STAR WARS
Episode VII: Escape from Peril
An Original Screenplay
By
Jeremy Lazar
And
GenMadine

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INT. CHANCELLOR?S OFFICE

Leia leads Mara and Threepio into the Chancellor?s office, now hers and decorated in white. Leia walks to her desk and looks wistfully at a holostill of Han, now well into his 80s.

MARA
I?m about to leave for Kharam. I want to get back before Luke does

LEIA
How do you deal with being away from Luke and the boys?

MARA
Luke never seems to get enough time with them. This trek to Tatooine is important for their training, and for him. That?s all I need. Besides, I can?t say I?m not enjoying the break.

Leia smiles as her door chimes.

LEIA
Come.

Golemun enters, flanked by his honor guard, atop a mechanical throne.

GOLEMUN
Madame Organa-Solo?

LEIA
Senator Golemun, what brings you to my office?

GOLEMUN
With all due respect, I came seeking a private audience with you to discuss the growing Coalition debate, to see if we can avoid a repeat of what happened today in the Senate Chamber.

LEIA
That is a nice thought, Senator, you can make an appointment with?

GOLEMUN
I feel you are only seeing one side of this issue. As both a Jedi and the Chancellor, it is imperative you remain as neutral as possible on this matter. Your mind seems made up as far as the proper way to govern the galaxy is concerned.

LEIA
Senator, I have made no nods to the contrary. The galaxy was governed for years under the very body I wish to reinstate.

GOLEMUN
Your type of government has failed before, why will it not fail now? My friends in The Coalition assure me they are simply offering an alternative to the reforming Republic, they mean no harm.

LEIA
I am well aware of your ties to The Coalition, Senator?

GOLEMUN
The Jedi were unable to prevent (more)
GOLEMUN (con?d)
Palpatine from bringing about the rise of the Empire. A governing body without Jedi presence is the only safe way to maintain a democracy in this galaxy. Frankly, some find your tactics for running the Galaxy quite imperialistic?

LEIA
Imperialistic? I do not care for your implication, Senator Golemun. You seek a government with you in charge and the Jedi non-existent.

GOLEMUN
That is a most remarkable presumption. I should know not to expect less from the daughter of Darth Vader.

Leia looks around as if to see if anyone is close enough to hear Golemun?s words.

LEIA
That is hardly public knowledge, Senator. And completely irrelevant.

GOLEMUN
On the contrary, Madame Organa-Solo, it is completely relevant. The Jedi continue to push their ideals upon the galaxy for the ?greater good?. You push for a government where the Jedi are the real power, not the people.

Golemun leans in to Leia.

GOLEMUN (con?d)
I am confident that I will persuade the Senate to see my point of view... And you will be surprised of the many things I know that are hardly public knowledge.

Leia pulls back a little.

LEIA
We have strong intelligence showing that The Coalition is stockpiling arms. If anyone is looking for a war, it?s them.

GOLEMUN
Please. With the Republic military so large, obviously they feel threatened. Try being a diplomat again. I fear your time with the Rebellion has turned you into a warmonger.

LEIA
I have sacrificed my life many times for this galaxy. You cannot say the same. Until you have, keep your slanderous comments to yourself.

Golemun?s throne begins to retreat backwards.

GOLEMUN
When my planet was threatened during the Clone Wars, I pleaded with the Senate for assistance, but got none. The Republic destroyed my planet after I joined the Separatists in order to avoid their attack. My people blamed me for the destruction. I have sacrificed plenty.

LEIA
That was 50 years ago, Senator, now is not the time to fix your family legacy.

GOLEMUN
Again, Madame Organa Solo, you are mistaken. Your personal agenda has no right to try and prevent free will. I have sworn to bring true order to the galaxy. And if that means?

LEIA
That?s Chancellor Organa-Solo, (more)
LEIA (con?d)
Senator, and until you hold that title, you will show the proper respect. Good day.

GOLEMUN
My apologies...

LEIA
Good day.

The door closes as Golemun leaves.

WIPE

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Script Pages:

Intro  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33

Full Script: 1 of 2  (2 of 2)

Download the script (pdf)

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