"THE STAR WARS"
From The
Adventures of Luke Starkiller
By
George Lucas
Third Draft Lucasfilm Limited
August 1, 1975
"... and in the time of greatest despair,
there shall come a savior, and he shall
be known as The Son of The Suns."
Journal of the Whills, 3:127
"THE STAR WARS"
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE 1
A vast sea of star serves as the backdrop for the MAIN
TITLE, which is followed by a ROLL UP: The REPUBLIC GALACTICA is dead. Ruthless
trader barons, driven by greed and the
lust for power, have replaced enlighten-
ment with oppression, and "rule by the
people" with the FIRST GALACTIC EMPIRE. For over a thousand years, generations of
JEDI KNIGHTS were the guardians of peace
and justice in the galaxy. Now these
legendary warriors are all but extinct.
One by one they have been hunted down and
destroyed by the sinister agents of the
Emperor: the DARK LORDS OF THE SITH. It is a period of civil wars. Rebel
Armies, striking from fortresses hidden
deep within the Great rift, have won a
crushing victory over the powerful Imper-
ial Starfleet. The Emperor knows that
one more such defeat will bring a thou-
sand more solar systems into the rebellion,
and Imperial control of the Outland systems
could be lost forever. To crush the
rebellion once and for all, the Emperor
has sent one of his most ferocious Dark
Lords to find the secret rebel strongholds
and destroy them... The awesome yellow planet of Utapau emerges from total
eclipse. A tiny silver spacecraft races into view, fol-
lowed by a giant Imperial stardestroyer. Hundreds of
deadly laser bolts streak from the Imperial warship as
it dives on the smaller craft. The overwhelming concen-
tration of laser fire causes the main solar fin of the
rebel craft to disintegrate, creating a spectacular
heavenly display. The smoldering rebel ship is quickly
overtaken by the giant Imperial warship.
2 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - MAIN PASSAGEWAY 2
The chaos of battle echos through the narrow, main cor-
ridor of the starfighter. An explosion rocks the ship as two construction robots,
ARTOO DETOO (R2-D2) and SEE THREEPIO (C-3PO) struggle
to make their way through the shaking, bouncing passage-
way. Both robots are old and battered. Artoo is a
short (36 inches), claw-armed, triped. 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 positions in the main
passageway. Everything is suddenly still and quiet.
Tension mounts as the rebels wait for the pending attack.
Loud metallic footsteps are heard moving around on the
outside the hull of the ship. The scraping screams of heavy
equipment being dragged across the metal skin of the star-
ship run chills up Threepio's bronze spine. He huddles in
a small alcove with little Artoo watching the passageway
ceiling. THREEPIO
There is no escape for the Captain
this time... A tremendous blast opens up a hole six feet wide in the
side of the main passageway and a score of fearsome storm-
troopers, armed with powerful multi-laser rifles, make
their way into the smoking corridor. The rebel warriors
draw their chrome, laser pistols, and blast out several
shots that rip through the Imperial stormtroopers. In a few moments, the entire passageway blazes with laser
fire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild random patterns,
creating small explosions. Stormtroopers scatter and duck
behind storage lockers. Laser bolts hit several storm-
troopers who scream and stagger through the smoke, holding
shattered arms and faces. In the confusion, Artoo and Threepio are blown slipping
and sliding into a power canister, but rushing gas from a
broken pipe keeps knocking them over. The lanky Threepio
becomes entangled in the mass of dangling wires, which
spark and pop every time he attempts to move. Artoo clings
to a pipe for dear life. 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 he struggles to
free the larger robot. The battle rages around the two
hapless robots. Suddenly, there is a slight lull in the
fighting, then a deathly quiet sweeps over the passageway
as an awesome, seven-foot tall DARK LORD OF THE SITH makes
his way into the blinding light of the main passageway.
This is DARTH VADER, right hand of the Emperor. His face
is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque
breath mask which stands out next to the fascist white
armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone
instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior. Vader raises his arms and objects that aren't bolted down,
including the rebel warriors, are picked up by an invisi-
ble force and hurled to the end of the passageway. In
the excitement, Artoo and Threepio have fled down a
sub-hallway.
3 EXT. UTAPAU - DESERT WASTELAND - DAY 3
A death white wasteland stretches from horizon to hori-
zon. The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settles
on a lone figure, LUKE STARKILLER, a farm-boy with
heroic aspirations; who looks much younger than his
twenty years. His short hair and baggy tunic give him
the air of a simple-minded, but lovable lout with a
prize-winning smile. His face is partially covered by
a breath mask and goggles. A light wind whips at him as he adjusts several valves
on a large chrome pipe, which sticks out of the desert
floor much like and oil-rig christmas tree. He is aided
by a small, very beat-up tread-robot with six claw arms.
The little robot appears to be barely functioning, and
moves with jerky motions. A bright sparkle in the morn-
ing sky catches Luke's eye, and he instinctively grabs a
pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt. LUKE
Holy maker. He stands transfixed for a few moments, studying the
heavens, then dashes toward his dented, crudely repaired
Landspeeder (an auto-like transport that travels a few
feet above the ground on a magnetic field). He motions to the tiny robot, who is scooting around in
a tight circle, to follow him. LUKE
Hurry up! Come with me. The robot stops short and smoke begins to pour out of
every joint. Luke throws up his arms in disgust. LUKE
Great, just great! He gives the dwarf robot a swift kick in the side, which
doesn't seem to make much difference. The young farm boy
rushes to his landspeeder and zooms off leaving the
smoldering robot to hum madly.
4 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - SUB-HALLWAY 4
A series of explosions echo throughout the ship as the
tall, gleaming Threepio rushes through the narrow sub-
hallway yelling at Artoo, who is racing along on a small
set of wheels under his center foot. THREEPIO
They're heading in this direction!
We'll be sent to the spice mines of
KESSEL or smashed into who-knows-
what! Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency life-
pod. He snaps the seal on the main latch and a red
warning light begins to flash. The stubby, dwarf-robot
works his way into the cramped four-man pod. THREEPIO
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.
THREEPIO
I'm not getting in there. No more
adventures. It's too dangerous. I'm
not that desperate. 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 ex-
ploding latches, the tiny lifepod ejects from the dis-
abled starfighter.
5 INT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER - COCKPIT 5
On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two ter-
rified robots speeds away from the stricken rebel space-
craft. CHIEF PILOT
There goes another one. CAPTAIN
Hold you fire. No life forms.
It must have short-circuited. Don't
waste your power...
6 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - COCKPIT CORRIDOR 6
Darth Vader, the black knight, takes a short restraining
pole from one of the guards and brutally jabs a captured
rebel officer in the chest. VADER
Where is she? Where is it? The rebel cries out as the spooky looking Sith Lord be-
gins to twist his arm, creating a gruesome snapping and
popping of broken bones.
7 EXT. SKY OVER UTAPAU - LIFEPOD 7
The reddish-yellow mass of Utapau seems to engulf the
tiny lifepod containing the two robots. The grouping
of starships grows smaller as the pod descends toward
the planet. 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 8
A small settlement, consisting of a few rundown block-
house type buildings, rests against one of the huge rock
mesas. 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. The
rusted hulk of a landspeeder lies half-buried to one side
of the building. Luke jumps out of the speeder and runs
into the dilapidated power station.
9 INT. POWER STATION - DAY 9
A dismantled speeder rests in the repair bay of the sta-
tion. Inside the station's "office" sits THE FIXER,
rugged-looking, about thirty years old, with a big mous-
tache. On his lap sits CAMIE, a sexy, disheveled girl
about eighteen. Her cloak is pulled up and one of the
Chief's hands rests on her beautiful thigh. They are
both sound asleep. In a small room behind the office
DEAK and WINDY, two tough boys about the same age as
Luke, are playing a computer pool-like game with BIGGS,
a tall, handsome startrooper cadet. His flashy uniform
is a sharp contrast to the loose-fitting tunic of farm
boys. A robot repairs some equipment in the background. Luke bounces in yelling excitedly, waking The Fixer and
Camie. The others come in from the other room, and
Camie jumps off The Fixer's lap, pulling her dress down
in a sexy manner. Luke is surprised at the appearance
of Biggs. LUKE
Biggs, you're back! You graduated
from the academy, you're in the
Starforce. Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.
BIGGS
Of course, where you been kid? LUKE
You look great! The uniform and
everything! Biggs snaps to attention.
BIGGS
Startrooper Biggs Darklighter,
guardian of the Bendu. At your
service... The dazzling spectacle of his uniformed friend is almost
too much for Luke. His eyes glaze over. 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 10
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 takes the binoculars from Luke, as the others
strain to see something with the naked eye. Through
the binoculars Biggs sees two small silver specks. BIGGS
That's no battle, kid... They're just
sitting there! LUKE
But there was a lot of firing earlier... Camie grabs the binoculars away from Biggs, banging them
against the building in the process. Luke reaches for
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. BIGGS
You're dreaming, kid. I don't think
the Empire wants to control this
system. Believe me, this place 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, grumb-
ling about Luke's ineptitude,
11 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - NARROW SUB-HALLWAY 11
A beautiful young girl about sixteen years old huddles
in a small alcove as the stormtroopers search through
the ship. She is LEIA ORGANA, a rebel princess. The
fear in her eyes slowly gives way to anger as the muted
crushing sounds of the approaching stormtroopers grows
louder. She steps from her hiding place and blasts two
troopers with her laser pistol, but she is greatly out-
numbered and quickly captured.
12-13 INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - HALLWAY - CABIN 12-13
Princess Leia is led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a
squad of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound
with brass bracelets, and she is brutally shoved when
she is unable to keep up with the briskly marching
troops. They enter a small gloomy chamber where Darth
Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, is sitting. Vader
speaks in an oddly filtered voice through his complex
breathing mask. VADER
Did you find anything? OFFICER
Nothing, sir. VADER
It must be on board somewhere. Destroy
the ship and everything on it. OFFICER
What if they sent a signal? VADER
We would have picked it up... Nothing
got through... It's on the ship. The Officer bows and leaves the chamber.
LEIA
I'm a member of the senate. You can't
hold me... Organa Major is a neutral... Vader raises his arm and as a sudden pain grips Leia,
she doubles up unable to continue. Vader raises his arm
and a flask on the table mysteriously jumps into his
open hand. He casually drinks from the flask. VADER
Enough! I already know about the
data you've intercepted, but its'
too late. Whatever information you've
gathered will be destroyed... You will
come to know such suffering as only
the Master of the Bogan Force can
provide... LEIA
You'll get no information from me.
You have no authority... the council
can't hold me! VADER
It appears your ship had an accident.
I will see to it that your death is
duely reported. There will be no one
to save you this time. His frightening laugh rings throughout the ship.
14 EXT. UTAPAU - EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA 14
JUNDLAND, or "No Man's Land," where the rugged desert
mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless
astro-robots kick up clouds of dust as they leave the
lifepod and clumsily work their way across the desert
coastline. THREEPIO
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. 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
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
near-sighted 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. UTAPAU - DUNE SEA 15
Threepio, hot tired, struggles up over the ridge of
a dune, only to find more dunes, which seems to go on
for endless miles. He looks back in the direction of
the now distant rock mesas.
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 INT. POWER STATION - DAY 16
Luke and Biggs are sitting in a corner of the now empty
power station. Biggs has had a little too much to drink
and sloppily leans close to Luke. BIGGS
I'll tell you, Luke, and this is
between you and me. The star force
isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Frankly, it's a bore, and it's going
to stay that way as long as this
system is neutral... LUKE
But you always said things were so
great at the academy... What happened? BIGGS
The academy is fantastic... Of course,
they won't teach you anything about
flying you don't already know. Most
of the instructors are very conservative
pilots. You can fly circles around
them... but there is a lot on the
scientific side that is down-right
amazing, and you get a lot of
discipline... but after you graduate,
don't join the star force -- go
free-lance. It's the only way to get
into the action... I can't wait until
my hitch is up. LUKE
At least you're doing something... I'd
give anything to be in your position. BIGGS
Just be warned, that things aren't
always as they seem... especially the
starforce recruiting posters. They quietly sit in the dim coolness of the station hav-
ing run out of things to say. Luke finishes his drink
and stands up. LUKE
It's getting late. I've got to get
back or my uncle's going to kill me.
17 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON 17
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange
foreboding mist, and the ominous sounds of unearthly
creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through
the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud
clicking noise as he goes. He hears a distant, hard
metallic sound and stops for a moment. Convinced he is
alone, he continues on his way. In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon
wall and a small, dark figure darts into the shadows. A
little further up the canyon a slight flicker of light
reveals a pair of eyes in the dark recesses, only a few
feet from the narrow path. The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail
until suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray
shoots out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow.
He manages one short electronic squeak before he topples
over onto his back. His bright computer lights flicker
off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurry
three MEN, no taller than Artoo. They holster strange
and complex weapons as they cautiously approach the
robot. They wear grubby cloaks, and their faces are
shrouded so that only their yellow eyes can be seen.
They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the
heavy robot to their shoulders and carry him off down the
trail.
18 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET 18
The eight dwarves, or JAWAS as they're sometimes called,
carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge tank-like vehicle
the size of a two-story house. They place the robot under
a large tube on the side of the vehicle, and the little
robot is sucked into the giant machine. The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small lad-
ders and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.
19 INT. SAND CRAWLER - HOLD AREA 19
It is dim inside the hold area of the sand crawler.
Artoo switches on a small floodlight on his forehead and
stumbles around the scrap heap. The narrow beam swings
across rusty metal rocket parts and an array of gro-
tesquely twisted and maimed astro-robots. He lets out a
pathetic electronic whimper and stumbles off toward what
appears to be a door at the end of the chamber.
20 INT. SAND CRAWLER - PRISON AREA 20
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 elec-
tronic conversation, while others simply mill about.
A voice of recognition calls out from the gloom. THREEPIO
Artoo Detoo! It's you! A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces
him.
21 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON - SAND CRAWLER - SUNSET 21
The enormous sand crawler lumbers off toward the mag-
nificent twin suns, which are slowly setting over a
distant mountain ridge.
22-23 INT. ALDERAAN - PRISON CORRIDOR AND CELL 22-23
Two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door and allow
a group of Imperial guards to enter. Princess Leia's
face is filled with defiance, which slowly gives way to
fear as Darth Vader enters with a giant black torture
robot. VADER
Now you will tell me what you did
with the data you gathered. Even
if that information should find its
way to Mouff Tarkin's legions, it
will do them no good. Your plight
is truly hopeless. Leia stares at the evil lord with determination.
VADER
(continuing)
You will tell me the location of
your hidden bases, and you will tell
me what happened to the data you stole. The door slides shut. The long cell block hallway
appears peaceful with armored stormtroopers marching
back and forth. The muffled sounds of the princess'
screaming are barely heard.
24 EXT. SAND CRAWLER - DESERT WASTELAND - DAY 24
A harsh gale blows across the bleak gray surface of the
endless desert wasteland. The morning sky presses down
on the huge sand crawler as it slowly climbs one of the
massive sand dunes, then disappears down the other side.
25 INT. SAND CRAWLER - PRISON AREA 25
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 sand crawler
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 the end... 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, placing a small chrome ring to the wrists of the
ones they select. Artoo and Threepio are among the
chosen, and are herded outside with several other
unfortunates.
26 EXT. UTAPAU - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - AFTERNOON 26
Five battered robots, including Artoo and Threepio, are
lined up in front of the enormous sand crawler, which
is parked beside a small homestead consisting of three
rundown block houses. 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 where 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 weather-
beaten farmer carefully inspects each of the robots, he
is closely followed by his slump-shouldered nephew, Luke
Starkiller. One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead
of the farmer spouting an animated sales pitch in a
queer unintelligible language. Owen picks out a small astro-robot similar to Artoo, and
it waddles along behind the group. The limping farmer
stops in front of Threepio and studies him carefully. OWEN
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 and I want you to have
both of them cleaned up by dinner. As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots
back into the sand crawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic
little beep and starts after his old friend Threepio,
but is restrained by a slimy little Jawa, who zaps him
with a little control box. Owen is negotiating with the
head Jawa, when Luke notices something on the R-2 unit. LUKE
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 and decaying building
on the far side of the homestead. Several large rodents
scatter as they pass.
27 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON 27
The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly, peace-
ful 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 "land-
speeder" 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 is slouched in the
corner with his feet up on a bench, watching a magazine
sized TV set. A woman's voice calls out from the other
room. BERU
Luke! Luke jumps to his feet, turns off the TV set and starts
dusting little Artoo with an oily rag. LUKE
Yes, Aunt Beru... I'm in here. BERU
Come to dinner. Luke drops the rag and dashes out of the garage.
28 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - LIVING AREA - LATE AFTERNOON 28
Luke and his uncle Owen sit before a table covered with
steaming bowls of food. AUNT BERU, a plump, gray-
haired matron, carries in a pitcher of blue milk. Luke
is in a good mood, and gobbles down his food. LUKE
Well, I'm sure glad we finally
bought those extra 'droids.' I'm
sending my application to the
academy first thing in the morning. Luke's Uncle Owen has a scowl on his face and appears
to be in a very grumpy mood. OWEN
First thing tomorrow morning you're
going to check those condensing units
on the south ridge. LUKE
I will, but I'll have enough time
to transmit my application first. OWEN
You'll check the condensing unit
first... and you're not going to bed
until those 'droids' are completely
cleaned up... LUKE
But you promised! I've saved enough
money and now you have the extra help
... you promised! OWEN
I said we'd see.
(pauses for a
moment)
And as it is, I was forced to borrow
your academy savings to buy the new
'droids.' When you've saved it up
again, I'll let you go. LUKE
You used my savings! You stole my
savings. If my father were here... OWEN
Your father's dead. Don't ever forget
who's taking care of you, giving you
food, giving you shelter, and giving
you the allowance in the first place.
If you plan to work at the academy the
way you work around here, you won't
last very long. I don't want another
word. Finish your dinner, then finish
cleaning those 'droids.' Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside and rushes
out of the room. Owen mechanically finishes his dinner
afraid to look at his quietly sympathetic wife. BERU
Owen, you know it means so much to
him. Couldn't you have been a little
easier with him? OWEN
The academy won't treat him any
differently. If he's going to
become a cadet, he'll have to get used
to it.
29 EXT. UTAPAU - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - DUSK 29
The giant twin suns of Utapau slowly disappear behind
a distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a
few moments, then reluctantly enters the dimly lit
garage.
30 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - DUSK 30
Threepio is wiping the oil from his glistening bronze
body and little Artoo is still plugged into the power
unit. Luke is very angry and slams a wrench across the
workbench. LUKE
It just isn't fair! Threepio timidly approaches the fuming youth.
THREEPIO
I beg your pardon, sir, but you appear
to be quite distraught. 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 could get me into the
military academy at Anchorhead. THREEPIO
I'm sorry, sir, I'm only a 'droid,'
and not very knowledgeable of such
things... not on this system anyway.
As a matter of fact, I'm not even
sure which system we're on. LUKE
That's all right. There is nothing
anyone can do about it. You can
call me Luke. THREEPIO
Thank you, sir. I'm See 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 con-
tinues to dry himself. 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've been in the Counter Wars?...
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. I am
going to become a startrooper and
fight in the wars. My father was a
Jedi! Were you 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 anyway... 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 tumb-
ling head over heels. He sits up and sees a small (15
inch) 3-D hologram of Leia Organa, the rebel princess,
being projected from the face of little Artoo. The image
is a rainbow of colors as it flickers and jiggles in the
dimly lit garage. Luke's mouth hangs open in awe. LEIA
Whoever finds this message, I beg you
see this R-2 unit delivered safely to
the authorities on Organa Major.
It is of the most vital importance
to all free systems. I guarantee in
the name of the United Assembly that
you will be richly rewarded for your
efforts... My Commanders, use fix
Arra Code... X loc tan too nine, I am
lost. The Sith Lord will surely take
me to Alderaan. You must continue
alone... There is a little static, then the transmission is cut
short. A grave concern sweeps over Luke, and he runs
out of the garage. LUKE
Uncle Owen! Aunt Beru!
31 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN AREA - NIGHT 31
Now that night has fallen, the interior of the home-
stead is filled with a warm glow. Luke rushes in as
his Aunt Beru is putting the last of the dinner plates
away. LUKE
Aunt Beru! BERU
What is is, dear? Luke is out of breath and takes a few moments to compose
himself. A realization crosses his mind and he suddenly
seems much calmer. LUKE
Ahh... I... I'm finished with the
droids and I wondered if I could...
ahhh... work on my speeder before I
turn in... BERU
I'm sure that would be all right.
But not too late, dear. Luke gives his aunt a big hug. He seems suddenly very
sentimental and serious. LUKE
I love you, Aunt Beru. I really do. He gives her a little kiss on the cheek and leaves.
BERU
(to herself)
Now what's gotten into that boy?
32 EXT. UTAPAU - LAR'S HOMESTEAD - COURTYARD - MORNING 32
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse, but sparkling
oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by the
yelling of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the
building. OWEN
Luke! Luke! Where could he be
loafing now? Owen enters the courtyard in a huff, scattering the large
gopher-like rodents. He opens the garage and notices the
battered old landspeeder id missing. OWEN
Beru! Come here!
33 INT. LAR'S HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - MORNING 33
Owen enters the garage and looks around. He picks up
a magazine-like video slate sitting propped up on the
bench. It generates a soft glow, as if it had been left
on "hold." Beru hurries into the garage. BERU
What is it? As Owen picks up the video-slate, it turns itself on and
Luke's image appears. LUKE
Aunt Beru, Uncle Owen, I don't mean
to hurt you and I know you've been
good to me, but I'm leaving. There
are important things I must do. I've
taken my speeder and the 'droids' which
you bought with my savings. I've also
taken my father's lightsaber. You can
keep everything else. I am grateful
for all you've done. I'll miss you,
Aunt Beru. I love you both... The image fades and the old couple stare at one another.
Beru's face is filled with a great loos. Finally she
turns and leaves the garage, and Owen in disbelief. OWEN
That boy is going to get himself
killed... He's just like his father.
34 INT. LUKE'S SPEEDER - DESERT WASTELAND (TRAVELING) - DAY 34
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur as
Threepio pilots the sleek landspeeder gracefully across
the vast wasteland. Luke rides precariously on the back
trunk of the vehicle adjusting something in the motor
compartment. LUKE
(yelling)
How's that? Threepio signals that it is fine, and Luke climbs back
into the wind-whipped cockpit and slides the canopy shut. LUKE
I've never been this far beyond the
dune sea before. Biggs said the wild
things out here were weird and savage,
but it doesn't look like there is much
out here to me. I think we should
be there soon. General Kenobi was my
father's commander, and he is probably
the greatest of all the Jedi knights...
or at least my father thought so. He
will certainly know what to do.
35 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK MESA - DUNE SEA - COASTLINE - DAY 35
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny landspeeder can be
seen gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the
foreground two weather-beaten Tusken Raiders, shrouded in
their grimy desert cloaks, peer over the edge of the
rock mesa. One of the marginally human creatures raises
a long ominous laser-rifle, and points it at the speeder,
but the second creature grabs the gun before it can be
fired. The Tusken Raiders speak in a coarse barbaric language
as they begin to get into an animated argument. The second Tusken seems to get in the final word and
the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain to where two
large BANTHAS are standing tied to a rock. The mon-
sterous 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 creature's shaggy backs and ride
off down the rugged bluff.
36 EXT. UTAPAU - SAND DUNE - DAY 36
The battered landspeeder is parked on the top of a huge
sand dune. Luke, with his long-barreled laser-rifle
slung over his shoulder, makes his way past the bleached
bones of a dinosaur-like beast. When he reaches the top
of the ridge, he searches the landscape with his electro-
binoculars. Threepio lifts Artoo out of the speeder and
the stubby little robot struts around stretching his
joints between irritated whistles. Luke is depressed as
he returns to the speeder. LUKE
According to my father's tapes, this
is the spot where General Kenobi lives,
but the instruments just don't match
up with the landscape... There is no
doubt about it, we're lost... THREEPIO
If you don't mind my saying so, sir,
I don't see how anyone could live in
this forsaken place. LUKE
Well, I don't know what to do now.
We'll just have to head inland and
see if we can't find a settlement.
37 INT. LUKE'S LANDSPEEDER - ROCK CANYON FLOOR (TRAVELING) 37
- DAY Threepio maneuvers the powerful landspeeder around
several massive boulders in the narrow canyon, as Luke
intently studies the pulsing radar scope. LUKE
Something is definitely in the next
canyon. There are two or three of
them, maybe more.
I don't like the looks of it. It
could be Tusken Raiders or...
anything. You'd better stop and I'll
try to get a look at them.
38 EXT. UTAPAU - CANYON RIDGE - DAY 38
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rocky ridge
and scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars, until
he spots the two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles
up behind the young adventurer. LUKE
I think we'd better go another way.
There are two Banthas down there.
I don't see any... wait a minute.
They're Tusken Raiders all right!
I see one of them... Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his elec-
trobinoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front
of his field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can
react, a large gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them.
Threepio is startled and backs away, right off the side
of the cliff. He can be heard for several moments as he
clangs, bangs and rattles down the side of the mountain. The towering creature brings down his glowing red laser-
sword, but Luke manages to block the blow with his
laser-rifle, which is neatly cut in half. The terrified
farm boy scrambles backward until he is able to ignite
his own laser-sword and defend himself. In a flurry of
blows Luke is forced to the edge of a deep crevice. Luke
stumbles under the mighty blows of the fearsome creature,
drops his sword and almost tumbles over the cliff to his
death. He hangs on for dear life as his feet dangle
over the abyss. The sinister Raider stands over him and
lets out a horrible shrieking laugh that echoes
throughout the canyon.
39 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON FLOOR - DAY 39
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove
in the rocks as the vicious Tuskens walk past carrying
armloads of supplies from the battered landspeeder. As
they disappear, Artoo squirms out of his hiding place
and waddles into the clearing where the speeder is
parked. The vehicle has been ransacked, and Luke is hanging in
a state of bewilderment about ten feet in the air.
Large gold bracelets with small antenna are attached
to his wrists and ankles. He is spread-eagle and
slowly rotating. Artoo stands above his master and
beeps a few words of astonishment. LUKE
Well, don't just sit there. Get
something to get me down! Artoo starts searching for something in the speeder that
he might use to get his master down. He pulls a long
length of wire out of the engine compartment and ties it
into a lasso. As Luke slowly rotates around, Artoo
swings the rope and catches the boy around the foot.
The line goes taut but rather than pulling Luke down,
little Artoo is pulled up as if he had roped a windmill.
The stubby robot lets out an electronic shriek and drops
to the ground with a crash. LUKE
We'll have to short circuit these
things somehow... At that moment footsteps are heard coming through the
narrow canyon. Artoo scampers back into his hiding place.
Luke's face is a roadmap of agony as the footsteps get
louder. A huge menacing shadow on the canyon wall gives way to a
shabby old desert rat of a man, who appears to be at
least seventy years old. His ancient leathery face,
cracked and weathered by exotic climates, is set off by
dark, penetrating eyes, and a scraggly white beard. BEN
KENOBI squints his eyes as he scrutinizes Luke in his
predicament. BEN
Good morning! LUKE
What do you mean, 'good morning'?
Do you mean that it is a good morning
for you, or do you wish me a good
morning, although it is obvious I'm
not having one, or do you find that
mornings in general are good? BEN
All of them altogether.
You seem to have gotten yourself
into a fine mess! What happened? The wizened old man begins to giggle like a child,
putting his frail hand to his mouth in a vain attempt
to contain himself. Luke becomes annoyed. LUKE
Tusken Raiders caught me off guard...
Well, kill me or cut me down, but
don't just leave me here, 'cause
I'm about to go out off my mind. Much to Luke's surprise, the old codger draws his laser-
pistol and blasts Luke point blank. The young farmer
disappears in a cloud of smoke and drops to the ground.
The old man leans over the boy as he rolls over with a
loud groan. BEN
Sorry, but that was the only way to
get you down. LUKE
Couldn't we have tried to think of
something else first! BEN
You're lucky those Tuskens didn't
boil you before they hung you out to
dry. They're not the friendly sort.
You'd best be moving on before they
come back. Luke staggers to his feet as Artoo waddles up behind him
and lets out a pathetic little beep. LUKE
Threepio! Luke hobbles off toward the canyon bluff.
40 EXT. UTAPAU - GRAVEL PIT- ROCK MESA - DAY 40
Little Artoo stops at the edge of a large gravel pit
and begins to chatter away in electronic whistles and
beeps. Luke slides down to where a very dented and
tangled Threepio lies half buried in the gravel. He 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
What happened? I'm sorry, sir, I
must have taken a bad step... LUKE
Can you stand? We've got to get out
of here before those Tuskens come
back. THREEPIO
I can't 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... The young farmer helps the battered robot to his feet.
Old Ben and little Artoo watch from the top of the pit.
41 EXT. UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON FLOOR - DAY 41
Luke and Old Ben struggle to help Threepio into the
low-slung speeder. Artoo follows them, carrying a
clawful of tiny parts which have dropped of his friend. BEN
What brings a young boy like you way
out here? Luke bristles at the use of "boy."
LUKE
I'm Luke Starkiller, guardian of the
Bendu. BEN
Oh, so you're a warrior then? LUKE
Of course. I'm a Bendu officer. Ben studies the young farmer through narrowed eyes. He
suppresses a smile. LUKE
Did you take me for a trapper of a
farmer? Good! Then my disguise is
all right. I was afraid I might not
look authentic. Luke notices the old man is impressed with his story,
and begins to feel expansive. LUKE
You can never be too careful in these
times. A Bendu officer never gives
himself away. I'm actually on a
dangerous mission that's of the
gravest importance to the... Luke suddenly realizes the old man might be an Imperial
spy and a worried look crosses his face. Ben laughs
heartily. BEN
You're right! I could be an Imperial
spy. For a Bendu officer, you're
quite a fool. Luke is embarrassed and concentrates on making Threepio
comfortable. LUKE
Who are you anyway? BEN
You might say I'm part of the
landscape here. They call me Ben
Kenobi. Luke is dumbstruck. Then with a combination of awe and
excitement he finds his voice. LUKE
You're General Kenobi?!? The Jedi
knight! The commander of the White
Legions? BEN
I'm afraid it's been a long time
since the White Legions roamed the
stars. But I have the memories. Luke drops to his knees and bows before the old Jedi.
LUKE
I should have recognized you. The old man rubs his beard in wonder.
BEN
I don't see why. I don't believe
we've ever met. LUKE
I am the son of Annikin Starkiller. The scruffy old Jedi smiles at the kneeling boy.
BEN
I know who you are. Stand up so
that we can talk properly. You're
embarrassing me. I'm not that
important. LUKE
But you are... I know your 'Diary
of the Clone Wars' by heart. My
father... A sudden thought crosses Luke's mind and his enthusiasm
turns to embarrassed silence. LUKE
I... I'm not a Bendu Officer. I'm
not even a startrooper. BEN
I know that. LUKE
You saw through me? BEN
You could put it that way. LUKE
I assure you my intentions weren't
bad. BEN
I know your intentions. I probably
know much more about you than you
realize. In many ways you're a lot
like your father. He was an indulgent
man, but a clever warrior. Now what
brings you out here? LUKE
My father told me many stories about
you. He said if I was ever in trouble,
to come here... I need your help.
42 INT. CAVE DWELLING - MAIN LIVING AREA - NIGHT 42
The clean but spartan cave dwelling radiates an air of
time worn comfort and security. The image of the beau-
tiful rebel princess is projected from Artoo's face. LEIA
... that you will be richly rewarded
for your efforts... My commanders use
fix Arra code... X loc tan too nine.
I am lost. The Sith lords will surely
take me to Alderaan. You must continue
alone. There is a little static and the transmission is cut
short. The old man leans back and scratches his head.
He silently puffs on a tarnished chrome water pipe. BEN
I'm afraid I've gotten too old for
this sort of thing. LUKE
But you must! I can't do it alone.
I'm not at all like my father. I'd
never make it. BEN
I already know you think you're
worthless. I recommend you learn to
think of yourself in a better light,
for what you believe you are is what
you become. I haven't been involved
in anything like this for many years. LUKE
But the Sith Lords are involved!
Whatever information this R-2 unit
is carrying, it must be awfully
important. They're probably looking
for him... I'm no match for the Sith.
This is a Jedi's work. This is your
responsibility! BEN
Not any more! The old man suddenly ignites in a rage and swings his
left forearm down across the solid metal table with a
mighty blow. His arm cracks in two, spewing forth
wires and electronic components. BEN
I'm not the same. I'm too old. I've
lost too much. You don't seem to
realize I've become an outlaw, to be
hunted... and killed. Luke bows his head in sorrow for one of the greatest
warriors in the galaxy and a fallen idol. Ben is em-
barrassed and makes a needless adjustment on the pot
belly thermal heater, which radiates a warm glow through-
out the room. Little Artoo begins to pick up the pieces
of the old man's arm and reassemble them. The badly
dented Threepio breaks the awkward silence by noisily
standing up. THREEPIO
If you'll not be needing me any more,
I think I'll shut down for awhile. Luke nods his head. Old Ben leans back in his chair.
BEN
Son, I'm sorry I lost control.
Perhaps we should talk about this in
the morning.
43 INT. CAVE DWELLING - SLEEPING AREA - NIGHT 43
Luke tosses and turns in his sleep. Threepio sleeps
peacefully. Luke keeps hearing the voice of Princess
Leia calling out for help. Suddenly he sits up with a
start. He hears Leia's voice coming from the main
living area. Luke climbs out of bed and quietly makes
his way through the darkened dwelling. He stops at the
entrance to the main room.
44 INT. CAVE SWELLING - MAIN LIVING AREA - NIGHT 44
Ben is sitting before the flickering hologram image of
Princess Leia. The old man rests his head in his one
good arm. His back is to Luke, but he senses the boy's
presence. BEN
Luke, come here... sit down. Luke walks over and sits across from the old man.
BEN
You were right. It is my
responsibility. The Force of
Others brought the message to you and
then it brought you to me. LUKE
My father used to talk about the
Force of Others. But he never told
me what it was... BEN
Let's just say the Force is something
a Jedi Warrior deals with. 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.
All living things generate this Force
field, even you. LUKE
(amazed)
You mean I generate an energy field? BEN
It surrounds you and radiates from
you. A Jedi can feel it flowing from
him...
(patting his
stomach)
... from here! LUKE
Could I learn to feel it? The old man leans back and scratches his head smiling
slightly. BEN
That is not a human decision, not
your or mine. LUKE
What do you mean? BEN
It means you'd better get some rest.
We'll be leaving for Mos Eisley
first thing in the morning. The
trip will be difficult and dangerous,
but it's the only spaceport with
ships large enough to get us to
Organa Major. Now go on! Luke reluctantly stands and heads for the bedroom.
45 EXT. UTAPAU - ENTRANCE TO CAVE DWELLING - MORNING 45
Artoo and Threepio carry supplies out of the cave dwell-
ing to where Luke loads them into the landspeeder. Old
Ben emerges into the sunlight and stretches his new arm. BEN
It looks like a good day for travel.
The Force is with us. Ben walks over to the speeder and puts his hand on Luke's
shoulder. BEN
Luke, I'm coming along to do what
I can, but I'm tired and I'm depending
on you to get us through. LUKE
But you're still a powerful Jedi.
You don't need my help. BEN
A Jedi's power is measured by the
amount of the Force that is stored
within him, and I have little of the
Force left in me. LUKE
How can you store an energy field
within you? BEN
When a creature dies, the force it
generated remains. The Force is all
around us. It can be collected and
transmitted through the use of a
Kiber crystal. It's the only way to
amplify the power of the Force within
you. LUKE
Don't you have a Kiber crystal? BEN
I had one, but it was taken at the
battle of Condawn... LUKE
That's where my father was killed. BEN
Yes. It was a black day. One of
my disciple's took the crystal and
became a Sith Lord. It was a black
day. The few crystals that remain
are in the possession of the Sith
Lords on Alderaan. That's how they've
become so powerful. LUKE
Do the Sith know the ways of the
Force? BEN
They use the Bogan Force. LUKE
Like Bogan weather, or bogan times.
I thought that was just a saying. BEN
There are two halves of the Force of
Others. One is positive and will help
you if you learn how to use it. But
the others half will kill you if you
aren't careful. This negative side
of the Force is called the Bogan,
which is where the expression came
from, and it is the part that is used
by the Dark Lords to destroy their
opponents. Both halves are always
present. The Force is on your right,
the Bogan is on your left. The Kiber
Crystal can amplify either one. The
Crystal Darth stole was the last one
in the possession of the Jedi. When
he joined the Sith, the power of the
Dark Lords was completed. Artoo and Threepio are already in the speeder, as Luke
and old Ben climb in. The speeder starts with a low hum.
46 INT. ALDERAAN - CRYSTAL CHAMBER 46
Three SITH LORDS are on their knees praying before a
shining crystal placed on a tall altar. They mumble a
strange electronic chant. 1ST SITH
Darth, did you feel that? Darth stands and stares at the crystal.
2ND SITH
Was it an omen? What is it? VADER
Something old has been awakened. The
Force has suddenly grown stronger, We
must travel future paths with caution. They file out of the chamber.
47 EXT. UTAPAU - BLUFF OVERLOOKING MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT 47
- 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 con-
crete structures and semi-domes. A harsh gale blows
across the stark canyon floor. Luke adjusts his goggles
and walks to the edge of the craggy bluff, where Ben is
standing. BEN
Well, there it is, Mos Eisley. A
more wretched hive of scum and
villainy can't be found this side
of the empire...48 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - SLUM DWELLING - DAY 48
Luke stops the speeder before the remains of a burnt-
out spaceship the size of a large jet fighter. Two
scruffy figures huddle around a small thermal heater,
attempting to use the decaying building as shelter
against the howling winds. One of the rag-tag figures
ventures over to the group in the speeder. It is
obvious from his pint size that he is a Jawa. Artoo
lets out a string of electronic beeps and whistles. THREEPIO
I begging your pardon, sir, but watch
out for this thing. The wretched little creature moves close to the speeder
and begins to run his gnarled hand across it. JAWA
Clinga fouf. Zoom zoom. Chiq? LUKE
Where are the men who fly in the
ships? Saliva dribbles from the dark hole where the Jawa's face
should be and drops, splat on the hood of the speeder.
Threepio repeats the question in the Jawa's language,
and the vile creature points to the far end of the street
and mumbles something. THREEPIO
He says there's an inn down the
street. Lots of fliers there. But
I wouldn't take his word for it. The Jawa continues to fondle the speeder as Luke starts
the magno-system. The filthy creature reluctantly jumps
away as the speeder takes off and glides down the dingy
spaceport street. A giant lizard scurries out of the
wretched spaceship chased by a stubby Jawa.
49 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - CANTINA - DAY 49
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 two robots climb out of the speeder,
and brace themselves against the constant shipping wind.
50 INT. MOS EISLEY CANTINA - DAY 50
The young adventurer and his two mechanical servants fol-
low 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 grue-
some creatures along the bar are giving him a very un-
friendly 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...
ahh... 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 in his own language, which is a little more than
a series of grunts. The old man points to Luke several
times during the conversation and the huge creature
suddenly lets out a horrifying laugh. Luke is more than
a little bit disconcerted, and pretends not to hear the
conversation between Ben and the Giant Wookiee. He is
terrified, but tries not to show it. He quietly sips
his drink, looking over the crowd for a more sympathetic
ear or whatever. 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
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 doubled, cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and
precisely turns off his laser-sword and replaces it on
his utility belt. Luke, shaking and totally amazed at
the old man's abilities, attempts to stand. The entire
fight has lasted only a matter of seconds. The cantina
goes back to normal, although Ben is given a respectable
amount of room at the bar. Luke, rubbing his bruised
head, approaches the old man with new awe. BEN
Chewbacca here is first-mate on a
ship that might suit our needs. Luke is still giddy, and downs a fresh drink.
51 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY - DUSK 51
Luke, Ben and the two lumbering robots follow the giant
Wookiee along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with
darkly-clad creatures hawking exotic goods in dingy
little stalls. Men, monsters and robots crouch in waste-
filled doorways whispering and hiding from the hot winds.
The group enters a small doorway n a decaying stone
building at the far end of the alley. Several robots
guide a small herd of anteaters down the street.
52 INT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - DOCKING AREA 23 52
Chewbacca leads the group along a tall gantry over-
looking a long Rube Goldburg-pieced together contrap-
tion, which can only be loosely called a spaceship.
Luke gives Old Ben a skeptical look. Old Ben just
smiles. As they approach the ship, it looks even more
homemade and shabby than it did at a distance. The
Wookiee calls out to someone inside the ship, but there
is no reply. LUKE
What a piece of junk. This ship
isn't going to get us anywhere! A tall figure steps out of the shadows of the imposing
spacecraft. This is HAN SOLO, a tough James Dean style starpilot
about twenty-five years old. A cowboy in a starship
-- simple, sentimental and cocksure of himself. HAN
This ship has been to Terminus and
back. There isn't anyplace she
can't go. She may not look like
much, but she's special. I built
her myself, and there is nothing
faster... What can I do for you? Chewbacca steps forward and explains who the strangers
are and what they want. HAN
I'm Han Solo, Captain of this
vessel. Who's in charge then? BEN
I'm Ben Kenobi. Luke Starkiller
here is leading our expedition. Luke is taken by surprise, thinking that Ben was going
to take care of things. Han turns to Luke. HAN
Organa Major is a rebel system.
There will be quite a few starfleet
patrols between here and there...
It could be a little tricky if you
want to avoid them... ten thousand. LUKE
That's pretty steep. We'd like to
talk it over first. Ben and Luke step to one side.
LUKE
We don't have that kind of money.
How much do you think I can get for
the speeder? BEN
Five, maybe. Let me handle it. Ben turns back to the young starcaptain.
BEN
Five thousand now and five thousand
on arrival. Han thinks about this for a second.
HAN
You got yourself a ship. We can leave
as soon as you're ready. LUKE
We have a little business to take care
of first, but it shouldn't take long.
We'll be back shortly. Artoo and Threepio follow Luke and Ben as they hurry
out of the starship hangar. LUKE
What if we can't get five thousand? Ben glances back at Threepio.
BEN
We may have to sell one the
droids. A great worry sweeps across Luke's face as he looks back
at the two unaware robots faithfully following after
them. Han Solo grins and slaps the monsterous wookiee across
the back. HAN
Well, old buddy, we're free, and it's
an easy charter at that. Chewbacca doesn't share Han's enthusiasm, and makes a
couple of worrisome grunts. HAN
Yeah, yeah, I know we still have a
problem, but maybe we'll be gone by
the time H2 gets back. A commotion filters down from the entry gantry and Chew-
bacca whines pessimistic comment. A dozen or so gruff
and grisly pirates approach the ship. The grossest of
the slavering hulks is JABBA THE HUTT. His scarred face
is a grim testimonial to his prowess as a vicious killer. HAN
You're back early. JABBA
A shipment of Covina just took off
for Gordon. I thought we might
reroute it back here. He laughs maniacally. Han is not amused.
HAN
You'll have to get yourself another
boy, Jabba. I've got a charter. JABBA
Forget it. We settled this before,
remember? There's no getting out.
Now get this 'can' started... It's a moment of great tension. Han glances at the
four pirates standing near them. Two of the greasy
brigands have their weapons pointed at him. The young
starcaptain stands firm for a few moments with his hand
resting on his utility belt only inches from his
blaster. Chewbacca sways back and forth as he adjusts
his weight from one foot to the other. JABBA
Well?? Han turns and reluctantly boards the ship. Jabba walks
alongside Han and puts his arm around him. JABBA
Han, after all we've been through,
I'm disappointed we're not closer.
You're getting soft now that the
ship's finished. You may have built
this bucket, but never forget who
paid for it, 'cause if you try to
take her out again, I won't be so
understanding.
53 INT. MOS EISLEY - USED SPEEDER LOT - GARAGE OFFICE - 53
NIGHT Ben, Luke and the robots are standing in a sleazy
used-speeder lot, talking with a tall, grotesque, insect-
like used speeder dealer. Only Threepio can understand
the creature's weird buzzing dialogue. Strange exotic
bodies and spindly legged beasts pass by outside. Once
in a while a large lizard or strange animal scurries
across the junk-strewn floor. THREEPIO
He says it's the best he can do.
Since the XP-21 came out, they just
aren't in demand any more. Luke scratches his head and ponders the situation.
LUKE
Four thousand isn't going to do it... He looks at Ben, then Artoo, and finally Threepio.
LUKE
(to Ben)
I think we're going to need them.
Blast it!
THREEPIO
Sir, I have a couple of extra
circuits. Perhaps they might bring
something. LUKE
Well, ask him. Tell him we need
five thousand. Threepio buzzes to the salesman, who shakes his head.
THREEPIO
Forty-seven hundred, no more. BEN
He's bluffing. He'll pay five. Let's
go. They turn and start out of the rundown showroom.
LUKE
This is the last place. Shouldn't
we just take what we can get and
think of something else? BEN
He's bluffing... Ben helps Artoo into the speeder as Luke climbs in the
pilot's seat. The speeder starts up with a loud hum,
but before Luke can back out of the garage area, the
insect stops them. THREEPIO
Five thousand! Luke breaks out in a big smile and Ben manages a slight
grin.
54 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN PASSAGEWAY 54
As Han and the huge Wookiee work their way past the sin-
ister Jabba the Hutt, the pirate hands the young star-
captain a bulky cloak. JABBA
Take this back with you, boy. Han doesn't mask his hatred for the loathsome pirate
very well, but takes the cloak and follows the Chew-
bacca toward the back of the ship. He stops by a small
control panel, knocking it loose with his foot. The
cover falls to the floor with a muted clang and the
young mechanic looks around to see if anyone heard. HAN
This is it. If this doesn't work,
we're diced! He takes a small metal bar and jams it between two cir-
cuits, causing sparks to fly. He quickly replaces the
cover and Han casually heads back toward the cockpit.
55 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 55
A short greasy looking pirate sits at the complex con-
trols of the ship. PIRATE PILOT
We're on our way... He pulls back on the power lever and the ship erupts
into a cacophony of warning alarms and flashing lights.
Smoke begins to issue from the panels. The pilot is
startled and begins flipping switches wildly. PIRATE PILOT
I think... ahh, I have a problem here
... one of the reactor's gone wild.
Captain, I have a reading way over
a thousand. Han rushes into the cockpit with a look of mock sur-
prise on his face. HAN
What's going on? PIRATE PILOT
You tell me! You built it. Han works at the control console in a vain attempt to
figure out what's going on. HAN
I don't understand it. Look at that
gauge. We should have all been clown
to micro-dust by now... Did I
remember to... Before Han can finish, the pilot has fled.
56 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - ENTRY RAMP - NIGHT 56
Jabba the Hutt and his crew scramble over one another
trying to flee the starship before it goes super-nova.
57 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN PASSAGEWAY 57
The alarm system is suddenly cut short. Han quickly
replaces the control panel and turns to see a foul-
looking pirate named MONTROSS standing over him. MONTROSS
So, you've solved the problem, or
maybe you are the problem. Get up.
I'm taking you to the captain. He'll
sting you good... HAN
Not this time! Montross reaches for his laser-pistol, but Han is
faster and gets the drop on him. HAN
Drop it, Montross. I always said
you were slow. You clumsy oaf, a
club is more your style. Han struggles to his feet and leads the pirate to the
escape hatch.
58 EXT. PIRATE STARSHIP - ENTRY RAMP 58
Chewbacca appears at the main hatch holding a hidden
gun on Montross as Ben, Luke and the robots saunter up
to the starship. The huge Wookiee lets out with a
loud wail that startles Luke. BEN
We're coming! We're coming. Han rushes toward the cockpit as Chewbacca helps Ben
aboard the starship. The Wookiee shoves Montross out
the hatch just as it slams shut. HAN
We're a little rushed, so if you'll
settle in, we'll be off. Luke is a little puzzled by all the smoke and confusion.
59 EXT. MOS EISLEY SPACEPORT - ALLEYWAY - NIGHT 59
A lumbering Jabba the Hutt and the remains of his ter-
rified crew stop in the street and try to collect
themselves. JABBA
What happened? Han? Montross,
where's Han? Montross? Where is
everybody? A strange assortment of alien creatures and robots watch
Jabba from their cool alcoves along the edge of the
street. The ground trembles and the pirates turn to see
the mighty pirate starship riding above the dingy slum
dwellings. The pirates stand dumbfounded, as the star-
ship quickly disappears. JABBA
He took the ship. He took the ship!!
60 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 60
Han sits back in the huge pilot's chair and puts his
feet up on the control panel. Chewbacca, crowded into
the copilot's seat, mutters his amazement. HAN
I know. Sometimes I amaze myself. He chuckles as the surface of Utapau slowly drifts out
of view of the cockpit windows and is replaced by a
sparkling carpet of stars. Chewbacca barks a few words of caution.
HAN
That's the price of freedom. But
then again, they may never find us.
Once we cash in on this little venture
we'll head for the southern systems.
He'll be a long time coming there. Little Artoo appears momentarily in the doorway, makes
a few beeping remarks, then scurries away.
61 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - SLEEP AREA 61
Threepio helps Ben and Luke put away their gear in the
cramped bunk area of the starship. LUKE
When we get Artoo's message to them,
you think they'll try to rescue the
princess? BEN
I doubt it. It would be foolish for
the rebel forces to come out of hiding.
I know your feelings. You'd best
forget them. It's for your own good.
There will be no saving her from the
prisons of Alderaan. It's the heart
of the Sith. The Bogan Force is the
most heavy there. LUKE
But she's a member of The Twelve
Families. How can they hold her? BEN
These are doubtful times. The
Empire has grown bold in its disregard
of the... Suddenly Ben grabs his head and slowly collapses to the
floor. Luke rushes to him. LUKE
What's wrong? What's happening? BEN
Keep away, I'm fine, I'm fine. The old man lapses into unconsciousness for several
moments. Luke doesn't know what to do. Finally he goes
to Old Ben and lifts his head. The battered old Jedi
shudders all over, then regains consciousness. LUKE
Are you all right? BEN
Yes... the Force... something horrible
has happened. I couldn't see what it
was, or where it was, but it was
terrible... terrible beyond
description... the cry of millions
dying at once. Luke helps Ben to his bunk. He's still shaking from
the experience.
62 INT. ALDERAAN - PRISON CELL 62
Princess Leia is awakened by the blinding light of the
hallway as the cell door silently slides open and
Darth Vader enters the cell. VADER
It is unfortunate you are able to
resist my mind probe. You are
going through so much needless
suffering. Leia watches her captor impassionately.
VADER
The 'Death Star' has become
operational. There is no force
in the universe that can stop us now. LEIA
They'll find its weakness. VADER
It's too late... We already tested
it on Organa Major. It appears your
data never got through. Leia tries not to reveal the shock and pain, but she
is stunned. LEIA
No!... VADER
It would be much easier if you were
to tell us where the outposts are...
Otherwise we'll be forced to destroy
every suspicious system... What a
waste... Vader starts to leave.
LEIA
You'll never stop them... No matter
how many machines you build. The door slides closed behind Vader, leaving Leia alone
in the darkness.
63 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN HOLD AREA 63
Han enters the cramped but comfortable main hold area
of the starship and begins checking charts and various
computer readouts. LUKE
Who's the pilot? HAN
It's automatic. Chewbacca and the two robots sit around a lighted table
covered with many small hologram figures. Each side of
the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. Luke and Old Ben are sitting in the corner, the old
man apparently asleep as Luke cleans a chrome laser-
pistol. he acts like it's brand new. he seems very
proud of it. Chewbacca seems very pleased with himself as he rests his
lanky fur-covered arms over his head. Artoo immediately
reaches up and taps the computer with his stubby claw
hand, causing one of the hologram figures to walk to a
new square. A sudden frown crosses Chewbacca's face and
he begins yelling gibberish at the tiny robot. Threepio
intercedes on behalf of his small companion and begins to
argue with the huge Wookiee. LUKE
(to Threepio)
Let him have it. You're winning
anyway. It doesn't make any difference. THREEPIO
I know, sir, but it's the principle
of the thing. Luke sights down the barrel of his new pistol. Old
Ben opens his eyes. It's obvious he wasn't asleep. LUKE
(to Ben)
Are you sure you don't need it? BEN
I rarely use it any more. I have
the Force. The Force is more
powerful than any pistol. You
shouldn't put too much faith in that
weapon. Work on becoming aware of
the Force... learn to feel its
presence within you. Try to sense
what it's telling you. It's the
only thing you can rely on. LUKE
What do I do? BEN
All you have to do is lose your
thinking self. Don't focus on
anything. Let your body do your
thinking... You have to learn to act
on what you feel, not what you think
... If I had the crystal, it would
be much easier. You could feel the
Force immediately... but for now,
let yourself go. You'll pick it
up... and someday you'll have no
need for that pistol either. Han has been overhearing what Ben has been telling Luke
and obviously has a low opinion of the Force of Others. HAN
I'd keep that thing close just in
case, if I were you... I've been
around from one end of the galaxy
to the other and believe me this
Force of Others stuff may make for
good religion, but there is no
substitute for a good weapon at
your side. LUKE
You don't believe in the Force? HAN
Sorcery! I believe in myself...
I determine my destiny, not some
mystical energy field. BEN
Well, we'll see... HAN
You might get your stuff together.
We'll be coming up on Organa Major
soon.
64 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 64
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly
buzzing readouts. Han is busy at the controls as Luke
looks on in wonder. HAN
It checks out again. There is no
mistake... Old Ben enters the crowded cockpit.
BEN
What is it? LUKE
He can't find Organa Major. Han is rather grim-faced.
HAN
I found it... It's just not there. LUKE
What are you saying? BEN
Organa Major has been destroyed. Ben moves in and studies the monitors.
HAN
What's left of it is contaminated.
That's it there. Look at those
radiation readouts! It's impossible.
I've never seen anything like it.
What's going on? Luke sits back and stares blankly at the monitors.
BEN
The Empire must have gotten here
first. HAN
The planet has been totally blown
away! It would have taken a
thousand ships with a lot more fire
power than I've ever seen... If the
Empire had a new weapon that could
do this... I would have heard
something... I'd know about it. BEN
Well, now you know... The enemy is
on the move. We haven't much time. HAN
Well, I've brought you here. What
now? BEN
We have to find he rebels... What
we're carrying belongs to them. HAN
Their bases are very well hidden.
All the power of the Empire can't
find them... Do you know where they
are? Ben shakes his head sadly.
BEN
No, not anymore. HAN
I'm not taking you on an impossible
search across the galaxy... I was
only paid to get you here and now
you're here. I'll take my other
five thousand and you're on your
own... I'll leave you on the nearest
system. LUKE
You can't! We've come this far. We
must find them... HAN
Why? BEN
Well, for one reason, we don't have
your other five thousand. HAN
Who's going to pay me then? BEN
I think there are some things we
should talk about. HAN
I'm beginning not to like you.
65 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN HOLD AREA 65
Little Artoo is standing on the gaming table projecting
the princess into the middle of the group. Han has a
perplexed look on his face as he ponders the hologram.
Ben leans back in his chair quietly waiting, while Luke
watches the princess with a wistful, smile, far-away look.
Finally the hologram ends. HAN
How much do you think she's talking
about? BEN
A million at least... If this robot
has information related to the
destruction of Organa Major, you'll
be able to name the reward... HAN
Anything I want! Now that's
interesting. He thinks about this for a few moments. Luke begins to
get a little edgy. LUKE
Maybe you should just drop us off.
I'm sure we can find someone willing
to take the risk. HAN
All right, all right!
You've got a ship! But where do
we go from here? They probably took
her to find the hidden bases... I
don't see how we can find the rebels
before she breaks. The Empire has
already beat us out. BEN
She's part of the royal family.
They won't get any information from
her... She knows the art of mind
control... She's a swan sensana. Ben gets lost in his thoughts for a few moments.
BEN
But she is the only link between us
and the hidden bases. LUKE
You mean we should go after her!... BEN
I didn't say that, but it appears to
be a logical alternative. HAN
Now wait a minute. She's in Alderaan! Ben is thinking and doesn't hear Han's protest. He
turns to Luke. HAN
No, it's impossible... No one, and I
mean no one would venture anywhere
near the Alderaan system... I'm a
free booter, not revolutionary. You're
aboard the wrong ship, son! LUKE
Maybe the fact that no one would go
there voluntarily could help us.
They probably don't think anyone
would dare try. HAN
Don't you believe it. BEN
Luke's got a point...
... Fear is their greatest defense...
I doubt if the actual security there
is much greater than on Aquilae or
Sullust, and what there is is most
likely directed toward large-scale
assault. HAN
This isn't a game, you know. LUKE
How many more systems have to get
blown away before you have no place
to hide and are forced to fight...
Don't you realize what's going on? Han is slightly embarrassed by Luke.
HAN
Kid, you take the glory and the good
intentions and I'll take the reward. BEN
Fear is their greatest weapon. HAN
I'm not afraid of anything... Everyone looks at Han, and he instantly regrets what
he has said.
66 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - APPROACHING ALDERAAN 66
The cockpit is a quiet hum of computers as Han works
diligently on a complex calculation. Chewbacca enters
the cabin just as the ship begins to shudder violently.
After a few moments the buffeting stops. HAN
We've just passed into the first
perimeter. It won't be long now. Chewbacca grunts an acknowledgement and points to a
very large and bright star out the front window bay. HAN
There it is! Alderaan, the prison
system. Take over.
I'm going to go back and see if
they have come up with a plan, or if
we're just going to cruise on in
until they disintegrate us.
67 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN HOLD AREA 67
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, study-
ing his movements. Han enters and watches with a bit
of smugness. Suspended at eye level -- about ten feet in front of
Luke -- a chrome baseball covered with antenna hovers
slowly in a wide arc. The ball floats to one side of
the youth, then to the other. Suddenly it makes a
lightning swift lunge and stops within a few feet of
Luke's face. Luke doesn't move, and the ball backs off.
It slowly moves behind the boy, then makes another quick
lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser beam as it
attacks. Luke sparks to life. With one amazingly swift move, he
turns and swings his laser-sword, deflecting the beam.
The seeker shuts off and lands on the floor. Ben is pleased, and Han is quite impressed.
BEN
You have your father's style. You've
done very well. HAN
Not bad. Luke is sort of embarrassed with all the attention.
LUKE
Well, I practice a lot... HAN
You're good with 'remotes,' but how
are you against something living? LUKE
I don't know... I've never fought
anyone. Han smiles knowingly.
BEN
Enough. Now try it without thinking.
It's no good talking about the Force.
You must learn to feel it. Wear this. Ben places a large helmet on Luke's head which covers
his eyes. LUKE
I can't see! How can I fight? BEN
Try to feel it. Use the Force... LUKE
I can't do it. I'll get hit. BEN
Stop thinking, and start feeling.
Let yourself go. Han skeptically shakes his head as Ben throws the
seeker into the air. The ball shoots straight up in
the air, then drops like a rock. Luke swings the laser-
sword around blindly missing the seeker, which fires off
a laser bolt, which hits Luke square on the seat of his
pants. He lets out a painful yell and attempts to hit
the seeker, coming amazingly close, but he is hit
several more times before he manages to finally deflect
one of the bolts. The ball ceases firing and moves back
to its original position. Luke removes the helmet and
is a sweaty, exhausted mess. BEN
See, once you let yourself go you
can do it. You'll get it. LUKE
I don't get it, but I guess I did
block it. HAN
I'd call it a lucky move. Han in a split second draws his laser-pistol and blasts
the seeker. The ship begins to shudder, then a distant
warning signal goes off. HAN
We're into the second perimeter.
They'll be coming out to blast us
shortly. I was wondering if you
had some kind of a plan or are we
going to try to blast our way in? BEN
Check your data banks for all the
information you have on Imperial
procedures. Both of you will have
to learn... HAN
We're going to get in by studying
Imperial procedures? I don't like
it. BEN
All right then, we'll use your plan. Han slumps in his seat with a dejected look.
HAN
I'll get the information. BEN
... and I want you to start cleaning
the equipment out of the scan-
shielded compartments. HAN
What do you want with our scan-proof
lockers?
68 INT. ALDERAAN - CONTROL ROOM 68
A CONTROLLER sits in a huge complex control room with
massive screens projecting maps of various star
systems. An Imperial COMMANDER sits next to him. CONTROLLER
No reply on any circuits... It's
drifting on a point twenty-seven
skew. It's not close enough to
identify. COMMANDER
Alert squad five, but hold them
until we know what it is. CONTROLLER
Should we alert the Sith Lords? COMMANDER
I'll make a report later. CONTROLLER
As close as we can make out, it
appears to be a Corellian gypsy
vessel... It's not under power. COMMANDER
Send one squad up.
69 INT. ALDERAAN - READY ROOM 69
Chaos. Red scramble lights are flashing. Alert horns
and attack buzzers create an unbelievable cacophony.
Imperial starpilots in black armored spacesuits grab
their helmets and space packs as they scramble out the
door.
70 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY 70
Pilots dash in unison to a line of small auxiliary
corridors that lead to Imperial "tie" fighters. Tech-
nical crews scurry here and there loading last minute
armament and unlocking power cables.
71 EXT. SPACE AROUND PLANET ALDERAAN 71
The long ornate pirate starship approached the gray
gaseous planet of Alderaan. The ship is not propelled,
but simply drifts crab-like toward the planet. As it
approaches the surface, huge billowing clouds extend
out like menacing tentacles. The peacefulness of this
nebulous idyll is broken by the increasing wail of ion
engines. Suddenly four sleek spacefighters from the
Imperial third fleet burst from the huge cumulus range.
The craft are small cylindrical power shells dominated
by two huge solar fins. They are flying in a tight
formation. Then two bank steeply and head toward the
drifting starship.
72 INT. IMPERIAL FIGHTER - COCKPIT 72
The Imperial fighters are one-man craft crammed with
sophisticated electronic weaponry. The pilot is cold and professional as his craft closes
in on the drifting starship. PILOT
No life forms appear on the scanner.
Escape pods four, seven and oh-three
have been jettisoned. Life systems
are still functioning. It appears
to be in good shape... Should we
destroy it, or attempt salvage?...
Do you copy?
73 INT. ALDERAAN - CONTROL ROOM 73
The controller looks to the Commander for instructions.
COMMANDER
We don't get many visitors. Let's
take a look at it. CONTROLLER
(into intercom)
Send out a boarding party. Full
assault gear.
74 EXT. ALDERAAN - CLOUD SEA 74
Several of the tiny Imperial fighters drift in orbit
around the pirate starship as a block-like boarding
vessel attaches itself to the underside of the disabled
starship.
75 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HALLWAYS 75
Entering through an escape hatch, several heavily armed
Imperial stormtroopers cautiously work their way down
the main corridor of the pirate starship. As they are
about to enter the cockpit area, they hear a loud
clanking movement. The ferocious stormtroopers freeze
and simultaneously direct their awesome weapons at the
cockpit hatchway. Two of the troopers start to edge
their way toward the cockpit. The tension becomes
almost palpable, until finally the gangling, bronze
Threepio pops his "Art Deco" head out of the hatchway. THREEPIO
Greetings! I'm See Threepio, Human
Cyborg relations. I'm glad you
arrived.
I've been lost for some time. My
master and the crew departed after
we passed through a solar plague
zone. I've been drifting ever since.
The operation of astro-vehicles is
not within my capacity... The OFFICER talks to his commander on his head phones.
OFFICER
Apparently a plague scare... no
contamination.... We found a droid...
proceeding to check out the rest of
the ship. The Officer indicates that Threepio should move out of
the cockpit. Two guards grab the puzzled robot. OFFICER
(to guard)
Hold this thing for inspection.
76 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 76
The Officer enters the cockpit. Threepio is completely
confused as the stormtroopers rush around completely
ignoring him. The troops search the ship with small
hand scanners. The Officer sits in the pilot's seat
of the deserted ship and begins to feed information
into the computer. He opens a com-line to the main base. OFFICER
Base one, this is Kuro four. The
aft generator systems are out, but
most everything else seems to be in
order... I think I can bring it in
on its own power. A TROOPER enters the cockpit.
TROOPER
All clean, sir. We couldn't get
into some of the supply lockers.
Should we blast them open. OFFICER
Let the scavenger crews take care
of it.
77 EXT. ALDERAAN - CLOUD SEA 77
The towering white oxide clouds pass, revealing the
Imperial city of Alderaan. The magnificent domed and
gleaming city is perched, mushroom-like, on a tall
spire which disappears deep into the misty surface of
the planet. The little procession of Imperial "tie"
fighters follows the larger pirate ship toward the
city. The Imperial Officer guides the ship toward one
of the numerous huge open bays that ring the specta-
cular city.
78 INT. ALDERAAN - PRISON CELL CORRIDOR 78
A cell door silently slides open revealing the uncon-
scious body of the princess slumped on a table-like
bed. Vader and two OFFICERS exit the cell and the door
silently slides shut again. VADER
We'll get nothing more out of her. 1ST OFFICER
The hidden bases have to be somewhere
in the southwest. That's something...
I'll start a search operation. VADER
Start a destroy operation... Wipe out
every system in that sector if you
have to. The Commander approaches the Dark Lord and bows.
COMMANDER
We've picked up a Corellian ship which
was hit by plague. It's been sterilized
and we're bringing it in. VADER
Don't worry about that. Alert all
commands to prepare the death star.
We're going into the southwest. The Commander exits. The Officer points back to Leia's
cell. 1ST OFFICER
What about her? VADER
Terminate her... but make it slow.
We might still get some information.
79 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY 79
The pirate starship rests in a huge hangar bay. Thirty
or so guards march up to the craft as a ramp lowers and
the boarding troops disembark. BOARDING OFFICER
It's just a piece of drift junk. It
has some interesting innovations
though. Send in a research team
before you start the salvage operation.
Post your guards.
80 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HALLWAY 80
A lone trooper runs through the hallway heading for the
exit. In a few moments, all is quiet. The muffled
sounds of a distant officer giving orders finally fade.
Threepio sneaks down the hallway, pulls on a latch, and
a panel on a row of low cabinets crashes to the floor.
Han Solo's head pokes out of the hold and looks around
the hallway. He then pulls himself out of his cramped
quarters and struts around, stretching his legs. A
second locker breaks open and Luke emerges. Chewbacca
pokes his furry head out of the first locker and Han
tells him the way is clear. HAN
This is ridiculous. I tell you it's
not going to work. We're never going
to get out alive. Ben Kenobi sticks his head out of one of the lockers.
BEN
Darth Vader is on this system. I
can feel him. I can feel the Kiber
Crystal. HAN
Is that good or bad? BEN
It's not good... unless I could find
the Crystal. Then it could be very
good. LUKE
What about the princess? BEN
You go after the princess.
I am an old man and would be of little
help. I must try to find the Crystal. LUKE
I'm not going alone! Luke is suddenly seized with panic. He turns to Han.
HAN
Don't look at me. I'm just a pilot.
I got you here... You've got to do
the rest. BEN
There is a greater risk in staying
here, you know. If you don't find
the princess, then the whole trip
was for nothing... wasn't it? HAN
I'm not going out there. He slams a panel to the deck and immediately regrets it.
Everyone looks around as if an alarm had gone off.
81 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY 81
Two GUARDS stand on either side of the ramp leading to
the pirate starship. One of the guards hears something
inside the spacecraft. The second guard hears it also
and speaks into the headphone in his helmet. SECOND GUARD
We've picked up a disturbance
inside the starship. Proceeding to
investigate. The two Guards enter the spacecraft.
82-83 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN BAY GANTRY - CONTROL TOWER 82-83
In a small control tower above the starship a GANTRY
OFFICER speaks into his intercom. GANTRY OFFICER
What is it? SECOND GUARD (V.O.)
I don't hear it now... It must have
been the droid... Wait... what? The transmission goes dead. The Gantry Officer
switches to another channel. The Officer's aide looks
up from his desk. GANTRY OFFICER
T-4, come in, T-4... Do you copy?
Are you all right? There is a bit of static and a heavily filtered voice
comes on. LUKE'S VOICE
We're fine... Com-link jammed. GANTRY OFFICER
Find anything? LUKE
Nothing... The Gantry Officer gives his aide a puzzled look, then
speaks into the com-link. GANTRY OFFICER
T-4, you sound a little funny... T-4,
what's your operating code?... T-4,
are you there? The only thing that comes over the com-link is static.
The Gantry Officer gets up and heads for the door. GANTRY OFFICER
Take over. It could just be another
bad transmitter, but I'd better check. As the Officer approaches the door, it slides open
revealing the towering Chewbacca. The Gantry Officer
is in a momentary state of shock, as he stumbles back-
ward. With a bone-chilling howl, the giant Wookiee
flattens the Officer with one blow. The aide imme-
diately reaches for his pistol, but is blasted by
Han, which sets off a series of small explosions on
the control panel. Han and Luke enter the room dressed
as Imperial stormtroopers. LUKE
Between his howling and your blasting
everything in sight, the entire city
is going to know we're here. HAN
Good! 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
We've found it, sir. Bless the
maker, this control board has one. Han and Luke rush over to the robots. Chewbacca busies
himself with hanging the Gantry Officer by his toes. LUKE
Plug him in. Let's see what we get. 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
Level five, Detention block A-23,
cell 2187. She's still alive...
LUKE
Send feed-back into the control
sensors in that Detention block. BEN
That's straight through the central
core... up toward the top of the
city... Once you've got her, avoid
the main transports, they'll shut
down immediately. Your only chance
is through the service shafts.
There are no sensors there... All
right now, get going, you don't
have time. I hope you can remember
everything. HAN
We'll be back before you are, old
man. BEN
May the Force be with you. Old Ben slips out of the control bay and disappears
down a long gray hallway. Han whistles for Chewbacca
to join them. Luke binds the huge Wookiee with elec-
tronic 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 city of Alderaan.
84-85 INT. ALDERAAN - DETENTION AREA - ELEVATOR TUBE 84-85
Han and Luke try to look inconspicuous in their armored
suits as they wait for a vacuum elevator to arrive.
Troops, bureaucrats and robots bustle about ignoring
the trio completely. Only a few give the giant Wookiee
a curious glance. Finally a small elevator arrives
and the trio enter. A bureaucrat races to get aboard
also, but is signaled away by Han. The door to the
pod-like vehicle slides closed and it takes off
through a vacuum tube. Han rubs his hand across a
series of small holes. HAN
Gas... Old Ben was definitely right.
If they discover us, we'll never get
out this way. He gives Luke a skeptical look.
86-87 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY AND SUB-HALLWAY 86-87
Old Ben walks very quietly behind two Imperial officers
who don't seem to be aware of his presence. They pass
several stormtroopers and a robot similar to Threepio
but no one appears to notice Ben. The old man deftly
slips down a sub-hallway and hides in a shallow alcove
as a patrol of twenty guards passes. He rushes down an
ever smaller hallway and disappears.
88 INT. ALDERAAN - DETENTION AREA - DUNGEON 88
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 code is this? LUKE
I've got it here somewhere... It's
SPT 188544. You can check it through
the... ahh, oh yes, lex-321. OFFICER
It will take a while -- the cross
mode is acting up... getting feedback
from somewhere. The Officer goes back to his console and begins to punch
in the information. There are only three other troopers
in the area. Luke and Han survey the situation, checking
all of the alarms, laser gates and camera eyes. Han
unfastens one of Chewbacca's electronic cuffs and shrugs
to Luke. Suddenly Chewbacca throws up his hands and lets out with
one of his ear-piercing howls. He grabs Han's laser-
sword and ignites it, pushing Han against the wall. HAN
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. Luke rushes over to the com-link system, which
is screeching questions about what is going on. Han and
Chewbacca disappear down one of the sub-hallways. LUKE
A Wookiee broke loose up here, but
we've subdued him... There is a lot
of damage, and three, no four,
casualties... INTERCOM VOICE
We'll send a squad up. LUKE
No need, everything's under control. INTERCOM VOICE
With four casualties?! LUKE
The... ah door's jammed. Give us
a few minutes to get it fixed. INTERCOM VOICE
Who is this? What's your operating... Luke cuts off the com-link and yells down the cell row
to Han. LUKE
Hurry up. I think we're going to
have company.
89-90 INT. ALDERAAN - PRISON CORRIDOR - CELL 89-90
Han stops before cell 2187 and yells something to Chew-
bacca, who covers his face as the young pirate blasts
the door away with his laser pistol. When the smoke
clears, Han looks in the cell and an expression of
horror crosses his face. HAN
'Holy Maker,' NO! Suspended inside the cell by invisible rays, a bloody
and mutilated Leia Organa hangs upside down. A strange
yellow glow radiates from her eyes. Chewbacca rushes
into the cell past the dazed Han. The Wookiee yells
something and Han comes to, firing his pistol at a
small control box in the wall. The unconscious princess
drops like a rock into the giant Wookiee's arms. Chew-
bacca slings her over his shoulder and joins Han in the
hallway. HAN
Luke, we've got her, let's go...
91-92 INT. ALDERAAN - DETENTION AREA - DUNGEON - HALLWAY 91-92
A series of explosions knock a hole in the wall through
which several Imperial troops begin to emerge. Luke
fires his laser pistol at them through the smoke and
flames. He turns and runs down the cell hallway. He
takes a small com-link transmitter from his belt. LUKE
See Threepio -- See Threepio -- Jam
the emergency communications network.
Monitor what you can... What was that?
I didn't copy...
93 INT. ALDERAAN - SUB-HALLWAY 93
Han pulls up the rusty grate leading to a service pas-
sageway and helps Chewbacca lift the inert princess
into the black tunnel.
94 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN BAY GANTRY - CONTROL TOWER 94
Threepio paces the control center as little Artoo beeps
and whistles a blue streak. Threepio yells into the
small com-link transmitter. THREEPIO
I said, all systems have been alerted
to your presence, sir. I respectfully
suggest you return at once... The transmitter squawks a short reply and Threepio peeks
out the tower window at the starship. All is quiet. He
then moves to the door and it slides open a crack.
Several troops rush past, yelling and shouting order.
Threepio slams the door shut and pushes the lock lever.
Someone begins banging on the door. THREEPIO
Oh, no!95 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY LEADING TO CRYSTAL CHAMBER 95
Ben starts into the hallway leading to the crystal cham-
ber, just as two Sith Lords are leaving. the old man
ducks into the nearest doorway which opens and swallows
him up.
96 INT. ALDERAAN - CLASSROOM 96
Ben finds himself in a small conference room filled
with about a dozen or so bureaucrats listening to an
instructor who is explaining a type of technical
philosophy. The class turns and stares at the old man.
Ben raises his hands and all the bureaucrats, including
the instructor, begin coughing and grabbing at their
throats. They are unable to breather and eventually
collapse on the floor.
97 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY LEADING TO THE CRYSTAL CHAMBER 97
One of the Sith Lords stops in the hallway opposite the
classroom door. 1ST LORD
What is it? 2ND LORD
Do you feel that? 1ST LORD
I don't feel anything. 2ND LORD
Maybe you're too young. It's the
Force... If I didn't know better I'd
say we were in the presence of a Jedi
knight. The first Sith Lord puts his hand to his ear as a message
comes through on his helmet intercom. 1ST LORD
They're calling for us again on the
prison level. The two Dark Lords hurry off down the hallway and Old
Ben silently exits the classroom.
98 INT. ALDERAAN - DUNGEON - PASSAGEWAY 98
Luke leads Han and the Wookiee down the ever-darkening,
narrow passageway. Han and Luke switch on small lights
in their gunbelts. The rhythmic marching of storm-
troopers seem to be getting louder. Muffled voices can
be heard. Luke stops before an intersecting hallway. HAN
They're right behind us. Which way? Luke grabs his belt com-link and attempts to contact
Threepio. LUKE
See Threepio, do you read me?
Compute our position... See Threepio?... Static and no reply.
LUKE
Something has happened to them.
Let's try this way... HAN
Let's try this way! Holy Maker. LUKE
See Threepio, come in, See Threepio.
I wonder where they are?? See
Threepio... As they descend into the bowels of the city, the eerie,
slimy corridor becomes narrower and filled ankle-deep
with water and ooze.
99 INT. MAIN BAY GANTRY - CONTROL TOWER 99
A soft buzzer and the muted voice of Luke calling out
for See Threepio can be heard on Threepio's hand com-
link which is sitting on the deserted computer console.
Artoo and Threepio are nowhere in sight. Suddenly there
is a great explosion and the door to the control tower
flies across the floor. Four armed stormtroopers enter
the chamber. A muffled voice can be heard coming from
one of the supply cabinets. THREEPIO
Help! Help! Let us out. The troops inspect the dead bodies and release Threepio
from the supply cabinets. Artoo is shut down and does
not move. THREEPIO
They're madman! They are heading
for the prison level. If you hurry,
you might catch them... they just
left. The troops hustle off down the hallway, leaving two
guards to watch over the control room. Threepio takes a round disk-like object and attaches it
to Artoo's head, which lifts him a foot off the ground
and moves him toward the door. THREEPIO
All this excitement has burned out
my counterpart. If you don't mind,
I have to take him down to maintenance. The guard nods and Threepio with little Artoo in tow
hurries out the door.
100 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY 100
Artoo sparks to life and the two robots scurry off down
the empty hallway. THREEPIO
That was too close. Now we'll have
to find another control socket an
plug you back in or everything is
lost.
101 INT. ALDERAAN - CRYSTAL CHAMBER 101
Old Ben carefully approaches the pedestal on which the
Kiber Crystal is resting. He gracefully sidesteps a
series of invisible beams. It looks as if he is doing
a strange dance. Ben stops about five feet in front of
the Crystal. His eyes light up, and it appears he is
renewed with a new inner strength. Ben lifts his arms and slowly the Crystal begins to
rise off the pedestal and move toward the old Jedi.
The intense glow of the magical stone increases as it
passes through an invisible protective death ray.
Just before it reaches Ben's hand, it passes through
a blue beam that sets off an alarm which instantan-
eously slams the door shut and the room glows a bright
red.
102-103 INT. ALDERAAN - DUNGEON - PASSAGEWAY 102-103
The passageway has gotten so small that Han, Luke and
Chewbacca must walk sideways. The princess is standing
between Luke and the Wookiee and is semi-conscious.
102-103 CONTINUED: 102-103
LUKE
I think she's going to be all right. HAN
Not if this tunnel deadends. Suddenly the way opens up to a wide, low-ceilinged
corridor that is filled with water about waist high.
At the far end of the tunnel is a small light. Chew-
bacca puts the princess back over his shoulder. HAN
I see a light. We may get out of
this yet. The princess wakes up and is thoroughly confused by
her surroundings. LEIA
What is it? What's going on? Where
are we? LUKE
You're safe. We've come to get you
out of here... Just relax. The two boys wade into the submerged corridor, but Chew-
bacca won't enter. He frantically begins sniffing the
air and jabbers something to Han. HAN
There is no choice. The troops are
right behind us. Come on. Chewbacca won't budge. He seems terribly afraid of
something in the water. Han wades back and pulls the
huge Wookiee carrying the princess into the water. LUKE
Is he afraid of the water? HAN
No, he smells something... but we
haven't time to worry about it now. The group moves forward through the dark corridor,
unaware of the ominous ripples on the water's surface. The giant Wookiee stops and howls something to Han. The
young starcaptain talks to the frightened creature and
eventually calms him down. The dim light at the end of
the corridor glimmers and becomes stronger. 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 pet-
rified 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 on his shoulder. 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
Get Chewbacca. Try to get 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 out-
line of the Dia Nogu can be seen as it swims by Luke. LUKE
It just passed me. Maybe it's
harmless. I'm gong to try for that
opening. 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
Get gong! I'll keep it busy. Luke is dragged under again. Han grabs the princess and
makes his way around the treacherous creature to the
small opening at the end of the passageway. Luke bobs
to the surface with a severed tentacle dangling around
his neck. LUKE
It's only light that doesn't affect
it. Solid things, like rocks, can
hurt it! Fire above him! 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 fear-
some creature begins another charge.
104 INT. ALDERAAN - UNUSED HALLWAY 104
The group is standing in a dusty unused hallway. The
Dia Nogu bangs against the opening and a long slimy
tentacle works its way out of the doorway searching for
a victim. Han aims his pistol. The princess is groggy,
but conscious. She takes command of the situation. LEIA
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, blockhead, 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 105
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. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY LEADING TO CRYSTAL CHAMBER 106
A half dozen troops are milling around outside the
crystal chamber. An Imperial COMMANDER approaches, and
they all snap to attention. COMMANDER
What are you waiting for? Open it up! No one moves. Finally a SERGEANT speaks up.
SERGEANT
We were told to wait for the Sith
Lords to arrive. COMMANDER
They're all up on the prison level.
The alarms short circuited again. A
relay feedback probably tripped it.
I think we can handle it. Unlock the
door. The troops lower their weapons as the heavy door is un-
locked. The door swings open to reveal the withered old
Jedi, standing with his laser-sword drawn. For a brief
moment the Commander and his men are stunned. COMMANDER
Shoot him down! Before the troops can fire their weapons Old Ben has
moved through them swinging his deadly blade, cutting
the troops to ribbons. The old man flees down the hall-
way with what's left of the troops vainly attempting
to blast him.
107-108 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY 107-108
Luke, Han, Chewbacca and Princess Leia run down an empty
hallway and stop before a bay window overlooking the
pirate starship. Luke takes out his pocket com-link. LUKE
See Threepio... do you copy? THREEPIO
I read you sir. LUKE
You're back. What happened? Never
mind. 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. Artoo is trying to plug into
the system now. LUKE
Good. We're right above you. Stand
by. 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. It looks like
I'm going to get a fight after all. The two boys rush down the hallway, followed by the lum-
bering Chewbacca and Princess Leia. They round a corner
and run smack dab into twenty Imperial stormtroopers
heading towards them. Both groups are taken by surprise
and stop in their tracks. Before even thinking, Han
draws his laser-pistol and charges the troops, yelling
at the top of his lungs. The troops are startled by
this assault and start to back off. Han manages to cut
several down before the rest flee in panic. Pleased
with his prowess, Han starts after them, yelling back to
Luke as he goes. HAN
Get to the ship! LUKE
Come back here... Where are you
going? Han has already rounded a corner and does not hear. Chew-
bacca, quite upset at his master's disappearance, lets out
a mighty howl and chases after him. LUKE
Holy Maker! Luke is furious but doesn't have time to think about it,
for muted alarms begin to go off down on the hangar deck.
Luke and the princess start off toward the starship
hangar.
109 INT. ALDERAAN - SUB-HALLWAY 109
Han chases the ten stormtroopers down a long sub-hallway.
He is yelling and brandishing his laser-pistol. The
troops reach a deadend and are forced to turn and fight.
Han stops a few feet from them and assumes a defensive
position. He is ready to cut them down. The troops
begin to raise their laser guns. Soon all ten troopers
are moving into an attack position in front of the lone
starpirate. Han's determined look begins to fade as
the troops begin to advance.
110 INT. ALDERAAN - SUB-HALLWAY 110
Chewbacca runs down the sub-hallway in a last-ditch
attempt to save his bold captain. Suddenly he hears the
firing of laser guns and yelling. Around the corner
shoots Han Solo, pirate extraordinaire, running for his
life, followed by a host of furious stormtroopers.
Chewbacca turns and starts running the other way also.
They run around several corners and the troops drop
behind.
111 INT. ALDERAAN - NARROW PASSAGEWAY 111
Old Ben hides in the shadows of a narrow passageway as
twenty or thirty stormtroopers rush past him in the
main hallway. He checks to make sure they're gone,
then runs down the hallway in the opposite direction.
112 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY - SERVICE PANEL 112
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?
They are? Oh, no!
We're going to be mashed into conduit
before this is over... LUKE
See Threepio! Do you copy?
113 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY - BLAST SHIELD DOOR 113
Luke and the princess run down a hallway and reach a
complex blast shield door. Luke is talking into his
com-link. LUKE
Are you hooked into the system?...
Good. Open the shield door... 11054B...
hurry... Han and Chewbacca come lumbering around the corner and
rush up to Luke and the princess. HAN
Can you get it open? A multi-layered series of doors begin to open behind
them, just as the squad of stormtroopers that are
chasing Han and Chewbacca round the corner and start
firing on the rebels. Han returns the fire and the
hallway quickly fills up with smoke and confusion
as the final hatch swings open. They turn and start into the main spaceport causeway.
A few steps into the causeway the group stops short.
Two Dark Lords of the Sith, leading about thirty storm-
troopers, stride toward them. Luke and Han let loose
with their blasters, then follow the princess and the
Wookiee back into the first hallway. Luke takes out
his com-link. LUKE
See Threepio... Close the shield door!
Close the shield door quickly... lock
it tight! The five layers of the door instantly slam shut. Laser bolts
continued to ricochet around them. HAN
Now what!?! Luke shrugs his shoulders. The stormtroopers continue
their assault, filling the hallway with smoke and debris. LEIA
This way, hurry! She rushes over to a large slit in the wall somewhat
like a storm drain. She jumps through the narrow open-
ing as Han and Chewbacca look on in amazement. Chew-
bacca says something. HAN
Go on! You big 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. SERGEANT
Get this shield door open!
114 INT. ALDERAAN - SPACEPORT - GARBAGE ROOM 114
Luke tumbles into a large room filled with garbage and
muck. Han and Chewbacca are already stumbling around
looking for an exit. He finds a small hatchway and
struggles to get it open. It won't budge. HAN
(sarcastic)
The garbage chute wasn't a bad idea,
your highness, but unfortunately these
trash rooms are vacuum sealed. He draws his laser-pistol and fires at the hatch. The
laser bolt ricochets wildly around the small metal
room. Everyone dives for cover in the garbage as the
bolt explodes almost on top of them. Leia climbs out
of the garbage with a rather grim look on her face. LEIA
Put that thing away or you're going
to get us all killed. HAN
(sarcastic)
Yes, your highness.
I'll let you open it then. It won't
be too long before they figure out
what happened to us. This has
turned into a brilliant escape! 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 recep-
tacle shudder and move in a couple of inches. Then
everything is deathly quiet. HAN
I've got a very bad feeling about
all 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
good. HAN
This isn't working, your highness. The room gets smaller and smaller until it is only three
feet wide. Garbage is snapping and popping as it is
crushed by the relentless walls. Luke's com-link begins
to buzz, and he pulls it off his belt. LUKE
Holy Maker, Threepio. I forgot... THREEPIO
Are you there, sir? We're going... LUKE
Threepio! Shut down all garbage
mashers on your level... Do you copy??
Threepio, 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. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY - BLAST SHIELD DOOR 115
The huge blast shield door slides open and the storm-
troopers on either side almost shoot each other, but
quickly realize they have been tricked. The Sith Lords
point to the garbage chute.
116 INT. ALDERAAN - HALLWAY LEADING TO MAIN FORWARD BAY 116
Old Ben hurries along one of the tunnels leading to the
starship hangar. Just before he is about to reach the
hangar, Darth Vader steps into view at the end of the
tunnel not more than ten feet away. VADER
I've been waiting... At least we meet
again... It could only have been you... BEN
The Force of the Bogan has grown
strong with you. I expected your
master... VADER
You were once my master, but I am the
master now... the Crystal will be of
little use to you... The fearsome dark knight ignites his laser-sword and takes
a defensive stance. The two galactic warriors stand per-
fectly still for a few moments, sizing each other up and
waiting for the right moment. Old Ben seems to be under
increasing pressure and strain, as if an invisible weight
were being placed upon him. He shakes his head and,
blinking, tries to clear his eyes. VADER
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 master-
ful 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. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY - STARSHIP 117
Threepio looks up and sees Ben emerging from the hallway.
THREEPIO
There's the general! Where are the
others?... Oh, no! Threepio ducks out of sight as the seven stormtroopers
who were guarding the starship rush past them heading
toward Ben and the Sith knight. When the robot ven-
tures another peek, he spots Han, Luke, Chewbacca and
the princess running out of a tunnel on the other side
of the starship and heading toward them. He pulls on
Artoo. THREEPIO
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 fire a shot, a laser bolt explodes in the
middle of them, creating havoc. The troops turn around
to see Luke and Han firing on them from the ramp of the
starship. Threepio and Artoo run up the ramp and dis-
appear 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 into the troops, cutting them down as he goes.
Luke is forced to stop firing 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 and he slumps to the
floor in a heap. Luke cuts down the remaining troops
and rushes to the old Jedi's side. Ben is still alive, but badly hurt. A fresh squad of
stormtroopers appear at a second tunnel, and Leia fires
off a blast that makes them duck for cover. LEIA
Luke, quickly! There are more coming! Luke struggles to drag the old man toward the ship under
the constant fire of the Imperial troops. Luke fires
back whenever possible and manages to keep the troops at
bay. The princess takes careful aim and hits the safety
lock on the blast door, causing it to slam shut, leaving
only three troops left in the hangar. The princess runs
down the ramp and helps Luke drag the old man aboard.
Luke puts away his laser-pistol and takes out his com-link. LUKE
Han, close the main hatch and get
this thing moving!
118 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 118
Han pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to
move. The dull thud of laser bolts can be heard bounc-
ing of the outside of the ship. The princess enters
the cockpit with a worried look on her face. HAN
Don't worry. They aren't going to
hurt us with those peashooters...
This ship is fully shielded.
119 INT. ALDERAAN - MAIN FORWARD BAY - STARSHIP 119
The pirate starship lifts away from the starship bay
and quickly disappears into the cloud sea of Alderaan.
The three troops continue to fire at the retreating
ship. The blast doors quickly slide open revealing Darth
Vader, an Imperial commander and many troops. The Dark
Lord casually enters the hangar bay and speaks to the
commander. VADER
Very good. It worked. Slow them
down, but don't stop them. Alert
all the tracking stations. We should
soon know the location of at least
one of their hidden bases. Alert the
Death Star.
120 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT 120
Chewbacca enters the crowded cockpit and jabbers away
to Han. The young starcaptain jumps up while speaking
into the com-link. HAN
Luke, you'd better get to on of the
gun ports. We've got four tie ships
coming in on grid five. Chewbacca squeezes into the pilot's chair next to the
princess. Han notices the skeptical look on Leia's
face. HAN
With your permission I will go and
assist young Luke. Don't worry.
Chewbacca's a better pilot than I am.
121 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUN PORTS - AFT SECTION - 121
TRAVELING Luke is firing one of the two main laser cannons
mounted in large rotating bubble turrets. He adjusts
his headphones and searches his electronic tracking
screen for the Imperial fighters. LEIA (V.O.)
(over headphones)
Here come six more... grid two! HAN
Was this trip really necessary? Han jumps into the turret opposite Luke and begins to
strap himself in. The pirate starship shudders as the
Imperial fighters open fire. Luke's turret swings
around as he continues to return the fire. Moments
later Han lowers his glare reflector and with a burst
of smoke and electrical charge opens up on the enemy
craft. One of the Imperial fighters is hit by a con-
centrated barrage and begins spinning out of control,
until it finally explodes. Han gives Luke a victory
wave, which Luke gleefully returns.
122 EXT. SPACE AROUND ARLDEAAN 122
Imperial fighters buzz about everywhere. The constant
flashing of deflected laser bolts reflect in the inter-
ior of the turret bubble.
123 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - SLEEP AREA 123
The robots secure the wounded Ben Kenobi in a bunk. A
huge explosion throws Artoo and Threepio crashing
against the passageway wall. THREEPIO
Here we go again. How did we manage
to get into this mess again? Over the com-link the princess gives instructions as to
the enemy formations. Several more Imperial ships ex-
plode and disappear from view. The pirate starship
undergoes a great deal of punishment as the battle rages.
124 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 124
The cockpit is alive with warning lights and buzzers,
but Chewbacca manages to keep things under control. LEIA
There are only three or four left. HAN
(over intercom)
Chewbacca, it's time we showed them
this isn't the regulation F8-88
Cargo Trawler. Chewbacca pulls back on several of the levers before
him and the ship surges away from the tiny fighters.
The pirate starship races through the galaxy at an
incredible speed.
125 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - GUN PORTS - AFT SECTION - 125
TRAVELING Luke and Han continue to fire at the Imperial fighters.
HAN
At this speed they aren't very
maneuverable... One explodes, then another.
LEIA
(over intercom)
They're dropping away... We made it. Luke and Han congratulate each other on their victory.
126-127 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - HALLWAY - SLEEP AREA 126-127
Leia follows little Artoo into the sleep area where
Threepio and Luke are trying to make Old Ben comfortable.
Han finishes putting away some medical supplies as the
princess enters. LEIA
All the data banks in Artoo are still
secure. HAN
Then I think we're due the reward
you offered... and it had better be
substantial after what we've been
through. LEIA
When Artoo has been safely delivered
to my forces, you get your reward.
You have my guarantee. HAN
What's that little 'droid' carrying
that's so blasted important? LEIA
The plans and specifications to a
battle station with enough fire
power to destroy an entire system...
Our only hope in destroying it is
to find its weakness, which we will
determine from the data I stored in
Artoo. LEIA (CONT'D)
We captured the plans in a raid on
the Imperial shipyards, but we fell
under attack before I could get the
data to safety, so I hid it in this
Artoo unit and sent him off. HAN
Where are you taking us now anyway? LEIA
The fourth moon of Yavin. I've given
the coordinates to Chewbacca. HAN
I'd better go see how he's doing. Han exits as Old Ben painfully lifts himself on one
elbow. BEN
They let us go... They're tracking
us. They want to find your hidden
bases. They'll destroy the system. LEIA
I know they'll follow... and they'll
bring the Death Star, but our only
hope is to destroy it before it
destroys us. Hiding is useless now.
With the Death Star they will continue
to destroy systems until they have
found us. We have no alternative
but to process the information and
use it while there is still time. Threepio helps the old man lie back.
LUKE
Are there medical facilities on Yavin? LEIA
He'll be well cared for.
128 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 128
The battered pirate starship drifts into orbit around
the emerald green fourth moon of Yavin.
129 INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 129
Han and Chewbacca are at the controls as Luke hurries
into the cockpit. HAN
I don't pick up any life form
concentration down there. She'd
better be right. LUKE
They must be shielded somehow. I'm
sure the base is there. HAN
Well, if it's not, we'll be facing
that Death Star all by our lonesome.
130 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 130
Two small lifepods jettison away from the starship and
slowly drift toward the awesome deep green surface of
the moon. Retro-rockets automatically kick in and
slow the pods. The two tiny craft break through the
light cloud cover and disappear in the dense, steaming
jungles of Yavin's fourth moon.
131 EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - VINE JUNGLE 131
One of the lifepods has come to rest in the middle of
a small clearing. Han, Luke and Threepio emerge from
the capsule into a forest of gargantuan trees shrouded
in an eerie mist. The air is heavy with the fantastic
cries of unimaginable creatures. LUKE
I don't see how we got through those
trees in one piece. A loud crashing sound is heard coming through the
jungle. Han instantly draws his laser-pistol and
then relaxes when he sees that it is Chewbacca leading
Leia and little Artoo into the clearing. HAN
I don't see how we're going to find
anything out here. This terrain is
hopeless. LEIA
Did it occur to you they might find us? The princess has a knowing smile on her face as Han
looks around in the nearby jungle and realizes they are
surrounded by twenty rebel Aquillian rangers. The
rebel soldiers break out of the dark foliage and approach
the group. The princess meets them a short way from the
group and gives out a series of animated orders. The
soldiers begin to rush about. Four of them attach a
lifting disk on Artoo and easily carry him off. Two
other rangers help Luke lift Old Ben out of the landing
pod and onto a stretcher. The princess rejoins the
group. LEIA
We must hurry to the base. We have
little time before the Death Star
arrives. HAN
I'd like to get paid before that
eventually. I don't plan to stick
around for the fireworks. Luke is surprised at Han's desire to leave and is clearly
disappointed.
132 EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - MASASSI OUTPOST 132
An ancient temple rots in the dense jungle.
133 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 133
In the bowels of the temple a massive and sophisticated
war room has been constructed. The princess stands
before a large electronic wall display surrounded by a
half dozen field commanders. Luke, Han, Chewbacca and
Threepio are milling around just outside the war room.
An OFFICER enters and hooks up a headphone to the dis-
play board. Artoo is standing near the princess with
his arm plugged into a computer panel. OFFICER
The analysis is coming through now. Everyone turns to the big board where various schematics
of a large round space station are displayed. OFFICER
The cross analysis confirms a weak
point here, near the north axis... The display flashes a close angle of the north pole of
the complex globe. OFFICER
In an area somewhere below the
generating towers there is a small
thermal exhaust port. It is an
unshielded shaft that runs directly
into the reactor system. A large, sallow-eyed general named AAY ZAVOS fiddles
nervously with a small hand computer. ZAVOS
The greatest concentration of fire
power is at the poles... That exhaust
port looks too small to hit from the
air... We'll have to land an assault
force and use delayed link-weapons. The GRAND MOUFF TARKIN, the thin commander of the out-
land Kesselian Dagoons, stands. TARKIN
An assault force is too big. Their
lateral defenses are too strong for
that type of landing. With all due
respect, I suggest an attack with
our smallest, most maneuverable
ships. If we can get close enough,
I think we can target it. LEIA
Correlate the plan into the master
logic system. If there is any kind
of probability ratio at all, we'll
go ahead with it. Send out the alert
... We haven't much time. Most of the commanders hurry out of the room. Two of
the generals stay with the princess and go over the
Death Star readout. Han and Luke watch as the com-
manders rush out of the war room. Han is getting im-
patient and before Luke can stop him, he has pushed
past the guards and approached the princess. HAN
What about us? Are we to wait
forever? Is our reward to be blown
to bits on this forsaken system,
while your fleet mounts some suicidal
attack on that Death Star?
Part of my reward is that I be
around to spend it. LEIA
I have little time for your
mercenary concerns, but I am
grateful for the service you have
given to our cause. What is your
price? A grin slides across Han's face.
HAN
Ten million. The two rebel generals look at one another almost not
believing their ears. Luke starts to say something,
but the princess turns to an officer. LEIA
See that he gets it and quickly. The princess then turns to Luke. She is very cold and
businesslike. LEIA
And you? LUKE
I... I don't know. I guess I never
thought about it... I just want to
help. I want to be in on the attack.
I want my own ship. LEIA
If you're as good a pilot as you are
a swordsman... We're the ones who
have been rewarded.
134 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MEDICAL CHAMBER 134
Old Ben rests in the cool, dim quiet of an electronic
medical chamber. Luke and Han are by his side. HAN
Goodbye, Ben, goodbye, Luke. This
is a charter I won't soon forget.
And I thought it would be a snap. He shakes his head. Luke extends his hand.
LUKE
You're a good pilot... I've learned
a lot from you... I wish you... HAN
I know, but the chances for survival
here just aren't great enough in my
book. I've got what I came for.
Now I've got to get back to my ship. They shake hands. Han starts to leave, then turns and
winks. HAN
May the Force be with you. Chewbacca is waiting for him outside the room, and they
hurry off down the hallway. Luke turns back to Ben. BEN
I want you to take this. He pulls the Kiber Crystal out of his tunic and it radi-
ates a warm glow through out the small room. Luke takes
it. LUKE
The Kiber Crystal. BEN
Keep it with you always. You'll have
more need of it than I. It will
bring the Force to you. You've
already learned to feel it... Now you
must learn to use it. Luke lowers his head in a kind of meditation.
BEN
You'd better hurry if you're going
to get to that briefing. Luke stands up as Threepio and Artoo enter.
LUKE
You'd better be up and around by
the time I get back. Threepio, take
good care of him. Luke pats the lanky robot on the back.
LUKE
You've done well, Threepio. You
have both served us well beyond your
programming. When I return, I'll
have both you and Artoo retired, if
you like. Artoo lets out with a couple of soft beeps.
THREEPIO
Thank you, sir. Your kindness is
greatly appreciated, but if it's
at all possible, Artoo and I would
like to remain in your service. LUKE
I'd consider it an honor. He turns and starts out the door.
LUKE
Come on, Artoo. We've got some work
to do. The stubby little droid waddles out of the room after
his master.
135 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - BRIEFING ROOM 135
The Grand Mouff Tarkin stands before a large projection
of the north pole of the Death Star. Four squad com-
manders (BLUE LEADER, RED LEADER, etc.) sit to one side
of the giant readout. The low ceilinged room is filled
with starpilots, navigators, and a sprinkling of Artoo-
type robots. Everyone is listening intently to what
Tarkin is saying. TARKIN
... You'll have to come straight in,
then at the last possible moment
level off and skim the surface to
this point. The target is a four by
four thermal exhaust port that runs
directly into the reactor system.
A direct hit straight into the shaft
should set up a chain reaction that
will destroy the station... the post
is ray-shielded, so you'll have to
use your torpedoes. Luke is sitting next to CHEWIE 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. CHEWIE (BLUE TWO)
A four by four target at maximum
speed with a torpedo yet! That's
going to be a neat trick. LUKE
It's not so bad. We used to bulls-
eye womprats in my T-16 back home. CHEWIE (BLUE TWO)
This will take a little more than
a barnyard marksmanship, believe me. Red Leader, a roguish looking man in his early thirties,
stands and addresses the pilots. RED LEADER
Take a special note of these
emplacements. There is a heavy
concentration of fire power on the
lateral axis... also their generating
towers will probably create a strong
magnetic field. It is calculated
that maneuverability in this sector
will be less than point three. TARKIN
We 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. TARKIN
Then man your ships and may the Force
be with you.
136 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN HANGAR DECK 136
Luke and little Artoo enter a huge spaceship hangar
carved out of the interior of the crumbling temple and
hurry along a long line of gleaming spacefighters. Flight crews rush here and there loading last minute
armament and unlocking power couplings. Luke is
stopped by Blue Leader, a rugged, handsome man in his
forties. He has the confident smile of a born leader. BLUE LEADER
You're Starkiller? LUKE
Yes, sir. BLUE LEADER
Have you been checked out? LUKE
Yes, sir. I was considered one of
the best bush pilots on Sullust.
I've also had six hours on the T-2. Blue Leader has a skeptical look on his face.
BLUE LEADER
Six hours, huh? Well, that's your
ship there. You're blue five. You
stay glued to me. I don't want any
independent operations out there.
Personally I think it's foolish for
them to be sending fresh kids out
on a job like this. This is no joy
ride we're going on. LUKE
Yes, sir. A warning buzzer sounds and Blue Leader smiles.
BLUE LEADER
May the Force be with you. Luke makes a short bow from the waist as Blue Leader
hurries to his ship. Luke's ground crew has hoisted
little Artoo into a socket on the back of the one-man
starship fighter. Luke climbs aboard the sleek, deadly
spacecraft. Blue Leader gives his ground crew the sig-
nal 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
beat-up. Do you want a new one? Luke shakes his head no.
CHIEF
Knock them all the way back to
Alderaan. The canopy is closed and the powerful starship moves
into a deep runway shaft that leads to the outside. Luke
checks out the computer readouts as his crew locks down
the armament. LUKE
Artoo, are you secure? The little droid, who is now part of the exterior shell
of the starship, beeps that he is fine, which reads out
over the computer monitor. One of the crewman climbs
up to the cockpit. CREWMAN
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 EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - MASASSI OUTPOST - JUNGLE 137
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 forma-
tion and disappear into the morning cloud cover.
138 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 138
The princess sits quietly before the giant display show-
ing the planet of Yavin and her four moons. The red dot
that represents the Death Star moves ever closer to the
system. A series of green dots appear around the fourth
moon. The Grand Mouff Tarkin stands behind the princess
with several other field commanders. TARKIN
They're all away. For the first
time since the take-over, I feel
real hope. Everyone turns as Threepio enters with Old Ben who is
walking with a chrome cane. The old man smiles at the
young princess. LEIA
Switch them to the main com-link
system. Let everyone hear it. The voices of the starpilots are broadcast into the
room. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Masassi Base, we have visual contact.
139 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN 139
A small bright speck orbiting the huge red planet of
Yavin sparkles in the light of the distant sun. Eight
rebel starships settle ominously into the foreground,
moving swiftly toward the orbiting speck. As the
starships move closer, the awesome size of the gargan-
tuan Imperial space fortress is revealed.
140 INT. BLUE LEADER STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 140
Blue Leader, in the first ship, signals to the other
pilots in his wing group. The many monitors are filled
with various computer readouts and displays. Over the
com-link one of the other starpilots (BLUE SIX) reports
to Blue Leader. BLUE SIX (V.O.)
(intercom)
Look at the size of that thing! BLUE LEADER
Cut off, Blue Six. Stand by. Blue
group, move in to cover the south.
Red group, try for the exhaust port.
Settle in. Here we go.
141 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 141
Luke adjusts the controls of the tiny starfighter and
lowers the sunshade on his goggles. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Blue Five, does that glare bother
you? LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
I've got it blocked. I'm all right.
142 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - BATTLE 142
Fuel pods are jettisoned. The starship fighters extend
their dart-like wings and break off into a power dive
attack on the space fortress. A barrage of laser fire
from the huge fortress creates a wall of death through
which most of the rebel craft miraculously emerge --
undamaged. Multiple laser bolts streak from the star-
ship fighters, creating small explosions on the complex
surface of the fort. Luke directs his fire at one of
the prime power terminals. It explodes, generating
weird electronic arcs that leap off the station's surface.
143-163 INT. DEATH STAR - MAIN STATION 143-163
Walls buckle and cave in, sucking debris and personnel
into the vacuum of space. Alarm sirens scream as sol-
diers scramble to large turbo-powered laser gun emplace-
ments. Officers yell orders through the smoke and con-
fusion. Man and robots of various shapes and sizes run
to their battle stations. Standing in the middle of the
chaos, a vision of calm and foreboding, is the evil Sith
knight, Darth Vader. Several astro-officers run up to
him, still putting on the helmets and equipment. VADER
Get to your ships. I'll take the
lead myself. We finally have them
where we want them.
164 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 164
The princess and her generals listen silently to the
action of the starships over the com-link. The aides
and troops move about very quietly listening to the
battle as they work. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Blue One to Masassi Base, we're
nearing the south pole transmitter
area. The magnetic concussion is
getting very rough.
We're starting our run. Tighten it
up. Blue Two, tighten it up. Watch
those towers. CHEWIE (BLUE TWO)(V.O.)
Heavy fire, boss. Twenty-three
degrees. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
I see it. Pull in. Pull in. We're
picking up some interference. BLUE SIX (V.O.)
Wow, I've never seen such fire power. BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Pull in, Blue Two. Pull in. Chewie,
do you read me? Chewie? CHEWIE (V.O.)
I'm all right, boss. I've got a
target. I'm going in to check it out. BLUE SIX (V.O.)
There is too much action, Chewie. Get
out! BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Break off, Chewie. Acknowledge.
We've hit to 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.
BLUE LEADER (V.O.)
Watch your back, Luke. Watch your
back! Squad above you, Blue Five!
Coming in -- about six ships.
165-171 EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN - BATTLE - 165-171
REBEL FIGHTERS Two fin-winged Imperial fighters dive on Luke, but he
does a quick spiral turn and eludes them. RED LEADER
Blue Leader, this is Red Leader...
We've marked the target and are
starting our attack run. BLUE LEADER
I copy, Red Leader. We'll try to
keep them busy on this end. Blue
Five, stay close now... Blue Leader and Luke (Blue Five) and Blue Four dive in
unison through a forest of radar domes, antenna and gun
towers. They are followed by four Imperial tie fighters.
The two rebel ships make a sharp turn and come around
behind the Imperial ships. Blue Four and Blue Leader
fire into the tie fighters as the six ships crisscross
the surface of the fortress. Suddenly a dense barrage of laser fire erupts from a
protruding tower, catching Blue Four broadside. The
rebel spacecraft bursts into a million flaming pieces.
Luke has a sudden realization of the danger he is in,
but it quickly fades as another Imperial fighter moves
onto his tail and begins firing. Luke rolls away from
the enemy ship. Blue Leader reacts to the loss of his wing man with a
renewed attack on the Imperial ships -- one of which
falls away and hits a prime power terminal, creating an
arching spectacle. A chain reaction is set off, creat-
ing a series of explosions leaping across the surface of
the fortress from terminal to terminal.
172-174 INT. Y WING REBEL STARFIGHTER - RED LEADER COCKPIT 172-174
A blazing and out of control Red Leader dives toward the
Death Star surface followed by Darth Vader in a small,
spider-like Imperial fighter. RED LEADER
Blue Leader, this is Red Leader.
They hit us before we could get down.
You'll need more air cover. Sith
Lords...
175-190 EXT. DEATH STAR - SOUTH POLE 175-190
Blue Leader see Luke has an Imperial fighter on his
tail. BLUE LEADER
We're on our way, Red Leader. Blue Two (Chewie) miraculously dives his ship through
a virtual sea of laser fire and blasts the Imperial
fighters chasing Luke into dust. Chewie signals to
Luke, who lets out a whooping cheer as Chewie veers
into a victory roll. BLUE LEADER
Great moves, Chewie. Red Leader
needs some help. We're going to try
for the exhaust port. Coincide, Blue
Five. Luke and Blue Three bob and weave in formation toward a
group of giant towers at the north pole. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
I see the target. It looks good. BLUE THREE
I've got it. We're hit! We're hit! LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Eject... Eject. Blue Three, do you
read? BLUE THREE
I'm all right. I can hold it. Give
me a little room, Blue Five. Watch
it! Watch it! Blue Three wobbles a little, then drops away sharply,
plowing into a huge laser gun emplacement, causing a
hideous series of chain reaction explosions. The re-
maining starships of the Blue group fly in a tight
formation and dive between the tall towers near the
exhaust port. BLUE LEADER
Masassi Base, we're in position and
staring for the target. Chewie,
hold your fire until we're within
point zero five four. Make it count.
Luke, stay close. Several ack-ack lasers begin to open fire on the
approaching spacecraft. The rebel ships direct their
fire at a small, glowing blue hole at the base of one
of the towers. One of the Blue Four's engines begins
to smoke and an R-2 unit pops out of the back and
attempts to repair it. CHEWIE (BLUE TWO)
I'm on it. Blue Two dives directly at the small target, is unable
to pull out and crashes into the base of one of the
towers. Blue Leader dives between the towers, firing
away, but is unable to hit the small hole. BLUE LEADER
It's very small. It's going to be
difficult. Send in the green group.
I'll try again. Luke chases an Imperial chip that is chasing Blue Leader.
One of the two large fins on the Imperial fighter explodes
and it careens wildly, leaving an erratic trail of smoke
before eventually crashing into a solar panel.
191-195 EXT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - BATTLE 191-195
Luke swings the small craft around the many outcroppings
of laser towers and transmitters. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
I'm right behind you, Blue Leader. BLUE LEADER
What's that? Out of the gloom streaks Darth Vader firing on Blue
Leader. Luke tries to intercept the Imperial ship, but
Vader outmaneuvers him. Blue Leader dives on the ex-
haust port, followed by Darth Vader, who is followed by
Luke, desperately trying to catch up. BLUE LEADER
Blue Five, break off your cover
attack. It's too late. Make your
own run on the exhaust port. Do
you copy, Luke? LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Yes, sir, but I can get him... BLUE LEADER
Forget it, son. One of the five large engines on Blue Leader's fighter
explodes. He careens wildly, leaving an erratic trail
of smoke before eventually crashing into a solar panel.
Luke can hear the sharp laugh of Vader over the com-link.
196 INT. VADER'S IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 196
Darth Vader laughs maniacally as he swings his craft
around and starts after Luke's ship. VADER
You're next, Blue Five... I have
this feeling I know you. The Force
is strong with you.
197 INT. LUKE'S STARSHIP - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 197
Luke's hand instinctively goes to the pocket that holds
the Kiber Crystal. Its glow lights up the entire cabin. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
I am Luke Starkiller. Had we met
earlier, you would not be here.
198 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - WAR ROOM 198
On the computer display board, several of the markers
indicating rebel fighters go dark. The princess gives
Old Ben a look of amused surprise at Luke's boldness.
GENERAL DODANA approaches the princess. DODANA
Over sixty percent of our craft have
been destroyed. The probability
projection shows little hope. The
Death Star will be in position to
fire on us shortly. We will be
destroyed. We must escape while
there is still time. The princess gives Dodana a hard look and the cowardly
general back away. LEIA
There will be no retreat.
199-225 EXT. BATTLE 199-225
Luke (Blue Five) dives on the Death Star at an incredi-
ble speed. He soon realizes Vader is on his tail. He
spins his ship to evade the pursuing Dark Lord, but
Vader is still there. His ship rock and shudders under
the nearby impact of Vader exploding laser bolts. Luke
straightens his ship out and it skims across the surface
of the fortress, creating a blur. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Approaching target. I', almost home. VADER (V.O.)
Not yet, my bold friend. Vader hits one of Luke's engines and parts scatter in
all directions. The ship wobbles, but Luke keeps the
craft on target and fires his torpedo... It explodes
harmlessly to one side of the tiny exhaust port. He
pulls his ship up to try for another run. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Blast it! Artoo, we tool a little
back there. My stability is off
about twelve degrees. See if you
can't jam the connecting relays.
We have to get stabilized. Artoo pops out of his socket and carefully makes his
way back to the smoldering engine. Two other rebel
ships make a dive on the exhaust port. One is blasted
away by Vader, the other fires at the exhaust port and
misses. BLUE EIGHT
There is just too much interference
with that Sith Lord out there. It's
impossible to get an accurate target
line-up with him there. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Hurry with those relays, Artoo.
We're going to try again. Luke's tiny rebel fighter banks and prepares for a second
attack on the exhaust port. Artoo struggles to repair the damage to one of the huge
engines. blue Eight moves in next to him. BLUE EIGHT
I'll cover for you, Blue Five. The two rebels start their attack dive. The surface of
the Death Star races toward them. Suddenly, streaking
down from above them, Vader and two other Imperial
fighters sweep into view with all of their laser cannons
blazing away. Laser bolts explode around little Artoo
as he works frantically to repair the stabilizer. Laser
fire hits Blue Eight and he explodes. VADER
You were foolish enough to try again,
Blue Five. The three Imperial fighters dive on the lone rebel star-
ship. Luke struggles to keep control of the ship with
laser bolts streaking past him on all sides. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Blast! VADER
The Force is with you, my bold little
friend, but now I have you... Suddenly Vader's wing man explodes into a shower of
burning fragments. Vader is surprised and looks around
for the cause of his wing man's misfortune. VADER
CTR-5, where did that come from? CTR-5
Collision course... watch out! Heading right for the two Imperial fighters is Han Solo
in the battered old pirate starship. CTR-5 veers radi-
cally, clipping Vader's solar fin in the maneuver.
Vader spins out of control. Han blasts CTR-5 to smoke. HAN
I noticed you were having some
problems, Blue Five... I thought
I'd help. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
Thanks, old buddy. I'll be with you
in a second. Luke levels his fighter and skims the surface of the
fortress, through a wall of laser fire. Artoo beeps a
message to Luke. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
That's good, Artoo. Just keep it
that way. As he passes the exhaust port, Luke fires a torpedo,
which goes directly down the exhaust shaft. Luke looks
down at the glowing Kiber Crystal in his hand. LUKE (BLUE FIVE)
We did it! I hit it perfectly.
Let's get out of here. Luke veers sharply away from the Death Star as ominous
rumbles and explosions are heard coming from within the
huge super fortress. The rebel ship speeds past the
large pirate starship and several other surviving
rebel fighters as they flee from the pending holocaust.
A sudden great flash replaces the fortress, and a rain-
storm of rubble pelts the starships. Several giant ex-
plosions follow until there is only a smoke cloud where
the mighty fortress once orbited Yavin. HAN
Not bad, kid.
226-227 INT. VADER IMPERIAL TIE FIGHTER - COCKPIT - TRAVELING 226-227
Vader's starship with a bent solar fin limps into the
vast darkness of space attempting to make it back to
the relative safety of Alderaan.
228 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN HANGAR 228
Luke climbs out of his starship and is cheered by a
throng of ground crews and pilots. Little Artoo is
helped off the back of the starship and he's greeted by
Threepio. Luke spots Han and Chewbacca as they enter
and runs over to them. he hugs the Corellian pirate and
the giant Wookiee. They all laugh and cheer. The crowd
parts, revealing Old Ben. Luke goes to him and bows
from waist. The old man embraces him.
229 INT. MASASSI OUTPOST - MAIN THRONE ROOM 229
Luke, Artoo, 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 Princess Leia. Luke and the others
solemnly march up the long aisle and kneel before
Princess Leia. Artoo and Threepio are rather awestruck
at the whole event. Chewbacca is confused. Old Ben is
sitting to the right of the Princess, while the Grand
Mouff Tarkin sits 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 Chewbacca, the robots
and finally Luke. They turn and face the assembled
troops, who all bow before them. FADE OUT.
END CREDITS.
THE END
NEXT DRAFT
