STAR WARS: DARK EMPIRE 1

AUDIO ADAPTATION TRANSCRIPT Based on an audio adaptation of "Star

Wars: Dark Empire," a six-issue comic book miniseries published by Dark

Horse Comics in 1991. Audio Adaptation produced by Highbridge Audio, Inc.

Comic version written by Tom Veitch

Audio version adapted by

John Whitman

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

NARRATOR: Star Wars: Dark Empire.

Music: Star Wars Main Theme.

NARRATOR:

Following the deaths of Darth Vader and the Emperor and the

destruction of the second Death Star, the Rebel Alliance proclaimed a New

Republic over three-fourths of the galaxy. But without the thousands of

Jedi Knights who formed the backbone of the Old Republic, the new

confederation was a precarious one. Long years of struggle followed,

during which Imperial factions gained control over a fourth of the

Galaxy. Whole systems became fortresses, bristling with firepower.

Then, five years after the Battle of Endor, the infamous Grand

Admiral Thrawn mounted a terrible assault, nearly bringing the fledgling

Republic to its knees. Ultimately, Thrawn was defeated. But within days

of his downfall, surviving members of the Emperor's Ruling Circle staged

a stunning assault on the Emperor's throneworld, a planet called

Coruscant, and that vital system once again fell under Imperial control.

It seemed certain that a new Empire was about to emerge from the ashes of

the old. That very possibility triggered a ferocious civil war among the

numerous Imperial factions. Who would sit in the Emperor's throne? Who

had the right--and the might?

Meanwhile, the Rebels were quick to seize the opportunity to sow

confusion among the feuding Imperials, using two captured Star Destroyers

to stage hit-and-run sorties into the war zones. One such raid, over the

raging Imperial City battleground, ended in disaster: The Alliance Star

Destroyer Liberator, commanded by Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian,

crash-landed on the planet's surface. As our story opens, Princess Leia

Organa and her husband Han Solo have left their two children in

safekeeping, and together with the Wookiee Chewbacca and the protocol

droid C3P0, are on a daring mission to rescue their fallen comrades.....

SCENE 1-1 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

===================================================== Sound: The roar of

the Falcon's engines. An alarm goes off.

LEIA: Han, the navicomputer just reported extreme turbulence at our

reentry coordinates over the Imperial City!

HAN: That'll be battle debris, Leia! The whole Imperial sector is

littered with it! Warn the other ships!

Sound: Intercom activates.

LEIA: This is the Millenium Falcon. Rebel Star, Antares Six, do you

copy?

CAPTAIN SNUNB: We copy you, Millenium Falcon. Antares Six here.

CAPTAIN NEVA: Rebel Star here, over.

LEIA: We're coming up on some spatial distortions ahead. Our

scanners show lots of orbital wreckage. Stay sharp--those big Frigates

you're flying aren't as manueverable as the Falcon.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: We copy that, Falcon. We're right behind you.

HAN: Chewie, get ready to cut in the sublight engines. Energize

repulsorlifts. Prepare to exit hyperspace.

CHEWBACCA: ROARS IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

THREEPIO: Sir, the odds of collision with that amount of spacial

debris are 3,722 to 1....if I may suggest--

HAN:Chewie, watch your thrusters!

CHEWBACCA: ROARS.

HAN: And remind me to crosswire Threepio's voice synthesizer when

we get back to base.

THREEPIO: But sir, if I may say so--

LEIA: Threepio, sit down! Five seconds to reentry!

Four.....three....two.....

Sound: The Falcon leaves hyperspace.

HAN: Starship wreckage dead ahead!! Bank right!

Sound: The Falcon swerves to avoid collision.

CHEWBACCA: GRUMBLES.

HAN: I see it, I see it, Chewie. Lucky I just brought the Falcon's

thrusters up to maximum specs, or we'd be sliced and diced like space

slugs in a servo.

LEIA: (awed) There must be hundreds of wrecked ships out here. The

battle must have been incredible.

HAN: Leia, the other ships are coming out of hyperspace. Those big

Frigates'll never get through this wreckage.

Sound: Leia activates the intercom again.

LEIA: Rebel Star, Antares Six, this is the Falcon. There is too

much debris here. Come around to 02. That's 02. You'll find a gap in the

wreckage.

CAPTAIN NEVA: Negative, Millenium Falcon. We can make it, we can--

REBEL STAR OFFICER: Watch it--Maximum thrust!! HARD LEFT, HARD

LEFT---

Sound: A massive explosion as the Rebel Star collides with a wreck

and is blown to bits.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: Millenium Falcon, Rebel Star just vanished in a ball

of flame.....

LEIA: Captain Neva's Frigate is hit!

HAN: We've got to go back and help them--

LEIA: (distant) It's too late......none of them survived.

HAN: Are you sure?

LEIA: Han.......I feel it. Through the Force. I'm sure.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: Millenium Falcon, this is Antares Six. We'll stay

and look for survivors. You go ahead after the others.

HAN: Stand by, Antares Six. (turns off intercom.) Just great. Luke

crashes a captured Star Destroyer, and we just lost a good Frigate

crew....I knew this trip was a bad idea.

LEIA: Han....

HAN: What we really ought to do is take the Falcon out towards the

Galactic Core and investigate those rumors of superweapons coming out of

the Imperial sector.

LEIA: They sent Admiral Ackbar to do that, Han. Besides, those are

just rumors. Luke and Lando are in real trouble.

HAN: They don't need us! If I know those guys, right about now

they've got the Imperials doing the Gamorrean two-step!

LEIA: Han, we lost their signal! The distress beacon broke contact

at zero altitude!!

CHEWBACCA: ROARS.

HAN: Yeah, Chewie, you're right. You're both right. I'm sorry I

shot off my big mouth. (activates intercom.) Solo to Antares Six.

Establish a docking orbit and prepare to search for survivors....we're

going planetside.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: Copy that, General Solo. We'll keep you on our

tracking screens. Good luck looking for Commander Skywalker.

HAN: Yeah, wherever he is.

Sound: The Falcon roars towards Coruscant.

SCENE I-2 INT. EMPEROR'S PALACE

================================================== Sound: Crunching rock

and effort as Luke frees a doorway in the Imperial Palace.

LUKE: There. It's open.

ARTOO: WHISTLES A BRIEF QUERY.

LUKE: Yes Artoo, just as I thought. Some sort of secret passageway,

leading down from the Imperial Palace.

Sound: Luke begins to walk (and Artoo to roll).

LUKE: In all the years the Rebels occupied Coruscant, I can't

believe we never found this chamber.

ARTOO: BEEPS OUT "WHEN?" .

LUKE: Probably during the civil war. A laser blast or concussion

cannon--probably destroyed this whole panel. It's dark......so

dark........

ARTOO: SUGGESTS USING HIS LIGHTS.

LUKE: No thanks, Artoo. But it's not that kind of darkness. There's

something.....something powerful here. Something dangerous, too. Artoo,

lock that door into position. Whatever was down here was well hidden and

well shielded. That's why I told Lando not to follow us.

ARTOO: PROTESTS.

LUKE: I know you don't detect any life-forms. These are the

ruins.....of the Emperor's Palace. It's been pretty much deserted since

we evacuated during the civil war. (shivers) No, these are more like

dangerous memories. Memories of.....

Sound: A door opens automatically.

LUKE:....my father.

ARTOO: BLEEPS IN SURPRISE.

LUKE: Yes, Artoo. Anakin Skywalker. But if he ever lived here, he

did so as Darth Vader. This whole place is......it resonates with the

power of the Dark Side. Stay here, Artoo. See if you can power up that

tech station. And get us some light! I've got to have a look around.

Sound: Artoo rolls off as Luke begins to walk around the chamber.

LUKE: (more to himself than Artoo) I can still feel the Dark Side

here. Like a cold hand--it's focus is very powerful. I wish I knew why my

father turned to the Dark Side. What did he find there....?

ARTOO: WHISTLES A YODELING SUMMONS.

Sound: A holoprojector comes on.

LUKE: Artoo, I wanted a light, not some old hologram!

ARTOO: MOANS.

LUKE: Wait--leave it on!!! That's an image of the Emperor~! What's

he saying? C-can you boost the power?

ARTOO: BEEPS IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

EMPEROR: My attempts to create my own version of the device called

"the Jedi Holocron" have failed. I have resorted to this crude device to

record my discoveries of the Dark Side.

LUKE: It is the Emperor!

ARTOO: BLATTS IN DISGUST.

LUKE: (strangely insistent) NO, Artoo, leave it on! (voice trailing

off) I...want....to listen......

Sound: A low humming echoes through the next line, as if the Dark

Side itself was audible.

EMPEROR: The Book of Anger, Chapter One.....

SCENE 1-3 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

============================================ Sound: The Falcon blasts

through Coruscant's atmosphere.

CHEWBACCA: WHINES.

HAN: Okay, Chewie. Buckle up, everyone--we've hit a mild magnetic

storm in the upper atmosphere.

LEIA: Han, I love you, but this ship is still a pile of junk!

HAN: Yeah, well this "pile of junk" just saved us from becoming one

more piece of space garbage.

LEIA: Maybe, but I'm getting pretty shaken up by this magnetic

storm.

HAN: That's because you prefer my kind of magnetism.

LEIA: Oh, Han......

THREEPIO: Oh, sir, there seem to be--

HAN: I see 'em, I see 'em!

LEIA: What is it?

HAN: Imperial TIE Fighters, going our way.

Sound: Proximity alarm goes off. The roar of passing TIE Fighters.

HAN: Deflector shields up, Chewie!

CHEWBACCA: AGREES, THEN MUTTERS IN CONFUSION.

HAN: Yeah.....didn't even stop to say hello.

LEIA: They must be joining forces with one of the Imperial factions

fighting for the throne. They're heading straight for the ruins of the

Imperial City.

HAN: Where the Emperor himself used to hang his hat, back when he

was alive. Not much left of that place now.

LEIA: Not since the civil war started. Coruscant was a beautiful

place when the Rebels controlled this system.

HAN: Yeah, 'till we got driven off-planet by those Imperials.

LEIA: Coruscant used to be the political center of the galaxy. Now

it's only a barren battleground, fought over by remaining members of the

Emperor's Ruling Council.

THREEPIO: Thank goodness we've seen the last of the Empire. That's

all I have to say.

HAN: Yeah, that's what we thought when Luke and his father defeated

the Emperor. Then Admiral Thrawn unleashed his forces and almost wiped us

out.

CHEWBACCA: TEASES HAN.

LEIA: Chewie's right, Han. You are a pessimist.

HAN: Hey, I'm not complaining. All this infighting among the

Imperials has given the Rebel Alliance a chance to get organized. Not to

mention giving you and me time for a honeymoon.

LEIA: (LAUGHS)

HAN: I just feel like we've been in this situation before. We've

think we've got the Empire on the ropes, but who knows what enemy is

waiting in the wings?

SCENE 1-4 INT. EMPEROR'S PALACE

======================================= Sound: Same as in 1-2. A low

humming as the hologram of the Emperor speaks.

EMPEROR: And I have come to realize that the Dark Side is my only

ally. The Dark Side is the only means to power.

ARTOO: BEEPS UNEASILY.

LUKE: Be quiet, Artoo,I-I don't care about the time. But could you

do something about the heat? I suddenly feel....cold.........

ARTOO: TRIES TO COMPLY.

EMPEROR: My explorations of the Dark Side of the Force have

revealed to me many wonderful secrets.

LUKE: (growing weak) Cold.....like a dead hand pressing against my

heart......

EMPEROR: I have learned that anger and will, when joined together,

forge a most unholy and devastating alliance.

LUKE: Maybe Artoo's right.....time to leave......but it's like a

great weight, pressing down on me.....I....can't

move.....can't.....leave.....

EMPEROR: Using anger, I have learned to unlock the hidden

reserviors of the glorious Dark Side power.

LUKE: No.....

EMPEROR: Anger, concentrated by will, in the vital center of the

body, creates a portal through which vast energies are released--the

energies of the Dark Side of the Force. This is the power I command now

that I am one with the Dark Side.

LUKE: Is this....what my father felt?

EMPEROR: With these energies, I have slain my enemies from across

the empty reaches of space.

LUKE: I shouldn't.....listen....

EMPEROR: I have created lightning, and unleashed devastating fires.

LUKE:......but I can't.....stop......

EMPEROR: With this knowledge, I can unleash the Dark Side energies

around us, even to shatter the fabric of space itself! In this way, I

have created storms.....

Sound: New and louder humming as Luke calls upon the Force.

LUKE: Got--to--break---FREE!!!

Sound: Luke crashes against the floor. The holoprojector suddenly

cuts out.

ARTOO: BEEPS IN ALARM.

LUKE: I'm all right, Artoo. This place is strong with the Dark

Side. And the presence of the Emperor.....even in a hologram....is almost

overpowering. I've got to resist the temptation to study these tapes.

Still......I wonder what he meant about "storms"........

SCENE 1-5 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

==================================================== HAN: Okay, we're

coming up on the ruins of the Imperial City.

LEIA: According to Luke's last coordinates, you're right on target.

HAN: That's the idea, sweetheart. Whoo......we're three miles above

the surface, and I can still see smoke rising from the city....if there's

anything left of that place. I'd say ol' Luke put that big Star Destroyer

right down on top of it.

THREEPIO: Poor Artoo-Detoo is with them! If anything's happened to

him, I'll never forgive myself.

SCENE 1-6 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD/ INT. AT-AT WALKER

=================================================== Sound: A falling

shell hits the ground, shaking it. The sky is filled with screams,

blaster fire, and louder cannon fire. Comlink is activated.

AT-AT CONTROLLER: Imperial Walker Unit One, this is Unit Six.

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: Unit One here, over.

AT-AT CONTROLLER: We've got a whole platoon of mutinous Imperial

troops marching in at 060. We're taking heavy fire. Looks like they're

going on the offensive.

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: Copy that, Unit Six. Stay on target. We've

got a squadron of TIE Fighters dropping out of orbit. They'll blast those

mutineers into Rancor food! Our AT-AT's have been ordered to track down

the Rebel intruders, so keep your scanners focused on the ruins where

that Star Destroyer crashed.

AT-AT CONTROLLER: We're never going to find those Rebels in all

this wreckage....

Sound: Two cannon shots, and an explosion.

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: I think they just found us!

Sound: Comlink goes off.

SCENE 1-7 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD

================================================ Sound: Two blaster

shots.

WEDGE: Good shot, Lando!

LANDO: Thanks, Wedge. But I don't think our field weapons are doing

much good against those huge Imperial walkers. Status report?

WEDGE: We've got 15 wounded, and most of our blasters need time to

re-energize.

LANDO: Maybe if we explained that to the Imperials, they'd break

for lunch. GET DOWN!!

Sound: Cannon fire, close by.

LANDO: You okay, Wedge?

WEDGE: Yeah, thanks. You saved my--

LANDO: Never mind! Just keep your head down and return fire!

WEDGE: We can't hold out much longer against that!

Sound: A ship roars overhead, and opens up on the AT-AT.

LANDO: That's the Millenium Falcon!!

HAN: (over comlink) YEEHAH!! Too late for us to get in on the fun?

LANDO: Han Solo, you ol' space pirate! What are you doing here?

HAN: What I always do, Lando--

SCENE 1-8 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

================================================= HAN: --saving your

butt! Again!

LEIA: Look at all the carnage down there! Blasted TIE Fighters,

twisted hulks of armored transports--the wreckage goes on for miles, and

they're still fighting! I wish all these Imperials would just wipe each

other out! It would save us a lot of trouble.

HAN: No such luck, Princess. We've still got that Imperial walker

to deal with.

Sound: Han sets some controls and gets up.

HAN: Take the helm, Chewie. Leia, get to the upper gun turret. I'll

take the belly gun. All right, Chewie--take us in. You're about to watch

the greatest husband and wife gunner team in the galaxy!

SCENE 1-9 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON GUN TURRETS

================================================ HAN: (over headset

throughout scene) You all set up there, Leia?

LEIA: Let's see....tracking systems on.....

Sound: The gun activates. The tracking screen beeps into

activation.

LEIA: ....blaster cannons charged....ready!! At least, I hope

so.....this is only the second time I've ever had to use one of these

things....

Sound: A low humming, as the Force begins to build within Leia.

LEIA: (whispering to herself) Okay, Leia. Try to remember what Luke

taught you. Let your mind merge with the Force. Feel the living energy

that binds the galaxy together....

SCENE 1-10 INT. AT-AT WALKER

================================================ AT-AT CONTROLLER: New

target acquired. One ship, bearing 06.

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: (over comlink) It's a piece of junk! Must be

a scavenger ship! These Imperial walkers we're using will pulverize them!

AT-AT CONTROLLER: Affirmative, Walker One. Move off, I'll handle

this!

Sound: Comlink is deactivated.

SCENE 1-11 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON GUN TURRETS

================================================= HAN: (over headset)

Okay, Leia, my scanner shows our target at 104, moving into my range.

Bring her in, Chewie. Watch me turn that metal monster into a pile of--

LEIA: (to herself) Luke is right. I can feel the Force moving

through me. Guiding my hands....

Sound: Cannon fire.

HAN: Blaster's firing.....Damn, my shots bounce off his deflector

shields! Chewie, give me a---

LEIA: CHEWIE!!! Swing around to 12.3!

CHEWBACCA: YELPS IN SURPRISE.

Sound: Falcon swings around.

LEIA: Good! Hold her steady.....steady.....NOW!!

Sound: Cannon fire--and an explosion, followed by a crashing sound.

HAN: Good shot, Leia! That's thing's gonna---

Sound: Massive explosion.

SCENE 1-12 EXT. BATTLEFIELD

====================================== BRICK: Hey, Slag. Another ship is

landing. Get those battle droids ready.

SLAG: I dunno, Brick. They just took out an Imperial walker...we're

only a couplea junk traders and scavengers. What if they're too tough for

us?

BRICK: Aw, you must be part Jawa. We have these hot-wired weapons

droids running interference, don't we? Get some backbone, will ya? Would

ya rather leave this exciting life we got, gallivanting around the

Empire--

SLAG: Gallivanting?

BRICK:--growing rich off the spoils of war,

SLAG: Rich? I dunno about rich--

BRICK: and dying a glorious death!

SLAG: D-d-d-death?

BRICK: Or would you rather waste your life on some backwater planet

getting old'n'fat?

SLAG: Now that you mention it, uh, that sounds pretty good.

BRICK: I thought so. Now get goin'! Reattach that blaster armor on

this attack droid while I activate his program.

Sound: The two work on the droid.

BRICK: There.

DROID: Droid activated. Systems on.

BRICK: Walk over there with the other droids and await further

orders. Come on, Slag, let's go.

SLAG: I-I just don't know, Brick.

BRICK: Aw, relax! Even if these old battle droids don't do the

trick....I gotta 'nother surprise up my sleeve.....

SCENE 1-13 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD

===================================================== Sound: The Falcon

lands, and it's boarding ramp lowers.

HAN: Hey, Lando!

LANDO: Han, you grundly spork-chaser, it's good to see you! Well,

what took you so long? Another honeymoon? We've been holed up here for

days!

THREEPIO: Oh, Artoo, it's so good to see you in one piece!

ARTOO: GREETS THREEPIO.

LEIA: Lando, where's Luke?

LANDO: He took off with Artoo right after we crashed. He said

something about "the dark side of the Force still being very powerful in

this place."

LEIA: You mean....he's been gone for six days?!?

LANDO: Yeah--but if Artoo's back, Luke must be nearby. Right now,

I'm more concerned about the renegades and the scavengers that are

crawling all over the ruins. Every junk-trader in the galaxy has been

drawn to this place like flies to the feast. This bunch is using hotwired weapons droids! They've created their own little army!!!

HAN: And it looks like they're heading this way! Take cover!!

Sound: More blaster fire, and the clomping sound of droid feet.

DROID: Targets acquired. Begin rapid-fire.

Sound: A machine-gun like blaster opens up, followed by others.

LANDO: Return fire! Watch out for those war droids!

Sound: Regular blaster fire joins the fray.

BRICK: Ha. Come on, Slag, let's go check out that ship!

SLAG: Heyyyy, look at the tech on this baby! Modified power

couplings, first-class flux stabilizers.....

BRICK: Hey....you know what this ship is?!? This is the Millenium

Falcon!

SLAG: The Falcon!? The most notorious ship in the galaxy!! Oh ho,

man, I'm gonna love strippin' this starship!

Sound: Brick and Slag start attacking the Falcon with tools.

LEIA: Oh no--those scavengers are between us and the Millenium

Falcon!

HAN: Hey, they're trying to steal my ship!

CHEWBACCA: HOWLS WITH OUTRAGE.

LEIA: Han, wait--!

Sound: More blaster fire, bouncing off the Falcon's hull.

HAN: Get away from my ship, scum!!! Come on, Chewie!!

LEIA: Don't be crazy!

SLAG: See Brick, it ain't workin'! Here they come!

BRICK: I got things under control. Uh, let's see....Activate dis,

uh, remote that opens the cargo door on my transport ship, and....

Sound: Cargo door opens. A group of large animal noises, like pit

bulls on steroids.

LANDO: Watch it, Han!!! They're releasing a pack of Neks!!!!

HAN: (grunts as he dives back behind cover) Neks? What are Neks?

LEIA: Cyborrean battle dogs, armoured and fitted with attack

stimulators. They kill on sight.

HAN: Yeah, and they're ugly too. We'd better get out of here.

LEIA: Wait. I think I can handle them. Luke taught me how to use

the Force to sow confusion in the minds of others. It's faster than a

blaster, and a lot less messy.

HAN: I don't know, sweetheart, I think I'd prefer a blaster. That

way I know they're not gonna gnaw off my leg when my back is turned.

Besides, I'm not even sure these things have minds.

Sound: A humming, rising in volume and pitch.

LEIA: Just got to concentrate.....concentrate.....

Sound: The dogs suddenly start yelping, running off into the

distance.

HAN: Huh. The dogs are turning tail. Leia, I apologize, I didn't

know you could--

LEIA: It wasn't me. Han--

LUKE: It was me.

HAN: Luke!

LEIA: Oh, Luke! (hugs him) You're all right! Where were you?

LUKE: In a minute, Leia. First, let me take care of these battle

droids.

DROID: Anomaly. Anomaly. This unit experiencing unexplained--

Sound: Explosions, all across the battlefield.

HAN: Wha--he just waved his hand and all those battle droids

exploded!

LUKE: Simple. I just used the Force to displace the master servo

control in each droid. They destroyed themselves.

LEIA: Luke, behind you! It's another Imperial Walker! It's about

to--

Sound: Cannon fire--which spangs as it bounces off Luke! Luke waves

his lightsaber, deflecting the rest. One deflected shot goes right back

at the Walker, blowing off it's 'head' weapons. Luke turns off his saber.

HAN: I don't believe it, he used his lightsaber to deflect the

blaster fire right back at that thing!

LANDO: But it's still standing!

LUKE: (supremely confident) Not for long, Lando.

LANDO: Don't tell me you can use the Force against something that

big!

LUKE: Of course. "Size matters not." The only difference is in your

mind. Watch...

Sound: The humming begins again, stronger than with Leia.....

LANDO: What's he doing now?

Sound: Creaking and shaking of gears and metal plates....

SCENE 1-14 INT. AT-AT WALKER

======================================================== AT-AT CONTROLLER

TWO: He's still standing!

GUNNER: How could we have missed him?

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: We didn't miss him! He deflected our shots

with that saber thing!

GUNNER: What's he doing? What's he doing??

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: He's just standing there!!

GUNNER: He's doing something. My power grid's gone haywire! My

turboblasters are on overload!

AT-AT CONTROLLER TWO: Dump the power from the engines! HURRY

BEFORE---

Sound: Massive explosion and screams. Huge crashing sound.

SCENE 1-15 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD

=========================================================== Sound: Cheers

from the Rebel fighters.

HAN: Good job, kid!

LEIA: Oh, Luke, I'm so glad you're all right!

ARTOO: BEEPS OUT A LITTLE LINE.

THREEPIO: Yes Artoo, this is quite an emotional moment! My protocol

empathy module is starting to overheat!

LEIA: Come on, get those wounded aboard the Falcon!

REBEL: (over intercom) Evacuating planet in 15 minutes.

REBEL #2: Move it, let's go, let's go!

REBEL #3: Got to get those wounded out of here, get the equipment

off!

LANDO: --so there we were, Han. Me, Luke, and the others, standing

on the bridge of that Star Destroyer--

HAN: The one you just crashed, Lando.

LANDO: A ship with lightspeed engines that'll take you from here to

Tatooine in a nanosecond. But it drops through the atmosphere like a

stray meteor. I'm telling you, this face of mine should be smashed as

flat as a Hutt in heavy gravity.

HAN: So what happened?

LANDO: It was Luke! He guided that ship down like it was an Ewok's

hang glider. Used the deflector shields to cushion our fall.

HAN: That's great, but--

LANDO:--but.....it was more than that! NO ONE should have been able

to land that ship! But after seeing what he did to that Imperial Walker,

well......he must have used the Force to help him. He's growing strong,

Han. Really strong. I haven't seen anything like that since......since

Vader.....

SCENE 1-16 ANTARES SIX BRIDGE

==================================================== REBEL: (over

intercom) Antares Six, this is Medavac Shuttle One, we are entering the

docking bay.

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN (A Sullustan in the comic): Affirmative,

Shuttle One. (turns off comlink) Captain, that's the last of the shuttle

crews. All the wounded from the planet's surface are accounted for.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: That's all of them? My dear, what a tragedy. Get the

wounded to Sickbay immediately. And contact the Millenium Falcon. Tell

them we've finshed rescue operations and are about to depart. Keep a

sharp eye out, helm. We don't want Antares Six to end up like Rebel Star-

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: Captain!!! Look at this!!

SCENE 1-17 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD

======================================================= HAN: You want to

do what?!?

LUKE: I have to stay on this planet, Han!

LEIA: Luke, what's wrong??

LUKE: I found strange clues in the Palace. Leia, I have to stay

here. But you and Han, Chewie, Lando--you should leave this place at

once.

HAN: Are you kidding?! We traveled a million light-years to get you

out of trouble, and you want to stay here?!?

LUKE: Han, you don't understand! There's a great disturbance in the

Force. Someone--or something--is using the Dark Side with unbelievable

power!!! I've felt it! SEEN it!!!

LEIA: But you know we can't leave you! I won't let you face

whatever it is by yourself!

HAN: Whatever this thing is, we'll be right there beside you, kid,

blasters blazing.

LUKE: (tightly) Han, this isn't just another gun battle. (distant)

A vast evil is approaching. It knows I'm here. What will happen is

unavoidable. It is my destiny. It is beginning....now.

SCENE 1-18 INT. ANTARES SIX BRIDGE

========================================== Sound: A proximity alarm has

gone off.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: What is it?

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: Some kind of.....wormhole...opening up in

space. It's huge! Fifty times the size of our ship! Energy readings off

the scale!

Sound: Comlink goes on.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: Antares Six calling the Millenium Falcon. Our

scanners just picked up a gigantic hyperspace wormhole--an energy storm

of undetermined magnitude is--

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: It's no good, sir--there's too much

interference. Your message isn't getting through.

Sound: A huge maelstrom of sound--lightning, hail, laser blasts,

and more all joined in a capohony of noise--is blasting straight at the

Antares Six.

CAPTAIN SNUNB: Blast.....

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: It's heading right for us!!!

CAPTAIN SNUNB: EVASIVE ACTION! FULL RIGHT THRUSTERS!!!

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: THEY'RE NOT RESPONDING, CAPTAIN!!! WE'VE LOST

LATERAL GUIDANCE!!!

CAPTAIN SNUNB: FULL REVERSE!!!! BACK US AWAY!!!

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: TOO LATE--!!!!

Sound: The sound of the energy storm is deafening, and growing

closer.....closer.... ....and fades off into the distance again.

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: Wha--What happened?

CAPTAIN SNUNB: The energy storm....swept right by us.....ignored us

like we weren't even here.

ANTARES SIX CREWMAN: Captain....it's heading right for the surface

of the planet! It's heading right for--

CAPTAIN SNUNB:--right for the ruins of the Imperial City. And our

friends are in it's path. May the Force be with them......

SCENE 1-19 EXT. CORUSCANT BATTLEFIELD

================================================ LUKE: Leia, please! You

all must leave now!!!

HAN: Listen kid, all-powerful Force or no Force, we can't just

leave you to--

Sound: The storm is now audible in the distance.

ARTOO: WHOOPS AND SQUEALS IN ALARM.

THREEPIO: Don't interrupt, Artoo!

ARTOO: SQUAWKS IN PANIC.

THREEPIO: What's that? ARTOO: ELABORATES WITH SOME SPEED.

THREEPIO: An energy storm? Well, I don't hear anything.

Sound: The storm becomes VERY audible.

THREEPIO: OH MY!!!

LANDO: (hushed) Look at that sky.

THREEPIO: What is it!?!?

LEIA: The sky's on fire!

HAN: Must be that same magnetic storm we hit earlier--

LUKE: It's a storm--but not caused by anything natural. It's almost

upon us. There's no need for you to die too!

LEIA: We can't leave you!!!

LUKE: It doesn't want you! It wants me! Leave, all of you, or

you'll be destroyed!

LEIA: No, Luke!! We're brother and sister--

LUKE: We are brother and sister! But my destiny is not yours!

You.....your children....are the future of the Jedi. Protect them!!!

LEAVE!!!!

HAN: (reluctantly) Come on, Leia. We've got to get back to the

ship.

LEIA: But Luke won't--

HAN: Luke can take care of himself. Even if he is crazy.

ARTOO: LETS OUT A DEFIANT WHISTLE.

THREEPIO: Artoo--? Oh, NO! He thinks he belongs with Master Luke!

Stop him, someone, please!

HAN: No time! Luke will have to save Artoo while he's busy saving

himself. Get on board, Threepio!

Sound: The heroes bundle into the Falcon, and the ramp closes.

Artoo's treads are heard coming up to Luke. The storm is closing, fast.

LUKE: Good. They've escaped. Oh, Leia.....you don't understand the

power I've achieved since our father died. But I still don't know why our

father betrayed his friends....and himself. I must find out what he

learned....what made him give in to the Dark Side. It's the Dark Side

that's coming. My presence triggered such hatred that it rends the fabric

of space.

Sound: The Falcon's engines ignite, and the ship blasts out of

ground zero.

ARTOO: MOANS WITH WORRY.

LUKE: Yes, Artoo. I know they're leaving. They've made the right

decision.

Sound: The storm is now deafening again.

LUKE: I only wonder......have I?

Sound: The storm drowns out all background noise, drowns out

everything.....except a lone man's scream.

SCENE 1-20 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

================================================= HAN: Believe me, Leia,

Luke knows what he's doing. I think.

LEIA: (quiet) I'm not so sure, Han. Something about the way he

looked at me.....I was afraid of him.

HAN: Lando, notify Antares Six we're returning to Pinnacle Base.

Chewie, lock in the auxilary power. Prepare to jump to lightspeed.

CHEWBACCA: AGREES WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

Sound: The Falcon roars into hyperspace.

SCENE 1-20 INT. DEFIANT BRIDGE

================================================== Sound: Comlink goes

on.

GREEN THREE: (on comlink, nervous) This is Green Three to Green

Leader. I show target ship exiting hyperspace beyond the third moon.

GREEN LEADER: (on comlink) Green Leader here. Pinnacle Base

confirms our readings. The ship is broadcasting no I.D. codes. Assume

intercept course.

GREEN THREE: (VERY nervous) Uh....uh, auxiliary power

engaged.......

GREEN LEADER: Relax, kid, you sound nervous. This your first patrol

mission?

GREEN THREE: Of-of-of....yeah, it is.

GREEN LEADER: (laughs) Take it easy. It's only one ship. We've got

the whole Rebel Alliance orbiting a nearby planet. And our own Star

Destroyer to back us up. You got nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye

on your scanner, intercept 05.

ACKBAR: This is Admiral Ackbar, aboard the flagship Defiant.

GREEN LEADER: Admiral Ackbar? From the planet Mon Calamari? If

that's so, how come you aren't broadcasting on a recognition code?

ACKBAR: We ran into an Imperial convoy, and our transponder was

damaged.

GREEN LEADER: I thought you were on a recon mission into the

Galactic Core....

ACKBAR: Let's just say the Imperials didn't like the idea as much

as we did. Patch me through to Mon Mothma, the Alliance leader,

immediately.

GREEN LEADER: Affirmative.

Sound: The comlink changes frequencies, and a viewscreen comes on.

MON MOTHMA: Admiral Ackbar! Glad to see you in one piece!

ACKBAR: Glad to be in one piece, Mon Mothma, after what we've seen.

We penetrated as far as we could into the star systems still controlled

by the Empire. We got as far as the planet Byss. It was ringed with

thousands of warships. Something of great consequence is happening there.

We saw Imperial ships from both sides of the civil war vanishing into the

farthest reaches of the Galactic Core.

MON MOTHMA: Our spies and probe droids report similar sightings in

other sectors. Whole fleets of ships vanishing from our tracking screens.

What can it mean?

ACKBAR: The civil war has left the Imperial system a wasteland. The

populations are in desperate straits. Half of the galaxy is ripe for the

pickings if one person gains control of the fleet. But just when one of

these Starfleet commanders has a chance to seize power, he vanishes.

MON MOTHMA: Thank goodness for that.

ACKBAR: It could be a blessing for us. Or.....well, I'm afraid of

the alternative. It's beyond my ability to understand. How did the

mission to the old Imperial homeworld go? Is there any news of Commander

Skywalker?

MON MOTHMA: Yes, but not good, I'm afraid. We received a garbled

transmission from the Imperial planet, but there was too much

interference to understand it. We think they found General Calrissian and

Luke, but only Lando is returning with them. I don't know what to make of

it.

ACKBAR: I think you'll get your answer soon, Mon Mothma. We've

picked up the Millenium Falcon, exiting hyperspace. We're heading into

Pinnacle Base.

SCENE 1-21 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

====================================================== COMPUTER: (on

comlink) Pinnacle Base. Current headquarters of the Rebel Alliance.

Location: Fifth moon of the planet Da Sootcha. Topographical description:

The atmosphere of the fifth moon sustains carbon-based life forms. 100%

of the moon's surface is covered by jagged rock formations. Indigenous

life forms: Sentient avians known as 'ixylls.' Alliance headquarters

located in a series of caverns on the northern hemisphere. Weapons

systems: This information is classified for trainees.

Sound: Comlink goes off.

HAN: I gotta fix this stupid transmitter. Every time I bring the

Millenium Falcon back to base, my comlink picks up that damn trainee

orientation!

LEIA: Relax, Han. We're mooring now.

Sound: The Falcon lands on the cavern floor.

COMPUTER: (on comlink again) Tractor beam disengaging. Repulsorlift

deactivated. You are clear to disembark. Welcome to Pinnacle Base.

Sound: Ramp lowers.

SCENE 1-22 EXT. DA SOOTCHA CAVERN

================================================ ACKBAR: Princess Leia!

Thank goodness you're back!

LEIA: Admiral Ackbar.

ACKBAR: I've only just returned myself. Where's Commander

Skywalker?

LEIA: A terrible thing has happened. The Dark Side has taken Luke

prisoner. He let it happen!

THREEPIO: And poor Artoo is with him! They'll make hydrospanners

out of him--if he survives!

ACKBAR: Hurry! You can give a full report immediately! Mon Mothma

has just called an emergency meeting of the command staff!

SCENE 1-23 INT. CAVERN MEETING ROOM

=============================================== MON MOTHMA: (grimly) The

energy storm that took Commander Skywalker--this is NOT an isolated

event. Similar storms have been detected in several systems. Furthermore,

Admiral Ackbar's reconnaisance mission suggests that there is a vast war

fleet gathering at the very core of the galaxy. Someone--or something-has been biding its time, while the feuding Imperial factions distracted

our attention.

ACKBAR: We have reason to believe that some Dark Side genius is at

work, creating new technologies that go beyond all previous conception.

MON MOTHMA: Activate holographic projector.

Sound: Holoprojector activates. What follows is the sounds of

destruction--the humming of repulsorlifts, explosions, screams, blaster

shots--but on a monstrous scale.

MON MOTHMA: The images you are seeing are being transmitted at this

very moment from the water-covered planet Mon Calamari--the homeworld of

Admiral Ackbar. The people of Calamari have been a proud part of the

Alliance since the beginning. Now, Calamari seems to be under attack from

some diabolical new machines. There, coming into view now....

Sound: Gasps from the people in the room.

LEIA: Oh my G--

CHEWIE: MOANS IN SHOCK.

HAN: What is THAT thing?!?

MON MOTHMA: The Calamari call them "World Devastators." There are

dozens of them gathering near many of the worlds sympathetic to the

Rebellion.

LEIA: It's--it's larger than one of the Empire's Star Destroyers.

ACKBAR: And more lethal than the Death Star.

HAN: Doesn't look all that threatening to me--I mean, I only see a

few escorts of TIE Fighters, no heavy weapons--just these huge

rectangular black ships hovering over the planet's surface.

ACKBAR: The World Devastators only need one weapon, General Solo.

You see the large square opening at the front of the Devastator?

HAN: Sure. And another on the bottom. Looks like some kind of

tractor bay.

MON MOTHMA: These World Devastators are giant factories. They

consume everything in their path, and in the belly of each machine, great

furnaces process the collected matter into raw elements, and then into--

LEIA: --into even more weapons of destruction. Han, the World

Devastators are like twisted versions of living things--every time they

destroy something, they get even stronger.

ACKBAR: Reports from Calamari indicate my people are unable to stop

the World Devastators. They are impervious to all modes of attack.

HAN: What about ion cannons, Admiral?

ACKBAR: Ineffective.

HAN: Ground assault?

ACKBAR: Suicidal.

HAN: Nothing works???

SCENE 1-24 EXT. MON CALAMARI BATTLEFIELD

=================================================== Sound: The noises of

battle are even louder. A comlink is activated.

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: Nothing! I repeat, torpedoes have done nothing to

halt the enemy advance!

CALAMARIAN TWO: (over intercom) C fire 4! C fire 4!! Pull up, pull

up!!

Sound: Crash and explosion.

CALAMARIAN THREE: (over intercom) I'm hit, I'm hit!!!

Sound: Another explosion.

CALAMARIAN TWO: C fire team, C fire team, take out the tower!

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: Evac shuttles! Get those evac shuttles to the

front line! We're being slaughtered!!!

REBEL PILOT: (over intercom) Pull back! Pull back! All squads,

regroup in a (garbled) formation!

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: But that's three degrees north of here! We can't

just give up that much ground!

REBEL PILOT: Who is that?!

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: Uh, this is Captain Gammack, third battalion.

REBEL PILOT: Well, Captain, there are three World Devastators

heading north,a few miles from the equator, and two more heading west.

Looks like they're forming a wedge to sweep us out of the whole

hemisphere! Just one of these monsters has taken out a whole division of

our troops! How can we face the whole fleet???

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: We must send a transmission to the Rebel base.

REBEL PILOT: Then send it and fall back! We'll cover you as long as

we can!

Sound: Transmitter is activated.

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: I hope my transmitter is strong enough to reach

offplanet. Rebel Alliance, this is a transmission from the planet

Calamari. We are under assault from massive World Devastators.....

SCENE 1-25 INT. CAVERN MEETING ROOM

======================================================== CAPTAIN GAMMACK:

(over intercom) I repeat, massive World Devastators--HERE THEY COME!!!

LOOK OUT--

Sound: Ominous static.

MON MOTHMA: That's all the transmission that got through.

LEIA: It's a massacre down there.

ACKBAR: (pause, then tightly) The people of Calamari were the first

to defy the Empire, years ago. When the Death Star was created, we were

scheduled to be one of the first planets annihilated by that terrible

weapon. When the Emperor was killed, we thought we'd been spared, but

now.....whoever is reunifying the Empire is carrying out the Emperor's

decision to 'discipline' us.

LEIA: Don't give up, Admiral Ackbar. If there's one thing I've

learned from Luke, it's the power of hope. And the power of strong will.

We'll save your planet.

SCENE 1-26 EXT. DA SOOTCHA CAVERN

=================================================== Sound: Starfighters

warming up.

MON MOTHMA: Green and Blue Squadrons will leave at once in their XWing Fighters to escort and defend the evacuation of Calamari. General

Calrissian, are you prepared to pilot our remaining captured Star

Destroyer against these World Devastators?

LANDO: I don't know. After what I did to the last Star Destroyer,

I'm not sure I'm qualified to pilot anything fancier than a garbage scow.

How about you, Han? (grudgingly) You're the best star pilot in the

galaxy.

HAN: Ah, sorry, uh....You'll have to wing it, Lando. I've got my

hands full wet-nursing all these new fighter pilots that have joined the

Rebellion. But, uh....good luck.

SCENE 1-27 INT. HAN AND LEIA'S QUARTERS

==================================================== Sound: The hum of a

holoprojector. A faint lullaby tickles at the air.

LEIA: Hello, little Jacen....oh, and there's my beautiful Jaina.

Oh, I miss you so much......

Sound: Door opens.

HAN: Hey, Leia, I--oh, there you are. Looking at those holograms of

our kids again.

LEIA: (sigh) I can't help it, Han. They're so far away.....

HAN: Leia.....you know it's better this way. As long as they're

hidden away on New Alderaan, they're safe from the Empire.

LEIA: But sometimes I want to reach out and hold them so much I--

Sound: The hologram is disrupted.

HAN: Don't! You're breaking up the projection.

LEIA: (giggles) You like looking at their pictures as much as I do.

HAN: Yeah, I guess so.

LEIA: Look, Han. She has your hair. And he has your eyes.

HAN: Yeah....and if they're lucky, they'll both have your smarts.

With my looks and your brains, they'll be the stars of the Galaxy.

LEIA: The next generation of Jedi Knights.

HAN: They're gonna be the leaders of hundreds of worlds, and here I

am, their old dad the smuggler, tickling them under the chin like a

doting old moisture farmer. (chuckles)

LEIA: What?

HAN: Oh, me. This life. I got a beautiful wife, a nice soft bed,

pictures on the walls....yep, just what I always wanted.

Sound: Holoprojector is turned off. The lullaby fades.

LEIA: Han.....it's not like you to turn down an assignment like you

did today.

HAN: Leia, this endless war......it's like we've been alone for

only five minutes since we got married.

LEIA: But?

HAN: I really wanted to go with Lando. But I accepted this other

assignment so we'd have a chance to be together.

LEIA: Han......something terrible is happening to Luke.

HAN: Oh jeez, Leia.....for once in my life, I'm trying to be

sensitive and romantic, and see where it gets me? Luke can take care of

himself!

LEIA: I can feel him, Han. He's getting farther and farther

away....we must help him.

HAN: We need some time to ourselves, Leia. For you and me. Luke

doesn't want any help. He says he has to do it alone, and I believe him.

LEIA: Han.....

HAN: I mean, who am I to challenge the judgment of a Jedi?

Besides....(slyly) You've got enough to worry about right here.....

LEIA: (giggles again) Do I?

HAN: Uh huh. After all, beautiful princess here alone with a

notorious scoundrel.....(both giggle)....who knows what could

happen.......

Sound: Fade out on kissing sounds.

SCENE 1-28 INT. PRISON SHIP/ EXT. SPACEPORT

====================================================== Sound: Ship's

engines.

LUKE: Uhh........whatever grabbed me, it was no energy

storm.......and it's left me somewhere dark. And cold.

ARTOO: BEEPS A WORRIED GREETING.

LUKE: Artoo, is that you?

ARTOO: REPLIES IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

LUKE: I don't know where we are. Some sort of ship.

Whoever.....whatever captures us has kept us in the dark. But I don't

need light to see.....

Sound: The Force rises in Luke.

LUKE: And I don't care how thick these walls are......they're

nothing compared to the power of the Force.....we're inside an Imperial

dungeon ship. The kind they used to transport Jedi Knights during the

Clone Wars.

Sound: Rattling.

LUKE: And it looks like we've reached our destination.

ARTOO: BLEEPS IN SURPRISE.

LUKE: A planet.....somewhere in the core of the galaxy. Surrounded

by THOUSANDS of warships.....Gigantic--ahh!!! It's entirely enveloped in

the Dark Side of the Force........if there is a dark center to the

universe, Artoo, this is it.

ARTOO: MOANS.

Sound: Door opens.

DARK GUARD: (echoing) We are ready to receive the prisoner.

Sound: Footsteps on metal.

DARK GUARD TWO: (amplified and echoing) JEDI KNIGHT, WELCOME.

PLEASE......COME WITH US.

LUKE: I'm not going anywhere until--

DARK GUARD: Activate Dark Force cage.

Sound: An electrical field is engaged, and Luke and Artoo yell and

grunt as they are forcibly yanked inside.

DARK GUARD: Dark Force cage energized. Prisoner contained. Inform

His Excellency that his.....guest has arrived undamaged. Take him to the

Great Hall.

SCENE 1-29 EXT. PALACE ENTRANCE

========================================================== Sound: Humming

of Dark Force cage as it moves. Footsteps on metal again.

LUKE: Artoo, are you functioning?

ARTOO: BLEEPS OUT "BARELY."

LUKE: I'm glad one of us is. I......I don't understand.....(echoing

throughout the scene) my mind.....these whispers in my

head.....can't....seem to.....concentrate........

DARK GUARD: This cage is designed to hold Jedi. It disturbs the

power of the Force. Neither your mind control abilities, nor your control

of physical objects will work while you're in the cage.

LUKE: Ungghhh........then I guess I'll have to resort to some oldfashioned questioning. What planet are we on?

DARK GUARD: You are on the planet Byss, at the very center of the

Galaxy.

LUKE: What's that....whispering I hear?

DARK GUARD: Whispering?

LUKE: Yes....those voices....so sinister.....

DARK GUARD: I hear nothing.

LUKE: Who are you?

DARK GUARD: I serve his Excellency.

LUKE: Who's that? Some two-bit Imperial governor with delusions of

grandeur?

DARK GUARD: You are foolish to mock your new master. As you'll soon

see.

Sound: Footsteps stop.

DARK GUARD: We have arrived at the Palace.

Sound: The Palace gates open.

IMPERIAL SENTINEL: Release the prisoner. We will take him from

here.

LUKE: Who are these big ugly guys in the armor? They look familiar.

DARK GUARD: These are Imperial Sentinels. The elite warriors of the

Empire. Deactivating Dark Force cage.

Sound: The field fades, and the cage door is opened.

LUKE: (sighs with relief)

IMPERIAL SENTINEL: Prisoner. Out.

LUKE: This is it, Artoo.

ARTOO: SAYS "THIS IS WHAT?"

LUKE: This is where my opponent--whoever he is--is waiting.

IMPERIAL SENTINEL: I said.....OUT!!!!

LUKE: Don't threaten me!! I'm here because I choose to be here!!

Sound: The Force rises.

IMPERIAL SENTINEL: (gasps in pain, hits ground)

IMPERIAL SENTINEL TWO: (does the same)

LUKE: That should teach you to offend a Jedi Master. Now to face

your leader.

ARTOO: BEEPS AN ELECTRONIC RASPBERRY AT THE SENTINELS AS HE

DEPARTS.

Sound: Footsteps fading into the distance, as well as Artoo's

treads.

IMPERIAL SENTINEL: Impudent whelp!! I will--

DARK GUARD: --do nothing. Let him believe it is his free choice if

he wants. But he is walking to his doom.

SCENE 1-30 INT. THRONE ROOM

=================================================== Sound: Footsteps and

treads.

LUKE: This Palace is like a maze. But the Force is leading me.

Here.

Sound: Steps and treads stop.

LUKE: But this looks like......a throne room!

A FAMILIAR, OLD, CRACKLY VOICE: Yes......MY throne room!

LUKE: YOU!?!?! THE EMPEROR!!!!

EMPEROR PALPATINE: Yes.

LUKE: But you're---

EMPEROR: Dead? Young Skywalker.....You of all people should know

the power of the Dark Side. And you WILL know......oh, yes......for YOU

are destined to rule the Empire by my side!! FOREVER!!!!

Music: The chilling Imperial March, then fade to silence.

SCENE 2-1 INT. THRONE ROOM

================================================= Music: A short, chilly

piece (from "Jaws"), then fade.

EMPEROR: Well, young Skywalker. I am pleased that you have come to

me once again.

LUKE: (disbelieving) The Emperor......ALIVE.......somehow, I knew.

But I saw you die.....

EMPEROR: Yes, you knew, didn't you? You....sensed it. You are in

touch with the Dark Side already. You've grown very strong in the Force

since last we met. But then, so have I. Guards, you may leave us.

Sound: Twin sets of footsteps, fading off.

LUKE: How did you survive?

EMPEROR: Survive your foolishness over the moon of Endor? Survive

the base treachery of your poor, weak father? (cackles) That was not the

first time I "died." Nor will it be the last. Such are the mysteries of

the Dark Side of the Force. Mysteries you will soon learn well. You see,

my young apprentice, flesh does not easily support this great power.

After all, I live primarily as energy, formless and powerful. For many

years, I have been under a dire necessity. My body has decayed again and

again. And each time, I have needed to take another, transferring my

essence into a humble clone of the man I once was.

LUKE: Clones?

EMPEROR: Yes, young Skywalker. The dying is painful--the transition

is terrible to endure. But the suffering is a small price to pay for

eternal life. (pause) Well, my young apprentice, your father is dead.

Have you come to join me? Will you take the place that rightfully belongs

to you?

LUKE: (grunting with effort) I......can't.....think.......

EMPEROR: You hesitate. Let me offer you an incentive. Screen on.

Sound: Viewscreen comes on, and we hear the sounds of destruction

again. EMPEROR: Behold the battle raging across the planet Calamari.

Those pathetic Rebels flee before the might of my World Devastators. You

have only to kneel before me, and they are yours to command.

LUKE: No.....

EMPEROR: The Rebels had their chance! They had years to reclaim the

galaxy, while my discorporate mind drifted across the empty reaches of

space, to return to this cloning chamber. I spent five years in hiding,

while your friends tried to fufill their dream. But without the Jedi

Knights, they failed miserably. And now, I have outflanked them! Working

in secret, I have created weapons such as the galaxy has never seen!

These World Devastators are utterly invincible. They are invunerable to

attack. Even if every member of the crew were destroyed, the ships

themselves would continue in their destructive purpose, directed by a

special master control program which I maintain.

Sound: Artoo pops open his top, and pulls out Luke's lightsaber on

an arm.

ARTOO: URGES LUKE TO TAKE THE LIGHTSABER.

LUKE: (sounding lethargic) What's that...Artoo? Oh......my

lightsaber.

EMPEROR: It is your destiny, my friend. To succeed your father. To

wield my discipline over the worlds that have betrayed me.

Sound: Luke's lightsaber ignites!!!

LUKE: NEVER!!!

EMPEROR: Once again you stand before me, lightsaber in hand. And

once again, you hesitate. I know. I know too well, my young friend. My

promise of power does not entice you? And a stroke of your lightsaber

might help the cause of billions--but will it mean the end of the Dark

Side?

LUKE: (straining) Strike.....everything that I am cries out for me

to strike.....

EMPEROR: Is it so difficult to decide, my son? Surely you know that

if you strike me down in anger, I will live again! Perhaps I will even

live--as YOU!!

LUKE: NNOOOO!!!!!

Sound: The lightsaber hums and cracks as it strikes--something......

EMPEROR: (laughs) You strike the throne, but not the man! You miss

by inches! But you miss on purpose! I see you have grown wise in the ways

of the Force. You have achieved control; you are no longer the impulsive

youth at war with your own anger. Excellent.....

LUKE: I......will not......kill you......

EMPEROR: But you can still conquer me. By learning the secrets of

the Dark Side. We both know there is no other way for you.

Sound: The Emperor's voice echoes at "you," and continues to

reverberate in Luke's mind, along with other whispers.

LUKE: (echoing himself) The secrets of the Dark Side........those

whispers......that's the Dark Side. The seduction of its' power.... but

maybe for once......it speaks the truth........Maybe I must challenge the

Dark Side......from within.........

EMPEROR: Your decision, young Skywalker! NOW!!!

LUKE: I.......I.......

Sound: The lightsaber deactivates, and clatters to the floor.

LUKE: YES.

Sound: Rustling of cloth, as Luke kneels before the Emperor.

LUKE: (with a new, dangerous tone to his voice) My father's

destiny.......is my own.

EMPEROR: (triumphant) It is done, my young apprentice! Let us

celebrate our conquest of the galaxy!! (A long, echoing laugh......)

SCENE 2-2 EXT. DA SOOTCHA CAVERN

============================================== Sound: The cavern hanger

is in full bustle.

DECK OFFICER (over intercom): Pinnacle Base trainees, General Solo

is now demonstrating the new prototype E-Wing fighter at the main hangar.

HAN: Okay, you trainees, thanks for signing up with the Alliance,

now let's get down to business. TRAINEE: (whispering) Man, is General

Solo in a bad mood or what?

TRAINEE TWO: (whispering) I'd like a blast at his mind--

TRAINEE: (whispering) I hear he's peeved 'cuz he's stuck here with

the fleet--

HAN: (loudly) Hey! You guys wanna run this training program?

(normally) All right, then. As I was saying--a major weapons

manufacturing plant on Norval II just deposed their governor and joined

the Rebellion. You're looking at the result. The latest hot Imperial

fighter.

TRAINEES: (whistles and gasps of awe)

HAN: We've got it. And you guys get to fly it. Not only do you get

to fly it, you get to fly it tomorrow.

TRAINEE: Why's that, General Solo?

HAN: Cuz' we just got word we're getting the stuffing kicked out of

us on Calamari by those new World Devastators. I haven't gone up against

them unfortunately, but I'm told they're meaner than the Death Star. So

you guys have got your work cut out for you. Now, over here we've got--

THREEPIO: Excuse me, sir, but--

HAN: Later, Threepio. Now, over here we've got the latest Alliance

fighter craft, the E-Wing--

THREEPIO: Sir--

HAN: It's a good ship, but we've had to beef up the cannons to the

point where they might blow up in your face.

THREEPIO: General Solo--

HAN: WHAT!?!

THREEPIO: It's Princess Leia, sir. She's locked herself in her

chamber. She refuses to answer anyone!

SCENE 2-3 INT. HAN AND LEIA'S QUARTERS

================================================== Sound: Door opens.

HAN: Leia?

LEIA: (quiet, distant) Yes, Han. I'm here.

HAN: Sitting alone. In the dark. Can I turn on some lights?

LEIA: Hm? Oh....yes.

Sound: Han flicks the light switch.

HAN: There, that's better. What's going on?

LEIA: (sad) I'm sorry, Han. I just can't escape this feeling of

dread.....

HAN: You need cheering up, is all. Come outside, see what's

happening. The whole galaxy is pulling together against the Empire--

LEIA: Han......I shouldn't have listened to you. I shouldn't have

listened to Luke. I hear.....terrible laughter. Something awful has

happened, Han. We've.......(swallows) we may have lost him.

HAN: Hey, Ol' Luke's got more tricks up his sleeve than--

LEIA: Don't be a fool, Han. Luke's in serious trouble, and I have

to help him!! Don't you see? This isn't about you or me! It's not even

about our children, because if we don't help him, our children won't have

any life at all!!! It's about Luke. It's about the whole galaxy. Han, he

needs me!!

HAN: Yeah. But....aw man, they told me marriage to a Jedi princess

wasn't gonna be easy.

LEIA: Han, don't be angry.

HAN: I'm not angry. It's just, I've got this bad feeling about

this......

SCENE 2-4 EXT. DA SOOTCHA CAVERN

================================================== Sound: Same as before.

Footsteps coming up. The sparking of welding tools.

HAN: (somber) Chewie? Chewie?

Sound: Welding stops.

CHEWBACCA: GREETS HAN.

HAN: Chewie, when you finish repairing the flux

stabilizers.......fuel up the Falcon. We've got a date with the Dark

Side.

SCENE 2-5 INT. STAR DESTROYER EMANCIPATOR BRIDGE

================================================= Sound: The hum of

normal ship activity. Comlink static.

LANDO: Affirmative, Rebel base. This is Lando Calrissian. Star

Destroyer Emancipator will leave hyperspace over the planet Calamari in

fifty-eight seconds.

Sound: Comlink goes off.

WEDGE: General Calrissian, we've intercepted a new hyperspace

communications channel, beamed between Calamari's orbit and the galactic

core. They're transmitting images of the destruction of Calamari!

LANDO: They're doing us a real favor by beaming us those images,

Wedge. Recalculate our exit from hyperspace at two degrees from their

point of transmission!

WEDGE: Lando, are you crazy?! If we leave hyperspace at those

coordinates, we'll smash right into whatever's sending the signal!

LANDO: That's the idea, Wedge.

WEDGE: If you say so, Lando.....Coordinates locked in. We exit

hyperspace in thirty-three seconds.

LANDO: Stand by to cut in sublight engines. Prepare to fire all

forward turbolasers and ion cannons at my command.

Sound: Hyperspace reversion--

WEDGE: Imperial Star Destroyer dead ahead!!

LANDO: FIRE!!!

Sound: A fusillade from the Emancipator--and a series of explosions

as the Imperial ship is crippled.

WEDGE: We've done it! That Super Star Destroyer was caught with

it's deflector shields down, it's hit!!

LANDO: Signal the other ships! Concentrate all firepower on the

remaining Star Destroyer!

Sound: Several volleys of fire.

LANDO: That's it! Inform Pinnacle Base we're in position over

Calamari. Deflector shields up! Prepare to take further offensive action!

WEDGE: The rest of the fleet is through, sir! They're holding off

the other enemy ships.

LANDO: Drop the X-Wing fighters and transports. We've got to get

down there and hammer those Devastators!

Sound: A sound like a meteor falls and hits.

Note: All Green fighters are over intercom.

GREEN LEADER: Affirmative, Emancipator. A-Wing fighters, target

that Destroyer with concussion missiles.

GREEN TWO: Affirmative, Green Leader. Concussion missiles locked

onto shield generators. Missiles away--

Sound: Two sets of two torpedoes shoot out--and connect.

GREEN THREE: Watch those TIE Fighters. They're directing their

energy output to thrusters.

Sound: The roar of multiple TIE's. Fire is being exchanged

throughout the rest of the scene.

GREEN TWO: Missiles on target (explosion)--direct hit!

GREEN LEADER: Emancipator, this is Green Leader. A-Wing fighters

have things under control. Green team entering upper atmosphere of Mon

Calamari.

LANDO: Copy, Green Leader. Good luck against those Devastators.

SCENE 2-6 INT. WORLD DEVASTATOR SILENCER SEVEN

================================================= Sound: The sounds of

battle continue, although muted. Comlink crackle.

ALLEGIANCE OFFICER: Silencer Seven, Imperial Star Destroyer

Allegiance. Rebel forces have-

OFFICER: Commander Klev, we're receiving distress calls from our

space fleet.

Sound: Dull thudding sounds as Rebel fire rocks the World

Devastator.

OFFICER: And now we're being attacked from low orbit! X-Wing

Fighters and speeders, launched from an Imperial-Class Star Destroyer!

COMMANDER KLEV: Interesting. It must be the contemptible Rebel

Alliance. They captured two of our ships at Endor, years ago.

OFFICER: Sir, you and I both know those X-Wings are nothing but

antiques! They haven't the slightest chance of penetrating the defenses

of this World Devastator!

COMMANDER KLEV: (amused) Yes, and they can hardly realize the

destructive power at our command. Their game is over. Send a message to

Byss. Inform Supreme Commander Skywalker of the Rebel presence.

Meanwhile, let's allow these Rebels a brief moment of hope.....

SCENE 2-7 EXT. MON CALAMARI BATTLEFIELD

================================================= GREEN LEADER: (over

comlink) Green Leader calling Calamari world defense.

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: We read you, Green Leader. This is Captain

Gammack. My battalion's about all that's left in this sector. But we're

glad to see you.

GREEN LEADER: Prepare your people for--Green Four, watch that cover

fire!! Prepare your people for evacuation, Captain Gammack. Just give us

five minutes to blast these overgrown garbage smashers to pieces.

SCENE 2-8 INT. SILENCER SEVEN BRIDGE

================================================= OFFICER: Commander

Klev, two of our ships actually report minor hits! Silencer Four has lost

two turbolaser stations! Silencer Six reports damage to its' munitions

warehouse! Their assail's about to shut down our aft hangar bay!

COMMANDER KLEV: Yes, very well. It's time to end this little game.

Release the robotic TIE Fighters, and increase our altitude.

SCENE 2-9 EXT. MON CALAMARI BATTLEFIELD

================================================= CAPTAIN GAMMACK:

(ecstatic) Green Leader, this is Captain Gammack. You're doing it! One of

those World Devastators is pulling back!!

GREEN LEADER: (over comlink through scene) No, wait.....it's

releasing some kind of fightercraft......move in to intercept!

Sound: A new, larger wave of TIE's.

GREEN TWO: (comlink) They look like typical TIE Fighters to me.

GREEN LEADER: Negative. Watch their axial rotation. Too smooth for

living pilots. Those fighters are computer controlled! Stay sharp,

everyone--

Sound: A close brush from a TIE.

GREEN FOUR: It's on my back! I can't shake it!!

GREEN LEADER: Green Three, I'm executing low-ton weave. I've got

your man in my sights, Green Four.

GREEN FOUR: I can't shake him!!!!

GREEN LEADER: In my sights.....

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: Green Leader, watch your back!! You've got TWO

fighters on your tail!

GREEN LEADER: Almost.....

CAPTAIN GAMMACK: PULL OUT!! PULL OUT!!! PULL--

Sound: A scream and explosion as Green Leader is hit and destroyed,

and another as Green Four follows him a split-second later.

SCENE 2-10 INT. STAR DESTROYER EMANCIPATOR BRIDGE

================================================= WEDGE: General

Calrissian, the World Devastators have just released a whole fleet of

advanced TIE Fighters!! They're cutting our ships to ribbons!!!

LANDO: Call our people back! CALL THEM BACK!!!!

WEDGE: We--we can't! Th-they're cut off! There's one hungry-looking Devastator in ascent trajectory......

LANDO: (whisper) I think we're in trouble......

SCENE 2-11 INT. HAN AND LEIA'S QUARTERS

============================================= Sound: An intercom beep.

LEIA: (just waking up) Uhn......hm.....

Sound: A second beep.

THREEPIO: (over intercom throughout scene) Princess Leia, are you

there?

LEIA: Uh.....what is it, Threepio?

THREEPIO: Sorry to disturb you, Your Highness. Are you all right?

LEIA: Um....(swallows hard) I'm fine, Threepio.

THREEPIO: If you don't mind my saying so, you are exhibiting

fatigue and illness often associated in humanoid women with--

LEIA: I'm fine. What can I do for you?

THREEPIO: May I come by your quarters? I have the most interesting-

LEIA: Of course. Leia out. (turns off intercom, then sighs.) Got to

pull myself together. Luke needs me. And now that I'm--

VADER: (echoing) Leia......Leia......

Sound: A slow, blowing wind.

LEIA: (gasps) A vision.....appearing before me.....that black

armor, the death mask......F-Father? Is....is it you?

VADER: No. Your father is free, with all the Jedi who went before.

And Darth Vader lives no more.....(while still echoing, the voice changes

to Luke's).....my sister.

LEIA: (relieved) Luke.

LUKE: Leia.....do not try to find me. Do not interfere.

LEIA: Why do you wear that armor?

LUKE: Destiny has forced me to follow the path our father took. It

was the only way....the only way to save everything..... from the power

of the Dark Side.

LEIA: Luke, NO!! That can't be! You know that! How can you save us-by joining the Dark Side?!? You'll destroy yourself, and you'll destroy

us with you!

LUKE: Leia.....m-my mind is....can't......concen--

LEIA: I've got to help him! Try to use the Force to reach him.....

Sound: Humming as Leia calls on the Force--but the humming is

suddenly overtook by humming on a lower--and louder--level.

EMPEROR: (echoing) No, little Jedi!! Skywalker is beyond your

reach!! Your brother has risked all--and LOST!!!

Sound: The low humming becomes deafening--and stops abruptly as

Leia shrieks and crashes to the ground. After a long moment of silence,

the door opens.

THREEPIO: (in the room this time) Princess Leia, I've just had the

most fascinating discussion about the complex dining etiquette on the

planet Sisk, where all the spider people have eight arms, so it seems-Princess Leia? Princess Leia--oh my word, she's collapsed!!

SCENE 2-12 INT. DA SOOTCHA MEDLAB

============================================= Sound: Medical equipment.

LEIA: (weak and moaning) Luke.....Luke.......

HAN: Take it easy, Leia. It's me, Han. You're safe in the

infirmary. Me, Mon Mothma, and Threepio have been looking after you.

MON MOTHMA: You gave us quite a scare, Princess.

THREEPIO: (excited) I thought you had short-circuited. But medical

scan indicates you are simply--

LEIA: FINE, Threepio. I said I was fine. Han, Luke--

HAN: What's wrong, Leia? You've been muttering about Luke in your

sleep for hours.

LEIA: The Force....the Force is bringing me closer....to him. Even

though he's light-years away. I must--

HAN: Hey, take it easy, Leia. Just sit back, relax for a while.

LEIA: He's in terrible trouble, Han. The Dark Side is swallowing

him whole. I've got to find him.....before it's too late.

HAN: Sure, why not. There's only 12 million inhabitated star

systems out there. Shouldn't be too hard--

LEIA: I can find him. The Force will lead me to him.

HAN: Leia, we've talked about this before--

MON MOTHMA: General Solo, may I speak with you for a moment?

HAN: Sure, Mon Mothma.

Sound: The med equipment moves farther away.

MON MOTHMA: (speaking quietly) General Solo, I believe we should

follow Princess Leia's advice.

HAN: But she's in no condition to--

MON MOTHMA: Medically, there's nothing wrong with her. Our forces

in Calamari are no match for World Devastators. I believe we will never

find a way to defeat them without Commander Skywalker's Jedi insights.

Therefore, I believe the success of this mission is paramount.

HAN: More important than her life?

MON MOTHMA: More important than MY life, your life, and yes, even

the life of Leia Organa-Solo. Luke Skywalker is probably the last fully

realized Jedi in existance.

HAN: Well, if he's such a great Jedi, how come I always have to

keep rescuing him?

MON MOTHMA: General Solo! Han!

HAN: Okay, okay. Anyway, I was getting antsy playing professor with

these green kids you've been recruiting. Besides, Chewie just finished

overhauling the Millenium Falcon for this trip.

MON MOTHMA: For 'this' trip? (amused) You mean you already expected

to leave? Well, that's very foresighted of you!

HAN: Hey, I'm not just a pretty face.

SCENE 2-13 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT / EXT. DA SOOTCHA

CAVERN ============================================= Sound: The hum of

the Falcon's cockpit.

HAN: Chewie, hurry up with those lightspeed calculations.

CHEWBACCA: "I'M HURRYING, I'M HURRYING."

HAN: Lock in auxiliary power.

Sound: The hissing and then roaring of the Falcon's engines.

THREEPIO: Sir, I'd just like to thank you for allowing me to

accompany you. I fear for poor Artoo-

HAN: Yeah, yeah. Take your seat, Goldenrod, we're about to launch.

THREEPIO: Yes, sir.

HAN: It's you I'm worried about, Leia. You sure you're up to

another lightspeed hop? You still look awfully pale.

LEIA: I'll be fine, Han. (whisper) I have to be.

DECK OFFICER: (over intercom) Millenium Falcon, you are cleared for

takeoff. Navicom indicates it's a clear path from here to your

destination.

MON MOTHMA: (over intercom) Millenium Falcon, this is Mon Mothma.

Good luck, General Solo. And bring Skywalker back this time.

HAN: Man, this woman never gets off my case. (turns on intercom)

Uh, acknowledged, Mon Mothma. We'll contact you when we reach the planet

Nal Hutta.

LEIA: Nal Hutta? But Han, I told you my senses tell me that Luke is

somewhere in the galactic core!

HAN: I know. But those systems have been closed off to outsiders

for decades. We'll need a ship authorized to land in the secure systems.

And I know just where to find it. (hits intercom again) Pinnacle Base,

we're clearing tractor beam. Switching to repulsorlift....and......

Sound: The Falcon roars as it rises off the pad, and blasts into

the sky. Sound changes to outside the Falcon, in the hangar.

MON MOTHMA: May the Force be with you! (quietly to herself)....for

it is now clear to me that the future of the New Republic depends on the

revival of the Jedi Knights. If Luke Skywalker is lost to the Dark

Side...(grim)....then the Alliance is finished.

SCENE 2-14 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT / GALLEY

============================================= Sound: Falcon interior.

HAN: Okay, let the navicomputer take over, Chewie. The Falcon'll

take us right to Nal Hutta. Come on Leia, let's grab some lunch.

Sound: Cockpit door opens, sound shifts to the galley interior. A

computer hums.

COMPUTER: Food dispenser activated. Today's entrees: Altarian

spinefish. Braised Syrrian bloodworm. Mugroot stew.

Sound: Eating sounds.

LEIA: Han, why does that planet sound so familiar to me?

HAN: You mean Nal Hutta? Oh, I may have mentioned it. Try the

spinefish, it's fresh. Nal Hutta means "Glorious Jewel" in the language

of the Hutts.

LEIA: The Hutts? Han, isn't that planet Jabba's homeworld?

HAN: (evasive) Well yeah, a lot of those big slimy traders did

migrate there over the years. Uh, slip some salad. But also it's the

center for smuggling activities across the galaxy. Especially it's

nearest moon, Nar Shaddaa. That's where we're heading. The days

before...may I have the pepper, please....in the days before hyperspace

travel, Nal Hutta was a heavily populated cargo port, under tight

control. 'Course, there hasn't been much control over anything lately.

Now, the only law on Nal Hutta is the deal you cut with your friend. Or

your enemy.

LEIA: But if there are smugglers, won't there be bounty hunters?

HAN: Sure.

LEIA: But there's bound to be a price on our heads, after what I

did to Jabba the Hutt!

HAN: Don't worry about it, Leia. I've got friends there. We'll be

fine. (deep breath) Ah, just what I needed--a nice, hot meal.

Sound: Proximity alarm from the Falcon's computer.

THREEPIO: (over intercom) Captain Solo, Chewbacca asked me to

inform you that we are approaching Nal Hutta, and receiving an emergency

message.

HAN: Patch it through to this monitor, Threepio.

MAKO: (over intercom) Solo, are you out of your mind?!

HAN: Hah, my old friend Mako! Still in charge of the Corellian

sector of the spaceport, I see.

MAKO: You're crazy to come here, Solo. Every bounty hunter in the

galaxy is looking for you. The Hutts have quadrupled the asking price,

dead OR alive!

HAN: Yeah, well it's nice to feel wanted, Mako. Now open the

planetary shields.

MAKO: Where have YOU been? Planetary shields conked out six years

ago. Come on in, Solo--but you're asking for trouble!

Sound: Turbolaser fire. The Falcon shakes.

HAN: Thanks, Mako. Looks like it's already found us. Solo out.

Sound: A louder blast, and the Falcon REALLY shakes.

HAN: We'd better get up front, Leia.

SCENE 2-15 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

============================================= Sound: Cockpit sounds. Door

opens. More turbolaser fire.

CHEWBACCA: ROARS IN ANGER.

HAN: Three bounty hunter ships? We got three on our tail already??

Sound: More fire.

HAN: The bounty MUST be high. Maybe I oughta collect it myself.

LEIA: Want me to get on the turret gun?

HAN: Nah, these are just local rust-buckets. Real bounty-hunters

know better than to go up against the Millenium Falcon. We'll just outrun

these guys.

Sound: The Falcon's engines rev up.

HAN: YEEHAH!! Whoa---turbulence in the upper atmosphere.

CHEWBACCA: GRUMBLES.

Sound: Falcon's shaking constantly now. More laser fire.

HAN: Strap yourself in there, you furry oaf! I can't watch your

head and my back at the same time!

Sound: More fire, and a ship passes the Falcon.

HAN: Hang on, we're entering the upper atmosphere. (close blast)

Yikes, that was a close one! Angle the deflector shields, Chewie.

CHEWBACCA: COMPLIES.

HAN: Whoo--I've spent so much time wet-nursing those trainees I

forgot how much fun this was! Okay, let's see how fast these local boys

can go!

DENGAR: (over intercom) You won't lose me that easy, Solo!!

HAN: Dengar! Is that you, Dengar? Hah hah! Well, I must be moving

up in the world if I'm attracting a better breed of bounty-hunter like

you!

DENGAR: (over laser fire) Keep talking, Solo. I just want you to

know it's me that finally got you. Dengar out.

HAN: (laughs nervously) Oh boy, this is not good..... Let's get to

the chute fast, Chewie.

LEIA: The chute?

HAN: Yeah, it's the entrance to a hideout. THE hideout, as a matter

of fact. I got a friend who lives there. Hold on....here we go!

LEIA: This is the chute? It's barely wide enough for the Falcon!

Those bounty hunters are still on our tail. We've got no room to

manuever!

DENGAR: (over intercom) So much for your fancy flying, Solo. Got

you in my sights--

HAN: Chewie, put everything into the rear deflector shields, FAST!!

CHEWBACCA: HASTILY DOES SO.

Sound: Point-blank range laser fire hits the Falcon. The whole ship

heaves hard.

HAN: Okay, my other buddy's name is Ninx. Let's see, what's his

comm-code....?

Sound: Han punches in Ninx's number as the Falcon shudders from

laser fire.

SHUG: Han! I just got off the link with Mako. Said you were coming

my way.

HAN: Yeah, Ninx, I need a place to--

SHUG: No can do, Solo. I'm in enough trouble with the Hutts.

HAN: Come on, pal, I got hot-shots shooting on my tail, and you owe

me!! I saved your skin when you got caught running ion triggers to the

Ziggurats, remember?

SHUG: Yeah, and I paid you back with that free power core I gave

you back in--

HAN: Shut the gab, Ninx! I don't have time to barter like the old

days, I'm comin' in!

LEIA: Han--Han, you're heading straight for a blast wall!!

HAN: Come on Ninx, don't let me down old buddy......

THREEPIO: We're going to die!!!!

LEIA: Han, you don't have to do this to impress me--aahh!!!

Sound: Zapping sound as the Falcon hits--and passes through--a

holoprojection.

HAN: YES! (laughs)

CHEWBACCA: LAUGHS TOO.

HAN: Yeah, I knew he'd come through too.

LEIA: We passed right through that blast wall like it wasn't there.

HAN: Private energy shield. A hologram designed to look like a

wall. Oldest trick in the smuggler's book.

LEIA: What about the bounty hunters?

HAN: If I know my old pal Ninx, he raised the shield on 'em.

They're bantha fodder by now. Better power down and land before we get

smashed up too.

Sound: The Falcon sets down.

SCENE 2-16 INT. SHUG NINX'S STARSHIP CHOP SHOP

============================================= Sound: Heavy factory noise,

mixed with hangar noises. The Falcon's ramp lowers, and the heroes step

out.

LEIA: Han, what is this place?

HAN: Ninx fixes starships. Specializes in illegal engine

modifications that can outrun the Imperials.

LEIA: This is quite an operation. What's that big ship they're

building over there?

HAN: I dunno. We're about to find out.

SHUG: Solo, Chewbacca! (hugs Han) Haven't seen you guys in a

Rancor's age.

HAN: Hey, Ninx.

CHEWBACCA: GRUNTS OUT A GREETING.

SHUG: You guys never should have come here. Heard you killed Jabba.

Nobody kills a Hutt and lives.

HAN: Yeah, well, actually....my wife did it. Leia, this old space

pirate is Shug Ninx. He's got a Corellian heart of gold......and

silver.....and spice.

SHUG: Pleasure to meet you, lovely lady. So you aced ol' Jabba,

huh? Guess you're a lot tougher than you look.

THREEPIO: Excuse me, but would you mind if I used your oil-bath?

No one's bothered to lubricate me, they're so busy fighting.

SHUG: Sure! Right over there, gold dome. Now I don't know what

you're doing here, Solo, but I want you guys to know ol' Ninx will be

more than happy to put his own life on the line for you.

SALLA: But the truth is, we can't help you.

HAN: (startled) Salla!!

(Note: Although Salla is an ordinary black human in the comic, she

speaks with an amplified, feline tone in the tape version.)

SALLA: Han Solo, you nerf-herding son of a--(growls) How many

years has it been since you walked out on me?

HAN: And you look beautiful as ever, Salla. But look, Ninx, about

that help I need--

SHUG: Listen, Han. The Imperials are buying up cargo space on every

tin can in the galaxy. The action is heavy equipment runs. Moving

military hardware. We ain't got time for the business we got. That's why

Salla is building that monster ship you saw back there. "The Starlight

Intruder."

HAN: All we need is a ship that's legal for making a deep-core

run. The Alliance will pay 100,000 credits, in cash.

CHEWBACCA: GUARANTEES IT.

SALLA: Sounds intriguing, Solo. The Intruder IS registered for deep

core runs. But he's not ready yet. Still needs his hyperdrive overhauled.

And power couplings. By the way.....who's the lady?

HAN: Oh. This is, uh, er....

LEIA: Leia. My name is Leia. Han and I are married.

SALLA: My condolences, dear. Han's great fun, but he's a scoundrel.

He'll break your heart.

HAN: (angry) She likes scoundrels, Salla. Now come on, how long

before the Starlight Intruder's ship-shape? We're in a big hurry!

SALLA: Not long. IF Ninx will let me salvage a hyperdrive off one

of these other chariots.

SHUG: Sure, why not? But we'll still need top of the line power

couplings to get the Intruder up to maximum specs for it's deep core run.

Now Han, as I recall--

HAN: Yeah, yeah, I still got stuff stashed in my old digs.

SALLA: Of course, the equipment stays on the ship. Even if you

don't.

LEIA: What? That's robbery!

HAN: It's all right, Leia. This is how we do business around here.

SALLA: Besides, it's a chance I just can't pass up--(slyly) Han

Solo's got the best equipment in the galaxy.

LEIA: Just a minute, you--!

HAN: (interrupting) You got a deal, Salla. Chewie, help 'em prep

the ships. We're going after some power couplings.

SALLA: (purrs) Coupling. Hmm. There's a thought. Hurry back.

SCENE 2-17 EXT. NAR SHADDAA STREET

============================================= Sound: Your average poor

man's street, with vendors haggling, and others muttering in low tones.

LEIA: You know the most interesting people, Han Solo.

HAN: You mean Ninx and Salla? They're good people, Leia. They'd

jump down a Sarlacc's throat for me, as long as I promised them a profit.

Ninx and I go way back. He's even wilder than me.

LEIA: I find that hard to believe.

HAN: He taught me how to tear down a hyperdrive, how to get the

most power out of a third-hand Modog power coup--

LEIA: And, uh..... Salla?

HAN: (nervous) I think she's a story for another time. (back to

normal) Now the guy that let us planetside, Mako, he's like a brother to

me.

LEIA: The guy we first contacted?

HAN: Yeah. Mako and I met way back when I was a cadet at the

Imperial Space Academy. Mako's my kind of guy. Troublemaker. When we were

classmates, he stole a gram of antimatter from the physics lab, and used

it to blow up a nearby moon.

LEIA: Sounds like the life of the party.

HAN: Actually, I owe him a lot. After I got drummed out of the

service, he did me a favor and introduced me to the smuggling business.

LEIA: Hmph. Some favor. Did he introduce you to this place?

(disgusted) How could you have lived here?

HAN: Nar Shaddaa's nothin' to look at, but I called it home. Just a

place where I could stash my gear between jumps, really.

LEIA: Ugh, look at the garbage. And the smell.....

HAN: Yeah, the city seems to have fallen on hard times. Not as nice

as I remember. But then, nothing ever is.

Sound: A humming sled, coming close.

HAN: Hey, duck--!

LEIA: (grunts as Han pulls her down to the ground) Hey, what's the

idea?

Sound: The unmistakable sound of a Hutt laughing. "Ho Ho Ho...."

HAN: Keep your head down. You see that hoversled floating by,

carrying one of those big, wormy slime-covered---

LEIA: (shocked) It looks just like Jabba the Hutt! But I killed

him!

HAN: Gotta be one of his relatives. They all look alike. And they

all have long memories.

LEIA: Did he see us?

HAN: I don't think so. But we better cool it for a minute.

VIMA: (an old, crackly voice) You.....Jedi!!

LEIA: Who said that?

VIMA: Vima speaks.

HAN: Well, look at that--a talking pile of rags.

LEIA: Han, it's a old woman. A poor homeless woman.

HAN: What does she say?

VIMA: Jedi, Jedi!! Vima knows! Vima can see the Force! Vima can

FEEL the Force!

HAN: Hey, that's my wife you've got your paws on--

LEIA: It's okay, Han. Let me talk to her.

VIMA: Oh daughter of the Force, can you forgive Vima for her

crimes?

LEIA: Who are you? I can feel the Force in you....covered by a

great shadow.

VIMA: For 200 years, daughter, Vima was Jedi. (sadly) Vima betrayed

her own. Vima tried to forget, in the time of dying.....Vima hurled

herself down among the lost, to escape the great scourge.

HAN: Great scourge?

LEIA: She must mean when the Empire began hunting down the Jedi

Knights.

VIMA: (agitated) Yes, yes!! Everyone was hunted!! Everyone was

killed!! But you....you live!!! You contain the spark that will rekindle

the fire!! Jedi, Great Jedi she is, Vima can feel. Take this gift. What

is inside will help you.

(In the comic only: A lizard-like creature waves something at Han.

"Ne chutta ka wonga?" "No, I don't need a hyperspace compass. Buzz off.")

LEIA: This old box? But wh-what's inside?

VIMA: Vima wants you to have it. It was Vima's. Now, it is yours.

LEIA: I don't know what to say.

HAN: Come on Leia, the Hutts are gone. We should get moving.

LEIA: Wait, I have to thank--she's gone. She vanished.

HAN: Let's do the same thing. My place is just around the corner.

Sound: Street noise decreases as Han reaches the door.

HAN: Here we go. Just push the intercom and see if Zeezee is still

on the job.

ZEEZEE: (a old, tired-sounding droid) You have reached the

residence of Mr. Han Solo.

HAN: Zeezee, it's me. Open up. (to Leia) Zeezee's my housekeeping

droid.

ZEEZEE: I apollooogize MisterSolo--Misstterrr Sollooo is notathome.

HAN: I AM MISTER SOLO!! OPEN UP!! Lousy second-hand housekeeping

droid--been away so long his servos are probably rusted through. Aw,

forget it, I'll just hit the override.

Sound: Han works on a keypad. The door opens.

HAN: In we go.

SCENE 2-18 INT. HAN'S HOUSE

========================================= Sound: The door closes.

LEIA: (sarcastic) Oh, lovely place you've got here, Han. Why didn't

you bring me here on our honeymoon?

HAN: Man, what a mess! Gosh, Zeezee, I see you did a great job

taking care of the place while I was gone!

ZEEZEE: Missttterrr Solo sogood to see youuuuu.

HAN: Yeah, thanks. Now--

ZEEZEE: A Missttterrr Fett to see you sirrrrrrr AMisterFetttoseeyou

sirrrr AMisterFettto see youu sirrr....

HAN: Mister WHO!?!? What the---

Sound: A gun is cocked.

BOBA FETT: Greetings, Solo.

HAN: Boba Fett?!?!

LEIA: But you're dead!!

HAN: Yeah, I saw you fall into that pit back on Tatooine!

BOBA: The Sarlacc found me somewhat indigestable, Solo. Now, I'm

back to collect my debts. And this time, I've brought friends.

DENGAR: Hello again, Solo.

HAN: Dengar. I thought I left you smashed up against the shield

wall of Ninx's garage. Or do ALL you bounty hunters come with extra

lives?

ZEEZEE:ppppppoourrsomecoffee Pour some coffeeee?

HAN: How'd you know where to find me?

DENGAR: Your friend Mako's been real helpful. Told us right where

to find you.

MAKO: (cold) Hello, Solo.

HAN: Mako......after all these years, you're adding betrayal to

your list of accomplishments?

MAKO: Sorry, Han. The asking price was just too good. I gotta be

thinking of my old age.

BOBA: A lot of people would pay to see you dead, Solo. But the

Hutts are paying more for you alive. They want to watch you die.

ZEEZEE:Peerrhhaps some tea, thereeee......

HAN: Yeah, Zeezee, pour them some--

BOBA: Get out of the way, you stupid droid!!

Sound: Zeezee walks right into Fett, sending both to the floor.

HAN: Now's our chance, Leia! Make a break for it!

Sound: Han fires one shot, opens the door, and ducks out with Leia.

ZEEZEE: Perrrhhappss you'd likeee some creeamm wouldyoulikecream

wwwoullddd you lll....

SCENE 2-19 EXT. NAR SHADDAA STREET/ SPACEPORT

========================================================= Sound: Same

bustle as before, turning to panic as blaster shots are heard.

LEIA: How romantic--we're BOTH wanted by the Hutts.

HAN: Yeah, husband and wife, marked for death. Watch out, Boba

Fett's deadly accurate with those wrist rockets of his. Turn left here,

down this alleyway. I know this city like the back of my hand.

LEIA: Turn here?

HAN: No, here, HERE!! Down this alley, right into---oops.....

Sound: Hoversled.

HUTT: Ba Cheesa....

LEIA: Did the back of your hand tell you there would be a big slimy

Hutt on his hoversled, surrounded by bodyguards down here?!?

HAN: Behind this pillar!!

Sound: More blaster fire.

LEIA: Bounty hunters behind us, and Hutt bodyguards in front of us!

HAN: I hope Lando's having better luck than we are.....

SCENE 2-20 INT. STAR DESTROYER EMANCIPATOR BRIDGE

======================================================= Sound: The sounds

of a very one-sided space battle. From the sound of hundreds of TIE's,

the Rebels are losing, and losing big.

WEDGE: General Calrissian, that World Devastator has left the

atmosphere! It's on an intercept course with us!!

LANDO: Gunners, target all weapons systems on that approaching

Devastator!

Sound: Multiple turbolasers are fired.

WEDGE: Turbolasers are ineffective against their shields! (hits

intercom) Emancipator to Pinnacle Base? Emanicipator to Pinnacle Base!!

We're in trouble! One of those world smashers is coming straight at us!!

LANDO: Fire all forward torpedoes!!

Sound: Multiple torpedoes fire.

WEDGE: I'm trying....our forward firing systems won't respond! The

nose of our ship has been incinerated by that monster!! It's no use,

Lando! In a few minutes, Emancipator's going to be nothing but scrap!

LANDO: ARRRGGHH!!! That's TWO Star Destroyers I've lost!! All

personnel to the escape pods. (Sigh) Things haven't been this bad for the

Alliance since Vader was alive!!!

SCENE 2-21 EXT. NAR SHADDAA SPACEPORT

================================================ LEIA: Nice going, Han.

We're trapped in a crossfire.

HAN: Yeah, and every bounty hunter in town seems to be joining the

party.

HUTT: Na shan nee cho sha pan kee.

BOBA: Everyone back off!! Solo's MINE!!

HAN: Watch it--Boba Fett's making his move!

Sound: Boba fires--and hits the Hutt on his hoversled.

HUTT: (Coughs and gasps as he falls off the sled)

HAN: (laughs) Look at that! Boba Fett hit that fat slug of a Hutt

instead of us!! Knocked him right off his floater--

LEIA: Come on, there's our chance!! Get on board!

Sound: Han and Leia jump on the sled.

LEIA: Ugh!! What's on this thing?!?

HAN: Man, I never thought a Hutt's slime tracks would smell so

sweet.

LEIA: Okay, I'm on. Let's go.

HAN: Hang on, Your Worship, I'm trying to figure out these weird

knobs and switches....

LEIA: Don't call me "Your Worship"!!! Why is it you always get

formal when you're about to (sled suddenly goes into second gear) dooo

somethingggg stupidddddd!!!!!

HAN AND LEIA: YELL THEIR HEADS OFF AS THE SLED TAKES OFF INTO THE

AIR.

BOBA: You won't get away that easy, Solo! One of these days, I'll

catch up to you!!!

SCENE 2-22 INT. SLED/ INT. STARLIGHT INTRUDER

========================================================= Sound: Humming

of the sled.

HAN: There's Ninx's garage up ahead. And look--Starlight Intruder's

ready to take off. Man, Salla's great. Trust an old girlfriend to help

out a guy in a jam.

LEIA: Somehow, your "old girlfriends" don't inspire that much trust

in me.

SHUG: (far below, shouting to be heard) Han, move your butt!!

They're broadcasting your location all over the comm-net!!

Sound: The sled comes to a landing. Han and Leia climb out. The

Intruder's hatch opens.

HAN: What about the Millenium Falcon?

SHUG: She's stowed in the cargo bay. Come on.

HAN: Here we go.....hey Chewie, give Leia a hand.

CHEWBACCA: GRUNTS.

Sound: Changes to Starlight Intruder interior. Hatch shuts.

HAN: Okay Ninx, we're aboard. Let's vacate this dead moon.

Sound: Engines warm up.

SHUG: Blast out of here, Salla!

Sound: Engines roar.

HAN: Whoa!!

SALLA: How are we doing, Ninx?

SHUG: Fine, Salla. Navicomputer says the Starlight Intruder is

cleared all the way to Byss.

SALLA: But will he stall out in hyperspace? That's what worries me.

I've rebuilt the hyperdrive motivator three times, and it's still shaking

like Andorian jellyfish. I could have used those couplings of yours.

HAN: You'll handle it, Salla. No one can coax an engine like you

can.

LEIA: Huh? What's this? Oh! In the excitement, I never opened the

box that old woman gave me!

HAN: What you got there, Leia?

LEIA: Let's open it and see.

Sound: Box opens.

LEIA: (gasps) Oh, Han.....that woman WAS a Jedi. This is a

lightsaber. And an old one, from the looks of it.

HAN: Kinda like the woman who gave it to you--a real antique.

LEIA: Han, will you ever understand? For better or for worse,

you're married to a Jedi now.

HAN: I understand the things that matter.

LEIA: This lightsaber has a long history. It has a strong

connection to the Force. (Sound: The Force begins to hum) I can feel

it.....helping me focus my power......(Sound: Force grows stronger)

(gasp)

HAN: Leia! What's wrong??

LEIA: The vision......I-I can't stop it!!! NO!!!

SHUG: Hey, Han, is she okay??

LEIA: No no no no no!!!!

HAN: Leia, let go of the lightsaber! LET GO!!!

SHUG: Take it out of her hand!!

Sound: Han slaps the lightsaber out of Leia's hands, and it

clatters to the floor.

HAN: There!

LEIA: No......Luke......LUKE!!

SHUG: She's still out of it!

HAN: Leia, WHAT'S WRONG???

LEIA: (extremely upset) Han!! It's TERRIBLE!!!!

HAN: Was it the lightsaber??

LEIA: No......when I touched the lightsaber--I tried to reach out

with the Force. But all I can see is...(swallows hard) Han, I see Luke.

He's commanding the Imperial forces. Like our father. I see him sending

hundreds--thousands--of ships against the Alliance. I fear we've lost

him, Han. I fear we've lost everything.........

Music: Swells into the last notes of the ROTJ End Theme. Fade out

on all music and sound.

THE STORY SO FAR........

Music: Star Wars Main Theme.

NARRATOR: Six years after the deaths of Darth Vader and the

Emperor, the battle rages on. As rival factions within the Empire

struggle for power, the Rebel Alliance is quick to seize the opportunity

to sow confusion among the feuding Imperials, using captured Star

Destroyers to perform hit-and-run sorties into the war zone. One such

raid, over the raging Imperial City battleground, ended in disaster. The

Alliance Star Destroyer Liberator, commanded by Luke Skywalker and Lando

Calrissian, crashlanded on the planet's surface. Although Princess Leia

and her husband Han Solo arrived in time to save their friends, before a

mysterious energy storm ravaged the planet, Luke Skywalker refused to

leave, sensing that a powerful Dark Side entity had appeared. Princess

Leia and the others returned to the Rebel base, only to discover that a

new, unknown leader had reassembled the vast forces of the Empire. What

they did not know was that it was the Emperor himself, resurrected by the

awesome power of the Dark Side, who had unleashed his powerful "World

Devastators" against the rebellious water-covered world of Mon Calamari.

While Lando Calrissian took command of the remaining Star Destroyer to

defend Calamari, Leia (a Jedi in her own right) discovered the worst news

of all: Luke Skywalker had crossed over to the Dark Side. Aided by two

Corellian smugglers, Han and Leia journey to the planet Byss, to the

heart of the Dark Side, to rescue Luke. Meanwhile, Lando Calrissian faces

overwhelming odds, as a space battle rages over the planet Calamari......

SCENE 3-1 INT STAR DESTROYER EMANCIPATOR BRIDGE/ INT. ESCAPE

POD. ============================================ Sound: The sound of

destruction and devastation are never-ending. An alarm is shrieking.

WEDGE: We've lost everything! Ion cannons, turbolasers...Lando, all

weapons systems are dead!

LANDO: That machine is eating us for lunch! Reverse engines!! Full

astern!

WEDGE: Ion engines unresponsive! We're still being sucked into the

mouth of that World Devastator.

LANDO: This ship is a lost cause. Jettison the escape pods.

(groans) That's two Star Destroyers I've lost.

WEDGE: Come on, Lando! We have to take this last escape pod!

Sound: The bridge instruments fade as Lando and Wedge enter the

escape pod. The pod's hatch shuts.

WEDGE: Ready to launch.

LANDO: Ohhh, I guess I just wasn't cut out to command Star

Destroyers....

Sound: Blasting noise as the pod bursts free of the dying Star

Destroyer.

WEDGE: Pod away! We're cleared of the Star Destroyer. Whew--just

in time!

LANDO: Yeah. And floating around space like Mynocks in a shooting

gallery.

SCENE 3-2 INT. WORLD DEVASTATOR SILENCER SEVEN FIRING ROOM

=========================================================== COMMANDER

KLEV: There's another escape pod, cadet.

CADET: I don't see anything, sir! Where?

KLEV: (angry) Right there on your screen! I can't believe an idiot

like you has been assigned to my World Devastator.

CADET: I-I'm sorry, Commander!

KLEV: Never mind! Just arm your turboblaster.

Sound: Clicking of instruments.

KLEV: Good. Now activate your targeting computer.

Sound: Computer is activated.

COMPUTER: Target acquired. One escape pod, two life forms aboard.

KLEV: You may fire when ready.

SCENE 3-3 INT. PALACE ROOM

========================================= Sound: The sounds of

destruction are quieter, and half-filtered through a holoscreen.

LUKE: (sounding darker and colder than ever) The Rebels have no

hope against your World Devastators, my Master.

EMPEROR: (amused) You mean OUR World Devastators, young Skywalker.

It is beautiful, is it not, my young apprentice, to be the cause of so

much destruction?

LUKE: The art of misery knows no one greater than you, my Master.

EMPEROR: You take too little credit, my son! It was you who

predicted the Rebels would send their remaining Star Destroyer to

Calamari. YOU are the victor here. Now do you see the power of the Dark

Side?

LUKE: Only too well. But I must leave you, my Master. I have duties

to attend.

EMPEROR: And miss the final death throes of the Rebellion?? Ah,

well, the loss is yours.

Sound: Footsteps as Luke leaves the throne room. We follow Luke

through a corridor and up to a door.

COMPUTER: Imperial War Room. Authorized personnel only. Identify.

LUKE: Luke Skywalker, Supreme Imperial Commander.

COMPUTER: Voice authorization confirmed.

Sound: Door opens, and we hear the sounds of a room filled with

computers. Luke begins typing on a console.

LUKE: Now, to give the Rebellion a surprise it will never

forget......

SCENE 3-4 INT. WORLD DEVASTATOR SILENCER SEVEN FIRING ROOM

============================================================ == KLEV:

Cadet, what are you waiting for?!? FIRE!!!

CADET: Yes, Commander Klev. Escape pod targeted.....firing sequence

engaged....and--firing!!

Sound: A muffled group of explosions.

KLEV: Great Lords of the Sith, what was that?!? (hits intercom)

Bridge, report!!

CREWMAN: Commander, a new fleet of Rebel fighters has just come out

of hyperspace. We're under attack!

SCENE 3-5 INT. ESCAPE POD

=============================================== (Note: All voices in

scene are over intercom, except for Lando and Wedge.)

KNAVE LEADER: Knave Team, this is Knave Leader. Sublight power

engaged. Deflector shields on. Arm turbos and ion cannon.

WHITE LEADER: White team, this is White Leader. Concentrate your

fire on that rear scanning tower.

WHITE TWO: Right behind you, White Leader.

KNAVE LEADER: Knave Leader to Blue Leader: I count 8--make that 9-9 escape pods transmitting Alliance codes.

BLUE LEADER: Affirmative, Knave Leader. Blue Leader to Blue Team:

Transfer energy from ion cannons to shields and lasers.

KNAVE LEADER: Locking S foils into position....

KNAVE TWO: Look at the size of the machines!

BLUE THREE: Must be five kilometers high!!

BLUE LEADER: Cut the chatter, Blue Team. Fan out, defensive

formation Delta. Protect those escape pods.

KNAVE LEADER: Knave Leader to all teams, beginning our attack

run!!!

LANDO: Listen to that, Wedge!!!

WEDGE: Looks like half the galaxy's arrived, Lando! Look out the

observation port. X-Wings, Frigates, even those new E-Wing Fighters.

CAPTAIN NEVA: Escape Pod ES17T, this is Antares Six.

LANDO: HEY, ARE WE GLAD TO SEE YOU!!!

CAPTAIN NEVA: You guys look like you could use a lift.

SCENE 3-6 INT. WORLD DEVASTATOR SILENCER SEVEN BRIDGE

============================================================ ==== KLEV:

Rebel SCUM!!! Did they really think they could penetrate our defenses

with these new ships?

CREWMAN: Commander Klev, we've got a problem! The Master Control

computer on Byss is transmitting improper signals. It's shutting us

down!!

KLEV: WHAT!?! That's impossible! Put Silencer Seven on override!!

Do you hear me?? Override all systems!!

COMMANDER: Override confirmed, sir. We're okay. But Silencer Five's

override has failed to respond! The Master Control signal has locked out

it's override command!

SCENE 3-7 INT. ANTARES SIX BRIDGE

================================================== KNAVE LEADER: (over

intercom, as with all Knave fighters) Knave team, this is Knave Leader.

That World Devastator is frozen in place.

KNAVE THREE: Knave Three here. I see it, but I don't believe it.

KNAVE LEADER: Watch yourself, Knave Three. That forward turbolaser

is still firing.

Sound: A small explosion.

KNAVE THREE: I'm hit, I'm hit!!!

KNAVE LEADER: Go planetside! Ditch her in the ocean! Knave Two, can

you see where--

KNAVE TWO: Affirmative--He burned up, he burned up in the

atmosphere.

KNAVE LEADER: Come on, let's blast that thing to pieces while it's

immobilized.

LANDO: I'm glad to be out of that escape pod, Wedge. Antares Six

feels like a luxury liner after that floating coffin.

WEDGE: (incredulous) It's got a better view, too. Check out the

screen.

LANDO: (incredulous himself) I see it! That big World Devastator's

on fire!!! Spinning out of orbit! It's crashing!!

WEDGE: Those new E-Wings must have found the Devastator's weak

spot.

LANDO: Not the way I saw it, Wedge. That World Devastator selfdestructed. Whoever's in charge of those monsters is an idiot. You'd

almost think he WANTS to lose!

SCENE 3-8 INT. HYPERSPACE MARAUDER BRIDGE

======================================================== Sound: Hum of

ship's engines.

SALLA: Do you want to lose your fingers or what, Solo?!

HAN: Sorry, Salla. I-I just can't help it.....

SALLA: Keep your hands off my instruments. Nobody flies the

Starlight Intruder but me. How we doing, Ninx?

SHUG: Fine. We're entering the Deep Core Security Zone. Planet Byss

has acknowledged our approach. But the whole planet is protected by

heavy-duty shield generators.

HAN: Kinda like the system we took out on the Endor moon. But

you're clear to land, right?

Sound: Crackle of intercom.

COMPUTER: Starlight Intruder, this is planet security. We have

confirmation of your registration code, but our scanner indicates you

have an uncleared ship stored in your cargo bay.

LEIA: They've detected the Falcon!

SHUG: Ah, affirmative.....uh, it's an empty hulk we picked up.

Yeah, yeah, that's it--j-just junk we picked up for salvage.

COMPUTER: Acknowledged. The planetary perimeter shield will open in

exactly 3.2 seconds. Follow your pre-arranged flight path, or you will be

vaporized. If you make any sudden manuevers, you will be vaporized. If

you deviate from your course by one degree, you will be vaporized.

Welcome to the planet Byss. (intercom goes off)

Sound: The Intruder's engines quiet, and the ship sets down.

SALLA: Okay, we're docking.

HAN: Where are we?

SALLA: At the Imperial freight complex at the outskirts of the

city.

SHUG: We're tapped into the city's computer network.....We got

cargo bays all around us. The whole area's patrolled by hunter-killer

droids the size of small moons. And just west of us, we've got......well,

looks like somebody opened up a bar right here on Byss. (chuckles) Wonder

if the drinks are any good.

HAN: Never mind that. What else is around?

SHUG: About four klicks east, we got one serious security zone.

Must be something really big happening there. Electronic barricades,

surveillance equipment all over the place.

LEIA: Luke is there. I can feel him. Han, you have to let me pilot

the Falcon. I'll take us to Luke.

Sound: Leia heads towards the Intruder's cargo bay.

HAN: Pilot the Falcon?? I don't know about that, Leia--this place

is crawling with hunter-killer droids. You don't really have that much

experience--

SALLA: You better quit talking and start walking, Solo. Your wife

is already heading for the Falcon.

HAN: (heading off) Leia? Leia....

SCENE 3-9 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT - A SHORT TIME LATER

========================================================== HAN: (nervous

as hell) Leia, keep your eye on the auxiliary power.

LEIA: (amused) Yes, Han.

HAN: And-and steady that forward stabilizer.

LEIA: Han--

HAN: Keep your eyes on your flying!!!

CHEWBACCA: MOANS IN FEAR.

SHUG: Talk about a back seat pilot.

SALLA: (laughs) Poor Solo never could stand to have a woman in the

driver's seat, hmm?

LEIA: Han, stop being so protective. You taught me everything I

know, darling. (imitating Han) Trust me.

HAN: Yeah, but the Falcon's a tricky--

LEIA: Now be quiet. I need to concentrate on Luke.

Sound: The Force rises, softly.

LEIA: (to herself, whispering) Luke......

LUKE: (echoing in her head) Leia.....

LEIA: I'm coming.....

HAN: Leia? Uh, Leia? You're taking us right into the Imperial

security zone!

LEIA: That's where Luke is, Han. See that big tower? We'll land in

that hangar on top.

HAN: But this is the security zone!

COMPUTER: (over intercom) Unauthorized vessel, you are in violation

of security protocol. If you do not withdraw, you will be destroyed. This

is your only warning.

CHEWBACCA: ROARS "FUNK DAT!!"

THREEPIO: Ohh, perhaps we should give ourselves up!

Sound: Turbolaser fire.

THREEPIO: Too late!!!

HAN: We're gonna get vaporized!

LEIA: The Force will get us through, Han.

CHEWBACCA: TELLS HER WHAT HE THINKS OF THE FORCE.

HAN: Yeah, yeah, I know, Chewie. Cool it. I gotta hunch we're gonna

need the Force to get us where we're going.

SALLA: We're not going anywhere with that security shooting our

backs.

LEIA: Got to use the Force. (sound: Force rises, louder) Got to

reach the gunner's mind.....

SHUG: You got any suggestions, I'm all--hey? What's with Leia?

LEIA: I am....(amused) making a suggestion.

SCENE 3-10 INT. BYSS PATROL SHIP GUNNER STATION

================================================ PATROL CAPTAIN: Security

command, this is patrol XLS. We are in pursuit of unregistered traffic in

Security Zone One.

COMPUTER: Acknowledged, XLS. Target ship and destroy.

PATROL CAPTAIN: You heard the order, gunner. Fire when ready! (long

pause) Gunner, what are you waiting for?!

GUNNER: They must be using a cloaking device. We've lost visual

sighting, and the scanners can't locate them.

PATROL CAPTAIN: (exploding) What do you mean?!? That ship's right

there on the screen!!! DESTROY IT!!

GUNNER: I'm sorry, sir. The targeting computer is never wrong.

Maybe they've dropped behind us--

Sound: The Falcon roars past XLS.

PATROL CAPTAIN: You FOOL!! Now we've missed our chance! That tramp

freighter is in violation of the Emperor's personal security zone! We'll

BOTH be executed for this!!

SCENE 3-11 INT. EMPEROR'S TOWER - HANGAR

===================================================== COMPUTER:

Unidentified ship now on approach pattern.

DARK GUARD: Permit them to land.

Sound: The Falcon approaches, and lands in the hangar.

COMPUTER: Bioscan indicates five lifeforms and one droid.

DARK GUARD: Prepare to take the prisoners to Lord Skywalker.

HAN: (from far off) We're coming out. We surrender.

THREEPIO: Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

DARK GUARD: Exit with your hands up. Well, well. What a motley crew

we have here. A battered protocol droid--

THREEPIO: Battered? Well, if I may say so, sir--

DARK GUARD: An unkempt Wookiee, a common smuggler, a woman, and-but....weren't there five...?

Sound: Falcon's engines roar into life again. The Falcon fires at

the hangar.

COMPUTER: Alert! Alert! Unauthorized weapons discharge.

DARK GUARD: That ship is escaping!

HAN: Everybody hit the deck. Chewie, use your bowcaster to take out

that tracking beam.

CHEWBACCA: AGREES.

THREEPIO: What about me? I'm completely defenseless!

LEIA: Over here, Threepio.

HAN: The plan worked. Ninx 'n' Salla are blasting their way to

freedom!

LEIA: That's the last of the guards. We're safe....for now.

THREEPIO: I don't know why I put so much trust in humans. I always

end up getting hurt.

HAN: If Salla's lucky, she'll find a hole to hide the Falcon in

'til we need it.

LEIA: Right. Listen, Han, Luke's not far. All we have to do

now.....

LUKE: (echoing, in vision) Leia.....

LEIA: Luke?

HAN: That's not Luke. You can see right through him. That's some

sort of a projection. But.....those two goons in battle armor look real

enough.

LUKE: Leia, you should not have come here. It will not go well. My

master wishes to speak with you. These sentinels will escort you to the

Emperor's presence.

LEIA: The Emperor?!?

CHEWBACCA: GASPS IN SHOCK.

LUKE: Yes.......he lives.

SCENE 3-12 INT. PALACE CORRIDOR/ CLONING CHAMBER

================================================= SENTINEL: Prisoners,

follow me.

HAN: Keep your mitts off me, you big ape.

CHEWBACCA: MAKES A THREAT.

HAN: No offense, Chewie.

THREEPIO: Excuse me, sir. I am only programmed for etiquette and

protocol and not well versed in philosophy, but.....isn't the Emperor

dead?

Sound: Door opens.

SENTINEL: Through here.

HAN: Yeah. Luke's probably gone crazy. How could the Emperor be

alive?

Sound: The hum of machinery, and bubbling from many directions.

SENTINEL: Prisoners, halt!

LEIA: Oh, NO. I think you have your answer, Han.

HAN: Jeez.....

CHEWBACCA: "WHAT IS THAT?"

LEIA: They're clones, Chewie. See those transparent pods lined up

against the walls?

CHEWBACCA: "YEAH, I DO."

LEIA: Those are cloning chambers. Each one is filled with amniotic

fluid, and--

HAN: And a clone of the Emperor himself.

LEIA: In various stages of growth. Look, he's full grown in this

one, but still a teenager in the one down here.

HAN: Ugh.....he was even ugly as a baby.

SENTINEL: Do not touch the generation chamber!

HAN: Awright, all right!

LEIA: Why are we here? Where is Luke?

LUKE: I'm here.

LEIA: Luke!

ARTOO: GIVES A TIRED GREETING...OR AS CLOSE TO TIRED AS A DROID CAN

GET.

THREEPIO: And Artoo's with him! Oh, Artoo, I've missed you!

SENTINEL: Droid, halt!!

HAN: Careful, Threepio. Luke's brought more of those sentinel goons

with him. You must rate pretty high to get the Emperor's personal

bodyguards, "old buddy."

LUKE: It was very foolish of you to come here. I TOLD you that my

destiny was not yours.

HAN: (angry, and more than a little sad) I can see you've really

gone off the deep end this time, kid. Looks like being a Jedi was just

too much for you.

LUKE: (vicious) Be quiet, Han. There are things far beyond the mind

and powers of a space pirate. Things you'll NEVER understand.

HAN: Hey, wait a minute!! I can read a face, farmboy! You've come a

long way from the idealistic kid who couldn't wait to get off Tatooine

and join the Rebellion. A long way DOWN.

LEIA: Han, take it easy! We don't know what's happened!

THREEPIO: (shocked) Master Luke!! Artoo says they've erased his

main programming!!! How could you LET them?!?

LUKE: (a bit regretful) Threepio.....I wish I could explain.....

SENTINEL: Lord Skywalker. The Master wishes to meet our guests.

LUKE: (regaining his "evil" mien) Of course. Take their weapons.

Leia, give me that lightsaber.

HAN: (pulls out his blaster) Not on your life!

LUKE: Han, put away your blaster!

HAN: We're leaving here now! And THIS time, you're coming with us!!

Sound: The low-pitch Force ROARS, and Han's blaster flies out of

his hand and into Luke's.

HAN: Hey!!

LUKE: Be grateful, Han. I only used the Force to pull the blaster

from your hand. (coldly) I could just as easily have ripped your arm off

along with it. Sentinel, take him!!

Sound: Sentinel seizes Han.

LUKE: And take the Wookiee too. CHEWBACCA: IS ALMOST OUT OF HIS

MIND WITH OUTRAGE.

SENTINEL: Prisoners secured.

Sound: Sentinel is choking Han with a headlock.

LUKE: Now, Leia.....(threatening) GIVE ME that lightsaber!!

Sound: Leia's lightsaber ignites.

LEIA: Come and take it!!

EMPEROR: (from far off) Good.....good....

LEIA: (gasps) The Emperor himself!!

LUKE: Leia, don't be a fool!!

LEIA: (almost crying) I don't know what he did to you, Luke, but

get back!!

EMPEROR: Excellent! Strike your brother! Then you will see what new

powers he's won from the Dark Side of the Force!!

LEIA: (hesitates) I......I won't use this lightsaber on you, Luke.

But your sentinels--hey, you overgrown freak, LET GO OF MY HUSBAND!!!

Sound: A lightsaber slash, and the thud of something hitting the

ground.

SENTINEL: (screams)

HAN: (catching his breath) Thanks....Leia....it's good to

be....breathing again.

LEIA: Now we're leaving! And we're taking Luke with us!

EMPEROR: Brave little Jedi. But really, such an old lightsaber is

not a worthy weapon for you.

Sound: The Force roars again--the deepest and darkest we've heard

yet. The lightsaber in Leia's hands explodes.

LEIA: (shrieks as she drops the saber's remains)

EMPEROR: SENTINELS!!!

SENTINEL TWO: Prisoners restrained.

HAN: (choking again) Not--again--

EMPEROR: Look at you. Brother and sister Jedi. The last of your

kind. And I have you both. This one, my dear apprentice, so strong in the

Force. He has learned his lessons well. And the sister--so vunerable, so

inexperienced. And yet, she holds the key to the future.

LEIA: Get your hands off me!!!

EMPEROR: Do not worry, little Jedi. I will not harm you. Indeed, I

will teach you things you have never imagined. I will show you the REAL

power a Jedi can wield. Come, my son.

LUKE: (sounding a LOT like Vader) Yes, my master.

EMPEROR: Bring your friends. Let us reveal to them the wonders I

have in store. Let us show them the future of the galaxy......my lovely

clones.

LEIA: (echoing, thinking to herself) Come on, Leia. If there was

ever a time to prove you're a Jedi, now's the time. Wait--that power

generator's suspended from the ceiling. It's heavy enough to crush a

Bantha. If I can just use the Force.....

ARTOO: BEEPS IN SURPRISE.

THREEPIO: Power surge? I don't sense a power surge anywhere.

Sound: The Force is getting louder.....

EMPEROR: Long ago, I found my flesh could not withstand the awesome

demands of the Dark Side. The great Emperor himself discovered he was

dying.

LEIA: (whisper) Fall.....fall.....

EMPEROR: My body was literally consumed by the energies I had

released. Fortunately there was a way....a road to eternal life....

LEIA: (whisper) now.....

Sound: The power generator cracks, falls on the Emperor--and

explodes.

EMPEROR: (roars with laughter)

LEIA: (gasping with the effort).....how?!?

EMPEROR: Well done, my daughter! Your first step toward the Dark

Side of the Force! But it will take more than a Jedi apprentice and a

falling object to kill me. Now, let ME show YOU something!

Sound: The snap, crackle and pop of some all-too-familiar purple

lightning.

LEIA: (screams in agony)

HAN: Stop it!! STOP!! YOU'RE KILLING HER!!!

CHEWBACCA: RAGES.

LEIA: (weak) L-Luke....help me....(hits ground, lightning stops)

HAN: FILTH!!! YOU'VE MURDERED MY WIFE!!!

EMPEROR: Don't worry, my friend. She will live. That was just a

little discipline for a Jedi. Sentinels!! Take her to my quarters! It is

time to begin her training!

HAN: (straining against the Sentinel) Don't take her!! LEIA!!!

LUKE: Han, do not interfere.

HAN: (breaks free of the Sentinel) TRAITOR!!! OUT OF MY WAY!!!

LUKE: (growls as he seizes Han and lifts him into the air) You

leave me no choice!!! HAN: (gasping) Let go of my throat....Luke.....

LUKE: Han, I STRONGLY suggest you refrain from any further

violence. For Leia's sake.

HAN: You've become--just like him--just like Vader!! Or WORSE!!

CHEWBACCA: "STOP IT!!"

THREEPIO: Master Luke, you're KILLING him!!

LUKE: You understand NOTHING of what is taking place. Or what I'm

doing to save the galaxy.

HAN: You don't deserve to live. For what you've done,

Luke......I'll kill you myself. I'll--GAKK~!

Sound: Luke throws Han against the wall. Han crashes against it,

but is still held by Luke.

LUKE: That may be true, Han. I may HAVE to die. But I assure you,

it won't be YOU who does the deed.

3-13 INT. BYSS CANTINA

=============================================== Sound: The bustle of a

busy bar. A tune is playing in the distance.

LO KHAN: So I says "Thrusters"? I got your thrusters right here,

baby!

LO, SALLA, AND SHUG: (all laugh)

SHUG: Ah, you're a lifesaver, Lo Khan. Thanks for letting us hide

the Millenium Falcon inside your ship.

LO: Yeah, Ninx, the Hyperspace Marauder's got room. But both of you

owe me big. If the Imperials find out, I'm dead meat. Got that, Salla?

SALLA: Yeah. And Solo owes me. Byss security impounded my ship, the

Starlight Intruder. You know how long it took me to build that ship?

LO: That's a debt you'll never collect. Solo and his pals are

probably Rancor food by now.

SALLA: Well, if he's not, he'd better show up soon. Or I'm taking

the Falcon and jumping for home.

SHUG: So what's the deal with this bar full of space jockeys, Lo

Khan? The Imperials never let deep core haulers planetside before.

LO: It's a military buildup, Ninx. Every pirate ship in a thousand

systems is running supplies from Byss to the Imperials offworld.

SALLA: Well, I'm not complaining. It's been a long time since I've

been in a joint this classy.

LO: Hmph.

Sound: A comlink beeps for attention.

LO: Hey, that's my comlink.

SHUG: Nah, it's mine. Let's hope it's Solo. Ninx here.

HAN: Ninx, Salla--it's Han. I don't know if you can hear this, but

our big plan isn't working out like I wanted. If you're out there, I'm

beaming my coordinates. We're in big---

VOICE: (loud and amplified on the comlink) NO TRANSMISSIONS

ALLOWED!

3-14 INT. PALACE DUNGEON

================================================ Sound: The man the voice

belongs to suckerpunches Han in the gut, knocking the comlink to the

ground.

HAN: Hey, you broke my comlink!

DARK GUARD: Who did you contact?

HAN: My mother. She worries about me.

Sound: The Dark Guard wails away on Solo again.

DARK GUARD: You will regret your impudence. Into the cell with your

Wookiee friend!

Sound: The Guard kicks Han (literally) into the cell and

slams/locks the door.

CHEWBACCA: GROWLS IN CONTEMPT OF THE GUARD.

HAN: I'm okay, Chewie. I'm okay. At least so far. Well, old pal, I

think we're in big trouble.

3-15 EXT. BYSS SPACEPORT =========================================

Sound: A ship zooms by. A low humming (this time of machinery), coming

close.

SHUG: You sure this is a good idea, Salla?

SALLA: No, it's a lousy idea, Ninx. But we've gotta get back to the

Millenium Falcon. And the Falcon's hidden inside Lo Khan's ship. The only

way there is through the spacedock.

SHUG: Yeah, but there's one of those giant hunter-killer droids

wandering around the spacedock. Like it's looking for something.

SALLA: It IS. Look at that bright light--it keeps focusing on

different ships.

SHUG: Yeah, I've seen those before. That's a sensory enhanced

detection array. It'll see right through the hull of a ship and detect

anything inside. And it's looking this way!

SALLA: Duck!!

SHUG: (long pause) Did it see us?

SALLA: I don't think so. Come on, we'd better get to Lo Khan's ship

before--

SHUG: Too late.....that hunter-killer droid just zeroed in on the

Hyperspace Marauder.

SALLA: We've got to make a break for it.

PROBOT: (a steely, mechanical voice) Judgment 12-X7 to Security

Command. Freighter Hyperspace Marauder, docking permit X7A97HM, cargo

scan in progress. Anomaly--detecting second vessel concealed within.

Please confirm identification of Priority One quarry.

SECURITY COMMAND: (over intercom) Priority One Quarry: Corellian

YT-1300 transport. Cargo capacity 100 metric tons. Vessel designation:

Millenium Falcon.

PROBOT: Identification confirmed. Sensor analysis: Increased energy

readings in aft quadrant. Location: Engines. Conclusion: Target ship

preparing to--

Sound: The Millenium Falcon blasts out of the Hyperspace Maruader's

cargo bay, passing the probot.

3-16 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

=============================================== SHUG: This is the

stupidest thing we've ever done, Salla.

SALLA: Not as stupid as sitting around and waiting to get arrested,

Ninx.

PROBOT: (over intercom) Judgment 12-X7 to Security Command.

Apprehension and detainment of target ship in progress.

SALLA: He's closing on us fast, Ninx. Hit him, hit him--!

Sound: The Falcon opens fire on the probot.

SHUG: No good. That H-K's got some new kind of deflectors. Th-The

Falcon's missiles are bouncing off his shields like pebbles!

Sound: The opening of a giant door from far away, and the roar of--

SALLA: We're caught in a tractor beam! Increase power!

SHUG: No good, we're being drawn in.

SALLA: Looks like Han and Leia will have to take care of business

without us.

SHUG: Not if I can help it.....

3-17 INT. EMPEROR'S SUITE

============================================= EMPEROR: Welcome to my

inner sanctum, my dear.

LEIA: I'd be more comfortable if you took this restraining device

off me.

EMPEROR: Hmm. Very well. Sentinel, release her.

Sound: The Sentinel removes the restraining device from Leia.

LEIA: (sighs with relief)

EMPEROR: Now leave us. I have secrets that can only be shared with

a Jedi.

SENTINEL: Yes, my lord.

Sound: The door closes behind the Sentinel.

EMPEROR: Now, we may talk....privately.

LEIA: I have nothing to say to you.

EMPEROR: My brave little warrior. Just like your brother. Oh, yes.

He is brave, despite what you think. In fact, he has been sabotaging my

efforts. He can hide nothing from me.

LEIA: Luke? S-sabotaging? But why.....?

EMPEROR: Why do I allow him to continue? It suits my purpose.

Everything is as I foresaw it. And everything works according to my plan.

In the end, he is insignificant.

LEIA: My brother is a great Jedi!!

EMPEROR: Yessss.....a great Jedi. But YOU are destined to be far

greater. (suddenly moans, then weaker:) Forgive me, my dear. I am not

well. The time of my transference approaches.

LEIA: "Transference?" Then....it's true. You ARE using clones.

EMPEROR: Soon this body will no longer be able to contain my great

power. But, forgive the ramblings of an old man. Come here, little Jedi.

I want to show you something.

Sound: A small humming.

LEIA: That small cube? Glowing with inner light?

EMPEROR: Yes. This is the Jedi Holocron, given to me many years ago

by a very old Jedi, before his.....(amused) untimely departure.

LEIA: It's.....beautiful.

EMPEROR: Go ahead, my daughter. Don't be afraid. Take it.

Sound: The hum increases as Leia takes the Holocron.

LEIA: Something about it.....so wondrous....so familiar......

EMPEROR: Yes. It knows you are a Jedi.

Sound: The hum crests.

LEIA: An image.....springing from the cube......it's...magical.

EMPEROR: Nothing magical about it, my dear. Primitive hologram

technology. The old Jedi you see in the image was part of a group that

lived in the Adega system, 600 years ago. They took it upon themselves to

make a record of Jedi history and teachings, for the Jedi of the future.

Like yourself.

BODO: (a gravelly, unmistakably alien voice) Jedi......hear the

words of Bodo Baas. Some among us have sought to conquer the Dark Side by

learning it's secrets. Three to my knowledge, three have tried this.

Perished, every one of them perished. The first was Ulic Qel-Droma, who

fell into the Dark Side in the time--

LEIA: (outraged) This is a Jedi teaching device!! You have no right

to this!

EMPEROR: Oh, but I do. Aren't I the master of all the Jedi? Your

own father was my apprentice.

LEIA: My father DIED because of you!!! And now my brother--(catches herself) my brother is in grave danger.

EMPEROR: Your foolish brother has caused me great harm. Look at

me!! I am only a helpless old man. Soon, like all great Jedi, like your

own father, I will drop this fragile flesh. Please, help a dying old man

into his bed.....

LEIA: Into your grave!

EMPEROR: So rude. Very well, I will help myself. (lowers himself

with effort into a floating bed.) There. I must lay here a while. Stay

with me. Soon you will see what very few have seen. The Dark Side has

given me a wonderful power--the power to enter one of my clones. Indeed,

I can enter ANYONE.....I can overshadow the soul that dwells therein. I

can even enter.....your CHILD.

LEIA: My children?! My children are hidden from you!

EMPEROR: Your FIRST two, yes.......but not the one now stirring in

your womb.

LEIA: (shocked whisper) .....you know?

EMPEROR: Yessss, little Jedi. And this child belongs to ME.

LEIA: NEVER!!!

EMPEROR: Wait, you'll tip the bed--! AGGHH!!!!

Sound: Leia flings the bed over, tumbling the Emperor onto the

ground.

EMPEROR: (gasping in pain) My leg.....is broken.....

LEIA: It was a mistake to leave yourself so helpless lying there on

your bed, old man!! Now to find Han and get out of here!

Sound: Leia runs off. The door opens and closes.....and the

Emperor's gasping becomes laughter.

EMPEROR: I have tested her, and it is exactly as I have foreseen.

She has the Skywalker anger. Like her brother, like her father. Let her

flee, for now. She will fall to the Dark Side soon enoug-----eh? What's

this? My Holocron! SHE TOOK MY HOLOCRON!!! (For the first time ever, the

Emperor gets ANGRY.) GUARRRRDS!!!!

3-18 INT. THRONE ROOM ========================================

Sound: Door opens.

CAPTAIN: Guards are posted outside the cell of the space pirate and

the Wookiee, Lord Skywalker, and I've brought the two droids, as you've

commanded.

LUKE: Very well, Captain. Anything else, Captain?

CAPTAIN: There was, um, one other thing, my Lord. Security reports

that the Master Control signal has been tampered with.....by someone in

the command section. As a result, we have lost three World Devastators.

LUKE: Hmm, is that so? Have you informed the Emperor of this?

CAPTAIN: I was about to, my Lord, but.......

LUKE: (with a Force echo in his voice) You were saying.....?

Commander?

CAPTAIN: I was about to, Lord Skywalker, but......I forgot, my

Lord. It's very strange.

LUKE: (echoing) Then why don't you keep this information to

yourself, Captain. And if anyone else knows, send them to me at once.

CAPTAIN: Yes, sir. Keep it to myself, sir.

LUKE: Very well. Dismissed. (waits for the Captain to leave) Now,

Threepio--

THREEPIO: Yes, sir?

LUKE: (talking fast) Unhook Artoo from that tech station and bring

him over here!

THREEPIO: Yes, sir, Master Luke.

ARTOO: BLEEPS IN SURPRISE AS HE IS UNHOOKED.

LUKE: I know, Artoo. But you'll have to trust me. I'll restore your

main programming....someday. Right now, I need all the space in your

memory banks for these plans of--

LEIA: Luke!

THREEPIO: Princess Leia! Master Luke, it's Princess Leia! The

Emperor let her go!

LUKE: Hello, Leia. I've been expecting you.

THREEPIO: Oh, Princess, tell Master Luke to be careful. He's

putting far too much data in Artoo's memory. He's only a simple astromech

droid, you know.

ARTOO: BEEPS "WANNA BET?"

LUKE: You freed yourself from the Emperor, Leia. You did well. The

Force is strong in you.

LEIA: Luke....please. The Dark Side is all around us. Get Han.

We're leaving. I...I want you to come with us.

LUKE: Leia, you've got the wrong idea. Everything's fine! I know

what I'm doing. Leia, it's good that you came to Byss. Your Jedi power,

added to my own, has helped me break the grip of the Dark Side.

LEIA: I'm not so sure. I see something happening. I sense great

danger for you.... and us. The Emperor is toying with you, Luke.

LUKE: Yes, he may think so, but look--here's Artoo. I've hidden the

Master Control code in his circuits. The Emperor's priority battle plans!

ARTOO: WHISTLES WITH EXCITEMENT.

LEIA: How......how can I believe you?

LUKE: Come on. I'll take you to Han and Chewie. And then we'll ALL

return to Pinnacle Base--together!!

Music: The Imperial Theme rises, then fades to silence.

4-1 INT. BYSS DUNGEON CELL

=============================================== Music: The short piece

from "Jaws" again, then back to the dripping dungeon.

CHEWBACCA: GRUNTS WITH EFFORT. HAN: Listen, furface, if you'd let

me cut off some of that rug you're wearing, we could make ourselves a

rope and get out of here a lot quicker.

CHEWBACCA: COMPLAINS.

HAN: Oh, come on, I ain't that heavy! Besides, I'm the one who has

to squeeze through this little window and drop twelve stories.

(straining) If I can get this bar loose, that is.....Push me up a little

higher!

Sound: The humming of the giant probot.

HAN: Uh oh, hold it pal. I don't think this is gonna work. There's

a hunter-killer droid spying on us. Let me down! He's charging up his

cannons!

CHEWBACCA: GROWLS AS HE LETS HAN DOWN.

Sound: The probot fires, blowing off the cell wall!

HAN: (coughing) You okay, Chewie? If these Imperials are trying to

kill us, they're sure going about it the hard way. All they did was blow

a big hole in the wall of our cell.

CHEWBACCA: SNARLS IN ANGER.

HAN: Yeah, yeah, I see it. That droid's coming closer, but it's

stopped firing and it's.........

Sound: A door opening and a ramp lowering.

HAN:......it's extending it's gangplank? What kind of a hunterkiller droid is that??

SALLA: My kind, Solo.

HAN: Salla! Am I glad to see YOU!! Hey, you almost got us killed!

SALLA: You're free, aren't you? That's two you owe your old

girlfriend. Now come on!

Sound: Inside of droid is closer.

HAN: How's you get hold of a hunter-killer droid?

SALLA: It got hold of us first. But once it detained us, it didn't

figure on a genius mechanic like Ninx. He's up inside the mainframe,

hotwiring this thing's computer brain. It'll do backflips if we want it

to. Now come on--the Falcon's right inside. Planet security knows we

stole one of their droids.

CHEWBACCA: SUGGESTS THEY GET GOING.

HAN: Hold it, Chewie, to heck with the Falcon! We're not leaving

until we find Leia!

SALLA: But there's no time!

THREEPIO: (in the distance) Wait for us! Wait for us!

SALLA: Somebody's following through the hole we blasted.

THREEPIO: Wait! Oh, it'd be just like them to leave us--

LEIA: Talk less and run faster, Threepio!

ARTOO: BEEPS OUT A FEW WORDS.

THREEPIO: That's easy for you to say. You're on wheels!

HAN: Don't fire, Salla--it's Leia! And Threepio! There's Artoo, and

there's......

LUKE: Han!

HAN: (tone suddenly turns ugly)....the TRAITOR. Give me that

blaster, Salla. (takes blaster) Okay, farmboy, here's where I even the

score!!

LEIA: Han, STOP!! It's over!!

HAN: Get out of my way, Leia!!! The Dark Side's got him! He's

liable to do anything!

LEIA: No, Han. We're all leaving. Together. Luke has the code we

need to stop the Devastators.

LUKE: Han, listen to Leia. If what I'm doing succeeds, the Empire

will be finished forever!

HAN: Okay. If you're telling the truth, why don't we take out the

Emperor right NOW, as long as we're in town?

Sound: A whistling of an approaching vehicle.

CHEWBACCA: CRIES OUT AN ALERT.

Sound: Far-off firing.

SALLA: It's a security patrol. Cut the gab and move it!!

THREEPIO: Ohh, wait for me!!

HAN: Chewie, grab Goldenrod and yank him in. I'm closing the door.

THREEPIO: No one ever cares what happens to me. Oh my....

Sound: Door closes.

SCENE 4-2 INT. HUNTER-KILLER PROBOT

================================================ CHEWBACCA: GROWLS OUT AN

OBSCENITY.

THREEPIO: Chewbacca! Such language! I didn't think there was a

translation for that!

HAN: Okay, they're in, they're in! And there's my beautiful ship. I

was afraid I'd never see you again.

SALLA: There's Ninx, up on that walkway.

SHUG: Rev up the Falcon! I've programmed the H-K's targeting

computer to shoot up everything using Imperial codes! But there's a whole

fleet coming down on us.

Sound: Falcon's engines warm up.

SALLA: Okay, Han, Ninx is on board! Let's blast out of here!

HAN: Way ahead of you, Salla, sweetheart!

Sound: Falcon's engines blast off.

SCENE 4-3 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

================================================= HAN: Okay, we're clear

of the H-K. Shields up, Chewie.

Sound: Close-range blaster fire on the Falcon.

LEIA: Han, you sure have a habit of collecting unwanted attention.

HAN: These security ships are no problem, sweetheart. The Falcon'll

lose 'em on one thruster.

THREEPIO: But sir, what about the planetary shield? We'll be

smashed up against it!

HAN: I'm on that, too. Leia, calculate the jump to hyperspace from

our present coordinates.

CHEWBACCA: "WHAT?!?!"

LEIA: But Han, we're still in the planet's atmosphere! If we make

the jump now--

HAN: I know, I know, we're gonna risk high-atmosphere burnup. But

unless your pretty smile can open up that shield, it's our only hope!

LEIA: I hope you know what you're doing......

HAN: Chewie, distance to the shield perimeter?

CHEWBACCA: "TWO KILOMETERS."

THREEPIO: Two kilometers? We'll never make it! 1.5 kilometers....

HAN: Navicomputer's finished it's calculations--

THREEPIO: One kilometer---

HAN: Disengaging sublight engines--

THREEPIO: Half a kilometer---

HAN: We're going hyper--

THREEPIO: We're doomed!!

HAN: NOW!!!

Sound: The Falcon screams into hyperspace......and everything

suddenly goes down several degrees in pitch.

HAN: We're past the energy shield. Weeee mmmaddeeee ittttt........

LEIA: Mmmaddee iittttt??? Wwwwwhhhhaattt'ssss wrroonnggg wittthh

ussss?????

HAN: Llleeegggsss feeellll likkkeee chhhhuurrnninnggg innnn

watterrrrr......

CHEWBACCA: RRROOARRSS VERRRYY SLLOOWWWLLYYYY.

ARTOO: BEEEEPPPSS VERRRYYY SLOOWWWLLLLYYYYY.

SALLA: Haaaannnnddsssss arrreeee dddiisapppearrrinnnggg......

HAN: Weee''rree toooo cloooseeee toooo tthhheee woorrrrmmhoollllee

efffecttt,,, ttttrriigggerrreddd byyy thhheee plllannnett''ssss

magggnetttiiiccc fiiieeellldddd.....

LUKE: Ooouurrr attoommmsss arreeee beeeinngggg scccattterrreedd

accrroosss hypppeerrsppacceeee.......

LEIA: Navvviiicccommmputtterrrr'sss (unintelligable)

SALLA: Ooohhhh nooooooooo (unintelligable)

LUKE: Cuuttt innnn yyouurrr suubbbliighhhttt ennggginnesss!!

HAN: Arrreee youuuu crazzzyyy? Ifffff IIIIII cuutttt innnn thhheeee

subbbliighhtttsss, wwwwee'llll dropppp outttt offf

hyyypperrrrsppaccceeee,,,, annnndddd weeee donnnn'ttt evvveeennn

knnnowwww whhheerreeeee wweeee arrreeee! Yyyyyyouuuu wannnttttt tooooo

droopppp righhhtttt innntttooooo aaaa plannnnettttarrryyyy

coorrrreeee????

LEIA: Ttttrrrruuustttt himmmmm,, Haaannnn........

HAN: Alll righhhttt......buutttt evvverryyy timmmeee Lukkkkeee'sss

innnn troubblleeee, itt''sss myyyy shippp thattttt getttssss bloowwwnn

toooo pieeceessss......

Sound: The hyperdrive cuts out, and things go back to normal.

LEIA: There. We're out.

HAN: Yeah. We're back in normal space.

THREEPIO: Thank goodness. I thought my servo motors were going to

fall right off!

HAN: Hey, Luke, how'd you know we were gonna be okay?

LUKE: I told you, Han--I can discover things you'll never imagine.

With the Force.

HAN: With the Dark Side, you mean.

LEIA: Han, that's not fair. Luke has provided us with everything

the Rebels need to beat those World Devastators. It's all stored in

Artoo's memory banks.

ARTOO: BEEPS "SHE'S RIGHT!"

LUKE: Take Artoo and plug him into your hyperspace comm system.

He'll help you beam interference codes to the World Devastators, even

while you're in hyperspace.

HAN: That's great. Why don't you show us? Or maybe you've got a

little surprise planned?

LUKE: I can understand why you still don't trust me, Han. But now

that all of you are safely away from Byss, I have other work to do.

Sound: The Force rises....

LUKE: If I fail in the task I must now accomplish, the Alliance

must be prepared to fight it's greatest battle.

HAN: What do you mean, "all of us are safely away"? Aren't you too?

LUKE: No.

HAN: What are you talking about?

LUKE: Very simple. (Voice becomes immaterial and fades out) I'm on

Byss.....

SALLA: He's gone! How?

LEIA: He must have used a Dark Side power to project a double of

himself, Salla. He knew I'd never willingly leave him on Byss.

HAN: I knew it. He's STILL a traitor!

LEIA: Han, he did it to save us!

HAN: I don't care what you say, Leia. I'm starting to feel sorry I

ever heard the name Luke--

SCENE 4-4 INT. CLONING CHAMBER

=================================================== EMPEROR: --Skywalker?

I sense your presence.

LUKE: Yes. I am here.

EMPEROR: How did you get into my cloning chamber? This laboratory

is sealed! My moment of transition is close....no one is allowed in here

no--

Sound: Luke's lightsaber ignites.

LUKE: I have come to prevent that transition.

EMPEROR: .....So you have. Using powers I have given you. Let me

offer you a bargain, my friend. I will kill you now, or you can permit me

to move into YOUR body. Then, you and I will rule the Universe as one.

LUKE: I've learned many of your secrets, your Majesty. Your power

over me is broken. When I destroy your clones, your reign will be at it's

end!!

EMPEROR: Hmm......is it so? Very well......then I must die!!!

(laughs. The laughter echoes as his body fades out of his clothing.)

LUKE: He's vanished!

EMPEROR: (echoing) Vanished, Skywalker? I exist as energy,

remember? I am all around you. Here--and here! And here, and HERE!

LUKE: He's trying to enter one of the clones! Must destroy them

all! (Sound: Lightsaber slashes through glass, and water floods as the

bodies thump to the floor.) Cut through the cloning chambers! Slash these

mindless clones to bits!!

Sound: Screaming as each of Palpatine's mindless clones die.

EMPEROR: Too late, Skywalker. Too late.

(Note: Although the Emperor is in a young body now, his soul is

still as old and corrupt as ever--and so is his voice.)

EMPEROR: Yes. You missed ONE clone. And one is all I need, for now.

Look at me! I am YOUNG again!! I will live FOREVER!!!

LUKE: Not if I can help it! (slashes at the Emperor, who dodges the

attack)

EMPEROR: (laughs) Too slow, Skywalker!

LUKE: (lunges at Palpatine again, screaming.)

EMPEROR: Did you think you could conquer me by coming here to Byss-to the very heart of the Dark Side?

LUKE: You forget, I am a Jedi Master now. And I KNOW something

about the Dark Side!

Sound: Luke unleashes his OWN Force lightning on the Emperor. The

old (young) man crashes against the wall.

EMPEROR: You try to use the Force against ME?!? All you've

succeeded in doing in hurtling me in reach of my collection of Jedi

weapons! As for your Dark Side knowledge--

Sound: The Emperor ignites his OWN lightsaber.

EMPEROR: Does it tell you how many other so-called "Jedi Masters"

failed to vanquish me? Does your knowledge tell you that I have already

beaten you?! Poor Jedi. Your kind will soon be extinct. And how fitting

that one of their precious lightsabers brings an end to the Jedi

delusion!! Sound: Luke lunges. The two clash sabers, and duel viciously.

EMPEROR: What's the matter, Skywalker? Getting tired? Not quite as

young as you were when you fought your father!

LUKE: (breathing hard) You have filled the galaxy with your

darkness. But I have seen what my father could not see. I have seen that

ultimately, the Dark Side will FAIL!!

EMPEROR: Jedi FOOL! In spite of the stories you tell yourself, I am

the stronger! Did I not warn you?!? Now, take the consequences of your

failure, like your father before you!!

Sound: Furious dueling--but the Emperor gets the better of Luke,

forcing the elder Jedi's lightsaber out of his hands. Both lightsabers

deactivate.

EMPEROR: No, Skywalker. It is not your time to die. It is your time

to submit. The Dark Side WILL break you. Now get up. We are going to find

your sister. I want my Holocron, and I want your sister's child! I am

going to crush the Rebellion, once and for ALL!!!

SCENE 4-5 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON

========================================= LEIA: Can the Millenium Falcon

go any faster, Han? I'm worried about the battle on Calamari.

HAN: We're doing twice the speed of light now! Don't worry Leia,

once we get Artoo plugged in, his transmission'll reach Lando long before

we arrive.

ARTOO: BEEPS AND WHISTLES.

THREEPIO: Please be careful, sir! Artoo says they burned out his

differential regulators when they erased his memory banks!

HAN: I know. Why do you think we're having so much trouble

accessing the battle codes Luke hid in his subsystems?

Sound: Tinkering.

HAN: There. Okay, Chewie, ready on this end. Hope this works....

THREEPIO: But sir, I think--

HAN: (snaps) LISTEN, Professor, if you want to do something useful,

why don't you--

LEIA: Why don't you come with me, Threepio? (whispers) Han hates

being wrong about people. And he was wrong about Luke. He's in a grumpy

mood.

THREEPIO: I should say so.

LEIA: Come here. I'll plug you into the hyperspace transponder, so

you can monitor transmissions for us. Luke says the information he stored

in Artoo will paralyze the Devastator's command computers. I want you to

tell me if they start beaming distress calls to Byss.

THREEPIO: Of course, Princess Leia. The Imperial network operates

on a binary code I am quite familiar with. I'm SO glad somebody

appreciates my talents!

LEIA: There. You're all hooked up.

THREEPIO: I've picked up a binary code transmission from Calamari.

Translating....Your Highness--oh my word!! Oh hurry, hurry!! They're

being slaughtered!!!

SCENE 4-6 EXT. MON CALAMARI BATTLEFIELD

================================================ GAMMACK: Pull back, pull

back!!! We need air support!!

CALAMARIAN SOLDIER: (over intercom) We're hit! World Devastators

coming right for us!!! AGGHH!!!!

CALAMARIAN SOLDIER TWO: (over intercom) Get that evac unit over

here!!! Gammack, all aircraft have been destroyed! All we have left are

these ocean-going attack boats!!

GAMMACK: Well, pull them back! Keep them out from under those World

Devastators, or they'll get sucked up along with the rest of this

sector!!!

REBEL SOLDIER: (over intercom) Captain Gammack, scanners indicate

that the World Devastators have gathered from all areas of Calamari, and

are converging on our location! We've got SIX of them bearing down on

us!! LOOKS LIKE THIS IS IT!!

GAMMACK: Get those assault boats into attack formation! General

Calrissian wants our commando teams ready to board those planet-smashers

at a moment's notice!!

REBEL SOLDIER: (over intercom) But that's a suicide mission!!

GAMMACK: Maybe, but Lando thinks Commander Skywalker is doing

something to sabotage those World Devastators! I don't know what it could

be.....

REBEL SOLDIER: (over intercom) I don't believe it!

GAMMACK: Something strange is happening.....the Devastators just

stopped! They're just sitting there, like somebody's switched them off!

All right, men---let's go!!

SCENE 4-7 INT. WORLD DEVASTATOR SILENCER SEVEN BRIDGE

=========================================================== Sound: Alarm

going off.

KLEV: What's going on?

CREWMAN: Commander Klev, we're being jammed by command codes coming

over the Emperor's secure hyperspace channel!

KLEV: Then bypass the Master Control computer!

CREWMAN: We're trying, sir! But the system was designed to prevent

tampering!!

KLEV: This is ridiculous! We're being paralyzed by our own command

center!! (muffled explosion) What was THAT?!?

CREWMAN: The Calamari have launched a counter-assault against us!

Our stormtroopers are attempting to repel boarders! There is one option

available to us, Commander. We are able to restore power to the onboard

factories.

KLEV: Well then DO IT! If we're going to sit here like a dead moon,

we might as well give them a good fight!

SCENE 4-8 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

================================================ HAN: Okay, the Falcon's

exiting hyperspace.

Sound: You heard what he said.

HAN: And there's Calamari, dead ahead.

LEIA: Entering the upper atmosphere. Careful, Han--we're coming in

right on top of the battle.

HAN: Yeah, what's going on? That World Devastator's still got it's

furnace blasting! I thought those codes were supposed to shut down the

Devastators. I guess your brother decided to pull a fast one on us after

all.

LEIA: Han, use your eyes! It's paralyzed! Obviously the Imperial

engineers figured out how to keep the recycling factories working.

ARTOO: WHISTLES FOR ATTENTION.

THREEPIO: Sir, If I may say--

HAN: Okay, your Worship, if that's true, what's to stop them from

getting the whole thing operational?

THREEPIO: Sir? Sir, please listen---

HAN: Threepio, I thought I told you to SHUT UP!!

THREEPIO: It's Artoo, sir! He says he's created a new command code

that will make the Devastators do anything he wants! Frankly, sir, I

think---

HAN: Well, why didn't you say so!! It's worth a try--Luke's big

plan sure didn't help much.

LEIA: Han, I don't know why you're still so down on Luke. He's

taking a great risk for the Alliance.

HAN: Yeah, yeah. Let's see if this chirping three-legged bolt

bucket can do any better.

ARTOO: BLATTS.

THREEPIO: Actually, sir, I believe Artoo is having delusions of

grandeur.

HAN: He ain't the only one. Okay, he's plugged in. Chewie, radio

those commando teams to get 'em clear of the Devastators. They've got

three minutes.

CHEWBACCA: BEGINS GROWLING INTO THE INTERCOM.

SCENE 4-9 EXT. MON CALAMARI BATTLEFIELD

=============================================== GAMMACK: We copy,

Millenium Falcon! All teams, back to the boats!! Clear off this worldsmasher!!

REBEL SOLDIER: (over intercom) But we just fought off a whole

platoon of stormtroopers to get on it!

GAMMACK: Move it, soldier!! If my guess is right, this monster's

about to---

SCENE 4-10 INT. SILENCER SEVEN BRIDGE

============================================ CREWMAN:--crash, Commander

Klev! We've lost all control of this World Devastator! We're being

steered directly towards Silencer Four!!!

KLEV: Don't just stand there, you idiot, do something!! DO

SOMETHING!!!

Sound: Deafening explosion as the Devastator hits it's sister---and

is blown apart!!!

SCENE 4-11 INT. MILLENIUM FALCON COCKPIT

================================================= THREEPIO: (ecstatic)

Artoo, you've done it!! Thank the Maker!!! I KNEW you could do it!!

You've saved the day!!

ARTOO: "IT WEREN'T NOTHING. AND BY THE WAY--$#^#%$&@!!!!"

THREEPIO: OH!! I've never been so insulted in all my life!! And to

think it was I who told them about your grand plan! Too bad you've

destroyed all the Devastators--I'd like to feed you to them to be

recycled!!

LANDO: (over intercom) Millenium Falcon!

HAN: Lando, you ol' womp rat!

LANDO: Good work, Han. Those World Devastators have destroyed each

other. WE WON!!! HA HAA!!!!

SCENE 4-12 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - PINNACLE BASE - A FEW DAYS

LATER..... ============================================================

====== HAN: Uh, Leia.....uh....b-before the Council meeting begins, I-I'd

just like to say....I mean, I wanted to tell you since we returned to

Pinnacle Base.....I'm sorry for what I said. I-I guess I'll never figure

old Luke out.

LEIA: (gently) Sometimes the actions of a Jedi make no sense toward

ordinary men. Luke is sacrificing his life for us, Han.......for

our.....three children.

HAN: Yeah, well........(classic double take) Three?? Did you

say...."THREE" children?! (excited) You mean.....?

LEIA: (joyous) Yes, Han, I'm pregnant! I can feel the baby

stirring....it will be strong with the Force.

HAN: (chuckles) Pregnant again. Who woulda thought? Me, the father

of three Jedi. I guess an "ordinary" guy can do something right.

Sound: Door opens.

LEIA: Shh. Here come Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar.

MON MOTHMA: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to this

council of war.

ACKBAR: Thanks to your efforts, the Battle of Calamari has been

won.

MON MOTHMA: But according to the plans that Artoo has brought us,

Calamari was but a small part of the Emperor's overall scheme. The deep

core systems have become inviolable fortresses.

ACKBAR: The Imperial fleet has reaffirmed it's allegiance to the

Emperor. Now, the Emperor plans to expand his total area of dominance in

stages. He will launch a series of wave-assaults on all worlds in

proximity to the Galactic Core. Moving out from the center, he will not

rest until the entire galaxy falls under the sway of the Dark Side.

MON MOTHMA: Our only hope lies in Commander Skywalker's attempts to

sabotage the Emperor's plans. In the meantime, I have assigned teams to

analyze all our possible responses. We'll meet again tomorrow. I want you

all rested, and ready to act.

SCENE 4-13 INT. HAN AND LEIA'S QUARTERS

================================================ LEIA: See you later,

Han.

Sound: Door opens.

HAN: Okay, Leia. Just got to check that shipment of Incom GBK's for

the X-Wings, and I'll be back. Try and get some rest.

Sound: Door closes.

LEIA: "Rest." That's the last thing on my mind. What could be

happening to Luke? Is he safe? Oh--what's this in my pocket? The device I

stole from the Emperor! I'd forgotten about it!

Sound: The hum begins as she grabs hold of the Holocron.

LEIA: What a strange thing. So old, constructed by a long-lost

science. What did the Emperor call it? The "Holocron"......

Sound: The hum rises to a wail......

LEIA: Wh---what's happening? M-My room--Pinnacle Base---it's all

fading!

BODO: Greeting, Jedi. I am Bodo Baas.

LEIA: You. You're the image I saw in the Holocron. But you're no

longer an image--you're real! Where am I?

BODO: Everywhere. Nowhere. You are with the Force.

LEIA: Bodo Baas, am I....inside the Holocron?

BODO: No. The Holocron is a device. It helps us to reach each

other. It is the Force which truly brings us together.

LEIA: And you....are you real? I mean.....didn't you die, a long

time ago?

BODO: Past history and present action are one. The Force surrounds

all time, all doing. Bodo Baas is with the Force, that is certain.

LEIA: Can you tell me what will become of Luke?

BODO: For you, Bodo Baas will speak a prophecy written 1,000 years

before your time, by my own master:

"A brother and sister, born to walk the sky. But reckless brother

falls into Dark Side's eye. Jedi sister carries hope for future in her

womb. Only she can save her brother from a certain doom.

A Jedi killer wants to tame her. Now the Dark Side comes to claim

her. She must join with her brother to combat this thief, Before the Jedi

come to grief."

Sound: The hum fades as the Holocron deactivates.

LEIA: "Join with my brother"? "Join with my brother"??

HAN: Leia? Leia, wake up.

LEIA: Huhh? Han.....where's Bodo Baas?

HAN: Bodo who? You've been dreaming, Leia.

LEIA: It wasn't a dream. It was the Holocron--

HAN: Whatever, come on, we gotta go!

LEIA: What's wrong?

HAN: We got company. Serious company.

SCENE 4-14 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER

================================================ FEMALE REBEL PILOT:

(over intercom) We count three ships--repeat, three ships--approaching

Pinnacle Base!

CAPTAIN SNUNB: (over intercom) Confirm that. Scanners indicate two

Imperial-class Destroyers. The third is---!!!!

FEMALE REBEL PILOT: ENORMOUS!! Measures 10 miles across!!!

LEIA: (rushing in) Mon Mothma, what's happening?

MON MOTHMA: Good. You and Han have arrived. Three Imperial ships

just came out of hyperspace right over the planet. Two Star Destroyers,

and.....well, it can only be the Emperor's flagship.

Sound: Holographic comm system comes on.

HAN: A hologram. Signal's cut across all our frequencies. We're

getting the same image on every channel.

LEIA: It's the Emperor! But he's.....grown young!

EMPEROR: (over holocomm) Leaders of the Rebel Alliance. I have no

quarrel with you. Give me the woman Jedi, sister of Skywalker, and return

the precious object she stole from me.

HAN: He's gotta be kidding!

MON MOTHMA: Why should we comply with your demands?

EMPEROR: A shuttle is waiting. Send her to my ship, and I will

discuss a truce with the Alliance.

Sound: Shocked gasps from all over the chamber.

HAN: I vote we blast him with everything we've got!!! That's what

Luke would want!

LEIA: No. I have to go to them. I HAVE to.

HAN: It's too dangerous! There comes a point where you have to

choose between this Force business and your own good common sense!

LEIA: You're right, Han. There does. And I have.

HAN: Leia, I won't let you go!! Not with our child!!!

LEIA: (quietly insistent) You WILL let me, Han.

HAN: I--(Leia storms out of the room without even

replying).......all right.

MON MOTHMA: You look dazed, General Solo. Almost like Leia used a

Jedi mind trick on you.

HAN: No, no mind tricks. I'm just surprised that with all the women

in the galaxy, I married the only one as stubborn as I am.

MON MOTHMA: And as brave, General Solo. Do you still think we

should prepare our forces for an all-out attack?

HAN: No. It's taken me long enough, but I just realized that

whatever's going on here, it has nothing to do with blasters or fighter

pilots. It's up to the Jedi now.

SCENE 4-15 INT. EMPEROR'S FLAGSHIP - HANGAR

================================================== Sound: A shuttle lands

inside the hangar.

IMPERIAL OFFICER: Inform the Emperor the shuttle has landed. The

Jedi woman is approaching his chambers.

SCENE 4-16 INT. EMPEROR'S FLAGSHIP - THRONE ROOM

================================================== Sound: Same as in the

Emperor's throne room on Byss, except with added ship hum.

EMPEROR: Soon, my young apprentice, your sister will be mine.

LUKE: (back to the Vader-like voice) Yes, my master.

Sound: Footsteps coming up.

EMPEROR: Good, Princess Leia. You have understood.

LEIA: I am here.

EMPEROR: You may leave us, guards. (Guards leave, door closes) Now,

my daughter, the time for subtlety is over. Where is my Holocron?

LEIA: I don't have it. I've come for my brother. Luke, are you all

right?

EMPEROR: He will not answer you, unless I command him.

LEIA: He WILL answer me. Luke?

EMPEROR: You still defy me? Perhaps you do not know your own heart

in these matters. The child in your womb will be given to me. Is that not

so?

LEIA: NO!

EMPEROR: (using Force-voice) You cannot resist. I will raise this

child in the power of the Dark Side. The child will become an extension

of my will.

LEIA: (weakening under Palpatine's voice) Yes....

EMPEROR: At the appropriate age, I will displace the personality

that dwells within, take on it's young Jedi body as my own.

LEIA: yes......

EMPEROR: Now, if I but touch you.......yes.....here.....the child

grows....

Sound: An arc of lightning flies from Leia's abdomen onto

Palpatine's hand!

EMPEROR: (shrieks in pain) You tricked me!!!

LEIA: You aren't the only one here who understands the power of the

Force, "Your Majesty!"

Sound: A lightsaber ignites----Leia's own, handbuilt lightsaber.

LEIA: And if you touch me again, I'll cut off your hand!

EMPEROR: Curse you, Jedi!! No......a curse is not necessary.....I

have something better for you. Skywalker! I have broken you. Now, prove

yourself worthy of serving me!!

Sound: Luke's lightsaber activates.

LUKE: (hate-filled voice) Yes, my master.

EMPEROR: Bring your sister over to the Dark Side. You have the

power.

LEIA: (waving her lightsaber in defense) I don't know what he's

done to you, Luke, but this time we're REALLY leaving.

LUKE: Leia, put the lightsaber away. I don't want to hurt you.

LEIA: The last thing I'D do is hurt you, Luke. What's happened to

you is NOT final!

EMPEROR: (laughs) He cannot hear you, child! To him, you are a

ghost! A faint memory of a former life!!

LEIA: Luke.....listen!! (shuts off lightsaber) Luke.....? (near

crying) Oh, what have you DONE? What's behind his vacant stare??

EMPEROR: Why, nothing, my child. NOTHING.

Sound: We now hear from Luke's POV. The dialogue is all but buried

under the whispers of the Dark Side, now deafening and overlapping.

WHISPERS: (the voice of the Emperor) Nothing....you are

nothing......

LUKE: (echoing whisper) Where am I?

WHISPERS: Alone.

LUKE: (echoing whisper) No.....help me...... WHISPERS: There is no

one. There is only the Dark Side.

LUKE: I...am....a Jedi.....(moans in pain)

WHISPERS: You are NOT a Jedi. You are nothing. You have no name.

LUKE: My name......is......Skywalker......(cries out in near-silent agony)

WHISPERS: You.....have......NO.....name!!!

LUKE: I.......

WHISPERS: Accept the Dark Side. You have no name.

LUKE: (losing to despair) I.....have.....no.....name.......

WHISPERS: You serve the Dark Side.

LUKE: I sss.....

WHISPERS: Listen to the voices.

LUKE: The voices......

WHISPERS: .....of the Dark Side.

LUKE: (dark voice again) Yes.

WHISPERS: The one law is fear. The one fear is power. The one power

is hate.

LUKE: Hate......

LEIA: (echoing, as if from a far distance) Luke......

WHISPERS: Hate....

LEIA: (using the Force to "amplify" her voice) Luke.....clear your

mind.......

LUKE: Leia.....?

WHISPERS: The one law is fear.....the one fear is power.....the

one---

LEIA: Luke, I'm your sister. I NEED you. LUKE: My sister......

WHISPERS: You are alone.

LEIA: Luke, listen to my voice. My child....will be a very great

Jedi. Because YOU will train him. You will train ALL my children in the

ways of the Force.

Sound: The whispers seem to be losing power....

WHISPERS: Do not listen!!

LUKE: Leia.....the Force......I am not alone!!! I AM NEVER

ALONE!!!!!

Sound: The whispers suddenly STOP.

EMPEROR: (shocked) NO!! This can't be!! NO ONE returns from the

Dark Side!! You're mine....

LUKE: (now talking aloud, sobbing) Leia....help me......I've gone

too far.....I've found knowledge, all the dark things Father knew so

well......the ability to control others, to destroy others if he chose!

If I chose. Ben warned me, Yoda warned me---But I HAD to do it, Leia!! I

had to know what happened to our father! I had to know WHY he chose the

Dark Side......

LEIA: And now you know what happened to our father. It's time to

come home, Luke.

EMPEROR: Do not listen to her!! Listen to the voice of the Dark

Side! Your power is immense!!

LUKE: (new bravery and maturity in his voice) No. The powers of

control and destruction weren't the only things I found in the Dark Side,

Emperor. I also found great isolation, and sadness. I found fear. These

are the feelings my father felt. The feelings YOU feel, in your moments

of darkest triumph.

EMPEROR: (He's hit a nerve) NONSENSE!!! CURSE YOU SKYWALKERS, BOTH

OF YOU!!!! I'LL TELL YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR FATHER----

Sound: The Emperor lashes out with his Force lightning, leveling

Luke!

EMPEROR: The "great" Darth Vader was a sick man in an iron mask!!!

Yes, that mask inspired terror throughout the galaxy. But the feeble

heart within was forever possessed by the impotent side of the Force!!

You can be far stronger than he was. Dark Jedi, are you going to let your

weak sister get the better of you?!?! GET UP!! I can give you the power

to break her! You will KILL YOUR SISTER, if I demand it!!!

LUKE: NO!!! I made a mistake! I thought I had to save the galaxy

alone. All by myself. But the way of the Jedi is not a solitary path.

LEIA: (gasps suddenly) The Holocron!! Luke, the Holocron told me to

"join with my brother!"

LUKE: (realizing) Yes. The Force binds us. Brings us TOGETHER. Many

people are fighting this war---together!! Our ally IS the Force! Through

the strength of the Force, your shroud of evil has been lifted from my

mind!

Sound: The Emperor's own lightsaber activates.

EMPEROR: So be it. Through the power of the Force, you will DIE!!!

Sound: The Emperor lunges at Luke--who activates his own lightsaber

and blocks the blow!! A vicious duel ensues between the two. Both grunt

and yell as they lash out.

LEIA: Be careful, Luke! The Force is strong....they're both moving

so fast, I can hardly see them....I feel waves of power....the Dark Side

and the Light.....But......I feel......the Light.....is winning!!

Sound: One blow finally lands---and something thuds on the floor as

both lightsabers deactivate!

EMPEROR: NNAAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!! MY HANDD!!! YOU'VE CUT OFF MY

HANNNDDDD!!!!!!

LUKE: NOW, "Your Highness," we will escort you to the Alliance

base, where you will surrender the Galaxy to the New Republic!!

EMPEROR: (long pause) Look at you. Don't think I don't know your

plan.

Sound: A far-off roar begins in the far distance.....the same noise

that spirited Luke away from Coruscant.

EMPEROR: The Dark Side HAS you. You intend to rule the Galaxy, in

my place. But....utter imbecile that you are....you have STILL failed to

understand MY POWERRRR!!!!!!

LEIA: (hearing the noise) What's happening?!

EMPEROR: Watch the viewscreen!! And listen as your friends DIE!!!!

Sound: The sound becomes louder......and moving lower.

LUKE: He's created another storm!

LEIA: It's descending on Pinnacle Base, consuming all the ships in

its path! (rushes to the comm console and activates the comm) Mon Mothma,

can you hear me?!

MON MOTHMA: (on intercom, shouting to be heard) Princess Leia,

there's an energy storm! It's suddenly taken over the planet!! We have 12

ships lost already!!! All our hands have been lost--we're being wiped

out!!!

HAN: (on intercom) LEIA!! LE-----(ominous static)

LEIA: (tightly controlling her anger) You're going to SLAUGHTER all

those people!!

EMPEROR: Yes. Did I not warn you? I've played your Jedi dueling

games long enough. Now, you will experience my FULL potency. I live as

energy!! I AM THE DARK SIDE!!!!

LUKE: What have you done....? The power you've unleashed....even

YOU can't control it!

LEIA: But WE can, Luke. WE can do it. That's what the Holocron

meant. Let me add my power to yours.

EMPEROR: Yes. Waste your time on stupid Jedi tricks. The storm will

crush your Rebel base to dust.

LUKE: (echoing) Leia....

LEIA: (echoing) I'm here, Luke.

LUKE: (echoing) Concentrate.....

LEIA: (echoing) I'm trying.

EMPEROR: What are you doing?

LEIA: (echoing) Luke, I FEEL the Force!

EMPEROR: (realizing at long last) NO!!!

LUKE: (echoing) Yes. It's surrounding the Emperor. Cutting him off

from all the power he poured into the storm....

EMPEROR: Fools!!! If you destroy me, the Dark Force will crush you

as well!!!!

LUKE: (echoing)....trapping him in his own dark hatred!!

EMPEROR: NOO!!! NNNNOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Sound: The energy storm drowns out the Emperor's dying

scream......drowns out everything.....

SCENE 4-17 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER

=============================================== MON MOTHMA: The storm!

It's reversed course!

HAN: It's heading for the Emperor's ship!! (hits intercom

frantically) Leia! GET OUT OF THERE!! LEIA!!!!

Sound: Groundshaking noise as the storm obliterates the Emperor's

flagship.....and fades into silence.

MON MOTHMA: Scanners? This is Mon Mothma--report!!

SCANNER OFFICER: No sign of.....anything!

HAN: No sign of?! What do you mean?!?

SCANNER OFFICER: Sorry, General Solo. The Emperor's ship,

it's.....it's just gone.

HAN: (voice about to break) No.......oh, no........

THREEPIO: (likewise) Oh, dear. The Princess! Master Luke!!

CHEWBACCA: ROARS IN ANGUISH.

HAN: (hits intercom) LEIA!!!

Sound: Static on the comm channel. A long, breath-holding silence.

And then.....

"This is the...(static).....ase, do you copy? (crackle) This is the

(buzz) ....do you copy?"

HAN: Leia.....?

LEIA: (on comm) Perk up, flyboy!!

HAN: Leia!!

LUKE: (on comm) Don't forget about me!

THREEPIO: Master Luke!!

SCANNER OFFICER: We've got 'em, sir! A small shuttle just coming

into viewscreen!!!

Sound: The Council Chamber explodes with jubilant cheers. Every

voice is raised in celebration.

SCENE 4-18 INT. SHUTTLE COCKPIT

============================================ LUKE: Clear the way,

Pinnacle Base. We're coming home! (turns off comm)

LEIA: The last of the great storm is fading, Luke. Vanishing into

the void....taking the Emperor with it!

Music: The last minute of the End Theme starts up, quietly at

first......

LUKE: One Jedi cannot conquer the galaxy alone. I guess we proved

that. But together, we were a Jedi fire that outshone his evil.

LEIA: Two are more powerful than one. THREE are more powerful than

two.

LUKE: What??

LEIA: I felt another join us, Luke. My third child. He's going to

be a VERY great Jedi.

LUKE: Your child? (happiest we've heard him) This IS the beginning,

Leia. I feel it. GREAT things are coming!! The Jedi Knights WILL rise

again!!!

Music: End Theme hits full volume, on through the closing credits.

THE END

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