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ADVENTURES
"... And in the time of greatest
1. SPACE A vast sea of stars is broken as the warm, amber surface of the planet, UTAPAU, emerges from a total eclipse. Five small moons slowly drift into view from the far side of the planet. The MAIN TITLE is followed by a ROLL-UP: The REPUBLIC GALACTICA is dead. Ruthless trader barons, driven by greed and the lust for power, have replaced enlightenment with oppression, and "rule by the people" with the FIRST GALACTIC EMPIRE. Until the tragic Holy Rebellion of "06", the respected JEDI BENDU OF ASHLA were the most powerful warriors in the Universe. For a hundred thousand years, generations of Jedi Bendu knights learned the ways of the mysterious FORCE OF OTHERS, and acted as the guardians of peace and justice in the REPUBLIC. Now these legendary warriors are all but extinct. One by one they have been hunted down and destroyed by a ferocious rival sect of mercenary warriors: THE BLACK KNIGHTS OF THE SITH. It is a period of civil wars. The EMPIRE is crumbling into lawless barbarism throughout the million worlds of the galaxy. Fromthe celestial equator to the farthest reaches of the GREAT RIFT, seventy small solar systems have united in a common war against the tyranny of the Empire. Under the command of a mighty Jedi warrior known as THE STARKILLER, the REBEL ALLIANCE has won a crushing victory over the deadly Imperial Star Fleet. The Empire knows that one more such defeat will bring a thousand more solar systems into the rebellion, and Imperial control of the Outlands could be lost forever... A tiny silver space craft races from behind one of the lifeless Utapau moons. The small rebel spacefighter is being chased by four giant Imperial stardestroyers. Hundreds of deadly laser bolts streak from the Imperial warships as they dive on the smaller craft.
The two elaborate laser gun turrets belch a smoky exhaust as the gun crews, wearing heat-protective suits, gogglss and breath masks, cheer and congratulate each other on the direct hit. The gunnery CHIEF finishes speaking into his helmet "com-link", and yells to the crew. CHIEF The crews snap-to, and turn back to their giant guns. Several stubby, three-legged ROBOTS scurry to and fro, bringing equipment, and repairing damage to sections of the turrets.
The chaos of battle echoes through the narrow, main passageway of the starfighter. An explosion rocks the ship, and two construction robots, ARTOO DETOO (R2-D2) and SEE THREEPIO (C-3PO) struggle to make their way through the shaking, bouncing passageway. Both robots are old and battered. Artoo is a short (36 inches), claw-armed, tri-ped. His face is a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar eye. Threepio, on the other hand, is a tall, slender robot of human prooortions. He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an "Art Deco" design. THREEPIO The little dwarf robot makes a series of electronic sounds THREEPIO (CONT'D)
THREEPIO (CONT'D) Threepio climbs through a hatch and starts after Artoo.
One of the giant Imperial Stardestroyers breaks formation and surges ahead of the others, closing on the tiny rebel space craft. The main battery of laser cannons on the huge Imperial warship directs an overwhelming concentration or laser fire at the main solar fin on the rebelship. Finally it disintegrates, creating a spectacular heavenly display.
A sudden pressure change sucks equipment and debris through the power section of the spacefighter. Alarms are sounding everywhere. The spaceship shudders under the impact of the Imperial barrage. Artoo and Threepio are blown, slipping and sliding across the hallway floor into a stack of freight canisters. The lanky Threepio becomes lodged under a computer console. THREEPIO Little Artoo waddles over to his trapped companion. He clears away several mangled canisters and climbs under the sparking and smoking computer. He is chattering away in an elaborate combination of whistles, beeps and clicks. THREEPIO (CONT'D)
THREEPIO (CONT'D) The captain's FIRST OFFICER pops his head under the console and sees Artoo straining to free Threepio. The little robot stops. OFFICER THREEPIO OFFICER Artoo goes back to his pulling and pushing as the officer again becomes a pair of legs, and is joined by the sturdier legs of Captain Starkiller. OFFICER (CONT'D) Artoo uses one of his claw arms to cut away a small metal beam bent around Threepio's shoulder. DEAK
The officer bows low and hurries out of the smoldering chamber. Artoo stops his work, and the robots quietly watch Deak's legs as he paces the room. He stands for a few moments in meditation. The two mechanical men suddenly feel as if they are intruding, and every little creak and noise becomes an embarrassment. A VOICE from another part of the ship yells out to the captain, and he rushes out of the room. Threepio breathes a sigh of relief. THREEPIO
The smoldering silver rebel craft is quickly surrounded by the three giant Imperial warships. One of the huge stardestroyers moves into orbit just above the helpless rebel spacefighter.
An awesome array of lighted panels and computer monitors are reflected in the polished black helmets of six Imperial master-pilots. A fifth-ranked General of the Fleet sits in a rotating chair suspended from the cabin ceiling, watching the chief pilot maneuver the huge warship above the tiny rebel spacefighter. CHIEF PILOT CAPTAIN
The huge gray underbelly of the Imperial warship hovers less than twenty feet above the rebel spacefighter.
A tremendous blast opens up a hole six feet wide in the side of the main passageway, sucking equipment and debris into the vacuum of space. Three fearsome stormtroopers armed with chrome multi-laser rifles make their way through the smoking debris into the padded hallway. The SERGEANT and four more armored troopers quickly follow. SERGEANT The troops sling the rifles over their shoulders and take a small baton from their belts, which instantly ignites into a long glowing laser sword. At the far end of the passageway, a door swings wide revealing a rebel warrior wearing a breath mask and dressed in the distinctive uniform of an AQUILLIAN RANGER. A long, deadly laser sword glows in his right hand, while several chrome ping-pong sized balls magically appear in his left. Tiny antenna project from the chrome balls, and before the stormtroopers can raise their weapons, the balls fly out of the ranger's hand. One of the balls stops in the middle of the troops and explodes. Three other balls shoot through the hole ripped in the side of the ship.
Six armored stormtroopers are assembled on the sleak silver hull of the rebel spacefighter. The three chrome balls fly out of the rebel craft just as several more troops drop from the hatch of the Imperial stardestroyer. One or the seeker-bombs explodes among the assembled troops, flinging most of them into the vastness of space. The two remaining bombs rocket toward the open hatch of the Imperial warship. One of the surviving stormtroopers, clinging to the rebel craft, yells into his helmet intercom as he aims a laser pistol at the tiny chrome projectiles.
A blast from the laser pistol hits one of the balls, and it explodes harmlessly outside the stardestroyer. The second seeker bomb races into the stardestroyer, just as the hatch slides closed. A muffled explosion is heard inside the huge spacecraft.
The Aquillian ranger charges what's left of the storm troopers. He swings his glowing laser sword high over his head; but before he can bring the deadly blade down on a victim, four more troops enter the ship and assail the ranger. He. puts up a good fight, but soon falls under the superior odds. A half dozen more armored stormtroopers enter the damaged ship and cautiously make their way down the narrow hallway.
Smoke fills the crowded cockpit of the rebel starship. The pilot struggles to remove a wounded comrade as an exhausted Aquillian RANGER enters and bows before Deak Starkiller. The young captain's face is covered by a small, ornate face mask, but he appears to be about twenty-five years old. He is wearing the loose-fitting robes of a Jedi knight. RANGER DEAK RANGER DEAK
DEAK (CONT'D) PILOT (TYREE) DEAK PILOT (TYREE) DEAK He moves to the computer bank, and speaks into the intercom. DEAK (CONT'D) He turns back to the pilot for a moment. DEAK (CONT'D) Pilot (TYREE)
Little Artoo stands ridged in the middle of the smoke-filled passageway. Threepio runs awkwardly toward the tiny robot from a large hatchway at one end of the corridor. Artoo's computer face blinks wildly. THREEPIO Artoo lets out a long musical whistle, but doesn't move. THREEPIO (CONT'D) The muted sounds of grinding and crushing get louder untila dozen Imperial stormtroopers, wearing spooky-looking armor, enter the passageway. They arrange themselves geometrically, their movements synchronized, as they move stealthily through the unusually wide corridor. Threepio grabs his little partner and struggles to drag him into the shadows of an emergency ventilator system. Hard and weary, the troops advance -- their glowing laser swords held at ready. Suddenly, directly in back of the stormtroopers, about ten feet away, the imposing young Jedi, Deak Starkiller, steps from behind the open hatch.
TROOPER Six troopers who are carrying their chrome laser rifles at the ready start to step forward and raise their weapons. Deak is quicker. In one amazing movement, he spins around, replacing his laser sword to his belt, and draws his deadly laser pistol, blasting out four shots that rip through the soldiers. In a few moments, the entire passageway blazes with laser fire. Laser bolts ricochet in wild random patterns, creating small explosions and finally a small hole in the wall, which sucks debris and stormtroopers into space, until finally it is plugged by a large supply canister. Artoo and Threepio are plummeted by loose equipment and debris. Threepio attempts to cover his head. Artoo pulls a grate off the vent system and starts to enter the dark shaft. Threepio clings to a side rail for dear life as debris and laser bolts fly past him. Artoo beeps to his tcrrified companion. THREEPIO Artoo disappears down the ominous shaft. He leaves his friend with a few parting whistles. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Threepio peers into the gloom of the vent shaft. THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Stormtroopers scatter and run down an adjoining passageway;
Suddenly several of the panic-stricken troopers who had fled downn a sub-hallway are back into the cockpit area, more afraid of what's down the sub-hallway than the deadly Jedi's blade. Troopers still fleeing the area crash into those returning. TROOPER A new courage, or greater fear, seizes the troops and they turn on Deak again and renew the attack. The troops scramble away from the sub-hallway entrance, as something unspeakably evil and terrifying approaches the cabin.
The tall, gleaming Threepio rushes through several low, narrow corridors, yelling at Artoo, who races along as fast as his stubby mechanical feet will carry him. THREEPIO Artoo throws a short beep over his shoulder.
Leaving?! Leaving where? Don't be ridiculous, that's desertion! I order you to stop. Did you hear me? Stop! Artoo continues on, countering with a frenzy of elcctronic
What's so important that I'm not to be trusted? I don't believe you. I think you're rattled. Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency lifepod. He
snaps the seal on the main latch and a red warning light begins
to flash. The stubby, dwarf-robot works his way THREEPIO (CONT'D) A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris through the narrow sub-hallway. Flames lick at the two robots. After a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the lanky bronze Threepio jumps into the lifepod. THREEPIO (CONT'D) The safety door snaps shut, and with the thunder of exploding latches, the tiny lifepod ejects from the disabled starfighter.
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terrified robots speeds away from the stricken rebel spacecraft. CHIEF PILOT CAPTAIN The captain gets a message on his headset.
The pilots cheer and an excited murmur rushes throughout the ship.
The reddish-yellow mass of Utapau seems to engulf the tiny lifepod containing the two robots. The grouping of stardestroyers grows smaller as the pod descends toward the planet.
Deak Starkiller cuts down several troops who make a frenzied, suicidal charge with laser swords. TROOPS They are no match for the incredibly agile young Jedi. For an eerie moment, all is deathly quiet as a huge darker figure appears in the sub-hallway. The remaining stormtroooers bow low toward the doorway. An awesome, seven-foot BLACK KNIGHT OF THE SITH makes his way into the blinding light of the cockpit area. This is LORD DARTH VADER, right hand to the MASTER OF THE SITH. His sinister face is partially obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which are in sharp contrast to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. The troops instinctively back away from the imposing warrior. Deak Starkiller stands firm; a new look of resolve sweeps across his tired face. The smoky room is deathly quiet, except for the occasional snapping and popping of burning electrical circuits in the cockpit's sophisticated control panel.
VADER DEAK Vader is angered by this remark. Taking a deep breath, he raises his arms and every object that isn't bolted down is picked up by an invisible force and hurled at the young Jedi. When the objects reach about two feet of Deak, they are deflected by an invisible shield which surrounds him. DEAK (CONT'D) VADER The fearsome dark knight ignites his laser sword and takes a defensive stance. The two galactic warriors stand perfectly still for a few moments, sizing each other up and waiting for the right moment. Deak seems to be under increasing pressure and strain, as if an invisible weight were being placed upon him. He shakes his head and blinking, tries to clear his eyes. VADER (CONT'D) Deak makes a sudden lunge at the huge warrior but is checked by a lightning movement of the SITH. A second masterful slash-stroke by Deak is again blocked by his evil opponent.
COMMANDER An Imperial officer takes a gold medallion from around the young Jedi's neck. OFFICER A murmur of astonishment races throughout the troops. COMMANDER The great Black Knight studies the golden crest, and then stares into the eyes of the fuming Jedi. Vader has a visible dislike of the commander. VADER COMMANDER VADER
VADER COMMANDER The Black Knight takes a restraining pole from one of the guards and brutally jabs the young Jedi in the chest. Deak squirms in pain but does not cry out. He is struck again. An officer approaches the commander. OFFICER COMMANDER Vader gives the commander an angry stare and suddenly it appears as if the commander can't catch his breath. The commander turns and rushes out of the cabin in great distress. Vader punches Deak one last time. VADER
VADER (CONT'D) His frightening laugh rings throughout the starship.
JUNDLAND, or "No Man's Land" where the rugged desert
mesas meec the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-robots
kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod, and clumsily
work their way across the desert coastline. The stubby Artoo struggles
desperately to keep up with the long-legged Threepio. Suddenly,
Artoo makes a sharp right turn, and starts off in the direction
of the rocky desert mesas. THREEPIO A stream of electronic noises pour forth from the small robot. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Artoo continues his electronic babbling. THREEPIO (CONT'D)
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. Artoo struggles to his three, stubby feet and shakes a metallic claw arm at his disappearing ex-partner. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Artoo counters with a few short whistles. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges off in the opposite direction.
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 of the now distant rock mesas. THREEPIO He sits in a huff of anger and frustration, knocking the sand from his joints. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object speeding toward him. The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the approaching transport.
The little Artoo stumbles over several boulders as he struggles to reach the crest of a rocky mesa.
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange mist, and the ominous sounds of unearthly creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he goes. He hears a distant, hard metallic sound and stops for a moment. He hears nothing. He sees nothing moving. Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way. In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall and a small dark figure darts into the shadows. A little further up the canyon, a slight flicker of light reveals a pair of eyes in the dark recesses, only a few feet from the narrow path. The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurry three MEN, no taller than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons as they cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby cloaks, and their faccs are shrouded so that only their yellow eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd gutteral sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their shoulders, and carry him off down the trail. The vile little creatures grunt and groan as they struggle with their weighty prize. They smell horribly, attracting small insects to the dark areas where their mouths and nostrils should be.
Eight dwarfs, or JAWAS, as they're sometimes called, carry
It is dim and dank inside the hold area of the sandcrawler. Artoo lies on a pile of metal scrap, lifepods, rocket parts, and the limbs and dismembered parts of robots. Artoo's computer lights slowly begin to glow, then they blink on full power. He makes a few electronic sounds to himself as he tries to figure out what happened, and where he is. He stumbles around on the scrap heap until he thinks to turn on the small floodlight on his forehead. The narrow beam swings across the rubble and stops on the half-buried claw arm of another robot. Artoo moves over to the buried robot and calls to it, but gets no response. He pulls on the arm but it won't budge. Finally he gives it a good tug and it breaks loose, sending him head over heels. He sits dazed, holding the severed forearm of a power robot, then lets out a terrifying electronic shriek. The little robot scans the rest of the huge chamber with his headlights and sees a series of grotesquely twisted and maimed astro robots. The narrow beam comes to rest on a battered, but otherwise whole "common-labor" robot. The "laborer" makes a move to cover his giant electronic eye, which is extended on a long tube from his box-like body. Little Artoo jumps back in fright. LABORER Artoo is still shaken, but manages a short apology and then LABORER (CONT'D) Artoo stumbles off toward what appears to be a door at the
THREEPIO A battered and slightly worse-for-wear Threepio scrambles up to Artoo on his hands and knees (remember the four foot ceiling) and embraces him. TREEPIO (CONT'D) The blue robot continues on back to the group as the two old companions huddle in a hollow of scrap metal. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Artoo makes a short electronic reply. THREEPIO (CONT'D)
The monstrous sandcrawler pulls up to a large outcropping of rocks in the trail and grinds to a rumbling stop.
The scraping sound is haunting as well as deafening. The entire chamber trembles, creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. At the far end of the long chamber, a bright light suddenly appears, followed by a cacophony of electronic shouts and yells. The "common labor" robot runs past the confused Artoo and Threepio. LABORER Amidst the confusion of the fleeing robots, Artoo and Threepio carefully make their way toward a break in the side of the crawler. Several Jawas appear at the opening with pistols, but before they can fire, they are knocked over and trampled by the fleeing mechanical men.
The sound of yelling Jawas and screaming robots fades in the distance as Artoo and Threepio scramble up a narrow ravine away from the sandcrawler. They duck into a tiny crevice in the rock to avoid several fleeing robots, followed by a dozen armed Jawas. After a few moments they peer out, and seeing that the way is clear, rush off down the winding path. DISSOLVE TO:
A small settlement, consisting of a few run-down blockhouse-type buildings, rests against one of the huge rock mesas. The two robots study the sleepy little camp from a bluff some distance away. THREEPIO
The runt-like Artoo starts off down the side of the rocky bluff. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Threepio chases his little partner down the slope.
The dozen or so buildings are bleached white by the two Utapau suns. A harsh and dusty wind blows through the empty streets of the tiny settlement. A rather frightened Threepio follows his little companion down the foreboding street toward a low concrete structure that is all but covered by the desert sands. The rusted hulk of a powerful "landspeeder" (an auto-like transport which travels a few feet above the ground on a magnetic field) lies half-buried to one side of the building. The two robots cautiously approach the dilapidated power station. THREEPIO It is quiet, but for the continual wind. A dismantled speeder rests in the repair bay of the gas station-like building. There is a sharp dripping sound coming from the speeder. It appears that no one is around. THREEPIO (CONT'D) Out of the gloom of the office behind them, a voice cuts through the silence: VOICE (MECHANIC) The robots turn around with a start. A short, wizened old MECHANIC of sixty or seventy stands before them.
THREEPIO The old mechanic is a bit suspicious. An evil look fills his eye. He rubs his grimy, withered hand over Threepio's smooth metal shoulder. MECHANIC Artoo beeps a few signals to his bronze friend. The old mechanic begins to fiddle with the wrench he is holding, in the most unsettling way. Threepio becomes a bit nervous. THREEPIO The mechanic starts dragging a heavy power-pack toward the station. MECHANIC Artoo helps the old man with the heavy power pack. THREEPIO MECHANIC
THREEPIO The two robots start down the empty street heading north, leaving the old mechanic scratching his head. The old man passes a sinister-looking, black Imperial speeder half hidden behind a generator as he returns to his gloomy office.
In the shadows of the dingy little office sits a large, burly Imperial "Tusken". His reddish eyes are sunken in a larger than normal, dust-covered face. He sits up in his chair. MECHANIC The gray Tusken thinks about this for a moment. TUSKEN
Several concrete buildings squat in the middle of a desolate valley. Threepio hurries after his determined companion as they near the low gray structures. THREEPIO
Artoo and Threepio enter the main courtyard of the Lars Homestead and find themselves standing in a sparse but sparkling oasis, with low concrete walls and great turrets spilling over with foliage from rooftop gardens. They stop before an enormous shaded corridor. BIGGS AND WINDY STARKILLER, twin boys a little over seven years old, run through the long tile walkway to greet the robots. Yelling and laughing, their tiny footsteos echo throughout the building. They are quickly followed by OWEN LARS, a bearded, sturdy-burly man in his early fifties and his plunp-jolly wife, BERU. Their beautiful sixteen-year-old daughter, LEIA, stands shyly at the far end of the entry. The twins run around the robots, jumping and screaming their excitement. The mechanical men are somewhat befuddled by the dynamic duo, and attempt to ignore them. LARS THREEPIO LARS THREEPIO Owen and Beru are startled at the mention of "Angel Blue". Leia approaches the group, and eyes the robots suspiciously; she turns to her father. LEIA
LEIA BERU LARS THREEPIO Beru's concern at the mention of Deak cannot be contained. BERU THREEPIO LARS The two boys let out a cheer and run off toward the distant horizon. THREEPIO The mechanical duo lumber off after the disappearing twins.
Alone in a wind-swept canyon stands LUKE STARKILLER, a short, chubby boy about eighteen years old. He seems frozen in place, a humming laser sword held high over his head. The twins stop on the ridge overlooking their brother and fall silent. The robots soon take up position behind them. THREEPIO Biggs turns and gestures to the tall bronze man to be quiet. Suspended at eye level -- about ten feet in front of Luke -- a chrome baseball covered with antenna hovers slowly in a wide arc. The ball floats to one side of the youth, then to the other. Suddenly it makes a lightning swift lunge and stops within a few feet of Luke's face. Luke doesn't move, and the ball backs off. It slowly moves behind the boy, then makes another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood-red laser beam as it attacks. Luke sparks to life. With one amazingly swift move, he turns and swings his laser sword, deflecting the beam, and losing his balance, tumbles to the desert floor. The ball shoots straight up in the air about twenty feet, then drops like a rock firing a second laser bolt, which hits the youth square on the seat of his pants. Luke lets out a painful yell and attempts to scramble to his feet, but is hit several more times before he manages to regain his balance and deflect the bolts. The ball ceases firing, and moves back to its original posi- tion. Luke raises his hand signaling "enough for one day". He wearily picks up his things, including the chrome ball, then turns and waves to the small group on the ridge. The twins run down to greet him. By the time the cumbersome Artoo and Threepio make it down the slope, Biggs and Windy are climbing all over their big brother. THREEPIO (CONT'D) LUKE The two robots make a short bow before the youth. THREEPIO
THREEPIO Artoo makes a few electronic beeps and whistles; then after a little static, a small (two foot) 3-D hologram of Deak is projected from the face of the robot. The image is a rainbow of color as it flickers and jiggles in the desert wasteland. DEAK'S IMAGE An Aquillian officer enters the hologram and interrupts Deak. There is a little static, then the transmission is cut short. A grave concern sweeps over Luke as he contemplates the fate of his brother. Biggs and Windy are puzzled. BIGGS LUKE
The boys rush off with the robots in tow, leaving Luke sitting silently alone. He picks up some small stones and begins to toss them at a large boulder. A chip in the boulder reveals a small shiny fossil. Luke spots it and goes over to study it. He takes a small camera out of his bag and photographs it, making some accompanying notations in a small book.
Owen Lars and the three boys sit before a table covered with steaming bowls of food. Biggs and Windy are eating between giggles and horseplay. Luke has barely touched his dinner. Leia enters from the kitchen with a flask filled with blue milk. She sits near Luke. OWEN Beru enters carrying a small pitcher. She gives Owen a knowing smile as she slides into her place at the table. BERU She hands him a dish, and he grunts an embarrassed reply. BERU (CONT'D) OWEN LUKE
OWEN LUKE OWEN Biggs and Windy have finished eating and are getting restless. BIGGS BERU The twins scamper into the kitchen with their dirty dishes. OWEN LUKE OWEN LUKE OWEN LUKE BERU OWEN Leia listens to the discussion with much interest. She BERU
OWEN Leia is unable to control her concern. LEIA OWEN Leia settles down, but she is clearly worried. There is a long silence. Owen sits back in his chair, and lights up his pipe. The twins can be heard playing with Artoo and Threepio in the other room. The silence becomes uncomfortable. LUKE Tears begin to roll down Leia's cheeks, and she rushes from the room. Beru looks to Owen, who looks to Luke, who looks embarrassed. BERU
Owen gets up from the table and gently pats Luke on the shoulder.
Luke sits before a tall smooth stone planted on a burial mound. He sits with his head bowed to his knees. Finally he stands up and speaks to the stone. LUKE The twin suns of Utapau rest red on the horizon as Luke leaves the grave site and walks the short distance to the main house.
The main living area is a dim, cool room projecting a feeling of time-worn comfort and security. Owen lovingly moves his arm around Beru as they stand berore a large window watching the giant twin suns of Utapau slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. BERU OWEN BERU
BERU The door opens and Luke enters, collapsing in a large, overstuffed chair near a pot-belly thermal-heater which dominates the room. A warm friendly glow radiates from a tiny portal in front of the heater. Luke's gaze is fixed on the red embers, but his eyes are lit as if by a greater fire from within. Owen and Beru talk quietly in the background. She rests her head on his shoulder as the last rays of sunlight stream across the floor of the room. A playful Biggs and Windy enter with Leia and stand in the doorway. The twins are dressed in their night clothes. BIGGS Luke returns from his world of dark thoughts and smiles at them. The twins rush up to Owen and Beru, give them a kiss, then bounce over to Luke, and jump into his lap. BERU Owen and Beru take Leia into the other room. WINDY LUKE BIGGS
The boys settle down and listen attentively. LUKE (CONT'D) BIGGS LUKE WINDY LUKE
WINDY LUKE
BIGGS LUKE WINDY LUKE BIGGS LUKE
Early morning breaks across the quiet little courtyard as Owen and Luke lift supplies into the back of a low, battered, two-man landspeeder. Threepio lifts Artoo into a tiny jump-seat, then climbs into the passenger compartment. Beru, Leia, and the twins stand in the entryway, silently watching. The storage hatch is slammed shut with a bang. Owen unfastens his gun-belt and hands it to Luke. He slides back a small latch on the belt buckle revealing a small diamond-like crystal. Luke carefully examines it. LUKE OWEN Luke stands looking at the Crystal for a few moments, then snaps the buckle closed and puts on the belt. OWEN (CONT'D) For a few awkward moments, Luke stands looking at everyone OWEN (CONT'D) Luke shakes his hand, and Owen gives him a big hug. The young adventurer then goes to his Aunt Beru and gives her a kiss and a hug. BERU
He lovingly roughs up the twins, and starts to give Leia a kiss, but thinks better of it and gives her a short polite hug before retreating to the speeder. Leia is greatly disappointed. OWEN BERU Luke pops open the door of the speeder; but before he can get in, Leia runs up and gives him a big kiss. Luke is surprised and embarrassed. Beru and Owen smile, as Leia rushes back into the house. Luke settles into the speeder and it starts with a crack and loud whine. Everyone waves as the speeder roars out of the courtyard, and into the desolate Utapau wilderness.
The sleek landspeeder glides effortlessly through the treacherous rock canyons and out onto the awesome dune sea. The vibrations of the speeder causes Artoo's outer shell to rattle a rhythmic little tune. LUKE THREEPIO Artoo chatters to his bronze interpreter. THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Luke thinks about this for a few moments; then rather reluctantly, almost afraid, he asks a second question. LUKE THREEPIO Luke seems a little disappointed with Threepio's answer.
The small speeder sits at the bottom of a huge sand dune. Luke, with his extremely long-barreled laser rifle slung over his shoulder, makes his way to the top of the ridge. He studies the landscape with his electrobinoculars, until he spots a small dust twister speeding toward them. He quickly slides back down the dune to where Threepio is lifting Artoo out of the speeder. The stubbly little robot struts around stetching his joints between irritated whistles. LUKE THREEPIO LUKE DISSOLVE TO:
The speeder stops on a bluff overlooking the spaceport at MOS EISLEY. It is a haphazard array of low gray concrete structures and semi-domes. A harsh gale blows across the bleak canyon floor and batters Luke as he lowers his sand goggles and walks to the edge of the craggy bluff. A leaden sky presses down on the large settlement, which seems to be losing a never-ending battle against the shifting sands. Something in the distance catches his eye, and he instinctively grabs his electrobinoculars. He follows a sinister-black "tusken" landspeeder as it enters the spaceport. Luke returns to his speeder, and his two mechanical companions. LUKE
Luke stops the speeder before the remains of a burnt-out spaceship the size of a large jet fighter. Two scruffy figures huddle around a small thermal-heater, attempting to use the spacecraft as shelter against the howling winds. One of thc rag-tag figures gets up and ventures over to Luke in the speeder. When the shabby beggar stands up, it is obvious from his pint size that he is a Jawa. Artoo lets out a string of electronic beeps and whistles. THREEPIO The wretched little creature moves close to the speeder and begins to run his gnarled little hand across it. LUKE JAWA LUKE Saliva dribbles from the dark hole where the Jawa's face should be and drops, splat, on the hood of the speeder.
The Jawa continues to fondle the speeder as Luke starts the magno-system. The filthy little creature reluctantly jumps away as the speeder takes off and glides down the dismal spaceport street.
The speeder pulls up in front of a run-down, blockhouse can- THREEPIO LUKE As the trio exit the speeder, an ancient human shrouded in gray robes, sitting near the entrance to the cantina calls out to them. The man appears to be a blind beggar. SEER Luke reluctantly approaches the old man. SEER (CONT'D) Luke drops several coins in the man's open palm. LUKE SEER
Luke is somewhat puzzled by the old man's dialogue. THREEPIO
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants enter the smoke-filled cantina. The murky, moldy den is filled with a startling array of weird and exotic alien creatures and monsters, laughing at the long metallic bar. At first, the sight is horrifying. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy, furry, scaly tentacles and claws huddle over drinks. Luke moves to an empty spot at the bar near a group of repulsive but human Corellian pirates. A huge, rough-looking BARTENDER comes over to Luke and the robots. BARTENDER Luke, still recovering from the shock of seeing so many outlandish creatures in one room, doesn't quite catch the bartender's drift. LUKE BARTENDER Luke notices that several of the creatures along the bar are giving them a very unfriendly glare. LUKE
THREEPIO Threepio and his stubby partner go outside, and most of the creatures at the bar go back to their drinks. Luke is standing next to HAN SOLO, a young Corellian pirate only a few years older than himself. He is a burly-bearded but ruggedly handsome boy dressed in a gaudy array of flamboyant apparel. LUKE Han Solo eyes him suspiciously. HAN Han turns to his companion, CHEWBACCA, an eight foot tall, savage-looking creature resembling a huge gray bushbaby- monkey with fierce "baboon"-like fangs. His large yellow eyes dominate a fur-covered face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry body, he wears two chrome bandoliers, a flak jacket painted in a bizarre camouflage pattern, brown cloth shorts, and little else. He is a two-hundred-year-old "WOOKIEE", and a sight to behold. Han speaks to the Wookiee in his own language, which is little more than a series of grunts. The young pirate points to Luke several times during his conversation and the creature suddenly lets out a horrifying laugh. Han chuckles to himself and turns back to Luke. HAN (CONT'D) He can't control his laughter, and Chewbacca starts in again, also. Luke is getting a little worried. LUKE
HAN He lets out a hearty laugh and turns back to the giant Wookiee. Luke is afraid, but tries not to show it. He quietly sips his drink, looking over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear, or whatever. A large multiple-eyed creature on the other side of Luke gives him a rather rough shove. CREATURE The hideous freak is obviously drunk. Luke tries to ignore the creatures and turns back to his drink. A short grubby HUMAN and an even smaller rodent-like beast join the belligerent monstrosity. HUMAN LUKE HUMAN The big creature is getting agitated, and yells some unintelligible gibberish at the now rather nervous young Jedi. HUMAN (CONT'D) LUKE HUMAN The rodent lets out a loud grunt and everything at the bar moves away. Luke tries to remain cool, but it isn't easy.
HAN A powerful blow from the unpleasant creature sends the young Corellian pirate sailing across the room, crashing through tables and breaking a large jug filled with a foul-looking liquid. With a blood-curdling shriek, the monster draws a wicked chrome laser pistol from his belt. The bartender panics! BARTENDER Little Luke's laser sword sparks to life, and in a flash, an arm lies on the floor. The rodent is cut in two, and the giant, multiple-eyed creature lies doubled, cut from chin to groin. Luke shaking, and somewhat amazed at his reflex powers, replaces his sword in its sheath. The entire fight has lasted only a matter of seconds. The cantina goes back to normal, although Luke is now given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Han, rubbing his bruised head, approaches the "little one" with new awe. The bartender drags the bodies out. HAN LUKE HAN Luke is still giddy, and downs a fresh drink.
LUKE HAN Luke is filled with grateful enthusiasm at his new-found
Han, Chewbacca, Luke and the robots walk along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly-clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men and monsters crouch in waste-filled doorways whispering and hiding from the chilling winds. They enter a small doorway in a decaying stone building at the far end of the alley. 45. INT. SLUM DWELLING - LIVING AREA The seedy slum dwelling is dark and dingy. Han is greeted by a female "Boma" named OEETA. The Boma is a fur-covered creature about five feet high and looks like a cross between a brown bear and a guinea pig. It is obvious from her figure that she is a female. Han embraces Oeeta and gives her a big kiss, then checks out the stew-like mess boiling away on a dilapidated fusion-burner in the kitchen area. HAN She answers in a strange baboon-like call and starts dishing up the slop. Threepio and Artoo cautiously dust off a bench in the kitchen and sit down. Luke and Chewbacca join Han at a large table in the center of the main room. HAN (CONT'D)
LUKE HAN Oeeta brings them each a steaming bowl of "Boma-mush", and a large mug of some heavy brew. Chewbacca and Han dig in with great vigor, but Luke is a little hesitant. HAN (CONT'D) LUKE HAN LUKE HAN
Artoo and Threepio become suddenly attentive and listen closely to the conversation in the next room. Artoo begins to beep, but Threepio puts his bronze hand over his little companion's mouth. Luke thinks about this for a moment. LUKE The two robots breathe a sigh of relief. Han's waning interest is renewed by the mention of "great influence". HAN LUKE Han thinks about this for a few moments, then turns to Chewbacca and seemingly explains the situation to him. The Wookiee shrugs his shoulders as if to say "Why not?" HAN
Han and his lumbering first-mate Chewbacca hurry along behind MONTROSS HOLDAACK, a large, portly man who walks with a stiff, awkward gait. They move along a tall gantry overlooking a long, complex spacecraft.
MONTROSS HAN MONTROSS HAN MONTROSS Montross suddenly ignites in a rage and swings his left forearm down with a mighty blow across the metal rail of the gantry. The old science officer's forearm cracks in two, spewing forth wires, and many fine multi-colored electronic components.
MONTROSS (CONT'D) Han bows his head in sorrow and embarrassment for one of the greatest warriors in the galaxy and a dear friend. HAN
The entry bay of the large starship is also the main lounge area of the ship. Two gruff and grisly pirates are playing a kind of dice game with thin little sticks. The larger and mangiest of the two slavering hulks, JABBA THE HUTT by name, throws his dice at Chewbacca. JABBA Chewbacca slinks back outside the starship as Han helps the still slightly crazed Montross aboard the craft. Han generally ignores Jabba's tirade. HAN JABBA
HAN JABBA The second pirate notices Montross's arm, as Han sets him on a bench near the door. PIRATE JABBA
The cockpit of the starship is crowded with a haphazard array of computer switches and monitors. Dozing in one of the two pilot chairs is CAPTAIN OXUS, a man of the grossest dimensions. His scarred face is a grim testimonial to his prowess as a pirate and a killer. The young Han Solo enters the cabin and stands staring at the evil galactic buccaneer -- the terror of the Outland territories -- so peaceful, such an easy prey. Han doesn't know quite what to do, so he starts to leave. Oxus opens one eye. He is in a drunken stupor. OXUS Han bows low before his master, then moves down the narrow passageway to a small closet, where he takes out a cup of silver powder and returns to Oxus. HAN
He takes a mighty swing at the boy, but his inebriated condition causes the blow to ricochet off, and slam against a locker panel. Han rushes out of the room.
Han is angry with himself for not being able to tell the captain about Luke. He kicks the door to a locker in disgust. Suddenly an idea comes to him and he rushes back down the hallway.
Luke and the two robots approach the entry bay of the giant starship, and are intercepted by the giant Wookiee, Chewbacca. LUKE Luke hands the huge funny creature his back-pack, but the Wookiee doesn't take it. Instead, Chewbacca refuses to let them pass and carries on about something in his harsh native tongue. Luke doesn't understand. LUKE (CONT'D) The gleaming bronze robot jabbers away in strange animal sounds to the towering monster. They carry on an animated argument, until it appears Threepio gets in the last word. THREEPIO
Han and Montross are busy prying loose a control panel in a forward corridor of the ship. The cover falls to the floor with a loud clang, and the young cabin boy looks around to see if anyone heard. Montross takes a small metal bar and jams it between two circuits. Sparks,fly and a small puff of smoke issues from the panel. He quickly replaces the cover and Han heads back toward the captain's bridge.
The cockpit area of the starship is a cacophony of warning alarms and flashing lights. The captain clumsily works at the control console in a vain attempt to figure out what is going on. Han enters carrying a long gray cloak. HAN Oxus stumbles around in a drunken stupor. OXUS HAN OXUS A new shrill alarm begins to sound, as Han grabs the groggy old pirate and drags him out of the cabin.
Han and the lumbering pirate captain charge into the entry bay, almost knocking down Jabba the Hutt. JABBA HAN
LUKE Threepio repeats the question in Wookieese and gets a short, rather menacing answer from the creature, who points to the high-backed seat of the lounge area. THREEPIO The alarm signal is suddenly cut short.
The one armed Montross sits in the pilot seat pushing buttons and switches. Han rushes in and sits in the co-pilot seat. He is laughing. HAN MONTROSS Montross laughs heartily as he pulls back on the throttle.
Captain Oxus and Jabba the Hutt stand before a large window overlooking the docking port. Oxus is furious, ranting and raving. Jabba stands dumbfoundedly, with his mouth hanging open. The ship quickly disappears into the vastness of the night sky.
Han sits back in the huge co-pilot's chair and puts his feet up on the control console. HAN He chuckles. The surface of Utapau slowly drifts out of view of the cockpit windows and is replaced by a sparkling carpet of stars. MONTROSS HAN MONTROSS They both laugh. Little Artoo appears momentarily in the doorway, makes a few beeping remarks, then scurries away. In a few moments, Luke appears at the doorway. LUKE Montross gives Han a sly smile, as Artoo appears timidly behind his master. HAN
Han stands nervously waiting for Chewbacca, who is looking through Luke's things as the young adventurer sleeps. The huge furry creature is very quiet as he moves about the cabin. He picks up Luke's gun belt containing the hidden Kiber Crystal. He takes the belt and a pouch to his waiting master, and quietly whispers to him. Han begins to search the belt.
He drops the belt and pouch in disgust.
Han enters and flops down in the co-pilot's seat. Montross is busy studying the solar system with the ship's scanner. HAN Montross looks up from the scanner with a worried look. MONTROSS HAN
Luke, Chewbacca and the two robots sit around a lighted table covered with many small metal figures. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. Chewbacca seems very pleased with himself as he rests his lanky fur-covered arms over his head. Luke rests his chin in his hands as he ponders a weighty problem on the board. Finally the stubby Artoo reaches up and moves one of the figures on the board. A sudden frown crosses Chewbacca's face and he begins yelling some gibberish at Artoo. Threepio intercedes on behalf of his small companion and begins to argue with the huge Wookiee. LUKE THREEPIO
HAN'S VOICE LUKE
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly buzzing read-outs. Montross and Han are busy at the controls. MONTROSS Luke enters; his boyish enthusiasm is working overtime. LUKE Both Han and Montross are rather grim-faced. HAN LUKE Luke moves close and begins to search the viewing monitors. HAN Luke sits down in a state of shock. He stares blankly at the monitor read-outs. Han is very angry at this turn of events. MONTROSS
LUKE HAN The young pirate captain grabs Luke and holds him high against the cockpit wall. HAN (CONT'D) Luke clears his throat and snaps out of his depression. LUKE HAN LUKE HAN |