INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
NUTE and RUNE stand on the bridge, watching the view screen
as the WHEEL
DROIDS' POV speeds to the doorway.
RUNE
We have them on the run, sir...they're
no match for destroyer droids.
TEY HOW
Sir, they've gone up the ventilation
shaft.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - MAIN BAY
QUI-GON and OBI-WAN appear at a large vent in a giant hanger
bay. They are careful not to be seen. Thousands of BATTLE
DROIDS are loading onto landing craft.
QUI-GON
Battle droids.
OBI-WAN
It's an invisible army.
QUI-GON
It's an odd play for the Trade
Federation. We've got to warn the
Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum.
Let's split up. Stow aboard separate
ships and meet down on the planet.
OBI-WAN
You were right about one thing,
Master. The negotiations were short.
INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
TEY HOW recieves a transmission.
TEY HOW
Sir, a transmission from the planet.
RUNE
It's Queen Amidala herself.
NUTE
At last we're getting results.
On the view screen, QUEEN AMIDALA appears in her throne room.
Wearing her elaborate headdress and robes, she sits,
surrounded by the GOVERNING COUNCIL and FOUR HANDMAIDENS,
EIRTAE, YANE, RABE, and SACHE.
NUTE
Again you come before me, Your
highness. The Federation is
pleased.
AMIDALA
You will not be pleased when you
hear what I have to say,
Viceroy...Your trade boycott of our
planet has ended.
NUTE smirks at RUNE.
NUTE
I was not aware of such a failure.
AMIDALA
I have word that the Senate is finally
voting on this blockade of yours.
NUTE
I take it you know the outcome. I
wonder why they bother to vote.
AMIDALA
Enough of this pretense, Viceroy!
I'm aware the Chancellor's Ambassadors
are with you now, and that you have
beencommanded to reach a settlement.
NUTE
I know nothing about any
Ambassadors...you must be mistaken.
AMIDALA, surprised at his reaction, studies him carefully.
AMIDALA
Beware, Viceroy....the Federation is
going too far this time.
NUTE
Your Highness, we would never do
anything without the approval of the
Senate. You assume too much.
AMIDALA
We will see.
The QUEEN fades off, and the view screen goes black.
RUNE
She's right, the Senate will never....
NUTE
It's too late now.
RUNE
Do you think she suspects an attack?
NUTE
I don't know, but we must move quickly
to disrupt all communications down
there.
