temple "My luck never changes" says Binks. Meanwhile, alarms sound all throughout the city, Anakin, who was wandering the streets near the Jedi temple when the City was attacked, watches as a group of people in flight suits rush to a nearby hanger bay. These people are the City's volunteer fighter pilots, usually nothing but escorts for dignitaries and such, but they are now preparing to assault the Clone command ship. Anakin approaches the squad commander and offers to help, but "Commander Antilles" tells him it's too dangerous. Anakin protests and says that he is more than capable of flying, and that they need all the help they can get. Antilles has little time to waste so he agrees, but tells him that Anakin must follow his orders. Anakin gets into the cockpit of a fighter which has its own Astromech Droid. Anakin is somewhat nervous, and jokingly introduces himself to the droid "Uh.. hi,.. droid I'm Anakin Skywalker" (droid responds through ship translator) "Oh.. okay R2-D2, well, nice to meet you, let's hope for the best, huh?". The Fighters take off into space, set on destroying the Clone command ship, which Dooku is aboard, overseeing the invasion.
Back in the streets, Binks, Organa, and Palpatine, are fighting their way on foot to the Jedi Temple, when Padme pulls up beside them in Senator Organa's landspeeder, (with C3-P0 in the back muttering "Oh dear.. oh dear oh dear!") they all hop in and drive the rest of the way to the Temple, while every civilian in the city with a blaster attempts to defend themselves, pushing back the Clones and best they can. The Clones, having also made their way to the Temple, find hundreds of Jedi standing on the steps. The Knights take a look at the destruction around them, and without a moments hesitation, activate their Lightsabers and engage the Clones.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon furiously battle Lord Maul, their fight has made its way to an outside walkway between the buildings, the heights are perilous, and one false step could kill any one of them. Maul's superior agility allows him to get the upper hand, he uses a swift kick to knock Kenobi backward and onto a lower ledge. Kenobi regains his composure and watches as Jinn and Maul continue to fight. Kenobi climbs a nearby ladder to get back to the fight, which has already moved away from the walkway to a landing pad on the side of the building. Back in space, the Fighters desperately try to get to the Command Ship's weak spot inside, the main power core. The ship's defenses are strong, and fighters are being destroyed by the dozens. Commander Antilles tries to keep the squadron together, telling them to concentrate on getting inside the ship via the hanger. A few fighters attempt to get through, but are either shot down or crash near the surface, Antilles calls for a retreat, but Anakin doesn't listen and makes an attempt to enter the hanger. Antilles says "Don't be a fool, son, you can't possibly be that good of a pilot!" Anakin replies "Let's hope you're wrong". With one desperate dive, Skywalker makes it through, much to Antilles astonishment. R2-D2 throws up a diagram on the fighters view screen of what the power core looks like, and where to hit it. Anakin finds the core and fires several laser blasts at it. The core flickers and gives out, shooting off sparks and flames. On the command bridge, the main officer informs Dooku that they have lost power. Realizing he has lost, Dooku makes his way to his escape cruiser in the back of the ship. The main officer follows, but is turned away because "There is only room, for one" according to Dooku. The escape cruiser launches out just in time, as the rest of the hanger is consumes by flames. Anakin, meanwhile races his fighter out of the other end of the ship as flames billow behind him. He escapes with moments to spare and joins the rest of the squadron who cheer in celebration. Back on Coruscant, the dropships begin to self destruct and the remaining Clones are killed by the Jedi.
At the same time, Qui-Gon and Maul continue to duel, as Obi-Wan races to join them. Jinn seems to be gaining the upper hand, but Maul distracts him by hitting him on the chin with his Lightsaber hilt, taking advantage of this, Maul stabs Jinn through the stomach. Jinn falls to the floor as Obi-Wan screams in dismay. Maul turns his attention to the young Jedi, who is teeming with anger. Maul paces back and forth expectantly, waiting for Kenobi to strike. Kenobi lunges at Maul with intense speed, swinging his Lightsaber furiously, Maul grins with excitement at the challenge, blocking and spinning with style and deadliness. Kenobi's swings become more and more intense and Maul is taken aback, but not for long. He Force pushes the young Jedi towards the edge of the landing pad, and Kenobi rolls off, grabbing onto a support beam on the edge as his saber falls below. Maul toys with Kenobi, swinging his blade along the edge of the platform causing sparks to rain down on the Jedi. Obi-Wan thinks for a moment.. closing his eyes and channeling the Force, in an instant, he takes a leap of faith soaring over Maul's head, and grabbing his fallen master;s Lightsaber. Maul is temporarily distracted by his own amazement, he attempts to block Kenobi's strike, but his saber is cut in half and he is left defenseless. With one wild swing, Obi-Wan slices across Maul's torso. Maul is frozen in shock and disbelief, he does not move, he only looks at Kenobi, as hundreds of Clone dropships explode in the city below, "It's over!" Kenobi says, "No" Maul whispers "It has only just begun". Maul falls backward off the platform and down to the streets below. Kenobi, rushes to his master, who lays dying. Obi-Wan holds him in his arms and hears Qui-Gon's final words "You are a powerful Jedi, my friend, and a good man. The Force will be with you, always". Qui-Gon Jinn's body disappears, leaving only his robes behind.
A few days later, the City celebrates, victory over the invasion, Commander Antilles and his squadron are awarded medals of bravery, Jar Jar Binks is commended as well for his protection of the senators. The Senate votes on a new Chancellor. Palpatine is chosen due to his seniority and experience, Organa is not picked dues to his "Less than senatorial conduct during the attack". However, Chancellor Palpatine does in fact begin the creation of an Army for the Republic as Organa had desired now that the threat is confirmed to be very real. Meanwhile, in another part of space, Dooku's ship arrives on a small space station, he enters the hanger and is greeted by a hologram of a man in a cloak, his face is hidden in shadow. "The invasion was a failure, Master" Says Dooku "Just as intended" the Master replies. Dooku informs his master that Lord Maul was killed in the invasion, but is assured that it is of no consequence. "Everything is transpiring as I desire, the stage is set, Count Dooku, the Clone Wars have begun".
At the Jedi Temple, Anakin is brought before the Council once more, they agree that his actions were noble and selfless, and that he is to become a Jedi. Obi-Wan mourns the loss of his master and friend, and wonders what he will do without a mentor. Yoda puts a hand of comfort on Kenobi's shoulder and tells him that he will hep as best he can. Obi-Wan Kenobi and his new apprentice, Anakin Skywalker stand side by side in the Jedi temple, looking forward to the future, however uncertain it may be.
The End
(Complete with John Williams Music)
