The Press corps of the Republic arrive on Alderaan. Obi-Wan notices that the gala is even more impressive. Tarkin grumbles about the security risks. Senator Organa stands at the podium surrounded by clones. He pens the peace treaty followed by one of the clones representatives. Organa states, “The first step toward peace is cooperation and understanding.” He holds up the peace treaty and then holds up another parchment, “the next step is to end the bloodshed. The planet of Alderaan will be the first to usher in this new era. We decree a world without weapons.” He points to a large viewscreen, “See here. Today under the witness of all. The planet Alderaan removed all its weaponry. We plea with the galaxy. Lay down your arms and join us.”
Bail Organa makes his way off the stage and walks among the people who applaud and rejoice. Obi-Wan steps to his side clearing a way through the sea of people. Governor Tarkin stands with a squad of soldiers at attention behind him. An insolent Tarkin slowly claps, “A wonderful scene. What do you do for an encore?”
Organa smirks, “Governor, you are familiar with the charter that allows you and your troops to occupy this world? Oh, of course you are. The Chancellor was very thorough with his reforms. It states here,” Bail shows Tarkin a datapad, “that any planet engaged in hostilities requires a military presence. As you’ve just seen, Alderaan has no hostiles. You are no longer necessary.” Tarkin’s brow furrows. Before he can speak, Bail continues,“Don’t bother arguing. I’ve already cleared this with the Senate. Have a safe trip.”
The vein in Tarkin’s forehead throbs, “I will not forget this, senator.” Tarkin turns on his heel and exits.
Organa watches him leave, “Of that. I have no doubt.”
Obi-Wan leans in, “You’ve just made a very powerful enemy.”
Bail laments, “If I’m right about what is to come, we are about to have many powerful enemies.”
screen wipe
The light in Padme’s bedroom is subdued. Anakin and Padme lay side-by-side. Padme giggles, “Did you use a Jedi mind trick on me?”
Anakin retorts, “I don’t know. Should I?”
Padme hits him, “Don’t you dare.”
They snuggle. Anakin sits up and places his arm around Padme. She nuzzles close to him. Anakin winces, still nursing the bruise from the altercation with smugglers, “Why did those smugglers redecorate your apartment?”
Padme is uncomfortable and evasive. Anakin faces her and asks, “Are you in some kind of trouble?”
Padme protests, “No. Nothing like that. I hired those thugs to smuggle some clones.” Padme sighs and continues, “I got into politics to help people. My first mentor was a clone. My first friend was a clone. Then, I’m asked to round up my friends and mentors and place them in a refugee camp. I understand what the Chancellor is trying to do but he is going about it the wrong way.”
Anakin smiles, “Well, tomorrow we’ll appeal to the Senate and hopefully they’ll listen.”
They share an embrace.
screen wipe
Anakin and Padme meet up with Lev and Rebwa on their way to the Senate. There is a commotion and a fanfare. Anakin asks, “Are we late?” Lev snickers. They squeeze through the crowd and see the Chancellor approaching a podium. The Senate has turned into a rally. There is a military presence and the senatorial boxes are filled with citizens. It’s pandemonium.
Palpatine steps to the mic and settles the crowd. He begins, “First I’d like to applaud the efforts of Senator Organa of Alderaan.” There is a smattering of applause. “But one successful Peace Accord does not negate the defiance and treason of several clones. As I’ve stated countless times, the clones have served their purpose. They are a thing of the past. We must move forward. We do not want artificial people supervising us. We want to handle our own affairs.” The cheers erupt. Palpatine smiles and waits for the crowd to settle, “In that same vein, we no longer need superior beings enforcing justice.” Padme and Anakin exchange an inquisitive glance. “The Jedi have been incapable of keeping the peace. Their numbers have suffered as a result. They are no longer a viable guardian. They will be replaced by the military governors and soldiers from your own worlds. Your neighbors and friends will patrol and maintain the peace.” Palpatine gestures to the troops surrounding the stage. Applause bellows.
Palpatine steps back to the podium, “And now my friends. I have brought reform. I have ushered in a new era. As your emperor, I will bring glory to the Galactic Empire. We will cast away the shackles of the past and embrace the protection and stability of the future.” The auditorium erupts in applause.
Anakin turns to his comrades, “It appears we’ve underestimated our illustrious emperor.”
The cheering continues. The camera passes over the crowd and slowly approaches Palpatine at the podium, arms raised triumphantly. Palpatine cackles into the camera.
Cue John Williams score Credits roll
