lord yam's outline for the prequels and ROTJ

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lordyam
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lord yam's outline for the prequels and ROTJ Jun 26, 2022 0:54:34 GMT -5

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Post by lordyam on Jun 26, 2022 0:54:34 GMT -5

I love star wars, and even have a soft spot for ROTJ. As for the prequels I understand what Lucas wanted to do even if I felt he missed the mark. So here I'm going to suggest my take on the story. I'm borrowing from several sources (Veranius from AlternateHistory, HIMDogson from the same, and Belated Media, as well as even a few cues from Durgaizer.

Background: 10 years prior to the Prequel trilogy the first Clone War broke out when the Warlord Iaco Stark used an army of clones to make a play for power; he was only very narrowly defeated by the efforts of the Jedi and the Judicial forces (as well as the slipshod nature of the cloning process). The Republic had been at peace for 1,000 years at this point, and many convinced themselves that Stark's actions were just a one off. This ensured that the possibility of a standing army being created was shot down (sorta like how a lot of democrats tried to convince themselves that Trumpism would just blow over.). The Sith manipulate an ambitious Senator (played by Adrian Dunbar, who I'll just call Senator Dunbar for simplicity) into secretly creating a clone army so that the Republic would be ready should war arise.

So let's dive in.

Episode 1:

Alderaan: Basically the Trade Federation has been slapped with major sanctions for corruption (Which is a miracle given how corrupt the Senate is). Sidious manipulates the Trade Federation into attacking Alderaan as part of a hare brained scheme to get the Republic to reverse the sanctions (Alderaan being weak and thus easy pickings). The Jedi are dispatched to negotiate a solution, and the Sith try to murder them. They escape as the invasion begins and help the Queen and her entourage escape. A blind jump forces them to land on Tatooine.

Note: Obi Wan and Qui Gon are not teacher student her. Obi Wan is trained by Yoda. They are however very good friends; Qui Gon is a somewhat more experienced master while Obi Wan has recently made the transition to knighthood and hasn't yet taken on a Padawan. Qui Gon Jinn meanwhile has trained several padawans, and is considering taking another.

Tatooine: Padme (Bail's younger sister) is the one sent out with the others (she's not as high profile as her brother). Anakin is Watto's slave, and while he and Owen aren't brothers Owen does act as a sort of big brother figure (Owen's family is free and they're trying to raise money to free Anakin; Anakin's about 17). Qui Gon begins to suspect that Anakin might be force sensitive, and some tests ultimately prove as much (it should be made clearer that midichlorians are merely a measuring tool; they aren't the source of the force powers or any of that, just measuring tools). He decides to help Anakin get his freedom, and barters with Watto for it. We get the pod racing sequence, and Anakin wins. Owen begs Anakin to stay, but Anakin's heart is set on leaving. Maul attacks them, and they flee successfully.

Coruscant: Prince Bail gives a passionate speech about how his people are dying, but it doesn't look like there's much hope. The Trade Federation has a lot of support, and even those who are sympathetic are uncertain that the Judicial will be able to face the Federation forces. At this point Senator Dunbar takes the stand and reveals the existence of the Clone Army he's commissioned, volunteering it's usage to bring the Federation to heel and free Alderaan. There are of course protests, and some people compare him to Iaco Stark, but Dunbar's charisma (plus some behind the scenes manipulations by Palpatine) ensure that the measure is passed.

Meanwhile Anakin is brought before the Jedi; unlike the movie (where they outright reject him) they're more divided on it. Some are all for it, others are more skeptical of it. Qui Gon boldly says he intends to train Anakin regardless, and it's decided that Anakin will wait there while the crisis is resolved. Naturally, Anakin slips out anyway and joins them.

Back to Alderaan: The Clone army mobilizes to liberate Alderaan from the Droid army. Anakin gets involved, and as the armies clash the heroes make planetfall to capture the viceroy. We have the Jedi Maul fight, and Anakin has a vision of Qui Gon dying. He rushes desperately to the scene, arriving just in time to see Maul run Qui Gon through. Since Qui Gon is probably the closest thing he's ever had to a father figure despite their short time together, Anakin is devastated and lashes out, charging Maul with Qui Gon's saber. He also unleashes a powerful Force Push that blows Maul off the rooftop they're fighting on. Qui Gon asks Obi Wan to train Anakin.

Wrap up: The Jedi reluctantly decide to let Anakin train (since denying Qui Gon's dying wish is sort of a dick move), and Senator Dunbar is now a shoo in for the Chancellorship (we also meet Senator Palpatine, Senator Dunbar's "ally"). The Jedi meanwhile are uncertain of how things are going to proceed.

lordyam
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lord yam's outline for the prequels and ROTJ Jun 26, 2022 1:41:24 GMT -5

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Post by lordyam on Jun 26, 2022 1:41:24 GMT -5

Episode 2 This borrows a lot from Belated Media's version but bare with me.

Background: 7 years have passed since Episode 1 and things have gotten tenser. We learn that the Clone Army was deputized and to some degree HAS been effective in restoring stability in the galaxy, cracking down on crime syndicates and the like. However, there are those who are starting to secede from the Republic for a variety of reasons; some of them think that not enough is being done to curb the corruption, and many in fact see the usage of the Clone Army (which was bred for slavery) as proof that the Republic has lost it's way. Palpatine in his Sith identity is also helping to discretely fan the flames of chaos. After Senator Dunbar was reelected as Chancellor for a second term (they do 5 year terms) many planets outright seceded, rallying around the figure of Count Dooku (a former Jedi who was Qui Gon's master; Dooku was hurt by Qui Gon's death, and was disgusted by the hypocrisy of using the Clone Army). Since then both sides have tried to coexist, but tensions are high, especially since there are privateers attacking both side's shipping.

Plot: We open with a particularly vicious attack on a freighter ship by Darth Maul and his Death Watch Goons, culminating in Maul having the crew members dumped out the airlock. This is a Republic freighter and naturally this inflames tensions to near boiling point; both parties are on the edge of war. However, Count Dooku has reached out the the Republic to offer peace talks, and Chancellor Dunbar has agreed to it (realizing that a full scale war isn't particularly desirable). Anakin and Obi Wan are assigned to attend the talks, which are being held on Alderaan. Padme and Anakin reconnect at this point, and sparks begin to fly. Dooku insists on speaking with the Jedi first but is rebuffed, and as tensions mount Maul and his Death Watch Commandoes launch an attack, killing many people (including Chancellor Dunbar) while mysteriously ensuring that the more peace minded delegates on both sides are targeted (some like Mon Mothma survive). Maul also repays Anakin defeating him by severing his hand before Obi Wan is able to drive him away.

Needless to say the talks are in shambles; Obi Wan goes to track down Dooku for answers (he noted that Dooku seemed genuinely horrified when the guns started going off.) Anakin is treated by Padme as he's convelescing and their romance begins to grow more. Obi Wan eventually tracks Dooku down and speaks to him; Dooku explains how Sidious approached him. While he felt that the Republic was unsalvageable, he understood that Sidious was evil and so decided to instead play along, hoping to gather evidence of his wrong doings and ultimately expose him, thus hopefully defusing tensions and allowing the two powers to live in peace.

Unfortunately however it turns out that Sidious hadn't been fooled and used him for his own ends; the attack was as much about silencing Dooku as it was the others, and while Dooku survived he was horrified to discover that all of the evidence he has gathered about Sidious was destroyed when he got back. Anakin and Padme learn that Dooku has been tracked and that the military has been dispatched after him. Realizing that Obi Wan is in danger, they rush after him, beating the Republic there. They meet up with Obi Wan, who explains things, but Dooku refuses to leave. He's screwed anyway (the Republic will want his head and he has no evidence of Sidious's existence) and he's ashamed at just how badly he allowed himself to be used by Sidious. As the three escape, the Republic military unleashes it's onslaught on Dooku's fortress, destroying it and killing him.

As such, war is now inevitable. Things are about to get a LOT darker.

Episode 3

The opening is similar to what we got in canon, except that Maul is the one the heroes fight. Anakin kills Maul after Palpatine invokes Qui Gon's death and all the other people Maul will hurt if he's allowed to live. Grievous is more sinister and intimidating (like his 2003 miniseries appearance). Anakin meets with Padme, and we learn that they've been secretly seeing each other. Padme is now heavily pregnant. Anakin also begins to have dreams of Padme's death, and asks Yoda for advice. Here it's more clear what Yoda is saying (that while you can mourn someone who died, death is a part of life and clinging onto something can be harmful). We also find out that the Jedi are more suspicious of Palpatine, and that they were investigating Sidious when the Battle of Coruscant began. They decide to have Anakin spy on Palpatine to get information from him, which Palpatine turns against them. Obi Wan pursues Grievous to Utapau, and Palpatine at last reveals his true nature to Anakin. He argues that everything he's done has been for the greater good; the Republic was broken long before the first clone wars broke out, and that sacrifices were needed to set the Galaxy back on it's proper path. He also points out that Anakin needs his knowledge to save Padme.

We get the whole Jedi attacking Palpatine, and Anakin makes the fatal decision that fucks over the Galaxy. He than falls to the dark side and becomes Vader, attacking the temple as Order 66 goes out (Yoda doesn't meet Chewbacca since that's too much of a plothole). Anakin does not directly kill the younglings; instead he assures them that things are going to be fine as the soldiers lead them away. Obi Wan like in canon flees on Greivous's starship, and Bail manages to save both of them.

At this point we get the final act but there are some changes.

1.) Obi Wan is more visibly reluctant at the prospect of killing Anakin, begging him to reconsider and do the right thing with far more vehemence (he also doesn't have the "only a sith deals in absolutes line. It's more "the man I knew would never have dealt in such absolutes." But even during the duel he tries to persuade Anakin; Anakin says "Anakin is gone. There is only Darth Vader now." It's not quite as flashy but it is very clear that Obi Wan IS trying to redeem Anakin.....only to fail and be forced to use lethal force.
2.) Padme tries to stab Anakin with a knife when she realizes he's too far gone. Anakin retaliates by viciously choking her with the force. It's made very clear that THIS is what ultimately kills her.
3.) When Palpatine defeats Yoda he also gives him an absolutely BRUTAL lecture summing up how the Jedi's own arrogance was what allowed him to pull of his plan off, and how totally he's won. As an act of cruel mercy, he allows Yoda to leave. The duel also plays out somewhat differently as well.

lordyam
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lord yam's outline for the prequels and ROTJ Jun 26, 2022 2:08:37 GMT -5

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Post by lordyam on Jun 26, 2022 2:08:37 GMT -5

Return of the Jedi

Act 1: Luke Lando and the others all try to negotiate with Jabba to release Han, offering to pay back three times as much as Solo lost. Jabba seems to agree......but than double-crosses them and knocks them out with an electrical lightning device in the floor. Turns out the Empire paid him to get rid of them and he's decided to both accept their money AND the Empire's. However, it's been a long time since he's had quality entertainment, and so orders them thrown into a giant arena instead. He lets Luke keep his lightsaber, telling him "It won't do you any good. You are not the first Jedi to fall into my arena" (it makes him even more dangerous and explains his arrogance.)

Cue the first action sequence: Luke, Lando, Han and Leia are all thrown into the arena, and battle a horde of Jabba's goons. Luke shows off his Jedi skills, cutting down the guards. He also defeats Boba Fett by launching his jetpack missile right back at him and blowing him to smithereens. At this point Jabba unleashes the Rancor (which is HUGE). Luke however, surprises everyone by using the force to make a connection with the beast, reaching past the anger and pain and calming it to the point it kneels before him. Jabba panics at this point and orders more of his men into the arena but Bib Fortuna (seeing which way the wind is blowing) instead shoots Jabba and lets everyone go, declaring that the debt is forgiven.

At this point we go back to Dagobah. Yoda dies like in canon, but when Obi Wan arrives Luke is somewhat more hostile and angry. Rather than the whole "point of view" nonsense Obi Wan instead explains that he was worried that Luke would try to redeem Vader. He tells Luke that he tried that himself, and ultimately failed. He also however, acknowledges that he didn't want to acknowledge his shame, explaining that he blamed himself for Anakin's fall (he also gives Luke the cliff notes version of what went down.) Notably he gives this BEFORE giving the "you would have tried to save Vader and that would have been ruinous." Luke however, is not convinced, and explains that when he and Vader were telepathically chatting at the end of ESB he sensed some slivers of regret within him. Obi Wan is skeptical, saying that Vader is more machine than man. While we DO get the Luke Leia sister thing, Obi Wan explains that he was worried Luke might get overly attached to her if he knew, which was similar to what brought down Anakin. Luke accepts the apology but is still convinced Vader can be saved.

Act 2: We do get the Death Star II (since let's face it, fascist governments are arrogant enough that they WILL double down on impractical vanity projects rather than admit the first one was a bust) and Endor, but we get Wookies instead of Ewoks (there's a quick explanation about how these Wookies were the losers in a civil war on Chewbacca's homeworld and exiled.) They're hostile at first, but they are curious about C-3PO, and so are willing to let him make their case. 3PO is able to convince them to fight with the Rebellion, for once the death star is completed their world will burn.

In addition, we see more signs of Vader's inner turmoil (Palpatine makes a comment that Vader has been different since Cloud City, something Vader furiously denies).

Luke has a vision, realizing he can't put off the conflict any longer. He and Leia talk (notably, they're both more grossed out when they realize the implications), and Leia explains how her father told her she was a war orphan he adopted. Luke surrenders to Vader, and tries to get through to him (it's made very clear that this is the first time they've spoken to each other since Cloud City.) Leia also spends the night with Han (partially because she just wants to distract herself).

Act 3: Luke is brought before the Emperor. I'm borrowing a bit from Durgaizer here. While Palpatine does have the scarred face, he's also dressed in white robes and tries to initially put on the appearance of a kindly grandfather. He attempts to win over Luke with arguments about how corrupt the Republic was, and how he was just putting it out of it's misery. He also says that he's brought order and stability. Luke sees through this, calling him out on all the Empire's atrocities, and how since everything revolves around Palpatine he must approve of them. Palpatine drops the nice guy act at this point, and starts threatening Luke with the fact that his friends are in danger and everything's a trap. For added dickishness he also contacts Jerjerrod and tells him to turn the Superlaser on Endor if the team DOES manage to take out the shield generator. Luke attacks him, Vader blocks, and battle is joined. Palpatine does NOT keep interjecting, and Luke is able to largely control himself, reaching out to Vader and trying to remind him of the man he once was. By contrast Vader is a lot more agitated, and this agitation majorly effects his performance (a reversal of the situation on Bespin where Luke was in turmoil and Vader cool as a cucumber).

As all of this is going on, the ground team attacks the Generator. Since it's Wookies the fight sequence is more awesome. Eventually however there's a gunfight in the shield generator bunker. Han sees the wounded officer moving to shoot Leia and pushes her out of the way, taking the shot himself and thus completing his arc into a more selfless hero. Luke senses Han's death, and it's at this point that Vader begins taunting him about how his friends are going to die, and even picks up Luke's thoughts about how Leia is his sister. THIS is when Luke lashes out at Vader and goes all out. He overpowers Vader, and Palpatine watches in silent anticipation.....but as Luke raises his sword to deliver the killing blow he sees Vader's severed arm, which makes him stop and look at his own robot arm. At this point he realizes what he's in danger of becoming and calms down before throwing the sword away. At this point Palpatine finally looses his composure and starts slowly torturing Luke to death. Vader gets his redemption equals death moment, hurling Sidious to his doom.

The Bunker is destroyed, and the Fleet is able to move in on the second death star. Luke and Vader have their final scene in the hanger bay, and Luke is able to escape on Palpatine's private shuttle just as the station explodes.

The ending is a bit more bittersweet; Luke burns Vader's body, and confides in Leia that he's going to set out to rebuild the Jedi Order. The fight is far from over, but now they have a chance of winning with Palpatine and Vader gone.

lord yam's outline for the prequels and ROTJ

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