Attack of the Clones

Great Tree…

"Deep in the branches of the Great Tree stood a... somewhat brave creature, ready to start a new journey with their trusty steed, Juniper." Ruby said, narrating.

"I can do this. I can do this! We can do this! Together, we can do anything!" Somewhat said, excitedly.

"They were right to be somewhat nervous. Having a new purpose can be tough, and this was an important one at that." Ruby said, narrating.

"Let's go!" Somewhat cheered.

Somewhat and Juniper stand at the peak of the Great Tree, as Somewhat pulls out a small branch from the Tree to wield. The two begin travelling on one of the large branches of the Tree.

"You see, things had been a bit different in the Ever After lately. Tasked by the Blacksmith, they were given a somewhat ambiguous quest. 'Find what feels wrong'." Ruby said, narrating.

"When asked where to look, the Blacksmith simply replied, 'Do what your heart desires'." Jared said, narrating.

"'Do what feels right'." Ruby and Jared said, narrating.

"Still somewhat unsure of where to go, they first followed their hearts to the newly-rebuilt acre of the Genial Gems." Ruby said, narrating.

Origami Acre…

Somewhat and Juniper arrive at the large crystal spire.

"Wow. Everything looks so shiny." Somewhat said, amazed.

Two Genial Gems walk by.

"Excuse me? Excuse me? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?" Somewhat asked.

The Genial Gems continue to walk past Somewhat.

"They were somewhat sad to be ignored, but also marveled at the Gems' concentration. You see, the Gems once had a hero that helped them day in and day out. But, because of that, they thought not of themselves." Ruby said, narrating.

"Aww…" Somewhat said, dejected.

'Oh, we do not mean to be rude. We are just busy.' said a nearby Gem. 'The more that we help ourselves now, the more we can help others in the future. I, however, am currently resting, an important part of physical activity, so I can assist you.'" Jared said, narrating.

Somewhat chuckles.

"'It makes me happy to make you happy!' the Gem exclaimed. 'It makes me less happy to tell you that we have seen no ordinary or out of ordinary things of late. Just ourselves.'" Jared said, narrating.

"Thank you!" Somewhat said, chuckling again.

"Next, their heart desired a sweeter smell." Ruby said, narrating.

Garden's Arcre…

Somewhat and Juniper ride a lilypad to reach the Garden.

"Did something bad happen here? I hope everyone is okay." Somewhat said.

Somewhat looks over to see Afterans working on rebuilding the Garden, constructing a new 'Hawker's' stand. One of the birds approaches Somewhat.

"'Yes.' they reply. 'But we've all come together and because of that, we're stronger.'" Jared said, narrating.

Somewhat smells the aroma of the cookies the Afteran is holding.

"Finding nothing wrong, they were somewhat discouraged. Their heart led them nowhere." Ruby said, narrating.

Somewhat and Juniper travel elsewhere in the Garden's Acre, now finding themselves in the mushroom forests, where many Afterans are gathered around a mushroom house.

"'How may I assist you?' the Herbalist asked." Jared said, narrating.

"Oh, we are not yet ready to return to the tree. We still have our purpose." Somewhat said.

"'I see. May I ask a small favor? There is an Afteran in need. Please, do what feels right.'" Jared said, narrating.

The Herbalist offers an envelope containing leaves from the Great Tree to Somewhat.

"Hm." Somewhat said.

Outside Crimson Castle…

Somewhat and Juniper arrive outside of the Crimson Castle.

"This place feels... wrong." Somewhat said.

"Guided not by their heart, but an Afteran in need, they entered the empty Crimson Keep. Typically ruled over by the loyal guards of the Red Prince, no such army appeared to be present." Ruby said, narrating.

Crimson Castle…

Somewhat walks through empty hallways of the Crimson Castle.

"After searching and searching, they finally stumbled upon a lone occupant: the Red Prince himself." Ruby said, narrating.

Somewhat finds the Red Prince looking down at his game board in a dark room with a sole green light coming from a window.

"Where is everyone?" Somewhat asked.

"Without looking up, the Prince muttered, 'I sent them away. How could one expect them to be ruled by someone like me?'" Jared said, narrating.

"Who... is someone like you?" Somewhat asked.

"The Prince's trance on the game piece finally broke and the two locked eyes for the first time. 'You seem familiar'." Jared said, narrating.

"As do you! I wonder if we used to be friends?" Somewhat asked.

"The Prince smiled. 'I wonder... Please, sit. Let's play a game.'" Jared said, narrating.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but I have a job…" Somewhat said.

'As do I', the Prince interrupted. 'And if you beat me, I'll happily help you with yours.'" Jared said, narrating.

Somewhat sits on the other side of the Prince, the two now playing his game.

"So, what is your purpose?" Somewhat asked.

"'To win this game'." Jared said, narrating.

"Hmm. That doesn't seem very fair. What if my purpose was to win, too?" Somewhat asked.

"'Such is the way of our life'." Jared said, narrating.

"What if it doesn't have to be? I'm still new here, but I've met loads of Afterans and people that have grown and found new things to do, even without going to the tree. Who knows, maybe you could teach others to win. Speaking of, I won!" Somewhat said, blushing. "I think? I'm sorry."

"After a long silence, the Red Prince finally spoke. 'Thank you for playing with me, little one. I've learned a lot'." Jared said, narrating.

"That... felt right." Somewhat said.

Outside the Crimson Castle…

The Red Prince sees Somewhat and Juniper off.

"It seemed that more than a somewhat big impression had been left on the Prince. And there was one less wrong thing in the Ever After." Ruby said, narrating.

The Red Prince, holding the envelope given to him by Somewhat, drops it onto the ground.

"Their purpose complete, they desired nothing more than a rest after their grand adventure. Unfortunately, life is seldom as straightforward." Ruby said, narrating.

Abandoned Acre…

As Somewhat and Juniper travel through the Abandoned Acre, a portal, similar to those created by Ambrosius or the Blacksmith, opens up before them. Juniper slows to a stop in front of it.

"That's when they saw people that they were somewhat not prepared to see." Ruby said, narrating.

As the portal opens, Somewhat's ear flicks as they open one eye.

"Oh! You two are back!" Somewhat said, excitedly.

(Jared's POV)

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, CORRIDORS - DAY…

Anakin, Padmé and I enter the stalagmite city.

"After seeing Somewhat with Ruby in the Ever After." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "I can't believe the portal led me here."

We stop, looking around in wonder at the emptiness.

(Open POV)

INTERIOR: COCKPIT, NABOO STARSHIP - DAY…

Artoo stands in front of Threepio, who is fussing about.

"For a mechanic, you seem to do an excessive amount of thinking. I'm programmed to understand humans." C-3PO said, while Artoo beeps a question. "What does that mean? That means I'm in charge here!"

Artooo trundles out of the starship and down the landing ramp. Threepio follows him out of the ship.

"Wait! Where are you going? Don't you have any sense at all?" C-3PO asked, as Artoo makes a rude noise. "How rude! Please wait! Do you know where you're going?"

Artoo bleeps at Threepio.

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, CORRIDORS - DAY…

Anakin, Padmé and I start forward. As we pass, the surface of the pillars seems to pulse slowly and move. High above, winged creatures grow from the pillars and detach themselves.

"Wait." Anakin said, turning as one of the winged creatures attacked him. "So, Jared. How much do you know?"

Lightsaber blazing, Anakin cuts down three creatures as Padmé and I exit through a far doorway.

"Of this adventure?" I asked, looking down at the floor. "A lot."

Anakin reaches Padmé and I and the three of us stand on the edge of a short walkway extending over a deep crevasse. The door behind us closes, stranding us three. The walkway retracts and Padmé and I slipped and then jumps down onto a conveyor belt leading into the droid

factory.

"Padmé! Jared!" Anakin yelled, jumping down and slashes more winged creatures while

attempting to reach Padmé and I.

"Jared, you look older." Padmé said, and the two of us make our way across stamping machines and welders as Anakin follows, beating back winged creatures. "You said you went to a place called the Ever After. What is it like?"

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, DROID FACTORY - DAY…

Threepio and Artoo stop at the small walkway.

"Oh my goodness! Machines creating machines. How perverse!" C-3PO said, while Artoo bleeps. "Calm down. What are you talking about? I'm not in your way!"

Artoo pushes Threepio off the small ledge and onto a flying Conveyor Droid. Flailing, Threepio falls from the droid and onto the conveyor belt below. Artoo uses his rocket jets to fly up and into the factory.

"Help!" C-3PO cried.

Anakin continues to work his way toward Padmé and I, lightsaber flashing, winged creatures attacking from all directions.

"The Ever After is like a fairy tale land." I said, as Padmé and I wrestle with one creature and the two of us are thrown into a large empty vat moving down the assembly line. "Crap."

Mechanized arms carry the vat to a position where molten metal will be poured into it.

"Where were you before the Ever After?" Padmé asked.

Padmé and I struggle to find handholds for escape, but are unsuccessful.

"I was on Earth." I said, happily. "A forest grew overnight for a day."

Artoo flies toward Padmé and I.

"So it became Yavin IV." Padmé said, her eyes widening.

C-3PO is carried down the assembly line. He stands, only to find his head sliced from his body.

"Basically." I said, smiling. "The Earth went back to normal afterwards a solar flare passed by."

C-3PO's head lands in a line of Battle Droid heads and is welded to a Battle Droid body.

"How ugly! Why would one build such unattractive droids?" C-3PO asked.

Threepio's headless body continues down the assembly line, sandwiched between Battle Droids. A Battle Droid head is welded on Threepio's body.

"I'm so confused." C-3PO said.

Meanwhile, Anakin continues to battle creatures. He trips on the assembly line and his right arm becomes locked into a molding device. Anakin comes close to the cutting machine. As Padmé and I continue our struggle to escape the vat, Artoo finds the computer port controlling the vats and programs Padmé's and mine to dump us onto a walkway.

"Thanks, Artoo!" I said, excitedly.

Anakin ignites his lightsaber in an attempt to free his arm. The cutter approaches. He maneuvers his body away from the cutter, but it slams down and cuts his lightsaber in half.

Padmé and I are surrounded by winged creatures and the both of us are taken prisoner.

Anakin is surrounded by Droidekas and from above.

Jango Fett drops down, blaster in hand, "Don't move, Jedi!"

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY…

Count Dooku sits at a large conference table with Padme on the far side. Anakin and I stand behind Padme with four Genosian guards standing behind us.

"This is going to take a while." I said, sadly.

Jango Fett stands behind Count Dooku, and six Genosian guards stand behind him.

"You are holding a Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am formally requesting you turn him over to me, now." Padmé said.

"He has been convicted of espionage, Senator, and will be executed. In just a few hours, I believe." Count Dooku said, smiling.

"He is an officer of the Republic. You can't do that."

"We don't recognize the Republic here, Senator. But if Naboo were to join our Alliance, I could easily hear your plea for clemency."

"And if I don't join your rebellion, I assume these Jedis with me will also die?"

"I don't wish to make you to join our cause against your will, Senator, but you are a rational, honest representative of your people and I assume you want to do what's in their best interest. Aren't they fed up with the corruption, the bureaucrats, the hypocrisy of it all? Aren't you? Be honest, Senator." Dooku said.

"The ideals are still alive, Count, even if the institution is failing."

"You believe in the same ideals we believe in! The same ideals we are striving to make prominent."

"If what you say is true, you should stay in the Republic and help Chancellor Palpatine put things right."

"The Chancellor means well, M'Lady, but he is incompetent. He has promised to cut the bureaucracy, but the bureaucrats are stronger than ever, no? The Republic cannot be fixed, M'Lady. It is time to start over. The democratic process in the Republic is a sham, no? A shell game played on the voters. The time will come when that cult of greed, called the Republic, will lose even the pretext of democracy and freedom."

"I cannot believe that. I know of your treaties with the Trade Federation, the Commerce Guilds, and the others, Count. What is happening here is not government that has been bought out by business... it's business becoming government! I will not forsake all I have honored and worked for and betray the Republic." Padmé said, looking at Count Dooku.

"Then you will betray your Jedi friends? Without your cooperation I can do nothing to stop their execution." Dooku said.

"And what about me? Am I to be executed also?"

"I wouldn't think of such an offense. But, there are individuals who have a strong interest in your demise, M'Lady. It has nothing to do with politics, I'm afraid. It's purely personal, and they have already paid great sums to have you assassinated. I'm sure they will push hard to have you included in the executions. I'm sorry but if you are not going to cooperate, I must turn you over to the Geonosians for justice. Without your cooperation, I've done all I can for you."

"Take them away." Jango Fett said.

(Open POV)

INTERIOR: CORUSCANT, MAIN SENATE CHAMBER, UPPER CORRIDOR - EVENING…

Mace Windu walks down an upper corridor and meets Yoda, who is sitting on a ledge overlooking the Senate chamber. Inside the great rotunda, the uproar is even louder. Opposing senators yell furiously at one another.

"Order! Order!" Mas Amedda yelled.

Finally, the uproar dies.

"In the regrettable absence of Senator Amidala, the chair recognizes senior representative of Naboo, Jar Jar Binks." Palpatine said.

Amid the conflicting storm of cheers and boos, Jar Jar, with two Gungan aides, floats on his pod to the middle of the vast space. He looks at Palpatine nervously. Palpatine nods.

Jar Jar clears his throat, "Senators, dellow felagates…"

Laughter. Jeers. Jar Jar blushes.

"Order! The Senate will accord the Representative the courtesy of a hearing!" Mas Amedda said, angrily.

Comparative quiet. Jar Jar grips the edge of the podium.

INTERIOR: CORUSCANT, MAIN SENATE CHAMBER - EVENING…

Jar Jar stands in his pod as it floats in the middle of the

vast space, "In response to the direct threat to the Republic mesa propose that the Senate give immediately emergency powers to the Supreme Chancellor."

Uproar. Jar Jar looks a little sheepish. Brief silence, then a rolling wave of applause. Jar Jar

beams and bows.

Palpatine rises, "It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy... I love the Republic. But I am mild by nature, and I do not desire to see the destruction of democracy. The power you give me I will lay down when this crisis has abated, I promise you. And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a grand army of the Republic to counter the increasing threats of the separatists."

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, HIGH AUDIENCE CHAMBER - DAY…

Anakin, Padmé, and I are standing in the center of what looks like a courtroom. Seated before them in a tall, boxed-off area is Poggle the Lesser, Archduke of Geonosis. He is accompanied by his underling, Sun Fac. Off to one side the Separatist Senators Po Nudu, Tessek, and Toonbuck Toora. Next to them are the Commerce Dignitaries, Shu Mai, Nute Gunray, Passel Argente, Wat Tambor, and San Hill, of the Intergalactic Bank Clan. Along the wall about a hundred Geonisians wait for a verdict.

"You have been charged and found guilty of espionage." Sun Fac said.

"Do you have anything to say before your sentence is

carried out?" Poggle asked.

"You are committing an act of war, Archduke. I hope you are prepared for the consequences." Padmé said.

Poggle laughs. Count Dooku simply smiles.

"We build weapons, Senator... that is our business! Of course we're prepared!" Poggle yelled.

"Get on with it. Carry out the sentence. I want to see her suffer." Nute Gunray said.

"Your other Jedi friend is waiting for you, Senator.

Take them to the arena!" Poggle said, angrily.

Four guards take hold of Padmé, Anakin, and I. We are escorted out of the chamber to the sounds of chuckling.

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TUNNEL TO EXECUTION ARENA - DAY…

In the gloomy tunnel, Anakin, Padmé, and I are tossed into an open cart. The murmur of a vast crowd is heard nearby. Guards extend our arms along the framework and tie them so that we stand facing each other.

The driver gets up onto his seat.

"Don't be afraid." Anakin said.

"I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life." Padmé said.

"What are you talking about?"

"I love you." Padmé said, looking at Anakin.

"You love me?! I thought we decided not to fall in love. That we would be forced to live a lie. That it would destroy our lives…"

"I think our lives are about to be destroyed anyway. My love for you is a puzzle, Annie, for which I have no answers. I can't control it... and now I don't care. I truly, deeply love you, and before we die I want you to know." Padmé said, leaning toward Anakin.

By straining hard, it is just possible for their lips to meet. Padmé and Anakin kiss.

"Right. I forgot they kissed here." I said, under my breath.

The driver cracks his whip over the orray harnessed between the shafts. The cart jerks forward. Suddenly, there is a huge roar and blinding sunlight as they emerge into the arena.

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY

The great stadium is packed with tier upon tier of yelling Genosians. The cart trundles to the center, where Obi-Wan is chained to one of four upright posts that are three feet in diameter. The cart stops. Padmé, Anakin, and I are taken down, dragged to posts, and chained to them. Anakin is in the center. Padme pulls a wire from her clothing and places it in her mouth.

"I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten my message." Obi-Wan said, frowning.

"I retransmitted it as you requested, Master. Then we decided to come and rescue you." Anakin said.

"Good job!" Obi-Wan said, while he turned to look at me. "So, Jared. It has been a while. How have things been with you?"

Our arms are pulled high above their heads, and the cart drives away.

"Recently, I was defending the Andromeda Galaxy with the Guardians of the Galaxy." I said, happily. "We managed to stop a planet named Ego."

There is another roar as Poggle the Lesser, Count Dooku, Nute Gunray, the Fetts, and dignitaries arrive in the archducal box and take their places.

"I read the file. You did good work trying to keep Groot in place." Obi Wan said, smiling.

"The felons before you have been convicted of espionage against the Sovereign System of Geonosis. Their sentence of death is to be carried out in this public arena henceforth." Sun Fac said.

The crowd roars and cheers. In the box, Poggle the Lesser rises. The crowd becomes quiet.

"Let the executions begin!" Poggle said, angrily.

The crowd goes wild.

From different gates around the arena, three monsters are driven in. One is a Reek (bull-like), one is a Nexu (lion-like), and one is an Acklay (a kind of dino-lobster). They are driven in by Picadors carrying long spears and riding orrays. The Picadors poke the monsters toward the center, then retire to the perimeter.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Anakin said, sadly.

The monsters toss their heads, looking around, roaring or screeching. Then they catch sight of the four of us and start moving toward us.

"Take the one to the right. I'll take the one on the left." Obi-Wan said.

"What about Padmé and Jared?" Anakin asked.

Padmé has used the wire she concealed to pick the lock on one of the hand restraints. She turns around and pulls herself up by the chain to the top of the post. Within a moment, she is standing on top of it, trying to pull the chain free.

I turned myself intangible, to free myself out of the chains, knowing my ghost powers would still work. I figured that these aliens didn't know about the ghost powers I got while being around Danny Phantom on Earth.

"They seem to be on top of things." Obi-Wan said, smirking.

The Reek charges Anakin. He jumps up, and the beast hits the post hard. Anakin lands onto its back, wrapping part of his chain around its horn. The Reek backs off, shaking its head angrily, which tears the chain from the post.

Obi-Wan ducks around the post as the Acklay charges. It knocks the post flat, sending Obi-Wan sprawling. The Acklay crunches the post between its claws, freeing the chain. Obi-Wan leaps up and runs towards one of the Picadors. The Acklay takes off after him.

The Nexu arrives at Padmé's post and rears on its hind legs. On top, Padmé struggles to tear the chain free. The Nexu roars, displaying wicked, dripping fangs.

In the archducal box, Nute Gunray beams and rubs his hands.

In the arena, Obi-Wan runs at the Picador. The orray rears up. Obi-Wan grabs the Picador's long spear and pole vaults over him. The chasing Acklay smashes into the orray. It goes down. The Picador tumbles onto the sand, where he is grabbed by the Acklay and crunched.

Anakin's reek starts to buck. It charges around the arena with Anakin hanging on for dear life. He whirls the free length of chain around his head and casts it into the Reek's mouth. Its jaws clamp hard on the chain. Anakin yanks hard on the chain, turning the Reek, beginning to

ride it.

The Nexu's claws dig deep into the post. The cat-like creature reaches the top of the post and takes a swipe at Padmé.

"Padme!" I said, flying towards Padmé in my ghost form, I touched her and made us intangible. The claw is not hitting us at all. "That would have hurt you."

"Thanks." Padmé said, and I made us tangible again by flying away from her.

Padmé hits the creature with her chain and it backs off down the pole. Then, Padmé jumps off the post into the air. She swings around on the chain and whacks the beast hard on the head with both her feet. It tumbles back onto the sand. Padme climbs back up the pole, scrambling to the top.

In the archducal box, Nute Gunray fumes.

"Foul!! She can't do that... shoot her or something!" Nute Gunray yelled.

In the arena, Obi-Wan runs out from behind the fallen orray and throws the spear at the Acklay, hitting it in the neck. It lets out a terrible screech and turns on him. The Nexu springs up and makes to leap up at Padme again. She finally manages to work the chain loose. Anakin comes charging up on the Reek.

"You okay?" Anakin asked.

"Sure! Jared saved me from getting scratched!" Padmé said, nodding, gasping.

"Jump!" Anakin yelled.

The Nexu springs. Padmeé leaps from the top of the post to land on the Reek behind Anakin. I flew down towards the Reek, changing into my human form, and jumped down onto the Reek. The Reek charges away, around the arena. The Nexu bounds after it. The Reek passes the wounded Acklay and Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan runs and jumps on the back of the Reek behind Anakin, Padme and I. In the archducal box, Nute Gunray turns angrily to Count Dooku.

"This isn't how it's supposed to be! Jango, finish her off!" Nute Gunray said, angrily.

Count Dooku motions for the bounty hunter to stay put. Boba Fett is enjoying the spectacle.

"Patience, Viceroy… she will die." Count Dooku said, smiling enigmatically.

Droidekas roll to the center of the arena where they transform and surround the Reek and contain us.

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY…

In the archducal box, amid the uproar, Mace Windu ignites his lightsaber and holds it to Jango Fett's neck. Count Dooku turns to see Mace Windu standing behind him.

Count Dooku masks his surprise elegantly, "Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us. You're just in time for the moment of truth. I would think these three new boys of yours could use a little more training."

"Sorry to disappoint you, Dooku. This party's over." Mace Windu said, signaling, and at strategic places around the arena.

There are sudden flashes of light as about one hundred JediI switch on their lightsabers. I looked up in the sky to see the SAO Survivors beaming in. The crowd is suddenly silent. Count Dooku's lips curl in slight amusement.

"Brave, but foolish, my old Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered." Count Dooku said, looking at Mace Windu.

"I don't think so. The Geonosians aren't warriors. One Jedi has to be worth a hundred Geonosians." Mace Windu said. "And I had Jared call his friends from Terra. I suppose that wouldn't be a problem, since they're warriors."

Count Dooku looks around the great theater. His smile grows.

"It wasn't the Geonosians I was thinking about. How well do you think one Jedi and humans will hold up against a thousand Battle Droids?" Count Dooku asked, signaling.

Count Dooku said, signaling. Thousands of droids start to pour into all parts of the arena.

"Crap." Lisbeth said, at a loss for words.

Jango Fett fires his at Mace Windu, igniting Mace's robe. Mace Windu jumps into the arena. The battle begins. Genosians fly away everywhere. Droids fire at Jedi and the SAO Survivors, who deflect the bolts and cut down the droids.

The Genosian troops fire ray guns that are more difficult for the Jedi and SAO Survivors players to deflect. Several Jedi run to the center of the arena and throw lightsabers to Obi-Wan, Anakin, and I.

"The Battle of Geonosis." Silica said, attacking a Battle Droid. "Were we here originally?"

"No." I said, while I ran towards a discarded pistol and tossed it to Sinon. "Sinon!"

"Thank you." Sinon said, holding the pistol and shooting at the Battle Droids.

The Reek and the Nexu are spooked by the battle. The Reek bucks the riders off its back and stampedes around the arena, trampling Droids and Jedi that have moved into its path. Padme picks up a discarded pistol and joins the fight. Among the crowd, Jedi, Kirito, Asuna, Klein, Agil, Lisbeth, and Silica cut down swaths of Geonosians and Droids. On the sand, Jedi fight, attacking Droids. Obi-Wan, Anakin, and I swing our lightsabers, cutting droids in half. Padmé and Sinon blast away at droids and Geonisians.

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY…

Mace Windu runs to the center of the arena and fights back to-back with Obi-Wan and I, as we swipe and mangle droids. Among the tiers, Jedi and the SAO Survivors are slowly being driven back. They have killed heaps of Geonisians and have knocked out piles of Droids, but sheer numbers are telling. Individual Jedi are being cut down or blasted. The rest are retreating into the arena. Anakin and Padmé are back-to-back, fighting Droids and flying Geonosians.

"You call this diplomacy?" Anakin asked.

"No, I call it aggressive negotiations." Padmé said, smirking.

Threepio's body with the Battle Droid head enters the arena. The droid is fired upon and knocked back. The Battle Droid head goes flying off Threepio's body.

Padme jumps on top of the orray pulling the execution wagon. Anakin runs, jumps, and lands in the cart, deflecting laser blasts with his lightsaber. Padme blasts Battle Droids as the two ride through the arena.

The Battle Droid body with Threepio's head enters the arena, carrying a blaster rifle.

"Where are we? A battle! Oh, no! I'm just a protocol droid. I'm not made for this. I can't do it. I don't want to be destroyed!" C-3PO said, worried.

"Sorry." Sinon said, using her pistol to knock the Threepio Battle Droid backward onto the arena floor.

A downed Super BattleDroid falls on top of Threepio's Battle Droid body, pinning him to the ground. Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, and I fight back-to-back, lightsabers flashing. The Reek charges and separates the three of us. The Reek chases Mace Windu across the arena. Mace Windu slashes at the Reek but loses his lightsaber. Jango Fett, watching from above, rockets down into the arena to battle with Mace Windu. Mace Windu retrieves his lightsaber, and the Reek tosses Jango Fett away. Jango Fett ends up under the Reek, avoiding the creature's massive hoofs. Finally, Fett is free and kills the Reek. Mace Windu fights fiercely with Jango Fett. Finally, the bounty hunter falls. His helmet goes flying. The bounty hunter's body falls to the ground. Obi-Wan and I are attacked by the Acklay.

"Man, this is really pissing me off." I said, finally slaying the beast with my lightsaber. "There we go."

Artoo finds the Battle Droid with Threepio's head attached. He shoots a projectile from his body that attaches a suction device to Threepio's head, and pulls the head away from the Battle Droid. Artoo drags Threepio's head across the arena and reattaches it to Threepio's body, using an extendable welding arm.

"Artoo, what are you doing here? Wait! No! How dare you! You're pulling too hard. Stop dragging me, you lead head. Artoo, be careful! You might burn my circuits. Are you sure my head's on straight?" C-3PO exclaimed.

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, EXECUTION ARENA - DAY…

Mace Windu, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, and an exhausted group of about twenty Jedi and the exhausted group of SAO survivors and Sinon stand in the center of the arena surrounded by a ring of Battle Droids. The bloodied sand around us is strewn with the bodies of dead Geonosians, shattered droids, and Jedi. Ki-Adi-Mundi, and the survivors from the raiding party are herded into the arena by Super Battle Droids. From the encircling tiers above, thousands of Battle Droids level their weapons menacingly. In the archducal box, Count Dooku lifts his hand. The Droids lower their weapons. The Count calls out to the Jedi.

"Master Windu! You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order. Now it is finished." Count Dooku said, pausing briefly. "Surrender - and your lives will be spared."

"We will not be hostages for you to barter with, Dooku." Mace Windu said.

"Then, I'm sorry, old friend. You will have to be destroyed." Count Dooku said.

The Droids raise their weapons. Anakin and Padmé look at each other as Kirito and Asuna look at each other. Count Dooku raises his hand to give the order to fire.

Asuna looks up suddenly, "Look!"

Above, twelve gunships are descending fast through the open area in the arena ceiling. They land in a cluster around the handful of Jedi, the SAO Survivors, and I. Clone Troopers and players from GGO and ALO spill out and start firing at the Droids. There is a hellstorm of laserfire that bounces off the laser shields created by the Gunships.

Yoda appears at the door of one of the Gunships, "Circle the Jedi, Jared, and his friends. A perimeter, create, around the survivors."

The surviving Jedi, the SAO survivors, the players from ALO and GGO, and I dash to the Gunships and scramble in. Mace Windu hangs on tight as the Gunship, firing all its weapons, rises out of the arena up and over the topmost rim.

On the arena grounds, Artoo beeps as Threepio tries to sit up.

"What happened? I had the most peculiar dream." C-3PO said.

In another part of the deserted arena, Boba Fett finds his father's battered helmet. Kneeling down, he picks it up and lowers his head in sorrow.

(Open POV)

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, TERRAIN OUTSIDE EXECUTION ARENA - DAY…

The massed lines of parked Trade Federation Starships and the Droids surrounding the arena, are themselves surrounded by thousands of Republic Starships, disgorging tens of thousands of Clone Troopers Beyond, more RepublicStarships are landing and spewing out troops. The Republic Gunships circle towering stalagmites as they head toward the assembly point. Winged Geonosians fire laser cannons up at the Gunships.

(Open POV)

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY

Dooku, Poggle, Nute, and Rune enter a huge command center. In the center of the room there is a large circular viewscreen and, around the perimeter of the room, Geonosian soldiers monitor the Clone army's advances on large semi transparent maps. In one corner of the room there is a large monitor flashing a variety of images, like schematics to a familiar planet-sized mechanized weapon.

"All our communications have been jammed, We are under attack." Poggle said.

"The Jedi have amassed a huge army." Nute Gunray said.

"Where did they get them? And those people. They look like the survivors from another land. That doesn't seem possible. How did the Jedi come up with an army so quickly?" Count Dooku asked.

"We must send all available droids into battle." Nute Gunray said.

"There are too many. They will soon have us surrounded."

(Jared's POV)

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY…

Ground fire and explosions rock the Gunship. Padmé, Anakin, Kirito, Asuna, Silica, Lisbeth, Klein, Agil, Sinon, Leafa, and I, steady ourselves.

"Hold on!" Leafa yelled.

(Open POV)

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, COMMAND CENTER - DAY…

Count Dooku, Poggle the Lesser, Nute Gunray, and Rune Haako stand around the viewscreen.

"This is not going well at all." Nute Gunray said.

"Order a retreat. I am sending all my warriors deep into the catacombs to hide." Poggle said.

"We must get the cores of our ships back into space." Rune Haako said.

"I'm going to Coruscant. My Master will not let the Republic get away with this treachery." Count Dooku said.

Poggle crosses to the holographic schematic and downloads it into a cartridge. He gives it to Count Dooku.

"The Jedi must not find our designs for the ultimate weapon. If they have any idea of what we are planning to create, we are doomed." Poggle said.

"I will take the designs with me. They will be much safer with my Master." Count Dooku said.

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY…

Mace Windu stares at the incredible sight.

"Captain, land at that assembly point ahead." Mace Windu said.

"Yes, sir." The Clone captain said.

The Gunship lands. Mace Windu, Ki-Ai-Mindi, and Clone troopers spill from the Gunship and join the ground battle. The Gunship lifts off with Yoda on board.

"Capture Dooku, we must. If escapes he does, he will rally more systems to his cause." Yoda said.

The Clone troopers open fire with artillery. Explosions wreck the parked Battle Starships. Clone Troopers advance, firing at the massed Droids. Fighter Droids fly overhead, exchanging fire with the Gunships and Jedi fighters.

"More battalions to the left. Encircle them, we must,

then divide." Yoda said.

EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD, GEONOSIS LANDSCAPE - DAY…

Gunship #2 skims the battlefield, firing down, deflecting

answering fire from the droids.

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY…

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme watch from the open Gunship. Jared typed in coordinates into his iPhone 15 Pro Max to send the SAO survivors, along with the players from ALO and the players from GGO back to their own time.

"Where's your friends?" Padmé asked.

"Sent them home." Jared said, smiling. "Didn't want to lose them after the colosseum."

"Smart." Obi-Wan said, looking over at Jared. "You care about your friends a lot."

"I do."

On the battleground below, Clone troopers riding speeder bikes advance toward the battlefield. Trade Federation Spider Droids fire at the Clone Troopers and Republic Gunships. Lightsaber-wielding Jedi slash through Battle Droids. The battle rages on. Gunship #1 flies low toward Techno Union starships.

"You have to aim right above the fuel cells!" Jared said, excitedly. "That's the only way for us to have the upper hand!"

Laser fire pelts the base of the Techno Union ship. Rocked with explosions, it begins to tilt over and the Gunships split up, flying past.

"Good call. Those Federation starships are taking off. Target them quickly." Obi-Wan said.

One Trade Federation starship begins to rise from its docking port. Gunship #2 fires on the starship, with no apparent damage.

"They're too big, Master. The ground troops will have to take them out." Anakin said, frowning.

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER ONE - DAY…

The Gunship lands at the Command Center. Yoda disembarks.

"Master Yoda, all forward positions are advancing." A Clone commander said.

"Very good. Very good." Yoda said.

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY…

The Gunship continues to fire on the Trade Federation starships. The starships continue to lift into the sky.

INTERIOR: COMMAND CENTER - DAY…

"Concentrate all your fire on the nearest starship." Yoda said.

"Yes, sir." The Clone commander said.

The Trade Federation starship finally begins to weaken under the constant fire. The starship begins to fall and then explodes in a fireball.

(Jared's POV)

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY…

Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, and I are at the open sides of the Gunship. Clones fire down at the Droids below. The Gunship slows, circling over a droid gun-emplacement. It blasts it, but suddenly the Gunship is rocked by a near miss. It lurches violently.

"Look over there…" Obi-Wan said.

"It's Dooku! Shoot him down!" Anakin yelled.

Through the other side of the Gunship, they see a Geonosian Speeder racing past. In the open cockpit is the unmistakable figure of Count Dooku.

"We're out of ordinance, sir." The Clone captain said.

"Follow him!" Anakin said, angrily.

"Not alone." I said, sadly

"Jared's right. We're going to need some help." Padme said, frowning.

"No, there's no time. Anakin and I can handle this." Obi-Wan said.

Dooku signals the two fighters flanking his ship. They veer off left and right, loop around, and come up behind ourGunship. To avoid the beak-wing fire, the Gunship banks up a steep dune but is still hit. The ship lurches on its side, and Padmé, a Clone officer, and I tumble out.

"Padmé! Jared!" Anakin said, staring down in horror as Padmé and I hits the ground Below, before looking at the pilot. "Put the ship down! Down!"

"Don't let your personal feelings get in the way." Obi-Wan said, looking at the pilot. "Follow that speeder."

The Gunship continues its pursuit of Dooku's speeder, followed by the two beak-wing fighters.

"Lower the ship!" Anakin said, looking at the pilot.

"Anakin, I can't take Dooku alone. And Jared would have helped us if he didn't fall down with Padmé. Anakin, I need you. If we catch him, we can end this war right now. We have a job to do." Obi-Wan said.

"I don't care." Anakin said, looking at the pilot. "Put the ship down."

"You'll be expelled from the Jedi Order."

"I can't leave her."

"Come to your senses. What do you think Padmé and Jared would do if they were in your position?" Obi-Wan asked.

"They would do their respective duties." Anakin said, resigned.

EXTERIOR: COMMAND CENTER - DAY…

Yoda stands next to the Clone commander. He senses something is wrong with Padmé and Jared.

"Hmmmm…" Yoda said.

"The droid army is in full retreat." The clone commander said.

"Well done, Commander. Bring me my ship."

(Jared's POV)

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, DUNES - DAY…

On the ground, a Clone trooper approaches Padmé and I.

"Are you all right?" The clone trooper asked, looking between Padmé and I.

"I think so." Padmé said.

"I'm fine." I said, happily. "I've handled worse over the years."

"We better get the both of you back to the Forward Command Center." The Clone trooper said.

"No, no. Don't do that. We need to be here."

"Jared's right." Padmé said. "Gather up what troops you can. We've got to get to that hanger. Get a transport. Hurry!"

(Open POV)

INTERIOR: GUNSHIP NUMBER TWO - DAY…

Anakin and Obi-Wan watch as Count Dooku's speeder parks outside the tower; the Gunship parks next to it. Obi-Wan and Anakin leap down and run inside the tower.

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, SECRET HANGER TOWER - LATE DAY…

Count Dooku throws switches on a control panel. His Interstellar Sail Ship is parked nearby.

"You're going to pay for all the Jedi you've killed today, Dooku." Anakin said.

"We'll take him together - you go in slowly on the…" Obi-Wan said, looking at Anakin.

"No, I'm taking him now!"

"Anakin, no!" Obi-Wan said, worried.

Anakin charges across the open space at Count Dooku, who smiles faintly, watching him come. Anakin raises his lightsaber. At the last moment, Count Dooku thrusts out an arm and unleashes a blast of Force lightning. Anakin is hurled across the room, and slammed into the opposite wall. He slumps to the foot of the wall, semi-conscious.

Count Dooku moves toward Obi-Wan, "As you can see, my Jedi powers are far beyond

Yours."

"I don't think so." Obi-Wan said, lifting his lightsaber.

Count Dooku smiles and ignites his lightsaber.

Obi-Wan comes in fast, swinging at Count Dooku's head. Dooku parries the cut easily. As they fight, it quickly becomes clear that Dooku is the complete swordsman, elegant, graceful, classical - a master of the old style.

"Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Yoda holds you in such high esteem." Count Dooku said, parried another cut and then thrusts. Obi-Wan steps back quickly, panting for breath. "Come, come, Master Kenobi. Put me out of my misery."

Obi-Wan takes a deep breath, gets a fresh grip on his lightsaber and comes in again. For a moment, he drives Count Dooku back. Then Dooku's superior skill begins to tell again, and he forces Obi-Wan to retreat. Count Dooku increases the tempo of his attack. Obi-Wan is pushed to the limit to defend himself. Dooku presses. His lightsaber flashes. Obi-Wan is wounded in the shoulder, then the thigh. He stumbles back against the wall, trips, and falls. His lightsaber goes skittering across the floor. Count Dooku raises his lightsaber. Obi-Wan looks up at him helplessly. Dooku's lightsaber flashes down and clashes against - Anakin's lightsaber! Count Dooku and Anakin stare eyeball to eyeball.

"That's brave of you, boy - but foolish. I would have thought you'd have learned your lesson." Count Dooku said.

"I'm a slow learner." Anakin said, charging at Count Dooku.

The force of his attack catches the Count slightly off balance. Anakin's lightsaber flashes.

Count Dooku draws back, "You have unusual powers, young Padawan. But not enough to save you this time."

"Don't bet on it!" Anakin yelled.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan said, using the Force to catch his lightsaber and he tosses it to Anakin.

With two lightsabers, Anakin attacks. Count Dooku parries and ripostes. It's no contest. Anakin is driven back against the wall. He loses one lightsaber. Finally Count Dooku, in one flashing move, sends Anakin's arm, cut off at the elbow, flying, still gripping his lightsaber. Anakin drops to the ground in agony. Count Dooku draws himself up to deliver the coup de grace.

Suddenly, through the thick smoke, emerges the heroic

figure of Yoda. He stops on the smoke-filled threshold.

"Master Yoda." Count Dooku said.

"Count Dooku." Yoda said.

"You have interfered with our plans for the last time." Count Dooku said, levitating machinery, hurling it at the tiny figure of the Jedi Master.

Yoda recovers and deflects the machinery. Count Dooku then causes great boulders in the ceiling above Yoda to fall, and again, Yoda deflects the boulders which fall around him. Yoda deflects Force lightning thrown at him by the enraged Count Dooku.

"Powerful you have become, Dooku. The dark side I sense in you." Yoda said.

"I have become more powerful than any Jedi. Even you, my old Master." Count Dooku said.

Count Dooku continues to hurl Force lightning at Yoda, who deflects every blast.

"Much to learn you still have." Yoda said.

"It is obvious this contest will not be decided by our knowledge of the Force, but by our skills with a lightsaber." Count Dooku said, whirling his lightsaber in a formal salute.

Yoda draws his lightsaber. Suddenly, Count Dooku charges across the space at Yoda. He rains down blows upon the tiny figure. Yoda doesn't budge an inch. For the first part of the contest, he parries every cut and thrust that Count Dooku aims. Nothing the great swordsman tries gets through. His energy drains. His strokes become feeble, slower. Yoda attacks. He flies forward. Count Dooku is forced to retreat. Words are insufficient to describe the range and skill of Yoda's speed and swordplay. His lightsaber is a humming blur of light. Finally, their blades cross and the fighting slows.

"Fought well you have, my old Padawan." Yoda said.

"The battle is far from over. This is just the beginning." Count Dooku said.

Then, with all his might, Count Dooku uses the Force to pull on one of the cranes in the hanger. It comes crashing down toward Obi-Wan and Anakin. Anakin wakes. But in the blink of and eye, Anakin and Obi-Wan attempt to hold up the crane, using the Force. Yoda closes his eyes and concentrates, adding his strength to the two fallen Jedi and moves the crane aside. Count Dooku runs up the ship's ramp, throwing a look back before going inside. The sound of the Sail Ship's engines are heard starting up. Count Dooku's Sail Ship takes off. Obi-Wan and Anakin struggle to the exhausted Yoda, but it's too late. The Sail Ship rises into the air and flies away.

EXTERIOR: GEONOSIS, SPACE…

Count Dooku pilots his ship through the asteroid field

circling Geonosis and into deep space.

(Jared's POV)

INTERIOR: GEONOSIS, SECRET HANGER TOWER - LATE DAY…

"Told you Anakin would still be alive." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"Barely." Anakin said, running to Anakin and throwing her arms around him. "I thought he was dead."

Anakin is barely able to stand up.

(Open POV)

EXTERIOR: CORUSCANT, OLD TOWN - DAWN…

Count Dooku's Interstellar Sail Ship glides through a deserted, burned-out part of Coruscant. Count Dooku maneuvers the ship into one of the empty buildings and lands.

INTERIOR: CORUSCANT, SECRET LANDING PLATFORM - DAWN…

The ramp lowers. Count Dooku emerges and walks to where the

hooded figure of Dark Sidious stands waiting.

Count Dooku bows, "The Force is with us, Master Sidious."

"Welcome home, Lord Tyranus. You have done well." Darth Sidious said.

"I bring you good news, my Lord. The war has begun." Count Dooku said.

"Excellent." Darth Sidious said, smiling. "Everything is going as planned."

EXTERIOR: CORUSCANT, JEDI TEMPLE - SUNSET…

The beautiful temple basks in the red glow of the setting

sun.

(Jared's POV)

INTERIOR: JEDI TEMPLE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - SUNSET

"Do you believe what Count Dooku said about Sidious controlling the Senate? It doesn't feel right." Obi-Wan said.

"Becoming unreliable, Dooku has. Joined the dark side. Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now." Yoda said.

"Never the less, I feel we should keep a closer eye on the Senate." Mace Windu said.

"I agree."

"Where is your apprentice?" Mace Windu asked, looking at Obi-Wan.

"On his way to Naboo. He is escorting Senator Amidala home. I have to admit, without the clones, it would not have been a victory." Obi-Wan said.

"Victory? How is this a victory?" I asked, sipping on my bubble tea. "They have the upper hand now."

Obi-Wan turns and looks at the sad little Jedi and I sitting in the Council Chamber.

"Master Obi-Wan, not victory. The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Begun, this Clone War has!" Yoda said, worried.

(Open POV)

EXTERIOR: CORUSCANT, MILITARY STAGING AREA, BALCONY - SUNSET…

Palpatine, Bail Organa and the Mas Amedda, stand looking down at the square below. Tens of thousands of Clone troops are drawn up in strict formation or move forward in neat files to climb the ramps of the Military Assault Ships. On the balcony, Palpatine's expression is deeply sad. Everyone watches somberly as, in the square, loaded Assault Ships take off. Others land immediately in their place. The sky above is thick with transports. Clone troops march and

board the Ships. The Great Clone War has begun.

EXTERIOR: NABOO LAKE RETREAT, LODGE, GARDEN - LATE DAY…

In a rose-covered arbor overlooking the sparkling lake, Anakin and Padmé stand before a Naboo Holy Man. Threepio and Artoo stand by, watching, as the Holy Man blesses the happy couple and, amid gently falling rose petals, Anakin and Padmé kiss.