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By George Lucas
Journal of the Whills, 3:127
"THE STAR WARS"
1. EXT. SPACE A vast sea of star serves as the backdrop for the MAIN TITLE, which is followed by a ROLL UP: The REPUBLIC GALACTICA is dead. Ruthless trader barons, driven by greed and the lust for power, have replaced enlightenment with oppression, and "rule by the people" with the FIRST GALACTIC EMPIRE. For over a thousand years, generations of JEDI KNIGHTS were the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. Now these legendary warriors are all but extinct. One by one they have been hunted down and destroyed by the sinister agents of the Emperor: the DARK LORDS OF THE SITH. It is a period of civil wars. Rebel Armies, striking from fortresses hidden deep within the Great Rift, have won a crushing victory over the powerful Imperial Starfleet. The Emperor knows that one more such defeat will bring a thousand more solar systems into the rebellion, and Imperial control of the Outland systems could be lost forever. To crush the rebellion once and for all, the Emperor has sent one of his most ferocious Dark Lords to find the secret rebel strongholds and destroy them... The awesome yellow planet of Utapau emerges from total eclipse. A tiny silver spacecraft races into view, followed by a giant Imperial stardestroyer. Hundreds of deadly laser bolts streak from the Imperial warship as it dives on the smaller craft. The overwhelming concentration of laser fire causes the main solar fin of the rebel craft to disintegrate, creating a spectacular heavenly display. The smoldering rebel ship is quickly overtaken by the giant Imperial warship.
The chaos of battle echoes through the narrow, main corridor of the starfighter. THREEPIO The little dwarf robot makes a series of electronic sounds that only another robot could understand. Rebel troops rush past the robots, and take up positions in the main passageway. Everything is suddenly still and quiet. Tension mounts as the rebels wait for the pending attack. Loud metallic footsteps are heard moving around on the outside the hull of the ship. The scraping screams of heavy equipment being dragged across the metal skin of the starship run chills up Threepio's bronze spine. He huddles in a small alcove with little Artoo watching the passageway ceiling. THREEPIO A tremendous blast opens up a hole six feet wide in the side of the main passageway and a score of fearsome stormtroopers, armed with powerful multi-laser rifles, make their way into the smoking corridor. The rebel warriors draw their chrome, laser pistols, and blast out several shots that rip through the Imperial stormtroopers. In a few moments, the entire passageway blazes with laser fire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild random patterns, creating small explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck behind storage lockers. Laser bolts hit several stormtroopers who scream and stagger through the smoke, holding shattered arms and faces. In the confusion, Artoo and Threepio are blown slipping and sliding into a power canister, but rushing gas from a broken pipe keeps knocking them over. The lanky Threepio becomes entangled in the mass of dangling wires, which spark and pop every time he attempts to move. Artoo clings to a pipe for dear life. Artoo counters with an angry rebuttal as he struggles to free the larger robot. The battle rages around the two hapless robots. Suddenly, there is a slight lull in the fighting, then a deathly quiet sweeps over the passageway as an awesome, seven-foot tall DARK LORD OF THE SITH makes his way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is DARTH VADER, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior. Vader raises his arms and objects that aren't bolted down, including the rebel warriors, are picked up by an invisible force and hurled to the end of the passageway. In the excitement, Artoo and Threepio have fled down a sub-hallway.
A death white wasteland stretches from horizon to horizon. The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settles on a lone figure, LUKE STARKILLER, a farm-boy with heroic aspirations; who looks much younger than his twenty years. His short hair and baggy tunic give him the air of a simple-minded, but lovable lout with a prize-winning smile. His face is partially covered by a breath mask and goggles. A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves on a large chrome pipe, which sticks out of the desert floor much like and oil-rig christmas tree. He is aided by a small, very beat-up tread-robot with six claw arms. The little robot appears to be barely functioning, and moves with jerky motions. A bright sparkle in the morning sky catches Luke's eye, and he instinctively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt. LUKE He stands transfixed for a few moments, studying the heavens, then dashes toward his dented, crudely repaired Landspeeder (an auto-like transport that travels a few feet above the ground on a magnetic field). LUKE The robot stops short and smoke begins to pour out of every joint. Luke throws up his arms in disgust. LUKE He gives the dwarf robot a swift kick in the side, which doesn't seem to make much difference. The young farm boy rushes to his landspeeder and zooms off leaving the smoldering robot to hum madly.
A series of explosions echo throughout the ship as the tall, gleaming Threepio rushes through the narrow subhallway yelling at Artoo, who is racing along on a small set of wheels under his center foot. THREEPIO Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency lifepod. He snaps the seal on the main latch and a red warning light begins to flash. The stubby, dwarf-robot works his way into the cramped four-man pod. THREEPIO Artoo whistles something at his reluctant friend. THREEPIO Artoo isn't happy with Threepio's stubbornness and he beeps and twangs angrily. A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris through the narrow sub-hallway. Flames lick at Threepio, and after a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the lanky robot jumps into the lifepod. THREEPIO The safety door snaps shut, and with the thunder of exploding latches, the tiny lifepod ejects from the disabled starfighter.
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terrified robots speeds away from the stricken rebel spacecraft. CHIEF PILOT CAPTAIN
Darth Vader, the black knight, takes a short restraining pole from one of the guards and brutally jabs a captured rebel officer in the chest. VADER The rebel cries out as the spooky looking Sith Lord begins to twist his arm, creating a gruesome snapping and popping of broken bones.
The reddish-yellow mass of Utapau seems to engulf the tiny lifepod containing the two robots. The grouping of starships grows smaller as the pod descends toward the planet.
A small settlement, consisting of a few rundown block-house type buildings, rests against one of the huge rock white buildings. Luke pilots his landspeeder through the dusty, empty street of the tiny settlement. An old WOMAN runs to get out of the way of the speeding vehicle, shaking her fist at Luke as he flies past. WOMAN Luke pulls up behind a low concrete service station that is all but covered by the shifting desert sands. The rusted hulk of a landspeeder lies half-buried to one side of the building. Luke jumps out of the speeder and runs into the dilapidated power station.
A dismantled speeder rests in the repair bay of the station. Inside the station's "office" sits THE FIXER, rugged-looking, about thirty years old, with a big moustache. On his lap sits CAMIE, a sexy, disheveled girl about eighteen. Her cloak is pulled up and one of the Chief's hands rests on her beautiful thigh. They are both sound asleep. In a small room behind the office DEAK and WINDY, two tough boys about the same age as Luke, are playing a computer pool-like game with BIGGS, a tall, handsome startrooper cadet. His flashy uniform is a sharp contrast to the loose-fitting tunic of farm boys. A robot repairs some equipment in the background. Luke bounces in yelling excitedly, waking The Fixer and Camie. The others come in from the other room, and Camie jumps off The Fixer's lap, pulling her dress down in a sexy manner. Luke is surprised at the appearance of Biggs. LUKE BIGGS LUKE Biggs snaps to attention. BIGGS The dazzling spectacle of his uniformed friend is almost too much for Luke. His eyes glaze over. Suddenly he snaps out of it. LUKE
The group stumbles out into the stifling desert sun. Deak and The Fixer complain, and are forced to shade their eyes. Luke has his binoculars out, scanning the heavens. LUKE Biggs takes the binoculars from Luke, as the others strain to see something with the naked eye. Through the binoculars Biggs sees two small silver specks. BIGGS LUKE Camie grabs the binoculars away from Biggs, banging them against the building in the process. Luke reaches for them. CAMIE Fixer gives Luke a hard look, and the young farm boy shrugs his shoulders in resignation. BIGGS Luke agrees, although it's obvious he isn't sure why. The group stumbles back into the power station, grumbling about Luke's ineptitude,
A beautiful young girl about sixteen years old huddles in a small alcove as the stormtroopers search through the ship. She is LEIA ORGANA, a rebel princess. The fear in her eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted crushing sounds of the approaching stormtroopers grows louder. She steps from her hiding place and blasts two troopers with her laser pistol, but she is greatly outnumbered and quickly captured.
Princess Leia is led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a squad of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound with brass bracelets, and she is brutally shoved when she is unable to keep up with the briskly marching troops. They enter a small gloomy chamber where Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, is sitting. Vader speaks in an oddly filtered voice through his complex breathing mask. VADER OFFICER VADER VADER The Officer bows and leaves the chamber. LEIA Vader raises his arm and as a sudden pain grips Leia, she doubles up unable to continue. Vader raises his arm and a flask on the table mysteriously jumps into his open hand. He casually drinks from the flask. VADER LEIA VADER His frightening laugh rings throughout the ship.
JUNDLAND, or "No Man's Land," where the rugged desert mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-robots kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod and clumsily work their way across the desert coastline. THREEPIO Suddenly Artoo makes a sharp right turn and starts off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Threepio stops and yells at him. THREEPIO A stream of electronic noises pour forth from the small robot. THREEPIO Artoo counters with a long whistle. THREEPIO He shoves Artoo and the tiny robot tumbles down a small dune. Threepio starts off in the direction of the vast dune sea as little Artoo struggles to his feet and shakes a metallic claw at his ex-partner. THREEPIO Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges off in the direction of the towering mesas.
Threepio, hot tired, struggles up over the ridge of a dune, only to find more dunes, which seems to go on for endless miles. He looks back in the direction of the now distant rock mesas. He sits in a huff of anger and frustration, knocking the sand from his joints. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving toward him. The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the approaching transport.
Luke and Biggs are sitting in a corner of the now empty power station. Biggs has had a little too much to drink and sloppily leans close to Luke. BIGGS LUKE BIGGS LUKE They quietly sit in the dim coolness of the station having run out of things to say. Luke finishes his drink and stands up. LUKE
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange foreboding mist, and the ominous sounds of unearthly creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he goes. He hears a distant, hard metallic sound and stops for a moment. Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way. In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall and a small, dark figure darts into the shadows. A little further up the canyon a slight flicker of light reveals a pair of eyes in the dark recesses, only a few feet from the narrow path. The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurry three MEN, no taller than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons as they cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby cloaks, and their faces are shrouded so that only their yellow eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their shoulders and carry him off down the trail.
The eight dwarves, or JAWAS as they're sometimes called, carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge tank-like vehicle the size of a two-story house. They place the robot under a large tube on the side of the vehicle, and the little robot is sucked into the giant machine.
It is dim inside the hold area of the sand crawler. Artoo switches on a small floodlight on his forehead and stumbles around the scrap heap. The narrow beam swings across rusty metal rocket parts and an array of grotesquely twisted and maimed astro-robots. He lets out a pathetic electronic whimper and stumbles off toward what appears to be a door at the end of the chamber.
Artoo enters a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In the middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen or so robots of various shapes and sizes. Some are engaged in electronic conversation, while others simply mill about. A voice of recognition calls out from the gloom. THREEPIO A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces him.
The enormous sand crawler lumbers off toward the magnificent twin suns, which are slowly setting over a distant mountain ridge.
Two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door and allow a group of Imperial guards to enter. Princess Leia's face is filled with defiance, which slowly gives way to fear as Darth Vader enters with a giant black torture robot. VADER VADER The door slides shut. The long cell block hallway appears peaceful with armored stormtroopers marching back and forth. The muffled sounds of the princess' screaming are barely heard.
A harsh gale blows across the bleak gray surface of the endless desert wasteland. The morning sky presses down on the huge sand crawler as it slowly climbs one of the massive sand dunes, then disappears down the other side.
Threepio and
Artoo noisily bounce along inside the THREEPIO Suddenly the trembling and bouncing of the sand crawler stops, creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. Threepio shakes Artoo, and his computer lights pop on. THREEPIO At the far end of the long chamber a hatch opens, filling the chamber with blinding white light. A dozen or so Jawas make their way through the odd assortment of robots, placing a small chrome ring to the wrists of the ones they select. Artoo and Threepio are among the chosen, and are herded outside with several other unfortunates.
Five battered robots, including Artoo and Threepio, are lined up in front of the enormous sand crawler, which is parked beside a small homestead consisting of three rundown block houses. Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limps OWEN LARS, a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish eyes are sunken in a dust-covered face. As the weather-beaten farmer carefully inspects each of the robots, he is closely followed by his slump-shouldered nephew, Luke Starkiller. One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead of the farmer spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer unintelligible language. Owen picks out a small astro-robot similar to Artoo, and it waddles along behind the group. The limping farmer stops in front of Threepio and studies him carefully. OWEN THREEPIO OWEN As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots back into the sand crawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic little beep and starts after his old friend Threepio, but is restrained by a slimy little Jawa, who zaps him with a little control box. Owen is negotiating with the head Jawa, when Luke notices something on the R-2 unit. LUKE He lifts the R-2 unit's claw arm and it drops lifelessly to the robot's side. Owen argues with the Jawas for a few moments; then with a little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades the damaged astro-robot for Artoo Detoo. Owen pays off the whining Jawa as Luke and the two robots trudge off toward a grimy and decaying building on the far side of the homestead. Several large rodents scatter as they pass.
27. INT. LAR'S [sic] HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly, peaceful atmosphere permeates the low gray chamber. In the center of the room Threepio lowers himself into a large tub filled with warm oil. Near the battered "landspeeder" little Artoo rests on a large battery with a cord attached to his face. THREEPIO Artoo beeps a muffled reply. Luke is slouched in the corner with his feet up on a bench, watching a magazine sized TV set. A woman's voice calls out from the other room. BERU Luke jumps to his feet, turns off the TV set and starts dusting little Artoo with an oily rag. LUKE BERU Luke drops the rag and dashes out of the garage.
Luke and his uncle Owen sit before a table covered with steaming bowls of food. AUNT BERU, a plump, gray-haired matron, carries in a pitcher of blue milk. Luke is in a good mood, and gobbles down his food. LUKE Luke's Uncle Owen has a scowl on his face and appears to be in a very grumpy mood. OWEN OWEN LUKE OWEN LUKE OWEN Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside and rushes out of the room. Owen mechanically finishes his dinner afraid to look at his quietly sympathetic wife. BERU OWEN
29. EXT. UTAPAU - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - DUSK The giant twin suns of Utapau slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few moments, then reluctantly enters the dimly lit garage.
Threepio is wiping the oil from his glistening bronze body and little Artoo is still plugged into the power unit. Luke is very angry and slams a wrench across the workbench. LUKE Threepio timidly approaches the fuming youth. THREEPIO Luke glances at the battered robot and a bit of his anger drains and a tiny smile creeps across his face. LUKE THREEPIO I'm sorry, sir, I'm only a 'droid,' and not very knowledgeable of such things... not on this system anyway. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure which system we're on. LUKE THREEPIO Luke unplugs Artoo and begins to scrape several connectors on the robot's head with a chrome pick. Threepio continues to dry himself. THREEPIO Luke sparks to life at the mention of rebellion. LUKE THREEPIO LUKE THREEPIO Luke struggles to remove a small metal fragment from Artoo's neck joint. He uses a larger pick. LUKE The fragment breaks loose with a snap, sending Luke tumb ling head over heels. He sits up and sees a small (15 inch) 3-D hologram of Leia Organa, the rebel princess, being projected from the face of little Artoo. The image is a rainbow of colors as it flickers and jiggles in the dimly lit garage. Luke's mouth hangs open in awe. LEIA There is a little static, then the transmission is cut short. A grave concern sweeps over Luke, and he runs out of the garage. LUKE
Now that night has fallen, the interior of the homestead is filled with a warm glow. Luke rushes in as his Aunt Beru is putting the last of the dinner plates away. LUKE BERU Luke is out of breath and takes a few moments to compose himself. A realization crosses his mind and he suddenly seems much calmer. LUKE BERU Luke gives his aunt a big hug. He seems suddenly very sentimental and serious. LUKE BERU
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse, but sparkling oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by the yelling of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the building. OWEN Owen enters the courtyard in a huff, scattering the large gopher-like rodents. He opens the garage and notices the battered old landspeeder id missing. OWEN
Owen enters the garage and looks around. He picks up a magazine-like video slate sitting propped up on the bench. It generates a soft glow, as if it had been left on "hold." Beru hurries into the garage. BERU As Owen picks up the video-slate, it turns itself on and Luke's image appears. LUKE OWEN
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur as Threepio pilots the sleek landspeeder gracefully across the vast wasteland. Luke rides precariously on the back trunk of the vehicle adjusting something in the motor compartment. LUKE Threepio signals that it is fine, and Luke climbs back into the wind-whipped cockpit and slides the canopy shut. LUKE I've never been this far beyond the dune sea before. Biggs said the wild things out here were weird and savage, but it doesn't look like there is much out here to me. I think we should be there soon. General Kenobi was my father's commander, and he is probably the greatest of all the Jedi knights... or at least my father thought so. He will certainly know what to do.
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny landspeeder can be seen gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the foreground two weather-beaten Tusken Raiders, shrouded in their grimy desert cloaks, peer over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the marginally human creatures raises a long ominous laser-rifle, and points it at the speeder, but the second creature grabs the gun before it can be fired. The Tusken Raiders speak in a coarse barbaric language as they begin to get into an animated argument.
The battered landspeeder is parked on the top of a huge sand dune. Luke, with his long-barreled laser-rifle slung over his shoulder, makes his way past the bleached bones of a dinosaur-like beast. When he reaches the top of the ridge, he searches the landscape with his electrobinoculars. Threepio lifts Artoo out of the speeder and the stubby little robot struts around stretching his joints between irritated whistles. Luke is depressed as he returns to the speeder. LUKE THREEPIO LUKE
Threepio maneuvers the powerful landspeeder around several massive boulders in the narrow canyon, as Luke intently studies the pulsing radar scope. LUKE
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rocky ridge and scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars, until he spots the two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles up behind the young adventurer. LUKE Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his electrobinoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front of his field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can react, a large gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them. Threepio is startled and backs away, right off the side of the cliff. He can be heard for several moments as he clangs, bangs and rattles down the side of the mountain. The towering creature brings down his glowing red laser- sword, but Luke manages to block the blow with his laser-rifle, which is neatly cut in half. The terrified farm boy scrambles backward until he is able to ignite his own laser-sword and defend himself. In a flurry of blows Luke is forced to the edge of a deep crevice. Luke stumbles under the mighty blows of the fearsome creature, drops his sword and almost tumbles over the cliff to his death. He hangs on for dear life as his feet dangle over the abyss. The sinister Raider stands over him and lets out a horrible shrieking laugh that echoes throughout the canyon.
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove in the rocks as the vicious Tuskens walk past carrying armloads of supplies from the battered landspeeder. As they disappear, Artoo squirms out of his hiding place and waddles into the clearing where the speeder is parked. LUKE Artoo starts searching for something in the speeder that he might use to get his master down. He pulls a long length of wire out of the engine compartment and ties it into a lasso. As Luke slowly rotates around, Artoo swings the rope and catches the boy around the foot. The line goes taut but rather than pulling Luke down, little Artoo is pulled up as if he had roped a windmill. The stubby robot lets out an electronic shriek and drops to the ground with a crash. LUKE At that moment footsteps are heard coming through the narrow canyon. Artoo scampers back into his hiding place. Luke's face is a roadmap of agony as the footsteps get louder. A huge menacing shadow on the canyon wall gives way to a shabby old desert rat of a man, who appears to be at least seventy years old. His ancient leathery face, cracked and weathered by exotic climates, is set off by dark, penetrating eyes, and a scraggly white beard. BEN KENOBI squints his eyes as he scrutinizes Luke in his predicament. BEN LUKE BEN The wizened old man begins to giggle like a child, putting his frail hand to his mouth in a vain attempt to contain himself. Luke becomes annoyed. LUKE Much to Luke's surprise, the old codger draws his laser-pistol and blasts Luke point blank. The young farmer disappears in a cloud of smoke and drops to the ground. The old man leans over the boy as he rolls over with a loud groan. BEN LUKE BEN Luke staggers to his feet as Artoo waddles up behind him and lets out a pathetic little beep. LUKE Luke hobbles off toward the canyon bluff.
Little Artoo stops at the edge of a large gravel pit and begins to chatter away in electronic whistles and beeps. Luke slides down to where a very dented and tangled Threepio lies half buried in the gravel. THREEPIO LUKE THREEPIO LUKE The young farmer helps the battered robot to his feet. Old Ben and little Artoo watch from the top of the pit.
Luke and Old Ben struggle to help Threepio into the low-slung speeder. Artoo follows them, carrying a clawful of tiny parts which have dropped of his friend. BEN Luke bristles at the use of "boy." LUKE BEN LUKE Ben studies the young farmer through narrowed eyes. He suppresses a smile. Luke notices the old man is impressed with his story, and begins to feel expansive. LUKE Luke suddenly realizes the old man might be an Imperial spy and a worried look crosses his face. Ben laughs heartily. BEN Luke is embarrassed and concentrates on making Threepio comfortable. LUKE BEN Luke is dumbstruck. Then with a combination of awe and excitement he finds his voice. LUKE BEN Luke drops to his knees and bows before the old Jedi. The old man rubs his beard in wonder. BEN LUKE The scruffy old Jedi smiles at the kneeling boy. BEN LUKE A sudden thought crosses Luke's mind and his enthusiasm turns to embarrassed silence. LUKE BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN
The clean but spartan cave dwelling radiates an air of time worn comfort and security. The image of the beautiful rebel princess is projected from Artoo's face. LEIA There is a little static and the transmission is cut short. The old man leans back and scratches his head. He silently puffs on a tarnished chrome water pipe. BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN BEN Luke bows his head in sorrow for one of the greatest warriors in the galaxy and a fallen idol. Ben is em barrassed and makes a needless adjustment on the pot belly thermal heater, which radiates a warm glow throughout the room. Little Artoo begins to pick up the pieces of the old man's arm and reassemble them. The badly dented Threepio breaks the awkward silence by noisily standing up. THREEPIO Luke nods his head. Old Ben leans back in his chair. BEN
Luke tosses and turns in his sleep. Threepio sleeps peacefully. Luke keeps hearing the voice of Princess Leia calling out for help. Suddenly he sits up with a start. He hears Leia's voice coming from the main living area. Luke climbs out of bed and quietly makes his way through the darkened dwelling. He stops at the entrance to the main room.
Ben is sitting before the flickering hologram image of Princess Leia. The old man rests his head in his one good arm. His back is to Luke, but he senses the boy's presence. BEN BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN LUKE The old man leans back and scratches his head smiling slightly. BEN LUKE BEN Luke reluctantly stands and heads for the bedroom.
Artoo and Threepio carry supplies out of the cave dwelling to where Luke loads them into the landspeeder. Old Ben emerges into the sunlight and stretches his new arm. BEN Ben walks over to the speeder and puts his hand on Luke's shoulder. BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN LUKE BEN Artoo and Threepio are already in the speeder, as Luke and old Ben climb in. The speeder starts with a low hum.
46. INT. ALDERAAN - CRYSTAL CHAMBER Three SITH LORDS are on their knees praying before a shining crystal placed on a tall altar. They mumble a strange electronic chant. 1ST SITH Darth stands and stares at the crystal. 2ND SITH VADER They file out of the chamber.
The speeder zooms across the desert wasteland and eventually stops on a bluff overlooking the spaceport at MOS EISLEY. It is a haphazard array of low gray concrete structures and semi-domes. A harsh gale blows across the stark canyon floor. Luke adjusts his goggles and walks to the edge of the craggy bluff, where Ben is standing. BEN
Luke stops the speeder before the remains of a burnt-out spaceship the size of a large jet fighter. Two scruffy figures huddle around a small thermal heater, attempting to use the decaying building as shelter against the howling winds. One of the rag-tag figures ventures over to the group in the speeder. It is obvious from his pint size that he is a Jawa. Artoo lets out a string of electronic beeps and whistles. THREEPIO JAWA LUKE Saliva dribbles from the dark hole where the Jawa's face should be and drops, splat on the hood of the speeder. Threepio repeats the question in the Jawa's language, and the vile creature points to the far end of the street and mumbles something. THREEPIO The Jawa continues to fondle the speeder as Luke starts the magno-system. The filthy creature reluctantly jumps away as the speeder takes off and glides down the dingy spaceport street. A giant lizard scurries out of the wretched spaceship chased by a stubby Jawa.
The speeder
pulls up in front of a rundown, blockhouse THREEPIO BEN Luke, Ben and
the two robots climb out of the speeder,
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants follow Ben Kenobi into the smoke-filled cantina. The murky, moldy den is filled with a startling array of weird and exotic alien creatures and monsters, laughing at the long metallic bar. At first the sight is horrifying. BARTENDER Luke, still recovering from the shock of seeing so many outlandish creatures, doesn't quite catch the Bartender's drift. LUKE BARTENDER Luke looks to Old Ben who is busy talking to one of the Corellian pirates. He notices that several of the gruesome creatures along the bar are giving him a very unfriendly glare. LUKE Threepio and his stubby partner go outside and most of the creatures at the bar go back to their drinks. Ben is standing next to CHEWBACCA, an eight foot tall, savage-looking creature resembling a huge gray bushbaby-monkey with fierce 'baboon-like' fangs. His large yellow eyes dominate a fur-covered face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry body he wears two chrome bandoliers, a flak jacket painted in a bizarre camouflage pattern, brown cloth shorts, and little else. He is a two hundred year old WOOKIEE, and a sight to behold. Ben speaks to the Wookiee in his own language, which is a little more than a series of grunts. The old man points to Luke several times during the conversation and the huge creature suddenly lets out a horrifying laugh. Luke is more than a little bit disconcerted, and pretends not to hear the conversation between Ben and the Giant Wookiee. He is terrified, but tries not to show it. He quietly sips his drink, looking over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear or whatever. CREATURE The hideous freak is obviously drunk. Luke tries to ignore the Creature and turns back to his drink. A short, grubby HUMAN and an even smaller RODENT-like beast join the belligerent monstrosity. HUMAN LUKE HUMAN The big Creature is getting agitated and yells some unintelligible gibberish at the now rather nervous young adventurer. HUMAN LUKE HUMAN The rodent lets out a loud grunt and everything at the bar moves away. Luke tries to remain cool, but it isn't easy. His three adversaries ready their weapons. Old Ben moves in behind Luke. BEN A powerful blow from the unpleasant Creature sends the young would-be Jedi sailing across the room, crashing through tables and breaking a large jug filled with a foul-looking liquid. With a blood-curdling shriek, the monster draws a wicked chrome laser pistol from his belt and levels it at Old Ben. The Bartender panics. With an astounding agility, Old Ben's laser-sword sparks to life and in a flash an arm lies on the floor. The rodent is cut in two and the giant, multiple-eyed Creature lies doubled, cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turns off his laser-sword and replaces it on his utility belt. Luke, shaking and totally amazed at the old man's abilities, attempts to stand. The entire fight has lasted only a matter of seconds. The cantina goes back to normal, although Ben is given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Luke, rubbing his bruised head, approaches the old man with new awe. BEN Luke is still giddy, and downs a fresh drink.
Luke, Ben and the two lumbering robots follow the giant Wookiee along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly-clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men, monsters and robots crouch in waste- filled doorways whispering and hiding from the hot winds. The group enters a small doorway n a decaying stone building at the far end of the alley. Several robots guide a small herd of anteaters down the street.
Chewbacca leads the group along a tall gantry over- looking a long Rube Goldburg-pieced together contrap- tion, which can only be loosely called a spaceship. Luke gives Old Ben a skeptical look. Old Ben just smiles. As they approach the ship, it looks even more homemade and shabby than it did at a distance. The Wookiee calls out to someone inside the ship, but there is no reply. A tall figure steps out of the shadows of the imposing spacecraft. HAN Chewbacca steps forward and explains who the strangers are and what they want. HAN BEN Luke is taken by surprise, thinking that Ben was going to take care of things. Han turns to Luke. HAN LUKE Ben and Luke step to one side. LUKE BEN Ben turns back to the young starcaptain. BEN HAN LUKE Artoo and Threepio follow Luke and Ben as they hurry out of the starship hangar. LUKE Ben glances back at Threepio. BEN A great worry sweeps across Luke's face as he looks back at the two unaware robots faithfully following after them. Han Solo grins and slaps the monsterous wookiee across the back. HAN Chewbacca doesn't share Han's enthusiasm, and makes a couple of worrisome grunts. HAN A commotion filters down from the entry gantry and Chew- bacca whines pessimistic comment. A dozen or so gruff and grisly pirates approach the ship. The grossest of the slavering hulks is JABBA THE HUTT. His scarred face is a grim testimonial to his prowess as a vicious killer. HAN He laughs maniacally. Han is not amused. HAN JABBA It's a moment of great tension. Han glances at the four pirates standing near them. Two of the greasy brigands have their weapons pointed at him. The young starcaptain stands firm for a few moments with his hand resting on his utility belt only inches from his blaster. Chewbacca sways back and forth as he adjusts his weight from one foot to the other. JABBA Han turns and reluctantly boards the ship. Jabba walks alongside Han and puts his arm around him. JABBA
Ben, Luke and the robots are standing in a sleazy used-speeder lot, talking with a tall, grotesque, insect-like used speeder dealer. Only Threepio can understand the creature's weird buzzing dialogue. Strange exotic bodies and spindly legged beasts pass by outside. Once in a while a large lizard or strange animal scurries across the junk-strewn floor. Luke scratches his head and ponders the situation. LUKE He looks at Ben, then Artoo, and finally Threepio. LUKE
LUKE Threepio buzzes to the salesman, who shakes his head. THREEPIO BEN They turn and start out of the rundown showroom. LUKE BEN Ben helps Artoo into the speeder as Luke climbs in the pilot's seat. The speeder starts up with a loud hum, but before Luke can back out of the garage area, the insect stops them. Luke breaks out in a big smile and Ben manages a slight grin.
As Han and the huge Wookiee work their way past the sinister Jabba the Hutt, the pirate hands the young starcaptain a bulky cloak. JABBA Han doesn't mask his hatred for the loathsome pirate very well, but takes the cloak and follows the Chewbacca toward the back of the ship. He stops by a small control panel, knocking it loose with his foot. The cover falls to the floor with a muted clang and the young mechanic looks around to see if anyone heard. HAN He takes a small metal bar and jams it between two circuits, causing sparks to fly. He quickly replaces the cover and Han casually heads back toward the cockpit.
A short greasy looking pirate sits at the complex controls of the ship. PIRATE PILOT He pulls back on the power lever and the ship erupts into a cacophony of warning alarms and flashing lights. Smoke begins to issue from the panels. The pilot is startled and begins flipping switches wildly. PIRATE PILOT HAN PIRATE PILOT Han works at the control console in a vain attempt to figure out what's going on. HAN Before Han can finish, the pilot has fled.
Jabba the Hutt and his crew scramble over one another trying to flee the starship before it goes super-nova.
The alarm system is suddenly cut short. Han quickly replaces the control panel and turns to see a foul-looking pirate named MONTROSS standing over him. MONTROSS HAN Montross reaches for his laser-pistol, but Han is faster and gets the drop on him. HAN Han struggles to his feet and leads the pirate to the escape hatch.
58. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - ENTRY RAMP Chewbacca appears at the main hatch holding a hidden gun on Montross as Ben, Luke and the robots saunter up to the starship. The huge Wookiee lets out with a loud wail that startles Luke. BEN Han rushes toward the cockpit as Chewbacca helps Ben aboard the starship. The Wookiee shoves Montross out the hatch just as it slams shut. HAN Luke is a little puzzled by all the smoke and confusion.
A lumbering Jabba the Hutt and the remains of his terrified crew stop in the street and try to collect themselves. JABBA A strange assortment of alien creatures and robots watch Jabba from their cool alcoves along the edge of the street. The ground trembles and the pirates turn to see the mighty pirate starship riding above the dingy slum dwellings. The pirates stand dumbfounded, as the starship quickly disappears. JABBA
Han sits back
in the huge pilot's chair and puts his HAN He chuckles
as the surface of Utapau slowly drifts out HAN Little Artoo appears momentarily in the doorway, makes a few beeping remarks, then scurries away.
Threepio helps Ben and Luke put away their gear in the ramped bunk area of the starship. LUKE BEN LUKE BEN Suddenly Ben grabs his head and slowly collapses to the floor. Luke rushes to him. LUKE BEN LUKE BEN Luke helps Ben to his bunk. He's still shaking from the experience.
Princess Leia is awakened by the blinding light of the hallway as the cell door silently slides open and Darth Vader enters the cell. VADER Leia watches her captor impassionately. VADER LEIA VADER Leia tries not to reveal the shock and pain, but she is stunned. LEIA Vader starts to leave. LEIA The door slides closed behind Vader, leaving Leia alone in the darkness.
Han enters the cramped but comfortable main hold area of the starship and begins checking charts and various computer readouts. LUKE HAN Chewbacca and the two robots sit around a lighted table covered with many small hologram figures. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. Luke and Old Ben are sitting in the corner, the old man apparently asleep as Luke cleans a chrome laser-pistol. he acts like it's brand new. he seems very proud of it. Chewbacca seems very pleased with himself as he rests his lanky fur-covered arms over his head. Artoo immediately reaches up and taps the computer with his stubby claw hand, causing one of the hologram figures to walk to a new square. A sudden frown crosses Chewbacca's face and he begins yelling gibberish at the tiny robot. Threepio intercedes on behalf of his small companion and begins to argue with the huge Wookiee. LUKE Luke sights down the barrel of his new pistol. Old Ben opens his eyes. It's obvious he wasn't asleep. LUKE BEN LUKE BEN Han has been overhearing what Ben has been telling Luke and obviously has a low opinion of the Force of Others. HAN LUKE BEN HAN
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly buzzing readouts. Han is busy at the controls as Luke looks on in wonder. HAN Old Ben enters the crowded cockpit. BEN LUKE Han is rather grim-faced. HAN LUKE BEN Ben moves in and studies the monitors. HAN BEN HAN BEN HAN BEN HAN Ben shakes his head sadly. BEN HAN LUKE BEN HAN BEN HAN
Little Artoo is standing on the gaming table projecting the princess into the middle of the group. Han has a perplexed look on his face as he ponders the hologram. Ben leans back in his chair quietly waiting, while Luke watches the princess with a wistful, smile, far-away look. Finally the hologram ends. HAN BEN HAN He thinks about this for a few moments. Luke begins to get a little edgy. LUKE HAN BEN Ben gets lost in his thoughts for a few moments. BEN LUKE BEN HAN Ben is thinking and doesn't hear Han's protest. He turns to Luke. HAN LUKE HAN BEN HAN LUKE Han is slightly embarrassed by Luke. HAN BEN HAN Everyone looks at Han, and he instantly regrets what he has said.
The cockpit is a quiet hum of computers as Han works diligently on a complex calculation. Chewbacca enters the cabin just as the ship begins to shudder violently. After a few moments the buffeting stops. HAN Chewbacca grunts an acknowledgement and points to a very large and bright star out the front window bay. HAN
Luke stands in the middle of the small hold area. He seems frozen in place, a humming laser-sword held high over his head. Ben watches him from the corner, studying his movements. Han enters and watches with a bit of smugness. Suspended at eye level -- about ten feet in front of Luke -- a chrome baseball covered with antenna hovers slowly in a wide arc. The ball floats to one side of the youth, then to the other. Suddenly it makes a lightning swift lunge and stops within a few feet of Luke's face. Luke doesn't move, and the ball backs off. It slowly moves behind the boy, then makes another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser beam as it attacks. Luke sparks to life. With one amazingly swift move, he turns and swings his laser-sword, deflecting the beam. The seeker shuts off and lands on the floor. Ben is pleased, and Han is quite impressed. BEN HAN Luke is sort of embarrassed with all the attention. LUKE HAN LUKE Han smiles knowingly. Ben places a large helmet on Luke's head which covers his eyes. LUKE BEN LUKE BEN Han skeptically shakes his head as Ben throws the seeker into the air. The ball shoots straight up in the air, then drops like a rock. Luke swings the laser-sword around blindly missing the seeker, which fires off a laser bolt, which hits Luke square on the seat of his pants. He lets out a painful yell and attempts to hit the seeker, coming amazingly close, but he is hit several more times before he manages to finally deflect one of the bolts. The ball ceases firing and moves back to its original position. Luke removes the helmet and is a sweaty, exhausted mess. BEN LUKE HAN Han in a split second draws his laser-pistol and blasts the seeker. The ship begins to shudder, then a distant warning signal goes off. HAN BEN HAN BEN Han slumps in his seat with a dejected look. HAN BEN HAN
A CONTROLLER sits in a huge complex control room with massive screens projecting maps of various star systems. An Imperial COMMANDER sits next to him. CONTROLLER COMMANDER COMMANDER CONTROLLER COMMANDER
Chaos. Red scramble lights are flashing. Alert horns and attack buzzers create an unbelievable cacophony. Imperial starpilots in black armored spacesuits grab their helmets and space packs as they scramble out the door.
Pilots dash in unison to a line of small auxiliary corridors that lead to Imperial "tie" fighters. Technical crews scurry here and there loading last minute armament and unlocking power cables.
The long ornate pirate starship approached the gray gaseous planet of Alderaan. The ship is not propelled, but simply drifts crab-like toward the planet. As it approaches the surface, huge billowing clouds extend out like menacing tentacles. The peacefulness of this nebulous idyll is broken by the increasing wail of ion engines. Suddenly four sleek spacefighters from the Imperial third fleet burst from the huge cumulus range. The craft are small cylindrical power shells dominated by two huge solar fins. They are flying in a tight formation. Then two bank steeply and head toward the drifting starship.
The Imperial fighters are one-man craft crammed with sophisticated electronic weaponry. PILOT
The controller looks to the Commander for instructions. COMMANDER CONTROLLER
Several of the tiny Imperial fighters drift in orbit around the pirate starship as a block-like boarding vessel attaches itself to the underside of the disabled starship.
Entering through an escape hatch, several heavily armed Imperial stormtroopers cautiously work their way down the main corridor of the pirate starship. As they are about to enter the cockpit area, they hear a loud clanking movement. The ferocious stormtroopers freeze and simultaneously direct their awesome weapons at the cockpit hatchway. Two of the troopers start to edge their way toward the cockpit. The tension becomes almost palpable, until finally the gangling, bronze Threepio pops his "Art Deco" head out of the hatchway. THREEPIO The OFFICER talks to his commander on his head phones. OFFICER The Officer indicates that Threepio should move out of the cockpit. Two guards grab the puzzled robot. OFFICER
The Officer enters the cockpit. Threepio is completely confused as the stormtroopers rush around completely ignoring him. The troops search the ship with small hand scanners. The Officer sits in the pilot's seat of the deserted ship and begins to feed information into the computer. He opens a com-line to the main base. OFFICER A TROOPER enters the cockpit. TROOPER OFFICER
77. EXT. ALDERAAN - CLOUD SEA The towering white oxide clouds pass, revealing the Imperial city of Alderaan. The magnificent domed and gleaming city is perched, mushroom-like, on a tall spire which disappears deep into the misty surface of the planet. The little procession of Imperial "tie" fighters follows the larger pirate ship toward the city. The Imperial Officer guides the ship toward one of the numerous huge open bays that ring the spectacular city.
A cell door silently slides open revealing the unconscious body of the princess slumped on a table-like bed. Vader and two OFFICERS exit the cell and the door silently slides shut again. VADER 1ST OFFICER VADER The Commander approaches the Dark Lord and bows. COMMANDER VADER The Commander exits. The Officer points back to Leia's cell. 1ST OFFICER VADER
79. INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY The pirate starship rests in a huge hangar bay. Thirty or so guards march up to the craft as a ramp lowers and the boarding troops disembark. BOARDING OFFICER
A lone trooper runs through the hallway heading for the exit. In a few moments, all is quiet. The muffled sounds of a distant officer giving orders finally fade. Threepio sneaks down the hallway, pulls on a latch, and a panel on a row of low cabinets crashes to the floor. Han Solo's head pokes out of the hold and looks around the hallway. He then pulls himself out of his cramped quarters and struts around, stretching his legs. A second locker breaks open and Luke emerges. Chewbacca pokes his furry head out of the first locker and Han tells him the way is clear. HAN Ben Kenobi sticks his head out of one of the lockers. BEN HAN BEN LUKE BEN LUKE Luke is suddenly seized with panic. He turns to Han. HAN BEN HAN He slams a panel to the deck and immediately regrets it. Everyone looks around as if an alarm had gone off.
Two GUARDS stand on either side of the ramp leading to the pirate starship. One of the guards hears something inside the spacecraft. The second guard hears it also and speaks into the headphone in his helmet. SECOND GUARD The two Guards enter the spacecraft.
In a small control tower above the starship a GANTRY OFFICER speaks into his intercom. GANTRY OFFICER SECOND GUARD
(V.O.) GANTRY OFFICER There is a bit of static and a heavily filtered voice comes on. LUKE'S VOICE GANTRY OFFICER LUKE The Gantry Officer gives his aide a puzzled look, then speaks into the com-link. GANTRY OFFICER The only thing that comes over the com-link is static. The Gantry Officer gets up and heads for the door. GANTRY OFFICER As the Officer approaches the door, it slides open revealing the towering Chewbacca. The Gantry Officer is in a momentary state of shock, as he stumbles backward. With a bone-chilling howl, the giant Wookiee flattens the Officer with one blow. The aide immediately reaches for his pistol, but is blasted by Han, which sets off a series of small explosions on the control panel. Han and Luke enter the room dressed as Imperial stormtroopers. LUKE Ben feeds some information into the computer, and a map of the city appears on the monitor. He begins to inspect it carefully. Threepio and Artoo look over the control panel. Artoo finds something that makes him whistle wildly. THREEPIO Han and Luke rush over to the robots. Chewbacca busies himself with hanging the Gantry Officer by his toes. LUKE Artoo punches his claw arm into the computer socket and the vast Imperial brain network comes to life, feeding information to the little robot. After a few moments he beeps something to Threepio. THREEPIO LUKE BEN HAN BEN THREEPIO HAN THREEPIO Luke and Han put on their armored helmets and start off into the giant Imperial city of Alderaan.
Han and Luke try to look inconspicuous in their armored suits as they wait for a vacuum elevator to arrive. Troops, bureaucrats and robots bustle about ignoring the trio completely. Only a few give the giant Wookiee a curious glance. Finally a small elevator arrives and the trio enter. A bureaucrat races to get aboard also, but is signaled away by Han. The door to the pod-like vehicle slides closed and it takes off through a vacuum tube. Han rubs his hand across a series of small holes. HAN He gives Luke a skeptical look.
Old Ben walks very quietly behind two Imperial officers who don't seem to be aware of his presence. They pass several stormtroopers and a robot similar to Threepio but no one appears to notice Ben. The old man deftly slips down a sub-hallway and hides in a shallow alcove as a patrol of twenty guards passes. He rushes down an ever smaller hallway and disappears.
The giant Wookiee and his two guards enter the old, gray security station. Guards and laser gates are everywhere. Han whispers to Luke under his breath. HAN LUKE HAN A tall, grim-looking OFFICER approaches the trio. OFFICER LUKE OFFICER The Officer goes back to his console and begins to punch in the information. There are only three other troopers in the area. Luke and Han survey the situation, checking all of the alarms, laser gates and camera eyes. Han unfastens one of Chewbacca's electronic cuffs and shrugs to Luke. Suddenly Chewbacca throws up his hands and lets out with one of his ear-piercing howls. He grabs Han's laser-sword and ignites it, pushing Han against the wall. HAN The startled guards are momentarily dumbfounded. Luke and Han have already pulled out their laser-pistols and are blasting away at the terrifying Wookiee. Their barrage of laser fire misses Chewbacca, but hits the camera eyes, laser gate controls and the Imperial guards. The Officer is the last of the guards to fall under the laser fire, just as he is about to push the alarm system. Luke rushes over to the com-link system, which is screeching questions about what is going on. Han and Chewbacca disappear down one of the sub-hallways. INTERCOM VOICE LUKE INTERCOM VOICE LUKE INTERCOM VOICE Luke cuts off the com-link and yells down the cell row to Han. LUKE
Han stops before cell 2187 and yells something to Chewbacca, who covers his face as the young pirate blasts the door away with his laser pistol. When the smoke clears, Han looks in the cell and an expression of horror crosses his face. HAN Suspended inside the cell by invisible rays, a bloody and mutilated Leia Organa hangs upside down. A strange yellow glow radiates from her eyes. Chewbacca rushes into the cell past the dazed Han. The Wookiee yells something and Han comes to, firing his pistol at a small control box in the wall. The unconscious princess drops like a rock into the giant Wookiee's arms. Chewbacca slings her over his shoulder and joins Han in the hallway.
A series of explosions knock a hole in the wall through which several Imperial troops begin to emerge. Luke fires his laser pistol at them through the smoke and flames. He turns and runs down the cell hallway. He takes a small com-link transmitter from his belt. LUKE
Han pulls up the rusty grate leading to a service passageway and helps Chewbacca lift the inert princess into the black tunnel.
Threepio paces the control center as little Artoo beeps and whistles a blue streak. Threepio yells into the small com-link transmitter. THREEPIO The transmitter squawks a short reply and Threepio peeks out the tower window at the starship. All is quiet. He then moves to the door and it slides open a crack. Several troops rush past, yelling and shouting order. Threepio slams the door shut and pushes the lock lever. Someone begins banging on the door. THREEPIO 95. INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY LEADING TO CRYSTAL CHAMBER Ben starts into the hallway leading to the crystal chamber, just as two Sith Lords are leaving. the old man ducks into the nearest doorway which opens and swallows him up.
96 INT. ALDERAAN - CLASSROOM 96 Ben finds himself in a small conference room filled with about a dozen or so bureaucrats listening to an instructor who is explaining a type of technical philosophy. The class turns and stares at the old man. Ben raises his hands and all the bureaucrats, including the instructor, begin coughing and grabbing at their throats. They are unable to breather and eventually collapse on the floor.
One of the Sith
Lords stops in the hallway opposite the 1ST LORD 2ND LORD 1ST LORD 2ND LORD The first Sith Lord puts his hand to his ear as a message comes through on his helmet intercom. 1ST LORD The two Dark Lords hurry off down the hallway and Old Ben silently exits the classroom.
Luke leads Han and the Wookiee down the ever-darkening, narrow passageway. Han and Luke switch on small lights in their gunbelts. The rhythmic marching of stormtroopers seem to be getting louder. Muffled voices can be heard. Luke stops before an intersecting hallway. HAN LUKE Static and no reply. LUKE HAN LUKE As they descend into the bowels of the city, the eerie, slimy corridor becomes narrower and filled ankle-deep with water and ooze.
A soft buzzer and the muted voice of Luke calling out for See Threepio can be heard on Threepio's hand com-link which is sitting on the deserted computer console. Artoo and Threepio are nowhere in sight. Suddenly there is a great explosion and the door to the control tower flies across the floor. Four armed stormtroopers enter the chamber. A muffled voice can be heard coming from one of the supply cabinets. THREEPIO The troops inspect the dead bodies and release Threepio from the supply cabinets. Artoo is shut down and does not move. THREEPIO The troops hustle off down the hallway, leaving two guards to watch over the control room. THREEPIO The guard nods and Threepio with little Artoo in tow hurries out the door.
Artoo sparks
to life and the two robots scurry off down THREEPIO
Old Ben carefully approaches the pedestal on which the Kiber Crystal is resting. He gracefully sidesteps a series of invisible beams. It looks as if he is doing a strange dance. Ben stops about five feet in front of the Crystal. His eyes light up, and it appears he is renewed with a new inner strength. Ben lifts his arms and slowly the Crystal begins to rise off the pedestal and move toward the old Jedi. The intense glow of the magical stone increases as it passes through an invisible protective death ray. Just before it reaches Ben's hand, it passes through a blue beam that sets off an alarm which instantaneously slams the door shut and the room glows a bright red.
The passageway has gotten so small that Han, Luke and Chewbacca must walk sideways. The princess is standing between Luke and the Wookiee and is semi-conscious. HAN Suddenly the way opens up to a wide, low-ceilinged corridor that is filled with water about waist high. At the far end of the tunnel is a small light. Chewbacca puts the princess back over his shoulder. HAN The princess wakes up and is thoroughly confused by her surroundings. LEIA LUKE The two boys wade into the submerged corridor, but Chewbacca won't enter. He frantically begins sniffing the air and jabbers something to Han. HAN Chewbacca won't budge. He seems terribly afraid of something in the water. Han wades back and pulls the huge Wookiee carrying the princess into the water. LUKE HAN The group moves forward through the dark corridor, unaware of the ominous ripples on the water's surface. The giant Wookiee stops and howls something to Han. The young starcaptain talks to the frightened creature and eventually calms him down. The dim light at the end of the corridor glimmers and becomes stronger. Han fires directly at the center of the beast. His laser bolt passes through the huge creature and explodes against a far wall. The light from the blast reveals a little more of the Dia Nogu, which is transparent with long slimy tentacles. HAN The huge shape, breathing loud and deep, submerges again and the telltale ripples head toward Luke. HAN LUKE Han turns and wades back to Chewbacca, who is huddled against the wall. The Wookiee is shaking and wailing like a small child. In the thin light provided by the small door at the end of the passageway, the faint outline of the Dia Nogu can be seen as it swims by Luke. LUKE Suddenly Luke is yanked underwater. Han has blindfolded Chewbacca and is attempting to lead the Wookiee and the princess toward the lighted opening at the far end of the tunnel. HAN Luke surfaces with a gasp of air and thrashing of limbs with a membrane tentacle wrapped around his throat. Luke is dragged under again. Han grabs the princess and makes his way around the treacherous creature to the small opening at the end of the passageway. Luke bobs to the surface with a severed tentacle dangling around his neck. LUKE HAN Luke tries to swim away, but is grabbed by the creature. Han fires his laser-pistol into the ceiling above the creature, knocking rocks and debris on top of it. The Dia Nogu thrashes about for a few moments, then the water's calm, and all is quiet. There is no sign of Luke. Han bows his head as the hope drains from his face. Chewbacca lifts the princess through the small opening in the wall, then struggles to squeeze himself through also. Han starts to turn back toward the escape hole, when Luke pops out of the water with a gasp and starts swimming like mad toward the starcaptain. LUKE The boys rush up to the small escape port only to find Chewbacca stuck. Luke begins pushing the Wookiee as Han turns and fires off another blast at the ceiling. A rush of rock and debris temporarily holds off the charging Dia Nogu. Han helps Luke push Chewbacca through the hole. Then the two boys scamper to safety just before the fearsome creature begins another charge.
The group is standing in a dusty unused hallway. The Dia Nogu bangs against the opening and a long slimy tentacle works its way out of the doorway searching for a victim. Han aims his pistol. The princess is groggy, but conscious. She takes command of the situation. LEIA The noise of the blast echoes relentlessly throughout the empty passageway. Luke simply shakes his head in disgust. LEIA Han is stunned at the command of the petite young girl. Luke bows before the princess. LUKE LEIA The group moves swiftly down the deserted corridor. The awkward silence is broken by Han, who's about had it with the princess. HAN
Troops carry the two unconscious guards from the pirate starship and march past Threepio and little Artoo, who are hidden near a tiny service panel. Artoo removes the panel and sticks his claw arm into the socket. The little robot's circuits immediately light up and one of his antenna begins to spin wildly. Smoke begins to pour from him before Threepio can pull him loose. Artoo lets out with a few wilted beeps as he cools off. THREEPIO
A half dozen troops are milling around outside the crystal chamber. An Imperial COMMANDER approaches, and they all snap to attention. COMMANDER No one moves. Finally a SERGEANT speaks up. SERGEANT COMMANDER The troops lower their weapons as the heavy door is unlocked. The door swings open to reveal the withered old Jedi, standing with his laser-sword drawn. For a brief moment the Commander and his men are stunned. COMMANDER Before the troops can fire their weapons Old Ben has moved through them swinging his deadly blade, cutting the troops to ribbons. The old man flees down the hallway with what's left of the troops vainly attempting to blast him.
Luke, Han, Chewbacca and Princess Leia run down an empty hallway and stop before a bay window overlooking the pirate starship. Luke takes out his pocket com-link. LUKE THREEPIO THREEPIO LUKE THREEPIO LUKE Han is watching the dozen or so troops moving in and out of the starship. HAN The two boys rush down the hallway, followed by the lumbering Chewbacca and Princess Leia. They round a corner and run smack dab into twenty Imperial stormtroopers heading towards them. Both groups are taken by surprise and stop in their tracks. Before even thinking, Han draws his laser-pistol and charges the troops, yelling at the top of his lungs. The troops are startled by this assault and start to back off. Han manages to cut several down before the rest flee in panic. Pleased with his prowess, Han starts after them, yelling back to Luke as he goes. HAN LUKE Han has already rounded a corner and does not hear. Chewbacca, quite upset at his master's disappearance, lets out a mighty howl and chases after him. Luke is furious
but doesn't have time to think about it, for muted alarms begin to go
off down on the hangar deck. Luke and the princess start off toward
the starship
Han chases the ten stormtroopers down a long sub-hallway. He is yelling and brandishing his laser-pistol. The troops reach a deadend and are forced to turn and fight. Han stops a few feet from them and assumes a defensive position. He is ready to cut them down. The troops begin to raise their laser guns. Soon all ten troopers are moving into an attack position in front of the lone starpirate. Han's determined look begins to fade as the troops begin to advance.
Chewbacca runs down the sub-hallway in a last-ditch attempt to save his bold captain. Suddenly he hears the firing of laser guns and yelling. Around the corner shoots Han Solo, pirate extraordinaire, running for his life, followed by a host of furious stormtroopers. Chewbacca turns and starts running the other way also. They run around several corners and the troops drop behind.
Old Ben hides in the shadows of a narrow passageway as twenty or thirty stormtroopers rush past him in the main hallway. He checks to make sure they're gone, then runs down the hallway in the opposite direction.
Little Artoo carefully plugs his claw arm into a new wall socket, and a complex array of electronic sounds spew from the tiny robot. THREEPIO LUKE
Luke and the princess run down a hallway and reach a complex blast shield door. Luke is talking into his com-link. LUKE Han and Chewbacca come lumbering around the corner and rush up to Luke and the princess. HAN A multi-layered series of doors begin to open behind them, just as the squad of stormtroopers that are chasing Han and Chewbacca round the corner and start firing on the rebels. Han returns the fire and the hallway quickly fills up with smoke and confusion as the final hatch swings open. They turn and start into the main spaceport causeway. A few steps into the causeway the group stops short. Two Dark Lords of the Sith, leading about thirty stormtroopers, stride toward them. Luke and Han let loose with their blasters, then follow the princess and the Wookiee back into the first hallway. Luke takes out his com-link. LUKE The five layers of the door instantly slam shut. Laser bolts continued to ricochet around them. HAN LEIA She rushes over to a large slit in the wall somewhat like a storm drain. She jumps through the narrow opening as Han and Chewbacca look on in amazement. Chewbacca says something. HAN He shoves the Wookiee into the tiny opening and the Wookiee disappears into the darkness followed quickly by Han. Luke fires off a couple of quick blasts, creating a smoky cover, then slides into the garbage chute and is gone. When the smoke clears, the troops advance. SERGEANT
Luke tumbles into a large room filled with garbage and muck. Han and Chewbacca are already stumbling around looking for an exit. He finds a small hatchway and struggles to get it open. It won't budge. HAN He draws his laser-pistol and fires at the hatch. The laser bolt ricochets wildly around the small metal room. Everyone dives for cover in the garbage as the bolt explodes almost on top of them. Leia climbs out of the garbage with a rather grim look on her face. LEIA HAN LEIA Luke and the princess go over to help Chewbacca, who is straining to open the emergency latch. Han moves about in the muck. Suddenly the walls of the garbage receptacle shudder and move in a couple of inches. Then everything is deathly quiet. HAN Before anyone can say anything the walls begin to rumble and edge toward the rebels. LEIA They place poles and long metal beams between the closing walls, but they are simply snapped and bent as the giant trash masher rumbles on. The situation doesn't look good. HAN The room gets smaller and smaller until it is only three feet wide. Garbage is snapping and popping as it is crushed by the relentless walls. Luke's com-link begins to buzz, and he pulls it off his belt. LUKE THREEPIO LUKE LUKE
The huge blast shield door slides open and the stormtroopers on either side almost shoot each other, but quickly realize they have been tricked. The Sith Lords point to the garbage chute.
Old Ben hurries along one of the tunnels leading to the starship hangar. Just before he is about to reach the hangar, Darth Vader steps into view at the end of the tunnel not more than ten feet away. VADER BEN VADER The fearsome dark knight ignites his laser-sword and takes a defensive stance. The two galactic warriors stand perfectly still for a few moments, sizing each other up and waiting for the right moment. Old Ben seems to be under increasing pressure and strain, as if an invisible weight were being placed upon him. He shakes his head and, blinking, tries to clear his eyes. VADER
Threepio looks up and sees Ben emerging from the hallway. THREEPIO Threepio ducks out of sight as the seven stormtroopers who were guarding the starship rush past them heading toward Ben and the Sith knight. When the robot ven- tures another peek, he spots Han, Luke, Chewbacca and the princess running out of a tunnel on the other side of the starship and heading toward them. He pulls on Artoo. THREEPIO Ben sees the troops charging toward him and realizes that he is trapped. Vader takes advantage of Ben's momentary distraction and brings his mighty laser-sword down on the old man. But Ben manages to deflect the blow, swiftly turning around, cutting a safety lock on the blast door. Vader is standing in the access tunnel, while Ben is in the huge hangar, and the heavy blast door slams down between them, trapping Vader in the tunnel. Ben instantly turns toward the troops. They stop in their tracks and start to raise their weapons. Before they can fire a shot, a laser bolt explodes in the middle of them, creating havoc. The troops turn around to see Luke and Han firing on them from the ramp of the starship. Threepio and Artoo run up the ramp and disappear inside the ship. Chewbacca appears at the door of the pirate ship and throws a dead stormtrooper onto the hangar floor. Luke turns to Han. LUKE Ben is still alive, but badly hurt. A fresh squad of stormtroopers appear at a second tunnel, and Leia fires off a blast that makes them duck for cover. LEIA Luke struggles to drag the old man toward the ship under the constant fire of the Imperial troops. Luke fires back whenever possible and manages to keep the troops at bay. The princess takes careful aim and hits the safety lock on the blast door, causing it to slam shut, leaving only three troops left in the hangar. The princess runs down the ramp and helps Luke drag the old man aboard. Luke puts away his laser-pistol and takes out his com-link. LUKE
Han pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to move. The dull thud of laser bolts can be heard bouncing of the outside of the ship. The princess enters the cockpit with a worried look on her face. HAN
The pirate starship lifts away from the starship bay and quickly disappears into the cloud sea of Alderaan. The three troops continue to fire at the retreating ship. VADER
Chewbacca enters the crowded cockpit and jabbers away to Han. The young starcaptain jumps up while speaking into the com-link. HAN Chewbacca squeezes into the pilot's chair next to the princess. Han notices the skeptical look on Leia's face. HAN
Luke is firing one of the two main laser cannons mounted in large rotating bubble turrets. He adjusts his headphones and searches his electronic tracking screen for the Imperial fighters. LEIA (V.O.) HAN
Imperial fighters buzz about everywhere. The constant flashing of deflected laser bolts reflect in the interior of the turret bubble.
The robots secure the wounded Ben Kenobi in a bunk. A huge explosion throws Artoo and Threepio crashing against the passageway wall. THREEPIO Over the com-link the princess gives instructions as to the enemy formations. Several more Imperial ships explode and disappear from view. The pirate starship undergoes a great deal of punishment as the battle rages.
The cockpit is alive with warning lights and buzzers, but Chewbacca manages to keep things under control. LEIA HAN Chewbacca pulls back on several of the levers before him and the ship surges away from the tiny fighters. The pirate starship races through the galaxy at an incredible speed.
125. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUN PORTS - AFT SECTION - TRAVELING Luke and Han continue to fire at the Imperial fighters. HAN One explodes, then another. LEIA Luke and Han congratulate each other on their victory.
Leia follows little Artoo into the sleep area where Threepio and Luke are trying to make Old Ben comfortable. Han finishes putting away some medical supplies as the princess enters. LEIA HAN LEIA HAN LEIA HAN LEIA HAN Han exits as Old Ben painfully lifts himself on one elbow. BEN LEIA Threepio helps the old man lie back. LUKE LEIA
The battered
pirate starship drifts into orbit around
129. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING Han and Chewbacca are at the controls as Luke hurries into the cockpit. HAN LUKE HAN
Two small lifepods jettison away from the starship and slowly drift toward the awesome deep green surface of the moon. Retro-rockets automatically kick in and slow the pods. The two tiny craft break through the light cloud cover and disappear in the dense, steaming jungles of Yavin's fourth moon.
One of the lifepods
has come to rest in the middle of LUKE A loud crashing sound is heard coming through the jungle. Han instantly draws his laser-pistol and then relaxes when he sees that it is Chewbacca leading Leia and little Artoo into the clearing. HAN LEIA LEIA HAN Luke is surprised at Han's desire to leave and is clearly disappointed.
An ancient temple rots in the dense jungle.
In the bowels of the temple a massive and sophisticated war room has been constructed. The princess stands before a large electronic wall display surrounded by a half dozen field commanders. Luke, Han, Chewbacca and Threepio are milling around just outside the war room. An OFFICER enters and hooks up a headphone to the display board. Artoo is standing near the princess with his arm plugged into a computer panel. OFFICER Everyone turns to the big board where various schematics of a large round space station are displayed. OFFICER OFFICER A large, sallow-eyed general named AAY ZAVOS fiddles nervously with a small hand computer. ZAVOS The GRAND MOUFF TARKIN, the thin commander of the outland Kesselian Dagoons, stands. TARKIN LEIA Most of the commanders hurry out of the room. Two of the generals stay with the princess and go over the Death Star readout. Han and Luke watch as the commanders rush out of the war room. Han is getting impatient and before Luke can stop him, he has pushed past the guards and approached the princess. HAN LEIA A grin slides across Han's face. HAN The two rebel generals look at one another almost not believing their ears. Luke starts to say something, but the princess turns to an officer. LEIA The princess then turns to Luke. She is very cold and businesslike. LEIA LUKE LEIA
Old Ben rests in the cool, dim quiet of an electronic medical chamber. Luke and Han are by his side. HAN He shakes his head. Luke extends his hand. HAN They shake hands. Han starts to leave, then turns and winks. HAN Chewbacca is waiting for him outside the room, and they hurry off down the hallway. Luke turns back to Ben. BEN He pulls the Kiber Crystal out of his tunic and it radiates a warm glow through out the small room. Luke takes it. LUKE BEN Luke lowers his head in a kind of meditation. BEN Luke stands up as Threepio and Artoo enter. LUKE Luke pats the lanky robot on the back. Artoo lets out with a couple of soft beeps. THREEPIO LUKE He turns and starts out the door. LUKE The stubby little droid waddles out of the room after his master.
The Grand Mouff Tarkin stands before a large projection of the north pole of the Death Star. Four squad commanders (BLUE LEADER, RED LEADER, etc.) sit to one side of the giant readout. The low ceilinged room is filled with starpilots, navigators, and a sprinkling of Artoo-type robots. Everyone is listening intently to what Tarkin is saying. TARKIN CHEWIE (BLUE
TWO) LUKE CHEWIE (BLUE
TWO) Red Leader, a roguish looking man in his early thirties, stands and addresses the pilots. RED LEADER TARKIN A muted buzz moves throughout the room, but there are no questions. TARKIN
Luke and little Artoo enter a huge spaceship hangar carved out of the interior of the crumbling temple and hurry along a long line of gleaming spacefighters. BLUE LEADER LUKE BLUE LEADER LUKE Blue Leader has a skeptical look on his face. BLUE LEADER LUKE A warning buzzer sounds and Blue Leader smiles. BLUE LEADER Luke makes a short bow from the waist as Blue Leader hurries to his ship. Luke's ground crew has hoisted little Artoo into a socket on the back of the one-man starship fighter. Luke climbs aboard the sleek, deadly spacecraft. Blue Leader gives his ground crew the signal that he is starting his ion engines. Luke's CREW CHIEF pats him on the helmet and has to yell to be heard over the ion engines. CHIEF CHIEF The canopy is closed and the powerful starship moves into a deep runway shaft that leads to the outside. Luke checks out the computer readouts as his crew locks down the armament. LUKE The little droid, who is now part of the exterior shell of the starship, beeps that he is fine, which reads out over the computer monitor. One of the crewman climbs up to the cockpit. CREWMAN He hangs a small good luck charm inside the cockpit as the canopy starts to slide closed. Luke signals to the crewmen that everything is okay. Other crewmen say goodbye to their pilots, some serious, some kidding -- all with a great deal of hidden emotion.
All that can be seen of the fortress is a lone guard standing on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The muted, gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering din of ion rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in a tight formation and disappear into the morning cloud cover.
The princess sits quietly before the giant display showing the planet of Yavin and her four moons. The red dot that represents the Death Star moves ever closer to the system. A series of green dots appear around the fourth moon. The Grand Mouff Tarkin stands behind the princess with several other field commanders. Everyone turns as Threepio enters with Old Ben who is walking with a chrome cane. The old man smiles at the young princess. LEIA The voices of the starpilots are broadcast into the room. BLUE LEADER
(V.O.)
A small bright speck orbiting the huge red planet of Yavin sparkles in the light of the distant sun. Eight rebel starships settle ominously into the foreground, moving swiftly toward the orbiting speck. As the starships move closer, the awesome size of the gargantuan Imperial space fortress is revealed.
Blue Leader, in the first ship, signals to the other pilots in his wing group. The many monitors are filled with various computer readouts and displays. Over the com-link one of the other starpilots (BLUE SIX) reports to Blue Leader. BLUE SIX (V.O.) BLUE LEADER
Luke adjusts the controls of the tiny starfighter and lowers the sunshade on his goggles. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Fuel pods are jettisoned. The starship fighters extend their dart-like wings and break off into a power dive attack on the space fortress. A barrage of laser fire from the huge fortress creates a wall of death through which most of the rebel craft miraculously emerge -- undamaged. Multiple laser bolts streak from the starship fighters, creating small explosions on the complex surface of the fort. Luke directs his fire at one of the prime power terminals. It explodes, generating weird electronic arcs that leap off the station's surface.
Walls buckle and cave in, sucking debris and personnel into the vacuum of space. Alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo-powered laser gun emplacements. Officers yell orders through the smoke and confusion. Man and robots of various shapes and sizes run to their battle stations. Standing in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and foreboding, is the evil Sith knight, Darth Vader. Several astro-officers run up to him, still putting on the helmets and equipment. VADER
The princess and her generals listen silently to the action of the starships over the com-link. The aides and troops move about very quietly listening to the battle as they work. BLUE LEADER
(V.O.) CHEWIE (BLUE
TWO)(V.O.) BLUE LEADER
(V.O.) BLUE SIX (V.O.) BLUE LEADER
(V.O.) CHEWIE (V.O.) BLUE SIX (V.O.) BLUE LEADER
(V.O.) BLUE SIX (V.O) LUKE (V.O.) A sigh of relief sweeps across the war room. BLUE LEADER
(V.O.)
165-171. EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - BATTLE - REBEL FIGHTERS Two fin-winged Imperial fighters dive on Luke, but he does a quick spiral turn and eludes them. RED LEADER BLUE LEADER Blue Leader and Luke (Blue Five) and Blue Four dive in unison through a forest of radar domes, antenna and gun towers. They are followed by four Imperial tie fighters. The two rebel ships make a sharp turn and come around behind the Imperial ships. Blue Four and Blue Leader fire into the tie fighters as the six ships crisscross the surface of the fortress. Suddenly a dense barrage of laser fire erupts from a protruding tower, catching Blue Four broadside. The rebel spacecraft bursts into a million flaming pieces. Luke has a sudden realization of the danger he is in, but it quickly fades as another Imperial fighter moves onto his tail and begins firing. Luke rolls away from the enemy ship. Blue Leader reacts to the loss of his wing man with a renewed attack on the Imperial ships -- one of which falls away and hits a prime power terminal, creating an arching spectacle. A chain reaction is set off, creating a series of explosions leaping across the surface of the fortress from terminal to terminal.
A blazing and out of control Red Leader dives toward the Death Star surface followed by Darth Vader in a small, spider-like Imperial fighter. RED LEADER
175-190 EXT. DEATH STAR - SOUTH POLE Blue Leader
see Luke has an Imperial fighter on his BLUE LEADER Blue Two (Chewie) miraculously dives his ship through a virtual sea of laser fire and blasts the Imperial fighters chasing Luke into dust. Chewie signals to Luke, who lets out a whooping cheer as Chewie veers into a victory roll. BLUE LEADER Luke and Blue
Three bob and weave in formation toward a LUKE (BLUE FIVE) BLUE THREE LUKE (BLUE FIVE) BLUE THREE Blue Three wobbles a little, then drops away sharply, plowing into a huge laser gun emplacement, causing a hideous series of chain reaction explosions. The remaining starships of the Blue group fly in a tight formation and dive between the tall towers near the exhaust port. BLUE LEADER CHEWIE (BLUE
TWO) Blue Two dives directly at the small target, is unable to pull out and crashes into the base of one of the towers. Blue Leader dives between the towers, firing away, but is unable to hit the small hole. BLUE LEADER Luke chases an Imperial chip that is chasing Blue Leader. One of the two large fins on the Imperial fighter explodes and it careens wildly, leaving an erratic trail of smoke before eventually crashing into a solar panel.
Luke swings
the small craft around the many outcroppings LUKE (BLUE FIVE) BLUE LEADER Out of the gloom streaks Darth Vader firing on Blue Leader. Luke tries to intercept the Imperial ship, but Vader outmaneuvers him. Blue Leader dives on the exhaust port, followed by Darth Vader, who is followed by Luke, desperately trying to catch up. BLUE LEADER BLUE LEADER One of the five large engines on Blue Leader's fighter explodes. He careens wildly, leaving an erratic trail of smoke before eventually crashing into a solar panel. Luke can hear the sharp laugh of Vader over the com-link.
Darth Vader laughs maniacally as he swings his craft around and starts after Luke's ship. VADER
Luke's hand instinctively goes to the pocket that holds the Kiber Crystal. Its glow lights up the entire cabin. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
On the computer display board, several of the markers indicating rebel fighters go dark. The princess gives Old Ben a look of amused surprise at Luke's boldness. GENERAL DODANA approaches the princess. DODANA The princess gives Dodana a hard look and the cowardly general back away.
Luke (Blue Five) dives on the Death Star at an incredible speed. He soon realizes Vader is on his tail. He spins his ship to evade the pursuing Dark Lord, but Vader is still there. His ship rock and shudders under the nearby impact of Vader exploding laser bolts. Luke straightens his ship out and it skims across the surface of the fortress, creating a blur. LUKE (BLUE FIVE) VADER (V.O.) Vader hits one of Luke's engines and parts scatter in all directions. The ship wobbles, but Luke keeps the craft on target and fires his torpedo... It explodes harmlessly to one side of the tiny exhaust port. He pulls his ship up to try for another run. LUKE (BLUE FIVE) Artoo pops out of his socket and carefully makes his way back to the smoldering engine. Two other rebel ships make a dive on the exhaust port. One is blasted away by Vader, the other fires at the exhaust port and misses. BLUE EIGHT LUKE (BLUE FIVE) Luke's tiny rebel fighter banks and prepares for a second attack on the exhaust port. BLUE EIGHT The two rebels start their attack dive. The surface of the Death Star races toward them. Suddenly, streaking down from above them, Vader and two other Imperial fighters sweep into view with all of their laser cannons blazing away. Laser bolts explode around little Artoo as he works frantically to repair the stabilizer. Laser fire hits Blue Eight and he explodes. VADER The three Imperial fighters dive on the lone rebel starship. Luke struggles to keep control of the ship with laser bolts streaking past him on all sides. LUKE (BLUE FIVE) VADER Suddenly Vader's wing man explodes into a shower of burning fragments. Vader is surprised and looks around for the cause of his wing man's misfortune. VADER CTR-5 Heading right for the two Imperial fighters is Han Solo in the battered old pirate starship. CTR-5 veers radically, clipping Vader's solar fin in the maneuver. Vader spins out of control. Han blasts CTR-5 to smoke. HAN LUKE (BLUE FIVE) LUKE (BLUE FIVE) As he passes the exhaust port, Luke fires a torpedo, which goes directly down the exhaust shaft. Luke looks down at the glowing Kiber Crystal in his hand. LUKE (BLUE FIVE) Luke veers sharply away from the Death Star as ominous rumbles and explosions are heard coming from within the huge super fortress. The rebel ship speeds past the large pirate starship and several other surviving rebel fighters as they flee from the pending holocaust. A sudden great flash replaces the fortress, and a rainstorm of rubble pelts the starships. Several giant explosions follow until there is only a smoke cloud where the mighty fortress once orbited Yavin. HAN
Vader's starship with a bent solar fin limps into the vast darkness of space attempting to make it back to the relative safety of Alderaan.
Luke climbs out of his starship and is cheered by a throng of ground crews and pilots. Little Artoo is helped off the back of the starship and he's greeted by Threepio. Luke spots Han and Chewbacca as they enter and runs over to them. he hugs the Corellian pirate and the giant Wookiee. They all laugh and cheer. The crowd parts, revealing Old Ben. Luke goes to him and bows from waist. The old man embraces him.
Luke, Artoo, Threepio, Han and Chewbacca enter the huge ruins of the main temple. FADE OUT. END CREDITS. THE END |