This is not THE Episode II script, nor do I make any claims 
       that it is.
       
       STAR WARS and all related characters are copyright LucasFilm 
       Ltd.
       
       
       
                                     
       
       
       
                                 STAR WARS
                                EPISODE II
                            DARKNESS ASCENDING
                                     
                                written by
                               Peter Tatara
       
       
       
                                     
       
       
       

       EXT. SPACE

       TITLE CARD:

       A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

       A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the main 
       title, followed by a roll-up, which crawls into infinity.

       EPISODE II:
       DARKNESS ASCENDING

       With Senator Palpatine's election to the position of Supreme 
       Chancellor, the Galactic Republic entered into a new age of 
       peace and prosperity.

       Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, meanwhile, have made the 
       small planet of Naboo their home, at the request of its 
       monarch, Queen Amidala.

       The galaxy is experiencing a golden era of harmony.  Peace 
       flourishes from one end of the Galactic Republic to the 
       other.

       And, it is all because of one man, the Grand Chancellor of 
       the Galactic Republic, Palpatine....

       

       The CAMERA pans down, as the crawl shimmers out, revealing 
       the planet Tunnis, an old grey world pock marked by craters.

       The CAMERA pulls back, and we see that we are actually inside 
       a small vessel, looking out through a large forward window.

       INT. LANDING CRAFT - MEDIUM SHOT - SHADOWY FIGURE

       A reverse angle from the previous shot, we see a SHADOWY 
       FIGURE step forward.  As the light from the stars and Tunnis 
       reach him, his face is revealed.  He is CHANCELLOR PALPATINE.  
       He is showing signs of his age.  Wrinkles in his skin run 
       deep.  His hair falls flat against his face.  A dark cloak is 
       draped around his shoulders.

       EXT. TUNNIS - HIGH ATMOSPHERE - LOOKING UP

       The landing craft, small and box-like, meets with the 
       atmosphere of Tunnis.  The ship glows brightly as it slams 
       down into the gases, burning its way to the surface.

       EXT. TUNNIS - LOW ATMOSPHERE - LOOKING DOWN

       The landing craft continues its fiery descent.  The CAMERA 
       follows behind the craft, at some distance.  We see the gases 
       of the atmosphere glow around the ship's hull, as it cuts 
       deeper and deeper.

       Then, the gases thin out, as the landing craft clears the 
       heavy atmosphere.  The CAMERA stops, looking down vertically.  
       The landing craft disappears against the distant terrain, 
       composed of jagged cliffs, crags, plateaus, and craters.  A 
       large crater takes up the entire upper left corner of the 
       screen.

       EXT. TUNNIS - WIDE SHOT - BLACK RIDGE

       The landing craft sets down on a ridge, black against the 
       stormy and turbulent grey sky.  Steam jets fire just prior to 
       and after the landing.

       MEDIUM SHOT - LANDING CRAFT

       The CAMERA is positioned directly behind the blackened craft.  
       Exhaust escapes as the thick metal door opens, lowering down.  
       While a blackened grey on the exterior, the inside liner is a 
       deep red.  Rays of light escape from behind the descending 
       door.  Two bright lanterns glow, on either side near the top 
       of the door.

       MEDIUM SHOT - CLOSER TO LANDING CRAFT

       FIGURES emerge from the craft, eclipsed by the bright 
       lanterns.  Their faces only become apparent as the pass by 
       the CAMERA.  The FIRST FIGURE is PALPATINE, the hood of his 
       cloak now raised, with a grave expression on his face.

       The second figure's face is obscured.  His cloak is similar 
       to that of PALPATINE.  His face only becomes apparent when 
       almost on top of the CAMERA.  The light catches his strong 
       nose and features.  An olive green officer's cap sits under 
       the cloak.  From what can be seen, it is reminiscent of that 
       of a Naboo soldier.  He is NELL WYNDSUNG, a hardened career 
       soldier.

       The third figure is lanky, a worried and troubled look is 
       about him.  He is JASTER MAREEL.  His thin hair is cut short.  
       He wears a thinner cloak.  His is made of a light black 
       material, unlike the course brown of Palpatine's.

       MEDIUM SHOT - CAVE ENTRANCE

       Almost a reverse angle of the previous shot, we see the THREE 
       FIGURES walk into a jagged opening cut into the rock wall, a 
       dim light glowing from deep within.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ROCK PASSAGE

       A profile view, we see the FIGURES walk down a jagged 
       staircase.

       CLOSE SHOT - STAIRS

       The CAMERA is positioned directly in front of a step.  We see 
       the feet of the THREE FIGURES walk down, stepping over the 
       CAMERA.  Palpatine and Nell's boots are sleek and black.  
       Jaster's are dusty and brown.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ROCK PASSAGE

       The CAMERA is looking down, directly ahead of the stairs.  We 
       see the FIGURES walk past the CAMERA, below it.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ROCK PASSAGE

       A reverse shot of the previous one, we see the three continue 
       walking.  We now see a eerie yellow light coming from ahead 
       of them, their destination.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ROCK CHAMBER

       A profile view, we see the three enter the dim room.

       WIDE SHOT - ROCK CHAMBER

       We see the entire chamber, carved out of solid rock.  A 
       small, thin electric torch stands in the center of the room, 
       burning.  It's light doesn't reach the walls of the chamber, 
       leaving the exact size a mystery.  The center is a bright 
       yellow, while the walls are black, with the openings of 
       meandering passages somewhat visible.

       PALPATINE, NELL, and JASTER stand near the passage which took 
       them here.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE, NELL, & JASTER

       We see the three, standing in a line, next to each other.  
       PALPATINE is in the center.  To his left is NELL.  To his 
       right is JASTER.

       Nell's face is blank.  Jaster's is filled with worry and 
       concern.  PALPATINE is calm.  He slightly nods and bows his 
       head to left.

       MEDIUM SHOT - SHADOWS

       From behind the shadows, a slow, soft voice sounds.

                           KAO DAL
                 You're late.

       At a profile, KAO DAL, a Mandalorian ambassador, steps 
       forward, out of the shadows.  He wears armor similar to that 
       of Boba Fett.  His is tinted red and hidden under a short 
       cloak.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE, NELL, & JASTER

                           PALPATINE
                 I'm aware.
                     (beat)
                 There were matters which I had to... 
                 attend to.

       A profile view, PALPATINE steps forward, to greet the 
       MANDALORIAN.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

       PALPATINE extends his arm in greeting.  KAO looks at it, but 
       does not extend his arm.

       KAO looks up, at JASTER.

       In a slow whisper, KAO speaks.

                           KAO DAL
                 Who's he?

       MEDIUM SHOT - JASTER

       JASTER flashes a scared smile.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

                           KAO DAL
                 He was not with you when we met before.

       CLOSE UP - PALPATINE

                           PALPATINE
                 He is Jaster Mareel, my assigned aide.

       MEDIUM SHOT - KAO

       KAO breathes a labored breath.  He, then, reaches under his 
       short cloak.

       CLOSE SHOT - KAO'S GUN

       We see part of Kao's blaster being pulled out.

       MEDIUM SHOT - KAO

       KAO pulls his blaster out.  It is a bulky silver weapon, 
       tested in battle.  He points it at JASTER.

       CLOSE UP - JASTER

       Jaster's face fills with fear and terror.  His lips tremble.

       CLOSE UP - PALPATINE

       Palpatine's face is reserved as he glances toward JASTER.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

       PALPATINE reaches out and places his hand over Kao's weapon.  
       He forces it down.

                           PALPATINE
                 No.
                     (beat)
                 We do not have time for this.

       CLOSE UP - KAO

       KAO breathes.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

       PALPATINE turns to JASTER.

                           PALPATINE
                 Jaster.

       MEDIUM SHOT - JASTER

       JASTER stumbles forward and gives PALPATINE a small disc.

       CLOSE SHOT - DISC

       We see the small disc change hands.  It is circular and 
       bronze, with a network of wires and circuits visible.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

       PALPATINE extends his arm.  The disc is between the two of 
       them.  PALPATINE taps a button on its surface.

       A grainy blue star map flickers in the air.

       Several systems are highlighted.

       CLOSE UP - PALPATINE

       We see PALPATINE, the star map in front of him.  He is calm.

       CLOSE UP - KAO

       We see KAO, the star map in front of him.  He breathes 
       slowly.

       CLOSE UP - PALPATINE

       The blue of the star map illuminates Palpatine's his face.

                           PALPATINE
                 You fight for us, and we give you what 
                 you need.  We both gain from this pact.

       CLOSE UP - KAO

       The blue illuminates Kao's face, as well.

                           KAO
                 Yes... We die in a war that is not ours.  
                 We become feared and hated once again.

       CLOSE UP - CLOSER ON KAO

                           KAO
                 You hide.  You command the army from 
                 behind two shadows.  You live.  We die.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

                           PALPATINE
                 But you are a dying people and need our 
                 technology.  Your next generation will 
                 not be born without our help.

       KAO breathes.

                           PALPATINE
                 You need our help.

       CLOSE UP - PALPATINE

       PALPATINE speaks slowly.

                           PALPATINE
                 You have no choice.

       CLOSE UP - KAO

       Kao's words mirror Palpatine's.

                           KAO
                 We have no choice.

       CLOSE UP - NELL

       NELL stands motionless.

       CLOSE UP - JASTER

       JASTER displays confusion.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

                           PALPATINE
                 Good.  You see it our way.
                     (beat)
                 You take care of your end, and we'll take 
                 care of ours.

                           KAO
                 We will destroy the targets you wish.  We 
                 will spread fear and chaos.  We will burn 
                 the worlds you have ordered.

       CLOSE UP - KAO

                           KAO
                 But, you will save us.  You will cure us.  
                 How?

       CLOSE UP - NELL

                           PALPATINE
                     (os)
                 We have our ways.

       MEDIUM SHOT - PALPATINE AND KAO

                           PALPATINE
                 We have our ways.

       PALPATINE shut off the disc.  He pockets the device and 
       extends his arm.  This time, KAO shakes his hand.

                                                       DISSOLVE TO:

       EXT. SPACE - NABOO

       The small planet of Naboo.

       EXT. THEED PALACE - CITY SIDE

       We see the Theed Palace from the side meeting the city.

       INT. THEED PALACE - WIDE CHAMBER - CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN KENOBI, Jedi Knight, stands right in front of the 
       CAMERA.  He looks down, below it.

       Slowly, A PAIR OF HANDS reaches out from behind Obi-Wan's 
       head.

       OBI-WAN glances up quickly and then back down.

       The hands quickly wrap around Obi-Wan's eyes.

       In a cheerful voice, the owner of the hands speaks.

                           FEMALE VOICE
                 Guess who?

       In a tired voice, OBI-WAN responds.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Amidala, I knew it was you when you first 
                 stepped inside this room.

       WIDE SHOT - OBI-WAN AND AMIDALA

       In a profile view, we see the two.  OBI-WAN is up against a 
       glass balcony, looking out.  He is clad in a black suit under 
       a coarse brown cloak.

       AMIDALA, queen of Naboo, is wearing a thin white gown 
       (similar to the one worn at the end of "The Phantom Menace").

       AMIDALA retracts her arms and slowly backs away.

       MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN AND AMIDALA

       AMIDALA approaches OBI-WAN and the balcony.  She folds her 
       arms together.

       In a inquisitive voice, she asks OBI-WAN a question.

                           AMIDALA
                 Whaddaya doing?

       OBI-WAN turns to her.  He looks down at her, puzzled.  
       AMIDALA flashes an interested smile.

                           OBI-WAN
                 ...Training.

       MEDIUM SHOT - BEHIND OBI-WAN AND AMIDALA

       We see over the shoulders of OBI-WAN and AMIDALA.  Down, 100 
       feet below, ANAKIN SKYWALKER stands in a garden.  A blue 
       lightsabre is held in front of him.  He wears a white tunic 
       and pants.

       EXT. GARDEN - WIDE SHOT

       ANAKIN slowly paces forward, slowly swinging his lightsabre.  
       He is in a green garden, with ferns, bushes, and vines 
       growing everywhere.  ANAKIN is in the central square, 
       composed of yellow baked clay bricks.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       Anakin's eyes tense.

       INT. THEED PALACE - WIDE CHAMBER - MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN

       We see OBI-WAN watch ANAKIN, from a profile view.

       CLOSE SHOT - OBI-WAN'S HAND

       OBI-WAN swiftly bats his left hand forward.

       EXT. GARDEN - WIDE SHOT

       A small stone flies toward ANAKIN, from behind.  ANAKIN only 
       reacts when it is almost upon him.  He spins around and 
       positions his sabre in its path.  A flash and pop sound from 
       where the stone and sabre collide.  The stone is vaporized.

       INT. THEED PALACE - WIDE CHAMBER - CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       A profile view, OBI-WAN concentrates.

       EXT. GARDEN - WIDE SHOT

       A second stone flies toward ANAKIN, opposite from where the 
       first one came from.  ANAKIN swings around and bats his sabre 
       at it.  The stone pops and vaporizes.

       A third stone comes at ANAKIN.  ANAKIN spins his sabre to 
       catch it, his stance remaining the same.

       There is a pause.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN breathes a tired breath and glances up toward KENOBI.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN wheels his sabre around to catch a stone coming from 
       behind him.

       INT. THEED PALACE - WIDE CHAMBER - MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN shouts down to ANAKIN.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Very good, Anakin!

       EXT. GARDEN - CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN looks up at KENOBI.  He speaks in a tired voice.

                           ANAKIN
                 Yeah.

       WIDE SHOT - GARDEN

       OBI-WAN, from in the balcony, shouts.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Padawan, you can return now.

       AMIDALA waves to ANAKIN

       ANAKIN shuts off his lightsabre and waves back.  It can be 
       barely seen, but OBI-WAN glances toward AMIDALA.

       ANAKIN begins to race toward the garden's exit.  A stone hits 
       him in the back of the head, causing him to falter.  He 
       stumbles but quickly returns to running.

       INT. THEED PALACE - WIDE CHAMBER - MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN AND 
       AMIDALA

       OBI-WAN turns away from the balcony.  AMIDALA follows, soon 
       after.  She speaks in the concerned voice of a mother.

                           AMIDALA
                 That was mean, Obi-Wan.

       OBI-WAN replies, holding his emotions back.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Amidala, there are things you do not 
                 know.
                     (beat)
                 There are things...

       OBI-WAN stops and looks away.

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN bites his lip.

                           OBI-WAN
                 There are things you do not understand. 
                 There are things I want to tell you... 
                 things that I want you to know.

       MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN AND AMIDALA

                           OBI-WAN
                 I can hear more than your words.  You 
                 assume too much.

       OBI-WAN begins to put his hands on Amidala's shoulders but 
       cowers away.

       AMIDALA speaks in a puzzled and confused voice.

                           AMIDALA
                 I... I...

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN turns away from AMIDALA, toward the doorway.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Anakin's coming.

       MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN AND AMIDALA

       Both look toward the door.  After a short period, AMIDALA 
       looks up at OBI-WAN.

                           AMIDALA
                 Obi-Wan...

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA grins.

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN looks at AMIDALA.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA.

       AMIDALA blushes.

                           AMIDALA
                 Obi-Wan, I want...

       CLOSE SHOT - AMIDALA'S HAND

       AMIDALA reaches and clasps Obi-Wan's hand in her own.

       MEDIUM SHOT - AMIDALA AND OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN looks deeply into Amidala's eyes, searching for his 
       words.

                           OBI-WAN
                 Anakin's coming.

                           ANAKIN
                     (os)
                 Hey!

       MEDIUM SHOT - WIDE CHAMBER DOORWAY

       ANAKIN comes racing through the doorway.

       CLOSE SHOT - AMIDALA AND OBI-WAN'S HANDS

       AMIDALA quickly releases Obi-Wan's hand.

       WIDE SHOT - OBI-WAN, AMIDALA, AND ANAKIN

       ANAKIN breathes heavily, after just running up several 
       flights of stairs.

                           ANAKIN
                 Hey!

                           AMIDALA
                 Hey.

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN glances back and forth.

       MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN, AMIDALA, AND ANAKIN

                           OBI-WAN
                 I'm going to...

       OBI-WAN leaves.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN watches OBI-WAN exit the room.  He is unconcerned.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA watches OBI-WAN leave.  She is sad.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ANAKIN AND AMIDALA

       ANAKIN looks at AMIDALA.  He speaks with genuine concern.

                           ANAKIN
                 What's wrong?

                           AMIDALA
                 Nothing.

       She's lying.

       ANAKIN persists.

                           ANAKIN
                 What's wrong?  There's something.  I can 
                 feel it.

       AMIDALA looks down.

       WIDE SHOT - BALCONY

       ANAKIN walks to the balcony and turns back toward AMIDALA.  
       He opens his mouth and taps on the stone ledge.

       MEDIUM SHOT - AMIDALA

       The CAMERA follows Amidala's slow and reluctant walk to 
       Anakin's side.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

                           AMIDALA
                 It's Obi-Wan.
                     (beat)
                 I... like... Obi-Wan.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       Anakin's face looses some of its compassion.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

                           AMIDALA
                 I've tried to tell him... and I think 
                 he's tried to tell me, but we just can't 
                 connect.  I don't even know for sure if 
                 he... but...
                     (beat)
                 I like him.

       AMIDALA looks down and takes a breath.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ANAKIN AND AMIDALA

       A beautiful vista of the garden and beyond fills the 
       background.

                           AMIDALA
                 I don't know...
                     (beat)
                 Could you, maybe, find out?
                     (beat)
                 Could you?

       AMIDALA looks up and smiles.

       ANAKIN rests his hands on her shoulders.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

                           ANAKIN
                 Amidala...
                     (beat)
                 You are a beautiful and intelligent young 
                 woman.  It hurts me ever so deeply to see 
                 you in such pain.

       MEDIUM SHOT - ANAKIN AND AMIDALA

                           ANAKIN
                 I WILL aid you in any way that I can.
                     (beat)
                 But, you know what?

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA is somewhat embarrassed and choked for words.  She 
       timidly speaks.

                           AMIDALA
                 ... what?

       MEDIUM SHOT - ANAKIN AND AMIDALA

       ANAKIN pauses, quickly reconsidering this venture, but then 
       continues.  He speaks nervously.

                           ANAKIN
                 I like you.

       ANAKIN pulls a delicate blue flower out of his belt.  He had 
       taken it from the garden.

       He places it in Amidala's hands.

       WIDE SHOT - ANAKIN AND AMIDALA ON THE BALCONY

       The balcony and the two on it seem dark against the brilliant 
       green and blue vista, extending out for miles.  We see the 
       garden and out past the palace walls.  We see all of Theed 
       and small settlements on its outskirts.  We see the rolling 
       green hills of the Naboo countryside.

       AMIDALA and ANAKIN stand seemingly still, timidly afraid to 
       continue.

       Ever so slowly, they move closer.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN moves closer to AMIDALA, ever so slowly.  He is 
       eclipsed by the background.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA slowly moves closer to ANAKIN.  She, too, is eclipsed 
       by the background.

       EXTREME CLOSE UP - ANAKIN'S EYES

       Fear and wanting fill Anakin's eyes, eclipsed by the 
       background.

       EXTREME CLOSE UP - AMIDALA'S EYES

       Fear and curiosity fill Amidala's eyes, eclipsed by the 
       background.

       EXTREME CLOSE UP - ANAKIN'S LIPS

       Anakin's lips spread, eclipsed by the background.

       EXTREME CLOSE UP - AMIDALA'S LIPS

       Amidala's lips part, eclipsed by the background.

                                                            CUT TO:

       INT. THEED PALACE - OBI-WAN'S CELL - CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       Obi-Wan's quarters are sparse.  He has few possessions.  He 
       looks down, at the bare stone floor, deep in thought.

       Suddenly, his face is thrusted up.  He gasps for air in 
       shock, horror, and disbelief.

       MEDIUM SHOT - OBI-WAN

       The CAMERA pans, following OBI-WAN.  He paces about, staring 
       down at the floor, hyperventilating.

       The only objects seen in the background are a bed roll and 
       small chest, atop it lying Qui-Gon's lightsabre.

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       A knock sounds from the door.

       Obi-Wan's eyes dart about, his face still toward the floor.

       The knock sounds a second time.

       OBI-WAN speaks in a disturbed and unsure voice.

                           OBI-WAN
                 ... Come in.

       MEDIUM SHOT - DOOR

       The door quickly raises.  Behind it stands the GOVERNOR OF 
       THEED, clad in blue and black robes.  He, too, is disturbed, 
       but for a different reason.

       He slowly steps into Obi-Wan's meager chamber.  He makes eye 
       contact with OBI-WAN and speaks blankly.

                           GOVERNOR
                 The Republic's at war.

                                                            CUT TO:

       INT. THEED PALACE - THRONE ROOM - WIDE SHOT

       QUEEN AMIDALA, in full regalia, rests in her throne.  Her 
       arms are draped across the sides.  ANAKIN stands near her, on 
       her right.  Various GUARDS and ADVISORS cluster to her left.

       The GOVERNOR and OBI-WAN approach.

       CLOSE UP - OBI-WAN

       OBI-WAN glances toward ANAKIN and AMIDALA.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

       ANAKIN looks at OBI-WAN, innocence on his face.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA looks at OBI-WAN.  She tries to hide her uneasiness.

       MEDIUM SHOT - GOVERNOR

       The GOVERNOR stands in front of the QUEEN and the assembled 
       COURT.

                           GOVERNOR
                 I have just received word from Chancellor 
                 Palpatine.  There have been raids and 
                 bombing strikes on various border 
                 colonies and outer rim worlds.

       CLOSE UP - AMIDALA

       AMIDALA speaks, putting all fears behind her.  She speaks 
       with the voice of authority and a leader.

                           AMIDALA
                 Who is behind these attacks?

       MEDIUM SHOT - GOVERNOR

       The GOVERNOR takes a breath.

                           GOVERNOR
                 That is the interesting bit.  That is why 
                 Palpatine contacted us personally.

       CLOSE UP - ANAKIN

                           ANAKIN
                 Well, who is it?

       MEDIUM SHOT - GOVERNOR

                           GOVERNOR
                 Now, I must tell you that this is not the 
                 best quality recording, but it is the 
                 only one to survive.
                     (beat)
                 The Chancellor has sent it to us prior to 
                 releasing it to the Senate.
                     (beat)
                 He felt that we should have advance 
                 notice.

       The GOVERNOR taps on a small relay device in his hand.

       WIDE SHOT - PILLARS

       Off set from the throne, a partition of the wall and marble 
       pillars distort and flicker away, revealing a large viewer in 
       their place.  They were but only a detailed hologram covering 
       the screen.

       CLOSE UP - GOVERNOR

       The GOVERNOR takes a breath and taps the device.