This old fan fiction, which speculates of a possible rough Episode III script,

circulated among fans even before the internet. It was confused by many for an
early script written by George Lucas for Episode III of Star Wars.
 Star Wars III:
Fall of the Republic
John L. Flynn
Original Title: Star Wars III: Fall of the Republic
Author: John L. Flynn
Publicación del original: 1983

Layout: Bodo-Baas
Version 1.0
12.08.18
Base LSW v2.22
 STAR WARS III: FALL OF THE REPUBLIC

Original Story treatment by John L. Flynn

(September 1983)
Adapted from Part I: ―The Adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi‖
The Journal of the Whills
By George Lucas
FADE IN:
MAIN AND CREDIT TITLES SUPERIMPOSED ON THE BLACK OF OUTER
SPACE — pinpointed with piercing stars, several moons, and a bright-colored nebulae.
As TITLES end —
The following is related in the story, roll-up format:
Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the Old Republic was crumbling away, rotting
from the corruption and treachery within. Power-hungry technocrats and wealthy
bureaucrats maneuvered and bribed their way into office, while one ambitious senator
plotted to destroy the Jedi and rule the galaxy.
Hoping to restore virtue and the remembered glory of the Republic, the High Council
of Senators dispatched the Jedi Knights – protectorate of justice in the galaxy – on a quest
to retrieve the lost Kaiburr Crystal. They believed that the small diamond-like object
(which intensified the power of the Force) would unite the disaffected among the people
and would destroy the corruption around them.
However, within their Council, the evil Senator Palpatine had other traitorous
designs. Foreseeing that the Crystal would secure his position as Emperor, Palpatine
deceived one of the Jedi Knights and sent him to acquire the Crystal. . .
DISSOLVE TO:
SCENE 1: Sigma Vulcanus — a new, evolving world, that is con stantly being shook
by violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and which is devoid of sentient life-forms.
On the molten, volcanic world of Sigma Vulcanus, Anakin Skywalker, a handsome,
swarthy man with a dignified stature, makes an important discovery. Using his lightsabre
(as the equivalent of a divining rod), he uncovers the legendary Kaiburr Crystal. It
pulsates with energy and fills Skywalker with a false sense of power and importance. But
before he can savor his triumph, and return the Crystal to Palpatine, he is confronted by
his old friend, and fellow Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi and requested to explain his
actions. Anakin refuses, and instantly, the two knights draw their lethal weapons and
become locked in mortal combat.
 Anakin Skywalker, as if controlled by another force, strikes swiftly in rage, but Obi-
Wan Kenobi, the more experienced Jedi, easily deflects the furious blows of his young
opponent. ―Let go of the Crystal, my friend! Its power will consume you and turn you
against the Jedi Knights,‖ Kenobi explains. But the words are un-heeded by the young
Jedi, and the conflict continues.
Skywalker attacks Obi-Wan again, forcing him to discard his defensive posture.
Kenobi parries the thrust and sends Anakin’s lightsabre flying out of his hand. At
precisely the same moment, a cataclysmic earthquake rocks the planet. The effect is
devastating: fissures, in the earth crack open and spout walls of flame; thunder and
lightning strike violently from the sky; and several volcanos burst and bubble. The young
Jedi struggles to regain his lightsabre, but loses his footing and plunges, still in
possession of the Crystal, into a pit of molten lava.
Kenobi hurries to the edge of the volcano and looks down; but he is too late to save
his former friend: Skywalker is completely engulfed in lava! With tears in his eyes and
anguish in his heart, Obi-Wan picks up Anakin’s lightsabre and bids a sad farewell to the
body of his friend.
CUT TO:
SCENE 2: Jhantor — is ―the bright center of the universe.‖
Highly populated and technology-oriented, it is an old world of many contrasts: the
huge, domed capital, with its elaborate space ports and transportation systems, stands
adjacent to an ancient castle and temple.
In another part of the galaxy, on the capital world of Jhantor, Palpatine enters his
senate chambers – followed closely by a brash, young courtier named Prince Valarium –
and assumes his place at the head of a conference table. Valarium stands next to him and
whispers in his ear as Palpatine’s wizened eyes travel around the table from man to man.
Through a terse discussion with his cabinet members and personal guard, Palpatine
reveals that he has bribed or blackmailed most of the High Council members into voting
for him as President, but he is concerned with three senators who cannot be swayed –
Tara Courtney, Mon Mothma, and Bail Organa. He further explains that, once they have
been eliminated, he intends to have his troops take over the Spice and Mineral Mines and
blockade the commercial shipping lanes.
Several of his personal guard nod their approval; however, two young officers stand
and voice their disagreement. Lieutenant Motti (bright, young and smartly-dressed) and
Commander Tarkin (thin, hatchet-faced with dark eyes) report that Palpatine’s military
force (which he has genetically engineered on the prison planet) are en route to the Spice
Mines and Starports AND that they are ready to take command of the Starfleet; but they
fear the swift retribution of the Jedi Knights!
―I think I know the best way to deal with that rabble,‖ Palpatine announces, standing
and walking over to his cabinet. ―It’s time that I demonstrate my absolute power–‖
Taking a large, crystal globe form his cabinet, Palpatine strokes it with his long, well-
manicured fingers, then traces the longitude and latitude lines. The object begins to glow,
and (with ILM’s help) conjures a series of images from the planet Sigma Vulcanus.
These images combine and crystallize on the SINGLE image of the dead Anakin
Skywalker.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
SCENE 3: Sigma Vulcanus
Four shadowy figures – adorned only in dark, hooded robes (which conceal their
identity) – approach the charred, motionless body of Anakin Skywalker and lift him from
his fiery grave.
Skywalker’s flesh is torn and scabbed, his hair is missing and clumped in disgusting
patches. Deep scars trace his face, and his body and limbs are without life. They place
him on the ground with great reverence and begin to administer to his injuries in an
attempt to bring him back to life. One robed figure motions to the other: ―Bring me the
herbs and remedies.‖ He actually says nothing but is instantly understood by the others.
A third figure sprinkles the body with a powder, while a fourth looks toward the stars and
begins to chant in a deep, rumbling voice. In a matter of moments, the lifeless body of
Anakin Skywalker stirs, as we
CUT TO:
SCENE 4: Dagobah (introduced in Episode Five: Empire Strikes Back)
Far across the galaxy, on the bog world of Dagobah, Obi-Wan Kenobi walks through
the dense fog and pauses, unhappy and dejected because he has been forced by
circumstances to kill his friend. He turns to Yoda, his eight hundred year-old teacher and
says: ―I have failed, Master Yoda.‖
Yoda gives him a contemptuous stare, then closes his eyes: ―No good is it to teach
you when you have not yet learned patience! Humility!‖
Obi-Wan shakes his head and offers an excuse as his reply: ―But Anakin was my
friend. The Force was with him very strongly, and I thought that I could be as good a
teacher as you were with me.‖ He pauses and breathes a deep sigh: ―I fear my mistake
may have terrible consequences for the galaxy!‖
The Jedi Master points a crooked finger at him: ―Most important lesson have you
learned! Now a great burden you carry.‖ Kenobi squeezes his tear-filled eyes shut and
drops his head in defeat. But Yoda is immediately at his side to offer comfort and to
reveal that Anakin is not dead. He further explains the incidents which have just taken
place and foresees a deadly conflict.
The Jedi Knight is pale and silent for a long moment. Then, slowly, he, too,
recognizes the entire awesome threat that Palpatine has brought to the Old Republic. He
thinks of the lives of his friends (Lady Arcadia Skywalker and Bail Organa) and realizes
that he must leave immediately for Jhantor.
CUT TO:
SCENE 5: Bridge Interior — a small, saucer-shaped freighter, with cramped quarters
and a cockpit-like bridge.
 On the starship bridge, Captain Antilles – a rugged, mustached thirty-year old –
makes final calculations for his approach to Jhantor when two tractor beams lock-on and
bring his vessel to a halt. His short-range scanners reveal two sentry fighters, swooping
into a holding pattern on his port and starboard sides. The sentry pilots order him to
heave-to and prepare to be boarded.
―No,‖ he snarls in reply – but quickly reconsiders, when his protocol droid (C3PO)
and his ten-year-old, Correllian cabin boy remind him that he is out-gunned. Antilles
brings his ship about, and, in moments, despite his objections, a handful of Palpatine’s
troops board the freighter and confiscate his cargo.
Captain Antilles curses the officer in charge, and explains the incident is far from
over, as we
DISSOLVE TO:
SCENE 6: Jhantor
When the tragic news of Tara Courtney’s assassination reaches her embassy
chambers, Lady Arcadia Skywalker is shocked and hastily gathers her servants and
droids to leave for her homeworld. She is a beautiful matron, who is in the last stages of
pregnancy, and she is fearful for her unborn child (or children).
For the past several weeks, she has watched the order of Jhantor deteriorate into
anarchy under the rule of Palpatine, and she has made plans to escape, by smuggling her
household aboard a spice freighter.
But, in the docking bay, Lady Arcadia and her party are suddenly surrounded by a
heavily-armed detachment of troops, activating their weapons and raising them to firing
position.
She turns to the officer in charge and demands to know what’s going on; but he
doesn’t know – he is simply following orders. She resists his authority, claiming
diplomatic immunity, but quickly reconsiders when the voice of evil echoes through the
bay: ―You mustn’t be so hasty, Lady Skywalker!‖ PRESIDENT Palpatine emerges from
the shadows, accompanied by Prince Valarium, and explains that Arcadia, her servants,
her droids, and her pilot are being placed under his protective custody.
CUT TO:
SCENE 7: Sigma Vulcanus — The Monastic Order of the Sith — a
spartan-like retreat, high atop a mountain ridge
Through a montage of scenes, wherein Anakin Skywalker remains in a coma, the
silent, robed figures minister to his injuries. Their task is an awesome one: First, in a
most sophisticated furnace, they forge battle armour and a metal breath-screen (skull-like
in appearance) that will cover his demolished visage. Next, they amputate his arms and
limbs that no longer function, repair vital organs, and encase the torso – forever – in the
dreaded armour and artificial respirator.
Finally, they restore the severed limbs with intricate computer circuitry and revive
him from his comatose state. Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader, more machine
than man!
 Following his repairs, the monk-like figures (still hidden under their hooded robes)
begin to instruct Vader in a dark, evil parody of Luke’s apprenticeship under Yoda. Darth
Vader is taught many sorceror’s skills; he is lectured on the sinister machinations of the
Force and is shown how to construct an even more lethal sabre using fragments of the
shattered Kaiburr Crystal. But with each new challenge, and skill accomplished, Vader is
doubtful of purpose. He knows he is being trained as a power weapon – and yet, he
cannot conceive why.
Angered by this confusion, and the fear that his humanity (and manhood) has been
stripped away, Darth Vader strikes out in rage at one of his hooded teachers only to
discover an empty robe. He is momentarily terror-stricken and then mystified as, one by
one, the hooded figures vanish – in a strangely, compelling way – to reveal a 3-D
holographic image of Palpatine.
―Yes, yes,‖ Palpatine taunts him, ―Only now do you conceive that is was my force of
will that saved you – that kept you alive – and that gave you life again!‖ Darth Vader
extends a courtly bow to Palpatine and thanks him for his life. But Palpatine is not
interested in gratitude. He is in need of a powerful weapon and an obedient servant, and
he reminds the former Jedi that he has the power to crush him should he desire. He then
forces Vader to his knees and commands: ―Now come to me, my servant. I have an
important task that will complete your training!‖
CUT TO:
SCENE 8: Jhantor — Docking-bay and City Exteriors
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s approach and arrival on Jhantor is undetected by the planetary
defenses. Marshalling his Jedi strength and cunning, he is able to slip past the sentries in
the docking bay, edge by the troops patrolling the perimeter and reach the home of Lady
Skywalker. But when he reaches the embassy, the huge chambers are silent and empty –
and there are no apparent clues as to the Lady’s whereabouts.
Then, out of the darkness, Captain Antilles appears and confirms what Kenobi
already suspects: The Lady and her party have been detained as ―guests‖ of Palpatine in
the prison cell block. After introducing himself (as Captain of a Correllian freighter),
Antilles explains that he came to her embassy, seeking the help of the Merchanter’s Guild
(because of the piracy of his goods), and discovered an R2 unit (Artoo Detoo), that had
slipped away during her capture, cowering in the shadows. He further reveals that the R2
unit has monitored her termination notice!
Realizing that he has little time, Obi-Wan enlists the pilot’s aid; and the two men,
accompanied by the stubby, mechanical droid, hurry toward the cell-block.
CUT TO:
SCENE 9: Jhantor — Palpatine’s Senate Chambers
Palpatine orders his guards to bring the captured slaver to his senate chambers. While
pacing back and forth, he examines the individual who stands before him in chains and
shrewdly considers his fate: Boba Fett, the lone survivor of a group of commandos the
Jedi defeated on Mandalore during the Clone Wars, is charged with interstellar slavery
and the cold-blooded murder of the Jedi Kane Starkiller (Refer to Star Wars: Episode II).
Fett’s battle-scarred face sneers at the charges, defending his actions as ―righteous
vengeance.‖ The evil President stares malevolently at Boba Fett for several moments,
then offers him his freedom (and his confiscated slavership) in exchange for the
extermination of the Jedi Knights. He also promises him a rich bounty for each Jedi scalp
that he brings back; he wants proof of their deaths – and no disintegrations. Fett grins and
replies that he may have difficulty in locating them since they are scattered throughout
the galaxy. But Palpatine reassures him that the task should be an easy one with the
President’s secret weapon.
Boba Fett dubiously agrees, as his chains are unlocked and he is escorted from the
chambers. As the slaver exits, Prince Valarium – accompanied by a few personal guards
– announces the arrival of Darth Vader. Palpatine, in a quiet whisper, advises Valarium to
– personally – supervise Lady Arcadia’s execution, then requests that Vader be shown in.
As the guards stand aside, Darth Vader, tall and threatening in flowing black robes
and armour, enters the chamber and kneels before his master. Palpatine smiles, looking at
his nightmare creation in black, and commands him to hunt down and destroy the Jedi
Knights. Vader is hesitant and requests permission to visit his wife. But Palpatine refuses,
telling his servant a vicious lie that she has been murdered by his comrades, and produces
his crystal globe as evidence.
Seemingly unmoved, Vader turns to look at a series of images Palpatine conjures
(from the globe). The images re-create – in holographic form – the treacherous betrayal
and murder of Lady Arcadia by two of Vader’s fellow knights. (Note: since the images
are too brutal for our saga, tight point-of-view camera angles should convey the details.)
When the last image vanishes, the Dark Lord, fooled by the false images, stands, ignite
his lightsabre and strikes the crystal globe with monumental anger. And this rage
completes Vader’s journey to the dark side.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
SCENE 10: Jhantor — Cell-block
Meanwhile, deep in the cell-block dungeons, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Captain Antilles
overpower a pair of detention guards and open Lady Arcadia’s cell. Overjoyed to find her
still alive, Obi-Wan embraces Arcadia warmly, then senses the pains of her motherly
contractions. Antilles interrupts their embrace and reminds them to save their hellos until
they’re safely out of the cell-block. But, as they leave the cell, Prince Valarium and his
personal guards appear and draw their weapons. Antilles exchanges fire with the guards,
and Obi-Wan and Arcadia hurry off into the dungeon maze, followed closely by the
Correllian pilot.
Retreating down a linking corridor, past the cell-block armory, the two heroes – with
their pregnant fugitive – decide to stand firm and fight. Captain Antilles charges his
weapon and blasts away at the detention guards, while the Jedi Knight concentrates all
his thoughts and feeling on detonating the arsenal and sealing the dungeon exit. But, in
the midst of his efforts, Kenobi’s heightened senses feel his former friend’s RAGE. The
rage, in turn, betrays Vader’s thoughts and President Palpatine’s sinister mission (to Obi-
Wan).
―Whatever you’re doing – do it faster!‖ Antilles shouts, snapping the Jedi out of his
daze. Kenobi immediately refocuses his energy and, in a matter of moments, the armory
explodes, isolating the guards from them. However, the noise and excitement are too
much for the Lady Skywalker as she doubles over in pain.
The Correllian pilot fears she’s been hit by flying shrapnel – but Kenobi says she’s
having a baby and advises Antilles take her to the safety of his freighter. He further
explains that he must leave – in spite of his desire to help Arcadia – to warn his fellow
knights of Vader’s treachery.
CUT TO:
SCENE 11: Jhantor — Palpatine’s Chambers
Reporting to the President’s chambers, Valarium reluctantly tells of Lady
Skywalker’s escape. Palpatine is angered and quickly orders – over his private comlink –
a division of troops to search the city. He then orders the arrest of Mon Mothma and Bail
Organa to prevent any further interferences in his plans.
Turning to Valarium, Palpatine’s face darkens to an insane fury. Blinding energy
bolts shoot from his finger tips, and the young Prince is struck down. ―Don’t fail me
again!‖ Palpatine warns, as Prince Valarium crawls, like a wounded animal, to his side
and gasps, ―Never . . .‖
CUT TO:
SCENE 12: Jhantor — Docking bay, interior of saucer-shaped Correlian freighter
In the dank, dark hangar-bay, Obi-Wan Kenobi departs in his starship, and Captain
Antilles turns his attention to one of his most difficult tasks. With the nervous assistance
of C3PO, he first comforts Lady Skywalker, then helps deliver her children. The moment
is a joyous, mystic one as Luke and Leia take their 1st breath and begin crying. But that
special sound of babies crying brings a detachment of troops down upon them! *
* Special Note: The troops should be costumed differently from the stormtroopers
because they are part of Bail Organa’s personal guard, – but the scene should cause a
false moment of suspense for Antilles, and the audience.
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
SCENE 13: Jhantor — Palpatine’s Chambers
Still enraged from Valarium’s carelessness, Palpatine plots a unique political move
that will destroy Lady Arcadia’s influence with the Merchanter’s Guild AND further
cement his power with commerce and industry. He first frees a handful of pirates and
bribes them to raid the Spice Mines and Mineral Springs; he then orders his personal
troops to eliminate the pirates and guard – as well as regulate – the shipping lanes.
But. in the midst of his political maneuvering, Palpatine is struck down – paralyzed –
for a few, fleeting moments. When he regains his composure, he is deeply disturbed by a
nightmare premonitions, a tremor in the Force which threatens his well being. He senses
Lady Arcadia’s true strength – the birth of a son that would one day challenge his power.
(But he fails – in his twisted wickedness – to sense the second child!)
Sending his special group of assassins into Jhantor, Palpatine orders them to kill
every new-born son – both in the capital city and the nearby outlands – because, for the
first time in his life, he is afraid. (The character should be played much like Herod’s in
the New Testament.)
This brutal action (of Palpatine’s) spawns screams of anguish and unrestricted
weeping as the soldiers – unquestioningly – carry out their violent task. (Note: The horror
of the events will be merely suggested – and not shown – to our cameras.)
IMMEDIATE CUT TO:
SCENES 14 TO 18: Numerous Worlds — Each distinct in its own way
Across the galaxy, in a terror-filled montage of scenes, wherein we glimpse numerous
worlds and races, the betrayal and execution of the Jedi Knights is perpetrated. Darth
Vader and a handful of Palpatine’s assassins barge into an exotic saloon and eliminate an
alien-looking Jedi amidst screams and mass hysteria from the patrons.
While this is happening, Boba Fett leads a group of stormtroopers into a docking bay
and disintegrates the Knight mending repairs in his starship. And by the time Vader and
his cohorts have slipped into the quarters and strangled a sleeping Jedi, Boba Fett,
accompanied by several trained assassins, chases down and executes a fleeing Jedi and
his family. However, the abomination of Vader (as well as Palpatine’s sinister plan) is not
complete until he destroys the remaining Jedi Knights as they make a final stand.
The battle is fearsome, and the Jedi force manages to kill a large number of troops;
but they are vastly outnumbered, and soon, they are massacred – to the last man – by
Vader’s troops.
After dismissing Boba Fett and his troops, Darth Vader looks over the battlefield, at
the dead bodies, then takes a deep breath and says, ―Kenobi, I will deal with you
myself…‖
***
Obi-Wan Kenobi hears Vader’s words – but he is too far in space to offer him a
challenge. He accelerates his starship, thinking of his compatriots, and hurries to the
planet. However, arriving several hours too late, Kenobi is disheartened to find the dead
bodies of his fellow Jedi Knights. He unhappily builds a funeral pyre and burns their
bodies (in a ceremony befitting a viking hero). He then examines the broad, huge
footprints in the sand, and whispers Darth Vader’s name.
CUT TO:
SCENE 19 : Jhantor — The Alderaan Embassy — Well-guarded, the building is
deceptive in its heavy fortification.
With very little military effort, a special detachment of troops take Captain Antilles,
Lady Skywalker and party through the defenses of the Alderaan Embassy and deliver
them to a darkened conference room.
 Bail Organa, Viceroy and 1st Chairman of the Alderaan System, enters the room and
apologizes to his guests for frightening then with his personal guard, but he confesses that
his caution is not without warrant: Jhantor was full of spies and assassins and the R2 unit
(in her embassy) could have been a clever trap. He further explains that his colleagues
had put too much trust in the stability of the Republic, failing to realize that while the
body might be sound, the head was growing diseased and feeble, and THEY WERE ALL
DEAD! There is deep bitterness in his voice, and genuine concern for Lady Arcadia.
Antilles and Arcadia accept his apology and anxiously insist upon diplomatic
sanctuary. But, as news of Palpatine’s takeover of the Merchanter’s Guild and the
galactic shipping lanes reaches the Embassy, the outlook is grim! Organa curses loudly,
suddenly realizing that there was nothing he could do to prevent the fall of the Republic
and guarantee their safety.
Pragmatically, he prays for their salvation by the Jedi Knights (unaware of their
extinction), then orders the immediate evacuation of the Embassy.
CUT TO:
SCENE 20: Jhantor — Palpatine’s Chambers
With grim anticipation, Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, kneels at his ruler’s
feet and reports his success. Palpatine is pleased that his servant has eliminated all but
one of the Jedi Knights and smiles – with evil delight – at Valerium and the other
members of his cabinet. He then asks the fate of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Vader is hesitant and
replies that he and Kenobi have a private matter to settle! But that answer is not
satisfactory enough.
Palpatine pauses in his interrogation and boasts of his ambitious plans (of galactic
conquest) to Vader and the others that are assembled: his few traitorous lieutenants have
betrayed their superiors and taken control of the Starfleet; his troops have successfully
routed marauding pirates and have begun to regulate commerce and industry along the
shipping lanes; and his political arrangements with greedy landlords, sadistic gangsters,
and power-hungry governors have made his power absolute. He explains (that he has told
them this to illustrate) that his control is predicated on his personnel following orders,
even at the cost of their own lives!
Pausing a second time, Palpatine dismisses Valarium, and orders him to report to the
control center. The young prince agrees and bows slightly, a gesture Palpatine
acknowledges with a perfunctory salute. Then he spins and strides from the room, leaving
the Dark Lord looking from man to man in confused silence. As Valarium steps into the
corridor, he is grabbed and assassinated by Palpatine’s guards. Darth Vader then nods his
understanding as the evil President reminds: ―The fate of those who fail me is DEATH!‖
IMMEDIATE CUT TO:
SCENE 21: Jhantor — Docking-bay
In the docking-bay, the massive evacuation of the Alderaan Embassy is taking place
under tight security. The humming of elevators and the moving of heavy equipment echo
through the large chamber as the bustling flight crews make ready their freighters and the
pilots perform final checkouts. Bail Organa, with the ―help‖ of See Threepio, supervises
his men loading supplies and ammunition, while Artoo Detoo aids the Lady Arcadia with
her two infants. Captain Antilles is suspiciously nowhere to be found.
Momentarily, the defensive sensors sound alarm – but they are quickly silenced when
the unknown danger is identified as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s approaching starship. Once in the
docking-bay, Kenobi emerges from the craft and informs Bail Organa and his anxious
troops that the Jedi Knights have all been destroyed by the treachery of President
Palpatine and the hand of Darth Vader.
A heart-felt murmur sweeps over the docking-bay, like a swell in a heavy sea. The
last Jedi Knight’s second piece of news is even more grim: the Starfleet, under the
command of Palpatine’s forces, have formed a perimeter blockade, and their purpose is to
prevent Organa from leaving and force him to surrender his ground oops.
Bail Organa curses quietly to himself, recognizing the futility of further conflict. The
great leader – Viceroy and Senator of the Alderaan system – has fought many battles: he
has fought along side Kenobi and the other Jedi Knights during the Clone Wars, and has
helped to eliminate piracy and slavery – with the crusading Lady Arcadia – in the
formation of the Merchanter’s Guild. But this time, he realizes that he is outmatched!
Organa acquires a comlink from one of his men and begins to broadcast surrender orders
to his troops.
When, suddenly, dozens of Merchanter’s Guild members, of all species and life-
forms, follow Captain Antilles into the Docking-bay and assemble around Bail Organa.
The group of freighter pilots and navigators is an impressive one: There are
representatives from Mon Calamari, Bespin, Sullest, Correllia, Mandalore, Kessel, and
Alderaan. Some are wearing fatigues, loaded with weapons and tools, while others are
adorned in their native wear.
―Some of them still have their ships – and the others will fly anything we can put into the
air,‖ Antilles reports, and the morale of Organa’s men is revived again. ―And if this
action makes us pirates and outlaws – in the eyes of Palpatine’s new empire – then we’re
with you one hundred percent!‖
As the two groups of men (and aliens) hurry off, cheering the success of their united
departure, Obi-Wan Kenobi approaches the Lady Arcadia with his painful secret. He
reluctantly admits that his pride (in the Force) may have betrayed Anakin to Palpatine,
and that the man she once loved was now a hideous monster, more machine than man.
She is, at first, taken aback, chilled by his statement; then, with tears in her eyes, she
confesses that she, too, felt him slipping away – many months before – and was unable to
reach him either.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Skywalker exchange a tender embrace, and recognizing
the potential danger they they both faced, they arrange to separate the children with the
hope that they would be united one day as brother and sister. Kenobi will take Luke to
live with his brother Owen on Tatooine, while Arcadia will arrange for Leia to live as
daughter of Senator Organa, on Alderaan. This way the children would have a better
chance of survival should one (or the other) be discovered by Vader!
CUT TO:
SCENE 22: Bridge interior — Flagship of the Starfleet* in the Jhantor Star System
Darth Vader emerges from his private shuttle and strides past a handful of troops in
formation. His presence is awesome and threatening as he approaches the starship
captain. Commander Tarkin bows from the neck down and advises his superior that they
were ready to annihilate anyone who attempts to run the blockade. Tarkin is over
confident in his appraisal of the situation, and that reflects in his conversation with the
Dark Lord.
* Special Note: The Starfleet – at this moment in galactic history – is composed
largely of heavy cruisers, destroyers, and spacecraft carriers, with a full complement of
fighters. There are no Star Destroyers, Death Stars, or TIE fighters because the
Republic’s Starfleet was used primarily for exploration and occasional law enforcement.
However, under the ruthless command of Darth Vader, it is a formidable opponent.
Organa and his diplomatic party captured alive (if possible) so that they would face
the embarrassment of a public tribunal. And the Dark Lord adds that he wants Kenobi (!),
his voice conveying the image of a dreadful fate (that would be inflicted) if his
commands were not executed.
Tarkin reluctantly salutes and backs away from him, angered that their positions were
not reversed. He barks several commands, and his troops spring to battle stations.
DISSOLVE TO:
SCENES 23 TO 27: Jhantor Star System — Various types of spacecraft against a
backdrop of stars and a brightly coloured nebulae
Alarms sound full alert as the handful of freighters, transport ships, blockade runners,
luxury cruisers and one-man fighters approach the armada of the Starfleet. The ships
attempt – first – to cross the blockade with the diplomatic colors and symbols of
Alderaan; but, when that fails, they energize their main deflector shields and prepare to
fight their way through.
(Captain Antilles and Obi-Wan Kenobi hold their groups up as the first wave attacks.)
Keeping a tight formation, dozens of transport ships and luxury cruisers move in
close to the Starfleet armada – and begin blasting away, while fifty-or-so small freighters
and one-man fighters race across their surfaces, zipping between laser bolts as they
engage the small pursuit fighters. Their plan is one of strategic genius: by flying in close,
the rebel group emasculates the fire-power, which is ineffective at close-range, of the
larger ships. Additionally, the erratic and hot-dog flying of the Merchanter’s Guild
members confuse and place the military pilots at a momentary disadvantage! And that
disadvantage is exploited: Antilles and Kenobi launch the second wave of ships and wait
tensely to join the conflict, or make their escape.
However, the heroic efforts (of the rebel flight crews) are brought to an abrupt halt by
the armada as the heavy cruisers fire broadsides at point-blank range, disregarding their
own safety. The Starfleet’s audacious and dangerous move seems to turn the tide of
battle: small one-man fighters scatter, luxury cruisers reverse their engines, and freighters
drop their additional weapons and accelerate away. But, as the proton beams take their
toll, last-ditch, suicide runs are made by the damaged rebel craft: a cargo freighter –
loaded with weapons and cargo – heads on a collision course for one of the Destroyers
and explodes, while a transport ship – mortally wounded in combat – limps at a heavy
cruiser and detonates its nuclear engines, destroying his opponent with him. The balance
of the small craft punch through holes and race for open space!
Captain Antilles, piloting the saucer-shaped freighter (with Bail Organa, Lady
Arcadia, and party aboard), dives into the chaos, then steers through the battle. Once
clear, he engages his ship’s hyperdrive and soars away at light speed. Several pursuit
craft follow – but their weapons are ineffectual against his ship’s deflector shields and
their ion-propelled engines are no match for his.
In another sector of the battle, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s starship swoops past an
engagement and accelerates into space, pursued by Darth Vader’s flagship. Kenobi
executes a series of stunning maneuvers in an effort to lose the Heavy Cruiser, but he
quickly realizes that it will not be easy to shake. Marshalling the Force around him, the
last Jedi prepares for a death-defying stunt. He then guides his starship into the nebulae;
and with his deflector shields (and the Force) at full intensity, Kenobi flies through the
core of the exploding star.
Darth Vader stands silently on the Bridge of his starship, gazing in disbelief at the
brightly-colored nebulae. He demands the scanning sensors probe the area for any sign of
the Jedi Knight – but the results are negative! Gravely disappointed, the Dark Lord orders
the Flagship returned to the fleet and walks away, sensing that they would meet again.
The victory is an incomplete one for Palpatine’s forces. His starfleet has destroyed or
captured nearly three dozen vehicles – but scattered throughout the galaxy were rebelous
pirates and outlaws that he would one day have to deal with!
LAP DISSOLVE TO:
SCENES 28 TO 30: EPILOGUE —
Jhantor — EMPEROR Palpatine, with Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, at his
side, smiles malevolently and plots his next move as his assembled troops chant: ―Long
Live Palpatine! Long Live the Empire!!‖
Alderaan — Lady Arcadia Skywalker – now a common servant in the Organa
household – sings her daughter to sleep under the watchful sensors of Artoo Detoo and
See Threepio, while Bail Organa awards Captain Antilles with a commission in his
service.
Tatooine — Obi-Wan Kenobi, the last Jedi Knight, delivers the infant boy to his
brother, Owen Lars, then disappears into the desert wasteland, awaiting the day when
Luke would claim the light sabre of his father from him) and become a man.
FADE OUT.
 Copyright 1983 by John L. Flynn
Characters and Star Wars Universe are copyrighted by LucasFilm, and this original story
is not meant to infringe upon those rights. This is a fan story treatment, written in tribute
to George Lucas’s enduring saga.
 Additional notes
Fall of the Republic is a 5843-word fanwork in script-form by John L. Flynn. "Adapted
from Part I: 'The Adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi.' The Journal of the Whills by George
Lucas."
He'd written it and sent it to George Lucas. Lucas declined to use it, but gave Flynn
permission to publish it as fanfiction as long as no profit was made. Problems ensued
when fans started seeing the script on at least one dealers' table, presented with a
professional-looking cover, high price, and the disclaimer that the script was a leaked
copy of a movie script from Lucasfilm.
A fan in the Star Wars letterzine Southern Enclave explains how this was sorted out:

First, I have some information about the purported story outline for the first SW
trilogy (THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC). This information comes from [names
redacted] who have spoke to both John Flynn and Maureen Garrett... The out line is
not genuine. It was written by John Flynn, a long-time Baltimore area fan, and,
according to John, submitted to Lucasfilm. Lucasfilm replied, in essence, that the
story was very nice, but they couldn't use it. However, John was welcome to publish
it as fan fiction as long as he didn't make a profit or try to deceive people about the
true nature of the story. So he did publish it as a fan. A dealer obtained the outline,
and, seeing the profit potential, put an official-looking over on it, hyped it as a
leaked draft, and started selling if for a high price ($15 in this area; John's original
price had been in the vicinity of $4). Originally, Maureen Garrett was skeptical of
John's claim that he was not responsible for the deception -- Linda says John was
pretty distressed himself, for obvious reasons. By Norwescon, a week after she had
talked to Linda (Norwescon was March 23-25), Maureen told Maggie that she
agreed that John (and fans) had been the victim of an unscrupulous dealer. The
official-looking cover is also not authentic. Maureen told me that Lucasfilm would
never put such an obvious cover on a script or story outline, especially a sensitive
one.