THE STAR WARS
BY
GEORGE LUCAS
ROUGH DRAFT
LUCASFILM LTD.
5/74
1. FADE IN:
SPACE
A sea of stars is broken by the vast blue surface of the planet,
Utapau. Five small moons slowly drift into view from the far side
of the planet. The main titles are followed by a roll-up:
Until the recent GREAT REBELLION, the JEDI BENDU were the most
feared warriors in the universe. For one hundred thousand years,
generations of JEDI perfected their art as the personal bodyguards
of the emperor. They were the chief architects of the invincible
IMPERIAL SPACE FORCE which expanded the EMPIRE across the galaxy,
from the celestial equator to the farthest reaches of the GREAT
RIFT.
Now these legendary warriors are all but extinct. One by one
they have been hunted down and destroyed as enemies of the NEW
EMPIRE by a ferocious and sinister rival warrior sect, THE KNIGHTS
OF SITH.
A small silver spacecraft emerges from behind one of the Utapau
moons. The deadly little fightercraft speeds past several of the
moons, until it finally goes into orbit around the FOURTH MOON.
2. WASTELAND - FOURTH MOON - UTAPAU
A harsh gale blows across the bleak grey surface of the Fourth
Moon. The leaden sky presses down on a lone figure, ANNIKIN STARKILLER,
a tall, heavy-set boy of eighteen. He slowly makes his way across
the canyon floor. The heavy winds whip at him and make the going
extremely difficult. His face is covered by a breath mask and
goggles. He stops for a second to adjust the shoulder strap on
his chrome multiplelaser rifle. Something in the sky catches his
eye, and he instictively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from
his belt. He stands transfixed for a few moments, studying the
heavens, then turns and rushes back in the direction from which
he came.
3. SUPPLY HUT - FOURTH MOON - UTAPAU
A spacecraft, half buried in the dust, rests next to the remains
of an abandoned supply shack. Annikin makes his way across the
colorless landscape and rushes into the crumbling building. The
interior of the hut is shabby, but manages to abate the howling
winds. Seated in front of a thermoheater are Annikin's father,
KANE, and his young brother, DEAK. Kane is a large, burly man,
wearing the distinctive robes of a JEDI. Deak is ten years old,
with dusty blond hair and a large scratch on his cheek. Annikin
slams the door and removes his gear. His ruggedly handsome face
is caked with many layers of dust.
ANNIKIN
Dad! Dad!... They've found us!
Deak looks up from a small cube he has been studying. His father
whacks him across the shoulder with a braided wire connector.
KANE
Continue with the problem. Your concentration is worse than your
brother's. (to Annikin) How many?
ANNIKIN
Only one this time. A Banta Four.
KANE
Good. We may not have to repair this old bucket after all. Prepare
yourself.
DEAK
Me too!
KANE
Do you have the answer?
DEAK
I think it's the Corbet dictum: "What is, is without."
Kane smiles. This is the correct answer. Annikin is strapping
on a utility belt with chrome lazerpistols and lazersword. Kane
rises and starts for his equipment.
DEAK (Con't)
Ahhh, Pop...
KANE
Deak, do you feel you're ready?
DEAK
Yes, sir. I've outmarked Annikin in twelve disciplines. I'm as
good...
KANE
All right, son, get your gear.
Deak jumps up with the enthusiasm available only to a ten-year
old and grabs his gear. His father frowns and shakes his head.
4. WASTELAND BLUFF - FOURTH MOON - UTAPAU
Kane Starkiller and his two sons carefully make their way up
a rock bluff overlooking the parked silver SITH spacecraft. Kane
inspects the craft with his electrobinoculars.
KANE
No tracks. Bi-lock hasn't been opened.... Interior systems are
still on....
ANNIKIN
Are we going to wait for him to come out?
KANE
He's not in there.... He's baiting us. I'm surprised they only
sent one this time. We must be wearing them down, or they must
think this knight is something special.... Stay on guard, and
keep hidden. I'm going to work my way across the ridge and call
his bluff. Better we meet in open combat than wait for him to
ambush us.... Keep your guard!
Kane leaves his two sons and moves off along the obscured ridge.
Annikin and Deak watch him intently. Annikin throws down his multiplelazer
rifle in disgust.
ANNIKIN
He should have let me go with him.... He's getting too old to
make an open challenge.
DEAK
He's not too old to realize you'd just get in the way.
Annikin ignores his little brother's remark and sneaks a look
over the ridge at the SITH spacecraft. Kane moves out of the rocks
some distance away and starts toward the starship. Deak moves
to the ridge next to his brother, his chrome lazerrifle sparkling
in the reflected light of Utapau.
DEAK
He's making his move....
ANNIKIN
Watch your guard... and cover that weapon. It shines like a beacon.
Deak reluctantly move away and watches the other direction. Kane
has almost reached the SITH spacecraft and still there is no sign
of its occupant.
DEAK
What's happening?
ANNIKIN
Nothing. I don't like it.
Kane carefully moves to the main hatch of the starship. He kicks
a valve and the hatch drops open with a loud clank and rushing
gas. Annikin becomes more tense as his father carefully moves
inside the spacecraft. Everything is still. Even the continual
winds seem to have died down. Moments pass with no sign of activity
inside the enemy starship. Annikin watches the craft with his
electrobinoculars. The waiting becomes unbearable.
ANNIKIN
Something's happened! He's been in there too long.
DEAK
Let me look! Stand my guard.
Deak takes the electrobinoculars from his brother and studies
the silent spacecraft. Annikin impatiently scans the opposite
horizon.
DEAK
I think the power just went off. We'd better wait here until
someone comes out.
ANNIKIN
What if he needs help?
DEAK
The power went back on again....
With the aid of the electrobinoculars, Deak watches the running
lights of the starship flash on and off. Suddenly, something huge
moves in front of his field of view. Before either of the two
young boys can react, a large, sinister SITH warrior in black
robes and a face mask looms over them. He carries a long lazersword
which cuts young Deak down before he or his brother are able to
raise their weapons. The startled Annikin backs away in horror,
then settles down and ignites his lazersword, which creates an
eerie red glow. He stumbles over rocks as he attempts to avoid
the charging SITH knight. The evil warrior swings his mighty lazersword,
but Annikin manages to deflect the intended deathblow.
Finally, Annikin is able to assume a defensive stance, and the
two warriors stand, sizing up each other. The black knight is
at least seven feet tall, and dwarfs the young JEDI. They stand
for a few moments, almost frozen, then in a flurry of blows, lazerswords
clash with the sound of electric snapping and popping. Annikin
is barely able to hold his own against the experienced knight.
Many blows are exchanged before the SITH warrior is able to back
Annikin up against a deep crevasse. Annikin stumbles and almost
falls over the cliff to his death.
The black knight suddenly senses something behind him and whirls
around to face Annikin's father, Kane Starkiller, a Jedi Bendu
master. The Sith warrior raises his lazersword, but is cut in
two before he can bring it down again. Kane moves to the fallen
black knight, and studies him carefully. Annikin, still a little
wobbly from the whole experience, attempts to stand. Kane sees
his dead son Deak, and goes to him. He lifts him into his arms
and begins to weep. Annikin stands bewildered, watching his father
cradle his dead brother.
5. INTERIOR SITH STARSHIP - WASTELAND CANYON - UTAPAU
Kane Starkiller slides into one of the four seats of the small
Sith starship. Through the front viewing canopy, he watches Annikin
drag his younger brother's body to a small crevasse. Annikin places
a small locket around his brother's neck, makes a complicated
sign with his hand, and dumps the body into the shallow depression.
The giant engines of the spacecraft begin to whine, kicking up
large clouds of dust.
Annikin climbs into the seat beside his father and removes his
breath mask and goggles. There are tears in his eyes. Father and
son look out across the wasteland towards Deak's grave. The thunderous
clap of an explosion is followed by a small mushroom cloud rising
out of the depression. Annikin throws a container down in a fit
of rage.
ANNIKIN
How many more of them are there? I want to finish it, once and
for all! I'm sick of running... When will it stop?
Annikin's father waits silently until his son's tirade is finished.
Annikin sits silently for a few moments.
ANNIKIN (Con't)
I'm sorry.
KANE
Son, plot a course for AQUILAE.
Annikin lights up like a Bantha at feeding time.
ANNIKIN
Aquilae!! You mean we're going home?
KANE
We both need a rest.
Kane pulls back on the throttle, and the powerful spaceship lifts
off the surface of the Fourth Moon of Utapau.
6. CLOUD SEA - ALDERAAN
A title card appears over a sea of billowing clouds on the gaseous
planet of Alderaan:
Alderaan: Capital of the New Galatic Empire.
The towering white oxide clouds pass, revealing the Imperial
city of Alderaan. The magnificent domed and gleaming city is perched,
mushroom-like, on a tall spire, which disappears deep into the
misty surface of the planet. The peacefulness of this nebulous
idyll is broken by the increasing wail of ion engines. Four sleek
stardestroyers, from the Imperial Third Fleet, burst from one
of the huge cumulus range. The craft are flying in a tight formation
as they bank steeply, and head toward the Imperial capital of
the galaxy.
7. INTERIOR OF STARDESTROYER - ALDERAAN
Stardestroyers are two-man space craft crammed with sophisticated
electronic weaponry. The pilot and gunnery officers sit side-by-side,
surrounded by lighted readouts and switches. They wear the gleaming
black uniforms of the Empire.
PILOT
Tok-One to chicks: Shape it up. Let's make it good.
CHICK-ONE
Does that glare bother you?
PILOT
Use your face shield, Chick-One.
The pilot is cold and professional as he maneuvers his craft
closer to the others. The positions of the ships are displayed
on a readout, along with a graphic representation of the city.
The pilot gives the gunner a quick look before he flips his sunshield
over his eyes.
PILOT
Here we go. Count: three, two, one, now!
8. REVIEW STAND - PLAZA OF THE DADERS - ALDERAAN
On a huge, austere platform stands the dark COS DASHIT, Lord
of Alderaan, Consul to the Supreme Tribunal, and ruler of the
Galactic Empire. He is a thin, grey looking man, with an evil
mustache which hangs limply over his insipid lip. Standing at
rigid attention on his right are several generals, dressed in
the black and grey uniform of the realm. Five members of the Supreme
Tribunal sit off to the side. On the emperor's left stands CRISPIN
HOEDAACK, newly appointed Governor of the Aquilaean Systems, a
young, treacherous man with stone-cut, angular features and piercing
grey eyes.
They all gaze skyward, as the four gleaming stardestroyers scream
low overhead in an impressive barrel-roll formation. As the sound
of the spacecraft resonates throughout the glass canyon of the
Plaza, the group of dignitaries return their attention to the
parade of Imperial shock troops, and giant air tanks (which ride
magically two to three feet above the ground).
The Plaza of the Dader is filled with a hundred rows of troops
as the last brigade marches into position. The sound of a thousand
men snapping to attention is followed by a strange silence. A
light wind blows the great red banner of the Empire, creating
a subtle flapping sound. The emperor's amplified voice startles
many of the troops as it cuts through the quiet.
EMPEROR
Upon this battle depends the survival of the Galactic Empire.
Upon this battle depends the life and long continuity of our civilization.
Not since the great Jedi Rebellion has our destiny been placed
in such a balance. This is to be the most magnificent campaign
of all! You have never been called without doing something to
be remembered, something notable and striking. The conquering
of the Aquilaean System, the last of the independent Systems,
and the last refuge of the outlawed, vile
EMPEROR (Cont.)
sect of the Jedi, will have such important and lasting consequences,
that I can't but consider it as an epoch in history.
To the rear of the Plaza, watching the spectacle over the shoulder
of a curious bureaucrat, stands CLIEG WHITSUN, a tall, blond young
man about twenty years old. He seems interested in what the emperor
has to say, but keeps looking around nervously as if someone were
after him. His arm rests across his head, as he carefully but
coolly adjusts a glowing blue ring on his index finger. The emperor
nears the end of his speech.
Crispin Hoedaack has moved up to stand next to the sinister monarch.
The troops shout an Imperial salute in response to a particularly
partisan statement.
EMPEROR (Con't)
... I have personally asked the Aquilaeans to accept this Treaty
of Alliance. During the long period of negotiation, they have
only decided to be undecided. We will barter no longer. Governor
Hoedaack has been appointed the First Lord of the Aquilaean System
and Surrounding Territories. This is the last frontier and the
final stone in the great wall of the Galactic Empire.
The troops cheer, and the emperor escorts Hoedaack inside. Whitsun
moves quickly away from the Plaza, passing through several check
stations, where he is forced to show his identification.
9. NIGHT CLUB - ALDERAAN
Whitsun walks into the glass and chrome splendor of one of the
famous nightclubs of Alderaan. He moves to the long mirrored bar,
and sits next to a rough-looking man, BAIL ANTILLES, dressed in
the distinctive gold and furs of the Galactic traders.
WHITSUN
Your glass is empty.
Whitsun speaks into a small intercom on the bar front.
WHITSUN (Con't)
A dantic and...
He looks in Antilles' glass.
ANTILLES
No thanks, Whitsun. I've had enough.
WHITSUN
Just a dantic then. Bail, it's not like you to refuse a drink.
You're going to give Galactic traders a bad name.
A drink appears magically from a small elevator in the bar. Whitsun
takes it, and then places a pen-like transmitter he has taken
from his pocket, next to the intercom. It creates a low electronic
buzz.
10. BAR OBSERVATION CENTER - ALDERAAN
A controller sitting in front of a row of monitors taps his headphones,
then flips a switch back and forth a couple of times. He is obviously
annoyed.
CONTROLLER
Number eighteen is out again. Give me a maintenance check.
The controller yawns and puts his feet up on the control panel.
11. NIGHTCLUB - ALDERAAN
Whitsun leans in close to Antilles. He is suddenly very serious.
ANTILLES
Whitsun, we've got problems. They've just grounded all spacecraft,
including trade frigates. Even the ships under Imperial registry
can't move. Something big is up.
WHITSUN
I'm afraid they're not waiting for the Allience Treaty. They're
already moving against the System. I've got to get word back.
ANTILLES
The chrome companies are protesting the embargo, but it's going
to take some time.
WHITSUN
Isn't anything moving?
ANTILLES
Military ships, but...
They are interrupted by an Imperial officer, and several storm
troopers. The officer shouts over the P.A. system, as the troops
rush to block the exits. Whitsun and the Galactic trader are tense,
but remain cool.
OFFICER
Attention: all Captains and First Officers of Guild Trade frigates
will accompany me to the Ministry of Transport immediately.
Antilles gives Whitsun a hopeless look as the troops check their
papers, and then take Antilles away. A small fight breaks out
in the back of the nightclub as one of the trader captains expresses
his dislike of the Empire. Whitsun slams his glass to the bar
in a gesture of hate and frustration.
12. GOVERNOR HOEDAACK'S QUARTERS - ALDERAAN
The large, white-on-white executive quarters resound with the
high-pitched laugh of the evil GOVERNOR HOEDAACK. He slaps DARTH
VADER, a tall, grim-looking general, on the back, and the general's
mouth makes the slightest gesture at a smile.
HOEDAACK
Success, I told you. We are no longer under the control of the
Great Families.... We've gained a true advantage.
VANTOS COLL, a member of the Supreme Tribunal, and a man of the
grossest dimensions, appears to be a little worried.
COLL
A rather dangerous advantage. You still have a System to conquer.
HOEDAACK
But this System will bring us more scientific wealth than that
of any other House in the Tribunal. We will easily gain control
of the directorship.
COLL
Don't underestimate the armies of Aquilae. They're lead by a
JEDI.
HOEDAACK
I've told you about Commissioner Lars, General. He worries a
lot.
VADER
It's a myth that any Jedi still exist.
COLL
General Skywalker is no myth. When I first arrived at court,
he was the First Bodyguard to the emperor... He lead the Jedi
Rebellion.
VADER
SEIG DARKLIGHTER lead the Rebellion.
COLL
So the emperor would have you think, but I was there.
VADER
Then why wasn't he hunted down like the others?
COLL
Because he is too dangerous, too clever. Besides, his presence
on Aquilae is still only
a rumor.
HOEDAACK
Then why do you believe it?
COLL
Because I knew him. He's there all right. I can sense it. Mark
my words... Aquilae will not be easily conquered.
13. COURTYARD - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
A low, sleek "landspeeder," (an auto-like transport
which travels a few feet above the ground on a magnetic field),
glides into the courtyard of the palace of Aquilae. The planet
is desert wilderness, but the palace is a sparkling oasis, with
low concrete walls and great turrets spilling over with foliage
from rooftop gardens. The speeder stops before an enormous shaded
corridor. Fountains line the beautiful and highly polished, tiled
walkway. Two young boys, BIGGS (7) and WINDOM (5) are helped out
of the speeder by AMBER, a one-armed bodyguard dressed in the
flowing white robes of the Aquilaean military. The two boys run
through the long corridors, yelling and screaming, their little
footsteps echoing throughout the palace.
14. LIBRARY - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
The palace library is a dim, cool room projecting an aura of
time-worn comfort and security. In the distance, the children
can be heard screaming through the corridors. KING Kayos, silver-haired
but amazingly youthful under a tanned and leathery face, motions
for one of his aidesto shut the partially closed door. He is in
the middle of an emergency meeting of the Aquilaean High Senate.
The twelve men sit in overstuffed chairs, placed in a large circle.
A large, sallow-eyed Galatic trader named AAY ZAVOS fiddles nervously
with a small scrap of leather as he speaks.
ZAVOS
My Lord, the chrome companies are with you in spirit, but you
must understand, they can't openly support you.... Imperial trade
restrictions are very unfavorable, and we of course, favor your
independence.
KAYOS
If there were to be war, would your frigates still supply us?
ZAVOS
Your bluntness is to be commended....It could be arranged.
COUNT SANDAGE, a corrupt noble of the Senate, jumps to his feet
in a rage.
SANDAGE
This is nonsense! We have no choice but to approve the Treaty.
If there is war, the Empire will destroy our entire System with
a snap of the finger. General Skywalker is a dreamer if he thinks
he can mount any meaningful resistance....And you're dreamers
if you believe him. So much trust in one aged man. You must see...
At that moment, all heads turn as someone enters the room. It
is GENERAL LUKE SKYWALKER, Commander of the Aquilaean Starforce.
He is a large man, apparently in his early sixties, but actually
much older. Everyone senses the aura of power that radiates from
this great warrior. Here is a leader: a JEDI general. He looks
weary, but is still a magnificent looking warrior. His face, cracked
and weathered by exotic climates, is set off by a close silver
beard, and dark, penetrating eyes. Sandage is somewhat embarrassed
and quietly sits down.
GENERAL
Is there anyone here so naive he believes the Empire would even
bother negotiating if they were contemplating destruction of this
System? Your Excellencies, this is more than a simple raid on
your resources. You must reach a decision.
MIR NASH, a thin, birdlike senator, turns to the general.
NASH
General Skywalker, war is a serious business... a deadly business.
GENERAL
Procrastination is a deadly business, Senator. War is my business.
Have you approved my defense measures?
The GRANDE MOUFF TARKIN wears the long, black robes of the Aquilaean
religion. He speaks with a high, cracking voice.
TARKIN
An actual war with the Empire is still only a remote possibility.
As a military treatise, your proposal has certain merits, but
in the harsh light of reality, an attack against the Empire appears
to be a somewhat extreme defense.
NASH
You must understand, General, we are interested in avoiding a
war, not starting one.
GENERAL
There are times when offense makes the best defense. If that
Allience Treaty isn't signed, we will need all of the advantage
we can get.
KAYOS
Count Sandage, I want you to head the delegation to Alderaan.
You will leave tomorrow with our answer regarding the Treaty.
My decision will be forthcoming.
The senators whisper among themselves.
KAYOS (Cont.)
All right, then. May the force of others be with you all.
The senators leave in a flurry of hushed conversation. The general
is lost in thought, and remains in his chair. Biggs and Windom
(Windy), the king's two young sons, storm through the existing
senators and rush on to Kayos' lap. The king is obviously very
proud of the two young princes. He throws Biggs into the air,
and then catches him again.
WINDY
Me too! Me too!
BIGGS
LEIA's leaving! Leia's leaving and you gotta say good-bye.
The king picks up Windy and swings him around, then puts him
down.
KAYOS
Okay, whippersnapper, go tell your mother and your sister that
I'm on my way.
The two boys run out of the room and are heard yelling and screaming
down the hallway. The king starts out, but stops in front of the
general.
KAYOS
Luke, my daughter is leaving for the academy at CHATHOS. Won't
you come and wish her well? It would mean a lot to her. She truly
idolizes you, you know. Come on, the war will wait.
GENERAL
Of course. I'm sorry, My Lord. Politics always seem to distress
me.
The general rises, and as they head for the door, Kayos pats
him on the back.
KAYOS
I know, Luke. I feel THE FORCE also.
15. COURTYARD - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
A large, four-seat speeder sits gleaming in the sun-soaked courtyard.
The PRINCESS LEIA, about fourteen years old, possessing a soft
beauty and iron will, is embracing her mother, QUEEN BREHA, a
warm, silver-haired matron. There are tears in the princess' blue
eyes. Biggs and Windy jump around inside the speeder, disrupting
the efforts of the one-armed Amber to pack several plaxiform cases.
Leia embraces the king as he approaches with the general.
LEIA
Oh, Daddy, I'll miss you so.
KAYOS
The semester will be over before you know it. You'll have a grand
time. There are so many new things to learn. I wish I were going.
He gives her a fatherly smile, and she hugs him again. The general
stands rather formally to one side. The princess, her long auburn
hair tied in braids, moves to the general and he bows before her.
GENERAL
May your studies do you honor.
Leia is somewhat embarrassed by the general's formality and can
only manage an awkward smile before returning to her parents at
the speeder.
BREHA
Hurry Leia. You must make it to Yuell before nightfall.
The princess' maids-in-waiting, ALANA, a short, stocky girl,
and MINA, more comely (somewhat the same stature as Leia) with
long dark hair, giggle and straighten Leia's dress before she
enters the speeder. The princess and Mina hug Alana whose giggles
have turned to tears. The two boys scramble out of the speeder
as Amber helps the princess and her maid into the back seat. The
speeder is piloted by a trooper of the First Order. Amber jumps
into the seat beside him, and the speeder starts with a low buzzing
sound. The princess waves to her family, and Mina waves to Alana
as the speeder slowly glides out of the courtyard.
16. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The war room is a mass of glass enclosures, electronic wall displays,
monitors, and computer stations. General Skywalker enters a control
station, followed by a covey of military aides of various ranks.
As the group hurry through the crowded room, men rise and salute
the new arrivals. The general stops before a giant display of
the galaxy. Small symbols flash on and off over various portions
of the big board. The general studies it intently.
GENERAL
MONTROSS!
CAPTAIN MONTROSS, one of the general's aides, snaps to attention.
MONTROSS
Sir!
GENERAL
What's the TQ on this?
MONTROSS
The last frigate to leave the Imperial capital was at twenty-three
forty, Sir.
GENERAL
Have any ships at all left the planet? (to another aide) Check
with the Guild on Norton three.
MONTROSS
At twenty-four hundred, a full battalion of stardestroyers left
for what is projected to be ANCHORHEAD, or a nearby System.
GENERAL
And no word from Whitsun. He should have reported by now. Captain
Prue!
An older, academic looking aide, steps forward.
PRUE
Sir!
GENERAL
What do you make of this?
PRUE
A battalion is invasion force... but the Empire controls that
entire part of the galaxy.... A revolution, maybe. At any rate,
they're going in the wrong direction to be any trouble for us.
The general ponders this for a few moments, then speaks almost
to himself.
GENERAL
I don't know... It doesn't feel good.
MONTROSS
Sir?
GENERAL
Put 'em on alert.
A loud uproar is heard on the far side of the war room. Everyone
turns to see a foreign dressed warrior pushing his way past several
guards and war-room bureaucrats. The warrior, with his long hair
tied in an odd bun on the top of his head, is Kane Starkiller.
He is followed by his son, Annikin, who rudely pushes the pesky
bureaucrats out of the way.
BUREAUCRATS
It's restricted. You'll have to wait...(etc.)
KANE
Get out of my way, boy, before I grind you into the surface...(etc.)
As the dauntless Starkiller approaches the general, the guards
stop in bewilderment as General Skywalker rushes up to the warrior
and embraces him. The two Jedi warriors laugh jubilantly and slap
one another, as the aides and bureaucrats look on in amazement.
GENERAL
Kane Starkiller - you old muscle-rat! What a sight! We heard
that you had been executed.
KANE
So the Empire would like to believe. I've been in the KESSIL
System. You remember little Annikin.
Kane puts his arm around his son, who has been making eyes at
one of the cute young female aides. He bows before the General.
GENERAL
He takes after his mother! (They laugh) It's so good to see you.
KANE
It's wonderful to be with another Jedi again. There are so few
of us left.
The cute aide goes back to her duties, flirting with Annikin
as she passes. The young warrior pinches her on the ass, which
startles her, but she goes on like nothing happened.
GENERAL
What a sight!
The two JEDI stand looking at one another, hardly believing the
other is real. Finally, the general realizes his aides are standing
around, gawking at the duo.
GENERAL (to the aids)
Wake up, gentlemen. You're on alert. Keep me posted on that battalion.
17. CONTROL STATION - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general, Starkiller, and his son enter a small glass enclosed
control office. They sit, and an awkward silence passes as each
man waits for the other to speak.
KANE
I've come for your help.
GENERAL
Anything you ask. You're a JEDI brother. We're one.
KANE
My friend, we've been through much together...I've been through
much since we parted. I've lost much... The Empire has chased
us half way across the galaxy... There is no refuge. One day they
will come here... Take my son as your Padawan Learner. He would
be a Jedi. I've trained him from birth. He's reached the fifth
stage. He fought in the Kessilian civil wars and commanded a Hubble
expedition to the CONE Systems. He's a good boy, Luke, and one
hell of a fighter.
The general looks down, somewhat embarrassed. He scratches his
head, then smiles.
GENERAL
Old friend, you do me too much honor. I was never a match for
you. Why don't you finish his training yourself?
KANE
I'm too old, Luke. I can't go on... You must finish it.
GENERAL
What kind of talk is this? You're not the old Starkiller I remember.
Too old?!?
Starkiller suddenly ignites in a rage and swings his left forearm
down with a mighty blow across the solid chrome desk the general
is-sitting-on. The old JEDI warrior's forearm cracks in two, spewing
forth wires, and many fine multicolored electronic components.
The artificial limb flops lifelessly to Starkiller's side. The
warrior rips open his tunic, revealing a plastic chest stuffed
with flashing electric parts.
KANE (angrily)
I'm not the same. There is nothing left but my head and right
arm... I've lost too much, Luke...I'm dying.
The general bows his head in sorrow for one of the greatest warriors
in the galaxy and a dear friend.
GENERAL
I'm sorry...
KANE
I'm sorry. I keep losing control. I'm very tired...Take my son!
The JEDI-BENDU must survive. We must pass it on. Only a JEDI can
stop the Empire. We're very old, Luke. A new generation of JEDI
must be started. Take him; teach him the way of the JEDI-BENDU...
Captain Montross bursts into the office and somewhat excitedly
salutes the general.
MONTROSS
Sir, we have picked up something! An asteroid, or solid comet
moving away from the Anchorhead System.
18. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general rushes out of the control station and back to the
giant Galactic display. He is followed by Montross, Starkiller
and his son.
GENERAL
Are you sure it's not the battalion?
MONTROSS
A solid object. It's as big as our Third Moon.
PRUE
It's too large to be man-made, and it's too slow to be a comet.
GENERAL
Analysis?
MONTROSS
It's too far out.
GENERAL
I'll be with the king. Report as soon as you can get a reading
on it. (turning to Kane's son) Captain Starkiller, from now on
you stick close to me.
The older Starkiller smiles, and puts his good arm around his
old friend.
19. DINING CHAMBER - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
King Kayos moves his arm around BREHA's waist as they stand on
a balcony watching the giant twin suns of Aquilae disappear behind
a distant dune range. The general enters, rather in a rush, followed
by the young Starkiller, who is now dressed in the white uniform
of the Aquilaean starforce. (He still wears the distinctive Kessilian
hair knot.) They bow before the king.
KAYOS (pointing to the suns)
Aren't they beautiful, General? "Always and never the same."
You're just in time for dinner.
GENERAL
I have come for other reasons. Could....
KAYOS
Relax, General. We will discuss it, but over dinner. There are
times, Luke, when I find you a bit too rigid. Is this your new
disciple?
Starkiller is ill at ease and bows again.
STARKILLER
Annikin Starkiller, Sir.
KAYOS
Where's Kane?
GENERAL
He left for the spaceport at GORDON to visit an old friend, Han
Solo, the Ureallian.
KAYOS
We are becoming quite a refuge.
The group sits at a large table, and food is brought in by servants.
They eat. Starkiller is nervous and watches the general, to make
sure he is being proper.
GENERAL
My Lord, several events have occurred which lead me to believe
we are in imminent danger of attack. There is no longer time for
discussion and debate...
KAYOS
What events?
GENERAL
Whitsun, our best agent, has disappeared in the Imperial capital.
There is unusual military traffic in the S-4 sectors...
KAYOS
Unless you have direct, concrete proof of a pending attack, there
is nothing I can do.
GENERAL
By the time we have proof, it may be too late.
KAYOS
Luke, I'm leaving tonight for AMSEL. I'm meeting with the full
assembly first thing in the morning. I am not going to approve
the Alliance Treaty, and I will get your defense measure approved.
Just be patient. You will have the war code.
GENERAL
Tomorrow may be too late. My Lord, I need the war code now. We
must get our forces into space.
KAYOS
But it must be done legally, with everyone's approval. Tomorrow
you will have that. I doubt the Empire would attack before receiving
our answer. The separation of war powers is the one condition
upon which you assumed command of our forces. You're a friend,
Luke, and I trust you. But you're also an outlander who controls
a great deal of power. I can't forsake my oath any more than you
can. Just be patient. You will have the code tomorrow.
Captain Montross enters the large chamber and bows before the
king.
MONTROSS
I bring a report to General Skywalker, My Lord.
KAYOS
You may deliver it.
MONTROSS
Sir, the asteroid has disappeared from our scopes. There is no
trace of it.
GENERAL
Were they able to analyze it?
MONTROSS
It never came within range, Sir.
The general rises, quickly followed by Starkiller.
GENERAL
Excuse us, My Lord. We'd better get back. I will wait patiently
for the approval.
The general and Montross exit the chamber. Starkiller takes one
last bite of his dinner, then dashes after his mentor.
20. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general sits rigidly, facing the big Galactic display board.
Several aides and bureaucrats rush to and fro, ignoring the general.
He is asleep. Captain Prue approaches the general and snaps to
attention. The general's eyes open.
GENERAL
What are the results?
PRUE
Negative, Sir.
GENERAL
Are you sure?
PRUE
Absolutely.
GENERAL
It's just not possible. Something that size can't just disappear
without a trace...Check it again.
PRUE
That's the tenth negative, Sir.
GENERAL
I said check it again.
Captain Prue retreats to a computer station. The general looks
around for Starkiller.
GENERAL
Starkiller!
Everyone near the general turns, but Starkiller doesn't show.
GENERAL
Where is that boy? Montross!
Montross rushes to the general and snaps to attention.
GENERAL
Page Starkiller.
Montross goes back to his station and a few moments later, Starkiller
is paged over the P.A. system. The general waits, watching the
big board. Eventually, Starkiller stumbles out of an enclosed
computer closet, fastening his pants and tucking in his tunic.
A moment later, the cute female aide rather sheepishly exits the
computer closet. She is also in the process of putting her uniform
back together. Starkiller rushes up to the general and snaps to
attention.
The general lets him stand there for a moment, not acknowledging
his presence; then, suddenly, without warning and in one masterful
flash motion, the general stands, grabs a small baton attached
to his belt (which immediately ignites into a four-foot glowing
lazersword,) and swings at the young warrior's head. In an equally
quick movement, Starkiller ignites his lazersword and blocks the
general's blow. Everyone in the war room is surprised and startled.
After a moment, they rush to the general. Starkiller and the general
stand motionless for a few moments, with lazerswords locked in
mid-air, creating a low buzzing sound. Finally, the general grins,
and Starkiller hesitantly relaxes. They lower their swords and
turn them off.
GENERAL
You are trained well, but remember, a JEDI must be single-minded,
a discipline your father obviously never learned, hence your existence.
Clean yourself up. Discipline is essential. Your mind must follow
the way of the BENDU.
STARKILLER
It won't happen again, Sir. There are many new....
P.A.
General Skywalker, white com.
The general moves to a control station and picks up a phone.
PHONE VOICE
Sir, Captain Whitsun has just been admitted to Med Vac.
GENERAL
What's his condition?
PHONE VOICE
No data, Sir.
GENERAL
I'm on my way.
21. MED VAC EMERGENCY ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS
Captain Starkiller waits in an outer chamber as General Skywalker
rushes into the Med Vac emergency room where several doctors are
working on the prostrate Whitsun.
GENERAL
What's his condition? Is he conscious?
DOCTOR
Partially. He's be all right - a few bruises, primary exhaustion....
Whitsun thrashes around in a semi-conscious state. He sees the
general.
GENERAL
What happened, boy? What's going on?
WHITSUN (with difficulty)
The Imperial Starforce is already on its way, not far behind
me... They're going to attack.
GENERAL
Are you sure?
WHITSUN
I have tapes...A giant space fortress....
He struggles to give General Skywalker his ring.
GENERAL
As big as our Third Moon?
WHITSUN
Bigger. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Sophisticated deflection
systems.... work in opposition to the suns.
GENERAL
They will show up on our screens at sunrise. They'll attack before
that.
The general rushes into the outer chamber where Captain Starkiller
is waiting for him.
GENERAL
Take the fastest landspeeder to CHATHOS. Pick up Princess Leia...
and only Princess Leia. Return by way of the Great Reef. Most
speed.
Starkiller exits and the general goes to an intercom and pushes
several buttons.
GENERAL
Montross.
MONTROSS
Sir!
GENERAL
Full alert....everything! Get the Royal Family back here.
MONTROSS
The princess is at CHATHOS. There are no transports....
GENERAL
I've already sent Captain Starkiller for her! Contact the king,
first priority. He's probably still en route to AMSEL. Use the
scan com. I'm on my way.
22. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The war room is on full alert. Everyone is at attention, waiting
for the command that will put them into action. The general enters
a communication center, followed by many aides. Captain Montross
and the com aide salute.
MONTROSS
We're having a problem getting through, Sir. There is a great
deal of interference.
PRUE
It could be jamming.
GENERAL
Try a surface link through AMSEL.
The aides go back to the com-link system to try to get a line
through to the king.
PRUE
We should be able to spot them at sunrise....That's not too far
off.
GENERAL
They'll attack with sunrise. Until the king gives us that code
to start the war computers, we'll just have to sit tight.
PRUE
All units are on alert, Sir.
GENERAL (to Montross)
Have you made contact yet? (to himself) This is one hell of a
way to run a war.
PRUE
Sir?
23. COURTYARD - ACADEMY OF CHATHOS - AQUILAE
A landspeeder roars into a courtyard of the Academy at Chathos.
Starkiller jumps out, and runs up to the large, heavy doors of
the academy. They are locked. He bangs madly on the carved metallic
door, until finally an old woman manages to swing it open. Starkiller
rushes past her into the main courtyard where Princess Leia and
her hand-maiden, Mina, struggle with two large cases. They are
followed by two very old matrons, dragging several more cases.
STARKILLER
Forget the cases - we've no time.
LEIA
These are my things. They must...
STARKILLER
I said forget them, and hurry...
LEIA
Just who do you think you are?
Starkiller grabs the princess by the arm, and hauls her to the
speeder. Mina and the old women run after them.
LEIA
I will not be treated like this! You bring my things.... My father
will have your head... (etc.)
Leia struggles to break away from the young warrior's grasp as
he opens the door of the speeder.
STARKILLER
Settle down!
When the door to the speeder is opened, Mina starts in, and Starkiller
stops her.
STARKILLER
You must stay. Here, take the Crest.
Starkiller rips the royal crest from the princess' neck, and
hands it to the startled handmaiden. The old women gasp in horror.
The princess starts hitting Starkiller with little result.
PRINCESS
Mina's not staying...I'm not leaving her. You can't....
Starkiller punches her square on the jaw and knocks her cold.
Mina is panic stricken, one of the old women faints, and another
starts for Starkiller with a large staff.
STARKILLER
She'll be all right. I'm taking her to safety...
as ordered. You will wear the crest and continue as before.
The authority of Starkiller's voice stops the old lady. He places
the princess into the speeder, and maneuvers it out of the courtyard.
Mina puts on the crest as the speeder races away from the academy.
24. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
Queen Breha, Biggs and Windy are escorted into a rest area of
the war room. General Skywalker sits rigidly in a chair in the
communications area, apparently asleep.
MONTROSS
Sir, we've made contact!
The general opens his eyes and takes the intercom mike.
KAYOS
What is it, General?
GENERAL
The Empire will attack on the rising of the sun. My agent made
it back. I now have proof. I need the war code...
KAYOS
I'll relay it directly to the computer. Is Breha...?
GENERAL
The Royal Family is safe. Starkiller has gone after Princess
Leia...
KAYOS
I'm on my way back.
25. RED PLAINS - AQUILAE
The small caravan of four speeders sits motionless on the vast
red plains of Aquilae. The king returns the intercom to the pilot
and takes a small metallic card from around his neck and gives
it to the co-pilot.
KAYOS
Send this sub-land, priority one. (to the pilot) Get us back
to CALVAS immediately!
The four speeders turn around and scream away in the direction
they had come. They pass a huge ultrasleek powerplow, planting
green fungus in endless furrows. Two clay-covered farmers, riding
atop the ponderous machine, watch the speeders disappear over
the horizon, and into the rising twin suns. A bright object, twinkling
in early morning heavens, catches the eye of the older of the
two farmers, and he brings the machine to a lumbering halt. The
younger farmer also notices the object, and stares skyward, shading
his eyes to get a better view.
Suddenly there is a huge, bright atomic flash on the horizon.
A few moments later, a thunderous shaking, followed by high winds,
tumbles the older farmer from his perch. A second flash on the
opposite horizon brings another jolting earthquake, and the younger
farmer collapses, terror frozen on his face.
26. READYROOM - SPACEPORT OUTPOST - AQUILAE
Chaos. Red scramble lights are flashing. Alert horns and attack
buzzers create an unbelievable cacophony. Air warriors, with the
distinctive circle and cross medallion on their white space suits,
scramble out of the low, concrete readyroom, grabbing helmets
and spacepacks as they race out of the door.
27. ATTACK RUNWAY - SPACEPORT OUTPOST - AQUILAE
Twelve pilots and navigators dash in unison to a line of waiting
two-man starships of the destroyer class. Ground crews scurry
back and forth, loading last-minute armament, and unlocking power
couplings. PILOT LEADER, a rugged, handsome boy of twenty, gives
his ground crew a signal that his is okay. He has a winning smile
and a distinctive scar along the side of his face. His crew chief
pats him on the back.
CHIEF
Knock them all the way back to Alderaan.
The canopy is closed and the powerful starship moves onto the
runway. Other crewmen say good-bye to their pilots, some grin,
some kidding - all with a great deal of hidden emotion. The din
of two dozen retrorockets cuts through the uproar, and six silver
spacecraft leave the runway, and disappear into the morning cloud
cover.
28. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general stands before a giant display of the Aquilaean solar
system. Montross signals the general.
MONTROSS
They're away, Sir. Six from Gordon. All other spaceports were
hit. The king hasn't arrived yet.
GENERAL
Keep checking. Put those fighters' intercom over the P.A.
The general sits at one of the intercom panels, and puts on a
headphone. A row of monitors is before him. He turns to Montross.
GENERAL
Where are they?
29. SPACE - AQUILAE IN ECLIPSE
The eerie, reddish-yellow planet of Aquilae slowly drifts into
view from total eclipse. A small, bright speck, orbiting
the planet, sparkles in the light of the twin suns. The six deadly
Aquilaean starships settle ominously into the fore-
ground, moving swiftly toward the orbiting speck. As the sleek
starships move closer, the orbiting speck is revealed to be a
gargantuan space fortress. The moon-sized satellite fortress dwarfs
the approaching fighters. Every few moments, explosions create
blinding flashes on the planet's surface, as the fortress bombards
the planet with a fusillade of lazer bolts.
30. AQUILAEAN STARSHIP - INTERIOR
Pilot Leader, in the first ship, signals to his navigator who
sits in a small, isolated glass bubble to the rear of the craft.
General Skywalker is seen on one of many monitors. A view of the
space fortress is on another. The rest are filled with various
computer readouts and displays. One of the other starships reports
to Pilot Leader.
DEVIL SIX (intercom)
Look at the size of that thing! Hey, Bowman, I hope you remembered
to bring your pop gun, 'cause I think we caught us a big one this
time....
PILOT LEADER
Cut off, Devil Six....Stand by.
GENERAL (monitor)
It looks like they're still using the basic quad-tristation configuration.
Use a "ranger defense." Concentrate on breath ports
and lock areas.
PILOT LEADER
Affirmative base...Copy and transmit....Devil Two, check your
rotation plates.
DEVIL TWO
Roger, Boss. We're getting a threshold disturbance on gyro-three.
GENERAL (monitor)
Switch over, Five, cover it! ...Devil pack, generate a spread
six formation...May the force of others protect you.
PILOT
Settle in...Devil pack, stand by. Mark five...break off. Here
we go. God save us all.
31. SPACE - AQUILAEAN STARSHIP
Fuel pods are jettisoned. The half-dozen fighters break off into
a powerline attack on the huge fortress. Multiple lazerbolts streak
from the starships, creating small explosions on the complex surface
of the fort.
32. INTERIOR MAIN CORRIDOR - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
The chaos of battle echoes through the vast corridors of the
fortress. Walls buckle and cave in, sucking debris and personnel
into the vacuum of outer space. Alarm sirens scream as soldiers
scramble to large turbo-powered laser gun emplacements. Sergeants
yell orders through the smoke and confusion. Men and robots of
various shapes and sizes run to their battle stations.
33. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The monitors with pictures from the starships suddenly go blank.
Technicians check channels as others in the war room silently
listen to the action over the intercom. The general remains calm,
but concerned.
PILOT LEADER (intercom)
Tighten it up... Devil Two, tighten it up. Watch those towers....
DEVIL TWO (CHEWIE)
Heavy fire, Boss. Twenty-three degrees.
PILOT LEADER
I see it. Pull in... we're picking up some interference.
DEVIL SIX
Wow, I've never seen such fire power.
PILOT LEADER
Pull in, Devil Two...Pull in! Chewie???!!
DEVIL TWO (CHEWIE)
I'm all right, Boss. I've got a target.
DEVIL SIX
There is too much action, Chewie. Get out!
PILOT LEADER
Break off, Chewie....Acknowledge. Devil Six, can you see Devil
Two?
DEVIL SIX
I've lost him. There's a very heavy fire zone on this side. My
radar's jammed.
DEVIL FIVE
He's gone....no, wait. There he is...Fin damage, but he's all
right.
A sigh of relief sweeps across the war room. The monitors flash
on, then off again.
DEVIL FOUR (intercom)
Watch your back, Boss! Watch your back!!
34. AQUILAEAN STARSHIP
The speedy little fighters dart back and forth across the soft
underbelly of the fortress, leaving a trail of destruction behind
them.
PILOT LEADER
Converge on south axis point, point three nine four. It appears
accessible. I'm going to map the surface. Devil Four, cover me!
Pilot Leader and Devil Four dive in unison through a forest of
radar domes, antennae, and gun towers. Devil Four fires into the
protrusions as the two starships criss-cross the surface of the
fortress. Suddenly, a dense barrage of lazerfire erupts from a
tower, catching Devil Four broadside. The spacecraft bursts into
a million flaming pieces. Pilot Leader reacts to the loss of his
wing man, but continues on his mission.
35. SUB-HALLWAY - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
Constant explosions rock the interior of the fortress. Civilians,
including women and children, scurry for safety in the panic-ridden
hallways. Two construction robots, ARTWO DETWO (R2D2) and See
Threepio (C3P0), are blown, slipping and sliding across the hallway
floor into some freight canisters. Both robots are rather old
and battered. ARTWO is a short, (three feet) claw-armed tri-pod.
His face is a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar eye.
THREEPIO is a tall, gleaming android of human proportions. He
is thin, with a totally metallic surface of an Art Deco design.
The robots attempt to get out from under the canisters, but rushing
gas from a broken pipe keeps knocking them over.
THREEPIO
This is madness; we're going to be destroyed. I'm still not accustomed
to space travel.
ARTWO
The external bombardment does appear to be concentrated in this
area. The structure has exceeded the normal stress quotient by
point four, although there appears to be no immediate danger.
THREEPIO
No immediate danger! You're faulty. This is madness!
Artwo gives Threepio a sheepish look and clings to a siderail
for dear life, as debris flies through the hallway.
36. AQUILAEAN STARSHIP
Devil Two (Chewie), a young hotshot of about sixteen years, miraculously
dives his ship through a virtual wall of lazer fire, and blasts
a huge radar disc into dust. Chewie signals his navigator, who
lets out a whooping cheer, as the craft veers into a victory roll.
PILOT LEADER
Great moves, Chewie. Regroup at point two, zero one. Coincide,
Devil Six.
GENERAL
Mace, your map projection shows a weak point at south portal:
niner point six. Concentrate the attack on that point. Coordinate.
PILOT LEADER
I see it... It looks good.
Devil Five and Devil Three bob and weave in formation toward
a giant transformer jutting from the fort's surface.
DEVIL THREE
I've got a... We're hit. We're hit.
PILOT LEADER
Eject... Eject. Babs, Babs, do you read?
DEVIL THREE
I'm okay. I can hold it. Clear me a little, Devil Five... Watch
it! Watch it!
Devil Three wobbles a little, then drops away sharply, plowing
into a lazergun emplacement, causing a hideous series of chain
reaction explosions.
37. SUB-HALLWAY - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
A huge explosion rips a large hole in the ceiling of a subhallway.
Artwo and Threepio are in a state of shock as they scramble through
the rubble. There is a constant sound of creaking and snapping
as the sections of the hallway resettle in the fortress superstructure.
ARTWO
You're a mindless, useless philosopher... Come on! Let's go back
to work; the system is all right.
THREEPIO
You overweight glob of grease. Quit following me. Get away. Get
away.
Suddenly, the hallway lurches, and a dead trooper falls through
a gaping hole in the ceiling. The foot of the carcass is caught
in the rubble and it hangs upside down, staring at the two robots.
Artwo grabs Threepio, and they cling to each other in terror.
ARTWO
We're lost. We're destroyed.
Three sharp blasts from an airhorn send the two androids running
for cover in a burned-out doorway. Five grim-faced troopers riding
small rocket platforms pass the two mechanical men.
38. GOVERNOR'S QUARTERS - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
The five troopers race through several hallways, and finally
stop in front of an important looking office complex. Two officers
dismount and enter the complex. They pass through several heavily
guarded doorways until they reach the main chamber. Seated behind
a large, cluttered desk surrounded by generals and attaches is
Governor Hoedaack. General Vader paces in front of a row of blank
monitors. The two officers salute General Vader.
FIRST OFFICER
All com-link power is out. Twenty-two transformer sections have
been destroyed. The situation is grave on all southern levels.
Com-link communication should be repaired shortly.
The officers salute, turn and leave the chamber. The general turns
to Governor Hoedaack, who looks a little worried.
VADER
Don't look so worried. Not even a JEDI could penetrate this fortress...We've
already wiped out most of their forces.
HOEDAACK
If it goes on too long, we'll run over budget. When do the landings
begin?
VADER
As soon as the attack has been broken: not long.
A short, stocky attache salutes the general.
ATTACHE
Contamination has set in on quadrants B-5 and R-4. All sections
are sealed. We've lost two major power stations in the southern
quadrants. That puts section 5-1 in serious trouble.
The general turns away in controlled anger and embarrassment.
39. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general sits in a glass enclosed computer station, watching
the battle progress on several monitors. An officer enters and
salutes the general.
OFFICER
Analysis reports those ZQ configurations are definitely power
transformers...Everything in the southern sectors of the fortress
is out.
GENERAL SKYWALKER
I'm surprised they are still using external power units. It's
a definite weak point. Concentrate on searching for the main crosslink
transformer.
The officer exits as Montross rushes in.
MONTROSS
The senate has voted to end the war.
GENERAL
They can't do anything without the king's approval; which gives
us a little time...Have you been able to regain contact with the
king?
MONTROSS
No, Sir. All ground communications are jammed.
GENERAL
Send four men..from third squad, to meet the king, and escort
him back. Let me know before he arrives. Is Starkiller back with
the princess?
MONTROSS
No, Sir. They're long overdue.
Pilot Leader checks in over the intercom.
PILOT LEADER
All right, base one, we're in position.
An officer with headphones looks to the general. He signals to
attack.
40. AQUILAEAN STARSHIPS
All four starships dive in formation toward a main transformer
area, flanked by several solar towers.
PILOT LEADER
Hold your fire until we're within point zero five four... Make
it count.
Several ack-ack lazers begin to open fire on the approaching
spacecraft. The starships direct their fire at a large black transformer,
which when hit, spurts bright blue and white electrical arcs.
One of the starships (Devil Five) explodes and careens out of
formation, leaving an erratic trail of smoke, before eventually
crashing into a solar panel.
41. SUB-HALLWAYS - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
The impact of the exploding starship can be felt throughout the
giant fortress. The tall, gleaming Threepio races through several
corridors, yelling at Artwo, who struggles vainly to keep pace
with his stubby mechanical feet.
THREEPIO
....I don't care what you do, but I'm getting out. All the power's
out. Those explosions are coming from the reactor section. This
is the end. Abandon ship.
ARTWO
Our work - we can't leave! It's desertion. It's not possible.
It's not possible.
THREEPIO
Your programming is so limited. My first order is preservation.
You stay. I'm going to eject before the whole thing goes up.
Threepio breaks open the seal on an emergency lifepod. A red
warning light begins to flash, and a low hum is heard. The lanky
chrome android works his way into the cramped four-man craft.
ARTWO
These lifepods aren't for us! It's not right!
A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris
through the narrow passageway. Flames lick at the two robots.
The runt-sized Artwo jumps into the lifepod.
ARTWO
It's the end. Eject. Eject.
The safety door snaps shut, and the pod ejects from the fortress.
42. AQUILAEAN STARSHIPS
The terrified androids in the lifepod speed away from the fortress,
and pass the attacking starships.
DEVIL TWO
Object approaching. Attack bearing...
DEVIL FOUR
It's a lifepod. Forget it. We've got...
Devil Four is hit by lazer fire, and disintegrates, leaving a
trail of flaming particles. The two remaining craft continue the
assault. Chewie and Pilot Leader watch the remains of Devil Four
disappear. The general appears over one of the monitors.
GENERAL
Analysis indicates transformer code zero three is the main relay.
Hit it, and the whole thing goes dead.
PILOT LEADER
We're on our way.
43. GOVERNOR'S QUARTERS - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
A row of monitors and the main overhead lights go on, and a trooper
appears on one of the screens.
TROOPER
Internal relays operative. All power restored. All contaminated
areas sealed.
An officer appears on another monitor.
OFFICER
Only two enemy craft remain operative. We calculate victory by
zero three hundred.
General Vader switches to another monitor.
VADER
Alert the invasion forces. (turning to the governor). The planet
is ours. A three hour war. You expected longer. JEDI or not, we've
beaten him, and the culture is intact.
HOEDAACK
A truly great prize for the Empire. They have a treasure of biotic
science. Genetics, cloning - they've added twohundred years to
a lifespan. Remember, you must capture at least one member of
the Royal Family alive. The Aquilae family has ruled this system
for ten thousand years. The people will follow no other. If the
royal line is broken, there is a good chance the entire population
will destroy themselves and their knowledge before submitting
to our rule.
The general is interrupted by a call on one of the monitors.
OFFICER (on monitor)
We've received a message from the planet....
44. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
General Skywalker watches a giant computer display of the space
fortress mapped by the starships. An aide approaches.
AIDE
Sir! The king's convoy has destroyed at CALDIN. All the bodies
were contaminated.
GENERAL
I will audience with the queen.... Who knows of this?
AIDE
Many. It came through civilian sources.
GENERAL
Confine Senator Sandage to his quarters. Use any pretext. Where
is the senator now?
Sandage and several other senators enter the computer station.
SANDAGE
Right here, General...It's over. We've already relayed peace
terms to the Empire, and they've been accepted. Your war has ended.
The general is angry and stands pointing at the senators. They
jump back, as if the general were pointing a gun at them.
GENERAL
Senator, this war isn't over. It's just begun. I take my commands
from the Royal Family.
SANDAGE
The queen concurs. I have her written decree. It is to be implemented
immediately..... I order you to cease the attack.
GENERAL
Not likely...
SANDAGE
Treason? Revolution? The people won't follow you, General...nor
will your troops. I suggest you follow your orders.
General Skywalker stands angrily pondering the situation. Sandage
and the other senators are tense, a little afraid that he might
cut them down on the spot.
SANDAGE
Well, General?
45. LIFEPOD - SKY OVER AQUILAE
The reddish-yellow mass of Aquilae seems to engulf the tiny lifepod
containing the two fleeing androids.
ARTWO
It's desertion. They'll destroy us. How could this happen?
THREEPIO
That's funny. The damage doesn't look as bad from out here.
46. AQUILAEAN STARSHIPS
Pilot Leader and Devil Two make a second dive on the now smoldering
transformer area. All firing from the fortress suddenly stops.
Pilot Leader looks back to his navigator, who is equally puzzled.
The two fighters continue to attack the now silent fortress.
CHEWIE (Devil Two)
I don't get it. What do you think, Boss?
General Skywalker appears on the monitors.
GENERAL (with difficulty)
Base one to Devil Leader...Scramble code niner. Break your attack,
and return to base. Repeat, break your attack. Confirm.
PILOT LEADER
They're hurt, Sir, but they still have power. We should finish....
GENERAL
Break off. The war is over. Run on white lights. Get back here,
Mace. We're going to need you.
PILOT LEADER
Confirmed, base one. We're on our way. Did you copy, Chewie?
DEVIL TWO
Roger, Boss.
The two starfighters break off the attack and start back toward
the planet. Without warning, the fort directs con-
centrated fire at the two starfighters. Devil Two instantly bursts
into flames, then disintegrates. Pilot Leader's tail section is
hit, and the ship pinwheels toward the planet. Blood covers Pilot
Leader's immobile face.
PILOT LEADER'S NAVIGATOR
We're under fire...They're still shooting. I thought it was over.
We're hit! We're hit! Pilot is dead.... Ejecting.
The dead "Pilot Leader" is jettisoned free of the craft,
but the navigator's eject panel is dead. He struggles with it,
then bangs on the canopy to no avail. The navigator is still trapped
in the craft when it explodes, leaving only a puff of pink smoke
reflected in the rim light of the planet.
47. DESERT NEAR OUTPOST - AQUILAE
Pilot Leader's dead body drifts toward his arid motherplanet.
Automatic rockets kick-in occasionally, to direct and soften the
landing. Two grey-clad troopers stand next to a military "landspeeder;"
watching the descending airwarrior through electrobinoculars.
Mace's corpse hits the ground rather hard, creating a whirlwind
of dust, and the two troopers rush over to the pilot. The younger
of the two troopers, a young boy in his teens, cradles the dead
starpilot in his arms and begins to cry.
48. WAR ROOM - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
General Skywalker sits alone, meditating in the deserted war
room. Montross approaches the contemplative general.
MONTROSS
No sign of Starkiller or the princess. There was much damage
in that area... The queen will see you at ten hundred.
The general doesn't reply.
49. ASSEMBLY - DEPARTURE AREA - IMPERIAL SPACE FORTRESS
General Vader stands behind a row of men at computer control
panels. A commander reports to the general.
COMMANDER
All enemy craft destroyed. First and fifth division, troops and
equipment standing by.
The general gives a sly smile of approval and takes a microphone
from one of the computer technicians. He speaks to the troops
and pilots waiting in their huge war machines for the invasion
order.
VADER
The war is won. With the conquering of this System we have ushered
in a new millenium for the Empire; which will echo throughout
the universe. Our reward is the knowledge this system possesses.
This planet must be controlled with a minimum of force, but you
must not think lightly of this enemy. They have exacted a heavy
toll. Today you will make the Empire complete. Do so with pride
and care.
Vader puts down the mike, and turns to his commander.
GENERAL
Let the invasion begin.
50. EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA - AQUILAE
JUNDLAND, or "no man's land," where the rugged desert
mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro robots
kick up clouds of dust as they clumsily work their way across
the desert coastline. The short Artwo struggles desperately to
keep up with the long-legged Threepio.
ARTWO
It's not possible. We're not built for this. You're nothing more
than a dim-witted, emotion-brained intellectual. Why you were
created is beyond my logic systems. Thanks to you, we're deserters,
and will probably be destroyed on sight. And on top of that, you're
going the wrong way! All this filth is getting....
The towering Threepio stops short and turns on the blabbering
mechanical runt.
THREEPIO
I've had enough of you, you pragmatic, near-sighted scrap pile.
You go your own way.
He picks up the tiny robot and tosses him several feet into a
large sand dune. Threepio starts off in the direction of the dune
sea. Artwo struggles to his feet, and shakes a metallic claw arm
at his disappearing ex-partner.
ARTWO
You'll be malfunctioning within a day. You're going the wrong
way, but your way is always the wrong way.
Threepio stops and yells to the smaller android.
THREEPIO
And don't let me catch you following me, begging for help, because
you won't get it from me.
Artwo's reply is a rather rude sound, which only an electronic
person could make. He turns and trudges off in the opposite direction
into the rocky desert mesas.
51. DUNE SEA - AQUILAE
Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a dune,
only to find more dunes, which seem to go on for endless miles.
He looks back in the direction he came.
THREEPIO
You little malfunctioning twerp. This is all your fault. You
tricked me into going this way, but you'll do no better!
He sits in a huff of anger and frustration, knocking the sand
from his joints.
52. DESERT MESA - AQUILAE
Artwo stumbles through a narrow canyon until he climbs over a
small boulder and sees before him a sight he first thinks is a
mirage. Nestled in a rock formation is a deserted land-
speeder. Once the little robot is convinced that he is alone,
he approaches the battered speeder and begins to analyze it. He
climbs into the pilot's seat, and attempts to start the unfamiliar
transport. He hears a sound, and stops for a moment. He sees nothing,
so he continues to fiddle with the control panel until the speeder
lurches forward with a start, banging into a large rock. The stubby
android is shaken, but neither he, nor the speeder, seems to be
damaged.
Shivers run down Artwo's metal spine, and again he has an eerie
feeling that he is being watched. He slowly looks around, and
sees a large man, Captain Starkiller, standing directly behind
him. He is startled, then terrified.
STARKILLER
Where is your master?
The little robot clicks and rattles, but doesn't speak.
STARKILLER (Con't)
Can't you speak? How do you relate your data? You're of Karollian
manufacture... You should be able to talk. Are you damaged?
Starkiller pokes at the machine, but doesn't see any damage.
Artwo eyes him suspiciously. The robot turns with a start and
discovers a young girl, Princess Leia, has been standing next
to him for some time.
PRINCESS (sarcastic)
Well, General, who's your friend?
STARKILLER
I don't know. He doesn't seem to be able to talk. Damaged, probably....Jettisoned
from a damaged ship...
PRINCESS
What do you intend to do with it?
STARKILLER
We'll take it with us. Could be a storehouse of valuable information.
Starkiller guides the android into the small luggage area behind
the front seat, then hops into the driver's seat.
PRINCESS
I don't want to ride with that hing. I order you to destroy it
immediately.
STARKILLER
Get in! We've got to hurry if we're going to get across the "dunehedge"
by nightfall... You're coming, one way or the other. Will you
join us peaceably?
The princess reluctantly gets into the speeder, and it starts
with a jolt.
53. LANDSPEEDER - DESERT MESAS - AQUILAE
The speeder flies along, a foot or so above the landscape.
PRINCESS
You are such a barbarian. I'll have my father cut you into little
pieces when we get back...and I'll take pleasure in feeding you
to the GONTHAS....a little bit each day. I may save your eyes
though. I'll have them petrified and made into a necklace.
STARKILLER
Your sweetness is only surpassed by your beauty. Just try to
remember, I'm only following orders.
PRINCESS
... to beat me and abuse me?
STARKILLER
I'm afraid I've only learned one way to treat wild animals.
Artwo thrashes about, trying to relieve the pressure on his crumped
legs.
PRINCESS
You stay out of this.
54. DUNE SEA
Threepio struggles to the top of a large dune. He is dirty and
hot. His plight seems hopeless. He searches the horizon for any
sign of life. A glint of reflected light in the distance, reveals
an object speeding toward him. The chrome android waves frantically,
and yells at the approaching speeder. The sleek landspeeder races
past him about a hundred yards away. He runs after it, screaming
in desperation, until he stumbles and falls head over heels down
an enormous sand dune. Silently, the speeder sweeps around in
a circle and stops behind the immobile robot. Starkiller jumps
out of the landspeeder and is quickly followed by Artwo.
PRINCESS
We're in a hurry, remember! If you're going to stop for every
unfortunate along the way, we'll never get back. We're lucky you
got the speeder running as it is.
Artwo waddles up to his fallen partner and starts pulling on his
leg, then runs up and starts pulling on his arm.
ARTWO
Function! Function! It's me. Come on, function.
STARKILLER
Well, my little friend, you've found your tongue.
ARTWO
We must help him... We've been lost.
STARKILLER
Where did you come from?
The little robot runs around his fallen partner giving him small
electric charges from his claw hand. Threepio shudders from head
to toe, then regains consciousness.
THREEPIO
What happened?
ARTWO
You're overheated.
STARKILLER
Where did you come from?
ARTWO
We were jettisoned from six twenty-nine, P.R. one.
STARKILLER
I'm unfamiliar with that ship. What type is it?
THREEPIO
It's a class M station, not a conventional craft.
Threepio then stands and shakes the young JEDI's hand.
THREEPIO (Con't)
I'm Seethreepio, Human-Cyborg Relations. Your kindness is greatly
appreciated.
Starkiller and the two robots walk back to the speeder.
55. LANDSPEEDER - DESERT CANYON - AQUILAE
Both Artwo and Threepio are stuffed into the tiny luggage compartment.
It is late in the day when the speeder rumbles to a stop in a
small desert canyon surrounded by steep cliffs and broken boulders.
STARKILLER
We'll rest here.
THREEPIO
At last. The transport is welcome but my joints are frozen.
Everyone climbs out of the low-slung speeder. Starkiller watches
the two androids as they stretch their mechanical limbs.
ARTWO
I've got a bad case of dust contamination. I can barely move.
THREEPIO
What a foresaken place this is. We seem to be made to suffer.
It's our lot in life. Sir, could you tell....
Threepio turns and notices that Starkiller and the princess have
disappeared. He looks all around.
THREEPIO
Where did they go? They've disappeared.
ARTWO
Maybe they were attacked! I sense danger!
55. HIDDEN FORTRESS ENTRANCE - DESERT CANYON - AQUILAE
Captain Starkiller and Princess Leia hurry through a maze of
large boulders, until they reach a sheer rock face. Starkiller
looks around to see if they were followed. Suddenly, a large section
of the rock slides away, revealing a well-lit corridor carved
out of the rock. They enter, and are greeted by two jubilant guards.
Starkiller gives them some orders and points
in the direction of the speeder. The secret rock door silently
slides closed.
57. MAIN HALLWAY - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
Starkiller and the princess are greeted by General Skywalker
and Montross. They bow before the princess.
PRINCESS (angrily pointing at Starkiller)
General, I want you to do something with this.. this barbarian.
Where's my father?
GENERAL
The king is dead, Your Highness.
All anger suddenly drains from the princess. She almost timidly
asks the next question.
PRINCESS
My mother?... and brothers?
GENERAL
She's here. She's safe... so are your brothers. They're in the
main chamber.
Leia, now looking more like a frightened young girl than a vindictive
princess, runs down the hallway toward the main chamber. She vainly
attempts to hold back the tears.
58. DESERT CANYON - AQUILAE
The two puzzled androids sit on the landspeeder, pondering the
disappearance of their saviour.
THREEPIO
Do you suppose we're in danger?
ARTWO
The logic of this environment escapes me.
As night begins to fall, and the shadows begin to lengthen, the
two robots begin to get a little edgy. The sound of approaching
feet startles Artwo, and he ducks behind his taller friend. Two
guards approach the robots.
GUARD
You will remain calm, and you will remain here.
THREEPIO
Certainly. I'm Seethreepio, Human Cyborg Relations. Your kindness
is gratefully appreciated.
Artwo sits rather suspiciously behind his extroverted friend.
59. ROYAL CHAMBER - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
General Skywalker bows low before Princess Leia. She sits on
a raised platform, dressed in the royal robes of a planetary ruler.
The queen sits off to one side on a smaller platform. The princess
waits for a few moments before she allows the general to rise.
QUEEN
The senate has been corrupted.
GENERAL
They cannot rule without your wish...
QUEEN
I rule by marriage. With the king dead, I am not strong enough
to stop them... Leia is now the true queen... She must be protected.
The line must be preserved. I am placing the future of our people
in your hands. You must deliver Leia and her brothers to the OPHUCHI
System. They will be safe there. General, you must understand,
I had no alternative but to condone an end to the hostilities.
I deeply believe your campaign could have been successful, but
there are things that...
GENERAL
I understand, Your Highness...
QUEEN
The chrome companies on Ophuchi have offered to supply you with
the men and ships necessary to return Leia to the throne.
GENERAL
Can the chrome companies be trusted?
QUEEN
The price for their cooperation is high. It is waiting for you
in Med Center blue. Guard it as you would the princess herself.
No-one must know of this mission. There are those
QUEEN
among the trusted who would wish us ill. Take only two of your
best officers with you, the most loyal. May the force of others
be with you.
LEIA
Mother, you must not stay.
QUEEN
I am too old for such a journey. The Empire already controls
the spaceport cities. You have a long way to travel. It won't
be easy.
GENERAL
We will have to travel in disguise. I must have full command.
No-one can suspect wealth or royal training. I fear the new queen
will not stand for this.
LEIA (angry)
Do not put words into my mouth. I will stand for what is necessary.
The general simply smiles.
60. SUB-HALLWAY - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general walks briskly through an isolated hallway, closely
followed by Montross.
GENERAL
How is Captain Whitsun's recovery?
MONTROSS
Very good; he's up and around.
GENERAL
Fine! Have Whitsun and ...ah, Starkiller report at zero three
hundred. I want two converted transports: agricultural type, two
days' provisions, travel papers, weapons. Contact HAN SOLO at
the Gordon spaceport...
I'll talk to him... with speed!
Montross turns and rushes down another hallway.
61. MEDICAL CENTER BLUE - UNDERGROUND FORTRESS - AQUILAE
The general enters a stark white waiting area filled with scholarly
looking gentlemen. An attendant greets General Skywalker and takes
him into a small observation chamber overlooking a large operating
theatre. An elderly doctor greets him.
DOCTOR
Good to see you, General. I'm afraid we're not quite ready yet.
Thank God you'll be the one taking them, though.
An attendant brings in one of the scholars from the waiting area
and places him on a large operating table surrounded by strange
looking equipment. An ominous looking clamp is placed on the man's
head.
GENERAL
How many are going?
DOCTOR
Thirty-three of the greatest scientific minds in our System...A
high price for freedom.
GENERAL
Thirty-three scientists! Transporting a group that size, undetected...
I don't...
DOCTOR
Don't worry, General. All you'll be taking are their minds.
The doctor moves over to a safe-like cabinet guarded by two attendants.
The doctor gingerly picks up a small clear vial filled with grey
fluid. It has a label which reads: Faubun, Astro-dynamics...In
the background the scholar on the operating table is undergoing
a form of mechanized brain surgery.
GENERAL
"Bloodory's distillation?"
DOCTOR
Yes. It has been greatly perfected. The brain is condensed into
five ounces of fluid. Cloning cell samples are included so that
a structural duplicate of the scientist can be reproduced. When
the
duplicate child reaches the age of six, he or she begins a series
of injections of the brain fluid. By the age of ten years, they
have received all the knowledge and memory of an experienced scientist:
an old mind in a young body. We have prepared a special shock-belt
to carry the vials.
In the background, the limp body of the scholar on the operating
table is removed and another scientist is escorted into the operating
threatre. Dr. Bloodory, a portly doctor in his forties, enters
the room and shakes hands with the general.
DOCTOR
General, this is Doctor Bloodory. He'll be making the trip with
you.
BLOODORY
It's an honor to meet you, General. I'm sure I couldn't be in
safer hands.
GENERAL
The chrome companies are exacting a high price indeed. Politics
will be the ruin of us all.
BLOODORY
Careful. If we could rid ourselves of the politicians, generals
would no longer be necessary.
DOCTOR
We should be ready by zero three hundred.
The doctors exit, leaving the general alone to watch the
huge machine extract another brain.
62. SPACEPORT - OBSERVATION DECK - AQUILAE
Governor Hoedaack, General Vader walk down a boarding ramp to
an observation deck overlooking the conquered city of Gordon.
They are followed by a number of aides and officers from the Imperial
fleet. Below them air tanks and other military equipment and supplies
are being unloaded.
VADER
Not much of a planet.
HOEDAACK
Darth, you've done well. Do you think you will have the Royal
Family by nightfall?
VADER
An advance expedition is already on its way to their underground
hideaway. They should reach it by nightfall... but only if this
Count Sandage can be trusted.
HOEDAACK
A man hungry for power can always be trusted... to betray those
in power. I'm sure his information is correct.
63. HIDDEN FORTRESS CANYON
The huge rock face of the canyon opens, and two shabby agricultural
landspeeders are pushed into the late afternoon sun. Artwo and
Threepio stand on the far side of the canyon with their guards,
watching in amazement. The general and Captain Starkiller walk
behind the men pushing the landspeeders.
GENERAL
We'll take them with us. They know more about that fortress than
any ten men. They will be very useful.
STARKILLER
Can they be trusted?
GENERAL
Loyalty can't be programmed. They can be trusted never to harm
a living creature, and to always give accurate information...as
they know it, to anyone who asks. You just have to remember not
to tell them anything that you don't want to fall into the wrong
hands.
The general approaches the two robots. Artwo shyly moves around
his taller companion.
GENERAL
Greetings. I'm Luke: Agricultural Engineering. We're going to
be travelling together. You're going with us to help set up a
hortastation on BANTH.
Threepio shakes hands with the general.
THREEPIO
I'm Seethreepio: Human Cyborg relations. Your kindness is greatly
appreciated.
Threepio and the general both look down at Artwo. Threepio gives
the smaller android a little kick.
ARTWO
Artwo Detwo: Fusion Repair.
GENERAL (to Starkiller)
Load them into one of the speeders.
Captain Whitsun, walking with a slight limp, emerges from the
underground fortress with the Royal Family. A small group of guards
and aides are lined up, standing at attention. The two young princes,
Biggs and Windy, hug and kiss their mother good-bye, then jump
into the back of the larger four-man speeder. The princess bows
before her mother, then embraces her. Tears roll down her cheeks.
Her mother wipes them away.
QUEEN
You must learn strength.
The princess turns and moves to the larger speeder where she
is helped aboard by Captain Starkiller.
PRINCESS (fuming)
I don't need your help, thank you.
She gives the general an angry look.
GENERAL
I'm afraid he's necessary.
A commotion erupts at the mouth of the underground fortress.
Count Sandage, several senators and ten to twelve troopers rush
into the canyon and block the speeders.
SANDAGE
Where are you going? What is this?
In one quick movement the general moves between Sandage and the
queen. Whitsun and Starkiller assume defensive positions in front
of the princess and her brothers.
QUEEN
Leia and the boys are being taken to safety. It is my wish.
SANDAGE
The Empire has assured their safety. They must stay.
QUEEN
It is not my wish....
SANDAGE
General, you've gone too far this time. (to the troops) Arrest
him.
Five troops start to move on the general, as Sandage draws his
lazerpistol. Before anyone can complete his action, the general
ignites his lazersword and cuts the senator in two. He drops to
the ground in a heap, and the approaching troops stop in their
tracks.
QUEEN
Stop this!
The general, Starkiller, and Whitsun replace their swords, and
bow low to the queen. All of the troops, senators, and aides do
the same. The formalness of the occasion is broken when the queen
embraces the general. She then turns and embraces each of the
captains. They are both flustered, and somewhat embarrassed.
QUEEN
May the force of others be with you.
The general and his captains head for the speeders, while the
queen and all the others return to the underground fortress.
64. DESERT BLUFF - AQUILAE
The two speeders edge their way onto a bluff overlooking the
hidden fortress canyon. They stop for one last reflective moment.
Forced to leave their closest friends and relatives, the group
is deeply moved. The two robots, for the most part, are puzzled.
Suddenly, there is a huge atomic flash, followed by a loud rumble,
and the entire canyon collapses into a large crater. The group
quietly watches the dust settle. The hidden fortress and all its
inhabitants have been destroyed. The general watches the princess,
who appears to take it well.
GENERAL
It was the only way we could be safe from treachery.
65. DUNE SEA - AQUILAE
The two sleek landspeeders glide effortlessly through the vast
hills and valleys of the dune sea. At the base of the towering
dune ridge, the four-man speeder stops. The smaller speeder, with
Starkiller and the two robots, makes its way to the top of the
ridge. Captain Starkiller stops the speeder just short of the
top of the ridge. He gets out and continues the rest of the way
on foot. The young captain peeks over the dune ridge into the
canyon below. Muted sounds and large dust clouds rise from the
canyon floor. Starkiller immediately ducks back behind the ridge
with an amazed look on his face. He quickly returns to the speeder,
and picks up the intercom.
STARKILLER
Sir, you'd better take a look at this. But come easy.
The four-man speeder starts with a crack, and slowly moves up
the side of the imposing dune. It stops next to the smaller speeder.
The general and Whitsun get out and make their way to the top
of the ridge, where they join Starkiller. Far in the distance,
crossing the endless dune sea, is the Imperial invasion army.
It is immense. A convoy of giant tanks, troop carriers, and supply
ships stretch from horizon to horizon. Cavalry, mounted on giant
dune birds, ride the line from one end of the convoy to the other.
Hundreds of troops ride one-man jet-sticks in precision formation.
Their lances form a giant pin-cushion. It is an awesome sight.
GENERAL SKYWALKER
They're heading toward the fortress.
WHITSUN
What will they do when they find it destroyed?
GENERAL
They won't stop looking for us...They're coming from the spaceport
at Anchorhead, which means they control everything between here
and the spaceport at Gordon.
STARKILLER
Can we go around them?
GENERAL
No. We'll have to wait for them to pass. Starkiller, see if you
can monitor any of their communications on the com-link in the
big speeder.
Starkiller returns to the speeder. He collapses in the large speeder
next to the princess, and flips on the com-link radio, moving
back and forth across the dial.
PRINCESS
Must you do that?
Starkiller smiles rather sarcastically.
STARKILLER
Orders...The invasion force has cut us off. We'll probably be
here for some time. You ought to stretch a bit.
PRINCESS
Is that a command, General? Maybe I feel like watching after
my brothers.
Starkiller looks back at the two sleeping boys.
STARKILLER
They're not going anywhere. They're asleep.
PRINCESS
I want to stay with them.
STARKILLER
What's the matter? You afraid I might eat them?
66. LIBRARY - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
The king's old library has been converted into an office for
General Vader. He is sitting behind his desk as Prince Valorum,
the black knight of Sith, enters and salutes. The black knight
is dressed in the fascist black and chrome uniform of the legendary
Sith One Hundred. The general returns his salute.
VADER
Welcome, Prince Valorum. Your exploits are legendary. I have
long waited to meet a Knight of the Sith. If there is any way
I can assist you, my entire command is at your bidding.
VALORUM
I want a tie-in to your computer network, a control center, and
communication access.
VADER
Right away! I'll also transfer all information we have on the
general. His command post was self-destroyed, but we believe he
is still alive. .... Do you really believe he's a Jedi?
VALORUM
If he was not a Jedi, I wouldn't be here.
67. WASTELAND - AQUILAE
The speeders make their way across the grey desert. It is dawn.
The twin suns have yet to rise over the distant hills. The speeders
are coated with dust and grime, indicating that they have travelled
far. The two captains drive through the night as everyone else
sleeps. Starkiller calls Whitsun on the intercom.
STARKILLER
How are your fuel packs? I'm reading minus four.
WHITSUN
I'm too low to transfer any.
The general, who appeared to be asleep, opens his eyes, and takes
the microphone from Whitsun.
GENERAL
There is a fuel station fourteen degrees by two meters. The occupation
force should have control of it by now, so h