BACK

ZYRA, KLAHR, the SECURITY CHIEF, and his GUARDS take out the card and slide it into the box. As KLAHR puts the card back into his pocket after sliding it into the ID checker, he takes out a device that will transmit a signal to the hidden ASSASSINS.

SCIENTIST:
Let us proceed.

EVERYONE enters the hibernation chamber.

INT. SECRET FACILITY—HIBERNATION CHAMBER

The hibernation chamber has a huge dome-like ceiling. There are four levels of gantries, each having one hundred CLONING TANKS along its walkway. There is one more gantry in the chamber…but it is about a hundred meters above the highest of the four walkways.

The ASSASSINS are on the lone gantry while ZYRA, KLAHR, and the other OFFICERS are on the highest of the four walkways.

SCIENTIST:
We are now in the hibernation chamber, where we use the most highly sophisticated machinery to create our battalion of clones...
(Remaining dialogue improvised)

KLAHR:
(in a low voice as he looks at Zyra)
Should I send the signal?

ZYRA:
(low voice)
Not yet.

The SECURITY CHIEF frowns once more at the mysterious conversation. The next shot is that of a shadowy glimpse of an ASSASSIN on the uppermost gantry. He is pointing his blaster rifle at the garrison of SECURITY GUARDS below him.

GENERAL ZYRA stares up at the partially visible gantry.

SCIENTIST:
The computers we use inside this chamber are one of the most advanced in the Galaxy. They can process date very quickly, which is vital to the creation of these artificial soldiers...
(Remaining dialogue improvised)

KLAHR:
(low voice)
Now?

ZYRA shakes his head. The SECURITY CHIEF walks up to the two OFFICERS and puts his hand on KLAHR’S shoulder. The CHIEF then turns the SPY around to face him.

SECURITY GUARD:
(in a loud, sharp tone)
Now what??

The SCIENTIST immediately falls silent after the CHIEF’S comment. ZYRA and KLAHR both have stunned looks on their faces.

ZYRA:
(nods toward Klahr)
Now!

KLAHR quickly presses a button on the transmitting device. The next scene is that of an ASSASSIN as he hears a beeping sound in his earphone. Correcting his aim towards the gantry below, the ASSASSIN then presses the trigger.

A laser-bolt darts away from the ASSASSIN’S rifle and hits the SECURITY CHIEF in the back. The garrison of SECURITY GUARDS aims its guns at the dark gantry and returns fire. The SKEL SOLDIERS head to where the GUARDS are standing and start attacking the ASSASSINS as well. One of the GUARDS attempts to run over to a wall and activate the main alarm, but he is gunned down during the effort.

KLAHR and ZYRA back away from the fierce firefight. The SCIENTIST attempts to escape when KLAHR goes after him and puts the SCIENTIST in a chokehold… putting him unconscious.

One of the SKEL SOLDIERS sees this and aims its weapon at KLAHR.

SKEL SOLDIER:
Freeze!

KLAHR remains where he is standing after he hears this. An ASSASSIN on the dark gantry aims his weapon at this SKEL SOLDIER and picks it off with laser fire.

GUARD after GUARD falls to the ground from the laser bolts pouring down on them from the darkened gantry.

An injured SECURITY GUARD activates the facility’s main alarm.

INT. ROYAL BATTLESHIP—MAIN BRIDGE

The COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER listens intently to her earphone.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER:
Sir, we’re getting a distress signal from the planet. Some attackers infiltrated that facility.

CAPTAIN:
Send a squadron down there… Make sure those intruders don’t escape.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER:
Yes, sir.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #2 summons the CAPTAIN.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #2:
Excuse me, Captain… We’ve lost contact with the base.

INT. SECRET FACILITY—HIBERNATION CHAMBER

Once the entire garrison and the remaining SKEL SOLDIER are wiped out, the ASSASSINS stop firing.

KLAHR and ZYRA look at this sight in amusement. ZYRA then takes out a comlink.

ZYRA:
Good work, soldiers. Get down here.

ZYRA and KLAHR look up and see SIX ropes fall downward from the lone walkway. The TWO OFFICERS then watch as six black-uniformed figures—all of them wearing a mask—climb down to the gantry ZYRA and KLAHR are standing on.

ZYRA frowns at the small number of ASSASSINS standing before him.

ZYRA:
(looks at Klahr)
Are these the only ones?

KLAHR:
No… There’s more.

EVERYONE then turns around as they hear the sound of footsteps approach the metal doors that ZYRA, KLAHR and company walked through earlier. The metal doors open as DOZENS of other ASSASSINS run into the chamber.

Some ASSASSINS begin to take the bodies of the SECURITY GUARDS off the walkway. ASSASSIN #1, who was among the SIX SOLDIERS on the lone gantry, approaches one of the NEWCOMERS.

ASSASSIN #1:
Did you cut off contact?

ASSASSIN #2:
That fleet up there received a distress signal before we blocked off communication. A group of fighters are on their way.

ASSASSIN #1:
We’ll worry about them when they arrive. What’s the word on the security groups?

KLAHR and ZYRA listen to the conversation with interest.

ASSASSIN #3:
They were successfully neutralized, Lieutenant. We have complete control of this installation.

ASSASSIN #1:
(nods)
Good work.

The GENERAL walks up to the THREE SOLDIERS.

ZYRA:
All of you have done well. This project couldn’t have started without you.

The ASSASSINS bow in response.

KLAHR:
We still have fighters to worry about, General.

ZYRA:
It’s just like what the Lieutenant said… We’ll worry about them when they arrive.

ZYRA then turns around and walks toward the SCIENTIST, who is now regaining consciousness. ZYRA kneels in front of the CAPTIVE.

ZYRA:
And now, my friend… Let us discuss Dark Intrigue.

The SCIENTIST has a confused look on his face.

EXT. DAMOSSE—CORPICA PALACE—DAY

KYLE’S landspeeder cruises up a dirt-filled road leading to the abandoned structure. He then comes to a halt to observe the ancient palace.

After a few seconds, he pulls back on the throttle and the landspeeder begins to move down the road again.

EXT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER BASE—OUTER PREMISES—DAY

A shot of ZARTHAN as he observes the starfighter base from atop a hill. After a while, he activates the speeder’s engine and rides down the hill to get a closer look at the installation.

WILKES and COLONEL MASON are conversing while walking along a wall near the base’s premises.

MASON:
(dialogue before this is improvised)
…Did you hear anything from Maver’ss?

WILKES:
Not yet… He’s by himself on this one.

WILKES looks toward the direction of the nearby hill, and notices SOMEONE going down it on a speeder. The SECURITY GUARDS patrolling the area see the STRANGER too…and watch as the speeder comes to a stop right next to the GENERAL and the COLONEL.

The SECURITY GUARDS gather around the area. Their weapons are drawn.

MASON:
Who are you?

ZARTHAN:
I am not hostile… I just need information on certain people.

WILKES:
Who?

ZARTHAN:
The attackers who came to this planet.

WILKES:
One of my pilots said they were at a palace twenty kilometers from here. He’s meeting them for some kind of life-or-death challenge.

ZARTHAN:
This pilot’s name is Kyle Maver’ss, I presume?

MASON:
(frowns)
How’d you know?

ZARTHAN:
I just know.

ZARTHAN begins to rev up the engine on his speeder.

ZARTHAN:
You better help him as fast as you can. He will not survive that challenge.

WILKES:
What do you mean?

ZARTHAN remains silent as he takes off.

MASON:
Wait!

EVERYONE watches as the speeder disappears in the horizon. The SECURITY GUARDS lower their weapons as MASON looks at the GENERAL.

MASON:
What do we do now?

WILKES:
We head to Corpica Palace, immediately.

The COLONEL watches as the GENERAL turns around to walk back to the main base complex. MASON then follows suit.
INT. CORPICA PALACE—MAIN CHAMBER

KYLE opens the door leading into an enormous dark chamber inside the palace. He walks down the center aisle, which has giant statues of unknown beings along each side. On the other end of the chamber, he can see the six floor levels comprising the ancient palace.

KYLE:
(in a loud voice)
Janna? Can you hear me?

The aisle leads to an enormous spiral staircase that goes upstairs. There is a deathly silence inside this room as he heads up the flight of steps. While ascending the steps, KYLE hears a rustling sound above him on the staircase.

KYLE:
Janna?

He takes a few more steps and slowly leans over to peek towards that side of the stairway. He is still peeking when, a few seconds later, he abruptly steps back as TWO TRASKS—winged creatures found only on Damosse—suddenly appear in front of him. The Trasks disappear down the other side of the main chamber.

KYLE is still breathing hard as he takes the lightsaber hilt out from his pocket. He then continues to make his way up the stairway. He observes each floor as he walks by it. There are no rooms that are lit on any of the five floors KYLE already passed by on the staircase.

A few seconds later, he reaches the highest of the six floors, and notices that there is a bright light in a room in front of him. KYLE, the lightsaber in hand, cautiously walks toward that room.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

When KYLE enters the room, he has a surprised look on his face.

KYLE:
Janna!

He sees JANNA kneeling on the bed... Both of her hands restrained by a binder. EDRON is lying freely on the mattress.

JANNA:
(looking down at the binders)
Kyle… Get me out of this!

KYLE:
(putting the lightsaber hilt back in his pocket as he walks toward the mattress)
Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m gonna get you and Edron out of there.

KYLE is walking towards the bed when DARTH VENGEANCE enters the room.

JANNA:
(an alert tone in her voice)
Behind you!

The COMMANDER quickly turns around to face the SITH LORD.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
You actually figured out we would be here.
(Taking steps forward)
Indeed, you do have the Force.

KYLE ignores DARTH VENGEANCE’S comment as he heads toward the bed again.

KYLE:
I’m gonna free my wife and son.

DARTH VENGEANCE watches as KYLE jolts backwards after he walks into a BLUE energy wall that suddenly appears around all four sides of the bed. JANNA and EDRON are trapped inside the barrier. The wall emits a bright flashing light when MAVER’SS comes in contact with it.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
(grinning)
Neat invention... Don’t you think? That energy wall was meant to protect Nasib Corsica, the dictator who lived in this palace four centuries ago.

KYLE turns around and sees that DARTH SHUND entered through the second doorway on the other side of the room. He is standing next to the bed.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
If he wasn’t murdered by one of his own servants, he could have been a powerful Sith Lord…what with all the dark side powers he harnessed in him.

KYLE:
(a bitter tone in his voice)
Enough of the lecture…Let my family go!

DARTH VENGEANCE:
All in due time… My apprentice, activate the rest of the traps.

DARTH SHUND walks to one side of the room and pulls down a lever located in a metal box on the wall. KYLE looks around the room as BLUE energy walls suddenly appear around the windows and the doors to the two main entrances suddenly shut close. EVERYONE is trapped inside the room.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
Let us begin the fight, shall we?

KYLE momentarily looks at JANNA and EDRON and then back towards the SITH LORDS. With DARTH VENGEANCE drawing out his weapon, KYLE retrieves the lightsaber hilt from his pocket. A red blade appears from DARTH VENGEANCE’S laser sword while a purple blade appears from KYLE’S weapon.

JANNA and DARTH SHUND look on as the challenge finally begins.

EXT. DAMOSSE—CORPICA PALACE—DUSK

A shot of ZARTHAN’S speeder as it cruises up the same dirt road that MAVER’SS took to Corpica Palace. The next shot is that of the GENO WARRIOR getting off the speeder after stopping in front of the large entrance doors.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

The lightsaber duel is weighing heavily in the SITH LORD’S favor. DARTH VENGEANCE shows smooth swordsmanship while KYLE is struggling in using his weapon to block the SITH LORD’S deathblows. As a sign that he is no match for his opponent, KYLE takes out from his pocket the homing beacon WILKES gave to him. KYLE then activates it. DARTH VENGEANCE recognizes the device, and smiles in amusement at his outmatched rival. After shaking his head in mock pity towards his opponent, the SITH LORD begins fighting again.

EXT. DAMOSSE—DIRT ROAD—DUSK

GENERAL WILKES, COLONEL MASON, other OFFICERS as well as SECURITY GUARDS are cruising down a dirt road on board landspeeders and speeder bikes. WILKES looks down at a device he is holding in his hands. The device is making a beeping sound.

WILKES:
Maver’ss activated the homing beacon.

MASON:
I guess that means he’s in some serious trouble now.

WILKES:
He’s gonna be in a lot more serious trouble if we don’t get there in time.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

DARTH VENGEANCE flips in the air all over the place…and grins sadistically whenever he knocks KYLE to the ground or inflicts pain on him using a martial art skill. JANNA watches helplessly from behind the bed’s energy barrier as DARTH SHUND steps forward to get a closer look at the action.

During the fight, KYLE spots the APPRENTICE standing within vicinity of him. After getting close enough, the COMMANDER kicks DARTH SHUND in the stomach…causing the warrior to fall to the ground. The SITH LORD gets back up, a deadly look now on his face.

At one point in the duel, KYLE catches the SITH MASTER off-guard. Much like the APPRENTICE, DARTH VENGEANCE is kicked in the stomach, getting knocked to the ground as a result. While VENGEANCE remains on the floor, KYLE points the tip of the purple lightsaber blade to his face…ready to vanquish the SITH LORD on the next move.

DARTH VENGEANCE, still lying on the ground, summons his APPRENTICE… who is now standing behind KYLE. When KYLE turns around, DARTH SHUND ignites his lightsaber, and slashes it across KYLE’S stomach. The COMMANDER instantly falls to the ground.

JANNA: Kyle!!!

While using his arms to cover the wound on his stomach, KYLE turns to look at his WIFE.

KYLE:
(a low voice)
Janna… I'm sorry.

JANNA has an anguished look on her face.

KYLE:
Edron... He has to...avenge me.

JANNA watches as her HUSBAND’S eyes shut close for the last time.

She then turns her head around, and watches as DARTH VENGEANCE begins to walk towards her. His lightsaber is still ignited.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—MAIN STAIRCASE

ZARTHAN walks down the aisle leading to the staircase inside the main chamber.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

DARTH VENGEANCE uses the Force to pull up the lever—which is behind the bed’s energy wall—to deactivate the barrier. JANNA then watches as the SITH LORD grins while raising his lightsaber for the killing blow.

DARTH SHUND turns around and sees that the blue energy walls covering the windows suddenly disappear.

DARTH SHUND:
What’s going on?

DARTH VENGEANCE lowers his lightsaber to also look at the windows.

DARTH SHUND:
Someone is shutting off the power to these traps.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
(a furious tone in his voice)
The power generator should have been inside this room... That foolish dictator.

While the SITH MASTER is distracted, JANNA reaches over to the bed lever to reactivate the energy barrier. As the bluish wall shoots from one corner of the bed to the other, it slides across the hand DARTH VENGEANCE is using to hold his lightsaber. DARTH VENGEANCE jolts in pain as that hand is severed off.

Using the Force to de-activate the energy barrier again, DARTH VENGEANCE retrieves the lightsaber with his remaining hand and prepares to deal the killing blow on JANNA.

The room suddenly goes dark. When the lights come back on, the SITH LORDS and JANNA see ZARTHAN standing near one of the main doorways. DARTH SHUND takes out his lightsaber while ZARTHAN draws out his weapon in response.

As the SITH LORDS cast their cloaks aside, ZARTHAN detaches his sword hilt into two segments. He then presses a button on both handles, causing a blue laser blade to come out of each. ZARTHAN has two lightsabers at his disposal.

The SITH LORDS charge towards the GENO WARRIOR to begin a fierce lightsaber fight.

EXT. DAMOSSE—CORPICA PALACE—DUSK

GENERAL WILKES, COLONEL MASON, other OFFICERS as well as SECURITY GUARDS arrive at the castle-like structure. Some SECURITY GUARDS arrive at the scene on board speeder bikes.

WILKES:
All right men, surround this entire area. I don’t want those suspects getting through.

SECURITY CHIEF:
Yes, sir.

EVERYONE fans out to make sure each square yard of land around the palace is covered.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

ZARTHAN proves that he is a formidable opponent to DARTH SHUND and VENGEANCE. He uses both of his laser swords to deflect the blows of the SITH LORDS’ lightsabers.

At certain points in the fight, ZARTHAN would deflect the lightsaber blows of BOTH WARRIORS simultaneously. The laser sword in ZARTHAN’S left hand would fend off DARTH SHUND’S weapon while the laser sword in ZARTHAN’S right hand would fend off DARTH VENGEANCE’S weapon. ZARTHAN would also use martial art skills to fight off the SITH LORDS.

Like KYLE, ZARTHAN knocks DARTH VENGEANCE to the ground at one point in the fight using a well-placed kick.

DARTH VENGEANCE:
(still on the floor)
Lord Shund, leave us.

DARTH SHUND:
(frowns)
What?

DARTH VENGEANCE:
I said leave us! Check if Dark Intrigue has begun.

DARTH SHUND:
(hesitantly)
Yes, Master.

DARTH SHUND gives the GENO WARRIOR an evil look as he turns away.

ZARTHAN swings one lightsaber at the SITH LORD as he picks up his cloak and then departs from the room. DARTH VENGEANCE uses the distraction to stand up again and move in for the kill...but this is to no avail. ZARTHAN is quick in deflecting the blow with his laser sword.

Using one laser sword to fight VENGEANCE, ZARTHAN uses the other one to separate the two binders holding together the hands of JANNA…who is still kneeling on the bed. ZARTHAN then puts one lightsaber hilt away and takes out a transmitting device to signal to his WINGMEN that DARTH SHUND is on his way.

EXT. DAMOSSE—GRASSLAND—NIGHT

A device on the belt of one of ZARTHAN’S WINGMEN beeps after receiving a signal from the LEADER of the GENO WARRIORS.

WINGMAN #1:
(looking down at the device)
This is it.

WINGMAN #2:
You’ve received the signal?

WINGMAN #1:
(nodding as he makes his way back to his spacecraft)
Our target is making his move.

The rest of ZARTHAN’S WINGMEN head to their ships as well.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

ZARTHAN puts the transmitting device away and takes the other lightsaber hilt out again. The GENO WARRIOR then takes the lightsaber duel out of the room and into the hallway. With the room now silent, JANNA gets off the bed, picks up EDRON and runs over to where KYLE is lying.

Tears fill JANNA’S eyes as she accepts the fact her HUSBAND was fatally wounded.
EXT. DAMOSSE—CORPICA PALACE—NIGHT

The SECURITY CHIEF looks up at the palace.

SECURITY CHIEF:
There he is!

WILKES, MASON, and other OFFICERS look up and see DARTH SHUND as he jumps out a window high above the ground. Landing near a speeder bike, the SITH LORD ignites his lightsaber and uses it to dispatch the SECURITY GUARD the vehicle belonged to.

EVERYONE opens fire, but it is in vain as the SITH LORD deflects the laser bolts as he narrowly escapes on the bike.

WILKES:
(to Colonel Mason)
Contact the base. That attacker is gonna try to leave this planet.

MASON nods in response as WILKES watches the SITH LORD disappear into the darkness.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—HALLWAY

ZARTHAN drives DARTH VENGEANCE out of the hallway and into the despot’s sanctuary room.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S SANCTUARY ROOM

As the duel continues, DARTH VENGEANCE uses the Force to fling objects at the GENO WARRIOR, who shatters them with his lightsabers before they can hit him. Fallen bricks, candles, the detached limbs of damaged statues... DARTH VENGEANCE uses any object available to distract ZARTHAN.

DARTH VENGEANCE eventually uses the Force to rip a statue from its foundation, causing the structure to fall over and nearly crush ZARTHAN…who barely escapes in time by jumping out of the way. DARTH VENGEANCE uses the Force again to fling a skull at the now-distracted ZARTHAN. The skull slams against the GENO WARRIOR’S face, causing him to fall to the ground and become stunned by the impact. ZARTHAN loses one of his lightsabers in the process.

The SITH LORD walks over to the GENO WARRIOR and kicks the remaining lightsaber out of ZARTHAN’S hand. DARTH VENGEANCE then rests a foot on top of ZARTHAN’S chest, making sure the GENO WARRIOR doesn’t escape as the killing blow prepares to be delivered.

EXT. DAMOSSE—GRASSLAND—NIGHT

DARTH SHUND arrives at his spacecraft and quickly makes his way back into the cockpit. The next shot is that of the ship lifting off from the surface.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER BASE—HANGAR BAY

DACK is already inside the cockpit of his D-12.

DACK:
Are you sure the homing beacons are in place?

CONTROLLER:
(talking to the Captain from the Operation Center)
We’re sure, Captain.

BRYCE:
The ships we found near the North Coast and Kyle’s town are being traced, Dack. There’s no way that attacker will escape this planet.

DACK:
(sighs)
Don’t bet on it.

The canopy glass descends onto DACK’S cockpit as he begins to fly out of the hangar bay.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S SANCTUARY ROOM

Just as DARTH VENGEANCE is about to deliver the killing blow, ZARTHAN puts his hands around the foot the SITH LORD is lying on his chest. ZARTHAN quickly twists the foot around, causing DARTH VENGEANCE to fall to the ground.

The GENO WARRIOR quickly gets back onto his feet, and retrieves one of his lightsabers to begin the duel again. DARTH VENGEANCE stands up from the floor and charges toward ZARTHAN. The SITH LORD is furious that he is losing the challenge.

EXT. SECRET FACILITY—NIGHT (FX)

Seven Aray starfighters approach the cloning facility.

ARAY #1:
I’m nearing the facility.
(Presses buttons on his flight console)
I’m gonna take a closer look at it.

ARAY #2:
Roger that.

ARAY #2 flies over the base when a turbolaser emplacement deploys from its hiding place and fires at the passing spacecraft. ARAY #2 is instantly destroyed in the ambush. The six remaining starfighters attempt to evade in response, but it is all for naught.

Several seconds later, the entire squadron is destroyed in the attack.

INT. SECRET FACILITY—COMMAND CENTER

KLAHR smiles after watching the ambush through a window.

KLAHR:
I guess we don’t have to worry about those fighters, anymore.

ASSASSIN #2:
That fleet might send in reinforcements, sir.

ASSASSIN #1:
That’s already taken care of.

KLAHR:
What do you mean?

ASSASSIN #1:
I’ve learned some things about this base before you arrived, Klahr. We still have tricks up our sleeves.

INT. ROYAL BATTLESHIP—MAIN BRIDGE

The COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER turns to look at the CAPTAIN after staring at her viewing screen.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER:
That squadron was destroyed, Captain.
(A brief pause as the Captain contemplates to himself)
What do you suggest we do now?

CAPTAIN:
(turns to look at the Weapons Officers)
Arm the main cannons. We’re gonna destroy that base.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #2:
Why are we doing that, sir?

CAPTAIN:
Because whatever’s down there has fallen to the wrong hands.
(Another pause)
The Baron’s project can’t afford to be compromised.

The two COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS turn to look at each other.

CAPTAIN:
Begin firing on my mark.

EXT. LANCER SQUADRON—SPACE (FX)

PAN with Lancer Squadron as it heads for deep space.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

One of DACK’S wingmen contacts him through the comlink.

LANCER TWENTY:
Captain, we’re picking up something on radar. Four unknown fighters at 11 o’clock.

DACK looks to the upper portside of his canopy glass.

DACK:
I see them.

EXT. LANCER SQUADRON—SPACE (FX)

Lancer Squadron flies toward the Magistrate fighters.

INT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT

WINGMAN #1 looks down at his flight console as DACK establishes contact with him.

DACK:
(through the comlink)
Attention, unidentified spacecraft. Please state your intention for being here.

WINGMAN #1:
We are waiting for someone to arrive in this area. We have unfinished business to settle with him.

DACK:
Well… If this business involves any hostile actions, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.

WINGMAN #1:
(grins)
I’d like to see you try.

EXT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER SQUADRON—SPACE (FX)

The S-foils on WINGMAN #1’s starfighter are deployed.

INT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT

WINGMAN #1 then presses the trigger to open fire.

EXT. LANCER SQUADRON—SPACE (FX)

Lancer Squadron and the Magistrate fighters begin attacking at each other.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S SANCTUARY ROOM

The lightsaber duel continues. At one point in the fight, ZARTHAN and DARTH VENGEANCE are caught in a standoff as they attempt to force each other’s blade down upon the other opponent.

Despite the disadvantage of having only one hand to fight with, DARTH VENGEANCE is winning the standoff. But just as the SITH LORD is having the upper hand, ZARTHAN quickly pushes his laser sword forward, causing the SITH LORD’S lightsaber hilt to hit him squarely in the face.

DARTH VENGEANCE is stunned by the impact, and remains motionless just as ZARTHAN delivers the final blow. He swings his lightsaber across the SITH LORD’S neck... beheading him in the process.

ZARTHAN looks on as DARTH VENGEANCE’S body falls and sinks into a water-filled cesspit inside the sanctuary room.

The GENO WARRIOR then shuts down his lightsaber as the fight comes to an end.

EXT. EXXOL—SECRET FACILITY—NIGHT (FX)

Located several hundred meters away from the facility, three GIANT cannons emerge from an opening on the side of a nearby mountain.

INT. ROYAL BATTLESHIP—MAIN BRIDGE

The CAPTAIN is standing near the stations of the WEAPONS OFFICERS.

CAPTAIN:
Are the weapons in place?

WEAPONS OFFICER #1:
Yes, sir. The target coordinates are set… We can fire when ready.

CAPTAIN:
Begin the countdown.

WEAPONS OFFICER #2:
Sixteen, fifteen, fourteen…

EXT. EXXOL—SECRET FACILITY—NIGHT (FX)

The three cannons move upward as they get into aiming position.

INT. ROYAL BATTLESHIP—MAIN BRIDGE

WEAPONS OFFICER #2:
…eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, six…

EXT. EXXOL—SECRET FACILITY—NIGHT (FX)

The night sky momentarily resembles day as the three cannons fire…the powerful blast from each turbolaser shaking the surrounding area.

INT. ROYAL BATTLESHIP—MAIN BRIDGE

WEAPONS OFFICER #2: …three, two, one, zero.

CAPTAIN:
Fire!

The WEAPONS OFFICERS are about to press their firing buttons when they look out the window and see three huge laser beams coming their way.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #2:
Incoming!

EXT. SPACE—PLANET EXXOL (FX)

A shot of the fleet as it is obliterated by the cannons’ assault. The Royal Battleship is engulfed in a blinding ball of fire.

INT. SECRET FACILITY—COMMAND CENTER

KLAHR grins at the ASSASSINS after watching the attack on a video screen.

KLAHR:
And that, my friends, is that.

EXT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER SQUADRON—SPACE (FX)

An Aray starfighter zeroes in on a D-12 spacecraft.

INT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT

WINGMAN #1 locks onto the Damosse starfighter and fires a missile. The D-12 releases a flare from the back of its fuselage, causing the missile to veer away from the main target and fly towards the decoy.

The missile explodes upon impact with the chaff.

EXT. SITH SPACECRAFT—SPACE (FX)

PAN with DARTH SHUND’S spacecraft as it heads out of Damosse’s atmosphere.

INT. SITH SPACECRAFT—COCKPIT—SPACE

DARTH SHUND looks out his canopy glass and spots Lancer Squadron as well as the five ships from ZARTHAN’S flight group. He looks on as the two groups of ships are engaged in a fierce firefight. He steers his spacecraft in the opposite direction of the battle to escape detection.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

LANCER TWENTY spots the Sith ship flying away.

LANCER TWENTY:
There he is, Captain…he’s trying to get away!

DACK:
Roger that, Lancer Twenty. Everyone, break off the attack and follow him!

LANCER NINETEEN:
Yes, sir.

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

Lancer Squadron flies away from the Magistrate fighters and heads for the Sith Spacecraft.

INT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT

WINGMAN #2 watches as DACK’S flight group veer away to pursue the escaping SITH LORD.

WINGMAN #2:
Where’re they going?

WINGMAN #1:
They’re after the same target as we are.

WINGMAN #2:
Maybe we shouldn’t have attacked them, after all.

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

The Magistrate fighters also head for the Sith Spacecraft.

INT. SITH SPACECRAFT—COCKPIT—SPACE

DARTH SHUND spots the oncoming attackers and turns around to approach them. He then arms his weapons and cloaking shield.

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

Blue electrical bolts begin to appear around DARTH SHUND’S ship.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

The CAPTAIN spots the Sith Spacecraft’s transformation first, and quickly moves in response.

DACK:
Not this time.
(He presses the trigger on his control stick)

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

A missile shoots out from DACK’S fighter and hits the Sith Spacecraft on the bottom of its hull. The blue electrical bolts suddenly disappear as the cloaking shield is damaged in the impact.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

DACK:
All right group, let’s finish him off!

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

DARTH SHUND goes into evasive maneuver, and prepares his ship for a fierce dogfight with Lancer Squadron and the Magistrate flight group. The SITH LORD uses every weapon at his disposal: six forward laser cannons, a pair of missile launchers, rear-firing proton torpedoes, and two ion cannons.

Over the course of the dogfight, DARTH SHUND destroys three of the six ships comprising LANCER SQUADRON and two of the four ships making up ZARTHAN’S squadron. The Sith Spacecraft had been severely damaged during the battle.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

Show DACK as he prepares to achieve a lock-on in order to launch a missile at the Sith Spacecraft. After achieving a lock-on, MADREN then presses a trigger…and a missile streaks out from the underside of his D-12.

INT. SITH SPACECRAFT—COCKPIT—SPACE

DARTH SHUND activates the hyperdrive lever, and watches outside the canopy glass as stars change into starlines…signifying the jump into hyperspace.

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

DACK looks on as the missile bears down on DARTH SHUND’S ship. This is all in vain as the Sith Spacecraft eventually vanishes into hyperspace.

The missile flies aimlessly through space until it finally self-detonates.

INT. DAMOSSE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT—SPACE

DACK rolls his eyes in disappointment.

DACK:
No...

LANCER NINETEEN:
What do we do now, Captain?

DACK:
We head home. This isn’t over, yet.

INT. MAGISTRATE STARFIGHTER—COCKPIT

WINGMAN #1 has an expressionless look on his face after his quarry disappears.

EXT. DAMOSSE—SPACE (FX)

PAN with Lancer Squadron and the Magistrate Squadron as they head back to Damosse.

EXT. DAMOSSE—CORPICA PALACE—NIGHT

Several landspeeders bearing more OFFICIALS from the starfighter base arrive at the palace.

INT. CORPICA PALACE—DESPOT’S BEDROOM

ZARTHAN enters the bedroom again, and spots JANNA as she is still kneeling beside KYLE’s body.

ZARTHAN:
I’m sorry about your husband.

JANNA:
(a look of anguish on her)
Why did this happen? Kyle didn’t deserve this.

ZARTHAN:
What are you going to do now?

JANNA:
I’m gonna do what he wanted me to do. Something that will prevent this from happening again.

ZARTHAN and JANNA turn around and see GENERAL WILKES, MASON, and other OFFICIALS enter the room. The newcomers come to a halt, remaining silent as they rest their eyes on the COMMANDER’S body lying on the ground.

JANNA:
This whole mess…
(JANNA pauses as she both has an anguished and contemplative look on her face)
…This is where a Jedi came along, don’t you think?

EXT. TEMPLE OF THE JEDI—BALCONY—NIGHT

PLO KOON looks at the dark Coruscant cityscape when NERIDA JYRICK appears on the balcony.

JYRICK:
We have been conducting this inquiry for quite a while now, and we still haven’t came up with any answers. This Corporal Rison person is very mysterious, is he?

PLO KOON:
(nods)
Have you heard about Damosse?

JYRICK:
I have.
(He has a contemplative look as he continues to stare at the cityscape)
I still cannot believe the Sith could return so unexpectedly.

PLO KOON:
This may signal the beginning of turmoil for the Republic…

PLO KOON stares at JYRICK as he stands alongside the Jedi Master to stare at the horizon.

On a balcony located below the one the JEDI MASTERS are standing on, SHAN DO GOK observes the two figures as they are having their conversation.

EXT. DAMOSSE CEMETERY—NIGHT

JANNA (carrying EDRON), GENERAL WILKES, MASON, BRYCE, DACK and other OFFICIALS stand before KYLE’S tombstone...which is right next to those of JANNA’S MOM and DAD.

PLO KOON:
(V.O.)
Not just the Republic...

INT. SECRET FACILITY—MANUFACTURING COMPLEX

PAN with GENERAL ZYRA as he walks down a hallway towards a balcony overlooking the huge complex. Far below the OFFICER are several rows of assembly lines transporting the uniformed bodies of thousands of CLONES to another chamber.

PLO KOON:
(V.O.)
...but for the entire Galaxy.

This scene FADES OUT before the next shot appears.

EXT. CORUSCANT—LANDING PLATFORM—DAWN

The camera PANS DOWN from the top of a giant skyscraper to a landing platform. The Jedi Council waits on the platform while JANNA, DACK, and GENERAL WILKES walk down the ramp of a docked spacecraft. DACK and GENERAL WILKES come to a halt as JANNA continues to walk forward…coming to a stop in front of MACE WINDU, YODA, and a JEDI KNIGHT.

JANNA hands EDRON over to the JEDI KNIGHT, with MACE WINDU and YODA bowing in response. With tears on her face, JANNA smiles as she rubs EDRON’S cheek. She then backs away, and sadly follows DACK and WILKES back into the spacecraft.

MACE WINDU and YODA stare at EDRON and then back at the ship, which slowly lifts off and flies out of the cityscape. The last scene is that of the spacecraft as it is silhouetted against the sunrise while heading for the sky.

IRIS OUT:
End titles
May the Force be with everyone in this dull world, always...hahahahahahahahahaha!!! =)BACK