Download: Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as taken from the “Journal of the Whills” by George Lucas (Saga I) Star Wars
Fourth Draft, January 1, 1976
171 pages
252 scenes
Jan 1, 1976
The
Adventures of Luke Starkiller
as taken from the
“Journal of the Whills”
by
George Lucas
(Saga I)
STAR WARS
Fourth Draft
January 1, 1976
Lucasfilm Ltd.
FADE IN…
A long, long time ago in a galaxy
far, far away an incredible
adventure took place…
FADE OUT…
FADE IN
1. EXT. SPACE
A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the MAIN TITLE. War drums echo through the heavens, as a ROLLUP slowly crawls into infinity…
It is a period of civil wars in the galaxy. A brave alliance of underground freedom fighters has challenged the iron fisted oppression of the powerful GALACTIC EMPIRE.
Striking from a fortress hidden among the billion stars of the galaxy, rebel spaceships have won a crushing victory over the awesome Imperial Starfleet. The EMPIRE knows that one more such defeat could bring a thousand more solar systems into the rebellion, and Imperial control over the galaxy would be lost forever.
To crush the rebellion once and for all, the EMPIRE has constructed a sinister new weapon: THE DEATH STAR. Powerful enough to destroy an entire planet, it spells certain doom for the champions of freedom.
The awesome yellow planet of Tatooine emerges from a total eclipse. A tiny silver spacecraft races into view, followed by a giant Imperial starship. Hundreds of deadly laser bolts streak from the Imperial warship, causing the main solar fin of the rebel craft to disintegrate. The smoldering rebel ship is quickly overtaken by the Imperial craft.
2. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
An explosion rocks the ship as two 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 claw-armed tripod. His face is a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar eye. Threepio, on the other hand, is a tall slender robot of human proportions. He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an “Art Deco” design
THREEPIO
Did you hear that? They’ve shut down the main reactor. We’ll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!!
The little dwarf robot makes a series of electronic sounds that only another robot could understand. Rebel troops rush past the robots and take up position in the main passageway. Tension mounts as loud metallic footsteps and the scraping screams of heavy equipment are heard moving around on the outside of the hull of the ship.
THREEPIO
There is no escape for the Captain this time…
Suddenly, a tremendous blast opens up a hole in the main passageway and a score of fearsome stormtroopers make their way into the smoking corridor. In a few moments the entire passageway blazes with laser fire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild random patterns creating huge explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck behind storage lockers. Laser bolts hit several rebel soldiers who scream and stagger through the smoke, holding shattered arms and faces.
An explosion hits near the robots and the lanky Threepio becomes entangled in the mass of dangling wires, which spark and pop every time he attempts to move. Artoo waddles to his friends aid.
THREEPIO
Help me! I think something is melting… This is all your fault! I should have known better than to trust the logic of a half-sized thermocapsulary dehousing assister…
Artoo counters with an angry rebuttal as the battle rages around the two hapless robots.
3. EXT. TATOOINE – DESERT WASTELAND – DAY
A death-white wasteland stretches from horizon to horizon. The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settles on a lone figure, LUKE STARKILLER, a farm boy with heroic aspirations who looks much younger than his twenty-two years. His curly hair and baggy tunic give him the air of a simple, but lovable lad with a prize-winning smile.
A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves on a large battered moisture vaporator which sticks out of the desert floor much like an oil pipe with valves. He is aided by a beat-up tread-robot with six claw arms. The little robot appears to be barely functioning and moves with jerky motions. A bright sparkle in the morning sky catches Luke’s eye and he instinctively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt.
LUKE
Tumblin’ tortoogas!
He stands transfixed for a few moments studying the heavens, then dashes toward his dented, crudely repaired Landspeeder (auto-like transport that travels a few feet above the ground on a magnetic field). He motions for the tiny robot to follow him.
LUKE
Hurry up! Come on!
The robot scoots around in a tight circle, stops short and smoke begins to pour out of every joint. Luke throws his arms up in disgust.
A3. INT. REBEL STARFIGHTER – MAIN HALLWAY
The awesome, seven-foot tall DARK LORD OF THE SITH makes his way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is DARTH VADER, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior and a deathly quiet sweeps through the Rebel troops. Several of the rebel troops break and run in a frenzied panic.
4. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – SUB HALLWAY
Threepio stands in a smoky hallway, somewhat bewildered. Artoo is nowhere in sight.
THREEPIO
R-2! R-2-D-2 where are you?
A familiar clanking sound attracts 3-PO’s attention and he spots little Artoo at the end of the hallway in a smoke-filled alcove. Kneeling in front of Artoo, a beautiful young girl, surreal and out of place (almost a dream half hidden in the smoke), finishes adjusting something on his computer face then watches as the little robot joins his companion. Threepio takes only momentary notice of the girl and then she is gone.
THREEPIO
Where have you been? They’re heading in this direction. What are you going to do? We’ll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel or smashed into who-knows-what! Wait, where are you going?
Artoo scoots past his bronze friend and races down the sub-hallway. Threepio chases after him.
5. OMITTED
6. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – COCKPIT CORRIDOR
The evil Darth Vader stands among the broken and twisted
bodies of his foes. He grabs a wounded rebel officer by
the neck and holds him high above the ground. An Imperial
officer rushes up to the Dark Lord.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
The information is not in the computer memory system…
Vader squeezes the neck of the rebel trooper, who struggles in vain.
VADER
Where is the data you intercepted? What have you done with those information tapes?
REBEL OFFICER
We stole no information! This is a consular ship… didn’t you see our markings? We’re on a diplomatic mission…
VADER
(Angry)
Where are those tapes?
REBEL OFFICER
Only… only the commander knows…
VADER
This ship carries the ma[r]kings of Alderaan. Is Senator Leia on board? I said is she on board?
The rebel refuses to speak but eventually cries out as the Dark Lord begins to squeeze the officer’s throat, creating a gruesome snapping and choking, until the soldier goes limp. Vader tosses the dead soldier against the wall and turns to his troops.
VADER
Find Senator Leia. I want her alive. And start tearing this ship apart piece by piece until you have those tapes.
The stormtroopers scurry into the sub-hallways.
A6. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – LIFEPOD BAY
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 astro-robot works his way into the cramped four-man pod.
THREEPIO
Hey! You’re not permitted in there. It’s restricted. You’ll be deactivated for sure. Now come out before someone sees you. Come on!
Artoo whistles something at his reluctant friend regarding the mission he is about to perform.
THREEPIO
Mission!?! What mission? What are you talking about? You’ve short-circuited… no more adventures. I’m not getting in there!
Artoo isn’t happy with Threepio’s stubbornness and he beeps
and twangs angrily.
THREEPIO
Don’t call me a mindless philosopher, you overweight glob of grease…
A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris through the narrow sub-hallway. Flames lick at Threepio and after a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the lanky robot jumps into the lifepod.
THREEPIO
I’m going to regret this.
The safety door snaps shut and with the thunder of exploding latches,the tiny lifepod ejects from the disabled starfighter.
B6. INT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER – COCKPIT
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terrified robots speeds away from the stricken rebel spacecraft.
CHIEF PILOT
There goes another one.
CAPTAIN
Hold your fire. No life forms. It must have short-circuited. Don’t waste your power…
C6. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – NARROW SUB-HALLWAY
The lovely young girl (about sixteen years old) huddles in a small alcove as the stormtroopers search through the ship. She is LEIA ORGANA, a member of the Alderaan senate. The fear in her eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted crushing sounds of the approaching stormtroopers grow louder. One of the troopers spots her and radios to the others.
TROOPER
Set for stun…
Leia steps from her hiding place and blasts two troopers with her laser pistol. She starts to run but is felled by a paralyzing ray. The troopers inspect her inert body.
TROOPER
She’ll be alright. Report to Lord Vader.
7. EXT. SKY OVER TATOOINE – LIFEPOD
The reddish-yellow mass of Tatooine seems to engulf the tiny lifepod containing the two robots. The starships grow smaller as the pod descends toward the planet.
A7. INT. LIFEPOD
Artoo and Threepio look out at the receding starships.
THREEPIO
That’s funny. The damage doesn’t look as bad from out here. Are you sure this thing is safe?
8 EXT. ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT – POWER STATION – DAY
Heat waves radiate from the dozen or so bleached white buildings. Luke pilots his landspeeder through the dusty empty street of the tiny settlement. An old WOMAN runs to get out of the way of the speeding vehicle, shaking her fist at Luke as he flies past.
WOMAN
I’ve told you kids to slow down!
Luke pulls up behind a low concrete service station that is all but covered by the shifting desert sands.
9. INT. POWER STATION – DAY
Luke bursts into the power station, waking THE FIXER, a rugged mechanic and CAMIE, a sexy disheveled girl who has been asleep on his lap. They grumble as he races through the office.
Luke bounces into a small room behind the office where DEAK and WINDY, two tough boys about the same age as Luke, are playing a computer pool-like game with BIGGS, a burly, handsome boy a few years older than the rest. His flashy city attire is a sharp contrast to the loose-fitting tunics of the farm boys. A robot repairs some equipment in the background.
LUKE
Shape it up you guys!… Biggs?
Luke’s surprise at the appearance of Biggs gives way to great joy and emotion. They give each other a great bear hug.
LUKE
Why didn’t you tell me you were back? When did you get in?
BIGGS
Just now, I wanted to surprise you. I thought you’d be here… certainly didn’t expect you to be out working.
(He laughs).
LUKE
The academy didn’t change you much… but you’re back so soon? Hey, hey, what happened, didn’t you get a commission?
Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.
BIGGS
Of course I got it, kid. Signed aboard THE RAND ECLIPTIC last week. First mate Biggs Darklighter at your service…
(he salutes)
… I just came back to say good-bye to all you unfortunate landlocked simpletons.
Everyone laughs. The dazzling spectacle of his dashing friend is almost too much, but suddenly he snaps out of it.
LUKE
I almost forgot. There’s a battle going on! Right here in our system. Come and look!
10. EXT. ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT – POWER STATION – DAY
The group stumbles out into the stifling desert sun. Deak and The Fixer complain and are forced to shade their eyes. Luke has his binoculars out scanning the heavens.
LUKE
There they are!
Biggs take the binoculars from Luke as the other strain to see something with the naked eye. Through the binoculars Biggs sees two small silver specks.
BIGGS
That’s no battle kid… they’re just sitting there!
LUKE
But there was a lot of firing earlier…
Camie grabs the binoculars away banging them against the
building in the process. Luke grabs them.
LUKE
Hey, easy with those…
CAMIE
Don’t worry about it, Wormie.
Fixer gives Luke a hard look and the young farm boy shrugs his shoulders in resignation.
FIXER
You’re dreaming Luke. The rebellion is a long way from here. I doubt if the Empire would even fight to keep this system. Believe me, this planet is a big hunk of nothing…
Luke agrees, although it’s obvious he isn’t sure why. The group stumbles back into the power station, grumbling about Luke’s ineptitude.
11. INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER – HALLWAY
Princess Leia is led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a squad of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound and she is brutally shoved when she is unable to keep up with the briskly marching troops. They stop in a smoking hallway as Darth Vader emerges from the shadows. The sinister Dark Lord stares hard at the frail young senator, but she doesn’t move.
LEIA
The senate will not sit still for this. When they hear you’ve attacked a diplomatic…
VADER
Don’t play games with me senator.You’ve passed through a restricted system. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by spies, who are now unfortunately dead. Where is the data they sent you?
LEIA
I don’t know what you’re talking about.I’m a member of the senate on a diplomatic mission to…
VADER
You’re a member of the Alliance… and a traitor. Take her away.
Leia is marched away down the hallway and into the smoldering hole blasted in the side of the ship. An Imperial commander turns to Vader.
COMMANDER
She should be destroyed. Holding her is dangerous. If word of this gets out, there will be much unrest in the senate. It will generate sympathy for the rebellion…
VADER
We have traced the rebel spies to her. She is my only link to the hidden base and I intend to use it.
COMMANDER
She’ll die before she gives you any information.
VADER
Leave that to me. Send a distress signal. Call it a meteorite storm. Report all aboard as… dead.
The troopers approach Vader and the commander. They stop and snap to attention.
TROOPER
The data tapes are not on board. No transmissions were made. A malfunctioning repair pod was jet[t]isoned during the fighting, but, no, there were no life form aboard…
VADER
Send a detachment down to retrieve it… be subtle. Don’t attract attention… vaporize this ship. Don’t leave anything.
Vader turns to the commander.
I want those stolen data tapes at all costs. See to it personally.
The commander gives the Dark Lord a short bow and exits.
12-13. OMITTED
14. EXT. TATOOINE – EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA
JUNDLAND or “No Man’s Land” where the rugged desert mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-robots kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod and clumsily work their way across the desert coastline. The lifepod rests half buried in the sand in the distance.
THREEPIO
What a forsaken place this is. We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life. I’ve got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are almost frozen. What are we doing here?
Suddenly Artoo makes a sharp right turn and starts off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Threepio stops and yells at him.
THREEPIO
Where do you think you’re going!?
A stream of electronic noises pour forth from the small robot.
THREEPIO
Well, I’m not going that way. It’s too rocky. This way is much easier. What makes you think there are any settlements that way?
Artoo counters with a long whistle.
THREEPIO
Don’t get technical with me. I’ve had just about enough of you. Go that way, go on! You’ll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap pile!
He shoves Artoo and the tiny robot tumbles down a small dune. Threepio starts off in the direction of the vast dune sea as little Artoo struggles to his feet and shakes a metallic claw at his ex-partner.
THREEPIO
… and don’t let me catch you following me, begging for help… because you won’t get it!
Artoo’s reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges off in the direction of the towering mesas.
15. EXT. TATOOINE – DUNE SEA
Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a dune, past the bleached bones of a dinosaur-like beast, 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
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. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving toward him. The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the approaching transport.
16. EXT. POWER STATION – DAY
Luke and Biggs are walking and drinking a malt brew. Fixer and the others can be heard working inside.
LUKE
(Very animated)
… so I cut off my power, shut down the afterburners and came in low on Deak’s trail. I was so close I thought I was going to fry my instruments. As it was I busted up the Skyhopper pretty bad. Uncle Owen was fit to kill me. You should have been there… it was fantastic.
BIGGS
You ought to take it a little easy kid. You may be the hottest bushpilot this side of Mos Eisley, but those little skyhoppers are dangerous. If you keep it up, you’re going to be nothing more than a dark spot on the down side of a canyon wall.
LUKE
Look whose [sic] talking. Now that you’ve been around those giant starships you’re beginning to sound like my uncle. You’ve gotten soft in the city…
BIGGS
I’ve missed you kid.
LUKE
Well, things haven’t been the same since you left Biggs. It’s been so… quiet.
Biggs looks around then leans close to Luke.
BIGGS
Luke, I didn’t come back just to say good-bye. Something extraordinary has happened… I shouldn’t tell you this. I’ve sworn silence and given my oath, but we’ve been through everythin together kid. I can trust you… I may never come back and I really want someone to know.
Luke’s eyes are wide with Biggs’ seriousness and loyalty.
LUKE
What are you talking about?
BIGGS
I didn’t sign aboard the frigate. I didn’t even graduate.I met some people at the academy and…
(whispering)
I’ve joined the Alliance.
Luke is amazed and stunned almost speechless.
LUKE
You’ve joined the rebellion?! You’re part of the underground!
BIGGS
Shh! It’s what we’ve always talked about. At last I’m going to do something that counts. The Empire isn’t going to go away with talk and dreams…
LUKE
But how’d you do it? How’d you find them?
BIGGS
Actually they found me. They were looking for good pilots and I was the best at the academy. They need good pilots Luke. Instead of going to the academy with Deak and Windy why don’t you come with me and join the Alliance. It would be just like old times.
Luke thinks about this for a moment.
LUKE
You know I want to Biggs, but I’m not going to the academy this year. My uncle needs me here. He’s almost got enough vaporators built to make the place pay off. I can’t leave him now, not after all he’s been through, not after all he’s done for me.
Luke sees that Biggs is greatly disappointed in his friend and feebly reaches or another excuse.
LUKE
Besides, there has been a lot of unrest among the sandpeople since you left… they’ve raided the outskirts of Anchorhead itself. We’ve been on the alert for…
BIGGS
Ban-shit! Your uncle could hold off whole colony of sandpeople with one blaster. Deak and Windy are going away, why don’t you just tell me you’re afraid to go.
LUKE
I’m not afraid…
BIGGS
Luke, you’re going to be stuck here the rest of your life. If you want things to change you’re going to have to make them change. Ahh, I don’t know why I waste my time, you’ll never break away… look I’ll be around for the next few days, so don’t tell anyone about any of this until after I’ve gone.
LUKE
I’ll talk to my uncle, maybe he’ll let me go. I’ll see you tomorrow. OK?
Biggs is still quite angry and coldly turns away from his old friend.
17. EXT. ROCK CANYON – TATOOINE – SUNSET
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange foreboding mist and the ominous sounds of unearthly creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he goes. He hears a distant hard, metallic sound and stops for a moment. Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way.
In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall and a small dark figure darts into the shadows. A little further up the canyon a slight flicker of light reveals a pair of eyes in the dark recesses only a few feet from the narrow path.
The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until suddenly out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurry three MEN, no taller than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons as they cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby cloaks and their faces are shrouded so that only their glowing yellow eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their shoulders and carry him off down the trail.
18. EXT. TATOOINE – ROCK CANYON – SANDCRAWLER – SUNSET
The eight JAWAS carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge tank-like vehicle the size of a four-story house. They weld a small disk on the side of Artoo and then put him under a large tube on the side of the vehicle and the little robot is sucked into the giant machine.
The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small ladders and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.
19. OMITTED
20. INT. SANDCRAWLER – PRISON AREA
Artoo enters a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In the middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen or so robots of various shapes and sizes. Some are engaged in electronic conversation, while others simply mill about. A voice of recognition calls out from the gloom.
THREEPIO
Artoo Detoo! It’s you! It’s you!
A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces him. He also has a small disc attached to his chest.
21. EXT. TATOOINE – ROCK CANYON – SANDCRAWLER – SUNSET
The enormous sandcrawler lumbers off toward the magnificent twin suns which are slowly setting over a distant mountain ridge.
22. INT. DEATH STAR CONFERENCE OFFICE
Eight Imperial senators and generals sit around a black conference table in a low gray room. At one end of the table is GOVERNOR MOFF TARKIN, a thin evil looking man in his late fifties. At the other end of the table sits the Dark Lord, Darth Vader. A fat disgusting looking general, COMMANDER TAGGE is speaking.
TAGGE
… because this battle station was completed before it was clearly grasped that the rebel ships had a chance against us. The Alliance is too well equipped, too dangerous.
A squat ADMIRAL MOTTI twists nervously in his chair.
MOTTI
Dangerous to your starfleet, not to the Death Star. This battle station is absolutely invincible.
TARKIN
This may be so Admiral Motti, but I don’t think we can afford the risk if they indeed have obtained the complete technical readouts of this station. It is possible they might find a weak point. That data must be found before it can be used against us.
MOTTI
It won’t be long before the Death Star is completely operational, then we will easily be able to destroy a planet or an entire system… possibly even a sun. No doubt there is a plan being built up against us, but it cannot prevail. If we were to destroy every planet that is even suspected of being sympathetic to the Alliance…
TARKIN
The senate would not support the emperor. A move like that would only aid the rebellion.
TAGGE
Governor, the senate wouldn’t dare oppose us. Now that we can take such definitive action to enforce our will, we need no longer worry about legalities.
MOTTI
The Death Star is now the ultimate power in the universe…
Vader stirs slightly and a cup mysteriously floats into his hand.
VADER
Don’t become too proud of your pretty machines… for The Force of Others is still the ultimate power in the universe.
MOTTI
Don’t try to fear us with your sorcerer’s ways. Even with your religious hocus-pocus you were unable to retrieve the stolen data… or find the hidden rebel base… you’re ways ahh…
Suddenly Motti chokes and starts to turn blue.
VADER
Your lack of faith is disturbing.
TARKIN
Enough of this, release him! These arguments are pointless. Lord Vader we still expect you to find the hidden rebel base before this station becomes operational. It is the Emperor’s will… you were sent here to enforce it.
VADER
As the Emperor wills it, so it shall be. You will have the location of the rebel fortress and I will have the stolen data destroyed.
He raises his hand aaat crumples the metal cup before him without touching it.
23-24. OMITTED
25. INT. SANDCRAWLER – PRISON AREA
Threepio and Artoo noisily bounce along inside the cramped prison chamber. Artoo appears to be shut off.
THREEPIO
Will this never end?
Suddenly the trembling and bouncing of the sandcrawler stops, creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. Threepio shakes Artoo and his computer lights pop on.
THREEPIO
Wake up! Wake up! We’ve stopped!! We’re doomed! This is it… do you think they’ll melt us down?
At the far end of the long chamber a hatch opens filling the chamber with blinding white light. A dozen or so Jawas make their way through the odd assortment of robots. Artoo and Threepio are among the chosen and are herded outside with several other unfortunates.
26. EXT. TATOOINE – LAR’S HOMESTEAD – SALT FLAT – AFTERNOON
Five battered robots, including Artoo and Threepio are lined up in front of the enormous sandcrawler which is parked beside a small homestead consisting of three large holes in the ground, surrounded by several tall moisture vaporators and one small adobe block house.
The Jawas scurry around fussing over the robots, straightening them up or brushing some dust from a dented metallic elbow. The shrouded little creatures smell horribly, attracting small insects to the dark areas when their mouths and nostrils should be.
Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limps OWEN LARS, a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish eyes are sunken in a dust covered face. As the farmer carefully inspects each of the robots, he is closely followed by his slump-shouldered nephew, Luke Starkiller. One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead of the farmer spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer unintelligible language.
One picks out a small astro-robot similar to Artoo and it waddles along behind the group. The limping farmer stops in front of Threepio and studies him carefully.
OWEN
Do you speak “Bocce”?
THREEPIO
Yes sir, I’m See Threepio, Human-Cyborg relations. I have a full T-6 capacity and…
OWEN
That’s enough. Luke, take them to the garage. I want you to have both of them cleaned up by dinner.
LUKE
But I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters…
OWEN
You can waste time with your friends after you’ve finished your chores. Now get to it!
As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots back into the sandcrawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic little beep and starts after his old friend Threepio but is restrained by a slimy Jawa who zaps him with a control box. Owen is negotiating with the head Jawa when Luke notices something on the R-2 unit.
LUKE
Uncle Owen, this R-2 unit has a bad motivator, look!
He lifts the R-2 unit’s claw arm and it drops lifelessly to the robot’s side. Owen argues with the Jawas for a few moments, then with a little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades the damaged astro-robot for Artoo Detoo. Owen pays off the whining Jawa as Luke and the two robots trudge off toward a grimy homestead entry.
27. INT. LAR’S HOMESTEAD – GARAGE AREA – LATE AFTERNOON
The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly peaceful atmosphere permeates the low gray chamber. In the center of the room Threepio lowers himself into a large tub filled with warm oil. Near the battered landspeeder little Artoo rests on a large battery with a cord attached to his face.
THREEPIO
Thanks the maker! This is going to feel sooo good. I’ve got such a bad case of dust contamination I can barely move!
Artoo beeps a muffled reply. Luke seems to be lost in thought as he runs his hand over the damaged fin of a small two-man “skyhopper” spaceship resting in a low hangar off the garage. Finally Luke’s frustrations get the better of him and he slams a wrench across the workbench.
LUKE
It just isn’t fair!
THREEPIO
I beg your pardon sir, but is there anything I might do to help?
Luke glances at the battered robot and a bit of his anger drains and a tiny smile creeps across his face.
LUKE
Not unless you can change the unchangeable or alter time.
THREEPIO
I’m sorry sir, I’m only a “droid” and not very knowledgeable of such tings… not on this planet anyway. As a matter of fact I’m not even sure which planet I’m on.
LUKE
That’s all right. There is nothing anyone can do about it. You can call me Luke.
THREEPIO
Thank you sir. I’m Threepio, Human Cyborg relations and this is my counterpart, Artoo Detoo.
Luke unplugs Artoo and begins to scrape several connectors on the robot’s head with a chrome pick. Threepio climbs out of the oil tub and begins wiping oil from his bronze body.
LUKE
There’s a lot of carbon scoring here. It looks like you boys have seen a lot of action…
THREEPIO
Indeed sir, sometimes I’m amazed we’re in as good shape as we are, what with the rebellion and all.
Luke sparks to life at the mention of rebellion.
LUKE
You know of the rebellion? Against the Empire?
THREEPIO
That’s how we came to be in your service, if you take my meaning…
LUKE
Tell me where you’ve been. Were you been in many battles?
THREEPIO
Several, I think. There is not much to tell. I’m not much more than an interpreter and not very good at telling stories, not at making them interesting anyways…
Luke struggles to remove a small metal fragment from Artoo’s neck joint. He uses a larger pick.
LUKE
Well, my little friend, you’ve got something jammed in here real good… were you on a star-cruiser or a…
The fragment breaks loose with a snap, sending Luke tumbling head over heels. He sits up and sees a small (12 inch) 3-D hologram of Leia Organa, the rebel senator, being projected from the face of little Artoo. The image is a rainbow of colors as it flickers and jiggles in the dimly lit garage. Luke’s mouth hangs open in awe.
LEIA
… help me! Your my only ho…
LUKE
What’s this??
Artoo looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer for Threepio to translate. Leia continues to repeat the sentence fragment over and over.
THREEPIO
What is what?!? He asked you a question…
(pointing at Leia)
What is that?
Artoo beeps his surprise as he pretends to just notice the hologram and whistles his reply.
THREEPIO
He says it’s nothing sir. Merely a malfunction. Old data, pay it no mind.
Luke becomes intrigued by the beautiful young girl.
LUKE
Who is she?…
THREEPIO
I’m afraid I’m not quite sure sir! I think she was a passenger on our last voyage. A person of some importance I believe. Our captain was attache to…
LUKE
Is there any more to this recording?
Luke reaches for Artoo but he lets out several frantic squeaks and a whistle.
THREEPIO
It’s all right Artoo. He’s out master now. You can trust him.
Artoo whistles and beeps a long message to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says it’s part of a private msssage for a Ben Kenobi, a resident of these parts… do you know him?
LUKE
Sure! Old Ben lives out beyond the dune sea. He’s a strange old man. Uncle Owen says he’s a sorcerer. He comes around once in awhile. I’ve hardly even talked to him though, my uncle says I should keep away from him… a message for old Ben huh? It sounds like to me like she’s in trouble. Maybe it’s important… I should hear all of it.
Luke reaches for little Artoo and the little Artoo squeaks a blue streak.
THREEPIO
Hold your systems, what are you saing!? Excuse me sir, he says it’s not possible… beggin’ your pardon sir, but with all we’ve been though, I’m afraid he’s become a bit eccentric…
Artoo sheepishly proposes an excuse witha feeble whistle.
THREEPIO
He says the restraining bolt has short circuited his recording system… he suggests that if you remove the restraining bolt, he might be able to repeat the entire recording.
Luke looks longingly at the lovely little princess and hasn’t really heard what Threepio has been saying.
LUKE
What… of yes… well I guess you’re too small to run away on me if I take this off… I wonder what she’s be sending a message to old Ben for?
Luke takes a wedged bar and pops the restraining bolt off R-2’s side. The princess immediately disappears…
LUKE
There now… wait, where did she go? Artoo make her come back.
Artoo beeps an innocent reply. Threepio slumps in embarrassment.
THREEPIO
Oh my!
LUKE
What did he say?
THREEPIO
He said. Make who come back?
(Turns to R-2)
The image! The recording! You blockhead.
Artoo coyly lets out a short little beep.
THREEPIO
What recording!!?! The one that was just there, you cross circuited numb-skull…
(turns to Luke)
I’m sorry sir, but he appears to have picked up a slight flutter. Perhaps…
A women’s voice calls out from the other room.
AUNT BERU
Luke! Luke, come to dinner.
Luke stands up and shakes his head at the malfunctioning robot.
LUKE
OK, I’m coming Aunt Beru… Oh well, see what you can do with him. I’ll be right back.
Luke places Artoo’s retraining bolt on the work bench and hurries out of the room.
28. INT. LAR’S HOMESTEAD – KITCHEN – LATE AFTERNOON
Luke’s Aunt Beru, a warm motherly woman, fills a pitcher with blue milk from a refrigerated container in the well used kitchen. She puts the pitcher on a tray with some bowls of food and starts for the dining area.
Luke sits with his Uncle Owen before a table covered with steaming bowls of food as Aunt Beru carries in the pitcher of blue milk.
LUKE
You know, that R-2 unit is carrying some kind of message for old Ben Kenobi.
This doesn’t sit well with Owen
OWEN
What kind of message?
LUKE
I don’t know, I only came across part of it by accident… I was going to…
OWEN
Don’t mess with it. Anything involving old Ben is best left well enough alone. He’s too much involved with troublesome things. Just leave it be and forget about it.
OWEN
The last of our savings are tied up in those two droids. You just get them ready for tomorrow. First thing in the morning I want you to check those condensing units on the south ridge.
LUKE
Ah… Uncle Owen, I’ve been thinking about our agreement… and I’ve ah… I’ve changed my mind. Now that you’ve got those extra droids, I want to transmit my application to the academy. I’ve decided to go after all…
Owen’s face becomes a scowl, although he tries to suppress it.
OWEN
You mean next term, before the harvest?
LUKE
Yeah, right away… the term starts this week.
OWEN
Those droids can’t replace you Luke, you know that. Now is when I need you the most. Why have you changed your mind?
Luke doesn’t want to answer this, so he continues to toy with his food.
OWEN
For the first time, we’ve got a fortune beyond belief coming into our hands. Can’t you wait until after the harvest? We’ll make enough this time to hire some extra hands… I need you Luke. You understand that don’t you?
LUKE
But it’s another year…
OWEN
The time will pass before you know it.
Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside.
LUKE
That’s what you said last year when Biggs left. I’d better finish cleaning those droids.
Resigned to his fate, Luke paddles out of the room. Owen mechanically finishes his dinner afraid to look at his quetly sympathetic wife.
BERU
Owen, you can’t keep him here forever. You know most of his friends are going this term.. It means everything to him.
OWEN
He’ll get over it… I’ll make it up to him next year, I promise. This harvest is everything.
BERU
Luke’s just not a farmer, he’s got too much of his father in him.
29. EXT. TATOOINE – LAR’S HOMESTEAD – ENTRY AREA – SALT FLAT
The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few moments, then reluctantly enters the domed entrance to the homestead.
A29. INT. GARAGE AREA – LAR’S HOMESTEAD
Luke enters the garage to discover the robots nowhere in sight. He takes a small control box from his utility belt. (Similar to the one the Jawa’s were carrying). He activates the box which creates a low hum and Threepio pops up from behind the skyhopper spaceship letting out a short yell.
LUKE
What are you doing back there?
Threepio stumbles forward but Artoo is still nowhere in sight.
THREEPIO
It wasn’t my fault sir. Please don’t deactivate me. I told him not to go but he’s faulty, malfunctioning… keeps babbling on about a mission…
LUKE
Oh no…
Luke races out of the garage followed by Threepio.
B29. EXT. TATOOINE ENTRY AREA – LAR’S HOMESTEAD – SALT FLAT – SUNSET
Luke rushes out of the small domed entry to the homestead and searches the darkening horizon for the small tri-ped astro-robot. Threepio struggles out of the homestead and on to the salt flat as Luke scans the landscape with his electrobinoculars.
THREEPIO
That Artoo unit is nothing but troble. These droids are getting too much for me. Even I can’t understand their logic at times.
LUKE
Well, he’s nowhere in sight. Blast it, how could I be so stupid. Uncle Owen’s going to kill me.
THREEPIO
Beggin’ your pardon sir, but can’t we go after him?
LUKE
Not at night. It’s too dangerous with all the sandpeople around. We’ll have to wait until morning.
Owen yells up from the homestead plaza.
OWEN
Luke! Luke are you finished with those droids yet? I’m turning the power down for the night.
LUKE
Alright, I’ll be there in a few minutes.
He turns and takes one final look across the dim horizon.
LUKE
Boy, am I in for it.
30-31. OMITTED
32. INT. PLAZA LAR’S HOMESTEAD – MORNING
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse but sparkling oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by the yelling of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the homestead.
OWEN
Luke! Luke. Where could he be loafing now?
A32. INT. LAR’S HOMESTEAD – KITCHEN AREA – MORNING
The interior of the kitchen is a warm glow as Beru prepares the morning breakfast. Owen enters in a huff.
OWEN
Have you seen Luke this morning?
BERU
He said he had some things to do before he started today, so he left early.
OWEN
Did he take the new droids with him?
BERU
I think so.
OWEN
He’s better have those condensing units on the south ridge repaired by midday or there’ll be hell to pay.
B32. EXT. TATOOINE – EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA
Four Imperial Stormtroopers mill about in front of the half buried lifepod which brought Artoo and Threepio to Tatooine. A trooper yells to an officer some distance away.
TROOPER
No data tapes sir.
A second trooper, standing next to the officer picks a small bit of metal out of the sand and give it to the officer.
OFFICER
Droids!
33. OMITTED
34. INT/EXT. LUKE’S SPEEDER – DESERT WASTELAND – TRAVELING – DAY
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur as Threepio pilots the sleek landspeeder gracefully across the vast wasteland. Luke rides precariously on the back of trunk of the vehicle adjusting something in the motor compartment.
LUKE
(yelling)
How’s that?
Threepio signals that it is fine and Luke turns back into the wind-whipped cockpit and pops the canopy shut.
LUKE
I’m sure old Ben lives out in this direction somewhere, but I don’t see how that R-2 unit could have come this far. We must have missed him. It’s getting late. I’ve got to get started repairing those condensing units. We’d better start back, I don’t want to go too far, the wild things out here are said to be weird and savage… Wait there’s something straight ahead… it’s him, it’s him, hurry.
35. EXT. TATOOINE – ROCK MESA – DUNE SEA – COASTLINE – DAY
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny landspeeder can be seen gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the foreground two weather-beaten sandpeople shrouded in their grimy desert cloaks peer over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the marginally human creatures raises a long ominous laser rifle and points it at the speeder but the second creature grabs the gun before it can be fired.
The sandpeople or Tusken raiders as they’re sometimes called speak in a coarse barbaric language as they get into an animated argument. The second Tusken seems to get in the final word and the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain.
36. EXT. TATOOINE – ROCK MESA CANYON
The Tusken raiders approach two large BANTHAS standing tied to a rock. The monstrous bear-like creatures are as large as elephants, with huge red eyes, tremendous looped horns and long furry dinosaur-like tails. The raiders mount saddles strapped to the huge creatures’ shaggy backs and ride off down the rugged bluff.
37. EXT. ROCK CANYON FLOOR – TATOOINE
The speeder is parked on the floor of a massive canyon. Luke, with his long banded laser rifle over his shoulder attaches the restraining bolt to Artoo’s side. Threepio paces in front of the smaller robot, who appears to be shut down.
LUKE
There, he’ll be doing no more running. Now if we can just get home before Uncle Owens starts looking for us.
THREEPIO
If you don’t mind my saing so sir, I don’t think you should switch Artoo back on until you’ve gotten him back to your workshop.
LUKE
No, I think he’ll be alright…
Luke switches on the little robot and he jumps to life with a mass of frantic whistles and screams.
LUKE
What is it? What happened?
THREEPIO
He says there are several creatures approaching from the southeast…
Luke swings his rifle into position and looks to the south.
LUKE
Sandpeople! What direction are they?
38. EXT. TATOOINE – CANYON RIDGE – DAY
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rock ridge and scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars. He spots the two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles up behind the young adventurer.
LUKE
There are two Banthas down there but I don’t see any… wait a second, they’re sandpeople all right. I see one of them.
Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his electrobinoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front of his field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can react, a large gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them. Threepio is startled and backs away, right off the side of the cliff. He can be heard for several moments as he clangs, bangs and rattles down the side of the mountain.
The towering creature brings down his curved, double pointed “Gaderffii” – the dreaded axe blade that has struck terror in the heart of the local settlers. But Luke manages to block the blow with his laser rifle, which is smashed to pieces. The terrified farm boy scrambles backward until he is forced to the edge of a deep crevice. The sinister raider stands over him with his weapon raised and lets out a horrible shrieking laugh.
39. EXT. TATOOINE – ROCK CANYON FLOOR – DAY
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove in the rocks as the vicious sandpeople walk past carrying the inert Luke Starkiller, who is dropped in a heap before the speeder. The raiders ransack the speeder, throwing parts and supplies in all directions. Suddenly they stop. Then everything is quiet for a few moments. A great howling moan is heard echoing throughout the canyon which sends the sandpeople fleeing in terror.
Artoo moves even tighter into the shadows as the slight swishing sound that frightened off the sandpeople grows even closer, until a shabby old desert rat of a man appears and leans over Luke. His ancient leathery face, cracked and weathered by exotic climates is set off by dark, penetrating eyes and a scraggly white beard. BEN KENOBI squints his eyes as he scrutinizes the unconscious farm boy. Artoo makes a slight sound and Ben turns and looks right at him.
BEN
Hello there, come here my little friend. Don’t be afraid.
Artoo waddles over to where Luke lies crumpled in a heap and begins to whistle and beep his concern. Ben puts his hand on Luke’s forehead and he begins to come to.
BEN
Don’t worry, he’ll be all right.
Luke lets out a grown and opens his eyes.
BEN
Rest easy young Luke, you’ve had a busy day. You’re lucky those Tusken’s left you in one piece.
LUKE
Ben? Ben Kenobi am I glad to see you!
BEN
Tell me young Luke, what brings you out this far?
LUKE
This little droid! This little droid has a message for you and there seem to be no stopping him from delivering it…
BEN
A message you say? A message! Wonderful, wonderful.
(He looks up at the overhanging cliffs.)
But I think it’s best we move along before those sandpeople return with their while tribe.
Luke sits up and rubs his head. Artoo lets out a pathetic beep causing Luke to remember something. He looks around.
LUKE
Boy, that feels none too good… Threepio!
40. EXT. TATOOINE – SAND PIT – ROCK MESA – DAY
Little Artoo stands at the edge of a large sand pit and begins to chatter away in electronic whistles and beeps. Luke and Ben stand over a very dented and tangled Threepio lying half buried in the sand.
Luke tries to revive the inert robot by shaking him and then flips a hidden switch on his back several times until finally the mechanical man’s systems turn on.
THREEPIO
Where am I? Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I must have taken a bad step…
LUKE
Can you stand? We’ve got to get out of here!
THREEPIO
I don’t think I can make it. You go on master Luke. It doesn’t make sense for you to risk yourself on my account. I’m done for.
LUKE
No, you’re not. What kind of talk is that?
Luke and Ben help the battered robot to his feet. Little Artoo watches from the top of the pit. Ben glances around suspiciously. Sensing something, he stands up and sniffs the air.
BEN
Quickly lad, the sandpeople are on the move.
41. OMITTED
42. INT. CAVE DWELLING – MAIN LIVING AREA
The soft-shaped cave dwelling is cluttered but radiates an air of time worn comfort and security. Artoo is standing in the middle of the room. The image of the beautiful rebel princess is projected from his face.
LEIA
Commander, you served my father in the Clone War and now I beg you to aid us in our most desperate hour. It is of vital importance that you see this R-2 unit safely delivered to Alderaan. Please help me, you are my only hope.
There is a little static and the transmission is cut short Old Ben leans back and scratches his head. He silently puffs on a tarnished chrome water pipe.
LUKE
Who is she?
BEN
Leia Organa. Her father was once the ruler of Alderaan. I’m afraid I’m getting too old for this sort of thing.
LUKE
You’re going to help her aren’t you? I’ll let you take the droid… I guess it stil belongs to her anyway. I’ll somehow explain it to my uncle… boy, what a day.
BEN
You are much like your father.
LUKE
You knew him? I’m afraid I don’t really remember him.
BEN
We were good friends… I have been saving something of his for you…
Ben gets up and goes to a chest where he rummages around and presents Luke with a short handle with several electronic gadgets attached to it.
BEN
When you became of age he wanted you to have this.
LUKE
What is it?
BEN
His lightsber. At one time they were widely used, still are used in some parts of the galaxy.
Luke pushes a button on the handle and a long laser beam shoots out about four feet, flickers there.
BEN (CONT.)
Your father was a great man and a clever warrior.
LUKE
I thought he was a navigator.
BEN
So your uncle told your for your own good, but your father was one of the last of the Jedi Knights. For over a thousand generations Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic… that was before the Empire, before the dark times. That was when the great senate ruled the galaxy and all the solar systems were free… no taxes, no fear. There was order in the universe and the Jedi Knights were the most powerful, most respected force in the galaxy.
LUKE
What happened to them?
BEN
The same thing that happened to your father. They were betrayed. Betrayed by a young Jedi, Darth Vader, one of my disciples, one of my failures. The Emperor made him a Sith Lord and he became evil and powerful. One by one the Jedi were hunted down and destroyed by this Dark Lord of the Sith. Now the Jedi are all but extinct. I’m afraid I am the last. Vader has chased me across the galaxy but I’ve outsmarted him. He’s still looking for me, but I’m well hidden and The Force is strong with me.
LUKE
The Force?
BEN
The force is… let’s just say The Force is something a Jedi deals with. It’s an energy field that gives him his power. But, enough of this, you must be getting home. I will ride with you as far as Anchorhead and there I will pick up transportation to the spaceport at Mos Eisley.
LUKE
How will I ever explain all this to my uncle?
A42. INT. DEATH STAR – PRISON CELL CORRIDOR
Two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door and allow several Imperial guards to enter. Princess Leia’s face is filled with defiance which slowly gives way to fear as a giant black torture robot enters, followed by Darth Vader.
VADER
Now we will discuss the location of your hidden base.
The door slides shut, the long cell block hallway appears peaceful. The muffled sounds of the rebel princess are barely heard.
B42EXT. MESA CANYON – SANDCRAWLER – DAY
The speeder stops before what remains of the huge Jawa sandcrawler. Luke and Ben walk among the smoldering rubble and scattered bodies.
LUKE
I’ve never known the sandpeople to hit anything this big.
BEN
Looks like the work of sandpeople alright. Bantha tracks, parat of a Gaffi stick… only problem is the tracks show whoever rode out here, rode side by side. Sandpeople always ride in a single file to hide their number. These hits are too precise for a Tusken. Only Imperial stormtroopers are that accurate.
LUKE
These are the same Jawas who sold us Artoo and Threepio.
Luke looks back at the speeder where Artoo and Threepio are inspecting the dead Jawas.
BEN
This is the Empire’s work, they must be searching for Artoo. They tracked the robots from where they landed.
LUKE
If they tracked the robots here, they’ll continue to follow the trail until they… get… back… home.
Luke reaches a sudden horrible realization and races for the speeder and jumps in.
BEN
No Luke, it’s too dangerous, it’s too late.
Luke races off leaving Ben and the two robots alone with the burning sandcrawler.
C42. EXT. HOMESTEAD – SALT FLAT – TATOOINE
The speeder roars up to the burning homestead. Luke jumps out and runs to the smoking holes that were once his home. Debris is scattered everywhere and it looks as if a great battle has taken place.
LUKE
Aunt Beru! Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen!
Luke stumbles around in a daze looking for his aunt and uncle. Suddenly he comes upon their smoldering remains.
LUKE
No!
D42 INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – DEATH STAR
Darth Vader and the regional Governor Moff Tarkin stand before a huge screen that shows a million stars. Admiral Motti and General Tagge are standing with them.
VADER
She has said nothing.
TAGGE
This solar system she’s from, Alderaan is the hot bed of the rebellion. She doesn’t have to say anything.
MOTTI
We’ve long suspected Alderaan, but linking her to the Alliance settles it. Now that this station is operational I suggest we use it.
TARKIN
The Emperor also feels the time has come to reveal as dramatically as possible the Empire’s total power. Set your course.
E42. EXT. MESA CANYON – SANDCRAWLER – DAY
There is a large bonfire of dead Jawas blazing in front of the sandcrawler as Ben and the robots finish burning the dead. Luke drives up in the speeder and Ben walks over to him.
BEN
I’m sorry, Luke.
LUKE
I want to come with you. There is nothing there for me now. I want to learn the ways of The Force, I want to become a Jedi like my father.
43-46. OMITTED
47. EXT. TATOOINE – BLUFF OVERLOOKING MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – DAY
The speeder zooms across the desert wasteland and eventually stops on a bluff overlooking the spaceport at MOS EISLEY. It is a haphazard array of low gray concrete structures and semidomes. A harsh gale blows across the stark canyon floor. Luke adjusts his goggles and walks to the edge of the craggy bluff where Ben is standing.
BEN
Well, there it is, Mos Eisley Spaceport. A more wretched hive of scum and villainy can’t be found. The Empire is on the alert, so we must be very cautious.
48. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – STREET – LATE AFTERNOON
The speeder is stopped at a road block as several combat hardened stormtroopers look over the two robots. A trooper questions Luke.
TROOPER
You had these droids long?
LUKE
For three of four seasons.
TROOPER
You came from the south?
LUKE
The north.
The trooper thinks about this for a moment then waves them on.
49. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – CANTINA – DAY
The speeder pulls up in front of a rundown blockhouse cantina on the outskirts of the spaceport. Various strange forms of transport, including several unusual beasts of burden are parked outside the bar.
THREEPIO
I can’t abide those Jawas. Disgusting creatures.
BEN
Take care in here. I don’t like the looks of this place.
Luke, Ben and the droids climb out of the speeder and brace themselves against the constant whipping wind.
50. INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA – DAY
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants follow Ben Kenobi into the smoke-filled cantina. The murky, moldy den is filled with a startling array of weird and exotic alien creatures and monsters, laughing at the long metallic bar. At first the sight is horrifying. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy, furry, scaly tentacles and claws huddle over drinks. Ben and Luke move 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
We don’t serve “their kind” in here.
Luke still recovering from the shock of seeing so many outlandish creatures doesn’t quite catch the Bartender’s drift.
LUKE
What?
BARTENDER
Your “droids” will have to wait outside. We don’t serve ’em here.
Luke looks to old Ben who is busy talking to one of the Corellian pirates. He notices that several of the gruesome creatures along the bar are giving him a very unfriendly glare.
LUKE
Yes, of course. I’m so sorry.
(Turns to Threepio)
You’d better stay with the speeder. We don’t want any trouble. I’ll… ah.. bring you something.
Threepio and his stubby partner go outside and most of the creatures at the bar go back to their drinks. Ben is standing next to CHEWBACCA, an eight foot tall savage-looking creature resembling a huge gray bushbaby monkey with fierce “baboon-like” fangs. His large yellow eyes dominate a fur-covered face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry body he wears two chrome bandoliers, a flak jacket painted in a bizarre camouflage pattern, brown cloth shorts and little else. He is a two hundred year old WOOKIEE and a sight to behold. Ben speaks to the wookiee pointing to Luke several times during his conversation and the huge creature suddenly lets out a horrifying laugh. Luke is more than a little bit disconcerted and pretends not to hear the conversation between Ben and the giant wookiee. He is terrified but tries not to show it. He quietly sips his drink, looking over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear or whatever.
A large, multiple-eyed CREATURE gives Luke a rough shove.
CREATURE
Negola dewaghi wooldugger?!?
The hideous freak is obviously drunk. Luke tries to ignore the creature and turns back to his drink. A short, grubby HUMAN and an even smaller RODENT-like beast join the belligerent monstrosity.
HUMAN
He doesn’t like you.
LUKE
I’m sorry.
HUMAN
I don’t like you either.
The big creature is getting agitated and yells some unintelligible gibberish at the now rather nervous young adventurer.
HUMAN (Cont.)
Don’t insult us. You just watch yourself. We’re wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems.
LUKE
I’ll be careful then.
HUMAN
You’ll be dead.
The rodent lets out a loud grunt and everything at the bar moves away. Luke tries to remain cool but it isn’t easy. His three adversaries ready their weapons. Old Ben moves in behind Luke.
BEN
This little one isn’t worth the effort. Come let me buy you something…
A powerful blow from the unpleasant creature sends the young would-be Jedi sailing across the room, crashing through tables and breaking a large jug filled with a foul-looking liquid. With a blood-curdling shriek, the monster draws a wicked chrome laser pistol from his belt and levels it at old Ben.. The bartender panics.
BARTENDER
No blasters! No blasters!
With an astounding agility, Old Ben’s laser sword sparks to
life and in a flash an arm lies on the floor. The rodent is
cut in two and the giant, multiple-eyed creature lies double, cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turns off his laser sword and replaces it on his utility belt. Luke, shaking and totally amazed at the old man’s abilities, attempts to stand. The entire fight has lasted only a matter of seconds. The cantina goes back to normal, although Ben is given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Luke, rubbing his bruised head, approaches the old man with new awe.
BEN
This is Chewbacca, he’s first-mate on a ship that might suit our needs.
Luke is still giddy and downs a fresh drink as he follows Ben and Chewbacca to a booth where HAN SOLO is sitting. He is a tough James Dean style starpilot about thirty years old. A mercenary in a starship, simple, sentimental and cocksure of himself.
HAN
Good moves old man, not often one sees that kind of sword play on this side of the galaxy. I understand you’re looking for a ship.
BEN
That’s right son. A fast ship.
HAN
I’ve got one of the fastest. What’s the your cargo?
BEN
Passengers. Myself, the boy and two droids to the Alderaan system. No questions.
HAN
On the run? That will cost you a little more. Is it something local?
BEN
No, let’s just say we’d like to avoid any Imperial entanglements.
Han glances toward the cantina door.
HAN
I’d say you’d already gotten some. Docking Bay 94 first thing in the morning.
Ben and Luke turn around to see four Imperial stormtroopers enter the cantina, look at the dead bodies and ask the bartender some questions. The bartender points to the booth but it is now empty.
A50. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – CANTINA – SUNSET
The speeder pulls away from the cantina.
BEN
We’ll have to sell this speeder in the morning.
B50. INT. DEATH STAR CORRIDOR
Darth Vader and a stormtrooper commander stride down one of the long Death Star corridors, followed by several aides.
COMMANDER
We’re starting to search the spaceport. It’s just a matter of time before we have them.
VADER
What of this old man?
COMMANDER
It’s only speculation at this point that he is traveling with the droids. Good with a lightsaber, unusual for that area.
VADER
I think this confirms a feeling I’ve had. If he’s with the droids, be careful. He’ll not be taken easily. We’ve been waiting for him for a long time.
COMMANDER
Nothing will leave the spaceport until they’re found.
C50. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – ALLEYWAY
Four heavily armed stormtroopers move menacingly along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly-clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy little stalls. Men, monsters and robots crouch in waste-filled doorways whispering and hiding from the hot winds. One of the troopers checks a tightly locked door and moves on down the alleyway. The door slides open a crack and Threepio peeks out. Artoo is barely visible in the background.
THREEPIO
What could be taking them so long. I don’t like the looks of this.
51-52. OMITTED
53. EXT. ALLEYWAY – MOS EISLEY STREET – USED SPEEDER LOT
Ben and Luke are standing in a sleazy used-speeder lot, talking with a tall grotesque, insect-like used-speeder dealer. Strange exotic bodies and spindly legged beasts pass by as the insect concludes the sale by giving Luke some small domino-like objects. Ben and Luke leave the
speeder-lot and walk down the dusty alleyway past a small robot herding a bunch of anteater-like creatures. Luke turns and gives one last forlorn look at his faithful speeder as he rounds a corner. A darkly clad creature moves out of the shadows as they pass and watches them as they disappear down another alley.
A53. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP COCKPIT
Han is checking out the controls of his pirate starship. The giant wookiee, Chewbacca yells up to Han from somewhere inside teh ship.
HAN
Yeh, what is it?
The wookie[e] jabbers something in his native language which is nothing more than a series of grunts.
HAN
Alright, tell them to wait a minute. I’ll be right there.
54. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGE – ENTRY
An Imperial bureaucrat named MONTROSS and two local policemen are waiting in the main entry as Han Solo enters.
MONTROSS
Cood morning captain. Preparing to leave are you?
HAN
Listen Montross I’m clean on this trip. You can search if you want to but I’m only taking passengers. Now if that’s it, I’ve got a lot to check out before I leave.
MONTROSS
You aren’t going anywhere for awhile, captain.
HAN
What!
MONTROSS
The spaceport’s closed down until further notice by Imperial edict and because of your past record, captain, I’ve decided to stay aboard until it’s opened again.
HAN
How long will that be?
MONTROSS
Until they’ve searched the area, the rest of the day probably.
HAN
What’s this all about anyway?
MONTROSS
It’s an Imperial matter. None of my concern, I just have to see to it that no one in this section takes off.
Han throws up his hands in disgust.
HAN
Brother! Chewbacca, check the street and make sure our fares don’t get lost. They won’t like this.
An annoying bureaucratic smile slides across Montross’ face as Chewbacca lumbers out of the starship. Han moves to the back of the ship away from the annoying bureaucrat. The rogue pirate is not happy at this turn of events and struggles to think of a way out of his dilemma. Suddenly he thinks of something and looks to see if anyone is looking, then kicks a small control panel loose and disconnects several circuits. He quickly replaces the cover and casually heads back towards the cockpit, past Montross and the two officers.
HAN
If you’re staying, why don’t one of you boys give me a hand. Come on!
55. INT. COCKPIT PIRATE STARSHIP
One of the officers follows Han into the cockpit area while teh second officer stands in the passageway and watches. The pirate captain pulls down a control lever on one of the panels.
HAN
I need to flush the thermal converters. Hold this down… whatever you do, don’t let it up or the whole ship will blow along with about twenty blocks in all directions.
OFFICER
Say, I don’t know if…
HAN
Don’t worry, just hold it down.
Han goes to another controk panel and flips some switches, starting the giant ion engines. The ship begins to shake as the sound increases. Montross enters the cockpit.
MONTROSS
What’s going on?
HAN
Just cleaing the system.
Montross goes back into the main passageway. Han picks up a heavy box panel and starts to carry it out of the cockpit, but pretends to slip.
HAN (Cont.)
Catch it!!
The first officer takes hand off of the switch and catches the box panel. The ship erupts into a cacophony of warning alarms and flashing lights. Han frantically begins flipping switches. The two officers panic but are frozen in place
HAN
I told you not to let go of that! That’s funny, we should have all been blown to micro-dust by now.
Before Han can finish the two officers have fled, screaming and yelling. Han chuckles to himself and walks into the main passageway.
56. EXT. DOCKING PORT ENTRY – ALLEYWAY
Chewbacca waits restlessly at the entrance to Docking Bay 94 as the muffled sounds of the starship alarms bounces through the alleyway and the two panicked police officers scramble over one another trying to escape before the starship goes supernova. They pass Ben, Luke and the robots as they make their way up the street. Chewbacca jabbers excitedly and signals for them to hurry. The darkly clad creature has followed them from the speeder lot. He stops in a nearby doorway and speaks into a small transmitter.
57. INT. MAIN PASSAGEWAY – PIRATE STARSHIP
The alarm system is suddenly cut short. Han quickly replaces the control panel and turns to see the foul-looking bureaucrat MONTROSS standing over him with a laser pistol pointed at his head.
MONTROSS
So, you’ve solved the problem, or maybe you are the problem. Get up. You’re under arrest. You’ll be a long time explaining…
HAN
Not this time!
Montross raises for his laser pistol but Han is faster and get the drop on him.
HAN
Drop it or die, Montross. I always said you were slow witted, a club is more your style.
Han struggles to his feet and leads the bureaucrat to the escape hatch.
58. INT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – DOCKING BAY 94
Chewbacca leads the group into the giant dirt pit that is Docking Bay 94. Resting in the middle of the huge hole is a large, round, beat-up, pieced together hunk of junk that could only loosely be called a starship.
LUKE
What a piece of junk. This ship couldn’t possibly go above sub-light speeds.
The tall figure of Han Solo comes down the boarding ramp holding a hidden gun on Montross who is walking ahead of him.
HAN
She may not look like much, but she’s all go. I’ve added some special modifications myself. She’ll make point five beyond the speed of light.
Luke scratches his head, it’s obvious he’s not too sure about all this. Chewbacca rushes up the ramp and urges the others to follow.
HAN
We’re a little rushed, so if you’ll hurry aboard, we’ll be off.
The group rushes up the gang plank, passes a somber and nervous Montross and a grinning Han Solo.
AA58. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP
Chewbacca settles into the pilot’s chair and starts the mighty engines of the starship. Ben and Luke strap themselves into large seats in the main passageway.
A58. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – ALLEYWAY
Eight Imperial Stormtroopers rush up to the darkly clad creatures and he points to the door of the docking bay. The troops hold their guns at the ready and charge down the docking bay entrance.
B58. INT. DOCKING BAY 94 – MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT
Artoo waddles up the entry ramp, past Han Solo who shoves Montross down the ramp onto the docking bay floor.
HAN
So long Montross. May our paths never cross again… oops!
Han Solo looks up and sees the Imperial Stormtroopers rushing into the docking bay. Several of the troopers fire at Han as he ducks into the spaceship.
HAN
Chewie! Deflector shields quick! Get us out of here.
Han draws his laser pistol and pops off a couple of shots which force the stormtroopers to dive for safety. Montross scrambles for the nearest exit. The starship engines whine as Han hits the release button that slams the overhead entry shut.
C58. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – ALLEY-DOCKING PORT ENTRANCE – MORNING
The ground trembles a little as several stormtroopers race out of the docking bay and into the alley where they meet an officer and several more troops.
59. EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT – STREET – MORNING
The half dozen stormtroopers at a check point hear the general alarm and look to the sky as the huge starship rises above the dingy slum dwellings and quickly disappears into the morning sky.
60. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
Han climbs into the pilot’s chair next to Chewbacca who chatters away as he points to something on the radar scope.
HAN
I know, I know, it looks like three, maybe four big cruisers. We sure got ourselves into one this time. Try to hold them off until I can make the calculations for the jump to light speed.
Han frantically types information into the ship’s computer. Little Artoo appears momentarily at the cockpit doorway, makes a few beeping remarks, then scurries away.
61. EXT. SPACE TATOOINE ORBIT
Pan with the pirate starship as it races away from the yellow planet, Tatooine, followed by one – two – three huge Imperial stardestroyers.
62. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
Luke and Ben make their way into the crowded cockpit where Han continues his calculations.
HAN
We’ve got two more coming in, they’re going to cut us off…
LUKE
Can’t you outrun them?
HAN
There are just too many of them. We’ll be all right once we’re iin hyper-space. They can’t track us at plus light speeds. I wish I’d known you boys were so popular.
The ship shudders as an explosion flashes outside the window.
HAN
Here’s where it gets interesting.
BEN
How long before you can make the jump to light speed?
HAN
It’ll take a few more minutes for the navigational computer to calculate the co-ordinates.
LUKE
A few minutes!!
HAN
Traveling through hyper-space is no mean trick. Without very accurate calculations we could pass through a star or near a supernova. And that would end our trip real quick.
The ship is now constantly battered with laser fire as a red warning light begins to flash.
LUKE
What’s that?
HAN
We’re losing a deflector shield. Better strap yourselves in, we’re almost ready to make the jump to light speed.
63. INT. MAIN HOLD AREA
The ship rocks violently as Threepio holds on to his seat for dear life. Artoo sways to and fro under the thundering impact of the incoming laser blasts.
THREEPIO
Was this trip really necessary?
Luke and Ben enter and strap themselves into their chairs.
64 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
Han and Chewbacca strap themselves into their chairs and the young starship captain pulls down a lever sending the spaceship into hyper-space. The stars in the cockpit window are replaced by a black void.
HAN
There will be no following us now!
65. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – SPACE
The pirate starship races through space, then suddenly disappears, leaving a blanket of stars.
66. INT. DEATH STAR – CONTROL ROOM
Admiral Motti enters the quiet control room and bows before
Governor Tarkin.
MOTTI
We are on the outskirts of the system and within firing range. We await your order.
Vader enters with Leia and two stormtroopers.
TARKIN
Senator, because of your reluctance to cooperate in our investigation, I am forced to have you terminated… before that unpleasantness I should like you to be my guest at a small ceremony that will make this battle station operational and usher in a new era of Imperial technical supremacy. This is the final link in the Imperial chain that binds together the million systems of the Galactic Empire. You rebel alliance will no longer be of any concern to us… after today’s demonstration no one will dare oppose us… not even the great Senate.
LEIA
Force will not keep the Empire together. The more you tighten you grip, the more systems will slip through your fingers. You are a foolish man Governor. You will not need my help in choking yourself to death.
TARKIN
For your arrogance you will suffer much before you leave us. But first we must demonstrate the power of this station to all the systems in the galaxy and since you were unable to provide us with the location of the rebel stronghold, we have chosen your home planet of Alderaan for our little test.
LEIA
No! You can’t!
TARKIN
You would prefer another target? A military target? This staion has the power to blast a planet the size of Alderaan into space dust.
Leia tries not to reveal her shock and pain, but she is broken.
VADER
Name the system. Where are the rebel bases?
LEIA
Dantooine… they’re on Dantooine.
TARKIN
Very good, you see, that wasn’t so hard. After our little test here, we shall move on Dantooine.
LEIA
(Shocked)
What?
TARKIN
Dantooine is too far out on the edge of the galaxy to be an effective demonstration.
LEIA
But you can’t, you said…
TARKIN
I said nothing. Our demonstration here will proceed as planned, then you will watch us destroy the system of Dantooine along with the core of this stupid and hopeless rebellion. Take her to the observation deck.
67. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN HOLD AREA
Han enters the cramped but comfortable main hold area of the pirate starship and begins checking charts and various computer readouts.
HAN
The Empire will never find us now. The navigational system calculates we’ll be arriving on Alderaan at oh two hundred. I’m afraid after this little adventure I’ll have to change my registration.
Chewbacca and the two robots sit around a lighted table covered with many small hologram figures. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. Chewbacca seems very pleased with himself as he rests his lanky fur-covered arms over his head. Artoo immediately reaches up and taps the computer with his stubby claw hand, causing one of the hologram figures to walk to a new square. A sudden frown crosses Chewbacca’s face and he begins yelling gibberish at the tiny robot. Threepio intercedes on behalf of his small companion and begins to argue with the huge wookiee.
HAN
(To Threepio)
Let him have it. You’re winning away. It’s not good to upset him.
THREEPIO
Yes sir, but it’s the principle of the thing.
Luke stands in the middle of the small hold area. He seems frozen in place, a humming laser sword held high over his head. Ben watches him from the corner, studying his movements. Han watches with a bit of smugness.
BEN
Remember, The Force is everywhere. It surrounds you and radiates from you. A Jedi warrior can feel it flowing from him…
(patting his stomach)
… from here.
LUKE
You mean The Force is an energy field?
BEN
It is an energy field in oneself, a power that controls ones acts, yet obeys ones commands. It is nothing, yet it makes marvels appear before your very eyes.
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, hitting Luke in the leg causing him to tumble over. Han lets loose with a burst of laughter.
HAN
Hocus-pocus religions and ancient weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side.
LUKE
You don’t believe in The Force?
HAN
I’ve been from one end of this galaxy to the other and I see a lot of strange things… too strange to believe that one all powerful force controls everything. I determine my destiny, not some mystical energy field. The old man is a sorcerer full of simple tricks and mischief.
Old Ben makes a slight gesture toward the young pirate captain and suddenly Han’s laser pistol goes off in his holster causing a small explosion at his feet. Han jumps about ten feet.
HAN
Hey! Don’t get funny. Someone could get hurt… you’re just lucky it was on stun.
Luke and Chewbacca laugh, Ben just smiles wryly.
BEN
Alright Luke, now try it again. All you have to do is lose your conscious self. Don’t focus on anything. Let yourself go. Only then can you feel The Force. You have to learn to act on what you feel, not what you think.
The chrome ball darts at Luke. He hs been listening to Ben and is taken off guard. The young farm boy sparks to life as a reflex action. With one amazingly swift move, he turns and swings his laser sword, deflecting the beam. The seeker shuts off and lands on the floor. Luke is totally amazed. Han simply smiles at Luke
BEN
That’s better, now you must learn to trust those feelings… it is The Force talking to you…
Ben places a large helmet on Luke’s head which covers his eyes.
LUKE
I can’t see! How can I fight?
BEN
The Force is with you, you don’t need your eyes, trust your feelings.
LUKE
I can’t do it. I’ll get hit.
BEN
Not if you trust your feelings. It’s the only way to learn to know The Force.
Han skeptically shakes his head as Ben throws the seeker into the air. The ball shoots straight up in the air, then drops like a rock. Luke swings the laser sword around blindly missing the seeker, which fires off a laser bolt which hits Luke square on the seat of the pants. He lets out a painful yell and attempts to hit the seeker.
BEN
Relax! Let yourself go. Stop thinking and start to feel.
Luke stands in one place, seemingly frozen. The seeker makes a dive at Luke and he incredibly manages to deflect the bolt. The ball ceases firing and moves back to its original position. Luke removes his helmet and is a sweaty exhausted mess.
BEN
See, once you start learning to trust your feelings, you can do it.
HAN
I’d call it a lucky move.
BEN
There is no such thing as luck, only The Force.
HAN
Good against “remotes” is one thing. Good against the living is another.
Han in a split second draws his laser pistol and blasts the seeker. A small light on the far side of the cabin begins flashing. Chewbacca notices it and calls out to Han.
HAN
We’re coming up on Alderaan. I’ll be slowing down shortly and going back to light speed.
Han and Chewbacca head back to the cockpit.
LUKE
You know, I did feel something. I could almost see the “remote.”
BEN
You have taken the first step on a long journey, but you have…
Ben falters, seems almost faint, then rubs his forehead as if he has a headache.
LUKE
What is it? What’s wrong?
BEN
A great trembling in The Force. Something terrible has happened… terrible beyond description. The cry of a billion lives stopping all at once… suddenly I have a strong feeling of… revenge.
A67. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly burning readouts. Han and Chewbacca are busy at the controls.
HAN
Stand by, here we go… cut in the sub-light engines.
Han pulls back on a control lever and, outside the cockpit window, stars begin streaking past, slow, then stop. Suddenly the starship begins to shudder and then violently shake about. Asteroids begin to race toward them battering the sides of the ship.
HAN
What the….
The giant wookiee flips off several controls and seems very cool in the emergency. Luke makes his way into the bouncing cockpit.
LUKE
What’s going on?
HAN
We’ve come out of hyper-space into a meteor storm or asteroid collision. It didn’t appear on any of my charts. Our position is correct, except there is no planet Alderaan.
LUKE
What? Are you crazy?
Ben moves into the cockpit behind Luke as the ship begins to settle down.
HAN
It looks to me like Alderaan’s been blown away.
LUKE
Destroyed? How?
BEN
The Empire.
HAN
Alderaan had a defense system. Even the entire Imperial starfleet couldn’t have done this. It would have taken a thousand ships with a lot more fire power than I’ve seen.
LUKE
I think we should get out of here. If an Imperail patrol ship spots us…
HAN
I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll tell you one thing, the Empire isn’t…
A signal light starts flashing on the control panel and a muffled alarm starts humming.
HAN
It’s another ship.
LUKE
Maybe they’ll know what’s going on…
Chewbacca barks his concern. A huge explosion bursts outside the cockpit window, shaking the ship violently. A tiny finned Imperial tie fighter races past the cockpit window.
BEN
It’s an Imperial fighter.
HAN
There are three more.
LUKE
They followed us!
HAN
No, they couldn’t
BEN
They’re short range fighters.
HAN
There are no bases near here.
A static filled message comes over the comlink.
INTERCOM
JX-121 freighter, identify yourself…
HAN
Offhand I’d say we’ve got a problem.
BEN
You mustn’t let them make contact with their base ship.
HAN
Chewie, jam their transmission.
LUKE
Can we outrun them?
BEN
We can try.
HAN
Take over Chewie, activate the deflector shields.
INTERCOM
JX-121 freighter, do you copy? JX…
Chewbacca switches off the comlink. Han gets out of his chair and rushes past Luke.
HAN
Come with me kid. Those fighters aren’t going to take our leaving very lightly.
The wookiee lets out a screech as a tie fighter races overhead and fires at the pirate starship. An explosion shakes the ship and lights up the cockpit as Luke follows Han out of the cockpit. Ben climbs into the pilot’s seat next to Chewbacca.
68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORTS – COCKPIT
(B37)
Luke settles into one of the two main laser cannons mounted in large rotating turrets on either side of the ship.
(B38)
Han climbs through a hatch and activates the laser cannons on his side of the ship.
(B39)
Chewbacca and Ben search the heavens for the attacking tie fighters. The wookiee pulls back on the speed controls.
BEN
Here they come!
A68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B40)
POV. out the front of the cockpit as an Imperial tie fighter races overhead and away into the blackness of space.
B68. INT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B41)
CU. Imperial tie pilot, the stars whip past behind the Imperial pilot’s head as he adjusts his maneuvering “joy stick.”
C68. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – SPACE
(B42)
POV. from tie fighter as it races past the pirate starship.
D68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B43)
A tie fighter races up through Han’s gunport and his laser gun flashes as he fires at the Imperial ship.
E68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B44)
Luke lowers his glare reflector and, with a burst of powerful electronic charge, opens up on the enemy craft.
F68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B45 & B46)
POV. out of the cockpit window as a tie fighter powers overhead and away. Chewbacca and Ben watch for a second fighter.
BEN
They’ve found that weak deflector shield.
G68. EXT. SPACE
(B47)
Full Shot. Two tie fighters dive down through the frame toward the pirateship.
H68. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B48)
CU. Han from outside the gunport as he fires at the descending Imperial fighters.
I68. EXT. SPACE – TIE FIGHTER
(B49)
A tie fighter drifts past to the left of the frame against a star background.
J68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP
(B50)
CU. over Luke’s shoulder as he fires at an unseen fighter.
LUKE
They sure move fast!
K68. EXT. SPACE – PIRATE STARSHIP – TIE FIGHTERS
(B51)
Pan with pirateship as two tie fighters charge through the background. Laserbolts streak from all the craft.
L68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP
(B52)
CU. Chewbacca. The ship shudders as a laserbolt hits very close to the cockpit. The wookiee chatters something to Ben.
M68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B53)
Full shot of a tie fighter as it moves fast through the frame firing on the pirate starship.
N68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
CU. a laserbolt streaks into the side of the pirateship causing a control panel in the main passageway to blow out creating a shower of sparks. Little Artoo starts toward the inferno as the ship lurches violently, throwing poor Threepio into a cabinet full of small computer ships.
O68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
Chewie sees teh main passageway warning light and calls to Ben to take over. The ship is bouncing violently as Ben struggles to retain control and Chewbacca goes back to make repairs.
BEN
Something’s cut the lateral controls.
P68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B54)
CU. over Luke’s shoulder as his gun follows an unseen Imperial tie fighter.
Q68. EXT. SPACE – TIE FIGHTER
(B55)
A tie fighter races toward camera from the vastness of space. Pan with it as it passes at an incredible speed.
R68. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B56)
CU. of Han from outside the gunport as he fires furiously at the tie fighter. The constant flashing of deflected laser- bolts reflects in the turret bubble.
S68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B57)
View over Han’s shoulder through the gunport as a tie fighter explodes into a million flaring bits. Han turns and gives Luke a victory wave which Luke gleefully returns.
T68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B58)
An Imperial tie fighter storms over the top of the pirateship past its transmitter dish.
U68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
A fine white powder spray issues forth from Artoo’s head as the sparkling flames rage around him. The ship is still bouncing about as Chewie struggles in and surveys the damage. Only one of Threepio’s legs can be seen dangling out of the supply locker.
THREEPIO
Help!
V68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – PIRATE STARSHIP
(B59)
Pan with a tie fighter as it zooms past the pirateship.
W68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B60)
POV. over Luke’s shoulder as he hits one of the fighters with a concentrated barrage of laser bolts and it explodes. He flashes Han a big grin.
X68 EXT. TIE FIGHTER
(B61)
A tie fighter flies past the pirate starship.
Y68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B62)
Ben watches the computer readouts and searches the heavens for more tie fighters.
BEN
There are still two more of them out there. We’ve completely lost the lateral controls and starboard deflector shield.
HAN
Don’t worry, she’ll hold together.
Z68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B63)
CU. Han through the gunport window as he fires at a tie fighter.
AA68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B64)
POV. over Luke’s shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter racing up through the frame.
BB68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B65)
POV. out the cockpit of a tie fighter coming from overhead.
CC68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B66)
CU. Ben as she watches the tie ship fly over.
DD68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B67)
POV. over the shoulder of Han as a tie fighter heads right for him, them zooms overhead.
EE68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – TIE FIGHTER
(B68)
POV. over Luke’s shoulder as he fires on a tie fighter diving below the pirateship.
FF68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – PIRATE STARSHIP
(B69)
Full shot of a tie fighter diving past the pirate starship.
GG68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
The damage in the main passageway is under control and Artoo is helping Threepio out of the storage locker.
THREEPIO
How did I get into this? I could have been a tour guide… I was designed for an office job.
HH68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
Chewbacca replaces the control panel, pushes several buttons and rushes back to the cockpit.
II68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B71)
CU. of Han as he fires his powerful laser cannons.
JJ68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B72)
Full shot tie fighter diving and twisting toward the pirate starship.
KK68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B73)
Chewbacca climbs into the pilot’s seat next to Ben and jabbers away about the damage.
BEN
We can manage, the controls are sluggish but they still work.
LL68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
A tie fighter races past in the background.
MM68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B74)
POV. over Luke’s shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter coming toward him and racing overhead.
NN68. EXT. TIE FIGHTERS – SPACE
(B75)
Full shot of two tie fighters diving and twisting.
OO68. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
(B76)
POV. over Luke’s shoulder as he fires at a tie fighter.
PP68. EXT. TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B77 & B78)
Full shot of a tie fighter racing toward camera, one of Luke’s laserbolts hits it and it explodes into dust.
69. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – TIE FIGHTER
(B19)
A small Imperial tie fighter darts alongside the saucer-shaped pirate starship.
A69. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – GUNPORT
Han swings around in his green turret looking for the last remaining tie fighter.
HAN
Good work kid, but there is still one left.
70. INT. COCKPIT PIRATE STARSHIP
(B20)
The tiny tie fighter races past the cockpit window and Chewbacca barks his concern. Ben pulls back on the controls.
BEN
(Into intercom)
He’s leaving!
HAN
Don’t let him get away! I’m coming up.
71. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP
(B22)
The pirate starship zooms over the camera and away into the vastness of space after the Imperial tie fighter.
72. EXT. IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER – SPACE
(B23)
The Imperial tie fighter darts overhead, quickly followed by the huge pirate starship.
73 INT. COCKPIT PIRATE STARSHIP
(B24)
Han slides into the pilot’s seat as Luke joins the group in the cockpit. The tension mounts as the pirate starship gains on the tiny fighter. In the distance one of the stars becomes brighter until it is obvious the tie ship is heading for it. Ben stands behind Chewbacca.
BEN
You’re gaining on him.
LUKE
They must have been been part of a convoy or something…
HAN
Well he won’t tell them about us.
74. EXT. SPACE – PIRATE STARSHIP – IMPERIAL FIGHTER
(B26)
The Imperial fighter is losing ground to the larger pirate starship as they race toward camera and disappear overhead.
A74. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B27)
The distant star can now be distinguished as a small moon or planet.
LUKE
He’s heading for that small moon.
HAN
The Empire must have an outpost there. I think I can stop him before he gets there… he’s almost in range.
B74. EXT. SPACE – DEATH STAR
(B27)
The small moon begins to take on the appearance of a monstrous spherical battle station.
C74 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B27 & B27A)
BEN
That’s no moon, that’s an Imperial battle station.
LUKE
But it’s too big to be a space station.
HAN
I have a very bad feeling about this.
BEN
Turn the ship around!
HAN
Full reverse!
D74. EXT. SPACE – PIRATE STARSHIP – IMPERIAL FIGHTER
(B27)
The pirate starship shudders and the tie fighter accelerates away toward the gargantuan battle station.
E74. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(B27)
The giant wookiee chatters something to Han.
HAN
Lock in the auxiliary power!
The control board begins to go wild. The Death Star grows
larger as they continue their approach.
LUKE
We’re still going in!
BEN
It’s too late.
HAN
We’re caught in a tractor beam. It’s pulling us in.
LUKE
Is there anything you can do?
HAN
I’m full power, it’s no use. I’m going to have to shut down but they’re not going to get us without a fight.
Han starts to get out of his pilot’s chair.
BEN
It’s a fight you can’t win. There are always alternatives to fighting.
75. EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP – DEATH STAR
(B29-31)
As the battered pirate starship is towed closer to the awesome metal moon, the immense size of the massive battle station becomes staggering. Running along the equator of the gigantic sphere is a mile high band of huge docking ports into which the helpless pirateship is dragged.
76. INT. DEATH STAR – CONTROL ROOM
Imperial Officer Cass stands before Governor Tarkin and the evil Dark Lord Darth Vader.
VADER
The defence systems on Alderaan were as strong as any in the galaxy…
Motti turns to a controller sitting in a mushroom shaped tower.
MOTTI
Set a course for the Dantooine system.
TARKIN
The emperor is informing the senate at this moment. Soon he will be able to announce the total extermination of the rebel alliance.
A quiet beeping tone interrupts the governor. Vader turns to the controller.
VADER
What is it?
CONTROLLER
My Lord, that freighter we’re bringing in matches the marking of the ship that blasted its way out of the quarantine at Mos Eisley.
Vader thinks about this for a moment.
VADER
They must have been heading for Alderaan.
77. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN FORWARD BAY
The pirate starship rests in a huge hangar bay of the Death Star. Thirty stormtroopers stand at attention in front of the lowered main ramp to the starship. Vader and a commander approach the troops. An officer steps forward.
OFFICER
We’ve lowered the ramp but haven’t made contact yet.
VADER
Send your men in.
A sergeant barks some orders and several heavily armed Imperial stormtroopers cautiously make their way up the main ramp of the starship.
78. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – MAIN PASSAGEWAY
The stormtroopers work their way down the main passageway of the spaceship but find no one aboard.
OFFICER
It’s empty! Check the cockpit.
The officer moves back to the entry where Darth Vader is standing.
OFFICER
The ship is empty. Apparently the crew abandoned ship. All of the escape pods have been jettisoned.
VADER
Are there any droids aboard?
OFFICER
Not that we’ve found. If there wree any aboard, they must have taken them with them.
VADER
This doesn’t feel right. Send a scanning crew on board, I want every inch of this ship checked, I sense many strange vibrations here. See to it at once.
Vader exits the craft.
79. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN FORWARD BAY
Several stormtroopers emerge from the pirate craft, followed by an officer. At the base of the ramp two men are unpacking some electronic scanners.
OFFICER
The ship’s all yours. If the scanners pick up anything, report it immediately.
80. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – HALLWAY
A lone trooper runs through the hallway heading for the exit. In a few moments all is quiet. The muffled sounds of a distant officer giving orders finally fade. Two floor panels suddenly pop up revealing Han Solo and Luke.
HAN
This is ridiculous. I tell you it’s not going to work. We’re never going to get out of here alive.
Ben Kenobi sticks his head out of one of the lockers.
81. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN FORWARD BAY
The two crewmen carry a heavy box on board the ship, past the two stormtroopers guarding either side of the ramp. A loud crashing sound is followed by a voice calling out to the guards below.
HAN
Hey down there, could you give us a hand with this?
The stormtroopers enter the ship and a second loud crashing sound is heard.
82. INT. DEATH STAR – FORWARD BAY – COMMAND OFFICE
In a very small command office near the entrance to the pirate starship, a gantry officer looks out his window and notices the guards are missing. He speaks into the comlink.
GANTRY OFFICER
TX-421 where are you? Why aren’t you at your post? TX-421, do you copy? Do you copy!
A stormtrooper comes down the ramp of the pirate starship and waves to the gantry officer and points to his ear indicating his comlink is not working.
GANTRY OFFICER
Switch over to multiplex power. Do you copy?
The only thing that comes over the comlink is static. The gantry officer shakes his head in disgust and heads for the door, giving his aide an annoyed look.
GANTRY OFFICER
Take over. We’ve got another bad transmitter. I’m going to see what I can do.
As the officer approaches the door, it slides open revealing the towering Chewbacca. The gantry officer in a momentary state of shock, stumbles backward. With a bone-chilling howl, the giant wookiee flattens the officer with one blow. The aide immediately reaches for his pistol, but is blasted by Han, dressed as an Imperial stormtrooper. Ben and the robots enter the room, quickly followed by Luke, also dressed as a stormtrooper.
LUKE
Between his howling and your blasting everything in sight, it’s a wonder the entire station doesn’t know we’re here.
HAN
Bring them on, I prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking around.
Ben feeds some information into the computer and a map of the city appears on the monitor. He begins to inspect it carefully. Threepio and Artoo look over the control panel. Artoo finds something that makes him whistle wildly.
THREEPIO
Artoo found it, sir.
Han and Luke rush over to the robots. Chewbacca busies hiimself with hanging the grantry officer by his toes.
BEN
Plug him in. Let’s see if we can find where that tractor beam power unit is located.
Artoo punches his claw arm into the computer socket and the vast Imperial brain network comes to life, feeding information to the little robot. After a few moments, he beeps something to Threepio.
THREEPIO
The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. He’ll try to get the data to come through on the monitor.
Ben studies the data on the monitor readout.
BEN
I don’t think there is any way you boys can help in this. I must go alone.
HAN
That suits me fine. Just let us know when the tractor beam is out of commission.
LUKE
I want to help.
BEN
That requires skills you haven’t yet mastered. The Force is with me. You stay here and watch over the ship. Wait for my signal.
Ben adjusts his laser sword on his belt and silently steps out of the command office and disappears down a long gray hallway.
HAN
That old man is crazy. I don’t know why we listened to him. He’s not going to get us out of here.
LUKE
Do you have any ideas?
HAN
Anything would be better than just waiting here for them to pick us up…
Suddenly Artoo begins to whistle and beep a blue streak. Luke goes over to him.
LUKE
What’s wrong?
THREEPIO
I’m afraid I don’t understand it myself sir. He says, “I found her,” and keeps repeating, “she’s here, she’s here”.
LUKE
Who… who has he found?
Artoo whistles a frantic reply.
THREEPIO
Senator Leia Organa. I believe she’s the person in the message he’s carrying.
LUKE
She’s here!?
HAN
What’s going on?
LUKE
Where? Where is she?
THREEPIO
Level five. Detention block AA-23… I’m afraid she’s scheduled to be terminated.
LUKE
No! We’ve got to do something.
HAN
What are you talking about?
LUKE
She’s the one we were delivering the droids to on Alderaan. She’s the one in the message. We’ve got to help her.
HAN
Don’t get any funny ideas. The old man said to wait here.
LUKE
But he didn’t know she was here. If we could just figure a way into that detention block.
HAN
I’m not going anywhere.
LUKE
If we don’t do something, they’re going to execute her! A minute ago you said you didn’t want to just wait here and be captured… and now all you want to do is stay.
HAN
Marching into the detention area is not what I had in mind.
LUKE
Well, I’m going. I’m not afraid of a little adventure… she’s a rich and powerful senator. If we were to helpt her, the reward could be substantial.
Han thinks about this for a few moments.
HAN
Alright, what’s your plan?
LUKE
Get Chewbacca and give me those binders.
Han whistles for Chewbacca to join them. Luke binds the huge wookiee with electronic cuffs. The wookiee has a worried and slightly frightened look on his face. Han reassures him and straightens his jacket.
THREEPIO
Luke, sir! Pardon me for asking… but, ah… what are we to do if someone should discover us here?
HAN
Hope they don’t have blasters.
THREEPIO
That isn’t very reassuring.
Luke and Han put on their armored helmets and start off into the giant Imperial Death Star.
83. OMITTED
84. INT. DEATH STAR – DETENTION AREA – ELEVATOR TUBE
Han and Luke try to look inconspicuous in their armored suits as they wait for a vacuum elevator to arrive. Troops, bureaucrats and robots bustle about ignoring the trio completely. Only a few give the giant wookiee a curious glance. Finally a small elevator arrives and the trio enter. A bureaucrat races to get aboard also, but is signaled away by Han. The door to the pod-like vehicle slides closed and it takes off through a vacuum tube.
85 OMITTED
86 INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN HALLWAY
Several Imperial officers walk through the wide main passageway. They pass several stormtroopers and a robot similar to Threepio but with an insect face. At the far end of the hallway, a passing flash of Ben Kenobi appears, then disappears down a small hallway. His appearance was so fleeting that it is hard to tell if he was real or just an illusion. No one in the hallway seemed to notice him.
87 OMITTED
88 INT. DEATH STAR – DETENTION SECURITY AREA
The giant wookiee and his two guards enter the old gray security station. Guards and laser gates are everywhere. Han whispers to Luke under his breath.
HAN
This isn’t going to work.
LUKE
Why didn’t you say so before?
HAN
I think I did.
A tall, grim-looking officer approaches the trio.
OFFICER
What is this?
LUKE
A transfer from block TS-138.
OFFICER
I wasn’t told. I’ll have to check.
The officer goes back to his console and begins to punch in the information. There are only three other troopers in the area. Luke and Han survey the situation, checking all of the alarms, laser gates and camera eyes. Han unfastens one of Chewbacca’s electronic cuffs and shrugs to Luke.
Suddenly Chewbacca throws up his hands and lets out with one of his ear-piercing howls. He grabs Han’s laser rifle.
HAN
Look out! He’s loose!
The startled guards are momentarily dumbfounded. Luke and Han have already pulled out their laser pistols and are blasting away at the terrifying wookiee. Their barrage of laser fire misses Chewbacca, but hits the camera eyes, laser gate controls and the Imperial guards. The officer is the last of the guards to fall under the laser fire, just as he is about to push the alarm system. Han rushes to the comlink system, which is screeching questions about what is going on. He quickly checks the computer readout.
HAN
Cell 2187. I’ll hold them here.
Luke races down one of the cell corridors. Han speaks into the comlink.
HAN
Everything’s under control.
INTERCOM VOICE
What happened?
HAN
A weapon malfunction.
INTERCOM VOICE
We’re sending a squad up.
HAN
No don’t… we have a reactor leak, give us a few moments to lock it down.
INTERCOM VOICE
Who is this? What’s your operating…
Han blasts the comlink and yells down the cell row to Luke.
HAN
We’re about to have company!
89. INT. DEATH STAR – CELL ROW
Luke stops in front of one of the cells and blasts the door away with his laser pistol. When the smoke clears, Luke sees the dazzling young princess-senator, standing before him with an uncomprehending look on her face. Luke is stunned by her incredible beauty, and stands staring at her with his mouth hanging open. Finally she takes command of the situation.
LEIA
Well, who are you?
90. OMITTED
91 INT. DEATH STAR – DETENTION AREA – DUNGEON – HALLWAY
A series of explosions knock a hole in the wall through which several Imperial troops begin to emerge. Han and Chewie fire their laser pistols at them through the smoke and flames. They turn and run down the cell hallway, meeting up with Luke and Leia running toward them.
HAN
There’ll be no gong back that way!
LEIA
It’s the only way out.
Luke takes a small comlink transmitter from his belt.
LUKE
Not necessarily. See Threepio! See Threepio!
THREEPIO
Yes sir?
LUKE
We need another way off the cell row… What was that? I didn’t copy!
92-93. OMITTED
94. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN BAY GANTRY – CONTROL TOWER
Threepio paces the control center as little Artoo beeps and whistles a blue streak. Threepio yells into the small comlink transmitter.
THREEPIO
I said, all systems have been alerted to your presence, sir. The main entry seems to be the only way in our out… Wait! There’s a service shaft that runs into the core of the station…
The transmitter squawks a short reply and Threepio peeks out the tower window of the starship. About a dozen troops are rushing around the entry ramps. He then rushes to the door and it slides open a crack. Several troops race past, yelling and shouting order. Threepio slams the door shut and pushes the lock lever. Someone begins banging on the door.
THREEPIO
Oh, no!
95. OMITTED
96. INT. DEATH STAR – CELL ROW
Han and Chewbacca are barely able to keep the stormtroopers at bay at one end of the hallway. The laserfire is very intense and smoke fills the narrow cell corridor. Luke stumbles around looking for the service shaft, finally he spots a rusty grate near one wall.
LUKE
I found it, come on.
HAN
You sure took your time.
Luke blasts the graet and follows Leia down the gaping hole. Han and Chewbacca let loose with a flurry of blasts, creating an effective smoke screen in which to disappear.
97. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DEATH STAR
Darth Vader paces the room as Governor Tarkin sits at the far end of the conference table.
TARKIN
This operation will secure my place on the Emperor’s council. With the right maneuvering, I could be Emperor. The rebel base will soon be destroyed. I’ve sent a scouting unit ahead, we should get information soon. What’s bothering you?
VADER
A tremor in The Force. A slight thing, but it’s almost alike being in the presence of my old master.
TARKIN
The Jedi, Ben Kenobi? He must be dead by now.
VADER
Perhaps, it’s just a feeling…
TARKIN
The Jedi movement is dead. You, my friend, are all that’s left of their wizard ways.
There is a quiet buzz on the comlink and Tarkin answers.
INTERCOM VOICE
There is an emergency alert on level five, detention block AA-23… also a disturbance in docking bay T-127 on that freighter we brought in…
VADER
He is here… He is strong with The Force, I can feel it…
TARKIN
Impossible. Put all sections on alert, he must not be allowed to escape.
VADER
He may not want to… the danger is much greater than you think.
98. INT. DEATH STAR – DUNGEON – PASSAGEWAY
Han leads Luke, Leia and the wookiee down the ever-darkening narrow passageway. Han and Luke switch on small lights in their gunbelts. The rhythmic marching of stormtroopers in the passageway seems to be getting louder. Muffled voices can be heard. Han stops before an intersection hallway.
HAN
They’re right behind us. Which way?
Luke grabs his belt comlink and attempts to contact Threepio.
LUKE
Artoo can tell us how these shafts run. See Threepio, do you read me? See Threepio?
Static and no reply.
LUKE
Someting has happened to them. Let’s go this way.
HAN
It should be easy to lose them down here.
LEIA
And get lost ourselves… there are thousands of these service corridors near the station core.
LUKE
See Threepio, come in, See Threepio. I wonder where they are? See Threepio.
As they descend into the bowels of the star, the eerie, slimy corridor becomes narrower and filled ankle-deep with water and ooze.
99. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN GANTRY – COMMAND OFFICER
A soft buzzer and the muted voice of Luke calling out for See Threepio can be heard on Threepio’s hand comlink which is sitting on the deserted computer console. Artoo and Threepio are nowhere in sight. Suddenly there is a great explosion and the door to the control tower flies across the floor. Four armed stormtroopers enter the chamber. A muffled voice can be heard coming from one do the supply cabinets.
THREEPIO
Help! Help! Let us out.
The troops inspect the dead bodies and release Threepio from the supply cabinets. Artoo follows his bronze companion out into the office.
THREEPIO
They’re madmen! They are heading for the prison level. They just left, if you hurry, you might catch them.
The troops hustle off down the hallway, leaving two guards to watch over the command office.
THREEPIO
All this excitement has over run the circuits in my counterpart here. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take him down to maintenance.
The guard nods and Threepio with little Artoo in tow hurries out the door.
100. INT. DEATH STAR – HALLWAY
The two robots scurry off down the empty hallway.
THREEPIO
That was too close. Now we’ll have to find another control socket and plug you back in or everything is lost.
101. OMITTED
102. INT. DEATH STAR – TRACTOR BEAM POWER GENERATOR TRENCH
Ben enters a humming service trench that powers the huge tractor beam. The trench seems to be a hundred miles deep. The clacking sound of huge switching devices can be heard. The old Jedi edges his way along a narrow ledge leading to a control panel that connects two large cables. He carefully makes several adjustments in the computer terminal and several lights on the board change from red to blue.
Suddenly a door behind Ben slides open and a detachment of stormtroopers marches to the power trench. Ben instantly slips into the shadows as an officer moves to within a few feet of him.
OFFICER
Secure this entry area until the alert is canceled.
103. INT. DEATH STAR – DUNGEON – SEVICE TUNNEL
The passageway has gotten so small that the group must walk sidewys.
LUKE
It sure is getting hot.
LEIA
We must be getting near the power reactors.
HAN
I’d sure like to know where we’re going.
Suddenly the way opens uup to a wide, low-ceilinged corridor that is filled with water about waist high. At the far end of the tunnel is a small light.
HAN
I see a light. We may get out of this yet.
Luke and Han wade into the submerged corridor, but Chewbacca won’t enter. He franticlaly begins sniffing the air and jabbers something to Han. Leia is trapped in the passageway behind the wookiee.
HAN
There is no choice. Come on.
Leia begins pushing the wookiee from behind.
LEIA
Get moving! Get moving!
The wookiee turns around and gives the pushing girl a vicious snarl. She immediately backs off. A reluctant wookiee is not to be hurried.
HAN
I’ve had enough, now come, come.
Chewbacca won’t budge. He seems terribly afraid of something in the water. Han wades back and pulls the huge wookiee into the water.
LUKE
Is he afraid of the water?
HAN
No, he just smells something… but we haven’t time to worry about it now.
The group slowly moves forward through the dark corridor, unaware of the ominous ripples on the water’s surface.
The giant wookiee stops and howls something to Han. The young starcaptain talks to the frightened creature and eventually calms him down. The dim light at the end of the corridor glimmers and becomes stronger.
A loud, horrible, inhuman moan works its way up from the murky depths followed by a huge jellyfish-like form, which shoots out of the water and towers above the petrified group. Chewbacca lets out a terrified howl and begins to back away. Han and Luke stand fast with their laser-pistols drawn. The wookiee is cowering near one of the walls with the groggy princess pinned against the wall.
Han fires directly at the center of the beast. His laser-bolt passes through the huge creature and explodes against a far wall. The light from the blast reveals a little more of the Dia Nogu, which is transparent with long slimy tentacles.
HAN
It’s not a natural creature… our weapons are no good against it.
The huge shape, breathing loud and deep, submerges again and the telltale ripples head toward Luke.
HAN
Watch it! Move back.
LUKE
Try to get Chewbacca around it. I’ll draw it away.
Han turns and wades back to Chewbacca, who is huddled against the wall. The wookiee is shaking and wailing like a small child. In the thin light provided by the small door at the end of the passageway, the faint outline of the Dia Nogu can be seen as it swims by Luke.
LUKE
It just passed me. I think it’s gone back to the far end.
Suddenly Luke is yanked underwater. Han has blindfolded Chewbacca and is attempting to lead the Wookiee and the princess toward the lighted opening at the far end of the tunnel.
HAN
Luke! Where are you? What happened?
Luke surfaces with a gasp of air and thrashing of limbs with a membrane tentacle wrapped around his throat.
LUKE
Go for the openning. I’ll keep it busy.
Luke is dragged under again. Han grabs Leia and coaxes the wookiee around the treacherous crature to the small opening at the end of the passageway. Luke bobs to the surface with a severed tentacle dangling around his neck.
LUKE
Fire above it. Knock something on top of it.
HAN
Move out of the way.
Luke tries to swim away, but is grabbed by the creature. Han fires his laser pistol into the ceiling above the creature, knocking rocks and debris on top of it. The Dia Nogu thrashes about for a few moments, then the water’s calm, and all is quiet. There is no sign of Luke. Han bows his head as the hope drains from his face. Chewbacca lifts the princess through the small opening in the wall, then struggles to squeeze himself through also. Han starts to turn back toward the escape hole, when Luke pops out of the water with a gasp and starts swimming like mad toward the starcaptain.
LUKE
It’s still alive. It’s gone crazy. Get out of here!
The boys rush up to the small escape port only to find Chewbacca stuck. Luke begins pushing the Wookiee as Han turns and fires off another blast at the ceiling. A rush of rock and debris temporarily holds off the charging Dia Nogu. Han helps Luke push Chewbacca through the hole. Then the two boys scamper to safety just before the fearsome creature begins another charge.
104. INT. DEATH STAR – UNUSED HALLWAY
The group is standing in a dusty unused hallway. The Dia Nogu bangs against the opening and a long slimy tentacle works its way out of the doorway searching for a victim. Han aims his pistol.
LEIA
No, wait!! They’ll hear.
Han fires at the doorway, creating an avalanche of rubble which buries the monster.
The noise of the blast echoes relentlessly throughout the empty passageway. Luke simply shakes his head in disgust.
LEIA
Listen, I don’t know where you came from, and I’m grateful, but from now on you do as I tell you.
Han is stunned at the command of the petite young girl. Luke bows before the princess.
LUKE
I am Luke Starkiller at your service.
LEIA
There’ll be time for that later. Now let’s get out of here.
The group moves swiftly down the deserted corridor. The awkward silence is broken by Han, who’s about had it with the princess.
HAN
I don’t care if the entire city heard me. All this sneaking around is going to get us killed. I’d rather fight my way out.
105. INT. ALDERAAN – MAIN FORWARD BAY – SERVICE PANEL
Troops carry the two unconscious guards from the pirate starship and march past Threepio and little Artoo, who are hidden near a tiny service panel. Artoo removes the panel and sticks his claw arm into the socket. The little robot’s circuits immediately light up and one of his antenna begins to spin wildly. Smoke begins to pour from him before Threepio can pull him loose. Artoo lets out with a few wilted beeps as he cools off.
THREEPIO
Well, next time pay more attention. You could have been fried… Are there any other sockets around here?… You must get back into the system right away… or Master Luke will be caught for sure.
Artoo whistles a mournful reply and trudges off behind some canisters to look for another socket.
106 INT. DEATH STAR – POWER TRENCH
A half dozen troops are milling around the entrance to the power trench. Ben carefully moves out of the shadows and into the main passageway past several stormtroopers. They don’t seem to notice him. He deftly slips past all of the troops and into a main passageway.
A106 INT. DEATH STAR – POWER TRENCH
Ben moves swiftly the Death Star passageway to where four troops are guarding an intersection. Ben walks right up to the officer in charge.
OFFICER
Your sanction.
The guards start to lower their weapons, but before they can fire, Ben has moved through them swinging his deadly blade, cutting the troops to ribbons. The old Jedi swiftly continues along the passageway and disappears.
107 INT. DEATH STAR – HALLWAY
Luke, Han, Chewbacca and Leia run down an empty hallway and stop before a bay window overlooking the pirate starship. Luke takes out his pocket comlink.
LUKE
See Threepio… do you copy?
THREEPIO
I read you, sir.
LUKE
You’re back. What’s going on?
THREEPIO
I’m afraid we’re not plugged in at the moment, sir. We’ve had some problems.
LUKE
Are you safe?
THREEPIO
For the moment. We’re in the main hangar, across from the ship. Artoo is trying to plug into the system now.
LUKE
We’re right above you. Stand by. I wonder if Ben knocked out the tractor beam.
Han is watching the dozen or so troops moving in and out of the starship.
HAN
It’s going to take a little doing to get back to the ship.
Han and Luke rush down the hallway, followed by the lumbering Chewbacca and Leia. They round a corner and run smack dab into twenty Imperial stormtroopers heading toward them. Both groups are taken by surprise and stop in their tracks. Before even thinking, Han draws his laser pistol and charges the troops, yelling at the top of his lungs. The troops are startled by this assault and start to back off. Han manages to blast off several shots before the rest flee in panic. Pleased with his prowess, Han starts after them, yelling back to Luke as he goes.
HAN
Get to the ship!
LUKE
Come back here .. where are you going?
Han has already rounded a corner and does not hear. Chewbacca, quite upset at his master’s disappearance, lets out a mighty howl and chases after him.
Luke is furious but doesn’t have time to think about it, for muted alarms begin to go off down on the hangar deck. Luke and Leia start off toward the starship hangar.
108. OMITTED
109. INT. DEATH STAR – SUB HALLWAY
Han chases the ten stormtroopers down a long sub hallway. He is yelling and brandishing his laser pistol. The troops reach a dead end and are forced to turn and fight. Han stops a few feet from them and assumes a defensive position. He is ready to blast them. The troops begin to raise their laser guns. Soon all ten troopers are moving into an attack position in front of the lone starpirate. Han’s determined look begins to fade as the troops begin to advance.
110. INT. DEATH STAR – SUB HALLWAY
Chewbacca runs down the sub hallway in a last ditch attempt to save his bold captain. Suddenly he hears the firing of laser guns and yelling. Around the corner shoots Han, pirate extraordinaire, running for his life, followed by a host of furious stormtroopers. Chewbacca turns and starts running the other way also.
A110 INT. DEATH STAR – HALLWAY
Luke and Leia press themselves up against a sub hallway wall as a squad of stormtroopers march past.
LUKE
Our only hope of getting to the shop is from the other side and even then I don’t know what good it will do us if Ben wasn’t successful and Han gets himself killed…
Luke and Leia move into the main hallway and start walking. Suddenly, they are confronted by troops at the far end of the hallway. The ystart to race off in the direction in which they came when they realize they are surrounded. Luke and Leia look around desperately for a way out of their dilemma.
LEIA
This way!
Luke fires at the advancing troops and the pair rush down a narrow sub hallway, chased by the stormtroopers. They quickly reach the end of the sub hallway and race through an open hatchway.
B110 INT. CENTRAL CORE SHAFT – DEATH STAR
Luke races through the hatch onto a narrow bridge that spans a huge deep shaft that seems to go into infinity. The bridge has been retracted into the wall of the shaft and Luke almost rushes into the abyss. He stops so quickly, Leia bangs into him sending both of them close to death. A blast from a stormtrooper’s laser bolt explodes over their heads reminding them of the oncoming danger. Luke draws his laser pistol and fires back at the advancing troops.
LUKE
This doesn’t look good.
Leia reaches over and hits a switch that pops the hatch door shut with a resounding boom, leaving them precariously perched on a short piece of bridge overhang. Luke blasts the controls with his laser pistol.
LUKE
That’s a blast shield door, but it isn’t going to hold them for long. What now?
LEIA
It looks like our only hope is to get across to the passageway. Maybe there is a control out here to extend the bridge.
They look for an exterior bridge control while the stormtroopers on the opposite side of the hatch begin making ominous drilling and pounding sounds.
LUKE
They’re coming through!
LEIA
The controls must be on the other side.
Luke notices something on his stormtrooper utility belt. He pulls out a thin nylon cable, swings it across the metallic gorge and it wraps itself around an outcropping of pipes. He tugs on the rope to make sure it is secure, then grabs the princess in his arms swings across the treacherous abyss to the corresponding hatchway on the opposite side.
Just as Luke and Leia reach the far side go the canyon, the stormtroopers break through the hatch and begin to fire on the escaping duo. Luke returns the fire before ducking into the tiny sub hallway, closing the hatch behind him.
C110. INT. DEATH STAR – CONTROL ROOM
Governor Tarkin is furious at the turn of events and is taking it out on one of his commanders. Vader stands quietly in the background watching the progress of Luke and Han on a huge city map projected on the main screen.
TARKIN
It’s a folly. If this is an example of your readiness, you’ll not be long in such comfortable service.
A controller leans down to the governor.
CONTROLLER
Sir, we have contact with the scout ships on Dantooine… they report the remains of a rebel base… but they estimate it has been deserted for several years. After an extensive search, no other activity. They wait further orders.
TARKIN
She lied! The bases aren’t on Dantooine… Vader!
Vader slowly turns away from the master screen.
TARKIN (cont.)
She tricked us… and now she’s loose. How is this possible?
VADER
The Force is with them.
TARKIN
Well do something. I want her destroyed.
VADER
Getting her is easy. The Jedi Kenobi is the one of interest. He is the one I shall have.
111. INT. DEATH STAR – HANGAR PASSAGEWAY
Ben hides in the shadows of a narrow passageway as twenty or thirty stormtroopers rush past him in the main hallway. He checks to make sure they’re gone, then runs down the hallway in the opposite direction.
112. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN FORWARD BAY – SERVICE PANEL
Little Artoo carefully plugs his claw arm into a new wall socket and a complex array of electronic sounds spew from the tiny robot.
THREEPIO
Wait a minute, slow down!… That’s better. They’re where?They what? We’re going to be mashed into conduit before this is over…
HAN
See Threepio! Do you copy?
THREEPIO
Yes sir, we’re standing by…
113. INT. DEATH STAR – CORRIDOR – BLAST SHIELD DOOR
Han and Chewbacca are trapped at the end of a long corridor in front of a complex blast shield door. Twenty stormtroopers are firing away at the mas they desperately try to get the huge blast shield door open.
HAN
Is Artoo hooked into the ssytem? Open shield door eleven oh fifty four. Be quick.
The multi-layered series of doors begins to open behind them as a squad of troops begin their advance. Han returns the fire and the corridor quickly fills up with smoke and confusion as the final hatch swings open. Han and the giant wookiee turn and slip past the blast shield door and find themselves standing behind Luke and Leia who are holding off a dozen stormtroopers.
HAN
Now what!
LUKE
Threepio, have Artoo close the shield door. Lock it and jam the systems.
The five layers of door instantly slam shut. Laserbolts continue to richochet around them. The stormtroopes continue their assault, filling the hallway with smoke and debris. Leia turns and fires a laser blast at a small grate in the wall (somewhat like a storm drain) next to the group. Han is covered with rubble from the blast.
HAN
What are you shooting at?
LEIA
Follow me. Hurry!
She jumps through the narrow opening as Han and Chewbacca look on in amazement. Chewbacca says something.
HAN
Go on! You furry oaf.
He shoves the wookiee into the tiny opening and the wookiee disappears into the darkness followed quickly by Han. Luke fires off a couple of quick blasts, creating a smoky cover, then slides into the garbage chute and is gone. When the smoke clears, the troops advance.
114. INT. DEATH STAR – GARBAGE ROOM
Luke has tumbled into a large room filled with garbage and muck. Han is already stumbling around looking for an exit. He finds a small hatchway and struggles to get it open. It won’t budge.
HAN
(Sarcastically)
The garbage chute wasn’t a bad idea, your lordship, or whatever, but unfortunately these trash chambers are vacuum sealed.
He draws his laser pistol and fires at the hatch. The laserbolt ricochets wildly around the small metal room. Everyone dives for cover in the garbage as the bolt explodes almost on top of them. Leia climbs out of the garbage with a rather grim look on her face.
LEIA
Put that thing away or you’re going to get us all killed.
HAN
Yes, your honor. It won’t take long for them to figure out what happened to us. We had things well under control, until you led us down here.
LEIA
It could be worse…
Luke and the princess go over to help Chewbacca, who is straining to open the emergency latch. Han moves about in the muck. Suddenly the walls of the garbage receptacle shudder and move in a couple of inches. Then everything is deathly quiet.
HAN
I have a very bad feeling about this.
Before anyone can say anything the walls begin to rumble and edge toward the rebels.
LEIA
Don’t just stand there. Try to brace it with something.
They place poles and long metal beams between the closing walls, but they are simply snapped and bent as the giant trash masher rumbles on. The situation doesn’t look too good.
HAN
This isn’t working, your holyness.
The room gets smaller and smaller until it is only three feet wide. Garbage is snapping and popping as it is crushed by the relentless walls. Luke’s comlink begins to buzz and he pulls it off his belt.
LUKE
Threepio. I forgot…
THREEPIO
Are you there, sir? We’re going…
LUKE
Threepio! Shut down all the garbage mashers on your level… do you copy? Shut down all garbage…
The rumbling walls continue. It looks hopeless and then they stop. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Luke goes over to the pressure hatch and scrapes some muck off a number.
LUKE
Open the pressure maintenance hatch on unit 366117891.
115. INT. DEATH STAR – HALLWAY – BLAST SHIELD DOOR
The huge shield door slides open and the stormtroopers on either side almost shoot each other, but quickly realize they have been tricked.
116. INT. DEATH STAR – HALLWAY LEADING TO MAIN FORWARD BAY
Ben hurries along one of the tunnels leading to the starship hangar. Just before he is about to reach the hangar, Darth Vader steps into view at the end of the tunnel not more than ten feet away.
VADER
I’ve been waiting master… at last we meet again… It could only have been you…
BEN
The Force has grown strong with you.
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. Ben seems to be under increasing pressure and strain, as if an invisible weight were being placed upon him. He shakes his head and blinking, tries to clear his eyes.
VADER
Your powers are weak… old man, you should never have come back.
Ben makes a sudden lunge at the huge warrior but is checked by a lightning movement of the Sith. A masterful slash-stroke by Vader is blocked by the old Jedi. Another of the Jedi’s blows is blocked, then countered. Ben moves around the Dark Lord and starts backing into the massive starship hangar. The two powerful warriors stand motionless for a few moments with laser swords locked in mid-air, creating a low buzzing sound.
117. INT. DEATH STAR – MAIN FORWARD BAY – STARSHIP
Threepio looks up and sees Ben emerging from the hallway.
THREEPIO
Where are the others?… Oh, oh!
Threepio ducks out of sight as the seven stormtroopers who were guarding the starship rush past them heading toward Ben and the Sith Knight. When the robot ventures another peak, he spots Ha, Luke, Chewbacca and the princess running out of a tunnel on the other side of the starship and heading toward them. He pulls on Artoo.
THREEPIO
Unplug yourself. We’re going!
Ben sees the troops charging toward him and realizes that he is trapped. Vader takes advantage of Ben’s momentary distraction and brings his mighty laser sword down on the old man. But Ben manages to deflect the blow, swiftly turning around, cutting a safety lock on the blast door. Vader is standing in the access tunnel, while Ben is in the huge hangar and the heavy blast door slams down between, them, trapping Vader in the tunnel.
Ben instantly turns toward the troops. They stop in their tracks and start to raise their weapons. Before they can even fire a shot, a laserbolt explodes in the middle of them, creating havoc. The troops turn around to see Luke and Han firing on them from the ramp of the starship. Threepio and Artoo run up the ramp and disappear inside the ship. Chewbacca appears at the door of the pirate ship and throws a dead stormtrooper onto the hangar floor. Luke turns to han.
LUKE
Get the ship started!
As Han starts up the ramp, Leia grabs the laser pistol out of his hand. Han starts to grab it back, then thinks better of it and rushes into the starship. Ben charges the troops, cutting them down as he goes. Luke is forced to stopfiring and runs to the old man’s aid with his laser sword drawn. Several of the troops flee in panic, but the two that remain fire their laser pistols point blank at the old man. Ben deflects the bolt, but it explodes near him, knocking him to the floor. Luke cuts down the remaining troops and rushes to the old Jedi’s side.
LEIA
Luke, quickly! There are more coming!
Luke struggles to help the old man to the ship under the constant fire of the Imperial troops. Luke fires back whenever possible andmanages to keep teh troops at bay. The princess takes careful aim and hits the safety lock on the blast door, causing it to slide shut, leaving only three troops left in the hangar.
LUKE
Close the main hatch and get this thing moving!
118. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT
Han pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to move. The dull thud of laser bolts can be heard bouncing off the outside of the ship. Leia enters the cockpit with a determined look on her face.
LEIA
Ben cut the power to the tractor beam. It’s up to you now…
HAN
Don’t worry, I’ll get you out of here. But you’d better remember I’m not in this for the love of it… I expect to be well payed [sic!].
A118. EXT. DEATH STAR – NEAR EQUATOR – SPACE
The pirate starship powers away from the Death Star docking bay and disappears into the vastness of space.
119. INT. DOCKING BAY – DEATH STAR
The blast door quickly slides open revealing Darth Vader. The Dark Lord casually enters the hangar bay and speaks to the commander.
VADER
Did you get the homing beacon placed on board their ship?
COMMANDER
Yes my lord, we are already tracking them.
VADER
Now we will have them and their hidden base.
120-127. OMITTED
128. EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN
The battered pirate starship drifts into orbit around the emerald green fourth moon of Yavin.
129-131. OMITTED
132. MASASSI OUTPOST – JUNGLE TEMPLE
Rotting in a forest of gargantuan trees, an ancient temple lies shrouded in an eerie mist. The air is heavy with the fantastic cries of unimaginable creatures. Luke and the group ride into the massive temple on an armored military speeder.
A132. INT. MASASSI – MAIN HANGAR DECK
The military speeder stops in a huge spaceship hangar, set up in the interior of the crumbling temple. ZAN DODONNA, the commander of the rebel forces rushes up to the group and gives Leia a big hug. Every one is pleased to see her.
LEIA
We got it. This R-2 unit carries the data on the battle station… the station is even more powerful than we suspected… if you cannot find a weakness, there will be no stopping them.
Several troops take Artoo away. Dodonna notices Ben
DODONNA
General Kenobi! This is a great honor. I thought you wer…
BEN
There were many who thought I was dead… perhaps I was.
133. INT. MASSASSI – WAR ROOM
In the bowels of the temple a sophisticated war room hs been constructed. Little Artoo has been plugged into a computer outlet and a vast army of technical data on the Death Star is drained from the robot. A rebel controller rushes up to Dodonna, Ben and the princess. Threepio stands next to Artoo.
CONTROLLER
They were followed. The station is approaching this sytem. It’s still pretty far out, but we’re getting a strong signal.
DODONNA
Assemble the crews in the briefing room.
LEIA
Has the data been compiled?
DODONNA
Enough, I think we found it’s [sic] flaw, but utilizing it is not going to be easy.
134. OMITTED
135. INT. MASASSI – WAR ROOM BRIEFING AREA
Dodonna and Ben stand before a large electronic wall display. Leia and several other senators get to one side of the giant readout. The low ceilinged room is filled with starpilots, navigators and a sprinkling of Artoo-type robots. Everyone is listening intently to what Dodonna is saying. Han and Chewbacca are standing near the back.
DODONNA
The station approaching from the far side of the sun. That gives us a little extra time, but it must be stopped before it reaches this end of the system. Our analysis shows that any direct attack on the station would be useless. It is heavily shielded and carries more firepower than half the satr fleet… but its defenses were designed around direct large scale assault, not an attack by small one man “snub” fighters. General Kenobi will describe the attack run.
Ben gets up and stands before the huge screen which shows a computer rerpresentation of the Death Star.
BEN
An analysis of the plans provided by Senator Leia, show a small thermal exhaust port right below this thermal exhaust port. It is an unshielded shaft that runs directly into the reactor system. Your approach will not be easy. You’ll have to come straight in down this shaft, level off in the trench and skim the surface to this point. The target is only two meters across. It will take a very precise hit at exactly ninety degrees to get into the reactor system. Only a direct hit will set up a chain reaction. The shaft is ray shielded, so you’ll have to use proton torpedoes.
A murmur of disbelief runs through the room. Luke is sitting next to WEDGE ANTILLES, a hot-shot pilot about sixteen years old. Artoo is sitting next to a little R-2 robot who lets out a long whistle of hopelessness and skepticism.
WEDGE
A two meter target at maximum speed with a torpedo yet! That’s impossible even for the computer.
LUKE
But it’s not impossible. I used to bulls-eye womp-rats in my T-16 back home. They are not much bigger than two meters.
WEDGE
With all that firepower directed at us, this will take a little more than a barnyard marksmanship, believe me.
Red Leader, a roguish looking man in his early thirties, stands and adresses the pilots.
RED LEADER
Take a special note of these emplacements. There is a heavy concentration of fire power on the laterial axis… also their generating towers will probably create a strong magnetic field. I figure that maneuverability in this sector will be less than point three.
DODONNA
You must have a direct hit. Yellow squadron will cover for red on the first run. Then green will cover for blue on the second. Any questions?
A muted buzz moves throughout the room, but there are no questions.
DODONNA
Then man your ships and may The Force be with you.
136. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – MAIN HANGAR DECK
Luke, Threepio and little Artoo enter the huge spaceship hangar and hurry along a long line of gleaming spacefighters. Flight crews rush around loading last minute armament and unlocking power couplings. Han and Chewbacca are loading small boxes onto an armored speeder. Luke is quite saddened at the sight of his friend leaving.
LUKE
So, you are leaving then.
HAN
I’m rich, kid! This spice will fetch millions… and part of my reward is that I be able to spend it.
LUKE
You’re a good pilot… you could
HAN
I know, I know, I’m just not a revolutionary, kid. I don’t like the Empire, but I know enough not to get mixed up with some suicidal attack on that station. You’re gong to need more than faith in that FOrce to help you… I’m sorry Luke…
LUKE
Take care of yourself.
They shake hands and Luke starts to leave.
HAN
Luke… may The Force be with you.
Han winks at the young starpilot. Out of nowhere another starpilot runs up and grabs Luke.
BIGGS
Luke! I don’t believe it!
Han busies himself with getting the spice loaded. Blue Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, comes up behind Luke and Biggs. He has the confident smile of a born leader.
BLUE LEADER
Let’s go boys. Starkiller, have you been checked out on the Incom T-65?
[LUKE]
I’ve got over a thousand hours in the Incom Skyhopper.
BIGGS
He’s the best bushpilot in the rim territories.
Pilot Leader pats Luke on the back as they stop in front of
his fighter.
PILOT LEADER
There’s not much difference between this and a skyhopper, you’ll do all right. May The Force be with you.
Luke makes a short bow from the waist as Blue Leader hurries to his own ship. Luke’s ground crew has hoisted little Artoo into a socket on the back of the one-man starship fighter. Luke climbs aboard the sleek, deadly spacecraft. Blue Leader
gives his ground crew the signal that he is starting his ion engines. Luke’s CREW CHIEF pats him on the helmet and has to yell to be heard over the ion engines.
CHIEF
That R-2 unit of yours seems a little beatup. Do you want a new one?
LUKE
No, he’ll work out just fine. Artoo are you secure?
The little droid, who is now part of the exterior shell of the starship, beeps that he is fine. One of the crewmen climbs up to the cockpit.
CREWMAN
I’ve removed the lateral casings, which should make you about a thousand pounds lighter.
He hangs a small good luck charm inside the cockpit as the canopy starts to slide closed. Luke signals to the crewmen that everything is okay. Other crewmen say goodbye to their pilots, some serious, some kidding, all with a great deal of hidden emotion.
137. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
The princess sits quietly before the giant display showing the planet of Yavin and her four moons. The red dot that represents the Death Star moves ever closer to the system. A series of green dots appear around the fourth moon. Ben Kenobi stands behind the princess with several other field commanders.
138. EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN – MASASSI OUTPOST – JUNGLE
All that can be seen of the fortress is a lone guard standing on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The muted, gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering din of ion rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in a tight formation and disappear into the morning cloud cover.
139. EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN
(82)
Long Shot. The small green Fourth Moon slowly moves behind the massive yellow surface of Yavin in the foreground, as four X wing fighters flying in formation zoom toward us and out of frame. They are followed by twenty more distant ships, which are merely points of light.
139A. EXT. SPACE – ANOTHER ANGLE
(82A)
Tracking Shot. The massive surface of Yavin slowly moves toward the upper left part of the frame as the camera orbits the planet. Light from a distant sun creates an eerie atmospheric glow around the huge planet. A small bright speck appears out of the ozone haze and begins to move toward us. Four Y ships and four X ships flying in formations (X in front) settle ominously in the foreground and very slowly pull away from the tracking camera as the orbiting speck grows brighter.
140. INT. BLUE LEADER STARSHIP – COCKPIT
(82B)
CU. Blue pilot leader lowers his visor and adjusts his gunsights, looking to each side at his wing men. (One distant Y wing in background).
BLUE LEADER
Blue boys, this is Blue Leader. Adjust your selectors and check in. Approaching target at one point three parsec…
141. OMITTED
142. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(83)
Tracking Shot. Behind three of the X wing fighters, the Death Star grows brighter and the faintest hint of surface is suggested. The huge planet of Yavin is almost out of frame.
143. INT. BLUE LEADER STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(83A)
CU. Pilot leader looks to his left.
PILOT LEADER
This is it boys. Blue Two, you’re out too far, close it up, Wedge.
144. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(83B)
CU. Wedge with his brightly painted helmet looks up to his right and makes some adjustment on his control panels. One Y wing fighter moves down through the background.
WEDGE
Sorry Boss, my ranger seems to be a few points off… I’ll have to go on manual.
BLUE LEADER
Stand by to lock “S-Foils” in attack position.
WEDGE
Blue Two standing by.
BIGGS
Blue Three standing by.
JOHN D
Blue Four standing by.
LUKE
Blue Five standing by.
PIGGY
Blue Six standing by.
BLUE LEADER
Execute!
145. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(84)
Tracking Shot with the rebel ships. The large wings on the fighters unfold, turning them into an X shaped dart. The Death Star now appears to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as the rebel fighters approach. We can now vaguely perceive the complex patterns on the metallic surface. A large dish antenna is built into the surface on one side.
146. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(84A)
CU. Luke adjusts his controls as he concentrates on the approaching Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted slightly.
PILOT LEADER
We’re passing through their magnetic shields, hold tight. Lock down your control units. Switch your deflector shields on… double front.
A146. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(84B)
CU. As the shaking and buffeting grows stronger, little R-2 riding on the back of the fighter gets jostled quite a bit. Luke holds on to his controls for dear life, then suddenly all the turbulence is gone and everything is deathly calm.
PILOT LEADER
Keep the channels quiet until we’ve reached the surface.
147. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(85)
Tracking Shot. As the fighters move closer to the Death Star (which now almost fills the frame) the awesome size of the gargantuan Imperial space fortress is revealed. The vast complicated surface is ringed at the equator by thousands of huge docking ports. Half of the deadly space station is in shadow and this area sparkles with thousands of small lights, running in thin lines, and occasionally grouped in large clusters. (Somewhat like L.A. at night as seen from a weather satellite).
148. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(85A)
CU. Wedge. Blue Two is amazed and slightly frightened at the awesome spectacle.
WEDGE
Look at the size of that thing!
BLUE LEADER
Cut the chatter Blue Two! Accelerate to attack speed.
149. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(86)
Tracking Shot. The Death Star is now an immense surface. A huge band of docking ports dot the equator. The glow from the X wing after burners intensifies as they double their power. The Blue squad pulls away from the camera as they jam down to the shadowed surface.
150. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(86A)
CU. Luke. Grim determination sweeps across Luke’s face as he flips several switches above his head and adjusts his computerized target readout.
151. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(86B)
CU. Little Artoo sits snuggled in his nest behind the cockpit watching the awesome planet whip by.
(87) OMITTED
152. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(88)
CU. Blue Leader looks around at his wing men. The left side of the background is filled with swiftly moving Death Star surface, as viewed from a rather high altitude. Two Y wing fighters bob back and forth in the background. He moves his computer targeting device into position.
BLUE LEADER
Red Leader, this is Blue Leader. We’re in position. You can go right in. The exhaust shaft is further to the north. We’ll keep them busy down here.
153. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(89)
CU. Red Leader. The Y wing fighter is filled with various computer readouts and displays. Red Leader looks screen left to the passing Death Star surface, which rotates into horizontal position.
RED LEADER
We’re starting for the target shaft now. Dutch, stand by to take over is anything happens.
BLUE LEADER
I’m going to cut across the axis and try to draw their fire. May The Force be with you.
154. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(90)
Long Shot. The two squads of rebel fighters peel off. The Y ships rise out of the top of the frame. The X wing ships dive towards the Death Star surface. A thousand light glow across the dark gray expanse of the huge station.
155. EXT. SPACE – ANOTHER ANGLE
(91)
Full Shot. Three X wing fighters dive through the frame towards the Death Star surface, crossing the horizon line of the huge station.
156. INT. DEATH STAR
(92)
Alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the huge guns into position as the crew adjusts their targeting devices.
157. INT. DEATH STAR
(93)
Men and robots of various shapes and sizes run to their battle stations. The sound of distant guns pounding away are replaced by the shudder of a nearby artillery battery opening up.
158. INT. DEATH STAR
(94)
A squad of Imperial troopers rush down a hallway in close formation passing a gunnery crew opening fire.
159. INT. DEATH STAR
(95)
Imperial officers yell orders through the smoke and confusion. Several more armored officers run up to the group, still putting on helmets and equipment.
160. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(96)
Long Shot. Laser bolts streak through the star filled night.
161. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(97)
CU. Luke. He nosedives radically starting his attack on the monstrous fortress. The Death Star surface streaks past the cockpit window.
LUKE
This is Blue Five, I’m going in.
BIGGS
I’m right behind you, Blue Five.
162. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(98)
POV. Gunsight Shot. Laserbolts streak from Luke’s weapons creating a huge fireball explosion on the dim surface.
163. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(99)
CU. Luke. Terror crosses his face as he realizes he won’t be able to pull out in time to avoid the fireball.
BIGGS
Pull out. Luke, pull out!
A163. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(100)
POV. Shot from Luke’s ship. The huge explosion continues to climb from the surface, and the ship dives into it.
B163. EXT. SURFACE OF DEATH STAR
(101)
Full Shot. The explosion dominates the frame. Finally Luke’s ship emerges from the fireball, with the leading edges of his wings slightly scorched.
C163. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(102)
CU. Luke. He adjusts his controls and breathes a sigh of relief. Flak bursts outside the cockpit window.
BIGGS
Are you all right, Luke?
LUKE
I got a little cooked, but, I’m OK.
BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, give yourself more lead time, or you’re going to blast yourself out of the sky.
LUKE
Yes sir, I’ve got the hang of it now.
D163. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(103)
Long Shot. The surface of the Death Star is pock marked with explosions. Laserbolts criss-cross the sky in all directions. Three X wing fighters pass low over-head, dodging the explosions. Three Y wing ships skim the horizon far in the background.
E163. EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE
(104)
Full Shot. Two ships scream low over the camera firing on a
power terminal. It explodes, generating weird electrical arcs that leap off the station’s surface.
F163. INT. DEATH STAR
(105)
Walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out of the rubble.
G163. INT. DEATH STAR
(106)
Standing in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and foreboding, is Darth Vader. One of his astro-officer aides rushes up to him.
AIDE
We count at least thirty of them. They’re too small to stop.
VADER
Get the men to their ships.
H163. INT. DEATH STAR
(107)
Ready room chaos. Red scramble lights are flashing. Imperial starpilots already in their space suits, grab helmets and space packs as they scramble out the door.
I163. EXT. DEATH STAR
(108)
Full Shot. An X wing fighter (Wedge) skims close to the surface of the Death Star, maneuvering among gun towers and projecting superstructures.
J163. INT. DEATH STAR
(109)
Smoke belches from the giant laser guns as they wind up their turbine generators to create sufficient power. The crew rushes about preparing for another blast. Even the troopers head gear is not adequate to protect them from the over-whelming noise of the monstrous weapon. One trooper bangs his helmet with his hand in an attempt to stop the ringing.
K163. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(110)
CU. Blue Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak.
BLUE LEADER
Luke, let me know when you are off the block.
L163. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(111)
CU. Luke. Pilot leaders X wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose down and starts his attack dive.
LUKE
I’m on my way in now…
BLUE LEADER
Watch yourself! There’s a lot of fire coming from the right side of that deflection tower.
LUKE
I’m on it.
M163. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(112)
Full Shot. Luke flings his X wing into a twisting dive across horizons and down onto the dim gray surface.
N163. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(113)
POV. Shot from Luke’s guns. Laserbolts streak toward the onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements erupt in flame. Laser fire erupts from a protruding tower on the surface.
O163. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(114)
CU. Luke. The blurry Death Star surface races past the cockpit window as a big smile sweeps across Luke’s face at the success of his run. Flak thunders on all sides of him.
P163. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(115)
Full Shot. The Death Star superstructure races past Luke as he maneuvers his craft through a wall of laser fire and peels away from the surface towards the heavens.
Q163. INT. DEATH STAR
(116)
The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberates throughout the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the smoke and chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of explosion.
R163. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(117)
Pan Shot. Biggs dives through a forest of radar domes, antennae and gun towers as he shoots low across the Death Star surface. A dense barrage of laser fire streaks by on all sides.
S163. INT. DEATH STAR
(118)
Imperial star pilots dash in unison to a line of small auxiliary hatches that lead to Imperial tie fighters.
T163. INT. DEATH STAR
(119)
Technical crews scurry here and there loading last minute armaments and unlocking power cables.
U163. INT. TIE SHIP – DEATH STAR
(120)
Vader slides into his cramped one man craft and tightens a second set of eye shields. Technical personnel rush all around him making last minute adjustments, the impression is that of a champion boxer between rounds.
164. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(121)
Princess Leia, surrounded by her generals and aides, paces nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides technicians work in front of many lighted glass walls. Dodonna watches quietly from one corner. One of the officers working over a screen speaks into his head set.
CONTROL OFFICER
Squad leaders, we’ve picked up a new group of signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.
165. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(122)
CU. Luke looks around to see if he can spot the approaching Imperial fighter.
LUKE
My scope’s negative. I don’t see anything.
166. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(123)
CU. Blue Leader. The Death Star surface sweeps past as he searches the sky for the Imperial fighter. Flak pounds at this ship.
PILOT LEADER
Keep us your visual scanning. With all this jamming, they’ll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.
167. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(124)
Long Shot. Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death Star horizon, four ferocious Imperial tie ships dive on the rebel fighters. Two of the tie fighters peel off and drop out of frame. Pan with the remaining two tie ships.
168. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(125)
CU. Biggs panics when he discovers a tie ship on his tail. The horizon in the background twists around as he peels off, hoping to lose the Imperial fighter.
LUKE
Biggs! You’ve picked one up… watch it!
BIGGS
I can’t see it! Where is he?!
169. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(126)
Full Shot. Biggs zooms off the surface and into space, closely followed by an Imperial tie fighter. The tie ship fires several laserbolts at Biggs, but misses.
170. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(127)
CU. Biggs sees the tie ship behind him and swings around, trying to avoid him.
BIGGS
He’s on me tight, I can’t shake him… I can’t shake him.
171. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(128)
Full Shot. Biggs, flying at high altitude, peels off and dives toward the Death Star surface, but he is unable to lose the tie fighter, who sticks close to his tail.
172. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(129)
CU. Luke is flying upside down. He rotates his ship around to a normal altitude as he comes out of his dive.
LUKE
Hang on Biggs, I’m coming in.
173. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(130)
Full Shot. Biggs and the tailing tie ship dive for the surface, now followed by a fast gaining Luke. After Biggs goes out of the frame, pan with Luke chasing the Imperial fighter.
174. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(131)
Medium Shot. In the foreground the Imperial fighter races across the Death Star surface, closely followed by Luke in the background.
A174. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(132)
Full Shot. Tie fighter in foreground, pan with Luke as he
dives toward the surface.
175. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(133)
CU. Luke rotates his ship as the Death Star blurs past the
cockpit.
176. INT. COCKPIT CONTROL PANEL – INSERT
(133A)
The electronic sights line up on the computer readout.
177. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(133A)
LUKE
Got him!
178. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(133A)
POV. Shot from Luke’s X wing of the tie ship exploding in a mass of flames.
(134) OMITTED
(135) OMITTED
179. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(136)
Full Shot. Wedge rolls his ship and dives toward the Death Star surface, passing a tie ship going in the other direction.
180. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(137)
Full Shot. Blue Leader soars up from the Death Star surface.
181. INT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(138)
CU. John D, a young pilot with a scar across one eye, adjusts his targeting device.
JOHN D
I’m on one! I’ve got one!
182. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(139)
Full Shot. A tie ship races by camera followed by John D.
183. INT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(140)
POV. shot over John D’s shoulder. The tie ship attempts to outmaneuver the young rebel, to no avail. John D closes on the Imperial craft as it skims the surface.
(141) OMITTED
184. INT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(142)
CU. John D reaches up and pulls the trigger of his laser cannon.
185. EXT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(143)
POV. Gunsite. The ship is blown to oblivion and spirals down toward the Death Star.
186. INT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(143A)
CU. John D. A gleeful expression crosses his face at his good shooting.
BLUE LEADER
Good shooting, Blue Six… watch it, you’ve got one on your tail.
John D’s smile instantly disappears from his face as he looks around, but can’t see the ship behind him. His ship shudders as a laserbolt explodes nearby, creating flak out the cockpit window.
187. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(144)
Full Shot. John D’s x wing races past camera, closely chased by an Imperial tie ship firing both guns.
188. INT. JOHN D’s STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(145)
CU. John D. The inside of the cockpit explodes as John D is hit.
JOHN D
I’m hit! I’m hit!
189. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(146)
Full Shot. John D’s X wing explodes in a fiery ball, parts flying in all directions.
190. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(146A)
Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia and her generals listen and watch the battle on a huge view screen. (Gunsite POV.) Suddenly the image flickers and goes dead, but the sound remains, technicians rush to and fro trying to fix it.
TECHNICIANS
The high band receiver has failed. It will take some time to fix… data transmission is function…
KENOBI
Don’t worry about it.
Everyone moves about quietly listening to the battle over the intercom.
BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Tighten it up. Blue Two, tighten it up. Watch those towers.
WEDGE (BLUE TWO) (V.O.)
Heavy fire, boss. Twenty-three degrees.
BLUE LEADER
I see it. Pull in. Pull in. We’re picking up some interference.
BIGGS (BLUE THREE) (V.O.)
Wow, I’ve never seen such fire power.
BLUE LEADER
Pull in, Blue Two. Pull in. Wedge, do you read me? Wedge?
WEDGE (V.O.)
I’m all right, boss. I’ve got a target. I’m going in to check it out.
LUKE (BLUE FIVE) (V.O.)
There’s too much action down there, Wedge. Get out.
BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Break off, Wedge. Acknowledge. We’ve hit too much interference. Blue Six, can you see Blue Two?
BLUE SIX (V.O.)
I’ve lost him. There’s a heavy fire zone on this side. My scanner’s jammed. Blue Five?.
LUKE (V.O.)
He’s gone. No wait. There he is. Fin damage, but he’s all right.
A sigh of relief sweeps across the war room.
(147) OMITTED
191. INT. DEATH STAR
(148)
Smoke belches from the huge guns as troopers struggle to hook up more power cables.
192. INT. DEATH STAR
(149)
Troopers riding a big gun, brace themselves as it fires and recoils causing the entire room to shudder.
193. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(150)
Long Shot. Laserbolts blast through the night sky.
194. INT. DEATH STAR
(151)
Troopers carry exhausted comrades out of the gunport as fresh gunners jump in to the huge weapon.
(152) OMITTED
195. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(153)
Full Shot. Luke dives out of the stars toward the Death Star surface, past two tie ships in the background.
196. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – SPACE
(154)
CU. Luke maneuvers his ship as the twisting blurry surface of the Death Star zooms by outside the cockpit.
BLUE LEADER
Stick close Blue Five, where are you going?
LUKE
My scopes picked up a lateral stabilizer, I’m going to try for it.
197. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(155)
POV Shot from Luke’s gunsite. Luke skims the Death Star surface as his laser homes in on a small projection, which explodes in a spectacular ball of fire.
198. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(155A)
Full Shot. The princess appears a little more concerned than she should be about Luke. Ben watches her and a slight smile creeps across his face.
LUKE
Got it… I’m moving south for the other one.
BIGGS
Watch your back Luke. Watch your back! Fighters above you, coming in.
Leia strains to hear more clearly.
199. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(156)
Luke continues his dive as a tie fighter appears on his tail, and begins to close fast.
200. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(157)
CU. Luke as he spots the tie fighters behind him and soars away from the Death Star surface.
LUKE
I can’t shake him.
201. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(158)
Full Shot. Wedge dives across the horizon toward Luke and the tie fighter.
202. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(159)
CU. Wedge, as the Death Star whips below him.
WEDGE
I’m on him Luke… hold on.
203. INSERT – FIRING SWITCH
(160)
CU. Wedge’s hand as he activates the firing switch on the compact rebel fighter.
204. EXT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(161)
POV. Shot from Wedge’s gun camera as the tie ship explodes against the stars. Luke’s ship can be seen far into the distance.
205. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(162)
CU. Biggs races along against a star background.
LUKE
Thanks Wedge.
BIGGS
Good shooting, Wedge… Blue Six, I’m going in. Cover me, Porkins.
PORKINS
I’m right with you, Blue Three.
206. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(163)
Full Shot. Biggs’ X wing peels off and dives toward the Death Star surface.
207. EXT. BIGGS’ GUNSITE – DEATH STAR SURFACE – SPACE
(164)
POV. Biggs’ gunsite as his lasers hit the Death Star surface blowing up a small tower. Lasers stream toward camera from the surface. A chain reaction is set off creating a series of explosions leaping across the surface of the fortress from terminal to terminal.
208. INT. PORKINS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – DEATH STAR
(165)
CU. Porkins (Blue Pig). The Death Star horizon rotates outside the cockpit, as the control panels inside Pig’s ship go wild.
PORKINS
I’ve got a problem here… my converter is running wild…
BIGGS
Eject, eject, Blue Six, do you read?
PORKINS
I’m all right. I can hold it. Give me a little room, Biggs.
BIGGS
Pull up… pull up.
209. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(166)
Full Shot. Biggs and Porkins race over a mechanical surface gun emplacement, which follows them relentlessly. Flak and explosions are everywhere.
210. INT. PORKINS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(167)
CU. Porkins. His cockpit explodes over the low altitude horizon of the Death Star.
211. INT. DEATH STAR
(168)
Full Shot Plate. Porkins’ X wing comes apart in a million flaming pieces against the stars, as Imperial troops watch from a gun emplacement in the foreground.
212. INT. DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(169)
Troops rush toward the scene of the crash.
213. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(170)
CU. Biggs. He reacts to the destruction of his comrade and wing man.
214. INT. CONTROL ROOM – MASASSI TEMPLE
(170A)
General Dodonna approaches the princess and speaks in a calm, hushed voice.
(171) OMITTED
215. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(172)
CU. Red Leader peels off and starts toward the long trenches at the Death Star surface pole. The background rushes towards us.
RED LEADER
Blue Leader, this is Red Leader. We are starting our attack run. The exhaust port is marked and locked in. No flak, no enemy fighters up here… look’s like we’ll get a smooth run at it.
BLUE LEADER
I copy Red Leader. We’ll try to keep them busy on this end.
216. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(172)
Full shot. Three Y wing fighters of the red group dive out of the stars toward the Death Star surface.
217. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(174)
POV. Shot from Red Leader as he approaches the surface and pulls out to skim the surface of the huge station. The ship moves into a deep trench. The surface streaks past in front of them.
218. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(175)
CU. Blue Leader looks around to see if any enemy ships are near. He makes some adjustments to his control panel.
RED LEADER
There it is boys… remember, when you think you’re close, go in closer before you drop that rock. Switch all power to front deflector screens.
A218. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(176)
Over shoulder POV. Shot. Red Leader races down the enormous trench that leads to the exhaust port. Laserbolts begin to race toward him in increasing numbers, occasionally exploding near the ship, causing it to bounce about.
RED TWO
A little aggressive aren’t they?
RED LEADER
How many guns do you think, Red Five?
B218. INT. RED FIVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(176A)
CU. Red Five is a pilot in his early fifties with a very battered helmet that looks like it’s been through many battles.
RED FIVE (POPS)
I’d say about twenty guns. Some on the surface and some in the towers.
C218. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(177)
Full Tracking Shot. Three Y wings skim the Death Star surface deep in the trench as laserbolts streak past on all sides.
D218. EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE – GUN EMPLACEMENT
(178)
Full Shot. An exterior surface gun blazes away at the oncoming rebel fighters.
E218. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(179)
POV. from Red Leader’s ship as it skims the blurred canyon surface, heading into a vertical wall of laser fire, which creates almost a slit-scan effect.
219. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(180)
Low Angle Tracking Shot. The three Y wing fighters race toward camera and zoom over head through a hail of laser fire.
A219. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP
(181)
CU. Red Leader pulls his computer targeting device down in front of his eye. Laserbolts continue to batter the rebel craft.
RED LEADER
Switch to targeting computer.
B219. INT. RED TWO’S STARSHIP
(181A)
CU. Red Two, a younger pilot about Luke’s age, pulls down his targeting eye viewer and adjusts it. His ship shudders under the intense laser barrage.
RED TWO
Computers locked and I’m getting a signal.
C219. INT. RED FIVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(181B)
CU. Red Five adjusts the targeting device in front of him. He seems oblivious to the laser flak. He is very cool and sure of himself.
RED FIVE (POPS)
No doubt about it, this is going to be some trick.
D219. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(182)
POV. over Red Leader’s shoulder. As the fighter begins to approach the target area, suddenly all the laser fire stops. An eerie calm clings over the trench as the surface whips past in a blur.
RED TWO (V.O.)
What’s that? They stopped?
RED LEADER
I don’t like it.
E219. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(183)
Full Tracking Shot. The three Y wings drive through the narrow trench flat out. There is now no laser fire to slow them down.
F219. INT. RED FIVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(184)
CU. Red Five as he looks behind him.
RED FIVE (POPS)
Stabilize your rear deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters.
RED LEADER
There they are. Coming in. Three marks at two ten.
In the background a computer voice can be heard calling out the distance to the target. Red Five spots something.
RED LEADER
We’re sitting ducks down here.
RED FIVE (POPS)
We’ll have to ride it out.
G219. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(185)
Full Shot. Three Imperial tie ships in precise formation dive almost vertically toward the Death Star surface.
H219. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(186)
CU. Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars whip past in the window above his head.
VADER
3 8 104 I’ll take them myself. Cover me.
I219. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE
(187)
POV. Gunsite. Vader lines up Red Two in his targeting computer.
J219. INT. RED TWO’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(188)
CU. Red Two. The cockpit explodes around Red Two.
(189) OMITTED
K219. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(190)
CU. Red Leader. The Death Star races by outside the cockpit window as he adjusts his targeting device.
RED LEADER
(Panicked)
We’re trapped down here. I can’t maneuver. I’m too close… loosen it up.
RED FIVE (POPS)
(Calmly)
Stay on target. Stay on target.
(191) OMITTED
L219. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(192)
Full Shot. The three tie fighters race along in the trench in a tight formation.
M219. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER
(193)
CU. Vader calmly adjusts his targeting computer and pushes the fire button.
(194) OMITTED
(195) OMITTED
N219. INT. RED LEADER’S STARSHIP
(196)
CU. Red Leader panicked.
RED LEADER
It’s no good, I’m hit, I’m hit.
(197) OMITTED
(198) OMITTED
(199) OMITTED
220. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(200)
(Use Board 189) Full Shot. Red Leader explodes in a ball of flames throwing debris in all directions.
A220. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(200A)
POV. from Vader’s ship as the Y wing fighter peels off and heads toward space. The horizon drops away as Vader follows.
B220. INT. RED FIVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(201)
CU. Red Five as he moves in on the exhaust port.
RED FIVE (POPS)
Red Five to Blue Leader. Aborting run, under heavy fire. Tie fighter came out of nowhere… I can’t… wait!
C220. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT
(202)
CU. Vader as he adjusts his control stick, then presses the firing button.
D220. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(203)
Full Shot. One of the engines explodes on Red Five’s Y winged fighter, blazing and out of control he dives past the horizon toward the Death Star surface, passing a tie fighter during his descent.
E220. INT. RED FIVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(204)
CU. Red Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spins toward his death.
BLUE LEADER
Are you all right?
RED FIVE
Lost Tiree… lost Dutch… they come from behind, can’t maneuver in the trench… sorry, it’s your baby now… so long, Dave…
(static)
F220. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(205)
CU. Blue Leader reacts to the loss of his old friend.
BLUE LEADER
Blue Boys, this is Blue Leader. Rendezvous at mark six point one. All wings report in.
BLUE TEN
Blue Leader, this is Blue Ten, I copy.
BLUE TWO (WEDGE)
This is Blue Two. I’m flying towards you.
G220. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(206)
CU. Luke looks back and sees an Imperial tie fighter on his tail. His ship wobbles as he tries to maneuver away from it.
LUKE
This is Blue Five, I have a problem here, I’ll be right with you.
H220. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(207)
Full Shot. Luke takes evasive action diving toward the surface. The tie ship drops in behind him as Luke continues his dive then soars up, leaving the Death Star far below.
I220. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(208)
CU. Biggs flying at high altitude. Biggs spots his friend in trouble.
BIGGS
I see you Luke, stay with it.
J220. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(209)
Full Shot. At an incredible speed, Biggs’ fighter drops through the frame racing for Luke.
K220. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(210)
CU. Luke with tie ship in the background. The tie ship fires a laser at Luke, which streaks over head causing the entire fighter to shudder.
LUKE
Blasted, Biggs. Where are you?
L220. INT. TIE FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(211)
POV. of Luke racing toward the horizon, from over the tie pilot’s shoulder. He fires another laser at Luke and watches his targeting device intently waiting for Luke to get in the cross hairs. Suddenly he looks up in surprise as Biggs drops into view just ahead and races toward him, firing both guns. The tie fighter explodes in a fiery hell.
M220. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(212)
CU. Luke peels off and heads for Blue Leader.
LUKE
Good move Biggs.
(213) OMITTED
(214) OMITTED
(215) OMITTED
N220. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(216)
CU. Biggs. The horizon twists wildly behind his head.
BIGGS
I’m just getting started…
221. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(217)
POV. of Space from behind Luke’s shoulder as Biggs races past Luke doing a victory roll.
BIGGS
Just point me at the target.
A221. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(218)
Ben moves to the intercom as he fiddles with the computer keys.
BEN
(Into intercom)
Blue Leader, this is base one. Double check your attack. Have your wing men hold back and cover for you. Keep half of your group out of range to make the next run.
BLUE LEADER
Copy base one… Blue Ten, Blue Twelve, join with me.
B221. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(219)
Long Shot. Three X wings level off over the Death Star surface. (Blue Leader, Ten and Twelve).
C221. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(220)
CU. Blue Leader looks over at his wing men.
BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, this is Blue Leader. Luke take Blue Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal to start your run.
D221. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(221)
CU. Luke flying high over the Death Star surface.
LUKE
May The Force be with you. Biggs, Wedge, let’s close it up.
E221. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(222)
Long Shot. Luke, Biggs and Wedge fly in formation high above
the Death Star surface.
F221. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(223)
CU. Blue Leader. The high altitude horizon twists as Blue Leader starts his dive toward the Death Star surface.
BLUE LEADER
Blue Ten, Blue Twelve, stay back until we spot those fighters, then cover me.
G221. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(224)
Full Shot. Blue Leader’s X wing drops down to the surface leading to the exhaust port.
H221. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(225)
Full Shot. X-Ten and X-Twelve drop toward the Death Star surface.
I221. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(226)
Long Shot panning with Blue Leader in the trench. Blue Ten and Twelve keep moving further and further behind, until they drop out of frame.
J221. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(227)
CU. Blue Leader. The silence of the deep trench is spooky. Blue Leader looks around rather nervously, then double checks his instruments.
BLUE LEADER
This doesn’t seem right…
BLUE TEN
You should be able to see it by now.
BLUE LEADER
The magnetic disruption down here is unbelievable. I think my instruments are off. Is this the right trench?
K221. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(228)
Tracking Full Shot. Blue Leader’s X wing races toward camera and zooms overhead. Blue Ten and Twelve can be seen far in the distance, as vaguely articulated points of light.
L221. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(229)
POV. from inside Blue Leader’s ship. As laserbolts begin to stream toward him from the end of the trench, the rebel craft begins to shudder under the turbulence.
M221. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(230)
Blue Ten and Twelve blast through the wall of laser fire in the deep trench leading to the exhaust port.
N221. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(231)
CU. Blue Leader. Laserbolts streak around him in all directions.
BLUE LEADER
It’s not going to be easy with that tower there. Stand by to close up when I tell you.
(232)
Full Shot looking down on Blue Leader as he plows through
the trench filled with laser fire.
222. EXT. DEATH STAR – GUN EMPLACEMENT
(233)
Full Shot. A huge remote control laser cannon fires at the approaching rebel fighters.
A222. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(234)
Full Shot. Laser streak across the black heavens.
B222. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(235)
POV. from inside Blue Leader’s fighter as he roams down the trench. Suddenly the laser stops.
C222. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(236)
CU. Blue leader looks around to watch for the tie fighters.
BLUE LEADER
This is it. Keep your eyes open for those fighters.
D222. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(237)
Full Shot. Blue Ten and Twelve race along through the now
silent trench.
E222. INT. BLUE TEN’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(237A)
CU. Blue Ten looks around for the Imperial fighters.
BLUE TEN
All short and long range scopes are blank. There is too much interference… Blue Five, can you see them from where you are?
F222. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(238)
CU. Luke looks down at the Death Star surface far below.
LUKE
No sign of… wait! Coming in point three five.
G222. INT. BLUE TEN’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(239)
CU. Blue Ten looks up and see the Imperial fighters.
BLUE TEN
I see them.
H222. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(240)
Full Shot. Three tie fighters dive in a tight formation. The sun reflects off their dominate solar fins, as they loop toward the Death Star surface.
I222. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(240A)
CU. Blue Leader pulls his targeting device in front of his eye and makes several adjustments.
BLUE LEADER
I’m in range. Targets ready… coming up… just hold them for a few seconds.
J222. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – TRAVELING
(241)
CU. Vader adjusts his control lever and dives on the X wing fighters.
VADER
Close up the formation. I’ll take them myself.
K222. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(242)
POV. from Vader’s tie ship as he rapidly approaches the
two X wings of Blue Ten and Twelve. Vader’s laser cannon flashes below the view of the front porthole.
L222. INT. BLUE TWELVE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(243)
CU. Blue Twelve as his ship explodes filling the cockpit with smoke and flames.
M222. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(244)
Full Shot. Blue Twelve explodes against the wall of the trench.
N222 INT. BLUE TEN’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(244A)
CU. Blue Ten works at his controls furiously trying to avoid the fighter behind him.
BLUE TEN
I can’t hold them. You’d better let it loose. We’re closing on you.
223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(245)
CU. Blue Leader is concentrating on his targeting device.
BLUE LEADER
We’re almost home. Steady, steady.
A223. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(246)
Full Shot. Blue Leader and Blue Ten race through the trench.
BLUE TEN
They’re right behind me.
B223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(246A)
CU. Blue Leader takes careful aim and watches his computer targeting device.
C223. INSERT
(246B)
CU. computer targeting device as it lines up the target in the cross hairs and fires.
BLUE LEADER
Almost there, almost there… torpedoes away, torpedoes away.
(247) OMITTED
D223. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(248)
Tracking Full Shot looking into trench as the two X wings pull up and zoom out the top of the frame, just before a huge explosion billows out of the trench.
(248A & B) TWO ADDITIONAL ANGLES TO STORYBOARD 248.
E223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(248C)
CU. Blue Leader as he looks back at the receding Death Star.
(Tiny explosions visible in the distance).
BLUE TEN
It’s a hit, we’ve done it!!!
BLUE LEADER
No, we haven’t. It didn’t go in. It just exploded on the surface.
(249) OMITTED
F223. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(250)
Full Shot. Vader and his two wing men race down the trench and zoom overhead.
G223. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER
(251)
CU. Vader as he pulls back on his control stick and the horizon zips through the port behind his head.
VADER
Take them…
H223. INSERT – TRIGGER
(252)
CU. Vader’s hand pulls the trigger of his laser cannon. The ship shudders as the laserbolt screams away.
I223. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(253)
POV. from Vader’s ship as Blue Ten explodes, blowing debris toward camera.
J223. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(253A)
CU. Vader as he swings his ship around for his next kill.
VADER
I’ll take him, you go back.
K223. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR – TIE FIGHTER
(254)
Full Shot. Vader peels off in pursuit as Blue Leader’s X wing passes the Death Star horizon.
L223. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(255)
CU. Luke as he tries to spot Blue Leader.
BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, this is Blue Leader… Move into position, Luke. Start your attack run, stay low and wait until you’re right on top of it… it’s not going to be easy.
LUKE
Are you all right?
BLUE LEADER
They’re on top of me… but I’ll shake them.
LUKE
Blue Five to Blue pack… let’s go!
M223. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(256)
Full Shot. High Altitude. The Death Star surface rushes toward the ships as they peel off and dive toward the trench.
N223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(256A)
CU. Blue Leader flying over the medium altitude Death Star surface, glances back at Darth Vader, and dives to avoid him.
O223. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(257)
Full Shot. Vader passes Blue Leader firing a laserbolt that creates a small explosion in one engine.
P223. EXT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(258)
CU. An R-2 unit scrambles back to the engine on Blue Leader’s X wing fighter in an attempt to repair it.
Q223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(259)
CU. Blue Leader watches his readouts which are going wild.
BLUE LEADER
R-2, shut off the main feed to the starboard engine. Hang on tight, this could get rough.
(260) OMITTED
R223. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(261)
CU. Luke looks down at the Death Star surface.
LUKE
Blue Leader, we’re right above you. Turn to point oh five and we’ll cover for you.
BLUE LEADER
I’ve lost my starboard engine.
LUKE
We’ll come down.
BLUE LEADER
Stay there. Get set up for your attack run.
LUKE
Are you all right?
BLUE LEADER
I think so… stand by.
S223. INT. BLUE LEADER’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(261A)
POV. behind Blue Leader’s shoulder as he plows into the Death Star surface.
(262) OMITTED
T223. EXT. SPACE – DEATH STAR
(263)
Long Shot Tracking over high altitude of Death Star surface as Blue Leader buys it, creating a tremendous explosion far below. (Luke’s POV.)
U223. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(264)
CU. Luke looking out the window of his X wing at the explosion far below. (Off screen). For the first time he feels the helplessness of his situation.
(265) OMITTED
(266) OMITTED
(267) OMITTED
V223. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(268)
Ben Kenobi and Princess Leia listen intently to the talk between pilots. The room is grim after Blue Leader’s death. Princess Leia nervously paces the room.
LUKE
Close it up, Wedge. Biggs, where are you?
BIGGS
Coming in, right behind you.
WEDGE
OK Boss, we’re in position.
Ben moves to one of the radio men and takes his headphones.
BEN
Luke, this is Ben. Trust your feelings on this run. Use The Force.
LUKE
Yes, sir.
BEN
Do you understand?
LUKE
Yes sir, but I…
BEN
I’m not telling you what to do; I’m telling you to be aware of The Forces around you… use them.
LUKE
Yes sir. We’re ready to make our run.
BEN
The Force is with you.
W223. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(269)
Full Shot. The three X wing fighters are lined up over the Death Star surface. The blurred horizon streaks by in the background.
X223. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(270)
CU. Luke with vertical Death Star horizon in background.
LUKE
Wedge, Biggs, we’re going in. We’ll go in full throttle. That should keep those fighters off us.
Y223. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(270A)
CU. Biggs. Same blurred background.
BIGGS
We’ll stay back far enough to cover you. At that speed will you be able to pull out in time?
Z223. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(271)
CU. Wedge. The horizon twists as he begins to pull out.
LUKE
It will be just like Beggars Canyon back home.
WEDGE
I’m right with you, boss. Let’s go…
224. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(272)
Full Shot. Luke and Biggs peel off against a background of stars and dive out of frame.
A224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(273)
X wing POV. as Luke dives toward the Death Star surface. At the last possible moment, he pulls out of his dive and skims the metallic terrain. Laser fire begins to stream toward camera from the horizon.
B224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(274)
CU. Luke. Flak and laserbolts flash outside the cockpit window.
BIGGS
We seem to have upset them.
LUKE
This is fine. I can see everything.
WEDGE
My scope shows the tower, but I can’t see the exhaust port. It must be awfully small. Are you sure the computer can hit it?
C224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(275)
Full Shot. Luke’s X wing streaks through the trench leading to the exhaust port. Flak and lasers are everywhere. Pan with him as he goes.
D224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(276)
Full Shot of Biggs and Wedge as they charge through the trench. Pan up with them as they pull away.
E224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(277)
POV. out window of Luke’s X wing as he approaches the target. The laserbolts streaming past suddenly stop.
F224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(278)
CU. Luke. He looks around for the Imperial tie fighters. He thinks for a moment and then moves his targeting device into position.
LUKE
Watch yourself. Increase your speed full throttle.
WEDGE
What about that tower?
LUKE
You worry about those fighters. I’ll worry about the tower.
G224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(279)
POV. through computer sight as it marks off the distance to the target.
H224. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(280)
CU. Wedge as he looks up and sees the tie ships.
WEDGE
Coming in… point three.
I224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(281)
Full Shot. Vader and his wing men zoom toward camera.
J224. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(282)
CU. Vader adjusts his controls.
VADER’S WINGMAN
They’re making the approach too fast.
VADER
Stay with them.
WINGMAN ONE
They’re going too fast to get a fix.
K224. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(283)
POV. over Vader’s shoulder at Biggs’ X wing flying down trench.
VADER
They’ll have to slow down before they reach that tower…
L224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(284)
Full Pan Shot across trench wall as Biggs and Wedge race after Luke.
M224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(285)
CU. Luke looking into targeting device.
LUKE
Almost home.
N224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(286)
CU. computer readout as it homes in on the target and fires at the exhaust port.
LUKE
Torpedoes away! Pull up. Pull up.
O224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(287)
POV. from Luke’s ship as the torpedoes head for the exhaust port and explode, harmlessly to one side.
(288) OMITTED
P224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(289)
Full Shot. The explosion billows out of the trench. A tie fighter races out of the fire ball.
Q224. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(290)
CU. Vader as he moves in on the three X wings.
VADER
Take them.
R224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(291)
CU. Luke as he soars above the Death Star trying to evade Darth Vader.
LUKE
Wedge, Biggs, split up… it’s the only way we’ll shake them.
S224. EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE
(292)
Full Shot. Luke, Biggs and Wedge’s X wings dive toward the Death Star surface, and split up. Luke’s ship goes off camera left.
T224. EXT. SPACE – TIE FIGHTERS
(292A)
Full Shot of the Imperial tie fighters in pursuit. They go after Luke.
U224. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING U224
(292B) (292B)
CU. Vader as he fires on Luke.
VADER
The Force is strong with this one.
V224. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(293)
Full Shot. Luke’s X wing zooms overhead as a laserbolt streaks past him, kicking one of his wings close to the engine.
W224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(294)
CU. Luke. The left engine begins to spark as he fights to regain control of his wavering ship. He dives down into the trench.
LUKE
I’m hit… but not bad… Artoo, see what you can do with it.
X224. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP
(295)
CU. Artoo pops out of his nest and starts to repair the damaged engine fin. The canyon wall rushes by in the background making his delicate task seem even more precarious.
Y224. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(296)
POV. from inside Luke’s cockpit as he maneuvers through some protruding towers in the trench.
LUKE
Hang on back there.
Z224. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(296A)
CU. Artoo as the ship bobs and waves past the towers.
225. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(297)
Full Shot Tracking with Luke’s X wing as it streaks across the trench surface. Flak and lasers erupt from the Death Star surface. Artoo is working on the back engine.
A225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(298)
CU. Luke as the flak and lasers streak around him.
LUKE
I think you’ve got it Artoo, I thin that’s it… just try to lock it down.
B225. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(299)
Lasers streak across the star filled sky.
C225. INT. DEATH STAR
(300)
Medium Shot. An Imperial gunner fires away at Luke’s ship.
D225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(301)
CU. Luke looks around in all directions. The lasers and flak pound all around him.
LUKE
I think we lost those fighters, Artoo. Blue Group, this is Blue Five. Are you clear?
E225. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(302)
Full Shot. Luke’s X wing flies up out of the laser infested trench and zooms out of the top of the frame.
F225. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(303)
CU. Wedge flies high over the Death Star.
WEDGE
I’m up here waiting, boss.
LUKE
I’m on my way… Blue Three are you clear?… Biggs.
G225. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(303A)
Biggs flies high over the Death Star.
BIGGS
I’ve had some trouble, but I think I’ve lost him… No.
H225. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(304)
Full Shot. Biggs speeds over the high altitude horizon.
I225. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(304A)
An Imperial tie fighter drops in behind him, and he peels off and dives for the Death Star surface, trying to avoid it.
J225. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(305)
CU. Biggs as he twists out of his dive.
BIGGS
Hold on Luke, I’ll be right there.
(306) OMITTED
(307) OMITTED
K225. INT. WAR ROOM – MASASSI OUTPOST
(308)
Princess Leia returns her general’s worried and doubtful
glances with a solid grim determination. Ben speaks to Luke on the comlink.
BEN
Luke, the high speed run thew them off, they’ll be prepared this time… make it count… trust the Force… start your run.
L225. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(309)
Full Shot. Luke and Wedge’s X wing fighters close up high on the Death Star surface.
M225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(310)
CU. Luke, high over the Death Star looks around for Biggs.
LUKE
We’re goin’ in Biggs, join up… Biggs are you all right?… Biggs. Wedge, do you see him anywhere?
Luke looks out of his cockpit down to his right.
N225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(311)
POV. out Luke’s window of Wedge’s X wing bobbing along right next to Luke’s ship.
O225. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(312)
CU. Wedge looks up to his left a Luke.
WEDGE
Nothing… wait a little longer, he’ll show.
P225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(313)
CU. Luke makes one final look around.
LUKE
We can’t wait, we’ve got to go now… I don’t think he made it.
BIGGS
(Radio breaking up)
Hey you guys, what are you waiting for?
Luke looks behind him to his right.
Q225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(314)
POV. inside Luke’s cockpit of Biggs’ X wing roaring past the cockpit window and pulling out ahead of Luke.
R225. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(315)
CU. Biggs as he looks back at Luke.
BIGGS
Don’t ever give up on old Biggs…
(316) OMITTED
S225. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(317)
Full Shot of the three X wings in formation above the Death Star surface. The horizon races by behind them.
T225. INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – WAR ROOM
(318)
Everyone seems frozen in place as they wait for Luke to make his run. One of the generals shakes his head. The Princess moves next to Dodonna and he gives her a reassuring look.
U225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(319)
CU. Luke as he starts his dive. The Death Star surface races up behind him.
LUKE
We’re going in.
V225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(320)
Luke dives toward the Death Star surface, then at the last minute, levels off and skims the surface. Lasers start to stream toward him.
W225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(321)
CU. cockpit control board, light and shadows dance across the humming dashboard.
X225. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(322)
CU. Luke. Lasers and flak burst around him everywhere.
LUKE
Artoo, that stabilizer has broken loose again. See if you can’t lock it down.
226. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP
(323)
CU. Artoo. Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak and lasers, Artoo struggles to repair the engines.
A226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(324)
POV. out Luke’s window. Lasers and flak streak by, buffeting the ship, as he approaches the target.
B226. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(325)
Full Shot as Luke streaks out of the distance and over the camera. Biggs and Wedge can be seen as light points far in the distance. Lasers are everywhere.
C226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(326)
CU. Luke as he thinks about using the targeting device and then rather hesitantly pulls it down in front of his eye. Lasers and flak burst around him.
D226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(327)
POV. out Luke’s cockpit window. As he approaches the target, suddenly the lasers and flak stop. The X wing races toward its destiny in the now silent and eerie trench.
E226. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(328)
CU. Wedge riding low in the trench, looks up and sees Vader and his men approach.
WEDGE
Here we go again.
F226. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(329)
Full Shot. Vader and his men zooming across the Death Star trench.
G226. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(330)
CU. Vader as he adjusts his control stick.
H226. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(331)
POV. out Vader’s window as he races through the trench. Far in the distance Biggs and Wedge try to cover for Luke. Vader gains on the two X wings.
I226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(332)
CU. Luke looking into his targeting device. He moves it away for a moment and ponders its use. He looks back into the computer targeter.
J226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(332A)
CU. computer targeting device as it calculates the ship’s relationship to the exhaust port.
K226. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(333)
CU. Biggs as he looks around at the tie fighter.
BIGGS
Hurry Luke. They’re coming in much faster this time. We can’t hold them.
L226. INT. VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(334)
Close shot of tie fighter racing overhead.
M226. INT. VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(334A)
CU. Vader as he squeezes the fire button on his controls.
N226. INT. BIGGS’ STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(335)
CU. Biggs as the cockpit explodes around him.
BIGGS
Wait… wait…
O226. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(336)
Full Shot as Biggs ship bursts into a million flaming bits and scatters across the surface.
P226. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(336A)
CU. Wedge as he reacts to Biggs’ death and frantically looks around for the tie fighters.
WEDGE
We lost Biggs.
Q226. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(337)
Full Shot of Luke’s X wing streaking through the trench.
R226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(338)
CU. Luke. The trench races behind him. His ship shakes a little.
LUKE
Close it up, Wedge. You can’t do anymore good back there. Artoo, try to increase the power to the rear deflectors.
S226. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(339)
CU. Artoo as he moves to repair the damaged stabilizer.
T226. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(340)
Full Shot Luke racing through the trench as Wedge pulls up alongside of him.
U226. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(341)
Full Shot. The three tie fighters zoom through the trench after the X wing fighters.
V226. INT. VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(342)
CU. Vader as he takes aim on Luke and talks to his wing man.
VADER
I’m on the leader, take the other ones…
W226. INT. VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(343)
POV. through Vader’s scope as he tries to take aim on Luke’s constantly bobbing and weaving X wing. Luke is right in front of Wedge on his left side.
X226. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(344)
CU. Luke concentrating on his targeting device, hardly noticing the laserbolts streaking around him from Vader’s ship. The X wing shudders under the impact of a flak burst.
Y226. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(344A)
CU. Artoo as the flak explodes around him.
Z226. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(344B)
CU. Wedge. His ship wavers as he struggles to gain control as there are several small electrical flashes as the control panel explodes. He gets the ship under control.
WEDGE I’ve got a malfunction Luke… I can’t stay with you…
LUKE
O.K. Wedge, get clear.
WEDGE
Sorry…
227. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(345)
Full Shot. The two X wings charging through the trench. Wedge peels off and rises out of frame.
228. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – TRAVELING
(346)
POV. from Vader’s ship as he bears down on Luke, who maneuvers his ship around trying to avoid the tie fighters. Artoo can be seen adjusting the rear deflectors.
A228. INT. DARTH VADER’S FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE
(347)
CU. Vader as he fires on the X wing.
229. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(347A)
CU. Artoo as a large burst of flak engulfs him, leaving a smoking shell of twisted metal where little Artoo once stood. The arms go limp on the smoking little droid.
230. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(348)
Full Overhead Pan. Three tie fighters charging away down the trench toward Luke.
231. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(349)
Full Shot tracking behind one of Vader’s wing men as a laser- bolt streaks in and blasts it to smithereens. Flaming debris rushes past camera.
232. INT. TIE FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(350)
CU. Vader’s other wing man as he looks up to see what’s going on.
WING MAN
Wha…
233. INT. TIE FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(351)
Full shot wing man’s POV. Out of the sun charges Han Solo in his pirate mantor-ship heading right for the tie ships.
234. INT. TIE FIGHTER – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(352)
CU. Vader’s wing man panics at the sight of the pirate ship diving for him, and yanks back on his control stick in an attempt to avoid collision.
235. EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR
(353 & 353A)
Full Tracking Shot looking down on the tie fighters racing through the trench. Han swoops over in the foreground, causing the wing man to peel off, hitting Vader as he goes. There is a small explosion where the two giant colored fins collide. As soon as the wing man leaves frame, his ship explodes. Vader starts spinning out of frame.
236. INT. VADER’S FIGHTER – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(354)
CU. Vader. The impact of the collision throws Vader out of control and creates havoc on his control board. He looks around frantically trying to salvage his situation.
(355) OMITTED
237. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(356)
Full Shot of Vader’s ship spinning out of control with a bent solar fin, heading for deep space.
238. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(357)
Full Shot of pirate starship as it swings around and heads back toward Luke. Stars and Death Star horizon in the background.
239. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(358)
CU. Han and Chewbacca grinning ear to ear.
HAN
You’re all clear, kid. Now blow this turkey and let’s get out of here.
(359) OMITTED
240. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(360)
CU. Luke as he looks up and smiles, then looks back into the targeting device. He has second thoughts, then moves it away. A grim determination sweeps across his face as he closes his eyes and starts to mumble to himself.
241. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – ANOTHER ANGLE – TRAVELING
(360A)
CU. Luke’s hand switches the computer targeting to manual and pushes the button.
242. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(361)
Long Shot Tracking POV. of the torpedoes shooting toward the Death Star surface. The exhaust port is not visible at this distance and the torpedoes seem to simply disappear into the surface and not explode.
243. EXT. DEATH STAR – EXHAUST PORT
(362)
Stand by Insert (Tracking POV.) Close shot of torpedoes going into exhaust port.
244. INT. WEDGE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(363)
CU. Wedge flying high over the Death Star surface looking down at the exhaust port.
WEDGE
You did it! You did it! They went right in…
245. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(363A)
CU. Han and Chewbacca high over Death Star. Chewbacca is
howling for joy.
HAN
Good shot, kid. That was one in a million…
246. INT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – COCKPIT – TRAVELING
(363B)
CU. Luke as he rises high above the Death Star. (The horizon drops away to stars). His ship shudders from distant rumbling, muted explosions.
LUKE
Glad you were here to see it… now let’s get some distance before the thing blows.
247. EXT. LUKE’S STARSHIP – TRAVELING
(363C)
CU. a blackened, smoldering Artoo still clings to Luke’s ship.
248. EXT. SPACE AROUND YAVIN
(364)
Long Shot Yavin. Several X wing, Y wing and the pirate ship race over the camera toward Yavin in the distance.
249. EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR
(365)
Long Shot. The rebel ship racing out of frame leaving the moon-like Death Star alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes appear on the surface.
250 EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR – ANOTHER ANGLE
(366)
Long Shot. The Death Star supernova creating a spectacular heavenly display.
251 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – MAIN HANGAR
Luke climbs out of his starship fighter and is cheered by a throng of ground crew and pilots. The fried little Artoo is lifted off the back of the ship and carried off under the watchful eyes of his old friend Threepio.
THREEPIO
Can he be repaired?
TECHNICIAN
We’ll sure try.
Han and Chewbacca give Luke a big hug. They all laugh.
LUKE
I had a feeling you’d be back.
HAN
There’s more to life than spice.
Leia looks on her young rescuer with new eyes. She exchanges glances with Luke and Han. The crowd thins, revealing Bens. Luke goes to him and bows from the waist.
BEN
You have stepped into your father’s shoes. You will become a powerful Jedi.
252 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST – MAIN THRONE ROOM
Luke, Threepio, Han and Chewbacca enter the huge ruins of the main temple. Hundreds of troops are lined up in neat rows. Banners are flying and at the far end stands a vision in white, the beautiful young Senator Leia. Luke and the others solemnly march up the long aisle and kneel before Senator Leia.
From one side of the temple marches a shined up and fully repaired Artoo-Detoo. He waddles up to the group and stands next to Threepio who is rather awestruck by the whole event. Chewbacca is confused. Ben is sitting to the right of the Princess, while Dodonna and several other dignitaries sit on her left. Leia is dressed in a long, white dress and is staggeringly beautiful. She rises and places a gold medallion around Han’s neck, then repeats the ceremony with Luke. They turn and face the assembled troops, who all bow before them.
FADE OUT
END CREDITS
THE END
***
Download: Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as taken from the “Journal of the Whills” by George Lucas (Saga I) Star Wars
May 4, 2018 at 5:22 pm
So it still had this long “The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as taken from the Journal of….” title by the time principal photography was going?
November 5, 2022 at 10:27 am
Who are the Whills?