A woman of exquisite features, a combination born from the sheer chance of thousands of genetic revolutions, paired with an ambitious education. Her name was invented—that much was certain—since Portman did not appear in any official records and served as a form of protection. Israeli in New York, her beauty was undoubtedly a muse to everyone who belonged to that luminous place.
Well-defined eyebrows framed her large brown eyes, and a complexion somewhere between bronze and pearly tones blended with the curly hair she wore on this occasion; normally she preferred her hair straight, layered, over a more-than-well-proportioned face and a delicate nose that enhanced her beautiful mouth, like a lock that sealed any attempt at pursuit or denial. Her round cheeks were a sign of youth, and everything about her seemed made for the camera; with only a light touch to her expressive eyes and a hint of life to those cheeks, her face became angular, alive, meant for the screen. In an almost artless way, she was a young woman destined to be beautiful. She preferred certain customs over others, yet her nature embodied an innocence that matched her slender body, one that simply framed all her features.
On the other hand, Billy had a youthful look without a beard, reducing his apparent age by five years. He wore his hair like a young explorer, and above all, his eyes stood out, helping to represent every aspect of his age. It was a mental state. Perfect features and solid acting skills—the duality of Anakin that was known to him, between youth and age, between darkness and goodness.
-It seems our scenes are up next now,- Natalie whispered to him. She was playing Padmé and, for less than an hour now, had been wearing a custom-made white shawl that left her back exposed. There was nothing particular to say, especially since this would be her second scene of the day. They were now moving along a straight dividing line, and it was expected that the lightsaber scenes would be saved for the end of the entire film.
-Scene three. Take two.-
INTERIOR: SENATE CHAMBER – DAY
The vast rotunda buzzes with chatter. MAS AMEDDA, the Supreme Chancellor's majordomo, attempts to restore order while PALPATINE speaks with an AIDE, UV GIZEN, who pilots a small floating scooter. Everywhere one looks, there are chambers of at least thirty seats, floating pods drifting as a gray screen imitates what feels like an infinite hall. It is a perfect use of space, using darkness to suggest a kind of void. The Chancellor stands at the center of the chamber, where many stories will be brought to life.
MAS AMEDDA: Order! Order! The motion for the Republic to establish an army takes precedence, and that is what we will vote on at this time.
Everything quiets. The AIDE withdraws, and SUPREME CHANCELLOR PALPATINE ascends the podium.
PALPATINE: …My esteemed colleagues, please forgive me… I have just received tragic and disturbing news. Senator Amidala of the Naboo system… has been assassinated!
A stunned silence falls over the vast arena.
PALPATINE
(continuing)
This painful blow is especially personal to me. Before becoming Chancellor, I served Amidala when she was Queen. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not only in this honorable assembly but also on her home planet. She was so beloved that she could have been elected queen for life. She believed in public service and believed fervently in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all. We will mourn her as a tireless champion of liberty… and as a dear friend.
A moment of silence. ASK AAK, the Senator from Malastare, moves his pod to the center of the arena.
SENATOR ASK AAK: How many more senators must die before this civil war ends! We must confront these rebels now, and we need an army to do it.
A second pod moves into the center, carrying DARSANA, the Ambassador of Glee Anselm.
AMBASSADOR DARSANA: Why were the Jedi unable to stop this murder? We are no longer safe under their protection.
Senator ORN FREE TAA advances his pod.
ORN FREE TAA: The Republic needs greater security now! Before war breaks out!
PALPATINE: Must I remind the Senator of Malastare that negotiations with the separatists are ongoing? Our goal is peace… not war.
The senators shout both in favor and against. MAS AMEDDA struggles to restore order. Senator Padmé Amidala, accompanied by Captain Typho, Jar Jar, and Dormé, maneuvers her pod toward the center of the vast arena.
AMIDALA: My noble colleagues, I agree with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!
The Senate falls silent, then erupts into cheers and applause.
PALPATINE: With great surprise and pleasure, the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala.
PADMÉ: Less than an hour ago, there was an attempt on my life. One of my guards and six others were brutally and senselessly murdered. I was the target, but more importantly, I believe this security measure before you was as well. I have led the opposition to building an army… but there is someone in this body who will stop at nothing to ensure its approval…
Many senators boo and shout at Senator Amidala.
PADMÉ
(continuing)
I warn you that if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war firsthand; I do not wish to live through it again.
Scattered shouts rise for and against her statements.
PADMÉ: Wake up, Senators… you must wake up! If you offer violence to the separatists, they will only return violence to us! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could destroy the very foundations of our great Republic. I beg you not to let fear drive you into a disastrous decision. Reject this security measure, which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone here want that? I cannot believe it.
Boos and groans echo. Senator Orn Free Taa brings his pod closer to Amidala.
ORN FREE TAA: My motion to postpone the vote must be addressed first. That is the rule of law.
Amidala appears angry and frustrated. Palpatine looks at her with compassion.
PALPATINE: Given the late hour and the gravity of this motion, we will address these matters tomorrow. Until then, the Senate is adjourned.
-Cut.-
It is delicately noticeable that each and every one of them is exactly where they should be. The entire series thus explains the attacks, the whispers, the rapid Spielberg-style cuts that, in just thirty seconds, can shape a political statement.
In harmony with the Dooku series, the story gains greater meaning—one that requires more than two films to be told. But the series begins to generate a force that all fans will understand.
Billy nods as he watches everything flow.
Steven truly excelled with the entire casting and crew selection. He did not fall short, since many of them possessed acting abilities, at least as far as stunt doubles were concerned. Those who did not speak were masters of fencing, and those who did speak only spent a few brief minutes on screen alongside the stars.
***
Raimon let out a deep sigh; he needed to finish that conversation and have his part in the Star Wars shoots. He was stressed, but South Carolina had offered some of the best conditions.
William Dommer was waiting for him and indicated it was safe to speak.
-You need to be clear and let everything unfold. Speak passionately about the benefits you will bring to South Carolina,- William commented, and Raimon nodded.
The young man nodded as much as he could, though it was difficult for him to fully grasp the intentions of Billy's new partner, which, at sharp degrees, were little more than vile promises of betrayal. But that was not something one said out loud. On the contrary, Raimon nodded, focusing on two things.
A national automotive park, similar to NASCAR racing but featuring company brands. A car museum located at the center, showcasing the history of vehicles, iconic brands, and the stories of the greats, alongside halls of fame for legendary drivers. There would also be a karting chain for competitions, with what they called a total of three tracks, featuring the best designs, revolutionizing the karting system, and another Formula 4 track, more refined and discreet, set atop a gentle hill.
Not far away would stand the car factory; beyond it, a free-trade zone and the construction of a stadium for the team Billy would acquire under the Lamborghini group, themed around automotive culture. A small artificial lake would be tested, where rowing would offer a beautiful view.
At the same time, there would be food companies, toy manufacturers, and an entire value ecosystem amounting to a minimum investment of twelve billion dollars, over eighty percent of which would be loaned by the state of South Carolina, with the remainder financed through loans under Lamborghini's leadership. Each part would be managed through four-stage processes, opening between one thousand and five thousand jobs in the first months, later adding another ten thousand until reaching seventy thousand well-paid positions—though not at the level of Lux Animation.
....