NOTE: This is a re-imagining of Episode 1 of Star Wars. I tried to keep the essence of the story while making changes to dialogue, scenes, and character traits. I also made these significant changes:

1) Anakin is a teenager to better set up his relationships with Obi-Wan and Padme. I will also introduce the Lars family early.

2) Jar Jar Binks has a different personality and the Gungins have a slightly different role.

3) Character arcs closely reflect their actions form the Original Trilogy (Obi-Wan is reckless as a young man, Anakin is a cunning warrior/pilot, etc.)

4) Darth Maul lives to become a major villain of the prequel trilogy.

5) Obi-Wan discovers Anakin instead of Qui-Gon.

6) A retooling of the Tatoonie scenes, including the addition of a battle on Jabba's barge.

Turmoil has engulfed the
Galactic Republic. The taxation
of trade routes to outlying star
systems is in dispute.

Hoping to resolve the matter
with a blockade of deadly
battleships, the greedy Trade
Federation has stopped all
shipping to the small planet
of Naboo.

While the congress of the
Republic endlessly debates
this alarming chain of events,
the Supreme Chancellor has
secretly dispatched two Jedi
Knights, the guardians of
peace and justice in the
galaxy, to settle the conflict...

A small space cruiser heads toward the beautiful green planet of Naboo, which is surrounded by hundreds of Trade Federation battleships. In the cockpit, the Captain and Pilot maneuver toward the command ship. The voice of Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Knight can be heard over the radio, "Captain, tell them we wish to board at once." "Yes, sir," The Captain looks to her view screen, where Nute Gunray, a Neimoidian trade viceroy, waits for a reply.

"With all due respect to the Trade Federation, the Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately"

Nute replies, "Yes, yes, of course. As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal, and we'd be happy to receive the Ambassadors."

The small space cruiser docks in the enormous main bay of the Federation battleship. A door slides open, and two cloaked shapes walk down the landing platform. A protocol droid greets them, "I am TC-14 at your service. Right this way, please" and leads them to the conference room. Once they enter, a door slides closed behind them and they remove their hoods. Qui-Gon is an older Jedi with long hair and a beard while Obi-Wan Kenobi is a young man in his twenties who has his hair tied back to indicate he is a padawan learner. They peer out of a large window at the planet Naboo. "My master will be with you shortly," the droid tells them, "Please make yourselves comfortable."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan admits as he paces the floor.

"I sense it too. The Viceroy is nervous," Qui-Gon calmly sits down, "When negotiations take place, they can be volatile."

"It's not just that, Master Qui-Gon. It's something elsewhere... elusive," he becomes frustrated, "I can't help but feel there's something more at play than just a trade dispute."

"Remember what I taught you. Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan. It makes you reckless. Keep your concentration on the here and now where it belongs."

"Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future."

"...but not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, my young padawan."

"Yes, Master," he sits, "How do you think the Viceroy will deal with the Chancellor's demands?"

"The Federation works through intimidation, but they often yield when they are met with proper resistance. The negotiations will be short."

On the bridge, Nute Gunroy and Daultay Dofine stand stunned as they face the protocol droid.

"What did you say?," Nute asks in horror.

"I believe the ambassadors are Jedi Knights, sir," the droid repeats, "The interface with their ship revealed two passengers: Master Qui-Gon Jin and his padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"I knew it!," Daultay exclaims, "They were sent to force a settlement."

"Distract them," Viceroy orders the droid off the bridge and turns back Daultay, "I will contact Lord Sidious."

In the conference room, the droid enters with a tray of tea, "Would you care for refreshments, Ambassadors?"

Obi-Wan takes a cup, "Is it in their nature for them to make us wait this long?"

Qui-Gon takes a cup as well and the droid quickly leaves, "No. I sense an unusual amount of fear for something as trivial as a trade dispute."

On the bridge, a hologram of a figure in a black robe with a concealed face emerges, "What is it?"

"I'm afraid your plans have failed, Lord Sidious," Dofine pleads, "The Blockade is finished. We can't go against the Jedi Order. It has gone too far."

"Viceroy, I don't want this stunted coward in my sight again," Dofine slinks back and Sidious continues speaking to the Viceroy, "This turn of events is unfortunate. We must accelerate our plans. Begin landing your troops."

"Lord Sidious, is that legal?"

"I will make it legal."

"And the Jedi?"

"The Chancellor should never have brought them into this. Kill them immediately."

"Yes, my Lord. As you wish."

In the docking bay, a canon is lowered toward the cruiser. The Pilot and Captain look up just in time for the canons to go off, blasting the cruiser while they're inside. The sound echos through the ship, alerting the two Jedi who spring out of their seats and ignite their lightsabers.

"Master...?," Obi-Wan turns to his mentor.

Qui-Gon tries the door, "We're locked in. I'm afraid you were correct. This is no ordinary trade dispute."

"But we're ambassadors. The Federation wouldn't dare attack Jedi."

"Someone must be pulling their strings. Someone powerful."

"Master!," Obi-Wan draws his attention to the green mist pouring from the vents.

"Dioxis," Qui-Gon explains and retracts his lightsaber.

Obi-Wan raises his hand and the locked doors caves slightly inward but remains locked as the room slowly fills with gas. "You won't get through the door in time," he places a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, "But there are alternatives to fighting." Qui-Gon calmly closes his eyes and holds his breath as the mist covers him. Obi-Wan follows suit and soon, both men disappear.

On the bridge, Nute Gunray faces a screen that shows the outer door to the conference room. Small puffs of green gas escape the corners of the door. He turns away formt he screen to a platoon of battle droids, "Destroy whatever is left of the bodies."