"Adding Insult to Injury" Screenplay
Scene 1: Fade into a small, dark room. Soft, morning sunlight, ribbed through blinds. Focus in onto sleeping figure. Close up onto face, of Ahsoka Tano. Moment of still silence. Loud, off screen beeping. She opens her eyes and groans. Turns onto side, and grabs beeping green comlink off side table. Clicks it on.
Anakin Skywalker: Hey, Snips! Where are you? You were supposed to be in the training room ten minutes ago! Get going!
She yelps, and rolls off bed onto floor. Stands up, clicks on utility belt, puts on one boot. Grabs the other one and her lightsaber and dashes out the door.
Stands outside in hallway, hopping on one foot as she struggles to put shoe on. Focus shot of figure coming onto screen. Barriss comes into focus. Ahsoka takes off running and Barriss jogs to catch up.
Barriss Offee: Where are you going?
Ahsoka Tano: Late for training session, gotta go.
Offee: What about morning meal?
Tano: I can eat later!
Takes off running at a sprint and runs into Obi-Wan Kenobi as he comes around a corner.
Tano: (breathless) So sorry, Master Kenobi, won't happen again.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: It's alright young one. By the way, Anakin asked me to inform you that your training session is taking place in the regular training room, not the landing bay. A new shipment of staff droids were delivered this morning and there's too much activity going on down there.
Tano: Thank you Master Kenobi. I greatly appreciate it.
Ahsoka nods, and takes off again. Finally stops outside door. Takes a breath, brushes herself off and walks into room.
Cut to Skywalker, looking stern.
Skywalker:What did I tell you last night?
Tano: To go to bed early because you had a training session scheduled for early this morning so we wouldn't miss our medical exams.
Skywalker: Exactly. And did you?
Tano: (blushes, looks embarrassed, hangs head) No. I was up late reading.
Skywalker: I thought so. Well, let's see. You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago. Adding this conversation and how long you took to get here, we have lost, (looks at chronometer) thirteen minutes of training. Do you have anything to say for yourself?
Ahsoka shakes her head.
Skywalker: Fine. Thirteen pushups, right now.
Tano: What?
Skywalker: You heard me. No point in arguing.
Ahsoka sighs, but performs the exercise.
Tano: (between breaths) For the record, I was reading the texts as part of the assignment you gave me.
Skywalker: Well, if you remember correctly, I told you that you didn't have to complete that assignment until next month due to the increased Separatist movement in the Outer Rim.
Ahsoka stands, brushing off hands.
Tano: Alright. What now?
Skywalker: No lightsaber exercises today. Just conditioning work. I want you to be in top form today before your exam. Feel like going for a run, Snips?
Tano: Do I have a choice?
Skywalker: (sighs) Come on.
End Scene
Scene 2: We see Ahsoka, Anakin, and a medical droid are inside the med lab, a small room, brightly lit. Ahsoka is lying on the exam table, Anakin is standing next to the medical droid. Ahsoka's POV shot shows Anakin and the droid looking down, at her, and both are obscured by a light.
Medical Droid: That's it. I'll go check the results. Leaves room.
Ahsoka sits up and moves to the edge, swinging her legs back and forth.
Tano: I hate that we have to get a medical exam every two months. It's annoying and it takes away from my training.
Skywalker: I know, and I'm not too fond of them either, but it's just something we have to do. One of my responsibilities is to make sure you're healthy enough to train. I'm not sending you into battle if you're injured.
Medical droid returns
Med Droid: I have the test results.
Skywalker: How is she doc? Does she check out alright?
Med Droid: She's quite healthy, no broken bones or foreign contaminants in her system. But there is a complication.
Skywalker: (annoyed) What kind of complication?
Med Droid: With the exception of the montrals, Torgrutans and humans have almost exactly the same biological structure. We caught it when we took the x-rays. Her appendix has swollen, almost to the point of bursting. She needs to have surgery and have it removed.
Ahsoka's jaw drops.
Tano:(stuttering a little) Surgery?
Anakin puts a hand on her shoulder.
Skywalker: How soon does she need it?
Med Droid: Within two days.
Tano: (shocked, eyes widen) Two days?
Med Droid: Truthfully, she should have come in sooner. Normally, a patient with appendicitis will feel extreme stomach pain once it starts swelling.
Camera pans slowly, shifting from Anakin, looking puzzled, his eyes shifting to Ahsoka, who looks guilty.
Tano: I hadn't been feeling my best during training, but I pushed through it. I dismissed it. It didn't seem so bad at the time.
Looks down, and clutches stomach, moaning softly.
Skywalker: How about now?
Tano:(through gritted teeth) Sorry Master.
Med Droid: She can have her surgery the day after tomorrow. After she wakes up, post-operative, she will require at least one week of strict bed rest. After we remove the stitches, she won't be able to do any kind of strenuous activity for about another week.
Skywalker: Don't worry, she won't be doing anything. I'll make sure of it. Let's go inform the Council, Snips. I need to see how long they'll let me stay with you after the surgery.
End Scene
Scene 3: Ahsoka is sitting on an operating table in a different hospital room. Several machines surround her. She is dressed in a bright white gown, her bare feet dangling over the edge. She looks nervous, her eyes keep shifting around the room. Anakin leans against the wall, watching her.
Skywalker: Are you okay, Ahsoka? I can sense you're uneasy.
Tano: Can Jedi be afraid sometimes?
Skywalker: What?
Tano: Are Jedi allowed to be afraid?
Anakin moves to sit beside her. He rubs her back and montrals gently before putting his arm around her shoulders.
Skywalker: Ahsoka, are you nervous about having surgery?
Tano: (quietly) A little. Is that okay?
Skywalker: Of course it is. Everyone gets scared sometimes. We just have to learn to overcome our fear. You fought General Grievous. Were you scared then?
She nods.
Skywalker: It's the same thing. You just have to overcome your fear. Everything will be alright, don't you worry.
Tano: You'll stay with me?
Skywalker: (grabs her hand) I'll be right here. I'll help you through it.
She smiles.
Tano: Thanks.
The medical droid enters the room. Anakin slides off the table.
Med Droid: Are you ready?
She swallows, and looks to Anakin. He nods. She turns to the medical droid.
Tano: Yes.
Med Droid: It's not a very long procedure, only an hour or so. It's completely painless, you won't feel a thing.
Ahsoka starts to lie back, but contracts in pain,crying out. The droid reaches out to support her, as does Anakin. Aided by them, she lies down and takes a deep breath, resting her hands by her sides.
The droid drapes a white sheet over her legs, starting at her hip bone, and one from her neck to the bottom of her rib cage. Then it pulls the hem of her gown up, revealing her abdomen and tucks it under the bottom of the top sheet. Meanwhile, Anakin places a hand on Ahsoka's forehead, wiping away the sweat beading on her brow. She takes another deep breath, giving him a wordless look of thanks. It turns on bright lights, adjusts them. And then finally turns to Anakin.
Med Droid: I'll administer the anesthesia now. After this, she won't feel anything. It's a simple operation, just one incision.
The surgeon takes a mask and presses it to her face. Her eyes shift to Anakin, who smiles and takes her hand again, squeezing it gently. Her eyes glaze, and she blinks several times before she closes them completely.
Anakin sits down beside the table, still holding her hand.
Med Droid: You don't have to stay, I'll take good care of her.
He shakes his head.
Skywalker: I can't. I promised her I'd stay. She needs me to be here.
Med Droid: Your choice. I'm going to begin.
End Scene
Scene 4: We fade into a small white room with three beds. The very last bed is occupied by Ahsoka, tucked under a white blanket. Anakin sits in a chair beside her, watching her carefully. Camera zeros in on Ahsoka's face, we can see that she is still unconscious, but starting to stir.
Anakin sighs, staring off into space. Ahsoka coughs. Anakin cocks his head and turns. She coughs again and her eyelids start to flutter. Her eyes open and she slowly turns her head toward Anakin. He smiles softly.
Skywalker: Welcome back. How are you feeling Snips?
Ahsoka looks disoriented and weak. She replies in a raspy voice.
Tano: Where am I? What's (stutters) what's going on?
Skywalker: You're in the hospital Ahsoka. You had surgery a few days ago.
Tano: Oh. I remember now. How long was I out?
Skywalker: About two days or so. I was starting to get worried.
Silence
Tano: Master?
Skywalker: Yes little one?
Tano: (hesitant) Um, may I have a glass of water?
Skywalker: (snickering) Of course.
Anakin pours some water into a small cup on the nightstand.Ahsoka tries to sit up but contracts in pain, clutching her stomach and falling back on the bed. Anakin looks at her with concerned eyes. Gentle as can be, he supports her head and shoulders and presses the cup to her lips. She pulls her arm out from underneath the blanket grasps the cup and holds it. Anakin lets go of the cup, but continues supporting her. She swallows, hands him back the cup, and lies back down.
Tano: Thanks.
Skywalker: Don't mention it.
Medical Droid enters room.
Med Droid: I can see that she's awake. I need to perform a vitals check.
Ahsoka sits up on her own this time, gritting her teeth and waving off helping hands. Her hospital gown is still pristine white The droid takes a stethoscope and listens to her heart. He takes her temperature and checks her reflexes.
Skywalker: How is she? Everything check out all right?
Med Droid: So far, pretty average. Her heart and lungs both sound strong, she's a tad dehydrated, and has a slight fever but that's normal. Drinking plenty of water and taking some antibiotics I have will help with that. Right now, I need to look at the incision.
Ahsoka squirms. The droid peels back the blanket, and lifts up the edge of her gown, a pair of white shorts beneath it.
The camera focuses in on a thin black line of stitches bold against the orange-red skin of her abdomen. Her eyes widen in shock, she feels the line with her fingers.
Tano:Ouch. That explains why my stomach hurts so much.
Skywalker: Don't worry Snips, you'll be back to new in no time.
Med Droid: I'm sure of it. Now, don't forget, one week of bed rest – no exceptions. After that, no strenuous activity for at least a week. Now, I'll go get the antibiotics.
Droid leaves the room. Ahsoka lies back down, Anakin reaches out a hand but she ignores it.
Skywalker: (warning) You shouldn't strain yourself Ahsoka. You don't want to turn one week of bed rest into two or three.
Tano: But I hate this. I hate feeling so helpless. I'm a Jedi, I shouldn't have to feel like I can't do anything without someone doing it for me. I should be stronger then this.
Skywalker: I understand how you feel. But think about it. If I was in your place, or Master Kenobi, or even Master Yoda, they'd be going through the exact same thing. They would hurt if they tried to sit up. They would have to have help from others. But, after they healed, they would be able to go back to being Jedi. I know you feel helpless, but you really have to push past this. It'll be over soon.
Tano: What would you do? If you were in my place?
Skywalker: I'd accept the help I was offered, rest, follow the doctor's orders and brush myself off and get back on my feet once I got better.
Medical Droid returns, carrying a syringe.
Med Droid: I've got the antibiotics. Now, these will bring your fever down, but they might make you extremely sleepy.
Tano: But, I just woke up!
Skywalker: You need your rest, Snips. I'll stay with you, and later, bring you something to eat, if you'd like.
Tano: Thanks Master. I owe you one.
She takes another drink of water, and sinks back onto the bed. Anakin tucks the blanket up under her chin. She smiles. The droid injects the medicine into her arm. Anakin grabs her hand and holds it tight. She squeezes it once, and falls back asleep.
End Scene
Scene 5: Anakin is sitting beside Ahsoka, a tray resting on the nightstand. The light in the room now reflects evening. Obi Wan enters the room. He pulls up a chair and sits by his former apprentice. Focus shot on Ahsoka's sleeping figure.
Kenobi: How is she?
Skywalker: The surgery went well. She was out for quite a while, and when she woke she felt really weak and sore. The doctor gave her some medicine to bring her fever down, but otherwise, she's much better.
Kenobi: I'm glad. How long does she have to stay on bed rest?
Skywalker: A week, but she can't train, go on any missions, or do any strenuous activity for at least two.
Kenobi: Your padawan has to spend two weeks on strict medical leave? I would watch her carefully; that fire can only be contained for so long.
Skywalker: Indeed.
Ahsoka stirs and sits up, yawning.
Ahsoka: Hello Master Kenobi. How long have you been here?
Kenobi: I just stopped by to see how you were doing. Are you feeling better?
Tano: My stomach still hurts, but otherwise I feel fine.
Anakin leans forward and puts a hand to her forehead.
Skywalker: Your fever seems to have vanished. That medicine works really well. Are you hungry?
Tano: Starved.
Anakin hands her a roll from the tray and she digs in with gusto.
Kenobi: (clears throat) Well, actually Anakin, I didn't come here just to check up on you and your padawan. The Council is requesting our assistance. Senator Amidala was chased by a pirate gang as she was leaving Mandalore and is now trapped on an adjacent moon without a ship. She needs help, and the Council requests that we leave tomorrow.
Skywalker: What?
Kenobi: They understand Ahsoka's condition, and they understand that you want to stay with her, but the war doesn't wait. I'm afraid you don't have a choice.
Silence
Skywalker: Master, would you mind giving us some privacy? I need to have a word with my padawan.
Kenobi: Of course. (bows respectfully to the pair) Get well soon, Ahsoka.
Tano: Thank you Master Kenobi. (bows her head) Your words are greatly appreciated.
Obi Wan leaves the room.
Tano:So, you have to leave tomorrow.
Skywalker: I know I promised I'd stay with you, but like Master Kenobi said, the war does not wait. I don't think it'll take too long, I should be back soon enough. But, regardless of where I am, you are to stay in bed, young one. If I hear that you've been up and about before your week is over, you will be working in the library for the next month. Am I understood?
Tano: Yes Master. I'm not ready to be up and moving yet.
Skywalker: The medical droid will be in here every so often to check on you. I'll contact you as often as possible, and will let you know when I'm on my way back.
Tano: I still wish you didn't have to go.
Skywalker: I know, and I don't want to go either, but it's just something I have to do.
Silence. Ahsoka takes a bite of bread, chews and swallows.
Tano: Master? While you're still here, could you tell me one of your stories about when you were a padawan?
Skywalker: Why not? Which one would you like to hear?
Tano: I don't know, pick one I haven't heard before.
Skywalker: Alright, I think I've got a good one.
End Scene
Scene 6: Ahsoka is sitting up in her hospital bed, reading. She takes a sip of water from the glass beside her bed. The light reflects early morning, soft and bright. She yawns and stretches, setting the book beside her. A knock sounds, off screen. Camera shot of the door.
Tano: Come in.
Door opens and a crowd of young children, around seven years old, of multiple species, storm in laughing. Behind them, comes the aged Master Yoda, leaning on his cane. The children surround Ahsoka and start talking excitedly.
Tano: Hi everyone! Settle down,settle down, I can't understand you when you're all talking at once. Good morning Master Yoda. (bows head respectfully)
Master Yoda: Good morning Padawan Tano. My students asked that we paid you a visit. Wanted to see how you were doing, they did.
Tano: I appreciate their concern, but I've been feeling much better. The painkillers are making me slightly drowsy, but I'm working through it.
Yoda: Glad to hear of your rapid recovery, I am.
Female Youngling, Human: (childish and slightly whiny) Can Ahsoka come and teach us today?
Tano: Sorry guys. The medical droid put me on strict bed rest, and my master said that if I disobeyed the rules he wouldn't let me accompany him on missions for at least a month. I wish I could, but I'm still hurting and I'd rather not get in trouble.
Class: (collectively) Awwwww.
Tano: Don't worry. After I get off bed rest, I still have another week before I'm allowed to go on missions again. Then, I would be more than happy to teach. As long as you approve, Master.
Yoda smiles
Yoda: Appreciate that, we would. Come younglings, still much to do, we have.
Tano: (bows her head) Thank you for stopping by Master.
Younglings bid Ahsoka farewell and leave the room.
Ahsoka sighs and continues to read her book. Comlink beeps on side table.
Tano: Tano speaking.
Offee: Hey 'Soka, I just wanted to check in. You feeling better?
Ahsoka smiles, revealing her white teeth, and her eyes light up.
Tano: Hey Barriss! I'm a lot better, but I'm still stuck here. What's up?
Offee: (rushed and sorrowful) Ahsoka, I'm really and truly sorry. I know I said I'd visit you once I got back from that trade dispute, but Master Luminara's away with Masters Kenobi and Skywaker and she swamped me with texts to study. There's no way I'll be able to finish them all. I'm really sorry.
Tano: Barriss, take a breath. It'll be okay, I'll be fine by myself.
Offee: Are you sure?
Tano: I've survived lightsaber duels and crazed psychopaths, I'm pretty sure I can handle being by myself in a hospital room.
Offee: Thanks for understanding. I'll come down as soon as I can, I promise. I just have to get through all these texts first.
Tano: Then why are you still talking to me? Get to work girl!
Offee: You're such a great friend. See you later.
Comlink beeps and cuts off.
Time Montage: Multiple clips of Ahsoka doing various things: sleeping, reading, eating, including a shot of her with the medical droid. Changing light. Sound of clock ticking in the background. Fade out
End Scene
Scene 7: Fade in. Ahsoka sitting up, blankets and sheets tousled and messy. Head in hands. Night time lighting.
Tano: Ugh! I am sooooo bored! If I have to stay here another day I'm going to scream! I would do anything to be out of this bed.
Flops back onto bed. Winces in pain. Stares at ceiling.
BOOM!
Ahsoka sits up, and looks around, curiously. Noises get louder, and faster.
BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!
Tano: What's going on?
Loud, high-pitched shrieks off screen. Heavy, thudding footsteps get steadily louder.
Door is thrown open. Younglings from before stampede in.
Class: Ahsoka! We're under attack!
Tano: What? Who's attacking us?
Male Youngling, Rhodian: Battle droids, an entire battalion of 'em!
Tano: Where are the other Jedi? What happened to them?
Female Youngling, Human: They're fighting, we think. We couldn't find Master Yoda, so we ran straight here.
Tano: Ok, calm down. Everything will be okay. You'll be safe as long as you stay with me. Now, listen carefully. Does anyone have their lightsaber?
Three or four kids raise their hands.
Tano: Ok, keep those close at hand. When the time comes, you might need to use them. We should be safe back here, but you never know.
Door flies open. Twenty to thirty battle droids storm in, all armed.
Ahsoka snatches her lightsaber off the side table. The kids with lightsabers ignite theirs too. Struggling, she stands. Draws her cloak around her and fastens the clasp. And moves in front of them.
Tano: (calm and collected, low volume) Kids, if you don't have your weapon with you, get down and get against the wall. Don't move and don't say a word.
Kids move instantly.
Ahsoka engages the battle droids, drawing the fire away from the kids. The others stand guard, blocking any stray blaster bolts from striking their fellow friends. Eventually, only one battle droid remains. But she's tiring, visibly. Close up shot of battle droid as it fires a sly one battle droid remains. But she's tiring, visibly. Close up shot of battle droid as it fires a single shot. Cut to Ahsoka, swinging her saber. Bullet grazes right shoulder, and she cries out and grabs it with her free hand.
One of the padawans races forward and stands in front of Ahsoka. He swings twice and the battle droid rests in pieces.
Ahsoka turns off her lightsaber, sways slightly.
Tano:Thank you. You can come out now, they're gone.
Ahsoka looks down suddenly, and pulls her cloak apart, revealing her gown. She stares at it, stained with red blood as it soaks through and drips onto the floor.
Male Youngling, Twilek: Ahsoka, are you okay?
Tano: (weakly) Get the doctor, and find Master Yoda, quickly.
Ahsoka's POV shot shows her falling, younglings scream, her eyes blink twice, and then close completely
Fade out
End Scene
Scene 8: We see Anakin, Padme Amidala, Luminara Undulli, and Obi Wan Kenobi standing in the cockpit of a ship. Hyperspace streaks by out of a window. Anakin groans and puts a hand to his head.
Padme Amidala: Ani, what's wrong? What is it?
Skywalker: (strained) I sense, something is terribly wrong. Someone I know is in trouble. And there's pain, a lot of pain. I hear a child, crying. Something is very wrong.
Amidala: Who's the child? Do you recognize the voice?
Skywalker: No. I feel like I should, but I don't. I have a really sour feeling in my stomach. Nothing feels right.
Luminara Unduli: Perhaps you're just anxious to get home. Your padawan is still in recovery, is she not?
Skywalker:I'll admit, I am slightly worried. She had just regained consciousness and I had to leave her, after promising I would stay.
Kenobi: She will be fine, Anakin. At any rate, we will be there soon. Why don't you lie down for a while? That might help your head.
Skywalker: Good idea Master. (turns to Padme) M'lady.
Leaves room.
Kenobi: I admit, I'm a bit worried about him. His premonitions are growing steadily worse.
Unduli: He's distracted. Focused more on his padawan's situation then the task at hand. He struggles with attachment.
Kenobi: Don't we all?
Padme grimaces.
Amidala: If you will excuse me Master Jedi, I think I had better retire as well. I feel ill.
Kenobi: As you wish, Senator.
End Scene
Scene 9: The star cruiser Tranquility is coming into the hanger bay. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Master Luminara exit the cruiser. Barriss Offee approaches Anakin. She looks extremely nervous.
Skywalker: Good morning Barriss. It's good to see you.
Offee: And I'm extremely glad to see you Master Skywalker. I'm so very sorry that no one has contacted you, but communications have been down for some time now. The Temple was attacked last night, and I'm afraid Ahsoka got caught in the crossfire.
Skywalker: Attacked? Wait, is Ahsoka okay?
Offee: Well...I think you'd better come with me. I'll tell you more on the way.
Fade Out
Fade In
Barriss leads Anakin down the hall and into the medical bay. They walk into a new room, one filled with bacta tanks holding multiple patients, each in white shorts or gowns, depending on gender. In the first bacta tank, Ahsoka is floating in the clear, sticky, fluid. Anakin is shocked. The medical droid turns.
Med Droid: She received new injuries. She was hit in the shoulder with a blaster bolt and engaged in physical activity. She strained against her stitches. It caused her to break them, and cause heavy blood loss. She passed out.
Skywalker: What happened? I told her she couldn't get out of bed, no exceptions!
Offee: She didn't have a choice. When the Temple was attacked, a large number of younglings ran to her for help. The droids came into the medical bay, and she destroyed them. Without her help, the younglings would have been killed. The reason she's in that bacta tank, is because she saved their lives. Pardon me Master Skywalker, but she should be praised, not scolded.
Skywalker looks taken aback by the young girls' boldness.
Skywalker: Perhaps you are right. Thank you, Barriss.
Barriss breaths a silent sigh of relief and moves closer to look at her wounded friend.
Skywalker: Her wounds look almost healed. When is she going to be removed from the tank?
Med Droid: Well, we were waiting for you. But now that you're here, she can be removed in a few hours. I'll have to restitch the incision, but after that she can be transferred to the Recovery Ward, or what is left. The droids tore it up pretty badly. Luckily, your apprentice's injury was on the worst end of the spectrum of injuries from last night.
Skywalker: No casualties?
Offee: Thanks to some very vigilant Jedi.
Skywalker: How did they get in?
Barriss: Master Yoda discovered that a staff droid had been reprogrammed to let the battle droids in. It's been disposed of, and they're tracking the manufacturer now.
Skywalker: Alright. Barriss, why don't you and I try to clean up the Recovery Ward; I need a good distraction.
Offee: It would be my pleasure, Master Skywalker.
Fade Out.
End Scene
Scene 10: Anakin is sitting in a meditation room with Master Yoda. The lighting is soft, ribbed, through the blinds covering the window. Yoda appears calm and serene, Anakin troubled and tired.
Yoda: Young Skywaker, know why I called you here, do you?
Skywalker: No Master. I've been having trouble concentrating on anything lately.
Yoda: Because of your apprentice's condition, hmn?
Skywalker: Yes. Ahsoka is still unconscious, and I am getting very worried.
Yoda: Discussed attachments before, we have.
Skywalker: (exasperated) I know Master, but she is my responsibility. I have to watch over her. (looks distant)
Yoda: True, this is. But young Skywaker, you forget. She is a Jedi, she must learn to take care of herself.
Skywalker: (sits quietly)
Yoda: Wrong to watch over your padawan, it is not. But be careful you must, of the attachments you form. Fear of loss, only to the Dark Side it leads.
Skywalker: Understood Master.
Bell tolls outside door.
Yoda: Enter.
(Barriss enters, looking hurried and out of breath.)
Yoda: Calm yourself, young one. What is it?
Offee: Pardon me, Masters. Master Skywalker, Ahsoka just woke up. And she's asking for you.
Anakin looks at Master Yoda hopefully. He sighs.
Yoda: Go on. The last conversation we have on this subject, I hope.
Anakin stands, bows respectfully to Yoda, and rushes out of the chamber with Barriss.
Fade out.
Fade In: Recovery Ward, evening lighting. Medical Droid is standing over Ahsoka, lying underneath a blanket.
She turns her head to look at him. Her eyes are sad, and she looks ashamed.
Tano: Master, I am so very sorry. You see, the younglings had... (her voice is thick with emotion)
Skywalker: Shhhhh. It's okay. I'm not mad at you.
Tano: Why? I disobeyed you.
Skywalker: Because, I would have done the same thing. Being a Jedi means that you have to put others before yourself. You did what you had to do to protect those kids. I'm very proud of you.
Ahsoka looks surprised.
Med Droid: Due to her injuries, she needs to stay on bed rest for another week.
Skywalker: What about missions?
Med Droid: I'll maintain the one week after bed rest. But it will be much stricter. No activity aside from walking or basic movement.
Skywalker: Understood Ahsoka?
Tano: Yes sir. I will be happy to rest. I still hurt, a lot.
Skywalker: I'll stay with you as long as possible, but the war might not give me a choice. (spasms slightly)
Tano: Are you okay Master? You don't look well.
Skywalker: (stuttering, suddenly paler than normal) I-I'm fine. J-just a little tired.
Med Droid: You should sit down Master Skywalker. I think you are ill.
Skywalker: Trust me, I'm fine. (steadies himself) You're the one who needs to get well, Snips. (smiles)
Ahsoka yelps as Anakins eyes shut and he collapses onto her bed. Fade out.
End Scene
Scene 11: Ahsoka is sitting up in bed, she looks energetic and well rested. Her right arm rests in a sling. Bright, morning sunlight streams in through the windows, and a tray rests on her lap. Camera then focuses in on the occupant of the second bed. Anakin Skywalker is lying there, unconscious. R2-D2 sits between the pair, beeping curiously.
Anakin starts to stir, and then opens his eyes. He turns to look at Ahsoka.
Tano: Master! I'm so glad you're up!
R2 beeps.
Tano: Artooie expresses his joy also.
Skywalker: (disoriented and weak) What happened? Why am I here?
Tano: Well, almost a week ago, I had surgery to have my appendix removed. Two days later, I woke up and you were called to battle. With me so far?
Skywalker: Yes, I remember. Keep going.
Tano: A day after that happened, the Temple was attacked by battle droids. I had fought to protect the younglings, but sustained new injuries. I passed out, but revived the next day. When that happened, you passed out, due to your injury, and underwent surgery. It's been almost three days since that happened.
Skywalker: Wait, wait, wait. Surgery? I had to have surgery? Why? (Tries to sit up.) Ouch. What happened to me?
Med Droid: (entering the room) Perhaps I can answer your questions. Remember when you both got your medical exam, and I took x-rays of both of you? Well, they were switched, somehow. Ahsoka never needed surgery. You were the one that needed it the whole time.
Anakin and Ahsoka's mouths drop open in surprise.
Skywalker: Wait a minute, so I needed the surgery, not Ahsoka?
Med Droid: Exactly.
Skywalker: But how did you mix them up? She's a Torgruta adolescent female and I'm a human adult male.
Med Droid: This confused me as well. Do you remember when I told you that Torgrutans have similar bio structures to humans? Well, in a rare mistake, they were confused with one another. Somehow, a major malfunction occurred in a new medical droid that had arrived that morning.
Skywalker: So what now?
Med Droid: You just had surgery. I would recommend at least a week of bed rest, and then another week without missions.
Ahsoka begins laughing.
Skywalker: What's so funny?
Tano: Just wondering how long you'll be able to take being on total lock down.
Skywalker: (sternly) One more word out of you, and you'll be wishing you were on bed rest.
Tano: I doubt I would ever wish for that.
Kenobi: (standing in door way) Don't be so sure.
Skywalker: Hello Master. What brings you here?
Kenobi: If you have to ask, you might want to get your head checked. Ahsoka, are you so sure that you wouldn't want time to rest?
Tano: Positive. I hate not being able to help.
Kenobi: I would count your blessings. One day, lying on an operating table might be your only time for rest.
Ahsoka is silent.
Kenobi: The fight goes on. We cannot rest for long, so we must indulge ourselves while we can. We must heal, and return to doing what we do best.
Tano: Fighting?
Skywalker: Our jobs. Protecting those who would be powerless to do it themselves. Giving hope to those who have none. Keeping the power of the Force alive, and eliminating the Dark Side. What do you think the galaxy would be like if we weren't around to do what we do?
Tano: I don't want to think about it. The images are just too frightening.
Kenobi: Yes, but we all must be ready, lest the what we fear the most happens.
Tano: Well, at least we still have the Force.
Skywalker: Correct. No matter what we go through, no matter how the universe may change, the Force is still with us.
Kenobi: Always.
Fade Out
Fin