EXTERIOR: EXECUTIVE QUARTERS BUILDING - DAY
The giant towers of the Terran Republic Executive Building seem to
reach the heavens. Traffic clogs the smoggy sky.
INTERIOR: CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE - DAY
CHANCELLOR PALPATINE sits behind his desk with TWO RED-CLAD ROYAL GUARDS on either side of the door. YODA, PLO KOON, KI-ADI-MUNDI, and MACE WINDU sit across from him. Behind them stand the Jedi LUMINARA UNDULI and her Padawan, BARRISS OFFEE.
PALPATINE: I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining the separatists. Including the Experts of Darkness and ever other SuperVillains Evil Organizations Earth and the Heroes Alliance are at war with, AIM, Hydra, Al-Qatala, the Russians, Masters of Evil, the Light, and many more.
MACE WINDU: If they do break away -
PALPATINE: I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail!
MACE WINDU: If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers. Even with the Heroes Alliance I fear it won't be enough.
PALPATINE: Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?
YODA closes his eyes.
YODA: Worse than war, I fear... Much worse.
PALPATINE: What?
MACE WINDU: What do you sense, Master?
YODA: The Dark Side clouds everything. Impossible to see, the future is. But this I am sure of - (opens his eyes) Do their duty, the Jedi will.
A muted BUZZER SOUNDS. A hologram of an AIDE, DAR WAC, appears on the Chancellor's desk.
DAR WAC: (in Huttese) The loyalist committee has arrived, my Lord.
PALPATINE: Good. We will discuss this matter later. Send them in.
They all stand as SENATOR AMIDALA, CAPTAIN TYPHO, MAS AMEDDA, DORME, and SENATORS (BAIL ORGANA, JAR JAR BINKS and HOROX RYYDER) and their ATTENDANTS enter the office. As YODA and MACE WINDU move to greet the SENATOR, YODA taps AMIDALA with his cane.
YODA: Padmé, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. With you the force is strong... young Senator. Seeing you alive brings warm feeling to my heart.
PADME: Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?
MACE WINDU: Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miner's, on the moons of Naboo.
PADME: But I think that Count Dooku was behind it.
There is a stir of surprise. They look at one another.
KI-ADI-MUNDI: He is a political idealist, not a murderer.
MACE WINDU: You know, M'Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character.
YODA: In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are.
PALPATINE gets up, walks to the window, and looks out at the vast city.
PALPATINE: Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces and the Heroes Alliance.
BAIL ORGANA: Do you think that is a wise decision during these stressful times?
PADME: Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the...
PALPATINE: ..."situation is that serious." No, but I do, Senator.
PADME: Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards!
PALPATINE: I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Kenobi and Optimus Prime...
PALPATINE nods to MACE WINDU, who nods back.
MACE WINDU: That's possible. They have just returned from a Border dispute on Ansion.
PALPATINE: You must remember him, M'Lady... they watched over you during the blockade conflict.
PADME: This is not necessary, Chancellor.
PALPATINE: Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable.
AMIDALA sighs as the JEDI get up to leave.
MACE WINDU: I will have Obi-Wan and Optimus report to you immediately, M'Lady.
YODA leans into her ear.
YODA: Too little about yourself you worry, Senator, and too much about politics. Be mindful of your danger, Padmé. Accept our help.
The JEDI leave the office.